Monday, September 23, 2019

THE WITNESS TREE - Denise Weimer - One Free Book




Welcome, Denise. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
I’ve heard it said it’s almost impossible to write a character that doesn’t reflect at least a little bit of the author’s personality, so I guess all my characters have bits and pieces of me. And maybe some of them reflect qualities that I might have had … had I been raised differently, or lived in a different time, or … been a man. Haha.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I need to get better at quirky. Unique? Now that I can answer. For a number of years, I led a mid-1800s vintage dance group. It was beautiful and fun, and showing up in a hoop skirt always took people by surprise. However, I was always puzzled by the people who asked if I was Amish.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
At age eleven. My parents took me all over the Southeast to historic sites when I was growing up. My active imagination wondered what kind of people lived in those beautiful old homes and quaint towns. I started bringing spiral-bound notebooks with me and scribbling stories in the back seat. I would read them to my mom, who encouraged me to continue writing.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I enjoy classics, contemporary romantic suspense, historical romance, and Christian non-fiction titles that help me grow closer to God.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
I start each morning with a cup of coffee, my Bible, and prayer time. Beyond that, I try to keep things organized and as balanced as possible. With all the big life changes happening in the next year for me, I’m holding tight to my calendar with one hand and God’s hand with the other. I get the feeling that calendar might fly out the window at certain points! LOL

How do you choose your characters’ names?
Choosing a character’s name is always easier for my contemporary stories. I just go by whatever I feel reflects the character. For a historical, I research names popular to the time period, the location, and the ethnicity, as well as considering whether the moniker reflects the individual’s personality.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Definitely raising my two daughters, Emily and Abigail. Emily is twenty, a student at the University of Georgia soon to apply to the PharmD program, and engaged to be married in December to a fine young man serving our country in the Army. Abigail is a high school senior who plans to attend Lee University to study child psychology. Most importantly, both girls are seeking God’s will for their lives.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
Probably a dog, since they seem to get the most love in the world. I sure love my cockapoo, Lucy.

What is your favorite food?
Cheesecake, coffee, or chocolate, or something that combines all three.

That sounds yummy right now. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
When I was just starting out, a brand-new publisher committed to put out my Georgia Gold Series (which ended up being four books). Book one had barely come out when the publisher folded. The situation put everyone in a financial, social, and emotional disaster. I had to work directly with the printer for a while. I learned a lot during that time, but mostly, I had to come to a point where I surrendered my writing to God. To let Him know I was willing to do something else if He wanted. Eventually, I found another publisher, and I knew that was the path forward. So I’d say, even when everything crumbles, surrender, but don’t despair.

Very good advice. Tell us about the featured book.
The Witness Tree is about a Moravian marriage of convenience that leads to an adventure in 1805 Cherokee Territory.

Past betrayal has turned John Kliest’s passion to his work as a builder and surveyor in the Moravian town of Salem, North Carolina. Now, to satisfy the elders’ edict and fulfill his mission in Cherokee Territory, he needs a bride. But the one woman qualified to record the Cherokee language longs for a future with his younger brother.

Clarissa Vogler’s dream of a life with Daniel Kliest is shattered when she is chosen by lot to marry his older brother and venture into the uncharted frontier. Can she learn to love this stoic man who is now her husband? Her survival hinges on being able to trust him—but they both harbor secrets.

Please give us the first page of the book.
Salem, North Carolina
Late August, 1805
“You have received a marriage proposal.”

At Susanna Stotz’s whispered words, Clarissa Vogler almost dropped her paintbrush into the carpet of lush grass. Her heart thundered with so much excitement it was easy to act surprised. “I have?”

Susanna nodded.

She couldn’t see the middle-aged woman’s face because of the way she stood, blocking Clarissa’s light as she painted the women at work in the garden of the Single Sisters’ House. But Susanna could read Clarissa’s expressions with ease, so she widened her eyes. “Who asked for my hand?”

She wasn’t supposed to already know the answer to her question. In their faith, a man ready to wed told his choir helper—his spiritual advisor—followed by the elders. They counseled and prayed, then, based on biblical principles, consulted the lot—slips of paper in a jar that read yes, no, or were left blank, indicating the encouragement to wait. Only if the lot offered a yes from God did the intended bride receive a proposal.

“Brother Kliest.”

Clarissa pressed her fist to her chest, barely noticing the dampness of the paint smudges on her apron. She closed her eyes. Yes. The name of the man who promised her freedom.

**I’ll say this … Clarissa is in for a BIG surprise.

I’m sure she is. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Thank you, Denice, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me.

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:

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello from hot and dry central Texas! I think fall has been forgotten, we’re still in the upper 90’s and could really use some rain. Denise’s novel sounds very interesting and the storyline is unique. I think I would enjoy reading it.
perrianne (DOT) askew (AT) me (DOT) com
Perrianne Askew

Denise Weimer said...

Hi, Perrianne, thanks for stopping by! I'm hot in Georgia also. We had just a taste of cooler weather before the temp inched up again. Until the weather breaks, we'll just have to immerse ourselves in fall romances. :)

Tina said...


"THE WITNESS TREE by Denise Weimer sounds wonderful.PA. Thanks for the chance to win this book.

Melanie Backus said...

The Witness Tree sounds like a book I would thoroughly enjoy!
Melanie Backus, Texas

Denise Weimer said...

Tina and Melanie, thank you! Best of luck in the drawing.

Anonymous said...

The Witness Tree sounds like a one of a kind book that's fantastic. I would love to read it. Thank you for this opportunity.
Barbara Thompson - Louisiana
barbmaci61@yahoo.com

Lucy Reynolds said...

I love Denise’s books. Thank you for sharing. Blessings from WV.

Robin in NC said...

I love books that take me into them! I was with Clarissa as she looked up toward Susanna & towards the garden. Thank you for sharing Denice & Lena.

Robin in Raleigh, NC

Vera Godley said...

This sounds delightful and promises such an interesting read. Also, the setting is just a few miles down the road from me here in North Carolina. The promise of some of the book's setting to be in the mountains is an added plus.

Vera from the middle of North Carolina. Best wishes on your new book, Denise.

Denise Weimer said...

Good morning, ladies! Barbara, The Witness Tree is definitely unique among books I have written, due to bringing together two such diverse cultures. Lucy, thank you for following my writing. You're a blessing. Robin, it's so nice to "meet" you! You don't live too far away from Old Salem; have you been there? And Vera, you will definitely have to tour Old Salem after reading The Witness Tree. It's enchanting, like a mini-Williamsburg. I have to admit, mountain settings capture my heart. :)

Wendy Newcomb said...

Sounds like this is one I'd enjoy, thank you for the chance to win a copy.

Wendy in Nebraska

wfnren at aol dot com

forestidyls said...

I'm legit sad you said "used to run an 1800s dance group". That is a dance group I would love to join! But I guess I"ll settle for reading your book. :) It looks great!
Jacinta from VA

Denise Weimer said...

Thank you, Wendy! And Jacinta, LOL - we would have loved to have had you in the dance group could we have made that work between GA and VA. :) It was hard to keep volunteers involved, and eventually, my kids and book things took precedence on weekends. But there are lots of great dance scenes in a lot of my novels. And you might look up Commonwealth Vintage Dance there in VA.

rubynreba said...

I enjoyed the interview and would love to read The Witness Tree! Thanks!
Beth from IA

Denise Weimer said...

Thank you, Ruby! Glad to "meet."

Dana McNeely said...

Hello from Glendale, Arizona where, after overnight rains, the weather has cooled to a pleasant 75 with an expected high of 88 degrees. The Witness Tree sounds interesting - a marriage of convenience directed by spiritual advisors! Different, but probably better than many reasons for marriage today! LOL

Denise Weimer said...

True, Dana. The Moravians only took something to the lot after much consultation and prayer. But Clarissa's proposal came with a particular reason for dismay. :) And then was followed by a long journey and many unexpected challenges. Enough to test any marriage, for sure!

Holly Ison said...

Sounds like a great book! Can't wait to read; thanks for the opportunity to win. Will be adding it to my TBR list regardless! :)

Holly in KY

Denise Weimer said...

I appreciate that, Holly! Hope you enjoy it.

Elly said...

Oooh! Sounds good!
Elly -Indiana-

Denise Weimer said...

Thanks, Elly!

Sharon Bryant said...

Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!!
Conway SC.