SWORD OF FORGIVENESS - Debbie Lynne Costello - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I’ve known Debbie Lynne Costello online for a number of years, and I’m thrilled to introduce you to her with the release of her debut novel.

Bio: Debbie Lynne Costello has enjoyed writing stories since she was about eight years old. She raised her family and then embarked on her own career of writing the stories that had been begging to be told. She and her husband have four children and live in upstate South Carolina. She has worked in many capacities in her church and is currently the Children's Director. Debbie Lynne has shown and raised Shetland Sheepdogs for eighteen years and still enjoys litters now and then. In their spare time, she and her husband take pleasure in camping and riding their Arabian and Tennessee Walking horses.

Welcome, Debbie. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. 

I don’t think I write myself into my characters deliberately, but it would be pretty hard not  to write some of yourself into them because who I am affects my beliefs and my faith so I naturally write in that direction.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I started writing stories at a young age of about 8 but I never thought of myself as a writer. I took every writing class I could in high school and then journalism in college. But it wasn’t until about 8 years ago that I decided I wanted to write novels.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I enjoy reading my bible, some research books, anything in the 19th century and anything in medieval times.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I don’t! I always feel like things are crazy. God is the only thing that keeps me together.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I research the time period that my characters would have been born and try to find a name that fits the character running around in my head.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

My husband and I built the house we live in. I think that is probably my biggest accomplishment. We are now looking forward to building one last house in which we hope to retire.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

Yikes! I’ve never thought about being an animal. I guess I would choose a horse. And anyone that knows me would have already guessed the answer to that. Why would I be a horse? In hopes that I would be chosen for the Lord to ride on in His return.

What is your favorite food?

Chocolate covered coconut macaroons.

Yum! What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Marketing. It seems that today we have to sell ourselves and our books. I find that with all the social media, it’s hard to find the time to write. I don’t know that I have overcome it. I struggle daily to balance my everyday life and responsibilities with time for writing. The thing that does work best for me is to stay organized with a schedule and lists. They keep me on target.

Tell us about the featured book.

After the death of her cruel father, Brithwin is determined never again to live under the harsh rule of any man. Independent and resourceful, she longs to be left alone to manage her father’s estate. But she soon discovers a woman has few choices when the king decrees she is to marry Royce, the Lord of Rosencraig. As if the unwelcome marriage isn’t enough, her new husband accuses her of murdering his family, and she is faced with a challenge of either proving her innocence or facing possible execution.

Royce of Hawkwood returns home after setting down a rebellion to find his family brutally murdered. When all fingers point to his betrothed and attempts are made on his life, Royce must wade through murky waters to uncover the truth. Yet Brithwin’s wise and kind nature begins to break down the walls of his heart, and he soon finds himself in a race to discover who is behind the evil plot before Brithwin is the next victim.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Cumberland, England, 1398

Brithwin gazed at her father's grey, lifeless face as she crossed the room. Other than a pinprick to her conscience, there was no sorrow. She faltered. Was his chest rising and falling? A dull roar filled her ears, drowning out her pounding heart. She gasped. Nay. Nay! Hadn’t the priest said his soul was at rest? Hadn’t she watched as the icy fingers of death slowly robbed him of his last breath?

A shudder slithered through her body. Was it a sin to find relief in his death? He couldn’t hurt her anymore. Surely God would not find fault with her. Perhaps her father’s sudden passing was God’s punishment for all the wrongs he had done her. The shuffling of feet brought her contemplations to a halt. 

“It’s all right to grieve, dear one—the tears will help you heal.” Pater, a follower of John Wycliffe and branded a Lollard, laid his hand on her shoulder.

Brithwin pushed aside her conflicting feelings. “You know there is no sorrow in me for his death. Only relief that he is gone and anger for what he has done.”

“Don’t let bitterness consume you. It will do your father no harm, but it will slowly drain the joy from your life, my child.”

Brithwin turned her head away from her father’s still form and looked into the empathetic eyes of a man who had suffered far greater than she at her father’s hand. She spoke the words anyway. “If anyone has a reason to be bitter, it is I. Isn’t a woman’s lot always bitterness?”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

https://www.facebook.com/debbielynnecostello

https://twitter.com/DebiLynCostello

https://plus.google.com/+DebbieLynneCostello/posts

https://www.pinterest.com/debbielynne1/

Thank you for having me on your blog, Lena. I’m looking forward to meeting your followers.

Thank you, Debbie Lynne. They will enjoy getting to know you and your book, too.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Sword of Forgiveness (Winds of Change) (Volume 1) - paperback
Sword of Forgiveness (Winds of Change Book 1) - Kindle

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