Tuesday, October 22, 2013

SILVER BELLS - Deborah Raney - One Free Book

Bio: DEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched her writing career after 20 happy years as a stay-at-home mom. Since then, her books have won numerous awards including the RITA, National Readers Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, the Carol Award, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. Deb's 23rd novel, The Face of the Earth, released from Howard/Simon & Schuster in May and her new Christmas novel, Silver Bells, just came out from Guideposts. She is currently working on a five-book series for Abingdon Press Fiction. Deb enjoys teaching at writers' conferences across the country. She and her husband, Ken Raney, recently traded small-town life in Kansas––the setting of many of Deb's novels––for life in the (relatively) big city of Wichita where they enjoy gardening, antiquing, movies and traveling to visit four children and a growing brood of grandchildren who all live much too far away.

Welcome back, Deborah. Tell us about the book’s cover and what makes it unique.
I had a vision for this cover––and it wasn’t the traditional red/green Christmas book cover. I sent a photo of a couple crossing a bridge in the snow to the designers and they took it from there. They captured my vision so well and I couldn’t be more pleased with the final cover!

How much research did you have to do for this book?
Since I grew up in the sixties and seventies, my research was reaching back to my own childhood years! But it took more research than I expected just because I had to be careful that if I mentioned a song it had actually become popular by the month my scene was set.

What inspired and surprised you while you were writing the book?
It really struck me how drastically our world has changed in the last 40-50 years! Technology has made a vast difference in how we live––connected minute by minute by cell phones and iPads and GPS and a myriad of other gadgets. And yet in some ways, things haven’t changed at all! It’s still relationships that make the world go ’round. It’s still people who are most important. And of course, God has never changed. He is still there, loving us and showering His grace on us.

What is the next project you’re working on?
I’m working on a five-book series for Abingdon Press, The Chicory Inn novels. The first title, Home to Chicory Lane, will release next summer. And I’m working on Book 2 now. These books follow the members of the Whitman family––an empty-nest couple who spend their retirement savings to renovate their family home into a bed-and-breakfast inn, and their five grown children who return home in various ways.

What do you do when you have to get away from the story for a while?
I love working in the yard with my husband. We moved to a new home in the (relatively) big city of Wichita––quite a change from the small towns we’ve lived in most of our marriage. But we are enjoying the adventure and being outside has been a good way to meet our neighbors. I’m also a lover of antiques and enjoy hunting for great finds at antique shops, garage sales, Goodwill, flea markets...anywhere they might be found.

Please give us the first page of the book.
Chapter One
“Good morning, Kansas!” The radio scratched out static over deejay Kris Kristiansen’s lilting baritone. “Keepin’ cool on another hot, hot August day. Thanks for waking up to KGRV. . . music to get you in the groove and out the door.”

Out the door? Michelle Penn squinted at the clock on her nightstand. Six thirty. She flopped onto her belly and covered her head with the plump feather pillow. Too early. And she’d thought Mom’s “Yoo-hoos” were bad, floating up the farmhouse stairs at the crack of dawn every morning. Now, while she was glad to have her own place in town, no deejay could serve up the aromas of bacon and French toast that had always come with Mom’s wake-up calls.

Outside the third-story window of her apartment, the leaves of the locust tree brushed the window screens and some sort of yellow-breasted bird sang his heart out. Already it was so hot that she was tempted to turn on the air cooler propped in the window of her kitchenette. But by the time the cool air made it back to her bedroom, she’d be out the door. Besides, her landlord had warned her to watch her electric bill if she ran the cooler. And her budget didn’t leave much room for error. At least not until her first payday.

But it was all worth having her own place, and she did love her cozy apartment over the Jacksons’ nineteenth-century Victorian.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
http://novelgarden.blogspot.com/

Thank you, Deborah, for sharing this lovely book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Silver Bells - Christianbook.com
Silver Bells (Songs of the Season series) - Amazon.com
Silver Bells (Songs of the season™) - Kindle


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

36 comments:

Anonymous said...

will be Happy Happy Happy if I was to win. Angela from KY

lauriehere.com said...

Hello!
Some of my most treasured books ARE Christmas stories! This one sounds GREAT! Nice Interview! Thanks for the Giveaway! I'd LOVE to write a review of this book and feature it on my blog! (ebook is fine!)
I saw your post on Twitter, which is what brought me here!
Thanks for advertising it! I may have found a NEW author!
This is what I LOVE about social media! I may never have seen this otherwise!
Thank you!
Laurie Carlson
laurieisreading at gmail dot com

Cyndi said...

I agree... LOVE the cover! Always look forward to a new Deb Raney book!!

Cyndi in AL

Britney Adams said...

Such a lovely interview! The SILVER BELLS cover is wonderful and I can't wait to read this Christmas story! I am also excited about the upcoming Chicory Inn novels.

Britney Adams, TX

Patty said...

Lovely cover, I love a good Christmas story.

Patty in SC

Judy said...

The cover of this book caught my attention. I love Christmas stories and I can't wait to read this one. I just checked my list and Silver Bells is on it!

Blessings!
Judy B from Indiana

Deborah Raney said...

Thanks so much to those of you who've added SILVER BELLS to your Christmas reading list. I just LOVE Christmas. Already thinking about putting up our Christmas tree, but hubby will make me wait until at least November 1. :)

Linda Kish said...

This story sounds wonderful. I would love to win.

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Melanie Backus said...

I absolutely love the cover of the book and can't wait to read it. Such a wonderful interview, Lena, Thank you!

Melanie Backus, TX

Amy C said...

This sounds really good!
Amy C
VA

Cindy W. said...

Peofnia 42I love Christmas themed books and would love to win a copy Silver Bells. Thank you for the chance.

I live in Indiana.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com

Heidi Reads... said...

What a lovely book cover! I would pick it up based on the cover alone :)

Heidi, CA

Deborah Raney said...

I'm so pleased with the cover! Glad so many of you like it too! Thanks again, Lena, for hosting me!

Anonymous said...

I love to read Christmastime stories! I'd love to read this one too. Donna d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com

Mary Preston said...

The cover is very beautiful I'm looking forward to a wonderful read.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Vera Godley said...

I do enjoy reading Deborah Raney's books and "Silver Bells" has a bright start and an absolutely beautiful cover. I "discovered" years ago that many of my favorite authors write short "Christmas" books and I always relish the opportunity to read them. There is a sweetness to them that other books just don't carry. I would really love to win and read this book.

I'm in the middle of North Carolina but I grew up on the coast of NC.

Unknown said...

I really loved the interview with Deborah. Although I am not yet familiar with her books Silver Bells sounds like a good read. Love Christmas stories!
I was impressed With Deborah's Answer about what she feels has not changed in the world and that it is still relationships and people who matter the most and the fact that God never changes. Such an honest viewpoint and humble attitude. Thank you.
mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

KENTUCKY LADY 717 said...

What a lovely cover, would love to win this book :)

Mona Lisa/OH

Dixie n Dottie said...

I love all things about Christmas! The Christmas music especially! Would love to add this to my book collection! Such a beautiful cover too. Looks like a book for reading while drinking hot chocolate and cuddled under a blanket. Thanks for the opportunity!

Dottie from the South

Jackie Tessnair said...

I love Christmas stories.I would love to win this book.Thanks for the chance.Jackie Tessnair from N.C.

Unknown said...

Enjoyed the interview. Love the cover of the book and the book sounds like a great read. Thank you for the chance of this giveaway and please enter my name.

Barbara Thompson in LA

barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

Pam K. said...

I think the silvery blue cover is perfect for Silver Bells. I always enjoy Deb's books so would love to win a copy of this. I'm thinking of reading only Christmas books in December so this would be a wonderful book to add to my list. Thanks for the interview with Deb and the chance to win her new book.

pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Kansas

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read this story ;)

karenk...from PA
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

scottsgal said...

I love reading holiday books - the cover draws me in on this one

Cheryl in IL

sm said...

Love cover; Christmas fiction is one of my favorites. I would love to win your book! sharon, CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

Judy Cooper said...

I enjoy Deborah Raney's books and I love stories with a Christmas theme. Thanks form the chance to enter. Judy C. in Louisiana

Anonymous said...

I would LOVE to read Silver Bells!!!!!

Katie J from FLORIDA

Jackie Smith said...

I'm a big fan of Deborah! I've read ALL her books so far and thank you for the chance to read this one.
Jackie Smith ... Georgia
jacsmi75[at]gmail[dot]com

Rhonda's Doings said...

I love love love Christmas stories!

Norma S said...

Hi Deborah and Lena,
Great interview Deborah and Lena. I love Christmas story, and when they are from Christian authors that make it that much better. I haven't read any of your books but i like to try new authors. Thank you for giving me a chance to win your book. God blessings to you, Deborah and Lena.
Norma from Ohio in the south western part.

Jan H said...

I love to read Christmas stories. The name reminds me of hearing the song Silver Bells for the first time when I was a kid. One of the few good childhood memories I remember. I like that it starts out when temps are high and she is worried about turning on the A/C. A common occurance here in Texas

apple blossom said...

love Christmas stories thanks for the chance to win

live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Emma said...

Great interview! SILVER BELLS sounds wonderful.Please me in contest .Thank you for the opportunity to win.PA.

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me I love Christmas stories!!!
Sharon Richmond Bryant
Conway,SC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com

Lourdes said...

Love, love Christmas stories and I love Deborah's books.

Thank you for chance to win.

Lourdes Long Island, NY

Merry said...

Silver Bells is one of my favorite songs during the holidays. Please add me!
Merry in MN