SIT, STAY, LOVE - Dana Mintink - One Free Book

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.

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

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.

Tell us about the featured book.

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."

           

Cal shifted. He'd forgotten. He'd been on the road when his mother passed away and Pete had taken care of the details, Cal flying in just before the funeral and jetting off immediately after. "That's right," he said. "It was good of you to do that, Pete."

             

"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."

           

Cal winced as the physical therapist kneaded the sore muscle in his shoulder. Shouldn't be so tender, not in the off season. He shoved the thought aside. The dog stared at him. "So why did you bring it here?"

           

"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."

           

Cal gaped as the facts assembled themselves in his mind. "You're not thinking that I'm going to take it?"

           

"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.com
Sit, Stay, Love (Love Unleashed) - Amazon
Sit, Stay, Love (Love Unleashed Book 1) - Kindle

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