Tuesday, November 04, 2014

FOR LOVE OR LIBERTY - Jennifer Hudson Taylor - One Free Book

Welcome back, Jennifer. How did you come up with the idea for this story?
I had written an article in RT Book Reviews about how I sometimes incorporate real-life family history into my historical novels. My editor saw the article and was intrigued by how local Indians called one of my ancestors the “War Woman.” She called me and said she would like for me to write a story about the “War Woman” and could I put a proposal together? While we were on the phone, I told her about an idea I had regarding how my family history of the MacGregor Clan had been at war with the Campbell Clan for over 200 years. Since the King of England abolished their name, when they arrived here in the colonies, they changed their name to Gregory for protection. She loved the premise and asked me to put together a 3-book series proposal.

I took a weekend trip to the beach to get away and concentrate on the proposal. While I was walking along the beach and watching these beautiful pieces of shells wash up, an analogy came to me of a character who is broken, but beautiful. This character became Charlotte Morgan in book 3, For Love or Liberty.

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?
Meeting deadlines while working a full-time job and handling family obligations, not to mention the promotion and marketing.

Tell us about the featured book.
Grieving over her sister’s death, Charlotte Morgan leaves the Carolina coast for the shores of Lake Erie, Ohio, to help care for her niece and nephew. Conrad Deaton is also there to assist his brother after this devastating loss. Soon, Conrad and Charlotte are locked in a battle of wills as the War of 1812 rages around them.

While Conrad criticizes Charlotte for her interest in politics, lectures, and lack of domestic skills, she faults him for his insensitivity, rigid schedules, and harsh discipline. The two just can’t seem to get along. But could all their bickering be a sign of something more—an attraction between the two? Afraid of loving a man duty-bound to war, she ignores the growing affection between them.

Battle breaks out on Lake Erie. As U.S. Naval officers, Conrad and his brother attend their posts. Charlotte turns to fervent prayer and wills her faith to grow strong as she learns to wait upon the Lord. When neither returns, Charlotte fears the worst.

Please give us the first page of the book.
Charlotte stood in the sand as waves washed over her bare feet, burying her heels and toes like an anchor holding her captive in time. The cool seawater receded from her skin leaving a mist of white foam layered with broken shells along the shore—much like the residue of the broken pieces of her life.

Her grieving heart threatened to succumb to the pain engulfing her, but the glistening colors of the scattered shells across the wet sand painted a brilliant scene of hope. If she could still see something beautiful through the dark clouds residing in her heart, it was a tiny reminder the Lord had not forsaken her. Even though Emily was gone, her twin sister had left behind two precious children for her to love and help raise. She clung to the thought with resolve, especially since it was Emily’s last request of her. 

Charlotte covered her heavy chest with a trembling hand and released the aching sob she had held throughout the funeral. Here ... alone ... with the wide ocean as comfort, she could finally let out the pain. She wept until her empty stomach rolled and tears choked her. Charlotte’s eyes and nose swelled and breathing grew difficult as the inside of her head swirled like a monsoon attacking her brain.

Charlotte lost track of time and dropped to her knees. Oncoming waves swept her black gown into a floating parasol around her legs. The sound of the rolling ocean managed to console her as she lifted her face to the warm sun. From her earliest memories, the sea had always comforted her in times of distress. 

How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website at www.jenniferhudsontaylor.com and you can reach me on all my social media accounts from there.

Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing this new book with us. I love your cover.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
For Love or Liberty - Christianbook.com
For Love or Liberty: The MacGregor Legacy - Book 3 - Amazon
For Love or Liberty: The MacGregor Legacy - Book 3 - 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.

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Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

22 comments:

Deanna Stevens said...

broken shells along the shore—much like the residue of the broken pieces of her life.* That is awesome! Definitely going on my TBR LIST :) Dee from NE

Anonymous said...

Great interview Jennifer!!Shelia from MS

Anonymous said...

I haven't read any in this series, but I'd like to. We also have other books by this author.
J.C. -Indiana-

Melody said...

Can't wait to read this!

Melody from Donna, TX

Melissa M. said...

This sounds interesting and well-written!

-Melissa M. from TN
misshoneybee(at)gmail(dot)com

Melanie Backus said...

This one sounds like a winner! Thank you, Lena!

Melanie Backus, TX

Amy C said...

I can't wait to start reading this series.
Amy C
VA

Frances Cavallo said...

I would be so blessed to win this book!!! Good luck and God Bless everyone!!!

Frances Cavallo said...

I am from Deltona, Florida!

Mary Preston said...

This sounds like such a fabulous read.

Mary P


QLD AUSTRALIA

Cindy W. said...

I enjoyed the interview, love the cover of the book and would love to win a copy. Thank you for the chance.

I live in Indiana.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

Unknown said...

Looks like a very good book!

Indiana

Patty said...

I don't think I've read anything by Jennifer... thanks for the interview ladies!

Patty in SC

kam110476 said...

Wow! I love the ocean more than any other place in the world and I felt Charlotte's pain as well as the ocean flowing around her on the beach as if it were my own!
Kristen in OK
kam110476 at gmail dot com

Lisa Stifler said...

Thank you for sharing and a chance to win!

Britney Adams said...

Thank you so much for sharing Jennifer's interview and the chance to win a copy of FOR LOVE Or LIBERTY! It sounds like a wonderful story!

Britney Adams, TX

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me!!
Conway, SC.

Melody said...

Thanks for the review and I ow uou came up with the story line!

Melody from Donna, TX!

Bonnie Roof said...

Loved that touching excerpt, Jennifer -love the ocean, and would love to read "For Love or Liberty"!!

My MacGregor ancestors changed their name to Magruder.

Thank you for your interview!!

bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
Kentucky

Anonymous said...

I love reading historicals and would love to read Jennifer's book. Thanks for the interview Lena.
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann in NY

Christy C. said...

This looks like a very interesting read. Would love to win a copy. This would also be a new Christian Historical author for me. Christy C. North Carolina


christyjc(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Abigail Mitchell said...

Looks Awesome!!! Please enter me!

Blanch,NC