Lillian Duncan and Free Books!

She survived, but what if she isn’t his last victim?

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Carol Nelson's Christian women's novel, Audra -- Dying for Life, is:

hayleyjturner78@...

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 novelist Lillian Duncan, author of the suspense novel (with a little romance thrown in), Jane Doe (Harbourlight Books, June, 2020).

Lillian Duncan…turning faith into fiction.

Even though her books cross genres, they have one thing in common, faith-based stories that demonstrate God’s love—and lots of action. Okay, that’s actually two things. She believes in the power of words to change lives, especially God’s Word.  

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

I’m short! Very short. I’m 4’8” or at least I used to be. The doctors are saying I’m a bit shorter than that now but I’m not acknowledging that in any way!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Jane Doe.

Raven Marks survives a brutal kidnapping, but she’s haunted by the memories. First because she doesn’t have any and then because she does. She wants to move forward with her life but one thought stops her. What if she’s not his last victim? As more memories surface she has to decide whether to put it behind her or try to protect others.

What is it about Raven that will make your readers care about her?

Even though she’s hit rock bottom (literally and figuratively), she refuses to give up. She not only fights her way back to good health but is willing to do what she must to bring her kidnapper to justice so he can’t hurt anyone else.

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

I’ve been reading The Giver series by Lois Lowry and am loving them even though they were written as young adult novels. They’re quick to read but make you think. I’d highly recommend them to anyone who hasn’t read them yet.

What are you working on now?

To be honest, not a whole lot. I finished writing my Messenger series which is a dystopian novel set in NewAmerica where even saying the name of God is a crime. I think I was so focused on that series, I’m having a hard time starting another project. But I’m not worried. Another story will come when the time is right.

I hear you. I'm even under some deadlines, and the stories are not yet bursting forth. It happens sometimes. I suppose that "fake it 'til you make it" adage occasionally fits with writing. Sometimes I don't remember those moments were even happening when I read back over things I've published!

Where else can readers find you online?

I’d love to hear from them. They can visit me at my blog: Tiaras & Tennis Shoes. I also have a devotional blog called Devotions From Puzzle House. They can connect with me Facebook or on Twitter.

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



Readers, you can read a sample of Jane Doe HERE. Click on Look Inside.

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

How do you find new authors to read? What makes you buy a book? The cover? The blurb on the back? Or the name of the author?

Thank you, Lillian, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Lillian 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. I was unable to enter any of last week's commenters in the book drawing for lack of an email address. Only subscribers were entered.

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

Carol Nelson and Free Books!

Audra meets the man of her dreams, but cancer may rob her of ever having a family.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Lori Benton's historical novel, Mountain Laurel, is:

perrianne.askew@...

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 novelist Carol Nelson, author of contemporary Christian women’s novel, Audra – Dying For Life (Bookbaby Publishing, August 2020).

Carol lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she spends most days writing her stories. Although she started writing in childhood, it took a lifetime to know what her heart truly desired and needed to write—stories that touch the fabric of women's lives with hope, grace, and faith, combined with the little spice of clean romance women enjoy. She took a writing course as a young mother, then laid all writing aside to concentrate on raising her three daughters. 

Her daughters have blessed her with seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. (An eighth grandchild is in heaven with her grandpa.) She served as an aid in a nursing home, worked in the purchasing department of a large corporation, spent time as the head cook at an all-you-can-eat buffet, and went full circle to become a care giver before settling in to her first love, writing. 

Reading, gardening, cooking, and playing cards and games keep Carol busy. She’ll be glad when she can go to church without a mask.

Amen to that, Carol! Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.

I love to watch the large variety of birds attracted to the seed, suet, and water in our backyard. This summer, we also spotted a mama gray fox and her two kits jumping into the yard to drink the bird’s water. It seems like she prefers city living to the nearby mountains.

How cute those foxes must be! I haven't seen a fox in the wild since moving to the west coast. They're such pretty animals.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Audra -- Dying for Life.

It’s not a routine visit when Audra Knight's gynecologist says, "I need to do a biopsy." It leaves her numb with fear. 

Suddenly a potential cancer victim, it's not the time to notice Dann Day, the handsome new band-orchestra teacher at Chandler's Grove Academy. And why should he want anything to do with her? With her unresolved anger issues, the way she's strayed from God, and the fact that Heather Easton already seems to have claimed him for her own, getting involved would be stupid. Plus, cancer could certainly lead to heartbreak, and she won’t put a man through that. 

When Dann asks Audra's help on a school project, Heather's jealousy flares. It's the catalyst that amplifies Audra's anger, sending her back to God and church to find peace and the courage to truly live. But when Audra admits to growing feelings for Dann, can she tell the man who wants a family that he might not be able to have one with her? As the pressure mounts, how will she know the right way to go?

What is it about Audra that will make your readers care about her?

Maybe it’s the patient caring she shows her sixth grade English class. Maybe it’s the way she’s loved by students and teachers alike. Maybe it’s seeing a lovely young woman stuffing her anger and hurt in the secret closet of her heart and hoping she’ll find freedom from its oppression. But just maybe it’s all of those because Audra’s no different than any of us, a complex human being in need of heart healing.

Share with us a quote you like from a book by a different author. What do you like about the quote?

I really wanted to pass on this question. I don’t collect quotes. I don’t even remember quotes. I read to escape or be entertained. However, during my quiet time, this quote from Augustine, a Church father, popped out at me, and I hope I can remember it: 

“A great mystery, Brethren, God is above all: you raise yourself, and touch Him not: you humble yourself, and He descends to you.” 

I like this because it’s a great reminder that man can never reach God on his own merits, but if we come to Him with contrite hearts acknowledging who He is, He will meet us with everything we need.

I wasn't able to find that exact quote, but I see that Augustine clearly spoke a lot about the importance (and power, really) of humility. Thanks for that, Carol!

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

I just finished A Bride's Journey to the Colorado Territory, by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer. I’ve always liked a good wagon-train story, and this book not only has an engaging story line of traveling west, it’s been very well researched. This is Book 2, so I recommend reading Book 1, A Bride's Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee, first.

What are you working on now?

I’m getting Book 2 of the Chandler’s Grove Series, Life Transformed, ready for publication this fall or winter, and I’m writing Book 3, Becoming Sisters. I also have two stand-alone books waiting to be published.

Where else can readers find you online?

My website: caroljnelson.com
Facebook
Twitter

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



The book is also available on Kindle. Readers, you can read a sample of Audra -- Dying for Life HERE. Click on Look Inside.

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

What genre do you read most often?

Thanks, Carol, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Carol 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

Short-Term Sale on Three Fiction Sets!

For a limited time, these three Winged Publications romance sets are marked down to terrific prices!

Want to tuck away a little Christmas reading for the upcoming holidays? The Love Reunited at Christmas set contains these fun Christmas romances:

CHRISTMAS IN CEDAR CREEK, by Mary Alford

Ava Richards lost her husband to the same war that took Donovan’s leg. Even after two years, Ava is still crippled by the loss. Unable to move forward with her life, she is stuck in the past. Yet the more time she spends with her husband’s best friend Donovan, the more Ava longs for a second chance at life and love. Can she convince Donovan he doesn’t have to leave Cedar Creek to come back to life again? And is it possible for two wounded souls to help each other learn what love really means this Christmas?

CHRISTMAS AT MOUNTAIN MIST, by Pamela Ferguson

Did you come here to visit or to hide?

Dr. Brady Thomasson has his hands full. Christmas is two days away and he’s the physician in charge at Lilac’s senior living community. A mysterious illness, blizzard conditions, and a skeleton staff would be enough to keep even the most seasoned medical professional on his toes. Will the unexpected arrival of his former girlfriend distract him from his duties? With a brewing scandal about to crash down on her head, environmental lawyer Camille Zignetti drives through a snow storm to spend Christmas with her ailing grandfather. Certain she will pay a price for her employer’s bad behavior, could Brady blame her for wanting to hide from a situation she’d helped to create?

CHRISTMAS IN OAK CREEK, by Debbie Mayne

When widowed Erica Johnson finds herself face-to-face with her high school sweetheart during the holidays, she has to fight hard to resist the temptation to get involved with him again. After all, she has to protect her son’s heart. Andrew Blakeman knows he made a huge mistake by leaving Erica years ago, and now he wants to make things right. With Christmas coming soon, he pulls out all the stops to make things right. Will these two determined people ever find happiness in love again?

A MIDNIGHT CLEAR, by Trish Perry

When she attends a Washington, D.C. dinner party thrown by friends far wealthier than she, writer Maddie Travers is distracted by internal debates. Should she move back to D.C.? Should she seek work she might find more fulfilling? She meets the appealing “regular guy,” Dom Sebastiani, at the party and consequently wonders whether she’s ready to seek romance again. So many decisions! 

At the stroke of midnight, a shocking turn of events sets Maddie on a path that holds at least as many questions for her as it does answers

SLEEPING THROUGH CHRISTMAS, by Sherri Stewart

If it weren’t for that unscheduled nap at Simon-Morrisey Department Store, Lily Rountree wouldn’t have met Justin Knight, or overheard his plan to rob the store, an art museum, and a bank. When Justin learns about Lily’s presence, their cat-and-mouse game begins, and the holidays take on a whole new meaning.

This set can be purchased via the following button:





Also temporarily marked down is In Danger's Path, a collection of these exciting romantic suspenses:

DARK OF NIGHT, by Alice K. Arenz

Determined to get justice for the brutal murders of her parents twenty years ago, Kelsey Carol returns to the scene of the crime—Seaton, Missouri. But what she quickly learns is that every clue brings more questions than answers. And, nightmares really do come true.

LOCAL BETRAYAL, by Cynthia Hickey

A murderer is closer than you think.

Kennedy Bradford returns home to come to grips with the violent death of her parents and witnesses a murder.

Dylan Lockhart, best-selling mystery writer, is roped into being Kennedy's bodyguard until the killer is found.

Neither one had time for romance. Both secretly yearn for love. Danger thrusts them into a fight of survival that may be the end of a future together.

AWAKEN THE PAST, by Mary L. Ball

Everything Laurel believed about her childhood suddenly changed.

During her mother’s illness, Laurel discovers unsettling things from her past. She travels to the small town of Silver Springs, North Carolina to search for the truth.

Laurel arrives in town and senses people watching her every move. Even the easygoing police office Chad Wilkes gives her a cold shoulder.

With trouble following her, the Lord is the only one she can trust. Can she find the secret to the past and open her heart to more changes?

WHAT SHE SAW, by Leann Harris

Carly Payton finally finished her latest job--auditing the Red River City Police Department. As she leaves the celebration, Max Doyle follows her out of the restaurant to ask her on a date. In the parking lot, they witness the murder of the Chief of Police. The killer turns on them and Carly and Max run. The two become the main suspects, and must work together to stay alive. As they try to clear their names, Carly sees Max as a hero, someone she can depend on and her feelings for him grow. With the killer hot on their trail, they flee into New Mexico, dodging the authorities. Will they be able to prove their innocence, or will the killer convince everyone that Carly and Max are guilty?

A SPECIAL KIND OF DOUBLE, by Trish Perry

Franny and Grace Otterbridge were always the closest of sisters. But after their father’s death, Grace veered off in a different direction. Now Franny feels she’s lost her. Literally—Grace has gone missing. Franny assumes she’s taken off on another wild hair, but signs soon suggest otherwise. 

Franny accepts amateur sleuthing help from new flame Nevan Burns, a young fine artist (who’s also a fine young artist). He proves himself more than good company, and Franny finds herself swinging from one emotion to another, from joy to fear, from anticipation to dread. 

She’s not equipped to search for Grace alone. She’s even less prepared for what she finds.

This set can be purchased via the following button:





Finally, the Runaway Brides set is temporarily marked down, giving romance lovers access to these stories of weddings that have taken an unexpected turn:

RESCUE ME, by Mary Alford

After one failed engagement, Seth is pretty sure love isn’t in the cards for him until he meets the lovely Anna Logan. Anna has him believing there just might be a second chance at love possible for the both of them if only they are willing to let go of their past mistakes and trust each other.

JUST ONE KISS, by Debra Lynn Collins

Who knew jumping out of a window would change her life forever.

It’s the perfect plan. That is, until his twin sister and her best friend, Amber, show up and throw a wrench into his well-laid plans. Will he be able to keep his heart from falling in love again? Especially with a woman who harbors a secret that could change everything?

CINDERELLA'S BOOT, by Darlene Franklin

Cyn soon discovers she wants more—but she has to battle bad history and a demanding pet owner for Keith’s attention.

How can Cinderella find a second chance at love?

NEVER TOO LATE, by Debby Mayne

They used to hang out together as friends before she left for college, and now they see each other in a completely different light. Will they remain friends, or will romance take over?

MISS APPREHENSION, by Trish Perry

What does she want? What is she afraid of? What does she not understand? And who would have thought that Spanx could play such a pivotal role in one woman’s destiny?

BRIDE ON THE RUN, by Martha Rogers

Kelly Morgan looks forward to her marriage to Darrell, but something isn't right and her childhood friend, Tyler, sees it. When a domineering soon to be mother-in-law takes over, changes honeymoon plans and dashes all hopes of Kelly decorating her own home, she falls apart and runs away from the ceremony. Who will be there to pick up the pieces of her shattered life and bring her home?

After one failed engagement, Seth is pretty sure love isn’t in the cards for him until he meets the lovely Anna Logan. Anna has him believing there just might be a second chance at love possible for the both of them if only they are willing to let go of their past mistakes and trust each other.

This set can be purchased via the following button:

I hope you'll take advantage of the current offers on these entertaining sets. We may not be able to get out and get around as much as usual these days, but these stories are the next best thing! Happy reading.

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

Lori Benton and Free Books!

Ian Cameron came to Mountain Laurel to claim an inheritance he never wanted, and he’ll leave a legacy he never intended.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Veronica Heley's cozy crime novel, False Conclusion, is:

dixiegran@...

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 Lori Benton, author of the historical novel, Mountain Laurel (Tyndale House Publishers, September 2020).

Lori Benton was raised in Maryland, with southern Virginia and Appalachian frontier roots generations deep. Her historical novels transport readers to the eighteenth century, where she expertly brings to life the colonial and early federal periods of American history. 

Her books have received the Christy Award and the Inspy Award, and have been honored as finalists for the ECPA Book of the Year. 

Lori is most at home surrounded by mountains, currently those of the Pacific Northwest where, when she isn’t writing, she’s likely to be found in wild places behind a camera.

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

I spent the summer after high school graduation working in the graphic art department of the Smithsonian Natural History Museum (the one with the giant elephant in the rotunda). My bus into the city arrived an hour early, but they let me in and for that hour each day, the entire summer, I had the museum to wander all to myself (and the cleaning crews).

How wonderful! Until recently, I was a D.C. girl, and that was one of my favorite museums, especially after having kids. 

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Mountain Laurel.

Ian Cameron, a Boston cabinetmaker turned frontier trapper, has come to Mountain Laurel hoping to remake himself again—into his planter uncle’s heir. No matter how uneasily the role of slave owner rests upon his shoulders. Then he meets Seona—beautiful, artistic, and enslaved to his kin. Seona has a secret: she’s been drawing for years, ever since that day she picked up a broken slate to sketch a portrait. When Ian catches her at it, he offers her opportunity to let her talent flourish, still secretly, in his cabinetmaking shop. Taking a frightening leap of faith, Seona puts her trust in Ian. A trust that leads to a deeper, more complicated bond.

As fascination with Seona turns to love, Ian can no longer be the man others have wished him to be. Though his own heart might prove just as untrustworthy a guide, he cannot simply walk away from those his kin enslaves. With more lives than his and Seona’s in the balance, the path Ian chooses now will set the course for generations of Camerons to come.

What is it about Ian and Seona that will make your readers care about them?

Ian Cameron is driven by conflicting desires—pleasing his family and obeying his own honed sense of independence, but it’s his innate kindness and compassion that keeps rising to the fore.

Despite the limitations of slavery, Seona’s is an indomitable spirit. Naturally she hungers for freedom, but within those confines she seeks, and finds, self-expression.

How much prep work do you typically do before you start writing a novel?

The honest answer is, as much as is needed. That might mean years of pondering and throwing the occasional note into a file, or months of research, or weeks of intense plotting and character development. Most often it’s all three.

It looks as though you've become quite an expert on 18th Century American history because of the research you've done for your books. I'm going to have to dig deeper into your work!

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

I always enjoy Charles Martin’s novels. He strikes a good balance between fast pacing and deep characterization. I just finished The Water Keeper, which takes a deep dive into the perils of human trafficking and the toll it takes not just on its victims, but those who rescue them.

What are you working on now?

I’m turning in book #2 in the Kindred duology, Shiloh (Mountain Laurel is the first), this summer and will be editing it over the autumn. I’m also thinking about what might be next.

Where else can readers find you online?

Frontier Faith & Fiction (my website)
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
BookBub
Twitter

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



Readers, you can access the first chapter of Mountain Laurel HERE

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

What’s your favorite historical period to read about?

Thanks, Lori, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Lori 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

Veronica Heley and Free Books!

Is a wealthy schoolgirl being shielded from life by her family because she is unwell, or is there some deeper reason for their actions?

Before we chat with today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of my new romantic suspense audiobook, A Special Kind of Double, is:

jarning67@...

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 Veronica Heley, author of the cozy crime novel, False Conclusion (Severn House, 2020).

Veronica Heley celebrated the publication of her 84th book in the spring of 2020, having been in the business for over 40 years. She is currently writing two gentle crime series set in different areas of London and two or three short stories a year for the Methodist Recorder. 

She has also written children’s and resource books, a biography, and some historical fiction, along with many articles and reviews. 

Veronica is involved with her local church and community affairs, likes to break for coffee with friends, and does the garden when she has time.

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

If I have half an hour to spare in the evenings, I watch a re-run of Judge Judy.

She's such a character! 

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of False Conclusion.

Bea Abbot’s plans for the summer holidays are thrown into chaos when Bernice, her fourteen-year old ward, reports that a school friend is in trouble. Evelina Trescott’s uncle has died in a mysterious accident at their country house and her aunt, Mrs Trescott, is keen to hide Evelina away from the police. 

Evelina arrives on Bea’s door step catatonic, heavily drugged on prescribed medication and unable to remember finding her uncle’s body. Is she really a hapless victim being sheltered from harm by her family, or is she a wily criminal? 

The more Bea learns about the Trescott family, the more she realizes something is horribly wrong with Evelina, and soon finds herself drawn into a dark web of greed, abuse and murder.

What is it about Bea that will make your readers care about her?

Bea cares about other people.

How much prep work do you typically do before you start writing a novel?

I always research any medical problems that may occur in the story, and check that I know what I’m doing if I meddle with electricity, or fireworks, or legal problems.

Probably not a bad rule of thumb in real life either!

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

Crow Lake by Mary Lawson, a writer new to me. It raises a problem that intelligent girls have to face . . . if you get the education you crave, what does that do to your relationships in the family?

What are you working on now?

Another Bea Abbot book. This one is to be called False Face, to be delivered early next year.

You're so wonderfully prolific. Where else can readers find you online?

My website is www.veronicaheley.com. I send out a newsletter twice a month and include one of the short stories I write about some retired professionals. These were originally written for the Methodist Recorder.

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



Readers, if you would like to read a sample from the book, go HERE and click on Look Inside.

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

Some readers have asked if I can bring back characters from earlier books in the series. Is this a good idea?

Thanks, Veronica, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Veronica 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