MISSION UNDERCOVER - Virginia Vaughan - One Free Book or Ebook

Welcome, Virginia. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

First, I’d like to say thank you to Lena for hosting me. I’m super psyched to be here! I always add a small piece of myself into my characters. Otherwise, I don’t think I would be able to relate to them and care about their journey enough to finish writing the book. I also hope my readers see a small part of themselves in my characters as well.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I’m a huge fan of garage sales. More than once I’ve come across a home that I thought was having a sale only to discover that they were only cleaning out their garage!

When did you first discover you were a writer?

I’ve always made up stories in my head, but in fourth grade I was given a creative writing assignment, and I loved it. Not only was it my first A in my school career, it was also the beginning of my love of writing.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

Romantic suspense is my favorite genre by far, but I enjoy reading women’s fiction and anything with time travel as well. I also enjoy historical non-fiction and I’m a true crime fanatic.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I recently added my two little nephews aged 8 and 6 to my household, so I’ve had to make some adjustments to my schedule in order to care for them. But what I’ve found is that stopping to play with them reminds me what life is truly all about.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Whenever I see or hear a name I like, I instantly get a mental image or feeling about the character. I make notes about what or how I feel and then when I’m ready to write a story needing a character with those characteristics, I already have my name picked out.

A good idea. What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Being a published writer. It’s been my dream for most of my life, and I spent years telling people this was my goal. To finally reach it was an amazing accomplishment because it required years of hard work, determination, and persistence.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I would be an ordinary house cat. For me, they live the perfect life, sleeping whenever and wherever they want, playing all day, and when you don’t feel like being social, no one judges you. LOL.

What is your favorite food?

My all-time favorite food is my mama’s spaghetti. I’ve tried making it like she does, but I just don’t have the right touch.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

I was always a pantser, but when I started writing for Love Inspired and had to write proposals and finish a story within a time frame, I had to learn to plot out my stories in order to write quickly. It was a huge learning curve for me, but it’s definitely made me much more productive.

Tell us about the book.

When Blake Michaels's cover as a local cop is blown and a corrupt officer attempts to kill him, he's forced to go on the run. Under his protection is Holly Mathis, also a target for what she may know about her late husband's investigation into corruption on the police force. Blake can't complete his assignment without help from the beautiful widow, but getting close to a woman again is out of the question. Trapped inside the town limits by police barricades, Blake won't surrender the mission until he finds the source of the deadly drug ring that brought him here. But as he circles closer to his target, can he get his man—and save his woman—without sacrificing his own life?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Blake Michaels pulled into the parking lot of Northshore Medical Center and cut the engine. He spotted Mason Webber’s police cruiser a few rows away. Mason was sitting behind the wheel. Blake reached for his pistol and tucked it into the waistband of his jeans. He didn’t know what Mason wanted, but he suspected it couldn’t be good.

He and Mason weren’t on the best of terms and his call asking Blake to meet him had been cryptic. Besides, Blake had gotten used to trusting no one. That’s what made this job perfect for him. After his fiancée Miranda had betrayed him, distrust came easily to him. And he had a lot of reasons to distrust the town’s police force, especially Mason Webber.

Blake got out, pulled his shirt over his weapon and then headed for Mason’s cruiser. The sound of jackhammers reached his ears, but he realized it was only construction happening outside the hospital.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I love to hear from my readers. They can contact me through my website www.virginiavaughanonline or through Facebook at www.facebook/ginvaughanbooks.

Thanks again, Lena, for hosting me.

It’s been my pleasure. I’m eager to read this book.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

Mission Undercover  - Christianbook.com
Mission Undercover (Rangers Under Fire) - Amazon paperback
Mission Undercover (Rangers Under Fire) - 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

WINNERS!!!

Josephine-Anne Griffiths (Aus) is the winner of the ebook A Match for Melissa by Susan Karsten.

Pam (OH) is the winner of the ebook The American Conquest by Jenna Brand.

Holly (KY) is the winner of My Daughter's Legacy by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould.

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.

EYES OF PEARL - Ginger Solomon - One Free Book

Welcome back, Ginger. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

Trust and forgiveness typically show up in some way or another in all of my work. I didn’t start out trying to write about those themes. I didn’t even recognize it until several books in.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

This has been a hard year for me, writing wise. I haven’t been able to concentrate on my stories. However, the sequel to Eyes of Pearl, Eyes of Her Heart will be out soon, as will a novella previously published in a set (Mr. Christmas and Miss Scrooge). I’m also working on another novella for a Christmas set scheduled to release in late October (as yet untitled).

At the beginning of the year (or late last year), God challenged me to Dream Big (my words for the year), so I did and committed to eight releases this year. I still have six to go, so I’d appreciate your prayers in this regard. The number wasn’t random, as I felt in my spirit that this was the number for me this year – four of them were already written/published.

Way to go! If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

I’d love to pick Ramona Richards brain on editing and writing. I’ve sat in several of her classes over the years and just love her no-nonsense take on life.

What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

I think I’d like to meet the apostle Paul and learn the secret to true contentment – being okay with where I am and with what I have. Most times I get it, and I’m okay, but there are times…

How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

Having been on the receiving end of several rejections, as we all have, I would say keep trying. If you can’t not write, then write. Learn the trade. Try again. If all else fails, get a good editor and self-publish.

Tell us about the featured book.

Eyes of Pearl is book 1 in my Scottish Castles series. Each book will be a stand-alone featuring a castle located somewhere in Scotland. Here’s the blurb:

Desperation drives Neva MacKinnon to marry the handsome, but fierce Alexander Chisholm, Chieftain of the Chisholm Clan. Without him, she won’t survive the harsh Scottish winter. With him, she fears for her heart.

Alexander Chisholm needs a wife to provide an heir, and soon, in order to remain chieftain of his clan. He’s not looking for love, but his bride has to be someone he can trust. A song in the woods draws his attention and when he sees the raven-haired beauty with the eyes of pearl and full of fire, he knows she must be his.

Can Neva and Alex overcome their trust issues to admit their love for one another or was their marriage doomed the moment he invaded her life?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Scotland, 17th century

Neva Mackinnon darted in and out of the trees. The branches and vines pulled at her clothes, while the rocks and twigs cut her bare feet. Her pursuer followed with the speed and agility of no man she had ever encountered.

She lifted her skirt a little higher. Must go faster. Her knowledge of the woods would be her only advantage. Her heart pounded in time with her feet. She headed for the safety of the brush where she often hid when her brother, Darryl, had chased after her. She stomped in the opposite direction for a few paces. A distraction. Backtracking with light steps, she hid beneath the depths of an evergreen bush.

The man rounded the outcropping of rock she had used to hide her disappearance. That was why this was the perfect hideout. Even when chased it allowed her to disappear. Darryl had given up looking for her many times after she'd slipped into this hidey-hole.

She looked again at the man who chased her. It was not a man at all but a lad. A large lad, to be sure, and more than she could handle.

Searching the ground, he followed her decoy for only a few feet before he turned back and searched again. He would not be easily fooled by her disappearance. She held her breath, knowing that any sound she made would give her away.

Interesting. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website

Inspy Romance Blog

Facebook Author Page

Twitter @GingerS219

Pinterest

Amazon Author Page

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

Eyes of Pearl (Scottish Castles) (Volume 1) - paperback
Eyes of Pearl (Scottish Castles Book 1) - 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

A REBEL IN MY HOUSE - Sandra Merville Hart - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I’m excited about Sandra’s novel. She and I share the same agent.

Welcome, Sandra. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I don’t plan on putting my characteristics and flaws into my characters when I start, but a piece of me often emerges in a major or minor character. One may have a problem I’ve encountered or a flaw I understand all too well. I write historical novels but people have dealt with insecurity, losing loved ones, relationship issues, and a myriad of other problems through the ages.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I am constantly doing quirky things. If someone followed me around with a camera, some of them would probably make it onto YouTube.

One example from work illustrates this. Employees used to buy small salads at work and then select toppings from a salad bar. Chopped lettuce came in a plastic container that was taped shut. One day, as I wrestled to pry the tape lose, the lid shot open. An officer of the company standing behind me wore my lettuce on his suit.

At least it didn’t have any salad dressing on it!

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I wanted to be a writer in elementary school and wrote my first book—a mystery—while in the sixth grade. I didn’t receive much encouragement and let the dream go. It returned when my daughter was in elementary school.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I love reading contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and cozy mysteries. My favorite genre is historical romance. I read more nonfiction books than fiction when actively researching for a novel.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Right now, my plate is filled to overflowing. It’s difficult to stay on top of my schedule when new activities and tasks are constantly being added.

I try to remember to read my Bible before beginning my work day. I ask God to guide me to the most important tasks. To-Do lists also help me stay focused. A bit of the burden tumbles off my shoulders when checking off each item.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

My main characters names come to me pretty quickly. Since those names are used repeatedly, I need to like them. I run across many historical figures during the research phase and often choose first or last names from these. A book about a particular regiment contains not only soldiers’ names but also their parents, wives, and children—an excellent resource!

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

My most important job is being a wife, mother, stepmother, and now grandmother. I am most proud of my family and try to be the best I can be for them.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

That’s a tough question. I might choose to be a bird because flying seems a lot of fun.

What is your favorite food?

My favorites are tomatoes, cheese, and chocolate—but not all in the same recipe! I crave chocolate when I’m stressed. A couple of pieces of Dove chocolates are usually enough to reduce that stress. I wish a slice of tomato did the same thing!

Cherubs tomatoes we buy at Sam’s Club have a rich tomato flavor, and they're sweet. They’re also very small tomatoes. Sometime, I grab a handful and eat them like a snack. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Carving out time to simply write novels is my greatest hurdle. There is so much demanded of authors these days to market our books, participate on social media, and maintain a blog. All of these can be fun, but it does take us away from writing novels.

Getting started on tasks early in the day gives a sense of accomplishment. When meeting deadlines, I sometimes set my alarm for 4 am. I should do this more often because I accomplish so much this way.

Tell us about the featured book.

A Rebel in My House is set during the turbulent Battle of Gettysburg. The townspeople lived through a nightmare that extended months beyond the battle. This novel gives a glimpse of that suffering through the eyes of a Gettysburg seamstress. A Confederate soldier caught behind enemy lines after retreat needs her help. Sheltering him ushers in more difficulties than she ever imagined. Lines become blurred as her feelings for him grow. Loyalties threaten to divide them as Confederates seize the town.

Both have made promises to family members.

Some promises are impossible to keep.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Excerpt:

Friday, June 26, 1863

Two miles outside Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Running feet on the dirt road outside quickened Sarah Hubbard’s heartbeat. Her fingers stiffened on her sewing machine and her back straightened.

Were they coming? Every conversation these days centered on the Confederate soldiers crossing into southern Pennsylvania.

   

 “Miz Hubbard. Miz Hubbard, please let us in!”

      

Not soldiers but friends. Sarah’s body sagged at Elsie Craig’s voice, but why did she yell? Sarah dropped the gingham dress she’d been sewing and ran to throw open the front door. Alarmed at the fear lining Elsie’s dark face and eyes as she clutched the hand of her four-year-old daughter, Mae, Sarah scanned the horizon for Confederate soldiers. “Hurry inside.”

Elsie needed no second bidding. She guided Mae over the threshold and closed the door. “Miz Hubbard, you gotta hide us.” Her tall, thin body leaned against the door. “The Rebs are in town gathering up all the colored folks they can find. Someone said they’ll be taking them south as slaves and that they’re warning folks not to hide us.”

Sarah gasped. “Why do such a terrible thing?”

“Don’t make sense, does it? Some of us have lived in Gettysburg for years. Others like me have always been free, but it don’t seem to matter to the Southern army.” A long loaf of bread peeked out among jars and clothing in a well-laden basket Elsie set on the rug. She dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around her trembling child.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website: https://sandramervillehart.wordpress.com/

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_j3JI-wECyY&feature=youtu.be

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.m.hart.7

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/sandramhart7/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/100329215443000389705/posts

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8445068.Sandra_Merville_Hart

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sandra_M_Hart

Thank you for sharing this book with us, Sandra. I’m eager to read it, and my copy arrived a couple of days ago, so I’ll be reading it soon.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

A Rebel in My House - Paperback
A Rebel in My House - Civil War Romance Series - 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

CARDIAC EVENT - Richard L Mabry, MD - One Free Ebook

Dear Readers, Cardiac Event is available now for pre-order via Amazon (click the cover in the left sidebar of this blog, and it will take you to the book). Or you can use the book icon below. It will be released on July 28 with a special pre-publication price for the Kindle version until then.

Welcome back, Richard. How did you come up with the idea for this story?

Like most writers, I began with a “What if…?” question. In this case, while thinking about physician interactions, I asked myself, “What if a couple of physicians continually crossed swords, but then—when the older one has a heart attack—he asks the young one to care for him…virtually holding his life in his hands?”  I sort of massaged this a bit, and came up with the idea for Cardiac Event.

That sounds interesting. I’m eager for the release date. If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Wow, that’s tough. I suppose I’d start with people I know, especially those who write in roughly the same genre I do. Off the top of my head, the list would include Candace Calvert, DiAnn Mills, Jordyn Redwood, Harry Kraus, James Scott Bell, Jim Rubart… That’s already six, isn’t it? But there are so many more.

And I love reading all those authors’s books. It’s a very good group. Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Don’t tell anyone, but I rarely read in this genre. Nevertheless, there are people whose names stand out, and I’d definitely include them. I’d want Lauraine Snelling, Myra Johnson, Sarah Sundin, Francine Rivers, Jody Hedlund, Robin Lee Hatcher…and several others.

Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?

It’s deciding whether to indie-publish or seek a contract. Despite the perception of readers (if they think of it at all), writers sometimes don’t stay with the same publishing house for the totality of their careers. If book sales don’t justify continuing the association, no new contract is offered. All authors are familiar with the situation where the publisher has discontinued its Christian fiction line. And sometimes, the book offered isn’t a good match for the publisher. Now, with the relative ease of self-publication, some authors are moving toward that pathway. Since I’d already done three novellas as a “hybrid” author, this wasn’t the scary situation some writers envision, so I decided to self-publish my next novel.

I indie-published my last full-length novel, and it’s one of three finalists for the FHL Readers’ Choice award in the long historical category. Tell us about the featured book.

Why don’t I give you the back-cover blurb? “Cardiologist Dr. Kirk Martin continually crosses swords with Dr. Cliff Hamilton, so he is surprised when Hamilton asks him to care for him after a heart attack. When he is ready for discharge, Hamilton is found dead in his hospital bed, and Martin is suspected of murdering him.

“After another doctor is found shot to death, Martin’s girlfriend, nurse Janet Rush, reminds him to be careful because he may be next. Can he save his own life while searching for the identity of the real murderer?”

Please give us the first page of the book.

Dr. Cliff Hamilton watched the bright green lines of the EKG dance across the monitor screen. It wasn’t until the tracing had remained normal for several minutes that he allowed himself to relax. I think that second shock did it. He took a deep breath and felt some of the tension turn loose.

           

The patient, Matthew Gaines, was an older male with known coronary artery disease and increasing symptoms. Heart specialist Dr. Kirk Martin had admitted him to Sommers General Hospital for further testing and treatment. When Gaines reached the cardiac unit and was hooked up to a monitor, Nurse Anna Scott noticed the man’s heart rhythm becoming more and more erratic and his rate increasing beyond acceptable limits. The heart rate sped up quickly until Gaines was in full-blown ventricular tachycardia, the beats coming at a rate of more than two hundred per minute, and the nurse knew she had to do something.

“I need some help here,” Anna called. Her voice, only slightly above conversational level, was still loud enough to get Dr. Hamilton’s attention as he passed by the room.

Now both doctor and nurse were bathed in perspiration. Gaines was pale, but his heart ticked along in a normal rate and rhythm. Despite the stress of the past few minutes, Hamilton felt the elation that went with snatching another patient from death.

“Mr. Gaines,” Hamilton said. “Your heart acted up for a while there, but I think it’s under control now.”

Gaines’s eyelids flickered but did not fully open. His lips parted, but no sound emerged. He nodded slightly, made one movement as though to sit up, held there for a few seconds, then fell back onto the pillow. His breathing deepened, and he seemed to relax.

“Do you want me to page Dr. Martin and tell him what’s going on?” Anna asked.

“That won’t be necessary.” The voice from the doorway was quiet, but the tone was measured and biting. “Cliff, what are you doing with my patient?”

Thank you, Richard, for sharing this new book with us. I know my readers are as eager as I am to read it.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

I post on my blog Tuesdays (general “stuff”) and Fridays (“the writing life”). Readers can sign up at that location for my newsletter, which gives them information and previews about my books. I also post a couple of times a day on my Facebook fan page.  My twitter handle is @RichardMabry.

Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.

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

WINNERS!!!

VanG (NC) is the winner of Mermaid's Song by Darlene Franklin.

Melanie (TX) is the winner of Gounded Hearts by Jeanne M Dckson.

Sharon (SC) is the winner of Hiding From the Kids in My Prayer Closet by Jessica Kastner.

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.

MY DAUGHTER'S LEGACY - Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould - One Free Book

Welcome, Mindy and Leslie. I know that this is a collaboration. How did this story come about?

Leslie: One of our dear readers told me about her Huguenot relatives and thought the topic would make a great series. She was right! I’d heard of the French Protestants, who fled France in droves in the late 1600s, but began seriously researching them after that. Their history was fascinating. I shared my research with Mindy and, voila!, a new series was born.

Did you find it easy to work together on it?

Writing a novel is never easy, but we’ve done so many books together now that we’ve definitely gotten it down to a science. I guess we’d say it was as easy as any book with two authors, two main POV characters, and two different time periods could be!

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

Mindy: Just the back and forth of working together always has a huge impact on me. Leslie is such a gifted writer that she continually raises the bar on my own writing. She’s so calm and rational that she keeps me from falling apart when the going gets tough. And mostly, she’s just such a lovely person to work with that our friendship grows with every project.

Leslie: Aww, I feel the same way about Mindy, but she’s the one who really pulls it all together as far as the plot and the mystery and tying up all of the loose ends, plus she’s a great editor. It’s really incredible to send a chunk of writing off to her and have her polish it up and make it shine. I have to say that I totally agree about the friendship aspect. Every time we finish a project, I miss Mindy! Writing can be a lonely endeavor, and co-authoring adds a nice layer of camaraderie to the experience.

What is the hardest thing about writing as a team?

Mindy: We have to set intermediate deadlines for the project so that we stay on track, time-wise, but I’m almost always late meeting those deadlines on my end. So for me, the hardest part is that constant feeling of stress and obligation knowing that the next deadline is looming but I might not make it—yet again. Ack!

Leslie: For me, it’s when I send Mindy an unpolished section because we’re on deadline (or for some other reason, lol), and I cringe at the thought of her reading it but know she can fix it faster than I can. J

What are you reading right now?

Mindy: I read audibly, and I always have three books going at once, fiction and nonfiction, for different times of the day. (Business-related or research-related stuff in the morning to get my mind rolling, and fiction as a reward in the afternoons or evenings once I meet my quota for the day.) Currently, my morning nonfiction is The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp and my after work novel is Fatal Pursuit by Martin Walker.  I also often listen to a third book in bed at night, something that’s good but somewhat slow and not too exciting so I can more easily drift off to sleep. Currently, my hubby is reading us Moby Dick.

Leslie: I usually read a novel, a non-fiction book, and a writing book, concurrently. (Although when I’m close to deadline I don’t start a new novel because I binge when it comes to fiction and that can be dangerous when I need to write, write, write!) Currently, I’m reading Landfall by Ellen Urbani, a debut novel set during Katrina; Hooked: Grab Readers on Page One by Les Edgerton; and Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, about our criminal justice system.

How did you choose your characters’ names?

When we were first planning out the series, Leslie came to Pennsylvania so we could brainstorm the plots, and part of that was figuring out the names of the main characters. They had to be of French origin and of course we wanted them to be appealing. In the end we came up with Renee, Madeline, and Nicole as the modern-day protagonists and Catherine, Celeste, and Therese as the historical protagonists.

Would you want to work on another book together?

Absolutely!  We’re already working on another one now, The Amish Quilter, which will be the fifth and final book in the Women of Lancaster County series and will come out in early 2018.

What do you want to tell us about the book?

My Daughter’s Legacy is the third and last book in our Cousins of the Dove series, which are all dual-timeline stories. In the modern thread, the same characters appear in each novel, but the historical threads cover three different periods of history: one in the 1600s, one in the 1700s, and the last one in the 1800s. Each of the historical stories impacts a modern character in some way. In My Daughter’s Legacy, the story of an ancestor during the Civil War inspires our modern-day girl to stand strong on her convictions and follow her heart.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Nicole

Sometimes a lie was the better choice— or at least that’s what I’d always told myself. After all, lying was easier, faster, and more efficient than the truth. “I’m sick” was a more prudent option than “I’m sick of working.” “I’m busy” was a lot kinder than “I don’t want to.” But for some, lying could become a habit, the proverbial spider weaving its tangled web. Problem is, once I’d made my own web big enough, I found I was no longer spider but prey, trapped by silvery threads of my own design.

I’d spent the last year and a half— ever since the night I got loaded and slammed my car into a tree at sixty miles an hour— slowly untangling my own threads. Now, after two months of convalescence, nine months in a drug rehab facility, and two full semesters away at college, I was nearly free of all that— save for one big, fat lie that remained.

“Nicole!”

My head snapped left to see the setter knocking the volleyball into an easy arc over my head. Telling myself to focus, I bent my knees, waited for the exact right moment in its trajectory, and then shot up from the ground to slam the ball as hard as I could, spiking it straight through the upraised arms of our opponent and onto an empty space on the court behind her.

Set and game. Our victory, 3 to 2.

My team burst into cheers, jumping and hugging and laughing. When we finally calmed down, we lined up and did the high-five-and-thanks-for-a-good-game thing with the opposing team. Then we gathered for a quick huddle, mostly so our team captain could remind us, yet again, to stay in shape over the summer. Ours was just a local league in a small town in Virginia, but it was important to us.

“Together now,” she said, holding out a fist. We circled around and each placed a hand atop until all were in. 

Where can our readers find you on the Internet?

www.mindystarnsclark.com

www.mindystarnsclark.blogspot.com  

www.facebook.com/MindyStarnsClark  

www.facebook.com/lesliegouldauthor

www.twitter.com/lesliejeangould

Thank you, Mindy and Leslie, for sharing this new book with us. I’m sure my readers are as eager to read the book as I am.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

My Daughter's Legacy - Christianbook.com
My Daughter's Legacy (Cousins of the Dove) - Amazon paperback
My Daughter's Legacy (Cousins of the Dove Book 3) - 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

THE AMERICAN CONQUEST - Jenna Brandt - One Free Ebook

Welcome, Jenna. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

Little pieces of how they would react, how they would think in a certain situation are from my own personal way, but if the character is opposite of me, I often think of how I would oppositely react. I also have certain scenarios happen which have happened to me in my own life.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I decided to take a year off from college and do a year of mission work. I trained in a rural area of Hawaii and then did overseas work in Thailand and Malaysia.

That’s so cool. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

As soon as I could put sentences together. I grew up writing, I am a fourth-generation writer on my mom’s side.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I read sci-fi, fantasy, thrillers, dystopian futures, romance, apocalyptic. I love all types of books.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I spend time with friends, I watch movies with my kids, and I go to church. I also listen to worship music in my car to ground me.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I pick names I like, names I think readers will like. Some names are references to people I know, but most are just names I like and work for the area and timeframe in which I am writing.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Having two books at the same time on the best-selling list in my genre.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I would be a dolphin. I love the water, and they are social.

What is your favorite food?

I love Italian, specifically spaghetti.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

I was a couple of months away from publishing my first book when my infant son passed away from SIDS. It froze everything in place. That was three years ago, and I decided this January that I wanted to start pursuing releasing my books again. My first book came out in May, my second book in June, and my third book in July.

Tell us about the featured book.

The American Conquest is the third book in my 3-part installment of the Window to the Heart Saga. It wraps up the main character Margaret’s journey as she travels the Oregon Trail west to the Colorado Territory and how she finds adventure, danger, and love along the way.

Please give us the first page of the book.

1865 Port of New York, America

Margaret Learingam held on to the ship’s rail with one hand and her toddler son with the other. As her family approached the New England shoreline, fear filled the pit of her stomach. Forced to flee to America, Margaret had no experience outside of Europe, where she had grown up in England and spent a year in France. She left everything behind, including her last name and titles, to keep her son from being taken away. And now, in just a few moments, she would be stepping foot into a new world that held the potential to offer her and her family a way to stay alive and together. It meant leaving behind her title, and the privileges that went with it, but she would do anything to protect her son.

Still haunted by the painful memories of losing the two men she loved, Margaret could not help but feel guilt over their deaths. Her late husband and fiancé were both killed by the invidious hand of the Duke of Witherton.

Her heart was broken when her husband, Henry, the Viscount of Rolantry, was killed in a duel over her “ruined” honor. She had wanted to die with him, but when she realized she was pregnant, she knew she had to force herself to live for her child’s sake. Fearful either the duke or her vengeful sister-in-law would take her son from her, Margaret fled from England to hide in France while she searched for her long-lost twin brother, Randall, whom she eventually found.

She thought she would never be happy after the tremendous loss of her husband, but she eventually found a way to live with the pain. When she met Michel, the Marquis de Badour, he showed her she could love again. But Witherton was not content to destroy her life only once; he had to do it again by killing Michel. In a cruel twist of fate, both men she loved were killed by the monster who had destroyed her life. After the second loss, Margaret shut her heart to the idea of finding love again, knowing the pain would be too crushing to warrant a third attempt. She had her son and brother, and they were the only two men she would need in her life.

The duke was still under the misguided assumption that her son, Henry, was his child, and he was determined to take him for himself. Knowing he would not stop until he got what he wanted, Margaret chose to leave behind her life in Europe and flee to America.

The trip across the Atlantic Ocean had been long and grueling, as they had encountered several storms in the process, lengthening their journey and causing sickness to run rampant on board. In addition, due to Margaret’s appearance, she had been receiving constant unsolicited attention from the single men on the ship, which made her uncomfortable. Her dark violet eyes and long raven locks contrasted against her smooth white skin, and her petite frame had adjusted admirably into shapely proportions after childbirth. But she knew her attractiveness was not going to be able to save her when they reached the new land. In fact, she had the type of appearance that could get her into trouble.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.jennabrandt.com

www.facebook.com/jennabrandtauthor

www.twitter.com/jennadbrandt

www.instagram.com/jennnathewriter

Thank you, Jenna, for sharing this new book with me and my readers.

Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
The American Conquest: Christian Western Historical (Window to the Heart Saga Book 3

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

A MATCH FOR MELISSA - Susan Karsten - One free ebook

Welcome, Susan. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. 

Everything about my characters comes from me, and they are infused with my perspectives and worldview.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I appeared on Wheel of Fortune as a contestant back in the 80s.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

In college, when I finally got some legit writing instruction during sophomore year, my prof used one of my papers as an example for the rest of the class.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I enjoy reading many genres. My overall favorite is historical fiction, because I learn so much from it. But I also read CBA, ABA, and enjoy psychological thrillers, mysteries, Regency romance, and contemporary fiction. Older writers claim my attention as well – authors such as P.G. Wodehouse, George McDonald (his adult fiction is amazing), and read older books such as Quo Vadis, and Kirsten Lavransdatter.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I have a supportive husband, a strong church family, and live in a small town. I try to balance my work with other creative pursuits and exercise, too.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

In my debut, A Match for Melissa, I originally chose the name Melissande. Many critiques came back saying that name was too distracting, so I shortened it. One nice outcome is that a young lady at my church, whose name is Melissa, is delighted that her name is featured in Mrs. K’s first book. One of the romantic leads is named Peter, and I was thinking of Lord Peter Wimsey from the famous Dorothy Sayers series. The other romantic lead, Mark, was given that name simply because I’ve always been fond of that name and never got to use it.

I like the story about the young lady at church, but I think your first choice fit your time period better. What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

All my accomplishments were done only by God’s grace and with His help. That said, I am pleased and gratified that I was able to home educate my three children who are doing well as adults.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I would be a koala, because they are so cute, and they are my youngest daughter’s favorite animal.

What is your favorite food?

Tomatoes are my favorite food. I love tangy foods, and tomatoes are so good cooked, raw, and appear in so many recipes.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

My greatest roadblock was when I discovered that my first two books weren’t long enough, and I had to go back and lengthen them. I added more dialog and a sub-plot or two.

Tell us about the featured book.

A Match for Melissa is a Regency romance. It is set in England, around 1816. This genre was popular for decades, and I read it because the romance was “clean” and the love culminated in marriage. Melissa’s widowed father is a wealthy businessman, who wants a titled husband for his only daughter. His obsession with a title leads him to arrange a marriage for her. The fun begins as my readers travel along with the story and find out how this works out. I don’t want to tell too much and spoil the fun.

Please give us the first page of the book.

“Stomping her feet on the hard-packed road didn’t relieve her frustration. Aggravation fueled her pace, destroying the usual peace found on her morning walks down country roads. But the spatters of wet clay weren’t worth it. The spatters of dirt would never come clean. Slowing, Melissa clenched her hand around the letter telling her she needed to return to London. Father and his plans took precedence over her wishes.

She stopped, unfurled the letter, and read the offending passage one more time.

You shall cut short your visit to the country. I have plans for you, plans that will be of much interest to you.

So like Papa to assume she’d fall in line with his schemes. She crumpled the letter and strode on, staring straight ahead. The hovering cloud of melancholy brought on by her mother’s death lessened each day. Visiting the vicarage to which her former governess, Miss Cleaver retired, helped restore her equanimity. And besides, she disliked London with its smoke and the lonely life she lived there. Returning to her home in the city did not sit well. But Papa’s command brought further apprehension.

Regret about ending her visit lowered her mood further. Melissa took deep breaths and resisted thoughts of departure by concentrating on the cool, fresh, moist air entering her lungs. Spring mud invaded southern England, but the road was good, and Melissa loved her morning walks too much to let a little mire stop her habit.

Snapping out of her daze, she took in her surroundings again. She glanced between the light green forest views on either side of the road and the lane ahead. Avoiding mud now became a distracting game—until an indistinct brown lump came in sight on the shoulder. Puddles forgotten, she hurried forward to discover a monogrammed leather saddlebag. Ignoring the dirt-spattered bag’s condition, she lifted it and peered inside. Empty. She dropped it to the ground.

Scattered nearby, she spied a London Times half in a puddle, and an ivory comb in a muddy in a rut. Chills ran up her arms and tingled down her spine at the evidence of a traveler’s misfortune. Surveying the scene, she cast a glance down the banked slope. Her breath caught even as her heart raced.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I have an author page on facebook (Susan Karsten – author) where you can interact with me and tag along on my writing journey, and I have a blog: graciouswoman.wordpress.com, where I review books, and share tips about homemaking and other topics of interest to women.

Thank you, Susan, for sharing your debut book with us. I’m eager to find out what happens next.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

A Match for Melissa (Honor's Point) - Paperback
A Match for Melissa (Honor's Point Book 1) - 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

WINNERS!!

Abigail (VA) is the winner of Aimee by Pam Watts Harris.

Winnie (UT) is the winner of The Captain's Daughter by Jennifer Delamere.

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.