Wednesday, November 22, 2017

A CHRISTMAS MEASURE OF LOVE - Linda Brooks Davis - One Free book

Dear Readers, Linda Brooks Davis came on the writing scene a couple of years ago with an award-winning novel I was privileged to read for an endorsement. The characters were well-rounded and people with depth. Authentic scenes pulled the reader into the story. She’s had two Christmas novellas published with some of the characters of her first novel. A Christmas Measure of Love is this years addition. I loved all three of these books.

Welcome back, Linda. Why do you write the kind of books you do?
When I was growing up and my parents’ families gathered, old tales would be told and retold. Invariably, the stories involved hardship, grief, and occasional shame, but they were always set alongside joy, faith, and grit. Often a family member would say, “Someone ought to write a book about that.” As a school child of the 1950s, I knew no hardship, grief, or shame. Life was good. But my family’s stories about life in Indian Territory prior to Oklahoma statehood and in the southern tip of Texas in the 1920s and 1930s intrigued me. I wondered even as a child if I might be that someone and how I’d go about it.

I’m glad you did. Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
By far, the happiest day of my life was in the fall of 2004 when I learned my first grandchild was coming—in triplet form. When my daughter called with the news, I was in my assigned spot on the second floor of an office building, but every speck of inhibition flew out the window at the news. I jumped and, as we say in Texas, whooped and hollered. I danced and shouted between others’ assigned spots, announcing the unbelievable news to each astounded individual: My daughter’s expecting triplets! When the occupants of the first floor of that particular office building showed up wondering what in the world was going on upstairs, I realized for the first time I might have overdone it a bit. Thankfully, my co-workers understood and shared my joy.

How has being published changed your life?
When I won the Jerry Jenkins Operation First Novel Award in January, 2015, I was almost as astounded as that “day at the office” in 2004. But when the excitement settled, I realized I felt vulnerable. And responsible for handling myself in a way that would honor the Lord—and Jerry Jenkins.

When I received the ACFW Carol Award in August, 2016, the Lord separated me from my vulnerability—and inhibitions—as far as the east is from the west. That night was the time of my life. I’m 71 years old, and no single event, other than the news I was to be a grandmother three times over in one fell swoop, has affected me with such joy as that one.

That said … Being a published author has enlarged my circle of acquaintances and friends. I love this aspect of being published more than anything.

What are you reading right now?
Dare I admit I read something other than Christian fiction? I love legal, John Grisham-type suspense, but other than a handful of Christian authors like Randy Singer and Robert Whitlow, whose books I’ve been known to read twice, there aren’t many to choose from in the Christian market. I recently finished Loving Luther by Allison Pittman and was completely mesmerized by Allison’s depiction of the life of Katarina von Bora—Martin Luther’s wife.

What is your current work in progress?
I’m nearing completion of my second full-length novel. It’s set in 1914 and follows the life of one of the secondary characters in The Calling of Ella McFarland, which is set in 1905. A sequel to Ella’s story in novella form—A Christmas to Remember, which is set in 1908—released in 2016. A prequel to my current work in progress, also in novella form—A Christmas Measure of Love, which is set in 1910—released in October of this year.

What would be your dream vacation?
If I possessed unlimited resources, I would travel around the world to find where my ancestors lived and loved, died, and are buried. Those sites would include Eastern Europe, Switzerland, Germany, Scandinavia, Scotland, Ireland, England, and France

How do you choose your settings for each book?
The settings for my books thus far have sprung from my family’s old stories, but my imagination plays a huge role. For example, from The Calling of Ella McFarland and both novellas that follow, as well as my current novel in progress, Glover County, Rock Creek, Needham, and surrounding communities, Broadview, the cottage in the woods, and the McFarland farm are all imaginary. These environs develop as I imagine the lives of the characters.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?
I love genealogy and my grandchildren. My love for both knows no limits. I also enjoy painting pottery—nothing serious, mind you. I’m not an artist. I just enjoy the peace that surrounds me when I’m painting a piece of pottery. Invariably, it’s something for a family member, which could be why I love it so. 

I also love Bible study. I love theology and biblical history and apologetic reasoning.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Keeping my world in balance is my greatest challenge. I know it’s not good for me to concentrate on research, writing, and social media so much that I neglect other, more important aspects of life, but when I’m “on a roll,” it’s very difficult to shut it down.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?
Know why you’re writing. If you’re pursuing writing for accolades or remuneration, you might want to consider another field.

Tell us about the featured book.
A Christmas Measure of Love springs from words spoken by the character Lily in The Calling of Ella McFarland: Ma says love can’t be earned. Love’s immeasurability is the heart of this Christmas novella.

Lily, a girl on the cusp of womanhood has learned to stand as erect as her starched collar. Ma, a woman at the nadir of her life, is as bent as a shepherd’s crook. Joined by blood and separated by circumstance nine years prior, mother and daughter reunite.

What will Lily and Ma find in the old shack where their sweat and tears once mingled? It’s Christmas 1910, and Lily’s in for a Yuletide surprise she hasn’t reckoned for.

Please give us the first page of the book for my readers.
August 1910
Other girls measure their heights, waistlines, and bosoms. I measure my scars. And wonder why my pa never loved me.
           
Eighteen years old today, I’m perched alone on a parlor settee reserved for the birthday girl. Adelaide Fitzgerald, my benefactor, has invited Glover County, Oklahoma’s socially elite to celebrate at Broadview, her grand estate on the banks of Rock Creek.
           
Trouble is, when these precisely coiffed young women were girls romping at garden parties, I was toiling in a cotton field across the way. 
           
These party guests boast fathers who are bankers and lawyers and doctors. But I can claim naught but Walter Sloat for my pa—a scoundrel, a criminal, a former sharecropper who never lifted a hand in the fields. He expected Ma and me to do his share of the crop tending and accept his abuse when we returned home.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

To purchase The Calling of Ella McFarland: http://amzn.to/2ixn4pe
To purchase A Christmas to Remember: http://amzn.to/2yxAk8h
To purchase A Christmas Measure of Love: http://amzn.to/2j3vwjK

Thank you, Linda, for sharing this heart-warming novella with me and my blog readers.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

30 comments:

Unknown said...

I love reading Christmas stories to enjoy the season even more. This is a new author for me, so hoping to win a copy. Minnesota

rubynreba said...

I want to find out what the surprise will be!
Beth from Iowa

Linda Brooks Davis said...

Thank you for joining in, Bonnie and Ruby. You encourage me so. Hopefully, you'll be able to read A Christmas Measure of Love. I cried buckets of tears while writing it. You know--those from-the-heart kind of tears that accompany memories of loved ones and cherished times.

Unknown said...

Enjoyed Linda's interview. I am getting ready to start her new one and looking forward to reading it.

Unknown said...

This sounds like such a good book! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
Tiffany from Louisiana
jtabalk(at)hotmail(dot)com

Linda Brooks Davis said...

Thank you, Ann and Tiffany! Ya’ll have blessed me!

robynl said...

Would love this book and have never read you before

Dianna said...

A new author for me! I love Christmas stories.
Dianna G. (TN)

Linda Brooks Davis said...

Hi, Robyn and Dianna! it's great to "meet" you here on Lena's blog. Thanks a bunch for taking the time to comment. You've encouraged me ... and one of you may win the book! God bless ya'll! Linda

Vivian Furbay said...

Your book sounds very interesting and one I would like to read. Best wishes in you writing! Vivian From Colorado

Cindy W. said...

I love the covers of your books. I so love Christmas stories and would love to win a copy of yours.

Blessings,
Cindy W. from Indiana

VanG said...

Linda is a new author to me, and I would love to win a copy of her book. Thanks for the chance! 😊 It sounds like a delightful story.
VanG in NC

Kay Garrett said...

Loved reading the interview with Linda Brooks Davis. A CHRISTMAS MEASURE OF LOVE sounds like an amazing book and one I'd love to read. I know the first page has me wanting to keep reading.

Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Kay Garrett from Mountain View, AR
2clowns at arkansas dot net

Linda Brooks Davis said...

Hello and Happy Thanksgiving Day to Vivian, Cindy W., and VanG! It's wonderful to "meet" you on this day of giving thanks. I'm grateful for your participation in this forum and your interest in my work. I pray a beautiful day for you and yours, and I hope you'll be able to read Lily's Christmas story, as well as the part Ella McFarland played in Lily's life nine years prior in The Calling of Ella McFarland. God bless you and yours! Linda in Texas

Abigail Mitchell said...

Looks good!
Abigail in VA

Linda Brooks Davis said...

Hi, Abigail! It's great to "meet" you on Lena's blog. I hope you're having a blessed Thanksgiving Day. And I hope you get to read A Christmas Measure of Love. Readers meet Lily first in the 1905 The Calling of Ella McFarland. Her life has changed drastically by Christmas 1910. I cried buckets of tears while writing this novella about love without measure. Linda

Jennifer Hibdon said...

This sounds like a great story. Thanx for introducing me to a new author. I live in Lubbock, Texas.

Linda Brooks Davis said...

Hi Jennifer! I just love interviews like this that provide a way for authors and readers to connect. I interview an author every Wednesday on my blog, and I wouldn't take anything for the blessing of getting to know both the authors and the readers who interact with us. What a lovely added blessing on this day set aside to count blessings one by one :-) Now you're one of mine :-) Linda, San Antonio

Melanie Backus said...

What a wonderful sounding story! I would love to read it. Happy Thanksgiving! Melanie Backus, TX

Linda Brooks Davis said...

Hi, Melanie. So good to "meet" you. It's an honor to be featured on Lena's blog, and meeting folks like you is a joy. I hope your Thanksgiving was over-stuffed with blessings. God bless you and yours! Linda

Library Lady said...

Our church library patrons enjoy reading Christmas books. Thanks for introducing me to a new author.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Florida

Linda Brooks Davis said...

Hi, Janet E. My Thanksgiving blessings just keep coming. How wonderful to "meet" you here on Lena's blog and know you're considering Lily's story for your church library. I hope it blesses each reader. God bless you and yours! Linda in San Antonio

Anonymous said...

I love Christmas stories...Jamie in Alabama

Jane said...

Thank you for the educational interview of a new to me author. Genealogy is a favorite hobby of mine, too, and it could certainly help provide a good background for characters or stories! Jane in TX

Connie Porter Saunders said...

I am looking forward to this book. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings!
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway SC.

Linda Brooks Davis said...

Hi, Kay, Jamie, Jane, Sharon, and Connie! How great to "meet" readers here on Lena's blog—from South Carolina, to Kentucky, Florida, Arkansas, and my own state of Texas. Wow. I appreciate your taking the time to comment. You're all entered in the drawing, and I'm pulling for each of you. I hope you're able to read The Calling of Ella McFarland, as Ella's story sets everything else in motion. A Christmas to Remember and A Christmas Measure of Love will catch you up before the next novel, which will hopefully release in 2018. I pray each of you is filled with wonder and joy this Christmas season and that love without measure comes to stay! Linda

June H said...

So many new books to read! Would love to read them all! I am looking forward to reading A Christmas to Remember. I live in NC where it is 70 degrees today! Not bad for December 1, but the cold air is coming.

Anonymous said...

Hi, June. Great to “meet” you here. Amazingly, we’re enjoying 70-degree weather in Texas too. I hope you get to read A Christmas Measure of Love, as well as the novel that started it all—The Calling of Ella McFarland.

Linda Brooks Davis said...

Whoops, June. The above comment went through as Anonymous. Sorry. It's me :-)