What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? I'm not sure if this is considered quirky, but I did ride a zipline in my late fifties, when my daughter worked at a camp. I was nervous, but decided if the eighty-year-old lady behind me could zipline, I could too.

When did you first discover that you were a writer? I've been a reader for as long as I can remember, and that love of reading inspired me to pen poetry in high school. While I raised my children, I read lots of nonfiction and children's books, then I took a job at a public library and rediscovered fiction. I'd read plenty of fiction as a child and teen, but as an adult had lost touch with the story world. I believe, as I delved into the fiction world, God called me to write stories to inspire and encourage. For the last twenty-five years, I've worked to become a writer of stories.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. If you follow my blog, you'll see I'm an eclectic reader. I enjoy contemporary romance, women's fiction, historical fiction (especially the civil war and the prairie days,) family stories, suspense, children's books, and cozy mysteries.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? I spend a lot of time praying and reading my Bible. I know that sounds like a pat answer, but as I've gotten older, I find spending time with God soothes my soul. Creating fiber art and crafts also helps me keep my hands busy and not worry so much. The verses in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 really speak to me: "and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."

How do you choose your characters’ names? Sadie and Joel are my main characters.

Sadie's name came to me on a trip home from Kelleys Island, Ohio (the island Abbott Island is modeled after.) I'm not sure why that particular name stuck with me, but she grew into the main character of Home Where She Belongs.

If I had had a boy, I would have named him Joel, but I had three girls.

I enjoyed finding the meaning of each name. Sadie is a derivative of Sarah and means "princess." In the story, Sadie feels anything but a princess, until she finds her way and her true love. Joel means "Jehovah is God," a strong name for a caring hero.

Looking at name lists is fun. I use "name the baby" books or internet lists.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? I'd have to say raising our children. They are all adults now, and I love hanging out with them.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? I'd be a dog. Then I could be friends with our dogs, Olive and Rosie May.

The dog in my story is named Rosie. After my book went to print, we gathered at my nieces for Thanksgiving. Their dogs had Golden Retriever puppies and, wow, were they cute. We ended up taking one home right after Christmas and named her Rosie May, after Sadie's dog who was named after my dear great-aunt Rosetta May.

What is your favorite food? My husband makes the best grilled cheese sandwich! And I love dark chocolate.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? More than anything, I struggle with a lack of confidence. I'm not sure I've overcome it, but I continue to learn and work toward better writing. I'm blessed to have had some wonderful, early reviews that have helped boost my confidence.

Tired of being a pawn for her father and an emotional punching bag for her ex-boyfriend, Sadie Stewart escapes to Abbott Islandwhere she spent summers with her grandparents. Would the love and faith she learned from them be enough to fuel her new life? She wants to believe God's promises, yet broken trust holds her back. 

Joel Grayson left the island long enough to train at the Police Academy. The community trusts him, even though he's failed. When he finds Sadie at her grandparents' cottages, his heart skips a beat. He'd love to get to know her again, but no one needs to share the hurt he harbors. 

When Sadie discovers someone is sabotaging her future, she seeks Joel's help. As they are drawn together, will Joel let down his guard and let her in? Will Sadie trust the man who loves her and the Father Who cares? 

Please give us the first page of the book.

Sharp breaths escaped Sadie Stewart’s lungs. Her legs wobbled like cooked spaghetti as she pushed to reclaim her routine and run the rest of the route. Confidence surged through her as her running shoes crunched dried leaves and pounded Abbott Island's hard dirt trail. Rosie, her beloved canine companion, kept rhythm with each step.

Aged maples decked in orange and scarlet bent across the trail and shaped a golden canopy. The pungent scent of wood smoke hung in the air. Rosie's red flag of a tail slapped the calves of Sadie's legs as she bounded alongside her. Her dog never judged her or caused her pain. Not like the man who had ripped her emotions to shreds.

A chill wind from Lake Erierushed at their backs and pushed them toward the only place where Sadie found peace, her grandparents’ home. Every summer for twelve years, she’d lived in the warmth and comfort of their care, played with her friends, and helped her Gram clean the rental cottages. Grandpa had deeded the property to Sadie, but she’d neglected the place for three years. Now, she depended on the island rentals to rescue her from a life of regret and hurt.

Around the curve, she pushed her legs harder. A daily run helped clear her mind and build her strength. “Run, run, run.” She panted. Run, run, run... from him.

Fear dogged every step as she raced toward freedom from the man who shattered her heart. The memory of Bryce Shaw's screams and accusations played akin to a recording in her head. She prayed he'd give up and not track her to the island.        

His constant text messages and incessant calls obliterated the peace she sought. Three months and the man refused to give up his game of superiority over her. She'd changed her phone number once, but he must have dragged it out of her father. Or Dad offered her information without hesitation. At least the island’s spotty cell service might delay the next threat to tranquility.

Tomorrow she'd drive Coop, her Mini-Cooper onto the ferry and search for the closest place to trade in her number. This time she'd keep it to herself, except for the handful of people familiar with her story. She'd enlist the folks at the phone store to help her block the two people who tormented her. Two birds with one stone, as Gram used to say. Her father, who had never loved her, yet forced her to work for him, and Bryce, the man who had destroyed her trust, both fueled her determination to start over. As she ran, sorrow swallowed her heart. The hurt and humiliation weighed heavy as an anchor.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My blog: https://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennyFrostMcGinnisAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PennyFMcGinnis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennyfrostmcginnisauthor/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/penny-frost-mcginnis

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

https://www.amazon.com/Where-Belongs-Penny-Frost-McGinnis/dp/195583816X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=30GY5QGG8XX9I&keywords=home+where+she+belongs+book&qid=1652827196&sprefix=Home+where+She+%2Caps%2C471&sr=8-1  

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

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.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: https://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2022/05/home-where-she-belongs-penny-frost.html 

   

IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners  - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.

Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win.

Patricia B (TN) is the winner of Peace in the Mountain Haven by Misty M Beller.

If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble, or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.

If you won an ebook or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 2 weeks to claim your book.   

   

This is the second book in the Treasured Lives series. Book 1, Borrowed Lives, introduced us to the protagonist, Pearl. I wanted to show the conditions and thought processes that plunge us into darkness. Even though she thinks life stinks, her “perfect” family battles their own issues.

All my books involve the concept of redemption. None of us have fallen so low that God can’t pick us up. The book’s not a downer, but a hope-filled journey of despair, love and redemption.

Oh, also humor. I cannot write without my trademark humor poking through.

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Without a doubt, the first person on my list would be Lisa Wingate. I haven’t read a book of hers I didn’t like. Her style and presentation are elements I’d love in my work.

Deb Raney would be on the list. She knows how to set up a character with complex problems with no way out. Plus, her sweet personality is a delightful counterpoint to my pessimism.

Linda Rondeau has mentored me, encouraged me, and opened doors in my writing career I’d never open on my own. Linda’s my doppelganger. We tease each other (both of us space cadets) that we’re the blonde leading the blonde.

Steven James’s writing work has schooled me in this craft. He once had a launch party where the name of someone who attended would be the victim in his next novel. He would be invited under the condition I’m the murdered woman.

Angela Hunt. I’m not a fan of her historical fiction, but I love her contemporary. She holds me spellbound and is an author I’ll pick up without perusing the details of the novel too deeply.

Lynette Eason rounds out my list. I’ve taken classes from her at BRCWC. She taught me so much. And I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone write so much and win so many awards.

Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why? Janette Oke’s work filled our library when my daughter was young. We’d sit for hours and read. After she went to bed, I read ahead because I couldn’t stop the story.

Francine Rivers covers so many areas of historical fiction from Appalachia to ancient Israel. Plus, she such a universally loved author, billions of other people would come to my party. Peruse any recommended reading list, she tops the names multiple times.

If we could resurrect the dead, Catherine Marshall. To this day Christy resonates in me.

Tessa Afshar. She’d been in one of my writing groups, and I loved the book I read of hers.

Henry McLaughlin had been in one of my earliest writing groups. He was an excellent critique partner and a delight to be with. We need a man in this party, and who doesn’t love a good Western?

Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?

The hardest part is coming up with something new and fresh. Prodigal Lives is second in a series. As I complete this interview, I’m struggling with Book 3. I started Book 3 once and abandoned it after thirty-thousand words. I’m now on a roll, but book launch, editing for Elk Lake, and caring for family eats so much of my time, I shunt writing aside.

This is Pearl Solomon’s life. Jealous of her sisters who remained with her foster mother after Grandpa Guy adopted her, Pearl makes every wrong decision possible.

Little does she know, life throws roadblocks in her foster parents’ and her sisters’ lives, too.

Life keeps piling problems on Meredith Jaynes. She loses her second foster child—one she was scheduled to adopt. Then Parker Snow refuses to marry her. With only her goats and artisan soap to support her, life will get no better.

If she is honest, though, she still has Crystal. Her funny, happy, loveable toddler makes the sun shine and reminds her of the never-failing love of God.

Pearl Solomon loves her life with her grandfather Guy, but every one of her triumphs is overshadowed by her sisters’ lives. With Mama Meredith, they live a life she envies. Because of her jealousy, she refuses to contact them.

Years later, life for both families twist down paths they do not wish to travel. Pearlknows she’s lost what was most precious in life but has no means of fixing things. Left to her own devices, she spirals out of control.

Meredith finds it harder to mask the despair infertility has brought to her life.

Both families believe they must reconcile themselves to their fates as reality shatters their dreams unless they dig deep for the promise of love.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Nothing ever happened as promised. The warm March

day mocked Meredith Jaynes. A pale sun in a pastel blue

sky shone on her as she clung to Parker Snow. The soft

breeze stirred the redbuds like a scene she’d imagine on

her Hallmark movies. Unfortunately, this was not happily

ever after.

Meredith and Parker stood on the side of the road

watching the social worker’s white car carry her foster child

away. Breathing came hard as her heart squeezed her lungs.

They stood for a long time after Roxie disappeared—gone to

live with Lisa and Todd Simpson. Lisa—the aunt who swore

she only wanted to meet the girls before she signed away

parental rights. Then changed her mind. The Simpsons

would not only take Roxie to Kentucky. They’d fly her to

Korea when the army transferred Todd. 

Roxie left, and Olaf stayed. Another broken promise.

The kitty had been Roxie’s lifeline and should’ve gone

with her. Lisa complained cats irritated her boys’ allergies.

Roxie, though, loved her cat with the orange stripe along

his nose. Didn’t love endure all things?

Meredith’s throat dried. Breathing became impossible.

If Roxie stayed with her, she’d have given the sweet pixie

unicorns and mermaids—or, at the very least, Olaf. Why

couldn’t Roxie stay?

The stupid law.

How can readers find you on the Internet? My favorite places to connect with readers are the following—with my website the best.

On carolmcclain.comyou can sign up for my newsletter and blog. You can find out where I’ll be with books and my glass work (I am a glass artist, also).

On Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/author.Carol.McClain

BookBub is a great place to connect. https://www.bookbub.com/profile/carol-mcclain

Finally, Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard?ref=nav_profile_authordash

Prodigal Lives, at the moment, is only found here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60750069-prodigal-lives?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=91KT6OzXsA&rank=2

Thank you, Carol, for sharing this new book on my blog.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

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.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: https://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2022/05/prodigal-lives-carol-mcclain-one-free.html

   

You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why? Michelle Griep, Elizabeth Ludwig, and Tara Johnson. They are my critique partners and all except Tara have been for going on 17 years. We added Tara a year ago.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it? I got a very bad case of the giggles while sitting at the head table in the House of Lords in England. Our host, Lord Shall-Remain-UnNamed, had a piece of avocado from his salad drop onto his lapel. A colleague, sitting next to me, elbowed me, asking, “Is that a medal on the Lord’s lapel?” It was not, and I lost it. Every eye in that cavernous room turned to me. And I couldn’t stop laughing. The only way I was able to maintain a modicum of decorum was by not looking at my colleague. I was so embarrassed. The Lord, oblivious to his lapel, most likely thought we were idiots.

People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that? I tell them to write it, then find a group of authors to join, where they can learn and grow.

Tell us about the featured book. By the Sweet Gum was such fun to write. I love Genessee’s story. Georgia has a lot of cotton mills, and my research was fascinating. I began this book during Covid, but still got a personal guided tour of Porterdale, a mill town in the greater Atlanta area. I learned so much from the museum curator. I also learned a ton about the accident that took limbs and/or lives of children in the mills. Children as young as 5 years old worked in them. During the 1930s, laws were passed to raise that age. My heroine in the book works with her father to see that achieved. The short synopsis is:

In the beleaguered mill town of Sweetgum, Georgia, Genessee Taylor dreams of a life beyond running the mill-owned hotel with her family. Though the work is honest, the owner of the mill is not. Genessee and her father long to see stronger labor laws passed to protect the innocent children who are injured and dying in the mill. When the owner learns of their activity, he will stop at nothing to silence them. 

Tommy Mack works at the mill and dreams of playing professional ball and marrying Genessee. When he’s contracted by a big-league team, his dreams are within grasp. Just as Tommy and Genessee’s wedding is on the horizon, tragedy strikes Sweetgum. Tommy can’t stay and Genessee can’t leave. 

Can they battle through loss, deception, and sacrifice to find their way back to each other?

Please give us the first page of the book.

“It falls to every generation to leave their world a better place for the next. If you aren’t doing something to improve conditions, you are missing the purpose for which you are placed upon this earth.” Frank Taylor, Sweetgum Baptist Church, February 1928

Late spring, 1930

An ear-shattering gong of a huge brass bell splits the quiet morning. My sister Annie screams, Sarah, our cook, shrieks, and the bowl of cold, baked potatoes in my hands falls to the floor with a crash. Mama cries, “Dear, God, no! Please don’t let it be another child.”

I freeze, unable to move. Tremors quiver through me, as my heart cries, “Not Tommy! Please, Lord!”

There’s an accident at the cotton mill.

The horror I feel reflects on Mama’s face. “Go, Genessee.” She shoos me out. “Find out who it is.”

She’s already picking up the potatoes and whispering prayers as I race out the door. The mill lies no more than one-hundred-fifty-yards from the hotel entrance. I run up the road as fast as my legs can move. Slamming through the front door, I follow the sound of the screams coming through the stairwell from the floor above. I fly up the steps. Normally, noise from the machinery obliterates every other sound, but when that bell clangs during work hours, most of the machines stop.

When I reach the second floor, I skid to a stop outside the spinning room, bend and put my hands on my knees, trying to catch my breath. I’m not sure I want to see what’s on the other side of this door.

“Out of the way!”

I jump aside as two medics carrying a stretcher run past me.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

website,

Amazon Author page,

Facebook,

Twitter,

The Write Conversation

Thank you, Ane, for sharing this new book with my blog readers and me. It’s at the top of my to-be-read pile.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=By+the+sweet+Gum+by+Ane+Mulligan&i=stripbooks&crid=173KVVPP0MI8U&sprefix=by+the+sweet+gum+by+ane+mulligan%2Cstripbooks%2C137&ref=nb_sb_noss 

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

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.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: https://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2022/05/by-sweet-gum-ane-mulligan-one-free-book.html 

   

 IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners  - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.

Some people don't read the instructions of how to enter. Unfortunately, they don't have a chance to win. so next time you come and leave a comment, be sure to read all the instructions if you want a chance to win.

Sharon (SC) is the winner of Avenue of Betrayal by Sandra Merville Hart.

Caryl (TX) is the winner of The Elements of Love by Mary Connealy.

If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble, or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.

If you won an ebook or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to. Remember, you have 2 weeks to claim your book.