SNOWBOUND COLORADO CHRISTMAS - 4 Free Books - Authors Tamela Hancock Murray, Lena Nelson Dooley, Susan Page Davis, Darlene Franklin

Today I'm introducing the first of several Christmas books being released for this season. And I was privileged to be part of the team writing Snowbound Colorado Christmas.

Love Snowballs in Four Couples’ Lives
during the Blizzard of 1913

by Susan Page Davis, Lena Nelson Dooley,
Darlene Franklin, Tamela Hancock Murray

Love Arrives with a Blizzard

In Tamela's book, Thalia Blooms’s Christmas party on December 3, 1913, is the talk of Denver, but no one dreams the gently falling snow will continue six days and accumulate to nearly four feet.Thalia’s only dread is having to see the man who once jilted her. Could an allergy to rhubarb ruin her whole party or bring together two people who are meant for each other?

In my novel, Rose Fletcher attends her friend's party and becomes reacquainted with a man who used to work on her father's ranch. Are her feels just lingering infatuation, or could there be a future for two people from such different backgrounds.

In Susan's novel, Patricia Logan also has trouble getting home, becoming snowbound with a former admirer, a cranky midwife, and questions from the past. Can Patricia rekindle an old camaraderie and see it transform into lasting love?

In Darlene's novel, an accident while leaving the party has heiress Natalie Daire taking refuge at the Brown Palace Hotel. What could a sudden friendship with a ordinary mechanic teach her about life?

If they live through the storm, will love be there to greet each young woman on Christmas morn?

Now for the interview:

What is the name of your novella, and where in the collection does it occur?

Lena: My novella, The Best Medicine, is the second novella in the collection.

Who came up with the idea for the collection?

Susan: I’m not sure, so I’ll leave this to someone else to answer.

Tamela: We’ve had a great time trying to decide!

Darlene: My recollection is that Lena Nelson Dooley posted a request on an authors’ loop looking for people to work on a Christmas collection with her. Fortunately she invited me to work with her, Tamela Hancock Murray and Susan Page Davis—especially since I’m the only two-name author of the group! Joking aside, I feel honored to work with such a great group of writers.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Lena: I am found several places. http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/ – my website where I write book reviews and give away free copies of my books in the monthly newsletters
http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/ – my blog where I interview other authors and help promote their books. www.shoutlife.com/lenanelsondooley - the Internet community that I call home

Susan: Visit me at http://www.susanpagedavis.com/. And if you’re coming to Maine, drop me an email and bring some insect repellant.

Tamela: Visit http://tamelahancockmurray.com/ to find out about my work. I’m also a literary agent so you’ll see lots of info and links to other authors’ sites. Please send me an email to let me know you dropped by. Enjoy!

Darlene: Check out my blog, http://www.darlenefranklinwrites.blogspot.com/, or my website, http://www.darlenehfranklin.com/.

And you won’t want to miss the rest of the Blog Tour. Each site has a different set of questions and answers. You'll need to visit all of them to learn more about the book and each author:

September 1 – Janice Olson
http://www.janiceolson.com/

September 5 - Brittanie A. Terrell
http://www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com/

September 10 – Ronie Kendig
http://supernaturalcraving.blogspot.com/

September 15 – Tiffany (Amber Miller) Stockton
http://www.ambermiller.com/

September 16 – Tricia Goyer
http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/

September 23 – Lisa Buffaloe
www.ShoutLife.com/LisaBuffaloe

September 23 - Deborah Khuanghlawn
http://books-movies-chinesefood.blogspot.com/

September 30 – Linda Crow
http://www.2nd-cup-of-coffee.blogspot.com/

I want to thank each person who agreed to be a part of the blog tour. Each blog will give away a free copy of the book.

And, readers, leave a comment on this blog for a chance to win a free copy. We're giving away 4 copies on this introductory blog.

BLOG TOUR - Rachel Hauck - SWEET CAROLINE - Special Prize

About Rachel:
I'm a forty-something, a child of the '60's, '70's, '80's, '90's and '00's.


I roller skated through the '70's into the '80's with Farrah Fawcet hair and a three-speed orange Camero.


Born in Ohio, I lived several years in Oklahoma and Kentucky before my parents moved the family to Florida.


I graduated from Ohio State University (Go Buckeyes!) with a degree in Journalism. As a member of Phi Mu sorority, I partied my way though the last few years of college.


But, the truth is, and always will be, I belong to Jesus. At the age of six, I knelt at the altar of a Tulsa Methodist church and gave my life to the One who loves me.


After graduation, hired on at Harris Publishing as a software trainer, determined to see the world. And I did it without a laptop, a cell phone, an IPod or portable DVD player. Those were hard times.


But, I traveled to Ireland, Spain, Venezuela, Mexico, Australia, Canada and the U.S. from California to Maine. But, life on the road is difficult. Working twelve to fourteen hour days, one doesn't get to see many of the sites. In Ireland, our company's distributor drove me around at night so I could see something of Dublin.


I met Tony, my husband, in '87, at church, of all places. We got married in '92. Tony has been a pastor for twenty years. I've worked with him in eighteen of those twenty. Our heart is to see teens and adults passionate, radical and whole hearted for Jesus.


Tony and I don't have any children of our own, lots of kids-in-the-Lord and we love them all. However, we do have a very spoiled dog, and an even more spoiled cat.


I've always wanted to be a writer. My dad used to tell me, "You're a writer." I have letters he wrote me post college, exhorting me to write. In this, I believe he had the heart of God.


In '93, I started an epic WW2 novel with two plots. It was well rejected. After that ordeal, I took a break and put efforts into my job as a software project manager. But, I missed writing and in late ' 99, I took up the craft again.


With a little help from my friends, my first book was published in ' 04, Lambert's Pride, a romance novel. I love writing chick lit and romance. I love writing. What an honor.

About the book:
Caroline Sweeney has always done the right thing--the responsible, dependable thing--unlike her mother who abandoned her family. But when her best friend challenges her to accept an exciting job adventure in Barcelona, Spain, Caroline says "yes" to destiny.


Then, without warning, ownership of the run-down cafe where she's been waitressing falls right into Caroline's lap. While she's trying to determine the cafe's future, handsome Deputy Sherriff J.D. Rand captures Caroline's heart.


But when her first love, Mitch O'Neal, comes back to town, fresh from the heat of his newly-found fame as a country music singer in Nashville, Caroline must make some hard choices about love and the pursuit of the sweet life.


Contest:

The Sweet Life contest! Enter to win a Scrumptious Baking Basket from Rachel. The basket contains a Super Cool Apron, a Low country cook book signed by PAT CONROY, rolling pin, and a pie plate! All you have to do to enter is sign up for Rachel's newsletter here: http://rachelhauck.com/newsletter.htm
Picture of apron: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41pm2sSmf7L._SL160_AA160_.jpg


And BONUS here's a recipe for Bubba's Buttery Biscuits!
3 cups self-rising flour

10 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces and chilled, plus 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted for brushing the tops

1 1/4 cups buttermilk


Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.


Place the flour and chilled butter in a medium mixing bowl. Work the butter into the flour with a pastry cutter, a fork, or your fingertips until the butter pieces are a little larger than an English pea, but not larger than a lima bean. If you are using your fingers, work quickly so that the heat of your hands won't melt the butter.


Pour in all of the buttermilk and, using light pressure, fold the mixture a few times with a plastic spatula until it holds together. Do not over mix. In order to make light biscuits, it is important to work the dough as little as possible.


Turn the dough out onto a floured board and knead it quickly and gently 6 to 10 times or until it begins to be almost homogenized. There will be large pieces of butter throughout. Sprinkle a little flour under the dough so that it won't stick to the board and lightly dust the top of the dough so that it won't stick to the board and lightly dust the top of the dough so that it won't stick to the rolling pin. Roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness.


Cut the dough into 2-inch rounds, place on an ungreased baking sheet, and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. I like the biscuits to be crispy and brown on the top and bottom, but not dry in the middle. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush the tops of the biscuits with the melted butter. Serve right away. (recipe from Louis Osteen)

Links:
Rachel's website: www.rachelhauck.com

Buy the book here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1595543376?&camp=212361&creative=383841&linkCode=wss&tag=sprightly-20

Rachel's My Book Therapy ( a writing craft blog for writers): www.mybooktherapy.com

Sounds like fun, doesn't it?

Leave a comment for a chance to win the prize from Rachel.

A Different Kind of Blog Tour with Author Tricia Goyer

This is the final book in the Spanish Civil War series. And a thread through all three books is the missing gold. That will play a part in this blog tour.

About A Whisper of Freedom

Battles heat up... not only those being waged by the soldiers on both sides fighting for Spain, but in the hearts and minds of the men and women who must sacrifice more than their dreams in order to save the lives of their loved ones. In this meticulously researched novel, brave and idealistic Sophie, Philip, José, and Deion realize their only hope for freedom is escaping Spain's borders. By continuing the story of this band of volunteers during the Spanish Civil War, A Whisper of Freedom proves that courage and commitment don't always result in outward victory. But there are whispers of hope and freedom that resonate through even the darkest night.

Here are some questions we'll consider. I'll answer them first:

1. List three things you would do with a chest full of gold (assuming you got to keep it!)

First, I'd make a large donation to my church and another one to the mission program. I'd like to pay for other people to go on short-term mission trips. It will change their lives.

Second, I'd establish college funds for my grandchildren and great grandson.

Third, I'd replace my 1994 car and buy us a house that perfectly meets our needs.

2. List three charities/missions/organizations you support (and why).
Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas. They have mission programs around the world.
David I. Booth Evangelistic Association. David and his wife Rita were church planters in many parts of Mexico for about 35 years before he went home to be with the Lord. His wife continues to support his work, but she also travels with an evangelistic team that goes to many parts of Latin America.
Hot Dogs & Hope. This is a ministry to the homeless people in Ft. Worth, Texas. My husband and I support them in a variety of ways. I've knitted warm hats and scarves for the homeless for many years.

3. List three ways you have volunteered your time/services.
I volunteer in the bookstore at our church.
I also serve on the altar ministry team.
I host a writing critique group in my home almost every week. I have for over 20 years, and I have a list of people who have become published or won contests from this group.

4. List three things you keep "hidden" when company comes over.
My life is mostly an open book, and so is my home. If there is a basket of clothes that I've folded setting out, I would put that away.
When my great grandson comes, I put up anything he could hurt himself on.
5. List the last three things you've lost.
The most important things I've lost are my baby sister, my real mother, my stepmother, and my father, but I'll see them all again when I join them in heaven.

6. List the last three things you've found.

Most important I found the man God created for me. We've been married almost 44 years.

I've discovered the destiny God planned for me, and I'm fulfilling it.

I've found a couple of real gold earrings, but they don't match.

When you leave a comment on the blog, answer these questions in your comment. Three brave "players" will be selected at random to win their own lost gold (Gourmet chocolate coins and all three books in the Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War series).

Doesn't this sound like fun?

Welcome to the Diva NashVegas Blog Tour

Once again I'm privileged to welcome my good friend Rachel Hauck to the blog. I hope you've already read Lost in NashVegas. You'll want to get right into Diva NashVegas.

Rachel Hauck lives in sunny central Florida with her husband, Tony, a pastor. They have two ornery pets. She is a graduate of Ohio State University and a huge Buckeyes football fan. Rachel serves the writing community as Past President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the Advisory Board.

Visit her blog and web site at www.rachelhauck.com. Leave a comment on her blog at her web site and be eligible to win a $25 gift certificate to Starbucks or Barns & Noble. Two names will be drawn.

Remember that if you leave a comment on this blog, your name will be in a drawing for a copy of Diva NashVegas.

Rachel, why do you write the kind of books you do?

I like to write fun, feel good books that have a subtle deeper message. Chick Lit/Romance is a good way to accomplish both. Also, chick style is my best writing voice.

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

Well, I’ve had many happy days. Graduating from Ohio State, marrying my husband Tony, family weddings and births. But, there is a day that stands out in my mind. I was in the right place at the right time to lead my hairdresser to the Lord. It’s a long story, but after she prayed, giving her life to Jesus, I drove home literally feeling like, “My earthly job is done. I can go home now.” It was a great day.

I can see why. How has being published changed your life?

Mostly, I work at home now instead of an office. (snicker) Writing and being published really satisfy a deep part of me I didn’t know existed. There are hard days. Writing is solitary. Writing is competitive. Writing is fun. Writing is hard. Yet, I know it’s what I’m called to do. So, in that sense, it changed my life because I really believe it’s what God gave me to do in this life.

What are you reading right now?

I am reading Tracey Bateman’s Claire Knows Best.

What is your current work in progress?

My current book which comes out in March 2008 is Sweet Caroline, a chick lit set in the South Carolina lowcountry. Caroline is a little lost in life, not sure what to do with herself. And then one day a man dies and causes her to take a long hard look at her life.

What would be your dream vacation?

South Pacific beach with my hubby, a pile of good books, my iPod and a bottle of Copper Tone.

Sounds good to me, too. How do you choose your settings for each book?

I started out choosing familiar settings. But when I started writing for Thomas Nelson, I wanted to keep with a southern flavor, and my editor agreed. So, I pick southern settings. I look for popular locales, places in the news, interesting areas.

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

I know this is nuts, but I’d really love to spend an evening with country artist, Keith Urban. I’d like to talk to him about his life, music, and Jesus.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love sports. I go to the gym for Spinning classes and to lift weights. I also love a good prayer and worship meeting.

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

Getting started. I can think of a good idea, work out some plot points, but getting to know the character and setting is very hard for me. I write and rewrite. One thing I like to do is weave the setting into the plot with the character. All of us are effected by our environment. How can I make my protags environment be it a job, a city, a family dynamic, motivate or cause conflict for my character? So, it’s more than just knowing the character or researching the setting. They have to work together.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Know this is something you really want to do. Being published is a difficult first hurdle. But there are many to follow. Marketing and promotions. Writing on a tighter deadline. Rewrites and edits. Competition with other writers. Heed the Bible’s words to not compare ourselves to others. It can be devastating. Keep your eyes on Jesus and His destiny for you, not on what other writers are doing.

After that, the best advice I can give is “backside in the chair.” (grin)

What inspired Diva NashVegas?

The idea to write about a singer came from a conversation with my editor, Ami McConnell. At first, I created the Diva to be a wanna-be star, but after thinking the story through, I decided she had to be an established artist, a superstar.

How do you research a diva?

Not easy. I read a lot of bios, and spent time with Christian artist, Kim Hill. She was a blast and a great help. I loved hanging out with her. I also got some inside scoop from record producer and fellow Thomas Nelson author, Matt Bronleewe.

I talked to an entertainment lawyer and searched music business forums for answer to some of my questions. The hardest detail to find was about artist and record label disputes. We all know it happens, but why? The only reason I could find was “creative differences.” This answer did not cover enough detail for me. I couldn’t create a legitimate scene with Aubrey and her record label President arguing over “creative differences.”

Thankfully, I found a forum on the internet and a kind gentleman gave me eight detailed reason why an artist would enter into a dispute with her label. Saved the day!

I also researched foster care and television production for elements of the story. Kelly Sutton and Molly Day, a TV personality and producer respectively in Nashville were enthusiastic resources.

After that, I only had my imagination.

Tell us about the book.

Diva NashVegas is a wonderful story about a country superstar who must realize her future by dealing with her past. Aubrey James is the daughter of Gospel music icons who are killed when she is young. The story drops in on Aubrey as she turns thirty and realizes the life she’s living isn’t really the life she loves.

While Aubrey tells her story to Inside NashVegas reporter, Scott Vaughn, we also see Aubrey through Scott’s eyes. And he’s falling fast.

I really think Aubrey is a character who will stick with readers long after the last page is read.

What do you want readers to take away from the book?

First, a great read. I hope they can be transported into Aubrey James’s world. Next, a message that life isn’t always fair, but we have the power of choice in our response. God is always there for us, even when we don’t feel He is.

Rachel, thank you for spending this time with us. The book sounds awesome, and it's on the top of my to-be-read pile. I can hardly wait to get to it.

Wow, readers, I know you'll want a chance to win this book, but if you don't, you'll want to get a copy.