Friday, May 30, 2014

THE HEART'S PURSUIT - Robin Lee Hatcher - One Free Book on This Blog, Plus More

Bio: Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heart-warming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over sixty novels.

Since you’re being published regularly, what new avenues will your future books take?
After writing historical romances exclusively for a number of years, I am currently working on a contemporary romance series, set in the same small Idaho town that was the setting for my January women's fiction release, A Promise Kept. I'm enjoying it a great deal.

I know I’ll love any contemporary books you write. I’ve always been held captive by the historical ones. What conferences will you be attending this year? Will you be a speaker at any of them?
I will be attending the American Christian Fiction Writers conference in September 2014 in St. Louis. I am not speaking but look forward to networking with other writers wherever they gather.

Good, I’ll see you there. If you were in charge of planning the panel discussion at a writing conference, what topic would the panel cover, and who would you ask to be on the panel, and why?
Professional Partnerships: How to have the best working relationship possible between writer, agent, and editor/publishing house.

Panelists would be me, my agent of 25 years Natasha Kern, and my editor Ami McConnell.

How important is it to you to be active in writing organizations?
I have been very active in writers organizations over the past 30 years, including five years on the board of directors of Romance Writers of America (two of those years as President and CEO) and almost 18 years on the board of directors of Faith, Hope, and Love (I continue to serve as an advisor). The friendships made through writers groups and organizations, such as ACFW, are invaluable to me as a writer. It helps to know we are not alone in this crazy business. It helps to know that there are others who think like we do and spend many hours of every day in an imaginary world.

Where in the community or your church do you volunteer?
My husband and I serve our church on the greeting team. I love it. Our church is on the larger size (2500 to 3000 members, I believe), and being one of the greeters helps me to meet more people. And I love making newcomers feel welcome.      

 My husband has been a greeter for years at our church. He loves it too. Who are the five people who have made the most impact on your life, and how?
My mother: Her impact touched every part of my life, and she was an example of what it means to walk by faith.

My daughters: Once a mother, always a mother. Raising children shapes the parent as much as it shapes the child.

My husband: Marriage has a huge impact on your life. Can't help it. That saying of iron sharpening iron is true. Marriage is one very certain way to rub off some of our rougher edges.

Pastor Hank: I was a new Christian and his preaching and pastoring were foundational in my faith walk in those crucial early years. He helped instill in me a love of reading and studying the Bible that has stayed with me ever since.

Pastor Tri: He was just the right pastor at the right time. Instead of a new Christian, I was a mature Christian with lots of experiences behind me. He and I came to Christ during the Jesus Movement of the 70's, and we have been witnesses to many of the same things through the years. His messages always reach my heart and touch me where I live.

If you could write the inscription on your tombstone, what would it be?
"She finished the race well."

Tell us about the featured book.
THE HEART'S PURSUIT is a wild ride across the Wild West with two characters I've come to love. Here's the blurb:

A jilted bride desperate to save her family from ruin.

A bounty hunter seeking vengeance for a ravaged past.

An arduous trek toward justice—or redemption.

Silver Matlock and Jared Newman know traveling together is a bad idea. Bad for Silver’s already tarnished reputation in her small Colorado town. Bad for bounty hunter Jared’s secret, single-minded mission for revenge. But Silver is determined to track down the rogue who left her at the altar and stole the last remnant of her father’s fortune. And Jared’s in a hurry to hunt down the murderer who destroyed his family—even if Silver is too distractingly beautiful for comfort.

The pair takes off over mountain and desert, past bleak homesteads and raw mining towns, hot on the trail of the two villains who took what wasn’t theirs to take. Soon supplies dwindle, secrets emerge, and suspicion leaves Silver and Jared at odds when they need each other most. To confront an enemy deadlier than desert rattlesnakes and rocky cliffs, Silver and Jared must learn to forgive and trust and face the question they haven’t dared voice: What happens next?

Please share the first page with us.
May 1873
Bright sunlight glared upon the small town of Twin Springs, Colorado, as Jared Newman stopped his pinto gelding in front of the saloon. Silence reigned along the main street. If he hadn’t ridden through here just three days earlier, he would have thought the town abandoned. Not a soul in sight.

 He removed his battered Stetson and raked his fingers through his hair, then stepped down from the saddle. He hit the hat against his pant leg a few times, shaking loose the trail dust. He was bone-weary, and his temper had seen better days. The latter was due to the unseasonable heat. The former was due to the man who rode with him.

“Get down, Peterson. We could both use something to drink.”

His prisoner obeyed, sliding to the ground, his wrists cuffed in front of him.

With a jingle of spurs, Jared ushered Lute Peterson through the swinging doors of the Mountain Rose Saloon. The narrow room was dimly lit and musty-smelling. Two men, a circle of smoke lingering above their heads, glanced up from their game of cards. A blonde in a dress that might have been in the height of fashion a decade or two earlier lounged against the bar.

Behind her, the bartender swirled a white cloth along the bar’s hardwood surface. He grinned at the new customers, but his expression changed fast enough when he noticed the cuffs on Peterson’s wrists. His gaze shifted to Jared. “What’ll it be?”

“Sarsaparilla. Two.” He tossed coins onto the bar.

Peterson cast a look of disbelief in Jared’s direction. “Sarsaparilla? How about a whiskey?”

Jared ignored him.

The woman sidled closer. “Haven’t seen you in here before. Where you headed? Or are you new to town?”

He glanced at her. A generous dusting of powder and rouge had been applied to her angular face. Like her dress, she might have been attractive at one time, but life had left its mark around her eyes and in the cynical corners of her painted mouth.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

Robin Lee Hatcher's latest novel, The Heart's Pursuit, is receiving critical praise: "The Old West lives again in this inspirational romantic adventure. . . . Themes of forgiveness, justice and mercy dominate the story and add to the characters' depth. Hatcher treats readers to a rich sensory experience—you can taste the desert dust and smell the smoke and stench of a crowded gambling hall." (Publishers Weekly)

Robin is celebrating the release of her novel by giving away a $200 "Romantic Weekend Getaway."
heartspursuit-400-click

  One winner will receive:
  • A $200 Visa cash card (Get away for the weekend with that special someone!)
  • The Heart's Pursuit by Robin Lee Hatcher
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 8th. Winner will be announced June 9th on Robin's website.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Robin's blog on June 8th to see if you won.

Thank you, Robin, for sharing this new book and giveaway with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Heart's Pursuit - Christianbook.com
The Heart's Pursuit - Amazon
The Heart's Pursuit - Kindle


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book on this blog. 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 Goodreads, 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

32 comments:

Diana Gardner said...

Portsmouth, VA

Anonymous said...

great interview Robin! I live in MS! Shelia Hall

Unknown said...

Jilted. Ride and bounty hunter -- sounds like the perfect combination for a great story. I can't wait tonread this one!
Tonja VA

Julie B. said...

I love Robin's books! Julie in Lisbon, IA

Patty said...

I too love Robin's historical novels, and look forward to reading this new release!

Patty in SC

Connie Porter Saunders said...

Great interview, even greater author!
Connie
Hillsboro, KY

Britney Adams said...

I enjoyed Robin's delightful interview and would love to win a copy of THE HEART'S PURSUIT!

Britney Adams, TX

Robin Lee Hatcher said...

Tonja, it's a very different kind of story from what I have written in recent years. Kind of fun to do the adventure thing again.

Julie, Patty, Connie & Britney, thanks for the kind words.

KayM said...

Great first page! Sounds like a good book.
Tennessee

Jean said...

Would love to get this book.

Jean K
West Palm Beach, FL

Merry said...

The Heart's Pursuit sounds terrific, I love Robin's books!
Merry in MN

Melanie Backus said...

I would absolutely love to win a copy of The Heart's Pursuit. Robin is a real winner!!!

Melanie Backus, TX

Mary Preston said...

A lovely interview thank you & I did enjoy the first page.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Charlotte Kay said...

I loved the interview, and I love Robin' s writing!!!!!
Thanks for the chance to win her latest book!

Blessings and Smiles :)
Charlotte Kay
Ohio

Patsy said...

Love Robin's books!
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Danielle Hull said...

I'm in Indiana!

Jean said...

I love Robin's books.

Jean K
West Palm Beach,
FL

Robin Lee Hatcher said...

Thanks everyone for sharing that you like my books. You are such an encouragement to me. Bless each one of you.

Robin

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great book!
Thanks for the giveaway
Sydney harries GA

sharon m said...

I really enjoy Robin's books. Just read A Promise Kept. I would love to read more of her books. sharon, CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

Melody said...

I want to read this! I'm in Donna, TX fixin to be in Nicaragua!

missionwife@hotmail.com

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

Wow, what an awesome looking book and it also sounds awesome, I would love the chance to read it!!! Thanks for the wonderful giveaway and God Bless!!!
Sarah Richmond
North Carolina

kam110476 said...

The Heart's Pursuit sounds as good as every other book I've read by Robin! Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Kristen in OK
kam110476 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I would love to read Silver and Jared's story. They seem like quite a pair. Loved your interview with Robin.
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann in New York

Courtney Clark (The Green Mockingbird Blog) said...

I love Robin!
Courtney C. from Arkansas

Anonymous said...

Hello Lena. I love Robin and would love to win her book. She seems like such a nice lady. I live in Pasadena, Texas. Maxie Anderson

Anonymous said...

2425568222Hello Lena. I love Robin and would love to win her book. She seems like such a nice lady. I live in Pasadena, Texas. Maxie Anderson

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

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

Jackie Smith said...

Thanks for this great giveaway.....love Robin's books!
Jackie in Georgia

Susan said...

Robin Lee Hatcher is a very talented author! Thanks for the chance to win her book!

Cyndi said...

I am SO looking forward to this book! LOVE all Robin's books!

Cyndi in AL

Jorie said...

Hallo, Hallo Ms. Dooley!

:) I've missed visiting your lovely blog and am thankful to return this Summer! Simply a lot on my plate these past eight months, and I am thankful to see as I return you are always on the upside of knowing the best in INSPY fiction!

I have never read a book by Ms. Hatcher, but when I read this involved a bounty hunter I must confess a part of me squealed with delight! I don't know why but I love stories of the West which involve either lone men of the law or bounty hunters who are attempting to bring in the men whose victims need justice! Love Westerns, and this one just appealed to me!

Thus, I am tossing my hat into the mix for the bookaway! Which I am always thankful you offer on your blog! (FL)