TO CLAIM HER HEART - Jodie Wolfe - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I just finished reading To Claim Her Heart, and I love it. I’ve watched Jodie grow in her writing. This new book is awesome. The characters quickly pulled me straight into the action, and I didn’t want to ever leave. I’ve always liked reading stories about the Oklahoma Land Runs. This one may be my very favorite.

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

Chuckle. That's a little hard to predict, but I'm hoping to find a home for a story I wrote quite a number of years ago that still is my all-time favorite.

I understand that. I have an older one my agent is sending to a new market right now. Tell us a little about your family.

My husband and I have been married for over 30 years and have two grown sons who are both married. We have four granddaughters ages six and under.

I imagine that’s a houseful of fun when you all get together. Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

I don't get to read quite as much as I would like to because of my writing, but that doesn't bother me. I do find I'm more alert to typos and repetitive words in printed books now.

What are you working on right now?

I'm finalizing edits on the story I first mentioned and also working on a book that is set in the town where I live now. I'm looking forward to writing again.

What outside interests do you have?

I enjoy spending time with my husband, reading, walking, relaxing, etc.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

That's a difficult question to answer. Sometimes I can be inspired by a place I'm visiting or heard about. It can be from an article I read or a story told to me. I try to be open to story ideas and settings when they crop up.

I know what you mean. I do, too. If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?

I'm never great at answering this question. The only one I can think of who would mean the most to me to see face-to-face is Jesus. I'd love to speak together and hear His responses.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

How long the process can be before a book actually is printed, and you can hold it in your hands. :-)

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

Chuckle. It seems each time I work on a new book, God has me re-learn the spiritual truths that my characters are struggling with. He brings new situations that cause me to go deeper in my faith and learning through the process.

Me, too. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Tenacity, patience, and helping others.

I think to succeed in this industry you have to display perseverance and not being willing to quit when things get tough because believe me, they will. Very few authors are picked up immediately when they first start sending out their work. Learn to wait on God's timing. Once you start getting published, don't forget to reach back and help those writers who are coming up behind you and are just learning about the industry. Be open to encouraging them.

Tell us about the featured book.

Here's the back cover blurb for To Claim Her Heart

In 1893, on the eve of the great race for land, Benjamin David prays for God to guide him to his “Promised Land.” Finding property and preaching to the lost are his only ways of honoring his deceased fiancée. He hasn't counted on Elmer (Elsie) Smith claiming the same plot and refusing to leave. Not only is she a burr in his side, but she is full of the homesteading know-how he is sadly lacking.

Obtaining a claim in the Cherokee Strip Land Run is Elsie Smith's only hope for survival, and not just any plot, she has a specific one in mind. The land's not only a way to honor her pa and his life, but also to provide a livelihood for herself. She's willing to put in whatever it takes to get that piece of property, and Elsie's determined to keep it.

Her bitterness is what protects her, and she has no intentions of allowing that preacher to lay claim to her land . . . or her heart.

Please give us the first page of the book for my readers.

Here's a glimpse of the first scene:

Competition should be relegated to the male species. Proper young ladies should avoid a situation which permits rivalry, particularly involving the male species. If unavoidable, allow the gentleman to win. Be above reproach in this manner.

Mrs. Wigglesworth’s Essential Guide to Proper Etiquette and Manners of Refined Society

September 15, 1893, Kiowa, Kansas—Border of the Cherokee Strip

“Elmer Smith?”

For once in all of her days, Elsie welcomed the name Pa had insisted on when her life began and Ma’s had ended.

“Is that you, son?”

“Ain’t your son.” Ain’t no one’s son. Elsie shifted her Stetson lower to ward off the man’s scrutiny.

“There’s no need to get your prickles up. Do you testify you’re at least twenty-one years of age and head of your household?”

           

Elsie nodded and bit back a retort.

“Then sign here.” The man shoved a paper across the makeshift desk. Beads of moisture dotted his upper lip.

           

She scrawled her name on the line. The page crinkled when she folded and shoved it into her shirt pocket, along with the copy of The Homestead Laws and Pa’s hand-drawn map.

           

“Get out of the way, kid.” A scraggly looking fellow jabbed into her shoulder.

           

Elsie stepped out of line, glaring at him. He ignored her and turned his attention to the clerk.

           

She elbowed through a crowd of men. How had her small town swelled to so many folks? Thankfully there were few she recognized, or, more so, who could recognize her. The less who knew her gender, the better. She certainly didn’t need no man to help her get the land she and Pa had dreamed about.

           

Elsie scooted her hat up and swiped at the sweat on her forehead before dropping it back into place, scrunching the thick braid she’d pinned up three days prior. Hefting her saddlebags to her opposite shoulder, she hiked the short distance to the livery and retrieved Buster. A short ride would clear her head and prepare her for what lay ahead.

           

Dust swirled and nearly choked Elsie as she rode in the opposite direction of the throngs, to see the old farm one last time.

           

Acrid smoke filled her lungs. Nearby fires, to deter Sooners from entering the strip before the race began, burned in the west, but not out of control.

           

Elsie urged Buster, careful not to tire him. Everything hinged on finding the land tomorrow.

           

Everything.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website: https://www.jodiewolfe.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jodie-Wolfe-553400191384913

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JodieAWolfe

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15220520.Jodie_Wolfe

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jodie-Wolfe/e/B01EAWOHXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

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

Readers, here are links to the book.

To Claim Her Heart - Papeback
To Claim Her Heart - Kindle

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