A WIDOW'S HOPE - Mary Ellis - Free Book

I'm introducing a new author to me on the blog today. Welcome, Mary. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I try not to put myself into my books but it’s impossible. I love heroines who are kind-hearted but headstrong; faithful, but also willful, who often bite off more than they can chew. In A Widow’s Hope, there is a scene in which my main character starts six or seven projects at once, hoping that multi-tasking will accomplish much. Disaster ensues. I’m afraid that scene is straight from my everyday life.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

While teaching school, I went on a climbing/rappelling outing with the school geology club, never imagining my fear of heights would get in the way of a good time.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I have always been a storyteller since childhood, but didn’t start writing until about ten years ago.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

Oh my, my tastes are quite varied. I like historical fiction such as Cold Mountain or Killer Angels; I enjoy romantic suspense to curl up with; and I love inspirational stories of women who rise above challenges/adversities to achieve their dreams. And of course, I love Amish fiction because the stories soothe and center me in this hectic world.

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

I have written a Civil War historical romance, my favorite historical time period, and a pair of mystery/romances set in New Orleans, my favorite city in the US.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Ah, that is the challenge, isn’t it? I often escape into Amish Country, either into a book by one of my fellow authors, or jump into my car and drive an hour. Once in beautiful, rolling Holmes County, I find my serenity. It’s so much easier to feel close to God while in His rural creation.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I take them from the Bible, but I must admit, it’s much easier for male names. Far fewer women are mentioned in the Bible, and those names often sound archaic and foreign to our modern-age ears.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I was a dutiful daughter to both of my parents. One suffered a very long, debilitating illness, while the other lived to a ripe old age but needed much help maintaining his independence and autonomy.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I guess I’d pick a dog, since right now my dog is curled up in the sunbeam, with a full bowl of her favorite food and plenty of treats. Later she’ll take a nice walk, then curl back up and nap. She’s just had a bath and looks gorgeous, too, without even trying!

What is your favorite food?

We don’t have that kind of space, do we? If I had to narrow it down, it would be popcorn, ice cream, chocolate, and broccoli. (one must eat something healthy now and then, no?)

I like the way you think. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Blocking out enough time without interruptions to get something done. And I haven’t actually overcome it, only learned to better handle it.

What advice would you give to an author just starting out?

Try not to compare yourself to others. Have faith in yourself, keep working hard, don’t take rejections to heart because every writer faces them, and leave the outcome up to God.

Tell us about the featured book?

A Widow’s Hope is the story of a woman making a fresh start in her sister’s home and community. When she moves from Lancaster, PA, to Holmes County, OH, she brings along her flock of sheep. Those gentle creatures cause a ton of problems for Hannah who has a few secrets to hide from her newfound love, Seth. Seth Miller has a child still plagued by her mother’s death, and in desperate need of a new mother. But the district deacon feels that mother should be anybody…but Hannah.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Baa. Baa. Baaaaa. Hannah Brown nearly dropped the clean dress she was hanging on the line into the dewy grass. But she couldn’t help herself. Every time she heard a sheep bleat, her heart jumped like a new human mom when her infant cried. Hannah pinned the garment to the clothesline and hurried to the pasture fence. Seeing nothing amiss, she breathed a sigh of relief.

It was only a couple lambs energetically vying for their mother’s attention. One never could completely relax with a flock of sheep. A lamb might escape the pasture and get lost, drown in the swiftly flowing creek, become entangled in the blackberry briars, or wander into the road. Then there was the possibility of a hungry predator selecting one of her beloved creatures for his evening meal.

Hannah lifted her long Plain dress and stepped up on the bottom rail so she might survey the orderly farm her late husband had so cherished. Two years had passed since his death, yet hot tears still stung the backs of her eyes when she remembered what a kind soul Adam had been. There was much to be said for a girl marrying a childhood pal and later her best friend as they grew to adulthood.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Please come to my blog-site at http://maryeellis.wordpress.com/.

Thank you for taking time to visit with us, Mary.

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