RESTORING LOVE: AT CHRISTMASTIME - Bonnie Engstrom - One Free Book (see instructions below)

BIO: Bonnie and her psychologist husband Dave live in Arizona near four of their six grandchildren. The other two live on the beach in Costa Rica where their dad taught them to surf when they were three. They are now ten and eight!                 

They moved to Arizona from California when Taylor (aka Mookie) was born almost fourteen years ago. She will be entering high school next year! Gosh, she’s taller than me!

Life is busy helping Taylor and her three siblings - picking up after school, attending choir and strings concerts and spelling bees. Writing gets squeezed in, sometimes late at night. But, the Engstroms wouldn’t have it any other way.

Welcome back, Bonnie. How did you come up with the idea for this story?

My parents and I visited The Inn at Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania, every summer for many years. There was a stable then, and it’s the first time I’d ridden a horse. His name was Traveler – gentle and made me want to ride again. He’s in the story. I’ve always thought there was a special story in the historic hotel filled with antique furniture and an old-fashioned ambiance, even so many years ago.

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Why do you always ask this difficult question, Lena? Puts me on the spot. I love so many. I think it should be a diverse party, but then if it focuses on romance authors, they would have more in common to share. Maybe more frustrations, too.

Here is my list: Deb Raney (whose books inspired me to write twenty years ago), Alice Arenz (ACFW Carol Award multi-winner), Roger Bruner (whose stories are so unique and inspiring), Darlene Franklin (who inspired me to write my series), Carol Nemeth (great WWII stories and terrific prayer warrior), and you, of course (‘Nuff said?), although we all write different stories. I hope that answers your question. Oops! Can we push it to seven invitees? I want Peg Phifer to attend, too. I love her Someday Christmas Will Come story. Very special.

Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Sorry, Lena. I hardly ever read historical fiction. I did watch Downton Abbey and The Crown and Victoria, and I love When Calls the Heart – Hallmark series, but with the little time I have to read I usually choose my own genre, contemporary.

Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?

Yikes! TIME! Always time sandwiched in between picking up 4 grandchildren whose mother, our daughter, is a single parent who works long hours as the director of a Christian school. I also monitor two online prayer chains, the emails for which I check first every day and throughout the day. Then, when a manuscript is finished, there is the laborious task of editing – which I do between 7 and 11 times. However, I have only published thirteen books, many of them novellas. My stories have been included in several collections, too. But, those are not new stories, just ones that fit into the collections. A new one will come up in late January or early February, Book Eight in my Candy Cane Girls Series.

When I send to my publisher, the most fun is working with her to design the covers. Her covers are outstanding, I get so many compliments about them. You told me once how much you like them. They are always unique and make a statement.

Tell us about the featured book.

Restoring Love at Christmastime has a new lengthened title and bright new cover. When my publisher and I thought about how the story has a Christmas setting we decided to reflect that in a new expanded title. It’s a fun story about two people who had a brief romance as teenagers, but who have grown up and meet again during Christmas at the old hotel. It also won a 5 Star Readers Favorite Award.

Here is the edited blurb:

Why was Jenni taking this journey back in time during the Christmas holidays? Surely, she didn’t expect to see Jake the stable boy. She had moved on from sneaking kisses in the barn after trail rides. He must have, too. Who on earth would stay in the tiny town of Cambridge Springs?

She planned for a respite from teaching, time to read, take quiet walks and indulge in delicious hotel meals. At least no one knew where to find her, none of her friends, and not even her family.

The internet site for Pleasant Springs Hotel highlighted an annual holiday production of A Christmas Carol that guests sometimes played parts in. That sounded like fun. Hopefully some handsome guest would play Scrooge.

Odd the name of the historic hotel had changed. Who would have done that? Maybe new owners. She wanted to soak up memories, alone. Unless by a Christmas miracle Jake was still there to share them.

Can romance still flourish after fifteen years?

Will a teacher and a former stable boy remember their first kiss?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Pleasant Springs!

Jenni’s mouth salivated remembering the tasty meals she’d had here as a young girl. The tiny browned new potatoes and the chef’s signature succulent pork tenderloin popped up as virtual cartoon balloons in her windshield. Then she remembered the extra ten pounds she’d gained. She guided her little rental car up the hill and along the winding two-lane road toward the cupolas of the old hotel. It was still painted white and outlined in dark red. The paned windows looked the same, and the cupolas each retained different distinctive weathervanes on their peaks. A flying goose, an owl and an angel. She thought it was the angel cupola she’d stayed in, or was it under? At the time, she hadn’t contemplated much about it. Now, it seemed significant.

Forcing her mind to move forward, or maybe backward, she wondered about Jake Starfire. Jake had hefted one hundred pound trunks out of the backs of airport limousines with little effort. Always with a smile and a lock of curly ebony hair tumbling over his dark, wide forehead. The last time Jenni visited The Springs with her parents, when it was called The Riverside Inn in Cambridge Springs, she was almost sixteen, and Jake was a bellboy. But, oh, what a bellboy he was! So handsome, so personable, so appealing to a vulnerable teenage girl.

Their stolen kiss was the first real kiss she’d ever had. It just happened, no hugging, no touching beforehand; he’d only put his hand on her shoulder when he helped her mount Traveler. But, she had hoped, dreamed, during the five days she was visiting. He smelled so … sexy … a combination of male and horse. When he’d clasped his big hands on her shoulders and pulled her close toward his mouth her first thought was how yellow his teeth were. Did he brush? Ever floss? His breath, would it be horrible? She decided in a second she didn’t care. She wanted this kiss in the worst way and leaned forward. Her hands were out to her sides; all she could concentrate on was Jake’s mouth, his full lips promising ecstasy. As the kiss deepened, she raised her hands to circle them around his neck. Finally, she and Jake both gasped, and he released his grip on her.

The kiss was everything she’d hoped for. She was smitten.

She remembered.

It had happened inside the old-fashioned garage turned stable. Jake had just tethered Traveler and his horse, Firecracker, and led them into their stalls. Both were munching on whatever horses ate. She hadn’t cared what the horses ate when she and Jake perched on hay bales … to talk. Talking never happened, but her body went into overdrive, like that new feature her dad used to have on his ‘57 Plymouth.

The trickling sound of the rain had been soothing, almost mesmerizing, lulling Jenni into dream mode. It was a safe sound; dibble, dribble, pat, pat. No thunder, no lightning. Although that would have added excitement to the moment. No, it was quiet, deep, soft and delicious like Jake’s kiss, in spite of his bad breath.

She wanted this to happen again. But her parents expected her for dinner in the dining room in fifteen minutes.

“Sorry. I have to go. Mom and Dad are waiting. Gotta change.”

“Stay just a few more minutes. Please.”

Shaking her head, her body shaking, too, she raced out of the barn. Stumbling into the hotel entrance and lumbering up the metal stairs, she forced her key in the lock of her room and opened the door. Mom was sitting on the edge of Jenni’s bed.

“Did you have a good time? Ride a horse? Explore?”

She nodded and felt her head rattling. Such deception. Her heart ached deceiving Mom, but she had no other choice. Not yet. Yes, she had explored, but not in a way she could share.

The road seemed so long now. Longer than she’d remembered. But, then, she had just been a child.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I love, love, love to communicate with readers via email. It’s fun to chat with them and exchange ideas. They can always reach me at bengstrom@hotmail.com, but be sure to put BOOK in the subject line so they don’t fly off to cyberspace.

I’m excited about my WACKY WEDNESDAY contest on my Facebook author page where I give away prizes every Wednesday. It’s fun and a great way to connect and share. Readers need to go to https://www.facebook.com/bonnieengstromauthor/ to find out the next Wednesday’s prizes and the most current winner. Lots of fun photos there, too, like ones of my own Christmas memories and my Santa-themed house.

They can also sign up for my newsletter on Facebook so when the WACKY WEDNESDAY preview comes out every Monday they will know the latest. Look for it in the left column of my Facebook page.

I am not good at Twitter, can’t figure out how to retweet, but my Twitter handle if anyone wants to see what I occasionally tweet is @BonnieEngstrom1. Good luck!

Thanks so much, Lena, for having me on your special blog. I will give an eBook of Restoring Love at Christmastime. And, for anyone answering this question, they can enter to receive a signed print copy of Restoring Love at Christmastime. Both make great gifts, even belated Christmas giving or a great way to start the New Year.

(Drawing will be random. Not sponsored by this blog.)

Here is the question: What is your favorite Christmas memory?

God Bless!

Thank you, Bonnie, for sharing this book with my readers and me. I just started reading my copy.

Readers, 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 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

MELANIE'S GHOSTS - Bonnie Engstrom - One Free Book

Welcome back, Bonnie. Tell us about your salvation experience.

I was raised in the church, so always a believer, but not a practicer. I was the president of my church’s youth group, and I attended women’s Bible studies when my children were young. When one of my dear friends’ three-year-old little boy died, everything changed. Actually, before he died and while he was hovering near death with a heart ailment, I got an inspiration. I lived in a close-knit community of eleven hundred homes where all the streets were connected. I had an idea, one that God surely put on my heart, to make big red hearts with an explanation on the back of each asking people to tape them on their garage doors as a sign they were praying for little Michael. A friend and I drove around and delivered them. (One slightly humorous thing was we would stop kids who were playing on each block and offer them a quarter to deliver the hearts. Guess that tells you how long ago that was.) Almost half of the community displayed them. It was very encouraging to the parents. I think it was at his funeral that I reaffirmed my faith.

Recently, I got water baptized – something I’d never done. Besides feeling Jesus’ touch, the most special part was my little eight-year-old grandson got baptized, too.

You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?

Simple. I would invite Deb Raney whose novel I first read that inspired me to start writing; Cynthia Hickey, my wonderful friend and publisher who has faith in my writing and never gives up on me; Alice Arenz whose friendship and prayer support sustain me; Roger Bruner (yeh, gotta throw a guy in there) also whose prayer support for my grandchildren and his honesty keeps me encouraged.

Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.

No, but I have a prayer chain ministry. I moderate two online prayer chains. Neither are large, just under 20 prayer warriors. The Moms Prayer Chain started about twenty years ago with women all over the country. We are very close and very faithful. The Writers Prayer Chain is small and consists of other Forget Me Not Romance authors. Only about three are faithful, but when two or three are gathered together . . .

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?

I always encourage them with “You should!” because that’s the first step. I offer to edit or beta read when they do. The response is usually, “You’d do that for me?” Of course, I would because there is little else as self-fulfilling than writing.

Tell us about the featured book.

Melanie’s Ghosts is the seventh book in The Candy Cane Girls Series.

Ghosts

One is laughing down from heaven.
One wears rags.
One is falling in love with her.

Melanie’s faith is shaken.
Her husband Larry is dead. They had only been married a few hours before he was arrested. Will her best friend Natalie be enough? Who will understand about Larry’s crime, his deception, and how he died? Surely not her new friend Robert who lost his wife to cancer; no deception there.

Just sadness.

Should she believe the homeless old woman who claims to be Larry’s estranged mother, calling herself Melanie’s mother-in-law? Especially when the raggedy old lady stalks her and camps on her doorstep. Why did the woman abandon her son and husband over thirty years ago? Robert gives her empathy and support . . . until his own secret is revealed.

All Melanie has left of Larry is the gorgeous blue diamond ring!

Her special group of friends, the Candy Canes, promise to pray for her. But, is prayer enough? She counts on all of them for support and answers! The love of a dog with her shaggy fur, big eyes and her kisses may have to be enough.

Larry, his homeless mother, and even Robert, all haunt her. Her only normalcy is teaching the adorable three-year-olds in her preschool class. Maybe little Jackson will help put the ghosts to rest.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Prologue

“This is wrong. No sense. Makes no sense.”

Melanie embraced his big, strong brown hand between her small white ones.  Larry didn’t move. He was dead.

~

Melanie sat across the table from attorney Randi. Her fingers were paste white and knuckles blue. Is that what death does? She examined her glittering fingernails; the fancy ones Kay had gifted her with for her marriage to Larry and now insisted she needed again as a boost for the burial. But, their luster was useless. Her life was, too. Her future held no meaning. She was a widow, not a newlywed.

Natalie, her best friend, shifted in her chair. “What is the next step, Randi? Melanie needs somewhere to go in her heart and in her head. She needs to find understanding and peace. What do you suggest?” She looked over at Mel and squeezed her hand, the hand that rested on her special blue skirt, the one she clung to and claimed as her God skirt, the one she wore when she met Larry. What would happen to the skirt now? Would it be folded away in a memory trunk, or maybe destroyed?

Randi, professional attorney as she was, blinked rapidly. Moisture coated her lashes. “I have been trying to decide how to tell you. Not easy.”

“Just tell, please. I need to know what to do.” Melanie squeezed Natalie’s hand tighter.

Randi sighed and pushed a paper toward the two women.

“A list? You are giving me a list?”

“No, I am giving you a suggestion. Hopefully a healing option.” She lowered her chin. “Sorry. But I believe this is the one thing that will give you comfort and clarity.”

Melanie picked up the typewritten paper, the paper with the single suggestion, and held it in trembling hands. Natalie leaned closer to look. “Oh!” The expletive blew out of her mouth like a gust of dry wind.  

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I’m not very good at Facebook, although my publisher keeps encouraging me. I’ve just learned how to tweet and have only done it a few times. Here are a few suggestions:

I love to connect with readers, even non-readers. Email me at bengstrom@hotmail.com and put BOOK in the subject line so you don’t fly off to cyberspace. The first person who puts BOOK in the subject line and mentions Lena’s blog will receive an autographed print copy. Be sure to include your snail mail address. U.S.A. only, please.

You can check out, even order, Melanie’s Ghosts at https://amzn.to/2N65P05 and my other books at https://amzn.to/2x791Os. Sadly, Amazon has included other author’s books, but mine are there.

I just learned Twitter and can be found @BonnieEngstrom1. Please follow me and help me learn how to tweet.

My website is www.bonnieengstrom.com where you can see all the grandchildren, even the little redhead who got baptized with me!

My Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/pg/bonnieengstromauthor/about/

Please connect with me. I would love to connect with you.

Thank you, Bonnie, for sharing this new book with us.

Readers, 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 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

HER VALENTINE PROMISE - Bonnie Engstrom - One Free Book

Welcome back, Bonnie. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

A few of my minor characters are unsaved, but most of the major ones are Christians who struggle with answers about what God is doing in their lives. I have underlying situations in every story that the heroines have to overcome with strong faith. Physical abuse is one (although all off stage), alcoholism is another, fear of not being in control is also another. Book four of the Candy Cane Girls Series will have a surprise. I met the hero the other day at the bank! I can’t wait to write about him, but I can’t decide who will fall in love with him – Connie or Doreen or Melanie. Maybe Emily. Mmm.

I love the covers for her Candy Cane Girl Series. Here’s the cover for her Christmas one.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

The third book in The Candy Cane Girls Series should be out next month. I haven’t titled it yet, but I’m toying with Her Wild Ride. It will feature two girls instead of just one – Natalie and Candy. There are six original Candy Canes, members of a winning high school swim team, and one honorary one, Melanie. All the women are currently in their mid-twenties, but still fast friends. There is potential for an extended series beyond the Candy Canes themselves. Several of their parents, especially their mothers, are begging me to tell their stories, too. Also, a few minor characters have special stories to share. One story may even be told from a cat’s perspective. Star, the cat, has a lot to say.

The Candy Cane series is set in Newport Beach, California, as are some of my other books. Some others, including my debut novel Butterfly Dreams, are set in Scottsdale, Arizona. There is one on the back burner set in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania, and another partially set in Sweden and Norway. I do not make up towns or cities, but I do make up fictional businesses and homes. During a book signing for Butterfly Dreams one of the women asked me exactly where the coffee shop is in Scottsdale because she wanted to visit it. She was disappointed when I told her it was a fictional place. But another reader loved recognizing the streets.

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

I would love to spend time with Debbie Macomber. I missed doing that at the ACFW conference where she was the keynote speaker. I love her Cedar Cove series, but I have a fond memory of the personal email she sent to me some years ago. I had asked her if she was a Christian because although she doesn’t write for CBA, her stories seem to reveal her faith. In her email she told me the exact date when she had accepted Christ. I treasure that letter.

I didn’t really get to spend time with her at the ACFW conference in Denver, but I did have my picture taken with her. I treasure that. What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

I had to think about that for a while. I’ve decided if I could only meet one, I would like to spend a few hours with Martin Luther King, Jr. He had such a passion for his beliefs, and it’s really because of him so much progress has been made in integration. But not enough. I imagine him looking down from heaven with tears on his face.

How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

I think if you really believe you have a story to tell, if God put story-telling on your heart, you should trust the reason why. If only one person’s faith is changed you have done your job and honored Him. My biggest fan is a Jewish friend who devours my books. Only God knows why.

Tell us about the featured book.

Here is the back cover blurb for Her Valentine Promise:

The Candy Canes are a tight knit group; the six girls are like sisters. They share everything from successes to secrets. Even marriage doesn’t keep them apart. Then …

Cindy caught the bridal bouquet, and Rob caught the blue garter. Neither of them believed in fate or tradition. But, something happened when she stepped on his toes dancing.

When Rob agreed to help his brother by working in the Love In Bloom Floral Shop while Braydon was on his honeymoon, he asked Cindy to join him. He didn’t know what to expect, especially over Christmas break. Would she take over with her promotional ideas and anger his mother, the owner?

Would their relationship flower? Could Cindy accept Rob’s secrets? How would that change her love for him? And, what about Emily, the woman who claimed Rob loved her?

Cindy has decisions to make. She is supposed to receive her unique engagement ring on Valentine’s Day. Should she accept it, or say no to Rob because of the secrets he recently shared? If she accepts, they will have a lifelong commitment and have a wedding on the beach. Is she strong enough to go through with the plan, or should she back out and be safe?

Please give us the first page of the book.

This is the prologue:

“Ouch!”

“What?”

“You stepped on my toes.”

He said it so matter of factly that Cindy wondered if he was kidding. She looked down at his  black patent shoes. Aw, oh. A scuff on the right one. Guess Rob was right. Question was … his fault for not being a good leader or hers for being a bad follower?

“Sorry.”

“S’okay.” He pulled her closer, and she felt her body melt into the warmth of his.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I can be reached at my email bengstrom@hotmail.com (be sure to put the word BOOK in the subject line); via my website www.bonnieengstrom.com and my author page on Face Book. I love to hear from my readers, so please contact me, and be sure to sign up for my upcoming fun newsletter.

Thank you, Bonnie, for sharing this new book with us.

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

Her Valentine Promise (The Candy Cane Girls) (Volume 2) - Paperback
Her Valentine Promise (The Candy Cane Girls Book 2) - 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

HER CANDY CANE CHRISTMAS - Bonnie Engstrom - One Free Book

Bio: Bonnie Engstrom and her psychologist husband, Dave, live in Arizona near four of their six grandchildren. The other two live in Costa Rica where they surf. But they share their Arizona home with Sam and Lola, their two rescued mutts in charge of the household. She used to bake dozens of Christmas cookies in November and freeze them so she would have a lot to pass out to neighbors. Now … well, that was a long time ago. Instead of cookies for Christmas, she writes. Her Candy Cane Christmas is set in Newport Beach, California, where her family was raised and where they have many fond Christmas memories; it is perfect for gift giving. Or for just cuddling up by the fire for an inspiring romance read.

She hopes you enjoy it and will also gift it to a special female in your life. Don’t forget to leave an honest review on Amazon.

Welcome back, Bonnie. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

Sometimes, I wish I could see in the future. But, prophesying is not one of my gifts. I have started a sequel to Butterfly Dreams, my debut novel – only got through several chapters, then set it aside when I started to write Her Candy Cane Christmas. Now I’m excited about writing a whole novella collection based on Candy Cane. There are enough characters in it that their stories could go on for a very long time. I’m writing Cindy’s story now for a Valentine Day release. But one would have to read Her Candy Cane Christmas to know who Cindy is.

Tell us a little about your family.

For many years another friend and I were the only two in our Bible study without grandchildren. I clung to Psalm 37, the part about desires of your heart. Ten years ago, God blessed me with our first grandchild, an adorable girl. Then God gave us the explosion! Three more siblings for her (a sister and boy/girl twins) and two darling boys in Costa Rica. I also have four black grand cats, two in Arizona (Loco and Poco) with our daughter and two in Maryland (Riley and Blackie) with our son and daughter-in-law, and a grand dog, Lucy a French Bulldog, in Costa Rica. Plus, our own twosome, two adopted mutts.

Please rescue and adopt a pet and give it a forever home. We’ve even had a rescued love bird and a turtle. Only drawback is you can’t cuddle them.

Our mutts, Lola and Sam. Lola just had extensive back surgery - $7500!

Oops, I do have a husband, Dave, of fifty years. He is the most important. He is a shrink (psychologist) and a drummer. Also the resident chef. His chicken and salmon dishes are divine.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Not really. I read every night before bed for about two hours; read mostly romances, but lately as a diversion, I’ve been reading silly cat mysteries.

What are you working on right now?

I guess I answered that in your first question. But, I hope your readers will look in January for my Valentine story (as yet un-named). Maybe you will be willing to host me again for that book?

Of course. Email me when you have a title and a pub date. What outside interests do you have?

Not much time for any, except Bible study and helping with four grandchildren. For thirty-five years I was super involved in PTA and held five presidencies, including a school-district-wide one. Education has always been very important to me. Now, it seems like I’m either helping in a grandchild’s classroom or attending a spelling bee or a fifth grade concert. I do moderate two online prayer chains, and that sometimes takes up a lot of time.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Almost all of my stories are set either in Newport Beach where we lived for forty years or in Scottsdale where we live now. I do have a future Christmas novella set in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania, where my family vacationed when I was a child. A novel that is waiting to be revised is partially set in Sweden where Dave’s and my ancestors hailed from. I like familiar.

My stories are all character driven, so I like my characters to evolve in the environs I know so well. However, I still have to do some research to make each setting authentic.

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

It would probably be John F. Kennedy. Dave and I were at George Washington University in D.C. when he was assassinated, and he made a huge impression on me. That’s a tough question, Lena. It would also be fascinating to spend time with Salinger or Shakespeare or F. Scott Fitzgerald. Any well-known contemporary author. It would be fascinating to learn how their stories evolved.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

How time consuming editing is. I actually go over each novel or novella laboriously about five times before turning it in to my publisher. I’m sure I still miss some errors. In fact, Cynthia Hickey, my publisher at Forget Me Not Romances, caught one immediately in Her Candy Cane Christmas. I missed spelling “once” correctly, spelled it “ounce.” Yikes!

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

Trust and patience. Two of my children are going through divorce. Because that affects the grandchildren, I worry, I pray, I worry, I pray. Then, I trust.

Things like that are really hard. I have a grandson who is divorced, so I know. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

What I just said above. Have patience, trust, pray, and keep writing. Of course attend conferences and make connections with other writers, especially through American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). That’s where I met Cynthia Hickey who is now my publisher at Forget Me Not Romances.

Tell us about the featured book.

I wanted the title to be Her California Candy Cane Christmas, but publisher said “no.” Still, she put A California Romance on the cover. And, as I always do, I include real people in my stories as minor characters. That makes it more fun for me, and hopefully for them. Of course, they each get a complimentary, signed print copy.

About the story:

Noelle Day finally has the courage to break off her ill-fated engagement with her volatile fiancé and cancel their Christmas wedding. It’s embarrassing, and she has to share the humiliating reason with her friends The Candy Canes. The other five girls were to be her attendants in red taffeta gowns.

When she faints and falls into the arms of Braydon Lovejoy, the now former wedding florist, Braydon is confused by her abrupt manner. Who is this beautiful woman with the sepia hair and the huge brown eyes? Is she a damsel in distress as he suspects by the yellow bruise on her wrist?

When he backs his delivery van into her precious red car, he’s sure she would never go out with him, especially since he was hired to deliver a huge bouquet of roses to her from a secret admirer.

Noelle is confused how to respond when Bruce, the school principal, physically forces himself on her. After all, he is her boss, and she’s just a first year English teacher.

She finally accepts a lunch date with Braydon, and he takes her to Sherman Gardens in Corona del Mar, California where she learns he is the local rose expert. But Noelle worries their friendship is happening too fast and calls a respite.

One of the Candy Canes has a tragic accident, and the women bond together. But Braydon, who is not sure why he is involved, becomes their anchor.

Will Braydon’s prayers heal the hurts, physically and emotionally? Will the injured Candy Cane forgive the woman who caused her accident, the woman who is related to Bruce the principal?

Will Noelle ever have her California Candy Cane Christmas?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Newport Beach, California

NOELLE pumped on the brakes and surveyed the string of cars through the fog on her windshield. The sea mist was especially heavy this afternoon. She slammed her palm against the leather-covered steering wheel and gnawed on her lip. Why had she taken MacArthur Boulevard to the Coast Highway today? Is this the first day of the Christmas Boat Parade weekend? No, that’s not until December. This is only the Friday before Thanksgiving – not yet holiday season.

Yet, it was in full swing. Must be stuff like the fifteen decorated Christmas trees for charity at the Fairmont Hotel and the special Thanksgiving event of the film festival. So much was always happening in this tourist town. Even Rogers Gardens had started its opulent annual boutique that attracted so many out of towners.

She had read about all the events in the Daily Navigator, but in her stressful frame of mind she’d forgotten. I could have avoided Corona del Mar completely by taking surface streets and Newport Coast Drive. Still, I would have passed Rogers Gardens on San Joaquin Hills Road and had to deal with the tourist buses. She gripped the steering wheel with damp hands. Either way, I will be late for my appointment with the florist. I hate that.

Jill, her now former wedding coordinator, said the florist was forgiving, but Noelle lived for punctuality. Her mother said she was a bit obsessive about it, but she didn’t care. Being on time was a matter of courtesy. If only the faculty meeting hadn’t lasted so long. Then the principal followed her to her car chatting and constantly touching her arm. Maybe she should have left early. But, as the new teacher that would have made her look bad. Canceling her wedding just a month before the planned date made her look bad enough.

The cars inched forward along Pacific Coast Highway, truly inched, giving Noelle no way to change lanes or get out of the mess. She would be at least twenty minutes late. Maybe thirty.

Finally! The Persian rug store and a few niche restaurants came into view, including Rothchild’s. At last she was turning south. She passed the Starbucks at the corner of Marguerite Avenue where three tiny tables were crowded with bundled-up patrons each holding a dog leash, and amazingly, sleeping dogs. What gives with that? Guess those people aren’t going to any tourist events. Smart move.

The light finally turned green and Noelle’s little car crept past the Five Crowns Restaurant and through the last clogged intersection of Corona del Mar. Breathing a sigh of relief, she gunned the gas and sped past the open spaces. The endless Pacific Ocean on her right spouted huge waves that rolled in to spit up on the sand below the bluffs. It was a beautiful sight she never tired of, although she seldom saw it anymore.

She passed the Sugar Shake Shack and memories flooded her brain. The girls from her swim team had pulled into the sand lot in front of it. They were tired and smelled of chlorine from the high school pool, but they’d won. Their relay team, dubbed the Candy Canes because of their red and white striped swimsuits, was responsible for Vista del Mar High School taking the All-state title. She’d thought Coach Douglas might have a heart attack, he was so excited. He’d hugged each of them, all the team members, not just the relay team, then slipped a twenty into each of the Candy Canes’ hands.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is www.bonnieengstrom.com and my Facebook author page is https://www.facebook.com/bonnieengstromauthor?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

I hope readers will sign up for my newsletter that will begin quarterly in January. There is a signup link on my website.

But, my favorite way to connect is via email at bengstrom@hotmail.com. (Be sure to put the word BOOK or the title of the book in the subject line.) Of course Her Candy Cane Christmas and my other books can be found under my name on Amazon.

Did you know you can get a free Kindle App on Amazon, and read my novellas and novels on your computer? Give it a try.

Author’s note: My photo was taken by my ten-year-old granddaughter across the table during breakfast at IHOP. I think I should take her to the next ACFW conference to be the photographer.

Thank you, Bonnie, for sharing this new book with us.

Readers, 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 WINNING RECIPE - Bonnie Engstrom - One Free Book

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

Gosh, because they are fun to write. I love romance, and I’ve discovered I love to write in the first person, as I did in Butterfly Dreams. I enjoy putting my heroines and heroes in gut-wrenching emotional situations. Maybe I have a cruel streak in me. I hope that isn’t why.

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

Of course the day I married my Dave. But, also the days each of my children were born, and especially when I finally had the daughter I longed for. And, when she had my first grandchild, another daughter. I guess those were days, not just one.

It is hard to choose just one. How has being published changed your life?

I used to think I spent a lot of time at my computer. Now, it’s more – more self-promotion via emails and on Facebook. For years I have moderated a small online prayer chain, a group of women all over the U.S. and one in Norway. That hasn’t changed. My husband gave me a Fit-Bit (hoping to get me to move more?), but I still haven’t worn it.

What are you reading right now?

A Christian romance that is just so-so. So, I put it aside when Ane Mulligan sent me her Chapel Springs Revival, a super entertaining book.

What is your current work in progress?

The sequel to Butterfly Dreams, then a sequel to A Winning Recipe. I recently turned in A Cup of Love, one of my novellas. My publisher combined all three in an anthology called Recipes for Romance.

What would be your dream vacation?

I think I already had it thirty-eight years ago when we went to Sweden to visit Dave’s relatives. I would love to go again, but I don’t think many relatives are still living.

Second place would be to go back to Lake Louise, B.C. where we stayed in the gorgeous resort Dave’s parents spent their honeymoon in.

I’m not terribly adventurous. I’ve been blessed to travel quite a bit, in my younger years, and if I loved a place, I always want to return to it. I guess I’m big on memories.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Super simple. I really do like to write about places I’ve lived and visited. Newport Beach and Scottsdale are givens because I know every street and entertainment venue; and Family Secret, a novel yet to come, is partially set in Sweden. My latest novella is set in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania, of which I have fond memories.

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

Probably Deb Macomber, but Dan Walsh is a close second. Of course I’ve spent a lot of time with wonderful authors at ACFW conferences – Deb Raney, Katy Kushman, Gail Gaymer Martin, Janice Thompson, Cynthia Hickey and you – the list goes on.

As for Deb Macomber, I am fascinated with her non-fiction books, such as One Word and Knit Together, and what inspired her to write them. I would love to pick her brain for ideas for my only non-fiction book, Email Angels.

I’ve spent time with Dan Walsh and his wife. You’d really love them. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love to go to real estate open houses. I am an open house junkie. That’s probably what inspired me to write about “the house,” as Kate calls it in A Winning Recipe.

Writing is no longer a hobby, but reading is my one biggie. In addition to seven devotionals each morning, I love to read the newspaper, and I read fiction every night.

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

The beginning of each story is frustrating and draining for me, except for the beginning of A Winning Recipe. That just popped into my head.

I re-write beginnings until I’m blue in the face, and sometimes have other writers and my husband critique them. Yet, I’m never totally satisfied.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

The old “never give up” line and pray, pray, pray. God didn’t put stories on your heart for no reason. God doesn’t mumble or stutter, and His Word is never void.

Persist!

Tell us about the featured book.

Kate is a bit of a control freak, who likes to know ahead of time where she is going and what is going to happen. Lance is a go-to guy who eats huge breakfasts and has no problem praying in public in restaurants. Both are meatloaf contestants in a national cooking contest, thus the subtitle Meatloaf Magic for Love Everlasting. Kate resists falling for Lance until he almost forcibly grabs her elbow and steers her to a cab for an evening of coffee and chocolate. She decides it is fun, and at least she isn’t obligated to pay for the cab or the treats. Still, after dating for months, Kate has no clue what Lance does for a living. When he buys a house for them she almost freaks out and ends their relationship. Kate does become rather adept at solving the mystery of the dead roses delivered to her door. Her Golden Retriever Sandy plays a big part in healing their romance, as does Mr. F.F. who owns the company that sponsored the cooking contest.

Note: A few readers had issues with Kate’s Christianity, yet she is a strong believer and a loving person, even to the one person who tries to destroy her romance with Lance. I hope readers will see that in her.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Kate Williams leaned over the snaking line of moving luggage, anchored her feet firmly, bent her legs and reached for her suitcase.

“Watch it!”

A man three times her size elbowed Kate aside. Her suitcase passed by, out of reach. She sent him a venomous glare as he strolled off in his three-piece navy suit. Frustrated, she put her hands on her hips and bit her lip. The bags came around the carousel again, and she snatched at the handle of the oversized case tugging with all the toned muscle in her slender arms. Just when she thought she could pull it over the rubber edge, she lost it.

“Dog gone it!” The black monster with its identifying pink ribbon lumbered around the carousel for the third time. Maybe if she ran to the other side where there were fewer people.

But then she’d have to schlep her bulky carry on, and by the time she got there the errant bag would be back here. It was the crowd around her, people pushing close to get their own bags, that prevented success. If only everyone would give each other a little space. She decided to yell.

“Excuse me!” No one moved. Her voice got louder. “Excuse me!”

Still they ignored her. If she didn’t get through it would pass by—again.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I love to hear from my readers. I can be contacted at bengstrom@hotmail.com (be sure to put book title or BOOK in the subject line; Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bonnieengstromauthor?fref=ts or check out my website at www.bonnieengstrom.com. You can write to me at 8776 E. Shea Blvd., 106-528, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.

This has been a special treat, Lena, to be interviewed by you. You ask such good questions. Thank you so much for this opportunity.

It's my pleasure to feature you again on my blog.

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

A Winning Recipe: For meatloaf magic and love everlasting - Paperback
A Winning Recipe (Christian Contemporary Romance): For meatloaf magic and love everlasting - Kindle

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

BUTTERFLY DREAMS - Bonnie Engstrom - One Free Book

Bio: Bonnie Engstrom loves to write and she loves food, especially salad. She used to love to cook, but since her husband semi-retired he took over as resident chef. She grew up in Pittsburgh, he in Chicago, and they met in Washington, D.C, when they attended George Washington University. They raised their children in Southern California (that is a separate state from Northern California, isn’t it?), so several of her stories are set in Newport Beach. (Not Butterfly Dreams, though.)

She and psychologist husband Dave of fifty years now live in Arizona. They are the parents of three grown children and the proud grandparents of six grandchildren, four of whom live in Scottsdale and two in Costa Rica on the beach! Pura Vida! Surf’s up!

The couple’s eldest son is an IT expert who taught his mother everything she knows about computer literacy. Unfortunately, he and his wife live in Maryland, too far to fly home for a weekend to help Mom as he used to when she lived in California and he in Arizona.

Welcome, Bonnie. Tell us how much of yourself do you write into your characters?

I suppose I write a lot of myself into my characters, especially Betsy in Butterfly Dreams – her sassiness and her insecure body image and, definitely, her impatience with Noel. Does he listen to her? And, why does he disappear a lot?

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

How about stupidest? I shredded the only copy I had of a very good cozy mystery. I was sure it was in a Word file on my computer. It wasn’t.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

Actually, I was a journalist for a long time before writing fiction. As for writing for the Christian market …

When I was tearing lettuce for a salad about fifteen years ago. I kept hearing, not audibly, but in my soul, “Write!” I left the lettuce and went right to my computer. I wrote a non-fiction about the prayers and praises of the internet prayer chain I was part of at the time. Took a proposal to Mount Herman that year and met with an editor and an agent. Neither one had ever heard of online prayer chains. They just shook their heads.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

Pretty much all Christian romances, an occasional secular romance, mostly by Susan Wiggs (I skip the hot and heavy parts), Jennifer Chiaverini’s quilt mystery novels, and every Debbie Macomber I can get my hands on. I used to love the silly Cat Who mystery series, but that author passed away.

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

Sanity. What’s that?

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Honestly, they just pop into my head. I never have to search for names. A few have been named after my mother, Harriett, and grandfather, Lance.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Being married for fifty years to the same man!

That is a wonderful thing. James and I will celebrate our 51^st anniversary in early November. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

No contest – a cat. Sleep, eat, sleep, eat and occasionally play.

What is your favorite food?

Sashimi and avocado. Yum!

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Keeping motivated when I felt as if my writing was going nowhere. I think encouragement from other Christian authors, particularly on the ACFW email loop and very positive critiques at conferences, kept my spirits up. Special thanks to Gayle Roper who suggested I start this book with a list; and to Virginia Smith who loved A Winning Recipe; but especially to sweet Christy Dykes whose faith was so encouraging. Then an old, trusted friend bought a small publishing company, and she is now publishing my books at Forget Me Not Romances. Thanks, Cynthia!

Tell us about the featured book.

Betsy’s life is one mishap after another; especially a disaster when her kitchen blows up. She is conflicted about meeting tall, handsome, rich Noel. After all, her last marriage to The Jerk was a heartbreak when she was pregnant with her daughter, Brie. Now Brie appears to be in the same situation, and it becomes Betsy’s mission to console her and encourage her to repair her marriage. Noel gives little sympathy, and basically no help or encouragement. Plus, Betsy’s friend Bett is constantly conflicted about faith and hopes Betsy’s faith rubs off on her, and she keeps hinting she has a big secret.

Please give us the first page of the book.

The very first page is a comment from Bett. The next is the prologue in Betsy’s voice.

I never intended to deceive anyone, especially Betsy. She is the love of my life. But, it’s gone on too long. Deception is not right. The truth must set me free, as well as all those I love.

Prologue

“You make the most unique salads. Heavens, Betsy, you should go into the business.”

And that’s how it all started.

Unfortunately, or maybe not, that comment was made by my mother. That’s why my signature salad is dubbed “Heavenly Harriett.”

Lists. My bane.

Grocery, shopping, cleaning, gifts to buy, bills to pay . . . hopes, dreams, a butterfly life.

I open my journal and write what to me seems obvious at my stage of life.

What I want:

A full-time live-in housekeeper. Nada on cooking. That’s my department.

A come-to-the-house daily personal trainer to help me eliminate the love handles, protruding tum-tum and ballooning derriere.

A new catering van. Old Sassy is becoming very cantankerous. But, if I get wish #4, this is a moot wish.

A good, God-fearing, Bible-believing husband who is dripping in dough – the money kind.

Closing the book with a sigh and a snuffle, I start chopping.

Sounds like a fun read. How can readers find you on the Internet?

I love to hear from my readers. I can be contacted at bengstrom@hotmail.com, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bonnieengstromauthor?fref=ts or check out my website at www.bonnieengstrom.com. They can write to me at 8776 E. Shea Blvd., 106-528, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.

Thank you, Lena, for this wonderful opportunity to chat with you on your award-winning blog. It’s been fun!

It has been a blessing to finally get to interview you about a book. And I know my readers are as interested in this book as I am.

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

Butterfly Dreams - Amazon
Butterfly Dreams (A Christian Contemporary Romance) - Kindle

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