A SEASON TO LOVE - Nicole Deese - One Free Book

Dear Readers, here’s  another book in the A Love In Lenox series. Sorry this is so late posting. We’ve had a fast-moving storm system that produced high winds, a few tornadoes, and lots of rain and lightning. I turn off my electronics when there’s lightning. Even though I have a high-powered setup for protection from electrical surges, I don’t take any chances with lots of lightning around.

Bio: Nicole Deese is a full time lover of humorous, heartfelt, and hope-filled fiction. When she's not writing a sweet romance, she can usually be found reading one near a window while drinking La Croix. She lives in small-town Idaho with her handsome hubby and two sons.

Welcome, Nicole. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
It’s usually not until after I finish writing a book that I glimpse aspects of myself in the characters. And that’s usually not until a friend calls and says, “Oh my goodness, when I read what so-and-so said in chapter five I could so hear you saying that!” Haha! It always makes me laugh when I get that kind of feedback from the people who know me best.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
Writing became a passion of mine in high school after reading every single Patricia Rushford and Robin Jones Gunn book on the shelf. But I didn’t really explore writing until I was closer to thirty. I’m grateful for parents who encouraged my early love for reading and storytelling…and even more thankful they paid all my overdue library fees. Thanks, guys!

Tell us the range of books you enjoy reading.
My favorite genres are often contemporary reads, although sometimes I’m in the mood for a good fantasy or historical, as long as the characters are well developed and there’s a love story brewing. My favorite genres are women’s fiction, young-adult, and of course, contemporary romance.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
I don’t really have one way to choose character names. A couple of my characters came from street signs (like Weston James from A Cliché Christmas) and a few others came from polling readers on my author FB page (Willa Hart from A Season To Love). Names are a huge deal to me so I usually take my time before landing on one.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Writing my very first novel to completion is probably the accomplishment I’m most proud of. There is such fulfillment in taking a dream swirling around in your head and bringing it to life on paper. That’s what my debut novel, All For Anna, was for me. The start of a new dream journey.

What is your favorite writing snack food?
Hmm…this pretty much changes week to week. Haha! Right now I’m a big fan of multi-grain chips and homemade guacamole. Yummy!

I have to eat homemade guacamole, because I’m allergic to raw onions. It’s either make my own or get one of those made at your table guacamoles where I can tell them to leave out the onions. What is your greatest roadblock in writing, and how do you overcome it?
I’m not a “finisher” by nature. I LOVE starting a book (or brainstorming a new idea), but finishing? Finishing is so hard for me! I despise being locked-in or confined to an ending, which makes closing-out a storyline my greatest challenge. And if I were REALLY honest, I’d tell you I usually have to write those last chapters about ten times before they are reader-ready.

Tell us about the featured book.

Description of A Season To Love:
At this point in her life, bravery is not a trait Willa Hart would readily claim. She believes her seven-year-old daughter, Savannah, who never knew her father and successfully tackled chemotherapy, is truly the courageous one. Yet after Willa has a fateful encounter with handsome young doctor Patrick McCade, her outlook—and her view of herself—begins to change.

Patrick, a thrill-seeking world traveler and temporary resident of Lenox, Oregon, sets out to show Willa the value of adventure, even within her tiny town. But just when their friendship shows signs of turning into something more, Patrick’s life as a traveling doctor calls him back. Will his last days in town signal the end of their journey, or will Patrick and Willa find the courage to transform a single season into a lifetime?

Please give us the first page of the book.
I could have promised my daughter anything—a pony, a princess, a rainbow in a bottle—but instead, I’d promised her something equally unattainable: my bravery.
           

Today my cancer-free seven-year-old was putting that promise to the test.
           

“Come on, Mommy!” Savannah tugged my hand, but my legs were stiff and sluggish.
           

“We have plenty of time. Slow down.”
           

Slow down. Two words that had been on continuous repeat since she’d woken me, bouncing on my bed in her new sparkly red shoes—Uncle Weston’s gift to feed her obsession for all things glitter.
           

She led our way through the parking lot, her energetic stride forcing her backpack into a bounce and me into a near jog. Pockets of people waited near the electronic signboard, with the scrolling First Day of School, but I knew better than to ask Savannah to stop for a picture. She had a goal, the same goal that had kept me awake at night for nearly a week.
           

The freshly painted double doors at the front of Lenox Elementary School were propped open to welcome the new year. Only this pressure building inside my chest didn’t exactly feel festive. We entered the lobby together, her thin fingers still curled around mine, my heart two strides slower than my feet. I willed it to catch up, to remember Savannah’s countdown to this very moment—the scattering of purple Xs on the bedroom calendar.
           

The smell of boxed crayons and pencil shavings filled the air, nostalgia painting a landscape from a lifetime ago—of a life that no longer felt like mine. The screech of sneakers against tired linoleum floors sang the anthem of reunited friends and faculty.

But it wasn’t my memories of attending this school as a child or even of teaching at this school as an adult that caused my spine to prickle with déjà vu.
           

Three turns and two hallways later, Savannah dropped my hand and studied the class list outside Mrs. Hudson’s door.

“Alyssa’s in my class!”
           

“That’s great, honey.” My words sounded as frozen as my smile.
           

Her dark-chocolate eyes took in the clusters of students, the maze of desks, the shelves upon endless shelves of books, puzzles, and crafts. Once inside the classroom, she found her laminated nametag quickly and waved me over. My fingers itched to reach into my purse and grab a handful of disinfectant wipes to saturate each and every surface of this room.
           

“Mommy—look, my very own desk.” Savannah smoothed her hand over the top of the chipping varnish, her eyes alight, her voice the sound of childlike faith.
           

“Savannah!” Alyssa, Savannah’s athletic redheaded friend, raced across the room.

A soft touch on my shoulder shifted my attention away from the giddy reunion. “She’ll do great, Willa. I can see how excited she is to be in school. Oh, and I’ll make sure to e-mail you the slots I have open for classroom volunteers.”
           

Megan Hudson, Savannah’s second-grade teacher, stood at my side. Since high school, our lives had paralleled each other: we both married our senior prom dates, we both graduated with honors, we both earned our master’s in education.

Only, the sudden loss of my husband seven years ago had put an end to our shared life experiences.
           

“Thank you, Megan.”
           

With a last gentle pat, Megan walked to the front of her classroom and pointed to the instructions on the whiteboard, reminding parents of pickup time and location. The clock at the back of the room chimed a high-pitched ping, ping, ping, and a slow-snaking panic crept into my chest.
           

“Savannah—” My well-planned words were cut short. She sprang toward me and wrapped her arms around my waist. Her enthusiasm rocked me off center. “I love this day, but I love you most.” Savannah tightened her arms above my hips, swaying us both as if in a dance.
           

I kissed the top of her head, her short, baby-fine hair a whisper of hope that tickled my lips. “Not possible.”
           

Because it wasn’t possible. She wasn’t a mother. She hadn’t counted the weeks of pregnancy, hadn’t borne the pain of childbirth, hadn’t felt the anguish of the six-letter word that could drown a parent in a pool of their own tears. Cancer.
           

She hopped away and waved. “See you after school.”
           

With blurry, stinging eyes, I turned and exited her classroom, just like I had two years ago when I’d dropped my seemingly healthy daughter off for kindergarten only to admit her to the oncology floor at Children’s Hospital a week later.
           

She’s fine. I’m fine. Everything is going to be fine. The rapid fire of my pulse disagreed.
           

Pushing my way past a throng of happy families, I darted through the parking lot and shut myself inside my car. With my overactive imagination fully engaged, I fought against the quick, shallow breaths and answered the siren’s call in my glove box.
           

A stashed package of red-and-white pinwheel mints.
           

Most people saw these candies as a way to freshen their breath; I saw them as a way to focus my mind. A method of coping I’d picked up in therapy years ago. Of course, not during one of my hour-long counseling sessions, but rather from my time sitting in the waiting room. Ironic how a little basket of mints had helped me more than my grief counselor.
           

I reached inside the bag, unwrapped the familiar, crinkly plastic, and popped a small disc into my mouth. Immediately, the smooth texture and taste of menthol worked its magic, knocking me down a few ladder rungs on my climb to an attack.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/nicoledeeseauthor/
Newsletter: https://www.nicoledeese.com/newsletter/
Website: www.nicoledeese.com
Instagram: nicoledeeseauthor
Twitter: @nicoledeeseauthor

Thank you, Nicole, for sharing this new book with us. I'm as eager as my blog readers to read it. I hope my copy arrives soon.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

A Season to Love (Love in Lenox) - paperback
A Season to Love (Love in Lenox) - Kindle

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. (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 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, 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 SEASON OF CHANGE - Lynette Sowell - One Free Book on This Blog, Plus Kindle HDX Giveaway

Readers, I’ve known Lynette for many years. We both started out writing for the same publisher and even were involved in projects together. You’re going to love her stories.

Bio: Lynette Sowell is the Carol Award-winning and ECPA best-selling author of more than 15 titles, including A Season of Change and Tempest's Course. When Lynette is not writing, she works as a medical editor and part-time newspaper reporter. She makes her home in Copperas Cove on the doorstep of the Texas hill country. 

Welcome back, Lynette. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

It’s usually one of two things: either the characters and the situations they face or the setting, because I feel many readers want to read and take a trip in their imaginations. And if I can deliver a message of faith and hope, that’s all the better. I want people to come away uplifted after reading one of my books, no matter what my characters face.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

I would have to say my wedding day, 19 years ago. God blessed me with a wonderful man and I’m so thankful for him. In July we’re going to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of our first date!

How has being published changed your life?

In many ways, being published hasn’t changed my life much—there are still chores, grocery shopping, “mundane” everyday things. However, I’m thankful that I do get to live the dream of having my writing be out there so others can read it—and it helps support my family financially. Since December 2013, I’ve been freelancing full-time, which includes news writing for my local newspaper.

What are you reading right now?

Right at this moment—nothing! I’m shocked. I have a stack full of books and I’m looking forward to digging into them soon, though.

What is your current work in progress?

Right now I’m working on a proposal for my agent to submit for me. It’s a little strange to be deadline-less for the first time in a few years, but I welcome whatever lies ahead and I look forward to it.

What would be your dream vacation?

I’ve always wanted to go on a cathedral tour of Europe. I was an art major and one of my favorite things to study was medieval art and architecture.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I choose settings for places I know—Texas or New England—or in the case of my current book series, places that interest me so much I can’t help but write about them. When I first heard of Pinecraft four years ago, I was extremely intrigued, and I knew readers would be too!

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love trying new recipes, especially recipes that are time-friendly and budget-friendly.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Getting to that proverbial middle of the story and trying to prevent sag. One thing I do is jump ahead to the end, to write the very last scene. I call that the “icing on the cupcake” scene and it’s incentive for me to go back and ramp up the rest of the story.

I’ve never done that, but with my current work in progress, the last scene won’t leave me alone. I think I’ll have to write it so I can get back to the middle where I’m now. What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Finish that first book. So many people say, “I’d love to write a book,” and they never finish the book. Finish that first book—love it, work on it, but don’t get too attached to it. There’s something about finishing that first book that makes you realize you can be an author.

Tell us about the featured book.

A Season of Change is an “urban Amish” romance that takes places in the city of Sarasota, Florida, the home of Pinecraft, an Amish-Mennonite village. It’s a winter haven for Amish and Mennonite snowbirds, and also a vacation spot for Amish and Mennonites from other parts of the country.

Amish widower Jacob Miller believes visiting the Amish village of Pinecraft was a mistake after his daughter is struck by a car. Stranded in Sarasota until she recovers, Jacob grows increasingly wary of events that unfold in his unfamiliar surroundings—including the strange curiosity of Englischer Natalie Bennett.

Natalie’s curiosity draws the unlikely pair together, and she soon wonders if Jacob Miller can help her find her mother’s family. As Jacob and Natalie fall in love, their worlds collide. Will their differences tear them apart? Or will their love be strong enough to blend their clashing cultures?

Please give us the first page of the book.

“We’re having ice cream at Christmas time, Daed?” Zeke Miller trotted alongside his father on the pavement, trying to keep up with Jacob’s pace. The boy would definitely sleep well tonight; he’d barely stopped since he’d gotten off the Pioneer Trails bus and tumbled into the Florida sunshine.

“Yes, we are. It’s hard to imagine, isn’t it? We’re definitely a long way from home.” Jacob rubbed the top of his son’s head. At only five, Zeke didn’t comprehend the idea of ice cream in winter. His sister, Rebecca, a dozen paces ahead of them, pranced alongside her cousins. The sound of the children’s giggles drifted on the air.

Jacob slowed his steps to match Zeke’s five-year-old stride. Their figures made long shadows as they strode toward Big Olaf’s Ice Cream Parlor. The December twilight came early, even in Sarasota.

To Jacob, the words “Christmas” and “ice cream” didn’t belong in the same sentence. And he certainly never thought he would be entertaining the children’s eager pleas to ride the bus to the beach on Christmas day. But here they were nestled in Sarasota’s winter haven called Pinecraft.

“We’re here, we’re here!” Rebecca giggled, and stumbled. “Ach.” She stopped long enough to stick her foot back into the pink plastic flip-flops, a gift from her cousin Maybelle.

Jacob shook his head over his daughter wearing the sandals, but a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth anyway. As soon as they’d all climbed off the immense travel bus and stepped onto the parking lot of Pinecraft’s Mennonite Tourist Church, the surroundings seemed to draw them in. The children burst with energy after being stuck on a bus for two days, save for a stop here and there to stretch their legs or pick up more passengers. The more distance between Ohio, the more passengers on the bus.

At first the novelty of riding on a mechanized vehicle had the children enthralled with the speed they traveled, the levers that brought the seats forward and backward, but eventually even Rebecca fidgeted and squirmed in her seat.

Jacob sympathized, but instead of running like a child would, he stared at his surroundings, the rows of homes both large and small, the orange and grapefruit trees in front yards. And the palm trees, of course.

He’d never had the opportunity to visit Florida, even after his grandparents bought a home here in Pinecraft. He hadn’t seen the practicality of cramming himself on a bus and traveling hundreds of miles only to do the same two weeks later. Finally, desperation had won out over practicality.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can find me on my blog (lynettesowell.blogspot.com), Facebook page (Lynette Sowell, Author) or Twitter (@LynetteSowell) on Pinterest. 

In A Season of Change, book one of Lynette Sowell's new series, Seasons of Pinecraft, readers will discover a different side of the Amish community. A Season of Change follows Natalie and Amish widower Jacob Miller as they each discover the mysterious ways God works. Inspired by the image of a Plain woman sitting on a three-wheeled bicycle by the Pinecraft (an Amish community in Florida) post office, Sowell’s latest is a new take on the popular trend in fiction.

Lynette is celebrating with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway and a Facebook author chat party on June 12th.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• A Season of Change by Lynette Sowell

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 12th. Winner will be announced at the A Season of Change Facebook author chat party on June 12th. Connect with Lynette for an evening of fun book chat, Amish-themed trivia, and prizes. Lynette will also be answering audience questions and giving an exclusive look at the next book in the Seasons of Pinecraft series!

So grab your copy of A Season of Change and join Lynette on the evening of June 12th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 12th!

Thank you, Lynette, for sharing this new book with us. I'm intrigued by the story line. I'll be glad when my copy arrives, so I can read it.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

A Season of Change - Christianbook.com
A Season of Change: Seasons in Pinecraft | Book 1 - Amazon
A Season of Change: Seasons in Pinecraft | Book 1 - Kindle

Christian Book Store

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (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 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, 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