Tuesday, November 18, 2014

HIDDEN - Vannetta Chapman - One Free Book

Welcome back, Vannetta. Tell us about your salvation experience.
I was 10 years old, and we were members of a small town Baptist church. There was an altar call every Sunday morning, and I remember needing to make that walk to the front, but being terrified. Later that day at home, I told my mother and daddy. They called over the youth director and we talked and prayed and I asked Jesus into my heart. I wanted to go back up to the church THAT DAY and be baptized. I had to wait a week, and that seemed like an impossibly long time. My two sisters, my brother, and I were all baptized on the same day. It’s one of my most treasured memories.

You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?
Alive or dead? I’ll choose a combination of both – C.S. Lewis because he was such a trailblazer in our mission. Ted Dekker because he showed the world that Christian writers can make a terrific impact. Shelley Shephard Gray because she’s such a sweet spirit and will remember to bring me chocolate. And finally, Janette Oake because I grew up reading all of her books.

Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.
Yes! I love speaking to groups. I have spoken to quilt clubs about Amish quilting and the desire to bring simplicity to our Christian walk. I’ve also taught quite a bit of writing classes—on everything from “Adding Mystery to your Manuscript” to “Working with Agents and Editors.” I taught high school and college for 15 years, so I miss that aspect of my life. Speaking to groups is something that allows me to connect to others in a very special way.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?
It’s hard to pick one, as I’m a bit distracted at times so I tend to do things like leave the house with my shirt on inside out. One of the most embarrassing moments was at our local Walmart. I was looking down to find something in my purse and ran my cart right into one of those large concrete pillars. It hurt and it was embarrassing!

People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that?
People do tell me this. I think many of us have an urge to share our story. What I tell them is that there are many ways to do this—perhaps you want to type up your story and share it with family members, or perhaps you want to seek publication. Everyone’s road is different and all writing has its own value.

Tell us about the featured book.
Hidden is the story of Dana Jacobs—who SEEMS to have it all together, but in fact is held back in her personal and spiritual life by events in her past. Faith is something she stopped having as a small child. Now Ben Marshall is in her life—a steady, calming, faithful presence, and she doesn’t know what to do with him. When they become deeply involved in a case that threatens both their town and their lives, Dana must decide if she’s going to let her past define her. She must decide whether she’s going to live in fear or live by faith. It’s a fun, suspenseful story that focuses on God’s grace and love for us. 

Please give us the first page of the book.
Livingston, Texas, Fall, 1990
Dana Jacobs tried to scream, but no sound came. A small hand slipped into hers and pulled her away from the violence playing before her like an interminable, looping video. She turned and looked into the terror-filled eyes of her sister. Erin tugged again, pleading silently. A ragged, brown teddy bear hung from her other hand, nearly forgotten.

Dana scooped up the three-year-old, mindful that the bear found its way into her arms as well. She backed away from the cries of her mother and fled into the night.

They went into the woods, far enough away to escape the sounds and sights of the house. At ten years old, Dana outweighed her sister by nearly forty pounds, but her fear made her weak.
She prayed as she stumbled along the path.

The tall, old pine finally loomed in front of them. She placed Erin on the ground beside it.

“I have to go back,” she whispered, even as she worked to unclasp the grip Erin had on her neck. “You’re okay. You have Snooky. I have to go help Mama.”

She pushed the bear into her sister’s hands.

The smell of him reached her before his words—the unmistakable stench of liquor and sweat.
“And how do you plan to help her?”

She drew herself up to her full four-foot height and turned in the darkness to face her father.

I can’t wait to read it. How can readers find you on the Internet?
http://vannettachapman.com/blog/

Thank you, Vannetta, for sharing your new book with me and my readers.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Hidden (Jacobs Family Series) (Volume 1) - paperback
Hidden (Jacobs Family Series Book 1) - 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 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

34 comments:

Cindy W. said...

Wow! What a first page. It is definitely a book I would love to read. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of Hidden.

I live in Indiana.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

KayM said...

Oh my goodness! That beginning takes my breath away.
Tennessee

Caryl Kane said...

Lena, thanks for the interview with Vannetta! I love that the book is set in the great state of Texas. I am definitely hooked on this story. I can't wait to read Hidden.

Caryl in TEXAS
psalm103and138[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Love to win this book!Shelia from MS

Vannetta Chapman said...

Thank you, Cindy. I wanted to start the story where my character was most vulnerable. :)

Kay, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Caryl, The setting starts in Texas, then moves to New Mexico. Book 2 in the series is set completely in Texas. :)

Sheila, thanks for stopping by!

Deanna Stevens said...

The first page is certainly one that peaks my interest :)
dee from NEBR

Judy said...

Vannetta, your Salvation story brought tears to my eyes. I was twelve when I came to Christ, so I was a little older. The Holy Spirit spoke to me during a revival meeting. With my heart nearly pounding out of my chest, I walked forward into a prayer room and gave my life to Jesus. I was baptized shortly after in Big Turkey Lake!

I have read "Hidden" and I must say, it was one of the best suspense books I have ever read. If I should happen to win this book, I want to give it to my dear sweet little old lady friend from church. She will love it!

Blessings!
Judy B from Indiana

Vannetta Chapman said...

Hi Dee from NEBR (Nebraska?). I hope your'e staying warm this week, and thanks for stopping by!

Hi Judy. Thank you for sharing your salvation experience. Isn't it amazing how those moments stay with us no matter how old we become? I'm glad you enjoyed Hidden. Hugs.

Anonymous said...

I love suspense and two of my sisters read almost nothing BUT suspense. We are always on the lookout for good Christian suspense novels. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book!
J.C. -Indiana-

Vannetta Chapman said...

Hi J.C. Well it sounds like we have 3 readers for my new book then! :) Tell your sisters hello for me, and thanks for stopping by!

Beth Gillihan said...

Great first page! Want to read it. I am always looking for new authors. I live in Montana. Thanks for the chance to win!

Anonymous said...

Hello. I met Vannetta and she is a very sweet lady. And, has some good books. would like to win her book. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

Diana Flowers said...

I have heard so many good things about this book so please count me in! Thank you!

At least it was concrete, Vannetta! lol I would be the one who just happened to run into a display of pickles in glass jars...now THAT would be embarrassing and totally me. :P

Diana in SC

dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

Diana Flowers said...

Oops, I'm sorry I had something else I wanted to say. I got carried away with the thought of pickle jars! lol Like the main character of Hidden, I have been held back spiritually and emotionally by the abuse (but I always have it together in front of others) from my past so I can identify. I am in the healing process, but feel I can benefit from reading this novel. Thx for the opportunity to win it!

Diana SC

Vannetta Chapman said...

Hi Beth. I love Montana - we used to visit Whitefish. :)

Diana, the pickle aisle should watch out. I may run into that next. And thank you for sharing your own personal journey. I think we all have things in our past that have left scars, and I'm so grateful for God's grace that helps me to heal and live with my focus on today and on him. Blessings.

Anne Payne said...

I have heard so many good things about this book! I can't wait to read it.

Anne, rural NC

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me!!
Conway, SC.

Sm said...

I enjoy your books! Suspense is different for you, I think, and it sounds great! Love to win and write reviews. Sm. CA wileygreen1@yahoo.com

Cindi A said...

Great testimony, Vannetta!
Hidden is on my wish list. (I'm hoping to get it for Christmas, but winning a copy here would be even better). I'm really looking forward to this suspense novel.

Cindi Altman from Pennsylvania

Diana Flowers said...

**This is only $1.99 on Kindle today for anyone like me who can't wait to see if you won.** Regularly $11.99 so grab it while it's on sale! Please remove my name from the draw and THANK YOU for sharing about this book!

Diana Flowers~

Vannetta Chapman said...

Hi Anne. Thanks for stopping by!

Sharon, we will do that!

Sm, thanks and you are right - it is different!

Cindi - that is awesome. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

Diana - thanks so much for bringing up the sale. I'll leave another comment about that below this one.

Vannetta Chapman said...

There is a current sale on Hidden. It was supposed to start on Friday, but due to unforeseen circumstances it started today!

$1.99 on all ebooks and $8 for the print copy from my website. You can see details at www.vannettachapman.com.

This will last through Sunday.
And if you enter here AND WIN, you can give one of the copies to a friend! Blessings, all.

Anna Weaver Hurtt said...

Please drop my name in the giveaway hat!

Anna in FL.

Diana Flowers said...

I couldn't wait, Vannetta. Had to buy it! Lol

kam110476 said...

Holy cow! My heart is racing 90 to nothing! I've got chills, and I could honestly smell her father too as Dana turned around!
Kristen in OK
kam110476 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I have read one of Vannettas amish books and this looks like something completely different and interesting.
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann in NY

Unknown said...

Eeek! Loved the first page! SOunds like a great book!!

Indiana

Abigail Mitchell said...

Love Vanetta's books! Looks Awesome!!! Please enter me!

NC

susanlulu said...

Love her books, but haven't read this one.
susanlulu@yahoo.com

Granny's Attic said...

That first page has me hooked. I have to add this one to my list. lisajcowell(at)cs(dot)com in Ohio.

Lourdes said...

WOW I really really would love to win a copy of this book!

Lourdes from Long Island NY

Unknown said...

My daughter and I love reading Christian suspense. This novel looks like it would be a great read.
Tonja (VA)

Merry said...

Hidden sounds like a wonderful suspense filled book. Please add me, thanks.
Merry in MN

Unknown said...

This books sounds really awesome and I can't wait to read it! Thanks so much for the opportunity to win! God Bless You and Your Family! Have a wonderful, blessed day! And please, keep writing the wonderful books! !!