Thursday, July 17, 2008

Christmas In July - MONTANA MISTLETOE - Free Books!!!

I now have a new computer on the way. It should be here before Monday, so we're having another blog about me. And we'll give away a couple of copies of Montana Mistletoe, my Christmas novella from last year.






Why do you write the kind of books you do?



I know that many authors only write one kind of book. However, I like to read all kinds of books, so I write all kinds of books. There are some elements I always include. There has to be a strong faith element, and I've never written anything without a romance element, even if it is a mystery, western, comedy, or suspense. But beyond that, the vivid imagination God gave me takes over.



Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?




When you live as long as I have, there are many happy days. Of course, my wedding day and the births of my children, grandchildren, and great grandchild are way up there. So are the day I recieved my first contract, the day I held the first book in my hands, and the first time a book hit a bestseller list. Add to that the times when someone I've mentored sold their first books. . .the list could go one and on. Suffice it to say that I'm usually a very happy person.



How has being published changed your life?




At the time when many women were facing empty nest syndrome, God gave me something new to fill that time in my life. And it's been wonderful.



I have friends around the world--both readers and other authors. I've met really big name authors, too. I'm friends with editors and agents. And I've been afforded the opportunity to read a lot of really good books from the people I've interviewed on this blog. Could life get any better?



What are you reading right now?



After reading The Shack, I've been trying to catch up on some of the books I missed reading while I was on a book deadline. I just finished Ransomed Dreams by Amy Wallace so I could read the current choice of the ACFW Book Club, Healing Promises, which is a sequel.



While we're talking about that. If you're not a member of ACFW Book Club, go to http://www.acfw.com/ to join. You'll be glad you did. At the end of the month, you'll be able to participate in a chat with each author.



What is your current work in progress?



I just finished the first chapter for a Christmas novlla collection I'm in for next year. The title of the collection is Cowgirl Christmas Brides and my book is Charlsey's Accountant.



What would be your dream vacation?



There are two places I want to visit that I haven't yet, no make it three. Alaska, Hawaii, and Australia.



If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?



I would love to spend time with George and Laura Bush at the Crawford Ranch. It's in the area of Texas that I love.



What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?



I love to travel.



Now about the book.


Love Comes in Unexpected Packages

Four childhood friends from Mistletoe, Montana, made a pact to find true love by their twenty-eighth Christmas. As the deadline looms, each woman keeps busy with expanding careers and experiences that threaten to douse their Christmas spirit – as well as their chances for romance.

Christmas Confusion by Lena Nelson Dooley

Lori Compton, mayor of Mistletoe, needs ideas for ways to prop up the sagging economy. After having her heart broken by the former pastor, she doesn’t want to spend time with the new pastor. Rev. Russell Brown has plenty of ideas, even one that includes his spending the rest of his life with the beautiful mayor. Will Lori be able to move beyond her hurts and recognize God’s intentions for the future of the town – and for her own future?

Return to Mistletoe by Debby Mayne

Deanna Moss assumes Frank is the man she’ll marry, until her old flame, Anthony Carson, arrives in town on business. Their attraction is as strong as ever, but she doesn’t want her heart to be broken again. Anthony has a reputation for not staying in one place for long. Deanna loves Mistletoe and wants to protect not only her heart but the place she loves from people who only care about the bottom line. Will Anthony ever convince Deanna that he’s serious about loving her and making Mistletoe his permanent home?

Under the Mistletoe by Lisa Harris

When Madison Graham leaves the quaint town of Mistletoe for New York City to buy products for her year-round Christmas store, Under the Mistletoe, she’s positive she has met her man. Albert Kendall is everything she’s ever dreamed of: successful, good-looking, and well off. But is worldly success really what she’s looking for in a man, or have the bright lights of the city so blinded her that she’s forgotten the real meaning of Christmas?

All I Want for Christmas Is. . .You by Kim Vogel Sawyer

When Kathy Morgan returns to her childhood home of Mistletoe for a stroll down memory lane before accepting the marriage proposal of her business-partner boyfriend, she doesn’t expect to have her world turned upside down. But local postman Erik Hoffman ends up delivering more than mail – he delivers the disturbing message that Kathy needs to get her heart back in order with her Savior. Although Kathy resists Erik’s advice at first, she slowly comes to realize he’s right – what she need most for Christmas isn’t a husband; it’s faith.

When Romance Arrives in Unexpected Packages, will Each Woman Be Able to Accept the Gift?

Now Readers, be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win one of the free books.

15 comments:

CherryBlossomMJ said...

I could go for some Christmas in July, definitely could use the spirit right now, count me in.

cherryblossommj (at) gmail [dot]com

Kathie C. Moore said...

All of the books sound wonderful! Please put me in the drawing.

luv2read said...

Enter me in the drawing. I've never thought about reading a Christmas book in July. Good idea.
spowell01(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Cheryl said...

I would love to win this book. It sounds great. Please enter me. My email is shryackmom[@]charter[.]net

Anonymous said...

That just sounds heartwarming. Christmas stories make me happy.Please enter me in the drawing; thank you!
doot65[at]comcast[dot]net

Mary said...

Lena, It is so incouraging to read your comments about life and writing. I would love to win the book but if not maybe I'll check the library to see if they have it. God bless! Mary

Cherie J said...

Ooh! This one is on my wishlist. I would love to win a copy.

Anonymous said...

Christmas in July would really be the cure from all this heat. please enter me in the contest.
thanks,
sarahwoll[at]hotmail[dot]com

windycindy said...

You are a wonderful writer and your Christmas novella sounds great! Please enter me in your fabulous book drawing. I appreciate it. Enjoy your weekend! Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Please enter me in your drawing. My July birthday is on Monday - I lived in Montana and who doesn't love Christmas - July or any other time?

Norma said...

I love Christmas stories - please enter me!

Maureen said...

Christmas stories are always a pleasure to read.
mce1011[at]aol[dot]com

lilac grandma said...

I would love to win this book! Need some Christmas in July! Love and prayers Melody msproule1225@gmaildotcom

Eileen Astels Watson said...

Lena, it's wonderful that you count your friends' publication as highlights in your life. You sound like a wonderful person!

Christmas any time of year is welcome on my nightstand! It's the most precious of seasons to me.

eileenastels [at] rogers [dot] com

Carolynn said...

Please enter me, I would love to read it, thanks!