Thursday, October 05, 2017

HEART OF THE EMERALD - Cynthia Hickey - One Free Ebook

Welcome back, Cynthia. How did you come up with the idea for this story?
Being of Scot-Irish descent, I love anything Irish or Scottish. I ran across a book of Five Points and what the immigrants endured there, and thought it would make a good story of a feisty gal who overcame.

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
Janice Thompson, because she’s a hoot, Gail Gaymer Martin, because she’s the sweetest person ever, Martha Rogers because I want to be like her at her age, Susan May Warren because she’s full of knowledge, Kathleen Y’Barbo, because she loves me, and Francine Rivers, because she made me love the genre.

Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
Janice Thompson, same as above, Gina Welborn because she makes my face hurt from laughing, Gail Gaymer Martin and Martha Rogers, same as above, Francine Rivers, same as above, and Diane Whitmeyer because her books make me laugh.

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?
Keeping up with my readers’ demands. I’ve spoiled them by being prolific and they now expect quick writing and releases.

Tell us about the featured book.
Heart of the Emerald is about a young Irish lass fixated on revenge for the theft of a family heirloom. She leaves her beloved Ireland and, despite the help of a handsome and kind Englishman, ends up in Five Points, New York. She must discover what is more important…love or a material possession.

Please give us the first page of the book.
May, 1892
Aileen Sullivan leaned over the rail of the Lucania and stared at the ocean rushing by. Occasionally, a spray blew misting her cheeks with a chilly kiss and mingling with her tears.
The purple outline of America’s shore hovered in the distance. They’d left the banks of Ireland behind days ago. It already seemed like ages since her gaze fell on her country’s lush banks and craggy cliffs. Aileen experienced nothing more than homesickness, heartbreak, and the horrors of sea travel now. No more toiling the fields, milking the cow, or feeding the chickens. Instead, she lived with the groans of passengers in the throes of seasickness and lung fever.

Her torn heart ached, one half lodged in her breast, the other on the Emerald Isle. She straightened and took a deep breath of the salty air, then pulled her cloak tighter against the sea breeze.

Fingering the single gold chain around her throat, all that was left of her ma’s precious jewelry, she turned and swiped away the tears obscuring her vision. If only she still had her mother’s brooch, an emerald handed down for generations from first born girl to first born girl. But no, an evil man took it and based his action on a lie.

She stumbled over a coil of rope and gasped, flailing her arms for balance, and smashed into a solid leather covered chest. Strong hands steadied her. She lowered her gaze and let it travel from scuffed boots up past tan pants and a starched white shirt to eyes as blue as Ireland’s sky. This man was not a steerage passenger, and thus Aileen should not force her company on him. Perhaps she had been so lost in her thoughts she didn’t hear the call to return to the lower level of the ship. She backed up. “Pardon me.”

“Are you all right?” The man’s voice rumbled over her like far-off thunder. The concern on his face caused the tears to sting again.

“I am fine, thank you.” She moved to brush past him.

“Please, don’t let me run you away. The ship’s railing is large enough for us both.” The corner of his mouth quirked. “You’re from Ireland?”

She sighed and nodded. “You are American?”

“I call myself American. I’m Samuel Westfield. I was in London on family business and now returning to my new home.” He leaned against a crate. “We should be docking in a few hours.”

Aileen’s mouth dried, and she turned back to the approaching shore. Was she ready to confront Liam Connor and his thieving ways? She didn’t think so. Liam had been such a close family friend that the Sullivans trusted him. Aileen and her brother called him Uncle, until the death of Aileen’s parents and the man’s true colors revealed themselves.

How long would their funds last in New York? She and Patrick would need to find suitable lodgings, but she’d never worked off the farm a day in her life and didn’t have a clue what to do first. What if they had to leave the city and travel across the strange continent to the Wild West?

How can readers find you on the Internet?
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Readers, here’s a link to the book.
Heart of the Emerald

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.

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Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

11 comments:

Paula Shreckhise said...

Well, that except certainly piqued my interest! Looks like a great and interesting story! Paula from Missouri. Thanks.

Elly said...

Ooh! This sounds good!
Elly -Indiana-

VanG said...

It has been a while since I read a book by this author, and this sounds like a good one. Thanks for a chance to win a copy. 😉
VanG in NC

Unknown said...

Glad to hear from you ladies. I had a great time writing this story.

Bonnie Engstrom said...

Great interview Lena and Cynthia. I only wished you, Cynthia, had discussed your publishing business that has brought so much success to so many of us.

Lena ~ Cynthia is adored by her dozens? (75+) authors, so much that we nominated her two years in a row as Mentor of the Year at ACFW. Next year I KNOW she will win. Without Cynthia's expertise and faith in us, some of us would still be floundering on the fringes. I know I would. Because of her I have published over 10 books, including a series. I could tell you many other authors' stories, but not mine to tell. In addition to her expertise and wonderful work ethic, she is a lovely person who gives each of us extra time and encouragement. Thank you for giving her a spotlight she so much deserves.

Bonnie in AZ

PS - I don't need to be included in the drawing.

Connie Porter Saunders said...

Thanks for sharing this first page. I look forward to reading more!
Blessings,
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

Caryl Kane said...

Hello Lena and Cynthia! I would love to read Heart of the Emerald.

Caryl K in TEXAS

Holly Ison said...

Cynthia, your book sounds lovely and I can't wait to read it. I normally skip reading the first page offered in Lena's blog posts because I like the surprise, and even that is a spoiler to me, but I couldn't help myself and now I'm intrigued! lol I was wondering if your book will be available in print? I will read kindle editions of books if that is all that is available, but I prefer print books, and will buy a paperback copy of an ebook I already own if it becomes available later. Books are my retirement plan. :)
Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!

Unknown said...

Since it's a novella, I hadn't planned on putting it in print. All these comments have made my day. Thank you for the kind words, Bonnie!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great book!Shelia from Mississippi

Holly Ison said...

totally understand that...most of my kindle books are novellas. :)

I realized in my original post of forgot to include required info: I'm Holly from KY.