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

A Special Kind of Double and Free Books!

To celebrate the release of the audiobook version of my romantic suspense novella, A Special Kind of Double, I'm giving away a free copy of the audiobook to one of this week's commenters!

But first I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Gayle Roper's romantic suspense novel, Hide and Seek, is:

amybooksy@... 

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, here's a bit of information about the plot of A Special Kind of Double:  

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.

With this release, I'm finally starting to make audiobook versions of all of my books available to readers. I'm an avid audiobook fan, so I'm very excited about this development, and I hope you will be too. 

The audio version is now available for Audible subscribers, or it can be purchased via the button below. 

An audio sample is also available via this button:

In the meantime, I have a question for you: During the lockdown, I find I do less driving than normal, but I still listen to audiobooks daily during my morning walk. I love the experience of enjoying nature while having a fascinating story told to me. So, what are you usually doing when you listen to audiobooks?

If you would like to be included in the drawing for a free audio copy of A Special Kind of Double, leave a comment below with your answer to my above question. "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 and the audiobook will be delivered to you from Amazon via 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

Gayle Roper and Free Books!

When does being found become safer than remaining lost?

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of Ane Mulligan's historical southern women's novel, In High Cotton, is:

rbooth43@...

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 Gayle Roper, author of the romantic suspense novel, Hide and Seek (December 2019).

Gayle Roper has been in love with story for as long as she can remember, whether reading one or writing one.

She has authored more 60 books over a fifty year career in Christian publishing. She has won the Carol Award, the RITA Award, a Romantic Times Book Report Reviewer’s Choice Award, and finaled repeatedly in the Christys. She has won the Holt Medallion three times and twice her titles have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award.

Her nonfiction title, A Widow’s Journey, won the Golden Scroll Award as the best nonfiction of the year. Romantic Times Book Report has given her the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Several writers conferences including Mount Hermon CWC, Florida CWC and Greater Philadelphia CWC have cited Gayle for her contributions to the training of writers. She lives in Southeastern Pennsylvania, where she enjoys her family, her friends, and eating out.

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

I love to eat out (which is a companion to the truth that I don’t enjoy cooking).

I hope you're still managing that, despite the lockdown. Here in California, we're only able to enjoy outdoor dining, so the choices are relatively limited!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Hide and Seek. 

When Ellie runs away to protect her then nine-year-old son, Nick, she never expects to return. When her grandmother is dying, her heart demands she come home, despite the danger.

Gabe, small town police chief and high school football coach, is impressed with Nick’s talent on the gridiron but aware Ellie is keeping secrets. His responsibilities and his growing affection for both Ellie and Nick create massive conflicts.

Joey, Nick’s father, has been looking for Nick ever since Ellie spirited him away. When he finds the boy, his goal is to make Ellie pay.

Ellie’s fear, Nick’s growing independence, Gabe’s questions, and Joey’s vendetta force clashes and confrontations. Each individual must decide whether to continue hiding from past conflicts or seek the freedom and resolution of trusting in God.

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

Ellie has made some foolish choices in her life, but she has determined they will not define her. While they force certain limitations, she works hard at reaching beyond them. She’s gutsy and strong. She loves Nick and does everything in her power to keep him safe. She cares for underdogs like Nick’s friend, Kenny, and Avery, the poor little rich girl next door.

When Ellie becomes a Christian, she learns to trust God to redeem not only her soul but her life situation. As she falls in love with Gabe, she can’t believe something this good has happened to her. She will not let Joey ruin what God has provided.

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

This particular novel was almost ten years in the writing. My problem was a good one to have in that I didn’t know enough about the emotional ramifications of abuse. My first editors, both survivors of abuse, laughed at my lack of understanding. I had to read and listen and learn to be able to realistically portray a situation I have not experienced. But this is what we do as writers. We get in the skin of people so we can tell their stories. Just as it takes longer to understand some real people, it takes longer to understand some characters. The struggle is always worthwhile.

How smart of you to use as your first editors people who are survivors of abuse. Experiencing abuse is a unique circumstance (not unique enough, of course), and one that sometimes comes about so insidiously that one can't fake its damage to a victim's emotional makeup.

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

I just finished listening to Lynn Austn’s If I Were You. (I’m a huge fan of audio books.) Great concept—a friend assumes the life of a British war bride/widow with the American family she’s never met. Then the story goes back to World War II and the experiences of the two women. The depth of historical detail is woven in so naturally you don’t realize the research Lynn must have done. Well written and fascinating. I’d love to know what you think of the ending.

I love audiobooks too! Because I walk every morning, I always have an audiobook going. I'll have to check into If I Were You. It sounds wonderful.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on my eighth Seaside, NJ, book, SeaChange. I’ve been writing this setting since 2000 in novels, a novella, and a short story. In SeaChange Janine has lost her job and been forced to return home to live, and Ross has had his life upended by events beyond his control. Family and its impact on our lives is an important thread as Janine and Ross learn to trust the Lord even when things don’t go well.

My favorite Seaside character, Clooney, appears with his usual gift that somehow saves the day.

Where else can readers find you online?

I’m on Facebook and have a website, www.gayleroper.com. There are a few A Widow’s Journey segments on Youtube.com that some might find interesting or helpful.

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



Readers, you can read a sample from the book HERE (click on Look Inside)

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

What makes you decide to read a specific book if you aren’t familiar with the author?

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