Monday, October 17, 2016

REBEL HORSE RESCUE - Miralee Ferrell - One Free Book

Bio: Miralee Ferrell is the award-winning author of more than a dozen novels. She and her husband live along the Columbia River Gorge in southern Washington State, where she enjoys riding the wooded trails and spending time with her grown children. In addition to horses and dogs, Miralee once owned two cougars.

Welcome back, Miralee. I know you speak at various conferences and meetings. What do you have coming up in 2017?
I’ll be attending a large inter-church two-day retreat where I’ll be sharing briefly then meeting and greeting at a book table. I’ve taken part for the past 4 years and love the ladies there. I may also be on staff again at Oregon Christian Writer’s, although invitations haven’t been sent out yet, as it’s later in the year. I’ve cut back on my speaking and conferences since starting my small publishing company, Mountain Brook Ink. That’s keeping me very busy!

If you were planning a women’s retreat, what would be the theme for it?
Restoration. I’m passionate about that topic. I want to see Christian women healed in every way—spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Who would you want as speakers and why?
I think Beth Moore would be near the top of my list, as this is a subject she understands. I’ve taught several of her Bible studies, and women gain a lot from her teaching.

Where would you hold the retreat and why?
I don’t have a particular spot in mind, but I know exactly what I’d want it to contain. Nearby woods (no cities!) with peaceful walking trails. Outdoor seating with flowers, grass, trees, and water—preferably running water, as the sound is so soothing. The facility needs a spa, a Jacuzzi, lots of room to relax and chat, as well as serving incredible food. I’d want the ladies to be comfortable and feel pampered, so digging deep into their hearts and finding renewal and restoration wouldn’t be a chore.

Do you read print books or ebooks? Or a combination of the two?
A combination. I still love the feel of a print book and prefer it, but it’s so easy to slip my light-weight Kindle into my purse for when I’m waiting somewhere. But actually, most of my reading is now done via audio. I go through 1-2 books a week while driving, doing housework, or working outside.

That’s an interesting title. How did you come up with it?
The featured horse in the story with the mystery surrounding him is a bit wild and unruly—basically, a rebel. And due to circumstances I can’t reveal (without spoilers), he’s in need of rescue. Based on those details, the title came together and fit perfectly.

So what is the book about?
First, Rebel Horse Rescue is book 5 in the Horses and Friends series for middle-grade kids—although I’ve had adults enjoy these books as well, due to the light mystery threads and continuing growth of the characters. Here’s the short summary of this book:
Summer is winding down for Kate and her friends when a surprise visitor appears at her family’s stable—a beautiful bay horse wearing a halter and a bad attitude. Dubbing the horse “Rebel,” the friends set out to find the horse’s owner. Where did he come from, and why are horses all over the area disappearing from their pastures and paddocks? It’s a mystery that even the sheriff can’t figure out, so Kate decides to head up the investigation. When Kate’s autistic brother, Pete, develops a strong connection to the new arrival, Kate wonders—did God bring Rebel to them for a bigger purpose?

Please give us the first page of the book.
I’m going to cheat a little bit and skip forward a couple of pages to where we meet Rebel, since he’s the heart of the story:

Melissa stood and stretched, then stopped, one hand still in the air. “Listen. Did you hear that?”

“Hear what?” Kate scrunched her brows.

“Hoofbeats on the driveway. Are you expecting someone to ride over today to use the arena?”

Kate shook her head. “Nope. Someone could stop by, but most of the people who board their horses here come in a car, or ride a bike, or walk, since their horse is already in the barn. Probably someone riding by.” She smiled. “We do live in horse country, you know.”

A loud nicker outside was answered by two horses in the barn, and Kate swung around to face the outside door. “Better go check it out, though.” Kate was certain it wouldn’t amount to anything. There hadn’t been any excitement around here since the theft of her mom’s antique box containing the money for the trail ride and scavenger hunt. It had been quiet and boring the past couple of weeks.

The group hurried outside with Kate leading the way. She came to a quick halt a few paces from the barn and gasped. “It’s a loose horse with a halter on. And he’s gorgeous!”

Tori came to a sliding stop behind her and bumped her shoulder. “Oops, sorry. Hey, Jake, slow down, or you’re gonna knock us all over.” She shot Jake a smile. “Although I don’t have the right to talk—I ran into Kate.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?
I’m all over the place! Right now my website is being moved to a new hosting site, so it’s not 100% yet, but it will be soon. I’m also active on Facebook and Twitter. Here are the links:
Website/Blog/Newsletter sign-up    www.miraleeferrell.com
Twitter                                                   www.twitter.com/miraleeferrell
Facebook group (I prefer people join me there rather than friend my personal site)

Thank you, Miralee, for sharing this book on our blog.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Rebel Horse Rescue (Horses and Friends) (Volume 5) - Paperback
Rebel Horse Rescue (Horses and Friends Book 5) - 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 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.

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

32 comments:

Babbling Becky L said...

I would love to win this book. I live in MI.

Miralee Ferrell said...

Thank you, Becky!!

Melissa Henderson said...

Our 11 years old great-niece loves, loves, loves horses. She takes riding lessons and is really enjoying the lessons and the horses. She would love this book.

Melissa Henderson said...

Oops. I forgot to follow directions. haha Melissa in Mechanicsville VA

Becky Dempsey said...

My daughter and I have read the other books in the series. We live in Michigan, too :)

Unknown said...

I am going to introduce your books to my daughters (9 and 12) because they are both horse lovers just like me! Thank you for a chance to win!

Unknown said...

Forgot to hit notify of comments! Thanks again

Unknown said...

Forgot to hit notify of comments! Thanks again

Lynda E. said...

I am in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. I have loved the first three books in the series, and my middle daughter has enjoyed the first book as well. Thanks for the giveaway!

GrandaddyA said...

I love Miralee's books, even the ones written for young girls. I recommend this series to parents of youngsters. Since this one includes several young boys, there may even be boys who would enjoy it.
Edward A in VA

Mary Preston said...

My daughter does like horse stories. I will let her know.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Abigail Mitchell said...

Looks great! Please enter me.
Clarksville VA

R Merr said...

My daughter loves this series, and I'm so thankful for books for this age group. Finding Christian books for her age isn't easy. Rachael M from Down East Maine

kim hansen said...

Love the cover. north platte nebraska

Connie Porter Saunders said...

Horse stories are great for readers of all ages!
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

Miralee Ferrell said...

Melissa, Becky Dempsey and Edward, you have all been such supporters of my books. Thank you!

Miralee Ferrell said...

Amy, your girls are the perfect age for these books. I truly appreciate your interest!

Lynda, you mentioned reading the first three books--thank you! Sounds like you may have missed book four, Blue Ribbon Trail Ride that came right before this new one. That's where readers meet a brand new character.

Miralee Ferrell said...

Mary, the books should be available in Australia--thank you for your interest!

Abigail, thank you for your interest!

Rachael, I'm so glad your daughter enjoys my books. Has she read them all?

Miralee Ferrell said...

Kim, thanks for mentioning the cover, I think it's amazing, too!!

Connie, I agree about horse stories being great for all ages. I've had a lot of adults enjoy this series--I've been told the last 3 books remind them of Nancy Drew stories. I loved those when I was growing up!

Becky said...

I live in Kansas City, Missouri. I haven't read any of your books yet, Miralee, but I intend to read them soon!

Miralee Ferrell said...

Becky Smith....are you the same Becky who just read and reviewed Paradise Protocol? Either way, thank you so much for your interest in my books!

Unknown said...

I would be interested in reading this book. I'm always interested in reading stuff about horses. :)
I live in Missouri.

Miralee Ferrell said...

Hi Grace, thank you for stopping by. I'm a horse lover myself and have always enjoyed books that contain horses--one reason I write about them and include horses in almost every book, whether for kids or adults.

kam110476 said...

Hi Miralee & Lena! I've gotten the first three books in the Horses and Friends series for my two nieces and they have really enjoyed the stories of Kate and her pals.
Kristen in OK

Miralee Ferrell said...

Thanks so much, Kristen!! I'm so thrilled to hear that. Book four released early this year, and Rebel Horse Rescue is brand new. One more to go and the series is done. Blessings!

Britney Adams said...

I love Miralee's books and am eager to read Rebel Horse Rescue! Thanks so much for sharing this great interview and giveaway!

Britney Adams, TX

Library Lady said...

What a great book for our children's section of the church library.
Thank you for giving the opportunity to win it.
Thanks to Miralee for writing it too.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Florida

Miralee Ferrell said...

Thank you, Janet! I love seeing my books end up in libraries! This is #5 in the series, and they do build on one another as to character development.

Miralee Ferrell said...

Hi Britney! So great to see another of my awesome supporters here! Yay!

Anonymous said...

angela in ky would love to win

rubynreba said...

I always enjoy books about horses and the cover is really special!
Beth from Iowa

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me!!
Conway SC.