THE VACANT HOUSE - Tamara G Cooper - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I’ve loved Tamara’s suspense novels. The Vacant House is very different from her other suspense novels I’ve read. It’s a contemporary story with really different kinds of characters. And there are several pets in the story. The plot line is very convoluted with surprises around every corner. She kept me guessing until very late in the story. I like it when a book does that. I’m good at figuring out what’s going on early in a book. Not with this one. You won’t want to miss it.

Welcome back, Tamara. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

Forgiveness and redemption are big ones for me. Every book I’ve written has both, to some degree, probably because all of us need redemption from something going on now or in our past, something that continues to haunt us—and that’s where forgiveness comes in, too. The themes are intrinsically woven into the story lines and not spelled out so that the reader walks through them along with the characters. I love writing suspense with a touch of romance!

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

My newest book just published, The Vacant House, and I’m working on the second book in this series right now, The New Neighbors. I’m also writing a stand-alone about a man who’s completely lost his way because of the death of someone close to him.

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

No question about it, I would love to spend an evening with President Trump. With all his successes, his failures, his endeavors, his children, his family, his choices, I would love to pick his brain!

What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

I’m a history major (and an English major), so history is my thing. There are so many people to choose from! But I’ll tell you that my first thought was President Lincoln. Then my mind started skipping through history, and I’d love to talk to all of them! But I’ll narrow it down to the apostle, Paul. He was on both sides of Christianity, and I’d love to talk to him about his choices, his perspective on Jesus, his perspective on the last 2,000 years.

How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

I would say, “It’s not always the book’s fault.” I remember reading that Stephen King’s book, Carrie, was rejected 30 times before it was picked up. I would encourage frustrated writers to study, study, study. Years ago, I read a book that completely changed my writing. That book was Stein on Writing by Sol Stein. I highly recommend it. Another book was Goal, Motivation, and Conflict by Debra Dixon. Excellent book. And while these frustrated writers are studying their craft, I would encourage them to use what they’ve learned, pay an excellent editor to edit their book, and keep on trying. Never quit. Never stop learning. Never stop putting your work out there.

Tell us about the featured book.

It all begins when best-selling author Sophie O’Brion is the last person to see a murder victim alive. She looks even more guilty when a woman from her church is beaten, and Sophie was seen with her just hours before. Suddenly, people she has known her entire life begin pointing accusing fingers at her.

Marine Master Sergeant Burke Maguire, an old flame who dumped Sophie years ago, has recently been hired as a police officer in Forman Falls, Texas, and is assigned her case. She doesn’t want his help. But as she gets deeper and deeper into trouble, she must rely on him, although trusting him is another matter.

Will they be able to work together, maneuver dangerous twists and turns, and finally clear her name?

A clean romantic suspense novel that grips you from the very beginning and won't let you go! Read The Vacant House today, if you have plans to stay up all night!

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

Frantic barking woke me.

I’m sure most people would jump out of their beds at such a commotion, hearts pounding, hands shaking as they tried to turn on their flashlights to see what evil had invaded their neighborhood.

But not me.

Calmly, I rolled over and reached for my phone. It was 5:45—the paperman was running a little late. Since I had only about a minute to get downstairs, I tried to muster up a sense of urgency, but another sleepless night left me groggy and irritable and thinking, “Oh, just let him win this time.” But I couldn’t. The fierce warrior rose up inside me, and I tossed the covers, grabbed my robe, slid my tired feet into slippers, and shuffled across my bedroom. My dresser mirror revealed an extra in a zombie movie watching me as I passed by. “You’re up early,” I mumbled to my reflection, ran a hand through my mussed hair, and dreamed of coffee as I stumbled down the stairs toward the front door.

Samson the German Shepherd was racing up my steps with the prize within reach when I grabbed my newspaper and shook it at him. “Ha! Ha! The human wins again.” Even with having to race Samson most mornings, I would never consider switching to the on-line version of our town’s paper. The residents of Forman Falls, Texas, were fiercely proud of the Gazette, and we didn’t want to lose it. Besides, I loved the feel of the newspaper in my hands.

As did my next-door neighbor on my left, Jennie. Usually, she opened her screen door at the same time to get her paper, and we grunted at each other—two cups of coffee, minimum, were necessary for either of us to form meaningful language before sunup. But this morning, the only part of Jennie’s anatomy that appeared was her hand, dropping like a giant spider from the bottom of her door. It hopped around, landed on her newspaper, and both hand and paper disappeared up. When her front door slammed, I glared at Herman Farnsberry’s house across the street.

It appeared my good neighbor Jennie actually believed Mr. Farnsberry’s lies about me. 

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can write to me at tamaracooperauthor@gmail.com

My website is http://www.AuthorTamaraGCooper.com .

I always like hearing from my readers, with questions and comments.

Thank you for having me on your blog today, Lena!

My pleasure, Tamara.

Readers, here are links to the book.

The Vacant House (Sophie O'Brion Mysteries) - Paperback
The Vacant House (Sophie O'Brion Mysteries Book 1) - 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

THIS HEALING JOURNEY - Misty M Beller - One Free Book

Bio: Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty's heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God's abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters. 

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

I’ve long been wanting to do a book that reunites some of the characters between my two favorite series (My first series, the Mountain Dreams Series, and the spin-off series, Heart of the Mountains.) This is the book where I was finally able to do that! In This Healing Journey, Simeon Grant (from Heart of the Mountains, book 1) goes on a journey to find the son he gave up for adoption as an infant (the hero in Mountain Dreams, book 5). It was so wonderful to revisit all my old friends!

I’m eager to read it, too. Tell us about the book’s cover and what makes it unique.

I love to have the covers for my books done during my writing process, whenever possible, because I can better describe the heroine as readers see her on the cover. For This Healing Journey, the scene at the bottom of the cover is almost exactly the way I envision Nathaniel’s cabin in the little clearing, surrounded by trees. Can you imagine living in that little one room home with a dirt floor?

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

Most of This Healing Journey is set in the mountain wilderness, with only a few scenes in the nearby town of Butte. I try hard to accurately represent what life would have actually been like trying to survive—and even thrive—in such a challenging setting. Without giving away too much of the story, a band of Hidatsa Indians also play a significant part. The Hidatsa were Plains Indians who lived mostly in the Dakotas, but they were known to drift into Montana at times. It would have been unusual for them to venture into the mountain country for long, but it did happen on occasion.

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

I had already written a 5-book series set in Butte and the surrounding mountains, so I didn’t have to research the setting very much. I did need to learn a great deal about the cavalry regiments that had spent time in the Montana area, along with their various forays and assignments. It took a while to find the right cavalry regiment for Nathaniel to have been part of, but the 2nd Regiment, B Company was exactly right!

I love your books, because you’re like me—wanting everything as close to authentic as you can get it. What are some of the most interesting things you found about this subject that you weren’t able to use in the story?

I always love studying the cultures of the Native Americans I get to include in my book. I spent more time than I should have researching markings on arrows made by different tribes, but in the end, I wasn’t able to tell about any of them, as the Hidatsa didn’t have any particular markings they used as a tribe. Maybe someday I’ll be able to use the research in another story that includes the Sioux!

I’ve used research I did about the Scottish migrating to the US in the 1700’s in two contemporary books and one historical. No research goes to waste in my office. What inspired and surprised you while you were writing the book?

Itu! I had only a vague idea of who this brave little Indian girl was when I began the story, and only planned for her to appear in one or two chapters. As I began writing the scenes where we meet her, I quickly fell in love with her!

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

There are several themes woven through this story, but there’s one that is dear to my heart: Unconditional love.

Hannah experiences it in the love of the father who wasn’t a blood connection, but chose to raise her as his own anyway.

Nathaniel experiences it as he watches Hannah live out her faith in both small and significant ways.

They both show Itu unconditional love as they exhaust themselves in caring for her. I can’t say more here without giving too many spoilers, but I love how Itu becomes a symbol of this unconditional love!

So many readers need to learn about unconditional love. What is the next project you’re working on?

Right now, I’m just beginning book 1 in a new series! The details are still a bit fuzzy in my mind, but the story is set a little farther back than my usual time period, somewhere around 1830. The characters follow much of the journey that Lewis and Clark’s party traveled through what is now Montana. I’m loving meeting these new characters! This first book should release in January, 2020.

I’ll look forward to it. What do you do when you have to get away from the story for a while?

With four young kiddos (ages 11 through 3 weeks), there’s ALWAYS a lot I should be doing. When I step away from writing to clear my head, I usually get sucked into housework or play a board game with the kids. Or anything else that pops up! Our life is a little chaotic right now.

That kind of chaos is good. Enjoy it while you can. Please give us the first page of the book.

On the brink of finally claiming this dream. Why do my fears rise to taunt me now?

~ Nathaniel

June, 1880

Near Butte, Montana Territory

Meeting a stranger shouldn’t make him so nervous. Shouldn’t even give him a second’s worry. Nathaniel Peak rubbed a sweating palm down his trouser leg as he tried to settle into his horse’s stride. After all, he’d faced down hundreds of enemy rifles and charged into the midst of Indian war cries and brutal spears. By the grace of God he’d survived. Survived and finally escaped the ruthless life in the cavalry he’d grown to hate so fiercely.

Now, a simple life as a civilian rancher shouldn’t set his nerves on edge. He was only meeting a neighbor. Maybe a family. These were the people living nearest his new homestead. The neighbors he could call on for help and return the favor in kind.

Yet, since the rising sun had awakened him that morning, he’d had a gnawing in his gut. The feeling that came before battle, the sting of goose flesh and hair standing on end. But why?

We want to know why too. How can readers find you on the Internet?

I love to connect at my website, Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, Bookbub, and Pinterest. 

Thank you, Misty, for sharing this new book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book.

This Healing Journey (Heart of the Mountains) - Paperback
This Healing Journey (Heart of the Mountains Book 7) - Kindle
This Healing Journey: Heart of the Mountains, Book 7 - Audiobook

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.

Connie (KY) is the winner of A Foundation of Fear by Kim McMahill.

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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.

TEXAS MY TEXAS - Caryl McAdoo - One Free Book

Welcome back, Caryl. You have a lot of books out now. What is your favorite setting to use in your books?
Texas and its history, but to spice up settings for my readers, my Texicans do travel in some of my stories! They’ve been to California and New York City, New Orleans, and Alaska to name a few!

I love writing about

What do you look for when you’re shopping for a book to buy for yourself?
Historical Christian Romance, and I love family sagas and series best!

Give us a little tour of the setting for this book.

TEXAS MY TEXAS is book two in the Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga series. In book one, four families came from Tennessee to Texas. This book is set in 1841, the next year, and is all about them digging in and getting fields ready to plant and building their animal population (milk cow, chickens, hogs, etc.)

The area is actually what is now Irving, Texas, on Delaware Creek and the Trinity River bottomlands. That’s where Ron and I grew up, met, married, and reared all our children. We were residents there fifty-plus years, but it didn’t become Irving until the early 1900s, so we don’t call it Irving in the book, of course.

What other books do you have coming out soon?

This month I released BIPARTISAN LOVE set in the Texas Hill Country in 1968 (the year I married). It’s a follow-up to SON OF PROMISE, both companion books to my Texas Romance Family Saga series. This month, JEWEL’S GOLD debuted. It’s book four in the Gold Diggers Collection, and a companion book as well to the Texas Romance Family Saga as it features the daughter of a child born in book four of that series.

And my final release this year is in September TEXAS TEARS, book three in the Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga, following TEXAS MY TEXAS. It’s also a part of the Thanksgiving Books and Blessings Collection! It’s set in 1845 when the Republic of Texas voted to enter the Union.  

Please give us a glimpse inside your home.

We live deep in the woods about five miles south of Clarksville, Texas, seat of Red River County, on thirty-four acres. The front 12 is a farm field we lease. I call it The Peaceable. We built the house in 2012-2013 and moved in July 2013. It’s a steel house, even the studs in the walls are steel. Our property is surrounded by a little over 600 acres Ron’s brother owns, so all the grandsugars come during hunting season, and there’s a five acre lake, too, stocked ten years ago with Florida bass! I LOVE the woods, the country, and the small town life.  

Inside the house, since it’s just Ron and me now (as of January 2017, we’ve become empty-nesters after rearing four grandsons after our own four), we live mostly in one room—our master bedroom and office. SO much cheaper to only cool or heat the one room. I’m back up in the corner on the far side of the bed, and he’s at the desk to the right. We love Love, LOVE being together all the time!

Is this novel part of a series or a stand-alone book?

All my books are stand-alone and can be enjoyed as such. However. I LOVE revisiting characters with new stories, so TEXAS MY TEXAS is a part of the Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga series. Two of the daughters in book one have romances in this title! And you see all the folks you’ve already met again.

Tell us about the story.

It’s a story that deals with devastating depression, true unconditional love, and choosing to have a fulfilled life with blessings and joy. Trials and tribulations do come, but it’s clear they can all be overcome when walking with the Creator of all things! It’s a story that once again proves, Love never fails!

Please give us the first page of the book.

March 8th, 1841

Between the Delaware Creek and Trinity River—what would become Dallas County

Gabrielle stood over the little cradle rocker her pap had made, touched her baby boy’s nose, then glanced over at Izzy’s son. She hated the resemblance of the two infants and that he’d come out with such pale skin.

Were the others thinking of him as high yeller like she was? So far, no one had spoken it if they were.

“Thank you.” She looked at her father’s new bride. “I won’t be long, Mam.”

Liberty rocked forward, set her Bible on her lap, and smiled. “Take your time, sweetheart. These two are high and dry with full bellies. Don’t you love how much they sleep?”

“Yes, ma’am. I truly do.”

Without more jawing, Gabrielle grabbed her bucket yoke and strolled out of the barn. She loved the building her daddy built—well, they all helped, but he designed it and was the one who knew how.

It made her so proud.

What the next joint effort would be had become a point of contention. Everyone couldn’t agree on what or when.

But did it really matter? Hopefully, she’d not be around to know or care. If it weren’t for her son . . . If only she had miscarried like Alicia, she and her son could both be in Heaven.

At the pool, formed when the men had dammed up the creek, she set the yoke down, knelt, then pressed her forehead to the bank’s soft earth.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Links : 
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:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carylers/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_1hQx6UZbWi3OYwmKKxh6Q  

                            (Hear Caryl sing her New Songs!)

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

GoodReads:  http://tinyurl.com/GoodReadsCaryl

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

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

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

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

Readers, here are links to the book.

Texas My Texas (Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga)  - Paperback
Texas My Texas (Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga Book 2) - 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

A NEW YORK YANKEE ON STINKING CREEK - Carol McClain - One Free Book or Ebook

Welcome back, Carol. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

Virtually all my books deal with redemption of some sort. They don’t necessarily deal with salvation, but with misconstrued/misunderstood concepts of faith the characters must work out.

A New York Yankee on Stinking Creek deals with two characters. On the surface they seem diametrically different. The protagonist must find a softening from her liberal, atheistic views. The antagonist must find her freedom from religion’s rules. Neither character will do so without each other.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

Chantel and Charlie AKA The Honeymoon’s Over may or may not make it out—but here’s where readers on this blog can weigh in. It’s a rom/com with 50-year-old newlyweds dealing with grown children who don’t act too grown-up. Neither character sees his or her children as an issue. It’s funny and lighthearted.

When it releases, I’d love to feature it on this blog. If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

Katherine, Duchess of Windsor. For one, I love little children and I’d love to romp with her kids. Second, it would be glorious to see how royalty live, to get a first-hand tour of the castles from someone intimately connected to them. Finally, I’d love to understand the role the royalty actually do.

What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

This is always a tie between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mother Teresa. I know these humans are flawed. Our society especially loves to point out King’s sins. Nevertheless, the change in the world these two made awe me.

First, I was a child during the time of Martin Luther King, Jr. I longed to be a Freedom Rider and to attend his rallies. That he willingly went to jail for his convictions amazes me.

Also, I taught AP English Language and Composition. We always studied King’s speeches. To pick his oratorical brain would be divine.

With Mother Teresa, her work among the poor blows me away. I’m a germaphobe. So I’d love to do her work, but under the extreme poverty she worked with, I know I’d be too crazy to be much help. Her humility and dedication floor me.

Since there’s no way I could ever physically or emotionally do their work, I’ll fantasize about it in my novels.

How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

I’ve been there, and am still there. My latest release A New York Yankee on Stinking Creek is my first self-published book. Increasingly, this is becoming a viable option. HOWEVER, do not self-publish if you haven’t taken to heart what publishers have said and haven’t incorporated their critiques. Hone your craft. Study it. Get a professional editor after having a good critique group tear the work apart. Get beta readers.

Once assured you have a good work, consider self-publishing.

Yet, if you’ve done the above, re-submit. I don’t remember how many times the Harry Potter series had been rejected.

Could you change genres? I write women’s fiction, and the market seems to be small with this one. One friend changed from writing spec to writing romance. Her career has exploded. Thomas Nelson took her on and gave her a three-book contract (on any idea she had), and her agent is working through several potential movie offers.

Mostly, God will use your writing to teach you humility—even if you become a best-seller. Read the one-star reviews popular author’s get.

If God is telling you to write, if you cannot quit, if the writing bug keeps biting, keep writing. (Do you see a parallel to Dr. King’s periodic sentence in his “I Have a Dream” speech? I had mercy and made it shorter.)

Tell us about the featured book.

The extremes of anything are always in error. This concept is a tenet of my belief system. Extreme conservatives are as closed minded as extreme liberals. Our preconceived notions always deceive us. Thus was born my liberal, atheistic protagonist—the famous artist Kiara.

Her only hope when she finds herself on Stinking Creek, Tennessee, is an extremely rule-ridden Christian, Delia Mae “Lia” McGuffrey. Neither can find freedom without the other.

NOTHING GOOD COMES FROM STINKING CREEK

Alone, again, after the death of her fiancé, abstract artist Kiara Rafferty finds herself on Stinking Creek, Tennessee. She wants out of this hillbilly backwater, where hicks speak an unknown language masquerading as English. Isolated, if she doesn’t count the snakes and termites infesting her cabin, only a one-way ticket home to Manhattan would solve her problems.

Alone in a demanding crowd, Delia Mae McGuffrey lives for God, her husband, her family, and the congregation of her husband’s church. Stifled by rules, this pastor’s wife walks a fine line of perfection, trying to please them all. Now an atheist Yankee, who moved in across the road, needs her, too.

Two women. Two problems. Each holds the key to the other’s freedom.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Like a bomb, Kiara’s world detonated and dumped her back in time to a stinking cabin on Stinking Creek. It might as well have been an explosion rather than a long cab ride that rattled her brain like mortar fire—or a ride on the A train.

Kiara’s eyes strained through the darkness, illuminated only from the taxi’s headlights. A log cabin looking like it was chinked with mud rose before her. Bryce, why did you call this place a haven?

“The far’s one-hundred-twenty.” The cabbie’s gravelly voice jarred her. “We’ll skip the cents seein’ as I ain’t gonna fuss with change at midnight.”

Kiara twisted the ring on her left index finger. One-twenty? I thought Manhattan cabbies gouged.

The driver jumped out of the taxi, popped the trunk, and grabbed her luggage. He plopped her bags on the front porch. The simple wooden structure stood no more than a foot off the ground. The rough planks disappeared into the gloom around the far side of the cabin.

“The far don’t include the tip.” The driver grinned. His face, lit by the taxi’s headlights looked like a kid holding a flashlight to his face to scare his friends around a campfire. Creepy.

She fished through her handbag and pulled out her wallet. Hopefully, the local taxis would be cheaper. A chirruping filled the air interspersed with a loud croaking. Manhattan was noisy, but this?

“What’s making the racket?” She waved her hand—the one grasping the fare.

The cabbie slanted his head and listened. “What? Them insects?”

“They’re bugs?” Visions of cockroaches scurrying across her floor in her Manhattan condo scuttled through her imagination. She wouldn’t survive these hills.

“They’re katydids. ‘Bout ready to die off for the season. The loud croakin’—them’s tree frogs.”

Katydids? Frogs living in trees? Kiara shuddered and handed the cabbie a hundred-dollar bill and a fifty. “Keep the change.” She turned her eyes back to the cabin, and her heart wrung out more misery. “Thank you.”

She fumbled for her key—the one Bryce had made a year ago when they bought this place. The key, splashed in different colors like a Kandinsky painting created while on LSD, swirled in a wild mix of pink and turquoise and yellow creating an abstract design. She had laughed out loud when he presented it to her as though he were giving her the keys to Windsor Castle.

“The cabin’s in your name, alone, my cherry-haired leprechaun.” He bent and kissed the whorls of hair she’d just begun training into dreadlocks. “Amanda won’t be able to lay her hands on it.” His eyes had danced with joy. “When we marry, we’ll have a retreat like Yaddo. A place for all artists—writers and photographers and sculptors—”

Interesting! How can readers find you on the Internet?

I’d love to connect via my website and a sign-up for my weekly blog and occasional newsletter. You can find this at http://www.CarolMcClain.com

I’m active on facebook. https://www.facebook.com/carol.d.mcclain

https://www.facebook.com/author.Carol.McClain/

On twitter: @carol_mcclain

On Instagram: carol_mcclain

If readers live overseas, I will send out an ebook. Those in the States will get a paperback.

Thank you, Carol, for sharing this boo with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read it. I’m sure they are, too.

Readers, here are links to the book.

A New York Yankee on Stinking Creek - Paperback
A New York Yankee on Stinking Creek - 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.

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OVERCOMER - Chris Fabry - One Free Book

Bio: Chris Fabry is an award-winning author and radio personality who hosts the daily program Chris Fabry Live on Moody Radio. He is also heard on Love Worth Finding, Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, and other radio programs. A 1982 graduate of the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University and a native of West Virginia, Chris and his wife, Andrea, now live in Arizona and are the parents of nine children.

Chris’s novels, which include Dogwood, June Bug, Almost Heaven, and The Promise of Jesse Woods, have won five Christy Awards, an ECPA Christian Book Award, and two Awards of Merit from Christianity Today. He was inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame in 2018. His eightieth published book, Under a Cloudless Sky, is a novel set in the coalfields of his home state of West Virginia. His books include movie novelizations, like the bestseller War Room; nonfiction; and novels for children and young adults. He coauthored the Left Behind: The Kids series with Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, as well as the Red Rock Mysteries and the Wormling series with Jerry B. Jenkins. Visit his website at www.chrisfabry.com

Welcome back, Chris. You visited the set of Overcomer when it was being filmed. What did you take away from that experience?

I was amazed at the complexity of all the moving parts. I was also struck by the commitment the Kendricks and their team have to tell the story they’re given and not deviate. Their commitment to prayer on set was heartening and rich.

Can you tell us a little bit about the story line, without giving too much away?

The film focuses on a fifteen-year-old girl, Hannah Scott. She’s been through a lot of loss in her life and struggles with her identity, which is universal. As you watch her grapple with what life throws at her, you will be encouraged to run your own race. Her coach also has a big part in the film and novel because he’s struggling with some of the same questions.

This story suggests that we often let others, our culture, or the roles we play define us. What do you hope this story does inside readers?

First, I hope it captivates readers as simply a good story. I want you to turn the pages to see what will happen next. I was able to develop some of the story lines a little further and show a little more than the film can show in two hours. So my desire is for a satisfying read that takes you deeper into your own heart. Then, when you see the film, I hope you’ll be amazed at how the two versions of the story come together.

Is discovering our identity in Christ something you can do “mentally”? How do you get the knowledge to transform the way you live?

There is a sense that you can “know” this and not experience it. In other words, there are plenty of Christians who get this in the head but not the heart. It’s our hope that this story will bridge the gap between head and heart. Transformation doesn’t come with knowing facts. It comes when you participate with God in the change He is making on the inside. That’s always a painful process but a good one.

This book suggests that surrendering our lives to God is the only way to discover the life we were meant to live. Comment on that principle.

I once knew an old missionary to India who told me, “Your greatest mission in life is submission.” The best thing we can do with our lives is to fully surrender to God’s work. For those of us who like to control things (me being chief controller), this is a scary, vulnerable thing to do. But we find real, abundant life when we get to the point where we’re willing to allow God to do whatever he wants to do in and through us.

What do we risk when we surrender control and place our future in God’s hands? What do we gain?

Surrender is a huge risk because we lose control. We lose the ability to write our own story. But when you take that step of faith—and another and another—you begin the journey of entering the Bigger Story, the Larger Story of what God is doing in you and in the world. Look at the disciples before they fully entered that story and after they entered it. You’ll never reach your full potential until you submit to God’s working in your life.

This is your second novelization of a Kendrick brothers’ movie. What is your process for writing a movie novelization?

I love the fact that the Kendricks have drawn the boundary lines and have made all the hard choices. I call it the fence line—they’ve put up the barbed wire and I get to play in the pasture. I read the script, I watch the rough cut of the film about a thousand times, I ask questions about what’s on Hannah’s wall, for example. Why does she choose those images to put above her bed? Why does she wear that shirt on her first day of school? So I get to do things with words and answer questions that you can’t do in a film because of the limitations on-screen.

Are there similarities between this story and War Room?

Yes. I could almost feel Miss Clara praying for this little girl. And there’s a sense of an unseen hand at work behind the scenes. Things come together in a way that can’t be explained other than the work of God in hearts and lives.

What do you enjoy about this process?

I love the sense of exploring characters and their hearts. To me, these are real people. I like to put myself in the place of a coach who has defined himself by wins and losses. I like to run with Hannah and hear the struggle she has with asthma. And I enjoyed getting to know Hannah’s grandmother, Barbara. She’s a difficult character in the film, but in the book you learn some of the backstory of why she acts the way she acts. I just love that process.

What is challenging about this process?

The most challenging thing about writing someone else’s idea is that I have to stay consistent with something someone else invented. It’s easy for me to go in some direction or add some motivation that isn’t necessarily on target with the vision of the Kendricks. So I lean on Alex mostly to rein me in and keep me in the pasture.

What character will we learn more about in the book than we see in the movie?

Hannah’s grandmother, Barbara, has a tough, crusty exterior. And in the film you see a lot of her fear and how that motivates her life. Of course, you want to see her change by the end of the story, but we know that doesn’t always happen. So I found it challenging to tell more about what’s going on inside Barbara in the novel.

Who is your favorite character in this story and why?

How do you not answer with Hannah? She’s just so relatable and real to me. But I have to say that Thomas captured my heart. When you see the depth of his struggle, the guilt he has lived with, the way God has taken hold of him—but that he is still growing in grace when we meet him—his face, his heart all comes through so strongly.

How did you relate to this story personally?

I aspire to have my identity come from what God has done for me in Christ. In reality, I struggle with the same thing these characters are struggling with. Do I gauge my worth by my performance? Do I gauge my acceptability with God by some external thing, or do I really believe God accepts me as I am and that He sees the righteousness of Christ in me? Do I strive or rest? Those are questions that are huge in my life and I think will make a difference for anyone who reads or sees this story.

What goes on behind the scenes regarding the film and novelization process that you’d like people to know?

I wish you could see the e-mails that go back and forth. We get into such minute detail in some cases. Alex has the freedom to say, “I didn’t like this chapter.” And then I probe and find out how I missed the mark. It’s such a collaborative effort, but at the same time I feel a freedom to go certain directions that we might not eventually use. I have freedom to fail, which is important in any creative endeavor.

Here’s the blurb for the story.

Life changes overnight for coach John Harrison when his high school basketball team’s state championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unexpected news. When the largest manufacturing plant in town suddenly shuts down and hundreds of families begin moving away, John must come to grips with the challenges facing his family and his team. Urged by the school’s principal to coach a sport he doesn’t know or like, John is frustrated and questioning his worth . . . until he crosses paths with a student struggling with her own journey.

Thank you, Chris, for sharing this new book on its release date with my blog readers and me. I love the Kendrick brothers’ movies. I’m eager to see the movie and read your book.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Overcomer - Christianbook.com
Overcomer - Amazon Paperback
Overcomer - 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, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

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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.

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Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.

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LAWFULLY GUARDED - Elle E Kay - One Free Ebook

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

There are several more books I hope to write including another book for the Blushing Brides Series, but once Lawfully Vindicated releases, God willing, my release schedule will slow down until winter.

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband, Joe, is a carpenter. He is a blessing from God. Our son is in the Army and stationed in San Antonio. His family is down there with him, so we don’t get to see much of our grandchildren and have to make-do with Facetime for watching them grow.

I’m also blessed to be from a large family and extended family. I recently returned from a girls weekend with my sisters, an aunt (my age), and my mom. It was a blast, and I even made time to take a walk on the beach and have some alone time with God.

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

Yes. I don’t have the time to spend reading that I once did, so I gravitate toward shorter books. I also notice mistakes that I never would’ve picked up on before I started writing. Being unable to turn off my inner editor takes some of the enjoyment out of reading.

I frequently read trade books now, so that takes up time that used to be devoted to pleasure reading, but I still love reading, even though it’ll never be the same as it once was.

I understand that. If a story takes me out of inner-edit mode, I know it’s a very good book. What are you working on right now?

Lawfully Vindicated. It’s a historical western romance partially based on a true story of a US Marshal who is arrested after shooting a former justice while on duty. The research for this one is quite interesting.

What outside interests do you have?

Mostly our goat farm. I enjoy the time I spend with our livestock, and our livestock guardian dog, Sadie. Bird watching is a pleasure, also.

For a long time, I enjoyed being in the church choir. I learned how to play piano and really enjoy it (though I still consider myself a beginner).

How do you choose your settings for each book?

It depends. Mostly, I like writing about the area where I live, since I know it best, but in the case of my current WIP, it’s a historical and the events I’m fictionalizing took place in 1889 California, so I set my novella there.

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

Most of the time someone asks this question, they exclude Jesus. I’m glad you didn’t. I would choose Him. I’d like to sit at the Master’s feet like Mary did, and soak up everything He has to teach me.

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

Point-of-view. I wish I had understood it better. My debut novel had too many point-of-view characters, and although it added a unique element to the story, I wonder if it might’ve been better served by limiting them.

I think POV is hard for every author early in their career. I know it wasn’t until about the third book that I totally understood. What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

That sometimes we think a matter is concluded, but if we haven’t talked it over with Him, it’s not finished. I listened to a David Peacock sermon on Sermon Audio tonight after hearing a sermon from our local preacher on the same subject on Sunday morning. Whenever that happens, I know there is something in it that God wants to make sure I understand clearly.

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

Learn the craft.

Stay humble.

Help others.

Tell us about the featured book.

Lawfully Guarded was my first Billionaire romance. It’s a novella and I’ll give you a hint: the guy isn’t the billionaire. It was fun to write Delaney as she starts off a selfish spoiled brat, but opportunities abound for her to grow and learn about real life, love, relationships, and most importantly, God.

I could tell from the cover that he wasn’t the hero. Please give us the first page of the book.

When Alexander Whitaker’s office door opened, Trenton Prescott turned his back on the spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean to face the woman entering the room. Her thick brown hair spilled down her back in waves, skimming her waistline. The picture he’d been sent of her didn’t do her justice.

Interest sparked in her dark eyes as she looked him up and down. The mini dress she wore showed off her shapely legs, and he fought to keep his gaze on her face.

Delaney Whitaker lowered herself into the chair facing her father’s mahogany desk. “What was it you wanted, Daddy?”

“I’d like you to meet Trenton Prescott of Garrison Security.”

She turned and appraised him once more before offering her hand, which he shook. “Charmed, I’m sure.”

Mr. Whitaker scowled at her. “Trent will be your bodyguard until such time when Courtney is safely returned home and I determine that the danger is past.”

The woman sneered. “I will not be followed around like a child with a nanny.”

“You will do exactly what you’re told if you’d like to stay in my good graces, my dear.” He leaned back in his chair, turning his stare from Delaney back to Trent. “Thank you for getting here so quickly. I appreciate everything Garrison Security is doing to help us during this difficult time.”

“Glad to be of service, sir.” Trent stood. “If we’re about done here, I’d like to get going.”

“I think we’ve covered everything,” Mr. Whitaker stood and gave Trent a firm handshake.

The young woman rose to her feet, and the older man kissed the top of his daughters head, saluted Trent, and left him to face his surly client.

“Well, come on then.” Delaney held the door open. “I’ll get the staff to ready a room for you.”

“We’re not staying here.” He brushed past her, and the sweet smell of jasmine tickled his nose.

“I’m not leaving home.”

He turned to face her. “You don’t have a say in the matter, princess. Your father and I worked out the details.” He grinned. “You’re not safe. Not even in your daddy’s Bel Air mansion.”

“We have excellent security.”

“Yes. So excellent someone managed to get around security, turn off all the cameras, and kidnap your sister.”

“My sister is a nitwit.”

“Even so, you’re coming with me.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

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

Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/author/ellekay

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

Tumblr: https://elleekay7.tumblr.com/

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

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

Lawfully Guarded: Inspirational Christian Contemporary: A Billionaire Bodyguard Lawkeeper Romance (The Lawkeepers)

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the ebook. 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