FOLLOWING THE GHOST LIGHTS IN TEXAS - Connie Lewis Leonard - One Free Book

Welcome back, Connie. How did you come up with the idea for this story? Following the Ghost Lights in Texas is the fifth book of my “In Texas” series. I didn’t set out to write a series, but God . . . The idea for the first book, Somebody Somewhere in Texas, popped into my head while sitting in our cowboy church. Before I finished that book, the idea for the second one came to me. That’s how it’s worked with all of the books in this series. Although each book stands alone, Following the Ghost Lights in Texas closely follows Hidden Away Somewhere in Texas. They are both set on the Riley Ranch (which is fictional) outside of Marfa, Texas. The main characters Reed and Ryanne Riley are named after my grandchildren, and the horse girl on the cover of Following the Ghost Lights in Texas is our granddaughter riding our horse Sugar. While writing this book, a new idea began churning in my mind. I think the next book will be titled Ranch Reunion in Texas. A cowboy church is essential in each book.

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why? Sibella Giorello is my favorite writer. I love her Raleigh Harmon books, and I would like to ask why she hasn’t published anything recently. DiAnn Mills was my mentor in the Jerry Jenkins Christian Writer’s Guild. I feel comfortable with her, and she’s a great teacher. Christy Barritt is a prolific, best-selling writer. Her books are quick, easy reads, and I’d like to know how she writes so fast. Ruth Logan Hearne is an admirable person, a farmer’s wife, as well as a best-selling author. I love the profound insights she shares on Facebook, and I’d like to meet her and talk to her face-to-face. I have met Susan Mae Warren at ACFW conferences. She’s a gifted teacher, personable, and friendly. I feel like I know her from reading her newsletters.

Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why? That’s more difficult because I don’t read as many historicals. Lena Nelson Dooley, you would be my first guest because I consider you my mentor and friend. You have generously helped me with critiques and by featuring me on your blog. I consider Patricia Carroll a friend. I admire her and enjoy her books. Paula Babb Peckham is just getting started, but I expect great things from her. She is in our critique group, is multi-talented, and has a good eye as an editor. Lisa Prysock has allowed me to be part of her online Whispers in Wyoming Christmas Extravaganza—what fun! We haven’t met, but I feel like I know her through her Facebook group. I met Robin Lee Hatcher at the very first RWA Conference I attended. She was part of the Faith, Hope, Love group, which is how I learned about ACFW. Robin also gave generously of her time by answering my questions about one of her books.

I like all the other authors you mentioned. I’d love spending time with them. Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career? Actually, my most difficult problem is having more ideas than I have time. When I was told by a Christian editor that my writing was “too Christian for the Christian market,” I decided to Indie publish, which is extremely time consuming. I want to maintain the continuity of my “In Texas” series, so I have no plans to pursue traditional publishing with them. However, I have other books planned, and I struggle with whether or not I want to try to go the traditional route. I know several small presses are publishing books with a strong Christian message rather than a watered down “Christian worldview” with no overt mention of Christ. I would love to have help with marketing and would only sign with a traditional publisher if they would help promote my work.

Tell us about the featured book.

Here is the back cover copy:

Can an innocent horse girl rescue a cowboy with a beastly past?

Can he awaken her heart to the beauty of true love?

Ryanne Riley wanted a quiet, ordinary, predictable life on her family’s ranch. After a bad experience at college, she’s back home studying online, working with horses, using Equine Assisted Therapy to help abused, neglected, and forgotten girls. When a new filly proves too challenging with its biting and bucking, her brother hires a horse trainer—her former classmate, big man on campus, a roping champion, a drummer, and a good-looking notorious playboy. She doesn’t trust him with her horse—or her heart.

Myles Moya had been on the fast track to becoming a world champion, winning major roping competitions. Following in his dad’s footsteps, making the same stupid mistakes, he caused the accident that ruined his plans. All his hard work, drive, and ambition died on that icy road in Wyoming. The time lying in a hospital bed brought reality crashing down on him. What a train wreck of a life!

Someday Ryanne wants a man who will love and cherish her, somebody who is steady and trustworthy, honorable, faithful and true—she wants the fairy tale happily ever after. Myles can’t be that man. He’s not a Christian. But why does being near him create warm, fuzzy feelings, flutters, and tingles?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Ryanne shivered beneath her heavy coat. The oppressive heat of the interrogation room clashed with the ice circulating through her veins. Her head throbbed. Pain shot through her ribs with every breath.

The door opened and the obnoxious officer stepped inside. “Are you ready to make your one phone call?”

“You confiscated my cell phone.”

“Follow me, and you can use the precinct phone.”

She rolled her eyes. Mother may I, you moron.

Ryanne bit her bottom lip to keep it from quivering. Oh, come on, answer the phone.

“Hello.”

“Reed, let me talk to Hope.”

“Ryanne? It’s three o’clock in the morning. What’s wrong?”

“Just let me talk to Hope. I don’t have much time.”

***

Reed turned on the bedside lamp, put the phone on speaker, and handed it to his wife. “Hope, honey, it’s Ryanne.”

“Ryanne, where are you?” Hope rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

“I’m in jail. Here in Alpine.”

“What!” Reed and Hope said in unison.

“I asked you to let me talk to Hope.”

“Talk! We’re both listening.” Reed tried to control his anger. What had his sister done now?

“Honey, what happened?” Hope’s soft counselor voice whispered through the line.

“Two guys attacked me in the parking lot of my dorm. I defended myself, and when I called the cops, they arrested me.” She exhaled a loud puff of frustration. “Can you believe it?”

That sure grabbed my attention. How can readers find you on the Internet? That’s one of my weaknesses. I have a Facebook page, Connie Lewis Leonard and an author Facebook page, Connie Lewis Leonard, author. I have a blog that I haven’t kept up with but keep telling myself I’ll get back to it. I do send out a newsletter with updates on my writing, recipes, and encouraging, inspirational messages. Anyone interested in receiving my newsletter may send me an email: rycon70@att.net

Here’s the buy link: Following the Ghost Lights in Texas - Kindle edition by Lewis Leonard, Connie. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Thank you for sharing this new novel with my blog readers and me. You know I love your books. I’m eager to read this one.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

PLAY ME BACK HOME IN TEXAS - Connie Lewis Leonard - One Free Book

Welcome back, Connie. What are some of the spiritual themes you write about?

All of my books contain the message of redemption. I didn’t set a goal to write about redemption, but it happened every time. Perhaps that is because, as a teacher and pastor’s wife, I have known many people who have been beat up by life and wounded by church people. These people need to know that God loves them always and forever. No matter where they are, what they’ve done, or what has been done to them, Christ is calling them to Him. Another recurring theme in my books is hope. As long as there is life, there is hope for things to be better. For Christians, our greatest hope is the promise of eternal life.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

The next book is the fourth in my In Texas series. It’s titled Hidden Away Somewhere in Texas. I try to publish one book a year, but sometimes life gets in the way. I spent over two years on my first novel, Big C, little c. I had begun writing it, and did some major revisions while going through Jerry Jenkins’ Christian Writer’s Guild Craftsman Course. I’ve had the basic story idea of Hidden Away floating around in my head for about thirty years. Hopefully it will be available before the end of 2020.

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

I would love to meet Franklin Graham and listen to him. He is a godly man who is aware of worldly issues. I would love to participate in one of his humanitarian mission trips.

What historical person would you like to meet and why?

Annie Oakley was my hero when I was growing up. She was an amazing little lady. She overcame adversity and worked hard to help provide for her family. She was humble and made all her own costumes. She generously donated so underprivileged children would have more opportunities than she had. She achieved great success in a man’s world, while still preserving her femininity.

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

Stay true to your calling. If writing is a calling from God, then keep writing. If you have a story to tell, write it and share it. I knew I wanted to write from the time I was in the eighth grade. I always knew I would write someday—someday when the kids were grown, someday when I retired. A potentially terminal cancer diagnosis showed me the reality that someday may never come. I started writing, going to workshops and conferences, and pitching my work. I kept hearing, “This is good, but . . .” I was discouraged, but God spoke to my heart while attending an outdoor concert. It was like He said, “Look at these people. They are not rich and famous, but they are talented. They enjoy sharing their talents, and the audience enjoys listening to them.” So I decided to Indie publish Big C, little c. I am not rich and famous, but I love what I’m doing. I haven’t even tried to publish my In Texas books with a traditional publisher. It’s rewarding to have people tell me how much they loved my book and can’t wait for the next one.

Tell us about the featured book.

Here’s the back cover blurb.

What if the things you left behind are better than you remembered,

better than you ever imagined?

Thirty years ago LeAnn Kane left the dust and dirt of West Texas behind, vowing never to return. After a successful career with the Chicago Symphony, now she’s running back home—running for her life. While hiding from a murderer, the last person she expects to see is her high school sweetheart, her first and only love. His laughter sounds better than any melody she could play on her violin. His smile, as smooth as butter on hot cornbread, melts her insides, tempting her to stay in Texas. But her life is in Chicago—or is it?

 Donald Howard worked hard to rise above the back-breaking work of the oil fields. The sought-after success hasn’t brought happiness or fulfillment. His failed marriage to a Houston socialite didn’t help, either. Seeing LeAnn again brings back the raw emotion of his first love, his innocent love, his trusting love, full of fantasies and hopes. After thirty years of telling himself he hated her, his heart betrays him. Or maybe he has betrayed his heart all these years. She’s dead set on returning to Chicago. He’s going with her—even if it kills him.

Young love first love, too young then to know what they had. If they survive the dangers of December, can their love blossom and grow into their forever and ever love?

Hang on to your hats for a rollercoaster ride in this contemporary Christian romantic suspense filled with danger, doubt, and deliverance.

I’m reading your book right now and loving it. Please give us the first page for my blog readers.

Prologue

Thirty years ago, “Texas in My Rearview Mirror” was my theme song. I couldn’t wait to get away from the dust and dirt and wind of the West Texas ranch where I grew up. Our grandparents raised my younger brother Richard and me. They were so old fashioned, strict no-drinking, no-dancing Baptists. I blamed them for my mama running off with a country western band and leaving us behind when our daddy died in some freak airplane crash.

Then our momma was killed in an automobile accident. I was mad at the world. The only thing that made me happy was playing the fiddle. The gift of music was one good thing our grandparents did for us. They actually did a lot of good things. They loved us, provided for us, protected us from the “wicked ways of the world.” They tried to teach us right from wrong: honesty, dependability, and hard work. Yes, lots of hard work. I hated mucking stalls, gathering eggs, hoeing weeds in the family garden just so I could help my grandmother shell peas, snap beans, shuck corn, and sweat to death canning.

Violin was my ticket out of Texas. All my teachers told me I was gifted. The professors at Texas Tech, who taught summer clinics and gave me private lessons, bragged on me and built my ego up higher than the clear blue sky high above the Caprock. I thought I was hot stuff—better than my naturally talented grandfather, better than my brother Richard, but not quite as good as my mama who played background on a couple of records.

I already had my sights set on a scholarship to The Music Conservatory of the Chicago College of Performing Arts when I met Donald Howard. In our little school, new students stood out, but he would stand out anywhere he went. I had heard about weak knees and butterflies in the belly, but I never believed it until I saw him—tall, broad shouldered, rugged, muscular, and manly. His smile, as smooth as butter on hot cornbread, melted my insides. His laughter sounded better than any melody I could play on my violin. He led our six-man football team to a district championship, which made him the hero of the feed store and café domino-playing groups.

He invited me to go to the Homecoming Dance, but my grandparents wouldn’t allow it. Donald started coming to church so they would let us go to Pat’s for a hamburger and coke. The first time he kissed me, lightning lit up the Sunday afternoon sky like a fireworks display on the Fourth of July. Thunder shook the ground like a 5.0 magnitude earthquake—the energy nearly sucking me under. And I knew I was in love. For two years I was happy. I almost understood how my mamma could run off and leave her own babies for love. Almost.

How can authors find you on the internet?

I am most active on Facebook. Visit me at Connie Lewis Leonard, author Facebook page.

I have a book launch page: Play Me Back Home in Texas Facebook group, which has some fun discussions about the book. I have a blog in my webpage: http://connielewisleonard.webs.com/

Thank you, Connie, for sharing this new book with my blog readers and me. I know they’ll love it as much as I am.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Play Me Back Home In Texas - Paperback
Play Me Back Home In Texas - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory 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

LIGHT UP MY LIFE IN TEXAS - Connie Lewis Leonard - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I’m thrilled to share the second book in Connie’s contemporary In Texas romance series. I’ve read both of the books, and if you missed the first one, you’ll want to go back and read the first one too. I loved both of them. The books are so authentic to the western community in Texas and the Cowboy Churches. I love the characters. They pulled me right into the story with them. And the Texas tornado was realistic. You’ll want to read this one.

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

The past four years, God has opened the doors for my writing, which is a dream come true. I have written 78 articles for 15 different regional magazines with three different publishers. I love writing good news stories about amazing people who make a positive difference in the world.

I believe writing articles with a strict word count and deadline has helped develop my fiction writing. I have published three novels and one interactive devotional Bible study during that time. I just started the third novel in my In Texas contemporary inspirational romance series. I’m excited about it and whatever God has planned after this book. 

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband and I have been married for forty-eight years. We were just babies when we married! God called Gary into the ministry after we had two children. We have enjoyed a great life with all the blessings and burdens of ministry. He is now semi-retired, serving as associate pastor and minister to senior adults at Triple Cross Cowboy Church.

We praise God for our two adult children and three wonderful grandchildren. Our daughter is a licensed professional counselor in private practice, and our son is a football coach and teacher.

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

Being an English teacher for 25 years, I already noticed grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors. Now that I write, I notice plot problems, shifts in POV, and character inconsistencies. I also notice beautifully written descriptions, emotionally evocative passages, profound prose, and characters that come alive.

What are you working on right now?

I just started the next novel in the trilogy. This one is Play Me Back Home in Texas.

What outside interests do you have?

I love spending time with my family. I enjoy cooking and baking. I love our Cowboy Church, I love our seniors’ group and small group Bible studies, and I love working in Children’s Church. Those things are in addition to reading and writing.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

My first novel doesn’t specifically name the setting. Although it is fiction, parts of it are autobiographical about my breast cancer diagnosis, so I set it in Wichita Falls, Texas, where we lived at the time.

The idea of Somebody Somewhere in Texas popped into my head one Sunday morning during worship. The Cowboy Church plays a significant role in the book. I chose the West Texas setting because I am familiar with the area, and it fit the storyline. The second and third books have the same setting.

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

Since he has passed on to glory, could I say Billy Graham? I had the opportunity to attend two of his crusades, but I wish I could have met him in person. I would love to hear him talk and share how God used him to reach so many people.

I really loved him from afar. He made such an impact on so many people worldwide. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

God gave me the dream to write when I was in the eighth grade. It was a secret dream that I shared with very few people. I knew I would write someday—someday when the kids were grown, someday when I retired. I thought when the time was right, I would write and be published—after all, I was an English teacher, with a master’s degree, who studied and taught great literature and writing. I wish I had known how difficult it would be, how much I had to learn. I have attended local, regional, and national writers’ conferences. I went through the Jerry Jenkins Christian Writers’ Guild Craftsman Class. All that I have learned has shown me how much more I need to learn. I want to continue learning and developing my craft, so I can bring honor and glory to God.

We all need to understand just how much we need to learn of our craft. I’ve read author’s books that I loved the early ones, but the longer they were published, the quality went down. I want to always continue learning our craft too. What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

I stand amazed at how the Lord continues to pour out His great grace and mercy on me even though I am so unworthy. He is still trying to teach me to be still, to wait on Him, to trust Him completely, but sometimes I’m a slow learner.

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

Keep learning. Keep praying and listening to the Lord. If He gives you a story, it is worth telling. Don’t hide your talent under a bushel. Let His light shine in and through you. I don’t measure success by the number of books sold or the amount of money earned. Each time someone tells me how my books have touched them, I thank God for giving me the opportunity to be used by Him.

I feel the same way. Tell us about the featured book.

Here is the back cover copy:

    

She had a history that kept her from trusting.

He had a history that included a little girl.

           

Andrea Travis wants to establish her veterinary clinic and be independent. She doesn’t want or need a man. Who can trust them anyway? But then the winds of a tornado blow Winn Timberman into her life. Is this ordinary guy an unsung hero, the chivalrous knight of her dreams?

Winn Timberman is trying to put the pieces of his heart and life back together again. As a lineman, he lights up the lives of county electric co-op customers. But his main responsibility is to protect his little girl. He’s all she has. She’s all he wants—until he meets the beautiful, blue-eyed vet.

Can they overcome their haunted pasts to build a future? Will their swirling emotions blow them into a whirlwind romance, or will their hopes and dreams be washed away by a hurricane of historic proportions?

Hang on to your hats for a wild ride in this contemporary Christian romance filled with faith, forgiveness, and love.

Please give us the first page of the book for my blog readers.

Andrea looked out the window of her veterinarian clinic and watched hail pummel the lineman hanging on the utility pole. Ominous, black clouds obscured the sunlight. She wondered how the man could see what he was doing with the dim light on his helmet. She wondered how long the batteries in her flashlight would hold out. How long would this storm last?

The weather alert bleeped on her phone. The tornado watch had just been upgraded to a tornado warning headed in her direction. With 90 mile an hour winds, it could strike within twenty minutes. She opened the door and clutched onto the porch pillar. Shining her light at the lineman, she yelled at him to come down. He made no move. She brandished the flashlight, motioning for him to come inside. While fighting against the wind to keep her balance, she shuffled one foot at a time until she reached the pole.

Cupping her hands she yelled, “Come down! A tornado is coming!” He stared down at her. “Tor-na-do!” She made a swirling motion with one arm with her other arm wrapped around the pole.  “Tor-na-do! Come down, now!” She gestured again for him to climb down. She started to make her way back to the building. Blown forward, she hit the pillar with a thud. Holding tight she beckoned to the crazy man on the pole. Once she reached the door, she turned to see him making his descent. Even with the ropes tied around his waist, the wind whipped him back and forth.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://connielewisleonard.webs.com/

Connie Lewis Leonard, Author Facebook page

Light up My Life in Texas Book Club Facebook page

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Light-up-My-Life-Texas-ebook/dp/B07B9KNR7J/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1522086197&sr=1-1&keywords=light+up+my+life+in+texas

Thank you, Connie, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

BIG C, little c - Connie Lewis Leonard - One Free Book

Dear Readers, Connie is a friend of mine. She’s part of our local writing group. This is her debut novel. My husband and I enjoy spending time with her and her husband when we can.

Welcome, Connie. What would you like for our readers to know about you personally?

I accepted Christ when I was eleven. When I was thirteen, I had an English teacher who gave us choices: we could do the assignments in the grammar book, or we could do creative writing. We weren’t taught to write, but that year I discovered I loved to write and wanted to be a writer. I married young, had children, and put my husband through college and seminary. Then God gifted me with scholarships, I majored in English and taught in public schools for twenty-three years. I kept the desire to write buried in my heart. I thought I would write someday, when the kids were grown, someday when I retired. When doctors told me the breast cancer had metastasized to the lungs and liver, which was a terminal diagnosis, I realized that someday may never come. I decided to write a brief story of my life for my children and future grandchildren. As I wrote, I saw the hand of God directing my life even when I wasn’t walking with Him. It was at that point, I realized I didn’t just want to write, but I want to write for the Lord. That was twelve years ago. I opted not to have surgery, and either I didn’t have cancer, or the Lord chose to heal me because I am alive and well. 

Tell us about your family.

My husband and I have been married for forty-four years. Thirty-eight of those years, we have served in ministry together. God blessed us with two great kids and two precious grandkids. Our son is a football coach and teacher and our daughter is a counselor and registered play therapist. I am fortunate to still have both of my parents and a brother who live in New Mexico

Have you written other books?

I have written two short romantic suspense novels that I rewrote into one longer book following the advice of an agent. They are still unpublished. I write devotions and am currently working a devotional book, A Psalm a Day. I have also written a couple of Bible studies used in our church. I also write human interest magazine articles.

                       

Do you have any other books in the works right now?

I am about half-way finished with a romantic novel that takes place in a cowboy church in Texas. The idea popped into my head one Sunday morning while I was listening to the band in our cowboy church.

The idea for one of my books, that is still unpublished, came to me in a praise service. It’s wonderful when that happens. What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?

I love baking and cooking, especially when we have family get-togethers. I love reading and writing, and I enjoy scrapbooking.

What is your favorite food?

My favorite foods, besides sweets, are Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dinners. I also love homemade Mexican food. I was raised in Albuquerque, so I don’t care too much for TexMex.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

If I were an animal it would be a dog because dogs are loyal, friendly, and affectionate. They are also fiercely protective of their people, and so am I.

Why did you write the featured book?

This is the book of my heart. I am a cancer survivor. I have received the dreaded call and the diagnosis of a terminal condition. Although I didn’t have to endure chemo and radiation, I have seen the ravages of the disease and its treatment. I hope to raise awareness and sensitivity. When someone has cancer, they don’t cease to be a person. Some people focus only on the cancer, like the person has no other life or concerns. Other people act like the cancer, or the cancer victim, ceases to exist because it’s too painful to face their suffering. Cancer affects the family and friends as well as the patient. My prayer is that everyone facing cancer, or any other major life crisis, would have the support system that Lyn Newton has in Big C, little c.

What do you want the reader to take away from the book?

We go through seasons in life. We can be sailing along smoothly, on top of the world, when all of a sudden the bottom falls out, and we plummet into a deep, dark desert. It’s through these valley experiences that we truly come to know God’s great love, mercy, and grace. He reaches down and picks us up out of the pit and puts our feet on solid ground. He walks on the water to rescue us from the raging storms. Christ is the “Big C”—He is bigger than cancer or any other crisis in life.

Is there anything you’d like to tell my readers about you or your book?

My book is a novel, a work of fiction that portrays the human experience. It is more about relationships than cancer—personal relationships with God, relationships between husband and wife, parents and children, siblings, and friends. It is a book about placing our hope in Christ.

Here is the back cover blurb:

Lyn Newton’s foundation is rocked by the diagnosis of cancer. Assaulted by one crisis after another, her family fights for life, life as they’ve known it, life as they hope it will be, and finally the life Christ has planned for them. With prayer and the support of Lyn’s ladies’ Bible study group, they discover the peace of Christ, “The Big C,” who is greater than any calamity of life, including cancer. Through laughter and tears, the Newton family is drawn back together, stronger in love for each other and faith in God.

Where on the Internet can the readers find you?

I write devotions and post them in the Blog on my website:

http://connielewisleonard.webs.com/

I am also on Facebook.

Thank you, Connie, for sharing your debut novel with us today.

Readers, here are purchase links for the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Big C, little c - paperback
Big C, little c - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com