OUT OF CONTROL - Mary Connealy - Free Book

If you've been reading this blog long, you know I love this author. Welcome, Mary. Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I’m third born of 8 kids. I’m married to my high-school sweetheart for 34 years now. I was a stay at home mom for 27 years. I started writing when my baby, the youngest of four daughters, went to Kindergarten and my first book released the year she graduated from high school. I had twenty finished books on my computer when I made my first sale.

How did you become interested in writing?

The real “event” that kicked off my writing was my second of four daughter writing a book in about sixth or seventh grade. It was short of course, but it had a really great idea in it. I asked her if I could steal the nugget of her story and write my own. She said, “Write your own darned book and leave mine alone.” (or words to that effect)

So I did.                     

What compelled you to write a book on this subject?

Out of Control is set in and around a huge cavern in Colorado. I visited Carlsbad Cavern as a young bride and was absolutely captured by it. This was long before I was writing, but the story was there. The first explorers to find that cavern. It was all safe when we went there, trails carefully marked, railings to keep you away from dangerous stuff. But what if????

Isn’t that the writer’s game, Lena? What if I was the first person in there? What if I only had lantern light? You couldn’t begin to see to the end of it, but you’d glimpse the stunning beauty and you’d be in terrible danger from the pits and floors that looked broken off, as thin as glass in places. What made those floor break? Had someone fallen through? I loved that place and I’ve wanted to set a story in there for a long time. But the history of Carlsbad Cavern is really well known and I’d have had to trample it to really set my book there and I didn’t want to. So I created my own cavern, there are several really cool ones in Colorado. And then I sent three little boys down there to explore.

Mary, I really love books set in caverns. I worked in Longhorn Cavern in the summer when I was in college and became an amateur spelunker. What is the main theme or point that you want readers to understand from reading your book? Are there any other themes present in the book?

The main theme is giving control of your life over to God. The cavern represents losing control to the oldest brother and he is bent on protecting his younger brothers from that cavern. Rafe then meets Julia, who LOVES the cavern and wants to explore, believes it’s God’s will she explore. And then they clash….and fall in love.

                                                                                                                                                            

Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book?

I just hope they have a really fun time watching two bossy people fall in love.

What makes your book different than any other books similar to yours that are in circulation today?

Well, gosh, Lena. I write inspirational, suspenseful, historical-western, romantic comedy. There aren’t any other books like that are there?           

             

No. That’s why I love your unique books. How does the book intertwine with God’s call on your life and how you are currently serving Him?

I tell people who occasionally say to me, “I think I’ve got a book in me….but I’ve never found the time to sit down and write it…” To not feel bad if their idea of a fun pastime isn’t sitting by yourself for countless hours having conversations with imaginary friends, then sending your work out into the world to be rejected, abused and insulted….for years….for no money.

Writing a book isn’t a very normal way to behave and I think it’s just something a bit different that makes us do it. We could call it being a sociopath. Being a trouble loner. Having voices in our heads….or….we can call it a gift from God.  So writing, including this book, intertwines with God’s call because he made me love it. So here I sit typing.

                                                                                                                                   

Do you have a favorite Scripture verse?

When I read my Bible I am forever finding a new “favorite.” I think God touches our hearts through the Bible in different ways depending on what we need in our lives. One story I’m currently in love with is one that is in three books of the Bible Matt 9:2; Mark 2:3; Luke 5:18 When Jesus heals the paralyzed man who is lowered down from the roof by his friends. And Jesus says to the man, “Your sins are forgiven.”

His friends are angry at Jesus because they want their friend to be healed not forgiven. I think there is so much wisdom and power in this story. I think this story shows the heart and mind of Jesus more clearly than nearly any story in the Bible. And that’s me saying that because the story is striking me, only me, right now today, in that way. Another story will take its place another time, as God reveals it. But think about all that goes on here.

Men who believe Jesus can heal their friend but are angry about forgiveness. What are they thinking anyway? They think a man can do miracles but then turn on him when he doesn’t produce.

Jesus saying, “Because I want you to know I have the right to forgive sins, I’ll heal him.” Jesus is using miracles to draw attention to His words, to say forgiveness is more important than walking. To respond to anger with love. The levels of this story, or maybe the layers of it, is so rich.

The fact that Jesus does perform this miracle before the crowd that surrounded this house…since the men had to lower their friend through the roof, we know there was a mob. A paralyzed man who stands up and goes home---praising God. Another voice proclaiming Jesus is doing God’s work. In fact most of that crowd would have done the same thing.

Anyway, I’m going on too long, but I love everything about this story, most importantly that Jesus says forgiveness is more important than health.

I so agree with you. When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?

Reading. Crossword puzzles. Yeah, I know, like it’d kill me to take a walk once in a while.          

As we close, is there anything else you would like to add?

I love doing your blog interviews, Lena. You’re usually scary but fun with your questions. Keep it up.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

Seekerville
Petticoats & Pistols
My Blog
My Website


Mary, thanks for once again dropping by.


Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.


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

A VISION OF LUCY - Margaret Brownley - Free Book

I've welcomed Margaret to my blog before and love having her here.

More Love and Laughter in the Old West

From Margaret Brownley

Some Timely Advice for Photographers from Margaret’s New Book:

A Vision of Lucy

A Rocky Creek Romance

To photograph well, women should dress in sedate colors and unobtrusive patterns.  

Even the most morally challenged woman can be made to look chaste

given suitable attire and clever lighting. 

Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I like writing serious themes with a touch of humor and the old west lends itself nicely to laughter, don’t you think?  Times are tough and if I can make readers smile--either because of something the characters do or simply because of a Biblical truth--then I’ve done what I’ve set out to do. 

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

I’m basically a happy person regardless of what happens, but I have to say the day I married the love of my life is right up there with the days I gave birth to each of my three children.  

How has being published changed your life?

I’ve been published going on 25 years so it’s hard to remember what it was like before.  I’ve seen a lot of changes in the publishing industry since I first began to write professionally.  It seems like there are more demands on a writer’s time now and keeping a balance is more important than ever.

What are you reading right now?

I’m reading entries for a contest and “The Horse Doctor Is In” by Brent Kelley—you guessed it—for research.

What is your current work in progress?

I just finished the first book in a new series: Brides of Last Chance Ranch, scheduled for release March 2012.   I’m currently working on the second book.

We must schedule that series on the blog, too. What would be your dream vacation?

I think it would be fun to take an “around the world” cruise, stopping at every port.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I like to choose settings that carry the theme.  A Vision of Lucy takes place in Rainbow Creek, Texas, a fictional town with a troubled past that was first introduced in A Lady like Sarah.   My goal was to create a town that mirrors the spiritual decay of its citizens for the first book in the series.  In Book 2 the town begins to grow and change in positive ways along with its citizens. In this third and last book of the series, we’ll see that the town has change in many positive ways reflecting the changes in the characters and their relationship to God. 

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

Before I was a writer I was an instructor. One of my early teachers asked a question that I’ll never forget.  She asked, “When you retire after thirty-five years of teaching, will you be able to say that you taught thirty-five years or that you taught one year thirty-five times?” That’s a question that is relevant to every profession.

I don’t want to keep writing the same book and, for this reason, it gets harder because I keep demanding more of myself, and have to dig deeper and find different ways to describe, say, blue eyes or a loved one’s kiss. Staying fresh is all about creating believable characters that come alive in the reader’s mind and that’s what I strive to do. 

Tell us about the featured book.

The story takes place in 1886 and deals with loss, guilt and forgiveness—themes that are just as relevant today as they were in the Old West.  

The idea for my protagonist Lucy Fairbanks was sparked by an advertisement in an old newspaper. In 1860 Julia Shannon of San Francisco took the family portrait to new heights when she shockingly advertised herself as a daguerreotypist and midwife. 

Lucy doesn’t deliver babies but she is determined to capture the “perfect” picture and she’s not about to let an intriguing stranger like David Wolf and his long-held secrets stop her. Photographs can reveal more than they hide and David and the little town of Rocky Creek are about to find out that anything can happen when posing for Lucy—and usually does. 

How can readers find you on the Internet?

You can find me at www.margaretbrownley.com.  I’m also on Twitter and have two Facebook pages. 

Thank you for having me, Lena!

My great pleasure, Margaret. Come back anytime.

Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.

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.

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LOVE FINDS YOU IN GROOM, TEXAS - Janice Hanna - Free Book

It's always a great pleasure for me to feature Janice Hanna (Thompson) on my blog. In addition to being one of my very special friends, she's also a lot of fun and an amazing author. Welcome, Janice.

Please tell us three random things we might not know about you.

My dad was the president of the University of Houston Cougar Cagers Club, so my birthdays, holidays, etc. were spent at basketball games. Our family traveled to Mexico with the U of H Cougars to watch them compete, which was great fun. When I was eleven, I got to play (for fun, of course) with the Harlem Globetrotters, who came to Houston for a visit. To this day, I love a good basketball game.

I once lied to a fellow camper at church camp, telling her that my dad (Billy Hanna) was William Hanna of Hanna/Barbara (Flintstones) fame. That lie still haunts me, though, to his credit, my dad did eventually work as a movie producer on our co-authored movie, Liar’s Moon. (Yes, it’s true. I got to meet and work with Matt Dillon. Eat your heart out, girls!)

I occasionally bake wedding cakes. In 2009 I baked a lovely four-tiered white cake with strawberry filling and cream cheese frosting that toppled less than an hour before the wedding. I managed to piece together two very messy/ugly layers. Thankfully, the bride did not murder me. It made for a great scene in a later book. (Nothing ever gets wasted, not even a mashed piece of cake.)

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Love Finds You in Groom, Texas.

Always the groomsman, never the groom… It’s 1914, and Jake O’Farrell has gained an unusual reputation among the locals: He’s played the roles of groomsman and best man in all four of his older brothers’ weddings, but he’s never been able to find the woman to capture his heart. And now with the upcoming wedding of his best friend, Jake will become the last single man in the town of Groom.

Anne Denning has made the difficult decision to move with her sisters to Texas, but a train derailment forces them to seek shelter in Groom, near Amarillo. Mrs. O’Farrell, hopeful that Anne will catch her youngest son’s eye, invites the girls to stay at her home until the train is repaired and ready to pull out. Anne has no idea of the blissful chaos that lies ahead!

Why did you decide to write this story?

My editor at Summerside approached me with the name of the town because she knows I write a lot of wedding-themed stories. She wanted something lightweight/fun, and she knew me well enough to know I would enjoy a fun story. The only real question we had in the beginning stage was: “Should this be a historical or a contemporary?” We went with historical because I felt sure the story idea was better suited to the turn of the century.

Tell us something interesting about the town of Groom:

Groom boasts a nineteen-story high cross. More than 100 welders worked together to erect it in 1995. Now you can see why I toyed with the idea of writing a contemporary novel! I wanted to include the cross. Because I went with historical, I decided to give the heroine a small cross necklace to wear, one that symbolizes her faith (and alludes to the “bigger” cross to come).

What is your favorite memory of the Texas panhandle region?

Just one? I love, love, love Palo Duro Canyon, which is not terribly far from Groom. This breathtaking canyon always surprises visitors because you don’t see it coming! Look to your right and see nothing. Then, a few yards up the road, look to your right again and you see a crevice forming. That crevice deepens, then deepens some more until. . .lo and behold! You’re looking at one of God’s most magnificent “sweeps of a fingertip.” Truly glorious. One of my favorite memories was taking my daughters to see the play Texas in Palo Duro Canyon when they were little. We camped overnight in the state park, ate BBQ and saw the show. Amazing!

Groom is a wedding-themed book. Why do you write so many stories with a strong wedding theme?

I have four grown daughters—Randi, Megan, Courtney Rae and Courtney Elizabeth. Yes, I really have two daughters named Courtney. (Long story!) All four of my girls got married within four years of each other. We’re told to write what we know. I know weddings, trust me! I helped coordinate all four weddings and even worked as a wedding coordinator at my church for a season. I was also tickled to be the “Wedding Planner Examiner” for the city of Houston for a spell. What fun! You’ll see me writing about weddings for years to come, so hang on for the ride!

Why will readers enjoy your novel besides the hunky man on the cover?

In spite of the lead character’s tough situation, the story is filled with comedic elements. Anne’s two younger sisters are a hoot. So is Maggie (the hero’s mother). She’s an Irish spitfire! I think readers will appreciate the romance between Anne and Jake. It’s filled with all sorts of sweet and comic moments.

Why do you like writing comedies with strong take-aways?

Comedy is a great outlet. We comedians can get away with a lot more than authors who play it straight. Want the reader to walk away with a little nugget of truth? Couch it in something humorous. I’ve found that light-hearted writing not only suits my personality, it’s the perfect vehicle for sharing the gospel.

You’ve written other Love Finds You books in the past. Do you enjoy writing for this series? Why or why not?

I can’t say enough about this line of books. From the moment the first book released, I fell in love—with the authors, the covers, the stories, the settings. Most of all, I love the concept. Through these stories, the reader can travel all over the country, bouncing from town to town, city to city. Want a serious historical? You’ll find it in the Love Finds You series. Want a humorous contemporary? You’ll find that, too. Want a book set in a quirky, fun town? Yep. You’ll find it in the Love Finds You series. Want a story set in a remote, faraway place, filled with intrigue? You’ll find that, too.

And a side note to this answer, my Love  Finds You book, Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, just won the Will Rogers Medallion Award for excellence in western fiction. 

What are you working on now?

I just turned in Love Finds You in Daisy, Oklahoma, a fun historical about a single woman in her late 30’s who moves from the Gulf Coast to the landlocked state of Oklahoma to become the director at an orphanage. It’s a love story, of course! She falls in love with the town sheriff, who has adopted two of the unruliest boys from the orphanage. I’m currently writing Wedding Belles, the first book in the Belles and Whistles series for Summerside/Guideposts.

What are your favorite things to do (besides writing)?

Honestly? I love hanging out with my grandbabies. They grow up so quickly and I don’t want to miss a thing! Maddy is four now. She’s the oldest. Avery is three. Peyton is three. Ethan is two. Boston is one and a half and baby Brooke turned one this week. I love them so very much. They keep me young (and give me plenty of fodder for books). 

And they're very cute, too. I notice you write under two names (Janice Hanna and Janice Thompson). Why? 

Those who’ve been reading my romances over the past several years know me as Janice A. Thompson. My joy is mixed with a smidgeon of sorrow as I explain the change in my last name for some of my current releases. In 2006 I lost my father to bone marrow cancer. His last name (Hanna) is my maiden name—and it’s a name that means even more to me now that he is gone. In memory of my father, I use the Hanna name in my historicals. My Revell books will still release under Janice Thompson. I hope you my readers will stick with me, no matter which name I use!

I understand you have a new VIP bookclub. Can you tell us about that?

Yes, I’m so excited about this, too! I came up with this idea several months ago: Why not create a “club” where members can get each new Janice Thompson/Janice Hanna book as it releases for a set price of $11, shipping included. Books are autographed and mailed out to club members before they ever hit the stores. I also encourage my VIP club members to leave reviews, as they are able, on amazon, christianbook.com and www.barnesandnoble.com. If people are interested in joining the club, all they have to do is shoot me an email at booksbyjanice@aol.com with the words “VIP bookclub” in the subject line and their address in the body of the email.

Anything else you want our readers to know?

Yes, I’m very passionate about my faith, which is why I write Christian books. I could no more leave out the faith elements than I could stop eating chocolate. They are integral…to my stories and my life. I’m a huge believer in stirring up the gifts that God has placed inside of us, which is what I hope to do through my teaching.  

Where else can readers find you online?

I love to connect with my readers at the following places:

www.janicehannathompson.com

www.freelancewritingcourses.com

www.facebook.com/jhannathompson 

Thanks for spending time with me! I had a blast!

And we loved having you stop by the blog.

Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.

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 

LOVE BY THE BOOK - Cara Lynn James - Free Book

Why do you write the kind of books you do?

My books are inspirational historical romance. I write from a Christian point of view because my faith is part of who I am. It would seep through my writing whatever I wrote. I like reading romance, so that’s why I chose to write the genre. And historical because I really enjoy reading and researching and writing about other time periods and long gone cultures. I usually add a touch of mystery to my stories too since I love reading mysteries and suspense, contemporary and historical.

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

My wedding day! It’s hard to believe I got married 34 years ago. Another great day was the day I sold my first book, nearly two years ago. But I think I was in the state of shock and probably enjoyed the day after more than the actual day I got ‘the call’!

My wonderful wedding day was almost 47 years ago. How has being published changed your life?

I have to be disciplined now. Sometimes it’s difficult to force myself to be creative and write when I’d rather curl up with a book and read. It’s so easy to procrastinate and promise myself I’ll take today off and work doubly hard tomorrow. I’ll admit I sometimes succumb to the temptation, but I try not to very often.

Like a lot of writers, I’m an introvert. Promoting my books doesn’t come naturally to me. I’m perfectly content to sit on my sun porch and write. Also, friends who once thought of my writing as a quaint little hobby now give me ‘respect.’ They don’t seem to understand I was a serious writer way before I was published!

I learned I can’t do everything I did before, including housework. I sure didn’t mind giving that up! But I like my house to look neat and clean. My husband and daughter help, but they have different standards than I do. So I had to adjust and not worry about a little dust—or a lot of dust. As long as we have food on the table and clean laundry, we’re doing fine.         I’ve learned to close my eyes and keep my eyes on my deadline.    

What are you reading right now?

The Last Illusion by Rhys Bowen. It’s a historical mystery with a bit of a romance set in New York City during the turn-of-the-century.

What is your current work in progress?

I’m writing a historical romance set in the Adirondacks at what is now called a “great camp.” The story is about New York millionaires and their guests who go rustic and enjoy “roughing it,” but really don’t give up any of their luxuries. The widowed daughter of the family returns home determined to keep a secret—she’s flat broke and afraid her parents will learn of her disastrous marriage. But the past has a way of following her home and intruding upon her present and future. A handsome childhood friend does his best to help her through the bad times. Against their wishes and better judgment, they fall in love.

What would be your dream vacation?

When I lived in Vermont I would’ve chosen a Caribbean cruise. But now that I live in Florida where it’s never really cold and sometimes scorching hot, I’d say my dream vacation would be a trip to Great Britain and Ireland. I’ve travelled through the rest of Europe, but now I’m ready to tour English speaking countries I haven’t seen before. Actually any vacation sounds great!

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I always wanted to write about Newport, Rhode Island during the Gilded Age. My mother came from there and we always spent a lot of time visiting. It’s a beautiful and fascinating place. Over the years I read a dozen or so books about the town and the society, so it seemed natural to use it as a setting. After I finished the Ladies of Summerhill series, my editor asked me to choose another northeast resort setting for my next book. I picked the Adirondack Mountains in northern New York state because it’s so different from the seaside setting of Newport, and has spectacular scenery. I lived in neighboring Vermont for twenty years, so I was familiar with the area.

After this maybe I’ll move my stories to New York City or a small town in the south where I lived now. Since I’m a New Englander it’ll be more of a challenge to write about southern culture etc. but since my husband is from north Florida (very southern!) and we now live in northwest Florida, I think I can manage. Friends will set me straight. I also lived three years in Texas and five years in Virginia.

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

My favorite author, Maeve Binchy. She’s an Irish women’s fiction writer. I love her easy, conversational style and how she draws her characters with all their quirks, foibles and virtues. They jump right off the page. She seems so chatty and friendly—someone I could learn a lot from.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I don’t think of writing as a hobby anymore because I have deadlines and I get paid periodically for the work I submit. Now it’s ‘work.’ Before I sold writing was a fun hobby I indulged in when the muse came calling. It’s still enjoyable. If it weren’t, I’d find something else to do ASAP. My work hours are flexible, but still I have to follow a schedule so I can finish by my deadline.

Reading really is my favorite hobby. I love to read fiction and non-fiction, especially American and European history. If I had more time and money I’d travel a lot. Thirty years ago I spent four months traveling around Europe and I’d love to go back. My husband and I camp in our little A-liner camper, which is like a very fancy aluminum tent with a stove, microwave, refrigerator and air conditioning. But we usually only go as far as Gulf Shore, Alabama, about an hours drive from home.

When my daughter was young I used to sew dresses for her. I quilted and crocheted too, but I’ve given up those hobbies. I don’t need another afghan in Florida.

Except for reading and writing I don’t have much time for hobbies anymore.

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

That’s easy! A retired husband, a daughter, and a four-year-old grandson all living with me and home for most of the day. It’s great having people around (I’m never lonely), but I have to shoo them away when I’m writing. I’m sure to them it must seem as if I’m writing all the time. Sometimes it seems that way to me, too.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Write every day and finish your book. Don’t start one, get bored and start another. Do let go of chapter one. My tendency was to re-write it again and again and not move on until it was perfect. Join ACFW or RWA and their local chapters. Get a critique partner, enter contests, submit your manuscripts, listen to the advice of authors who have already experienced what you’re going through, study the craft and keep at it when you get discouraged. Writing is a very challenging profession, but worth it when you finally sell. Don’t expect to get rich and famous because you probably won’t. But of course it’s possible…

Tell us about the featured book.

Love by the Book is a historical romance—a marriage of convenience. This is a love story set in a lavish seaside mansion in 1901 Rhode Island.Melinda Hollister is a society lady, intent on finding a rich husband before her peers discover her quickly diminishing wealth. Nick Bryson is all business, focused on making a name for himself in his father’s steamship line. Despite the marriage of their siblings, they rarely gave each other a second glance—until a tragic accident results in Melinda and Nick being appointed as co-guardians of their three-year-old niece Nell.

In order to get better acquainted with Nell and one another, Melinda and Nick agree to spend the summer in their own private quarters of the Bryson family vacation home, Summerhill. As their love for Nell grows, so does their attraction to each other. And for the first time in their lives, they sense that God has a bigger plan in motion.

Yet old habits die hard – and Melinda and Nick each find it difficult to resist the pull of their former worlds.

When the unthinkable happens, they find themselves faced with seemingly impossible choices and a new understanding of God’s true love.

 Please give us the first page of the book.

                                                                    Prologue

NEW YORK CITY, JANUARY 1901

Melinda’s sharp intake of breath shattered the silence. All eyes turned toward her, but Melinda could do nothing but stare at the attorney. Had she misheard her sister’s will? Or had he misread it? How could Cora leave her daughter to Melinda’s care—as well as Nick’s? She couldn’t imagine.

         Cora had never mentioned such an odd arrangement, but then again her sister normally avoided unpleasant subjects. A wave of panic swept through Melinda. No one loved Nell more than she. No one. But being a mother was far different than being the doting aunt...

         Attention shifted from her to Nick. Seated at the other end of the semicircle of family members, Nick’s blue-gray eyes were still wide with shock.

         The minutes dragged by until finally, mercifully, Mr. Ricker concluded the reading and dismissed the others. Nick immediately rose and walked over to join them.

         Mr. Ricker cleared his throat and spoke in a hushed tone. “You both seem surprised by the custody situation. But let me assure you Mrs. Parker Bryson insisted you two share guardianship—for reasons of her own.” He looked from Melinda to Nick, frowning. “I understand that arrangement might be somewhat unconventional but she knew you two would see it through. It is what Cora and Parker desired for Nell.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is www.caralynnjames.com  . I also have a facebook page. Last, but not least, I’m a Seeker at www.seekerville.blogspot.com

Thank you for dropping by, Cara Lynn. I just love your book covers.

Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.

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.

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Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com 

WOLFSBANE - Ronie Kendig - Free Book

Ever since Ronie's first book released, her stories have blown me away and kept me turning pages as fast as I could. While reading Wolfsbane this month, my own book deadline only allowed me to read it in snatches of time. I loved, loved, loved each of her first three books. This one I loved even more. I can hardly wait for Firethorn in January. Welcome, Ronie. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

I almost never go into a story with the intention of writing a “theme” into it. The theme, for me, always comes out of the story organically. But some common themes found throughout my books are about the strength of family, honor, forgiveness.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

Firethorn will be out January 1^st, 2012, and then the very first military war dog book—WOOT!—will come out August 1, 2012.

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

Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan because I am working on my military war dog series and also because I have a three month old puppy who is very skittish but also very “mouthy,” chewing/biting just about everything.

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

First—remember WHO you are writing for and that no matter what happens from here on out, if you are using your gift that He gave you, then you give Him pleasure. And that—giving Him pleasure—should be our focus. Beyond that, it’s all up to Him, so while it might be frustrating and part & parcel of the writing industry, remember that He’s in charge, none of this takes Him by surprise, and He still has a plan. Second, remember that getting published doesn’t mean rejections stop. And it doesn’t mean they are any less frequent. Today’s industry is T-O-U-G-H. Rejections continue regardless of who you are and what stage of the game you’re in.

That is so true. Tell us about the featured book.

A female demolitions who unwittingly holds a lethal secret. . .

A former Green Beret grappling with terrifying memories of a mission gone bad. . .

And the jungle that threatens to swallow them whole.

In Venezuela, Danielle Roark and her Army Corps of Engineers team is captured. After six months of captivity, Dani escapes, only to end up charged with espionage and forced to return to the jungle to prove that a nuclear facility exists. On the mission, she is abandoned by God and country. Will she live long enough to make those responsible pay? Haunted by memories of a mission gone bad, former Green Beret Canyon Metcalfe wrestles with his developing feelings for the feisty senator’s daughter.

Setting aside his misgivings, he and Nightshade take the mission to help Dani unravel her lethal secrets. Separated from the team leaves Dani and Canyon vulnerable—and captured. After he is rescued, Canyon discovers Dani has been left behind. Livid, he sacrifices everything—including his role with Nightshade—to find Dani.

Can Dani and Canyon fight the nightmare armed with only forgiveness and raw courage? Or will they lose their lives, minds, and each other?

Please give us the first page of the book.

The Invitation

Judicial Building, Virginia Beach

Blood dripped into his left eye.

No. Not blood. Sweat. Hands tight against his hips and fists balled, Captain Canyon Metcalfe blinked away the sting. Another salty drop slid down his temple. Eyes ahead, he focused on his reflection in the massive mirror. Between it and him sat an eight-foot table harboring a panel of three Army investigators from Criminal Investigation Command sent for his one-year evaluation. More like interrogation. And he knew they weren’t legit. Nobody got a review once they were out. This wasn’t about legitimacy. This was about them insuring he’d kept his mouth shut.

Canyon watched his reflection as a bead skidded over his forehead and nose. Felt warm and moderately sticky. So much like. . .

It’s not blood. Not blood.

“Captain, do you have anything to add?” Major Hartwicke lifted the inches-thick file in her manicured hands and stared at him.

“You understand, Captain, if you reveal anything about what has happened here, you will face a full court-martial and dishonorable discharge.”

The voice from twenty-one months ago forged his response. “No, sir.”

Behind the one-way mirror a ghost of a shape shifted. Or was that a shadow? No, he was pretty sure he’d seen the human outline. So, there were more eyes monitoring this so-called review. They’re testing me. No surprise. As a matter of fact, he’d expected them to drag him out of bed in the middle of the night, haul him into the woods, and try to beat a confession out of him.

Innocence didn’t matter. Justice didn’t matter.

Only one thing mattered: silence.

Hartwicke pushed her chair back from the table and stood. “Captain, I don’t understand.” She motioned to the two investigators with her. “We’ve told you the CID believes there is enough. . .ambiguity in the charges and proceedings from thirteen March of last year to question the guilty verdict.” She tilted her head. “In fact, this panel believes you may be innocent.”

“You are not innocent in this brutal crime, Captain Metcalfe. No matter your role, you are guilty. As the officer in charge, you bear that responsibility. Do you understand?”

The eyes of the government held no boundaries. They saw everything. Knew everything. One way or another. Always waiting to throw him away for good. Just as they’d done with the villagers.

Her shoes scritched against the cement floor as she stepped nearer. “Why are you doing this?” she whispered. “Why would you throw away your career?”

Throw away his career? Was she kidding? It’d been ripped from his bloodied hands in a colossal mistake twenty-four months ago. Canyon ground his teeth together. She didn’t deserve a response if she thought this was his choice.

A chair squawked, snapping his gaze to the second investigator who moved from behind the table, his gaze locked on Canyon. What did they want from him? He’d kept the dirty little secret. Lived with it. Relived it night after painful night. Living when she died.

Brown eyes cut off his visual escape. “Captain Metcalfe,” Major Rubart said in a low, controlled voice. “I don’t know what they”—he rolled his eyes to the side to indicate the one-way mirror—“told you or what they used against you as a threat in retaliation for talking, but I think you know something.”

Despite his every effort not to, Canyon looked at the mirror.

“You know the truth about that fateful night, don’t you?”

The words yanked his eyes to Rubart’s. Did this officer really want the truth? Or was this another test? What Canyon wouldn’t do to tell, to right the wrong, to relieve the burden. . . But that’s just what they wanted him to do—relieve his mind and prove they were right, that he could be coerced into talking. That he was weak.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I love hearing from readers! I can be found at my website, www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook (ronie.kendig) or on Twitter (roniekendig). 


Ronie, it's always a special pleasure to host you on my blog. See you again when Firethorn releases.



Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.


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

FALLS LIKE LIGHTNING - Shawn Grady - Free Book

Shawn takes us deep inside the exciting and dangerous world of fire fighters. Welcome, Shawn. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

Completing my third emergency suspense thriller with Falls Like Lightning has brought a real sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Bethany House has been fantastic to work with. Presently, I have new book proposals cooking in the oven with my agent and look prayerfully forward to what the future holds.  

Tell us a little about your family.

I'm married with three children. We love spending time outdoors— hiking, going to the beach, surfing, camping and skiing in the winter.

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

I think I may have less tolerance for writing that appears lazier —i.e. an overabundance of adverbs, consistently telling not showing, poor story flow/structure— than I did before writing professionally. But even then I tried to make it a point to read great writers. I like to pick up books that are not only entertaining, but also by authors who challenge me to be better at what I do.

What are you working on right now?

I'm in the first writing phases for one of the proposals currently with my agent.

What outside interests do you have?

We just got back from camping on the Pacific Coast. Yesterday we spent the day at the beach at Lake Tahoe and this weekend are visiting an ancient Egyptian exhibit at the Nevada Museum of Art.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

So far I've stayed very local with places I know first hand. Falls Like Lighting is the first of my three books that takes place largely outside of Reno, but it is still set in the Desolation Wilderness west of South Lake Tahoe.

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

Assuming I could speak Hebrew or Greek, then I'd love to share a meal with Peter the apostle.

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

How early the ARC's go out (advanced reader copies). For Through the Fire the ARC's were printed off the line edit —still pretty early in the editing phase— and I probably put another hundred hours worth of editing into the final novel before it officially went to press.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

The value of ingesting large portions of His Word on a consistent basis. Too often I neglect to set aside time to read the Bible. But when I do, I feel much closer to Him and things I've read before become alive and active.

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

1) Trust you heart. Write from the gut.

2) Expect and be open for trusted criticism. Set your mind to be in it for the long haul, through all the revisions it will need.

3) Read great writers and read tried and true books on the craft.

4) Bonus- Attend a writing conference(s).

Tell us about the featured book?

Falls Like Lightning

Smokejumper Silas Kent never expected to see pilot Elle Westmore again. In fact, reuniting makes him realize what a mistake he made all those years ago. But before he has a chance to try to make amends, he's called to lead a new crew in to battle against a massive fire in the Sierra Nevada.

And then things go very wrong, very quickly.

A suspicious engine explosion forces the crew to parachute early while Elle must attempt a crash landing. Silas reaches the ground safely, but in beginning a desperate race to reach the downed plane, he soon realizes he has more to fear than just a raging forest fire.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Read that and more online here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/55895980/Falls-Like-Lightning

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.shawngradybooks.com or www.facebook.com/shawngradybooks

THROUGH THE FIRE is available for free download on Kindle or Nook for a limited time.

Thanks for having me here, Lena!


My pleasure. Please contact me about your next book release, so we can feature it on the blog.



Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.


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