THE BELLE OF THE CONGAREE (THE SOUTHERN BELLES BRIDES COLLECTION) - Lauralee Bliss - One Free Book

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

I first thought my writing career was beginning to fade with only rejections, closed publishing houses, and other issues. Then I was chosen to be a part of this collection and several others. I’m also entering other areas of writing and have also just sold a magazine article. God isn’t done with any of us yet, and even if things appear to be cooling off for a season, prepare for a fire to be lit in His timing!

That is so true. Last year, I only wrote one novella. This year, I’ve already written one novella and two novels since January 1. Tell us a little about your family.

I’m married to my wonderful husband Steve for close to thirty years and have a son living in the Midwest. Right now our happy home is filled with three pups: Sky, Buddy and Eve.

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

I will read what I want to write to see what others have done and learn what the publisher is seeking, which is all part of learning the craft. But I realize too I have my own voice and ideas. I’m not out to be another author. I am who God created me to be with my own writing style and ideas, and that’s just fine with Him.

That’s so true. He created each of us unique. What are you working on right now?

I just completed a novella for Barbour’s Erie Canal Brides Collection, set along the famous waterway that revolutionized our nation, and releasing next spring. I am also finishing my nonfiction work about my adventures hiking the entire Florida Trail, set to release in 2019 through WhiteFire Publishing.

What outside interests do you have?

Hiking! I’ve completed the Appalachian Trail twice and also the Florida Trail, the Colorado Trail, the Long Trail of Vermont, and the Allegheny Trail of West Virginia. I also love to speak about hiking to both children and adults. Find out more about my adventures at www.blissfulhiking.com  

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I love to travel, so if I see an interesting place, I will think—now there’s a good place to set a great and moving story.

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

I would very much love to meet Abraham Lincoln and hear about his time as president during a very tumultuous time in our nation. I’m sure he would tell me that the trials of this day would very much pale by comparison to what was facing our nation back then.

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

Writing and publishing is a long process, filled with many more apparent downs than ups. But the one thing you must do is never give up on your calling, no matter what happens.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

To be patient, not to try and figure everything out, to rest and let Him handle the details of life.

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

• Write, write, write.
• Read books on writing. Attend conferences, do critiquing, learn all you can. Find mentors and a good agent.
• Don’t quit. 

Tell us about the featured book.

In my novella The Belle of the Congaree, Mason Bassinger reluctantly travels to war-torn South Carolina, seeking lands his carpetbagger brother can buy. Elisa Anderson barely survives after her family’s plantation is destroyed. She welcomes visits by the handsome and wealthy Mason, who makes the cottage by the Congaree feel like a home. But when Mason’s true purpose is revealed, will her heart be broken by betrayal?

Part of the Southern Belle Brides Collection where seven sweet and sassy ladies of yesterday experience romance in the southern states.

Please give us the first page of the book.

“Looks as if you’re about ready.”

Am I ready? Is anyone ever ready for anything in life? Especially when doubt comes sneaking in, ready to trip up plans or steal away the confidence that once led to a firm decision.

Mason Bassinger glanced at his saddlebags thrown over the croup of his mare Honey, the wool blanket that once adorned Mother’s bed, or so his brother Harold told him, rolled up and tied to the back. He was just a lad when she passed away, and couldn’t recollect things like the blanket on her bed. Harold had been the one to remind him of the past. Harold raised him. Provided for him. Guided him in the things of life. Now Harold was telling him it was time to leave. But all Mason could envision was falling off a rocky precipice if he rode away. Harold squinted at him.

“It’s going to be just fine,” he said, trying to alleviate the doubt that sought to disrupt the plans.

“You know what to do. We Bassingers have it in our blood to do good. It’s a part of us.”

Of course Mason knew what to do, but did he want to? Could he construe this mission as something good and godly? “I will go, Harold. But this is the last time.”

Harold stepped back, his brown eyes widening. “What do you mean?”

Mason threw his foot up to catch the stirrup and drew himself into the saddle. “Just as I said. I—I need to do other things.”

Harold’s mouth fell open. “You can’t turn your back on what’s happening. The business is doing so well. With what I’ve been told about the land down there in South Carolina after Sherman’s march, there’s a fortune to be made.”

Mason adjusted his hat atop his crop of dark brown hair, gritting his teeth as he did. He wished he could speak the words from the Good Book he’d read last night about the root of mammon and Harold’s incessant desire for money—

Interesting! How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website:  http://www.lauraleebliss.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Readers-of-Author-Lauralee-Bliss

Blog: http://www.blissfulwalk.com

Hiking Blog: http://www.blissfulhiking.com

Twitter:  @LauraleeBliss

Thank you, Lauralee, for sharing this new collection with me and my readers, especially your contribution to the book.

Readers, here are links to the book.

The Southern Belle Brides Collection: 7 Sweet and  - Christianbook.com
The Southern Belle Brides Collection: 7 Sweet and Sassy Ladies of Yesterday Experience Romance in the Southern States -  Amazon Paperback
The Southern Belle Brides Collection: 7 Sweet and Sassy Ladies of Yesterday Experience Romance in the Southern States - 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