JUBILEE - Katy Pistole - One Free Book

Welcome, Katy. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

My characters usually reflect some part of me, either through their beliefs or struggles or both. My latest character is a man and I wondered how I would relate to him, but I have had several men tell me that apart from my name (Katy) they would have assumed Jubilee was written by a man. I felt complimented by that. My other characters are easier to identify as mine. They are horse-loving girls.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I have very long hair. One of my favorite things to do at Christmas is to fashion my hair into a Christmas tree. I use a two-liter soda bottle, wrap my hair around it and fasten it at the top with a rubber band. Then I decorate the three-foot tower with lights, tiny ornaments, and tinsel. I love to make people laugh, and this does the trick.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

When I was three years old, I wrote a little book about a turtle. The title was The Turtle. I still have that book. I don’t know if I wrote that thinking I would grow up and write books, but I have always loved words. My mother is a teacher and I learned to read at a very young age. I was one of those girls who could curl up with a book for a whole weekend.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I love to read anything that contains Truth. Fiction, theology, soul-care, if it illuminates Truth, I like it. As a counselor I often read books I want to share with my clients so I’m always on the lookout for a cover with meaty words in between.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I remember that Jesus is the only source of Life and when things get crazy (and they do) I can always choose Him. Sometimes I forget and then things get really crazy, but He even uses those times to draw me back into this Truth. I am in Him and He is in me. There is nothing that can occur that He has not already seen and made perfect provision for. This Truth is my only source of sanity.

Very well said. How do you choose your characters’ names?

That is a great question! I often choose names knowing I’ll change them later. Sometimes a character shows up in my heart with such a strong presence I know his or her name immediately. Clay Westin (from Jubilee) was one of those names. I like my names to carry significance.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

In my writing life, am most proud of finishing and publishing Jubilee The Love Story. This story haunted me, while I wrote it, and then for years afterwards as I searched for a publisher. The last four years have been very painful and to have God provide the avenue for publication that He did feels amazing. In my personal life, my proudest accomplishments are my two wonderful children. They are adults now and they inspire me every day. I just watch them, breathless with wonder.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

Oh, that’s easy. A horse. The horse is the most mentioned animal in the Bible. Even more than lamb or sheep or lion. I am convinced that God gave us horses as a magnificent metaphor for relationship. For me personally, I gravitate more toward horses than sheep, but the two creatures have many similarities. Eighty percent of girls identify the horse as their favorite animal. I don’t think that’s a coincidence. I think God created the horse to show us another aspect of His heart.

What is your favorite food?

Chocolate. In any form.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

My greatest roadblock with writing, and with life in general, is other peoples’ opinions of me. I sometimes struggle with what others might say, think, or believe about me, based on my words, written or spoken. This creates fear that often paralyzes me. Jesus has really helped me see the level of influence I sometimes give others. He has also helped me connect the anxiety and pain that comes out of that choice. More and more, I am able to recognize the choice. Jesus as my influencer, or someone else. I choose Life.

Tell us about the featured book.

I wrote Jubilee in 2004, hardly able to keep up with the movie in my head and heart. It literally took my breath away. I struggled with some of the time frame aspects, I struggled with the real-life pain aspects, but I could not stop writing it. I pitched it to my editor, and he loved the concept but had trouble with some of the outside-the-box images. In 2011, I entered Jubilee in the Genesis Contest and it won the Contemporary Fiction category. I was over the moon, and someone from a large publishing house wanted it, but it never made it to his desk. The complicated series of events that prevented his receiving it seemed excruciating at the time, but I see God’s hand in it now. I would not want the publication of Jubilee to have happened any other way. It is miraculous.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Nede, Texas
June 4, 1993

Clay Westin’s eyes stung as the blood bay colt trotted past him in the round pen. Jubilee moved with bold extravagance, tail flagged, dark eyes alert, inside ear fixed on Clay awaiting the next step.

At three years old, Jubilee no longer looked coltish. His powerful mahogany neck glistened under a mass of black mane; his body rippled with masculinity.

Clay inhaled and stepped backward inviting the young stallion inward. Jubilee responded immediately, whirling toward him.

Clay moved lightly forward and exhaled, pointing his finger to the left. Jube pivoted in the same direction, tossing his head; full of play. Breathtaking.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I have two websites, www.KatyPistole.com and www.BeautifulBrokenness.org. In 2010, I founded a ministry that incorporates rescued horses into the discipleship process. KatyPistole.com is primarily for the books (Jubilee is my seventh book) and BeautifulBrokenness.org is the ministry site.

Thank you, Katy, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read it.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

https://www.amazon.com/Jubilee-Love-Story-Katy-Pistole-ebook/dp/B07H3B2FNN/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Jubilee+The+Love+Story&qid=1559353622&s=gateway&sr=8-1

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, 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

LORD OF HER HEART - Sherrinda Ketchersid - One Free Book

Welcome, Sherrinda. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I’ve never been asked this question! I would have to say I wrote my heroine, Jocelyn, as the kind of woman I aspire to be: courageous, kind, and determined. I’ve always been too shy or too scared to try new things or take a stand for what I know to be right. I’m growing braver as I age, but I have a lot of room for improvement.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I love to celebrate holidays in fun ways. One year when my kids were small I added red food coloring to cream gravy for Valentine’s Day. My husband could hardly eat his chicken fried steak, thinking the gravy looked like strawberry icing. Oops. But it did make a memory we still laugh about today.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I first discovered I was a writer in high school. I’d been a voracious reader all my life, but one summer my aunt gave me a bag full of Harlequin romances and I was hooked. I promptly began my own teen romance novel. Unfortunately, I never finished that story and must have thrown it away at some point. Writing remained a dream of mine while I raised my children and when I turned forty, I got serious in my pursuit of publication. It’s been a fun ride ever since.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I tend toward books that have romance in them. Whether it is historical, contemporary, suspense, or YA, if it has a happily-ever-after, I’m a satisfied reader.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

It’s a struggle to remain sane in this crazy busy life. I took a huge leap of faith a little over a year ago and quit a stressful day job. It was the best thing I did for my physical and mental well-being. Even though I now have control over my schedule, I find myself getting anxious over self-imposed deadlines, responsibilities at church, and the craziness of a new puppy. I’ve found that the best prescription for peace is to spend time with the Lord. If I don’t start my day in the Word and prayer, I lose my focus and peace. Bible journaling has become one of my favorite ways to worship and release anxiety.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

First, I researched names true to the medieval period. Then, I tried to find names that represented my characters. Jocelyn is a feminine name, which contrasts her masquerade as a boy. Malcolm is a strong name for a strong hero. He is a knight and knows his strength and abilities. Of course, their names must sound good together. Sometimes you have to sample different names until it just sounds right.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I am most proud of raising my children. I had three boys and one girl. They are all adults now and four of the most amazing people you will ever meet. Considerate and loyal, they are unique, talented, and creative people who have much to offer the world.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I’d probably be a turtle, rather calm and slow in response. But I would rather be a monkey and make people laugh. I am married to a very funny man and he makes life so enjoyable. I’d like to do that for other people—be funny and a bright spot in someone’s day.

What is your favorite food?

Hands down, my favorite food is a cheeseburger. I love them. A close second is pizza. I would eat them every day if I could.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Procrastination was—and is—a huge issue for me. I couldn’t figure out why I kept putting off what I love to do, and then I read that procrastination is really a form of fear. Fear of not being good enough. Fear of not being able to finish. Fear of I’m an imposter. Fear is paralyzing. I’m learning to pray before I sit down to write and then just begin to type. Once I start, I’m okay. It’s a strange thing, but it seems to work for me.

Tell us about the featured book.

Here is the back cover copy: Lady Jocelyn Ashburne suspects something is amiss at her family’s castle because her father ceases to write to her. When she overhears a plot to force her into vows—either to the church or a husband—she disguises herself and flees the convent in desperation to discover the truth.

Malcolm Castillon of Berkham is determined to win the next tournament and be granted a manor of his own. After years of proving his worth on the jousting field, he yearns for a life of peace. Rescuing a scrawny lad who turns out to be a beautiful woman is not what he bargained for.
Still, he cannot deny that she stirs his heart like no other, in spite of her conniving ways.

Chaos, deception, and treachery threaten their goals, but both are determined to succeed. Learning to trust each other might be the only way either of them survives.

Please give us the first page of the book.

“I tire of this endless cleaning.” Jocelyn Ashburne sat on the cold stone floor of the cellarium and put a hand to her aching back. Her gray woolen habit made her itch. She wanted to pull off the veil to release her damp curls from its confines. “Methinks the Reverend Mother Agatha is attempting to tire my body and mind into forgetting my desire to return home. My petition for release has been again ignored, and I know not what to do.”

           

“Perhaps you should write to your father once more.” Sister Mary, her dearest friend at the convent, scrubbed the floor, swiping at her forehead before looking up at Jocelyn. “It could be he has had much to deal with at Ramslea and has been too busy to answer.”

Jocelyn dipped her rag into the bucket of rosemary-scented water and wrung it out. “I’ve been here four years. I know I’ve only heard from him a few times, but ’tisn’t like him to be so silent, even with the distraction of his new wife. My father has been silent for an entire year, and I am worried.” Perhaps she should scour his missives for clues to solve the mystery of his silence.

“Do you sincerely think Helen might sway his ability to make decisions?”

Jocelyn huffed and scrubbed the floor with renewed vigor. “Aye, she cares not for me and only fawned over me in the presence of Father. He was blind to everything but her beauty and charm.”

“He was lonely after losing your mother. I’m sure Helen fills the void in his heart. God will provide for you. Never fear.”

Would that Jocelyn had Mary’s faith in God’s ability to manage her return home. So far, He had been silent to her pleas. Perhaps His lack of communication was His answer. Perhaps she was to have faith amid the silence of her earthly father, as well as her heavenly one.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website: www.sherrinda.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SherrindaKetchersidAuthor/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/sherrinda

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherrinda

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19022507.Sherrinda_Ketchersid

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sherrinda-ketchersid

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sherrinda-Ketchersid/e/B07Q5Y8QHF/

BUY LINK: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q4R9L8Z/

Thank you, Sherrinda, for sharing this book with us. I’m eager to read it, and I know my blog readers are, too.

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, 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

WINNERS!!!

IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners  - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.

Sarah (OH) is the winner of Dove Strong by Erin Lorence.

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If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble, or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.

Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... and this blog. Thank you.

Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:
Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.

If you won an ebook or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to.Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.

THE PAGES OF HER LIFE - James L Rubart - One Free Book

Bio: James L. Rubart is 28 years old, but lives trapped inside an older man’s body. He thinks he’s still young enough to water ski like a madman and dirt bike with his two grown sons. He’s the best-selling, Christy BOOK of the YEAR, CAROL, INSPY, and RT Book Reviews award winning author of ten novels and loves to send readers on journeys they'll remember months after they finish his stories. He’s also a branding expert, audio book narrator, co-host of the Novel Marketing podcast, and co-founder with his son, Taylor, of the Rubart Writing Academy. He lives with his amazing wife on a small lake in Washington State.

How did this book come about?

I was in stop-and-go traffic, waiting get on the freeway when I spotted a black moleskin journal lying on the side of the road. Something compelled me to get out of my car—even though it was pouring rain—and pick the journal up. There was just a bit of writing in the front, and in the back was a “Jesus” emblem glued to the inside back cover. I started wondering … what if God had placed that journal there for me to find? What if I  wrote in it? What if God wrote in it, like he did on the wall in the Old Testament? From there the story took off ,and I soon realized the heart of the story was a woman who had stood up for everyone else but hadn’t ever truly stood up for herself. Until now. And her mysterious journal was going to help her on that journey.

Tell us about the book’s cover and what makes it unique.

I am so fortunate to have a brilliant cover designer. I love the way the writing blends into the background, yet if you look closely, you can see the script. And I love the way the water drops are there … but again, you only truly see them after a second look.

Please explain and differentiate between what’s fact and fiction in the book.

What a great question! All of it is fact, and all if it is fiction. Here’s what I mean: There are so many elements in the book I’ve taken from my real life. A job I had. Working in Alaska in college. Exploring the Northwest. The Oregon coast. Characters I’ve drawn from real life people I know. The fears and struggles I’ve gone through. All those things are in the book and are fact. Yet I filter them through my lens and I’m sure in some cases I’ve gotten things wrong. So much of life is perspective, and we all have different perspectives from each other, so those “facts” are often interpreted quite differently.

How much research did you have to do for this book?

Very little. Since I worked in Alaska, and the book is set in the Seattle area (where I used to live) and I’ve been to the Oregon coast many times, most of the research was in my head before I started.

What inspired and surprised you while you were writing the book?

Another great question. Most of the story surprised me. I’m not an author that’s able to outline a tale ahead of time. I need to discover it as I go. So in this case, it surprised me how much of Allison came from inside me. Same thing with her brother, Parker. So it was a novel of discovery not only with what would happen with the characters, but a discovery of parts of my life where I needed to press into the hard (but good things) God was bringing me.

What do you hope the reader takes away from the story?

Freedom. Always freedom. I want my stories to make people freer than when they started. And in the case of, The Pages of Her Life I want women (in particular) and men as well, to stand up for themselves where they might not have ever before. I want them to understand their worth and strength. I want them to be bold in the person God has destined them to be.

That’s one thing I like about your novels. They take us places we maybe haven’t been and deeper into the places we have, strengthening our walk with God. Oh, yes, and they are also entertaining. What is the next project you’re working on?

I’m working on a series starring a character named, Rembrandt Stone, who is a detective that solves cold cases by traveling back in time. I’m writing the stories with my great friend, Susie Warren and we’re quite excited about them!

I can hardly wait to start featuring those books. What do you do when you have to get away from the story for a while?

I love to get on my dirt bike with my sons or friends, or kayak with my wife in a nearby lake. I love the outdoors.

Please give us the first page of the book.

“Are you still glad we did it?”

Allison Moore looked up from her laptop Monday morning and studied her business partner and onetime best friend, Kayla Brown. Not at one time. Still best friends. At least that’s what Allison told herself. It’s what Kayla probably said inside her head too. And Allison wished it were true. But she’d discovered that people who say, “Don’t go into business with friends or family,” have a large slice of wisdom on their side.

Allison didn’t have to ask what “it” was. Going out the door. Leaving their old architecture firm, where they’d made gobs of money for the owners and not much for themselves. Now here they were, two and a half years later, working harder than they ever had and still not making much money for themselves. But it would come, wouldn’t it? It had to. Their heads weren’t completely under the financial waters, but she and Kayla did have to hold their breath far more frequently than they liked.

“Glad?” Allison leaned back in her chair and picked up her heavily caramel-flavored coffee, the only breakfast she’d had that morning. “Yes, I am. Most days at least.”

Kayla stepped inside Allison’s tiny office and sat in the chair on the other side of Allison’s oak desk, the twin to Kayla’s. Oak. Not Allison’s style. Nor Kayla’s. But the furniture had been affordable.

“Me too.” Kayla sighed. “I’d rather be poor and free than rich and in the shackles we used to wear.”

“I agree.” Allison took a sip of her almost-warm-enough drink. “Except when Seattle rain turns into snow up at Steven’s Pass and I don’t have the money for a lift ticket.”

“Our time is coming. With four new major accounts within reach, you have to be feeling good.”

“I do.”

The air felt stale—the same conversation they’d had too often over the past six months was undoubtedly the reason—and they slipped into silence. Another sip of coffee.

Give me more!! How can readers find you on the Internet?

They can head for my website, jamesLrubart.com http://jameslrubart.com/ where they can sign up for my newsletter. I’m also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLRubart/ , Twitter: @jamesLrubart , and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslrubart/

As always, GREAT to be with you, Lena!

Right back atcha, Jim. It’s always a pleasure to feature you and your books. I’m eager to read this one, and I know my blog readers are, too.

Readers, here are links to the book.

The Pages of Her Life - Christianbook.com
The Pages of Her Life - Amazon Paperback
The Pages of Her Life - Kindle
The Pages of Her Life - Audio book

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, 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

MINDFIRE - Allen Steadham - One Free book

Welcome, Allen. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I certainly write aspects of myself into my characters. I don’t know exactly how much but there is certainly some in each one.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

In 1993, I bought a one-way ticket from Austin, Texas, for the chance to surprise my then-fiancée at the Dallas airport. She was in between flights en route to her Army Advanced Individual Training (AIT) in Arizona. I hadn’t seen her since she’d gone to Basic Training. Seeing her shock and delight at my being there, was wonderful. We spent a total of thirty-six minutes together. Then I bought another one-way ticket back to Austin and went to work. We both agreed later that it was totally worth it!

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

At age ten, I started writing and drawing home-made original comic books.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I tend to like science fiction and science fantasy (for years, all I read was Star Trek books), with the occasional supernatural novel. But I have been expanding my horizons recently. I now enjoy a good Christian fantasy. sci-fi, and am open to other genres as well.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Prayer. I need the Lord to help me in almost everything. I’m also motivated by my wife and three children. Music also helps me stay sane, especially when writing or in traffic.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

For normal Earth names, I mostly improvise. For alien names, I do a lot more research to make sure any extraterrestrial-sounding name doesn’t mean something rude in another Earth language.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Having a family (my wife and our three kids) is the accomplishment I’m most proud of.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A cat. I’m mellow, love affection from those close to me and can be quirky at times.

What is your favorite food?

My wife’s homemade katsudon (Japanese-style fried pork cutlet) in a special sauce with a fried egg on top.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

I used to make comics in my tweens, teens, and early twenties. Then from my late twenties onward, I created webcomics. So transitioning from scripting scenes that would be drawn to using words to paint those “pictures” was my biggest challenge. I overcame it through prayer and persistence. It’s taken several years to span that gulf but I feel completely comfortable with it now.

Tell us about the featured book.

MINDFIRE is a Christian fiction superhero thriller. It focuses on a twenty-year old woman named Leia who develops superpowers. She then learns that her father and stepmother used to be superheroes. And Leia’s biological mother is a supervillain!

The theme of MINDFIRE is “Power alone does not make a hero or villain.”

"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required."

Leia Hamilton can move things and set them on fire with her mind.

Leia's father and stepmother tried to hide their past: a time when they were part of a team of superheroes. But despite being disbanded for over twenty years following a series of tragedies, their problems were passed to their children and Leia finds that her future collides with their past.

In the diverse world of human and superhuman, heroes and villains, friends and enemies, some of Leia's choices have terrible consequences. For Leia, this leads to a personal crossroads and a search for redemption.

Not your normal superhero novel, Mindfire isn't about secret identities, costumes, or evil plots endangering the world. Instead, self-discovery and adaptation is at the forefront as the reader follows the lives of the characters, who are unafraid to show love and explore spirituality.

Can redemption and renewed grace weather the flames of absolute power and superhuman strength?

Please give us the first page of the book.

SWEATING FROM HER BRISK WALK across the Digby College campus in record-breaking near-ninety-degree July heat, Leia Hamilton dragged herself into an empty seat towards the back of the large Jason V. Frederick lecture hall, which wasn’t well-lit or properly ventilated. The building itself must have been at least twenty-five to thirty years old. The acoustics carried well enough but also made it seem like all sound escaped from a human-sized tin can. Students were always tempted to sleep but their success often depended on the teacher.

Professor Angela Merrick, whom Leia had nicknamed “Professor Doom,” scowled and deliberately made direct eye contact with Leia but said nothing, continuing her lecture. The professor radiated confidence and something else, Leia wasn’t sure what. The professor’s long black hair was often worn in a bun like today but sometimes she wore it down. Leia believed the professor would be very beautiful if she didn’t always project a certain amount of tension. It had given her worry lines that made her look a few years older than she probably was.

Thirty minutes later, Josh Manning saw Leia escaping her first class of the day. Mentally noting her distressed expression, he whirled her around and kissed her passionately in front of the other class escapees in the hallway. He was red-haired, even taller than Leia and lanky. He also had more than a bit of Southern charm to accompany his slight Alabama drawl. Suddenly, he pulled back, confused and concerned.

“Your skin is, like, really hot!” Josh put his hand on her forehead. “You have a fever or something?”

“I’m fine,” Leia pulled back and glared at Josh. “Now what are you doing? You said you’d keep things mellow on-campus!”

“You looked like you needed cheering up,” Josh said.

Leia facepalmed. And a moment later, she grabbed his arms in a rage.

“What is wrong with you?” Leia screamed. “Save that stuff for when we’re alone!”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website: https://www.allensteadham.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaspecfiction

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Mindfirenovel

Instagram: www.instagram.com/allensteadham

Thank you, Allen, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I’m sure I’ll enjoy reading it.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Mindfire - Paperback
Mindfire - 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, 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

THE BILLIONAIRE'S RELUCTANT BRIDE - Elle E Kay - one Free Book

Welcome, Elle. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

Many of my characters have some of my personality traits, but only one was based mostly on me and that was Stella in Shadowing Stella.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I moved to the mountains and started a hobby farm. We filled it with goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, turkeys, and ducks. Now I’m the crazy goat lady who drinks from a coffee mug that says “I’m two goats past normal.” With fifteen goats, I may be more than a few goats past normal at this point.

I love goat cheese. I haven’t tried goat milk, but my daughters had to use it when they were children, and we had to find a goat farm. Luckily, there was one close to where we lived. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

In first grade. My teacher suggested that I was a budding writer and for years after I left her classroom, she reminded me to keep writing. Good teachers are invaluable.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I read a wide array of books, the King James Bible is my first priority, and I read that each night at bedtime. I also read non-fiction biblical commentaries and writing trade books as well. My favorite pleasure reading books are romantic suspense and thrillers, but I also enjoy romance and an occasional cozy mystery. I used to read fantasy, but I haven’t picked one up in years.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I don’t. Just kidding. It isn’t easy to stay sane, but, somehow, I manage. Recently, I started keeping a to-do list on the computer in simple project management software (todoist.com). It helps me organize all my tasks in a way that makes sense so I don’t get overwhelmed or side-tracked.

I’m going to try that one. How do you choose your characters’ names?

It depends on the book. Most of the time the main character names come to me without much thought. Currently, I’m writing a book where some of the characters are from Columbia, so I searched popular names in Columbia in the year they would’ve been born. I do the same sort of research for historical fiction. When writing contemporary books, I simply pick names I like or that I find interesting.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Raising my son, Ian. He’s twenty-five, and is currently active duty in the US Army stationed in Texas.

The writing accomplishment I was most proud of was releasing my first book, but since then my writing (and marketing) has improved, so each book I write enjoys greater success than the previous one. I hope that trend continues.

Yea!! I live in Texas. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A goat. I could still live here on our goat farm. Goats are so adorable and they love to play. This time of year, when the nights grow cool they run around and jump on the dog house and rabbit house. They have a great deal of fun.

What is your favorite food?

Ice cream. Mint chocolate chip.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

My greatest roadblock was taking too much time in between novels. I overcame it by scheduling preorders to keep me on a strict writing schedule. Without deadlines, I’m useless, but as long as I know I have to finish a book by a certain date, it gets done.

Tell us about the featured book.

My featured book is The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride. I was asked to write for the Blushing Brides series, and thought it might be fun to write a true billionaire story, so I wrote Zach and Addison’s story. The two were childhood friends who made a marriage pact as teenagers and decide to follow through with it. So far, it’s been my most successful book and one I truly enjoyed writing.

Please give us the first page of the book.

10 August 2018

Addison laughed as she typed her response to Zach’s email.

Sure. Why not? Set the date. Order the flowers. I’ll be there.

He always had a great sense of humor. It surprised her he remembered the teenage pact they’d made to bring it up all these years later. Picturing her friend’s laughing blue eyes teasing her, she grinned. It would be fun to have him back in her life again, but now that Fractal Enterprises had gone public, and he was a successful giant on the social media scene, it was unlikely he’d be able to make time to hang out with an old friend.

His response came quickly.

Why don’t we set the date for our birthday? It would be fitting, don’t you agree? I’ll pick you up first thing in the morning. August 23rd to fly you to location.

If he wanted to keep the joke going, she would play along.

Our birthday. Why didn’t I think of that? I’ll see you then.

I’m going to love this book. I can tell. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can find me on my website and on social media.

Website: https://www.ElleEKay.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElleEKay7

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElleEKay7

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/elleekay7/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elleekay7/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15016833.Elle_E_Kay

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elle-e-kay

Thank you, Elle, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I can hardly wait to read it.

Readers, here are links to the book.

The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride (Blushing Brides) - Paperback
The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride (The Blushing Brides Series Book 3) - 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, 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

I AM MY BELOVED - Caryl McAdoo - One Free Book

Dear Readers, we’ve had several of Caryl’s books on the blog. I love her American historical novels. This is the first biblical novel of hers that I’ve featured.

Welcome back, Caryl. How did this book come about?

Reading the story about when King David was dying, the young Shunammite damsel they brought to keep him warm, he married yet it says he never “knew” his last queen. Also, I loved that Abishag cherished him. David has long been my favorite Bible hero as I felt a kinship in my love of praise and singing new songs. She just stuck out—you know how the Holy Spirit does that.

Then I read how Adonijah wanted to marry her after his death, and Solomon killed him for it. What happened to her intrigued me. Plus, I’d always loved the love speech in the Song of Solomon . . . written in his later years. He speaks of a Shulamite, and in researching Jewish material, found agreement that Abishag was Solomon’s Shulamite.

Tell us about the book’s cover and what makes it unique.

For one, the model on the front is perfect for a beautiful young Shulamite. I’d wanted the purple of royalty to be prominent, and the gold accent was a natural choice. I wanted Israel to be in the background scene, and it’s there, but gets pretty covered up.

Please explain and differentiate between what’s fact and fiction in the book.

When I write Biblical fiction, I never, ever change God’s story. I often use other scriptures found in the Bible –not always in the story—to draw some conclusions. That Abishag IS the Shulamite in Song of Solomon, there is no proof. It was gratifying to find that Jewish historians also saw Abishag as the Shunamite.

She’s only mentioned in five verses found in I Kings’ first and second chapters. So the majority of the story is conjecture based on what we know of Jewish ways and her story that IS revealed in the Bible . . . that was not changed, only embellished for the story’s sake. I love Biblical fiction as long as God’s story isn’t changed.

How much research did you have to do for this book?

A lot! Mostly from the Word itself, for instance Rehoboam’s part, the actual building of the temple, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. In Song of Solomon, he calls her his sister which is covered by her relationship with Bathsheba in I AM My Beloved.

What are some of the most interesting things you found about this subject that you weren’t able to use in the story?

Can’t think of anything we didn’t use. I wonder about the title. If it throws people that there’s no possessive “s” on Beloved. I wanted the title to say that God—the Great I AM—is my Beloved.

What inspired and surprised you while you were writing the book?

Finding the Shulamite versus Shunamite was the big inspiration. And it surprised me to discover in Ecclesiastes that Solomon wrote it in his later years.

What do you hope the reader takes away from the story?

A deeper love of the Lord and understanding that it is possible to live a life without the things hoped for and it still be a fulfilled, wonderful life when the choice is made to accept His plan. I pray my readers will experience the kind of praise and worship Abishag did.

When writing this book, sitting at the computer, typing, I often just stopped and worshipped, weeping at His goodness, grace, and mercy. For me, Abishag’s story proved very impactful.

What is the next project you’re working on?

I’m working now on TEXAS TEARS, book three in the Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga and my contribution to this year’s Thanksgiving Books and Blessings Collection coming out in early September.

As far as Biblical fiction, I’m planning on a multi-author Kings and Prophets Collection to launch in early 2020. My book will be on Jeremiah.

What do you do when you have to get away from the story for a while?

Every day, at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Ron and I play a game of Quirkle while we’re having dinner. We play bridge twice a week, every Tuesday evening in a club and every Friday night, a couple comes over to our house for dinner and bridge, and then there’s a 3rd Thursday once-a-month club.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Abishag held the cups level and took small ladylike steps, careful not to slosh. She grinned then placed the wine—except water really, her mother wouldn't allow her real wine—on the stone table.

“The bread isn't quite ready, but almost. Can you stay longer?”

He shook his head. “No, my dear. Regrettably not.”

Leaning in close, he whispered in her ear, stood, then vanished just as he had come. She waited a thumb’s worth of the sundial, emptied both cups, then took them back inside, her parched throat revived.

“Sweetheart, there you are. The bread is ready. Would you want two loafs? Or will you share?” Her mother gave her ‘the look.’ That one that told it all. She never believed her when he came.

All the time, Mother kept talking with Father in hushed tones about her make-believe friend. But she hadn't made him up at all. Namrel was real.

“He whispered in my ear just now. Right before he vanished. He couldn't stay.”

           

“I see.” Her mother wiped her hands on her apron then knelt down. “What did he tell you?”

           

“That I will lie with kings but be mother of none.” Abishag smiled then continued in a breathy whisper. “He said my beauty will only be exceeded by my purity.”

Her friend telling her the future, she liked, but not what he said about never being a mother. She wanted real babies, not her rag dolls. That's what one did, grew, got married, and had babies. That part troubled her.

           

Her mother's eyes opened so wide the white showed all around her dark circles in the middle. “Abishag! Where have you heard such a thing? Little girls know not of such things.”

           

“I told you, Mama. My friend told me.”

 “And again, who is this friend? What is his name? Have you asked him as I instructed?”

“Yes, Mama. He says his name is unimportant. My guardian angel sent from Heaven.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Author Pages:

     Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Caryl-McAdoo/e/B00E963CFG

     BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/caryl-mcadoo?follow=true  

Website: http://www.CarylMcAdoo.com    

Newsletter: http://carylmcadoo.com/sign-up-to-the-caryler/

Influencers’ Group:  
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_1hQx6UZbWi3OYwmKKxh6Q  

                            (Hear Caryl sing her New Songs!)

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CarylMcAdoo.author

Blogs:
    The Word & the Music http://carylmcadoo.com/blog/

    HeartWings (Devotional) - http://www.HeartWingsBlog.com

    Sweet Americana Sweethearts (Historical) -

                 http://www.SweetAmericanaSweethearts.blogspot.com

GoodReads:  http://tinyurl.com/GoodReadsCaryl

Google+: http://tinyurl.com/CarylsGooglePlus

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryl-mcadoo-00562323

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/CarylMcAdoo

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/CarylMcAdoo

Thank you, Caryl, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I know they will want to read it as much as I did.

Readers, here are links to the book.

I AM My Beloved - Paperback
I AM My Beloved - 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, 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

WINNERS!!

IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners  - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.

Deon (TN) is the winner of Pressure Points by Shelby Abbott.

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If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble, or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.

Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... and this blog. Thank you.

Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:
Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.

If you won an ebook or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to.Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.

HEARTBEATS IN TIME - Mary Davis plus other authors - One Free Book

Bio: MARY DAVIS is a bestselling, award-winning novelist of over thirty titles in both historical and contemporary themes. Her 2018 titles include; “Holly and Ivy” in A Bouquet of Brides Collection (January), Courting Her Amish Heart (March), The Widow’s Plight (July), Courting Her Secret Heart (September), “Zola’s Cross-Country Adventure” in The MISSAdventure Brides Collection  (December), and Courting Her Prodigal Heart (January 2019). Coming in 2019, The Daughter's Predicament (May) and “Bygones” in Thimbles and Threads (July). She is a member of ACFW and an active critique group member.

Mary lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband of over thirty-four years and two cats. She has three adult children and two incredibly adorable grandchildren.

Welcome back, Mary. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I write Christian romance because that’s what I most like to read. It’s what speaks to my heart and soul. The Lord has infinite ways to touch our hearts and souls, mine is romance. I write both historical and contemporary romance and some mystery romance.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

The day my first child was born. I had always wanted to be a mother, and I’d had a miscarriage before him, so he made me a mommy. Now he has given me two adorable granddaughters.

Grandchildren are fun, aren’t they? So are great-grandchildren. How has being published changed your life?

It gave me a validation that this was indeed what the Lord called me to do and not just selfish musings.

As writers, we all need that validation. What are you reading right now?

I’m reading two past novella collections I’m in. I didn’t have time when they came out to read the other authors’ stories in them and am enjoying them. One is The MissAdventure Brides Collection and the other is The American Heiress Brides Collection. I’m also reading A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sittser, a book about dealing with loss.

What is your current work in progress?

I’m writing book 3 in my Quilting Circle series, The Damsel’s Intent ~ A hermit comes out of the mountains to snag a husband, and the quilting circle ladies are just the ones to help her succeed. Book 1 in this series, The Widow’s Plight, is included in the HEARTBEATS IN TIME box set. Book 2 in my quilting series, The Daughter’s Predicament, released May 1st.

What would be your dream vacation?

Lately, I’ve been dreaming of taking my adult children, their spouses, and my grandchildren to Disneyland. I went there as a child and then again for my honeymoon. I want to go back. There are many other places I dream of going, but right now, as silly as it may sound, Disneyland is at the top of my list. What better place than a land based on make-believe for an author who makes up stories?

You’re right about that. How do you choose your setting for each book?

Each book is different. It really depends on the story and what setting it needs. If I can, I try to set stories in my home state of Washington. It has such a rich history. And now that I'm back, it’s easier to do local research. But if a story demands another location, then that’s where I set it. Historical events and people will also determine location and setting. I’ve set stories in many locations outside of Washington State.

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

My granddaughter Katie. She just turned one, and I haven’t even met her in person yet. Over the computer just isn’t the same. I’m dying to hold her.

My youngest great-granddaughter turned one this month. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love doing various crafts; quilting, sewing, porcelain doll making, crocheting, knitting, and I’m eager to try my hand at making junk journals.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Spelling! I can’t spell my way out of a wet paper bag to save my life. One of these days, SpellChecker is going to quit telling me how to spell the same words over and over and over and over. I’m dyslexic, so spelling is a bit of a mystery to me. There are some words I can’t get close enough for SpellChecker to even have a guess at what I’m trying to spell. “No Spelling Suggestion.” Grrr. So I pull out my trusty thesaurus, look up a synonym that I do know how to spell, and in its synonyms is the word I want.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Read. Read. READ. Write. Write. WRITE.

Read in the genre you want to write. Read in other genres as well. Read books on the craft of writing.

Write every day even for just a few minutes (or most every day). You can’t get better if you don’t write consistently. Give yourself permission to write badly—really badly. You can fix it when you go back and edit. But you can’t fix what’s not on the page.

Very good advice, especially the last sentence. Tell us about the featured book.

HEARTBEATS IN TIME is a set of 5 historical books of Old West Christian Romance (4 novels and 4 novellas) by 7 bestselling, award-winning authors. I’m proud to be in a set with these awesome authors! (Buy link: https://amzn.to/2VzRBoI)

THE NOVELS:

The Widow’s Plight (Book 1 in the Quilting Circle series) by Mary Davis

A single mother steps out of the shadows of abuse and into the sunshine. But will a secret clouding her past cost her the man she loves?

Finding Love In Last Chance, California by Miralee Ferrell

A young woman on her own after the death of her father, tries to run the family ranch while solving the mystery of sabotage--can a wandering cowboy with a young son help solve her problems and possibly bring love into her life?

Dreams of My Heart by Barbara Scott

Can a reluctant bride and her new husband fall in love despite their wounded hearts?

Hills of Nevermore by Janalyn Voigt

Can a young widow hide her secret shame from the Irish preacher bent on helping her survive? Based on actual historical events during a time of unrest, Hills of Nevermore explores faith, love, and courage in the Wild West.

THE NOVELLAS:

Heart of a Cowboy Novella Collection--four Old West romances

“Hearts in Pursuit” by Susan Page Davis

~Can Abby and Sam fight their way through danger and violence and live long enough to find love?

“Hearts Reunited” by Miralee Ferrell

~Taylor is determined to save her ranch after her father’s death, but she won’t let anyone help—especially not her old friend Jesse Townsend.

“Have Dress, Will Marry” by Yvonne Lehman

~Julie Hayes must escape from Wildcat Mountain. Her only hope is to approach the cowboy, saddleback preacher Timothy Sullivan, and ask him to marry her.

“The Hand-Me-Down Husband” by Vickie McDonough

~Ellen didn’t want a hand-me-down husband, but could their marriage be God’s will for them both?

I love reading books by all these authors.Please give us the first page of the book.

The Widow’s Plight, Central Washington State1893

Lily Lexington Bremmer would never let anyone hurt her son again. She stared at the fading green and yellow bruises on her five-year-old son’s neck and pictured the others on his small body. As he lay with his head in her lap, the train rocked back and forth, his arm wrapped around the little toy train engine she’d bought him at one of the stops. It was carved of wood and painted. He didn’t play with it, merely held it in the crook of his arm.

She combed her fingers through his nearly black soft curls. Her poor son hadn’t had toys to play with. But now things were different. The toy train would be the first of many.

The train they rode rattled along the track. The Pullman passenger car held nearly thirty people in the twenty seats. Most of the passengers hadn’t taken notice of her or her son. People had come and gone, come and gone over the week-long trip. She was ready to leave this train for good, stretch her legs, breathe fresh air, and wash off the soot and dirt of the journey.

She had moved near the front of the car when a seat had opened up. She didn’t know why, but she felt safer there. Closer to the door. Closer to an escape.

The well-groomed man across the aisle in a charcoal-gray business suit tossed glances her direction every few minutes. His attention heightened the nervousness of her already jittery insides. Was he interested in her? Or was he trying to puzzle out how a fair-skinned, blond-haired, blue-eyed woman could have a son with olive skin, dark hair, and rich brown eyes? No matter their contrasting appearances, he was her son.

The train’s steam whistle blew long and loud. Then the conductor strolled through the car. “Next stop Kamola.”

Leaning down to where her narrow-brimmed straw hat rested against the wall under the window, she retrieved it and pulled out the two adorned hatpins. She secured the hat onto her head as the train rolled into the station and shuddered to a stop.

Lily had run almost as far from her past as she could physically get. Clear across the country.

Toby would be safe here.

I’m eager to read the rest of the book. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Newsletter 

Blog 

FB 

FB Readers Group 

Amazon 

GoodReads 

BookBub

Thank you, Mary, for sharing this new book with my blog readers and me. I know they will enjoy all of the stories by these wonderful authors.

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, 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