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) - PaperbackRebel 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:
I would love to win this book. I live in MI.
Thank you, Becky!!
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.
Oops. I forgot to follow directions. haha Melissa in Mechanicsville VA
My daughter and I have read the other books in the series. We live in Michigan, too :)
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!
Forgot to hit notify of comments! Thanks again
Forgot to hit notify of comments! Thanks again
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!
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
My daughter does like horse stories. I will let her know.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
Looks great! Please enter me.
Clarksville VA
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
Love the cover. north platte nebraska
Horse stories are great for readers of all ages!
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Melissa, Becky Dempsey and Edward, you have all been such supporters of my books. Thank you!
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.
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?
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!
I live in Kansas City, Missouri. I haven't read any of your books yet, Miralee, but I intend to read them soon!
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!
I would be interested in reading this book. I'm always interested in reading stuff about horses. :)
I live in Missouri.
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.
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
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!
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
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
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.
Hi Britney! So great to see another of my awesome supporters here! Yay!
angela in ky would love to win
I always enjoy books about horses and the cover is really special!
Beth from Iowa
Enter me!!
Conway SC.
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