A TON OF GOLD - James R Callan - One Free Book

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

I write mostly mysteries and suspense novels. I have published several non-fiction books, including two on the craft of writing. But my focus is on mysteries and suspense novels. In writing mysteries, I like the challenge of creating the puzzle, of giving clues to the reader without giving away the secret, of giving the protagonist obstacles he or she shouldn't be able to overcome and then figuring out how he or she will manage to overcome them.

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

Tough question. But I think it was the day my seven year old son came into the living room and said, "Where are my books. I've missed school. I need to catch up on my work." You see, he had been hit by a car and received a head injury. For days he didn't know where he was, what happened, or much else. For days he would ask what happened even though we might have told him half an hour before. We were very concerned about the head injury. His simple fifteen words brought us great relief. He was okay.

How has being published changed your life?

I had intended to write in my twenties, but that didn't support a family. So, I took a forty year detour through mathematics and computer science. After the kids were all out and self-supporting, I returned to my first love - writing. When my first book was published after such a long time, it was a very emotional high for me. I feel I am doing what I should have been doing all along.

What are you reading right now?

After many years of reading only technical material, I now read across a wide field. Of course I read mysteries and suspense books, as those are my favorite genres. But I also read some urban fantasy, romance, and other areas. My wife tells me I must read romance in order to make characters in my books better. I read many books of author- friends in other genres. And of course, I read materials on marketing, the bane of most writers.

What is your current work in progress?

My current WIP is titled The Silver Medallion. It is a suspense book in which the protagonist, Crystal Moore, discovers a woman in Dallas being held as a slave by threats to harm her two young girls in Mexico. Crystal would like to walk away and forget it, but her conscious won't let her. She realizes the woman will never try to escape as long as her children are held hostage. The only way to help her escape is to free the children first. She is not an adventure seeking person. Nonetheless, she travels to the jungles of Mexico to free two young girls.

What would be your dream vacation?

I think a weekend on the moon would top any earth-bound vacation I could take. And one of these days, that will be possible.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I first think of goal that must be reached. This could be solving a murder, rescuing someone, etc.. Then I work on the perfect culture, location, and time period to frame the story. 

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

After reading and hearing and seeing much of the Pope Francis visit to the U.S., I think an evening with him would change my life.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Visiting with friends and travel would follow close behind writing and reading. I am fortunate to have friends from around the world and they broaden my view and understanding. My wife and I have been able to travel a great deal. We do understand how blessed we are on so many fronts.

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

Procrastination. And I do not do a good job of overcoming it. A strict deadline is probably the best aid to avoiding it.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Sit down and write. Be it short stories, poems, articles, blogs, or e-mails, write. (Writing checks does not count.) Make yourself write something every day. After awhile, the writing will begin to congeal and you will be on your way.

Tell us about the featured book.

A 178-year-old folktale causes murder, kidnapping, and arson in 2012 Texas. In this contemporary suspense novel, Crystal Moore, a young computer scientist, is dragged into danger when thugs set out to kill her 76-year-old grandmother, her only living relative and the woman who raised her. Crystal has no idea who would want to harm her grandmother, or why.

In the midst of murder, arson, and kidnapping, the man who nearly destroyed Crystal emotionally is coming back. This time, he can ruin her career. She will need all the help she can get from a former bull rider, a street-wise housemate, and a feisty grandmother to stop the criminals and confront her nemesis.

"What is truly impressive about Callan's writing is his gift for characterization." From a review by John Brantingham of Over My Dead Body.

Please give us the first page of the book.

The Year: 2012

Crystal Moore stood in her stocking feet, glaring at the row of shoes in her closet. Her raven hair, flipped up just below her ear lobes, looked like it had received three strokes with a brush. Dark circles under her eyes belied eight hours sleep.

“Terrific, I’m late and can’t find a single shoe to wear,” she grumbled.

“One won’t do any good. Need a pair.” Brandi Brewer, a mug of hot chocolate in her hand, lounged against the door to Crystal’s bedroom. “What kind you looking for?”

Hands on hips, Crystal surveyed the jumble of shoes. “Something that’ll match my outfit.”

Brandi appraised her housemate’s attire and shrugged. “Which part?”

Crystal’s frown only deepened.

“How ‘bout those by the foot of the bed.” Brandi pointed the mug at a pair of charcoal slings.

Crystal turned her head and focused on the shoes. “They’ll do.” She padded over and stepped into the Guccis.

“Coffee?”

“Don’t have time. Didn’t sleep well last night, and can’t seem to get going.” She rummaged in her purse, found a tube of lipstick and bent down to look in the mirror over the dressing table.

“Guess not. I got up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. No news flash there. When I passed your door, you were really thrashing around. Thought you had a man under the covers.” Brandi giggled. “Who’s Dr. Coup?”

Crystal’s hand jerked, sending a slash of bright coral from lip to nose. Slowly, her shoulders sagged, like a balloon losing some of its air. Her eyes glazed over and she stood motionless, barely breathing.

Dr. Krupe. The brilliant Dr. Krupe. Why couldn’t she purge his memory from her brain?

She forced her mind back to the present, straightened her back, focused her eyes. “I don’t know any Dr. Coup.”

“Well, he was on your mind last night. Heard it going and coming back.”

“I don’t know anybody by that name.” She snatched a pale pink tissue from a box on the dresser and tried to repair the damage. “And why were you eavesdropping?”

“Eavesdropping? You were talking in your sleep, for God’s sake. And I have to pass by your door to get to the bathroom.” The short, auburn-haired woman turned and sauntered into the living room.

Crystal examined the image in the mirror. Her upper lip retained an orange glow on the right side. She glanced at the clock, shook her head and tossed the tissue at the wastebasket. She dropped the lipstick in her purse and hurried into the living room.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Author Page at Amazon         http://amzn.to/1eeykvG

Web page:                               www.jamesrcallan.com

Facebook page                        https://www.facebook.com/james.callan.33865  

Blog Page                               www.jamesrcallan.com/blog

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

Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.

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

LOTS OF WINNERS

Dear Readers, I just realized that I didn't announce winners last week. So we'll have a long list today. Please forgive me.

Melanie (TX) is the winner of Austen In Austin by Anita Mae Draper.

Beth (IA) is the winner of Permanent Resident at the Altar by Keisha Bass.

Sharon (SC) is the winner of Kissed By a Cowboy by Debra Clopton.

Sandy Q (TX) is the winner of Blue Ribbon Trail by Miralee Farrell.

Merry (MN) is the winner of Keeper of the Stars by Robin Lee Hatcher.

Katie (WI) is the winner of Love, Stock, and Barrel by Crystal L Barnes.

Mary P (Aus) is the winner of Constance, Bride of Florida by Patricia Pacjac Carroll.

Brenda (VA) is the winner of Not Alone by Jessica Snell, Editor.

Linda (CA) is the winner of There Was a Crooked Man by Leeann Betts.

Wendy (FL) is the winner of Northern Light by Annette O'Hare.

If you won a book and you like it, please 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.

If you won an ebook, just let me know what email address it should be sent to.

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

Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.

A MATCH FOR MAGNOLIA - Marion Ueckermann - One Free Ebook

Dear Readers, I’m happy to welcome Marion, one of my writer friends who doesn’t live in the US, back to the blog. I’ve loved every book of hers I’ve read. I know you will, too.

Bio: MARION UECKERMANN's passion for writing was sparked when she moved to Ireland with her family. Her love of travel has influenced her contemporary inspirational romances set in novel places. She now lives in South Africa in an empty nest with her husband and their crazy black Scottie, Wally.

Marion, what are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

Forgiveness, Acceptance, Not judging, Second chances (I like to think that’s a spiritual theme—after all, Jesus gave us the biggest second chance of all).

That is so true. What other books of yours are coming out soon?

I’m currently working on a story set in the winelands of South Africa titled The Other You. This will be published in a book set due to release in June.

In mid-2016, I hope to release the next two books in the Seven Suitors for Seven Sisters series, of which A Match for Magnolia is the first book. Book 2 is A Romance for Rose and Book 3 A Courtship for Clover.

I’m trading in my day job the end of March to write full time, so all these goals should be easily achievable.

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

I’d love to spend an evening with my one crit partner, Angela K Couch. It was a great honor to be a runner up behind her in the Writing Up A Storm short story contest and have our stories published side by side this month in the anthology, Dancing Up A Storm. I got to meet Heidi and Janet (two of my four crit partners) last year at ACFW Dallas and be roomies with them. It was great to meet them and spend time with them. Angela was unable to make it. It would be awesome to meet her in person because we’ve been walking the critiquing road together for several years.

Failing that, definitely David Gandy, the British supermodel who was my inspiration for Lord Davis Rathbone, hero of A Match for Magnolia.

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

That’s a hard one because I’m not much into history, but maybe I’d like to go way back to Joseph (the one with the amazing Technicolor dreamcoat). I’ve had some story ideas brewing for years, and he’ll be inspiring the hero for A Romance for Rose, so an interview with him would be pretty insightful right now.

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

Never give up! You don’t know when your breakthrough will come. You could quit just when the next try would’ve been successful. History is filled with stories of people from all walks of life—writers, scientists, all sorts—who have tried so many times it makes your head spin, but who finally found success in what they were doing. 

Tell us about the featured book.

Probably the easiest way is with the blurb, but before I do, I’ll give a teeny bit of history. I’d intended to publish my story, Promise of Spring (working title) in the new Love Blossoms boxed set with six other great authors. However, once we’d designed the cover and decided on a title for these spring-fresh romances, I no longer felt this story was the right fit for the set. After some brainstorming, I came up with the idea for the seven-book series of the Blume sisters and A Match for Magnolia was born.

So, now you have the history, here’s the blurb:

Womanizer. Adulterer. Divorced. That is Lord Davis Rathbone’s history. His future? He vows to never marry or fall in love again—repeating his past mistakes, not worth the risk. Then he meets Magnolia Blume, and filling his days penning poetry no longer seems an alternative to channel his pent-up feelings. With God’s help, surely he can keep this rare treasure and make it work this time?

Magnolia Blume’s life is perfect, except for one thing—Davis Rathbone is everything she’s not looking for in a man. He doesn’t strike her as one prone to the sentiments of family, or religion, but her judgments could be premature.

Magnolia must look beyond the gossip, Davis’s past, and their differences to find her perfect match, because, although flawed, Davis has one redeeming quality—he is a man after God’s own heart.

Sounds like a wonderful read. Please give us the first page of the book.

I’ll give you the first scene, Lena J It’s a bit more than one page …

MAGNOLIA BLUME extended her hand and admired the view. Never before had she seen a diamond so big, so pure, or with such flawless clarity. Perfect. As was her handiwork. This had to be her best design ever. Then again, the enigmatic Lord Rathbone, Baron of Levens Hall, was very specific in his requirements for this ring.

“Something different. Something unusual. Something way beyond extraordinary. Something you’d want as an engagement ring,” he’d said as he glanced down at her hand.

The nerve! To presume she was unmarried just because her finger was bare. She vowed then and there to give him something beyond description. And she had. Eventually. Even though he hadn’t acknowledged as much when she’d emailed him her sketches last month. The third set. The ones she’d designed after he’d told her to give him something from her heart, questioning whether everything he’d heard about her was true.

Really? What had he heard? And from whom? She’d ask him today when he collected the ring.

“That’s more like it. Now bring it to life,” his emailed response had read.

Magnolia took that as a yes to proceed with manufacturing.

The baron’s rough diamond had provided the first three Cs for this masterpiece: clarity, color, carat—2.5 for the center stone alone. She made sure the fourth—cut—happened to precision on every stone she faceted from the original rock.

By the time Magnolia gave her handiwork one last dip in the ultrasonic bath this morning, no doubt remained that she had truly crafted this ring from her heart—faith and family, her inspiration in this design.

She dabbed the corners of her eyes with the tip of her finger. The diamonds sparkled with the movement, and her heart missed a beat. What a nice sight that would be to see daily. Alone in her small workshop, she released a sigh.

Davis Rathbone would likely have an entirely different perspective on this ring. Not that she’d ever have an opportunity to discuss his feelings on the design, or her inspiration behind it, even though the piece begged to be examined, debated, and admired for the work of art that it was. He did not strike her as one prone to the sentiments of family, or religion. But, she’d barely met the man, so perhaps her judgments were premature. Hardly likely, though. Magnolia was never wrong about men. Perhaps that’s why she was staring down the barrel of a single thirtieth birthday come autumn. At least she wasn’t the oldest bachelorette in their family.

Did she really need a man in her life, though? She owned a relatively successful jewelry business, as well as a beautiful home in the most scenic part of England—the Lake District. The slate-roofed stone cottage, built on the lower slopes of Skiddaw, overlooked the quaint town of Keswick, her view ending with the still waters of Lake Derwentwater. On the northern side, closest to her house, lush pastures bordered the lake while undulations of mountains faded from green to blue on the other side. Still, it would be nice to have someone to talk to besides her wild hedgehogs when she got home. It wasn’t as if she could cuddle one of those prickly creatures. At least not for long.

Sentiments aside, Davis Rathbone’s fiancée was one lucky lady to have a ring like this. The woman’s fiancé, on the other hand, was a different story. Now there was a prickly creature if ever there was one. Even his dashing looks could not smooth away his bristly nature.

Standing, Magnolia reached behind her back and loosened the bow of her jeweler’s apron. She smiled at the words embroidered in white on the black calico as she draped the garment, last year’s Christmas gift from her shop assistant, Jayne, over her chair. First Class Jeweler. Someone must have thought so to have recommended her services to the baron. But who? Hopefully she’d find out soon enough. Davis Rathbone would be here within an hour.

Still admiring the ring on her finger, she moved toward the door leading from her workshop to the small showroom. She’d show Jayne the final product before cushioning the very expensive item between black velvet in a white ring box, monogrammed MB in silver cursive.

“Tada!” Magnolia followed her outstretched hand through the open door, making an exaggerated entrance into the showroom.

One too many sets of eyes fixed on her, and the sparkly piece she sported.

She dropped her arm to her side, her right hand swooping to her ring finger, as if removing the precious item would help now.

“L–Lord Rathbone, I—”

See, Dear Readers, I told you she could really craft a good story. Now, Marion, how can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can find me at several places:

Website:         http://marionueckermann.net

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/Marion.C.Ueckermann

Amazon:         http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00KBYLU7C

Google+:         https://plus.google.com/+MarionUeckermannAuthor/

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/ueckie

Pinterest:        https://www.pinterest.com/ueckie/

Thank you, Marion, for sharing this new book with us. I will read it as soon as I finish the book I'm reading on my Kindle right now.

Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.

A Match for Magnolia (Seven Suitors for Seven Sisters Book 1)

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the ebook. 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

GILDING THE WATER - Catherine Richmond - One Free Book

Dear Readers, here’s another author who is new to this blog.

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

All my worries! In Gilding the Waters, my heroine got my angst-dump about my body. No, I’m not six foot tall, but I might as well be, considering the size of my feet. They’re huge! And getting bigger all the time! I’ve ruined them by wearing too-small shoes. Poor abused feet. Why can’t I accept God gave me exactly the right feet? Why not be happy with all the places they’ve taken me - like the Appalachian Trail (the southern half of Maryland - don’t be too impressed) and the cobblestoned streets of Europe?

1908, when Gilding the Waters was set, was a turning point for women’s body image. Corsets shrank and loosened, and activities like tennis and swimming replaced lounging on the fainting couch. On the downside, magazines promoted the Gibson girl as the ideal. What if your hair wouldn’t poof? What if your figure curved in different places? What if nothing sold in stores or catalogs fit you?

Gilding the Waters is a love-letter to everyone who doesn’t fit the mold. You are beautiful! Celebrate all the amazing things your body can do, take good care of it, and thank God for how wonderfully you’re made!

I’ve always been shorter than most women, and women in my family tend toward heavier bodies, so I understand. I’m so glad you wrote this book. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I’m more practical than quirky, but I did wear bunny socks to work Sunday - they matched my uniform!

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

My mom is a librarian, so I learned early the joy of escaping into a great story. But I thought authors had to be British, male, and dead, so I became an occupational therapist. Then a folk song about a mail-order bride took me into a new world - I felt the wind across the prairie, smelled the creosote in the railroad ties, saw this stranger introduce himself as her husband - and I had to tell her story.

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

One of my first writing mentors recommended reading the award winners - learn from the best! Every year I try to read the RWA Rita and the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol award winners. Reading outside my genre gives my creativity a boost.

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

What sanity? My Australian shepherd thinks run, run, run is a great idea, but she’ll put up with my walk, walk, walk.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

My heroine’s name, Mabel, showed her stodgy and practical side. The hero helps her get in touch with her worth as a woman and gives her a new name.

Gilding the Waters is a road-trip story. I found character names in cemeteries near each stop of their trip. My favorite was Destamonia! Isn’t that an intriguing name?

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

My children! My daughter is a physician working with patients who are impoverished. My son is a writer whose third book releases in March. They’re delightful, fun, and a joy to be with!

What is your favorite food?

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate! I never know what to say on my Facebook author page, so I talk about chocolate.

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

Let’s see … what animal eats chocolate?

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

Confidence! How can I be an author when I’m not British, male, or dead? Fortunately I’ve met a diverse group of writers who busted that myth!

Tell us about the featured book.

Mabel Easterly is doomed. President Teddy Roosevelt commissioned Wade Hampton Alexander to guard her as she tests the mineral springs of Virginia. To quash Mabel’s research, Wade unleashes every weapon in his arsenal - sweet-talking, pouring on the charm, and flattery as embellished as his resort’s advertisements. She’s a scientist - she’s too smart to fall for his nonsense. Then why on earth is she considering kissing this rascal?

Please give us the first page of the book.

“Pretty as a peach,” drawled a deep voice above the burble of the creek.

           

Mabel glanced over her shoulder. Sunlight through the elm trees outlined a lanky man wearing a limp-brimmed hat, plaid shirt, and tattered pants. A long-eared hound panted beside him. The man couldn’t possibly be speaking to her, but no one else occupied the mountain laurel grove encircling the spring.

           

The current pulled the Erlenmeyer flask from her hand and floated it out of reach. “Quick! Before it breaks. Do you have anything—”

           

The mountain man carried a firearm.

           

Mabel held out her hand while watching the container bob in a circle. “I can reach it with your gun.”

           

He stepped backwards, which, given the length of his legs, put him out of range. “Warrenton House sells bottled water.”

           

Stubborn hillbilly. She worked her way downstream, estimating the trajectory of the container. If it didn’t crash against the rocks— “I must collect my own sample.” Here it comes. “It’s the only way to ensure—” Just a bit closer. “For scientific integrity, one must-”

           

“Those rocks slippery as deer guts.”

           

“Your warning is duly noted.” Mabel stepped over a cluster of yellow flowers, found a flat spot of moss beside the creek, and knelt. The rotten-egg smell of sulphur tweaked her nose. “So who you fetchin’ samples for?”

           

“President Theodore Roosevelt.”

           

He chuckled. “Suppose the asylum’s missing you ’bout now?”

I’m loving this opening. How can readers find you on the Internet?

My webpage is www.CatherineRichmond.com 

My Facebook chocolate, er, author page is www.facebook.com/catherinerichmondfans/
On Twitter @WriterCatherine

Thank you, Catherine, for sharing this new book with us. I love your writing style, and I know my blog readers will, too.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Gilding the Waters: A Novel of Lost Causes and Found Love - paperback
Gilding the Waters: A Novel of Lost Causes and Found Love - 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

PURE DEVOTION - Rachel Windham - One Free Book

Dear Readers, we have a devotional today.

Welcome, Rachel. What would you like for our readers to know about you personally?

I’m quirky and random, and that translates into every area of my life: conversation, writing, even spirituality. I am most grateful to have the influence of this trait in my walk with God because that allows me the freedom to experience relationship with Him in fresh and exciting ways.

Our relationship with the Lord can be fresh and exciting every day. I’m glad yours is. Tell us about your family.

I am happily married to the love of my life. This year we celebrated our silver anniversary with a trip to New York. I felt so fancy.

We have two children, ages 22 and 18. Both are in college and heading toward independence. The family Puggle, Jamby, is our third “child”!

Have you written other nonfiction books?

I have a resource work that helps people know what to write in greeting cards. I wrote this during a time I was creating Halo Greetings ™. I kept hearing, “I love to send cards, but I never know what to write in them.” So, I decided to solve that problem with a tool that offered suggested comments and scriptures for many types of send-a-card situations.

One of my children’s books, a rhyming read-aloud, could also be classified as non-fiction. It teaches children how to talk to God, and its coloring book companion shows them how to listen to Him.

While my other books are works of fiction, they do have components, such as Bible studies, historical segments, and activities included in them.

Do you have any other books in the works right now?

Yes. Several. Another devotional book is nearing completion, and a novel that I’ve piddled with for the longest time hangs like a tassel of loose ends in my thoughts. I’m in a re-write phase with it. In addition, I’ve written scenes and story boards for a couple of other projects, and when inspiration strikes, I write a page or two. However, the work that I haven’t yet begun but plan to tackle this year is a history of my church. I’m looking forward to honoring its founding fathers, but more importantly, I am eager to showcase God’s faithfulness to His promise by telling how He raised a church from five prayerful believers to a thriving international work.

What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?

I love traveling with family, eating and shopping with friends, and reading. I’m also a fan of crafting and have recently begun adding art to my personal worship.

Why did you write the featured book?

I wanted to share how we can see glimpses of God in the ordinary things in our lives.

What do you want the reader to take away from the book?

I want readers to have a new appreciation of God’s overwhelming love and to see their God-approach with fresh eyes. When awareness of God is sharpened, it’s much easier to make Him the center of everything.

Is there anything you’d like to tell my readers about you or your book?

The book uses pet anecdotes to parallel our relationship with our Heavenly Father. One of the pets in the book is Jamby; she is still a princess in our home. Her father, Pugzy, who is also talked about in the book, was a previous pet. He inspired the writing of the book, but passed away before its completion. Book purchases may be made through Barnes and Nobel, Books-A-Million, and Amazon.

Please give us the first page or two from the book.

We need to stay close to the Master.

“Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.” James 4:8

Pugzy followed me everywhere I went. He trudged along with me, taking every step that I did. When I sat down, he was also there, getting in some snuggle time. If I was eating, well, he’d be handy for some scraps. Wherever I was, Pugzy was my shadow. Because of his choice to be close to me, I was automatically put in close proximity to him. He chose to follow me.

God loves us to be near Him, but He has given us the ability to decide if we want to be close to Him. We can keep Him at arm’s length, or we can welcome His presence. When we choose to follow Jesus intimately, we automatically put Him near us. When He is near, we have everything we need. We have comfort and peace, strength and joy. We get our snuggle-time and unexpected treats. We are able to share in whatever He is doing because our proximity to Him involves us in it.

We move toward God’s welcoming presence in many ways, and they each start with one step—one prayer, one Bible verse, one act of worship, one sacred thought. For certain, keeping the Master close is the best thing we can do for ourselves. 

If we look expectantly, we will receive.

“Ask and it shall be given you, seek, and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you.” Matthew 7:7

Pugzy knew where we kept the treats. He was a very treat-conscious dog. At the mere sound of paper crackling—sometimes rooms away from where he was—he came running. He understood that treats were for him. He knew that we gave them to him liberally; therefore, he expected them. As a result, he was quick to “ask” for them. He would run to the cabinet where they were kept every time we would say, “Good boy.” On those rare occasions in which he was allowed access to the kitchen, he would sit patiently during food preparation, awaiting a handout when the cooking was done. While we ate, he was at attention on the mat near the dining table because he was anticipating a scrap when we were finished with our meal. He never ceased to have the expectant look.

The fact that God has faithfully blessed us should elevate our level of expectancy in Him. He’s been more than generous in His giving, and His promises declare His enthusiasm for blessing us, yet we draw back. We worry and fret and anxiously wring our hands. We glance away from His offering, too lazy to reach out and receive from Him and too willing to trust in faltering, failing humanity. We deem ourselves unworthy and shuffle along, feeling neglected. In essence, we act like we don’t expect God to follow through with His promises. It’s about time we tip our heads to the side, open our eyes wide, and run to the place where the treats are kept. The Master’s waiting to bless.

Good analogies. Where on the Internet can the readers find you?

www.rachelwindham.com  - where I write a weekly Tips and Tidbits blog as well as post other handy-dandy information and updates. I’m also on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Thank you, Rachel for sharing this devotional with us.

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

A RELUCTANT MELODY - Sandra Ardoin - One Free Book

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

When I began writing novels seven or eight years ago, I worked on two projects at one time—a contemporary romantic mystery and a historical romance. I had no idea where I was going with either of them, but believed God was leading me in the direction of completing the historical, so I did. The rest is (ta-da!) history.

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

Walking down the aisle was a kick! I’d also say it was when my daughter was born. I was thirty-five before having a child, so marking that off my bucket list was pretty cool.

How has being published changed your life?

I wrote and published small pieces for so long in obscurity, rarely telling anyone but family what I did. In the past few years, I’ve built an online platform, but now I put myself and my work out there for everyone I know to see and judge it. Also, all the promotion cuts into my writing time. Before, I could spend most of my day on a project. These days, my time is more sharply divided and the writing time is more precious. But that’s part of the job.

My humility is tested daily. It’s wonderful to learn that people enjoyed my work—even spent money on it. We all want the back pats. But it’s also important to realize that I wouldn’t be talking about any of this without God’s grace, His words, and His plan for my life. Add to that, the many writer friends who have helped me along the way with advice, knowledge, promotion, etc.

What are you reading right now?

Does “buried under the book shelf” ring a bell? February has been a busy month, reading-wise. I do book reviews on my blog and sometimes get carried away with requesting books. At this time, I’m reading On Lonestar Trail by Amanda Cabot. Next up is Lynette Eason’s Always Watching, then Dani Pettrey’s Cold Shot. I recently finished Terri Blackstock’s new one If I Run and Don Brown’s Code 13 (review on the Suspense Sisters blog). I also finished Elaine Marie Cooper’s June release Promise of Deer Run for endorsement. Oh my! Did I just say someone wants me to endorse their book? (See above humility answer!)

What is your current work in progress?

Right now, I’m working on the first book of a proposed three-book series set in Texas in 1886/87. It’s making the rounds, but not yet contracted. I’m also brainstorming a novella series and another Christmas novella.

What would be your dream vacation?

A while back, I wrote a novella that takes place in Sydney, Australia. Never having been there, I did a great deal of research and discovered a hankering to go! So, if I thought I could survive the hours trapped on the plane, my dream vacation would be to explore various parts of Australia. Unfortunately, I think it would be like coming to the U. S. and trying to see the whole country in one trip.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

That’s a good question. It depends on the type of book, the type of characters, and the story itself. The one I’m working on now needed an unsettled area. The town is a bit rough with no church, so it had to be small and in a more western area than on the east coast. I’ve set a number of my stories in Texas, because I lived there for so long. This one takes place near what was the Great Western Cattle Trail.

However, A Reluctant Melody is set in a fictional town based on the town and area in which I live now. It takes bits and pieces from the history of various local towns.

History is its own necessity. For instance, with the book I’m writing now, I can’t have cattle and cowboys running up that cattle trail in huge numbers as they would have a few years earlier. By the time of my story, cattlemen were shipping their cattle by train and the major drives were over.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

I thought long and hard on this one. There are so many people I would love to list, but they’re no longer alive. I think I would go with Franklin Graham. His is probably the loudest voice among Christian leaders today who declare our country’s need to stand for Christ and godly principles.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

As I said, I love to garden. My husband will tell you I love to eat out (which is true!). I like to window shop or prowl around antique and craft stores. On Sundays, you’ll find me watching the NFL and/or NASCAR.

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

Other than the time factor, which I’ve talked about, I would say it’s the middle of the book. I’m a plantser. I plot the basics of the story and can do a synopsis, but then wing the rest. The first few chapters of the book are easy for me. When I get about fifty pages in, it starts getting harder. It’s building those fascinating bridges between the major plot points that can bog me down. The only way to overcome it is to write. Sometimes, I’ll write the scenes I know I want to do first. Then, all of a sudden, I’m seeing those bridges form.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Persevere and grow a thick skin!

Writing for publication is not a business where you wake up one morning and decide to write a book and expect it to be finished and on the book shelves in a month or six.

Rejection is part of the process. It’s like owning a store and having a customer walk out without purchasing something. You can’t take it personally. You just didn’t have what that person wanted at the time.

Tell us about the featured book.

A Reluctant Melody is a story of redemption, forgiveness, and second chances. It revolves around Kit Barnes, a secondary character in my 2014 Christmas novella The Yuletide Angel and Joanna Stewart, a woman who believes her past makes her unworthy of the forgiveness of God and society.

Here’s the back cover copy to give you a better idea:

Kit Barnes’ alcoholism ruined more lives than his own. Now sober, he wants to make amends by opening a mission for drunkards. But the most suitable location belongs to Joanna Cranston Stewart, a love from his sordid past. 

Friends of her late husband blame Joanna for his death. Although eager to flee from the rumors, she will let the walls of her rundown property crumble around her before she allows Kit back into her life.

When a blackmailer threatens to reveal Joanna’s long-held secret, will she risk losing everything she owns to Kit … including her heart?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Joanna Stewart’s fingers waltzed across the silk covering her lap. Had the stripes of the dress fabric been piano keys, the cab of her brougham would be filled with the melody of Sullivan’s “Let Me Dream Again.”

She halted the romping digits and gripped the material of her skirt in a tight fist. Dreams. She awoke to the pain they caused years ago … after the lie of romantic love dealt its deadly blow.

A horse car rattled past on the tracks running down the middle of Broad Street. The bell dangling from the animals’ collars jingled with each plodding step.

Joanna’s driver, Liam McCall, turned onto Cleary. When the carriage stopped, she peeked out the window and scanned the dry and dusty street in front of the Stewart Broom Factory. When was the last time she’d ventured out of her house and into the midst of strangers? A month? Two? She wouldn’t be in town now if Perry’s note hadn’t stressed the importance of their meeting.

A man on a bicycle passed too close to the carriage and thumbed the bell on his contraption. Her horse shied and the brougham rocked. Joanna grabbed the window frame to brace herself.

Using coarse language and the power of brawny arms, Liam brought the animal under control. A moment later, he yanked the door open and held out his hand. “Foul things, horses. If it were up to me, I’d shoot ’em all.”

Inwardly, Joanna cringed. “Even work animals deserve our respect and compassion, Mr. McCall.” As he helped her down, his callused fingers swallowed her lace-gloved hand.

I love it. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Visit me at www.sandraardoin.com and on the Seriously Write blog. Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Join my email community to receive occasional updates and a free short story.

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

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Women's Historical Fiction: A Reluctant Melody - Will she risk losing everything ... including her heart? - paperback
Christian Historical Romance: A Reluctant Melody - Will she risk losing everything ... including her heart? - 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.

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Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

CHARITY'S CROSS - MaryLu Tyndall and SHATTERED MEMORIES - Debbie Lynne Costello - Two Free Books or Ebooks

Dear Readers, we have a double feature to day. My friends, MaryLu Tyndall and Debbie Lynne Costello, are introducing their new books together. Instead of interviews, we'll have interesting information about their books, a peek at their stories, and each author's bio. As always, we'll have a giveaway of each book. If the winner is in the US, the book will be a print book, and if the winner is in a foreign country, the book will be an ebook.

Welcome, MaryLu and Debbie Lynne. I'm so happy to host you here.

First we'll look at MaryLu Tyndall and her book, Charity's Cross:

Bio: Award winning and best-selling author MaryLu Tyndall describes herself as an introvert, tall ship enthusiast, friend of pirates and mermaids, obsessive-compulsive control freak, history lover, hopeless romantic, and a sword wielding princess-warrior of the King of Kings. Her books are filled with adventure and romance guaranteed to touch your heart! Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. In a culture that accepts the occult, wizards, zombies, and vampires without batting an eye, MaryLu hopes to show the awesome present and powerful acts of God in a dying world. She has published over seventeen novels and currently lives in California with her husband, 6 kids, 2 grandkids, and various cats.

Eleven Fun facts about me and my new book Charity’s Cross

By MaryLu Tyndall

Charity’s Cross is my 4th Independently published book (I have 16 traditionally published books before I went Indie).

I never intended to write Charity’s Cross, but after receiving so many reader emails begging me to write it, I relented.

Charity’s Cross is book 4 in my Charles Towne Belles series (originally published in 2009). However, I wrote the story in such a way so it could be read as a stand-alone without having read the other books.

I wrote Charity’s Cross while caring for my very first grandchild.

I have been writing romance novels for 13 years. Before that, I was a software engineer at IBM.

I am an introvert with a rabid fear of public speaking.

I listen to alternative rock while writing battle scenes and classical movie scores while writing romance scenes.

I had to dig deep into the psyche of an abused woman to write some of the scenes in this book. Not fun, I can tell you.

Chocolate and popcorn are my go-to snacks while writing.

Charity’s Cross is a sort-of crossover book between my Legacy of the King’s Pirates series and my Charles Towne Belles series, containing characters from both family lines.

The most important thing to me when writing any book is that God is glorified and readers are brought closer to Him through the pages.

Charity’s Cross Back cover copy:

Suspected of killing her husband, Charity Westcott flees on the first ship out of Portsmouth, England, heading for the colonies. Loathing all men after her abusive marriage, she hopes to reunite with her family in Charles Towne, but the ship ends up in Nassau. When she spots her husband’s brother, who is intent on seeing her hang, boarding her ship, she jumps overboard. 

Pirate turned preacher, Elias Dutton, must get to Barbados as soon as possible. His sister is in danger, and his parents have charged him with her safety. He cannot let them down—again.  But after rescuing a madcap woman from the bay, he now finds himself tricked into masquerading as her husband so they both can procure passage to Barbados.

Pirates, storms, shipwreck, and betrayal threaten to delay the couple in their journey even as sparks fly between them. With her brother-in-law in fast pursuit, the last thing Charity wants is help from a man, especially a religious one, but she has no choice. After Elias’s heart was broken by a sordid woman who nearly ruined his life, he seeks a woman pure as the virgin sands of the Caribbean. He believes he has found such a woman in Charity. Until he discovers she is a murderer and is now faced with two choices: letting her go or turning her in to the authorities.

MaryLu Links

Amazon link to buy Charity’s Cross: http://bit.ly/CharityCrossAmazon

MaryLu Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/marylu.tyndall.author/

MaryLu Twitter page: https://twitter.com/MaryLuTyndall

MaryLu Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mltyndall/

MaryLu Blog and Website:  http://www.marylutyndall.com

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

Charity's Cross (Charles Towne Belles) (Volume 4) - paperback
Charity's Cross - Kindle

And now we're going to check out Debbie Lynne and her book:

Bio: Debbie Lynne Costello has enjoyed writing stories since she was eight years old. She

raised her family and then embarked on her own career of writing the stories that had been

begging to be told. She and her husband have four children and live in upstate South Carolina.

She has worked in many capacities in her church and is currently the Children’s director. Debbie

Lynne has shown and raised Shetland sheepdogs for eighteen years and still enjoys litters now

and then. In their spare time, She and her husband enjoy camping and riding their Arabian and

Tennessee Walking horses.

How Shattered Memories intertwines with Charleston history

In 1886 after some mild earth rumblings, Charleston, South Carolina, was hit with a 7.0+ earthquake that twisted the earth so severely that waterlines broke leaving people without water and gas lines fractured, causing widespread fires.

Very few buildings escaped either total destruction or major damage. Many of the buildings that were salvageable were fitted with earthquake bolts. These are long rods with a washer and nut on the end that runs through both walls of the building. So many buildings and even hospitals were damaged as the ground shifted and rumbled. In Shattered Memories, my hero’s family sets up a makeshift hospital when all the local hospitals are damaged beyond use.

Wires were cut and railroad tracks twisted from the quake, leaving Charleston and its close neighbors temporarily cut off from the world.

An estimated 14,000 chimneys fell from the earthquake and nearly every building had severe damage. My heroine, Olivia experiences this devastation when she returns to her family’s home and finds it in shambles.

Structural damage was reported as far away as Alabama, central Ohio, eastern Kentucky, southern Virginia, and western West Virginia.

Although most numbers say 66 deaths were attributed to the quake, it is hard to know for sure what the true amount was. Due to poor accounting of people, there seems to be a question of how accurate the numbers are. There were people counted who were already sick but it was said their death was hastened from fright of the quake. Then there were the deaths that occurred instantly, and the deaths that came over time as a result of injuries sustained. So a true count will never be known. However, I found numbers as low as 50 and high as 500. Just as the real people of the Charleston earthquake struggled with loss, my characters face the deaths of family and friends.

Doctors saw wide varieties of injuries from the disaster. My hero, Drew, is a doctor as is his father and brothers. His family works hard to treat victims of the earthquake while comforting them through their loss and pain.

The total damage was in excess of 5.5 million dollars (112 million in today's market). Despite South Carolina’s leading role in the Civil War, the country rallied around Charleston and sent aid to help in its rebuilding. In 14 months, Charleston had rebuilt its city.

The people behind my characters in Shattered Memories

Most of my characters come from within my head. I can ask myself what if—and then see how my character responds. As I go through visualizing how they react to different circumstances and questions, I learn my character. It usually takes about 3 chapters for me to truly get to know who they are and before I am comfortable with them. Those first 3 chapters are sometimes slow to write because I’m not sure how they are going to respond to things or how their dialogue with others will progress. I want to keep them true to who I visualize in my head. The more I write the more I know them and know what their response is going to be. I think I can say that all of my characters have something, whether it’s a habit, trait, look, or belief comes from someone I have met, seen, or know.

But the characters of Shattered Memories are a little bit closer to home. Each of the Warwick children has traits of one of my own children. It was fun to mold the characters with a child in mind. Now that isn’t to say my characters are my children. Sweet mercy! They’d tar and feather me if I did that. But I tried to pick out things about them (my children) which would resonate with my character and then I developed the personality from there.

I hope as you read this story that the people within the book will come to life and you’ll somehow connect with them, feeling their pain, uncertainty, turmoil, as well as their relief, discoveries, and happiness. I hope the setting will be real and you will walk through the streets with each of these characters, seeing the devastation and experiencing what they experienced.

But above all I hope you walk away with some nugget that brings you closer to our Lord and Savior. 

Shattered Memories Back Cover Copy:

Olivia Macqueen wakes in a makeshift hospital, recovering from a head injury. With amnesia stealing a year of her memories, she has trouble discerning between lies and truth. When her memories start returning in bits and pieces, she must keep up the charade of amnesia until she can find out the truth behind the embezzlement of her family’s business while evading the danger lurking around her.

Doctor Drew Warwick frantically searches through the rubble left by the Charleston earthquake for the lady who owns his heart. He finds her injured and lifeless. When she regains consciousness, the doctor’s hopes are dashed as he realizes she doesn’t remember him. But things only get worse after he discovers she believes she’s still engaged to the abusive scoundrel, Lloyd Pratt. Now Drew is on a race with the wedding clock to either help her remember or win her heart again before she marries the wrong man.

Debbie Lynne's Links:

Website: www.debbielynnecostello.com

Blog: www.theswordandspirit.blogspot.com - www.HHHistory.com

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/debbielynne1/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9458076.Debbie_Lynne_Costello  

Google Plus:  https://plus.google.com/u/0/+DebbieLynneCostello/posts

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DebiLynCostello

Purchase Shattered Memories:  http://www.amazon.com/Debbie-Lynne-

Costello/e/B00TRT6RYS/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1 

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book or ebook. Please tell us if you like reading books about pirates and natural disasters. 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