WINNERS!!!!!

Brenda (VA) is the winner of The Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Ace Collins.

Jackie (NC) is the winner of Christmas Snowe and Peppermint Cocoa, by Joi Copeland.

Mary (SC) is the winner of Alone by Edie Melson.

Julie (CA), is the winner of Voices of the Past by Laura Bennet.

Melanie (TX) is the winner of Love In the Seams by Jodie Wolfe.

If you won a book and you like it, please 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 and author of the book you won, so I won't have to look it up.

Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.

SPECIAL - WIN OVER 55 BOOKS, PLUS A KINDLE FIRE

Today, I have a fun surprise that I’d like to share with you.

To celebrate November, I’ve teamed up with more than 55 fantastic inspirational historical romance authors to give away a huge collection of novels, PLUS a Kindle Fire to one lucky winner! 

You can win my novel novella collecton AUTUMN LOVE, plus books from authors like Mary Conneally and Andrea Boeshaar.

Enter the giveaway by clicking here: bit.ly/historical-inspy

Good luck, and enjoy!

Lena Nelson Dooley

 he giveaway by clicking here

:

bit.ly/historical-inspy

Good luck, and enjoy!

NAME

TRUST MY HEART - Carol J Post - One Book Giveaway on This Blog, Plus More

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

A little less with each book! In my first book, Midnight Shadows, my heroine was basically a fictionalized version of me. I even made her a court reporter (my former career). Each of my subsequent characters has had fewer of my own traits. In Trust My Heart, my latest release, Jami is much more like my artistic, dreamer daughter than like me.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I don’t think of myself as a quirky person, so I had to ask for my sister’s help on this one. She assured me my obsession with lists is not normal, which might put it in the “quirky” category. I always have two or three to-do lists going at any given time. I love marking things off, so if I do something that’s not on the list, I add it so I can have the pleasure of crossing it off. I even have an Excel spreadsheet in my computer titled “Where I Put Things.” It’s those rarely used items that always get me. This list tells me which shelf of which closet holds the item I’m looking for.

That spreadsheet sounds like a good idea to me. I may have to borrow it. I do have a file with where I put the Christmas presents I acquire early. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I discovered I had a natural bent for writing in my late elementary school years. I was one of those weird kids who actually enjoyed doing book reports. In high school, I got to do research papers and had even more fun. I never considered writing for publication, though, until the early to mid-1990s. My husband and I were working with Marriage Encounter at the time, and the leader would edit the talks we wrote. After submitting two or three of them, I received a note back that in 25 years of leading Marriage Encounter weekends, mine was the first talk she’d received that didn’t require edits. For the first time, I questioned whether I might be able to sell what I wrote. Although I got to see several magazine articles go to print, it would be almost twenty years before I got my first novel published.

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

I actually enjoy a wide range of genres, as long as the books are clean. I read books written in any time frame (historical, contemporary, or futuristic), and the genres I enjoy include young adult, suspense, romance, mystery, and fantasy. If the characters are relatable and the story is compelling, I’ll probably like the book.

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

The short answer? I don’t!

Actually, I do have some things that help keep me sane. First, I always like to start my day with prayer and Bible reading. It helps to center me and keep my focus in the right place. Another thing that helps is regular exercise. Nothing energizes me and clears my mind like an hour of Zumba. Lastly, my lists help keep me sane. No matter how crazy my schedule is, just having everything down on paper seems to make it so much more manageable. 

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Sometimes, I hear a name and think, “Ooo, that would be a great character name.” Other times, I find those lists with the 100 most popular baby names for whatever decade my character was born. For last names, I use an online surname generator. I type in a character’s first name, then click “Generate Last Names.” Sometimes it gives me names like Lefkopoulou and Abderrazzaq. (Yes, those are actual names the program recommended to me.) I’m glad, though, that it also spits out plenty of less complicated ones, since I’m pretty sure readers want to be able to pronounce the names we give our characters.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Being nominated for a RITA® award this year was a pretty cool experience. (For anyone not familiar with this particular award, it’s like the Oscars of romance writing.) The one accomplishment that thrilled me the most, though, was selling my first book. It had been such a long time coming (about fifteen years since crafting my first novel-length story). After years of rejection, discouragement, and long periods where I just stopped writing, getting “the call” was a dream come true.

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

I think I’d be a cat. But it would have to be one of the Post cats, because we spoil them rotten. We’re down to one right now, since our older two passed away. Midnight travels with us, sleeps with us, and hangs out with me as I write. He doesn’t like to drink after the dog, so he hops up on one of the dining room chairs and demands that I give him his water in a bottle. And I do!

What is your favorite food?

It really depends on my mood. I’m a really healthy eater, so those are the types of foods I usually crave. I’m probably the only person on the planet whose mouth waters while looking at a salad. I don’t have a sweet tooth, so desserts are no temptation for me. Instead, I crave salty snacks. So if I have a weakness, it would have to be potato chips. I try to leave them at the store and eliminate the temptation.

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

The biggest roadblock for me was discouragement. I still sometimes have to fight it. Writing is a solitary activity, and lots of rejection goes with the territory. Having a support system is so important. Although my family was always supportive, it wasn’t until 2010, when I joined Romance Writers of America and my local chapter, Tampa Area Romance Authors, that I gained what I needed to keep forging ahead.

Tell us about the featured book.

Grant McAllister arrives in Murphy, North Carolina, with one aim: to sell his inherited property and leave as quickly as possible. The big-city lawyer has no interest in his late, estranged grandparents or the dilapidated mansion he just acquired. After his high-profile divorce, he should be avoiding perky reporters, too. But Jami Carlisle is honest, funny, and undeniably appealing.

After breaking up with her safe-but-smothering boyfriend, Jami is determined to ace her first big assignment. A story about the McAllister estate is too intriguing to ignore—much like its handsome, commitment-phobic heir. Thanks to her digging, the pieces of Grant’s fraught family history are gradually fitting into place, but also upending all his old beliefs.

The two draw closer as they share their dreams, until misread signals and misunderstandings begin to test their trust. But in the unspoiled beauty of the Smoky Mountains, there’s healing and forgiveness to be found. And for Grant, this unplanned detour may be just what’s needed to finally guide him home…

Please give us the first page of the book.

Decision making’s a bear.

Well, not all decisions, just ones that had the potential to ruin her life.

Jami Carlisle tilted her face upward and expelled a frustrated sigh. “Okay, Lord, I need some advice. Robert’s getting tired of waiting, and frankly, I can’t blame him.”

She stepped onto an outcropping of rock that jutted over a small creek. Early morning sunlight filtered through the canopy overhead, painting the flora varying shades of green. Somewhere nearby, a cardinal whistled its cheery song. The McAllister woods were her refuge, her place to gather her thoughts and regroup. It didn’t matter that they weren’t hers. They adjoined her property, and she’d been coming there as long as she could remember.

She released a sigh. “Robert’s expecting me to say yes.” Actually, everyone was expecting her to say yes. The whole town had the two of them engaged and all but married the moment he’d taken her hand at the harvest party hayride in eighth grade. They’d each dated others through the years, but last summer it had turned more serious, and in the eyes of the people of Murphy, North Carolina, that was enough to cement it—she was marrying Robert.

With another sigh, Jami dropped to the cool surface of the rock and let her sneakered feet dangle over the edge. Just below, water trickled over a downed limb and around protruding rocks on its lazy path to lower ground. A breeze rustled the trees above, harmonizing with the soothing sound of the creek. But the peace she usually found there eluded her.

“This shouldn’t be so difficult.” She lifted her eyes skyward. “Robert’s a good man. He’s kind and responsible, and he’s a Christian.” There weren’t many people she felt as close to as Robert.

So what was she waiting for? A sign? She snickered at the image that popped into her head, one of those black billboards with bold white letters:

Jami. Marry the Man.

-God

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website – www.caroljpost.com

Facebook – www.facebook.com/caroljpost.author

Twitter – www.twitter.com/caroljpost

I love to connect with my readers!

Thank you, Lena, for inviting me to participate on your blog. I had a great time being here!

Will an unplanned detour finally guide Grant home and find love with an honest, funny, and undeniably appealing reporter named Jami? Find out in a heartwarming romance by Carol J. Post, Trust My Heart. Grant McAllister arrives in Murphy, North Carolina, with one aim: to sell his inherited property and leave as quickly as possible. After breaking up with her safe-but-smothering boyfriend, Jami is determined to ace her first big assignment. A story about the McAllister estate is too intriguing to ignore—but as the two draw closer as they share their dreams, misread signals and misunderstandings begin to test their trust.

Join Carol in celebrating the release of Trust My Heart by entering to win her $75 Cozy Cash Giveaway.

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Trust My Heart
• A $75 Visa cash card
• A basket full of goodies made in North Carolina to keep you cozy in the cooler fall weather

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on November 23. The winner will be announced November 28 on Carol's blog.

Thank you, Carol, for sharing this book with us. I just started reading it.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Trust My Heart - Christianbook.com
Trust My Heart - Amazon paperback
Trust My Heart - Kindle
Trust My Heart - Audio

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (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

UNDISCOVERED TREASURES - Carole Brown - One Free Book

Bio: Besides being an active participant of many writing groups, Carole enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance, and whimsy into her books, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

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

Trust, both for humans and God, and forgiveness. I feel like that a person who has no trust, especially in God, or who can not forgive, can never have true happiness. We must learn to trust our God and forgive those who’ve hurt us. Only then, can we receive forgiveness and real joy in our lives.

True words. What other books of yours are coming out soon?

I had hoped to have the second book (A Flute in the Willows) of my WWII Spies series out this year, but because of circumstances, won’t see it released until early to mid 2017.

I also plan on having the third book in my Denton and Alex Davies series (called Daffy’s Duck) released in 2017.

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

I wouldn’t mind meeting Ben Carson. He’s a recent addition to my list of “would-like-to-meet people, but his principles and his attitude are impressive. I think it would be a very interesting session—and inspiring!

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

I’ve always admired Louis Lamour because of his details in research. His books are full of historical facts, and he’s a good writer too! J

I grew up reading Louis Lamour. How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

Don’t ever give up! Only you and God can ordain your writing journey, and always remember that.

Tell us about the featured book.

Undiscovered Treasures is the third book in my Appleton, West Virginia, Romantic Mystery series. When I wrote the first three books, I wanted to create a small town with three close friends, but very different personalities. Toni, Starli, and Caroline certainly are different but their friendship and loyalty to each other are steady and strong. Now that I can see how much people love these books, I’m planning to go ahead and write three more, but with three men as the main protagonists. Fun!

Here’s the blurb for Undiscovered Treasures:

Caroline Gibson is co-owner of Undiscovered Treasures, a shop of antiques, collectibles, and junk in rural West Virginia. Inside the shop is a music box that Caroline particularly relates to, believing that her own life is similar: forever spinning and never going anywhere.

She dreams and prays for the right man to turn up. But when family and friends hint that the local artist could be the guy, Caroline forgets about trusting God and takes matters into her own hands.

Besides, she could never love a man who paints such depressing pictures.

Andrew Carrington, painter of said depressing pictures, insists there’s always one redeeming trait to each of his works.

He’s loved Caroline since they were kids and thinks he’s not handsome enough, strong enough, or rich enough to impress this woman. But when God—or is it?—suddenly sends contracts begging for his signature, Andy thinks this just might be the way to win the only woman he can ever love.

But there’s a hitch in their plans. Someone is stealing Andy’s pictures, and why would they do that when he’s an unknown—so far? Do they know something Caroline and Andy don’t know? Is it mischief? Or something deeper that neither understand? Andy gets the chance to work with Caroline, and she must put aside her ongoing battle to avoid Andy and his art so they can discover the art thief in Appleton before Andy loses the chance of a life time to “make it big.”

Please give us the first page of the book.

Andy whistled as he poured coffee in his favorite cup, grabbed a Greek yogurt, and headed to his studio. It was early, but not too much so. Perfect lighting to work on his latest painting.

He nodded at his new assistant, but didn't speak, and shoved open the door to his work area. His gaze circled the room—as it always did.

His favorite place in the whole world. He sucked in a deep breath, inhaling the faint smells of the paints and turpentine, but he kept moving toward the window in the back of the room and stopped.

It was already open. Had he shut it last night? There was nothing disturbed that he could see, so...he shrugged. Time to get to work.

Andy took a sip of his coffee and flipped back the cover from his latest—and best—painting of Caroline Gibson.

The painting leered at him, as if it was a caricature transformed into monster life. Slashed into ribbons, with dashes of red, jarring paint splattered over it, his work was ruined. Beyond saving.

Belatedly, Andy set his cup down on a nearby table, and with a shaking hand, reached toward the damaged picture. He stepped back and wondered if this was the worst nightmare of his life.

True, he could paint another one, but she'd never see the passion he'd put into this one, see his heart in every stroke, and see the love he'd painted in every color.

Ruined.

Why would anyone do this? It wasn't valuable—except to him. Worse, who hated him so much he'd wreack this kind of havoc on him? Was there a grudge-bearing individual in the small town of Appleton who had hoped he would hurt him by doing this?

If so, then they'd succeeded.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Thank you, Carole, for sharing this new book with us. I'm eager to read it.

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

Undiscovered Treasures (An Appleton. WV Romantic Mystery) (Volume 3) - paperback
Undiscovered Treasures (An Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery Book 3) - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (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

MY ENEMY, MY HEART - Laurie Alice Eakes - One Free Book

Bio: “Eakes has a charming way of making her novels come to life without being over the top,” writes Romantic times of  bestselling, award-winning author Laurie Alice Eakes. Since she lay in bed as a child telling herself stories, she has fulfilled her dream of becoming a published author, with more than two dozen books in print.

She has recently relocated to a cold climate because she is weird enough to like snow and icy lake water. When she isn’t basking in the glory of being cold, she likes to read, visit museums, and take long walks, preferably with her husband, though the cats make her feel guilty every time she leaves the house.        

Welcome back, Laurie Alice. Do you have a favorite genre to write? If so, what is it?

I love writing historical fiction, especially eighteenth and early nineteenth century America and Great Britain, but I truly enjoyed writing my contemporary novels.

If you didn’t live in the part of the country where you do, where would you live?

In Appalachia. I love those mountains.

What foreign country would you like to visit and why?

Scotland. I’ve been to Europe three times, but have yet to get to Scotland. I love their history. It is fascinating, sad, and a symbol of courage—or stubbornness. And I have a lot of Scots in my ancestry.

Describe what you think would be the most romantic vacation you could take.

I would love a little cottage on a beach. Just me and my sweetie alone with the sand and waves and wind. Going for long walks along the shore, close enough to a town for dining and entertainment like music or theater—live theater, but no true demands on our time.

Sounds wonderful. Where would you like to set a story that you haven’t done yet?

I haven’t yet set one in Scotland and would like to—contemporary or historical.

What is the main theme of this novel?

What is family and the importance of family.

Tell us about My Enemy, My Heart.

Deirdre is an American woman who has known little more than life aboard her father’s merchantman. Then the War of 1812 is declared, her father’s ship is captured, her father dies, and she enters into a marriage of convenience with an Englishman for her protection. But while she is welcomed into his family and begins to love them and her husband, her loyalty is split between them and her crew, what she has always considered family, who are in an English prison. She determines to free them, but in doing so, she betrays her husband and his family. 

Please give us the first page of the book.

From Chapter 1 of My Enemy, My Heart

“Nothing to worry about.” Her observation of the ship on the horizon complete, Deirdre MacKenzie shoved the spyglass into her waistband, swung into the rigging, and slid down a backstay to land on the deck with a barefooted thud. “It’s only a British merchantman, Captain, sir.”

Daniel MacKenzie gave her a faint smile, amused to have her call him Captain instead of Father, as she had done since she could talk. Despite the smile, his face remained pale, grayish due to the ill health that had plagued him since their rough passage around Cape Horn. “If it’s only a merchantman, we’re safe running up the Stars and Stripes.”

“Are you certain about that, sir?” the first mate, Ross Trenerry, asked from where he stood manning the Baltimore clipper’s wheel. “We haven’t been what one would call friends with the British lately.”

“Only their navy, Ross.” Father pressed one hand to his chest, and his breath rasped loudly enough to be heard above the whistle of wind in the rigging.

Deirdre bit her lip. She wanted to wrap her arm around her father’s too-thin frame and lead him below, suggest he lie on his bunk and let Ross or her make contact with the other merchant ship if the British came their way. He wouldn’t welcome the solicitude, though. She knew that all too well.

“British merchantmen aren’t impressing men from American merchants.” Deirdre spoke more to reassure herself than convince Ross or her father.

Ross shook shaggy, dark hair out of his face and snorted. “The British think they can do whatever they want. I think we’re better off hightailing it out of here.”

“You may be right.” Father sounded as though he’d been running a footrace. “I’d like a bit more wind . . . for that. Deirdre, nip up top again and get their heading. We’ll evade . . . them . . .”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My web site has excerpts:

http://www.lauriealiceeakes.com

My author page on Facebook has tidbits about me and chances to win prizes or join my street team

http://www.facebook.com/AuthorLaurieAlice Eakes/

Or Twitter, where I tweet whatever strikes my fancy, from tidbits about my life, to interesting articles I read.

http://www.twitter.com/@LaurieAEakes/

Thank you, Laurie Alice, for sharing this new book with us. I just finished reading one of your books this morning. You know I love your writing. And I love the cover of this book.

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

My Enemy, My Heart - Christianbook.com
My Enemy, My Heart (The Ashford Chronicles) - Amazon paperback
My Enemy, My Heart (The Ashford Chronicles) - Kindle
My Enemy, My Heart - Audio

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (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

BROKE, BUSTED, AND DISGUSTED - Leeann Betts - One Free Book

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

I like to write about our second chance God, which includes forgiveness and reconciliation.

Those two things often are part of the books I write. What other books of yours are coming out soon?

Book 5, Broke, Busted, and Disgusted, featuring Carly Turnquist, forensic accountant, releases November 30, 2016, and readers can look forward to seeing another Carly adventure in April or May of 2017.

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

I’d love to spend an evening with the Reverend Billy Graham, because I see in him a man unswayed by popular opinion, politics, or the times, and I’d like to learn to be more like that.

He certainly has ministered across all lines. I admire him for that, too. What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

I’d love to meet any one of the women who followed Jesus because I’d like to know how their lives were changed, and what struggles they faced because of their decision.

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

I was right where you are. Don’t give up. Keep writing. Take even the tiniest bit of insight they give you in their letter/email. And when you know they are wrong, go Indie.

Tell us about the featured book.

Join forensic accountant Carly Turnquist in her fifth adventure in the By the Numbers series. Carly’s best friend in Bear Cove, Maine, is smitten with a younger man, and Carly is suspicious of his motives in courting her friend. When a previous client who blamed husband Mike’s computer program for losing inventory and money is found dead, Mike is the prime suspect. And he’s missing, with video showing a man matching his description maxing out their credit cards and emptying their bank account. Can Carly find Mike before the police do? And can she save her friend from making a huge mistake?

Please give us the first page of the book.

As far as Carly Turnquist, forensic accountant, was concerned, the only thing worse than paying bills was filing paperwork.

She paused, the stack of envelopes and fliers she'd just picked up from the post office, in one hand, her coffee in the other.

Nope. She'd changed her mind. There was nothing worse than paying bills.

She tossed the stack onto husband Mike's desk. He could deal with those when he got home.

She had more important things to do.

Like meet with Mrs. Markham, her best—and only—true friend—apart from Mike, of course—in Bear Cove. At least, her only friend since the fiascos with the mayor and missing money and mystery companies and bank robberies that never were and a wedding that almost wasn’t.

Carly trudged up the stairs to change her clothes before going out. Although they were meeting for lunch at the café on Main Street, which specialized in casual dining, Mrs. Markham would be dolled up, so she'd better do her part. Something a little nicer than sweats and a t-shirt.

Twenty minutes later, she sported a newer pair of black jeans, a red blouse made of some kind of shiny, satiny material, and a light windbreaker to cut the chill from the onshore breeze blowing in off Bear Cove, the town's namesake. A spritz of cologne and a comb through her shoulder-length—time to make an appointment with Margaret at Snip ‘n Clip—and she was off, headed down Jamaica Street to Main.

The late September warm spell meant the leaves were late in turning color, which meant fewer tourists. Which didn’t worry Bear Cove in the least.

The town motto was “If you don't live here, don't come here.” And much time and effort had been invested to avoid allowing the downtown area to evolve into a trendy tourist trap. Bear Cove was one of those few towns still in more or less its original shape, with the business district comprised of a bank, a pharmacist, the combination hair salon/barber shop, a diner, Jacob Roy's garage, and a ladies dress shop. But that didn’t mean the town was left to disintegrate. New awnings, planters, and paint attempted to recreate the original ambience of the 1880's, the town's heyday.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website: www.LeeannBetts.com  Subscribe to her free quarterly newsletter

Blog: www.AllBettsAreOff.wordpress.com

Facebook: http://bit.ly/1pQSOqV

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1qmqvB6

Books: http://amzn.to/2dHfgCE

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

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (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!!!

Sylvia (NC) is the winner of The Christmas Gift by Izzy James.

Pam K (KS), is the winner of Left at the Altar by Margaret Brownley.

Jorie (FL) is the winner of Home Sweet Home (Sleigh Bells Ring) by Lynette Sowell.

If you won a book and you like it, please 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 and author of the book you won, so I won't have to look it up.

Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.

LOVE IN THE SEAMS - Jodie Wolfe - One Book Giveaway

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

I think I’d have to say my genre (the kind of books I write) picked me. I loved watching and reading Little House on the Prairie as a child and the love of the era stuck with me I guess.

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

Sorry, I can’t limit it to just one.J I’d have to pick three. The day I married my sweetheart, and the days my two sons were born.

How has being published changed your life?

While my first two books have been independently published, I recently signed my first contract with a traditional publisher. I’ve thought about that moment for many years, and I dreamt what it would look like, how I would feel, etc. When it actually happened, it wasn’t at all as I'd anticipated. I think because God honed and refined me in the process of waiting. I finally was at the point where it was His timing, and He had changed me in preparation for that day.

What are you reading right now?

I’m reading How to Charm a Beekeeper’s Heart by Candice Sue Patterson.

What is your current work in progress?

I recently signed a contract for a novelette that will be coming out as part of a collection with Celebrate Lit this spring. I’m working on researching where I want to set my story as well as finding out what it’s like to have sisters. I grew up with two older brothers so I don’t have any experience in that area. My character, Esther Love, is a dime novelist who finds herself desperate to save the home she loves, even if it means she has to go husband hunting to do so.

What would be your dream vacation?

Oh, wow. It’s hard to narrow it down to a single destination. I guess I would first fly to England, Scotland, and Wales. Then we'd travel to Germany and revisit the places my husband and I saw over twenty-five years ago when he was stationed there. Next we would continue on to see Australia and New Zealand before returning home.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Most times I make up a fictional town, but it usually is based on a specific area of the country. It all depends on whether I plan to write a story set in the Old West or on the East coast where I live.

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

I’ve never been in awe of celebrities or famous people. I’d pick my favorite person in all the world to be with, my husband. J

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love to walk, and I also enjoy knitting. I’d like to get back into relearning how to play the piano again too.

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

I would have to say balancing writing and keeping up with the house. Most times it’s the house that suffers from my lack of attention.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Keep doing what God has called you to do. Trust Him to bring things about in His timing. Allow Him to work on you as you wait for that contract.

Tell us about the featured book.

Here’s the back cover blurb:

Mae Stafford longs for the companionship and unconditional love her sister has found in her new husband. But after years of refusing potential suitors because of a pact they made as children, Mae no longer has any choices left once their agreement is broken. She’s given up hope that God will give her what she desires most, a family of her own. Instead of dwelling on what she doesn’t have, she throws herself into her work as the recent sole owner of the local dress shop.

As a promise made to his late wife, Johannes Mueller agrees to travel west to be a school teacher in Calder Springs, Texas, away from the bigotry associated with being an immigrant in New York City. He hopes to improve his life and forget his loss. Johannes isn’t counting on his five-year-old daughter’s search for a new mother when they arrive. His little LillyAnn finds ways to bring the seamstress and him together … often. Can he learn to embrace his German heritage and unlock his heart to love again?

Please give us the first page of Love in the Seams.

October 1875, Calder Springs, Texas

“Will you be my new mama?”

Mae Stafford startled at the small child standing beside her elbow and nearly dropped the garment she’d been sewing. She hadn’t heard the bell chime on the door to her dress shop. Golden strands slipped free of the single plait running down the girl’s back. “Why, I … ”

“Nein, mein tochter.” A towering blond man placed a hand on the pixie’s shoulder. The gruff sounds of his language were somehow soothing.  “You’ll have to excuse my daughter.” His gaze didn’t quite meet Mae’s. “Sometimes she forgets—”

“But, Papa. She’s the lady we saw a few months ago with the beautiful white dress.”

Warmth flooded Mae’s cheeks, and she cleared her throat. “You must be thinking of my twin sister, Ellie. She, uh, got married in the beginning of summer.”

“What’s a twin?” Her nose wrinkled.

“It means that both my sister and I were born at the same time. We look alike, although not all twins do.” Mae refrained from touching the child’s shoulder.

The girl leaned against Mae’s leg and stared at her face. “Do you have a husband and children?”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website: http://www.jodiewolfe.com

Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/Jodie-Wolfe-553400191384913/; https://www.facebook.com/jodie.wolfe.1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JodieAWolfe

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jodie-Wolfe/e/B01EAWOHXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15220520.Jodie_Wolfe

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/116840153259583634192/posts

Fiction Finder: http://www.fictionfinder.com/author/?author=Jodie+Wolfe

Blogs I contribute to: Stitches Thru Time, Putting on the New and of course, Quid Pro Quills.

Thank you, Jodie, for sharing this new book with us. I loved reading the first one in the series.

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

Love in the Seams (Twins & Needles Book 2) - paperback
Love in the Seams (Twins & Needles Book 2) - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (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

VOICES OF THE PAST - Laura Bennet - One Free Book

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

I’m spread throughout my main characters. Usually each one has something about them that is me, but that’s all for characteristics. However, emotionally, my characters struggle with many of the same situations I’ve lived through or what I am struggling to overcome in my life—trust, fear, hope for the future. And in my last book, Rachel’s Son, which is currently looking for a home, the main character went on an emotional journey that was far exaggerated into a negative place. My secondary characters have bits and pieces of people I’ve encountered.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

When I was sixteen, I was on a theatre tour in England and ended up wearing my slippers for the last three days of site seeing. My newly purchased boots hurt my feet, and I didn’t care if anyone else thought my slipper wearing was inappropriate. Oh, the attitudes of teenagers sometimes!

If my feet hurt, I would be tempted to do the same thing. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

When I could first write letters and words, at about age 4. Stories and poems followed shortly thereafter. It’s something I always loved and wanted to do. I was praised in school for my writing, studied it in college and beyond, but didn’t take criticism well so I quit every time a rejection letter arrived. I didn’t understand the publishing world and thought I must be awful even though my teachers had told me otherwise. Then for years I was busy home educating my children. I decided to take writing seriously about five years ago. I figured if I was bad, I could learn to be good as long as I was open and teachable. Mount Hermon Writers Conferences were my growing up into writing times. And I’m still learning!

Even after over 30 years in the business, I’m still learning. If we don’t, we start declining. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I’ve always loved a good mystery or suspense and still love them. I enjoy contemporary and romance as long as they have some meat to them. Occasionally I will read historical fiction, especially biblical. I most appreciate problem solving action and deep characters—ones who are growing and changing in a healing or redemptive way.

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

Lists. I have a list for everything, otherwise I try to hold too much in my head. Discipline and routine. I try to keep a schedule and set goals, and then flex within them. This is a work in progress though. I’m a pusher of myself and can run myself right into the ground. I’m learning how to let God be my director and listen keenly for his voice. I take Sundays off. Seriously, that has made a huge difference! A day of relaxing, rest, and worship makes my week run so much more smoothly.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Okay, so this will sound weird and maybe should be the answer for the quirky question above. I love to wander through cemeteries. There are great names and such history there! I jot down names and keep a list (ha ha – see?) by my desk. When one of those doesn’t grab me, I Google baby names. That’s the best when you are looking for a particular time period or geographical location.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

My seven children and nine grandchildren although I can’t take too much credit. God gets that. But still, they are all amazing people who bring me great joy and pride. I’m very blessed to be close to all of them in heart if not in proximity. I long for big family reunions.

I love it when all of our immediate family get together, and we always do usually twice during the holiday season. They live close by, so we also get together several times during the year. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A dolphin or a hawk. I love the freedom of swimming or flying with no restraint. They both frolic and dive. I used to pretend I was a dolphin when I was a kid swimming in our pool. And I love to watch hawks soaring on the wind. Such freedom!

What is your favorite food?

Can I list more than one? I have too many favorites. Salmon, steak, pizza, lasagna, bbq chicken, ice cream, and dark chocolate. But I eat pretty healthy so I have versions of those that are good for me. =) Oh, and my daily smoothies especially coffee chocolate peppermint!

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

Just doing it. It’s funny, but even though I LOVE to write, I can take so long to get into actually sitting down and doing it. Once I do, it’s hard to pry me away. I’ve heard other authors say the same thing, and it doesn’t really make sense to me.

But I recently went through a productivity summit online done by Michael Hyatt. It helped me focus (it was called Free to Focus) on what I should be spending my time on. When I was able to see more clearly my brand (Hope. Healing. Redemption.), and what I feel called to do (move people forward in their lives), I was able to schedule my time more appropriately to create content for that. I had to let go of some other good things to open the way for more specific writing projects. It’s made me more intentional with my writing. I also try to block out my time, and I set a daily goal of 1,000 words. I don’t always make that (I’m still a busy mom with 2 teen athletes at home), some days it’s much more, some days much less, but I try to write something every day. I’m getting more consistent.

Good for you. Tell us about the featured book.

Real estate agent, Aimee Wells, is a single mother of two who has worked hard to rebuild her life after some tragic circumstances. She thinks she’s got it all figured out until her missing high school sweetheart coincidently walks into her office wanting to see a house. His presence disrupts her perfectly ordered world and forces her to re-examine her relationships, especially with God. Who can she really trust? She’d rather leave the past where it belongs, but situations and another voice from her past won’t let that happen.

Please give us the first page of the book.

The day Aimee Wells dreamed of and dreaded for ten years arrived without warning.

The nautical sign of Ocean Front Properties shifted with the breeze as the front door closed, sending a brush of air to chill her, despite the warm spring day. Her routine message checking paused. A momentary sense her life was about to change wafted over her with the draft.

Slipping the office phone back into its place, she stared at a growing silhouette now eclipsing the sun which streaked through paned windows.

The apparition towered over the edge of her pristine, mahogany desk. The dusky green of his eyes flashed in her mind before she looked.

It couldn’t be.

She drew in a shaky breath when she realized she’d stopped. Her heart pounded in her ears.

“Aimee?” It spoke. The room tilted.

She lifted her gaze, catching the familiar dark jeans and casual olive T-shirt before looking him in the eyes.

Now I’m eager for my book to arrive. How can readers find you on the Internet?

I have a website www.laurabennet.com and I’m on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. You can also see my Voices of the Past characters’ fashion style on Pinterest. My books are available on www.amazon.com and at www.barnesandnoble.com

Thank you, Laura, for sharing this book with us. I know my readers are as eager to read it as I am.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (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

ALONE - Edie Melson - One Free Ebook

BIO: Find your voice, live your story…is the foundation of Edie Melson’s message, no matter if she’s addressing parents, military families, readers of fiction, or writers. As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives.

Considered a leading professional within the publishing industry, she travels to numerous conferences as a popular keynote, writing instructor and mentor. Her top-ranked blog for writers, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month, and she’s the Director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She’s a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association and the Social Media Director for Southern Writers Magazine. She’s also the bi-weekly columnist for Guideposts’ Military Family blog. She and her husband, Kirk, have been married 35+ years and raised three sons. They live in Simpsonville, South Carolina.

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

I think some of my personal quirks slip in—sometimes unnoticed. For example, in this book, my hero is always unbuckling his seat harness before the aircar is fully landed. One of my critique partners called me on that odd behavior. Another spoke up, “Have you ever ridden with Edie? She always unbuckles her seatbelt as she’s driving into the garage.”

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Early in my career I was writing a profile piece for a young men’s magazine on the BMW Driving school. Of course to write accurately, I had to participate. One of the skills we learned was how to drift in a car. I also was able to take one of the high performance cars out on the speed track—with an instructor—and clocked out at over 140mph.

I imagine that was awesome. When did you first discover you were a writer?

My mother will tell you that I began writing as soon as I could crawl to a blank wall with a crayon in my hand. Truthfully though, I was young when I was bitten by the writing bug. I wrote my first book—longhand, in purple ink pen—in eighth grade.

Purple is my favorite color. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I love a lot of books, suspense, sweet romance, science fiction, and I love classic cozy mysteries. My nonfiction choices are just as eclectic.

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

I have two hobbies that help me slow down. I love to knit and always have something on my needles. I also adore photography. Getting out in nature and really looking at the world around me helps me focus on the moment.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I’m usually pretty random—choosing names I like for characters I like. But for this book, Alone, I did a lot of in depth research and used Biblical names. I did my best to match characters to the meaning of the names.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

My family. My husband and I have been married 35+ years and have raised three sons. The oldest two are married and live close by. Their wives are precious and have become like daughters to me. Our youngest is still at home, and I dread the day when he leaves. We’re all close, and the boys do things together several times a week.

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

I would definitely be a cat. They move with grace, can bring joy just by being close by, and they’re never worried about anyone else’s opinion.

What is your favorite food?

Unfortunately, I love a lot of different types of food. But if I have to choose one, it would be TexMex. I grew up in Texas and for me, that’s the taste of home.

I love TexMex, but I also love regular Mexican food. We’ve spent time over the years in Mexico with our best friends who are missionaries there. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

My biggest obstacle as a fiction writer is the fact that I began my writing career as a freelance writer. I take writing tight to a whole new level. In fiction, that always leaves me about thirty to forty thousand words short after I finish my first draft. I have to go back in and layer in the mood, setting, and subtext. I overcame it by practice and investing in time at conferences and workshops.

Excellent advice for any author. Tell us about the featured book.

This book began as an idea, 25 years ago. I love science fiction and the idea of having a main character who was faced with a twist. So often we see people portrayed as being willing to die for their faith, I wanted to see what would happen when the worst thing that could happen to my character was to make her live for her faith.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Only the chimes, oddly sweet, told the passing of time. This far beneath the surface, day and night were arbitrary, dictated by necessity, not nature. Bethany looked around at the other workers, some in standard issue coveralls and others, like her, in the tunics of slaves. Only she and Elisheba carried the mark of Seeker. They were the last two left in this worker block, both of them female, one too old to bear children and herself just entering adulthood.

Slave or free, the designation didn’t really matter. Their lives were all governed by someone else. She tried not to fidget as she waited for the supervisor, and Elisheba gave her a half smile from the opposite end of their shared station. The refuge of the chest-high worktop provided a place to lose herself in the tedium of work. Bethany nodded back at her friend, unwilling to speak and draw attention to them.

“I’m no seeker-slave.” The old woman at the next workstation glared in Bethany’s direction. “They shouldn’t force me to stand here waiting.”

Elisheba tapped the hardened steel worktop with her broken fingernail three times. It was their personal code for patience. Bethany didn’t need Elisheba’s caution. She wouldn’t answer the angry woman. She might have laughed had there been any energy left in her body. These people could label her anything they chose. She wasn’t here to please them. Her purpose was to endure—until the One finally called her home.

Sounds intriguing. I’m eager to get my copy. How can readers find you on the Internet?

My blog is www.TheWriteConversation.blogspot.com.

I’m also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest

Alone is available on Amazon

Thank you, Edie, for sharing this book with us. I don’t read a lot of Sci-fi/Fantasy books, but I’ve read several I really liked. This sounds like it will be on that list.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (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