TIES THAT BIND - Cindy Woodsmall - One Free Book

Dear Readers, Cindy Woodsmall is an award-winning author of Amish novels. I’ve enjoyed her writing, and her stories are so authentic.

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

Hopefully I put very little of me in the characters. My goal as a writer is to develop characters that tell me who they are, not the other way around. I focus my energy on learning who each character is, often by basing a character on a few real people I know and their individual responses to actual incidents in the Amish community. I rely heavily on Plain friends, experiences, and research while developing the characters. While gathering all that information, it naturally goes through the filter of my mind, will, and emotions. In that sense, I can’t prevent the characters from being influenced by me to some degree. For the most part, I think my characters influence me in the story writing far more than I influence them.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I have two main methods. When choosing a name for an Amish character, I start by researching my stack of paperback directories for Old Order Amish districts, which I purchased from an Amish friend’s dry goods store. When choosing a name for a character who isn’t Amish, I often begin with a Google search of the top girl or guy names used in the year that character would have been born. If nothing on that list appeals to me, I search earlier years. To me, a lot of “baby name” sites seem cumbersome and slow, so I usually stick to the online Social Security list of names. After choosing the appropriate research tool, I look for a name that feels right for each character, and that often leads me to research the meaning of the name.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

1. Be teachable. Highly opinionated people are difficult to teach, but they rarely see themselves that way. They may listen and ask questions, showing great interest in what an editor or critique partner is saying, but by the next morning, they will have rationalized away whatever insights the person tried to share. These writers will defend their point of view to the end. Months or years later, they won’t be able to figure out why no one wants to work with them. That’s not to say an author should accept everything that’s said. But if an author is resistant to suggestions (even politely), dealing with that person can be exhausting and counterproductive.

2. Be patient with yourself and with the market. Both are constantly changing.

3. Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you sow. (Robert Louis Stevenson said that.) The most important thing we can do is remain faithful. That alone will reap quite a harvest because someone is always watching us, and faithfulness to ourselves and our dreams is impacting our friends and family. When others hit a rough patch in their lives and are tempted to give up, they may recall our faithfulness and find the needed strength for themselves. And we should stay faithful to writing because when we seek, we find … eventually.

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

An owl or eagle. Wouldn’t it be fun to soar, like we occasionally do in our nighttime dreams? Most of us are used to seeing pictures of owls perched on a branch, looking much like a stuffed bird. But they’re very skilled at soaring almost silently during the night. In my best dreams, that’s what I’m doing—soaring across beautiful, lush fields in the dim glow of moonlight, the ponds and lakes I fly over shimmering with that same light. Do I fly at night because I’m nearing the midnight hour of my life? Hm. I’ve never swooped for prey, which is a plus because the fun dream would turn into a rude awakening. If I’m choosing an animal based on dreams in which I can fly, I guess a third runner-up to the owl or eagle would be a flying squirrel. Ha-ha. I place that third because in those dreams, I could only fly from one tree to the next.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I’m pleased that my family survived as a functional unit while my kids moved from childhood into adulthood. Maybe that sounds weird. But marriage is a little like a three-legged race, with the husband and wife constantly connected to the children. When your kids grow up and get married, you may or may not become a team with your adult children and their spouses. And they may or may not become a team with their siblings and spouses.  

My three sons are completely different from one another. I knew each one was distinctive from the moment he began to stir in my belly. And my two daughters-in-law are as different from each other as winter and summer—which only makes sense.

I wasn’t sure what would happen once my nest was empty. Would my sons move as far away as possible or stay in the area? Would their uniqueness put them at odds with one another? Would holiday visits be more taxing than refreshing? I did my best to get my boys to adulthood as friends who knew how to embrace their differences, discuss and have healthy arguments, and give each other space and respect. But what would happen when my mommy-ing years ended?

What did happen was beautiful and unexpected. All of my sons and daughters-in-law tossed lassos around one another’s teams—not just for major holidays or on birthdays, but often. I love it. I’m honored by it. I’m inspired by it. I’m also exhausted by it. But they strengthen me.

I so agree. My two daughters live in adjoining suburbs of Fort Worth, Texas, and our suburb adjoins one of theirs. Actually, we live just north of and just south of the same major street. And all the grandchildren and great grandchildren live in those same suburbs. We get together often.

Cindy can be found online here:

http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/

https://www.facebook.com/authorcindywoodsmall

https://twitter.com/cindywoodsmall

https://www.pinterest.com/cindywoodsmall/

www.goodreads.com/author/show/117290.Cindy_Woodsmall

Thank you, Cindy, for sharing this new book with us. I know my readers will be interested in reading it.

Here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Ties That Bind - Chritianbook,com
Ties That Bind: A Novel (The Amish of Summer Grove) - Amazon
Ties That Bind: A Novel (The Amish of Summer Grove) - 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

THE POTTER'S LADY - Judith Miller - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I’ve long been a fan of Judith Miller’s books. She writes the kind of romantic historical novels that I like best. I think you’ll love them, too.

Welcome back, Judith. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

I’ve recently completed the Refined by Love series set in West Virginia, and truly enjoyed that project. In addition, I joined with Nancy Moser and Stephanie Grace Whitson for the recently released Christmas novella collection, A Basket Brigade Christmas. As for the horizon, I’ve recently signed a contract for another book with Bethany House, and I’m considering several other projects that have piqued my interest.

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband, Jim, passed away five years ago so I’ve been adjusting to a new normal, but am finally adjusting to life on my own. I have three adult children, one in Iowa, one in Missouri, and one who lives here in Topeka. Most importantly, I have a 20-month old granddaughter who keeps me smiling and busy.

They have a way of doing that. Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Yes, my reading habits have changed. I try to read as much as possible between projects, but much of my reading ends up being research. While I love research and combing books for nuggets of information, it’s not the same as enjoying a good novel. While I’m working on a project, I tend to read in another genre. When I’m between projects, I read historicals.

What are you working on right now?

I’ve just begun my new book, and it will be set in the early 1900’s. The rest is a secret for now, but it entails an interesting slice of history that I think readers will enjoy.

I’m sure they will. What outside interests do you have?

I enjoy Bible studies, walking, knitting, volunteer work, and spending time with my children and friends

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Many times my settings have developed as I’ve discovered information through research for other books. Some of the others have occurred because I visited the setting or a reader recommended a particular setting to me. Many of my books have developed due to setting. If I have no interest in the setting, the story doesn’t captivate me.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

The amount of time I would need to devote to studying the craft and the amount of self-discipline it takes to complete a novel.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

To work toward being my best self all of the time.

We all need that. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Study the craft by attending conferences and studying good books on writing

Read, read, read

Develop self-discipline so you meet deadlines and have a less stressful writing experience

Tell us about the featured book.

The Potter’s Lady is the second book in the Refined by Love series although readers can read the books on their own. There’s enough information that they won’t feel they’ve miss out on something if they begin with book two.

This book features Rose McKay the oldest of the McKay sisters. She has just completed her education at the Philadelphia School of Design and convinces her brother and his wife that the family should invest in a pottery in Grafton, West Virginia.

With her talents and education, she believes the business can become successful. Rylan Campbell remains as a valued employee of the company. He likes Rose, but he dislikes change and he certainly doesn’t trust Joshua Harkness, a man from Rose’s past.

 

When the company begins to lose their bids and it appears Rose’s dreams of success will fail, she convinces her brother they should enter a contest announced by the Franklin Hotels. Rose and Rylan work together to create something magnificent, but Rylan must convince Rose her trust in Joshua has been misplaced.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

May 1872

Rose McKay stared out the narrow window of the Philadelphia School of Design for Women. Her gaze darted between passing buggies and wagons before perusing the pedestrians traversing Broad Street. Where was Ewan? Her brother said he’d be here by two o’clock. If he didn’t hurry, they’d miss their train.

“Why don’t you sit down, Rose? Staring out the window isn’t going to make your brother appear any sooner.” Mrs. Fisk, director of the school, nodded toward one of the perfectly arranged chairs in the sitting room.

Inimitable paintings and sculptures, all of them fashioned by students who had attended the school, adorned the entry hall and sitting room where visitors were received. To have a creation displayed in either place was considered the most prestigious award any student could achieve. Each year, one student received the Excellence in Design Award. Along with the plaque came the honor of having one piece of work on display. Rose’s heart warmed at the thought of her own work joining those of the previous students.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is at: www.judithmccoymiller.com Readers can email me through my website and also sign-up for my newsletter. 

Thank you, Judith, for sharing this new book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Potter's Lady - Christianbook.com
The Potter's Lady (Refined by Love) - Amazo
The Potter's Lady (Refined by Love Book #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

TOBOGGANING FOR TWO - Darlene Franklin - One Free Ebook

Dear Readers, Darlene is a long-time, dear writing friend of mine. We’ve been on a writing retreat together as well as connecting at ACFW national conferences and when I have spoken at the Tulsa ACFW local chapter. She has a vivid imagination and the ability to write stories that leap off the page. I’m thrilled to once again host her here on this blog.

Welcome back, Darlene. How did this book come about?

Last year, before the ACFW Conference in September, I was part of a group of authors who wrote Christmas Traditions. The group clicked quickly, and we proposed two additional series to Barbour Publishing.

Barbour contracted with us for Blue Ribbon Brides, and Cindy Hickey decided to publish the Love’s Sporting Chance series with Forget Me Not Publishing.

           

I originally expected my novella to be set in Vermont, and that brought to mind winter sports. I settled on tobogganing: Tobogganing for Two. At one point, my hero thinks that tobogganing is the most romantic of the winter sports. And anyone who knows Edith Wharton’s classic Ethan Frome will recognize some similarities. I couldn’t mention it in the book, unfortunately. The book wasn’t published until nearly forty years later.

Tell us about the book’s cover and what makes it unique.

Cindy Hickey designs all the covers for Forget Me Not, and she’s amazing at it.

My cover features two toboggans, standing upright in the snow and facing each other, with two intertwining hearts on the snow. I used that scene in the book, when the toboggans reminds my heroine of a traumatic experience.

I agree that her cover designs are wonderful. I love having a really good cover for each of my books. Please explain and differentiate between what’s fact and fiction in the book.

Plymouth, Nebraska, is an actual town in southeastern Nebraska. John Carter, his store, and the many community events that took place there are all true.

Of course my hero, Dr. Jay Andrews, is fictional, as are the ramps and boardwalks he put up around town.

I made sure that there would be places to toboggan in that part of Nebraska by asking my ACFW friends and checking the weather patterns. An October snowstorm would be rare, but it could happen.

How much research did you have to do for this book?

Finding the right town took the most work. I am going to add Tobogganing for Two to my Holidays of the Heart collection as a Thanksgiving story. For that, I needed a very special town:

A town with a name that reminds me of Thanksgiving

A town in the west

A town far enough north to have snow in October/November

A town with enough rolling hills or prairie to allow for tobogganing.

I ended up finding two towns, Plymouth, Kansas, and Plymouth, Nebraska. I settled on Nebraska, but I kept confusing the history of one town with the other.

What are some of the most interesting things you found about this subject that you weren’t able to use in the story?

I would have loved to include to include the social gatherings that took place at the Carter’s home. One of the issues that my heroine faces, however, is that her sister is paralyzed and can’t go up and down stairs. So they remain homebodies.

What inspired and surprised you while you were writing the book?

Hmm. Perhaps it was imagining how a Civil War veteran dealt with a 19th-century version of PTSD. I’ve read about the horrible operating conditions and almost casual amputations. What was that like for the doctors? How would it affect them when they returned home? That’s what my hero is dealing with.

           

I see so many ads asking us to help returning vets. I confess I am as clueless to the extent of their suffering as the people of Plymouth.

What do you hope the reader takes away from the story?

That God can heal painful memories and free us from fear.

What is the next project you’re working on?

I plan to spend November doing Nano. I’ve spent the last year writing novella after novella. Writing a 50-60 K book with everything else I’m doing has become difficult. So I have planned out a new mystery series, and I hope to complete a rough draft by the end of the month. My heroine is a home health aide—the murder victim is a healthy elderly woman with a broken hip who dies the night after her 80th birthday party. I’m going to have a blast writing it!

I think I’ll try Nano, too. I need to write book two of my Love’s Road Home series, because two editors have requested the full manuscript of the first novel in the series. What do you do when you have to get away from the story for a while?

I have a long list writing-related “to dos”: interviews, Facebook, planning, writing devotionals ... and I also do a lot of reading, word search puzzles, scripture memorization, and more time in prayer. As I get older, the more I want to know the Lord who has given me eternal life!

And Lena, let me just say, this is interview #10 between us—when we first worked on Snowbound Colorado Christmas together, I never expected to come so far, or to be so lucky as to count you as a friend. Thank you very much!

Yes, our friendship is precious to me, too. And I loved writing that Christmas collection with you, as well as the other two authors. Please give us the first page of this new novella.

Plymouth, Nebraska, 1875

“Hurry up, ladies. I’ve got a schedule to keep.” The stagecoach driver was eager to get back on schedule. He’d lost time when a dead bull blocked the road on the way from Lincoln. In spite of his complaint, he fell into conversation with the storekeeper where he had parked the carriage.

Laura Evans gritted her teeth but dismounted without saying a word. By now he should know her sister, Eliza, needed extra time getting up and down. He had panicked the first time he’d seen her bath chair. The shotgun rider lifted down their trunks while Laura faced Eliza. She forced a brave smile on her face. “We’re here at last, sister.”

           

When the shotgun rider grabbed Eliza’s chair, he stumbled a step, and Laura feared it would fall. “Be careful with that!”

           

He recovered in time and maneuvered it to the ground. “What in the dickens is this thing?” he grumbled.

           

Laura checked the chair over. Sixteen hundred miles by train and stagecoach had only caused a few scratches. “It’s my sister’s bath chair.” She rolled the wheels, which enabled the chair to move to the carriage. After she scooped her sister’s light form in her arms, she placed her in the adjacent chair.

“We’re in Plymouth.” Eliza spoke when she regained her breath from the transition into the chair. A light wind lifted her brown hair, drawing attention to her sparkling hazel eyes.

“And Aunt Minnie is waiting for us. Her home shouldn’t be very far from here.”

It felt so good to be free of the stagecoach. Laura’d hated being squished between Eliza and a large man. Every time they hit a bump, Eliza quivered. Not surprisingly, none of the men offered to help. She peered up and down the street, but the doctor Aunt Minnie had promised would meet them was nowhere to be seen.

Nebraska. Aunt Minnie had fallen in love with the place in her two short years in Plymouth. So far it surpassed Laura’s expectations. The land was not as flat as she’d expected. The sky seemed a deeper blue than the skies above the ocean at home. Bright yellow flowers dotted meadows she had seen between fields of waiving grain.

Eliza breathed deeply and sighed as Laura tucked a blanket over her lap. “It even smells wonderful.”

Laura wasn’t so sure. So far the dust and other odors of a western town appealed to her less than the salty, fishy air of her home in Maine. The stagecoach driver had finished his discussion with the storekeeper and headed out of town on his route.

           

The storekeeper saw Laura and Eliza in the middle of the street and smiled. “Welcome to Plymouth, ladies. I’m John Carter, the owner of this fine establishment. How may I assist you?” He tugged at his chin. “Let get you and your things onto the boardwalk and then we’ll figure out what to do next.”

He reached for the bath chair handles but Laura grabbed them first. “I’d appreciate your help with our trunks.”

She’d known that two trunks and a bath chair were a lot to manage during their journey, but they couldn’t do with less, not with the equipment Eliza needed. By the time Laura had tugged Eliza onto the boardwalk, the storekeeper had moved the two trunks. “Thank you, Mr. Carter.”

“My pleasure.” He climbed the steps into the store before he looked back. “You must be Miss Bell’s nieces. I’ll have one of my clerks help you.”

Laura looked up and down the street. Aunt Minnie had promised that Dr. Andrews would pick them at the stage stop. Where was he? In such a small town, Aunt Minnie’s house couldn’t be far away. But Laura couldn’t manage the trunks as well as the chair, and she had no idea where to find the house. She probably should accept Mr. Carter’s offer.

Before she spoke, a long shadow fell across the boardwalk. “Miss Evans? Miss Laura Evans?”

As she was turning around, the man said, “And Miss Eliza Evans?” The shadow bent over the bath chair.

“Dr. . .” Laura completed her turn. The tallest, handsomest man she had ever seen towered over her, even though she was standing a step higher than he. “—Dr. Andrews?”

Her voice wobbled. She moved her foot to regain her balance, but instead stumbled forward. Into his arms.

I love it so far, Darlene. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website/blog: http://darlenefranklinwrites.com/ (2 books will be given away every month, so stop by for further information!)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Poet.Darlene.Franklin

Twitter: @darlenefranklin

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Darlene-Franklin/e/B001K8993A/

Thank you, Darlene, for sharing this new book with us. I know my readers as eager as I am to read it.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

http://www.amazon.com/Toboganning-Two-Christian-Historical-Romantic-ebook/dp/B0173X2RFC/

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

TRUST ME - Jo Huddleston - One Free Book

Bio: Jo Huddleston is a multi-published author of books, articles, and short stories. Novels in her West Virginia Mountains Series and her Caney Creek Series are sweet Southern historical romances. She is a member of ACFW, the Literary Hall of Fame at Lincoln Memorial University (TN), and holds a M.Ed. degree from Mississippi State University. Learn more at www.johuddleston.com where you can sign up for Jo’s mailing list and read her blogs.

Welcome back, Jo. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

Forgiveness—from God, from and toward others, of self; restoration of a person from a lifestyle not pleasing to God; finding God’s peace He promised He’d leave with us.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

My new release, Trust Me, is book 2 in the West Virginia Mountains Series. Book 3 in this series will probably release in spring 2016. The book will continue the stories of Julie and Robby, Loreen and Claude, plus a new character or two. No title yet.

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

Billy Graham, the evangelist. I think to be in a room with him would be a peaceful experience. I’ve read his books, and would be excited to hear his words on any topic he chose. I so enjoyed his book about angels.

What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

I’d like to meet Amelia Earhart, the American aviation pioneer. I would like to meet her because I’ve always been fascinated with flight—birds, airplanes, and space craft. I’d like to hear her talk about her flying adventures so I could experience them vicariously.

How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

On rare occasions your rejection letter will contain clues or suggestions about improving your manuscript—read those rejections carefully so you won’t overlook valuable gems. Make sure you’re sending your story to publishers who want to receive the kind of stories you write. Make sure your story is as good as it can get. Keep reading books about learning the craft of writing—we all never get good enough that we can’t continue to learn.

Tell us about the featured book. 

Back cover blurb:

West Virginia, 1960 
A mine owner. An elegant lady.
Seductive voices that scoff at trust.

Loreen Fletcher has suffered heartbreak. She resolves never to trust a man again. She has earned a respected position with no help from anyone, especially not from a man. At thirty-six, Loreen knows loving brings inevitable misery, and she won’t pick at that scab again.

Claude Capshaw’s life has taken another detour. Things that drove him no longer motivate him. Nothing fulfills him anymore—except that elegant lady at West Virginia University. Why won’t Loreen trust Claude when he tells her he’ll never betray her?

Purchase link for Trust Me:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Christian-Historical-Romance-Virginia-Mountains-ebook/dp/B013EX0P0Y/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1438875978&sr=1-5&keywords=Jo+Huddleston

Please give us the first page of the book.

Spring, 1960

Morgantown, West Virginia

Julie stepped out of the shower, grabbed a towel from the rack, and twisted it around her short, wet hair. As she wrapped a second towel around her body, the telephone rang. She tucked the end of the towel against her skin so it wouldn’t slip and took the few steps to pick up the phone in the living room.

She cleared her throat to speak those first hoarse words of the morning. “Hello.”

“Is this Julia Capshaw?”

    

Her friends here at the university called her Julie. This caller must be somebody from home. Everyone there called her by her given name, Julia, as her daddy did.

    

“Yes, this is Julia Capshaw Montagna.”

    

“Oh, I’m sorry, Julia. After all this time, I can’t get used to you being married and living up there at West Virginia University. Julia, this is Hank, your daddy’s supervisor at his Coaltown coal mine.”

    

“What’s wrong, Hank? Why are you calling? Has something happened to Daddy?” Nothing can happen to Daddy! Since he moved her mother into the rest home in Charleston, he’d lived alone in that big house. Had he fallen?

    

“Well, Julia, a little bad news.”

    

Why won’t he just tell her? “What is it, Hank? Tell me.”

    

“It’s Mr. Capshaw, your daddy. He came to the coal mine earlier than usual this morning. I was already in the tipple. Said he didn’t sleep much last night. When we climbed up the slope to the mouth of the mine, he collapsed.”

You really left us with a hook, Jo. How can readers find you on the Internet?

My links to social media:

Website: www.johuddleston.com

Christian authors’ books blog: www.johuddleston.com

Inspirational blog: http://lifelinesnow.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuddleston

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/fournovels

Amazon author page: www.amazon.com/author/johuddleston

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1615694.Jo_Huddleston

The Book Club Network: http://www.bookfun.org/profile/JoHuddleston

Thank you, Jo, for sharing this new book with us. I know my readers are as eager to read it as I am.

Readers, 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

A NOBLE MASQUERADE - Kristi Ann Hunter - One Free Book

Dear Readers, when I first saw the cover of this book, I knew I wanted to feature the author on the blog. So here she is.

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

There’s an element of myself in Miranda. As a more creative type growing up in a family of engineers there were times when I definitely felt a bit out of sync with the rest of my family. Beyond a basic idea, though, Miranda was her own character, and I loved getting to learn about her.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

My husband claims the quirkiest thing I’ve ever done is dance the lambada in a fish tank on Jupiter in the fall. As I have a very strong dislike of fish, I don’t think I’ve ever actually done that. Also given that answer, it’s entirely possible that the quirkiest thing I’ve ever done is marry my loving, supportive, and slightly dorky husband.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

The first time I considered the idea of writing books was when an author came to my third grade class and told us the book we’d read had started as a writing project for his fifth grade English class. It was a dream I toyed with for years after that. It wasn’t until about five years ago that I realized I could actually do it.

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

I’m definitely a romance junkie, and I float around the various romance genres most of the time. I do enjoy the occasional fantasy, though, and on even rarer occasions an adventure novel.

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

I don’t. Sanity is highly over-rated.

I say that as a joke but there’s a certain amount of truth to it. As much as I would love to have a smoothly running, organized life, I don’t think I’ll ever be there even on my best day. It means boiling it down to what really matters and what has to get done. Prioritize and know that your life doesn’t have to match anyone else’s.

So true. How do you choose your characters’ names?

There are lists of typical names for the time period. I start there and play around with combinations until one fits with the character in my head. Sometimes none of the names fit and I start picking pieces of different names and smashing them together until it works. For titles, I have an old book of English location names that I like to play around with.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Signing my contract with Bethany House was a pretty exciting moment, I must say. Seeing my name on a book cover was astounding.

I think the thing I’m most proud of, though, is that I actually wrote the thing in the first place. Writing a book is something I first attempted in elementary school. I started several books over the years, but never finished. To actually complete a book and then write another and another, well, that’s a pretty big accomplishment.

As a side note, my husband wanted me to list marrying him as the answer for this question, too.

And I’m sure it would be a very good answer, too. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I think I’d be a horse. When you look at horses at lot of the beauty comes from the fact that they look impossible. Svelte legs holding up powerful bodies and majestic heads. While physically I don’t have the power, grace, or appearance of a horse, I love the essence of them. They are so perfectly constructed that it’s obvious God designed them. I want to own those qualities as well.

What is your favorite food?

My first instinct is to say chocolate because that is my go-to treat, but I’m also a really big fan of pizza. Fortunately my husband is not so that keeps us from eating it too often.

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

Realizing that the delete button was my friend. It took me a very long time to admit that the first four chapters of my first book were back story and needed to be scrapped. I think learning to edit and being willing to edit is one of the most essential skills of a successful writer.

Rewrites and edits aren’t a favorite of mine, but they are so essential to help us become the authors God created us to be. Tell us about the featured book.

Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside longs to be bold and carefree. To help her cope with her emotions, she pours her innermost feelings out in letters to her brother’s old school friend, the Duke of Marshington. Of course, she has no intention of ever sending these letters as that would be highly improper, but when her brother’s new valet, Marlow, mistakenly mails one of the letters, her world spins into upheaval.

Shockingly, this leads to a lively correspondence with the duke even as Miranda becomes close to Marlow. Insecurity from her impending spinsterhood soon shifts into confusion as Miranda finds her feelings growing for two men—one she’s never met but whose words touch her heart, and one she has come to depend on but would never fit in her world. When Marlow’s behavior becomes more and more suspicious, Miranda realizes that she’s landed in the middle of state secrets and intrigue, and more than her heart is at risk.

Please give us the first page of the book.

(I didn’t know if you wanted the Prologue or Chapter One. I’ve included both first pages.)

Prologue

Hertfordshire, England, 1800

It is never a happy day when an eight-year-old girl’s cheesecake lands in the dirt, and she certainly doesn’t take kindly to the laughing little boy who put it there.

Fat tears welled up in Lady Miranda Hawthorne’s eyes as she stared at the cake now resting forlornly on the ground. Her little hands curled into angry fists at her sides.

           

“You’re a cad, Henry Lampton!” Miranda scooped the cake from the ground and hurled it at the laughing boy, her cheeks wet with tears. There was something satisfying about seeing the creamy dessert smear across his shirt and the smile fall from his face.

           

Miranda didn’t have long to relish her revenge because her mother appeared to lead her away from the party. Mother didn’t say a word until the door closed behind them, shutting them into her study.

“Miranda, a lady never expresses her disappointment in public.” Mother’s admonition was gentle but firm, as it always was.

Even though she knew her mother meant well, Miranda shuddered every time she heard the words, “Miranda, a lady never…” Occasionally it was “Miranda, a lady always…” but even then it was something like “Miranda, a lady always pays attention to her guests, even when she finds them boring.”

Miranda knew better than to speak as he mother lectured. Every time she tried to defend herself, it only made the torture last longer. So she waited until her mother dismissed her.

Instead of returning to the party, however, she ran to her room and threw herself on the bed, punching the pillow at the unfairness of it all.

Chapter One

Hertfordshire, England

Autumn 1812

Lady Miranda Hawthorne would support her sister tonight, even if it killed her. Judging by the pain already numbing her face, that was a distinct possibility. She massaged her cheeks, hoping to make the forced smile look and feel a little less wooden than the bedroom door in front of her.

           

With a sharp twist of the brass knob, she wrenched the door open and strode into the corridor. Her stride was firm. Her posture perfect. Nothing would make her abandon the endless lessons in ladylike etiquette from her mother.

Then she walked into a wall.

Oh, very well, it wasn’t a wall precisely. Walls didn’t appear in the middle of passageways, covered in wool.

“I do apologize, my lady.”

Nor did they speak.

Miranda looked up at the obstruction that was in actuality a solidly built man. She retreated a step, putting as much distance between her and the man without retreating into her bedchamber. Up and up her gaze traveled.

The last dredges of sunlight filtered through a large window at the end of the corridor, sending dim squares of gold marching across the floor and up to the man’s broad chest.

He wasn’t family. All of her relations had blond hair, including those so far distant they wouldn’t even claim the connection if her brother wasn’t a duke. The dimly lit passageway prevented her from making out an exact color, but the “barricade” before her had very dark hair pulled back into a short queue at his neck.

With a deep breath, she reminded herself where she stood in life. She was a lady of quality. The daughter, and sister, of a duke. Somewhere in her must lie the aristocratic arrogance she’d seen so many of her friends embody. If this intruder had nefarious purposes, talking was her only defense. Those long arms could haul her to a stop before she went more than two steps.

I’m intrigued, and I’m sure my readers are, too. How can readers find you on the Internet?

There’s lots of information , including bonus material for A NOBLE MASQUERADE on my website: KristiAnnHunter.com (http://www.kristiannhunter.com/)

I can also be found on:

Facebook - (https://www.facebook.com/KristiAnnHunter)

Twitter - @KristiAnnHunter (https://twitter.com/KristiAnnHunter

Instagram - @KristiAnnHunter

Pinterest - AuthorKristiAnn (https://www.pinterest.com/authorkristiann/ ) 

Thank you, Kristi, for sharing this new book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

A Noble Masquerade - Christianbook.com
A Noble Masquerade (Hawthorne House) - Amazon
A Noble Masquerade (Hawthorne House 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

WINNERS!!!!

Vera (NC) is the winner of Vendetta by Lisa Harris.

Anne (VA) is the winner of Deadlock  by DiAnn Mills.

Robin (NC) is the winner of A Western Christmas by Louise M Gouge.

Melissa (TN) is the winner of Moments of Truth by Sandra D Bricker.

If you won a book and you like it, consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble, or other Internet sites. 

Also, tell your friends about the book ... and this blog. Thank you.

Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:
Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.

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When you contact me, please give the title of the book you won, so I won't have to look it up.

Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.

VALLEY OF DECISION - Lynne Gentry - One Free Book

Bio: Lynne Gentry has written for numerous publications and is a professional acting coach, theater director, and playwright with several full-length musicals and a Chicago children’s theater curriculum to her credit. She likes to write stories that launch modern women into ancient adventures, such as The Carthage Chronicles series (Healer of Carthage, Return to Exile, and Valley of Decision). Gentry is also an inspirational speaker and dramatic performer who loves spending time with her family and medical therapy dog.

Dear Readers, Lynne lives not very far from me, and she’s a dear friend. In addition to both being novelists, we share a background in live theater as directors and playwrights. Her time-travel novels have amazed me. I had thought that there couldn’t be a Christian time-travel novel that I could suspend disbelieve and accept. But I was wrong. I was privileged to read this book for endorsement. As with the first two novels, the historical authenticity blew me away, and her characters walked into my heart and took over. I’m eager for her next series to see the light of day.

Welcome back, Lynne. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

So good to be with you and your readers again, Lena. We’ve talked about spiritual themes before and you and I both love to write about regrets, injustice, and the victory over both that only the Lord provides.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

Valley of Decision finishes up the three books in The Carthage Chronicles series. I’ve loved writing this tale which is loosely based on the life of the real third-century Christian martyr, Cyprianus Thascius. It will be hard to leave these characters I’ve grown to love behind, but I’m starting a new series. I can’t yet discuss it, but I can’t wait for my readers to meet my new cast and come along with them on another wild adventure.

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

I was blessed to be able to do some devotional writing for Stephen Arterburn, the founder of Women of Faith. I’ve always admired the original team of incredible women he put together: Shelia Walsh, Nicole Johnson, Luci Swindoll, Marilyn Meberg and the petite stick of dynamite Patsy Clairmont. Having coffee with any of these gals would be a tremendous treat. However, if I had to pick one, I’d have to say that Patsy Clairmont has been a special inspiration to me. Overcoming a lifetime of tremendous fear, Patsy has gone on to do powerful things for the Kingdom of God. I only hope I’m half as brave as this faithful little firecracker.

I love the Women of Faith ministry. What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

After spending two years immersed in the life of the wealthy Roman lawyer Cyprianus Thascius, I’d have to say that I would LOVE to meet him in person. I have so many unanswered questions. I’d also love to thank him. It was because of his courage the good news of Christ was not extinguished. I’m always amazed at the people the Lord taps upon the shoulder. From poor fishermen to the wealthiest and most educated, all of us have the potential to make a difference.

That is so true. How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

I hate rejection on any level. That I am still in the publishing business is proof of the Lord’s sense of humor. I’ve even kept a file of my rejections that’s almost an inch thick. An interesting thing happened along this publishing journey though. As the rejection file grew thicker, so did my skin. I knew I had been called by God to write. It is my talent. It is my gift. To stop writing would be to deny the power of God to use these gifts to His glory. To the discouraged I say boldly, if you feel called, keep writing.

Tell us about the featured book.

Valley of Decision was the hardest book in the series to write and yet it was the most rewarding. I knew what the ending had to be and I dreaded it. I also wanted to give my readers a different taste of the third century. I wanted to keep the plague ever before them, but I also wanted to showcase more of the persecution. This last part of the story required me to go deep into the legal and political struggles of the day, which included a lot of injustice, which grates on me. I can’t stand it when things are unfair. So many decisions the characters faced in this last story were unfair: broken family relationships, conflicts between going and staying, or choosing between doing what was easy or what was right. In the end, I hope I managed to portray that none of us can make this journey on our own. We need each other. 

I didn’t think you could write a third book that I could accept, but your ending satisfied me on many levels. Please give us the first page of the book for my readers.

“When unattended wounds succumb to infection”—Dr. Lisbeth Hastings advanced the slide in the Power-Point presentation, and the raw end of a severed leg appeared on the screen—“amputation of the gangrenous extremity may be the only way to stop a deadly pathogen from progressing to the body’s core.” She was not surprised by the hand that shot up.

The ambitious resident with thick glasses and freshly pressed scrubs was always looking for an opportunity to prove his brilliance. Debating whether to give him an excuse to derail her lecture, Lisbeth took a deep breath. “Your question, Dr. Gingrich?”

The surgical resident pressed his glasses to his nose. “What about IV Vancomycin or Zosyn?”

Lisbeth kept her expression neutral, but inside she was cringing. Looking at Dr. Gingrich was like looking at herself nearly twenty years ago. Self-serving. Terrified. And determined to control everyone and every outcome. What a waste of precious time and energy. Oh, the things she would tell that desperate girl if she ever got the chance to go back in time again.

She suppressed her desire to take the kid aside and shake some sense into him. Her job was not to coddle young doctors but to make them into quick-thinking surgeons able to face anything the operating room threw at them.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website: http://lynnegentry.com/

Facebook: Author Lynne Gentry https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Lynne-Gentry/215337565176144

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lynne_Gentry

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lynnegentry7/

Simon & Schuster: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Lynne-Gentry/412732530

Thank you, Lynne, for sharing this new book with us. I know that those of my readers who have read the first two are anxious to read this one. 

And for readers new to this series, I recommend that you read all of them in order. The good thing about that is that you won't have to wait a long time between reading them. You can go straight from one to the other.

Do you ever wonder where authors get their ideas for their novels? Here's where Lynne got the idea for this series.




Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Valley of Decision - Christianbook.com
Valley of Decision: A Novel (The Carthage Chronicles) - Amazon
Valley of Decision: A Novel (The Carthage Chronicles) - 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

RUN ... YOU CAN'T HIDE - Janice Olson - One Free Book

Dear Readers, Janice Olson lives not far from me, and we’ve been friends for years. I love her books, which she has Indie published. She spent a number of years in the critique group that meets in my home and really honed her writing skills before she started publishing. I really like her romantic suspense novels.

Welcome back, Janice. Tell us about your salvation experience.

I was born into a minister’s home and was raised on the front pew of the church. From a baby, my mother taught my brother and me about the love of God and His amazing grace. Around the age of six, I realized my need of a savior and accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I won’t say I was a perfect child from that point forward, or that my way was easy, it wasn’t. However, the day Jesus Christ bought and sealed me by his blood, He also preserved me from experiencing the displeasures of the world. And to this day, I have never regretted my decision to follow Jesus.  

You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?

That’s a tough one but I’ll answer with two authors I would love to have at a retreat and then add all my writer friends.

James Patterson for his mastery of marketing and his concept of outlining a novel allowing another writer to pick up his outline and write the novel for him.

Debbie Macomber for her ability to make you feel warm and fuzzy while weaving a tale of hearth and home.

Nora Roberts for the suspense she weaves.

Susan Mallory for her command of romance and series.

Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.

Yes, I love to speak to groups and encourage them that they can do the impossible. Since I deal with dyslexia on a daily basis, and I didn’t start writing until 2003, I particularly like to inspire others that they too can reach beyond their limitations and effect change around them or set goals and reach them.

I have taught in retirement centers, writers’ and readers’ group, and also taught biblical studies at women gatherings and at churches. It encourages me when I see a spark of hope in someone else when they realize they too can accomplish something they thought impossible.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?

I’m not sure I have a most embarrassing moment because my next faux pas is always the most embarrassing one to me. However, one of my more memorable one was the night of my first date with the guy who would be my future husband. When we said goodnight, I called him Harold. The next time I saw him, I called his Harold again, then promptly turned red when he said, “My name is Harry, my grandfather is Harold.” I didn’t forget his name again.

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?

When people tell me, I would like to write a book, I ask them, what’s holding you back? Their answer is generally work, family, and/or other such things. I smile. If they know me, they know why I’m smiling.

I work full time, have a family, and I write. It’s not the perfect world, nor what I would like to do, but because I am an author, I make time to write.

So my best advice to all the would-be writers reading this, there’s no better time than the present to sit down at that computer or pick up that pen and begin that book. Take some classes, read some books, join a critique or writer’s group, but while you’re learning how, write, write, write. That’s how you become a writer.

Very good advice. Tell us about the featured book.

Run … You Can’t Hide was a story that came to me while driving through the tiny artisan town of Ben Wheeler, Texas. A few miles outside the city limits we saw a sign Cabins For Rent, so my husband turned on the dirt road leading to a resort of sorts. We came upon a beautiful setting of rural cabins in among the tall piney woods with a small sparkling pond.

The thought came to me, this setting would be the perfect place for a person to hide. Consequently, the story of Aimee Hamilton was birthed which was a tough story to write.

Aimee full of spunk and a sense of humor is ever mindful there is a real threat out beyond her little self-made compound of safety. She desperately needs what her neighbor, Special Ops Tom Branigan can supply.

Tom Branigan, medically discharged from the service, wants to be left alone to wallow in self-pity for the hand life has dealt him. When he built on his gated acreage, he didn’t know his land butted up next to the property of a fiery-headed woman with a temper and persistence to match. Now she refuses to be turned away.

When Aimee and Tom meet for the first time it isn’t love at first sight, more like mutual tolerance. She needs his special ops training to stay alive. And though he doesn’t know it, he’s needs her zany, upbeat outlook to learn to forgive and love again.

Together, Aimee and Tom work to keep the killer from getting what he wants … Aimee.

Wow! Please give us the first page of the book.

Aimee Hamilton’s ’57 pickup sprayed a rooster tail of brown dust into the air as her truck barreled down the country road. So far, she’d managed to hit every rut and pothole left behind by the last downpour as she drove at a faster-than-normal rate of speed.

And for what? To catch a man.

Whew! What a change. She hadn’t wanted anything to do with a man since she’d run from one over two years ago. Now she was racing to catch her reclusive neighbor, Tom Branigan, an odd one at that.

Knowing the mailman delivered mail between eleven and one to the mailboxes lining FM 279 at the corner of the County Road 4614, Aimee figured Branigan would wait until after one to drive out to get his mail. She hoped her assumption was correct. If not, she’d be here at eleven tomorrow and stay until she caught the man.

Seeing her quarry standing alongside the mailboxes, thumbing through his mail, she applied her brakes. It wouldn’t do to pelt him with dirt or choke him with dust when she wanted his cooperation. That is, if he stayed long enough for her to ask.

Branigan must have heard her coming. Duh! The man would’ve had to been blind, deaf, and barely breathing not to know she was heading in his direction.

Glancing up from his mail, even with his aviator glasses shielding his eyes, she knew he saw her, but he skittered off toward his Silverado. One of her neighbor’s traits, a barely perceptible limping gait, was even more pronounced today.

Gaze locked on her prey, Aimee aimed her truck in his direction. She wasn’t about to let him get away.

I can hardly wait until my copy arrives. How can readers find you on the Internet?

They can find me at www.JaniceOlson.com,

Facebook: http://bit.ly/1OqXRII,

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JaniceOlson16,

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/janicekolson/,

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/home?trk=nav_responsive_tab_home

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6872699.Janice_Olson

Thank you, Janice, for sharing this new book with us. I know my readers are as eager to read it as I am.

Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Run ... You Can't Hide (Texas Sorority Sisters) (Volume 4)

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

Another good ebook: