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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

End of Summer Birthday Bash | Day Three ~ Interview with Melanie Dobson & Giveaway!


Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Melanie!! Will you tell us a little about yourself?

Sure--I'm a mom of two girls and passionate about the redemptive power of stories, both fiction and nonfiction. My husband's work in computer animation has moved us all over the country and we spent a season living in Germany, but we've finally settled (for now) in a beautiful valley near Portland, Oregon. I've written sixteen novels. Only thirteen have been published, but I labored just as hard over the three that are collecting dust! Our family is also passionate about loving kids who don't have safe homes which means our house is often quite full--and crazy loud.

What is your newest novel, Chateau of Secrets, about?

Château of Secrets is about a French noblewoman named Gisèle Duchant who risks her life to hide members of the French resistance in the tunnels under her family’s château even as the Nazi Germans occupy her home. Seventy years later Gisèle’s granddaughter, Chloe Sauver, returns to the abandoned château to interview with a filmmaker named Riley Holtz. As Chloe and Riley begin to unravel her grandmother’s story, they are both shocked at the family secrets they uncover.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

Hmm...I don't know if it's interesting, but I have a hard time writing at home (easily distracted by laundry and dishes!) so I sip tea and write in all sorts of locations--a myriad of local coffee shops, the library, even a spa that lets me hunker down in their lounge for the day.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?



I enjoy exploring new places, hiking in the mountains, and playing games like Settlers of Catan with my family.

What are your favorite and least favorite genres to read and why?

I don't often get an opportunity to read novels outside the genres of historical, time-slip, and romantic suspense fiction, but I'm not complaining at all! I love each of these genres. 

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

The one I cling to most often is: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind". (2 Timothy 1:7)

Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?

“Blessings” by Laura Story

http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=27774&picture=autumn-landscapeWhat is your favorite season and why is it your fav?

I love every season for different reasons, but I think autumn is my favorite. I love the chill in the air, reading books by the fireplace, all the colors in the trees by our home, and celebrating my October birthday with a weekend getaway.

Do you have any summer traditions?

Every summer, we travel across the country to visit my husband's family for "Lake Week" in Tennessee. We swim, read, rest, and play lots of games together. Definitely one of the highlights of our year!

If you were hosting a dinner party and could invite any five people, who would you invite?

My dear friends and prayer "sistas"--Julie, Jodi, Diane, Ann, and Mary Kay.

This-or-that questions:


Snowstorms or Thunderstorms? Thunderstorms
Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla
Tea or Coffee? Both
Call or Text? Text
Cats or Dogs? Dogs
Early-bird or Night-owl? Night-owl
Introvert or Extrovert? Ambivert :)
Facebook or Twitter? Facebook
Cake or Cupcakes? Icing!
Sneakers or Sandals? Sandals

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1476746141/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1476746141&linkCode=as2&tag=chrisbooksrev-20&linkId=OKLJ5VQ2ODNGOZ7QAre you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint?

I'm in the midst of writing Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, a time-slip novel set in England. The story is about secrets that have divided a family for four generations and the woman who slowly unravels these secrets. To research this novel, I spent a week in the English Cotswolds and absolutely fell in love with the gardens, manor homes, and the people there.

Thank you so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web?

I love to communicate with my readers! My website is www.melaniedobson.com and readers can find me on Facebook as well: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Melanie-Dobson/41212604112?ref=ts


Enter for a chance to win a copy of The Courier of Caswell Hall! Giveaway is open to the US and Canada. Ends 9/28.

How to enter: Sign into the Giveaway Tools form below (it might take a moment to load) and submit each entry you complete. Commenting alone will not get you entered – you must click enter on the form. Happy entering!



Open only to those who can legally enter. Winning entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Giveaway Tools and announced here as well as emailed and will have up to one week to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Giveaway Tools or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. I am not responsible for any packages lost or damaged in the mail. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

25 comments:

  1. Would love your book. Heard only good reviews about it. I love the storyline.

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  2. I like the story line in the book and look forward to reading it.

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  3. The covers of your novels are beautiful! I love the synopses of both as well. Can't wait to read them!

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  4. Wow! Your books sound amazing. I'll be sure to check them out! :)
    The Courier of Caswell Hall and Chateau of Secrets would be the first two I'd read.

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  5. I keep seeing this book and I'd love to read it! :) Thanks for the chance to win.

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  6. ~shocked at the family secrets they uncover! ~ I think my family could come up with one but I'm interested in finding out theirs ! !

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  7. Loved learning about the author behind these books! :-) Looking forward to reading "Chateau of Secrets" soon.

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  8. I love Melanie's Fairy Tale books. Love to read this one.

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  9. I find it interesting that you have a hard time writing at home. I would think just the opposite. Very intriguing.
    Thank you for the interview and the giveaway!
    Blessings,
    Kelly Y.
    kelly *at* dkcountryarts *dot* com

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  10. I loved Chateau of Secrets so I am excited to read your new books - thanks so much for the opportunity to win a copy of your book!

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  11. Hi Melanie, Thank you for sharing and a chance to win a copy of The Courier of Caswell Hall. I love the cover, it is beautiful! As much as it is sad for Summer to be over I love Fall. Happy writing an d best wishes on your new book. ~ Blessings ~ lisastifler(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  12. Great interview! And sounds like a great read. Thanks for the giveaway! :)

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  13. I love reading historicals. This sounds like a good book I would love to read. Our area is rich in the history of the American Revolution. We are famous for the Burning of the Hay.
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
    Merry

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  14. This is a wonderful sounding book. Loved the interview and learning a bit about the author! I love historical books and appreciate the chance to read your book. Sonja dot Nishimoto at gmail dot com

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  15. Melanie's book, Chateau of Secrets, is on my want-to-read list. The book she's working on also sounds interesting. I'm not familiar with the term "time slip novel" though. I'm wondering what exactly that means.
    Thanks for the interview and giveaway.

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    1. I think a time slip novel is where there are two stories, both taking place in different time periods (maybe one contemporary and one historical), but I'm not 100% that that is what it is...

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  16. Chateau of Secrets sounds so compelling, I have such regard for those who placed their lives in danger to save others. I can't wait to read it!

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  17. I wonder if I would have the same courage. I would love to read this book

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  18. I would love to win this book...thanks for the giveaway! rita.navarre@yahoo.com

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  19. Great interview! I am also a dog person. I love reading books about the Lord's redemptive plans for us. I can't wait to read Chateau of Secrets!

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  20. Great covers, Titles are interesting, would enjoy reading :)

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  21. I've read several of Melanie's books, and always enjoy a good historical novel!

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  22. Thank you for the opportunity! Staci

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  23. Historical intrigue???....sign me up!

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  24. I love Melanie's writing and I can't wait to read thus one as well. Thank you for the giveaway!
    Amyc

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