Louise Gouge and Free Books!

NFL superstar quarterback seeks small town diner waitress; goal, to make amends.

Before we chat with today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Robin Lee Hatcher's split-time Christian novel, How Sweet It Is, is:

joyjournaling@...

Congratulations! We'll get your book right out to you. I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to learn about new releases! U.S. subscribers are entered in the drawings a second time when they comment.

And now let's revisit with novelist Louise Gouge, author of the contemporary romance novel, Winning Amber, (independently published, May 2020).

Florida author Louise M. Gouge writes contemporary and historical romance fiction, winning the prestigious IRCA in 2005 and placing as a finalist in 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2017. She also placed in the Laurel Wreath contest in 2012.

A former college English and humanities professor, Louise is a member of the Christian PEN and has been copyediting for well-known authors for fifteen years.

Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.

In 1964, I was backstage at the Beatles’ concert at Red Rocks Theater just outside of Denver, Colorado. Jackie DeShannon was the opening act and debuted her hit song “What the World Needs Now is Love, Sweet Love.”

You and I touched on that memory last year--your sneaking back there with the help of an usher friend, you wild child, you. Very cool memory. Jackie's song is certainly fitting these days!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Winning Amber.

Winning is all important to him, in the game…and in love.

Single mother Amber works hard to raise her son, Noah, on her wages and tips at a small Colorado diner. With medical bills to pay, they both wear secondhand clothes and do without the modern technology Noah’s classmates have. The last thing Amber ever expected was for Noah’s father to show up and preach at her about his newfound religion, especially since Drew didn’t even know Noah existed. Now will the rich and famous NFL quarterback try to take her son away from her? With no one to defend her, is it time for her to run away…again?

Drew Buxton has always gotten what he wants. Money, girls, a successful career as the NFL’s most popular quarterback, he’s had it all…until a family betrayal and tragedy caused him to rethink his entire life and turn to God. Now he seeks to make amends to the people he’s harmed on his road to success, including the high school classmate who tutored him through his toughest classes. He doesn’t expect her to welcome his visit, nor does he expect the shock of learning he has a son. This changes everything. Now there isn’t anything he won’t do to improve his son’s life, no matter how much Amber resists.

I love this story premise, Louise. Many of us can identify with the need for forgiveness after turning our lives to God. 

What is it about Amber and Drew that will make your readers care about them?

My heroine is a spunky, hard-working single mother who struggles to make ends meet. My hero is a famous superstar football quarterback whose newfound faith leads him to make amends for his past.

What story from the last couple of years would make a good basis for a novel?

I’m fascinated by the new discoveries of Greek and Roman antiquities. Ancient roads and beautiful artwork are being uncovered all over the Mediterranean. Novels could be written about the archeologists and what compels them to search the past. Or historical novels could make today’s discoveries a part of the story.

What a great idea. Sites like this one could provide excellent inspiration: Ancient Greek and Roman Archaeological Discoveries of 2019 

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

Erica Vetsch’s The Lost Lieutenant is a Regency romantic suspense that kept me guessing and kept me reading late into the night.

I love that book's tagline: He's doing what he can to save the Prince Regent's life . . . but can he save his new marriage as well?

What are you working on now?

Having just published Winning Amber, I’m taking a rest. Then I’m planning to compile several of my short stories into an anthology.

Where else can readers find you online?

Web site at louisemgougeauthor.blogspot.com
Facebook
Twitter: @Louisemgouge


The book can be purchased online via the following button:



Readers, if you would like to read a sample from the book, you can see it HERE, when you click on "Look Inside."

Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

Are you a sports fan? Do you like to watch professional football? Do you consider sports heroes worthy or compelling heroes for romance novels?

Thanks, Louise, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Louise has offered to give away a free copy of her book. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to her question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that U.S. subscribers are entered an additional time in each drawing. The drawing is done by email, so leave your email address, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.

Only United States residents are eligible for the drawing, but anyone can subscribe to the blog posts via the GDPA-compliant Feedblitz box above my list of books, at right.

Also readers, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post title.

Annoying legal disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases; drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer, GDPA notice, and my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE

Louise Gouge, Laurie Kingery, and Free Books!

Two great novels in one book: An outlaw adventure in the Old West and a Revolutionary War romance between a Patriot and a Loyalist.

Before we meet today's authors, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of The Express Bride, by Kimberley Woodhouse, is:

marypopmom@...

Congratulations! We'll get your book right out to you. I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to learn about new releases! U.S. subscribers are entered in the drawings a second time when they comment.

And now let's chat with novelists Laurie Kingery and Louise Gouge, authors of the inspirational historical romances, The Outlaw’s Lady and Love Thine Enemy, respectively (Love Inspired Historical, July 2019).

Laurie Kingery began her career as a published author in 1987 under the pen name of Laurie Grant, writing medieval and later western historical romance. When Harlequin opened up a Christian fiction line, Laurie felt her writing should reflect her faith. She wrote 15 books for Harlequin before they closed their historical line, so she was thrilled when Love Inspired decided to reissue The Outlaw’s Lady along with Louise’s fine story.

A resident of Ohio, she lives with her husband Tom, whom she met via eHarmony, and their two dogs. Between them, Laurie and her husband have five grown children and thirteen grandchildren.


Florida author Louise M. Gouge writes historical romance fiction. She received the prestigious Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award in 2005 and was a finalist four times.

A former college English and humanities professor, she and David, her husband of fifty-four years, enjoy visiting historical sites and museums. They have four grown children and nine grandchildren.

Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.

Louise: In 1964, I sneaked backstage at a Beatles’ concert at Red Rocks Stadium with the help of a friend who was an usher. I stood within inches of the Fab Four, but not being a screamer (never understood what all the screaming was about), I just smiled at them before they went on stage.

Louise! I lived in Littleton, Colorado at that time, and I remember when they came to Red Rocks! How cool that you were that close to such talented, iconic musicians! 

Laurie: When not writing my books, I was a 47-year veteran RN at a level one trauma center ER. Medical knowledge often came in handy in my writing.

I can imagine, Laurie! I just recently read the mainstream medical romance novel, The Queen of Hearts by Kimberly Martin, who is an ER physician. It was clear the author knew her stuff! 

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of your novels.

The Outlaw’s Lady: Rebellious rancher's daughter Tess Hennessy seeks adventure—and that's what she gets when she's abducted to chronicle the Delgado gang's exploits! Yet her kidnapper, gang member Sandoval Parrish, isn't what she expected. There's more to the mysterious outlaw than he shows—signs of gentleness and devotion that soften Tess's heart.

Sandoval has one goal: retribution for the sister Delgado ruined. He hasn't the time to fall for the stubborn, beautiful photographer whose pictures he needs as evidence. But what can Sandoval do when his plan puts Tess in danger? Torn between the drive for revenge and a newfound love, Sandoval will need his renewed faith to resolve the past…and claim his future.

Love Thine Enemy: The tropics of colonial Florida are far removed from America’s Revolution. Still, Rachel Folger’s loyalties remain with Boston’s patriots.

Handsome plantation owner Frederick Moberly’s faithfulness to the Crown is as certain as his admiration for Rachel—but for the sake of harmony, he’ll keep his sympathies hidden. After all, the war is too far distant to truly touch them…isn’t it?

A betrayal of Rachel’s trust divides the pair, leaving Frederick to question the true meaning of faith in God and in country. Inspired by Rachel to see life, liberty, and love through His eyes, Frederick must harness his faith and courage to claim the woman he loves before war tears them apart.

What a great duo!

What is it about your lead characters that will make your readers care about them?

Laurie: Tess Hennessey (The Outlaw's Lady) has a dream of working for famous Civil War photographer Matthew Brady. She has the necessary skills of taking great pictures and developing them suitable for framing. But after meeting handsome Sandoval Parrish, will her heart get in the way of her dream?

Louise: Stuck in the East Florida colony with her father, Rachel Folger (Love Thine Enemy) longs to return to Boston to help her fellow Patriots win their independence from England. But when she tries spying on English magistrate Frederick Moberly, she endangers her family and her heart.

Tell us in a few words a scene in your novel and name a song or piece of music that would make good a good soundtrack to the moment.

Laurie: Music for a scene in my novel: soundtrack from the Zorro movie with Antonio Banderas, or “Desperado.”

I went back and listened to some of that music while putting this together. It brought back good memories. I might have to watch Zorro again.

Louise: The only thing I can think of is music by Mozart, as apropos for the time of the American Revolution. He wrote in such a variety of styles, from stirring action to romantic melodies, so a work of his could be found to fit any scene.

He's been one of my favorite composers since I was a little girl taking piano lessons. It's fascinating to think that he was composing while our country was fighting for independence. 

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

Louise: I just read MaryLu Tyndall’s She Walks in Love, an enchanting medieval fantasy with strong faith elements. I’m always inspired by Tyndall’s stories, whether they be about pirates, mermaids, or Americans standing strong against the British in the War of 1812.

Laurie: A book I’ve read recently to recommend: I love the Victorian police murder mysteries of Anne Perry. I’m currently reading Blind Justice and can hardly put it down!

Thanks for those recommendations, ladies. They both sound great. MaryLu has such a broad-reaching talent, and I'm hooked these days on thrillers and mysteries, but I haven't yet read any of Anne Perry's.

What are you working on now?

Louise: My first novel was published by Crossway Books in 1994, but I started writing it in 1984. At the time, it was a contemporary story, but the Internet, Facebook, and Twitter have changed the world. I decided to update it, change character names, and republish it with an even stronger message of faith, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

Laurie: What I’m currently working on: unfortunately, I have had to retire from writing due to ill health, so it’s been thrilling to see some of my favorite titles reprinted.

I'm so sorry to hear that, Laurie! We'll all need to keep you in prayer. What a blessing, then, that your titled are being released anew.

Where else can readers find you online?

Louise: Website: louisemgougeauthor.blogspot.com
Facebook
Twitter: @Louisemgouge.

Laurie: Facebook.

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

Louise: How do you go about finding something to read? Do you read the back-cover copy? Ask friends what they’re reading? Use keywords in the Amazon search engine? Inquiring authors want to know!

Laurie: How do you select the books you read? Do you have a favorite historical era? Do you feel there are some eras that have been overdone? Eras that haven’t been done that you’d like to see?

Thank you, Louise and Laurie, for visiting and telling us about yourselves and your novels. Readers, Louise and Laurie have offered to give away a free copy of their book set. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to their questions, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that U.S. subscribers are entered an additional time in each drawing. The drawing is done by email, so leave your email address, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com. 

Only United States residents are eligible for the drawing, but anyone can subscribe to the blog posts via the GDPA-compliant Feedblitz box above my list of books, at right.

Also readers, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post title.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer, GDPA notice, and my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE