Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Tell us about your
salvation experience.
I was practically born at church. I had good Christian
parents who taught me about Jesus from day one. When I was 5, my mother knelt
beside my bed with me and led me through the sinner’s prayer. I don’t remember
what led up to that moment, just the moment of asking Jesus in my heart. He has
been a faithful friend all these years and has blessed me beyond measure.
You’re planning a
writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be
and why?
Easy question! I have some great friends who are also
writers. We share a blog at www.GirlsWriteOut.blogspot.com
but we were friends long before that. Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann
Hunt, and Cheryl Hodde.
Five of my favorite
authors. Do you have a speaking ministry?
If so, tell us about that. I really don’t. I’m a much better
writer than I am a speaker!
What is the most embarrassing
thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?
I think my most embarrassing moments revolve around me
putting my foot in my mouth! I don’t do it very often—I’m not very talkative.
But boy, when I do, I want to melt into the carpet.
I’ve had several of
those moments myself. They’re uncomfortable. 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?
Do it! I felt that way at one time too. It’s just a dream
until you make a plan and put it into action.
Tell us about the
featured book.
In Barefoot Summer (Book One) you'll
meet coffee-bean-dependent, butter-pecan-loving Madison . She's the perfect match (but will
never admit it) for Beckett O’Reilly, whose nefarious reputation follows him
more closely than his black lab Rigsby. He’s her sworn enemy, but she needs his
help to reach her goal of winning the annual regatta, and he’ll do anything for
her—he owes her that and more, if only she knew.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
Chapter One
Madison McKinley scanned the crowded town hall, wondering
how many of her friends and neighbors she’d have to fight to get what she came
for. Half of Chapel Springs had turned out to support the fire department. The
faint scent of popcorn and coffee from last night’s Rotary club meeting still
lingered in the air, and the buzz of excitement was almost palpable.
When she reached the front of the line, she registered for
her paddle then looked for her mom. She spotted Joann McKinley seated on the
left, near the old brick wall.
Before Madison
could move, Dottie Meyers appeared in the busy aisle. “Madison , hello, dear. I was wondering if I
could bother you about Ginger. I found a little knot behind her leg. I’m
worried it might be something serious.”
Last time it had only been a burr. Still, Madison set a hand on the woman’s arm. “I’m
sure it’s fine, but I’ll have Cassidy call you tomorrow and squeeze you in,
okay?”
“All right, everyone,” the emcee was saying into the mike.
“It’s about that time.”
“Thank you so much, dear,” Dottie was saying. “I’m so
excited about this year’s play. It’s called Love
on the Line. You are planning on coming out again, aren’t you? You’ll be
fabulous as Eleanor.”
Auditions were still two months away. “Looking forward to
it. See you tomorrow.” Madison
participated in the town’s production every year. She enjoyed the theater, and
the proceeds supported the local animal shelter, a cause she was committed to.
She turned toward her mom and ran straight into a wall. “Ooomph.”
Or a chest. A hard chest.
She looked up into the face of the one man she least wanted
to see, much less slam into. She jumped back, looking square into his
unfathomable coal-colored eyes.
She nodded once. “Beckett.”
He returned the nod. “Madison .”
His black hair was tousled. He wore a Dewitt’s Marina work shirt and at
least two days’ stubble. His jaw twitched. She hadn’t spoken to him since she’d
confronted him two weeks ago—for all the good it had done.
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
I love interacting with my readers on my facebook page. I also
have a website where readers
can sign up for my newsletter, sign my guestbook, or just browse my books.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Barefoot Summer - Christianbooks.com
Barefoot Summer (A Chapel Springs Romance)
- Amazon.comBarefoot Summer (A Chapel Springs Romance)
- KindleLeave 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.
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