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Friday, January 18, 2013

EVERY PERFECT GIFT - Dorothy Love - One Free Book

God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?
He has! I’ve been so blessed with this series, and blessed to have three new standalone historicals to write. God’s word to me this year was “Watch.” And I have watched as He has brought wonderful new people into my life, who have blessed my work in unbelievable ways.

Tell us a little about your family.
I’ve been married for 38 years to the man I first met in church shortly after graduating from college and beginning my career. Ron has spent his career in commercial insurance, and his work has allowed us to live all over the country, including several years in San Diego and in Austin…my favorite Texas city. We share our house with two golden retrievers, Major and Jake. We’re each from large extended families. We have dozens of cousins, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles. We get together with his side of the clan on Christmas Eve every year. It’s always such fun catching up with everyone. My mom turned 81 years old this year. She is the spark plug on my side of the family. We lost my younger brother to cancer in April. We treasure the children and grandchildren he left behind. I have an older brother in Tennessee, a brother and sister in Texas. Ron’s only sister lives here, too. They were both born in September, and we plan a joint birthday event every  year. Usually a trip to Rangers stadium to see a baseball game and a birthday dinner. Last September we spent a day in the museum district in Ft. Worth before the game, which was loads of fun.

I didn’t realize we lived in the same state. Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?
I notice things in books that I would not have noticed if I weren’t a writer. Just recently I reread a book that was published in 1989 by a favorite author of mine, now deceased. And I noticed certain habits of hers that I mentally corrected as I read.

That happened to me with a favorite author whose book released at the same time as my Golden, New Mexico one. What are you working on right now?
In November I turned in the manuscript for CAROLINA GOLD, a standalone historical novel set on a rice plantation in the South Carolina lowcountry. Now I’m working on a historical suspense called THE BRACELET which is due to my publisher this coming November. It’s set in Savannah, one of my favorite Southern cities.

What outside interests do you have?
Ron and I love history, and we seek it out when we travel. We both love to read, and we enjoy hiking. For a long time I collected teapots, particularly those made by the Shawnee Pottery company but I’ve run out of room. We have a collection of antique maps dating back to the mid-1800’s. I used to do a lot of needlework, mostly counted cross-stitch, but now my eyes are too weak to do much of that. I’ve been a member of several book clubs, but lately I’ve had to drop out in order to meet my publishing deadlines.

How do you choose your settings for each book?
This is an easy question. I’m a Southern girl, and I set all of my books in the South. I’ve traveled to South Carolina for years and always wanted to write a book set there—hence, CAROLINA GOLD. I was born in Tennessee and set my first series for Thomas Nelson in the Cade’s Cove area of the state.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?
General Robert E Lee. I have admired him since I first read the letters he wrote to his wife and daughters during the war. The public knows him as a gentleman soldier, the man who made a bad decision at Gettysburg, but in private he was a loving husband, a doting father with a great sense of humor, a man of faith in God, humble in both victory and defeat. His final General Order to his troops at the surrender still makes me blubber like a baby. In his thirties, he was dubbed “the handsomest man in the army.” He loved to dance. I would have loved knowing him.

I did a lot of research on him when I wrote for a curriculum publishing company. I’ve long admired him. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?
Staying published is harder than getting published.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?
The things that sometimes appear as trials, defeats,  and setbacks return to us as blessings if we wait on Him.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?
Learn to write well.
Be persistent in seeking a publisher.
Learn to market your work.

Tell us about the featured book.
EVERY PERFECT GIFT wraps up the Hickory Ridge trilogy that includes BEYOND ALL MEASURE and BEAUTY FOR ASHES. My main character, Sophie Caldwell, was adopted as a ten year old by Ada and Wyatt Caldwelll, the main characters in BEYOND ALL MEASURE. After growing up on Wyatt’s ranch in Texas, Sophie went away to school, and then worked for a newspaper in Dallas. But now she feels called to return to Hickory Ridge to revive the local newspaper, the Gazette. Because she is of mixed parentage, she has always felt a need to prove herself, and she hopes that by making a success of the paper, she can finally be accepted.  In Hickory Ridge, she meets Ethan Heyward, the architect who designed and built Blue Smoke, a luxury resort in the mountains above town. Sophie and Ethan are drawn to each other, but each carries an explosive secret that could tear them apart.

Please give us the first page of the book.
The orphanage seemed so much smaller than she remembered.

Sophie Robillard Caldwell peered through the bars of the rusty gate, taking in the boarded up windows, the weed-choked yard, the frayed remnants of a rope swing shivering in a sharp wind that seemed to whisper long-ago taunts. Mutt. Muddlebones. Mongrel.

And worse.

Holding her hat in place with one hand she looked up at the second-floor window of the room where she’d spent a lonely childhood daydreaming and spinning stories. She’d expected to feel a sense of familiarity upon returning here, a kind of homecoming. But the moment she stepped off the train, she realized everything had changed.

True, Jasper Pruitt still ran the mercantile, and his wife still owned the dress shop that had once belonged to Norah Dudley. The bakery and Mr. Gilman’s bank were thriving. The Hickory Ridge Inn, where she was currently staying was full to overflowing every night. Miss Hattie’s restaurant had reopened. Even now the smells of frying chicken drifted on the wind.

I loved reading all three of these books, and this one was a fitting ending for the series. How can readers find you on the Internet?
Readers are welcome to my home on the web: www.DorothyLoveBooks.com and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/dorothylovebooks

Thank you, Dorothy, for sharing this book with us today.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Every Perfect Gift (A Hickory Ridge Romance) - paperback
Every Perfect Gift (A Hickory Ridge Romance) - 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

53 comments:

  1. Next book about a rice plantation in SC? Any book about the south and plantations and I'm there! I have the first two books in this series and I would love to read them all back to back. Ever since I first laid eyes on the beautiful cover of Every Perfect Gift it has been on my wishlist. What a blessing it would be to be able to win it!!!

    Diana in SC

    dianalflowers[at]aol[dot]com

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  2. Dorothy Love8:05 AM

    Hi Diana! Haven't seen you on FB in a while. Hope you had a great Christmas. Yes, the book coming out this fall is set on a rice plantation just north of Georgetown.
    Pop on over to my website when you have time and click on "inspirations" for more about my trip there this summer. Good luck in the drawing!!

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  3. I love reading books set in the south. Particularly my adopted state of SC. So I really look forward to Dorothy's next book, but of course would love to read this one.

    Patty in SC

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  4. Anonymous8:19 AM

    I've been waiting for a new book to come out! I've read every single one of your books Dorothy, and I'm sure that this one is a hearty warm classic. I just love how your books take me to a warm place, almost like the feeling of sitting next to a warm fire on a cold day. It'd be amazing to add another masterpiece to my collection

    Erin in New Jersey

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  5. That's a wonderful interview from both of you !!
    I haven't read this one yet but loved Sophie's character in the previous book. Would be thrilled to win this one!! Looking forward to both those new ones. Savannah is one of my favorite places and my ancestors came from Charleston.

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  6. I love Dorothy. No, I haven't met her but there is just something about that sweet smile of hers and oh yes...her golden's! Major and Jake I love them! I use to have a golden named Max. Cried like a baby for months after he died. When Dorothy mentioned her Mom turning 81 years old it brought tears to my eyes. I miss my Mom so much. The 27th of this month she will celebrate her one year in Heaven with Jesus.
    I love the cover of Every Perfect Gift and I'd love to win a copy of this book.
    Thanks for this giveaway and Blessings Lena and Dorothy!

    Judy B from Indiana

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  7. I love Dorothy Love's books. Winning this one would be great!

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  8. Love old western romances - especially set in Texas. The cover on this one is beautiful - looking forward to reading this
    cheryl in IL
    msboatgal at aol.com

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  9. I would love to win! :)
    Hannah P
    CA

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  10. Anonymous10:06 AM

    I would love to win this book. I read the first page and now I want to continue. Looking forward to the new book Carolina Gold. I love books set in the south.

    Katie J. from FL

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  11. Anonymous10:09 AM

    Thanks for the chance to win.

    Bonnie Jean
    (Florida)

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  12. Thank you so much for sharing! Would love to win Dorothy Love's book "Every Perfect Gift"!

    Glenda A
    AZ

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  13. Dorothy,
    It has been so much fun getting to know you on Facebook. I love to read about the things you like doing and the "today is the day" facts that you share. Good luck with this book and with the one coming out in November. I look forward to reading both of them. Chris Unwin

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  14. I have been wanting this book. Thank for the interview and giveaway.
    Amy C
    VA

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  15. I agree with the others, Dorothy. You have a great facebook that I enjoy following. And this story sounds too interesting!

    From the Black Hills of SD

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  16. I would love to win! I live in CO.

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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  17. Dorothy Love2:26 PM

    Erin, thank you so much for your kind words and for being a fan. I appreciate you so much and hope you enjoy the next book. Blessings, D

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  18. Dorothy Love2:28 PM

    Precious Judy, so great to see you on here, my friend. Love you, too. And I know what you mean about losing a golden. I lost my 11 year old golden girl before we got Major and I missed her for years.

    I hope we get to meet in person one of these days. xo

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  19. Dorothy Love2:29 PM

    Hey Katie J, thanks for stopping by here. I can't wait to share more about Carolina Gold with all of you. I had a great time writing it. Good luck in the drawing today.

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  20. Dorothy Love2:31 PM

    Hey Chris, I love hearing from you on FB, too. I enjoy finding those little historic tidbits to share with people. Thank you so much for stopping by here today. See you on FB! xo

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  21. Dorothy Love2:32 PM

    Lady Saotome, Glad you enjoy hanging out with me on FB. :) thanks for visiting here today.

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  22. Dorothy Love2:35 PM

    Good luck to all who commented here today. I'm planning another event for February and will announce it on FB and on my blog soon. More chances to win stuff and hang out together. Each and every one of you is a treasure to me. So grateful for your friendship! And thanks, Lena for hosting me today. I've loved seeing all these comments.

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  23. That is a "cool" looking cover :D I like it and the interview was great. I'd love to win. I live in Springfield, MO. Blessings! Darlene
    spangldlady[at]gmail[dot]com

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  24. Hi Dorothy,
    Thank you and Lena for giving me a chance to win your book.I am so sorry about the loss of your younger brother. You have my deepest sympathy.
    You book sounds really great. I would say the perfect gift was being adopted at the age of 10 years old.
    God bless you and Lena.
    Norma Stanforth from Ohio

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  25. This was my favorite cover of historicals in December. So pretty.

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  26. I've been wanting to read this for a while and I love the cover! I'm in MN.

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  27. Such a beautiful cover for a start. EVERY PERFECT GIFT looks fabulous.

    Mary P

    QLD AUSTRALIA

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  28. I "Love" the cover of this book and I would "Love" to read it also.
    Thanks for entering me in the book giveaway.
    Janet E.
    Florida

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  29. I'd love to be entered for Every Perfect Gift, it sounds like a wonderful story. The cover is one of the prettiest I've seen. Thanks, for a chance!
    Merry
    TX

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  30. thanks for the chance to read this story...i love the cover!

    karenk...from PA
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  31. I love to read!! I loved the review of the book sounds really good. Thanks for the chance to win it..
    joeym11@frontier.com
    Diana Montgomery
    Valparaiso Indiana

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  32. Thank you for the opportunity to get this book.

    Jean Kropid
    West Palm Beach, Fl

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  33. I love Dorothy's books and I have not had a chance to get my hands on this one yet, so I would love to win it! Thank you!
    Carly in Burlington, NC

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  34. I don't believe I have read any of Dorothy's books, but an intrigued by this one. Would love to win it.
    Doris from Indiana

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  35. I have seen this book a few times on the internet but have yet to read it. It looks like a good one.

    Rebekah TN

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  36. Thanks for the opportunity to get this book.
    Lyndie Blevins
    Duncanville, Tx

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  37. I've enjoyed the Hickory Ridge triology. Beautiful cover!
    Beth from Iowa

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  38. thanks for chance to win
    live in ND

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  39. I would love to win,Enter me!!!
    Thanks for the giveaway and God Bless!!
    Sarah
    Blanch,N.C.

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  40. sharon m.9:12 AM

    Your book, EVERY PERFECT GIFT sounds wonderful. We adopted our first child and think adoption is such an enriching experience. Love to win your book. sharon, san diego

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  41. Dorothy Love9:44 AM

    Norma, thank you for your kind words. Losing a loved one is never easy but I have been so blessed with the love and prayers of so many friends I have not met yet. Blessings to you, friend!

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  42. Dorothy Love9:45 AM

    Dear readers, thanks for all the lovely comments about the book and its cover. I love it, too.

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  43. This sounds like a lovely book! There are so many wickedly delightful inspirational romance authors out there, that I am thankful to blogs like these that give us {the readers} a chance to find them! Bless you for offering this bookaway, as I'd be honoured to read this as a way to be introduced to your writing! I'm jumping over to your website now to read more about you!

    One of my favourite plots always involves newspaper journalists! I don't know why, but back in the days of typewriters, crazy deadlines, and small townes/big cities papers,... there was always such a wicked surge of energy to get the story, and get it in print!

    inkand-blogaways(at)usa.net
    Florida, USA

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  44. Dorothy, I'm sorry I've missed reading your novels. I love Southern, historical and contemporary novels. Thank you for the opportunity to win one of your books.

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  45. Sharon Richmond3:35 AM

    Enter me this book looks great!!
    Sharon Richmond
    Blanch,NC.
    sharonruth126@gmail.com

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  46. I'm from North Carolina and I love Historical Romances. This book sounds GREAT! I'd LOVE to read it. Thank you for sharing and doing this interview.

    Wanda Barefoot
    flghtlss1(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

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  47. Dorothy Love is a new author for me. I would love the opportunity to win a copy of "Every Perfect Gift." Thanks for the wonderful interview and contest!
    Nancee in Michigan
    quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  48. Sounds wonderful! Please enter me. I'm from NC. The cover is gorgeous! :)

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  49. Wow, this one looks intriguing!
    Kandra in TN

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  50. Can't wait to read Sophie's story! The cover is gorgeous!

    Stephanie
    Binghamton, NY

    mybabyblessings AT gmail DOT com

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  51. Deborah D12:18 PM

    I love the title of this book.

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  52. I'm looking forward to this one, the cover is beautiful!

    Liz R in Al

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  53. Lady DragonKeeper7:54 PM

    What a beautiful book covr! I haven't read a book from Dorothy Love --I'll have to keep an eye out for her now. =)

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    jafuchi7[at]hawaii[dot]edu

    (p.s. - I'm from Hawaii)

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