WARRING SPIRITS - April W. Gardner - Free Book

Welcome back, April. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I write fiction, because it’s the perfect outlet for my creative mind.

I write Christian fiction, because that’s who I am. Anything else wouldn’t glorify God.

I write historical Christian fiction, because nothing teaches us about the present better than the past.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

The days my children were born. I’d say my wedding day, but marrying the man of my dreams was trumped by having children with him. J

How has being published changed your life?

It’s gotten busier. LOL. Way busier.

What are you reading right now?

I’m so glad you asked because I’m thoroughly enjoying the book I’m reading, which is Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes. Historical fiction at it’s best!

Yes. I was privileged to read that book for endorsement. It’s awesome. What is your current work in progress?

I have several WIPs in various stages of development, but the most advanced is a novel I’m co-writing with Michelle Massaro. It’s been a blast working with her!

What would be your dream vacation?

A road trip across the U.S. stopping at every national park along the way.

When we were younger, James and I would have enjoyed that. I’m more into flying these days. How do you choose your settings for each book?

It must be a unique, unexplored event in history. I work my characters around the major event. That’s what you call a plot-driven novel!

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

I’d spend it with my USAF husband who I see far too little of these days. The Air Force keeps him busy at his desk “fighting the Taliban,” as he jokingly puts it. Oh, for a date night!

And we appreciate everything he does for us. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Does cleaning the house count? Grin. It’s what I do most while not reading and writing.

Apart from that, we enjoy visiting every national park we come across.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

My biggest obstacle is a perfectionism. It can completely stall my writing. I overcome it by barreling ahead and telling myself I can always fix the “bad” writing later.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Don’t write for others. Write the story God has placed on your heart.

Tell us about the featured book.

Warring Spirits is book 2 in my Creek Country Saga. Here is the back cover copy:

In 1816 Georgia, escaped slaves control the land just beyond the American border in Las Floridas. Lost somewhere between white and black worlds, Milly follows hope to the only place that can offer her refuge—the place Georgians are calling Negro Fort. The first, sweet taste of freedom convinces Milly that surrender is not an option. Death would be more welcome.

Major Phillip Bailey has orders to subdue the uprising and return the runaways to their masters. Forced to fight alongside Creek warriors—the same who etched the scars into his mind and flesh—Phillip primes himself for battle.  But inside, a war already rages—return for the woman he thought lost to him or concede her to the enemy she loves; follow orders or follow his heart.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter 1

Phillip knew it was a dream. He told himself again, though it did little good. The children’s shrieks grew louder. The flaming pickets roared with new life, as though fueled by his denial of their existence.

His legs churned, but he couldn’t free his mind of the constant nightmare. At least this time, he reasoned, he wasn’t awake. Small blessings.

And then, he saw her.

Adela.

Arms dangling at her sides and skirt undulating in the waves of heat, she stood across the compound. Her lips were motionless, but her voice echoed through his mind. “Phillip.”

He rushed toward the vision, and she reached for him. “Phillip, love, you must wake up.”

With a cry, he bolted upright.

The silhouette of a woman hovered over him. He stared at her, unblinking, afraid to move and frighten her away.

Sweat poured down his chest—sweat as real as the shadow seemed.

“That’s better,” she whispered. “You’ll be alright.”

He disagreed, but if he spoke, he might shatter her. He’d done it before.

Her loose hair swayed as she moved so near, he should feel her heat.

Taking in the comfort of her presence, he held his breath until his lungs burned with need. Refusing to be contained any longer, air exploded from his mouth. The sound ripped through the cabin, and in one blink, Adela vanished.

A moan built in Phillip’s throat, and he buried his head in his trembling palms. When his fingers collided with the jagged flesh on his face, he recalled again why Adela was no more to him than a mocking shadow, a figment of his deluded, half-crazed mind.

She had turned him down.

Familiar nausea haunted his gut. With a growl, he threw his damp pillow across the room. The sound of splintering glass sent him scrambling for the musket by his bed. He had the unsteady barrel aimed toward the source before he realized he’d been the cause of the commotion.

He dropped the weapon and backed away from it as though it were a copperhead. Blood pounded in his throat. He swallowed hard, terrified of his own mind.

It had been nearly two years. One more night of this and he would prove the gossip correct. He would go mad.

There had to be a better way.

“Help me.” His voice shivered, and for once, he was thankful to be alone. “Sweet Jesus, show me a better way.”

Wow! That page is really a hook. How can readers find you on the Internet?

I love to connect with readers! They can find me here:

www.aprilwgardner.com

www.channelislandsresistance.com

www.clashofthetitles.com

https://www.facebook.com/april.gardner1

https://twitter.com/#!/AprilWGardner

Thank you, April, for spending this time with us.


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Warring Spirits


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