RISKING LOVE - Darlene Franklin and Helen Gray - One Free Book

Welcome back, Darlene. As an author, I know it takes a lot of people to birth each book. Who were the people involved in the birthing of this book, and what were their contributions?

I’ll speak to the birthing of Risking Love, not of each novella within the collection individually.

Since I’ve begun publishing in the ebook market, I’m always looking for new ways to promote my works. I’ve tried combining my own books into sets without much luck. I thought, why not combine with one other author? Take already-published books, look for titles with something in common, and create something new.

I approached my publishing group, Forget Me Not Romances, with the idea. Helen Gray was among the first to respond. We agreed that her two “Hawthorne” books matched the theme of taking a risky course to love with my story, Her Rocky Mountain Highness. Our editor, Cynthia Hickey, called the new line of books Dynamic Duos and suggested I add an older title, Merry Christmas, With Love to the mix.

For the novellas, add the volunteers who work at the Christmas, Florida, post office in December, the many people who send cards to our servicemen overseas, and the unforgettable music of John Denver for my basic inspiration.

And as always, first and foremost—the Lord!

If you teach or speak. What’s coming up on your calendar?

I’ve just been asked to prepare a writing curriculum for home schooled high school students. I’m super excited!

If you had to completely start over in another place, where would you move, and why?

I have two thoughts. My first is—to make it past Utah, which is the farthest west I’ve ever been. I’d love to try living in New Mexico or Arizona.

The second is: to go to Mason County, Kentucky, where my father’s family has its roots. I’d like to connect with my roots.

If you could only tell aspiring novelists one thing, what would it be?

Develop a thick skin.. Rejection is the norm, but only you can tell your story, and God will open the right doors at the right time (they might not happen the way you expected, by the way).

You’ve been asked to be in charge of a celebrity cruise. Who would you ask to take part, and why? (AS in what program, singers, etc. [it doesn’t have to be writing related])

I don’t think I’ve ever been asked this question before, Lena!  I would love to go on a cruise that would combine my love of the Bible, music, and a desire to experiment in art all in one.  I don’t know whom I would ask to come – I’d prefer several different people to lead and teach a variety of musical groups, Bible studies, and art classes. Have a big show at the end of the week, along with an art show?

Tell us about the featured book.

Four delightfully romantic novellas to warm your heart and make you smile.

HER ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGHNESS
Krystal Black had helped foreign dignitaries before but never was tempted to join their ranks.

Prince Johann "John" van Koppelberg came to the Colorado Rockies expecting a vacation. He hadn't planned to fall in love with his tourism director.

But like John Denver, the prince found a home and fell in love. Now if only he could get Krystal and his parents to agree.

HAWTHORNE HOPE
Jenna Michaels can’t risk falling in love.

She has already lost too much. When she meets Evan Bryant, their mutual attraction sends her running from the possibility of another loss.

Principal of Hawthorn Christian Academy Evan Bryant never thought he would be attracted to another woman after the death of his beloved wife. Meeting Jenna convinces him that he can love again, but is there hope that they can move beyond their pasts and find happiness together?

MERRY CHRISTMAS WITH LOVE
People from around the country send their mail to Christmas, Florida, to receive a special Christmas postmark. War widow Randi Pearson enjoys sending Christmas cards to men and women serving in the armed forces—until retired major Troy Brennan shows up as a post office volunteer. Can Troy convince Randi to let go of the past and move into the future?

TREE OF HOPE
BURNED OUT COP TRAVIS BAKER IS LOOKING FOR NEW DIRECTION IN HIS LIFE.
After leaving law enforcement, Travis takes a job as temporary handyman at the Quinn landscaping business and gift shop that two sisters are try to run now that the father is dying of cancer. But he doesn't figure on getting involved in constructing a living Christmas tree, or his heart getting entangled with Reagan Quinn.

Reagan has too much on her plate, operating the businesses and dealing with grief over her father, and confusion at the inevitable changes confronting her. Can Travis convince her that they can form a partnership—in business and life?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Krystal Black and her cousin Jill Lancieri made it to the passenger pickup area of Denver International Airport with minutes to spare. “Rocky Mountain High” streamed through the speakers in the terminal.

“I wish we had a picture of the prince,” Krystal said. “Six feet two inches. Light blonde hair, blue eyes. His description could fit dozens of arriving passengers.” Suppose he tried to hide his identity with a hat or sunglasses, the way celebrities often did.

“I bet he’s handsome,” Jill said. “As good looking as Prince William, maybe even better.”

Krystal snorted.

“Will you ever stop expecting Prince Charming every time we have a new client from abroad?”

“Not as long as they keep sending us to meet royalty at the airport.” Jill giggled.

She had a point. Today the two tourist guides were meeting Prince Johann van Koppleberg of the former city-state of Forsberg, which had been located along the Lapland/Russia border.

Sounds like a fun collection. Where can we find you on the Internet?

Check out a complete list of my books at https://amzn.to/2Lv3Gaa and keep up with me online at https://www.facebook.com/DarleneFranklinFun/.

Thank you, Darlene, for sharing this book with us. I’m eager to read it, and I know my readers will be, too.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

Risking Love (Dynamic Duos Book 7)

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