EVERY PERFECT GIFT - Dorothy Love - One Free Book

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

He has! I’ve been so blessed with this series, and blessed to have three new standalone historicals to write. God’s word to me this year was “Watch.” And I have watched as He has brought wonderful new people into my life, who have blessed my work in unbelievable ways.

Tell us a little about your family.

I’ve been married for 38 years to the man I first met in church shortly after graduating from college and beginning my career. Ron has spent his career in commercial insurance, and his work has allowed us to live all over the country, including several years in San Diego and in Austin…my favorite Texas city. We share our house with two golden retrievers, Major and Jake. We’re each from large extended families. We have dozens of cousins, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles. We get together with his side of the clan on Christmas Eve every year. It’s always such fun catching up with everyone. My mom turned 81 years old this year. She is the spark plug on my side of the family. We lost my younger brother to cancer in April. We treasure the children and grandchildren he left behind. I have an older brother in Tennessee, a brother and sister in Texas. Ron’s only sister lives here, too. They were both born in September, and we plan a joint birthday event every  year. Usually a trip to Rangers stadium to see a baseball game and a birthday dinner. Last September we spent a day in the museum district in Ft. Worth before the game, which was loads of fun.

I didn’t realize we lived in the same state. Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

I notice things in books that I would not have noticed if I weren’t a writer. Just recently I reread a book that was published in 1989 by a favorite author of mine, now deceased. And I noticed certain habits of hers that I mentally corrected as I read.

That happened to me with a favorite author whose book released at the same time as my Golden, New Mexico one. What are you working on right now?

In November I turned in the manuscript for CAROLINA GOLD, a standalone historical novel set on a rice plantation in the South Carolina lowcountry. Now I’m working on a historical suspense called THE BRACELET which is due to my publisher this coming November. It’s set in Savannah, one of my favorite Southern cities.

What outside interests do you have?

Ron and I love history, and we seek it out when we travel. We both love to read, and we enjoy hiking. For a long time I collected teapots, particularly those made by the Shawnee Pottery company but I’ve run out of room. We have a collection of antique maps dating back to the mid-1800’s. I used to do a lot of needlework, mostly counted cross-stitch, but now my eyes are too weak to do much of that. I’ve been a member of several book clubs, but lately I’ve had to drop out in order to meet my publishing deadlines.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

This is an easy question. I’m a Southern girl, and I set all of my books in the South. I’ve traveled to South Carolina for years and always wanted to write a book set there—hence, CAROLINA GOLD. I was born in Tennessee and set my first series for Thomas Nelson in the Cade’s Cove area of the state.

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

General Robert E Lee. I have admired him since I first read the letters he wrote to his wife and daughters during the war. The public knows him as a gentleman soldier, the man who made a bad decision at Gettysburg, but in private he was a loving husband, a doting father with a great sense of humor, a man of faith in God, humble in both victory and defeat. His final General Order to his troops at the surrender still makes me blubber like a baby. In his thirties, he was dubbed “the handsomest man in the army.” He loved to dance. I would have loved knowing him.

I did a lot of research on him when I wrote for a curriculum publishing company. I’ve long admired him. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

Staying published is harder than getting published.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

The things that sometimes appear as trials, defeats,  and setbacks return to us as blessings if we wait on Him.

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

Learn to write well.

Be persistent in seeking a publisher.

Learn to market your work.

Tell us about the featured book.

EVERY PERFECT GIFT wraps up the Hickory Ridge trilogy that includes BEYOND ALL MEASURE and BEAUTY FOR ASHES. My main character, Sophie Caldwell, was adopted as a ten year old by Ada and Wyatt Caldwelll, the main characters in BEYOND ALL MEASURE. After growing up on Wyatt’s ranch in Texas, Sophie went away to school, and then worked for a newspaper in Dallas. But now she feels called to return to Hickory Ridge to revive the local newspaper, the Gazette. Because she is of mixed parentage, she has always felt a need to prove herself, and she hopes that by making a success of the paper, she can finally be accepted.  In Hickory Ridge, she meets Ethan Heyward, the architect who designed and built Blue Smoke, a luxury resort in the mountains above town. Sophie and Ethan are drawn to each other, but each carries an explosive secret that could tear them apart.

Please give us the first page of the book.

The orphanage seemed so much smaller than she remembered.

Sophie Robillard Caldwell peered through the bars of the rusty gate, taking in the boarded up windows, the weed-choked yard, the frayed remnants of a rope swing shivering in a sharp wind that seemed to whisper long-ago taunts. Mutt. Muddlebones. Mongrel.

And worse.

Holding her hat in place with one hand she looked up at the second-floor window of the room where she’d spent a lonely childhood daydreaming and spinning stories. She’d expected to feel a sense of familiarity upon returning here, a kind of homecoming. But the moment she stepped off the train, she realized everything had changed.

True, Jasper Pruitt still ran the mercantile, and his wife still owned the dress shop that had once belonged to Norah Dudley. The bakery and Mr. Gilman’s bank were thriving. The Hickory Ridge Inn, where she was currently staying was full to overflowing every night. Miss Hattie’s restaurant had reopened. Even now the smells of frying chicken drifted on the wind.

I loved reading all three of these books, and this one was a fitting ending for the series. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers are welcome to my home on the web: www.DorothyLoveBooks.com and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/dorothylovebooks

Thank you, Dorothy, for sharing this book with us today.

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

Every Perfect Gift (A Hickory Ridge Romance) - paperback
Every Perfect Gift (A Hickory Ridge Romance) - Kindle


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

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

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

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

THE STAGECOACH MURDERS - Howard Worley - One Free Book

Today's interview is a little different. My writing friend Rebecca DeMarino's father wrote western novel. He's a Christian man who wrote a book for the general western market. She contacted me about him and his novel, and I gladly agreed to feature him and his book. He learned to write novels by reading Louis L'Amour and Zane Grey. I grew up reading those books. Rebecca wrote the answers, then read the interview to her dad, and he approved it.

Welcome, Rebecca and Howard. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.  

Dad would tell you there is nothing of himself in his characters, but it’s easy to see from a reader who knows him well that his ethics and morals are firmly ingrained in Boone!

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?  

Quirky is not a word I associate with my dad at all, but I do remember that as a pilot for the Navy, on a flight from San Diego to Oak Harbor, WA, he looked down over Corvallis, Oregon, and said that’s where I want to retire. He bought 20 acres there sight unseen and when he retired from the Navy eleven years later, that’s where we lived!

When did you first discover that you were a writer? 

Dad has always been an avid reader, but his inclination to write came at age 86. I’ve always thought he decided to write a novel because I was writing a novel!

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

While he’s enjoyed reading biographies and other nonfiction works, his choice in fiction is anything by Louis L’Amour and Zane Grey.

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

I can tell you he keeps his sanity by turning off the TV and allowing others to do some of the running!

How do you choose your characters’ names? 

I’m not sure where he came up with the name Boone, but his heroine was named after a little girl we met when we stayed at the Highland Springs Resort.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? 

He’s done many things in his life as a pilot, a rancher and cowboy, and I’m sure finishing his book at age 89 would be high on the list. But his 59 years and 9 months married to my mom before she passed away trumps everything else.

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

 Why, a horse of course!

What is your favorite food? 

Smoked oysters.

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

This is a tough one – I know he loved every aspect of research and syntax has never been a problem of his. I do know that when he told me he was going to write a western romance, I gave him a couple of writing books to get him started. He read them, told me they were confusing and he thought he’d just write and see how it turned out. He’s a natural! He also underwent open-heart surgery, and two days later had a stroke before his novel was finished. Talk about a roadblock!

Tell us about the featured book. 

Don’t let the title, THE STAGECOACH MURDERS, fool you. This is western romance at its best. His heroine, the beautiful Lily MacIntyre, travels west with her parents. When the stage leaves Arizona City, Boone Osborne joins the ride. Lily is annoyed with herself for being attracted to the handsome ex-Texas Ranger,  but when her father is murdered on the stagecoach and her mother dies of a broken heart, she finds herself bent on revenge and Boone the means to achieve it. Both want to find the killer, but Boone seeks justice and Lily seeks vengeance. If they cannot trust each other, can they trust their own heart?

Please give us the first page of the book.

CHAPTER ONE                            

Boone Osborne leaned against the porch post in front of the Arizona City stage station and watched as two men loaded trunks atop the Concord stage. He fingered his gun belt, slung low and tied down. A Henry rifle leaned against the wall behind him. His bedroll lay on the floor.

He recognized the driver trudging from the stage office, Cliff Hadley. A man of medium height and dressed in a black broadcloth suit with a white shirt and string tie followed. His auburn hair curled around his ears beneath a grey beaver hat.

“Howdy, Cliff.” Osborne nodded to Hadley.

“Oh, how do, Boone. Didn’t see you there. This here gentleman is Mister Brendan MacIntyre. He has been hired to boss the Wilkinson-Hall Stage Line.”

Osborne acknowledged the introduction and offered his hand before he turned back to the driver. “Cliff, I need to get back to Highland Springs. I missed the regular stage this morning. The agent here said you were on a special run. He thought you might have a seat for me.”

“I expect there’s room inside. There shore ain’t no room on top with them trunks and all. Here’s the thing. Phineas Banning sent me down here special to bring Mister MacIntyre, his family and his belongings back to Los Angeles, pronto. My orders were, for shore, don’t haul any other passengers. It pains me to think of going against my orders.”

“Mister Hadley, I will take the responsibility of countermanding your orders,” said MacIntyre. “My family and I will be pleased to have this young man accompany us.”

Sounds intriguing. Can’t wait to get my copy. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Dad doesn’t have a website or do the social media thing, but you can read more about him on my Dad&Me blog at www.rebeccademarino.com.

Thank you, Rebecca, for sharing your dad with us. His story really illustrates that it's never too late to follow your dream.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Stagecoach Murders - paperback
The Stagecoach Murders - Kindle


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

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

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

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

THE LESSON - Suzanne Woods Fisher - One Free Book

Meet Suzanne:

Suzanne Woods Fisher lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has one husband, four children, one son-in-law, a brand new grand-baby, and a couple of dogs. She graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California.

Suzanne has contracts with Revell for six more books about the Amish, both fiction and non-fiction. She is also the host of “Amish Wisdom” on toginet.com, a weekly radio program featuring guests who are connected to Simple Living.

How did you come up with the idea for this story?

In every novel, I try to weave some true-to-life elements from the Plain life into the plot line. In The Budget (an Amish-Mennonite newspaper), I had noticed references to Plain families fostering children whose mothers were serving jail terms. The Plain families weren’t trying to convert the children—they cared for them, took them to visit their mothers, and the result was a noticeable reduction in recidivism. I used that piece of information in the plot line for The Lesson.

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

If you wanted to really shake things up, it would be fun to have a party of six radically different authors (all Revell authors, naturally): Stephen James (suspense), Lorna Seilstad (romantic comedy), Lorena McCourtney (mystery), Irene Hannon (romantic suspense), Janice Thompson (romantic comedy), Mary Ann Kinsinger (my co-author with the children’s Amish stories). Think of the conversation we would have! I would tape questions on the bottom of their dinner plate, so each would have to answer. What’s your best writing tip? What was your most embarrassing moment as a novelist? How long did it take you to get published? What is your biggest fear about being a published author? I could keep going…but I’ll stop now. J

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

Sarah Sundin (World War II), Dan Walsh (romance), Jill Eileen Smith (biblical fiction), Ann Gabhart (Shaker fiction), Ann Shorey (western romance), Maggie Brendan (historical romance), Amanda Cabot (western romance), Tricia Goyer (romance). Oops…that eight. But…again, think of the riveting conversation! Same thing…I would provide prompts to get the chatter rolling. Have you ever made a horrible research mistake? What happened then? What time period do you wish you lived in? What made you pick that particular era to write about? If you could write any book you wanted to write, what would it be about? On and on and on…

Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?

Keeping my eyes straight forward and not looking left or right. Just straight ahead at what God wants of me. It’s so easy to get distracted and allow “the good to be the enemy of the best.” That’s my 2013 aim: to keep my eyes looking straight forward.

Tell us about the featured book.

The Lesson is a coming of age story about a one of a kind young woman, Mary Kate Lapp (known as M.K.). She’s bright, curious, amusing, with a nose for trouble. She means well, acts first and thinks later. We first meet M.K. as a young girl in The Keeper and The Haven. Fast forward to The Lesson. M.K. is nineteen and restless for adventure. It arrives on page one! Two young people with a mysterious past land in Stoney Ridge on the very day a sheep farmer is shot and killed. M.K., who fancies herself a part-time detective, decides the local sheriff needs a little crime-solving help. Naturally, she ends up creating all kinds of complications.

If there’s one takeaway value I’d like readers to get out of The Lesson, it’s the impact of love. There is a theme of unconditional love in this story that weaves its way through many characters’ lives and changes them forever. 

Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter One

The year Mary Kate Lapp turned nineteen started out fine enough. Life seemed full of endless possibilities. But as the year went on, a terrible restlessness began to grow inside of her, like sour yeast in a jar of warm water on a sunny windowsill. There were days when she thought she couldn’t stand another moment in this provincial little town, and days when she thought she could never leave.

On a sun-drenched afternoon, M.K. was zooming along on her red scooter past an English farmer’s sheep pasture, with a book propped above the handlebars—a habit that her stepmother, Fern, scolded her about relentlessly. She was just about to live happily ever after with the story’s handsome hero when a very loud Bwhoom! suddenly interrupted her reading.

Most folks would have turned tail and run, but not M.K. She might have considered it, but as usual, curiosity got the best of her. She zoomed back down the street, hopped off her scooter, climbed up on the fence, and there she saw him—an English sheep farmer in overalls, sprawled flat on the ground with a large rifle next to him. The frightened sheep were huddled in the far corner of the pasture. Doozy, M.K.’s big old yellow dog of dubious ancestry, elected to stay behind with the scooter.

M.K. wasn’t sure what to do next. Should she see if the sheep farmer was still alive? He didn’t look alive. He looked very, very dead. She wouldn’t know what to do, anyway—healing bodies was her sister Sadie’s department. And what if the murderer were close by? Nosir. She was brave, but you had to draw the line somewhere.

But she could go to the phone shanty by the schoolhouse and make a 911 call for the police. So that’s what she did. She waited at the phone shanty until she heard the sirens and saw the revolving lights on top of the sheriff’s car. Then she jumped on her scooter and hurried back to the sheep pasture.

The sheriff walked over to ask M.K. if she was the one who had called 911. She had known Sheriff Hoffman all her life. He was a pleasant-looking man with a short haircut, brown going gray around his ears, and a permanent suntan. Tall and impressive in his white uniform shirt and crisp black pants, radio clipped to one hip, gun holster on the other. He questioned M.K. about every detail she could recall—which wasn’t much, other than a loud gunshot. She didn’t even know the farmer’s name. The sheriff took a pen from his back pocket and started taking notes. (What would he write? Amish witness knows nothing. Absolutely nothing.) But he did tell her she did the right thing by not disturbing the crime scene. He took her name and address and said he might be contacting her for more questions.

M.K. stuck around, all ears about whatever she could overhear, fascinated by the meager clues the police were trying to piece together. When the county coroner arrived in his big black van, M.K. decided she had gleaned all she could. Besides, the trees were throwing long shadows. The sun would be setting soon and she should get home to let her father and Fern know about the murder. It was alarming news!

She took a shortcut through the town of Stoney Ridge to reach Windmill Farm as fast as she could but was intercepted by her friend Jimmy Fisher. Standing in front of the Sweet Tooth Bakery, he called to her, then ran alongside and grabbed the handlebars of her scooter to stop her. She practically flew headfirst over the handlebars.

Men! So oblivious.

“I need your help with something important,” Jimmy said.

“Can’t,” M.K. said, pushing his hands off her scooter. “I’m in a big hurry.” She started pumping her leg on the ground to build up speed. Doozy puffed and panted alongside her.

“It won’t take long!” Jimmy sounded wounded. “What’s your big hurry?”

“Can’t tell you!” she told him, and she meant it. The sheriff had warned her not to say anything to anyone, with the exception of her family, until they had gathered more information. She felt a prick of guilt and looked back at Jimmy, who had stopped abruptly when she brushed him off. She liked that he was a little bit scared of her, especially because he was older and much too handsome for his own good.

She glanced back and saw him cross the road to head into the Sweet Tooth Bakery where her friend Ruthie worked. Good! Let Ruthie solve Jimmy’s problem this time. M.K. was always helping him get out of scrapes and tight spots. That boy had a proclivity for trouble. Always had.

Distracted by the dead body and then by Jimmy Fisher, M.K. made a soaring right turn near the Smuckers’ goat farm, and possibly—just possibly—forgot to look both ways before she turned. Her scooter ended up bumping into Alice Smucker, the schoolteacher at Twin Creeks where M.K. had spent eight long years, as Alice was herding goats across the road into an empty pasture.

A tiny collision with a scooter and Alice refused to get to her feet. “I AM CONCUSSED!” she called out.

M.K. was convinced that Alice was prejudiced against her. And she was so dramatic. She insisted M.K. call for an ambulance.

Two 911 calls in one day—it was more excitement than M.K. could bear. She hoped the dispatcher didn’t recognize her voice and think she was a crank caller. She wasn’t! Nosir.

Naturally, M.K. waited until the ambulance arrived to swoop away with Alice, who was hissing with anger. When M.K. offered to accompany Alice to the hospital—she knew it was the right thing to do, though the offer came with gritted teeth—Alice glared at her.

“You stay away from me, Mary Kate Lapp!” she snapped, before she swooned in a faint.

Alice. So dramatic.

After M.K. rounded up the goats and returned them to the Smuckers’ pasture, she arrived at Windmill Farm, her home and final destination. She couldn’t wait to tell her father and Fern about the news! She was sorry for the sheep farmer—after all, she wasn’t heartless. But finally, something interesting had happened in this town. It was big news—there had never been a murder in Stoney Ridge. And she had been the first one on the scene.

Well, to be accurate—and Fern was constantly telling her not to exaggerate—M.K. wasn’t quite on the scene. But she did hear the gunshot! She absolutely did.

She knew Fern would be irritated with her for being so late for dinner. Fern was a stickler about . . . well, about most everything. But especially about being late for dinner. The unfortunate incident with Alice Smucker had slowed her down even more. The accident did bother M.K.—she would never intentionally run into anyone. Especially not Alice Smucker. Of all people!

M.K. set the scooter against the barn. She heard her mare, Cayenne, whinny for her, so she went into the barn, filled up the horse’s bucket with water, and closed the stall door. She latched it tightly, her mind a whirl of details. It wasn’t until she had pulled the latch that she noticed her father’s horse and buggy were gone. She peered through the dusty barn window and saw that the house was pitch dark, its windows not showing any soft lampshine. Where could her father and Fern have gone? They were always home at this time of day. Always, always, always.

This day just kept getting stranger.

Interesting. I had wondered what M. K. would be like when she grew up. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Facebook and Twitter might be high-tech, but they are filling an old-tech human need for community. Facebook is a wonderful tool to connect people. After a recent book tour, I realized that over half the people who came to signings were those I’d “met” through Facebook. Another social media twist is my free downloadable app, Amish Wisdom, that delivers a daily Amish proverb right to your iPhone or iPad.

I thoroughly enjoy connecting with readers! I’m easy to find:  www.Facebook.com/SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor, my twitter handle is @suzannewfisher and my website is http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

Thanks, Lena, for your generosity in sharing my word with your readers!

I always love having you, Suzanne.

Celebrate the release of The Lesson with Suzanne Woods Fisher by entering to win one of TWO iPads!

Two winners will receive:

• A brand new iPad
• A $15 gift certificate to iTunes

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on January 20th. Winner will be announced on 1/22/13 at Suzanne's Blog.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

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

Lesson, The: A Novel (Stoney Ridge Seasons) - paperback
Lesson, The (Stoney Ridge Seasons Book #3): A Novel - Kindle


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

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

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

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

UNCONDITIONAL - Tanya Eavenson - One Free Ebook

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Tanya Eavenson and her husband have been in the ministry for fifteen years teaching youth, adults, and counseling. Tanya enjoys spending time with her husband, and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee and reading a good book. Tanya is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and writes for Christ to the World Ministries sharing the Gospel around the world. You can find her on Twitter at @Tan_eave and contact her at her website www.tanyaeavenson.com  Want to learn more about writing? Stop by her blog http://guidedgirls.blogspot.com

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

I’d have to say that every character has a piece of me within them, whether it’s something the character likes, a physical attribute, or even a journey of spiritual growth. There’s a scene in the novel where Elizabeth and Chris head out to the lake. Elizabeth tries to hold onto the dock, but is unable and the boat floats away. When I thought to add that scene, I could only laugh. It was the first time I’d ever tried to use a trolling motor.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Oh, I know I’m quirky, but one thing I did as a child was climb on top of the roof of my house with a telescope and watch the stars at night.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I’m not sure when it happened really, but it took longer than most. See, I never intended to be a writer, it just happened when my husband left for a mission trip. Then in 2011 Unconditional semi-finaled in the ACFW Genesis contest. I still didn’t believe I was really a writer but I keep plugging away, learning the craft. It wasn’t even when I signed my first contract. It happened when my husband told me he was proud of me and that I trusted God and never looked back. That’s when I became a writer and an author at the same time.

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

I love to read non-fiction that dives into God’s word. Next would be historical fiction.

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

I’m still learning. =)

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I choose names that I’ve always liked. I remember being in middle school and picking out the names my children would have one day. And yes, I did actually name my youngest child one of those names, and that name is my heroine in my novel Unconditional.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I’d have to say being a child of God. There is no other joy than following after Christ with all your heart and soul, willing to do whatever He calls us to do.

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

A Snow Tiger. They are the most beautiful animals I’ve ever seen and their eyes…. Most of them have blue eyes, but some have a more of a bluish/green tint and against their white coats, they are very distinct.

There are a couple at the Ft. Worth Zoo. They’re beautiful. What is your favorite food?

It’s a toss-up between Cuban and Italian.

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

My greatest roadblock, and one I still face today, is being afraid of making mistakes for people to see. Most of the time I overcome it by praying, but it runs deep, so it’s a struggle.

Tell us about the featured book.

He will fight for her at any costs…

Unconditional is about a husband and wife who find their world has been turned upside down after an accident. Elizabeth Roberts can't remember her past, and the present is too painful. She turns to nightclubs and drinking to forget her infant daughter's death, her husband's affair.

When Elizabeth’s coma wiped out the memory of their marriage, Chris Roberts found comfort elsewhere. He can't erase his betrayal, but with God's help he’s determined to fight for Elizabeth at any cost.

This book is very dear to my heart because God put it there. Statistics show whether you are a Christian or a non-Christian, marriages are failing at the same rate. I believe in marriage there needs to be an unconditional love as God shows and displays in our lives. He also tells us to love our enemies as ourselves, so what is that saying for our marriages today? We need to show a love that isn’t possible from us alone, but a love that comes from God who ordained marriage to last.

I wholeheartedly believe that if we fight for our marriages and follow after Christ, He will be the One to show us an unconditional love for our spouses.

Yes, I know couples who did that after bitter and even fairly long times apart. I love to watch God’s miracles. Please give us the first page of the book.

Sure! Hope you enjoy!

Chapter One

Elizabeth pushed herself up from the bed. Her gaze swept the dark room and fixed on the hall nightlight. Her hand grazed over her husband’s shoulder when a thought gripped her. Katherine. The baby monitor stood silent. Darkness shrouded the red and green lights that indicated movement.

Her chest tightened. She hurled the covers away and leapt to the floor. Panic made her clumsy as she rushed to her daughter’s room. She lunged over the crib. No sound. No movement. Not even a stirring of air from her tiny nostrils.

“Katherine!” Elizabeth snatched her daughter from the mattress. The infant drew a heavy breath as her eyes flung wide open.

Lord, what’s happening?

Elizabeth’s bare feet pounded the cold tile as she ran back to her husband. “Chris, wake up! Katherine quit breathing again!”

Chris rubbed his eyes and scowled. “What is it?”

“We need to take Katherine to the hospital. She stopped breathing.”

He studied their child. “She seems to be breathing now. Are you sure?”

“Of course, I’m sure.”

“She’s fine.” Chris fell back against the pillow.

“Please—”

“We don’t have the money to take her to the hospital when there’s nothing wrong with her.”

“But there is. She stopped breathing.”

He sat back up. “You’ve been worried about her since before she was born. You’re all worked up because she hasn’t rolled over yet. The doctor said that’s normal for being early.”

She’s called a preemie. She glared into his eyes. “If you were home more often you’d know she’s not fine.”

“I’m home, Elizabeth, and she’s fine.”

Heat flushed her cheeks as tears filled her eyes. “I’m scared. Can’t you see that? I need you to pray for our daughter. I need you to hold me and tell me everything will be all right.”

“Look, she’s sleeping.” His voice softened as his hand ran down her thigh. “Come to bed.”

“How can you care so little? I’m worried about our baby.”

Chris’s hand dropped to the sheets. “Shut the door when you leave.” He turned away from her.

Elizabeth stood for a moment unable to speak. With their baby in her arms, she slowly closed the door behind her and sank her teeth into her lip to keep from crying. If tears came, it would be for her daughter, not for the stranger in her bed.

An interesting start. Can’t wait to read the rest. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can find me at my website www.tanyaeavenson.com and on Twitter @Tan_eave

Endorsements:

"Unconditional is a powerfully-gripping story of deep heartache laced with fears, yet even through the sorrow, Tanya Eavenson reminds us that nothing can separate us from God's love."

 ~ Alice J. Wisler, author of "Still Life in Shadows" and other novels

"Not your typical amnesia story, Unconditional tells a tale of loss, betrayal, and forgiveness. Eavenson drags her characters through the fire, then reveals God’s power through their broken lives. The writing is stellar; the emotion, raw and palpable; the cast, impeccably crafted. This author is one to be watched!"

~ April W Gardner, award-winning author

"Unconditional explores the struggles that married couples sometimes experience, and the decisions they must make after going through difficult circumstances. A powerful story of hope and healing."

~ Laura V. Hilton, Healing Love (Whitaker House)

"Unconditional is a beautiful story of God's never-ending love. Throughout its pages, Tanya Eavenson evokes a myriad of emotions in her readers, from deep despair to heartfelt praise. The characters gripped my heart, showing me the reality of man's sin but also the depth of God's grace. Unconditional is a well-written, heart-stirring novel written by a talented new author.

Thank you, Lena, for having me on your blog. I’d like to give away a copy of Unconditional to one person who leaves a comment by answering any question you asked me in the interview.

And thank you, Tanya, for sharing this story with us.

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

Unconditional


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

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

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

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

LOVE IN THREE-QUARTER TIME - Dina Sleiman - One Free Ebook

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

I think it’s hard not to include a little of yourself in your characters, especially your heroine. I imagine we all secretly dream of living a life as big as our heroines. On the other hand, I make a conscious effort to always give my characters a distinctive Meyers-Briggs personality type. So far in all of my novels, I’ve only written one character with my exact personality. Constance Cavendish in Love in Three-Quarter Time shares many of my interests, but she is much more extroverted than me, which makes a significant difference in her personality and choices.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Hmm…you’re talking to a fairly quirky person here. I love to act and dance, and while I can be shy, I’m not afraid to dress up in funny costumes and be silly in public. My friends know not to put anything past me. I regularly sing while shopping at the grocery store. It’s a form of self-preservation and makes people smile. Is that quirky enough?

You sound to me like a wonderful, fun person to be around. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I’m not one of those people who always knew I would write. I enjoyed writing but had a broad variety of interests. Somewhere around late high school, I added writing a novel to my list of dreams. But it wasn’t until college that I discovered I had a real love and talent for writing. I then went on to study writing in grad school.

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

My reading tastes are very eclectic. I’ve always read some romance for entertainment. But I also adore more literary and issue-driven novels that really make you think. Science fiction and fantasy are fun for switching things up. And while I don’t particularly like to mix my romance with my suspense, I can occasionally enjoy a good psychological thriller.

Many of my recent novels have a strong romantic thread but deal with very serious issues as well. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I mentioned in a round about way that I’m very introverted. I need a lot of quiet time alone. For that reason, I value my long walks, quiet days, and prayer times with God. To me, prayer is more about listening, meditation, and soaking in God’s presence than talking at him, and I need that time of refreshing. Getting outdoors and dancing are also huge sanity savers for me. The beach and the mountains are my happy places.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Usually I have an idea for the main characters name and then build the others around it. In this novel the main character’s name, Constance, is meant to be somewhat ironic. Her nickname, Gingersnap, is more true to her character. Much of the book is about her struggle against her own nature, and what God reveals to her through that struggle.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Being a published author certainly ranks way up there. But I think I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve raised three, wonderful, godly children. Although I don’t know if “proud” is the right word. Often I look at them and shake my head in wonder. I’m sure I couldn’t have done that on my own. They are the result of prayer, God’s grace, and many wonderful influences in their lives.

A large part of raising children is spending a lot of time in prayer. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I would want to be some sort of bird so that I could fly and sing all day long.

What is your favorite food?

Just one food? To quote a sign I saw on facebook, “My life is a constant battle between my love for food and my desire to stay thin.” I probably most enjoy grilled tuna, sweet salads, and organic baked goods because those foods appease both sides of this battle.

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

In the beginning, voice, character, and description came easily to me, but my novels moved too slowly and weren’t very story oriented. I had to work harder on things like plot, conflict, and motivation. And I didn’t understand how to write strong scenes in the beginning. The two biggest helps to me were Angela Hunt’s plot skeleton and Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maas. Ron Benrey’s description of the fictional dream world really assisted me with writing strong scenes. Good (hand selected) critique partners were a blessing too.

Tell us about the featured book.

I call it my Scarlett O’Hara meets Jane Austen novel, but here’s the official description:

In the style of Deeanne Gist, Dina Sleiman explores the world of 1817 Virginia in her novel Love in Three-Quarter Time. When the belle of the ball falls into genteel poverty, the fiery Constance Cavendish must teach the dances she once loved in order to help her family survive. The opportunity of a lifetime might await her in the frontier town of Charlottesville, but the position will require her to instruct the sisters of the plantation owner who jilted her when she needed him most. As Robert Montgomery and Constance make discoveries about one another, will their renewed faith in God help them to face their past and the guilt that threatens to destroy them in time to waltz to a fresh start?

Please give us the first page of the book.

“Gingersnap” Cavendish waltzed her way through the scandalous steps, tilting her head back to giggle prettily as she’d practiced in the mirror. If all went according to plan, her copper curls would bounce and catch the firelight just right.

“It doesn’t look so scandalous to me.” Robert Montgomery—the man of her dreams—leaned against the rich mahogany bookshelves of Papa’s library as music drifted in from the enormous marble foyer beyond.

“That’s because you haven’t joined me yet.” Humming along to the tune, she continued to glide and twirl, brushing her stocking-clad feet against the plush carpet. She lifted the silken, rosy skirt of her high-waisted gown for him to better watch the pattern of her steps.  “One, two, three. One, two, three. Down, up, up. Are you grasping it? I’ve never attempted the man’s part, but you are an expert dancer. I’m certain you’ll manage.”

“All right. I shall give it a try if you insist. We can’t hide here much longer. How did you persuade me of this?”

“Excellent!”  She clapped her hands and rocked on her toes to set her curls bouncing once again. “Come close.” As if he needed such an instruction.

“Gladly, my princess.”

Pleasure bloomed warm in her chest. She loved it when he called her princess, as she certainly planned to reign over Robbie’s kingdom at the Montgomery family plantation soon enough.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://dinasleiman.com

http://www.facebook.com/dina.sleiman.9

https://twitter.com/DinaSleiman1

Thank you, Dina, for spending this time with us today.

Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Love in Three-Quarter Time


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

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

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

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

Winners!!!!!

Sarah (NC) is the winner of Choices of the Heart by Laurie Alice Eakes. 
Elaine (IA) is the winner of Broken Identity by Sarah Jae Foster. 
Jo (AZ) is the winner of Mourning Reign by Edward Hancock, II.
Breanna (IN) is the winner of The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow by Olivia Newport.
Linda K (CA) is the winner of Small-Town Dad by Jean C Gordon.
Amada (NM) is the winner of Mystery of the Heart by Jillian Kent. 

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

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

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

Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.

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

DIGGING UP DEATH - Gina Conroy - One Free Ebook

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

In some ways my characters are all me, in others, they’re nothing like me. Most often the lessons the characters are learning are things God is trying to get through my thick head, but the circumstances my characters find themselves in are usually very different from my own. I’ve never been a single mom, or widowed, or divorced, or been an archaeologist, but I have felt like a failure as a mom and grew up in a divorced family. I’ve know what it’s like to try and control things when life feels out of control. I know how helplessness and hopelessness feels, and I’ve been learning what it means to truly surrender and rely on God.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Oh, dare I even bring it up. Not sure it was the quirkiest, but it was more like “WHAT were you thinking?” A couple of years ago at my children’s school event I entered the Karaoke “Most Embarrassing Mom Performance” and won. In my defense, I thought the prize was going to be way better than it actually was. Thankfully, I waited until the very end of the evening when they were putting up the table and chairs. Only a handful of people were there, though I did see one teen videotaping! Hopefully, it’s long gone and will never surface!

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

When I discovered I could express myself through the written word, better than the spoken word, I knew I was a writer. I was probably nine or ten, and I started journaling my feelings, dabbled in poetry and stories. In school, I’d be the student who always went way over page count. I guess still can be wordy. But when the words flow, there’s no stopping them.

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

I don’t care about genre, though I’d probably stay away from horror and erotica! LOL! It’s the story and the characters that grab me. I’m partial to women’s fiction, mystery and suspense, and I’ve been known to enjoy a historical romance and even Sci-Fi or Fantasy. I think that’s why I like to write in different genres. Though I’m only published in mystery/romance at the moment, I have suspense, YA, and women’s fiction collecting dust in my computer.

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

You think I’m sane? Ha, fooled you! All I do is run, run, run…and dance! Actually, dancing is how I keep my sanity. After writing, marketing, keeping up the house, and carting kids to and fro, I carve out ME time at least 2-3 times a week for an hour or more to dance. I started ballroom dance lessons almost two years ago, and have never looked back. Dancing is not only a hobby, it’s a passion with instant gratification, unlike writing which is a passion, but more of a calling and career for me. Writing took years before I saw any real fruit of my labor.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Sometimes I choose them by their personality or meaning. Other times a name just pops into my head and I know that’s their name. Sometimes a name doesn’t fit and they go through a name change. It’s different with every character.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I hope I don’t sound egotistical or self-centered, but the accomplishment I’m most proud of is me. Through my life I’ve see God work and try and teach me things, but for some reason, I didn’t understand the lesson. I’ve been through rough times in my life and came out stronger. I’ve had a goal or dream, and despite opposition and fear of failure, pushed ahead and fought through oppositions to have some success. And I’m starting to get the lessons God is teaching me. THAT is a huge accomplishment and I hope that these things, truths in my life, will come out in the stories I write so I can share what I’ve learned and help others grow. THAT would be an accomplishment I’m most proud of.

What is your favorite food?

I honestly don’t have a favorite food. I love food in general. I used to be partial to Italian, but don’t eat it as much as I used to. Too many carbs which I’ve learned are not good for my body. I love trying foods from different countries. I enjoy sushi and lamb vindaloo (Indian,) but give me a good old fashion cheeseburger or sausage omelet with cheese. For my sweet tooth nothing is better than Ben & Jerry’s Chubby Hubby ice cream, or Reece’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheese Cake, but I don’t indulge in those very often. I even like health food and crave a yummy avocado, Greek yogurt with fruit, or a heap of hummus with chips. It’s amazing how my diet has changed for the better over the years.

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

Excuses … I never seem to have time to write, but I don’t think that is the entire truth. Yes, I’m busy, but I find time to dance … I think I’m afraid of tapping into the emotions needed to write a book. Not because I’m afraid to go there, but it involves a process and can actually drain me of emotionally energy. And with a husband, four kids and a dog, I rarely have any kind of energy at the end of the day. Once I go to that emotional writing place I need to go with my characters, I like to stay there for a while. Sometimes I just don’t have the amount of time needed to stay and really accomplish what I need to, so I guess I just make the excuse not to “go there.” That’s one thing I want to work on this year. And I’ve actually created a writing schedule for working on my fiction.

Tell us about the featured book.

“Gina Conroy has written a smart, fast-paced mystery in which vulnerable characters rise to the occasion. Single-mom Mari’s life is anything but mundane. Scars from her past mingle with the danger of her present while romance and a journey of faith impatiently wait their turn for a walk in her five-inch leather boots.” Tanya Dennis, writer, blogger, editor

Summary:

Archaeology Professor Mari Duggins is adjusting to life as a single mom and trying to balance a television career, but gets caught between the pull of her former flame, a field archaeologist, and her ex-husband who is wanted by the FBI on an antiquities crime. Then her colleague is murdered, and she gets in over her head as she searches for truth in a desert of lies. Mari Duggins’ life caves in as she tries to excavate the truth, but realizes only God can dig her out of the hole she’s created. Will Mari sort through her muddled feelings and put her trust in someone else before her world caves in? Or will the truth bury her alive?   

Sound intriguing. Please give us the first page of the book.

CHAPTER ONE

Monday, 7:42 a.m.
Texas, Lyndon University Basement

When I stepped out of my dressing room into the dim hallway, I should have heard death’s gentle taunting. I should have seen it hovering in the glow of the flickering lights. I should have felt it drawing me closer to the abyss. Instead, I rushed through the hall toward the campus television studio, my heels clicking on the tile like a ticking time bomb.

I dug in my red Coach bag, found my compact mirror, and held it on top of my latte while I dabbed my shiny forehead. It would have to do. I couldn’t be late for the biggest show of my career.

The intoxicating aroma of fat-laden pastries wafted my way, tantalizing my taste buds. Mental note: Find the Einstein who put the breakfast buffet between my dressing room and the green room and have him lobotomized. At thirty-two, I had a hard enough time maintaining my weight to please that mother-in-law of a camera. An impossible feat for anyone over a size two, I know. But my stubborn Sicilian heritage kept me in denial.

I dropped the mirror in my leather bag and slowed enough to take a clumsy sip of nonfat, sugar-free caramel latte, then gulped the creamy liquid, trying to appease my appetite.

It didn’t work.

The allure of the forbidden fat grams assaulted my senses, my stomach growling with Eden temptation. I glanced at my watch. 7:43. My heart lurched, then sprinted along with the rest of me. Seventeen minutes to D-Day.

I like it!! How can readers find you on the Internet?

If you can’t find me than you haven’t looked! LOL! Just try Googling me!

Or connect with me on:

http://ginaconroy.com
gina@ginaconroy.com
Facebook: Author Gina Conroy

Twitter: @GinaConroy

Pinterest: Author Gina Conroy

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

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

Digging Up Death (A Mari Duggins Mystery)


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

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

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

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