Saturday, March 30, 2013

THE HOUSE THAT LOVE BUILT - Beth Wiseman - One Free Book


I first met Beth just after she had signed her first book contract, and we quickly became friends. Award-winning author Beth Wiseman has hit the best-sellers lists with each and every one of her books, and her latest, The House that Love Built, is sure to follow. In the interview below, she shares more about the story behind her newest release.

Welcome back, Beth. Is there one particular message or “moral of the story” you hope readers walk away with?
I hope that Brooke, Owen and the rest of the gang will stay on readers’ hearts for a long time, that readers will reflect on the very different ways that the characters handled the events in their lives. And in turn, hopefully the story will inspire people to turn to God in both the good times and the bad.

Forgiveness of self and others is one of the themes that runs through The House That Love Built. Why do you think it is so hard for us to forgive ourselves and let go at times?
People often say we are only hurting ourselves when we can’t forgive someone. That holds true when we can’t forgive ourselves, too. God forgives us . . . and so easily. Yet, we beat ourselves (and others) into the ground over the burdens of our past. I personally have trouble forgiving myself, so that ends up in my books a lot.

Both of your lead characters have baggage that keeps them from wanting to pursue a new relationship. Do you think sometimes we let our past get in the way of what God has planned for our futures?
Carrying our burdens of the past is self-destructive, and my goal for this story was to have several of my characters shedding their burdens as they grow in their faith and put their trust in God.

Even though she questioned God’s will, Brooke clung to God after her husband died. However, Owen did the opposite when his wife left. Do you think there’s any reason in particular some people have one reaction versus the other when something bad happens in their life?
I have no idea why people react so differently during a crisis, and I intentionally wanted to incorporate both sides, so to speak, into the story. The spiritual arc in this book is clearly Owen’s, so I wanted to show his struggles and how he eventually reaches out to God. But I also wanted to show that there are people who do not turn from God during a crisis—like Brooke—no matter how unfair things might seem.

Has there been a time in your own life where you could really sense God was putting you in a situation for a reason?
That has happened to me many times, but I couldn’t foresee the reasoning — especially during the bad times. It has taken years to understand that much of what I have experienced was to give me a better understanding of certain situations so I could write about it and hopefully help others. I’m not sure I could have captured the hospital scene in my second novel if my own son hadn’t spent a month in the hospital. My character was fifteen, just as my son was when he was sick, so my emotions ran deep. I’ve witnessed a miracle, so I wrote about one. I’ve made mistakes I’m not proud of, and those seem to find a way into my stories, as well, painful as some of them might be. I’m adopted, so I’ve written about that. Each book I write ministers to my own soul, and I pray the stories will bring peace to my readers.

The House that Love Built is set in Smithville, Texas, where several Hollywood movies have been set. You live nearby. What’s so special about Smithville?
I love writing stories set in small Texas towns, and Smithville is really quaint with friendly people who live there. The movie Hope Floats was filmed there, and the town is very welcoming to authors, film crews, and the public in general. There are a lot of older homes like the one Owen purchases in my story. The mystery surrounding the house was inspired by a house in another small Texas town: Schulenburg. 

You are best known for your Amish fiction, and The House That Love Built is just your second venture outside that genre. What persuaded you to try something new?
I think it’s natural to want to spread your wings a bit when you’ve written so many novels and novellas in the same genre. For me, writing about Texas comes naturally since I live here, and I love to write about a community, as opposed to just “boy meets girl.” I like a good love story, but my secondary characters usually end up with large roles because I like to show how God puts certain people in our paths for a reason, however unlikely it might seem to us at the time.

Beth, please share the first page of the novel with us.
Brooke Holloway woke with a start, then felt her stomach lurch when she recalled her dream. She rolled over and threw her arm across Travis’s side of the bed, wishing she could will him to be there. She lay there a few more minutes before forcing herself to get up and dressed before she went downstairs.

She pressed the button on the coffeemaker before facing off with the calendar that hung on the wall to the left of the refrigerator. She reached for the black marker dangling on a string nearby and drew a big X across today’s date, as she did every morning, then scribbled “45” in the upper-right-hand corner of the square. The kids liked to keep up with the count-down to July 10.

Two cups of coffee later she still yawned as she headed back upstairs and down the hall to Meghan’s room.

“Up, sleepyhead.” Brook flipped on the light and walked toward her precious six-year-old, whose blond hair crumpled in a mass on the pillow. “Time to get up.” Brooke sat on the bed and kissed Meghan on the forehead, Travis still fresh on her mind. He used to wake up the kids each morning, said that seeing their faces first things always made for a better day.

What’s on the horizon for you? What will you be writing next?
I just finished book number six in the Daughters of the Promise series, releasing in October 2013. I’ll also be doing some Amish novellas for the next couple of years. But the next full-length book I will be working on jumps way outside of the box. It will take readers far away from Amish Country and Texas to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. I can’t say too much yet, just that it is inspired by a true story and something very close to my heart.

Learn more about Beth Wiseman at bethwiseman.com and follow her on Twitter (@bethwiseman). She also hangs out at Fans of Beth Wiseman on Facebook and loves hearing from readers.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The House that Love Built - paperback
The House that Love Built - 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, Linkedin, 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

107 comments:

pol said...

Great to see you today on Lena's blog, Beth. I love to read your books so would love to be in this drawing.
your question about folks and their different reactions to death, I would think maybe just because we all are so different in many ways even at this time there would be differences. I try to remember that death frees the one who died to be with Jesus -it is us that remain who have to be sorrowful because we miss them...
thanks for sharing
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
a Ga reader

Lyndie Blevins said...

Forgiveness is an important characteristic, thanks for spotlighting this book.

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




sm said...

I would love to win these books and I have heard much about Beth Wiseman but she is a new author for me to read. sharon, san diego

sm said...

I would love to win these books and I have heard much about Beth Wiseman but she is a new author for me to read. sharon, san diego

Heidi Reads... said...

I love her books! Can't wait to read this new one!
Heidi, CA

Cathy said...

Would love to win this book! Thanks for the giveaway!

Cathy in BC Canada

From Snowflakes To Hotcakes said...

I love Beth's books! She is listed as one of my favorite authors on Amish Living. I haven't read any of her non-Amish ones but would love to, because I feel like her skill and wit as an author would transcend genre. I'm thankful for the chance to win!

Laurel
South Georgia

Anonymous said...

Love, love, love Beth's books!! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Marie Ferland
Ontario, Canada

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for all the kind words!

Beth Wiseman

Tracey Kelly said...

I absolutely love Beth Wisemans books, Especially her Amish ones. You have this Western Australian totally hooked!! I would love to win one of her books. Many thanks for the opportunity and God Bless.

Angela Dean said...

I would love to win these books. Beth is my favorite author to read. I have read all hers books but a few and they are on my list to read.

MJR said...

Love your books Beth....You give us another look at the peaceful world of the Amish...God bless and Happy Easter <3

Keren said...

Thank you for the opportunity of receiving this book. I enjoy reading them and I can't wait to read this one. Many Blessing to you all.

Carolyn said...

I've read your books Beth and love them.
Thanks for chance to win.
Carolyn Jefferson
carolynj63@att.net

Anonymous said...

I always love a chance to win a new book. If it comes from an author with the same last name as mine, that makes it even luckier, I hope.
Thanks for the offer Beth. I hope I win!!
Bobbie Wiseman

Liz said...

Sounds like a great read. Would love to win it but if not will get it .

Anonymous said...

Would love to read the book.

Anonymous said...

You and family have a blessed Easter!


Patty, Cape Coral, FL

Sarah Zeglen said...

I would love to win the book!

Diana Montgomery said...

Think most people find it hard to forgive themselves. I know God forgives us but sometimes I will go back on something. It's just the devil working. Thanks for the chance to win this book would love to read it. Great interview also.
Blessings
joeym11@frontier.com

Angel Linda said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Angel Linda said...

Thanks for the chance at winning a copy of this book. I've been so hoping to read it :)
"Angel" Linda M.
mslafate@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Happy Easter to everyone! I would love to win a copy of your book! It's so refreshing to read your writing. Keep the good stories coming!

MJR said...

Love your books Beth....You give us another look at the peaceful world of the Amish...God bless and Happy Easter

Lucy Reynolds said...

Absolutely love Beth's books. Would be honored to win this and share with my church family. Have a blessed Resurrection Day.
Lucy from WV
leliamae54@netscape.net

Anonymous said...

Beth is one of my favorite authors. I have read most of her books and would be so excited to win The House That Love Built.
Brittany McEuen

Anonymous said...

Forgot to put that I am from Grand Prairie, Texas. Brittany McEuen

Unknown said...

Would love to win a copy of this book.

Ontario, Canada

Anonymous said...

Would love to win this book thanks for the opportunity to try :)

Geri Kelley

Gkkel@aol.com

Edna Turner said...

Love all your books especially the Amish ones. Love the Amish people. Would love to win - The House That Love Built. I just lost my oldest daughter to her Heavenly Home. I do miss her so much. I am from Roanoke Rapids, NC. Thanks & have a nice Easter Season.

Unknown said...

I have read most of Beth's books and some I have read again and again. Each time with a new outlook and lesson. Beth this book sounds as amazing as your Amish books. Would love to win it. Thanks for a chance, LeAnn from Rhodhiss, North Carolina

Unknown said...

i really love your books and sure hope i win this one, thanks for a chance and Blessed Easter to you
Shirley, jcisforme@aol.com

Cassie Wallis said...

Would love to win this book Thanks for the chance :)

Anonymous said...

Blessed Easter!
Central Minnesota where snow is still ruling but Spring is peeking around the corner!
mandn@wisper-wireless.com

Anonymous said...

I have never won one dof your books, would love to. I am a very big reader, sepecially of christian books.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the opportunity to win one of your books! Easter blessings to you!

Louise said...

I have read all of Beth's books up to this one need it to add to my Beth Library!!!!!

Amurdock said...

Love your books!
Amber
amberdawnchris@gmail.com
KC, MO

scottsgal said...

Sounds like a book I'd really enjoy reading
thanks for the chance and happy Easter
Cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com

Karen Farley said...

I LOVE all your books!!!! Please pick me. Happy Easter.

farley13@comcast.net

Linda Ortiz said...

Love Beth Wiseman's books! Looking forward to reading her new book.

Linda Ortiz
strgth4yu@hotmail.com

Jean Smith said...

I would love to win a copy of The House That Love Built! ejs841@hotmal.com

Shirley said...

7933Would love to win a copy of "The House That Love Built". Have probably read every copy of your books in our local library. Love them. sjeano@new.rr.com

Unknown said...

I love Beth's books. Would love to win this book.
Thanks for the opportunity!!!

Juanita Nobles said...

I would love to win and read your book. Thanks for the opportunity.
Juanita Nobles
mjnobles(at)charter(dot)net

Anonymous said...

Hello! I live in Fleming County, Kentucky, which is an Amish-rich area. My best friend is Amish and I share my huge collecton of Amish and historical fiction with her and her family. I love Beth's books and I would love to add this one to my library!

Judy said...

House That Love Built sounds like a great read. I would love to win a copy. I love Beth's books. I love all her Amish books but I must say, it doesn't matter what genre she writes in, she does a wonderful job as an author. Beth is one of my favorite authors.

Thanks for this interview with Beth and a chance to win a copy of "House That Love Built."

Blessings!
Judy B from Indiana

Anonymous said...

I just posted from Fleming County, Kentucky. For some reason, it left off my name and email address. Here it is:

Cindy Adams
jociadam@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I would absolutely love to win your book. I love all of your books and am an avid reader. May God continue to bless you. Cheryl Salinas from GA.

pilotcardriver said...

would love to win this book I sure love the books Beth write adout the Amish,thank

Wendy said...

I would love to win a copy of your book.
Wendy, Michigan

Anonymous said...

You are an excellent author with the unique talent to make me feel as if I am part of the family you are writing about.We go to visit and buy from the Amish in Kenton Ohio and I come home with such a peaceful feeling. Please continue to write many, many more books-thank you, Mary Bonnell

Anonymous said...

The House That Love Built.....what better place to live? I would love to win a copy....I love the title!
Ibakecakes4you@AOL.com

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to read this book, whether I buy it or win it!
Debi1@zoomtown.com

Unknown said...

Happy Easter to Everyone!!

Vanessa Burzynski
Bedias, Texas

Amy C said...

I have heard great things about Beth's work.
Happy Easter Everyone!
Amy C
VA

Anonymous said...

Happy Easter! I've just recently discovered beth's books. I love them and Iw ould love to win this book. Have a Blessed Easter!

Unknown said...

I love your books. I first read The Amish Wedding and got hooked. Happy Easter and have a blessed day

Jennifer said...

Would love to have this book! I have enjoyed all of Beth's books! Thanks for the chance!

Jennifer Gentry
jengen2@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I love your books and would love to win. Jean from Alma,Michigan

Library Lady said...


Our library readers love Beth Wiseman and can't seem to get enough of her books. I would love to win this book.
Thanks for the chance to do so.
Janet E.
Florida
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

Mary Ellen said...

Would love to have a copy of this book to add to my collection. Please accept my entry. I live in Danville, Pennsylvania.
Thank you,
meashy@verizon.net

eeyore46 said...

I would love to have a copy of your book

Anonymous said...

I would love to win a copy of The House That Love Built! I love your books Beth!

Julie Bish
Pennsylvania

Anonymous said...

Would love to win this free book.
Dawn Crawford
dcofohio@yahoo.com

Elizabeth Dent said...

Love your books Beth . Thank you for the contest. I would love to win "THE HOUSE THAT LOVE BUILT"
Elizabeth
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
Decatur,Al.

Anonymous said...

I would love to win The House That Built Love because I've read books by Beth Wiseman before and I always love the plot, setting, and of course the characters in them! Happy Easter:)
Rebecca
Pennsylvania

Anonymous said...

I would love to win The House That Built Love because I've read books by Beth Wiseman before and I always love the plot, setting, and of course the characters in them! Happy Easter:)
Rebecca
Pennsylvania

Anonymous said...

I would love to win this book because my sister is a great fan of Beth Wiseman. This book would make a great Easter present for her.
Maria

Unknown said...

Beth you are one of the best writer's out there. I would love to read this book. Oklahoma

Unknown said...

Oh how I would love to win a Beth Wiseman book. What an honor that would be.

Anonymous said...


Hello Lena and Beth. Happy Easter to you both. Beth, this book sounds really really good. Hope I'm lucky enough to win it. Think it will really pull you into the story. I ,like that. Interesting about your other book that will be far away. BUT, all of your books are good. Lena, thanks for this interview and chance to win Beth's book. mac262(at)me(dot)com
Maxie from Pasadena, Tx.

Unknown said...

sounds like another great book you 'cant go wrong with any book that beth writes!

Dana said...

I enjoy your books. Would love to get this free copy. Mississippi

Linda Kish said...

I would love to read this book.

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Norma S said...

Love the sound of your book Beth, i hope i win it. God forgave us so we need to be able to forgive others and ourselves, thanks for reminding us of that. Your cover to your book is great. God bless you.
Norma Stanforth from Ohio

Anonymous said...

Would So much love to win!!!!Love Beth's Books.pbennett123@windstream.net

Unknown said...

It's gonna be another WONDERFUL book.I can't wait!!
Angie
Waverly, Ohio

Barb said...

This would be a great book to win! I enjoy all of your books!

Anonymous said...

I live in Tennessee.

Anonymous said...

Love reading Beth's books.
Ola Norman
Traphill NC

Anonymous said...

I'm really looking forward to reading this. When I read Beth's novels, it's not only a wonderful story but they remind me where my heart should be.. forgiving and loving even when people and situations are unlovely.
Abbey Rust
Oskaloosa, Iowa

Mary Preston said...

Happy Easter!!

I enjoyed the interview thank and and the first page.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

JeanOhio said...

I love Reading these Inspirational Books... Would love to Win ....

Anonymous said...

Love reading her books. Would love to win. Abel.barb@Yahoo.com

Diana Flowers said...

I have bought and read just about all of Beth's books, and happen to be reading one now. It is really good and is called His Love Endures Forever. I'm a bit late reading it b/c of having to review other books. Would feel very blessed to win this one! Thank you for the chance!

Diana from SC

dianalflowers[at]aol[dot]com

Nancee said...

Beth is an incredible author. She has contributed some of the best Amish fiction I've read. Thank you for featuring her and offering a giveaway of "The House That Love Built."
Nancee in Michigan
quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

apple blossom said...

thanks for the chance to win Beth's book

live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Marissa said...

I've loved all of Beth's Amish books, so I'm sure I'll like this one!

~Marissa from CO

Abigail Mitchell said...

Enter Me! Looks Awesome!!!

Blanch, N.C.

Faith's Grandma :) said...

Love Beth Wiseman's books, she is a great author and would love to win this book ....

Patty said...

Sounds good, not sure if I have read any of Beth's books.

Patty in SC

Shopgirl said...

I've been looking forward to this one! I'm in MN.

KayM said...

I haven't read any of Beth's books. This one sounds interesting. Thank you for offering a copy.
Tennessee

rubynreba said...

I enjoy Beth Wiseman books very much. Since I live in a small town, the small town setting appeals to me.
Beth from Iowa

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

Enter me!!!
Sarah Richmond
N.C.

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch,NC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com

Lisa E. said...

I've been working my way through Beth's Amish novels, and I've loved each one I've read. She really makes you feel like you know the characters and that you're in the story. I'd love to try this contemporary story. Thanks!

Lisa in Washington State

Hannah said...

I'd love to win this book!
Hannah CA

Unknown said...

Looks like I've got one chance in about 100 of winning Beth's book. Another of her fine writings. Thanks for the chance to win a wonderful story.

Barb Shelton
Arlington, TX

Anonymous said...

My daughter loves reading your books. They're very inspirational to her. She would be so excited if I won this for her. Thank you and God bless.
Rose Marie
Pennsylvania

Anonymous said...

I want to win it for my daughter

Anonymous said...

I want to win it for my daughter.
Dean
Pennsylvania

Merry said...

I enjoyed the little peek, please add me!
Merry in TX

Anonymous said...

I want to win this book because my sister really likes Beth Wiseman's books!
Ashley
Pennsylvania

Anonymous said...

I would like to win your book because my sister is crazy about them.
Selena
Pennsylvania

Jorie said...

The writer had me at hallo when she mentioned *Hope Floats*, a community oriented towne, and a welcoming to others who do not live there in a geniune fashion! I love townes that are built around a heart and core of goodwill, as its nearly difficult to find these days! I love the opportunity your giving us to read this book, as I can tell that she's infused the story with a towne that is wrapped around her heart! :)

inkand-blogaways(at)usa.net
//Florida