CRANBERRY HEARTS - Lena Nelson Dooley - Free Book

This is the third, and final, interview with an author of Cranberry Hearts. Although it's hard to interview myself, here goes. What contribution did your story make to the collection?

My story, Who Am I?, is the first story in the book. It’s my first romantic suspense.

Did you enjoy working with the other authors in the collection?

Very much. Both Lisa and Beth were in the critique group that meets in my home before they moved away. I mentored them before they became published. And Beth’s story in this book was her first sale. Lisa and I worked hard to make it happen.

Did it take a lot of interaction?

Not really. There is a thread that ties the stories together, but it’s loose in the first two books. All the cousins come together in the last story to help with the cranberry harvest. But we did critique each other's novels.

Have you ever been to Massachusetts?

No, I haven’t, but I’d like to go there. All my research uncovered a lot of places I want to visit.

How was the setting chosen?

It was one of the states in the Heartsong Presents state series.

What do you like most about this collection?

That the stories are romantic suspense.

What book are you currently writing?

This week I finished a sample chapter for a requested submission, which I’m hoping the publisher will like and offer me a contract. Now I have to get back to my Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, book.

Tell us a little about your family.

Husband of almost 45 years, two daughters, two sons-in-law, two granddaughters, two grandsons, and one great grandson.

What is the first page of your story in the collection?

Chapter 1
Leiann Hambrick clutched her upper arms as if to hold herself together
while she stared through the sheer curtains that veiled the picture window.
Would she have to leave all this behind? She no longer saw the Hurst athletic complex, which had been built a few years earlier. In her mind’s eye she saw the thicket full of wild mustang grapevines that used to grow on that spot. Grapes she had picked so her mother could make her famous jelly. Jelly her father loved on his biscuits in the morning. She longed for that simpler time, when she knew who her father was. When she knew who she was.

Leiann swiped at the tears that streamed down her cheeks, ruining the makeup she had taken such pains to apply a few hours ago as she prepared for the reading of her mother’s will. How different her world had been this morning.

The Hambricks had moved to this house on Cimarron Trail in Hurst, Texas, when Leiann was in the fourth grade. Leiann had been excited when they moved to this ranch-style house on the quiet street. A lot of undeveloped property surrounded them. Besides the thicket across the road—and it had been a country road then, not a four-lane street as it was now—a creek ran along the back of the property. Leiann and her friends played there often, wading and hunting bullfrogs on hot summer evenings.

Leiann yearned to go back to that time when she knew what her life was all about. She wanted to hug her mother and have her daddy tell her that everything was all right because they were together. Of course, that was impossible. She didn’t think anything would ever be all right again.

Squeezing her eyes shut could not erase the pictures that danced through her mind. The lawyer’s office. The reading of the will. . .

“And to my daughter, I leave all my worldly goods.” The lawyer’s voice had droned on, listing the things that had belonged to her mother, which were now Leiann’s. Family heirlooms, bank accounts, furniture and household goods, jewelry. But not the house. Her mother hadn’t owned the house.

“Leiann?” From across the living room, the soft voice of her best friend brought Leiann out of her confused thoughts. When Leiann didn’t respond, Arlene came to stand beside her. “You really need to eat something.”

She turned, but she didn’t loosen the grip she held on her upper arms. If she did, she might fly apart. “I’m not really hungry.”

Where can the readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/
http://lenanelsondooleynewsletter.blogspot.com/

I’m also on Shoutlife, Facebook, and Twitter.

Readers, here's a link where you can order Cranberry Hearts:

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

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

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

CRANBERRY HEARTS - Lisa Harris - Free Book

Lisa Harris is the second author we're interviewing with this release. Welcome, Lisa. What contribution did your story make to the collection?

A Matter of Trust was one of the first romances I wrote, and when Lena, Beth and I decided to submit a collection to Heartsong, I knew this was the story I wanted to use. But I also knew that it was going to take a lot of rewrites to make it sellable. Because I already loved the story, I really enjoyed going back, reworking the story, and fleshing out the characters the second time around.

Here’s the back cover blurb: A year ago Kayla Marceilo had it all - a great job in Boston and a handsome, successful fiance who loved the Lord...or so she thought. When Ty turned out to be a liar, Kayla's world was shattered. Moving back home seemed like a good way to try to pick up the pieces. Just when she feels like everything's falling into place, Ty reappears in her life, claiming to have changed. But has he?

Ty Lawrence is sorry for his past. Tragedy and heartache made him hit rock bottom and realize what truly matters. He's changed his ways and his hoping for a simpler, more meaningful life in Farrington...and another chance with Kayla. When Ty's past catches up with him and he's accused of defrauding his former company, can he ever earn Kayla's trust - and love - back?

Did you enjoy working with the other authors in the collection?

One of the blessings in writing for me has been the authors and readers who I’ve befriended throughout the years, and Lena and Beth are some of my closest writer friends. So yes, I definitely enjoyed it.

Did it take a lot of interaction?

This collection took little interaction. Beyond the setting, each story stands alone.

Have you ever been to Massachusetts?

While I’ve never been to Massachusetts, I’ve spent the past few years extensively researching the area. Besides my contribution to this contemporary collection, I was also privileged to write three historical romances for Heartsong set in Massachusetts in the late 1800’s. That collection is entitled Massachusetts Brides.

How was the setting chosen?

I believe originally, Beth had done a lot of research on cranberry farms which we all thought was a unique setting. Massachusetts proved to be the perfect location for the series.

What do you like most about this collection?

I enjoyed the setting and the fact that there is a thread of mystery, which I always love to add to my stories.

What book are you currently writing?

I’m currently brainstorming book two in my Mission Hope series for Zondervan. The first book in the series, Blood Ransom, will be released next March and is a fast-paced suspense novel.

“Deep in the heart of Africa, two American lives are about to change forever. Natalie Sinclair and

Dr. Chad Talcott want to make a difference in under-developed African villages … but they didn’t count on risking their lives in the process. Romance and adventure drive this powerful thriller about the modern-day slave trade and those who dare to challenge it.”

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband and I, along with our three children, moved to South Africa about six years ago to work with my husband’s aunt and uncle in leadership training and church planting. About a year ago, after six months learning Portuguese in Brazil, God called us to Mozambique where we are continuing our work for African Outreach Ministries. Life is always an adventure, but we feel blessed to be a part of the work here.

What is the first page of your story in the collection?

Ty Lawrence was running out of time. He drummed his fingers against the top of his polished mahogany desk that sat near the window of his office and tried to calm his staggered breathing.
One more minute, Lord. That’s all I need.

The computer whirred as it copied the files onto his flash drive. He might not have evidence to hand over to the police for an actual conviction, but he did have enough confidential files at his apartment to keep a government official busy for weeks if Abbott Financial Services was ever indicted. These last files, thanks to an unanticipated inside tip and his password, were the best corroboration he’d found so far in linking the CEO, Richard Abbott, to fraud.

And thirty years behind bars if Ty had his way.

Forty-five seconds left.

Ty stuck a dirty coffee mug and a half-eaten bag of peanuts from his desk drawer into the cardboard box he’d brought from home. The corner office with windows overlooking the city, the company Jag, and a yearly bonus that could pay off the debt of a small, third world country hadn’t been enough enticement to stay in the game. Not since the morning he’d awakened with a hangover and the front page of the Boston Times in his lap with pictures of five executives from
Orlando arrested for fraud and conspiracy charges.

It was a sobering thought, requiring little imagination to realize that was where he was headed if he didn’t get out before it was too late. The unexpected letter from an old friend offering him a job in Farrington, Massachusetts, had cinched the deal. Never mind the fact that he’d make a third of what he made now, drive his old car, and work from an office smaller than his bedroom closet.

He’d have a clean conscience, which was worth more than Richard Abbott could ever give him.
Ty glanced at the computer screen. Twenty seconds. His head throbbed. Once Abbott received the resignation letter with his morning correspondence, security would be sent up to escort Ty off the property.

Voices buzzed in the hallway, growing louder as they neared his office. Five seconds. . .

His office door slammed against the back wall as his boss crossed the threshold. Ty looked up from the potted plant he was setting in the cardboard box.

A real hook. Now, Lisa, where can the readers find you on the Internet?

I keep a blog on our life in Africa at http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com/ . Stop by and leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you! I also have a website at http://www.lisaharriswrites.com/ . Thanks so much for having me, Lena. It’s always a privilege to be here!

And I love having you, Lisa. Readers, you'll want to go to her blog and sign up for it. I love reading about her life in Africa, complete with pictures.

Here's a link where you can order Cranberry Hearts:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. The only notification you will have will be the winners post on this blog, so be sure to come back to the blog a week from Saturday to see if you won.

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

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

CRANBERRY HEARTS - Elizabeth Goddard, Lisa Harris, Lena Nelson Dooley - Free Book

This the first interview announcing the release of Cranberry Hearts. We're talking to one of the authors, Elizabeth Goddard. Welcome, Beth. What contribution did your story make to the collection?

Seasons of Love is set on a cranberry farm. The characters from the other stories appeared in my story during the cranberry harvest.

Did you enjoy working with the other authors in the collection?

I’ve known these authors since I started writing fiction so they were very easy to work with. They’ve been a huge part of my writing career, giving me encouragement, critiques, and support.

Did it take a lot of interaction?

Since the stories were only loosely tied together, there was minimal interaction regarding the planning and writing. But then we each read the others’ stories.

Have you ever been to Massachusetts?

Yes, I’ve traveled extensively in my job as a high-level account executive for a software company. In fact, one of the first places I visited outside of my home state of Texas for the company was Salem, Massachusetts.

How was the setting chosen?

Years before ever writing the story I’d seen a news clip about cranberry farming and knew that I wanted to set a story there one day. When the opportunity to write a story set in Massachusetts came up, I already had the perfect setting.

What do you like most about this collection?

The suspense and the setting.

What book are you currently writing?

Again, I love interesting settings. My current project for Heartsong Presents is set in North Dakota on a decommissioned missile site. Disarming Andi will release in March 2010.

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband pastors a small church in Oregon. I have three sons—10, 9, and 5—and a 17-year-old daughter who is preparing to leave for Scotland next month on a missionary trip. She went to South Africa last year. My story, O Christmas Tree, in Barbour’s Christmas Homecoming 4-in-1 collection due in September, is based on her travels and includes some of her experiences.

What is the first page of your story in the collection?

Prologue
Sacramento, California

"I’ve got a proposition for you. Call me,” a familiar voice crackled from the answering machine.

Grandpa? Riley O’Hare set her sack of groceries on the counter as she replayed the message.

The clock on the sage-colored wall displayed six thirty. Grandpa was on the East Coast. No way would he still be up at nine thirty. She’d have to wait until morning before she could call him. She hated waiting and stared at the ceiling while the annoying computerized voice detailed the time and stated that she had another message.

“Riley, it’s Eric. You there? I tried to reach you on your cell today. I’d love to have dinner with you tonight, but I’ve got that meeting with Tom Carling at Solution Sciences, remember? Actually, you could join me. It never hurts to have a beautiful woman on your arm. Italiano’s at six thirty.”

“Too late,” she said and huffed at his comment. It irritated her that he acted as though they were supposed to have dinner tonight. When would he get it? He didn’t seem to understand that things were over between them. Riley shuddered.

Eric Rutherford only saw her as eye candy to impress his colleagues. Everything revolved around his work as a business consultant—though she couldn’t blame him for that. Her career as a regional account executive for Morris & Associates consumed her, as well. Most people didn’t have time to live their own lives anymore.

Anxious to be rid of thoughts of Eric, she hit the Delete button hard and long. The answering machine responded that all messages had been erased.

“What? Argh.” Riley examined the caller ID list to see whose calls she’d missed since she’d just accidentally trashed all the messages. John’s work number appeared last. She called her brother back, getting no answer; then she tried his cell. Still no answer, so she left a message.

After she finished putting away the groceries she’d grabbed on the way home from work, she popped precooked chicken strips onto a paper plate and into the microwave, then pulled the tab off a diet soda. It fizzed over the top and onto her beige blouse.

“Ack!” She whirled around and held it over the sink. When the soda’s overzealous carbonation died down, she wiped the can with a paper towel and set it on the counter while she cleaned.

Frustration overwhelmed her. She didn’t have th e energy to cook a decent meal. Life had been hectic since graduating from college with a business degree. Three years of her life had flown by since then. Was this what it was all about?

Where can the readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.bethgoddard.com/

Beth, thank you for spending this time with us.

Readers, you're going to love reading these three romantic suspense stories. Here's a link where you can order Cranberry Hearts:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. The only notification will be the winners post on this blog. So be sure to check back on Saturday in two weeks to see if you won.

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

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

6 Winners This Week!!! 6 - And A Special Announcement!!

The Wendt Family and Charmed are the 2 winners of Talking to the Dead by Bonnie Grove.

Julianna is the winner of Maggie Rose by Sharlene MacLaren.

Leila and Sandee61 are the 2 winners of Wild Prairie Roses by Lena Nelson Dooley, Laurie Alice Eakes, and Lisa Harris.

Adge is the winner of Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida, by Debby Mayne.

Congratulations. You need to get your mailing address to me. You can click on View My Complete Profile in the sidebar to find a link to my email. Or you can go to my web site and use the Contact Me form - www.lenanelsondooley.com

Announcing the Release of Cranberry Hearts by Lisa Harris, Lena Nelson Dooley, and Elizabeth Goddard. You can read all about it at this link: http://lenanelsondooleynewsletter.blogspot.com