CROSSFIRE - Lynette Eason - One Free Book

Welcome back, Lynette. Crossfire is the second book in your Extreme Measures series. What is the connecting element for all the books in this series? The books are all connected by the four female protagonists. They met as teenagers in juvie.

Your female protagonist, Julianna Jones, is a hostage negotiator. What event from Julianna’s past influenced her desire to work in this field? Julianna survived a school shooting where one of her best friends was killed. She couldn’t talk the shooter down and vowed to make sure she could help anyone ever caught in the same situation.

Clay Fox, your male protagonist, is working as a high school resource officer. But his skill set is far more in depth. Can you please explain his background and how that comes into play in Crossfire? Clay used to be a sniper in the Army. He’s was Special Forces, but after a betrayal that resulted in the death of an innocent man, he found himself unable to pull the trigger. He left the Army to take a position as a school resource officer while he figures out what the future holds for him.

What do you hope readers will gain from reading Crossfire? I hope they will be thoroughly entertained and that the characters will resonate in some way with them.

What do you love most about writing novels in the romantic suspense genre? I love that there’s always a happy ending. I love that the characters work hard to overcome adversity, learn something about themselves, fight for justice, and fall in love. In other words, I can’t pick just one thing that I love about the genre!

What are you working on next? I’m currently working on the third book in the Extreme Measure series.

How can readers connect with you? I’m on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lynette.eason and Twitter at @lyentteeason and Instagram at @lynetteeason.

Thank you, Lynette, for sharing this new book with my blog readers. I love reading your romantic suspense novels.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

http://ow.ly/mUYu50KX8yW

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 2 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 

JEANETTE'S GIFT - Blossom Turner - One Freebook

Bio: Blossom Turner is a freelance writer published in Chicken Soup and Kernels of Hope anthologies, former newspaper columnist on health and fitness, an avid blogger and published novelist of the Word Guild semi-finalist Anna’s Secret. However, she has found her home in the writing of historical fiction. The power of love and romance is authentically woven into the Shenandoah Bride Series about five sisters and their love stories. She and her husband, David, have two grown children and live in beautiful British Columbia, Canada.

Author Links:

https://blossomturner.com

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/blossom-turner

https://www.facebook.com/BlossomTurnerAuthor/

http://twitter.com/blossomhoneybee

Welcome, Blossom. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. In this last book of the Shenandoah Brides series, Jeanette’s Gift, I would have to say I wrote myself into the book more than any of the others. This book in particular is near and dear to my heart because it deals with the age-old problem of feeling inadequate and struggling with low self-worth. So many women battle to feel good about themselves, as I did. I pray through the character of Jeanette that God’s message on how to overcome in this area will shine bright and resonate with the reader, for His truth is ever timeless.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? Hmm, let me think. I’ve jumped out of a plane skydiving tandem with a guy who said, “good thing I’m not feeling suicidal today” just before we jumped. Is that quirky or just crazy?

Maybe a little of both. When did you first discover that you were a writer? I have always enjoyed journaling, playing with poetry, and working with the wonder of words, but I did not discover the adventure of writing and the depth of my imagination until I was slowed down by sickness in my forties. Out of sheer boredom my writing career sprouted wings and took flight.

Actually, I started writing books in my 40s, too. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. I enjoy the Bible and reading commentaries on the history and profound multi-faceted meanings found within its pages.

I love clean romance with the same kind of spice the Song of Solomon exemplifies.

A good mystery with a splash of romance is always enjoyed.

Poetry

Chicken Soup short stories

June Cotner’s anthologies of quotable quotes.

And anything that makes me laugh. Phil Callaway tickles my funny bone.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? Spending time with Jesus grounds me. I notice on the days I think I’m too busy for my devotions how scattered my day goes. I have this little reminder I tell myself. “Spending time with Jesus, saves scattered, schizo, stormy moments of self-inflicted chaos.”

How do you choose your characters’ names? For my historical romance I often go on-line and read documents written during that time period to find the names most readily used. But my hero and heroine must have names I absolutely love regardless of the time period.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? Loving my family well.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I would be a dog. They are fun-loving, always up for a walk, and get to sleep lots.

What is your favorite food? Bread…all types with fresh butter.

I love bread fresh out of the oven when the butter melts quickly. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? Finding time is the greatest roadblock. I had to quit a well-paying job to make the time to write.

Tell us about the featured book. The theme of the featured book, Jeanette’s Gift, is near and dear to my heart. I write each book with a message of hope. My desire is to share an authentic walk with Christ through the characters of my book, all the while maintaining an entertaining read. This fifth in the Shenandoah Valley Series is special because the struggle of having good self-worth seems to be an area in which Satan attacks women on a large scale. No matter how beautiful they are on the inside, the outside seems to trump the narrative. It took me many years and traveling a very hard road to come to the place where I see myself the way Christ does…fearfully and wonderfully made. I pray this message through the enjoyment of a love story will speak into the hearts of women and they will find the beauty that lies within them.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Spring 1881 Shenandoah Valley

Jeanette Williams’s body wilted and sagged, pulling her thin shoulders forward. Twenty-nine felt like ninety-nine. Until this birthday, Jeanette had held a smidgeon of optimism that she would someday marry and have a family of her own. All hope was gone. God had somehow forgotten her. The cheery frosted cake that sat on the table seemed to mock her dreary existence.

“Auntie Jeanette?” Her four-year-old niece, Geena, pulled on her hand. “Can I help you blow out the candles?”

The child could extinguish them all for all Jeanette cared. At her nod, Geena jumped up and down and smiled, the mirror image of her raven-haired, blue-eyed mama, Katherine. Seemed everyone from the youngest to the oldest was attractive—except Jeanette.

“Not until it’s time, Geena,” Colby said. “So quit bothering your auntie.”

Jeanette glanced at the child’s father before she lifted Geena into her arms. “You’re not a bother, are you pumpkin?”

Geena wrapped her chubby arms around Jeanette’s neck and pressed in a hug. An ache rose within. Oh, how she wanted one of these little ones of her own.

She gazed around Katherine’s parlour at those trying their best to give her a birthday celebration and forced a smile. Tears bit behind her lids, and she pushed her glasses higher on her nose glad she could hide behind Geena to conceal the watery flow. Present were Pa, Katherine and Colby and their brood of kids, Lucinda and Joseph with their family, and Gracie and Matthew visiting from Richmond with their four-month-old baby. Despite being surrounded by those she loved most, Jeanette’s throat constricted to an impossible ache, and acute loneliness crushed in. She stooped down to let the squirming Geena go and stood with her shoulders squared. She best get used to spinster‐ hood. She had a lot of living yet to do. Didn’t she?

How can readers find you on the Internet? Readers are welcome to go to https://blossomturner.com/ and sign up for my monthly newsletter. I also love to communicate one on one with my readers and have a section under contact at https://blossomturner.com/contact to discuss any topic that is important to them.

Buy Links:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09SM85TRR

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jeanettes-gift-blossom-turner/1141015588?ean=2940166241412

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/jeanette-s-gift

https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1610447357

Thank you, Blossom, for sharing Jeanette’s story 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 2 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.

ptclayton (IA) is the winner of Forgotten Memories by Penny Zeller.

Maryann (NY) is the winner of Sea Glass Cottage by Irene Hannon. 

Anne (NM) is the winner of Elysium Tide by James R Hannibal.

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 2 weeks to claim your book.  

PROTECTED - Paula Peckham - One Free Book

Welcome, Paula. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. Pretty sure little bits of me show up in all of my main characters, at least so far. I wrote a contemporary novella to be included in a Christmas anthology, and it was the easiest thing I’ve ever written because it was a story from my life. In fact, my mother texted me after her copy arrived in the mail (Texas Heirloom Ornament) and told me, “I’m reading your autobiography.” I laughed because it was almost accurate.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? Following a nudge from the Holy Spirit one night at church, I convinced my husband we needed to buy property in Rio Bravo, Mexico, where our church had done mission work for ten years, and we built a little house there in the neighborhood where we serve.

When did you first discover that you were a writer? I wrote for the school newspaper when I was in high school, and I enjoyed it, but I never seriously sat down to write a book until I was in my 50s.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. I read everything! Stephen King’s horror, Dick Francis’ mysteries, John Grisham’s legal thrillers, Patricia Cornwell’s medical mysteries, Ray Bradbury’s science fiction, Cheryl Burman’s mystical women’s fiction, just about any romance, non-fiction about nature, biographies, cereal boxes … If it’s been published, I’ve probably tried it.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? It’s easier now that I’ve retired from teaching. When I start feeling overwhelmed with the world, I remind myself God is in control, and I don’t have to know all the answers.

How do you choose your characters’ names? Since I write Christian fiction, I often choose a name from a Bible character who exemplifies what I want my character to be like. For example, in Protected, my male main character has a best friend named Jonathan. I chose that name from the friendship between Jonathan and David.

My female main character’s name is Abigail. I chose her name because it would easily shorten to Ab, which then easily switched to “Abner” when she decided to disguise herself as a boy.

And some names come from websites that list popular names for that year.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? I dropped out of college when I got married at age nineteen because we couldn’t pay our bills without both of us working. Then two babies came. I finally started back again, taking two classes a semester at night. It took me seventeen years to get my college degree, but I never gave up. I think that determination has served me well as an author too. It gets discouraging when success doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s very tempting to quit. I’ve learned the value of perseverance.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? Ooh, that’s hard. Maybe a dolphin, because I love to swim, and they’re intelligent. Maybe a mockingbird, because doesn’t everyone wonder what it would be like to fly, and they sing so beautifully. Maybe a dog because they always seem so happy, and they’re loyal and non-judgmental, both characteristics I’d love to have. Or a horse, because they’re powerful and majestic, and I’ve loved horses since I was a child and begged Santa for one every year.

What is your favorite food? No hesitation on this one! Mexican

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? Sometimes what I start with in my imagination isn’t supported by historical fact. It’s tempting to bluff my way through the parts I’m not sure about or ignore a critique partner who tells me the thing I’m writing hadn’t occurred yet. If it means switching up major parts of the story plotline, I want to resist. But I know historical accuracy is important, so I’ve always given in and rewritten what I needed to in order to maintain authenticity.

And I’m proud of you for that. Tell us about the featured book. Protected is a western story set in Texas. Think of what you might get if you mashed together Beauty and the Beast, Mulan, and John Wayne’s movie, The Cowboys. My female MC is strong and independent. My male MC is kind and loyal. The bad guys are just creepy enough. The side characters are fun and funny. It will make you laugh and maybe even cry.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Texas plains, late Spring, 1862

Abigail Walker stood beside the fresh grave. Fear and grief wrapped around her chest like the cinch of a saddle. She dropped a limp handful of wildflowers onto the mound of loamy black soil. Sunbeams beat down on the prairie, highlighting the ten other graves that had appeared in a somber line over the past two weeks. Three of them held pieces of her heart. Death had snatched her entire family―her younger brother Nathan, Mama, and Papa. Stunned, she struggled to breathe.

A warm wind dried the tears from her face and teased some strawberry-blonde strands from her messy braid. Golden flashes of sunlight slipped through the tossing leaves on the trees near the creek where the children from the wagon train gathered for this final ceremony.

“Abby, do you want to say any last words?” Grady Strong’s tone held sincere kindness, but the matter-of-fact question, repeated several times already to the others standing around the grave over the past two weeks, slapped her heart.

Abby’s eyes stung as she gazed into their sun-dappled faces. A nearby mockingbird ran through its joyful repertoire in direct contrast to the grief swamping her as she stood with the remaining group of travelers heading for a new life in San Antonio, Texas. Could they finish the journey alone?

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I have an author page on Facebook, Paula Peckham, Author. I have a website where I blog – www.paulapeckham.com. I’m on Twitter and Instagram, and occasionally I post on TikTok.

Thank you, Paula, for sharing this wonderful book with my blog readers. I love your writing.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

http://ow.ly/7pkv50KRuwl 

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 2 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 EXTRAORDINARY DEATHS OF MRS. KIP - Sara Brunsvold - One Free Book

Bio: Sara Brunsvold’s goal is to “weave together wit and wisdom to create stories that are highly readable, relatable, and rememberable.” She has accomplished her objective with her debut novel, The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip. This emotional, intergenerational story beautifully demonstrates that the very best life is made up of thousands of deaths to self.

Welcome, Sara. Can you please provide a brief summary of your new novel, The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip? The story centers on the unexpected friendship between a cub reporter named Aidyn Kelley and the seventy-nine-year-old hospice patient she is sent to interview. What Aidyn at first views as a throwaway assignment soon becomes more than she could have imagined when she stumbles upon who Clara Kip really is and how she lived her life. It’s a story of friendship breaking through boundaries, and living life with vigorous love even against enormous odds.

What was the inspiration for your book? A hospice program here in Kansas City has a service where volunteers interview the patients and compile the memories, stories, and words of wisdom into a keepsake book for the patient’s loved ones. It’s such a meaningful service, and it inspired the premise of The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip.

Your two protagonists, Clara Kip and Aidyn Kelley, couldn’t be more different. Please introduce us to your characters and describe their personalities.  Opposites attract, as they say. Aidyn Kelley is an ambitious twenty-two-year-old who is insecure in both her lack of career achievements and her faith. She loves accolades and is easily frustrated when she doesn’t get them. She is also deeply uncomfortable around death and the dying. Clara Kip is a seventy-nine-year-old widow who, despite a terminal cancer diagnosis, is vivacious, adventurous, and wholly devoted to the Lord. Her chief aim is to leave everyone she meets closer to Jesus than when she found them. She has endured more grief than Aidyn knows is possible, yet she has an unshakable hope that draws in Aidyn. Together, they make quite the pair.

Do you have a favorite character? Each character means something to me, but Clara Kip is a heart stealer. Writing the character of Clara was a ministry to my wounded soul during a difficult season of life. The process helped me learn what it looks like to live out the biblical truths I was learning at the time, especially worship in surrender and trusting God even when the earth quakes under my feet. She is who I want to be. The other characters undoubtedly would applaud Clara earning top honors.

You stated that “the reader will be challenged by Mrs. Kip’s thousand deaths to self.” What do you mean by this statement? Clara believes that love in its true, Jesus-shaped form requires “a thousand tiny deaths to self.” Out of devotion to her Savior, who laid down his life for her, she sacrificially gives pieces of herself—her desires, plans, time, energy, emotions, resources—to love and minister to others in his name. That’s definitely a challenge to my naturally self-focused heart.

What do you hope readers will gain from reading The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip? My overarching prayer for every story I am given the opportunity to write is that God would use it to come alongside what he is already doing in the reader’s life. With this book in particular, hopefully readers come away with an awakened joy for surrendering to God’s will and, for women specifically, inspiration to invest in their younger sisters’ faith development (Titus 2:3–5).

Your novel takes place in 2016 in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Why did you choose this setting? Kansas City is my favorite city on earth, and I wanted to showcase its history, landscape, and people to readers who may not be familiar with this amazing place. I chose the year because I wanted the refugee resettlement period discussed in the book to be far enough in the past for it to be an unknown to someone like Aidyn, but still recent enough that someone like Clara, who was active in that effort, would be alive and able to share stories about that important time period. The year 2016 seemed to be the best balance of all factors considered.

In The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip, you reference Clara’s key role in the resettlement of Laotian refugees in Kansas City in the late 1970s. What type of research was required to accurately portray this resettlement effort? This piece of Clara’s life was quite literally handed to me. One day a family friend handed me a fragile, yellowed clipping from the Kansas City Star. She had saved it from 1975. “You need to write about this,” she told me. The article was about the burgeoning resettlement efforts in the city. She was one of many people who were actively involved, and she wanted the story to be remembered by today’s generation, especially fellow Christians. Capturing her memories was the first step. She has a wealth of pictures from that time period too, which made the emotional impact for me all the more real. From there, research involved the Kansas City Star archives, historical societies, hours of online searches, documentaries, and more interviews. I focused on the sponsors’ perspective of the events since that was the one represented in the book. That was a fascinating period in local and world history, and it’s worth your time.

Where can readers purchase a copy of The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip? It can be found at your favorite retail store or online (I’m partial to Baker Book House). Please visit http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/the-extraordinary-deaths-of-mrs-kip/408010/affiliates.

How can readers connect with you? Reader connections make all this worthwhile! Please feel free to reach out to me directly through my website, SaraBrunsvold.com. Instagram (@Sara_Brunsvold) and Facebook (@SaraBrunsvoldAuthor) are great places to connect as well.

Thank you for sharing your debut novel with my blog readers and me.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

http://ow.ly/jFch50KPuIG 

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 2 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.

Lucy (WV) is the winner of All That Is Hidden by Laura DeNooyer-Moore.

Wendy (NE) is the winner of Valley Melodies by Bonnie Leon. 

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 2 weeks to claim your book. 

ELYSIUM TIDE - James R Hannibal - One Free Book

Welcome, James. Can you please provide a brief summary of your new novel, Elysium Tide? When neurosurgeon Dr. Peter Chesterfield explodes on a colleague in the middle of a life-or-death operation, the Royal London Hospital administrator decides enough is enough. He sends workaholic Peter on a forced vacation to Maui. As he is walking the beach after midnight while coming to grips with his stress addiction, a young woman washes up at his feet. Despite all his medical knowledge and skill, she dies in his arms. Peter becomes obsessed with finding out why. He must bring her killer to justice.

Detective Lisa Kealoha has returned to Maui after a few years of putting in her dues in the LAPD. The department brings her in to run Maui’s new gang task force. The local cop who wanted the job is not happy about it and not ashamed to say so out loud. With her future in the Maui PD on the line, the last thing Lisa needs is a British know-it-all shoving his nose into her investigation. But Peter has an eye for things that are out of place. It’s what he does. He finds that which is out of place and sets it right. The reluctant pair join forces to catch a killer, diving deep into Maui’s evolving gang culture, and uncover a conspiracy with far-reaching consequences. Knowing too much is deadly, and the two must catch the killer before the killer catches them.

What sparked the idea for this novel? My family took a vacation to Maui, and a resort representative gave us a tour of the place. She wanted to show us the shops, the pools, etc., but I took an interest in a series of conference rooms where presenters were speaking to mostly empty seats. When I asked about it, our guide described resort medical conferences. These boondoggle conferences benefit the resorts with wealthy doctor clientele while serving as a write-off for hospitals and medical associations. It’s a great deal for the docs, and I thought, “What if there was one stuffy British surgeon who just plain hates the idea of a hospital-sponsored vacation—or any vacation at all?” The character of Peter Chesterfield grew from there.

As a former tactical deception officer and stealth pilot, have you experienced firsthand the high-stakes action that takes place in your novels? I’ve had bullets fly past my cockpit. I’ve been chased on the ground by a gun-toting killer. I’ve compiled tons of evidence to hunt down drug dealers and terrorists. I did bring some of that energy into the story. But I’ve never operated on a child’s brain. And I’ve never worn a badge. When I did detective-style work, I operated under a different set of rules. So, this story took a great deal more research than my spy thrillers.

Can you explain how those real-life experiences have influenced the plotlines and characters that you write? Once I dove into Peter’s character, I realized a stress junky is a stress junky whether he’s hunting terrorists, flying fighters, or digging a tumor out of a kid’s brain. I also realized at times, in some of the darker parts of Peter’s workaholism, I was writing about myself. That alone created a major shift in my relationship with my family. Did my life influence the plotlines? Sure. But the plotlines (and really the character development) influenced my life far more.

When did you decide to write your first novel? I decided to write my first novel when I was four. It took a while, but I got there thirty-some-odd years later.

What do you love most about writing suspense novels? I love building new worlds and meeting new characters. I love what they tell me about myself.

What do you hope readers will gain from reading your book? I hope a few stress junkies like me read this book. I hope they see themselves in Peter and find a way to make a change. Their lives and relationships depend on it. Don’t believe me? As I write this, I’m sitting in a wheelchair because I pounded my feet to pieces working too hard last summer. It’s temporary (I hope), but it’s a great wake-up call. I also infused Peter with a god-complex atheism that meets its match when he can’t save the murder victim. He’s not in control. Not at all. I hope the way Peter comes to grips with God’s sovereignty helps a reader—or helps a reader reach someone like him.

What are you working on next? The Realm of the Lightraiders is exploding. God is moving so fast I’m fighting to keep up. Stories, games, and Bible study adventures occupy all my working hours. But let’s be clear—I’ve throttled those working hours back because of what I learned while writing this book.

How can readers connect with you? Readers can always find me at www.jamesrhannibal.com or by searching for James R. Hannibal on social media.

Thank you, James, for sharing your book with my blog readers and me.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

http://ow.ly/G9zU50KLBVo 

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 2 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 

SEA GLASS COTTAGE - Irene Hannon - One Free Book

Bio: Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than sixty novels, including the long-running Hope Harbor series, as well as Labyrinth of Lies, Point of Danger and the Code of Honor, Private Justice, and Men of Valor suspense series, among others. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, and she is a member of that organization’s elite Hall of Fame. Her many other awards include National Readers’ Choice, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers’ Choice, Booksellers’ Best, Carol, and Reviewers’ Choice from RT Book Reviews magazine, which also honored her with a Career Achievement Award for her entire body of work. In addition, she is a two-time Christy Award finalist. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

Welcome, Irene. Can you please provide a brief description of your new novel, Sea Glass Cottage? At its core, this is a reunion story about forgiveness and second chances.

Christi Reece is desperate. The one-time golden girl’s life has tarnished, and a cascade of setbacks has left her reeling. She needs help, and she’s certain Jack Colby is in a position to provide it. 

When she shows up in Hope Harbor, however, Jack wants nothing to do with the woman who betrayed him. He’s built a new life on the Oregon coast—and there’s no room in it for Christi, even after she takes refuge in a charming but mysterious cottage nearby. Yet it soon becomes apparent his opinion of her may need revising . . . especially when he ends up needing her help. 

Can these two hurting souls make peace with their past and open their hearts to a new beginning?

Sea Glass Cottage is your eighth book set in the fictional seaside town of Hope Harbor, Oregon. Why did you choose this location? I’ve always considered seaside locations to be romantic, so I knew when I developed the concept for this series that it would be a small-town setting on the ocean. I’d seen photos of the Oregon coast, with its dramatic scenery, and I thought it would provide the perfect backdrop for my stories. So I made a visit, traveling the coast from top to bottom, and knew I’d found the home for Hope Harbor.

What was the inspiration for your new novel? I wanted to explore the question of whether people can truly change at a deep, fundamental level. This story gave me an opportunity to delve into that in both the primary and secondary plots.

How do your come up with fresh new plots for each of your Hope Harbor novels? Excellent question . . . and one which allows me to point out that each plot in the Hope Harbor series is unique and that every book can be read as standalone novel. There are no hanging plot threads from book to book. The link is the town. As for fresh plots—someone once asked me how I could write so many romance novels without repeating myself, and my reply was that every love story is unique. There are always different challenges to overcome and different personalities at play in relationships. It’s just a matter of finding a plot that allows me to explore my characters. The different personalities involved are what keep the books fresh.

The town of Hope Harbor has some fun characters that continue to make their appearances throughout all of your Hope Harbor novels. Do you have a favorite character? I love all my characters, including the secondary ones, in Hope Harbor. But I can tell you that Charley Lopez, the taco-making artist and town sage, is the one who’s captured readers’ fancy the world over. I’ve received more comments and emails about him than all of the other characters in my 60+ novels combined. He has truly become a beloved icon.

What do you hope readers will experience when reading Sea Glass Cottage?  I hope they’ll be swept away to my special town for hours of enjoyment—and that they finish the book filled with hope . . . and with a greater appreciation for the tremendous power of love (and not just romantic love) to transform lives.

What are you working on next? Next up will be Book 3 in my Triple Threat suspense series, coming in October 2022. Beyond that—more Hope Harbor books and a new suspense series debuting in 2023!

How can readers connect with you? The best place to chat with me is on Facebook, though I’m active on Twitter and Instagram too. But I’m on Facebook most often—and I read every comment and respond to many personally. I don’t have an assistant, so if I respond, it’s really me!

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

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

 http://ow.ly/g3lB50KKwi0

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 2 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

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FORGOTTEN MEMORIES - Penny Zeller - One Free book

Welcome, Penny. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon? My agent has recently encouraged me to also pursue writing romantic suspense. I love to read this genre, and I’m excited to see where God leads me regarding writing it.

I love romantic suspense. Tell us a little about your family. I am married to my husband, Lon, and have two daughters, whom I homeschooled. We are an active family and spend a lot of time outside. I am very close to my extended family, which includes my mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law, and niece and nephews.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how? I’ve always loved to read. I do find that when I’m on a deadline, I have less time to read. Having said that, my family surprises me with a new book from a favorite author for when I’ve met the deadline. Excellent motivation!

What are you working on right now? I am super excited to be working on the second book in the Wyoming Sunrise Series, Dreams of the Heart. This time, readers will catch a glimpse of John Mark Eliason in his own book.

What outside interests do you have? When I’m not dreaming up new characters, I enjoy spending time with her husband and two daughters and camping, hiking, canoeing, biking, reading, running, gardening, and playing volleyball.

How do you choose your settings for each book? I primarily stick to Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho because I especially love the history from those states.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be? Definitely Jesus.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels? How much work goes into it after the book is written!

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now? I struggle sometimes with worry, and God continues to grow me in that area.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful? I would tell them not to focus on sales or reviews, but to focus on how your books are impacting lives for the better and to see it as a ministry. Yes, sales are important, especially when bills are piling up. But in the end, the only thing that matters is the difference we made via our writing for the Lord. On that note, I would tell them to remember to put God first and to completely surrender their writing to Him. Third, I would suggest to writers to form an author coalition. The camaraderie between authors is special and unparalleled. Other authors have been there, done that, and can offer encouragement and support in ways no one else can.

Tell us about the featured book? The “official” blurb for Forgotten Memories is as follows:

Some memories are best forgotten…
The Wyoming Territory is rife with lawlessness and disorder, something Annie Ledbetter and her parents discover when their wagon train is robbed. Seven years later, Annie settles into her lifelong dream as a teacher in the small town of Willow Falls. When she meets handsome rancher Caleb Eliason through a humorous misunderstanding, she is quickly drawn to his kind heart and charming smile.

Former outlaw Caleb Eliason embraces his chance at a fresh start. Gone are the days of robbing stagecoaches and wagon trains. When he falls in love with the new Willow Falls teacher, he doesn’t realize they’ve met before—under much different circumstances. When his past comes to light, will it put the growing love between them at risk?

Can forgiveness and redemption heal two broken hearts or will the past keep them from sharing a future?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Wyoming Territory, 1877

A fleeting movement caught twelve-year-old Annie Ledbetter’s attention. She squinted at the grove of trees on a distant hill and willed her eyes to focus. A quick flash of something—or someone—appeared. Annie tipped her head to the left and stood on tiptoe, anticipating a better view.

The vacant prairie previously held nothing but miles and miles of grasslands, sagebrush, and the occasional rolling hill.

Until now.

Annie’s feet stalled in the soft dirt as if rooted. Could it be? A man, or maybe more than one man, watched and scrutinized Annie and the rest of the travelers.

But as quickly as the figure appeared, he vanished.

A shiver of fear traveled up her spine.

How can readers find you on the Internet? I have a vibrant online presence and can be found at the following:

Website: www.pennyzeller.com

Blog: www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PennyZeller

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennyzeller/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/penny-zeller

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/zellerpenny/

MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/pennyzeller

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

Newsletter Sign up: https://mailchi.mp/8c1dae400a24/penny-zeller

Thank you, Penny, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. My copy has arrived, and I’m eager to read it.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

 http://ow.ly/3uA950KIaM1

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 2 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