HER SECRET HOPE - Shelley Shepard Gray - One Free Book

Bio: Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books, including Her Heart’s Desire and Her Only Wish. Two-time winner of the HOLT Medallion and a Carol Award finalist, Gray lives in Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

She introduced readers to A Season in Pinecraft series with Her Heart’s Desire. This was followed by Her Only Wish in June 2023. Now Gray wraps up her heartwarming series with her final installment, Her Secret Hope, which explores the theme of facing one’s past in order to make way for a brighter future.

About the story: Two years ago, Lilly Kurtz left her home in Middlefield for a much-needed vacation in Pinecraft, Florida, where she could escape her feelings of always being an outsider within her community. Little did she realize that this trip would be such a life-changing experience. Not only did it lead to a fresh start in Florida and a new set of friends, but a budding romance has started to bloom with hardworking farmer Eddie Byler. However, secrets from Lilly’s past may threaten to destroy her new relationship.

Eddie Byler values honesty and trust. He sees Lilly as a breath of fresh air, but he is mystified about her past. Although they grew up only thirty miles apart, Lilly remains silent about her time in Middlefield, which makes Eddie wonder if Lilly is hiding something.

As Eddie and Lilly’s relationship deepens, she must decide whether she is willing to return to Middlefield—a place where she never felt accepted. Will Lilly have to give up on love in order to find peace? Or could it be that love is actually the solution to all of her problems?

Welcome back to my blog, Shelley. It’s always a pleasure to host you. Please provide a brief summary of Her Secret Hope. Lilly Kurtz decides to take a job at the Marigold Inn in Pinecraft, and she’s eager to spend more time with her best friends and make new friends who know nothing about her past. When guests Eddie Byler and his grandmother befriend her, she’s sure she made the right decision. However, as her romance with Eddie blossoms, she soon learns that everything in her past cannot be erased, just as Eddie must come to terms with the fact that his views on what is right and wrong might not be as correct as he believed. Only by being completely honest with each other—and with themselves—will Lilly and Eddie learn that their secret hopes and dreams can become their realities.

Readers were first introduced to Lilly Kurtz in Her Heart’s Desire, the first book in your series. Can you please explain why Lilly left her hometown in Middlefield, Ohio, and went to Pinecraft? Lilly Kurtz first leaves her hometown in an attempt to live her life without the stigma of her birth parents’ mistakes.

Lilly has a budding relationship with Eddie Byler, who highly values honesty and trust. But Lilly’s past could threaten their future. What do you feel readers can learn from Lilly and Eddie’s relationship? This novel focuses not only on the themes of honesty and trust but also God’s grace. It’s my hope that readers will be able to connect with one of the characters in the novel who is searching for the Lord’s acceptance and love. 

In addition to facing one’s past, are there other underlying themes found within Her Secret Hope? I think another theme is friendship and accepting God’s grace. So many of the characters—whether they are in their twenties, forties, or seventies—are often reaching out to others for support or guidance. I loved that each character is eventually reminded that he or she needs not only God’s love but their friends’ and family’s support and love as well. 

Her Secret Hope is the final novel in the A Season in Pinecraft series. What was the connecting element for all of the books in your series? From the beginning, I was eager to highlight three women who felt like “wallflowers,” who felt like they didn’t really click with their peer group in their hometowns. I wanted to empower them and have them not only find acceptance but learn to value their unique selves. Pinecraft, Florida, a place where Amish from all over America vacation, felt like the perfect spot. So, I strived for each novel to be a different play on “an Amish wallflower on vacation.” 

Are there any threads that run through the whole series that will be wrapped up in this book? No. Each book was written to stand alone.

How have you personally been impacted by this series? I love to write novels about things that could happen to anyone—my characters just happen to be Amish. Writing this series, with each woman looking for acceptance, love, and friendship, reaffirmed this belief. On a personal note, I truly enjoyed writing this series. It was an upbeat trio of stories highlighting positive themes. It made for a lot of happy writing days!

Why did you choose Pinecraft, Florida, as the setting for your series? Pinecraft is one of my favorite settings for novels because it’s the only place where Amish from all over the world come together. It’s a unique setting rich with possibilities for new stories. Honestly, I could happily write a dozen books set in Pinecraft—there’s such a fun mixture of people there!

How can readers connect with you? I’m on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Twitter. I have a private FB group called Shelley Shepard Gray’s Buggy Bunch, which is easy to join and I post often. I also have a “short and sweet” monthly newsletter that readers can sign up for on my website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.

Thank you for sharing Her Secret Hope with my blog readers and me. I love your stories, especially those in Pinecraft.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

https://www.amazon.com/Her-Secret-Hope-Season-Pinecraft/dp/0800741692/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3A3DAOD23Y9IZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6mK-g-tg4bjD5LqYVCEIeLeWYVUtQWn_PrnP9X8-ekWb0EZ8OIp9o9NOBmMeAbrFELl__u2Tyw-Ow8z6aAoMKqY0ob2Ds8rHLnNYRUVjDJM-IcyguTSc1kdrI9sEFr3MEttNfheMN1rqEscJLs9SxgLJcISlO_7-MzgsaLRai_WyArWPIaZ1f9c6nEK6VnqA.e8rTIG_pyBAGa0xCHJ7Bs81DIRWy8M6-8y_65wdoT-Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=her+secret+hope+shelley+shepard+gray&qid=1709750079&s=books&sprefix=Her+Secret+Hope+%2Cstripbooks%2C97&sr=1-1

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 

HIS RISK - Shelley Shepard Gray - One Free Book

Welcome back, Shelley. Do you have a favorite genre to write? If so, what is it?

I still really enjoy writing romance novels featuring Amish characters. I love incorporating their faith into the storylines. I also enjoy portraying the Amish in a realistic way, which usually includes my main characters falling in love.

If you didn’t live in the part of the country where you do, where would you live?

Maybe it’s because of this long, cold winter that we’ve been experiencing in Ohio—but if I could move somewhere else, it would be in the South near the water. I did a book signing in Fairhope, Alabama, once and fell in the love with that town. Every January, I find myself wishing I was there!

What foreign country would you like to visit and why?

I’ve been blessed to have traveled extensively, but I still have places I’d love to visit. Right now I have three places on my wish list—Tangier, Easter Island, and Buenos Aires. All three seem foreign and exotic to me. I want to walk around the markets in Tangier, sip coffee in a café in Buenos Aires, and gaze in awe at those heads on Easter Island. Unfortunately, I think to see these places means I’ll be taking three trips! 

Describe what you think would be the most romantic vacation you could take.

At the risk of sounding like a sap, any trip I take with my husband would be romantic—as long as neither of us are working! We both enjoying exploring new places and visiting with people. We’ve had great trips to both Stockholm, Sweden, and Galveston, Texas.

I agree with you. Any trip with my husband is romantic. I love spending time with him. Where would you like to set a story that you haven’t done yet?

I’m always on the hunt for a new place to set an Amish romance. Since the New Order Amish often do mission work outside of the United States, I’d love to write an Amish series set in a foreign country.

That sounds interesting. What is the main theme of this novel?

The main theme of HIS RISK is taking personal risks and chances. There are four points of view in the novel, and each person is taking a risk.

Tell us about the story.

HIS RISK is the story of Calvin Fisher, a man who was raised Amish, left the faith, made a lot of poor choices, and is now paying his debts by working undercover for the DEA. Though Calvin misses his older brother Mark, he’s glad his dangerous job doesn’t affect him. But when Mark gets sick and his wife calls Calvin to his side, Calvin returns to Hart County to care for him. Unfortunately, he brings all his trouble to Hart County as well. Along the way, he falls in love with Mark’s neighbor, a surprisingly stubborn preschool teacher named Alice.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Saturday, January 27

Sometimes, the sound of a phone ringing still caught Calvin Fisher off guard. When his cell buzzed for the second time, he pulled it out of his back pocket. Thumb hovering over the screen, he intended to press Ignore, but then he noticed the area code.

Eight months ago, he promised he’d never ignore a call from Hart County again. As the phone buzzed a third time, the sound echoing through the alleyway, Calvin pressed the button to answer.

“Mark, is that you?” he asked.

“Ack! Nee, Calvin. It’s Waneta,” his sister-in-law said in a rush. “Oh, Calvin. I’m so glad you answered.”

“Neeta, hold on a sec, ‘kay?” With the phone still held to his ear, Calvin motioned to the men nearby that he’d be right back and started walking. “You okay?” he asked, already feeling awkward. Of course Waneta wasn’t okay if she was calling him. She was Amish and didn’t get on the phone unless she had a good reason.

Now all my readers and I want to know what comes next. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can visit my website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com, find me on Facebook, or on Twitter, @ShelleySGray

Readers, here are links to the book.

His Risk - Christianbook.com
His Risk: The Amish of Hart County - Amazon paperback
His Risk: The Amish of Hart County - 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

THE GIFT - Shelley Shepard Gray - One Free Book

Welcome back, Shelley. Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

There are three things that probably describe me best- I met my husband when I was 17 and we’ve been married almost 30 years. I have two grown children who I don’t see often enough, and I really like dogs…especially dachshunds.                                                                                                            How did you become interested in writing?         

I actually started writing while I was teaching sixth grade. I started writing for fun. I never, ever thought I would be published. I’m still surprised that other people besides myself like my books.                                                                              

What compelled you to write a book on this subject?

Ever since I spent a weekend in Hart County, Kentucky, and toured Horse Cave (both the cave and the town) I knew I wanted to have a book where my characters spent a good portion of the book inside the cave. I loved incorporating that experience with Christmas in THE GIFT. (I promise, it really does all make sense.)

           

What is the main theme or point that you want readers to understand from reading your book? Are there any other themes present in the book?

The Gift refers to unexpected people who come into a person’s life. Some are so special, they become like treasured gifts. I also loved the idea of looking for a glimpse of the Lord’s light during our darkest times.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book?

My main goal when I write every book is for the reader to find that reading it was time well spent. Beyond that, I suppose a big part of the novel is that all of us are more than we might seem at first glance.

                                                                                   

What makes your book different than any other books similar to yours that are in circulation today?

There are a lot of very fine Amish authors in my genre. I’m delighted to be part of this group! I think the most unusual thing about THE GIFT is that it is an Amish Romantic Suspense book set at Christmas.           

                                                                                 

How does the book intertwine with God’s call on your life and how you are currently serving Him?

I serve God by sharing His love with others. I think this novel does that, too.

Do you have a favorite Scripture verse?

I like the verse that guided me through the writing of this novel. It’s from 2 Corinthians: We walk by faith, not by sight.

                                                           

When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?

Last year, I decided that I needed to do more things for myself, so I started taking Pilates classes. I now take two classes a week, which has made me much stronger. I also love to take our dogs on walks. My husband and I love to travel, and are always planning another trip. My all-time favorite thing to do is bake. I really do bake too much.                                                                                                                                                                   

As we close, is there anything else you would like to add?

I’ll be hosting a Girlfriend Getaway with author Amy Clipston in June of 2018! It’s up in Sugarcreek, Ohio, and about 8 other authors will be joining us! Please visit my website or Facebook page for more information. I’d love for your followers to consider joining us!

It sounds like fun! Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

My website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com, on Facebook, or on Twitter, @ShelleySGray

Thank you, Shelley, for sharing this book with us. An Amish romantic Suspense book sounds interesting, and I love Christmas books. I know my blog readers do, too.

Readers, here are links to the book.

The Gift - Christianbook.com
The Gift: The Amish of Hart County - Amazon paperback
The Gift: The Amish of Hart County - Kindle
The Gift: The Amish of Hart County - Audiobook

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

HER SECRET - Shelley Shepard Gray - One Free Book

Welcome back, Shelley. You have a lot of books out now. What is your favorite setting to use in your books?

Although I really enjoy going on research trips and exploring new places, my favorite setting for my Amish novels has to be up in Holmes County, Ohio. That’s because I’m friends with several Amish ladies there, so when I set a novel in Sugarcreek, Charm, or Berlin, it feels like I’m writing about good friends.

What do you look for when you’re shopping for a book to buy for yourself?

I absolutely love to read. I usually read several books a week. I usually am attracted to two things when I pick a book. The first is that it’s different from anything I write and the second is characterization. If I don’t find the characters in the novel I’m reading either likable or well developed, I usually put the book down and pick up another on my To Be Read pile.

Give us a little tour of the setting for this book.

Although Hart County, Kentucky, the setting for HER SECRET is not in Ohio, I really enjoyed all the research I did for it! Hart County is located in the center of Kentucky, right where Mammoth Cave is located. One thing I learned from my visits to the area is that while Mammoth Cave is the largest cave in the region, it’s only one of many caves in the heart of Kentucky. Hart County is rural, populated by several scattered Amish communities, and is truly beautiful.

What other books do you have coming out soon?

HER SECRET is the first of six novels set in Hart County! Three of the books will be released this year and then the series will finish up in 2018. Each novel is set in area but is meant to stand alone. The next book in the series is called HIS GUILT, and it will be released in July.

Please give us a glimpse inside your home.

We live in southern Ohio in a walk-out ranch house that is next to a creek. Honestly, the best part about our house is the back yard. I love to watch all of the animals and birds visit. We have a blue heron that returns every summer, chipmunks, deer, a ground hog, and even a fox that lives in the woods. I love looking out the windows in the winter or sitting on the back porch in the summer.

Tell us about the story.

HER SECRET is the story of Hannah Hilty. She and her family move to Hart County because a stalker was taking pictures of her back in Ohio. At first she thinks that she’s safe and even allows herself to form a friendship with Isaac, her next door neighbor. But when strange little incidents start happening in her new town, Hannah fears that her stalker has found her again. 

It was a lot of fun to write.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Berlin, Ohio

April 16

“This just arrived for you, Hannah.”

Hannah Hilty looked up from the table she was clearing to see her manager by the reception desk at the Berlin Country Store. Blowing a wisp of hair off her brow, and wiping her hands on the dish towel tucked in the sash of her apron, Hannah hurried to take the brown envelope out of Kennedy Frazier’s hands.

“Danke,” she said politely. “I’m not sure why someone would have given you an envelope for me, though.”

“Actually, someone slipped it through our mail slot. In any case, I was happy to hold on to it for you.” She winked. “I’m glad you were working today. Otherwise, I would have had to remember to hand it to you for your next shift.”

“Oh, you would have remembered . . . eventually.” If there was one thing Hannah had learned about her manager, it was that Kennedy sometimes bit off more than she could chew. Because of that, she was a bit of a scatterbrain.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I have a beautiful new website at www.shelleyshepardgray.com, I’m active on Facebook, and I’m also on Twitter at @ShelleySGray. I love to chat with readers, so I hope everyone will reach out and tell me what they thought of HER SECRET.

Thank you for hosting me, Lena!

My pleasure, Shelley. Thank you 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.

Her Secret - Christianbook.com
Her Secret: The Amish of Hart County - Amazon Paperback
Her Secret: The Amish of Hart County - Kindle
Her Secret: The Amish of Hart County - Amazon - Audio 

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

AN AMISH FAMILY CHRISTMAS and A SISTER'S WISH - Shelley Shepard Gray - Two Free Books on This Blog, Plus More

Welcome back, Shelley. Do you have a favorite genre to write? If so, what is it? 

I do! I love to write romances. I guess I’ve always liked books with happy endings, and romances certainly do have that.

If you didn’t live in the part of the country where you do, where would you live?

I would probably live back in Texas. Maybe not in Houston, where I grew up, though! It’s gotten much bigger than when I left in the 1980’s.

What foreign country would you like to visit and why?

I love to travel. I’ve always wanted to go to Casablanca! I blame this wish completely on the movie.

Describe what you think would be the most romantic vacation you could take.

LOL. Well, since my husband would definitely not say Casablanca, I’d say on a river cruise somewhere in Europe.

Where would you like to set a story that you haven’t done yet?

Though I’ve traveled a lot, I’ve never set a novel in a foreign country. I think that would be a lot of fun, especially the research part of it!

What is the main theme of this novel?

The main theme of An Amish Family Christmas is forgiveness and acceptance. Both themes go well with the overall Christmas theme, I think.

Tell us about the story.

This novel finishes up the four book Charmed Amish Life Series. It focuses on Levi, who has been having a difficult time dealing with the loss of his parents. When the novel opens, Levi is asked to help a new neighbor named Julia and her daughter Penny. Soon, Levi forms a relationship with both Julia and Penny. Then, he learns that Julia is not exactly who she pretends to be.

Sounds interesting. I want to know just who she is. How can readers find you on the Internet?

We just redesigned my website, so I would love if readers visited me there, at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com. I’m also active on Facebook and on Twitter, @ShelleySGray 

Shelley is having a giveaway. Go to this site to sign up:

https://promosimple.com/ps/a725

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of one of the books. 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 DAUGHTER'S DREAM - Shelley Shepard Gray - One Free Book

Welcome back, Shelley. How did this book come about?

A Daughter’s Dream is the second novel in the Charmed Life Amish Series. Each novel focuses on one of the Kinsinger siblings, four adult siblings who run a large lumber mill in Charm, Ohio.

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

This cover is unique to me because I was able not only to choose the models on the cover, but I was able to go to the photo shoot! When I arrived, the photographer asked me to chat with the models about the characters they were portraying. To my delight, they both seemed excited to give being “Jacob and Rebecca” a try. We walked around the fields and the photographer clicked away. Soon, I felt like I wasn’t seeing two models but the characters in my book come alive. The scene that you see on the cover was perfect for their personalities. 

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

When I developed the Charmed Amish Life series, I knew I wanted it to center the storylines around a lumber mill, because the Keim Lumber Mill is a major employer in the real Charm, Ohio. I also wanted to name some of the other spots one might visit when they come to the area. So I did my best to focus on those realities. Besides that, though, most of my novel is fiction. I made up all the people, made up a tragedy that took place at the lumber mill, and of course, the storyline is all my own.

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

I’ve found that visiting places where I’ve set my novels is extremely helpful. I’m able to add lots of small details that I would have known about if I hadn’t actually visited the place. Enjoying a few days in each setting also helps me set the overall tone in my novels.

I actually did quite a bit of research for this series. I toured the lumber mill and did a lot of reading about Amish-owned lumber mills. I visited all the real places that I mention in the book. I used my teaching experience to help with the scenes that took place at the school. I even spent a day researching pygmy goats for the scenes with Princess. That part of my research was a lot of fun!

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

I’m a big believer in letting the characters drive a story. Because of that, although I have researched a place thoroughly, I often won’t write paragraphs filled with details about the scenery or history of the area. I don’t want the reader to get bogged down with information that doesn’t pertain to the book’s plot.

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

Since I don’t plot very much before beginning a novel, I’m always surprised about what happens in a book. A Daughter’s Dream was no different! The biggest surprise was that the original goals and dreams that I had planned for them to have changed. 

What do you hope the reader takes away from the story?

As always, I hope that readers will be able to relate to the characters and find that they enjoyed reading it. I also hope that they’ll be interested enough in the Kinsinger family that they’ll want to read the third and fourth book in the series.

What is the next project you’re working on?

I’m currently working on several novels that will be published in 2017. I’m finishing up a novella set in Pinecraft, writing the second book in next year’s Amish of Hart County series, and revising a western historical.

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

Since I always work on more than one project at a time, I’ve found that I do take breaks from my stories. This really helps me see areas where each book could be improved.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Thursday, August 13

Keeping twenty-five schoolchildren reasonably happy and on task for a solid hour was harder than it looked.

As Rebecca Kinsinger stood at the front of the classroom and eyed the group of students staring right back at her, she realized she had seriously misjudged her ability to manage small children.

In the last hour, the twenty-five students, ranging in ages from five to fourteen, had decidedly taken the upper hand. They’d talked to one another. They’d ignored her wishes. They didn’t seem all that interested in the work their usual teacher had assigned them to do. Even the four children whom she knew well were acting up. Evan, Samuel, Maisie, and Gretel Kurtz acted as if they had forgotten that their elder sister, Darla, was married to Rebecca’s brother Lukas.

It seemed that different rules applied at school than when they visited her home.

As a former teacher, I know how that first day feels. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can find me on Facebook at shelley shepard gray, on Twitter @shelleySGray, and on my website, at www.shelleyshepardgray.com

Thank you, Shelley, 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.

A Daughter's Dream - Christianbook.com
A Daughter's Dream: The Charmed Amish Life, Book Two - Amazon
A Daughter's Dream: The Charmed Amish Life, Book Two - 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. (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 SON'S VOW - Shelley Shepard Gray - One Free Book

Bio: Shelley Shepard Gray writes Amish romances for Harper Collins inspirational line, Avon Inspire and historical romances as Shelley Gray for Harper Collins Christian Publishers. Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.  

To date, Shelley has published over fifty novels for a variety of publishers. Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on National Public Radio as well as numerous regional radio stations.

Welcome back, Shelley. 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?

Yes! There certainly were a lot of people involved in making this book a reality! Two people who were instrumental in the planning and plotting of this series were Laurie Smith and Lynne Stroup. These ladies are not only friends, they are also my assistants. We often travel together. When we had to take a detour one evening on our way from Berlin to Sugarcreek, we drove through Charm. All three of us knew it would be a perfect setting for a series.

The next person who was instrumental in the birth of A Son’s Vow was my editor, Chelsey Emmelhainz. After I wrote her about my ideas, she gave me a call and we fine-tuned both the novel and the series’ direction. She also encouraged me during the editing process to dig deeper into some of the story lines.

Finally, I’m indebted to Julia Meltzer, who copy edits the manuscript. Julia has a sharp eye and caught all sorts of tiny discrepancies. Her work on the novel made it that much better.

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

First off, just attended my literary agencies writing cruise in January. I spoke one morning about my writing journey. I also love to visit libraries and speak with patrons, so I’ll be visiting several this Spring in Ohio and Indiana.

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

Since it’s currently 5 degrees here in my town in southern Ohio, I think it would be wonderful to move somewhere warmer! One thing I particularly loved about my visits to Sarasota, Florida, when I was doing research for my Pinecraft books was how nice it was to go walking outside in February.

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

There are so many things I’d love to share that might be helpful, but I think perhaps the most important advice is to not give up. Writing is a challenging profession and it’s sometimes hard for an author to remain positive and continue writing, especially if she has received some tough critiques from judges or publishing professionals. Criticism is part of the territory, but if an aspiring novelist truly loves to write, then she needs to focus on staying positive and keep writing every day!

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])

LOL! I don’t watch a lot of television, but I have to admit to being a big fan of The Voice and American Idol. If I could book celebrities for that, I’d book some of the folks who’ve either participated or judged these shows. I can’t sing at all but I truly admire people who can!

Tell us about the featured book.

A Son’s Vow is the first book in this year’s Charmed Amish Life series. This romance centers around Lukas, the eldest son in the Kinsinger family. The lumber mill that their family owns has recently been struck by tragedy and he’s doing his best to both run the mill and hold his family together. The heroine in the book is Darla. Darla’s father perished in the fire, but there’s also a bit of mystery around him and his role in the mill’s tragedy. Lukas and Darla fall in love while negotiating a rocky road to redemption and forgiveness.

Please give us the first page of the book.

March 20

It was another picture-perfect day in Charm.

The sky was pale blue, quietly complementing the acres of vibrant green farmland as far as the eye could see. Spring lambs had arrived. They were frolicking in the fields, their eager bleats echoing through the valley. The morning air was not too chilly or too damp. Instead, a hint of warmth teased, bringing with it as much hope as the crocus buds that peeked through the dark dirt of the numerous clay pots decorating cleanly swept front porches.

It was the type of morning that encouraged a person to go out walking, to smile. The type of day that reminded one and all that God was present and did, indeed, bestow gifts.

In short, it was the type of day that used to give Darletta Kurtz hope. A day like this should have made her happy, revitalized her. It should have made her want to pull out a pencil and one of her many notebooks and record the images she saw and list activities she wanted to do.

It was the kind of day she used to love and maybe, just maybe, take for granted.

Where can we find you on the Internet?

I have a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com. I’m also on Twitter @ShelleySGray, and on Facebook at Shelley Shepard Gray. I hope folks will reach out to me and tell me what they thought of my latest novel! 

Thank you, Shelley, for sharing the first book in this new series with us. I really loved your Pinecraft series, and I'm sure this one will be as good or better.

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

A Son's Vow - Christianbook.com
A Son's Vow: The Charmed Amish Life, Book One - Amazon
A Son's Vow: The Charmed Amish Life, Book One - 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. (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 WEDDING AT THE ORANGE BLOSSOM INN - Shelley Shepard Gray - One Free Book

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

I started writing because I wanted to make up books that I liked to read. Writing, for me, is an extension of my favorite activity, which is reading. I feel blessed to be able to share that writing is still one of my very favorite things to do. 

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

I love to travel, so my dream job would have something to do with cruises. Maybe be a travel writer or reviewer? Being a chef would also be a dream job for me.

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

I would probably enjoy living in Texas in the late 1800’s, because that is one of my favorite times to write about. That said, I probably would find myself missing all sorts of modern conveniences —including air conditioning!

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

I’ve traveled most of the country, but I’ve never been to see Mount Rushmore. I would love to drive up there, go through the Bad Lands, and see the beautiful Dakotas.

How about a foreign country you hope to visit?

I’ve been wanting to visit Buenos Aires for quite a while. One day, I’m going to take a year of Spanish lessons and book a trip to Argentina! My husband and I want to sit in a little café in Buenos Aires and sip coffee and watch the world go by.

What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?

I’ve recently been working on a committee at church that has really challenged me! The Lord has taught me to be more assertive and positive. Serving on this committee has been such a positive experience. I’m so glad He encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone!

Tell us about the featured book.

A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn is the third book in this year’s Amish Brides of Pinecraft Series. It features two single parents who fall in love again. It’s kind of like The Brady Bunch. The novel has lots of characters, two romances, and one mischievous beagle named Frankie. I loved writing this book.

I loved reading this book Please give us the first page for my readers.

Frankie was on the loose. Again.

              

“Mandy, dear, are you sure you didn’t see where he went off to?” Emma Keim asked her six-year-old daughter.

              

Mandy shook her head, the long white ties of her kapp swinging with the movement. “I was talking to Frankie about my daisies, but I guess he weren’t too interested in them.”

              

“I fear his actions have less to do with your daisies and more to do with the scent of pizza,” Emma said around a frown. “He’s never smelled a pizza he didn’t want.”

              

“I’m sorry, Mommy. I thought the gate was closed.”

              

Walking to the freshly painted white fence that surrounded their house like pretty icing on a cake, Emma examined the gate. The latch was in place. Then she noticed the beagle-sized hole underneath it.

              

“Looks like Frankie dug his way out this morning.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I’m online a lot! Readers can follow me on Twitter at @ShelleySGray,

Look for me on Pinterest at Shelley Shepard Gray,

on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/shelleyshepardgray

Or visit my website, at www.shelleyshepardgray.com

Thank you, Shelley, for sharing this book with us. I love books set in Pinecraft, Florida.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn - Christianbook.com
A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn: Amish Brides of Pinecraft, Book Three (The Pinecraft Brides) - Amazon
A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn: Amish Brides of Pinecraft, Book Three (The Pinecraft Brides 3) - 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 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