What's Happening With Lena Nelson Dooley?

This Newsletter Has Moved to My Regular Blog

2010-04-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

I'm incorporating this information in the Newsletter link at the top of my blog at:

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

If you have signed up for Feedblitz on this blog, please unsubscribe soon. I will be taking this blog down in about a month. That should give all of you time to disconnect. Feel free to subscribe to Feedblitz on the other blog. A new Newsletter will go up on the Newsletter page the 1st or 2nd of each month. Don't forget to check them out.

March 2010

2010-03-01T16:09:00.000-08:00

Take Time With The Lord Every Day
He wants to commune with you on a deeper level than ever before.

Announcements

I came back from a writers’ retreat to find that Misty Taggart of Trailers to the Stars had completed the book trailer for my next release. I love it. See if you do, too:

Also, I was privileged to be one of the contributing authors of Fiction and Truth.

Stories that Speak to the Soul.

When Jesus walked this earth, He taught most often by telling stories. We call them parables. Afterward, He explained to His listeners (or, in some cases, exclusively to His disciples) the parallels and meanings that could be derived from the story. Fiction and Truth follows this effective format. Christian authors tell engaging short stories with memorable characters in fascinating situations.

Following each story is a brief Author’s Application in which the writer suggests how the lessons of the stories can be applied to the reader s daily life.

Here’s a link where you can order it:

I only had four people sign my Guest Book on my web site in January. I chose two winners for the books. Liza Quisisem from Newark, California, and Erin Valentine from Bentonville, Arkansas. Click on the View Complete Profile link in the right hand column to find a link to my email. Send me your mailing address. Or you can go to my website and click on Contact Me.

Readers, if you want a chance to win one of my free books, please sign my Guest Book on my website - http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/ . The winners are chosen from those who do. But remember to check back in the next month’s newsletter to see if you won. You can sign up at the top of the right hand column of this blog for Feedblitz. Then the newsletter will feed into your Inbox.

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

Want more free books. We also give away a minimum of 16 free books a month on my blog: http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/. Most months we give away more than that. This month I am interviewing these authors:

DiAnn Mills – Sworn to Protect
Robin Caroll – Dead Air
Allie Pleiter – Easter Promises
Elizabeth Baker – How to Hang Loose in an Uptight World
Robin Shope – The Easter Edition
Louise Gouge – The Captain’s Lady
Rosey Dow – Homecoming
Athol Dickson – Lost Mission
Amber Miller – Liberty’s Promise
Lisa Wingate – Never Say Never
Kathy Howard – God’s Truth Revealed
Bonnie Leon – Touching the Clouds
Sarah Sundin – A Distant Melody
Gail Sattler – The Narrow Path
Sandra Bricker – The Big 5-OH
Amanda Cabot – Scattered Petals
Liz Babbs – Celtic Treasure
Jim Rubart – Rooms
Richard Mabry – Code Blue
Lisa Harris – Blood Ransom
Lesa Henderson – Someone to Trust
Sharlene MacLaren – Abbie Ann

You can find all kinds of information about my books on my Fan page on Facebook:
http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=ts
I’d love for you to come over and become a fan.

Another place you can find out what’s going on in Christian publishing today:
http://canblog.typepad.com/

I’ love for you to follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/lenandooley

Calendar of Events

March 2010 – Release of A Daughter’s Quest, Thorndike Press hard-back, large-print edition

April 10, 2010 – DFW Ready Writers, Colleyville, Texas, Utilizing the Internet

May 2010 – Release of Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico

May 1, 2010 – Book Release Party, Mardel Christian Store, Hurst, Texas, 1-3 pm. Please join us for lots of fun.

May 15, 2010 – ACFW The Woodlands (Writers on the Storm), WoodsEdge Community Church– Two workshops Painting Historicals With Authenticity & Taking Settings to the Next Level

June 26, 2010 – ACFW local chapter – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

August 28, 2010 – ACFW Shreveport – Taking Settings to the Next Level

September 17 – 20, 2010 – ACFW National Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana

October 2, 2010 – ACFW Tulsa (WIN) – Taking Settings to the Next Level – a hands-on workshop

Book Reviews

Notice: In accordance with FTC regulations, I inform you that most of the books I review have been provided by either the author, a publicist, or the publisher. I review only books I have read and all reviews are the honest representation of my opinion of the book.

Becoming Lucy
By Martha Rogers
ISBN 978-1-59979-912-4
Realms
Historical Christian Romance

Back Cover Copy:

Will Heiress LUCINDA BISHOP Learn the Meaning of TRUE LOVE and FORGIVENESS on the Oklahoma Plains?

In 1896, after her parents' deaths, seventeen-year-old heiress Lucinda Bishop is sent to Oklahoma to live with her aunt and uncle. But Oklahoma ranch life brings her more than she bargained for when she meets ranch hand Jake Starnes, a drifter who is running from his past. As her friendship with Jake grows, Lucinda faces emotions she's never before experienced.

As Jake learns more about God's love for him, he realizes he must face his past and the consequences of his actions, even if it means he will lose the one girl he loves. Will he be able to get his life together before someone else claims her hand. . .or even her life?

My Review:

I was privileged to read this book before it released and give an endorsement of it. Here's my endorsement:

"This book is a wonderful debut novel. A real winner. It has a variety of multidimensional characters, a realistic and well-defined setting, and a story that pulls the reader into the nineteenth century and doesn't let go until the last page. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series."

And to borrow the words of my friend Janice Hanna Thompson, "Highly recommended to all readers who are on a journey to 'becoming' all they are meant to be in Christ."

I second that recommendation.

Code Blue
By Richard L. Mabry, MD
ISBN 978-1-426-70236-5
Abingdon Press
Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Back Cover Copy:

Who wants Dr. Cathy Sewell dead?

For Dr. Cathy Sewell, CODE BLUE means more than just the cardiac emergencies she faces--it's the state of her life when the return to her hometown doesn't bring the peace she so desperately needs.

The town doctors resent the fact that she's not only a newcomer but also a woman, and the devastating results from one of her prescriptions may mean the end of her practice.

As two men compete for her affection, an enemy wants her out of town--or possibly even dead.

My Review:

I love this debut novel. Dr. Mabry created medical scenes that were technical enough to be authentic, but still understandable by laymen readers. And the suspense in the story took a lot of twists and turns, with plenty of red herrings to throw the reader off the right track. I love suspense stories like that, with twist endings.

I fell in love with the characters, even many of the secondary ones. Altogether a satisfying read.

The Sheriff’s Surrender
By Susan Page Davis
ISBN 978-1-60260-562-6
Barbour
Historical Christian Romance
Ladies' Shooting Club, Book 1

Back Cover Copy:

A Murder in Fergus, Idaho, had the Townswomen Scared

Gert Dooley can shoot the tail feathers off a jay at a hundred yards from years of test-firing the guns her brother repairs. But long after giving up on marriage, she yearns for rancher Ethan Chapman to see she's more than a crack shot with a firearm. When murder strikes in the sleepy town, Gert forms the Ladies' Shooting Club to teach the women how to protect themselves, their families, and their businesses.

Ethan Chapman didn't ask to be named sheriff, but he acceptes the position and takes on the investigation into the mysterious death of his predecessor. Now he's between a rock and a hard place--being pressured by the townswomen to restore order and safety to Fergus, and by the men who insist Ethan disband the upstart Ladies' Shooting Club.

When another person is murdered, Ethan must turn to Gert and her ladies to help in the investigation. But will Ethan, Gert, and the Ladies' Shooting Club find the murderer before he strikes again.

My Review:

Susan Page Davis is an author like me. One who writes in several genres. And she does each one very well. She grounded the readers in the setting right away and pulled them into the lives of the well-defined characters. With a believable plot that has a mystery attached to it, she weaves a tale that keeps readers turning pages.

I love historical novels. I love mysteries. And I love this book that combines the two. You won't want to miss this wonderful read.

Sons of Thunder
By Susan May Warren
ISBN 978-1-935416-67-8
Summerside Press
Nostalgic Romantic Suspense
The Brothers of Arms Collection

Back Cover Copy:

Two Brothers Love Her--But Only One Can Have Her Heart.

Sofia Frangos is torn between the love of hot-headed, passionate Markos and his younger brother, quiet, intelligent Dino. Markos longs to honor his family, Dino wants to forget the tragedy that drove them from their Greek home to the shores of America. One brother offers the past she loves. the other, a future. Which "Son of Thunder" will she choose? From Chicago's sultry jazz-era clubs. . .to Europe's World War II battlefields. . .to a final showdown on a Greek Island, the SONS OF THUNDER discover betrayal, sacrifice--and finally. . .redemption.

My Review:

I've loved every Susan May Warren book I've ever read. SONS OF THUNDER is probably her best so far. Her word choices evoke deep emotions and even physical sensations in the reader. In some ways stark, but in others lyrical. And the pictures of the places are vivid. This book touches on the human condition in adverse situations, revealing just how far our choices can take us from God. But it also reveals the great love of a merciful God, who is always ready to forgive and redeem.

This is one of the first two books in the new Summerside Press Nostalgic Romantic Suspense line. If all the books live up to this one, they will be must-reads for lovers of romance or suspense.

Songbird Under a German Moon
By Tricia Goyer
ISBN 978-1-935416-68-5
Summerside Press
Nostalgic (Historical) Romantic Suspense

Back Cover Copy:

DATELINE: 1945. THE WAR IS OVER.

And USO singer Betty Lake travels to post-Hitler Germany to entertain occupying U.S. troops. Her first performance is a hit, and she's enthralled by the applause...by her quarters in a former Nazi-held mansion...and by the attention of Frank Witt, a dashing U.S. Army Air Corps combat photographer. Yet this songbird gets her feathers ruffled when her roommate, Kat, goes missing under syspicion of foul play. Is Betty a target, too?

Betty and Frank team up against post-war grudges, and together, the lovebirds seek answers. But will they have a chance for their romance to sing? The truth is revealed under a German Moon.

My Review:

I'm loving these new Summerside Press romantic suspense novels. I reveiwed Susan May Warren's first. Now with Tricia Goyer's, the story is a somewhat softer suspense, but equally as interesting. And the spiritual thread is a little stronger.

My aunt was a U.S. Army nurse in Germany at this time, and she's shared a lot of things with me. This book dovetails with what I already know about the period.

Peopled with interesting characters and with a plot that has enough red herrings to keep the reader guessing for most of the book, this is a wonderful read. Tricia includes many things from the society of our country in those perilous times.

My romantic heart really loved the last scene!!

I highly recommend this book.

March ACFW Book Releases

Wow! Look at all the releases this month from ACFW members.

1. A Distant Melody, Wings of Glory, Book One by Sarah Sundin An historical from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Allie is promised to a man she doesn't love, but a B-17 pilot captures her heart--will she honor her family's wishes or take a chance on love?

2. A Woman Called Sage by Diann Mills An historical from Zondervan. A woman bounty hunter fights bitterness and revenge to find the killers of her husband.

3. Beaded Hope by Cathy Liggett Women's fiction from Tyndale. A moving story about women helping women and lives changed across continents, inspired by a non-profit organization of the same name.

4. Beguiled by Deanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand; A suspense/mystery/thriller from Bethany House. A dog-walker and a journalist pursue a thief (and each other) in atmospheric Charleston.

5. Cowboy Protector by Margaret Daley A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Love Inspired Suspense. When Hannah Williams comes to help Austin Taylor with his injured daughter, she draws him into an intrigue that threatens their relationship--and their lives.

6. Dead Reckoning by Ronie Kendig Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Abingdon. Trapped by a terrorist plot in Mumbai!.

7. Disarming Andi by Elizabeth Goddard A Contemporary Romance from Heartsong Presents. Contractor Andi Nielsen has another chance to discover what ís hidden inside the missile base she was hired to remodel. Is she prepared to detonate her feelings for the new owner?

8. Fatal Burn; Big Sky Secrets, Book 2 by Roxanne Rustand A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Love Inspired Suspense. In Montana's wide open spaces, danger and love are waiting....

9. Forget Me Not, Crossroads Crisis Center series, Book 1 by Vicki Hinze A Contemporary Romance from Waterbrook-Multnomah. Someone's robbed her of her identity and goes to great lengths to convince her she's someone else; someone who wants her dead.

10. Gold in the Fire/Light in the Storm by Margaret Daley A Romance from Love Inspired. Stories of love and loyalty

11. Groom in Training by Gail Gaymer Martin A Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired. Friends, Four-legged Friends and Love.

12. Kansas Courtship, After The Storm, No. 3 by Victoria Bylin An Historical Romance from Love Inspired. Dr. Nora Mitchell came to heal the town of High Plains. She stayed to heal Zeb Garrison's heart.

13. Katie's Redemption, The Brides of Amish Country by Patricia Davids A Romance from Love Inspired. A young woman returns to her Amish roots but can she find her way back to her faith.

14. Katy's New World, Katy Lambright Series by Kim Vogel Sawyer General Fiction from Zondervan. An Old Order Mennonite girl holds to her convictions while attending public high school.

15. Liberty's Promise by Amber Stockton An Historical Romance from Heartsong Presents. Feel the heartbeat of a chaotic new country through the lives of three Pennsylvania women who seek to know to whom they can entrust their hearts.

16. Love Finds You in Bridal Veil, Oregon by Miralee Ferrell A Romance from Summerside Press. A schoolteacher must choose between a man from her past and one who could be her future, while risking her reputation to rescue two runaway orphaned children.

17. Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa by Melanie Dobson A Romance from Summerside Press. A widowed father and his young daughter find healing and hope in the communal Amana Colonies.

18. Morning's Refrain, Book 2 in Song of Alaska series by Tracie Peterson An Historical from Bethany House. Adventure and Romance in 1800's Sitka, Alaska.

19. Once in a Blue Moon by Leanna Ellis Women's Fiction from B&H Publishing. Faith is the first step to soaring.

20. Romance by the Book by Myra Johnson A Contemporary Romance from Heartsong Presents. A shy young woman's crush on her favorite romance author leads her to the man who will finally claim her heart.

21. Scattered Petals by Amanda Cabot An Historical from Revell. Tragedy broke her spirit -- will love mend her heart?

22. The Captain's Lady by Louise M. Gouge An Historical from Steeple Hill. Torn between love and duty, American Patriot James Templeton must deny his heart to help win his country's freedom.

23. The Easter Edition by Robin Shope A romance from White Rose. Bridal shop owner Carol Horn feels she will never find a love of her own until a new pastor comes to town, turning up by accident at her mother's funeral.

24. The Family Way by Michelle Levigne A romance from Desert Breeze Publishing. Pregnancy brings their shaky marriage to the breaking point, and Lisa and Todd must rediscover their love, their faith, and what true marriage means.

25. The Mockingbird's Call by Diane Ashby and Aaron McCarver A Romance from Barbour. Amelia Montgomery, torn between her family's traditions and her own convictions against slavery, must also choose between her duty and her heart as she works for the Underground Railroad.

26. The Promise of Morning, Book 2, At Home in Beldon Grove series by Ann Shorey An Historical from Revell. When loss drives them apart, can their faith bring them back together?

Happy Reading!

February - 2010

2010-02-01T13:24:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my newsletter. Enjoy winning books, keeping up with my schedule, reading reviews of the books I've read, and a listing of the new releases by American Christian Fiction Writers members.

Breakthrough Already

God is faithful to perform what He promises. See the Musings section at the bottom of the newsletter to learn what has happened so far.

Announcements

Three book winners for January are: Mary Preston, Toowoomba Qld, Australia - Nancye Davis, Louisville, Kentucky – Kellie Demarsh, Stirling Ontario, Canada. You can choose either Pirate’s Prize, Never Say Never, or A Daughter’s Quest. Click on the View Complete Profile link in the right hand column to find a link to my email. Send me your mailing address. Or you can go to my website and click on Contact Me.

Readers, if you want a chance to win one of my free books, please sign my Guest Book on my website - http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/ . The winners are chosen from those who do. But remember to check back in the next month’s newsletter to see if you won. You can sign up at the top of the right hand column of this blog for Feedblitz. Then the newsletter will feed into your Inbox.

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

Want more free books. We also give away a minimum of 16 free books a month on my blog: http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/ . Most months we give away more than that. This month I am interviewing these authors:

Judy Miller – Somewhere to Belong
Robin Caroll – Deliver Us From Evil
Betsy St Amant – A Valentine’s Wish
Cerella D Seachrist – Love Finds You in Hershey, Pennsylvania
Miralee Feerrell – Love Finds You in Bridal Veil, Oregon
Tricia Goyer – Songbird Under a German Moon
Virginia Smith – Third Time’s Charm
Mary Hawkins – Outback From Baragula
Christa Allen – Walking on Broken Glass
Terri Kraus – Transformation
Lori Copeland – A Kiss for Cade
Kerry Nietz – A Star Curiously Singing
Susan May Warren – Double Trouble
Vanissa Miller – Forsaken
Stephen Bly – Creede of Montana
Ronie Kendig – Dead Reckoning
K M Weiland – Behold the Dawn
Jen Stephens – The Heart’s Journey Home
Hillary Manton Lodge – Plain Jayne
Jerry Eicher – Rebecca’s Choice

You can find all kinds of information about my books on my Fan page on Facebook:
http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=ts
I’d love for you to come over and become a fan.

Another place you can find out what’s going on in Christian publishing today:
http://canblog.typepad.com/

I’d love for you to follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/lenandooley

My author interview blog, http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/ , was given the Sugar Doll award by Abi Buening. I’m supposed to tell 10 things about myself, but since that blog is only used for author interviews, I’ll post those things here:

1. I live in Texas.
2. I’ve been married over 45 years.
3. I’ve traveled in several foreign countries – Mexico, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Guatemala.
4. I knit and crochet while James and I watch TV.
5. I designed a pattern and make all my slacks.
6. I like to sing and own way over 100 Christian CDs.
7. I collect Christian Christmas CDs, too.
8. I have 4 grandchildren.
9. I have 1 great grandchild.
10. I have a cooler smart phone than my daughters or granddaughters have.

In March, I will start teaching online writing classes. You can sign up for the first class at this site: http://www.wiesworkshops.com/ . If my class isn’t listed when you check, please check back. It will be going up soon. My first class will be “Taking Settings to the Next Level.”

Calendar of Events

February 21-25, 2010 – Writer’s Retreat, Round Top, Texas

March 2010 – Release of A Daughter’s Quest, Thorndike Press hard-back, large-print edition

March 2010 - www.WIESworkshops.com – Taking Settings to the Next Level

April 10, 2010 – DFW Ready Writers, Colleyville, Texas, Utilizing the Internet

May 2010 – Release of Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico

May 1, 2010 – Book Release Party, Mardel Christian Store, Hurst, Texas - 1-3 pm. Join us for the fun!!

May 8, 2010 – ACFW The Woodlands (Writers on the Storm) – Two workshops Painting Historicals With Authenticity & Taking Settings to the Next Level

June 26, 2010 – ACFW local chapter – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

August 28, 2010 – ACFW Shreveport – Taking Settings to the Next Level

September 17 – 20, 2010 – ACFW National Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana

October 2, 2010 – ACFW Tulsa (WIN) – Taking Settings to the Next Level – a hands-on workshop

Book Reviews

Notice: In accordance with FTC regulations, I inform you that most of the books I review have been provided by either the author, a publicist, or the publisher. I review only books I have read and all reviews are the honest representation of my opinion of the book.

Ruby Among Us
By Tina Ann Forkner
ISBN 978-1-4000-7458-0
Waterbrook
Contemporary Women's Fiction

Back Cover Copy:

Sometimes the key that unlocks your future lies in someone else's past.

Lucy DiCamillo is safely surrounded by her books, music, and art--but none of these reclusive comforts or even the protective efforts of her grandmother, Kitty, can shield her thoughts from the mother she can barely recall. Lucy senses her grandmother holds the key, but Kitty seems as eager to hide the past as Lycy is eager to find it.

From the streets of San Francisco and Sacramento to the lush vineyards of the Sonoma Valley, Lucy follows the thread of memory in search of a heritage that seems long-buried with her mother, Ruby.

What she finds is as enigmatic and stirring as it is startling in this redemptive tale about the power of faith and mother-daughter love.

My Review:

I loved the depth of the characters gradually revealed in this book, like a rose's petals slowly unfolding to the sunlight. The characters are almost larger than life, but their misunderstandings and hurts are universal.

When I finished reading this book, I saw many parallels with one of the most familiar of our Lord's parables. You'll really want to read it.

Emmy’s Equal
By Marcia Gruver
ISBN 978-1-60260-207-6
Barbour
Historical Romance
Texas Fortunes - Book 3

Back Cover Copy:

A Strong-willed City Girl Meets Her Match in a Stubborn Vaquero

Emmy Dane's recent decision to trust God with her life has yet to rub off on her stubborn spirit. When her family decides to travel to South Texas to research ranching and demand that Emmy join them, she vows to hate every minute of it.

In Carrizo Springs, Texas, cowboy and ranch foreman Diego Marcelo's Choctaw mama tells him about her dream that God will soon deliver Diego from his loneliness. Diego assures her he has no need of deliverance and likes things the way they are. . .but grows jealous over the seeming attraction between Emmy and his boss's son. So why is his mother adamant that Emmy is not the one from her dreams?

When Emmy's family and Diego's boss are overdue returning from a cattle drive, Emmy insists on accompanying Diego's search party. Diego refuses, but finds Emmy's stubbornness a match for his own.

Faced with a stampede and a wildfire, will Emmy and Diego be able to surrender their wills and recognize true love before it's too late?

My Review:

I have loved Marcia's writing since I read the first page of DIAMOND DUO, the first book in this series. EMMY'S EQUAL is a fit ending of the series. With strong character development, Marcia takes the reader deep into the hearts, revealing strengths and weaknesses, making the reader really care about what happens to the people.

And her plot twists constantly surprise the reader.

Add to that the fact that she created a setting where the reader can see, hear, feel, taste, and experience the Texas frontier. I found this an excellent read that you won't want to miss.

It’s NOT About HIM
By Michelle Sutton
ISBN 978-00-979-74857-8
Sheaf House
Contemporary Romance
Second Glances, book 2

A note on the back states: Due to mature content, recommended for mature teens and young adults.

Back Cover Copy:

Susie passed out while drinking at Jeff's party and later discovered she's pregnant. She has no idea who the father is and considers having an abortion, but instead decides to place her baby for adoption. Following through ends up being more wrenching than she imagined, but she's determined to do the right thing for her baby.

Jeff feels guilty that Suzie was taken advantage of at his party and offers to marry her so she won't have to give up her baby, like his birth mother did with him. But Susie refuses, insisting he should marry someone he loves. Can he convince her that his love is genuine before it's too late? Can she make him understand that it's not about him--it's about what's best for her child.

My Review:

I do agree with the statement on the back of the cover that it's for mature teens and young adults. Some of the scenes, although not completely graphic, are too graphic for young teens.

That being said, this is a powerful look at two young people who made a lot of mistakes before they became Christians. It clearly shows the struggles when the consequences of those mistakes spill over into their new Christian walk.

Realistic situations handled with finesse by the author reveal that Jesus is always the answer, even on the darkest days. I also loved watching the developing romance by two people who've had a hard time knowing what real love is.

I highly recommend this wonderful book.

The Husband Tree
By Mary Connealy
ISBN 978-1-60260-143-7
Barbour
Historical Romance
Montana Marriages, book 2

Back Cover Copy:

No More Husbands for Belle!

Standing over her third no-account husband's grave, Belle Tanner makes a vow--no more men. Now all she needs to do is get her cattle to market before winter sets in. But there's no one around except the drifter Silas Harden, and Belle is such a poor judge of men that she can't decide if he is worth hiring on.

Silas just escaped a shotgun wedding--only to lose his money, his ranch, and his pride. Although he's determined never to get tangled up with women folk again, Belle and her four daughters seem to bring out the protector in him. And he can't seem to stop kissing Belle senseless.

When a group cowpokes, along with a white woman raised by the Shoshone, show up along the drive, Belle has her hands full. Can she keep her oldest daughter and Glowing Sun away from no-good cowhands--and herself out of Silas's arms?

Will anyone get through this treacherous cattle drive unscathed and unhitched?

My Review:

When Mary Connealy burst on the Christian fiction scene, she brought a unique, quirky voice. Her books are funny, poignant, and enjoyable. This one is no exception. Actually, I believer THE HUSBAND TREE is my favorite of all her books.

With more romantic tension than usual, I loved the growing relationship between Belle and Silas. Their character development was fun to read. And I loved the daughters.

Also, I can't wait to read the next book, WILDFLOWER BRIDE, which is Wade and Glowing Sun's story.

You won't want to miss THE HUSBAND TREE. Pick it up today.

Thin Places
By Mary E. DeMuth
ISBN 978-0-310-28418-5
Zondervan
Nonfiction - Memoir

Back Cover Copy:

What if you could retrace your life and discover its thin places--places where the division between this world and the eternal fades?

"Thin places are snatches of holy ground, tucked into the corners of our world, where we might just catch a glimpse of eternity. They are aha moments, the beautiful realizations."

In her moving spiritual memoir, Mary DeMuth traces the winding path of thin places in her life, places where she experienced longing and healing more intensely than before. Mary's story invites you to a deeper understanding of your own story. She calls you to discover new ways to look for God in the past so that you might experience him more profoundly in the present. . .A God ready to break through any ordinary day or extraordinary pain and offer you a glimpse of eternity.

My Review:

I don't read a lot of nonfiction. I can hardly keep up with the fiction I need to read to do reviews, but I wanted to read this memoir. With achingly beautiful words, Mary takes us into dark places of pain and into gloriously-lit places where she meets a loving Savior who dances with her.

I'd often heard that writing is like opening a vein and letting the words bleed from you. With Mary's transparency in this book, many of the words felt as though her life-blood wrote them. Then she anoints them with the blood of Jesus and takes away the pain.

She doesn't, however, gloss over the bad times. Instead, she tells about them with passionate words that reveal her deep hurt, but always lead back to Jesus.

I'm blessed to know Mary personally, but this book gave me an even more in-depth understanding of her as a child, a wife, a mother, and an author. I highly recommend THIN PLACES for all who have any kind of pain in their lives. Her journey will help you move beyond the hurt into the loving arms of Jesus. Her insightful book took me to some of my hidden places, too.

February ACFW Book Releases

Eleven releases this month from ACFW members.

Congrats to all!

1. Abigail: A Novel, The Wives of King David, Book 2, by Jill Eileen Smith from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Turmoil marks her life - what price will she pay for love?

2. A Valentine Wish, by Betsy St. Amant from Steeple Hill Lori, chocolate-lover extraordinary, is unemployed, single, and out of brownie mix. But when a secret admirer pops up at her new job running a chocolate boutique, she might have the ingredients for a special Valentine's after all!

3. Deliver Us From Evil, by Robin Caroll from B&H Publishing. When a female helicopter rescues a US Marshal escorting a heart, they must race against time to uncover the largest child trafficking ring in history.

4. Hometown Promise; First in the Kellerville Series, by Merrillee Whren from Steeple Hill. Kellerville: Finding family, community and love in one small town

5. Love's Winding Path, by Lauralee Bliss from Heartsong Presents, Barbour Publishing. A prodigal's life is never out of God's reach and His love as two lonely adventurers are about to discover.

6. The Marriage Masquerade, by Erica Vetsch from Heartsong Presents, Barbour Publishing. Sometimes running away brings you right back where you started.

7. Meander Scar, by Lisa Lickel from Black Lion. When Ann is ready to jump back into life with a new love, she discovers the devastating truth behind her husband's disappearance.

8. My Deadly Valentine, by Lynette Eason and Valerie Hansen from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Two suspense filled stories about stalkers and the men determined to protect the women they love.

9. On Wings of Love, by Kim Watters from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. A dedicated nurse devotes her life helping others, only to discover the man who steals her heart doesn't want her help..

10. The Pastor's Wife, by Jennifer AlLee from Abingdon Press. A woman must face the husband - and the congregation - she ran from six years earlier.

11. Walking on Broken Glass, by Christa Allen from Abingdon Press. Leah Thornton stops numbing her pain with alcohol, but discovers the road to redemption might still be under construction.

Happy Reading!

Musings

Breakthroughs. . .wait. . .victory. 2010 is a wonderful year already.

I really felt that God was saying there would be a real breakthrough in James recovery from his terrible infection that almost killed him last year. It’s been slow going, with him gradually gaining strength and mental agility.

In the last two weeks, his spark has returned. Even our daughter could hear it when she talked to him on the phone. It’s like I have my husband back. He’s been here, but the essence of who he is was missing. I praise God for giving him back to me.

January 2010

2010-01-01T13:20:00.000-08:00

Breakthrough

Every year, my friend Rita Booth and I both ask God for a word for the year. This is the word He gave me for me. Rita’s word is Wait. Then at the New Year’s Eve prayer meeting at Gateway Church, Pastor Robert said the word for Gateway this year is Victory. That sounds a lot like breakthrough to me.

Announcements

Three book winners for December are: Nancy Jackson – Southlake, Texas, Abi Buening – Grand Forks, North Dakota, and Kim Boldt, Gravett, Arkansas. You can choose either Wild Prairie Roses or Cranberry Hearts. Click on the View Complete Profile link in the right hand column to find a link to my email. Send me your mailing address. Or you can go to my website and click on Contact Me.

Readers, if you want a chance to win one of my free books, please sign my Guest Book on my website - http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/ . The winners are chosen from those who do. But remember to check back in the next month’s newsletter to see if you won. You can sign up at the top of the right hand column of this blog for Feedblitz. Then the newsletter will feed into your Inbox. I will only post a newsletter once a month.

And introduce your friends to my newsletter. They might be interested in winning free books and reading book reviews.

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

Want more free books. We also give away a minimum of 16 free books a month on my blog: http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/ . Most months we give away more than that. This month I’ll be interviewing these authors:

Sharlene MacLaren – Maggie Rose
Kaye Dacus – A Case for Love
Roxanne Rustand – Fatal Burn
Martha Rogers – Becoming Lucy
C. J. Darlington – Thicker Than Blood
Lisa Harris – Colorado Crimes
Jennifer AlLee – The Pastor’s Wife
Kelly Irvin – A Deadly Wilderness
Shanna Groves – Lip Reader
M. L. Tyndall – The Raven Saint
Susan Page Davis and Megan Davis – Mainely Mysteries
Linore Rose Burkard – The Country House Courtship
Deborah Raney – Beneath a Southern Sky
Kathie Fitzpatrick – Angel Promises
Janet Dean – The Substitute Bride
Mary Connealy – The Husband Tree
Susan May Warren – Sons of Thunder
Rachel Hauck – The Sweet By and By
Mary DeMuth – Thin Places
Betsy St. Amant – A Valentine’s Wish

That's a real smorgasbord of books to fit all kinds of reading tastes.

You can find all kinds of information about my books on my Fan page on Facebook:
http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=ts
I’d love for you to come over and become a fan.

Another place you can find out what’s going on in Christian publishing today:
http://canblog.typepad.com/

I’ love for you to follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/lenandooley

Calendar of Events

February 21-25, 2010 – Writer’s Retreat, Round Top, Texas
April 10, 2010 – DFW Ready Writers, Colleyville, Texas - Utilizing the Internet
May 2010 – Release of Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico
May 2010 – Book Release Party, Mardel Christian Store, Hurst, Texas
May 8, 2010 – ACFW The Woodlands (Writers on the Storm) – Two workshops - Painting Historicals With Authenticity & Taking Settings to the Next Level
June 26, 2010 – ACFW local chapter – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - Taking Settings to the Next Level – a hands-on workshop
August 28, 2010 – ACFW Shreveport – Taking Settings to the Next Level – a hands-on workshop
September 17 – 20, 2010 – ACFW National Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana
October 2, 2010 – ACFW Tulsa (WIN) – Taking Settings to the Next Level – a hands-on workshop

Book Reviews

Notice: In accordance with FTC regulations, I inform you that most of the books I review have been provided by either the author, a publicist, or the publisher. I review only books I have read and all reviews are the honest representation of my opinion of the book.

A Blue and Gray Christmas
By Vickie McDonough, Lauralee Bliss, Tamela Hancock Murray, Carrie Turansky
ISBN 978-1-60260-565-7
Barbour
Historical Novella Collection

Back Cover Copy:

Christmas Love Captures Hearts During the Civil War

Despite the Blue and Gray troops advancing on their hometown of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Leah Woods and Seth Madison vow to wed at the dawn of the New Year. But when Seth disappears, Leah is left alone, clinging to whatever faith she can muster.

On Christmas Day, Arabella Lambert accepts Barry Birch's proposal of marriage. But as Barry's pacifist leanings come to light, he's labeled a coward. Is their love strong enough to stand against public ridicule?

Rachel Thornton nurses the wounded James Galloway back to health, only to see him determined to head back to the front lines. Can Rachel risk falling for James? Or would her heart be better off in the hands of another man?

After the loss of her Confederate home and husband, Hannah McIntosh found refuge at the Haley ranch in Kansas. When Chris Haley, an embittered Union soldier, returns from war, Hannah knows her days at the ranch are numbered. How much time does she have before Chris throws the Confederate caretaker Hannah out of his home and life forever?

My Review:

To be totally honest, even with the lovely cover, I probably wouldn't have picked up this book. I don't like reading war novels that much. But I featured this book on my blog, and I made a promise to read and review the Christmas novels in October and November. I'm glad I did.

I would have missed a collection of character-driven stories that were strong on doing what is right in the face of extreme adversity. I fell in love with the characters and felt their pain with them. I knew this book would be good because of the quality of the authors who made up the team. I've read and loved other books by all of them.

Fools Rush In
By Janice Thompson
ISBN 978-0-8007-3342-1
Revell
Contemporary Romance
Weddings by Bella, Book One

Back Cover Copy:

Ever Wonder How Italian Sounds with a Southern Drawl?

Bella Rossi's life is just starting to get interesting. When her Italian-turned-Texan parents hand over the family wedding-planning business, Bella quickly books a Boot-Scootin' wedding that would make any Texan proud. There's only one catch--she doesn't know a thing about country music. Where will she find a deejay on such short notice who knows his Alan Jackson from his George Strait? And will Bella ever get to plan her own wedding?

Fun, fresh, and full of surprises, this flavorbul compination of Italian and Tex-Mex highlights the hilarity that ensues when cultures clash.

My Review:

I've been reading Janice Thompson books as long as she's been writing them, and I loved her stories. But with this book, I think she's finally found her unique voice.

The story is a rollicking, fun read that takes you through wildly contrasting cultures. And she does it with a finesse that keeps it from crossing the line from humor into exaggerated caricature.

I loved watching the spiritual development of the main characters that wraps seamlessly into the developing romance. Janice is the director who brings it all to life in the reader's mind.

You won't want to miss this series.

Swinging on a Star
By Janice Thompson
ISBN 978-0-8007-3343-6
Revell
Contemporary Romance
Weddings by Bella, Book Two

Back Cover Copy:

There's a Fine Line Between Ambitious and Crazy. Bella's Just Not Sure Where It Is.

Bella Rossi's life is nearing perfection. Not only does she have the perfect guy, but she's also running a successful wedding plannig business and is about to plan its most ambitious wedding yet--a Renaissance-themed fairy tale come true, complete with period costumes and foods, horse-drawn carriages, and even a castle. There's only one hitch. The best man just happens to be Hollywood's hottest and most eligible bachelor, and he's showing an interest in Bella. Oh, and did we mention he's staying at her house to avoid the paparazzi?

With all the pressure surrounding this wedding, Bella's not sure she's going to make it through. Add her starstruck sister and her feuding aunt and uncle, and you've got a recipe for disaster--and a lot of laughs.

My Review:

I didn't think Janice could top her first book with the list of possible things that could (and do) go awry. I was actually wrong in that assumption. The disasters pile upon each other at an alarming rate, complete with a cast of quirky characters who throw Bella into a tizzy.

I loved the development in the lives of many of the secondary characters in this book. And the wedding was marvelous. But the roadblocks were hilarious, and the spiritual truths learned by several people in the book touched my heart.

Quickly get yourself a copy if you want a fun read.

Dead Reckoning
By Ronie Kendig
ISBN 971-4267-0058-3
Abingdon Press
Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Back Cover Copy:

Trapped by a nuclear terrorist plot in Mumbai!

Underwater archeologist Shiloh Blake is consumed with passion for the water and inflamed at the injustices of life.

When her first large-scale dig traps her in the middle of an international nuclear arms clash, she flees for her life. When she spots a man trailing her, the questions are, "Who is he?" and "How is he always one step ahead?"

Reece Jaxon is a former Navy SEAL and now serves his country as a spy. His life is entangled by the beguiling Shiloh Blake as he hunts down the source of a nuclear dead drop in the Arabian Sea near Mumbai, India.

The only way to end this nightmare and prevent a nuclear meltdown is to join forces with Reece. Will Shiloh violate her vow to never become a spy?

My Review:

I personally don't like to read Advanced Readers Copies of books. However, when the publicist for Abingdon included this ARC in one of the packages she sent to me, I had to read it. Ronie Kendig is one of the authors I mentored before she signed her first book contract, so of course, I wanted to read her debut novel as soon as possible.

I was totally blown away. The book is written very tight and at a breathtaking pace. With every few pages, surprises change everything for the main characters. It was very hard to put the book down when I had to. I wanted to read just the next page, then the next, then. . . You get the picture.

This book has something for almost every reader. The suspense with plenty of explosions to keep a male reader happy, a rich tapestry of setting skillfully woven in with just enough snippets of information to allow the readers to create the place in their own imaginations, and a strong love story with more than its fair share of roadblocks.

You won't want to miss this wonderful read. Unfortunately, it won't release until March. But you can preorder a copy at this link: Dead Reckoning

January ACFW Book Releases

Twelve releases this month from ACFW members. Congrats to all!

1. A Stray Drop of Blood, by Roseanna M. White from Whitefire Publishing. Born free, made a slave, married out of her bonds, Abigail never knows freedom until she feels the fire of a stray drop of blood from a Jewish carpenter.

2. A Deadly Wilderness, by Kelly Irvin from Five Star/Gale/Cengage. A family that will stop at nothing to protect its secrets and a drug cartel hit man are just two of the pieces to the puzzle Homicide Detective Ray Johnson must solve to find a murderer—and save his own life.

3. Becoming Lucy - The Winds Across the Prairie Series, by Martha Rogers from Realms Division of Strang Communications. An alleged murderer reclaims his life, but can he reclaim his beloved?

4. Burn, by Erin Healy and Ted Dekker from Thomas Nelson. A supernatural thriller about a woman who gets an unwanted chance to extinguish her fiery past.

5. First Impressions , by Michelle Sutton from Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc. Playing the role of a saloon girl taught her how to flirt, but it makes a lousy first impression on the man whose heart she longs to win.

6. Jenna's Cowboy- Callahans of Texas, 1, by Sharon Gillenwater from Baker/Revell. Will Jenna's love enable Nate to put the horrors of war behind him and become the man she deserves?

7. Never Far from Home- 2nd in the Miller Family Series, by Mary Ellis from Harvest House Publishers. Emma's rebellious Rumschpringe may lead to her banishment as friendship turns to love with the English sheepfarmer.

8. Plain Jane, by Hillary Manton Lodge from Harvest House Publishers. Girl reporter Jayne Tate finds more than she bargained for when she goes to Amish Country to research a story.

9. Sworn to Protect, by Diann Mills from Tyndale. Danika Morales has sworn to protect our nation's borders. But that oath has come with a price.

10. The Chic Shall Inherit the Earth - All About Us #6, by Shelley Adina from Hatchette FaithWords. At exclusive Spencer Academy, Lissa Mansfield gains popularity when she replaces her nemesis, Vanessa, on the senior Cotillion committee, but graduation and major decisions about the future loom.

11. The Choice - Lancaster County Secrets, Book 1, by Suzanne Woods Fisher from Revell. A tender story of love and forgiveness, "The Choice" uncovers the sweet simplicity of the Amish world--and shows it's never too late to find your way back to God.

12. The Husband Tree - Montana Marriages, by Mary Connealy from Barbour. A tough lady rancher drags a reluctant cowhand on a cattledrive, along with her four daughters.

Happy Reading!

Musings

Breakthrough. . .Wait. . .Victory. 2010 is sounding like a wonderful year already.

You’ve heard the saying, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.” Well, today is the first day of the rest of 2010. I’m going to face this year with a sense of expectancy in my heart.

What is God going to do this year? You can be sure it will be different from anything you planned for yourself. And He will enhance the things you planned.

So I pray new year’s blessings on you and yours in 2010.

December 2009

2009-12-01T14:55:00.000-08:00

A Baby changes everything.

Announcements

Three book winners for November are: Jane Squires – Wasola, Missouri, Jackie Colletta Miller – Hyndman, Pennsylvania, and Joyce Shelton, Natchitoches, Louisiana. You can choose either Montana Mistletoe or Snowbound Colorado Christmas. Click on the View Complete Profile link in the right hand column to find a link to my email. Send me your mailing address. Or you can go to my website and click on Contact Me.

Readers, if you want a chance to win one of my free books, please sign my Guest Book on my website - http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/ . The winners are chosen from those who do. But remember to check back in the next month’s newsletter to see if you won. You can sign up at the top of the right hand column of this blog for Feedblitz. Then the newsletter will feed into your Inbox. I will only post a newsletter once a month.

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

Want more free books. We also give away a minimum of 16 free books a month on my blog: http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/ . Most months we give away more than that. This month I’ll be interviewing these authors:

Ariel Allison – Eye of the God
Linda S. Clare – The Fence My Father Built
Julie Klassen – The Silent Governess
Margaret Daley – Christmas Peril
Melanie Dobson – Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana
Patti Hill – Seeing Things
Dan Walsh – The Unfinished Gift
Susan Page Davis – The Sheriff’s Surrender
James David Jordan – Double Cross
John B Olson – Powers
T. L. Higley – Guardian of the Flame
Cheryl Wyatt – A Soldier’s Devotion
Wanda Dyson – Shepherd’s Run
Margaret Brownley – A Lady Named Sarah
Denise Hunter – Seaside Letters
Jenny B Jones – Just Between You and Me
Debbie Fuller Thomas – Raising Rain
Cami Checketts – The Sister Pact

You can find all kinds of information about my books on my Fan page on Facebook:
http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=ts
I’d love for you to come over and become a fan.

Another place you can find out what’s going on in Christian publishing today:
http://canblog.typepad.com/

Calendar of Events

February 21-25, 2010 – Writer’s Retreat

May 2010 – Release of Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico

May 8, 2010 – ACFW The Woodlands (Writers on the Storm) – Two workshops Painting Historicals With Authenticity & Taking Settings to the Next Level

August 28, 2010 – ACFW Shreveport – Taking Settings to the Next Level

September 2010 - ACFW National Conference - Indianapolis

October 2, 2010 – ACFW Tulsa (WIN) – Taking Settings to the Next Level – a hands-on workshop

Book Reviews

Notice: In accordance with FTC regulations, I inform you that most of the books I review have been provided by either the author, a publicist, or the publisher. I review only books I have read and all reviews are the honest representation of my opinion of the book.

Cowboy Christmas
By Mary Connealy
ISBN 978-1-60260-145-1
Barbour
Historical Romance

Back Cover Copy:

A secretive singer reawakens a cowboy's wounded heart at Christmastime.

Singer Annette Talbot used her voice to spread the gospel with a traveling missionary troupe. When the Latrells take over and want Annie to dress provocatively and give up singing her beloved hymns, Annie flees to Ranger Bluff, Wyoming, dreaming of reuniting with her father for Christmas. But trouble chases her--right off the edge of a cliff!

Elijah Walker's heart turned as cold and barren as the high plains in December after his ex-fiancee betrayed him and caused his father's death. But when he rescues Annie out of a freezing river, Walker's instincts tell him he must help a stranger in need.

With her hermit father retreating to the high country and the Latrells intent on kidnapping her to make money off her singing, Annie may have no way out.

Has Annie hidden the truth about wanted posters bearing her face too long for anyone to believe her now?

Can Elijah overcome the painful past and learn to love again?

Will there ever be peace in their hearts in time for Christmas?

My Review:

This book is classic Mary Connealy with Christmas thrown in. Strong cowboy hero, heroine in peril, truly evil antagonists. A fast-moving story that takes many twists and turns.

One thing she left unexplained, and I really wish I knew the outcome of that particular thread. However, it didn't detract from the rollicking story.

Another book to add to your Christmas reading list.

The Sound of Sleigh Bells
By Cindy Woodsmall
ISBN 978-0-307-44633-4
Waterbrook Press
Contemporary

Back Cover Copy:

Beth Hertzler is unable to let go of a past tragedy.

Still in mourning, she cuts herself off from any hope of happiness.

A gifted carver holds the answer to both her past and future in his hands--but can Beth move beyond yesterday and embrace a second chance at love?

My Review:

I do not wonder that Cindy Woodsmall is a NEW YORK TIMES best-selling author. Her books have depth and width as well as giving the readers characters they can love.

This story shows people who listen to the lies of the enemy and keep painful secrets instead of getting help with healing from them. The way she crafts the story takes you into the very hearts of these people and leads you through the healing process. And there are many surprises along the way.

I highly recommend this book for your growing Christmas reading list.

Together for the Holidays
By Margaret Daley
ISBN 978-0-373-87559-7
Love Inspired
Contemporary
Fostered by Love, Book 5

A family guided them to faith, but only love could heal their hearts.

Back Cover Copy:

Her Holiday Hope

A single mother with a traumatic past, Lisa Morgan only wants to raise her son with love and values. But lately the boy is strugling. When his basketball coach becomes a reluctant role model, Lisa is relieved. Until she learns that David Russell is also a cop. She's not ready to share her past--or her heart. And neither is the world-weary detective. Yet as Christmas comes closer, the true meaning of the holiday brings them together in ways they never dared dream.

My Review:

I enjoy the Love Inspired novels, because they're not a long read, but they pack a punch. Margaret Daley is one of my favorite Love Inspired authors. As always, she delivered a wonderful story full of nuances.

TOGETHER FOR THE HOLIDAYS brings together people with a number of believable issues and throws them into situations they're not ready to face. I loved the way the characters developed and grew in the story.

And I really enjoy books that take place over the Christmas season. I recommend this book for a quick read in your limited time during the holidays.

Christmas Peril
By Margaret Daley & Debby Giusti
ISBN 978-0-373-44365-9
Love Inspired Suspense
Contemporary Novella Collection

Back Cover Copy:

Christmas Bells Ring With Danger in These Suspenseful Holiday Stories

MERRY MAYHEM by Margaret Daley

When single mom Annie Coleman unexpectedly arrives in Christmas, Oklahoma, police chief Caleb Jackson suspects she's hiding secrets. He'll be watching her closely. And his protection is just what Annie and her daughter need, as danger has followed them to their new home.

YULE DIE by Debby Giusti

It's hardly a happy holiday for medical researcher Callie Evans. . .until she discovers her ailing patient is her long-lost brother. And he's being watched by undercover police officer Joe Petrecelli. When the trio is abducted by a cadre of bad guys, Joe and Callie will have to fight to keep her brother--and themselves--alive.

My Review:

I loved both of these stories. With Margaret's story the suspense is softer than in Debby's book, but they're both page turners with lots of twists and turns.

Yule (you'll) want to add this to your holiday reading list.

Christmas Homecoming
By Debby Mayne, Paige Winship Dooly, Elizabeth Goddard, Elizabeth Ludwig
ISBN 978-1-60260-564-0
Barbour
Contemporary Novella Collection

Back Cover Copy:

A Grandmother's Letters Bring Three Women Home for Christmas

Grandma Carol Scheirer never thought she'd marry again. But when Alex Knight, an old family friend, confesses his love for her, romance ensues. Using her wedding as the perfect excuse, Carol begs her granddaughters to return to Boulder, Colorado, for an old-fashioned Christmas family reunion. But will her family approve of the new man in her life?

Party planner Noelle Evans arrives in Boulder to help with her grandmother's wedding. But when she has an accident, she finds herself face-to-face with Rocky Carmichael, MD---the man who once jilted her. Will she find more than physical healing at the hands of her ex-fiance?

Writer Christmas Scheirer feels her greed led to her grandfather's death. When she comes accross her grandfather's letters, Christmas will do anything to get them published---even if it means butting heads with Marcus Taggart, the guardian of Grandpa's estate. How far will Christmas go to right her wrongs?

On furlough, missionary Holly Rivers arrives in Boulder for Grandma's wedding. When she runs into Nick Brohns, the man she left behind for God's work, tensions mount. Will God give them both a new mission in life?

My Review:

You won't want to miss this collection written by four of my good friends. Each author brings her own unique twist to the story she tells. And the stories are more than good romances. They're stories about second chances. Don't we all need one of those ever so often?

A Blue and Gray Christmas
By Vickie McDonough, Lauralee Bliss, Tamela Hancock Murray, Carrie Turansky
ISBN 978-1-60260-565-7
Barbour
Historical Novella Collection

Back Cover Copy:

Christmas Love Captures Hearts During the Civil War

Despite the Blue and Gray troops advancing on their hometown of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Leah Woods and Seth Madison vow to wed at the dawn of the New Year. But when Seth disappears, Leah is left alone, clinging to whatever faith she can muster.

On Christmas Day, Arabella Lambert accepts Barry Birch's proposal of marriage. But as Barry's pacifist leanings come to light, he's labeled a coward. Is their love strong enough to stand against public ridicule?

Rachel Thornton nurses the wounded James Galloway back to health, only to see him determined to head back to the front lines. Can Rachel risk falling for James? Or would her heart be better off in the hands of another man?

After the loss of her Confederate home and husband, Hannah McIntosh found refuge at the Haley ranch in Kansas. When Chris Haley, an embittered Union soldier, returns from war, Hannah knows her days at the ranch are numbered. How much time does she have before Chris throws the Confederate caretaker Hannah out of his home and life forever?

My Review:

To be totally honest, even with the lovely cover, I probably wouldn't have picked up this book. I don't like reading war novels that much. But I featured this book on my blog, and I made a promise to read and review the Christmas novels in October and November. I'm glad I did.

I would have missed a wonderful collection of character-driven stories that were strong on doing what is right in the face of extreme adversity. I fell in love with the characters and felt their pain with them. I knew this book would be good because of the quality of the authors who made up the team. I've read and loved other books by all of them.

Don't leave this book off your Christmas reading list.

December ACFW Book Releases

Eleven releases this month from ACFW members.
Congrats to all!

1. A Bouquet for Iris, by Diane Ashley & Aaron McCarver from Barbour Heartsong Presents. Iris Landon travels to Daisy, Tennessee, to care for two Cherokee children and finds romance and danger while aiding one family in the struggle to keep their land.

2. A Lady Like Sarah, Rocky Creek Romance, by Margaret Brownley from Thomas Nelson. He's a preacher. She's an outlaw. Both are in need of a miracle.

3. ANGEL WITH A BACKHOE, by Deb Kinnard from Desert

Breeze Publishing. A small-town widower and a spunky suburban transplant match wits over a church construction project, finding true love can mix with blueprints and concrete footings.

4. Child Finder: Resurrection series: Child Finder Trilogy, 2nd book, by Mike Angley from Total Recall Publications, Inc. Child Finder: Resurrection…the highly-anticipated sequel to the award-winning debut novel, Child Finder, which Library Journal placed on its 2009 Summer Reads list for Christian fiction!

5. Christmas Peril, by Margaret Daley from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Christmas themed, romantic suspense stories.

6. Cup of Joe, by Teri Wilson from White Rose Publishing. A grieving oman resists the cups of comfort offered by the shy, but handsome, owner of the neighborhood coffee shop.

7. Field of Danger, by Ramona Richards from Love Inspired Suspense. When April Presley can’t remember details of the murder she witnessed, deputy Daniel Rivers must help her recall the event and protect her from the killer determined to silence her.

8. Her Patchwork Family series: The Gabriel Sisters, by Lyn Cote from Love Inspired. In spite of opposition from the rich and influential, can Felicity Gabriel establish a home for children orphaned by the Civil War and heal two wounded hearts?

9. Patterns and Progress series: Michigan historical, book 3, by Amber Stockton from Barbour Publishing. A farmer's daughter would rather turn back the hands of time than accept the fact that advancement in technology could be in God's plan.

10. The Sheriff's Surrender series: #1 of The Ladies' Shooting Club Series, by Susan Page Davis from Barbour Publishing. The men of Fergus aren’t keeping the town safe, so a group of feisty women take matters into their own hands.

11. The Glassblower series: First book in the New Jersey Historical Series, by Laurie Alice Eakes from Barbour Publishing. Colin Grassick moves from Edinburgh, Scotland to Salem county New jersey to take a position as a master glassblower. He loves his work and hopes of bringing his family to America for a better life. But his love for Meg, the daughter of the owner of the glassworks, threatens his job...and then his life.

Happy Reading!

Musings

I’m happy to report that I will send the completed manuscript for Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, later today, which is the deadline date. Just a few more tweaks.

This is the last post of 2009, the year of the unexpected as per the word I received from God about the year. It certainly contained many and varied unexpecteds. And I praise God for every one of them.

At the top of this blog, I put a quote we read on a sign at a church we passed. “A Baby changes everything.” James laughed.

“That could mean several things.” We know that the church was talking about the coming of our Savior to the earth. That was the single event in history that changed everything that happened since the event. And we’re thankful for His presence in our lives today.

But sometimes the birth of a baby is unexpected and brings unplanned changes in our lives. That doesn’t mean the coming of the baby into the family is a bad thing. The birth of a child brings a hope for the future. A blessing from God.

That’s how I looked at every unexpected that we faced this year. And here we are at the end of the year, thanking God for walking through the highs and the lows with us. He’s the bright and shining star in our lives.

A final note: James and I went to see the movie Blind Side. Even though the local newspaper movie reviewer didn’t give it a very favorable review, the theater was packed. Actually, we had to buy tickets to the next showing after the one we came for, because it was a sell out.

I highly recommend this movie to you. Although it doesn’t gloss over the harder side of life, it brings a message of hope. A very uplifting movie.

See you again in January 2010.

November 2009

2009-11-01T12:06:00.001-08:00

God will bring to completion everything He starts in your life. . .in His time.

Announcements

Three book winners for October are: Linda Wagner – St. Paul, Minnesota, Jackie Smith – Crawfordville, Georgia, and Ingeborg Fagin, Lighthouse Point, Florida. You can choose from Pirate’s Prize, Never Say Never, and A Daughter’s Quest. Click on the View Complete Profile link in the right hand column to find a link to my email. Send me your mailing address. Or you can go to my website and click on Contact Me.

Readers, if you want a chance to win one of my free books, please sign my Guest Book on my website - http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/. The winners are chosen from those who do. But remember to check back in the next month’s newsletter to see if you won. You can sign up at the top of the right hand column of this blog for Feedblitz. Then the newsletter will feed into your Inbox. I will only post a newsletter once a month.

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

Want more free books. We also give away a minimum of 12 free books a month on my blog: http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/. Most months we give away more than that. This month I’ll be interviewing these authors:

Ramona Richards – Field of Danger
Tracey Bateman – Thirsty
Margaret Daley – Together for the Holidays
Ashley Ludwig – All of Nothing
Mary Connealy – Cowboy Christmas

Susan Page Davis – White Mountain Brides
Nicole O’Dell – All That Glitters
Siri Mitchell – Love’s Pursuit
Judy Christy – Gone to Green
A. K. Arenz – The Case of the Mystified M. D.
Shirley Connolly – Thorns ~n~ Thistles
E. R. Webb – Gemini’s Cross
Kay Marshall Strom – The Call of Zulina
E. R. Webb – The Pallium Project
Tricia Goyer & Ocieanna Fleiss – Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana
Elizabeth Wiseman – An Amish Gathering
Joyce Magnin – The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow
Rhonda McKnight – Secrets and Lies

You can find all kinds of information about my books on my Fan page on Facebook:
http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=ts
I’d love for you to come over and become a fan.

Calendar of Events

May 2010 – Release of Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico

May 8, 2010 – ACFW The Woodlands (Writers on the Storm) – Two workshops Painting Historicals With Authenticity & Taking Settings to the Next Level

August 28, 2010 – ACFW Shreveport – Taking Settings to the Next Level

October 2, 2010 – ACFW Tulsa (WIN) – Taking Settings to the Next Level – a hands-on workshop

Book Reviews

Notice: In accordance with FTC regulations, I inform you that most of the books I review have been provided by either the author, a publicist, or the publisher. I review only books I have read and all reviews are the honest representation of my opinion of the book.

One Imperfect Christmas
By Myra Johnson

ISBN 9781426700705
Abingdon Press
Contemporary

Back Cover Copy:

Only Love Makes a Christmas Perfect

Christmas is the season of miracles, but when blame and guilt keep two people apart, sometimes a miracle needs a helping hand.

Natalie Pearce loves Christmas so much she'd gladly make a year-round celebration--until her mother suffers a massive stroke while taking down the decorations. Natalie's guilt over not being there to help her mom soon builds a wall that separates her from the rest of her family, including her husband Daniel and their teenage daughter. As the next December approaches, the last thing Natalie wants to be reminded of is another Christmas season.

Will her family's tenacious love and an unexpected Christmas gift from her mother help Natalie mend the broken pieces of their lives?

My review:

I love it when I start receiving the Christmas books from authors and publishing companies. I especially wanted to read this debut novel by Myra Johnson. I've known her for years and watched her grow as she honed her writing skills, and I was elated when she made her first sale.

The book is a good debut novel. The Christmas elements of newness and surprises were strong, and contributed to my enjoyment of the story. I did want to shake Natalie several times when she allowed her guilt to keep her from making the right decisions.

I found the young teenage daughter to be very believable. Her angst increased the level of the tension.

I recommend that you add this book to your Christmas reading list.

The Great Christmas Bowl
By Susan May Warren
ISBN 978-1-4143-2678-8
Tyndale
Contemporary Novella

Back Cover Copy:

Christmas is a magical season - except for this year.

Marianne Wallace loves the holidays. From dressing the tree to her traditional Christmas dinner, it's all about creating memories for her family. But when her children begin to leave home--and their traditions--behind, she has one last chance to create a holiday they'll never forget.

Unfortunately, she's soon in over her head, and one impulsive decision leads to a string of events that will change the way her family--even her small Minnesota town--sees the Christmas season.

My Review:

I've loved Susan's writing for years now. This book is no exception.
Full of traditions and unmet expectations, the book takes the reader through a serious transition time in many families. On the way, it brings laughter, tears, and the warm kind of feeling you want from a Christmas book.

You won't want to miss one. Put it on your list right now.

The Unfinished Gift
By Dan Walsh
ISBN 978-0-8007-1924-1
Revell
Historical Christmas

Back Cover Copy:

Can a gift from the past mend a broken heart?

Ian Collins is an old man without his son. Patrick Collins is a young boy without his father. On his Christmas list are only three items. He wants the army to find his father. He wants to leave his grandfather's house. And he wants the dusty wooden soldier in Grandfather's attic--the one his is forbidden to touch.
My Review:

This novel was a surprise to me. A story that touched on the society and mores in the days of World War II. A story with a lot of heart that takes the reader down the road of broken dreams in the lives of two people who were thrown together by circumstances. Pain and pathos paint a detailed portrait of two hearts on a collision course.

Although this is a debut novel, we have a Christmas classic in the makings. A story readers will want to revisit year after year, much as they do with movies like IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. So move this book to the top of your to-be-read list and grab a box of Kleenex on the way.

Bluegrass Christmas
By Allie Pleiter
ISBN 978-0-373-87556-6
Love Inspired
Contemporary Romance

Back Cover Copy:

An Old-Fashioned Christmas

That's what led new believer Mary Thorpe to start over in quaint Middleburg, Kentucky. As director of the church's Christmas pageant, Mary's job is to bring the townspeople together, to remind them what the season is really about. But everyone is all riled up over one very handsome man: the man daring to run against Middleburg's popular long-standing mayor. Mac MacCarthy wants change. Mary wants things to stay as they are. Is there a happy medium? Both Mac and Mary are in for one very big Christmas surprise.

My Review:

I love Christmas stories. They're usually feel-good stories that make you get into the holiday spirit. And as a trade paperback, BLUEGRASS CHRISTMAS should have fit that mold. It did not.

This wonderful story brought many surprises. The humor should have built to the big ending, but in this book, the author took the reader into a deep, well-crafted subplot that was profound. Without this depth, this story would have been just another fun read. Instead, it was a powerful look behind the facades people use to hide their deepest secrets, hurts, and longings.

You won't want to miss this story. Put it on the top of your to-be-read Christmas stack.

An Amish Christmas
By Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller & Barbara Cameron
ISBN 976-1-59554-821-4
Thomas Nelson
Contemporary Novella Collection

Back Cover Copy:

December In Paradise - A Time of Hope, Redemption, and New Life

A CHOICE TO FORGIVE by Beth Wiseman

After Daniel disappeared that long-ago Christmas Eve, Lydia built a life with his brother. But now she's a widow and Daniel has reappeared, asking for forgiveness. But can she go back to her normal life with her long-lost love as her neighbor?

A MIRACLE FOR MIRIAM by Kathleen Fuller

Seth is no longer the arrogant young man who shattered Miriam's confidence and broke her heart. But can he convince "plain" Miriam that she is truly beautiful to him?

ONE CHILD by Barbara Cameron

The birth of one child forever changed the world two thousand years ago. On a snowy Christmas night in Lancaster County, another child changes the world for two very different couples.

My Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed these three stories. Although each novella contains a stand-alone story, they are interrelated through the characters and events. I particularly liked the intermingling and contrasting of the Amish life and life of Englischers. The sense of understanding between those involved.

The characters were well-developed for a novella, and the internal and external conflicts really carried the stories along.

I highly recommend this good read.

November ACFW Book Releases

Seven more releases this month from ACFW members.

1. A Silent Pursuit, by Lynette Eason from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Gina Santino has something someone desperately wants. Now, she's on the hunt to find it. Her deceased fiance's best friend, US Ranger, Ian Masterson is her only hope of staying alive while they race to be the first to discover the treasure her fiance left behind.

2. Chasing Shadows, by Terri Reed from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. An heiress turns to her former love, a cop, for help when she fears for her grandmother's life.

3. Close to Home, by Carolyn Aarsen from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. A reunion of old lovers brings up the shadows of past tragedy.

4. Fit To Be Tied, The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs, Book #2, by Robin Lee Hatcher from Zondervan. Who says a woman can't do a man's job?

5. I'm So Sure, A Charmed Life, Book 2, by Jenny B. Jones from Thomas Nelson. Its prom time and someone is trying to sabotage the queen contest. Can Bella solve the mystery in time AND keep it together as her life goes public on a wrestling reality show?

6. The Bartered Bride, by Erica Vetsch from Barbour Heartsong Presents. Tempests rage, in the board room, the ball room, and on treacherous Lake Superior as two hearts set sail on a collision course.

7. Together for the Holidays, Fostered by Love series-book 5, by Margaret Daley from Love Inspired. Can the true meaning of Christmas bring two loners together?

Happy Reading!

Musings

I had two fun booksignings in October. I met some new people, who hopefully will be come faithful readers.
My daughter and great grandson came to the first one at Mardel in Plano. Here's a picture of us.

I signed books with Amanda Cabot. This was the first time I met her face to face, but I wrote an

endorsement for her book, Paper Roses.

Then the second booksigning was at Mardel in Hurst, which is a couple of miles from my house. I love this store. It’s a fairly new store, very well designed with lots of stock that is easy to find.

And the store personnel treated us exceptionally well. I’ll be sure to schedule things in this store again.

I signed books with Leanna Ellis. We interacted with a number of people and had a really good time.

October 2009

2009-10-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.

Announcements

Yea!! Three book winners for September. They will receive their choice of either: Pirate’s Prize, Never Say Never, or A Daughter’s Quest. They are Lisa Glidewell, and Eleanor Wyatt of Carthage, Tennessee, and Kelly McNamara of Adams Basin, New York. Click on the View Complete Profile link in the right hand column to find a link to my email. Send me your mailing address.

Readers, if you want a chance to win one of my free books, please sign my Guest Book on my website - http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/ . The winners are chosen from those who do. But remember to check back in the next month’s newsletter to see if you won. You can sign up at the top of the right hand column of this blog for Feedblitz. Then the newsletter will feed into your Inbox. I will only post a newsletter once a month with occasional other posts.

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

Want more free books. We also give away a minimum of 12 free books a month on my blog: http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/. Most months we give away more than that. This month I’ll be interviewing these authors:

Leann Harris – Guarded Secrets
Tricia Goyer – The Sunflower Serenade
Beth Shriver – Love at First Flight
Cheryl Wyatt – Soldier Daddy
Sara Mills – Miss Match
Loree Lough – Love Finds You in North Pose, Alaska
Ruth Axtel Morrison – A Bride of Honor
Beth Shriver – A Case of the Heart
Beth Wiseman – Plain Promise
Tricia Goyer – The Swiss Courier
Lori Copeland - Three Times Blessed
Sam Batterman – Wayback
Maggie Brendan – The Jewel of His Heart
Susan May Warren – The Great Christmas Bowl
Robin Lee Hatcher – Fit to be Tied
Mark Mynheir – The Night Watchman

You can find all kinds of information about my books on my Fan page on Facebook:
http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=ts
I’d love for you to come over and become a fan.

Calendar of Events

October 10 - DFW Ready Writers - Colleyville, TX - 11:00 am

October 20 – Booksigning with Amanda Cabot – Mardel Plano, Coit Road & Park – 6:00 pm

October 24 – Booksigning with Leanna Ellis – Mardel Hurst, Hurstview & Grapevine Highway – 1:00 pm

April 3, 2010 – ACFW Tulsa (WIN) – Taking Settings to the Next Level – a hands-on workshop

May 2010 – Release of Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico

May 5, 2010 – ACFW The Woodlands (Writers on the Storm) – Two workshops “Painting Historicals With Authenticity” & “Taking Settings to the Next Level”

Book Reviews

I really didn’t read many books in September, because of my conferences and writing my own book. I’ll do better this month.

Love Finds You in Paradise, Pennsylvania
By Loree Lough
ISBN 978-1-934770-66-5
Summerside Press
Contemporary Romance

Back Cover Copy:

For as long as anyone can remember, tourists have flocked to the quaint town of Paradise, Pennsylvania, where Amish buggies are as common as shops selling hand-crafted goods. But to attorney Julia Spencer, this town is anything but a paradise. Raised in foster homes, Julia has succeeded in life only through steely determination and independence. The close-knit Amish people are a mystery to her. But local veterinarian Simon Thomas knows them well and is fiercely protective of their simple ways, which are increasingly threatened by the outside world. When Julia agrees to defend a local teenager charged in a case involving an Amish boy, she and Simon find themselves on opposite sides of an intense and emotional legal battle. Just when it seems they will never understand one another, God has something to teach them both about the power of forgiveness. . .and the joys to be found in Paradise.

My Review:

I've loved reading books by Loree Lough for a long time. And I believe this is her best one yet. Her melding the the friendships between an Amish family and two non-Amish people is tender and stirring.

The characters are realistic and multi-layered. Their hopes and fears universal. And the way, Loree used the various settings to impact the story is emotional and satisfying.

You won't want to miss this book.

Blood Bayou
By Karen Young
ISBN 978-1-4165-8750-0
Howard Books
Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Back Cover Copy:

To Save a Victim, Camille St. James May Have to Become One Herself.

Seven years ago, tragedy ended the troubled marriage of Camille and Jack Vermillion. Now, as head of the Truth Project, her life safe and orderly, she focuses her lawyerly skills on freeing wrongly incarcerated individuals on death row.

Jack paid a bitter price for his mistakes. No longer a high-powered corporate attorney, he's now pastor of a small church in Blood Bayou. Unsure of her own beliefs, Camille is highly skeptical of the conversion of this man she hasn't seen in seven years.

Then tragedy strikes again. Jack's sister is murdered, apparently by a prisoner Camille has set free. To prove his innocence, Camille must return to Blood Bayou. But that means facing the hostility of the town--and Jack.

And as She Works to Find the Real Killer, Someone Is Determined to Stop her. . .by Any Means.

My Review:

A friend loaned me her copy of the book to read on a return flight from the American Christian Fiction Writers national conference in Denver. The first page grabbed me and the book held me spellbound until we landed in DFW. I had to keep the book until I finished reading it.

Even though she's the author of over 30 books, I'd never heard of this author. She is now on my Must-Read list.

The story is fast-paced and the plot full of twists and turns. And I loved the romantic tension between the formerly married hero and heroine. Their struggles against the forces of evil and their own attraction to each other are a very good lead-in to the spiritual thread, which is strong and believable in today's world.

An altogether wonderful read. You won't want to miss it.

October ACFW Book Releases

Seventeen more releases this month from ACFW members.

1. A Star Curiously Singing, The DarkTrench Saga, Book 1, by Kerry Nietz from Marcher Lord Press. An augmented human programmer is sent to space to solve the mystery of a bot’s destruction.

2. Double Take, by Jenness Walker from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. When a stalker becomes obsessed with a woman, the key to stopping him lies in a best-selling thriller…until he stops going by the book.

3. Dreaming of Home, by Glenna Kaye from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Two wounded hearts must learn to trust that God's dreams for them far exceed any they may have for themselves.

4. Eternity Falls - A Rick Macey Cyberthriller, Book 1 of the Rick Macey Cyberthriller series, by Kirk Outerbridge from Marcher Lord Press. A cyber-enhanced detective must stop a religious zealot from destroying a serum for eternal life.

5. Gripped By Fear, Chicago Warrior Thriller Series, 2nd book, by John M. Wills from Total Recall. Chgo Detectives hunt a serial rapist in the mean streets of Chicago in the midst of personal struggles.

6. Leaving Yesterday, by Kathryn Cushman from Bethany House. A mother rejoices at the return of her prodigal, but is faced with an impossible decision as evidence from his past refuses to stay buried.

7. Loves Finds You in Bethlehem, New Hampshire, by Lauralee Bliss from Summerside Press. Set in the Guilded Age within the beauty of New Hampshire's White Mountains, successful artist Tom Haskins and penniless Sara McGee discover through their circumstances that the most precious gifts of life and love don't always come as they're expected.

8. Love Finds You in North Pole, Alaska, by Loree Lough from Summerside Press. A story that's sure to warm your heart, despite the icy Alaskan setting!

9. Love is a Battlefield, Book One in the Walk in the Park series, by Annalisa Daughety from Barbour Publishing. War rages again at Shiloh, but this time it’s a battle of the heart.

10. Seaside Letters, by Denise Hunter from Thomas Nelson. Sabrina Kincaid didn't intend to fall for Nantucket native Tucker McCabe, the man she serves coffee to every morning-a man tied deeply to a past she deeply regrets. But she has. And she's fallen hard. But she's kept this a secret from her handsome customer. And now Tucker wants to hire Sabrina to help locate his friend "Sweetpea"-the mysterious woman he's falling in love with online. Sabrina is not inclined to help, but if Tucker hires someone else, it could spell disaster. Because if someone else sifts through the emails and figures out the truth-then Tucker will discover that the person he's trying to find is . . . her.

11. Soldier Daddy, Wings of Refuge Series-book 5-all standalones, by Cheryl Wyatt from Steeple Hill. A USAF Pararescue Jumper searches for a nanny for his twins and instead finds a future with a woman harboring a secret tied to his past.

12. The Case of the Mystified M.D., Book 2, Bouncing Grandma Mysteries, by A.K. Arenz from Sheaf House. First a foot, now a hand--what body part is next?

13. The Christmas Journey, by Winnie Griggs from Steeple Hill Love Inspired.

14. The Jewel of his Heart, Heart of the West Series, by Maggie Brendan from Revell. Discover the classic struggle between the world's wealth and the lure of eternal love in this Western story of elegance and survival.

15. The Matchmaking Pact, After the Storm #4 , by Carolyn Aarsen from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. A single father and a single mother have to deal with matchmaking children.

16. Thirsty, by Tracey Bateman from Waterbrook. “Deep, cutting, an intoxicating blend of human and supernatural, of characters scarred by the past, drained by life. This is the book I’ve waited for.”

17. Trial By Fire, by Cara Putman from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. When an arsonist targets her family, Tricia has to find him before harm is done without losing her heart to a fireman.

Happy Reading!

Musings

A lot has happened since my last newsletter. The North Texas Christian Writers Conference was very interesting. I enjoyed teaching, taking appointments, and meeting new people. A couple of unexpected things happened. Remember this is the year of the unexpected in my life.

One woman took my workshop, who had also taken it when I taught it at ACFW national conference in Minneapolis last year. That was totally unexpected.

My table was always full at break and meal times. Lots of people wanted to talk to me, and I enjoyed it immensely.

One of the other speakers, for non-fiction, told me I was like a 25 year old—because I knew so much about the Internet and Social networking and the technical aspects of it and because I had a lot of energy. When the faculty went out to eat at the end of the conference, he told my husband the same thing. Then he asked James what I was like when I was 25. James said, “You don’t want to know.” I’m not sure whether that’s good or not.

Then the ACFW national conference in Denver was wonderful. Several people from my critique group flew up a day early. Others drove up and arrived about the same time. We had a lot of time for reconnecting with friends that evening.

For the first time, I have a publicist. Summerside Press had hired one of the best firms in the business. And I met with my publicist to plan the publicity for my next book release in May. That was a special time.

Summerside Press also hosted a dessert buffet after the first evening session for their authors. If was on the outside terrace with a large fire pit. Very enjoyable and good desserts. They also gave us a gift bag.

Barbour Publishing hosted a party on the same terrace the next evening. Lots of good food, including a chocolate fountain (my favorite). They gave us two books as well.

The teaching sessions were extremely professional and helped all of us move forward no matter at what stage of our writing career we were. Debbie Macomber was the keynote speaker.

We had a very good book signing, with authors spread across three areas of the atrium and lobbies.

Ted Dekker is a recent new member of ACFW, but he didn’t come to the conference itself. But he did come on one evening and hung out in the lobby.

I put a slideshow of pictures from the conference on this blog, but when the slideshow was on the blog, not all the picture showed. If you want to see the pictures better go to this site:

http://www.slide.com/r/ThDLSFFi6j_iY-m1fgS3NmsegeFDUB-Z

After I came home and got back writing my novel, everything came together so I can finish writing it quickly.

ACFW Conference Photos

2009-09-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

September 2009

2009-09-01T15:04:00.000-07:00

Government cannot spend what it does not first take from the people. James Robison

Announcements

Announcing the release of two books:

Wild West Christmas
By Kathleen Y'Barbo, Lena Nelson Dooley, Vickie McDonough, Darlene Franklin

ISBN 978-1-60260-566-4
Barbour
Christmas Courtships Corral Four Sisters in Texas

Charlsey Ames can ride, rope, and work the ranch with the best of them. But things don't add up when she finds herself attracted to accountant Horace Miller III, a citified tenderfoot. Will he ever see the gentle woman beneath the coating of trail dust.

Sharp-shooting Lucy Ames is thrilled to join Major Paulson's Wild West Show. But is she setting her sights too high when she begins falling for budding evangelist Gordon Paulson? Would she be better off aiming for a stable, widowed rancher?

Although horse-trainer Sarah Ames is stunned when her pa hires the part-Mexican Carson Romero to take over her job at the ranch, she gradually becomes attracted to the drifter. But when cattle go missing, Carson seems the prime suspect Has Carson stolen Sarah's heart as well as some prime longhorns?

An expert tracker, the plain Bessie Mae Ames resolves to spend her life taking care of her widowed father. That is until Texas Ranger Josef Mueller rides back into town, trailing a wanted man. Will the soon-to-be-smitten ranger find both he and his prey sweet on an unsuspecting Bessie Mae?

Will these cowgirls be tamed and live to celebrate Christmas romance?

Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe
By Lena Nelson Dooley, Jeanie Smith Cash, Jean Kincaid, Jeri Odell
ISBN 978-1-60260-563-3
Barbour

Love Hits the Slopes at Christmastime

Four young women, fresh out of college, pursue their careers at a new ski lodge at Lake Tahoe's Incline Village during the winter season.

Bethany Stillman's resolve to focus on her RN career falters when she meets paramedic Cole Beckman. Cole wonders how long it will be before Beth realizes he's to blame for crippling her grandfather. Can a Christmas miracle forge a path to love and forgiveness?

Social director Scarlett McKaye loves planning things down to the last detail. But what she didn't count on was having to spurn the bold advances of a reckless suitor. How far will daredevil Derrick Greene go to cancel Scarlett's reservations?

Stephanie St. John is determined to make a go of the time-share program at Snowbird Lodge. But Darrin Hart seems to be undermining her efforts, her confidence, and her reputation. Will misunderstanding be resolved, or will Stephanie succeed in business only to lose at love?

A wounded-at-the-heart Michaela Christianssen has chosen a male-free existence. But her friends and an eleven-year-old girl have other ideas. Widower Jonas Bradley is content with his life as father and forest ranger, until he finds himself pining for Michaela. What will it take to fell her oppositions to romance?

Will these four women hear wedding bells chime this Christmas?

Once again, I’ve chosen three book winners for September. They will receive their choice of either: Pirate’s Prize, Never Say Never, or A Daughter’s Quest. They are Jane Squires of Wasola, Montana, and Marion Marchetto of Navarre, Florida, and Linda Wagner of St Paul, Minnesota. Click on the View Complete Profile link in the right hand column to find a link to my email. Send me your mailing address.

Readers, if you want a chance to win one of my free books, please sign my Guest Book on my website - http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/ . The winners are chosen from those who do. But remember to check back in the next month’s newsletter to see if you won. You can sign up at the top of the right hand column of this blog for Feedblitz. Then the newsletter will feed into your Inbox. I will only post a newsletter once a month.

Want more free books. We also give away a minimum of 12 free books a month on my blog: http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/. Most months we give away more than that. This month I’ll be interviewing these authors:

Craig Parshall – The Rose Conspiracy
Myra Johnson – One Imperfect Christmas
Rita Gerlach – Surrender the Wind
Elizabeth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller & Barbara Cameron – An Amish Christmas
Debby Mayne, Paige Winship Dooly, Elizabeth Ludwig, Elizabetheth Goddard – Christmas Homecoming
Jerry Eicher – Rebecca’s Promise – Rebecca’s Return
Kathleen Y’Barbo, Lena Nelson Dooley, Vickie McDonough, Darlene Franklin – Wild West Christmas
BJ Hoff – American Anthem
Mary Ellis – A Widow’s Hope
Robert James Luedke – Eye Witness
Linda Leigh Hargrove – The Making of Isaac Hunt – Loving Cee Cee Johnson
Maureen Lang – Look to the East
Cindy Woodsmall – The Sound of Sleighbells
Susan Page Davis – Hearts in the Crossfire
Allie Pleiter – Bluegrass Christmas
Mona Hodgson – Two Brides Too Many
Brandilyn and Amberley Collins – Last Breath
Tricia Goyer – The Sunflower Serenade

You can find all kinds of information about my books on my Fan page on Facebook:
http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=ts
I’d love for you to come over and become a fan.

Right now I’m running a contest on my fan page. Check it out.

Calendar of Events

September 2009 – Release of Wild West Christmas
September 2009 – Release of Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe
September 2009 – Release of Can You Help Me? And Caught Red-Handed in Thorndike Large Print edition

September 11-12, 2009 – Speaker at North Texas Christian Writers Conference, Roanoke, Texas – Painting Historicals with Authenticity, and I will take one-on-one appointments.

September 17-20 - American Christian Fiction Writers National Conference - Denver, Colorado – Paid Critiquer

October 20 – Booksigning with Amanda Cabot – Mardel Plano, Coit Road & Park – 6:00 pm

October 24 – Booksigning with Leanna Ellis – Mardel Hurst, Hurstview & Grapevine Highway – 1:00 pm

April 3, 2010 – ACFW Tulsa (WIN) – Taking Settings to the Next Level – a hands-on workshop

May 2010 – Release of Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico

May 5, 2010 – ACFW The Woodlands (Writers on the Storm) – Two workshops “Painting Historicals With Authenticity” & “Taking Settings to the Next Level”

Book Reviews

Maggie Rose
By Sharlene MacLaren
ISBN 978-1-60374-075-3
Whitaker House
Historical Romantic Fioction
The Daughters of Jacob Kane - Book 2

Back Cover Copy:

1904 ~~ New York, New York

Maggie Rose, the spunky, friendly, twenty-year-old daughter of Michigan resident Jacob Kane, feels compelled to leave her beloved hometown of Sandy Shores to pursue what she feels in her heart are God's plans for her life--in New York City.

Maggie Rose adjusts to her new life at Sheltering Arms Refuge, an orphanage that also transports homeless children to towns across the United States to match them with compatible families. Most of the children have painful pasts that make Maggie aghast, but she marvels at their resiliency. As she gets to know each child, her heart blossoms with new depths of love and compassion.

When a newspaper reporter comes to stay at the orphanage in order to gather research for an article, Maggie is struck by his handsome face--and concerned by his lack of faith. She can't deny their mutual affections, though. Will she win the struggle to maintain her focus on God and remain attuned to His guidance?

My Review:

Sharlene MacLaren is a recent arrival in Christian publishing who has grown tremendously through each of her published works. I loved her early books, but each new one has greater depth and heights. The characters in this book are at cross purposes, and I loved to see each of them develop and grow.

I've always been fascinated by the orphan trains, and Sharlene took us into the hearts and minds of the people who accompanied them on the trek as well as the children who were chosen. . .and not chosen.

I highly recommend this excellent read.

Montana Rose
By Mary Connealy
ISBN 978-1-60260-142-0
Barbour
Historical Romance
Montana Marriages - Book 1

Back Cover Copy:

Widowed One Day --
Wedded the Next

Cassie Griffin has always dressed in silks. Her free-spending husband expects nothing less. But now he has died, leaving her unprotected, heavily in debt, and pregnant. As any single woman doesn't remain so for long in Divide, Montana, Cassie wonders if marrying one of the local cowboys might be her only choice. After seeing her choices, she then wonders if joining her husband might be even better.

Red Dawson has always had a soft spot in his heart for Cassie, even though most of the townspeople see her only as a silk-clad china doll. When she's left a widow, only one thing keeps him from immediately sweeping her off her feet--she's a nonbeliever.

As the other cowboys lay claim to Cassie, the most powerful rancher in the area steps forward to demand what he thinks rightly belongs to him. . .and the property that goes with her. Red struggles with figuring out what to do but decides he can't allow Cassie to suffer a fate worse than death and marries her himself.

Will Red win over this seemingly fragile and spoiled china doll's heart. . .and survive her unique brand of ranch help in the meantime? Will Cassie find true love with her cowboy--and His God--when she exchanges smooth silk for coarse calico?

My Review:

Mary. . .Mary. . .Mary, you just keep writing books that grab me and pull me in so deep I have a hard time putting it down. At least I had the sense to read it on the weekend when I wasn't writing my own book. Of course, James expected me to have food on the table when needed, and so I had to put it down a time or two.

MONTANA ROSE is a departure from your usual strong heroine, and I loved the character development through the book for the heroine, and the hero. The setting was unique and completely interesting. I won't give it away here, but I've had experience with that kind of place. You got it right.

The spiritual thread is strong and several characters experience strong growth. A really masterful job writing this book. A long way from your first manuscript I edited for you.

Readers, get this book quick. You'll be glad you did.

The Occasional Cook
By Cyndy Salzmann
ISBN 978-1-4196-9711-1
Subtitle: Culinary Strategies for Overcommitted Families
Cookbook

Back Cover Copy:

Family-friendly recipes to simplify mealtimes and save money!

Cyndy Salzmann has been holding cooking classes since 1997. Now in this sequel to MAKING YOUR HOME A HAVEN, Cyndy shares one of the secrets of how to do that: Spend less time in the kitchen!

If you want to

spend more time with your family
save on your grocery bills
prepare taste-tempting meals without exotic engredients
serve family-friendly recipes even the pickiest eaters will love

then THE OCCASIONAL COOK is for you!

My Review:

I know, I know. I usually review Christian fiction, but I recently acquired a copy of this book and found it fascinating.

In this book, Cyndy will teach you about how easy it is to use her system to make your time in the kitchen very productive and allow you more time out of the kitchen. She starts out with really good tips everyone can use. Then she explains her method of cooking for a whole week in one day.

After that, she includes a lot of delicious recipes you can follow using her method. And not to leave you just staring at the pages, she finishes with a section giving you step-by-step instructions, including menus and shopping lists. And all the food is nutritious, but easy to obtain and prepare.

I highly recommend this book.

The Blue Enchantress
By M. L. Tyndall
ISBN 978-1-60260-157-4
Barbour
Historical Romance
Charles Town Belles, Book 2

Back Cover Copy:

An adventure-seeking woman and a security-minded ship builder are shipwrecked together.

Still grieving the loss of her mother--and private tragedies of her own--Hope Westcott plays the part of a duriful admiral's daughter. But longing for the love and acceptance she never felt at home, Hope plunges into Charles Towne society. . .and an illicit affair with Lord Falkland.

For Captain Nethaniel Mason, wealth means security, so he is determined to build his shippind business--ignoring God's call on his life to become an impoverished pastor. He also ignores his attraction to the frivolous, vain Hope Westcott.

Hope's adventure seeking lands her in the hands of an unscrupulous ship captain who wants to sell her to the highest bidder. When Nathaniel sees Hope on the auction block, will he listen to God and sacrifice his ship, cargo, and security to save her?

Fron the Carolina Coast to the Caribbean, through stormy seas and shipwrecks, can Hope and Nathaniel put aside their painful pasts, listen to God's voice, and find true love and acceptance?

My Review:

MaryLu, you've done it again. Given us a swashbuckling adventure filled with romance. A book that's hard to put down once you start reading.

Your characters leapt from the pages straight into my heart. I loved them, rooted for them, booed the bad guys, and loved every minute of it. You truly showed the depth of sacrificial love.

And you setting is close to my heart. I love traveling through the Caribbean. I could visualize every scene with your excellent descriptions.

Bring on the next book in the series.

Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana
By Melody Dobson
ISBN 978-1-934770-74-0
Summerside Press
Historical Romance

Back Cover Copy:

In a divided town during a dangerous era, who can be trusted?

Liberty, Indiana, is home to a stop on the Underground Railroad operated by Quaker abolitionists Anna Brent and her father. Harboring runaway slaves is a dangerous mission: anyone caught aiding them is subject to improsonment. When Anna's secret work is threatened, can she turn to the handsome yet outspoken Daniel Stanton, Liberty's newspaper editor, to ensure the safety of the runaways so dear to her? Will she and Daniel risk everything for their beliefs--including their personal liberty?

My Review:

I wasn't terribly interested in reading about the Underground Railroad. I'd read plenty of books about it and considered this one as just one more. What else was there to say about it?

However, when I picked it up, the first chapter captured me, and I had a hard time putting the book down. Although the story is the same--slaves giving everything to find freedom--the focus is different.

Very tastefully done, the book still reveals the inherent evil of slavery in any era. I found the story not only well-crafted, but also compassionate and heart-tugging.

I highly recommend this excellent read.

Love Finds You in Revenge, Ohio
By Lisa Harris
ISBN 978-1-934770-81-8
Summerside Press
Historical Romantic Women's Fiction

Back Cover Copy:

The only thing worse than being a spinster is being a twice-jilted spinster.

At twenty-five, Catherine Morgan is hardly an old maid. But she's given up on marriage and instead manages the family's general store in the small town of Revenge, Ohio. Bound by a promise to care for her three sisters until they marry, she'll do anything to keep them safe. But Sheriff Corbin Hunter stands in her way. He has evidence that her sister's fiance is really an infamous bank robber--and the man who murdered his father. Catherine finds herself torn between saving her sister's heart and losing hers to the man who jilted her seven years ago. Will Corbin's desire for revenge cause him to lose Catherine a second time?

My Review:

I had been anxiously waiting to read Lisa's Summerside Press book, and I loved it. I mentored Lisa years ago before she ever sold her first novel. Now she's one of my favorite authors.

This story might be my favorite one yet. The premise of the hope for revenge in their hearts while living in the town of Revenge is powerful. And Lisa writes enough twists and turns into her plot to keep the reader turning pages. I especially liked the suspenseful element.

Lisa's characters pulled me into the story and held me captive through every page. I highly recommend this wonderful book.

Love Finds You in Poetry, Texas
By Janice Hanna
ISBN 978-1-935416-16-6
Summerside Press
Historical Romantic Fiction

Back Cover Copy:

Belinda Bauer in her ivory tower. . .

In the quaint community of Poetry, Texas, Belinda spies an opportunity. The town is filled with farmers and railroad men in need of wives, so why not set herself up as a marriage broker? Belinda sends little poems to prospective brides all over the country, and her plan seems to work. One by one, women begin to arrive in Poetry. There's only one problem: Belinda doesn't have a clue what she'd doing, and most of the brides marry the wrong men! One client is particularly unhappy. Georg Kaufman, the local barber, has lost more than one prospective wife to Belinda's fumbled attempts. For some reason, she just can't seem to find Georg's perfect match, though it's not for lack of trying. Is there a poetic ending in store for Georg--and for Belinda herself?

My Review:

I've known Janice (aka Janice Thompson) for many years. I've loved her books, but this is the first one that I felt really sounded like her voice. And I saw a lot of Janice's background and interests in this story. These details made the story extremely fascinating.

The book had many "awww" moments. I don't have the time to read a book straight through, so I'd read in spurts whenever I had time. Many of the scenes kept me chuckling long after I put the book down.

If you want a sweet love story with comedic touches and interesting characters, then this is the book for you.

September ACFW Book Releases

We had a whopping twenty-four new releases this month.

1. A Blue and Gray Christmas, by Carrie Turansky, Vickie McDonough, Lauralee Bliss Tamela Hancock Murray from Barbour Publishing. A Blue and Gray Christmas highlights the faith and courage of four couples who remained true to their convictions and found lasting love despite the hardships of the Civil War.

2. A Man of His Word, Book 1 in the Hearts of Middlefield Series, by Kathleen Fuller from Thomas Nelson. Moriah's heart will only be safe with a man of his word.

3. A Passion Redeemed , by Julie Lessman from Revell. Depth of beauty ... shallow of heart, Charity O'Connor is a woman who gets what she wants. She sets her sights on a man who wants nothing to do with her. Although the sparks are there, he refuses to fan the coals of a potential relationship with a woman who ruined his life. Charity burned him once, destroying his engagement to the only woman he ever truly loved. He won't play with matches again. But Charity has a plan to turn up the heat, hoping to ignite the heart of the man she loves. And she always gets what she wants-one way or another.

4. A Silent Fury, by Lynette Eason from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Detective Catelyn Clark and her ex-boyfriend, FBI agent Joseph Santino, must overcome their rocky past while working to solve the murder of a deaf student and find the friend who's still missing.

5. Always Ready, Book 1, by Susan Page Davis from Heartsong. Two Coast Guard officers find danger and romance in the hostile seas of Alaska.

6. An Amish Christmas, by Kathleen Fuller, , Beth Wiseman, from Thomas Nelson. Follow the lives of three Amish families through the Christmas season.

7. Beautiful Ugly, by Shelia Lipsey from Kensington Publishing Corp. Three friends need plenty of faith in God and support from each other to see their real beauty lies within.

8. Christmas at Lake Tahoe, by Jeanie Smith Cash, Lena Nelson Dooley, Jean Kincaid from Barbour Publishing. Will four young women fresh out of college, find love at Christmas as they persue their careers at a new ski lodge at Lake Tahoe's Incline Village?

9. Cowboy Christmas, by Mary Connealy from Barbour. A secretive singer with trouble following her, and a cowboy who hates liars, especially female liars, need a Christmas miracle to take a chance on love.

10. Fields of Grace, by Kim Vogel Sawyer from Bethany House. A Russian Mennonite family fights to survive and maintain their faith in a new land.

11. Finally Home and Finally Found, by Lyn Cote from Heartsong Presents. Two stories in one book. Finally Home-After her wedding that wasn't, Hannah Kirkland hides in her parent's small WI town But hiding is hard in a house that's under construction! As friendship with carpenter Guthrie Thomas, Hannah learns how to build a home--and love--of her own. In Finally Found-Ten years ago Marco da Palma left Spring Kirkland behind. What did a poor scholarship student have to offer her anyway? But when Marco, now a successful doctor, finds Spring again, the pair have a second chance. If only Marco can release his fears, and see the happiness that has been waiting all along...

12. Hearts and Harvest, by Amber Stockton from Heartsong Presents. A destitute young man fights society's mores to win the hand of his privileged sweetheart.

13. It's Not about Him, Second Glance Series, Book #2, by Michelle Sutton from Sheaf House. Two young Christians with an unplanned pregnancy where she wants to place her child in a good home but he wants to marry her so she'll keep her child even though it's not his.

14. Just Between You and Me, by Jenny B. Jones from Thomas Nelson. A family emergency pulls Maggie Montgomery back home to a town full of painful secrets and people she left behind. Sometimes the only thing scarier than living on the edge is stepping off it.

15. Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio, by Annalisa Daughety from Summerside Press. A summer in Charm, Ohio, gives Emma Miller the chance to decide once and for all what she wants from life--but soon finds herself pulled between two worlds.

16. One Imperfect Christmas, by Myra Johnson from Abingdon Press. Christmas is the season of miracles, but when blame and guilt keep people apart, a miracle needs a helping hand.

17. Painted Desert, by Nancy Farrier from Barbour. As modern life takes unexpected turns, love comes knocking on the doors of three Arizona women's lives.18. Protector's Honor, by Kit Wilkinson from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Rory Farrell searches for the link between Tabitha Beaumont and his ongoing murder investigation, but to protect her, he'll have to her trust as well.

19. Raising Rain, by Debbie Fuller Thomas from Moody Publishers. A single woman desperate for a child and the 3 college roommates who raised her meet her terminally ill mother on a stormy weekend and confront the past.

20. The Familiar Stranger, by Christina Berry from Moody Publishers. Secrets from Craig Littleton's past threaten to undue his troubled marriage, but if he literally can't remember the damage he's done, can he ever be trusted?

21. The Transformation, Project Restoration Series Book 3, by Terri Kraus from David C. Cook. Can a good, hard-working Christian man disregard his cultural and religious admonitions--as well as his mother's plans for his life--for the love of a woman and an historic church building?

22. The Unfinished Gift, by Dan Walsh from Revell, Division of Baker Publishing Group. Set at Christmastime in 1943, The Unfinished Gift is an engaging story of reconciliation between a father and son, and how God uses an unexpected gift from the past to mend this broken family.

23. Tidings of Great Boys, All About Us #5, by Shelley Adina from Hatchette FaithWords. Lady Lindsay (Mac) MacPhail invites her classmates home to her castle in Scotland for an unforgettable Christmas.

24. Wild West Christmas, by Lena Nelson Dooley, Kathleen Y'Barbo, Vickie McDonough, Darlene Franklin from Barbour. Christmas courtships corral four sisters in Texas.

Happy Reading!

Musings

God is the master of miracles. Even though my husband James needed to work, he’s been off for over four months, and our financial condition has changed very little. God has shown us how to live within our means, and He’s provided lots of unexpected things in our lives. I was able to replace my laptop with one that is lighter, thinner, and has an 8+ hour battery.

Now this month, I’m in the final preparations for two back-to-back conferences, the first in less than two weeks. I’m really looking forward to participating in both of these meetings—as a faculty member for the first one and a paid critiquer for the second one.

And I’m writing a book as fast as I can in the midst of all this.

August 2009 Newsletter

2009-08-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

Hot summer winds make me want to stay in air conditioning and enjoy reading a good book. What about you?

Announcements

I know I’m a couple of days late posting my newsletter. I was out of town over the weekend.

The book winner for July is Linda Wagner of St Paul, Minnesota. Click on the View Complete Profile link in the right hand column to find a link to my email. Or you can contact me through my web site to send me your mailing address.

Readers, if you want a chance to win one of my free books, please sign my Guest Book on my website - http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/ . The winners are chosen from those who do. But remember to check back in the next month’s newsletter to see if you won. You can sign up at the top of the sidebar column of this blog for Feedblitz. Then the newsletter will feed into your Inbox. I will only post a newsletter once a month.

Want more free books. We also give away a minimum of 16 free books a month on my blog: http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/. Some months we give away more than that.

This month I’ll be interviewing these authors:

Tammy Barley - Love’s Rescue
Kim Woodhouse - Welcome Home
William Carmichael & David Lambert - The Missionary
Linda Leigh Hargrove - The Making of Isaac Hunt
Wendy Davy - Drake’s Retreat
Jeral Davis - Tomorrow
Golden Keyes Parsons - A Prisoner of Versailles
Jessica Adriel - Forgiving Sean
Chris Fabry - June Bug
Linda Leigh Hargrove - Loving Cee Cee Johnson
Deb Raney - Above All Things
Lyn Cote - Her Inheritance Forever
Kathleene Y’Barbo, me, Vickie McDonough, Darlene Franklin - Wild West Christmas
Me, Jeanie Smith Cash, Jean Kincaid, Jeri Odell - Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe
Christina Berry - The Familiar Stranger
George Bryan Polovka - Blaggard’s Moon
Janice Thompson - Fools Rush In
Rachel Hauck - The Sweet By and By

You can find all kinds of information about my books on my Fan page on Facebook:
http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=ts
I’d love for you to come over and become a fan.

Calendar of Events

August 2009 – Release of The Spinster Brides of Cactus Corner in Thorndike Press, Large Print, hardback edition

September 2009 – Release of Wild West Christmas
September 2009 – Release of Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe

September 2009 - Release of Can You Help Me? and Caught Redhanded in Thorndike Press, Large Print, hardback edition

September 11-12, 2009 – Speaker at North Texas Christian Writers Conference, Roanoke, Texas – Painting Historicals with Authenticity, and I will take one-on-one appointments.

September 17-20 - American Christian Fiction Writers National Conference - Denver, Colorado - I’m doing paid critiques

May 2010 – Release of Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico

May 2010 - Speaking in the Woodlands (More details later)

October, 2010 – ACFW Tulsa – Taking Settings to the Next Level – a hands-on workshop

　
Book Reviews

Because I’m working hard to finish Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, I didn’t have as much time to read this month. So I only have three reviews to post.

The Constant Heart
By Siri Mitchell
ISBN 978-0-7642-0431-9
Bethany House
Historical

Back Cover Copy:

In the court of Queen Elixabeth. . .
BEAUTY
is a curse,
FRIENDSHIP
is bought and sold,
And TRUE LOVE
is the unpardonable sin.

Will Marget risk everything for the man who's captured her heart?

My Review:

I had a friend who read this book and was disturbed by the way Elizabeth I was portrayed. So I had to read it for myself and see what it was all about. Yes, the things that happened at court would be disturbing to 21st century committed Christians. However, things like this happened in the royal courts during the late 1500s.

I applaud Siri Mitchell for setting her book in this century. . .in this court. This historical setting lent an even deeper meaning to the love of the hero and heroine, who were prisoners of the mores of society. The book is an interesting depiction of the rigors of life in the 16th century. The love story played a variety of ways, keeping the readers wanting to turn the pages faster to find out what happened to the characters we'd come to love.

I like the fact that Mrs. Mitchell portrayed some of the unforseen dangers in the methods used during that time. An interesting and thoughtful read.

A wonderful book to add to your summer reading list.

　
Nothing But Trouble
By Susan May Warren
ISBN 978-1-4143-1312-2
Tyndale Fiction
Contemporary

Back Cover Copy:

PJ Sugar knows three things for sure:

*After traveling the country for ten years hoping to shake free from the trail of disaster that's become her life, she needs a fresh start.

*The last person she wants to see when she heads home for her sister's wedding is Boone--her former flame and the reason she left town.

*Her best friend's husband absolutely did not commit the first murder Kellogg, Minnesota, has seen in more than a decade.

What PJ doesn't know is that when she starts digging for evidence, she'll uncover much more than she bargained for--a deadly conspiracy, a knack for investigation, and maybe, just maybe, that fresh start she's been longing for.

My Review:

Susan writes the kind of books that I find hard to put down. Books that carry you along with the fast-paced story and books that take you deep into the hearts of the characters. Once again, I had a hard time putting the book down.

I love the quirky lead character, and the cast of supporting characters are sometimes even more quirky. (Check out "the kid.") That is, except for the two hunky men she encounters. Plenty of fuel to fire a blazing story that keeps the reader enthralled until the last period and wanting the next book immediately.

You won't want to leave this off your summer reading list.

　
Ransome’s Honor
By Kaye Dacus
ISBN 978-0-7369-2753-6
Harvest House
Historical Romance

Back Cover Copy:

Once Youthful Sweethearts--Can Their Love Be Renewed?

When young Julia Witherington doesn't receive the proposal for marriage she expects from William Ransome, she determines to never forgive him. They go their separate ways--she returns to her family's Caribbean plantation, and he returns to the Royal Navy.

Now, twelve years later, Julia is about to receive a substantial inheritance, including her beloved plantation. When unscrupulous relatives try to gain the inheritance by forcing her into a marriage, she turns to the only eligible man to whom her father, Admiral Sir Edward Witherington, will not object--his most trusted captain and the man who broke her heart, William Ransome. Julia offers William her thirty-thousand pound dowry to feign marriage for one year, but then something she could never have imagined happens: She starts to fall in love with him again.

Can two people overcome their hurt, reconcile their conflicting desires, and find a way to be happy together? Duty and honor, faith and love are intertwined in this intriguing tale from the Regency era.

My Review:

I've known Kaye a long time and watched her develop as a writer. When her first book, a contemporary, released, I loved it. Now she has a second contemporary and this historical. These books showcase her talents.

The story has a well-crafted plot with plenty of tension and even some suspense. And the tender romance unfolds like a budding flower, opening to reveal the depths beneath.

This book was hard to put down. I fell in love with the characters, wanting to see how they'd realize they were perfect for each other.

The setting is a rich tapestry of life in the Regency period. I highly recommend this excellent read. You still have time to finish it before the summer is over.

　
August Book Releases

Here are your August New Releases! We have a long list of outstanding titles from ACFW members this month. I know you'll enjoy reading them. God Bless!

1. All That Glitters, Scenarios for Girls, book 2, by Nicole O’Dell from Barbour Publishing. The reader will decide if Drew Daniels does the right thing when sudden popularity causes her to forget about things that were once important to her.

2. Forgiven, Sisters of the Heart Series, Book 3, by Shelley Shepard Gray from Avon Inspire, a division of Harper Collins Publishing. Tragedy strikes when a brother and sister find themselves facing two difficult situations.

3. Surrender the Wind, by Rita Gerlach from Abingdon Press. When a patriot of the American Revolution inherits his grandfather's estate in England, he inherits more than a crumbling manor house.

4. Sweet Waters, Otter Bay Series Book 1, by Julie Carobini from B&H Publishing Group. Sweet Waters is the story of a newly-jilted woman who talks her sisters into moving back to their hometown only to discover family secrets that threaten the fairy tale image she'd always had.

5. The Blue Enchantress, the Charles Towne Belles Series book 2, by MaryLu Tyndall from Barbour. An adventure-seeking woman and a security-minded captain are shipwrecked together.

6. The Last Woman Standing, by Tia McCollors from Moody. A man, his woman, and his ex-wife search for love again.

7. Truth or Dare, Senarios for Girls Book 1, by Nicole O’Dell from Barbour. Peer pressure threatens to drive Lindsay Martin to doing something she doesn't want to do; the reader will decide.

8. Under the Tulip Poplar, by Diane Ashley and Aaron McCarver from Heartsong Presents. When Rebekah Taylor and Asher Landon struggle to find their ways to the other, will they allow God to direct bring their separate dreams together as one?

9. You Make Me Feel Like Dancing, Book #1 in the VA VA VA BOOM series, by Allison Bottke from David C. Cook. When life is a dance and Disco is a state of mind, it’s Mamma Mia goes Vegas!

Musings

This year continues to be the year of the unexpected. Some things good. Some things that take our careful consideration.

I was pleased to discover that two of my books were coming out in Thorndike large print editions That's a pleasant unexpected.

Not so pleasant is finally getting all the info on the Healthcare Bill being worked on in congress. I pray that the party constituents don't just vote on this without reading all 1,017 pages of the proposal.

Yes, there things that need to be fixed with healthcare in the US. But this bill isn't what is needed for that. It's like sending a bulldozer to dig your flowerbeds. I'm afraid they'll throw the baby out with the bathwater.

There's a lot that's good about our healthcare. I have expressed myself to my congressmen congresswomen, as well as to the White House, telling them that.

Let's keep what's good and hone in on what needs to be fixed and leave the rest of it alone. I personally oppose the taking of a human life. It's murder whether it's before the baby is born or someone who's walking around the earth, and moreso someone who's confined to a bed because of suffering a debilitating condition.

I do not want my tax dollars paying for such a thing.

And I don't want any more inroads into my finances by a thief or the government. Taxes are way to high. Stimulus money has been handed out to undeserving executives and companies that made poor decisions, but people who are in dire straights through no fault of their own are left high and dry. Where is the equity in that?

I'm just saying. Read the bill. Contact the people who represent you. Make your voice heard. This is your country. Don't let someone take its future from our children.

Meet the Christian Author Night

2009-07-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

Here's an event where I'll be participating:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxWwdSVpHgM

July 2009

2009-07-01T12:53:00.000-07:00

In this month that we celebrate the freedom of our nation, remember the only true FREEDOM comes from God!

Announcements

The book winner for June is Deborah Thompson of Atlanta, Georgia. Click on the View My Complete Profile link in the side bar column to find a link to my email. Send me your mailing address.

Readers, if you want a chance to win one of my free books, please sign my Guest Book on my website - http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/ . The winners are chosen from those who do. But remember to check back in the next month’s newsletter to see if you won. You can sign up at the top of the sidebar column of this blog for Feedblitz. Then the newsletter will feed into your Inbox. I will only post a newsletter once a month.

Want more free books. We also give away a minimum of 16 free books a month on my blog: http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/. Some months we give away more than that. This month I’ll be interviewing these authors:

Louise Gouge - Love Thine Enemy
Lisa Harris - Cranberry Hearts
Camy Tang - Deadly Intent
Allie Pleiter - Bluegrass Blessing
Betsy St Amant - Return to Love
Lena Nelson Dooley - Cranberry Hearts
Terry Burns - Beyond the Smoke
Mary Connealy - Montana Rose
Rachel Hauck - The Sweet By and By
Jill Williamson - By Darkness Hid
Shawn Grady - Through the Fire
Margaret McSweeney - Pearl Girls
Mary Hawkins - Outback From Baragula
Stuart Midgon - Jesus Take the Wheel
Jeff Rivera - Forever My Lady
Amy Clipson - Gift of Grace
Janice Hanna - Love Finds You in Poetry, Texas

You can find all kinds of information about my books and events on my Fan page on Facebook:
http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=ts
I’d love for you to come over and become a fan.

Calendar of Events

July 2009 – Release of Cranberry Hearts

July 18, 2009 – Speaker for CenTex Chapter of ACFW, Austin, Texas

July 31, 2009 – Meet the Christian Author Authors Night, WoodsEdge Community Church, Spring, Texas – 6:30 – 9:00 pm

August 2009 – Release of The Spinster Brides of Cactus Corner in Thorndike Press, Large Print, hardback edition

September 2009 – Release of Wild West Christmas
September 2009 – Release of Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe
September 2009 - Release of Can You Help Me? and Caught Redhanded in Thorndike Press, Large Print, hardback edition

September 11-12, 2009 – Speaker at North Texas Christian Writers Conference, Roanoke, Texas – Painting Historicals with Authenticity, and I will take one-on-one appointments.

September 17-20 - American Christian Fiction Writers National Conference - Denver, Colorado, paid critiques

April 3, 2010 – ACFW Tulsa – Taking Settings to the Next Level – a hands-on workshop

Summer 2010 – Release of Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico

Book Reviews

Courting the Doctor’s Daughter
By Janet Dean
ISBN 978-0-373-82812-8
Love Inspired Historical

Back Cover Copy:

An Unexpected Match

A widow with three boys to raise, Mary Graves has no time for peddlers of phony medicine. She's a dedicated healer working alongside her doctor father. When a handsome stranger blows into town with his "elixir of health" and asks questions about her newly adopted son, Mary's determined to uncover the truth behind all his claims.

Once the reckless heir to a Boston fortune, Dr. Luke Jacobs tavels the country with his herbal medicine while searching for his long-lost son. After meeting the fiesty doctor's daughter and her youngest boy, Luke has found what he's been looking for at last. But can he convince her to let him into her home, her family--and her heart?

My Review:

Janet Dean writes books that pull you straight into the heart of the story. The situation tugs on your heartstrings as you delve into the real reasons for the conflict between the main characters. You won't be able to put the book down as it weaves its way through your mind. I believe you'll love this book as much as I do.

　
Bluegrass Courtship
By Allie Pleiter
ISBN 978-0-373-87518-4
Love Inspired
Contemporary Romance
Kentucky Corners, book 2 - With God's helping hand, three shopkeepers ring up sales, surprises, and love.

Back Cover Copy:

Someone Needs a Ministry Makeover

The celebrity host of TV's MISSIONNOVATION, Drew Downing is comfortable with his fame. He's become accustomed to the cheering, star-struck townfolk that usually welcome him as he renovates churches countrywide. Usually. Then he and his crew set up in tiny Middleburg, Kentucky, to rebuild the church's storm-damaged preschool. The very lovely, very no-nonsense hardware story owner Janet Bishop is suspicious of Drew's true motives. It looks like Janet Bishop's faith--in God, in herself, and in love--needs some serious rebuilding. And Drew Downing is just the man for the job.

My review:

I loved this book. The unique premise pulled me straight into the story. And as it unfolded, not one minute of downtime. The story moved along at a good pace, and I really cared about what would happen to the characters. I was tempted to shout, "Don't do it," a couple of times. Not just a good read, but a good experience.
　
Déjà vu Bride
By Debra Ullrick
ISBN 9780615252018
Spirit Light Publishing
Contemporary Romance

Back Cover Copy:

Furious with God, Olivia Roseman vows to never trust Him again. Why should she? Once again her prayers have gone unanswered, and once again another loved one has been ripped from her. With no job and only a few dollars, Olivia makes a choice to start over again. Without God and without love. However, her handsome new boss isn't going to make forgetting God or keeping her vow to never love again very easy.

Erik Cole questions the sanity of moving from Swamper City, Alabama, to Charity, West Virginia. That is, until he hires airbrush designer Olivia Roseman to paint his monster truck. When he senses that she's a gal who is down on her luck, he vows to do whatever he can to help her. Only problem is, the little beauty creates more challenges than one. As his feelings toward her deepen, all Erik can do is hope and pray that one day Olivia will open up her heart to Christ--and to him.

My Review:

I don't review many books that are both ebooks and print. So often they're riddled with typos, bad grammar, and other problems, even though they may contain a very good story. That is not the case with Déjà vu Bride. I found it well-written.

There's something for everyone here. A very tender romance, a strong spiritual theme, beautiful setting, and Mud Bog and Monster Truck races. It's a world I've never been a part of, and I found it interesting to learn more about those kind of things. Oh, and there's an element of mystery in the story.

I recommend this book for a summer weekend read.

　
Family of the Heart
By Dorothy Clark
ISBN 978-0-373-82795-4
Love Inspired Historical

Back Cover Copy:

"Should you stay, Miss Randolph, the child will be fully in your charge."

In her silk finery, Sarah Randolph knew she was no more a nanny than the haughty widower before her. She'd made a profound error in judgment. How long would it be before Clayton Bainbridge cast her out? She vowed to pack up her trunks and return to Philadelphia at once. But that city held memories of her lost fiance, and sweet little Nora Bainbridge desperately needed some mothering. Sarah might not be an expert in child rearing, but she knew a few things about grief. The pain in Clayton's stormy blue eyes told her that her journey here must be part of God's larger plan for them all. . .

My Review:

I've loved every one of Dorothy Clark's books. And Family of the Heart may just be her finest. Well-crafted, lush with essential details, deep emotions, and characters the reader can really get into.

Add this wonderful book to your summer reading list.

　
When the Soul Mends
By Cindy Woodsmall
ISBN 978-1-4000-7294-1
Waterbrook Press
Contemporary
Sisters of the Quilt - Book 3

Back Cover Copy:

Returning to the home she left in disgrace, will Hannah find healing for wounds of the past?
After receiving a desperate and confusing call from her sister, Hannah Lapp reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community of her Pennsylvanie childhood.

Having left Owl's Perch more than two years earlier, she finally has settled into a satisfying role in the Englischer world. Hnnah has found love and a new family with the wealthy Martin Palmer and the children she is helping him raise; and her life-long dream of being part of the medical community is being realized. Bur almost immediately after her arrival, the disapproval of those who ostracized her, including her headstrong father, reopens old wounds.

As Hannah is thrown together with former fiance Paul Waddell to work for her sister Sarah's mental health, hidden truths surface about events during Hannah's absence, and she faces an agonizing decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she heed the call to return to the Plain life--and perhaps to her first love?

My Review:

Cindy Woodsmall writes about hard things in this series,which helps the reader understand the difference between the Plain people and Englischers. She delves into painful emotions in a way that is healing to the characters and to readers.

This wonderful story is a fitting conclusion to her series. Giving us access to all the cleverly developed characters and a plot that moves along with great strength.

Another good choice for your summer reading.

　
The Shape of Mercy
By Susan Meissner
ISBN 978-1-4000-7456-3
Waterbrook Press
Contemporary Fiction

Back Cover Copy:

"We Understand What We Want to Understand."

Leaving a life of privilege to strike out on her own, Lauren Durough breaks with her family's expectations by taking a part-time job from eighty-three-year-old librarian Abigail Boyles. The mysterious employer asks Lauren to transcribe the journal entries of her ancestor Mercy Hayworth, a victim of the Salem witch trials.

Immediately, Lauren finds her self drawn to this girl who lived and died three centuries ago. As the fervor around the witch accusations increases, Mercy becomes trapped, unable to fight the overwhelming influence of snap judgments and superstitions. Lauren realizes that the secrets of Mercy's story extend beyond the pages of her diary, living on in the mysterious, embittered Abigail.

The strength of her affinity with Mercy forces Lauren to take a startling new look at her own life, including her relationships with Abigail, her college roommate, and a young man named Raul. But on the way to the truth, will Lauren find herself playing the helpless defendant or the misguided judge?

Can she break free from her own perceptions and see who she really is?

My review:

No wonder this book was ECPA's fiction Book of the Year in 2008. The story unfolds in a marvelous way, revealing the deep wounds and insights of the main characters. The message is a powerful one that every one of us should apply to our lives.

A real page-turner, I had a hard time putting the book down. I grew to really care about each of the hurting people, wanting to see a breakthrough in each life. At the same time, I examined my own heart to see if I, too, judged people the same way as depicted in the story.

This should go to the top of your summer reading list.

　
Shepherd’s Fall
By W. L. Dyson
ISBN 978-14-4000-7473-0
Waterbrook Press
Contemporary Suspense
Prodigal Recovery Agency - Bounty Hunters - Book One

Back Cover Copy:

He'll face the hunt of his life.

On the growing outskirts of Baltimore, bounty hunter Nick Shepherd is relentless when it comes to chasing down criminals, collaring them, and bringing them to justice. Lately, it's his difficult ex-wife, angry teenage daughter, his unreliable brother and long AWOL sister that keep him awake at night. In charge of the family business, the Prodigal Recovery Agency, Nick's well-ordered universe is on the brink of chaos as financial threats and the vindictive Carver crime family threaten to pull his agency apart.

Annie McNamara is facing a terminal diagnosis and only her prostitute twin Zeena can help, but the sisters haven't spoken in years. When Nick goes after Zeena on a bail skip, he finds Annie instead and the two team up. They are shocked to discover that Zeena has deadly ties to the drug traffickers who are gunning for Nick. Has Annie lost her sister--and all hope? And when the Carvers make good on their vow to hurt the bounty hunter where it matters the most, can he find a way to recover his most valuable prize? Or will this Shepherd lose it all?

My review:

I've read all of Wanda Dyson's suspense novels and loved them. There was a long wait between the last one and this one. And the wait was worth every minute. This book is awesome, and I don't use the word lightly.

The plot has lots of twists and turns. I'm pretty good at figuring things out before they happen, but a couple of these twists blind-sided me. I like an author who can do that.

The characters are everyday people who face extraordinary events. I loved the way they were developed. I'll be thinking about them for days to come.

I highly recommend this as one of your summer reads.

July Book Releases

Here are your July New Releases! We have a long list of outstanding titles from ACFW members this month. I know you'll enjoy reading them. God Bless!

1. A Promise Kept, Heartsong Presents Historical Ohio book one by Cara Putman http://www.caraputman.com/ from Heartsong Presents. Newlyweds Josie & Art must choose whether to honor the promises they've made when their relationship experiences the fire of pain.

2. Blackmail by Robin Carroll, 6th and Final book in the Bayou series from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. The sixth and final book in Robin Carroll's romantic suspense bayou series.

3. Cranberry Hearts by Lena Nelson Dooley, Beth Goddard, and Lisa Harris from Barbour Publishing. What will happen when three Massachusetts women find their journeys home lead them down dangerous paths?

4. Deadly Intent by Camy Tang from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Massage therapist Naomi Grant must prove her innocence when her client is murdered in her family's Sonoma day spa.

5. Gripped by Fear, The Chicago Warriors Series by John M. Wills from TotalRecall. Two Chicago Detectives struggle to capture a serial rapist.

6. Hometown Courtship by Diann Hunt from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. A carpenter and a hair stylist work to build a house together--but are they building much more?

7. Lonestar Secrets, Lonestar Series Book #2 by Colleen Coble from Thomas Nelson. A young veterinarian returns to her childhood home and finds the man who humiliated her may be in custody of a daughter she thought had died.

8. Love's Rescue, The Sierra Chronicles Book One by Tammy Barley from Whitaker House. A headstrong Southern woman falls for her kidnapper, a Western cattleman she blames for the loss of her family.

9. Maggie Rose, Second in The Daughters of Jacob Kane series, by Sharlene MacLaren from Whitaker House. Mission-minded Maggie Rose takes a job at an orphanage in New York City, never expecting to fall in love with a hardnosed newspaper reporter.

10. Menu for Romance, Brides of Bonneterre Series Book #2, by Kaye Dacus from Barbour Publishing. The Chef and the Party Planner Each Seek the Kind of Love that Requires No Reservations.

11. Montana Rose by Mary Connealy from Barbour Publishing. Love Comes Softy, with mayhem, comedy and gunfire.

12. Ransome's Honor, Book 1 The Ransome Trilogy, by Kaye Dacus from Harvest House Publishers. Once Youthful Sweethearts—Can Their Love Be Renewed?

13. Rose of the Adriatic, Sequel to Jewel of the Adriatic, by K.M. Daughters from The Wild Rose Press. Messages of hope and peace for the world from Our Lady of Medjugorje woven into a prayerful, fictional love story.

14. Second Chance Family, Fostered by Love Series Book 4, by Margaret Daley from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Whitney and Shane, two wounded people, come together to try and help each other heal from their past through the appeal of a little boy who is autistic.

15. The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn, by Liz Johnson from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Kenzie Thorn is surprised when she's kidnapped from the prison where she teaches a GED course, and even more shocking is that someone wants her dead.

16. The Last Resort, The Wanderlust Mysteries Book 2, by April Star from Five Star Gale I Cengage Learning. One woman's murder and a bottle washed ashore on the St. Anastasia beach open a Pandora's box and unleash secrets pursued by an entire camping resort . . . and the truth proves as elusive as the killer in their midst.

17. The Sacred Cipher by Terry Brennan from Kregel Publications. An ancient, secret scroll could trigger nuclear war or world peace, four Americans are caught in the crossfire, and opposing radicals will stop at nothing to silence The Sacred Cipher.

Happy Reading!

Musings

Remember this is the year of the unexpected. And God keeps bringing unexpected things into my life. A couple of them I can’t talk about right now, but I may have a special announcement in the next newsletter.
It’s an exciting life serving the almighty, living God who loves us and wants to work out the best in our lives.

Announcing the Release of CRANBERRY HEARTS

2009-06-26T14:32:00.000-07:00

Cranberry Hearts
Lena Nelson Dooley, Lisa Harris, Elizabeth Goddard

ISBN 978-1-60260-488-9
Barbour

Romancing America - Massachusetts

Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Hearts Are on the Line in Three Suspenseful Romances

Three modern women’s lives have been turned upside down. But going home to the Boston area leads them to encounter both love and danger.

Leiann Hambrick is called home to meet the grandfather she never knew, but Gerome Mays suspects her of stealing from the elderly man. Can Leiann forgive those who lied to her—and about her?

Kayla Marceilo left Boston to heal, only to have her ex-fiancé find her. But Ty Lawrence’s past still makes loving him a risk. With the danger so tangible, can Ty every win her trust?

Riley O’Hare gives up her dreams to run the family’s cranberry farm, and just when she thinks her new life is peaceful, Zane Baldwyn brings danger to her door. Can they work together to solve a mystery and save the farm?

Can these three women learn to trust God and man when uncertainty darkens their lives?

Available at bookstores and online.

June 2009

2009-06-01T09:55:00.000-07:00

God is TOTALLY love, TOTALLY just, and TOTALLY mercy. What does that mean in your life?

Announcements

I’ve feeling particularly generous today. I’ve chosen three book winners for May. They are Lori Smith of La Grange, Georgia, and Joy Trigg of Independence, Oregon, and Suzie Tommey of Van Buren, Arkansas. Click on the View Complete Profile link in the right hand column to find a link to my email. Send me your mailing address.

Readers, if you want a chance to win one of my free books, please sign my Guest Book on my website - http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/ . The winners are chosen from those who do. But remember to check back in the next month’s newsletter to see if you won. You can sign up at the top of the right hand column of this blog for Feedblitz. Then the newsletter will feed into your Inbox. I will only post a newsletter once a month.

Want more free books. We also give away a minimum of 12 free books a month on my blog: http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/. Most months we give away more than that. This month I’ll be interviewing these authors:

Trish Perry – Sunset Beach
Virginia Smith – Scent of Murder
Deborah Vogts – Snow Melts in Spring
Terri Reed – Her Last Chance
Kathleen Y’Barbo – The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper
Debra Ullrick - Déja vu Bride
Susan May Warren – Nothing But Trouble
Mary Connealy – Nosey in Nebraska
Bonnie Grove – Talking to the Dead
Laurie Alice Eakes & me – Wild Prairie Roses (2 free books)
Debby Mayne – Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida
Lisa Harris – Love Finds You in Revenge, Ohio
Sharlene MacLaren – Maggie Rose
Patti Lacy – What the Bayou Saw
Sharon Souza – Lying on Sunday
Lisa Harris – Cranberry Hearts

You can find all kinds of information about my books on my Fan page on Facebook:
http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=ts
I’d love for you to come over and become a fan.

Calendar of Events

June 13, 2009 – Speaker for DFW Ready Writers – La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant, Colleyville, Texas – Writing the Salvation Scene in Your Novel

July 2009 – Release of Cranberry Hearts

July 15, 2009 - Author interview on www.TheHomesteadHeart.com

July 18, 2009 – Speaker for CenTex Chapter of ACFW, Austin, Texas

July 31, 2009 – Meet the Christian Author Authors Night, WoodsEdge Community Church, Spring, Texas – 6:30 – 9:00 pm

August 2009 - Release of Spinster Brides of Cactus Corner in Thorndike large print edition

September 2009 – Release of Wild West Christmas
September 2009 – Release of Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe
September 2009 - Release of Can I Help You? and Caught Red-Handed in Thorndike large print edition

September 2, 2009 - Interview on www.TheHomesteadHeart.com

September 11-12, 2009 – Speaker at North Texas Christian Writers Conference, Roanoke, Texas – Painting Historicals with Authenticity, and I will take one-on-one appointments.

September 17-20 - American Christian Fiction Writers National Conference - Denver, Colorado, I am doing paid critiques

April 3, 2010 – ACFW Tulsa – Taking Settings to the Next Level – a hands-on workshop

Summer 2010 – Release of Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico

Book Reviews

With everything going on in my life, I didn’t get as many books read in May. Here are the reviews.

Latter-Day Cipher
By Latayne C. Scott
ISBN 978-0-8024-5679-3
Moody Publishers

Contemporary Suspense

Back Cover Copy:

Should a Loss of Faith Mean the End of Love?

Kirsten Young, a well-known and rebellious Utah heiress, is found murdered in Provo Canyon. The strange markings carved into her flesh and the note written in 19th century code seems to cast a shadow on ancient Mormon laws. Already wary of outsiders, the last thing the Latter-Day Saints church needs is bad publicity.

Journalist Selonnah Zee is assigned to cover the story--and it quickly grows out of control. Within days, more victims appear in disturbing succession surrounded by symbols and clues.

Selonnah's cousin Roger has recently converted to Mormonism, but his wife, Eliza, is begining to doubt the faith of her childhood. If something is realy from God, she wonders why does it neet to be constantly revised? Might the murderer be asking the same questions? And who might be the next victim?

My Review:

I was anxious to read this book by Latayne, and I wasn't disappointed. A thought provoking premise written with finesse. Many of the descriptions are genius, making me reread them to savor the unusual placement of words.

The characters are believable, with great depth. I found the book to be intellectual and stimulating. However, I felt it should have been called a mystery instead of a suspense. Only a few passages had the suspense quality to them, but the mystery was well-developed and kept me turning pages to the end.

You won't want to miss reading this book. For those of you who are in the "Big Honking Chicken" club, you won't be scared out of you wits by this wonderful mystery.

Ruby’s Slippers
By Leanna Ellis
ISBN 978-0-8054-4698-2
B&H Fiction
Contemporary General Fiction

Back Cover Copy:

Imagine. . .
THE WIZARD OF OZ meets CINDERELLA!

Dottie Meyers--thirty-five and still unmarried--ia a real-life Dorothy Gale, living with her little dog on a small Kansas farm. When a tornado destroys her "somewhere over the raibow," she's knocked cold and awakens at a recovery facility on the West Coast, where her father (who abandoned her when she was four) has left a mysterious gift.

A pair of ruby slippers.

Soon Dorothy discovers others are out to get the ruby slippers, including her own sister. Dottie and three friends journey to Seattle in search of answers--but find instead the fallout of a broken childhood. No long-lost father can solve Dottie's problems. Only One true Wonder-worker behind the so-called curtain can heal her wounds and prepare her for what's been there all along--her heart's perfect fit.

My Review:

Leanna Ellis writes entertaining stories peopled with fascinating characters. I love to follow the twists and turns her stories take. This one is no exception.

Filled with many ties to fairy-tale types of stories, Dottie's life unfolds, revealing and then breaking down the wall around her heart. Forgiveness and restoration are a large part of RUBY'S SLIPPERS. And the tale is told with humor and pathos. Readers will laugh and cry along with the quirky characters, who mirror the travelers in THE WIZARD OF OZ.

This book has a very satisfying ending that is really only a beginning. I highly recommend this wonderful read.

Love Finds You in Last Chance, California
By Miralee Ferrell
ISBN 978-1-934770-39-9
Summerside Press
Historical Romance

Back Cover Copy:

Love Finds You

It's 1877 and Alexia Travers is alone in the world. Her father has died unexpectedly, leaving her burdened with a heavily mortgaged horse ranch. Marrying one of the town's all-too-willing bachelors would offer an easy solution, but Alex has no interest in marriage. Instead, she dons men's trousers and rides the range, determined to make the ranch a success on her own. But despite Alex's best efforts, everything seems to go wrong: ranch hands quit, horses are stolen, and her father's gold goes missing. Alex is at her wit's end when wrangler Justin Phillips arrives in Last Chance with his young son, looking for a job. But there seems to be more to Justin's story than he's willing to share. Will Alex ever be able to trust him? More importantly, will the independent woman finally learn to depend on God?

My Review:

I've thoroughly enjoyed the new Summerside Books. And this one is no exception. No wonder it was awarded 4 1/2 stars by Romantic Times Magazine. It deserves the designation.

Last Chance, California, is an interesting setting for a book, and Miralee gives a strong flavor of the place in 1877. Both the hero and the heroine have enough baggage to keep the story exciting, and the secondary characters increase the tension. I had a hard time putting the book down. I think you will, too.

Beloved Counterfeit
By Kathleen Y'Barbo
ISBN 978-1-60260-342-4
Barbour
Historical Romance
Fairweather Key Series - Book 3

Back Cover Copy:

Love Can Cover a Multitude of Sins

Washed ashore on fairweather Key, Ruby O'Shea and her three neices--the offspring of the pirate Thomas Hawkins and Ruby's late sister--have a chance for a new beginning as Ruby takes a job in a boardinghouse and the girls are passed off as her daughters. But will Ruby be able to confess all when she falls for Micah Tate, a widower, wrecker, and soon-to-be preacher?

Micah is determined to marry the young woman who has captured his heart despite knowing she has something to hide. But will he be able to remain true to his vows when his lady love's shady past comes to light?

Captain Thomas Hawkins will go to any length to discover the whereabouts of his daughters. What will his determination cost the folks of Fairweather Key?

When Ruby finds herself bereft of her newfound love and protector, will she run away in an attempt to escape her present as she did her past? Will Micah's love cover the multitude of Ruby's sins, or will Ruby's duplicity cost her everything?

My Review:

I've read each book in the Fairweather Key series as soon as it came out. They have all been wonderful books with deep messages of love from God.

I believe BELOVED COUNTERFEIT is the most powerful of all. The story depicts just how strong the love of God is as it covers every sin and renews the lives of those who come to Him.

Through the strong characters facing myriad dilemmas, readers will be brought to the realization that nothing in their lives can keep them from the God who loves and seeks them.

I highly recommend this wonderful read!

Always Watching
By Brandilyn Collins & Amberly Collins
ISBN 978-0-310-71539-3
Zondervan
Teen Fiction
Contemporary Suspense

Back Cover Copy:

This daughter of a rock star has it all--until murder crashes her world.

The exciting and suspenseful Rayne Tour series features sixteen-year-old Shaley O'Connor, on tour with her mother's popular band. Shaley lives in a whirlwind of backstage secrets, hotels, and limos. With beauty and fame of her own, Shaley wants for nothing--except the one thing she can't have.

During a concert, sixteen-year-old Shaley O'Connor stumbles upon the body of a friend backstage. Is Tom Hutchens' death connected to her?

Frightening messages arrive. Paparazzi stalk Shaley. Her private nightmare is displayed for all to see. Where is God at a time like this?

As the clock runs out, Shaley must find Tom's killer--before he strikes again.

My Review:

I featured this mother/daughter writing team on my author-interview blog. In the interview, they announced a "Live Like a Rock Star" contest for teens. I had my 17-year-old granddaughter enter the contest. As a result, she was one of the first 200 entries, and she received a free copy of the book.

Within a couple days of receiving the book, my granddaughter called me to let me know that she couldn't put the book down. She loved it. This is my non-reader granddaughter. I don't always read the teen novels, but I had to check out this one to see what compelled my granddaughter to read it so quickly.

I agree with her. It's hard to put down this suspense novel. Written in the same masterful way as the adult Brandilyn Collins suspense books, the story is a page-turner of the first degree.

Brandilyn and Amberly take the reader deep into the hurting heart of this teenager, and we feel her pain and confusion. The larger-than-life characters lead us into a world most of us only read about in the tabloids. (You do know that most, if not all, of what they publish in those rags isn't true, don't you?) It shows us the humanity of the people on the inside. Their desires and the things they give up for their fame. Their lives, although glamorous, are often grueling. The two Collinses show all this in emotional scenes that constantly draw the reader deeper and deeper into the story.

I highly recommend this excellent read. And not just for the teen readers out there. I thoroughtly enjoyed it myself. Wish we didn't have to wait so long for the next installment.

Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida
By Debby Mayne
ISBN 978-1-934770-80-1
Summerside Press
Contemporary Romance

Back Cover Copy:

Amanda Burns owns a bicycle shop in Treasure Island, Florida, but she almost never has time to enjoy the charming town or its beautiful beaches. When she's not caring for her emotionally demanding sister, she's busy waiting on customers. But there's one customer she never minds seeing. Each year, the handsome Jerry Simpson returns to the shop to rent a bicycle for two. When Amanda discovers the story behind the tandem bicycle--that Jerry takes his aging parents to the island for vacation each year--she finds herself drawn to the man who selflessly gives of his time for the people he loves. Jerry's sense of responsibility to his parents has prevented him from even thinking about love. Will he and Amanda find the treasure they both deserve--even if neither of them is looking for it?

My Review:

I was happy to learn that LOVE FINDS YOU IN TREASURE ISLAND, FLORIDA, received 4 1/2 stars from Romantic Times magazine, and it was one of the Top Picks for July. Now that I've read the book, I know it deserves both designations.

I've loved Debby's writing, but this is her best book yet. When you read the story, you feel as if you are on Treasure Island yourself, enjoying the ocean breezes, the palm trees, the sandy beach, and the beautiful sunsets.

And the book is peopled with loveable but quirky characters you want to welcome into your home. I can imagine setting down with any of them and enjoying an afternoon chat or going out to eat with them.

I highly recommend this excellent read. You'll quickly become a part of the story.

June Book Releases

Happy June!
“It’s Summertime, summertime, sum...sum...summertime…” Wahoo!
Beach books are here and this month you've got a LOT to choose from. Congratulations to everyone on your new releases.

1. A Case of the Heart by Beth Shriver from The Wild Rose Press. An overzealous social worker develops a relationship with a cop while they keep her client safe from involvement in a drug ring.

2. A Dream to Call My Own, Brides of Gallatin County Book 3 from Bethany House Publishers by Tracie Peterson. Love and adventure still hearts in the rugged Montana frontier, while a killer threatens the peace and happiness of an entire community.

3. A Soldier's Reunion by Cheryl Wyatt from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. reunion romance between a U.S. Air Force Pararescue Jumper (PJ) and a pediatrician and first love from his past who fears their careers will push them apart again.

4. A Family for Tory/A Mother for Cindy by Margaret Daley from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Classics. Two stories that illustrate what happens when children decide to matchmake and bring two people together.

5. Above All Things by Deborah Raney from Steeple Hill. Evette must decide if she can be a mother to her husband's 6-year-old mixed race child. A baby neither of them knew existed until a fateful phone call.

6. Child Finder by Mike Angley from TotalRecall Publications, Inc. An Air Force Special Agent discovers he has a psychic gift that enables him to find missing children, but the government's exploitation of his skills leads to murder!

7. Critical Care, Mercy Hospital Series #1 by Candace Calvert from Tyndale House. When a nurse initiates disaster counseling, the process re-opens her own emotional wounds--as God prepares her heart for a love that was nowhere in her plans.

8. His Forever Love by Missy Tippins from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Can former high school buddies find love while fighting over "custody" of his grandmother?

10. Love Finds you in Revenge, Ohio, by Lisa Harris from Summerside Press. Morgan finds herself torn between saving her sister's heart and losing hers to the man who jilted her seven years ago.

11. Love Finds you in Treasure Island, Florida, by Debby Mayne from Summerside Press. The attraction between Amanda and Jerry is overshadowed by their sense of responsibility.

12. Love's Pursuit by Siri Mitchell from Bethany House Publishers. Susannah Phillips obeys the rules. But when love interferes, she faces a choice: Follow the rules or follow her heart.

13. Nosey in Nebraska by Mary Connealy from Barbour Publishing. Murder, Romance, Comedy and a really big mouse.

14. Snow Melts in Spring, Seasons of the Tallgrass Series by Deborah Vogts from Zondervan. Mattie Evans, a young veterinarian in rural Kansas saves a horse inured in a terrible accident but finds herself tending the wounded relationship between a prodigal son and his ailing father.

15. Sunset Beach, The Beach House Series #4, by Trish Perry from Harvest House Publishers. Sonny Miller invites her mother and estranged aunt to a week at the beach, not telling one about the other; but they bring a few surprises of their own.

16. The Night Watchman, the Ray Quinn Series Book #1, by Mark Mynheir from Multnomah/Waterbrook Publishers. When the case of a lifetime is thrust upon him, retried homicide detective Ray Quinn must decide rather he’ll succumb to his depression and pain or use the God-given gifts he still has left to catch a killer. Crawling from the wreckage of his former life, Ray struggles to find healing and purpose as he tracks a madman.

17. Witness to Murder by Jill Elizabeth Nelson from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. When a TV reporter witnesses a murder--she thinks--only unearthing the sinister secrets of her painful past can save her from becoming the next victim.

Happy Reading!

Musings

May continued our saga of totally depending on God. During James’s recovery period at home, people brought in food. This relieved me of one task and freed me up to minister to him in a deeper way.

We praise the Lord for other ways He’s provided finances and all kinds of help from family and friends. Being a part of a dynamic church and having a strong, close family kept us going when things were tough.

If you’ve not found a church where you feel a part of the family, I urge you to start looking today for the body of Christ where you should be connected. Then when the unexpected happens, and you need help, you’ll have it.

May - 2009

2009-05-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

This month has really been filled with the unexpected.

Announcements

To celebrate the release of two books this month, I’ve chosen two winners of free books for April. They are Janetta McGovern of Vacaville, California and Jane Squires of Wasola, Missouri. Click on the View Complete Profile link in the right hand column to find a link to my email. Send me your mailing address.

Readers, if you want a chance to win one of my free books, please sign my Guest Book on my website - http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/ . The winners are chosen from those who do. But remember to check back in the next month’s newsletter to see if you won.You can sign up at the top of the right hand column of this blog for Feedblitz. Then the newsletter will feed into your Inbox. I will only post a newsletter once a month. I also occasionally post an announcement on this blog.

Want more free books. We also give away a minimum of 12 free books a month on my blog: http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/. Most months we give away more than that.

You can read about The Prairie Romance Collection by going to my blog, where I interviewed myself. Readers have been asking me to do the interviews when my books release.

This month I’ll be interviewing these authors:

Brandilyn and Amberly Collins - Always Watching
Bonnie Leon - Enduring Love
Roxanne Rustand - Deadly Competition
Robin Jones Gunn - Coming Attractions
Amy Wallace - Enduring Justice
Patricia Pacjac Carroll - Two writing related books on CD
Lisa Harris - Wild Prairie Roses
Jane Kirkpatrick - A Flickering Light
Patti Lacy - What the Bayou Saw
Deborah Raney - Yesterday’s Embers
Debra Ulrick - Deja Vu Bride
Deborah Vogts - Snow Melts in Spring
Ramona Richards - The Taking of Carly Bradford
Stuart Stockton - Starfire
Jill Elizabeth Nelson - Witness to Murder
Latayne Scott - Latter-Day Cipher
Linore Rose Burkard - The House on Grosvenor’s Square

Check out my Fan page on Facebook:http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=ts

Calendar of Events

May 9, 2009 – Speaker for "Gifted for His Glory Seminar" at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, Dallas, Texas

May 2009 – Release of The Prairie Romance Collection

May 2009 – Release of Wild Prairie Roses

June 13, 2009 – Speaker for DFW Ready Writers – La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant, Colleyville, Texas

July 2009 – Release of Cranberry Hearts

July 18, 2009 – Speaker for CenTex Chapter of ACFW, Austin, Texas

July 31, 2009 – Meet the Christian Authors Night, WoodsEdge Community Church, Gosling - The Woodlands, Texas

September 2009 – Release of Wild West Christmas

September 2009 – Release of Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe

September 11-12, 2009 – Speaker at North Texas Christian Writers Conference, Roanoke, Texas

September 17-20 - American Christian Fiction Writers National Conference - Denver, Colorado

Summer 2010 – Release of Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico

　
Book Reviews

Evidence of Murder
By Jill Elizabeth Nelson
ISBN 978-0-373-44327-7
Love Inspired Suspense
Contemporary

Back Cover Copy:

The Proof is in the Pictures

The photographs Samantha Reid uncovers in her new store are shocking. Horrifying. And dangerous. This new evidence could reopen a decade-old multiple homicide case that someone wants desperately to keep closed. And when the evidence comes out, a reluctant Samantha is drawn striaght into the spotlight. All the attention is wrecking her business--and drawing the killer's eye straight to her.

Then she meets Ryan Davidson, the last surviving member of the murdered family. In spite of herself, she's drawn in by his need to find the truth. Together, they work to unravel the mystery, while the killer works to keep the secrets buried--forever.

My Review:

I loved all three of Jill's previous suspense books. I wondered how she would handle this shorter format.

This book lived up to my expectations and then some. The tightly drawn plot and multi-faceted characters made for a real page-turner in every sense of the word.

I highly recommend this wonderful suspense read.

　
A Taste of Murder
By Virginia Smith
ISBN 978-0-373-44311-6
Love Inspired Suspense
Contemporary

Back Cover Copy:

Killer Contest

Who murdered a small-town beauty-pageant judge--in a very strange way? Jasmine Delaney must find out. Because she's taken the victim's place. She came to the Kentucky Bar-B-Q festival for a wedding, eager to meet the bride's handsome brother, Derrick Rogers. Yet she's suddenly surrounded by pint-size contestants whose competitive parents will do anything to ensure the crown. Even kill? Derrick fears she's the killer's next target and promises to keep a close eye on her. Yet someone is already watching Jazzy's every move. Someone who's had a taste of murder. And is hungry for more.

My Review:

This is the first suspense novel I've read by Virginia. I loved it.

Fast paced. Plenty of suspects. Quirky characters. A delicious romance. What's not to love?

　
Spring Creek Bride
by Janice Thompson
ISBN 978-0-373-82810-4
Love Inspired Historical

Back Cover Copy:

Marry me, Ida!

Can't Ida Mueller walk to town without being harangued by rowdy railroad men? The formerly lovely town of Spring Creek, Texas, has been overtaken by saloons and disorderly conduct. So when a handsome stranger arrives with plans to open a gambling hall next to her family's mercantile store, Ida makes plans of her own: to foil his! Someone has to save Spring Creek. And since Ida's convinced marriage isn't in her future, the Lord's work will be! But after one look into Mick Bradley's eyes--and heart--the plucky beauty might start hearing wedding bells.

My Review:

I've read books by Janice for years, and loved them. She's a good author who can write about anything. But now that she's writing romantic comedy, she's found her true voice. This book is a delightful example.

The reader really experiences the setting--the noise, the smell, even the taste of Spring Creek--through the book. But more important than that, the reader falls in love with her quirky characters. Janice gave us a whole cast of them to love while staying true to the time period.

This is a wonderful read. I highly recommend it.

　
Chasing Charity
By Marcia Gruver
ISBN 978-1-60260-206-9
Barbour Publishing
Historical Romance

Back Cover Copy:

Two Men Discover They Are Nothing. . .Without Charity

When Charity Bloom's fiance, in full view of family and friends, leaves her stranded at the altar and takes off with her best friend, Charity is humiliated. How weill this raven-haired beauty ever recover form losing both her betrothed and best friend on what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life?

When a tall, handsome stranger named Buddy Pierce finds oil on Charity's mama's land, he hopes to free the blooms from their poverty-stricken state. But will Buddy discover that the real treasure lives above ground--in the form of Charity Bloom?

Ruing the day he left his finacee for Emily Dane, Daniel Clark is determined to recapture Charity's affection. But can he remove the three things that stand in his way--a manipulating mama, a spurned lover, and the stranger at his ex-fiancee's side?

When Daniel re-stakes his claim on Charity's heart, tongues wag and minds speculate amid schemes and scandals in Humble, Texas. Whom will she choose--the handsome roughneck or the deceitful rogue?

My Review:

When Marcia Gruver burst on the Christian fiction scene with her first novel, DIAMOND DUO, I knew she was a rising star. Her unique voice gives life to people and settings that come alive. Readers will laugh. . .and tears will come to their eyes while reading this book. The depth of emotion will take them to heights and depths before bringing them to a satisfying conclusion.

The worst thing about this book is that I have to wait so long to read the sequel.

You won't want to miss reading this one. And if you didn't read DIAMOND DUO, go buy that to read first. Although they are sequels, each story can stand alone. I just like to read them in order. Preferably, close together.

　
May Book Releases

Happy May! Check out all these new releases! Fifteen MUST READS.

1. A Bride of Honor by Ruth Axtell Morren from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical. An impoverished preacher from the working class falls in love with a young lady of the London ton and risks all including his reputation to save her honor.
2. A Prairie Romance Collection by 12 multi-published authors from Barbour Publishing. Relive History On The American Great Plains.
3. Beyond Corista, Shadowside Series - Book 3 by Robert Elmer from Zondervan. In the last book of the trilogy, Oriannon and Sola set out to take the word of Jesmet beyond their planet, but are captured by traders, who hold the girl as a pawn in an interplanetary struggle.
4. Bittersweet Memories by Cecelia Dowdy from Barbour Heartsong Presents. Karen's fiancé has disappeared after embezzling money from their large mega-church; can she learn to love again?
5. Enduring Love by Bonnie Leon from Revell. John and Hannah have lived by faith. When all seems lost they must continue to believe in a God who can do all things.
6. Lethal Lasagna by Rhonda Gibson from White Rose Publishing. Lethal Lasagna is a cozy romantic mystery.
7. Love Finds you in Liberty, Indiana by Melanie Dobson from Sommerside Press. A Quaker woman risks everything to operate a station on the Underground Railroad in 1850.
8. Rose House, by Tina Ann Forkner from Waterbrook Press. A vivid story of a private grief, a secret painting, and one woman's search for hope.
9. So Not Happening by Jenny B. Jones from Thomas Nelson. Isabella Kirkwood had it all: popularity at a prestigious private school in Manhattan, the latest fashions, and a life of privilege and luxury. What's a girl to do when God gives you the total smackdown?
10. The Lyons Den, 3rd book in the Shelton Heights Series by Kendra Norman-Bellamy from Urban Books (Urban Christian). With his and his family's life placed in danger by a stalker who only identifies himself as "Dr. A.H. Satan," Stuart Lyons has to somehow maintain his faith in God.
11. Tour de Force by Beth White from Zondervan. Gilly Kincade, rising star in a premier NYC ballet company, and Birmingham artistic director Jacob Ferrar wrestle with ordering the priorities of building a relationship, pursuing artistic dreams, and serving God.
12. Trail to Justice Susan Page Davis from Heartsong Presents. A police dispatcher and a veterinarian compete in a 100-mile horse race for fun, but find intrigue and romance, along with an injured champion and a wrecked airplane.
13. What the Bayou Saw by Patti Lacy from Kregel Publications. Sally Stevens, Mary's Southern friend in an Irishwoman's Tale, grapples with her own memories, buried beneath the murky waters of a Louisiana bayou.
14. Wild Prairie Roses by Lena Nelson Dooley and Laurie Alice Eakes and Lisa Harris from Barbour Publishing. Elusive dreams unite three couples.
15. Who Made You a Princess, All About Us #4 by Shelley Adina from Hatchette Faithwords. Will Shani Hanna choose the boy next door or a real-life handsome prince?

　
Musings

This month brought several unexpected things into my life.

I was asked to speak at a Mother-Daughter tea in Burleson Texas on April 25. I accepted.

While James and I were in Madisonville on April 18, he developed a strange rash with swelling on his face and a large lump, larger than a golf ball under his chin. He insisted he was feeling okay, so I taught the workshop for the Madison County Writers Guild.

We left Madisonville, and it soon became apparent that he shouldn’t be driving. I took over and drove the speed limit back to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. On the way, I felt impressed that I should take him straight to the Emergency Room instead of going home. I belief that was a prompting from God.

When we arrived the ER doctor told us it was a good thing we came when we did. He had a serious infection, cellulitis, that was spreading. They hooked him up to IV antibiotics, then took a couple of days doing a battery of tests before he had emergency surgery. He was in the hospital for a whole week.

During that time I contracted strep and couldn’t go see him. My doctor put me on a strong antibiotic, and I got well in time to do the tea on Saturday morning and bring him home in the afternoon. However, we first had to go to the Infectious Disease doctor for me to be trained to give him IV antibiotics at home.

All of this was unexpected. But even in the crazy times, I felt God’s presence guiding all of us. He kept James alive until we got to the hospital. And He guided us all since then.

Several times, I felt His presence as large openings appeared in heavy traffic so I could go where I needed to go.

So remember. Look for God’s presence in the things we don’t usually consider as coming from Him. He will never leave you!!

New Release - Wild Prairie Roses

2009-04-24T06:21:00.000-07:00

April 2009

2009-04-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

May your April showers be showers of blessings!

Announcements

I’ve decided to have two book winners for March. They are Jo Legat of Sahuarita, Ariozona, and Dana Rich of Zionsville, Indiana. Click on the View Complete Profile link in the right hand column to find a link to my email. Send me your mailing address.

Readers, if you want a chance to win one of my free books, please sign my Guest Book on my website - http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/ . The winners are chosen from those who do. But remember to check back in the next month’s newsletter to see if you won. You can sign up at the top of the right hand column of this blog for Feedblitz. Then the newsletter will feed into your Inbox. I will only post a newsletter once a month.

Want more free books. We also give away a minimum of 12 free books a month on my blog: http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/. Most months we give away more than that. This month I’ll be interviewing these authors:

Virginia Smith – Murder at Eagle Summit
Janice Thompson – Spring Creek Brides
Robin Shope – Wildcard
Adam Blumer – Fatal Illusions
Debra Ulrich – Dixie Hearts
Wanda Dyson – Shepherd’s Fall
Christine M. Irvin – Milk Carton Mania
Tamela Hancock Murray – Love Finds You in Maiden, North Carolina
Paige Dooly – Prairie Hills
Rita Galiah – Fire in the Rock
Debby Mayne – Peachtree Dreams
Terry Burns – Beyond the Smoke
Marcia Gruver – Chasing Charity
Susan Page Davie – Inside Story
Robin Lee Hatcher – A vote of Confidence
Julie Lessman – A Passion Denied
Brandilyn & Amberly Collins – Always Watching
Janet Dean – Courting the Doctor’s Daughter

You can find all kinds of information about my books on my Fan page on Facebook:
http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=ts
I’d love for you to come over and become a fan.

Calendar of Events

April 18, 2009 – Speaker for Madison County Writers Guild, Madisonville, Texas – in the Library annex – Make Setting an Essential Part of Your Story

May 9, 2009 – Speaker for "Gifted for His Glory Seminar" at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church, Dallas, Texas

May 2009 – Release of The Prairie Romance Collection
May 2009 – Release of Wild Prairie Roses

June 13, 2009 – Speaker for DFW Ready Writers – La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant, Colleyville, Texas – Writing the Salvation Scene in Your Novel

July 2009 – Release of Cranberry Hearts

July 18, 2009 – Speaker for CenTex Chapter of ACFW, Austin, Texas

July 31, 2009 – Meet the Christian Author Authors Night, WoodsEdge Community Church, Spring, Texas – 6:30 – 9:00 pm

August 15, 2009 - ACFW East Texas, Scroll Bookstore, 2752 E. 5th Street, Tyler, Texas - 10:00

September 2009 – Release of Wild West Christmas
September 2009 – Release of Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe

September 11-12, 2009 – Speaker at North Texas Christian Writers Conference, Roanoke, Texas – Painting Historicals with Authenticity, and I will take one-on-one appointments.

September 17-20 - American Christian Fiction Writers National Conference - Denver, Colorado

Summer 2010 – Release of Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico

Book Reviews

Because of book deadlines and reading for endorsements, I didn’t read as many books to review this month.

The Red Siren
By M L. Tyndall
ISBN 978-1-60260-156-7
Barbour
Historical Romantic Fiction

Back Cover Copy:

Worlds collide when a lady pirate meets a godly naval captain.

Faith Westcott abandoned her shallow faith when a series of tragedies struck her family. To save herself and her sisters from forced marriages, this fiery, born-to-the-manor redhead is a lady by day and a pirate by night. How long can she maintain this dual identity before she's caught red-handed?

God-fearing Dajon Waite, who scours the Carolina coast, expunging it of pirates, is a more-than-capable captian in the British Royal Navy. But when he is asked to take on the guardianship of Faith and her sisters, he's headed for deep water. Having vowed to avoid women, what will he do when he finds himself falling for Faith?

Sir Wilhelm Carteret has always gotten everything he desired, but Faith seems to be unaffected by his charms. When he devises a plot to rid himself of his competition, more than Captain Waite's reputation is at stake as alarming secrets are revealed

Will Faith regain her trust in God only to find herself headed for the gallows? Will Dajon scuttle his good name--and neck--to save her?

My Review:

Shame on you, MaryLu. You kept me up way past my bedtime last night so I could finish this page-turner. And now you're making me wait until the fall to get the next one in the series. I can hardly wait.

The strong external conflict seemed insurmountable. Added to that the internal conflict was equally strong, trying to keep the hero and heroine apart. Then then plot thickened. I loved the characters, even the secondary characters, and look forward to seeing some, or hopefully most, of them in the next two books.

MaryLu takes the reader deep into the world of 1717 in the American colonies. Her attention to detail is subtly woven through the text, adding richness to the story. When talking about this book, I quickly use a lot of superlatives. I highly recommend this wonderful read.

Masked by Moonlight
By Allie Pleiter
ISBN 978-0-373-82789-3
Love Inspired Historical

Back Cover Copy:

The Man behind the Mask

When night fell on the lawless streets of old San Francisco, Matthew Covington--seemingly just another wealthy society idler--became the mysterious crime-fighter known as the Black Bandit. Nothing could tempt him to reveal his secret identity, until the English gentleman met Georgia Waterhouse, whose pseudonymous newspaper accounts had made his daring exploits famous. He was coming to care deeply for this woman, who shared his passionate devotion to justice--and the Lord--but she could never know he was her shadow-shrouded hero. What would become of their growing love if he revealed the truth that lay behind the mask. . .?

My Review:

I fell in love with the book from the cover. I consider it a "Zorro" novel, and I love Zorro.

This book lived up to my expectations. The author did an excellent job of showing the various strata of society in San Francisco in 1890. From the poorest to the highest echelon. Her research wove seamlessly into the story without drawing attention to itself.

And the plot, though familiar, had its own unique twists. I loved so many of the scenes.

The spiritual thread was strong. And the hero's salvation scene did what a good salvation scene should. It showed the event through his personality and his past as a genuine outcome of what he had been facing and learning. Very well done.

And the characters leapt off the page and played out the story in my imagination.

I'm happy to give this book a very good recommendation. I don't think you'll want to miss reading it.

Breach of Trust
By DiAnn Mills
ISBN 978-1-4143-2047-2
Tyndale Fiction
Romantic Suspense

Call of Duty - Book 1

Back Cover Copy:

Paige Rogers survived every CIA operative's worst nightmare.

A covert mission gone terribly wrong.

A betrayal by the one man she thought she could trust.

Forced to disappear to protect the lives of her loved ones, Paige has spent the last several years building a quite life as a small-town librarian. But the day a stranger comes to town and starts asking questions, Paige knows her careful existence has been shattered.

HE is coming after her again. And this time, he intends to silence her for good.

My review:

Fans of DiAnn Mills know that anytime they pick up one of her books, they'll have a very good read. This book is another one in the long list of excellent stories, expertly crafted by this gifted author.

The pacing accelerates from the first page until the satisfying finish. Secrets, lies, betrayal, and characters with the kinds of problems ordinary people face every day. Strong characters with deep internal and external conflicts keep the pages turning. The spiritual journey of the key characters take many of the steps all of us wrestle with, and we can learn from their failings and victories.

I highly recommend this book. I can hardly wait for the next one in the series.

Insight
By Deborah Raney
ISBN 978-0-373-78644-2
Steeple Hill

Contemporary Romantic Women's Fiction

Back Cover Copy:

She's having a baby

It's a blessing that brings comfort to newly widowed Olivia Cline. Yet with no insurance, no job and precious little money, how will Olivia care for herself and her child?

The answer is a handsome and brooding artist seeking an assistant. Reed Vincent has recently regained his eyesight, thanks to a donor. And through his eyes, Olivia begins to see all the possibilities before her. Before them. Until, in a flash of insight, she knows why his signature is so hauntingly familiar. . . .

The revelation could tear the couple apart. . .or open their eyes to a new journey from sorrow to joy.

My Review:

Deborah Raney's name on the cover guarantees a good read for me. This book was no exception. She used an impossible situation to create a gentle story, with complications.

I loved Olivia and felt her pain and discouragement. And Reed's knight-in-shining-armor, even though a little tarnished, is the perfect balance to Olivia. Their road is rocky with many things to overcome, but I loved every step of the way.

Deb has given us another winner. I highly recommend this wonderful read.

Gingham Mountain
By Mary Connealy
ISBN 978-1-60260-141-3
Barbour
Historical Romance
Lassoed in Texas - Book 3

Back Cover Copy:

Young Woman's Need to Protect

A Cowboy's Need to Provide

A Galloping Ride Headed for a Love-Hate Relationship

When Hannah Cartwright meets Grant, a disreputable-looking cowboy, she's determined to keep him from exploiting two more orphans. When she gets the job as schoolmarm, she resolves to keep Grant's adopted children in school to minimize their time spent in hard labor on his ranch. Will she succeed in her plans or lose her heart--and the children--to the man she despises?

Grant already has a Texas ranch full of orphans he's rescued, but still he's determined to take on the two brought in by the orphan train. Can he wrangle his growing brood while resisting his attraction to the meddlesome Hannah and keeping clear of Prudence, a designing dressmaker?

When a couple of con artists discover oil on Grant's land, they'll go to any length to steal his ranch, including forcing him into marriage. Will their plans succeed before the secret of oil spills out?

My Review:

That teaser on the back should be enough to get you to read the book. You won't be sorry you did.

Mary's Lassoed in Texas series is the height of comedies of error. No wonder this book is a finalist for the prestigious Christy award.

Mary takes the reader so deep into the characters and story that when you come up for air, you're not sure where you are. The story won't let you go until the last page, and you'll hope that when you turn it, there's more to come.

A wonderful read that will take you away from the mundane in your own life into a place you won't want to leave. Even the unrealistic Texas blizzard can't keep you from enjoying this story.

April Book Releases

Here are your April New Releases! We have twelve outstanding titles this month. I know you'll enjoy. God Bless!

1. A Claim of Her Own, by Stephanie Whitson from Bethany House. Newly arrived in Deadwood, South Dakota, Mattie O'Keefe must soon decide where true riches lie--and what's worth dying for.

2. A Gift of Grace, Kauffman Amish Bakery Series by Amy Clipston from Zondervan. When Rebecca Kaufman’s older sister, who left the Amish community when she was a teenager, dies in an automobile accident, Rebecca is left custody of her two modern non-Amish teenage nieces, Jessica and Lindsay.

3. Baby Baby, Book One of the Family Heirloom Series by Karen Weisner from Samhain Publishing. A Proverbs 31 wife wonders, does “submissive” mean giving up having anything of her own?

4. By Darkness Hid, book one in The Blood of Kings by Jill Williamson from Marcher Lord Press. Two people discover their ability to speak to, and hear, the minds of others: a squire serving an evil prince, and a maiden masquerading as a boy to avoid marriage.

5. Chef's Deadly Dish, Book three in the Cozy Crumb Series by Lisa Harris from Heartsong Presents: Mysteries. Determined to discover the truth, Pricilla Crumb, an unconventional busybody, follows one lead after another, dishing up laughter and surprises along the way.

6. Copper and Candles, Michigan Brides Book One by Amber Stockton from Heartsong Presents. Charity work brings them together, but their positions in society might drive them apart.

7. Homecoming Blessings, by Merrillee Whren from Steeple Hill. When businessman Peter Dalton has to work with the boss's missionary daughter Ashley Hiatt, he finds a new focus in life as well as love.

8. Peachtree Dreams , by Debby Mayne from Barbour Publishing. Three Georgia women face the challenge to believe in happily-ever-after endings.

9. Shepherd's Fall, Prodigal Recovery Series Book One by Wanda Dyson from Random House/Waterbrook. Nick Shepherd faces the hardest decision of his life--to save his daughter from a convicted killer, he may have to compromise his beliefs.

10. Stealing Home, by Allison Pittman from Multnomah. Four people, each harboring a secret passion, are brought together through providence, tragedy and love.

11. Texas Ranger Dad, Mule Hollow Series by Debra Clopton from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Rose Vincent has made a life for herself and her son in Mule Hollow Texas but when Texas Ranger, Zane Cantrell comes to town bring her past with him everything she holds dear in life is threatened.

12. The Reluctant Cowgirl, McCord Sisters - Book 1 by Christine Lynxwiler from Barbour Publishing. When Crystal McCord’s New York dream crumbles, she thinks her parents’ Arkansas ranch might be a safe place to hide her heart. . .until she meets the cowboy next door.

Happy Reading!

Musings

Christian Book Expo was a wonderful experience for me. I got to meet the people at Summerside Press, the publishers of my soon-to-be-released, Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico.

I love the people in this company. I wanted to sign with them, and my agent Joyce Hart negotiated the contract, but I had no idea just what really nice people they are.

And they produce a quality produce. The Love Finds You series has really taken off. Readers love the books. And they're adding more things to the books all the time.

Another of the unexpected things God brought into my life this year.

March 2009

2009-03-01T14:09:00.000-08:00

March is bringing winds of change into our lives. Take a break with a good book.

Announcements

I’ve decided to have two book winners for February. They are Cheryl Shyrack of Yakima, Washington and Edna Tollison of Laurens, South Carolina. Click on the View Complete Profile link in the right hand column to find a link to my email. Send me your mailing address.

Readers, if you want a chance to win one of my free books, please sign my Guest Book on my website - http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/ . The winners are chosen from those who do. But remember to check back in the next month’s newsletter to see if you won. You can sign up at the top of the right hand column of this blog for Feedblitz. Then the newsletter will feed into your Inbox. I will only post a newsletter once a month.

Want more free books. We also give away a minimum of 12 free books a month on my blog: http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/. Most months we give away more than that. This month I’ll be interviewing these authors:

Angela Hunt – She’s in a Better Place
Elena Bowman – The House on the Bluff
Stephanie Perry Moore – Believing in Hope
R. H Martin – Children of Abraham
Kim Vogel Sawyer – A Promise of Spring
Michelle Stimpson – Trouble in My Way
Anita Higman – Another Hour to Kill
Linda Evans Shepherd & Eva Marie Everson – The Secret’s in the Sauce
Loree Lough – Love Finds You in Paradise, Pennsylvania
Johathan DeCoteau – Naked Earth
Elizabeth Wiseman – Plain Pursuit
Eileen Key - Doggone
DiAnn Mills - Breach of Trust
Patricia David - A Cloud of Suspicion

Youu can find all kinds of information about my books on my Fan page on Facebook:
http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=ts
I’d love for you to come over and become a fan.

Calendar of Events

March 20-22, 2009 – Christian Book Expo, Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, Texas – This massive trade show features over 225 authors, and it is open to the public. I’ll be signing books Sunday, March 22, 2-3:00 pm in booth 428.

April 18, 2009 – Speaker for Madison County Writers Guild, Madisonville, Texas – in the Library annex – Make Setting an Essential Part of Your Story

May 9, 2009 – Speaker for "Gifted for His Glory Seminar" at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church, Dallas, Texas

May 2009 – Release of The Prairie Romance Collection
May 2009 – Release of Wild Prairie Roses

June 13, 2009 – Speaker for DFW Ready Writers – La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant, Colleyville, Texas – Writing the Salvation Scene in Your Novel

July 2009 – Release of Cranberry Hearts

July 18, 2009 – Speaker for CenTex Chapter of ACFW, Austin, Texas

September 2009 – Release of Wild West Christmas
September 2009 – Release of Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe

September 11-12, 2009 – Speaker at North Texas Christian Writers Conference, Roanoke, Texas – Painting Historicals with Authenticity, and I will take one-on-one appointments.

September 17-20 - American Christian Fiction Writers National Conference - Denver, Colorado

Summer 2010 – Release of Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico

Book Reviews

In the Shadow of the Sun King
By Golden Keyes Parsons
ISBN 978-1-59554-626-5
Thomas Nelson
Historical Christian Fiction

Back Cover Copy:

Madeleine's Shared History With the King Holds the Key to Her Family's Life. . .Or Death.

Seventeenth century France is an unsafe time to be a Huguenot. By order of King Louis XIV, all French Protestants must immediately convert or face imprisonment--or death. The king'd dragoons ferret out the nonconformists, pillaging villages and destroying homesteads.

When the king's soldiers descend on the Clavell estate, the family's fate hangs in the balance Quickly, quietly, they send their two sons into hiding, trusting that the young age of their daughter will guarantee her protection. But the dragoons will not be dissuaded; they hold the manor hostage looking for clues of their guilt or innocence. However, Madeleine Clavel, the lady of the manor, holds a secret--one possible chance to save the family. She and the king share a past.

Once a beautiful young lady in the French court whom Louis loved, Madeleine travels to Versailles to plead for mercy from the fickle king, hoping to regain his favor and save her family. It's a gamble, but she is left with no other choice. Madeleine soon faces an agonizing decision--one that changes her family life forever.

My Review:

I love strong historical fiction, and this debut novel fits the category completely. Well written, the story sweeps the reader right into the action and emotions of this time in both religious and societal history.

The characters are well-developed with emotions and depth. The European countryside fits with what I know about the time period. Rich with well chosen bits of description, the story plays out like a very good historical movie.

Strong conflict and impossible situations kept me turning pages, and when I reached the end, I wanted more.

I highly recommend this very good read.

Love Finds You in Humble, Texas
By Anita Higman
ISBN 978-1-934770-61-2
Summerside Press
Contemporary Romance

Back Cover Copy:

Trudie Abernathy is a little inelegant, and she's never had much luck in life. To make matters worse, her thirtieth birthday is fast approaching and her sister, Lane, had decided to "treat" her to a makeover and a blind date. Trudie is about to protest, but then she meets the kind and devastatingly handsome Mason Wimberley. In spite of Trudie's humble manner, Mason finds her attractive, funny, and smart. But there's one obstacle in the way of the budding romance: Lane suddenly decides that she's in love with Mason! Trudie hasd never been one to compete with her glamorous sister, even when it means giving up the things she wants Will she be able to stay true to her humble self and find her heart's desire in the process?

My Review:

I really loved the setting of Humble, Texas, which Anita painted with broad strokes. While I was reading, I could feel the humidity and experience the sights. I like that in a book.

The story has a fairy tale quality to it.

Shelter in Seattle
By Rhonda Gibson & Jean Kincaid
ISBN 1-60154-384-0
The Wild Rose Press
Historical Romance

Back cover Copy:

Weariness and fear cause Julianne Maxwell to flee her Uncle's home in New York and travel to the far shores of Seattle, Washington, as a mail-order bride, only to discover the man she planned to marry has married another and is demanding Julianne repay her travel fees.

Caleb Hansen has problems of his own. He needs a mother for his infant nephew, and good women are few and far between in the logging community. Unaware that Julianne's present predicament resulted from her unwillingness to remain a nanny to her uncle's twins, Caleb offers her his home and name in exchange for the care of his child.

On the run with no viable options, Julianne accepts Caleb's offer--but only until she can earn enough money washing clothes to repay her debt. But God has other plans for these newlyweds. Will they both be able to put aside their fears and find shelter and guidance from the Lord?

My Review:

Even though this is a small book, it packed a powerful message. Woven through the interesting story is a spiritual thread that could apply to any person. The power of a lie and the redeeming value of truth plays out in the lives of Caleb and Julianne.

I loved the characters and the setting, and the cover is beautiful. I recommend this book.

Daniel’s Den
By Brandt Dodson
ISBN 978-0-7369-2477-1
Harvest House
Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Back Cover Copy:

Daniel Borden and Laura Traynor live two different lives. . .

Daniel is a successful stock analyst in New Orleans.
Laura operates a bed and breakfast in the Shenandoah Valley.

He is wealthy, enjoys raquetball, and lives with Elvis, a black lab.
She is a struggling single mother, works two jobs, and lives with her young son, Andy.

But when unseen forces send hit men after each of them, a twist of fate drives them together as they are forced to flee their common enemy.

In a high stakes game of cat-and-mouse, they learn just how big the cat can be.

And that it's no game.

My Review:

I've interviewed Brandt on my regular blog, and he's been a favorite guest.

Do you love page-turning, edge-of-your-seat suspense? Then this is the book for you. I've only read two of Brandt Dodson's books, but I've loved both of them. Hopefully, some day I can take the time to read the ones that came before these.

The characters are well-defined with very real internal conflicts. Their meeting is highly unlikely, but completely believable. And soon after they meet, they're on the run until the end of the book.

The plot is intricate and well-crafted. And I couldn't see how they could get out of each of their serious predicaments. That shows you what a master crafter of suspense Brandt really is.

I highly recommend this wonderful read.

Stand-In Groom
By Kaye Dacus
ISBN 978-1-60260-288-5
Barbour
Contemporary Romance

Back cover copy:

Falling in love with a client could cost this wedding planner her business; learning the true identity of the groom could cost her heart.

When professional wedding planner Anne Hawthorne first meets the handsome Englishman George Laurence, she wonders if God has finally answered her prayers for a husband. But when the "best man" for her turns out to be a client?and someone else's to-have-and-to-hold?Anne quickly realizes that planning his wedding will be no honeymoon.

A personal assistant for a wealthy man who wishes to keep his identity?and his engagement?a secret, George Laurence has come to Louisiana to plan his employer's wedding and post as the groom. Not only is this a challenge to the tenets of his Christian faith, but he can't stand the fact that he's deceiving Anne, the first woman who ever made his heart really sing. Will George ultimately risk his career to keep the woman he loves?

And what will happen when Anne finds out the groom's true identity? Can Anne and George find a way to a happy ending, or will this "I do" ruse destroy their chance at love?

My Review:

This is a wonderful debut novel. A well-crafted plot, wrapped around moral dilemmas and peopled with strong, three-dimensional characters. The book delves into deep-seated fears and hurts and comes to a satisfying conclusion. However, as a reader, I hope for a sequel.

I highly recommend this wonderful read.

These are all the books I read in February. With the book deadlines I have, my reading has really slowed down, but I’ll have a few reviews each month.

March Book Releases

To get a head start on spring, we've got 16 new releases to choose from! And they all sound great! Check them out.

1. A Hundred Years of Happiness, 2nd in the Summer Meadows Mysteries by Nicole Seitz from Thomas Nelson. A generous story of family, war, loss and longing . . . of the ways we hide from those we love, and the ways that love finds us anyway.

2. A Silent Terror by Lynette Eason from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Someone wants Marianna Santino dead. Ethan O'Hara is willing to risk everything, including his heart, to keep her alive.

3. A Test of Faith, Mystery and the Minister's Wife #3 by Carol Cox from Guideposts. When everything falls apart, can faith hold them together?

4. Breach of Trust Call of Duty #1 by DiAnn Mills from Tyndale. Paige Rogers, former CIA agent, must choose between protecting the lives of loved ones or bringing a ruthless killer to justice.

5. Candy-Coated Secrets, 2nd in the Summer Meadows Mysteries by Cynthia Hickey from Barbour. Who would have thought escorting an elephant down Highway 64 could lead to murder?

6. Daisy Chain, Defiance, TX series, book one by Mary DeMuth from Zondervan. The abrupt disappearance of young Daisy Chance haunts the small town of Defiance, Texas. Fourteen-year-old Jed Pepper searches for answers in this gritty and compelling story of love and sorrow, revealing God’s hand of redemption in impossible situations.

7. Daniel's Den by Brandt Dodson from Harvest House Publishers. Daniel and Laura become the objects in a game of cat and mouse where they learn just how big the cat can be - and that it's no game.

8. Fatal Illusions by Adam Blumer from Kregel Publications. An obsessive woman, a serial killer, and a sudden winter storm turn a sabbatical in the North Woods into a nightmare that the Thayer family may not escape alive.

9. If Tomorrow Never Comes by Marlo Schalesky from Waterbrook-Multnomah Publishers/Random House. Kinna and Jimmy Henley never planned on infertility stealing their dreams, crushing their love. But it did. Now, their last hope lies with a mysterious woman rescued from the sea.

10. Love Finds You in Humble Texas, by Anita Higman from Summerside Press. Two sisters fall in love with the same man.

11. Michal: A Novel, The Wives of King David series Book 1 by Jill Eileen Smith from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A princess falls in love with her father's worst enemy - will it cost her everything?

12. Poisoned Secrets by Margaret Daley from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Maggie spent years searching for her birth mother, but when the past is revealed, the shocking disclosures could tear her life apart.

13.The Hand-Me-Down Family by Winnie Griggs from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historicals. For the sake of three orphaned children, two scarred individuals - one physically, one emotionally - try to work together to forge a new family.

14. The List by Sherri Lewis from Urban Christian. Four women on a quest to find Godly men based on a list.

15. Wind of the Spirit, The American Patriot Series, Book 3 by J. M. Hochstetler from Sheaf House Publishers. As the patriot cause falters, can her love bridge the miles that separate them--and the savage bonds that threaten to tear him forever from her arms?

16. Yesterday's Embers, The Clayburn Novels by Deborah Raney from Howard Books/Simon & Schuster. Newlyweds Doug and Mickey must find a way to untangle their knot of hasty choices without breaking the hearts of five precious children or their own in the process.

Happy reading ~

Musings

I’m really excited about the Christian Book Expo that will be at the Dallas Convention Center the third weekend in March. Check it out at:

www.christianbookexpo.com

You can look at all the authors and see when they’ll be signing books. Many of the publishers have prizes and over giveaways at their booths.

Come by the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) booth. It’s number 428. I’ll be signing books from 2-3:00 pm on Sunday, March 22. I’d love for you to come by and meet me.

February 2009

2009-02-01T13:00:00.000-08:00

Have you been looking for the unexpected things God brought into your life in January?

Announcements

The winner of the free book for January is Mara Mittelman of Carneys Point, New Jersey. Click on the View Complete Profile link in the right hand column to find a link to my email. Send me your mailing address.

Readers, if you want a chance to win one of my free books, please sign my Guest Book on my website - http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/ . The winners are chosen from those who do. But remember to check back in the next month’s newsletter to see if you won.You can sign up at the top of the right hand column of this blog for Feedblitz. Then the newsletter will feed into your Inbox. I will only post a newsletter once a month.

Want more free books. We also give away a minimum of 12 free books a month on my blog: http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/. Most months we give away more than that.This month I’ll be interviewing these authors:

S. Dionne Moore – Polly Dent Loses Grip
Virginia Smith – Age Before Beauty
Anita Higman – Love Finds You in Humble, Texas
Jill Elizabeth Nelson – Evidence of Murder
Mary Connealy – Gingham Mountain
Susan Page Davis – Abiding Peace
Deb Raney – Insight
Barb Techel – Frankie, the Walk and Roll Dog
Miralee Ferrell – Love Finds You in Last Chance, California
Lynette Eason – Silent Terror
Beth Wiseman – Plain Perfect
Shirlee McCoy – Cold Case Murder
Jill Eileen Smith – Michal
Mary Hawkins – Outback from Baragula
MaryLu Tyndall – The Red Siren

I hope you like these covers for my next three book releases.

You can find all kinds of infomation about my books on my Fan page on Facebook:

http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=ts

I’d love for you to come over and become a fan.

Calendar of Events

March 19-22, 2009 – Christian Book Expo, Dallas, Texas

April 18, 2009 – Speaker for Madison County Writers Guild, Madisonville, Texas – in the Library annex

May 9, 2009 – Speaker for "Gifted for His Glory Seminar" at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, Dallas, Texas

May 2009 – Release of The Prairie Romance Collection

May 2009 – Release of Wild Prairie Roses

June 13, 2009 – Speaker for DFW Ready Writers – La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant, Colleyville, Texas

July 2009 – Release of Cranberry Hearts

July 18, 2009 – Speaker for CenTex Chapter of ACFW, Austin, Texas

September 2009 – Release of Wild West Christmas

September 2009 – Release of Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe

September 11-12, 2009 – Speaker at North Texas Christian Writers Conference, Roanoke, Texas

September 17-20 - American Christian Fiction Writers National Conference - Denver, Colorado

Summer 2010 – Release of Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico

Book Reviews

Paper Roses
By Amanda Cabot
ISBN 978-0-8007-3324-7
Revell
Historical Romantic Women's Fiction
Texas Dreams - Book 1

Back Cover Copy:

Her future stretched out like the clear blue Texas sky.
But a storm is coming.

Leaving the past behind in Philadelphia, mail-order bride Sarah Dobbs arrives in San Antonio ready to greet her groom--a man she has never met but whose letters, her paper roses, have won her heart from afar. But there is a problem--Adam Canfield is dead, and Sarah cannot go back East.

As Sarah tries to reconcile herself to a future that is drastically changed, Austin's brother Clay wants nothing more than to shake the Texas dust from his boots, but first he must find his brother's killer. And then there's Sarah.

Something is blooming out in the vast Texas landscape that neither Clay nor Sarah is ready to admit, and the promise of redemption blows like a gentle breeze through the prairie grasses.

My Review:

I was privileged to read this book for an endorsement before it was in print. Here's what I said.

This is the kind of book I like to read. Strong characters, even secondary characters, who still have room to grow. Deep emotions--love and hate, bitterness and unforgiveness, loss and pain, forgiveness and redemption. I also loved the mystery with the unexpected twist at the end.

I highly recommend this wonderful read.

Diamond Duo

By Marcia Gruver
ISBN 978-1-60260-205-2
Barbour
Historical Romance
Texas Fortunes - Book 1

Back Cover Copy:

Murder Strikes Jefferson, Texas, Putting Love and Faith on Trial

Bertha Biddle is desperately in love with Thaddeus Bloom. . .
Trouble is, she's not sure he returns her affection.

When a stranger named Annie Monroe comes to Jefferson, charming every man in town, Bertha is determined to learn her beguiling secrets. But just how far will she go to win Thad's heart?

Thad is more than smitten with Bertha. But his father plans to send him away to military school.
Will Thad follow his father's dream at the cost of losing Bertha's love forever?

When Annie's unsavory companion enters the scene, foul deeds are afoot, testing faith and hearts. Will a murder provoke a startling twist of fate--in this world and the next?

My Review:

This book was a delightful surprise. I read a lot of debut novels among the books I review. This book is one of the best.

I reread the first page several times, savoring the lyrical wording and the emotions and pictures it evokes, before I turned the page. Then I enjoyed getting to know the well-developed characters as they leapt from the page. Strong secondary characters helped carry the story in its race to the tragedy and its aftermath.

I've been to Jefferson and heard the story of Diamond Bessie. I loved revisiting the historical places in this book.

Marcia Gruver is a welcome new voice in Christian fiction. I can hardly wait for the release of her next book. When you read this one, you'll feel the same way.

Forsaken

By James David Jordan
ISBN 978-0-0854-4749-1
B&H Fiction
Contemporary Suspense

Back Cover Copy:

"I cannot let my little girl die."

When Simon Mason, the world's most famous evangelist. receives threats from Muslim extremists, he hires Taylor Pasbury, a former Secret Service agent, to take charge of his security. When the terrorists strike, making a demand of the pastor that would shake the most steadfast saint, Taylor draws on all of her training to save Simon's daughter. Along the way she learns that she's not the only one who has done things she would like to forget--and she's not the only one who understands that some things are more important than living.

My Review:

This is the first book by James David Jordan that I've read. I found it intriguing and a page turner. The premise is almost too much for anyone to face. I had to ask myself what I would do in the same situation, and I was unable to come to a definitive answer.

Mr. Jordan takes us deep inside the characters to where their beliefs clash with their situations. He shows the anguish the decisions draw from them. He shows all the characters flaws as well as their redeeming qualities.

As I was nearing the end of the book, I felt the story had taken a road that I would have been able to live with. Then Mr. Jordan threw more secrets into the mix. Secrets that would change several lives. I finished the book wishing there was more about these interesting characters. A sequel perhaps?

I highly recommend this wonderful read.

Before the Season Ends
By Linore Rose Burkard
ISBN 978-0-7369-2551-8
Harvest House
Regency Romance

Back Cover Copy:

Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen Soul

England, 1813

Romantic woes at home send Ariana Forsythe to her wealthy Aunt Bentley's townhouse in fashionable Mayfair, London. Under her aunt's calculating eye, Ariana is thrust into high society and a worse intrigue than that which prompted her flight from home. A scandalous rumour involving her with London's current darling rogue, the taciturn, though handsome, Mr. Phillip Mornay, is launched on society in a malicious act of meanness that changes Ariana's life forever. Her faith, her future, and her heart are all at stake as she strives to clear her name and resist the man who does not share her faith.

Will Ariana's beliefs survive? And what about her heart? For it is that part of her which most threatens to betray the truths she has always believed in. When she finds herself backed against a wall, betrothed to the wrong man, how will it ever turn out right?

From the country village of Chesterton to the ballroom of the Prince Regent's London palace, BEFORE THE SEASON ENDS will take you to Regency England where you'll find a world so elegant and comfortable, you'll want to stay for a long, long time.

My Review:

I have enjoyed regency romances in the past, but missed the spiritual thread that I've found in Christian fiction. BEFORE THE SEASON ENDS is a marriage of the two elements.

The characters were well defined, and the setting lush with details.

A very good debut novel, the book has found a place on my keeper bookshelf. I was distracted by the major head-hopping. I've grown used to being able to connect with characters in Christian novels in a deeper level, because they've moved away from this. For the most part, I could overlook it, but when two points of view were present in a single paragraph, which happened occasionally, it pulled me out of the story. Thank goodness, the story is so strong. This strong of a story will keep a reader turning pages in spite of anything else.

I recommend BEFORE THE SEASON ENDS to you. I'm really looking forward to Linore's next book.

Inside Story
By Susan Page Davis
ISBN 978-0-7369-2474-0
Harvest House
Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Back Cover Copy:

Claudia Was Determined to Get That Next Great Story. . But at What Deadly Price?

Claudia Gillette is a prize-winning journalist at a high-profile magazine. She prides herself on her cool independence--setting schedules, traveling the globe, beating the deadline. Landing the interview with Heidi Taber, the only female in an elite U.S.Navy special operations unit, is yet another rung on her ladder of career success.

Lieutenant Bill White is not happy about the journalist standing in front of him in the midst of the Philippine jungle. He has no time for public relations campaigns--certainly not now that their training maneuver has suddenly changed to a covert mission to rescue a well-known aerophysicist from terrorists.

As shells explode and tracer fire streaks the air, Claudia finds herself caughit up in a danger she never expected. . .or wanted. With lives at stake, Claudia fears her presence in the unit is their greatest detriment to survival. Will she find the strength to live through the nightmare. . .or has her ambition cost her her life?

My Review:

Susan Page Davis is a master at creating several kinds of stories. I have particularly loved the stories in this series. Each one was better than the one before, and this is her crowning achievement. Her grasp of the multiple settings was right on. I know, because I have friends who live in both Peru and the Philippines. And the military part was authentic. Check her dedication page.

With characters, who were bigger than life, and that I really cared about, I experienced the setting, the tension--of various kinds, and rejoiced in the satisfying resolution.

Kudos, Susan. Bring on another book.

I highly recommend this wonderful read.

The Duchess and the Dragon
By Jamie Carie
ISBN 978-0-8054-4535-0
B&H
Historical Romance

Back Cover Copy:

Two Worlds, One Destiny

Drake Weston, Duke of Northumberland, is heir to wealth, prestige, and power. But when his rage pushes him to a tragic mistake, he must leave everything behind. Not just his home, but England herself. Cloaked in a false identity, Drake slips aboard a ship bearing indentured servants to America.

Serena Winter lives out her Quaker beliefs tending the sick who arrive on ships in the Philadelphia harbor. But never before has she seen such squalor and misery as she finds on the latest ship from England. Nor has she ever met such a one as the half-conscious man with the penetrating eyes and arrogant demeanor. Though she saves his life, even taking him into her family home, there is little gratitude or humility in this man. And yet Serena is certian that beneath the brash exterior is a heart in search of peace.

Against the rich backdrop of Regency-era England and a young America, two passionate, seeking hearts find in each other the strength to face hard truths--and confront an insidious web of deceit that may destroy all they hold dear.

My Review:

Jamie Carie started with an interesting premise and built it into a fascinating page turner. The contrasts were brought to light and magnified in the relationship, creating enormous tension interwoven with equally strong passion. The characters leapt larger than life onto the stage of my mind, and I enjoyed really getting to know them. The spiritual arc was strong and remained true to the times.

A cleverly written book that brings many facets of life in those days to live action. The reader is drawn into the very center of the action and held there until the satisfying ending.

I highly recommend this book.

February Book Releases

February brings thoughts of chocolate and valentines and some of us worry about groundhogs and shadows. Whatever the case, winter can't last forever, and there is always an excuse to read a good book! We've got 11 new releases to choose from this month. Check them out.

1. Evidence of Murder by Jill Elizabeth Nelson from Steeple Hill. When a business owner discovers on her property evidence of a decade-old multiple murder, she and the surviving son of the massacre become targets of a desperate and powerful killer.

2. Framed!, Book 2 of the Without A Trace continuity series by Robin Caroll from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. A modern day Romeo and Juliet story.

3. Gingham Mountain Lassoed in Texas Series by Mary Connealy from Barbour Publishing. A school marm fears cruel intentions when a rancher, with a special heart for unwanted children, adopts too many of them.

4. Illusions by Wanda B. Campbell from Urban Christian. Illusions depicts the struggles of a young pastor and wife.

5. Insight by Deborah Raney from Steeple Hill. Two people brought together by tragedy discover an amazing connection that threatens to tear them apart.

6. Love Finds You In Last Chance, California, by Miralee Ferrell from Summerside Press. A woman trying to make it alone in the old west, a man she isn't sure she can trust, and someone who threatens them both.

7. On a Killer's Trail by Susan Page Davis from Love Inspired Suspense. Can a reformed bad-boy detective and an ambitious reporter overcome their past to solve a string of crimes?

8. The Desires of Her Heart by Lyn Cote from Avon Inspire. The Desires of Her Heart is based on authentic Texas history and portrays the expansion of Angloamericanos into Spanish territory.

9. The Gold Standard by Lisa Lickel from Barbour Publishing - Heartsong Presents: Mysteries. Judy's last relative, Aunt Louise, was poisoned - but how?

10. The Renewal, Book 2 of the Project Restoration Series by Terri Kraus from David C. Cook. For single-mom Leslie Ruskin and master carpenter Jack Kenyon, both starting over in a new town, could working together on restoring the Midlands Building be a blueprint for disaster, or will their lives be transformed by the promise of a new Occupant?

11. Wind Dancer by Jamie Carie from B&H Publishing. Revolutionary period of escaping captivity and finding true salvation.

Happy reading ~

Musings

I asked you at the top of the blog if you’ve been looking for the unexpected things God has brought into your life in January. I have.

I had three book deadlines really close, and I felt burdened. God relieved that stress. One of the deadlines was moved enough to give me more time to meet it. This one is for my first 80-95,000 word novel, and I want the time to make it good.

I’ve also found out that the new publisher will release the book both in print and ebook editions. That’s good news.

I’ve been invited to be a speaker at a writing conference in early September, and I received another cover. That’s a lot of unexpected things for this month.

I’ll be looking for more next month. Will you be looking for God’s unexpected in your life in February?

January 2009

2009-01-01T13:21:00.000-08:00

A new year lies before us like a field of pristine snow. Fresh. Unblemished. We must choose what to do with it. How will you live your year to make the most of it?

Announcements

As a way to celebrate the new year, I’ve chosen two winners of free books this month. Lela Fox of West Plain, Missouri, and Dana Sellars of Hurst, Texas. Click on the View Complete Profile link to find a link to my email. Send me your mailing address.

Readers, if you want a chance to win one of my free books, please sign my Guest Book on my website - http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/ . The winners are chosen from those who do. But remember to check back in the next month’s newsletter to see if you won.

You can sign up at the top of the right hand column for Feedblitz. Then the newsletter will feed into your Inbox. I will only post a newsletter once a month.

Want more free books. We also give away a minimum of 12 free books a month on my blog: http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/. Most months we give away more than that.

This month I’ll be interviewing these authors:

Sharlene MacLaren – Hannah Grace
Sue Dent – Forever Richard
Tricia Goyer – Sweet September
Irene Brand – Love Finds You in Valentine, Nebraska
Marcia Gruver – Diamond Duo
Rhonda Gibson & Jeanie Kincaid – Shelter in Seattle
Maggie Brendan – No Place for a Lady
Robin Caroll – Framed!
Allie Pleiter – Bluegrass Courtship
Robin Shope – The Valentine Edition
Sandra D Moore – Polly Dent Loses Grip

If you’d like to see the covers of my next two releases, you can find them on my Fan page on Facebook:

http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=ts

I’d love for you to come over and become a fan.

Calendar of Events

April 11, 2009 – Speaker for DFW Ready Writers – La Hacienda Ranch Restaurant, Colleyville, Texas

April 18, 2009 – Speaker for Madison County Writers Guild, Madisonville, Texas – in the Library annex

May 9, 2009 – Speaker for "Gifted for His Glory Seminar" at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, Dallas, Texas

May 2009 – Release of The Prairie Romance Collection

May 2009 – Release of Wild Prairie Roses

May 16, 2009 – Speaker for CenTex Chapter of ACFW, Austin, Texas

July 2009 – Release of Cranberry Hearts

September 2009 – Release of Wild West Christmas

September 2009 – Release of Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe

September 17-20 - American Christian Fiction Writers National Conference - Denver, Colorado

October 2009 – Release of Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico

Book Reviews

One Holy Night
By J. M. Hochstetler
ISBN 978-0-9797485-0-9
Sheaf House
Contemporary Women's Fiction

Back Cover Copy:

As on that holy night so long ago. . .in a world torn by sin and strife. . .to a family that has suffered heart-wrenching loss. . .there will be born a baby. . .

Frank McRae stared at the television screen, raw images of war exploding in his head long after the news had finally ended, replaced by an inane sitcom. The grainy black-and-white video of battle-weary troops slogging through the sodden rice paddies and shadowy jungles of Viet Nam ate away at his heart like sulfuric acid.

There was nothing left of his life now but the bitterness and the pain that were tearing him apart. The silence in the house that had once been a cherished home, rich with happiness and love, was deafening. Always another war. Always more purposeless killing, senseless dying, and fractured relationships that couldn't be put back together again. Where was God in all of this? What kind of God would tear from a man those dearest to him? The Bible spoke of a God of love and mercy, but for all Frank could tell, God remained indifferent to suffering. When one needed help the most, God turned his back. Surely the Bible was nothing but a hollow myth. . . .

What Frank didn't know was that God had in mind a miracle. Once more, as on that holy night so long ago, a baby will be born and laid in a anger--a baby who will bring forgiveness, peace, and healing to a family that has suffered heart-wrenching loss.

My Review:

Somewhere along the line, some publisher decided that the cutoff date for historicals came with the end of World War II, and everyone else followed suit. This book takes place in the late 1960s. To me, it is a historical instead of a contemporary. Set in a time period when I was a young married woman and mother, this story spreads across some of the most troubling times in our country's history.

The story takes us into the hearts and emotions of characters facing hard losses, old prejudices, and even hatred. One of the main characters doesn't even really know God during most of the book. However, God knows him and reaches into his hardened heart.
You'll want to read this book. You'll come away with your emotions completely engaged by the characters and internal conflicts. If you don't have time to read many Christmas books, this is one that you should choose (along with SNOWBOUND COLORADO CHRISTMAS, of course). You'll be glad you did. It will bring the miraculous back into your celebration of the season.

An Irishwoman’s Tale
By Patti Lacy
ISBN 978-0-8254-2987-3
Kregel
Contemporary Women's Fiction

Back Cover Copy:

"Ye can't mean it," Mam screamed. "Not now. Sh'e all o' a bloody five."

"The little eegit. Get 'er out."

A fist crashed to the table. Cups and saucers and cigarettes flew. Tea splattered onto the wall, onto the front of Killian's shirt.

"Ye swine." Mam was in Killian's face. "For the sake of St. Patrick, she's my flesh and blood."

"She's got to go."

Mary Freeman's earliest memory has haunted her since childhood: An old oaken table, bitter faces drinking bitter tea, a heated discussion of what's to be done with the "little eegit"--her. Now she is far removed from this family that didn't want her, and separated from her native Ireland Living in the United States heartland, Mary searches out fulfilling roles--entrepreneur, wife, Christian, mother, community servant--but her loneliness and torment remain as acute as ever.

A crisis in her youngest daughter's life--and the encouragement of Sally, a plucky Southern transplant--propels Mary back to the rocky cliffs of her home in County Clare, Ireland. Her harrowing journey unveils her tragic past, and forces her face-to-face with God.

My Review:

AN IRISHWOMAN'S TALE is often beautiful and sometimes hard to read, because it faces real dysfuntion in a family head-on. But Patti Lacy deals with the issues with finesse.

I love her characters. And the Irish setting makes me want to visit the Emerald Isle, the home of many of my ancestors.

Told through two unlikely contemporary friends and their journey together into the past, this story is strong, vital, and a must read.

Plain Perfect
By Beth Wiseman
ISBN 978-1-59554-630-2
Thomas Nelson
Contemporary Women's Fiction
Daughters of the Promise, Book 1

Back Cover Copy:

A search for peace in Amish country proves anything but simple for a woman on the run from life. . .and herself

On the rolling plains of Lancaster County, PA, Lillian Miller is searching for her grandparents' house. . .and so much more. After years of neglect and abuse, she's turning to a lifestyle of simplicity among the Amish to find herself.

AS she discards the distractions of her former life, she befriends the young boy working on her family's farm and his attractive widowed father, Samuael Stoltzfus. Despite Lillian's best efforts to the contrary, her feelings for Samuel, and his for her, deepen. Will Lillian find her faith in Plain living, or will she be forced to return to her former life?

My Review:

Debut author, Beth Wiseman, adds a fresh new voice to Christian fiction with PLAIN PERECT. She's an excellent storyteller, who takes the reader deep into the characters. I read a lot, and I'm not usually surprised by anything in a women's fiction book, but I will say that Beth surprised me at one point in the story. Well-developed characters, honest emotions, strong spiritual growth, and her writing style kept me turning pages.

I'm anxious to read the next Daughters of the Promise novel, and you will be, too, after you've read this first one.

Love Finds You in Miracle, Kentucky
By Andrea Boeshaar
ISBN 978-1-934770-37-5
Summerside Press
Contemporary Romantic Fiction

Back Cover Copy:

Anything can happen when you live in a place called Miracle.

Meg Jorgenson wants a fresh start, miles away from the city and a failed relationship. She takes a teaching position in the tiny town of Miracle, Kentucky, and vows to steer clear of smooth-talking men. Before long, Meg is smitten, but it's eight-year-old Cammy Bayer who wins her heart. The young girl has spent much of her life in a wheelchair but firmly believes that God will heal her someday.

Cammy's widowed father, Vance, has devoted his life to caring for his young daughter, and he is delighted by the attention she receives from her new teacher. But will Meg and Vance see eye-to-eye when it comes to an experimental procedure that might grant Cammy the use of her legs? Will they open their minds to the miracle of healing, and their hearts to the miracle of love?

My Review:

There are so many things to like about these Love Finds You books. Their covers are wonderful, and all the page design details lift the books above the ordinary. Stories set in actual places.

But most of all, the stories will keep your interest until the very last word. Andrea's book is populated by normal people who make plenty of wrong decisions. The twists and turns lead the reader to a satisfying ending for the story and romance.

Andrea's characters leap from the pages into your heart. You won't want to miss this one.

Love Finds You in Valentine, Nebraska
By Irene Brand
ISBN 978-1-934770-38-2
Summerside Press
Contemporary Romantic Fiction

Back Cover Copy:

What can a California girl do with a few dusty acres of land in rural Nebraska?

So Kennedy Blaine wonders after she inherits a ranch in the small, western-style town of Valentine, Nebraska. As Knnedy makes arrangements to sell the property, she finds herself drawn to the ranch and its attractive manager, Derek Sterling. But soon Kennedy is subjected to harassment by someone who clearly wants her to leave Valentine.

Depending on God's protection and Derek's assistance, she sets out ot discover who is behind the offenses. But when her search reveals painful details about her family and raises questions about Deren's own past, will Kennedy want to know the truth?

My Review:

I've enjoyed reading books by Irene Brand for over twenty years. And this one is my favorite so far. I love the setting. I love the characters, I love the plot twists, and I love the ending. I highly recommend this wonderful book to you.

Love Finds You in Romeo, Colorado
By Gwen Ford Faulkenberry
ISBN 978-1-934770-46-7
Summerside Press
Contemporary Romantic Women's Fiction

Back Cover Copy:

Can one woman's tragedy turn into happily ever after?

Claire Caspian is a first-rate professor, teaching even the most cynical student to find beauty in literature. But with her own personal story, she isn't as successful. Having recently lost her husband, Claire returns with her young son to the tiny desert town of Romeo, Colorado, where she grew up. There she settles in with her feisty old Abuelita, the richest woman in the county, and attempts to rebuild her life. But love comes searching for Claire in the form of attractive local doctor Stephen Reyes. Will another tragedy prevent her from accepting love the second time around? Or will she embrace her hew Romeo and finally find a happy ending?

My Review:

This book is peopled with unique, strong characters, even secondary characters. And the plotline is interesting. I did find some passages that slowed the story down, but the characters and storyline kept me turning pages. This is a part of Colorado I wasn't familiar with, but I am now. I liked the book, and I think you will, too.

January Book Releases

A new year! So much to look forward to, so much promise! We've got 12 new releases to start us off on 2009's adventure. Check them.

1. Bayou Betrayal, Book 5 of the Bayou series by Robin Caroll from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. When a woman arrives in town to meet her relatives, an arsonist doesn't want her to stay!

2. Be Strong and Curvaceous, All About Us #3 by Shelley Adina from Hachette FaithWords. Carly Aragon's faith is tested when she takes on a crush crasher who comes accessorized with a stalker.

3. Before the Season Ends, Lights of London, Book One by Linore Rose Burkard from Harvest House. A Christian young woman must make her way through the treacherous waters of a Regency Season in London; while her worldly, wealthy aunt tries to marry her off for money.

4. Cursebreaker, Book One of The Order of the Scrolls Series by Nancy Wentz from Whitaker House. Author Nancy Wentz's drama unfolds in both the physical and spiritual realms, treating the reader to a thrilling tale of mystery, passion, and historical intrigue.

5. Fireflies In December by Jennifer Erin Valent from Tyndale House. A young girl comes of age amidst the racial prejudice of Depression-era Virginia.

6. Hannah Grace, The Daughters of Jacob Kane by Sharlene MacLaren from Whitaker House. A new century, a new sheriff, a new love...many things are about to change in the town of Sandy Shores.

7. Kiriath's Quest by Rick Barry from JourneyForth Books (a division of BJU Press). A YA Christian fantasy adventure that reaffirms the value of faith, family, love and loyalty.

8. Milk Money by Cecelia Dowdy from Barbour Publishing (Heartsong Presents). Can Frank find faith in Jesus, while battling alcoholism, as he seeks the love of Emily Cooper?

9. Mommy's Hometown Hero, Dalton Brothers Book 2 by Merrillee Whren from Steeple Hill. Ex-soldier Matt Dalton wants to bring his friend Rachel Charbonneau back to the Lord and win her heart as well.

10. No Place For A Lady, Heart Of The West Book One by Maggie Brendan from Revell. Can a Southern belle tame the heart of a rugged cowboy?

11. Paper Roses, Texas Dreams #1 by Amanda Cabot from Revell. There's only one problem when mail-order bride Sarah Dobbs arrives in Texas to greet her groom: he's been murdered.

12. Sweetwater Gap, (Women of Faith Fiction) by Denise Hunter from Thomas Nelson. A woman returns home to help save her family's apple orchard and must face the ghosts that chased her away so many years ago.

13. The Edge of Light, Book One in the At Home in Beldon Grove Series by Ann Shorey from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. It's 1838 on the Missouri frontier--how will Molly McGarvie keep her young family together after her husband's sudden death?

14. What Sarah Saw, Book One, Without a Trace Love Inspired Suspense continuity series by Margaret Daley from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. The tragic conclusion to a kidnapping case broke Sam and Jocelyn apart, but for a child's sake they must join forces to uncover what Sarah saw

Happy reading ~

Musings

Every year my friend Rita Booth and I each separately ask God for His word for us for the new year. Then we compare notes. Often we’ve received the same word. I’ll call her later today to compare notes.

Here’s what God’s been telling me.

Our country has become a nation of expectations. What are expectations? They’re desires that turn into demands. Then we convince ourselves that they are our rights. And we strive for those rights.

God wants us to give all our expectations to Him and just receive what He has for us. Clinging to the expectations, or what we consider our rights, can ruin the gifts we receive. Gifts God has planned to do the most good in our lives.

Now for the one word for 2009 – Unexpected!

God wants us to prepare our hearts to receive the unexpected things He’s going to bring our way this year. We must totally trust in Him and know that He will only give us things that will not harm us.

In the economic climate we’ve already entered, some things have and will continue to look as though they are harming us. But whatever God brings into our lives will help us grow.

We won’t really understand the depth of His love for us until we know His miraculous provision. We won’t need his miraculous provision unless our ways of providing for ourselves are tested or taken away.

I’ve told the people I know that God is my business manager. I work to improve the skills to use the gifts He gave me. I have my agent submit my proposals to editors. Then I trust Him to bring about His will in my writing life. If a book doesn’t sell to one publisher, I know that’s not the one He wants to bring it to print. He has specific people who need to read my stories. He also knows which publisher will be able to get the books into their hands.

So if I make a sale, I praise Him. If a proposal is rejected, I praise Him.

I choose to trust Him completely and allow Him to bring the unexpected into my life in 2009.