Tuesday, June 30, 2015

A WORTHY PURSUIT - Karen Witemeyer - One Free Book

Welcome back. Karen. How did you come up with the idea for this story?
There is usually a single spark that gets a book idea started. For A Worthy Pursuit, that spark was the idea of incorporating gifted children—child prodigies, each having a gift in a different field. And the one who doesn't consider himself gifted ends up being the one who saves the day, proving he is, in fact, remarkable.

I also wanted to play with the idea of opposites attracting. So I chose a refined, educated headmistress who doesn't trust men and paired her with a man of action and intrigue who practically walks off the pages of a dime novel. Charlotte has to learn to trust the man who was sent to destroy her in order to protect the children in her care, and Stone must dig deep to unearth the patience it will take to win the heart of the plucky woman he comes to admire.

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
Well, parties are always so much more fun when you are with people you know, so for my contemporary fiction party I'm going to invite some of my closest author friends – Becky Wade, Dani Pettrey, Lisa Wingate, and Kellie Coates Gilbert. Then I would also include a couple ladies who I know would keep things lively – Rachel Hauck and Susan May Warren.

I’d love to peek into that party. That’s a group of some of my favorite people. Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
Again I would go with my closest friends. Regina Jennings and I recently roomed together at the RT Booklovers Convention and had a fabulous time. She even got me line dancing at one of the sessions. Ha! In addition to Regina I would invite Mary Connealy – always a hoot to have around. Jody Hedlund – Jody and I started out at Bethany House together and have shared many facets of our publishing journey. Kristi Hunter – she's about to debut her first book with Bethany House. She and I met at the last ACFW conference and really hit it off. Next, I would invite Lorna Seilstad, another great buddy. And finally the irrepressible Jen Turano. There's going to be a lot of laughing at this gathering.

That sounds like fun. More of my favorite people. 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?
The most difficult part is finding the time to get everything done. I still work a full-time job in addition to writing full-time. I also have 3 teenagers at home. With all the marketing we are asked to do, blog writing, and social media interactions on top of family, church, and work responsibilities, it's hard to find the time needed to write the next project. Yet that is the most important commodity an author has. If you throw together a shoddy book, you're going to lose readers. Besides that, as Christians, we are called to always work as if working for the Lord and not for man. That means creating excellent work, which is something I continually strive to achieve. I write slowly and really have to guard my time. Not an easy task. 

Tell us about the featured book.
Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts.

Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan's Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the little girl entrusted to her care after her mother's death. Charlotte promised Lily's mother she'd keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.

When the teacher he's after produces documentation that shows she's the little girl's legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he's been led to believe. Is Miss Atherton villain or victim? She acts more like a loving mother than an abductress, and the children in her care clearly adore her.

Then a new danger threatens, and Charlotte is forced to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone becomes determined to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he's ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte's heart.

Please give us the first page of the book.
Prologue
February 1891 - Austin, TX
Sullivan's Academy for Exceptional Youths
"I'm closing the school, Miss Atherton, and that's my final word on the subject." Dr. Keith Sullivan closed the attendance ledger on his desk with an ominous snap and pushed to his feet, forcing Charlotte to stand as well. "I've sent wires to all the students' parents, informing them of the closure and offering to reimburse a percentage of the tuition to compensate them for the inconvenience of ending the school term earlier than expected."

A reimbursement of funds? From the man who'd refused to purchase a single new text in the last five years? It was all Charlotte could do to keep her jaw from coming unhinged. There must be another source of income—one large enough to overshadow the loss of tuition. Dr. Sullivan charged exorbitant fees for his exclusive school. Only the most noteworthy students were accepted into the small academy. Unless, of course, a particularly wealthy family sought entree for one of their children. In that case, a well-placed donation seemed to make up for any lack in giftedness. She could only imagine how large a donation would have to be to convince him to close the school entirely.

Backing out of the way as her employer strode around his desk, Charlotte fiddled with the cameo at her neck then marched after him. "What of Stephen Farley? His parents are in Europe. They couldn't possibly collect him before we close the doors. And John Chang is an orphan here on scholarship. He has no place to go."

I am looking forward to reading this one. How can readers find you on the Internet?
The best way to find me is on my website. I have an occasional newsletter that will keep you up-to-date on my newest releases, and everyone who subscribes will be automatically entering in my monthly drawings for 2 Christian Historical Romance Novels. I also love to connect on Facebook and Goodreads. Please find me on the links listed below.



Thank you, Karen, for sharing this new book with us. You know how much I love reading your stories. I'm sure my readers do, too.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
A Worthy Pursuit - Christiabook.com
A Worthy Pursuit - Amazon
A Worthy Pursuit - 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

33 comments:

Karen Witemeyer said...

Thanks so much for the great interview, Lena! I appreciate being here and will try to check-in throughout the day.

~Karen

Melody said...

I didn't realize Karen still worked another full time job besides church and family. Of course I'm sure the teenagers keep up with all the laundry, cooking, shopping.... for you!

Donna, TX

Melissa M. said...

Sounds like an interesting book!

-Melissa M. in TN

Karen Witemeyer said...

Ha! Good one, Melody. ;-) I've tried to train them, and they do help out with chores around the house, but all too often they are as busy as I am. Band, theater, tennis, soccer, math competitions, church activities. I'm just thankful my oldest can drive so I don't have to run the taxi service quite as often.

Karen Witemeyer said...

Thanks, Melissa. I hope you get a chance to try Stone and Charlotte's story. :-)

Anonymous said...

Angela in Ky would love to win.

ASC Book Reviews said...

OH, I've been dying to win a copy of this!!!!!!! I LOVE Karen's writing!!!!!

Blessings, Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a), New Mexico

Rebecca said...

I would love to win this book! Karen is of those authors that you don't even have to read the blurb...you just know it will be a great book!

Rebecca in Oregon

Mary Preston said...

What a fabulous story line.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Cindy W. said...

I would absolutely love to win this book. Thank you for the chance to win a copy!

I live in Indiana.

Blessings,
Cindy W.

Anne Payne said...

Karen, You are one busy lady! Have you thought of hiring an assistant or asking for some volunteer help in the social media arena? This makes me realize how important it is for reviewers to get the word out about your books.

I'm sorry I missed the call-out for influencers on this one but I will be sure and talk it up and feature it on my blog. Who knows, maybe I'll even win a copy!

Thanks, Lena, for inviting Karen on as a guest. Enjoyed the interview, Ladies.

Anne, rural NC

Abigail Mitchell said...

Yessss, I've been waiting for this interview for ages! Can't wait to get this book. Please enter me. Y
Thanks for the awesomest of giveaways! :) God Bless.
Blanch NC

Abigail Mitchell said...

Yessss, I've been waiting for this interview for ages! Can't wait to get this book. Please enter me. Y
Thanks for the awesomest of giveaways! :) God Bless.
Blanch NC

Loraine Nunley said...

I can really appreciate Karen's busyness. There just never seems to be enough time in the day... I am looking forward to reading this book. Thanks for the interview and giveaway!

Loraine in TX

Deanna Stevens said...

Enjoyed the interview & Deanna in NEBR thanks you for the giveaway!
I'd love to win & read this book :)

Karen Witemeyer said...

What a lovely group of ladies! Thank you so much for all the kind comments.

Mary Preston - Love your avatar. Belle is my favorite Disney princess. Who wouldn't love a girl who falls in love with the hero because of his library? LOL.

Rebecca - Thanks for the HUGE compliment! I appreciate you so much.

Anne Payne - A personal assistant would be lovely, but I'm probably too much of a control freak to turn much over to her. I wouldn't mind having someone to create all those cute photo cards they use on FB these days. I can do it when I have time, but I have very rudimentary skills and it ends up taking me an hour or more to create something - an hour I could have used writing. So I guess my ideal assistance would be a graphic designer with an endless supply of images ready for me to deploy. :-)

Loraine - I couldn't agree more about the time just running out of the day before I can get everything accomplished. Whew! I'm planning to use this Friday (holiday from work for 4th of July) to get caught back up on my writing. Have a deadline coming up next month, so I need to get after it!

Patty said...

I always enjoy Karen's books because I can count on them to bring a smile to my face and maybe even laugh out loud!

Patty in SC

Beth Gillihan said...

Great interview! I love Karen's books and look forward to reading this one! Thanks for the chance to win!

Beth in Montana

Brenda Arrington said...

Thanks for the interview. Enjoyed it. I sure do hope I win your book. I live in VA. Email address: happygrammaof3@comcast.net

Cynthia said...

I have all of Karen's books and would love to win her latest!
cllyrics@gmail.com

Vera Godley said...

Reading a Karen Witemeyer book is always "A Worthy Pursuit." Love the story line of this book - especially since I've worked in Christian schools for over 35 years. Would love to read this one!

Vera in North Carolina

Karen Witemeyer said...

Thanks, everyone!

Jackie Smith said...

Love Karen's books; am anxious to read this one!
Thanks!
Jackie in GA

GrandaddyA said...

Sounds like a very interesting book! I haven't read any by Karen but will have to check them out.

Edward Arrington, Martinsville, VA

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me in your great giveaway!!
Conway, SC.

susanlulu said...

I hear great things about your books!
susanlulu@yahoo.com
Susan in NC

Unknown said...

This si the only book by Karen I don't own! Thanks for the chance to win!

Sierra
Indiana

Anonymous said...


Thanks Lena for having Karen here. I have some of her books and this one sounds like the kind I like. I would love to win it.
Maxie from Texas. > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

Cathy said...

Can't wait to read this new book by Karen! Please enter me. : )

Cathy in BC Canada

sm said...

I like that you have gifted children in your book and would love to win it. sm wileygreen1(at)yahoo(d0t)com CA

rubynreba said...

I always enjoy books by Karen.
Beth from IA

Anonymous said...

I would love to read Charlotte and Stone's story. I love the book cover. Thank you Lena for hosting Karen.
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann in NY

Unknown said...

I am excited to read books by this author. They are great !
Deanne in Pennsylvania