Tuesday, September 27, 2011

HIGHLAND SANCTUARY - Jennifer Hudson Taylor, Free Book


I've been eagerly awaiting the release of this novel. I was privileged to read the manuscript for endorsement. It's a marvelous read. Welcome, Jennifer. Why do you write the kind of books you do?
I write what I enjoy reading, historical Christian fiction. I prefer a variety of settings in America and Europe, as well as time periods from medieval to the 1950’s.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
It’s a tie between the day we were married and our daughter was born.

How has being published changed your life?
I spend a lot more time writing because now I have deadlines. People think of me as an author, not someone chasing an impossible dream as some did before. Also, I spend lots of time on promotion.

What are you reading right now?
A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman and Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs.

What is your current work in progress?
A Quaker historical set in 1858 North Carolina. It’s called A Path of Promise.

What would be your dream vacation?
An extended trip to Europe where I could visit all the historical sites and famous places of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

How do you choose your settings for each book?
It depends. Sometimes I get an idea for a story and I know exactly where I’d like it to be set. Other times, I have to research different places until I find something that fits with the storyline, time period and events that might take place.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
Billy Graham. I’ve always enjoyed his ministry and he comes from a generation that is slowly leaving us.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?
Long walks, bike riding, ice skating, traveling when the opportunity affords itself, and visiting historical sites.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Time—I just keep working to make more time.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?
Don’t give up.

Tell us about the featured book.
Gavin MacKenzie, a chieftain heir who is hired to restore the ancient Castle of Braigh, discovers a hidden village of outcasts who have created their own private sanctuary from the world. Among them is Serena Boyd, a mysterious and comely lass, who captures Gavin’s heart in spite of harboring a deadly past that could destroy her future.

The villagers happen to be keeping an intriguing secret as well. When a fierce enemy launches an attack against them, greed leads to bitter betrayal. As Gavin prepares a defense, the villagers unite in a bold act of faith, showing how God’s love is more powerful than any human force on earth.

Please give us the first page of the book.
Chapter One

Scotland, 1457
The ordeal over, fragmented tremors still quaked through Evelina Broderwick's body. She gazed down at her new daughter. Now, she'd finally have someone who would truly love her. Tiny fingers curled. Evelina marveled at the wee nails. The other hand tightened into a fist and flew into the bairn’s mouth as she sucked on her knuckles.

“She’s beautiful is she not?” Tears clouded Evelina’s vision, overwhelming her by the magnitude of God’s gift of life.

Gunna, her wet nurse, peered closer at the babe swaddled in a warm blanket. “Aye, she is at that.”

“I believe I shall call her Serena after my Spanish grandmother. The lass has an English da and a Scottish mither—a mixture of noble blood from three countries.”

“Not a verra common name here in the lowlands,” Gunna’s round cheeks swelled in a smile as she nodded in agreement, “but lovely just the same.”
The bedchamber door swung open, casting dim light from the hallway candles. The shadow of a man’s tall frame bounced on the dark pine walls. Evelina tensed as her husband, Devlin Broderwick strode in with his usual frown. A dent marred his forehead. He towered over the bedside.

The midwife followed him and stood at the foot of the bed, folding her hands in front of her. The woman appeared to be in her mid-fifties, personally chosen by Devlin and quite loyal to the Broderwick family. Her dark gaze traveled from Evelina to Gunna and down at the infant.

“I’ve heard the unfortunate news.” Devlin’s sharp tone cut through the room like a blade through a gentle lamb.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing this with us.

Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Highland Sanctuary


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.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

31 comments:

Wendy Newcomb said...

Thank you for the giveaway, I live in Florida.

wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

Coolestmommy said...

I loved the book Highland Blessings. Sounds like this one will be just as excellent.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

apple blossom said...

would love to be entered in this book giveaway thanks
I live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Jennifer Taylor said...

Thanks for stopping by and joining us!

Robyn, I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed Highland Blessings. Thank you for letting me know!

Rebecca said...

This book looks absolutely amazing. I would love to win this.

I am from Oklahoma.

karenk said...

would love to read jennifer's latest novel...thanks for the chance :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
(i'm from pennsylvania)

Patsy said...

I really enjoy reading books set in older time periods. This one sounds really good. Love Jennifer's dress!

from South MS

plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Patty said...

Sounds great, sign me up!

Patty in SC

Lorna Faith said...

Jennifer I loved your book 'Highland Blessings!' You write with such great descriptions and language... I was immersed:) I would love to read 'Highland Sanctuary.'

Please enter my name in the giveaway:)

Lorna from Alberta

lornafaith at gmail dot com

scottsgal said...

Quaker time period - haven't read a lot from that genre - looking forward to this one
cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com

Anonymous said...

I would love to win a copy of this book. Thank You for the chance.

Jennifer Taylor said...

Patsy, There doesn't seem to be as many novels set in the 15th century. I really like them for a refreshing change as well.

Jennifer Taylor said...

Lorna, Thank you! So glad you enjoyed Highland Blessings. I loved writing them both.

Jennifer Taylor said...

Cheryl,

We could definitely use some more Quaker novels on the shelves. My mother's family were Quakers. Our Frazier line were Scottish Quakers--so you know a Scottish Quaker novel is coming at some point. HINT! HINT!

In the meantime, I have a Quaker novella coming out in Feb called Quakers of New Garden.

Judy said...

This sounds like a good read. I'd love to win a copy of this book.

Blessings!

Judy B from Indiana

Diana Flowers said...

I love Scottish books! Thanks for the giveaway!

Diana from SC

dianalflowers[at]aol[dot]com

Pamela J said...

It's been a long time since I rode a bike and even longer since ice skating. Don't know if I could do either anymore.
That first page sure grabbed me.. wanted to turn the page. It about took my breath wondering what the next sentence or page will hold. Please enter me.
I live in southern Colorado.

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

It looks very interesting!
Please enter me in the drawing.
God Bless,
Sarah Richmond
Blanch,N.C.

Nathanael Richmond said...

Looks interesting!
Please enter me in the drawing,would love to win.
Nathanael Richmond
Blanch, NC.

Melissa Jagears said...

Never give up is turning out to be very necessary advice. :)
KS

Abigail Mitchell said...

Looks interesting. I love historical books. Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks and God Bless!
Abigail Richmond
Blanch, N.C.

Sharon Richmond said...

Sounds like a great story! I love reading and would love to win this book! Thanks and God bless.
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.

Joanna Richmond said...

sounds Like a very interesting Book. I would love to read. please enter me. Joanna Richmond,
Blanch NC.

Linda Cacaci said...

Please enter me in the drawing. I would love to read this book.
Linda Cacaci
LinCaca3@aol.com

Amy said...

Looking forward to reading this book. Count me in. I am from Ohio.

sweetdarknectar at gmail dot com

Angela - Bookaunt said...

Thank you for the chance to win. I live in Florida

griperang at embarqmail dot com

A.Jones said...

Sounds interesting- especially because of the setting and time. Please enter me in the giveaway!

Aizess

I live in New York

rubynreba said...

I'm from Iowa and would enjoy this book.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Katie Marie said...

Ohhhh! I'd dearly love to win a copy of this book. I am the proud owner of Jennifer's first book, Highland Blessing, and would love to add this one to my bookshelf!!! :-)

Katie from Florida

Merry said...

I've been waiting for Jennifer's follow up to Highland Blessings! Add me please.
Merry in TX

Kristie said...

I have never read a book set in the Highlands so this would be a first. Sounds great! I'm from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.