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