WINNERS!!!!!

Dear Readers, sorry to be so late posting these.

Britney (TX) is the winner of Driftwood Tides by Gina Holmes.
D L (MI) is the winner of A Grand Teton Sleigh Ride by Elizabeth Goddard and Lynette Sowell.
Frances (FL) is the winner of For Love or Country by Jennifer Hudson Taylor.
Shelia (MS) is the winner of Hallowed Halls by Hannah Alexander.
Robin (NC) is the winner of A Grand Design by Amber Stockton.

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 an 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.

SING OVER ME, DVD - Dennis Jernigan - Free Online Viewing Through September

I first heard Dennis Jernigan in the 1980s in concert at our church in Texas. He came to our church more than once, and our choir, which I sang in, did a lot of his music. Since the 1980s, he has written the music my heart feels. During that time, I learned about bits and pieces of his history and his deliverance.

I'm really not a fan of documentaries, but this one touched my heart. This DVD tells the whole story, revealing the awesome power of God in all of our lives. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting his music, which led me into worship times with the Lord during much of the music. His story is one that needs to be told today. It will bring hope to many people who see no hope in their future because of their addictions, sexual or otherwise. I think that every Christian should view this story.

Bio: Dennis Jernigan is one of the most popular and prolific worship leaders of our time, having written more than 2,200 songs, including “You Are My All in All” and “Hands Lifted High.” He has released over 30 full-length CDs, multiple songbooks and folios, and has authored more than five books including his most recent, What Every Boy Should Know…What Every Man Wishes His Dad Had Told Him. His newest full-length CD is titled, Days of Awe. Dennis graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1981 with a music degree. Dennis and his wife, Melinda, live in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where they enjoy visits from their grown children and grandchildren. They serve as pastors in a home church in Muskogee. Learn more at http://www.dennisjernigan.com.

Sing Over Me DVD - Dennis Jernigan

In Sing Over Me, veteran hymn writer Dennis Jernigan alters the public conversation about homosexuality by revealing his struggles with same sex attraction and how he was delivered.

Jernigan first felt “different” at 5 years old, when a man in a public bathroom asked Dennis to touch him. He eventually began sexually experimenting with other boys.

“I used to think God hated me,” Jernigan said. At church Jernigan only heard how much God hated homosexuality. He hid. He battled shame. He walked the path of temptation, failure and guilt, until one day in 1981, at a 2nd Chapter of Acts concert.

Prophesying from the stage, Annie Herring said, “God sees everything you think you are hiding. Whatever it is, He loves you anyway.” Jernigan gave his shame to God, and received God’s love in return.

“The most asked question of my life, ‘Was your healing instant, or was it a process?’” Jernigan said. “The answer is yes.” He was made a new creation that day, and since then he has been in the process of allowing God to remove things from his life. He shares his story in the hope others will find freedom and healing. And others are.

Jernigan has been married to his wife Melinda for 31 years and they have 9 children together. Dennis and Melinda live on a farm in rural Oklahoma. Jernigan is the author of well-known songs like We Will Worship the Lamb of Glory, All in All, Who Can Satisfy, and hundreds more.

Sing Over Me includes footage of Jernigan visiting his childhood home, church, and college and even includes a recording of the moment Jernigan was set free. During the month of September, Sing Over Me will be available to stream free at www.singovermemovie.com. Jernigan's story is also available in his autobiography of the same title, Sing Over Me.

Sing Over Me is available for sale and digital download at Vision Video. 

LIKE THERE'S NO TOMORROW - Camile Eide - One Free Book

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

Novelists can’t avoid including a part of themselves in their characters, to some degree. So I like it when the characters surprise me. Elderly Scottish sisters Maggie and Grace in Like There’s No Tomorrow surprised me by taking center stage and tearing off with it. I had to do a wee bit of intervention. I’m definitely nothing like either of them. J

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Probably the quirkiest thing in recent years would be riding a stick pony around the local burger joint on a dare on my 50^th birthday while the diners all sang to me. There won’t be any repeats of that.

Well, you only have one 50^th birthday. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

Age 7. I wrote and illustrated sequels to the Peanuts comic strip in the paper.

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

I like well-written books with great subtle wit, heart-tugging drama, intelligence, strong romance, and a little touch of mystery. Some of my favorites blend most of these and include the work of Dale Cramer, Charles Martin, Deborah Raney, Debbie Macomber, Susan Meissner, Athol Dickson, Carla Stewart, Jenny B Jones, and many others. I am a huge fan of Jane Austen’s irony and subtle wit.    

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

I try to bite off no more than I can chew, and I’ve learned it’s okay to say, “No.” I say it often, just for practice. J

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I often look at the meaning of a name, both its actual meaning and its cultural sense to choose a name that suits the character. Emily is a sweet, old-fashioned name for a young woman who is lovely and kind. In my second book, the hero provides a loose retelling of Joseph in the Bible, a man who feeds people and cares for the fatherless, so his name, Joe Paterson, reflects that. In another book I hope to publish soon, I chose Eliza for the heroine because it seemed to fit the 1953 setting and the Golden Age of Hollywood backdrop for the story.

What accomplishment you are most proud of?

Getting the nerve to ask a cute co-worker out for a coke after work and spending the next 3 (plus) decades learning how to be a passable wife and mom in spite of past baggage and my total ignorance of what lasting, godly marriage looked like.

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

Probably a monkey. They never take themselves seriously—or anything else, for that matter.

What is your favorite food?

Peanut M and Ms.

My favorite snack is dark chocolate M and Ms. I love the crunch as well as the chocolate, but I limit when I eat them. What problem with writing was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Being faced with a task far greater than my ability was both a curse and a blessing. I once got a ten-page “Memo” from my agent that meant a deep revision of an entire book. I had done the best I could and couldn’t see how I could ever make the changes she wanted. It wasn’t that I disagreed with her, I just didn’t see how I could pull it off. I spent a month staring at the manuscript. Another month whining to friends. I finally asked God to somehow do the reconstruction of this story because I just couldn’t. And that was when the ideas began to trickle in. It took realizing that anything truly worthwhile would always be beyond my ability to execute, and that I would always have to surrender and depend on God to get me there. I understand that no matter how good my skills are, I will always need God, my Source, because anything of great worth will—and ought to—be beyond my ability.

I’ve had similar rewrite letters from some of my editors. And I’ve had my time of walking through the house and complaining to God before I really prayed to Him to help me. Tell us about the featured book.

Scottish widower Ian MacLean is plagued by a mischievous grannie, bitter regrets, and an ache for something he’ll never have again. His only hope for freedom is to bring his grannie's sister home from America. But first, he'll have to convince her lovely companion, Emily, to let her go.

Emily Chapman devotes herself to foster youth and her beloved Aunt Grace. Caring for others quiets a secret fear she holds close to her heart. But when Ian appears, wanting to whisk Grace off to Scotland, everything Emily needs to protect—including her heart—is at risk.

Like There’s No Tomorrow is an amusing yet heart-tugging love story about two kind, single caretakers, two quirky, old Scottish sisters bent on reuniting, and too many agendas. It’s a tale of family, fiery furnaces, faith, and the gift of each new day.

Sounds wonderful. What a timely book, what with the Scottish vote yesterday in the news. Please give us the first page of the book.

Glasgow, Scotland

Ian MacLean had spent the last two years feeding chickens, hiding the kitchen knives from his mule-headed grannie, and questioning his sanity.

But if his luck held out, all that was about to change.

Feeling lighter than he had in months, Ian crossed the street, climbed into the old farm truck, and looked back at the row of flats he’d just left. Beyond the building and to the west, the lights of Glasgow cast a golden glow against the night sky.

Ian slipped the key into the ignition, but hesitated, studying the windows of his sister’s flat. When had he last felt so free?

His talk with his absentee brother-in-law had succeeded. Davy had not only come home, but he was home to stay. He’d given Ian his word. Ian could still see the look on his sister’s face when her husband walked in the door. Claire’s stunned silence proved that she could actually hold her tongue when she fancied.

Ian started the truck and smiled. All in a day’s work.

Aye, he’d helped Claire’s family, which had lifted a huge weight from his shoulders. Not that Claire or her kids were a burden. Ian loved his nieces and nephews as if they were his own, and as long as he drew breath, they would never go hungry. But more than food, those kids needed security and stability. They needed their da.

And now, Davy was home.

Ian tapped the pedal to bring the truck’s idle down to a low grumble. Only one obstacle to his freedom remained: Maggie MacLean. But if his luck held out and if all went as planned, he would soon be free of his daft grannie and her mind-numbing nonsense. Free to explore a world of possibilities. Free to write that series of feature articles that would take him to remarkable, far-away places.

But then, any dull place would do—as long as it took him away from Kirkhaven.

Ian glanced at the envelope tucked in the cracked visor above him. Mailing the latest letter to Aunt Grace was all he had left to do. The sooner it arrived in Oregon, the sooner his great-aunt could move back home to Scotland and take charge of her errant sister, Maggie.

And the sooner Ian could get on with his life, shackle-free.

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

• Website: www.CamilleEide.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/Camille.Eide
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/CamilleEide (@CamilleEide)
• Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/camilleeide/like-theres-no-tomorrow-a-novel/
• Along The Banks – www.camilleeide.wordpress.com
• Extreme Keyboarding – www.camilleeide.blogspot.com

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

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

Like There's No Tomorrow

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

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

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

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

WHERE EAGLES SOAR - Bonnie Leon - One Free Book

Welcome back, Bonnie. Tell us about your salvation experience.

When I was a child I believed in God and His goodness, but through the years I rejected Christ each time I was given the opportunity to believe. I trusted more in my own rebellious ways, my own power.

God had plans for me, and He loved me enough to drive me to my knees. In a matter of months my father died, a dear friend died, I lost a baby, and my husband walked away and filed for divorce. I was devastated and alone.

One night an old friend from my high school days came to visit. She was excited to share her new-found faith in Jesus. I wasn’t interested, but I watched the 700 Club with her that evening. As she was leaving, she stopped and said, “I just want you to know one thing—Jesus loves you.”

I needed to hear those words so badly. Most of my life I’d felt unlovable and unloved. Inside, I grabbed for the lifeline she threw, but outwardly I acted as if the words meant nothing. But what she said stayed with me and I wondered if Jesus was the answer.

A week later, I turned on the 700 Club, and when Pat Robertson shared the gospel, I knew it was true and that it was for me. I got on my knees right there in front of my television and prayed. And God reached down and lifted me up. He showed me that I was special, created by Him, and loved by Him. My life has never been the same.

Thanks for sharing that. I know someone who reads this blog needs to hear it. You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?

That’s a difficult question. There are so many fabulous writers.

John Steinbeck – His writing is dark, but magical.

James Michener – I love his dedication to historical detail. It has been said he went through his lengthy manuscripts 17 times before considering them completed. His commitment to excellence is inspiring.

Billy Graham – I admire him deeply and trust him. He is the real deal. When I listen to him speak and read his writings it’s as if I’m hearing from God.

Bodie Thoene – She writes with devotion and passion for God. Her faith is palpable. A conversation with her would be amazing.

Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.

I do more writing than speaking, but each time I get in front of a group I feel privileged, and the energy from the audience uplifts me. Looking into the eyes of listeners and knowing that we share the same heart is a remarkable thing.

I love to teach those who love to write. It’s so much fun to see students grasp new writing principles and realize they can create the book or article they’ve been longing to write.

Small groups are my favorite. I thoroughly love the give and take that happens in a small group, whether it’s a readers group or small writing retreat. Getting together with people passionate about the written word is exhilarating.

No matter whom I speak for or where I always feel I receive more than I give. Now, that’s a great deal.

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

Any time I’m teaching I always over prepare, determined to do a great job. Sometimes I get things wrong—grammar, a writing principle, or historical detail. It always embarrasses me. But I’ve learned to be kind to myself—no one knows everything. And I look at each error as something newly learned.

And then there was the time I intended to go fishing but ended up in the drink. I stepped into the boat, but before I could get my other foot off the dock the boat slid away from me. I straddled the water, knowing there was not going to be a good outcome. With my muscles and my jeans about to tear, into the water I went. Someone gave me a hand up out of the water, then with my sneakers squeaking and pants dripping, I walked up the dock, feeling like a piece of wet seaweed and well aware of the giggling audience.

People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that?

It happens a lot. I’m not one to squelch dreams. I ask them what they want to write about and what they’ve been doing to create their book. If they have questions I answer them and will often give information about how to get connected with other writers and writing organizations, and I encourage them to take the necessary steps to make their dream come true.

Tell us about the featured book.

Where Eagles Soar is a true story about a Native American woman who grew up in the Alaskan wilderness. She lived in the bush where she learned the skills of hunting, trapping, and mushing dogs from her father who was a brutal man. 

The book is told in Lily’s voice, as if she were sitting across from you and telling her story. It’s a tale of heartache, survival, hatred, and forgiveness … and of a mother’s love and the Great White God who saved her life and her heart.

Please give us the first page of the book.

My people were story tellers. My dad was a story teller. And I’m a story teller too. But more than that, I am a truth teller. I know about life and death, hope and desperation, riches and bankruptcy. A bankruptcy of the soul, and the beauty of God and his truth—how it shines when it is held up alongside the twisted, ugly lies of the Evil  One.

Sometimes the way we begin our life has little to do with where we end up or who we become along the way.

And sometimes it has everything to do with it.

There are people in this world who walk around all scarred up inside—angry and never able to find their way. But for some, scars make them stronger and show them a better way to live.

           

I’m one of those. And I want to tell you my story.

           

Most of my life I lived in a muddle of love and brutality, raging inside. Mama was good and kind and her life was one of sacrifice. Daddy didn’t know how to love. He only knew how to get what he wanted. And no one had better ever get in his way, not even family.

           

Living with ruthlessness can turn a person sour, like milk left out in the heat too long. That was me. I learned I could be better, only it took a great God, a lot of years, and a miracle to show me the way.

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

My website address is http://www.bonnieleon.com.

And I can always be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BonnieLeonAuthor

Thank you so much, Bonnie, for sharing some of your life, and your new book, with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Where Eagles Soar - Paperback
Where Eagles Soar - 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 Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

SEEK AND HIDE - Amanda G Stevens - One Free Ebook

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

My characters are never deliberately based on myself or people I know. For example, Aubrey (Seek and Hide’s female lead) values books and literacy. Marcus (male lead) has no use for books. I’m with Aubrey on this one, but I didn’t give her that trait because I agree with her. It just fit who she is and didn’t fit who Marcus is. Or for example, Marcus is a ridiculously stubborn person. I know stubborn people and pliable people and people in between (we all do, right?). But that doesn’t mean Marcus is supposed to resemble the stubborn people I know. Stephen King describes writing a story as “unearthing” it, and I feel that way about my characters. All I’m doing is discovering who they already are.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I’ve been accused of paperback-related OCD. I don’t purchase hardcovers (they’re not as friendly, you know? and they don’t fit in my purse). I won’t buy a used book if the spine is creased or the corners are too worn. I love a well designed, genre-appropriate cover, and I enjoy comparing past and current versions. Recently, I paid four dollars more for the 2006 edition of a book rather than the in-print edition, because it has since become a TV show and I dislike tie-in covers.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

In first grade, I wrote my first story. I don’t remember a time I didn’t consider myself a writer.

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

I avoid romance and gravitate toward crime/noir, but if the voice grabs me, I’ll read any genre from historical to speculative. Voice and characterization matter more to me than anything else. I’m a character-first reader and a character-first writer. I want characters to have individualizing details, not broad types. I want to believe and love them enough to worry for them. And I want to experience the story from inside the character—not first person necessarily, just deep point of view.

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

I don’t operate at a high stress level, really. Part of this is probably personality, but I’m sure part of it is the fact that I’m not a wife or a mother. My life is full, and I’m never bored or idle—I work full time in addition to writing on deadlines in addition to cultivating a life with family and friends—but there’s a whole new level of “run, run, run” when you add kids to that mix. I have great respect for the authors I know who are also parents.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Often my characters seem to do the choosing. I can’t use a name because I think it’s pretty or because I like the meaning behind it. I’ve tried that, and it doesn’t work. Usually, my creative process “pings” on a name when I least expect it. I might read it in a book, or hear someone talking about a friend with that name, or it might just come into my head randomly as if the character’s actually aware and claiming the name for himself. The more prominent the character is, the more instinctive the naming process seems to be. I don’t know, this all sounds strange when I try to describe it.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Publishing my series. Nothing else compares. But I can’t take the credit. God gave me whatever writing skill I might have, and He placed people into my path who I never would have found on my own—one of them being my agent.

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

Two people (who don’t know each other) have told me I remind them of a raccoon because of the way I use my hands when I talk. Something about refined and/or precise movement? And … that’s the best answer I’ve got for this question. Lol.

What is your favorite food?

In some parallel universe where I’m cosmopolitan and sophisticated, I’m definitely a foodie. In this universe, I just enjoy food. There’s no way I can choose a single favorite. But if we define “favorite” as “the thing you buy on a limited basis because once the bag is open, it’s going to be consumed in twenty minutes,” I’d have to choose white cheddar popcorn.

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

I haven’t overcome it yet, exactly, though I’m better at it now: networking. I’m an introvert. Not to say I have no use for people (not at all), but interaction with strangers takes effort. For me, mingling at writers’ conferences is hard. Approaching strangers is really hard. I work toward overcoming this by praying for help, faking it well (or so I’m told), and reserving some alone time in my hotel room to read or just lie on my bed and unwind.

Tell us about the featured book.

Seek and Hide is the first in a four-book series in which the government has taken control of the church. Only re-translated Bibles are legal, and a specialized agency called the Constabulary enforces this and other regulations. Marcus Brenner, a new Christian, will do anything to protect his church family from imprisonment—including risk his own freedom to gain the trust of a government agent.

Aubrey Weston recanted her faith when the Constabulary threatened her baby. Now released, she just wants to provide for her son and avoid government notice. But she’s targeted again, and this time, her baby is taken into custody. If only she’d never denied Him, maybe God would hear her pleas for help.

When Aubrey and Marcus’s lives collide, they are forced to confront the lies they believe about themselves. And God is about to grab hold of Marcus’s life in a way he’d never expect, turning a loner into a leader.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Booze behind the wheel could turn a sports car into a … well, wreck. No other word for the blue Honda that had rammed halfway through Keith’s garage door before lodging there like a dud missile. Marcus pushed a shoulder to the door. It swayed a little, but the hole’s jagged edges stayed wedged against the car. Trying to back out might take the whole door down. Not that Marcus would trust the driver to try it.

Murmuring party guests lined the garage wall. Nobody was doing anything about this mess, other than gaping at it. If the driver had kept his foot on the gas a second longer, the car doors might have cleared the crater. Then again, he might also have run somebody over.

“Brenner, man, you can fix it, right?” Keith hovered over Marcus’s shoulder, and his beer breath wafted too close. “You can get Jason out of there, right?”

The driver hammered a fist against his door. “Keith, when I get out of this car, I’m going to kick your face in, you hear me? I’m going to—”

Marcus tapped on the car window. “Hey. Don’t. We’ll get you out.”

“You shut up. You get out of my face, you—”

“That’s no way to talk to the linebacker.” Across the hood of the car, a woman wearing less than a tank top blinked at Marcus. She leaned forward and stretched a bottle toward him, spilling cleavage and beer. He tried to stare at her blue eyes.

“You’re new. Best stuff that’s left, right here in this bottle.”

He could taste it. Yes. “No. Thanks.”

The woman pouted and splashed the car hood with the rest of her beer. She sidled closer to Marcus. “You’re so big.”

And you’re so drunk.

“Your eyes are like the sky.”

Well, not unless the sky had turned brown lately. Marcus gently pushed her away.

Keith rocked from one foot to the other, his gaze shifting from Marcus to the trapped, cussing driver and back again. “See why I called you, Brenner? You build stuff and fix stuff. And I thought you could fix this. Or build it. Or yeah.”

The garage door was beyond fixing. Marcus needed something to free the car. He let his eyes roam the four-car garage without resting too long on various available drinks. The half-finished side held a workbench in one corner. Garden tools hung from a dusty pegboard: rake and trowel and yeah, that was a pitchfork. But nothing helpful.

“Keith, got an axe?”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website: http://amandagstevensbooks.com

Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/AmandaGStevens

Facebook: http://facebook.com/AmandaGStevens

Twitter: http://twitter.com/AmandaGStevens

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

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

Seek and Hide: A Novel (Haven Seekers Book 1)

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

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

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

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

IN THE IMAGE OF MAN - Robert Roush - One Free Book

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

I don’t think it’s possible to not write myself into the characters. Though, I don’t think any one of my characters is considerably more me than another. On the other hand, given that many of the characters are angels or demons, I’d like to think that there’s not too much of me in the demons. And, I’m pretty sure my family would attest that I’m no angel either.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Oh boy, where to start. There are so many, so I’ll choose one that’s writing related. One spring break, I took my family on a 1,200 mile road trip to Arrow Springs in central Missouri for research. Of course, Arrow Springs doesn’t really exist, but that didn’t stop us. We spent a great afternoon driving around the area and walking through the fields where the town would be, if it did exist. I remember walking across a field and telling one of my sons, “Right there is Sarah’s house and way over there is River of Life Church.” Of course, we spent most of our time at the River’s Edge Bar. Except, there wasn’t a bar there, just, well, the edge of the river.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

In fifth grade, we were writing poetry and my teacher told me I had a gift. Then I spent the next thirty years writing everything from technical documents to church discipleship curriculum to theology papers. About the only creative writing I had done since fifth grade was a few church dramas and outreach events. Then one day, I sat down and wondered what it would be like to write fiction. I expected to get ten pages in and say, “Well, that was fun. Next.” About a year later, I completed my first manuscript. Then I attended an American Christian Fiction Writers conference and found out everything I didn’t know about writing fiction. Okay, probably not everything. I’m sure there’s still much I don’t know.

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

I enjoy reading a fairly broad range of books. It should come as no surprise that speculative fiction is my favorite. However, I also enjoy fantasy, sci-fi, thrillers, suspense, and even the occasional romance, as long there is a good balance with a strong plotline in one of these other categories. I also read quite a bit of leadership and church development nonfiction.

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

I believe the easiest way to avoid losing your sanity is not to have any to start with. Seriously though, I always tell the people I oversee at work, “I’m always going to be busy. So I can either be busy doing something for someone else, or I can be busy helping you.” I feel the same way in regards to writing. We will always find something to occupy our time, it may as well be something that we enjoy doing and that can bring benefit to others. I just have to remind myself at times that I write because I enjoy it, and if I’m too drained to be creative, there isn’t much sense in writing. So I find something else to do—like promotion.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I often spend considerable time coming up with the right name. This was especially true for this book. Because it looks at both the physical and spiritual realms, I needed to come up with at least twice as many names. Not to mention descriptions and back stories. When choosing character names, I am usually looking for a name with a specific meaning based on the role the character will play. So I often search baby-name websites to find a name that jumps out at me. Sometimes, I will use a name as is, and other times I will modify the name to something that isn’t an actual name.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Because God uses marriage as the picture of our relationship, as the Church, with Jesus, I believe there is nothing the enemy wants more than to destroy marriages. As a result, my wife and I are passionate about investing in marriages before they run into trouble. We’ve done this through pre-marriage mentoring and teaching marriage classes. But the thing I am most proud of is the great example we have been able to set with our own marriage for the past 25 years.

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

I would have to say a bald eagle. No, I’m not bald. But, then again, neither are they. I can only imagine the joy of being able to soar high above the mountains. To effortlessly rise up on the wind and see the beauty of God’s creation for miles. And then there’s the thrill of diving at speeds reaching 100 miles per hour and then swooping in to nab a fish or rodent. Finally, while all of this is true of many birds, the bald eagle is protected, so I wouldn’t have to worry about nature’s most ruthless predator—people.

What is your favorite food?

I have to say nachos. Though in reality, it could be just about any Mexican food. I love cheese, salsa (the hotter the better), tortillas, refried beans, onions, cilantro, and just about anything else that can be put on tortilla chips or in a burrito shell. For that matter, I also find a lot of things to fit that description that most people probably wouldn’t consider. We even have a garden solely dedicated to salsa. We usually grow a dozen or more varieties of peppers from sweet to scorpions.

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

Getting published. In a sense, many would say that I haven’t overcome it. After a few years of seeking publishing, hearing that the plot is intriguing, not finding anyone willing to take the risk on an unknown with a novel on spiritual warfare, and letting it sit in the drawer while I worked on something else, I finally felt called to self-publish. Well, that’s not totally accurate, I felt called to create my LLC, Hearts of Compassion Publishing, where the long-term plan is to build a reputation for quality stories, mine or otherwise, which are published with the sole purpose of donating all proceeds to compassion-based ministries.

Tell us about the featured book.

At a pivotal time in my life, as a young husband and father, I read Frank Peretti’s Darkness books. The impact on my life at that time was profound. I have always wished he would write more books of the dual-realm style. So when I sat down to try my hand at writing a novel, the only logical choice was to write a dual-realm style story of my own. From this endeavor, In The Image of Man was born.

The eyes are the window to the soul…

…but what if the eyes are empty?

When Officer Chris Davis, of Arrow Springs, Missouri, rescues a young woman from a mysterious attacker, he steps into the center of a spiritual showdown. Following his heart, and a trace of circumstantial evidence, he embarks on a collision course with a government research facility and an unseen foe.

Whether intentional or not, humanity often walks that line first crossed by Lucifer himself—the desire to become equal with God. In The Image of Man is a supernatural thriller that gets the reader to ponder the ethical question, “If mankind succeeds in cloning humans, an attempt at creation, will God endow the clones with souls?” More important, the reader is encouraged to ponder his or her own soul as the book reflects on God’s restoration of relationships. Ultimately, God is the God of creation, and of re-creation.

In The Image of Man is the first book in the Unseen Dominion series.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Just get out alive. Sergeant Chris Davis pressed his back against the wall.

Beads of sweat oozed between his palm and the cool grip of his Glock 22. He slid his left shoulder to the door frame. One final breath to dull the thumping in his ears.

Like most of the quiet middle-class neighborhood, the Hendersons had left for work hours ago.

The house stood empty, or so he hoped. He aimed the gun at the gap separating the door from its frame. His free hand pushed the oak door. Black knuckles turned to tarnished bronze as his grip tightened around the Glock.

The door stopped.

A drip of salty sweat stung his eye. Was there someone in the room? He squinted into the darkness, letting his eyes adjust from the bright sunlight. “Arrow Springs Police! If you’re in there, step into the open with your hands in the air. I will not ask again!”

No response.

Should he call for backup? With the mayor’s cuts to the force, he’d have to wait for County to arrive. Dispatch reported a simple break-in. No reason to expect danger—except experience.

Through the crack between the door and its casing, he saw them.

A pair of tennis shoes rested against the door—devoid of an occupant.

He exhaled an overdue breath.

Gun barrel leveled, he willed himself through the doorway.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Webpage: http://www.heartspublishing.com

Blog: http://www.heartspublishing.com/robert-roushs-blog

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

Twitter: @AuthorRob

Thank you, Robert, for sharing your book with us today.

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

In The Image of Man (Unseen Dominion Book 1)

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

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

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

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

WINNERS!!!!!

Diana G (VA) is the winner of Rescuing the Texan's Heart by Mindy Obenhaus.
Sm (CA) is the winner of Ozark Wedding by Helen Gray.
Anna (FL) is the winner of Tried and True by Mary Connealy.
Cindy W (IN) is the winner of the ebook Snowflake Tiara by Angela Breidenbach and Valerie Comer.
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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.

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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.

WINNER - SUMMER READING CHALLENGE

Congratulations, Sharon Miller - you are the winner of the $25 Gift card. Email or message me so we can decide what kind you want.

It can be an Amazon Gift Card, a Barnes and Noble Gift Card, or a Walmart Gift Card. If Amazon or Barnes and Noble, I'll send it online. If a Walmart card, I'll mail it to you.

A GRAND DESIGN - Amber Stockton - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I’ve known Amber for over a decade and watched her bud and blossom as an author. I found A Grand Design to be a delightful romance, woven around a hand-made quilt and Mackinac Island. This book is an easy read that will take you out of your stressful day to a place to relax and enjoy a good story.

Welcome back, Amber. Tell us about your salvation experience.

I was raised in a household where both parents believed in Christ, so for me, the transition from following the faith of my parents to making it my own personal faith was a natural progression. I accepted Christ at the age of 7 after a Sunday school class where the teacher read a story about Jesus never leaving you and being a friend who sticks closer than a brother. I had 2 brothers at the time, one older and one almost born, and my older brother teased me or tormented me more than befriended me, so a friend better than that appealed to me. J Three years later, I was baptized in a friend’s swimming pool, and I’ve never looked back.

Wow, Amber. I asked Jesus into my heard when I was 7. I didn’t know we had that in common. You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?

Wow. Only 4? That’s not going to be easy, but I’ll give it a shot. Let’s see. First, I’d invite Tamera Alexander because she’s so full of grace and wisdom, and she knows how to tell a fantastic story. Next would be Jeff Olson (author of The Slight Edge) because he has a phenomenal knack for taking concepts that might be difficult to process or understand and breaking them down into manageable bites that are easy to apply to your life. After him would be Linda Windsor because she took the time to mentor and encourage me in the early stages of my writing career, and she isn’t afraid to give a harsh critique if a piece of writing needs it. Leaving the best for last would be Tracie Peterson because she and her husband were the reason I got published in the first place. We’ve been friends for nearly 20 years. I began as a reader of her books who contacted her and that led to another amazing mentoring relationship with a lady so full of God’s grace and love, it’s a challenge to not love her.

Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.

Yes. I began presenting workshops on writing once I’d sold several books, but that has blossomed into speaking at women’s retreats, seminars, at conferences, and even doing a few podcasts here and there. My list of topics is always changing, but my core ones are available on the Speaking page of my web site (www.amberstockton.com/speaking.html). I grew up embellishing stories and being able to hold a captive audience. Guess I never expected that to turn into a flourishing writing and speaking career. Amazing how God works … even when you don’t realize it.

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

This isn’t easy, because I don’t embarrass easily. Not to say my face doesn’t turn several shades of red in moments of embarrassment, but I can usually laugh it off or turn the focus elsewhere. I do suffer from an incurable case of foot-in-mouth disease, but owning that makes it easier to handle when embarrassing moments happen. There aren’t any stories of falling down the stairs, tripping up the stairs, spilling food or drink all down the front of me, bad hair days, etc. But one memorable moment came at an annual ACFW conference when Brandilyn Collins (our MC) decided to announce the coming arrival of my first baby to everyone attending the general session. My husband and I met because of ACFW, so our story at the time was frequently shared and told on the email loop or at the national conference. This particular year, I was serving in a volunteer capacity as I usually do and walked into the meeting room just as Brandilyn was making the announcement. She explained how we met and fell in love because of ACFW then proceeded to announce our joyous news. Of course, I wasn’t sitting with my husband at the time. He was clear across the room, so when Brandilyn talked about the joy of adding a baby to the love we shared only to see we weren’t even sitting together, it made for some fun remarks from the witty MC, and many at the conference teased us for days afterward. It’s one of those “you had to be there” stories.

People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that?

Oh, definitely. And I’d tell them to write the book. Don’t delay, don’t dawdle. Get it done. There’s an immense feeling of accomplishment when you get to that last page. Everything you wrote might never see a printed page, but at least you can say you did it! Someday will always be out there, but goals are never accomplished by waiting for someday.

Tell us about the featured book.

A Grand Design is a light-hearted contemporary romance which serves as a nice escape for a few hours. Here’s the blurb:

A fun getaway on a charming island may be just what Alyssa needs … if only she can let go of her past.

Fifteen years ago, Alyssa Denham stopped taking her annual summer trip to Mackinac Island, refusing to tell anyone the reason she avoided the island she loved as a child. Now here she is, unexpectedly on the island for two weeks with her best friend, Libby, trying to keep her secret buried.

Alyssa’s grandmother, who lives on the island, has asked Alyssa and Libby to help piece together a friendship quilt she had started years earlier. Their quest takes them to the homes of some of her grandmother’s long-lost friends, giving Alyssa amazing insight into her grandmother’s life … and attracting the attention of the handsome Scott Whitman.

Will memories of her past keep Alyssa from letting go? Or will she finally learn to trust and let God heal her fractured heart?

Since I’ve read the book, please give us the first page for my readers.

“I hate the month of June!”

Alyssa Denham shouldered her way through the revolving door to her office building and onto the concrete sidewalk, her arms laden with bridal shower grab-bag gifts. She should have tossed most of the stuff, or found an unsuspecting coworker and bestowed the gifts on her as a random act of kindness. Three office bridal showers in the first three weeks of April. It had to be a record.

The predictable wedding invitations arrive in her inbox, and she still didn’t have a date for the events. Some of it was her fault. It shouldn’t bother her, but it did.

I don’t have a date, period.

Every year for the past five years, whenever a wedding occurred for someone she knew, it happened in June. And this year was no different. If June was her least favorite month, then April followed as a close second. As Alyssa stepped out from under the overhang, the light drizzle falling most of the day changed to a steady rain

.

“Perfect,” she muttered, looking up and down the street for a taxi to the train station. She usually walked, but the gift bags and little wrapped items she carried made the idea impossible. The six blocks would feel more like sixty.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I have a web site at www.amberstockton.com, but I’m also on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AuthorAmberStockton), Twitter (www.twitter.com/AmberStockton), and Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/amberstockton76/ )

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

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
A Grand Design - Christianbook.com
A Grand Design: Quilts of Love Series - Amazon
A Grand Design: Quilts of Love Series - 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 Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

HALLOWED HALLS - Hannah Alexander - One Free Book

Dear Readers, when my copy of Hallowed Halls arrived, it went straight to the top of my to-be-read pile. I’ve read Hannah Alexander suspense novels for years. I love the way this couple works together to give us a dynamite story. The settings always intrigue me, since most of them are in the Ozark Mountains, where I spent most of my growing up years. They create characters, who really grab me by the heart and don’t let go. Hallowed Halls is a great read that I would recommend to anyone who loves romantic suspense … and to those who maybe don’t. This is a very good read for anyone.

Bio: Hannah Alexander is the pen name for a husband-and-wife writing team presently working on their 29th novel. Their books can be found online and in new and used bookstores across the country. Hannah's work is typically set in a small town, typically with a medical drama, some suspense, some humor, with characters who often raise questions about the spiritual aspects of their lives.

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

Thank you, Lena. I wish I could see what He’s doing, because I’m beneath that tapestry, and all I see are knots and scribbles so much of the time. The one thing I do see for sure is that as long as I have stories to tell, I’ll continue writing. It’s been my lifelong passion, and I only hope I can still do it when I get to heaven.

Tell us a little about your family.

I’m glad you asked. I’m preparing to attend a family reunion in which over 100 individuals are scheduled to be there. My mother was one of thirteen children, and from those children came more than 55 cousins for me to love as siblings, and I do love them. Mom made sure of that, because I’m an only child.

My husband, Mel, whom I include in the pen name Hannah Alexander because of his great help with editing and medical scenes, has been my immediate family for nearly 20 years; the reason I chose the name “Hannah” for my half of our pen name was because I could so easily identify with pre-Samuel Hannah in the Bible. I was never given children of my own. That has allowed Mel and me to do many things we couldn’t have done otherwise, and we’ve accepted God’s will for our lives.

I have two stepsons from a former marriage whom I love dearly, and they’re great buddies with Mel. One of those stepsons recently received a master’s degree in Homeland Security, and he and his beautiful wife have two precious children. My other stepson works with pharmaceuticals and he and his vivacious, business-savvy wife presently have eight cats. We can identify, since Mel and I have rescued multiple abandoned kitties over the past nine years, and they’ve kept us busy. I have the utmost love and appreciation for the mother of my stepsons; because of her generous spirit, I’m allowed to be involved in their lives, and am greatly blessed.

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

I’ve never thought about this before, but yes, my writing has changed my reading habits, because I’ve met so many excellent novelists over the years. There are some fabulous wordsmiths amongst my growing bevy of friends, and I enjoy their work a great deal. Typically I love to immerse myself in poetic writing style. I indulge myself in the best voices in writing, whether it’s thrillers, women’s fiction, even horror—and I don’t even like horror, but if an excellent writer just happens to write in that genre, that’s what I read. If I want to have a good writing voice, myself, I can’t afford to read novels that aren’t well written and edited, but there are so many excellent novels to be read, I’ll never run out of great material.

What are you working on right now?

I’ve just completed a novella entitled Alive After New Year to be released in December with Love Inspired Suspense. Now I’m beginning the sequel to the indie novel I recently finished for the Jerry Jenkins Suspense line, entitled Hallowed Halls, which we’re featuring today.

The novel I’m working on right now begins with my heroine discovering she has driven hundreds of miles in a fugue state to find herself sitting in front of a tombstone, with Fourth of July fireworks filling the sky. She doesn’t know who she is or what she’s doing here. My hero is one of the first anti-heroes I’ve ever done, so this will be new to me. He was one of the antagonists in Hallowed Halls, and now he’s coming to grips with the damage he’s inflicted on so many people. I’m more excited about this story than I have been about anything for a long time. Soon, I might even have a title for it. As soon as I know, it’ll be on my website.

I’ll want to feature it on this blog when it releases. What outside interests do you have?

I expect to one day enjoy hiking again, and traveling, and exploring new places. Right now, I read a lot, and help my husband with the clinic we recently established in our tiny hometown. We never dreamt how much work and emotional effort this clinic would entail. Our hometown, where I graduated from high school decades ago, has barely over 1,000 residents, so growing a patient load and reaching out to surrounding rural towns is something of a challenge. Getting the word out about our existence reminds me a lot of being a newly published novelist attempting to promote my first book. Until they’ve been to our facility and seen how good our staff is, and how caring my husband is, they don’t take us seriously. But word of mouth is as vital for the success of a medical clinic as it is for a novelist. I know my husband, and I know word of mouth will continue to spread.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

That’s where my love for travel and exploration come in. Once I find a place I love—usually here in Southwestern Missouri—I set a series in a make believe town, people it with characters who reflect people I’ve met and admired—or not. Then I settle in and stay a while.

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

We’re presently studying the book of Esther, and I find I would love to ask her about her experiences that took place in that book—from her personal perspective. How did she manage to obey the terrifying demands made of her? I can’t imagine. I could use a good lesson about how to be more obedient.

I’ve long been interested in the life of Esther. When I was writing dramatic monologues, I did one of Esthere. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

That it would take me fourteen years of writing, editing, rewriting, marketing and receiving rejections before I reached my first novel publication, but when it happened, the time would be right. Would I still have done it if I’d known how long it would take? Most definitely. But perhaps I would have experienced less discouragement.

My first published book took 8 years, so I totally understand. What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

Again, studying Esther, I’m finding through the only book in the Bible that does not mention God that God still reigns. Even in the empty times in my life, when I can’t feel His touch or presence, I’m learning that He’s still with me. It’s something I want to convey in the book I’m writing now through the character of the man who was a scoundrel in Hallowed Halls, and comes face to face with his horrible behavior in Book Two.

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

First of all, learn grammar and punctuation and the craft of writing to the point that it becomes easy and doesn’t trip you up.

Second, write the story you want to write. Get it all down on paper without editing it. Feel free to write anything you want on the page, then put it away for at least a month.

Third, edit your novel with the help of several good books on writing and editing novels. Rewrite it over and over and over again, then put it away again. After more time has passed, pull it back out and rewrite it once more. I’ve found one can never rewrite enough, but you have to stop somewhere.

An editor once told me that it takes as much time to become a talented author of novels as it takes to become a brain surgeon. One has to build on the craft until it becomes an art.

Tell us about the featured book.

Hallowed Halls is a story set in a small town along the Missouri River, a fictitious town named Juliet set between two real places named Frankenstein and Hermann. Don’t you love it? I couldn’t resist using those names.

My heroine, Dr. Joy Gilbert, has lost her job in Kansas City after resisting her employer’s advances once too often (remember the scoundrel I’d mentioned earlier? That’s him) When Joy arrives in Juliet late at night, out jumps her employer’s fifteen-year-old teenaged daughter from the backseat. Tressa, who is escaping a difficult home situation, is tired of her battling, divorced parents. Unfortunately, Joy has crossed a state line with a minor. Soon after, she must face her former fiancé and admit her mistakes. Next, her mother, Molly, greets her at the front door with a house filled with rescued animals and a grumpy disposition. Life seems to be going downhill for Joy.

Forced to take a job working for Zack Tyler, her former fiancé, in the emergency department, Joy continues to clash with her mother about her life choices—they’d planned to open a clinic right here in Juliet, but instead, Joy took the job in Kansas City. Mom can’t quite forgive her for that.

Joy also has to work out some guidelines with Zack as they attempt to figure out how to re-establish their long-time friendship and work better together in the ER.

When young Tressa starts having blackouts, personal matters have to be handled on the fly as Zack, Joy, and Molly attempt to discover what’s happening before the blackouts become something worse.

Since I’ve read the book, please give us the first page for my readers.

Fury surged through Dr. Joy Gilbert like a rifle shot as she shut her office door and yanked the stethoscope from around her neck, suppressing a rebel yell. She stormed to the wide windows and sucked in her breath, ready to throw open the panes and shock the world. But an inquisitive squirrel leapt from one branch to another on a tree behind the clinic.

With a comical tilt of his head the furry critter broke the force of Joy’s outrage. She released her breath and deflated. As a child, she’d helped Mom bottle-feed an orphaned gray squirrel, and the little thick-tailed acrobat had often made her laugh.

Why scare the squirrels because she was stinging from the ridiculous accusations of a hostile patient? The man was unbelievable.

Her intercom buzzed, jerking her back to complete maturity.

“Dr. Gilbert, honey, you okay in there?” It was Betty, her favorite nurse.

“Give me a sec—”

“The boss is on his way to the clinic, sweetie. I want to rush Mr. Bezier out the door before he can waylay Mr. Cline.”

Joy winced. Along with half the clinic staff and several patients in the waiting room, Betty had undoubtedly heard Frank Bezier berating Joy for her refusal to write him a script for a half-year’s supply of Percocet. Some people thought they were above the law.

He had, in fact, loudly accused her of using her physical attributes and other “abilities” to land her job with Weston Cline “since I’m obviously an incompetent physician,” she muttered, too softly for Betty to hear. The patient was a bully.

“He’ll just call Weston later,” she told Betty. “He has clout.” And Weston’s personal cell phone number.

“Oh horse dumplings; the man’s a legal drug junkie and everyone knows it, including the boss. And might I remind you that Mr. Cline hired you for your ability with patients? Everybody here knows that.”

Joy closed her eyes in relief at her nurse’s soothing words. No one knew about the pains she’d taken to keep Weston Cline’s attentions away from her. All the struggles growing up without a daddy could teach a girl a few hard lessons, so she’d expected to be prepared. Being accused of doing the very thing she’d always resisted had felt like a stab in the gut.

“You could fire him from your service,” Betty said. “Send a letter and he’s out the door in thirty days.”

“We’re basically a pain clinic, Betty.” So why had Joy agreed to work here? “If I release a patient in pain from my services, I’ll be out the door.” Joy suspected Weston chose to advertise the clinic’s willingness to take chronic pain patients in the first place because it would ensure a fast growth rate. And it certainly had. A healthy bottom line was Weston’s main goal in everything he did.

“If you go out the door, so will I,” Betty said. “As will half the staff. Weston Cline knows better. You don’t want the state medical board breathing down your neck for being overly generous with controlled substances.”

Joy turned her back to the desk. “I think they already are.”

Too bad she hadn’t been thinking with her brain last year when Weston offered her this job. He not only offered it, he pressured her for weeks. The man had the charisma of a world dictator and for a short time she’d allowed herself to be dazed by his sweet words and the promise of a successful career—particularly after Zack broke their engagement.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

As always, look us up at www.HannahAlexander.com Drop us a line. We love to hear from readers.

Thank you, Cheryl for sharing this new book, and glimpses into your life, with us today.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Hallowed Halls - Christianbook.com
Hallowed Halls (Jerry B. Jenkins Select Books) - Amazon
Hallowed Halls (Hallowed Halls Series Book 1) - 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 Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com