Thursday, September 19, 2013

A LITTLE BIT OF CHARM - Mary Ellis - One Free Book

Welcome back, Mary. How did you come up with the idea for this story?
Since my best friend lives in an area of Kentucky that Amish and Old Order Mennonites are moving into, this location was a natural for the next book in my New Beginnings series. With this third sister, I wanted to explore the idea of an Amish young woman dealing firsthand with those not of her sect. How do we Christians react with other denominations with their divergent customs and interpretations?

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
It’s tough to limit my guest list to only six. Okay, I’ll omit fellow compatriots of Amish fiction since I attend gatherings with them fairly often. I would invite Tracie Peterson because I stand in awe of her prolific inspiration; Brandilyn Collins because her books are so scary-real; Gina Holmes because of her ability to evoke emotion; Serena Miller because she’s such a lovely storyteller; Mary Connealy because she never fails to make me laugh; and Dan Walsh because he’s handsome!

Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
Again, a limit of six is tough, so I’ll eliminate personal friends and the time-period I’m writing about. I pick Sarah Sundin because she wrote beautifully about World War II when no one else would touch that era; Lynn Austin, because she transports me into whatever time period she chooses; Julie Klassen because her characters leap off the page, Lauraine Snelling because she writes about places I’ll never visit, Gilbert Morris because his riverboat series was like taking a vacation; and YOU, Lena, because you’re awesome!

Thank you, Mary, for including me with these wonderful authors. 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?
Oh, that’s an easy one to answer—time management! I’m either researching the next in the series, trying to come up with a concept to propose, marketing the current release, completing the various edits of the last book turned in, and let’s see … what am I forgetting? Oh, yeah, trying to focus on the book I’m writing.

We really are multi-taskers whether we want to be or not. Tell us about the featured book.
Rachel King, still recovering from the death of her parents, watches both of her older sisters find happiness with husbands who adore them. She yearns for her own new beginning. Her cousin Sarah lives near a Thoroughbred stable in Kentucky, and the opportunity to work around beautiful horses has always been Rachel’s dream. She leaves Lancaster County to find a home with Sarah and her husband, Isaac, wondering about God’s plan for her life. When a job at Twelve Elms Stables opens up unexpectedly, it seems as though He has answered Rachel’s heartfelt prayers. Then she meets Jake Brady, one of the owners of Twelve Elms, and her life becomes complicated. He’s attractive and charming, and his interest in her is flattering. But he’s also English as well as her boss. And is his trust in God as central to his life as it should be? When Amish men she meets at church and singings start pursuing her, Rachel has important decisions to make. What does a young woman do when her heart puts her faith in jeopardy?

Please give us the first page of the book:
A Little Bit of Charm
Chapter One
 “Whew, it’s already the middle of September and it’s still hotter than blazes.
Rachel looked at her younger sister in horror. “Shush, before someone hears you. What will the Gingerichs think of us?”

Beth peered up with an innocent expression. “Is ‘blazes’ a bad word? I’ve heard daed say ‘build a blaze in the woodstove’ or ‘a blazing sunset.’”

Rachel rolled her eyes. “Just hush on general principles. Soon you’ll be on your way back to Lancaster County. Then you can revert to your normal self. But let’s put our best foot forward while we’re still visitors here.”

Beth’s green-eyed focus turned wary. “What do you mean by I’ll be on my way back to Pennsylvania?”

Rachel ignored a question she wasn’t yet ready to answer. “Look, here comes the blushing bride and groom.” She grinned with a heart swelling with joy and love for their sister.

“Who would ever guess Nora would get hitched to Lewis Miller? Surely, not me.” Beth’s words were a very audible whisper. “I thought she’d end up with that wily fox Elam Detweiler.”

Rachel shifted her weight to her other foot, which she then placed directly atop Beth’s. No other admonishment proved necessary.

This sounds like an interesting story. I’m glad I have me book now. Now to find the timeto read it in between my own multi-tasking. How can readers find you on the Internet?
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mary-Ellis/126995058236

Thank you for sharing this new book with us, Mary.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
A Little Bit of Charm - Christianbook.com
A Little Bit of Charm (The New Beginnings Series) - Amazon.com
A Little Bit of Charm: 3 (The New Beginnings Series) - 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

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

would be happy happy happy to win. Angela from Ky

Britney Adams said...

What wonderful authors Mary Ellis named for her author parties!

A LITTLE BIT OF CHARM sounds like a delightful book. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy!

Britney Adams, TX

Brittany said...

Loved your answers, Mary! Looking forward to reading your book. Thanks for this chance to win!
Brittany McEuen, TX

Melanie Backus said...

What a great interview! And that list of authors...Wow! A LITTLE BIT OF CHARM sounds like a wonderful book. Thank you so much for the chance to win.

Melanie Backus, TX

Norma S said...

"A Little Bit Of Charm " i would really love to win this book.I love to read Amish book and with Mennonites in it would be good. GOD bless you.
Norma from Ohioa

Norma S said...

I am sorry i did not notice that i accidentally put an a on Ohio. Sorry
Norma

Linda Kish said...

I would love to win a copy of this book.

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Judy Cooper said...

I really enjoyed the interview. I love the idea of new beginnings, so I know I would enjoy Mary's series. Please enter my name. Thank you, Judy C. in Louisiana.

Mary Preston said...

Rachel does have some deciding to do. I'm looking forward to reading & finding out more.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

rubynreba said...

I enjoy books written by Mary Ellis. Thanks!
Beth from Iowa

Diana Flowers said...

Oh please do enter me! I love Amish books and settings on horse ranches and Mary Ellis! The 3 combined is awesomeness!

Diana in SC

dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

Jackie Tessnair said...

Would love to win...thanks for the chance Jackie Tessnair from N.C.

Emma said...

great interview! "A Little Bit Of Charm "sounds wonderful. Please enter me in contest. Thank you for the opportunity to win.PA.

bonton said...

I love Amish stories, & have a special connection to this book, as I live near the horse country in Kentucky - would love to know what area, specifically, the book is based on.

Thanks, Mary & Lena for the giveaway opportunity - haven't read any of Mary's books, & would love to have this one!

bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
Kentucky

Judy said...

I love Mary's books. Would be delighted to win a copy of, A Little Bit of Charm!

Blessings!
Judy B from Indiana

sm said...

A LITTLE BIT OF CHARM sounds great with mix of Amish and Englishers in a dating relationship. I don't think Amish would be too big of a faith adjustment-Amish are legalistic but still believe in Jesus. It's the lifestyle (a/c, computers, dress) that is greater. I would like to win. sharon, ca wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

I love Mary Ellis books. I've read some of her books, but not this one. She's a fabulous author. Would love to win. Thank you for the giveaway and please enter my name.

Barbara Thompson in Louisiana

barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

Lourdes said...

Really looking forward to reading this book.

Lourdes, Long Island, NY

Unknown said...

Kentucky, horses, and a handsome Stable owner! I'm hooked. I can't wait to read this one. I'm originally from Kentucky and I love reading books set there!
Tonja (just across the Ky State line in VA)

Kristie said...

I really love Mary's books. I would like to be friends with many of her characters. Amish fiction is my favorite!! Kristie from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

Jean said...

Thank you for this opportunity.

Jean K
West Palm Beach, FL

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me this book looks great!!
Sharon Richmond Bryant
Conway,SC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read this novel

karenk...from PA
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Merry said...

Fun peek at the sisters in A Little Bit of Charm. Add me please!
Merry in MN

Karen G. said...

Would love to win and read Mary's book. Thank you for the chance.
Karen G., NY
kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

Unknown said...

I love reading Amish books. Thank for the opportunity to win a copy of Mary Ellis' book.

Kay from NY
msbookworm(at)aol(dot)com