MISTLETOE MEMORIES - Carla Olson Gade - One Free Book

Welcome back, Carla. Why do you write the kind of books you do?
I write Historical Christian Romance which I call “Adventures of the Heart” because life always is an adventure of the heart. I love writing historical settings with a rich faith thread sewn in.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
The day I remarried my first husband. Our story is a testimony to God’s redeeming love and a love story I could never have imagined.

How has being published changed your life?
Foremost, it is the realization of my dream. It is joy. But I am learning that it is not a destination, but a new road the Lord has set me on. There is so much to do and my routine has changed from one learning and creating to managing, marketing, and continuing to learn and create.

That is so true, Carla. What are you reading right now?
I’m reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. A blessing and an experience.

What is your current work in progress?
I’m writing some proposals and chapters for a few projects for historical novels. I always put a lot into these, including a great deal of preliminary research which inspires the plot and pattern for the story.

What would be your dream vacation?

A dream vacation would be a family vacation to Sweden and Norway, the homeland of both my husband and my ancestors. It would be wonderful to travel there and experience the culture and maybe do some genealogy research to learn more about our family histories.

My father’s family emigrated from Scandanavia. One side from Norway, the other from Sweden. How do you choose your settings for each book?
Sometimes the location is pre-determined as it was for The Shadow Catcher’s Daughter, set in the four corners region or for my newest novella in Mistletoe Memories, set on Schooley’s Mountain in New Jersey. I determine the year based on interesting events or a time period that fascinates me or is relevant to creating an interesting plot. When I initiate the project I consider both factors that work together to create an interesting setting such as pre-revolutionary Boston. The setting must interest me enough to excite me and inspire the story and also offer the reader a setting that will hold their interest as they read the story.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
I think it would be amazing to visit with Jeralean Talley, the oldest living American. She’s 114 years old and a devout Christian.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?
I enjoy photography, genealogy, graphic design, and designing houses for fun. 

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
I enjoy research and preparing for writing immensely, but when I look at the big picture it is sometimes overwhelming. It is always a challenge to decide on which details are most important to include and to organize the story and character arcs. The task can be daunting and sometimes feels like I’m spending more time planning that actually writing. Once I get it worked out, I’m set to go and things flow pretty well so I guess it is worth the effort.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?
Everyone has a unique experience so don’t expect your publication journey to look the same as others. Sometimes you will share the path with others and at times travel a solitary road. You may lead the way, inspiring others, encourage another along the way, or follow and learn. Sometimes you will take an interesting detour. Everyone’s journey is different so resist the temptation to compare yourself to others or expect to arrive at the same destination. Make the most of your own journey and follow the path as the Lord directs. You may be surprised where it leads!

That is very true. Tell us about the featured book.
Mistletoe Memories is a Christmas novella collection from Barbour. One of America’s earliest summer resorts began atop the majestically wooded Schooley’s Mountain where the mecca of chalybeate springs (or “magic water”) drew visitors from near and far. Eventually the magic water disappeared, but the memories remained. The four stories in MISTLETOE MEMORIES cover the almost 200 years after the house was built and center around a house that became a refuge … that became an orphanage … that became a home.

’Tis the Season by Carla Olson Gade
In 1820, Stephan Yost, resident carpenter of Schooley’s Mountain, New Jersey’s fashionable resort, spends off-season working on repairs, renovations, and constructing new buildings. When he is hired to build a permanent home for the resort's physician and his spirited daughter, Annaliese Braun, in time for Christmas, Stephan finds himself enamored by the precocious spinster. But will he be able to compete for her affections against the advances of a manipulative iron baron?

Sounds interesting. Please give us the first page of the book.

’Tis the Season
Schooley’s Mountain Springs

Washington Township, New Jersey

Late October 1820

            “Slow there, boys. Whoa, Hippocrates. Whoa, Galen!”

Annaliese Braun arched back as she drew in the reins with a firm grip. Spooked by a high-pitched whistle, the pair of riled horses continued their unsteady trot. The conveyance shook and the horses lurched ahead. The carriage shuddered beneath her as she tried to maintain control and pull the horses to a stop.

“Ea–sy fellas,” Annaliese called out to them, peering at the packed dirt road before her. The carriage felt askew. She leaned over and beheld the large wheel wobbling at her side, looking up in time to see a large branch strewn across the mountain road. The team shifted and with a jolt, angled back.

            The rear wheels of the wagon slid into the wide gulch at the side of the road. Wet with leaves from last night’s storm, the slippery descent tipped the carriage at a precarious angle on

the uneven terrain. The carriage rocked from side to side, back and forth, as the horses wrestled to gain footing.

I must stop the horses! Annaliese moved to the edge of the footboard of her father’s red landau. As she felt for the tread, her cotton pelisse caught on the side lantern. She steadied the toe of her ankle-boot on the small step and tugged at her long cloak. As she struggled to free herself, the horses bucked and knocked her onto the damp ground where she landed in a most unladylike fashion. Hippocrates and Galen shuffled about as they dug their hooves into the rocky, leaf-strewn slope.

            She looked up at the carriage looming over her, trying to find her voice. The harnesses pulled taut and the wheels rolled forward—toward her legs beneath the coach. Annaliese pushed against the ground trying to move, when strong arms grabbed her by the shoulders, hoisting her from harm’s way.

I must know to whom those strong arms belong. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website:  www.carlagade.com

Blog:  www.carlaolsongade.com

Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/fbgade

Twitter:  @ carlagade  https://twitter.com/carlagade

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/carlaolsongade

Thank you for another great visit, Lena! You are a blessing!

And I’m thrilled to have you visit us again, Carla.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Mistletoe Memories - Christianbook.com
Mistletoe Memories: Four-in-One Romance Collection (Romancing America) - Amazon.com
Mistletoe Memories: Four Generations Transform a House Into a Home for Christmas (Romancing America) - Kindle

Christian Book Store

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

PATTERN FOR ROMANCE - Carla Olson Gade - One Free Book

Welcome, Carla. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
An author’s job is to get inside the head of their characters so I wouldn’t say there is much of me at all. They teach me so much when their personalities emerge through their point of view. That being said, I do find myself drawing from my some of my own experiences to authenticate experiences or emotion, but it is expressed through the filter of the character’s personality. For instance, I had to write a scene of a parent’s death weeks after my step-dad had passed away. I felt it in a raw way, but those emotions made it to the page through the unique perception of my heroine. 

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
Does yodeling Eddy Arnold’s Cattle Call into the great beyond in the Blue Ridge Mountains count? My mom and I couldn’t resist when we were on vacation several years ago and had stopped at a scenic overlook. To our enormous embarrassment a hiker came climbing up the mountain below along the Appalachian Trail and greeted us with nary a yodel in reply.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I’ve been imagining stories all of my life and remember the magical feeling when I first learned to write my name. In school I was commended for my writing skill and that affirmed me greatly. As an adult I began to consider the possibilities of writing for the edification and entertainment of others. It wasn’t until I wrote stories for my children and began to read Christian fiction in the early 90’s that I ever hoped to write a novel of my own, but I didn’t attempt that task until many years later. Really, I think I had a pen in the womb.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I read historical fiction and non-fiction almost exclusively. For fiction I enjoy early American from the colonial period through the late 19th century as well as British regencies and Victorian settings. I also love to read non-fiction true histories of events and people.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
I find refreshment in God’s Word, which is life to me. I also find that the little things which offer brief respites help: sipping a cup of tea, listening to praise music, taking a walk in the fresh air, watching TV and movie classics that lighten my mood, holding my new grandson and breathing in that new baby scent.

Oh, those grandbabies are awesome. We’re expecting our second great grand before the end of the year. Can’t wait. How do you choose your characters’ names?
Since I write historicals, I first consider names that fit the setting of the novel. I research vital records, military rolls, and cemetery lists from the time frame and location of my story. My characters names are often significant to their personalities so baby name websites prove helpful. Pattern for Romance has a colonial setting with the theme of honesty so my protagonist’s name bears the fitting name of Honour.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Becoming a published author without a doubt. It means so much to me to have realized a long-time goal. It felt like a dream for so long and now it is a reality. I’m so humbled and grateful and still tickled silly over it!

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
A wild horse so I could run free through the great outdoors. Or a cat. Spoiled, like mine.

What is your favorite food?
Lobster! Or lobstah as we say it in Maine. Ayuh.

I love lobster, but I’m sure I don’t get it as often as you do. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
I really felt overwhelmed by all of the “rules” of writing when I was learning to develop my craft. As a student I struggled with some learning differences and was always poor at grammar. Great for a writer, huh? Creative writing was my strong point, however, and I was determined to learn how to polish my prose. I decided to study at my own pace with the goal of learning something new daily.

Tell us about the featured book.
Honour Metcalf’s quilting needlework is admired by a wealthy customer of the Boston mantua-maker for whom she works. In need of increasing her earnings, she agrees to create an elaborate white work bridal quilt for the dowager’s niece. A beautiful design emerges as she carefully stitches the intricate patterns and she begins to dream of fashioning a wedding quilt of her own.

When Honour is falsely accused of thievery and finds herself in a perilous position, merchant tailor Joshua Sutton, comes to her aid. Joshua risks his relationships, reputation, and livelihood to prove her innocence but even that might not be enough.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Boston, Massachusetts
July 31, 1769

The crack of musket fire resounded through the clouded sky. Hailstones, the size of goose eggs, pelted the cobbled thoroughfare as people ran for shelter. Thunder clapped and an onslaught of shouts and shrieks echoed nature’s vehement warning. Honour Metcalf sank to her knees in a puddle of quilted petticoats and toile—her mitted hands encased her head, vying for protection against the artillery of hail and confusion.

            “Miss Metcalf, Miss Metcalf . . .”

            A muffled voice reached her ears and she dared peek at the one towering over her. Blue eyes—those eyes—flashed concern, then vanished as a dark cloak enveloped her. Strong arms scooped her up, pressing her against the firm chest of her rescuer.

            Honour could scarcely make out the blur of damaged brick and clapboard as Joshua Sutton’s long strides carried her away in haste. Glazed windows popped and shards of glass

flew as hail continued to wreak havoc on shops and offices. Fallen birds littered the street amidst the frozen ammunition. Lightning flashed and Honour squeezed her eyes shut, willing away the shrill neighs of horses and the cracking of the icy brimstone beneath carriage wheels.

            The pair made their way through a heavy wooden door and into a dimly lit foyer. Mr. Sutton rested Honour upon along bench and stooped beside her. With trembling hands, she pushed back her taffeta calash. The boned collapsible bonnet provided some measure of protection from the torrent, but what would protect her from him?

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website: http://carlagade.com

Blogs: http://writingtodistraction.blogspot.com and http://colonialquills.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Carla-Olson-Gade/316054038409932

Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlagade

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/carlaolsongade

Thank you, Lena, for your gracious hospitality and for everything you do to help promote Christian fiction!

It’s my pleasure and great blessing, just as we’re blessed to be able to participate in the release of your debut novel.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Pattern for Romance - Christianbook
Pattern for Romance: Quilts of Love Series - Amazon
Pattern for Romance: Quilts of Love Series - Kindle

Christian Book Store

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