TAPESTRY OF TRUST - Mary Anslee Urban - One Free Ebook

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

Definitely my moral views. Also, my heroines are petite, on the short side, like me, also, dark hair. I love to cook, so my heroines do also.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I talked my husband into going to Guatemala to help some missionaries we support. It was a rather volatile time in the country and when we got there we realized that “guerillas/bandits” lived in the hills behind us. The pastor’s wife told us not to answer the outside door to our room during night in case they knock. Scary, especially since we had our kids with us. Two weeks after we left the bandana clad bandits broke into the house, demanded money and stole many of the items we brought for the missionaries.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I’ve always been a daydreamer. Playing out stories in my head. But didn’t start writing until I was in my late thirties.

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

Inspirational romance, historical, devotionals, autobiographies.

Then you might like my McKenna’s Daughters series. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Prayer, laughter, spending time with family and friends. Cooking and travel.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Whatever comes to mind as I dream up a character.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Being a mother. It has been a privilege and honor to raise my five kids.

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

A doe, always on the go.

What is your favorite food?

Mexican.

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

Balancing my job as a nurse, family, and other responsibilities.

Tell us about the featured books.

 Blurb: Surrendered Hearts—Interwoven Grace 

Isabelle had always envisioned Charlie Hamilton as the hero depicted in the romantic tapestry hanging in the Hamilton home. Then Charlie abandoned her to make decisions no one should make alone. Now, six years later, Charlie’s back, and despite Isabelle’s best efforts, she can’t ignore the longing his presence reignites. Charlie wants a second chance, but can Isabelle trust the man he’s become? Can she surrender her threadbare heart long enough for God to weave Isabelle's own happily-ever-after tapestry?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter One

Isabelle Crafton’s breath stilled at the sight of the man standing on the other side of the doorway. No. It couldn’t be.

Charlie Hamilton. His name clattered in her head as his gaze held hers. The traitor she’d spent the last six years trying to forget.

Unable to move, unable to wrench her gaze away, she bit her lip to keep from gaping. No longer the gangly soccer star who’d scored the winning goals in high school, broad shoulders now filled his tailored suit, his face square and chiseled, and those eyes… Would she ever forget those eyes? Dark and warm. Once as soothing as sipping hot chocolate on a blistery winter’s day.

            “Isabelle, I can’t believe it’s you.”

She blinked and looked away, her heart pounding. Get a grip. After all, his visit presented one redeeming quality. He was holding her cat.

She lifted the feline from Charlie’s arms. “There you are Humphrey, you had me so worried. Bad kitty!” She scolded him the way she’d love to scold Charlie, but held back. Her roommate Kate, was in the apartment and well within earshot. “Charlie, thank you.” She forced her voice to remain calm.

“You look great.” He smiled, brushing cat hair from his jacket.

Likewise. She scrunched Humphrey closer. “You found my cat. I’ve been so worried. I’m not sure if you remember Humphrey, but he’s deaf.”

Charlie nodded. “He was hanging out in the drainage ditch near the parking lot. The woman in the office told me who lost a cat. She offered to return him, but I had to see if it was really you. And here you are.” He opened his arms and stepped closer.

Unexpected emotion clogged Isabelle’s throat. Swallowing hard, she grabbed the knob and pushed the front door halfway shut, blocking his entrance into the apartment. How dare he act like nothing had happened between them? “I must say, you’re the last person I expected to see.” The last person she wanted to see.

For a moment, their eyes clashed. The corners of his lips curved up. “Yes, a nice surprise. It’s been a long time, Isabelle. Too long.” His gaze drifted from her face to the furry bundle in her arms. “I should have recognized Humphrey.”

Surprise? Yes.

Too long? A lifetime wouldn’t be long enough. And why would he recognize her cat? He hadn’t been around since Humphrey was a kitten.

Isabelle eased the door within a couple inches of closing. “See you around, Charlie.” Except for a discreet glance through lowered lashes, she kept her gaze averted, cuddling the cat closer to her face.

How can readers find you on the Internet? 

http://Maryurban.blogspot.com

Thank you, Mary, for sharing your life and book with us.

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

Tapestry of Trust


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

MISS AGGIE'S GONE MISSING, MISS AGGIE CRIES MURDER, and REST IN PEACE, MISS AGGIE - Frances Devine - 3 Free Ebooks

Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I write historical romance because I love history and love doing research. As for cozy mysteries. Well, writing a cozy makes me happy.

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

Hmm. I accepted Jesus at a young age, so that should be my happiest day, but I’d have to say, it was the day I repented and returned to Him after years of being backslidden.

How has being published changed your life?

There’s great satisfaction in having a lifelong dream fulfilled.  I’m a lot more disciplined now because if I wasn’t I wouldn’t get another contract.  And I have a little more money than I used to.

What are you reading right now?

I just downloaded the ebook version of Hummingbird, David Stearman’s debut novel. I’ll start reading it tonight.

What is your current work in progress?

The third book in my school about teachers at a blind school in Georgia. The title is The Strength of a Live Oak Tree.

What would be your dream vacation?

I’ve always wanted to visit England.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

The ideas just come to me. I usually have the setting before the characters.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I like to watch figure skating and I love Christmas so much, I’m a member of a year-round Christmas forum at www.christmastalk.com .

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

Procrastination. I’m still working on that one.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Set a writing schedule and stick to it it, and find a good critique group.

Tell us about the featured books. 

The Misadventures of Miss Aggie is a three book cozy-mystery series originally released in Barbour’s Heartsong Presents Mysteries Book Club. The authors recently received the rights back to our books and with the help of MacGregor Literary Agency we’ve republished them in e-book form. The line is called Spyglass Lane Mysteries. The actual heroine of the Miss Aggie books is Victoria Storm who owns a boardinghouse for a lot of opinionated, but soft hearted seniors. In book one, Miss Aggie disappears. Victoria and Miss Aggie’s senior friends don’t like the way the sheriff is handling things so they set out to find Miss Aggie.

Please give us the first page of your book.

At 10:29 am on a cold day in January, The Chapel Bank was robbed. At 5:41 that afternoon, Miss Georgina burst into my office at Cedar Lodge Boardinghouse, screeching like Clyde Foster’s parrot, Whatzit, and flung herself into the easy chair in the corner. “Victoria!” she gasped. “Something terrible has happened!”

Figuring she meant the bank robbery, I wasn’t too concerned. We’d already discussed it several times that day. However, since Miss Georgina goes into a tizzy at least three times a day, maybe this was something else. Someone had probably moved her knitting or something. I knew from past experience if she didn’t calm down soon the whole household would be in an uproar. By the time I put down the mystery I’d been reading, slid my chair back, stood, and scurried over to Miss Georgina, she was sobbing hysterically.

“There, there, now,” I crooned. “What in the world is the matter?”

I reached over to smooth her hair in what I thought was a comforting movement and realized in a flash I’d done the unpardonable. Somehow, I’d managed to displace the pearl comb she wore in her silver curls. I closed my eyes and waited for her pained correction of my faux pas. To my surprise, she didn’t even acknowledge the cockeyed comb. Instead, Miss Georgina sniffled and grabbed my hand. Anxiety twisted the elderly woman’s face. This was more than misplaced knitting.

“I’m so worried. Aggie hasn’t come home yet. She’s been gone most of the day.” With that, her fraught nerves gave way, and she burst into a fresh bout of sobs.

Okay. This I could handle.

“Now, now, she’s been late before. I’m sure she just lost track of time and is still at the library. I’ll look up the number, and we’ll have her home safe and sound in no time.”

As quick as the hysteria had started, Miss Georgina stopped cold and gave me an indignant scowl. All my elderly boarders felt like they could correct me at will. After all, they’d known me since I was a child and didn’t care a bit that I had just turned thirty.

“Aggie never stays out past four on Tuesdays. That’s the day we have our Bible study before dinner. Besides, the library closes at four thirty.”

Hmmm. She did have a point. After almost a year as owner of Cedar Lodge, I should remember these little details. “Well, maybe she stopped to visit with someone.”

“In this weather? It’s been snowing for two hours.” Once more, fear shadowed her wrinkled face.

“Miss Georgina, I’m sure Miss Aggie’s fine. She’ll show up any minute now.”

“Maybe. . .but. . .” She leaned toward me and lowered her voice almost to a whisper. “Martin thinks the robbers took her.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.facebook.com/francesdevineauthor  

www.francesdevine.blogspot.com 

Thanks for having me on your blog, Lena.

It’s my pleasure, Frances.

Readers, here are links to the books. By using them when you order, you help support this blog.
Miss Aggie's Gone Missing (The Misadventures of Miss Aggie)
Miss Aggie Cries Murder (The Misadventures of Miss Aggie)
Rest in Peace, Miss Aggie (The Misadventures of Miss Aggie)


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

JOY TAKES FLIGHT - Bonnie Leon - One Free Book

What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

Themes that show up in my stories often have to do with my day-to-day life or those close to me—topics that have impacted me personally. I may not have been transported on a prison ship and experienced the hardships and faith testing that comes with that kind of experience and I’m not a pilot who flies the Alaskan skies, but I have known hardship, fear, hope and the discovery of God’s presence in the midst of a storm. Those are the things I love to write about.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

For the first time in a very long while, I’m writing without a contract. I have two must write books on my docket. The most pressing of the two is a true story.

A few years ago, a woman I’d never met asked me to write her story. I was in the middle of a series at the time and couldn’t take on another project. This gal did not give up. She called me a couple times a year and we’d chat briefly. Finally, we met while I was at a book signing. She told me her story and I started to cry as I realized that maybe I was supposed to write her story.

She is Native American and lived an incredible life in the Alaskan wilderness. I am midway through the book and can’t wait to introduce her to readers. She’s an amazing woman.

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

I would be honored to spend an evening with Condoleezza Rice. She is an exceptional person—her background, her life experiences and her career are inspiring and intriguing. She is a deep river of experience, wisdom and knowledge. I’m certain that one evening with her would be life changing.

What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

I’ve been asked this question before. There is always more than one answer. Today, when I consider the possibility Corrie Ten Boon comes to mind first. She was a courageous woman of faith. I’m grateful for all she did for the German people during Hitler’s reign. She is a beautiful picture of who we can be in Christ when we fully entrust our lives to Him.

I look forward to meeting her in heaven where we will have all eternity to spend time together.

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

Rejections are part of being a writer. Published authors hear back from agents, editors or publishing houses with critiques or outright rejections of their work.

As writers we need to keep a proper perspective. A negative response to a manuscript is not a personal rejection. And it may have nothing to do with the quality of our work. Often times, publishing houses refuse a manuscript because they’ve already done something similar recently. It may be a topic they don’t feel comfortable working with. Or a genre that would be better handled by another publisher.

In the end, we need to trust our careers to God. He knows the beginning and the end and the “why” of all the in between places. Rejections are often a gift. We need to pay attention to any critiques that come with them and be thankful for them. They offer us an opportunity to improve our craft. And after all, we want only our very best work to go out to readers.

Tell us about the featured book.

Book three, like the first two books in the Alaskan Skies series is filled with high flying adventure. It includes lots of authentic details of 1930’s Alaska.

Kate Evans, an Alaskan bush pilot, is living her dream. She and Dr. Paul Anderson finally marry, and although she expected life to be smooth sailing it is anything but. Kate had imagined her life as an Alaskan bush pilot to continue without a hitch. But some of the promises Paul made to her were misleading and he is still withholding a secret from his past that creates a barrier between the newly married couple.

When Kate discovers she is expecting a baby, more questions about what her role as wife and mother are raised. She wants one thing, Paul wants another. Their life begins to come apart. A tragedy frays away the final seams that hold them together, and Kate fears she’s lost Paul forever.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Kate stared into the church mirror and recited the name once more. “Mrs. Paul Anderson.” She’d tried on the name many times, and in less than an hour it would truly be hers. This all felt like a dream. She’d thought she’d lost him. And now she was about to become Paul’s wife.

      She turned to the side and smoothed her floor-length gown. Her dear friend, Muriel Stevens, had convinced her to use a little extra makeup, and she’d made sure her hair was perfectly coiffed. Still, she looked like Kate Evans—tall and athletic, her auburn hair peeking out from beneath a veil and hazel eyes vibrant with anticipation. “Kate Anderson. Mrs. Paul Anderson.”

      February 26, 1938, would draw a line in Kate’s history, one that stated she’d never be the same. She’d still be Kate the bush pilot who loved a challenge, but she’d also be Paul’s

wife . . . . She’d be better because he shared her life, but she was a little frightened. She didn’t know how to be someone’s wife. Kate smiled at her image and almost giggled. Poor Paul. It wouldn’t be easy on him while she learned to relinquish some of her independence.

      Kate glanced at the clock—thirty minutes. Nerves skittered up and down her spine, tickled her arms and made her stomach flip. What kind of wife would she be?

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I’m easy to find. My website address is www.bonnieleon.com and my blog address is http://bonnieleon.blogspot.com/ . I also have an author page on facebook at www.facebook.com/BonnieLeonAuthor. And I’m a bit new to twitter but I’ve jumped in. My handle is @Bonnie_Leon.

I look forward to meeting some new friends.

Thank you, Bonnie, for sharing your new book with us.

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

Joy Takes Flight: A Novel (Alaskan Skies) paperback
Joy Takes Flight: A Novel (Alaskan Skies) - 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

DYING TO READ - Lorena McCourtney - One Free Book

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

God has moved in different ways over my writing career, including one, long discouraging spell when I had nothing new published for several years. But he had things for me to learn during that time (a basic one was that life is not all about writing!) Right now I'm blessed with a three-book contract to write my Cate Kinkaid Files mystery series for Revell.

Tell us a little about your family.

I'm married – 38 years now! I have a son and a married granddaughter, plus two stepdaughters and several step-grandchildren. Plus one eccentric cat. We live in southern Oregon.

Since you’re in southern Oregon, you might enjoy my last release Mary’s Blessing which is set in southern Oregon in 1885. Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Since I've changed my writing from romances to romantic  mystery/suspense, I read more in the mystery genre. I never thought I'd want to read on an e-book reader, but I'm fine with it now.

What are you working on right now?

I'm working on that third book in the Cate Kinkaid Files series, title not decided on yet. I'm also intending, as I have been for an embarrassingly long time now, to get another book written in my Ivy Malone Mysteries series. Readers keep asking for it, and I keep trying to find time to do it.

What outside interests do you have?

I enjoy walking, beachcombing on the Oregon coast, raising flowers. (Although that's a struggle. I see other people growing great petunias, and mine always look kind of scraggly.)  I collect antique spurs and bits, and also old pocket knives. My husband and I enjoy going to yard sales looking for something to add to those collections, or to his collection of old tools.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I prefer to go with the "write what you know" way of doing things, so I often choose Oregon settings. Sometimes a story can only be set in a particular place – the setting is that much a part of the story. I've also chosen a setting because it's a place I'd like to visit, and the story is a good reason to go there.

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

Jesus would have to be at the top of the list, of course. But after that, I'd like to meet my Indian great-great grandmother, whose name I don't even know. But I'd really like to know about her life.

That sounds interesting. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

That you don't have it "made" after having one book (or ten) published.

That is so true. What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

That serving Him with my writing is important, but it is not more important than an actual relationship with Him.

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

Read a lot, particularly in your chosen genre, but other types of books as well to learn about different approaches to a story, different themes, different techniques.

Be persistent. Talent is wonderful, but some of us have a limited amount of that, and need to go with persistence.

Talk to the Lord about your writing and where He wants you to go with it.

Tell us about the featured book.

DYING TO READ is Book #1 of the Cate Kinkaid Files mystery series. Cate's life is really floundering. She hasn't been able to find a steady job in almost a year, and she and her fiancé had a rather unpleasant breakup too. (Since to be known as the Cappuccino Conflict.)

So, when her uncle offers her a job as an assistant private investigator with his one-man Belmont Investigations, out of desperation she takes it. He assures her that her first assignment is easy and uncomplicated. There will be no danger, no crime, no mayhem.

Instead, Cate soon finds herself up to her elbows in Whodunit ladies, a paint-blobbed hunk, a deaf white cat – and killers.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Cate glanced at the identification card her Uncle Joe had printed out  just before she left his office. Cate Kinkaid, Assistant Private Investigator. Complete with the photo he’d snapped, which showed a spike of red hair growing out of her left ear,  and the  address and phone number of Belmont Investigations.

An identification card that made her – what? An overage Nancy Drew? An underage Jessica Fletcher? A clueless Stephanie Plum?

Whatever, she was getting desperate, and the job was only temporary, not a lifetime commitment.  She was, as Uncle Joe had put it, just dipping her toe into the world of private investigation. Just until one of the many résumés she had floating around brought results. All she had to do today was check on a woman named Willow Bishop living at an address on Meisman Street here in Eugene, Oregon, and then write up a brief report for the files.

Although Cate hadn’t expected the house to look as if it had jumped off the cover of some old Gothic novel. She parked at the bottom of the steep driveway and stared up at the unlikely old place sitting on an oversized parcel  among a subdivision of modest homes. Not dilapidated, but weathered and brooding, with oddly-shaped windows tucked into unlikely nooks, and several upper windows painted over. A witch, or maybe a vampire or vulture, wouldn’t look out of place peeking over the peaked roof of a corner turret.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My webpage is: http://www.lorenamccourtney.com

I have two Facebook pages: One is Lorena McCourtney Author.

The other is http://www.facebook.com/lorenamccourtney  

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Dying to Read: A Novel (The Cate Kinkaid Files) - paperback
Dying to Read: A Novel (The Cate Kinkaid Files) - 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

Winners!!!

Angela (KY) is the winner of Giants in the Land by Clark Rich Burbridge. 
Lady Satome (SD) is the winner of A Promise for Miriam by Vannetta Chapman.  
Patty (SC) is the winner of Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble. (I just finished reading this one. It's wonderful.) 
Amy (VA) is the winner of Angel of the Cove by Sandra Robbins. 
Judy (IN)  is the winner of Over the Edge by Mary Connealy. (I've read this one, too. You'll love it.) 
Wendy (MN) is the winner of Prodigal Nights by Lisa Buffaloe.
Kathleen (MO) is the winner of For Such a Time as This by Ginny Aiken.  

If you won a book and you like it, consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble, or other Internet sites. 

Also, tell your friends about the book ... and this blog. Thank you.

Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:
Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.
If you won the ebook, just let me know what email address it should be sent to.
When you contact me, please give the title of the book you won, so I won't have to look it up.

Remember, you have 4 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.

A PATH TOWARD LOVE - Cara Lynn James - One Free Book

Bio:

Cara Lynn James writes historical romances set during the Gilded Age. Her fourth book, A Path toward Love, released August 14^th. Her previous novels are Love on a Dime, Love on Assignment, and Love by the Book.

Cara and her family have resided in northwest Florida for the past ten years. She’s also lived in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Texas, California, Virginia and Vermont. In her younger years she served in the military as a Naval officer along with her husband who’s a retired Navy pilot. Now Cara writes full time -- when she’s not playing with her five year old grandson or Sparky, the family Papillon. 

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

I see myself writing the stories God inspires me to write. I’m interested in historical romances and historical women’s fiction/romances, but I’d also love to try writing contemporaries set in New England within a small town setting. If I get really brave and adventurous, I might attempt a mystery. I’m not sure I’m clever enough to pull one off, but I think I may try to find out.

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband (a retired Navy pilot and retired science teacher) and I moved to Florida ten years ago. We lived in Vermont for the previous twenty years. My son’s family now lives in Jacksonville, but my daughter and her five-year-old son live with us. It’s fun having a three generational household, but it certainly isn’t like being empty nesters! An adorable Papillon named Sparky protects us from any danger. Well maybe not, but he keeps us company.

I’m originally from Connecticut and my husband is a native Floridian. We met and married in San Diego, California where we were both stationed as Naval officers, and then we were transferred to Virginia Beach. After my husband retired from the Navy we moved to Vermont, a place we all love. But it is so cold in the winter!

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

Yes, it has. Now I read more ‘how-to-write’ books and research books. And I also read more historical romance. Years ago my favorites included thrillers, mysteries, women’s fiction and romantic suspense. Actually, I still enjoy them, but I’ve added many more romances to my list.

Unfortunately, I don’t have as much time to read as I’d like. But it’s my favorite pastime, so I write during the day when my mind is fresh and I read in the evening. I’m really addicted to books. I buy way too many (but is that really possible?) and I’ll never get through all of them.

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on another Gilded Age historical romance set in a small Massachusetts town and in Newport, Rhode Island. It’s about an impoverished young woman who takes a position as companion to her rich, elderly cousin in Newport. When the old woman changes her will in her favor, there’s outrage among the other relatives. With the help of a handsome neighbor, a curious Laura tries to discover the reason for her good fortune. This leads her down a crooked path toward a new identity she never suspected and what others consider an unsuitable romance. 

What outside interests do you have?

Reading, cooking, decorating the house, talking to writer friends, and camping. My husband and I have an A frame camper which we often take to Gulf Shores, Alabama for the weekend. Since we live in the South, we found that the best time to camp is in the spring and fall. Summer here is too hot for me. I also love to travel, but we never stray too far from home. A few months ago we went to St. Augustine, Florida. I hope to set a story there in the future.

My major interests are my family, writing and reading. They take up most of my time. My grandson is such a blessing to have around! He’s so entertaining.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Last year my cousin mentioned I’d always said I wanted to write a book set in Newport, Rhode Island. My mother’s family comes from Newport and so I frequently vacationed there as a child. It was my second home. I was always fascinated with the beautiful scenery, the ocean, the beaches, and especially the history. Some of my ancestors founded the town in 1639, so that really increased my interest.

But after I finished the Ladies of Summerhill series (Love on a Dime, Love on Assignment and Love by the Book), my editor asked me to change the location for my fourth book. We finally settled on Raquette Lake in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. I lived in Vermont for many years, so I was familiar with the Adirondacks. In fact, I could see them from the top of my road. They were right across the Champlain Valley and Lake Champlain. Even though my characters are still Gilded Age millionaires, they lived very differently at their Adirondack ‘great camps’ than they did in the Newport “cottages” which are really mansions.

I choose settings I love and that makes it easy to write about them.

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

I think I’d pick Samuel Clemens/Mark Twain because I love his books, especially Huckleberry Finn. He had such a fantastic sense of humor and insight into the human condition. He’d be so entertaining and I think I’d learn a lot about people and about writing. Also, he lived in interesting times, so I’m sure I’d get a great history lesson.

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

I wish I’d realized writing is a business, not a hobby. Of course I’d always known

publishing is a business just like any other, but it really didn’t register when I just wrote at my leisure. Until I had a deadline, I didn’t understand how pressure-packed writing could be. I’m sure every journalist understands how important it is to write fast and to write well, but I was a stay-at-home mom and I never considered the business side of writing. My one great luxury was flex-time when my kids were in school. I wrote when I felt like it. Needless to say, I didn’t get much accomplished during those years.

But when I signed a publishing contract, things changed. I had to adjust to writing, revising, and promoting all at the same time. At first I found it difficult to juggle everything, but I got used to it. Every job has its surprises!

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

He’s teaching me to be patient, to enjoy my family, and not to worry about the future. It’s easy to plan ahead and try to control things, but uncontrollable events always pop up and often without warning. So I trust the Lord with the future. As far as writing goes, I’m learning to really enjoy the process more.

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

Read a lot, write a lot, and when you get discouraged (and you will occasionally) don’t give up. Perseverance is the key. One more thing—it’s important to define what success looks like to you. Is it writing the best book you can, or is it only getting published?

Tell us about the featured book.

Katherine came home to forget her past.

The last thing she expected is a hopeful future.

Young widow Katherine Osborne returns to her family’s rustic camp on Raquette Lake in the Adirondack Mountains. She’s determined to live a quiet life, but her socialite mother is equally determined to push her into a new marriage while she’s still young.

Andrew Townsend has known Katherine since they were children. An attorney who is successful, but not wealthy, he knows she is socially out of his reach. But he’s curious what changed the free-spirited girl he once knew into this private, somber young woman.

Katherine has kept hidden the details of her unsuccessful marriage. When past sins come to light, she must turn to God for the courage to be honest. But how can she trust the God she feels has let her down? When she confides in Andrew, their relationship takes a dramatic turn into uncharted territory.

Amid impossible obstacles, two young people must learn to trust enough to walk the path that God has cleared for them. A path that leads to healing and restoration. A path toward love.

Please give us the first page of the book.

                                                             Chapter One

Hernando County, Florida

July 1905

         Katherine Osborne couldn’t escape the numbers. She dragged her gaze from the lush orange groves right outside her office window to the ledger open on her desk. Why had she ever believed she could run a business with little experience and less capital? The numbers screamed bankruptcy and the end of her dream—unless she quickly obtained a loan to tide her over. She hoped an answer would come in the afternoon post. All she needed was a little more time . . . surely business would improve.

         For a few moments she gave in to her mounting fears and buried her head in her hands, allowing the warmth and stillness of the afternoon to wash through her. But at the sound of foot- steps, Katherine glanced up and smiled at her maid. Etta Mae, young and pretty, strode through the doorway holding out a stack of mail.

         “For you, Miz Osborne.” She grinned and her teeth glistened white against her dark skin.

         “Is there a letter from the bank?” Etta Mae always riffled through the mail before she turned it over to Katherine.

The maid shook her head. “Sorry, ma’am.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I’m at www.caralynnjames.com, www.seekerville.blogspot.com, and www.facebook.com/caralynnjames. You can read the first chapter of A Path toward Love at http://www.caralynnjames.com/books.html

Thank you, Cara Lynn, for introducing us to your new book.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
A Path Toward Love - paperback
A Path Toward Love - Kindle


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