Monday, January 10, 2011

DIGITALIS - Ronie Kendig - Free Book

Special note to readers: Some of you aren't really reading the instructions at the end of the post. I only ask you for one thing to enter besides the comment and your name, and it isn't your email address.

I'm really pumped to be featuring my friend Ronie Kendig with her second book in the Discarded Heroes series. This is one woman who writes books that can be enjoyed by men and women equally. They fairly sing off the page and keep you breathless as you read. And Digitalis is no exception. Welcome, Ronie. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?



God’s absolutely amazing—He repeatedly blows me away with the unexpected and even the expected usually has a nice God-twist that brings a big smile to my face. I’m finishing up the Discarded Heroes series. It’s my hope to write another military-based series and eventually, I’d love to write a spy series, since I love intrigue.


And you write it so well. Tell us a little about your family.


My husband, Brian, and I have been married for twenty years. He truly is the hero I write about every day. Our eldest daughter is a senior, our youngest daughter is a freshman, and our twins are eleven years old. We homeschool and the boys are in Scouts.


I love your family, too. Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?


I guess in a way, it made me a bit more particular about what I read. Since I’ve gone through the trials, the editing, the reviews, the critics. . .in a way I’m less critical about what I read (because now I see there are so many editors, etc. who have gone through a book) and try to be more encouraging and supportive (being an author is TOUGH—there are plenty of people who are willing to shred a book; I’d rather not be one of them).


I so agree with that, Ronie. What are you working on right now?


I’m working on Discarded Heroes #4, Firethorn. I’m really excited to plunge into this deadly game of intrigue and sabotage as Griffin hunts down the saboteur, while battling his own demons of mistrust and pride.


What outside interests do you have?


I love genealogy, cross-stitch, and decorating. Really, anything I can do with my hands, is an “interest” to me.


How do you choose your settings for each book?


The settings are generally chosen by the character and the story, meaning which location is the character from, or which location holds the haunting past or the daunting future for the story. I love to take my readers around the globe and introduce new elements, all the while keeping the focus on our great nation—America!


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


The first person who came to mind is Ronald Reagan—he was such a stalwart, so resolute in his beliefs. He led the country with faith, integrity and honor, and he had this gentle spirit about him. My husband and I admire him so much, we named one of our twins after him—Reagan.

James and I admired President Reagan, too. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?


That signing with my “dream” agent and getting my first contract would not a success make. LOL Seriously, I had ambition and dogged determination, but I just don’t know that I realized what I was doing by pursuing publication. Don’t get my wrong, I’m very content to be an author and I know why I’m doing this now, but I am not really sure I knew why—at least not in an enduring way—I wanted to write besides the fact that I loved it. Also, I wish I’d been more aware that it would be a hard slog to the “finish” line, which is really the “beginning” line. Yet, on a positive note, I’ve gained some of the best friends—friends of the heart—that I have ever known, who have kept me encouraged and laughing.


What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?


That the negative people in my life only have the power I give them, that “happiness” is MY choice. I have to decide if I’m going to let something eat at me, or whether I’m going to move on without it. This might sound elementary, but I’ve had a really tough time, and being a people pleaser by nature, I’ve had to regroup my thoughts, goals, and priorities.


That's a very important lesson to learn. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?


Remember WHY you are writing—because God gave you a gift, and you honor him by writing (not by getting published, not by reaching others, but through the simple act of using that gift). Second, do your best. If you can send a book in and say “that’s my best,” (and I’m not talking about a perfect product, but that you gave it your all), then leave it alone. Because, third, the rest—the success, the accolades, or the non-presence of those—is up to God. Rest in peace with that. Trust Him and what He’s doing. Otherwise, you’re going to be torn up and burned out.


Now tell us about the featured book.


Colton Neeley left his military career to take care of his four-year old daughter. Although he’s firm in his faith now, the repercussions of his former life are still evident—namely in the form of his daughter and his debilitating flashbacks from combat-related trauma. Can he muster the courage to step out of his self-imposed isolation and embrace the new woman in his life?


Piper Blum is hiding—from life and the assassins bent on destroying her family. Although smitten by Colton, she fears the day he discovers her secrets. Does their relationship, built on a foundation of lies, have a chance?


When an attempt on Piper’s life leads to another’s death, the black ops group Nightshade steps into the line of fire. Will Colton and Piper survive the mission with their love—and lives—intact? Will love cover their multitude of sins?


Okay, readers, that ought to grab your attention. Ronie, please give us the first page of the book.


Chapter One
Fifteen months later . . .

One shot. One kill.

The sniper’s motto streaked through Colton Neeley’s mind as he lay with his arm folded under the stock of his Remington 700. Dampness soaked into his sleeve, evidence of the swampy terrain. He eased his hand toward the trigger well. A bead of sweat rolled down his temple and slid past his eye pressed to the scope.


“Tangos en route and twenty yards,” whispered his spotter, Marshall “the Kid” Vaughn, from his four o’clock position.

“Roger that.” Synchronization between him and the Kid helped Colton focus on the mission. Peering past the crosshairs, he watched their team leader three-quarters of a mile away signaling a heads-up to the others.

Colton gently nudged his weapon, sighting the guerillas trekking north of the team. If all went well—which the elite team of former spec ops soldiers would ensure it did—they’d be on a C-130 back to the States and out of this mosquito-infested jungle by morning. He’d already spent thirty-six hours longer than he wanted in the vegetation. It’d rained for the first twenty, leaving him drenched and cold. But crawling in early gave them the advantage of locating the guerilla group and their objectives.


Once again, he verified the position of the team. Nothing would ruin a mission like friendly fire taking out one of their own. At his two, he sighted Frogman hunkered down next to a boulder. Greased up, Max Jacobs had the perpetual scowl that marked him as the man in charge—and a grump. Nobody minded. The former Navy SEAL had come through a lot.

Behind him slunk Canyon “Midas” Metcalfe, probably the sanest of the group, even if he was once a Green Beret. And they forgave him for that.

“Heads up, Frogman,” the Kid whispered into his coms, alerting the team. “Six headed your way for a party.”


Checking his nine gave Colton a close-up of Griffin Riddell, his Marine Special Operations Team buddy, as he took up point. Even from this distance, their movements felt silent, deadly. Nightshade had a phenomenal record, but nobody took that for granted. Each mission could be their last.

“Target,” called his spotter. “Sector B, TRP-1, right fifty, add fifty.”

Colton harnessed his energy and mind on the mission. He had an excellent shot-kill ratio, and he wanted to keep it that way. Mishaps exponentially increased the chances of being spotted and sniped back. In other words, dead.


“Roger,” he replied as shadows morphed into solid shapes of Cuban rebels and their exhausted captives. His objective was the leader. “Sector B, TRP-1, right fifty, add fifty.” The repetitive dialogue gave him an added measure of comfort.

“Dumb and bald soldier, M-16 in right hand, cigarette in left.”

Leave it to the Kid to give a snarky description. But he was right. The leader had taken the hostages into a jungle easy to maneuver and hide in, but also one easy to track. “Dumb and bald soldier, M-16 in right hand, cigarette in left.” Colton took a minute to assess the man behind the crosshairs. “Target identified.” He measured the marks on the vertical bar. “I have two mils crotch to head.”


“Roger, two mils crotch to head.” Leaves on their ghillie suits and the low-hanging branches rustled as the Kid made his calculations. Air crackled beneath the gentle urging of the wind. “Dial five hundred on the gun.”

Colton adjusted the optics. “Roger, five hundred on the gun. Indexed.”

“Wind right to left, six miles an hour, hold one-quarter mil right.”

“Roger, wind right to left six miles an hour, hold one-quarter mil right.”

“Take the shot.”


And the story races from there. How can readers find you on the Internet?


Main website: http://www.roniekendig.com/
Discarded Heroes website: http://www.discardedheroes.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ronie.kendig
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/roniekendig


Ronie, thank you for another wonderful interview.
 
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.



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

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.

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45 comments:

Sylvia said...

I'm from NC and loved reading the first book and have been looking forward to this one. The first chapter was very intriguing!

nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

Julia M. Reffner said...

I'm from upstate NY and would love to read this one.

julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

Giveaway Lady said...

I would love tow in this book! I already have a copy but want to get one for my sister. Please enter me:) Thanks!

esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com
Nauvoo, IL

Lourdes said...

Definitely looking forward to reading this book. Really enjoyed the interview.

Huntington, NY (Long Island)

Debbie said...

I've enjoyed the author's previous books, and I'd love to win this one to read.

I'm from northern Arkansas.

--Debbie

Charlotte Kay said...

This is a new author for me!
I would love to win this book:)
Thanks for the opportunity to do so!
Blessings and Smiles,
Charlotte Kay
Ohio
charsaltz at yahoo dot com

Ronie Kendig said...

Thanks, Lena, for having me over for a cozy chat about Digitalis! Thanks everyone for signing up to win!

Anonymous said...

Nice interview. I would like to win a copy of this book.Please enter me.


Angela from Kentucky

I hope I did this right.......

Lisa said...

Love the interview and would love to win a copy!! From frozen Wisconsin.
bluejay(at)hwyman(dot)com

Cindy said...

Wow, this is my first exposure to Ronie and the book sounds fantastic. I would love the chance to win.

From Nashville, TN - Cindy
thesbgirls(at)comcast(dot)net

A J Hawke said...

From snowy Texas today,
I look forward to reading Digitalis.

A J Hawke

Anonymous said...

I would love to read this book. Miriam from Ohio

Linda Kish said...

I would love to read this book. I am from So Cal.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Ann Lee Miller said...

I'm from Gilbert, Arizona. Thanks for the chance to win.
Ann Lee Miller

MaureenT said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Cindy W. said...

Oh, I so want to win a copy of Digitalis. Thank you for the opportunity.

I live in Auburn, Indiana.

Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

misskallie2000 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
misskallie2000 said...

Sorry, forgot to say I live in GA.

Wow, I have not read any of Ronie's books but this one is very intense. If this first chapter is an indication of the fantistic writing for the entire story I have to read. I would love to win. Great interview and will be adding to my wish list.
Thanks for stopping by to share and chat with us Ronie.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Jo said...

I would love to read this book. I am from Sahuarita, AZ

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Katie Marie said...

Ohh! I'd love to win this book! I live in Florida!

~ Katy

Judylynn said...

Thanks for the chance to win this book!

Judylynn in East Tennessee

windycindy said...

What an intriguing story line!
I really enjoyed your interview
with Ronie Kendig...
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Anne Payne said...

Oh Yeah! This one is going to be good :) Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.

Anne, NC

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

Please enter me! I am a follower

I'm a subsciber


dancealert at aol dot com

Judy said...

I love the excerpt of the book and would like to win it!
I live in Aberdeen, New Jersey.
judy49[at]aol[dot]com

Patsy said...

This book sounds great. Love the cover. Looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the giveaway.
From Southern US
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Coolestmommy said...

Wow, wow, wow!!! Can't wait to read the rest! The first page is a gripper.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

Unknown said...

i am living in Arizona, and would love to win this book. thanks for highlighting Ronie...this is the type of books i can really get into.

Kristen said...

Ohh, sounds intriguing!
Please enter me
Kristen from washington state

Michelle V said...

I love this series and can't wait to read this one!!

Michelle V from Texas

Anonymous said...

Great post. I love your work and been waiting for this book. I read the first in this series and couldn't say enough about it. I live in NC,close to the Outer Banks,which is about two hrs away.Have a Blessed week!

Rachel Rossano said...

I am from CT and I would love to read this book. :)

Carman said...

I want to read this series so badly! Love the titles by the way. Very cool! Please enter me. :)

I live in the midwest.

Unknown said...

It's very cold today in Arlington, TX; in fact snow is around us, but we haven't had much here. Enjoyed Ronie's interview and the cover of her book appears sternly military. That's meant as a compliment - don't allow yourself to show emotion, moods or thoughts. WOW, the first chapter is exciting and will lead to much more. Well done, Ronie. Thanks for Digitalis as your giveaway and for the chance to win it. I hope I win it.

Blessings,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read this fabulous novel.

karenk (from PA)
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Absolutely loved the first book of this series. Have the second one on my to be read list and this one sounds just as great. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

Dawn from Virginia

Trinity Rose said...

Been really wanting to read this book. Thanks for the interview and giveaway.
Many blessings,
Trinity Rose from OH
wandaelaine at gmail dot com

cynthia said...

I'm from California. I agree with your statement about us choosing what to do with negative comments. I need to remember to not let what others say stew inside of me. Thanks for the reminder.

grannyvon said...

I love a mystery and an on the edge book is my cup of tea. I would love to win this one. ybutler@oppcatv.com

Renee said...

I'm from upstate NY. Please enter me. reneeasmith61 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Bakersdozen said...

I like the author's comment that negative people have only the power that you give them. I live in S. California vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com

May the K9 Spy (and KC Frantzen) said...

This looks like a great read. Count me in from middle Tennessee please!

may at maythek9spy dot com

rbooth43 said...

What an amazing story line of a man's military career to take care of his four-year old daughter. The repercussions of his military life and his debilitating flashbacks from combat-related trauma has to be very compelling. How he overcomes this and finds love through God's help has me intrigued. I really enjoyed your interview with Ronie Kendig and am looking forward to reading Digitalis.
Thanks,
Rebecca in NC

Sylvia said...

Please remove my name from this giveaway. I have won the book at a different site. Thank you.

nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

Nancye said...

This book sounds very interesting! Thanks for the chance.

Nancye in KY
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net