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Sunday, July 29, 2012

GROOM WANTED - Debra Ullrick - 2 Free Books, Winners Choice, Book or Ebook


Welcome back, Debra. How did you come up with the idea for this story?
I love mail-order bride stories. I was trying to think of a different twist on this one, as I had already done the brother-ordering-a-bride-for-his wife in The Unexpected Bride and a she-wasn’t-what-he-was-expecting in The Unlikely Wife. With Groom Wanted being a part of a mail-order bride series, I needed something different. So, I thought about Jake Lure from The Unlikely Wife and Michael’s sister, Leah because the two of them had become such good friends. I thought it would be interesting if they both decided to place an ad for a spouse, but for two very different reasons though. Thus, Groom Wanted, was born.

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
Only six, huh? Wow, that’s going to be hard, as I love so many authors and would love to party with them all. But, if I’m only allowed six, I would pick: Staci Stallings, Jillian Hart, Sandra Bricker, Sharon Gillenwater, Cheryl Wolverton, and Francine Rivers.  Why? Because their writings are either very poetic or extremely memorable and romantic. I would invite them so that I could pick their brains to see how they came to write so beautifully. There are many more authors whose books are memorable, and who I would like to get to know, but, you only allowed me six. Shame on you, Lena. Just teasing. *smiling*

Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
Again, only six. Okay. Wow. Once again, there are many I would love to party with. But, if I’m confined to only six, I would first of all invite Jane Austen. Okay, okay, I know she can’t come because she’s deceased, but if she wasn’t, I would invite her. I would also invite Lori Wick, Traci Peterson, Janette Oke, Julie Lessman,  Mary Connealy, and Lori Copeland. Why? For the same reason I would have invited the contemporary Christian authors. Because their books are either memorable or very romantic or humorous, or all of those things combined, and I feel that I could learn so much from them. As I have from you, Lena. Thank you for all the numerous times you have helped me. You rock!

My pleasure and great blessing, Debra. Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?
Actually, I recently struggled with not wanting to write anymore, and I couldn’t understand why especially since it was something I used to love. I coined the words “used to” because writing was becoming a chore, and I had started to detest it, and yet I had no idea why. I hated feeling this way, so I asked God to show me what was wrong. Are you ready for this? It was Fear of Failure. Didn’t matter that I had sold ten books. Didn’t matter that the ones that are already out had great reviews. I still felt like a failure. After more soul searching and much prayer, I realized that I had allowed the editor in my head and other people’s opinions to take control of my writing instead of the Holy Spirit. I had started writing for man, to please man, instead of God. Anytime I do that, it is doomed to fail. So that’s why I was feeling like a failure. Right after the Lord revealed that to me, I sat down to write and asked the Lord to guide me. I told Him I wasn’t writing for anyone else but Him and asked Him to show me what He wanted me to say, the way He wanted me to say it, and the flow started again. I am now enjoying and loving the journey of writing again. 

Another problem I have encountered is: I have to be careful to not write the same things that are in my other stories. For example: My heroine being accosted or rescued from a robber. I started to write that in my WIP and caught myself. As for others thinking I have it made, well, I have to laugh. One time, I had asked a writing loop a question concerning writing. At the time I had six published books. A person wrote me back completely befuddled. They said something like, “You’re published, right? How come you need to ask this? Don’t you already know the answer?” I had to chuckle. I, too, used to think the same thing, that multi-published authors had all the answers. I soon learned that we’re all still learning and growing with each new book we write. I think when we stop learning and growing, then our job of writing is over.

Tell us about the featured book.
Here’s the back cover blurb: It's a perfect plan—best friends Leah Bowen and Jake Lure will each advertise for mail-order spouses in the papers, and then Jake will help select Leah's future husband, while Leah picks Jake's bride-to-be! Surely the ads will find them what they seek: a wife who'll appreciate Jake's shy charm and a groom who'll take Leah away from the Idaho Territory she detests. When the responses to the postings pour in, it seems all Leah's and Jake's dreams will soon come true. But the closer they each get to the altar, the less appealing marrying a stranger becomes. Is it too late to turn back—or to turn around and find the happiness they truly seek together, at last?

Please give us the first page of the book.  
Here it is:
Paradise Haven
Idaho Territory, 1886

Nine men had replied to her "Groom Wanted" ad.

Leah Bowen couldn't believe she'd received so many that quickly. Her heart skipped as she fingered the envelopes that might very well hold her future and her only avenue of escape from the nightmares that plagued her.

"You, too, huh?"

"Twinkling stars above!" Leah gasped and whirled toward the sound of Jake Lure's deep voice. Her nose came within an inch of jamming into the napped wool shirt covering her friend's massive chest. Pleasant scents of springtime and sunshine floated from him.

Near the front door of Paradise Haven's post office Jake stood, looking over her shoulder at the posts in her hand. Most people were intimidated by his massive size, but she wasn't. Underneath that outdoorsy, muscular exterior was a gentle giant.

"What—what do you mean, 'you, too'?" Leah glanced at the top envelope with the very noticeable masculine script and tucked them into her reticule. She tossed the end of her purple knit scarf over her shoulder and gathered the edges of the collar of her wool coat closer together.

Jake held up a packet of letters. "Got these in the mail today."

"Oh? What are they?" she asked with all the innocence she could muster.

"Same thing as that stack you just put in your purse."

"What? You mean letters?"

"Those envelopes you have aren't just any ole letters." One of Jake's eyebrows rose. "They're answers to your advertisement."

Advertisement? She swallowed hard. Did he know she'd placed an ad for a husband? "What are you talking about?" Leah hated playacting, but she had no choice. She refused to offer Jake any information concerning her personal ad. Just because he had mentioned how he wanted to place an advertisement for a wife during one of the many times she and Abby had visited him over the past eleven months didn't mean she had to confide in him that she, too, had wanted to do that very same thing. So how did he know? Or was he only speculating?

How can readers find you on the Internet?
You can find me at my website/blog: www.debraullrick.com or you can Tweet me at www.twitter.com  @DebraUllrick


Thank you, Debra, for the fun interview. I love mail-order bride stories, too.


Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Groom Wanted (Love Inspired Historical) - paperback
Groom Wanted (Love Inspired Historical) - Kindle


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

38 comments:

  1. Anonymous4:07 AM

    I WOULD LOVE TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK.
    ANGELA FROM KY

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  2. This sounds like a fun read... definitely something to add to my list. :)

    Ladette in GA

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  3. Hey Debra and Lena - What a great interview! I too love mail-order bride stories. What a fun twist to include a mail-order groom storyline!

    Debra, I love your words about needing to always learn and grow as you continue writing. That can carry over to so many aspects of life. :)

    Brooke
    SE USA

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  4. First of all, I'd like to thank you, Lena, for hosting me on your blog again. It's always such a blessing to be here.

    Thank you, Angela, for stopping by. Lena's blog is always so much fun. She's an amazing person. And super funny.

    Ladette, what a beautiful, unique name. How did your mother come up with it, do you know?


    Hi Brooke. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. Lena always asks such interesting questions.
    You are so right about the needing to learn and grow can be carried over to many aspects of our lives. I think when we stop learning, we're in trouble. *smiling*

    God bless you all.
    Debra Ullrick

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  5. Sounds fascinating. I'll be sure to add this to my to-read list.

    Eldra from BC

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  6. Book sounds great would love to win. Great interview.

    Lourdes, Dix Hill, New York

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  7. Hi Eldra. Thank you for stopping by. I see you're from BC, how exciting! It's almost nice to "meet" people from other places in the world. Thanks again for stopping!

    Hello Lourdes.

    I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by Lena's blog.

    Have a great day!

    Debra Ullrick

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  8. Please enter me! I've been wanting to read one of Debra's books. Thanks for the giveaway!

    I live in New York

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  9. Hi Aizess. You sure know how to make a gal feel good. It blessed my socks to read that you've wanted to read one of my books. Thank you!

    Peace,

    Debra Ullrick

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  10. I also love reading about mail-order brides and would love to win Groom Wanted. I can identify with that since I put an ad in a magazine 29 years ago. My hubby and I have been married for 27 years!
    Thanks for the chance to win.

    Debbie Clark
    debbiemcla(at)msn(dot)com

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  11. Oh. I forgot to say that I am from Oregon. I live near the end of the Oregon Trial, near Oregon City. Lots of history here.

    Debbie Clark
    debbiemcla(at)msn(dot)com

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  12. What a deliciously refreshing approach to a story about a mail order spouse. I am certainly looking forward to reading GROOM WANTED.

    Mary P

    QLD AUSTRALIA

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  13. This sounds like such a fun book. I enjoy reading books about mail order brides.

    Blessings,
    Jo from Southern Arizona

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  14. I havent read any of Debras sstories but would love to start with ths one. Being a published author i can relate to what Debbie said about still learning and growing. Im glad to know im not alone.
    Debbie Malone
    "Death in Dahlonega"

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  15. Enter me!
    God Bless!
    Sarah
    Blanch,N.C.

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  16. I don't think I've read a mail order bride book before so this one sounds like a fun book to read
    msboatgal at aol.com

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  17. I always enjoy mail-order bride books, this one sounds like it has an interesting twist!

    Patty in SC

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  18. OH I cant WAIT to read the rest of this book!!!

    Amada (prnounced: a.m.a.th.a) in NM

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  19. I want a copy of the book!!! A Print copy.

    Katelyn from Eastern, NC.

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  20. Looks Great! Please enter me.

    Blanch, N.C.

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  21. Sharon Richmond2:21 PM

    Enter me for a paperback copy this book looks great!!
    Sharon Richmond
    Blanch, NC.

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  22. Thank you for the great Interview Lena and welcome back Debra. I love your Books, I think it is so romantic being a mail order Bride or Groom.
    Please add me to your Giveaway.
    I live in S.Illinois

    ingrids62448(at)yahoo(dot)cm

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  23. I love the mail order bride books. The flip side, mail order groom sounds interesting
    Jo in AL

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  24. Sounds amazing! I would LOVE to win this one! Thanks! I'm from NC.

    Katie G.

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  25. I would love to win this book...Thanks so much.Jackie Tessnair from N.C.

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  26. I love historical novels and I think I would love this one!
    Amy Campbell
    Southwest VA

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  27. thanks for chance to win

    live in ND

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  28. monica3:26 PM

    Sounds great!
    Monica Ontario Canada

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  29. I wanted to let everyone here to know that Liberty Belle Kindle Addition is FREE today!!! I don't know how long it will be free so go check it out! You can go directly to it from this blog's Home page; scroll down looking on the left side of the screen till you find "Liberty Belle".

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  30. Dee-Dee's Nana4:08 PM

    What a great interview....sounds like a wonderful book...Dee-Dee's Nana/Illinois

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  31. Angela C./Lynchburg4:49 PM

    This book sounds great, would love to be a winner...thanks , Angela C/Lynchburg

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  32. I really like the cover image. Looking forward to reading Groom Wanted.

    Patricia in Texas

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  33. This book sounds exciting and wonderful. I really like the cover of this book.

    Rebecca from MA

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  34. Groom Wanted looks good! :-D Do count me in!

    Katie from Florida

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  35. Diana Gardner7:03 AM

    Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks! Portsmouth, VA

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  36. Would love to win this!!! Laurel from Georgia

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  37. Sounds good! I'd love to win a copy!

    Liz R in Al

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  38. Groom Wanted sounds like a fun, romantic read. I'd love to be entered!
    Merry in TX

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