TARGETED FOR DANGER - 8 Christian Romantic Suspense Novelists - One Free Book

TARGETED FOR DANGER

CROSSFIRE

NEW from RITA, Christy, and Carol Award-winning, and USA Today Bestselling Author SUSAN MAY WARREN
The woman he loves is caught in the crossfire of revenge…but he’ll have to face his crimes to save her.

Bio: Susan May Warren

With over one million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA, and Carol award-winning author of over forty-five novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill, and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com, and Christmas novellas.

With books translated into eight languages, many of her novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. She’s a three-time RITA finalist and an eight-time Christy finalist.

Publishers Weekly has written of her books, “Warren lays bare her characters’ human frailties, including fear, grief, and resentment, as openly as she details their virtues of love, devotion, and resiliency. She has crafted an engaging tale of romance, rivalry, and the power of forgiveness.”

Susan is also a nationally acclaimed writing coach, teaching at conferences around the nation, and winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year award. She loves to help people launch their writing careers. She is the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com and www.LearnHowtoWriteaNovel.com, a writing website that helps authors get published and stay published. She is also the author of the popular writing method The Story Equation.

www.susanmaywarren.com

TAKEN BY DARK

NEW from Award-winning, Bestselling Author CHRISTY BARRITT
Willa Shields is being taunted by someone desperate to get her attention. When the threats escalate, the only person who can help her is her new neighbor, FBI agent Parker Stone. But will he reach her before the darkness overcomes them both?

Bio: Christy Barritt

USA Today has called Christy Barritt's books “scary, funny, passionate, and quirky.”

A Publishers Weekly bestselling author, Christy writes both mystery and romantic suspense novels that are clean with underlying messages of faith. Her books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery, have been twice nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, and have finaled for both a Carol Award and Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year.

She is married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she's not trying to be. Christy is a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado.

When she's not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident-prone she is.

www.christybarritt.com

LETHAL HOMECOMING

A Reader-favorite from Award-winning, Bestselling Author LYNETTE EASON
Callie Ainsworth just wants to go home. When her stepfather dies, she believes it’s safe to do so. But when someone tries to kill her minutes before she reaches her mother’s driveway, she realizes that danger still lurks—but this time, she’s not running away.

Bio: Lynette Eason

Lynette Eason is the best selling, award winning author of almost forty books including the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, the Hidden Identity Series and the currently releasing Elite Guardians series. She writes for Revell and Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line. Her books have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists. She has won several awards including the 2013 and 2016 Carol Award in the Romantic Suspense category. She also placed in the top ten (out of thousands of entries) in the James Patterson 2016 co-writer contest. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), Mystery Writers of America (MWA), International Thriller Writers (ITW), and Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of RWA as well as the Kiss of Death (KOD) chapter.

www.lynetteeason.com

TREASURE

NEW from Critically-acclaimed Author GINNY AIKEN
Freelance writer Chloe Williams's first find at the newest Qumran Caves dig is the dead C/OPS Security guard. Steven “Ridge” Ridgeway, founder of C/OPS, must deal with the murder of his man while keeping the two of them alive. It won't be easy, now that he and Chloe have seen the stolen treasure, since assassins don't give up until all witnesses are dead.

Bio: Ginny Aiken

Born in Havana, Cuba, and raised in Valencia and Caracas, Venezuela, Ginny Aiken discovered books early. She wrote her first novel at age fifteen while she trained with the Academia de Ballet Clasico Venezolano de Nina Novak. She burned that tome when she turned a “mature” sixteen. Stints as reporter, paralegal, choreographer, language teacher, and retail salesperson followed. Her life as mother of four sons and herder of their many friends brought her back to books and writing in desperate search of her sanity. She’s now the author of more than forty published works. Ginny lives with her husband of forty years in northwest Indiana, and they’re the grandparents of three amazing young men.

DEADLY SECRET

NEW from USA Today Bestselling Author MARGARET DALEY
Secrets. Revenge. Reunion. The past comes back to haunt Sarah Patterson, and she turns to the only man who can help her—the man she left at the altar.

Bio: Margaret Daley

USA Today Bestselling author, Margaret Daley, is multi-published with over 100 titles and 5 million books sold worldwide. She had written for Harlequin, Abingdon, Kensington, Dell, and Simon and Schuster. She has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Carol Award, Holt Medallion, and Inspirational Readers' Choice Contest.

She has been married for over forty-five years and is enjoying being a grandma. When she isn't traveling, she's writing love stories, often with a suspense thread and corralling her three cats that think they rule her household.

www.margaretdaley.com

DOUBLE EXPOSURE

NEW from Award-winning, Bestselling Author ELIZABETH GODDARD
Tara Blackburn witnesses a village decimated at the hands of armed men. Grant McCall is working undercover in a race against time to find Tara before the hired killers, but even more deadly is the illness to which she was exposed.

Bio: Elizabeth Goddard

Elizabeth Goddard is the ECPA bestselling, award-winning author of more than thirty-one romance novels and novellas and counting, including the romantic mystery, The Camera Never Lies—a 2011 Carol Award winner. She's a double finalist in the 2016 Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense for her books Buried and Backfire in the Mountain Cove series, and a 2016 Carol Award romantic suspense finalist for Submerged.

A 7th generation Texan, Elizabeth graduated from North Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and worked in high-level software sales for several years before retiring to home school her children and fulfill her dreams of writing full-time.

www.elizabethgoddard.com

COLD TERROR

NEW from Award-winning, Bestselling Author SUSAN SLEEMAN
Forensic artist Hannah Perry and her young son barely escape from a killer and nearly lose their lives to the cold terror of the ocean. Former Navy SEAL Gage Blackwell comes to their rescue and appoints himself their bodyguard. Suddenly, not only is Hannah’s and her sons life at risk—so is her heart.

Bio: Susan Sleeman

SUSAN SLEEMAN is a bestselling and award-winning author of more than 30 inspirational/Christian and clean read romantic suspense books. In addition to writing, Susan also hosts the popular website TheSuspenseZone.com. Susan currently lives in Oregon, but has had the pleasure of living in nine states. Her husband is a retired church music director and they have two beautiful daughters, a very special son-in-law, and an adorable grandson.

www.susansleeman.com

ONCE A THIEF

NEW from USA Today Bestselling Author JAN THOMPSON
She sets a thief to catch a thief.
Will he also steal her heart?
Private investigator Helen Hu must team up with art thief Reuben Costa to rescue her mother, who has vanished while trying to return a bejeweled egg she stole fifteen years ago. That is, if Reuben still wants to cooperate after what the Hu family has done to his father.

Bio: Jan Thompson

USA Today bestselling author Jan Thompson writes clean and wholesome multi-ethnic contemporary Christian romance, Christian romantic suspense, and inspirational international romantic thrillers. Her books are for readers who enjoy stories of faith, hope, love, and happy endings. Always.

Jan graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and worked as a database programmer and information technology consultant for over a decade before transitioning from writing software programs to her lifelong dream job of writing fiction books that she wants to read. When she is not busy writing and publishing, Jan is a wife, mother, educator, family scribe, avid reader, and chief of staff to the family cat.

Jan loves to hear from her readers. Join her mailing list to receive book publication news, sales and specials, cover reveals, and exclusive details and content.

http://www.JanThompson.com

Thank you, authors, for sharing this new collection with my readers and me. Y’all are some of my favorite suspense novelists.

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

Targeted for Danger: Eight Christian Romantic Suspense Novellas

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

SAVING HOPE - Margaret Daley - Free Book

How did this book come about?

Saving Hope is a book of my heart--a book I had to write. The topic about teenagers is important to me--something I had to write about--human trafficking (child prostitution--I consider young teenagers still children). I wanted to show the dangers of it here in the United States. How kids were entrapped and lured into it.

Tell us about the book’s cover and what makes it unique.

I'm not sure it is unique but it does give a feel for the story. This is the first of my Men of Texas Rangers Series (contemporary romantic suspense). The man on it illustrates my hero in the book, Wyatt Sheridan--strong, determined.

I love the cover. Please explain and differentiate between what’s fact and fiction in the book.

The story is fiction and so are the characters. The facts are the background information about human trafficking and child prostitution, the situations these teens are up against.

How much research did you have to do for this book?

I did a lot of research about human trafficking in the United States, how kids are lured into situations where they become prostitutes often against their will, what it does to them and about information concerning the Texas Rangers (not the baseball team). I interviewed a Texas Ranger out of the Garland office and got some insight into what they do. I also have a friend who helps with me the “cop” information.

What are some of the most interesting things you found about this subject that you weren’t able to use in the story?

I wouldn't call it interesting but some of the steamier situations teens found themselves in were chilling and enlightening. Some of the ways these girls and boys are trapped into being like a slave basically. It opened my eyes to what is going on in the world, in the United States. I have grandchildren and don't want them to be caught up in something like this. It helps to be informed, rather than to pretend it doesn't exist. Hundreds of thousands of teens are affected in the United States alone.

What inspired and surprised you while you were writing the book?

I always felt the Lord wanted me to write this story. I got discouraged when it was rejected but kept my hope up. That paid off. The whole way through writing the story I depended on Him to help me. Often when I had a plot problem, I would sleep on it and the solution would come to me in the morning.

I love it when that happens. What do you hope the reader takes away from the story?

I hope a good romantic suspense with a mystery and a fast paced story. I want the reader to feel a sense of hope in the end, but be aware of the dark side of life. I hope teenagers will read it and become educated on what can happen to them. To be aware of the dangers in certain situations.

What is the next project you’re working on?

I'm finishing up the third book in the Men of the Texas Rangers Series. I've titled it Scorned Justice about revenge. It will come out next spring. The second book in the series will be out in October 2012 called Shattered Silence about various forms of bullying. As a teacher I encountered bullying. It is a subject I'm passionate about.

What do you do when you have to get away from the story for a while?

Lately I haven't had much of a chance to because of deadlines and being president of ACFW. When I can, I like to play with my granddaughters, go out with my friends to lunch and a movie or spend quiet time with my husband.

Blurb for Saving Hope:

When a teenager goes missing from the Beacon of Hope School, Texas Ranger Wyatt Sheridan and school director Kate Winslow are forced into a dangerous struggle against a human trafficking organization. But the battle brings dire consequences as Wyatt's daughter is terrorized and Kate is kidnapped.

Now it's personal, and Wyatt finds both his faith and investigative skills challenged as he fights to discover the mastermind behind the ring before evil destroys everyone he loves.

Please give us the first page of the book.

         Rose gripped her cell phone so tightly her muscles ached. “Where are you, Lily?”

         “At—Nowhere Motel.” A sob caught on the end of the last word. “Help—me.” Lily’s breath rattled, followed by a clunking sound as though she’d dropped the phone.

         Rose paced the small bathroom at Beacon of Hope. “Lily?” Sweat coated her palms, and she rubbed her free hand against her jeans.

         Silence taunted her.

         What have you done? But the second Rose asked that question, an image came to mind of her friend lying on the dingy gray sheets in the cheap motel, wasted, trying anyway she could to forget the horror of her life.

         “Lily, talk to me. Stay on the line.” Pulling the door open, Rose entered her room. When she saw her roommate, she came to a stop.

         Cynthia’s wide-eyed gaze fixed on Rose for a few seconds before the fourteen-year-old dropped her head and stared at the hardwood floor. Rose crossed to her dresser, dug into the back of the top drawer, and grabbed a small, worn leather case. She pushed past her roommate and headed into the upstairs hallway.

         Striding toward the staircase, Rose dismissed her roommate’s startled expression and focused on the crisis at hand. “Lily, are you still there?”

         A sound as though someone fumbled the phone and caught it filtered through the connection. “Rose, I need—you.”

         “I told you I would come if you wanted to get out. I’ll be—”

A click cut off the rest of Rose’s words. No, Lily. Please hang on.

You have me hooked. How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website (and blog is on it) at http://www.margaretdaley.com .


Thank you, Margaret, for introducing us to your new series.


Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Saving Hope: Men of the Texas Rangers Book 1 - paperback
Saving Hope: Men of the Texas Rangers Book 1 - 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

HIS HOLIDAY FAMILY - Margaret Daley - Free Book

Bio:

Margaret Daley, an award-winning author of seventy-six books, has been married for over forty years and is a firm believer in romance and love. When she isn’t traveling, she’s writing love stories, often with a suspense thread and corralling her three cats that think they rule her household. To find out more about Margaret visit her website at http://www.margaretdaley.com

Since you’re being published regularly, what new avenues will your future books take?

I'm looking at putting some of my out-of-print books into ebooks, but other than that at this point nothing different from what I am doing now.   

What conferences will you be attending this year? Will you be a speaker at any of them? 

I will be at ACFW national conference, NOLA's conference in March (where I will be a speaker) and possibly RWA national conference.    

If you were in charge of planning the panel discussion at a writing conference, what topic would the panel cover, and who would you ask to be on the panel, and why?

I would like to hear a panel on how to utilize the social media to promote your books. I would like to invite Thomas Umstattd, Morgan with RT and other experts in social media.

How important is it to you to be active in writing organizations?

I think it is important. I am serving as president of ACFW. The organization has done so much for writers.         

Where in the community or your church do you volunteer?

I am on the vestry of my church as well as the outreach committee.

Who is the one person who has made the most impact on your life, and how?

My mother is by her example. She was a loving person who took care of many people as a nurse. Her faith was strong.      

If you could write the inscription on your tombstone, what would it be?

She lived life to the fullest.    

Tell us about the featured book.

Blurb of His Holiday Family: When Hurricane Naomi tears through a small Mississippi town, a daring rescue unites two heroes. Nurse Kathleen Hart is a single mom racked by guilt over her husband's death. Firefighter Gideon O'Brien—orphaned as a young boy—has lost too many people he cared for. To rise above the storm's devastation, Gideon helps Kathleen and her sons rebuild their home. As Christmas approaches, they discover that even the strongest of storms can't destroy a romance built on the foundation of faith.

Please share the first page with us.    

Excerpt from His Holiday Family:

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Gideon O'Brien hopped down from Engine Two and assessed the chaos in front of him. Strapping on his air pack, he started toward his captain. A hand gripped his arm and stopped his forward progress. He turned toward the blonde woman who held him, her large blue eyes glistening with tears. She looked familiar, but he couldn't place where he knew her from. His neighbor's daughter, perhaps?

"My two sons and my cousin—their babysitter—must still be inside. I don't see them outside with the other tenants." Her voice quivered. She tightened her hand on his arm and scanned the crowd. "I'm Kathleen Hart. My sons are Jared and Kip. I tried Sally's cell but she didn't answer. Please get them out." A tear slipped down her cheek.

"Where are they?" Gideon moved toward his captain, his palm at the small of her back, guiding her in the direction he wanted her to go. Yes, he realized, she was his neighbor Ruth Coleman's daughter.

"Sally's second-floor apartment is on the east side, the fourth one down on your right. Number 212. Hurry." Her round eyes fastened on the fire consuming the three-story apartment building on Magnolia Street.

Gideon paused in front of Captain Fox. "Mrs. Hart says her sons and babysitter are still inside. Pete and I can go in and get them." He looked toward the west end of the large structure where the men of Engine One were fighting the flames eating their way through the top level. "There's still time."

Wow! That’s intense. Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.margaretdaley.com

Thank you, Margaret, for sharing this Christmas book with us.


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


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

FROM THIS DAY FORWARD - Margaret Daley - Free Book

Welcome back, Margaret. 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?

From This Day Forward is based on a sequel I had written as a secular book for Kensington. When I started writing over thirty years ago, I wrote historical romances. But the first book I sold was a contemporary romance. That is the direction I went from there on, except for a couple of books. I had a blast writing this inspirational historical romance.

If you teach or speak. What’s coming up on your calendar?

Nothing for the time being other than speaking as the President of ACFW at the annual conference in September.

If you had to completely start over in another place, where would you move, and why?

I would move to one of the Hawaiian islands on a beach with mountains in the background. I love living on a beach or in the mountains so having both would be a great place to live. A place where I could have both would be great.

If you could only tell aspiring novelists one thing, what would it be?

To keep working at it. It is a hard job but you will never sell if you don’t sit down and write, then send the book out to a publisher.

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])

Celine Dion would perform--I love the way she sings. The dancers on You Think You Can Dance would also perform.

Tell us about the featured book?

Penniless, pregnant, and newly widowed immigrant Rachel Gordon doesn’t believe her situation could get any worse...until she meets her new neighbors. Shortly after the War of 1812, Rachel and her husband set out from England for a plantation in South Carolina, which he had purchased sight unseen. However, while en route, Tom Gordon fell overboard and drowned, leaving Rachel, frightened and alone, to make a home for her and her newborn. Can a battle-scarred American physician who comes to her rescue also heal her wounded heart?

Please give us the first page of the book.

“We are going to die,” Rachel Gordon’s young maid cried out. Rachel looked up at the clouds rolling in. Dark, ominous ones. She shivered and pulled her shawl tighter about her as the breeze picked up. A storm brewed, and she still had several miles to go until she reached her new home in South Carolina.

“God willing, we will make it, Maddy.”

Fear deepened the lines on Maddy’s plain face. “’Tis like the squall on the boat.”

Lightning flashed, momentarily brightening the shadows of the forest. A clap of thunder rumbled the ground. Maddy screamed. The old gelding that pulled the cart—all Rachel’s meager coins could afford—increased its speed, weaving from side to side. Out of control.

Determined to be there before nightfall and in one piece, Rachel gripped the reins and fought to slow the maddening pace of the horse. Finally it resumed its plodding step. The weather-beaten cart she had bought near the dock in Charleston hit a bump in the road, jostling her into Maddy. Her maid clutched the seat with one hand and held onto Rachel with the other.

Steadying herself, Rachel rested her wrists on her rounded stomach. She had more than herself and Maddy to worry about now. Her life had changed so much since she left her ancestral home in England. She had married, conceived a child, and was now a widow, all in the space of a year. And worse, she was going to a place she had never seen because she had nowhere else to go. Her husband had used most of their money to purchase this plantation she was traveling to. It was her future, whether she wanted it to be or not.

The warmth of a spring day quickly faded as the sky grew blacker. Rachel stared at the menacing clouds through the treetops and realized she would not make it to her new home before the storm broke. She scanned the area for a place to seek shelter.

Sinister shadows lurked just beyond the road. Again she shivered, her imagination conjuring images of wild animals staring at her from the depths of the forest. She’d heard stories about the bears. Huge. Fierce. Sharp teeth and claws. Shifting on the seat, she darted a glance from side to side, feeling as though she were some beast’s next meal. She could not stop, even if it poured down rain.

Oh, how she missed England, with its gently rolling hills and refined beauty—not this raw wilderness. Like a fish floundering on land, she did not belong here. Nothing in her life had prepared her for this strange environment.

Drops of water spattered her. The wind picked up.

“That man on the boat told me about a big cat. They are out there.” Maddy whimpered, draping her shawl over her head and hunching her shoulders. “Lord, have mercy on us.”

Rachel forced herself to keep her gaze fixed on the road ahead. Once they were at the plantation Maddy would settle down. The squall two days out of Charleston had nearly sunk the ship they had traveled in. Surely this storm would not be as bad.

Taking deep breaths, Rachel calmed her racing thoughts and heartbeat. Pain spread through her lower back. She gripped the reins, the leather digging into her palms. The pain dulled to an ache. Another deep inhalation and the panic nibbling at her composure abated. Soon she would be at her new home and could sit in front of a warm fire, put her legs up, and rest. Hopefully the letter her husband had sent ahead would alert any staff to her arrival. Her glance strayed to the tall pine trees, swaying in the gust. Everything would be all right when she arrived at Dalton Plantation.

But even with Maddy next to her on the seat, the feeling she was the only person in the world overwhelmed her.

The wind picked up, whipping strands of her long brown hair that had escaped its coiffure about her face and threatening to whisk away her bonnet. Lightning zigzagged across the sky, followed by thunder. Maddy jumped in her seat. The gelding’s ears flattened.

A chill embedded itself deep in Rachel. She arched her back to ease the pang still plaguing her. Suddenly lightning struck a tree nearby, its flash a beacon in the growing darkness. A crack as the pine split into two pieces echoed through the forest. Immediately afterward, a boom of thunder cleaved the air. Maddy shrieked. The horse increased its pace while a few more splotches of water splashed Rachel. Then all at once rain fell in gray sheets.

The gelding lurched forward even faster. Rachel grasped the reins, trying to maintain control. She pulled on the leather straps to slow the horse. Nothing. He kept galloping down the road, oblivious to his surroundings, as though the hounds of hell were nipping at his hooves.

Rachel glanced from one side to the other but saw little except a wall of gray and green. Another peal of thunder spurred her horse into a dead run. The jostling motion bounced her around, nearly throwing her off the seat. A scream from Maddy competed with the din of the storm.

The cart hit another rut in the road. Rachel flew from the seat, the reins wrenched from her hands. The impact with the ground jarred her, knocking the breath from her lungs. Rain pelted her face as she sucked in oxygen-rich air. Stunned, Rachel closed her eyes against the continual downpour. Everything seemed to come to a standstill, as though her body went numb.

Then pain, as she had never felt before, ripped through her lower torso. She clutched her stomach, gritting her teeth to hold back the scream. She rolled to the side.

Need to get up.

Through the dim grayness, she glimpsed the horse’s straps snapping free. The gelding broke away and bolted, clamoring down the road and disappearing from view. The cart careened toward a ditch, plunged into it, and tipped over.

“Help!” Maddy’s cries sounded above the rumble of the storm.

She’s in trouble.

When the pang subsided, Rachel pushed to her hands and knees, the cold mud oozing between her fingers. Her body protested every move she made, the dull ache in her back intensifying. She had no choice. Peering around, she saw no one else to help. No sign of civilization. Her head pounded like the rain hammering down on her. Her world spun a wave of dizziness making her stomach reel.

“Help. I’m trapped,” Maddy shouted.

I can do this.

Rachel forced herself back on her heels, dragging in the cool, damp air. Another deep, fortifying breath and she struggled to her feet, her wet clothing siphoning her energy. She swayed. The trees swirled and danced before her eyes. She closed them and willed the dizziness away. No time for it.

She took a step toward the overturned cart, twenty or so feet away. Then another. The trees stopped spinning. She would make it. She could help Maddy.

Almost to her destination, she stumbled over a broken piece of a crate and staggered forward. Another stab of pain knifed through her stomach, its power taking her to her knees into the mud. Agony, like white-hot lightning, cut through her lower back and shoved her over the edge into a black void.

Wow! That is powerful. Where can we find you on the Internet?

My website is http://www.margaretdaley.com or you can email me at margaretdaley@gmail.com .


Thank you for stopping by my blog, Margaret. I know you're a busy lady.


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


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

CHRISTMAS BODYGUARD - Margaret Daley - Free Book

So good to have you back, Margaret, and with another Christmas book. Why did you become an author?

I became an author because I love to make up stories ever since I was a little girl. I used to have elaborate stories involving my dolls.

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

For 27 years I had my other dream job. I was a teacher for children with special needs. Loved that job!

It takes a special person to do that, and I'm sure you were very good at it. If you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why?

 I love researching different times in history and have been doing some right now for a book I am writing. With that said, I like the time period I live in right now. I have been reading about the early 19th century, especially the woman’s role, and realized how lucky we are to be alive today.

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

I would love to see Montana and Yellowstone National Park. The scenery looks awesome.

I know. I love looking at pictures and videos from there. How about a foreign country you hope to visit?

I want to visit Australia or New Zealand.

I do, too. Maybe we could go together. What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?

To give control over to Him.

Tell us about the featured book.

Blurb for Christmas Bodyguard:

Someone's after wealthy Texan Slade Caulder's daughter. Desperate to keep her safe while he determines the motive, the widowed father hires a bodyguard for Abbey. A female bodyguard, with the training to protect the girl--and an understanding of a willful teenager who keeps trying to outsmart her. Elizabeth Walker is the perfect combination of caring and toughness for her job. But as the holidays approach, the stalker's threats escalate. And Slade finds himself willing to risk everything to keep his Christmas bodyguard by his side...forever.

Guardians, Inc.: Born to protect, bound to fall in love

Sounds like a very good story. Please give us the first page of the book.

"Watch out!" Slade Caulder said through clenched teeth, gripping the door handle on his SUV. Why had he allowed a sixteen-year-old with a permit to drive? Only a few more miles to the ranch—thankfully.

"Dad, I saw him coming out. I've got everything under control."

When he noticed Abbey sliding a glance toward him, his heart rate shot up even further. "Keep your eyes on the road."

"I'm gonna ask Gram to take me driving next time."

"No." Although he wished he could let his mother-in-law take over teaching his daughter to drive around Dallas, he wouldn't. It was his job.

The car gained speed. "Don't go over sixty."

"I'm not. I have to practice going highway speed. Quit worrying about me."

Yeah, sure. She might as well ask him to quit breathing. It wasn't going to happen. Abbey was all he had. At least this was an almost-deserted stretch of road.

Thud! Bam!

A blowout?

Suddenly the car swerved to the right toward the ditch along the highway. He lurched around and glimpsed the color leaching from Abbey's face. Her knuckles whitened as she fought the shimmying steering wheel.

"Daddy!" she screamed above the thumping sound followed by a whomp. "I can't control…”

Wow! Way to leave us hanging. Bring on the book. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can find me at http://margaretdaley.com/ .

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

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. New information: Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. I’m trying to get a good idea of where the people live who leave comments on my blog. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

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

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

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

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

A DAUGHTER FOR CHRISTMAS - Margaret Daley - Free Book

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

I love the concept of the secret baby. I decided to do one with a twist.

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

Just six—that would be hard because there are so many that are wonderful, gifted writers. Robin Caroll, Colleen Coble, Irene Hannon, Lynette Eason, Terri Blackstock and Dee Henderson—they are all romantic suspense writers and I love the genre.

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

Again that’s a tough one because I would leave people I love out—Vickie McDonough, Mary Connealy, Julie Lessman, Miralee Ferrell, Winnie Griggs and Jillian Hart. I’d love to get their take on the historical market.

I'd like to crash each of your parties. 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?

Finding enough time to do all I want to do writing wise. I’ve been in this business long enough to know an author never “has it made.” It can change so fast.

Tell us about the featured book.

Dr. Max Connors had no idea he'd fathered a child thirteen years ago. Or that his baby girl had been given up for adoption. He locates his daughter in a small Oklahoma town and moves there, hoping to become a part of her life. But when he meets her widowed mother, Max is unsure how to reveal his identity. As he helps Rachel Howard with her plans to homeschool the girl, he's welcomed into the family. But with the holidays approaching, Max must tell Rachel who he really is. Can he make his dreams of family come true by Christmas?

I like it already. Please give us the first page of the book.

On his second day in Tallgrass, Oklahoma, Dr. Max Connors opened his front door to discover the one woman he wasn't quite ready to meet. Rachel Howard. Mother of his child.

Although she didn't know that. Yet.

Prim, proper Rachel, with her reddish-brown hair pulled back in a twist, held up a plate full of fudge. "Welcome to the neighborhood."

The smile that graced her full lips transformed her plain features into radiance and needled his conscience. His reason for being in Tallgrass would totally shatter her world.

When he didn't say anything right away, she added in a cultured voice, "I'm part of the welcoming committee for Ranch Acres Estates."

I can hardly wait to see how this plays out. How can readers find you on the Internet?

My web site is http://www.margaretdaley.com/  and my blog is http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com/ .

Thank you, Margaret, 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.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

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

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

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

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/
 
New information: Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. I’m trying to get a good idea of where the people live who leave comments on my blog.

CHRISTMAS PERIL - Margaret Daley - Free Book

I'm always glad to welcome Margaret Daley back to the blog. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

I often write about forgiveness and trust (especially in the Lord). I find I keep returning to those themes because it governs so much of what we do in life.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

In March 2010 I have out the third book in the Love Inspired Suspense continuity series (about the Witness Protection Program). My book is Cowboy Protector. I love that title. Then in April I have my first book in my home schooling series coming out called Love Lessons. The second one in the series will be out in July called Heart of a Cowboy. Also in March, Steeple Hill is reissuing Gold in the Fire/Light in the Storm as a Love Inspired Classic. Both books are part of my Ladies of Sweetwater Lake series.

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

I would love to meet James Rollins because he is my favorite writer.

How long have you known that you wanted to be novelist?

Since my late twenties—I’ve always been a storyteller but not a writer. I used to make up stories for my dolls when I was a little girl.

What can you tell authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

I had successfully published over twenty books when I hit a dry spell. The market was changing. My most recent publisher stopped publishing romances. I didn’t sell anything for eight years. If I had given up I wouldn’t have gone on to sell over forty more books—most of those in the Christian fiction market.

Tell us about the featured book?

I have of an analogy with Debby Giusti with a Christmas theme. The book is called Christmas Peril and my story is Merry Mayhem. When single mom Annie Coleman unexpectedly arrives in Christmas, Oklahoma, police chief Caleb Jackson suspects she’s hiding secrets. He’ll be watching her closely And his protection is just what Annie and her daughter need, as danger has followed them to their new home.

Please give us the first page of the book.

The opening paragraph reads: Annie Coleman almost dropped the phone at her ex-boyfriend’s words, but she couldn’t. She had to keep it together for her daughter. Jayden played nearby, oblivious to the sheer terror Anne was feeling at hearing Bryan’s gasping warning. “Run. Disappear…Don’t trust anyone, especially the police.”

I reviewed the book in my December Newsletter: http://lenanelsondooleynewsletter.blogspot.com/ How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can find me at:
http://www.margaretdaley.com/
http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com/
http://craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com/
http://ladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com/
http://www.loveinspiredauthors.com/
http://twitter.com/margaretdaley

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

Readers, here's a link where you can order the book. If you use this link, it will help support this blog.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.


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

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

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

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

TOGETHER FOR THE HOLIDAYS - Margaret Daley - Free Book

I'm happy to welcome Margaret back to my blog.

Margaret Daley is an award winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One of her romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest. Recently she has won the Holt Medallion, Golden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter Rose Contest, and the Barclay Gold Contest. She wrote for various secular publishers before the Lord led her to the Christian romance market. She currently writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired lines. She has sold sixty-five books to date.

Margaret is currently the Volunteer Officer for ACFW. She was one of the founding members of the first ACFW local chapter, WIN in Oklahoma. She served as vice-president for two years in WIN-ACFW and is still on its board as an advisor. She has taught numerous classes for online groups, ACFW and RWA chapters. She enjoys mentoring other authors.

Until she retired last year, she was a teacher of students with special needs for twenty-seven years and volunteered with Special Olympics as a coach. She currently is on the Outreach committee at her church, working on several projects in her community.

You can visit her web site at http://www.margaretdaley.com/ and read excerpts from her books and learn about the ones recently released and soon to be released.

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

I hope more books. Now that I’m retired, I want to write more and explore other writing opportunities.

Tell us a little about your family.

I have a wonderful husband of thirty-nine years and one son. He and his wife have four little girls.

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

Yes, I don’t get to read as much as I wish. Also, when I do read I want something different from what I write.

What are you working on right now?

I am writing the second book in my home schooling series for Love Inspired. It is called Heart of a Cowboy and will be out next July 2010.

What outside interests do you have?

I love to do things with my friends and family. Most of my life revolves around my church, family and friends.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Sometimes the subject of the book dictates the setting. Often it is a place I’ve been to or am familiar with.

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

That’s an easy one. Jesus. There would be no better evening.

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

How hard it was going to be—not that it would change what I did. But it would have been nice knowing that before I started. On second thought, maybe not.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

Patience and to give control over to Him. In the writing profession an author does a lot of waiting—to hear from an editor, to have a book publish.

Don't I know it. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Be determined and don’t give up.

Write almost every day, if possible.

Network with other writers and industry professionals.

Tell us about the featured book.

Together for the Holidays is Lisa Morgan’s story (the fifth book in the Fostered by Love series).

A single mother with a traumatic past, Lisa Morgan only wants to raise her son with love and values. But lately the boy is struggling. When his basketball coach becomes a reluctant role model, Lisa is relieved. Until she learns that David Russell is also a cop. She’s not ready to share her past—or her heart. And neither is the world-weary detective. Yet as Christmas comes closer, the true meaning of the holiday brings them together in ways they never dared dream.

I can't wait to read it. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can find me at:

http://www.margaretdaley.com/

http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com/

http://craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com/

http://ladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com/

http://www.loveinspiredauthors.com/

http://twitter.com/margaretdaley

Thank you, Margaret, for sharing with us.

Readers, here's a link where you can order the book:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.

The only notice you will receive will be the winner announcement on this blog. So be sure to check back in two weeks to see if you are a winner.

You will have 6 weeks to claim your book.

If you're reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment: http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

Author Margaret Daley - WHAT SARAH SAW - Free Book

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

I have contracted for two more Love Inspired Suspense books, which will keep me busy until May. I am working on a book that is longer, so no telling where my writing will take me. This is a suspense that can’t be told in the shorter format.

I can hardly wait to read them. Tell us a little about your family.

I have a husband who is a wonderful support. We’ve been married for thirty-eight years. I have one son and three granddaughter with another on the way—due the first of April. Another girl, which means my son will be surrounded with five females.

We only have daughters. I've told my husband often that God has a special place in heaven for men who live in all-female households. They're special. Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Yes, I don’t have as much time to read. I often have to read for research purposes rather than pleasure. I’m a slow reader so it takes me a while to get through a book.

What are you working on right now?

I am writing the proposal for the third book in the Love Inspired Suspense continuity series for 2010. It’s called Cowboy Protector and the series centers around the Witness Protection Program in Montana.

When I can catch my breath with contracted books, I will be working on a historical proposal set in Montana. Maybe we can compare notes on Montana. What outside interests do you have?

I love to go to movies and lunch with my friends. I play bridge once or twice a month. And of course, I have three granddaughters!

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I choose places that interest me or fit the book I’m writing.

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

That’s easy—Jesus. That evening would be mind blowing. I can’t think of a better evening I could have.

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

How hard it is! This isn’t a job that is easy. Whipping out a novel takes a lot of work you have to be ready to do.

That is so true. What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

Patience and His will. I went back to teaching after retiring last December to fill a long term sub job. He didn’t want me to, and I learned how much I had changed over the year. When I walked away from teaching, I really did in my heart. The Lord wants me to write and I’m listening now.

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

Read a lot of what you want to write. Network (contacts can really help you) and oh yeah, write then send the book out.

Tell us about the featured book.

What Sarah Saw is my Love Inspired Suspense for January 2009.
The only witness when a single mother mysteriously vanishes is her three-year-old daughter. FBI agent Sam Pierce needs to question little Sarah. Yet child psychologist Jocelyn Gold will barely let him near the girl. Or herself. The tragic conclusion to a kidnapping case broke Sam and Jocelyn apart the year before, and their hearts still haven’t healed. But for the child’s sake—and the mother’s—they must join forces to uncover just what Sarah saw.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can go to my Web site at http://www.margaretdaley.com/ and they can also go to my blog at http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com/.

Margaret, thank you for spending this time with us. I always enjoy having you come by.

Readers, you can order the book by clicking this link:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of What Sarah Saw.