Tuesday, May 14, 2019

DREAMS DEFERRED - June Foster - One Free Book


Bio: June Foster is an award-winning author who began her writing career in an RV roaming around the USA with her husband, Joe. She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her next contemporary romance or romantic suspense. June's characters find themselves in precarious circumstances where only God can offer redemption and ultimately freedom. To date June has seen publication of 17 novels and 1 devotional.

Welcome back, June. 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?
Wonderful question. I haven't seen one like this. First, my dear sister-in-law, Helen Lynch, was a great resource for information about the Catholic Church. Since I'm not a Catholic, I don't have as much knowledge as she. She read my first draft to make sure all the plot elements were correct concerning the church, and she patiently answered my many questions. My husband, who grew up Catholic, helped as much as he could. He's been out of the church for quite a few years, and we now attend a protestant church. Another person who was a great help was the principal at Sacred Heart Catholic School, housed in the church by the same name in Cullman, Alabama, our hometown. She gave us a tour of the school and answered tons of questions. I also looked around the church and took many pictures which were great references when I wrote my scenes set in the fictional church of St. Aloysius of San Antonio, Texas. Since the book is inspired by my great grandfather and great grandmother, I needed to discover more about the history of these two people. My daughter went on Ancestry.com and did additional research for me.

If you teach or speak. What’s coming up on your calendar?
So far I have not had to opportunity to teach or speak about writing other than in casual situations. I'm hoping for the chance one day soon.

If you had to completely start over in another place, where would you move, and why?
Interesting question as my husband and I are preparing for an extended road trip in our RV. We're hoping to head to the northeast to tour the New England states. As far as starting over, I expect my next and permanent location is going to be in eternity.

If you could only tell aspiring novelists one thing, what would it be?
Pray, pray, pray. Seek the Lord about what He'd like you to write and write it! If you're writing for fun or for your own enjoyment, it won't be nearly as exciting as the stories God puts on your heart.

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'd check with Randy Alcorn, Jerry B. Jenkins, and Franklin Graham to offer inspirational classes. Then I'd ask Wayne Watson, J. Michael Finley, and Mercy Me to perform the entertainment. Then Emeril Lagasse and Glada De Laurentiis would be in charge of cuisine.

Sounds wonderful. I’d go. Tell us about the featured book.
Frances Matthew Hall is obedient to family tradition: all firstborn sons will serve as a priest. Now Matt officiates at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas. But when on Easter Sunday, he notices a beautiful young woman who takes his breath away. He must fight against his attraction to her or leave the priesthood and alienate his entire family.

Mary Louise Graham is a middle school teacher and devout catholic. Yet no amount of service to the community can ease the heavy load of guilt she carries. God can never forgive her unspeakable mistake. But when Father Matt tells her about a forgiving God through His son Jesus Christ, she's free. Only thing, the Godly priest now means more to her than he should.
Can two people find their way to each other amidst insurmountable obstacles? Dreams Deferred is inspired by the author's great grandfather and great grandmother's story.

Please give us the first page of the book.
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will." Father Matthew Hall lifted his eyes to the crucifix above the altar. Jesus hanging on the cross—the symbol of his faith. "We praise You, we bless You, we adore You, we glorify You."

The words of adoration for the crucified Savior of the world slipped from his lips so naturally, he barely looked at the lectionary. He lifted his baritone voice, offering the mass in song, something he didn't usually do, but since today was Easter Sunday, he would. Easter,—the most significant date on the Christian calendar, was the perfect day to exalt God with the talent He'd given Matt.
He took a breath and opened his mouth again. "We give You thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King." If Matt sang a billion words at each mass, it wouldn't be sufficient to praise his Lord Jesus Christ, the mighty God Who'd created Heaven and Earth.

At the end of the gospel readings, Matt stepped to the podium and looked out at the parishioners. The homily he'd worked on last night would surely convey the joy of Christ's resurrection.

He scanned the congregation again. Some sat, eyes wide, as if soaking up every word of his twenty minute homily. In the back of the sanctuary, two women whispered to each other and another filed her nails.

Where can we find you on the Internet?


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

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.

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22 comments:

June Foster said...

Lena, I am thrilled to be featured on your blog today and share with readers my latest release. This story is one I've wanted to write for a long time. Even as a child, my mother and my aunt used to tell me about their grandfather who had stepped down from the priesthood to marry my great grandmother. After I started writing, I figured his story would make a good one. I truly wish I knew more about my relatives but since I don't, I had to fill in a lot of fictional gaps. I'd love to give away a copy to one of your readers.

Sara-Meg Seese said...

I'm Sara and I live in Fort Worth TX. My mother's family were all Catholics although she fell in love with a Methodist who wanted to be a minister. Quite the challenge for young people who grew up during the Depression and married after the war. Your story sounds very personal and intriguing!

Cindy Navarro said...

I live in Cullman, Alabama. I love June's books and this one has a very intriguing storyline. I am also a huge fan of stories based on family history.

Vivian Furbay said...

What an interesting story and I sure would enjoy this one. Would like to see what happens to this couple. Vivian Furbay of CO

Diana Flowers said...

Thank you for the interesting interview, Lena and June! I can't resist a book about forbidden love and two people overcoming insurmountable odds to be together, so please toss my name in the hat!

Diana in SC

Kay Garrett said...

"DREAMS DEFERRED" by June Foster sounds like a fabulous book and one that I would very much enjoy having the opportunity to read. It is now on my TBR list.

June Foster is a new to me author, but one that I would love to get to know better. Enjoyed the interview which helps me start that process.

Kay Garrett from Mountain View, AR
2clowns at arkansas dot net

Lucy Reynolds said...

I’m from WV. June is a new author to me. I enjoyed the interview.

June Foster said...

Sara, Meg, thank you for your comment. Ft. Worth isn't too far from San Antonio where the story is set and where my family is from. I think a Catholic woman marrying a Methodist would definitely be challenging - especially a Methodist who wanted to be a pastor. Interesting story.

June Foster said...

Cindy, thanks for stopping by. We will miss seeing you every Sunday when we take off in our RV. I hope you are able to read Dreams Deferred and enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

June Foster said...

Vivian, Dreams Deferred was a bit of a challenge to write. I know they had to get together because that's what happened in real life. I just didn't know how! Hope you get to read the book and find out!

June Foster said...

Diana, in almost all my books, the couples must overcome difficult odds to get together. I love writing those kind of stories. Thanks for stopping by Lena's blog.

June Foster said...

Kay, we are only one state apart. I live in Alabama but will soon be on the road to go rving. Thanks for your comment and I hope you'll stop by my blog to check out other books I've written. junefoster.com

June Foster said...

Lucy, Thanks for your comment. I've never been to WV but now that we are going traveling, maybe we'll come in that direction.

Inspiremichelle said...

Wow looks like a great book.

Alicia Haney said...

Hi June, my name is Alicia and I live in West Texas, your book sounds very intriguing and I love the cover.

June Foster said...

Michelle, thanks so much, Michelle. I hope you get a chance to read Father Matt and Mary Louise's story.

June Foster said...

Alicia, I also lived in West Texas for many years - El Paso. Thank you for stopping by and I'm glad you like the cover. The young lady on the front is actually my granddaughter.

SARAH TAYLOR said...

Love the cover and sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance to win SARAH TAYLOR WATERLOO, OHIO

Sharon Bryant said...

Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway SC.

rubynreba said...

I enjoyed the review of this book and would love to read it! Have a great adventure in the New England states. I hope to go there some day.
Beth from Iowa

Connie Porter Saunders said...

I find this to be a fascinating premise!
Thanks for sharing.
Blessings!
Connie from Kentucky
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

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