CHRISTMAS AT STONEY CREEK - Martha Rogers - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I love this time of year. The weather is cooler, and Christmas novels and novellas release. There are a lot of them, so I start reading Christmas books usually in September, but my September was really busy, so I’ve started reading them this month. Christmas at Stoney Creek was written by a dear writer friend. Her historical novels are nostalgic and interesting. I think you’ll really love this one.

Welcome back, Martha. Do you have a favorite genre to write? If so, what is it?

I’d say historical romance, but it’s really a toss-up with contemporary. Not as much research is needed for my contemporaries, so I enjoy writing them.

If you didn’t live in the part of the country where you do, where would you live?

Texas is the only place I’d ever want to live, but if I had to be transferred or my husband was, then I’d hope we could live in New England. I loved Vermont and Connecticut when we visited there. Not sure I’d do very well with the winters there. Hawaii would be a very close second, but the distance from the mainland keeps it from being first.

What foreign country would you like to visit and why?

I’ve been to Austria, Germany, and Switzerland and would love to go back. The country is beautiful and the people were absolutely wonderful. We were close to Italy but never made it across the border, so I would really love to go back and take a tour of Italy. There’s so much history there and a lot of it had to do with Biblical days as well. I’d love to see some of those places and walk where Paul walked.

Describe what you think would be the most romantic vacation you could take.

My most romantic vacation would be in Hawaii. Oahu and Maui are so beautiful and the settings in the mountains and on the seashore are perfect for candlelight dinners and romantic strolls. 

Where would you like to set a story that you haven’t done yet?

I have in mind a story set in Nashville, but it hasn’t been developed yet. It’s still a germ or a seed in my head, but I’ve never had one there, so I hope to get it plotted.

What is the main theme of this novel?

Christmas At Stoney Creek shows us the importance of accepting people as who they are. You have to truly accept a person for who he or she is outwardly to know the depths of love and character in their heart and soul.

Tell us about the story.

When Tom first meets Joe on the train between Austin and Stoney Creek, others have shunned him because of his body odor, ragged clothes, and unkempt appearance. Tom, however, sees the potential for a story. As a newspaper reporter, he seeks unusual stories and he senses there is one with Joe. Joe makes friends with the people of the town and as time passes they learn how caring for one another leads to far greater blessings than they could have imagined.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Stoney Creek, Texas

October 1892

The scruffy and somewhat dirty old man shrank into the corner of his seat on the train. Instead of the foul air surrounding him, Tom Whiteman’s journalistic nose smelled a story.

Tom contemplated the bedraggled figure a moment longer then folded the notes on the article he had been writing and stowed them in his coat pocket. He’d go over them later, but for the moment, this stranger aroused his curiosity. He didn’t appear to have much money, so how had he bought a ticket?

Instincts borne from reporting unusual events kicked in, and Tom sensed a story behind the tattered clothes and dirty exterior. Other passengers moved away to give the man more room and to escape the odor surrounding him. Snow-white hair needing a haircut as well as a good combing covered the man’s head, and a droopy discolored mustache graced the man’s upper lip. Although his hunkered-up state gave no clue as to height, his form didn’t carry extra weight.

While observation gave some clues, Tom would have to sit with the man to learn more about him. He’d make a good personal feature story for the Stoney Creek paper. Tom crossed the aisle and settled into the seat next to the stranger. He extended his hand in greeting. “Hello, I’m Tom Whiteman. I’m on my way back home to Stoney Creek, Texas. Where are you headed?”

The man’s blue-eyed gaze searched Tom’s face before answering. “Name’s Joe.”

“Hm, I see.” Rather evasive. This strangely dressed man in shabby, well-worn clothes hit a chord deep inside that prodded him to dig behind the man’s countenance and learn more. The man’s outward appearance may be ugly and worn, but the serenity in the man’s eyes grabbed Tom’s heart and wouldn’t let go.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.marthawrogers.com is my website

www.facebook.com/MarthaRogersAuthor/ Author Page on Facebook

Thank you, Martha, for sharing this holiday book with us. I know my readers will be eager to read it.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Christmas at Stoney Creek - Christianbook.com
Christmas at Stoney Creek: A Novel - Amazon paperback
Christmas at Stoney Creek: A Novel - 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!!!!

Kim (NE), is the winner of Cowboy Lawman's Family Reunion by Louise Gouge.

Abigail (VA) is the winner of Thanksgiving Protector by Sharon Dunn.

Shelia (MS) is the winner of Heart of the Emerald by Cynthia Hickey.

Bonnie (AZ), is the winner of Joshua's Prayers by Olivia Ray.

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.

A HEART'S GIFT - Lena Nelson Dooley - One Free Book or Ebook

It has been a while since I talked to you about my latest novel – A Heart’s Gift.

I’m really getting some good reviews on Amazon. I just checked on Goodreads, and there are quite a few reviews and even more ratings for the book. You can check them out here:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33833728-a-heart-s-gift  

My favorite thing that happened with the book this year was winning the RWA – FHL Reader’s Choice Award for long historical. It was a big surprise and a blessing to me.

Here’s the back cover copy for the book:

Because of an earlier betrayal, Franklin vows never to open his heart to another woman. But he desires an heir. When Lorinda is finally out from under the control of men who made all the decisions in her life, she promises herself she will never allow a man to control her again. But how can she provide for her infant son? A marriage of convenience seems like the perfect arrangement until two people from Franklin's past endanger Lorinda. How can he save her? And how will this affect the way they feel about each other?

To celebrate the book, I’m going to give away the winner’s choice of a print book or an ebook.

When you leave a comment, please tell me what interests you the most about what you've heard about the book.

Also, say whether you want a print book or an ebook.

Here are the links to the book:

A Heart's Gift: A Love's Road Home Novel - Paperback
A Heart's Gift: A Love's Road Home Novel - Kindle

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

BRINGING MAGGIE HOME - Kim Vogel Sawyer - One Free Book

Bio: Kim Vogel Sawyer is a highly acclaimed, best-selling author with more than one million books in print, in several different languages. Her titles have earned numerous accolades including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas with her retired military husband Don, where she continues to write gentle stories of hope and redemption. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and grandchildren.

Find out more about Kim at http://www.kimvogelsawyer.com/.

Welcome back, Kim. How did this book come about?

A couple of years ago I stumbled upon an obscure online article about the mysterious disappearance of several children from one Arkansas county during the 1930s. This sent my writer brain down several pathways of possibility, and the story emerged from there.

Tell us about the book’s cover and what makes it unique.

This cover is very different from any of my others, which mostly largely feature the heroine. The soft image of a carefree child running through the grass invites the reader to turn the flap and see where she’s off to.

Please explain and differentiate between what’s fact and fiction in the book.

Although the story was based on a true event, all of the details surrounding it are straight from my imagination. There are some real-life cities used for locations (such as Las Vegas, Nevada), but the town of Cumpton, Arkansas, which plays heavily in story world, is completely fictitious. I am sure there are a few snippets of conversation between characters that happened at some point in time in my life since I have three daughters, but the story is predominantly made up.

How much research did you have to do for this book?

Quite a lot! I researched forensic science, vegan lifestyles, health issues commonly suffered by the elderly, and several cities so I could get the details right. I enjoy research, though, so it was kind of fun … especially how cold case detectives solve mysteries.

What inspired and surprised you while you were writing the book?

Since I am a seat-of-the-pants writer and don’t follow an outline or plot, I am often surprised by where the characters take me. I love this kind of writing because every day is an adventure.

I told the writing workshop students on Monday night that as a seat-of-the-pants writer if I plotted out each scene, I’d be bored when tried to write the story. I had already completed it in the plotting. What do you hope the reader takes away from the story?

First of all, I hope the reader will see that it’s never too late to restore broken relationships—both with people and with God. I also hope it will help them take a look at their life and, if they are allowing a past event to negatively impact their present, will forgive themselves and let the regret go.

What is the next project you’re working on?

I’m in the research stage of a story set at the Atlanta Exposition in 1881.

Please give us the first page of the book.

July 1943

Cumpton, Arkansas

Hazel Mae Blackwell

Hazel set a porcelain cup and saucer on the overturned apple crate in front of her little sister. “Madam, would you like cream and sugar in your tea?”

Maggie nodded, making her Shirley Temple curls bounce. Her hair—what Daddy called flaxen—shimmered under the noonday sun, almost as yellow as the roses painted on the cup.

Jealousy sparked in Hazel’s heart. Why couldn’t she have inherited Mama’s sunshiny-yellow hair and sky-blue eyes the way Maggie had instead of Daddy’s dirt-brown hair and eyes?

“What do you say?” Hazel asked the question as tartly as Mama.

“Yes, pwease.”

“Pluh-ease,” Hazel said.

“Pwuh-ease.”

Hazel sighed. Maggie was just-turned-three, as Daddy often reminded her when she got impatient with her sister. Sometimes she wished Mama hadn’t waited so long after Hazel to have another baby. Wouldn’t it be fine if almost seven years didn’t stretch between them? Mama and Daddy were always telling her she was lucky to have a sister, and Hazel loved Maggie. Of course she did. But sometimes…

“Pwease, Hayzoo Mae?”

She lifted the lid on the doll-sized sugar bowl and spooned out pretend sugar. Then she pretended to pour cream. No matter how much Hazel begged, Mama never let her waste real sugar and cream for her tea parties. She used the spoon to stir the air in Maggie’s cup. “There you are.”

Maggie’s apple cheeks dimpled with her smile. “Fank you.” She picked up the cup between her fingers and carried it to her rosy lips.

“I hope it isn’t too hot.”

Maggie made noisy drinking sounds. Her blue eyes rounded and she pursed her lips. “Ooooh, it is hot! I bu’n my tongue!”

Hazel stifled a chuckle. Playing make-believe with her doll had never been this fun. Maybe she should have let Maggie use her special tea set before. But she’d waited until her sister passed her third birthday, the same age Hazel had been when she received the set for Christmas from Memaw and Pappaw Blackwell. She hadn’t trusted Maggie’s baby fingers not to break one of the fragile cups or plates.

She picked up her own cup and held it close to her mouth. “Blow on it.” She puffed breaths into her cup, smiling when Maggie imitated her.

With the sun warming their heads, they sipped and smiled at each other and helped their dollies eat pretend cookies from the serving plate centered on the crate. Hazel’s imagination painted their surroundings from a dusty yard to the fancy city restaurant she’d seen in a magazine. With linen-draped tables instead of a handkerchief-covered crate. With ladies wearing silk instead of homespun. So easy to see in her imagination. She even pretended her hair was shiny yellow curls trailing down her back instead of wind-tossed, dirt-brown, pin-straight locks lopped at shoulder level.

She picked up the plate and offered it to Maggie. “Would you like the last cookie?”

Maggie reached out her pudgy hand.

I’m eager to read this story. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Please visit my website (KimVogelSawyer.com)—you’ll find Facebook and Twitter links there.

Thank you, Kim, for sharing this new book with us. My blog readers will be eager to read it, too.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Bringing Maggie Home - Christianbook.com
Bringing Maggie Home: A Novel - Amazon paperback
Bringing Maggie Home: A Novel - Kindle
Bringing Maggie Home - Audio book

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!!!

Judy (LA), is the winner of Rosie Won't Stay Dead by Tamara G Cooper.

Connie (KY) is the winner of Equos Ego by Jones Howell.

Diane B (OH) is the winner of The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck.

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.

JOSHUA'S PRAYER - Olivia Rae - One Free Ebook

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

Believe it or not I try not to add a lot of my personal traits in my characters. I’m just not that exciting. I do, however, use experiences from other family members. My daughter got very mad at me once because I was writing about things she did in her life. My defense has always been that I have made her experiences way more exciting than what they were and she should be happy.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I don’t know if it is quirky, but I do take bike rides in my local cemeteries. Usually the roads are flat and there is little traffic. Sometimes some of my best inspirations come when I am riding in those quiet cemeteries.

When did you first discover you were a writer?

I think I started dabbling with writing when I was in junior high, but then it kind of drifted away. I never was a great student in school, and I really didn’t hit my stride until I was in college. I began writing again in my thirties and have never stopped. I really can’t now even if I wanted. It has just become part of me.

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

Tough one. I read EVERYTHING! When I was young I read a lot of romance and then I branched out to mysteries and classics. Of course I read Christian fiction. I read award winners in many genres, mostly to analyze their work and what made them award-winning.

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

Prayer. A lot of prayer. Those who know me know I get anxious sometimes and the only thing that keeps me grounded is prayer.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I pick names from very odd sources. Perfume bottles, I ask people on the street what’s your favorite name, grave stones, just about anywhere. When I do period pieces I look up names from that era on the internet.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

My two children are my crowning glory. They are happy and gainfully employed. What more could a mother ask for? If you are talking about writing, I guess winning an award as a published author—that keeps me going, writing word after word and page after page.

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

Now this is an easy question. I would want to be a bear. They sleep all winter and wake up in the spring weighing a lot less. Oh, yeah. My kind of life.

What is your favorite food?

All of it. I love to try new kinds of food. I guess if I have to pick one … hot fudge sundaes.

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

The biggest roadblock was working a full time job and writing at night. I am a morning person so by eight o’clock at night I am done. Luckily this year, I became a fulltime writer. Now I write in the mornings and use the afternoons for research, marketing, dental appointments, cleaning the house, etc.

Tell us about the featured book.

I wrote Joshua’s Prayer to bring awareness to domestic abuse and alcoholism. I know that sounds heavy. Trust me, Joshua’s Prayer isn’t a downer. In fact the story is about when a person is accused falsely of some very terrible actions. Here’s the blurb:

 They only want what is best for Joshua—but disagree about what that is.

When Dr. Sam Morgan’s estranged wife dies in a tragic accident, he returns home from a months-long, overseas surgical mission to discover his disabled son, Joshua, does not remember him. Sam is convinced that he and Joshua can only overcome their heartbreaking memories by leaving their decaying small town and starting over somewhere else.

Nicole James runs a women’s shelter where Sam’s wife fled with Joshua, claiming Sam was not the saint he appeared to be, but a physical and mental abuser. Nicole is determined to protect Joshua by legally preventing Sam from leaving Golden Ridge with his son until she can get at the truth—is Sam Morgan an abuser or the victim of lies in a marriage that went terribly wrong?

As Sam and Nicole are forced to work together on Joshua’s behalf, they begin to gain a grudging respect for one another. But will mutual distrust prevent them from realizing that the best thing they can do for Joshua is to fall in love?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Sam Morgan stared at the shabby sign outside the old dilapidated Victorian. In peeling

paint it read:

Grace House Women’s Center

Giving women a fresh start during troublesome times.

A fresh start. That’s what he wanted for himself and his son, Joshua. But he worried he’d

had more than his fair share of fresh starts… How many fresh starts could a person, a family be

allowed to have? One? Two? An unlimited number?

Apart from college, Sam had lived in Golden Ridge, Missouri, all his life. He’d met his

wife, Vicky, there and they had their son in Golden Ridge. He thought he’d die there in this small town nestled close to Big Golden Ridge Lake. Years ago any person who spent a pleasant sunny afternoon in Golden Ridge would have thought, what a wonderful carefree place. The people are so friendly with their easy talk and warm smiles. And the homes in this town are so well-kept. What a delightful place to live in and raise a family.

Those used to be his thoughts and dreams. To live a perfect life in this perfect town. But

he’d been wrong. Now this place brought him nothing but sorrow. This town reminded him of

failed promises and death: the death of his parents, death of his wife, and the death of his dreams.

His spirit was as worn out as the broken-down house and neighborhood before him. It was time

to collect his son and try to piece together their lives elsewhere. Away from the painful memories Golden Ridge held around every corner.

A gentle clinking sound drew his gaze to a small wooden sign swinging on metal chains

below the larger one. In bold black letters the words leapt off the stark white sign:

Now open.

Grace House Preschool.

Serving the community of Golden Ridge.

All children welcome.

Sam looked at his watch. Five o’clock. School should be out and hopefully most of the

kids had gone home. Well, at least those who didn’t live there with their mothers. Sam walked up

the path to the house. He paused at the steps and clutched the railing. The time had come for him

and Joshua to start anew.

Interesting. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website: http://www.oliviaraebooks.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oliviaraeauthor/

Christian Fiction Finders: https://www.fictionfinder.com/book

Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliviaraebooks

Email: oliviarae.books@gmail.com

Thank you, Olivia, for sharing this new book with us. I know my readers will want to read it as much as I do.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

Joshua's Prayer (A GOLDEN RIDGE STORY Book 1)

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

HEART OF THE EMERALD - Cynthia Hickey - One Free Ebook

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

Being of Scot-Irish descent, I love anything Irish or Scottish. I ran across a book of Five Points and what the immigrants endured there, and thought it would make a good story of a feisty gal who overcame.

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

Janice Thompson, because she’s a hoot, Gail Gaymer Martin, because she’s the sweetest person ever, Martha Rogers because I want to be like her at her age, Susan May Warren because she’s full of knowledge, Kathleen Y’Barbo, because she loves me, and Francine Rivers, because she made me love the genre.

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

Janice Thompson, same as above, Gina Welborn because she makes my face hurt from laughing, Gail Gaymer Martin and Martha Rogers, same as above, Francine Rivers, same as above, and Diane Whitmeyer because her books make me laugh.

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

Keeping up with my readers’ demands. I’ve spoiled them by being prolific and they now expect quick writing and releases.

Tell us about the featured book.

Heart of the Emerald is about a young Irish lass fixated on revenge for the theft of a family heirloom. She leaves her beloved Ireland and, despite the help of a handsome and kind Englishman, ends up in Five Points, New York. She must discover what is more important…love or a material possession.

Please give us the first page of the book.

May, 1892

Aileen Sullivan leaned over the rail of the Lucania and stared at the ocean rushing by. Occasionally, a spray blew misting her cheeks with a chilly kiss and mingling with her tears.

The purple outline of America’s shore hovered in the distance. They’d left the banks of Ireland behind days ago. It already seemed like ages since her gaze fell on her country’s lush banks and craggy cliffs. Aileen experienced nothing more than homesickness, heartbreak, and the horrors of sea travel now. No more toiling the fields, milking the cow, or feeding the chickens. Instead, she lived with the groans of passengers in the throes of seasickness and lung fever.

Her torn heart ached, one half lodged in her breast, the other on the Emerald Isle. She straightened and took a deep breath of the salty air, then pulled her cloak tighter against the sea breeze.

Fingering the single gold chain around her throat, all that was left of her ma’s precious jewelry, she turned and swiped away the tears obscuring her vision. If only she still had her mother’s brooch, an emerald handed down for generations from first born girl to first born girl. But no, an evil man took it and based his action on a lie.

She stumbled over a coil of rope and gasped, flailing her arms for balance, and smashed into a solid leather covered chest. Strong hands steadied her. She lowered her gaze and let it travel from scuffed boots up past tan pants and a starched white shirt to eyes as blue as Ireland’s sky. This man was not a steerage passenger, and thus Aileen should not force her company on him. Perhaps she had been so lost in her thoughts she didn’t hear the call to return to the lower level of the ship. She backed up. “Pardon me.”

“Are you all right?” The man’s voice rumbled over her like far-off thunder. The concern on his face caused the tears to sting again.

“I am fine, thank you.” She moved to brush past him.

“Please, don’t let me run you away. The ship’s railing is large enough for us both.” The corner of his mouth quirked. “You’re from Ireland?”

She sighed and nodded. “You are American?”

“I call myself American. I’m Samuel Westfield. I was in London on family business and now returning to my new home.” He leaned against a crate. “We should be docking in a few hours.”

Aileen’s mouth dried, and she turned back to the approaching shore. Was she ready to confront Liam Connor and his thieving ways? She didn’t think so. Liam had been such a close family friend that the Sullivans trusted him. Aileen and her brother called him Uncle, until the death of Aileen’s parents and the man’s true colors revealed themselves.

How long would their funds last in New York? She and Patrick would need to find suitable lodgings, but she’d never worked off the farm a day in her life and didn’t have a clue what to do first. What if they had to leave the city and travel across the strange continent to the Wild West?

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Connect with me on FaceBook

Twitter

Amazon

Sign up for my newsletter and receive a free short story

www.cynthiahickey.com

Follow me on Amazon

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

Heart of the Emerald

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

THANKSGIVING PROTECTOR - Sharon Dunn - One Free Book

Dear Readers, Thanksgiving Protector is one of three books in the Texas Ranger Holidays series. The other two books are being written by two other authors. We’ll have them on the blog, too. I’m reading this one right now. I’m about halfway through the book. There’s plenty of suspense and romance. And then there is the baby. I highly recommend this novel.

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

My characters lead action packed lives. The most action in my life is going to the gym or taking my dog to the park. The spiritual journeys and discoveries of my characters is often related to something I’ve been through though.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

In college, I dressed up as a character from a soap opera that all the girls in the dorm watched. I entered a costume contest and won.

Sounds like fun. When did you first discover you were a writer?

Second grade, I stayed up late writing a poem about my mom, my dad, and my dog. The poem about my mom started out “Oh my mom was always calm” Great literary genius, right?

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

I usually have two or three books going at once. Reading is like breathing to me. Right now, I am reading Sue Grafton’s Y is for Yesterday, Michael Card’s Scribbling in the Sand, and the Idiots Guide to Christian mysteries.

I have a new T-shirt that reads: A day without reading is like … just kidding. I don’t know. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Soak in a hot tub at the end of the day, try to start my mornings slow, say “no” as much as I say yes.

That last one is important. I was on the staff of a church one time. My pastor stopped me and told me, “Just say no.” And the no was very exaggerated. How do you choose your characters’ names?

Baby name book for first names, phone book for last names

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Several years ago, I lost over 75 pounds and have kept the weight off.

Good for you. That’s quite an accomplishment. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

Cat. Sleep 16 hours day. Play with string. Rest up for the big nap and be adored and taken care of for doing pretty much nothing.

What is your favorite food?

Salmon and steamed broccoli

Sounds yummy to me. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

I was married for almost 27 years when my husband died of cancer. After he died, I could not even form a sentence on paper. It was like my brain was broken. I started doing word puzzles. At first, it would take me days to finish one. Gradually, I could do a puzzle in a single setting. I gave myself permission to not write for publication. I took the pressure off myself and just journaled about what I was going through. It took almost a year before I was writing books again.

Tell us about the featured book.

Thanksgiving Protector is the first book in the Texas Ranger Holiday series.  It’s about a border patrol agent Kylie and a Texas Ranger, Austin who are working together to catch a drug kingpin. Things get complicated when Kylie’s informant and friend is killed. Kylie promised to take care of her informant’s baby girl if anything ever happened to her. So Kylie is dealing with instant motherhood, trying to do her job and working with Austin whose fellow Rangers call Lone Wolf. Austin is a great cop but kind of closed down emotionally because of his own difficult childhood. The other books in the series will be released in November and December. They are Christmas Double Cross by Jodie Bailey and Texas Christmas Defender by Elizabeth Goddard

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

Bad things happen at night.

Border patrol agent Kylie Perry stared through her night vision goggles and repeated the words that had kept her alive every time she went out on patrol at this hour—words that reminded her to be prepared for anything.

Tonight could be big. All intel pointed to the drug lord Rio Garcia crossing the border into El Paso from Juarez, Mexico. Rumor had it he was coming to seek revenge on his sister, Adriana, who had betrayed him.

Catching Garcia would be a coup for both the border patrol and the Texas Rangers she was working with tonight.

With the rushing rumble of the Rio Grande current pressing on her ears, Kylie scanned the high thin grass that surrounded the river.

A voice burst through the radio. “I’ve got movement at ten o’clock.” Austin Rivers, one of the rangers she was assisting, couldn’t hide his excitement. Apparently, he liked the action as much as she did.

Kylie’s heart skipped into double time as she turned her head toward where Austin had indicated. She scanned until her view took in one person moving at a rapid pace across the river. That couldn’t be their target. Rio Garcia would have four or five henchmen with him. He never went anywhere without his bodyguards.

But maybe he was changing tactics.

“Kylie, let’s see if we can catch him.” Austin’s voice came through the radio. “The rest of you hold your position. This could be nothing.”

Heart racing, adrenaline surging. Kylie took off running. A moment later, she heard Austin’s footsteps behind her. Her feet pounded the ground. She knew the fastest route to the river. Because of their knowledge of the people, terrain and geography, border patrol was an invaluable asset on these ranger missions.

The glowing figure disappeared in the tall brush on the American side. One person alone. Who could it be? She couldn’t tell if the yellow glow she’d seen through the night vision goggles had been a man or woman.

Kylie quickened her pace as she gulped in air.

As they approached the river, she slowed down and drew her weapon. Austin came up beside her and pulled his gun, as well. She scanned the landscape looking for the solitary figure. Her ears tuned into every sound. Austin pressed close to her, their shoulders nearly touching.

Where can readers find you on the internet? www.sharondunnbooks.net, sharon west dunn on facebook

Thank you, Sharon, for sharing this new book with us. My readers love holiday stories as much as I do.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Thanksgiving Protector - Christianbook.com
Thanksgiving Protector (Texas Ranger Holidays) - Amazon paperback
Thanksgiving Protector (Texas Ranger Holidays) - 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

COWBOY LAWMAN'S FAMILY REUNION - Louise M Gouge - One Free Book

Dear Readers, Louise is a dear friend of mine. I rejoice with her when she began to write western historicals for Love Inspired. I’ve read each one as it came out. The last several were a Four Stone Ranch series, this book included. I’ve enjoyed each one of them and loved getting to know the characters that continue through the whole series. Her settings take you right to Colorado, where the books are set. The living, breathing characters grabbed my heart and pulled me into the thick of the stories. You’ll love this western romance, and if you’ve missed any in this series, be sure and get a hold of them, too.

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

Becoming an author was the most natural thing for me because I’ve been making up stories since I was a small child. When I was in school, I would write stories for my class papers, incorporating the subject matter into my tale. So when I was nearing the empty-nester stage of my life, it seemed logical to start writing down more of those stories to see if I could become published. Twenty-five books later, I’m still having fun creating them.

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

I love reading about historical events, so I think my dream job would be researching history books in libraries and visiting history museums to glean tidbits of information about those who lived long ago. If I could do this for other authors, I could save them time on research.

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

I’d love to live in the late 1800s middle America because that’s when my grandparents were young. I’m referring to the time after the Civil War and before the Great War (World War I). The United States as a country was trying to rebuild after the Civil War and to establish her identity in the world. Although not perfect, the US was populated with mostly good people just trying to build their own lives and help their neighbors.

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

I’d like to visit more Revolutionary War battlefields. (I’ve seen some.) One of my ancestors fought as a Patriot to secure our freedom, and I would love to see where he served.

How about a foreign country you hope to visit?

Scotland! I’m one quarter Scottish, so I’d love to see the land of my ancestors who came from there.

What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?

My memory verse for this year is Psalm 143:8, “Cause me to hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning, for in Thee do I trust; cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my soul unto Thee.” When I start my day with this prayer, the greatest results are inner peace and trust in Lord, whatever He brings into my life.

Tell us about the featured book?

Cowboy Lawman’s Christmas Reunion, Love Inspired Historical, October 2017

Sheriff Justice Gareau can make outlaws quake in their boots…yet coming face-to-face with Evangeline Benoit once again takes away all his composure. She broke their engagement, and his heart, to marry a wealthy older man. Despite his reluctance, Justice can’t avoid the widowed single mother of two when they’re collaborating on a Christmas village for the town'’ children.  

The loving boy Evangeline once knew has become an unyielding lawman. Forced to flee New Orleans over false allegations, Evie doubts Justice will take her side when the past follows her to Colorado. Especially when he and her troublesome son butt heads. But perhaps the spirit of Christmas will soften his heart and give them a second chance at love.

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

Friday, October 14, 1887
Esperanza, Colorado

Sheriff Justice Gareau ducked around the corner of the Esperanza train depot, hoping he hadn’t been spotted by the woman who’d stepped off the train. He felt downright foolish. Usually people hid from him if they’d done something wrong, and he sure hadn’t done anything wrong. No, it was that woman who’d done wrong by him and ruined his life. Well, ruined was perhaps too harsh a word, because he had a pretty good life these days. But she’d sure broken his heart. A heart he was determined never to give to a woman ever again.

What was Evangeline Benoit doing in this remote Colorado town anyway? And why did her sudden appearance turn him into a bumbling chump? Because once, long ago back in New Orleans, she’d been his childhood sweetheart and, eventually, his fiancée. Only she’d broken their engagement to marry a wealthy older man the very day Justice needed her most.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Web site at https://louisemgougeauthor.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLouiseMGouge
Twitter: @Louisemgouge

Thank you so much, Louise, for sharing this new book with my readers and me. I know they’ll love reading the story.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Cowboy Lawman's Christmas Reunion - Christianbook.com
Cowboy Lawman's Christmas Reunion (Four Stones Ranch) - Amazon paperback
Cowboy Lawman's Christmas Reunion (Four Stones Ranch) - 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