ROMANIAN RUNAWAY - Kelley Rene - One Free Book

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

Life is hard. We’re all on a journey. I write stories to encourage, teach, inspire, and let others know they’re not alone in their struggles.

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

The day I married my best friend, Steven. He completes me and I’m eternally grateful for the love and devotion he’s given through the years.

How has being published changed your life?

Being published has given me a voice and platform to share my heart and love for people. It has given me a newfound confidence and conviction to reach others with stories of hope.

What are you reading right now?

Currently, I’m reading Star of Persia by Jill Eileen Smith. On Audible, I’m listening to The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate. And I’m studying Save The Cat! Write A Novel by Jessica Brody.

What is your current work in progress?

My current work-in-progress is entitled In Search of Trinity. It’s the fictional story of a college freshman who gives birth to a baby in her bedroom. She and her father, the community’s philanthropic abortionist, have planned out her future, including her role as director of the women’s clinic upon his retirement. Jenna must decide what to do with the child if she is to stick with their plan, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

What would be your dream vacation?

I’ve been blessed to live abroad and travel a lot. Usually I would answer London, Rome, or Hawaii. But currently I’m longing to visit Israel to walk the steps of Jesus. I want to see and experience the New Testament as only one can in the Holy Land.

I’ve always wanted to go to Israel, too. How do you choose your settings for each book?

I’m often inspired by destinations in which I live or visit. Sometimes a specific location will spark my imagination and a story is born.

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

Ah. It is very difficult for me to pick just one. I’m intrigued by so many people. But if I can choose only one, I’d love to spend an evening with Christine Caine. Her book, Undaunted, really spoke healing to my heart and gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone. I’d love to hear more about the A21 campaign, founded by Christine and her husband to rescue those enslaved by human trafficking.

She’s spoken at several women’s conferences at Gateway, and she’s also preached on the weekend several times as well. Maybe she’ll come again. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love to crochet, walk my dog, ride my bicycle, travel, and cuddle my new grandbaby.

She sure is cute. What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Fear of rejection and negativity. At this point, I’ve decided I am going to write. The next hurdle is overcoming the overwhelming concern of what others will think. I’m learning there will always be someone who dislikes or disagrees with you. As long as I’ve written words that convey my convictions, are grammatically correct, and inspire others, I choose to be proud of it, regardless of the naysayers.

A very good choice and a hard one for many authors. What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Sit down and put words to paper. You’ll never be able to edit and improve until you start writing. Read books that teach writing technique. Get involved in writing circles: a local critique group, author’s conference, or Facebook groups geared toward writing are great places to start.

Tell us about the featured book.

Romanian Runaway is the second book in the European Collection, a series of stand-alone novellas inspired by true experiences while living in Europe with my family. Unfulfilled in their careers and looking for something deeper out of life, Heather and Sal Perkins sell everything and move to Romania.

Romania offers new relationships, new surroundings, and a new perspective. But when hope appears in the form of a needy young boy, Heather’s mothering instincts take over.

Will she finally have a child of her own? Or will childlessness haunt her forever?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter 1

A New Future

I stood at the door of the nursery remembering the day I meticulously painted the words Love you to the moon and back on the wall above the crib. Two playful elephants danced alongside the calligraphy.

The unused wooden crib, matching changing table, and chest of drawers lined the pale green room. Stuffed animals, each one representing an infant not meant-to-be, onesies, bows, baby booties, diaper bag, and diaper genie filled the remaining space. All received with love and enthusiasm.

And yet the room remained empty. Void. Just like my heart.

At the last positive pregnancy test, I pulled nothing out. It all stayed packed in the closet along with my hope and despair.

I wanted one last photo but knew the fifty frames already taken would suffice.

Sal came up behind and wrapped his arms around mine. “Are you all right?”

“Yeah.” Joy mixed with a hint of sadness flooded my eyes. “I never thought giving away all our baby items would feel so good.”

“Ashley and John are happy.” He spoke as if we were old friends with the young buyers of our home.

They hadn’t seemed impressed with the property until reaching the baby’s room.

“John!” The girl gasped. She plopped her ballooning belly into a rocker, propping two thick ankles on the footstool. A single pink ribbon tied in a bow around the armrest bobbled in a gust of air from an overhead vent. As if energized by the blast, she popped up to inspect the rest of the baby furniture. Her puffy hand ran across the pad of the baby changer as she tilted slightly to inspect the wood.

“They’re brand new. Never used.” For the first time, the words didn’t sting. Excitement and adrenaline crowded out the numbing truth.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Find Romanian Runaway on Amazon

Kelley offers a free short story on her website www.kelleyrene.com

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/imkelleyrene

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Thank you, Kelley, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I know they will love it as much as I do.

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