CHRISTMAS LOVE AT LAKE TAHOE - Lena Nelson Dooley, Jeanie Smith Cash, Jean Kincaid - 3 Free Books

I am blessed to be in two different Christmas novella collections this year. One contemporary, one historical. This is the contemporary one. How did your story for the collection come about?

When Jeanie Smith Cash first contacted me about being part of this collection, I thought about a ski lodge and what I’d want to do if I were working at one. I chose activities director. And if she didn’t really want to ski, who would be the best hero for there to be internal conflict between them. The results is my book No Thank You in Christmas Love in Lake Tahoe.

What are you reading right now?

Love Finds You in Revenge, Ohio, by my good friend, Lisa Harris. It’s a wonderful book. I highly recommend it.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

This book and the other one that is releasing at the same time are book releases 24 and 25. Go to my web site to read about my other releases. http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/

What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella collection?

Keeping it to under 20,000 words but still including enough character development.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

I had worked with Jeri Odell before and knew how to work with her. This was my first collection with Jeanie Smith Cash and Jean Kincaid. I really enjoyed working with them, especially our brainstorming session while we were at the ACFW national conference in Minneapolis last September.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Various methods. For this book, both the hero and heroine told me their names. I did, however, borrow the names of two of my grandson’s best friends for two of the young men who came to the ski lodge with my hero. (Thank you PJ and Big John.)

What did you want the reader to take away from your story?

That as a Christian, we can let go of our fears and really rest in the Lord.

Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers? If so, why?

Yes. I believe this is the premier organization for writers of Christian fiction. I recommend it to other writers all the time. As a matter of fact, I currently serve as the president of the local chapter, DFW Ready Writers, and I always either speak or do paid critiques at the national conference, or do both.

What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?

Keep writing and keep learning.

I'm really happy to introduce you to Jeanie Smith Cash, one of my good friends. Her idea was the catalyst for this collection. Welcome, Jeanie. How did your story for the collection come about?

I love Lake Tahoe area and the snow. I thought it would be fun to write about four young ladies fresh out of college, determined to concentrate only on getting their careers off the ground. But what happens to their career-first attitude when as they work at the ski lodge through Christmas and the winter season, they each one meet the man the Lord has chosen for them?

What are you reading right now?

Two Love Inspired Suspense, Guarded Secrets, by Leann Harris and A Silent Terror, by Lynette Easton. Both excellent stories.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

I have three published, A Christmas Wish, in the 2-in-1 Christmas In The Country, Doctor St. Nick, in the 4-in-1 Wyoming Christmas heroes, and The Christmas Miracle, in the 4-in-1 Christmas Love At lake Tahoe. I wrote two suspense novels that aren’t published yet, one I’ve submitted and the other one I’m working on submitting.

What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella collection?

Making sure all of the information in each story coincides.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

It was a real blessing working with you, Lena, Jeri Odell, and Jean Kincaid. It was exciting seeing these stories come together. I feel it brought us closer together as Christian friends and fellow authors.

I agree wholeheartedly with your last statement. How do you choose your characters’ names?

I’m always looking for a name I like. When I hear one that catches my interest, I tuck it away for future stories. When I’m ready, I use the one I feel fits my characters.

What did you want the reader to take away from your story?

The message of salvation. That we have a Savior who loves us and once we accept Him, He is always there for us. Hebrews 13:5 tells us, He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers? If so, why?

Yes, I am a member. The best thing I ever did for my writing career was to join ACFW. Another was meeting you, Lena, and several other authors as well as my editor, Becky Germany, that helped me to get my books published. I love the fellowship of other authors and the resources for writing the group offers. I love the prayer group and that we pray for each other when we have a need.

What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?

Always pray before you write a word and ask the Lord’s guidance. He is the true author; we are just the vessel He uses to write His story. We have no talent without Him. Don’t give up, keep writing and keep submitting until you get a sale. Trust the Lord that it will happen in His timing. He will take care of our needs. I strongly believe in the scripture, I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Phil 4:13

I'm really happy to intruduce you readers to Jean Kincaid. We've been friends for many years through ACFW. And Jean and her husband are missionaries. I have a deep love for missionaries. Welcome, Jean How did your story for the collection come about?

I visited several states this past year, courtesy of Time Share invitations and liked the concept. I thought it made an interesting job for a young person.

What are you reading right now?

Vacation Bible School Material, lol.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

I co-authored the book, Shelter in Seattle, with Rhonda Gibson.

Yes, I featured that book on this blog, and I love the story. What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella collection?

Correlating the material for the stories.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

I learn that communication is vital.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

By using family member names.

What did you want the reader to take away from your story?

That the Lord loves us unconditionally, especially when we feel no one else does.

Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers? If so, why?

Yes. ACFW has been the greatest schooling I’ve had concerning writing and publication.

What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?

Write what you know and put your rear in that chair every day.

Unfortunately, our fourth author, Jeri Odell, was unable to join us on this interview. You'll love her story in the collection, too.

Here's more info on the book:

Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe

Love Hits the Slopes at Christmastime

Four young women, fresh out of college, pursue their careers at a new ski lodge at Lake Tahoe's Incline Village during the winter season.

Bethany Stillman's resolve to focus on her RN career falters when she meets paramedic Cole Beckman. Cole wonders how long it will be before Beth realizes he's to blame for crippling her grandfather. Can a Christmas miracle forge a path to love and forgiveness?

Social director Scarlett McKaye loves planning things down to the last detail. But what she didn't count on was having to spurn the bold advances of a reckless suitor. How far will daredevil Derrick Greene go to cancel Scarlett's reservations?

Stephanie St. John is determined to make a go of the time-share program at Snowbird Lodge. But Darrin Hart seems to be undermining her efforts, her confidence, and her reputation. Will misunderstanding be resolved, or will Stephanie succeed in business only to lose at love?

A wounded-at-the-heart Michaela Christianssen has chosen a male-free existence. But her friends and an eleven-year-old girl have other ideas. Widower Jonas Bradley is content with his life as father and forest ranger, until he finds himself pining for Michaela. What will it take to fell her oppositions to romance?

Will these four women hear wedding bells chime this Christmas?

Readers, here's a link where you can order the book:

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