Thursday, July 13, 2017

GROUNDED HEARTS - Jeanne M Dickson - One Free Book

Welcome, Jeanne. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.  
I’m in all my characters. I go deep inside my soul to that place of sorrow or longing or fear or whatever is needed, and I find my character’s humanity.                                

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I collected an assortment of Barbie and Ken dolls that I dress and place on my desk for every novel I write. It’s like having central casting right here in my office.

Sounds like fun to me. When did you first discover you were a writer?
Sixth grade. I was so mad at my older brothers that I decided I was going to kill them off in a murder mystery novel. Unfortunately, it only took one page. But it was satisfying.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I love clean romances, but I also enjoy a fast moving thriller. And I’ve never met a book on writing that I didn’t like. Or buy.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
Humor for sure. And yoga classes. I also have a great husband who patiently listens to my rants, then calms me down and sets me straight.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
First names usually just come to me. For last names, I find them on my framed map of Ireland that has hundreds of clan names.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
My two beautiful daughters.

I have only two beautiful daughters, too. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
I’d be a big, lazy, over-loved house cat with a jeweled collar because I’d be admired and treasured. And I’d let my humans pet me. Sometimes.

What is your favorite food?
Greek olives.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
The craft of writing in general. I attended many workshops, read many craft books, and practice, practice, practice.

Tell us about the featured book.
Grounded Hearts is set in Ireland. In the midst of World War II, Ireland has declared herself neutral. Troops found on Irish soil must be reported and interned, no matter which side they are fighting for. When midwife Nan O’Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she’s taking a huge risk by letting him in. Not only is she a widow living alone, but if caught harboring a combatant, she’ll face imprisonment.

Still, something compels Nan to take in “flyboy” Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection—and an unbreakable bond.

But Nan has another secret, one that has racked her with guilt since her husband’s death and made her question ever loving again. As Nan and Dutch plan his escape, can he help restore her faith?

Please give us the first page of the book.
10 February 1941
Ballyhaven, County Clare, Ireland
Dutch Whitney hit the bog hard, tumbling forward to smack facedown into the muck. The taste of dirt and the searing pain in his knee and arm signaled that the Canadian RAF pilot was alive. He’d survived the jump from the bomber. He looked side to side at the moonlit marsh for any sign of his crew.

He saw nothing.

His parachute floated down around him, the thin material in the moonlight. He unlatched the chute and batted the silk away, but it fell on top of him like a giant spiderweb.

Don’t panic, he told himself. Otherwise, he’d end up drowning in the bog like those RAF pilots in France.

Wind howled across the marsh, billowing the parachute. There. An opening in the material. Crawling on his elbows with his belly dragging through the mire, he managed to free himself. Icy mud and water sank into his boots, through his pants, and down inside his flight jacket. His old football injury, sustained in his days at McGill University, sent stabbing throbs through his knee. The shrapnel cut on his left arm burned with every movement, but he had to get out of the bog, find his crew, and then figure out where exactly in Ireland he’d landed.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Grounded Hearts - Christianbook.com
Grounded Hearts - Amazon paperback
Grounded Hearts - Kindle
Grounded Hearts - Audio book

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:

Leann Harris said...

Yeah, Jeanne. I clearly remember the story. Your cover is beautiful. I can't wait to read your story.

Patty said...

I've been hearing good things about this book, would love to win a copy!

Patty in SC

ASC Book Reviews said...

I'm DYING TO READ AND REVIEW THIS ONE! :D

Many Blessings, Amada(pronounced: a.m.a.th.a) in NM
amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom

Dianna said...

I've read several books set in WWII but not one that takes place in Ireland. Sounds interesting!
Dianna in TN

Melanie Backus said...

This sounds like a wonderful book and I would love to read it. Thank you for this opportunity.

Melanie Backus, TX

Cindy W. said...

This sounds like it will be a great book to read. I love stories set during WWII. Than you so much for the chance to win a copy.

Blessings,
Cindy W. from Indiana

Raechel said...

I love the Barbie and Ken bit - that's a good idea! And fun. ^.^
Thank you for the great interview and giveaway! Would looove to read this book!
Raechel in MN

Beth Gillihan said...

Sounds like a good book! Thanks for the chance to win!

Beth in Montana

kim hansen said...

Sounds like a good read. north platte nebraska

Anonymous said...

I just LOVE the fabric of that dress!

Arletta from North Dakota
tmkgrup2soon(AT)hotmail(DOT)com

Unknown said...

World War II is my favorite time period to read about. Would love to win a copy of this.

Vi from DuBois, PA

kam110476 said...

Hi Jeanne & Lena! I've been waiting for what seems like forever for Grounded Hearts to come out. I'm so excited to read this book!
Kristen in Oklahoma

Library Lady said...

My Uncle Curtis was a paratrooper during the war.
I would love to win this book in honor of his service to our country.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Florida

Paula Shreckhise said...

I love stories about World War II, Paula from Missouri!

Winnie said...

Thanks for the interview and introduction to this book. It sounds fantastic! I'd love to read it.

Winnie T from Utah

Pam K. said...

Thanks for the interview with Jeanne and the giveaway of Grounded Hearts. I've had my eye on this one for awhile. It looks like a book I'd really enjoy.

pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
Kansas

Trixi said...

Sounds like the kind of book I love reading :-) Lovely review, thanks for the chance to win a copy of Grounded Hearts!

Trixi in OR

Vivian Furbay said...

I would like to win a copy of Grounded Hearts. Vivian Furbay, jtandviv@q.com

Sandy Quandt said...

What an interesting premise. Would love to read this story.

Lori said...

a wonderful interview. this sounds like a wonderful read.
quilting dash lady at Comcast dot net

VanG said...

This is a new author to me, and I would love to read the book! ��
Vangie in NC

Lisa Redecop said...

This book sounds very interesting would love to read it.
Lisa in Ontario

D R said...

I was catching up on rating some books I had read, on Goodreads, and notice this book is very well received. It is a rather unusual and different premise from the typical WWII type books. TX

Connie Porter Saunders said...

This story sounds intriguing and I love that you use your Ken & Barbie for inspiration!
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway SC.