Dora Hiers Journey's End Giveaway

Dora Hiers, featured earlier this week on my blog, is offering a print giveaway of her book, JOURNEY'S END to readers. To enter the draw, leave a comment with your email addy, and answer this question:

What is the name of Dora Hiers blog?

The winner will be announced July 19.


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Dora Hiers & Journey's End

My guest today is author, Dora Hiers. After a successful auditing career, Dora left the corporate world to be a stay-at-home mom to her two sons. Eventually, needing something more to fill her days, she started writing heart racing, God-gracing books. Dora belongs to the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Carolina Christian Writers. 

Dora and her husband make their home in Kannapolis, North Carolina. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, guzzling café con leche, kicking back in her recliner with a good book, teaching Sunday School, vacationing in the mountains, watching football, and walking her dog.

Anne – Welcome to my little corner of cyberspace, Dora. When did you first realize you were destined to write romance?

Dora - When my son started middle school and didn’t want me hanging out at school with him anymore. LOL. By then, I’d been a stay-at-home mom about three years and had spent most of my time alternating between two schools. My older son graduated, and my younger son moved to middle school. I knew I needed something more to fill my days. An avid inspirational romance reader, God planted a story idea that pinged around in my head for a few months until I finally confessed my desire to write to my husband. With his enthusiastic support, I started pounding out the story. 

Anne - Tell us about your book.

Dora - Sure. Here’s a little about Journey’s End.

Devastated after the brutal murder of her husband, Chelsea Hammond vows never to love another lawman. Intent on rebuilding her shattered life, she turns her focus to helping troubled teens. But when an angry father bent on retaliation, threatens her, Chelsea must turn to the one man she never thought to trust: Deputy U.S. Marshal Trey Colten.

Trey wants only to protect Chelsea, but she blames him for her husband’s death. Trey can relate. He blames himself, also. As danger lurks, Trey begs Chelsea to heed his warnings. He let down one Hammond. He won’t let down another—especially one who now holds his heart.

When Chelsea is snatched from her home, can she put aside her fear and trust Trey with her life? Can she forgive him for destroying her past and let him help to rebuild her future?

Where one journey ends, another begins…

Anne - Is there a message in Journey’s End you want readers to grasp?

Dora - Forgiveness ~ it’s never too late.

Anne - Of all the characters you’ve created, does one hold a special place in your heart? Why?

Dora – That would be Trey. In JOURNEY'S END, Chelsea initially resents Trey's control and rebels against his protection, but his kindness and sensitivity chip at her defenses. He’s the type of guy who helps with dishes, feeds her many pets, listens—really listens to her, and makes killer hot chocolate at midnight. How could she not love a man like that? Wouldn’t you?

Anne - What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Dora - Sitting down in front of a blank screen to start a new book. Can I do it again? Do I have it in me to write a story from start to finish?

Anne – It’s a universal fear for writers, isn’t it?! Would you share an excerpt of Journey’s End with us?

Dora – Certainly!

“I suppose I should have been a vet.” Chelsea stroked the dog’s fur from his head all the way down his back, careful not to touch his wounded leg.

“Maybe. But I don’t think you’ve wasted your energy or your talents as a guidance counselor. Teenagers can’t seem to resist you, either.”

That produced a full-fledged smile in his direction. Way to go, Colten!

“Remember that natural charm I warned you about?”

He threw back his head and laughed. “Yes. And after a few days in your presence, I’m inclined to agree with you.”

He pulled into the veterinarian’s parking lot and glanced her way, surprised to see her grinning. “What?”

“Saved by the vet.”

Her words hit him like a piano dropping ten stories. She was flirting with him.

He took his time walking around to her side of the truck. He opened the door and leaned in, planting his hand on the seat next to her shapely legs. His face hovered inches from hers while he savored the way her wavy hair cascaded down her shoulders, the lips that curved in that always graceful way, and the eyes that spoke everything his heart wanted to hear.

Her eyes closed, and her lips parted slightly.

Trey snapped out of it. He couldn’t do this. He was on the job. She didn’t know the secrets he knew, the truth about her husband. 

Her eyes startled open. As much as he wanted to partake and enjoy, he couldn’t. He touched a silky curl framing her face and ran it through his fingers. “You need to know that right now I’m working. But there will come a time, soon, when I’m not.”

Anne – Where can readers reach you online?

Dora – At DoraHiers.com
Heart racing, God-gracing Romance
Facebook ~ Dora Hiers Author

Anne – Thank you so much for dropping by, Dora. I wish you every success with Journey’s End. Happy writing!

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And the Winner Is...

Announcing

Freedom Giveaway Hop Winner

Sherry!

Congratulations, Sherry.

You'll receive a pdf copy of

DEFENDING GLORY

first book of the

Piedmont Island Trilogy series.

Thank you to all followers for entering the contest.

See you all soon!

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Freedom Giveaway Hop

Thanks for dropping by during the Freedom Giveaway Hop. July 1 is Canada's birthday and July 4 is Independence Day in the United States. Fun times for both nations!

My thanks to I Am A Reader Not A Writer for hosting this super giveaway event, and Simply Stacie for co-hosting. I'm number 181 on the list!

With more than 200 bloggers offering more than 200 giveaways, there is plenty to celebrate in both nations, and for that matter around the world because you are not required to be a Canadian or American to enter my giveaway!

I write mystery and romantic suspense stories that chill the spine, warm the heart, and soothe the soul...all with a delightful touch of humor.

My giveaway is an e-book copy of DEFENDING GLORY, first book of my Piedmont Island Trilogy series.

Diana Coyle, Reviewer for Night Owl Reviews, said, "If you're looking for a book with an engrossing storyline, characters you can't help but fall in love with and an author who knows how to create a winning masterpiece in the end, then look no further. Ms. Albert is an author to watch because she's definitely going places. She is one author you shouldn't pass up!"

Praise like that is every author's dream. It makes all of the hard work and long hours worthwhile. Thank you, Diana. :)

Want a sneek peek? Download your FREE Anne K. Albert Novel Sampler from All Romance Ebooks HERE.

How to enter the draw for a pdf copy of DEFENDING GLORY?

Easy:

1. (Required) Become a follower

2. (Optional) Want another chance to win? "Like" my Novel Sampler at All Romance Ebooks (Click HERE)

3. (Required) Leave a comment stating you've done 1 and/or 2, and include your email addy. (yourname AT whatever DOT com)

The winner (chosen at random) will be announced July 10th. Good luck!

To continue the blog hop, see the complete listing of participants at I Am A Reader Not A Writer.

Happy reading, and happy Freedom Giveaway blog hopping!

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Author Cee Hunter's Family Secrets

My guest today is Cee Hunter.

Cee brings her love for her home state, Louisiana, to her writing in Family Secrets. Living in the state from kindergarten through college has given her an appreciation for the people, culture, food (the recipe for perfect fried chicken is included in Family Secrets), and the natural beauty. Work and family have taken Cee to other parts of the country, but her fondest memories are of tromping through the piney woods of central Louisiana. You can email her at Ceeslife@gmail.com.  She’d love to hear from you.

Welcome, Cee. It’s wonderful to feature you today. If everyone is comfortable, let’s get down to business and talk writing!

Anne - Tell us about your book. (Title and story blurb.)

Cee - In Family Secrets the sweet piney woods of central Louisiana set the stage for ten year old Bonnie Francis Martin’s struggle between protecting her family’s privacy and preserving her sanity and even her life. The family bonds that provided security have trapped her in a web of secrecy. The rules for a southern girl’s behavior are not written down in any book, but they are etched on Bonnie’s mind and are as much a part of her as her sparkling green eyes.   One person is dead and Bonnie may be the only one who knows the killer’s identity. Whether she speaks up or remains silent, it will take all the courage she can muster to survive. 

Anne - Is there a message in Family Secrets you want readers to grasp?

Cee - Yes, I hope readers will come away with an increased knowledge of the danger of keeping secrets within families.  I hope parents will talk to their children about appropriate sexual boundaries and keep the lines of communication open for them to report inappropriate behavior wherever it occurs – strangers, acquaintances or family members. 

Anne - What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Cee - The hardest part of writing for me is not over editing before I get a sentence on paper. A lot of what I write is total garbage, but often there’s a gem within the garbage which I can only get to by capturing everything and then digging through it later.     

Anne - Outside of writing, what accomplishment are you most proud?

Cee - My greatest accomplishment has been raising my two children. Both are adopted and I am a single mother. The process has been messy and heartbreaking and has not turned out at all like I had hoped. I’ve learned that following God’s leading does not necessarily mean a happy ending. We often think that if God is in a situation we will be successful, but that’s not always the case. This is a message I want to share with others so they’ll know they’re not alone. These are the stories that don’t often get told, and I want to be part of changing that.

Anne - Quick. Your five favorites – author, actor, movie, song, quote.

Cee - Author: Jane Austen. Actor: Bruce Willis. Movie: Terminator. Song: Fairytale by Sara Bareilles. Quote: “…we accept the love we think we deserve” The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.

Anne – Thanks so much for dropping by, Cee. It's been a pleasure getting to know you, and getting a glimpse inside Family Secrets. I also love your enthusiasm for Louisiana...a state I've never been to, but now want to plan a road trip! Again, I wish you every success, Cee.

Happy writing!

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Are you an author? Have a book to promote?

I’d love to feature you on my blog.

Email me: annekalbert AT gmail DOT com

Mention “PIT Blog Interview” in the subject line.

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Delia Latham & Kylie's Kiss

Today is author Delia Latham’s birthday, and she’s celebrating in a very special, if not unusal, way. She’s doing a blogblitz to promote her latest release, Kylie's Kiss! Commenters will also be entered in a draw to win a beautiful pendant or a copy of one of her books.

Born and raised in a place called Weedpatch, Delia Latham moved from California to Oklahoma in 2008, making her a self-proclaimed California Okie. She loves to read and write in her simple country home, and gets a kick out of watching her husband play Farmer John. The author enjoys multiple roles as Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, but especially loves being a princess daughter to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

She loves to hear from her readers. You may contact her through her website or send an e-mail to delia AT delialatham DOT net.

Anne – Happy birthday, Delia. Huge congrats on the release of Kylie’s Kiss and this amazing blog blitz. Before we get down to business, tell us a bit about who you are outside of the writing field.

Delia - I’m a born-and-bred California gal, transplanted to Oklahoma at age 50. Talk about your “change of life!” My husband and I moved here in 2008, after he was medically retired (with COPD) and needed to get out of the San Joaquin Valley in California, with its sadly tarnished air. I am fortunate to be able to write full time—a new thing for me, and I’m loving it!

Anne - The Solomon’s Gate Series sounds intriguing, with the whole dating agency concept. Is your new release, Kylie’s Kiss, a part of that series? Share a bit about Solomon’s Gate.

Delia - Solomon’s Gate is a set of three books, based around a Christian dating agency of the same name. The introductory novel, Destiny’s Dream, focuses on Destiny May, who founds a Christian dating agency in a mid-sized, conservative California town. The two follow-up novels involve a couple of Destiny’s “Seekers,” which is her name for the people who come to her seeking a soulmate. Kylie’s Kiss, book two in the series, was released April 29. I’m excited about this book, and the true-to-life issues in the storyline.

Here’s a blurb:

On a dare, Kylie Matthews lands smack in the middle of Solomon’s Gate—Castle Creek’s new Christian dating agency—and she finds herself revealing exactly what she’s waiting for in a relationship: “The kiss that steals my breath away.”

What she doesn’t reveal is her lack of self-esteem or her irrational reaction to facial disfigurement. Neither is applicable to her quest to find the perfect match. But that seemingly superficial malady becomes all-important when her first agency-arranged date is Rick Dale—a man who is everything Kylie is searching for. He’s handsome, smart, fun. Rick has it all…including an angelic six-year-old daughter with severe scarring on one side of her face.

Hard at work founding a therapy camp for young female victims of deformity or disfigurement, Rick wants Kylie to be a part of those plans. She’d love to say yes…but how can she, when every contact with the facility’s guests—and Rick’s own daughter—will make her violently ill?

Kylie is ready to admit their relationship doesn’t stand a chance, but she’s forgotten that God makes a way where there seems no way.

Anne - How do you market your work, or does your publisher/s do the majority of the marketing?

Delia - My publisher is wonderful about doing everything they can to get the word out and place our books. They are, however, a small press, and I am expected to help with the marketing. That said, even large presses are now asking authors to contribute something to the promotional process, so I don’t mind. I’m grateful to find a reputable home for my books. White Rose is recognized by both RWA and ACFW, so they must be doing something right.

Anne - We’d love a little hint about what’s inside Kylie’s Kiss. Would you share a scene from the book?

Delia - I’d love to!

Rick settled into a seat across from Kylie and Clay and sat in silence for a moment, a slight frown drawing his dark brows together. Finally he looked up, first at Clay, then in her direction. “Kylie, I haven’t had a chance to share with you about Lea, though I believe Clay knows a little.”

Her heart sank and her gaze flew to her boss, who nodded. Yes, he knew about Lea, whoever she was. This didn’t sound good. “Who’s Lea?”

“She’s my little girl.” Kylie drew in a slow, deliberate breath, forcing herself to stay calm. So he had a daughter. As long as a wife wasn’t the next announcement, she could handle that.

“You have a child. How old is she?”

“She just turned six.” Rick’s expression softened as he spoke, and Kylie knew without a doubt that Lea was his life. His green eyes, startling against the olive of his skin, met hers without flinching. “She’s a special child, Kylie. Smart, beautiful, charming….” Kylie found herself fascinated by the adorable little self-derisive grin that played about his lips. “And sweet as cotton candy.”

Kylie couldn’t help smiling. “You don’t like her much, huh?”

“She is my heart and soul.” A little sheepish, but unrepentant.

“When do we get to meet this perfect child?” Clay’s grin lit up his craggy face. “Destiny’s already looking forward to it, but be warned—she’s going to try to keep her. My wife has a thing with kids, man. She loves ’em, and they always love her right back.”

Rick laughed a little, but his tone was serious. “I hope she still feels that way after she meets Lea.” He pulled a wallet from his pocket, then sat for a moment, saying nothing.

Puzzled, Kylie watched him run slender fingers through his thick black hair. Again and again he invaded the thick waves, managing to somehow leave them only slightly mussed. Finally he opened the billfold and pulled out a photo.

When he raised his head, revealing the torment in his eyes, her heart nearly stopped. What was wrong with Lea? Whatever it was, did Rick think it would make a difference in how she or Clay might feel about the child? If so, he certainly didn’t give them much credit.

“This is Lea.” He handed the photo to Clay, who smiled and passed it on to Kylie.

“She’s a cutie all right, my friend. You weren’t exaggerating. So what’s the problem?”

Kylie wondered the same thing. The photo showed a partial silhouette of an extraordinarily beautiful child. Unlike her olive-skinned father, Lea was a vision of light. Golden hair, porcelain skin, eyes the color of a robin’s egg. Kylie met Rick’s gaze, mystified by his obvious unease. “She’s lovely.”

“Thank you. I think so.” He pulled out another photo and handed it to Clay. “In spite of this.”

Kylie’s stomach clenched and threatened to revolt. Her boss’s flinch was slight, but unmistakable. Oh, dear God, please help me handle whatever this is with grace. How ironic that her first real prayer in years would be one of such a pitifully begging nature. Somehow she knew her reaction to this photo could mean life or death for her relationship with Rick. How strange that she’d be thinking in terms of a relationship now, when only moments before she’d been ready to concede defeat.

Clay nodded slowly, then met Kylie’s eyes. He held briefly to the picture even after her fingers closed on it. His words were directed to his friend, but his gaze held hers.“You’re right, my friend. Nothing could make this child anything less than perfect.”

He released the photo into Kylie’s grip. By now she did not want to look at it. Something in Rick’s eyes and Clay’s voice told her she could be in trouble. But what choice did she have?

Her eyes moved in slow, jerking movements from Clay’s face to the photo in her hands. She gasped, overwhelmed with sympathy—and total panic.

Another silhouette, shot from the opposite side of Lea’s face. Long, lumpy red welts stained her exquisite skin, puckering her cheek into an inhuman mask. Kylie had no idea she was crying until the tears tickled her face, even as her throat closed and her stomach lurched.

The photo fluttered to the floor as she leaped to her feet. Sending the two men a desperately apologetic look, she flew out of the room with a hand over her mouth.

Anne – Thank you for sharing that moving excerpt. Kylie’s Kiss is definitely going on my TBR list! What can we expect from you next?

Delia - I’m working on a book of women’s fiction. It incorporates characters from both Yesterday’s Promise and Goldeneyes—which is surprising, since Goldeneyes is set in 1936 and 1959, and Yesterday’s Promise is a contemporary romance. Readers who’ve read either or both of those books will definitely be interested in this one. I’ve also working on a short novella for a Valentine collection. Now to find a home for it…

Anne - What advice would you give to budding authors who have published a book and now ask, "What next?"?

Delia - Start writing your next one! That said, it’s so important to learn everything you can about marketing a book, because you should be doing that even before yours is released. If you don’t already have a platform of followers/fans, start building one—yesterday! Use as many social networking tools as you can efficiently handle, and work them. If you don’t have a website, get one. This will be crucial to your publicity, and if you can’t afford to have one done professionally, there are numerous free web hosting companies online. Webs.com is a good one. Above all, place your career in the hands of God and follow His lead. He sees the bumps in the road ahead that are not within your line of sight yet, and He knows how to guide you through, around, under or over them…whichever is best for your situation. Trust Him!

Anne - As a successful author, are there any words of wisdom you'd like to share?

Delia - “Successful” is probably stretching it a bit. I’m still struggling to make a name for myself and get my books on the bookstore shelves, because I truly feel that each of them hold a message from God for someone—hopefully more than one someone. My advice is always, first of all, to write from the heart. Also, I think it’s absolutely vital to a writer’s success to find a place they can call their own, whether that means a fully-dedicated office, the corner of a bedroom, the end of a dining table, or a closet dedicated to the cause. Wherever, whatever it is, go to that place every day, preferably at the same time every day, and write. Write badly if necessary on some days, but write. That’s what writer’s do.

Anne – Super advice. Last question: Just for fun, what super power would you like to be blessed with?

Delia - Just one? I think I’d like to be able to fly, then I could visit all the places I’d love to see without having to spend the money to get there.

Anne – Thanks for visiting today, Delia. I wish you every success…and a happy birthday!

Leave a comment at any (or all) blog, and your name will be entered in a draw for this lovely pendant, or one of Delia's terrific books. For a complete blog blitz list click HERE. 

Good luck and happy reading!

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Let's Talk!

Are you an author?

Do you have a book (or more) to promote?

I'd love to interview you and talk about your book(s).

Email me: annekalbert AT gmail DOT com

to schedule a date.

Please mention "PIT blog feature” in subject line.

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Let's Talk!

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