FINDING HER FRONTIER FAMILY - Louise M Gouge - One Free Book

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

My late sister lived in a small New Mexico ranchita beside the Rio Grande. I loved the setting and my sister encouraged me to write a story set there. So I wrote a Christmas novella, A Yuletide Reunion (published in the anthology A Western Christmas), and wanted to write more stories in that setting. Much of what my sister told me of the area influenced every part of my story. In that story, the youngest two brothers (in a family of five Mattson brothers) found their true loves.

If you teach or speak. What’s coming up on your calendar? I used to teach English and humanities in my local college, but these days I prefer to spend my time writing and sharing life with my grown children and grandchildren.

If you had to completely start over in another place, where would you move, and why? It’s taken me several days to think of an answer for this question. As it turns out, I have moved over thirty times in my life! Born in mid-America (Missouri), I’ve lived in the sunny South (several states), sunny California, sunny beachside Virginia, beautiful but cold Colorado, and wild and lovely Wyoming. For the past 42 years, I’ve lived in sunny Florida and can’t say I’d like to go back to freezing winters. Frankly, I’m tired of moving and will probably stay put. LOL!

And I have missed seeing you since you moved from near me in Texas to Florida. If you could only tell aspiring novelists one thing, what would it be? Keep studying your craft and never give up your dream!

You’ve been asked to be in charge of a celebrity cruise. Who would you ask to take part, and why? (AS in what program, singers, etc. [it doesn’t have to be writing related]) I would invite Bill Gaither to bring his Homecoming friends for a good, old-fashioned Gospel sing. I think he’s actually done these. Can’t think of a better way to enjoy a cruise.

James and I have wished we could go on one of the Gaither cruises, but we weren’t able to. Tell us about the featured book? This is a sequel to A Yuletide Reunion and tells the story of the oldest Mattson brother from that book.

Helping a little girl could give her that family she needs
Tasked with escorting her late cousin’s daughter to New Mexico Territory, spinster Viola Brinson intends to bring Lavinia to her father’s ranch and immediately return to the city. But after one look at the living conditions, she’s hesitant to leave the little girl with Robert Mattson. When Viola settles in to clean the place and make sure he can safely care for his daughter, Robert is determined to keep his distance. His heart was broken by a society woman once before—and he won’t make the same mistake twice. But Viola surprises him at every turn. Might she be exactly what his family needs?

You know I have read Finding Her Frontier Family and loved it. Please give us the first page of the book for my blog readers.

Riverton, New Mexico Territory

Spring 1887

No. No. Not that man, please, Lord.

Standing on the train platform, Viola Brinson clutched the hand of her tiny charge and searched the crowd for the rancher who was to meet her. Of the dozen or so men who milled about collecting baggage and greeting other newly arrived passengers, only one stared at her with any sense of purpose. Dusty from the crown of his battered, wide-brimmed hat to the poorly mended shirt and trousers to the toes of his badly scuffed boots, he had the look of an outlaw, not a successful rancher. Beside him stood a young boy, just as unkempt, another indication that this was the person to whom she had brought Lavinia.

Thumb stuck in her mouth, eyes round with fear, the dear little four-year-old even now tried to lose herself in Viola’s skirts, knocking her bonnet askew in the process. Viola forbade herself to tremble so as not to further alarm the child.

“Shh. It is all right.” The words tried to stick in her throat, but she forced them out. “That is your papa.” After righting the bonnet, Viola lifted her own chin and stared back at the man who held Lavinia’s future in his hands.

Beside her, Lavinia shivered.

Removing his hat, the man strode toward her. His young companion copied the gesture and followed. The gentlemanly gesture inspired a slightly improved opinion of him.

“Viola Brinson?” He spoke her name almost like an accusation. Her good opinion vanished.

Where can we find you on the Internet?

Web site at https://louisemgougeauthor.blogspot.com/ 

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

Follow me on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/louise-m-gouge

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

http://ow.ly/8ubZ50Kg2lL

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 2 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, 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

COWBOY LAWMAN'S FAMILY REUNION - Louise M Gouge - One Free Book

Dear Readers, Louise is a dear friend of mine. I rejoice with her when she began to write western historicals for Love Inspired. I’ve read each one as it came out. The last several were a Four Stone Ranch series, this book included. I’ve enjoyed each one of them and loved getting to know the characters that continue through the whole series. Her settings take you right to Colorado, where the books are set. The living, breathing characters grabbed my heart and pulled me into the thick of the stories. You’ll love this western romance, and if you’ve missed any in this series, be sure and get a hold of them, too.

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

Becoming an author was the most natural thing for me because I’ve been making up stories since I was a small child. When I was in school, I would write stories for my class papers, incorporating the subject matter into my tale. So when I was nearing the empty-nester stage of my life, it seemed logical to start writing down more of those stories to see if I could become published. Twenty-five books later, I’m still having fun creating them.

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

I love reading about historical events, so I think my dream job would be researching history books in libraries and visiting history museums to glean tidbits of information about those who lived long ago. If I could do this for other authors, I could save them time on research.

If you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why?

I’d love to live in the late 1800s middle America because that’s when my grandparents were young. I’m referring to the time after the Civil War and before the Great War (World War I). The United States as a country was trying to rebuild after the Civil War and to establish her identity in the world. Although not perfect, the US was populated with mostly good people just trying to build their own lives and help their neighbors.

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

I’d like to visit more Revolutionary War battlefields. (I’ve seen some.) One of my ancestors fought as a Patriot to secure our freedom, and I would love to see where he served.

How about a foreign country you hope to visit?

Scotland! I’m one quarter Scottish, so I’d love to see the land of my ancestors who came from there.

What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?

My memory verse for this year is Psalm 143:8, “Cause me to hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning, for in Thee do I trust; cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my soul unto Thee.” When I start my day with this prayer, the greatest results are inner peace and trust in Lord, whatever He brings into my life.

Tell us about the featured book?

Cowboy Lawman’s Christmas Reunion, Love Inspired Historical, October 2017

Sheriff Justice Gareau can make outlaws quake in their boots…yet coming face-to-face with Evangeline Benoit once again takes away all his composure. She broke their engagement, and his heart, to marry a wealthy older man. Despite his reluctance, Justice can’t avoid the widowed single mother of two when they’re collaborating on a Christmas village for the town'’ children.  

The loving boy Evangeline once knew has become an unyielding lawman. Forced to flee New Orleans over false allegations, Evie doubts Justice will take her side when the past follows her to Colorado. Especially when he and her troublesome son butt heads. But perhaps the spirit of Christmas will soften his heart and give them a second chance at love.

Please give us the first page of the book for my readers.

Friday, October 14, 1887
Esperanza, Colorado

Sheriff Justice Gareau ducked around the corner of the Esperanza train depot, hoping he hadn’t been spotted by the woman who’d stepped off the train. He felt downright foolish. Usually people hid from him if they’d done something wrong, and he sure hadn’t done anything wrong. No, it was that woman who’d done wrong by him and ruined his life. Well, ruined was perhaps too harsh a word, because he had a pretty good life these days. But she’d sure broken his heart. A heart he was determined never to give to a woman ever again.

What was Evangeline Benoit doing in this remote Colorado town anyway? And why did her sudden appearance turn him into a bumbling chump? Because once, long ago back in New Orleans, she’d been his childhood sweetheart and, eventually, his fiancée. Only she’d broken their engagement to marry a wealthy older man the very day Justice needed her most.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Web site at https://louisemgougeauthor.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLouiseMGouge
Twitter: @Louisemgouge

Thank you so much, Louise, for sharing this new book with my readers and me. I know they’ll love reading the story.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Cowboy Lawman's Christmas Reunion - Christianbook.com
Cowboy Lawman's Christmas Reunion (Four Stones Ranch) - Amazon paperback
Cowboy Lawman's Christmas Reunion (Four Stones Ranch) - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

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

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

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

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

A WESTERN CHRISTMAS - Louise M Gouge - One Free Book

Dear Readers, Louise is one of my long-time writer friends, who writes authentic historical novels. Her research is seamlessly woven into the stories, so the readers aren’t aware how much research she really does. It takes a good writer to do that.

Bio: Florida author Louise M. Gouge writes historical fiction for Harlequin's Love Inspired Historical Romances. She received the prestigious Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award in 2005, placed second in 2011; and placed in the Laurel Wreath in 2012. Her indie novel Then Came Love placed second in the 2015 IRCA. When she isn't writing, she and David, her husband of fifty years, enjoy visiting historical sites and museums.

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

Thanks for having me visit your blog, Lena. Here’s the story of my inspiration: My sister lives in a beautiful, real life adobe house beside the Rio Grande, and during my many visits to see her, I have been inspired by the history of the area. I’ve long wanted to write a story set on her land, although I’ve tweaked the descriptions for this story’s sake. After all, it takes place in 1886, and of course life was harder back then. No phones, no television, no running water. Meals were cooked on woodstoves. Many natural and human dangers faced the settlers every day. Still our hardy ancestors managed to survive and build strong communities. They also loved to celebrate Christmas, just as we do today. So when my editor asked me to write a Christmas novella, I knew the time had come to write that New Mexico story. Here's a picture of my sister's hacienda when we spent Christmas there.

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

Oh, dear, this is tough. I don’t read contemporary fiction, so I have no idea whom to invite. Maybe I’d hire a party planner and let her set me up with some great authors! LOL!

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

Lena, I’m a big fan of yours, so you’d be first on my list. I’d also invite MaryLu Tyndall, Laurie Alice Eakes, Ramona Cecil, and Debbie Lynne Costello. I would also invite Renee Ryan, who shares this anthology, A Western Christmas, with me. These ladies are all excellent authors whose works take me away into history. I always learn something new, and I’m inspired to improve my own writing.

Thank you for including me. I love spending time with other authors. 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?

So far my biggest problem has been that I’m a part time college professor, so my writing is interrupted by those days when I have to teach. To solve this problem, I have prayerfully given my notice, and this is my last semester of teaching. Time truly is the main problem, so I expect to be able to write much faster in the future. We’ll see.

That’s exciting news, Louise. Tell us about the featured book.

I had a lot of fun writing Yuletide Reunion, which is published in Harlequin’s Christmas anthology, A Western Christmas. I loved the research and loved developing my characters. Here’s the blurb: Emma Sharp's family needs to rebuild their barn before Christmas. All help is welcome—even if it comes from the handsome neighboring rancher who jilted her two years ago. Can Jared Mattson prove that he wants to build not just a barn with Emma—but a bright future together?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Riverton, New Mexico           

December 1886

At the sound of approaching hoof beats, Emma Sharp didn’t bother to look up from clearing away the charred boards of her family’s burned out barn. No doubt more men were coming to help with the cleanup. The ones who’d come first thing this morning said last night’s blaze had been visible in the clear, black sky from ten miles away, so she expected many good neighbors to show up throughout the day and for days to come. Emma shoved a lock of hair from her forehead with her leather-gloved hand and blew away the fine strands that always lingered to tickle her forehead and cheeks.

The hoof beats stopped nearby and a familiar voice called out in a teasing tone, “My, my, what a pretty sight.”

Emma froze. Jared Mattson. The last person she wanted to see, even at her best. Today, dressed in Pa’s old trousers and faded flannel shirt, she cringed in spite of herself. Even two years after he cruelly played with her affections and then jilted her without any explanation, she still couldn’t bear to be in his presence. She could manage to ignore him in church and at social gatherings, but now, covered from head to toe with soot, she would make an easy target for his teasing wit.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is http://blog.Louisemgouge.com

Thank you, Louise, for sharing this Christmas collection 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

Special announcement!

Today is release day for WARM MULLED KISSES, the novella collection that I featured earlier on the blog. It's a real bargain at the special release price of $.99

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016B3CRRI?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B016B3CRRI&linkCode=xm2&tag=lenneldoochaw-20

COWBOY SEEKS A BRIDE - Louise M Gouge - One Free Book

Dear Readers, Louise’s story is about parents choosing a bride for their son, who is ready to get married. It almost has a feel of a mail-order bride story, and I love it. We featured the first book in this series. Both are set in Colorado, and I also love stories set there. The time period is late 1800’s, and you know I love that time period. The characters quickly pulled me into their story and didn’t let go until it was finished. I know you won’t want to miss this one.

Bio: Florida author Louise M. Gouge writes historical fiction for Harlequin's Love Inspired Historicals. She received the prestigious Inspirational Readers’ Choice in 2005 and 2011 and the Laurel Wreath in 2012. When she isn't writing or teaching her college classes, she and David, her husband of fifty years, enjoy visiting historical sites and museums.

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

I was saved when I was very young through the testimony of my Sunday school teacher. It was so long ago that I don’t remember her name, but I do remember trusting Jesus as my Savior. Since that time, I’ve never doubted that the promise of John 3:16 is for me: God so loved Louise that He sent His only begotten Son, that if Louise believes in Him, she will not perish but have everlasting life. In good times and bad, that verse has been my comfort and joy.

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

I don’t mean to flatter you, Lena, but I would love for you to be there. You’re such an inspiration to others, and you selflessly mentor new writers. I’d also like to have Charlotte Bronte because her Jane Eyre is my favorite novel. I’d like to take lessons in witty social commentary from Jane Austen. And I’d love for Agatha Christie to teach me how to write suspense. How’s that for a mix?

Oh, my goodness. We would have so much fun. Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.

Although I don’t have a speaking ministry as such, I do teach college English and humanities. I make it clear to my students that I’m a Christian and explain why. Then I try to show them God’s love though the reading material for our classes.

That’s wonderful, Louise. I took one class where the professor made us read such trashy books to get a good grade.

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 always tell them to go home and start writing! In fact, that’s how I got started. My friend and I were having lunch together and discussing what we would do in our soon-coming empty nest years. I told her about my imaginary life and how I wanted to be a writer. She told me to go home and start writing that story right away. I did, and she held me accountable! That book turned out to be my first published book. If people can learn from my example, then I wish them well.

Tell us about the featured book.

Cowboy Seeks a Bride is the second book in my Four Stones Ranch series, set in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. Here’s the blurb:

Marybeth O'Brien is everything rancher Randall Northam seeks in a wife … if she'd only say "I do." Although his family paid for her train ticket West with the understanding the two would marry, Rand won't pressure her to set a date. Especially since he suspects she's learned about his reckless past. Who would want to marry an untamed cowboy like him? Marybeth won't marry until she locates her long-lost brother. And when Rand agrees to help her with her search, she can't deny her surprisingly warm feelings toward her prospective groom. Could this honorable cowboy show her he's the husband she never knew she wanted?

Please give us the first page of the book for my readers.

July 1881

Randall Northam is a gambler. Randall Northam is a killer.

The words pulsed through Marybeth O’Brien’s head, keeping time with the clatter of the iron wheels on the railroad track as the train propelled her inescapably toward her prospective husband. Until a few moments ago she’d thought his most notable quality was being the second son of a wealthy Colorado ranching family. But the lively young woman seated across from her had just imparted a vital bit of information Randall Northam’s parents had left out when they’d arranged this marriage. And from the enthusiasm brightening Maisie Henshaw’s face, Marybeth could see her story wasn’t finished.

“Yep, he shot that thieving varmint right in the heart. Why, Rand can outdraw anybody.” The red-haired girl elbowed her handsome young husband in the ribs. “Even me.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Please visit my website at http://blog.Louisemgouge.com

Thank you, Louise, for sharing this new book with us. I know my readers will love it as much as I did.

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

Cowboy Seeks a Bride - Christianbook.com
Cowboy Seeks a Bride (Love Inspired Historical\Four Stones Ran) - Amazon
Cowboy Seeks a Bride (Four Stones Ranch) - 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