Monday, April 21, 2014

A SENSIBLE ARRANGEMENT - Tracie Peterson - One Free Book, Plus Much More

Readers, I've loved reading Tracie's books since we were both authors for Heartsong Presents. Then Tracie became my acquisition editor there. I met her and Jim at the first American Christian Romance Writers over a decade ago. She's a very special person. to me.

Bio: Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana series and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana

Welcome back, Tracie. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?
I hope I see more readers getting to know God on a deeper level. The books are a ministry and I love what God has done to encourage people through them. I get letters all the time that share how God is at work and it humbles me to be a part of it.

Tell us a little about your family.
I have been married to my zany, goofy husband Jim for over 34 years now. We work together 24/7 and thoroughly enjoy each other’s company. I have three adult children scattered to the winds, although Erik is with us now as he recovers from knee surgery. I have three grandchildren – Rainy, Fox and Max. And my mom lives with us in Montana.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?
It really hasn’t. I was always a voracious reader and still am. I suppose I have been digging more into the Bible and Bible studies because I don’t want to misrepresent God to the reader.

What are you working on right now?
A 3-book series set in 1880’s Seattle. I have some zany old ladies who own a bridal prep school. The romances focus on some of the gals passing through the school, as well as their niece (a rather Anne of Green Gables type) who doesn’t seem teachable.

What outside interests do you have?
I’ve gotten addicted to play Minecraft on the computer. Well, not really playing it – just creating in it. I also love to spend time with my grandkids as often as possible, and of course read. Music has always been a strong passion in my life, so I try to keep up with that as well.

How do you choose your settings for each book?
It really varies. Sometimes it comes from taking a trip somewhere and reading about a historical event. Sometimes it comes through reading non-fiction books. I have even chosen settings from places I lived.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?
Wow, I really don’t know. I’ve seen some answers to this question be Jesus, but I spend every day with Him, so that’s not my answer. I think it would be fascinating to talk to Jane Austen or Louisa May Alcott. I could gush all over them about what a fan I am. J

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?
How important it is to network with other authors.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?
He’s really been teaching me the importance of silence and praying.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?
1. Pray before writing.
2. Do your research.
3. Don’t be afraid to go with the story God gives you – no matter how strange it might seem.
4. Figure out why you’re writing. If you know the reason be it money, fame, God, because you can’t stop, it’s important to know why you write. For me it changes everything about what I do and why, and takes the stress off. Guess that was 4 things. J

And they were 4 very good answers. Tell us about the featured book.
A SENSIBLE ARRANGEMENT is book 100 for me. It’s the start of a brand new series called Lone Star Brides. It’s set in Texas during the 1890’s and will tie together two previous series (STRIKING A MATCH and LAND OF THE LONE STAR). People kept asking for more about a couple of the characters from those series and I thought, “Why not marry them?”

Marty Dandridge Olson is ready to leave behind the pain of the past.

Answering an advertisement for a "Lone Star bride," she leaves her Texas ranch and heads to Denver to marry a man she doesn't know.

Jake Wythe is the man waiting for her.

Burned by love, he marries now simply to satisfy the board of Morgan Bank, which believes a man of his standing in society should be wed. Together Jake and Marty agree they are done with romance and love and will make this nothing more than a marriage of convenience.

When missing money and a collapsing economy threaten his job, Jake's yearning to return to ranching grows ever stronger, much to Marty's dismay. But a fondness has grown between them, as well, further complicating matters.

What will happen when their relationship shifts in unexpected ways . . . and dreams and secrets collide?

Please give us the first page of the book.
Texas
December 24, 1892
Marty Dandridge Olson looked over the letters once again. There were three, and each contained a variety of information meant to assist her in making a decision. A life-changing decision.

“Hannah would call me mad,” Marty mused aloud. She picked up one of the letters—the latest—and noted the first line: I have enclosed funds enough to cover your travels to Denver.

Marty shook her head. Am I mad? Crazy to seriously consider this matter?

Putting the letter down, Marty got to her feet and paced the small kitchen. She put a few pieces of wood into the cookstove and stoked the fire. The chill of the day wasn’t that great, but she was restless and it gave her something to do—something other than contemplate those letters ... and what happened four years earlier.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
www.traciepeterson.com

Welcome to the campaign launch for Tracie Peterson's 100th book! A Sensible Arrangement launches Tracie's new Texas-based series, Lone Star Brides, that’s sure to please. As a special treat, devoted fans will be able to catch a glimpse of several popular characters from previous series.

Tracie is celebrating by giving away an iPad Mini and hosting a LIVE webcast event on 4/29.


sensible-400-click 

  One winner will receive:
  • An iPad Mini
  • A Sensible Arrangement by Tracie Peterson
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 29th. Winner will be announced at the A Sensible Arrangement Live Webcast Event on April 29th. Connect with Tracie for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Tracie will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books, fun prizes, and gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of A Sensible Arrangement and join Tracie and friends on the evening of April 29th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!

Thank you, Tracie, for visiting with us on the blog.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
A Sensible Arrangement - Christianbook.com
Sensible Arrangement, A (Lone Star Brides) - Amazon


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 Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, 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

28 comments:

Unknown said...

I absolutely love Tracie Peterson! I would love to win a free copy. Great interview!

Thanks - Shannah McClamrock (NC)

Cyndi said...

100... what an accomplishment! Looking forward to another great one by Tracie!

Cyndi in AL

Diana Gardner said...

Portsmouth, VA

Susan Johnson said...

I love Tracie Peterson's books and have read several. Thank you for a chance to win a copy of this one.
Susan
Texas

Jackie Tessnair said...

I love Tracy Peterson books.Thanks for sharing this blog post.I enjoyed reading it.Jackie Tessnair N.C.

Norma Downing said...

Tracie is a wonderful lady. And she is one of my favorite authors. I would really like a copy of her new book.
Norma in VA

Melanie Backus said...

Tracie Peterson is a great author. I would love this book.

Melanie Backus, TX

Mary Preston said...

A SENSIBLE ARRANGEMENT sounds like a story I will enjoy immensely.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Charlotte Kay said...

Congrats for your 100th book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It would be an honor to win this book!
I will certainly love reading this bridal series!

Charlotte Kay
Ohio

Sarah Elisabeth said...

Sounds like a good story about a gal from my homestate :-)

Sarah in East Texas

Patsy said...

I love Tracie's books. Looking forward to reading this one.
Patsy H. From Mississippi

plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Jackie Smith said...

Love this interview with Tracie....one of my favorite authors! I've read most of her books, and I am so excited about this book...and that some previous characters (series I did read) will be marrying in this series! How fun!
Thanks for this giveaway!
Jackie Smith in GA

Unknown said...

Congratulations to Tracie on reaching her 100th book !
She is one of my favorite authors. I always am inspired by her characters and story lines.
Looking forward to reading A Sensible Arrangement loved the intro to it
Thank you
Ohio
mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

Patty said...

Great first page... would love to read more!

Patty in SC

Melody said...

I have loved every book of Tracie's that I've read. It's time to enjoy another!

Donna, TX

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

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

Anonymous said...

I love Tracie Peterson's books! Can't wait to read this one too!
thanks for the giveaway!
Sydney Harries GA

Jean said...

I LOVE Tracie's books!

Jean K
West Palm Beach, FL

Britney Adams said...

100 books...WOW! Thank you for sharing Tracie's interview and the chance to win a copy of A SENSIBLE ARRANGEMENT!

Britney Adams, TX

sm said...

I like that you are connecting two series together by marrying them off. Can't wait to read this. sharon, CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

Merry said...

Wow, book 100! I love Tracie's amazing stories and A Sensible Arrangement sounds like another winner. Thanks for the giveaway.
Merry in Mn

Tracie said...

Thanks for all the sweet comments. I am definitely blessed by your encouragement and support.

Courtney Clark (The Green Mockingbird Blog) said...

It's a Tracie Peterson novel. I'll be reading it at some point :)

I'd love to win!

Thanks!
Courtney C. from AR

KayM said...

I've always enjoyed Tracie's books. This one sounds great!
Tennessee

Anonymous said...

I would love to win. Angela in Ky

rubynreba said...

I enjoy reading Tracie Peterson books. Please enter me.
Beth from Iowa

Unknown said...

Congratulations Tracie. 100 books, what a great accomplishment! Thank you for this chance to win a Sensible Arrangement. Cant wait to read it. ~ Blessings ~ lisastifleratyahoodotcom

Abigail Mitchell said...

Looks Awesome, and set in my favorite time-period!!! Please enter me! Thanks!

Blanch, N.C.