Monday, June 13, 2011

UNDER A DESERT SKY - DiAnn Mills - Free Book

I am thrilled to welcome my good friend, DiAnn, back to the blog. We've had her a number of times. She's one of my favorite authors. I recently read this book. I have to say that I think it may be my favorite of her books, but all her books have been awesome. The time period was different from any of her others, but she really nailed the time period and the setting. And she gave us a story that will keep you turning pages to keep up with the characters that will reach right out and grab your heart.

Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I’ve written all my life, but I’ve been writing seriously since 1996. My first book was published in 1998. I’m a full time writer, wife, mother of four grown sons, and “mimi” of two beautiful grandchildren. My husband and I work at home, and we love it. Our home is in sunny Houston, the home of heat, Harleys, and humidity. And no, I don’t own or ride motorcycles. :)

How did you become interested in writing?

I’ve always been interested in writing! But I didn’t have the self-confidence to begin writing seriously until my husband challenged me to write a book. That was the kick I needed to pursue the craft. I studied the authors I admired and respected; attending writer conferences; became active in a writer’s group; and wrote everyday.                                                                                         

What compelled you to write a book on this subject?

While visiting Ghost Ranch, New Mexico, I found myself in awe of the beauty of the high desert. I knew I must capture the experience into a romantic suspense novel.

What is the main theme or point that you want readers to understand from reading your book? Are there any other themes present in the book?

The thread of hope weaves through Under a Desert Sky. Our world is a scary place, and people are seeking ways to find hope amidst the chaos.

Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book?

1.  To look at a person’s heart instead of race or culture.
2.  To dream and dream big. If God is in the project, He will show you how to achieve your goals.

What makes your book different than any other books similar to yours that are in circulation today?

The setting is 1935, Ghost Ranch, New Mexico. My previous books have been set in the nineteenth century or the twenty-first. :)

How does the book intertwine with God’s call on your life and how you are currently serving Him?        

I write to entertain, inspire, and encourage. By writing Christian fiction, where one or more of the characters solve their problems according to a Christian worldview, I’m planting seeds of hope in believers and unbelievers.

Do you have a favorite Scripture verse?

Jeremiah 20: 9 But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

I love that one, too. When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?       

Play with grandbabies!
Garden
Cook
Read
Travel
The list goes on!

As we close, is there anything else you would like to add?

Under a Desert Sky was an opportunity for me to mix the attraction of the historical southwest in a 20th century theme. I fell in love with the area, and I believe my readers will too.

I’m sure they will. Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

I love to hear from readers!
www.diannmills.com
http://www.facebook.com/diannmills

Thank you, DiAnn, for coming by again. It's always a pleasure to host you.

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.

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 if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

39 comments:

CarlybirdH said...

I love DiAnn's books and I would love to win her new one. Thank you!
Carly (NC)

fredamans said...

I love a good ghost story and would love to read DiAnn's book. She is a new author to me. Thanks, Freda from Ontario, Canada.

DiAnn Mills said...

Thank you, Lena, for posting my interview and book review. I appreciate you. Now to see who's the winner!

Unknown said...

Thanks, Lena and DiAnn for the great interview and post. I love DiAnn Mills books and would love to win. mitzi_wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com from Peace River Country, Alberta

Charlotte Kay said...

I would love to win this book as I do love DiAnn's books so much!
Thanks for the opportunity to win it!
I am grateful!
Charlotte Kay, OHIO

PatriciaW said...

I have to throw my name in for this one. DiAnn writes such beautiful books. I'm a big fan.

pwriter1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Unknown said...

Oh I love DiAnn Mills - one of my absolute favorite authors! Can't wait to read this latest book of her's! Thanks for the chance to win!
Kari in ORegon

Rebecca said...

Thank you so much for the chance to win this book. It looks great. I would love to read this. Thanks again.

I am from Oklahoma.

agent_beckster(at)yahoo(dot)com

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

I so love DiAnn's books I have read several! I would love to win her new one! Please enter me.

I posted this to my blog:
http://dancealertreads.blogspot.com/2011/06/christian-writers-world-characters-who_13.html

Brenda from Michigan
dancealert at aol dot com

Coolestmommy said...

Looks like another incredible read from DiAnn Mills.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

Michelle said...

Sounds like a very good book.

mchapman (at) windstream (dot) net

Kentucky

Patsy said...

Diann, my hobbies include my grandbaby also! I only have one, but he is sooo sweet. Like you I also love to cook and read. I really enjoy baking.

Your book sounds great! Would love to read it.
From the Bible Belt

plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

apple blossom said...

Oh, please include me thanks

live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Mona G./Oh said...

That is a favorite Bible verse of mine too. Please enter my info to win this book.

Miss Mona/Oh

Leah said...

This book looks great!!
I love DiAnn's books. My favorite series was the Call of Duty series.
Thanks for this giveaway!!
015browneyes(at)gmail(dot)com
WI

Lourdes said...

Oh can't wait to read DiAnn's book. I love all her books. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

Lourdes from Long Island

Krista said...

I cannot wait to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway!

Krista from Gresham, OR

Abigail Mitchell said...

I Love Diann's books, and would love to win this book.
Abigail Richmond
Blanch, N.C.

Judy said...

I loved the interview with DiAnn. She is a new author to me and I would love to read her books. Thank you for giving me the chance to win, "Under A Desert Sky".

judyjohn2004[at]yahoo[dot]com

Courtney said...

Loved the interview and I've never heard of this author but DiAnn's book sounds really great. Please enter me in the drawing!

Courtney (WA)

misskallie2000 said...

Enjoyed the interview DiAnn and can't wait to read "Under A Desert Sky". Thanks for stopping by to chat and share with us.
Please enter me in the giveaway Lena.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

I live in Central Georgia..

A J Hawke said...

Hi Diann,

Having read your historicals as well as your contemporary fiction, I'm interested to read this one set in a different era for you.

Thanks for the opportunity for a giveaway.

A J Hawke
Texas

Anonymous said...

The book sounds wonderful!

srstormo at yahoo dot com
I live in Texas

A. Carpenter said...

Love your books,sure hope I win this one.....Angie/OH

DEDE'S GRANDMA said...

This is my kind of books, hope I win this one...thanks

DeDe's Grandma/Illinois

Deborah said...

Dianna's books are always good reads and I've been looking forward to reading this one.

Deborah in VA

Wendy said...

I enjoy Diann's books - thanks for offering it.
Buffalo, MN

Jo said...

I have read a few of DiAnn's books and enjoyed them. Would love the opportunity to win this one.

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

Jackie S. said...

I am a NE Georgia reader who loves Diann's books...please enter me for this one! Thanks!!!

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read diann's latest novel

karenk
pennsylvania

kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Sarah said...

Would love to win!

Sarah H.
Oklahoma

scottsgal said...

Love the title of this book!
Thanks for the chance
cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com

holdenj said...

Would love to win this, looks like a great setting and story! Thanks!
Julie from MN

Ann Lee Miller said...

I love DiAnn's writing. Thanks for the chance to win her book.

Ann Lee Miller
Gilbert AZ

Bakersdozen said...

I love DiAnn's books and would love to win. I live in S. CA.

peachykath said...

This book sounds really interesting. Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you.

peachykath79[at]yahoo[dot]com

Katherine from Northern California

Cindy W. said...

I love DiAnn's work and would love to be entered to win Under a Desert Sky...I love the cover art. Thank you for the chance to win.

Smiles,
Cindy W. from Indiana

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Kristie said...

This book sounds great!! Very unusual time period for this author. Interesting. I'm from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

Merry said...

Beautiful cover and setting. I'd love to be included in the drawing for Under a Desert Sky.
Merry in TX