CHESAPEAKE WEDDINGS - Cecelia Dowdy - Free Book

Wecome back to the blog, Cecelia. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I love romance novels. I always have! I think I enjoy Christian love stories because there is a faith element that’s a part of the story.

Yes, I've almost stopped reading fiction that doesn't have the faith element, too. Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

Well, there are two happy days: The day I married my husband, Chris and the day that I gave birth to our son!

How has being published changed your life?

Being published has allowed me to see the fruits of my labor being read by others! I love hearing from readers and I love seeing my books on the shelves. My daily life has not changed much – I still work full time and unless I’m on deadline, my life has remained the same, more or less…

What are you reading right now?

Dreams That Won’t Let Go by Stacy Hawkins Adams. I’ve read other books by this author, and I enjoy them.

What is your current work in progress?

Currently, I’m working on a proposal to send to Barbour Publishing. I want it to be a 3-book series focused on a set of identical twins and their mutual friend. I hope and pray Barbour buys my stories!

What would be your dream vacation?

I’ve traveled so much in the past, so I have a slew of places I’ve enjoyed visiting. I’d like to go to a hot, tropical place with a nice beach with clear water where you can see the fish swimming. Someplace like Tahiti, Hawaii, or the Cayman Islands would be nice.

I've been to Grand Cayman. It's lovely there. How do you choose your settings for each book?

I usually choose places that I’ve visited. For my last series with Barbour, I chose Maryland because I’ve lived in that state for my entire life and I knew which places I wanted to set my novels.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Baking desserts and watching movies. Both of those activities allow me to relax, unwind, and have a good time.

Homemade desserts sound good. What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Repetition! I tend to use the same words over and over…I sound like a broken record at times. I’ve learned to count the number of times I use some words (using Microsoft Word Program options.) I also use a book called the synonym finder to help me find new words to break my repetitive habit.

I think all authors fall into that habit at some time. What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Persevere, read, write and congregate with other writers! Attend a writers’ conference and glean as much information as you can!

Tell us about the featured book?

Chesapeake Weddings is a 3-in-1 collection of my last three Heartsong Presents novels. Here is a brief description of the stories:

Relax along Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay as you read about three strong African American women who suddenly face upheaval in life. Monica is caring for her abandoned nephew and trying to pick the proper tutor for him. Emily is struggling to save the family farm when a CPA turns up to do an audit. Karen has been deceived by her fiancé, and now she’s expected to trust a neighbor who knows too much of her business. Can God rebuild their tattered lives with new loves?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Here is the prologue:

Prologue

The loud banging at Monica Crawford’s front door awakened her. Forcing herself out of bed, she glanced at the clock and saw it was two in the morning.

“I’m coming!”

She ran to the door. Looking through the peephole, Monica saw her little sister Gina smiling at her.

Her heart pounded as she opened the door, gripping the knob. “What are you doing here?” Playing an internal game of tug-of-war, she wondered if she should hug her sister or slam the door in her face. Humid heat rushed into the air-conditioned living room. She stared at Gina, still awaiting her response.

“It’s nice to see you too, sister.” Gina pursed her full, red-painted lips and motioned at the child standing beside her. “Go on in, Scotty.”

Gina had brought her seven-year-old son with her. Dark shades hid his sightless eyes. “Aunt Monica!” he called.

Monica released a small cry as she dropped to her knees and embraced him. “I’m here, Scotty.” Tears slid down her cheeks as she hugged the child. Since Gina had cut herself off from immediate family for the last two years, Monica had wondered when she would see Scotty again. “You remember me?” Her heart continued to pound as she stared at her nephew. His light, coffee-colored skin glowed.

“Yeah, I remember you. When mom said I was going to live here, I wanted to come so we could go to the beach in Ocean City.”

Shocked, Monica stared at Gina who was rummaging through her purse. Gina pulled out a cigarette and lighter. Seconds later she was puffing away, gazing into the living room. “You got an ashtray?”

Monica silently prayed, hoping she wouldn’t lose her temper. “Gina, you know I don’t allow smoking in this house.”

Gina shrugged. After a bit of coaxing, she dropped the cigarette on the top step and ground it beneath the heel of her shoe. “I need to talk to you about something.”

Scotty entered the house and wandered through the room, ignoring the adults as he touched objects with his fingers. After Monica fed Scotty a snack and let him fall asleep in the guest bedroom, she confronted Gina.

“Where have you been for the last two years?”

Gina strutted around the living room in her tight jeans, her high heels making small imprints in the plush carpet. “I’ve been around. I was mad because Mom and Dad tried to get custody of Scotty, tried to take me to court and say I was an unfit mother.”

Groaning, Monica plopped onto the couch, holding her head in her hands. “That’s why you haven’t been speaking to me or Mom and Dad for two years?” When Gina sat beside her, Monica took her sister’s chin into her hand and looked into her eyes. “You know you were wrong. Mom and Dad tried to find you. They were worried about Scotty.”

Jerking away, Gina placed a few inches between herself and Monica. “They might have cared about Scotty, but they didn’t care about me.” Gina swore under her breath and rummaged in her purse. Removing a mint, she popped it into her mouth.

“They were worried about you and Scotty,” Monica explained. “You were living with that terrible man. He didn’t work, and he was high on drugs. We didn’t want anything to happen to the two of you.”

Gina’s lips curled into a bitter smirk. “Humph. Me and Scotty are just fine.” She glanced up the stairs. “You saw him. Does he look neglected to you?”

She continued to stare at Gina, still not believing she was here to visit in the middle of the night. “What do you want? What did Scotty mean when he said he was coming here to live?”

Gina frowned as she toyed with the strap of her purse. “I want you to keep Scotty for me. Will you?”

Monica jerked back. “What? Why can’t you take care of your own son? Did that crackhead you were living with finally go off the deep end?”

Gina shook her head. “No, we’re not even together anymore. It’s just that. . .” She paused, staring at the crystal vase of red roses adorning the coffee table. “I’m getting married.”

Monica’s heart skipped a beat. “Married?”

Gina nodded, her long minibraids moving with the motion of her head. “Yeah, his name is Randy, and he’s outside now, waiting for me in the car.”

Monica raised her eyebrows, suddenly suspicious. “Why didn’t you bring him inside? Are you ashamed of him?”

Gina shook her head. “No. But we’re in a hurry tonight, and I didn’t want to waste time with formalities.”

“You still haven’t told me why you can’t keep Scotty. Does your fiancé have a problem with having a blind child in his house?”

Gina scowled as she clutched her purse, her dark eyes darting around the room. “No, that’s not it at all.”

“Uh-huh, whatever you say.” She could always sense when Gina was lying. Her body language said it all.

“Really, it’s not Scotty’s blindness that bothers Randy. It’s just that—he’s a trapeze artist in the National African-American Circus and they’re traveling around constantly.” Her dark eyes lit up as she talked about her fiancé. “This year they’ll be going international. Can you imagine me traveling around the globe with Randy? We’ll be going to Paris, London, Rome—all those fancy European places!” She grabbed Monica’s arm. “We’d love to take Scotty, but we can’t afford to hire a tutor for him to travel with us.”

“You’re going to marry some man and travel with a circus?!” Monica shook her head, wondering when her sister would grow up. At twenty-seven, she acted as if she were still a teenager. Since Monica was ten years older, she’d always been the responsible sibling, making sure Gina behaved herself.

Gina grabbed Monica’s shoulder. “But I’m in love with him!” Her eyes slid over Monica as if assessing her. “You’ve never been in love? I think it’s odd that you’re thirty-seven and you never got married.”

Monica closed her eyes for a brief second as thoughts of her single life filled her mind. Since her breakup with her serious boyfriend two years ago, she’d accepted that God wanted her to remain single, and she spent her free time at church in various ministries. She filled her time praising God and serving Him, and she had no regrets for the life she led. But whenever one of the church sisters announced an engagement, she couldn’t stop the pang of envy that sliced through her.

Forcing the thoughts from her mind, she focused on Gina again. “This discussion is not about me. It’s about you. You can’t abandon Scotty. He loves you.”

Gina turned away, as if ashamed of her actions. “I know he does, and I love him, too. But I really want things to work out with Randy, and it won’t work with Scotty on the road with us. He needs special education since he’s blind.”

Her heart immediately went out to Scotty. She touched Gina’s shoulder. “Scotty knows you’re getting married?”

Gina nodded. “I didn’t tell him how long I would be gone, but I told him I’d call and visit. Please do this for me.” Her sister touched her arm, and her dark eyes pleaded with her. She opened her purse and gave Monica some papers. “I’ve already had the power of attorney papers signed and notarized so that you can take care of him.” She pressed the papers into Monica’s hand.

“How long will you be gone?” asked Monica.

“The power of attorney lasts for six months. Hopefully by then me and Randy will be more settled. I’m hoping after the world tour he’ll leave the circus and find a regular job.”

Monica frowned, still clutching the legal documents.

“Please do this for me, Monica,” she pleaded again.

She reluctantly nodded. If she didn’t take care of Scotty, she didn’t know who would.

Very interesting. Makes me want to read more. How can readers find you on the Internet?

I have a website and a blog where I review books and I also answer questions from writers. My website is: http://www.ceceliadowdy.com/  My blog is: http://www.ceceliadowdy.blogspot.com/

Thank you, Cecelia, for the interesting peek into your story.
 
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using this link when you order, you'll help support this blog.

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


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

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

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

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

DISASTER STATUS - Candace Calvert - Free Book

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

My background (three decades as an ER nurse) makes writing medical drama seem as natural as the feel of a stethoscope around my neck. And I’ve long been disappointed that while medical TV shows (like ER, Grey’s Anatomy, House, Mercy, etc.) depict plenty of action and interpersonal conflict, they sorely neglect the element of faith. As a nurse, I’ve seen countless prayers sent heavenward by patients, family, and staff. My books offer medical realism, heart-warming romance and an encouraging prescription for hope.

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

The birth of my children, a daughter and a son—who has now, to my great delight, given me a grand daughter.

How has being published changed your life?

By giving me the opportunity to connect with people (readers and other writers) all over the world—to touch lives, encourage, even more than in my years of practice as a nurse. It’s awesome. And a privilege I don’t take lightly.

What are you reading right now?

Once in a Blue Moon, a new novel by one of my favorite Christian authors: Leanna Ellis.

I love Leanna's books, too. What is your current work in progress?

I’m brainstorming a new medical drama series set in Texas. The Lonestar Mercy series.

Sounds good to me. What would be your dream vacation?

I’ve been fortunate to have had several “dream” vacations—still pinching myself at having been to places like the pyramids in Egypt, the Sistine Chapel, and skimming over a rainforest canopy in Costa Rica. I dream of taking a world cruise with my husband one day.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

The Mercy Hospital series is set in northern California, some of my favorite places: Gold Country, the Pacific coast, and San Francisco. I love to personally research places—go there and “collect” sights, sounds, smells . . . food, music. People. I want my readers to feel that they are in the scenes.

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

Maybe Beth Moore. I’ve taken several of her Bible studies, and find her so amazing: passionate, laugh-out-loud funny, humble . . . real. I’d love to hang out with her.

I've been to one of her tapings at James Robison. Does that count? What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

(Smiling) As my Followers on Twitter will tell you, I’m a “foodie”—love everything about cooking, from reading labels and sniffing vegetables at the grocery store, to the sound of garlic sizzling in olive oil. And I’m a bird watcher, too. I can get pretty excited about Painted Bunting or Ladder Back Woodpecker. Have binoculars, will travel.

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

Most critically: balancing time spent writing with other important priorities—family, friends, exercise, relaxing “down time,” worship. Having God at the center helps keep those priorities in the right place.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Read good books, network with other writers. Write and write and write, enjoying the journey without the immediate goal of publication in mind. “Stretch” your writing muscles much the same way an athlete stretches and tones his body. It takes time and discipline to become an Olympian . . . and a published author.

Tell us about the featured book?

My agent, Natasha Kern, and I worked together on this back cover blurb. I think it captures Disaster Status nicely:

Charge nurse Erin Quinn escaped personal turmoil to work on the peaceful California coast. But when a hazardous material spill places Pacific Mercy Hospital on disaster status and stresses staff, she's puts to the test. And thrown into conflict with the fire department's handsome incident commander who thinks her strategy is out of line.

Fire Captain Scott McKenna has felt the toxic effects of tragedy; he's learned to go strictly by the book to advance his career, heal his family, and protect his wounded heart. When he's forced to team with the passionately determined ER charge nurse, sparks fly. As they work to save lives, can they handle the attraction kindled between them . . . without getting burned?

Sounds wonderful. Please give us the first page of the book.

Fire captain Scott McKenna bolted through the doors of Pacific Mercy ER, his boots thudding and heart pounding as the unconscious child began to stiffen and jerk in his arms. He cradled her close as her small spine arched and her head thumped over and over against his chest. “Need help here. Seizure!”

“This way.” A staff person beckoned. “The code room. Someone page respiratory therapy stat!”

Scott jogged behind a trio of staff in green scrubs to a glassed-in room, laid the child on a gurney, and stepped back, his breath escaping in a rush of relief. He swiped a trickle of sweat from his forehead and tried to catch a glimpse of the girl’s face. He’d swept her up too fast to get a good look at her. Now, with merciful distance, Scott’s heart tugged. Six or seven years old with long black braids, frilly clusters of hair ribbons, little hoop earrings, she looked disturbingly pale despite her olive skin. Her dark eyes rolled upward, unfocused, as the ER team closed in to suction her airway, start oxygen, and cut away her flowered top and pants . . .

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

I invite readers to visit me at my website: http://www.candacecalvert.com/
My blog RX Hope: http://candacecalvert.blogspot.com/
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/CandaceCalvert
And at my Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Candace-Calvert-Books/164196907024

Thank you for hosting me, Lena. It’s been a pleasure.
Candace

And I love having you here, Candace.

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

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


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

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

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

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

6 Winners!!!!!!

Linda Kish is the winner of A Woman Called Sage by DiAnn Mills.

Megan is the winner of A Bride of Honor by Ruth Axtell Morren.


Mackenzie Evans is the winner of Be a Mother by Ruth Axtell Morren.


Michelle (Scraphappy) is the winner of Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson.


Judylynn is the winner of The Sacred Cipher by Terry Brennan.


Abi is the winner of Yesterday's Promise by Vanessa Miller.
 
Congratulations, everyone. Send me your mailing address:


Click the Contact Me link at the top of the page, and send me an Email.
You have 6 weeks to claim your book.

If you didn't win and you plan to order the book, please use the link provided on the individual interview. By using that link when you order, you will help support this blog.

We have an exciting lineup in 2010, including my next book Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, which releases May 1. You can view the book trailer by clicking on the Books link at the top of this blog. Both print edition and Kindle edition are available on Amazon now.

FIFTEEN YEARS - Kendra Norman Bellamy - Free Book

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

Because doing so is a charge that has been assigned to me by God. This is ministry for me, and when I write, I’m answering a divine calling. It’s all for His glory.

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

That would be a close toss-up between my wedding day and the birth dates of my daughters.

How has being published changed your life?

When I worked in corporate America, I never felt fulfilled. Every job I’ve had, I’ve loved, but there was always an unexplainable void that I couldn’t readily define until I became a published author. Once I became published, I knew I had more than a career; I had found my purpose and my divine destiny. I’ve had jobs where I made far more money than I make as an author, but no job has brought me more joy or a greater sense of accomplishment.

What are you reading right now?

Bishop Johnathan and Dr. Toni Alvarado (pastor and co-pastor of Total Grace Christian Center in metropolitan Atlanta, GA) have partnered to pen a book for married Christians called Let’s Stay Together. That’s the book I’m reading right now.

What is your current work in progress?

Presently, I am embarking on the penning of my first non-fiction project entitled I Shall Not Die. It’s a ministerial book based on the premise of Psalm 118:17 and inspired by the memory of my first husband who passed away in 1995. The purpose of I Shall Not Die is to motivate and encourage people to live in spite of the circumstances.

What would be your dream vacation?

To visit the Motherland. I pray for the chance to travel to Africa someday.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I live in metropolitan Atlanta, and the vast majority of my stories are set here. Atlanta is a huge metropolis, and the setting options (city choices) seem endless. Periodically, I will have my characters travel to other states, but they are almost always areas of the country that I have visited or toured and been inspired by in some way.

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

Dr. Maya Angelou is my all-time favorite author. Even in her twilight years, she’s a fountain of wisdom and just as poised and well-spoken as she was fifty years ago. It would be a dream come true for me to sit down and have a one-on-one chat with her for just five minutes. Having a whole evening to fellowship with her would be an example of God doing exceeding abundantly above all that I’ve asked or thought.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I enjoy traveling (especially cruising), aerobic exercising, listening to music, and scrapbooking.

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

In addition to writing for more than one mainstream publishing house, I also single-handedly run a business wherein I assist other authors in realizing their dreams of becoming published authors; so it is difficult to keep my head above waters with multiple demands and deadlines. I ward off becoming overwhelmed by making sure that I write daily to keep my craft sharp, and I often make priority lists so that I can focus on what things are most important to center my attention on at the time.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

I’d tell them that they need the “Three P’s” if they are going to make it in an industry as competitive and demanding as this one. Prayer, patience, and perseverance, in my humble opinion, are three ingredients that are essential to success in the literary world. It can get rough along the way, but if a newbie is certain that this is the industry that they want to be a part of, and if they have the three P’s, the journey will definitely be a more pleasant one.

Tell us about the featured book?

Fifteen Years is a book about the importance of un-biological family. In it, Josiah “JT” Tucker is a man who is the picture of success on the outside, but on the inside he feels broken and incomplete. Because of his absent father and neglectful mother, he grew up in the care of the state and bounced from one foster home to the other. However, during a very impressionable time of his life, he was placed in one foster home where he remained for a six year period of time. During that stint, he was introduced to love, family, and Christ. Shortly before his fifteenth birthday, he was taken from the family he’d come to see as his own and sent back to live with his mother who continued to struggle with substance abuse. Now, fifteen years later, at the age of thirty, JT has beat the odds and risen to success, but despite his corporate, financial, and material gains, he’s a tortured and tormented soul and knows that he must find his way back to the un-biological family he once knew in order to find peace of mind and a renewed faith in God. But what he discovers when he reunites with them is that a whole lot about the way your heart loves a person can change in fifteen years.

Please give us the first page of the book.

The story begins with a flashback of JT’s youth – to the morning after his high school graduation. It started out like any other day in the life of Josiah Tucker; with him awakening all alone on a lumpy mattress in a shoddy house. His mother has been nowhere to be found for the past few days, which is also normal when she’s using and abusing, so he has no cause for concern. But a knock to the door of his home changes JT’s life forever, and it becomes the moment that defines him as a hollow man.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My official website is http://www.kendranormanbellamy.com/ . I am also on MySpace at www.myspace.com/KendraNormanBellamy  and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KendraNormanBellamy . I love to hear from my readers!

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

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

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


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

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

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

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

AMISH PEACE and THE CHOICE - Suzanne Woods Fisher - 2 Free Books

Suzanne is visiting with us today about two of her books. One nonfiction, one a novel. Welcome, Suzanne. What would you like for our readers to know about you personally?

With every book I write, I hope to draw the reader closer to God. I don’t ever want to hit anyone on the back of a head with a 2x4 (metaphorically speaking, of course)…but I hope a reader finishes a book wanting to know more about this almighty God of ours.

Tell us about your family.

I am a wife to Steve, a corporate guy, and a mom to four kids—two boys and two girls. Add to that one son-in-law! I’m almost at the empty nest stage…my youngest is a senior in high school. And yes, I have mixed feelings about an empty nest! How did it happen so quickly?

It does rush upon us, doesn't it? What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?

Gardening and cooking are two of my favorite hobbies…but the top of my list is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. My youngest son talked me into this activity after we returned from Hong Kong—he wanted a dog and my husband is not a dog-guy. So my son found a compromise…a temporary dog with a noble purpose! Our first dog, Arbor, graduated and was partnered with Jon, a college student. We’re now on our seventh (!) puppy. It’s like eating a potato chip…you just can’t stop at one.

Have you written other nonfiction books?

Grit for the Oyster, winner of two literary awards and a great book for writers, and in August of 2010, Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom for a Simple Life (Revell) will release.

Why did you write Amish Peace?

My grandfather was raised “Plain.” Knowing that, my agent (Joyce Hart of The Hartline Literary Agency) connected me with an editor from Revell and the concept for this book emerged. Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World is a collection of true stories and examples of Old Order Amish families. Divided into five sections, it is meant to shed light on how the Amish are able to maintain their simple living and abiding peace…to help us bring those qualities—and incorporate those principles—into our home without “goin’ Amish.”

We share the same agent. I just love Joyce. What do you want the reader to take away from the book?

Inner peace, rooted in the sovereignty of God. Most of us have a tendency to confuse peace with happiness, personal achievements or the accumulation of wealth. The Amish are good examples of those who find peace not in circumstances but in the Lord.

You also write Fiction.

I do! My first novel, Copper Star, a World War II love story based on true events, received three literary awards. Copper Fire, its sequel, received another award. For the Love of Dogs is a heartwarming story, set in the late 1960s, about a young woman who is losing her eyesight and struggling to trust in what, or Whom, she can’t see. That novel received a literary award, too.

Do you have any other books in the works right now?

Of course! Longevity is a good thing for authors. Amish Peace will be followed by three novels about the Amish, starting with The Choice on January 1, 2010, The Waiting on October 1, 2010, and the third in the series (written but not officially titled yet) will release in Spring 2011.

We really need to get you on my schedule with these other two novels. Tell us about The Choice.

This is a contemporary novel about a young Amish woman named Carrie Weaver. We meet Carrie right as she plans to run off with Lancaster Barnstormer pitcher Solomon Riehl. But the next moment, she is staring into a future as broken as her heart. Now, Carrie is faced with a choice. But will this opportunity be all she hoped? Or will this decision, this moment in time, change her life forever?

Please give us the first page of the novel.

The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher excerpt

Carrie Weaver tucked a loose curl into her cap as she glanced up at the bell tower in Lancaster’s Central Market. The clock had struck two p.m. more than ten minutes ago, and an English couple was haggling with her stepsister, Emma, over the price of a crate of strawberries. After all, the man was saying, the market was closing for the weekend.

“Certainly, you Plain folks wouldn’t want this fruit to go to waste now, would you? Tomorrow being Sunday and all?” He rested his hands on his round belly and fixed his gaze on Emma, a satisfied look on his red face—as red and ripe as a late summer tomato—as he waited for her to buckle.

But this red-faced English man didn’t know Emma.

Carrie saw Emma purse her lips and hook her hands on her hips in that determined way and knew where this stand-off was headed. Emma wouldn’t drop the price of her strawberries to anyone, much less an Englisher whom, she was convinced, had a lost and corrupted soul. Her sister would plant her big feet and squabble over the price of strawberries until the sun set and the moon rose. Carrie picked up the crate and handed it to the man. “Abgschlagge!” Sold!

The man and his wife, surprised and delighted, hurried off with the strawberries as Emma spun to face Carrie. She lifted her hands, palms out. “Have you lost your mind? My strawberries are worth twice that price! What were you thinking?”

“I’m thinking that it’s past two and the market has closed and the van is waiting.” Carrie pushed the leftover crates of red ripe strawberries into the back of the van of the hired driver and slammed the door shut, pinching her thumbnail. Wincing from the pain, she knew she didn’t dare stop to get ice. There wasn’t a moment to waste.

“Dummel dich net!” Emma muttered as Carrie opened the passenger seat door for her. Don’t be in such a hurry! “You’ve been as jumpy as a jackrabbit all morning.”

Carrie reached out an arm to clasp her younger brother on the shoulder, pulling him back as he started to climb in the van behind Emma. “I need to run an errand and take the bus home later today. Andy’s coming with me.”

Andy’s eyes went round as shoe buttons, but he followed Carrie’s lead and hopped back out of the van.

Emma twisted around on the seat. “What errand?” she asked, eyes narrowed with suspicion. “You know your dad wants you home to visit with Daniel Miller.”

Carrie blew out a big sigh. Silent, solemn Daniel Miller. He and his father, Eli, were staying with the Jacob Weavers this summer. Eli Miller and Jacob Weaver made no secret of the fact that they had a hope for her and Daniel. Well, they could hope all they liked but Carrie’s heart was already spoken for. Spoken for and claimed, and the thought warmed her.

“Daniel’s mighty fine looking, Carrie,” Emma said. “Your dad is hoping you’ll think so too.”

“If you think Daniel is such a looker, why don’t you visit with him?” Carrie stepped back from the van to close the door. That had been mean, what she said to Emma, and she reached out to give her sister’s arm a gentle squeeze in apology before she swung the door closed and the driver pulled away. Dear Emma, nearly twenty-seven and terrified that she would end up an old maid. Carrie felt a smile pull at her mouth and fought it back, as an unbidden image of a large celery patch popped into her mind. Emma and her mother, Esther, grew celery in the family garden in hopes that this would be Emma’s year.

Carrie shook off her musing and grabbed Andy’s hand and hurried to the bus stop.

She wanted to reach the Lancaster Barnstormers’ stadium before Solomon Riehl would start pitching. Last night, Sol told her he might be a closing pitcher in today’s scrimmage, so she should be in the stands by the last few innings.

“What kind of errand?” Andy asked Carrie.

She shaded her eyes from the sun to watch for the bus. “It’s a surprise for your birthday.”

“I won’t turn nine ’til October.”

Carrie looked at him and tousled his hair. “Consider it an early birthday present.” She knew she wouldn’t be here on his birthday.

As Carrie and Andy climbed on the bus and sat amongst the English, she felt the happiness of her secret spill over her. She didn’t even mind the pain radiating from her throbbing thumb. She was entirely preoccupied with the conversations she had been having with Sol lately. Last week, he called her at midnight, as planned, from the phone shanty across the road from his father’s farm. During that call, he had talked to her about
leaving the community and trying to make a living as a baseball player. And he told her he wanted her by his side, as his wife.

Where on the Internet can the readers find you?

I can be reached on-line at http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com/ , and on Facebook and Twitter. I love to hear from readers!

Thank you for hosting me today, Lena!

And thank you for sharing with us today.

Readers, here are links to the books. By using the links when you order, you'll help support this blog.


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


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

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

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

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

RODEO SWEETHEART - Betsy St. Amant - Free Book

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

He has definitely been at work and I am so blessed and grateful! RODEO SWEETHEART is my third novel with Steeple Hill Love Inspired and I also have a Christmas novella with Marta Perry releasing Christmas 2010 that I am very excited about. We’ll see what else from there!

Tell us a little about your family.

I am married to my hero, Brandon, who is a fireman and the love of my life. We have one daughter, who I affectionately nicknamed Little Miss, and she will be two years old in July. Hard to believe how fast the time flies!!!

Has your writing changed your reading habits?

If so, how? Yes, unfortunately. I have less time to read now since I am working toward my own deadlines, but that’s a good thing!! I think the only negative way that my reading habits has changed because of my writing is that the more I learn and grow in the craft, the harder it is to turn off that internal editor when reading other books. Things that used to never bother me in stories now do!

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on several proposals that I’m very excited about. More info on that to come soon! =)

What outside interests do you have?

I love shopping and spending time with my family. Watching movies, the usual. Plus, I adore kickboxing. It’s the best workout and since having my daughter, I haven’t had the time to get into it again like I was, but I hope to one day!

How do you choose your settings for each book?

It’s whatever the story needs. If I have a hankering to write about a cowgirl, like in RODEO SWEETHEART, then obviously she needs a ranch, so Texas seemed the perfect fit. With my first two Love Inspired novels, RETURN TO LOVE and A VALENTINE’S WISH, I set them in New Orleans because of my family heritage and my love of the city. (my husband proposed there!)

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

Jane Austen. I think she’d be fantastic to meet in person. I’d love to interview her about her own books!

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

How slow the process is! And how attached you get to your “babies”. They say rejections aren’t personal, they’re business, but it still stings. =)

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

I would say discipline. He’s really been moving in my life and I’ve been juggling my writing with my family time and being a homemaker and wife. It’s a good balance and I’ve learned a lot about how to make the most of my time – including my time with Him.

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

WRITE WRITE WRITE. If you don’t write, you’ll never get published. Don’t spend too much time on blogging and Facebook and other communities that suck writing time for your schedule. Prioritize. Those avenues are important for promoting and marketing, but keep a good balance. Allow yourself a set amount of time per day or week for those things. Also, don’t give up. Again, if you give up, you are guaranteed to never meet your goals or dreams! (And a fourth – attend writers conferences and join the ACFW!) =)

Tell us about the featured book?

RODEO SWEETHEART is a story about a cowgirl named Sam who is determined to save her family ranch. Once a breeding farm, her beloved farm has been turned into a Dude Ranch in order to make ends meet. Sam wants to bring back the breeding farm in honor of her late father, who died bull riding in a local rodeo. To earn the money, Sam must ride in the same rodeo—except she knows nothing about bull riding! To make matters worse, city boy Ethan comes into town with inside knowledge, hoping to buy the property out from under Sam for a cheap price for his own family’s company. This story of opposites attracting and romance guarantee a fun, exciting ride from start to finish!

Sounds like a fun read. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can contact me through my website, http://www.betsystamant.com/ , find me on facebook, or read my blog at http://www.betsy-ann.blogspot.com/

Thank you, Betsy, for visiting with us again.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.


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

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

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

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

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

BEGUILED - Deeanne Gist & J Mark Bertrand - Free Book

In February, I was blessed to spend almost a week at a writer's retreat at the Round Top Retreat Center in Texas with many of my favorite authors, including Deeanne Gist. While we were there, she gave a presentation about the collaboration on this book. I knew I had to feature her and Mark on this blog.

How did the two of you decide to write a book together?

Dee: I wanted to collaborate on a romantic suspense with Mark, but I knew if I called it that, he’d say no. He, at the time, considered himself way too high-brow to write a romance. So I lied. I asked him to collaborate on a novel with me and told him it would be a crime fiction. Never mentioned the romance part.

Mark: Eventually I did figure out what was going on. But by then, like the frog in the boiling water, it was too late! A lot of writers dream about collaborating. Only a few get the opportunity. In television and film, it’s not uncommon, but novelists typically fly solo. I love a challenge, and since Dee and I were already great friends and knew each other’s work inside and out, writing Beguiled together seemed like the perfect thing to do.

What is the hardest thing about writing as a team?

Dee: I wanted our hero to look like this:

And Mark wanted our hero to look like this:

Mark: Guess who won that argument? By the way, the older gent holding the Beretta is the late Philippe Noiret, probably best known to American audiences for playing Pablo Neruda in the film Il Postino. He did inspire another character in the book. I won’t say who, but here’s a hint for those who’ve read Beguiled:

How did you choose your characters’ names?

Dee: I chose them. And Mark made fun of them. In the book. No lie. He has the hero thinking, and I quote:
“Rylee?” Logan smirked. “Seriously, she’s got to hate her parents.”

Mark: Guilty as charged. Not only would she hate her parents, but she’d spend half her waking life correcting misspellings. My wife’s name is Laurie, which most people seem to think is spelled Lori. If I wrote historical novels, I’d be tempted to change the spelling of my name to Marque—as in, letters of.

Would you want to work on another book together?

Dee: If I was ever to do another collaboration, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather do it with than Mark. But I found that I simply cannot write two books in one year. So, in order to keep my work schedule manageable, I’m going to have to go back to my one-book-a-year historicals.

Mark: Absolutely. Of course, to wrench a passage from the Bible way out of context, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. The challenge is finding the time, and as Dee says, writing two books in the space of a year is quite a feat. In theory, having two authors should split the work in half. In reality, it probably doubles it. After all, there are so many extra arguments over what the hero is going to look like!

What do you want to tell us about the book?

Dee: Rylee Monroe, a dogwalker in Charleston's wealthiest neighborhood, never feared the streets at night. But now a thief is terrorizing the area and worse, someone seems to be targeting her.


Reporter Logan Woods is covering the break-ins with the hope of publishing them as a true-crime book. The more he digs, the more he realizes this beguiling dogwalker seems to be at the center of everything.


As danger draws ever closer, Logan must choose: Chase the girl, the story, or plunge into the shadows after the villain who threatens everything?

Mark: Beguiled isn’t a Deeanne Gist book set in modern Charleston. And it’s not a J. Mark Bertrand book with an added romance plot. It’s an ideal collaboration in that, working together, we came up with a book neither of us could have written on our own. There’s suspense, romance, mystery, and a sense of humor.

Where can our readers find you on the Internet?

Dee: For giveaways, chats, blogs and exclusives, visit my website at IWantHerBook.com. You can also find me on facebook and twitter.

Facebook.com/IWantHerBook
twitter.com/DeeanneGist

Mark: The best place to find info about my writing is jmarkbertrand.com. And readers who want to know about about my upcoming crime fiction release, Back on Murder, should check out the dedicated site BackonMurder.com and read the excerpt!

Thank you, Dee and Mark. I believe this is the most fun interview I've ever done, and I can't wait to read Beguiled.

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

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


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

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

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

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

PEACE FOR PARENTS OF TEENS - Beth Shriver - Free Book

I'm happy to welcome my friend, Beth Shriver back to the blog. Beth, you are writing nonfiction. Do you also write fiction?


I have two fiction books published, a romantic suspense and a young adult. Another one is being contracted but I can’t give the info out just yet. :-)

What would you like for our readers to know about you personally?

I never thought I’d be an author but have been blessed in so many ways since I have been obedient to God in persevering and writing stories in His name. There are ups and downs but when you feel the Lord calling you, you know to ride out the storm until His will is done.

Tell us about your family.

I’ve been married for over 20 years and have an 18-year-old daughter in college studying criminal justice, and a 16-year-old son in high school who plays football, basketball, and runs track.

Have you written other nonfiction books?

This is my only non-fiction book, and I don’t plan to write another as I only seem to feel inclined when there is strife in my life, so I think I’ll stick to fiction and let my characters go through the grief. :-)
What other books have you written, and where can the readers of the blog find them?

My romantic suspense, A Case of the Heart, and young adult, Love at First Flight, are both available on Amazon.com.

Do you have any other books in the works right now?

My new agent is busy at work submitting my women’s fiction, Reclaiming Faith, a historical, Remnant of the Fall, and speculative, Fear of Falling. I have recently signed a contract for my Amish book, Annie's Truth, which will release in 2011.

Where on the Internet can the readers find you?

http://www.bethshriverwriter.com/

What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?

I enjoy reading and writing, of course. I also like to horse back ride, hike, tennis, ride my mountain bike and if I’m really brave, golfing, because I’m not very good at it. :-)

Why did you write the featured book?

This devotional was written during a trying time I had with my teen. I originally wrote these devotionals for me, to get through that difficult time. I was encouraged to continue writing them to share with others and here it is today being published. :-)

What do you want the reader to take away from the book?

I hope these devotionals will help parents through the trials of raising their teen. I had so wished for an unconditional book of devotionals that would give me a sense of peace. I hope the words in Peace for Parents of Teens will help others in the same way it helped me in writing them.

Thank you, Beth, for this interesting interview. I wish I'd had a book like that when I was raising teens.
 
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using this link when you order, you'll help support this blog.














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


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

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

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

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

Six Book Winners!!!!!!

CindyW is the winner of Code Blue by Richard Mabry.

Casey is the winner of No Greater Love by Kathi Macias.


Elaine W Miller is the winner of More Than Conquerors by Kathy Macias.


Misskallie2000 is the winner of Blood Ransom by Lisa Harris.


Megan (Inspired by Fiction) is the winner of Abbie Ann by Sharlene MacLaren.


Beverly Bender is the winner of A Stray Drop of Blood by Roseanna White.
 
Congratulations, everyone. Send me your mailing address:


Click the Contact Me link at the top of the page, and send me an Email.

You have 6 weeks to claim your book.

If you didn't win and you plan to order the book, please use the link provided on the individual interview. By using that link when you order, you will help support this blog.

We have an exciting lineup in 2010, including my next book Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, which releases May 1. You can view the book trailer by clicking on the Books link at the top of this blog. Both print edition and Kindle edition are available on Amazon now.

YESTERDAY'S PROMISE - Vanessa Miller - Free Book

Welcome back, Vanessa. Tell us about yourself.

Let’s see… I have one daughter (Erin), and I now have a two-year-old granddaughter and a one-yearold grandson. I know, I know… everyone tells me I don’t look old enough to be a grandmother. I just wish it was true.

Anyway, I am the administrator for the children’s Bible study program at my church and I am a full-time writer. I love to read and spend time with my family.

I have a two and a half-year-old great grandson. What type of jobs or careers have you worked in the past?

I have worked in accounting and in human resources. I liked different things about both areas, however, as the years progressed I discovered that I no longer wanted to work in corporate America. I prefer writing and working from home. So, I hope my readers continue to buy my books so I can keep this career. :-)

Who are your favorite authors? What are your favorite books?

I love everything by Jacquelin Thomas, Francine Rivers, and Karen Kingsbury. I also love Kendra Norman-Bellamy, Tia McCollors, Michelle Stimpson, and Norma Jarrett novels. I travel with the last four authors mentioned in a group called The Anointed Authors on Tour and I make sure to read every novel they write.

My favorite novel however, is Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers.

Michelle is a friend of mine. Actually, she's in the critique group that meets in my house. And Redeeming Love is my favorite novel as well. I've read it more than once. When did you begin to realize you wanted to write?

I was about nine years old when I realized I wanted to be a writer. I didn’t have the first clue as to how I would accomplish this goal, but I knew that I loved the written word and I loved writing my own stories. After many years of trial and error I finally figured it out.

Tell us about your journey to publication.

As a teenager, I wrote poems and short stories. However, in my early twenties I attempted my first novel. I got halfway through and couldn’t finish it. The same thing occurred with the next three novels I attempted. The first novel I completed was Former Rain and it took seven years from the start of that book until it was published.

I was so excited about finally completing a novel that I didn’t want to wait on a publisher to agree to publish my novel. So I self-published it in 2003. By 2006 I signed a contract with a mainstream publisher. That deal provided me with better distribution. Now, in 2010, I have 4 new books releasing by three different publishers. The one thing I’ve learned through this journey is that God is good. He will never fail us, if we put our trust in Him.

It took me eight years to get my first novel published. Are you a full-time writer? If so, describe your day?

Yes, I’ve been writing full-time since 2005. My day goes something like this: Since I don’t have to drive into work. I eat breakfast and then I read my Bible and have prayer time (some days, I allow things to get in the way of my prayer time, those are typically not good days for me). I am usually at my desk about 9 am. I answer my emails for about an hour and then I write from about 10 in the morning until about 4 pm. I then use the rest of my day to work on marketing issues.

Please list your published books.

Former Rain, Abundant Rain, Latter Rain, Rain Storm, Through the Storm, Forsaken and Yesterday’s Promise.

Which book did you find the hardest to birth?

Former Rain was the hardest book to write. It was my first and I was learning a lot about the skill of writing as I wrote that book. It took seven years from start to finish with several edits. I now write my books within two to three months.

Which book is your current favorite?

Through the Storm is my favorite book, because it is a mystery and I love reading mysteries. But each of my books have touched me in different ways.

How would you describe your writing style?

I write to touch the hearts and souls of my readers, other than that, I don’t believe I have a particular style.

Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what kind?

No. I like silence, so I can think.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Keep writing, and developing the skill that a writer needs to be successful. I would attend writer’s workshops and conferences. Once he/she finally gets that book deal I would advise that they learn everything they can about marketing that book. The market is saturated right now, so writers need to find ways to help their books stand out.

Writers are often encouraged to write what they know. Have you found that to be the case with your writing?

Yes, I mostly write redemption stories and that is because I have been redeemed. I want my readers to understand that God is always there for them. No matter what they’ve done, they can always turn back to God and be forgiven. However, my 2010 books are romance and women’s issue type books that are different from my earlier books, but I believe the reader will be touched by them as well.

Tell us about Yesterday’s Promise.

Yesterday’s Promise is a Christian romance about Melinda Johnson and Steven Marks. Melinda feels called to the ministry, but Steven doesn’t believe that women should preach. This disagreement between the two causes Steven to break off their engagement. But now, after ten years, Steven is back in Melinda’s life as the new bishop over her fellowship, and he wants a second chance with Melinda. However, Melinda can never marry a man who doesn’t respect the call of God on her life. To love one another, the two must knock down the walls that separate them. But can the bishop finally do that for his lady or will Melinda be forced to leave Omega Christian Church?

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

I was doing a book signing at the Indiana Black Expo and the lady next to my table was signing copies of her book that talked about the struggle for women to preach. Since the bishop of my church is a woman and we have women preach at my church all the time, I had never thought anything about any struggle that women faced when it came to preaching. But then a man walked into the room where we were signing our books. He took one look at Pastor Notoshia Howard’s book and started screaming at her. He told her that she had no business trying to preach to men and that women were not allowed to preach. That’s when the idea of Yesterday’s Promise was dropped in my spirit. I wanted to write a book that details the struggles women who have been called by God have to deal with in order to preach the gospel.

Did you have a favorite character? Who and why?

I loved Melinda’s character because she was so complex. She was a preacher with issues of unforgiveness that stemmed from broken promises that had been made by her mother, ex-fiancé and her father. She was an interesting character study. I enjoyed watching as she resolved her issues and gave love a second chance.

Did you have to do quite a bit of research for this novel?

This story really flowed from beginning to end and it didn’t require a lot of research on my part.

What do you hope readers will learn/discover from reading Yesterday’s Promise?

I want readers to close the book on Yesterday’s Promise believing in themselves and in love again. Sometimes the world beats us up so much that we put aside the things we know we should be doing, in order to do the things that make the most sense – but if God called you to it, He will bring you through it.

Please give us the first page of your book.

One

Standing before the congregation of Omega Christian Church, Melinda Johnson preached a message on God’s precious gift of salvation. Her mission in life was to tell as many people as possible about a Man named Jesus. Preaching the gospel had become her greatest joy. “Don’t wait until it’s too late,” she told the congregation. “The Lord Jesus wants to fellowship with you right now. He loves you and desires only good things for you.”

Melinda continued in that vein until her voice cracked and tears ran down her cocoa-cream face. She never tired of talking about God’s ability to do the impossible, or how He could take nothing and make something miraculous out of it. She usually avoided making public displays of emotion, but this message was more important than her image. As the tears continued to fall, she gave an altar call and watched as dozens of men and women left their seats and rushed toward the front of the sanctuary. Repentant souls stood around the altar weeping as they raised their hands in surrender to God. Melinda prayed to God on behalf of each and every one of them.

After the service, Melinda stood by the sanctuary door and shook hands with most of the people as they left the church. This was something that her father, Bishop Langston Johnson, always did. Since he couldn’t be there today, Melinda wanted to make sure the job was still done.

“Thanks for your wonderful message, Sister Melinda,” Janet Hillman said on her way out. “My son was one of the people who came down to the altar today.”

For the past three years, Janet had spent her lunch hours in noonday prayer on behalf of her son. Having joined her on numerous occasions, Melinda was aware of the addictions and incarcerations that Janet’s son had been through. However, Janet had kept the faith—she’d kept believing that her son would one day serve the Lord.

Melinda beamed. “You prayed him through, Janet. I should give you my prayer list, because I know you’ll stay on the job until it’s done.”

When Janet walked away, Bob Helms, the head elder, came up to Melinda and said, “You brought down the house with that sermon.”

“Thank you, sir, but I can’t take credit. That message was God-given,” Melinda said. After a short pause, she asked, “Do you know why the elders weren’t at prayer this morning?” The church leaders met for prayer on the first Sunday of every month, but Melinda had noticed that none of the elders had been in attendance that morning.

“Your father had asked that all the elders meet with him this morning,” Elder Helms told her.

“Oh,” was all Melinda said. She had been with her father the night before, and he hadn’t mentioned anything about meeting with the elders in the morning. The situation seemed odd to her because she had always been included in his meetings with the elders. Moreover, it was essentially understood by the entire church leadership that Melinda would assume her father’s position once he retired. Right now, her father was in the hospital, recuperating from what he’d thought had been a heart attack. Now that Melinda thought about it, he had been given strict instructions to rest, which probably explained why he hadn’t told her about the meeting. He knew that she wouldn’t want him worrying about church business right now.

Elder Helms interrupted her thoughts. “The Bishop did tell me to make sure that you left church right after preaching the message, Melinda. He wants to see you immediately.”

It seemed like Elder Helms knew something Melinda didn’t, and it scared her. “Did something happen to Dad this morning?”

Shaking his head, Elder Helms reassured her, “No, no. Nothing like that. The Bishop is doing fine. He just wants to see you.”

“Thanks for letting me know, Elder Helms,” she said. “I’ll head over there now.”

How can readers find you on the internet?

Readers can find me on my website: http://www.vanessamiller.com/  or on facebook by typing in Vanessa Miller.

Thank you so much for taking time to do this interview. I really appreciate it.

And we really enjoyed this time with you, Vanessa.

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














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


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

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

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

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

THE SACRED CIPHER - Terry Brennan - Free Book

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

So far, my male protagonists always start off as me. But, then they wake up to the power they hold and begin to demand the ability to express themselves. After that, it’s anybody’s guess who they are.

I’m not a character-driven author, but a plot-driven author. I’ve always been a story teller. Story tellers always start with the story. The people in the story are secondary to the story itself … they people the universe, but they don’t determine the universe. The story does.

I think my story telling was sharpened and defined by my 15 years as a sportswriter. When you cover sports, the game is the story. The athletes play the game, so they have a part, but the game is the story – the score; the impact of the score; etc. So when I come at a story, I come at it through the plot, not the people.

As a result, many of my characters start off as some version of me – or someone I know – and then grow organically into who they will eventually become.

Usually, there’s not much of me there at the end.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Going sledding at 2:00 in the morning – after we had gotten that day’s edition of the local newspaper on the press and running – with one of the news editors, my good buddy, Vince. We went to a golf course he knew had a great hill with incredible launching ramps that summered as sand traps. So we climbed the chain link fence and lifted ourselves over the barbed wire on top. It was still. Quiet. Ice crystals in the air. Blackness against the white snow.

The first run was a blur of fear and fun and flash … screaming and laughing and trying to hang on. Since we had only one sled, we were riding as a double-decker … Vince on top. My eyes were stinging from the flying snow that peppered my face as we hurtled down the hill. So I didn’t see the dark slash across the ground until after Vince had launched himself away at the very last moment. But I do remember hitting the water as the sled and I plunged into an icy stream … truly, a water hazard.

I do remember Vince, running around in this huge circle, laughing like a crazed hyena, particularly when he looked at me.

I remember, soaked to the skin, there was smoke rising from my clothes in the frozen night. I remember it got harder to move the further up the hill I got toward the fence – and the promised warmth of my car.

And I remember getting to the fence and recognizing that my clothes were frozen solid. Nothing bent anymore.

Amazingly, somehow I got to the top of the fence (no credit to Vince), with no way to navigate the barbed wire. So I threw myself – launched myself as an icy missile – over the top of the barbed wire and slammed into the snow on the ground on the other side. Lying in the snow with Vince running in circles again, howling at the human popsicle.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I was a freshman in high school. My English teacher was quite a unique and eccentric character. You could only use a fountain pen in his class. All of us (young men in a Catholic boys school) were required to use our full names at all times, including a middle initial. Gentlemen, when standing, never clasp their hands in front of themselves (only monkeys and apes do that), but clasp their hands behind their backs. See … the guy made an impact.

He would give us writing assignments. One was, Why my meatball wouldn’t bounce. Another was, Blue, and bluer. For Blue and Bluer, I wrote a science fiction story. My teacher demanded to know from where I stole the story idea – which I hadn’t. That was the start.

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

I’ve always loved the classic American authors – Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald – particularly Steinbeck. That guy was a wizard with words. As a kid, I read every Fu Manchu mystery. As a college student, every James Bond thriller and the required Lord of the Rings trilogy, including the prequel The Hobbit. In between, Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes … you get the drift.

Today, I love Dennis Lehane’s work – particularly his latest – The Given Day. I think he’s become a lyrical writer. And my son, Matt, has hooked me into both Stephen King and (more my style) Cormack McCarthy.

Sprinkle into that adrenalin mix some historical biographies and/or autobiographies (Mornings on Horseback By David McCoullough).

And lots of contemporary thriller writers, like Joel Rosenberg.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

My first book, Jacob’s Portion, was a necessary soul cleansing, written by a journalist who had no idea what book writing was all about. It’s still in a drawer, but it’s on life support and needs organ transplants to make it viable. Perhaps someday.

I’ve “finished” (Hah!) my second novel, Hunger’s Ransom, which my publisher, Kregel Publications, has seen and for which they’ve suggested some significant editing and story shaping. And I’m working on the sequel to The Sacred Cipher.

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

I try to sleep. And I try to stay rooted in prayer.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

One character’s name I got from the sign on a business across Second Avenue from a NYC diner where I would meet up with my accountability partners. Some I’ve just snatched out of thin air. Lately, I’ve taken to watching movie credits and looking for interesting names (always mix them up).

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

My wife Andrea and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary in June ’09. If you knew the story, you would know that is a miracle. I’m proud of Andrea that she hung in there … I’m grateful to God for grace … and I’m proud of myself that I was determined to do whatever it took to be the man God designed me to be and the husband Andrea needed (deserved) me to be. And I did not give up.

That I got to take my Dad to a Phillies world series game in 1983.

That when I was editor of the Pottstown (PA) Mercury, we wrote a three-year series of editorials that won a Pulitzer Prize.

That there’s a hunk of paper and cardboard sitting on a shelf in Barnes & Noble that has my name on it.

But nothing compares to God saving our marriage.

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

A mountain goat. I am in rapture in the mountains. And I’m a task oriented person. Show me the goal, and I will get there.

What is your favorite food?

Chicken pot pie … but only the way my wife makes it.

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

Confidence, and I haven’t overcome that one yet. Organization, and I haven’t overcome that one yet. Pride and arrogance, once I sold a book. I figured I must have the golden touch. So I threw down a story and didn’t pay attention to my craft. Those two, God put a dent in with a 2x4.

No, the greatest roadblock is discipline. When I have it, magic happens. When I don’t, nothing happens. Creating and sticking to a rigid schedule is one of the few ways I’ve found to establish discipline.

What advice would you give to an author just starting out?

Don’t make the mistake to think somebody else has the answer. That there is some magic formula for writing that those on the inside know, but they won’t tell you. There are as many theories about writing and style requirements as there are books about writing. And all of the authors believe their way is the best (right?) way. Understand, this is not a science. There is not one formula that works. Some basic expectations for content and presentation but – hey, down to it, it’s all about the writing.

So, write. Write a lot. Write all the time. Write until you’re sick of it. And then keep on writing until your characters begin to talk back to you. Then follow their advice.

Tell us about the featured book?

The Sacred Cipher is an adult thriller/suspense triggered by the discovery of a hidden room behind the organ pipes in The Bowery Mission’s chapel in New York City. In a safe in the room is found an ancient scroll with a message written in an extinct language that has never been deciphered. The first half of the book takes place in NYC as a ‘team’ of guys tries to discover the content of the message, and t he second half is when the team goes off to find out if the message is, in fact, true.

Here’s the blurb from the back cover of the book:

"When New Yorker Tom Bohannon uncovers an ancient scroll containing a dead language that has been lost in the sands of time, he doesn't fully comprehend the danger that's about to unfold. Though Tom and his team of ragtag scientists and historians want to decode the ancient text, others don’t want the cipher revealed. And they are prepared to kill to keep it hidden.

"From a market in nineteenth-century Alexandria to a library in present-day New York to the tunnels beneath Jerusalem, the secret of the cipher is gradually revealing itself across the globe. And for those in its path, life is about to change - forever."

Sounds interesting. Please give us the first page of the book.

Prologue
1889 • Alexandria, Egypt

Only three types of buyers entered the Attarine—the foolish, the fraudulent, and the forewarned. The foolish, who acted on whim instead of wisdom and expected to fleece an ignorant Egyptian native; the fraudulent, expert in identifying well-crafted forgeries, anxious to pass them on for great profit; and the forewarned, who searched for treasure but were wise enough to employ someone who knew the ways, and the merchants, of the seductive but evil-ridden Attarine.

Spurgeon knew the risk. But treasures awaited in the twisting, narrow stone streets snaking away from the Attarine Mosque.

He had Mohammad, he had a gun, he had money—and he had God.

Peering down the darkened alley, Spurgeon worried that, maybe, he didn’t have enough.

Mohammad entered the alley and disappeared from view. The alley was gray-on-gray, denied sunlight by overhanging, second-floor balconies adorning almost every building, their shuttered windows barely an arm’s length from each other. Joining with the dark was a riot of refuse, crazed, cadaver-like dogs and powerfully pungent, unknown odors.

The Attarine District was home to the greatest concentration of antiquities dealers in Alexandria, both the illicit and the honorable. A person could buy almost any historical artifact along the ancient streets of the Attarine. Some were even genuine. And Charles Haddon Spurgeon was on a treasure hunt.

He held his breath; he held his heart; and he stepped into the dark.

At the first fork, Mohammed Isfahan was waiting. Spurgeon’s heart slowed its pounding pace. Mohammed confidently led the way, weaving in and out of the shoppers and the strollers who clogged the tight byways. It was early morning, before the sun began to scorch the stones, and Spurgeon was grateful for the moderate breeze off the Mediterranean. At his size, the heat sapped his strength and soaked his shirt within minutes. Though the morning was warm, Spurgeon hoped to get back into his hotel, under a fan in a shaded corner of the dining room, long before the withering heat began blowing from the Sahara. On one of his regular trips to the Middle East, Spurgeon was trolling for ancient biblical texts and Mohammed, recommended by the hotel’s concierge, promised he knew where to look.

Now fifty-six, he was England’s best-known preacher, and he grudgingly accepted the considerable influence and power he had earned as pastor of London’s famed New Park Street Church for the last thirty years. Spurgeon was the first to admit preaching was his passion.

But Spurgeon was also the first to admit that books were his weakness. He typically devoured six books per week and had written many of his own. Now, scuttling through the twilight of the dusty alley, Spurgeon sought to slake that hunger in the shops of the Attarine.

I can hardly wait to read it. How can readers find you on the Internet?

terrybrennan.blogspot.com … but, sadly, I’m seldom there. It causes my agent heart attacks, but I just have a hard time finding time to do it.

Thank you, Terry, for the interesting interview.
 
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using this link when you order, you'll help support this blog.














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


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

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

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

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/