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Tuesday, May 22, 2012

ANNIE'S TRUTH - Beth Shriver - Free Book


I've known Beth for many years, and now we write for the same publishing company. Welcome, Beth. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?
I have been incredibly blessed with my writing. It took awhile to get here, but I don’t take one minute of it for granted. Do I still get discouraged, yes, but all I have to do is look back and see how far I’ve come and The Discourager slips away.

Tell us a little about your family.
My husband sells anti-shoplifting equipment, you know those pedestals you walk through or tags you forgot to clip off that squeal throughout the store until you turn red with embarrassment, thoseJ

My son, Cale, will be moving from College Station to Austin this coming year, majoring in art/graphic design.

My daughter, Madison, will be finishing her last year in criminal justice, hopefully!! 

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?
Yes, but not in a good way. I don’t read nearly as much as I used to and I miss it. I always feel like I should be writing, but I’ve found I write better if I’m reading.

What are you working on right now?
I just finished the fourth book in the six book series, Season of the Spirit. It’s the first book in the second series. I’m so glad my editor changed the series into two, three book series. It was nice to start over with new characters and a different setting.

What outside interests do you have?
I’m a social worker by trade so I find opportunities to fulfill that part of me that I miss. My favorite organization is a place called “The SoupMobile.” I have a passion to help the homeless and enjoy going to downtown Dallas for a change of pace.

How do you choose your settings for each book?
Funny you should ask. I’ve changed the setting three times according to my experiences. I went from Virginia to Texas to Pennslyvania. Because I write about pastoral living I make the setting into a character in a roundabout way. Spending time at my grandfather’s ranch as a kid made me appreciate the country life and the land.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?
That is not a fair question…I’d say Jesus but that’s too obvious, so I’d like to have a sit down with the apostle Peter. I can relate to asking questions and messing things up, so he would probably make me feel better, or worseL. More modern day…C.S. Lewis comes to mind and Mother Teresa, talk about a social worker!

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?
That what you write might surprise you. What you think is good or marketable might not be, and in turn you may find your niche in something different from what you thought you would. To be grateful for what you have and keep forging ahead. I’ve had ups and downs, but what it comes down to is that I love to write and hope I always have the opportunity to do so.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?
Humbleness, I recently went to a women’s retreat at my church and was awakened to the reason I write. Because I write Christian based stories I have the opportunity to share and encourage my faith with others.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?
Learn the trade
Connect with other writers
Write and write some more

Tell us about the featured book.
After learning the truth about who she really is, can this prodigal daughter be accepted back into the safety and security of home?

Annie Beiler seems to have it all—a loving family in a tight-knit Amish community and the affections of an attractive and respected young man. But when she learns that she was adopted after being found as an abandoned newborn, she sets out on a journey to find out who she is.

Her father is strongly against her decision to leave, as it could mean Meidung, or excommunication from the community and even her family. But Annie knows she must find “the path that has her heart.”

As Annie’s search brings her into the fast-paced world of modern life, she is confronted with all of the temptations she was warned of. Her quest for self keeps her from returning, but when she finds out the truth, she becomes so broken Annie reaches a point of no return, and has to make a choice. Can she make her way back to the order and security of her family? Or will she remain an outsider—torn between her two worlds?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Prologue

The bright moon illuminated the velvet sky. Shafts of corn swayed in the soft, warm breeze as if alive, dancing a waltz in the huge ten-acre field. The cries from a pack of coyotes erupted through the nearby hills surrounding the Shenandoah Valley.

Amos Beiler made his way through the rows of ripe corn as the pups howled an off-kilter tune along with the group. Amos followed a different cry—that of a human babe, the sobs weak and intermittent, nearly drowned out by the louder moan of the coyotes.

He used his shotgun to slash his way through the six-foot stalks in a maze of never ending rows until a small whimper close by made him stop. He turned to his right and looked down a stretch of dirt that led to his farmhouse a good mile away. He’d come to protect his livestock from the coyotes, but finding their source of interest was his new goal.

Another sputter from the next line over caught his attention. He moved quickly, not wanting to lose sight of the area where the sound came from. Cornstalks shadowed the dirt path that led him closer to the child. Now in bouts of darkness, he listened with an attentive ear to any tiny sound. A frog croaked. The wind rustled through the corn leaves. Another curt howl sounded. All made him pause, listen, and discern.

Another wail from the babe made him step quickly, running through the dark aisle of soil. Finally, he caught a glimpse of movement; something white flashed from the ground. As he neared, he saw a colorless blanket with a newborn wrapped inside. He reached down, lifting the small bundle to his chest. The urgent need for protection set him into action.

The coyotes’ song ended. They were on the hunt now, looking for the prize he’d found. They were downwind of him, sure to have his scent and that of the child.

Carrying the gun with one hand and the babe close to his shoulder, he cradled its head in his palm and hurried toward the house. He looked behind him only once, and saw motion out of the corner of his eye. The wind played tricks on him that he dared not allow to fool him. The faster he walked, the farther away the house seemed.

When Amos finally reached a window on the side of the house, he lifted the gun and banged one time, hard. He dropped to his knee and scanned the field. One, two, four pairs of yellow eyes fell upon him. He set the crying babe on the ground behind him. Then, he steadied his gun.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Thank you for having me, Lena! It’s always nice to work with youJ


And thank you for sharing your new book with us, Beth.


Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Annie's Truth (Touch of Grace)


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

27 comments:

  1. Anonymous5:53 AM

    The apostle Peter would be my choice also!

    JoyAnne in TN

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  2. Thanks for the intro toanother author! I look forward to reading her books.

    Patty in SC

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  3. Thanks, Lena and Beth for a great interview/post and awesome giveaway. i look forward to reading this one.i imagine it would be hard to write 6 novels in a series. (need a reviewer?)
    Marianne from northern Alberta
    mitzi underscore wanham at yahoo dot com

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  4. Thanks for your interest in my books, Patty!

    Marianne, It is a lot of books to write, but I love it! And I always apprecaite a good reviewer:)

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  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  6. I really enjoy Amish fiction - just started getting into it more.

    Love Austin - UT's my alma mater!

    thanks for the chance
    cheryl in IL
    msboatgal at aol.com

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  7. Amish fiction is my favorite genre! Beth's new book sounds wonderful. I've love to win a copy. Thanks for this giveaway, Lena!
    Nancee, Michigan
    quiltcat26@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am really getting more into Amish fiction and enjoying it so much. Have always been fascinated with the Amish but hadn't read too many books about them. So now to find another book and another new author is wonderful.

    Blessings,
    Jo from Southern Arizona
    ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

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  9. Great interview...I have been wanting to read this book every since I first heard about it.Thanks...Jackie Tessnair from N.C.

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  10. A 'prodigal daughter' story certainly catches my attention.I look forward to reading ANNIE'S TRUTH.

    Mary P

    QLD AUSTRALIA

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  11. I love, love, love Amish books. This one sounds somewhat different and definitely wonderful! Thank you for the opportunity to win!

    Diana from SC

    dianalflowers[at]aol[dot]com

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  12. I would love to read "Annie's Truth". I enjoy reading anything Amish. I have not read anything by Beth so this would be a great opportunity to do so.

    plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

    From Mississippi

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  13. Thank you all for commenting! I hope you enjoy my book:)

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  14. Heard some great things about your book. I've got it on my wish list. Would love to win a copy.

    Karen Gervais, Troy, NY

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  15. I ordered your book. Got it yesterday. Haven't read a page yet--because your mom is half way through it already! My turn starts tomorrow.
    Love, Dad

    ReplyDelete
  16. Looks interesting!
    Please enter me!
    God Bless!
    Sarah
    Blanch,N.C.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Looks very Interesting! Please enter me. Thanks and God Bless!
    Abigail
    Blanch, N.C.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Amish fiction is my favorite, and this new book sounds like a very enjoyable read. Thank you for offering this giveaway!
    Nancee, Michigan
    quiltcat26@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love Amish fiction so much. Thank you for the interview. Each book is a wonderful treat with friendship, love and so much more.
    So sorry that writing cuts into your reading time.

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

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  20. I'd love to be entered! I'm in Ohio :)

    cbus.blogger at gmail dot com

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  21. oh, a great first page! This is already intriguing! I would love to read your book; stories of discovering truths about one's self, whether external facts or internal changes or both, allow both the writer and the reader the opportunity to choose to grow. Blessings as you continue in the series of books! Jeanie in Phoenix AZ

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  22. I enjoy Amish stories. They tend to exude just the right amount of peace, even in extenuating circumstances.

    Thanks for the opportunity to win.

    Ginger in AL

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  23. I have always been interested in the Amish and lately find that I am really enjoying reading books about them.

    Blessings,
    Jo from Southern Arizona
    ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Diana Gardner7:51 AM

    Looks great. Please enter me in the drawing. Portsmouth, VA

    ReplyDelete
  25. Sharon Richmond8:48 AM

    Enter me!!
    Sharon Richmond
    Blanch, NC.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'd love to read this Amish book. such a pretty cover.
    Beth from Iowa

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  27. Anonymous4:13 PM

    Would love to win a copy of your book. Just started reading Amish fiction.

    Kay Gervais from NY
    msbookwormlady@aol.com

    ReplyDelete