REDEEMING CADE - Susan Crawford - One Free Book

Welcome back, Susan. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I write fiction because I believe in the power of story to connect us with the heart of God. He’s constantly showing me new things about the depth of His love for me, and teaching me how to love others well, so I want to write stories that reflect those themes. Inspy romance is my favorite because I love a Happily-Ever-After. There’s just something special about two people finding true, lasting love. And when you can see God's hand in bringing them together, it makes it even sweeter.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

I’d have to say my wedding day. I have a picture of my husband and me right after the ceremony, and we were both over-the-top giddy with joy. That was 22 years ago, and I still count that as the best decision I’ve ever made. Ron clearly and beautifully reflects Jesus to me every single day, and he always makes me laugh.

How has being published changed your life?

It has been great, but it has also given me a lot more work to do. I have this constant feeling that I’m behind and will never catch up. There’s always something I could be working on. But I have a family and a day job, so being published has challenged me to evaluate my life and keep the most important things at the top of my priority list. I’m learning to let go of some of the tasks on my to-do list and trust that God, in His grace, will cover my insufficiencies.

What are you reading right now?

From the non-fiction shelf, I’m reading The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson. It’s an excellent book about how to pray through your biggest dreams and greatest fears. In fiction, I’m reading a wonderful novella called O Little Town of Bethany by Rene Gutteridge and Cheryl McKay.

What is your current work in progress?

I’m in the plotting stage of Book 3 in my Heart of the City series. The hero is Tyson Phillips, who makes an appearance in Book 2 as the heroine’s brother. I’m not totally sure where this story will go yet, but by the time I finished writing Redeeming Cade, I was smitten with Tyson and knew he had to have his own book.

What would be your dream vacation?

I’d love to take my family on a grand tour of Europe … especially England, France, and Italy.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

All the books in my Heart of the City series are set in my hometown of Oklahoma City. I chose it because I love my city, and because I haven’t read many books set in Oklahoma that aren’t about cowboys. Cowboys are awesome, don’t get me wrong, but I wanted to show a different side of my beloved state.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love to do crafty things and paint, or just hang out with my family watching Netflix. Our current favorite show is Once Upon A Time.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

This may sound dumb, but actually writing is my biggest writing obstacle. I can stare at a blank page for hours, type some words, and then delete them all. Getting the first draft down is a huge hurdle for me, even when I’m armed with a well-plotted outline. But once that’s done, I can move on to the phase I enjoy: editing.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Study the craft, read like crazy, and find a writers group to be a part of. But mostly, don’t stress about the outcome. Have fun creating and trust the Lord to do the rest.

Tell us about the featured book.

From the back cover:

Cade McGuire has turned a one-eighty. The ex-con is now assistant director at the downtown mission that gave him a fresh start when he needed it most. When Cade attends a press conference and discovers that a woman running for a seat on the city council plans to close the mission, he can’t just stand by. Not even for a politician as beautiful as Darby Phillips.

Darby has been groomed her whole life for a future in politics. The City Council seat is just the first step in following her grandfather’s footsteps and making a difference for the community. When the obviously blue-collar Cade confronts her at a press conference, demanding she come and meet the people she’ll displace with her fancy new entertainment district, she knows refusing would be political suicide. No problem. A few hours at a rundown mission won’t change anything.

As Darby and Cade butt heads over what the city needs most, one unsettling thing becomes clear: though they’re from opposite worlds, they might just be what each other needs.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Cade McGuire turned Loretta, his trusty old pick-up truck, into the gravel parking lot of the MidTown Rescue Mission and strategically dodged the six potholes in his path. As he pulled to the front row of spaces, he couldn't hold back his smile. To the right of the Executive Director's parking place, a piece of poster-board was stapled to an old wooden picket and staked into a five-gallon bucket of dirt. Red block letters were handwritten across the sign. Cade’s sign. "Reserved Parking for NEW Assistant Director."

           

He eased Loretta into his newly designated spot and climbed out of the truck. The morning sun shone in a clear sky and felt warm against his face. It was a beautiful spring day—not too hot, which was unusual for late May in Oklahoma City—and a fresh wave of gratitude rolled through him.

           

God, thank you for this new life. I don’t deserve such goodness.

           

Cade’s first order of business was a block south of the mission, so he strode down the sidewalk in that direction. He was a few feet away from the intersection when he heard Ms. Fran call to him from behind.

           

"Well, there he is. Our brand-new boss." The older woman’s sweet, southern voice drew out the syllables of each word.

           

Cade turned and gave her a little wave as he walked back toward the mission entrance where she stood. He leaned in to give her a quick hug.

           

“I'm just so stinkin' proud of you, hon.” She gave his back a motherly pat. “You're going to be the best director this mission has ever seen."

           

Cade stepped back and pointed a finger at her. "Assistant Director, Ms. Fran. I'm not the big dog, you know."

She clucked her tongue. "As long as Ed’s gone, you are. He hired you because he believes in you."

Cade hoped she was right.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

You can find me at the following links:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SusanCrawfordBooks

Twitter -  https://twitter.com/SuCrawford

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/SusanCrawford

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/sucrawford/

Instagram - https://instagram.com/sucrawford

And I’d love for you to stop by my website and sign up for my newsletter. www.susancrawfordbooks.com

Thanks so much for having me, Lena!

My pleasure, Susan. Thank you for sharing this new book with me and my readers.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. 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