DRIFTWOOD TIDES - Gina Holmes - One Free Book

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

I grew up reading Stephen King and so I thought that was the kind of stuff I should be writing. My first few (unpublished) novels were in that genre. Then, I began to discover more literary writing (like Charles Martin, Lisa Samson, etc) and I absolutely fell in love with books all over again. I tried my hand there, and at last I was offered a publishing contract. I’m so glad that God held me back with those early books because I believe I’m writing what I was meant to write. If I’d have gotten published back when I was writing suspense, that would be the genre I’d have to continue with and it’s no longer my passion. It’s taken me awhile to come to terms with the fact that I had a unique childhood and that the rough stuff I’ve been through can speak healing and hope over others.

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

It would definitely be the day I gave birth for the first time. Holding my firstborn son overwhelmed me when I realized that God loved me even more than I loved this child.

How has being published changed your life?

Before I was published I kept hearing from other authors that being published wouldn’t validate me. It certainly didn’t validate my life, but it changed how others viewed me. Life as a “bestselling” author seems like it would bring riches, fame and glamour and it’s really just the opposite. I make far more money working a regular job with a steady paycheck. With writing, the job can be twenty-four seven. If I’m not writing, then I’m working on publicity, doing interviews, mailing out books and postcards. It’s a lot harder work than I thought it would be. People do take me a little more serious and I get a little more respect when others read my work. When I was still in the process of trying to get published, I think a lot of people thought it was just a pipedream and I was deluding myself.

What are you reading right now?

I forever have a self-help book going at the same time as a craft book (Currently Writing for Story), the Bible and at least one novel. I’m reading Jessica Dotta’s Mark of Distinction at the moment. She’s an incredible writer.

What is your current work in progress?

I currently am under contract for 3 more novels with Tyndale. I’m in the early stages of a coming home story. Because I’m still in the discovery stage of the story, I have to hold that close and be a little secretive. Chances are if I told you what it was about now, the final book would look nothing like what I imagine it will at this stage.

What would be your dream vacation?

I would be in a RV with my husband and children, maybe traveling across the country to see Montana or the Grand Canyon.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I’m originally from New Jersey and moved to the South close to 20 years ago. I love the south. Everything about it. I tend to set my stories there because I have to spend a lot of time in my head there so it may as well be somewhere I like. I love the beach, specifically the Outer Banks so I’ve set a few stories there. I love nature and the mountains, so my writing descriptions tend to come more alive to me when I can smell the forest so to speak.

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

I’m not much for idealizing celebrities. They’re just people. While one name doesn’t come to mind, picking the brain of someone fresh off a mission trip or someone who is accomplishing great things for the Kingdom of God is what turns on my heart and mind.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love walking along the river, hiking, and camping. My very favorite things to do are hang out watching something like Deadliest Catch with my husband, or laying in bed on a Saturday morning with my boys, laughing and talking, or talking to my best friend or Mom and sisters on the phone.

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

On more than one occasion I’ve had to write through a bout of depression. During those times, each word was pure drudgery to get down. It’s like trying to redecorate a house when you’re suffering with some debilitating disease that makes you bone-tired, with a hundred pound backpack on, wading through Vaseline, when you couldn’t care less about the stupid house.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Talent is a great start, but it’s only a start. Teachability and perseverance are what matter the most though. It’s most likely going to be a long road with lots of rejection along the way. Get yourself to a writers conference, get in a critique group, read great books and lots of them, read every craft book you can get your hands on and don’t give up.

Tell us about the featured book.

He made himself an island until something unexpected washed ashore.

When Holton lost his wife, Adele, in a freak accident, he shut himself off from the world, living a life of seclusion, making drifwood sculptures and drowning his pain in gin. Until twenty-three-year-old Libby knocks on his door, asking for a job and claiming to be a friend of his late wife. When he discovers Libby is actually his late wife’s illegitimate daughter, given up for adoption without his knowledge, his life is turned upside down as he struggles to accept that the wife he’d given saint status to was not the woman he thought he knew.

Together Holton and Libby form an unlikely bond as the two struggle to learn the identity of Libby’s father and the truth about Adele, themselves, and each other.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Prologue

The pillow pushed against Holton Creary’s nose forcing him to turn for air. His eyes fluttered, opening just enough to take in the first blush of morning light. Realizing he had at least another hour of solid sleep, he smiled in contentment.

Flipping toward her side of the bed, he reached out to pull her hip against him. The warmth of his wife’s familiar body molded against his was a ritual as old as their marriage. Instead of landing on her hip, his hand thudded against the mattress jolting him awake. Lifting his head, he listened for her pattering about their small house, but heard only Rufus snoring from his spot on the floor.

Their small house was full of the smell of freshly brewed coffee ... but not her. He peered out the front window not surprised to see her standing with her back to him watching the sunrise from the beach they called a front yard. She still wore her nightgown with his old cardigan serving as her bathrobe. The breeze made the nightgown cling to her legs, which filled him with a momentary possessiveness. If any man should happen to walk by at the moment, the sight of her would stop him in his tracks.

That was the downside of marrying a beautiful woman—he wasn’t the only man with appreciative eyes. He climbed down the stairs leading to the beach and quietly sidled behind her. He wrapped his arms around her waist, causing her to jump and turn her head in surprise. A warm smile replaced her startled expression. “You’re up early,” she said.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.ginaholmes.com

https://www.facebook.com/authorginaholmes

Thank you, Gina, for sharing this new book with us. I can't wait to read it.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Driftwood Tides - Christianbook.com
Driftwood Tides - Amazon
Driftwood Tides - Kindle

Christian Book Store

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

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

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

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

WINNERS!!!!

Mary P (Aus) is the winner of the ebook Hush in the Storm by Julie B Cosgrove.
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If you won a book and you like it, consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble, or other Internet sites. 

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Review of the moview - THE IDENTICAL

Grace Hill Media gave me the opportunity to screen the film The Identical this last week before it released on Friday. I was particularly interested in seeing this one, because it is about identical twins who are separated at birth.

For those of you who have read my McKenna's Daughters Series, you know that it was about identical sisters, who were separated at birth. I really wanted to see how the movie's separation was different from the one in my books and how much they were alike.

I loved the movie. The twins were so alike and yet they were so different. These things came out through the story.

A cast of major actors and actresses gave strong performances. 

Probably the thing I liked best is the way living for the Lord and answering His call on a life was handled. It's a southern movie, and the Christian element is true to the way Christian life was in the Great Depression and for twenty-something years beyond. It was true to my upbringing during the 1940s and 1950s.

A truly delightful and ultimately uplifting movie for the whole family. Here's the trailer:

COWBOY TO THE RESCUE - Louise Gouge - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I've loved reading Louise's books for a number of years. I was really interested in reading Cowboy to the Rescue. I loved this story told against a tapestry of beautiful Colorado with overtone remnants of the Civil war. The characters  grabbed my heart and held on. Trials and miracles added to the flavor of the story. You won't want to miss this one.

Bio: Award-winning Florida author Louise M. Gouge writes historical fiction for Harlequin's Love Inspired imprint. In addition to numerous other awards, Louise is the recipient of the prestigious Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award for her 2005 historical novel, Hannah Rose (first place) and her 2011 Regency novella, The Gentleman Takes a Bride, (second place). Please visit her Web site at http://blog.Louisemgouge.com

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

I love to write about God’s grace and forgiveness. Too many people think they have to work hard to please the Lord, but all they have to do is accept the free gift of His salvation through His Son Jesus Christ. This message becomes more important as spiritual truths are shoved to the sides more and more in the public arena.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

Cowboy Seeks a Bride, the second book in my Four Stones Ranch series, is set to release in January 2015. This is the story of Rand Northam, a former prodigal son who is trying to change his ways.

I also recently released in indie novella, Daughter of Destiny, the story of a missionary bride who returns to the South Pacific Island of her birth in 1822, where the islanders welcome her as a personification of their volcano goddess, Pele. Leah Smith’s greatest challenge is convincing the islanders that she is as human as they are and every bit as needy of God’s love and redemption as they are.

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

This may sound funny, but I’d like to meet Dolly Parton. She seems very real and honest, and from what I’ve heard and read, she’s a Christian. I’d love to hear about her spiritual journey.

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

So many come to mind that it’s hard to choose. Today I was thinking about Mary Magdalene and all the controversy surrounding her. Was she a harlot or a madwoman? What was her life like before she met Jesus and after she became His disciple?

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

For those who aspire to be published traditionally, the most important thing to remember is how many times some of our greatest writers were rejected. You must keep trying. No matter how many times you’ve heard “no,” the very next publisher you approach may say, “This is the book we’ve been looking for.” In the meantime, keep working on your craft and network as much as you can with other writers.

Tell us about the featured book.

This is my first western, and I’m very excited to be writing in this genre. During my childhood, I watched many western movies and television shows, so they’re a great love of mine. I set my series in the beautiful San Luis Valley of Colorado, where I lived for many years.

Here’s the blurb:

Though Georgia belle Susanna Anders agrees to accompany her father on a silver prospecting trip to Colorado, her heart belongs to the South. Then charming cowboy Nate Northam saves her father's life and gives them shelter at his ranch. Feeling gratitude is only natural, but falling for a Yankee? Both of their families would be outraged. 

While Susanna's father recovers at the Northams' home, Nate can't help being drawn to the sweet Southern beauty … and wishing he were free to think of courtship. That is until shocking revelations compel both Nate and Susanna to choose where their loyalties lie—fettered to the past or to the promise of a bold new love …. 

Four Stones Ranch: Love finds a home out West

Please give us the first page of the book.

June 1878

Daddy wouldn’t make it through another bitter-cold night. Susanna wasn’t even sure how she’d managed not to freeze to death on this Colorado mountainside over the past ten or so hours. Maybe her anger had kept her alive, a real rage like some folks back home in Georgia still felt toward the North and all Yankees. For the first time in all her nineteen years, she understood firsthand how they felt.

The only trouble was that she had no idea whom to hate. Still, if God brought them out of this predicament, she would see to it that justice was meted out on whoever robbed Daddy, beat him almost to death and left him to die amid their scattered belongings. If Susanna hadn’t been over the hill fetching water for their supper, she had no doubt those men would have done their worst to her, as well. Always the protector, Daddy had managed to tell her that when the villains had demanded to know who owned the female fripperies in the wagon, he’d told them his wife had been buried on the trail. Such a lie must have cost her truthful father dearly, but it had saved her from unknown horrors.

She placed a small log on the fire and used a poker to stir the flames she had somehow kept alive throughout the night. The sun had just begun to shed some light on La Veta Pass, so the day should soon warm up enough for her to make plans about how to get out of this mess. Daddy’s fever didn’t seem too high. Or maybe the cold just made his clammy skin seem cooler. No matter. She had to find a way to get them down into the San Luis Valley to a ranch house or town. One thing was sure. His silver prospecting would have to wait until he recovered.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Come visit me at http://blog.Louisemgouge.com ! 

Thank you, Louise, for letting me share this new book with my readers.

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

Cowboy to the Rescue - Christianbook.com
Cowboy to the Rescue (Love Inspired Historical\Four Stones Ran) - Amazon
Cowboy to the Rescue (Four Stones Ranch) - Kindle

Christian Book Store

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

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

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

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

SNOWFLAKE TIARA - Angela Breidenbach and Valerie Comer - One Free Ebook

Bio: Angela Breidenbach is a captivating speaker, coach, and author. Angela volunteers as the Christian Author Network's president. She's an editor, author, and speaker with Choose Now Publishing; a columnist for Leading Hearts; and an avid volunteer for the Jadyn Fred Foundation that helps Montana children. As Mrs. Montana International 2009, Angela loved promoting her state. As a Montana author, it's one of her favorite places to write about whether in an historical or contemporary setting. Books by Angela Breidenbach set in Montana include Snowflake Tiara, Eleven Pipers Piping (Sep. 30th, 2014), and A Healing Heart. Yes, quite a few more are coming… Don't miss A-Muse-ings coming this fall, feline comedy, by popular demand.

Angela’s speaking engagements represented by Choose Now Ministries: 217-215-0515

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

Originally we went to a publisher's spotlight at writing conference. After several video hangouts between the US and Canada, since we live across the border from one another, we settled on a generational story set in Helena, Montana. My character, Calista, is the great-great-great grandma to Valerie's character, Marisa. When we settled on that connection, the rest of the story started to come together in a lot of fun ways. But the research trip we did to Helena, MT together really cemented the whole thing. J

Okay, and we had a terrific time

What are you reading right now?

Right now I'm reading up on producing iTunes radio shows, lol. But I'm also reading a lot of other authors books as I edit for them professionally. So it hasn't left me much time for leisure reading.

What other books have you had published?

My first published book came out in 2011, Gems of Wisdom. Over the next two years I wrote a couple of cookbooks, published cards and devotionals, and recovered from a major car accident that causes shoulder surgery. Then in 2013, A Healing Heart released. I wrote devotionals and did a lot of journalism for another year, and then Snowflake Tiara. From here, the books are really starting to roll out, and it's getting quite exciting. I have another book releasing Sep. 30, Eleven Pipers Piping, and just signed a contract for Bridal Whispers coming out March of 2016. But in 2015, I have a Bible study series releasing called Charm Chats.

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

I think the hardest part of being in a novella collection is needing to cooperate with someone else when you both have different ideas. When you're part of a team, it's not just your ideas that matter. So being willing to be flexible is important. I tend to press up against deadlines, fits right in with my night owl personality, while Valerie is an early bird. So learning different working styles, and accepting the person for it, is important. I'll always appreciate the experience.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

I learned a lot about the process of collaboration. I also solidified personal questions I had about my career and what I wanted to achieve with it in the future. I think we had some unusual hurdles with international boundaries, but we managed to overcome them using Google + Hangouts, email, and we discovered iPhone messages were also free. So the communication issues were one of the biggest original challenges. I think it's impossible to try and create a joint project without intensely close communication.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

It's different every time. Sometimes I look through baby names from that era. Sometimes I've heard a name I love and want to create a character it fits. Once an entire character, name included, came to me sitting at a streetlight. So far, it's never happened the same way twice.

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

I hope I've inspired and empowered readers to think about their own values and how they'll make choices on legalism versus love. No one has to come to the same conclusion. Different circumstances require different choices. I just hope they'll consider the reasons behind the choices and choose the godly one when it's presented. And yes, I hope to inspire a heart of volunteerism. It's a beautiful lifestyle that shares God's love in tangible ways.

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

I am. It's been a great networking opportunity for me.

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

To just be myself and build relationships. My voice comes from who I am, what I do, my past experiences, my dreams, and my failures. Write what I know, and that doesn't mean a job. It means to write my heart into my books, fiction or non-fiction.

Now, Angie, please tell us about the collection stories.

The Debutante Queen by Angela Breidenbach ~ 1889 (Helena, MT): Calista Blythe enters the first Miss Snowflake Pageant celebrating Montana statehood to expose the plight of street urchins. But hiding an indentured orphan could unravel Calista’s reputation, and her budding romance with pageant organizer, Albert Shanahan, if her secret is revealed. Will love or law prevail?

More Than a Tiara by Valerie Comer ~ 2014 (Helena, MT): Marisa Hiller’s interest in competing in Miss Snowflake Pageant for the city of Helena’s 150th anniversary is at zip zero zilch when she discovers the official photographer is Jase Mackie. Can Jase make amends for past mistakes and offer her, not only a tiara, but a partner in her crusade to help needy children and families?

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.AngelaBreidenbach.com I also have a newsletter if folks would like to find out when the next books come out or enjoy a little #Muse & Writer humor.

Twitter/Pinterest: @AngBreidenbach

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

Thank you so much for having Valerie and me J

Angie

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

When Angie and I first began talking about doing pageant-themed Christmas stories together, we agreed immediately that neither of us would compromise our personal brand for this collection. If we couldn't find a way to make them fully reflect our writing careers, then we wouldn't pursue the duology.

That said, once we started brainstorming via Google hangout (of which we've done many!), it didn't take long for my story to begin to take shape. I'm passionate about real food, farming, and gardening. These topics form the background of all my contemporary romances. So my character, Marisa, competes in the pageant to promote healthy food for families in need.

What are you reading right now?

I'm reading Runaway Heart, a contemporary romance novel by Theresa Slack.

What other books have you had published?

I've had one novella published in Rainbow's End (Barbour, 2012), and I indie-pubbed a fantasy novel, Majai's Fury, in July. The first two in my Farm Fresh Romance series were published by Choose Now Publishing. I got the rights back to those two books, Raspberries and Vinegar and Wild Mint Tea, when CNP closed their fiction line, and I republished them myself about a month ago. The third book in the series, Sweetened with Honey, will release in November, and I'm hard at work on the fourth, Dandelions for Dinner. I'm keeping busy!

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

Snowflake Tiara is the second time I've taken part in a collection. Both times, I think, the hardest part was coordinating schedules. I tend to like to get things done well in advance, but then needed to wait to read and critique the other/s before I could finalize my own, so I'd be sure to get the background correct.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

Angela and I have been close friends for several years. Working with her on this project has been a real blessing to me as we've shared what was on our heart with each other. I'm not really a beauty pageant kind of girl, having been raised in a traditional Mennonite home. Angie, on the other hand, is Mrs. Montana 2009. I've learned so much from her about true, internal beauty the way God sees me, and that has been life changing for me.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I often search baby name sites for the most popular names the year my character was born. Sites that have the top 100-200 names are the most helpful, as I rarely want the most common name. Still, I usually find something that suggests a personality for the particular character I have in mind.

Until I have the right names for my main characters, I can't start writing. I also can't change names later very easily, as so much of their personalities and points of view are tied up in their names.

I keep a chart of all the names in a story and make sure to avoid multiple names that start with the same letter, that rhyme, or are too much the same length or rhythm. This is becoming a challenge for me in the Farm Fresh Romance stories, where I'm on the fourth book out of six!

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

First, I want a reader to close the story with a sigh of contentment. I want her to have loved every moment spent with Marisa, Jase, and the rest of the cast. I want her to have felt the cold wind and falling snow during the sledding party, tasted the Christmas cookies and cocoa, delighted in the children, smelled the pines while the Christmas trees were decorated… and experienced the romance.

Next, I hope Marisa's growth as a character will linger. The story's tagline is equally applicable to my novella and to Angie's: What if you were caught doing something good, but the man you loved didn't see it that way? Marisa and Jase had a history together … and a nasty breakup over that particular question. How can she prove to him what her motives were … and are? How can he prove he's sorry for his part in the fiasco that separated them?

And finally, I hope my readers will be challenged to consider their food choices through Marisa's example and lifestyle. Most believers, in my experience, don't give a lot of thought to the junction where food meets faith. This intersection lays the foundation for all my contemporary romance stories.

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

Yes, I've been a member for 7-8 years now. I joined in the first place because of the Genesis contest for unpublished writers. Majai's Fury, the fantasy novel I self-published this summer, finaled in Genesis two different years.

I've stayed a member because of the friendships and wealth of information freely shared. Now that I've gone over to the indie side of publishing, I'm thankful for ACFW's recent moves to recognize the validity of the movement and provide support for authors who've chosen this path.

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

Don't be in a hurry to publish. When I started writing in 2002, this wasn't a huge temptation, other than I knew my earliest novels weren't worth bothering agents and editors with. Now that anyone can dash off a first draft (though it is never quite THAT easy, is it!) and upload it to Amazon without a second thought, I think it's vital advice. Slow down, learn the craft, join a critique group, polish your story, and write another one. If you don't find joy in the journey, you won't find it in the destination, either.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

My home base is at http://valeriecomer.com . Here you can explore the junction where food meets faith, read my blog, find my social media links, and sign up for my monthly newsletter. I'm also an active member at http://inspyromance.com , where about 30 Christian authors of contemporary romance blog for our readers.

Thanks so much for inviting Angela and me to share Snowflake Tiara!

Thank you, Angie and Valerie. It's my pleasure to introduce your novella collection to my readers.

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

Snowflake Tiara - Kindle

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

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

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

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

TRIED AND TRUE - Mary Connealy - One Free Book

Welcome back, Mary. Where do you write?

I’m a really low maintenance writer, Lena. So anywhere is fine. I’ve written in a restaurant, a library, an airport, a hotel room, besides in my office at home. I can tune out the whole world, which isn’t really very nice of me.

When deciding on how to publish, what directed you to the route you took?

I got published before there were so many options, or at least the other options has some serious drawbacks. So I just took the direct route, pitching to agents and editors until I finally found one who took a chance on me.

Me, too, Mary. What kinds of things do you like to do outside of writing?

Um….reading. My family likes to boat on the Missouri River and they ski and ride on tubes and swim.

I like to go but mainly I just sit and watch them and enjoy the show.

What kinds of advice would you give to someone who wants to start writing?

I’d say write. Whatever else you do, write. Get a book finished. If you can’t finish a book, you just aren’t ever going to get a book published so that’s the first test. Finish.

What is your favorite book? Favorite author? Do you have an author that inspired/inspires you to write?

Favorite book of all time is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Second is A Lantern in her Hand by Bess Streeter Aldrich. Favorite author? That’s tough because I love so many authors, both their work and them personally. Let’s just go ahead and pick YOU Lena. There I’ve done well, I think. You inspire me, too, darlin’.

Thanks, Mary. You inspire me, too, and we have fun when we get together. Where did you get the idea for Tried and True?  

I have completely handed the job of titles over to Bethany House. They always just delight me with what they choose so I trust them completely and just help all I can and wait to be charmed.

From idea to final revision, how long did it take to write?

I’d say four months. I revise as I write so when I am finished it’s by no means a rough draft. But I still go through it a couple of times to sharpen it up. But I’ve been doing that all along.

Are you working on anything now?

I have a second book coming in this new series. Tried and True is book #1 of the Wild at Heart series. Book #2 is Now and Forever. More love, more laughs, more fun in the Wild West.

Please tell us about the story.

Kylie Wilde is the youngest sister—and the most civilized. Her older sisters might be happy dressing in trousers and posing as men, but Kylie has grown her hair long and wears skirts every chance she gets. It's a risk—they are homesteading using the special exemptions they earned serving in the Civil War as boys—but Kylie plans to make the most of the years before she can sell her property and return to the luxuries of life back East.

Local land agent Aaron Masterson is fascinated with Kylie from the moment her long hair falls from her cap. But now that he knows her secret, can he in good conscience defraud the U.S. government? And when someone tries to force Kylie off her land, does he have any hope of convincing her that marrying him and settling on the frontier is the better option for her future?

Please give us a peek at the first page of the book.

Aspen Ridge

Idaho Territory

July 1866

Kylie Wilde’s right hand tightened on the hammer as she stared at her roof. A shingle flapped in the endless summer wind. A storm was blowing in over the Rocky Mountains, blast it. She was going to have to go up there and nail that board down or sleep under a downpour.

           

She’d slept in the rain before. Nasty. About as nasty as crawling across a steeply pitched roof. Her hand clenched. The hammer rose and her attitude fell.

The sky was as sullen as her mood with its scudding gray clouds. Rain was coming. She had to fix that roof.

It was a fight to keep from saddling her gray mustang and riding to Shannon’s house. Shannon, a year older and soft-hearted, would help—probably. Kylie had just coaxed her into building a corral around the barn, and a week earlier she’d built the porch. And that was after Shannon and Bailey, the oldest of the three Wilde sisters, built the whole house.

Carpentry wasn’t Kylie’s greatest gift.

           

Truth be told, the roof was about the only thing Kylie had done herself—which explained why it wasn’t holding together.

Her sisters had hoped she couldn’t get in much trouble just nailing boards in place.

Of course Kylie’s nailing was more like trying to scare the nails into the wood than pound them in. Her sisters were just plain better at it, and Kylie didn’t mind admitting that.

Since the house and barn were done, and with her own homestead to run, kindhearted Shannon had started showing signs of botheration when Kylie tried to wheedle help out of her.

And Bailey, the oldest of the Wilde women, wasn’t a tractable woman on her best day. Kylie shuddered at the thought of going to her for something this simple.

The shudder flapped and Kylie could swear the clatter sounded like mockery. Her cabin was laughing at her. The wind was blowing for the very purpose of tormenting her. The branches in the forest around her seemed to clap, jeering at the trouble she faced. The mountains stood in judgment and that judgment was, Kylie Wilde was a miserable failure as a homesteader. Kylie could hear all of that as she stood, hammer in hand, scowling at her roof.

It would be fair to say Kylie Wilde wasn’t a woman happy with the life that had been shoved like an anvil onto her shoulders.

But whether she was happy or not didn’t matter one whit. That flapping board had to be nailed. Not only was the wind going to rip it all the way off, but it was right over Kylie’s bed. She was in for a miserable, soggy night if she didn’t act fast.

She could just drag the bed to the side and put a bucket under that hole, but if she didn’t go up and fix it now, she’d have it to do tomorrow. Putting it off did no good.

Gritting her teeth, Kylie tried to think of all the ridiculous manly skills her sisters had taught her. Of course mostly, Kylie could think of the manly skills they’d tried to teach her and how good she’d always been at avoiding their lessons.

And now she needed to dredge up a few of them or sleep under a deluge.

Ladder.

She needed a ladder. Except the one they’d used to build had been borrowed from cranky old pa. Talk about someone Kylie didn’t want to ask for help! Cudgel Wilde would scold and snarl and in the end make Kylie want to jump on her horse and ride off and never come back.

Thunder sounded in the distance. She had to get on with this.

“How do I get up there without a ladder?” Kylie studied the house, the porch roof wasn’t real high but it was steep. Bailey said the Rockies had heavy snow and the roof needed a steep pitch or it would collapse under the weight.

There was a chimney on the south, but it climbed up the outside wall right to the peak of the house.

Her gaze slid down to the stovepipe. She’d managed to fetch a real pot-bellied stove out to her house. Her family thought that was foolishness but Kylie hated cooking in a fire place.

That stovepipe was fairly solid. It came out of the house through the wall, then curved up through the porch roof. Bailey had done it in that strange way instead of having it go straight up. She’d said something about retaining heat and preventing sparks and keeping rain out of the stove.

Kylie hadn’t really been listening.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

Seekerville
Petticoats and Pistols
My Blog
My Website
My Newsletter
And I’m on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryconnealy
And Twitter: http://twitter.com/maryconnealy

Thank you for stopping by, Mary. It's always fun to visit with you.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Tried and True - Christianbook.com
Tried and True (Wild at Heart) - Amazon
Tried and True (Wild at Heart Book #1) - Kindle

Christian Book Store

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

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

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

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

OZARK WEDDING - Helen Gray - One Free Book

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

I have two more series, one contemporary and one historical, currently under consideration with my editor. I’m looking forward to ACFW Conference and talking to some industry professionals before deciding whether to proceed with the series of books I have written in another genre.

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband and I recently celebrated our 50^th wedding anniversary. Ken has been preaching for 54 years. We have three grown children. Our daughter is a college science instructor and lab coordinator. Our oldest son is a mailman, and our youngest son is a police officer.

James and I will celebrate our 50^th in November. Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

I don’t do as much pleasure reading on a regular basis, because writing claims so much of my attention. I usually indulge in a reading binge between writing projects. Of course, research reading is ongoing.

What are you working on right now?

I’m revising the second book in the prairie series I have under consideration.  I’m also working on another series set in the Great Depression. And I have another contemporary series outlined.

What outside interests do you have?

I am a pianist and vocalist and play the trumpet. I am also an amateur ventriloquist.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I tend to stick with settings I know well within my home state. (All but one historical series is set in Missouri.) They are usually areas where my husband has pastored.

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

The person I would most like to spend an evening with is still alive, but he’s elderly and feeble. Billy Graham has my utmost respect for the way he has preached the gospel all these years and maintained his integrity.

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

I can’t narrow it down to just one. It’s more like the one thing I’m glad I did NOT know. If I had known how long it would take to achieve publication, I might have given up long ago.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

I guess I would have to say to be more flexible. I have a tendency to have tunnel vision. Whatever project I’m working on is my total focus. Publication has forced me to put aside the current work-in-progress when other things have to be done—AFS’s, edits, blog posts, etc.

Please tell us in the comments what an AFS is. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Study the craft and publisher guidelines.

Be persistent and write regularly.

Attend writers’ conferences if you can.

Tell us about the featured book.

Ozark Wedding is the third and final book of my Ozark series. It is set in 1939 and is the story of the younger sister of the heroine from book two, Ozark Reunion. The story is set against the coming of electricity to the rural areas of Missouri.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Missouri, 1939

Irene Delaney wrote an arithmetic problem on the blackboard and turned to face the three students seated on the bench at the front of the one room school. “Martha, can you …”

Bang. Pop. Bang.

A hand flew to her chest, sending the chalk sailing to the rough pine floor. It shattered.

Children shrieked and ducked down in their desks, hands over their ears.

Another explosion rattled the door of the pot-bellied stove that occupied the center of the west wall. Eyes peered over desks at it.

Irene fought to control the short gasps of her rapid breath. Moments later the hammering of her heart slowed as her brain figured out that one of the students had put some kind of ammunition in the stove. And there could be little, if any, doubt as to which student had done it.

The students seemed to reach the same conclusion just as Irene did. All eyes turned toward Wesley Bozeman.

           

“Miss Delaney,” said eight-year-old Pansy Murdock.

           

“Yes, Pansy.”

“I saw Wesley put something in the stove.”

           

This was the last straw. Fear that had quickly turned to exasperation now became anger. Irene turned to face the lanky thirteen-year-old boy. He wore an expression of studied innocence, but it changed to defiance as her accusing stare bored into him.

           

“Little Miss Tattletale,” he mocked, aiming a glare at Pansy. “Always making up tales.”

           

“She may be a tattletale,” another student piped up, “but she tattles the truth.”

           

Irene drew a deep, steadying breath. “Wesley, you may stay after school to discuss this.”

           

Lord, please give me patience. Help me guard my tongue.

           

Too angry to deal with the perpetual troublemaker in front of the students, she strove for calmness and continued the lesson. “Okay, Martha, can you show us how to do this problem?” She indicated the blackboard.

           

“Yes, Ma’am.” The twelve-year-old went to the board and began to write.

           

Wesley shot out of his seat, nearly knocking the desk over, and made for the side of the room lined with coats hanging from hooks. He snagged his and went out the door, slamming it hard behind him.

           

Irene did a quick assessment. Going after Wesley would mean leaving the other students unsupervised, and she doubted she could catch him anyhow. He would go home, and that was fine with her. She directed her attention back to her students.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.helenbrowngray.com

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

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

Ozark Wedding -  Christianbook.com
Ozark Wedding (Heartsong Presents) - Amazon
Ozark Wedding (Heartsong Presents) - Kindle

Christian Book Store

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

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

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

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

RESCUING THE TEXAN'S HEART - Mindy Obenhaus - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I’ve been anxiously awaiting this book. Mindy has been a member of my critique book, and I love her writing.

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

I love love and have to have a happily ever after. With no other genre but romance are you guaranteed that.

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

Since I have five children, I don't think I can narrow it down to just one. The day each of them was born is a cherished memory.

How has being published changed your life?

Now I HAVE to write. Before, I had the luxury of doing things at whatever pace I preferred. Now I have deadlines. Nonetheless, family still comes first. As with most things, you learn to pick and choose.

What are you reading right now?

Mending the Doctor's Heart by Tina Radcliffe

What is your current work in progress?

Title is yet to be determined, however I am working on the third book in a series set in Ouray, Colorado.

We need to schedule that book on the blog, too. What would be your dream vacation?

Hmm...I'm tempted to say it happens every time I go to Ouray. But a true dream vacation would probably be traveling Europe with my husband. Just the two of us.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

So far all of my books have been set in Ouray. Located in southwestern Colorado, Ouray captured my heart the first time my mother-in-law introduced me to the town where her parents homesteaded in the 1920's.

I don’t think I ever knew that was why you went there. I mean about the homesteading. If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

You're really making me think here. Probably Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman. I just think she and I would have a ball.

I watch her sometimes, too. You know she started out on a blog first. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Cooking, decorating and spending time with my grand kids. Although, I don't think they can be classified as a hobby. :)

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

I can usually figure out the beginning, the end, and a few places in between, but the rest is a mystery. I have to continually ask myself, what's the worst thing that could happen to this character right now.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Write what you love, keep writing and keep learning.

Tell us about the featured book.

Cash Coble is desperate for a change. After working in the family business for ten years, he's stressed out and overworked. When he heads to Colorado to visit his ailing grandfather, he finds his mood lifted by the beautiful woman living next door. After a troubled past, ice climber Taryn Purcell isn't looking for love. Especially not with a charming Texan who's consumed by work. But there's something about Cash that captures her heart. Never one to back down from a challenge, Taryn promises to show Cash how to carve out a happy life—one that includes her.

I love your cover. Please give us the first page of the book.

He didn't want to be here.

Eyeing the snow-laden peaks that spread in every direction, Cash Coble tightened his grip on the steering wheel of his rented SUV and slowly navigated the hairpin turns leading into Ouray. He'd reeled in two new dealers over the past two weeks and, thanks to a new manufacturing plant, business at Coble Trailers showed no signs of slowing down.

Meaning Cash couldn't afford to, either.

I's had to be dotted. T's needed to be crossed. In Cash's world, there was no such thing as a relaxing weekend.

It's only three days.

He took a deep breath, mentally chastising himself for being so selfish. Gramps had never been too busy when it came to Cash. So why couldn't he show the old man the same courtesy?

A sharp right curve on the Million Dollar Highway and Cash glimpsed the town that he'd once hoped to call home. Nestled in a bowl among southwestern Colorado's majestic San Juan Mountains, Ouray was like no place else. Gramps always said it was heaven on earth. And, after all these years, Cash still agreed.

I can’t wait until my book gets here so I can read it. How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.mindyobenhaus.com

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

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Rescuing the Texan's Heart - Christianbook.com
Rescuing the Texan's Heart (Love Inspired) - Amazon
Rescuing the Texan's Heart (Love Inspired) - Kindle

Christian Book Store

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

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

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

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