WINTER BRIDES - Denise Hunter, Deborah Raney, Betsy St. Amant - One Free Book

Dear Reeders, we have a fun interview today. What could be more fun than a year of weddings? That’s exactly what Zondervan did this year, have a wedding novella per month. Now those novella’s are coming out in four collections. The first collection is Winter Brides, which released this month. And we have three of my favorite authors right here today.

Okay, how did this collection come about?

The team at Zondervan/HarperCollins had the idea and issued invitations to a dozen authors for the series.

Are these stories connected in some way?

The stories are connected by the wedding theme––each one has a wedding that takes place in the month of the title.

How does your story fit in with the others?

Each story is completely different, and not connected to the others except by the bridal theme.

Who chose the setting for this collection?

Each author chose her own setting.

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

DENISE: Layla from A December Bride, is a home stager—she furnishes houses with props prior to putting them on the market. Just like the “before” version of her houses, Layla feels deep down as if she’s not quite enough. I hope readers come away with a fresh sense of their true value.

DEB: The theme of A January Bride is that true love can happen a second time around, and God can redeem even the tragedies of life. It sounds like a rather heavy theme, but actually the story has more humor than any book I’ve ever written. I love how comedy softens tragedy in a very tender way in this story.

BETSY: A February Bride has a strong theme of restoration—both literally in the sense of a car being restored and a wedding dress remade, but also emotionally, in regards to the heroine’s internal struggle. I hope readers find a piece of their hearts restored after reading this novella.

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

DENISE:

1. I play drums

2. I love to travel the world.

3. I can stand on my tiptoes. Now, there’s a valuable skill.

DEB:

1. Much as I admire beautifully polished nails, I rarely get a manicure because my hands are always in garden dirt, refinishing furniture, baking, or typing.  

2. I’ve become an orchid collector! My new office has a southern exposure that has proven to be magic for growing orchids.

3. I play the piano by ear. When I took lessons as a kid, I lost my ability to play by ear, so I opted out of lessons after 3 years, and play for my own enjoyment. When our kids were small, the piano served as a wonderful stress reliever. My kids all knew if Mom was hammering out “Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog” on the piano, they’d better steer clear!

BETSY:

1. I could eat chips and salsa quite happily ever day of the year.

2. I know every single word to “Ice Ice Baby” and have rapped it on stage before.

3. When I was eleven, I was nearly kidnapped in a bookstore.

Those are things even I never knew about you three. Please give us the first page of your story.

DENISE––A December Bride

Layla O’Reilly squeezed into a corner of the bustling kitchen of Cappy’s Pizzeria and leaned into the receiver.

“No, no, no. You cannot cancel on me now. The wedding’s in five hours. Five hours, Cooper.” She wound the spiral cord around her fist, a sweat breaking out on her forehead.

“Layla, I—”

“Don’t even tell me you have to work. I asked you over a month ago. You said you got the night off.”

“If you’d just let me talk. I have strep, Layla. I’m contagious. I have to be on an antibiotic for at least twenty-four hours before—”

“I’ll risk it.” She didn’t care if he had malaria. She was going to this wedding, and she was going with a date. Nothing said See, I’ve moved on like an attractive man draped on your arm.

“I feel like trash. I have a 102-degree fever and barbed wire in my throat.”

Layla took a deep breath, the familiar aromas of garlic and oregano filling her nose. She couldn’t believe this was happening. “Now that you mention it, you don’t sound so good.”

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I know tonight’s a big deal.”

She closed her eyes. “It’s not your fault. The strep or the wedding.” She banged the receiver against her temple once, twice, three times. “I’ll bring you chicken soup tomorrow.”

DEB––A January Bride

Glancing at the chaos around her, Madeleine Houser set her coffee mug on the dining room table and shoved another packing carton out of her path. It didn’t budge. She bent over and attempted to read the smudged label. Kitchen—good china. Oh. Good thing she’d resisted the temptation to kick the box.

Maddie looked into the kitchen where cupboards gaped open, hinges naked. The cabinet doors were lined up against the wall in the empty breakfast nook. Even after four days, the smell of wet enamel stung her nostrils. The flooring couldn’t be laid until the electrician fixed the mess he’d made of the wiring. And she didn’t dare put her china in the cupboards until all that was finished.

What had her sister gotten her into? Kate’s husband had been transferred to Ohio, but with their mother in the nursing home here in Clayton, Kate had begged her to leave her beloved New York loft and move into Kate and Jed’s house on Harper Street while it was being refurbished to sell. “You can write anywhere, Maddie,” Kate had pled in her best big-sister voice. “Besides, you can sublet the loft, and just think what you’ll save on the rent.”

So here she was in Clayton, Kansas—the middle of nowhere—proving quite soundly that one could not write just anywhere.

Lugging the carton of china out of the way, she wove her way through the maze of boxes and poured another cup of coffee. She blew a long strand of dishwater-blond hair out of her eyes and slid into a dining room chair. In the midst of the piles of books and boxes and unsorted mail strewn across the table, her laptop computer glared accusingly at her.

BETSY––A February Bride

Allie Andrews couldn’t breathe, and it had nothing to do with the yards of tulle wrapped around her waist. Or the fact that the air conditioner in the crowded small-town, southern church was on the fritz again, resulting in the sporadic waving of wedding programs in front of flushed faces she’d seen when she peeked through the sanctuary window ten minutes earlier. No, her lack of breath had everything to do with the ticking clock. The literal one on the wall and the figurative one thumping an unsteady rhythm in her heart.

Married.

A bead of sweat trickled between her shoulder blades, sure to dampen the silky ivory fabric that cascaded down her back like a white-chocolate waterfall gone wrong. So wrong.

Married.

She twisted the stem of her rose bouquet and paced the faded orange carpet inside the bride’s room, her thoughts churning along with her breakfast. She slipped one heel out of her three-inch pump, anxiety tying her stomach into a knot that would make a Boy Scout proud.

Married.

It wouldn’t take much to toe off one shoe, then the other. Dig her painstakingly pedicured feet into the carpet for traction, grab the hem of this cursed dress, and just…bolt.

Better now than later, right?

Marcus. She couldn’t do that to Marcus.

But wasn’t marrying him doing him worse?

She strode to the window overlooking the gravel parking lot and stared at the onslaught of cars baking in the late September sun. It was a good turnout. Looked as if half of Beaux Creek had shown up. There were probably loads of gifts on the covered table in the reception hall by now—a forever-sentimental collection of floral-patterned china she’d rarely use, gift cards to home repair stores, and likely more than one toaster and blender. All gifts she’d have to return if she let her toes touch the carpet.

But would dividing them up in a divorce property settlement however many years down the road be any easier?

She started to turn away, then squinted at her reflection, seeing skin at her shoulder where there should be lace. Oh no…yes. She twisted for a better view. A tiny tear, right on the seam of the sleeve. Her heart stammered.

I can’t wait to read the rest of each story. Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

DENISE:

www.DeniseHunterBooks.com

I’m very active on Facebook and love to connect with my readers there: www.facebook.com/authordenisehunter

DEB:

Website: www.deborahraney.com

Blog: I blog with 9 other authors at http://www.inspiredbylifeandfiction.com

I also have a blog of novelists’ garden spots at http://novelgarden.blogspot.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/deborah.raney   

Twitter: @authordebraney

Instagram: http://instagram.com/deborahraney

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/deborahraney

BETSY:

www.betsystamant.com

www.writergetsreal.blogspot.com

I’m on facebook with an author page of Betsy St. Amant and also Twitter @betsystamant

Thank you, Denise, Deb, and Betsy, for sharing this book with us. I know each of my readers will want to read this collection.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Winter Brides - Christianbook.com
Winter Brides: A Year of Weddings Novella Collection - Amazon
Winter Brides: A Year of Weddings Novella Collection - Kindle

Christian Book Store

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

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

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

If you’re reading this on 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

DANCING WITH FIREFLIES - Denise Hunter - One Free Book on This Blog, Plus More

Bio: Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later, it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

Welcome back, Denise. How did you come up with the idea for this story?

A lot of the background for Dancing with Fireflies was set up in Barefoot Summer. I had a clear idea from the beginning about who Jade is (complicated, creative, middle child), and Daniel also arrived on the page pretty fleshed out. I love writing stories where the hero is secretly in love with the heroine and sets out to win her. It reminds me of the way God pursues us.

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Colleen Coble and Kristin Billerbeck (because they’re my besties), Francine Rivers (because I so admire her work), Karen Kingsbury and Rachel Hauck (because they’re just delightful women), and Mae Nunn (because she’ll keep us all laughing).

Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

I’m going to include Colleen again because she writes both! Also Robin Lee Hatcher, Tamera Alexander, Tracie Peterson, Lauraine Snelling, and Lori Copeland

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?

Every book is a new challenge. You’d think 25 books in, you’d have it down pat! But every book has its struggles. Sometimes the whole book is like pulling teeth. Other times the ending won’t come to you, and you fret over it for weeks, or write three different endings before you figure it out. And then there’s the whole issue of sales. If your book doesn’t sell well—something that is out of your hands—you may not get another contract.

Tell us about the featured book.

Creative and complicated, Jade McKinley felt like a weed in a rose garden growing up in Chapel Springs. When she left, she thought she’d never look back. But now, pregnant, alone, and broke, she has no other choice but to return.

The mayor of Chapel Springs, Daniel Dawson, has been an honorary member of the McKinley family for years. While his own home life was almost non-existent, Daniel fit right into the boisterous McKinley family. He’s loved Jade for years, but she always saw him as a big brother. Now that she’s back, his feelings are stronger than ever.

As Jade attempts to settle in, nothing feels right. God seems far away, she’s hiding secrets from her family, and she’s strangely attracted to the man who’s always called her “squirt.” Finding her way home may prove more difficult than she imagined.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Jade McKinley lowered the stove to medium and returned the chicken breasts to the pan.  What had she gotten herself into? She should’ve agreed to meet him at a restaurant instead of in the tiny apartment she shared with her friends. But it had seemed easier, meeting on her own turf with Izzy in the next room watching the Jane Austen marathon on PBS.

“There’s a bottle of merlot in the cupboard,” Izzy called. “You can serve it if you want.”

The phone rang. “Can you get that?” Jade opened the cabinet and reached for the wine. She hoped it was okay. She never drank, didn’t really like the taste.

Izzy entered the kitchen a few minutes later, wincing. “Uh, Jade?”

“He’s not coming, is he? That’s okay. Seriously, I was having second thoughts anyway.” And thirds and fourths. “I didn’t even want this date, remember?”

“Chill, girl. That was work calling. They need me on the late shift. Someone’s sick.”

“Oh.”

“I really need the hours.”

Jade bit her lip. Nick had been coming to the diner for months. He’d sat in her station every time, and after weeks of his persistence, she’d relented to one date.

“Seriously, girl,” Izzy said gently. “You gotta get back on the horse. Aaron’s been gone a long time. Give the guy a chance.”

A knock sounded at the front door.

“Gotta get dressed.” Izzy rushed from the room before Jade could protest.

 

She checked the table as she passed, then opened the door to Nick, remembering why she’d finally given in. Puppy dog eyes and an easy smile.

“Hey,” he said. “You look nice. Like a beautiful gypsy.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I have the first chapter of Dancing with Fireflies on my website: www.DeniseHunterBooks.com . I also regularly give books away to my newsletter members, and you can sign up for that on my website.

Don't miss Denise Hunter's latest Chapel Springs Romance, Dancing with Fireflies. Reviewers have already labeled Dancing with Fireflies "swoon-worthy" and "the perfect love story." 

Join Denise in celebrating the release of her new book by entering her Kindle HDX giveaway and RSVPing for her April 10th Facebook party.

One winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire HDX
• Dancing with Fireflies and Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 10th. Winner will be announced at the Dancing with Fireflies Facebook Party on April 10th. Connect with Denise for an evening of prizes, book chat, and an exclusive look at the next book in the series.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN on the event page. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 10th!

Thank you, Denise, for sharing your new book with us.

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

Dancing with Fireflies - Christianbook.com
Dancing with Fireflies (A Chapel Springs Romance) - Amazon
Dancing with Fireflies (A Chapel Springs Romance) - Kindle

Christian Book Store

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

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

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

If you’re reading this on Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, 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

SMITTEN BOOK CLUB - Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Denise Hunter, Diann Hunt - One Free Book, Plus Much More

Welcome back, Smitten authors.

Colleen Coble: Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com.

Colleen, how did your story for the collection come about?

The four of us were brainstorming. It’s almost magic.

Are these stories connected in some way? If so, how?

Yes, the protagonists are all friends, and they learn something about love from an ancient book on romantic advice.

What are you reading right now?

I’ve been on a Lisa Gardner kick lately and am making my way through all her novels. I just finished Love You More.

How many other books have you had published?

Well over 50. I lose track.

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

I wouldn’t say there is anything hard about it when you’re writing with your best friends. J

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

This particular story was very poignant because I think we all knew on some level that it would be our last with Diann. It’s made it even more special.

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

I’d love readers to realize how important it is to pay attention to the man you love and figure out what he needs.

Please give us a peek into your story.

Heather is the Smitten Book Club's most devoted mystery-genre reader, a single mom, and the resident organic gardener. When she discovers a decades-old tome at a library sale, she thinks it might hold clues leading to buried gold—exactly what one of the members needs to keep her home. She can't resist a mystery that could lead to treasure.

Paul and Heather have history—history she would rather forget. But when he comes back to his hometown of Smitten, he's determined to put down roots. He soon becomes the architect behind a town community garden and enlists Heather's help there in exchange for his own help looking for hidden gold. As they dig into the earth and the clues, they discover something amazing: lasting love.

What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?

I’m most apt to give advice. LOL I didn’t know any other writers when I was first getting started.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

My website is www.colleencoble.com. I answer every email. J

Smitten Book Club

Love By the Book

By Colleen Coble

Chapter One

Mountains of donated boxes teetered against the west wall when Heather DeMeritt entered the Smitten library. The building had been renovated a few months earlier and still held a trace of that new smell in the brown carpet. The oak bookshelves that housed the library’s growing collection and the matching tables still shone with newness. Several businesses had donated the bank of comput- ers lining one wall.

Heather spoke to several friends, then turned to eye the job she’d come to do. She was prepared to work, but the sheer number of books surprised her.

Her friend and fellow book club member, Abby Gray, motioned to her. Abby was the Smitten librarian, though she was much too pretty to fit the stereotype, even with her blond hair perpetually up in a bun.

Heather threaded through the throng to reach Abby’s side. “This is going to take awhile.”

Abby’s cheeks were flushed. “Isn’t it exciting? So many people want to help Molly.”

Their good friend Molly Moore had recently lost her husband in a tragic fire. He was the only volunteer fireman to die in recent memory, and Smitten was still reeling. As was Molly.

Abby waved vaguely. “You can start there.”

Heather opened the nearest box and began to lift out the books to put in sale piles ranging from one dollar to five. Five dollars was too much to pay for some of these books, but it was for a good cause, and everyone would feel great about helping.

An hour later her throat was scratchy, and her nose was stuffy from all the dust. But she’d made progress.

“Need some help?” Elliana Burton asked. Lia, as her friends called her, was the kindergarten teacher at the elementary school in town. She usually had a crayon stuck behind one ear and a slash or two of color on her arms or hands from Crayola markers, but today she looked fresh and carefree in a silky blue top over jeans that hugged her slim hips.

“I’ll take you up on it,” Heather said. “We might finish in time for coffee at Mountain Perks.”

There was only one towering stack left. She lifted down the top box and opened it. A cloud of dust wafted out, and she wrinkled her nose.

Lia waved her hand in front of her face. “Some of these are old. They might be worth some money.”

Kristin Billerbeck: I grew up with a strong sense of justice. I simply knew the way things should be. And since I’m not smart enough to be a district attorney, I am a novelist. My childhood was slightly confusing. I blame my parents for this. Oh heck, I’m going to blame them for everything. I think I would have turned out normal if it weren’t for them.

Okay, probably not. I am a fourth-generation Californian, and an American mutt, but identify most strongly with my Italian heritage. My mother’s family, of strong Norwegian/German descent, tried to teach me how to do things right. How to cook, clean, sew, budget accordingly – all the things a proper young girl should know to be a contributing member of society. I, however, failed miserably. For my 40th birthday, my grandmother gave me a cookie gun, so it’s clear she hasn’t given up on me yet! That is eternal optimism!

My dad’s Italian family taught me about the good life. The indulgent life. How to eat, shop and be merry. My Nana had very tiny feet and a penchant for shoes (she worked at the Emporium, no doubt to fund her shoe addiction). My afternoons at her house had no lessons, other than how to walk in her high heels, drape myself in her mink stole and drip myself with rhinestones. Tastefully, of course. I picked up on this lifestyle much quicker.

I graduated San Jose State University with a degree in Journalism & Mass Communications (emphasis in Advertising), gave my life to Jesus during college and found my true love in a Christian Singles’ Group, which yes, I skewer in “What a Girl Wants”. He is German. Practical. And a Contributing Member of Society. I am still Italian, fluffy and an aficionado of fine shoes & handbags.

Together, we have four children and now it’s our turn to confuse them. The circle of life. Dysfunctional family style. Visit her website at http://www.KristinBillerbeck.com

Denise Hunter: Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too! Visit her website at http://www.denisehunterbooks.com

How did your story for the collection come about?

Because my protagonist is part of the overarching story in Smitten Book Club—a widow who was in danger of losing her business—some of the details were already set in place. All I needed was a handsome hero and a little chemistry. ;-)

Are these stories connected in some way?

If so, how? All the Smitten books are tied together with an overarching story. It makes the writing pretty complicated since there are 4 authors, but the readers seem to really love it!

What are you reading right now?

2nd Samuel in the Bible, and I’m finishing up several books I’m judging for a contest.

How many other books have you had published?

24

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

Without a doubt it’s all the details involved. There were a lot of emails flying back and forth as we tried to get our facts straight.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

Since we’re bffs, collaborating was a joy. This last Smitten was our most difficult to write since Diann was going through chemo at the time. I don’t know how she wrote through all that, but she did. The release date was bittersweet because we lost Di to cancer in November. We miss her like crazy, but we wouldn’t call her back to the pain and suffering she endured for anything.

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

Molly was struggling with trust issues because of some things her late husband did. We need to be aware of the baggage we’re bringing into our relationships. It’s important to deal with our issues so they don’t cause problems in the future.

Please give us a peek into your story.

Molly is a widow with a failing outfitter’s business. Desperate for help she turns to Gage, her biggest competitor. But as he begins helping her whip her store into shape, Molly wonders if she can trust him with her business—or her heart.

What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?

Write the story you want to read.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

They can find me on my website: www.DeniseHunterBooks.com I also enjoy connecting with readers on facebook: www.facebook.com/authorDeniseHunter 

Diann Hunt: Diann Hunt has lived in Indiana forever, been happily married forever, loves her family, chocolate, her friends, her dog, and, well, chocolate. Diann lost her courageous battle with cancer in November 2013.

The Smitten gals are back with their newest release, Smitten Book Club! Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, and Denise Hunter are celebrating with a Kindle Fire giveaway, a Facebook party on February 20, and a nationwide book-club brunch on March 22.

 
One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• The Smitten books (Smitten, Secretly Smitten, Smitten Book Club)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 20th. Winner will be announced at the Smitten Book Club Facebook Author Chat Party on February 20th. Connect with Colleen Coble, Denise Hunter, and Kristin Billerbeck for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! The Smitten gals will also be taking questions from the audience, giving away books and gift certificates, and sharing news about their upcoming nationwide Smitten Book Club brunch on March 22nd. (Sign up to host today!)

So grab your copy of Smitten Book Club and join Colleen, Denise, Kristin, and friends on the evening of February 20th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 20th!

Sign up to host a Smitten Book Club Brunch on March 22nd!
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog. Smitten Book Club - Christianbook.com
Smitten Book Club - Amazon
Smitten Book Club - Kindle

Christian Book Store

Deepershopping
Christian Bookstore

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

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

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

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

BAREFOOT SUMMER - Denise Hunter - One Free Book

Bio:
Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

Tell us about your salvation experience.

I was practically born at church. I had good Christian parents who taught me about Jesus from day one. When I was 5, my mother knelt beside my bed with me and led me through the sinner’s prayer. I don’t remember what led up to that moment, just the moment of asking Jesus in my heart. He has been a faithful friend all these years and has blessed me beyond measure.

You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?

Easy question! I have some great friends who are also writers. We share a blog at www.GirlsWriteOut.blogspot.com but we were friends long before that. Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Cheryl Hodde.

Five of my favorite authors. Do you have a speaking ministry?

If so, tell us about that. I really don’t. I’m a much better writer than I am a speaker!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?

I think my most embarrassing moments revolve around me putting my foot in my mouth! I don’t do it very often—I’m not very talkative. But boy, when I do, I want to melt into the carpet.

I’ve had several of those moments myself. They’re uncomfortable. People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that?

Do it! I felt that way at one time too. It’s just a dream until you make a plan and put it into action.

Tell us about the featured book.

In Barefoot Summer (Book One) you'll meet coffee-bean-dependent, butter-pecan-loving Madison. She's the perfect match (but will never admit it) for Beckett O’Reilly, whose nefarious reputation follows him more closely than his black lab Rigsby. He’s her sworn enemy, but she needs his help to reach her goal of winning the annual regatta, and he’ll do anything for her—he owes her that and more, if only she knew.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter One

Madison McKinley scanned the crowded town hall, wondering how many of her friends and neighbors she’d have to fight to get what she came for. Half of Chapel Springs had turned out to support the fire department. The faint scent of popcorn and coffee from last night’s Rotary club meeting still lingered in the air, and the buzz of excitement was almost palpable.

When she reached the front of the line, she registered for her paddle then looked for her mom. She spotted Joann McKinley seated on the left, near the old brick wall.

Before Madison could move, Dottie Meyers appeared in the busy aisle. “Madison, hello, dear. I was wondering if I could bother you about Ginger. I found a little knot behind her leg. I’m worried it might be something serious.”

Last time it had only been a burr. Still, Madison set a hand on the woman’s arm. “I’m sure it’s fine, but I’ll have Cassidy call you tomorrow and squeeze you in, okay?”

“All right, everyone,” the emcee was saying into the mike. “It’s about that time.”

“Thank you so much, dear,” Dottie was saying. “I’m so excited about this year’s play. It’s called Love on the Line. You are planning on coming out again, aren’t you? You’ll be fabulous as Eleanor.”

Auditions were still two months away. “Looking forward to it. See you tomorrow.” Madison participated in the town’s production every year. She enjoyed the theater, and the proceeds supported the local animal shelter, a cause she was committed to.

She turned toward her mom and ran straight into a wall. “Ooomph.”

Or a chest. A hard chest.

She looked up into the face of the one man she least wanted to see, much less slam into. She jumped back, looking square into his unfathomable coal-colored eyes.

She nodded once. “Beckett.”

He returned the nod. “Madison.”

His black hair was tousled. He wore a Dewitt’s Marina work shirt and at least two days’ stubble. His jaw twitched. She hadn’t spoken to him since she’d confronted him two weeks ago—for all the good it had done.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I love interacting with my readers on my facebook page. I also have a website where readers can sign up for my newsletter, sign my guestbook, or just browse my books.

Thank you, Denise, for sharing this new book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Barefoot Summer - Christianbooks.com
Barefoot Summer (A Chapel Springs Romance) - Amazon.com
Barefoot Summer (A Chapel Springs Romance) - 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 Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

SECRETLY SMITTEN - Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter - One Free Book on This Blog Plus Much More

Today, I'm introducing you to a dynamic writing team. I think you'll love them and the book they wrote. This the second book in this series that they've written. I know you'll probably want to go back and get a copy of the first one. Now introducing, Colleen Coble.

I know that this is a collaboration. How did this story come about?

Diann had always moaned the fact she’d never been able to do a project with the three of us. Denise, Kristin and I had done several projects together. I went to our editor Ami McConnell and pitched the idea to her. She was very enthusiastic, and Smitten was the result.

Did you find it easy to work together on it?

Not just easy but a dream! We know each other so well, and we could anticipate even the dialogue each of us might have our characters say.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

It’s made us even closer.

What is the hardest thing about writing as a team?

In this case, there wasn’t anything hard about it for me. I can see where it might be difficult if any of us had had egos or didn’t know each other so well.

What are you reading right now?

Gone Girl. Those characters are downright scary crazy.

How did you choose your characters’ names?

I use a book titled The Baby Name Survey Book: What People Think About Your Baby’s Name. It’s super helpful!

I may have to get a copy of that book myselg. Would you want to work on another book together?

Not only would I want to, but we’re in that process right now! J

Good. I know the readers want more. What do you want to tell us about the book?

It’s a heartwarming, romantic book with a fun mystery running through all four romances. You’ll want to visit Vermont after reading it!

Please give us the first page of the book.

Wrapping paper lay strewn around the floor in a happy crumple of color. Tess Thomas handed her cousin one last gift and suppressed a smile. Nat would blush when she saw the filmy negligee Tess had bought. But Tess knew if anyone would look great in the gown, it was her cousin. It was something Tess would never purchase for her- self. But then what need would she have of a honeymoon gown anyway?

While Natalie began to rip paper with abandon, Tess glanced around the packed parlor of their grandmother’s old house. Their friends had all shown up for the bridal shower and there wasn’t space for another chair. A few women even sat on the floor with their backs propped against the wall. That was what Tess loved about the small town of Smitten, Vermont. Neighbors were like family. And they’d all pulled together in amazing ways this past year as they worked to put Smitten on the map as a town based on tourism—a romantic destination, in fact. There were so many new businesses, including a big hotel that had taken over the old lumber mill.

Their Great-aunt Violet bustled in with a tray of cookies and tea. “Tess, dear,” she whispered. “I’m not sure these gluten free things are worth eating.”

The cookies were as lopsided as Violet’s red lipstick.

Where can our readers find you on the Internet?

My website is www.colleencoble.com . I love to hear from readers!

Thank you, Colleen. Now, readers, here's Kristin Billerback.

I know that this is a collaboration. How did this story come about?

We have been friends for so long.  Writing is such a lonely sport and our connection online, helping each other to get published, was born of a love for the written word and each other.  Denise Hunter, Colleen Coble, and Kristin Billerbeck had all done novellas together, but Diann Hunt was missing from our collaborations and we wanted to do one that featured all of us.  That’s how Smitten was born.

Did you find it easy to work together on it?

We know each other very well, so for the first book we used the personalities as we are, but changed the names to protect the innocent. (Or the guilty, depending upon your take.)  It’s so easy for us to work together because we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.  So one person can pick up the slack in one area and in the end, we have a cohesive story because that’s how friendship is – connections based on similarities and differences.

What is the hardest thing about writing as a team?

Finding the time to get all the facts straight on the overarching theme of the book.  Even though we meet together to write and come up with our storylines, it’s not always possible to fit together the puzzle pieces in that short amount of time.

What are you reading right now?

East of Eden by John Steinbeck.

How did you choose your characters’ names?

Colleen picked Zoe, my heroine.  She was a minor character in the first Smitten. William means to protect and because Zoe craved small town life and the safety of her location, I wanted a name that provided for her that element of guarding over her.

Would you want to work on another book together?

Of course.  It’s so much easier to be motivated when someone else is expecting something of you.

What do you want to tell us about the book?

I think this book (Secretly Smitten) is very tightly woven together.  I loved the overarching theme story that runs through each novella and how it all comes together in the end.

Please give us the first page of the book.

CHAPTER ONE

Zoe Thomas perched herself atop the metal ladder and straightened the wooden sign that read Cupid’s Arrow Matchmaking Services. She looked down at her older sister, who stood on Main Street’s brick walkway. “Better?”

“A little higher on the right,” Clare called up. Zoe wondered if it would ever be straight according to Clare’s exacting standards.

She pressed upward and peered down again to the brick sidewalk. “Now?”

“Perfect,” Clare confirmed.

Zoe breathed a sigh of relief, amazed that Clare hadn’t produced a level from the overalls she wore. Clare could survive in the woods for an eternity with all that came out of those gardener pockets of hers. Zoe jumped from the ladder and brushed her hands together. Seeing the hand-painted calligraphy announcing her business made everything so real.

“Can’t you just feel the love? Imagine Smitten being bitten by its own love bug. And Nat’s marriage to Carson was the perfect kickoff to my new business.” Zoe’s heart filled with possibilities, seeing the fruits of her labor. The tired storefront looked fresh and inviting with its newly painted, wood-paned windows and a gold-framed “services offered” announcement. She’d draped two small crystal chandeliers

Where can our readers find you on the Internet?

www.KristinBillerbeck.com

www.GirlsWriteOut.Blogspot.com

www.GirlyGirl.typepad.com

Thank you, Kristin. Now we'll talk to Diann Hunt. 

Please share something unique about your leading lady and man.

My heroine learns about sheep while my hero learns about his leading lady. J

Did you anticipate when writing Smitten that it would become a series?

That was my hope, mainly, because I love the whole concept of Smitten and it’s a “town” I enjoy visiting.

What has been your favourite experience of this collaboration with friends?

Growing a town together—starting with the blossoming friendship that began between us years ago.

Do readers get to find out how Natalie, Julie, Shelby and Reese are doing in Secretly Smitten?

There are snapshots here and there of former townsfolks.

What is it about this series that has captured readers’ imaginations?

Life gets crazy busy and sometimes it’s nice to slow down and get to know people. Like stopping for pie in Mayberry (if you’re lucky enough to not get arrested by Barney Fife).

How do you like to be romanced?

Unexpected surprises, shared coffee in the morning, a movie, an impulsive slow dance in the family room.

Thank you, Diann. Now we'll welcome Denise Hunter to the blog.

I know that this is a collaboration. How did this story come about?

Since Smitten is a series, and there are 4 authors working together, we were pretty deliberate about planning the plot. We met at a cabin in Indiana and brainstormed the idea for Secretly Smitten with our editor. Since we’re all such close friends, it was not only productive, but loads of fun as well.

Did you find it easy to work together on it?

It sure helps that we’re besties! Working together was so much fun.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

It was fun to turn something that’s normally done alone into a group project. I think working together drew us closer.

What is the hardest thing about writing as a team?

With this project, it was definitely the coordination of details. Since our characters overlap each story and since there’s an overarching plot throughout the 4 novellas, it was challenging to divvy up what goes into whose story and make sure we didn’t contradict one another. Having great editors helped too!

What are you reading right now?

Actually I’m judging the RITA contest, so I’m reading those entries.

How did you choose your characters’ names?

I have a baby name book that lists the names by personality types. I always fall back on this book for naming my characters.

Would you want to work on another book together?

We’ve already done 2 Smitten books and are currently working on our 3^rd, so yes!

What do you want to tell us about the book?

One of my favorite elements about the Smitten books, other than the yummy romances, is the friendship factor. Each of the Smitten books feature the friendship of our 4 heroines. We really need women in our lives to come along side us and cheer us on.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Love Blooms by Denise Hunter

Chapter One

Clare Thomas smoothed out the hardwood mulch, spreading it under the newly planted hostas. Partridgeberry now carpeted her mother’s flower bed with green, but soon it would bloom with fragrant white flowers, and its red fruit would add a splash of color come fall. 

The realization that it looked ten times better than it had three hours ago soothed her wounded spirits.

Anna Thomas dumped the last load of mulch from the wheelbarrow. “That should do it.” She blew her long bangs from her face, picked up the shovel, and spread the load with the vigor of someone half her age.

“It looks beautiful, girls.” Clare’s sister Tess set a tray of iced lemonade on the porch table. Her blue eyes were lit with a joy that only comes from new love.

Not that Clare knew anything about that.

“Thank goodness we’re almost done.” Her younger sister, Zoe, pulled off her pink garden gloves and appraised the sky. “Looks like it’s about to rain.”

Clare breathed in the scent of loamy dirt and rain, hoping the organic fragrance would relieve her unrest. “Smells like it too.”

“God’s going to water my new plants,” Anna said. “Isn’t he thoughtful?”

Oh, yeah, all was coming up roses now that everyone was in love. Everyone but her. Clare chided herself for the selfish thought. She was happy for her sisters, thrilled for her mom. Still, they all had romance and candlelit dinners and kisses, and she had . . .

Plants.

Where can our readers find you on the Internet? 

www.DeniseHunterbooks.com and at https://www.facebook.com/authordenisehunter

Thank you, ladies for this fun interview.

Secretly Smitten, an Evening of Giggles, Gab, and Prizes

The "gals" are celebrating the release of Secretly Smitten with a fun Live Webcast on February 28th. It was changed from the February 5th date on the graphic above. They'll be debuting the *NEW* animated Smitten trailer, giving away tons of prizes, dishing on the book and their friendship. They'll also be wrapping up the Secretly Smitten blog tour, answering audience questions and testing your trivia skills. Don't miss the fun and bring your friends. Click here to RSVP and set up a reminder.


Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Secretly Smitten - paperback
Secretly Smitten - 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 Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

A COWBOY'S TOUCH - Denise Hunter - Free Book

What a blessing to have Denise Hunter return to my blog! Welcome, Denise. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

I find myself returning to the theme of forgiveness a lot. Forgiving others as well as forgiving ourselves. It’s a concept that’s easily misunderstood, I think.

I'm often drawn to write about that theme, too. What other books of yours are coming out soon?

The sequel to A COWBOY’S TOUCH, THE ACCIDENTAL BRIDE (Thomas Nelson) will release in Jan. 2012. I have a novel-in-four-parts coming out in December 2011. SMITTEN (Thomas Nelson) is a novel I wrote with my best friends (and authors) Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, and Diann Hunt. It’s about 4 friends who try to save their hometown of Smitten, Vermont, by turning it into a romantic getaway destination. In the process, they all find loves of their own. It was a blast to write a novel with great friends!

I would love to feature both of those books. If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

I think I’d have to choose Beth Moore. I’ve done all of her Bible studies—some of them twice—and I already feel like I know her. I admire her love for God and her affection for God’s people. She’s a constant inspiration to me.

I've attended tapings of Life Today with James Robison where he interveiwed Beth Moore and her husband. I admire her, too. What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

If I can’t choose Jesus, I’d choose His mother. What was Jesus like as a baby? Did he ever try your patience even though he was perfect? When did you realize God’s plan for Him? Mother to mother, I think it would be a fascinating conversation.

And I'd love to listen in. How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

I like to encourage writers by reminding them that it only takes one yes. One of my books (Mending Places) was rejected by, I think, every Christian publisher—except one. Keep studying the craft, keep writing, keep submitting. Be persistent and eventually you’ll hit upon that one idea that connects with that one publisher.

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

Here’s a blurb for A COWBOY’S TOUCH:

Four years ago, rodeo celebrity Wade Ryan gave up his identity to protect his daughter. Now, settled on a ranch in Big Sky Country, he lives in obscurity, his heart guarded by a high, thick fence. Abigail Jones isn't sure how she went from big-city columnist to small-town nanny, but her new charge is growing on her, to say nothing of her ruggedly handsome boss. Love blossoms between Abigail and Wade--despite her better judgment. Will the secrets she brought with her to Moose Creek, Montana, separate her from the cowboy who finally captured her heart?

Oh, yes, I want to read this one. Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter One

Abigail Jones stared at the blinking curser on her monitor and tapped her fingers on the keyboard. Beyond the screen’s glow, darkness washed the cubicles. Her computer hummed, and outside the office windows a screech of tires broke the relative stillness of the Chicago night.

She shuffled her note cards. The story had been long in coming, but it was finished now, all except the telling. She knew where she wanted to take it next. Her fingers stirred into motion, dancing across the keys. This was her favorite part, exposing truth to the world. Well, okay, not the world exactly, not with Viewpoint’s paltry circulation. But now, during the writing, it felt like the world.

Four paragraphs later, the office had shrunk away, and all that existed were the words on the monitor and her memory playing in full color on the screen of her mind.

Something dropped onto her desk with a sudden thud.

Abigail’s hand flew to her heart, and her chair darted from her desk. She looked up at her boss’s frowning face, then shared a frown of her own. “You scared me.”

“And you’re scaring me. It’s after midnight, Abigail, what are you doing here?” Marilyn Jones’s hand settled on her hip.

The blast of adrenalin settled into Abigail’s bloodstream, though her heart was still in overdrive.“Being an ambitious staffer?”

“You mean an obsessive workaholic.”

“Something wrong with that?”

“What’s wrong is my twenty-eight-year-old daughter is working all hours on a Saturday night instead of dating an eligible bachelor like all the other single women her age.” Her mom tossed her head, but her short brown hair hardly budged. “You could’ve at least gone out with your sister and me. We had a good time.”

“I’m down to the wire.”

“You’ve been here every night for two weeks.” Her mother rolled up a chair and sank into it. “Your father always thought you’d be a schoolteacher, did I ever tell you that?”

“About a million times.” Abigail settled into the chair, rubbed the ache in her temple. Her heart was still recovering, but she wanted to return to her column. She was just getting to the good part.

“You had a doctor’s appointment yesterday,” Mom said.

Abigail sighed hard. “Whatever happened to doctor-patient confidentiality?”

I love it. Thank you, Denise, for this fun interview.

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



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

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

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

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

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/