Friday, December 11, 2015

WHISPERS IN THE READING ROOM - Shelley Gray - One Free Book

BIO: Shelley Shepard Gray writes Amish romances for Harper Collins inspirational line, Avon Inspire and historical romances as Shelley Gray for Harper Collins Christian Publishers. Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.  
To date, Shelley has published over fifty novels for a variety of publishers. Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.

Welcome back, Shelley. As an author, I know it takes a lot of people to birth each book. Who were the people involved in the birthing of this book, and what were their contributions?
You’re right, Lena! I certainly does take a village to give life to each book, and Whispers in the Reading Room had several people who helped so much. One such person is my longtime girlfriend Julie. She met me in Chicago for a research trip and embraced the research as much as I did! She toured the Palmer House Hotel with me, visited the Fair exhibit at the Field Museum, read chapters, and pretty much smiled while I talked about the ideas for the book for hours. My critique partners Heather Blake and Cathy Liggett helped me plot, then replot, then rework the book several times. Over at my publisher, Natalie Hanemann and Jean Bloom helped me with about a hundred things. I’ve never been so grateful for so many caring friends and coworkers.

If you teach or speak. What’s coming up on your calendar?
I love to visit libraries, and I have been busy setting up several events for May and June, 2016. I’m also planning to attend next summer’s RWA conference in San Diego and the ACFW conference in Nashville. I love to travel and talk about books.

If you had to completely start over in another place, where would you move, and why?
I’ve actually started over several times over the years, due to my husband’s job. Though it was sometimes hard, I’m so glad I had the opportunity to have several fresh starts. I know I would have never become a writer if we hadn’t been transferred to Cincinnati. As far as the future goes, I have a feeling we’ll only move if our children start their families someplace far away. Then, we’d pack up in a heartbeat!

If you could only tell aspiring novelists one thing, what would it be?
Write! I meet so many aspiring novelists who tell me all about their blogs and Twitter accounts. For me, the only way to be a writer is to actually write every day.

You’ve been asked to be in charge of a celebrity cruise. Who would you ask to take part, and why? (AS in what program, singers, etc. [it doesn’t have to be writing related])
Boy, if I could be in charge of a celebrity cruise, I’d probably just ask all my friends to come, especially writers that I’ve met through the years but only see once a year at conferences. Seeing them would be so fun!

Tell us about the featured book.
Whispers in the Reading Room features a librarian, a gambling club owner, the Chicago World’s Fair, and a murder.

Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.

Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.

Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.

Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.

Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.

Please give us the first page of the book.
Chicago Times-Courier

From October 1893
Reported by Benson Gage
While the majority of the city basks in the glow of the Columbian Exposition’s success, far more dark events are taking place in the city’s underbelly. This publication has learned there has been a spike in attacks and murders deep in the heart of Camp Creek Alley. Has crime sought to take advantage of the fact that most everyone’s eyes are on the bright Plaisance, allowing all sorts of criminals to run rampant?

This reporter can only advise for any reputable citizen with a care for both his purse and his life to stay far away from the area. It is very likely that even establishments that look reputable hide many dark secrets behind their beguiling façades.

Intriguing. Where can we find you on the Internet?
I’m everywhere on the Internet! www.shelleyshepardgray.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter (ShelleySGray)

Thank you so much for the fun interview, Lena

I love having you visit my blog, Shelley, and my readers and I are very interested in this new book.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Whispers in the Reading Room - Christianbook.com (Best price today)
Whispers in the Reading Room (The Chicago World's Fair Mystery Series) - Amazon
Whispers in the Reading Room (The Chicago World's Fair Mystery Series Book 3) - Kindle

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

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

angela in ky would love to win.

Abby B said...

Oh this sounds so good, I'd love to win!

Abby in Michigan

Wendy Newcomb said...

This sounds like a good read! Thank you for the chance to win a copy.

Wendy in FL

wfnren at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a fantastic read! I would love to win a copy. Thank you for that chance. Nancy from Massachusetts

Anonymous said...

This sounds like something I'd enjoy reading. I have to confess, the summary intrigues me! Would love to win a copy.
J.C. -Indiana-

Melanie Backus said...

I have heard great things about this one and would love to read it. Thank you for the opportunity.

Melanie Backus, TX

Trixi said...

I love Shelly's Amish books but haven't read her mystery ones. From all the reviews on other blogs on "Whispers in the Reading Room", it's one not to miss along with the other 2 in the Chicago World's Fair Mystery series! I know I'd enjoy it because I love her writing already. Thanks for the fun interview!

Trixi in OR

sm said...

I love libraries and I like the plot of this book.Thanks for the interview. sm CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary Preston said...

This does sound fantastic.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Terrill R. said...

Crazy amazing reviews flowing in for this book. One trusted reviewer had listed all of my favorite touch points in a book. I hear it is an especially great book for avid readers and romantics. :)

Terrill - WA

Judy said...

I've heard that, Whispers in the Reading Room, is a fantastic read. I would love to win a copy of it. I have been a fan of Shelley's for years and I had the privilege of meeting her in person a couple of years ago. What a beautiful sweet lady she is.

Blessings!
Judy B from Indiana

Susan P said...

I have been hearing great things about this book!
Susan in MI

EJ said...

Sounds like a great book with different characters then Shelley's Amish books I've read! Elaine from Wisconsin

Beth Gillihan said...

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

Beth in Montana

Melody said...

I love the synopsis of the story! A librarian and a gambler. .. can't wait to see what happens.

Donna, TX

Melody said...

I love the synopsis of the story! A librarian and a gambler. .. can't wait to see what happens.

Donna, TX

kim hansen said...

Oh yes a new book. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom North Platte Nebraska

Loraine Nunley said...

I'm excited about this book. I love that it involves a librarian. Thanks for the interview and giveaway!

Loraine in TX

Anonymous said...

I love Shelly's books! Shelia Hall sheliarha64(at)yahoo(dot)com

kam110476 said...

Hi Shelley & Lena! Whispers in the Reading Room sounds so good! Plus, I love reading anything that takes place during the Chicago World's Fair!
Kristen in OK
kam110476 at gmail dot com

GrandaddyA said...

This sounds like a very interesting book! I would love to read it.
Edward A in VA

Unknown said...

This is certainly different from her other novels I've read, but it sounds just as fascinating and intriguing. Thanks for the chance to win

Marianne Arizona

Abigail Mitchell said...

Enter me!
Blanch NC

Anne Payne said...

I love Shelley's books! Would enjoy this one very much.

Anne, Chesapeake Bay VA

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

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

Brenda Arrington said...

Love Shelley's books. Would really like to read this one. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Brenda in VA

Morgan said...

I would love to win a copy of this book! Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
Morgan in Alabama

Anonymous said...

Mystery? Love it.

-Melissa in TN

Unknown said...

I have been looking forward to this book. It has really piqued my interest.

Deanne in PA.

Connie Porter Saunders said...

Mysteries, romance and a book by Shelley Shepherd Gray. What more needs yo be said?
Connie from KY
cps1950 (at) gmail (dot) com

Pam said...

Shelley Gray always intrigues whether she's writing Amish fiction or mysteries. Would love to win!

Pam in OH