THE HEALER'S TOUCH - Amber Schamel - Two Free Kindle Ebooks, Plus More

Readers, we have another debut author today. Be sure to read all about the giveaways at the end of the interview and follow all the instructions. 

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

I think my main characters usually reflect me the most. When I'm writing, I'm thinking of how I would feel, how I would react in that situation, so probably there's a lot of me in my characters.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
Most people are embarrassed to go to the bookstore with me because I can't keep my nose out of books -- literally. I LOVE them smell of books! If you ever see a lady sniffing books in a book store, you'll know right off who it is!

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I have always had an active imagination and even as a young girl I would make up stories and play them out in my make believe. I started writing those stories down when I was about fourteen. But the real calling came about the time I graduated from High School. I had been doing a lot of study on how media and books affect people's attitudes and worldview. It was astonishing how the subtle messages that have been worked into entertainment over the years has completely transformed our nation and our morals. I realized that someone needed to write stories that upheld morals, faith and godliness. The Lord then led me to Habakkuk 2:2 which says, “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” That became my commission.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I read a wide variety of books, from non-fiction biographies, to reading Curious George to my little brother. But the books I enjoy most are Christian Historical Fiction.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
That's a tough one for me because I have a job, a volunteer ministry, church activities, a large family to help with, and then try to fit writing into all of that. Keeping my sanity is one of those things I just can't do—so Jesus does it for me. I have to give everything over to Him, spend time in prayer and His Word, and remember to breathe. I attend a lot of church services, and that really helps too.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
Most of the time the names just come to me. But other times I will look up names for that time period, or names of that culture, or just look in a baby name book. I often take the meaning of the name into consideration, because the name is such a large part of the character.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I was thrilled that my first book released before I turned twenty-two years old. I have always read about people in history like Eliza Lucas Pinckney, George Washington, or William Wilberforce who did amazing things at such young ages and had a longing to be able to accomplish similar things, so when my book was accepted by Helping Hands Press, I was ecstatic. My favorite quote is, “We are too young to realize certain things are impossible, so we do them anyway.”

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
A lamb. I have a lamb skin that I use as a prayer rug because it reminds me of the sacrifice that Jesus made. My constant prayer is that the Lord would give me the humility, meekness, trust, and obedience of a lamb.

What is your favorite food?
I love Italian food! And of course chocolate. Chocolate and peanut butter make my favorite desserts.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
I’m one of those people who has difficulty expressing my emotions well, and this has carried over into my writing. This is something I am constantly working on. My wonderful critique partners have helped me a lot with this. I have to stop, think about what my character is going through, how do they feel, and then how do I express that on the page. The Emotion Thesaurus has also been invaluable to me.

Tell us about the featured book.
Aaliyah's last chance at winning her husband's love is destroyed when she is banished from her home as an unclean sinner.  Struggling to survive amidst the fear, grief, and bitterness of living in a leper colony, she would give anything just to see her son again. When rumors of a Healer from Nazareth reach the colony, Aaliyah wonders if this man could really heal her, or if He would despise her like the rest of her people. It is now that Aaliyah must make the most difficult decision of her life: risk her life to appear in public, or die a leper.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Circa 20 A.D.

            The spring sun rose warm and clear over the Sea of Galilee. Aaliyah bustled about in the kitchen. She had already been up for several hours preparing for the Passover meal for that evening. Footsteps sounded as her husband shuffled sleepily into the kitchen. He lifted his hands above his head, stretching his tall frame.

            "Good morning, husband." She smiled at him, suppressing her urge of mischief. "Did the sun sneak up on you today?"

            "I didn't sleep well," he grumbled as he dipped his hands into the bucket and splashed water on his face.

            Aaliyah scraped some breakfast onto a plate for him. "You tossed and turned all night; I dodged several blows from you." She offered him his plate, but when he reached out, she held it back. "Tell me, Tyrus, have you taken to beating your good wife in your sleep?"

            "Perhaps if I did, she would behave during the day." Tyrus smiled softly and jerked the plate out of her grasp.

            Aaliyah laughed under her breath. "Perhaps."

            Picking up the bowl of dough she was mixing, she followed him into the dining room and sat across from Tyrus. As he ate, she studied him with a fond eye. He was still as handsome as the day she'd first seen him. His hair and full beard were dark as the midnight sky and his skin was tanned as evidence of his work ethic. His brown eyes were lively and ambitious; looking into them gave her the feeling that there were exciting new worlds he was waiting to conquer. His tall frame looked cramped sitting at the little table with his legs folded beneath him. Redness dabbed the nostrils of his distinct nose, the tell-tale sign, he was tired.

            "What disturbed your sleep, my husband?"

            Tyrus glanced up at her before replying. "Dreams."

            Aaliyah's brow furrowed. "Dreams? What kind of dreams?"

            He shoved his empty plate towards her and stood. "Never mind them now. Passover is tonight, and we've much work to do. The caravan I sent to Jerusalem is returning today, and I must inventory the merchandise before my patrons show up to buy them all. I'll bring our lamb in later."

           

            He turned and left the room before she could ask more. She heard the courtyard gate close behind him. Tyrus was gone for the day.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
We’re doing a Facebook Party on August 15th with lots of prizes including another one of the baskets we’re giving away today, and you’re all invited! Just hop on over to my facebook page for that event.

You can also find me on my HIStory Blog and website http://amberschamel.com/
or on any of the following social media sites.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmberSchamel

Twitter - @AmberSchamel https://twitter.com/AmberSchamel

Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/AmberDSchamel/

Linked In - www.linkedin.com/pub/amber-schamel/41/145/b37/

Thank you so much for having me on your blog today, Lena. It has been a blast!

My pleasure, Amber.

There will be three winners today. Two people will receive an ebook edition of The Healer's Touch and one other winner will receive this Holy Land Gift set:

The gift set contains authentic Olive wood carving of the three crosses handcrafted by Christian artisans in Bethlehem, the elements of Galilee (Water from the Jordan River, Olive Oil from Galilee, and Stones from the Jerusalem Street), Widow's Mite Coins, and Capernaum Magnets. ($20 Value)

Wow! I wish I could enter.

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

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

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

If you’re reading this on Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com 

A BRIDE FOR ALL SEASONS - Margaret Brownley, Debra Cllopton, Mary Connealy, Robin Lee Hatcher - One Free Book on This Blog, Plus More

Readers, I'm interviewing a group of authors, who all write the kind of books I love to read. They've come together for a special novella collection. I think you'll love their writing, too. First, we have Margaret Brownley.

Welcome, Margaret. How did your story for the collection come about?

Actually, it was our agent Natasha Kern who put the four of us together. We then arranged a conference call and brainstormed. That’s when the “magic” happened!

What are you reading right now?

I’m in research mode, so I’m reading the Thrilling and Truthful History of the Pony 

Express, or Blazing the Westward Way with Other Sketches and Incidents of those   

Stirring Times (How’s that for a title?)  The book was published in 1908 by William 

Lightfoot.  This research is for a novella I’m writing for A Pioneer Christmas collection.

What other books have you had published?

I’ve published 28 books so I’ll just give you the most recent ones:

Brides of Last Chance Ranch series

Dawn Comes Early

Waiting for Morning

Gunpowder Tea (October 2013 release)

Also my Rocky Creek Series:

A Lady Like Sarah

A Suitor for Jenny

A Vision of Lucy

What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella collection?

Setting a collection in the same town with some of the same characters can be tricky, particularly when combining four different writing styles. In our collection, the only connecting factor is the Hitching Post Mail Order Catalogue and its matchmaking owner.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

It was truly an honor to work with such talented and professional writers—the dream team. The best part is I get to do it again. We’re working on a second collection tentatively titled Unlikely Brides.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I receive signals from some mysterious source—probably from out of space.  At least I did in A Bride for All Seasons.  Our editor pointed out that my hero had the same name as Debra’s. I changed his name, only to find out that our heroines shared the same name, too! I’ve got to stop snooping around Debra’s brain!

What did you want the reader to take away from your story?

My heroine is a gambler’s daughter who sees the world in terms of luck, good or bad. Through her struggles, she eventually comes to realize that God, not luck, is at work in her life. 

Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers? If so, why?

Yes, I am a member and the group has been a tremendous help in providing industry news, promotional opportunities, support and friendships.  I highly recommend it.

What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?

The best advice I ever received was to give readers something to “see” in every paragraph. The black mustang lifted his tail and galloped away, hooves barely touching the ground.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

I’m on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Readers can also reach me through my website: www.margaretbrownley.com

Now we have fellow Texan, Debra Clopton.

Welcome, Debra. How did your story for the collection come about?

Before I start, thanks for having me here, Lena! Honestly, I couldn’t come up with a unique enough idea and it was driving me crazy! I decided to look at popular names for women in the 1800’s. I’d already read true stories about mail-order brides and fallen in love with their determination to change their lives, many in the face of unbelievable odds. But no story had sparked my imagination. Names of my characters like most writers are many times a launching pad for me so I prayed the Lord would lead me to one. Scanning the list I saw Eldora and then further down Melvina and—don’t you just love it when that story magic happens—the second I saw those two names my tag line hit me. Melvina Eldora Smith killed three people by the age of one…That was it for me. I had my mail order bride and within a moments I had the blurb for her story written and couldn’t wait to write the story. From the moment Melvina Eldora aka Ellie stepped into my mind, I had a blast telling her story and hope readers will enjoy meeting her too.

What are you reading right now?

Right now I’m reading a RITA book and can’t give out the name. But the author is fantastic with word play. I love quick, witty conversations between the hero and heroine and she’s doing a great job!

What other books have you had published?

I’ve written 20 books for Love Inspired all set in my tiny, fictional Texas town of Mule Hollow. Some of those are, The Trouble with Lacy Brown, No Place Like Home, Her Forever Cowboy, Cowboy For Keeps, Her Lone Star Cowboy to name a few. In May Her Unforgettable Cowboy released—it is the first book in my new Cowboys of Sunrise Ranch series for Love Inspired. Until A Bride For All Seasons all of my books have been contemporary.

What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella collection?

Well, for me it was learning how to do the research for a historical and getting comfortable that I could write a historical. I felt quite intimidated by Mary, Margaret, and Robin’s work but thrilled to be collaborating with them. However, once I got started and relaxed it was such a great experience. If I had any question, the gals were quick to point me in the right direction.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

I loved it. I think we’ve made a fantastic team and I couldn’t have asked for a better group to help break me into the historical market. Fun! And amazing! Yup, that’s my experience. I do believe readers will enjoy this collaboration and the also the second one we just came up with! Honestly I’ve always completely worked alone so this was my very first real experience with brainstorming an idea with others—I loved it. 

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I answered this in the first question, but sometimes it’s not as easy as looking at a list and the right name jumping out at me, waving wildly like Melvina Eldora did. I love looking at the cast and crew names at the end of movies. I’ve stolen names from friends too. Very seldom do I use their entire name but parts of them. I love names.

I do, too. Names are important. What did you want the reader to take away from your story?

My spunky, character Ellie sets out to change her life and she is determined to do it with God on her side. I love that! I hope readers realize with God by their side anything is possible.

Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers? If so, why?

Yes I am. It is a wonderful organization and I always direct writers there because of the vast knowledge and access they gain through being a member.

What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?

To sit in the seat and write to the end! Just sit down and do it and don’t stop till you finish. I believe this is the best advice because so many people start a book, but it’s the ones who hang on till the end who have a shot.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

Please come see me at http://debraclopton.com or http://facebook.com/debraclopton

Debra has a very humorous writing style. So does our next author, Mary Connealy.

Welcome, Mary. Let’s do some fun questions first. What song most closely resembles your life?

Let's go with God Bless the Broken Road." Only that's about a love story, I'm thinking of the broken road I followed to be an author.

Second up, "My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys." Now is that perfect for me or what? HUH?? I'll bet you thought I wouldn't have an answer for this one, didn't you, LENA!!!!!???

I had plenty of faith in you, Mary. Do you have a favorite Bible verse? And why is it a favorite?

One I come back to a LOT is, Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?

It always seems to me that if we could all remember this, cling to it, CLAIM it, we would live so much differently. My soul is safe with the Lord, whom shall I fear? Such simple wisdom, and yet we all spend our lives worrying and fearful. Me included. I've used this verse either openly or for a foundation in my writing many times.

What is the one thing you wish you could go back and change in your life?

Lena for heaven's sake. Do you lay awake nights thinking up hard questions? “Let's See,” Lena says to herself, “What will make Mary ponder and fret and stew. I'VE GOT IT!!!”

Shame on you!

I like where I am now and I guess I needed to go through all I've gone through to end up here, so I'll say nothing—I'd change NOTHING. And that from a woman who spends significant time remembering monstrously stupid stuff she said and kicking herself for it. Maybe I should change to being MUTE for most of my life. I'd have less material for self-loathing.

What is the most important characteristic for a good friend to have?

Oh good grief, Lena! These questions!! (Would all readers please insert a ten minute pause while I tried to think of an answer?) I think I personally am a lousy friend. I spend a lot of time alone and preoccupied with the 1880s, so I doubt I'm available when friends need me. Plus, I have so many friends who are authors, online, that I really am not at all lonely. Add in I've got seven brothers and sister, four children, a very nice mom, a countless number of nieces and nephews and honestly, all my social time, what little there is, is booked. So ask someone else what they want in a friend. They'll probably send you a picture of ME with a red circle around my head and a slash through it.

Mary, I’m so glad you’re my friend. What extracurricular activities did you participate in when you were in school?

I was sort of a classic Jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none. I was in everything and I pretty much excelled at NONE OF IT. All the sports, back then we had volleyball and track. Speech, drama, though it was just class plays not a real drama team. Future Homemakers of America, Year Book, 4-H, softball in the summer, a much less organized sport than now. Whatever they had, I joined.

No wonder I like you. We are a lot alike. I was in FHA and 4-H, I worked on the yearbook staff, and my college degree is in speech and drama. What is your favorite movie of all times?

While You Were Sleeping starring Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman. A sweet, funny little romantic comedy and every second of that movie is worth watching over and over.

That’s even one of my favorite movies. Tell us about why you wrote this book.

I have never done a Mail-Order Bride story and I’ve always wanted to. Margaret Brownley, Debra Clopton, Robin Lee Hatcher and I got the idea to team up on this book. A Mail Order Bride was suggested. It was a great chance to write a fun book that’d been in my head a long time. I jumped at it.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter One

Megan McBride stood shivering outside the Tremont Hotel, buffeted by the cold November wind.

The doorman had refused to let her in. He’d told her to go around back to the servants’ entrance. No amount of protest would convince the snooty man she had any business—other than as a laborer—in their fancy hotel.

But she couldn’t very well meet her new husband and his two young laddies if she was in the back of the hotel, now could she? So here she stood waiting in the cold.

A fine coach drew her attention when it rolled to a stop. Two little ones scrambled down. The boyos were so close in size she’d have thought them twins if David’s letter hadn’t said they were four and five. Behind them emerged a finely dressed man.

He was a handsome man, and that was no blarney, but he looked gaunt for a fact. He’d spoken of pneumonia in his letter and one look convinced Megan he’d indeed been ill. His skin had an ashen color. A rancher, a man who spent time outdoors, should be tanned even in November. Clothes hung on his tall frame as if he’d lost weight—a lot of it. His hair was well-trimmed and his face clean shaven, but it looked to Megan as if all the tidying had been done lately, his face and neck looked scraped raw by a recent shave and haircut.

Sure, and it had to be David Laramie—the two lively youngsters being the best clue.

Megan walked forward to meet them. The children, one was at best an inch taller than the other, laughed and shoved each other while the man’s searching eyes rested on her and stopped. She’d described herself fairly it seemed, because he nodded a greeting from across the distance of the busy sidewalk.

“Miss McBride?” He removed his hat in a show of good manners and bad sense, since his head would now be cold.

As she opened her mouth, the smaller of the boys shouted in anger. “That’s my hat!”

The cry drew Megan’s attention in time to see the older boy reel back and fall beneath the wheels of their carriage just as it began to move.

“It’s mine now!” The younger boy waved a woolen cap at his big brother and jeered.

“Stop the horses!” Mr. Laramie dove for the child. “Ben!”

The carriage driver jerked the brake on his rig. “Whoa!”

It had just started rolling forward, now the carriage skidded and the driver fought the reins. One horse reared and jerked the carriage forward. “Whoa!”

“Zachary, I’m gonna get you!” The older brother, almost under the wheels, ignored the danger, and dodged his father.

Mr. Laramie’s big hand caught the front of the boy’s shirt and hauled him out from under the heavy carriage.

Megan saw the littler boy, Zachary, run, still laughing.

He dashed around the back of the carriage and straight into the street. Carriages, wagons, carts and riders flowed from both directions. Zachary saw the rushing traffic. The boy, four years old, cried out in fear, tried to turn back and stumbled to his knees.

A pair of dappled gray draft horses drawing a heavy stagecoach thundered toward him.

How can readers find you on the Internet? 
Seekerville 
Petticoats and Pistols 
My Blog 
My Website 
My Newsletter

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryconnealy 

And follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/maryconnealy 

And our last author has been writing a long, long time--Robin Lee Hatcher.

Welcome, Robin. How did your story for the collection come about?

The four of us had such fun brainstorming the premise of the mail order catalog and its meddlesome manager. The idea for my novella developed slowly over time, and when I was ready to start writing it (after finishing a novel first), I knew my hero and heroine and could throw them together and watch the sparks fly.

What are you reading right now?

Novel: Just finished Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins and haven't decided what to read next

Christian Living: The Well by Mark Hall

Non-Fiction: Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas

What other books have you had published?

A Bride for All Seasons is my 67th release. I've written both women's fiction and historical romance for the Christian market. My most recent novels are the three books in the Where the Heart Lives series: Belonging, Betrayal, and Beloved (coming in Sept 2013).

What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella collection?

LOL! Worrying that I would be the weak link.

I know that feeling. How did collaborating with this team impact you?

Working with Margaret, Debra, and Mary has been a complete joy. And when I work with really creative people (which these ladies all are), it increases my own creativity. That's a bonus.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Sometimes a name just pops into my head and I know it’s right. When that doesn’t happen, I pull out my trusty character and baby name books and I also use the Internet to look up popular names for boys and girls in the year my characters were born. On occasion, I’ll think I've got the right name, but the character will reject it. If that happens, I just keep looking.

I had a character rename himself half-way through a book. I had a lot of things to change, because of that. What did you want the reader to take away from your story?

A warm feeling in their hearts and a smile on their lips.

Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers? If so, why?

Yes. Mostly for the networking with other writers.

What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?

To write what I'm passionate about.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

My web site is http://www.robinleehatcher.com. And I love to interact with readers on my Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/robinleehatcher. I can also be found on Twitter and Pinterest and Goodreads.

Four novellas, four brides, and four stories to fall in love with. 

Enter the world of mail-order brides with four of your favorite authors: Mary Connealy, Robin Lee Hatcher, Debra Clopton, and Margaret Brownley. In A Bride for All Seasons (Thomas Nelson) each of the prospective brides is hopeful for a second chance at love—and that second chance always seems to come in an unexpected package.

 
The authors are celebrating with a fun 12 Days of Unexpected Packages Giveaway! Between July 12-23 visit the authors’ Facebook Page to enter to win a new giveaway each day. Winners will be announced at the Facebook Author Chat party on July 23rd! Such fun!

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

Readers, here is another link where you can buy the book from Christianbook.com. 
A Bride for All Seasons

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

ANOMALY - Krista McGee - One Free Book on This Blog, Plus More

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

Parts of me are in all of my protagonists. In Anomaly, I am like Thalli in that I grew up feeling different from those around me, like I didn’t quite fit in anywhere. And, like Thalli, I had to learn that feeling was not true, that I am exactly who God made me to be, to fit into His plan.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I taught Oompa Loompas to hip-hop dance for my Christian school’s production of Willy Wonka, Jr.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I kept a blog while our family lived in Spain. It was really just an outlet for me as we adjusted to what turned out to be one of the most challenging, amazing years of my life. But as I wrote, friends responded with surprise. They liked reading what I was writing. They were able to connect with us, to feel what we were feeling, to share our experience overseas. At times, I wrote too much, was a bit too open, too raw. But I learned the power of words and began to crave more opportunities to share more stories with others.

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

There are very few genres I do not enjoy. In any given year, I will read mysteries, romances, historical fiction, science fiction, supernatural fiction, suspense novels, classics. I also enjoy non-fiction – biographies, books on Christian living, on theology, devotionals, memoirs, essays, journals. I even like books about books! I just love to read.

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

I need time alone. Time to read, to pray, to just be quiet and still. I have my quiet time with God in the mornings, and I usually try to have at least one night a week where I can sit on the couch, relax and unwind. I have found that the more time I can take to be still, the more focused I am when it’s time to move.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I like to use names with biblical allusions. I also enjoy using the names of friends and family. In Anomaly, I used the Periodic Table of Elements as the basis for the names. Scientists are in charge of the world, so it made sense.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

My husband and I just celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary. That is an accomplishment I am very proud of.

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

I’d want to be a narwhal. They can dive deep, they have a horn that can feel, and they can live in places no human can. Not to mention, they are literally the coolest animals on the planet!

What is your favorite food?

Anything with chocolate in the name – chocolate cake, chocolate pie, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate chunk ice cream, chocolate covered strawberries…

My kind of girl, but I draw the line at chocolate-covered bacon or insects. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Fear of failure was my biggest roadblock to writing. I struggled with starting because I was afraid I couldn’t finish. When I surrendered my desire and my fear, God enabled me to finish what I started.

Tell us about the featured book.

Anomaly is a dystopian novel, set in a future where the world has been destroyed by nuclear war and the

only survivors are scientists who determine to create a new world. Their world is inhabited by people whose ability to think, question, and feel is removed. They each have a job to do to help the State run smoothly. Thalli, however, is an anomaly. She questions what she is taught. She is not content to be just her pod Musician. She longs for more. And she gets more, but not in the way she expects.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Prologue

Fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds.

That’s how long I have to live.

The wall screen that displayed the numbers in blood-red letters now projects the image of a garden. The trees are full of pink and white blossoms, the green grass swaying a little in the wind. I hear the birds as they call to each other. I smell the moist soil.

But the countdown still plays in my mind.

Fourteen minutes and fifty-two seconds.

It isn’t really soil that I smell. It isn’t really the garden breeze that I feel on my face. That is simply the Scientists’ “humane” means of filling my bloodstream with poison, of annihilating a member of society who has proven to be “detrimental to harmonious living.”

The wall screen is beginning to fade. The colors aren’t as bright. The blossoms are beginning to merge together. They look more like clouds now. I don’t know if the image is changing or if it is the effects of the poison. I could try to hold my breath, to deny the entrance of this toxic gas into my body. But I would only pass out, and my lungs would suck in the polluted oxygen as I lie here unconscious.

No. I will die the way I finally learned to live. Fully aware.

At peace. With a heart so full of love that even as it slows, it is still full.

Because I know something the Scientists refuse to acknowledge.

Death is only the beginning.

Interesting. How can readers find you on the Internet?

You can visit my website, www.kristamcgeebooks.com; my Facebook page Krista Abney McGee; or my Twitter site @KristaMcGeeYA

Krista McGee is celebrating the release of Anomaly, the first book in her new YA dystopian series, with an iPad Mini Giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A $25 iTunes gift card (download Anomaly to the iPad!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 31st. Winner will be announced at Krista's website on August 2nd.

Spread the word about Krista and her giveaway HERE!

Thank you, Krista, for letting us be a part of your book release.

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

Anomaly - Christianbook.com
Anomaly - Amazon
Anomaly - Kindle

Christian Book Store

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

WINNERS

Dear Readers, I've read all these books and they're all keepers. If you don't win, you'll want to get a copy of the book to read.

Bonton (KY) is the winner of The Quarryman's Bride by Tracie Peterson.
Kevlin (NY) is the winner of Whispers on the Prairie by Vickie McDonough.
Sarah (NC) is the winner of Cooking Up Love by Cynthia Hickey.

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.

BEYOND THE PAST - Jo Huddleston - One Free Book

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

Many characters are a mixture of people we’ve met or observed. So I suppose there is a little bit of me scattered around among the characters.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I was raised as an only child and did what was expected of me. I don’t think I ever did anything quirky.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

Since college I’ve known a deep-seated desire to write but not until the children were out of the house did I write for publication. So when Mature Living published my first article, I had validation that I had made it as a writer.

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

Chick lit, cozy mysteries, suspense, and historical romance, which I write.

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

Our younger generations have what we call a microwave mentality—they want instant gratification. So they’re always in a hurry. I’m not. I’m sure with maturity one tends to recognize the community around them and also the peace that Jesus promised he would leave us.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

When I choose characters’ names I consider their environment, the time frame of the book, and the other members of their family. I wouldn’t put a Beauregard, Jr. in a story about rural living, but I suppose he would be okay in New York City.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I expect most would claim their family as the accomplishment that they would be most proud of. Other than the expected, I am most proud of becoming a member of the Literary Hall of Fame at my alma mater, Lincoln Memorial University (TN).

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

A golden eagle. I would love to glide above the fields and seas, have their keen eyesight, and other birds would not pick on me.

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is pizza.

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

I am a seat-of-the-pants writer. I never outline. I do write a loosely constructed synopsis. I’ve never had writer’s block until writing the third and final book in the Caney Creek Series. How did I overcome it? I’d never done it before but I finally got 3x5 cards and jotted down each scene I had already written. I got away from the computer, read the cards, and prayed. In the two hours away from the computer I became ready to hit the keyboard again and the words flowed through my fingers, like they’ve always done whenever I write.

Tell us about the featured book.

The Caney Creek Series is set in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of East Tennessee. The series follows the Callaway family through all three books. Live their triumphs, sorrows, achievements, and losses. Walk along with them as they meet faith challenges and fight to regain a rightful place in God's plan.

Beyond the Past is book 2 in the series.

Emmajean Callaway’s life in Atlanta plummets from bad to worse. Can big brother, Jim, lead her back to the family who loves her and also hold the imploding Callaway family together?

Jim Callaway looks forward to 1951 and the chance to forge a relationship with

Caroline after twenty years apart. He’s sidetracked when his sister and his best friend need his help. His baby sister, Emmajean, skids into jail on drug charges in Atlanta. The ordeal of incarceration and trial diminishes her and she needs rescuing, not only physically but spiritually. She struggles toward recovery and restoration with her lawyer’s help as he champions her inside and outside the courtroom. Jim’s nephew Art is one step ahead of the truant officer, wrecks his car, and officials suspect alcohol is involved. Art awaits his fate at the hands of the juvenile court judge. Jim and Caroline continue their bumpy journey as they seek realization of their dreams, wondering if they really can overcome obstacles to their being together after so many years.

Please give us the first page of the book.

January 1, 1951

Atlanta, Georgia

Emmajean bolted upright in bed, her heart hammering against her chest, and eyes searching the darkness. What had awakened her? She glanced at the clock. Two o’clock in the morning. She’d only been in bed a scant thirty minutes. She had worked with Barry till after the New Year’s Eve celebrations settled down.

She eased aside the shade at her bedside window that overlooked the street to see what awoke her. Three cars parked beneath the streetlight and four men huddled on the sidewalk. Two of the cars were police cars; one was not. Two of the men wore uniforms, the other two had on suits. They approached the house and hurried to get up the steps to the front porch.

When they knocked on the door, Emmajean scrambled from her tangled covers, searching for her house slippers. She jerked her housecoat from across the foot of the bed and pushed her arms into it. As she cinched the belt around her waist, she stepped across the room and opened her bedroom door. At the same moment, Barry opened his bedroom door directly across the living room from hers, buckling the belt in his pants. When he 

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is http://www.johuddleston.com/p/home.html

My blog is http://www.johuddleston.com

My facebook is: https://www.facebook.com/jo.huddleston.hope?ref=tn_tnmn

My shoutlife is: http://shoutlife.com/profile_view.cfm?uid=134777

You may purchase signed copies of Beyond the Past in the left sidebar at my website and also purchase paperback copies at my publisher’s website http://www.donaldjamesparker.com/sOSProducts.aspx.

Paperback and eBook copies are available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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

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

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

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

If you’re reading this on Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

THREADS OF LOVE - Andrea Boeshaar - One Free Book

Welcome back, Andrea. I like your new head shot. How did you come up with the idea for this story?

This is the 3rd book in my Fabric of Time series and I got the idea after doing research for a family reunion back in the 1990s. My ancestry studies whet my appetite for Norwegian/American history. Threads of Love is a result.

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Only six? Rats! Well, OK then…I’d invite Travis Thrasher, DiAnn Mills, Loree Lough, Randy Ingermanson, Candace Calvert, and Brandilyn Collins. These men and women are bright, creative, and willing to share their ideas and experiences with others. They’re also just plain FUN.

Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Again, it’s hard to think of just six I’d want to invite, but here goes: Tracie Peterson, Tamera Alexander, Lena Nelson Dooley, Kim Woodhouse, Louise Gouge, and Francine Rivers. I’d invite these ladies for the same reasons I’d invite the others, adding that as a writer of historical Christian fiction I know researching a book is labor-intensive. I admire these authors for the historical tales they so expertly weave.

Thank you for including me in that group. I’d really enjoy that party. Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?

The most difficult is the amount of projects I’ve got going and figuring out which one is priority. 

Tell us about the featured book.

Sure. Here’s the back cover copy.

Emily Sundberg considers herself a proper young lady of the twentieth century. But a decade ago she behaved more like a tomboy. So when the neighbor’s grandson came to visit one summer when she was thirteen, they became fast friends. Emily even got her first kiss—quite by accident.

Unfortunately she thinks Jake Edgerton told all the boys what happened. Rumors circulated, and Emily caved from embarrassment and guilt. Meanwhile Jake returned home to Fallon, Montana, and she never saw or heard from him again.

Over the years Emily has worked hard to prove to her peers and the people of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, that, despite past mistakes, she is an upstanding young women, one worthy of being a schoolteacher—and possibly Andy Anderson’s wife. But even with the passing of time, Emily has never forgotten Jake and how he nearly ruined her life…

And now he’s a US deputy marshal, and he’s back in town! 

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

Chapter One: Manitowoc, Wisconsin -- 1902

An explosion of shattering glass sounded from directly behind Emily Sundberg, and a thunderous weight crashed into her. The world spun, and then she fell hard and face down on

the dirty Franklin Street plank walk.

Breathe! Breathe! She struggled to inhale.

“Are you all right, ma’am?” A male voice spoke close to her ear.

“I’m terribly sorry about knocking you over.”

He helped her sit, and a moment later a rush of sweet, springtime air filled Emily’s lungs. She let out a breath of relief.

“Are you hurt?”

“I . . . I don’t know.” Emily spit dirt from her mouth. Her left cheek began to throb. Her vision swam.

He steadied her, his arm around her shoulders. “Easy there.”

She took several deep breaths.

“Allow me to help you up and over to the bench. Like I said, I’m sorry ’bout knocking you over the way I did.”

Emily wiggled her toes inside her ivory-colored boots. Nothing broken. She moved her jaw. Despite the pain around her cheekbone, she seemed all right. Her hand moved to the back of her head. Her fat braid had come out of its pinning and her hat—her hat!

She pointed to the paved street seconds before a set of buggy wheels rolled over it, grinding the lovely creation into the paved road. Not once. But twice!

Emily moaned.

“Careful, now.” The man helped her to stand. “There’re shards of glass everywhere.”

Emily thanked God she hadn’t slammed her head into the nearby hitching post.

“Hooligans!” A woman’s voice rang out amidst the strangely silent street. It sounded like Mrs. Hopper’s. “Hooligans, ever’ one of ’em!”

Definitely Mrs. Hopper’s.

The man held Emily securely by her upper arms, and Emily’s gaze fell on his walnut-colored waistcoat. “You sure you’re not hurt?

“I–I don’t think so.”

“Well, I hope you can forgive me, ma’am.”

Emily’s gaze finally reached the man’s tanned and golden whiskered face. Shaggy blond hair framed his face and blood stained the corner of his mouth. In his canvas duster and matching trousers, the stranger looked out of place for Manitowoc, Wisconsin. But odd costumes weren’t totally uncommon, given the city’s lively port.

And yet, he seemed a bit familiar too . . .

Way to leave us hanging, Andrea. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Contact me via my website: www.andreaboeshaar.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Andrea.Boeshaar

Twitter: @AndreaBoeshaar

And Google +: Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar

Thank you, Lena. It’s always a pleasure to be a guest on your blog!

And I love hosting you, Andrea.

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

Threads of Love - Christianbook.com
Threads of Love (Fabric of Time) - Amazon.com
Threads of Love (Fabric of Time) - 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 Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

A WEDDING FOR JULIA - Vannetta Chapman - One Free Book

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

The joy of friendship, and how that is such a gift from the Lord. Also, God's grace, how it is infinite and it will cover all things.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

The Christmas Quilt will release in October ... this is part of the Quilts of Love series. It is also a sequel to A Simple Amish Christmas.

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

Maybe Janette Oak.  I grew up reading all of her works, and remember how enthralled I was with Love Comes Softly. I was fortunate to be in the room at the ACFW conference a few years ago when she was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award. I'd love to sit down with a cup of tea with her.

I loved seeing here there. I was in a picture with her and two other women. What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

Mother Teresa has always been someone who fascinated me. I'd love to spend some time working beside her and gaining her perspective.

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

By telling them my story. I had hundreds upon hundreds of rejections. I didn't sell until I'd finished my 9th manuscript. And now I'm writing for 3 very big publishers. Things happen in God's time, not in my time – and that's certainly a good thing.

Tell us about the featured book.

The idea for A Wedding for Julia was born in a Bible study group. I had the awesome experience of participating in a Bible study entitled, The Bible in 90 Days. It was during that study that I came across Genesis 24:67. “Isaac brought Rebekah into his mother Sarah’s tent, and she became his wife. He loved her deeply, and she was a special comfort to him after the death of his mother.” I couldn't let go of that image of God providing a lifelong love for Isaac before he had even met the woman. And Isaac, he trusted God and married Rebekah. What a wonderful God we serve. Julia's story began there, in the pages of Genesis. I hope it is one that brings readers hope, inspiration, and a touch of God's grace.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Pebble Creek, Wisconsin

March

Julia Beechy stood next to the open grave and prayed the wind would stop howling for one moment. Next to her, she could feel her mother trembling. Ada Beechy had turned seventy-eight the previous week, two days before Julia’s father had passed. It would have been perfectly acceptable for her mother to sit, especially in light of the mist, the cold, and the wind.

Ada Beechy had no intention of sitting.

But Julia did shuffle one step closer to her mother, so that their sleeves were touching, as the bishop began to read the words to the hymn Ada had requested—“Where the Roses Never Fade.” Ada had stared out the window of their kitchen, her attention completely focused on the rosebushes, which had yet to bud, while members from their church sat beside Jonathan’s body in the next room. She’d gazed at the bushes and made her request.

Bishop Atlee had nodded, ran his fingers through his beard, and said, “Of course.”

Julia tried to focus on the bishop’s words as the men—the pallbearers—covered the plain coffin with dirt. How many shovelfuls would it take? Would Bishop Atlee have to read the hymn twice? Why was she worrying about such things?

David King stepped back, and Julia realized they were finished. Bishop Atlee bowed his head, signaling it was time for them to silently pray the words from the passage in Matthew, chapter six, verses nine through thirteen—their Lord’s prayer. Julia’s mind formed the words, but her heart remained numb.

“Amen,” Bishop Atlee said, in a voice as gentle as her mother’s hand on her arm.

The large crowd began to move. Words of comfort flowed over and around her. There had been a steady coming and going of people through the house to view her father’s body for the entire three days. Julia had become used to her privacy as she cared for her parents alone. The large amounts of food and the people had surprised her. Some of them she saw at church, but others came from neighboring districts. Those she barely knew.

She and Ada turned to go, for their buggy was marked with a number one on the side. The white chalk against the black buggy caused Julia’s heart to twist. They had led the procession to the cemetery. They would lead the gathering of friends away from the graveside.

But Julia realized she wasn’t ready to leave.

She pulled back, needing to look one more time. Needing to swipe at her tears so she could read the words clearly.

Jonathan Beechy

11-3-1928

3-6-2012

83 years, 4 months, 3 days

Now she and her mother were alone.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

webpage-- www.vannettachapman.com   

facebook -- www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks

twitter -- @VannettaChapman          

pinterest – www.pinterest.com/vannettachapman

Thank you, Vannetta, for sharing this new book with us and the way you found the story.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
A Wedding for Julia - Christianbook.com
A Wedding for Julia (The Pebble Creek Amish Series) - Amazon.com

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