COLLEEN'S CONFESSION - Susan G Mathis - One Free Book

Bio: Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate New York. Susan has been published more than twenty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books.

Her first two books of The Thousand Islands Gilded Age series, Devyn’s Dilemma, and Katelyn’s Choice have each won multiple awards, and book three, Peyton’s Promise, comes out May 2022. Rachel’s Reunion is coming soon. The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, and Sara’s Surprise, and Reagan’s Reward, are award winners, too. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling around the world. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com for more.

Welcome back, Susan. Tell us about your salvation experience. I became a Christian when I was twenty after a long and challenging bout of rejecting the faith I was raised in. In the first year of my faith walk, I devoured the Bible from cover to cover three times—first just reading it like a book. Then I went through it again with The Daily Walk. Then someone gave me Halley’s Bible Commentary, and I plowed through it again. I couldn’t get enough of God’s word, His people, and His promises.

You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why? Actually, I am planning a retreat with a few of my Beta readers who are also authors. We’ve shared the joys and challenges of our writing careers and just want to love and encourage one another.

Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that. I’ve had a busy speaking ministry in the past, but I’ve let is slow down quite a bit. Now, I basically speak at my ACFW and other groups, and I enjoy books talks in person and on Zoom.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?

Goodness…just one? I often have embarrassing moments, but I chalk it up to being human, grin, blush, and move on.

People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that? I have people saying that very thing on a regular basis. I’ll listen to why they want to write a book and what the book would be about. Then I guide them to the appropriate place to begin the journey—educating themselves in the craft with conferences, books, seminars, etc. After all, it is a journey, and I love encouraging new writers to start the journey right!

Tell us about the featured book.

About Colleen’s Confession:

Summer 1914

Colleen Sullivan conceals secrets when she joins her aunt on Comfort Island to work in the laundry and await her betrothed’s arrival. She loves to draw and dreams of growing in the craft. But tragedy strikes when her fiancé perishes in the sinking of the ocean liner RMS Empress of Ireland on his way to meet her. With her orphan dreams of finally belonging and becoming a wife and an artist gone, what will her future hold?

Austrian immigrant, Jack Weiss, enjoys being the island’s groundskeeper and is smitten by the lovely Irish lass. But Colleen dismisses him at every turn, no matter how much he admires her art, tries to keep her safe, and waters the blossoms of love. Perhaps introducing her to the famous impressionist, Alson Skinner Clark, will brighten her opinion of him. But rumors of war in Europe means Jack must choose between joining his homeland’s army or staying safe in the Thousand Islands as he makes a life with Colleen. If she will have him.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Colleen Sullivan gazed at the rainbow of colors filtering through the bedsheet billowing in the river’s breeze. The setting sun’s rich yellows, oranges, and reds melded together to produce the prettiest piece of cloth she’d ever seen.

“If only I could paint it one day.” She moaned as she pulled the clothespins from the nearby pantaloons and placed it in the laundry basket. She huffed her angst. “Inconceivable.”

She shielded her eyes from the source of the sunset’s beauty, the enormous yellow orb casting a rippling path upon the St. Lawrence River. She viewed the Comfort Island cottage aglow in the sunset’s brilliance, then peeked back at the sheet. It, too, glowed, a yellow puddle trailing down the white cotton fabric.

What a joy if it would be if she could capture such wonder. She had tried her hand at painting in the orphanage, plucking a few hairs from the old mare, Milly, and tying them together on a stick to make a crude paintbrush. She attempted to create her own paints, too, crushing dandelions, blueberries, strawberries, and the like. But the process never really worked, and she finally gave up, settling for hoarding the nubs of pencils the other children discarded and saving every scrap of paper she could to sketch on when no one was looking.

As a child, she happily volunteered for trash duty, for she sometimes found several sheets of barely used paper, especially in the nuns’ bins, which she squirreled away. There were few secrets at the institute, so scrounging a few sheets here or there became a challenge of sorts. To create a genuine artist’s sketchpad like she’d seen when a man passed through to sketch something he called waif scenes—although none of the children she knew would be considered such—now, that would be a coup. But the result for her attempt? A shoddy replica of a sketchpad tied with a string and hidden under her mattress for safe keeping—still proved a prize worth risking a beating for.

“Colleen? Are you there?”

I already love the story. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website: www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SusanGMathis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susangmathis

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/susangmathisaut

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6044608.Susan_G_Mathis

Amazon: Susan G Mathis author

Thank you, Susan, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I love reading books with Irish characters in them. I’m eager to read it.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09K4XKQXS?pf_rd_r=W0J9J71XNQJ6EJM6YNX4&pf_rd_p=1ab92b69-98d7-4842-a89b-ad387c54783f&pd_rd_r=019d729e-0f4c-41be-a47f-0f134310a9bc&pd_rd_w=vlibK&pd_rd_wg=7IL2j&ref_=pd_gw_unk

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, 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  

DEVYN'S DILEMMA - Susan G Mathis - One Free Book

Welcome back, Susan. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

All of my books explore faith, hope, and redemption. Devyn’s Dilemma deals especially with the spiritual challenges of overcoming family abuse and the spirit of fear.

What are you working on and what other books do you have?

I’m currently working on Reagan’s Reward, book three of the Thousand Islands Gilded Age series.

I have five published historical novels on the market. All are set in the enchanting Thousand Islands in Upstate New York during the Gilded Age era.

The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy is the story of a 1850s Irish immigrant and a 21st-century single mom who are connected by faith, family, and a quilt.

Christmas Charity is the story of Susan Hawkins and Patrick O’Neill who find that an arranged marriage is much harder than they think, especially when they immigrate from Wolfe Island, Canada, to Cape Vincent, New York, in 1864, just a week after they marry—with Patrick’s nine-year-old daughter, Lizzy, in tow.

Katelyn’s Choice is book one of The Thousand Islands Gilded Age with Lighthouse Publishing. It’s the story of nineteen-year-old Katelyn Kavanagh who leaves her family’s struggling farm to work on Pullman Island for the famous George Pullman. There she finds herself serving powerful men such as President Ulysses S. Grant, and General Sheridan—and falling in love with her best friend’s brother, Thomas, the handsome boatsman. Katelyn gains popularity with her friends by spilling the sensitive high society gossip she’s privy to. But when she overhears possibly damaging presidential conversations, she knows she can’t tell anyone. She could lose her job—and endanger her president’s 1872 reelection—and jeopardize her relationship with the man of her dreams.

Sara’s Surprise is the story of Sara McNully and Sean Graham who must navigate the challenging waters of work and romance. Sara befriends Sean’s 6-year-old daughter, Madison, but when Sara’s trust is shattered, can Sara learn to trust Sean with her heart or will she break two hearts and run away?

They all sound wonderful. What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

I’d love to meet Frederick Bourne, owner of Singer Castle—the setting for Devyn’s Dilemma. Though a Gilded Age titan, he was a godly, kind, and giving man as you’ll experience in my story. He was one of the wealthiest men in the world and known for giving much of his wealth to charity. He rubbed shoulder with the likes of J.P. Morgan, the Vanderbilts, and others—some of which you’ll also meet in my novel.

How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

If you feel that God is leading and guiding you to write, don’t give up. Keep learning! Read books. Take classes. Join webinars. Grow. Grow. Grow in your craft! 

Tell us about the featured book.

Devyn’s Dilemma, book two of The Thousand Islands Gilded Age series, just came out April 3, 2020.

Here’s the back-cover copy: 1910, Thousand Islands, New York. Others may consider The Towers castle on Dark Island an enchanting summer retreat, but to Devyn McKenna, it’s a prison. Yet as she works as a maid for Frederick Bourne, former president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, her life blossoms under the kindness of his family and fascinating entrepreneurs such as J.P. Morgan, Thomas Lipton, and Captain Vanderbilt. But more than anything, the growing friendship of Mr. Bourne’s valet, Brice McBride, begins to pry away the painful layers that conceal Devyn’s heart.

Brice is drawn to the mysterious Devyn even though he’s certain she’s hiding a secret, one far more dangerous than the clues they find in The Towers that hint of a treasure on the island. When Devyn is accused of stealing Bourne’s investment in Vanderbilt’s New York City subway expansion, he might not be able to protect her.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Devyn McKenna trembled as her brother, Falan, beckoned her into the skiff. She gazed at the choppy river, the dark clouds scuttling across the sky. Yes, she had to admit that the mighty St. Lawrence River was beautiful. But that same majestic water was also deadly—as she knew all too well.

She scowled and huffed as she shifted from one foot to the other. Why could she not work in Watertown or somewhere else far from the river? Why? She glared at Falan. This was his doing, just to spite her.

She turned her back on him before he could mock her angst as he always did. Before he could resurrect her pain. Her nerves prickled with memories she’d rather forget. Her burning eyes joined in the rebellion, threatening to spill tears.

She hated the river and what it had done to the ones she loved.

Falan scowled. “Come on, Devyn. We don’t have all day. They’re waitin’ for ya, and there’s a dinner party tonight.”

She heaved a ragged moan and gathered her skirts to climb into the small, rocking boat. “I shan’t be able to cross this divide too often.”

He chuckled. “Y’re such baby. What happened before ain’t got nothin’ to do with today. I’ve lived on the island on and off near two years now, and I’m the better for it. Ya’ll be too, if ya grab hold of it instead a fearin’ it.”

Devyn had nothing left to say, at least to him. Instead, she sat down in the middle of the seat and held on for dear life. She had to remind herself to breathe, to swallow. As Falan shoved the boat off from the dock, every wobble and wave frightened her more. What if they capsized? She couldn’t swim. She wouldn’t survive. And this folly would be all for naught.

In sheer panic, Devyn began to stand up, but the rocking waves plunked her down on the hard bench. “Take me back. Take me back now! I cannot do this.” Devyn’s heart beat so fast that she feared it would leave her chest. She held her hand over it, but then she broke into a sweat, and a large knot that threatened to choke her filled her throat. “Take me back now!”

Falan gave her an annoying shake of his head and grunted. “Not on yer life. Or mine. I promised the Bournes, and Mama needs the money ta feed the young ’uns. Just stop yer hysterics, girl, or I’ll slap it out of ya.”

“I’m not a slave! Surely, I can find work inland. I can’t live on an island. I beg you. Take me back.”

Falan laughed at her. He actually threw back his head and laughed hard. Loud and boisterously.

He was mocking her. Again.

Her eyes narrowed, and she dug her fingernails into her fists. “What kind of brother are you, that you have no compassion? You know my story. And you don’t care?”

“I care. A bit.” He quirked a brow and shook his head. “I put yer name forth fer Mama, not fer you. Ya gotta grow up sometime. Y’re twenty years of age and need ta let go and move on. This can be yer ticket out of the hell ya caused.”

Wow! How can readers find you on the Internet?

Here’s how you can connect with me:

Website: www.SusanGMathis.com

Lighthouse Publishing: https://shoplpc.com/devyns-dilemma

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Devyns-Dilemma-Thousand-Islands-Gilded/dp/1645262731  

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SusanGMathis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susangmathis

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/susangmathisaut

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6044608.Susan_G_Mathis

Thank you, Susan, for sharing this new book with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read the book and find out her secret and the other intriguing things.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Devyn's Dilemma (Thousand Islands Gilded Age Series) - Paperback
Devyn's Dilemma (Thousand Islands Gilded Age Series Book 2) - 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, 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

SARA'S SURPRISE - Susan G Mathis - One Free Book

Bio: Susan G Mathis is a multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Katelyn’s Choice, the first in The Thousand Islands Gilded Age series, is available now, and book two, Devyn’s Dilemma, releases in April, 2020. The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, and Sara’s Surprise are available now. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com for more.

Susan is also a published author of two premarital books with her husband, Dale, two children's picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Colorado Springs, enjoys traveling globally with her wonderful husband, Dale, and relishes each time she gets to see or Skype with her four granddaughters.

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

I’m having a blast writing stories of the Thousand Island Gilded Age. Book two of the Thousand Islands Gilded Age series comes to life in Devyn’s Dilemma. It’ll release in April 2020. Here’s the summary of the story: 1910, Thousand Islands, New York. Others may consider The Towers castle on Dark Island an enchanting summer retreat, but to Devyn McKenna, it’s a prison. Yet as she works as a maid for Frederick Bourne, former president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, her life blossoms under the kindness of his family and fascinating entrepreneurs such as J.P. Morgan, Thomas Lipton, and Captain Vanderbilt. But more than anything, the growing friendship of Mr. Bourne’s valet, Brice McBride, begins to pry away the painful layers that conceal Devyn’s heart.

Brice is drawn to the mysterious Devyn even though he’s certain she’s hiding a secret, one far more dangerous than the clues they find in The Towers that hint of a treasure on the island. When Devyn is accused of stealing Bourne’s investment in Vanderbilt’s New York City subway expansion, he might not be able to protect her.

Tell us a little about your family.

I’m married to the most amazing man on the planet. He’s my best friend, encourager, and my knight in shining armor. We have five grown children and four granddaughters.

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

I have to put my editor self under lock and key so I don’t edit, critique, or correct what I’m reading. Smiles.

I had a hard time learning to turn off my internal editor when reading for pleasure. What are you working on right now?

I’m working on my next novella, Reagan’s Reward, which will come out next year.

What outside interests do you have?

Besides enjoying time with my grandchildren, I love to travel, especially cruising, spending time with friends, and exploring the Rocky Mountains and the Thousand Islands.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I grew up in the Thousand Islands, and there are so many wonderful stories to tell. The Thousand Islands Gilded Age is full of wonderful islands and characters like George Pullman, Frederick Bourne, and hundred of famous people like J.P. Morgan, Vanderbilt, and others. So I aim to tell at least some of them.

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

I’d have loved to meet Frederick Bourne and his family who built Singer Castle, the setting for my next novel, Devyn’s Dilemma. As president of Singer Sewing Machine Company and a strong Christian, it’d be thrilling to get to know him and the entire family in person. After writing the story, though, I feel like we’re already friends!

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

Everyone said, “show, don’t tell” but very few explained what that really means. I wish I’d had understood that better and glad it finally comes easily to me.

That took me until about my third book to really understand. What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

My husband has been diagnosed with cancer, so I’m learning to hold on to God’s peace in the midst of the storm.

I really understand. We went through skin cancer this year with my husband. He hadn’t wanted to go to the doctor for way too long, so a couple were really serious and two were easily taken care of. Last Thursday, we got the report that there is no more cancer. And yes, God will carry you through. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Never stop learning. Take criticism graciously. Have fun!

Tell us about the featured book.

In Sara’s Surprise, Sara ​O’Neill, works as an assistant pastry chef at the magnificent Thousand Islands Crossmon Hotel where she meets precocious, lovable, seven-year-old Madison and her charming father and hotel manager, Sean Graham. But Jacque LaFleur, the pastry chef Sara works under, makes her dream job a nightmare.

Sean Graham has trouble keeping his mind off Sara and Madison out of mischief. Though he finds Sara captivating, he despises LaFleur and misreads Sara’s desire to learn from the pastry chef as affection. Can Sean learn to trust Sara and can she trust herself to be an instant mother?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Alexandria Bay, New York

July 1873

The St. Lawrence River sparkled in the early morning sunshine as Sara O’Neill walked toward her new life at the elegant Crossmon House Hotel. An abundant variety of colorful flowers and blooming bushes decorated the entrance. She took in a magical whiff of nature’s loveliest fragrances as she climbed the grand staircase leading to the lobby. On her first day of employment, she wanted to walk through the front doors and experience the grandeur of the famous hotel like an upper-class guest. Just this once.

“Please, miss. Allow me.” A wee girl popped into her path. Where did she come from? Sara glanced at the nearby bush and grinned. The child pulled open the heavy, leaded-glass door with all her might, grunting and nearly losing her balance. Sara tossed her a smile and a nod as she passed over the threshold. The little girl grinned back, a full four—or was it more?—teeth missing.

That explained her adorable lisp.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Saras-Surprise-Susan-G-Mathis/dp/1087235715

Website: www.SusanGMathis.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SusanGMathis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susangmathis

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/susangmathisaut

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6044608.Susan_G_Mathis

Thank you, Susan, for sharing this new book with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read it.

Readers, 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, 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

CHRISTMAS CHARITY - Susan G Mathis - One Free Book

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

Christmas Charity is loosely based on my family story—my great grandparents, Susan and Patrick, although naughty little Lizzy is a creation of my imagination. Ten-year-old Susan from my debut novel, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, is twenty-three and unexpectedly marries Patrick, a forty-nine year old widower. So yes, not only is Patrick’s kind personality similar to my husband’s, but also my family story and traits are woven into the story.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

My husband and I went to Wolfe Island, Canada, the partial setting for both The Fabric of Hope and Christmas Charity where we met several cousins we didn’t know I had and heard stories that made both of these books extra special.

I love stories based on actual lives, even fictionalized. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

My journey has been multi-faceted. I’ve taught Language Arts for nine years to 4-8 graders, had my own newspaper column, wrote missions curriculum, and have written just about anything God put in my path. As a Tyndale published author of two premarital books—The ReMarriage Adventure and Countdown for Couples, two children’s picture books—Lexie’s Adventure in Kenya: Love is Patient and Princess Madison’s Rainbow Adventure—and I’m focusing on historical fiction set in my childhood stomping ground, the beautiful Thousand Islands in upstate New York, so my writing life has been a diverse one.

My first novel, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, my Thousand Islands Gilded Age series, and my novellas take readers to a time and place few have gone. But before I jumped into the fiction world, I served as the founding editor of Thriving Family magazine and the former editor/editorial director of twelve Focus on the Family publications. Moreover, I’m published in various book compilations including three Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Ready to Wed, Supporting Families Through Meaningful Ministry, The Christian Leadership Experience, and Spiritual Mentoring of Teens. I’ve also written hundreds of magazine and newsletter articles, so yup, writing is in my blood.

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

I enjoy reading everything from children’s picture books to nonfiction to contemporary and historical fiction. But if I had to choose, I’d settle in with Christian historical romance and that’s what I’m writing from now on. Smiles.

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

It may sound like a pat answer, but taking time to pray, read the word, and worship keep me in balance. I especially enjoy worship music while doing mindless work such as cooking, cleaning, driving, etc.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

The characters are the actual names of my ancestors, except Lizzy.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Although I am so humbled to have accomplished such diverse published works, I’m most thrilled to have my family legacy in print. The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy has been a work of the heart, mind, and emotions.

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

A butterfly. Because I’d experience the miracle of changing from a caterpillar to a free and beautiful butterfly and flit around my world, dancing on flowers and bringing joy to all who see.

What is your favorite food?

Being Irish, I consider tea as my comfort drink, and with it, the Irish Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake sounds really good right now.  

Sounds to me, too. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Switching from nonfiction to fiction was a steep learning curve. Coming from the succinct world of journalism and editing, spilling lots of description to “show vs tell” was my biggest challenge. But once I “got it,” I was a bird set free!

Tell us about the featured book.

Susan Hawkins and Patrick O’Neill find that an arranged marriage is much harder than they think, especially when they emigrate from Wolfe Island, Canada, to Cape Vincent, New York, in 1864, just a week after they marry—with Patrick’s ten-year-old daughter, Lizzy, in tow. Can twenty-three-year-old Susan Hawkins learn to love her forty-nine-year-old husband and find charity for her angry stepdaughter?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Monday, December 2, 1864

Wolfe Island, Canada

Susan Hawkins swung her teaching satchel as she held wee Elizabeth’s hand with her free one. Walking home with five of her siblings—who were also her students—always put a smile on her face and a spring in her step. She could simply be the twenty-three-year-old big sister, not their teacher, and on this sunny December afternoon her walk home with them felt nothing short of heavenly. She glanced out at the mighty St. Lawrence River still flowing freely past her beloved island home and turned to her eight-year-old sister, Cecelia. “The river hasn’t frozen over yet. Amazing.”

Cecelia pouted. “I don’t like it when it’s all frozen and no one can come to the island.”

“I know, but we’ve learned how to get by, haven’t we?” Susan let go of Elizabeth’s hand to pat Cecelia’s unruly red hair. I do hope her hair deepens to a nice auburn, like mine has. Six-year-old Elizabeth gazed up at Susan with big, teary eyes. “Teacher, Daniel says I’m a stupid baby. I'm not. I’m six and know my letters and numbers and can write my name.”

Susan’s eyes narrowed as she fairly growled. She whipped around to see Daniel, Robert, and James tossing rocks at a tree. So much for a heavenly walk.

“Daniel. Come here at once!” Susan put on her most professional scolding-face and gave her ten-year-old brother a thorough tongue-lashing. By the time they got home, the boy’s shoulders hung limp, his boyish bravado dutifully quenched.

When the six of them tumbled through the door, their hard-working mama smiled and wiped her flour-dusted hands on her apron. She brushed a strand of her thin, sandy hair from her face, leaving a dusting of white on her forehead. “I’m glad you be home. We have company for dinner and much to do before they come. Laddies, go and do your chores.”

Susan quirked an eyebrow. “It’s Monday. Who comes for dinner on a Monday?” Mama gave her a bit of scowl and cleared her throat. “Father invited his friend, Patrick O’Neill, and his daughter. The men have important things to discuss. I need all of you lassies to help me prepare for tonight.”

Cecelia wrinkled her freckled nose, so much like Susan’s. “That Lizzy is such a spoiled child. She thinks she’s better than everyone else. All nastiness and prickles.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I’m at www.SusanGMathis.com,

on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SusanGMathis/,

on Twitter at https://twitter.com/@SusanGMathis,

on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/susangmathisaut,

on Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6044608.Susan_G_Mathis,

and on Google+ at https://plus.google.com/u/0/108568340293012416399

Thank you, Susan, for sharing this new book with me and my blog readers. I’m eager to read it.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Christmas Charity - Paperback
Christmas Charity (Irish Brides Book 1) - 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 FABRIC OF HOPE - Susan G Mathis - One Free Book

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

My goodness! The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy is based on my family story—my great great grandmother, Margaret, and loosely based on my story as well. The hardest part about writing Maggie’s story was not holding too closely to my story!

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

When I went to Ireland last year, I took a “Flat Sally” (sister to Flat Stanley) with me. I took photos with her and made a storybook for my grandgirls about my trip—and wrote it completely in limerick!

When did you first discover you were a writer?

My mother quips that I started my writing career when I signed my crayon drawings—on the foyer wall—with a great big “S”! Though I’m not sure that was the start I wanted, I can’t remember not writing.

My journey has been multi-faceted. I’ve taught Language Arts for nine years to 4-8 graders, had my own newspaper column, written missions curriculum, and have written just about anything God put in my path. As a Tyndale published author of two premarital books—The ReMarriage Adventure and Countdown for Couples, two children’s picture books—Lexie’s Adventure in Kenya: Love is Patient and Princess Madison’s Rainbow Adventure—and now a debut novelist—The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy—my writing journey has been a diverse one.

I’m also published in several compilations as well as working as a freelance writer and editor, a writing coach, and a speaker, I’m simply passionate about working with words. And as the Former Editorial Director at Focus on the Family of 12 unique publications and Founding Editor of Thriving Family magazine, I’ve done a lot of writing. It’s been a really fun journey!

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

I enjoy reading everything from children’s picture books to nonfiction to contemporary and historical fiction. But if I had to choose, I’d settle in with Christian historical fiction.

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

It may sound like a pat answer, but taking time to pray, read the word, and worship keep me in balance. I especially enjoy worship music while doing mindless work such as cooking, cleaning, driving, etc.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

The historical characters are the actual names of my ancestors. But the contemporary characters evolved during my writing process, and we have become good friends!

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Although I am so humbled to have accomplished such diverse published works, I’m most thrilled to have my family legacy in print. The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy has been a work of the heart, mind, and emotions.

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

A butterfly. Because I’d experience the miracle of changing from a caterpillar to a free and beautiful butterfly and flit around my world, dancing on flowers and bringing joy to all who see.

What is your favorite food?

Being Irish, I consider tea as my comfort drink, and with it, the Irish Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake sounds really good right now.  

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Switching from nonfiction to fiction was a steep learning curve. Coming from the succinct world of journalism and editing, spilling lots of description to “show vs tell” was my biggest challenge. But once I “got it,” I was a bird set free!

Tell us about the featured book.

The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy is a story of an 1850s Irish immigrant and a 21st-century single mother are connected by faith, family, and a quilt. After struggling to accept the changes forced upon her, Margaret Hawkins and her family take a perilous journey on an 1851 immigrant ship to the New World, bringing with her an Irish family quilt she is making. A hundred and sixty years later, her great granddaughter, Maggie, searches for the family quilt after her ex pawns it. But on their way to creating a family legacy, will these women find peace with the past and embrace hope for the future, or will they be imprisoned by fear and faithlessness?

Please give us the first page of the book.

September 1850

Hilltown, Northern Ireland

“No! I cannot take me family on a coffin ship!” Margaret Hawkins shook her head as she spoke her thoughts aloud to her eight-month-old baby. The drooling baby girl sat on the dirt floor, playing with a wooden spoon, unconcerned with her mum’s words. Margaret stabbed her needle into the quilt on her lap. “How could Father even suggest such a thing? Half the poor Irish people don’t even survive the trip to the New World. No!”

Margaret glanced down at baby Meg and tried to dismiss the unpleasant thoughts racing through her head. She felt much older than her thirty-two years and weary of all the troubles.

She resumed her work, holding up the partially finished quilt to survey the stitching before setting it back on her lap. She took off her spectacles and rubbed her aching eyes, but she was grateful to finally have a few moments to add a piece of her mum’s favorite dress to the quilt. Maybe she would get one of Father’s old shirts to add to it, too.

By the dim morning light of the calfskin-covered window, she sewed. From where she sat, she turned her ear toward the sounds of four of her six children, squealing and playing tag outside in the yard. She chuckled as she heard Susan, her eldest daughter, bossing the others around, as usual.

What a brood they be. Growing up too fast, that they are. I shall add a patch of cloth for each of them, and one day this quilt will tell our family history. Before it be done, it will be filled with fabrics from many of our dear family members who are now here, already in heaven, and one day, heaven bound.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I’m at www.SusanGMathis.com,

on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SusanGMathis/,

on Twitter at https://twitter.com/@SusanGMathis,

on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/susangmathisaut,

on Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6044608.Susan_G_Mathis,

and on Google+ at https://plus.google.com/u/0/108568340293012416399

Readers, here are links to the book.

The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy - paperback
The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy - 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