Wednesday, April 02, 2014

DANCING WITH FIREFLIES - Denise Hunter - One Free Book on This Blog, Plus More

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!

Welcome back, Denise. How did you come up with the idea for this story?
A lot of the background for Dancing with Fireflies was set up in Barefoot Summer. I had a clear idea from the beginning about who Jade is (complicated, creative, middle child), and Daniel also arrived on the page pretty fleshed out. I love writing stories where the hero is secretly in love with the heroine and sets out to win her. It reminds me of the way God pursues us.

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
Colleen Coble and Kristin Billerbeck (because they’re my besties), Francine Rivers (because I so admire her work), Karen Kingsbury and Rachel Hauck (because they’re just delightful women), and Mae Nunn (because she’ll keep us all laughing).

Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
I’m going to include Colleen again because she writes both! Also Robin Lee Hatcher, Tamera Alexander, Tracie Peterson, Lauraine Snelling, and Lori Copeland

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?
Every book is a new challenge. You’d think 25 books in, you’d have it down pat! But every book has its struggles. Sometimes the whole book is like pulling teeth. Other times the ending won’t come to you, and you fret over it for weeks, or write three different endings before you figure it out. And then there’s the whole issue of sales. If your book doesn’t sell well—something that is out of your hands—you may not get another contract.

Tell us about the featured book.
Creative and complicated, Jade McKinley felt like a weed in a rose garden growing up in Chapel Springs. When she left, she thought she’d never look back. But now, pregnant, alone, and broke, she has no other choice but to return.

The mayor of Chapel Springs, Daniel Dawson, has been an honorary member of the McKinley family for years. While his own home life was almost non-existent, Daniel fit right into the boisterous McKinley family. He’s loved Jade for years, but she always saw him as a big brother. Now that she’s back, his feelings are stronger than ever.
As Jade attempts to settle in, nothing feels right. God seems far away, she’s hiding secrets from her family, and she’s strangely attracted to the man who’s always called her “squirt.” Finding her way home may prove more difficult than she imagined.

Please give us the first page of the book.
Jade McKinley lowered the stove to medium and returned the chicken breasts to the pan.  What had she gotten herself into? She should’ve agreed to meet him at a restaurant instead of in the tiny apartment she shared with her friends. But it had seemed easier, meeting on her own turf with Izzy in the next room watching the Jane Austen marathon on PBS.

“There’s a bottle of merlot in the cupboard,” Izzy called. “You can serve it if you want.”

The phone rang. “Can you get that?” Jade opened the cabinet and reached for the wine. She hoped it was okay. She never drank, didn’t really like the taste.

Izzy entered the kitchen a few minutes later, wincing. “Uh, Jade?”

“He’s not coming, is he? That’s okay. Seriously, I was having second thoughts anyway.” And thirds and fourths. “I didn’t even want this date, remember?”

“Chill, girl. That was work calling. They need me on the late shift. Someone’s sick.”

“Oh.”

“I really need the hours.”

Jade bit her lip. Nick had been coming to the diner for months. He’d sat in her station every time, and after weeks of his persistence, she’d relented to one date.

“Seriously, girl,” Izzy said gently. “You gotta get back on the horse. Aaron’s been gone a long time. Give the guy a chance.”

A knock sounded at the front door.

“Gotta get dressed.” Izzy rushed from the room before Jade could protest.
 
She checked the table as she passed, then opened the door to Nick, remembering why she’d finally given in. Puppy dog eyes and an easy smile.

“Hey,” he said. “You look nice. Like a beautiful gypsy.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?
I have the first chapter of Dancing with Fireflies on my website: www.DeniseHunterBooks.com . I also regularly give books away to my newsletter members, and you can sign up for that on my website.

Don't miss Denise Hunter's latest Chapel Springs Romance, Dancing with Fireflies. Reviewers have already labeled Dancing with Fireflies "swoon-worthy" and "the perfect love story." 

Join Denise in celebrating the release of her new book by entering her Kindle HDX giveaway and RSVPing for her April 10th Facebook party.


fireflies-400-click

One winner will receive:
  • A brand new Kindle Fire HDX
  • Dancing with Fireflies and Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 10th. Winner will be announced at the Dancing with Fireflies Facebook Party on April 10th. Connect with Denise for an evening of prizes, book chat, and an exclusive look at the next book in the series.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN on the event page. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 10th!

Thank you, Denise, for sharing your new book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Dancing with Fireflies - Christianbook.com
Dancing with Fireflies (A Chapel Springs Romance) - Amazon
Dancing with Fireflies (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, Twitter, 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

28 comments:

Melanie Backus said...

Denise Hunter is a great writer and I would love to be a winner for Dancing With Fireflies. Great writers write great books! Thank you, Lena!

Melanie Backus, TX

Unknown said...

Lena, I enjoyed learning about Dancing With Fireflies by Denise.
It looks like a great read . Love the cover.
Thank you
Ohio
mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

Denise Hunter said...

Thanks, Melanie and Jackie. And thank you, Lena for hosting me!

Cathy said...

I love Denise's books! Can't wait to read this one.

Thanks for the giveaway!

Cathy from BC Canada

Britney Adams said...

I always love Denise's books and would love to win a copy of DANCING WITH FIREFLIES!! Thank you for sharing the delightful interview and giveaway opportunity.

Britney Adams, TX

Amy C said...

I have not had a chance to read anything by Denise yet. I HAVE to change that! Great interview!
Amy C
VA

Judy said...

I would love to win a copy of Dancing With Fireflies. While I haven't read any of Denise's books, I've heard that she is one of the best authors out there!

Blessings!
Judy B from Indiana

sam said...

Dancing With Fireflies sounds good. Want to see what happens to this pregnant lady. sharon, CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

Melissa Oldaker said...

Sounds great! Thanks for the giveaway!

Melissa O from NC

Mary Preston said...

I enjoyed the first page thank you & I love the cover.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Jackie Smith said...

I have read all of Denise's books and am a big fan.....can't wait to read this one!
Thanks for the giveaway.
Jackie from Georgia

jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

Mama Cat said...

This sounds like a wonderful book - I would love to read it! Blessings to both of you! Jeanie in Phoenix

Patty said...

I think I've only read one of Denise's books. Looking forward to the opportunity to read this one.

Patty in SC

Linda Kish said...

I would love to win a copy of this book.

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Diana Flowers said...

This book comes highly recommended to me by a friend! I have so enjoyed the books by Denise I've read so far and this cover really grabs me. I would love to win it! Thanks for the opportunity!

Diana in SC

dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

Diana Gardner said...

Portsmouth, VA

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

I think your books look AWESOME Denise and I would to win the copy of this book "Dancing With Fireflies" It will give me chance to finally read one your books, which I'm very sure will be an amazing story to read!!! Thanks for the awesome giveaway Denise Hunter and God Bless You!!!
Sarah Richmond
North Carolina

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

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

karenk said...

thank you for the opportunity to read this wonderful novel.

karenk...from PA
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Jean said...

Sounds like a great book.

Jean Kropid
West Palm Beach, FL

KayM said...

Dancing with Fireflies sounds like a good story. I haven't read anything yet by Denise.
Tennessee

kam110476 said...

Wow! I can only imagine a few reasons how and why Jade goes from a first date in her apartment to moving home pregnant and alone happened. Now I'm dyeing to find out!
Kristen in OK
kam110476 at gmail dot com

Cindi A said...

I love Denise's books. I'm excited about this latest one. Please enter me in the drawing to win a copy.
Thanks!

~Cindi Altman from PA

Jackie Tessnair said...

I would love to win and read this book.Thanks...Jackie Tessnair N.C.

Anonymous said...

I would love to read Dancing with Fireflies. Denise is a new author to me.
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann in NY

Kelly Blackwell @ Heres My Take On It said...

I just finished Barefoot Summer, and I would love to continue this series.

Kelly from Prescott, Arizona

Thank you for the opportunity.

KellysShining(at)gmail(dot)com

Kelly Blackwell @ Heres My Take On It said...

I just finished Barefoot Summer, and I would love to continue this series.

Kelly from Prescott, Arizona

Thank you for the opportunity.

KellysShining(at)gmail(dot)com

Sara McCarley said...

I loved every minute of this series! The romance was wonderful, I laughed and cried through out this book. I'd love to win a free copy of it!


Sara McCarley, Alabama