A LADY IN THE MAKING - Susan Page Davis - One Free Book

Welcome back, Susan. It was so good to see you at the ACFW Conference last week. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

A lot of my stories focus on forgiveness and reconciliation. It’s something we all can relate to, and most of us need.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

I’m writing some mysteries for Guideposts, and you’ll see books from me in the Patchwork Mysteries, Miracles of Marble Cove, and Secrets of Mary’s Bookshop series. I’ve also written a murder mystery called What a Picture Is Worth for DRG, coming out in a few months.

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

I love animals, and I’d be delighted to spend an evening with the director of a large animal park, preferably at the park.

What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

Captain James Cook, the great explorer. He’s a hero of mine.

How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

Don’t give up! And don’t be discouraged by those stories about new authors who sell their first book to the first editor they query. That is SO rare. I wrote about a dozen books before my first one sold. (And that wasn’t the first one I had written.) If all the editors you THOUGHT would love your manuscript have rejected it, maybe it’s time to start something fresh, but put into it all the things you have now learned.

Tell us about the featured book.

The book is A Lady in the Making.

Millie Evans has changed, choosing to leave rather than join an outlaw gang with her brother. Hoping for a new future, she boards a stagecoach and finds that one of the passengers is David Stone—a man she and her brother once tried to swindle. As she tries to convince David she’s changed, her brother’s gang holds up the stagecoach. Fighting beside David goes a long way to softening his heart, but he’s still not convinced. Someone is trying to keep him from reaching England to claim his inheritance. Is Millie involved? Millie must trust God to show David the truth, but will he see before it’s too late?

Please give us the first page of the book.

1857   The Dalles, Oregon

Chapter One

“You lied to me, Sam.” Millie Evans peeked out the window from behind the half-yard of muslin that served as a curtain. Outside the shanty they rented behind the feed store, a tall man with thick, dark hair and a week’s growth of beard stood smoking a cigarette.

            Millie turned back toward Sam and glared at him. “You said you were looking for a job, but you went and found that despicable man and brought him back here.”

            “I was looking for a job,” Sam sputtered. “But I couldn’t find one, and then Lucky turned up.”

            “Oh, sure he did. Like a bad penny. I suppose you just happened to be in the saloon when he dropped out of the sky.”

            Sam cringed, and she shook her head in disgust. “I came to The Dalles because you told me we could make an honest living together. Big laugh that turned out to be. And now you’ve brought him here. I told you before, I will not go live with a pack of outlaws.”

            She stalked to the wall and pulled her apron, extra dress, and shawl down from where they hung on nails and threw them on her bed. She stooped and felt underneath the end of the bedframe for the handle of her worn valise. Listening to her half-brother was the biggest mistake she’d ever made.

            “Aw, come on, Millie. I just want to make things better.”

            “Better?” She pulled out the traveling bag and plunked it on the bed. “How is going into crime better?”

            “You can have better things. You know. Clothes and—and jewelry, maybe. Lip rouge, stuff like that. It’d be better than scraping by like we are now.”

            “Is that what you thought when you went with Lucky last year?”

            “Well, no.”

            “Exactly. But then two months ago, you wrote to me and said you were leaving the gang and you were ready to settle down in a nice little house somewhere with me.”

            Sam hung his head, and his face colored. “I’m sorry, Millie.” Neither of them had to speak of the money he’d earmarked to buy that little house. He’d lost it all gambling by the time Millie had traveled up here from Elkton. A woman who’d lived thirty years and more ought to know better than to trust a gambling man, even if he was kin.

I can’t wait to read this one. I’ve loved the other two in this series. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Come visit my Website at: www.susanpagedavis.com

We’re doing a giveaway here this week, and I also do one on my own site every month.

Thank you, Susan, for sharing this new book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

A Lady in the Making (Prairie Dreams) - paperback
A Lady in the Making (Prairie Dreams) - 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

9 WINNERS TODAY!!!!!

Books make wonderful, and affordable, Christmas gifts. Check out the books in my left sidebar. Click on the cover for a buy link.

Beth (IA) is the winner of The Deliverer by Kathi Macias. 
Pol (GA) is the winner of Hidden in the Heart by Catherine West.  
Norma (OH) is the winner of Maggie's Journey and Melody (TX) is the winner of Mary's Blessing by Lena Nelson Dooley. 
Nancee (MI), Veronica (MN), and Judy C (LA) are the winners of Postmark: Christmas by Kathy Kovach, Paige Winship Dooly, Paula Moldenhauer, and Darlene Franklin. 
Jes (CA) is the winners of Sophia's Secret by Sharlene MacLaren. 
Amy C (VA)  is the winner of Crucible of War by J M Hochstetler. 

If you won a book and you like it, consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble, or other Internet sites. 

Also, tell your friends about the book ... and this blog. Thank you.

Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:
Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.
If you won the ebook, just let me know what email address it should be sent to.
When you contact me, please give the title of the book you won, so I won't have to look it up.

Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.

If you didn't win and you plan to order the book, please use the link provided on the individual interview. By using that link when you order, you will help support this blog.

LETTING GO - Linda Godsey - One Free Book

Readers, I'm thrilled to introduce you to a long-time friend of mine. We have even served on the support staff of a former church together. Welcome, Linda. What would you like for our readers to know about you personally?

I love God and love people – they energize me. I have a passion to help people connect with God, be set free from past hurt and trauma and experience their destiny in Christ.

Tell us about your family.

My husband passed away in 2006 leaving me a widow. I have two daughters and 6 amazing grandchildren (2 granddaughters and 4 grandsons).

It's hard to believe that he has been gone that long. My how time moves on Have you written other nonfiction books?

No, this is my first book. Most of my writings have been devotionals for various magazines and websites and freedom training manuals.

Do you have any other books in the works right now?

I am currently writing a book on generational blessings and iniquities. I also have one in the works on the subject of the heart, entitled Heart Makeover. I would eventually like to write one on fear as well as hurt and trauma.

What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?

I love to read, enjoy the ocean whenever possible and movies – especially romantic comedies.

Maybe we should go to the movies together. James isn't really thrilled when I want him to go to what he calls a chick flick. Why did you write the featured book?

Letting Go (Seeing Regret from God’s Perspective) was birthed out of my own personal freedom journey and resulting teachings and training in areas of freedom. God gave me His perspective on the regrets that were woven into my life and empowered me to experience my own purpose and destiny.

What do you want the reader to take away from the book?

My desire is that the reader be able to identify their own areas of regret – those places where they are stuck and unable to move forward due to their own personal choices and events of the past. I want every reader to be released to experience their God-given destiny and purpose.

Where on the Internet can the readers find you?

www.lindagodsey.com

Thank you so much, Linda, for sharing this book with us today.

Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Letting Go - Seeing Regret from God's Perspective - 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

PEACEWEAVER - Deborah Kinnard - One Free Ebook (winner's choice of format

Welcome, Deb. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

Probably more than I think I do. I’ve never been able to write a “gentle” heroine, though I’ve wanted to, because the women who helped form my character weren’t generally in that mold. Even Grandma, who led me to Christ, was a scrappy sort of woman – and totally sold out to the Lord. These have been my role models so I’m happy with how they made me the woman I am—and at one remove, my characters who they are.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

How long have you got? I don’t do conventional extreme stuff like base jumping or anything, but…in the writing, the quirkiest piece I’ve written so far was ANGEL WITH A RAY GUN. I wrote it due to a conversation with my husband: “Christians don’t get science fiction.” “They do, and I can prove it.” “How?” “Write a novel about ’em, of course.” To date, that book has been one of my most popular.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I was ten, and a “Bonanza” fan. It hacked me off that there was no ten-year-old girl on the Ponderosa with her own pony. So I made up Vanessa Cartwright and began writing her adventures, using a pencil and a spiral notebook. I’ve been writing ever since.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

My tastes are eclectic. I enjoy sweet romance, science fiction, nonfiction, historical romantic fic and mysteries centered on the medieval period, the odd Regency sprinkled in. I like books that have a light touch, and use humor to good effect, and I try not to limit myself too much on what I read.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I was supposed to keep my sanity? Who knew?

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Sometimes they just “come” to me and I know their names as soon as I start getting to know their personalities.  At other times it’s a struggle. In some books, their names have a particular meaning and I try to make that significant as a subtheme in the story.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Our daughters, whom I somehow managed to raise as young women of faith despite the fact I was busy recovering my own faith at the time. I respect and admire them.

It’s wonderful when out daughters grow up and become our sisters in Christ. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

Probably a walrus. All they do is eat, sleep, and swim, and I love hanging out that way.

What is your favorite food?

Chocolate. If “you are what you eat,” I’m at least 10%.

I’d hate to say what percentage I would be. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

 I’m still overcoming it. My issue is that this season of my life doesn’t allow as much BICHOK time as I would like. I’m coping, but more than ready to pay much more attention to creating all these stories traipsing around in my head.

Tell us about the featured book.

PEACEWEAVER is the first of three tales about “the faith box,” a reliquary passed down through the women of one British lineage. Book one tells Anmair’s story. She’s given in marriage to serve her father’s ambitions for peace in tenth century Wales and has no choice but to obey. Cadell, her husband, urges her to accept their destiny as he has, and work together to curb their clans’ warlike ways. When their people are torn by Viking raids, English meddling, and treachery, Anmair struggles to become worthy to hold the Faith Box, placing her trust in God and facing her destiny.

Love your cover. Please give us the first page of the book.

Clwyd, North Wales, 973

Anmair uerch Efan, daughter and treasure of Lis Caradoc, brushed a pesky fly from the sleeve of her long-sleeved linen gown. Though she would sweat in her long-sleeved linen gown, today promised plenty of delight. Chores, to be sure, but pleasant work in the midsummer sunshine. With a basket over her arm, she kept pace with Grandmother for the needful harvest of the Lord's bounty -- today, wild onions.

Her brother, brought along to help or at the least to protect, had other things on his mind. Thrusting his picking-basket at Anmair, on a snap of twig he sidled into the thicket and vanished.

"Bradan! Where do you go?" Grandmother called out.

"Anon, lady," his voice called, already from a distance.

Anmair gave a low chirp of laughter. "He strays off, as usual. Likely he seeks a Pictish burial ground or a broken spear from one of great Rhodri's battles." She raised her voice. "Bradan! Father will lift your hide with his belt. Come back! You promised to escort us."

"He is gone. Nay, give over, child. He has scant time for merrymaking these days."

"He is full sixteen, too old for childish sport." Anmair spotted a baby onion and pulled it from the earth.

"Have a little patience. Life will teach that boy to attend on one thing at one time."

Anmair smiled. She adored the indulged youngest of her five brothers. Two years younger than she, Bradan was not often denied simple pleasures. Aye, her brother had scant interest in young onions. He would remain close enough to keep them safe, but chores? Not for him. She and Grandmother Lisinwy would be filling all three baskets.

Looking down into her basket, she sighed. Try as she might, Anmair could never keep up with Lisinwy. Her basket already hung heavy with the best and ripest onions.

"Breathe, child. What soft air! The Lord Himself made this day just for us to go a-field." Grandmother's deft hands, wrinkled like she'd left them too long in hot water, could pick while she talked. Anmair loved the sound of her soft, low voice, so unlike Mother's higher tones. "Mmm, these will do fine in a pie. When we come home, mayhap we can cozen Cook into making one for the evening meal. It will taste of heaven with onions sweet as these."

Anmair heard a different note in Grandmother's voice and kept her counsel. Before they'd left the hall, Grandmother had hinted she would discuss weightier matters than onions and pie.

"But we came here for more than onions," the older woman said. "You and I have other things to speak of. While Bradan hares off about his business -- aye, I know it seems his lot is fun, while yours is work. But consider... boys do grow into men too early. Ever it is so, and they cannot wait to trade stick pony for war-horse. At least I still have you in my counsel. And aye, I would talk of duty."

Anmair frowned, at first hoping to distract Grandmother from such things. Why speak of duty on such a heaven-sent day? Before she could voice the thought, however, Bradan burst out of a bramble.

"Our lady mother calls." He swatted an insistent fly from his face. "There, on the headland. We must away--"

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My blog lurks at www.justtellthestory.blogspot.com .

My web site is www.debkinnard.com .

Lena, thanks for hosting me!

It's my pleasure and great blessing, Deb.

Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
The Faith Box Book One: Peaceweaver (TheFaith Box)


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.)

You'll notice that I took off the word verification for leaving comments. That should help you.

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

HIDDEN IN DREAMS - Davis Bunn - One Free Book

My Review of Hidden in Dreams:

This book is a sequel to Book of Dreams.

When I started reading Hidden in Dreams, I felt it could have been ripped from the headlines. And I wondered where Davis Bunn was taking the story. Very soon, the book moved into the realm of suspense. I don’t want to ruin the suspense or the story by telling you too much. So I’ll just tell you how I feel about the story and the writing.

As usual, Davis Bunn’s writing is superb, with excellent pacing. My own writing limits my reading time, so I am only able to choose few of the books I really want to read. And I can’t waste my time on books without all the elements I like in a story. This book contained them all in a pleasing balance.

Besides a dynamite story, I want strong characters. Most of the main characters must know the Lord and live out their dilemmas with a Christian world view. They have faults and can question God’s presence in their lives. And in this story, they do. These characters grow through the story.

I like a plot line that keeps me turning pages. I loved this one so much, I finished reading it during the lulls of a baseball game, which I really love.

And the story has to have a romance. Mr. Bunn handled this romantic thread masterfully. The romance doesn’t have to overshadow the suspense, and it didn’t, but it was strong anyway.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more about these characters.

–Lena Nelson Dooley, award-winning author of Maggie’s Journey, Mary’s Blessing, and Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico (www.lenanelsondooley.com)
I received this book from Howard Books and was asked to write an honest review.

About Davis Bunn

Davis Bunn is an award-winning novelist whose audience spans reading genres from high drama and action thrillers to heartwarming relationship stories, in both contemporary and historical settings. He and his wife, Isabella, make their home in Florida for some of each year, and spend the rest near Oxford, England, where they each teach and write. Visit Davis at www.davisbunn.com.

A Conversation with Davis Bunn               

 Q: How much research did you have to conduct to write this intriguing story?
A: In a way, I suppose you could say I’ve been researching this story all my adult life. I did my studies in international economics and finance. Observing the difficulties our nation and economy has faced over the past three years, as well as what we personally have endured, has been tough. It really was great to have this chance to give voice to what we increasingly hear, that the people at fault need to be brought to justice, and the risk of another economic collapse needs to be halted.

Q: Why is it important for you to write about such timely themes?
A: Economic uncertainty defines the world we live in. I feel it is important to show how the timeless and eternal messages are applicable to every aspect of our world and our lives. And how the gift of peace and wisdom can be used in every circumstance we face.

Q: When you wrote Book of Dreams, did you have plans for this sequel, Hidden in Dreams?
A: Two months after Book of Dreams was released, I had the call every author dreams about and yearns for—a vice president of NBC/Universal suggested we discuss the possibility of turning it into a television series. I was put in touch with one of their producers and over the next six months began working up the basic structure of what this program might look like. One of the ideas I found most appealing became the basis for Hidden in Dreams. There is as yet no firm decision about the television project. But it has been a blast to even be considered.

Q: In writing a sequel it’s always a challenge to include enough back story to satisfy those who haven’t read the first book while still making sure the book stands alone. How do you approach this dilemma?
A: You’re right, it can indeed be troublesome, but this time it all fell together very easily. The structure just flowed. That sometimes happens, where the story seems to create itself. I wish it was true all the time. I can’t even say why it was such a smooth process with Hidden in Dreams. But there was a sense of impatience about the back story, as though I needed to fit in just a few paragraphs, but I couldn’t allow myself or the reader to be drawn too far from this new story’s flow.

Q: Why did you choose to end Elena's relationship with Antonio? They seemed like a good couple.

A: For this story to work, Elena needed to enter into the dilemma as vulnerable as all the other people who shared the recurring dreams. She was isolated in a new place and forced to be dependent upon her faith and newfound friends.

Antonio (from Book of Dreams) belonged to a different universe, far from what was happening here. I had to make a choice at the outset. Would she remain with Antonio, and the two of them experience this together? Or would she be isolated?

Writing a new story is all about two things: facing the empty page, and choices. It is kind of fun to go back and revisit decisions I made eighteen months ago, when first outlining this concept.

Q: You’re writing about two women in this novel. Is it ever a challenge to write from the female point of view?
A: Learning to write from a woman’s point of view is very difficult for a male writer, as it usually is for a woman author writing a man’s story. Before I was published, I became friends with a husband and wife team who were both opera stars. The woman often sang a male role in a Mozart opera that was originally designed for a young boy, but which nowadays is usually sung by a woman with a slightly lower range, called a coloratura.

I discussed my difficulty with her, of trying to make my women sound real. She told me that my trouble stemmed from working on a woman character from the outside. It wasn’t about making women ’sound’ anything. It was all about making the character live from the inside-out.

As I worked on the point of view issue, trying to put my friend’s challenge into practice, I also began going into any meeting with a woman carrying a secret tape recorder, and taping everything that was said. I then went back and wrote out every word. It was perhaps the most boring month of my entire writing career.

But gradually I found that I could ‘hear’ the speech patterns of these women, and reshape them into structures that fitted around what was happening in my stories. And through this exercise, the emotional content that lay behind the dialogue, the person who was expressing herself, became more real, more solid.
And then I met my wife, Isabella. And the process of instruction at the intimate level of a God-centered marriage began to unfold.

Q: In Hidden, Elena and her colleagues are attacked in Miami. After the attack, why did Elena not take more precautions? 

A: Elena had a choice to make, and so did I. Either she could play the delicate flower – fearing everything and going nowhere – or she could go on the hunt. I liked the balance between her internal fears and uncertainties, and her quest as a professional psychologist. She is, in effect, trained to look for clues – to go on the quest of drawing out the hidden. I felt the actions she took, despite the dangers, to be her natural response.

Q: Is there another Elena Burroughs book planned?

A: I have another idea. The question is, what do the readers want, and how positive is the reaction to this story?

Q: Why do you write fiction?
A: I became a believer at age 28. Up to that time, ever since graduating, I had been working in international business. I came to faith while working as a consultant in Germany. I started writing two weeks later. Up to that point, I had never picked up a pen in my life to write anything longer than a business report. But I had always been an avid reader. And the moment I started, that very first instant, I had the sense of invitation. It was the first time I had ever experienced that incredible sense of being drawn in a new, divinely inspired direction.

I wrote for nine years and finished seven novels before my first was accepted for publication. Simply because I had received a sense of calling did not mean I was ready to serve. First the diamond had to be polished. Hard and painful as that was.

Q: While you are a prolific writer, you also get out there and live too! What’s been your most exciting real life adventure?
A: It would probably be better to ask, what has been the most exciting real-life event so far this year. Undoubtedly that would be working on the set of a film being shot from a screenplay I wrote last year.
Unlimited has now “wrapped,” that is, filming has been completed. The producer and director are now deep into the editing process. The film is due for release in September, 2013. I am currently working on the novel, which comes out a couple of months before then.

I had the whole thing backwards here, doing the script first, but it has been a lot of fun, and the concept remains very fresh. So hopefully Unlimited will come alive on the page as well as the screen.

Q: What is your goal as a novelist?
A: I want to combine a truly entertaining read with a powerful after-effect. My dream is that long after the book is set down with a satisfied sigh, there are still images that surface, lessons that can be drawn, genuine hope and healing and challenges and inspirations. I want my writing to be worthy of the gift.

Q: How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website and blog are at www.davisbunn.com

Subscribe to my blog’s feed (to get my latest posts via e-mail or through your feed reader) at http://feeds.feedburner.com/DavisBunn

Sign up for my e-newsletter (for subscriber-only giveaways and advance notice of my upcoming novels): http://www.davisbunn.com/news.htm

Facebook Author Page: facebook.com/davisbunnauthor

Twitter: @davisbunn - http://twitter.com/davisbunn

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/davisbunn/

About Hidden in Dreams     

Just when the world’s foremost expert on dream analysis, Dr. Elena Burroughs, thinks she is getting her life back under control after losing her position at Oxford University and the man she hoped to fall in love with, she is approached by Rachel Lamprey, the product manager of an innovative new ADHD treatment about to hit the market.

Rachel asks for Elena’s help with a clinical trial participant who has had a disturbing dream foretelling a cataclysmic global financial collapse. But even more alarming is the fact that fifteen people scattered across the globe—including Elena herself—begin to experience the same repetitive, devastating dreams of economic ruin just as one bank crisis follows another, suggesting that these aren’t merely dreams.

As Elena searches for answers in her professional networks, she is forced to form an unlikely alliance with her most vehement critic and is drawn back into the spotlight as the public face of the so-called dreamers. As Elena and her collaborators attempt to discover the dreams’ source, the clock ticks down to devastation. Suddenly, it’s no longer just about the dreams. It’s about survival.

Read Chapter 1 of Hidden in Dreams for free

http://books.simonandschuster.com/Hidden-in-Dreams/Davis-Bunn/9781451663815/excerpt

Video Book Trailer for Hidden in Dreams

http://youtu.be/o6GurQ5aQSM

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

Hidden in Dreams: A Novel - paperback
Hidden in Dreams - 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 

TWICE PROMISED - Maggie Brendan - One Free Book

Welcome back, Maggie. Tell us about your salvation experience.

My mother was a huge influence on my faith, so at an early age, I knew who Jesus was. Her Bible was always open on the coffee table. I gave my heart to the Lord when I was nine years old. I memorized all the books of the Bible too, and later had to recite them and was awarded a Bible that I still have to this day. When I was sixteen, I followed with a recommitment and baptism at a little country church in Lyman, MS at the urging of my older sister who was a fine Christian lady.

You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?

I’d want my critique partner, Kelly Marie Long, Rick Bragg (dreaming here!), Lavyrle Spencer and my brother, Jess McCreede. Kelly because we are very compatible at brainstorming and we’re soul mate friends. Rick Bragg, because I admire his writing, and his family background is similar to mine—without the Pulitzer Prize, of course! Although, she’s retired, I’d give anything to spend some time with Lavyrle Spencer. I devoured all her books many years ago. Jess McCreede—my brother, who passed away suddenly in 2004. He was my true mentor, urging me to finish what I start and submit! He wrote seven books and had a keen wit and his own special brand of storytelling.

Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.

Not really, however, I was asked to speak about the value of Christian fiction at a Southeast Bookstore and Librarians conference, at my daughter’s church for a Bible study class and I’ll be speaking to my granddaughter advance literature class in October. I also spoke at the formation of the new chapter of ACFW in North Georgia this spring.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?

The only thing that comes to mind is when I missed my first critique appointment with DiAnn Mills at my first conference in Denver. I didn’t know a soul at the conference and was horrified that I’d missed this important critique with her. Allison Wilson just calmly called DiAnn who was napping at the time, but graciously agreed to come down meet me five minutes later. I’ll never forget that because she told me that my book, No Place For A Lady, was close to being ready to submit for publication. She’s such a lady and great mentor to writers.

People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that?

Yes, they certainly do that at book signings. I begin by telling them to join a writer’s critique group because it’s so valuable to get input on their writing. Then I tell them to go to writer’s conferences whenever possible and read as much as they can. I also tell them they’ll never write a book by talking about it. Writing is hard work! If they would only write a page every day—very little—then they’d have an entire book written by the end of the year. Last, but not least, connecting with other writers is vital.

Tell us about the featured book.

Greta Olsen arrives in Central City, Colorado, as a mail-order bride, expecting to marry Jess Gifford, the man she’s come to know through his tender letters. But when the dust clears, she meets Cora Johnson and discovers she’s not the only bride waiting at the train station for Jess. Already shocked to find they must compete for Jess’s affection, the young women can hardly believe it when not Jess but his brother Zach picks them up from the station—and reveals that Jess knows nothing about any mail-order bride, let alone two. Will either bride make the match she hopes for? Two beautiful brides. One unsuspecting groom. Three weeks to figure it all out.

I love the cover. Please give us the first page of the book.

Central City, Colorado August 1888

Greta perched primly on her seat clutching her Bible on the train headed to Central City, and stared out smudged window at the moving landscape along the mountain ridges and canyons, where snow capped the distant purple peaks. The ride was somewhat thrilling, and frightening on The Colorado Central that chugged up its winding tracks around the Rocky Mountains and the sparkling Clear Creek. Greta held her breath at their incredible beauty wincing as her ears popped with the changed in altitude. The further up the mountains they traveled, the chillier and drier the air became, so she pulled her woolen cape tighter about her shoulders, thankful that she hadn’t packed it since the coach was drafty.

She contemplated the new venture she’d thrust herself into. The mail order bride ad was tucked safely into her reticule. Greta had hated leaving the crowded farmhouse on the prairie outside of Cheyenne where she’d lived since coming to America. After saying goodbye to her only family, she’d watch as the wheat fields, already ripe with promise, was soon a distant memory. Her eyes flooded with hot tears and an ache planted inside her chest.

But that was yesterday and today there would be no tears. In fact, she was excited about living this deep in the mountains, even after the rumors of the cold and snow, and rugged life where miners, she was informed by Peter, were as thick as fleas on a dog’s back. But that hadn’t deterred her. Greta wanted adventure, and had closed the door to her heart on love once and for all. She had no illusions when it came to love. It may have finally worked for her sister and Peter, but just look what happen to Clara, Peter’s mother! Greta decided when she wed, her marriage would be a marriage of convenience more or less, and if she had to perform her wifely duty, then she must. She twitched her nose in distaste at the very thought.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.MaggieBrendan.com

www.SouthernBelleWriter.com

www.BustlesAndSpurs.com Resident Blogger

Thank you, Maggie, for sharing this book with us. I love mail-order-bride stories.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Twice Promised: A Novel (The Blue Willow Brides) - paperback
Twice Promised: A Novel (The Blue Willow Brides) - 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

TAMING THE WIND - Tracie Peterson - One Free Book

Bio: Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Visit Tracie's Web site at www.traciepeterson.com and her blog at www.writespassage.blogspot.com

Landing Page: http://litfusegroup.com/author/TPeterson

About the book:
A young widow nursing the wounds of her past…

A cowboy with demons of his own…

Though grateful for the blessing of her daughter, Carissa Lowe has accepted that widowhood is her lot in life. Bound by fear and mistrust, she feels incapable of opening her heart again.

Tyler Atherton has never forgotten Carissa. When he discovers she’s living with her sister on a nearby ranch, his life becomes intertwined with the lovely widow’s. And Carissa’s daughter, Gloria, seems determined to wrap herself around his little finger. But while Tyler longs to provide a home and future for Carissa, he is haunted by an obligation he feels unable to fulfill.

Challenged by mounting hardships, can Carissa and Tyler preserve their fledgling love in a land as unforgiving and vibrant as the people who call it home?

Welcome, Tracie. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

Answer: There’s always something of myself that goes into each character, but more often than not the characters are compilations of people I’ve known or have studied. It’s always great fun to put a character into a situation and see what they will do – sometimes they even surprise me.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Answer: Wow, that’s a tough one. My entire life is quirky. I’ve check bodies into morgues, crewed for hot air balloons, walked around on glaciers and watched open heart surgery in person. I’ve done a little bit of everything.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

Answer: By the time I was 10 years old I knew that I was a storyteller. I used to entertain my friends with stories all the time. I loved writing and reading and always figured they would play some important role in my life.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

Answer: I read a little bit of everything. I love romantic stories, but also police procedurals and spy stories. I love historical stories both fiction and nonfiction, enjoy fantasy, some science fiction, intrigue, women’s fiction, and lots of the old classics both for adults and for kids.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Answer: I’m grounded in my faith in Jesus. Many times things start to spin out of control, but God reminds me to keep my focus on Him and I’m amazed at how well things fall into place.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Answer: Sometimes names initially come from people I meet at booksignings or through letters. Sometimes the names are chosen because of cultural settings or family ancestry. I generally try to find a name that I feel fits the character and works for the time period.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Answer: I’m proud that I’ve been a part of a marriage for over 33 years, that I have 3 incredible grown children and that I write full time. However, I credit God with having not only given me those people and abilities, but the faith to keep on-keeping on.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

Answer: Today I would be a zebra because my grandson Max is crazy about them.

What is your favorite food?

Answer: Chocolate – it is a food group all its own

 

That’s the truth. And a lot of the authors I interview choose it as their favorite. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Answer: Getting that first publisher to take a chance. I learn quick and am always eager to improve and please, so working with people in the publishing world has been such a blessing and I’ve learned so much.

Tell us about the featured book.

Answer: TAMING THE WIND is the third book in my Civil War, Land of the Lonestar series. This story ties together some of the issues in the series, however it stands alone as well. TAMING THE WIND is a story of recovery, forgiveness and putting the past to rest. Both main characters Carissa Lowe and Tyler Atherton have suffered from the abusive treatment of others. They long for love and the kind of fulfillment they can have in God, but first they have to deal with their demons.

Please give us the first page of the book.

North Texas, March 1868

It is a lovely place for a horse farm,” Carissa Lowe told her sister. She glanced around the lush, green acreage. The serenity found here spoke to her in a way the city hadn’t. “I can certainly see why Brandon loves it so.”

“Well, I love it even more now that you and Gloria have decided to join us. I’m glad that Mother and Father decided to go north to see Uncle Robert. The trip away from Corpus Christi will do Mother a world of good.”

Carissa glanced to where her nearly two-year-old daughter, Gloria, played happily with Laura and Brandon’s little boy, Daniel. At a year and a half, he cautiously explored his environment, while Gloria had seemingly no fear whatsoever.

Even now she was trying to climb the rail posts of the nearest fence.

“Gloria, get down from there,” Carissa called. “You know you aren’t supposed to climb the fence.” In the distance she heard the low rumble of thunder.

“You too, Daniel,” Laura added. The child looked at his mother momentarily before refocusing on the fence.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.traciepeterson.com

Celebrate with Tracie by entering to win a Kindle Fire!

 See what people are saying about Taming the Wind.

One winner will receive:

• A Brand New Kindle Fire with Wi-Fi
• Five copies of Live to Give by Austin Gutwein

Hurry, the giveaway ends on 9/25/12. Just click one of the icons below to enter. The winner will be announced at Tracie’s ”Taming the Wind” Author Chat Party on 9/26! Connect with Tracie, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Taming the Wind and join Tracie on the evening of the September 26th for a chance to connect with Tracie and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN, RSVP TODAY. TELL YOUR FRIENDS VIA FACEBOOK or TWITTER AND INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 26TH!

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

Taming the Wind (Land of the Lone Star) - paperback

Taming the Wind (Land of the Lone Star) - 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