Tuesday, May 31, 2016

LEAD ME HOME - Amy K Sorrells - One Free Book

Bio: A lifelong Hoosier and registered nurse, Amy Sorrells has contributed her diverse, award-winning writing to medical journals, newspapers, and Indy Writes Books, an anthology benefitting literacy in central Indiana. She makes her home on the outskirts of town with her husband and three sons. Lead Me Home is her third novel. Connect with Amy at amysorrells.wordpress.com

Welcome, Amy. Tell us a little about this title, Lead Me Home.
When I write, I hear music, whether I’m listening to it or not. Often I write to music, selecting or creating playlists supporting ideas for what the characters are experiencing—much like a filmmaker might imagine music for a movie. When I began this novel, I was drawn to old tent revival hymns, and I often listened to them as I wrote. As the characters and plot took shape, the song “Lead Me Home, Precious Lord” became more and more important to what I felt was nearly all of the characters’ essential journey: trudging through the pain of life with God at our side in order to discover where we truly belong.

What is your hope for this book?
My hope for this book is for the person who picks it up, who feels they’re too small or too broken or too invisible to matter in life, to know that they matter. Not only do they matter, they are essential and beautiful and important.

Please introduce us to your two main characters.
Pastor James Horton is the first protagonist who appears, and in my mind, he is a modern day Jimmy Stewart type of a man who is so beloved but so blind to how much his life matters to the people around him. Broken by the recent death of his wife, as well as the impending closure of his small town church, he feels lost and purposeless until life challenges him to reconsider.

The second protagonist is Noble Burden. He’s a young man who wants nothing more than to follow his dreams of singing and playing music, until his father abandons their dairy farm, mother, and special needs older brother, Eustace, forcing Noble to choose between his dreams and the people he loves. He’s stubborn and handsome, rough and gentle, with a heart that pushes the boundaries of the horizons he feels have him trapped.

You focus on the idea of “home” in your book. Can you unpack this a little for us?
As long as we’re on this planet, we’re going to wish we were somewhere else. James struggles with wondering why God brought him to town. Noble struggles with wanting to get away from town as soon as he can. I think many people struggle with their place in the world. God gave us a longing for our eternal home that can never be fully realized on earth. All we can do is give thanks for where we are and ask Him what He wants from us while we’re here.  Learning to embrace that, which essentially comes down to gratefulness, is something I have to work on. But oh the peace and joy when I remember that it’s true!

You focus on the idea of brokenness in your book. How do you hope to encourage the broken?
The folks in Lead Me Home have a lot of reasons to be broken. We all do. Brokenness is especially difficult when you feel like you’re alone. So much importance is placed on the big and shiny in our world that the small town, small church, and smallness of the characters’ lives might parallel how many of us feel—small, unimportant, and even invisible in the eyes of God and others when we ask for help in the midst of our trials. I think many folks feel like they shouldn’t ask for help when neighbors struggle with something seemingly worse. But I’d like to encourage readers that no person, no place, and no trial is too small or too unnoticeable or too unworthy for our God, who is big enough not only to know us, but also to be with each of us in an intimate and personal way. I am especially grateful for God’s promise in Isaiah 42:3, that “He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle.”

What other themes are explored in this title?
Big versus small, old versus new, past versus future, fame versus marginalization, and hope versus despair, are a few of the other themes explored in Lead Me Home. Another important theme is community versus isolation, and how the Body of Christ plays in to our tendency to want to take care of our problems by ourselves.
           
In this novel, set in rural Indiana, you explore the idea of how a small town can crush big dreams. Talk more about that.
Small towns seem like unlikely places to fulfill the American Dream, especially if the American Dream is defined by fortune and fame, riches and happiness. We are not a society which celebrates small. Whether stores or churches, dreams or accomplishments, the tendency is to create bigger and better.

No wonder so many of us struggle with being satisfied with what we have and where we are. No wonder small towns, small farms, small churches and more are disappearing from our landscape. No wonder we can hardly claim to have true friendships when friendships have become defined by numbers on platforms like Facebook and Twitter. And no wonder Eustace is my favorite character in the novel.

Jesus says blessed are the poor and those who have lost what they hold dear. Blessed are those who are content and merciful and caring. Blessed are those with pure hearts, who don’t compete or fight. Matthew 5:3 (TMV) says, “With less of you there is more of God and his rule.” Not that those traits can’t be found in large venues. But I do fear what our society misses, more and more, because of the big and loud.

How is the setting of this novel important to you?
My first two novels were set in places (Alabama, Michigan and Ukraine) familiar to me from travel, but I felt this novel pulling my heart toward my home state of Indiana. Not only that, but this story was also inspired by my cousins and their dairy farm, one of the few remaining, family owned, sustainable dairy farms in the state. The parallel between small, dying churches and the demise of small, privately owned farms in our country was important to me to portray. When we leave pieces of us—whether societal or personal—behind, which are the very things that have historically shaped and sustained us, we lose something. We lose knowledge. We lose the wisdom of generations which have gone before us. And at the end of the day, we lose a bit of our selves.

How do you hope this novel will resonate with your readers?               

I have so many hopes for readers of this novel. First, I hope it makes folks think about where God has placed them, and ask themselves why, especially if they’re unhappy or think they want to be anyplace but where they are. God cares more about our hearts than our circumstances, and sometimes we are where we are because that’s the place where God can shape us and, more importantly, where we can find Him. I hope readers will think about the still, small places neglected in their own lives, and that they will pay closer attention to the whispers of God all around them. And most of all, I hope they’ll see that just like in Lead Me Home, God often uses the least expected, disregarded people and places in our lives to save us.

Thank you, Amy, for sharing this new book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Lead Me Home - Christianbook.com
Lead Me Home - Amazon
Lead Me Home - Kindle

Comments: When you leave a comment, please tell us whether you'd rather live in a large city, small town, or in the country.

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

Monday, May 30, 2016

RESILIENCE - L R Burkard - One Free Book

Welcome back, Linore. Tell us about your salvation experience.
I got saved in a confrontation very similar to what Richard experiences in RESILIENCE, when Tex asks him the simple question, “If you died tonight, would you go to heaven or hell?” It started a dialogue that led me to the Bible and eventually, to following Jesus. For me, coming to faith in Jesus Christ was the beginning of learning how to live. Jesus quickly began changing the course of my life, and since then, I have been blessed beyond measure.

You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?
Well, I just did a retreat with seven other authors, and found that It’s hard to write when instead you can talk about writing! I think I'd prefer just one other author unless my aim was to pick the brain of a writer I admire. (That one author I’d enjoy doing a retreat with in order to actually get writing done? My best retreat buddy, fellow Ohioan author Teresa Slack.)

Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.
I've done speaking engagements in the past, but I took a sabbatical to concentrate on writing and homeschooling. Likewise, I love to do workshops for writers, but haven’t been doing them recently for the same reason. I hope to start up again in the near future.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?
The "most" embarrassing might not fit here, but once when my husband and I had just started dating, we were seated in a crowded, pricey restaurant for lunch in New York. I picked up a glass of ice water and somehow proceeded to drop it—water and ice went everywhere, including all over me. My date, (my future husband) was watching to see how I’d react, so I looked at him as though I was completely unfazed—and smiled. He later told me how surprised he was when I remained so cool about it. For me, it was either "act cool" or die of embarrassment!

People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that?
First, I help them explore whether they really mean it or not (because many people say that, but few really mean it). If they do, I try to encourage them and often give information on local writers’ groups and things like that. That’s my usual. But I have a big exception to the rule. If I’m on the last legs of a book manuscript, for instance, when my schedule is crazy busy due to writing, I might say, “Poor you! Don’t write unless you’re called to it!” (And then I encourage them, honest!)    

Tell us about the featured book.
RESILIENCE is the sequel to PULSE. It’s Book Two in the Pulse Effex Series—an apocalyptic YA exploration of the aftermath of an EMP that renders the United States powerless—literally. There is no electrical grid, no technology that still works, and the story unfolds through the eyes of three teen girls who tell what their lives have become—in a country without internet, cell phones, grocery stores, and lights, to name a few. The thing about this series is that the idea for it—that an electromagnetic pulse can send the country into the dark ages—is not fiction. Not only can it happen, but just yesterday a headline told us that N. Korea now has satellites above our nation that can cause such a thing to happen. Ted Koppel’s book, LIGHTS OUT, tells how it can be done. My books show what it will look like.       

Please give us the first page of the book.
It’ll be a teaser, but you asked for it..

            Chapter One:  SARAH, May 11th, 4 months after the pulse

I knew before we left that something was wrong, but Richard never listens to me.  It was dusk, time to get moving.  Most people stay in after dark, which is why we travel at night. It's safer this way. People are the primary threat. Not regular, normal people like your grandmother or neighbors, or kindergarten teacher; those people are mostly gone. All the nice ones, gone! The ones left? They're the reason we move at night.

 “We don’t have time, Sarah.” I looked up at my brother, my only family in the world I know for sure is still alive now that the EMP has sent our country into the dark ages.

 “Almost done.”

He frowned as I hurried to scribble a few more lines in this journal, one of my meager belongings I’ve held onto from the time life was normal.  Since before the EMP—the electromagnetic pulse that took down the power grid of the nation.
 
We had slept in an abandoned barn, on old, dusty hay. It was far cleaner than other places we’d slept in recently. Richard brushed hay out of his hair, and pulled a comb from his back pocket. I have to hand it to him—he’s grown a beard, but still manages to stay neat and groomed. His hair is short—he shaved his off not long after I shaved mine and for the same reason—lice. But unlike me, he looks good with the crew cut, like a military guy off duty. Except Richard is on duty. He’s always on duty. Life is too dangerous to ever relax, ever let down our guard.

“C’mon, time’s up.” My eyes met Richard’s and I sighed, shutting my book and letting him pull me to my feet. I knew he was right. I could hardly see what I was writing in the fading light. I shoved my journal and pen into my purse, strung it around my neck and tied it across my torso, close to my body. I shook hay off and pulled on my coat and zipped it, hiding the purse. Richard had already replaced his knife into its ankle holster, checked the pistol in his pocket, and was ready to move on. He slung the military-issue daypack over his back, then his rifle, and nodded at me.

Sometimes it was hard to remember this was Richard, my brother who had gone off to college and come home thinking guns should be banned. Or that building a strong military was foolish. Now he looks for firearms all the time. Sometimes we find them on fallen bodies … that’s all I can say right now about that.
[For more of a sneak peek, readers can download the first two chapters here]

Interesting. How can readers find you on the Internet?
Right now I have two websites, which reflect the two genres I write in. By next year, I hope to be unveiling a single integrated site. For my YA/Futuristic novels, the Pulse Effex Series, I’m at http://www.LRBurkard.com.  For my historical romance, I’m at http://www.LinoreBurkard.com I’m also on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and GoodReads. To be among the first to hear of new books or contests and giveaways, readers can join my newsletter mailing list. (I don’t send a lot of mail—ever—and I don’t share my list!) They can sign up at either of my websites.

Thanks for having me on the blog, Lena.

It's my great pleasure to host you, Linore.

Readers, here is a link to buy the book. 
Buy Now

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

Sunday, May 29, 2016

WINNERS!!!!!

Angela (KY) is the winner of Someone Like You by Victoria Bylin.

Trixi (OR) is the winner of the Ebook Love's Harvest by Linda Shenton Matchett.

Mary P (Aus) is the winner of the Ebook Promise Me by Jo Huddleston.

J C (IN) is the winner of Here Today, Gone Tamale by Rebecca Adler.

KayLee (NY) is the winner of Through the Shadows by Karen Barnett.

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.

Friday, May 27, 2016

FAMILY LIES, DEADLY TIES - J A Marx - One Free Book

Dear Readers, J. A. is a member of the critique group that meets in my home. She’s a co-host with me. When I can’t host, the group meets at her house. We also go to the same church, so we’re good friends. We critiqued this book in our group, and it’s wonderful. She writes suspense. This is her first romantic suspense, and it’s very good. Strong characters and lots of surprises. Just the kind of suspense book I like. You won’t want to miss it.

Welcome back, J. A. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?
Thanks for having me on your blog, Lena. It’s always a pleasure to work with you.

I’m grateful to be in a season of redemption right now. Part of this requires me cut back and allow the Holy Spirit to rewire all areas of my life. The process has slowed my writing down, but in a good way. So what awaits me on the horizon is bit of a mystery. At the same time, I know He plans to prosper me (Jeremiah 29) and He has only good things in store. I’ll keep you posted.

Tell us a little about your family.
I love family! I have two grown children, one daughter-in-law, and two adorable grandchildren. And I guess I should mention the two grand-dogs and a grand-cat. We all live in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, so we see each other often.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?
Oh, yes. First, it’s hard not to mentally edit any book as I read, “Ugh. They put ‘where’ and ‘at’ in the same sentence!” Second, I love reading what I enjoy writing. I glean from other authors in my genre; their style and voice inspire me.

What are you working on right now?
Currently, I’m working on a presentation for a writing workshop in July. On the side, I’m putting together a non-fiction work that I hope will touch the lives of women (and men?) in emotionally abusive situations. My heart has broken over this area of oppression, so I’m gathering true life stories and doing a ton of research. I also have a blog with weekly posts that often blossom out of the deep healing God is walking me through.

What outside interests do you have?
Great question, Lena. I’m into fitness, and I’m slowly getting back into nutrition. I also love to paint (acrylic), which I consider both worship and therapy. Someday, I hope to get back into dancing.

How do you choose your settings for each book? By the way, I love the setting for this novel.
Setting is one thing I have to develop from the onset, or at least within the first couple of chapters. I aim to create a setting that will double as a character in the story. I design it so the human characters must interact with it. Will it be hostile? Cozy? Mysterious? Unsettling? This all makes a difference to me in how I carry out a plot.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?
Elijah, the biblical prophet. He strikes me as transparent and emotional. I can relate to him—at least I think I can. Mostly, I’m fascinated by him and all he did serving the Lord.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?
I wish I had known how key a Moral Premise is to a story. Having the same vice and virtue working consistently in each character makes a story cohesive and helps the reader engage. Learning this has completely altered my writing.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?
God has me going at a slow place (slow to me because I was trapped in a mach-10-pace lifestyle until recently). Rest is beautiful. Worshiping without restraint is life-changing. He is revealing more of who He is and that is helping me discover who I truly am in Him.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?
Study the craft well, and don’t try to publish until your talent/skill has been confirmed by others in the industry. Get in a critique group and develop a thick skin. Don’t stop writing.

Tell us about the featured book.
Rylee Shepherd’s background is everything but enviable, and her time as a nanny in Hawaii is ticking away. God, however, is teaching her to live by grace, not by works. She overcomes false beliefs about herself and her past. The twins she nannies, who are raised on heavy doses of Disney, are hard not to fall in love with.

Her boss’s estranged son, Noah Logun, lives with his gracious pastors who are helping train him how to fight a spiritual war according to his faith in Christ. Noah desires to acquire “the eyes of Elisha” (2 Kings 16) and overcome his history as “the loser.”

Will Rylee and Noah discover the truths that will help them win the biggest battle of their lives? Can they do this before felons Lizard and “Kojak” execute their wicked plan?

Please give us the first page of the book for my readers.
Will they find me here? The odds were not in Rylee Shepherd’s favor. Moving halfway across the Pacific Ocean was the bravest decision she had ever made but maybe not the smartest.

Rylee tugged the crumpled, washed-out piece of paper out of the pocket of her shorts, which she’d accidentally laundered along with her clothes a couple days ago. She’d kept the ad for this nanny position handy in case she had trouble finding her new boss after landing in Hawaii. The ad described the Kauai residence as a beach house, and at first read, she had pictured a peaceful, modest bungalow.

Standing alone in the spacious, airy great room, she turned in a slow circle. She determined to beat the human record for adjusting to a new home. Only a hint of the initial tension still lingered in her stomach, unlike the first day she entered this museum-like palace. Recalling that day in vivid color, she thanked God her chest hadn’t caved in and the ocean of heaviness hadn’t buckled her knees.

Me fainting would not have impressed Mrs. Logun.

A flicker of blue on the white tile floor caught her eye. Rylee picked up one of the boys’ Lego men that had escaped the playroom and rolled the tiny figure between her thumb and forefinger. The little guy was lucky she spotted him. This dwelling with its colossal dimensions and asymmetrical décor swallowed him the way outer space would swallow a bubble.

“Small and exposed. I know exactly how you feel.” Rylee stuffed the lonely toy man into her shorts pocket next to the other play piece she’d found on the head of one of the statues in the marble entry. She would return both men to the third-story world where they belonged.

If only I could fit in as painlessly as Lego pieces fit together. A speck of her heart ached for the cozy sense of belonging she’d left behind on the mainland. As long as that speck didn’t turn into a thorn in her side, she’d manage fine.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/ 
Pinterest (for this novel)

Thank you, J. A., for sharing this new book with us. I know my readers will love it as much as I do.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Family Lies Deadly Ties - Paperback
Family Lies Deadly Ties - 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

Thursday, May 26, 2016

BATTLE READY - Mike Mayhugh - 3 Free Print Books, 3 Free Ebooks

Dear Readers, I’ve known Mike Mayhugh for decades. When he was in his late teens, he and my older daughter dated for a while. His family and our family are long-time friends, and both his mother and I hoped they would get married. There has been a lot of water under the bridge in the decades since, but my opinion of Mike hasn’t changed. He’s a wonderful family man who loves the Lord. I’m thrilled to introduce you to his book. And here’s a bonus, he’s going to give away 3 print books and 3 ebooks on this blog interview.

Welcome, Mike. What would you like for our readers to know about you personally?
I find it rather funny that I have a Master of Divinity degree from Southern Methodist University. Who can truly Master the Divine? I have a piece of paper that says I did?! It should have been called a Striving to be perfected in Love like the Divine Master degree. I also have a degree in Christian Ministries from Asbury University. I am glad this pastoring calling worked out, because otherwise, all I can do with my two degrees is deliver pizza.

I also have a passion to keep pastors who have been mobbed from leaving ministry.

I love your heart for other pastors, Mike. Tell us about your family.
I have a beautiful wife who is a cancer survivor. She underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. She is a mighty warrior and the inspiration for my book. She is in ministry with me and is the Christian Education Director at the church where I pastor. I have two adorable daughters. One who is finishing up her student teaching and is applying for a High School Biology teaching position in the Austin area where she also wants to open up a knick-knack shop. Mikala has finished up her sophomore year and is doing a yearlong internship at Walt Disney World working in attractions.

Cool. Have you written other nonfiction books?
This is my first book ever to write and was written out of my passion to stop the destructive bullying and mobbing that is escalating in our society today.

Do you have any other books in the works right now?
Yes, Hell Is for Real Memoirs of what was intended for evil, God used for good.

Can’t wait to read that one, too. What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?
I love visiting amusement parks, riding the rides and seeing the shows. My favorite park is the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World! My draw to this hobby came from my first job as a teenager working at Six Flags Over Texas in my hometown of Arlington, Texas.

Why did you write the featured book?
The world is under spiritual attack and many of us are not aware of it. The use of intimidation, bullying, and mobbing are escalating in our schools, workplace, and our churches. Clergy are leaving the ministry in droves, and there is an exodus of laity who are leaving toxic churches, and people are not participating in events where abusive people are present. The disruption of church meetings and the destruction of people’s lives by toxic people trying to get their way by coerced manipulation and the spreading of misinformation to control how others view the victim is getting out of hand. This is Evil! This is a Spiritual Battle that needs to be fought!
 Unfortunately, most clergy and people avoid conflict, and since these antagonistic people have never been confronted with their wrongdoing, they become psychologically abusive to individuals and institutions. When peace at all cost is more important than justice, we create the monsters that are in our midst that destroy our churches, schools, sporting events, workplaces and people’s lives.

I wrote this book to expose this demonic behavior, to help victims find healing, and to embolden the reader to be proactive in spiritual warfare.

What do you want the reader to take away from the book?
I want people to know that the Christian answer to demonic opposition is not confusion or retreat but firm resistance in faith. I want the reader to engage in the struggle against hostile spiritual forces with confident faith and trust in God. The reader needs to also be aware that personality disorders are on the rise in our world. The Church has become a safe place for these folks to practice their bad behavior without consequences or recourse because we do not lovingly care enough to confront and take action to remove the unrepentant abusive person from our churches. We don’t do it because we think it is unchristian. I want people to know that if we continue to allow the bullying, mobbing, and manipulation to continue that it is an unchristian approach to resolving our differences. I want this book to empower the reader to be able to confront, expose, and deal with this bad behavior.

This is why I invested my time, money, and resources to tell this story. Please, let us break this sick cycle of abuse and lovingly confront and make a pact to engage in spiritual warfare.

Is there anything you’d like to tell my readers about you or your book?
I pray this book will help those who have been deeply wounded by psychological abusive attacks recover, heal, thrive, and survive! I also believe this book will help people realize that on one hand, there was suffering, but on the other hand, God, out of that suffering, can bring a blessing that could not have come any other way. I believe this book is a result of suffering in my life that allows me to be a blessing to others overcoming their pain.

Please give us the first page or two from the book.
INTRODUCTION
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places”. –The Apostle Paul (Ephesians 6:12 NIV)

“Evil is not to be traced back to the individual but to the collective behavior of humanity.” --Reinhold Niebuhr

Do you know you are in a spiritual battle with evil every day? Do you know that the battles that wage around us are not only a part of our individual lives but also our corporate lives in the body of Christ?
  
These battles are a part of our journey, our destiny and our calling in doing God’s work. Let me just say, you can deny your purpose and the war that rages around you, but that does not mean that it is not happening. To acknowledge that spiritual warfare is around us and to engage in that war is a part of our Christian walk, life, testimony, inheritance and narrative. This war is fought on different fronts, with fluctuating degrees, and forces. We may not win all the battles, but we know, by the grace of God, we will win the war.

All battles are woven into the tapestry of our lives that eventually make up the big picture that God desires for us but that we, many times, cannot see in the here and the now. It is like a child looking through a knothole in a fence at the circus parade going through town. He sees the acrobats, and their crazy routines in the parade that make him laugh. He sees the bearded women and is amazed. He sees the lions and he is all of a sudden afraid. He sees an elephant, and he is astonished at its size. Then he is totally freaked out by the clowns with their painted faces. If we were to sit up in the tree by the fence, we could see the beginning, the middle, and the end of the parade. The spiritual world we live in is like that boy looking at that parade from the knothole. Life is all about perspective. Only God can see the big picture, but it is our responsibility to be aware of what is around us and trust that God has the best plans for our life.

We must believe that God knows the desires of our hearts including the desires that we do not even know. That is why it is imperative that we not only know that we are in a spiritual war but we need to be willing to fight. We need to develop some tactics to maneuver in this world to be battle ready. The spiritual world is real. The battle is being fought. The question is, do you want to engage in the warfare or live a life in denial of the war waging around you? To engage is the difference between being a victim of our circumstances or living victorious lives.

Jesus told us in Matthew 28:18 that, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.” (NLT) As believers who trust in God, we have this confidence that we are free for joyful service to the Lord because the war has been won. We have victory in Jesus and grace saves us through faith in Jesus as God’s Son. So my prayer is that this book will empower you to choose not to be a victim but to be victorious because the battle is ours!

1 LIVING IN THE HERE AND THE NOW
“In this life, we have to make many choices. Some are crucial, and some are not. Many of our choices are between good and evil. The choices we make, however, determine to a large extent our happiness or our unhappiness, because we have to live with the consequences of our  choices.” --James E. Faust

How we choose to live our lives is important. We can take the easy road and live in denial of the spiritual world around us and pretend it does not exist. The other day, I was at IHOP eating some of my favorite pancakes. The delicious harvest and grain pancakes make my stomach happy! To my right and across from me, there was this cute little girl sitting at a table and, for some reason, she was enamored with me. I guess I just look goofy or something. I remembered one of my  daughters’ favorite games to play when they were little was “Peek A Boo!” So, I took a napkin and unfolded it and held it before my face. Now to the toddler, I mysteriously disappeared and when I pulled it down and said “Peek A Boo”, I suddenly re-appeared. For a child’s mindset, this appeared to be magic. Every time I disappeared she was quiet and when I re-appeared she squealed with joy. I couldn’t help but be reminded of Paul’s analogy in 1 Corinthians 13:11, where he says “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” (NKJV) We are at a time where we must all grow up and cease to play “Peek A Boo” with the spiritual world that surrounds us. We may try to mysteriously make spiritual warfare disappear, but it is there all the same. Here are some scriptures that unpack what this spiritual world looks like. So let us fold up the napkin and face the reality of the spiritual world in which we live.

I would like to have you read the following scriptures and then answer some questions about what these scriptures are teaching us. Read the following and let us discover the truth that God’s wisdom reveals.

• Nehemiah 9:6: “You alone are the LORD. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve them all, and the angels of heaven worship you.” (NLT)

• Luke 2:13-15: “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” (ESV)

• Ephesians 6:12: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (NIV)

• Colossians 1:15-16: “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He had existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.” (NLT)

• Hebrews 11:3: “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” (ESV)

What do we specifically learn about angels from these scriptures?

Who is it that is besieging us?

Who are we combating?

How does Paul describe the “invisible world”?

Who gives us the perfect image of the invisible God?



Where on the Internet can the readers find you?
My wife and I have a website Mayhughbeblessed.com where we sell our books Battle Ready, Hold Tight and her CD Anchor of My Soul. It is also a site where you can book Lisa for an event or sign up with me for “Life Coaching” that is limited only to those Clergy under attack.

Thank you, Mike, or sharing this book with us.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book or 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

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

ANCHOR IN THE STORM - Sarah Sundin - One Free Book, Plus Much More

Dear Readers, I interviewed Sarah on the BlogTalk radio show, Along Came a Writer. It was fun to touch base with her again. It’s been a while since I’ve attended the ACFW National Conference. When talking about the book, I realized that this is one book I do not want to miss. I’ve been busy with my own writing and haven’t read it yet. It did move to the top of my to-be-read pile after the show. Sarah took second place in the Golden Scroll award contest that my book took third place.

Bio: Sarah Sundin is the author of eight historical novels, including Anchor in the Storm. Her novel Through Waters Deep was named to Booklist’s “101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years,” and her novella I’ll Be Home for Christmas in Where Treetops Glisten was a finalist for the 2015 Carol Award. A mother of three, Sarah lives in California, works on-call as a hospital pharmacist, and teaches Sunday school. She also enjoys speaking for church, community, and writers’ groups.

Welcome back, Sarah. 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?
Goodness, where would I start? Professionally, I wouldn’t have been published without my agent, my editor, and the entire team at Revell Books. Emotionally, I couldn’t do any of this without my family and friends supporting me, praying for me, and keeping me (somewhat) sane. Writing-wise, I’m indebted to my critique partners, plus countless writers who have taught and mentored and supported me. Research-wise, I received help from librarians in Ohio, the Director of Historic Parks in Boston, and my teen son who accompanied me on my research trip. It’s a shame only my name goes on the cover!

If you teach or speak, what’s coming up on your calendar?
I’ve had a busy spring—I was on the faculty at Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, served as a keynote speaker for a women’s retreat, and spoke at a Chamber of Commerce event. In coming weeks, I’m speaking at two church women’s events and I’m signing books at a 1940s day at a historical society museum. I keep a list of upcoming events on my website: http://www.sarahsundin.com/speaking/upcoming-events/

If you had to completely start over in another place, where would you move, and why?
Oh, the question I don’t want to answer. Our nest will be officially empty in July, and my husband is making noise about moving. However, I love our house, our neighborhood, our church, and our friends—and the thought of starting over again exhausts me. Talk to me again in five years.

If you could only tell aspiring novelists one thing, what would it be?
Take a deep breath. I remember the feeling of adoring my first unedited book and being impatient for the world to see it. Since self-publishing really wasn’t an option back then, I was forced to wait. During those waiting years, I learned about the craft (enough to scrap my first two novels entirely!), the publishing industry, social media, publicity, and how to deal with rejection—a necessity in this business. More importantly, the Lord used my waiting years to teach me about His sovereignty, His love, and His timing. I wouldn’t give up those years for anything. My advice—slow down and let God do His work in your life and your writing.

Very good advice. Too many aspiring authors move ahead of Him. 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])
Oh dear. I guarantee it would be a flop. I’m horrid at organizing events—it’s a miracle my own wedding came to pass. Also, I’ve never been on a cruise, and I’m not fond of the celebrity culture, so I wouldn’t even know where to start. As my kids would say… “Epic fail!”

You should try a cruise sometime. They’re a lot of fun with lots of time for relaxing, too. Tell us about the featured book.
For plucky Lillian Avery, America’s entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg’s attentions only annoy—even if he is her brother’s best friend. During the darkest days of the war, Arch’s destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves—and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection?

Please give us the first page of the book.
Vermilion, Ohio
Sunday, December 7, 1941
Lillian Avery’s dream couldn’t have come true at a worse time.

In the pale afternoon sun slanting through the kitchen window, Dad sat at the table building a model ship while humming “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand,” and Mom gathered kitchen gadgets.

“Here. A flour sifter.” Mom added it to Lillian’s pile on the counter.

“Remember, Mary Stirling said I didn’t need to bring anything for the apartment in Boston.”

Mom rummaged through a cabinet. “But do they have a flour sifter? You’ll need one. And last Christmas Jim gave me a new one.” Her voice cracked.

Lillian’s heart clenched. At the table, Dad stopped humming and gave Lillian a look that said, “At a time like this, take the flour sifter.”

Mom already had reason to be anxious, with the United States tilting on the brink of war and the three oldest Avery boys serving as naval officers. But now? Two weeks after Jim’s destroyer—a neutral ship!—had been sunk by a U-boat? Two weeks of not knowing if he was alive or dead?

How could Lillian leave home at a time like this?

She squeezed the handle of the flour sifter so it made the “shugga-shugga” sound she loved. “Sure, Mom. But if you fill my trunk with gadgets, I won’t have room for clothing and I’ll have to walk around Boston naked.” She winked at Dad.

He smiled and resumed humming and tinkering.

“Lillian Avery! What am I going to do with you?” Mom extracted herself from the cabinet, her hazel eyes misty. “Rather, what am I going to do without you?”

“You’ll manage, same as you did when I was at Ohio State.”

“I know.” Mom tucked a graying lock of hair back into the roll at the nape of her neck. “But I do wish you’d found a job closer to home.”

Lillian suppressed a groan. Even excellent grades hadn’t shielded her from six months of unemployment. Thank goodness Jim had found her a position in Boston. Of course, she’d still have to prove herself. In the acceptance letter, Cyrus Dixon stated he didn’t want to hire a girl pharmacist but that the peacetime draft limited his choices. She could imagine how he felt about hiring a cripple.

“I’ll be fine, Mom.” In time, she’d win over crotchety Mr. Dixon. 

Where can we find you on the Internet?



In a time of sacrifice, what price can one put on true love? Pharmacist Lillian Avery and Ensign Archer Vandenberg are about to find out in Sarah Sundin's new book, Anchor in the Storm. During the darkest days of the war, Arch's destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves—and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions Lillian has been filling? As the danger rises on both land and sea, the two must work together to answer that question. But can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection?

Celebrate the release of Sarah's Anchor in the Storm by entering to win her All Hands on Deck Prize Pack!

anchor in the storm - 400 

One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A signed copy of Anchor in the Storm
  • Nautical tote bag lined with anchor fabric
  • Anchor necklace made from copper reclaimed from the USS Constitution in Boston during restoration
  • 365 Devotions for Hope by Karen Whiting
  • Shine: Nautical Inspirational Adult Coloring Book
  • "Hope Anchors the Soul" journal
  • Set of two nautical tea towels
LF AIS full group 2 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 8th. The winner will be announced June 9th on Sarah's blog.

anchor in the storm - banner


Thank you, Sarah, for sharing this new book and the special giveaway with my readers.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Anchor in the Storm  - Christianbook.com

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:

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

A TWIST OF FAITH - Pepper Basham - One Free Book

Welcome, Pepper. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
Well, I think it depends on the characters. I know there is some of me in all of them, especially the heroines, but I find many more of my own personal thoughts and character traits in the ones who are a bit quirkier ;-)

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
Aha, and speaking of quirky J Probably dress up as Gandalf to play LOTR with my kids in the backyard. I even made a cotton ball beard.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I feel like I’ve been story creating my whole life, but actual writing started when I was about eight. My sweet granny bought me a second-hand typewriter when I was 10 and gave it to me because she said, “A writer needs one.” She was the first person to call me a writer. It stuck.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I love adventurous books with either intense romance, suspense, humor, or action. Usually I stick with any of the above if they have a good dose of romance.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
The grace of God! Definitely. And lots of laughter, music, prayer, family, tea, and chocolate. I’m a more relaxed personality, so it helps with juggling the crazy.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
I use a baby names book with name meanings, but I also ask my brainstorming team for ideas and keep my ears open for other interesting names.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
My children. Hands down. Now, if you mean writing, I’m just so proud to have three books releasing this year – and I’m proud of all of them.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
A golden retriever – probably.

When I was in high school and college, our family had a golden retriever. He rode in the back of Daddy’s pickup truck with his head hanging around the driver’s side edge of the cab. He loved the wind in his face. What is your favorite food?
Savory: Chicken Scaloppini   Sweet: Dark Knight Chocolate Torte

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Someone taking a chance on my writing. How did I overcome it? I kept submitting and submitting and submitting…until someone finally believed in the story enough to take a chance.

Tell us about the featured book.
Oh boy! A speech-language pathologist determined to move up the academic ladder and out of rural Appalachia makes a deal with her arrogant supervisor to change a thick-accented and big-hearted cattle farmer into corporate world material by Thanksgiving. An Appalachian twist to My Fair Lady                                             

Please give us the first page of the book.
PhD was not supposed to smell like this.

Adelina Roseland dropped a box of research articles onto the floor and stifled a deep breath as the strong aroma of naturally fertilized farmland wafted in from the open window. The small room, with apparently, no air conditioning, defied any prestige the brass placard on her mahogany desk could have given:

Adelina.N. Roseland, PhD
Assistant Chair
Department of Communicative Disorders, Blue Ridge University

She tossed her bag on the desk and contemplated closing the window, but a cool morning breeze blew in for a moment’s respite from the stuffy warmth in the room. Stale heat or the scent of country charm? She sighed in resignation to the irony of life and kept the window open. Country charm it was.

The view outside paused her turn. Blue mountains, a cascade of them, filled the horizon and stirred an almost irresistible pull. They shouldn’t draw her, or provide any comfort. The memories of her childhood should snuff any longing the fog-covered sea of mountains encouraged, but instead of pain, she heard the gentle hum of her granny’s voice. The soft song from the past threatened to awaken feelings and memories she avoided like black-eyed peas and family reunions. But it called her to remember. To soften the sadness, loss, and grief.
Her throat tightened as unbidden memories peeked into the present. She pushed them away, determined to leave her unsavory past in the place where all bad memories go: one-on-one intensive psychotherapy.

That piques my interest. How can readers find you on the Internet?
Best place is Facebook or my website, www.pepperdbasham.com I’m also on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram and can be found at my group writing blog, The Writers Alley – http://thewritersalleyblog.com

Thank you, Pepper, for sharing this book with us. I'm particularly eager to read it, because I have a drama background, and My Fair Lady is one of my favorite Broadway musicals.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
A Twist of Faith - Paperback
A Twist of Faith: Will a wager against her future steal her chance at true 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

Monday, May 23, 2016

THE BEAUTIFUL PRETENDER - Melanie Dickerson - One Free Book, Plus More

Dear Readers, we’ve loved Melanie Dickerson’s YA Medieval Fairy Tales. With this newer series, the books are billed at Medieval Fairy Tales for Adults. I know you’ve loved the first book. With this second book, I’m as eager to read it as you are. I’ve been busy on my own writing projects that had to be finished first.

Bio: Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer's Apprentice, a Christy Award finalist and winner of the National Reader's Choice Award for Best First Book. Melanie earned a bachelor's degree in special education from the University of Alabama and has been a teacher and a missionary. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Huntsville, Alabama.

Welcome back, Melanie. 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?
I actually asked my editor, Becky Monds, to help me brainstorm when I was about two-thirds of the way through this book. The “climax” happened earlier than I thought it would, and even though I had some ideas about what would happen next, I wasn’t sure I had enough. So Becky and I talked for 45 minutes or an hour, and she gave me a good idea about having a fire that would parallel the fire that happened before the story started, when the hero’s ankle was badly injured trying, unsuccessfully, to save his brother. It turned out to be a pivotal scene near the end.

If you had to completely start over in another place, where would you move, and why?
How about Germany? Or England? If I could live in a castle, that would be awesome.

If you could only tell aspiring novelists one thing, what would it be?
Never give up! Keep persevering. You never know what God has in store for you.

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])
I’d love to have Hugh Jackman sing us some show tunes. And Taylor Swift could entertain us with all of my favorite songs of hers.

Sign me up. They are two of my favorite celebs. Tell us about the featured book.
The Beautiful Pretender is the second book in the Thornbeck series. The hero is the rather formidable Margrave of Thornbeck. And it’s a cross between Beauty and the Beast and The Princess and the Pea.

After inheriting his title from his brother, the margrave has two weeks to find a noble bride. What will happen when he learns he has fallen for a lovely servant girl in disguise?

The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble born ladies who meet the king’s approval to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.
Avelina has only two instructions: keep her true identity a secret and make sure the margrave doesn’t select her as his bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.

Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences.

Please give us the first page of the book.
The year 1363, Thornbeck Forest, The Holy Roman Empire
Reinhart Stolten, Margrave of Thornbeck, spotted the pack of wolves devouring their fresh kill at the bottom of the ravine. He nudged his horse in their direction as he let go of the reins and readied his bow and arrow. He was still too far away for a good shot, but he urged him closer, until his horse brought him into range of the bloodthirsty killers.

Reinhart took aim and let the arrow fly, striking one of the wolves in the neck. It let out a shriek, causing the other animals to look up. Two of them kept their teeth in their meal even as they snarled and searched for the source of the danger.

Reinhart quickly nocked another arrow and shot, striking another wolf in the shoulder instead of the intended kill shot to the head.

The wolves had spotted him and started to run. Only one of them was more interested in their food than in the danger pursuing them. He kept hold of the carcass as he ran away with the others. Reinhart aimed and shot at the one lagging behind, dragging the dead animal, but the arrow missed him.

The wolf let go of his kill and ran harder.

Reinhart urged his horse after them. The wolf with the arrow in his shoulder ran along with the other six wolves.

Reinhart and his horse chased them up the ravine, through the heavily wooded hills of Thornbeck Forest, and eventually the injured wolf grew tired and fell behind. Reinhart was able to finish it off, but there was no use going after the others. They were too far ahead now.

He put his longbow away and turned his horse back in the direction of Thornbeck Castle.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1NZuPiD

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?
You can catch me on Twitter https://twitter.com/melanieauthor

Inheriting the new title of margrave means Reinhart has two weeks to find a noble bride. What will happen when he learns he has fallen for a lovely servant girl in disguise? Find out in the new medieval fairy tale, The Beautiful Pretender, by Melanie Dickerson. Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?

Join Melanie in celebrating the release of The Beautiful Pretender by entering to win her Once Upon a Kindle giveaway!

beautiful pretender - 400 

One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A copy of The Beautiful Pretender
  • A Kindle Fire tablet
  • A $25 Amazon gift card
  • The choice between a Funko POP Disney Beauty or Beast doll
beautiful pretender - prize collage 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 7th. The winner will be announced June 8th on Melanie's blog.

beautiful pretender - enter banner

Thank you, Melanie, for sharing this new book with us.

Readers, 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: