Friday, June 05, 2015

THE PROPOSAL AT SIESTA KEY - Shelley Shepard Gray - One Free Book, Plus More

Welcome back, Shelley. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?
God has given me so many blessings in my chosen career! I am hopeful He will continue to want me to write. I’m currently under contract for several books through 2016, so I will be busy working on new Amish novels as well as some historicals set in Texas.

Tell us a little about your family.
I’ve been married for 25 years to my college sweetheart. We have two children who are now adults! Our son is named Arthur, and he lives in Colorado. My daughter, Lesley, just graduated college and recently got engaged! She lives in Kentucky. They are awesome kids and awesome people. We also have two dachshunds who keep me company during the day.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?
I’m happy to say that writing has not changed my reading habits. I’ve always read several books a week and I still do. I’ve also never been a critical reader. I rarely read novels and criticize the author. If it’s a good story, I’m happy.

What are you working on right now?
I’m happy to say I’m in the middle of two books. One is an Amish novel, which will be published in May or June of 2016. Another is a western historical. Hmm. Oh, I just received some revisions for another book. It’s the first book in next year’s Charm series, and it will be published in February, 2016.

What outside interests do you have?
I love to travel. My love to experience new places is one of the reasons I go to so many book signings. I love seeing different places. My husband and I also love to travel for fun. We have a big trip to Europe planned for next fall. When I’m not planning places to go, I like to bake and walk and hang out with our dogs. I’m very easy to please!

How do you choose your settings for each book?
I chat with my editors at Harper Collins for each series’ setting. For my historicals, I usually come up with a place and time that interests me then wait and hope that it interests them, too!

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?
I can’t think of anyone famous! I would actually simply like to spend an evening with someone fun who has great stories to tell! I would love that.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?
That I would be able to make a career out of it. I had so many rejections and so many books that didn’t sell well when I first started, I got very discouraged. If I had known that my hard work would one day pay off, I think I would have slept better at night! I used to spend many nights wishing I was a better writer.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?
He is currently teaching me to enjoy each day more. I work hard and I plan a lot. I’m currently working on relaxing a little more every day! One of the best things I’ve learned to do is to never turn on the computer on Sundays. I love having a real day off.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?
Write every day that you can, even if it’s just a page or two.
Take chances. Work on projects that you aren’t sure will be successful. Send out work to agents and editors!
Accept criticism. When an agent or editor or critique partner notices a way you can improve, listen. Everyone can get better at something … even writers!

Tell us about the featured book.
The Proposal at Siesta Key is the story of Penny Troyer and Michael Knoxx. Michael is kind of a celebrity in the Mennonite and Amish community. Their paths cross in Pinecraft when Penny goes to hear him speak. I love these characters because while at first they seem so very different, they both have had to overcome a lot of obstacles.

I have read this book and loved it. Please give us the first page of the book for my readers.
 The moment Penny Troyer turned the dead bolt on the front door, she knew it was a big mistake.

No matter what her mother was doing, or where she was, she always, always heard the distinctive snap of the front door deadbolt disengaging.

Penny froze, feeling vaguely like a burglar caught red-handed, and mentally began to count to five.

She barely made it to three. 

With all the fanfare of a trio of trumpeter swans, her mother’s high-pitched call echoed down the hall. “Penny? Penny, what are you doing?”

Penny bit back an irritated retort—something she’d been doing more and more lately. “Nothing.”

“It must have been something. I am fairly positive I heard you at the door.”

God had really blessed her mother with hearing that was just too good. “I’m simply going to sit on the front porch.”

Practically before Penny had time to take another breath, her mother appeared in the entryway. Her hands clutched the sides of her apron, and concern shone in her truly beautiful periwinkle-colored eyes. “Why?”

How can readers find you on the Internet?
I have a website and blog. www.shelleyshepardgray.com
I’m also very active on Facebook. www.facebook.com/ShelleyShepardGray
And on Twitter. @ShelleySGray

Thank you, Shelley, for sharing this new book with us. I'm really enjoying this series set in Pinecraft in Florida.

The Proposal at Siesta Key Five Book Giveaway

Proposal Siesta Key Shelley Shepard Gray
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Proposal at Siesta Key - Christianbook.com
The Proposal at Siesta Key: Amish Brides of Pinecraft, Book Two (The Pinecraft Brides) - Amazon
The Proposal at Siesta Key: Amish Brides of Pinecraft, Book Two (The Pinecraft Brides 2) - 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

13 comments:

sm said...

I dated and married a youth pastor from the church I attended so I can relate to this book about a young girl attending a conference at the Pinecroft gathering. I would love to win and read this book. sm CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

Deanna Stevens said...

I do enjoy Amish books.. I'm sure I'd love this one too :)
dkstevens NEBR

Unknown said...

I'd love to win! Thanks for the opportunity and the interview. :D

Shannah, NC
smmcclamrock (at) gmail (dot) com

Unknown said...


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Trixi said...

Shelly, I so enjoyed your interview on today's blog! Congrats to your daughter on her college graduation and engagement! What an exciting time in her life and yours too, I bet! I pray many blessings on her upcoming wedding.
Like you, I turn off my computer on Sundays. Not that I am a writer, but I am on it quite a bit during the week. We have set aside Sunday's for family time, relaxing, reading or whatnot. It's some great "down" time from a busy work week for my husband. And a great way to connect as a family unit.
Thank you for coming to share and to learn more about your newest book "The Proposal at Siesta Key". I'm definitely excited about it! The little excerpt whet my appetite! Thank you for the chance to win a copy. Blessings to you and yours, Shelly.
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
Trixi in OR.

Mama Cat said...

Thank you for another chance to win! This sounds like an excellent read - I'm looking forward to enjoying it! And for what the Lord is showing you, to enjoy life more - this is your special time with your daughter; it will be one of the best times to enjoy each other!
Jeanie in Phoenix

Karen G. said...

Looking forward to reading this book. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.

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

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

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

Diana Flowers said...

I have loved Shelley's books forever it seems! Thanks for the interview and the opportunity to win this. I received the first one rather late, so would love to read them back to back!

dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

Diana in SC

Anonymous said...

I love reading Amish fiction and I love the Pinecraft setting of the book
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann in NY

Unknown said...

That cover is beautiful!

Sierra
Indiana

Brenda Arrington said...

Thanks for the chance to win this awesome sounding book.

Anonymous said...



I so want to win this book from Shelley. Have tried several times with no luck. Maxie from TX. > mac262(at)me(dot)com <