A GENTILE IN DESERET - Rosanne Croft - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I read this novel soon after my copy arrived. I loved the depth of the characters and the story line. I’m eager for book two in the series to come out. I think you will be, too.

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

In A Gentile in Deseret, my main character is a young man named Alex. His feelings are mine but are universally felt, those of not belonging; a gentile outside an unfamiliar religious culture, in this case, Mormonism. To get a male perspective on subjects like polygamy, I asked my husband for his input; I sensed I couldn’t think male enough. Jennalee, whom Alex falls for, is part of me, too, with her impossible quandary: will she please her parents and live up to family tradition or break out of a religious mold to follow her heart? There’s a smattering of me in Jennalee’s brother Brent, who developed into one of my favorite characters, but mainly, he’s based on extensive research about Mormon missionaries. Although I didn’t grow up Latter Day Saint, I do know what it’s like to be raised in a strict religious environment.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Being quirky is my life. I’m a fashion disaster with clothes and hair and quote random dead people to my grandchildren, but the quirkiest thing I’ve ever done was during an evening church teaching from a beloved pastor. The small church filled as I sat next to my husband halfway up the center aisle at the sound booth. Pastor spoke about how we can’t bring anything to heaven with us, and how truthfully, nothing is ours on this earth. A thought popped into my brain, and I must’ve looked perplexed. Pastor spotted me from the pulpit. “What are you thinking about, Rosanne?” he asked. Uh-oh. I couldn’t tell the whole church what I was really thinking, but I wasn’t fast enough to make up anything else, so honest to the point of being a nerd, I blurted the truth. “Well, isn’t your underwear really yours?”

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

The desire to be a writer was born when I was nine through encouragement from my fourth grade teacher. From then on, I loved to pen flowery adjectives in my paragraphs. Thankfully, readers will find my style morphed into a spare one with more conversation than elaborate description. Although A Gentile in Deseret is my fourth book, I felt more inspired, more in the zone, and more compelled to write for God’s purposes than ever before.

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

I’m varied in my reading true to my education, and I like Economics and History (especially World War II) along with cozy mysteries. The way Jane Austen juxtaposed men and women in clever conversation feeds my brain. I love Dickens (oh, his plots!), Thomas Hardy (oh, his characters!), Leo Tolstoy (master of the short story), and Charlotte Bronte (the suffering involved in love). Young Adult fantasy novels like The Hunger Games, City of Ember, and the Percy Jackson series fascinate and inspire me. (My own story is a YA Contemporary Romance.)

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

Funny you should ask. Yesterday I bought Rescue Remedy, a homeopathic lozenge for stress. It helps, but to keep sane I have to start every day with the Word of God and prayer. It sets my foundation; nothing goes well if I miss it. After that, stress can be interrupted by savoring moments of joy when God gives me an apple blossom to smell or a songbird is near. Living in the moment helps me hear the whisper from Matthew 6, “Take no thought for your life ... I know what you need ... trust in me.”

How do you choose your characters’ names?

The names get changed once or twice in their development ... it’s like naming a child only when you finally see them and look into their eyes. Each area of the country has a definitive culture, and since my book is set in Utah, known as Deseret to Mormon pioneers, I researched Utah-born names. I also pluck random names from classmates, neighbors, phonebooks, cemeteries, and my family.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

What I’m most proud of is that along with my husband, we forever changed the life of a two-year old Bulgarian orphan who became our daughter. She’s now a young adult, and an incredible blessing to us.

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

An elephant. They’re intelligent, gracious and melancholy ... you can see it in their eyes. Years ago in a small town we lived in, I walked out of the library and saw a small circus parked nearby in the shade. The elephant keeper washed his charge right there in the street, and I spent a delightful half hour watching, feeling akin to that elephant.

Plus, I’d have a better memory. Then there’s the fact elephants mourn the dead, not only their own kind, but humans, too. They’re majestically made and best of all, wouldn’t it be fun to have a trunk?

What is your favorite food?

I like Thai red curry. Now I know what kicking it up a notch means.

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

 Definitely fear, which worked stagnation into my writing. I had good ideas, but was terrified of what others would think, of their criticism, and that I would fail even my own expectations. Strangely, I feared success as well, because with it comes greater responsibility and little privacy. I was desperate to get out of my brackish pool of negativity.

My Master, who alone knows my deepest self, shook my world in such a way that forced me to grow. I’ve moved into a place of security in Him alone. I can be a failure or a success in my work, but ultimately all that matters is God. My work is not ME; it’s only my tiny creation. God loves me whether I achieve anything for Him or not. However, I know He has called me to write and I take the call seriously enough to push myself through sleepless nights, tight schedules, little social life, and the sacrifices of my family. Christian writing is my utmost for His highest.

I’ve had several shakings that forced me to grow. One was when my publisher went national in partnership with Barbour Books. I was compelled to write to my full potential, work harder, and learn what I could to achieve the best outcome. For me, rewriting was the key. Like the motorcycle racer in the movie The World’s Fastest Indian, sometimes you have to “burn a leg” to break out of stagnation.

Tell us about the featured book.

The story is about a born-again Christian named Alex, a new high school senior in Utah, who moves there unaware that his life could change forever when he falls for a Mormon girl, Jennalee. Her world, too, is extremely challenged by this stranger, this gentile, but God is in the details.

The ideas for the story in A Gentile in Deseret floated around in my mind while we were living in Utah. I questioned: What would happen if a born-again Christ-follower fell in love with a Mormon? I met some of these couples in Utah, got to know their stories and was hooked on exploring the topic.

Like my character, Alex, I was a stranger in a foreign religious culture. Only when I returned to the Pacific Northwest was I able to articulate those feelings and use my observations and years of research to write the book. I was compelled to bridge a gap between the two groups, as well as lovingly write God’s truth for my LDS friends, who are some of the most solid and best people I’ve ever known.

The theme throughout the Believe in Love series is that in the end, our lives are about knowing and having a relationship with God rather than following any man-created religion. I’ve been a Christ-follower for a long time but was stretched spiritually throughout the writing of this book.

Please give us the first page of the book for my readers.

Chapter One

Utah Girls

Alex leaned hard on his jammed locker door and shut it with a screech. Senior year with a loser locker was just his luck. He kicked it for the embarrassment it caused in a new high school in a new state. Heads turned and eyes lasered through his back. No way did Utah feel like home. Outside the window, he could see the promise of a powder ski season when he gazed at the mountains that girded the valley. He still felt betrayed by his mother for moving here from Oregon. One more class and I’m out of here, he thought.

He had to admit most of the girls were drop-dead gorgeous, their hair and makeup perfect as models. A group of boys in starched white shirts and ties passed him, like geeks from the 60’s. Who wears white shirts to school? One of them scrutinized him, scowling. Alex wore what he’d worn in Oregon: a Nike t-shirt and faded jeans. Was it his two day stubble and wild dark curly hair that led to such open disapproval? Kids here were preppy and clean-cut.

Alex brightened at the thought of going to his favorite class, AP Chemistry. His confidence back, he decided it may be an advantage to have no social life. He could study hard and graduate with honors. A free four-year ride in college would put him on the way to his ultimate goal: Medical School.

Preoccupied with his hopes, he turned the corner leading to the stairway so fast that he bumped a thick book from the hands of a girl coming down the stairs.

“Sorry,” Alex said, bending down to pick up the leather bound book, “here’s your Bible.”

“It’s not a Bible, it’s my Book of Mormon,” she answered in a sharp voice. The way she pronounced Bible carried a lot of scorn.

“Oh, okay. Sorry.” He glanced at the book; it looked exactly like a Bible.

The girl stepped back and took a long look at him, swooping her blonde hair away from her face with one hand. “It’s a Quad and I need it for Seminary,” she said.

“Is that a Religion class? In public school?” He hadn’t seen it in the curriculum.

She rolled her eyes. “It’s not in the school. It’s over in the building across from the parking lot.” Her voice was unemotional. “And I’m late.”

His mouth went dry when he noticed how blue her eyes were. “Oh, so you got excused from school, huh?” Even as he said it, he thought it sounded stupid but he’d never heard of anything like this.

The girl sighed. “It’s an elective, and it’s always been this way. You picked electives, didn’t you?”

“Yeah. I picked what I had back in Oregon.”

“Did the Registrar ask you about Seminary?”

He shrugged. “Nope. Hey . . . uh, I gotta catch my AP Chem class. It’s up these stairs.” His mouth was so dry he could barely get the words out. He didn’t want to leave without knowing her name. Trying to look cool despite his confusion, he blurted, “So . . what’s your. .”

At that moment, a cluster of girls carrying the same thick books squeezed past them. One of them whispered into the cute girl’s ear. As she bent her head, Alex sneaked a closer look through her long blonde hair. Her right ear was creamy pink, and she wore a tiny gold and blue earring. Long eyelashes swept her cheek, resting on it like soft feathers. Even without makeup, he thought she’d be the prettiest girl he’d ever seen.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Thanks for the interview, Lena. Readers can find me at my blog: www.rosannecroft.wordpress.com and may email me directly at rosannecroft@gmail.com. My publisher is OakTara.com. Books are available through OakTara, Amazon, and other internet outlets. See my author’s page at Amazon.com.

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

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
A Gentile in Deseret (Believe in Love) - paperback
A Gentile in Deseret (Believe in Love Book 1) - 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

REDEEMING LUKE - Darlene Wells - One Free Book

A note to my blog readers: Several of the winners in the last month haven't claimed their book. Don't forget to come back and check to see if you have won. 

Go to the bottom of the latest Winners post and click on the Winners label. It will show only the Winners posts. If you were a winner in any of the last 4 Winners posts, it's not too late to claim your book.

Now today's interview:

Readers, we have an author who is new to this blog today.

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

I use a lot of my own struggles and experiences in my characters. I figure if I’ve been through something, then other people probably have too, and it will help them to read about it and see how the characters come through to the other side. I also have a very dry, kind of sarcastic sense of humor, so that tends to work its way into at least one character in each story!

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Well, most recently on a road trip, my car mates were choosing songs on the Ipod and asking me to do interpretive dance moves—from my position in the passenger seat of the car. That was quirky. And, I must say, I was quite impressive. I do quirky things all the time. That was just the most recent!

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

Hmm … I don’t know if I will get in trouble for this. Not sure what the statute of limitations is. But, in 7th grade I had to write a book report, and I hadn’t read a book. So I made one up. I got an A. LOL. I’ve just always loved writing stories and all through school, my teachers told me I should consider being a writer. It wasn’t until I was in my 30’s though, that I was reading Linda Windsor’s book, It Had to be You, that I thought to myself, I really want to give this a shot! I started reading Heartsong books, and studying how they were written. The structure of the stories. I noticed the authors all belonged to an organization called ACRW (now ACFW). So I checked that out and joined, and the rest is history.

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

I love all kinds of books. Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Romantic Comedy, Autobiography, Historic Fiction. I’m pretty much all over the board. I’m the same with my music.

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

I’m a major homebody, and so is my husband. I find that if I don’t have enough down time, just hanging out at home with him, I get stressed. I also need to get together with friends and laugh. I surround myself with funny people. It’s hard to be stressed when you’re laughing at how ridiculous life is. And of course, staying grounded in God’s word, and remembering that no matter how out of control things seem, none of it takes HIM by surprise.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I don’t really have a process for choosing names. Sometimes I Google what the popular names were at the time that my characters were born and choose that way. Especially for historic fiction. You don’t want a modern name for someone who was born in 1920.

In Redeeming Luke, the name Luke just came to me because it’s a strong masculine name, and it matches the character. But the character of Ruth was deliberate because she’s based on my studies of the Kinsman Redeemer in the Biblical book of Ruth.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I have two, but they are intertwined. The first is my twenty-six year marriage to my husband, Rick. We are truly best friends and love each other’s company. He makes me laugh every single day. And yet, a great marriage doesn’t just happen. You have to work at it. Every single day you have the opportunity to grow and learn to put the other person first. The second accomplishment is how we have raised our sons together. They are now twenty-two and twenty, and they are amazingly kind, respectful, hardworking, Godly young men.

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

I love dolphins! They are so happy and playful, and they get to see all the amazing things in the ocean, which I am terrified of, as a human.

What is your favorite food?

Mexican! Any kind of Mexican food makes me a happy girl!

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

Fear and insecurity. Insecurity about sharing my writing with others to critique. Joining a critique group was difficult for me, but I had such an overwhelming desire to learn, and had such amazing critique partners, I was able to overcome that pretty quickly. As for the fear, that took longer. I have actually learned in the past 10 years of my journey that I did not have a fear of failure—but of success. Rejection is easier for me to accept because it feeds into my insecurities. But success demands that I continue on, and continue to do better. I can’t say that fear is completely overcome, but as God walks me through this amazing dream career, I am less and less crippled by it!

Tell us about the featured book.

Redeeming Luke is interesting in the world of Historic Fiction because the main character is a man. Luke grew up a Christian, going to church, doing all the right things and loving the Lord. But when he made a mistake in his youth, he faced a great deal of judgment and hypocrisy in the church. This caused him to walk away from church and from God. He doesn’t hate God, and he doesn’t blame God. He blames himself and feels that he simply has no right to ask anything of God. When circumstances bring Luke’s sixteen-year-old niece to live with him, and Luke’s own history repeats itself in Ruth’s life, encounters with grace and forgiveness present themselves to Luke over and over again. It’s a story of romance, grace, forgiveness, and redemption that I think many people can relate to.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Petaluma, California, 1936

By the time the sun peeked over the Mayacama Mountains, casting its gilded warmth over the smaller hills and pastures of the North Bay, Luke Morgan had already snagged six steelhead trout from the Petaluma Creek. Mornings like these made all the work it took to get this land worth it. Three years working on the bridge, living in a boarding house in San Francisco, putting every spare penny toward payment for the ranch. His plan had been to stay to the end of construction. The Golden Gate Bridge was set to open one year from now. Luke sure could have used the income it would have brought if he’d stayed. But that’s not how life had unfolded for him.

He scrubbed his hand over his face and closed the tackle box on the ground beside him. He pulled a string of trout from the water, wondering briefly how the bridge’s completion would affect the flow of the creek that Petaluma depended on to get eggs and other dairy products into San Francisco.

Normally there would still be a layer of cool, unruffled fog hovering over the ground at this time of day. Thanks to the Pacific Ocean, just a few miles west, temperatures tended to stay well within pleasant bounds in Sonoma County. But already the month of May warned of worse things to come when summer arrived next month. As if the blasted Depression wasn’t enough.

He only hoped things didn’t get as bad out here as they were in The Plains.

Luke’s stomach grumbled on cue with the sunrise. He squinted through the increasing daylight and spotted Gabby twenty feet away. Her russet coat glistened and her mane lifted with the morning breeze. She swatted at a fly with her tail. Luke whistled through his teeth. The horse’s head leisurely turned in his direction. Another sharp whistle and Gabby sauntered over. Luke tossed the fish in a bucket, mounted the horse in one swift movement, tugged his hat lower over his eyes, and rode the mare back to the house

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Facebook: Darlene Wells Christian Fiction Author

Website: www.darlenewells.com

Twitter: @DarleneWells_

Pinterest: Darlene Wells Author

Thank you, Darlene, for sharing your life and your new book with us today.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Redeeming Luke (Days of Grace Trilogy) (Volume 1) - paperback
Redeeming Luke (Days of Grace Trilogy Book 1) - 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

WINNERS!!!!!

KayM (TN) is the winner of Dandelions for Dinner by Valerie Comer.
Dee (NE) is the winner of A Familiar Love Song by Arlene James.
Polly (AR) is the winner of Beast of Stratton by Renee Blare.
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If you won a book and you like it, consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble, or other Internet sites. 

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

Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:
Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.

If you won an ebook, just let me know what email address it should be sent to.

When you contact me, please give the title of the book you won, so I won't have to look it up.

Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.

REMEMBER THE LILIES - Liz Tolsma - One Free Book

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

I’ve always been intrigued with WWII, especially since I’ve had family members have to endure the horrors of the war. It’s important to tell these stories before those who lived them die out. Me, my children, and future generations need to understand the preciousness and cost of our freedom.

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

There are 4 of them – when I married my high school sweetheart and when we adopted each of our three children. There is no feeling like it in the world!

How has being published changed your life?

It has changed it in ways I never imagined. I’m so much busier with marketing and with juggling having to write another book at the same time. One unexpected avenue is that of speaking. In the past year or so, I’ve been speaking up to 3 times a month and have even begun to do some traveling with it. I enjoy it much more than I would have ever thought. It’s also crazy when someone recognizes me and gets excited to meet little old me!

What are you reading right now?

I’m reading Blitz Diary as research for my next series. No fun reading for me until I get this next book written!

What is your current work in progress?

It’s another WWII series that follows three American women journalists in Europe. The first book is set in London during the Blitz. The heroine is a feisty reporter doing everything she can to get noticed.

What would be your dream vacation?

I’m blessed to have taken my dream vacation – a Caribbean cruise. I was pampered, enjoyed warm weather, ate good food. What’s not to love about that? We’re hoping we can perhaps take another cruise, this time to Alaska.

James and I have done two Caribbean cruises and hope to do an Alaska one, but it hasn’t happened yet. How do you choose your settings for each book?

I like to find WWII stories that aren’t very well known, so the setting comes along with the story. I love exploring different countries along the way.

I have an aunt who was an army nurse in Germany at the time Hitler fell. She has shared stories and pictures with me. If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

My husband! I’ve been traveling and he’s been busy at work, so it’s been a while since we’ve had a date. We really need one!

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love to garden and can’t wait until it’s warm enough for me to get my hands back in the dirt. We also enjoy camping and kayaking. We’re disappointed that we didn’t get to snowshoe at all this winter. We had the cold, but not the snow.

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

Just finding the time and motivation to write can be difficult. I turn off the internet and make myself do it, giving myself little rewards for meeting goals along the way, like a cup of tea or coffee when I reach 1000 words.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Write as much as you can, learn as much as you can, and read as much as you can.

Tell us about the featured book.

Interred by the Japanese, missionary Irene Reynolds comes across a mysterious note while working at the censor’s office. She memorizes the parts she must black out and delivers it to wealthy nightclub owner Rand Sterling. Before she knows what’s happening, she’s drawn into a web of secrets and danger.

Rand Sterling wants nothing more than to reopen his nightclubs once the war ends. But slimy Frank Covey wants his hand in the till—and has news that could threaten Rand’s reputation if it became public. More importantly, beautiful and intriguing Irene Reynolds cannot discover this information if he expects to persuade her to become his wife.

When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, they must learn the true meaning of forgiveness—if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Prologue

Manila, Philippines

December 8, 1941

The cool breeze off Manila Bay swept around Rand Sterling as he maneuvered his red Mercedes Sports Roadster convertible down Dewey Boulevard, past large Italianate homes and Spanish-style mansions much like his own. They were all on his right. On his left, coconut trees waved their fronds in the wind, and they were accented by the blue of the bay. Salt scented the air, and he took a deep breath, unable to keep a wide smile from spreading across his face. The beautiful woman in the seat beside him, Peggy Brambly, laughed as a gust tugged at the brightly colored scarf on her head.

“Can you go any faster?”

Faster, yes, faster. Rand pressed down a bit on the accelerator, the needle on the speedometer inching up. “Better?”

She sat back against the black leather seat, her cream-colored face lifted to the sun. “I’ve looked forward to this picnic all week. Then you had to break our date . . .”

“Nightclubs don’t run themselves, you know. Something came up at the Azure.”

“Or someone.”

“Comes with being the boss.” He grinned at her.

“No matter.” She waved a manicured hand. “We’re going now.”

That’s the only reason he took Peggy places from time to time. She understood that he wasn’t a one-woman man. Not since Catherine. Peggy made no demands on him, and he appreciated that.

He steered around a slow-moving carromatas, a two-wheeled carriage towed by a single horse, and through the heavy traffic, Studebakers, Packards, and Nashes clogging the roads even at this early hour. Turning onto the side streets, they passed Filipina women in striped skirts and white blouses with full sleeves selling mangoes, camotes or sweet potatoes, and other produce along with such Filipino treats as cassava cake and a steamed rice cake known as puto.

“I was afraid you’d cancel again after I heard about Pearl Harbor. Nasty business, that. At least it’s far away from us.”

A bit of Rand’s own lightness evaporated with Peggy’s words. The Japanese had launched a surprise attack on Hawaii just hours ago. Yes, for now it was far away. But for how long? What was in store for them? MacArthur had promised to protect them. Rand had to trust in that.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

website  www.liztolsma.com/

twitter  http://www.twitter.com/liztolsma/

facebook www.facebook.com/liz.tolsma/

pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/liztolsma/

blog same as website

Thank you, Liz, for sharing some of your life and this new book with me and my readers.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Remember the Lilies - Christianbook.com
Remember the Lilies - Amazon paperback
Remember the Lilies - 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

THE OUTLAW TAKES A BRIDE - Susan Page Davis - One Free Book

Dear Readers, Susan Page Davis is a dear friend, and one of my favorite authors. I love her books. This book has a unique twist on a mail-order bride story. I love, love, love it. Her characters will grip you and not let go. There’s even a touch of mystery.

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

I write stories I would like to read. These are the stories in my heart. I write Christian novels, mostly romance, and a lot have elements of suspense or mystery. My books are split about half and half, contemporary and historical.

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

Marrying my husband Jim. That was a long time ago, but still one of the best memories!

How has being published changed your life?

It has allowed me to contribute to the family income while working at home. It has also introduced me to many incredible people.

What are you reading right now?

I just finished Terri Blackstock’s Truth-Stained Lies, and I’m reading Queen of Fashion: What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution as a research book.

What is your current work in progress?

I just finished writing a novella called The Cowboy Poet for Barbour Publishing, and I’m working on a seafaring novel with my son Jim.

What would be your dream vacation?

Go to England again (I was there 40 years ago) and visit my daughter and son-in-law.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I usually pick a place I feel would be best for the story to unfold in. Sometimes the town or the terrain are important parts of the story. For The Outlaw Takes a Bride, southern Texas seemed like the ideal place.

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

Harrison Ford—he seems like a very interesting person. I used to be a news reporter, and I’d love to have had the first interview after he crashed his plane.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I like needlework, family history, logic puzzles, and cryptography.

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

Finding time to do all the writing-related tasks and still have time to write new books.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Read a lot, across genres. Write something every day. And don’t publish before you are ready.

Tell us about the featured book.

In The Outlaw Takes a Bride, Johnny Paynter flees Denver to escape being hanged for a murder he didn’t commit. At his brother Mark’s ranch in Texas, where he thought he could take refuge, he finds his brother dead. Johnny strongly resembles his brother, and the people in town think he is Mark. Reluctantly at first, Johnny assumes Mark’s identity. But what will he do when he learns Mark has been corresponding with a widow in St. Louis? Sally Golding is en route to be a mail-order bride to Mark. Johnny must decide whether or not to go through with the wedding, posing as his brother. But Sally has secrets she's hiding, too. How will a marriage survive with so much deception?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Early May 1885, Colorado Plains

Johnny Paynter slung his saddle over his chestnut gelding’s back. He and Reckless would work alone today, repairing the ranch’s roundup pen. Johnny didn’t mind being up here at the line shack all alone—it was better than fighting for elbow room in the bunkhouse. Especially when he was on the foreman’s bad side. Still, he couldn’t help remembering that today should have been his day off.

Frantic hoofbeats pounded in the distance. Johnny dropped the girth ring and walked around his horse to stare down the trail. His friend Cam Combes was riding hard.

“What’s your hurry?” Johnny called as the other cowboy drew near.

“Get your gear. You’ve got to get out of here.” Cam pulled his horse to a stop.

“Why?” Johnny asked. “What’s happened?”

“It’s the foreman. Somebody shot him. And Johnny—they think you did it. You got to run for it!”

“What on earth?” Johnny stared at him. The Lone Pine foreman was known to be harsh and short tempered, but Johnny had mostly managed to stay on his good side—except for the words they’d exchanged right before Johnny came up here to the line shack, but that wasn’t serious. “Are you telling me that Red Howell is dead? How did it happen?”

“Nobody knows.” Cam swung down out of the saddle and dropped his pinto’s reins. “Ike found him this morning, on the trail about a half mile from the ranch. You were the only one unaccounted for when he rode in with the news. Red had told us he was riding up here to see you this mornin’. Wanted to know how you were doing with the roundup pen. Now I guess they think you ambushed him or something.”

“That’s crazy,” Johnny said.

“Some of the boys heard you the other night, when Red told you to come up here. They’re sayin’ you had a fight.”

Johnny shook his head in protest. “That wasn’t any fight. I told Red it was my Sunday off this week, and he said too bad, and I said I really needed a day off, and he said—”

“No time to argue. Get your stuff. You’ve got to go.”

“What, go down and talk to the boss?”

“No!” Cam frowned. “If you do that, they’ll turn you over to the law.”

“But I didn’t do anything.” Johnny glared at him. “I didn’t even know Red was coming up here. Don’t you think I should just go and tell them that?”

“No, I don’t. You need to lie low. Better yet, get out of Colorado. Before the sheriff rides up here to take you in.”

Johnny’s stomach felt hollow. “I’m not going to run. I didn’t do anything.” He went back to his horse and tightened the cinch strap.

“I believe you, but I’m not so sure they will. I heard some of the boys talking about a necktie party.”

Johnny froze. “Are you serious? You mean they’d string me up?”

“You know I always give it to you straight. Remember when Buck Higgins blamed you for lettin’ the remuda loose during the roundup?”

“Yeah.”

Cam nodded. “I told the boss you wouldn’t be that careless. Turned out Buck was to blame. I’ve got your back, Johnny, and I’m just saying you’ll be safer if you make a run for it now. Some of them are pretty hotheaded. If I were in your boots, I’d want to get out of here and not take the chance.”

Cam marched into the cabin, and Johnny followed, puzzling over what he had said. It wasn’t Cam’s fault. He was only delivering the news.

“I don’t know what to do—where I could go. . . .”

“There must be someplace you could hide out for a while, until things quiet down.” Cam grabbed Johnny’s extra shirt from a peg on the wall. He spotted Johnny’s saddlebag on the cot, picked it up, and stuffed the shirt into it. “What else you got here?”

His urgency ignited a flame under Johnny. He shoved the rest of his few belongings into the saddlebag, his mind racing as fast as his pulse. “I guess I could head down to Texas. My brother’s got a little spread there.”

“There you go.” Cam smiled. “That’s what you need—someplace where you can go and take it easy for a few weeks. When things quiet down, you can come back if you want to, and see if the boss will hire you on again. Give the sheriff time to sort out this shooting and find out who really did it.”

“I don’t know, Cam. Just take off without knowing—”

Cam shook his head. “They said the sheriff had gone to the other end of the county, and they don’t expect him back for a few days. Come on! I’ll ride with you. I admit, I’m worried about you. The fellows at the ranch are real riled. If you don’t get out of here soon, you’ll be dangling from the nearest cottonwood.”

“You’d go with me?” Johnny asked.

“Sure. You’re my friend.”

Relief at not having to go alone washed over Johnny, yet at the same time he hated to get Cam more involved than he already was. But that was Cam’s way, he supposed. It wasn’t just little things like the incident with the remuda. Johnny also recollected the time he’d been thrown from a green cow pony and landed on a barbed-wire fence. Cam had wrapped his cuts and ridden back to the ranch house with him, to make sure he got there without passing out, and he’d given up a night off to stay with him at the bunkhouse. He rubbed his forearm through his sleeve and could feel one of the jagged scars he still bore from that. Even though Cam could get a little wild sometimes, he had proven himself a true friend.

Cam rested a hand on his shoulder. “I’m not going to let them lynch you for something you didn’t do. Besides, I’ve never been to Texas. I wouldn’t mind seeing some new country.”

Three minutes later, the two men were riding hard down the trail away from the ranch. Johnny’s mind still whirled. His life was in danger. He could do nothing less than ride away, even though it went against every impulse.

“You said you have a brother in Texas?” Cam asked.

“Yeah. It’s a long ways. And I haven’t seen him for a couple of years.”

“Should be all right,” Cam said. “And it’s only for a little while.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.susanpagedavis.com   On my website, you can see all my books, sign up for my newsletter, enter a monthly drawing, and read a short story on my “Romance” tab.

https://www.facebook.com/susanpagedavisauthor is my author page.

www.hhhistory.com is a history blog where I post on the 23rd of each month.

Thank you, Susan, 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.

The Outlaw Takes a Bride Christianbook.com
Outlaw Takes a Bride: - Amazon
The Outlaw Takes a Bride - 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

LOVE COMES CALLING - Deborah M Piccurelli - One Free Ebook

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

Basically, I write the kind of books I like to read myself. Aside from that, I write books with a Christian message, hoping they will somehow get into the hands of some unsaved people and lead them to Christ. Most of my books are about issues that go against the grain of Christian beliefs, such as abortion, because I want to fight for the innocent and uninformed.

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

I would have to say the day I got married and the birth of my two sons are just about equal.

How has being published changed your life?

Being published has brought me into a whole new world I could never have imagined. I’m meeting new people, learning new things, and having a whole lot of fun! Of course, I’m a lot busier, too.

What are you reading right now?

I’ve just begun When Dawn Breaks by Jennifer Slattery, which was sent by her publisher for review.

What is your current work in progress?

After having finished final edits on my novella, Love Comes Calling, to be released March 20th, I am now working on a TV drama series.

What would be your dream vacation?

I doubt it would ever happen, but I’d like to visit Alaska, and possibly Maine. This from a girl who can’t stand the cold.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Generally, I like to use real towns from the area where I live, or I make up fictional towns that are just like them.

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

I would want to spend it with Kenneth Copeland. I consider him my spiritual father, and he is wonderful about gleaning such treasures from the Bible and direct communication from the Father.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I enjoy chrocheting, but haven’t had the time in ages; baking, too, but, again, time is a factor. I do more baking than crocheting though. Walks in a nearby park with my family always gives me joy

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

Sometimes, I have a hard time finding the right word or words to describe something in a way that makes it visual to the reader. I keep at it, and go to the dictionary or thesaurus. I also rely on the Holy Spirit to guide me.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Study the craft as much as you possibly can, and never stop, no matter how good at it you become. Develop a thick skin, because not everyone will love what you write.

Tell us about the featured book.

Love Comes Calling is a novella that was one of three winners in a contest by Prism Book Group. Here’s the back-cover blurb:

The day new Christian, Derek Spencer, shows up on Charlie Parkes’s doorstep to make up for what he’d done, is the very day he falls in love with her. But Charlie’s sister mistakes him for a home improvement contractor, and he decides to play along until he finds a way to reveal who he really is.

Charlie is attracted to Derek, but knows the attention he pays her is only flattery. How could such a great-looking guy fall for someone with a face like hers? Nevertheless, the two form a relationship that brings a joy to Charlie that’s way beyond her wildest dreams.

But what will happen when Derek’s true identity is revealed?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Derek Spencer grasped the steering wheel of his SUV with one hand, while searching for the address scribbled on the scrap of paper he held in the other.

Would she be willing to see him? The decision to come forward had been tough, but necessary to his peace of mind and his spiritual well-being. He wanted to make things right with Charlotte Parkes.

Spotting the house, he slowed down and pulled into the driveway. He sat in the car and stared at the small brick rancher, trying to perceive the character of the woman who lived inside. The neatly mowed lawn resembled a rich green carpet, and colorful flower beds lined the perimeter of the house. Cheerful drapes adorned the inside of the picture window in front, inviting him to exit the car and ring the doorbell. He accepted the invitation and bounded up the walk.

Barely three seconds passed when the door was torn open and an attractive young woman with a profusion of curly red hair reached out and pulled him in by the arm.

“Finally. You were supposed to be here an hour ago. What happened? Traffic jam on Route 356?”

“I…” He scratched his head. Did she know him?

“Forget it. You’re here, now. Though I’m not sure your lateness speaks well of you. If you want a job, you must be prompt.”

“But…” What on earth was she talking about?

“Shall we begin? My sister is waiting in the other room.” She strolled away, motioning for him to follow.

Having no other alternative, he complied. At least he had gotten through the door.

As they passed through the living room and dining room, Derek studied his surroundings. The place was neat, clean, and comfortable-looking. The living room set was made up of odd pieces of furniture put together in such a way it gave the illusion they were made especially to be a part of this grouping.

When he entered the kitchen, he recognized Charlotte Parkes from her picture in the newspaper. With her porcelain-smooth skin and shiny auburn hair, she looked like an angel. Engrossed in squirting colored icing through a tube onto a layer cake, she hadn’t yet noticed him.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website: www.deborahmpiccurelli.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/deborah.piccurelli

Twitter: @DebPiccurelli

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1030596.Deborah_M_Piccurelli

Lena, I am so grateful to you for hosting me on your blog again. It’s been fun!

Thank you, Deborah, for sharing this new book with me and my readers.

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

Love Comes Calling

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

HAND ME DOWN HUSBAND - Rosanna Huffman - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I met Rosanna several years ago at a writers conference in Dallas, Texas. We’ve been friends since then. Later, I was privileged to spend some time mentoring her. I rejoiced right along with her when, at another conference, an editor wanted her to send her completed manuscript to her. This is her debut novel. I read it for an endorsement before it came out, and I loved it. I know you will, too.

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

My heroine is a teacher, and much of her experience is based on my own. In most other ways, she is nothing like me. I do draw on my own experiences for many of my characters, but I would say they are a compilation of many people I have met and known over the years.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
Became an airline passenger for the first time when I was 16 or 17, alone, and out of the country (to Canada), and well before the days of cell phones.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

Since I learned to write, I have enjoyed writing. As a teenager and into my 20s, I journaled extensively.

That’s the way many authors start writing. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

Women’s fiction, romance, mystery/suspense, cookbooks, inspirational non-fiction, gardening, crochet/knit literature.

I love reading cookbooks, too. I have quite a large collection. Now I also have several historical cookbooks, since I write historical novels. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Living alone gives me more time than most to get away from the hub-bub. I have learned to say no. That helps too!

As an adult, it took me a lot of years to learn to say no. How do you choose your characters’ names?

I browse through baby name books. The Baby Name Wizard gives siblings’ names and a graph of when each name was popular.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Besides having all my dishes washed before I go to bed, I would guess? That would be a toss-up between getting Hand Me Down Husband published and my grand prize-winning afghan design in Herrschner’s National Afghan Contest a few years ago.

I’ve seen some of your afghans. They are beautiful. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

Hmmm, a cat? Because they’re often introverts?

What is your favorite food?

Soup. Pretty much any kind of soup.

My husband loves soup, and I make it a lot in the winter. When we have a pot of soup, I have more time to write. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Disciplining myself to keep sitting in that chair and get the words on the page. I am still working to overcome it. I could probably teach a class on procrastination—if I could ever get around to it!

Tell us about the featured book.
Hand Me Down Husband was conceived when I decided to try my hand at writing romance. Until then, all my manuscripts were of single women who do not marry in the story and yet live happy, fulfilled lives in spite of not having their dreams fulfilled. But a romance seemed like a good way to get my foot in the door. A co-teacher was known for her determination that she “would never marry a widower. If he didn’t want me the first time, he won’t get me the second time.” I found that mindset fascinating, and so Suzanne was born. Then, of course, I had to come up with a Mitch who was awesome enough to make her reconsider her stand.

Please give us the first page of the book for my readers.
The thud, thud, swoosh outside the classroom window lulled Suzanne Bloomer into a trance as she graded English compositions. She recorded the last paper and scanned her desk. Math homework to check for the ninth and tenth graders, biology quizzes to grade, and a chemistry test to write. Poems from the juniors and seniors to read. She wouldn’t be out of here before seven tonight.

Today’s impromptu lessons hadn’t gone half bad, but she couldn’t risk that two days in a row. Tomorrow had to be planned. Her stomach growled, a reminder that breakfast had been nonexistent and lunch skimpy. Propping her head in her left hand, she closed her eyes and listened to the rhythm of Jacob Sanderson’s basketball on the concrete.

A gruff throat clearing interrupted Suzanne’s micro-nap. The other teachers and the high school students who stayed for tutoring had left, and Jacob’s ride should have come and gone by now. Then a distant whoop from the playground told her the sixth grader was still out there. Of all things, here was his aunt—who shouldn’t even have had to get out of her car—. Wait…gruff? Amazing what all could zip through her mind in the split second it took to lift her head.

The person at her desk was not Jacob’s aunt. It was his grandfather, Mitchell.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Rosannahuffman.com or Rosanna Huffman on Facebook.

Thank you, Rosanna, for sharing a little of your life and your new book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Hand Me Down Husband - Christianbook.com
Hand Me Down Husband - Amazon
Hand Me Down Husband - 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