THE LIBRARIAN'S SECRET - Janet Syas Nitsick - One Free Book

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

God really has worked in my life this last year. I fell down the stairs March 21, 2019, so this made it difficult to write after my surgery and during my recuperation. My eyes would shut while I was typing my story on the computer. I wondered how this book, the second in the Bonnets and Beaus series, The Librarian’s Secret, would turn out with my disorientation. However, I believe this is my best work and instead of the usual February release, The Librarian’s Secret, was successfully released in e-book June 6, 2020, and paperback May 14.

What I see on the horizon is in August the third in this series being created. I would like to have the story’s completion by early January with editing in February and the hope of a release in early March. This may have to be changed. I will play it by ear. The Lord guided me through last year, and He will do the same with this next book.

He’s so good about doing that. Tell us a little about your family.

I have four sons. The two oldest have children of their own, thus I have six grandchildren – two boys and four girls.

I also have two younger sons, starting with Brad, the oldest. He is autistic and does not speak. He is potty trained and as a young man lives with us. We are grateful for him since he gives us a reason to get up in the morning and brings us such sweet joy. My youngest son, Andrew, also is autistic. However, he is high functioning and talks. He no longer lives with us because during his early twenties he started hitting and has been in a group home since 2009. But we see him twice a week – Tuesday evenings are fast-food Tuesdays and Sundays are for home-cooked meals. He determines what we cook and bring to his group home. Andrew loves, what he calls, fun scaries. These are Halloween toys, making spooky sounds. But Andrew also is quite literate on the Bible, he knows the biblical stories, and he can recite all the books of the Bible.

If you would like to read personal accounts about my two autistic sons, purchase my book, Seasons of the Soul, which won Best Collection of Inspirational Personal Devotion from Christianstoryteller.com in 2007. Visit my Web site www.JanetSyasNitsick.com for e-book and paperback links.

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

Not really. I like both nonfiction (as a former journalist, I also enjoy some of these type of books) and fiction stories. However, I do not like horror, fantasy, or science fiction.

What are you working on right now?

I’m not working on anything at the moment. Since my recent May (paperback) and June (e-book) releases, I’ve taken some time off, but as earlier stated, I plan to return to writing in August.

What outside interests do you have?

I love to sing and have sung several solos and am a member of my church’s choir. Several years ago, I formed a group called, Circle of Friends. This includes new and old friends – some include old grade school and high school friends. We meet once a month at a restaurant of our choice and talk, laugh and have so much fun. I also love to shop, but that’s not happening as much after my fall and this virus; however, I hope to do more of this in the coming months.

I’ve had to do more online shopping during the pandemic. How do you choose your settings for each book?

My stories are set in Nebraska, and they are places I either lived in or visited.

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

Betsy Ross, the maker of America’s first flag, because she was an apprentice upholsterer, which was unusual, I would think, for women at that time to do. Although George Washington provided her a rough design of the flag, she tweaked it with a five point star instead of Washington’s six point one.  In addition, she went to a school for Quaker children. During this time period, men often thought educating women was a waste of time since women were relegated to taking care of children and domestic tasks. Thus I would like to interview her and get her take on the culture of the time and her tenacity.

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

That story writing involves a lot more than writing. It includes promotion, such as newsletters, blogs, and reminding past customers of your new work and more.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

He is teaching me to be patient. As an author, you hope each of your books will make the bestseller list. However, the Lord has taught me to not look at what the world defines as success, but those repeat readers who love my work.

That’s so true. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

You must have a good product. This includes having a great plot; a well-written story; an outstanding editor; a good cover, which depicts elements of the story without being busy; a good description that draws readers’ interest, and a reasonable selling price.

Tell us about the featured book.

I believe The Librarian’s Secret is my best work. Right from the beginning, readers are pulled into the secret set up at the very beginning with the entrance of a mysterious man carrying his diary to place it in the library. “… My confession is written in this journal.”

The new librarian’s mysterious past meets preacher son hunting for deceased father’s journal, which is hidden in that library and contains his pa’s secret.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Nebraska City, Nebraska

Winter 1890

The small door creaked open. The white-haired librarian turned to the noise. With the snowflakes falling in heavy drops, she expected no patron would come this late to browse the library’s shelves. She stood up from her wobbly desk to assist whoever braced this blistery-cold day to check out a book.

The footsteps shuffled on the uneven hewn floors as the person maneuvered forward around the tall racks of books. By the lumbering steps, she assumed it was a male. She glimpsed at the approaching figure dressed in an ankle-length midnight-black cloak. Covered by a hood, he proceeded forward before he stood in front of her. She gulped and forced a smile. “May – may I help you?”

           

He cleared his throat. “I’ve been hiding a secret, and my confession is written in this journal.”

           

“Are you sure you want the library to have this? Wouldn’t you be better telling a priest?” She wet her lips. “Or, directly asking our Lord for forgiveness?”

           

“No! I’ve already done that. But I can’t —”

           

“Can’t what?”

           

“Tell my family. I don’t have long now, and since I’m unable to find the courage to do so, I want you to keep it.”

“But sir, how would it being housed in this establishment reveal your truth?”

Interesting, for sure. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Web site:www.JanetSyasNitsick.com

Blog: http://janetsyasnitsick.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjanetnitsick/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Twitter: @JanNitsick

LinkedIn: Janet Nitsick

Thank you, Janet, for sharing this new book with my blog readers and me. Your first page makes me eager to read it.

Readers, here are links to the book.

The Librarian's Secret (Bonnets and Beaus) - Paperback
The Librarian's Secret (Bonnets and Beaus 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

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.

Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win.

Caryl K (TX) is the winner of Cross Shadow by Andrew Huff. 

Pam K (KS) is the winner of Missing by Mary Ellis.

Alicia (TX) is the winner of Caleb's Destiny by Carole Brown.

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.

SOUL TO KEEP - Clare Revell - One Free Ebook

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

This one crops up on each submission form and the answer is always the same. No matter what the book subject is, whether just romance, romantic suspense, crime fiction, young adult etc, no matter what happens, God is right there in the midst of it with you. Everything may be falling apart, you’re stuck on page 33 with no idea how you’re going to get to the start of page 34 never mind the end of the book, but the Author has the pen firmly in His hand.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

I don’t have a date for Christmas Time in London Town yet, but I would imagine around November/December for that one. There are three that I have submitted to Pelican (The House That Jack Built, Dark Streets Shineth, and Virtually Yours at Christmas) and am waiting to hear about.

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

The Queen. She’s reigned so long now, seen so much change and had her own fair share of family troubles, I’d like to know how her faith gets her through and how the Lord has worked in her to make her the person she is.

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

Eric Liddell. And honestly? All the reasons I’ve come up with I’ve deleted because they sounded wrong. Just to find out more about him, whether the history books got it right. What it actually felt like to give up everything and go to China to be a missionary.

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

Don’t give up. It might be the wrong publisher for you. For example, Monday’s Child was originally sent to a different publisher and got rejected. I even worked with an editor on it and it didn’t fit because, it turned out, I refused to put sex in it. So find a publisher that fits what you want to write. Don’t change who you are to fit them.

Very good advice. Tell us about Soul to Keep.

As the body count increases and more paintings are recovered, DC Zander Ellery and his partner DC Isabel York are under increasing pressure to catch the killer the press have dubbed the Prayer Slayer.

A few tenuous links are all they have between the deaths of three young, pretty women. The new Chief Superintendent is only adding to the pressure and seems to be picking on Isabel more than any other officer.

Torn between his urge to protect his partner and his need to solve the case, Zander sits his sergeant's exams, hoping once they are over, he won't be so distracted. But a rocky relationship with his girlfriend and one more murder only adds to his stress.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared. ~ Proverbs 3:25-26

Detective Constable Isabel York jerked awake, wondering what had woken her. On the bedside cabinet, her phone rang loud and urgent. She reached for it, squinting through the early morning light as she swiped to answer. 4:30 AM. What did her partner want at this hour?

“This had better be important, Zander.”

“It is.” Detective Constable Zander Ellery sounded as tired as she did. “They’ve found another body. I’ll be with you in ten minutes.”

Isabel closed her eyes as the phone went dead.

Another body. That made four. It was the Prayer Slayer, as the press had named him. Otherwise someone else would have received the call. Each victim was left wearing white, gagged and bound as if in prayer. The word guilty was written on their foreheads and a stolen painting beside them, indicating which of the Ten Commandments they had ‘broken.’ They were going in order, and she already knew which one this was. Just as she knew where they were going—the killer had told her in advance.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://clarerevell.com

https://www.facebook.com/ClareRevellAuthor

https://twitter.com/ClareRevell

http://telscha.blogspot.co.uk/

https://uk.pinterest.com/ClareLRevell/

https://www.instagram.com/clarerevell/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B005NZT2O2

https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005NZT2O2

http://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=45  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4476220.Clare_Revell

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/clare-revell

newsletter sign up - http://eepurl.com/chtmdH

Readers, here are links to the book.

Amazon UK   

Amazon US

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Since the author is from the UK, the giveaway will be an 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

THE BLACKSMITH BRIDES - Pegg Thomas, Amanda Barratt, Angela K Couch, Jennifer Uhlarik- One Free Book

Dear Readers, I’m so glad to welcome back a good friend, who is part of the Barbour novella collection, The Blacksmith Brides. Pegg and I were both authors in The Great Lakes Lighthouse Brides collection.

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

In a totally unexpected twist, I have felt the Lord calling me to write to the general market. That nudging has been coming for a while, but it really hit hard a few months ago. The idea for a story dropped into my head—from above, I’m sure—that is a modern-day parable on the sanctity of life. I had it written, edited, and to my agent within three months. That’s *amazing* because I’m the world’s slowest writer. At least, I used to be. For me, that alone is proof positive that I’m where the Lord wants me to be.

And I love the idea of modern-day parables. When Jesus told His parables, He never once referenced the Torah. He didn’t use religious-speak. He told stories in everyday language using subjects that non-religious people could relate to in illustrating the love and character of God. I’d love to be able to do that.

That is awesome. Tell us a little about your family.

Let me tell you about my family history. I have been blessed with cousins who are passionate about genealogy. We have my dad’s side of the family—both sides—traced back to the mid-1600s when they arrived on America’s shore. They came in the great Puritan wave. One side fought as Loyalists and the other as Patriots during the Revolutionary War. On my mother’s side, we have her mother’s family also traced back to the 1600s. We’re related to FDR through the Delano family. Her father was adopted, and I’ve yet to meet any cousins who have researched his actual family tree. But as you can see, my own family gives me a wealth of historical ideas to explore. My current WIP starts with the massacre at Fort McCord in Pennsylvania, which my ancestor survived.

I love stories based on incidents in our family histories. James’s cousin has traced their family back to 1099 when the Normans invaded England. And one of my cousins has traced the Nelson family back into the Scandinavian countries of Norway and Sweden. The families emigrated to Minnesota in the late 1800s. I actually fictionalized a couple of events in my book Brides of Minnesota.  Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Working as the managing editor for Smitten Historical Romance has changed it more than my own writing. I find it very difficult to turn off my internal editor. It’s very annoying!

I so understand that. I do editing for other authors, and I experience the same thing. What are you working on right now?

I’m on the second book of a historical romance series set during Pontiac’s Rebellion in 1763. This one is set at Fort Detroit in my home state of Michigan. I love writing stories set in areas I’m very familiar with. And I love my state!

What outside interests do you have?

The one I’m best known for spinning and knitting with my own sheep’s wool. I’ve raised Border Leicester sheep for 27 years. I love working with wool. I shear my sheep, wash and dye the wool, spin it, and then knit a variety of garments. My favorite is my signature shawls. I give away a shawl with the release of each of my books to one of my newsletter subscribers. People can subscribe to my newsletter here: https://www.subscribepage.com/PeggThomas

I’ve seen pictures of several of those. They are lovely. How do you choose your settings for each book?

My books all start with the history, so the settings are determined by that.

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

Probably Robert E. Lee. I know! I’m a northerner born and bred, but I’ve been fascinated with him since grade school. He was a brilliant man faced with an incredibly difficult situation. As a soldier, he was honor-bound to join the war, but when asked to lead the Union forces, he knew he could not raise arms against his family, his neighbors, and his friends. He chose family over country. Through it all, he retained his dignity and the respect of military people on both sides of the war. I have a book of his letters to his family. It’s fascinating reading.

Wow, I’ll have to look for a copy of that. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

If I’d known how difficult it is to write a book and get it looked at by a publisher … I never would have started! In this case, ignorance was bliss.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

The same old one … patience. And maybe boldness. Boldness to step out in faith into the general market and do it in a way that always honors Him.

You’ll do it. When He gives us a story like that, He makes a way. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Attend a writers’ conference. Yes, they are terribly expensive, but as with anything, you must pay for some education. You don’t need to attend the biggest, most fashionable, or farthest from your home. Pick one that is close, more affordable, and smaller. Frankly, the smaller conferences I’ve attended have been the best for actual learning. The large ones are great for networking, but in the beginning, you need to learn.

Take an editing class. There are some great online classes through the PEN Institute https://peninstitute.com/courses/. Learning to edit will help you avoid the pitfall mistakes so many beginner writers, and not-so-beginners, make.

Solidify your brand. Know who you are, what you write (your genre), and who you are writing to.

Tell us about the featured book.

I’ve always been fascinated with blacksmiths. As a child, my granddad’s cabin was close to an old smithy. He would tell me stories about them. When I had a chance to pitch a collection idea to Barbour with the theme of blacksmiths, I jumped on it. At that time, the collections were for seven novellas, but this proposal hit at the same time they were switching over to just four novellas per book. We had to do some changes, and I hope at some point Barbour still contracts the rest of the stories, but we wound up with—I think—four very strong novellas in this collection that sweeps about 100 years of American history.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Meg McCracken plopped onto the padded velvet seat next to her mother. She glared at her three older brothers as they squeezed their bulky frames through the narrow door and sat opposite her in their father’s coach. Her father, Callum McCracken, climbed in last and quirked an eyebrow at her crossed arms.

“Now, Meg―”

“Do not ‘Now, Meg’ me, Father. ’Tis they who need a talking to.” She tilted her chin towards her brothers, who had the gall to grin back at her.

“They are your brothers. They do only what any brother would do for his sister.”

“Is that so? And would you have me be a spinster, then? Because no man can get within a rod of me without one of these great lummoxes planting himself in the way.”

“Those who back off are not worthy of you, I say.” Jamie, the middle of her older brothers and her favorite, winked at her.

“He is correct, you know,” Father said. “You would not respect a man who ran off at the first sign of trouble. You have too much spunk for that. Just like your mother.”

The look that passed between her parents added to the heat in the carriage. A sigh slipped from Meg’s lips. She’d grown up watching these two people who were so much in love. Was it any wonder she wanted the same for herself? Those hulking brutes crammed onto the coach’s other seat, however, had blocked every possible suitor so far.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

PeggThomas.com

Facebook 

Goodreads

BookBub

Instagram

Twitter 

Amazon

ColonialQuills

Thank you for having me on your blog again, Lena. It’s always a pleasure to come and chat with your loyal readers.

And thank you, Pegg, for sharing this new book with me and my blog readers. I’m eager to read it.

Readers, here are links to the book.

The Blacksmith Brides - Christianbook.com
Blacksmith Brides: 4 Historical Stories - Amazon Paperback
Blacksmith Brides: 4 Historical Stories - 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.

Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win.

Shelia64 (MI) is the winner of Raner to the Rescue by Renae Brumbaugh Green. 

Nancy (FL) is the winner of Within Golden Bands by Norma Gail.

Janeen (IL) is the winner of Down to Sleep by Clare Revell.

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.

CALEB'S DESTINY - Carole Brown - One Free Book

Welcome back, Carole. Why did you become an author?

I'm not sure I ever felt a sudden realization. I just always felt it inside me, although I might not always have realized what the feeling was. From childhood up, I was an expressive child with an imagination. My classmates clapped when I presented my speech in elementary grades. Study Halls (way back when) were spent writing dramatic and heart-wrenching poems with a best friend. Life happened, marriage, two children, played around with writing more poems, articles, short stories—and suddenly I realized if I was going to write seriously, I needed to get at it.

I'd always been great at English, but I found out quickly enough, I needed to re-learn a lot of things when developing a story. I studied, joined a critique group, went to conferences and learned, learned, learned. With time, I created one novel, then two and many more. Writing is my life, being an author is a dream come true, and I couldn't ask for a better career. I love being an author!

If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job?

Photography. I love taking pictures and preserving memories with my camera.

If you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why?

Probably the WWII era. I know it was a horrible war, but the romance, the bravery and courage, the clothes and styles, men's hats, the slang. It all impresses me as a wonderful period—in spite of a terrible war.

What place in the United States have you not visited that you would like to?

Alaska. Not in the cold months, but when it's warmer, I'd love to see some of the sights and animals from there. I want to soak in the atmosphere, learn the history of this state.

How about a foreign country you hope to visit?

Ireland, Scotland, or maybe Australia. My father's ancestors, I think, came from Ireland. We were invited to work in Australia at one point of our lives. And Scotland is just so downright fascinating! I've always been interested in those three countries. The accents and customs interest me tremendously. Their legends and history are magical and create in me a desire to maybe, someday, use what I can learn about those countries.

I’ve always been interested in Australia and Scotland. And my husband’s family came from Ireland. I’ve actually had both Irish and Scottish characters in several of my novels. What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?

To trust him fully. Sometimes you go through a lot of things that hurt badly. I can't solve most problems, but I know he is a powerful God. He can get me through the worst! If I trust and believe.

So true. Tell us about the featured book.

Mr. Michael, Destiny Rose McCulloch, and Hunter have a mysterious history. Why were three fathers, all business partners, murdered under suspicious circumstances while on their quest to find gold?

Hunter is determined to protect his boss and the precocious young lady who he suspects holds a key answer to his questions.

Mr. Michael wants only to be left alone to attend to his property, but what can he do when Destiny refuses to leave and captures the heart of every one of his employees?

Destiny almost forgets her quest when she falls in love with Mr. Michael's ranch and all the people there. And then Mr. Michael is much too alluring to ignore. The preacher man back east where she took her schooling tried to claim her heart, but the longer she stays the less she can remember him. She only came west to find a little boy she knew years ago. A little boy all grown up by now...unless, of course, he's dead.

Three children, connected through tragedy and separated by time, are fated to reunite and re-right some powerful wrongs.

Wow, interesting. Please give us the first page of the book.

Every bone in her body was broken.

Or at least, she was pretty sure they were, because that’s the way her body felt.

Destiny Rose McCulloch clenched her fingers together, swayed with the motion of the stagecoach, and ignored the leering stare of the man seated across from her.

She would have liked to give the man a piece of her mind, but that action would defy every etiquette lesson instilled within her at Miss Harriet’s School for the Genteel Lady. Besides, Reverend Richard Burke back in Boston would definitely not approve, and she wanted his approval very much. To be honest, she was trying her best to behave in a Christ-like manner. In spite of her tendency to speak her thoughts. In spite of the hot temper that refused to be dampened.

Destiny sighed. In spite of the twinge of temptation to stick out her tongue, she’d restrain herself and keep ignoring the rude gentleman—er—creature.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carole-brown

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/browncarole212/?hl=en

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a/

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

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3egdd2q

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. If there are more than 10 comments a print book is offered for winners in the US. If less than 10, or if the winner is not in the US, the book will be an ebook. You must follow the next 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

MISSING - Mary Ellis - One Free Ebook

Welcome back, Mary. I know you speak at various conferences and meetings. What do you have coming up in 2021?

Right now I haven’t scheduled anything for 2021 since I’m at high risk for the virus. But I do hope to attend the ACFW conference in the fall, and smaller Ohio conferences and meetings until then. I truly don’t look forward to getting on a plane.

I so understand. I’m at high risk for the virus, too, so I’m careful. If you were planning a women’s retreat, what would be the theme for it?

I believe my theme would be “The role of Christian women in a rapidly changing world.” Between racial tensions across the country and this horrible virus, Christian women need to safely reach out to others with understanding and kindness. Many people are hurting—emotionally, financially and spiritually. We need to serve them while spreading the word that our only hope, our only lifeline, is Jesus.

I so agree with you. He is the only answer. Who would you want as speakers and why?

Well, the first speaker I’d invite would be you, Lena, because I know you and your husband have spent many years in Christian service. The second person I’d invite would be my pastor’s wife for her speaking ability, and finally I’d invite someone who has worked outside the US in missions.

Where would you hold the retreat and why?

I would hold the retreat at one of Ohio’s seven state parks. Each lodge has all the necessary amenities for the perfect getaway—pools, lakes, bike trails, water sports, restaurants, plus acres of forest trails for peaceful prayers and mediation. They have plenty of space to convene indoors, outdoors, even under the stars.

I would accept that invitation to speak there in a heartbeat. Do you read print books or ebooks? Or a combination of the two?

I’m an old-fashioned girl…I read only print books. I like the feel of paper and a solid binding. Also, since I spend so much time on my computer as an author, I like to get away from electronics during my free time.

Missing is an interesting title. How did you come up with it?

During rumschpringe, Amish parents allow their daughters quite a bit of freedom. This is the time for young men and women to experience the Englishers’ world before settling down, getting married, and committing to the Amish faith. When my Amish character disappears, her parents assume she went to an amusement park for a few days or took a trip to Cleveland. Only her English friend, Lily, suspects something has happened to Charlotte.

Interesting. So what is the book about?

Young women are disappearing in Plum Creek, Ohio, and Lily Sellers seems to be the only one concerned. Since her parents own a grocery store in Holmes Country, Lily grew up surrounded by Amish until she left for college. But her father’s sudden death brings her home until her mother can find a buyer for the store. FBI agent Marc Harris hasn’t been home since joining the profiler unit five years ago. His agenda for the next ten days includes fishing, visiting the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and falling asleep in the hammock. But an impulsive stop at the country store changes his plans. Marc enjoys getting to know Lily but doesn’t buy her theory. Marc joins Lily’s wild goose chase, if for no reason than to prove Plum Creek is still the same sweet town he remembers. Lily accompanies Charlotte to an Amish tent revival where Charlotte meets the handsome, charismatic preacher. When Charlotte also disappears, Lily fears a dangerous predator is preying on young women. Marc must rally the Bureau’s full resources to unravel a complicated scheme of deception.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Funny how life sometimes turns out…

If anyone would have asked Lily Sellers the day she graduated from Ohio University what she’d be doing in three months, she never would have said stocking shelves with jams, jellies, and pickled veggies in the heart of Amish country. Armed with degrees in both web design and graphic arts, Lily had been searching for a job in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Chicago. Her talents and abilities could be put to much better use in metropolitan-area corporations than in small towns surrounded by rolling farmland. Cities also had chic neighborhoods full of eligible bachelors and elegant apartments. Lily didn’t know what she wanted more: a furnished urban loft where she could display her fledgling collection of cityscape photographs, or an honest-to-goodness date that didn’t involve college sports or a fraternity house party.

Where did women meet men who enjoyed museums, art galleries, coffeehouses, and an occasional hike in the great outdoors? Certainly not in a grocery store that catered to tourists by the busload.

But for the foreseeable future, Plum Creek was where she needed to be.

Her father hadn’t asked for the heart attack which ended his life at fifty-eight. Nor had her mother wanted the auto-immune disease which robbed her of energy and motor coordination and now confined her to a wheelchair. Her parents had sacrificed summer vacations, home improvements, and creature comforts to put her through four years of college. So until they found a suitable buyer for Sellers’ Country Market, Lily would remain in Plum Creek to help Mom manage the store. Columbus, Cincinnati, and Chicago—along with Rome, Paris, and London—would still be there when the time was right.

“Lily?” said a weak voice over the store’s loudspeaker. “Could you come up front, please? And bring the broom,” her Mom added.

Lily pushed the case of apricot preserves out of the way of unobservant shoppers, grabbed the broom from the stockroom, and hurried to the front, smiling at tourists and local patrons along the way. At the cash register, Lily found a red-faced shopper and her mom in a ruffled smock with Connie, at your service embroidered over the left pocket.

“Sorry for the mess, Lily,” said the customer. “Your ma told me to leave the sunflower seeds in the cart, but I didn’t listen.” Between the checkout conveyor and the candy rack lay twenty-five pounds of scattered birdseed.

How can readers find you on the Interet?

I can be found at: http://www.maryellis.net/ 

or http://www.facebook.Mary-Ellis.Author/

Thank you, Mary, for sharing Missing with us. I’m eager to read it. I just love your writing.

Readers, here is a link to the book.

Missing

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

CROSS SHADOW - Andrew Huff - One Free BooK

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

I started writing suspense fiction because that was the kind of book that I wanted to read. I love reading authors such as James Rollins, Clive Cussler, Matthew Reilly, Robert Ludlum, and even Dan Brown. The issue I kept having (especially when it came to Mr. Brown’s novels) was that while the stories were thrilling and adventurous, there were sometimes values and worldviews antithetical to my Christian beliefs. I decided I would try my hand at writing the kind of novel that I wanted to read, one high on thrills but also deep in theology.

I would also say I write the books I do because I love the work of storytelling. It’s so much fun to create a cast of characters, put them in life-threatening situations, and then see what happens as a result. While I’m always ultimately in charge of how the story plays out, I’ve been amazed at how often the characters take on a life of their own and surprise me with how they influence the direction of the plot.

That often happens to me, too. Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

My wedding day! My wife, Jae, and I will be celebrating our 15-year anniversary this year and without a doubt every year has been better than the last. She is a big part of the reason I’ve pursued a career in fiction. In fact, I was writing character profiles for a novel that I eventually wrote but never published on our plane ride home from our honeymoon.

The day we were married was hectic, like most, but an incredible experience shared with many friends and family. We were married in front of a beautiful country home that would be the future site of a church that I would eventually work for, with the reception taking place in an exquisite tree-lined courtyard under tents.

How has being published changed your life?

I’ve never been busier! I still work a full-time job that does not involve writing fiction (oh, how authors long to be able to do just that!), and on top of that, I still serve with my local church, coach sports for my sons, and generally spend time with my family and friends. So I have to be very deliberate when locking myself away to write, not to mention the extra time spent now participating in interviews and working on other marketing opportunities for my novels.

One thing that has been fun to have happen is having readers reach out and connect over their love for fiction. Taking the time to build those connections has been one of the more rewarding aspects of being published. Hearing what draws them into stories and how they’ve particularly enjoyed my novels is time worth spent!

What are you reading right now?

I’m in the middle of two non-fiction books at the moment. The first is a book by James K.A. Smith called You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit. It’s a great book about how the object of our worship shapes our hearts and therefore our daily practices. While the emphasis in the book is on how proper worship can inform discipleship, there is so much practical application for individual Christian formation as well.

The other book I’m reading is South Carolina and the American Revolution: A Battlefield History by John W. Gordon. This one is research for a potential story that has been brewing in my mind for the better part of a year. While my story has to do with a particular historical figure, the book is a good primer on the political and military background of the Revolution in South Carolina.

What is your current work in progress?

I just wrapped up the first draft of the third novel in the Shepherd Suspense series, Right Cross. We’ll go through several editing phases in the coming months before that book will be ready to print.

As I look ahead to the next novel I would like to write, I’m also interested in working on the craft of screenwriting. I’ve had several opportunities to write scripts for shorter form projects through my current employer, but I’m also very interested in finishing a longer form script at some point in the coming year.

Screenwriting is a totally different kind of writing. I should know, since I also write screenplays. What would be your dream vacation?

I had the opportunity to spend time in Seville, Spain, during a trip to capture stories of local church pastor training and education and fell in love with that area of Europe. My dream vacation would be to return to Spain and spend time on the coast.

Another dream of mine is to travel the Mediterranean coast visiting famous biblical sites in Greece, Israel, and Egypt. I have a particular interest in biblical archeology and would jump at the chance to visit and perhaps even work at an archaeological site somewhere in Israel.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

It’s a combination of both writing about places I’ve visited but also choosing the best location for the story I’m inspired by. One of the ways I form a plot for a novel is to read about real life events and then imagine what that event (or some facsimile of that event) would have been like for my characters to be involved in. In some instances, I can transplant the story from one location to another that I would prefer to write about, but other times the plot may dictate the location based on real life criteria (CIA training grounds, called The Farm, located in Virginia, for instance).

I also have a list of real-world locations that I’ve got in my back pocket in case they happen to work for a storyline in the future. I’m drawn to not only interesting natural locations but also to manmade towns and structures that may have been well known in history but have fallen into disrepair or forgotten entirely.

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

This is a great question. There’s so many great people to choose! Off the top of my head, someone I would love to spend an evening with is Bear Grylls. I’m a huge fan of his shows and have always want to think of myself as someone who would be a capable survivalist (not that I’ve ever come close to finding that out, haha). I would love to just hear stories from Bear’s past and maybe get some practical tips on how to survive in a wilderness.

Not only that, but I’ve read his faith plays an important role in his life. I would love to not only hear his life stories but talk about the balance of life and faith that he has had to achieve as well. I’m sure most people may choose theologians (I had many names), other fiction authors, or celebrities (Chris Pratt, right? I guess Bear might count as one), but I kind of loved the idea of having an evening with a true-life adventurer since he is exactly the kind of character I like to write about!

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I’m very much into sports, football in particular, and not only spectate but also coach my sons’ teams. Spending time with family is a priority, and we love a variety of shared activities such as taking walks, having NERF gun battles, competing in Mario Kart competitions, and playing board and card games. A hobby for me and my wife involves visiting as many of the local coffee shops in our area as many times as possible!

I am also very involved in church. I teach an elementary-age boys’ small group, lead teach for all age groups in the children’s ministry, and co-lead a home group of adults with my wife. Throw in the 9-5 job, and my week gets filled pretty quickly!

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

It’s an obstacle that is both frustrating but also necessary. Often when I’m writing, I will reach a point where I need to stop and make sure I’ve got something right. This requires research, and I like to be thorough. Now, that might not sound like an obstacle, but I’m usually tight on time when I’m writing and trying to cram in a lot of work in a short period. So sometimes it can feel like my scheduled writing time was a waste when I don’t have as many words to show for it.

At the same time, this is an incredibly important part of writing. To get through this obstacle, I have to constantly remind myself that the time is not a loss. Even if I didn’t get as far as I would have liked, the time I spent making sure what I was writing was correct would have needed to be spent ultimately either now or later. It’s nice to be well researched before you begin, but there are always new things to discover along the way!

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Writing a novel is as much learning the craft as it is being inspired. Like every beginning author, I spent a lot of time researching publishers and agents while I was still in the early stages of learning how to even write. I still blush over having pitched incomplete and weakly written novels to editors at conferences! So don’t do your homework on how to get published until you’ve done your homework on how to write fiction.

Read books on how to write fiction, and also read the kind of fiction books you want to write. Find writing groups you can engage with. These can be local chapters or people you meet as a part of a writing conference. And, most importantly, practice! Write as much as you can. I always find that doing something is the quickest way to learn. What you need to remember though is that published authors will often have a novel that they wrote in the beginning that wasn’t published. So don’t worry the first one being perfect, just set out to finish it!

Tell us about the featured book.

Cross Shadow is the follow up to my debut novel, A Cross to Kill, and is the second book in the Shepherd Suspense Series by Kregel Publications. In the first book, we are introduced to journalist Christine Lewis and John Cross, the man who rescued her from an execution by terrorists. Christine sets out on a mission to discover who John is, only to be surprised to learn that he is a former CIA assassin now serving as the pastor of a small country church. John’s past doesn’t stay hidden for long, however, and soon his idyllic life comes crashing down around him threatening to take Christine along with it.

Cross Shadow picks up Christine and John’s story the following year from the explosive ending of A Cross to Kill. They are trying to make a long-distance relationship work, but things become even more tense when Christine leaves John behind as she sets off toward Dallas, Texas, to investigate a murder charge against her stepbrother. Things are not what they seem, and before long both she and John are pulled into a web of conspiracy that is more dangerous than either could have imagined.

Please give us the first page of the book.

A brisk wind prompted Christine Lewis to draw her coat tighter as she exited the headquarters of the North American Broadcasting Channel and joined the herd of New York City natives and tourists mingling in the open-air plaza out front. Pushing past a group of senior citizens organizing a photo op in front of the network gift shop, she picked up her pace and trotted through the Forty-Ninth Street crosswalk just as time expired on the pedestrian signal.

The plaza access street between Forty-Ninth and Forty-Eighth offered a quaint block length of traffic-free asphalt perfect for a pleas­ant lunchtime stroll, but her meeting with her cameraman, Mike, had run over and she didn’t want to miss the next B Sixth Avenue Express car arriving in six minutes. His excitement over covering a Russian tanker detained by the coast guard did nothing to distract her from her impending clandestine meeting.

Even as she marched toward the intersection, she couldn’t help but imagine any number of scenarios of how her resignation would impact the network. Mike an exception, most of her coworkers wouldn’t care. Her boss, Steven Jacobs, would be furious, but when wasn’t he when things didn’t go his way?

Janeen would want to come with her, but Christine didn’t expect United News Network to accept terms that included full-time jobs for best friends. Still, maybe the door would open. Someday. A pit formed in her stomach as she pictured Janeen’s reaction to the news of Christine’s departure. She pushed the emotional farewell from her mind and searched for a happier face to picture.

Interesting! How can readers find you on the Internet?

You can read more about me and my novels and sign up for my e-mail list by visiting my author website: www.andrewhuffbooks.com. I’m also very active on my author Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/huffwrites. You can also follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/andrewjohnhuff as well as on Instagram at www.instagram.com/andyhuff.

Thank you, Andrew, for sharing this second novel in the series with my blog readers and me. Your first page really pulled me into the story.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Cross Shadow  - Christianbook.com
Cross Shadow (Shepherd Suspense) - Amazon Paperback
Cross Shadow (A Shepherd Suspense Novel 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