Amazon #1 Bestseller in 3 categories,
A Heart's Gift by Lena Nelson Dooley,
for only $.99.
Saturday, March 30, 2024
Thursday, March 28, 2024
CHERISHED BETROTHAL - Denise Weimer - One Free Book
I was 7 years old when I first asked Jesus into my heart.
You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors.
Who would they be and why? Oh, goodness, that’s a tough one! There are so
many authors who have inspired me. Authors who have served as co-writers on
projects. Amazing authors I’ve served as an editor for. So it would be too hard
to try to rank them in priority, and I’d never want to hurt any feelings by
selecting so few. Suffice it to say, I’d choose authors who write in similar
genres who have found unique ways to connect with readers and whose hearts for
the Lord are obvious.
Good answer. Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell
us about that. I don’t have a speaking platform, per se, but as both an
author and editor (Acquisitions and Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books),
I do speak to a variety of groups about a variety of topics. This ranges from
talking with historical or community organizations about the history in my
books and how I turn research into fiction to addressing budding writers on
topics of the craft. Probably my favorite setting in which to speak would be at
a book club.
I love connecting with book clubs, too. What is the most
embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it? Hm,
nothing super embarrassing comes to mind. Except there was this one time…LOL. I
have enjoyed living history and vintage dance for a number of years. One time
when I was quite a bit younger and more foolish, while attending a ball, I had
pinned fake ringlets to the side of my hair so the curls wouldn’t wilt in the
Georgia humidity. While I was whisking around doing the Virginia reel, one of
the curls came loose and rolled around on the dance floor like a fleeing mouse.
Thankfully, I believe I was able to snatch it up before anyone noticed. Or
maybe I just blocked out the memory of what happened after that.
People are always telling me that they’d like to write a
book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who
came up to you and said that? Yes, lots of people do tell me this, most
often when I am at my book table at festivals. I generally ask them what they
have in mind and encourage them to pursue their dream. Often, I will mention
joining a writers’ group or attending a conference so they can gain some
knowledge before they get started. What’s more challenging is when people tell
me they have a story idea that I
simply must pursue…or pen for them as a ghost writer! Not all of these ideas
line up with the style or genre I write.
I understand that. Tell us about the featured book. Though
it is one of the more serious reads of the Scouts of the Georgia Frontiers
Series, A Cherished Betrothal
is actually my favorite—for a variety of reasons.
- Fascinating history of the
struggle for the backcountry of Georgia and South Carolina as the American
Revolution began.
- A backstory that provides
a lot of angst, romantic tension, and opportunity to show God’s redemptive
power.
- Swoon-worthy Scottish hero
bent on revenge and a sweet heroine who serves as his foil.
- Tropes: childhood sweethearts,
amnesia, love triangle, war.
Elspeth Lawrence never
forgot the boy who sacrificed himself for her at Long Canes—any more than she
forgot the younger sister taken captive. She’s learned to not only forgive but
help minister to the Cherokees at her father’s mission. Alex Morris’s arrival
at nearby Fort Charlotte stirs Elsie’s memories and her emotions. He doesn’t
even remember her…or the long-ago attack. But the bitterness that simmers just
beneath his stoic exterior—as well as her courtship by a local
landowner—challenge their undeniable bond.
When Alex uncovers a
long-held secret and a plot to sabotage patriot talks with the Cherokees, he
must choose between his desire for revenge and his love for the girl he saved
long ago.
Please give us the first page of the book.
July 12, 1775
Fort Charlotte, South
Carolina
“Dinna touch me, sir!”
The sharp command from the captain’s residence stopped
Lieutenant Alexander Morris in the process of striking the British colors in
the fort’s yard. The act itself had already given him pause, for there could be
no going back from this. The taking of a crown fort—even one in the backcountry—was
no less an act of aggression for the lack of bloodshed.
But what was a Scottish woman—unmistakable, from her lilting
brogue—doing here?
Alex’s men had been instructed to supervise Captain George
Whitefield’s family as they packed and prepared to be escorted from Fort
Charlotte. A wagon awaited them with horses already hitched in the yard. They
would travel northeast to the town of Ninety Six, along with whatever munitions
Major James Mayson chose to transfer to the fortified town. Where the Whitefields
went from there mattered not, so long as—having refused to join the Patriot
cause—they left the area.
The undeniable rumble of an argument proceeded through the
open door of the captain’s quarters. Alex folded the flag over his arm,
smoothing the King’s Colours with his scarred hand. He’d fought with the
Georgia Rangers under this banner, but never again. The line had been crossed
now. Swallowing past the unexpected tightness in his throat, he pivoted and
went to see what might be out of kilter with the Whitefields.
He was about to enter the captain’s cabin when a petite form
in a blue bodice and linen petticoat swept through the door, nearly colliding
with him. The young woman stopped, one hand flying up to secure her tilting
straw hat.
How can readers find you on the Internet? Denise
Weimer writes historical and contemporary romance from her home in North
Georgia and also serves as a freelance editor and the Acquisitions and Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books. A wife and mother of two daughters, she
always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.
Connect with Denise here:
Thank you, Denise, for
sharing A Cherished Betrothal with my blog readers and me.
Readers,
here’s a link to the book.
https://www.amazon.com/Cherished-Betrothal-Scouts-Georgia-Frontier-ebook/dp/B0CHMZKBCL/
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
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
DOUBLE TAKE - Lynette Eason - One Free Book
With over forty books published, Lynette Eason has
become well known for her adrenaline-laced suspense novels. In her newest work, Double
Take, Eason catapults
readers into her Lake
City Heroes series. Filled with danger, mystery, and the perfect touch of
romance, this chilling novel will have fans racing through the pages as they
try to outrun a dangerous killer.
About the Story: Eighteen months ago, Physician Assistant Lainie Jackson was attacked and shot by the
person who was supposed to love her the most—her fiancé, Adam. Although Lainie survived,
she continues to be hunted by someone who looks like Adam. But how can that be
since she ended up killing her fiancé in self-defense?
After being
honorably discharged from the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Detective
James Cross now works with his friend and partner, Cole, at the Lake City
Police Department. When James is injured, he ends up in the hospital under the
care of Lainie. As their relationship deepens, James is determined to help
Lainie by finding out
if the past has come back to haunt her—or if the recent attempts on her life
come from a new threat.
Join Lynette Eason for another
spine-tingling thriller, where time is running out and failure is not an
option.
Double Take is the
first book in the Lake
City Heroes series. What was the
inspiration for this series? I’m not
sure I was inspired—more like I grabbed some writer buddies and held them
hostage until we figured it out. Seriously, I have some great author friends
who never hesitate to do some brainstorming. I did want the series to stay true
to my voice and genre. With Double Take, I actually had an
outline I wrote probably three years ago. The idea came to me and I jotted it
down, but I didn’t really have a place for it. Until it was time to submit the
contract for the next series. I went back over the idea, made some tweaks, and
knew that it was the perfect first book idea for this series.
What is the connecting element between all the books in your series? The connecting element is the cast of characters and the setting. The
stories are set in the fictional town of Lake City, North Carolina, about an
hour outside of Asheville.
How did your
characters meet? They’ve
known each other since childhood.
Both Lainie and
James are struggling through past issues. How are they able to help themselves
while helping each other? Lainie and James learn a lot from each other. Honestly,
James is the only man in the world who could win Lainie’s trust after her
experience with her ex-fiancé. And she still has the occasional doubt. Outside
of his siblings, James has never really had anyone stand up for him and tell
others that he’s not the loser he sometimes feels he is. When he overhears
Lainie defending him to his father, he’s a goner. And it takes both of them to
catch a killer, so there’s that.
What are some of the main themes covered in Double Take? Some of the main
themes include forgiveness, reconciliation, loyalty, second chances, and sacrificial
love.
What do you hope
readers will experience when reading your novel? First of all, of
course I hope that readers love the story itself, that they’re thoroughly
entertained. Second, I hope that the inner battles the characters face can
somehow resonate with readers and draw them closer to the Savior.
Where can readers purchase a copy of Double Take? Reader can purchase Double Take at all online outlets,
including most local bookstores.
How can readers
connect with you?
I love to hear from readers! I’m on Facebook, Twitter, and
Instagram. My website is www.lynetteeason.com, where readers can sign up for my
newsletter. That’s the best place to keep up with everything going on with the
books—and sometimes my life.
Thank
you for sharing Double Take with my blog readers and me. I love your 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, 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
Monday, March 25, 2024
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 Her Secret Hope by Shelley Shepard Gray.
Abigail (VA) is the winner of A Courageous Betrothal by Denise Weimer.
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.
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.
Saturday, March 23, 2024
SPECIAL $.99 SALE - A HEART'S GIFT - In the US and UK
March 26 - 30
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.
Friday, March 22, 2024
MARSHALING HER HEART - Mary Connealy - One Free Book
She invites readers
back to nineteenth-century Wyoming as she continues her Wyoming Sunrise series. Highlighting strong western women in
unconventional careers, join Connealy
as she brings the American West to life in this rousing conclusion to the series,
Marshaling Her Heart.
About the Story: Can they risk giving in to
the attraction between them while their lives are on the line?
Becky Pruitt has always
prided herself on knowing everything that’s happening on her successful ranch,
so when
Becky’s ranch foreman, Nate Paxton, confesses he’s a former US Marshal
investigating the notorious Deadeye Gang, she’s taken by surprise. With the outlaws
on the loose, Nate believes that Becky’s ranch might be the best spot for a
group of Marshals to use as a base and hideout.
The timing couldn’t be
more crucial for the growing town of Pine Valley, and Becky feels a commitment
to help. But after escaping the grasp of her harsh father, she’s never liked
giving up control—of her life or her ranch. Again and again, Nate’s proven himself
to her and she soon realizes that if there’s anyone she can trust with her
ranch—and her heart—it might be him. But the Deadeye Gang won’t go quietly, and
as danger draws ever nearer, Becky and Nate find both their hearts and their
lives in peril.
Welcome back to my blog, Mary. This novel takes place in nineteenth-century
Wyoming. What else can you tell us about the historical context that influenced
the creation of the story? The historical backdrop
includes the women’s suffrage movement, as well as Wyoming’s unique role in
being the first state to grant women the right to vote. The novel’s main focus,
however, is Becky—a strong, unflinching woman who
is challenged with running her own ranch while her tyrant of a father does all
he can to frustrate her efforts.
The male protagonist, Nate, is a former US Marshal. Can you tell
readers more about this profession and the role the Marshals played in the
American West? The US Marshals are an integral part of the
story because they have the authority to cross state boundaries in pursuit of a
criminal. And because the bad guys are wanted men who would likely know local
law enforcement, the Marshals coming in from the outside have the advantage of anonymity.
Nate, a former Marshal, is known by the other Marshals, who arrive to apprehend
the gang of outlaws that have been wreaking havoc in the territory.
What research was required to write about the Marshals? The US Marshals reminded me of the Texas Rangers, who were a state
police force at a time when most law enforcement was local. So now we’re beyond
local, beyond state. Bring in the Marshals, who are federal officers. One odd
tidbit I learned about the Marshals was that they were the ones tasked with
delivering reward money—the “price on a man’s head” listed on his wanted
poster. The Marshals were also involved with transporting prisoners.
What’s the most interesting thing you discovered while researching
for this book or the series as a whole? I mainly
researched women’s suffrage. The laws were so strange back then. If a woman
earned any money, that money became her husband’s immediately upon her receiving
it. If she tried to keep it herself, her husband could accuse her of theft. Likewise,
if a woman inherited money, it went straight to her husband. Suffrage was about
so much more than voting. The historical fact I really latched onto was that when
a man and woman were married, they were considered one person, and that person
was the husband. Essentially the married woman was “civilly dead.” Another interesting
thing, at the last minute, in an effort to stop the governor from signing the
suffrage bill, opponents of it said, “We’re including voting rights for black
women and Indian women.” As if that would be too much for the governor to
stand. All the governor did was say, “Sounds good. Let them vote,” and he
signed it.
What other themes are explored in the novel? I tried to portray how much Mariah wished her mother could be with
her as she was expecting her baby, how much she grieved for her father and
brother, who’d been killed. By contrast, here Becky was, my heroine, with a
living father who acted so awful toward her to the point she had no
relationship with him. So family without love isn’t worth much.
What do you enjoy about writing historical romance? Is there anything
you find challenging about this genre? I love
everything about it. The research is just a pure love affair for me. I can research
forever! I have to control myself or I’d never get the book written. One
challenge I find is in remembering to set the scene, to describe the surroundings,
land, clothing, and horses simply because it’s such a universally understood
genre. John Wayne, right? What more do you need to know? Well, a reader needs
to know a little more than usual clothes, usual horses. So I try to remember to
bring the setting to life, even though most people might already know just what
to expect.
What do you hope readers will take away from this story? Friendship can get you through. If you don’t have a family, or not
one you can depend on, you should try to create one. And when the going gets
tough, it’s also nice to have a really good dog as a companion.
Can you share what
you’re working on next? Marshaling Her Heart is book three in
this series. Next comes the series A
Western Light. Book one is Chasing the Horizon, which is my first
attempt at setting a story on a wagon train. It was challenging, for I had to
learn all about wagon trains. But I’ve done a lot of research and I hope I got everything
right.
I’ll be eager to
feature that series on this blog, too. How can readers connect with you?
Find me online
at:
http://www.Facebook.com/maryconnealy
Get new release
info straight to your inbox by Liking my
Amazon Page
Or get release
info straight to your inbox from Book Bub Mary Connealy Books - BookBub
Sign up for my
newsletter at http://www.maryconnealy.com/newsletter
Thank you, Mary, for
sharing Marshaling
Her Heart with
my blog readers and me. You know I’ve loved every book you’ve had published.
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
Friday, March 15, 2024
THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE - Laura Frantz - One Free Book
She is well known for her meticulously researched novels. In her
newest work, The Seamstress of Acadie, Frantz spins a gripping
tale of an Acadian woman caught between the warring French and English during Le Grand Dérangement of 1755. Filled with history, intrigue,
and romance, The Seamstress of Acadie is sure to win the hearts
of historical romance fans.
About the
story: Gifted seamstress Sylvie Galant and her
Acadian family desire to live peacefully and remain neutral in the upcoming war
between the French and the English. But the proximity of their land on Acadie’s rugged shores makes them an easy target.
While tensions escalate, Sylvie encounters Major William Blackburn. Although he
is a British Army Ranger, Blackburn warns her that the British are poised to invade. But the
warning cannot counteract the plans or stop the tide of
English soldiers.
William Blackburn has seen firsthand the
atrocities that the British have done to the Acadian families and their villages.
Rather than participate in the heinous expulsion, Will resigns his commission
before a charge of treason is brought against him.
When Sylvie is forcibly
removed from her homeland, she finds herself on a ramshackle ship headed to
Virginia, where she crosses paths once again with Will. Together they must work
through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the
present and forge an enduring future.
Welcome
back to my blog, Laura. What was the inspiration for The Seamstress of Acadie? I’ve
always been fascinated by Acadian history, which is the most heartbreaking I’ve
ever researched. I was disappointed to find few novels that deal with Acadie,
which, aside from Longfellow’s poem Evangeline, seems to have been
buried since the eighteenth-century expulsion.
Your
two protagonists, Sylvie Galant and William Blackburn, are on opposing sides in
Le Grand Dérangement of
1755. How did they first meet? Sylvie and William have a
rather charming first meeting by a well in Acadie that is based on a bit of
subterfuge and secrecy. Their attraction is instant and mutual, as it so often is
inexplicably even in real life.
Sylvie and William later find themselves on ships
headed to Virginia. Can you provide a brief summary of the events leading up to
their departure from Acadie? Acadie, present-day Nova
Scotia, had long been a battleground between the French and English since its
founding in 1604. The conflict worsened in the eighteenth century as each nation
fought over contested territory. In 1755, the Acadians were deprived of their
weapons, detained as prisoners, and then forced onto ships to destinations
unknown. In the novel, William leaves Acadie first with his Rangers on a sloop
in late summer 1755 before the deportation of the Acadians begins. Sylvie
follows on a ramshackle transport ship in early fall.
What led to William’s decision to resign from the
British army? William has a profound change of heart and purpose. A
spiritual awakening as a prisoner of war among the French led to an about-face
in terms of his military career, culminating in his refusal to take part in the
Acadians’ deportation.
Can
you please describe the setting for your novel and why this is important in the
overall plot? If you visit Nova Scotia, you soon realize why the British
fought hard to win it and why the Acadians took strong measures to keep it.
Epic in scope and beauty with forests and fields and mountains, coastlines and
islands, it’s truly a one-of-a-kind place and makes the ideal novel setting. I
hope readers experience some of that beauty within the novel’s pages.
What
are some of the themes found within The Seamstress of Acadie? Love,
loss, trust, new beginnings. Life is one of continual change. How we navigate
those changes is a constant challenge both in fiction and in real life.
What
do you hope readers will experience when reading your novel? That
beauty can be seen amid the heartbreaking history and cause us to look at the
heartaches and hurdles we face today in a different light.
Where can readers purchase a copy of The
Seamstress of Acadie? The book is available in
paperback and e-reader on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book online retailers.
If your local bookstore doesn’t have it, you can ask them to order it for you.
How can readers connect with you? I’m
active on these social media channels and regularly post on my website’s
journal page:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/laurafrantzauthor/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/LauraFrantzAuthor/
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/laurafrantz/
Thank you for
sharing The Seamstress of Acadie with my blog readers and me. We love to learn about historical
events.
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
Monday, March 11, 2024
A COURAGEOUS BETROTHAL - Denise Weimer - One Free Book
Welcome back, Denise. What are some of the spiritual
themes you like to write about?
That’s a great question! I often find themes of emotional
healing and redemption weaving into my stories. In A Courageous Betrothal, the theme has to do with accepting
ourselves as God made us. The heroine is inspired by a real-life Revolutionary
War Patriot heroine, Nancy Hart, who was six feet tall, red-haired, big-boned,
pock-marked, and cross-eyed. She was also a crack shot the local Indians called
“War Woman” and successfully spied on and captured Loyalists and British
Regulars in the Georgia backcountry…all while defending her family. My heroine,
Jenny White, is a bit softer, but she feels gawky and unattractive next to her
pretty, petite little sister. The hero, Scottish militia scout Caylan McIntosh,
has a hard time convincing her that he finds what she thinks are her weaknesses
to be strengths, especially on the frontier.
What other books of yours are coming out soon? The
Scouts of the Georgia Frontier books continue to release into 2024. Book three,
A Cherished Betrothal, just came out
in January and follows the beginning of Revolution on the Georgia/South
Carolina border. There will be two more coming later in the year, as well as my
novel about the 1865 sinking of the Sultana,
When Hope Sank, part of Barbour’s A
Day to Remember Series. Plus, my first-ever novella, Redeeming Grace, will re-release this July in Wild Heart Books’
Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts Series with a new cover and title, A Summer at the Niagara of the South.
If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person
(not a family member of yours), who would it be and why? You know, it would
be interesting to learn from Francine Rivers about her publishing journey.
I met Francine over a decade ago, and she gave her
testimony. I bought the CD of that session. It was very interesting. What
historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?
I never know how to answer that one since there are so many
fascinating historical people. I’d have a hard time choosing between religious
leaders, military leaders, brave pioneers, and the American founding fathers.
How can you encourage authors who have been receiving
only rejections from publishers? First, I’d encourage them to make sure
they have a solid grasp on the writing craft and the industry expectations for
submitting proposals. Read up on those things and ask experienced,
traditionally published authors or editors. Once that is in place, it’s important
to make sure they are submitting to publishers seeking the same genre, length,
and style of material…and then, following submission guidelines. One hurdle I
find with submissions I review as Acquisitions and Editorial Liaison at Wild
Heart Books is that some authors are still writing in narrative style rather
than deep POV (point of view). Or submitting historical fiction rather than
historical romance…or are truly unfamiliar with industry expectations or
formula for historical romance.
Finally, it’s more than possible that they just haven’t
found the right fit yet. Publishers will often favor certain tropes, time
periods, or settings. They may be seeking lighter material or more serious
material. They may have just accepted something very similar. At other times, they
may have just received a glut of submissions, and their production schedules
may be filled for the foreseeable future. Editors who wear more than one hat
sometimes struggle to have time to read through lengthy proposals and sample
chapters. If they are deep into projects with current authors, they may put off
manuscript review for a specified time in the future.
There are so many factors at play, but ultimately, none of
these things take God by surprise. He knows just which editor needs to open
your email on the right day. He knows just what you need to learn and where you
need to be in life before you are ready for publication…or before the world is
ready for your book!
Red-haired, freckle-faced, and almost
six feet tall, Jenny White has resigned herself to fame over love. Possessing
the courage and wits to guard her younger siblings against nature, natives, and
loyalists in Georgia’s “Hornet’s Nest” gives life meaning until she meets scout
Caylan McIntosh.
From the time Jenny nurses the young
lieutenant back to health after the Battle of Kettle Creek, she can’t deny her
attraction to the vexing Highlander, who seems determined to dismantle her
emotional armor. But when Georgia falls to the British and Caylan returns to
guide Jenny’s family on a harrowing exodus into the North Carolina mountains,
will his secrets prove stronger than his devotion? Or will their love be
courageous enough to carry them through the battles ahead?
Please give us the first page of the book.
Prologue
Late June, 1778
Wilkes County, Georgia
She first sensed someone watching as a prickle of awareness
on the back of her neck as she and Hester floated, shift-clad, in the creek.
Even in the cool waters, the fine ginger hairs from Jenny White’s nape to her
arms stirred, and she froze.
Casting a glance over her shoulder,
she saw him—a brown bare-chested native, his face smeared with black-and-red
war paint. He did not even attempt to conceal himself. After all, the White
family may have brought their livestock out from Augusta and built a cabin four
years prior. They might have planted their small patches of corn, wheat, and
flax alongside the vegetable garden Jenny and her sister had been weeding in
the fork of Long and Dry Fork Creeks before yielding to the urge to cool down
from the sun’s blistering rays. But this had been his land. Whether Hitchiti
Creek of the first people in these parts, or Muskogee who came from the west
many years ago, he belonged and she did not.
But the brave’s alliance with the
British made him Jenny’s enemy. She was old enough to remember from North
Carolina what the British could do. She had given up too much—her little
brother’s life and her best years to make a good match, for starters—to just
hand over this land.
Thank God Gabriel had not taken the
Brown Bess hunting today. She’d left it propped against the giant oak that
marked the ford. With the steady diagonal trajectory of a water bug, she waded
toward Hester and the tree.
Hester’s head—curly
strawberry-blonde hair darkened and dripping—broke the surface. She started to
let out an exclamation of delight but gave only a gasp when Jenny’s firm hand
encircled her wrist. Green eyes wide, she allowed herself to be towed toward
the shore.
“Hester, run for the house. Make
sure Ma and the baby stay inside.”
How can readers find you on the Internet?
Connect with Denise here:
Thank you for sharing A
Courageous Betrothal with us.
Readers,
here’s a link to the book.
https://www.amazon.com/Courageous-Betrothal-Scouts-Georgia-Frontier-ebook/dp/B0CHMXGLJG/
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
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Wednesday, March 06, 2024
HER SECRET HOPE - Shelley Shepard Gray - One Free Book
She introduced readers to A Season in Pinecraft series with Her
Heart’s Desire. This was followed
by Her Only Wish in June 2023. Now Gray wraps up her heartwarming
series with her final installment, Her
Secret Hope, which explores the theme of facing one’s past in order to make way
for a brighter future.
About the story: Two years ago, Lilly Kurtz left her home in Middlefield for a much-needed
vacation in Pinecraft, Florida, where she could escape her feelings of always
being an outsider within her community. Little did she realize that this trip
would be such a life-changing experience. Not only did it lead to a fresh start
in Florida and a new set of friends, but a budding romance has started to bloom
with hardworking farmer Eddie Byler. However, secrets from Lilly’s past may
threaten to destroy her new relationship.
Eddie Byler values honesty and trust. He sees Lilly as a breath of fresh
air, but he is mystified about her past. Although they grew up only thirty
miles apart, Lilly remains silent about her time in Middlefield, which makes
Eddie wonder if Lilly is hiding something.
As Eddie and Lilly’s relationship deepens, she must decide whether she is willing to return to Middlefield—a place where she never felt accepted. Will Lilly have to give up on love in order to find peace? Or could it be that love is actually the solution to all of her problems?
Welcome back to my blog, Shelley. It’s always a pleasure to host you. Please provide a brief summary of Her Secret Hope. Lilly Kurtz decides to take a job at the Marigold Inn in Pinecraft, and she’s eager to spend more time with her best friends and make new friends who know nothing about her past. When guests Eddie Byler and his grandmother befriend her, she’s sure she made the right decision. However, as her romance with Eddie blossoms, she soon learns that everything in her past cannot be erased, just as Eddie must come to terms with the fact that his views on what is right and wrong might not be as correct as he believed. Only by being completely honest with each other—and with themselves—will Lilly and Eddie learn that their secret hopes and dreams can become their realities.
Readers
were first introduced to Lilly Kurtz in Her Heart’s Desire, the first
book in your series. Can you please explain why Lilly left her hometown in Middlefield,
Ohio, and went to Pinecraft? Lilly
Kurtz first leaves her hometown in an attempt to live her life without the
stigma of her birth parents’ mistakes.
Lilly has
a budding relationship with Eddie Byler, who highly values honesty and trust.
But Lilly’s past could threaten their future. What do you feel readers can
learn from Lilly and Eddie’s relationship? This
novel focuses not only on the themes of honesty and trust but also God’s grace.
It’s my hope that readers will be able to connect with one of the characters in
the novel who is searching for the Lord’s acceptance and love.
Her
Secret Hope is the final novel in the A Season in
Pinecraft series. What was the connecting element for all of the books in your
series? From
the beginning, I was eager to highlight three women who felt like “wallflowers,”
who felt like they didn’t really click with their peer group in their
hometowns. I wanted to empower them and have them not only find acceptance but
learn to value their unique selves. Pinecraft, Florida, a place where Amish
from all over America vacation, felt like the perfect spot. So, I strived for
each novel to be a different play on “an Amish wallflower on vacation.”
Are there any threads that run through the whole series that will be
wrapped up in this book? No. Each book was written to stand alone.
How have
you personally been impacted by this series? I
love to write novels about things that could happen to anyone—my characters
just happen to be Amish. Writing this series, with each woman looking for acceptance,
love, and friendship, reaffirmed this belief. On a personal note, I truly
enjoyed writing this series. It was an upbeat trio of stories highlighting
positive themes. It made for a lot of happy writing days!
Why did you choose Pinecraft, Florida, as the
setting for your series? Pinecraft is one of my favorite settings for novels
because it’s the only place where Amish from all over the world come together.
It’s a unique setting rich with possibilities for new stories. Honestly, I
could happily write a dozen books set in Pinecraft—there’s such a fun mixture
of people there!
How can
readers connect with you? I’m on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Twitter. I have
a private FB group called Shelley Shepard Gray’s Buggy Bunch, which is easy to
join and I post often. I also have a “short and sweet” monthly newsletter that
readers can sign up for on my website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
Thank you for sharing Her Secret Hope with my
blog readers and me. I love your stories, especially those in Pinecraft.
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
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