Thursday, August 04, 2011

LOVE FINDS YOU IN BRANSON, MISSOURI - Gwen Ford Faulkenberry - Free Book

Welcome, Gwen. Why do you write the kind of books you do?
I write devotional books as well as novels.  I feel very blessed that doors in both of these genres have been opened to me, because I love writing both non-fiction and fiction.  The devotions are mostly drawn from my own spiritual journey, and the inspiration the Lord gives me along the way through my family, my job, my personal struggles and triumphs.  It’s a good way to process my life, and hopefully share something the Lord gives me, with others.  The novels are more of a creative escape.  I love to tell stories that entertain people and hopefully make them think.  I believe fiction writing is a great way to be a truth teller in the world.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life? 
I guess it’s a four-way tie between my wedding day and the days each of my three children were born.

How has being published changed your life? 
Sometimes I feel like Cinderella at the ball.  So many people dream of writing books and getting published, and the reality is that very few people ever have the opportunity.  I am very blessed.

What are you reading right now?
I always have several books going at once.  I’m reading Homer’s Iliad for a class I teach, Rob Bell’s Love Wins, Brennan Manning’s Ruthless Trust, Marilynne Robinson's Housekeeping, and just for fun, Water for Elephants.

What is your current work in progress? 
I am working on a book called 101 Days of Thankfulness.

What would be your dream vacation? 
A year-long paid vacation around the world for my whole family.

I'd love that kind of vacation, too. How do you choose your settings for each book?
Well, I chose the Romeo, Colorado, title from a list because I thought it sounded really cool.  I’m an English professor so I thought it would have a nice Shakespeare angle.  (It didn’t, by the way.)  But mostly I like writing about places in the south—and for me Branson counts as southern—because I am from the south, and utterly in love with it.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
Don’t laugh, but maybe Oprah.  I bet she could help me sell lots of books.   J

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?
I play the piano and a few other instruments.  I like to sing.  And I like to cook.  Mostly, I like spending time with my family.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Time is the biggest obstacle for me.  I work full-time and I have three kids.  Being a good mother is the most important thing in my life so writing comes after that—I keep a lot of late hours.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?
Write.  Just write.

Tell us about the featured book.
Love Finds You in Branson, Missouri, is really both a contemporary and historical novel.  Ellie Heinrichs wants to get out of Missouri and make the big time as an actress on Broadway.  Instead, she lands a part in The Shepherd of the Hills outdoor drama in Branson.  To help Ellie get in touch with her “inner hillbilly”, her mother gives her the gift of her great-grandmother’s diary, which she must translate from the German.  Readers are drawn into Ellie’s grandmother’s story of a pioneer girl who must chose between love and responsibility to her family.  As Ellie becomes romantically involved with her director, she also draws closer to God.  Soon she too must make a choice.  The two stories weave together for a surprising ending.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Prologue
26 August 1887
My heart within me is sick and sad. I fear—no, it’s more than mere fearing—I know I have made the wrong choice. But what else could I do with so many people depending on me? Lives I love hanging in the balance?

Perhaps one day I will believe what Ms. Barrett-Browning says: that it is “better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” Heidi tells me so, trying to comfort me, and I want to believe her. But today I cannot see it. Today love is a plague, a curse. For love found me in Branson, Missouri, when I was least expecting it. I wasn’t looking. I never dreamed it would come looking for me. Me! A simple hill coun­try girl! And for a brief, shining moment, all the world opened up like a rose. Things I’d never imagined possible, heights of joy I’d never known seemed all within my grasp when I held him in my arms.

I thought that love could last forever. But now, as suddenly as it bloomed, that rose lies dry and dead on the ground. What’s worst of all—I cut it down with my own hands. I know it’s a sin, but I wish I could die too.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
I’m on facebook at  Gwendolann Adell Ford Faulkenberry, 
or they can email me at gfaulkenberry@hotmail.com

Thank you for stopping by, Gwen.

Readers, 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 4 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.

44 comments:

Deborah said...

i see ads on TV for visiting Branson all the time. I really enjoyed Gwen's last LFY book so i'm looking forward to reading this one as well.

Deborah in VA

Anonymous said...

I love Branson. I would love to win a copy of this book.
angela from ky

Anonymous said...

Gwen, I can relate to the time restraints. I work full time, go to college full time and have a 7 yr old son. Plus I read and review books for my blog. So writing doesn't usually come first. Although I hope someday it will. It feels SO good when I have time to sit and write! :) Best of luck to you!
Salena
Texas

Unknown said...

This book looks so good! Can't wait to read it and would love to win a copy!
Thanks,
Kari in ORegon

Marianne said...

Thanks Lena and Gwen for a super interview and giveaway. I've never been to Branson, so would love to read and learn about it. mitzi_wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com from Peace River Country, Alberta

apple blossom said...

love to win this LFY book

ABreading4fun [at] mail [dot] com

apple blossom said...

oops forgot to put in first comment I live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] mail [dot] com

Wendy said...

I love the 'Love Finds You' books. Thanks for offering this one.
Wendy
buffalo, MN

scottsgal said...

I agree a trip around the world would be awesome
thanks for the chance
cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com

Wendy Newcomb said...

Would love to have this book, love Branson, MO.

wfnren at aol dot com

Rebecca said...

I would love to win this. This looks like a great book. Thanks so much.

I am from Oklahoma.

agent_beckster(at)yahoo(dot)com

Linda Kish said...

I would love to read this book.

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Gwen Ford Faulkenberry said...

Lena,
It's always fun to chat with you on the blog, and I find such kindred spirits among your readers. Thanks for having me! Anad Salena Stormo, you certainly have a great name for a writer! I'd love to see your blog too.
Blessings to all--Gwen

Patsy said...

I love this series! I have never been to Branson but it sounds like a great place!

From: Mississippi

plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Judy said...

I enjoyed the interview with Gwen. I would love to win a copy of "Love Finds You In Branson, Missouri.

Judy B from Indiana

Coolestmommy said...

Love the LFY series. I think a story written in both past and present would be a fascinating way to see Branson then and now.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

Krista said...

Sounds like a good book. Please enter me.

Krista from Gresham, OR

Maggie Carr said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Maggie Carr said...

Love Finds You in Romeo, Colorado was delightful. I could relate to Graeme, having grown up with asthma as well. My husband and I honeymooned in Branson three years ago. What a great setting for a book. Thanks for a chance to win.
Maggie, Northern Indiana

Abigail Mitchell said...

Enter me in the contest.
Abigail Richmond
Blanch, N.C.

JJ said...

I live in Georgia. thanks gahome2mom/at/gmail/dot/com

Rose said...

Your book sounds fantastic!!!
Rose From WA

Ellie W said...

Would love to win a copy, the heroine has a wonderful name, for starters ;-) And contemporary stories that look back to history have always fascinated me. I live in New Zealand - hope I'm eligible! Ellie, NZ

Debbie Clark said...

I have nver been as far east as Missouri. The farthest I have been is Minnesota & up to Ontario Canada where my mother was born & raised. To me Missouri is where the Oregon Trail began. I would love to visit. I live near the end of the Oregon Trail in Oregon, near Oregon City.
I would love to winLFYI Branson, Missouri. Thanks for the chance to win.
Debbie Clark
debbiemcla(at)msn(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Thisbook sounds very good.I would love to read it.I love the article....I enjoy reading about the authors.I am from North Carolina....Thanks...jackie _tessnair@yahoo.com

wmmahaney said...

Love the interview. I love how she uses the Grandmother's journal in the story. It really got my interest, and I will have to try this book.
Wendy in Michigan

Anonymous said...

New to your blog and loving it. I love LFY books, thank you for the interview and Thanks for offering us the opportunity to win this book. Please enter my name in the drawing.
Many Blessings, Marie from good Ole VA.
angelsofmyeye ( at) yahoo ( dot) com

peachykath said...

Can't wait to get a copy of this book. I have enjoyed traveling the country and through time with the Love finds you series. Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you.

Katherine from Northern California

holdenj said...

It sounds like a great book! I like the idea of the contemporary and historical aspect of it! Thanks!
Julie in MN

Anonymous said...

Ilead...WOW!! I would love to win this book, being from MO I'm sure I would love it!
Blessings,
Kelly in Virginia

Roanna said...

I like the cover of the book. It's pretty, and well... I like pretty covers. Also, the story sounds interesting.
Please enter me. Thanks!
Roanna from Ohio

Henrimomof4 said...

I have been waiting for this book to come out ever since I found out Gwen was writing it. I loved the first one, and so did my teenage daughter.

Henri - AR

Ms. Mona said...

Sounds like a great book Gwen....I always wanted to go to Chicago to see Oprah....but she never chose my letter....Would love to win this book Thanks, Ms. Mona/Ohio

Jo said...

We have been wanting to visit Branson and hoping to make it there next year. I enjoy reading the Love Finds You books and enjoy reading books from the late 1800's/early 1900's. Please enter me.

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

Cindy W. said...

Oh my gosh! I love the LFY books and I love Branson, MO. The concept of being contemporary and historical is a definite plus as well. When I visited Branson, many years ago, I saw The Shepard of the Hills outdoor play and thoroughly enjoyed it. I would absolutely love to win a copy of Love Finds You in Branson, MO. Thank you for the chance.

I live in Auburn, Indiana.

Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Thanks for offering this book. Please enter me in the contest. I'm a big fan of Love finds you books.
Marie from Virginia
angelsofmyeye (at) yahoo (dot) com

Anonymous said...

I told my husband recently that I would love to go to Branson Missouri! They have the best entertainment there.
I am a follower gfc and an email subscriber. Brenda from Michigan

dancealert at aol dot com

Kristie said...

I agree with you about your dream vacation. I love the Love Finds You series. They are all very well written. The historical diary is a nice twist. Should be a good read. Take care. I'm from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

Cyndi said...

I, too, agree with you about your dream vacation! I'd even be satisfied with taking an RV all around the US... but I don't see that happening any sooner than around the world. lol

I LOVE Branson! I saw your book in Sam's the other day and it looks great! (I had to wait to get it.) I look forward to reading it... one way or the other. :)

Cyndi in AL

Courtney said...

I'd love to win this book, it sounds really great! Thanks!

Courtney from WA state

kcmelone at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

I love reading Love Finds You stories and can't wait to read your story Gwen. Thanks for the interview and excerpt from the book.
Thanks for this opportunity to enter giveaway Lena.

I live in the state of Georgia.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Merry said...

LFY in Branson, Missouri sounds like an awesome summer read. Diaries always add an interesting look into a character's heart. Please add me.
Merry in TX

Philip Davis said...

Maybe you don't expect to hear from men, but I'm looking forward to reading this as well because I am not only well acquainted with Branson (having worked there for four seasons for the Herschend Corporation), but also "The Shepherd of the Hills" is one of my all-time favorite books. A first edition of it is a prized possession of mine.

Charity U said...

Please enter me! Branson isn't so far from where I live!

Charity, NE