THE GREAT CHATTANOOGA BICYCLE RACE - Mike H Mizrahi

We live in a world where a device on our wrist can detect our every step and vital sign while our phones pop up with notifications telling us where we are, in case we did not already know. Too easily we take for granted the great inventions of the past that drastically changed the world at the time they were introduced. Take the bicycle, for example. In his debut novel, The Great Chattanooga Bicycle Race (Redemption Press/May 1, 2017), author Mike H. Mizrahi tells the story of a woman who creates waves by not only riding a bicycle, but doing so in bloomers. A woman riding a bicycle in pants seems trivial to us now, but at the turn of the 20th century, it was a very big deal and played a part in the advancement of women’s rights.

Welcome, Mike. You didn’t write your first novel until after you retired. Have you always had the bug to write? If so, why did you wait so long to get started?

Yes, the bug burrowed deep inside me long ago. I’ve been writing since high school, in one form or another. Take songwriting, one of my favorite pastimes. It’s a puzzle, crafting words that tuck neatly into the melody of the song. At the same time, the lyrics must tell a story or express an idea that moves the listener. Anyway, having pursued a career in journalism and corporate public relations, I thought writing a book would be the next frontier. I guess the busyness of life got in the way; then I noticed one morning the kids are grown and gone, and I’m about to retire. However, it wasn’t until Karen and I returned from a mission trip to Africa in 2013 that I got the idea for my first manuscript. Looking back, I wish I had taken the plunge long before, but God willing there’s much more ahead.

The Great Chattanooga Bicycle Race is the first book you have published but was not the first book you ever wrote. Tell us about the experience that inspired you to write your first novel.

We went with a handful of members from our church to the Democratic Republic of Congo to teach business and education principles. One day while taking a break outside the church where we taught, a woman asked about the large gathering inside. She wore western clothing and appeared to be in her late 20s. As it turned out, she was born in Bunia, the city we were in, but she left to attend college in San Francisco, became a social worker and never came back. I asked if she ever would. She said she was thinking about it, and I told her Bunia needed her. Just then a man on a motorbike pulled up, and she got on and waved goodbye. Three months later I had a 90,000-word manuscript about an African-American social worker who returns to her city of birth to see her dying father and is caught up in a rebel attack. The story involves a great chase through Virunga Nation Park, the gorilla mountains.

In a few sentences, tell us about The Great Chattanooga Bicycle Race.

It’s 1895, and the new “safety” bicycle is taking the nation by storm. Young Anna Gaines has fallen in love with the sport and is intrigued by what the women in the North are wearing to ride: bloomers. But Chattanooga, the gateway to the South, and Anna’s own mama are not about to sit idly by while she unleashes such scandalous behavior upon their city. Socialite Bertha Millwood, haunted by the tragic death of her own daughter, leads a community revolt. Anna rides in spite of her own self-doubt and lack of confidence, born of a tragic childhood injury, and she battles against the roadblocks that Bertha and others put up to derail her. In the end, Anna must race the president of the Cycle Club while the citizens watch to decide if women should share the same right as men to ride a bicycle in Chattanooga. However Peter Sawyer, the club president, is beside himself; he’s in love with Anna!

Your leading lady, Anna, is described as an introvert, but she did something seemingly out of her nature. What exactly did she do, and what inspired her to break out of her shell and try something new?

Anna declares war on the childhood insecurities she is carrying into young adulthood. At 13, a fall from her horse resulted in a broken leg, a permanent limp and a shattered self-image. Now 19, Anna starts her emotional rehabilitation by moving from the family farm into a women’s boardinghouse in the city. An expert seamstress from years of self-imposed social confinement, she lands a job at Loveman’s Department Store and gets her first taste of freedom. It’s really the accomplishment of Annie Londonderry, a mother of three in her mid-20s, that breaks the chains binding Anna. On a visit with her aunt in Brooklyn, Anna learns that this adventurer is finishing a bicycle ride around the world . . . clad in bloomers. Anna’s aunt, a college professor, takes Anna to a riding school, where she takes to “the wheel.” A second taste of freedom on the bicycle leads her to stand against an entire community determined to keep such inappropriate behavior from their streets.

Some of us may laugh about the standards of modesty during that time period and think a woman wearing bloomers isn’t very scandalous, but it was a big deal to Anna. Today some Christian women still struggle with defending their standards of modesty. How can all of us respect the personal standards and values of others better?

Dress standards shift, even within churches, and have throughout time. The lines of modesty and indecency are often blurred in the eyes of the beholder. For example, Anna opts eventually to wear bloomers when riding because of practicality and safety reasons, not to be provocative. Skirts often became entangled in the bicycle chain and caused women to tumble. Today even a modest American woman might look askance at a Muslim woman who wears a burka or a man who wears a turban. Clothing in ancient times was vastly different than modern-day fashions. I believe the biblical admonition calls us to dress modestly and in good taste, in accordance with the standards of the day and in the society in which we live. In the 21st century, withholding judgment of others should be the guiding principle for us all.

As a writer, you plan to write in the historical genre, at least for now. What drew you to write about life at the turn of the 20^th century?

I had an idea for a different book, which I still intend to write, about the era of Yellow Journalism (circa 1900-03). So much change was in the air, much like today. Industrialization created a massive shift in America from an agrarian to a more urban society; this brought about increased opportunities for men and women to attend school and take jobs outside the home. The nation experienced a massive wave of immigration, people from every nation seeking the ideals of liberty and opportunity. Sensational news coverage, particularly from New York, distorted the information Americans were reading, much like today. However we were still a country of strong faith, and family was the backbone of our culture, all of which attracts me as a writer of historical fiction.

Was the book based on a true story? Was there a reason why you set the book in the south, specifically Chattanooga, Tennessee?

As I researched the amazing impact the bicycle had on the American social fabric, I noticed one region was slow in accepting female cyclists: the South. Women wearing bloomers was a non-starter. In September 1895, the L.A. Herald proclaimed, “. . . in almost every southern newspaper the appearance of a pair of bloomers is treated almost as would be the coming ashore of the sea serpent.” After the War Between the States, Chattanooga was the “gateway to the South.” Shipping via the Tennessee River and several different rail lines through the city connected the industrialized North to the struggling South and created a magnificent business hub within the city. A shift in Southern social norms involving the bicycle might well have started there and spread to other cities. So I chose Chattanooga — a different kind of southern city after the war.

How did the invention of the bicycle pave the way for women’s rights in this country?

Putting social mores aside, the construction of early bicycles made it difficult for ladies to ride. The first real bicycle, the Draisienne, hit America’s shores around 1818. Made almost entirely of wood, the rider propelled himself forward by alternately pushing his feet against the ground. Fast-forward to the “Bone Shaker,” or the Velocipede, with a pedal on an enlarged front wheel. In 1870, the “Penny Farthing” was introduced, the bike with the huge front wheel and pedal and a much smaller rear wheel. While women experimented with these contraptions, it was the invention of the “Safety Bicycle” in the ‘80s that launched a revolution. This forerunner to the bicycle of today was chain-driven, with same-sized wheels, pneumatic tires and brakes. Manufacturers produced bikes with drop-down frames to accommodate the women better, and soon off they rode by the millions. Women were no longer confined to the farm, city and church. They were unshackled.

In what ways did the popularity of the bicycle change the social and economic fabric of society in 1890s America?

The bicycle created a new mobility for women, which led to increased independence. To accommodate women riders, clothing manufacturers created new streamlined dresses and skirts that fell to the ankles — a more stylish alternative to the traditional hooped dress. Female riders increasingly abandoned the tight corset and took to wearing more comfortable apparel, such as bloomers. The “Gibson Girl” emerged in newspaper and magazine advertisements — the artistic creation of a thousand women featured tall and slender lines, ample hips and buttocks, youthful features and ephemeral beauty. The “New Woman,” the feminist ideal, rode into the 20th century on a bicycle — all the way to the Nineteenth Amendment of the Constitution.

What piece of inspirational wisdom do you hope readers ride away with after reading The Great Chattanooga Bicycle Race?

True and lasting joy comes not from things or experiences, but from what we hold in our hearts as excellent, praiseworthy, just and pure. To grow into the person we long to become requires patience and courage in the shadows of adversity. Having the courage to conquer our inner doubts and pursue our dreams can transform us and those around us — even change history.

To keep up with Mike H. Mizrahi, visit www.mikehmizrahi.com. You can also follow him on Facebook (AuthorMikeMizrahi) and Twitter (@MikeHMiz).

Thank you, Mike, for sharing this book with us. I’m eager to read it, and I know my readers are, too.

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

The Great Chattanooga Bicycle Race - Paperback
The Great Chattanooga Bicycle Race - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

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

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

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

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

WINNERS!!!

Janet E (FL) is the winner of Driver Confessional by David Winter.

Barbara (LA) is the winner of Road to Harmony by Sherry Kyle.

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Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.

SAGUARO SUNSET - Debra E Marvin - One Free Book

Dear Readers, Debra was a new author to me when I read Saguaro Sunset. I loved her writing. She took me straight into the story and kept my attention, with me turning pages as fast as I could read them. I think you’ll like this novella, too.

Bio: Debra E. Marvin tries not to run too far from real life but the imagination born out of being an only child has a powerful draw. Besides, the voices in her head tend to agree with all the sensible things she says. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, a judge for The Grace Awards, and serves on the board of Bridges Ministry in Seneca Falls, NY. She is published with WhiteFire Publishing, Forget Me Not Romances, and contracted with Journey Fiction. Debra works as a program assistant at Cornell University, and enjoys her family and grandchildren, obsessively buying fabric, watching British programming and traveling with her childhood friends.

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

Lena, I can better explain that it’s difficult for me to create an extroverted character. They can’t all be hermits, so it takes extra effort to get inside the head of a character who actually looks forward to social events, mingling and meeting new people in person!

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I dare not poll my friends and family on this, but I recently had good fun at my eye surgeon’s expense. Before cornea surgery, he placed a sticker on my forehead to prove to all that he’d discussed the surgery with me and that I’d had all the pre-surgery eye drops I needed. The next time he saw me, my friend—at my request—had drawn a “third eye” on the sticker.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

It might have been all those books—writing and drawing, of course—I made as a child, or it might have been in English class when I would write three times the amount of words I needed for an essay, and then had to edit it down to size. Words on paper are so much easier than words out loud.

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

My favorite reads are mysteries and suspense, preferably historical. Next up would be historical romance. I tend to listen to audiobooks (concurrently one in my truck, a different story on my kindle) so I’m often limited to what I can find through my library system or good deals on Amazon. I prefer British settings overall, but lately I’ve read a few contemporary American romances that were delightful.

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

Lists. I make lists of lists and I do it obsessively to organize my mind. Every day, I feel like I have twenty things to do. They’re not the same tasks as when I was raising children or working two jobs. Our busy seasons just seem to change, not go away, don’t they? I feel like I’m juggling three full time jobs, so every once in a while, I just zone out with something on Netflix.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

For historical fiction, I often look at old online directories or census records. I’ve also picked names by mix and matching names in movie credits.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Holding it all together and never successfully running away from home as an adult! Every decade has had its share of big challenges. My favorite role is being a granny but that accomplishment was completely out of my hands!

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

I would be a species of Eagle for their eyesight and the ability to grab onto and carry off prey while looking completely awesome. (I am much less ruthless in person.)

What is your favorite food?

This is always the most difficult question to answer! So, I’ll go with the one I’m most known for and say it’s difficult for me to go a day without peanut butter (the fresh ground kind).

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

Time. I generally write in layers, starting with a very ugly first draft consisting only of my plot events. Each layer adds details of setting and emotion as I dig deeper into my characters’ heads. It takes time and the first draft is so awful, it makes me want to stop. I’ve learned to move on from that by realizing that this is just how it’s going to be. Eventually, I like the story and enjoy polishing it! But going to the paycheck job each day severely limits my time!

Tell us about the featured book.

Saguaro Sunset is my first contemporary and takes place in Tucson during the Festival of Books. Like me, my heroine is trying to do too many things at once. She’s not quite sure how to take the help offered by a Mr. Nice Guy, but she doesn’t have much choice. I loved writing about Tucson, and I was quite surprised how the story came together in an emotional and spiritual way. And there’s lots of ice cream involved!

Please give us the first page of the book.

~A pleasant Friday evening in Tucson, Arizona~

Minty Chip—Our signature flavor. You’ve seen the truck.

Teresa Scott tapped the End call dot. Once her phone found safety on Lisa’s kitchen counter, Teresa’s hands shot into the air. Puggles spun in a barking fit at her hoots and hollering,

 She sunk down and lifted the old pug into her arms, careful not to squeeze him too tightly with the wishes and hopes of a ten-year dream. “It’s okay, little guy. I’m sorry, but I got the job.”

The Western National Parks Association, specifically the WNPA board, had asked her to be their new accountant.

“Puggles, do you know what this means?”

Apparently not, but he was happy to lick her chin, while she danced around the room.

Where was Lisa anyway? Bella should have been picked up from the sitter’s by now, and the bakery closed in forty-five minutes.

Teresa’s jaw ached from grinning. At least Lisa would understand what this opportunity meant. Advancement. Recognition. The chance to give back to the park system for all those summer jobs. And an amazing addition to her resume that could one day mean her pick of CPO positions across the country. “Give me five, Puggles.”

 She’d done it.

She grabbed her phone to check her calendar. What would she have to cancel at work to attend the big annual meeting of the National Parks Department next week in D.C.?

Nothing.

She dialed Lisa’s face again. Still no answer.

Teresa pulled a piece of cold pizza out of her sister’s fridge and gave it 15 seconds in the microwave. When she was done, she’d do the dishes. Lisa had washed the food truck inside and out, leaving her own kitchen in disarray.

Tomorrow promised to be perfect weather for the book festival.

Her little big sister had sunk everything into that mint green monstrosity taking up most of the driveway. As long as people liked special flavors of ice cream and monster-sized cookies, she’d do well.

Unless she kept messing up like this. Where was she?

Teresa hit redial. “Come on Lisa. Pick up.”

Nothing.

Even so, things were going better than they had for years. “Yesss!” This time Puggles shot across the room, doggie nails scratching to gain traction on the tiles. He disappeared around the corner. “Sorry, old man.” This might call for dinner out on the way back from the bakery. Did the new Indian restaurant have mac and cheese or a kiddie menu?

Come on Lisa. Where are you?

Teresa went outside and looked down the street, wishing she’d picked the cookies up on the way home. Would her car accommodate that many boxes?

The phone rang.

“Where have you been?”

“Teresa?”

“No, it’s Snow White. What’s going on? Do you want me to go? Maybe we should meet there.”

“No,” replied Lisa. “You’ve got to help me out, first.”

Teresa’s insides went on full alert. “What happened?”

“I’m okay, but I was in an accident. I’m at the hospital.”

“I’ll be right there. Which one?”

“Banner UMC. But, go pick up Bella first. We’ll worry about the cookies later. I can’t…” Lisa’s shaky voice broke. “I won’t be able to work tomorrow, Treese. I broke my arm.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B018QCI2AS

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/Debra-E-Marvin-433266640199533

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DebraEMarvin

Website: http://debraemarvin.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debraemarvin/

Group Blog- Inkwell Inspirations: http://www.inkwellinspirations.com/

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

Saguaro Sunset - Paperback
Saguaro Sunset (American State Flower novella Book 32) - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

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

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

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

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

UNDER A SUMMER SKY - Melody Carlson - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I’m loving these destination romances that Melody is writing now. I’ve never been to Savannah, Georgia, but after reading this story, I almost feel as if I have been. The setting is so alive in this book. And Melody has written memorable characters for a long time. They feel like some of your best friends and linger with you long after you’ve finished the book.

Welcome back, Melody. How did you come up with the idea for this story?

Because Under a Summer Sky is part of my Follow Your Heart series, the setting location plays an integral role. In this case, the story is set in Savannah—and I quickly discovered that this gorgeous historic city provides a rich backdrop, ripe with creative possibilities. As far as the actual plotline, it was partly inspired by a friend’s true story—a young art teacher who reinvents her life by taking what seems a “risky” art-related job, which turns out to be incredibly fulfilling. That was the “jumping off” point, from there it was simply a fun exploration in a town filled with amazing architecture, charming riverboats, and even a ghost or two.

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

Well, that’s a hard question because I would naturally want to invite all my favorite writer friends—and I have a lot of them. But if it can only be six . . . here goes. Robin Jones Gunn (she’s a kindred spirit and dear old friend) and Francine Rivers (because I love and admire her) and Lisa Samson (because we have some similar interests when it comes to craft) and Brandilyn Collins (because she is incredibly smart and fun) and I guess I should include a couple of guys . . .  so I’d ask Bill Myers (because I like how he thinks) and Jerry Jenkins (because he has the fastest wit and humor I’ve ever seen).

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

Okay, I’d start with Jane Kirkpatrick (because she’s a good friend and kindred spirit plus she lives nearby) and Steph Whitson (because she’s a wise woman) and Liz Higgs (because I just plain love this woman) and Tracie Peterson (because she’s such a pro and I could probably pick her brain) and Kim Sawyer (because she’s a goodhearted person and talented writer) and Lauraine Snelling (because she has the best laugh).

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

Writing—or maybe I should say publishing—has changed a lot in recent years. It’s harder than ever to contract books these days. This has been an adjustment to me—simply because I’m used to writing so much. Learning to slow down my pace, although welcome, has been tricky. Thankfully I still have contracted books to write, but it’s definitely a different world out there. Also, I’ve been trying to get my foot into the TV/film market. Right now my previous Follow Your Heart book (All Summer Long) is in pre-production for a Hallmark movie, but you never know . . . it could all unravel. That’s happened to me a few times. So I’m just trying to trust God for whatever is around the next corner. Fortunately, that always works out just fine. J 

That’s wonderful. They usually don’t go into pre-production unless they’re pretty sure they’ll be making the movie. The movie that I’m one of the screenwriters is in pre-production right now. I’ll pray for yours, and maybe you could pray for mine. Now tell us about the featured book.

High school art teacher Nicole Anderson feels stuck in Seattle. So when the opportunity to manage an art gallery in Savannah presents itself, she steps out of her comfort zone and goes for it. After all, it’s just for the summer. The gallery job comes with house and cat-sitting responsibilities—as well as some unexpected and perplexing trials. But Nicole rises to the challenge and quickly falls in love with the beauty of the historic city. Meanwhile a pair of brothers compete for her attention, solidly pulling her into this charmingly romantic old town.

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

Nicole Anderson had no idea why her mother had slipped into the back of her art classroom this afternoon, but because this seventh period class was half over, Nicole pretended not to notice. It wasn’t easy to ignore that platinum-blonde hair styled within an inch of its life. Her sixty-five-year-old mom wore a slightly catty expression as she slid into a vacant chair. Sitting up straight, she pristinely clutched her faux Hermès purse in her lap, and unlike the students, she looked attentive.

Nicole cleared her throat, continuing her lecture on the Renaissance period and trying not to be distracted by her mom, whose pale blue pantsuit looked comically out of place amid the high school students. Slouching in their “uniforms” of shredded denim, faded tees, grubby flip-flops, and strange hairdos, these teens were bored and antsy, and probably too warm since the temperature in the art room was pushing eighty.

Nicole clicked to the next image on the screen. She always reserved the Renaissance for the last week of her art history class. Not because she was saving the best for last, but because it would be irresponsible to leave it out completely.

“Raphael is considered to be one of the premiere painters of the High Renaissance.” Nicole stared at the somber self-portrait up on the screen. Even Raphael looked restless and discontent. “Born Raffaello Sanzio in Umbria, Italy, this artist is best known for his religious works. In many ways, his style was more lifelike than his predecessors . . .” She droned on, surrendering to the heat-induced stupor and wondering why the art department was the only building with no AC. She clicked to the next image.

“Raphael did numerous Madonna and child paintings in various settings. Perhaps he simply wanted to get it just right.” She tried to inject interest into her voice. “Most would agree that he did.” She clicked to Portrait of a Young Man. “It’s interesting how Raphael captured the young man with that sideways glance—as if he’s got mischief on his mind.”

Really, she wondered, is this how I planned to spend my life? Boring these disinterested high school students with information they probably wouldn’t retain past their final exam on Friday—if they kept it that long. What was the point? She glanced at the class as she clicked to the next image. To her surprise, a hand raised. Was someone really going to ask a question? Then she realized it was only her mother, waving eagerly like a first grader. Some of the students were looking at her with a smidgeon of curiosity.

Nicole bit her lip. To allow her mother to speak up was dicey at best. Caroline Anderson was unpredictable—she tended to speak first and think later. It might amuse these teens, but Nicole wasn’t ready to witness her class degenerate into adolescent chaos. It was the last week of school, and as Principal Myers liked to say, the natives were restless. Why encourage them?

Readers, you won’t want to miss this fun contemporary romance.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.melodycarlson.com

Thank you, Melody, for spending this time with us. I know a lot of my readers, and they’ll love this story.

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

Under a Summer Sky - Christianbook.com
Under a Summer Sky: A Savannah Romance (Follow Your Heart) - Amazon
Under a Summer Sky (Follow Your Heart): A Savannah Romance - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

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

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

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

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com 

AN ENCORE FOR ESTELLE - Kimberly Rose Johnson - One Free Book

Welcome back, Kimberly. Why did you become an author?

I became an author because I love to write. After writing a short novel, I was encouraged by friends and family to pursue publication. It took six years of learning how to write and writing multiple stories before I was offered my first book contract in 2012, but I reached my goal.

I don't know if I've ever told you that my middle name is Rose. I was Lena Rose Nelson before I married. If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job?

As a young person I had three things I wanted to do, be a famous singer, teach piano, and be a spy. Lol. I ended up teaching piano lessons for most of my adult life.

If you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why?

I wish I could leap through time and visit several time periods! Perhaps the roaring 20’s would be a good place to start. I loved the clothes and music of that time.

What place in the United States have you not visited that you would like to?

There are so many places I would like to see. I’ll start New York City at Christmas because I want to see all the window displays and Broadway shows. I’d also love to go to Main in the summer or fall because it looks so beautiful there. I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon and would enjoy seeing that as well. There are quite a few more places, but I don’t want to bore you. J

How about a foreign country you hope to visit?

Again, there are quite a few but to make it simple I’d like to pretty much see all of Europe. My husband and I are tossing around the idea of taking a river cruise there someday.

I love watching the river cruise in Europe ads. That does look like a wonderful vacation. What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?

I was stressing over my work in progress not long ago. He reminded me to trust Him, and that I will know the words to write when I need them.

Tell us about the featured book.

An Encore for Estelle is the second book in my Melodies of Love series. Each of the books in this series focuses on one form of the arts. Estelle is an actress and volunteers at the children’s theater.

A former A-list actress seeks to redeem herself in the most unlikely of places—a children’s theater. A guilt-ridden writer/director didn’t anticipate a famous actress would ever show interest in his musical, much less him. Will their pasts pull them apart or join them together?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Estelle Rogers willed her galloping heart to slow. Why had she come back to Oak Knoll, Oregon? It wasn’t like the people here had welcomed her with open arms six years ago. But that was then. Things were different now. Helen Wood had invited her for a visit over the summer, and she could never say no to the one woman who’d accepted her in spite of her flaws. Besides, she needed time away to think about her future. Estelle squared her shoulders, raised a hand, and pressed the doorbell beside the farmhouse door.

The door flung open. “You’re here!” Helen’s smile lit her eyes.

Estelle blinked. Helen looked like a young Mary Tyler Moore—she looked amazing. Could this be the same woman she’d grown close to all those years ago? Granted when she’d last seen Helen, she’d been recovering from a stroke, but a different woman stood before her now. The rosy-cheeked brunette looked fifteen years younger than her fifty-five years. “You look amazing.”

Helen blushed and waved a hand in front of her face. “Derek sent me on a spa vacation. You should try one. You’d love it.”

The mention of her one-time boyfriend didn’t affect her like it used to. Helen’s son was now happily married, and she adored his wife, Kayla. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re hinting that I need a makeover.”

The older woman shrugged. “Not at all. You look lovely as usual.” She stepped back, opening the door wider. “Come in. I can’t believe you’re actually here. I was afraid you might change your mind.”

“How silly would I be to do something like that?” If Helen only knew how many times she had almost cancelled the trip. But she would never reveal that to her dear friend. 

Helen looped her arm through Estelle’s. “I prepared lunch for us in the garden.”

“I love your garden. It’s so serene. I’m glad the weather is cooperating today. I’ve noticed you’ve had a lot of rain lately.”

“We have, but summer doesn’t usually start here until July. Welcome back to Oregon.” She chuckled. “I remember how much you enjoyed my garden the last time you were here, so I’ve been praying the weather would cooperate.”

Of course she had. Helen was like that—she had no qualms about asking the Lord for a sunny day.

“You’ll be staying in the guest cottage while you’re here.”

Estelle stilled. “I thought your . . .” What does one call a man who works around the farm doing odd jobs? “handyman—”

“His name is Blake, and he moved into the barn so you could have the cottage.”

I’m eager to read the rest of the book. How can readers find you on the Internet?
You can sign up for Kimberly's newsletter via her website at: http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/index.html

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Amazon buy links:

An Encore for Estelle (Melodies of Love) (Volume 2) - Paperback
An Encore for Estelle (Melodies of Love Book 2) - Kindle

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

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

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

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

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KATIE'S QUEST - Lee Carver - One Free Book

Dear readers, Lee is a special friend of mine. I love her stories, both contemporary and historical. Her attention to details of setting make it real to me. And her characters leap off the page and grab my heart. 

Welcome back, Lee. Why did you become an author?

I didn’t see those first steps as “becoming an author.” I wonder if I would have taken them if I had. But after writing as a volunteer and then part of a group of women who put together some fictional stories, my husband and I had the life-changing experience of being volunteer missionaries for six and a half years in Brazil. Many people asked us to write about how that all happened and what we did in the Amazon. Two years after retirement I began to put words on the page. I wanted to show what missionaries and mission service are like. Very good, dedicated (but not perfect) people with a strong calling from God are the modern heroes of the faith, and I dared to try to illustrate their lives in fiction.

If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job?

I loved teaching high school biology and chemistry, but had serious issues with my vocal cords, probably due to throat surgery when I was ten. My dream job was to be a medical doctor.

If you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why?

That’s a hard question, because every era is fraught with special pleasures and difficulties. I used to dream of living in the future, but the world seems bent on a path to become more dangerous and, in my opinion, less godly. I think I’ll just take the era in which God placed me.

Me, too. What place in the United States have you not visited that you would like to?

My husband and I plan to drive through the American northeast this fall, and relish the fantastic colors of creation. I’ve been to those states, but not in that season. We visited Big Bend National Park in the spring, and Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah last fall in conjunction with a trip to the new headquarters of Mission Aviation Fellowship in Idaho. We’ve lived in seven of the states and at least traveled through most of them, including Alaska and Hawaii.

How about a foreign country you hope to visit?

I’ve visited about 49 foreign countries, but I never saw Italy’s Amalfi coast. Maybe someday. At this time, we’re enjoying the US of A.

What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?

We are blessed with remarkably good health and strength while many of our friends are contracting incapacitating or fatal diseases. The Lord is teaching us how to be helpful, comforting, and giving of our time and affection. We’re learning what to say, what not to say, and respect for the privacy of others. A very wise old man once told me, “ALWAYS tell the truth—but don’t be always tellin’ it!

Tell us about the featured book.

Katie’s Quest is the first of a series of three novels with romantic threads set in the Brazilian Amazon featuring missionaries. Here’s the blurb:

Katie Dennis committed to serve as a nurse in the Amazon even after her fiancé died on a training flight. She wouldn’t have lasted through the first mission trip if not for Matt, a pilot born and reared in the jungle. But she’d never fall for a pilot again.

Matt Gibbs, missionary pilot, finally settled on a good choice for a wife, someone known to his family all their lives. Why, then, did the new blonde nurse make him feel like doing barrel rolls in the Amazon sky?

Romance and unforeseen danger flow in the Brazilian Amazon as Katie searches for a fulfilling and meaningful life—one that quickly becomes more exciting than her wildest imagination!

Please give us the first page of the book.

Katie Dennis stepped from the seaplane onto its float with her knees still shaking. Her first flight ever in a light aircraft shook her from her dizzy head to her clenched toes. With the constant motion now stilled she no longer felt ill, and she tried to push away the lingering effects of panic at all the sudden drops and bounces in the air. Her new job as a missionary nurse in the Brazilian Amazon would require many flights like this, bouncing over the dense jungle.

She knew good people died doing this. Knew it too well. This morning’s flight might have been a shortcut to eternity.

“Come up onto the wharf, Katie.” In the deep-water inlet, the pilot, Matt, stood on the rough-hewn planks a foot above her with his hand outstretched. “Quick. The wind’s blowing the plane back.” He’d tied it to a strong post, with some play in the line.

She held her breath, willed her legs to be firm, and locked her eyes on his. Their clear blue beamed assurance at the same moment they caused a new tremor down her middle. In the two weeks since joining Outreach for Christ, she’d decided no missionary should be this handsome.

The distance between them seemed too far a leap, but he looked into her eyes with absolute confidence. If he didn’t think anything was amiss, she had to trust him. He was the one with experience at getting in and out of a float plane. Placing her hand in his, she extended one foot toward the flimsy planks. As she attempted the wide step up, her foot pushed the plane back.

She tried to reach it with her toes. Teetering over the dark water, she stretched uncomfortably. Almost in slow motion, her foot slid on the slick aluminum surface of the float behind her. Her breath caught. In an effort to save herself from plunging into the murky waters of the Rio Negro, she tightened her grip on Matt’s hand and pulled.

His eyes widened in surprise. Instead of tugging her back, he wobbled, flailed his free arm, and plunged forward.

She released his hand and hit the water spread out like a butterfly in flight. The weight of his body crashed onto her back, pushing her deep. Her last-instant half breath wasn’t enough. Unable to see anything and unaware which way was up, she fought the urge to inhale by clamping her hand hard over her nose and mouth.

She kicked, landing blows against Matt, and his shoes struck her shins. Her feet sunk into the gooey mud bottom as his strong arm encircled her waist. Instinctively she pushed back. No. Matt was trying to save her. She forced herself to quit struggling and trust him.

He gave a mighty push off the bottom, and their heads broke the surface at the same time. Katie gasped air, her eyes still shut against the river water streaming down her face.

Beside her, she heard him sucking air. “Can you swim?” His voice came from behind her, right at her ear.

Hanging in his arm, she had no space to dog-paddle. She swiped at water dripping from her hair and cleared her vision. “Yes, but not usually with my shoes on.”

Love it! How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.LeeCarverWriter.com
http://LeeCarverWriter.blogspot.com
www.amazoncurrents.homestead.com
https://www.facebook.com/lee.carver.507

Thank you, Lee, for sharing this book with us. I love the way you take a reader to places we’ve only dreamed about and making it so real to us.

Readers, here are links to the book. 
Katie's Quest (Call to the Jungle) (Volume 1) - Paperback
Katie's Quest (Call to the Jungle Book 1) - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

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

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

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

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

WINNERS!!!

Kay (AR) is the winner of Fatal Mistake by Susan Sleeman.

Elaine (PA) is the winner of The Shell Collector's Daughter by Beth Wiseman.

Rikki (TX) is the winner of Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate.

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

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

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

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

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

Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.

BUILDING BENJAMIN: Naomi's Journey - Barbara M Britton - One Free Book

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

I try to think about what personality traits my characters will need to reach their goals in my story. I might have some of their traits, but my heroines are braver and bolder than I am—or the story would be boring. Since I write Christian fiction, my characters and I share a faith in God.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I love music, but I don’t sing very well, so I lip sync. My family and I performed in a lip sync competition as the Partridge family. I was Lori Partridge on keyboards.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I came to writing later in life through teaching chapel lessons. I taught kindergarten through fifth grade—all at one time—so I had to revise curriculum or write my own. I prayed for the Lord to give me creativity to craft my lesson plans and He prompted me to start writing novels. I was in my forties with children still at home, but I managed to get a few books written. As long as God keeps putting ideas in my head, I will keep writing. I enjoy bringing little-known stories in His Word to light.

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

Most of the books I read are written by my friends, so they are Christian fiction or sweet romances. I enjoy a happily-ever-after. I do venture into the Young Adult genre, but most of those characters do things my parents would never have allowed—and I don’t allow as a parent!  

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

It’s getting more and more difficult. I turn off social media and avoid computer screens when life gets stressful. It helps that I draft my novels on notepads. I like to walk when the weather is nice here in Wisconsin, and listen to music. My writing and weekly Bible studies keep me digging into the Word of God for refreshment. 

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I scan the Bible looking for names that my readers can pronounce. I try to avoid names that sound alike or start with the same letter.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I’ve been married for 29 years and have two wonderful sons who love the Lord. None of the men in my life are perfect, but they’re forgiven and loved.

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

I would be our cat—the one who won the lottery. She was a stray we adopted. She isn’t very nice, but she is so cute! Everyone loves her even though she hisses at them. Go figure.

What is your favorite food?

Chocolate. I wish it was calorie-free. 

                                                                        

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

’m still battling my problem. Even though I have three books written and contracted (two are out), I doubt my writing ability. I believe Satan doesn’t want me to write about how amazing God is, so he plants doubt in my head. I tell myself to write the book I want to write, and if no one sees it, then that’s okay. I work on this issue with every book.

Tell us about the featured book.

I was reading through the Bible and came across crazy events in Judges that I had no idea were in the Bible. The book of Judges ends with a war between the tribes of Israel. The tribe of Benjamin is almost wiped out. Only 600 men survive, and they have no women or children. What are the men going to do? They abduct unsuspecting girls from the other tribes so the tribe of Benjamin will survive. My book follows three girls who are kidnapped from a festival by these Benjamite men. The tribe carries on and gives us the first king of Israel and the apostle Paul. Here is my blurb:

Love Grows Where God Grafts the Tender Shoot.

Naomi desires to dance well enough to catch the eye of a wealthy landowner. Her father needs a substantial bride price due to the deaths of her brothers at the hands of the tribe of Benjamin. But when Benjamites raid the Ephraimite feast and capture young girls, Naomi is bound and carried from her home by Eliab, a troubled shepherd who needs a wife.

As Naomi awaits rescue, she finds Eliab has a strong faith in God and a just reason for abducting her. A reason that affects all the tribes of Israel. The future of the tribe of Benjamin hangs in the balance, but if Naomi follows her heart and stays with Eliab to rebuild his lineage, she must forfeit her family and become a traitor to her tribe.

Please give us the first page of the book.

In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit. Judges 21:25.

Shiloh, in the land of the tribe of Ephraim

Naomi peeked from behind the tent flap. Girls emerged from scattered booths, illuminated by the flames of the bonfire. The beat of a timbrel echoed over the vineyards while tambourines tinked in thanksgiving to God for an abundant crop. Naomi’s stomach hollowed at the thought of joining in the revelry at the harvest celebration. She had never danced before at the feast in a manner to seduce a husband.

Her palms dampened. It was almost time. Time to twirl and catch the eye of a landowner. With two of her brothers slain by the Benjamites, her father needed a bride price.

Movement in the moon-shadowed vineyard caught Naomi’s attention. Had a goat gotten loose among the vines? She squinted into the darkened rows of naked stalks. No leaves shook. No trellis gave way. No bleating rang out. The smoke is deceiving me. She blinked and retreated from the open flap. Cuzbi, the merchant’s daughter, came close as if to share a secret. Naomi’s reflection widened in the gold of Cuzbi’s headband. “Do not worry,” Cuzbi whispered. “Follow me and the men will line up to give our fathers gifts.”

Naomi prayed this was not a lie. Cuzbi had danced the previous harvest, and the one before, but Cuzbi’s father had not received a single shekel.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can find out about me and my books on my website (www.barbarambritton.com), or on Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter @Barbara M. Britton.

Thanks for having me on your blog today. I’m curious if your readers were familiar with the ending of Judges.

Thank you, Barbara, for sharing this book with us.

Comment Question to answer: Were you familiar with the ending of Judges before this interview?

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

Building Benjamin: Naomi's Journey (Tribes of Israel) - Paperback
Building Benjamin: Naomi's Journey (Tribes of Israel) - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

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

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

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

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com