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Wednesday, October 09, 2013

MISTLETOE MEMORIES - Carla Olson Gade - One Free Book

Welcome back, Carla. Why do you write the kind of books you do?
I write Historical Christian Romance which I call “Adventures of the Heart” because life always is an adventure of the heart. I love writing historical settings with a rich faith thread sewn in.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
The day I remarried my first husband. Our story is a testimony to God’s redeeming love and a love story I could never have imagined.

How has being published changed your life?
Foremost, it is the realization of my dream. It is joy. But I am learning that it is not a destination, but a new road the Lord has set me on. There is so much to do and my routine has changed from one learning and creating to managing, marketing, and continuing to learn and create.

That is so true, Carla. What are you reading right now?
I’m reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. A blessing and an experience.

What is your current work in progress?
I’m writing some proposals and chapters for a few projects for historical novels. I always put a lot into these, including a great deal of preliminary research which inspires the plot and pattern for the story.

What would be your dream vacation?
A dream vacation would be a family vacation to Sweden and Norway, the homeland of both my husband and my ancestors. It would be wonderful to travel there and experience the culture and maybe do some genealogy research to learn more about our family histories.

My father’s family emigrated from Scandanavia. One side from Norway, the other from Sweden. How do you choose your settings for each book?
Sometimes the location is pre-determined as it was for The Shadow Catcher’s Daughter, set in the four corners region or for my newest novella in Mistletoe Memories, set on Schooley’s Mountain in New Jersey. I determine the year based on interesting events or a time period that fascinates me or is relevant to creating an interesting plot. When I initiate the project I consider both factors that work together to create an interesting setting such as pre-revolutionary Boston. The setting must interest me enough to excite me and inspire the story and also offer the reader a setting that will hold their interest as they read the story.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
I think it would be amazing to visit with Jeralean Talley, the oldest living American. She’s 114 years old and a devout Christian.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?
I enjoy photography, genealogy, graphic design, and designing houses for fun. 

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
I enjoy research and preparing for writing immensely, but when I look at the big picture it is sometimes overwhelming. It is always a challenge to decide on which details are most important to include and to organize the story and character arcs. The task can be daunting and sometimes feels like I’m spending more time planning that actually writing. Once I get it worked out, I’m set to go and things flow pretty well so I guess it is worth the effort.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?
Everyone has a unique experience so don’t expect your publication journey to look the same as others. Sometimes you will share the path with others and at times travel a solitary road. You may lead the way, inspiring others, encourage another along the way, or follow and learn. Sometimes you will take an interesting detour. Everyone’s journey is different so resist the temptation to compare yourself to others or expect to arrive at the same destination. Make the most of your own journey and follow the path as the Lord directs. You may be surprised where it leads!

That is very true. Tell us about the featured book.
Mistletoe Memories is a Christmas novella collection from Barbour. One of America’s earliest summer resorts began atop the majestically wooded Schooley’s Mountain where the mecca of chalybeate springs (or “magic water”) drew visitors from near and far. Eventually the magic water disappeared, but the memories remained. The four stories in MISTLETOE MEMORIES cover the almost 200 years after the house was built and center around a house that became a refuge … that became an orphanage … that became a home.

’Tis the Season by Carla Olson Gade
In 1820, Stephan Yost, resident carpenter of Schooley’s Mountain, New Jersey’s fashionable resort, spends off-season working on repairs, renovations, and constructing new buildings. When he is hired to build a permanent home for the resort's physician and his spirited daughter, Annaliese Braun, in time for Christmas, Stephan finds himself enamored by the precocious spinster. But will he be able to compete for her affections against the advances of a manipulative iron baron?

Sounds interesting. Please give us the first page of the book.
’Tis the Season
Schooley’s Mountain Springs
Washington Township, New Jersey
Late October 1820

            “Slow there, boys. Whoa, Hippocrates. Whoa, Galen!”

Annaliese Braun arched back as she drew in the reins with a firm grip. Spooked by a high-pitched whistle, the pair of riled horses continued their unsteady trot. The conveyance shook and the horses lurched ahead. The carriage shuddered beneath her as she tried to maintain control and pull the horses to a stop.

“Ea–sy fellas,” Annaliese called out to them, peering at the packed dirt road before her. The carriage felt askew. She leaned over and beheld the large wheel wobbling at her side, looking up in time to see a large branch strewn across the mountain road. The team shifted and with a jolt, angled back.

            The rear wheels of the wagon slid into the wide gulch at the side of the road. Wet with leaves from last night’s storm, the slippery descent tipped the carriage at a precarious angle on
the uneven terrain. The carriage rocked from side to side, back and forth, as the horses wrestled to gain footing.

I must stop the horses! Annaliese moved to the edge of the footboard of her father’s red landau. As she felt for the tread, her cotton pelisse caught on the side lantern. She steadied the toe of her ankle-boot on the small step and tugged at her long cloak. As she struggled to free herself, the horses bucked and knocked her onto the damp ground where she landed in a most unladylike fashion. Hippocrates and Galen shuffled about as they dug their hooves into the rocky, leaf-strewn slope.

            She looked up at the carriage looming over her, trying to find her voice. The harnesses pulled taut and the wheels rolled forward—toward her legs beneath the coach. Annaliese pushed against the ground trying to move, when strong arms grabbed her by the shoulders, hoisting her from harm’s way.

I must know to whom those strong arms belong. How can readers find you on the Internet?
Website:  www.carlagade.com
Twitter:  @ carlagade  https://twitter.com/carlagade
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/carlaolsongade

Thank you for another great visit, Lena! You are a blessing!

And I’m thrilled to have you visit us again, Carla.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Mistletoe Memories - Christianbook.com
Mistletoe Memories: Four-in-One Romance Collection (Romancing America) - Amazon.com
Mistletoe Memories: Four Generations Transform a House Into a Home for Christmas (Romancing America) - 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

34 comments:

  1. Beautiful cover on this book! I would love to win a copy. Thank you both for a great interview and for this giveaway!

    Blessings!
    Judy B from Indiana

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  2. Thank you, Lena, for this wonderful interview. Carla sounds like a very interesting person. Christmas books are some of my favorites and I would love to win this beautifully covered book. Thank you for the chance.

    Melanie Backus, TX

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  3. I love Christmas stories and this novella collection sounds wonderful! Thank you for sharing this interview with Carla and the opportunity to win MISTLETOE MEMORIES!

    Britney Adams, TX

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  4. I have never read any books by this author. I will check out her work. Thanks
    Please enter me to win
    jrs362 at Hotmail dot com
    Live in Missouri

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  5. It's time for the Christmas romance books to be pulled off the shelves!

    Donna, TX

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  6. Christmas novellas and short stories are my favorite! This looks like a good one :)

    Heidi, CA

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  7. I love Christmas stories. This one sounds like a good one.
    Amy C
    VA

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  8. Oh I love Christmas themed books and would love to win a copy of Mistletoe Memories. Thank you for the chance.

    I live in Indiana.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com

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  9. Thanks for your gracious comments everyone! I love Christmas stories too, and this was really fun to write. I think you'll find the collection to be fun and heartwarming!

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  10. I'm so glad you like the cover! This was different from most of the past ones from Barbour and the authors were all surprised since we were used to seeing a pretty female to depict the protagonists on the front. We just loved seeing the house and the horse drawn carriage. We actually worked that into a few of the novellas, beginning with mine which is the first story.

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  11. Love love love feel good Christmas books - sounds wonderful

    Cheryl in IL

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  12. Looks like a must read. Would love to win.

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  13. I really enjoy Christmas fiction and would love to win and read your book. sharon, ca

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  14. Such a beautiful cover. This collection is going to be fabulous.

    Mary P

    QLD AUSTRALIA

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  15. Hi Carla. always enjoy reading Christmas stories and Mistletoe usually has a Kiss and that makes for good reading too. Hope I win this one. thanks for sharing Lena about this author and her books.
    Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
    a reader in Ga

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  16. Great intro! My MIL would love this!

    Stephanie
    Binghamton, NY

    mybabyblessings AT gmail DOT com

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  17. thanks for the chance to read this novel :)

    karenk...from PA
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  18. Thank you for this opportunity!

    Jean K
    West Palm Beach, FL

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  19. Anonymous10:05 AM

    would love to win. Angela from KY

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  20. Thank you for having me on your blog, Lena! Made some new friends and readers!

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  21. This looks awesome and sounds very interesting, enter me! Thanks for the awesome giveaway and God Bless!
    Sarah Richmond
    NC

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  22. I enjoyed the information. Thanks for the giveaway. Carol from Alabama

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  23. Enjoyed the interview. Book sounds fantastic. Love the cover. Thank you for the chance of a giveaway. Please enter my name.
    Barbara Thompson
    barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  24. Really good interview looking forward to reading this book.

    Lourdes Long Island, NY

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  25. Mistletoe Memories sounds like a great Christmas story. I like the NJ resort setting.
    Merry in MN

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  26. Whew! That was close! I love that she was saved by strong arms--whose, I wonder. Sounds like an exciting story!
    Tennessee

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  27. With the cooler temperatures we are reminded that Christmas will be coming up before we know it! Love the cover of this book and the stories look interesting.
    Beth from Iowa

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  28. I love the cover and I also love reading Christmas stories. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of Mistletow Memories.
    Karen G., NY
    kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

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  29. I would love to win your book, "Mistletoe Memories" for the church library.
    Thanks for the chance to do so.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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  30. Sharon Richmond Bryant12:28 PM

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

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  31. Hi, Carla!

    Enjoyed your interview!

    I have always wanted to visit Norway, & Sweden, also - but, because of their beauty.

    I think it would be interesting to interview Ms. Talley, also - is she, by any chance, related to the gospel music group, the Talley Trio?

    The story behind your re-marriage sounds interesting, any plan to write a book about it?

    Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of Mistletoe Memories!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Kentucky

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  32. Nice cover. I would love to win a copy of the book. Will have to add it to my wish list. Thank you for the opportunity.

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

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  33. I would love to read this. Thanks for the chance.

    Kevlin, NY
    prettyinpurplerose(at)aol(dot)com

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  34. I love the cover and it sounds like a wonderful read - I would love to win a copy of this book. Thank you Lena and Carla for a great interview. May God continue to bless both you ladies in your writing of great Christian books!

    God's Blessings,
    Lori
    triplel(at)evertek(dot)net

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