Thursday, July 27, 2023

LILAC COTTAGE - Carrie Fancett Pagels - One Free Book

Welcome back to my blog, Carrie. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about? I like to write about grace, forgiveness, and overcoming with God’s help.

What other books of yours are coming out soon? I have another James River Romances series book, a novella, releasing in the fall. Shenandoah Hearts was originally published by Barbour in a collection but the rights reverted back to the authors. I am expanding my story a bit.

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why? Oh Lena, with my RA and other health issues I don’t care to spend an evening with anyone but my immediate family most of the time! And I believe God brings people into my life for a reason, for His purposes, so I don’t think about people I’d like to be with I let the Lord bring them in His own timing—and preferably not at night!

I so understand. What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why? I think it would be amazing to meet Mary, Jesus’s mother, because of what she did in obedience to God.

How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers? Prayerfully consider Indy publishing. Enter contests. If God has asked you to write, be obedient to His call. Trust in His perfect timing.

That is so true. Tell us about the featured book. Lilac Cottage is about coping with losses and dealing with toxic people. It’s also about the joy of friendships and how someone who seemed like an adversary in childhood might become someone you could love. My heroine, Rachel, has a narcissist for a mother and her grandmother ended up stepping into the gap to help. The story takes place in Chicago and in Michigan—on beautiful Mackinac Island. My hero, Jack, is a merchant mariner who is taking a break after Covid literally shut ships down in harbors. He’s renovating the “cottage” next door to where Rachel is camping out in her grandmother’s place, after Gram’s death. If you love playful verbal sparring, overcoming with God’s help, and a delicious suspense woven into a story—then this one is for you!

Please give us the first page of the book.

Chicago, January 2022

She’s stopped speaking.” Not the words Rachel wanted to hear from the nightshift nurse, who always gave Rachel the straight scoop on her grandmother. The RN’s words slit Rachel’s heart like a surgical scalpel.

Talking with Gram had kept Rachel going. Oh God, now that I’ve found You, Abba Father, don’t take her away from me.

“Are you alright?” Nurse Nancee gently touched Rachel’s shoulder.

Rachel compressed her lips. If Gram never spoke again then how could her world be all right? This failing woman had been her best friend and a better mother than her own mom. Gram had been her rock. Rachel drew in a slow, shuddering breath.

“Why don’t you come sit down by her and hold her hand?” Nancee pointed to the upholstered chair adjacent to the bed, at a spot Rachel knew well.

She dipped her chin. The confusion and loneliness swirling in her head were worse than when the Admiral had left her and Mom. Her third stepfather, the Admiral, as she called him, had been her favorite. Then he’d left them, promising Rachel he’d keep in touch—but he hadn’t. She sniffed.

How can I do this? How could she manage without Gram’s practical advice? Without the kindly woman’s laughter that grounded her to the moment, keeping her from trailing off into her frequent reviews of choices and outcomes that left her feeling helpless and confused?

“Gram? It’s Rachel. I’m here.”

No response. Gram lay curled on her side, away from her. Her grandmother normally woke when Rachel visited, almost daily, depending on her work and online college schedules.

No. This can’t be happening. Not now. “I need you, Gram.” Rachel scooched the chair closer to the bed.

Still nothing.

What would she do if Gram never came back? Never spoke again? She’d been warned when Gram stopped eating, that would be the end.

She clasped her hands together hard. Still, she should be grateful Gram was being well cared for in a beautiful facility. She had to take comfort in that fact.

Rachel bowed her head. Lord, help Gram and her caretakers. Be with the nurses and doctors and guide them. Amen. The scent of roses and gardenias carried from the nearby table. Rachel had splurged with her bonus from work. At least Gram had her favorite flowers nearby.

The door creaked open, allowing soft laughter and voices in conversation to carry through.

“Hi again.” Nurse Nancee moved toward the bed. “I wanted to ask you about something.”

Nancee’s serious tone put her on notice.

“Sure.” Rachel straightened.

“I was wondering about your mother.” She gave a little shrug. “I’ve never met her.”

“Yeah, I don’t think she’s ever visited.” No surprise there.

“That’s what the records show.” Nancee’s soft features bunched together.

How can readers find you on the Internet? Thanks for asking!!!

Website: www.carriefancettpagels.com

Facebook Author Page

Facebook Personal Page

Twitter

Pinterest

goodreads

LinkedIn

Amazon author page

Bookbub

Thank you for sharing Lilac Cottage with my blog readers and me. I love your books.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

https://www.amazon.com/Cottage-Mackinac-Cottages-Carrie-Fancett/dp/1736687565/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1690496897&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 

31 comments:

Carrie Fancett Pagels said...

Thanks for hosting me, Lena! So glad to visit with you and your readers again on your lovely blog!!

Cherie J said...

Sounds like a wonderful story. I enjoyed the interview. Cherie J. from Florida.

Carrie Fancett Pagels said...

Hi Cherie! This was a difficult book to write yet fun in other ways because I really loved the heroine, Rachel, and had a good sense of who she was and what had molded her and the same with hero, Jack. Stay cool down there! It's already 79 here and not quite 6 am in the morning! Blessings!

Abigail Mitchell said...

Carrie is a wonderful woman and author! Can't wait to read this one!
Abigail in VA

traveler said...

This novel sounds captivating and unforgettable. What a treasure to enjoy. It would be greatly cherished. A most interesting interview. Anne in NM.

Anonymous said...

Great questions and answers, ladies! Carrie's books are always in wonderful settings and tell of adversaries and of God's grace and blessings. What more could we ask for than allowing God to take the lead in our lives.
Susan in hot and humid North Carolina (and wishing I was in Alaska)

Alison Boss said...

I can’t wait to read Lilac Cottage! The cover is absolutely stunning… One of the most beautiful covers I’ve ever seen. I love that Carrie’s books are set on Mackinac Island. I live in Michigan, so that makes her books extra special to me. :) Thanks for the chance to win a copy of this book!

Alison from MI
nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail.com

Lucy Reynolds said...

Carrie writes so well. Thank you for sharing. Blessings from Lucy in WV.

Carrie Fancett Pagels said...

Hi my dear Abigail!! You are so sweet! Blessings to you and your hubs!

Carrie Fancett Pagels said...

Hi Anne. Thanks so much! It's fun to be visiting with Lena and her guests!!

Carrie Fancett Pagels said...

Hey Susan! Ty!! It is so hot here in Virginia too!! Blessings!!

Carrie Fancett Pagels said...

Hi Alison there is a story behind that cover!!! Thanks so much!! Michigan rocks!! Hugs!!

Rebecca Velez said...

Healing from grief and toxic family sounds like exactly what I need right now. AVID reader Becky from NH

Daugjteroftheking said...

I'm friends with Carrie on Facebook and it's a joy to share our walk with Jesus as I also have RA. I completely understand her answer about nights being for our Savior and those we know. This book sounds slike such a comforting rstiry about someone finding their personal walk closer to God and her soulmate a real AVID reader's dream. It's on my definite to be read pile. Thank you for this interview.

Anonymous said...

As an AVID reader, I absolutely cannot wait to read this book. And the cover is absolutely gorgeous!

Emily said...

This book is definitely on my must read list! The cover is stunning as well!
Emily AVID reader from Pennsylvania

Sharon Timmer said...

AVID

Brenda Murphree said...

Brenda from Mississippi. Hi Carrie! I loved this book. If I win this one I will give it to my reading buddy. AVID

Connie Porter Saunders said...

Thanks for sharing this interview! I am an AVID fan of Carrie's and I appreciate that her books are entertaining and inspiring!
Connie from Kentucky
cps1950ATgmailDOTcom

Mrs Tina said...

Great interview!
I so enjoyed Lilac Cottage.

I'm an AVID reader too, but I'm not entering as I have the book. Just stopped in to say hi from Frederick, Maryland, Carrie and Lena.

Blessings, Tina

Sarah Taylor said...

Great interview would love to read this have blessed day Sarah from OHIO

JMagers said...

Avid reader

Carrie Fancett Pagels said...

Hi Becky! Praying for your situation!

Carrie Fancett Pagels said...

Ty for putting Lilac Cottage in your TBR pile! RA is tough isn't it? We don't live a life quite like others do but God can still use us to reach others!

Carrie Fancett Pagels said...

Hi Emily! Ty! Stay cool in PA!

Carrie Fancett Pagels said...

Hey my dear friend Brenda!!! Xoxo

Carrie Fancett Pagels said...

Hey dear Connie!! So great to see you here!!! Hugs!!!

Carrie Fancett Pagels said...

Hello my dear friend Tina!! I am so glad you enjoyed the story and God bless you for being an amazing Beta reader!!! Xoxo

Carrie Fancett Pagels said...

Hey Jennifer!! Great to see you here!

Sharon Bryant said...

Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Nichols SC.

rubynreba said...

I love Carrie's books. Can't wait to read this!
Beth from IA