THE DOCTOR'S FAMILY REUNION - Mindy Obenhaus - One Free Book

I'm thrilled to be featuring this author with her debut novel. Mindy has been a part of the critique that meets in my home for several years, and she's a good friend of mine. You'll love her and her story, too. The cover makes me want to get away from the heat of Texas by visiting Ouray, Colorado, myself. The Doctor's Family Reunion will release in September, but it is available for preorder now.
The Doctor's Family Reunion (Love Inspired) - Amazon
The Doctor's Family Reunion (Love Inspired) - Kindle

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

There’s probably a little of me somewhere in all of my characters. Though I do have to stop and ask myself on occasion, “What would they do, not you?” I tend to beat around the bush, not wanting to hurt anyone’s feelings or ask things that might make them uncomfortable. So when I have a character that’s a little more in-your-face, it’s a challenge.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Probably walking into a Whataburger in my nightshirt (author Beth Wiseman was with me, also in her pajamas) and asking for ketchup packets for a scavenger hunt. Yes, we got some strange looks—middle-aged women running around in their pajamas?!—but they gave us the ketchup. J

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I got the urge to write nine years ago, when my youngest child was about to start kindergarten. However, it wasn’t until I typed THE END on my first book that I truly felt like a writer. I knew I had done something that many people only talk about.

That is so true. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

It has to be romance. I read a lot of contemporaries, but do enjoy an historical romance every now and then. I just like watching people fall in love.

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

Lena, I have five children. I’m not sure I know what sanity is. But when I get bogged down in the hustle and bustle of life, feeling like I might crash and burn at any moment, I know it’s time for me to refocus. To put my eyes back on Jesus (more like thrust myself into His arms) and allow Him to guide me through the chaos.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

They just come to me. Sometimes the characters step onto the stage of my mind and actually introduce themselves.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

My family. I’m an only child. When I was growing up, it was just Mom, Dad, and me. I hoped for at least three children. God gave me five. And now we’re up to five amazing grandkids. I am truly blessed.

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

A Golden Retriever, that way I’d still be blond. Plus I’m eager to please, fiercely loyal, and I enjoy the occasional massage. J

What is your favorite food?

You mean I have to pick just one?  I mean, I love Tex-Mex, pizza, sushi, good old fashioned comfort food…. And lest we forget sweets.

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

Conflict. I hate conflict in real life, so why would I want to cause conflict for my characters? Can’t they just have a happy life? Of course, the answer to that is no. A story without conflict is BORING. So I learned to ask myself, “What’s the worst thing that could possibly happen to my character right now?” Then I do my best to make it happen.

Tell us about the featured book.

Can a man earn the trust of the woman he betrayed to have the family he’s always wanted?

The Doctor’s Family Reunion is my debut novel from Love Inspired Books and releases on September 1st. It’s currently available for pre-order on Amazon.

Family means everything to Dr. Trent Lockridge. Growing up without a father, he always yearned for a family of his own. One long-ago  summer in Ouray, Colorado, he thought  he might build a future with beautiful  Blakely Daniels. But when he abruptly fled town, he broke her heart and left behind more than memories. Years later, Trent is shocked—and overjoyed—to learn he’s a father. He’d like to earn back Blakely’s love and trust— but it won’t be easy. And the clock is ticking. He’s got only a few weeks to prove that, this time, he’s here to stay…forever.

Of course, I’ve read the book and loved it, but please give us the first page for my readers.

            Blakely Daniels’ world had turned upside down.

            Literally.

            Her gaze darted throughout the cab of her tour vehicle, her breath ragged. Three tons of metal groaned around her, protesting against the copse of aspens that had stopped their free fall. The splintered windshield resembled a complex spider web and the indented driver’s door pressed against her leg.

            Head throbbing, Blakely squeezed her eyes shut, trying to get her bearings. She’d been driving these mountain roads since she was a teenager. Yet here she sat—rather, hung—who knows how far below the cliff’s edge, her pickup in ruins.

            How could she have made such a dangerous miscalculation? Praise God she was alone. She didn’t even want to think about the outcome if she’d had a truckload of guests.

            A pungent odor touched her nostrils. Her eyes flew open.

            Gasoline.

            She had to get out of here.

            Now. 

How can readers find you on the Internet?

They can connect with me via my website:

www.mindyobenhaus.com

Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/mindy.obenhaus

Twitter, https://twitter.com/MindyObenhaus

Pinterest, http://pinterest.com/mindyobenhaus/.

I also contribute to a couple of group blogs, The Yankee-Belle Café, http://yankeebellecafe.blogspot.com/, where I hang out with several other authors to talk about food and share recipes. Or you can find me examining life through the lens of faith with The F.A.I.T.H. Girls, http://www.thefaithgirls.com/.

Thank you, Mindy, for allowing me to give my readers a peek into your life and your new novel.

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