THE ARIZONA TERRITORY BRIDES COLLECTION - Carol Cox - One Free Ebook

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

I seldom begin writing a book with a specific theme in mind. It tends to take shape as I watch the story unfold and discover new things about the characters along the way. Looking back, I can see that themes of trust and women discovering their inner strength seem to come up over and over again in my books.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

My current project is bringing some of my older titles back into print, and I’m thrilled at the opportunity to make these books available to a whole new group of readers. This fall, I’m especially excited to bring back a favorite series: A Fair to Remember. The three books in the series—Ticket to Tomorrow, Fair Game, and A Bride So Fair—offer a blend of history, mystery, and romance set against the backdrop of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. It was a fascinating moment in time, and I hope readers will enjoy experiencing it as much as I did!

I love reading about the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. I’ll want to feature that series as well. If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

Over the past few years, I’ve become increasingly involved with Operation Christmas Child and have been blessed to meet some of the people serving on national leadership teams in different countries. These people are my heroes—especially those working in areas where sharing the Gospel truly means putting their lives and safety on the line. It would be an honor to spend time with one of those team members and see that kind of bold faith in action.

James and I have participated in OCC for decades, too. We love that organization and have also volunteered on the local level. What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

Working to get the A Fair to Remember series ready for release this fall, I’ve had my attention focused on 1893 Chicago. Fair Game includes a connection to Dwight L. Moody’s World’s Fair campaign, so Mr. Moody has been on my mind a lot lately. I’m inspired by the way he realized that the thousands of visitors coming to the fair from distant lands offered an unparalleled opportunity to spread the Gospel to countries all over the globe…without ever leaving Chicago. Being able to spend time with this man of God and get a glimpse of his heart for evangelism would be an amazing experience!

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

There is nothing joyful about getting a rejection, especially when so much of our heart and effort have been poured into a project. It’s easy to focus on the pain and not much else. Not long ago, I was going through some story files that included early rejection letters for those titles. I remembered how much it hurt to be turned down and how easy it was to feel that my work just wasn’t good enough. If I had let those feelings take over, I might have given up and stopped pursuing publication. To be honest, that temptation was certainly there—discouragement has a way of blinding us to anything but the negative. Following the suggestions of more seasoned authors, I tried setting those rejections aside for a while before looking at them again. I was astonished to find a number of positive comments, when all I had seen at first was a resounding “No.” That helped me get back on track, learning from the criticisms, but encouraged by the favorable comments.

Tell us about the featured book.

Growing up in Phoenix—back in the days before dairy farms and cotton fields gave way to asphalt and new construction—I had the joy of listening to stories from some of the “old timers” who’d lived in Arizona since its territorial days. Those stories sparked a lifelong interest in the history of the West in general and Arizona in particular. The four books in this collection are a tribute to the women and men who worked together to tame this corner of the Western frontier.

MEET THE ARIZONA TERRITORY BRIDES--
Four strong, independent women—each determined to stand on her own two feet,
and not one of them looking for romance. But sometimes love shows up when you least expect it...

Elizabeth Simmons longs to realize her dreams of independence in the newly formed Arizona Territory. Will losing her heart to Michael O’Roarke undermine the independence she has worked so hard to achieve? Or could this land of danger also prove to be her Land of Promise?

Orphaned, then traded to a saloonkeeper by her unscrupulous guardian, Jenny Davis has learned some hard lessons in life. For one thing, she knows beyond a doubt that God doesn’t love her. Andrew Garrett is scouting land for mining investors when he meets Jenny. Digging ore out of hard rock may be easier than breaking down the walls of distrust Jenny has erected around herself in Refining Fire.

Before asking for Hallie Evans’s hand, Jacob Garrett wants to prove his worth to local ranchers—and himself. He’s determined to expose a ring of cattle thieves, then fight in a war for Cuba’s freedom. When his plans are sabotaged by Hallie’s impatient but well-meaning father, Hallie must help her father face his own demons…and sort out her feelings for Jacob. Can faith in God mend all wounds—and allow for romance—in Road to Forgiveness?

Catherine O’Roarke leaves the ranch she’s always called home and moves to Phoenix to take a job at a land investment company. Mitchell Brewer, a journalist for the Phoenix Clarion, comes across some land sales that appear to be a cover for fraud. Mitch knows he has to write the truth, even if it costs him dearly—so dearly that any future with Catherine could be gone. Will Mitch and Catherine be able to see the Lord’s hand at work under a Copper Sunrise?

Please give us the first page of the book.

February 1867

Prescott, Arizona Territory

Richard Bartlett leaned into the biting wind as he walked along, hating the wind, hating the cold, and finding no beauty in the brilliant streaks of rose and gold that tinged the late afternoon sky.

The letter tucked into his waistcoat pocket crackled with every step, reminding him of his dilemma. Should he tell his wife that fool of a girl had written again, proposing a visit? And if he did, how should he break it to her? Letitia was hard enough to please in the best of times, but with her laid up now, and after their recent trouble, she was more sharp-tongued than ever. Head down, chin tucked into the woolen scarf around his neck, he paid little heed to the rugged beauty around him.

He barely noticed when a stocky figure stepped out of the shadows, planting its solid bulk directly in his path, and not flinching when the inevitable collision came.

“Why don’t you watch where you’re…” Richard broke off, realizing who he had run into. His cheeks flooded with heat, then chilled abruptly. “Timothy! I’m sorry, I didn’t see you.” He tried a weak laugh that didn’t quite come off.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I love to connect with readers online!

Visit my website at: www.AuthorCarolCox.com

You can also reach me on my Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/carol.cox

I’m spending more and more time on Pinterest these days, and it’s been a fun way to share ideas: www.pinterest.com/authorcarolcox.

Thanks so much for the chance to spend time with you and your readers, Lena. It’s always a

pleasure!

I love introducing long-time friends and their books to my blog readers.

Readers, here is a link to the book.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07W1BH5VS?ie=UTF8&tag=lenneldoochaw-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=B07W1BH5VS

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 4 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

A MATCH MADE IN TEXAS - Carol Cox, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, Karen Witemeyer - Three Free Books

Dear Readers, there were a lot of really good novella collections that I received in 2013. I read most of them and loved them. But this collection if my very favorite

Welcome, Carol Cox. How did your story for the collection come about?

I spent a number of years in Fort Worth while my husband was in seminary. During our time there, I fell in love with Texas. One of the reasons I was thrilled to take part in this collection was that it gave me an opportunity to write a story set in a state that still has a claim on my heart. An idea had been percolating in the back of my mind for quite a while about a young woman hired to help keep an eye on an older woman who is prone to flights of fantasy … or is her mind really a lot sharper than anyone suspects? A Match Made in Texas provided a perfect vehicle for bringing that story to life.

What other books have you had published?

This novella marks a milestone for me, since No Match for Love is my 30th published title. I’ve written novels and novellas for several different publishers in varied genres, including contemporary romance, contemporary cozy mysteries, and historicals. The historicals outnumber the others by far. You can find a complete bibliography of all my titles on my website: www.authorcarolcox.com

What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella collection?

No Match for Love is my 12th novella, so I’m very familiar with the process of putting a collection together. Some only have a unifying theme—a season, holiday, locale, etc. But in a collection like this, where the stories are intertwined, characters and locations overlap. It’s vital to keep them all straight, and that can be a tricky process! I felt very blessed to be part of a team that was so easy to work with and worked hard to keep all those details straight.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

There’s something special about joining forces in a project like this. I love the brainstorming and sharing of ideas that goes on! Of the other three authors, Mary is the only one I’ve met in person. Working with all of them was a joy, and getting acquainted with Karen and Regina online was a real bonus. I hope to have the pleasure of meeting them face to face one day!

Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers? If so, why?

I’ve been a member of ACFW since the beginning, back when it was known as ACRW (American Christian Romance Writers). Living in a somewhat isolated area, I don’t have many opportunities to connect with other writers locally. When I heard about a new group forming that would be devoted to Christian writers, I jumped at the chance to be a part of it. It’s such a blessing to be able to be a part of an organization like this, even though most of my connections are online rather than in person. The things I’ve learned through ACFW and the relationships I’ve formed with a number of the other members are priceless.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

I love connecting with readers online! You can find me:

at my website: www.authorcarolcox.com

on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carol.cox

I also blog on Writes of Passage on the first and third Saturdays of every month: http://www.writespassage.blogspot.com/

Thank you for a wonderful interview, Lena. I appreciate all the support you’ve given over the years more than I can say!

It’s been my pleasure to help promote your books I love them, and the Writes of Passage blog is on that I’ve followed and read a long time.

Welcome, Mary Connealy. How did your story for the collection come about?

Karen, Regina, Carol, and I are all Bethany House authors and Bethany wanted a novella collection. They hunted around for authors who had similar styles. We are all historical authors, who can write in a light-hearted style, plus we had time and were eager to do it. So we brainstormed story ideas and pitched them to Bethany House and we came up with this Matchmaker idea that we all loved.

What are you reading right now?

I am right this minute reading (brace yourself LOL) A Match Made in Texas. I hadn’t read the other stories in the collection. I finished Karen’s book on Christmas Eve. I am so in love with her Archer family that I was dying to get my hands on this book, and I finally had time late at night Christmas Eve after all the festivities were over AND I’d managed to launch myself into an insomniac fit, probably because of an overindulgence in caffeine laden things like chocolate. But I had the book at hand and just loved it. I didn’t get back to it last night but I’m looking forward to reading through the whole collection.

What other books have you had published?

C’mon, Lena, you don’t want the list and you know it. A Match Made in Texas is my … I’m gonna say 27th book. Mostly all romantic comedy with cowboys—though I’ve done a few other things. And last spring I signed a new contract with Bethany to keep doing this for a while, so the next book from them Stuck Together, which is book #3 in the Trouble in Texas series comes in June then we start a new series in September called the Wild at Heart series, book #1 is Tried and True.

I didn’t have those two books scheduled on my blog, so I just scheduled them. What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella collection?

Well, there was nothing about this that really counted as hard, so when I say hardest part it wasn’t hard at all. But we did start each of these books in the same town, Dry Gulch, Texas. My book stayed in Dry Gulch but Karen, Regina, and Carol took there “show on the road” you might say. They started there and immediately left. Still that start forced us to get our story straight about Dry Gulch. How big was it? Was there a train? What was the name of the General Store? Was anyone mentioning names of the characters in town and if so, what are those names. I had the son of the banker be my hero, the Whitfield Bank. So if anyone mentions the bank, they need to call it the Whitfield Bank. Karen’s heroine’s long deceased father owned the General Store. I had a General Store called Claasens. So she mentions the store as part of her backstory and then she has to say the old name and get the current name right, or at least not get it wrong. So we had to get a few of those facts straight, but that just gave us a change to talk to each other and that was always fun.

I have to tell you a funny story, Mary. I host a critique group in my home. Many newer authors have too much backstory in their first chapter. I've written it so many times, I started saying "too much BS." A while back, one of the new authors almost fell off her chair when she saw that. How did collaborating with this team impact you?

Mainly it gave me a chance to get to know Karen, Regina, and Carol better and that was great. We had a lot of fun writing this book.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

After 27 books, naming characters is just part of the landscape of my life, Lena. You know how that is. I name more people by noon on Wednesday than most people do in a lifetime. The main characters take a little thinking as do villains but there are a lot of secondary characters too and some of those names just don’t MATTER. It just needs to be done. Sometimes I name them by clicking on some random link on Google and just skimming some news article until a likely name jumps out at me. I try to be careful about that. I don’t think I’ve got any secondary characters named Tim Tebow, at least not yet.

Mary, you are so funny, Mary. What did you want the reader to take away from your story?

My main goal in my books is to entertain. I’m trying all the time to write the best, most entertaining book I’m capable of writing. If someone gets a deeper message from it, well that’s probably an accident.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

Seekerville
Petticoats and Pistols
My Blog
My Website
My Newsletter

Friend me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryconnealy

Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/maryconnealy

Welcome, Regina Jennings. What are you reading right now?

I am reading The Hole in Our Holiness by Kevin DeYoung, A Million Little Ways by Emily P. Freeman, and The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah E. Ladd.

I just finished reading The Headmistress of Rosemere last week. I loved it. What other books have you had published?

Like A Match Made in Texas my other books are historical romances and usually involve Western settings. My first two releases are Love in the Balance and Sixty Acres and a Bride, and I’m really excited about the upcoming spring release Caught in the Middle which stars a buffalo-hunting woman and a railroad tycoon.

What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella collection?

I’ve never written anything shorter than 95,000 words, so this was a huge shift for me. While plotting I kept thinking of subplots, secondary characters, changes in settings, and then I’d remember that I have a quarter of the words I’m used to having. That was difficult. On the other hand, my favorite scenes are always those that feature the romance. An Unforeseen Match gave me permission to stack those scenes up one after another, without apology.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

In this novella I kept thinking of my heroine as Faith but then I realized that she’s losing her eyesight and we can’t have Blind Faith, can we? Her name is now Grace.

Clayton Weber shares a last name with a friend of mine whom I used to babysit. Now she’s a librarian in Florida and yes, I’ll try to take credit for that.

What did you want the reader to take away from your story?

I want to remind them that they are capable of accomplishing great things. In the story, Grace fears that she has nothing left to contribute to the world because she is losing her sight, but with Clayton’s help she learns ways to compensate for her disability. In real life, our oldest daughter suffers from severe dyslexia and is a patron of the Library for the Blind. While visiting their facilities, we’ve met blind staff members who work fulltime shelving the audiotapes and books. With modified computers they keep tabs on their circulation and answer emails. There seems to be no limit to what they can do, and that opinion was solidified through the biographies I read about visually impaired people.

My research inspired me to look again at my excuses and ask myself if I’m really doing all I can, and I hope this story inspires others, too.

  

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

Several places, and I hope they do come alooking! I love getting to know readers.

Facebook - website: www.reginajennings.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReginaLJennings

Twitter: www.twitter.com/#!/ReginaJennings  

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/reginaljennings/

Welcome, Karen Witemeyer. How did your story for the collection come about?

My story, A Cowboy Unmatched, came about because I really wanted to write a happy ending for the last of the Archer brothers. Travis and Jim had found their true loves in Short-Straw Bride. Crockett and Joanna had their happy ending in Stealing the Preacher. But the youngest Archer, Neill, still needed his story told. I had so much fun turning the tables and putting a pretty (and very pregnant) widow on the business end of a shotgun to meet him when he arrived to work on her roof. Since the reclusive Archers were always scaring visitors off their land with the threat of firepower, this seemed poetic.

When I started reading your story and realized it was an archer brother, I was thrilled. What are you reading right now?

Right now I am reading a western Christmas novella by Kaki Warner titled Miracle in New Hope. It's excellent.

What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella collection?

The hardest thing is making sure little details match up. We purposely tried to keep our stories linked yet separate so there would be less overlap and fewer details to try to coordinate. But even so, our editor still found a few discrepancies that we needed to tweak. For example, I originally described the town of Dry Gulch as a dusty, one-horse town with only a handful of buildings. Since most of my story took place outside of town, this worked well for me. However, other stories that took place more in town, described Dry Gulch as a much more developed place. So I adjusted my description to match theirs. Editors are such a blessing!

Yes, they are. We authors couldn’t do without them. How do you choose your characters’ names?

I love using historically accurate names. I often visit the Social Security website and search their database of popular names by year. You can search all the way back to 1880. A fabulous resource! I also love using biblical names. However, my Archer brothers were extra fun because I named them each for a hero from the Alamo – Travis, Crockett, Bowie (who only answers to Jim), and Neill. Neill was named for the commander who had to leave the Alamo to care for an ill family member and therefore survived because he was absent when Santa Ana laid siege.

What did you want the reader to take away from your story?

Galatians 6:2 says we are to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” While many of us are good at helping others with their burdens, we often refuse to let others help us carry our own. Whether it be pride that keeps us from accepting help or fear that others will let us down or think us weak, it is hard to ask for help. Yet that is what the brotherhood of Christ is all about. Carrying each other’s burdens. That is the message of Neill and Clara’s story. Not only are we to be willing and eager to serve others in their time of need, but we are also to step out in trust and humility and allow others to serve us in the same way. 

Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers? If so, why?

Yes. I have been a member of ACFW since 2005. I credit this organization with launching my career. From pairing me with online critique partners, to providing an email loop where new authors can ask questions of seasoned veterans, to hosting national conferences where authors can interact with agents and editors from the top Christian publishing houses, ACFW is a Christian author’s best friend. I met both my editor and my agent at their conferences, and I truly believe I wouldn’t be published today without that contact.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

The easiest place to find information about my books is on my website at:

www.karenwitemeyer.com

I also love to interact with readers through Facebook and the two group blogs I contribute to: www.facebook.com/KarenWitemeyersAuthorPage

www.petticoatsandpistols.com (A western romance blog)

www.writespassage.blogspot.com (A Christian fiction blog of bestselling authors) 

Thank you, Carol, Mary, Regina, and Karen, for sharing with us today.

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

A Match Made in Texas - Christianbook.com
Match Made in Texas, A: A Novella Collection - Amazon.com
Match Made in Texas, A: A Novella Collection - 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

TROUBLE IN STORE - Carol Cox - One Free Book

Carol Cox is a long-time writer friend, and I really enjoy reading her books. Trouble in Store is a wonderful read. The characters really leapt from the pages into my mind and heart. Their lives and trouble are often in my thoughts.

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

I’m very excited about this month’s release of Trouble in Store. This historical romantic suspense was so much fun to research and write! Arizona offers a wide panorama of settings to explore, and I love the opportunity to bring those fascinating places to life in my books.

A bit farther out on the horizon is a novella collection where I detoured from my Arizona settings and traveled to your part of the country. Mary Connealy, Karen Witemeyer, and Regina Jennings were the other authors, and working with them was such a delight! Look for A Match Made in Texas next January.

I want to feature that book on my blog. I love to read books by all four of you. Tell us a little about your family.

Dave and I celebrated our 39th anniversary earlier this month, and what an adventure it has been! He’s the pastor of two small churches. In addition to that, he owns and operates the Davis Leather Company, which means I have a handy resource available for information on guns and gun leather.

Our daughter will be a senior in high school this fall. One of her goals for this summer is learning to drive … with me as her teacher. If you sense a nudging to pray for the two of us, please feel free to act upon it!

Our son is in the Air Force, and I’m very proud of his service to our country. He and his wife have blessed us with three sweet grandchildren who light up our lives.

I have a grandson in the Army overseas now. And I know how much grandchildren add to your lives. We now have a great grandson with another on the way. Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Between writing, making revisions, checking galleys, promoting the current release, and researching the next project, I simply don’t have the free time I used to be able to devote to reading. Much of the reading I do these days is for research, so I treasure the rare moments when I’m able to curl up with a book and read for sheer pleasure!

What are you working on right now?

I’m nearing completion of another story set in Arizona. This one features a heroine who inherits a newspaper, and I’m having a great time learning about the printing process in the late 19th century!

I’ll want to feature that book on the blog as well. What outside interests do you have?

As you might suspect, church activities take up a lot of my time. I play the piano at both our churches, teach children’s Sunday school, and lead a monthly women’s Bible study. And then there’s the youth group, which keeps us hopping! We’ve been blessed with two wonderful congregations, and I’m very grateful to be able to work with all these different age groups.

When I do have some free time, I enjoy knitting and crocheting. And one of my favorite ways to beat stress is working in the garden.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

More often than not, I feel like the setting chooses me. Sometimes, all it takes is a visit to a location to start the creative juices flowing. What kind of people would have lived there? What problems did they face? How did they resolve them? When questions like that spring to mind—and when the answers start flowing—I know a new story idea may be on its way.

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

One of my favorite places to research Arizona history is the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott. Ranch woman, activist, lover of history—and a writer, to boot—Sharlot was fiercely independent, preferring to live life on her own terms, unencumbered by the constraints society placed on a married woman.

Her appointment as territorial historian in 1909 made her the first woman to hold office in the Arizona Territorial government. Her new post was a perfect fit for her passion to preserve history, and she conceived the idea of establishing a historical museum in the cabin that served as the Governor’s Mansion for the territory’s first governors. Eventually, the museum that now bears her name came into being, and her dream became a reality.

I can only imagine what a treat it would be to spend an evening with Sharlot, listening to the stories this remarkable woman could tell!

I’d love to be there with you when you talked to her. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

I always heard that writing is a solitary pursuit, so I expected a degree of isolation . . . but I was in for a wonderful surprise. I never dreamed of the enduring friendships I would make with other writers, and with my readers as well. Those connections have been unexpected blessings that have enriched my life immeasurably!

Yes, they make it all worth it. What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

Right now, the lessons are all about priorities. I can’t say this is a new topic for me, but it seems like the Lord sends a reminder every so often. And I’m so glad He does! With today’s hectic pace of life, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the urgent and let the most important priorities slip out of place without even being aware of it.

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

Here are the 3 B’s of Writing listed on my website’s “For Writers” page:

Be patient.

Like any career, writing requires preparation and training. The learning process takes time, so gear yourself mentally for a marathon rather than a sprint.

Be teachable.

The longer I write, the more I realize how much I still need to learn. There is always the joy of growing, of improving my skills, of learning to be a “workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (from 2 Timothy 2:15 NIV)

Be willing.

If we’re called to write for the Lord, we need to do this for His glory and not our own. Place your writing in God’s hands and be willing to give Him control as to what happens with it. He’s the one who sees the big picture and knows what’s best—both for us and for His plan.

Tell us about the featured book.

Fired from her most recent governess position, Melanie Ross muse embrace her last resort: the Arizona mercantile she inherited from her cousin. But Caleb Nelson is positive he inherited the mercantile, and he’s not about to let an obstinate woman with newfangled ideas ruin all he’s worked for. In hope of turning her interest elsewhere, he determines to get Melanie married off, and luckily, there are many single men in town quite willing to take her off his hands.

The problem is, Caleb soon realizes he doesn’t want her to marry any of them. He’s drawn to her more every day, and he has to admit some of her ideas for the store offer unexpectedly positive results.

But someone doesn’t want the mercantile to succeed, and threatening words have escalated into destruction and danger. Will Melanie and Caleb’s business—and budding romance—survive the trouble that’s about to come their way?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Marietta, Ohio

April 1885

“Are the children ready, Miss Ross?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Melanie Ross bobbed her head, trying not to wince at her employer’s clipped tone. She shot a quick glance at Mrs. Deaver’s daughter and son to make sure nothing had happened to mar their appearance since her last inspection.

Five-year-old Olivia stood on Melanie’s left, long golden curls framing her cherubic face and cascading over the wide collar of the pink dropped-waist dress so carefully ironed by Melanie the night before. The little girl’s eyes glowed with anticipation, and the dimple in her round left cheek deepened when she offered her mother a bright smile.

Mrs. Deaver’s features softened enough to give her daughter a fleeting smile in return.

On Melanie’s right, Clarence Harrington Deaver Jr. dug the toe of his black patent-leather shoe into the Aubusson carpet, his dark scowl indicating the nine-year-old’s distaste for the blue velvet suit, complete with lace collar, designated as his attire for the afternoon.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I love to connect with readers online! Visit my website at:

www.AuthorCarolCox.com to learn more about me and my books.

Then there’s my Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/carol.cox.

I also blog at Writes of Passage on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month: http://www.writespassage.blogspot.com/

And I’m just getting started with Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/authorcarolcox/  I’m still very much a beginner there, so if any of you would like to share helpful hints, I’d love to hear them!

Thank you for inviting me to visit your blog again, Lena. It’s always a joy to spend time with you and your readers!

It's a pleasure to talk to you and help you introduce your new books to my readers.

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

Trouble in Store - Christianbook.com
Trouble in Store: A Novel - Amazon.com
Trouble in Store - Kindle

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LOVE IN DISGUISE - Carol Cox - One Free Book

I'm thrilled to have my long-time friend Carol Cox back on the blog after a long wait. Welcome, Carol. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

Some authors know exactly the theme they plan to explore when they begin writing a book, but that has never worked for me. I may get a sense of the theme while the book is being written, but often I don’t discover it until the story is complete. Trust is a theme that seems to come up a lot in my books.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

Love in Disguise will be my only book release this year. Next year, watch for another historical romantic suspense set in Arizona. I wish I could share the title with you, but we’re still working to come up with the perfect name!

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

I’ve just started reading Nearing Home by Billy Graham. His continued passion to reach the lost for Christ at a stage of life when many people would be content to rest on their previous accomplishments is a true inspiration. I would love to spend an evening with him and hear him speak from his heart.

What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

When I was beginning the research for Love in Disguise, I came across a biography of Nellie Cashman, also known as The Angel of Tombstone. Nellie was an amazing woman who spent much of her life in rugged western mining camps, but never lost her standing as a woman of deep faith and unquestionable virtue. An entrepreneur, community leader, and a successful miner in her own right, Nellie was equally at home panning for gold in the deserts of Arizona or “mushing” a dog sled across the frozen landscape of Alaska, where she once organized a rescue party that traveled 77 days to save nearly 100 miners from scurvy. A woman of many facets who didn’t fit into the mold society expected—she would be a fascinating person to get to know!

Yes, she would. How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

Rejections are painful, no doubt about it. Sometimes it’s hard to look past the “no” and see the positives that may be there as well. It took me a lot longer than it should have to learn to set a rejection letter aside for a time and then take another look at it. Once my emotions had settled down, it was much easier to see hints as to why that piece didn’t pass muster and occasionally find encouragement I hadn’t spotted at first. This is also a great time to get feedback from others who can be more objective about your work, especially those who have more experience in the publishing world. Conferences and workshops are wonderful places to make connections like that. Develop a teachable spirit and a willingness to learn. These are traits that will stand you in good stead throughout your writing career.

I love your cover. Tell us about the featured book. 

Can she solve the crime before they uncover her true identity?

Jobless and down to her last dime, Ellie Moore hears about a position with the Pinkerton Detective Agency and believes it’s the perfect chance to put her acting skills and costumes to use. Reluctantly, the agency agrees to give her one assignment, one chance to prove herself. Disguised as Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, Ellie travels to Arizona to begin her investigation. When the need arises, she also transforms into the dazzling Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk.

Mine owner Steven Pierce is going to lose his business if he can’t figure out who’s stealing his silver shipments. In his wildest dreams, he never expected to receive help from a gray-haired widow . . . or to fall in love with her beautiful niece.

Then the thieves come after Lavinia and Jessie. Ellie isn’t safe no matter which character she plays! Should she give up and reveal her true identity? What will Steven do when he realizes the woman he’s falling in love with doesn’t really exist?

I am totally hooked. Please give us the first page of the book.

Chicago, Illinois

December, 1881

“O happy dagger! This is thy sheath.”

Ellie Moore gripped her hands together as she mouthed the well-known line from the last act of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The words floated out into the dark chasm beyond the edge of the footlights, and an expectant hush filled the theater, followed by a collective gasp at the moment she plunged her fists toward her abdomen and threw her head back with an agonized grimace.

“There rust, and let me die.” Ellie let her head fall to one side and held her pose, silent as the grave, while the Capulets and Montagues reconciled, and the prince delivered the final line.

Not until the roar of applause swept through the auditorium of Chicago’s Orpheum Theater did she stir again, ready for the curtain call. Ellie waited for the proper moment, then swept one foot behind her and sank into a low curtsey, spreading her arms wide. Her right hand brushed against the back of the red velvet curtain that screened her from the stage.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I love to connect with readers online! They can visit my website at: www.AuthorCarolCox.com to learn more about me and my books, and while they’re there, they can also sign up to “Get the News” and receive my newsletter.

Another way to connect with me is through my Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/carol.cox.

Thank you, Lena, for inviting me to be on your blog. It’s always a joy to spend time with you!


It's always a pleasure to have you here, Carol.


Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Love in Disguise - paperback
Love in Disguise - 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

Author Carol Cox - A BRIDE SO FAIR - Free Books

We're back today with Carol Cox with her third book about the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. She had me at the cover, and the book lived up to it. I did a review of the book on my blog on my Shoutlife space: www.shoutlife.com/lenanelsondooley When I post my June Newsletter on my website, the review will be in it: www.lenanelsondooley.com

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

I feel so blessed by everything He has brought about in the ten years since my first book came out! I’m looking at several new ideas at the moment, but I’m trying not to rush the process. My goal is to take the time I need to develop them into stories that have real depth and meaning.

Tell us a little about your family.

My family is one of my favorite topics, and another way God has blessed me. Dave and I have been married nearly 34 years. He’s a master at multi-tasking, pastoring two churches and operating a saddle shop in what we laughingly call his spare time. Our daughter just turned 12 and is getting ready to pass me in height any day now. Considering that I’m only 5’1”, that isn’t a huge milestone, but I don’t have the heart to point that out to her. The three of us enjoy doing things together, especially if it means spending time outdoors. We also love to travel and learn about the history of the places we’ll be visiting.

We have a grown son who married the daughter-in-law of our dreams, and they have an adorable little girl who is almost a year old. They recently moved to Texas. Having that much distance between us is hard, but it does give us an excuse to visit one of my favorite states more often!

You should contact me when you come to Texas. Maybe we can get together. Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

I don’t have nearly as much time to read for pleasure as I used to. That’s frustrating in a way, but it means I have to be more selective about what I do read these days. I enjoy a wide variety of fiction as well as books on the craft of writing.

What are you working on right now?

I just finished a contemporary cozy mystery for a Guideposts series called Mystery and the Minister’s Wife. I’ve turned in the manuscript, and now I’m waiting for the revision letter. I’m also working on developing those story ideas I mentioned earlier!

What outside interests do you have?

I’ve always enjoyed handcrafts. My favorite is crocheting, something I learned from my grandmother. And through the research I’ve done for my historicals, I’ve become interested in 19th-century dressmaking. I’ve found replicas of some patterns put out during the 1880s and 1890s, as well as books from that period on dressmaking techniques. I’m not an expert on the subject by any means, but the topic fascinates me.

It fascinates me, too. How do you choose your settings for each book?

Sometimes I think it’s more a matter of the settings choosing me than the other way around. Often, a place I read about or see on my travels will catch my attention, and I’ll find myself wondering who would have been in that place and what would have happened to them there. Pretty soon my imagination starts adding characters to the setting. When they start interacting with the place and with each other, I’m off and running!

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

Can I switch the question around a bit and make that a historical place instead of a person? If I could step into a time machine and choose one place to spend an evening, I’d visit the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. I spent so much time poring over maps, floor plans, and old photos in researching my current series that I feel like I could navigate the grounds as easily as I move around my home town. It was an amazing moment in our history, filled with a sense of wonder and excitement. If I could go there, I’d buy a bag of Cracker Jacks and munch on that brand-new snack food while strolling along the edge of the lagoon. One evening wouldn’t give me nearly the time I’d need to see all the exhibits, but I could at least enjoy the beauty of the marvelous buildings that housed them and experience the thrill of seeing the grounds lit up by thousands of tiny incandescent lights. And of course, I would have to take a ride on the very first Ferris wheel!

(And, dear readers, all those things are in this books.) What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

The writing life is a journey, not a destination. Publication does not mean a writer has “arrived.” There is always room for growth, and that’s a wonderful thing!

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

The Lord has been bringing a number of verses to my attention lately that are centered around the theme of learning to wait on Him. When our lives are focused on Him, we’re eager to do things that are useful to His kingdom. But sometimes we get so caught up in “working for the Lord” that we don’t have time for the One we claim to serve. And I have to remind myself that my level of activity isn’t always a reflection of my usefulness to Him. It’s all about relationship, not busy work.

That is so true. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Be patient. Like any career, writing requires preparation and training. The learning process takes time, so gear yourself mentally for a marathon rather than a sprint.

Be teachable. No matter how much you learn, there are always more ways to build on your skills and improve them.

Be willing. If we’re called to write for the Lord, we need to do this for His glory and not our own. Place your writing in God’s hands and be willing to give Him control as to what happens with it. He’s the one who sees the big picture and knows what’s best—both for us and for His plan.

Carol, tell us about the featured book.

A Bride So Fair is the third book in the series A Fair to Remember. Knowing it would also be the last title in the series made it hard to say goodbye to the setting and characters I’ve grown to love. At the same time, I enjoyed being able to tie up loose ends that had been left dangling and finishing the series in a way that I hope will satisfy my readers.

In A Bride So Fair, Emily Ralston is delighted when she lands a job at the Children’s Building at the Chicago World’s Fair. When she meets Stephen Bridger, a handsome Columbian Guard, sparks of attraction singe the air. When Stephen finds a lost boy, he delivers him to the Children’s Building to be cared for until his mother is located. But when a dead body believed to be little Adam’s mother is found, the intrigue deepens and danger grows.

Stephen Bridger has appeared in all the books in the series. Once he appeared in the first book, Ticket to Tomorrow, I knew I wanted to meet him again. Then I realized he needed to star in a story of his own instead of staying in the background as a secondary character. And then there’s Mrs. Purvis, the boardinghouse owner, one of my very favorite characters. That quirky little woman has won a permanent place in my heart . . . and in the hearts of readers, judging from the letters and e-mails I’ve received. Throughout the series, she’s been looking for the treasure her late husband left her. Many have written to ask if she’ll ever find it, and that question is finally answered in this book.

I loved the way that question was answered. How can readers find you on the Internet?

They can visit my website at www.CarolCoxBooks.com to learn more about me and my books. By the way, I’m currently in the process of redesigning the site to give it a fresh, new look. I’m not certain of the official launch date for the new design, but I hope you and your readers will keep watching for it. I’d love to hear what you all think!

Thanks, Lena, for letting me spend time with you here. It’s always fun to chat with a friend!

And thank you, Carol.

Readers, I've read each of these books and loved them. You will, too.

You can leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of this one, but please find the other two and read them first. Each story is a stand alone story, but I believe you'll enjoy them more if you read them in order.