Monday, March 17, 2014

GATEHAVEN - Molly Noble Bull - One Free Book

Molly and I have been friends for over a decade. We’re both Texans, and I love her writing. When she won the contest and this book was scheduled for publication, she asked me to read it for endorsement. My endorsement is on the front cover of the book.

Welcome back, Molly. God has really been moving in your writing life.
Yes, He has. For one thing, the Lord is teaching me to lean on Him. For example, I am constantly losing things, especially my glasses. After looking and looking, I finally stop and pray, asking for the Lord’s help in finding the lost object. And do you know what? I usually find it within a few seconds—often in the very place I looked previously.
That’s the Lord. When He says “Ask and you shall receive,” He means it.

What do you see on the horizon?
I read a lot of Bible prophecy, and I think America and Israel are headed for some rough sailing soon. But as a born-again Christian, I know that the Lord has a place of safety ready for those who truly follow Him.

As for my writing Gatehaven, the novel we will be talking about today, won the grand prize in a fiction writing contest in 2013 while still a manuscript. So I have high hopes for that book upon publication because Lena Nelson Dooley endorsed it.

Tell us a little about your family.
My husband and I met and married before I finished college. We are still married and have three wonderful sons and six fantastic grandchildren.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?
Before I started writing I read mostly science fiction. But after I started writing to sell, I read one or two romance novels a week and less science fiction. Now I read mostly what I call “way out” Christian non-fiction which is like science fiction except it is true and biblical. Currently, I am reading a 557 page book titled Ex-Vaticana: Petrus Romanus, Project LUCIFER and the Vatican’s Astonishing Plan for the Arrival of an Alien Savior by Cris Putnam and Thomas Horn. 

What are you working on right now?
I am promoting Gatehaven at the moment; so my creative writing is in a safe-box in one corner of my mind, waiting to be opened when the job is done. I have the rights to The Rogue’s Daughter, one of my sort of old Zondvervan novels. The Rogue’s Daughter is a western set on a huge cattle ranch in South Texas in 1890. I plan to update it and sell it on Amazon as an e-book, and I already have my new cover.

I love that cover. What outside interests do you have?
I love to read, of course. I am also interested in history, especially the history of my ancestors, and we host a Bible study in our home most weeks. I once loved to travel, but since my husband’s stroke a couple of years ago, we don’t leave the house much anymore. But since I am a novelist, I fly away to exciting places every time I write a book.
 
How do you choose your settings for each book?
That is an interesting question because I never really thought about that. As I mentioned, I am interested in genealogy, and I discovered that some of my ancestors were French Huguenots. It is not surprising that I set Sanctuary, another of my historical novels, and Gatehaven in Scotland and England where my ancestors settled before coming to America.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?
That’s easy. I would love to spend an evening with Jesus because he is my Savior, Lord and King.  

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?
My maiden name is Noble and my married name is Bull; so I write under three names, Molly Noble Bull. In hindsight, I wish I was either Molly Noble or Molly Bull. It would take up less space on the cover of a book.

I use both my maiden name and married name in my author name. It does take longer to sign books at an event. What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?
I like to eat, especially sweets and Mexican food, and often overeat. But the Lord seems to be saying Everything in moderation. He also says, if you love me, keep my commandments.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?
Never give up.
Never give up.
Never give up.

Tell us about the featured book.
Gatehaven by Molly Noble Bull
Have you ever known a teenage girl so in love with love and a bad prince charming that she was unable to see her true prince? If so, you should connect with Shannon Aimee as she and Ian Colquhoun battle an evil Frenchman with dark secrets and evil desires. Set in Scotland and England and ending in the state of South Carolina in 1784, Gatehaven is a scary Gothic novel with a strong Christian message that will keep you reading to the last page.

Click below to see and hear the book trailer for Gatehaven.

Please give us the first page of the book for my readers.
A country estate in Northern England
Early January 1784
Monsieur Etienne Gabeau wasn’t his real name.

His name was Leon Picard. But Etienne Gabeau was the only name he’d answered to since making England his home.

He stood at a window in his sitting room, smiling inwardly as he looked out. “The haunting presence that surrounds your mansion always amazes me, my lord.”

The young earl made no reply.

“Christians who read the Bible might say the atmosphere at Gatehaven is quite the devil’s doing. We both know why.” Leon/Etienne’s laugh had mocking overtones. He pulled his dark cape closer to his thin, shriveled body. “It’s a bit chilly tonight. Surely you must have noticed.”

“Of course I noticed.” The earl laughed from across the room. “An icy rain was coming down when I arrived. You might have to put me in a spare bedroom for the night, Monsieur. And why did you mention the Bible? Who among our circle of friends pay any mind to it?”

“A point well taken.” The Frenchman pushed back a curl from his eyes.

His thick mass of dark curly hair had more white strands than black, making Leon look older than his forty-five years. But twenty years ago, he was called handsome.

“Still,” Leon continued, “to the local villagers your estate is quite mysterious. It reminds me of structures I saw in France, growing up. And who can forget the red gate which gave Gatehaven its name?”

“When did you learn of the red gate, Monsieur Gabeau?”

“I learned the secret when your late father was the earl. You were but a boy then.”

Lightning cracked the night sky. Thunder boomed.

 “I saw it again, my lord.”

“Really?” The earl’s weak smile indicated that he was mildly interested. “What did you see?”

“Gatehaven…during that flash of lightning.”

Someday I will have Rachel and own Gatehaven as well, Leon vowed mentally.

The earl cleared his throat. “I’ve decided not to go to Scotland after all, Monsieur.”

“Not go?” Leon turned around in order to face him. “You must go.” Leon Picard limped to his high-backed leather chair near the fireplace, tapping his cane on the pine floor as he went. “You will go.”

“I beg your pardon.”

“I said that you will go.” Leon hooked his cane on the arm of his chair. Then he sat down and reached for the portrait on the small table beside him. “I demand it.” Leon’s words, spoken with his usual French accent, hung heavy in the air.

The earl didn’t answer.

Leon thought that Edward Wellesley, the Earl of Northon, looked stiff—as if he’d suddenly turned to stone. At last the earl gazed at Leon from a chair facing his.

“Demand?” The muscles around the young earl’s mouth slowly relaxed. “You have crossed the line, sir. Besides, I cannot go to Scotland. I have pressing business here. However, a French gentleman like you should enjoy such a journey.” His smile was edged in sarcasm. “Why not go yourself?”

“On these crippled legs? I think not. Besides, she would never receive me.”

“I am sorry. But it would be impossible for me to leave the country at this time.”

Leon turned, gazing at the fire flickering and popping in the hearth. “You want the money, do you not?” He looked back at the earl like a hungry cat that cornered a mouse.

“But of course. You know I need money to pay my gambling debts.”

 “Precisely.” Leon didn’t miss the fleeting expression of fear that crossed the younger man’s face. “I recently bought all your debts. I will destroy them all, but only if you do exactly what I say. At dawn on the morrow, you will set out for Scotland. And do dress warmly, my young friend. It will be cold out.”



I’m sure this snippet piqued everyone’s interest. How can readers find you on the Internet?
Goodreads: Molly Noble Bull
Facebook: Molly Noble Bull
Twitter: @Mollyauthor 
Pinterest: Molly Noble Bull

Thank you, Molly, for sharing this new book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Gatehaven - Christianbook.com
Gatehaven: A Novel - Amazon
Gatehaven: A Novel - 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.

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Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

19 comments:

Romantic Christian Women said...

Thanks mucho for a great interview, Lena. What an honor it was to have you endorse Gatehaven. Thanks again.
Love,
Molly

Romantic Christian Women said...

Thanks again, Lena.
Molly Noble Bull, author of Gatehaven.

http://bit.ly/Gatehaven

Anonymous said...

Ooooh, a thriller! My sisters and I are ALL big-time into suspense/thrillers. I'd love to read this book!
J.C. -Indiana-

Romantic Christian Women said...

Thanks, J.C, I am thrilled that you want to read Gatehaven. It's pretty scary, and I would love to hear what you think after you finish reading it.
By the way, today is the last day to order the e-book version for only $2.99.
Love,
Molly Noble Bull
http://bit.ly/Gatehaven

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond Bryant
Conway,SC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com

Melanie Backus said...

I am intrigued by this one. Thank you, Lena.

Melanie Backus, TX

Romantic Christian Women said...

Thanks for writing, Melanie and Sharon. I am so glad you liked my cover and maybe my book trailer. I hope you will like Gatehaven too.
Love,
Molly Noble Bull

Mary Preston said...

I actually think that having the 3 names on the cover is memorable.


Your reading preference sounds most interesting.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Romantic Christian Women said...

Thanks for liking my three names, Molly Noble Bull. I like my name, too. The three names not only honor my husband via my last name, Bull. It honors my parents by including my maiden name, Noble. In fact, that is why I use three names.
I'm also glad you think you might like the books I like to read. They inspire me.
Check out www.prophecyinthenews.com to learn about other titles I like.
Love,
Molly

Unknown said...

I am so glad to learn of Molly and her book Gatehaven.
I love gothic novels but have not read any with Christian theme.
This book looks great. Enjoyed the interview Lena.
Thank you from Ohio
mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

Vera Godley said...

Scary house, demanding characters, thriller/regency. Wow. Thanks for the interview & quick look at Gatehouse.

Vera in middle North Carolina.

Romantic Christian Women said...

Thanks for writing, Jackie and Vera. I love scary Gothic novels like Jane Eyre and Rebecca, and I wanted to see if one with a Christian message might work.
Who knows? Gatehaven could be the first of many Christian Gothic novels. Maybe our Lena might even decide to write one. Wouldn't that be great?
Love,
Molly

Jean said...

Would love this book!

Jean K
West Palm Beach, FL

Romantic Christian Women said...

Jean, thanks for writing. I'm glad you like scary Christian novels like Gatehaven. Maybe you will win the contest.
I was under the impression that the sale of Gatehaven as an e-book for only $2.99 ended yesterday. but it is still available for $2.99 right now. So now I have no idea when the sale will end. I hope it lasts and lasts.
Love,
Molly Noble Bull

Molly

KayM said...

Loved the first page! I'm looking forward to reading Gatehaven.
Kay from Tennessee

Romantic Christian Women said...

Hi KayM. Thanks for writing. I am thrilled that you liked the first page of Gatehaven, and especilly that you are looking forward to reading the book.
The first page is the hardest page in a novel to write. I write page one the first time when I start a new book, knowing that I will write that page about a hundred more times before I click send and zap it to a publisher.
Thanks again.
Love,
Molly Noble Bull

kam110476 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
kam110476 said...

Oh my gosh! I've been wanting to get my hands on this book for months! It sounds so good, Molly!
Kristen Anissa in OK

Romantic Christian Women said...

Dear Kristen,
Thanks for writing. I am honored that you want to read Gatehaven. You know, when you write a book you wonder if anyone will want to read it. When you discover that someone does, you truly feel blessed. That is is way I am feeling tonight with all the positive reports I am getting regarding Gatehaven.
By the way, I love the state of OK and have visited there many times.
Thanks, mucho.
Love,
Molly Noble Bull