LIVING JOYFULLY FREE DEVOTIONAL - Lisa Buffaloe - One Free Book

Dear Readers, Lisa Buffaloe is a dear friend. She lived near me a long time and attended the critique group that meets in my home. Then the Lord moved her family to another state, so I praise the Lord for the Internet. She writes both fiction and nonfiction. She has a ministering heart. She touches a multitude of lives through her blog. You’ll want to check it out as well as her books.

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

My favorite subject is sharing about God. I’ve been through many difficult journeys, I have scars, life wasn’t always pretty, downright ugly and painful and times, yet God was there to heal, redeem, and restore.

Tell us about your family.

I’m married to a wonderful man and mom to our son who is a new college graduate.

Have you written other nonfiction books?

Yes, I’ve also written Living Joyfully Free Devotional Volume 2, Unfailing Treasures Devotional, and No Wound Too Deep For the Deep Love of Christ. I also have two novels, Nadia’s Hope, Prodigal Nights, and a novella, Grace for the Char-Baked.

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

Yes, I’m working on another devotional, a non-fiction book, and a new fiction project.

What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?

I love gardening and exploring nature with my sweet husband. My favorite thing is to sit by a river and clean out any debris that has been stuck. There is something so wonderful about watching the water flow free, which reminds me of the beauty of God’s restoration.

Why did you write the featured book?

The world is a hurting place and the news bombards with negative images and horrific reports. People are in need of hope. Living Joyfully Free Devotional is written to help readers find truth from God’s word to give a solid foundation to live, joyfully free regardless of the bad news and their own situations. Living Joyfully Free points to The One who is Good News.

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

Each devotion is written to hopefully bring the reader closer to The One who is joy and freedom – Jesus. Life isn’t easy; however God will help us live, joyfully, free in spite of the messiness of life.

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

The format for the book is written to give the reader a story with hope and/or a point to ponder to allow them time to reflect on God’s goodness, mercy, truth, and love. I sure don’t have life figured out, don’t know everything there is to know about God, but I do know God is a good God who longs for a relationship with each of us. And His loving heart is looking for those who will welcome Him into their heart.  

That is so true, Lisa. Where on the Internet can the readers find you?

www.lisabuffaloe.com

www.livingjoyfullyfree.com.

I’m also on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.

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

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Living Joyfully Free Devotional - Christianbook.com
Living Joyfully Free Devotional - Amazon
Living Joyfully Free Devotional - Kindle


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

GRACE FOR THE CHAR-BAKED - Lisa Buffaloe - One Free Book

For several years, Lisa Buffaloe was one of the core members of the critique group that meets in my home. It was a sad day for me when she and her family moved to Idaho, but thank the Lord for the Internet and cell phones. We stay in contact through technology.

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

I’m working on a devotional book and also hope to complete another novel in the new year.

Tell us a little about your family.

I’m happily married and have one son. My husband and I were told by doctors we couldn’t have children. However God had other plans and blessed us with our wonderful son who is now twenty and stands at 6’ 8”. When God does something, He does big things!

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

As a writer, reading has taken on new wonderful facets. I not only read to learn and enjoy, but to study how other authors evoke emotions, set a scene, or draw me into the story.

What are you working on right now?

I blog every weekday, host a radio show (Living Joyfully Free) every week, and the devotional book.

I’m now co-hosting a monthly radio show, Gate Beautiful, and it has opened new horizons for me. What outside interests do you have?

I enjoy working in the yard and exploring Idaho. We haven’t made it past about two hours from our house because I make my sweet husband pull over every few minutes to take photos. I think I’ve taken about 4000 pictures since we moved here three years ago.

I have learned to love Idaho, though I've never been there, through the pictures you put on your blog. How do you choose your settings for each book?

The characters seem to come with their own settings. I usually use areas of the country where I have lived or places I have traveled.

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

Oswald Chambers. His passion for Christ was amazing. I would love to sit and talk with him about our wonderful God.

His writings inspire me as well. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

Opposition comes, but persistence is the key.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

To first and foremost spend my time with God, seeking His guidance and following Him.

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

Pray, read, and write.

Tell us about the featured book.

My poor family has been summoned to dinner by the wailing fire alarm more times than I care to publicly acknowledge. Grace for the Char-Baked is a light-hearted novella about the kitchen-challenged.

Charlotte Wilson is the last person on earth who should run a bake sale. With “Char” as a nickname, Charlotte’s cooking skills are more incendiary than culinary. But when her plans of running in a charity marathon are side-lined by a broken foot, her old flame’s suggestion becomes a challenge midst her friend’s simmering doubts.

Luke Hammond has spent the last five years studying and preparing to travel overseas as a medical missionary. When his high school sweetheart unexpectedly comes back in his life, Luke wrestles with what he feels God calling him to be and what he wants to do. His reappearance rekindles an attraction that could char Luke and Charlotte’s heart or cook up the perfect romance.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Charlotte Wilson jogged along the campus sidewalk. Gasp … wheeze … gasp …wheeze. After last night’s cooking fiasco, her twenty-two-year old lungs behaved like an eighty-year-old asthmatic. She could still smell the smoke embedded in her sinuses. Amber and golden leaves dotted the ground as she concentrated on her breathing, or rather concentrated on attempting to breathe.

Every cooking instrument known to man was out to get her. Why couldn’t she even broil a steak without flames shooting out of the stove? Obviously, the oven and the smoke alarm conspired against her. The alarm practically went off any time she stepped in the kitchen.

Charlotte sprinted around a guy with an armload of books sleepwalking his way toward the student union building. She gasped in a breath and kicked into high gear. Kathy needed her. At least by participating in the Cancer Cure marathon, Charlotte could do something to help. With two more weeks of training, she’d be ready to compete.

Her best friend was far too young to have breast cancer. People their age shouldn’t face something like this. Then again, no one should. Thankfully, Kathy’s lumpectomy had gone well. But seven weeks of radiation were going to be rough.

Radiation sounded so nasty, so negative. Why couldn’t they come up with some treatment that was actually appealing—like putting a dose of cancer killer into chocolate or ice cream?

If she hurried, she could get back home in time and make Kathy breakfast—perhaps an omelet with bacon, cheese, mushrooms, and green peppers. Charlotte sighed. Maybe she could create something like that in her dreams. When God passed out the cooking genes, she was given a charcoal thumb—everything she touched burned to a crisp.

The sun’s rays finally peeked over the horizon. Charlotte jogged up to the old craftsman-style home where she’d lived the last two years. With the two-story dormer windows and the wide porch, the house seemed to wear a perpetual smile—just like the original owner had worn up to her death. Mimi Miller, Kathy’s grandmother, and best friend to Charlotte’s grandparents, had bequeathed the property to Kathy. Mimi would always be missed. So many happy memories had been made here. The house itself almost seemed huggable.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.lisabuffaloe.com

www.facebook.com/lisabuffaloe

www.twitter.com/lisabuffaloe

www.livingjoyfullyfree.com

Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your life and this story with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Grace for the Char-Baked - paperback
Grace for the Char-Baked - 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 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

NADIA'S HOPE - Lisa Buffaloe - One Free Book

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

My life has been filled with highs, lows, good, bad, fun, and downright scary. Through the wild journey God has been faithful, even when I wasn’t. I long for my novels to immerse the reader on a journey that surrounds them with God’s love and truth.

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

Marrying my sweet husband and later being blessed with our sweet son.

How has being published changed your life?

Being published has blessed me with another method to share God’s love and truth through fictional stories.

What are you reading right now?

I just finished Mother of Pearl by Kellie Gilbert and am finishing Liberty Belle by Patricia Carroll.

What is your current work in progress?

The Fortune -- Joy Davidson’s life is root bound. There’s more growth at the gardening center she inherited from her grandparents. Orphaned at the age of two, Joy found escape in dreaming of an adventurous life. However, real-life adventure seems to have left her in the dirt.

After college, Eric West moved to California to study the design of Green Homes. However Eric missed his family, missed the Idaho Mountains, and especially missed Joy. Eric returns to Boise, ready and hopeful to build more than his dream home.

A series of cryptic clues beginning with a fortune cookie, leads Joy and Eric on more adventure than they could have dreamed or imagined.  

What would be your dream vacation?

Staying in a beautiful log cabin in the mountains with a river close by to sit, play, and pray.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

The characters seem to come with their own setting. J

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

Ann Voskamp. I love her heart and passion for God!

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Exploring Idaho, playing in nature, spending time with family, and spending time with my prayer buddies.

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

Dialogue comes easy, however setting the stage for each scene has been tough. Lena, you helped me immensely with this problem. I’m learning how important it is to immerse your readers in their senses while reading.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Pray, read, write, attend writing conferences, join critique groups, pay for writing mentoring clinics, learn all you can to write in excellence.

Tell us about the featured book.

Nadia Minsky fled Israel to escape her past, but she can’t outrun her nightmares. The throbbing scars along her hip and stomach are cruel reminders of shattered dreams. Even though surgeons mended her body, her spirit still bleeds. Friends claim only God can heal her. For Nadia, trusting a God who allowed her to suffer is inconceivable.

Can close friends, a wild roommate, and a handsome medical student help Nadia learn to trust? Or will she chose to allow her past to forever cripple her future?    

Please give us the first page of the book.

Faceless crowds provided a place to blend in. A way to become invisible. Just another ant in the busy throng. Students crowded the college campus as Nadia Minsky made her way to the university bookstore.

A cool breeze rustled in the trees signaling the promise of fall. At the bottom of the bookstore steps Nadia stopped, rummaged through her backpack, and found cash to buy the notebook needed for the upcoming literature project.

Young men descended the stairs toward her.

Dread slithered down her spine. She stood straight, stayed close to the rail, and focused on the top step.

“Hey, sexy.”

“Give it up.” Another voice bantered. “She’s way out of your league.”

Nadia refused to acknowledge them. She squeezed past. Just a few more steps and she’d be safe inside the building.

A wolf-whistle sent a chill from the past coursing through her veins. She stumbled and grabbed for the rail. Her hand met air. She slammed hard against the granite steps, landing on her bad side. Pain exploded down her leg. She wouldn’t cry. No one would see her cry.

A strong hand gripped her arm. “Can I help?”

Shockwaves jolted from his touch. “No.” She wrenched away and pulled herself to her feet. Steadying herself, she brushed off her jeans.

“You hit hard. Are you sure you’re okay?” His deep voice tinged with concern tempted her to look his way.

She locked her gaze on her feet. “I am fine.”

“I don’t remember seeing you last semester. I’m David Cohen.” His broad-shouldered back to her, he gathered her books and papers, including, much to her embarrassment, the Bible her friend Ruth had given her. At least her knife had stayed secure in the hidden pocket at the bottom of her backpack.

She forced herself to ignore the aching throb in her leg and instead clenched the rail. “Please, may I have things?”

“Your things? Sure.” He hesitated. “I can carry this for you.” His voice seemed gentle and kind.

“No, not is necessary.” Careful to avoid eye contact or touch, Nadia retrieved her belongings.

“I like your accent. Where are you from?”

She groaned inwardly and berated herself for speaking. Her hip throbbing, she hurried toward the door. “I transfer.”

His footsteps followed. “I didn’t get your name.”

She stopped. An intense longing for someone to know her name, to care, welled up within her, staggering her with intensity. She turned toward him and risked raising her eyes.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.lisabuffaloe.com

www.livingjoyfullyfree.com

www.Fliterary.com

www.Shoutlife.com/lisabuffaloe

www.Twitter.com/lisabuffaloe

www.Facebook.com/lisabuffaloe

www.Facebook.com/lisabuffaloeauthor

Thank you, Lena!!

And thank you, Lisa, for sharing Nadia's story with us.

Readers, I've read this book, and it's awesome. I'm sure you'll enjoy reading it.  Here are links to the book. By using them when you order, you help support this blog.
Nadia's Hope - paperback
Nadia's Hope - 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 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

PRODIGAL NIGHTS - Lisa Buffaloe - One Free Ebook

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

I’ll admit to getting tickled after I write a scene and realize I’ve just told on myself. Grace for the Char-Baked definitely alluded to my lack of culinary skills. Fortunately, not all my characters are based on my past. After thirty-plus moves, I’ve met a wide variety of people who contribute wonderful aspects to my characters.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Years ago I was using Super Glue on a project when the phone rang. But when I went to place the phone back in the cradle (the old wall phone with cord) my fingers were stuck to the handset. Fortunately I could call for help. J A few weeks later our young son came to me with a broken toy machine gun. Once again I reached for the glue. A few squirts and the broken item was firmly reattached. But when I tried to return his toy, I found I wasn’t just stuck; the glue had melted and melded my skin to the plastic. By the time I was able to get free, my fingerprints, (complete with the top layer of epidermis) remained on what was now the coolest toy machine gun on the block.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I enjoyed writing stories as a child, but never thought of myself as a writer until my first article was published.

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

I adore the Bible and love books that take me deeper into God’s heart. I also enjoy suspense (Brandilyn Collins, DiAnn Mills…), or light-hearted comedic writing, and sweet stories laced with God’s truth.

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

Sanity? Giggling at this question. I am grateful for the verse in Deuteronomy 14:2 in the Amplified version that says we are peculiar people. On a serious note, the only way to keep my sanity is to stay as close as possible to God and His word.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Some characters seem to have their own names as I start to write. Others are carefully considered based on the manuscript and what I’m trying to convey.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Becoming a Christian. I’m abundantly grateful for God’s grace and His healing, restoring touch.

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

A mutt. A happy-to-be-rescued-from-the-pound dog, wagging, sticking my head out of the window as God drives me along His chosen roads.

What is your favorite food?

Salsa. Lots of heavenly salsa.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

My first attempts at writing had dialogue and not much else. I was the queen of “talking heads.” Lena, you blessed me abundantly when you allowed this fledgling writer to join your critique group.

You’ve been a blessing to me as well, Lisa. Tell us about the featured book.

For two returning prodigals will the challenge to live “good” withstand the allure to be bad?

After a nasty divorce, Bethany Davis returned to college and lived up to the low standards set by gossips. Her dad’s stroke has now brought her home, and Bethany finds herself in a dilemma—how can she get beyond her past, learn to trust again, and live a “good” life?

Bethany’s father’s involvement in the defense industry adds excitement to her expectation of a boring life back home. However, bodyguards, stalkers, and international secrets are the least of her problems—opening her heart to trust again is a totally different matter. The mutual attraction with her new team leader, Jason Ross, spells the possibility of big-time heart trouble.

Jason Ross’ days of wild living are over, and he’s determined to prove to himself and God he’s on the right path. When Bethany steps into his office, he sees the girl of his dreams, but is she God’s gift or Satan’s temptress?

PRODIGAL NIGHTS is a spark-filled, fun, romantic romp through the hopes and fears of those who have fallen from grace. God’s restoration is the theme as my characters come to the realization of God’s forgiveness and redemption. Not only do they find renewal, they find a hot-blooded, pure romance in the freedom and healing of God’s grace.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Disfrusied. Maybe not a word, but that summed up her week—disappointed, frustrated, and worried. Bethany Davis checked her speedometer and eased up on the accelerator. Getting a ticket wouldn’t help.

Three years ago, she swore she’d never come back for more than a quick visit. The phone call from her oldest brother changed everything. Dad was in the hospital, and only family made it worth facing Southburg, Virginia, again.

Bethany turned into the hospital parking lot and snatched the last available space. Leaning over her steering wheel, she scanned the visitor's lot. Good. No media vans or pesky reporters. Her father’s executive-level involvement in the defense industry drew constant attention. The last thing she wanted to do was bring her dad additional stress.

The coast clear, she stepped out of her car. Hot air stuck in her lungs. Thunderclouds hung low in the distance, threatening the May sky. She willed her feet forward. Part of her wanted to run to her dad’s side; the other part wanted to run away. She probably shouldn’t have promised to move back home for three weeks. But when her brother mentioned her parents wanted her home, she’d jumped at the opportunity for reconciliation.

Quick trips during holidays at neutral resorts had never been enough to clear the tension hanging in the air since her divorce. She couldn’t risk something happening to her dad without setting things right.

Straightening her shoulders, she hurried her step. Her insides whimpered, but a good Davis didn’t show emotion. Dad would be okay. He had to. Besides, nothing stopped him. Not being shot while serving in the military. Not cancer. Not even nosy newsmen.

Plaza Hospital’s lobby bustled with activity. Families huddled in groups. Two children squealed and giggled as they played chase with a pink Congratulations balloon. A dark-haired man sat in the corner reading a newspaper. Antiseptic smells mingled with the scent of popcorn served from a vendor cart.

Bethany hesitated at the gift shop entrance. Should she take something to her father? Flowers were out of the question. She’d learned that lesson when she was six. He had accepted her hand-picked flowers, chastised her for picking them, and then thrown them in the garbage. How could she have known the plant she’d chosen to wrap her bouquet in was poison ivy?

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I interview guests each week on Living Joyfully Free Radio www.livingjoyfullyfree.com. Blog at www.lisabuffaloe.com. Have fun with my literary friends at, www.Fliterary.com. And also found at these locations, www.Shoutlife.com/lisabuffaloe, www.Twitter.com/lisabuffaloe, www.Facebook.com/lisabuffaloe, www.Facebook.com/lisabuffaloeauthor

Thank you, Lena!!

Thank you, Lisa, for allowing me to be a part of your writing journey. I’m thrilled with this first interview of your published book.

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


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