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The winners of the 4 February books are: Jane Squires of Wasola, Mo; Lisa Watkins of Bountiful, Utah; Terrie Coleman of Conroe, Texas; and Cherie Japp of Pensacola, Florida. Please email me your mailing address so I can get the book out to you. Also tell me if you own any of my books, so I won’t send you the same one.

 

Readers, if you want a chance to win one of my free books, please sign my guest book. The winners are chosen from those who do.

 

Want more free books. We also give away a minimum of 8 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:

 

 

Another fun-filled month of interviews.

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Calendar of Events

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March 8 – DFW Ready Writers, Southlake, Texas

March 27-29 – Pink Impact Women’s Conference, Gateway Church, Southlake, Texas.

September, 2008 – Snowbound Colorado Christmas release

September 18-21, 2008 – American Christian Fiction Writers National Conference, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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By Tricia Goyer

ISBN 978-0-8024-6767-6

Moody Publishers

Historical

Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War, Book 1

 

Artist Sophie Grace has one goal: finding her beloved Michael in war-torn Spain. His work as a news photographer has taken him deep into the country wracked by civil war between ragtag Spanish patriots and Nazi-backed Franco forces.

 

Secrets abound in ruined Spain. Michael is loving but elusive, especially about beautiful Maria. The American who helped Sophie sneak into Spain turns up in odd places. Michael's friend Jose knows more than he tells. When reports of Michael's disappearance reach her, Sophie is devastated. What are her feelings for Philip, an American soldier who comes to her rescue? Sophie must sift truth from lies as she becomes more embroiled in the war that threatens her life and breaks her heart.

 

Love, loss, pain, and beauty abound in this book.

 

First let me tell you that I do not watch war movies, and I've never wanted to read a book about a war. I only read this because Tricia is a friend of mine through American Christian Fiction Writers. I didn't expect to like the book, but I was determined to read it.

 

This book is awesome! It took me a couple of chapters to really get into it, but then I had a hard time putting it down. Yes it is set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War, but the most important things about this book are the characters. They are so real and believable. I want to read one more page, one more chapter. I had to know what was happening to each of the diverse group of characters peopling the story.

 

I was thankful that I already had book two at my house, because I am going to start reading it next. I highly recommend this wonderful book.

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 By Tricia Goyer

ISBN 978-0-8024-6788-3

Moody Publishers

Historical

Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War, Book 2

 

When Walt reappears beckoning Sophie to rescue Spain, she falters. But the Spanish Republican army needs more weapons, and the lost gold from a shipment abroad is their only hope for winning the war. Sophie longs to stay with her new love Philip and let her photographs and paintings testify to the bombing of Guernica. But she complies, realizing only she can get close enough to the information they need.

 

Yet the price of her willingness is high. Michael, who betrayed Sophie's love and faked his own death, is the man she must befriend. His devotion to Franco flies in the face of Sophie's love for Spain and its people. While she despises him for this, her heart is not so calculated.

 

Sophie needs to keep her cover in order to have a hope of saving Spain. And she needs to get the information to Walt before it's too late. The stakes are high, and she cannot do this alone.

 

Once again, I was drawn into the heart of a war book. I felt what the characters felt, breathed the same air. The story is gripping, and the book is a page-turner. Tricia, where's the third book? I can hardly wait for its release later this month.

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By Susan May Warren

ISBN 978-1-4143-1017-6

Tyndale

Contemporary

 

Nick Noble hadn't planned on being the prodigal son.

 

But when his father dies and leaves half the Silver Buckle--the Noble family ranch--to Nick's former best friend, he returns home to face his mistakes. . .and to guarantee that the ranch stays in the Noble family.

 

Award-winning journalist Piper Sullivan believes Nick framed her brother for murder, and she's determined to find justice. But following Nick to the Silver Buckle and posing as a ranch cook proves more challenging than she thinks. So does resisting his charming smile.

 

As Nick seeks to overturn his father's will--and Piper digs for answers--family secretts surface that send Nick's life into a tailspin. But there's someone else who wants to take the Silver Buckle from the Noble family, and he'll stop at nothing--even murder--to make it happen.

 

I fell in love with Nick when Suzie brought a copy of the cover for this book to the 2006 national American Christian Fiction Writers conference. Somehow my own book deadlines and a physical injury got in the way of me reading the book.

 

This was the week for it. Suzie's masterful writing drew me into the story like the vortex of a tornado. I lived on the ranch, breathing the pungent air, exploring the emotions with the characters. Their hurts were my hurts. Their secrets, mine.

 

This book is wonderful. I had a hard time putting it down. I highly recommend it.

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By Susan May Warren

ISBN 978-1-4143-1018-3

Tyndale

Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Noble Legacy, Book 2

 

Two-Time World Champion Bull Rider Rafe Noble had No Idea How Quickly His World Could End.

 

In less than eight seconds, he lost his title, his career, and his best friend--all on the dirt floor of a noisy rodeo arena.

 

Katherine Breckenridge just wants to make a difference by running her mother's charity foundation. But the mysterious disappearance of half a million dollars has forced it to the brink of bankruptcy. Her last chance to save it is the annual fund-raiser, an event destroyed by an out-of-control Rafe Noble.

 

Desperate to rescue the foundation, Katherine heads to the Noble family ranch to enlist Rafe's help in raising the money he cost her in lost donations. What she doesn't know is that Rafe is broke--in cash and in spirit--and helping her could end up costing him his life.

 

This installment of the Nobel Legacy series is just as beautifully written as the first, with an equally powerful message woven into the intense romance. Susan May Warren uses achingly beautiful description, but sparingly enough not to interfere with the story. Or, as in the case of this book, stories. Intertwined are two separate romances and a book-within-a-book, which was skillfully crafted to fit seamlessly.

 

Wow, Suzie, you just keep getting better and better. When I get my hands on one of your books, it goes immediately to the top of my to-be-read pile. Bring on another!!!

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By Susan May Warren

ISBN 978-0-373-78585-8

Steeple Hill Cafe

Contemporary

 

Josey Anderson will be the perfect wife. She and Chase did have the perfect wedding--if you don't count the matron of honor going into labor. Now all she has to do is find a cute Cape-style house, report for the Gull Lake, Minnesota, paper, bake cookies and learn to sew--is that so difficult?

 

But when Chase lands a new job--in Moscow--Josey's dreams disintegrate. After all, she's been there, done that as a missionary, and a city without year-round hot water, decent takeout or. . .maternity clothes--that's not perfection! But what's the perfect wife to do?

 

I'll admit, I'm probably the president of the Susan May Warren fan club. When I bought this book, I had to read it right away. The last book I read of hers was the one about Rafe--a serious, romantic suspense. This book is a complete departure from that, but is written with the same mastery of the genre. Witty, downright funny, poignant, with a touch of pathos, this book kept me turning pages between loads of laundry today until I read the last line.

 

The characters are believable, the situations similar to those most of us have experienced, even though we live in a different part of the world. And Suzie's books always excel in the way she weaves the spiritual message so tightly into the story. You'll want to read this one!!!

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By DiAnn Mills

ISBN 978-0-06-137601-6

Avon Inspire

Historical Romance

 

1803, The Colony of Texas

 

Marianne Phillips, the daughter of a wealthy rancher, has never agreed with her father's harsh treatment of the poor mestizos who first inhabited the colony of Texas. When rebels kidnap Marianne, in hopes her father will trade back their land for her freedom, she realizes her loyalty lies with her abductors, not her father, who plans to marry her off to the don of a nearby estate.

 

Armando Garcia is the locals' reluctant leader, but his people revere and depend on him. Knowing that without his leadership they'd be forced from their land, Armando accepts his roll, but does not approve of the latest attempt to manipulate their enemy. When he learns that Marianne actually speaks his language, of her loyalty to his people, and of the faith that keeps her strong, Armando is faced with a difficult decision. Will his newfound love keep him from letting her go? Or will he set her free and risk losing their land forever?

 

DiAnn Mills calls this her Zorro novel. Like DiAnn, I've always been fascinated by that legendary, mythical hero. This book really has the flavor of early Texas. The beauty of the landscape, the disparity between the classes as well as between races, greed, honesty, faith, broken promises. All these things weave through the enthralling story of a star-crossed love.

 

By Miralee Ferrell

ISBN 978-0-8254-2659-9

Kregel

Contemporary Fiction

 

The girl standing at the door took a deep breath, pulling her suitcase a little closer to her trembling legs. "My mama's dead. He's my daddy."

 

Susanne Carson knows tht she can trust the love of her life--her husband, David--until she discovers a strange, unkempt young girl on their doorstep claiming to be David's daughter.

 

Not that their marriage has ever been perfect--David's decision to embrace the Christian faith has strained their relationship. Susanne may not agree with his beliefs, but at least she trusts him. Had David been hiding this not-so-little secret from his past? He wants Susanne to believe in God, but believing hasn't done much to keep David out of another woman's arms. What else could her husband be hiding?

 

As David confronts the truth of his past, Susanne must face her own moment of truth as her marriage is taken to the breaking point and the life of one young girl is left in her hands.

 

When I first heard the title of this book, long before it came out, I was intrigued. I didn't know anything about the book, except the title. Since I had written a book titled The Other Brother, I wanted to read this similarly titled one.

 

By Roxanne Rustand

ISBN 978-0-373-44271-3

Love Inspired Suspense

Snow Canyon Ranch series - Book 1

 

Sinister family secrets lurk in the majestic Wyoming rockies

 

Come out, come out wherever you are.

 

Someone is lurking in the woods behind the isolated old cabins Janna McAllister is fixing up. Who is he? And What could he want with a single mother who hadn't set foot in Wyoming in years? Janna is suddenly grateful for her unexpected new lodgers: deputy sheriff Michael Robertson and his teenaged son. The strong silent type, Michael makes her feel safe--especially when human renains are found on the property. The cold case threatens to remain unsolved. Until Janna unwittingly finds a clue that will tempt a killer to come out of the woodworks.

 

Roxanne Rustand has a good grasp of what constitutes a wonderful suspense novel. Her characters are multi-faceted with depths of good and depths of anguish from past mistakes.

 

I really like the way she treats the setting almost like another character. I thoroughly enjoyed this opening book of the Snow Canyon Ranch series.

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By Roxanne Rustand

ISBN 978-0-373-44277-5

Love Inpsired Suspense

Snow Canyon Ranch series, Book 2

 

Sinister family secrets lurk in the majestic Wyoming Rockies.

 

Guilty Until Proven Innocent

 

That was the McAllister family motto, wasn't it? Cole Daniels would never forget it--no matter how interested he was in pretty, kind Leigh McAllister. Thanks to lies told by her uncle, Cole's father was wrongly imprisoned. Now that Cole and Leigh were both beck in Wolf Creek, Wyoming, he was sure Leigh held the key to clearing his father's good name. But his quest for justice was complicated by the escalating sabotage of Leigh's vet clinic and by his growing feelings for her.

 

I just love to read suspense books. And I'm glad I had all three in this series so I could start the next one as soon as I finished the one before.

By Roxanne Rustand

ISBN 978-0-373-44281-2

Love Inspired Suspense

Contemporary

Snow Canyon Ranch series, Book 3

 

Sinister family secrets lurk in the majestic Wyoming Rockies

 

The past kept haunting her. . .

 

Josh was in tiny Wolf Creek. Which meant tour guide Tessa McAllister now had more to fear than drought, wildfire, and underhanded rivals. Years ago the handsome photojournalist had broken her heart, leaving her with a secret to harbor alone. And now he was in her town. Distracting her. Making her remember what they'd shared. But someone was watching them, waiting for the moment to strike. Someone dead set on destroying their hope for a second chance.

 

I was so thankful I had all three of these books to read one after the other. I did not want to leave this scenic area or these interesting people.

 

Roxanne had to do her homework, researching a lot of things for this series. But she skillfully weaves the information into the stories, making them richer in detail without overwhelming the reader with extraneous information. Some authors are heavy handed while including their research in stories. Roxanne is not, instead allowing the information to build a strong foundation against which the mystery and romance play out.

By Annette Smith

ISBN 978-157683-995-9

Navpress

Contemporary Fiction

 

Joel Carpenter's life was never supposed to turn out this way. But after making a careless choice four years ago, his marriage was permanently shattered. Living in a small town deep in the heart of Texas, he now finds himself estranged from his ex-wife, Kari, and sharing custody of his son.

 

Just when Joel thinks the worst is behind him, he realizes he is facing his greatest challenge yet. And in the midst of deep tragedy, Joel is learning that forgiveness is way more imporatnt than freedom. Hopefully it's not too late.

By Elizabeth Goddard

ISBN 978-1-59789-899-7

Heartsong Presents

Contemporary Romance

 

Riley Is Beginning a New Season of Life

 

When Grandpa Sanderford asks Riley O'Hare to give up her climb on the corporate ladder and take over the family cranberry farm in Massachusetts, she actually considers it. Her mind is made up when her brother dies and she becomes the guardian of his son. Riley hopes the move and her new roles will help her find the purpose and peace she desires.

 

With the death of his friend and business partnew, Zane Baldwyn's world is turned upside down, and his company is in trouble. As he looks to replace John, strange things begin to happen that make Zane wonder if John's death was really accidental.

 

Riley has a farm to save, and Zane has a mystery to solve. Somehow the two goals seem related.

 

As Riley and Zane are drawn closer together, can they stay out of danger and discover the season of love?

 

I was naturally prejudiced toward this book. Beth is one of the authors I've mentored, and this book is the third in the Massachusetts Weddings series. I wrote the first one; Lisa Harris wrote the second one.

Another wonderful selection. Be sure to visit the websites of the following authors. You’ll enjoy reading all of them!

1. A Lady of Hidden Intent, Book 2 in the Ladies of Liberty series by Tracie Peterson from Bethany House Publishers. Catherine Newbury flees her past, but has hidden intentions to right the wrongs done her family.

2. A Soldier's Family, Book 2-Wings of Refuge Series by Cheryl Wyatt from Steeple Hill-Love Inspired. A USAF Pararescue jumper recovering from a skydiving accident opens his heart to a widow and her troubled teen, and discovers he's been given a second chance at family.

3. A Suspicion of Strawberries Scents of Murder Series, Book 1 by Lynette Sowell from Barbour. Andromeda Clark loves control, and that's tough to hang onto while tracking down a murderer, saving her business, all while her boyfriend decides it's time to settle down.

4. A Treasure Worth Keeping by Kathryn Springer from Steeple Hill, Love Inspired. Single school teacher seeks solitude. . .and ends up on the adventure of a lifetime!

5. Amber Morn, Kanner Lake series #4 by Brandilyn Collins from Zondervan. The lives of the nationally read “Scenes and Beans” bloggers are on the line when they’re taken hostage by three volatile men whose demands are impossible to meet.

6. Another Stab at Life in The Volstead Manor Series by Anita Higman from Barbour Publishing. Another Stab at Life is about a woman who inherits not only a Gothic mansion, but the shadows and secrets that lie within.

7. Better than Gold Book Three in the Iowa Historical Series by Laurie Alice Eakes from Heartsong Presents. She wants to leave the small, Iowa town. He wants to stay and create a settled life. They both want to find the missing gold.

8. Blue Heart Blessed by Susan Meissner from Harvest House. A jilted bride opens a secondhand wedding dress shop but can't seem to let go of the one dress that started her business - her own.

9. Broken Lullaby by Pamela Tracy from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. When Mary Graham finally starts making right choices, DEA officer Mitch Williams interferes. >From small steps to large leaps, trust, love, and faith are born in the midst of a mystery.

10. Dear to Me, Book 3 in the Brides of Webster County series by Wanda E. Brunstetter from Barbour Publishing. Melinda Andrews is torn between two loves -- her dear animal friends and Gabe, the man she loves.

11. Don't Look Back, #3 in Reunion Revelations (Love Inspired Suspense Continuity Series) by Margaret Daley from Steeple Hill. Jameson vows to help Cassie solve her brother's murder by delving into his secrets. But Jameson has his own secrets that might tear them apart.

12. Goldeneyes by Delia Latham from Vintage Romance Publishing. In the darkness of a Depression-era night, an alcoholic man commits a heinous crime, and over twenty years will pass before the horrible wrong begins to be made right.

13. John's Quest by Cecelia Dowdy from Barbour Publishing. John, an agnostic science professor, finds romantic love while searching for Jesus.

14. Leaving November, Book 2 The Clayburn Novels by Deborah Raney from Howard Books/Simon & Schuster. After failing the bar exam twice, a young woman comes home to discover love--with an artist who is everything she never wanted in a man.

15. My Heart Remembers by Kim Vogel Sawyer from Bethany House. United by blood, divided by time, three orphan train siblings seek to reunite eighteen years after fate separated them.

16. Seneca Shadows by Lauralee Bliss from Heartsong Pesents, Barbour Publishing. Lucy's quiet world has been invaded as soldiers come to train in her valley. Will love be the consequence?

17. Sincerely, Mayla, The Sequel to Just As I Am by Virginia Smith from Kregel. For control freak Mayla Strong, learning to lean on the everlasting arms is the toughest lesson of all.

18. The Renovation: Carter Mansion, First book in the 3-book Project Restoration Series by Terri Kraus from David C. Cook. Single father Ethan Willis is a master at restoring old buildings, returning what was once in ruins to the beauty of its original design. Can a new woman help restore his life after a tragedy that changed everything?

19. The Truth About Love by Tia McCollors from Moody Publishers - Lift Every Voice Imprint. In this powerful sequel to Zora's Cry, four friends face issues that test the strength of their faith and their love.

20. Trouble the Water by Nicole Seitz from Thomas Nelson. Three flawed women find God's healing in the loving hands of a Gullah community on a South Carolina sea island.

21. Wildfire Book #3, Snow Canyon Ranch series by Roxanne Rustand from Steeple Hill. Snow Canyon Ranch---where sinister family secrets lurk in the majestic Rockies.

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I haven’t shared a recipe with you in a long time, but I stumbled on to one this month that is delicious and easy.

 

1 – package Velveeta Shells & Cheese

1 – pound lean ground beef

1 – envelope taco seasoning (I used the Taco Bell brand.)

½ - cup water

1 – 8 ounce package sour cream

Grated cheese

¾ - cup salsa (I used mild, but you could use the hotter if you want.)

Crushed tortilla chips

 

Set oven to 350 degrees.

 

Prepare the Shells & Cheese according to package directions.

 

While it cooks, brown ground beef. When the meat is done, add the taco seasoning and water and simmer at least 5 minutes.

 

When Shells and Cheese are completely prepared, stir in the sour cream. In an 8 inch casserole dish, make a layer with half the Shells and Cheese. Top with the meat mixture. Sprinkle grated cheese over this layer, then top with the rest of the Shells and Cheese. Spread salsa over that. Bake for 20 minutes. Top with more grated cheese and tortilla chips. Bake an additional 15 minutes.

 

This is good the first day, but even better the next day. Enjoy!

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