Mary's Blessing by Lena Nelson Dooley

Tell us about your book.

This is book two in my McKenna’s Daughters series. The series is about identical triplets who were born on one of the last wagon trains on the Oregon Trail. Their mother dies giving birth, and they’re separated. Near their 18^th birthday, they find out they have sisters. Book one, Maggie’s Journey, is about Margaret Lenora Caine. Book two, Mary’s Blessing, is about Mary Lenora Murray.

Can you give us a sneak peek at your new release?

Mary’s Blessing takes us into the lives of a totally different family from the first book. Mary has lived in a larger family and in circumstances that are vastly different from Margaret. Heartaches and loss have been a major part of her life. You’ll see how this affects all aspects of her life, even her romantic relationship. She has to deal with trust issues and a poor self-image as well as rejection.

What inspired this book?

This series of triplet stories percolated in my heart and mind for several years before they became a reality. There are snippets of things from my own experiences woven through the stories.

How did you know you were called to write?

God used a series of experiences during one week in May of 1984 to tell me to become a professional writer. You can read that testimony on my web page: www.lenanelsondooley.com Click on the About Me tab at the top of the page.

Are you a panster or do you outline?

I call myself a souped-up punster. I believe that those of us who write by the seat-of-our-pants do much of the same things a plotter does, but we do it mostly in our heads. After a few chapters, I do work out a fairly-loose timeline for the rest of the book.

Tell us something silly about you.

I love peanut butter and banana sandwiches.

What was the first book you ever wrote?

Home to Her Heart, which I wrote between May of 1984 and January of 1985, but didn’t sell until 1992.

What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

First of all, I want my readers entertained. But I also want to show how flawed characters can come through adversity and find grace on the other side.

What project are you currently working on?

Book one of my next contracted series Restored Hearts. The working title is The Gift of a Son.

What is your favorite thing to write about, (i.e., forgiveness, rebellion, etc)?

Learning to really trust God and forgiveness, often unmerited

What is your favorite color?

I love purple and teal equally.

Do you have a favorite recipe? If so would you like to share?

There’s a plaque on my kitchen wall that says: My favorite food is whatever my husband cooks or going out to eat. For a time, he cooked, but now I do all that, but he cleans the house for me.

What book are you currently reading?

The Rose of Winslow Street – this weekend, I finished reading Hearts That Survive a Titanic novel. Both of these books are excellent.