Friday, March 11, 2016

INFUSION OF LOVE - Darlene Franklin - One Free Ebook

Bio: Best-selling author Darlene Franklin’s greatest claim to fame is that she writes full-time from a nursing home. She is an active member of Oklahoma City Christian Fiction Writers, American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Christian Authors Network. She has written over fifty books and more than 250 devotionals.

Welcome back, Darlene. Let’s do some fun questions first. What song most closely resembles your life?
I don’t know pop songs very well. How about hymns: I feel the truth of “It Is Well with my Soul” in the depths of my soul. Or how about “Amazing Grace”? Both hymns address the sorrows, fears, and dangers I have faced, while pointing me to the Lord.

“It Is Well With My Soul” is one of my favorite hymns, too. Do you have a favorite Bible verse? And why is it a favorite?
I have several and keep discovering more as I am memorizing them. This is one I reviewed today, from Isaiah 65 in The Message. It especially means a lot to me as I am in my senior years, with children and grandchildren, and these promises give me hope for the future, security for my family—and help in the future.
For my people will be as long-lived as trees, my chosen ones will have satisfaction in their work. They won’t work and have nothing come of it, they won’t have children snatched out from under them. For they themselves are plantings blessed by God, with their children and grandchildren likewise God-blessed. Before they call out, I’ll answer. Before they’ve finished speaking, I’ll have heard.

I love the way The Message Bible uses words that everyone can understand. What is the one thing you wish you could go back and change in your life?
I wish I could change me. The older I get, the more I see all the things I did wrong as a mother. But all that’s happened to me, good and bad, made me into the person I am today. And I’m okay with that.

I’ve heard it said, “It’s all about the process,” and it’s through the process that we grow. What is the most important characteristic for a good friend to have?
Someone who knows how to listen and empathize without feeling the need to give me a solution. Unless I ask for it, of course.

So true. What extracurricular activities did you participate in when you were in school?
All nerdy stuff. I was in band and choir. I was also in the Spanish club and the Math club. I managed to get a letter for intramural volleyball.

What is your favorite movie of all times?
So many good ones. I believe I would say Schindler’s List. Many find it a dark, depressing movie. I carried away the fact one person could make a huge difference.

I loved that movie, too. But it’s not a pretty, pleasant movie. Tell us about why you wrote this book.
My publisher (Forget Me Not Romances) was looking for historical novellas with tea and tea parties at the center. My mind flew to this story, which I had originally conceived as part of a Christmas novella set with Barbour. A few years ago, I learned that the Boston Tea Party was only one of several tea events in the colony. I chose to write about the last one, the Greenwich, New Jersey one. As in Boston, several of the participants dressed as Indians. They burned the tea in the town square, where anyone could have found them. That sounds brave to me.

Please give us the first page of the book.
“‘Charity vaunteth not itself.’ Your love does not depend on the size of the house or how many outfits you have to wear.” Reverend Jay, pastor of the First Church of Greenwich, continued preaching through 1 Corinthians 13 for the wedding sermon. A small group of close friends and family sat in the Stouts’ parlor for the ceremony.

Mahala Kent held back a smile from her spot by the bride’s side. Those were brave words to say at a wedding of the heir to the wealthiest man in town. Their preacher’s neutral stance on the recent tea troubles didn’t stem from a lack of courage.

Primrose had eyes for Mahala’s brother, Archie, only. She radiated happiness in her new dress made of green wool. If. No, when—Mahala told herself firmly—her time came, she would prefer brocade. A pale peach or beige would complement her dark hair.

The affianced couple bent their heads toward each other as they listened to the sermon. On Archie’s other side stood Primrose’s brother Jothan. A small smile lit his lips and he wiggled his fingers at Mahala. She almost giggled.

He had a habit of getting her into trouble, although he hadn’t done that for a while. With all the arguments about the Stamp Act, solemn lines on his face had replaced the kindly expression of her childhood friend.

“‘Charity beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.’”

How could a bachelor like St. Paul write such perfect words about love? What would Johan say to that question? He could debate anything. When she glanced at him, his eyes had fixed out the window, as if bored with the ceremony.

Or thinking about the tea shipment sitting in a storehouse in Greenwich’s Market Square. Mahala pushed that thought away. Let tomorrow take care of itself. Life in Greenwich was pleasant, and her days were full. She prayed it would stay that way.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
Twitter: @darlenefranklin

Thank you, Darlene, for spending time with us. I love the subject of the book.

Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Infusion of Love: Christian Historical Romance (A Teacup Courtship Novella)

Tell us is you like to drink, and what your favorite kind of tea is. Mine is green tea, iced or as a frappe. I love Chai tea as well.

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

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16 comments:

Robin B. said...

Nice interview thanks for sharing. the book sounds like a good read. rebunting(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

This sounds so good! Everyone has their war-time preference and mine is definitely either Revolutionary War and Knights Templar. Can't wait to read this!
J.C. -Indiana-

Darlene Franklin said...

Robin, good to hear from you. Glad you enjoyed the interview.

Darlene Franklin said...

J.C. That's an interesting combination of history. What's your favorite book about the Knights Templar?

diannekc said...

Great interview. Would enjoy reading.
diannekc8@gmail.com

Cindy W. said...

Sounds like a book I would enjoy. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.

Blessings,
Cindy W from Indiana

Melanie Backus said...

Great interview! Would love to read this one!

Melanie Backus, TX

Darlene Franklin said...

Hi Diane, I'm glad you enjoyed the interview.

Darlene Franklin said...

Cindy, I find the time period of the Revolutionary War fascinating. Now we celebrate the patriots, but there were good, scriptural reasons on each side.

Darlene Franklin said...

Melanie, thanks for your interest.

Bonnie Engstrom said...

Darlene ~ Thank you for that Scripture. It is exactly what I need for my latest story.
Love ya,
Bonnie in AZ

Darlene Franklin said...

Bonnie, it's a great verse, isn't it?

Anonymous said...

Wow! Talk about a hard question lol. How could I choose just one favorite? Okay, well... I'd probably say "Winning His Spurs" by G. A. Henty is my favorite Crusades book. If you're not familiar with G. A. Henty, he was alive in the 1800s and wrote a lot of adventure stories. My sister can't stand the writing style he uses, but I get into it lol. I'm excited about reading your book and can't wait to get ahold of a copy!
J.C. -Indiana-

Brenda Arrington said...

I enjoyed the interview. Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway.
Brenda in VA

Darlene Franklin said...

J.C., I might try looking at one or two. Thanks for suggesting it.

Darlene Franklin said...

Brenda, glad you enjoyed the interview.