THE DOCTOR'S RETURN - Narelle Atkins - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I love Australia. I’ve wanted to go to Australia for decades but haven’t made it yet. I read dozens of Lucy Walker paperbacks. Then Mary Hawkins started writing Heartsong Presents novels soon after I did. I read all of them. Now Narelle Atkins is writing Heartsong novels. This is her third one. I read it last week and loved it. She takes me to 21^st Century Australia. I love getting to know her characters. I know you will, too. I had a good time with Narelle at the American Christian Fiction Writers national conference a few years ago. I love her as much as I love her books.

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

I’m currently finishing the final book in my six book contract. I have three more books releasing with Heartsong Presents in a new series set in my home town of Sydney, Australia. My next project is writing Heartsong proposals for my agent.

As you know, Narelle, I want to feature all of them on this blog. Tell us a little about your family.

I married my real life hero eighteen years ago and we have two school-aged children. We’ve lived in Canberra, the national capital of Australia, for the past decade. My children are really into Minecraft and love technology.

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

I’m more purposeful in terms of the books I choose to read. I have less reading time, and I’ll stop reading a book if it doesn’t catch my interest in the first couple of pages. I also prefer to read outside the romance genre while I’m writing my romance books, so I tend to read a diverse range of books in various genres.

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on my sixth book that’s due to my editor next month. It will be a May 2015 release and the third Heartsong Presents book in my Sydney series.

What outside interests do you have?

I like spending time with my friends, cycling, going to the gym, and long walks around nearby lakes with my family. I love traveling and exploring the world. I’m looking forward to having more time soon to cook, experiment with different recipes, and teach my children essential culinary skills.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

My books are all set in Australia, in a mixture of fictional and real places. I prefer to use settings where I’ve lived or visited in real life. My husband has family in the Snowy Mountains region, the setting for my Snowgum Creek books. I grew up on the northern beaches in Sydney, the setting for my upcoming Sydney series.

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

King David. I’ve always been fascinated by his life and his deep, authentic relationship with the Lord.

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

I wish I’d known that each book doesn’t become easier to write.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

To trust Him in all areas of my life. Life is full of uncertainty and He is our rock who will provide for our needs.

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

Have tangible writing goals and be disciplined in your writing routine.

Find your personal balance between the creative aspect of writing and the administrative side of book marketing, promotion, and networking. Multiple book releases will help you build your readership and is more effective than marketing one book to death.

Resist the temptation to indie publish your debut book that is underdone and not ready to be published. You only have one chance to make a great first impression with your debut book.

Very good advice, especially the last one. Too many authors take the easy way out. Tell us about the featured book.

The Doctor’s Return, Luke and Megan’s story, is the third book in my Snowgum Creek series set in the Snowy Mountains region of Australia. Luke is the town doctor and Ben’s brother from The Nurse’s Perfect Match (Book 2). Megan is Jack’s free-spirited sister and Kate’s best friend from Falling for the Farmer (Book 1). A reunion romance, the story starts when Megan returns to her home town of Snowgum Creek and starts working with Luke in his medical clinic.

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

Megan Bradley inhaled the sweet perfume of a champagne rose in her sister-in-law’s garden. “Kate, I love your roses. Jack has outdone himself this time.”

Kate smiled. “A belated wedding present but definitely worth the wait.”

Megan’s brother had planted the rose garden along one side of the newly built home on the family apple farm in Snowgum Creek. After a number of delays, the house had been completed a couple of months ago, but Kate’s debilitating morning sickness had postponed their Saturday lunch housewarming until today.

Megan stretched out the muscles in her back, stiff after yesterday’s long drive from Sydney. Family and friends gathered on the spacious wooden deck at the back of the sandy brick house overlooking the Snowy Mountains. Only one person was missing—her brother’s best friend, Luke Morton. She needed to summon the courage to talk to Luke soon.

She lifted her arms above her head, releasing tension in her shoulders. “As much as I’d love to hide away and chat, we should mingle with your guests.”

Kate nodded. “I’ve been ordered to take it easy. Your mom and Aunt Doris have taken over my kitchen, and Jack is in charge of our new outdoor grill.”

Megan straightened the hem of her lilac shirt. “They won’t stop fussing over you until the baby arrives.” She grinned. “I can’t wait to meet my little nephew or niece.”

Kate placed her hand on her slightly rounded abdomen. “Hopefully bub won’t arrive early. I’d like some time to get settled in the house first.”

A black Jeep meandered along a narrow dirt track leading to the house. Megan sucked in a deep breath, her pulse skyrocketing.

Kate lifted a brow. “I told you Luke was coming.”

“I know.” A busy doctor, Luke Morton had probably been delayed at the Snowgum Creek Medical Clinic. “I need to ask Jack something.” She strode toward the back deck, away from Luke, who had parked his Jeep under a gum tree near the front of the house.

Kate followed close on her heels. “You can’t run away from him forever.”

“I’m not running.” She frowned. Who was she kidding? She’d spent eight years trying to forget the events that had transpired the last time she’d seen him. “And I will talk to him today.” Assuming he was willing to talk to her.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can connect with me on my website, blog, Facebook page, Google+, and Twitter.

Website: http://www.narelleatkins.com
Blog: http://narelleatkins.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NarelleAtkinsAuthor

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+NarelleAtkinsAuthor
Twitter: @NarelleAtkins https://twitter.com/NarelleAtkins

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

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Doctor's Return - Christianbook.com
The Doctor's Return (Heartsong Presents) - Amazon
The Doctor's Return (Heartsong Presents) - 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

THE NURSE'S PERFECT MATCH - Narelle Atkins - One Free Book

Readers, Narelle is one of my writing friends who live in Australia. I did get to meet her face to face at the American Christian Fiction Writers conference. I look forward to the time we can meet again. I loved her debut book Falling for the Farmer, and I can hardly wait until my copy of The Nurse's Perfect Match arrives. 

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

My favorite genre to read is contemporary inspirational romance. I love writing stories that combine a satisfying romance with an authentic faith journey for the hero and heroine. God is at the center of their relationship, and future marriage at the end of the story. I journey with my characters as they overcome obstacles in the story and fall in love.

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

The day my daughter was born. My husband and I had hoped to have two children, and her arrival completed our family. She was born late in the afternoon on Easter Sunday. Our beautiful Easter gift on the day we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior.

How has being published changed your life?

My schedule is busy, and I have less leisure time now. I also work ten hours per week as a retail service supervisor. I need to balance my two jobs with my family and other responsibilities. Thankfully my friends are understanding and don’t get offended when I disappear into my writing cave.

I’ve had a writing deadline of some description every month for the past twelve months. Deadlines have become a normal part of my life. I also have a book releasing every three months from February 2014 to May 2015. I’m learning to incorporate book promotion time into my writing schedule.

What are you reading right now?

Wild Mint Tea, a contemporary farm-lit romance by Valerie Comer.

What is your current work in progress?

I’m rewriting and revising the fifth book in my contract, due for release in February 2015.

What would be your dream vacation?

I’d love to take a break for a few months, and travel around outback Australia with my family. I dream about enjoying the open spaces, and the natural beauty of God’s creation.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I’m an Aussie, and I like setting books in Australia. I’ve chosen settings where I’ve lived (Sydney) or visited often (Snowy Mountains).

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

I think it would be fascinating to spend an evening with Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth. Australia is part of the Commonwealth, and the Queen is our head of state. She has dedicated her life to royal duties and serving others.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I’m in a season in my life where I don’t have a lot of spare time. I like to cook, but my focus is on cooking fast and nutritious meals. My slow cooker is my favorite kitchen appliance. I also like cycling and hiking, and I squeeze gym classes into my schedule.   

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

My passion is writing contemporary inspirational romance with Aussie characters in an Australian setting. For many years there were few, if any, opportunities to sell Aussie inspirational romance in the US market.

I wrote Falling for the Farmer in 2011 as a clean, sweet romance from a Christian world view. This was around the time Barbour announced they were closing the Heartsong Presents line, and the Love Inspired contemporary guidelines weren’t inclusive of foreign settings.

It was a discouraging time in my writing journey, and a test of faith and patience. I enjoyed writing Falling for the Farmer as a sweet romance, but I missed being able to include a faith element in the story. I believed the Lord had given me inspirational romance story ideas for a reason, and the books would find a publishing home in His timing.

In August 2012, Harlequin announced they were open for submissions to the Heartsong Presents line they had recently purchased from Barbour. I emailed a query and sold my first book, Her Tycoon Hero, in September 2012. My editor asked if I’d written anything else, which led to writing proposals for three brand new stories. I added the faith element into Falling for the Farmer, and it became my debut release in February 2014.    

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Be prepared to work hard and learn the craft of writing. Finish your first book, put it aside, and start writing your next book. Resist the temptation to rush into publishing your first book too soon, before you’ve acquired the skills needed to write a great book. Debut books are special, and you want your first published book to shine.

Tell us about the featured book.

The Nurse’s Perfect Match is set in Snowgum Creek, a fictitious town located near the Snowy Mountains in Australia. Ben Morton is an apple farmer and single dad who lost his wife to cancer. He struggles to understand why a loving God would take away the mother of his children. His late wife was also a Christian, and they had a strong marriage. Amy Wilkins is a widow who lost her husband when her marriage was in crisis. Amy moves back home to Snowgum Creek, and works as a nurse in the medical clinic owned by Ben’s younger brother.

  

Please give us the first page of the book.

The V-8 engine roared to life. Amy Wilkins stood at the side of the road, her shaky hands clutching her purse. The car sped away, dust and gravel spraying into the still night air. She pulled her jacket closer around her chilled body as the rumble of the engine receded.

Her pulse slowed and she sucked in a deep breath, glad she had chosen to wear jeans and comfortable shoes tonight. She trailed her fingertips along her arm. It stung where she had wrenched it out of his rock-solid grip. A two-mile walk home was preferable to his rotten company.

The distant glow of streetlights in Snowgum Creek and the full moon hovering overhead lit her path beside the deserted country road. She kicked a stone out of the way, not caring about the damage to her designer-label leather boot. Back home for four weeks and she’d already found trouble. If only she’d followed her mother’s recommendation for a handyman instead of employing an old school friend.

Tears built in her eyes and she bit her lower lip, refusing to let them flow. She had made a mistake in trusting him, but it wouldn’t happen again. Jed’s charming smile had hidden a dark heart and an arrogance she didn’t remember from their school days. How dare he assume she was desperate for male attention, just because she was a twenty-seven-year-old widow?

The headlights of an approaching car illuminated the isolated road. She dipped her head, hoping the driver would ignore her. The high beams blinded her and she squeezed her eyes shut. Her throat tightened as the light passed, the brakes squeaked, and the vehicle slowed. Please, Lord, keep me safe. I don’t need any more problems tonight.

Gravel crunched under the car’s tires and the vehicle swung around, headlights brightening the road ahead. She sighed, her mouth set in a grim line as she turned to face it.

She stepped away from the edge of the road, a flicker of hope igniting in her heart. The people in the car could be concerned citizens who were willing to help her without asking too many questions.

The headlights dimmed and the car crawled to a stop, the passenger window lowered. A young girl rested her head on a pillow in the backseat, her innocent face serene as she slept.

Amy took a few hesitant steps forward and crouched to look inside the car. A younger boy slept beside the girl and a familiar pair of chocolate-brown eyes met her gaze from the driver’s seat. Ben Morton.

She swallowed hard, captivated by the warmth emanating from his eyes. Now in his early thirties, his handsome face had matured, and the family resemblance to Luke, her boss and Ben’s younger brother, was more pronounced. She hadn’t spoken to Ben in years, not since she was his younger sister Rachel’s best friend in high school.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can connect with me on my website, blog, Facebook page and Twitter.

Website: http://www.narelleatkins.com
Blog: http://narelleatkins.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NarelleAtkinsAuthor
Twitter: @NarelleAtkins https://twitter.com/NarelleAtkins

Narelle, thank you for visiting with us again. I'll read the book as soon as it arrives. As I've told you before, I love novels set in Australia.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Nurse's Perfect Match - Christianbook.com
The Nurse's Perfect Match (Heartsong Presents) - Amazon
The Nurse's Perfect Match (Heartsong Presents) - 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

FALLING FOR THE FARMER - Narelle Atkins - One Free Book

I first became acquainted with Narelle on the ACFW email loop. She is friends with some of my other friends in Australia. Then we met in person at the ACFW national conference. What a treat.

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

Lena, that’s a hard question. My characters are all different, with unique personalities and traits. A number of my heroines like coffee, in particular lattes, which happens to be my favorite coffee. My heroine, Kate, in Falling for the Farmer is very different to me. For example, Kate likes running to keep fit. I’ll walk for miles but I don’t like to run.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I’ve ridden a motorbike off-road on a farm, although my gear changing abilities leave a lot to be desired.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing. My mother tells the story of how she’d buy colored paper notepads each week from the grocery store when I was two, and I’d fill them with scribbles instead of pictures.

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

I enjoy reading all genres of inspirational romance, and I mainly read Christian fiction. I’m currently reading three books: a contemporary romance, a supernatural thriller, and an autobiography.

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

Coffee, chocolate, and prayer. I have a regular gym routine that keeps me sane and also gives me time and mental space to think through my stories. I’ve solved many plot problems and other story issues during a cycling class. I’m blessed to have supportive family and friends. My husband is amazing. When I’m on deadline he picks up extra household duties on top of his crazy busy job. My friends understand that I have to say no a lot to social activities in order to stay on top of my deadlines.

Sounds like a good combination to me. How do you choose your characters’ names?

My characters’ often name themselves. When I start exploring their backgrounds, the perfect name will sometimes come to me. I research the popular baby name lists for ideas. I also make sure my hero and heroine’s names start with different letters of the alphabet and have a different sound. 

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Motherhood. Parenting is hard and challenging and rewarding all at the same time. I’m proud of my kids and their achievements. 

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

I’m an Aussie so I’ll pick an Australian animal. I’d like to be a koala because they’re cute and cuddly and everybody loves them.

What is your favorite food?

I love fresh fruit and I could live on fruit salad. My favorite is mangoes. I buy quite a few trays of mangoes each summer and I eat a mango a day when they’re in season.

I love mangoes, but they always made my lips and mouth break out. Then I found out I was allergic to them. So I stay away from them now. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

It took me a long time to learn how to write effective conflict in my stories. My early contest feedback always contained comments on my story lacking sustainable and compelling conflict. Debra Dixon’s GMC: Goal, Motivation and Conflict book was a major breakthrough. I read the book, attended Debra’s GMC workshop at a Romance Writers of Australia conference, and learned how to structure my stories with strong GMC.   

Tell us about the featured book.

Falling for the Farmer is set in Snowgum Creek, a fictitious town located near the Snowy Mountains in Australia. Kate Lawson is a runaway bride and city girl who grew up in a wealthy northern Sydney suburb. Jack Bradley runs the family apple orchards in Snowgum Creek and owns a car hire business. Jack drives Kate away from the church in his Cadillac, and she ends up living and working on Jack’s apple farm.

Please give us the first page of the book.

She had to escape now!

The long aisle surrounded by rows of smiling faces awaited Kate Lawson as she paused for photos at the back of the church, her sweaty hand clutching her father’s tuxedo-clad forearm.

Her fiancé stood at the end of the aisle, a triumphant grin on his face as his gaze swept over the crowded church.

Her father’s eyes misted. “You’re doing great.”

Kate shook her head. “Dad, I’m sorry. I can’t do this.” She lifted her wedding dress off the plush carpet and ran out of the church, her low heels scraping the stone steps as she sprinted to the bridal car.

Gulping air into her burning lungs, she wrenched open the cumbersome passenger door of the Cadillac and threw her bridal bouquet on the floor. She slid onto the soft cream leather seat, the full skirt of her gown settling over her legs.

Jack Bradley spun around in the driver’s seat, his tawny-brown eyes widening after she pulled the door closed and fastened her seat belt.

Her pulse raced, and she sucked in a shallow breath. “Let’s go.”

 “Where? Why?” He stashed his phone in the dashboard console. “Aren’t you supposed to be inside the church getting married?”

Kate glanced out the rear window. Her mother hobbled down the church steps in three-inch heels, her crimson face glowing in the late-morning Sydney sunshine. “Please, Jack, I’ll tell you later.”

He switched on the ignition and the powerful engine rumbled to life. He drove out of the church parking lot, slowing to maneuver his prized Cadillac Eldorado through the narrow gate.

She gripped the skirt bunched on her lap, refusing to look back at the church and her mother. Jack needed to put his foot down on the accelerator and get her out of here. Now.

He merged into a gap in the traffic. “Where are we going?”

I can’t wait until my copy arrives. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can connect with me on my website, blog, Facebook page and Twitter.

Website: http://www.narelleatkins.com
Blog: http://narelleatkins.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NarelleAtkinsAuthor
Twitter: @NarelleAtkins https://twitter.com/NarelleAtkins

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

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Falling for the Farmer - Christianbook.com
Falling for the Farmer (Heartsong Presents) - Amazon
Falling for the Farmer (Heartsong Presents) - Kindle

Christian Book Store

Deeper Shopping
Christian Books

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 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