LOVE BY THE NUMBERS - Laura Hilton - One Free Book

Welcome back, Laura. Why did you become an author?

Simple answer: because God smiled on me. I wanted to be an author since I was old enough to read and know someone had to write the books. I wanted to write a book. Everyone told me it’d never happen. Only certain people get published. I was very glad when I got “The Call.”

If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job? 

My dream job has always been to be a wife, a mother of five, and an author. I am all three.

I know how you feel. I was recently asked what my dream job would be. I answered that I’m doing it right now. If you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why?

I don’t know. There are exciting parts, good parts, and bad parts about all time periods.

What place in the United States have you not visited that you would like to?

Yellowstone National Park. I always wanted to see that. And Alaska. That’d be nice. Alaska is on my bucket list.

Alaska and Australia are on my list. How about a foreign country you hope to visit?

I’m not really physically in any condition to go running through an airport, so my foreign dreams will have to be by DVD vacation, but maybe London. I’d love to see Big Ben.

I’m like you. Probably Australia won’t happen. What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?

To trust Him with the giants in my life. I’m trying to trust Him with a huge giant right now. The deadline is looming and nothing … but He does tend to wait ’til the last minute.

I’m on two book deadlines to finish by May 15. It’s pretty much nose to the grindstone right now for me. Tell us about the featured book.

After her fiancé dies in a buggy accident, Lydia Hershberger is invited to Jamesport to manage her Mennonite aunt’s gift store while her aunt and uncle are on a mission trip. While there, Lydia gets acquainted with her aentie’s best friend, Bethel Bontrager, and her grown son, Caleb. Lydia is surprised to find herself drawn to handsome clockmaker, Caleb Bontrager. But in spite of an instant flame of attraction between them, he doesn’t seem interested. In fact, pesky Caleb treats her like he doesn’t even like her.

Bright and sparkly. That’s Caleb’s first impression of Lydia. He’s always been attracted to sparkly things. In fact, his affinity for those things, and the trouble they can cause, are exactly why he’s determined to change his ways and settle down. With Lydia’s aentie gone, he is handling the books for the gift shop and is forced to spend too much time in her presence.

When God offers Lydia a second chance at love and family, will she take it? Or will the secret Caleb harbors cause her even more heartbreak? 

Please give us the first page of the book.

He was gorgeous. Simply gorgeous.

Lydia Hershberger leaned around the cash register and picked up the glassful of spilled hard candy sticks. Aentie Judith’s kitten knocked over as she dashed past. She half-paid attention to arranging the candy. Her focus was fixed on him. She tried not to gawk but...

Wow. He was hot.

Tall. Sandy blond hair. Milk chocolate brown eyes. Clean-shaven.

He removed his straw hat as the door closed behind him, then glanced around the gift store. As his gaze moved in her direction, she quickly looked away. Wouldn’t do to be caught staring.

But she couldn’t resist a peek back.

He seemed to freeze when his gaze caught hers. Or hers caught his. Held it.

And… He scowled.

What?

This man, one she didn’t even know, glared at her? She had the right to be behind the counter of Aenti Judith’s gift shop while she was in, um, wherever she was, on a mission trip. Any other time, she could’ve spouted the information without thought. But not while she stared into the most incredible milk chocolaty eyes ever.

Were there any leftover solid chocolate Easter bunnies in the store? She needed one. Now. She glanced toward the clearance rack, but it was devoid of candy of any type.

Her gaze snapped back to him.

You really grabbed my attention. How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q 

visit my blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/  & http://booksbyLaura.blogspot.com/ 

twitter: @Laura_V_Hilton

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512

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

Purchase my books:

Amazon   http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q 

CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=laura+hilton&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCG&nav_search=1&cms=1

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/laura-hilton?store=allproducts&keyword=laura+hilton

Deeper Shopping http://www.deepershopping.com/index.php?query=laura+hilton&x=0&y=0&module=productsearch&_logmode=Y&querymodule=SPX

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

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

THE CHRISTMAS ADMIRER - Laura V Hilton - One Free Book

Bio: Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with almost twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write and Putting on the New.

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife and homeschools her two youngest children.

When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.

  

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

We were on vacation and visited a glassblower shop in Springfield, Missouri. Plus I was reading a book about Chasing Lions. God merged them together.

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

Susan May Warren, Liz Johnson, Colleen Coble, Denise Hunter, Rachel Hauck, and Beth Vogt. Because they could talk and talk and have a seriously good time and I wouldn’t have to say anything.

That would be a fun party. I love those women, too. Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why? 

Margaret Brownley, Mary Ellis, Jan Drexler, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Vickie McDonough, and you.  Same reason.

That would be great fun party for the same reason as the other one. 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?   

I have a lot of outside stress in my home and life. I’m doing more sinking than swimming and honestly, I’d like to curl up in a cave and hide. Creativity is a struggle I have to give God daily. The story is His.

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

Benaiah Troyer has loved Susanna King for as long as he can remember, but other than a lone summer filled with romantic buggy rides, marrying her remains an elusive dream. When his parents died in an accident a year ago, he broke up with her—for her own good. After all, they left him as the sole caregiver for his three younger sisters and his grandparents. What woman wants to step into a ready-made family like his? Still, he leaves her monthly gifts from “A Secret Admirer,” hoping she’ll know that someone loves her, even though he isn’t free to step forward.

Susanna has never gotten over losing Benaiah, and hopes he’s her secret admirer, but now the clock is ticking. Susanna’s father is remarrying in January and his wife-to-be doesn’t want to leave her Amish community and family in Iowa. So when Susanna’s daed sells his glass-blowing business to his right-hand man, Benaiah, she’s left with three options: 1) Go with Daed to his new home with a new frau and step-kinner, 2) Flush out her mysterious secret admirer, or 3) Resign herself to life as an old maid. She doesn’t want to follow Daed where his new frau is leading him. And number three isn’t happening. Marrying Benaiah is her greatest desire—but he broke her heart, and now he treats her like a pesky younger sister. Can she make him see her as a woman, one who could stand by his side as he cares for his family?

As Christmas approaches, Susanna and her friends start making gingerbread houses for select members of the community. Susanna plans for hers to go to Benaiah’s family. But while her gingerbread may find a home—will her heart?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Susanna King paused midway through the door to the kitchen and stared at the single, long-stemmed red rose, artfully arranged with baby’s breath and a green fern-type plant, sitting in the middle of the table.

She’d been the last one to bed the previous nacht. She’d stayed up late reading A White Christmas in Webster County and had trailed Daed upstairs over an hour after he’d gone.

There’d been no rose, red or otherwise, on the table then, for sure and certain.

With trembling fingers, she set the lit lantern on the table and touched a soft red petal. She pulled the white envelope free from the long plastic card holder. Susanna was written on it in a neat, block print.

Her breath quickened and she looked around, hoping for some clue to who had been in the unlocked haus.

Nothing. Not even a footprint left on the recently swept and scrubbed floor.

She carefully lifted the flap and pulled the card free. White, with a red rose on the left side. “With love” was printed in gold script on the upper right corner.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

visit my blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/  & http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/ 

twitter: @Laura_V_Hilton

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512

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

Purchase my books:

Amazon   http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q 

CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=laura+hilton&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCG&nav_search=1&cms=1

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/laura-hilton?store=allproducts&keyword=laura+hilton

Deeper Shopping http://www.deepershopping.com/index.php?query=laura+hilton&x=0&y=0&module=productsearch&_logmode=Y&querymodule=SPX

Thank you, Laura, for sharing this holiday season book with us. I love reading the new Christmas stories each year.

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

MARRIED BY MISTAKE (Second Chance Brides Collection) - Laura V Hilton - One Free Book

Bio: Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with almost twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write and Putting on the New.

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife and homeschools her two youngest children.

When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas. 

Welcome back, Laura. Tell us about your salvation experience. 

I was a child, eight years old.We were sitting in church, and it was communion Sunday. Back then, the scripture the pastor used had a real long word in it that start with a D…ation and I leaned over to Mom and asked her, “What does d…ation mean?” She explained it, and I didn’t participate in communion that Sunday. Instead, after the service I went forward and had a talk with the pastor and my mom in a small room up front, and I accepted Jesus as my savior.

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

We’re assuming that those I ask would attend, right? I’d probably need a list of forty to find those four. I’d invite Susan May Warren, Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason, and Denise Hunter. And I’d choose them because they write characters that jump off the page and become real, and I try to emulate their style so mine do, too.

Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.

No, I don’t. My publicist would probably like it if I did, but right now I’m not secure enough to talk about anything without hemming and hawing and a lot of ums and and-uhs.

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

Ha. Well, I’m not sure it’s printable. Let’s just say I was thirteen, I was at school and I had an unexpected visit from a woman’s monthly visitor. One of my first. And of course, I had nothing. So I went to the nurse’s station where she sat me in a bathroom, washed all my clothes and loaned me supplies. Best part … I got out of biology class.

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? I’d ask them what they’d write about. And then I’d encourage them to write it. 

Tell us about the featured book.

Second Chance Brides is a collection of nine historical romance novellas written by nine different authors and my story is called Married by Mistake. I was very honored to be included in this collection, and with such talented historical authors! This is my debut historical, and I had a lot of fun writing it.

Please give us the first page of the book.

A kiss.

The sea spray touched Bessie O’Hara’s face as gently as she imagined he—whoever he might be—would some day brush his lips across her cheeks.

She couldn’t wait.

If only she could skip all the tiresome courtship rituals like monotonous parlor visits and chaperoned strolls. She’d also eliminate the formal calling cards and fluttering fans society demanded and go straight to the happily-ever-after.

It wasn’t that easy. She glanced at her two cousins, giggling behind their fans, as they stepped off the ferry onto the dock leading to the island. They looked toward some gentlemen who’d come to meet the boat. Judging by their clothing, they were there for the summer season as well. They certainly weren’t employees hired to drive the buggies and wagons.

Bessie smoothed her hand over her dress. Splotches of water dampened the material under her touch. With a sigh, she looked around for her family’s carriage. Papa had wired ahead and told the driver when to meet the ferry. She didn’t see the carriage, but a large crowd blocked her view.

I want to know what happens next. How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q 

visit my blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/ and http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/ 

twitter: @Laura_V_Hilton

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512

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

Purchase my books:

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q 

CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=laura+hilton&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCG&nav_search=1&cms=1

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/laura-hilton?store=allproducts&keyword=laura+hilton

Deeper Shopping http://www.deepershopping.com/index.php?query=laura+hilton&x=0&y=0&module=productsearch&_logmode=Y&querymodule=SPX

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

THE AMISH WANDERER - Laura V Hilton - One Free Book

Bio: Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with almost twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals or blog posts for Seriously Write and Putting on the New.

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye and currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife and homeschools her two youngest children. When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.

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

I don’t generally pick out spiritual themes, but a lot of them are based on trusting God even when you don’t see His hand moving. The theme of The Amish Wanderer is how you react when it seems God doesn’t hear your prayers? The two characters have different views on this.

What other books of yours are coming out soon? 

There *might* be an Indie published contemporary romance coming out with some other authors later this month, entitled Love in the Skies. My story is First Class, Wrong Flight. There also *might* be another collection with other authors releasing in April or May (these are not for sure, set in stone dates yet!) I don’t know the title of that collection, but my story is called The Kissing Bridge.  In August, I have a novella with Barbour Books in the Second Chance Brides collection called Married by Mistake. In September, Whitaker House releases another Amish Christmas story, The Christmas Challenge and in October another Amish book releases, but I don’t yet know for sure what that title will be.

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

A random officer in the Coast Guard so I could ask a ton of questions. Either that or one of my favorite authors so we could talk books.

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

Mary and Martha. The main character in The Christmas Challenge is like Martha and she has some interesting questions about Martha’s attitude and how (and if) she ever learned to sit at Jesus’s feet and listen.

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

Oh, good question. Keep studying and learning the craft, and don’t be afraid to let your pain into the book. Often that is the key to making the characters come alive – YOU know how it feels when you are rejected, go through a life-threatening illness, a life-altering event, or whatever. Let that passion out.

Tell us about The Amish Wanderer.

Bethany Weiss has been fascinated by Silas Beiler since he spent a couple of years in Jamesport, Missouri, before he and his family moved to another Amish community. They hadn’t kept in touch, but she hasn’t forgotten the friendly young man who brought her lemonade and took her home once from a Singing years ago. When she finds a man sleeping in her family’s barn, like Jesus sleeping in the hay, she is stunned to recognize Silas. He has left the Amish and is backpacking across the country. She talks him into staying, at least until after Christmas.

Silas’s family has never been happy living in one area for long, and their vagabond ways are wearing on him. He has lived in Amish communities all over the nation, moving whenever his daed became disgruntled with the leaders, and he’s looking for some sense of stability. His intentions are to make it back to Pennsylvania and stay with his Englisch onkle and his family—and pursue an education. Will Bethany be the one to bring Silas in from the cold? Or will he continue on his way to his extended family and become Englisch?

Please give us the first page of the book. 

November

The sky is falling and I’m searching for somewhere to hide. We need someone to help, but all I see are clouds in everyone’s eyes. If my fears could only be forgotten…

If only I could get out of this town.

An unidentified sound, loud in the relative silence, jarred Bethany. Her blue pen made a squiggly line across the page in the fat little notebook where she wrote her thoughts. Maybe she should’ve found a more secluded place than the hay pile beside the loft ladder, but she rarely was disturbed. She raised her head and listened.

Nothing, except the squeak of the wood doors in the back of the barn as her younger brother, Timothy, put the cows out to pasture. The soft lowing of cows. The clucking of free-range chickens.

Hopefully, he was too busy to notice she’d left—and wouldn’t look for her.

But there it was again. From somewhere overhead. A sound that didn’t belong. A creak and a thump.

Hopefully, it wasn’t Hen. She’d hear if he were out of jail, ain’t so? A thread of fear ripped through her, unraveling the tiny bit of peace she’d been able to find.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q 

visit my blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/  and http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/ 

twitter: @Laura_V_Hilton

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512

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

Purchase my books:

Amazon   http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q 

Christianbook.com: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=laura+hilton&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCG&nav_search=1&cms=1

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/laura-hilton?store=allproducts&keyword=laura+hilton

Deeper Shopping http://www.deepershopping.com/index.php?query=laura+hilton&x=0&y=0&module=productsearch&_logmode=Y&querymodule=SPX

Thank you, Laura, for sharing this book with us today. It sounds like a good read.

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

THE BIRDHOUSE - Laura V Hilton - One Free Book

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

I have recently signed another three book contract for another Amish series, set in Jamesport, Missouri. The series is tentatively titled New Beginnings and are about Amish starting over in Jamesport.

Tell us a little about your family.

I have been married for 28 years (in December) to my wonderful husband, Steve. We have five children (two boys and three girls), three are adult, and two are still at home. I homeschool through highschool. My husband and my middle daughter are my first readers, editing as I write, and my youngest son offers suggestions to make it more exciting. Not that I follow them! He’s into sci-fi and fantasy—not Amish romance.

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

My initial response is, not really, but yes, it has, some. I don’t read as much when I’m under deadline so it takes a bit longer to read a book start to finish. My family has taken on some review responsibilities, my two youngest reviewing children, tween, and young adult books, and my husband taking on medical thrillers, military thrillers, and other genres he’s interested in, to help keep my blog active. I also notice that when something works and a book grabs me and hangs on tight, I go back and dissect it to see what that author did that worked and how I can learn from it.

What are you working on right now?

Right now I’m working on the first book in the New Beginnings Amish series, and that is tentatively titled The Amish Firefighter I was thrilled to discover that Amish are actually quite active as EMTs and Firefighters in some districts.

What outside interests do you have?

I love lighthouses. As a Michigan native, I grew up around the Great Lakes, the lighthouses, and the Coast Guard. So Michigan history is an interest. I currently live in Arkansas so we’re doing a lot of Civil War studies and cavern studies, not to mention native crafts. We’re trying candle making and soap making. My oldest daughter has learned basket weaving with natural materials (grasses, reeds) and my youngest son has made several brooms.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Sometimes that is decided for me. I initially thought I would do one series in a different area, but I have readers requesting stories of secondary characters, so I’m doing at least two series in an area now. I choose Seymour (Webster County) Missouri because Seymour is about two hours away and I drive through it when we go to visit my husband’s family. He also has an aunt (not Amish) who lives in Seymour. I choose Jamesport because I always wanted to visit there. And recently we visited another Amish district in Missouri which piqued my interest.

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

Not sure He would be considered *historical* but God. I have a lot of questions for Him. If not them, then either Mary or Martha. I would like more details of their stories.

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

I think I would’ve looked into ways to keep in shape/fit as I write. It’s hard to carve time out of a busy life to go on daily walks and long periods of time in a chair tends to take it’s toll.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

To give it to God. He’s got it. And stop trying to jerk it back and handle it myself.

I think we all suffer with that problem. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

1. Put your bottom in a chair and write.

2. Join a critique group.

3. Don’t write a word without giving it to God first.

Excellent advice. Tell us about the featured book.

Twenty–year–old Greta Miller's daed has been injured in a farming accident during the summer. The supportive Amish community tries to help out, but Greta and her sister must work outside the home to make ends meet, and so Greta rents a booth at the farmers' market. Because Greta is still in her rumspringa and free to explore the world, her family selects her to sell her homemade jams, jellies, and preserves to Englischers.

Josh Yoder wants to court Greta, but years ago, he made the mistake of rejecting her during a seemingly innocent game; which resulted in him leaving the Amish. Three years later, he's back, but Greta wants nothing to do with him. Josh struggles to fit in and rebuild relationships he destroyed. Knowing Greta's family needs help, he steps in, hoping to win her back.

When Greta admires one of his birdhouses, he gives it to her, hoping that it will open the door to more. But as their friendship begins to grow, a series of unfortunate events pull Greta away from the Amish, leaving her rejected by those she loves. Will Greta get beyond her family's distrust and return home? Will she prove her innocence? Or will she remain outside her Amish community?

Please give us the first page of the book.

The hairs rose on the back of Greta Miller’s neck, and her skin prickled the way it did whenever someone stared at her. She should be used to the attention. Used to feeling like a caged circus animal, with all the tourists who came into the Amish Country Store. But this seemed different somehow. She turned away from the boxes of cereal she’d been unpacking, and her eyes met Joshua Yoder’s penetrating gaze.

He stood stock-still, not ten feet away, his hand holding his hat slightly above his head, as if he’d stopped mid-lift. His blue eyes narrowed.

Her mouth went dry. Her chest hammered.

“Greta….” He lowered his hat to his side and approached, a smile slowly forming on his lips.

Nein. She couldn’t deal with him and those emotions today. Or any day. She fled down the aisle and ducked inside the door marked “Employees Only.” She would find some work to do in back until her shift ended.

As she dashed past the employee break room, she glanced at the clock. Fifteen minutes till she got off. He should be long gone by then. She wiped away a renegade tear.

After Greta clocked out, she made a few purchases—a bottle of olive oil, a jar of yeast, a fresh pineapple, and several avocados—and surveyed the store. Nein sign of Josh. She sagged with relief.

“Bye, Greta.” Her cousin Rachel waved from the cereal aisle, where she’d taken over the task of unloading boxes.

Greta waved back on her way out the door. “See you tomorrow.”

 Greta stepped outside and into strong masculine arms that swept her up against a solid chest …

I sure want to find out what happens next. I’m sure my readers do, too. How can readers find you on the Internet?

visit my blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/ & http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/ 

twitter: @Laura_V_Hilton

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512

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

Here are purchase links for my books:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q

CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=laura+hilton&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCG&nav_search=1&cms=1

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/laura-hilton?store=allproducts&keyword=laura+hilton

Deeper Shopping: http://www.deepershopping.com/index.php?query=laura+hilton&x=0&y=0&module=productsearch&_logmode=Y&querymodule=SPX

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

Readers, 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

THE POSTCARD - Laura V Hilton - One Free Book

Bio: Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as the Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard in April 2015, and The Birdhouse in September 2015. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press’ Quilts of Love series. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer.

Welcome back, Laura. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I love contemporary romance and the Amish. Writing the combination of this is a dream come true. A win-win.

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

Probably when I found out I was expecting my second child. The first was a shock, we were young and scared, newly-married and in college, and the second was an anticipated event that we were all excited about.

How has being published changed your life?

It has taken me way out of my comfort zone in many areas.

What are you reading right now?

Right now, I am starting Vannetta Chapman’s novella in An Amish Cradle.

What is your current work in progress?

I’m writing the first book of a new Amish series set in Jamesport, Missouri.

What would be your dream vacation?

Unlimited money, a travel trailer, and lots of time to go wherever I want.

When we were younger, James and I would have loved to have a travel trailer or motor home to travel around the United States. How do you choose your settings for each book?

I’m choosing real life Amish communities that I can research.

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

This is hard. There are so many important to me people … maybe my aunt. She lives a long ways away and I don’t get to see her much.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Spending time with my family, playing board games with them. Traveling to my favorite places.

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

Finding quiet time. I have learned to block out most “white” noise.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Put your bottom in a chair and write. And read a lot.

Tell us about the featured book.

The Postcard

David Lapp (from Promised to Another) survived a “code blue” when he was in a buggy/semi truck accident in Seymour, Missouri. Now after extensive therapy he has lingering mobility problems and is still struggling to find his place in the world. Lured away from Webster County by thoughts of closed buggies and a postcard friendship he’s developed with an Amish girl in Jamesport, he moves north, hoping for a fresh start. He finds work in the area tying flies and basket weaving, selling his products in the Amish markets in the Jamesport area.

Rachel Miller dreams of travel, but feels tied to her Amish life. She is being courted by Obadiah Graber, but wonders if there’s more to life. When she sees David’s name mentioned in The Budget, she strikes up a pen pal friendship with David while he’s in the hospital and in therapy, consoling him when he and his girlfriend part ways. She never dreams that David will come north and move into her community. David is still fearful in the buggy, especially in high traffic areas. Feeling he’s called by God to preach, David spends hours in the Bible, but the Amish discourage him, believing their ministers should be drawn by lot. Will David follow his call, even if it takes him out of the Amish church? Will Rachel realize her dream to travel?

Please give us the first page of the book.

The chimes on the door rang as it opened. She looked over her shoulder. An Amish man entered. No beard, so he wasn’t married. But she’d never seen him before. Odd, considering everyone made it to the Amish Country Store sooner or later. Not to mention, the unmarried ones usually attended Singings and frolics. Especially the ones where they could meet others from different districts. It expanded the dating pool considerably. That was how she’d met Obadiah two years ago, since he lived in a different district than she.

The stranger pulled off his straw hat, revealing light brown hair and dark brown eyes. He glanced at her and a slight smile formed as his gaze skimmed over her. Something inside her jumped to life. Her stomach fluttered.

Wait, she shouldn’t be so excited about a stranger. She was taken. But there was nothing wrong with appreciating a handsome man. Tall and handsome. Nice body. Strong looking. Except for his eyes, there was nothing dark about him.

His smile widened, and he slowed to a stop. It was then she noticed the wooden cane he carried, but didn’t use.

A cane. What happened to make him need one of those? An accident of some sort?

Rachel stared at it, then blinked. She was being rude. She looked away and resumed straightening the bottom shelf. But his presence loomed behind her, making her more aware than she wanted to be of him. She really shouldn’t fill her mind with romance if this was how it would affect her. Her imagination worked overtime.

The floor creaked behind her. “I’m looking for Rachel Miller. I was told she works here.” The stranger’s voice broke the silence.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q 

visit my blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/ & http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/ 

twitter: @Laura_V_Hilton

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512

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

Purchase my books:

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q

CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=laura+hilton&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCG&nav_search=1&cms=1

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/laura-hilton?store=allproducts&keyword=laura+hilton

Deeper Shopping http://www.deepershopping.com/index.php?query=laura+hilton&x=0&y=0&module=productsearch&_logmode=Y&querymodule=SPX

Thank you, Laura, for sharing some of your life and this new book with us.

Readers, 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

A HARVEST OF HEARTS - Laura V Hilton

Welcome, Laura. Why do you write the kind of books you do? 

I write Christian books because I am a Christian, I live my life for Christ and I want to do what would be pleasing to Him. I write romance, because Jesus is the persistent lover—He loves us and He wants us to be with Him forever. Romance is also my favorite genre.  I write Amish because like many other people, I am in awe of the Amish and their lifestyle. It’s also a way to rediscover my own Amish heritage.

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

 The happiest day of my life, other than when I came to know the Lord—wow. That’s a hard question. The day I married my husband—twenty-five years ago this December! Or maybe the day each of my five beautiful children arrived, alive, with all five fingers and all five toes.  Or the day my husband surrendered to the ministry, graduated from seminary and accepted his first call from a church… So many to choose from. God is good.

How has being published changed your life? 

There is a lot more marketing involved than I’d imagined. I am by nature a very quiet, shy person, and so far, I’ve had four radio interviews. I know that isn’t many to someone like you, but for me, in less than one year—wow.

What are you reading right now? 

At this very moment, I’m reading a Love Inspired suspense by Susan Sleeman The Christmas Witness. Scary! After that, I have a historical to read, The Promise of Deer Run by Elaine Marie Cooper. And the third book in my to-be-read pile is by a dear friend and a favorite author, Mary Ellis, A Marriage for Meghan. I’m looking forward to reading Mary’s book!

What is your current work in progress? 

I’m working on the first book for a new Amish series.

What would be your dream vacation? 

Oh, this is hard too. Right now, I would love to take a few months and travel up to two or three different Amish communities on the way up to Michigan, then I have a spot on the shore of Lake Superior where I’m considering setting a historical romance. Do you have a RV I could borrow?  Big enough for five to seven people? Because most, if not all, of my family would want to come along.

How do you choose your settings for each book? 

Well, when I wrote the first Amish series, I considered that all the Amish stories were set in either Pennsylvania or Ohio. (Not the case anymore. I see Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Indiana, etc.) But even though my relatives were from Pennsylvania, I decided that the Missouri Amish were much closer to home (two hours drive) and so would be easier to research.  Plus, Missouri was an untapped Amish area.

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

Hmm. Well, there’s this Beachy Amish lady who is on Facebook that would be fascinating to meet with. There’s this male nurse at the local hospital that grew up Amish, but left…  There’s a grandmother of another friend of mine who is Amish… There are a lot of fascinating people.  I could also mention some of my favorite authors as someone I’d love to spend an evening with.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading? 

I have many interests, but like I said earlier, I have a husband and five children. I home-school.  Reading and writing are the hobbies I pursue. The others, I haven’t done in years. Maybe someday. I used to love cross stitch. I have a friend who sits in church and does her cross stitch while she listens to the sermons. I still have small children and would be bumped a lot. Probably making a mess of any stitching I tried to do. Plus, it’d probably be frowned upon for a pastor’s wife…

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

Living in Grand Central Station, the most difficult obstacle is being able to initially focus on my story. Once I get there, I’m good.  I have no office, so thus no escape from activity in this home. Not that I’m complaining. I love my family.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

If God has given you a passion for it, He’s given you permission for it. 

Tell us about the featured book. 

A Harvest of Hearts Book 2 of the Amish of Seymour series

Matthew Yoder volunteered to be part of the swap of Amish men from his Old Order Pennsylvania Amish Community, to the Amish community in Seymour, Missouri.  There is nothing for him in Pennsylvania, as the youngest of twelve children, and the lack of farmland around Lancaster County, he felt he could make a better future in another district. Shanna Stoltzfus has been raised Amish, and couldn’t wait for her rumspringa so she could pursue her education. She hated having to quit school in the 8^th grade to stay home and learn everything that makes a home run smoothly. But now she has earned her GED and is taking college courses, but her family is begging her to come home; her little sisters miss her. And there’s something about newcomer, Matthew Yoder that draws her attention.  But is it enough to give up her dreams of education and join the Amish church?

Please give us the first page of the book.   

Chapter 1

Shanna Stoltzfus felt something brush against her hair, just above her left ear. She swatted at it. When she touched flesh, she jumped, her attempts to pray forgotten, and raised her head from the steering wheel to see maple-stained fingers, complete with calluses and a small cut.

The hand pulled back. “Is something wrong? Are you hurt?” a deep voice asked.

She looked up into incredible gray eyes belonging to a drop-dead-gorgeous Amish man. He grasped his straw hat in the long fingers of his right hand. His light brown hair shone with natural blond highlights. She’d paid big bucks for streaks like those. He also had a strong, clean-shaven jaw. Nice. Too bad he hadn’t been around when she’d been Amish. She definitely would have noticed a hunk like this. Might even have considered staying.

“Lost, maybe? I can direct you back to the main road. Where did you want to go?”

“Anyplace but here. Mexico sounds good.” She swallowed her trepidation and aimed what she hoped was a wry smile at him. When she reached for the door handle, he stepped out of the way. “You must be the houseguest Mamm mentioned in her letters. Matthew Yoder from Pennsylvania?” She swung her legs out of the car and extended a hand. “I’m Shanna.”

“Shanna.” He seemed to freeze. A little smile played on his lips. “Shanna,” he repeated.

She didn’t know quite what to think. He said her name as if it meant something special. Then, he blinked. “I’m Matthew, jah.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?  

On twitter, I’m Laura_V_Hilton, but I’m not very active on there yet.  You could also look up Author Laura V Hilton on Facebook, or you could visit my blog: http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com

Thank you, Laura, for spending this time with us.

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

A Harvest of Hearts (Amish of Seymour V2)


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

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

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

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