BIO: Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction
Writers Carol Award winner. She is the author of over thirty titles in the
suspense and lighthearted romance genres. Her suspense novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, earned a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award,
and she has also been honored with a Holt Medallion Award of Merit. She is
pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Harlequin
Heartwarming. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly,
she loves to be home with Papa Bear, Yogi, Boo Boo, a dog with social anxiety
problems, a chubby box turtle, and a feisty parakeet.
Not much at all
really in the suspense novels. Those heroes/heroines are brave, stalwart and
intrepid. Me? Not so much! In the quirky, lighthearted romances like Sit,
Stay, Love, there's a lot more of the wacky Dana Mentink.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever
done?
Hmmm. I wanted
to go to clown college when I was younger. Does that count?
I was a professional clown for several
years. I didn’t go to clown college, but I trained under a couple who were both
clowns. It was a great when I was involved in children’s ministry, and I did
clown gigs. When did you first discover that you were a writer?
Probably in
fifth grade. I just adored writing fairy tales and mysteries. It was so much
more interesting than say ... math!
Tell us the range of the kinds of books
you enjoy reading.
Pretty much
anything fiction, except for fantasy, sci-fi and horror. I love thrillers,
mysteries, lighthearted romance, and literary fiction.
How do you keep your sanity in our run,
run, run world?
I would not say
I'm completely sane. Ha! Really the only thing that keeps me grounded is the
Lord and the steady encouragement of my hubby, Papa Bear, who is absolutely a
gift from God.
How do you choose your characters’ names?
I love to look
at name lists online. I like unusual names. The key is to have them varied so
you don't have a Milly and Tilly or a Jett and Rhett.
What is the accomplishment that you are
most proud of?
Raising my two
bear cubs, Yogi and Boo Boo (Emily and Holly.) One is a high school senior and
the other, a sophomore. I find myself watching them turn into gentle,
compassionate souls and I am so very proud to have partnered with God in the
raising up of these women.
If you were an animal, which one would
you be, and why?
I'd be a dog in
my home because I can tell you that dogs are treated very well here in Mentink
Manor. Just ask our wee little Junie.
What is your favorite food?
Chocolate,
though I will not admit that to my third grade students.
What is the problem with writing that was
your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
I have always
burned the candle at both ends and I want to say YEESSSSSSS! to every writing
opportunity. I've learned to be more selective about the tasks I undertake.
Sit, Stay, Love is a lighthearted, dog-themed Christian
romance which features Cal, a pro baseball pitcher, Gina, an out-of-work
teacher and Tippy, a geriatric dog who belonged to Cal 's deceased mother. It's a book about
forgiveness, and understanding who we are in God's eyes. I hope it leaves you
with your tail wagging and your soul lifted high.
Please give us the first page of the
book.
"What
is that?" Cal Crawford looked in disgust from Pete to the sagging bundle
under his pitching coach's arm.
"It's a
dog, of course," Pete said. "Your mother's dog. What kind of a
question is that?"
The dog stared
at Cal with
mournful brown eyes. Or maybe it was the hangdown ears or the greying jowls
that added to the gloom on the gaze. "I've had dogs. Hunting dogs. That's
not in the same line."
"She's a dog all right, a dachshund mixed
with something taller and wider." Pete gave the animal a conciliatory rub
between the eyebrows. "I've been taking care of her since the
funeral."
"Yeah, it
was, but I've got to have my boat rehauled and anyway Tippy's not a good
sailor. I think she's prone to seasickness."
"Her, not
it. Name's Tippy, like I said, and your mother wouldn't want her to go to the
pound. I've asked everyone from the shortstop to the hot dog vendors and no one
wants a thirteen-year-old mutt of dubious ancestry."
"Why not?"
"Spring
training's coming up."
Pete quirked a
sarcastic eyebrow. "I'm aware. We work for the same team, you know."
"I'm a
starter."
This is perfect book to feature today.
Yesterday, I watched the opening day game for the Texas Rangers. James and I watch almost
every game they play. How can readers find you on the Internet?
I'm happy to
interact with readers via my website at www.danamentink.com.
I'm also on FB at Dana Mentink's Reader Page and Twitter...@danamentink. Thank
you so much for having me and God bless!
It’s my pleasure and great blessing.
Thank you for sharing this book with us.
What do you get when you add one abrasive professional athlete, a quirky out-of-work schoolteacher, and an overweight geriatric dog? A lesson in love—Tippy style—in Dana Mentink's new book, Sit, Stay, Love. As Gina travels through Cal’s world with Tippy in tow, she begins to see Cal in a different light. Gina longs to show Cal the God-given blessings in his life that have nothing to do with baseball or fame. When her longing blooms into attraction, Gina does her best to suppress it. But Cal is falling in love with her too. . . .
Join Dana in celebrating the release of Sit, Stay, Love with a blog tour and a Travels with Tippy prize pack giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A copy of Sit, Stay, Love
- A basket filled with Tippy-themed goodies
- Travel-themed decorator box
- Reading dog statue
- Dog journal
- Poems for Dog Lovers
- Snuggle Paws fleece blanket from Animal Rescue Site
- Pawprint scarf
- Doxie desk pen
- Pupmobile auto magnet
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on April 25th. The winner will be announced April 26th on Dana's blog.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Sit, Stay, Love - Christianbook.comSit, Stay, Love (Love Unleashed) - Amazon
Sit, Stay, Love (Love Unleashed Book 1) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book on this blog. 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
19 comments:
angela in ky would love to win
Since I am a dog lover, I really love the sound of this book. Thank you for the opportunity!
Melanie Backus, TX
What a great interview and so fun learning about Dana! This book sounds so good and loving that cover :) Would love to win a copy, thanks for the giveaway!
Kara Grant in Miami, FL
I would love to put Tippy on my bookshelf. This is a book to read and reread!
Beth Erin in IL
This sounds great! My sister (who's a dog nut) will love to read this too.
J.C. -Indiana-
I have a 14 1/ y/o rescued min pin named Puppy that I love dearly. I would love to read this book.
Out of our six remaining dogs (we just lost one to cancer), five are senior dogs. And, three are rescues.
Linda in CA
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I'm only familiar with Dana Mentink's LI Suspense novels. This one looks so fun and differeent.
Terrill - WA
I love books with dogs as a character. Would love to win a copy. Thank you.
From Indiana
Blessings,
Cindy W.
What a great giveaway! Thank you for the opportunity. :-) I love the book cover. Story looks wonderful!
I love books with doggies!! Would love to read and review this book!!
Annette - Porter, TX
This sounds like such a fun read! Who can resist a good story that includes a dog.
Patty in SC
This sounds like a fun read and I love the cover. You just can't miss when there is a baby or puppy involved!
Blessings!
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
How sweet that Tippy is front and center in this book. I also like the theme of the book. This sounds like a fun read that I would enjoy.
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann in NY
Enter Me!!
Conway, SC.
Looks like a very funny book thanks for the chance to win in Pennsylvania
Oh, Tippy was my first dog and I loved him so much! Love the cover and the story sounds fun.
Beth from IA
This book sounds fun. I love dogs and baseball.
Michelle
CA
Sounds like a fun book. I love the excerpt.
Tennessee
Looks like it's a fun book would love to win.
Lourdes Long Island, NY
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