THE DOCTOR'S RETURN - Narelle Atkins - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I love Australia. I’ve wanted to go to Australia for decades but haven’t made it yet. I read dozens of Lucy Walker paperbacks. Then Mary Hawkins started writing Heartsong Presents novels soon after I did. I read all of them. Now Narelle Atkins is writing Heartsong novels. This is her third one. I read it last week and loved it. She takes me to 21^st Century Australia. I love getting to know her characters. I know you will, too. I had a good time with Narelle at the American Christian Fiction Writers national conference a few years ago. I love her as much as I love her books.

Welcome back, Narelle. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

I’m currently finishing the final book in my six book contract. I have three more books releasing with Heartsong Presents in a new series set in my home town of Sydney, Australia. My next project is writing Heartsong proposals for my agent.

As you know, Narelle, I want to feature all of them on this blog. Tell us a little about your family.

I married my real life hero eighteen years ago and we have two school-aged children. We’ve lived in Canberra, the national capital of Australia, for the past decade. My children are really into Minecraft and love technology.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

I’m more purposeful in terms of the books I choose to read. I have less reading time, and I’ll stop reading a book if it doesn’t catch my interest in the first couple of pages. I also prefer to read outside the romance genre while I’m writing my romance books, so I tend to read a diverse range of books in various genres.

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on my sixth book that’s due to my editor next month. It will be a May 2015 release and the third Heartsong Presents book in my Sydney series.

What outside interests do you have?

I like spending time with my friends, cycling, going to the gym, and long walks around nearby lakes with my family. I love traveling and exploring the world. I’m looking forward to having more time soon to cook, experiment with different recipes, and teach my children essential culinary skills.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

My books are all set in Australia, in a mixture of fictional and real places. I prefer to use settings where I’ve lived or visited in real life. My husband has family in the Snowy Mountains region, the setting for my Snowgum Creek books. I grew up on the northern beaches in Sydney, the setting for my upcoming Sydney series.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?

King David. I’ve always been fascinated by his life and his deep, authentic relationship with the Lord.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

I wish I’d known that each book doesn’t become easier to write.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

To trust Him in all areas of my life. Life is full of uncertainty and He is our rock who will provide for our needs.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Have tangible writing goals and be disciplined in your writing routine.

Find your personal balance between the creative aspect of writing and the administrative side of book marketing, promotion, and networking. Multiple book releases will help you build your readership and is more effective than marketing one book to death.

Resist the temptation to indie publish your debut book that is underdone and not ready to be published. You only have one chance to make a great first impression with your debut book.

Very good advice, especially the last one. Too many authors take the easy way out. Tell us about the featured book.

The Doctor’s Return, Luke and Megan’s story, is the third book in my Snowgum Creek series set in the Snowy Mountains region of Australia. Luke is the town doctor and Ben’s brother from The Nurse’s Perfect Match (Book 2). Megan is Jack’s free-spirited sister and Kate’s best friend from Falling for the Farmer (Book 1). A reunion romance, the story starts when Megan returns to her home town of Snowgum Creek and starts working with Luke in his medical clinic.

Please give us the first page of the book for my readers.

Megan Bradley inhaled the sweet perfume of a champagne rose in her sister-in-law’s garden. “Kate, I love your roses. Jack has outdone himself this time.”

Kate smiled. “A belated wedding present but definitely worth the wait.”

Megan’s brother had planted the rose garden along one side of the newly built home on the family apple farm in Snowgum Creek. After a number of delays, the house had been completed a couple of months ago, but Kate’s debilitating morning sickness had postponed their Saturday lunch housewarming until today.

Megan stretched out the muscles in her back, stiff after yesterday’s long drive from Sydney. Family and friends gathered on the spacious wooden deck at the back of the sandy brick house overlooking the Snowy Mountains. Only one person was missing—her brother’s best friend, Luke Morton. She needed to summon the courage to talk to Luke soon.

She lifted her arms above her head, releasing tension in her shoulders. “As much as I’d love to hide away and chat, we should mingle with your guests.”

Kate nodded. “I’ve been ordered to take it easy. Your mom and Aunt Doris have taken over my kitchen, and Jack is in charge of our new outdoor grill.”

Megan straightened the hem of her lilac shirt. “They won’t stop fussing over you until the baby arrives.” She grinned. “I can’t wait to meet my little nephew or niece.”

Kate placed her hand on her slightly rounded abdomen. “Hopefully bub won’t arrive early. I’d like some time to get settled in the house first.”

A black Jeep meandered along a narrow dirt track leading to the house. Megan sucked in a deep breath, her pulse skyrocketing.

Kate lifted a brow. “I told you Luke was coming.”

“I know.” A busy doctor, Luke Morton had probably been delayed at the Snowgum Creek Medical Clinic. “I need to ask Jack something.” She strode toward the back deck, away from Luke, who had parked his Jeep under a gum tree near the front of the house.

Kate followed close on her heels. “You can’t run away from him forever.”

“I’m not running.” She frowned. Who was she kidding? She’d spent eight years trying to forget the events that had transpired the last time she’d seen him. “And I will talk to him today.” Assuming he was willing to talk to her.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can connect with me on my website, blog, Facebook page, Google+, and Twitter.

Website: http://www.narelleatkins.com
Blog: http://narelleatkins.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NarelleAtkinsAuthor

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+NarelleAtkinsAuthor
Twitter: @NarelleAtkins https://twitter.com/NarelleAtkins

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

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Doctor's Return - Christianbook.com
The Doctor's Return (Heartsong Presents) - Amazon
The Doctor's Return (Heartsong Presents) - Kindle

Christian Book Store

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 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