Friday, August 17, 2012

A PATH TOWARD LOVE - Cara Lynn James - One Free Book


Bio:
Cara Lynn James writes historical romances set during the Gilded Age. Her fourth book, A Path toward Lovereleased August 14th. Her previous novels are Love on a Dime, Love on Assignment, and Love by the Book.

Cara and her family have resided in northwest Florida for the past ten years. She’s also lived in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Texas, California, Virginia and Vermont. In her younger years she served in the military as a Naval officer along with her husband who’s a retired Navy pilot. Now Cara writes full time -- when she’s not playing with her five year old grandson or Sparky, the family Papillon. 


God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?
I see myself writing the stories God inspires me to write. I’m interested in historical romances and historical women’s fiction/romances, but I’d also love to try writing contemporaries set in New England within a small town setting. If I get really brave and adventurous, I might attempt a mystery. I’m not sure I’m clever enough to pull one off, but I think I may try to find out.

Tell us a little about your family.
My husband (a retired Navy pilot and retired science teacher) and I moved to Florida ten years ago. We lived in Vermont for the previous twenty years. My son’s family now lives in Jacksonville, but my daughter and her five-year-old son live with us. It’s fun having a three generational household, but it certainly isn’t like being empty nesters! An adorable Papillon named Sparky protects us from any danger. Well maybe not, but he keeps us company.

I’m originally from Connecticut and my husband is a native Floridian. We met and married in San Diego, California where we were both stationed as Naval officers, and then we were transferred to Virginia Beach. After my husband retired from the Navy we moved to Vermont, a place we all love. But it is so cold in the winter!

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?
Yes, it has. Now I read more ‘how-to-write’ books and research books. And I also read more historical romance. Years ago my favorites included thrillers, mysteries, women’s fiction and romantic suspense. Actually, I still enjoy them, but I’ve added many more romances to my list.

Unfortunately, I don’t have as much time to read as I’d like. But it’s my favorite pastime, so I write during the day when my mind is fresh and I read in the evening. I’m really addicted to books. I buy way too many (but is that really possible?) and I’ll never get through all of them.

What are you working on right now?
I’m working on another Gilded Age historical romance set in a small Massachusetts town and in Newport, Rhode Island. It’s about an impoverished young woman who takes a position as companion to her rich, elderly cousin in Newport. When the old woman changes her will in her favor, there’s outrage among the other relatives. With the help of a handsome neighbor, a curious Laura tries to discover the reason for her good fortune. This leads her down a crooked path toward a new identity she never suspected and what others consider an unsuitable romance. 

What outside interests do you have?
Reading, cooking, decorating the house, talking to writer friends, and camping. My husband and I have an A frame camper which we often take to Gulf Shores, Alabama for the weekend. Since we live in the South, we found that the best time to camp is in the spring and fall. Summer here is too hot for me. I also love to travel, but we never stray too far from home. A few months ago we went to St. Augustine, Florida. I hope to set a story there in the future.

My major interests are my family, writing and reading. They take up most of my time. My grandson is such a blessing to have around! He’s so entertaining.

How do you choose your settings for each book?
Last year my cousin mentioned I’d always said I wanted to write a book set in Newport, Rhode Island. My mother’s family comes from Newport and so I frequently vacationed there as a child. It was my second home. I was always fascinated with the beautiful scenery, the ocean, the beaches, and especially the history. Some of my ancestors founded the town in 1639, so that really increased my interest.

But after I finished the Ladies of Summerhill series (Love on a Dime, Love on Assignment and Love by the Book), my editor asked me to change the location for my fourth book. We finally settled on Raquette Lake in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. I lived in Vermont for many years, so I was familiar with the Adirondacks. In fact, I could see them from the top of my road. They were right across the Champlain Valley and Lake Champlain. Even though my characters are still Gilded Age millionaires, they lived very differently at their Adirondack ‘great camps’ than they did in the Newport “cottages” which are really mansions.

I choose settings I love and that makes it easy to write about them.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?
I think I’d pick Samuel Clemens/Mark Twain because I love his books, especially Huckleberry Finn. He had such a fantastic sense of humor and insight into the human condition. He’d be so entertaining and I think I’d learn a lot about people and about writing. Also, he lived in interesting times, so I’m sure I’d get a great history lesson.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?
I wish I’d realized writing is a business, not a hobby. Of course I’d always known
publishing is a business just like any other, but it really didn’t register when I just wrote at my leisure. Until I had a deadline, I didn’t understand how pressure-packed writing could be. I’m sure every journalist understands how important it is to write fast and to write well, but I was a stay-at-home mom and I never considered the business side of writing. My one great luxury was flex-time when my kids were in school. I wrote when I felt like it. Needless to say, I didn’t get much accomplished during those years.

But when I signed a publishing contract, things changed. I had to adjust to writing, revising, and promoting all at the same time. At first I found it difficult to juggle everything, but I got used to it. Every job has its surprises!

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?
He’s teaching me to be patient, to enjoy my family, and not to worry about the future. It’s easy to plan ahead and try to control things, but uncontrollable events always pop up and often without warning. So I trust the Lord with the future. As far as writing goes, I’m learning to really enjoy the process more.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?
Read a lot, write a lot, and when you get discouraged (and you will occasionally) don’t give up. Perseverance is the key. One more thing—it’s important to define what success looks like to you. Is it writing the best book you can, or is it only getting published?

Tell us about the featured book.
Katherine came home to forget her past.
The last thing she expected is a hopeful future.
Young widow Katherine Osborne returns to her family’s rustic camp on Raquette Lake in the Adirondack Mountains. She’s determined to live a quiet life, but her socialite mother is equally determined to push her into a new marriage while she’s still young.
Andrew Townsend has known Katherine since they were children. An attorney who is successful, but not wealthy, he knows she is socially out of his reach. But he’s curious what changed the free-spirited girl he once knew into this private, somber young woman.
Katherine has kept hidden the details of her unsuccessful marriage. When past sins come to light, she must turn to God for the courage to be honest. But how can she trust the God she feels has let her down? When she confides in Andrew, their relationship takes a dramatic turn into uncharted territory.
Amid impossible obstacles, two young people must learn to trust enough to walk the path that God has cleared for them. A path that leads to healing and restoration. A path toward love.
Please give us the first page of the book.
                                                             Chapter One
Hernando County, Florida
July 1905

         Katherine Osborne couldn’t escape the numbers. She dragged her gaze from the lush orange groves right outside her office window to the ledger open on her desk. Why had she ever believed she could run a business with little experience and less capital? The numbers screamed bankruptcy and the end of her dream—unless she quickly obtained a loan to tide her over. She hoped an answer would come in the afternoon post. All she needed was a little more time . . . surely business would improve.

         For a few moments she gave in to her mounting fears and buried her head in her hands, allowing the warmth and stillness of the afternoon to wash through her. But at the sound of foot- steps, Katherine glanced up and smiled at her maid. Etta Mae, young and pretty, strode through the doorway holding out a stack of mail.

         “For you, Miz Osborne.” She grinned and her teeth glistened white against her dark skin.

         “Is there a letter from the bank?” Etta Mae always riffled through the mail before she turned it over to Katherine.

The maid shook her head. “Sorry, ma’am.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?
I’m at www.caralynnjames.com, www.seekerville.blogspot.com, and www.facebook.com/caralynnjames. You can read the first chapter of A Path toward Love at http://www.caralynnjames.com/books.html

Thank you, Cara Lynn, for introducing us to your new book.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
A Path Toward Love - paperback
A Path Toward Love - 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:

Anonymous said...

WOULD LOVE TO WIN. ANGELA FROM KY.

rubynreba said...

Beautiful cover. I enjoyed the interview and would love to be entered.
Beth from Iowa

Cara Lynn James said...

Good morning! Thanks for inviting me to your blog, Lena.

If anyone is interested in winning a copy of A Path toward Love please leave your e-mail addy along with a comment. Thanks.

monica said...

Sounds good!

Monica Toronto Canada

Sandra Leesmith said...

Hi Lena and Cara, Great interview. Thanks Lena for featuring Cara.

Cara, I love that you are taking time for family. It is so important. It is easy to get caught up in our writing isn't it?

Can hardly wait to read more about Katherine. Love the cover.

scottsgal said...

sounds like you're living a wonderful - and being so protected by your little furry friend. Sounds like a wonderful book

cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com

Katie said...

Sounds great! Please enter me. I'm from NC. God bless.

Jillian said...

Another wonderful book! I love your Gilded age offerings. I'd love to see a story set in St. Augustine. My son is getting married there in 2013 and I love the place.

Jo Huddleston said...

Lena, thanks for the interesting interview and for a chance to win a copy of Cara Lynn's book. I'm in Alabama.
johudd[at]bellsouth[dot]net

Lorna Faith said...

Lena thanks for having Cara as a guest...I love her books! Cara...sounds like another great book and a new setting sparks my interest:-)
Please enter my name for a chance to win!

Lorna from Alberta

lornafaith at gmail dot com

Cara Lynn James said...

I think it's fun to change settings, especially if they're ones you can visit! I don't think I'll ever run out places I'd like to write about and visit.

Ladette said...

I LOVED Love on a Dime!! Great book! Would love to win this one.... yeah there's a lot of LOVE in this comment! :)

ladettek[at]gmail[dot]com

Sparks of Ember said...

I was raised in the Florida panhandle and my family all still lives there. It's a beautiful place!

I love the cover on the book and the story sounds great - you've got me very curious about the secrets she keeps hidden!

I'm from the Black Hills of SD!

Wendy Newcomb said...

This sounds like a very interesting book, thank you for hosting the giveaway.

Wendy from FL

wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

Amy C said...

I have been seeing reviews for this one and it sounds SO good.

Amy
Southwest VA

Liz R said...

Great interview and giveaway! I really enjoyed Love on a Dime and can't wait to get started on the next two as well as this new book! Please enter me in the giveaway!

Liz R in Al.

Cara Lynn James said...

Thanks for all the compliments! Favorable comments are such a blessing to a writer.

Jo said...

Thanks for the great interview. Book sounds like it will be very enjoyable and would love to read.

Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona

Lane Hill House said...

Kathleen ~ Missouri
Please add me for this book!
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

Wendy said...

I would love to read this book.
Wendy
Buffalo, mn

Elyssa said...

This book looks great- and the cover is beautiful! Thanks for the chance to win it! I'm from NY. =)

lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

Jenny said...

What a great giveaway! Looks like a wonderful book- please enter me!

jennycohen104(at)gmail(dot)com

NY

The Jesus Freak said...

Great interview, lovely cover! Sign me up!

thejesusfreak62(at)gmail(dot)com

Emily said...

Would love to try and win this one! Looks awesome!

Thanks for the chance! NY

Debbie said...

Oooh, looks like a good one! Can't wait to read it!!

Long Island

John said...

Please enter my name in the drawing! Thank you!

New York

Nancee said...

Cara's newest book sounds wonderful! Thanks so much, Lena, for promoting her book and offering this giveaway!
Nancee in Western Michigan
quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

Abigail Mitchell said...

PLEASE enter me!
Thanks and God Bless!

Blanch, N.C.

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

Looks and sounds interesting!!
Enter me!
God Bless!
Sarah
Blanch,N.C.

Cindy W. said...

The cover is beautiful! Thank you for the chance to win a copy!

Blessings,
Cindy W. from Indiana

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Judy Cooper said...

I enjoyed the interview,learning more about Cara Lynn James. I really enjoy her books. Please enter me in the contest. I always appreciate the chance to enter. Judy Cooper, Louisiana.

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me this book looks great!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.

Karen G. said...

I really, really would love to win and read this book. I love the Adirondacks. Thank you for the chance.
Karen from Troy, NY
kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

Diana Gardner said...

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

Katie Marie said...

I enjoyed the book I read by Cara Lynn James, and would love to read another by her! :-)

Katie from Florida

Unknown said...

Sounds like a wonderful book. Will have to add it to my wish list. Please add my name to the giveaway. Thank you.
Kay from NY
msbookwormlady(at)aol(dot)com

Merry said...

I enjoyed the interview with Cara and would love to be entered for A Path Toward Love.
Merry in TX

Evlin said...

Please enter my name to the giveaway for this interesting book. Sounds good! Thanks.
Kevlin, NY
prettyinpurplerose(at)aol(dot)com