Dear Readers, I’m
thrilled to feature this book today. Mountain
Christmas Brides just released yesterday. It’s a Barbour novella collection
with stories from 9 of their most popular authors. I’m blessed to be included
in it along with my friends. I’m interviewing one of my long-time author
friends from Oklahoma .
Welcome back,
Darlene. Let’s do some fun questions first. What song most closely resembles
your life?
Let’s see. Special music at church yesterday was a classic
hymn I haven’t heard for years, but it describes the truth of my life so well.
“Day by Day (and with each passing moment.)” “He whose heart is kind beyond all
measure/gives unto each day what He deems best/lovingly its part of pain and
pleasure/mingling toil with peace and rest.”
I love so many of the
classic hymns. Do you have a favorite Bible verse? And why is it a favorite?
One of my latest discovery is from Lamentatians 3:28-30 MSG:
“When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself.
Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions: Wait for hope to
appear. Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face. The ‘worst’ is never the
worst.”
I’ve been reading, memorizing, meditating, and writing
devotions from Proverbs, Jeremiah – Ezekiel, Hebrews – 1 Peter for an upcoming
devotional project. This verse comes from a longer passage that includes the
familiar “great is your faithfulness” phrase,
I love the phrase “wait for hope to appear.” The word “hope”
(which also happens to be my middle name, lol) has been popping up over and
over again. Don’t try to force it. Face trouble. Hope will appear. And in a
place (nursing home) where troubles show up on a regular basis, I need all the
advice I can get.
That certainly is a
verse of encouragement. Thank you for sharing it with us. What is the one thing
you wish you could go back and change in your life?
Oh, that’s a tough one. A part of me wishes I had agreed to
change to a major in music theory and completed my master’s degree in music
when they said I couldn’t continue in piano. If I think about all the things
I’ve done wrong in my life, I’ll end up with a long list of regrets—but they
have made me the person I am today.
And I love the person
you are today. Your inner beauty shines like the noonday sun. You are an
inspiration to me in many ways. What is the most important characteristic for a
good friend to have?
Listening! When needed and without judgment.
What extracurricular
activities did you participate in when you were in school?
I was in band and choir and also participated in the math
club and the Spanish club. A real nerd.
What is your favorite
movie of all times?
Field of Dreams
and It’s a Wonderful Life never
disappoint.
I love It’s a Wonderful Life, but I’ve never
seen Field of Dreams. I’ll have to
change that. Tell us about why you wrote this book.
Oh, I remember the thrill of when I first wrote Dressed in
Scarlet. Within the Barbour community, many authors started by writing a
novella and then moved on Heartsong novels. I wasn’t even aware of the novellas
until after they published my first book.
Then I was invited to take part in a four-person historical
novella with Susan Page Davis, a fellow Mainer and good friend, Tamela Hancock
Murray, who became my agent, and you, Lena .
Even better, I got to write about my beloved Colorado ! And now it's included in this new collection.
I discovered the joy of writing historical romance, which
has become my niche; writing novellas; and writing Christmas stories. At first,
I couldn’t imagine writing a Christmas story every year; now the season feels
incomplete without a new story for the season. So far I’ve written ten of them.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
Fabrizio Ricci glanced around the garage at the Brown Palace ,
making sure everything was in order. Roadsters jostled next to Cadillac
Phaetons and a single Ford Model T, a bit of an oddity for the Brown’s
well-heeled clientele. Big or small, fancy or plain, he loved all his charges,
even the smell of motor oil that permeated the air. His job was to keep the
cars running and available to hotel guests. He loved driving cars he could
never otherwise afford. Whatever money he didn’t give to help his family, he
saved toward having his own shop.
No one would drive anywhere tonight in the storm that hit Denver yesterday. More
than twenty-four hours later, the snow had not even slowed down. Anyone would
be a fool to drive in weather like this. Even the trolleys that he sometimes
took had stopped running. It was a good thing he kept a pair of Nordic skis in
the garage. If he didn’t leave soon, he would have to spend the night at the
hotel, or longer, if the snow kept up. As the only son remaining at home, he
knew his parents depended on his help.
Fabrizio changed his work shoes for boots and strapped on
the skis. He hadn’t planned for the cold, but he didn’t think that would be a
problem, not with the long woolen scarf knitted in green and yellow by Mama. He
would dress like that character in the Christmas story. What was his name? Bob
Cratchit, that was it. A Christmas Carol had to be one of the best stories in
the English language. Not as beautiful as Italian, of course, or that’s what
Papa would say.
Fabrizio looked out the window at the swirling snow, wishing
he had taken the time to go to the kitchen for a last cup of hot coffee before
he left. Too late now. The snow danced in the air before landing gracefully on
the ground. Bella neve. Beautiful
snow.
Wrapping his scarf around his nose and throat before winding
its length around his body, Fabrizio pulled his cap as far down on his head as
it would reach and turned the collar of his coat up over the scarf. He hadn’t
brought any mittens, but his work gloves should do the job. He pulled them on
and hoped the oil stains wouldn’t get on his clothes. Mama complained about his
soiled work clothes; four sisters created enough laundry without him adding any
more.
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
Twitter: @darlenefranklin
Purchase
Matchmaker MixupThank you, Darlene, for helping share this new collection to my readers.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Mountain Christmas Brides - Christianbook.com
Mountain Christmas Brides: Nine Historical Novellas Celebrate Faith and Love in the Rocky Mountains - Amazon
Mountain Christmas Brides: Nine Historical Novellas Celebrate Faith and Love in the Rocky Mountains - Kindle
Comments Starter Questions: Do you look for Christmas novels each Christmas? Do you like reading the Christmas novella collection? What are some of your favorites?
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 or country if outside North America. (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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59 comments:
ANGELA IN KY WOULD LOVE TO WIN. THANK YOU FOR THE CHANCE.
Such an interesting interview as well as the novella topic - Christmas. I second the choice of movies as among my favorites, too. Yes, I always look for Christmas novella collections or short stories. To name just a couple of fairly recent collections which I enjoyed - Basket Brigade and Where Treetops Glisten. I also look for and have enjoyed the short stories by Melody Carlson and others. Thanks! Cathy - TX
CONGRATULATIONS Lena and Darlene on your release of Mountain Christmas Brides! I LOVE these collections.
Caryl K in TEXAS
Thank you fir a great interview, Lena! Would love to read this one for sure!
Melanie Backus, TX
I don'e specifically look for Christmas books, but they grab my eye quickly. Yep, I'm a 'cover' looker, lol. I LOVE the novella collections, I have read many and have many in my TBR pile! They are the BEST.
Wendy in FL
wfnren at aol dot com
Cathy, I haven't run across those novella collections. I'll have to check them out.
Caryl, love your enthusiasm! I am very glad to be partners with Lena on another collection.
Melanie, Lena does a great job with her interviews, doesn't she?
Wendy, I'm a sucker for a good cover myself. And the back cover blurb has to capture my attention. Nothing is worse than to read a book that doesn't deliver on the promise of the blurb.
Lena, you are TOO sweet. Thanks for your kind words.
Thank you for the giveaway, would love to win this book.
Beautiful cover and love Christmas Books.
Elma from North Carolina.
Yay for this book! I do like finding and reading Christmas stories each year. Thank you for sharing today. (the cover is beautiful - makes me want Christmas now)
Michigan
I'm a cover looker as well!! I loved your earliest series the lone star trails! I'll definitely ave to check this out!!
I'm a cover looker as well!! I loved your earliest series the lone star trails! I'll definitely ave to check this out!!
Lori, So glad you enjoyed Lone Star Trails. My story in this book actually was published years before Lone Star Trail, but it started me writing historical fiction.
Hi Elma, thanks for your interest.
Hi Susan, in Michigan you have more of a chance of snow earlier than here in Oklahoma. I assume!
Oh this looks like such a great collection!!
Abby B in Michigan! alander87(at)allcom(dot)net
So very eager to read this book! Thanks!
Mamaw - Texas
Love feel good holiday stories - can't believe it's coming on that time of year soon! Thanks for the nice interview.
I certainly agree that we need to listen more to others! It's an art that must be learned & practiced so we can have deeper friendships/ relationships :-)
Darlene, thanks so much for the fun author interview! I've read many of your stories and loved each one. God has truly blessed you with the talent of writing and you are blossoming where you are :-)
Trixi in OR
I just LOVE novella collections and CHRISTmas ones are even better!!!!!!!
Amada (a.m.a.th.a), NM
I have two Christmas novella collections: A Log Cabin Christmas and A Pioneer Christmas Collection. I appreciate these stories being together because you have these authors' writings possibly for the first time. I have a Christmas shelf collection I have added to for years and enjoy reading them. Kathleen MO
I always look forward to reading at least one new Christmas story each year and I usually try to re-read The Christmas Jars by Jason Wright sometime during the season.
Thanks for sharing!
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail (dot)com
Abby, it's always great to be involved with a different group of authors.
Patricia, "eager to read"? You're a reader after my heart.
Scottsgal, I know, but now I'm used to it to holiday reading season. Gives you time to read more Christmas story!
Trixi, too bad I can't have reader interviews to get to know you better as well.
Amada, I love your name.
Kathleen, I agree, how much fun to meet several new authors.
Connie, I reread an obvious one; I have to read Dickens' Christmas Carol.
The last few years, I have read Christmas fiction before Christmas Day. I like Amish, or Westerns or Historical best even the Christmas fiction.
I'm Dianna -- living in northeast TN!
The cover of this book is really lovely.
What a marvellous collection & first page thank you.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
I love to read Darlene's books and with it set during Christmas that is a double thumbs up. I would love to win a copy.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
from Indiana
I've been reading Darlene's books for a while and her part in this collection sounds lovely.
Vera G. from North Carolina
I was the church pianist for 20 yrs, loving to boogie woogie with the hymns! I save my Christmas stories for Christmas. Them and Christmas Hallmark movies, does it get any better?
Melody from Donna, TX!
Christmas novels are my favorite! They put me in the mood for the real meaning of Christmas.
susanlulu@yahoo.com
I would love to read both of your stories Lena and Darlene!
Patty in SC
Niki, I love writing historical, primarily western, fiction, especially Christmas, so we're a good match!
Dianna, I agree, another one of Barbour's marvelous covers.
Mary, I'm glad you enjoyed my first page. Now I would have made sure Fabrizio met Natalie a little earlier--it's going to happen soon! He meets her on the way home.
Cindy and Vera, you make me feel so special to say you look forward to my books especially. Thanks for your support.
Melody, I'm church pianist even here--there's a fun scene in the book where they sing Silent Night in several different languages.
Susan, yes, these collections are full of reminders as to why we celebrate Christmas.
I love that Bible verse never read it like that before !! Lamentatians 3:28-30 MSG:
“When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face. The ‘worst’ is never the worst.”
This book sounds like it will be a awesome read . Love to win a copy .Have a Bless Day .Blessings ,DanaGirl
I like Christmas Books. I am looking forward to reading "Mountain Christmas Brides". Have a wonderful weekend.PA. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Dana, that is a great verse. I've grabbed ahold of it.
Emma, thanks for coming by.
Looks fabulous!!! Please enter me.
Clarksville VA
Hi from Maryland! Enjoyed the interview. Congratulations on your book Darlene & Lena.
I love reading Christmas novellas/books anytime of the year, especially at Christmas.
Blessings, Tina
Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway SC.
I have long loved Darlene's books. I do love Christmas novels. They are always full of hope, joy, and love.
Ginger in Alabama
I love your books. The cover on this one is breathtaking. Thank you for the chance to own a copy of this book.
Oops, I've missed several comments! Thanks for coming by, Abigail.
Hi Tina, glad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks for the congrats.
Sharon, good luck with the giveaway.
Ginger, how fun to see you again.
Why, thanks, Deana. This is a beautiful cover.
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