WINNERS!!!!

Veronica (MN) is the winner of A Heart Deceived by Michelle Griep. 
Brittany (TX) is the winner of The good Girl by Christy Barritt.
Marjorie (Canada) is the winner of It Adds Up to Murder by D A Featherling. 
Leslie K (NC) is the winner of Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter.  

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.

RIPTIDE - Elizabeth Goddard - One Free Book

Beth is a long-time friend, and I'm thrilled to have her on the blog today. Remember, Readers, to follow all instructions at the end of the post to be included in the drawing for the book.

Welcome, Beth. How did you come up with the idea for this story?

Riptide is the second story in my high-stakes repo man series. Since the first book, Treacherous Skies, involved retrieving a Learjet, I wanted my second book about a yacht. I love the Pacific Northwest and knew that I wanted my characters to end up surviving in the amazing Olympic Wilderness. With those two things in place I started writing and the ideas began to flow. Something I hadn’t planned for when I started was my hermit character. He stepped into the story like new friends step into our lives. I love it when that happens!

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

I’d invite Lisa Harris, Lynette Eason, Lisa Wingate, (lots of “L” names going here! LOL) Susan May Warren, Rachel Hauck, and Debbie Macomber. Some I know well, and others not at all. But I enjoy reading all of these authors for various reasons—great writing voice or complicated romantic suspense plot twists or just great romance. I’d love to see my friends, and I’d love to get to know the authors on this list that I don’t already know.

Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Francine Rivers for one. Just because. Tamera Alexander, Liz Curtis Higgs, Lena Nelson Dooley (Ahem), Robin Lee Hatcher, and an up and coming historical author, Elizabeth Ludwig. (Don’t you just love her name?) All these authors are fantastic and I’d love to just listen while they talk to each other about God and life and history.

Thanks for including me. I’d love to visit with all those authors, too. Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?

Great question, Lena. I’m very blessed to be able to write so many books and generate so many ideas. My biggest problem right now is that my brain is tired. I suffered severe burnout over the last few months, but it didn’t matter because I still had three books with deadlines. So I had to gut it up and write them. I’m happy to tell you that at least two of those are turned in, and I have one left to go. This has been one of the toughest writing years I’ve had but at the same time, I’ve written five books this year, which again, is a blessing. God’s great favor. So this next year, I hope to slow things down a bit and only write one book at a time, only write for one line/publisher, at least for a while. Then we’ll see where God takes me on this writing journey. I’d like to ask that readers remember that writing is a HARD job and it doesn’t happen without a lot of stress and labor, so please pray for writers that God puts on your hearts.

I agree with your last sentence. I hope my readers pray for me. It means so much to us. Tell us about the featured book.

Riptide was a fun book to write and I was surprised myself by many of the twists and turns. Here’s the blurb:

Treasure Hunt

Two surprises await high-stakes repo man Jake Jacobson on his latest job. First, old flame Kelsey Chambers. Second, gunfire! Seizing the luxury yacht should have been easy, but he hadn't planned on Kelsey's appearance. Or that smugglers would hijack the vessel to find an antique map hidden on board. The map is Jake and Kelsey’s only leverage…but it carries a price. Without it, they’re as good as dead. With it, they’re the target of a relentless hunt. Their failed relationship has Kelsey afraid to rely on Jake again. Can she count on him with their lives on the line?

This sounds so intriguing. Please give us the first page of the book.

What would it feel like to send high-voltage electrical currents through an intruder?

I hope I don't have to find out.

Kelsey Chambers wrapped her fingers around the electro-shock device Captain Neely had left with her. Someone had boarded her boss’s boat and started the engine. She’d spent enough time on The Buccaneer while working on her travel writing assignment to feel the subtle shift, recognize the rhythmic hum of the motor. It wouldn’t be Captain Neely and his wife since they were on the island to celebrate their anniversary.

Sitting in the galley of the small but luxurious yacht, Kelsey left her laptop and the images she’d taken of the San Juan Islands and bounded up the steps.

Gripping the weapon, she stepped above deck into a dreary Pacific Northwest day. Angry voices shouted from the end of the secluded pier. Men ran toward The Buccaneer.

Copyright © 2013 Harlequin Enterprises Limited. All Rights Reserved

(You can read a much longer excerpt at Amazon on the Riptide page)

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Please sign up for my newsletter at: www.elizabethgoddard.com

www.facebook.com/elizabethgoddardauthor

www.twitter.com/bethgoddard

I belong to a couple of group blogs: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com

www.christiansread.wordpress.com

Thank you, Beth, for sharing this book with us today. I loved the first one in the series.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Riptide (Love Inspired Suspense) - Amazon
Riptide (Love Inspired Suspense) - Kindle
Love Inspired Suspense July 2013 Bundle: Defender for Hire\Royal Heist\Lifeline\Riptide (Heroes for Hire) - Amazon

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

RETURN TO SHIRLEY PLANTATION: A CIVIL WAR ROMANCE - Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D - One Free Ebook

Bio – Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D. 

Carrie Fancett Pagels (www.carriefancettpagels.com) debut release Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance, is a Kindle Civil War best seller and a top rated Civil War Book on Amazon. She contributed to God’s Provision in Tough Times by Cynthia Howerter and LaTan Murphy (July, 2013.) Her short story Snowed In: A Northwoods Christmas will appear in Guidepost Books “A Cup of Christmas Cheer” in October, 2013.

I cot to know Carrie very well after she booked an appointment with me at one of the ACFW national conferences. I'm thrilled to feature her here. Welcome, Carrie. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

Because I was a psychologist for 25 years I have heard a lot of people’s “stories” and a lot of that goes into my characterization. In my author’s voice you will hear a strong and deep chord of hope, determination, and overcoming. In this published novella, my character Angelina wants to obey God and do as He directs her and that is very much stemming from my own beliefs. In the manuscript I am writing now, my heroine has to overcome shame and the belief that she is responsible for something that has happened. I have to dig deep to draw on experiences of my own but I’m more reliant on what I’ve heard from people over the years as far as their own shame. Because the hero helps her, I have some of my psychologist self and spiritual self in him. But he is a man so I have to be careful—men don’t usually “help” the way women do! They want to solve things. But he can’t just solve her problems, which is frustrating to him. But God can, with their cooperation.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Lena, I am a Yooper woman—someone from the upper peninsula of Michigan. If you look under quirky in the dictionary you will see a Yooper. I wear a hot pink t-shirt to bed that says “Yooper Girl” on it—maybe that will answer your question. But my daughter and hubby would say the time I dressed in Yooper clothes and went to our suburban Virginia Kohls dressed in flood-water sweats, gray wool socks, and short hiking boots. I mean—it was winter after all, eh?

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

As a child—I wrote a prologue for my favorite book Anne of Green Gables! But I had to “re-discover” that I was a writer as an adult and that came when I realized I’d have to write the books I wanted to read since I was having trouble finding them.

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

Depends on the phase I am in. I’ve sometimes been into contemporary suspense but for years now I’ve been reading Christian historical romance, with an emphasis on the history part! But I like nonfiction Bible study books, too, and an occasional fantasy book such as a time travel book.

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

I have to stay close to God and that is a constant battle. I love to listen to Joyce Meyer in the morning. It’s important to stay in the Word and to pray.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Many times I use family names and friends’ names. I make sure they match the time period. I like the names to fit the characters, too. If possible, I like to include the names of wonderful people who have assisted me on my writing journey. For instance, I have a lovely character named Lena in one of my colonial manuscripts.

That’s cool, Carrie. What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Sometimes I think it is when I earned my Ph.D., because that was so hard! Other times I think it was giving birth at 44 to our second child! The thing I am most grateful for isn’t an accomplishment per se—returning to Christ and asking Him to be my Lord and Savior when I was an adult, after years of doing things on my own.

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

A doe. I am from Michigan’s upper peninsula where we have many deer. I love the woods, and I also enjoy the lakes.

When my father retired in West Texas, he fed deer in his back yard. If they started coming when they were fawns with their mother, they would often eat corn out of his hands. They continued as adults. One time, we all hid in the house and watched a large buck with an enormous rack eating corn out of his hand as he sat still as a statue. Amazing. What is your favorite food?

Now, Lena, that is a silly question. I write, thus I must have chocolate!!! Preferably dark chocolate, in my case!

And you know mine is dark-chocolate-covered dried cherries. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

My biggest problem was wanting to edit, re-edit, edit some more, and try to get each of my chapters perfectly polished. The problem with that method is that you never end up with a completed manuscript, then. Thankfully I had an editor friend who helped me get past this perfectionism.

Tell us about the featured book.

To me Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War romance gives testimony to how God can use an arthritic Tired Old Mommy like me and bring about a published novella in about six weeks and now it is a top rated Civil War book on Amazon! That is God’s doing, Lena. Julian Charity, historian at Shirley Plantation and Kathleen Maher, author of Bachelor Buttons both gave me incredible support and assistance with this book. Murray Pura is the mind behind the Cry of Freedom Civil War series through Helping Hands Press—there are over a dozen authors writing short stories or novellas for this exciting project and I am honored to have been the first author published in this series!

Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance is a story about obedience. Obedience to God is a big theme for me and one I’ve blogged about for years. Angelina is a free woman who is a seamstress. She’s one-eighth African American and can pass for white. She refused the offer of a position in Ohio with a theatrical troupe so that she could remain behind and earn the freedom of her orphaned niece and nephew. Meanwhile thespian and theater manager Matthew Scott, son of a Copperhead senator, has been conscripted into the Confederate army. He ends up at Shirley Plantation (I love this place—it is celebrating its 400th anniversary this year!!!) where there is a field hospital. Matthew doesn’t realize it but he has a connection to the plantation. I tried to take a balanced approach in characterization. I didn’t write all the good guys as Union and all the bad as Confederate, etc. I tried to show the human side of the war and tried very hard to be even-handed. Bad stuff was done on either side. One of the saddest things I discovered while writing this book was that the gentleman who inspired one of my not-yet-published novels, a Shirley Plantation relative, had been killed by Union soldiers when they were looking for another young Carter family member (who was NOT at the elderly man’s home!) That was very sad.

I can only imagine how my great-great grandfather from Kentucky might have felt—the Danners of Kentucky mostly found on the Confederate side and my ancestors fought for the Union. I’d love to do a story about the grandmother of some of those young men fighting against each other. Then again, I write happily-ever-after endings so I don’t think I will…

Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter 1

Southern Ohio, 1862

Matthew Scott basked in accomplishment’s warmth as the theater emptied. Every seat had been filled, save one—Father’s. A congressman for their locale, Theodore Scott departed earlier to an emergency meeting with a colleague in Dayton.

Having toiled unceasingly for his troupe to remain together despite the war, Matthew complained only of difficulty with wardrobe. Two gowns already had side seam tears. His face tightened—the seamstress who’d contracted to sew the clothing had failed to arrive the previous year. They’d farmed the work out to a tailor already over-burdened.

Scott’s Theatrical Troupe was booked through the next three months for stops in cities and some to entertain the Northern troops. He grinned. Nearby, thespian J. W. Booth pulled on gloves, tipped his top hat at Matthew and exited the building. Matthew retrieved his beaver hat from its peg and followed suit.

Outside, the last of the carriages clustering the circle departed.

“Mr. Scott?” Cigar smoke accompanied the deep Southern-accented voice.

Matthew waited for his eyes to adjust from the interior light to night’s velvet blackness.

“Yes?”

“You’re coming with us.”

***

Shirley Plantation, Charles City Virginia June 1862

Angelina Rose carried the heavy tray of hot tea, biscuits, honey, porcelain cups and saucers, and silver spoons to a cherry sideboard. The Carter women gathered in the parlor for Bible study.

“Lou, will you read first, dear?” Mary Braxton Carter, matron of Shirley Plantation directed her request to her daughter-in-law.

Louisa, the wife of Robert Randolph Carter, off serving in the Navy, sat up straight. “Matthew 25, verse 34 to begin. ‘Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a…

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Contact info

Carrie Fancett Pagels

Facebook Author Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carrie-Fancett-Pagels/317053071710640?fref=ts

Facebook Personal Page http://www.facebook.com/carriefancettpagels

Twitter https://twitter.com/cfpagels

Pinterest http://pinterest.com/carriefpagels/

GoodReads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7043690.Carrie_Fancett_Pagels

LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=131454255&trk=tab_pro 

Links to purchase Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Murray-Puras-American-Series-ebook/dp/B00C2EZ5L6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1370264197&sr=1-1&keywords=carrie+fancett+pagels

Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murray-puras-cry-of-freedom-volume-1-return-to-shirley-plantation-murray-pura/1114941171?ean=2940016542836

God’s Provision in Tough Times, releasing in July 2013

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Provision-Cynthia-Howerter-La-Tan-Murphy/dp/1938499441/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358266747&sr=8-1&keywords=cynthia+howerter

Readers, 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 

HIDDEN DREAMS - Darlene Franklin - Five Book Giveaway

Welcome back, Darlene. Why did you become an author?

I began writing seriously in the wake of my divorce. A compulsion to put my pain and the lessons learned into words drove me forward, and by the time I was ready to move on, I was hooked on writing. I completed one novel, then a second one (Romanian Rhapsody) which eventually sold. I have more stories in my head than I will ever write. I asked God several times whether He wanted me to devote so much time to writing, and He kept saying yes.

I loved Romanian Rhapsody. That’s when I became hooked on your books. If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job?

If my health wasn’t an issue, I would love to be involved in a choral group that tours both in the United States and internationally. I did that in college and seminary, and loved it.

If you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why?

Perhaps 1900-1920. The world changed, seemingly overnight. The years included the elegance of the Edwardian era, ended in a world shattered by war, women allowed to vote for the first time ever. I read a fascinating book called 1908 that outlined some of the breakthrough changes of that year alone, and I would love to experience them firsthand.

What place in the United States have you not visited that you would like to?

The farthest west I have ever been is Utah. I would love to get to California and dip my feet in the Pacific Ocean before I die (I grew up in Maine, with the Atlantic). San Diego or San Francisco would be preferred destinations.

I’ve been to San Francisco and areas just south of there. I love the Monterrey Peninsula, which contains Monterrey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, and Carmel. My first book signing was at a Christian bookstore in Carmel. How about a foreign country you hope to visit?

Great Britain, New Zealand, or Australia. No question. English-speaking is a nice convenience, and my ancestors are primarily Brits (English, Scottish, Irish)

I want to go to Australia before I die. What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?

I write a daily devotional blog (http://mydailynibble.blogspot.com/) based on my daily readings from a read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year plan. What He’s been showing me recently is the importance of celebration. That holiness, in part, isn’t a list of do’s and don’ts, but also joyful celebration. That it’s important to recognize special occasions as they occur, whether it’s my granddaughter’s first day at school, my 500th blog post, or receiving copies of a book I’ve written. Rejoice in where God has placed me now, for this time and this place. Michael Smith captured the feeling of celebrating the moment in “This is Your Time.”

This is your time, this is your dance,

Live every moment, leave nothing to chance,

Swim in the sea, drink of the deep,

Embrace the mystery of all you can be.

Tell us about the featured book.

Mary Anne is on the run. Her father's been murdered, and now the mob’s after her, too. Leaving New York City behind is the only way to stay alive. Yet Mary Anne Lamont finds herself stuck in Maple Notch, Vermont, when her car crashes straight into Wallace Tuttle's truck. Wallace and his family offer her warmth and welcome, no questions asked. But she doesn’t dare give them her real name—not without risking their safety too. At first, Wallace chides himself for being distracted by the glamorous flapper. Mary Anne certainly doesn’t fit his image of a future wife. But underneath the bleached bob and big-city ways is a courageous, caring woman. When the danger she’s been running from draws close, Wallace must risk everything to prove his faith in Mary Anne, in God’s plan, and the dreams they’ve come to share.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Marabelle Lamont had never expected March to end the way it had after it started with such hope. If she didn’t know better, she might think nature was playing some kind of early April Fool’s prank.

            The dark road ahead of her and the cup of coffee in her free hand reminded Marabelle of her present reality. The waitress at the restaurant in Burlington had gladly let her keep her cup. Marabelle hated counting out change for the bill.

            Dad had anticipated better days ahead when he bought the Victoria coupe two weeks ago. But using the car already sprinkled too many crumbs on the path she needed to hide. Pulling out a hundred-dollar bill would cement the memory. Only the changing letters of the town names gave any clue that she was making progress on her wild flight to Canada.

I can hardly wait to read this. How can readers find you on the Internet?

This month I am hosting a 200-book giveaway on my blog. Go to http://darlenefranklinwrites.blogspot.com/ for more details.

http://mydailynibble.blogspot.com/

http://christianfictionhistoricalsociety.blogspot.com/

Twitter: @darlenefranklin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darlene.franklin.3 and my “Darlene’s 5 Questions a Day” group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/542991419047696/?bookmark_t=group

Thank you, Darlene 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.

Hidden Dreams - Christianbook.com
Hidden Dreams (Heartsong Presents) - Amazon.com
Hidden Dreams (Heartsong Presents) - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book or one of 4 other books. 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

HOTLINE GIRL - K Dawn Byrd - One Free Ebook

How did you come up with the idea for this story?

I wonder what it’s like when people fall in love online. I explored this in Hotline Girl. My hero and heroine already know each other, but don’t know each other online when she starts to counsel him. When an unpopular girl counsels the most popular guy in school online, will he accept her love when he finds out who she is?

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Michelle Sutton, Lena Nelson Dooley, James Scott Bell, Brandilyn Collins, and Donald James Parker because I’d like to brainstorm with them.

Thank you for including me. I'd love to brainstorm with you and the others. Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Francine Rivers, Deanne Gist, Julie Lessman, Mary Connealy, Liz Curtis Higgs, and Melanie Dickerson because I could learn a lot from them (I’m published in WWII Christian fiction, but no other eras.)

Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?

I work a full-time job and in addition, am on call with my job many weekends. This leaves little time to write.

Tell us about the featured book.

Here’s the cover blurb:

When the school counselor asks Abby to work a counseling chat line, she begs her to choose someone else. When Race, Abby's three-year crush, begins using the chat line to talk about his girlfriend problems, can Abby be impartial when she really wants to tell him to dump her?

Race notices Abby after she has a complete make-over. He begins to spend more time with her and feels like a cheater because he likes the hotline girl too. How can he like two girls at once?

Abby is thrilled when Race begins spending time with her, but she's crushed when he tells the hotline girl that he likes her and wants to take her out. Is he a player? Will he even want to be with her when he finds out that she is the hotline girl and knows all his deepest secrets?

Please give us the first page of the book.

"What would you do if he asked you out?" Marge asked.

Just like Marge to bring me back down to earth when I’d been gushing about my crush and how cute he’d been in trig class. “I don't think I have to worry about that since Race has a girlfriend.”

“But, say he didn’t. Would you go?”

A slow, quiver began in the pit of my stomach. “Of course, I'd go.”

“You wouldn't be afraid?”

“I'd be nervous, but what's to be afraid of? Race is a nice guy.”

She rolled her eyes. “Puh-lease. We don’t even really know him. How can you say he’s nice?”

“He's been in school with us forever. I feel like I know him.”

“He's like all the other popular guys. He’s so shallow and self-centered.”

Frustration bubbled within me. “How can you say that? You don’t even know him. Isis brags all the time about how romantic he is. Race sends her flowers and texts her to tell her goodnight. I saw him kiss her on the cheek once too and it was so sweet. I want a guy like that.”

“Why don't you settle for a guy in your league? Someone you know.”

“What are you getting at?”

“Wouldn't you be more comfortable going out with someone you know?”

I wasn't sure what she was hinting at, so I took a chance. “Why? Do you know someone who has a crush on me?”

She grinned, showing braces that were silver and blue, our school colors. “Maybe.”

“Who? You have to tell me who!”

Marge glanced around to see if anyone was listening. “I promised I wouldn’t, so I can’t say who. Keep your eyes open. You’ll figure it out.”

“But—”

“Don’t ask. You know I’m not going to tell you.”

I closed my mouth. Marge lived by strong Christian principles and I knew that if she’d made a promise, she’d keep it. My cell phone rang, and I reluctantly hit the answer button.

My mother always called at the worst times. “Hello, Mom.”

“Abby, we need to talk.”

“About what?”

Papers shuffled, and I imagined her placing case notes in a chart and closing it. She was the school psychologist and was as calm and steady as the day was long. She’d heard it all and seen it all, and how she kept her sanity, I’d never know. One thing was for sure, the psychology field wasn’t for me. I wasn’t a touchy-feely kind of girl, unless of course, you had a newborn animal in your arms; then I was all hands.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Blog: www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com

Facebook Christian Fiction Gathering: https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianfictiongathering/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/k.d.byrd.7

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kdawnbyrd

Thank you for sharing your new book with us.

Readers, here is a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.

Hotline Girl

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

PENNSYLVANIA PATCHWORK - Kate Lloyd - One Free Book on This Blog, Plus More

Bio: Author Kate Lloyd is a passionate observer of human relationships. A native of Baltimore, Kate spends time with family and friends in Lancaster County, PA, the inspiration for her novels. She is a member of the Lancaster County Mennonite Historical Society. Kate and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest. Kate studied painting and sculpture in college. She's worked a variety of jobs, including car salesman and restaurateur.

About Pennsylvania Patchwork:

Seattle native Holly Fisher is smitten by Lancaster County, its simplicity and her long lost relatives. In the sequel to bestselling Leaving Lancaster, Holly embraces the Amish culture, learning to slow down to see what --- and who --- really matters.

Meeting the family that her mother had kept hidden from her, Holly comes face to face with her real life and blood legacy. She also falls for the charming Zach, a handsome Mennonite veterinarian who is everything she's ever wanted in a husband: confident, kind, successful, and authentic. And Zach proposes marriage. Is this too soon? Is this the right choice? Mother and Amish grandmother think she's rushing into too much of a lifestyle change. Holly is in love with Zach and that precludes everything. Until she meets an attractive Amish man. And an old suitor shows up.

Pennyslvania Patchwork is the moving, richly told story of one woman's heart, her faith and trust, and the choices she makes. Never easy, but one choice can change your destiny.

Learn more about Kate at http://www.katelloyd.net

Kate Lloyd is celebrating the release of book two in her Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy, Pennsylvania Patchwork, by giving away an authentic Amish-made quilt!

 
  One "grand" winner receive:

• An authentic Amish-made Quilt
• Pennsylvania Patchwork and Leaving Lancaster by Kate Lloyd

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 29th. Winner will be announced on July 1st at Kate's blog.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Thank you, Kate, for sharing your new book and giveaway with us.

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

Pennsylvania Patchwork - Christianbook.com
Pennsylvania Patchwork: A Novel (Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy) - Amazon.com
Pennsylvania Patchwork: A Novel (Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy) - 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

Winners!!

Jenny (NY) is the winner of The Promise Box by Tricia Goyer. 
Barbara (LA) is the winner of Trouble in Store by Carol Cox. 
Shannah (NC) is the winner of Blowing on Dandelions by Miralee Farrell.
Kandra (OK) is the winner of Loves Stays True by Martha Rogers. 
Monica (Ont) is the winner of The Well by Stephanie Landsem.  

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.

BAREFOOT SUMMER - Denise Hunter - One Free Book

Bio:
Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

Tell us about your salvation experience.

I was practically born at church. I had good Christian parents who taught me about Jesus from day one. When I was 5, my mother knelt beside my bed with me and led me through the sinner’s prayer. I don’t remember what led up to that moment, just the moment of asking Jesus in my heart. He has been a faithful friend all these years and has blessed me beyond measure.

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

Easy question! I have some great friends who are also writers. We share a blog at www.GirlsWriteOut.blogspot.com but we were friends long before that. Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Cheryl Hodde.

Five of my favorite authors. Do you have a speaking ministry?

If so, tell us about that. I really don’t. I’m a much better writer than I am a speaker!

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

I think my most embarrassing moments revolve around me putting my foot in my mouth! I don’t do it very often—I’m not very talkative. But boy, when I do, I want to melt into the carpet.

I’ve had several of those moments myself. They’re uncomfortable. 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?

Do it! I felt that way at one time too. It’s just a dream until you make a plan and put it into action.

Tell us about the featured book.

In Barefoot Summer (Book One) you'll meet coffee-bean-dependent, butter-pecan-loving Madison. She's the perfect match (but will never admit it) for Beckett O’Reilly, whose nefarious reputation follows him more closely than his black lab Rigsby. He’s her sworn enemy, but she needs his help to reach her goal of winning the annual regatta, and he’ll do anything for her—he owes her that and more, if only she knew.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter One

Madison McKinley scanned the crowded town hall, wondering how many of her friends and neighbors she’d have to fight to get what she came for. Half of Chapel Springs had turned out to support the fire department. The faint scent of popcorn and coffee from last night’s Rotary club meeting still lingered in the air, and the buzz of excitement was almost palpable.

When she reached the front of the line, she registered for her paddle then looked for her mom. She spotted Joann McKinley seated on the left, near the old brick wall.

Before Madison could move, Dottie Meyers appeared in the busy aisle. “Madison, hello, dear. I was wondering if I could bother you about Ginger. I found a little knot behind her leg. I’m worried it might be something serious.”

Last time it had only been a burr. Still, Madison set a hand on the woman’s arm. “I’m sure it’s fine, but I’ll have Cassidy call you tomorrow and squeeze you in, okay?”

“All right, everyone,” the emcee was saying into the mike. “It’s about that time.”

“Thank you so much, dear,” Dottie was saying. “I’m so excited about this year’s play. It’s called Love on the Line. You are planning on coming out again, aren’t you? You’ll be fabulous as Eleanor.”

Auditions were still two months away. “Looking forward to it. See you tomorrow.” Madison participated in the town’s production every year. She enjoyed the theater, and the proceeds supported the local animal shelter, a cause she was committed to.

She turned toward her mom and ran straight into a wall. “Ooomph.”

Or a chest. A hard chest.

She looked up into the face of the one man she least wanted to see, much less slam into. She jumped back, looking square into his unfathomable coal-colored eyes.

She nodded once. “Beckett.”

He returned the nod. “Madison.”

His black hair was tousled. He wore a Dewitt’s Marina work shirt and at least two days’ stubble. His jaw twitched. She hadn’t spoken to him since she’d confronted him two weeks ago—for all the good it had done.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I love interacting with my readers on my facebook page. I also have a website where readers can sign up for my newsletter, sign my guestbook, or just browse my books.

Thank you, Denise, 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.
Barefoot Summer - Christianbooks.com
Barefoot Summer (A Chapel Springs Romance) - Amazon.com
Barefoot Summer (A Chapel Springs 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 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

IT ADDS UP TO MURDER - D A Featherling - One Free Book

Today's book is a debut novel for author D A Featherling. Remember, Readers, you must follow all the instructions at the bottom of the post to be included in the drawing.

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

I think all authors, whether consciously or unconsciously, put bits of themselves into their characters. You use things that have happened to you as part of the plot and that’s deliberate. The character traits though tend to creep in and many times you don’t realize you’ve let that happen until after the book is done.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Hmmm. I’m not a very quirky person physically – I tend to be more quirky mentally and it shows in some of the situations my characters find themselves in – guess it’s that subconscious kicking in!

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I started writing creatively in junior high – I’ve done journalism, technical writing, and business writing for years, too.

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

I love mysteries and suspense, I enjoy humor in romances. I read a lot – sometimes as much as one book a day (I read fast). Fiction, of course.

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

Oh, some days I think we all feel like a hamster in a cage. If it weren’t for the time I spend daily in Bible reading and prayers, first thing in the morning, I’d never survive. Plus I’m a big “to do list” maker.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Depends. Sometimes a name will just pop into my mind. When that doesn’t happen, I go to the Social Security website and, based on the age of my character, I go down the list of popular names in that birth year until one “clicks.” When I named Homicide Lieutenant Nick Vaughn in It Adds Up to Murder, I used that method for his first name. I knew he was of Irish descent, so I looked up a list of Irish surnames on the web and searched until I found the right one.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

A lady in my Bible study class several years ago was going through a very rough time in her life. She’d been wanting to ready one of my manuscripts. I printed off a copy of a romantic comedy and gave it to her to read. She must have read continuously, because a few days later she called me and gushed about how good a writer I was and how much she enjoyed the book. She said it gave her a chance to escape her troubles for a while and it had meant everything to do that. To me, that was my first major writing accomplishment.

I so agree that touching a reader deeply is a real high. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

Wow! Never really thought about it -- but probably a cat. I love cats. They are so independent, yet give so much enjoyment to their owners (on the cat’s timetable, of course.)

What is your favorite food?

Not sure I can zero in on a single dish, but I love Mexican food and Chinese food – things with flavor and spice.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Initially it was finding the time to write (which I think challenges most writers). The past few years it’s been trying to spend the needed time at the computer without aggravating my body. With fibromyalgia, as I have, you don’t overdo or you pay for it.

Tell us about the featured book.

It Adds Up to Murder is book one in a series entitled It’s Murder at the Office. Abigail Newhouse’s longtime job has ended due to loss of funding. To pay the bills, Abby begins working as a temporary. Her first long-term assignment at a management company lands her in the middle of murder. She wants to help solve the crime, but isn’t sure if handsome Homicide Detective Nick Vaughn just wants her out of the way to keep her safe, or if she’s a prime suspect. Abby finds her life at risk when she confronts a merciless killer.

Please give us the first page of the book.

The CFO’s expression twisted into a sneer. “You’re a temporary necessity, Ms. Newhouse. Don’t expect much of a welcome.”

I fought the urge to make a face at Viola Grimes. What a horrible woman. How dare she be so rude? I clamped my lower lip between my teeth and tried not to chew.

After ten minutes of exposure to her abrasive personality, I wanted to jump up and walk out of the office, but leaving was a luxury a temp couldn’t afford. Not one with a house payment due in two more weeks.

So, I, a recently laid off university employee, put on my best stoic mask and slightly inclined my head to acknowledge her words.

There’s little else I recall about the interview, which came across more like an inquisition. If I were as mindless and incompetent as she insinuated, I ought to be sitting in a corner babbling and drooling.

I paid polite attention to the do’s and don’ts that spewed from between her thin lips and tried not to focus on her frizzy perm, flabby face, and beady brown eyes.

If her list of rules were an example of what working for Viola Grimes would be like, I was in for a major challenge.

Sounds interesting. How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is www.dafeatherling.com  It contains information about my books (my second book, a romantic comedy named Sauce for the Goose, is just out) and more about me by browsing my “Fiction a la carte” menu on the site.

Thank you, Dorothy, for sharing your new book with us today.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
It Adds Up to Murder (It's Murder at the Office) (Volume 1) - Amazon.com
It Adds Up to Murder (It's Murder at the Office) - 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

THE GOOD GIRL - Christy Barritt - One Free Book

Welcome back, Christy. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

I’m excited to be writing romantic suspense for Love Inspired, as well as continuing on to write my mystery novels. If I can continue to do both of those things, I’ll be as happy as a clam.

Tell us a little about your family.

I have two precious sons. I homeschool my oldest, and my youngest is only three. My husband is a special education teacher full-time and a church children’s director part-time. We love spending time together as a family, whether that’s at church or by taking walks together or working on projects. I’m blessed!

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

I’m definitely pickier as a reader, and I hate that! But I also know when a book really captures my attention and when I can move past that pickiness, that I’ve found a really good book! I primarily read mystery and romantic suspense. Being a mom has changed my reading habits because I don’t have as much free time! LOL

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on the fourth book in my Squeaky Clean Mystery series. It’s called Dirty Deeds. I’m also writing my new proposal for Love Inspired Suspense. I have a couple of other books I’m toying with as well.

What outside interests do you have?

I love singing and playing the guitar. I love decorating and having coffee with friends. I wished I loved exercising, but I don’t. J

I’m with you there, but I have to do physical therapy exercises and walk. How do you choose your settings for each book?

I love to travel, and I like to find things that interest me. I also set a lot of books in places that are within a day’s drive of my home. I find it easier to write about places I’m familiar with.

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

Agatha Christie would be kind of fun! I’d love to pick her brain, find out what her writing methods were and how she produced so many books.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

For me, I think it’s that you never really feel like you’ve arrived. You always want your next novel to be well-received, and to get good reviews, and to have good sales. To keep readers happy, you need to keep releasing books. You’ve got to continue to grow at your craft. Before I was published, I thought I’d simply find a publisher and settle in for publishing happily-ever-after. It hasn’t quite worked out that way, but I’m not complaining. I’m doing what I love and making a living at it.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

He’s teaching me to find my confidence and self worth in Him and in Him alone. I found myself riding this emotional rollercoaster, especially when it came to writing. When I had good sales and good reviews and lots of positive buzz, I felt great. But then I might get a not-so-nice review or sales might slump for a week or two, and I’d feel down. I realized I was letting my emotions be too easily ruled by external things. I’ve stopped reading my reviews and checking my sales so often, and I’m concentrating instead on writing the stories He’s placed on my heart.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Keep writing, keeping reading, and keep submitting. Persistence can really pay off, but you always need to continually grow in your craft, no matter what stage you’re at.

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

The Good Girl is about Tara Lancaster. As it says on the back cover, she can sing “Amazing Grace” in three harmonies, two languages, and interpret it for the hearing impaired. She can list the Bible canon backward, forward, and alphabetized. And the only time she ever missed church was at seventeen because she had pneumonia and her mom made her stay home.

Tara’s life is turned upside down though, and her reputation is left in ruins. She flees halfway across the country to dog-sit, but she doesn’t get the escape she wants. Instead, she finds a knife with a threatening message, a fame-hungry friend, a too-hunky neighbor, and evidence of ... a ghost?

Following all the rules has gotten her nowhere. And nothing she learned in Sunday School can tell her where to go from there.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter 1

Forrest Gump was known for saying that life was like a box of chocolates. You never knew what you were going to get.

My Grandmother Griffin had a different saying. She said that life was like a Bible story. You didn’t always get a happy ending—at least not here on this earth.

For years, I didn’t believe Grandma Griffin. After all, she honestly thought that “cleanliness is next to godliness” was in the Bible. I mean, I was a Christian, so life was supposed to be blessed. And blessed meant that life was full of unconditional love and feel-good moments and abundance. Right?

Wrong.

Now, I have my own sayings. One is that life is like a beautiful apple. Sometimes you don’t know it’s rotten until you bite into it. Other days, I thought life was like the solid wood coffee table that my uncle fell on—revealing it was actually made of particleboard, thus my saying, “You never know what you’re made of until you’re broken.”

I’m Tara Lancaster, and I come from a family of missionaries, preachers, and Bible college professors. One could never be too righteous in this clan. I was right on track in my family tree, following a path that would have made Mother Teresa and Billy Graham proud.

That was, until two years ago.

It’s taken me a long time to figure things out. First, I had to battle a ghost, question my faith, consult a psychic, and fall in love with someone who wasn’t my husband.

It’s a long story. It’s a story about a good girl gone ... well, I can’t tell you. I will say this: Life is like a movie. Just when things seem perfect, the movie ends.

And that’s where my story starts.

I love reading your books. I can’t wait until I get my hands on this one. How can readers find you on the Internet?

They can find me at www.christybarritt.com, as well as on Facebook at www.facebook.com/christybarritt.

Thanks so much for the interview, Lena!

My pleasure, Christy.

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

The Good Girl - Christianbook.com
The Good Girl - Amazon.com

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