WINNERS

IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners  - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you do n't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.

Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win.

Vera (NC) is the winner of One of my McKenna's Daughters books. 

Pearl (NM) is the winner of Word Gets Around by Julie B Cosgrove.

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. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.

Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... 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 or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.   

THE YES DARE - Kathleen Y'Barbo - One Free Book

Bio: Publishers Weekly Bestselling author Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee and bestselling author of more than one hundred books with over two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad. A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, she is a member of the Texas Bar Association Paralegal Division, Texas A and M Association of Former Students and the Texas A and M Women Former Students (Aggie Women), Texas Historical Society, Sisters in Crime, and American Christian Fiction Writers. She would also be a member of the Daughters of the American Republic, Daughters of the Republic of Texas and a few others if she would just remember to fill out the paperwork that Great Aunt Mary Beth has sent her more than once.

Kathleen and her hero in combat boots husband have their own surprise love story that unfolded on social media a few years back. They make their home just north of Houston, Texas, and are the parents and in-laws of a blended family of Texans, Okies, and a family of three adorable Londoners.

Welcome back, dear friend. Where do you write? Wherever I can! Have laptop will travel!

When deciding on how to publish, what directed you to the route you took? I’ve been publishing for 20 years as of 2021. Back when I started, traditional publishing was the only way to get a book in print. Over the years, I’ve been blessed to have more than 100 books released by traditional publishers. In 2021, however, I went hybrid and released THE YES DARE, my first independently published contemporary romance novel. With more traditionally published books in the works, I plan to continue as a hybrid author.

I’m also a hybrid author. What kinds of things do you like to do outside of writing? Reading, photography, and taking long drives with my husband.

What kinds of advice would you give to someone who wants to start writing? Just do it. Literally. Just start writing. Figure it out as you go along, but get words on a page.

What is your favorite book? Favorite author? Do you have an author that inspired/inspires you to write? No way I can name just one favorite author or book!! There are way too many! My first favorite—that I can remember—would be Laura Ingalls Wilder and Little House on the Prairie.

Where did you get the idea for this book? THE YES DARE is the name of a fictional self-help book that the heroine and her best friend are reading in the novel.

From idea to final revision, how long did it take to write? Almost five years! The book was set to be published but the contemporary fiction line closed before the story could go to print. I was busy writing other books and didn’t get back to do anything with this one until earlier this year.

Are you working on anything now? I’ve been editing and re-releasing books that have had rights returned to me. So far I’ve released a set of novellas called the 20th Anniversary Special Edition Novellas and put new covers on FIREFLY SUMMER and AUTUMN LEAVES, books 1 and 2 of the Pies, Books and Jesus Book Club series. Now I’m working my way through edits and new covers for my Bayou Nouvelle series of romance novels, both contemporary and historical, set in fictional Latagnier, Louisiana.

Please tell us about the story.

Have you ever wished for a second chance to fix something you’ve messed up or for the courage to say yes to something that just may change your life? Sometimes saying yes to the last thing you want can mean saying yes to exactly what you need.
Ryan “The Rocket” Sutton’s winning streak is legendary makes him the undisputed best quarterback in the NFL. However, thanks to one dumb mistake, he’s a failure as a husband to Coco, the only woman he’s ever loved. When a judge’s mistake in divorce paperwork means Coco is still his wife, Ryan makes up his mind to fix what he ruined. Ryan’s game plan doesn’t count on an internationally famous movie director’s camera crew following him as he competes for Coco’s love.

After spending most of her adult life as a football wife and mother to twin sons, fashionista Coco Sutton is learning how to be single and fabulous. Emphasis on Fabulous. The sports trophies, memorabilia, and heavy masculine wood furniture in the home she used to share with Ryan have been banished to the attic, and her home is now a cozy haven of plush candle-scented comfort. She’s got big plans that include owning a boutique or maybe an art gallery, but she never planned to take on the biggest challenge of her life: staying single. Then her best friend gives her a copy of a book called The Yes Dare, and all her plans are turned upside down.

From a Hollywood movie to the local spring event formerly known as the Cow Chip Toss Festival and a country crooner with a crush on Coco, will Ryan dodge the obstacles to win back the only woman he ever loved?

Please give us a peek at the first page of the book for my readers. I’ve almost finished reading this wonderful story.

Most people thought the loss of his father was a bigger deal than the end of his marriage. Quarterback Ryan Sutton’s team—not the Austin Blues football team he’d played quarterback for the last ten years but rather the suits and handlers who made up Ryan Sutton, Inc.—sure spun it that way.

From his stone-faced expression as he stood by this father’s grave, to the tears that fell down Ryan’s face as the honor guard handed him the folded flag, the day Dad was laid to rest next to Mom paled in comparison to the day after when Ryan killed his marriage.

A lifetime ago and yet sometimes it felt like yesterday.

He shrugged off the thought knowing it would come back soon. Oh, but Pops would have loved this car.

Ryan squared his shoulders and climbed out of the red Ferrari 458 he’d been given by the Blues owner Mike Keaton on the occasion of his latest milestone, an entire season played without throwing a single interception.

Keaton had even smiled when he handed him the keys, something that happened only slightly less frequently than the never-before perfect season. Ryan didn’t bother to replicate that smile when he handed the keys over to the pimple-faced valet.

“Gosh, Mr. Rocket,” the kid said as he grasped the keys against his chest. “It’s an honor to meet you, sir.” He thrust the valet ticket toward Ryan. “Would you autograph this for me? Name’s Lucas.”

“Sure, Lucas. Got a pen?”

Once the kid located a pen, Ryan signed his name, leaned in for a photo, and then moved on to do the same with most of the crowd that had gathered. “Hey,” one of the fans called, I need some help with my homework.”

Ryan looked over at the middle-schooler who’d asked the question. “What are you doing hanging out in front of a restaurant on a school night?” he asked the boy.

“My dad and I saw the Ferrari and the crowd then found out it was you. I’m a huge Blues fan. I’m writing a report on the Blues because I want to be a sports reporter someday, and I’ve got a question I can’t find an answer for.”

He grinned. It seemed like yesterday that his sons were this age. Ryan nodded to the man who stood next to the boy—presumably the father—then returned his attention to the youngster.

“Okay, kid, sure.” He leaned in to allow the dad to snap a picture then straightened. “What’s your question?”

“Is it true that the Blues are named after bluebonnets and not the Austin music scene?”

Ryan chuckled. “Okay, well, that’s not the question I expected.”

And yet it was a question that had been tossed around by fans and reporters ever since the Austin team came to be fifteen years ago. While Mike Keaton swore he named his team after his favorite genre of music, his wife insisted she won the right to name the team after winning a bet with her husband.

What kind of bet had never been disclosed, nor had Mike ever owned up to it. However, Kelli Keaton had confirmed the story to Ryan at a team party in Mexico right after he joined the team. Since she’d sworn him to secrecy, he couldn’t give the boy the answer he sought.

The last thing Mike Keaton wanted was for anyone to find out his tough-as-nails NFL football team was named after a flower. Even if it was the revered state flower of Texas.

“That’s a good question,” he said. “Are you filming me?”

“Yessir,” the boy said.

“Okay, kid, then here’s the answer. Keep asking hard questions and looking for the right source for the answer. I’m just part of the team, but you call the team offices tomorrow morning and tell them Ryan Sutton would like them to set you up with an interview with someone who can help with your report.”

He flashed a smile at the boy then locked eyes with his dad. “I’m serious. Encourage this kid not to give up. It’s a lesson I’ve tried to teach my boys.”

Where can my readers find you on the Internet? To find out more about Kathleen or connect with her through social media, check out her website at www.kathleenybarbo.com.

Readers, here is the link to the book. http://ow.ly/r2er50FL9se

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, 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 

A GIANT MURDER - Marji Laine - One Free Book

Bio: Marji Laine is a graduated home-schooling mom of four with two college students staying in the nest for a little longer. She and her hubby of 34 years also share their North Texas home with a rescue pup named Rosie. When Marji isn't editing or publishing the books for her authors at Write Integrity Press, she indulges in penning her own mystery, suspense, and romance novels. She loves acting in musical comedy, has directed many stage productions, leads a women's Bible study and sings in her church choir. She prefers mountains to beaches, dogs to cats, NASCAR to football, Magnolia pie, white roses, green, and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. You can find her at her website: http://.www.MarjiLaine.com

Welcome back, Marji. Why did you become an author?  My mom asked me over a decade ago, “If money and time weren’t issues, what would you do?” I answered, “WRITE!” I surprised myself, because I had a successful scrapbooking and stamping business with 5 annual retreats. But Mama wasn’t surprised, and it was at that point that my career began.

If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job? I do love to help other authors publish their books, and I love teaching, but writing is like a vacation to me!

If you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why? I really like the time I’m in. I might have enjoyed living earlier in the twentieth century or being a fly on the wall during the Exodus. I can be a history buff, but I don’t want to actually go there.

What place in the United States have you not visited that you would like to? We traveled a lot when I was a kid, covering most of the middle part of the US, but I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon, to Hawaii, or to the uppermost part of the northeast - Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. I would love to visit all of those places at some point.

How about a foreign country you hope to visit? My ancestry is from Scotland. I would love to visit there. I’d also love to visit the castles of Germany.

What lesson has the Lord taught you recently? We’re studying the life of Joseph right now, and I’m loving how the Lord wastes nothing. Also, my daughter has given me food for thought: When my emotions focus on the negative, demand proof. I have loved doing that.

Tell us about the featured book. I am so honored to have been invited to join in the Ever After Mystery series. We were challenged to take a fairy tale and rewrite it to craft a mystery set sometime in the 1920s. I placed mine in downtown Dallas, 1926, and jumped into “Jack and the Beanstalk.” My mystery is complete with a giant, a harp, a goose, and Jack, and of course, it wouldn’t be complete without magic beans.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Dallas, Texas, 1926

Always be prepared for anything.

Josephine Jacobs could almost hear her mom’s reminder. But how could she have prepared for fisticuffs in the middle of an elegant event? She crouched next to her serving station in the modern chrome kitchen as yet another crash of pans made her flinch.

The guests of the elegant affair on the other side of the swinging door must be hearing all of this. Maybe the band in the Century Ballroom drowned it out. Josie poked her head above the counter.

“Haven’t you seen the paper, Goose? I’m a giant in my field.” TG Taggert, the host of the gala, grabbed the smaller man by his white chef’s collar and shoved him against a shelf full of cookware.

He pushed off the unit and shoved a fist toward Mr. Taggert. “You’re not going to get away with this.”

Mr. Taggert reached to the side and then backhanded the man across the face.

Josie ducked at the violence.

“You don’t have any say, my friend.” Taggert’s voice had an ugly sound. Another crash followed Mr. Taggert’s shout.

Josie peeked out again. How could she not? If nothing else, she wanted to make sure the fight wasn’t moving closer to her.

The chef’s nose showed blood. “I’m not your friend. And they aren’t your beans.”

Beans? She hadn’t been paying attention when the fight broke out, but really. Beans?

Mr. Taggert gathered the chef’s collar in a meaty fist again. “They are my goose-laid, golden eggs, Ganderson. What do you think you’ll do about it?”

The chef’s face looked positively blistered, but he didn’t explode. “I’ll kill you before I let you take my recipes and sell them in your horrible cans.”

Mr. Taggert threw his head back and laughed. Almost a pleasant sound. He patted the chef on the cheek he’d just hit as though the man were a good dog.

“Face it, Goose, you made a gamble. You went up against the big guys, and you lost. Fair and square.” Then he turned his back on the man.

How can readers find you on the Internet? My website is http://.www.MarjiLaine.com. I have info there about my books and about publishing as well as a contact form. And I’m always chatting back and forth with my newsletter group members. A link to join my newsletter is on my website as well.

Also, Lena, I’m doing a Goodreads giveaway with A Giant Murder! Woohoo! Three US winners will receive a signed copy of my book and a box of related items. Here’s the link: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/328890-a-giant-murder

And today is the beginning of a fun blog hop mystery about my book! Wanna find out WHO SPILLED THE BEANS? Check out my blog tomorrow, but today, the story begins on Liz Tolsma’s blog: https://liztolsma.com/2021/07/26/who-spilled-the-beans/

Thank you, Marji, for sharing your story with my blog readers and me. You know I love your writing. I’m eager to read this book. And I’d love to feature each book in the series. I’ve already featured The Last Gasp.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

http://ow.ly/HNNz50FJwBC

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, 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

IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners  - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you do n't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.

Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win.

Emma (PA) is the winner of The Bounty Hunter's Bride by Janis Jakes. 

Lourdes (NY) is the winner of Bluebonnet Bride by Molly Bull.

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. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.

Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... 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 or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.  

WORD GETS AROUND - Julie B Cosgrove - One Free Book

As an author, I know it takes a lot of people to birth each book. Who were the people involved in the birthing of this book, and what were their contributions? Of course, Marji Lane, Editor in Chief of Write Integrity Press leads the pack. Not only did she design the cover but also helped in edits, as did Sherry Crowder.

In the Wordplay Mysteries, I began naming some of the characters in town after people who have supported my writing. It is my small way to thank them for their prayers and kudos over the years.

If you teach or speak. What’s coming up on your calendar?

Due to COVID, I have not been speaking at all. Perhaps God is closing that door. Events scheduled then canceled. I mostly speak at church women’s groups and writer groups and public gatherings continue to be discouraged, so it is not feasible, especially with a spike again due to the delta strain.

COVID has really affected my speaking, but I’ve started doing ZOOM speaking and have a larger field available. If you had to completely start over in another place, where would you move, and why? I had to completely start over so many times when my husband was alive due to his career in structural steel, and it tore my heart each time to say goodbye to new friends. I am so thankful God has allowed me to set down deep roots into Fort Worth. I don’t want to move, unless of course God tells me it’s time. One thing I do know, I am always with family in church so that is where I always headed, sometime before I even found a grocery store!

If I had the funds though, I would love to spend six months in England letting (that is what they call renting) a holiday cottage in a small village. I was blessed to spend two weeks there embedded with a family while on a mission trip.

If you could only tell aspiring novelists one thing, what would it be? Any craft has to be perfected, so toughen your skin, learn from seasoned authors, and never let your pride thwart your talent.

You’ve been asked to be in charge of a celebrity cruise. Who would you ask to take part, and why? (As in what program, singers, etc. [it doesn’t have to be writing related]) I have absolutely no desire to go on a cruise. I get motion sickness too easily. However, if I only had to plan the thing, I’d have for entertainment worship bands such as Casting Crowns, Mercy Me, and Third Day―if they’d come out of retirement. Oh, and Michael Card. He is a true minstrel. For speakers, I’d book Max Lucado and Priscilla Shirer because they speak to me personally, not only because they are fellow Texans.

I might risk constant nausea for that cruise!

I’d be the first to sign up for that cruise. I love all of those. And they have some amazing anti-motion sickness things now. You could be there with me. Tell us about the featured book. Word Gets Around is the second of six contracted books in the Wordplay Mysteries set in fictitious Scrub Oak, Texas. In the series, widowed Wanda Warner has lived there most of her life and possesses a deep sense of community. When crime begins to creep in, she organizes a neighborhood watch program. Now her nephew, Todd, is on the police force and Wanda wants his badge to shine, so she uses her community position, keen mind, and natural curiosity to help solve crimes. Each book reflects her love for word games.

In Word Gets Around, someone leaves one-word notes on the windshields of cars around town at the same time a rising star reporter goes missing. Wanda is convinced the two events are related, but can she decipher the message in time to help locate this reporter? And does she seriously want to get involved after words on Scrabble board games led her to the discovery of several murders in Book 1, Word Has It.

Please give us the first page of the book.

It had been three months since Wanda Lee Warner had dared to open the box. She’d stuffed it into the top shelf of her bedroom closet. Didn’t matter. She knew it lurked there.

Sometimes, in the middle of the night, she’d roll over in bed, stare at the closed door, and envision it, beckoning her to lift the lid and begin the mystery.

“You’re overreacting, Aunt Wanda.” Todd Martin peered at her over his mug of coffee. He sat at her kitchen table the way he always did on Thursday mornings, his day off as a patrol officer for the Scrub Oak Police Department. “It’s been weeks, no months, since the Scrabble board held clues to solving the murders at the Ferguson Mansion.”

“I know. And I used to love playing the word game with you.”

“You used to love playing it with anyone who walked through the door.” He reached for the creamer. “This stuff is awful. Another one of Priscilla’s latest and greatest blends?”

“It is. Ugandan Supreme. I think that’s what she calls it.”

“Thought so. I could smell it before I opened the door.”

“That bad, huh?” She plopped down across from him and took a sip of the new flavor featured at the Coffee Bean. She had hated to disappoint Priscilla Tucker, who ran the bistro inside the Grocery Mart. So, she’d bought a bag. Like most of the selections, it tasted too strong, too bitter, and too pungent.

The java roast assaulted her taste buds, sending a shiver through her torso. “Ugh. You’re right. This wins the prize for the nastiest one yet.”

Wanda grabbed his mug. She dumped its contents into the sink along with hers. She rinsed out the dispenser and waved goodbye to the grounds swirling down the disposal drain. Then she plopped some good old-fashioned, lighter-blend American coffee pods in the brewer. Within a few seconds she returned the mugs to the table. “There. Less of a hassle anyway.”

Todd kissed her cheek. “Thanks, Aunt Wanda. Now where is the box?”

Where can we find you on the Internet?

My website is www.juliebcosgrove.com. I have also had an inspirational blog for the past 11 years. It is www.wheredidyoufindgod.com   

I am on Facebook in three places. My personal Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/juliebcosgrove.tx. My author page is https://www.facebook.com/juliebcosgrove.  Then I have a new one strictly for my cozy mysteries  https://www.facebook.com/mysterieswithmessage where I hope other faith-based mystery writes will start to contribute as well so Christian fictions fans who love mysteries will know where to find clean, safe, and appropriate ones.

Thank you, Julie, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I love word puzzles.

Readers, here are links to the book.

http://ow.ly/TLuM50FGrKO

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, 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

B.O.L.O. - A HEART'S FOREVER HOME - Lena Nelson Dooley - One free Book Giveaway

B.O.L.O. (Be On the Look Out)

Book 3 of my Love’s Road Home, A Heart’s Forever Home, will release on September 14.

It’s on preorder right now. Here’s the link: http://ow.ly/6LBe50FEJ4l

A single lawyer whose clients think he needs a wife 

A woman who needs a forever home...or a forever family...or a forever love.

Although Traesa Killdare is a grown woman now, the discovery that her adoption wasn’t finalized sends her reeling. Especially when her beloved grandmother dies and the only siblings she’s ever known exile her from the family property without a penny to her name.

Wilson Pollard works hard for the best interest of his law clients, even those who think a marriage would make him more “suitable” in his career. And when the beloved granddaughter of a recently deceased client comes to him for help, he knows he must do whatever necessary to make her situation better.

As each of their circumstances worsen, a marriage of convenience seems the only answer for both. Traesa can’t help but fall for her new husband—the man who’s given her both his home and his name. But what will it take for Wilson to realize he loves her? Will a not-so-natural disaster open his eyes and heart?

Since this book won’t be available for over a month, the giveaway on the blog today will be a free copy of any of my McKenna’s Daughters titles: Maggie’s Journey, Mary’s Blessings, or Catherine’s Pursuit.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win the free 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, 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

IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners  - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you do n't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.

Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win.

Sarah (OH) is the winner of Butterfly Cottage by Carrie Fancett Pagels. 

Lual (MT) is the winner of The Last Gasp by Chautona Havig.

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. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.

Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... 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 or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book. 

BLUEBONNET BRIDE - Molly Noble Bull - One Free Book

Dear Readers, Molly is a long-time writer friend of mine. I was honored to read Bluebonnet Bride before it was published. You are going to love this story.

Welcome back, Molly. How did you come up with the idea for this story? Though I was never tested, I think I might be dyslexic. It was hard for me to learn to read and spell. Now I write novels that other people read.

My heroine in Bluebonnet Bride is Gina Hollister, a PhD with dyslexia. During my research on the topic, I discovered that many PhD’s are dyslexic. Apparently, some dyslexics never retire because they don’t know how to stop trying.

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? My biggest problems are marketing, finding time to write, and keeping up with all the new trends.

Tell us about the featured book.

Blurb for Bluebonnet Bride:

Billionaire Steve Bryson doesn’t like Bible thumpers, and he thinks Dr. Gina Hollister is one.

Gina Hollister, a dyslexic with a PhD in educational psychology, is hired by widower and business tycoon, Steve Bryson, to tutor his fourteen-year-old daughter, Amanda, for the summer at his huge house near Durango, Colorado, a mansion that Gina calls a castle. An attraction soon develops between Gina and Steve, but their romance can never end in marriage because. . . .

If you like sweet Christian romances set in the beautiful mountains of Colorado and the Texas hill country, you will want to read Bluebonnet Bride. It might even make you smile.

Please give the first page of the novel.

She’d had another of those horrible flashbacks straight from her teenage years.

Gina Hollister sucked in her breath, releasing it slowly. The words you’re incredibly stupid continued to play in her mind.

Incredible. She hadn’t known the meaning of the word when she heard it for the first time. But she knew stupid—even back then.  

She stepped out of her car—stood there for a moment with her purse on the top of her ten-year-old white Buick. Why did this happen now? It was Friday morning, and she had an important meeting with the father of one of her students, a man she’d never met. Would the flashbacks ever end?

Her purse strap slid toward her, with the brown loop hanging over the window. She reached for it—one second too late. Her handbag turned upside down, landing on the concrete parking lot. She’d forgotten to zip it up, again. Everything inside spilled out with a cacophony of tinkling and jingling.

Gina counted to ten. She was a PhD, now, and an intelligent person, not an accident prone airhead. She merely had a problem with depth perception and dyslexia. Merely?

Dyslexia had colored her entire life with a black marker. She’d studied hard—for years. Would she ever be normal? Was there such a thing?

Lord, she prayed. Make me like everyone else.

Her tube of lipstick rolled beneath her car. Oh, no! Her jaw and both fists tightened simultaneously. She leaned forward and bent down, careful to keep the hem of her long white dress from brushing the pavement. Slowly, she gathered every item she’d dropped.

Except the lipstick.

It rolled beyond her reach. If she wanted it, she must kneel on her hands and knees. Her dress could become a disaster. She wanted it.

The lipstick was the last tube in existence in her favorite shade of peach. She set her handbag on the pavement beside her, folded her skirt up, and bent forward. Derriere elevated, she reached for the tube. Her fingers touched its smooth, slick surface, and gripping the lipstick, she rocked back on her heels, preparing to rise.

“What have we here?” somebody said from behind her.

She recognized the man’s voice. She’d heard it the previous night when she listened to messages left on her cell phone.

“Need any help?” he asked.

Gina’s breath froze in her throat. Steve Bryson looked down at her. She’d never seen him until that instant but knew him immediately. That low, raspy voice couldn’t belong to anyone else. Yet there was something else besides his voice that seemed familiar. What could it be?

He reached out as if to help her up. She took his hand. A tingle shot through her. Wow! Gina stood beside him. She’d expected him to be handsome. Nobody told her he was so tall, so young-looking, so electrifying. Like his daughter, Steve had thick, dark-brown hair and brown eyes. But it didn’t begin to describe him.

He would have no difficulty describing her. She probably looked like an extra on the set of a historical western movie. If the laughter she heard in his voice and saw in his eyes were an indication, he’d been watching her for a long time.

In a white, ankle length gown and matching cowboy boots, Gina was dressed as a character in a western novel, set in 1881 Texas, for the end of the school year costume party. Should she try to explain why she was wearing a costume to their first meeting? Or would a billionaire like Steve Bryson be able to comprehend a situation like hers?’

How can readers find you on the internet? BLUEBONNET BRIDE was published by Scrivenings Press on June 29, 2021. Click here to learn more. https://scrivenings.link/bluebonnetbride   

I am molly.n.bull on Facebook.

My web address is http://www.mollynoblebull.com   

To see all my books on Amazon, click http://bit.ly/mollynoblebull

Thank you, Molly, for sharing this book with my blog readers.

Readers, here is a link to the book.

http://ow.ly/USy450FBzD9

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

THE BOUNTY HUNTER'S BRIDE - Janis Jakes - One Free ebook

Welcome, Janis. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. When I create secondary characters, I think of people I know, or people I've met, and I ask myself, "How might this person respond?" or "What might this person do?" It keeps the characters having different personalities and truer to real life.

The female protagonist is a different story. I find myself interjecting my faith into her life. I'm a strong believer in Christ Jesus and want her to be the same. She may struggle at times, but in the end, she knows God's got her.  

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? Bought a new car at an auto dealership in Texas, jumped in and kept driving. After several hours, my husband and I decided to buy a toothbrush, toothpaste, and some clothes, and continue to New Orleans, Louisiana. It was a fun, spontaneous trip with good food and great memories.

That sounds like fun. When did you first discover that you were a writer? First, I discovered that I was a reader. I loved books from an early age. Then, reading inspired me to become a writer.

My first artistic masterpiece came in the third grade. I wrote a play for all the children at the apartment complex where my family lived – assigning myself the role of writer, director, producer, and lead actor (the sheriff). So thankful there was no social media or phone recording back then!

But it was really God who put me on the path to writing and kept me there. He had several teachers encourage me in my earlier years and then when I finally got the nerve to submit a short story to a publication, it sold. That's when I first knew that writing wasn't just something I loved, but something God had His finger upon.   

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. Enjoy reading historical western and modern faith-based romances, as well as Christian fiction with a supernatural slant, e.g. This Present Darkness. Will also read non-fiction related to spiritual growth, physical wellness, and on the craft of writing. The last book I read was a biography: Getting Real by Gretchen Carlson.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? It does get crazy at times and like most people, I wear multiple hats (mom, wife, writer, friend, business owner, etc.), but I try to focus on the priorities of each day without forgetting what's on the horizon. I've learned that if I put too much focus on what's on the horizon instead of what I need to accomplish today, then I just invite stress. If I focus on the tasks for today, I invite productivity and can go to sleep at night with a sense of accomplishment.

From a spiritual perspective, I have moments throughout every day where I pause and commune with the Lord. Just thinking on Him brings a sense of peace to my surroundings and helps me remember what matters most.  

Other practical steps that have helped me keep my sanity …  pray before saying 'yes' to commitments, resist the perfectionism trap, and reevaluate my workload every six months or so and ask the Lord if anything needs to go.

How do you choose your characters’ names? Typically, the names come early and easy. I imagine the character with that name and see if it sticks. There is one name I didn't particularly like in the story, but it came and it stuck so I believe it was the right name.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? This isn't exactly an accomplishment, but the moment that makes me most proud is the moment I came back to the Lord. I'd been a prodigal for almost twenty years when I fell on my knees and told Jesus I wanted to return to Him. I'm so thankful He didn't turn up His nose or demand I quote ten scriptures or do fifty pushups or any other penance. He brought me back with a strong arm, and I've not walked away since.

I love hearing testimonies like that. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? I'd like to be a Hummingbird. They like their alone time, can zip all over the place, eat sweets all day but have very little body fat, and they're beautiful.

What is your favorite food? Salsa and chips. Okay, maybe that's not an official food (more of a snack), but I would trade food for salsa and chips any day.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? Initially, the greatest roadblock I faced was waiting for the moment when I felt like writing.

What helped me more than anything was approximately three years I spent writing resumés for a major career site. I never once asked myself, "Do you feel like writing today?" I just wrote, and over time earned a spot as one of their top-ranked writers.

While I no longer do that work, I can say that it taught me self-discipline. I don't wait for the feeling to come. I sit. I pray. I write.

Tell us about the featured book. The Bounty Hunter's Bride is about a half-Comanche bounty hunter (Luke) on a routine capture who learns that the outlaw he's trailing is an innocent schoolteacher (Billie) who knows too much for her own good. Luke races across Texas, bent on getting Billie to safety, but equally determined to uncover the truth. The two fall in love but Luke doubts if Billie would ever be happy with a half-breed bounty hunter. It is only after justice is served and the two are reunited that Luke has his answer, once and for all.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Sweat dotted Luke’s brow, trickling down his temples in a ragged trail. If there’d been a hotter day in West Texas, he couldn’t recall when. His swollen tongue clung to the roof of his mouth. Sticky granules of sand peppered his cheeks. Not a single tree in sight and only one watering hole for miles—the perfect place to capture a criminal.

Looked like a kid off in the distance but ‚wanted dead or alive let Luke know to keep his guard up. Pistol in hand, he watched the lone figure—wondering what the kid would do next. Predicting the mind of an outlaw wasn’t easy, especially one who was likely hotheaded.

The young man rested on his knees at the water’s edge. He cupped his hands, bent to drink, and pulled off his hat. Copper hair tumbled down in a thick braid, stopping an inch or so above a slender waist.

Luke blinked.

The outlaw turned sideways, revealing curves. Confusion overtook Luke’s rational thoughts. He rubbed his eyes with his free hand. Maybe the desert heat was playing tricks on him. He looked again. Had the figure disappeared? He glanced toward the ground, rubbing his eyes once more.

I love this peek into your story. How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.JanisJakes.com (website)

http://www.SisterSoldiersInChrist.com (blog)

@JanisJakes (Facebook)

JanisJakes@gmail.com (Email)

Thank you, Janis, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read it.

Readers, here is a link to the book.

https://amzn.to/3iuCCZL 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, 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

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THE LAST GASP - Chautona Havig - One Free Book

Welcome, Chautona. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. If I were smart, none, but alas… not as smart as I wish I were. All teasing aside, I think that depends upon the character. Many of my characters are absolutely nothing like me. In fact, I often am annoyed with things they think or believe that are completely different from how I think or what I believe.

On the other hand, I do find things that are a part of my personal culture showing up in my books. Movies I liked (or didn’t), books, music, and even theological conundrums appear from time to time. In The Last Gasp, none of the characters are like me at all.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? I once flew into Chicago at midnight, met up with one of my readers (whom I’d never met before) at the cell phone lot, and got into her car to drive around Chicago and get the feel for it. We spent hours driving around, walking up Michigan Avenue, touring the Drake Hotel, and so much more. We even stopped at the Super Dog place, and she demanded they reopen so I could have one of their famous “dogs.”

When did you first discover that you were a writer? I’ve always written. First in my head and then on paper. But I was twelve when I learned that I wanted to be an author. While reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, I ran across a teacher who told Francie that she needed to “write how it should have been.” And at that point, my life changed. I knew exactly what I wanted to do and be. Life and events were never how I thought they should be, but if I wrote the story the way I wanted it to go, life would be perfect—even if just on the page.

You sound a lot like me. I’ve always written, and I started creating novels, because I knew I could write them better than what I was reading. Then God told me to become a professional writer. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. If it’s clean and non-blasphemous, I’ll read it. No, really. I will. Okay, there’s more to it than that. While I do enjoy books outside Christian fiction, it is my primary reading. I love women’s fiction, family sagas, chick-lit, historical, fantasy… The ones I read the least are Biblical fiction and sci-fi, but I also enjoy those. Just less often. Additionally, I love reading nonfiction on many topics.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? I tend to ignore how the world expects me to live and do my own thing. I know it sounds trite, but it’s true. In 2020, when the world shut down and people began to get cabin fever, I realized that my life hadn’t changed. I don’t use a cell phone, I don’t watch much TV, and I live in a small, remote town in California’s Mojave Desert. For reference, we’re ninety miles from Target, a mall, or my favorite fast-food place, In-N-Out.

How do you choose your characters’ names? Well, it’s a lot more difficult these days than it used to be. Names that are comfortable for my readers to read are important to me. As much as I love more creative and unique names (my parents ensured that with my name, eh?), it’s a pain to run across one in a book. The moment you have to pause and really look at and go, “How do you say that?” you’ve lost me for a bit.

So, whatever year someone was born in, if the Social Security Administration has information on names from that year, I go with the top 100 names and try to choose something in there. Occasionally, I have to go into the top 200.

Then I have to make sure what I choose is something I haven’t used. With over eighty books, that’s getting harder and harder. Finally, I have to make sure that name fits the personality of the character I’m writing. Usually, I have the name before I begin, and the reverse happens, but not always.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? In life, probably that next year I get to retire from thirty years of homeschooling! WOOT! Professionally, I’d say my ACFW Mentor of the Year award. I didn’t even know that award existed, and to discover that I actually WON… wow. It means that all the work I pour into people is helpful and appreciated.  And that just blesses my socks off.

I understand that. I was the second Mentor of the Year. It was awesome to see what some of the people who nominated me said. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? A sloth. For obvious reasons. Seriously, who wouldn’t want to hang around all day doing nothing? Sounds heavenly. Some call me the Energizer Bunny, but I consider that a curse rather than a compliment.

One of my adult granddaughters loves sloths. Family members are always finding stuffed sloths or sloths on things for her. Then earlier this year, when my husband and I were apart for 2 months when he had serious covid, my daughter bought me a cute stuffed one. What is your favorite food? We have this little hole-in-the-wall Mexican place that has been in business for like fifty years or something (okay, at least 33!!!) and they make the BEST chips and mild salsa ever.

I love mild salsa, too. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? “Shiny Syndrome.” I get distracted by all the shiny, new ideas. I want to write all the books, do all the classes, teach all the things, read all the books… I can’t say I’ve overcome it, but I have learned to pack my schedule enough that I can’t drop everything and chase the new. I’d never meet deadlines. Of course, sometimes this means I overcommit myself, but hey. I’m a work in progress, right?

Aren’t we all? Tell us about the featured book. The Last Gasp is the first book in the new Ever After Mysteries series. This multi-author series takes beloved fairy tales and sets them in the 1920s… as mysteries! I’d not planned to write a Cinderella retelling (she’s not my favorite story!), but… Well, a woman in my Bible study was trying to get a feel for what these books would be like and said, “So… Cinderella is a cigarillo girl?” The rest is literary history. Lucinda Ashton is a cigarillo and candy seller at the Taj Mahal Theater in Hollywood in 1926. Garrison Prince is Hollywood royalty attending his last premiere. When gunshots ring out, it becomes more than one person’s last premiere!

Please give us the first page of the book.

Gary Prinz stepped out of the California sunshine and into the role of Garrison Prince, rising Hollywood royalty.

An unfashionably buxom receptionist bustled toward him in miserable-looking tweed. “Oh, Mr. Prince. Everyone’s waiting! So exciting. Come, come…” A second glance at him hinted she disapproved of his trousers, rolled-up shirtsleeves, and lightweight sweater vest. “You might have worn a sport coat at least.”

Everyone’s waiting? Sport coat? What for?

A few people waved as the woman trotted down the hallway, chattering about her excitement regarding the night’s premiere. “I won’t have tickets, of course, but I just know everyone will love The Stolen Title. It’s sure to be your best work yet!”

“I hope so, Miss Fischer. I hope so.”

The way she paused, as if for dramatic effect before flinging the door open, provided a hint of warning. Mr. Walker greeted him—Werner, if anyone did any digging, but German surnames were still out of fashion in America after the Kaiser and The Great War. “Come in, come in, Garrison. Our prince has arrived… We even have Eva here to celebrate with you. No champagne, of course. Must comply with Volstead, but…”

Only because this room is full of press reporters? Why?

A sick feeling shook his belly. If the picture is already a flop…

One cheeky man with a thick Brooklyn accent asked, “How do you feel about your new contract, Mr. Prince? Are you eager to begin work on this new project of Walker’s?”

The sick feeling turned cold. “I won’t be doing that, gentlemen. I—”

“Oh, don’t be modest, Gary.” Walker turned to the men clustered around the edge of the large office. “Can’t give away our studio’s secrets, but I can assure you that Garrison Prince is at the forefront of sweeping changes here at Imperial Studios.”

Uncertainty kept him silent. His gaze traveled about the office, taking in opulence he hadn’t noticed much after being invited into Walker’s inner sanctum in recent years. Like many men in Hollywood, he’d come from New Jersey, signed on as stunt and grunt man, and only out of sheer luck hit on a good contract when someone noticed that he had a handsome face that movie goers would like.

Eva, in long, languid movements, moved to his side and looped an arm through his. “Isn’t this a scream?”

It should have been said with emphasis and enthusiasm, perhaps with a giggle at the end, but the woman’s tone always sounded utterly bored. Gary shrugged. “I don’t know—?”

“Your contract, silly. I’ve seen it—or my equivalent. It’s the best my lawyer has seen.”

“I’m happy for you,” he began.

Walker preempted him. “Come, come. No time for chit-chat. We have a premiere to attend, but first…monumental business in the form of this six-year contract! The highest-paying one we’ve ever offered!”

Gasps and murmurs accompanied the fevered scribbling of pencils on notepads.

Lord, help me. Once I do this, I’ll never work in this town again—even as a soda jerk!

Walker held out a fountain pen. “Garrison?” There may have been an implied question in there somewhere, but Gary only heard the iron-clubbed threat beneath it. Sign it.

He stepped back and out of Eva’s grasp. “I apologize, sir.” A little deference wouldn’t hurt. “As generous as I’m certain it is…” He shot a look around him and prayed for the best. “And as flattered as I am, I distinctly recall telling you that I would not be continuing in film.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I’m @ChautonaHavig in most places, but the easiest way to find me is to visit http://www.Chautona.com . I have social media links there at the top right. You can also find me at becausefictionpodcast.com where I chat about Christian fiction.

Thank you, Chautona, for sharing this book with my blog readers. I’m eager to read it and the others in the Ever After series.

Readers, here are links to the book.

https://amzn.to/3xJY2sn - Paperback

https://amzn.to/3re6kWI - 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, 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