Today, I have a very special guest. She's a friend of mine and a wonderful lady who is known for her kind and generous spirit. Please welcome Lena Nelson Dooley. I had the privilege of reading her most recent release, Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico.
It's a beautiful love story set in the old west of New Mexico. Lena puts a twist on the old story of mail-order brides that kept me turning the pages. I cared immediately for all her characters and wanted things to work out for them so badly as the story progressed. Also, Lena did her homework. I really felt like I was there in New Mexico! I recommend this book if you love a good historical romance. Please read a little bit about Lena and then leave a comment on something you read and I'll enter your name in a drawing to be drawn on June 18th.
Here's a blurb about the book:
All that glitters is not gold. It’s 1890, and Golden, New Mexico, is a booming mining town where men far outnumber women. So when an old wealthy miner named Philip Smith finds himself in need of a nursemaid, he places an ad for a mail-order bride—despite the protests of his friend Jeremiah. Hoping to escape a perilous situation back East, young Madeleine Mercer answers the ad and arrives in town under a cloud of suspicion. But just as she begins to win over Philip—and Jeremiah himself—the secrets she left behind threaten to follow her to Golden...and tarnish her character beyond redemption.
I asked Lean what she learned during the writing of the story.
I loved writing Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico. I learned a lot of interesting trivia about the history of that area. Such as, it’s the site of the first gold strike west of the Mississippi, even before Colorado and California. Since my parents lived in New Mexico while I was in college, I’ve visited the state many times. And a friend of mine went to Golden while I was writing the book and took pictures for me. She even brought me back a rock from Golden.
While at the Christian Book Expo in Dallas last year, I spent some time talking about my manuscript with the president of Summerside. He made a suggestion that gave me the idea for the catalyst that leads to the hero becoming a Christian. It takes a lot of people to create a wonderful book. I thank Carlton for his insight.
Most of my books deal with trusting God and forgiveness. In each book, I take these things in different directions. Readers have told me that they like the spiritual thread in this book. One woman contacted me and told me “it ministered to her soul.” That’s what I wanted to do.
Lena Nelson Dooley, president of DFW Ready Writers, is a multi-published, award-winning author who loves to mentor other authors. With her 25th book release, she has close to 650,000 books in print. Her next release, Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, will be on sale May 1, 2010. Look for it bookstores everywhere.
Lena has spoken at conferences and writers’ meetings in four states. She also speaks at women's retreats and event of all kinds. She lives in Hurst, Texas with her husband of over 45 years.
Lena’s door and heart are always open to those God places in her path. She seriously considers her ministry as a mentor, prayer warrior, even a champion of the downtrodden, her life’s work.
You can find Lena at
http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/
http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/
Well, let me be the first to say this book sounds intriguing (even though out of my usual favorite genre) and even more than that Lena sounds like a lovely lady. It is always wonderful to meet someone who looks on their writing as a ministry. Please consider me for the draw again.
ReplyDeletecsteward@gmsa.org
I love historical romances..good ones that weave in Jesus Christ somehow into the story. I've seen many of the "Love finds you.." series in my local Christian bookstore.
ReplyDeleteI was really surprised to learn that New Mexico was the site of the very first goldstrike west of the Mississippi. I had no idea...because I always thought it was California. You learn something new everyday :) :) Thanks for sharing this :) I would love to be entered into the contest for the book give-away :) Have a great weekend :)
I love history and finding interesting trivia about somewhere I'm visiting. That is my favorite thing to do on vacations.
ReplyDeletepepsi324{at]yahoo[dot]com
I enjoy Lena's style of writing. I also love the Love Finds You series. Please enter me. Thank you.
ReplyDeletedesertrose5173 at gmail dot com
Ooo! This sounds really good! I love historical romance!! Please enter me in the drawing!
ReplyDeletesarah45431@hotmail.com
CS, Heather, Colletta, Linda, Sarah,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. I've been told by fans that this is the best book I've ever written. I hope you like it, too.
would love to read lena's latest...thanks for the chance :)
ReplyDeletekarenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
I would love a chance to win this book! :) The Love Finds You books that I've read have been very enjoyable, and I love historical romance! (I especially love the Old West!)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts, Lena, and thanks for the giveaway, MaryLu!
~Amber
Oops! I guess I should leave my e-mail! :)
ReplyDeletestokes[dot]a[at]suddenlink[dot]net
Thanks again!
~Amber
Please include me. Looking forward to reading this...
ReplyDeleteldneuhof at hotmail dot com
Hi again MaryLu!
ReplyDeleteI have a blog award for you! :) You can find it at www.seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com.
Thanks!
~Amber