REDEEMING LIGHT - Annette O'Hare - One Free Ebook

Welcome back, Annette. I love your new headshot. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I’ve always considered myself sort of a history nerd, so it’s only natural I would lean toward writing historical fiction. In my books, I focus on a particular historical event and how it might have affected my fictional characters living in that area.

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

Since the Lord saved my soul, I’ve had several “happiest” days. One that stands out in my mind being the day my husband Dan asked me to marry him over thirty-five years ago. I said yes, of course.

How has being published changed your life?

That’s a funny question, because yes, I’ve reached a major life goal of mine, and for me, it’s a feeling of great accomplishment. My husband enjoys introducing me as the published author. On the other hand, I still have to cook, do the dishes, and wash dirty underwear!

I often tell someone who is in great awe of meeting a published author that I’m just a woman who cooks the meals and things like that, who just happens to write books, too. What are you reading right now?

I have just finished reading, A Highland Pearl by author friend, Brenda B. Taylor. The next book in my queue is, The Other Side of Freedom, a young adult historical by another author friend, Cynthia T. Toney.

What is your current work in progress?

I am currently working on two novellas. The first is a historical romance that takes place in 1902 Texas. The second is an 1870 Christmas novella that follows my first novel, Northern Light.

What would be your dream vacation?

My dream vacation would be to the upper east coast of the United States. I’ve always wanted to visit Philadelphia where our country was founded. I also want to go to the islands off the Massachusetts coastline like Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard where Jaws was filmed!

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Instead of choosing a setting for my books I choose a historical event and the place where that event took place. My first novel was based on the Civil War and its effects on the small town of Bolivar Point, Texas. My current novel takes place at the same location, but during the Great Storm of 1900, the deadliest natural disaster to ever hit the United States.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

Call me boring, but the person I would choose would be my husband, Dan O’Hare. Why, because he’s my best friend and the most interesting man I know and with Dan, we don’t even have to speak to communicate with each other.

I so understand that. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

My current hobbies include raising three dogs, Max 12, Jay 4, and Tris 3. I am also trying my hand at raising a Russian Tortoise, Frankie, named after the children’s book character, Franklin the Tortoise. My husband and I built an outdoor enclosure for Frankie to spend the summer in. Did you know tortoises can live more than 80 years? Next to Frankie’s enclosure is another one of my current hobbies, fairy gardening.

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

I occasionally have writer’s block, but I’ve found that taking a break and coming back to it usually cures the problem. Another obstacle is researching the historical novel. Why, because I LOVE history and I’m easily drawn away from my writing whenever I come across an interesting bit of historical information. How do I overcome it? I’ll let you know when I find out.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

You have a story in your head you need to get out. Great…do that. But before you begin writing take steps to educate yourself in the art of writing. Read, read, read in the genre you plan to write. Read books on the writing craft so when you do write that book, your readers will believe you know what you’re doing.

Tell us about the featured book.

Redeeming Light ~ 1900

Sarah Jane McKinney takes over her father’s cattle ranch on the Texas Coast after his death. After a harrowing cattle drive, she sells off the herd saving only the breed stock. Amid this turmoil Sarah finds herself distracted by her uncle’s young law apprentice, Frederick Chessher. To court Sarah, Frederick must end his relationship with a girl in a neighboring town. He leaves Sarah not knowing that a great storm is brewing in the Gulf of Mexico. While Sarah and her family seek refuge in the Bolivar Point Lighthouse, Frederick rushes back to her. Will he make it to Sarah in time, or will the Great Storm of 1900 claim him like thousands of others?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Bolivar Peninsula, Late Summer 1900

Sarah Jane McKinney had dreaded the coming night for some time now. The very thought of having to deal with that crotchety old man had her stomach performing somersaults. On more than one occasion she’d heard Daddy refer to him as a shyster. And if he was brazen enough to try pulling something over on Daddy, then taking advantage of a house full of women should be easy as drawing ants to a picnic.

           

“Come on, Ginger.”

She clicked her tongue and tugged the reigns. The auburn mare flipped her head in the direction Sarah indicated. The horse’s russet-colored mane swished past long dark lashes. Ginger had the glamorous eyes of a pin-up girl on a Coca-Cola calendar. She nickered and snorted her annoyance at the restless dog running between her legs.

           

“Come on, Rex. Mama’s gonna be angry if Maisy May gets out of her pen and eats up her vegetables, again.” The keen-eyed dog snapped to attention at the sound of his name. Sarah gestured toward the gate. “Get the rope.” Eager to please his master, Rex grasped the tattered cords in his mouth and pulled. The wooden gate swung toward the scruffy dog and latched shut. “Good boy, Rex.” The milk cow mooed her protest at being shut inside the barn. Sarah knew firsthand that Maisy preferred the taste of Mama’s homegrown produce to her store-bought feed. “Sorry, girl, but I’m not drinking any more onion flavored milk.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.annetteohare.com Annette O’Hare-Author Website

www.facebook.com/annetteohareauthor       Facebook Author Page

https://amzn.to/2Hk3lVf Annette O’Hare-Amazon Author Page

www.twitter.com/AnnetteOHare       Twitter Page

http://eepurl.com/bEvp61 Annette O’Hare-Author Newsletter Sign Up

Thank you, Annette, for sharing your new book with us. I’m eager to read it, and many of my readers love historical romantic novels.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Redeeming Light - Paperback
Redeeming Light - 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 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 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

NORTHERN LIGHT - Annette O'Hare - One Free Ebook

Dear Readers, it’s always a pleasure to introduce a debut novelist to you. And this one is especially exciting to me. I’ve enjoyed interacting with Annette the several times I’ve spoken to the ACFW chapter that is in The Woodlands, near Houston, Texas. She’s a delightful person to be around, and I’m eager to read her book which just released. Because it’s so new, I haven’t received my copy. But Annette has been diligent for a long time in honing her writing skills.

Welcome, Annette. I love your head shot. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

The main thing I reveal about myself through my characters is that I’m flawed and the only recourse for this flawed existence is my faith in Jesus Christ.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

My grandfather was a WWII veteran. He told outrageous stories about how he received his injuries. Until I was an adult, I believed his stories! Following in his footsteps, I make up my own stories about how celebrities died to see if anyone will believe me. For instance, did you know the first actor who played Dumbledore on Harry Potter died from a severe allergic reaction to beard glue?

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

Like so many other authors, I began writing at a young age. I wrote sweet poems for my mom. Then there was my Edgar Allan Poe phase, but we won’t talk about that. I later began writing skits for my church, which prompted me to write my first novel. I wrote a one hundred twenty thousand word book without knowing a thing about the craft of writing. I pray it never sees the light of day! I’ve learned a lot since then.

I think we all have that one manuscript hidden in a drawer somewhere, but it at least let us know that we really can write a complete novel. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I have an eclectic taste in books. I love historical fiction based on real events. I like most romance, but PG only please. I like suspense and mysteries, but my favorite books are the young adult and middle grade fiction I’ve read. You know, the ones you never forget and that leave a lasting impression on your heart.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

People say I’m pretty laid back. I don’t sweat the small stuff. Also, my husband blessed me with the privilege of staying home to raise our three children. I’ve managed to do that for twenty-five years now. Ha ha!

I loved that season in my life when I was a stay-at-home mom, who was able to be involved in my children’s extracurricular activities. How do you choose your characters’ names?

Character names are important to me. I try to name the character based on their personality or heritage. I spend a lot of time (probably too much time) researching what names were popular during the time period my novel is set. The hero in my first published novel is named Thomas Murphy, an Irish immigrant who came to America during the Potato Famine. I found his name on a genealogy website containing actual ship’s passenger lists!

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

This doesn’t really have anything to do with my writing, but one thing I’m quite proud of is my 30 year marriage. In the day of the drive-through divorce, I think staying with the same man or woman for that many years is something to be proud of. To coin a phrase, I believe marriage is not a destination, but a journey. If you want something to succeed, you have to work at it every single day.

Coming from a woman with a more than 51-year marriage, so far, that is so true. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I think I would be a bear. Bears look big and soft and fluffy, but they’re actually calculating and aggressive animals. They do what they need to do to get what they want, and they will go to great lengths to protect their home and family.

What is your favorite food?

Oh, that’s easy, it’s Tex-Mex. Or is it Italian? Wait, I forgot Chinese. But you can’t say enough about a big bowl of chicken and dumplings. Oh, and seafood! Uh, let’s just say I really like food.

You’re making me hungry. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

I would have to say it was confidence in my writing and myself. Thinking everything I wrote wasn’t good enough. I’ve been able to overcome it through God’s love and through the support of my great Christian author friends at my writing group, ACFW, Writers on The Storm. It helps getting a book contract too!

Tell us about the featured book.

Northern Light is a historical romance, which takes during the American Civil War. The setting is the lighthouse on the Bolivar Peninsula in south Texas. The story is a fictional account based on actual events. The action begins when the young heroine stumbles across a severely wounded Union sailor. Here’s the book blurb:

Civil War has robbed Margaret Logan of all she holds dear, including her beloved New Orleans home and her fiancé. When her family moves to the desolate Bolivar Peninsula to manage a lighthouse that is no longer there, all her hopes for a normal future are dashed. Her world is rocked once again when a wounded Yankee soldier washes ashore needing her help. Despite her contempt for the North, Margaret falls in love with Thomas Murphy. As their love blooms, Margaret’s sister is overcome with neurosis, and her mind slowly slips away. Bitterness, psychosis, and depression yield a decision fueled by contempt. Will one fatal choice cause Margaret to lose the man she loves and condemn Thomas to death?

Please give us the first page of the book.

September 5, 1864 Bolivar Peninsula – Texas

“That smarts!”

Margaret Logan shucked the calfskin glove from her hand and stuck if under her arm. Pain coursed through her middle finger as blood pooled at the tip. A single crimson drop fell onto the prickly cotton boll that clung tightly to the bush.

Mama would have come up with a charming anecdote had she seen the deep red blood against the lily white cotton. More than likely it would have been some illustration concerning the blood of Jesus Christ and how it could wash a person white as snow.

Saving grace was the last thing on Margaret’s mind. There was a long dingy sack trailing behind her that she needed to fill. Her family depended on the income they would receive come time to cash in their money crop: Sea Island cotton. She wiped the blood on the inside hem of her light blue apron and thrust her hand back inside the glove. The sight of blood sickened her. Plenty had been shed since the war began, enough to fill a river from the Yankee North to the Confederate states of the South.

The war had taken everything that was good and decent and ripped it to shreds. She no longer knew the tranquility of her beautiful lighthouse home near New Orleans. Nor did she have the loving caress on her cheek of her beloved fiancé Jeffrey Fontain. Instead she wiped the sweat of hard labor from her brow with her own calloused hand.

“Margaret.” Mama paused from her picking and raised her head. “The tide should be out by now. Go fetch your pail. We’ll be needin’ fresh oysters for the evening meal.”

“Yes’m.” She straightened, sending a surge of pain through her back where she’d been hunched over all afternoon pulling cotton. It pleased her to get out of the field for a while, even if it meant doing another chore.

That excerpt brought distant memories back to my mind. When I was a young child, my grandfather owned a large farm in central Arkansas. He would let me “pick cotton” with the others, even though I couldn’t pick much and I tired easily and quit. How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.annetteohare.com          Website

www.facebook.com/annetteohareauthor       FB Author Page

www.twitter.com/AnnetteOHare       Twitter Page

www.pinterest.com/annetteohare      Pinterest Page

http://goo.gl/bCizfG   Amazon Author Page

Thank you, Annette, for sharing this book with us. I love the cover. And I know my readers will be as eager to read the book as I am.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Northern Light - paperback
Northern Light - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the ebook. 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