Ane Mulligan and Free Books!

She traded Sugar Hill for Vaudeville. Now she’s back, but will the people of her past keep her from a brilliant future?

Before we revisit with today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free Kindle copy of the historical women’s novel, Second-Hand Sunsets by Gail Kittleson, is:

mauback55@...

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 Ane Mulligan, author of the historical romance novel, On Sugar Hill (Heritage Beacon, June, 2021).

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. 

Ane lives in Sugar Hill, Georgia, with her artist husband and a rascally Rottweiler. 

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

I’m the artistic & managing director for a theatre company.

You're so perfect for that role, Ane. Please tell us a bit more about the plot of On Sugar Hill.

She traded Sugar Hill for Vaudeville. Now she’s back.

The day Cora Fitzgerald turned sixteen, she fled Sugar Hill for the bright lights of New York City, leaving behind her senator-father’s verbal abuse. But just as her career takes off, she’s summoned back home. And everything changes. 

The stock market crashes. The senator is dead. Her mother is delusional, and her mute Aunt Clara pens novels that expose the town’s secrets. 

Then there’s Boone Robertson, who never knew she was alive back in high school, but now manages to be around whenever she needs help. Will the people of her past keep her from a brilliant future?

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

Cora has gained star status as a ventriloquist and voice thrower in vaudeville. Giving that up to come home to help her mother and aunt is a huge sacrifice, yet she does it willingly. She still dreams of returning to vaudeville or even Broadway, but ...

Write one sentence that tells us something about your main character as a child.

Her father’s words of disdain drowned out her mother’s words of encouragement.

Aw, that's terribly sad. 

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

Dust by Eva Marie Everson. The story was so captivating, I did nothing but read until I finished it.

Yes! I featured Eva and her book here in May. Another southern women's novel!

What are you working on now?

The 4th book in the Georgia Magnolias series, Up Level Creek.

She's a swashbuckling dreamer who wields books instead of swords. He's a no-nonsense lawman who longs for justice. Total opposites with one goal in mind.

Your books are great fun.

Where else can readers find you online?

I can be found on AneMulligan.com, Amazon Author page, Facebook, BookBub, Goodreads, Pinterest, Twitter, and The Write Conversation.


The book can be purchased online via the following button:



Readers, you can access a sample from the novel by going HERE and clicking on Look Inside.

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

What attracts you to a book? The cover? Blurb? Recommendation from others?

Thanks, 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, click on the word "comments" below to reach the comments page, and leave your answer and your email in answer to Ane's 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, if you connect with me on Bookbub, you'll get alerts when my books release and when they're available at special sale prices. And if you'd like to connect with me on Facebook, just click HERE or 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

Gail Kittleson and Free Books!

Cursed by her losses and forsaking faith and love, Abigail Ferguson flees southern Missouri for Arizona Territory, where unrewarded labor awaits her, and the massive Mogollon Rim blots out even the sunset.

Before we chat with today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of the dual-timeline suspense novel, Bridge of Gold, by Kimberley Woodhouse, is:

trdivincenzo@...

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 Gail Kittleson, author of the historical women’s novel, Second-Hand Sunsets (WordCrafts Press, January 2021).

Writing has always been Gail’s passion, but it took decades to develop the self-confidence required to become an author. Previously, she earned her M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language and instructed college expository writing.

As a Baby-Boomer reared on a farm, Gail cherishes the old-fashioned values of rural life. Her memoir led to fiction writing and a bona-fide addiction to the World War II era. Her stand-alone novels and Women of the Heartland series honor Greatest Generation members who sacrificed so much for the cause of freedom.

Gail and her husband live in northern Iowa, but retreat to Arizona’s Mogollon Rim Country in winter. They enjoy grandchildren, gardening, and historical exploration. It’s no secret why this late-bloomer calls her website DARE TO BLOOM, and she loves to encourage other writers through facilitating workshops.

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

I love to walk and am presently recovering from hip replacement surgery.

Walking is a great joy to me as well, Gail! It's great exercise, and you can accomplish a lot of thinking or listening to music or to audiobooks while enjoying nature. I'm glad to hear you're recovering from your surgery.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Second-Hand Sunsets.

The Civil War era presents the perfect opportunity to re-invent oneself, and Ray McHale takes full advantage. 

Grieving the loss of her betrothed and her parents, Abigail Ferguson grows bitter and rejects even her pastor’s consolation. Believing she is cursed in her Missouri hometown, she accepts Ray’s offer of a hasty departure for Arizona Territory. She packs just one trunk, and at the last minute adds her father’s copy of Les Miserables and her mother’s Bible.

Two years after Abby and Ray reach their plot under the Mogollon Rim, Martin Tolzmann, a Cavalry sergeant who once met Abby in her father’s general store, receives orders to ferret out a rustler of government cattle.

In an unlikely reunion that brings his buried feelings for Abby to the surface, Martin discovers her living as a virtual slave on Ray’s isolated ranch. Martin’s shyness equals Abby’s belief that her life is over—but can grace still work a miracle?

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

Abby is quite young at the outset, an only child. She is convinced her terrible losses—her betrothed to the war, her parents and aunt to a terrible fire—set her apart from other people as cursed. Unable to borrow others’ faith any longer, she gives up on the spiritual side of life, and on beauty. Once, she loved to sketch, but she leaves her pencils, paper, and other tools behind. I think we’ve all felt a little like this at times, and can identify with the temptation to push away anything that reminds us of the past.

Yes, it's difficult to feel inspired or creative when one is depressed or feeling poorly physically. 

Consider the characters you’ve created. You know how characters can evolve as we write their stories? What was one way a character changed from how you initially imagined him or her, either in this book or some other story you’ve written?

I’ve recently completed a World War II manuscript about a British immigrant to Texas Hill Country. After losing his wife and home, he and his butler buy some American property with an old stone house and a fruit orchard, and take his young son to live there.

Just as they are getting settled, something occurs with the butler that I didn’t foresee, and sets in motion events that greatly alter the main character’s life. Quelle surprise! Since I’m a “pantser,” this type of thing occurs quite often, and I love the way the characters whisper our next steps in my ear.

So do I. Much more fun than following what was planned.

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

I really enjoyed Bookends by Liz Curtis Higgs. I usually don’t choose contemporary stories, and especially not romances, but found this one at my neighbor’s garage sale, to be honest. I would recommend this book because the setting deals with historical facts being investigated, so it’s an historical novel in disguise. Also, the characters come off as real, with redeemable flaws that in essence draw them to each other.

What are you working on now?

I’m between the novel I just described and going back through a cozy mystery one more time to make sure it’s in the best shape possible for publication.

Where else can readers find you online?

www.gailkittleson.com
Facebook
Amazon Author Page
Twitter
@gailkittlesonauthor (Instagram)

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



Readers, you can access a sample from the novel by going HERE and clicking on Look Inside.

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

What draws you to historical novels, and what era/setting do you prefer? Have you ever grown weary of one era and switched? (I realize this = three questions, but I’m really interested in your responses!)

So am I! Thanks, Gail, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Gail has offered to give away a free copy of her book. To enter, click on the word "comments" below to reach the comments page, and leave your answer and your email in answer to Gail's 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, if you connect with me on Bookbub, you'll get alerts when my books release and when they're available at special sale prices. And if you'd like to connect with me on Facebook, just click HERE or 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

Kimberley Woodhouse and Free Books!

Repairs on the Golden Gate Bridge uncover a century-old murder.

Before we revisit with today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free Kindle copy of the romantic women's novella, Avoiding Marriage: A Practically Married Novella, by Karin Beery, 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 chat with novelist Kimberley Woodhouse, author of the dual-timeline suspense novel, Bridge of Gold (Barbour, June 2021).

Kimberley Woodhouse is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author of more than twenty-five books which have earned her many accolades, including Christian Retailing’s Top Pick and Publisher’s Weekly starred reviews. Winner of the Carol Award, the Holt Medallion, and the Reader's Choice Award among others, she loves to teach on writing. 

A lover of history and research, she often gets sucked into the past and then her husband has to lure her out with chocolate. 

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

I love to cook and have quite the collection of cookbooks. For my daughter’s wedding, I put together all of my own recipes to give to my kids. It was quite a daunting project and ended up being four binders!

I can imagine! That was such a labor of love, putting your recipes together for your kids. The last time I had to pack to move, I gave about fifty cookbooks to the library! 

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Bridge of Gold.

Underwater archaeologist Kayla Richardson is called to the Golden Gate Bridge where repairs to one of the towers uncovers two human remains from the late 1800s and the 1930s. The head of the bridge restoration is Steven Michaels, who dives with Kayla, and a friendship develops between them. 

But as the investigation heats up and gold is found that dates back to the gold rush, more complications come into play that threaten them both. Could clues leading to a Gold Rush era mystery that was first discovered during the building of the bridge still ignite an obsession worth killing for?

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

Luke -- the hero in the 1933 timeline -- is a diver working on the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. He has to make some really tough decisions in the story to provide for and protect the woman he loves.

Write one sentence that tells us something about Kayla as a child.

Kayla -- the heroine in the present-day timeline -- was an elite swimmer in her childhood and youth.

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

Pepper Basham’s Hope Between the Pages – it’s such a great story and the setting is amazing. The characters really came alive for me!

What are you working on now?

Currently, I’m reading the final page-proof galleys for A Deep Divide (book one in the Secrets of the Canyon series releasing in October) and I’m writing book two in the same series (releasing from Bethany House October 2022).

Where else can readers find you online?

kimberleywoodhouse.com
Bookbub
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Amazon Author Page
YouTube Channel

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



Readers, you can access a sample from the novel by going HERE and clicking on Look Inside.

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

What is a fascinating historical fact you’ve learned from reading a fiction novel?

Thanks, Kimberley, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Kimberley has offered to give away a free copy of her book. To enter, click on the word "comments" below to reach the comments page, and leave your answer and your email in answer to Kimberley's 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, if you connect with me on Bookbub, you'll get alerts when my books release and when they're available at special sale prices. And if you'd like to connect with me on Facebook, just click HERE or 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

An Unordinary Romance Set!

New release! An Unordinary Romance: 

A trio of fish-out-of-water romances 

in one exciting volume!

All three for the price of one.

 

Here's what the stories are about: 

Autumn's Return, by Joi Copeland 

She longs for forgiveness and redemption. He longs for a new start and reconciliation. 

 

Autumn Johnson left her hometown of Denver, Colorado, and her husband ten years ago and moved to Grand Junction. She resumes her life of partying until tragedy strikes, bringing her to her knees. After giving her life to Jesus, she returns in hopes of reconciling. When she accepts a job at the same radio station as her husband, she finds herself questioning whether the decision to return was a good one. 

Hal Johnson watched his wife drive out of his life a decade ago. When she begins working at KORE FM, he struggles to find where he belongs in her life. When the truth comes out about how she lived her life apart from him, he questions everything. 

 Can they find their way back to each other or will they let their past dictate their future? 

When She Stumbled, by Trish Perry 

Georgie Hobbs awakens on a gorgeous morning in her lovely Washington, DC apartment and stands on the precipice of professional and personal success. She’s the author of an exciting new biography about a hotshot marriage therapist. She has a talented boyfriend in Manhattan, where she may move if their love continues to grow. 

But in a matter of hours, Georgie sees her vision of the future crumble in nearly every respect—her career, her love, her home—gone. 

City girl Georgie escapes to the tiny rural town of Grimsey, Iowa, to lick her wounds and find shelter with her sister’s family. Thanks to an old movie star, a handsome sculptor, and unearthed secrets, shelter is just the beginning of what she finds. 

Finding Love in the Fog of Aphasia, by Diane E. Tatum 

One day on his regular bike ride on the hills of Daelin, GA, Jamey Connor and his bike wound up under a car. Jamey sustained serious injuries including Traumatic Brain Injury with Expressive Aphasia, causing an inability to communicate professionally despite his three engineering degrees. Noelle Etheridge, a certified Speech Language Pathologist, is hired by Jamey’s father and grandfather, owners of Sullivan and Connor Engineering, to aid Jamey in recovery of his communication skills. 

After one week, Jamey’s father decides to put Jamey back on disability and fire Noelle. After her dismissal, Noelle and Jamey fall in love. Amid a toxic environment at work, lawyers, and a new medical complication, how will they find a way to create a future together?


The set can be purchased via the following button:

Karin Beery and Free Books!

She has a chance to redeem her reputation. All she has to do is not blow it. Again.

Before we talk with today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of the women's contemporary novel, At Lighthouse Point, by Suzanne Woods Fisher, is:

sarahmom335@...

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 Karin Beery, author of romantic women’s novella, Avoiding Marriage: A Practically Married Novella (EA Publishing, April 2021).

Karin Beery grew up in a rural Michigan town, where she wrote her first novel in high school. Today, she writes hopeful fiction with a healthy dose of romance, including her award-nominated sophomore novel Practically Married. 

When she’s not writing fiction, she’s reading, editing, or teaching it. In her free time, she enjoys watching University of Michigan football (usually) and action-adventure movies with her husband and fur babies.

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

I’m a mosquito magnet. Release one mosquito into a crowd of 100 people and it will find me.

Ah, a woman after my own heart! I don't experience them so much on the west coast, but wow, did the DC Metropolitan Area mosquitos love me! I guess we're especially sweet, Karin.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Avoiding Marriage.

Two years ago, Jessica Miller made a mess of her already confusing life. Now, she’s back in Boyne Heights, and she’s determined to fix her reputation. She can’t seem to avoid the past that haunts her, but that’s the joy of small-town life—word spreads and people remember. 

Intent on her mission, however, she faces her past head-on, taking a job with her ex-boyfriend while avoiding her grandmother’s attempts to find her a new one.

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

Jess is smart and beautiful, but she’s also made plenty of mistakes and her life isn’t perfect. Readers relate to her struggles and decisions (even the hard ones).

Write one sentence that tells us something about Jess as a child.

Jess adored the men in her life—her handsome grandpa, her rough-around-the-edges daddy, and her doting older brother.

It's nice to read the occasional book with solid male characters! 

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

The Sowing Season by Katie Powner. It’s the story of a 60-something Gerrit forced into retirement and 16-year-old Rae, his neighbor. They form an unlikely friendship as he learns how to deal with his past and she prepares for her future. This is way outside my normal genres (romance and women’s fiction) but the characters are great and there’s a hint of humor throughout—I loved seeing how the characters navigated life and their relationships. It was hard to put down.

What are you working on now?

A follow-up to Avoiding Marriage. I hadn’t planned to write a series, but people want to know what’s going to happen next in Boyne Heights, so I’m going back with a new female character who will find her life entwined with Felix’s (Jess’s brother).

What a compliment, to have readers asking for more! Where else can you be found online?

The best place to find me is my website: karinbeery.com

I’m also on social media at:

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

And some reader sites:

Bookbub
Amazon Author Page
Goodreads

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



Readers, you can access a sample from the novel by going HERE and clicking on Look Inside.

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

What’s your favorite trope (I’m a sucker for a marriage of convenience story)? What’s the last one you read?

Thanks, Karin, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Karin has offered to give away a free copy of her book. To enter, click on the word "comments" below to reach the comments page, and leave your answer and your email in answer to Karin's 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, if you connect with me on Bookbub, you'll get alerts when my books release and when they're available at special sale prices. And if you'd like to connect with me on Facebook, just click HERE or 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