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Tuesday, June 06, 2017

AN ENCORE FOR ESTELLE - Kimberly Rose Johnson - One Free Book

Welcome back, Kimberly. Why did you become an author?
I became an author because I love to write. After writing a short novel, I was encouraged by friends and family to pursue publication. It took six years of learning how to write and writing multiple stories before I was offered my first book contract in 2012, but I reached my goal.

I don't know if I've ever told you that my middle name is Rose. I was Lena Rose Nelson before I married. If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job?
As a young person I had three things I wanted to do, be a famous singer, teach piano, and be a spy. Lol. I ended up teaching piano lessons for most of my adult life.

If you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why?
I wish I could leap through time and visit several time periods! Perhaps the roaring 20’s would be a good place to start. I loved the clothes and music of that time.

What place in the United States have you not visited that you would like to?
There are so many places I would like to see. I’ll start New York City at Christmas because I want to see all the window displays and Broadway shows. I’d also love to go to Main in the summer or fall because it looks so beautiful there. I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon and would enjoy seeing that as well. There are quite a few more places, but I don’t want to bore you. J

How about a foreign country you hope to visit?
Again, there are quite a few but to make it simple I’d like to pretty much see all of Europe. My husband and I are tossing around the idea of taking a river cruise there someday.

I love watching the river cruise in Europe ads. That does look like a wonderful vacation. What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?
I was stressing over my work in progress not long ago. He reminded me to trust Him, and that I will know the words to write when I need them.

Tell us about the featured book.
An Encore for Estelle is the second book in my Melodies of Love series. Each of the books in this series focuses on one form of the arts. Estelle is an actress and volunteers at the children’s theater.

A former A-list actress seeks to redeem herself in the most unlikely of places—a children’s theater. A guilt-ridden writer/director didn’t anticipate a famous actress would ever show interest in his musical, much less him. Will their pasts pull them apart or join them together?

Please give us the first page of the book.
Estelle Rogers willed her galloping heart to slow. Why had she come back to Oak Knoll, Oregon? It wasn’t like the people here had welcomed her with open arms six years ago. But that was then. Things were different now. Helen Wood had invited her for a visit over the summer, and she could never say no to the one woman who’d accepted her in spite of her flaws. Besides, she needed time away to think about her future. Estelle squared her shoulders, raised a hand, and pressed the doorbell beside the farmhouse door.

The door flung open. “You’re here!” Helen’s smile lit her eyes.

Estelle blinked. Helen looked like a young Mary Tyler Moore—she looked amazing. Could this be the same woman she’d grown close to all those years ago? Granted when she’d last seen Helen, she’d been recovering from a stroke, but a different woman stood before her now. The rosy-cheeked brunette looked fifteen years younger than her fifty-five years. “You look amazing.”

Helen blushed and waved a hand in front of her face. “Derek sent me on a spa vacation. You should try one. You’d love it.”

The mention of her one-time boyfriend didn’t affect her like it used to. Helen’s son was now happily married, and she adored his wife, Kayla. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re hinting that I need a makeover.”

The older woman shrugged. “Not at all. You look lovely as usual.” She stepped back, opening the door wider. “Come in. I can’t believe you’re actually here. I was afraid you might change your mind.”

“How silly would I be to do something like that?” If Helen only knew how many times she had almost cancelled the trip. But she would never reveal that to her dear friend. 

Helen looped her arm through Estelle’s. “I prepared lunch for us in the garden.”

“I love your garden. It’s so serene. I’m glad the weather is cooperating today. I’ve noticed you’ve had a lot of rain lately.”

“We have, but summer doesn’t usually start here until July. Welcome back to Oregon.” She chuckled. “I remember how much you enjoyed my garden the last time you were here, so I’ve been praying the weather would cooperate.”

Of course she had. Helen was like that—she had no qualms about asking the Lord for a sunny day.

“You’ll be staying in the guest cottage while you’re here.”

Estelle stilled. “I thought your . . .” What does one call a man who works around the farm doing odd jobs? “handyman—”

“His name is Blake, and he moved into the barn so you could have the cottage.”

I’m eager to read the rest of the book. How can readers find you on the Internet?
You can sign up for Kimberly's newsletter via her website at: http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/index.html
An Encore for Estelle (Melodies of Love) (Volume 2) - Paperback
An Encore for Estelle (Melodies of Love Book 2) - Kindle

Readers, 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:

25 comments:

  1. Hi Lena! Thanks for hosting me on your wonderful blog.

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  2. Enjoyed the interview. I loved An Encore for Estelle.

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  3. V ivian Furbay3:37 PM

    This sounds like a very interesting and gripping book. Would love to win a copy.

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  4. Hi, Ann! It's great to see you here.

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  5. Hi, Vivian. Good luck. It's also on sale right now for 99 cents.

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  6. Lena, I didn't know your middle name is Rose. Very cool.

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  7. I love Kimberly's books. I am looking forward to reading this one. Love the cover!

    Beth in Montana

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  8. Hi, Lena. I have missed you for a few weeks. One day your emails mysteriously stopped coming to my inbox. I just checked and it was May 6. I don't know what happened but I took steps yesterday to resume receiving them. I'm glad I did. I enjoyed this interview with Kimberly. Her books are very good. I would love to win this one. Edward A in VA

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  9. Thanks, Beth! I hope you enjoy the book. What part of Montana are you in?

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  10. Thanks for stopping by, Edward! It's great to see you here. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. :)

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  11. This sounds like a wonderful book. Thanks for the interview.

    Kimberly, I have a granddaughter named Annika Rose Johnson!

    Winnie T. from Utah

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  12. Hi, Winnie! I have a niece named Annika. :)

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  13. I would love to read this one! Thank you for the opportunity.

    Melanie Backus, TX

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  14. Good luck, Melanie!

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  15. Vivian Furbay3:21 PM

    Sounds like a good book that I would want to read. jtandviv@q.com

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  16. Would love to win.

    Lourdes Long Island, NY

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  17. Thanks for stopping by, Lourdes.

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  18. This sounds so good! Thanks for sharing.
    Blessings,
    Connie from KY
    cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

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  19. Hi, Connie. I'm glad you think it sounds good. Blessings,Kimberly

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  20. Sharon Richmond Bryant7:48 PM

    Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
    Conway SC.

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  21. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  22. There's nothing like being accepted and welcomed in spite of your flaws.
    Sabrina in Utah

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  23. I like your idea about leaping through time and visiting several different time periods! Enjoyed the interview and first page of the book.
    Beth from IA

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  24. Hi Beth, wouldn't it be fun to leap through time? I've always enjoyed those kind of stories too. :)

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