Ada Wentworth leaves Boston for Hickory Ridge, Tennessee to be a Lady's companion. She plans to stay just long enough to establish her own hat business, but things don't always go as planned...
The cover for 'Beyond All Measure' is gorgeous (especially in person), and the story itself is so good!
This is the first book that I've read by Dorothy Love, but I enjoyed 'Beyond All Measure' so much that I can hardly wait to read her next Hickory Ridge Romance!
'Beyond All Measure' takes place during a time when the Civil War is over, but there is still a lot of strife between the North and South. I felt this added a nice element to the novel.
I also found the romance story wonderful. I wasn't sure what was going to happen until it did (I admit I skipped ahead, but then went back to read what I'd skipped... ).
There was so much I enjoyed in 'Beyond All Measure' - too much to mention! I highly recommend 'Beyond All Measure'!
*I received a complimentary copy for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion!*
I'm so excited to be able to host this giveaway and share with one of my readers this wonderful book! This giveaway is open to the United States of America and Canada! Use the Rafflecopter below to enter (it might take a moment to load).
Posted by Melanie on Tuesday, November 01, 2011 with 7 comments
Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews! Will you tell us a little about 'The Economics of Ego Surplus'?
My pleasure! It’s an action novel that’s meant to entertain while also teaching the reader about the global economy. It also has a moral element to it, which is what the title refers to.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? I enjoyed reading from a very young age, and I think the interest in writing grew out of that. I remember getting into Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels in about eighth grade. That was a big influence in making me want to try to write stories myself. In college I got sidetracked into studying something more practical than writing – economics. But in the long run it worked out well because it gave me something to write about (the economy) that not a lot of other writers take on.
Approximately, how long does it usually take you to write a book?
From first ideas to a finished manuscript was about 6-7 years for The Economics of Ego Surplus, but that was working on it very sporadically. My writing for businesses is what pays the bills, so for now my fiction efforts are relegated to the time I can find for them.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
Probably having plot ideas occur to me in the shower.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
I do a lot of research to get details, which is something I enjoy. As far as the ideas themselves, it’s very mysterious to me where they come from. I like something the Catholic novelist and short story writer Flannery O’Connor said, that you write what God gives you. This is a difference I’ve noticed between non-fiction, which can be written entirely from research and feels like your own efforts, and fiction, which requires inspiration. To me, inspiration feels like something that comes through you rather than from you, if that makes sense.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
How consumed and obsessed you can become as the manuscript nears completion!
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Several years back I wrote a novella that introduced the protagonist from the current novel (Kyle Linwood). It’s not anything too deep, just a story about a guy who goes through a quarter-life crisis and heads to Africa on an adventure quest. The title is ‘5 Pillars, 7 Sins,’ and I recently released a free eBook of it to help promote the current novel. You can find it at starvinganalyst.com. The current novel (‘The Economics of Ego Surplus’) tries to accomplish a little more, not to mention being longer, so I would say I like it best.
What do you think makes a good story?
I like old fashioned storytelling, where the protagonist comes to some new understanding of their self or the world, and where the story has a moral point (for instance, The Great Gatsby illustrating the futility of chasing the past).
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I recently moved from Dallas to some land I own in the country, near where I spent much of my childhood. So I spend a lot of spare time working on the land. Beyond that I read, watch TV, go to church, go shopping – pretty ordinary things!
What are three things you wouldn't want to do without?
Too many to list!
Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?
Those change pretty often with me and it's hard to pick just one. But I'll say Salvation Song by The Avett Brothers. And I'll pick Quiz Show as a good movie that people seem to have forgotten.
Are you currently working on any new novels?
Yes, I have an idea for a third and maybe final novel with the protagonist Kyle Linwood. It is still in the preliminary stages, plus I am thinking it will be longer than the current novel, so it is probably a few years away.
Thank you so much for being here! Where can we find you on the web?
The root of that (starvinganalyst.com) is where you can download the earlier novella ‘5 Pillars, 7 Sins.’ And here is the site for my non-fiction and business writing:
You can read my review on 'The Economics of Ego Surplus' here.
If you would like to enter for a chance to win 'The Economics of Ego Surplus' use the Rafflecopter below. There will be THREE winners!! U.S. residents only. Many thanks to Paul McDonnold for this giveaway!
Enter the giveaway here (it might take a moment to load):
Posted by Melanie on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 with 28 comments
Yea! I'm so excited to be able to host this Q&A with Susan May Warren and book giveaway!
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How did this book come about?
I love history and especially the gilded age and longed to write a story set in this era. However, I love stories set with a biblical theme, so I applied the story of Jacob and Esau to two sisters living in the gilded age, with everything available to them but love. What lengths would they go to in order to find their happily ever after?
How did you weave fact and fiction in Heiress?
I try and weave as much fact into a story as possible – so all the research, from the houses, the clothing, the food, the lifestyle of the high society set is factual, as is the layout of the New York Chronicle (aka the Herald) as well as the life of the copper miners in Butte, Montana. The dinner with Roosevelt is factual, as well as the information about the buffalo herd. I took actual accounts of mine disasters as I plotted the catastrophes, and even took headlines from the New York Herald to craft the final plot.
How much research did you do for this story?
Reams. Everything required research,from the way they spoke, the food they ate, the customs of the times to the layout of the homes in 1890 NYC. I invested in a number of gilded age books and read about the lives of the Vanderbilts, the Astors and even Emily Post.
What do you hope the reader takes away with them after reading Heiress?
That God’s blessing doesn’t necessarily translate into wealth, and that it’s something deeper, something received because of His great love for us and nothing that we can do.
What is the next project you’re working on?
I just finished Baroness, the store of Rosie and Lilly, the daughters of Esme and Jinx. It’s due out in February2012. And my Christmas novella has just release, Baby, It's Cold Outside.
What do you do when you're not writing or when you need a break?
Watch Football. Or take a walk.
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Book Giveaway!
One randomly selected winner will receive a copy of Heiress! I loved this book (you can read my review here) and highly recommend it!
Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter below (it might take a moment to load). Giveaway ends 11/08/11! US residents only
Posted by Melanie on Tuesday, October 04, 2011 with 13 comments
Rene Gutteridge is the author of many novels including 'Possession'. Here is the book description:
In the aftermath of investigating the D.C. sniper case, police detective Vance Graegan is burned out on life and love. Hoping to save his marriage, he quits the force and moves his wife and son to the other side of the country. But when the movers decide to hold his belongings for ransom, Vance is determined to ensure that his family’s new beginning is not ruined. Soon, though, losing his possessions becomes the least of his problems as everything they are fighting for begins to unravel in the hands of Vance’s past. In an unforgettable climax, a little boy’s innocent faith brings a group of desperate people to their knees. What is at stake counts for everything, but nothing can prepare Vance for who is behind it.
~♪~
Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Rene! It's wonderful to have you here.
Thank you so much! I always enjoy the opportunity to talk about writing and books.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I have always enjoyed writing from a very young age. I was that kid that was always working on a book or short story or poem. But I didn’t really think about doing it for a living until college when a professor suggested that I should consider it.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I was around fourteen when I attempted my first novel. I didn’t finish it. I actually started a ton of books in my teens that I never finished. It was college before I finished my first story, beginning to end. It was terrible, but at least it had a beginning, middle and end! I was around twenty at that time. The first time I was published was when I was twenty-six.
Approximately, how long does it usually take you to write a book?
Well, that’s a funny question because the secret is that writers live and die by the deadline. So however long we have is usually how long it takes us. I’ve written a book in ten weeks! I’ve also written one in two-and-a-half months, all because of deadlines. But in a perfect world, my sweet spot is about six to seven months. Any longer than that and I start editing things that don’t need to be edited!
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
Ha! Great question! Well, gosh, there are so many…let me think. I guess one is that I have to read the headlines of the day before I ever start writing. I also always have to have a beverage, usually coffee, while I’m writing. I’m also fond of eating pistachios out of the shell while I write, which is weird because it does mess with the flow of typing. But probably the weirdest is that I almost always find a theme song for the novel I’m working on. And weirdly, it always comes to me. I don’t seek it. But when I hear it, I know it’s for my book. And then I listen to it over and over and over (like fifty or sixty times, maybe more) until I can clearly hear it in my head without it being played. Then it runs in my head when I’m writing certain scenes. The song doesn’t always have to do with the circumstances either. One time it was a small piece, less than a minute, from the Iron Man Soundtrack. It’s hard to explain what qualifies for me, but I know it when I hear it.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
They really come from anywhere and everywhere…newspaper articles, stories I’ve heard from people, trips I take. I research by reading books, articles on the Internet and interviewing people. But basically a book comes about when an idea I have formulating meets up with characters who want to be birthed. When those two things match up, then I’ve got the beginning of a story.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
My research has always provided me with a lot of surprises, which is why I love research. I probably learned more surprising things when researching The Occupational Hazards series than any other series. I researched local news, undercover cops and commercial airline pilots and flight attendants. I don’t want to give away what I found out, but it’s all in those books to read! That’s always so much fun to me, to find out something really surprising.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I am about to finish my 19th book! So hard for me to imagine that! It seems like just yesterday I published my first novel, Ghost Writer! But they’re like children to me, so I can’t pick a favorite. Each one holds a special place in my heart. Each one had its own triumphs and valleys.
What do you think makes a good story?
I think a good story has several elements: characters you want to spend time with, a plot that keeps you turning the pages, and a theme that pierces your heart. When a story stays with me long after I’ve put the book down, I know it’s superb. When I regret having to say goodbye to the characters, it’s top shelf.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I’m pretty easy to please. I love going to the movies. I like shopping when I have the money to do so. I am a magazine addict. Love going to lunch with friends or a date night with my husband. And I’m also an avid TV watcher. I don’t have cable, but I love this time of year when all the new network Fall TV shows come out and I get to sample them, see which ones I want to watch again. I also love reading cookbooks. I read them way more than I cook from them, but the pretty pictures make me happy (Pioneer Woman!!)
What are three things you wouldn't want to do without?
Besides the obvious, like family, Bible, etc., the more shallow things include coffee, TV, hair styling products.
Are you currently working on any new novels?
Yes! I’ve finished a novelization I wrote with writer/director John Ward (I AM) that will be released by Tyndale next year called HEART OF THE COUNTRY. And I’m just finishing up a suspense novel for Tyndale called MISERY LOVES COMPANY, also due to be released next year.
I'm so excited to be able to host this giveaway! I loved 'Possession' and definitely recommend it to anyone who loves suspense! Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter below (it might take a moment to load). Many thanks to Rene Gutteridge for this giveaway! U.S. Residents only.
Posted by Melanie on Monday, September 19, 2011 with 49 comments
Lisa Tawn Bergren is the author of many novels including the fantastic 'River of Time' series. Here is a series summary:
Gabriella and Evangelia Betarrini are the daughters of Etruscan archeologists. Stuck on a hot, dusty dig site for yet another long, dreary summer—far from the nearest boys—they go exploring. They enter a forbidden tomb and find two handprints among the frescoes. And when they touch them, together, they are catapulted back in time…and into the adventure of their lives.
~♦~
Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Lisa! I'm thrilled to have you here!
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Always was a writer, but a professional one? I was afraid to dream of such a thing. Seemed audacious to me! Took 5 published novels for me to even refer to myself as a "writer" or "author"!
When did you write your first book and how old were you? 1992, I think. I was 26 or 27. It was a contemporary romance called REFUGE.
Approximately, how long does it usually take you to write a book?
I research and dream about books for a long time, then write them fast. Usually in about 3 weeks-3 months.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
I listen to soundtracks as I write. It helps me "see" the book in my mind, like a movie playing out.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
All over the place. Research. News stories. Friends. Friends of friends. A writer is always asking herself, "What if..." questions.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
Mmm, all I can remember are things I've learned lately...There were no tomatoes in Italy in medieval times. They came from the New World! And the Roman Forum was half-buried in dirt and brush in medieval times. A barber set up shop underneath one of the famous, huge arches. And Dante unified the Italian language...
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite? 30-something. Hmmm, THE BEGOTTEN, THE BRIDGE, and WATERFALL What do you think makes a good story?
Identification with the hero/heroine, good pacing, aha moments that move the heart as well as the mind.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Travel, cooking, watching movies.
What are three things you wouldn't want to do without?
Computers, showers and my bed
Are you currently working on any new novels?
Always. Currently an adult series called The Grand Tour. Book One, GLAMOROUS ILLUSIONS, releases Summer 2012.
One winner will receive the book of their choice in the 'River of Time' trilogy! This giveaway is open internationally, however, if the winner lives in the United States of America they will receive a signed copy of their choice! To enter the giveaway use the Rafflecopter below (it might take a moment to load). There are two mandatory entries - follow via email & leave a blog post comment. The rest are all optional! Giveaway ends on 10/24 and the winner will have 48 hours to respond. Many thanks to Lisa T. Bergren for making this possible!
Posted by Melanie on Thursday, July 21, 2011 with 136 comments
I'm giving away the following to one (random) winner:
1 copy of 'One Tuesday Morning' by Karen Kingsbury
1 handmade flower bookmark to match 'One Tuesday Morning'
1 copy of 'Beyond Tuesday Morning' by Karen Kingsbury
1 handmade flower bookmark to match 'Beyond Tuesday Morning'
1 copy of 'Every Now and Then' by Karen Kingsbury
1 handmade flower bookmark to match 'Every Now and Then'
Considering it's been almost 10 years since that horrible day of the 9/11 attacks, I've decided to give away Karen Kingsbury's '9/11 series' in memory of all the people that lost their lives that day.
When I read 'One Tuesday Morning', the attacks of 9/11 became more real to me. Considering I was young when it happened, this book helped open my eyes to the tragedy of that day.
The books I'm giving away are used, but are in good condition. Plus, with each book, I will be giving a handmade flower bookmark (that I made) to match that book's cover. I will be using 'Random.org' to pick a winner. Therefore, this will be a random winner and completely non-biased.
Giveaway Rules:
For each entry you complete, leave a comment telling me that you completed it with the URL (if applicable) and your e-mail address.
Mandatory entry:
1 entry - Subscribe to 'Christian Bookshelf Reviews' via e-mail (leave email address in comment)
Extra Entries:
+1 entry - Follow my blog via GFC (publicly)
+1 entry - Follow my twitter @lovebeingvegan (leave your @username)
+1 entry - Leave a comment on one of my other posts
+1 entry - Each time you rate one of my reviews - click here
+1 entry - Answer the following question: Where were you during the 9/11 attacks?
+1 entry - Post about this giveaway on your site (leave URL)
+1 entry - Vote for my blog on Picket Fences (once per day)
+1 entry - Each time you tweet this (leave URL):
Want to #win @KarenKingsbury #9/11 series? @LoveBeingVegan is having a #giveaway! To enter, go here - http://goo.gl/AnVCF
+3 entries - Grab my blog button (found on right sidebar) [leave URL]
Copy this code to your website to display this banner!
Note: You MUST leave a valid e-mail address in your comments (or have it available in profile), so I can reach you if you win. Anyone who doesn't, will be ineligible and excluded from this giveaway.
Giveaway begins July 21, 2011 and ends September 11, 2011 at 11:59 pm CT. I will announce the winner by September 13th - at which time, they will have 48 hours to respond. If I don't get a response from them within that time-frame, I will choose another winner.
Contest is only open to the Continental U.S. and void where prohibited.
Some of the links in my blog posts, tweets, social media posts, etc. contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.
Beyond All Measure by Dorothy Love
I'm so excited to be able to host this giveaway and share with one of my readers this wonderful book! This giveaway is open to the United States of America and Canada! Use the Rafflecopter below to enter (it might take a moment to load). 
