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Thursday, August 27, 2015

A HOME FOR HIS FAMILY - Jan Drexler - One Free Book

Dear Readers, Jan is new to our blog. Let’s give her a warm welcome.

Welcome, Jan. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
I know quite a bit of myself bleeds into my characters, but a huge part of my characters comes from observing people and listening to their stories. I hear a story about someone’s experience, and I start thinking – what will happen next?

A true author for sure. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
Probably when I traveled in Europe by myself for two months – back when it was only slightly dangerous for a woman to travel alone. Yes, I’m that old. ;)

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
Probably when I was ten or twelve – but then I thought everyone was a writer. All of my favorite people were: Laura Ingalls Wilder, Beverly Cleary, Marguerite Henry. It wasn’t until I was much older that I realized that not everyone has a double life – their story lives and their real life. After my children graduated from our homeschool, I was able to take the time to put my stories on paper, and that’s when I realized I didn’t just want to be a writer, I really was one.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I read everything from history to classical literature, to popular fiction (most genres), non-fiction, and my favorite – children’s literature. I try to read widely as well as deeply, and often have at least five books going at the same time.

I keep two going, one on my Kindle that I carry in my purse and one print book at home. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
By abiding in Christ. My day starts with a time of devotions and Bible reading, and that helps keep me centered and my perspective in the right place.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
I write historical novels, so I look to literature or biographies of the time I’m writing. For my Amish stories, I go to my genealogy. Many of my characters are named after my ancestors. In A Mother for His Children, my August 2014 release from Love Inspired Historical, I stayed closer to home. The girls in the family (except Nellie) are named after my aunts.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Making – and sticking to – the decision to homeschool our children. That one thing has affected our family for the good more than anything else we could have done.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
I’m not sure. But my dogs seem to have a pretty easy life!

What is your favorite food?
Chocolate. I don’t even have to think about that one!

A girl after my own heart. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Getting the first draft of a book on the computer is always the hardest part for me. Some days I think I’d rather clean the toilet than face that first draft! But I know that I can’t fix anything that isn’t written, so I set a minimum daily word count for myself and stick to the plan.

Tell us about the featured book.
A Home for His Family is my first western. It takes place in Deadwood, which is only about an hour’s drive from where I live. Deadwood has a fascinating history and I loved researching the story. Here’s the information from the back cover:

Nate Colby came to the Dakota Territory to start over, not to look for a wife. He'll raise his orphaned nieces and nephew on his own, even if pretty schoolteacher Sarah MacFarland's help is a blessing. But Nate resists getting too close—Sarah deserves better than a man who only brings trouble to those around him.

Sarah can't deny she cares for the children, but she can't let herself fall for Nate. Her childhood as an orphan taught her that opening her heart to love only ends in hurt. Yet helping this ready-made family set up their ranch only makes her long to be a part of it—whatever the risk.

Please give us the first page of the book.
Deadwood, Dakota Territory
May 1877
“Sorry for the delay, folks. There’s a bull train on the trail ahead of us, and they’re hogging the road. It won’t be long until we’re moving again.” The stagecoach guard acknowledged Sarah MacFarland and Aunt Margaret, the only ladies in the cramped stage, with a tip of his hat. Water sluiced off the brim onto the feet of the male passengers. “The good news is that we’re only a few miles from Deadwood, and the rain is easing up a bit.”

“Thank you.” Sarah answered him with a nod, but kept her face classroom-firm. She had already learned women were few in this western country, and men were eager to take even a polite smile as permission to overstep the boundaries of propriety. Aunt Margaret had the notion Sarah might find a husband out here in the west, but Sarah had no such dreams. Twenty-eight years old put her firmly in the spinster category and she was more than happy to remain there.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website is: www.JanDrexler.com
I’m also on Facebook: www.facebook.com/JanDrexlerAuthor
And I have fun on Pinterest, too: www.pinterest.com/jandrexler/

Thank you for sharing this new book with us. I love reading westerns romances, and so do most of my blog readers.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
A Home for His Family - Christianbook.com
A Home for His Family (Love Inspired Historical) - Amazon
A Home for His Family (Love Inspired Historical) - 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

23 comments:

  1. I love Jan's books. They have the feel of family and adventure. She makes you want to be there to help the characters out, whether good or bad.

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  2. It is hard to put down a book that Jan has written. She writes so you will want to read the next page. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in the lead character that; as I read, I believe I am that person and not the one who needs who needs to fold the laundry.

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  3. Wonderful interview Jan and thank you for hosting her today.

    Definitely important to have those memorable characters and Jan is an expert!
    Sure enjoy working with you (virtually)!

    From one chocolate, dog, and history lover to another, plus kudos to you on homeschooling - WTG, Jan!!!!

    Would love to read this latest one. :)

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  4. Judy Cooper1:53 PM

    Its nice to be introduced to a new author. The book sounds like a good one. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  5. Anonymous4:05 PM

    This sounds good! I'd love to read this!
    J.C. -Indiana-

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  6. Welcome to the blog today Jan! It's so refreshing to find an Christian author who starts her day with bible reading and devotions to keep herself centered! That I'm sure reflects on your writing, Jan! I so appreciate an author who sticks to their faith in their stories.
    Since LI Historical is my top favorite of the line (right up there with Suspense), I know I would enjoy "A Home for His Family". Thank you for sharing the first page of the book, it whets my appetite for sure :-) And for the chance to win a copy for myself!

    Trixi in OR

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  7. I do enjoy a western read & this sounds fantastic. Love the cover.

    Mary P

    QLD AUSTRALIA

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  8. I just finished home-schooling a year ago. It is encouraging to hear about your successful career as an author after raising your children.

    Terrill - Lynden, WA

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  9. Hi Jan! I love the cover of your book. Love Inspired Historicals are books I love to read. I would love to win a copy of your book. Thank you for the chance.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    I live in Indiana.

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  10. Anonymous7:42 AM

    New Author for me will be looking out for her books. kamundsen44(at)yahoo(dot)com. Kim North Platte Nebraska.

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  11. thanks for the chance to win this book
    live in ND

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  12. I am looking forward to reading this book. Thank you for the opportunity to win.PA.

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  13. Sharon Richmond Bryant5:53 PM

    Enter me in your amazing contest!!!
    Conway, SC.

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  14. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  15. This sounds like an interesting read. I enjoy western settings.
    Edward A in VA

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  16. This is a book I know that I would enjoy! Thanks for the chance to win it.
    Beth from IA

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  17. Been up in your area on vacation to see Mt. Rushmore and Badlands NP along with several sites in the immediate area. Need to come back to see Wind Cave NP and visit Deadwood. Your novel sounds great. Enjoy reading historical fiction and about orphans. We adopted our first son when he was 2 days old. sm CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  18. I can't imagine traveling alone much less in a foreign country. Looks like a good story. Love the cover. Thanks for the giveaway. Maxie (TX) > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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  19. Brenda Arrington5:31 PM

    Sounds like a great read. Thanks for the interview and the chance to win.
    Brenda in VA happygrammaof3@comcast.net

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  20. Sounds like a great read! Thanks for the chance to win!

    Beth in Montana

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  21. I love the cover and the first page. Thanks for offering a copy.
    Connie from KY
    cps1950 at gmail dot com

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  22. Thanks for the giveaway! Please enter me.

    -Melissa M. in TN

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