UNCONDITIONAL - Tanya Eavenson - One Free Book

Bio: Tanya Eavenson enjoys spending time with her husband, and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading a good book. Tanya is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Word Weavers International, and writes for Christ to the World Ministries.

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

I write Contemporary Romance and Historical Romance under the heading Inspirational Romance. My hope is when readers pick up my novels, they will witness God’s grace through my characters and perhaps experience God’s unconditional love for them.

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

The day I found out I was pregnant with our first child. My husband and I had been through so much within our marriage, our daughter was an answer to prayer and a precious gift from the Lord. 

How has being published changed your life?

Being published is a journey I’m on as an author, but also as a follower of Christ. Since becoming an author, I’ve faced more doubt about myself and about my writing than ever before. There are days it’s a struggle, but it’s relying on God to direct my path that takes faith—a lot of faith. This seems funny to say, but sometimes I feel like I’m in training, allowing God to have His way in my life, and when I do, He uses me to touch others in ways I’ve never dreamt. I know one thing for sure, the Lord is fulfilling a purpose in me, and whether it’s in word or in deed, He will be glorified.

What are you reading right now?

As of right now, I’m not reading anything due to my fast approaching deadline for my current work in progress Restored. However, the first few books on my reading pile are from Mary Connealy’s series Wild at Heart. Once I finish my Unending Love series, I’ll be snuggling up in a chair with one of Mary’s books.

I love Mary’s books, too. Her newest just arrived this week. I’m eager to start reading it. What is your current work in progress?

My current work in progress is the next novel in the Unending Love series called Restored. Restored is about my secondary character, Dr. Steven Moore, from Unconditional. He’s the tall, dark, and handsome type, but not only is he good looking, his heart is for the Lord.  He lives for what is true and right, even if it breaks him in the process. I loved Steven’s character so much, I had to write it! Steven’s story releases winter of 2016 and I can’t wait!

Be sure to let us feature it on the blog. What would be your dream vacation?

My husband and I have always wanted to take a family trip to Bass Pro Shop in Missouri and stay in their log cabins, rent a boat, and go fishing. Twice we planned it, but we’ve had to cancel for various reasons. It’s a simple dream, but I hope we’ll be able to accomplish it in the future.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Settings depend on where I’ve lived or where I’d like to visit. If I’ve never visited the location for my novel, I research the setting and find someone who has lived in the area. This is where research comes in regardless of whether it’s a contemporary or historical novel.

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

I’d love to spend an evening with author Lori Wick. I love the biblical aspects of her writing and how the characters feel like family. God was calling me to write, but it wasn’t until I read her series, The English Garden Series that I began to write. God used her in my life and I’d like to say thank you.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

You won’t believe it, but it is fishing! I enjoy getting out in the bass boat and spending a few hours on the water. My dad always wanted a boy; instead he got a baby girl. He taught me how to fish at an early age, and it came in handy when I met a guy from my church who loved to fish. =) Now married nineteen years, my husband said it was one of the things he found attractive about me, a companion to share his life with.

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

My greatest obstacle, and one I mentioned earlier, is doubt. It’s funny, I relate to Peter from the Bible so well, how he inspires me to step out of my comfort zone and meet Jesus, but also how he turned his attention to the storm. In a similar way, at times I take my eyes off Jesus. The inadequacies I feel or the doubts can almost topple me over. When that happens, I have to remember to take courage, to remember He is with me, to stop doubting and have faith. My faith isn’t built on my abilities, but the character of God. He will help me accomplish any task and walk alongside me in the journey.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

The best advice I’d give to a new writer besides encouraging them to study the craft or find a critique group, is to never give up. Writing isn’t easy. The journey has so many highs and lows that if you give up, you’d never know the person you’d become, or how your stories impact hearts and lives in the process.

Tell us about the featured book.

Unconditional is a story of a husband and wife who struggle with disappointment and heartache and ask if marriage is worth fighting for. But it’s also a story of how God’s grace can lead to healing beyond the imagination, because with God, nothing is impossible.

Back cover blurb:

He will fight for her at any cost...

Elizabeth Roberts can't remember her past, and the present is too painful. She turns to nightclubs and drinking to forget her infant daughter's death, her husband's affair.

When his wife's coma wiped out the memory of their marriage, Chris Roberts found comfort elsewhere. He can't erase his betrayal, but with God's help he’s determined to fight for Elizabeth at any cost.

She wants to forget. He wants to save his marriage. Can they trust God with their future and find a love that’s unconditional?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Sure! Hope you enjoy!

Prologue

 “Please, Elizabeth...I can’t lose you.” Chris Roberts gently kissed his wife’s hand. He focused on her bandaged head and breathing tube, looking for any sign she heard his pleas, felt his touch. Nothing.

“Your daughter needs you. I need you.” His voice faded into the quietness of the room. He wiped his cheek with the back of his hand and tried to force his mind clear. The image of his pregnant wife slipping from the church steps still haunted him. He should have been closer, should have caught her.

The doctor and nurse came into the room, but he barely acknowledged them as they checked his wife’s vitals and changed her bandage. There was nothing more they could do.

“Mr. Roberts,” the doctor spoke from Elizabeth’s bedside. “There’s been no change, but the wound to her head is healing nicely.”

“It’s been two weeks. Will she ever come out of this coma?”

"I don’t know. All we can do is wait and pray. But I thought you should know about your daughter.”

Chris met his gaze. “Katherine. Is she all right?”

The doctor’s eyes softened. “Her breathing is still our main concern since her lungs weren’t fully developed, but she is doing better than we expected. What I’m trying to say is she’s thriving and should be able to go home within the week.”

Chris tried to smile but failed. Katherine had survived the terrible incident, but what about Elizabeth? He turned back to his wife and squeezed her hand. “Did you hear the doctor? Katherine’s doing well. We can go home soon, but you have to wake up.” He bowed his head and fought against his tears. The door clicking closed behind him echoed in the room.

The days passed in slow motion — the next day, and the next — all blending together into one long vigil, one long prayer that never seemed to go farther than the ceiling. Where was God? Was he even listening? 

           

Doubts preyed on Chris as he entered Elizabeth’s room and found his brother standing at Elizabeth’s bed. Phillip’s eyes were closed, head bowed. He held Elizabeth’s limp hands in his. He spoke in soft whispers, and though Chris couldn’t make out his words, his brother’s expression suggested he was pleading to God in prayer.

What good would it do? Another week had passed, and still his wife lay unconscious. Three weeks, and Elizabeth’s condition hadn’t changed. The window to her recovery was quickly closing. He’d never in his life felt so helpless.

After several minutes, Chris touched his brother’s shoulder. “Phillip.”

Phillip whirled to face him. “She squeezed my hand. It was soft, but I felt it. I think she’s waking up.”

Chris went to Elizabeth’s side and searched her features, her eyes, as he’d done many times before for any sign she’d come back to him. A vise tightened around his heart. False hope, yet again.

He fought the desire to sink into a chair and sob, but instead collected her hands within his. A small moan escaped her lips.

Chris’s breath caught. “Oh, Elizabeth. I’m here. Look at me.”

“I’ll get the doctor!” Phillip rushed from the room.

Chris touched her forehead where the bandage had once been and smoothed down her hair. “Open your eyes.” He ached for her touch, for her smile, for her love. “Sweetheart, I’m here. I love you.”

Slowly, surely, Elizabeth’s eyes fluttered open. Tears filled his own eyes.

The doctor burst into the room with a nurse on his heels. Even while they examined Elizabeth, he refused to leave her side. She squinted and blinked twice. A frown touched her brow as she gazed around the room, then at him.

He smiled down at her, joy filling his heart. His wife was alive. “Katherine’s home. We’ve been waiting for you.”

Elizabeth licked her lips, her gaze never leaving his. “I’m sorry…” she paused. “Who is Katherine? Who are you?”

I want to know what happens next. I know my readers do, too. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can connect with me at my website http://www.tanyaeavenson.com/. There they can sign-up for my newsletter, learn a little about me, my journey as an author, and grab more of the opening of Unconditional. They can also contact me on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google, or on Amazon.

Buy links for the book:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Unconditional-ebook/dp/B00AZL8F5G/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1357883999&sr=1-1&keywords=tanya+Eavenson+Unconditional

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unconditional-tanya-eavenson/1114108760?ean=2940016066837

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/unconditional/id592895859?mt=11

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/unconditional-7

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

Readers, 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 

UNCONDITIONAL - Tanya Eavenson - One Free Ebook

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Tanya Eavenson and her husband have been in the ministry for fifteen years teaching youth, adults, and counseling. Tanya enjoys spending time with her husband, and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee and reading a good book. Tanya is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and writes for Christ to the World Ministries sharing the Gospel around the world. You can find her on Twitter at @Tan_eave and contact her at her website www.tanyaeavenson.com  Want to learn more about writing? Stop by her blog http://guidedgirls.blogspot.com

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

I’d have to say that every character has a piece of me within them, whether it’s something the character likes, a physical attribute, or even a journey of spiritual growth. There’s a scene in the novel where Elizabeth and Chris head out to the lake. Elizabeth tries to hold onto the dock, but is unable and the boat floats away. When I thought to add that scene, I could only laugh. It was the first time I’d ever tried to use a trolling motor.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Oh, I know I’m quirky, but one thing I did as a child was climb on top of the roof of my house with a telescope and watch the stars at night.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I’m not sure when it happened really, but it took longer than most. See, I never intended to be a writer, it just happened when my husband left for a mission trip. Then in 2011 Unconditional semi-finaled in the ACFW Genesis contest. I still didn’t believe I was really a writer but I keep plugging away, learning the craft. It wasn’t even when I signed my first contract. It happened when my husband told me he was proud of me and that I trusted God and never looked back. That’s when I became a writer and an author at the same time.

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

I love to read non-fiction that dives into God’s word. Next would be historical fiction.

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

I’m still learning. =)

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I choose names that I’ve always liked. I remember being in middle school and picking out the names my children would have one day. And yes, I did actually name my youngest child one of those names, and that name is my heroine in my novel Unconditional.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I’d have to say being a child of God. There is no other joy than following after Christ with all your heart and soul, willing to do whatever He calls us to do.

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

A Snow Tiger. They are the most beautiful animals I’ve ever seen and their eyes…. Most of them have blue eyes, but some have a more of a bluish/green tint and against their white coats, they are very distinct.

There are a couple at the Ft. Worth Zoo. They’re beautiful. What is your favorite food?

It’s a toss-up between Cuban and Italian.

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

My greatest roadblock, and one I still face today, is being afraid of making mistakes for people to see. Most of the time I overcome it by praying, but it runs deep, so it’s a struggle.

Tell us about the featured book.

He will fight for her at any costs…

Unconditional is about a husband and wife who find their world has been turned upside down after an accident. Elizabeth Roberts can't remember her past, and the present is too painful. She turns to nightclubs and drinking to forget her infant daughter's death, her husband's affair.

When Elizabeth’s coma wiped out the memory of their marriage, Chris Roberts found comfort elsewhere. He can't erase his betrayal, but with God's help he’s determined to fight for Elizabeth at any cost.

This book is very dear to my heart because God put it there. Statistics show whether you are a Christian or a non-Christian, marriages are failing at the same rate. I believe in marriage there needs to be an unconditional love as God shows and displays in our lives. He also tells us to love our enemies as ourselves, so what is that saying for our marriages today? We need to show a love that isn’t possible from us alone, but a love that comes from God who ordained marriage to last.

I wholeheartedly believe that if we fight for our marriages and follow after Christ, He will be the One to show us an unconditional love for our spouses.

Yes, I know couples who did that after bitter and even fairly long times apart. I love to watch God’s miracles. Please give us the first page of the book.

Sure! Hope you enjoy!

Chapter One

Elizabeth pushed herself up from the bed. Her gaze swept the dark room and fixed on the hall nightlight. Her hand grazed over her husband’s shoulder when a thought gripped her. Katherine. The baby monitor stood silent. Darkness shrouded the red and green lights that indicated movement.

Her chest tightened. She hurled the covers away and leapt to the floor. Panic made her clumsy as she rushed to her daughter’s room. She lunged over the crib. No sound. No movement. Not even a stirring of air from her tiny nostrils.

“Katherine!” Elizabeth snatched her daughter from the mattress. The infant drew a heavy breath as her eyes flung wide open.

Lord, what’s happening?

Elizabeth’s bare feet pounded the cold tile as she ran back to her husband. “Chris, wake up! Katherine quit breathing again!”

Chris rubbed his eyes and scowled. “What is it?”

“We need to take Katherine to the hospital. She stopped breathing.”

He studied their child. “She seems to be breathing now. Are you sure?”

“Of course, I’m sure.”

“She’s fine.” Chris fell back against the pillow.

“Please—”

“We don’t have the money to take her to the hospital when there’s nothing wrong with her.”

“But there is. She stopped breathing.”

He sat back up. “You’ve been worried about her since before she was born. You’re all worked up because she hasn’t rolled over yet. The doctor said that’s normal for being early.”

She’s called a preemie. She glared into his eyes. “If you were home more often you’d know she’s not fine.”

“I’m home, Elizabeth, and she’s fine.”

Heat flushed her cheeks as tears filled her eyes. “I’m scared. Can’t you see that? I need you to pray for our daughter. I need you to hold me and tell me everything will be all right.”

“Look, she’s sleeping.” His voice softened as his hand ran down her thigh. “Come to bed.”

“How can you care so little? I’m worried about our baby.”

Chris’s hand dropped to the sheets. “Shut the door when you leave.” He turned away from her.

Elizabeth stood for a moment unable to speak. With their baby in her arms, she slowly closed the door behind her and sank her teeth into her lip to keep from crying. If tears came, it would be for her daughter, not for the stranger in her bed.

An interesting start. Can’t wait to read the rest. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can find me at my website www.tanyaeavenson.com and on Twitter @Tan_eave

Endorsements:

"Unconditional is a powerfully-gripping story of deep heartache laced with fears, yet even through the sorrow, Tanya Eavenson reminds us that nothing can separate us from God's love."

 ~ Alice J. Wisler, author of "Still Life in Shadows" and other novels

"Not your typical amnesia story, Unconditional tells a tale of loss, betrayal, and forgiveness. Eavenson drags her characters through the fire, then reveals God’s power through their broken lives. The writing is stellar; the emotion, raw and palpable; the cast, impeccably crafted. This author is one to be watched!"

~ April W Gardner, award-winning author

"Unconditional explores the struggles that married couples sometimes experience, and the decisions they must make after going through difficult circumstances. A powerful story of hope and healing."

~ Laura V. Hilton, Healing Love (Whitaker House)

"Unconditional is a beautiful story of God's never-ending love. Throughout its pages, Tanya Eavenson evokes a myriad of emotions in her readers, from deep despair to heartfelt praise. The characters gripped my heart, showing me the reality of man's sin but also the depth of God's grace. Unconditional is a well-written, heart-stirring novel written by a talented new author.

Thank you, Lena, for having me on your blog. I’d like to give away a copy of Unconditional to one person who leaves a comment by answering any question you asked me in the interview.

And thank you, Tanya, for sharing this story with us.

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

Unconditional


Leave a comment answering one of the questions I asked Tanya for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

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

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

UNCONDITIONAL - Eva Marie Everson - One Free Book

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

I have a book due the first of the year which releases—I think—in early 2014. Another book—the third in the Cedar Key series, titled Slow Moon Rising—releases in May 2013. And, I just signed a new contract with Broadman & Holman for a book not due for two years. Can you believe that? J

That’s wonderful. Tell us a little about your family.

My husband and I live in a lakefront house (we call it The Lake House) with our two dogs. We have children and grandchild with another grandson on the way next month.

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

It actually has made it more difficult. I often find myself reading as though I’m editing the work. Which means I read sooooo sloooooowly. I have to remind myself to let go and just enjoy!

What are you working on right now?

A work for Abingdon Press titled The Last Will in Testament.

What outside interests do you have?

Knitting. I love walking trails. I love travel. And I’m a pretty good photographer.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I really don’t. They choose me.

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

Besides Jesus, of course (well, we spend a little time together every day anyway…) I’ve been researching my family history. There are quite a few of my great-greats I would love to sit down and talk with. To find out why they did what they did. Moved where they moved. Chose what they chose. I have learned that my family is full of interesting characters. I also have a better glimpse into who I am because of this research.

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

That one day it would be more about the business of writing and less about the writing. I would have enjoyed that time when all I had to do was write.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

So many lessons. I’m constantly being reminded to trust Him. “I’ve got it,” He says. Every day.

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

Write well.

Be willing to learn.

Pray hard.

I totally agree with each of those. Tell us about the featured book.

Unconditional is the novelization of the movie by the same title (www.UnconditionalTheMovie.com ). This movie (and book) tells the story of a man named Papa Joe Bradford who, with his wife Denise, gives hope and a future to the at-risk children of our country. They started their ministry, unbeknownst to them at the time, in Nashville. But that influence has extended far.

The movie’s screenplay was written by a talented man named Brent McCorkle. Brent also directed the movie, edited it, and I believe he wrote some of the music for the film. Truly a brilliant work. Being a part of it—even as small as my contribution was—has been such an honor.

Writing the book from the screenplay and the screener meant I had to do more than just tell what I saw on the screen. I had to think outside the box. What we see on screen—no matter if all the questions are answered or not—we don’t question so much. But in a book, we do. So, I got to answer questions like “What made Papa Joe sick?” and “How did Samantha and Billy meet? Fall in love? Why didn’t they have children of their own?” I also was able to dive into the emotions, much like the actors have to do in order to play the character. The whole experience was marvelous. And cathartic.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter One

Life used to be so beautiful. So full of magic and possibilities. Wonder and excitement. There wasn’t anything I couldn’t do. Couldn’t be. Couldn’t go.

When I was a child, I would sit for hours drawing and dreaming up crazy stories to tell all my friends. Multi-colored crayon tales etched by wild imaginings. Stories about a place where the sun always shone. Or a place where a tin man could carry a little red-headed girl to the farthest point of the universe, way above the earth, on feet made of fire. Or, in another story, set on a lonely island way out in the middle of the ocean, where a deer and a platypus lived in disharmony. They sat back to back on this tiny piece of land, never acknowledging each other. Until, one day when they were both thirsty, the deer climbed up a coconut tree so they could share a drink. And after that, they were the best of friends.

I thought my stories would inspire the world, make it a better place somehow. I was such a dreamer. And for a while it seemed that all my dreams would come true.

Billy Crawford was my world. The man of my dreams. The man I promised to love and honor and cherish until “death do us part.” Believing, of course, that death would never really come. Or, that if it did, it would be a long way off in the future. Too far away to worry about today. Or even tomorrow.

Billy worked for the power company. I used to proudly brag, “Wherever it’s dark, Billy brings light.” Billy would laugh and say, “But only if there’s a switch to flip.”

While Billy made the world brighter, I wrote children’s books, letting all who would read know—one story at a time—that the fairy tale did exist. Everyone and anyone could have all they wanted and more. All they had to do was believe in their dreams.

But how quickly dreams can be shattered. In one second. With one gun. One bullet cracking the silence of one night.

A dragon had come to slay my knight.

But, that killer didn’t just take Billy’s life. He took mine, too. Like Rapunzel, he locked me in a dark, cold tower, where I lived alone, unable to climb down to where the world was green and warmed by sunshine. Colors had faded to black and white. The places that—once upon a time—had freely been mine were now barred to me.

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

www.EvaMarieEversonAuthor.com

Thank you, Eva Marie. I'm thrilled to learn about this book and the movie it's based on. I know my readers are too.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Unconditional: A Novel - paperback
Unconditional: A Novel - Kindle


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

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

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com