Hog Insane

Interview with Carole Brown.

Tell us about your epiphany moment when you decided you were going to seriously pursue writing and eventually publication.

Re-entering college to learn about computers, after my sons were grown, was a wake-up call for me. I knew then, that if I was going to pursue publication seriously, I needed to buckle down and re-learn. I worked hard for several years: writing, gaining critique partners, an agent, learning all the new “rules”, attending conferences and workshops, re-writing, editing, and finally, signing a contract for my first book. Within a short time I had another book releasing, and I realized I’m a real author.

Which character in your new release most interested you while you wrote? Why?

Hog Insane: I would have to go with Denton Davies. He’s grouchy, opinionated, protective of his wife and adores her. Since this story deals with marital relations, and I love showing how much trouble people can land in, letting Denton learn that a wife’s love and respect is precious when not taken seriously, is a hard lesson to go through. Only when he thinks he may have lost it, does he wake up and determine to re-gain both. 

How do you choose the settings for your stories?I know my basic plots and go from there.

Ÿ  In The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, it was a little harder. I needed a place that could be secluded, mountainous, with streams, lots of woods, where a cult could thrive and perhaps go undetected for awhile. I thought about a couple different states/areas, but nothing seemed to “jell” until I went with West Virginia, and it clicked. Turned out, WV was the perfect state to set the story into.

Ÿ  With my upcoming release of the WWII spy series (With Music in Their Hearts), my plot includes a civilian spy. Since I spent some early years in Cincinnati, Ohio, I thought it would be interesting to bring a spy into that area. Plant a fictitious munitions plant across the river from the city, and it worked well.

Ÿ  With my “Insanity” series, it’s easy. I can place Denton and Alex anywhere to fit the plot. In the first book, Hog Insane, my family loves Tennessee, so using the Smoky Mountain area was perfect. In Bat Crazy, a fictitious cave will figure heavily into the scene, and there are a lot of states boasting of their own caves. J

What would a perfect day for you look like?

Ÿ  I’d start out with high 60s/low 70s, sunny weather. Balmy breezes would waft the flowers scents toward my window. Hummingbirds would flutter around the feeders. (setting)

Ÿ  Coffee, devotions, (later a smoothie or yogurt) toast.

Ÿ  Exercise

Ÿ  A two hour writing session with no blocks or interruptions.

Ÿ  Very light lunch

Ÿ  Another few hours with no blocks/interruptions. Progress!

Ÿ  Preparation for a special dinner out w/hubby (and/or family).

Ÿ  Home with an hour or so quiet time w/hubby

Ÿ  A huge thank you to God for such a marvelous day. Lol

Are there certain foods or snacks keeps the words flowing for you? Popcorn and ice cream are my favorites (failings!). I forego other snacks just so I can enjoy these two.

What do you most enjoy doing in your free time?Family time is super important to me. I love being with them and making memories with them. Whether traveling, boating, hiking, or family meals, I appreciate the opportunity to do it with family.

Are there spiritual themes you like to write about?I really enjoy bringing into my stories real life issues. In The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, abuse, revenge and redemption and forgiveness played a heavy part, but in Hog Insane, marital relations was a minor thread that wove its way throughout the book.

What lesson is the Lord teaching you right now or recently taught you?   To trust him. I’m a person who likes things done yesterday sometimes so learning to leave my writing life in his hands has been a big learning problem with me.

“Lord, you know I’d love to have a book published before I die.”

“Lord, now you know what this would mean for my book to . . .” (fill in the blank!)

“Lord, are you sure?”

Lol. Of course, he’s sure. I’m the one who needs to learn to trust, and I’m working on it.

Carole's Present Release:

A dead body, a missing motorcycle, a strange key, and dope are at the bottom of the trouble Denton and Alex Davies, and Taffy, their Jack Russell Terrier, run into when they head for their first stop in the Smoky Mountains immediately after early retirement.

Find this book at:

Amazon print:  http://bit.ly/1fd3cCQ

Amazon kindle:  http://amzn.to/1eDC39t

Books a Million: http://bit.ly/1fd3cCQ

Barnes & Noble http://bit.ly/1dvNA6z 

When is your next book due out and can you tell us about it?I have two books due out later this year. One is the second book after Hog Insane, entitled: Bat Crazy. Vampire bats biting humans? What’s the secret in the cave worth killing for?

The other is the first book in a trilogy, a WWII romantic suspense spy book entitled: With Music in Their Hearts. This series deals with: Three spies and three sisters.  And their stories.

Where can we find you on the internet?

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Barn Door Book Loft: http://www.barndoorbookloft.net/ 

What question would you like to ask readers of your books or Christian fiction in general?

Does it matter to you the age of the characters you read about in books? Do you enjoy a certain age group, like the ones in Hog Insane: early retirement-characters? I’d love to know!

Thanks for having me visit, Martha. Enjoyed answering your questions and getting a chance to connect with your readers.

Thank you, Carole, for sharing a bit of your life with us. To enter your name in a free drawing for this book, answer the question above and leave your comment. We'd love to hear from you.

 Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited by law; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. No purchase is necessary and one entry per post plus one extra for being a follower of the blog. Winner will be selected next week-end and posted here on Monday, May 26. You must be 18 or older to enter. Remember to leave your email address for contacting you in case of win.

True Love

True Love is Worth the Wait

Laura Jackson has written a story all girls should read. Life isn't perfect and when we try to make it perfect, life can begin to come apart and create questions as to whether or not God truly cares about His children.

Blurb: Ellie Lansing has a picture-perfect life with a close-knit family and the perfect boyfriend. But her world is suddenly knocked off center when her drool-worthy boyfriend cheats, and her always-has-it-together mother is diagnosed with cancer. Ellie doesn't get it. She always does the right thing - doesn't God owe her a happy life? Through her heartache, Ellie learns that sometimes what seems like the end is really just the beginning and that what God has for us is always worth the wait.


Now that you have an idea as to what the book is about, let's hear from Ellie herself.

Ellie, tell us how you might describe yourself to others?

I’m friendly and eager to please others. I want to be the perfect daughter and girl-friend, and I want to please God.

How did you and Josh meet?

Josh has always been around. He’s my best friend’s twin and good friends with my long time boyfriend Dylan.

What was your first impression of him?

He was the annoying brother always around when my best friend and I would hang out. He’d always crash our slumber parties.

Oh, yes, my own brother was like that. Not that you’re older, how do you want him to see you?

I didn’t really worry about how he saw me until my world fell apart and he was the person who caught me when I fell—over and over again.

Were you planning on romance with Josh entering your life?

Not hardly. I started planning my wedding to Dylan when I was in elementary school. When he cheated on me, I still couldn’t picture myself with anyone else.

So now that you and Dylan are apart, what things are of most importance to you in a relationship with someone you love?

Honesty and trust because once those are lost, the relationship can never be the same again.

What are your hopes for your relationship in the future with Josh?

I hope we both follow God’s plan for our lives. And, I hope God’s plan for me includes Joshua Martin. J

With so many disappoints in your life recently, how do you face them?

I freak out—suffer from panic attacks. With the help of my youth pastor’s wife, I’m learning to turn to Jesus instead of myself.

What do you want Josh to see in you that he may not see now?

Josh sees more in me than I see in myself.  It’s crazy how he believed in me when I didn’t.

What is your main goal in life? What do you hope to accomplish?

After my life changed at the orphanage in Mexico, I want to raise money and awareness for the orphans around the world.

That’s a very worthwhile ambition. I pray you will succeed. Now, if you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I wish I could relax a little—let things happen instead of always planning out every detail and being disappointed when things don’t go the way I want. But, I’m getting better.

Thank you, Ellie, for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us. I hope many young girls read your story and learn to depend on God.

 Laura Jackson loves books---reading and writing them. A life-long reader, Laura studied English in college and taught 7th grade language arts before earning her Master's degree and becoming a school librarian. Now, she spends her days sharing great books with kids and her evenings writing books about teenage girls discovering God and His plan for their lives.

Laura will be giving away a copy of her book this week. Leave a comment below and tell us about your true love or how you met your true love. Remember to leave your email address so we can contact you in case of win. The give away of a copy is for the US only with E-books available for international readers.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited by law; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. No purchase is necessary and one entry per post plus one extra for being a follower of the blog. Winner will be selected next week-end and posted here on Monday, 19. You must be 18 or older to enter. Remember to leave your email address for contacting you in case of win.

Love Finds Faith

 A young woman of great faith meets a prodigal angry at God and sparks fly, but will her faith be enough to find love?

Hannah Dyer has just moved to Texas to help her brother-in-law in his medical practice. Despite being born with one leg shorter than the other, Hannah's faith in God has fulfilled her dream of becoming a nurse, and despite her handicap, her skills help make the practice the most successful in the area. 
 
When Micah Gordon returns home after some shady escapades, his father hopes he will settle down to ranch life. Hannah is smitten by his good looks and roguish ways, but because of her deformity, she has no hopes of attracting his attention.
 
Micah's faith in God is still shaky, and ranching life doesn't appeal to him. When his father dies in a bank hold-up, Micah inherits the ranch and his faith goes downhill in a dispute with his brother. Because of his anger at God, Micah is in danger of losing the ranch. Can Hannah’s care and staunch faith help him on the road to recovery with a new hope, new faith, and a new love?

Thanks for dropping by my blog today. I'm giving a way a copy of Love Finds Faith.  Is there a prodigal in your family? Leaving a comment below will put your name into the drawing for this book at the end of the week. Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you in case your name is drawn. 

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited by law; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. No purchase is necessary and one entry per post plus one extra for being a follower of the blog. Winner will be selected next week-end and posted here on Monday, May 12. You must be 18 or older to enter. Remember to leave your email address for contacting you in case of win.

Picture Book by Deanna K. Klingel

Beth’s Birds 

This week I'm featuring something a little different than usual. Deanna Klingel's book for children is a beautifully illustrated picture book in a series to teach about nature. It is the first of a nonfiction nature series for preschool to first grade. Little Beth shows the readers how to identify the backyard birds by their names.

This is what Deanna has to say about her book:

Beth’s Birds is the first of a series of nonfiction nature books for preschool through second grade. It’s my first picture book. It’s funny to say that because I have six published books and this book is the first one I ever wrote. You heard me correctly. I wrote this Little Beth Series when my youngest daughter, Beth, was four years old. It went to contract the week of her thirty-fourth birthday.

Beth is the youngest of seven children who were all still at home when she was four. It’s an understatement to say I was busy. I loved writing, and Beth and I shared a love of our backyard. When everyone else was in school, she and I spent our time in the garden. The books came about from that experience. A friend in Australia originally illustrated it using photographs of Beth doing these things with the birds. But that was as far as I went. I had no idea how to go about publishing a book, and no time to research it. The internet was in infancy thirty years ago, and I was involved in life. The manuscript and the illustrations went into a file and lived there for thirty years. I never forgot them.

When all the children left home, we retired and moved to the mountains. With a wonderful loft writing studio, more knowledge of the internet, and more time I began to discover the world of writing and publishing.  Conferences, networking, writing groups, writing classes all now had my full attention. After having five books published, I decided it was time to return to the picture book world I love. I found Peak City Publishing Company at a book festival, and when I saw her line, I knew Beth’s Birds and the other Little Beth Books would be a good fit for her line of picture books. She agreed. So, here is my new-born-thirty-year-old manuscript come to life! We used a different illustrator because the series needs to have a commonality with its illustrations. The illustrator did use a few of my original favorites as his model, however.

I’m excited about sharing my love of wildlife with very young children once again. I hope to visit preschools and kindergartens as well as nature centers, and meet the youngest readers.

Deanna K. Klingel lives and works in the mountains of western North Carolina with her husband and golden retriever. She enjoys the outdoors, quilting, sewing, reading and writing. She travels extensively with her books to schools, museums, Civil War reenactments, book festivals and conferences. She enjoys giving presentations.

If you would like a copy of this book for a young child in your family, Deanna is offering one in a drawing to one who leaves a comment and answers the question on this blog. Sorry, but it's only for North America mailings.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited by law; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. No purchase is necessary and one entry per post plus one extra for being a follower of the blog. Winner will be selected next week-end and posted here on Monday, May 5. You must be 18 or older to enter. Remember to leave your email address for contacting you in case of win.

Congratulations to Jackie McNutt who is the winner of Angela Meyer's book, Where Hope Starts

Question for you: What was your favorite book as a child? Remember to leave your email address so we can contact you.

Interview with Karen

Where Hope Starts 

1.      Karen, how would you describe yourself to others?  Determined. A go getter. If I see something I want or needs to be done I do it. It may take me a bit to come around to a new way of thinking, but once I do I’m all in.

2.      How do you want others to see you? Strong and capable. Invulnerable. At least that’s the image I work to maintain. It’s the safe way to play it with most people. But there is more to me than that. My best friend Megan knows that part of me. She’s seen all my pitfalls and still loves me. That’s what friendship is all about. And of course, now that we’ve worked through so much, (smile) my husband, Barry, seems to love me in spite of my faults as well.

3.      What is the most interesting thing about you? I managed a 5 star restaurant in New York City.

4.      What things are of most importance to you? Faith and family.

5.      What type of man did you want to marry when you were younger? Did you find what you were looking for? I wanted to marry someone who would always listen to me and accept me. Unlike my dad did growing up. And yes, I found him. When I first met him, he was my knight in shining armor. And now that we’ve been through the rough patch you can read about in Where Hope Starts, our relationship is even better. It’s deeper and more solid.

6.      How do you face disappointments in your life? My first response is anger. Then I retreat from whatever is causing that hurt. After a while, I do tend to come around. Ultimately, I want to handle things the way God would have me to. I don’t always nail it, though.

7.      What type of things do you like to do for fun or entertainment? Horseback riding, for sure. I grew up with that. I also like to sit out in a field at night and watch the stars. It’s restful and after a busy day at the B & B, I need some quiet. When I’m hanging out with my friends I really enjoy going to the movies.

8.      Do you have any hobbies or special skills? I like to take pictures, but I’m not professional or anything. I am a great hostess, though. Stop by the Applewood Hill Bed and Breakfast and you’ll see. I try and make people feel at home when they’re away from home. I’ve made some great friends that way.  

9.      What is your main goal in life? What do you hope to accomplish? I want to run the best B&B around, have kids and enjoy my marriage.

10.  If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? (laugh) That’s easy. Be more even tempered. And be quicker to take God at his word.

Find Angela: 

Website: www.angeladmeyer.com

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

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/angeladmeyer63/

Google+ : https://plus.google.com/u/0/100594512535685420838/posts

Newsletter sign up: http://eepurl.com/Nxrsz

Angela is giving away one of her books to some lucky person commenting on this interview and answering the question below. Sorry U.S. residents only, and you must leave your email address to enter so we can contact you. Being a follower of the blog will earn one extra entry.

Question: What are the most important characteristics in your mind to look for in a husband.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited by law; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. No purchase is necessary and one entry per post plus one extra for being a follower of the blog. Winner will be selected next week-end and posted here on Monday, April 28. You must be 18 or older to enter. Remember to leave your email address for contacting you in case of win.

Angela Meyer Review

Where Hope Starts

Karen Marino has a dream job in the Big Apple and a husband, but in one fell swoop she loses her job and her marriage crumbles. Disappointed, and in a need to get away, she returns to her hometown where she finds more questions and problems then answers and solutions. Barry, her husband left behind in New York, is devastated to lose Karen, but has no clue what to do to resolve the issues they face.

With heartfelt emotion, Angela Meyer gives us a couple desperately seeking answers but finding more questions and doubts until a friend and a brother show them the way home. That journey is one of learning to forgive and admitting ones faults. The story will tug at your heart and keep you turning the pages to journey with Karen and Barry to renewed love.

Back Cover Blurb

Karen Marino's life is a nightmare. The New York City restaurant manager is a professional success, but her marriage is in shambles. When her husband, Barry shows up drunk at her restaurant, she loses both. She flees The Big Apple and returns to her Midwestern home to sort through her options. But instead of answers, she finds an old boyfriend ready to rekindle romance, a family full of secrets and an angry brother bent on revenge. Still in New York, Barry fights his own demons. He knows he has made a mess of his life, but is powerless to stop his rage and addictions. A fist-fight lands him in jail and forces him to face the possibility of a future behind bars. Karen knows holding onto her bitterness won't repair her marriage. But how do you forgive someone when you don't feel like it? As she searches for the answer, she uncovers the family secret that threatens to tear them all apart. Can she find her way back to the place Where Hope Starts?

Angela D. Meyer lives in Omaha, NE with her husband of more than 22 years. She homeschools their daughter and recently graduated their son who is now a Marine. She taught Bible class for over 35 years and served for almost three years on the leadership team of her local Christian writers group. Her debut novel, Where Hope Starts, is a finalist in the Grace Awards. She loves God, her family, the ocean, good stories, connecting with friends, taking pictures, quiet evenings and a good laugh. Someday she wants to ride in a hot air balloon and vacation by the sea. 

Connect with Angela

Website: www.angeladmeyer.com

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

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/angeladmeyer63/

Google+ : https://plus.google.com/u/0/100594512535685420838/posts

Newsletter sign up: http://eepurl.com/Nxrsz

Angela will be sending a copy of her book to some lucky reader with a comment on the blog this week. You must leave your email address to be in the drawing for the book.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited by law; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. No purchase is necessary and one entry per post plus one extra for being a follower of the blog. Winner will be selected next week-end and posted here on Monday, April 21. You must be 18 or older to enter. Remember to leave your email address for contacting you in case of win.

The Preacher’s Bride Claim

AN INTERVIEW WITH ALICE HAWTHORNE

 

We're speaking to Alice Hawthorne today, on the eve of her wedding to Elijah Thornton, pastor of the soon-to-be built church of Brave Rock, Oklahoma, one of dozens of new communities that were birthed on April 22, 1889, the day that a large section of the Oklahoma Territory was opened for settlement.

--Miss Hawthorne, how would you describe the experience of taking place in the first land rush to settle a large section of the Oklahoma Territory?

   Alice Hawthorne: Exciting! And terrifying too, of course. How could it not be, with all of us waiting for days—some for weeks—in settlements along the border of the land to be settled, just waiting for noon on April 22, and the rifle shot that would signal a free-for-all scramble for choice plots of land. It was unprecedented— a hundred and sixty-four acres of land for free, and all one had to do to claim it was be the first to plant a stake in the land—and then, hold it against all comers. You cannot imagine the pandemonium that ensued when the rifle shot came at noon, with people taking off in wagons, on horseback, on bicycles, and even on foot to be the first to claim the land.

--Was it dangerous?

   Alice: Of course! There were many incidents of wagons collapsing or overturning, of horses falling, and of course, always the possibility that the unscrupulous among us would use any means, fair or foul, to steal the land plots they wanted.

--There were unscrupulous people among the would-be homesteaders?

Alice: Oh yes, of course. Any time you have that many varied kinds of people together, you will have some bad people, I suppose, but one doesn't expect those who are assigned to protect us to be among them. But I must say no more about this, because the matter is still being settled.

--Did you have a particular location of land to settle on in mind, Miss Hawthorne?

  Alice: Yes. Before the day of the Land Rush, several of us had become close in Boomer Town, which was the name for our temporary section along the border while we waited. Led by my soon-to-be husband, Elijah Thornton, we had started a temporary tent church which will, Lord willing, soon become a permanent church in Brave Rock. We were advised of a particularly choice piece of land along the Cimarron River by one of our members, a Danish man named Lars Brinkerhoff, who had lived among the Cheyenne Indians, and so we made for that point. I am happy to say we were able to reach Brave Rock, as we are calling the settlement because of the boulder that juts out above the river, first and stake our claim

--And tomorrow you are to become the bride of Reverend Elijah Thornton, Brave Rock's church's pastor.

   Alice (blushing): Yes, tomorrow. Of course, it will only be simple ceremony in the middle of the meadow, since we have not had time to build the church yet—housing for the settlers must come first, naturally, but I trust it will be a lovely ceremony all the same.

--You look very happy and in love, Miss Hawthorne. Can you tell us how you and your husband to be met?

   Alice:I came to Elijah's tent church in Boomer Town, before the Land Rush.

--And it was love at first sight?

   Alice Hawthorne (blushing again): I don't know what Elijah would say, but it certainly was for me, although meeting the man I would one day marry was the last thing on my mind that day. I just wanted to come and worship the Lord, and lay out all my troubles in front of Him. But Elijah was determined to meet me, and so we met. He is a determined man, and once he decides upon something, he goes after it…

--Why was looking for a husband the last thing on your mind, Miss Hawthorne, if you don't mind my asking? With a handsome bachelor preacher present, surely that would be the first thing on many young women's minds.

    Alice Hawthorne: Yes, but my independence has always been important to me, and I had decided never to marry. At the time I was fleeing from a…shall we say "unhappy relationship?"

--Would you care to elaborate, Miss Hawthorne?

    Alice: (sighing) I suppose it is safe at this point, though I will not give the gentleman's name. Back East I had been courted by a rich and powerful, and unfortunately, unscrupulous and possessive man. In coming to the Oklahoma Territory I had hoped to leave this man and his influence behind forever, and have my own land which I would farm and provide a home for my aged mother. I will not go into details, but let me just say that the man I refer to is no longer a threat to my happiness.

--Excellent. Back to happier subject, how did your romance with the Reverend Elijah Thornton develop?

     Alice (smiling again): I had been a nurse back East, and I assumed my nursing days were over, now that I was about to become a homesteader. But Elijah felt there were many unmet medical needs in Boomer Town, and persuaded me to accompany him on rounds around the tent city to visit those who were ill and injured. While he prayed for them and strove to meet their spiritual needs, I ministered to their medical needs. One of the first people we were able to help is our present deacon, Keith Gilbert. He was gravely injured due to an ax wound to the leg, and would have bled to death from it without our medical intervention and of course, the help of the Lord to heal him.

--And will you put your medical training to use in the new community of Brave Rock, Miss Hawthorne?

      Alice; Yes, we plan to build a clinic next to our house, near the Brave Rock church, where the settlers can come for treatment of illnesses and injuries—with the Lord's help, of course. I'm not sure why I ever wanted to leave my profession behind.

--You speak of God often, Miss Hawthorne.

      Alice (smiling): Of course. How could I not? He has blessed me so much, bringing me safely to Oklahoma, with providing me with a new home and tomorrow, a husband.

--I promised we would keep the interview brief because of your wedding tomorrow—a bride must get her beauty sleep, after all. Andd so we will thank you for speaking to us and giving us a glimpse into the exciting life of a new settler in the Oklahoma Territory. Is there anything further you would like to tell our readers?

Alice: Yes, I would like to say that Elijah's and my story, chronicled in THE PREACHER'S BRIDE CHOICE, is but the beginning of the story. In May, author Karen Kirst will continue the saga in THE HORSEMAN'S FRONTIER FAMILY, and in June, author Allie Pleiter will conclude the trilogy with THE LAWMAN'S OKLAHOMA SWEETHEART. All the books are published by Love Inspired Historicals. I hope you will read and enjoy all three of these exciting books about the settling of Oklahoma.

Note from Martha: I just finished reading this novel and loved it. I'm really looking forward to reading the next two in the series. You'll really enjoy how the town rallies around Alice and keeps her from making a horrible mistake stemming from her past the night before the land rush begins.  

 Laura will be giving away a copy of her book to some lucky person. Answer the question below and leave your email address with your comment to be in the drawing.

Would you have been as brave as Alice and set out to participate in the land rush alone?

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited by law; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. No purchase is necessary. Winner will be selected next week-end and posted here on Monday, April 21. You must be 18 or older to enter. Remember to leave your email address for contacting you in case of win. 

The Preacher's Bride Claim

An Excerpt from the novel:

April 1, 1889-Boomer Town, Oklahoma Territory

     Alice Hawthorne sat down quietly on an empty bench in the back of the tent church. She'd waited until the little congregation was absorbed in singing "Shall We Gather at the River?" so she could steal in unnoticed. There was a family of six on the long bench ahead of her, but none of them paid any attention to her arrival-except for the shortest of the four stair-step boys. He looked over his shoulder at her, his face full of freckles, a cowlick at the back of his shaggy thatch of hair. When he noticed Alice was watching, he gave her a cheerful, gap-toothed grin. Despite the anxiety constricting her heart like a coiled snake, it was such a comical sight that she couldn't help but smile back.
     "You turn around this instant, Otis Beauregard LeMaster," his mother hissed at him, without looking to see what or who had distracted her youngest. The boy obediently did so, and Alice was once again alone.
     That suited Alice just fine. She hoped to continue to be overlooked among the inhabitants of the tent city as much as possible until the day of the Land Rush, after she had claimed her own 160-acre homestead. Her own and her mother's, she reminded herself.
     It was the first of April. Just twenty-one days until the Unassigned Lands-the lands not claimed by one of the many Indian tribes that now called the Oklahoma Territory home-were opened for settlement by the Indian Appropriations Act signed by President Cleveland. His successor, Benjamin Harrison, had designated noon on April 22 as the moment the settlers could rush in, plant their stakes at the claims of their choice and become real homesteaders.
     She'd be safe then, wouldn't she?
    He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust… She remembered the verse from childhood, and it comforted her now when she felt like a terrified little bird fleeing from a hunter. Her fear was the reason she had come to the chapel service, to be reminded of God's love and protection.
     As the hymn ended, so did her comfortable solitude. With a rustle of skirts, two women plopped themselves down to her left. Alice kept her gaze aimed at the front and hoped they would leave her alone. She had not been an unsociable person before she'd fled New York, but now, she feared each introduction.
     The woman next to her didn't take the hint. "Hey, you're new here, ain't ya?" she asked, smiling in a friendly fashion, which revealed incisors that would have done a jackrabbit proud. "Don't believe we've met before. I'm Carrie Ferguson, and this here's my sister, Cordelia."
If she hadn't said they were sisters, Alice would have guessed it, for the two women at her left were so similar-looking with their sun-weathered long faces, noses so sharp they could slice cheese, the same teeth.
     "N-nice to meet you," Alice managed to say. "I'm-" She thought about using an assumed name, but how could she lie-especially in a church, even one of canvas? "I'm Alice Hawthorne." Hopefully the two women would forget the name-easy to do in a temporary city populated by hundreds of people, with more coming every day.
     "Been in Boomer Town long?" Cordelia asked.
     If only the service would start, Alice fretted. She didn't want to answer a bunch of questions. But now that the hymn had concluded, the tall man who may be the preacher was talking to a middle-aged couple up front, and he seemed to be in no hurry.
     Alice managed a small smile. "Just since yesterday."
     "Where ya from? We hail from St. Louis."
     "B-back East," Alice said and prayed they would let it go at that. She wasn't looking to make friends. Each person she gave her name to was one more person who could help Maxwell Peterson find her. And if he did, it would mean the end of her dreams.
                                                             

Laurie Kingery is a central Ohio author and veteran E.R. RN who has written twenty-six  historical romances, first as Laurie Grant and now writing Christian historicals under her own name for Love Inspired Historicals. She won the National Reader's Choice for short historicals in 1994 and was a finalist in the 2010 Carol Awards in short historicals by the American Christian Fiction Writers for THE OUTLAW'S LADY. Her website is http://www.lauriekingery.com. Her latest release is the first book in the "Bridegroom Brothers" continuity series for Love Inspired Historicals, THE PREACHER'S BRIDE CHOICE.  The next installment in the "Brides of Simpson Creek" series from Love Inspired Historicals is A HERO IN THE MAKING, out in July 2014.

If you enjoyed this brief excerpt from Laura's new release, leave a comment about it below and be eligible for a drawing for a free copy. Then come back tomorrow to learn more about Alice.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited by law; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. No purchase is necessary and only one entry per post. You must be 18 or older to enter. Remember to leave your email address for contacting you in case of win.

Meet Annie Rollins

Interview with Heroine 

Annie Rollins of An Unconventional Lady by Cynthia Hickey

1.                  How would you describe yourself to others? Despite my mother’s attempts to the contrary, I’m a modern woman. After all, with the turn of the century, so many opportunities are open to women.

2.                  How did you and the hero meet? He took the job I created for myself. Because I’m a woman, Mother felt I couldn’t do the job properly and hired Dakota as a trail guide.

3.                  What was your first impression of him? I was pretty angry at first, but I soon realized the handsome guide had no idea he was stepping on my toes. I fully expected him to back down once he found out, but then he sided with Mother.

4.                  How do you want him to see you? As a fully capable, modern woman. Instead, he saw me as one of the Harvey waitresses. It’s very frustrating.

5.                  Were you planning on romance entering your life? I had planned on romance at some point in my life, but Dakota had a way of worming his way into my life and my heart.

6.                  What things are of most importance to you in a relationship with someone you love? Honesty, full trust and respectability. I wanted a man who treated me as an equal rather than a helpless female.

7.                  What are your hopes for your relationship with the hero? That he would see me as capable as he at many tasks.

8.                  How do face disappointments in your life? I tend to stomp my feet and argue until I see reasoning.

9.                  What do you want the hero to see in you that he may not see now? That I strive to let God hold the reins in my life. After all, God sees the big picture where I often can’t.

10.              What is your main goal in life? What do you hope to accomplish? I want to be a modern business woman. Times are changing. I can see my future rising on the horizon of a new age.

11.              If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My stubbornness. But God and I are working on it. Sometimes, I feel God throws his arms up at my antics. Thankfully, He loves me anyway.

Blurb from An Unconventional Lady

ANNIE ROLLINS LONGS FOR ADVENTURE 

But her strict mother keeps her close to home, working as a Harvey Girl waitress. Until Dallas Baker shows up in town and takes the job Annie really wants—leading tours through the Grand Canyon. Annie's frustrated, but finds it impossible to ignore the handsome outdoorsman. 

With her split skirts and modern hairdo, Annie challenges Dallas's old-fashioned notions of what makes a lady. To his surprise, he finds her delightful, until he learns she has no interest in settling down. Dallas is ready to win her heart, but is Annie willing to fall in love? 

Answer the question below and leave a comment for an opportunity to be in a drawing for the novel. Be sure to leave your email address for contacting. Following this blog will earn you an extra entry.

Question: The 1940's and WWII brought about great changes for women in the military and in jobs. With her independent nature and modern outlook for women, where would a woman like Annie Rollins fit in the jobs available for women after 194?

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited by law; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. No purchase is necessary and only one entry per post. Winner will be selected next week-end and posted here on Monday, April 14. You must be 18 or older to enter. Remember to leave your email address for contacting you in case of win.