Dear Readers,
Since I lost my husband in the middle of October, the holidays have been hard. I believe I'm through the hardest part now. I'm walking God's peace. The blog will be up and running again starting next week. Thank you for allowing me this time to grieve. I hope you'll start the new year with me.
I love all of you.
Lena Nelson Dooley
All 4 of my Love's Road Home series published by Wild Heart books released today with new editions containing bonus content.
They'll be in Amazon's
Each of our readers is important to us. Please share this information with your reader friends. Thank you SO much for
Here are the links for each
https://www.amazon.com/dp/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/
Other Wild Hearts books also recently rereleased. New books will be added to this list as as they are rereleased. Be sure to save this universal link so you can find them:
The new-edition books that were supposed to release this week will release in December. I will upload the links as soon as they are available.
Is a marriage of convenience the answer?
Franklin Vine has worked hard to build the ranch he inherited into one of the most successful in the majestic Colorado mountains. If only he had an heir to one day inherit the legacy he's building. But he was burned once in the worst way, and he doesn't plan to open his heart to another woman. Even if that means he'll eventually have to divide up his spread among the most loyal of his hired hands.
When Lorinda Sullivan is finally out from under the control of men who made all the decisions in her life, she promises herself she'll never allow a man to make choices for her again. But without a home in the midst of a hard Rocky Mountain winter, she has to do something to provide for her infant son.
A marriage of convenience seems like the perfect arrangement, yet the stakes quickly become much higher than either of them ever planned. When hearts become entangled, the increasing danger may change their lives forever.
a forever home...or a forever family...or a forever love.
Although Traesa Killdare is a grown woman now, the discovery that her adoption wasn’t finalized sends her reeling. Especially when her beloved grandmother dies and the only siblings she’s ever known exile her from the family property without a penny to her name.
Wilson Pollard works hard for the best interest of his law clients, even those who think a marriage would make him more “suitable” in his career. And when the beloved granddaughter of a recently deceased client comes to him for help, he knows he must do whatever necessary to make her situation better.
As each of their circumstances worsen, a marriage of convenience seems the only answer for both. Traesa can’t help but fall for her new husband—the man who’s given her both his home and his name. But what will it take for Wilson to realize he loves her? Will a not-so-natural disaster open his eyes and heart?
He’s been tasked to protect her, but his heart has become far too involved.
Angelina de la Fuente Delgado, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is on her way home from a trip to Spain when her ship is attacked by pirates. The brigands capture her and her aunt and steal all the merchandise on the ship. After forcing most of the crew to walk the plank, they sink the vessel into the Atlantic.
Brian O'Doule was sent by Angelina’s father to protect her, but keeping her safe among the dangers of the sea is as hard as concealing his love that’s been growing for years. When they’re kidnapped by pirates, he does everything in his power to protect the women and to find a way for them all to escape. Will Angelina ever see her home and her beloved father again? Or will she be forced to marry the fierce pirate captain?
Dear Blog Readers,
I'm very sorry that I haven't posted since October 17, the day my husband went to his heavenly home. I miss him a lot. Tomorrow would have been our 59th anniversary. I can't wish him back, because he was so sick the last few weeks.
Because of missing the last three weeks, here are three books that are free on Kindle Unlimited.
Maggie's Journey
Maggie desires a place where she belongs. But her mother’s constant criticism and reminders that she doesn’t fit the mold of a young woman of their social standing have already created tension in their home. With the discovery of the family secret, all sense of her identity is lost.
When Maggie asks to visit her grandmother in Arkansas, her father agrees on the condition that she take her Aunt Georgia as a chaperone and his young partner, Charles Stanton, as protection on the journey. Will she discover who she really is and, more importantly, what truly matters most in life?
Esther's Temptation
Saddle weary, former deputy US Marshal Jac Andrews rides into Denton, Texas. He’d hunted a swindler and his daughter—or identical twin daughters if Jac is right—and he feels he finally has caught up with this criminal gang. Unfortunately, He is immediately distracted by the lovely redhead, Esther Brians.
Esther, feeling like an old maid surrounded by all her close friends who are happy married couples, is drawn to the intense gaze, blue as the Texas sky, of an unknown cowboy. But several things cause her to become wary of his intentions—and his spiritual well-being.
Has this unsaved lawman captured Esther’s heart or will the Lord deliver her from the temptation of Jac’s presence?
What will it take for Jac to win this lovely lady and become Esther’s husband?
Mary's Blessing
When her mother dies, Mary Lenora must grow up quickly to take care of her brothers and sisters. Can love help her to shoulder the burden?
Mary Lenora Caine knows she is adopted. As she was growing up, her mother called her “God’s blessing.” But now that she’s gone, Mary no longer feels like any kind of blessing. Her father, in his grief, has cut himself off from the family, leaving the running of the home entirely in Mary’s hands. As she nears her eighteenth birthday, Mary can’t see anything in her future but drudgery.
Then her childhood friend Daniel begins to court her, promising her a life of riches and ease. But her fairy-tale dreams turn to dust when her family becomes too much for Daniel, and he abandons her in her time of deepest need.
Will Daniel come to grips with God’s plan for him? And if he does return, can Mary trust that this time he will really follow through?
With nearly 6 million copies sold worldwide, Angela Hunt sets the gold standard for writing breathtaking biblical fiction. Transporting readers of faith back to the fledgling days of Christianity, Hunt draws from in-depth historical research and brilliant storytelling skill in launching her new series, THE EMISSARIES. Following members of the New Testament church in the Gentile cities of Philippi, Corinth, and Rome, Hunt’s deep dive into the perilous days of the early Church amid a hostile pagan culture will thrill fans of Francine River’s MARK OF THE LION series.
About the story: In The Woman from Lydia, book one in THE EMISSARIES series, widowed Euodia seeks to make a fresh start by moving to the foreign city of Philippi. She finds new purpose after meeting Paulos, apostle to the Gentiles, who opens her eyes to helping those in need, particularly women and those who have been enslaved.
Retired Roman soldier Hector has settled in Philippi with dreams of a future filled with wealth and status, pooling his army earnings with Lucius, his fellow comrade in arms turned business partner. His hopes are dashed, however, when Paulos robs their youngest slave of her lucrative ability to foretell the future, rendering her worthless to Hector’s ambition. When Euodia becomes aware that Sabina is being mistreated, she buys Sabina from Lucius, intending to set the girl free. But when Hector claims the sale was not legitimate, he takes Sabina back and vows he’ll find someone to restore her valuable “gift,” even if he must travel to the ends of the earth to do so. Following close behind him, Euodia and her servants set out to rescue Sabina, not for gain but to free her forever.
Can you tell us a little about your new novel The Woman from Lydia, book one in THE EMISSARIES series?
Angela Hunt: The first novel in this new series focuses on the women mentioned in Acts as Lydia, the first European convert to Christianity. I loved investigating her story and had several questions about what happened to the slave girl who had been freed from demon possession.
What inspired the idea behind a series focusing on major Gentile cities in the Roman Empire?
AH: After writing eight novels centered on the Jews, I was eager to explore how the advent of the Messiah affected the Gentiles of the first century. The Woman from Lydia gave me a wonderful opportunity to do that.
How
is this series different from other biblically based novels you’ve written?
AH: Most biblical stories focus on the Jews—as is only natural—but Yeshua came to save the world, including Gentiles. This series allows me the opportunity to look at how Yeshua disrupted a pagan society, one that’s not too far removed from the world we live in today.
AH: First, she is a woman and yet she’s the first recorded Christian in Europe, and that’s remarkable. Second, she ran her own business, hosted the Corinthian church in her home, and was a pillar of the early Church—talk about being an example for us to emulate! She was amazing.
Holding two doctorates on the subject, you know quite a bit about the history of the Christian faith. What do you think readers should know about this period in history where your new series is set?
AH: I’ve always felt that Gentle Christians, including myself, have done ourselves a disservice by not learning all we can about the Jews of this period. So much of the Old Testament, the prophets, and even the Intertestamental Period are important when we consider Jesus the Messiah. Moreover, we must honor those brave Gentiles who brought the gospel message to the pagan world of Rome, long before Christianity was an established and “respectable” religion. We Christians in the twenty-first century should be inspired by their examples of courage and dedication.
What lessons can the lives and experiences of early believers teach modern Christians today?
AH: The early believers spoke up when it was right to do so, despite threats to their lives, their wealth, and their reputations. They stood against the tide of public opinion and bravely obeyed a God they had not known in childhood or even in their culture. But the emissaries—the disciples and apostles Yeshua sent out—carried the light of the gospel into their dark world, and they willingly received it, sometimes at great cost to themselves.
What
led you to pursue degrees in biblical studies and theology?
AH: Two things: First, I love learning, and theology really is the Queen of Sciences. Without knowing God, none of the other sciences make sense. Second, I feel a great responsibility to “get it right” in my novels. I don’t want to stand before Jesus and learn that I made a theological mistake that misled someone.
Do
you think it’s important for believers to be well versed in the history of
their faith?
AH: I think it’s important to know history, but more important than knowing dates and names and facts is being able to take the lessons of history and apply it to our lives. What happened to the fathers will happen to the sons, and we will face the same temptations, trials, and situations those people faced—even more so as the days grow short.
What
are you working on next?
AH:
I’m currently writing book two in THE EMISSARIES series, I’ve just written a
passion play for a group of believers in Memphis, and I’m excited about an
Advent devotional coming out in the fall of 2023. I’ve learned so much about
the historical basis of Christmas, and I can’t wait to share the way
things really were and the amazing miracle of the Messiah’s birth.
How
can readers connect with you?
AH: My website (www.angelahuntbooks.com) has a contact page that sends emails straight to my inbox. I love hearing from readers and am grateful for each email.
Thank
you for sharing The Woman from Lydia with us.
Readers, here’s a
link to the book.
Leave a comment
for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these
instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least
the state or territory or country if outside 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, X (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
IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.
Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win.
Caryl (TX) is the winner of Letters from My Sister by Valerie Fraser Luesse.
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.
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.
With over 7.5 million copies sold, Melody Carlson’s emotive and
charming tales have captured the hearts of many fans. Her writing is at its
finest in her newest release, A Royal Christmas—a story of
intrigue, mystery, and romance. The fictional setting of Montovia provides a
picturesque backdrop for unraveling a twisted plot and unexpectedly falling in
love. A Royal Christmas is sure to excite and prepare readers for
the festivities and benevolence of the Christmas season.
About
the story: Hardworking, dedicated law student Adelaide Smith could never have guessed
the shocking truth about her unknown, absent father—he’s a royal. In addition,
his brother Farcus, the current heir to the throne, has inexplicably gone
missing. Adelaide has suddenly become an heir to the throne of the European principality
of Montovia.
Intrigued,
Adelaide is persuaded to take a Christmas break trip to meet her family in
Montovia. What she discovers on the other side of the ocean is nothing like
what she expected. Power struggles, plotting, and poverty are around every
corner. Suspicions quickly arise concerning the whereabouts of Farcus and the
motivations of the king’s only stepson, Georg. Is Georg’s warm welcome of
Adelaide genuine or an attempt to woo her into compliance? And what of the
handsome member of Parliament working with Adelaide to unwind the mysteries and
help the poor?
In the weeks
leading up to Christmas, Adelaide must decipher the past, grasp the present,
and determine her future. With her law degree waiting on the other side of the
Atlantic, will she return to the States or embrace the new life before her? And
will she find lasting love in Montovia?
Please provide a brief summary of A
Royal Christmas? Adelaide Smith, a hardworking law student, is
discovered to be a direct descendant of King Maximillian V, the dying ruler of
a small European principality. Her deceased mother never spoke of her absent
father, but the puzzle pieces fit. Adelaide accepts the king’s invitation to
visit and travels to Montovia during the Christmas season. Immediately
befriended by Anton Balazs, Adelaide is swept into an old-fashioned world
filled with family mysteries, royal jealousies, and the possibility of a fairy-tale
romance.
What sets this Christmas story apart from the
other novels you have written? I’ve never written a Christmas novella about royals before. I
enjoyed creating a fictional kingdom and country, as well as some different
circumstances from my other novellas.
When you started writing this story, did you
know how it would end for Adelaide? I actually wasn’t sure how it would end. I had the same
questions as Adelaide: Which way will this go? What will be for the best—for
her as well as the kingdom?
What inspired the character growth in
Adelaide’s mother? We don’t really get to
know Adelaide’s mother, Susan, too well since she is deceased, but Adelaide
gets to know other facets of her mother as she explores her own heritage. She
learns that Susan rejected wealth and title for principles and that she
returned to nursing school in order to raise her child on her own, with no help
from the paternal parent, who was wealthy.
What are some of the underlying themes
in A Royal Christmas? The challenges of a single parent, loss and grief,
self-reliance, loyalty, friendship, and caring about those who are less
fortunate.
Your books are well-known for their romance.
Can you describe the romance that takes place in A Royal Christmas?
It’s complicated
because Adelaide is a “foreigner” in a kingdom that perceives her as heir to
the throne. Although she’s attracted to Anton Balazs, she isn’t sure she plans
to remain in Montovia. What about her law career? Anton’s very involved in
Montovian government; would he give that up for her? Will true love prevail all
their challenges?
What do you hope readers will gain from reading A
Royal Christmas? As always, I hope
they’ll be entertained and encouraged—and transported to another place. I hope
it will put them in a Christmassy frame of mind of peace on earth and goodwill
toward humankind.
Is this your first novel depicting royalty? It’s my first adult novel with that theme. I
self-published a pair of YA novels years ago that will rerelease later this
year with WhiteFire. Those books are about twin princesses who face some
interesting challenges—but they are more fairy-talelike stories.
What are you working on next? I just finished next year’s novel (Spring
2024) called Just for the Summer. It’s about two women who are unhappy
with their hotel management careers and decide to participate in a job swap
that takes them to completely different places—a boutique city hotel traded for
an old-fashioned fishing lodge. Fun!
Where can readers purchase a copy of A
Royal Christmas? Hopefully
at their favorite bookstore (ask for it!) or online stores like BakerPublishingGroup.com,
ChristianBook.com, Barnes&Noble.com, etc.
How can readers connect with you? I’m on Facebook, and my website is MelodyCarlson.com.
Or readers can email me at MelodyCarlsonBooks@Gmail.com
Thank you for sharing this book with
my blog readers and me. I love your writing and royal books.
Readers, here’s a
link to the book.
Leave a comment
for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these
instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least
the state or territory or country if outside 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, X formerly 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
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.
Teresa (SC) is the winner of Cold Pursuit by Nancy Mehl.
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.
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.
About
the story: Sisters
Emmy and Callie Bullock are living a privileged life. As the only daughters of
a wealthy Alabama cotton farmer, they are surrounded by a close-knit family and
share a fierce bond with two Black women—Tirzah Randolph, who delivered both of
them into the world, and her daughter, Hepsy Jordan, who runs the Bullock
household. But when Hepsy’s beautiful granddaughter, Lily, arrives in town, she
draws the wrong kind of attention. This sets in motion a chain of events that shakes
not only the Bullocks’ well-ordered household but the whole community.
After
Lily has a baby, Callie witnesses something that she can’t explain. But her
memory is just a haze—an image of her beloved sister, Emmy, standing by a
darkened riverbank with Lily’s baby girl. As Callie tries to come to terms with
what she deems an unthinkable act, it will take letters from her sister to reveal hidden truths leading back to a chilling
September night that changed them both forever.
Appealing
to readers of various genres, Letters from My Sister will take booklovers
on a life-altering journey they won’t soon forget.
Welcome to my blog, Valerie.
Can you please provide a brief summary of your novel, Letters from My Sister?
Sisters Callie and Emmy have no secrets between them until a
mysterious accident robs one of a crucial memory and sparks troubling visions
about the other. Only through letters they exchange while painfully separated
do the sisters reveal hidden truths leading back to a fateful springtime
day—and a chilling September night—that changed them both forever.
Letters from My Sister offers a fascinating plot. What was the inspiration
behind your novel? Three women: my maternal
grandmother, her only sister, and a Black woman named Bama, who cooked for
their parents and ran their house. My grandmother spent a year at a healing
springs resort when she was seventeen. Her sister also took a difficult journey
that separated her from the family for a while, but I can’t explain too much
about that without giving the story away.
My grandmother was a tough
critic of humanity! She didn’t respect many people outside her family, but she
revered Bama, who delivered some of her children and taught her critical life
skills she would need later in life, when she faced tremendous hardship.
The plot of my story is
fictional, but I was inspired by the close relationship between my grandmother
and her sister, the journeys they took, and the strong woman who became much
more to them than their parents’ employee.
Your two female
protagonists, Emmy and Callie, are the privileged sisters of a wealthy cotton
farmer. Although very different, they share a strong bond. Can you please give
a hint of what tested their relationship? Callie is faced with difficult questions: How much can you
trust someone you love? Will you believe what you see or what you feel?
Lily is the beautiful
granddaughter of Hepsy Jordan, who runs the Bullock household. Her appearance affects
not only the Bullock household but the whole town. Without giving away any
spoilers, can you provide some insight on how her appearance turns the whole
town upside down? Lily upends their perception of what a woman of color
“should” be. Strikingly beautiful and talented, she makes it difficult for
anyone to consider her inferior, which many of the white women in the community
want very much to do. The Black women in the community can see what’s happening
and worry for Lily, who does nothing to incite resentment from anyone; rather, it’s
imposed on her, born out of envy. And then Lily attracts the unwanted attention
of a man connected to the Bullock family, which sets a whole chain of events in
motion.
Also, I think the South lends itself to romance. There’s a
mystery and great beauty in the landscape and waterways. (What’s more romantic
than wading a creek and picnicking with a handsome guy?) I had a college friend
from New Mexico, and when he came to Alabama for the first time, he said the
South—with all its dense woods and mountains and flowering vines and back roads—made
him nervous because he couldn’t see what was coming. That’s what I love about
it!
In addition to a captivating and entertaining read, what do
you hope readers will gain from reading Letters from My Sister? For
me, the story is about the power of truth, faith, love, and compassion to
overcome anything else—from the social mores that constrain a young woman’s
self-actualization to racially driven prejudice and injustice.
You once said, “I’m
inspired by a particular time and place, and everything else spins off that.”
In Letters from My Sister, your setting is Alabama prior to the First World War. What
made you choose this place and time? Because the story was
inspired by real people and a real place, I couldn’t see setting it anywhere
but Alabama. This is a place I have in my heart and soul—I grew up playing in
my uncles’ cotton fields and wading in creeks with my parents and cousins. The natural
spring at my aunt Vivian’s farm wasn’t so different from Dewberry’s Dip in my
story. Alabama just felt natural to me for Callie and Emmy’s home.
As for the time, Letters from My Sister opens
in 1909. That’s less than fifty years after Appomattox and less than ten years
before the United States entered World War I, after which the agrarian South
began changing radically. So it’s a pivotal moment—or maybe I should say one of
the pivotal moments—in Southern history and culture. Also, I just like the
romance of this horseback riding, hat-wearing, house-dancing era, when people
wrote letters instead of sending texts and the fastest way to get anywhere was
by train.
What about your own
background influences your writing? As I mentioned, I come
from a storytelling family, so I’ve always been fascinated with stories and
with the past. The South itself feeds my fiction. It’s beautiful and eccentric
and complicated and inspiring.
Two of my strongest “aha” moments as a writer came courtesy
of Eudora Welty and Harper Lee. Welty’s “A Worn Path” and Lee’s To Kill a
Mockingbird made me want to write—or try to anyway. What I saw in those
stories was proof that ordinary people are a gold mine for exploring what makes
us all human—and what offends our humanity. I think it was Welty who once said
that you can find, in a family, all the great emotions that fuel fiction—love,
hate, anger, compassion, envy, trust, betrayal . . . I believe that.
What are you working on next? The
working title of my next book for Revell is Flight of the Silver Angels,
and it’s about the friendship that develops between a young woman who returns home
to sort out her life and a group of senior women who have no intention of
behaving like they’re supposed to.
I’ve always enjoyed the company of older women. One of my
best friends at Baylor was in her nineties. I traveled with my paternal
grandmother when she was in her eighties, and my maternal grandmother lived
with us when I was growing up. Women with a long history don’t belong in the
box we sometimes put them in. And they have no fear of what others might think.
They have a lot to teach the rest of us.
How can readers connect with you? I
have two Facebook pages, and I’m on Instagram. I also have a website, where
readers can find discussion questions for my books or inquire about speaking appearances.
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/valerie.luesse and https://www.facebook.com/valeriefraserluessebooks/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/valerieluesse/
WEBSITE: www.valeriefraserluesse.com
Thank you for sharing Letters
from My Sister with my blog readers and me. I’m
eager to start reading my copy.
Readers, here’s a
link to the book.
Leave a comment
for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these
instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least
the state or territory or country if outside 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