Tuesday, July 10, 2012

VEIL OF PEARLS - MaryLu Tyndall - One Free Book


Welcome back, MaryLu. How did you come up with the idea for this story?
I was daydreaming, praying, thinking about my favorite city, Charleston, South Carolina—about the injustice of slavery and what a wide gulf there was between the slaves and the wealthy landowners and the idea just popped into my head: what would happen if a runaway slave and the son of a plantation owner fell madly in love? And what if the slave didn’t appear black and the young man didn’t know who she was? Well, you can see how that idea just shot fireworks through my brain!

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
Ronie Kendig – because her books make me swoon and sit on the edge of my seat at the same time (which can be quite dangerous)
Camy Tang – she’s a dear friend and a blast to hang out with
Karen Kingsbury – I want to know her secret to success
Ted Dekker – I want to know if he’s as weird and spooky as his books
Terri Blackstock – she frightens me, but in a good way!
Joel Rosenberg – must pick his brain about what’s going on in the Middle East

Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
Julie Lessman – because we must have been twins separated at birth!
Laurie Alice Eakes – she’s the smartest lady I know and super interesting to talk to
Louise M. Gouge – a dear friend whose writing is so eloquent, it puts mine to shame
Julie Klassen – I must know her secret to winning all those Christy awards!
Mary Connealy – she makes me laugh!
Wanda Brunstetter – she’s the dearest, sweetest, most Godly author I know.

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?
Pressure. Lots of pressure. When you’re unpublished, your only goal is to please one publisher enough to catch their attention and possibly get a contract. When you’ve got multiple books out there, there is a certain expectation from readers, reviewers, and publishers that each book is at least as good as the last, if not better! The last thing we authors want to do is disappointed our readers! And we definitely don’t want to disappoint our publishers with low sales numbers or we may never see another book contract again. Talk about stress! Be careful what you wish for, right?

Tell us about the featured book.
Can I just insert the video trailer here. It’s so awesome and describes the book perfectly! 


Please give us the first page of the book.

Barbados, the Caribbean, December 10, 1811

If Althea got caught, Sir Walter would whip her to death. It was why her heart hammered in her chest and her breath seized in her throat. It was why she stood at the top of the stairway unable to move. Darkness coated the main corridors of the house like molasses, so thick it nearly forced her backward down the long hall to her chamber. Where she belonged. Where she was usually locked behind a bolted door. But not tonight.

Not ever again.

Taking a deep breath, she pressed her valise against her chest with one hand, gripped the banister with the other, and began her descent. She slid her boots over marble, feeling for the edge of each tread, careful to not jangle the chains around her ankles. Careful to not even breathe too loudly lest she awaken anyone and her only chance to escape—the chance she’d planned for years—would dissipate like her childhood had the day she’d arrived on this plantation.

Her shackles rattled. She cringed. Slowly now. Take your time. Her breath huddled in her throat. She slid down another step. The tread creaked. The sound echoed through the house like an alarm. She halted, listening. Only her ragged breathing filled the air. No, wait, voices—whispers. But at well past two in the morning, all the servants and slaves should be asleep. She inhaled silently. No, it was just the wind whisking past the window panes. Warning her to go back to her prison or cheering her onward, she couldn’t tell which.

Starting down again, she rounded the curved stairway. Firelight coming from the parlor licked the foyer tile, evidence that the ravenous monster slept within. Sir Walter Miles. Althea had amused him with rum and sweet smiles until he toppled like a felled tree onto the sofa.

She eased down the rest of the stairs, then halted before the open parlor door, bracing herself to hear his voice—his insolent, mad voice, beckoning her. Or worse doling out some cruel punishment for being out of her room at night.

But instead, all she heard were his snores, deep and blubbering as they always were when he was besotted. The smell of rum and smoke bit her nose. Perspiration spilled down her back. Slipping past the parlor, she clipped the ring of keys from her belt—the ones she’d used to open her chamber door—and set them on the side table. She only wished they’d held the key to unlock her shackles as well. A tall shadow on her left gave her a start. Pressing a palm over her heart, she brushed past the grandfather clock, its tick-tock tick-tock hurrying her along, reminding her she hadn’t much time to escape. Thunder rumbled in the distance. She stopped at the front door. Normally, there would be a guard on the other side as there was at each exit of the house. But tonight, Althea had overheard Sir Walter order the man to accompany the overseer into Bridgetown for an early morning slave auction. He’d already been well into his cups by then and had failed to post another servant there.

Or at least she hoped he had forgotten.

I can hardly wait to start reading my copy. How can readers find you on the Internet?
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/mltyndall/

Thank you, MaryLu, for this peek into your life and your new book.


Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Veil of Pearls - paperback
Veil of Pearls - 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

44 comments:

Amy C said...

Great interview. This book is definitely on my TBR list!
Amy Campbell
Southwest VA

Patsy said...

Would love to read this book. It sounds great!

from South MS

plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Ladette said...

I have never been disappointed by MaryLu!! I love her books and love to share her with others. :)

Ladette, GA

apple blossom said...

thanks for the chance to win MaryLu's book

live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Patty said...

O my, that video trailer is great. Can't wait to read this book!

Patty in SC degip 23

MaryLu Tyndall said...

Hi Ladies! Thanks for your interest in Veil of Pearls! (Waving at Ladette and Apple Blossom!) And yes, isn't the trailer great? The best one I've seen (and not just because it's my book. LOL) Barbour publishing is doing such an outstanding job lately. Just seeing my characters come to life if only for a minute or 2 brought tears to my eyes..
Many thanks to Lena for having me on her blog!

collettakay said...

This book has been on my wishlist for a while. I can't wait to get my hands on it!

Great interview!

Colletta
Pennsylvania

Cathy said...

Looking forward to reading this book! Thanks for the giveaway. :)

Cathy in B.C. Canada

Brooke @ i blog 4 books said...

Looking forward to reading Veil of Pearls after hearing high praise from a co-worker!

Great interview! Your author dinner parties sound like a ton of fun - interesting conversation for sure!

Brooke in Southeast USA

Sharon said...

Mary Lu - what a great group of author's to pick, sounds like it would be a lot of fun!
Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Veil of Pearls.
Sharon from Eagan MN

MaryLu Tyndall said...

Yes, definitely interesting conversation at my author dinner parties! Now, if I could only get all these people together! Maybe some day..

For those of you who don't know Lena personally, she's one of the sweetest, kindest, most interesting lady.. a real gem!

I'd also like to point out that Veil is not your normal historical romance.. it has a strong spiritual message about trying to please people rather than God. Plus it takes a deeper look at the evils of slavery and the huge division among the classes back then.

Liz R said...

Ooh! I can't wait to get my hands on this book! Great interview!

Liz R in AL

Susan H said...

Love the video trailer! Sounds like a great book! Definitely adding it to my reading list!

Fort Worth, TX

melody durant said...

I love your books!

Donna, Tx
missionwife@hotmail.com

Melissa Jagears said...

Oh my, pressure! After signing with an agent this month (Yeah!) I'm preparing a proposal for the editor that asked for my book and I have to write 2 book blurbs for a series (normal, I know) but then I tell hubby a bit panicked, "If they buy this, I have to write them AND make them good!" He just laughed at me.

KS

Mary Preston said...

Oh wow!! I have added VEIL OF PEARLS to my wish list. I know it will be an amazing read. Such a fascinating period in history & topic covered.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Anna Weaver Hurtt said...

Sounds amazing... I would love to read this! Thanks for the giveaway!

Anna W. from GA

Judy said...

This book sounds like a real page turner.

Enjoyed the interview with MaryLu.

I would love to win a copy of, Veil of Pearls!

Blessings!
Judy from Indiana

Wendy said...

SOunds like a good book. I am adding it to my list.
wendy
buffalo, mn

CarlybirdH said...

I am very excited about this book. It sounds terrific. thank you so much.
Carly in Burlington, NC

Kandra said...

Adding it to my TBR list! Sounds great!
Tennessee

Unknown said...

Thank you, Lena and MaryLu for a great interview and chance to win Veil of Pearls. Born and raised in Canada, i have a hard time with slavery...but i love to read how they coped. i would love to win!

Marianne from northern Alberta

mitziUNDERSCOREwanhamATyahooDOTcom

MaryLu Tyndall said...

Good morning from California, Ladies!! Just dropping in to say thank you for your comments and your excitement about Veil of Pearls!!

Melissa, congrats on signing with an agent! That's huge.. but I did laugh at your comment about having to write really good now.. Yes. now things are serious.. LOL. The Best to you!!

Krista said...

Wow. This book sounds absolutely amazing. I am definitely looking forward to reading it. Please enter me!

Krista in Oregon

Breanna said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ginger Solomon said...

Thanks for the interview. This book keeps drawing my attention lately. Must be destined to read it. :)

Ginger in AL

Angela C. said...

Sounds very interesting :) sure would love to win this book.Angela C./Ohio

Shirley T. said...

Would love to win this book. Shirley T./Illinois

Unknown said...

Lena and MaryLu, thank you so much for the great Interview, I love reading them. Your Book sounds awesome and would love to win it, please add me to your Giveaway.
Many Blessings

I live in S.Illinois
ingrids62448(at)yahoo(dot)com

Katie said...

Please enter me! I love Mary Lu's books!! I can't wait to read this one. I'm from nc.


Katie g.

Cort said...

I can't wait to read this book! Marylu Tyndall is such a phenomenal author!
from MO

Sandy said...

I would love to read this book! It looks very exciting.
MO

Judy Cooper said...

I have always enjoyed MaryLu Tyndall's books. I know I would enjoy this book. The story is most interesting. Judy C. in Louisiana

Anonymous said...

I had not heard of Veil of Pearls, but it sounds intriguing and will definitely be looking for it.

Thanks for the fun interview & introduction.

Blessings,
Mary Kay

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read marylu's latest novel

karenk...from PA
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Would love to read this book. Great interview!

Tammy
Central Florida

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me this book looks great!!

Sharon Richmond said...

I forgot to add my address!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.

MaryLu Tyndall said...

Thanks for your interest, ladies!! I wish you all could win a copy! God Bless!

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed the interview.
Thanks for the chance to win this book.

Nadya - TX

Abigail Mitchell said...

This book looks very interesting! Please enter me in the drawing! Thanks!

Blanch, N.C.

A Cooking Bookworm said...

This one's been on my TBR list for awhile! I especially love the beeeautiful cover!

Thanks for the giveaway!!

Stephanie
Southern Tier of NY

Diana Gardner said...

Please enter me in the drawing. Portsmouth, VA

Katie Marie said...

I would LOVE to win this! I discovered MaryLu last year and LOVE her high-seas adventures!! :-D I always love a good pirate-tale

Katie from Florida