Tuesday, July 30, 2013

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:
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

63 comments:

Anonymous said...

would love to win. Angela from KY

Gina said...

Howdy, Mindy! (Waving madly.) Congrats on your debut novel. It sounds like a winner.

Gina (Dallas, TX)

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Hi, Angela. Glad you stopped by.

Mindy Obenhaus said...

GINA!!! So great to "see" you. Maybe we can see each other in person one of these days.

Unknown said...

Mindy, I can't wait to read your book!!
Tonja (VA)

Mindy Obenhaus said...

I can't wait for you to read it either, Tonja. I hope you enjoy it.

Missy Tippens said...

Mindy, I'm so excited about your first book releasing! Congratulations!!

Great interview, Lena. I'm still laughing, picturing Mindy going in Whataburger in her pj's. :) But Mindy, I bet you had your makeup perfectly in place. :)

Missy (from Georgia)

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Ah, you know me too well, Missy. Yep, makeup was perfect. :)

Thanks for stopping by.

Anonymous said...

LOL...what great memories, Mindy! Congrats on your new book. xo

Beth Wiseman

Linda Kish said...

Sounds great. Count me in, please.

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Beth, what were we thinking? :)

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Glad you stopped by, Linda.

Lorna Faith said...

Hi Mindy! Loved hearing about your writing journey:-) Your books sounds so intriguing...now I want to know what happens next!
would love to be entered for a chance to win...

lornafaith at gmail dot com

Lorna from Alberta

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Hi, Lorna. I'm glad I got your attention:) Good luck.

Heidi Reads... said...

Thanks for the great interview! I love discovering new authors :)

Heidi, CA

Anonymous said...

Loved the interview! I am an only child also who loves my chaotic family (4 kids). I also love the premise of your book and would like to be entered in the giveaway.
Thanks,
Brittany M.
Texas

AngBreidenbach said...

So excited for you! Great story idea :)

Lourdes said...

Would love to win The Doctors Family Reunion looks like a good read.

Lourdes Long Island NY

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Thanks for stopping by, Heidi. Good luck.

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Ah, a kindred spirit, Brittany. Good luck in the drawing.

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Hi, Angie. Thanks for dropping by. :)

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Lourdes, nice to meet you. Good luck.

Becky Wade said...

Congratulations on your debut, Mindy! What a huge accomplishment. Well worth celebrating!

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Thank you, Becky.

Jackie Layton said...

It's good to meet you Mindy. Congratulations on your debut novel. How exciting.

I'm from Kentucky and would love to win a copy.

Thanks.

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Hi, Jackie! Good to meet you, too. :)

Mary Preston said...

I look forward to reading THE DOCTOR'S FAMILY REUNION. It sounds wonderful.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

apple blossom said...

love to win this book thanks for the chance
live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Mary, so glad you stopped by. :)

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Good luck, Apple Blossom! :)

Judy said...

Loved your interview Mindy. Five children! My sister has 7 so I'm sure she could relate to what your house was like with the kids. A lot of fun times I'm sure! You also have some grandbabies. (My sister's second grandchild was born earlier this week! Now she has two grandgirlies.) Aren't grandbabies just precious?!

Congrats on your debut book. I am looking forward to reading it. However, winning a copy of, The Doctor's Family Reunion would be wonderful!

Blessings!
Judy B from Indiana

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Judy, grandbabies are fun. We get to love them, spoil them and then give them back. :D

Lyndie Blevins said...

I would love to have Mindy's book! Thanks Lena for the opportunity,

Lyndie Blevins
Duncanville, Tx

Mama Cat said...

Sounds great - would love to read this! Jeanie from Phoenix, AZ

J.A. Marx said...

Mindy, this is SO SO SO exciting. This story moved me. Planing to buy it soon.

Patricia PacJac Carroll said...

Yay Mindy,
So excited for you.
Congratulations on your book.

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond Bryant
Conway,SC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Hi, Lyndie! Waving in your direction:)

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Hi, Jeanie. Nice to "meet" you.

Mindy Obenhaus said...

J.A. (I know who you really are), how can you be moved when you haven't read the whole thing yet? Silly girl.

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Patty, I'm excited you're here. Prayers still going up. Your positive attitude is such an inspiration.

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Hi, Sharon. Good luck in the drawing. :)

Cindy W. said...

I would love to be in the drawing for The Doctor's Family Reunion. I just love the Love Inspired line of books.

I live in Indiana.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com

Jo said...

I would love to read this book.
Thank you for the opportunity!

Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona

Lindi said...

Great interview. Mindy is amazing and so is her debut novel.

(Don't enter me in the drawing.)

Wanted to stop by and say hello.

Christy LaShea said...

Mindy!
Loved reading this post and love the first scene of your book! I remember when this was just a nugget in your mind, when you'd just fallen in love with Ouray. Can't wait to read this and for the town to come alive!

(Don't enter me either, just wanted to stop by too!)

Hugs,
Christy

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Hi, Cindy. So glad you dropped by. Good luck.

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Hi, Jo! Good luck in the drawing.

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Lindi Lou, I'm so glad you came by. Always look forward to "seeing" you. Hugs, girl.

Mindy Obenhaus said...

CHRISTY!!!!! Miss you, Twinkie. Girl, we seriously need to talk. SOON! Hugs.

Abigail Mitchell said...

Please enter me! Thanks!

Blanch, N.C.

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Hi, Abigail. Good luck in the drawing.

Emma said...

The Doctor's Family Reunion sounds wonderful. Please enter me in this contest. Thank you for the opportunity to win.PA.

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Hi, Emma. So glad you found us. Good luck! :)

sharon m said...

Love to read your book. You look like you are lots of fun, by your great smile. Hope you do well as an author. sharon, ca

Judy Cooper said...

I would enjoy getting to know Mindy's work. Please enter my name. Thank you.

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Hi, Sharon. You are too sweet. Thanks for stopping by and good luck.

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Hi, Judy. Good luck in the drawing.

Shopgirl said...

This looks like a really cute story! I'm in MN.

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Hi, Veronica. Good luck in the drawing.

rubynreba said...

Very nice cover! Love to be entered to win this book.
Beth from Iowa

Mindy Obenhaus said...

Hi, Beth! Good luck in the drawing.

Merry said...

Great beginning! Please add me for The Doctor's Family Reunion. Thanks.
Merry in MN