Linda Rondeau and Free Books!

The Constitutional Government is about to pass The Fifteenth Article, an act that may enflame a civil war and plunge United Earth into a third dark age.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the copy of 223 Orchard Streetby Renee Ryan, is:

mcnuttjem0@...

Congratulations! I'll email you to find out which format you prefer, and 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 participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's visit with novelist Linda Rondeau, author of the futuristic political thriller, The Fifteenth Article (Elk Lake Publishing, Inc., 2017).

Award-winning author, Linda Wood Rondeau writes to demonstrate our worst past, surrendered to God, becomes our best future. Whether speculative fiction, romance, or suspense, Rondeau’s books tug at the heart as her life-like characters struggle with issues common to the human condition: past, present, or future.

Watch for her upcoming release, Hosea’s Heart. How much does forgiveness require? A minister searches for his drug-addicted runaway wife. When they reunite, she is dying. She wants forgiveness. He seeks purpose. Time is running out. Also published by Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.

A veteran social worker, the author resides in Hagerstown, Maryland.

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

I’m one lucky woman. Since he retired, my spouse of over forty years has decided to become a house husband. I’m royally spoiled.

Excellent! We should all be so blessed.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of The Fifteenth Article.

The world had slumped into a second dark age due to war, famine, and disease. Eventually, a global democracy called The Accord was formed. Too weak to survive humanity’s greed, United Earth formed a faux democracy called The Constitutional Government, comprised of fourteen articles of confederation, intended to unite the cities and the polluted outworlds.

Edwin Rowlands, current governor of Western America Province, is slated to replace the ailing President. His climb to power will give him the votes to pass his proposed Preservation Act, or The Fifteenth Article. This legislation would make defection to the outworlds, once a right under The Accord, an act of treason, both past and present, punishable by death without trial.

Factions arise in opposition to the proposed legislation and civil war is threatened. Ahmed Fared, Edwin Rowlands’ second, prays to a power higher than he for wisdom to prevent a war that will plunge United Earth into a third dark age.

Fascinating premise, Linda.

What is it about Ahmed that will make your readers care about him?

Ahmed Fared is prince among two worlds. Respected by all the political parties within United Earth’s Constitutional Government, Ahmed is also revered as Ambassador the Western America outworld, led by his adoptive brother Jacob Goodayle.

However, his divided loyalties bring him into conflict with his superior, a deluded dictator who sees himself as mankind’s savior. However, Ahmed knows him to be humanity’s greatest threat.

What does honor require him to do? Caught between loyalties, Ahmed is brought to his knees, and asks for wisdom from a power greater than he.

What initially planned facet of a story or character developed or changed while you wrote?

As this story developed, I saw historic parallels between the American struggle for independence from a tyrannical king and the Western America Province’s struggle to break away from United Earth and form their own government. Jacob Goodayle became a Thomas Jefferson … a philosopher thrust into leadership by the times in which he lived.

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

Carol McCain’s Waters of Separation. This book expertly demonstrates the conflict most Christians face in their desire to serve and a past that weighs down their passion.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on an Adirondack Suspense series for clean general fiction. The first book, Collins Bend Legacy, is completed. A widow is hired by a former lover, a college history professor, to help him research for his book on Adirondack Railroad Development. While researching Railroad tycoon Edwin Wordsworth, they stumble upon clues to unravel the 150-year old mystery of his death and his wife’s disappearance.

Where else can readers find you online?

Readers may visit my website at www.lindarondeau.com. Contact me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google Plus and Goodreads.

The book is available for online purchase via the following button:



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

What do you think makes a story interesting? When do you put a book down, and when are you so intrigued you can’t put it down?

Thank you, Linda, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Linda has offered to give away an e-copy of her novel. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to Linda's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that 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.

Many commenters are left out of the drawing because they forget to include a way for me to notify them of their win (their email).

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.

Remember, if you'd like information on additional new releases, check out Christian Book Heaven, a new email newsletter for Christian book deals in whatever genres you select. You can subscribe here: ChristianBookHeaven

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, as well as my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE

Renee Ryan and Free Books!

A heartening novel of the immigrant experience—and of redemption, self-sacrifice, and the power of hope when all else seems lost.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Their Amish Reunion by Lenora Worth, is:

jdmfirefly@...

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 participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's visit with novelist Renee Ryan, author of the women's fiction/romance, 223 Orchard Street (Amazon’s Waterfall Press, April 2018).

Renee grew up in a Florida beach town where she learned how to surf and skateboard very poorly. As a teenager, she gave up on both pursuits and began entertaining herself by reading all the classics while she worked on her tan.

After graduating college with a degree in Economics and Religion she explored various career opportunities at a Florida theme park and a modeling agency. She moved on to teach high school Economics, American Government, and Latin while coaching award-winning cheerleading teams. Renee now writes for Amazon's Waterfall Press.

Quite a varied background, Renee! Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.

I had dinner with Oprah. Yes, that Oprah! We discussed her movie Beloved along with the director Jonathon Demme and five other guests. A once in a lifetime experience, to be sure. I have pictures. ☺

I'd love to hear how that came about. Maybe you could encapsulate it in the comments later!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of 223 Orchard Street.

Irish immigrant Katie O’Connor and her younger sister, Shannon, risk everything to journey to America at the turn of the twentieth century. As each woman passes into an intimidating, stirring, and unpredictable New York City, she is forced to rethink her dream of a better life.

It isn’t until Katie begins serving the sick in the depressed slums of the Bowery alongside Dr. Titus Brentwood that she discovers her true calling. Meanwhile, fate directs the vulnerable Shannon down an unsettling path that could put her life at risk.

As Katie’s and Ty’s selflessness and devotion turn into something deeper, Ty must make a choice that could save one O’Connor sister at the expense of losing the other. But Katie hasn’t come this far to let go now. She’ll do anything to save Shannon and hold on to the man she’s come to love.

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

Katie is a woman determined to better her lot in life and those of her loved ones. She understands hard work, knows the battle she faces to pull herself out of poverty. Her optimism wavers, she has disagreements with her family, but she remains constant. No sacrifice is too great. I think every woman can relate to that kind of devotion to the people we love.

What initially planned facet of a story or character developed or changed while you wrote?

Originally, this book was supposed to be a light-hearted historical romance. However, as I began digging deeper into the immigration experience during the turn of the twentieth century I couldn’t gloss over the hardships these brave people endured. The story turned a bit more serious.

And then Katie’s younger sister Shannon showed up on the page and I knew I wanted to explore the dynamic between these two. Add in a cousin and an ailing aunt and soon the women took over the story. The hero had his own story to tell.

I love where this book took me, both in my storytelling and my understanding of the immigrant experience.

Yes, it's wonderful when a story surprises even the author. I've had times when I finished a novel and then couldn't believe what I had planned in my early notes. I use an outline, typically, but that doesn't mean characters and situations won't take you somewhere else!

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

The Lake House by Kate Morton. Kate’s writing is beautiful, both lyrical and yet very readable. I found myself both immersed in the story and mesmerized by the language. I highly recommend any of Kate’s books. I’m such a fangirl. I would love to meet her someday.

I haven't read any of her books. Her plots sound intriguing. Thanks for the recommendation!

What are you working on now?

I’m working on another Women’s Fiction set in WWII during the Nazi occupation in the Champagne region. I’m exploring how far a woman will go to safeguard her family. 223 Orchard Street had a similar theme, but the stakes are much higher during times of war. When survival is on the table, the line between right and wrong becomes blurred. I’m feeling quite challenged.

Where else can readers find you online?

Check out www.ReneeRyan.com or go to my Facebook page, Renee Ryan. My Twitter handle is @ReneeRyanBooks

The novel can also be purchased on Amazon via the following button:



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

I told you about my brush with fame, now it’s your turn. Have you met anyone famous?

Thank you, Renee, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Renee has offered to give away a copy of her novel (the format will be reader's choice). To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to Renee's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that 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.

Many commenters are left out of the drawing because they forget to include a way for me to notify them of their win (their email).

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.

Remember, if you'd like information on additional new releases, check out Christian Book Heaven, a new email newsletter for Christian book deals in whatever genres you select. You can subscribe here: ChristianBookHeaven

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, as well as my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE

Lenora Worth and Free Books!

He was born a warrior in a pacifist community.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the e-copy of False Pride by Veronica Heley, is:

von1janet@...

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 participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's meet novelist Lenora Worth, author of the contemporary Amish novel, Their Amish Reunion (Love Inspired, April 2018).

Lenora Worth has published close to eighty books for Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense, HarperCollins, Tule Publishing and Gilead Publishing and is a three-time Carol Award nominee. She is a New York Times, USA Today, and PW bestselling author who lives in Florida with her retired husband.

She enjoys long walks on the beach, reading and shoe shopping.

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

I grew up on a farm. I can drive a tractor and I can pull corn and pick peanuts. Or at least, I used to be able to do those things.

Oh, I'll bet that all comes back as easily as remembering how to ride a bike. I would imagine your upbringing influences your stories from time to time.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Their Amish Reunion.

Love blooms in the Amish Seasons series. Widowed mother Ava Jane Graber can’t believe her eyes. Her first love is back in Lancaster County.

Years ago, Jeremiah Weaver did the unthinkable: left the Amish—and her—for the Navy SEALs. Now the prodigal hero wants redemption from his community, his family and from the woman he never forgot. He was once a warrior, but now becoming Ava’s husband and giving his heart back to God are his ultimate missions.

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

Ava Jane is a strong Amish woman who follows the tenets of her faith. Jeremiah is a strong man who felt the need to do his duty and avenge a friend’s death at war. He needs forgiveness and the peace of becoming Amish again. But she is afraid she can’t forgive him for not only leaving her, but for fighting battles.

This story is about ultimate sacrifice and ultimate forgiveness.

What initially planned facet of a story of character developed or changed while you wrote?

I pretty much saw this story in my head but I wanted to convey the truth of forgiveness. I had to break Jeremiah down before he could find true forgiveness, which meant he had to forgive himself. I realized that and it strengthened the ending, I think.

What an excellent point about forgiveness. I know many people who believe God forgives them, but they struggle to forgive themselves.

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

Right now I’m reading Katie Ganshert’s The Art of Losing Yourself. I’d recommend it because readers will identify with the two sisters in the book. It’s a wonderful story.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on my next Amish book for Love Inspired and a short romance for Tule Publishing.

Where else can readers find you online?

www.lenoraworth.com, @LenoraWorth on Twitter, and @lenoraworthbooks (Facebook)

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



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

I’d like to know what really draws them into a book and if they could write a book, what would it be like?

Thank you, Lenora, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Lenora has offered to give away a signed copy of her novel. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to Lenora's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that 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.

Many commenters are left out of the drawing because they forget to include a way for me to notify them of their win (their email).

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.

Remember, if you'd like information on additional new releases, check out Christian Book Heaven, a new email newsletter for Christian book deals in whatever genres you select. You can subscribe here: ChristianBookHeaven

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, as well as my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE

Veronica Heley and Free Books!

Bea is drawn into the hunt for a collection of family jewels which has gone missing along with an international art expert . . . and it’s not only his housekeeper who’s looking for him.

Before we focus on today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of  Breaking News by Susan Page Davis, is:

momrain@...

Congratulations! I'll email you for your snail mail address and, assuming you live in the U.S., 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 participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's revisit novelist Veronica Heley, author of the English cozy mystery, False Pride (Severn House, December 2017).

Veronica Heley celebrated the publication of this, her 80th book in December 2017, having been published traditionally for forty-one years. She is currently writing two gentle crime series set in different areas of London, and 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.

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

Share with us one thing the reader might not know about you.

I play Patience with real cards to unwind.

I had to look up that game, Veronica! Here in the States we call that Solitaire. I haven't played it in ages, but I used to be addicted, also with real cards. I play Sudoku to unwind now, and it's actually more fun to play that game electronically. 

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

Bea Abbot is asked to help one of her clients to locate her employer, Lucas Rycroft, an international art expert who has disappeared along with the family jewels. She soon discovers that other members of the Rycroft family will go to any lengths to get their hands on the jewels, and on Lucas.

Caught up in the chaos is Bea’s ex-husband Piers, who finds a body in his hall . . . and that’s not the only corpse that comes to light over a tense weekend.

Booklist has given False Pride an excellent review, concluding: "there are enough bizarre twists and sparkly characters to make for an endearing, entertaining read."

Publishers Weekly says: "Those fond of darker English cozies will find much to savor."

Why should the reader care about Bea?

Bea cares about people and always tries to see the best in them, while acknowledging that bad things do happen even to the nicest people. She is willing to provide food and a bed for people who are genuinely in trouble, but threats stiffen her resolve to do the right thing.

What initially planned facet of a story of character developed or changed while you wrote?

Bea’s ex-husband Piers has been wandering in and out her life for some years, and at first I couldn’t understand the reason for his being so persistent but gradually I came to understand the reason why their early marriage broke down . . . and what he wants to do about it now.

That a fun tease.

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

The last book I read which is worth talking about is, Princes at War by Deborah Cadbury. It is more of a biography than a novel but an easy read, being the story of the four sons of George V before and during the Second World War. It is well researched, factual and convincing about the extraordinary lives of the man who gave up his kingdom for the love of the American Wallis Simpson, of the brother who feared he wasn’t up to the job of succeeding him, and of their playboy younger siblings, who both proved their worth in a crisis. There was a lot here that I didn’t know. I could even have done with another chapter or two to tell what happened to the brothers after the war was over.

The show called The Crown has generated a lot of interest here with regard to Elizabeth's reign. I'm a big fan. Princes sounds like a good read about the era before Elizabeth.

What are you working on now?

I’m now working on another Bea Abbot story, which will be published at the end of the year. This is called False Account and will also be about money and family relationships, but although there is at least one death, I am writing a good deal about loyalties in a family and how an elderly woman can be bullied into handing over her money – or can she?

Before that, I have another Ellie Quicke book to come out at the end of June this year, called Murder by Suggestion. A group of women joke about how to kill their spouses, only to find the jokes have been taken seriously, and they themselves thrown out onto the street . . . or rather, how they end up in Ellie’s house with all their belongings.

Where else can readers find you online?

My website is www.veronicaheley.com. There is also a blog. And, if you would like to receive my monthly newsletter containing news and views, then you can have it sent to you, free, through the contact on the home page.

The book can also be purchased online via the following Amazon button:



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

Every year I personally get a little older, but Ellie and Bea remain the age at which I first wrote about them. I am now writing the nineteenth Ellie Quicke mystery, and the thirteenth Bea Abbot, and they have not aged at all. Does this matter, do you think?

Thank you, Veronica, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Veronica has offered to give away a e-copy of her novel. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to Veronica's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that 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.

Many commenters are left out of the drawing because they forget to include a way for me to notify them of their win (their email).

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.

Remember, if you'd like information on additional new releases, check out Christian Book Heaven, a new email newsletter for Christian book deals in whatever genres you select. You can subscribe here: ChristianBookHeaven

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, as well as my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE