Dear Readers, I love Mary Ellis novels. If you haven’t read any of them, here is your chance. We will be giving away a copy of her novel One for the Road to one of those who leave a comment on the blog.
How did you become interested in writing? I have been interested in writing for as long as I can
remember. Writing is simply jotting down the stories you make up in your head.
As a child I made up stories all the time about the people who came in and out
of my life. The milkman (yes, we had one of those), the elderly woman next door,
and certainly friends of my brother if they showed any attention whatsoever.)
Although I was usually too shy to tell these tales around the cook-out campfire
or even jot them into my diary, I never stopped inventing mystery-romances.
What compelled you to write a book on this subject? I have crisscrossed the state of
Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book? My stories are primarily meant to entertain. However I do deal with the heartbreaking disease of Alzheimers in my story and how it impacts two different families. I hope readers will examine their own relationships with aging relatives to see if they can help in some way. Or if you are the aging family member, don’t be afraid to seek advice or assistance from your loved ones if need be.
What makes your book different than any other books similar to yours that are in circulation today? My cozy mysteries are written from a third-person point of view, instead of the tradition first-person. I hope using various viewpoints will deepen and enrich the mystery and make my characters more multi-dimensional.
How does the book intertwine with God’s call on your life and how you are currently serving Him? My central character cannot say “no” to a person in need, even if that person asks for help with a murder investigation, something way out of her comfort zone. I try to serve as mentor to young people and gently guide the fallen-away back to the Lord. Each of us must serve by being the best example of Christian love we possibly can be.
Do you have a favorite Scripture verse? My “favorite” changes often, depending on what’s going on in my life. My current favorite is: By grace are ye save by faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2: 8-9
When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies? Of course, like most authors, I love to read. But my favorite hobby is working in my yard. I don’t have much sunshine so I can’t have much of a flower or vegetable garden. But I have an awesome shade garden right off my deck. Since it stays cool it’s a perfect spot for reading.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
The moment she spotted her videographer in the hotel lobby, travel writer Jill Curtis signaled the bartender. “We’ll take two of your famous cocktails,” she said.
“Hey, Erickson, over here.” Jill produced the broadest of smiles since her videographer and partner looked like he’d just eaten a dozen lemons.
Dragging his suitcase behind him, Michael pushed his glasses up his nose and shuffled to the barstool she’d saved.
“Quick, sit down,” she ordered. “I practically had to arm-wrestle two women who wanted your seat.”
Michael glanced around the elegant interior with mild interest. “Why are we here?”
“Because this is one of the hottest bars in the coolest hotel in town. Did you know that Al Capone and his cronies hung out here during Prohibition? So did F. Scott Fitzgerald. In case you weren’t paying attention in English lit, he wrote The Great Gatsby.”
“Fascinating.” Michael’s sour expression didn’t change.
“Plus this bar makes a cocktail for lightweights like me who can’t handle bourbon straight-up.” With impeccable timing, the bartender set two lemon-garnished flutes in front of them.
Michael’s left eyebrow arched. “Why on earth is a bourbon drink fizzing?”
“Because it also contains champagne. If you don’t like it, I’ll drink both of them.” Jill took a sip of hers and grinned.
He studied the bubbles and then drank. “It’s not bad. Now
tell me why we’re in
Jill took another sip. “Oh, my, that is so good.”
Michael pushed her glass beyond reach. “No more bubbles
until I get answers. I didn’t appreciate you changing the destination when I
was halfway through
“I didn’t forget. That’s why I called for approval before
switching cities.
“Here you are, miss. My name’s Ray, by the way.” The
bartender, who’d been eavesdropping, pushed Jill’s glass within reach.
“Besides, we’re closer to
“Thanks, Ray,” Jill said with a wink. “See what I mean, partner? Best of both worlds.”
“Okay, fine. At least you didn’t make me smooth things over
with the boss like last time.” Michael relaxed on the barstool. “Let’s finish
these and head to our hotel. I’m starving and exhausted. There was nothing but
road construction and fender-benders the entire trip from
“This is home-sweet-home for the next week, the beautiful Thurman House Hotel.”
Where can my readers find you on the Internet? Readers can find me at www.maryellis.net or on Facebook.
Thank
you, Mary, for sharing this new book with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to
read it.
Readers,
here’s a link to the book.
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
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
10 comments:
I love that One for the Road is set in my home state and I'm so looking forward to reading both of the books in this series. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings!
Connie from Kentucky
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
One For The Road sounds enthralling and intriguing. Thanks. Anne - NM.
Looks so good!
Abigail in VA
Wow that book cover, excerpt and title makes the book intriguing, mysterious and so much more.
Would love to read & review book in print format. Love mysteries and this one looks & sounds like goodie.
I really want to read this book that looks enthralling.
Hope I Win
Crystal in PA in the USA
I already have this on my wish list. Blessings from WV.
Mary Eilis is an amazing author. I'm excited to read 100 Proof Murder.
Caryl K in TX
Distillery and wine tours are always interesting whether or not you sample or like their wares. The process and dedication needed to produce a good product shows through when you speak to those in the industry. Throw in a good mystery with characters you like and you are in for a good story.
Patricia B. Jonesborough, TN
Looking forward to reading 100 Proof Murder, thank you for a chance to win.
Lourdes, Long Island, New York
Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Nichols SC.
I have read many of Mary Ellis's mysteries and would love to begin her new series! Please enter me in the book giveaway!
Pam in OH
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