DELIVER US - June Foster - One Free Ebook

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

Lena, you're right. God has led me down some paths I never thought I'd travel. I've just completed The Way Home and praying the Lord will allow this story to see publication. I'm just in the process of beginning a new story now. It will take place in the Great Smoky Mountains and feature a romance between an illiterate hero and the school teacher/daughter of an intellectual university professor.

Tell us a little about your family.

I have a daughter in El Paso, Texas, and another in Seattle, Washington. Between these two busy ladies, I have ten grandchildren with a great-grand on the way. On my husband's side, he has two sons and six grandchildren with two greats. As you can tell we have a blended family and love everyone of these precious kids and grandkids. And greats.

We have one great grandson and another great on the way. Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Yes, definitely. I never read romance until I began writing it. Now I read the wonderful romance stories of authors like Mildred Colvin, Gayle Gamer Martin, Sandi Rogg, Dina Sleiman, Fay Lamb, of course Lena Nelson Dooley, and so many more.

What are you working on right now?

 A thought came to me the other day. What if an illiterate man fell in love with a school teacher? So my new novel was born. I don't have a name for the characters or the title of the book, yet, but the ideas are flowing. I have a great reference book, too, an autographed copy of The Teacher Who Couldn't Read. Years ago, I attended an educational conference and heard John Corcoran tell his story. He grew up without learning how to read. He was ashamed of his illiteracy and tried to hide it. In my story, the hero will overcome his lack of confidence in himself by God's grace. The heroine, who grew up in the academic world, will find out what's really important in life.

What outside interests do you have?

Not too many. Smile. I love going to church, having friends to dinner, and exercising. I enjoy attending the North Alabama ACFW group meetings. But most days, I'm pounding away on my computer.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Good question. Five of my books are set in the Seattle area of Washington State. I know the area well since we lived there for 12 years and the Pacific Northwest makes a beautiful backdrop for any story. However, the influence of the area's computer industry lends itself to the story of my systems analyst hero in the first book and the other technologically  savvy characters in the entire Bellewood series. The Way Home is set in Chico, California. If you promise not to laugh, I'll tell you how that came about. I picked up a US map and that town jumped out of me. The Lord blessed me by allowing me to visit for a week to do research. My latest book will be set in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. My husband is actually the one who suggested that setting. 

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

Well, not counting Jesus, of course, I think I would love to spend an evening with Martin Luther. I'd ask him question after question about the actions he took that had a great effect on church history.

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

I wished I'd known that I don't have to compare myself with other authors. I only need to answer to God and trust Him to accomplish His will with my books.

It takes many authors a long time to learn that valuable lesson. What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

I think the Lord is teaching me to trust. I've always been a planner, looking ahead to what's coming next. God is asking me to enjoy one day at a time and relax.

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

1. Grow tough skin. When you get those critiques back covered with red marks, just love your crit partner who took time with your chapter.

2.When you're covering your walls with rejection letters, don't let it get you down. Just keep writing.

3. Put God in control of your writing career. He knows best.

Tell us about the featured book.

Deliver Us is book 3 in the Bellewood Series. Characters from book one, Give Us This Day, and book two, As We Forgive, make an appearance, but we meet a new hero and heroine in this book.

The young fraternity man who coaxed Jillian Coleman upstairs that night is only a blur in her memory. Now she lives with the unrelenting guilt that she aborted her baby. God might forgive her, but she can't forgive herself. As Bellewood's premier gynecologist, she hopes to open the Jeremiah House to offer teen girls an abortion alternative. Though the handsome and successful Dr. Jett Camp wants to marry Jillian, he believes her plan is a waste of her skills.

Riley Mathis spent ten years in jail for dealing drugs. Now as a Christian, he's trying to put his life back together. Working as a janitor at night, he attends college by day. When he meets Dr. Coleman, he recognizes her from the sapphire necklace she wore the night he stole something precious from her. When she confesses the choice she made to abort her baby, Riley can't tell her he's the father of her child.

Please give us the first page of the book.

"Yes, Mom, I miss you, too." Jillian Coleman hoisted her purse on her shoulder and grasped the little sack with the two baby gifts.

"When can you get back up to New York for a visit?"

Mom's tender voice sent a ripple of longing through Jillian—to see her parents. But not only that, to feel a part of a family again.

Family. She longed for one of her own—a husband and kids. With a gulp, she acknowledged the question demanding her attention. Would God allow it? "I can't afford to take time off from the hospital right now. I've got at least six patients who will deliver in the next couple of months, and they're counting on me." Jillian took a few steps toward the front door. "Maybe I can come home Christmas."

"Jillian, you know how much your father and I love you. We pray for you every day."

"I need your prayers. I love you both, too." Jillian repositioned her cell phone on her ear. "Mom, I need to go in a minute. I'm off to a double baby shower for two of my expectant mothers."

"Another one? Sweetie, you're the most caring obstetrician in the city of Bellewood. No wonder your patients always invite you."

"That's nice of you to say."

"Honey, do you ever wish..."

Wish for a baby of her own? She didn't have to read Mom's mind to know what she planned to say. "More than I want to admit." Jillian slumped against the wall in the entry. "I dream of holding my little boy or girl, wrapped in a pink or blue blanket, asleep in my arms. But, Mom, don't count on being a grandmother anytime soon, if ever. I don't think it's going to happen."

*****

Riley Mathis never thought he'd park in front of a church, much less attend a service inside. The red brick building with the towering steeple perched on top seemed like home now. Almost. The old Chevy sputtered when he turned off the engine.

The extra cars on a Saturday in the parking lot puzzled him. Maybe he had the wrong day. Was the pastor having a meeting? He should pull on around and disappear out the opposite entrance.

No. He had to mow the grass. Couldn't procrastinate another week. Anyway, the event didn't involve him, though he wouldn't mind getting acquainted with some folks besides Tim Garrett. Except they probably wouldn't want to know him. Not when they found out about his past—where he'd spent the last ten years. He'd do his work and leave.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

June's blogs - http://junefoster.blogspot.com  and http://infinitecharacters.com

June's Amazon Author's page - http://www.amazon.com/June-Foster/e/B007ISUMPK

Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/vjifoster

Facebook. June's homepage and author's page.

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

Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Bellewood Book Three: Deliver Us


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

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

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

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

UNRIVALED - Siri Mitchell - One Free Book Plus Much More

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

I would love to be able to give you an exciting conversion story, but the truth is that I grew up in a Christian home and came to a gradual knowledge of Christ and of his saving grace. When I was living in Paris from 1996 – 2000, I transitioned from my childhood faith to a faith I had processed and had come to possess in my own right.

You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?

I’d have all the writing friends I haven’t seen in forever: Lissa Halls Johnson who gave me such wonderful encouragement when I was starting out; the fabulous Ginger Garrett; my critique partner Maureen Lang; and Pepper Basham so that we could continue our conversation from the ACFW retreat back in 2010.

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

I do speak to women’s groups and writers groups, but I don’t actively pursue those opportunities. God seems to bring along just as many as I can comfortably handle. That said, I enjoy speaking and when I have the chance to address women’s groups, I like to talk about the concept of worth and God’s idea of women (exemplified by the concept of the word ‘ezer’).

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

You had to ask, didn’t you? I was haggling over the phone in French about buying an antique couch when we lived in Paris (two things I hate to do: haggle and talk on the phone to people I don’t know well). I’d written down a script for myself with key French words underlined. On the positive side, I used them all. On the negative side, I mispronounced one very important word. I meant to say, “Can you lower the price a little, Monsieur.” What actually came out was, “Can we sleep together a little for a better price, Monsieur.” There was a very shocked gasp on the other end of the phone line and then he said, “I think you’ve said something you didn’t mean to say, Madame.” How did I handle it? By hoping he’d just write me off as a stupid American…or forget about it altogether! Unfortunately, I had to take him the money we’d agreed to (…and I honestly can’t remember whether I actually got that price lowered or not…). When I showed up with my husband, he and his wife had a great laugh at my expense. What can you do? It makes a good response to a question like this one. (Most embarrassing moment? Well…there was that time when I offered myself as a prostitute…)

I had a similar event in college. This guy I had a crush on knew I was taking first-year French. We were both in Drama, and while all the cast was out sitting on the back porch of the theater, he said, “Voulez vous …” And you know what the rest of the question was. I had no idea, and I just popped off and said, “I don’t know what that means, but it sounds like fun.” Everyone in the cast burst out laughing. Now to get serious: People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that? “You should do it!”

I’ll give them a list of writers’ conferences if they want one. I’ll encourage them to get involved in writers’ organizations. I’ll recommend my favorite writing books. If they ask about editors and agents, I’ll tell them we can talk about that after they finish with the actual writing. So far, no one has ever come back with a completed novel.

Tell us about the featured book.

Lucy Kendall, hoping to earn her father’s respect, is trying her best to save his candy business from being destroyed by candy giant Standard Manufacturing. After being abandoned by his own father as a child, St. Louis newcomer Charlie Clarke is determined to help his father’s Standard Manufacturing dominate the nation’s candy industry. Compromise is not an option when the prize is a father’s approval. And falling in love with a business rival is a recipe for disaster when only one company can win. Will these two star-crossed lovers ever learn that love is sweeter than candy or will they let a competition that turns less-than-friendly sour their dreams?

Please give us the first page of the book.

“Soon, soon, soon.” My thoughts kept cadence to the horses’ hooves. It was all I could do not to stare as the carriage passed the sites of my beloved St. Louis, all in their places, just as they should be. The brown brick Cave Ballroom; the tall Morgens Brothers Building with its deep bay windows; Ford Motor Company. And all the shoe and boot stores lining the district. If I looked out the other side of the carriage, I knew I would see The St. Louis Club.

An advertisement for Royal Taffy candy caught my attention. Give the Queen of Your Heart a Royal Gift. The brazen red of its oblong wrapper was echoed in the border of the poster. It was the third of its kind that I had seen on our journey down Olive Street. I wondered how many more of them had been put up around the city. And I wondered too why I hadn’t seen any for my father’s candy, Fancy Crunch.

The carriage lurched to a stop again. My, but there were so many more automobiles on the streets than there had been when I’d left for Europe. And it had only been a little over a year! Such a bother they were.

And it was so hot! I’d forgotten about Missouri’s humidity. Though it had been made in the new open style, my white silk collar was sticking to my neck and I suspected my Denmark blue blouse-waist was already damp at the back. I shifted forward on the seat as the streetcars and automobiles sailed past us, reminding me of all the ships I had seen on the Mediterranean.

Awnings shaded shop windows while men and women hurried up and down the street. How tall all the buildings were! Pride bloomed in my breast: even Europe with all her splendors had nothing to rival my native city.

I had worried that I would find my home too dull and provincial, that it would be diminished by the grandeur of all the things I had seen and the places I had visited on the Continent. To the contrary! Dear, sweet home. I wanted to embrace it all. Every piece of it. There were dozens of things I couldn’t wait to do. And there were a hundred things I wanted to tell of: eating linzer torte in Austria; hiking the glaciers in Switzerland; drinking coffee at the cafes in Italy.

Soon, soon, soon.

I’d voyaged half way around the world, but this last journey from Union Station to the house was interminable.

Sounds intriguing. How can readers find you on the Internet?

I’m on Facebook as Siri Mitchell. I’m on Pinterest as SiriMitchell and on Twitter @SiriMitchell and I would love it if readers would visit my website at http://sirimitchell.com I’ve put up some special links there to share the story behind the story.

Celebrate Unrivaled with Siri Mitchell by entering to win a Kindle Fire and joining her on April 18th for a Facebook Author Chat Party!

 
One "swooning" winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Vintage Candy Kit
• Unrivaled by Siri Mitchell (one for you and one for a friend!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 17th. Winner will be announced at the "Unrivaled" Author Chat Facebook Party on 4/18. Connect with Siri, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books, vintage candy kits, and more!

So grab your copy of Unrivaled and join Siri on the evening of the April 18th for a chance to connect with Siri and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

Thank you, Siri, for sharing your life, your new book, and your extra giveaway with us.

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

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

WINNERS

Linda K (CA) is the winner of Terri by Sharon Srock.  
Beth (IA) is the winner of God and Boobs by Angie Schuller Wyatt. 
Janet E (FL) is the winner of 8 Is Enough by Shannon Alford. 
Stephanie (NY) is the winner of Love In The Balance by Regina Jennings.  
Laurel (GA) is the winner of The House That Love Built by Beth Wiseman.  

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

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

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

Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.

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

A LADY'S CHOICE - Sandra Robbins - One Free Book

Bio: Sandra Robbins, former teacher and principal, is an award-winning, multi-published author of Christian fiction who lives with her husband in the small college town where she grew up. Angel of the Cove, her first book in the Harvest House Publishers historical romance series Smoky Mountain Dreams, released in August, 2012, and was recently named the 2013 winner in the Inspirational Standalone Category of the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Mountain Homecoming, the second in the series, released in March 2013. The third book Beyond These Hills will release in September. In April 2013 Summerside released A Lady’s Choice which chronicles the plight of suffragists who picketed the White House to gain the vote for women. 

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

I grew up in a family that is very interested in politics. My parents never took their right to vote for granted and taught their children to be thankful for living in a country where any person could cast their vote for the candidate of their choice. When I became aware of the hardships the American suffragists faced in their fight for women’s right to vote, I knew I had to write a story to tell of their struggles. A Lady’s Choice became that book.

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

This question made me smile because I just attended a party with six authors two weeks ago. My local writers’ group is a small group of eight authors who meet once a month. Some of us are multi-published, and others are still trying to sell that first manuscript. We decided it would be fun to have a retreat with just our group. So we rented a cabin for three days at Kentucky Lake and made all the plans. Unfortunately, only six of the eight were able to make it, but we had a great time with our workshops, critiquing and brainstorming sessions, and devotionals. We all came away knowing that God had placed us together so we could help each other to proclaim His word through our stories to the world. You may not know some of the women yet, but you will. The six Ken/Ten writers who attended were Susan Page Davis, Kathy Cretsinger, Regina Merrick, Rene Yancy, Laurean Brooks, and me. If I were to plan another party, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather invite than these people, but I’d sure want the other two Pam Harris and Robin Stevens to be there, too.

I’ve been on a writer’s retreat for historical writers with Susan Page Davis. I know how much fun she can be. Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Since Kathy Cretsinger and Susan Davis write historical, I’d invite them along with Dorothy Love, Janelle Mowery, Lisa Ludwig, and you, Lena. I think we’d have a wonderful time together.

I know this one would be a wonderful party. I love all these ladies, including you, too. 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?

When I was unpublished, I thought there would be no more problems if I could see that first book. Of course, I found out differently. Now I find that at times I am very impatient. When my agent sends out a proposal and editors don’t respond as quickly as I think they should, I have to remind myself that God is in control. I can’t do anything to speed up the process. Waiting for an answer can be difficult for me.

I’m between contracts right now, so I know what you’re talking about. The only thing that keeps me going is knowing that God is in control. Tell us about the featured book.

A Lady’s Choice tells the story of Sarah Whittaker, a young girl who has been raised in a home where both her parents supported suffrage. When she accompanies her dying mother back to the rural community where she grew up, Sarah meets Alex Taylor who is home for the summer after finishing law school. They fall in love, but Alex’s plans call for him to go to work for a Memphis law firm that opposes suffrage. After her mother’s death, Sarah returns to Memphis where she grew up and becomes involved in the local suffrage movement while Alex begins his job at the law firm. Sarah’s journey takes her from Memphis to Washington, DC, where she joins other suffragists to demonstrate at the White House gates. When she is arrested and sentenced to Occoquan Workhouse and the cruel treatment of its inmates, Sarah is near death. Alex hopes he can arrive to help Sarah before it is too late.   

Wow! Sounds like a wonderful read. Please give us the first page of the book.

June 1916

None of the Saturday afternoon customers seemed to notice when she slipped out the front door of Weston’s General Store. That suited Sarah Whittaker fine. If one more person asked her how she liked living in Richland Creek, she might very well forgo her resolve to endure her present situation and tell them what she really thought.

Thankful to be free of the buzz of activity inside, she leaned on the railing around the front porch of the white clapboard build­ing and closed her eyes. The afternoon heat enveloped her and threatened to suck the breath from her body. What she wouldn’t give to be sitting in the shade of the big trees in their backyard in Memphis. There was probably a cool breeze rustling the leaves right now as it rolled up the bluff from the Mississippi River.

But she wasn’t in Memphis. She was in a place called Richland Creek, Tennessee.

With a sigh, Sarah glanced up and down the dirt street that ran the length of the small settlement. Her mother called it a town, but to Sarah’s way of thinking there wasn’t much here to qualify it as such. She let her gaze travel over what the locals considered the rural community’s center of activity.

I can hardly wait until my copy of the book comes. How can readers find you on the Internet?

They can find me at my website http://sandrarobbins.net or email me at sandra@sandrarobbins.net. They can also find me at Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads. 

Thank you, Sandra, for sharing your new book with us today.

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

A Lady's Choice (American Tapestries series)


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

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

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

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

A HEALING HEART - Angela Breidenbach - One Free Book

Angela has been on this blog with one of her cookbooks, but this is her debut novel. Welcome back, Angie. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I choose a character trait I think other people have and use that in my characters. The big one for Mara Keegan in A Healing Heart is her workaholism. But I also had the experience of working with the American Heart Association as Mrs. Montana International 2009. From that, I gained a crucial knowledge that women’s heart attack symptoms are different than men’s. I wanted to put that experience into Mara. I’d say both a trait and an experience for each character.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I am told I’m pretty quirky anyway, but to me it’s all “normal.” Just not according to my kids … My son says I’m only funny by accident—I just have a lot of accidents! I think it would be interesting to hear what is said about me at my funeral. What other people think I did or said that was funny or unusual. When I mention the things I wonder about, like that, my husband gives me the strangest looks. Maybe it’s how I wonder that would be a quirky trait ;) That’s where my stories come from anyway.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

In the sixth grade we had a test. Look at the picture and write a story. It had to be two pages, if I remember right. I ended up winning an award in my school district for that story. I knew then and have had a burning desire to write ever since.

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

I am very eclectic. I love historicals from all through the ages, contemporary fiction, young adult, romance from historical to contemporary (although I only read sweet or Christian), some fantasy, non-fiction from faith-based to business to how-to books. I can get lost in actual history books. I mean sitting on the floor at the library and losing track of time kind of lost. But I think the genre that would surprise people is that I adore time travel. Genres I don’t enjoy are crime, horror, detective, thriller, and techie.

I never thought I could accept a Christian time travel novel, but then I read Lisa Tawn Bergren’s River of Time young adult series. Wow! The Christian connotation in that on was awesome. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I’ve been really convicted through writing my novel, A Healing Heart. I am a workaholic. I love working and love the feeling of accomplishment. I’ve been fighting through, with prayer, to honor the Sabbath and take one day off a week. I’m also getting a new kitten. My pets all passed away shortly after I became an empty nester. I found my pets were stress relievers and how I soothe myself. I think God gave us pets as companions. On my last day off, I read several books on raising and training kittens! I had so much fun J

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I choose a name to embody who I need the character to be, for me, as I write them. Mara Keegan means “bitter” and Keegan means “fiery” to represent her husband’s risk-taking behavior. As I formulate the character in my mind, the name becomes a guiding force for me. Her daughter, Cadence, changed from Corinn. She showed me she wasn’t who I thought she was. From there, Cadence developed into a girl living through her own rhythm. I have another story for Cadence after she grew up. Mara’s heart attack affected Cadence so much that her life becomes devoted to helping others get healthy as a fitness and weight loss coach. That one is titled, Climb Every Mountain, and is in process now.

I look forward to reading that one. What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Publishing traditionally. I have some self-published cookbooks I love and am very proud of. They’re part of my ministry. But knowing the life challenges I’ve been through both personally and professionally, I’m still amazed I have two traditionally published books—one non-fiction and now A Healing Heart. (Well, three. A long, long time ago my airline published my language guide for non-English speakers.) I have quite a few devotions and some short story compilations, but to have my books published is just amazing!

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

A cat for sure. I love the beauty, grace, and soft fur of cats. I love their playful and mischievous nature too. They’re very calming for me.

What is your favorite food?

I adore mangoes, mint chocolate melt-aways, chocolate cake, lemon cake, and green juices made with apple and lemon or lime. I love Italian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Greek, Swedish, and Mexican food. All right, it would have been easier to say I can’t stand coconut and fish. ;)

I love mangoes, but they always broke my mouth out from the lips all the way through the back of my throat, so I had to stop eating them. Then I discovered that the mango tree is in the same family as poison ivy, and I’m highly allergic to that. So I now eat papayas instead. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

I think the hardest thing about writing for me was showing others I was not only serious, but that I wasn’t going to continue to put it off any more. Then finding a way to put it into my real life schedule. Anything without tangible boundaries, any dream, is easy to push aside. I had to make it tangible and that meant, and still means, releasing something else from my schedule in order to cherish and act on my dream of writing and speaking. One of the biggest helps is when someone leaves a review online or tells others about my books.

Tell us about the featured book.

A Healing Heart

What would you do if the one man who can help is the one man you can’t trust? A heart attack has stopped Mara Keegan in her tracks, leaving her daughter’s unfinished photo memory quilt hanging by a thread. Little does Mara know, this quilt—and the memories it bolsters, are the key to her rehabilitation. But Mara’s heart needs to be healed in more ways than one. And Joel Ryan is fraying her last nerve. With her daughter’s graduation fast approaching, even Mara starts to wonder if she—and her faith—can mend in time. Will Joel’s photo find a place on the quilt … and in Mara’s heart?

Purchase your copy of A Healing Heart from your local book store or from one of these online retailers: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com

More Praise for A Healing Heart

First off, I loved the double meaning of the title. And the characters really grabbed my heart and still live on in my memory. Angela pulled me into the setting so that even though I was in a Texas heat wave while I was reading the book, I felt as if I were in a Montana winter. On top of that, the romance is the kind I like to read with lots of romantic tension. I'll be on the lookout for Angela's next book.

—Lena Nelson Dooley, award-winning author of Catherine's Pursuit, Mary's Blessing, Maggie's Journey, and Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico

“As beautifully woven as a keepsake quilt, A Healing Heart wraps itself around you, offering a cozy, heart-tugging story. A lovely masterpiece, with as many embellishments as Mara's memory quilt. This is definitely my kind of tale, one that pulls you in from the first page and keeps your emotions engaged throughout. Highly recommended.

—Janice Thompson, author of Queen of the Waves, “Love, Laughter and Happily Ever Afters!”

www.janicehannathompson.com

www.freelancewritingcourses.com

Janice’s latest book: The Director's Cut

“A heart-warming and romantic story of new beginnings and hope through the fog. A story of real life filled with true emotion and characters you can't help but love.”

—NY Times bestselling author, Tosca Lee, www.toscalee.com

Tosca’s latest book: Iscariot

“A Healing Heart is an emotional story of learning to let go of the past and embracing the future. Angie Breidenbach deftly creates lifelike teenagers, a frazzled mother, and a caring hero you will love. This charming book tugs at your heart and encourages you to reevaluate what’s important in your life.” 

—Vickie McDonough, author of 25 books and novellas, including End of the Trail

“Restoration and hope drive this emotionally charged novel by Angela Breidenbach. Mara Keegan’s healing journey will keep you turning the pages as she uncovers promises of a life she never thought she would have again. Family dynamics, made richer through the process of gathering photos for a memory quilt, come full circle as Mara learns to let go, let God, and let love into her heart; a truly healed heart.”

—Lindi Peterson, award-winning author of Her Best Catch and Summer’s Song.

“Angela Breidenbach's A Healing Heart is a compelling story of love and letting go and is a poignant reminder to follow our dreams. Novel Rocket and I recommend it as an immensely satisfying read.”
—Ane Mulligan, Senior Editor, Novel Rocket (www.novelrocket.com)

“Breidenbach’s latest novel, A Healing Heart, paints a knee-bending word picture of our Healer God. Whether the physical, spiritual, or emotional heart, the Big Guy can handle it. Laden with conflict, sweet romance, and humorous contradictions, the story propels the reader forward while giving her pause to wonder . . . ‘What places in my heart need healing? What wounds will I allow God to stitch?’ A Healing Heart sports an endearing and motley cast of characters, and the frigid Montana landscape contrasts nicely with the hero’s warm, sigh-worthy persona. It’s a unique and touching addition to the Quilts of Love series.”
—April W. Gardner, librarian and award-winning author

“Some stories provide pure entertainment, while others teach a lesson. A Healing Heart by Angela Breidenbach does both and is one of those books that every over-achieving, God-loving woman should read. Not only did I enjoy this book, I found myself reflecting on my own life and how much of myself I saw in the story.”

—Debby Mayne, author of Sweet Baklava, Waiting for a View, and the Class Reunion series

“What could be more perfect than a book that has quilts? But would A Healing Heart deliver or just throw in a quilt as an attempt to make quilters happy? It delivers! Mara, the main character, struggles to keep a business afloat despite grief, injuries, and a disgruntled daughter. The book had me riding the emotional roller coaster. Breidenbach weaves the quilt story through the book in such a way that it becomes a character.”
—Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, author of A Bride's Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee; Wyoming Weddings; and We're not Blended, We're Pureed: A Survivor's Guide

A Healing Heart is a delightful but compelling story of how letting go of the past gives one a brighter hope for the future. In nearly losing her own life, Mara Keegan learns that in order for her heart to heal, she must give up some control and let others help fulfill her deathbed promise to her husband. Set in the high skies of Montana, Angela gives us a sweeping story of family love, loyalty, and hope that will touch your heart long after the book has ended. 

—Martha Rogers, author of Winds Across the Prairie Series and Seasons of the Heart Series

Since I read the book for endorsement, and loved it, please give us the first page of the book for my blog readers.

“Why in the world did I agree to do this?”

Mara Keegan’s vision blurred as she stared at the old photo she’d picked from the box for the first block on Cadence’s memory quilt. David's arm curled tightly around her pregnant waist, his other balanced a precocious three-year-old Cadence, and one-year-old Toby grinned up into his mommy's eyes. Louie, the new family border collie/lab pup sat at their feet ready to catch Toby’s graham cracker.

A smile stole across Mara’s lips. Louie nabbed that cracker, and Toby wailed, right after the shutter clicked. But the picture captured the split second happy moment forever. The perfect family with so much promise. A promise broken off prematurely by a whimsical God.

Mara’s smile faded. She glanced over at her sleeping fourteen-year old dog curled up on one of his favorite oversized mutt mats. He’d been with their family since the early days. His black muzzle sported more white around his nose now. Louie seemed like the bridge from past to present as she looked back at the first picture. When would she be ready to try love again? Did she even need it?

She broke out in a sweat in spite of the cold wind blowing the last of December past her windows. Not until she could trust God again. How could it have all gone so wrong? The wind gust whooshed against her office door and rattled the inset glass.

A burning sensation started in the center of Mara’s chest. She wrapped her ankles around the wooden stool legs and anchored her feet as she rubbed her midsection. This gift took more out of her than she thought. With less than five months to Cadence's graduation, she had to design and create a quilt full of memories. Memories Cadence needed as she left for college. Memories to wrap around her when she felt far from home and family. Memories Mara promised Cadence, and Mara never broke a promise.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Angela Breidenbach is a speaker, coach, and author of A Healing Heart, April 2013 from Abingdon Press in the Quilts of Love series. Her family tradition is to create the life story on a photo memory quilt for each graduating senior. She is certified in mentor/peer counseling as a CTA life coach, as a Stephen Minister, and a weight loss/nutrition coach.

http://www.AngelaBreidenbach.com

Twitter and Pinterest: @AngBreidenbach

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/AngelaBreidenbachInspirationalSpeakerAuthor

Thank you, Angie, for sharing your life and new book with my readers.

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

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

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

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

LOVE FINDS YOU IN LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN - Pamela S Meyers - One Free Book

Bio: A native of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Pamela S. Meyers lives in suburban Chicago. She served on the ACFW Operating Board for five years and has also served her local ACFW chapter in leadership roles.

Her debut novel Thyme for Love released November 2011, and its sequel Love Will Find a Way is set to release in March 2013. Her historical romance that is set in her hometown, Love Finds You in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, releases in April 2013. She has published many magazine articles and is a contributor in a non-fiction compilation book.

You can often find her nosing around Midwestern small towns, looking for story ideas or coordinating the ACFW Genesis writing contest. She leads a woman’s life group in her church and enjoys reading and cooking.

Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I began by writing contemporary fiction because that’s what I was familiar with more than history. It was a good genre in which to hone my writing skills and not have to rely on making sure my historical facts were correct. When I began discussing the possibility of writing Love Finds You in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, my editor suggested I write a historical. I chose the 1930s because I could still have my characters use a telephone and ride in cars. But it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with writing a story from the past, especially as I read accounts of what life was like back in 1933 in Lake Geneva. I came to know my hometown in a way I never did before. Now I’m working on more historical romance proposals set even farther back in time. Even so, two threads remain constant in my stories—a spiritual arc for my main characters and a romance.

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

In recent memory I’d have to say two days. First the day my agent called to tell me my romantic mystery Thyme for Love had contracted. I’d been seeking publication for a very long time and when the call came I was in shock J. Then two months later he called again to say that Summerside Press wanted to contract Love Finds You in Lake Geneva. That was like the cherry on top of a very tasty sundae. I’d dreamed of writing a story set in my hometown for a very long time and God had surely blessed me in 2011 with my first contracted book and then a short time later with a contract for my dream story.

How has being published changed your life?

I’m sure busy now J. Marketing newly-releasing books, writing book proposals and overseeing the Genesis writing contest for ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), sometimes all at the same time, forces me to be able to multitask. But I’m not complaining! It’s a fun kind of busy.

What are you reading right now?

The past couple weeks I’ve been too busy to read much, but I most recently finished Wings of Glass by Gina Holmes. Loved it, just like I’ve loved her other two books.

What is your current work in progress?

While doing the research for Love Finds You in Lake Geneva, I realized that my home area is very blessed with a unique history that goes back to the 19^th Century when after the Civil War and later, the Great Chicago Fire, wealthy families from Chicago began building beautiful mansions on the lakeshore for their summer retreats. Over the years, many of these opulent mansions have either burned down or came down with a wrecking ball. Quite a few still remain, but for how long? That thought inspired me to write about a fictitious 19^th Century family who moved to the lake after the fire and take up residence in a beautiful lakeshore home, rubbing elbows with some of the actual people who lived there in that time. I’m in the middle of the first draft right now. I also have ideas for two more stories set in Lake Geneva a little bit later in time.

What would be your dream vacation?

It’s hard to describe one such vacation. I love going to the mountains, and I also love the West coast and traveling the Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles to San Francisco. I love the Smokie Mountains and the Gulf Coast too. To me, just getting away and seeing new places and enjoying favorite spots from past travels is enough.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I seem to always set my stories in small towns, and all three of my published novels are set in my home area in southeastern Wisconsin. I do have other ideas for settings in Illinois, where I currently live, and out West. Right now, I’m loving the history of my hometown and state and that is pulling me toward concentrating my work there as much as possible.

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

That’s a hard one. I can think of plenty of people from the past—I’ve thought about authors and there are many I’d enjoy spending time with, but I have to say the one person that came to my mind is Beth Moore. I’ve done many of her Bible Studies over the years. The one on the Fruit of the Spirit impacted me the most. I attended one of her events when she came to my state, but I’d love to be able to meet her personally and just sit and discuss the Lord and have fellowship and prayer with her.

She is a very dynamic believer in Jesus, for sure. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Since writing became my full-time work it’s been hard to find time for much else. I’ve always enjoyed crocheting and knitting, and do have an incomplete afghan sitting here that I started crocheting almost two years ago! I enjoy watching movies and doing Bible Study. I lead a women’s life group through my church and also attend Bible Study Fellowship on Thursday mornings.

I love to knit and crochet, but I had to give up crocheting a few years ago when it started bothering my arthritic joints. And this last year, I’ve almost completely stopped knitting. The repetitive movement uses the same muscles and joints that using a computer mouse does, and I’m having to limit that to just using the computer. What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Not being so easily distracted. When under deadline I literally have to turn off my email because if I see an email has come in, I instantly go see who it is. It’s very hard for me to leaving it alone. Sometimes I do need to leave it on because I’m waiting for an important reply to something, and it takes great restraint to stay with what I’m doing J.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

I always say to develop two things: Perseverance and patience. I think they kind of overlap, but both are so important. When I began pursuing fiction publication Bill Clinton was in the White House and gas cost $1.15 a gallon. Lena, I think I first heard this phrase from you, “God is never too early or too late. He’s always on time.” That is so true. Looking back I see the reasons for the wait. My break came at just the right time for me.

It always does, and His timing often doesn’t match our timetable, but we look back and see where He was right all the time. Tell us about the featured book.

As I said, my story is set in my hometown during the Great Depression. Along with the developing romance between my heroine and hero, I focus on the building of the town’s new recreational building, The Riviera, that sits on the lakeshore next to the beach. Construction on the building began in 1932 and its grand opening celebration took place in May 1933. It is in the months leading up to the grand opening that my story takes place.

Will she lose her heart to the man who stole her job?

A young woman wants to work in a man’s world. It’s 1933, the height of the Big-Band era, and beautiful Lake Geneva is already well established as a summertime playground for Chicago’s elite. Local girl Meg Alden works at the town newspaper, but she aspires to be a reporter—a job given only to men. When a position opens up, Meg spies an opportunity to break into the business. That is, until Jack Wallace, the son of a big-city newspaper magnate, is hired instead. Jack is drawn to Meg and suggests they combine forces to uncover a local scandal. But how will Meg be able to work with the man who stole her job … and makes her pulse race?

Please give us the first page of the book.

March 1933

Meg Alden closed the notepad and stuffed it into her handbag. A whole hour spent on what would amount to a single paragraph on the society page. Maybe by the next Garden Club meeting, her beat would be hard news about the new building and not about which flowers should grace its grounds.

She stood from the dining room chair the hostess had provided and picked up the brown envelope that hadn’t left her sight all morning. She grabbed her coat and gave a tiny wave to her mother before she slipped out the front door. She had less than an hour to give what she considered her best work to Mr. Zimmer.

This afternoon might be too late.

With quick strides, she arrived at the town’s main intersection and peered down the street toward the lake. Thanks to the meeting, she’d missed her daily check on the new building’s progress.

Even though the outside work was completed, she still loved her regular walks past the brown brick structure, as she imagined tourists and bathers enjoying its new bathhouses and food counters during the day and energetic dancers kicking up their heels in its beautiful ballroom at night.

Meg shifted her attention to the traffic light suspended over where Main and Broad intersected. In the stiff March wind, the thing bobbed precariously. Pressing the envelope to her chest, she shifted her weight from one foot to the other. A gust smacked her in the face, and she grabbed for her hat as the envelope slipped from her grasp and spiraled upward.

It twisted and tumbled, lifted and dropped to the pavement inches from a muddy puddle.

Meg darted into the intersection. A horn blared.She froze. Fred Newman glared at her through the windscreen of his Model A pickup truck, his lips pursed as if he’d just sucked on a lemon.


She snatched up the envelope.

He leaned out the window, his leathery face looking as though it would crack if he smiled.

“You’d better watch where you’re going.”


Meg tossed him a wave and puddle-hopped to the curb. The old busybody would have it all over town by lunchtime that Meg Alden had nearly caused him to run her over in the middle of the street. Well, let him. She had other things on her mind.

I love it already. How can readers find you on the Internet?

My blog/website is at http://www.pamelasmeyers.com and I’m also on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pamela.meyers . My Twitter account is https://twitter.com/pamelameyers

Thank you, Pam, for sharing your heart with us today.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Love Finds You in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin - paperback
Love Finds You in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin - Kindle

(I noticed when I retrieved the link that the paperback is less expensive that the ebook today.)

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

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

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

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

WISDOM TO KNOW - Elizabeth Maddrey - One Free Book

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

This is a tough question. I don’t intentionally put myself into my characters, but I often find it in there when I’m going back through to edit. I tend to have a snarky wit that gets me in trouble … and there’s always one character who seems to suffer from that same problem. I try not to leave too much of it in.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I went to Space Academy during the summer my freshman year in high school. I’ve always been a space nut, and that was hands down the best summer camp I ever attended. But I’ve been told it’s quirky. And also possibly nerdy. I’m okay with both of those labels.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I’ve been writing forever – truly. (I know it seems like everyone says that in their bios, but it really is true!) But I still struggle with the idea that I’m a Writer. I consider myself someone who writes – I can’t imagine not writing. But “Writer?” That’s a title for people like Jane Austen.

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

I read everything. I love a good romance – though I prefer contemporary to historical. (Really, I prefer contemporary to historical in any genre.) I also love fantasy and sci-fi and mystery (both the hard-boiled detective novel and the bumbling-heroine cozy.) Honestly, as long as there’s a good plot, I’m willing to give it a try.

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

I read. Reading is my escape valve. I tend to work my way through 120-150 books a year, just catching five minutes here and another five there. But it keeps me sane.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Most of the time it seems like my characters choose their own names. That said, I’ve had to go back and rename a few people because I started to realize they were all sharing a first letter, which just won’t do. In those cases, I dig out a baby book and I look at the Social Security list of names that were popular the year that character was born and I try to find something that fits well enough that the character won’t mutiny when I use it.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

It’s probably a toss up between finishing my PhD in Computer Science and having Wisdom to Know published.

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

Probably a cat. I love cats – they’re the perfect blend of independence and companionship. And you always know where you stand with a cat. I’m a lot like that – probably even the negative aspects of cat-dom as well, if I’m honest.

What is your favorite food?

The avocado. There’s really nothing as wonderful as fresh avocado.

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

Finishing. I struggle a lot – probably more than most people – with self-doubt. I’m truly my own worst critic. And so I tend to start novels and then decide they’re terrible and put them aside and start something new. But with Wisdom to Know, I started sending pieces of it to my sister and she hounded me until I finished it. And even after it was done, she really is who hounded me to push through the next hurdle and find it a home with a publisher. I haven’t really overcome the self-doubt issue – but I’ve always got my sister to push me to keep going despite it.

Tell us about the featured book.

Wisdom to Know tells the story of Lydia Brown. She’s someone I consider a pretty typical “good” young woman who, despite growing up in church, has never really made her faith her own. So she goes through the motions and knows all the right answers, but other than Sundays, you don’t see faith impacting her life all that much … until the consequences of her actions start catching up with her. When that happens, Lydia isn’t sure how to handle the crisis and she spirals into a deep pit without really caring what relationships she destroys in the process. After she finally crashes at the bottom, she realizes how much she needs God if there’s any hope of rebuilding those relationships.

It’s also a love story. It’s about the love between two flawed people. Lydia, who so desperately wants to measure up that she’s willing to do anything, and Kevin who is so consumed by the fact that he loves Lydia that he doesn’t see her … and then when he finally does, and he realizes she’s not the perfect woman he imagined for so long, he runs the other way when she needs him most. It’s also a love story between God and His fallen, sinful children. Because what both Lydia and Kevin need – and find – is grace

Please give us the first page of the book.

“You look like a prostitute.”

Lydia frowned at her best friend. “Brad likes my legs.”

Kevin admired the long, shapely legs in front of him from where he was sprawled on her living room couch. “Won’t you be cold if you show so much of them?”

“It’s September, not the middle of January. It’s still warm out.” Aggrieved she patted her hem. “Besides, the skirt reaches the end of my fingertips.”

“Your elbows are bent.”

“That rule shouldn’t apply to me, I have long fingers.”

Kevin cocked a brow. “You wouldn’t wear that to church.”

“We’re not going to church.” Lydia shot him an impish grin. “Besides, there are a couple of guys there who wouldn’t usually give me the time of day ... maybe if I wore this, I’d get their attention.”

“More than likely.” Kevin shook his head. “Where are you going? You never did say.”

“Dinner downtown, then to a club, in Georgetown I think.”

“Bridge club?”

Lydia snickered. “Dance. But then you knew that. And before you ask, no, I don’t know which club. But,” she lifted a red tipped finger to forestall his comment, “since it’s Brad, it’ll be either Swing or Salsa.”

Kevin frowned. “Everyone is going to see your underwear in that skirt.”

Lydia rolled her eyes.

Kevin started to speak several times before rubbing his forehead. “I’m just trying to look out for you, kiddo.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Didn’t you just finish complaining that Brad treats you like an object?” At her grudging nod he continued. “You think it might have something to do with clothing choices?”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is here: http://www.ElizabethMaddrey.com  

I’m also on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ElizabethMaddrey

and on Twitter: @elizabethmaddre

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

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Wisdom to Know - paperback
Wisdom To Know (Grant Us Grace) - Kindle


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

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

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

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

ALWAYS REMEMBERED - Janelle Mowery - One Free Book

**Special note: For the last few weeks, several of the winners haven't contacted me about your free books. Go down the right sidebar to the Search field and put "winners" in that field. All the winners posts will open. Check to see if you're on it if you left comments on posts. But remember, you only have 4 weeks to contact me after the winners are posted.**

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

Every evening after supper, the family would gather in the living room where my mom would read a devotion and my dad would close in prayer. At the age of seven, during one of those devotions, I realized I needed to ask Jesus to be my Savior. My mom led me in the prayer where I accepted Christ as Lord of my life.

I was seven when I asked Jesus to be my Savior, too. You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?

The first would be my friend and co-author Elizabeth Ludwig because we’ve shared everything during our writing journey since we met in 2003. Narrowing down a long list to the final three is difficult. I’d love to spend time with so many authors. But I think I’d love to have Kim Sawyer, Francine Rivers, and Tracie Peterson at a retreat because I so admire them, their faith, their writing, and their work ethic.

I love all those women, too. Do you have a speaking ministry?

If so, tell us about that. I wish I had a speaking ministry but I can’t seem to get past my fear of speaking in public.

A lot of authors are like that. What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?

I’m really struggling to come up with something embarrassing. I seem to do a much better job of embarrassing others … like, I just asked my son if he could think of anything embarrassing about me and he said other than the fact that I manage to mangle my toes from clumsiness, he couldn’t think of anything either.

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

I’d tell them that writing a book is an admirable ambition. Then I’d add that they will need to be prepared for plenty of hard work and even more patience because there’s nothing easy or quick about becoming published.

So true. Tell us about the featured book.

Always Remembered is set during the time of the very-well-known battle at the Alamo. It begins a month before the battle and ends shortly after the Battle of San Jacinto, when Texas won its independence from Mexico. Much like the movies Pearl Harbor and Titanic, I placed fictional characters into actual historical events in an attempt to help readers see the struggles that were faced during such a turbulent time as they unfold through the eyes of the characters.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Early February 1836

“Let’s go, Mama.”

            Rosa Carter paced in front of the table where her mother sat darning a sock. “Let’s get away from this place. There’s so much of the world yet to be seen. Places much safer than this.”

            “Don’t be silly, Rosa.” Mama glanced up briefly from her sewing. “You know I just got married.” She worked the needle and thread more quickly. “I can’t leave now.”

She stopped directly across the table from her mother, hands on hips. “Didn’t that battle here a couple months ago scare you? It did me. We need to leave before something worse happens.”

            “Battles scare everyone, child. You can’t run from conflict.” She jabbed the needle into the material with force and winced. “Besides, I’m married…”

            Rosa planted her hands on the table and leaned across the worn, wooden planks. “Yes, I know you’re married, but I don’t know why. How could you marry a man who was probably a member of the group who killed my father?”

            Her mother’s slap snaked out faster than a rattler, but Rosa refused the impulse to massage her stinging cheek. “You watch your mouth, Rosa. You may be my daughter, but I’ll not let you speak of my husband like that. Carlos swore to me he wasn’t a part of that massacre. He’s done nothing but work hard to take care of us. You should be thankful rather than sully the name of a good man.”

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

Readers can find me on my website, www.janellemowery.com . I’m also on Facebook and Goodreads.

Thank you, Janelle, for sharing this book with us. As a Texan, I'm always interested in books set in Texas, and I love the historical tie-in.

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

Always Remembered (American Tapestries series)


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

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

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

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