THE HEART STONE - Sherry Kyle - One Free Book

Welcome back, Sherry. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I’m passionate about writing nonfiction books for girls ages 8-12 to connect them to their faith as well as novels for women that reconnect lives. I enjoy writing in these two genres and feel blessed to have been published in both.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

I have to pick one? There have been many happy days, like the day I married my college sweetheart almost twenty-five years ago on July 9th, or the day each of my kids were born or adopted. Another extremely happy day is when I received the phone call that my first novel was going to be published. I came home from a writers’ lunch and saw the answering machine blinking. I listened to my agent’s message three times before I ran around the house screaming.

How has being published changed your life?

I’m a lot busier now. Once published, there is a book at every stage. Besides writing the books themselves, I need to carve out time to market through social media. I’m also a mom to a twenty year old who still lives at home, and three active teenagers (17, 16, and 13). My life is a fun, crazy ride!

What are you reading right now?

Bridging Two Hearts by Michelle Ule.

What is your current work in progress?

My current work in progress is another contemporary women’s fiction/romance titled Capture Me about a young woman who discovers an old photograph in a trunk.

What would be your dream vacation?

My dream vacation would be to go to Paris, The City of Love and Lights. Besides the Eiffel Tower, I’d like to see famous landmarks, such as the Chateau de Versailles, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, and the Musee de Louvre.

When I graduated from college, French was my second teaching field. I’ve always wanted to go to Paris. How do you choose your settings for each book?

Since I live in California, I set all my books in real towns along the California coast.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

Jim Caviezel. Need I say more?

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love real estate, I always have. I enjoy looking up houses on the web and going to open houses on the weekend. One of my favorite websites is www.houzz.com for decorating ideas, and www.realtor.com to look up homes for sale. I also regularly watch House Hunters on HGTV.

I used to go to open houses a lot, but I don’t much anymore. What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

I always seem to hit a wall midway through writing a novel. The term sagging middle is a well-known problem for authors who write by the “seat of their pants,” like me. Because of this, I rewrite a lot. I’m thankful when readers say they can’t put my books down. I must be doing something right!

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Attend conferences and workshops. Network with those in the writing community. Join groups, such as American Christian Fiction Writers to connect with those seeking publication, as well as a critique group to hone your craft and sharpen your skills. I’ve been writing for a decade and I continue to do all of the above. As a writer, you’re never done learning and growing.

That is so true. Tell us about the featured book.

The Heart Stone is a contemporary story with romance and a hint of mystery about a single mother running from the unwanted calls from her son’s biological father, and a widow’s search for her first love. On their separate journeys to find hope and forgiveness, the women discover that one heart-shaped ring binds their stories together. You can watch a book trailer here: http://bit.ly/X5wEMH

Please give us the first page of the book.

Jessi, it’s Andrew . . . Andrew Lawson.”

At the sound of his voice, Jessica MacAllister’s knees went limp and her palms grew moist. She sat down on the wooden stool near the kitchen counter and leaned her head on her hand, her elbow resting against the cold tile. Why was he calling? She hadn’t heard from him since he signed the papers relinquishing his rights to Jacob six years before.

“Jessi, you there?”

She fought the urge to hang up the phone. “I’m here.”

“I want to see him.”

Her heart beat a strange rhythm. She had prayed this day would never come. “Andrew, I—I—I don’t know,” she stuttered. As a speech pathologist, she prided herself on her communication skills, but this man could trip her up regardless of her training.

“We can meet at a park. I’ll sit at a distance and watch.” The desperation in his voice was palpable.

Jessica’s jaw clenched and her stomach churned. How could she trust that he wouldn’t rush up to Jacob and tell him that he was his biological father? Or worse, what if he wasn’t sober? His behavior when he was drunk could be ... No. She wouldn’t let a man who had no part in Jacob’s upbringing suddenly waltz into his life—especially someone who had shown her the ways of the world. But Andrew wasn’t entirely to blame. She’d given in.

“No. No, that won’t work.” Jessica ran her hand through her shoulder-length hair.

“How about a restaurant? I’ll eat at a separate table. I only want to see our son.”

Our son. Jacob was not their son. He was hers and hers only. Andrew wasn’t there for her when she was pregnant or gave birth. He’d never been there. Why the sudden interest now?

I can’t wait to read it. How can readers find you on the Internet?

I’d love for you to visit my website at www.sherrykyle.com. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Thank you, Sherry, 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.
The Heart Stone - paperback
The Heart Stone - 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