Bees in the Butterfly Garden, by Maureen Lang - FREE BOOK

Tell us about your book.

This is the historical tale of Meg Davenport, who never knew her father was a thief. He thought he’d done the right thing to protect her from the truth about himself, but when he dies and she meets his protégé and fellow thief, Ian Maguire, she reveals just how much she’s resented her father for shutting her out of his life. Once she learns the truth about him, she’s determined to prove him—and Ian—wrong. She could have been every bit the thief her father was, and she’s ready to show Ian that very thing. Only it may be the ruin of them both.

I’m especially excited about Bees in the Butterfly Garden, mainly because this book was the most fun I’ve ever had with a project. This book is lighthearted, romantic, and purely escapist—but with an Inspirational thread about forgiveness that gives it special meaning. It’s the kind of book I’ve always wanted to write!

How did you know you were called to write?

I’m not sure how old I was when I finally figured out that writing would always be part of my life. I know I was about ten when I wrote my first novel, in a covered notebook which I then passed around to neighborhood kids. I think if they hadn’t been so encouraging I’d have kept my writing to myself, but because they were interested, I was able to develop the persistence and thick skin it takes to pursue a writing career.

Are you a panster or do you outline?

I’m definitely a panster. Although I had a pretty good idea of what Bees in the Butterfly Garden would look like—I had the ending pretty well defined in my mind—I always leave plenty of flexibility to be surprised in every writing journey. I think that helps me to enjoy my stories as the first reader.

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

That God loves us in spite of our mistakes, and that the forgiveness He offers is far greater than some of us realize.

If you could travel back in time when and where would you go?

Every time I think about actually going back in time (that’s one of my hopes of Heaven, to be able to experience something like this) I end up realizing I probably love the idea of going back in time more than I’d enjoy the reality of it. I mean, really? Bathing once a week, if I’m lucky? Rustic toilets? No car to take me to a full service grocery store? No skin products to help me look my best? (How vain is that?) And dresses that were brushed free of dirt and grime, rather than properly laundered? No painless dentistry? No air-conditioning? I’m not sure my nose could withstand the smells of history.

What project are you currently working on?

I’m working on another Gilded Age romance, which is proving to be as much fun as Bees in the Butterfly Garden. This one is set in Denver, 1887 – and begins with another thief. This thief has an intentionally short-lived career, resulting in far difference consequences than those in Bees in the Butterfly Garden. My poor hero, a one-time stagecoach robber, was too impatient to raise enough capital to start a proper business so he did it the quickest way possible: by stealing. Fast forward a dozen years or so, and he’s now an isolated, stodgy and stingy banker who protected his secret the only way he knew how: by removing himself from polite society. So when he falls in love with one of the most upright and honest women in Denver, it’s quite a struggle to reveal his secret. Not that my heroine doesn’t have a few secrets of her own…

What has been your most challenging experience writing a book?

The beginning. Every time I start a new project, I cannot tell you how insecure I feel. I think this is where being a pantster hurts. On the one hand I love all of the surprises along the way, the gradual uncovering of the characters and their stories. But on the other it’s terrifying to know I have to produce a book in a prescribed amount of time when I have no idea how it will go. Until I know the characters and a bit about the motivations behind their goals (usually around page 100) I’m absolutely convinced I have no right to call myself a writer.

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

Redemption!

What is a fond childhood memory?

My Dad telling a neighbor I was the “creative one.” Being one of six kids, it was memorable for me to hear him point out a trait that singled me out from the rest of the pack. I think I’ve been trying to live up to that assessment ever since.

What book are you currently reading?

I love to read! It’s why I write, because I write what I want to be reading. I also belong to a book club, which keeps me reading pretty consistently. Reading, to me, is the best teacher on writing. I recently finished What Alice Forgot by an Australian author, Liane Moriarty, and Fall of Giants by Ken Follet. Right now I’m reading a non-fiction book, In The Land of Blue Burqas by Kate McCord and will start Olivia Newport’s The Pursuit of Lucy Banning next.

Maureen has offered one free book to a lucky winner. At least 10 people need to leave comments WITH email addresses for there to be a contest OR you can email me at srstormo@yahoo.com and put "Contest-Bee" in the subject line. Winner announced July 8th.

Love Notes, by Sherrie Hansen - FREE BOOK

Tell us about your book. LOVE NOTES is my fifth book to be published by Second Wind Publishing, and my debut Christian inspirational romance. It’s set at Rainbow Lake Lodge near Embarrass, Minnesota, in my home state. Tommy Love is a fading pop singer / songwriter who wants to write one more big hit (hip hop, to attract the new generation), and Hope is a widow of two years who is trying to reopen the family resort where her husband was raised.

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

Hope Anderson’s heart is finally starting to thaw.
Even Tommy Love’s is melting around the edges.

For Hope, recreating the past - reopening Rainbow Lake Lodge and seeing it bubbling with families, children, and laughter again – means new life. It’s the only way she can honor her late husband's legacy.

For Tommy Lubinski of Tommy Love and the Love Notes fame, Rainbow Lake means coming home - peace, quiet, seclusion - and a second chance at stardom. Once he’s bulldozed the lodge and built his dream house overlooking the lake, everything will be perfect.

Hope is sinking fast, but she’ll be fine if she can just keep her head above water until spring. Tommy’s troubles run a little deeper, but there’s no need to worry for now… Rainbow Lake is frozen solid. Or is it?

What inspired this book? We spend a few days each summer at My husband’s aunt and uncle’s cabin on Bear Island lake, near Ely, Minnesota. Stories told, memories shared, sights seen… boating adventures on the lake, a rainbow arched over the water – it all came together in LOVE NOTES.

What was the first book you ever wrote? I wrote and (crudely – an artist I am not) illustrated a book about a little boy who liked to play with boxes, He used his imagination to make up all kinds of wonderful, imaginary things with boxes – like a spaceship. My mother saved it. One day I may scan it into the computer. It’s really kind of cute.

What is your favorite character trait to write about? Almost all of my characters seem to have the stubborn gene. I can’t imagine why that particular trait seems to be a recurring theme!

What do you hope readers will take away from this book? I hope each reader will have their faith in miracles renewed. I’m a firm believer in second chances, and know from personal experience that God can take the most adverse scenario and make something beautiful out of it – in His time.

What is your favorite season? I love everything about springtime - the season of new life and new beginnings (except for tornadoes). Autumn is a close second. Indian summer days and cool, crisp nights are hard to beat.

If you could travel back in time when and where would you go? I would go back in time to Deep Valley, MN in the early 1900’s and be part of Betsy Ray’s “crowd”. I loved the Betsy Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace as a child – still do. Maud’s books influenced me greatly – I feel quite sure Betsy is the reason I became a writer. The Betsy Tacy books would also explain why I ended up living in a Victorian house. To experience Betsy, Tacy, Tib, Carney, Tony, Joe and the rest of the crowd first hand would be total déjà vu - a dream come true.

What project are you currently working on? I’m working on a book that I started a couple of years ago after a trip to Scotland called Wild Rose. The main character is the pastor or St. Conan’s Kirke on Loch Awe. I’m just loving the interactions between the church ladies and Rose, who is, well, a bit wild. I’ve also started a sequel to my first book, Night and Day, called Daybreak in Denmark. I’ve also got a great idea for a book set in the Florida Everglades and at a famous hotel on St. Pete’s Beach called the Pink Lady. It will involve gangsters, an heiress, and a 75 year old mystery.     

What has been your most challenging experience writing a book? My biggest challenge is finding the time to write. I own and operate a B&B and tea house, am a pastor’s wife, a sometimes musician, and maintain 4 houses in 2 towns, an hour and a half apart.

What is your favorite thing to write about, (i.e., forgiveness, rebellion, etc)? I love writing about second chances at romance. All things work together for good – God makes all things beautiful in His time – these are the recurring themes of my books. My characters are typically a bit older than some and come with their own set of baggage. I love seeing how God brings about redemption in their broken lives, and sunshine – maybe even a rainbow - after the storm.

What is your favorite color? My favorite color is blue, the color of my B&B, the Blue Belle Inn. My website is BlueBelleBooks.com. I have a blue PT Cruiser with the license plate BLUBELLE. Sometimes I feel like a blue belle. I love bluebells. My favorite shade is periwinkle blue.     

Where is your favorite place to vacation? I love vacationing in Europe and Canada. As a business owner, it’s good to get out of the country periodically – so far away that my staff can’t find me. In the past few years, I’ve been to Scotland, Wales, England, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Prince Edward Island, and British Columbia.

What book are you currently reading? I just finished an Advanced Reader Edition of Debbie Macomber’s The Inn at Rose Harbor. I enjoyed the characters and of course, reading a book set at a B&B with an innkeeper as the main character. I think Debbie’s new series will be very popular with her fans. 

What are your hobbies (besides writing)? I love to needlepoint, quilt, spend time with my nieces, and play the piano with our praise team.

Thanks for the opportunity to be a guest on your blog!

Sherrie Hansen Decker

Bio:

Sherrie Hansen Decker lives in a 116 year old Victorian house in northern Iowa who, just like her, got a second chance when she rescued it from the bulldozers grips and turned it into a bed and breakfast and tea house, the Blue Belle Inn. Sherrie has enjoyed learning about hope and love, and the difference a little faith makes while telling the story of Hope Anderson and Tommy Love in “Love Notes”.  “Love Notes” was released on June 4^th, and is Sherrie’s fifth book to be published by Second Wind Publishing (her debut Christian Inspirational novel). Sherrie attended Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL and University of Maryland, European Division, in Augsburg, Germany. Her husband, Rev. Mark Decker, is a pastor and Sherrie’s real life hero. She enjoys playing the piano with their worship team, needlepointing, renovating and decorating historic houses, traveling, and going on weekly adventures with her nieces and nephews.   



Links:

http://www.facebook.com/SherrieHansenDecker

http://sherriehansen.wordpress.com/

www.BlueBelleInn.com / www.BlueBelleBooks.com

https://twitter.com/#!/SherrieHansen

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2870454.Sherrie_Hansen

Endorsement by Author Lyn Cote:

"I would subtitle Sherrie Hansen Decker's inspirational romance, *Love Notes*, 'When Dreams Collide.' The hero, a famous pop singer-songwriter, and the heroine, an owner of a failing MN resort are both burdened with the "dead" past. But neither see it that way--until forced to. A cast of interesting and very alive characters and plenty of intriguing plot twists make for a satisfying read." Lyn Cote, author of the Women of Ivy Manor series.

 Sherrie has offered one free book. At least 10 people need to leave messages with email addresses or you can email me at srstormo@yahoo.com and put "contest-love notes" in the subject line. Winner announced July 1st.

End of the Trail, by Vickie McDonough - FREE BOOK

Tell us about your book.

End of the Trail is the sixth book in the Texas Trails series. This series was written by three authors, Susan Page Davis, Darlene Franklin, and me. We each wrote two books, and they are written as stand-alones, so you can read any one of them without having the read the others. But we hope you will want to read them all. The series about the Morgan family covers several generations, spans fifty years, and incorporates actually historical events. If you’d like to learn more about this series, visit the beautiful website that Moody Publishers created for it: www.texastrailsfiction.com

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

 I’d be happy to.

Brooks Morgan is quick on the draw, but his weapon of choice is his smile. He’s smart and witty and has charmed his way through much of life, but now that he’s growing older—and a bit wiser, he wants to stop drifting and settle down. He sees his chance when he wins Raven Creek Ranch in a poker game, but when he goes to claim his prize, a pretty woman with a shotgun says the ranch belongs to her. Brooks isn’t leaving his one and only chance to make something of his life—but neither is she. Can they reach an agreement? Or will a greedy neighbor force a showdown, causing them both to lose they want most in life?

What inspired this book?

 I’ve wanted to write about a cocky cowboy for a while now, and Brooks Morgan seemed to fit that part. He’s a fun character—always smiling and making jokes, but he hides his pain behind that smile. He’s estranged from his family and has drifted for over a decade and now is to ashamed to return home. Keri, the heroine, is quickly fed up with his teasing manner and constant smiling. She’s all about work and keeping the ranch going. Brooks wants to have some fun and do only a little work. It makes for some great conflict and fun scenes between these two very different people.

Are you a panster or do you outline?

I think you’d call me a pant-line – or maybe an outster. You’re probably scratching your head, wondering want I’m talking about. What I mean is that I’m somewhere in between a panster and an outliner. I’m normally an organized person, and I love using Excel charts to keep track of my story, but if I plot out the whole book I tend to lose interest. There has to be some unknown factor to keep me interested.

How long have you been writing?

 Eleven and ½ years.

Tell us something silly about you.

One summer evening when I was around 12 or 13, my dad and I were watching TV in our living room. The front door was open, and my sister and a flock of her friends were on the front porch talking about the full moon and checking each other’s teeth to see who had vampire fangs. Dad and I decided to play a trick on them. We went out into the garage, and Dad wrapped a camouflage tarp around his shoulders and put on an old hag mask leftover from Halloween, and then he grabbed his fire extinguisher. We snuck out the back door and around the side of the house to the front then tiptoed up near the group of kids on the porch. We growled out a loud yell, and at the same time, my dad sprayed out this huge white cloud of stuff from the fire extinguisher, and it made a noise like a tornado. The kids all screamed. Some jumped off the porch and took off running. Others jumped up and down, screaming, but one boy stood at the front door, clawing the screen and yowling like a cat. My sister, used to my dad’s jokes, barely jumped. This probably sounds morbid to you, but I laughed so hard. And I don’t remember those kids ever talking about vampires again.

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

First off, I want to entertain my readers. But I also hope to encourage them in whatever area they are struggling and to let them know that no problem is too hard for God to handle if we only turn to Him.

What project are you currently working on?

I’ve been working on some proposals for new books and doing interviews to advertise my new release.

What has been your most challenging experience writing a book?

The actual writing part. Writing is hard work. It takes a long time to complete a book, and you need discipline to keep at it and to pace yourself to finish by the deadline. I love all aspects of writing, but the actual writing of the book is the hardest part for me, with the exception of marketing. Before I got into writing, I didn’t know about all the marketing a writer is expected to do, and as an introvert, getting out and promoting myself and my books is difficult.

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

I like to show readers that God has far bigger dreams for them than they can ever dream for themselves.

 What is your favorite color? teal

What book are you currently reading?  The Marshal’s Promise by Rhonda Gibson. It’s been great so far. I even got teary-eyed last night at one part.

What are your hobbies (besides writing)?

Reading is top on the list. I used to love doing counted cross-stitch, but as I’ve grown older, I find it hard to see well enough to do a good job. I garden some and love to watch movies and travel. I also like moseying around craft fairs and antique stores. I collect quilted wall hangings and am always excited to find one I like at a fair price.

Connect with Vicky here: www.vickiemcdonough.com

Vickie has offered one free copy to a lucky winner. At least 10 people need to leave comments for there to be a contest WITH email addresses OR you can email me at srstormo@yahoo.com and put "Contest-Trail" in the subject line. Winner announced 6-24-12.

Kicking Eternity, by Ann Lee Miller - FREE eBooks

Tell us about your book.

Kicking Eternity is all about chasing dreams—our dreams, God’s dreams, and the mixed-up tangle of both.

Stuck in sleepy New Smyrna Beach one last summer, Raine socks away her camp pay checks, worries about her druggy brother, and ignores trouble: Cal Koomer. She’s a plane ticket away from teaching orphans in Africa, and not even Cal’s surfer six-pack and the chinks she spies in his rebel armor will derail her.

The artist in Cal begs to paint Raine’s ivory skin, high cheek bones, and internal sparklers behind her eyes, but falling for her would caterwaul him into his parents’ live. No thanks. The girl was self-righteous waiting to happen. Mom served sanctimony like vegetables, three servings a day, and he had a gut full.

Rec Director Drew taunts her with “Rainey” and calls her an enabler. He is so infernally there like a horsefly—till he buzzes back to his ex.

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

Cal looked up from the easel and caught her staring.

Her gaze darted toward the window, her cheeks burning. When she looked back at Cal, she saw a small smile playing at the edges of his mouth and eyes. It reminded her of one she’d seen and dismissed earlier.

            “Why are you quizzing me on prayer?”

            “You think I have an ulterior motive?”

            “You tell me.”

            He sat on the table top behind him. “You were sitting there like you were afraid of your own skin. I wanted to paint your fire. Pretty much a no-brainer to get you going on a topic that lights your passion.” He shrugged and grinned at her.

            Raine turned her face toward the bulletin board covered with crosses her elementary students had colored. Stupidity for having fallen for Cal’s manipulation warred against something entirely different. Cal saw something she didn’t see in herself—passion.

            A board creaked nearby, and Cal squatted down in front of her. His hand cupped her face. “You moved.” He brought her head back into position. His palm stayed on her cheek a heartbeat too long, his fingers trailing down to her chin almost in a caress before he broke the contact.

            She met his steady gaze. “What button are you trying to push now?”

            Cal stood. “The one that turns your cheeks pink like they were a few minutes ago.”

            Cal wasn’t the only one who could manipulate. “Let’s talk about obeying God.”

            “Talk about whatever you want. I’m going to work on your shirt now.”

What inspired this book?

My daughter has had a passion to become a foreign missionary since she was in first grade. She just completed her junior year of college and is still headed for missions, probably to an orphanage in Peru. Also a close family friend fell in love with a young man and felt strongly that God told her to marry him. When the guy broke off the engagement, she was devastated on multiple levels. In Kicking Eternity the hero has to come to terms with the same dilemma.

Are you a panster or do you outline?

I detest plotting, but consider it a necessary evil. I plot every scene for the whole book before I actually write the book. It takes… forever. My first two books were written without plotting. Going back through whole books to fix plot lines felt counterproductive. I tried Randy Ingermanson’s Snowflake method of plotting for my third book and Karen Wiesner’s First Draft In 30 Days for my most recent book. I also use Jack Bickham’s Scene and Structure as I build scenes. To me, it feels so much easier to make changes to the book’s skeleton than to rewrite large portions.

How long have you been writing?

I always say I became a writer the year I discovered Sister Sheila had hair. I was in fifth grade at St. Hugh’s Catholic School in Miami, knee deep in nouns and verbs, when Sister Sheila walked through the door in a new habit that showed two inches of mouse brown hair threaded with silver. Thanks to Sister’s encouragement, I went on to earn a BA in creative writing from Ashland (OH) University. I’ve been writing novels for the past fifteen years.

Tell us something about you that would surprise your readers.

My father spent several years building a forty-foot sailboat in our backyard. We launched it in the Miami River and lived aboard at Dinner Key Marina when I was eleven until I turned thirteen. At the time I didn’t realize how unusual it was to live on a boat and ride my bicycle down the dock each morning to attend school. All my friends at the marina did the same. After school every day, I tossed my books onto my bunk, shimmied into a swim suit, and jumped overboard. Sailboats show up in all my books thus far.

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

I especially want to reach people with unhappy, dysfunctional families like the family I grew up in. I want to give them hope that God will provide love and healing for them.

Tell us about the journey to getting published.

I wrote my first novel fifteen years ago and have been writing full-time for ten years while trying to break in to traditional publishing. Last summer my agent let all her unpublished authors, including me, go. In the midst of my despair, God nudged me to indie e-publish. So, I swallowed a hairball of pride and walked down the self-publishing road. I feel a surge of joy and gratitude that my books are finally being read. The part of me that clamors for validation still hopes for a traditional publishing contract. But how can I go wrong obeying God?

What project are you currently working on?

In addition to Kicking Eternity, The Art of My Life debuts in September, Avra’s God in December, and Tattered Innocence next March.

What is your Writing schedule like? Do you write only when inspired?

Since I started my writing career in my forties, I feel fairly obsessed to accomplish what God created me to do. Think about how the hero in Sweet Home Alabama jammed lightning rods into the sand to make his beautiful glass. He did his work before the lightning struck. I jam a lot of words onto the page before lightning strikes and makes it beautiful.

What is a fond childhood memory?

As a kid, I adored stories about girls who went to boarding school and imagined their lives as oh-so-much-better than my own. Our Lady of the Hills Camp in Hendersonville, North Carolina, the closest I got to attending boarding school, turned out to be the “happy” in my childhood, spawned a lifelong affection for camp, and inspired the setting for Kicking Eternity.

What book are you currently reading?

I’m reading Ann Brashares’ (The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) The Last Summer, one of her adult novels. I enjoy reading her because I think we have similar writing styles and grasp on the early twenties.

What are your hobbies (besides writing)?

Wedged in between my writing I manage to hike in the mountains with my husband, do Zumba, and go garage saling every Saturday morning with a friend. This year I mentored three teens from my youth group. I’ve guest lectured on plotting in Phoenix colleges for the past few years. Every summer you’ll find me at teen church camp.

AnnLeeMiller.com

Twitter @AnnLeeMiller

Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ann-Lee-Miller/356653761022022

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kicking-Eternity-ebook/dp/B0082GF8CE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1337363292&sr=8-2

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kicking-eternity-ann-lee-miller/1110908265?ean=2940014441759

Bio: Ann Lee Miller earned a BA in creative writing from Ashland (OH) University and writes full-time in Phoenix, but left her heart in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where she grew up. She loves speaking to young adults and guest lectures on writing at several Arizona colleges. When she isn’t writing or muddling through some crisis—real or imagined—you’ll find her hiking in the Superstition Mountains with her husband or meddling in her kids’ lives.

Book Blurb:

Fresh from college, Raine scores a teaching job at New Smyrna Beach Surf and Sailing Camp. A crush on the camp rebel/art teacher threatens to derail her plans to teach orphans in Africa. The broody recreation director spots her brothers meth addiction and Raine's enabling. Raine believes she is helping her brother--until lives are threatened. 

Endorsements:

“Ann Lee Miller writes stories straight from the heart with characters who'll become friends, remaining with you long after you turn that final page. You won't want to miss Kicking Eternity!”

Jenny B. Jones, Author of the Katie Parker Production Series from Think and The Charmed Life Series, and other single titles from Thomas Nelson

“In Kicking Eternity, Ann Lee Miller masterfully weaves the delicate web of emotions experienced in that turbulent ‘twenty-something’ stage of life. Powerful family dynamics, intense loyalty challenges, and tender new loves find their niche in your heart as this story unfolds layer by lovely layer.”

Mesu Andrews, Author of  Revell titles Love’s Sacred Song, and Love Amid the Ashes, which won the 2012 CBA Book of the Year, New Author Category

Note: Anyone who leaves a comment with an e-mail address (JaneReader[at]msn[dot]com) will receive a free e-book copy of Kicking Eternity. Those who don’t want to leave an e-mail may contact Ann for their free book at AnnLeeMiller.com.

WOW, now that is what I call generous. Thank you Ann! Don't miss out on this chance to read Kicking Eternity. ENDS June 22nd 2012.

In the Midst of the Storm, by Jennifer Slattery

We lived in Louisiana when Katrina hit and saw first hand the devastation storms can bring, but we saw so much more! We saw communities unite, churches and Christians mobilize, and a blanket of love encompass the area.

A short time after Katrina, when our city was full of storm refugees, the Billy Graham crusade came through. Storm victims were living in our cities' churches, surrounded by Christ's love, and our cities were filled with an influx of caring, serving, giving Christians coming to see the crusade. As I saw people actively demonstrate Christ's love, I was reminded that even during the storm--especially during the storm--God was there.

God is always here—ever-present, but let us never forget, He often reveals His presence through us, His children. He has chosen you and I to be His hands and feet, to pour out His love through us to a hurting world.

He asks us to comfort those who mourn, to carry one another’s burdens, to speak out for the oppressed, and to care for the widow and orphan. In essence, how we love reveals the depth of our faith.

James 1:27 reminds us, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

The world tells us it’s all about what we can get and achieve, but God tells us its all about how freely we can give. To focus on those things that are eternal, joining in His forever-love plan.

Today, I invite you to live out James 1:27 … in a unique way. A friend and I have the potential to win $5,500 for two fabulous orphan ministries, and you can help. And all you have to do is click your computer mouse a few times.

Simply pop by the Mary Kay website (https://www.mkmakeovercontest.com/gallery.jsp?id=163379 ) and voting for Jennifer Slattery’s not-so-lovely mug shot. If her photo wins, Mary Kay will donate a total of $5,500 GoThreads (http://gothreads.org/) and the Raining Season (http://www.therainingseason.org/). As an added incentive, Mary Kay consultant Sharyline Cochrane (http://www.marykay.com/sharilyne/default.aspx) is giving away $10 gift certificates and free make-overs (in person or via Skype) to everyone who votes then lets us know they did so in the comments of this post. You can vote up to five times per day, so start clicking! J

And if you feel led, you can also meander over to the orphan ministries’ websites to give them a personal donation. I know they’ll put it to eternally good use.

***

Jennifer Slattery lives in the Midwest with her husband and daughter. She writes for Christ to the World Ministries, the ACFW Journal, Internet Café Devotions, and Jewels of Encouragement. You can connect with her online at her devotional blog at http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com or via Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/JenSlatte

Love in Disguise, by Carol Cox - FREE book

Tell us about your book.

Here’s the back cover copy for Love in Disguise:

Can she solve the crime before they uncover her true identity?

Jobless and down to her last dime, Ellie Moore hears about a position with the Pinkerton Detective Agency and believes it’s the perfect chance to put her acting skills and costumes to use. Reluctantly, the agency agrees to give her one assignment, one chance to prove herself. Disguised as Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, Ellie travels to Arizona to begin her investigation. When the need arises, she also transforms into the dazzling Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk.

Mine owner Steven Pierce is going to lose his business if he can’t figure out who’s stealing his silver shipments. In his wildest dreams, he never expected to receive help from a gray-haired widow . . . or to fall in love with her beautiful niece.

Then the thieves come after Lavinia and Jessie. Ellie isn’t safe no matter which character she plays! Should she give up and reveal her true identity? What will Steven do when he realizes the woman he’s falling in love with doesn’t really exist?

How long have you been writing?

I dictated my first story to my grandmother when I was four years old. It took a few more years before I was able to write on my own, but from then on, I was always scribbling away at some story idea.

Tell us something silly about you.

Going to the dentist doesn’t bother me at all. I settle back in the chair, have a great visit with my hygienist, and feel upbeat and refreshed by the time I leave. I know—it’s weird, isn’t it?

What was the first book you ever wrote?

I began a number of books over the years before I managed to complete one, starting from the time I was in kindergarten. As I grew up, the subject matter changed accordingly, ranging from fairy stories to a rousing tale about the adventures of a bear cub to spin-offs based on TV’s The Man from U.N.C.L.E  (with me as the heroine—that was when I was in 7^th grade and seriously believed I might meet Ilya Kuryakin one day). Eventually, I settled down to write a historical romance and—after several more false starts—finished an entire novel. The title was Journey Toward Home, and it was also the first book I published.

What project are you currently working on?

At the moment, I’m in the editing phase of my 2013 release, another historical romantic suspense. This one is set in 1885, in the fictional town of Cedar Ridge, Arizona. The hero—a widower with an ornery young son—and the heroine—a former governess who has had her fill of dealing with unruly children—are vying for control of a mercantile while dealing with demanding customers and quirky townspeople, as well as trying to find out who’s behind the sinister happenings that have been plaguing the town.

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

I don’t start out trying to write books around a given theme, but trust is an issue that seems to show up regularly in my stories.

What is your favorite color?

Green. I attribute that to growing up in Arizona, where there’s precious little of that color anywhere in our landscape.

Where is your favorite place to vacation?

The beach! And that goes along with the answer above. Green and water—two things this Arizona girl can’t get enough of!

What book are you currently reading?

Billy Graham’s Nearing Home. What a beautiful example of faithfulness in running the race all the way to the finish line!

What are your hobbies (besides writing)?

Reading a good book on the front porch swing ranks high on the list. And I enjoy outdoor activities, whether that means gardening, hiking, camping, or cutting and splitting firewood for the winter. When I’m spending time indoors, I love to knit and crochet, and I’m trying to learn enough about genealogical research to compile a family history.

 Carol has offered one free book to a lucky winner. At least 10 people need to leave comments WITH an email address OR you can email me at srstormo@yahoo.com and put "contest-dsiguise" in the subject line. Winner announced June10th.

Short-Straw Bride, by Karen Witemeyer - FREE BOOK

Tell us about your book.

No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.


Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.


Four brothers. Four straws. One bride. Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she determines to stand by his side against the enemy that threatens them both. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her merely as a short-straw bride?

What inspired this book?

As a diehard romantic, I have to admit that I adore the sappy old Hollywood musicals, and my all-time favorite is Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. I adore the western setting, the rough and tumble men, and the marriage of convenience story. In fact, it's this very musical that served as the inspiration for Short-Straw Bride.

My story has four brothers instead of seven, and the men don’t sing and dance while they do their chores. However the spark came when I thought about this movie and then asked, what if? What if instead of having the heroine agree to a marriage of convenience at the beginning of the story, the brothers drew straws to see who would marry her when a good deed of hers goes awry? And what if instead of all the brothers being named in alphabetical order after Bible characters, my four brothers were named for heroes from the Alamo?

From there, the Archer clan was born—Travis, Crockett, Bowie (who only answers to Jim), and Neill. And when Meredith infiltrates their isolated ranch, these bachelors are never the same.

How long have you been writing?

2003 was the year I first picked up a pen with the intent to write for publication. And it really was a pen. My children were all still preschool age, and I didn't have a laptop, so I wrote in a spiral notebook while I tried to keep an eye on my three little munchkins. Later that year, due to financial challenges, I ended up going back to work and turned the daytime child care over to my mother-in-law. I mourned the time with my kids, but I flourished under the scheduled life that gave me time to hone my writing craft. I started with shorter pieces and worked my way up to novel-length fiction. I signed my first contract in January 2009 with Bethany House for a 3-book deal. Thankfully, the kids are all in school now and busy with their own activities so when mom is facing a deadline, they know how to entertain themselves.

Tell us something silly about you.

I once ate a live frog. Well . . . it was on accident and I didn't actually swallow. He just jumped in, set me to shrieking, then jumped out. Quite traumatic for a 10 year old. I doubt I'll ever be a fan of frog legs.

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

There is power in community. God calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves, to carry each other's burdens, and to be people of hospitality. However, we live in a dangerous world, and often we choose to protect ourselves through isolation. We might smile and say hello, but we don't welcome people into our homes. Even in our churches, we tend to keep relationships on a surface level, not wanting anyone to get too close. They might see our faults, hurt us, or ask more of us than we are ready to give. But there is power in community. God designed us to lean on one another. To confess to one another. To draw strength and encouragement from one another. How can we love our neighbors if we wall ourselves off from them?

Travis has to learn to tear down his physical barriers as well as his emotional ones. He must surrender his control to God and trust others with burdens he's never allowed anyone but himself carry. It is a grueling journey, but in the end, the rewards of love and fellowship far outweigh the hardship of the struggle.

What is your favorite season?

Spring, by far. Summer is just too hot in Texas. In spring, the warmer temperatures lure me outdoors (which is quite a feat seeing as I'm naturally an indoor-loving bookworm). I adore all the wildflowers. Every year in late March and early April, I scan the roadsides for the first bluebonnets of the year. Once I spot them, I know spring has truly arrived.

What project are you currently working on?

My editor has always preferred that I write stand alone novels instead of series. However, after falling in love with the Archer brothers, she agreed to let me write a second Archer story. This one follows Crockett to a new setting and a new adventure.

On his way to interview for a preaching position, Crockett Archer is abducted from his train by a retired outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as a birthday gift. Joanna Robbins needs a preacher to fulfill a promise made to her mother, but how will she ever convince Crockett to stay and secretly help her win the soul of the very man who kidnapped him?

The working title is Stealing the Parson. It should release late spring/early summer 2013.

Where is your favorite place to vacation?

I love to hike anywhere there are mountains and waterfalls. Yosemite is one of my favorite spots on earth. I haven't been there for years, but I'm hoping we can take the kids there sometime soon. We're doing Disneyland this year, so maybe in 2014.

What are your hobbies (besides writing)?

I really enjoy cross-stitching. My best friend in high school got me hooked, and I've been stitching ever since. I don't have as much time for it now as I used to, but when my schedule slows down enough, I really enjoy plying the needle to make artwork for my home. At Christmastime, you almost can't escape it in my house. Cross-stitch stockings, ornaments, tree skirt, wall hangings. It's a little out of hand. But I love it!

 Karen has offered to give away one copy of Short-Straw Bride. At least 10 people need to leave a comment WITH an email address OR email me at srstormo@yahoo.com and put "contest-straw" in the subject line. Winner announced June 10th.