THE WRITING DESK - Rachel Hauck - One Free Book

Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

Bio: Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.

Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times. She is a double RITA finalist, a Christy, and Carol Award Winner.

Rachel sits on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is the comical sidekick to Susan May Warren at the amazing My Book Therapy. She is a worship leader and speaker.

A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, Rachel is a devoted Ohio State football fan.

How did you become interested in writing?         

I started writing in a diary when I was six! I’ve always loved words and writing.                                                                                                                                  

What compelled you to write a book on this subject?

I write dual-time novels so when deciding what era to set the historical part of the book, the Gilded Age really stood out to me. It was such lavish time and entering the 20th Century, the world was changing. I wanted to look at how women lived then. Of course then I tied the past into a present day story.

What is the main theme or point that you want readers to understand from reading your book? Are there any other themes present in the book? 

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says “eternity is written on our hearts.” Remember that once we pass from this life, we have eternity to live and fulfill the things God’s called us to do. But also, to run the race of this life with honor and dignity.                                                                                                           

How does the book intertwine with God’s call on your life and how you are currently serving Him?

I love that I write books for a living. I know this is what the Lord has called me to do. So I give it my all to honor Him with my work.

                                                                                                          Do you have a favorite Scripture verse?

I have a few favorite verses but Psalm 45:11 “the king desires your beauty,” is one of my all time favorites. Those five words say so much.

When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?

Seems like I’m always writing! I do love to relax with my hubby, watch TV, read. We also work out together. I’m the worship leader at my church so that keeps me engaged with the outside world. ;)  This year if I wasn’t writing, I was at a conference or with extended family. It’s been a writing and family kind of year.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

I’m on most popular social media platforms. You can find them at www.rachelhauck.com.

Readers, here are links to the book.

The Writing Desk - Christianbook.com
The Writing Desk - Kindle
The Writing Desk - Audio

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

QUOS EGO - Jones Howell - One Free Book

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

It seems only natural to come through in your characters because I know myself so well, and I want my readers to know me vicariously. I believe I project myself through various characters by way of my hobbies, my worldview, and in my knowledge of history. I let my good qualities come through certain characters, whereas their bad qualities are their own.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

In my 30s, I got a cowboy perm. Since I didn’t have much hair on top, it was lopsided. My pastor even mentioned it from the pulpit, which was not flattering.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I was in the Navy during our extended times in port I started experimenting with poetry, even though I hadn’t yet studied it.

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

I feast on World War Two books, do three-course meals on survival stories, dine occasionally on historical works, and treat myself to famous novels as finger food. I fast popular fiction and actually go bulimic when authors fictionalize true events, like the Siege of Leningrad or Nazi extermination camp stories. 

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

I retreat to my Bible-reading and prayer room. Sometimes I watch the Quebec-produced Just for Laughs videos. Of course, I try to be with my mostly-sane friends. 

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I research the most common names from whatever country my character hails. I choose a name that is common, historically dignified, and not hard to pronounce. Of course, if my character is despicable, I choose a fitting name, either an unusual name or one that conveys deceit.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I am most proud of finding my wife, Cindi, in Bible college. Marrying her was the best decision I’ve ever made.

Since I know both of you so well, I’d have to agree with you. She is special. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I would be a Mockingbird, the poet among creatures.

What is your favorite food?

Strangely, fresh garlic with cheese and crackers.

Sounds yummy to me. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

The problem I had was avoiding clichés and to keep an authentic voice without sounding like I was consulting a thesaurus. I overcome this by a process called ratiocination, which means I search for phrases I’ve repeated too often and then go back and rephrase. I find that our colloquial speech patterns creep into our writing if we are not vigilant.

Tell us about the featured book.

Quos Ego is a near-future novel that is slightly dystopian. It relates the power, pervasiveness, and the insidious nature of authoritarianism and the courage it takes to stand for individual freedom, the sacredness of human life, and undying love for one’s country.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Mundus vult decipi, ergo decipiatur

“The worlds want to be taken in, so it is” [Petronius]

BRUSSELS, UNITED EUROPE

At dusk, a light blue van pulled up in front of the new flats on Rue Victor Hugo Street in Brussels. Two women and a man, all in white suits, walked up to the gate toward the door of the apartments. Claire Janssen heard steps and peeked through the blinds from the second floor window.

           

“Alexandre!” she muttered and turned, gripping the front of her blouse, wide-eyed.

           

“What is it, love?” the voice came from the bathroom.

           

By the time Claire was at the door of the bathroom, tears were welling up in her eyes. Shock masked her normally pleasant demeanor.

           

“Oh, God, no!” started Alexandre, and he jumped up to catch Claire as she fell against his chest. He put his forefinger over her mouth. The door ringer sounded. They just stood there, hoping this was not real.

           

There was a knock, and Alexandre went for the door. Claire composed herself, pulled her hair back and followed. Alexander opened the door to three faces, smiles freshly painted on.

           

“On behalf of Conducator Nistor of United Europe,” said the man, “and the mayor of Brussels,” chimed in the smartly-dressed tall woman, “the rectory of Quos Ego is proud to present you with the life book of honorable citizen Maxime Janssen,” the two said in unison. The second woman presented a small bottle of champagne tied with a red ribbon.

           

Alexandre looked down and saw in the hands of the man a clear cellophane bag. Inside was an attractive burgundy leather-bound book with gold-leaf edges, with the name Maxime Janssen engraved on the front in large letters. The man delicately placed the book into the hands of Claire Janssen.

           

“Here,” said the older woman. She handed the small bottle to a reluctant Alexandre. He just nodded and wrinkled his eyebrows, refusing to force a smile.

           

The three turned and marched away without another word. Alexandre saw a government hummingbird drone catch up to the trio and hover just behind them. He quickly closed the door.

           

Alexandre felt anger, like a metal swim cap on his forehead, but he was certain he could not say anything. He hurried into his office, took a pad and a pencil and wrote something. Claire read these words: We are going to Poland.

           

They would have to go without Maxime. Max was dead at forty. But Alexandre knew his brother would not have objected to his decision. Maxime had long been suspicious of the secretive and powerful Quos Ego complex, the obsidian and glass monolith in the heart of Brussels—sometimes derisively called The Black.

Interesting. How can readers find you on the Internet?

I have a wordpress blog at www.lamarhowell.com. My email is joneshowell@yahoo.com

Thank you, Jones, for sharing your book with my readers and me.

Readers, if you want to buy a copy of Quos Ego, here's how:

joneshowell@yahoo.com 

Lamar Howell

371 Blue Heron Ln

Wilkesboro NC 28697

I think postage is $3.50

At $8.99 per book that would be $12.49

I can accept payment through Paypal or via check.

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

ROSIE WON'T STAY DEAD - Tamara G Cooper - One Free Book

Welcome back, Tamara. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I told you before that I am a scardy-cat. When a chase scene comes on television, I leave the room. If someone is sneaking up behind someone, I leave the room. So, you would think: why in the world does she write suspense? Because I’m in control of the scardy-cat scenes. I can make these frightening because the “monster” doesn’t move without my knowledge! But I will say this: writing suspense has helped me to better handle watching suspenseful scenes.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

Four doctors told me I would never have children, so the day I gave birth to my first son was absolutely the happiest day of my life! To hold that precious life was a true miracle!

Because of an injury in high school, I wasn’t expected to be able to have children, so I understand. I have two daughters and sons-in-law as well as several grandchildren and great grands. How has being published changed your life?

It’s been a life-long dream of mine to be published. My Mama passed away July 31, but she saw two of my books in print before she went to Heaven. There is something wonderfully satisfying in having a dream and seeing it come to fruition. Many times, I thought “being published” would never happen, but it did! Being published keeps me focused on the next deadline, the next book, the next idea inside me.

What are you reading right now?

I read several books at one time (I know; weird, huh?) but I’m enjoying Kristin Hannah’s book, The Nightingale.

Not weird to me. I’m always reading at least two books. What is your current work in progress?

Book 3 of the Brothers of Texas series. I’m plugging away on it, and it’s coming together!

What would be your dream vacation?

I love history, so getting into an RV and hitting a road that ends up in Washington, D.C. would be my idea of a dream vacation (and hitting all the historical spots on the way)! But if I had to choose a place outside my great country, I’d choose Israel and walk where Jesus walked.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I’m a Texas girl, born and bred, and I love stories that take place in Texas with Texas characters (Rosie Won’t Stay Dead is an obvious exception; Texas characters in Colorado)!

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

One of the most fascinating people of our generation is Dr. Ravi Zacharias. He is a brilliant apologist, and I’d love to pick his brain.

You’re right. He’s been at our church several times. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love to hike! Anywhere, any time. I love to fish with my family; night fishing is particularly fun for me. And then waking up to a fish breakfast is wonderful.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Time to write—number one. Carving out time from all the demands of “family”—three young boys (ages 11, 12, and 13) and three dogs. I’ve found a little niche at night to write, when everyone’s asleep.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Sit down at the computer, open a document, and write. The bottom line of writing is to tell your story. Studying how other people approach it is fine, but I see, in looking back, that all my “studying” actually kept me from “writing.” Just do it. Get your story on paper and stay with it.

Tell us about the featured book.

Rosie Won’t Stay Dead is Book 2 in the Brothers of Texas series. Here is the blurb on the back cover: “Luke McKenzie needs a vacation from ranching and dealing with his father’s unsolved murder. He leaves Texas for the Colorado Rockies—to hike alone for a month. Sarah Morgan wants to learn to live without fear after a vicious assault changed everything for her. She leaves Kansas for the Rockies to hike alone—in the hopes of recapturing the person she used to be. But a very dangerous man has other plans for both of them.”

You grabbed my interest. Please give us the first page of the book.

Luke McKenzie shoved his overstuffed backpack into the bed of his pickup and secured the hard cover. “Let’s go, Molly. Time’s a-wastin’.” He laughed when his golden retriever bounded over to him and danced around his feet. He wasn’t one to show his emotions much, but Luke was as excited about leaving as Molly.

Behind him, his younger brother Mac, the owner of McKenzie Ranch, said, “You out of here?”

Luke turned around, grateful Mac had seen his need for a break. “Yeah, but I hate putting so much work on you by going.”

“I have plenty of help. Now, go. You haven’t had a vacation in two years, so have fun. Hike. Enjoy being alone. If you don’t, I might have to send you back out there.” Mac squeezed his shoulder. “Really, buddy. The ranch’ll survive without its foreman for a month. Take six weeks, if you need to.”

“’Preciate it, bro’.” Luke opened the driver’s door of his truck. Molly jumped inside the cab and barked at him. “I know, girl. We’re fixin’ to leave.”

He turned back to Mac to say goodbye, but Marianne, his brother’s new wife, stepped out onto the wide, wrap-around porch and waved. “Have fun, Luke. Don’t forget where we live!”

“I won’t.” He laughed and waved back. It was harder than he thought it would be to leave the ranch, his life, his responsibilities. But he needed to get away more than he needed to stay. Maybe he’d find some peace in the mountains. That would be his number one goal—and maybe a little forgiveness, too.

He hugged Mac, got in his truck, and started it.

“Be careful!” This, from Marianne.

“Have a great time, bro’.”

“I will. See y’all in a month.” Smiling, Luke backed up his truck, waved again, and headed for the Colorado Rockies.

I’m glad my book just came last week. I’m eager to read it. How can readers find you on the Internet?

They can find me at www.AuthorTamaraGCooper.com. Thank you, Lena, for featuring me on your blog today. I enjoyed it so much!

Thank you, Tamara, for sharing the book with my readers and me. I know they’ll be just as eager to read it as I am.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Rosie Won't Stay Dead (Brothers of Texas) (Volume 2) - paperback
Rosie Won't Stay Dead: A Romantic Suspense Novel (Brothers of Texas Book 2) - 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!!!

Elma(SC), is the winner of All She Left Behind by Jane Kirkpatrick.

Caryl K (TX) is the winner of The Day the Angels Fell by Shawn Smucker.

Elly (IN) is the winner of Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall.

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.

WINNERS FOR SEPTEMBER 16

Heather (PA), is the winner of The Christmas Admirer by Laura V Hilton.

Dianna (TN) is the winner of Defiance by L R Burkard.

Jennifer M (TX) is the winner of Mercy Triumphs by Jana Kelley.

Janet E (FL) is the winner of Rule of Law by Randy Singer.

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.

MANY SPARROWS - Lori Benton - One Free Book

Bio: Lori Benton was raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American history going back three hundred years. Her novels transport readers to the eighteenth century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history. When she isn’t writing, reading, or researching, Lori enjoys exploring and photographing the Oregon wilderness with her husband. She is the author of Burning Sky, recipient of three Christy Awards, The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn, Christy-nominee The Wood’s Edge, and A Flight of Arrows.

Find out more about Lori at http://loribenton.blogspot.com.

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

I believe every character I write is a part of me—I’m not sure it could be otherwise—but of course some characters are more like me than others. That said, I never intentionally write “me” into any of my characters. I believe it’s a process that happens organically and I’m only aware of it as I look back on their creation.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Well, I guess quirky is in the eye of the beholder… or committer! Some might call taking your bow out into the mountains to target practice on the beer and soda cans hunters leave scattered around in the fall a quirky thing. I think it’s perfectly normal!

When did you first discover you were a writer?

When I was about nine years old. My best friend wrote a story and showed it to me. I was an avid reader, but it had never crossed my mind to write a story myself. It seemed like something too fun to pass up, so I wrote one too. I’ve been writing, more or less ever since.

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

Wow, it’s pretty wide. I’ll read Christian fiction of nearly every genre, mysteries, nonfiction of nearly every type, historical fiction, YA dystopian, and time-travel stories, just to name the genres off the top of my head. I’m sure there’s more. And I love audio books!

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

By getting away from it all for personal retreats to seek the Lord. There really is no other way. If I’m near the computer then the work is always calling to me.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

It varies. Sometimes they come with their names attached and I have no idea where they got them! Other times I search and search and it takes trial and error. I read old ship manifests, delve into my family tree (it goes back to the 1600s in this country alone), watch the credits on movies filmed in the country where my character hails from, the names of actors, producers, directors, writers on TV shows as they are coming on. I have my antennae up all the time, waiting for the right name to come along.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Signing my first book contract after 20 years of working toward that goal.

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

Perhaps a lion. They get to sleep a lot, and they have nice hair.

What is your favorite food?

Not sure I have a favorite. I seem to make tacos a lot for dinner though!

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

Writing concisely. I learned how to deal with it (not overcome it, I still do it) after a writer friend took one of my bloated, over-written manuscripts in hand and slashed it to bits with her digital red pen. When I saw what she felt could be cut and realized I wasn’t really losing anything vital to the story by its omission, I took it even further and reduced a nearly 400,000 word manuscript to about 125,000 words, without losing more than a scene or two. Yes, I do mean 400K. I’m not kidding when I said I overwrite my first drafts. I still do. Just not that badly.

Tell us about the featured book.

Many Sparrows (WaterBrook Multnomah August 2017)

When settler Clare Inglesby is widowed on a mountain crossing and her young son, Jacob, captured by Shawnees, she’ll do everything in her power to get him back, including cross the Ohio River and march straight into the presence of her enemies deep in Indian country. But not alone. Frontiersman and adopted Shawnee, Jeremiah Ring, promises to guide Clare through the wilderness and help her recover Jacob. Once they reach the Shawnees and discover Jeremiah’s adoptive sister, Rain Crow, has taken custody of Jacob—renaming him Many Sparrows—keeping his promise becomes far more complicated, the consequences more wrenching, than anyone could have foreseen, and Clare faces her greatest challenge. Can she be still and let God fight this battle for her?

Sounds really interesting. Please give us the first page of the book.

May 1, 1774

Ohio River near Yellow Creek

Jeremiah Ring had witnessed death as often as the next man on the Allegheny frontier, but in all his thirty years he had encountered no deaths more dismaying than those confronting him now.

The dead had been laid on the wet spring earth near Joshua Baker’s tavern and trading post, made as decent as such desecrated bodies could be. Now the living moved among them as men whose joints had aged a score of years, tongues held captive by grief and outrage. Jeremiah’s friend, the Mingo, Logan, wept in silence beside the body of a young woman, his sister Koonay.

Jeremiah felt his gorge rise as it had at first sight of Koonay. Someone had draped a blanket over her after cutting her down from the tree in which her body was found hanging, but they’d all seen what was done to her. Koonay had been heavy with her second child, but not even the unborn had escaped this slaughter. No one had yet found her firstborn, a daughter, two years old, though they knew she’d been with her mother in one of the canoes that crossed the Ohio River to Baker’s post, a thing done in friendship many times before.

It wasn’t only Koonay whom Logan grieved. Jeremiah choked back his own sorrow, watching the man absorb the slaughter of nearly all the blood kin he’d had in this world—his older brother, his mother, his nephew, his sister, her unborn child. The few warriors who’d accompanied them, slain along with his kin, had been Logan’s friends.

Here’s a link to the first two chapters:   http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Sneak-Peek-MANY-SPARROWS.pdf

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website:  http://loribenton.blogspot.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLoriBenton 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lorilbenton/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LLB26

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorilbenton/

Readers, here are links to the book.

Many Sparrows - Christianbook.com
Many Sparrows: A Novel - Amazon
Many Sparrows: A Novel - 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

ENCHANTED ISLE - Melanie Dobson - One Free Book

Welcome back, Melanie. Why did you become an author?

I’ve enjoyed dreaming up story ideas and keeping a journal since I was a child.

When I was nine, I typed out my “autobiography” (it was only a few paragraphs J) and eventually went to college for journalism. After a few years working in public relations, I felt as if God was prompting me to pursue my dream to write fiction. It took seven years—and multiple manuscripts—before my first novel was published. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue writing down the ideas that spark in my mind and heart.

If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job?

Probably an archeologist or history professor. A job where I’m continually learning new things and visiting new places.

If you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why?

I don’t think I would want to live during another time, but my daughter is planning to invent a time travel machine when she grows up. I’m planning to borrow it and travel back to the time of Christ so I can sit at His feet and learn. Then I’ll journey forward through the centuries, stopping along the way to meet a long list of people and experience firsthand their stories of sacrifice, courage, and adventure.

That sounds like the beginning of a novel to me. What place in the United States have you not visited that you would like to?

One of my dreams has always been to explore Montana! Our family just got back from a week kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, and swimming in Glacier National Park. It was an amazing experience.

How about a foreign country you hope to visit?

I’ve always wanted to visit New Zealand. About fifteen years ago, my husband accepted a job there, north of Auckland, and we shipped over our things. Right before we left, we received a phone call that the company’s contract fell through so our things came back via boat, and Jon took a job in Berlin, Germany instead. One day we’ll go!

I’ve always wanted to go to Australia and New Zealand. What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?

1 Chronicles 28 says: “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” I’ve been so encouraged by this verse recently as the Lord has been showing me that if I am faithful to do the work that He’s given me to the best of my ability, I don’t have to be anxious or discouraged at the sometimes seemingly overwhelming size of these writing or editing tasks.

Tell us about the featured book.

Enchanted Isle is a historical mystery and love story inspired by an amusement park that I loved as a child. Sadly this park is now abandoned but the wonder and beauty of it is still very much alive in my mind.

As I began crafting this story, I visited England’s Lake District, near the border of Scotland, and I quickly realized that this magical, rugged land of lakes and fells, legends and lore, would be the perfect location for Enchanted Isle. And so I began to build my park on an island there, each ride inspired by the legends and beauty of the sea.

The story begins in the spring of 1958 as Jenny Winter embarks on a two-month adventure to a quaint village in the Lake District. Adrian Kemp, a handsome and enigmatic local, makes the sightseeing even more beguiling—and he invites Jenny into one of the area’s most enduring legends.

When Adrian shows Jenny his late father’s abandoned dream, a deserted island amusement park, she glimpses a kindred spirit in this reckless, haunted young man. Yet as she opens her heart to Adrian, the two stumble into a labyrinth of mystery leading back a generation to an unforgettable romance and an unsolved murder that still casts a shadow over the lakes. As long-held secrets come to light, it’s left to Jenny and Adrian to put the past to rest and restore a lost dream.

I just finished reading the book last week. Please give us the first page of the book for my blog readers.

August 1935, Lakeland, England

Gilbert Kemp whistled as he trekked down the steep hill to Windermere, whistled as he circled the water’s edge toward the boathouse. Not that he was happy about retrieving his older brother from the park tonight— Simon should have been home hours ago—but earlier this evening, Liz had said yes. Yes, she would marry him and stay here in this district of lakes. Yes, she loved him, just as he loved her.

The thought of Liz leaving for America had completely wrecked him, but now, with a simple question, everything had changed. They would be married in the spring, along these daffodil-spiked banks of this lake.

A sound—the trill of a tawny owl—echoed through the beech trees along the bank. He glanced across the sparks of starlight on Windermere’s surface, toward the island where Simon Kemp and Curtis Sloan had sparked their own version of magic. An amusement park that thrived in Great Britain as the economy struggled to recover from its depression.

Most of the rides were hidden back in the trees, but he could see the light from the Torrid Typhoon, a wooden roller coaster that peaked above the forest and then plunged down toward the water, the cars surfing through the waves of trees.

Tonight the park had closed for the season, most of the summer visitors returning home after their holiday, but his brother was still on the island. Maria, Simon’s wife, was worried and for good reason. Simon’s behavior had been odd the past month, even for an eccentric man. His park was making money, hand over fist it seemed, but paranoia had begun to plague him. Several nights ago, he’d even told Maria that Curtis was stealing from them.

Tomorrow, he’d take Simon to a doctor over in Kendal. The man, he suspected, would tell his brother to hibernate during the winter season. Then Simon would return to his typical eccentric self when he and Curtis reopened their park next spring.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I love to connect with readers! The best places to find me online are at on my website (www.melaniedobson.com) or on my Facebook author page (www.facebook.com/MelanieDobsonFiction/).

Thank you, Melanie, for sharing this book with me and my readers. I loved reading it. The well-defined characters with different personalities and quirks really interested me. The setting shone through the happenings, giving me a feeling that I was there in the Lakes District, too. And I always love a romance and a mystery in the book. With this one we had a few bonuses.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Enchanted Isle - Christianbook.com
Enchanted Isle - Amazon
Enchanted Isle - Kindle
Enchanted Isle - 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:

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

RESCUED HEARTS - Hope Dougherty - One Free Book

Bio: Hope holds a Master’s degree and taught at East Carolina University and York Technical College. Her novels include Irish Encounter and Mars…With Venus Rising. A member of ACFW, RWA, SinC, she writes for SeriousWriter.com. Residing in North Carolina, she and her husband enjoy visits with their daughters and twin sons.

Welcome back, Hope. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

I’m not sure about specifics in the future, but I’ll share some points from my prayer journal. I’m praying for courage to be the writer God called me to be. I’m also praying to use my knowledge, history, and expertise for His glory and better stories.

Tell us a little about your family.

Thank you! My husband and I just celebrated our twenty-ninth wedding anniversary. We have four children: Anna is pursuing her dream to be a fashion designer in New York City; Hattie just earned a Master’s degree in Elementary Education with a STEM emphasis and teaches fourth grade; our twin sons, Lane and Quinn, just commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army after graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill and West Point.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Because I write romance, I’m reading more in that genre than I have since high school. I’m also trying to read more writing craft books.

What are you working on right now?

I have a rough draft of a sweet romance set in Charlotte, North Carolina. One of the minor characters in Rescued Hearts makes another appearance in the new story.

What outside interests do you have?

I love sending and receiving real mail, traveling, cooking, playing the piano, and crocheting. I volunteer for several community groups and church committees. I love watching the Pittsburgh Steelers win and listening to live music.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

The stories usually choose the setting. Irish Encounter, for example, came from a daydream I had about Ireland, but with Mars…With Venus Rising, I specifically chose Mars, Pennsylvania, a United States setting after the international location in Irish Encounter. I chose Mars then began thinking about quirky vignettes that matched the eccentric little town.

Rescued Hearts came to me during a bike ride near my house. Questions popped into my mind: What would happen if a bike rider saw an abandoned house? What if she noticed a kitten tangled in a vine? What if, while she tried to free it, a man dragged her inside the house? Those questions wouldn’t leave me alone until I began writing the answers.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?
Interesting question. I’m a history person, so it’s hard to choose. But wouldn’t a conversation with Corrie Ten Boom be fascinating? She faced horrible tragedy and terror and suffering with such joy. I would love just to soak up her wisdom. 

That would be amazing. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?
I wish I’d been more prepared for the marketing side of writing. I’m not a business-minded person.

What new lesson is the Lord teaching you right now?
He’s teaching me to embrace things that might not be my cup of tea. This empty nest chapter is not one to which I’ve been looking forward.  Granted, empty-nesting has perks, but I enjoy my children and love when we’re all together.

Marketing is a dreaded aspect of the writing business for me. I enjoy connecting with readers and speaking about the stories, but I don’t like asking for opportunities or asking for Amazon reviews. In fact, I just shuddered.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?
The most important thing is pray for the Lord’s guidance. Read in the genre in which you’re writing and read writing craft books also. Write every day even if the words end up in the delete basket.

Tell us about the featured book.
Rescued Hearts is a Romantic Suspense book. It’s set in North Carolina and tells the story of Mary Wade Kimball who innocently stumbles into a criminal hideout when she’s riding her bike one afternoon. Brett Daniels is the undercover deputy who jeopardizes his mission to rescue her.

Please give us the first page of the book.

The air changed, rustling a cool breeze that ruffled wisps of hair escaping from under Mary Wade Kimball’s bike helmet. She relished the drop in temperature as she detoured from the paved road onto a sandy path. Enjoying fresh air and nature was the perfect antidote to the four-hour drive from Charlotte in her little Honda.

She smiled to herself. The quick bike ride should smooth any remaining cricks her time in the spa chair had failed to erase. Glancing at the pedals, she wiggled her toes, tipped with a new hot pink color, Feelin’ Cheeky.

Thank you, Agnes, for the pedicure. Just what I needed today.

Clouds formed on the horizon to her right. “I see you, clouds. I’ll be back to Agnes’ in a few minutes. Plenty of time before the storm.”

A hurricane churned several miles off the coast, but forecasters warned that although the projected path fell safely north of the local area, the weather could be affected with wind and rain as soon as tonight or tomorrow morning. The cooler temperatures signaled stormy weather might arrive sooner rather than later.

Pushing the pedals, she slogged the wheels through the sand, feeling a burn in her thighs. A puff of air tainted by a nearby cow pasture assaulted her nose. She pedaled harder to leave the sharp odor behind and noticed an abandoned farmhouse nestled into the edge of trees at the end of an overgrown path.

A movement caught her eye.

Tangled in a honeysuckle vine threading through a hydrangea bush mewed a tuxedo kitten. Prickles on the back of her neck rose, similar to when a stranger had held open the grocery store door for her earlier in the afternoon. She’d smiled and thanked him, but he remained silent, assessing her with the most unusual eyes she’d ever seen.

Although her memory colored them silver, they must have been light blue. Right? A shiver shimmied up her spine at the recollection. Who was he? Agnes had never mentioned a newcomer in town, and if anybody would know, Agnes would.

Someone like that guy sticks in a mind. A few locks of sandy brown hair hooked behind his ears. An elastic captured the rest in a three- or four-inch ponytail. In his worn, wrinkled clothes, he stood well over six feet tall with the girth of a wide receiver. The beginnings of a scruffy beard, overtaking what was once a goatee, covered his face. Formidable. Unyielding. No-nonsense.

Maybe a little scary.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://hopetolerdougherty.com/

Facebook  www.facebook.com/hope.t.dougherty

Twitter Hope Toler Dougherty (@HopeTDougherty) | Twitter 

Pinterest  www.pinterest.com/hopetdougherty/

Goodreads  www.goodreads.com/author/show/13941031.Hope_Dougherty

Thank you, Hope, for sharing this new book with us. I love to read romantic suspense novels.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Rescued Hearts - Paperback
Rescued Hearts - 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