RISKING LOVE - Darlene Franklin and Helen Gray - One Free Book

Welcome back, Darlene. As an author, I know it takes a lot of people to birth each book. Who were the people involved in the birthing of this book, and what were their contributions?

I’ll speak to the birthing of Risking Love, not of each novella within the collection individually.

Since I’ve begun publishing in the ebook market, I’m always looking for new ways to promote my works. I’ve tried combining my own books into sets without much luck. I thought, why not combine with one other author? Take already-published books, look for titles with something in common, and create something new.

I approached my publishing group, Forget Me Not Romances, with the idea. Helen Gray was among the first to respond. We agreed that her two “Hawthorne” books matched the theme of taking a risky course to love with my story, Her Rocky Mountain Highness. Our editor, Cynthia Hickey, called the new line of books Dynamic Duos and suggested I add an older title, Merry Christmas, With Love to the mix.

For the novellas, add the volunteers who work at the Christmas, Florida, post office in December, the many people who send cards to our servicemen overseas, and the unforgettable music of John Denver for my basic inspiration.

And as always, first and foremost—the Lord!

If you teach or speak. What’s coming up on your calendar?

I’ve just been asked to prepare a writing curriculum for home schooled high school students. I’m super excited!

If you had to completely start over in another place, where would you move, and why?

I have two thoughts. My first is—to make it past Utah, which is the farthest west I’ve ever been. I’d love to try living in New Mexico or Arizona.

The second is: to go to Mason County, Kentucky, where my father’s family has its roots. I’d like to connect with my roots.

If you could only tell aspiring novelists one thing, what would it be?

Develop a thick skin.. Rejection is the norm, but only you can tell your story, and God will open the right doors at the right time (they might not happen the way you expected, by the way).

You’ve been asked to be in charge of a celebrity cruise. Who would you ask to take part, and why? (AS in what program, singers, etc. [it doesn’t have to be writing related])

I don’t think I’ve ever been asked this question before, Lena!  I would love to go on a cruise that would combine my love of the Bible, music, and a desire to experiment in art all in one.  I don’t know whom I would ask to come – I’d prefer several different people to lead and teach a variety of musical groups, Bible studies, and art classes. Have a big show at the end of the week, along with an art show?

Tell us about the featured book.

Four delightfully romantic novellas to warm your heart and make you smile.

HER ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGHNESS
Krystal Black had helped foreign dignitaries before but never was tempted to join their ranks.

Prince Johann "John" van Koppelberg came to the Colorado Rockies expecting a vacation. He hadn't planned to fall in love with his tourism director.

But like John Denver, the prince found a home and fell in love. Now if only he could get Krystal and his parents to agree.

HAWTHORNE HOPE
Jenna Michaels can’t risk falling in love.

She has already lost too much. When she meets Evan Bryant, their mutual attraction sends her running from the possibility of another loss.

Principal of Hawthorn Christian Academy Evan Bryant never thought he would be attracted to another woman after the death of his beloved wife. Meeting Jenna convinces him that he can love again, but is there hope that they can move beyond their pasts and find happiness together?

MERRY CHRISTMAS WITH LOVE
People from around the country send their mail to Christmas, Florida, to receive a special Christmas postmark. War widow Randi Pearson enjoys sending Christmas cards to men and women serving in the armed forces—until retired major Troy Brennan shows up as a post office volunteer. Can Troy convince Randi to let go of the past and move into the future?

TREE OF HOPE
BURNED OUT COP TRAVIS BAKER IS LOOKING FOR NEW DIRECTION IN HIS LIFE.
After leaving law enforcement, Travis takes a job as temporary handyman at the Quinn landscaping business and gift shop that two sisters are try to run now that the father is dying of cancer. But he doesn't figure on getting involved in constructing a living Christmas tree, or his heart getting entangled with Reagan Quinn.

Reagan has too much on her plate, operating the businesses and dealing with grief over her father, and confusion at the inevitable changes confronting her. Can Travis convince her that they can form a partnership—in business and life?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Krystal Black and her cousin Jill Lancieri made it to the passenger pickup area of Denver International Airport with minutes to spare. “Rocky Mountain High” streamed through the speakers in the terminal.

“I wish we had a picture of the prince,” Krystal said. “Six feet two inches. Light blonde hair, blue eyes. His description could fit dozens of arriving passengers.” Suppose he tried to hide his identity with a hat or sunglasses, the way celebrities often did.

“I bet he’s handsome,” Jill said. “As good looking as Prince William, maybe even better.”

Krystal snorted.

“Will you ever stop expecting Prince Charming every time we have a new client from abroad?”

“Not as long as they keep sending us to meet royalty at the airport.” Jill giggled.

She had a point. Today the two tourist guides were meeting Prince Johann van Koppleberg of the former city-state of Forsberg, which had been located along the Lapland/Russia border.

Sounds like a fun collection. Where can we find you on the Internet?

Check out a complete list of my books at https://amzn.to/2Lv3Gaa and keep up with me online at https://www.facebook.com/DarleneFranklinFun/.

Thank you, Darlene, for sharing this book with us. I’m eager to read it, and I know my readers will be, too.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

Risking Love (Dynamic Duos Book 7)

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

SEEKING CINDERELLA - Darlene Franklin and Cynthia Hickey - One Free Ebook

Dear Readers, I always love featuring Darlene Franklin and her books. She’s a dear friend from way back. We’ve written for some of the same publishers over the years. Her writing is always fresh and unique. I love her characters and her storylines. I so admire her. She’s been writing for several years from a nursing home. Keep up the good work, Darlene. It’ll keep you young.

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

I write a lot about perseverance. God can get you through anything. IF my characters aren’t suffering enough, I add more to their plate. I’m a mean mother, lol. Actually, it’s that I want my characters to have troubles important enough to trust God for. People, including me, sometimes face larger-than-life problems.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

I’m hoping to publish a few more Dyanamic Duos—Risking Love with Helen Gray is already out. I’m currently writing this year’s Christmas story, The Small Town Christmas Caper, to be released by Forget Me Not Romances in September.

One of my older Christmas stories, Lucy Ames, Sharpshooter, will be included in Old West Christmas from Barbour to be released in September. Lena, you wrote about Charlsey’s Accountant for that original Christmas set way back when!

           

I’m also extremely excited about my upcoming, Praying Through the Bible in a Year from Barbour, to be released in November, from Barbour.          

Actually, Charlsey’s Accountant was in A Texas Christmas a couple of years ago. And I’m in a new Barbour collection that will release in November as well Great Lakes Lighthouse Brides. If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

I would like to spend time with my relatives in Kentucky. They’re family, I suppose, but it extends back to settlement times. To walk into a town with “Sparks” on several businesses and see a strong family resemblance on stranger’s faces—I’d love to do that.

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

A recent fave of mine is Mary Colter, the one woman behind the amazing buildings at the Grand Canyon. She worked for Harvey Houses and built dozens of their sites, both at the Grand Canyon and elsewhere along the railroad in the early 20^th century.

I have a book coming up where Mary will be a key figure in the romance, coming from Forget Me Not Romances.

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

I received a lot of rejections slips before I got a book contract. During those twelve years, I published maybe one thing a year. If that. Even now, when I publish regularly, including articles and nonfiction, I rarely break in when I query, and I receive book rejections on a regular basis.

However, I stuck with it (I received the Perseverance Award from Colorado Christian Writers’ Conference!). Book rejections are the norm. A few thoughts that helped me along the way:

• The question, should I quit, is a valid one. (Few of us do quit, at least for long.) Whenever I asked God whether I should give up writing altogether, I got the same answer: “Don’t worry about tomorrow. Finish the book I’ve given you to write today.” (And that book didn’t sell either!) God respects your request for a fleece. 

• If you’re pursuing writing to make a lot of money, rethink your motivation. The market is harder today than ever, especially with traditional publishers. You may make little to no money for anything you write. Having said that, there is still a need for strong writers to share God’s word. He takes care of our financial needs and brings our gift to the right people. 

• It’s okay to leave the book you’re working on and start another one. Don’t keep showing the same proposal to publishers. 

Tell us about the featured book?

 I suggested the idea of dual-authors sets to my publisher (Cynthia Hickey of Forget Me not Romances). She came up with “Dynamic Duos” and paired with me on the first release that combined our two Cinderella stories in Seeking Cinderella,

Two romantic novellas where fairy tales do come true.

CINDERELLA'S BOOT
Cynthia Ellen Cooper—known affectionately as “Cinderella”—left her wedding boot in the dust when she ran away from her wedding to work on a sheep station in Australia.

Four years later, she’s back home—and so is her ex-fiancé, now a DVM from Oklahoma State University. They reach a truce and work side by side in his father’s animal clinic.

Cyn soon discovers she wants more—but she has to battle bad history and a demanding pet owner for Keith’s attention.

How can Cinderella find a second chance at love? 

HILLBILLY CINDERELLA
When Cindy Lou Hopkins turns twenty-five life will get better. She knows it. She'll no longer be under the thumb of her stepmother Geneva or tormented by her stepsisters. She just has to stay alive that long.

The only kink in her plan for independence is the handsome, Lance Moore, she jokingly calls the town prince. A man who wants to get to know her better. A man Cindy isn't worthy to be in the same room as.

When Lance throws a barn dance, Cindy is determined to have one night with him that will carry her through the rest of her life. Can she set aside prejudices from a bygone time and embrace her happily ever after?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Mistletoe Springs, Oklahoma, Four years ago

Cynthia Ellen Cooper—Cyn to her friends, Cinderella to her family—had dreamed of her wedding day all her life. The day dawned as if delivered to order from heaven. Early May in Oklahoma hit the perfect balance between the heavy spring tornado season and the blasting heat of summer. Not a rain cloud or rainbow marred the horizon, naught but sunshine and puffy white clouds and blue sky. Grass, kept to an even six-inch height, comfy to foot and hoof, stretched around her family’s homestead, inviting her to ride to her wedding in style on the back of her favorite mare. The flowers of the field matched the wildflower bouquets lining the chairs set up for the ceremony to be held beneath a rose arch. Her wedding ensemble was designed to match the surroundings: a short gown and veil in ivory satin and lace paired with white heeled boots for her wedding slippers. In all, Cinderella had a fairy tale ending to a fairy tale romance for the cowgirl more at home on the back of her beloved mare Moonstar.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website and blog: https://Darlenefranklinwrites.com

List of my books: https://amzn.to/2Lv3Gaa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarleneFranklinFun

Thank you, Darlene, for sharing this new project with us. I know my readers will be eager to read the story. I’ve read it and loved it, but I’m going to read it again.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

Seeking Cinderella (Dynamic Duos Book 1)

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

MERMAID'S SONG - Darlene Franklin - One Free Ebook

Dear Readers, we’re celebrating something very special. The release of my friend Darlene Franklin’s 50^th unique, stand-alone title. We’re glad you joined us today.

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

As you know, Mermaid’s Song is my fiftieth unique, stand-alone title. I am so excited and thrilled that God has brought me to this milestone.

The immediate horizon is bright but a little unclear. I have three more novellas coming out this year, and I’m committed to write three more next year. I recently signed up with an agent (for the first time in several years) and we have several projects in mind. One editor has already requested a proposal, so I am very excited, but it’s not time yet to share any details. I’ll just say it would take me in a different direction. 

Tell us a little about your family.

My family is small but much-loved. My son lives only a couple of miles away from me. I’m blessed to see him every week. He loves the Lord and has followed in his mother’s steps, teaching children at church. He and his wife have two lovely adult daughters (by her first marriage), Savannah and Shannon. 8 ½ year old Jordan is a mini-me, with a talent for music and a love for telling stories, snapping brown eyes and dark, dark, hair. (The way mine used to be.) My lone grandson, Isaiah, brings up the caboose at six. He just finished kindergarten, and trains are his passion.

Recently I’ve also heard from my cousins. What a treat!

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

My reading habits have changed some. Lately I’ve read very little, which is a shame. I read more widely. I definitely read more romance than I did before, I try some of the bestsellers, and enjoy a good memoir, but mysteries continue to be my default preference.

What are you working on right now?

I just finished writing prayers to go with Barbour’s 12 Months to Better Prayer Guide for Women, due for publication next February. I’m also writing this year’s Christmas novella, The Christmas Child, which will be part of Forget-Me-Not Romances Christmas Masquerade collection.

For fun I’m working on a story about a horse for my granddaughter, and I’m listing all of God’s questions in the Bible for a possible devotional book someday.

What outside interests do you have?

I love to color pictures. I play piano for the church group that worships here on Sunday and Wednesday. I’m active with my local branch of American Christian Fiction Writers, which is OCFW. I’m not sure what the letters stand for—Oklahoma City Fiction Writers? Oklahoma Christian Fiction Writers?

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Sometimes the setting is dictated by the collection I’m in. Other times it’s a marketing decision. If a publisher is looking for certain settings, or state collections, I will consider that in preparing a proposal. I try to choose a setting I either know personally, or that is similar to one I know.

In the case of Mermaid’s Song, the story had to take place somewhere—anywhere—along America’s coastline. My mermaid would be shipwrecked. So I chose Maine, my beloved home state.

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

Oh, that’s always tough. I would love to meet one of those difference makers. What made them take that one bold step—Martin Luther’s 95 Theses, Rosa Parks’ seat on the bus?

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

I’ve thought about this for a time, and I can’t think of anything. I might say, how hard it would be, how long it would take, that writing is just plain hard work. Writing isn’t for faint of heart!

Perhaps I would say, to trust my voice more. To believe in myself and not to ask for so much validation. When I was starting out, those external validations were important. Winning contests and getting positive reviews from paid critiques told me I was on my way to being a good writer. But even after I mastered the craft, I continued to seek validation.

We all need validation. What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

A new-old lesson: dealing with adversity. Do I respond to the people who are serving me, whether poorly or well, with respect and gratitude, or do I react with anger? Is the appropriate response to stay and fight—or to seek other accommodations? If I choose to move, do I trust God to go before me, lining up the people and connections I need? I have relished the regular, twice-a-week ministry of a local church. “What if” I don’t find that if I move?

Times like this show me as the weakling I am, with my hornest’s nest with murmurings and unforgiveness and a lack of trust that God will lead me to a better place.

I am writing about some of this in my column “The View Through my Door” in the August issue of Book Fun Magazine.

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

Here I’m speaking to authors who have, to some degree, mastered the craft of writing and want to make a career of it:

Be flexible. If I refused to leave my pigeonhole, I wouldn’t have made it to 50 books. I might have run out of any publishing options a number of times over the years.

Study the market. If I am choosing between two ideas—say, a mail order bride story set in Wyoming or a regency romance—it helps to know that the mail order bride story will probably sell better.

Be prepared to promote yourself. Even the most established publishing houses expect their authors to do what they can to promote their books. If you self-publish, or work for a small independent publishing company like Forget Me Not Romances, it’s absolutely essential. People aren’t going to just stumble on your books. It’s more time consuming than difficult, but blogs, newsletters, social media, videos, so on and so on and so on.

Tell us about the featured book.

At last, the much anticipated 50th book by Darlene Franklin!

Noble Prescott is drawn to the scene of a shipwreck by a sweet song sung in a language he didn’t understand. The songstress is barely alive, holding onto a piece of the ship’s railing. Her dress wraps around her legs like a mermaid’s tail.

Thus begins this imaginative retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale.

Justine Battineaux, an Acadian forced from her homeland on Cape Breton Island by British decree, finds herself adrift in the Maine colony. She doesn’t know the language and is distrusted as a foreigner.

Noble lives up to his name, providing shelter for Justine—and protection, as distrust turns into danger. For himself, his family—and the woman he comes to love.

How will Justine and Noble overcome the evil woman’s schemes to find their own love everlasting?

I’m eager to read it. Please give us the first page of the book.

Justine Battineaux huddled next to her maman and her sister in the belly of the ship. The walls tilted and water spread across the floor.

“Will this storm never end? So many are sick.” A storm had raged since the previous evening. The three of them experienced only mild discomfort but many others suffered. After a brief rest, Justine moved among the passengers.

The English didn’t intend death for the Acadians. In fact, they had left them in peace for forty years after the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. It was only after the renewal of hostilities between the two countries that the British had demanded they show their loyalty to the crown by taking up arms against the French. The price of their refusal? Their homes had been burned and their lands confiscated. Justine was blessed that her family and village were left together. Others had been separated. No one knew where they were headed, except to some place totally loyal to the British. Until the storm arose, their final destination had dominated the passengers’ conversation.

Justine offered water to those who would take it until she ran out. Storm or no storm, she would ask for more. The door was locked, the guard gone. She knocked until her hands hurt from the effort before she sank to her knees. God, intervene. Protect and defend us, both English and Acadian.

The door creaked open. Theo Adams, a sailor who spoke passable French, stood on the other side.

“We need water,” Justine said.

He peered inside, taking in the many sick, before he shook his head. “The captain has ordered everyone on deck. The ship’s breaking up.”

She froze, struck to silence by his words.

“Hurry or die.” He brushed past her into the cramped, moldy quarters of the hold. Justine followed him as he went from passenger to passenger, many too weak to leave their pallets.

The ship bells rang. Adams grabbed Justine’s arm. “Anyone who is able must go. Now.”

Justine strained to see behind her, to get away from his grip. “Maman, you must come.” She couldn’t see if her mother had heard or was following. She tried again to yank away, but Theo held her fast. “You must go. I will get the others if I can.” He pushed her onto the deck.

At least two dozen Acadians had made their way topside, as well as the ship’s crew.

Cold sea water reached her knees. Portions of the railing had been torn from the side of the ship. The mainmast was broken. The ship was sinking.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website and blog

Facebook

Amazon author page

Twitter: @darlenefranklin

Thank you, Darlene, for allowing me and my readers to participate in your special celebration.

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

Mermaid's Song (Love Everlasting Book 4)

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

CINDERELLA'S BOOT/RUNAWAY BRIDES - Darlene Franklin - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I just finished reading this book by Darlene. It’s a fun read. You’ll love it.

Welcome back, Darlene. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I don’t intentionally write myself into my characters—others often see more of me than I’m aware of myself. In Cinderella’s Boot, I believe in second chances. Every day is a chance to begin anew, by God’s grace, and my heroine has to believe that after she left her fiancé at the altar.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

One of the more unusual things I’ve done: I traveled all the way from Mexico City to Maine by bus. After a summer’s immersion in Mexican culture and Spanish, I felt like I had entered a foreign country when we crossed the border into Texas and a three-year-old began speaking English with a heavy Southern accent.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I began writing seriously, after my divorce in 1991. I wrote about God’s promises in the midst of a difficult situation. After I finished that book, I started writing fiction and never stopped, although my first book wasn’t published for fourteen years.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

My favorite genre is mystery—all kinds, suspense, cozy, hard-boiled, you name it. I also love reading the genre I write, romance, especially historical. Good sci-fi/fantasy draws me, but I’d rather not read a series (sorry, writers!) For nonfiction, I read memoirs, creative nonfiction, and spiritual living books. Recently I finished Jesus, the Obedient Son by Michael Phillips. Now I’m reading My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me by Jennifer Teege. It’s a biography of Amon Goeth’s black granddaughter. In case you need reminding (I did), Goeth was the concentration camp commander in Schindler’s List.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Good question. Prayer and scripture memorization/meditation help. Right now I’m blessed to have a weekly counseling session. Talking with friends can help. Ongoing physical therapy helps, when I get it. (I live in a nursing home)

How do you choose your characters’ names?

For Cinderella’s Boot, I brainstormed names that could be condensed to “Cinderella” and came up with “Cynthia Ellen,” my heroine’s name. Her family teasingly calls her “Cinders,” her friends call her “Cyn”—but only her (former) fiancé calls her Cynthia.

I chose Keith for the hero, just because I liked the name. All the other characters, including a few animals, were given names of Facebook friends who asked to have a character named after them. People love seeing their names in print! I intend to ask for names whenever I write a contemporary book—which isn’t very often, as you know, Lena.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I am as proud of my son and grandchildren as most parents are, but I feel I have little right to take credit for how they turned out.

Do I dare say proud? I am thankful that my faith has stayed strong through a life with many challenges. And I’m proud of having nearly fifty unique titles in print, plus reprints and new collections. (Cinderella’s Boot is book #48. I expect to see book #50 published in July.)

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A cat, of course. Because they are queens and beautiful and friendly.

What is your favorite food?

Potato chips and ice cream

I’m sure the sweet and salty go together well. I have a recipe for Potato Chip Cookies that are like that. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Oh, Lena, I’ve had a lot of roadblocks over the years. Perhaps the biggest problem at the beginning was the lack of validation. I felt compelled to write but no one wanted to publish what I had written. S-l-o-w-l-y that changed.  I published maybe one item a year and won a few awards. My first book was published fourteen years after I started writing!

How did I overcome it? I just kept writing. I even won the perseverance award at Colorado Christian Writers Conference. Editors certainly knew I was serious about learning my craft.

Tell us about the featured book?

Contemporary romance novella from the Runaway Brides collection.

Cynthia Ellen Cooper—known affectionately as “Cinderella”—left her wedding boot in the dust when she ran away from her wedding to work on a sheep station in Australia.

Four years later, she’s back home—and so is her ex-fiancé, now a DVM from Oklahoma State University. They reach a truce and work side by side in his father’s animal clinic.

Cyn soon discovers she wants more—but she has to battle bad history and a demanding pet owner for Keith’s attention.

How can Cinderella find a second chance at love?

Please give us the first page for my readers.

Cynthia Ellen Cooper—Cyn to her friends, Cinderella to her family—had dreamed of her wedding day all her life. The day dawned as if delivered to order from heaven. Early May in Oklahoma hit the perfect balance between the heavy spring tornado season and the blasting heat of summer. Not a rain cloud or rainbow marred the horizon, naught but sunshine and puffy white clouds and blue sky.

Grass, kept to an even six-inch height, comfy to foot and hoof, stretched around her family’s homestead, inviting her to ride to her wedding in style on the back of her favorite mare. The flowers of the field matched the wildflower bouquets lining the chairs set up for the ceremony to be held beneath a rose arch. Her wedding ensemble was designed to match the surroundings: a short gown and veil in ivory satin and lace paired with white heeled boots for her wedding slippers.

In all, Cinderella had a fairy tale ending to a fairy tale romance for the cowgirl more at home on the back of her beloved mare Moonstar than on foot.

Enjoy it, Cyn reminded herself. After today, she’d exchange ranch chores for office duties. She’d work at the registrar’s office at the Oklahoma State College of Veterinary Medicine in Stillwater for four years while her prince charming earned his DVM.

Four years trapped inside an office felt like an eternity to a girl who spent every spare minute outdoors. After their imprisonment, Keith would receive his degree and they would return to Mistletoe Springs.

Was she exchanging her dreams for the security of marriage? Any marriage involved compromise. But if she could know for certain that Keith would wait for her, she wouldn’t get married today.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website and blog

Facebook

Amazon author page

Twitter: @darlenefranklin

Purchase Links:

Cinderella's Boot

Runaway Brides

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

LOVE'S COMPASS (PRIDE'S FALL) - Darlene Franklin - One Free Book

Dear Readers, this is an interesting new kind of collection. I love the writings of both of these authors, and Darlene Franklin is a long-time friend. We’ve been in collections together before. I’ve spoken to the ACFW chapter near where she lives and we’ve attended special writing retreats and conferences at the same time.

Welcome back, Darlene. How did this collection come about?

Love’s Compass combines two of three books written back in 2013. The three original titles, Shadowcatcher’s Daughter, Pride’s Fall, and Almost Arizona, captured the history of the Four Corners National Monument through events happening in three of the four corner states (New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona).

           

We only included three states because Barbour liked to publish trilogies of Heartsong books. Our books never made it into a trilogy. Susan Page Davis’s book (Almost Arizona) was republished as Desert Moon earlier this year.

           

My story, Pride’s Fall, was added as a bonus to Love’s Compass, the new title for Carla’s story.

Are these stories connected in some way?

Both stories have at least one scene at the point of the future national monument. In Carla’s time (1875), they were just surveying the boundaries. By the time of my story, a small concrete marker had been placed at the exact connection point. Aside from geography, the stories aren’t connected.

Who chose the setting for this collection?

I did. The Four Corners region has drawn my attention ever since I was a child studying the map of the United States. Living in Colorado only increased my interest. I have driven over the border from Colorado to New Mexico and from Utah to Colorado. Artificial lines, perhaps, but it’s like moving between different worlds.

I’ve love the place where the corners of four states meet, but I’ve never been there. Would love to sometime. What did you want the reader to take away from your story?

Do they have issues—like pride—that come between them and God?

Readers want to get to know the authors they read. Can you tell us three things my readers probably don’t know about you?

Although a New Englander by birth and a westerner as an adult, I lived in Alabama at the time of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. In fact, I appear to have deep family roots in Georgia, South Carolina, and Kentucky. Unfortunately, I don’t know those sides of the family well.

I learned how to play the clarinet before I started to play piano.

I don’t like lasagna.

Please give us the first page of your story.

Mesa Verde, Colorado

June, 1899

Standing Corn waits at the entrance to her home on the cliff, gazing across the valley floor, looking for a sign that her promised, Killdeer, has returned from the hunt. She hears the call of the horn, announcing his return. Three short blasts followed by three longer blasts announce a successful foray, with plenty of food. The tribe will eat well tonight.

           

She rushes to the circle of elders to celebrate Killdeer’s return. The women of the tribe grab bells and drums, and together the people go out to meet the men returning from the hunt.

           

Standing Corn sees Killdeer, the skin of the mule deer draped across his shoulders, leading the hunt party. The remaining hunters carry poles loaded with deer and pheasant and other trophies of the hunt. The juice of berries runs down Killdeer’s beardless face.

           

Killdeer stops the procession in front of Standing Corn. He points to the bounty of the hunt, brandishing his bow and arrow. She lays an admiring hand on his muscled arm before she clasps her hands together and lifts them to the sky, showing her appreciation for his process. The expression on his face doesn’t change, but he opens a pouch around his neck and hands her a necklace made of the teeth of a wolf. She clasps it to her breasts and holds them high for everyone to see. Cheers erupt from the crowd.

           

So far, so good. Rex Pride had climbed to the second level of dwellings built into the side of the cliffs. From here he could see the panorama of action taking place before him. He had never worked with untrained extras before, let alone a group of Indians. They found their marks; it should work on film.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

Website and blog

Facebook

Amazon author page

Twitter: @darlenefranklin

Thank you, Darlene, for sharing this collection with us. I’m eager to read it.

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

Love's Compass - Christianbook.com
Love's Compass: Also Includes Bonus Story of Pride's Fall by Darlene Franklin - Amazon paperback
Love's Compass: Also Includes Bonus Story of Pride's Fall by Darlene Franklin - 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, 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

MERRY MATCHMAKERS (MATCHMAKER MIXUP) - Darlene Franklin - One Free Book

Welcome back, Darlene. Let’s do some fun questions first. What song most closely resembles your life?

Yesterday at church I heard an old hymn that describes my life’s journey very well, “Day by Day (and with each passing moment.)” I love these words from the first verse: “He whose heart is kind beyond all measure/gives unto each day what He deems best/lovingly its part of pain and pleasure/mingling toil with peace and rest.”

Do you have a favorite Bible verse? And why is it a favorite?

Here’s another recent discovery, from the passage in Lamentations that starts with the exclamation “Great is thy faithfulness!”

Later in the paragraph, Jeremiah says, “When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face. The ‘worst’ is never the worst.” (Lamentations 3:28-30, Message).

I love the phrase “wait for hope to appear.” The word “hope” (which also happens to be my middle name, lol) has been popping up over and over again. Don’t fuss, don’t question—just wait for hope to appear. Because it will.

I love that, Darlene. One of my favorite verses from The Message is Romans 15:13:

“Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!”

What is the one thing you wish you could go back and change in your life?

Oh, that’s a tough one. If I think about all the things I’ve done wrong in my life, I’ll end up with a long list of regrets—but they have made me the person I am today. Lately I’ve wondered “what if” I had switched to a music theory major as my professors suggested, when I failed to as a candidate for a Master of Music in piano. Instead, I switched to a Master of Arts in religious education.

What is the most important characteristic for a good friend to have?

Listening! When needed and without judgment.

What extracurricular activities did you participate in when you were in school?

I was in band and choir and also participated in the math club and the Spanish club. A real nerd.

What is your favorite movie of all times?

Field of Dreams and It’s a Wonderful Life never disappoint.

Tell us about why you wrote this book.

The origins are unclear. I thought we were writing a sequel to the highly successful Christmas Traditions series published in 2014. My publisher suggested a matchmaking theme which replaced the sequel idea. But my book combines both threads: the twin daughters who appeared in An Apple for Christmas became matchmakers for each other.

           

So why? I love writing Christmas stories and this was an opportunity that will hopefully sell well. A story that felt silly and foolish while writing it turned funny and charming when I read it.

Please give us the first page of the book.

MATCHMAKER MIXUP

Maple Notch, Vermont, October 1901

Pippin Cortland lingered by the wall of the University’s gymnasium, trembling in anticipation. Why she had ever agreed to her twin’s hair-brained scheme? How could they possibly get through the evening without their escorts discovering their duplicity?

For a moment she thought she saw her twin, Margil, with Ned Hawkins, and her heart stuttered. But her date for the night, Clint Keller, didn’t notice them, and she relaxed. Her sister had accepted two dates to the homecoming dance and insisted that Pippin go with Clint, who’d asked first, so Margil could attend with Ned when he finally got round to asking. “Besides,” Margil had said, “it’s our senior year. You have to go to homecoming at least once.”

The band played “Good Evening, Carrie.” Clint turned to Pippin. “Would you care to dance, Marg?”

Before she could answer, Clint swept her onto the floor. According to the twins’ plan, Pippin and Clint would dance during one set while the other enjoyed refreshments or took a walk. They were wearing identical outfits, something they hadn’t done since childhood.

The dance was nothing like the nightmarish images Pippin had conjured last night. Long ago dance classes proved valuable as Pippin slipped into a lively two-step for one the year’s most popular songs. “Was you dreaming ‘bout me, Carrie?” Clint was an excellent dancer. Her fears of having her feet stepped on in Marg’s uncomfortable heels proved unfounded. Also, dancing minimized talking.

They stayed for a second song. Clint had the physique of a football player, a talent for baseball, but the glasses of a scholar. When he smiled, Pippin wished he were smiling at her, Pippin Margaret Cortland. But of course he believed her to be Margil Rose Cortland.

“Marg.”

That single word threw cold water on her spirits.

“I’m glad you agreed to come with me. I was afraid you would politely decline, as your sister has many a time.” He pushed his glasses back up his nose, something Pippin’s mother often did. Even with the glasses his brown eyes sparkled at her.

Pippin blushed. She had indeed turned him down on numerous occasions, not believing a man with his handsome features and fondness for sports could be seriously interested in a wallflower such as herself. Her mouth stayed closed as she searched for an explanation. How ironic, that Clint finally had the woman he had pursued for years but didn’t know it.

They danced for a moment before she said, “I’m curious as to how my sister is perceived. I want her to find happiness in this world, and not only in her fantasies.” She smiled and twirled the curls around her face, the way Margil did.

“How rude of me to mention her.”

I’m liking this already. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website and blog

Facebook

Amazon author page

Twitter: @darlenefranklin

Thank you, Darlene, for sharing this new collection with us. I'm eager to read it, and I know my readers will be, too.

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

Merry Matchmakers: 10 Christmas Novellas (A Merry Matchmaker Novella)

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

MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS BRIDES (DRESSED IN SCARLET) - Darlene Franklin - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I’m thrilled to feature this book today. Mountain Christmas Brides just released yesterday. It’s a Barbour novella collection with stories from 9 of their most popular authors. I’m blessed to be included in it along with my friends. I’m interviewing one of my long-time author friends from Oklahoma.

Welcome back, Darlene. Let’s do some fun questions first. What song most closely resembles your life?

Let’s see. Special music at church yesterday was a classic hymn I haven’t heard for years, but it describes the truth of my life so well. “Day by Day (and with each passing moment.)” “He whose heart is kind beyond all measure/gives unto each day what He deems best/lovingly its part of pain and pleasure/mingling toil with peace and rest.”

I love so many of the classic hymns. Do you have a favorite Bible verse? And why is it a favorite?

One of my latest discovery is from Lamentatians 3:28-30 MSG:

“When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face. The ‘worst’ is never the worst.”

I’ve been reading, memorizing, meditating, and writing devotions from Proverbs, Jeremiah – Ezekiel, Hebrews – 1 Peter for an upcoming devotional project. This verse comes from a longer passage that includes the familiar “great is your faithfulness” phrase,

           

I love the phrase “wait for hope to appear.” The word “hope” (which also happens to be my middle name, lol) has been popping up over and over again. Don’t try to force it. Face trouble. Hope will appear. And in a place (nursing home) where troubles show up on a regular basis, I need all the advice I can get.

That certainly is a verse of encouragement. Thank you for sharing it with us. What is the one thing you wish you could go back and change in your life?

Oh, that’s a tough one. A part of me wishes I had agreed to change to a major in music theory and completed my master’s degree in music when they said I couldn’t continue in piano. If I think about all the things I’ve done wrong in my life, I’ll end up with a long list of regrets—but they have made me the person I am today.

And I love the person you are today. Your inner beauty shines like the noonday sun. You are an inspiration to me in many ways. What is the most important characteristic for a good friend to have?

Listening! When needed and without judgment.

What extracurricular activities did you participate in when you were in school?

I was in band and choir and also participated in the math club and the Spanish club. A real nerd.

What is your favorite movie of all times?

Field of Dreams and It’s a Wonderful Life never disappoint.

I love It’s a Wonderful Life, but I’ve never seen Field of Dreams. I’ll have to change that. Tell us about why you wrote this book.

Oh, I remember the thrill of when I first wrote Dressed in Scarlet. Within the Barbour community, many authors started by writing a novella and then moved on Heartsong novels. I wasn’t even aware of the novellas until after they published my first book.

           

Then I was invited to take part in a four-person historical novella with Susan Page Davis, a fellow Mainer and good friend, Tamela Hancock Murray, who became my agent, and you, Lena. Even better, I got to write about my beloved Colorado! And now it's included in this new collection.

I discovered the joy of writing historical romance, which has become my niche; writing novellas; and writing Christmas stories. At first, I couldn’t imagine writing a Christmas story every year; now the season feels incomplete without a new story for the season. So far I’ve written ten of them.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Denver, December 1913

Fabrizio Ricci glanced around the garage at the Brown Palace, making sure everything was in order. Roadsters jostled next to Cadillac Phaetons and a single Ford Model T, a bit of an oddity for the Brown’s well-heeled clientele. Big or small, fancy or plain, he loved all his charges, even the smell of motor oil that permeated the air. His job was to keep the cars running and available to hotel guests. He loved driving cars he could never otherwise afford. Whatever money he didn’t give to help his family, he saved toward having his own shop.

           

No one would drive anywhere tonight in the storm that hit Denver yesterday. More than twenty-four hours later, the snow had not even slowed down. Anyone would be a fool to drive in weather like this. Even the trolleys that he sometimes took had stopped running. It was a good thing he kept a pair of Nordic skis in the garage. If he didn’t leave soon, he would have to spend the night at the hotel, or longer, if the snow kept up. As the only son remaining at home, he knew his parents depended on his help.

           

Fabrizio changed his work shoes for boots and strapped on the skis. He hadn’t planned for the cold, but he didn’t think that would be a problem, not with the long woolen scarf knitted in green and yellow by Mama. He would dress like that character in the Christmas story. What was his name? Bob Cratchit, that was it. A Christmas Carol had to be one of the best stories in the English language. Not as beautiful as Italian, of course, or that’s what Papa would say.

           

Fabrizio looked out the window at the swirling snow, wishing he had taken the time to go to the kitchen for a last cup of hot coffee before he left. Too late now. The snow danced in the air before landing gracefully on the ground. Bella neve. Beautiful snow.

           

Wrapping his scarf around his nose and throat before winding its length around his body, Fabrizio pulled his cap as far down on his head as it would reach and turned the collar of his coat up over the scarf. He hadn’t brought any mittens, but his work gloves should do the job. He pulled them on and hoped the oil stains wouldn’t get on his clothes. Mama complained about his soiled work clothes; four sisters created enough laundry without him adding any more.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website and blog

Facebook

Amazon author page

Twitter: @darlenefranklin

Purchase Matchmaker Mixup

Thank you, Darlene, for helping share this new collection to my readers.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Mountain Christmas Brides - Christianbook.com
Mountain Christmas Brides: Nine Historical Novellas Celebrate Faith and Love in the Rocky Mountains - Amazon
Mountain Christmas Brides: Nine Historical Novellas Celebrate Faith and Love in the Rocky Mountains - Kindle

Comments Starter Questions: Do you look for Christmas novels each Christmas? Do you like reading the Christmas novella collection? What are some of your favorites?

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