CRITICAL THREAT - Lynette Eason - One Free Book

Bio: Lynette Eason is the USA Today bestselling author of Life Flight and Crossfire, as well as the Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master’s degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children.

Booklist has stated that Lynette Eason is a “master of inspirational romantic suspense.” Her more than sixty novels offer the perfect balance of fast-paced thrills with just the right blend of romance that keeps readers longing for more. In Critical Threat, the third volume in the Extreme Measure series, Eason ramps up the action once again. Readers will have trouble catching their breath as they plunge into a breakneck race to stop a serial killer

About the Story: FBI Special Agent Grace Billingsley tracks serial killers, using her skills as a psychiatrist and behavioral analyst to get dangerous people off the street and safely behind bars. But prison psychiatrist Sam Monroe knows that just because a killer is incarcerated doesn’t mean they’re not a threat. His own father, Peter, is a serial killer—in prison but certainly not out of Sam’s life, as much as he wishes he was.

When bodies start showing up with Peter’s MO, Sam and Grace are both called in to consult. They’ve met before—and though Grace thought they’d made a real connection, Sam ghosted her. They’ll have to get past the awkwardness and mistrust to solve this case—especially because it’s about to get personal.

Buckle up for another extreme ride with USA Today bestselling author, Lynette Eason.

Critical Threat is the third volume in your Extreme Measure series. What inspired the idea for this series? Honestly, I never really know how to answer this question. I simply do a lot of brainstorming with different authors and friends, throw it against the wall, and see what sticks. There wasn’t any one thing that I can say inspired the series. Just a lot of great ideas during a brainstorming session that turned into this series.

What is the connecting element for all the books in this series? The four friends who all met as teenagers in juvie on the West Coast.

Your main protagonists, FBI Special Agent Grace Billingsley and prison psychiatrist Sam Monroe, must work together to stop a serial killer. What is the relationship between them? Grace is a behavioral analyst. She’s actually also a psychiatrist but uses her skills in a somewhat different way than Sam. Their relationship is one of mutual respect, lots of attraction, and a desperate desire to find a serial killer before he finds them first.

Sam’s father, Peter, plays a key role in Critical Threat. Can you please tell us more about his character? Peter is a serial killer. He’s been in prison for a while, and Sam is very happy to never speak to the man again. Of course, as the story plays out, he has to not only speak to him but ask for his help.

Are there any particular themes that play out in Critical Threat? I think the theme of forgiveness is a big one. It’s one that tends to show up on a regular basis in my books. Maybe because I need it on a regular basis. And also, not judging people. You never know what people are going through, so it’s better not to judge based on appearance. Actually, it’s best not to judge at all. 

You have several sources that you utilize to verify the accuracy of your books. Can you please tell us about some of your sources? I have so many wonderful resources, but two of my main resources are my FBI buddies. One of them is a former agent, who is now retired. He reads each one of my stories and gives me feedback. For the medical stuff, I have two physician friends; and for the military stuff, I have yet even more friends. Friends are a great thing to have.

That is so true. You have written over sixty romantic suspense novels. How do you come up with the ideas for your novels? I tend to brainstorm with people and see what works. My editor is a fantastic brainstormer—and she knows what she wants to buy—so I often hash things out with her too.

What do you love most about writing in the romantic suspense genre? That the good guys always win in the end.

Can you please tell readers when they can expect the final volume in the Extreme Measure series? Countdown, the final book in the series, is set to release August 2023.

How can readers connect with you? As always, readers can reach me through my website at www.lynetteeason.com, on Facebook www.facebook.com/lynette.eason, and twitter @lynetteeason.

Thank you, Lynette, for sharing Critical Threat with my blog readers and me. I love reading your books.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

https://www.amazon.com/Critical-Threat-Extreme-Measures-Lynette/dp/0800737342/ref=sr_1_1?crid=34Q176FZO0LXS&keywords=Critical+Threat&qid=1677627885&s=books&sprefix=critical+threat%2Cstripbooks%2C109&sr=1-1

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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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.

Maryann (NY) is the winner of A Not So Persistent Suitor by Sandra Merville Hart.

Diana (SC) is the winner of The Heir's Predicament by Lorri Dudley.

Lucy (WV) is the winner of Everything Is Just Beginning by Erin Bartel.

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.  

A HEART'S RESCUE - Lena Nelson Dooley - Blog Tour Information

Visit each of the blog spots for a chance to read the reviews 

and to sign up for the prize.

Someone will win a $50 Amazon gift card. 

It could be you.

Blog Stops

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, February 22

Texas Book-aholic, February 23

deb's Book Review, February 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 25

Pause for Tales, February 26

Ashley's Clean Book Reviews, February 26

Connie's History Classroom, February 27

Cover Lover Book Review, February 28

Betti Mace, March 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 3

Blogging With Carol, March 4

For Him and My Family, March 5

Holly's Book Corner, March 6

Simple Harvest Reads, March 7 (Author Interview)

                                                          Mary Hake, March 7 

A LOVE MOST PRECIOUS - Anita Higman - 5 Free Copies

Bio: Anita Higman—an award-winning and bestselling author from Texas—has authored or coauthored fifty-plus books, and she has a BA in the combined fields of speech communication, psychology, and art. A few of Anita’s favorite things are fairytale castles, antiquing, exotic teas, gardening, and laughing with her family and friends! Her latest book, A Love Most Precious, is a collection of devotions inspired from the Book of Ruth in the Bible. Please drop by Anita’s website at anitahigman.com. She would love to hear from you!

Welcome, Anita. What would you like for our readers to know about you personally? Well, I grew up in the country on a farm, but I can’t say it was the idyllic life that many people like to imagine. It was rather difficult at times. But God was with me, and He got me through the hardships and the confusion and the loneliness. I am so grateful to Jesus for the way He sustained me and loved me, and how He brought me through it. The Lord taught me that my past could be used to show more compassion to others, and this has been one way God made something good come from what was not so good.

Tell us about your family. Along with my husband of 42 years, we have raised a wonderful family, and I am enjoying the delights of a grandchild now. I never imagined that being a grandmother could bring me such joy and delight. Yes, another gift from God!

I love our grandchildren, and now we have 9 great-grandchildren who are also precious to us. Have you written other nonfiction books? Even though I have written a number of faith-based novels, I am now mostly writing Christian devotional books for women. Another devotional book that I’ve written is entitled, One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus!

Do you have any other books in the works right now? Yes, and I am excited and grateful for the work. This new devotional book, which I am working on now, will be released sometime next year.

What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy? Actually, I have a list of favorites things—fairytale castles, antiquing, traveling, exotic teas, gardening, and laughing with my family and friends!

Why did you write the featured book? Ruth is my favorite book of the Bible. The more you read it, the more your heart will become beautifully caught up in God's love for you. One day, when I was listening to some music that was inspired by Ruth’s life, God used that music to inspire me to write this devotional book. I am always amazing at how the Lord moves and works in our lives.

How did you get into writing comedy? This devotional book on Ruth only has bits of lighthearted writing in it, but I have written comedy in a number of my novels.

What do you want the reader to take away from the book? Ruth chose the God of Abraham, and her life unfolded with a series of miracles that changed the course of history. God's plans for Ruth were unexpectedly glorious. And so are His plans for you. I hope my devotional book, A Love Most Precious, inspires you to dig deeply into the Bible so that you, like Ruth, can become yet another soul-shimmering woman of God.

Where on the Internet can the readers find you? Right now, I’m mostly on Instagram. Please drop by to see some of my prayers, which have been created in story-reels. The prayers come out every weekday under anita_higman, and they are called, Real Prayers to Lighten Your Journey. Hope they are a blessing to you!

Thank you, Anita, for sharing this wonderful book with us. I’m eager to start using it.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

https://www.amazon.com/Love-Most-Precious-Devotions-Book/dp/1648708412/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3IHRMDPMBCYM5&keywords=A+Love+Most+Precious&qid=1677177560&s=books&sprefix=a+love+most+precious%2Cstripbooks%2C104&sr=1-1

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

A MATCH IN THE MAKING - Jen Turano - One Free Book

Bio: Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from RT Book Reviews, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. She and her family live outside of Denver, Colorado.

A pillar of the inspirational romance genre, USA Today bestselling author Jen Turano has long been a fan favorite for her highly satisfying romantic comedies. With over 20 novels published to date, Turano kickstarts a new series centering on a matchmaking company with all the spunky humor and mischief that readers have come to expect from a Jen Turano novel. Gilded Age

high society takes center stage in Turano’s latest hilarious romp, A Match in the Making, book one in The Matchmakers series.

About the Story: Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, excited to spend the summer in America’s most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to step into the role of an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the employ of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond irritating.

Walter Townsend is in search of a wife for the sake of his unruly children—without a mother of their own, the Townsend family can’t seem to keep the same governess for long. What he wasn’t expecting was Miss Brinley, an amateur matchmaker who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle. Constantly besieged by society ladies on a mission to win his affection, Walter must find a way to overcome their inundating attention—and his unexpected attraction toward Gwendolyn. The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her.

A Match in the Making is book one in your new series, THE MATCHMAKERS. Can you please tell us a little bit about this book?

This story centers around Miss Gwendolyn Brinley, who finds herself in the most unlikely of situations—that being an unexpected assistant matchmaker. When Mr. Walter Townsend, an annoying gentleman if there ever was one, decides he needs the services of a matchmaker to handle all the young ladies who’ve decided their greatest desire in life is to become the next Mrs. Townsend, Gwendolyn finds herself responsible for sorting out his love life, a feat that’s more daunting than she ever imagined.

Can you dig a little deeper in the character of Gwendolyn for us? What about her is most important for readers to know?

She’s a lady who embraces an unconventional attitude for her time, and one who doesn’t stand back when she feels injustices are being leveled against those in vulnerable positions. She doesn’t hesitate to insert herself into contentious situations, which takes the New York Four Hundred aback, especially the young ladies Gwendolyn takes to task over their unbecoming behavior.

Were there really employers dedicated to matchmaking services during the Gilded Age?

Yes, there were, but it was a very discreet business. Word of mouth was the only way a mother learned who was in the matchmaking business, and compensation was always discussed in a most careful manner because women of that day were not allowed to dabble in what was considered trade if they wanted to maintain their respectable reputations.

What inspired the idea for this series?

I have a box where I toss in ideas for books that come to me at the oddest of times. Doing research stokes a lot of ideas, as does movies, other books, and life in general. For this series, I was watching a movie and there was a matchmaker in a scene, and the idea for a series began formulating from there—but not a normal series. One where the matchmakers are a little peculiar and, of course, land themselves in the most unlikely of situations. I just happened to pull that note out of the box when I was finishing up a different series and thought . . . Hmmm.

Maybe I should do a matchmaking series next.

A Match in the Making addresses themes such as rising to unanticipated challenges. Can you tell us a little more about how this idea comes into play in the lives of your characters and how that might translate to readers today?

Right from the very beginning of the book, it’s clear that Gwendolyn is faced with dealing with what we’d call mean girls today. Society knows she’s in Newport as Mrs. Parker’s paid companion, information young ladies use to slight Gwendolyn every chance they get. She’s not usually one to suffer slights in silence but feels it’s not her place, as Mrs. Parker’s employee, to react to their inappropriate behavior—until they turn their attention to a wallflower by the name of Miss Adelaide Duveen. That’s when Gwendolyn’s true personality comes out and she points out the errors of these young ladies’ ways, something no one has ever had the audacity to do within the hallowed midst of the upper crust. My hope in writing about what amounts to different cases of bullying is to encourage people to stand up to injustices and to step in and assist anyone who is being bullied, no matter if it causes unpleasant conversations or sets a person against people they consider friends.

Was there anything that you found particularly interesting in your research that you included in the book?

I was fascinated by Trinity Church located in Newport, which has enclosed pews that families buy and use for the summer Season. It’s gorgeous and has a cemetery right beside it where many a prominent Newport resident was laid to rest. I also included the Newport Casino into the story, which is this fabulous—not gambling den like you’d imagine—but almost along the lines of a country club, complete with tennis courts, glamorous dining rooms, and ballrooms where many a dance has been held.

With the rise of franchises like the Bridgerton books and streaming series, what do you think is most alluring to fans about storylines featuring the marriage mart of high society?

I think it’s the glamour that attracts fans, and all the rules of etiquette, paired with the most glorious clothing, because who wouldn’t long to be dressed to the nines and then enjoy the delights of an extravagant ball? It also might be the lifestyle, because it’s difficult for us to imagine having a lady’s maid at one’s disposal, or a cook who prepares gourmet meals every day.

What do you hope readers take away from this story?

One of the things Gwendolyn comes to realize is that the life she thought she was meant to live wasn’t a life that was going to satisfy her, and that it was okay for her to change course and embrace something she never considered.

Can you share what you’re working on next?

I have just written the end on the second book in the series, To Spark a Match. It’s Miss Adelaide Duveen’s story—the wallflower in book one. It’s still a hot mess, so I’ll be fluffing it up, and then I’ll move on to writing the third and final book of THE MATCHMAKERS—which I can’t release the title of that one just yet—but it’s Camilla Pierpont’s story, who’s a confirmed spinster who dabbles in making matches of the affectionate kind.

How can readers connect with you?

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jenturanoauthor/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor

Twitter - @JenTurano

Web - www.jenturano.com

Thank you, Jen, for sharing this novel with us. I know my readers will love this story.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

https://www.amazon.com/Match-Making-Matchmakers-Jen-Turano/dp/076424020X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=255F4ZWOEOXSV&keywords=a+match+in+the+making+jen+turano&qid=1677100114&s=books&sprefix=A+Match+in+the%2Cstripbooks%2C111&sr=1-1

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.

Patty (SC) is the winner of The weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy.

Caryl K (TX) is the winner of In Love's Time by Kate Breslin.

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. 

EVERYTHING IS JUST BEGINNING - Erin Bartels - One Free Book

Bio: Erin Bartels is the award-winning author of We Hope for Better Things, The Words between Us, All That We Carried, and The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water. A two-time Christy finalist and winner of two 2020 WFWA Star Awards and the 2020 Michigan Notable Book Award, Erin has been a publishing professional for twenty years. She lives in Lansing, Michigan, with her husband, Zachary, and their son.

Erin Bartels has explored some thought-provoking themes within the pages of her books, including forgiveness, coming-of-age, racism, abuse, sisterhood, grief, and faith. Now Bartels takes readers on a whole new journey. She marries her love for music with her love for words in a captivating new narrative, Everything Is Just Beginning.

About the story: Michael Sullivan is a talented lyricist and a decent guitarist, but since he was kicked out of his band (and his apartment), he’s not sure he’ll ever get a record deal. Living with his loser uncle in a beat-up trailer and working a dead-end job, Michael has little reason to hope for a better future. Until the invitation for a swanky New Year’s Eve party shows up in the mailbox. It’s for his uncle, with whom he shares his name, but his uncle is going out of town . . .

On the effervescent night of December 31, 1989—as the Berlin Wall is coming down, the Soviet Union is inching toward democracy, and anything seems possible—Michael will cross paths with the accomplished and enigmatic young heir to a fading musical dynasty, forever altering both of their futures.

Erin Bartels enchants readers with this story of two lonely souls who have exactly what the other one needs—if they could simply turn their focus from what is ending to what is just beginning.

Welcome to my blog, Erin. Please provide a brief summary of your new book, Everything Is Just Beginning. When guitarist Michael Sullivan gets kicked out of his band (and his apartment), landing a record deal seems an impossible dream. And nothing about Michael’s prospects points toward a better future. Until the invitation for a swanky New Year’s Eve party shows up in the mailbox. It’s addressed to his uncle, with whom he shares both name and living space, but his uncle is going out of town . . .

On the effervescent night of December 31, 1989—as the Berlin Wall is coming down, the Soviet Union is falling apart, and anything seems possible—Michael will crash a party and cross paths with the accomplished and enigmatic young heir to a fading musical dynasty, forever altering both of their futures.

Everything Is Just Beginning pairs your love for music with your love for the written word. When did you first come up with the idea behind your novel? It’s hard to say . . . I honestly don’t remember. There is one plot element that comes from an idea I had years ago while listening to a story on NPR about a man who did amateur paleontology out West, but it morphed and changed so much, it’s not really much like that original idea at all. There are no dinosaurs in my book.

Everything Is Just Beginning addresses the underlying themes of struggle and starting over. Can you provide a hint of how this plays out in the lives of your characters? Fundamentally, one character’s life has been nothing but struggle up to this point, while the other has had a relatively charmed and easy life. Michael meets Natalie when things are turning bad in her life, and in becoming a part of her life and her family’s, he finally gets a glimpse of how his life could be good. A lot of how everything shakes out depends upon how each character chooses to see the obstacles in front of them—as insurmountable roadblocks or as opportunities to overcome.

Your two protagonists, Michael Sullivan and Natalie Wheeler, could not be more different. How do their lives intersect, and how are they able to help each other? They come from very different backgrounds, families, experiences, and opportunities, but one thing they have in common is their love of music at a deep, feeds-your-soul level. Even within that shared passion, their talents and attitudes are different. But where one is weak, the other is strong, both in talent and in the way they support one another through difficult times. I think everyone needs a friend like that.

Do you feel you can relate to any particular character in Everything Is Just Beginning? As with my other novels, I find myself in multiple characters who represent multiple sides of my mind and personality. As a creative person, I relate to Natalie, who wants to make music that pleases her and stretches the limits of her talent. As a person who creates something for an audience, I relate to Michael, who wants to be sure what he is creating is something others will pay money for and enjoy because it delivered on its promises. When I write, I write for me, and I don’t want to lose that in trying to please an audience. Yet, without an audience, who would read what I write? It’s every writer’s and artist’s dilemma.

What lessons do you hope readers can take away from your novel? We live in a time when we are all hyper-aware and too often hyper-concerned with what others think of us. I want readers to remember that there was a time—and not so very long ago—when everyone you ever met wasn’t watching your every move, ready to pounce, to render judgment, to critique your every decision. I want readers to feel confident to make whatever art they make and live the kind of life they feel called to live. I want us all to stop worrying about what others think of us, stop working so hard to make others like us, and stop apologizing for the ways in which we are not living up to others’ often ridiculous and arbitrary expectations. In short, I hope readers come away from the reading experience with renewed confidence to be themselves.

Each of your works has focused on different themes. How do you choose the themes for your novels? Honestly, I don’t choose my themes. By that, I mean I don’t sit down to write with an agenda in mind, such as, “I’d like to teach readers to be true to themselves.” The themes appear in the process of writing the characters and the story. And once they make themselves known, I simply find more ways to enhance them and weave them into the fabric of the story.

You have written dual-timeline and contemporary novels. Do you prefer one time period to another? Every time period I have written in has its charm. I am perennially interested in how the past affects the present, so even my strictly contemporary novels feature characters and storylines that are deeply influenced and impacted by the past, whether their own or someone else’s.

What are you working on next? I am currently working on a dual-timeline story set in present-day East Lansing, Michigan, and 1880s France and Gibraltar that involves a mysterious artist ancestor, a lost painting, identity, adventure, and the limits placed on a woman’s life, whether by the society and time she lives in or by herself. It is a celebration of the art of painting and the art of seeing and presenting the self in the truest light possible.

How can readers connect with you? Readers can find me online at ErinBartels.com (where they can also sign up for my newsletter), or follow me on Instagram @erinbartelswrites or Facebook @ErinBartelsAuthor. Or, even better, catch me at a bookstore event, library talk, or writing conference workshop. I love to meet readers and writers in person.

Thank you for sharing this book with us. I’m sure my readers will be interested in this story.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Just-Beginning-Erin-Bartels-ebook/dp/B0B6Q46W57/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1676574326&sr=1-1

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 HEIR'S PREDICAMENT - Lorri Dudley - One Free Book

Welcome back, Lorri. How did you come up with the idea for this story? The Heir’s Predicament is the last installment of the Leeward Island Series, and I had so many readers who loved the feral little girl character from The Captain’s Quest that I decided to write Maggie’s story. It was fun to ponder how a child who survived alone on an island would act after being molded into proper English society and the added change of returning to the Leeward Islands as an adult to trace her roots.

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Robin Patchen – Robin is an expert in contemporary romantic suspense, and her stories make me want to drive up to New Hampshire to find the town of Nutfield because I feel I know all the characters so well. Robin has edited my books for years, and I don’t know what I would have done without her.

Andrew Huff – I worked with Andy at an ACFW conference. He’s hysterical and made volunteering a lot of fun. His Shepherd Cross Series holds you from page one and is action-packed suspense.

Heidi Chiavaroli – Heidi writes time slip, so this may be cheating a bit because half of her books are contemporary weaved with a historical plot. I’m fascinated by how she mingles the two stories and characters and keeps it all straight as she writes.

Susan May Warren – Susan writes compelling fiction stories with great heroes, and I’ve also read her non-fiction books on writing. I’d hang on her every word and try to absorb everything.

Jessica Kate – I’ve hung out with Jessica at an ACFW conference, and she is so much fun and has such a great Aussie accent that I’d be remiss not to have her on the invite list. Her stories are as vivacious and witty as she is.

Rachel Hauck – I love the redemptive qualities of her stories.

Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why? 

Erica Vetsch – Erica is the queen of everything Regency era, and we could probably talk tea for hours. (And I mean real tea not spilling the tea as my Gen Z children call gossiping).

Misty Beller – Misty is a sweetheart and a pillar in the historical genre not to mention a book marketing guru. I’d love to pick her brain and hear her Southern accent.

Heidi Chiavaroli – (I’m cheating again) Heidi is also a sweetheart and so welcoming that you feel like good friends within seconds of meeting. She is gifted at pulling emotion into her stories and recently won a Carol Award for her book Hope Beyond the Waves.

Lisa Bergren – Lisa also wrote a series set in the Leeward Islands but at an earlier time in the 1700’s. I think she and I would have a grand time comparing notes and reminiscing about our tropical writing adventures.

Abigail Wilson – Abigail writes in first person, which I find amazing, and adds a suspenseful, gothic element to her Regency writing style that is unique.

Lena Nelson Dooley – You’re a must-have on the list because of your industry experience and graciousness toward other authors, and our interactions have been a blast.

Thank you for including me in your list. I would totally enjoy attending. Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career? The more I write, the more I feel in competition against myself. There’s a pressure that readers now hold higher expectations, and I have to outdo my previous books. I also must be careful not to form plots too similar to ones I’ve already written. I rewrote the ending of The Heir’s Predicament four different times. In one of the versions I’d written, the end, and then realized I had created the cliché of “The butler did it.” So, I changed it to have Samuel wrongfully arrested and thrown in jail, but that ending seemed too similar to book four. I can’t mention the others because I don’t want to give the book away, but I wrote the current ending while at a marriage retreat with my husband. Inspiration struck in the middle of the night, and to not wake my sleepy hubby, I grabbed my laptop, crawled into a (dry) bathtub, and finished in the wee morning hours.

Tell us about the featured book. In The Heir’s Predicament, Samuel Granville controls the answers to Maggie’s past and future, but she threatens his inheritance and his heart.
Maggie Prescott may not know her real name, the circumstances of her birth, or her father’s identity, but based on a song her shipwrecked birthmother taught her before she died, Maggie’s certain the answers lie on the island of Antigua. Unbeknownst to her beloved adopted family, she sends her maid to finishing school in her stead and convinces her uncle, Captain Anthony Middleton, to sail her to the Leeward Islands. Time is of the essence to discover her heritage before the next family gathering exposes her duplicity.
Lord Samuel Fredrick Harcourt Granville was groomed to inherit the Cardon title and lands, but the possession of his father’s temper has put Samuel’s future in jeopardy. After discovering his fiancée cavorting with his so-called friend, the ensuing altercation lands Samuel in court before of the House of Lords. As an example, for all aristocratic sons to quell their hedonistic living, the House of Lords banishes Samuel to the island of Antigua until he can prove he’s worthy of his privileged birth.
On the island, Samuel works to rein in his temper and revive a dying sugar plantation. Still, his return to England and all his efforts are threatened when a mysterious woman breaks into his island home, claiming to be the true heiress of the sugar plantation. Guilt, resentment, and fresh yearnings sizzle under the island sun as Maggie’s search uncovers a much greater treasure than either of them expected. 

            Please give us the first page of the book.

            “Shhh. Keep your voice down,” Maggie Prescott held her index finger to her lips. “Or this could become one big disaster.” The image of the prominent Lord Granville standing on his balcony earlier that morning with a wide-legged stance and his arms crossed, surveying his grounds with a sharp eye, popped into her mind. A prickling shiver walked up her spine. She’d avoided his notice during her first escapades to Greenview Manor, but the master of the house didn’t appear to be someone she wanted to cross.

“I’ve done some foolhardy things in my past, but dash it, this beats them all.” Her uncle’s white linen sleeves flapped in the breeze, and his blue eyes shone brightly despite his dark scowl. She still hadn’t grown accustomed to seeing him with facial hair, his tanned skin blending in with the light brown scruff.

Maggie hid her slippers underneath the wild tamarind bush and tilted her head back to examine the feat ahead. The large breadfruit tree looked sturdy enough, and it had held her weight on prior attempts. Surely it could accommodate her uncle, Captain Anthony Middleton’s, larger masculine frame.

She swallowed and planned her winding route among the limbs. There was no need to be concerned. Lord Granville was in the fields, directing his men until sundown as he did every day, even Sunday. She and her uncle would slip in, locate the diary, and be sailing back to London before nightfall.

“My gut’s rolling like waves before a storm.” Uncle Anthony shook his head. “Something doesn’t feel right.”

How can readers find you on the Internet? I can be found at:

www.lorridudley.com  

https://www.wildheartbooks.org/the-heirs-predicament.html 

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lorri-dudley

Thank you, Lorri, for sharing this book with us. I’ve loved every one of your books.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

https://www.amazon.com/Heirs-Predicament-Leeward-Islands/dp/194226559X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1676486670&sr=1-1

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