Friday, October 24, 2014

THE BRICKMAKER'S BRIDE - Judith Miller - One Free Book + Much More

Readers, I absolute loved The Brickmaker’s Bride. I haven’t read many books set in this time period, but the setting was so vivid, I felt as if I were walking through the countryside. And the characters were walking right beside me. I highly recommend this book.

Welcome back, Judith. Why do you write the kind of books you do?
I have a deep interest in history and a deep love of the Lord. Writing inspirational historical fiction gives me the opportunity to research history, study God’s word, and then to share what I learn with my readers. What a blessing!

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
Wow! That’s a difficult question. There are so many good things that have happened to me, but I would have to say the day I married my husband, Jim.

How has being published changed your life?
When I first began writing, I was working full time as a compliance analyst with the Kansas Insurance Department. After several years being published, I was able to quit my job and write full time. Also, I now have more time to conduct travel and conduct research. Another thing that has changed is that I’m frequently asked to speak to different groups regarding my books and my faith.

What are you reading right now?
I just completed Laura Frantz’s latest book, Love’s Fortune, and I would highly recommend it. 

What is your current work in progress?
I am just beginning the synopsis for the third book in the Refined by Love series. I turned in book two, The Potter’s Lady, a couple weeks ago and am awaiting rewrites on that book.

What would be your dream vacation?
I’m planning a European River Cruise next year, so I suppose that would be my dream vacation. However, I have to add that one of the highlights of my traveling life was going to Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the Czech Republic with a group of descendants from the Amana Colonies several years ago. I’d done so much research about Amana that it made the trip very exciting for me.

How do you choose your settings for each book?
Setting is extremely important to me. In fact, I usually have a setting before I have a story. I do my best to discover unique settings for my novels and/or unique trades or professions for my characters. Sometimes readers will suggest a particular area and I’ll always check out what they suggest. My last six books were set in the Amana Colonies in Iowa, because of the suggestion of friend. She suggested I visit for myself and decide if the area would provide a good setting. On my first visit, I knew she was correct. I discovered the rich cultural and spiritual beliefs of the people and stories were soon emerging in my head.

My current series is set in West Virginia for several reasons. Much of my paternal heritage is in West Virginia and I wanted to reveal the beauty of the northwestern and central portion of the state as well as some of the interesting professions of the area. In The Brickmaker’s Bride, the rich clay deposits become important to the brickmaking profession of the male protagonist who is Scots-Irish and comes to the United States, just as my Scots-Irish ancestors came to this country and settled in the area of Virginia that later became West Virginia.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
Beth Moore. She is such a godly woman and her teachings never fail to touch my heart and reveal new truths to me. I’d love to share a pot of tea with her.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?
I used to do a lot of scrapbooking, but recently I’ve been knitting for my little granddaughter. I’ve made far more blankets and shawls than she’ll ever need.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
I plot my books in advance, but sometimes a character takes off to do his or her own thing. When that happens, I sometimes find myself uncertain how to get out of the predicament. I can think more clearly if I stand in the shower with the water running over me, so that sometimes will give me a solution. If that doesn’t work, I take a long walk and do the “what if” game with myself.

Oh, yes, I’ve used shower times that way. What advice would you give to a beginning author?
Study the craft of writing and don’t be in a big hurry. Instead, be sure that the proposal you submit to an agent or publisher is the very best you can make it.

Tell us about the featured book.
The Brickmaker’s Bride is set in the hills of West Virginia, where two families tentatively come together to rebuild a war-torn brickmaking business. Their venture leads them into bad business deals, betrayal, heartbreak, and love. If Hugh Crothers has his way, his nephew, Ewan McKay, will never become a full partner in his brickmaking business, but a budding romance between Ewan and Laura Woodfield may thwart Hugh’s plans.

Please give us the first page of the book.
Chapter 1
Along the banks of the Tygart Valley River, West Virginia
September 1868
An unexpected rush of sentiment caught Laura Woodfield by surprise. She tightened her grip on Winston Hawkins’s arm as she stepped down from the carriage. Why did entering the brickyard, even the one established by her father, provoke such an awkward show of emotion?
            Winston patted her gloved hand. “You have more strength in that small hand than I would have ever imagined. Don’t falter now.”
             “I’m sorry.” Laura loosened her grasp and forced a smile. “This place holds many memories, and I haven’t been down here since…” The final words caught in her throat.
            Her father hadn’t returned from the war. Still, the Tygart River continued to flow, and the seasons still changed without fail. Fall had arrived and the ancient trees that surrounded the Tygart River Valley were already bursting with color. Her father had often declared God had given him the most beautiful place in the world to perform his labor, and Laura agreed.
            While her friends had longed to move to Wheeling, Allegheny City, or Pittsburgh, Laura remained content, feeling more at home in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains.
Don't miss Judith Miller's latest novel, The Brickmaker's Bride. CBA Retailers + Resources raves, ". . . a wonderful story about faith and love throughout life’s trials."

Judith is celebrating with a Kindle HDX giveaway and  a "Refined by Love" Facebook author event on November 4th.
brickmaker-400
 One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle HDX
  • The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 4th. Winner will be announced at the Refined by Love Facebook Author Event. Connect with Judith for a fascinating evening centered around her new Civil War-era series. She'll be hosting a book club discussion, giving away prizes, answering your questions, offering an exclusive peek at the next book in the Refined by Love series, and much more!

So grab your copy of The Brickmaker's Bride and join Judith and friends on the evening of November 4th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)
brickmaker-enterbanner

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

How can readers find you on the Internet?
www.judithmccoymiller.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorjudithmiller

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

Readers, 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

27 comments:

Caryl Kane said...

Lena, thank you for the interview with Judith. I am so excited to read "The Brickmaker's Bride".

Caryl
TEXAS

rubynreba said...

I enjoy books with history in them. I enjoyed the interview and the first page. Thanks!
Beth from IA

Deanna Stevens said...

I got to review this book & it was a good story, I enjoyed reading it. You will enjoy reading it :)
Deanna from NE please don't enter me to win a copy . .

Linda McFarland said...

Good interview. Will put it on my to-be-read list. Love Judith Miller books. Thanks for the opportunity to win. Linda, Pennsylvania

Linda McFarland said...

Putting this on my to-be-read list. Love Judith Miller books. Good interview, too. Thanks for the opportunity to win. Linda, Pennsylvania

Linda McFarland said...

Sorry I didn't see the first comment I wrote so did another. Didn't know how to undo!

Melanie Backus said...

Thank you, Lena!

Melanie Backus, TX

Britney Adams said...

I love this beautiful cover and am so eager to read this story! Thank you for sharing Judith's lovely interview and giveaway.

Britney Adams, TX

Unknown said...

This cover of your book is just beautiful! I would love to win it. Don't have FB so sorry I won't be participating in the giveaway.
oh.hello.hiya@gmail.com

Mary Preston said...

Thank you for the wonderful first page.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Cindy W. said...

I love historical fiction and this book sounds wonderful. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.

I live in Indiana.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

apple blossom said...

thanks for the chance to win
live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Tammi said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jackie Smith said...

I love Judy's books and am so anxious to read this one!
Thanks for the chance!
Jackie S. in GA

Tammi said...

Judith Miller is one of my favorite authors, and I am looking forward to reading The Brickmaker's Bride.

~Tammi in Maine

dandtdearing{at}earthlink{dot}net

PriviesAndPrims said...

Historical fiction is my all time favorite!

Doreen
Lancaster County, PA

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me!!
Conway, SC.

sm said...

I really enjoy learning about history through historical fiction! The Brickmaker's Bride sounds great as I will learn about Virginia before part of it became W. VA; about brickmaker's, and the Scotish/Irish. Love to win and read your book. sm CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

sm said...

I really enjoy learning about history through historical fiction! The Brickmaker's Bride sounds great as I will learn about Virginia before part of it became W. VA; about brickmaker's, and the Scotish/Irish. Love to win and read your book. sm CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

Karen G. said...

Sounds like a very good book. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.

Karen G, NY
kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

Mama Cat said...

Not only would I love to read this book and series as I very much appreciate this period of American history, I'd also like to meet Beth Moore with you! She is one of my favorite Bible teachers. Blessings from sunny Phoenix, AZ!

Anonymous said...

I have read one of Judiths books about the Amana colonies. I love reading historical fiction and this book sounds like a great read.
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann in New York

kec200 said...

Love historical fiction! Can't wait to read this one.

Kathy Church from Wendell, NC

Anonymous said...

I am very excited about this new book! Thank you for sharing!

Cindy G. From FL

Patty said...

So many struggled to rebuild after the war, what great loss of life and property took place!

I would love to read The Brickmakers Bride!

Patty in SC

Merry said...

I've not read many books set post-Civil War, so The Brickmaker's Bride sounds very intriguing. Thanks for the giveaway!
Merry in MN

Frances Cavallo said...

I would be so blessed to win this book!!! Thanks for the chance!!! Good luck and God Bless Everyone!!! I am from Deltona, Florida!