THIN PLACES - Mary DeMuth - Free Book

Readers, you know that I feature many more novels than non-fiction books. And I haven't always read the non-fiction title when I run the interview. I do scan the books to make sure they're okay to have on the blog, but not read them in depth until a later date. I've read Thin Places this week. I believe it's a memoir that every Christian should read, and even give it to hurting friends who can gain freedom because of Mary's transparency in the book.

Welcome, Mary, you are writing nonfiction. Do you also write fiction?

Yes, I’ve written 3 parenting books and four novels, with a few more on the way via Zondervan.

Your novels are powerful, too, Mary. What would you like for our readers to know about you personally?

Because Thin Places: A Memoir is such a personal book, I’ve worried about negative reviews. In some ways that’s good because it will force me to find my security and love from the One who made me, rather than the opinions of others. I’ve received some great endorsements, but also some harsh reviews. And those are the ones that knife me! Because the book’s about me!

I worry that I’ll be misunderstood. Or that telling the truth will hurt others. I’ve made a point to disguise nearly everyone and everything in the book, but of course the potential for hurt feelings is high.

I fear opposition by the father of lies. Since this is a truth-filled book, displaying authentic struggle, I have a feeling he won’t like it. I’m thankful for a specific, targeted prayer team around me to pray for protection regarding the release of this book. It’s humbling, actually, to see how God brought those pray-ers together.

What wonderful support He sent you. Now tell us about your family.

I have three amazing children (17, 14, 11) who daily light my life. I have a dashing and supportive husband. We have a dog that smells like fish and a cat who thinks she’s all that.

Have you written other nonfiction books?

Yes, three parenting books: Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God (Harvest House), Building the Christian Family You Never Had (Waterbrook), and Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture (Harvest House).

Do you have any other books in the works right now?

I have a standalone novel in the works and am working on a young adult novel and another memoir.

What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?

Cooking (check out: http://adailyrecipe.blogspot.com/ ), gardening, singing, creating small-scale art projects, running, reading.

Why did you write Thin Places?

I felt sufficiently healed from my past, which had been a long, long journey. And in that healing, I knew I had the perspective I needed to be able to communicate my story with hope. In the past, I’d vomit my story of sexual abuse and neglect on any poor soul who’d listen, not with the intention to help her grow through my story, but to gain empathy.

But now I marvel at the path God’s brought me on, how gently He’s led me to this place of wholeness. From that abundance, I share my story. Why? Because I believe sharing the truth about our stories helps others see their own stories.

While I recorded the audio book for Thin Places, the producer asked me why I’d splay my life out this way.

“Because I don’t want folks to feel alone,” I told him.

“You’ve given a gift,” he said.

I sure hope so.

What do you want the reader to take away from the book?

I hope they see hope.

I hope they realize how profound and surprising and radical God’s redemption is.

I hope they’ll see the irresistibility of Jesus.

I believe they will, Mary. Where on the Internet can the readers find you?

http://www.marydemuth.com/
http://blog.myfamilysecrets.org/  (Share a family secret anonymously)
http://www.thewritingspa.com/  (mentoring writers)
http://www.relevantblog.blogspot.com/  (personal blog)
http://www.wannabepublished.blogspot.com/  (help for those wanting to be published)
http://www.twitter.com/MaryDeMuth
http://www.facebook.com/mary.demuth

Mary, thank you for writing this poignant, powerful book. And thank you for sharing your time with us.

Readers, here's a link where you can order Thin Places. By using this link when you order, you'll help support this blog.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.


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 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

Last January 2010 Winners!!!

I apologize for being later with the winners list. I had a restless night, so I slept late this morning.

Casey is the winner of Mainely Mysteries by Megan Elaine Davis and Susan Page Davis.

Kim is the winner of The Country House Courtship by Lenore Rose Burkard.

Jo is the winner of Fatal Burn by Roxanne Rustand.

Robyn is the winner of The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Colleen Coble.

Smitty is the winner of Angel Promises by Katherin B. FitzPatrick.

Send me your mailing address in one of two ways:

Click on View My Complete Profile, then use the Email link.
Go to http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/ then click on Contact Me.

You have 6 weeks to claim your book.

If you didn't win and you plan to order the book, please use the link provided on the individual interview. By using that link, you will help support this blog.

We already have an exciting lineup in 2010, including my next book Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico in May. More info on that will come later.

SAINT'S ROOST - Terry Burns - Free Book

It's been a while since you've been on here. Welcome back, Terry Tell us about your salvation experience.

Fifteen years old at Central Baptist Church in Pampa Texas. I was most influenced by a godly mother and a Sunday School teacher. I had really reached a decision long before that but was so shy that it took a terrific effort to get me out to walk down that aisle.

How did you and your spouse meet?

At church when we were in high school. We went steady for years breaking up later after I went to college. Dumbest thing I ever did. We ended up back together 30 years later and have been married 17 years now.

You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?

I’m assuming they don’t have to be living authors. First and foremost would be Paul to help me with faith content, Max Lucado to help me learn to write inspirationally, Louie L’Amour to show me how you continue to reach the common man and dominate book shelves years after your death, and Jerry Jenkins to show me how to write a bestseller. I’ll be at a conference with two of these in February.

Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.

My speaking ministry is writing related, tied to being a literary agent. I do a couple of writing conferences a month and fill in around it with programs in libraries, schools, bookstores, churches, etc.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?

In high school I had a little bit of a problem and had to make a fast trip to the restroom. It was during class and I had it to myself. I did not know I had ducked into the wrong one until I started hearing all of these high pitched voices. No way I was coming out of that stall. I pulled my feet up and waited them out. After the bell rang I was late for my next class but went undiscovered. I learned a lot from the conversation that day.

I'm sure you did. Probably helps you with the female characters you write. People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that?

I hear it every time there is a booksigning or I do a program. Or there is even a better version where they look at you and say “I could write a better book than this.” I always tell everyone who wants to write to do it. Get it out of their system. Not all will be good enough to be published, but there is no down side. The worst thing that can happen is you have some great stories to pass to your family.

Tell us about the featured book?

Saint’s Roost was written because my mother complained that I never had a female protagonist in my books. We had a place at the lake outside Clarendon, Texas, then ,and I became interested in the history of the little town. Founded by Methodist ministers right in the middle of cow country, it was a town that allowed no cussing, drinking, or various other sins and thus was nicknamed “Saints Roost.” When I dropped my female lead and some other fascinating characters right in the middle of this town whose real story was as interesting as anything I could write, it produced terrific results. It’s a story of faith, love, and redemption with a barrel-full of dry West Texas humor. It came out a quite a number of years ago but in spite of terrific reviews and being a finalist for several awards, it got almost no exposure because the publisher stopped publishing shortly after it came out with only a token run. A major re-write with another 30,000 words of story, and now it is getting the chance it deserves. This is my favorite among all that I have written.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter One
1879 Santa Fe Trail

A wagon leaving the safety of a wagon train to strike out by itself is a lonesome sight.

Its occupants, Patrick and Janie Benedict were headed west in an old Conestoga that complained at every bump and jolt in the road. The wheels squealed a high-pitched, irritating sound. Still, it was marginally dependable. More dependable were the four Missouri mules, which drew it, depending on their mood and disposition at the moment.

The young couple looked the part, him tall and handsome with the sincere brown eyes appropriate for a young minister. The prairie heat made shirtsleeves mandatory and he peered out from under a flat-brimmed black hat indicative of those who pursued the avocation of a circuit-riding preacher.

His bride of only a year sat next to him, simply clad in a checked dress and plain white bonnet. Her hair peeked out from the bonnet and lit up scarlet red when the sun touched it. Both their faces were brighter from the barely contained excitement and enthusiasm than from the rays of the hot summer sun.

They made the trek west because Patrick had been called to the ministry. More specifically, he had felt himself called to do missionary work in what he referred to as the wild, wild west. Not that he had to go so far to find sinners; there was certainly more sin right there in certain sections of St. Louis than would be found in the entire west.

Yet many of his seminary classmates knew that in the secret compartments of his mind, Patrick saw himself in a saintly pose, surrounded by a throng of half naked savages kneeling about him as he converted them in droves by the power of his magnificent oratory. Such ambitious visions were certainly encouraged at the seminary.

Still, some of his teachers thought him very naive. Others thought him to be headstrong while the more optimistic conceded he had a unique evangelistic drive. The term the wagonmaster came up with when a couple of young people still in their twenties left the train alone was . . . well . . . to be truthful . . . stupid.

***

Quite a distance back up the wagon trail, pint-sized Ruben Dunn had his own ideas. He had these ideas on virtually any subject you could name, and he didn't mind sharing them with anyone inclined to listen.

Ruben's alter ego and long-time saddle mate was a tall drink of water by the name of Frank Walker. Had Frank ever been caught asleep at the wrong place, someone might have mistakenly used him to try and repair a length of split rail fence. Frank had dark hair that defied any comb in existence, chocolate brown eyes, and was unfailingly good humored and easygoing.

More important, and absolutely essential to have a friendship with Ruben, he knew his own mind and did not feel it necessary to debate various points with his confident, but diminutive companion. Once Frank made up his mind, he simply went ahead and did what he wanted without much, if any, discussion.

I like the western sound to the words. I'll be glad to get my copy. How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website which includes a blog, bookstore, and huge library of writing tips is at http://www.terryburns.net/  - I can also be found at the Hartline site http://www.hartlineliterary.com/  or the Hartline blog at http://hartlineliteraryagency.blogspot.com/

Thank you, Terry, for sharing part of your life with us.

Readers, here's a link where you can order Saint's Roost. By using this link when you order, you're helping support this blog.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.


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 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

SONS OF THUNDER - Susan May Warren - Free Book

I'm so happy to have Susie back on the blog. Sons of Thunder launches the new Romantic Suspense line for Summerside Press. It is uniquely written - its an epic suspense story written as three novellas - 3 points of view, 3 settings.

Welcome, Susie. How did you come up with the idea for this story?


I’m nosy on airplanes. :-)

No, seriously, I was on a plane to Florida and, as I sat down, my seatmate was on his cell phone, speaking another language. I admit I was curious, so, I asked him what language he was speaking. Greek – and he was talking to his father who was an immigrant from Greece. And it got better - his grandfather was also an immigrant, and had fought in World War Two, while his wife raised their children in Greece. But that wasn’t all – there was an uncle involved, and family scandal and….hmm…interesting. The best part was that this poor man was afraid of flying, so to keep his mind off the improbability of our giant jet lifting into thin air, he started in on this amazing story. Two hours later, he’d seeded in my heart a story about two Greek brothers who loved the same woman.

Thus, Sons of Thunder was born. I have long desired to write books set in the World War Two era. Such a heroic, courageous time, filled with heroes and epic romance and tales of hope and redemption. (Not to mention the amazing music and dress styles – oh, I was born in the wrong era!) More than that, as I’ve had the privilege of traveling the world and meeting amazing people from other countries, I’ve realized that many, many Christians fought in the war on all sides – British, Russian, Dutch, French, American…even Germans. Brothers united by a common lineage in Christ forced to pick up arms to fight in a war they may or may not believe in, but because they were patriots to their country. My vision is to write stories from around the globe of heroes from all nationalities. I call it the Brothers in Arms collection.

That is totally fascinating to me. Thank you for sharing it with us. If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Oh good grief. How am I supposed to choose? And are we going to talk about writing? Or just sing a little Karaoke?

Hmmm….Susan Meissner, because she can sing The Rose like nobody’s business. And Jim Bell because he’s brilliant and every word out of him is deep and profound and exceedingly funny. And Rachel Hauck, of course! And, oh c’mon, this is too hard.

TraceyBatemanChristineLyxwilerKristenBillerbeckCollenCobleFrancineRivers-DeeHendersonJennyBJonesLisaSamsonRonieKendigMeland-CherylHoddeMarkMynierCrestonMapesRobinLeeHatcherBrandilynCollins-CindyColomaKarenBallCindyWoodsmallJimRubart-thisissonotfairbecauseiknow-i’mmissingpeople-thentiremembershipofMyBookTherapyandACFW.

And, of course, Susan Downs.

As you can see, I hyphenated your one word, (cheating) sentence, so it would wrap into more lines. Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

I’m sorry, Susan May Warren is unavailable to answer this question due to the fact she’s surrounded by amazing historical fiction and unable to make a coherent decision.

Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?

Keeping my stories fresh, coming up with new ideas, and the pressure to make each book better.

Tell us about the featured book?

Sons of Thunder is an epic world war two era story about two Greek brothers who flee their Greek Island home after tragedy with the woman they both love. They both make her a promise – but only one can keep it. Set in three epic time periods – The Jazz Era, Pearl Harbor, and finally the liberation of Europe, it’s the story of hope, betrayal, sacrifice and redemption.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Sons of Thunder
By
Susan May Warren

Part 1
Markos

Chapter 1

Markos Stavros would not go to war on the eve of his brother’s wedding.

Even if he wanted to murder his best friend.

“Lucien! Come up!” Markos hung with one hand to the mast of his skiff, the pomegranate red hull of his fishing boat a sufficient buoy should Lucien need underwater navigation.

Of course, Lucien had to pick now to detour their trip back to their village on the crisp shore of Zante Island, just off the coast of Greece. And with a catch in their nets too. A glance at the bleeding horizon suggested his mother might be waiting for him with a sharpened tongue. Markos, do you care nothing for your brother’s nuptials?

Apparently, the wind cared nothing for cooperation, either, dying to a trickle, leaving the skiff to barely list upon the smooth Ionian Sea. Perhaps it hadn’t helped that the elusive yet delicious barbouni had played the sea nymph, unwilling to be captured in the heat of such a glorious day. The red-mulleted delicacy flopped, angry and zealous, in the live-well of the boat’s stern, the mustard-yellow nets in a tumble at the bow.

“Lucien!” Markos hung over the side, searching for his friend’s porpoise body. He glanced at his brother, fourteen-year-old Dino, leaning over the edge of the boat, peering into depths so clear the algae-mopped rocks appeared within a grasp, the sand, scurried up by sardines and shrimp, a puff of crystalline magic. “I swear he did this on purpose. Theo was right. Lucien is a Pappos, and his big brother probably put him up to ruining the wedding dinner.”

A wedding from which Markos and Dino just might be banned if they arrived home with rancid fish.

Dino shook his head. “No, Lucien wouldn’t do that, even if Kostas asked him to. He loves Theo. He doesn’t care about romance or Zoë Ramone and her father’s olive groves.”

“No, but he cares about his brother. And Kostas doesn’t forgive easily. He’ll not long forget how Theo stole his bride—even after their betrothal. Not to mention the lost dowry that Zoë would have given the Pappos family. Yannis Pappos has his eye on a new fishing boat.”

“Or a keg of retsina.” Dino grinned, his teeth white against his bronzed skin. Under the wine-soaked sky, he appeared every inch the ruddy fisherman’s son, a younger, reedy version of Markos, with his salt-slicked skin, a dark shank of hair tumbling over his eyes.

Maybe Dino was right. What did a fisherman’s family want with an olive grove?

But Kostas—and nearly every other man in the village of Zante—certainly pined over brown-eyed Zoë, with her sun-dipped skin, her black-as-the-sultry-night hair. And Theo, in his drunken singing during last night’s embarrassing party, only turned the knife in Kostas’s open wound as he sang of his devotion (while emptying the family’s supply of retsina and inviting all of the three hundred souls in Zante to the feast). It didn’t help that his singing bore the edge of triumph, a conquest won.

No, Lucien probably hadn’t given one errant thought to Theo Stavros’s nuptials when he’d yelled, I have to catch it! and vanished over the side of the boat, slicing through the turquoise water after a dewey-eyed loggerhead turtle.

Lucien then disappeared, of course, into the maw of the whitewashed caves that tumbled from the cliffs straight into the sea.

Indeed, the sea beckoned, the azure blue nearly hypnotic with its lure, and on a different day, Markos, too, might have surrendered to the chase. After all, he’d been bred for the taste of salt on his chapped lips.

Not today. “Lucien!”

I can hardly wait for my copy of the book. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Go to: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/ , or check out the SOT site – http://brothersinarms.susanmaywarren.com/  for a longer preview and a contest!

Thank you for the fun time, Susie.

Readers, here's a link where you can order a copy of the book. By using this link when you order, you'll help support this blog.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.


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 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

THE SWEET BY AND BY - Rachel Hauck - Free Book

I always love having Rachel Hauck on my blog. Rachel, What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

I don’t consciously write on any particular theme. I try to stick with themes that fit the story. However, I believe what comes out in all my stories is God’s love and destiny for each and every one of us.
　
If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

Wow, such a hard question. I can think of several people. I’d like to spend an evening with Major Richard Winters who lead E-Company in WW 2. Or one of the other men in E-Company. I want to hang around great Americans and people who love this country and know what it’s about.

I don’t believe there are many in Washington who remember our great patriots or even bad ones. They’ve forgotten the sacrifice of our father’s and mother’s. Otherwise, I’d like to hang out with Keith Urban. I think God has something for him. ;)
　
How long have you known that you wanted to be novelist?

Since I was a girl. I look back on my journals and I constantly talked about writing.
　
What can you tell authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

The million dollar question, eh, Lena? Wow. Well, if you’re receiving rejections from publishers, I can advise a few things:

Get an agent. Maybe you’re targeting the wrong publisher. Or, your writing is good, but not quite good enough. An agent can help an author fine tune.
Analyze what the rejection letters are telling you.
Rethink your story.
Hire a book therapist. :-) http://www.mybooktherapy.com/
Join a writers group like ACFW. Join a critique group.
　
Tell us about the featured book?

Jade Fitzgerald left the pain of her past in the dust when she headed out for college a decade ago. Now she's thriving in her career and glowing in the light of Max Benson's love.

But then Jade's hippie mother, Beryl Hill, arrives in Whisper Hollow, Tennessee, for Jade's wedding along with Willow, her wild younger sister. Their arrival forces Jade to throw open the dark closets of her past--the insecurity of living with a restless, wandering mother, the silence of her absent father, and the heart-ripping pain of first-love's rejection.

Turns out Beryl has a secret of her own. She needs reconciliation with her oldest daughter before illness takes her life. In the final days leading to the wedding, Jade meets the One who shows her that the past has no hold on her future. With a little grace, they'll meet in the middle, maybe even before that sweet by and by.

Please give us the first page of the book.

The October sun warmed the Blue Umbrella’s office. A pool of light washed over Jade’s paint-chipped desk and the box of ruby-red invitations shoved against the windowsill.

"Here you go, Liz. Eighty-five dollars for your aunt’s antique bread box." Jade pushed the box out of the way so she could grab the check she’d printed for her customer, exposing a solitary, displaced red invitation.

Beryl Hill, Prairie City, Iowa.

"Bless your heart, old Aunt Ginny, for never making friends with the garbage can." Liz Carlton blew a kiss at the check before folding it into her purse. "Jade, I’ve got plenty more items to consign with you."

"I’m always interested." She patted the small, spry woman on the shoulder. "And don’t forget you can sell some of your valuables on eBay."

"On eBay? Goodness, child, I’d have no idea how to—"

"And the county dump." Jade walked her across the bright, polished shop to the front door.

"The county dump? I do believe you don’t sound a bit grateful, Jade Fitzgerald. I bring in my precious family treasures for you to sell, sharing the profits with you, and what thanks do I get? A recommendation to the county dump."

"Liz, I appreciate your business. You know I do. But the Blue Umbrella is looking for timeless pieces, items with a story and a history. Last week you brought in a bag of peeling costume jewelry and some moth-eaten sweaters."

"Those sweaters had a story, Jade. I told you my great-great-granny knitted them by a coal fire."

Jade gently slipped her arm through Liz’s. After all, she was a valued client, despite her lack of vintage prowess. "I’m looking for quality, not quantity, Liz. But I do admit"—Jade paused at the door—"your items always come with interesting stories."

Liz opened the door. "You wait and see what I dig up next."

"I’m holding my breath," Jade said with a grin.

Back in her office, Jade dropped to her desk chair, sighing. Liz was entertaining if nothing else.
She surveyed the row of lime-green sticky notes running along the top of her desk. Her to-do list. Her eyes fell on one sticky note, the one with the curled edges where her arm grazed over it:
Mail invitations.

Sounds interesting, Rachel. I can hardly wait for my book to get here. How did this collaboration come about?

Really? God. Thomas Nelson approached Sara about a fiction project, then approached me about writing with/for her. My career was in a place of make-it or break-it, and I'd just prayed one of my "surrender prayers" to the Lord and was ready to go anywhere, do anything. Not having children, I am pretty much 100% available to pick up and go whenever and wherever. Knowing the Lord would take my husband and current writing and worship commitments into account, I was ready to go! It was very freeing to say, "God, I have nothing. What do you want to do? I'm 100% available. You're so good, whatever it is You want for me, I'll love it."

I've loved this journey writing with Sara. I struggled in some of my weaknesses from time to time, but this was one of the easiest books I've ever written even though I'd never written women's fiction. Never written flashbacks. Never written a continuing character series.

What was Sara's part of the process?

She cast the vision. We sat down and talked about what she wanted in the book, what kind of story she wanted to tell, and hashed out an overview. I went home and added the details and did the writing. If I was unsure about something, I'd email her and ask for her input. For example, we ended up dealing with a controversial social issue in this book and I wanted to know she was ready to assign her name to it.

What do you want readers to take away from this story?

God is good. There is always hope and redemption. While our past can impact our present, we don't have to carry the burden of pain and sin into the future. God truly does work all things together for our good.

What's next for you and Sara?

The second book, Softly and Tenderly, is written and releases January 2011. We are collaborating on two more books to be released January 2012 and 2013. They will be a continuation of the series. Book two is really exciting. Hit's the ground running.

I must feature the other books, too. As an author, how did this book impact you and your work?

I learned a lot about myself. Going back to the original prayer of surrender, I had to see that when God brought something to me to do it might not center around me! Maybe He wanted me to use my gifts and talents for others. At the same time, what amazing grace and peace He gave me.

My writing had to take on a different flavor and tone. I learned to write about two women instead of a romance with a hero and heroine. I had to develop back story that worked on stage instead of through dialogue. This project forced me to work on a much deeper emotional level. I was exhausted when it was done. But I loved the process.

Who is your favorite character?

Well, Jade, the protagonist, of course. But her sister Willow really captured me. We had to back her up a bit or she'd steal the show! I also really had an affection for the character Dustin.

What's next for you? Any solo projects?

Yes! I have a late 2010 release from Thomas Nelson, Dining With Joy, about a cooking show host who can't cook.

That sounds like a fun read. How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.rachelhauck.com/. You can find my Facebook and Twitter links there!

Thank you, Rachel, for the interesting visit.

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

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.

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.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link:

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

THE HUSBAND TREE - Mary Connealy - Free Book

Always a joy to welcome you to my blog, Mary. Tell us about your salvation experience.

I went forward to accept Christ at a Lowell Lundstrom Concert when I was sixteen. http://www.lowelllundstrom.com/ I went and looked him up when I started answering this question. But I remember really believing in Jesus, understanding—much younger. So, although that was my public profession of faith, I don't really count it as my salvation experience because I knew the truth already.

How did you and your spouse meet?

My husband and I were high school sweethearts. Our Junior prom was our third date. We dated for nearly four years, until I graduated from college, and got married and I moved in to a home three miles from his parents and ten miles from mine. He farmed and ranched with his dad and two brothers. We'll be married 33 years January 29th. A great family centered life.

You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?

Lena! We have talked about this mean question before. Okay, who would I really like to spend time with? Could you make the rule that they have to be nice to me, please? This is your fantasy after all. I'd say…Mel Gibson's wife. I've heard the woman is a saint. :) Don't know if she can write. Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman. Love that woman's blog. Bill O'Reilly, in the hopes he'd talk about my book on his show. Rachael Ray, she could cook for us. But she couldn’t distract Bill. She's got her own platform.

Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.

No, please God, I could not possible dislike something this much and be called to do it. I've gained some comfort answering questions but giving speeches…nightmare.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?

Shut up.

Oh, all right. Yikes.

Here's one I'm willing to talk about.

I was in radio and TV when I was in college. I once started laughing on air on the nightly news. I was the anchorman. Horrible. The teacher came out of the control booth screaming at me…after going to a commercial, and threw me off the set. It was terrible, seriously. Just writing about it is causing my brain chemistry levels to go off track. It's been thirty-four years and now I can look back on it and laugh. (no, forget that laugh part, I'm still traumatized)

I took a radio and TV production/direction course, too. My favorite thing was running the TV cameras, which were much larger all those years ago. People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that?

I have a kind of standard answer I give lately. I say, "There are two separate parts to writing a book.

1) There is the mindset/personality type/temperament that will allow you to sit for long stretches of time, alone, makin' stuff up.

2) And, there is the craft of writing.

You can't be a writer without the first and I don't think you can learn it. It's either how you are or not and if you're not that way, just be grateful because it's not very normal behavior. But if you have the first, you can learn craft.

Tell us about the featured book?

Belle Tanner buries her third worthless husband and makes a vow over his shallow grave. She’s learned her lesson. No more men.

Silas Harden just lost his second ranch because of a woman. The first deserted him when times got tough. Now he’s had to quit the whole state of New Mexico to avoid a trumped-up shotgun wedding and the noose of matrimony. He’s learned his lesson. No more women.

Belle needs hired hands to move a cattle herd late in the season and there’s no one around but seemingly aimless Silas. She hires him reluctantly.

Silas signed on, glad for the work, though worried about a woman doing such a thing as hiring drovers, only to find out he’s the lone man going with five woman, including a baby still in diapers. After the cattle drive is over, he might as well shoot himself to speed up the process of being embarrassed to death.

A fast approaching winter.

The toughest lady rancher you’ve ever seen.

A cynical cowboy who has to convince five women he’s right for their ma. . .and then convince himself.

And one thousand head of the crankiest cattle who have ever been punched across the backbone of the Rockies.

Please give us the first page of the book.

The Husband Tree

Chapter One

Belle Tanner pitched dirt right on Anthony’s handsome, worthless face.

It was spitefulness that made her enjoy doing that. But she was sorely afraid Anthony Santoni’s square jaw and curly dark hair had tricked her into agreeing to marry him.

Which made her as big an idiot as Anthony.

Now he was dead and she was left to dig the grave. Why oh why didn’t she just skip marrying him and save herself all this shoveling?

She probably should have wrapped him in a blanket, but blankets were hard to come by in Montana. . .unlike husbands.

She labored on with her filling, not bothering to look down again at the man who had shared her cabin and her bed for the last two years. She only hoped when she finished she didn’t forget where she’d buried Anthony’s no-account hide. She regretted not marking William’s and Gerald’s graves now for fear she’d dig in the same spot and uncover their bones. As she recalled, she’d planted William on the side nearest the house, thinking it had a nice view down the hill over their property. She wasn’t so sure about Gerald, but she’d picked right most likely because she’d dug the hole and hadn’t hit bones. Unless critters had dug Gerald up and dragged him away.

Belle had to admit she didn’t dig one inch deeper than was absolutely necessary. Maybe a little less than was necessary. This was rocky ground. It was quite a chore. Her husbands had made too many chores for her over the years. Digging their graves was the least of it.

She’d risked her own life to drag her first husband, William, out of the cattle pen, the one any fool would know was too dangerous to go into—which Belle always did, not being a fool. Rudolph, their longhorn bull, was a mite cantankerous and given to using his eight foot spread of horns to prove himself in charge of any situation.

Then Gerald had gotten himself thrown from his horse. His boot had slipped through the stirrup, and judging by his condition, Belle figured he’d been dragged for the better part of the three-hour ride home from the Golden Butte Saloon in Divide by a horse whose instincts told him to head for the barn.

Anthony’s only good quality was he’d managed to get himself killed quick. They’d been married less than two years. For a while there Belle feared he’d last through pure luck. But stupid outweighed luck. Stupid’ll kill a man in the West. It wasn’t a forgiving place. And Anthony was purely stupid so he didn’t last all that long.

Between William and Gerald—that is between being married to ’em—Belle had changed the brand to the T Bar. Known as the Tanner Ranch from then on, it never changed, regardless of whatever Belle’s last name happened to be at the time. She’d also had a real smart lawyer in Helena draw up papers for Anthony to sign so the ranch would always belong to Belle, and if something happened to her instead of a worthless husband, Belle’s wishes would be carried out.

She tamped the dirt down good and solid. About the fifth tamp she admitted she was using more energy than was strictly necessary. She’d whacked it down especially tight over Anthony’s pretty boy face. Three sides of the the Husband Tree used up. She wasn’t up to puttin’ up with a live one or buryin’ another dead one. The tree roots wouldn’t appreciate it.

And neither would the children.

She said a quick prayer for Anthony, reflecting silently as she spoke that knowing Anthony as she did, it was doubtful there were enough prayers in the world to save his warped soul. Never had it been necessary for God to perform a greater miracle, and Belle asked for just that, though she didn’t hold out much hope.

She finished the service in one minute flat, not counting the digging and filling which had taken considerably longer. It had been early in the day when she’d found Anthony dead beside the house. Planting him had interrupted chores, but there was no help for it. She couldn’t leave him lying there. He was blocking the front door

Mary, you are a hoot. I've got to read that book next! How can readers find you on the Internet?

Seekerville
Petticoats & Pistols
My Blog
My Website

Once again, we had a wonderful time, Mary.

Readers, here's a link where you can order the book. By using the link when you order, you'll help support this blog.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.


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 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

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THE SUBSTITUTE BRIDE - Janet Dean - Free Book

I'm always glad to have you on my blog, Janet. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

God has blessed me with books on the shelves and encouraging notes from readers who were touched by my stories. I see more books on the horizon. Beyond that I dream. I’ve learned from Debby Macomber’s talks to never underestimate what can happen when you set goals and work toward them. God has a way of opening doors when the time is right.

That is so true. Tell us a little about your family.

I’m married to my college sweetheart. Our two daughters and sons by marriage have given us four wonderful grandchildren. We love spending time with our family. Our grandkids like to shoot baskets and play board games as well as ping-pong and air hockey. Its tough to be beaten by a five year old, but it happens. :-)

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

I don’t have as much time to read now that I’m writing for publication. I try to keep up with fellow authors in the Love Inspired Historical, along with other inspirational authors and Seeker friends’ books. I’d like to read out of the genre more though historical fiction is always a favorite. I plan to read The Help this winter.

What are you working on right now?

I’m writing a story set in 1900 in the fictitious town of Peaceful, Indiana. The heroine is a pregnant widow who opens her home to unwed mothers. The hero is a falsely convicted ex-con searching for his birth mother. Together they take a stand against the disapproving town and, of course, find their much deserved happy ending.

Sounds interesting. I'll have to feature it on my blog, too. What outside interests do you have?

I enjoy rubber stamping greeting cards and knitting simple projects like scarves. Though my game needs lots of work, I like to golf. I love to walk and read. There are so many things I’d like to do if I had the time. I can’t imagine being bored.

I create all our greeting cards on the computer, and I like to knit, too. How do you choose your settings for each book?

I love small towns. I know the Midwest so all my books have Midwestern small town settings. The Courting books were set in Noblesville, Indiana. I loved visiting the town, checking dates on the buildings, visiting the historical museum and talking to the county historian. No one complained so I hope I got the research right, but it’s faster to create a fictitious town and the characters living there.

I love your cover. If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?

A list of possibilities paraded through my mind but I immediately narrowed it down someone living during the Revolutionary War or Civil War, important periods in our country’s history. I’d like the wives’ point of view so I narrowed it further to Martha Washington or Mary Todd Lincoln. Mrs. Lincoln endured many tragedies in her life and a great deal of controversy still surrounds her. I’m sure an evening with President Lincoln’s wife would be fascinating.

Yes, it would. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

I wish I’d known to start the story where the trouble begins. But overall, if I’d known how hard it is to get published and the ups and downs of this business, I might have given up before I started. If I had, I’d have missed so much. Sometimes ignorance is bliss. :-)

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

The Lord is teaching me the importance of putting Him first. When life is hectic and my To Do list is long, it’s tempting to skip time with God. The account of Martha and Mary in the Bible reminds me to get my priorities right. I’m to sit at Jesus’ feet as Mary did rather than focusing on what needs to be done as Martha did. When I’ve fed on His words, I’m ready to do His work.

I agree. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Read. Read in the genre you want to be published in and notice what authors did to make you love their books.

Be teachable. Information from critiques, contest judges, craft workshops and online classes won’t help you succeed if your mind is closed. Writers must evaluate all that input, take what works and develop our skills. The more I know, the more I realize how much I still need to know.

Write. Just do it. Each book is like a college class. We learn so much from practice.

Tell us about the featured book?

Fleeing an arranged marriage, debutante Elizabeth Manning exchanges places with a mail-order bride bound for New Harmony, Iowa. Life on the frontier can’t be worse than forced wedlock to pay her father’s gambling debts. But Ted Logan’s rustic lifestyle and rambunctious children prove to be more of a challenge than Elizabeth expects. She doesn’t know how to be a mother or a wife. She doesn’t even know how to tell Ted the truth about her past—especially as her feelings for him grow. Little does she know, Ted’s hiding secrets of his own, and when their pasts collide, there’s more than one heart at stake.

Interesting Please give us the first page of the book.

Chicago, spring of 1899

Elizabeth Manning had examined every option open to her. But in the end she had only one. Her heart lurched.

She had to run.

If she stayed in Chicago, tomorrow morning she’d be walking down the aisle of the church on Papa’s arm. Then, walking back up it attached to Reginald Parks for the remainder of his life, which could be awfully long, considering Reginald’s father was eighty-two.

Papa said she had no choice, now that their circumstances had gone south like robins in winter. He’d reminded her that as Reginald’s wife, she’d be kept in fine style. Probably what the keepers said about the tigers at the zoo.

She scooped her brush and toiletries into a satchel, then dropped it beside a valise crammed with clothes. No, she couldn’t rely on mortality to get her out of the marriage.

And as for God...

Martha had promised God would help her. Well, Elizabeth had prayed long and hard and nothing had changed. Perhaps God had washed His hands of her. If so, she could hardly blame Him.

The time had come to take matters into her hands. Once she got a job and made some money, she’d return—for the most important person of all.

I can hardly wait for my book to come. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Web site: http://www.janetdean.net/
Blog: http://www.janetdean.blogspot.com/
Group blog: http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/

Thank you, Janet, for another fun interview.

Readers, here's a link where you can order the book. By using this link when you order, you'll help support this blog.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.


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 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

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5 Winners This Week

A J Hawke is the winner of Thicker Than Blood by C J Darlington.

Megan is the winner of Colordo Crimes by Lisa Harris.

Nora St Laurent is the winner of The Pastor's Wife by Jennifer AlLee.

April is the winner of A Deadly Wilderness by Kelly Irvin.

Patricia PacJac Carroll is the winner of The Raven Saint by M L Tyndall.

Send me your mailing address in one of two ways:


Click on View My Complete Profile, then use the Email link.
Go to http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/  then click on Contact Me.

You have 6 weeks to claim your book.

If you didn't win and you plan to order the book, please use the link provided on the individual interview. By using that link, you will help support this blog.

We already have an exciting lineup in 2010, including my next book Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico in May. More info on that will come later.

ANGEL PROMISES - Katherin B FitzPatrick - Free Book

When I was at CBE in Dallas last March, I met Kathy. I wanted you to meet her. Welcome, Kathy. You are writing non-fiction. Do you also write fiction?


Not currently. It seems that my most recent demands have been to write from real life experiences. It is often said that “truth is stranger than fiction.” In my case that is definitely a real and accurate statement! In 1980, I wrote The Peacemaker. It was the Christian answer to the Star Wars idea. It was fun being on the Christian bookstore shelves next to C.S. Lewis books, and meeting some of the Star Wars characters such as the actor who played Darth Vader, but that was it, and that was the last fiction book.

What would you like for our readers to know about your personality?

That although I have walked through some unusual and extreme trials in my lifetime, I am confident and positive about my life, and continue to look to the Lord for guidance, and to be in control in my future, looking for his blessings daily. I love ministry to teenagers, and love staying fit and energetic as time continues on...it makes me feel ageless!

Tell us about your family.

My eldest daughter, Yvonne Blackwood Heffel, is married and lives in Alamo, CA. and is a Personal Trainer to the rich and famous! Jaina, Karen Lee’s older sister, and my middle child, lives with me here in my large 4,000 sq ft home overlooking the Yakima Valley, affectionately called the “Pink Castle.” Ever see the woman sitting on the dragon on the “Tension Tamer” tea box by the Pink Castle. It’s me, really.

My Mom, Ruby Lee Garrison, is part of the famous “Garrison Clan,” which meets all over the USA with family re-unions far and wide. They paralleled American history so much, that a book was done about it. The Garrisons’ were related to the French Huguenots, in past history, who were the banner wavers for the faith after the Reformation. When the heat got turned up too high in France, they migrated to Scotland, and England, then to the United States in the 1700’s. Becoming farmers, educators and leaders on many levels, they continued to trust God with “big faith.” Whenever I am around a Garrison family reunion, we may not have ever met each other before that day, but I find that most are leaders, pastors, and are still “banner wavers” for the faith, after all these generations.

My father Henry Horacek’s side of the family is Czech. My Grandmother’s name was Kathryn Koblar, (pronounced Ko-bel-lair) and was related to the royal Hapsburg family who were the ruling kings and queens of Austria and Hungary. She was from Prague, but both living in Vienna at the time, they migrated to the USA in the early 1900’s during the Bolshevik revolution, and barely escaped with their lives! My Grandfather, Frank (or Fron-ta-cek, in his language) was an officer, a Captain in the Austrian Calvary, and participated in the Lipizzaner riding academy, a tradition carried on by my sister Suzanne, in riding dressage, and breeding horses, by the way, for over 20 years. My Grandparents were very, young, Kathryn being around 16, and already having two children.

It was an era when Lenin was rising to Power in Russia, and Johan Strauss was becoming famous for his various waltzes. In Vienna, how the elite loved whirling graciously around in elegant dress in the ballrooms, and taking joy in the beauty of the waltz. The women loved wearing their elegant, sometimes beaded and be-jeweled, sometimes red, long full formals on the dance floor. As I contemplate it, I fantasize how Karen Lee would have loved the princess like full petticoat gowns, as she definitely had her own collection in her more current day! I almost see her face, glistening cheeks and dewy lips, with bright eyes, and glittering tiara, and long gown, as she steps onto the expansive marble dance floor of the Austrian palaces of long ago, with her gallant gentleman.

But times there were not always so joyous, as a sudden cloud of terror fell. When the enemy forces advanced into Austria, soldiers began to push their way through the woods toward the Austrian Calvary headquarters. Frantecek witnessed some military men, his colleagues, trying to the escape through the woods on their horses. Bolshevik soldiers shot and killed both horse and rider, as they attempted to leap their horses over the fences surrounding the area, towards the woods in the distance. Terrified, my grandfather carefully slipped out another way, rushing home to gather his family. Walking away with a just a few suitcases, they hurriedly left their large home in Vienna behind, boarding a ship to America. Miraculously, they had escaped. They arrived to America, and eventually settled in a quiet suburb of Chicago. Kathryn was pregnant with my father, Henry and he was born here in the USA. Sadly, over the next few years Frantecek would pass away, and then Kathryn remarried. The family’s life revolved for many years around a family business, owning a gas station. My dad, and all two brothers, Frank and Ladd, and one sister, Helen, worked hard after school to help out, forgoing many other kinds of fun activities enjoyed by other school age youth their age. In his adult life, my father Henry, would become a college graduate of UC Berkeley, and successful Realtor and Broker in Northern California, all my childhood life, growing up. My Mom Ruby, never worked outside the home, as he supported a family of 4 children, only two years apart. Yes, we really were ages “two, four, six and eight”...me being the eight year old…or the eldest of the four siblings.

Now my Mom, Ruby. Let me tell you a little about her. My Mom grew up in both Tulsa, and Claremore, OK. Young Ruby’s childhood was filled with memories of her Mom, Elizabeth watching the skies for those feared funnel clouds, then spending the night with her siblings in the basement, hoping the house would still be there in the morning. Her Dad, was what they in the oil fields called a “wild-catter.” He would tell the oil companies where to drill for oil based on the topography of the land and other factors. Funny how he always seemed to be right, too. He and his partner had a chance to start their own company, but Grandpa, who had to support 4 small children, was afraid to stray from a regular paycheck. So his friend and partner went off on his by himself to start his own oil company. It turned out to be a little company we learned to recognize...Phillips 66. Oh well. He learned how to find the oil from my Grandpa.
During her childhood, my Mom lived in both Texas and Oklahoma, with a network of relatives around that region. One relative’s farmhouse in Texas burned down, and with it some important family records linking my Mom, Ruby’s family to the Royal family in England. So unfortunately, it all became just hearsay. I did not even hear about the records lost in the fire until just recently, myself. But I realized that it was a missing piece in a very important puzzle I grew up with as a child. My Mom, Ruby, was and still is, like a twin sister to Queen Elizabeth! The Queen is 4 years older than my Mom. Now here is where I really need to have a good picture for you, don’t I! Open house night at school got a little interesting for me as a young girl, if any of my teachers happened to be astute regarding appearance of the Royal family. I used to hear it all the time. “You Mom looks just like Queen Elizabeth! Are you related?”

“I don’t think so,” I blushed. As a 4th grader, what could I say?

At the age of 25, my Mom Ruby was engaged, and later married to my Dad, Henry Horacek, and lived in No. California. They originally met in San Diego while my Mom was working assembling parts in the shipyard just after WW II, and my dad was in the military. Ruby also used to work at the telephone company, and yes, they really did wear roller skates to get around at the job! Ruby was at Lajolla Beach one sunny Saturday, and was looking for someone to take her picture. She stopped the first good looking male stranger, and asked, “Would you mind taking my picture?” Well, my Mom was a real knockout in the bathing suit, and the rest is history. We still have the picture.

They heard that the British ship The Queen Elizabeth, was going to be docked in the harbor for the public to view, so they planned to tour it. Well, you guessed it. The military personnel dropped their jaw, and just about went into a faint, when Ruby walked onto the ship for a look around. “Is it her? It couldn’t be her, now could it?” My Mom got treated a bit like a queen that day, even though she wasn’t. Everybody had a bit of fun with it!

Although Karen Lee, appears to strongly resemble me, she actually picked up very extremely on the exotic Lithuanian looks of her father John, and grandma Sophia’s side of the family. Her grandfather, Edmund FitzPatrick, was the short Irishman, bearing the family name FitzPatrick. FitzPatrick, meaning “son of Patrick,” it was said to be traditional that this line was related to the man in which St. Patrick Day is celebrated. St. Patrick is the one who brought Christianity to Ireland. Seeing that before that it was only the Druids (Satan Worshippers), this was a huge improvement! Now the central family being from New York, and being Irish Catholics, this holiday was practically as important as Christmas an Easter. There was no escaping the celebration of this day and the wearing of green around the FitzPatrick household. I made many a shamrock cookie that went to many of my kids’ school parties, watched many St. Patrick Day parades, and got kidded about being a good ole Irish girl, with that name. Sigh. A Czech American body trapped with an Irish name. Our family actually grew up with a great deal of European culture influence because of my Dad. Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, people used to think I was from the East coast because HE had a Chicago accent!

As I look at the recent CD cover “Revival in Belfast,” from which I took the Robyn Mark song “Days of Elijah,” because of the lyrics, “Here he comes riding on a cloud, shining like the sun, at the trumpet call”...and had my video guy from my publisher, Jacob, combine that with the well known video clip of Jesus breaking through the clouds on a white horse, shining like the sun, to go with my author’s Power Point presentation at the climax and ending. Since then, many have spoken about this same scripture reference, and used the same song. Not just myself. I think about “Irish” and think about Karen Lee FitzPatrick, and the message of the stairway to heaven in the cloud, then pull back fully to see the four white galloping horses in the cloud, reflecting Revelation 19:11-14 when Jesus returns victoriously to take the control of the Earth away from the Anti-Christ. Behind him are myriads of believers behind him on white horses...and what came back…went UP! I Thess. ch 4. This is truly a significant reminder to us believers, during these trying times to keep our eye on the final outcome and the final goal. So this cloud formed, over “the Messenger” young Karen Lee. The cloud rising from the ground starting at about 5:30 PM, from fire smoke, ultimately took full formation as a pure white cloud against a bright blue summer sky, at 6 PM. Photos with time code were captured by local photographer Sandor Feher, and a USFS a smokejumper plane pilot, as he flew over the site. It came to be known as the Thirtymile Fire Cloud, or “Stairway to Heaven Picture.” But then we saw the four horses. Wow. A stunning message.

Once can only contemplate that this bit of history leading up to the present, is about as complex as a study on the Bible Codes…and shouts loud and clear of an intricate design interwoven over the decades of time with various people and events, now at a climax… who now in our present time, speak and carry God’s message clearly. The Spirit of Jesus seems to whisper “Lo I am coming soon...are YOU ready, and are YOU riding behind me on a white horse?” The only question is: are we listening?

Have you written other non-fiction books?

Yes. In 2001, I released EXTREME TEEN RESCUE, a book/program for youth detention ministry which helps people who feel called to do this type of ministry in their community at their own local Youth Detention center, know how to formulate a dynamic ministry presentation of an effective bible centered approach based on my own experiences of doing this type of ministry both alone and with a team concept, since 1997. I sometimes speak and train in various locations out of state and internationally, for the Young Lion’s Youth Ministry Program. See www.younglions.org for more details. The book is available on-line at the site only.

Where on the internet can the readers find you?

http://www.karenleefitzpatrick.com/
http://www.younglions.org/
http://www.kathiefitzpatrick.com/

What kind of hobbies or leisure activities do you enjoy?

When one is a Realtor, income property owner, and also does youth ministry and writing, there isn’t much time left! I enjoy “power walking” around the neighborhood, jogging, running, going to the gym, sunbathing, gardening and listening to music and learning new songs.

Why did you write the featured book?

I realized shortly after the death of my 18 year old firefighter daughter in the now historic Thirtymile Fire of July 10, 2001, (Winthrop, WA-North Cascades) that God was trying to breathe and speak out an important message. The multiplicity of the message came through her regarding a high standard of godly living and close walk with God, and through the Holy Spirit, a message regarding the extreme nearness of the soon return of Jesus Christ, and the readiness we need to observe in our daily lives toward that.

What do you want the reader to take away from the book?

I hope that the reader can enjoy and be refreshed by the “Essence of Karen” almost as much as when she was actually here, speaking and mentoring people in person. Also, that God speaks and moves in signs and prophecy through individuals that make the sacrifice of time and purity to walk close to Him. The Song of Solomon, chapter 2 speaks of it as the Lord asks of us to “Come away my beloved” to that special place of intimacy with Him. Karen speaks of “Lilies that grow in difficult places.” This is also likened to John chapter 15 in which Jesus says, “I am the Vine and you are the branches. Together we produce much fruit. Without me you can do nothing.” It is an intimate place near the heart of God that few seem to ever find, yet it potentially, it is available to all of us. Karen Lee invites us all to “Come Away,” near to the heart of God…a journey she took at great sacrifice.

Kathy, thank you for this interesting interview.
 
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.


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 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

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THE LIGHTKEEPER'S DAUGHTER - Colleen Coble - Free Book

So good to have you back, Colleen. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

People ask that all the time! I have a strong sense of justice. I need to see right prevail against wrong. I grew up on Nancy Drew and love mysteries! It’s just the way my brain works.

And I love the way your brain works. Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

The day my granddaughter was born! I had given up hope of ever being a grammy. I adore children and lived for the day I’d hold a grandchild, but as the years went by, I realized it wasn’t going to happen. Or so I thought. I cried and cried the first time I held Alexa.

I've felt that way with each grandchild and my great grandson. How has being published changed your life?

It’s made me much more confident because I’m so sure of my purpose.

What are you reading right now?

You don’t really want to know. Oh, you do? Well, right beside me I have a Sears Catalog from 1897 and a book on interiors from the Gilded Age. Can you tell I’m doing research for my next Mercy Falls historical romantic mystery? I just finished Harlan Coben’s latest also.

I often use my 1897 Sears Catalog and my 1895 Montgomery Wards one, too, so I totally understand. What is your current work in progress?

I just turned in substantive edits on The Lightkeeper’s Bride, and I’m about to plunge into a new story. But I need a plot. And characters! I’d planned to do a contemporary next but the buzz has been so good on The Lightkeeper’s Daughter that my editor asked me to switch gears.

I'll have to put the Bride one on my schedule, too, when you let me know the pub date. What would be your dream vacation?

Hawaii with all my family! Preferably Kauai on the south side.

James and I are still hoping to go to Hawaii someday. How do you choose your settings for each book?

It has to be a place that speaks to me personally. There needs to be some element of danger to it, some sense of isolation that I can use to the story’s advantage.

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

My husband. He’s the best, most supportive husband ever!

Where would we be without those wonderful husbands? What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Traveling. Love, love, love it. Preferably to a place that involves sand and water. I would love to visit Australia someday!

Australia is also on my wish list. What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

When I’m in the middle of a book, I think it’s total garbage. I have to force myself to press on and finish the work. Then I get to do the fun stuff--edit!

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Attend the American Christian Christian Writers conference. It’s the single best thing you can do for your budding career. You’ll meet editors, agents, and writers who become lifelong friends and supporters.

Tell us about the featured book?

Addie Sullivan has grown up on the northern coast of California with her parents in a lighthouse. One day an injured stranger arrives and everything changes when she discovers someone has paid the lightkeeper to pretend she was his daughter. She wants to know her real family, the wealthy Eatons, so she goes to the house as a governess for a little boy. In that fabulous mansion, she’s set to find the love of her life if she can manage to discover the truth about her past.

I love, love, love your cover. Please give us the first page of the book.

The ship’s deck rolled under his feet, and he widened his stance to protect his balance and the toddler in his arms. Where was she? He’d been from one end of the steamer to the other. Laura was nowhere to be found. He shifted the sleeping child and eyed the black clouds hovering low on the horizon. A lighthouse winked in the darkening seascape. The wind whipped the waves into a frenzy and tore at the masts. The boat fell into a trough and the stern rose as the bow tipped. He grabbed at the railing for support. A rumble came to his ears. Thunder? Deck hands rushed by him, and he caught the faint stench of smoke.

“Fire!” a man shouted. “There’s been an explosion!”

He turned to see smoke pouring from the hold. People milled on the deck, and crewmen rushed to lower the lifeboat. Stay calm. He’d find Laura and the three of them would escape the floundering ship.

He grabbed the arm of a passing crewman and shouted over the howling wind. “The pretty woman with the red hair in a pompadour. Have you seen her?”

“She’s gone. Left first thing this morning before we left the dock. This ship is going down, mate. Get on the lifeboat now!” The man jerked his arm away.

He watched the crewman rush to help panicking passengers into the lifeboat. Gone. How could she leave without a word? Laura would never leave her child. Other people streamed by him on their way to safety, but he stood rooted to the deck until the little girl in his arms whimpered.

“Mama,” she said. “Papa.”

He glanced into her eyes, so like her mother’s. “We must get you to shore,” he said. His purpose found, he strode to the lifeboat. Wide-eyed passengers crammed every seat. Some had other people on their laps. There was no room. Not for him.

Great! Can hardly wait to reade the rest. How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is http://www.colleencoble.com/ , and my blog is http://www.girlswriteout.blogspot.com/

Thanks for some very fun questions, Lena!

And thank you for sharing this story with us. . .and for letting us get to know you better.

Readers, here's a link where you can order the book. By using this link when you order, you'll be helping support this blog.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.


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 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

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FATAL BURN - Roxanne Rustand - Free Book

Welcome back, Roxanne. I love your suspense novels. Tell us about your salvation experience.

I was baptized as a baby, and grew up with parents who were very involved in their church. Salvation was always a part of those teachings, and I grew up knowing that it was a gift for all believers. My dad actually started off in the seminary, before the World War II changed his plans, so faith was always a part of my life. It became far deeper, on a more personal level, as adult after my husband and I lost a baby. Through that tragedy my husband and I grew closer, and we also grew much closer to our faith.

How did you and your spouse meet?

In college, at a fraternity dance. Thirty-three years later, my family still gets a kick out of that story, because I'm so quiet and I don't drink at all--never have. It sounds like such an unlikely place for me to be! But if we both hadn’t been there at that moment, we probably wouldn't have ever met.

You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?

Lyn Cote, Cindy Gerard and Kylie Brant--because they are all wonderful brainstormers. I've been on plotting weekends with all three (not all at the same time) and the exchange of thoughts and ideas is always wonderful. For the fourth--Susan Elizabeth Phillips, because I just love her books. I've tried to analyze how she can pen such page turners without guns, bombs and bad guys, and I still can't define the magic within her books.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?

Honestly, I have had so many that it's hard to choose.

People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that?

People often come up and say they want to write a book, but they haven't taken a single step. I just encourage them to read voraciously and start writing regularly, even if they only have an hour a day. Invariably, they say "Oh, but I'm too busy," but if you have the desire, you'll find the time somehow.

If a person is already writing, and shows true interest, I love to steer them toward the organizations, online sites and books that can help them achieve their goals. For anyone longing to be published in inspirational fiction, ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) is an absolutely fantastic organization, and its annual conferences are amazing!

I'll agree with you on that. Tell us about the featured book?

FATAL BURN is the second book in my Big Sky Secrets series, which involves three childhood friends who experienced a terrible tragedy in childhood. Those emotional wounds affected them all in different ways. Kris, the heroine in this story, led a troubled life early on, but a newly awakened faith turned her life around. When she inherits property in Rockies, it's a chance to move away for a fresh start. After she wins a county contract, she establishes a private animal shelter there. It doesn't take long for trouble to start. Someone is after her, and they don’t just want her hurt--they want her ruined. An arsonist tries to destroy her cabin, leaving evidence suggesting she was the culprit in an insurance fraud scheme. Then a deputy is found injured at her place--and ballistics show that he was shot with her rifle. Even Trace Randall, the arson investigator who's helped her before, seems to doubt her now. She has to prove her innocence, but how? Her reputation, her life--and her chance for happiness with Trace--are all on the line.

The next book in the series will be out in June, and there will be two more books out later.

We need to feature them, too. Please give us the first page of the book.

CHAPTER 1

Kris Donaldson gripped the unfamiliar set of keys and stared down the snowy, weed-choked lane leading to Wind Hill Ranch. It held at least a foot of snow, though far less than the heavy snow pack out in the open areas.

Dusk had crawled over the rugged Montana landscape during the long drive from Battle Creek, but she'd been caught up in her disturbing memories and hadn't noticed the fading light.

And now, with heavier snow falling and narrow, twisting mountain roads behind her, it was too late to turn back.

She shuddered as she stared over the massive fallen tree blocking access to the property, its roots rising like a tangle of snakes toward the sky.

The surrounding pine forest pressed in from all sides, looming fiercely overhead. From somewhere in the gloom came the ghostly hoot of an owl, then the terrified cry of some small, unlucky creature.

Supposedly there was a house a half-mile ahead, but no welcoming security lights glimmered through the pine branches. And though the lawyer had promised to make sure the electricity had been restored, she now had her doubts.

I should have stayed in Battle Creek tonight, she muttered under her breath as she tramped through the snow to circle the tangled roots of the tree.

Here, the underbrush was less dense than at the other end. Maybe...

Climbing back in her SUV, she slowly drove over the brush, scraping between two saplings, then angled past a jagged boulder. Despite its four-wheel drive, the tires spun on the sharp incline. But then the tires grabbed and the vehicle shot up onto the lane, fish-tailing wildly for several heart-stopping seconds.

Wow! Don't stop there. How can readers find you on the Internet?

I would love to have visitors stop at my "All Creatures Great & Small Blog"...where authors and readers can share stories about their pets. I've also been running a series of articles on "The Old Horse Trader" there, and welcome anyone who would love to share some of their experiences with pets of all shapes and sizes! My website is: http://www.roxannerustand.com/  and I'm also at www.shoutlife.com/roxannerustand .

Roxanne, thank you for taking the time to let us get to know you better.

Readers, here's a link where you can order the book. By using this link when you order, you'll be supporting this blog.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.


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 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/