THE GENERAL PRINCE AND THE NERD - Cami Checketts - One Free Book from this blog

Welcome, Cami. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about? I love redemption themes because we all need redemption and it’s so touching to be on a journey with a character as they feel the light of Christ and the joy of His redeeming power in their lives.

I also love the simplicity and power of prayer. I cannot get through one hour without prayer and am so grateful that my Father above is always there to listen to me and help me no matter how small or massive my problem is.

What other books of yours are coming out soon? I’m focused on my Sweet Royal Suspense Romance series for the next few months. The second book, The Brave Prince and the Teacher is written but going through the rounds of edits that are painful and incredible at the same time – kind of like the growing pains of life!

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why? Elder Jeffrey Holland. His testimony of the Savior is so powerful, and I am inspired every time I listen to him speak.

What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why? George Washington. I am incredibly inspired by his bravery and his trust in heaven. None of us would enjoy the freedom (religious and otherwise) that we take for granted every day without him.

How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers? I went through five years of rejection. It hurt and I cried and I am a much better writer because of it. If you love to write and you know it’s your path, pray hard, work hard, never give up, and no one will be able to stop you from succeeding.

Tell us about the featured book. Prince Raymond August, second in line to his twin brother, is head of security and feels the weight of protecting his family and his kingdom deeply. He won’t let another tragedy occur, not after his own angelic Mum was murdered right under his nose. His pain and grief deepen his resolve to be ever-vigilant, no matter the cost. He especially can’t allow himself to be distracted by the beautiful woman assigned to protect his brother, even if every moment he spends with her feels more wonderful and right than the last.

When Macey Clifton is asked to fake an engagement to Crown Prince Tristan to protect him, she knows she’s not cut out for the royal world. She’d prefer to hide behind her unnecessary glasses, frumpy clothes, and her computer programs. But no other female warriors are available, so she agrees. To prove to herself that she really is brave, bold, and beautiful, she impulsively greets the prince with a kiss when she first meets him. To her great surprise, this most incredible kiss of the century turns out to not be with her fiancé, but with his twin brother, Ray.

Macey and Ray both try to fight their feelings, but can’t resist sneaking glances at each other. As they work together to solve the queen’s murder and protect the crown prince from anonymous death threats, they realize they are falling far too quickly in love.

Will their undeniable attraction, secret rendezvous, and forbidden love blossom into a happily ever after, or only cause a shattered brotherhood and longing for something they’ll never have?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Macey Clifton gaped out the window of the silver Audi A8. Her boss, Sutton Smith, drove smoothly through the narrow country road of a picturesque mountain valley, past lakes and fields and the most perfect stone homes with flower baskets on each window.

Sutton slowed as he reached the far end of the valley and entered the quaint village of Greenville. The row of shops and restaurants, each two stories with balconies and flowers spilling over the wrought-iron railings, and a perfect stone church with a steeple reaching to heaven, butted up against a peaceful mountain lake. Above the lake, perched on a green knoll and watching over its valley below, was a castle.

A castle! She, Macey Clifton, reclusive nerd who hid from the world in Sutton Smith’s basement command center and made sure every computer program, security protocol, and all the various surveillance equipment worked correctly for the hundreds of security details Sutton and his people were undertaking at any given moment, was going to live in a castle with the royal family of Augustine and pretend to be engaged to the crown prince.

There were many problems with this op, the first one being she was a reclusive nerd.

No, the first problem was that Macey had seen a picture of the crown prince. “Hyperventilating again,” she muttered.

“Deep breaths,” Sutton counseled, unruffled as ever.

Macey tried. In … and out …

Prince Tristan and each of his five brothers, one of whom was his identical twin, had been blessed with startling blue eyes, welcoming smiles, and insanely handsome faces. They were all sought after by gorgeous, influential, accomplished, and powerful women throughout the world.

None of the princes had married yet, even though Prince Tristan and his twin were thirty years old. Macey wasn’t worried about some jealous female trying to take her out, though that was a possibility. She was concerned how anybody would believe the ultra-good-looking, wealthy, apparently charming prince would choose her. Somehow she had to play the part of confident future princess … future queen … oh boy.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/camicheckettsbooks/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CamiCheckettsBooks/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@camicheckettsbooks

BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cami-checketts

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@camichecketts

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cami-Checketts/author/B002NGXNC6

Website - https://www.camichecketts.com

Thank you, Cami, for sharing The General Prince and the Nerd with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read the whole series. I’d love to feature each of them with my readers.

Readers, Cami has a $50 giveaway going through June 3rd with her new royal release, and she has a free book, Royal Baby, through today. I downloaded mine from Amazon yesterday.

Camy, please tell my readers how they can enter the giveaway.

Readers, here’s a link to thefeatured book.

https://www.amazon.com/General-Prince-Sweet-Romance-Suspense/dp/B0C5YFKMG2/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1685373693&sr=8-1

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 2 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, 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 

THE BROKEN PATH - Cami Checketts - One Free Book

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

Lately He’s been telling me to slow down. I’m fighting to find balance between writing, serving others, and taking good care of my boys. I now only allow myself two hours a day to write and if I don’t get to it because the baby doesn’t nap or the 6 year old won’t go to sleep at night, I try not to get bugged. The balancing act is hard, any advice would be wonderful!

We all have to find our own paths to the balance we need in our lives. Tell us a little about your family.

I have a fun and patient husband and four cute boys – 14, 10, 6, and 2. The big boys spoil me and their little brothers and are amazing lacrosse players. The little boys are crazy and hilarious. We have a great time, just a little too busy!

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

Yes! I hate that I can’t just enjoy a book anymore, I feel like I have to analyze what’s working or not and how I would improve the book. Sometimes it’s helpful, but sometimes it’s just distracting from a great story!

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on the sequel to Poison Me, that has been a lot of fun. I’m also polishing a stand-alone novel entitled, Blog This, about a mom who blogs against violent video games and is rewarded with a visit from a hit man. It’s intense and terrifying.

What outside interests do you have?

I love being with my boys and exercising. The ideal is a bike ride with the family, lifting weights with my husband, or a run with my older boys (I tell them it will make them faster at lacrosse).

How do you choose your settings for each book?

My books all stem from nightmares so wherever the characters are in my nightmares is where the setting is. Most of my books have been set pretty close to home, but one I’m working on right now is set in Seaside, Oregon, a beautiful little town.

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

George Washington. I just love his courage and integrity, but I think I might be so intimidated by how brilliant he was I’d probably just sit there dumbstruck.

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

That I had a lot to learn! My boys are still using some of my first novels as scrap paper, they were honestly quite terrible, but I had fun and you can’t learn unless you keep trying, right?

Right. What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

Patience. Sorry, that one’s not new.

Truly loving others and letting go of my selfish tendencies, seeing the best in each person and hoping for the best for them as well.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Wow, I wish somebody would tell me. Okay, here’s my best shot: Write about a subject/character you’re passionate about; celebrate each little success but at the same time don’t take it too seriously; success is enjoying what you’re doing no matter how many books you sell.

Tell us about the featured book.

Injured in a debilitating accident at age six, Ethan Searle believes women eye him with a mixture of pity and disdain. He's tried love before. He won't again. He meets his match in a precocious two year old who loves him despite his disability, even while her mother seems bothered by everything about Ethan.

Autumn Reader escaped her abusive marriage with her beautiful daughter and a stack of fear. She can't make the mistake of trusting a man again. Autumn's daughter becomes enraptured by Ethan. Despite Autumn's best intentions, she finds herself following her daughter's example. When her ex-husband reappears, threatening everyone she loves if she won't submit to his demands, Autumn has to learn to trust or lose her chance at real love. 

Please give us the first page of the book.

Out of breath and sweating, Autumn approached the familiar building lugging her daughter and her church bag. She didn’t have time to reflect on the historic church or all the memories of entering these doors as a child, but the feelings washed over her anyway. She’d grown up with this beautiful redbrick structure. She missed the building and the people in it. The scent of pine trees fell upon her as soft as sunshine. The grounds were studded with Austrian pines arching toward the heavens.

Brittan tapped her arm. “I walk, Mama.”

Catapulted back to the hurried present, the memories fled. “No, sorry, love. We can’t be late. I hate being late for church.”

“Mama!” Brittan’s green eyes widened. “You say hate. That a bad word. You want your mouth wash with soap?”

“Oh, no. Please don’t wash my mouth out with soap.”

Brittan nodded, her blonde curls bounced as she wagged a finger in Autumn’s face for emphasis. “Kay, but watch what you say.”

Autumn suppressed a grin at her daughter. Although they looked alike, Autumn was certain she’d never been this feisty. “I don’t like being late for church. Is that better?”

“Uh-huh.” Brittan struggled to be on her own two feet. “Me walk, Mama.”

Autumn shook her head. “You can walk when we get inside.”

They advanced upon a large, muscular man hobbling toward the front door, gripping a steel brace with each hand. He was huge. Autumn had always felt like an Amazon woman, but he towered over her. She guessed he was at least 6’4” with shoulders like a linebacker.

His movements fascinated her. She slowed her pace, forgetting her hurry. He lumbered forward using the strength of his brawny arms. He pushed off with his left leg, dragging his right. His left leg appeared normal, except for the outward rotation of his foot. The muscles of his right thigh pulled taut against his slacks. Her eyes traveled down, and she noticed the way his pant leg dangled around his right calf. There couldn’t have been much more than bone and skin covering his lower limb.

Her eyes lifted. The thin dress shirt he wore clearly illustrated the muscles working across his back and shoulders. She admired each striation. His build was incredible. Probably the result of years of weightlifting, plus it must be quite a workout for him to walk anywhere.

Autumn felt instant compassion and a great deal of respect for the man. What a hard way to live. She rushed ahead, jerking the door open before he had time to reach it.

At that moment, he raised his head, looking into her eyes. Autumn felt a jolt ripple through her system. Recognition flared. She’d seen him before, but she couldn’t remember where. Her heart thumped wildly. She gazed into intense, dark eyes, fringed with black lashes. She stared at his face, his crippled legs forgotten. Her eyes dropped to view a strong jaw line and firm lips. Those lips looked more than a little intriguing.

“Thank you,” a deep voice murmured.

The thank you wasn’t uttered with sincerity. Her mouth gaped open, but she clamped it shut. How could she apologize when she didn’t know what she’d done wrong?

He maneuvered with his braces to the next set of doors, grabbing the handle with two of his fingers. His braces clanked against the door, reminding her of his condition. Edging backward, he held the door for her and Brittan.

“Oh, no.” Autumn shook her head in embarrassment, realizing how difficult the movement must have been for him. “No, let me hold it for you.”

The look in his eyes told her she’d humiliated him.

“Please,” that wonderful voice rumbled with an almost reproachful tone. “Allow me.”

Ouch. “Uh, sorry.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.camichecketts.com

https://www.facebook.com/CamiCheckettsAuthor

http://www.amazon.com/Cami-Checketts/e/B002NGXNC6

Thank you for having me on the blog!

Hugs,

Cami

It's my pleasure to share you and your new book with my readers.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Broken Path - paperback
The Broken Path - 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 Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, 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

DEAD RUNNING - Cami Checketts - One Free Book, Print or Ebook, Winner's Choice

Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I have horrible nightmares. I write about my dreams as therapy and then I start daydreaming about what would happen after the nightmare and the book just evolves from there.

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

The birth of each of my four boys.

How has being published changed your life?

It’s made me more busy! I definitely have to work hard (and pray hard) to keep things in perspective. I set writing hours when my boys are at school and the baby is napping and when that time is up I focus on being a Mom.

What are you reading right now?

Gifts and Consequences by Daniel Coleman

What is your current work in progress?

Blog This. It’s about a mom who blogs against violent video games.

What would be your dream vacation?

Italy.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

When I have my nightmares I usually know where the setting is and just develop it from there.

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

Can I be boring and say my husband? An evening alone with that guy would be heaven. I really like him. Crazy, huh?

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Running, strength training, playing with my cute boys.

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

Description. I like things really fast-paced. I have to force myself to go back in and add description. For some reason the reader wants to know what color the hero’s hair is.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Learn all you can about the craft of writing, read a lot, don’t give up, and enjoy it. If writing isn’t fun (most of the time), don’t do it.

Tell us about the featured book.

Cassidy Christensen is running.

Running from the mercenaries who killed her parents.

Running from a scheming redhead intent on making her life miserable. 

Running from painful memories that sabotage her dreams of happiness.

With two very tempting men competing for her attention, she hopes she’ll finally have someone to run to, but can she trust either of them? When secrets from her past threaten her family, Cassidy decides to stop running and fight for her future.

Please give us the first page of the book.

I inched down another stair, hoping the soft creaks wouldn’t give me away to whoever was arguing in my living room. My dad was visiting me this week, gathering medical supplies for another one of his projects. I’d been gracious and allowed him to host his meetings in my living room. The support from the medical community in our little corner of Northern Utah was actually impressive, but did one of the doctors have to show up in the middle of the night?

I was in that luscious almost-asleep phase when I heard the banging on my front door and crawled out of bed. Irritation turned to fear as I listened to the conversation. The man threatening Dad wasn’t one of his supporters.

“You interfered with the wrong shipment this time.”

“Shipment?” Dad asked. “These are human beings, not some profit margin.”

I reached the bottom step and peeked around the wall. My dad stood near the fireplace with a mixture of shock and revulsion on his sunburned face.

Just inside the front door, a man peeked out from the shadow of a hooded sweatshirt. He yanked out a wicked-looking blade. I covered my mouth to stifle the scream. My stomach knotted. My legs felt like ice. I didn’t know if I could move, let alone help.

The knife sailed through the air. My father darted to the side. The blade jabbed into his upper arm. Dad yelped. The pain in his face lodged in my own gut. He grabbed at his arm and yanked the knife out, spraying the wall with blood. My dad’s blood. Help. I had to do something. 

The hooded figure closed the distance and wrenched the weapon from dad’s fingers, lifting it above his head.

“No!” I leapt from my hiding spot, grabbed a heavy picture frame off the end table, and smacked the man with it. 

“Cassidy!” Dad inhaled quickly, hazel eyes widening.

The attacker knocked the picture frame out of my hands and pointed the bloody knife my direction. Dark eyes swept over the skin not covered by my t-shirt and cut-off sweats. I squirmed, his look scaring me as much as his knife. I backed up a step, eyes focused on the blade.

Wow! How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.camichecketts.com

http://camicheckettsbooks.blogspot.com

https://twitter.com/#!/camichecketts

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Cami-Checketts/113772468658355

Thank you, Cami, for the very interesting interview.

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

Dead Running - paperback
Dead Running - 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 Feedblitz, Facebook, 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

THE SISTER PACT - Cami Checketts - Free Book

Welcome, Cami, to my blog. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

My husband reads me into every heroine I write. I firmly believe that my characters are their own people. I don’t want any responsibility for the awful things they do.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Dressed up to go out on the town with a nasty pink wig and played Laser Tag with a huge gaggle of Moms. We got a lot of comments (few of them positive).

I can imagine that. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

When I tried to take the summer off to enjoy my boys and instead drove us all insane.

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

I’m not as adventurous as I should be. I love suspense, romance, and the classics in fiction. In nonfiction I stick to theological books, books on writing, and fitness-related topics.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

The Fourth of July and The Broken Path are my first two published books. I don’t think you want to hear the list of books I’ve written. My first two attempts worked great for starting campfires. I currently have three books finished that I need to polish and send off to my publisher. It’s hard to let these babies go.

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

I run. Literally. I’m an exercise scientist and if I don’t get an hour or more of running or weight-lifting in, nobody is happy at my house.

My other relief is Sunday. The Sabbath is truly a day of rest for my family. We go to church and then we enjoy each other. No cooking (okay, I bake, but that’s fun), no cleaning, no writing. This wonderful break makes the rest of my crazy life possible.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

First names are fun. My characters start having conversations in my brain shortly after I have a nightmare that starts the plot. They always tell me their names.

Last names are horrible. Phonebook?

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Being a mom. Have you seen how cute my boys are?

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A bear. Whenever we read Franklin books I find myself relating with Bear. He loves to eat! I like food far too much and I’m extremely over-protective of my children. Nobody messes with the Momma bear!

What is your favorite food?

Chocolate. Has to be high-quality though. I found my seven-year old sneaking Ghirardelli chocolate from the freezer and whispering to his friend, “You can eat my mom’s chocolate, but you can’t chew it, you have to savor it.”

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

Confidence. Believing that I’m smart enough, imaginative enough, brave enough to make it in such a tough industry. I’ll let you know if I ever overcome it.

What advice would you give to an author just starting out?

Find a fabulous critique group. My critique group cheers me on and gives me insights I would never find elsewhere.

Tell us about the featured book?

Savannah Compton is devastated when her sister and best friend, Allison, falls into a coma after a tragic accident. Or was it an accident? Even with a charming and handsome detective at her side, it seems Savannah may never discover the truth. But if she doesn’t her family could be in even more danger. And Savannah’s past holds its own secrets that could change everything.

Now she must prove her innocence to the one person who is beginning to matter most. Join Savannah as she struggles to summon faith and rely on hope, even in the darkest of circumstances, and learn how the bond between sisters can overcome anything.

Please give us the first page of the book.


Wesley Richins dimmed the lights, inching to a stop across the street from his target’s two-story house. The Hummer was loud. Too loud. He cut the motor and peered out his windshield. Light radiated from the interior of the house, spilling onto the porch and yard. He couldn’t see the woman. He waited.

Minutes later he received his reward, a glimpse of her at the kitchen window. She filled a glass with water and handed it to her baby.

Wes licked his lips. His eyes devoured her: Dark hair, olive skin, sparkling brown eyes. His heartbeat increased. Three weeks. His fingers tapped a staccato on the steering wheel. Three weeks of watching and waiting. He wrapped his palm around the wheel. Tonight was the payoff.

She walked from the kitchen and moments later passed the panes of glass adorning her front door. A glance at the clock confirmed his wait was almost over—nine p.m., bedtime for her son. He rubbed his hands together. He’d give her some time to relax and then make his appearance.

How would she react? He tilted the rearview mirror and grinned at his reflection. What a dumb question. How did every woman react to him?

She’d melt.

Don't stop there. Okay, everyone, I'm sure you feel like me. You have to get your hands on that book. How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.camichecketts.com/
http://camicheckettsbooks.blogspot.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Sister-Pact-Cami-Checketts/dp/1599552671
http://www.cedarfort.com/kahuga/gallery.jsp

Thank you so much, Lena.
Blessings to you all,
Cami

And thank you, Cami, for spending this time with us.

Readers, here's a link where you can order the book. By using this link when you order, you will help support this blog.

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


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 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/