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Monday, February 18, 2013

REBEKAH - Jill Eileen Smith - One Free Book


What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?
Forgiveness, reconciliation, and grace.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?
Rebekah just released in January/February 2013. It is book two in the Wives of the Patriarchs series. Book three about Rachel and Leah will not release until 2014, and I don’t have a release date for the Loves of King Solomon e-book series.

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?
Beth Moore. We both love to study the Bible, and I’ve learned a lot from her Bible studies. I think it would be fun to compare notes about David and the Patriarchs and anything else we might have poured ourselves into learning.

Or … a Messianic Jewish rabbi who is an avid student of the Scriptures. I would enjoy listening to his perspective on things I see with Gentile Christian eyes.

Our church is large with a diverse congregation, so one of our pastors is a Messianic Jew. He holds the messianic services. I do enjoy talking to him. What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?
Only one? King David, for sure, as I’ve spent years studying his life. But I can’t wait to meet all of the men and women I’ve already “met” and written about from Scripture. I look forward to hearing them tell their stories as they really happened.

Oh, and I think I would add Mary, Jesus’ mother near the top, because I have always loved Two From Galilee by Marjorie Holmes, and I wonder how Mary really felt in those days when she carried and raised Jesus on earth.

That was the first biblical novel I ever read, too. I loved it. How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?
Keep writing. Keep studying the craft. Rejections don’t always come because the work isn’t good. Sometimes an editor just can’t accept any more books that year – they may have met their quota. But sometimes a rejection means we need to keep learning and growing in the craft. So keep writing. Listen to good critique partners, attend conferences, take classes, read how-to books, but most of all, write what you love. When you learn to evoke emotion in your reader, you will have reached a place where people will want to read your work. Strive to reach that place deep within yourself and pour those emotions into the story. But don’t overdo them. Less is often better than more, and subtlety is often a writer’s most powerful tool.
Don’t quit unless God leads you to do so.

I love your cover. Tell us about the featured book.
Can love heal the rift between two souls?

When her beloved father dies and she is left in the care of her conniving brother Laban, Rebekah knows her life has changed forever. Though she should be married by now, it’s clear that Laban is dragging his feet, waiting for a higher bride-price to line his pockets. When she is given a chance to leave her home to marry Isaac, a cousin she has never even seen, Rebekah’s hope for the future is restored. Little does she know what a wondrous and heart-wrenching journey she is beginning.

As Rebekah experiences the joy of young love and the bitterness of misunderstanding and betrayal, her resolve will be tested. When the rift between her and Isaac grows so wide it is surely too great to be mended, can she trust the God of Isaac’s father Abraham to bridge the gap?

Please give us the first page of the book.
Harran 1969 B.C.

Light flickered from clay oil lamps in every corner of Bethuel’s bedchamber, the effort valiant but feeble, useless to dispel the gloom. Attendants hurried in and out, the hum of their whispers mixing with the sounds of their movements as they refilled a water jar here, wrung out a cool cloth there, and adjusted blankets, fussing, fearing . . .

Rebekah stood to the side, unable to take her eyes from the form of her father lying prone on the raised wooden bed, his head engulfed in soft cushions and layered with cloths meant to bring his fever down. But his clear moments had been few, his words strained as though he were speaking through stretched and cracking parchment.

Tears filled her eyes, and she pulled the cloak tighter about her, desperate to subdue the shaking. Not now, Abba. Please, do not leave me.

She heard voices in the hall outside the room and swiped at the unwanted tears. Though the time for mourning was almost upon them, she did not want her grief put on public display. Not yet. Not while there was still a chance her father might recover.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JillEileenSmith

Thank you, Jill, for spending this time with us today.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Rebekah: A Novel (Wives of the Patriarchs) - paperback
Rebekah (Wives of the Patriarchs Book #2): A Novel - 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 Google +, 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

34 comments:

  1. I absolutely LOVE Jill's books! "Bathsheba" was the first one I read and I had hesitated reading it because I was concerned it might sensationalize the story. Boy, was I wrong! I love the way she "humanizes" these women we've read about... her portrayal of Michal was particularly enlightening. I'm really looking forward to reading this new one!

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  2. Lisa E.7:47 AM

    I read Jill's Wives of King David series, and they were fantastic! I couldn't put them down. She has a gift for making you feel like you're right there in the story. I'd love to win Rebekah!

    Lisa E. in Washington State

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  3. I love these biblical fiction books. I have read the David's Wives series and would love to read this series as well.
    Beckie S. from Kansas

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  4. Leauphaun8:01 AM

    I love fiction books where the author takes bible characters and fills them out, making them "real". I can't wait to read this book!!!

    - Leauphaun from BC

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  5. I read Sarai and loved it. WOuld love to read Rebekah as well. Please enter this gal from Ontario, Canada. Thank you and God Bless.

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  6. Oops! I forgot to put that I'm in Alabama. :)

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  7. I want to win this book so much!!

    Rebekah TN

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  8. Anonymous11:17 AM

    I would love to win this book.

    Katie J. from FL

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  9. Thank you for a chance to win your book. It sounds like it will be a fantastic book i can't wait to read it.I like your spiritual themes are forgiveness, reconciliation, and grace. Your cover for Rebekah is beautiful, it bright and the lady is gorgeous, very eye appealing.
    Jill and Lena you had a great interview. God bless you both. Keep up the great work.
    Norma Stanforth from Ohio

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  10. I love your books. I've read "Bathsheba" and "Sarai" which were both great! I would love this one too.

    Alicia from NYC

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  11. Jill, you are a wonderful person and the author in you shines with these books on women of the Bible, I want to read these, I loved the interview and hearing you comment on your choices. I have wondered too how Mary must have felt carrying the baby Jesus and then raising him. I wrote a poem about her, letting my feelings out. thanks for sharing your work and God Bless.
    Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
    a fan in Ga

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  12. I don't think I've read any of Jill's books, thanks for the chance to win one!

    Patty in SC

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  13. Thanks to all of you for your kind comments about my books! For those who haven't read them yet, I hope you like them if you do!

    Thanks for stopping by and reading the interview. I wish everyone could win! But thanks for entering for a chance to do so.

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  14. This is going to be such a fabulous read thank you.

    Mary p

    QLD AUSTRALIA

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  15. Would love to read this book.

    From South Ms
    plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

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  16. Would love to read this book.

    From South Ms
    plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

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  17. looks interesting!
    Kandra in Tennessee

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  18. I have read many novels about women of the bible and love them,they help you to see them as real people. I would love to read Rebekah by Jill Smith.
    Terri
    Mazatlan, Mexico

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  19. I have not read any of her books but I look forward to reading them. Rebekah looks so good!
    Beth from IA

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  20. I have not read any of her books but I look forward to reading them. Rebekah looks so good!
    Beth from IA

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  21. Thanks for the opportunity to get this book.
    Lyndie Blevins

    Duncanville, Tx

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  22. Sounds so good! Please enter me. I'm from NC.

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  23. I've been doing an ongoing study of the women of the Bible, and making quilt blocks that represent each of those women. I'd love to read more about Rebekah. Thanks for featuring Jill today, and offering a giveaway of "Rebekah!"
    Nancee in Michigan
    quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  24. I Love Biblical Fiction!!! This book looks Awesome!!! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of it!
    God Bless!

    Blanch, N.C.

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  25. love to win Jill's book thanks

    live in ND

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  26. Sharon Richmond2:45 PM

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

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  27. We have Jill's books in the church library. I would love to win her book, "Rebekah" to add to our collection.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
    Florida

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  28. thanks for the chance to read rebekah's story

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com
    ...from PA...

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

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  30. Would love to read this book! Thanks for the chance to win.
    Amanda from Michigan

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  31. Anonymous10:07 PM

    I would love to win Jill's book . Thanks for the opportunity to win it. Maxie (mac262(at)me(dot)com

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  32. This book looks great :) I really want to read it!
    Hannah P
    CA

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  33. sharon m9:12 PM

    Would like to read a Biblical novel. I've read Lynn Austin's Gods & Kings series and really enjoyed them. sharon, san diego

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  34. Jorie9:46 PM

    I have oft wondered more about biblical history and the women who led lives so long ago! I think this would be a great place to start, and so I welcome the opportunity to win a copy!

    inkand-blogaways(at)usa.net
    Florida

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