Ane Mulligan and Free Books!

Southern women may look as delicate as flowers, but there’s iron in their veins.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Kathleen Y'Barbo's true crime/historical romantic suspense novel, The Black Midnight, is:

janibabe59@...

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 visit with novelist Ane Mulligan, author of historical southern women’s fiction, In High Cotton (Heritage Beacon, August 2020).

Ane Mulligan has been a voracious reader ever since her mom instilled within her a love of reading at age three, escaping into worlds otherwise unknown.

But when Ane saw Peter Pan on stage, she was struck with a fever from which she never recovered—stage fever. She submerged herself in drama through high school and college. One day, her two loves collided, and a bestselling, award-winning novelist emerged.

She lives in Sugar Hill, GA, with her artist husband and a rascally Rottweiler.

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

I sat in Maggie Thatcher’s seat in the House of Lords in England.

We'll assume you simply sat in her chair--you didn't fill in for her while she was away.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of In High Cotton.

While the rest of the world has been roaring through the 1920s, times are hardscrabble in rural South Georgia. Widow Maggie Parker is barely surviving while raising her young son alone. Then as banks begin to fail, her father-in-law threatens to take her son and sell off her livelihood—the grocery store her husband left her.

Can five Southern women band together, using their wisdom and wiles to stop him and survive the Great Depression?

Since I read Ane's book (and really loved it), I'm going to share my short review of it here: 

A delightful slice of American life during the late 1920s. Set in South Georgia as the Great Depression descends upon the country, this novel focuses on the admirable, strong women of River’s End and their loves, enemies, challenges, and successes. Magnolia Parker and her colorful, close-knit circle of friends embody the best in people, resilient against the prejudices and injustices they suffer. Ane Mulligan writes as if she were one of Maggie’s contemporaries, teaming with charm and grit. A very quick, compelling read.

Ane, what is it about Maggie Parker that will make your readers care about her?

Maggie Parker is a plucky gal who doesn’t take flack from anyone. She’s fiercely loyal, giving, and determined.

What’s the most positive thing you can tell my readers about the state of Christian fiction today?

Christian authors have been on a campaign to write books that equal or surpass that of the secular world. I know I’ve been working hard to grow in the craft with each book I write.

I agree. Honestly, it seems the emergence of indie publishing frees traditionally published inspirational authors to explore genres, styles, and subjects previously avoided by traditional houses. That does level the "playing field" somewhat. 

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

Where the Forest Meets the Stars, by Glendy Vanderlah. This is her debut book and the characters are so fully well-developed, and her writing has a depth of emotion normally seen in seasoned novelists. I couldn’t put it down! Not only that the end was not what I expected, which for a multi-published author doesn’t happen often.

Who doesn't love being surprised by a book's ending? That's great.

What are you working on now?

I just finished first round edits on the second book in my Georgia Magnolias series, On Sugar Hill, and I’m writing the third one, By the Sweet Gum. They are stand-alone novels, but all set in Georgia during the Great Depression.

Where else can readers find you online?

They can find me on my website, my Amazon Author page, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and The Write Conversation.

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



Readers, Ane has posted the first chapter of In High Cotton on her website. Click the following link, then scroll down to Downloads. anemulligan.com/georgia-magnolias-series

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

What is your favorite setting for a book? Small town? Big city? Beach? Mountains? Country?

Thank you, Ane, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Ane 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