Welcome back, Ann. What are some of the
spiritual themes you like to write about?
Forgiveness and restoration are two themes I return to over
and over. Forgiving others when we feel we’ve been wronged is one of the most
difficult things we’re called to do as Christians, yet once done, it’s one of
the most freeing.
What other books of
yours are coming out soon?
In addition to Love’s Sweet Beginning, which just
released, I have a novella titled Lessons
in Love releasing in April. The collection is titled Sincerely Yours, and features novellas by Jane Kirkpatrick, Amanda
Cabot, Laurie Alice Eakes, and me. The stories span the 19th century, and each
features an intrepid woman who receives a letter that changes the course of her
life.
If you could spend an
evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would
it be and why?
I’d love to spend time with Laura Bush, our former first
lady. She seems to be such a warm and gracious person. It would be my pleasure
to spend an evening getting to know her.
I’d love to do the
very same thing. What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus)
and why?
My great-great grandmother. She’s not famous historically,
but what a woman! Her mother died when she was 3, then her father left her with
one of his sisters and took off for Texas
with Stephen Austin. He never returned. At 14 she married a circuit-riding
preacher who was 16 years her senior, and in 1836 they settled in southwestern Illinois . They were married
for over fifty years, and reared 9 living children. She was the inspiration for
my novel, The Promise of Morning. To
sit and talk with her about her life would be amazing. That day will come when
we meet in heaven!
How can you encourage
authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?
First of all, I’d say if you feel God has called you to
write, don’t quit. I received a large number of rejections before I got my
first contract. I’d pray after each rejection that if it was the Lord’s will
that I continue, would He please send a word of encouragement. Invariably, I’d
receive a positive comment from some source or another to keep me from
quitting.
Also, do pay attention to those rejections. Is there a
common thread? Perhaps you need to do some revising before sending your work
out again.
Tell us about the
featured book.
Love’s Sweet Beginning is the third book in the Sisters at
Heart series. The series is so named since the protagonists in each novel are
close friends—sisters at heart. Love’s Sweet Beginning is Cassie’s
story. Here’s a teaser:
A young woman from a life of privilege must find a way to
support herself and her mother—but will her new boss give her a fair chance?
Please give us the
first page of the book.
April 1868
Cassie Haddon jammed a pillow over her ears, hoping to block
the sound of raised voices. In the hallway outside her room, her mother and
uncle shouted at each other in tones no pillow could smother.
“You’ve imposed on my
hospitality far too long,” her uncle’s deep voice growled. “It’s time you and
that useless daughter of yours moved on.”
Cassie cringed. Heaven knows she tried to be helpful. It
wasn’t her fault that she’d reached the age of twenty-five without possessing
any useful skills. Until the war, she’d always had servants to wait on her.
“If my Phillip were alive, he’d be appalled at your
behavior. You’re his brother. You have an obligation to take care of us.” The
thin walls did nothing to diminish her mother’s shrill pitch.
“Don’t put on airs with me, Eliza. After eleven months, I’ve
more than fulfilled any obligation I may have had toward you. You have a
brother of your own drifting around somewhere. Go find him.”
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
I love hearing from readers! My website address is www.annshorey.com. I’m also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AnnShorey.
Thanks so much for inviting me to your blog, Lena ! I enjoyed our visit.
I love having you on my blog.
To celebrate the novel, author Ann Shorey and Revell Publishers are pleased to present theSWEET BEGINNINGS Sweepstakes, and your chance to win one of three marvelous prizes, all closely connected to the story.
Timeframe & Notifications:
This giveaway starts February 4, 2014 and ends February 20, 2014 @ 11:59 pm (PST). Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over.
Winners will be selected Friday, February 21, 2014, and announced at AnnShorey.com.
Baker's Bounty Pie-of-the-Month Club
When Cassie Haddon finds work in West & Riley's Restaurant, one of her first tasks is baking pies for a crew of rough workmen. She's never worked a day in her life, and has no kitchen skills, but really, how hard can it be to bake a pie? In honor of Cassie's baking trials (and eventual triumphs) our Grand Prize winner will receive a 6-month Pie of the Month Club Membership to the Grand Traverse Pie Company
Timeless Treasures Prize Pack
Cassie doesn't have many luxuries, as she struggles to reinvent herself and make a life in Noble Springs, but a few small treasures brighten her cottage and lift her spirits. Our Second Prize winner will receive a prize pack filled with some of Cassie's favorite things: a delicate, rose-colored lace shawl, a pewter pen and ink set, and a bath set filled with lavender and lilac soaps and lotion
Sisters at Heart Prize Pack
The women in Ann's Noble Springs series (Faith, Rosemary, and Cassie) are strong, resourceful, creative, and always looking for ways to give to others. To celebrate their giving hearts, our Third Prize winner will receive a complete, signed set of the Sisters at Heart series, to give to a friend, family member, or sister of the heart
How to Enter:
Go to http://www.annshorey.com/contest.html and complete the entry box, anytime between February 4 and February 20.
Love's Sweet Beginning - Christianbook.com
Love's Sweet Beginning: A Novel (Sisters at Heart)
- AmazonLove's Sweet Beginning (Sisters at Heart Book #3): A Novel - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Even if the winner isn't in the US, you will receive a print book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
