The Official Review of Better Than Gold

I've been busy giving final exams and working slowly but surely toward my deadline for my Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical Romance, tentatively named Enemy Seas, due to be released in 2009. But I did manage to finish Better Than Gold, and I'm so glad I did!


Any book by Laurie Alice Eakes will have three outstanding elements: characters you care about, an engaging plot that keeps you guessing, and detailed historical accuracy that takes you back to a time long past. Her latest release, Better than Gold, from Heartsong Presents, is one such story of two sweethearts with diametrically opposed goals.


Lily longs for the bustling city. Ben longs for small town farm life. The reader understands each one's struggle and wants each to reach those goals. But you'll also want Lily and Ben together. Complicated? Impossible? Not under the pen of Ms. Eakes. With attempted murder, the theft of life savings, deadly arson, and rumors of hidden gold threatening their lives and happiness, Ben and Lily learn what truly matters. A delightful story you'll not want to miss.

Laurie Alice Eakes ROCKS as an historical novelist!

CONGRATULATIONS to Pamela Williams, who won a free copy of Better Than Gold!


I am so excited to have my good friend Laurie Alice Eakes as my guest for these next few days. PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND YOUR EMAIL ADDY SO YOU CAN BE ENTERED IN THE DRAWING FOR HER LATEST RELEASE!



1. Laurie Alice, what book or project is coming out or has come out that you’d like to tell us about?

Better than Gold, Heartsong Presents, Barbour Publishing. It's been released to the book club this month and is available from the publisher. 1876 Iowa.

2. How long had you been writing seriously before you got “the call” that you were going to be published? Tell us how you heard and what went through your head.

This is always a difficult question to answer. My writing has taken many twists and turns over the years with long hiatuses for things like grad school and work schedules that left no time for writing. So I tend to say two years from when I finished grad school and when I got "The Call". I'm ashamed to say that my reaction was, "It's about time." Not that I wasn't ecstatic, but I was also relieved.

3. What’s the best advice you’ve heard on writing/publication?

If you want to be published, sit in the chair and write.

4. What’s something you wish you’d known earlier on that might have saved you some time/frustration in the publishing business?

I could write whole books on this, except I think people have. Probably make sure your agent knows the genre for which you are writing. Or make sure you know the genre for which you are writing.

5. Do you have a scripture or quote that has been speaking to you lately?

Matthew 28:19-20: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

6. What piece of writing have you done that you’re particularly proud of and why?

My master's thesis novel, True as Fate. It's complex both in plot and character emotion, and sometimes I think I managed to pull off that which I set out to do—create a novel that readers couldn't put down. Ironically, I haven't yet tried to sell it. (Louise speaking now. I must add that this as an awesome, exciting novel!)

7. Can you give us a view into a typical day of your writing life?

On my favorite kind of writing days, of which I get too few due to other commitments, I get up at 4:00 in the morning, write for three hours, then go to the gym for 30-45 minutes, eat breakfast, shower, nap, then put in another two-three hours of work. Since I live in the city, I love the early hours when everything is quiet. No one is Iming me or calling me or wanting me to do something. And my brain is fresh. Later in the day, if I don't have a nap, I just can't get that energy up to be creative.



8. If you could choose to have one strength of another writer, what would it be and from whom?

The answer to this question can be found at http://www.inspirationaleditor.blogspot.com/

And visit Laurie Alice at her Web site and blog: http://www.lauriealiceeakes.com/

Great Book Giveaway!!

It's hard enough to find books that are just right for everyone. Chapter-a-Week gives readers the opportunity to read sample excerpts from a broad range of Christian fiction every week without having to pay a cent! Plus it's a great way to discover new authors you might not have found otherwise. Your inbox will NOT be filled with needless emails. Only one email per week is all it takes to discover great new titles.

Founded in February 2002 by beloved novelists Jane Orcutt and Angela Hunt, Chapter-a-Week has had a steadily growing readership. In honor of the 1000th member, Chapter-a-Week is giving away autographed books by your favorite Christian novelists! The 1000th member will receive a box of books! And if that person recommends the books, he or she will receive two free books to your snail mail address too!

Chapter-a-Week is a Yahoo! Group, so simply sign on to be a subscriber of the list and you'll start receiving your excerpts every Friday. Just go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChapteraWeek/ and click "join this group."

Every Good and Perfect Gift

CONGRATULATIONS to Janna Ryan, who won Sharon K. Souza's Every Good and Perfect Gift!
In addition to Lena Dooley's Carolina Carpenter Brides, I now have a copy of Sharon K. Souza's Every Good & Perfect Gift to give away. To read her interview, click on her Book Title on the right side of this screen. Be sure to enter separately for each book. AND BE SURE TO PUT YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR ENTRY COMMENTS!

Lena Dooley's Artful Novels

CONGRATULATIONS to Margaret Chind for winning Carolina Carpenter Brides!!

Welcome, Lena. Here are some questions readers would love to have answered.

1. How do you come up with the ideas for a story?

I spend time with the Lord. I believe He gave me the imagination, so I could write, but spending time with Him often sparks another story idea. Sometimes I see something in the newspaper in real life that sparks one, too.

2. You write both historical and contemporary books. Do you like writing one more than the other? If so, why?

I enjoy both. Some stories work better as historicals, others as contemporary. I’ve sold more historicals, but I also love to write about the present, too.

3. If you were planning a party with contemporary Christian authors, what six people would you invite and why?

I just love to get together with people and have fun.
Tosca Lee – where does she come up with her stories? And she’d add a touch of glamour
James Scott Bell – we need at least one male, and I love his stories.
DiAnn Mills – Her novels about the Sudan should be read by everyone.
Linda Windsor – She’d keep us all laughing.
Nikki Arana – She’ll keep us in touch with what’s going on in some areas we might not visit.
Robin Caroll – I love her Bayou suspense books.

Actually, this was hard. There are so many others I’d want to invite, too.

4. Now let’s do that for a party for historical Christian authors, what six people would you invite and why?

This won’t be any easier, but here goes.
Kathleen Y’Barbo – Have you read Beloved Castaway? Where did she get her ideas?
Terry Burns – The masculine member. Besides he writes wonderful westerns
MaryLu Tyndall – Pirates, pirates, and more pirates
Tricia Goyer – No one else has gotten me to read war stories and like them. Quite a feat.
Tracey V. Bateman – Her soul series was just too good to pass.
And I’d ask you, Louise, I loved your Ahab’s family series.

5. Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?

Just like unpublished authors and newly published authors, I have to submit proposals to see more books. Right now, I’m working on several proposals. It takes a lot of work to present new fresh ideas.

6. Tell us about the featured book.

My story in Carolina Carpenter Brides is titled Can You Help Me? It contains misunderstanding and learning to trust someone who has withheld vital information. Set in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, the story starts in a home improvement superstore.

7. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Actually, I’m several places. My web site is: http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/
My blog, where I interview authors, is: http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/
I’m also on Shoutlife: www.shoutlife.com/lenanelsondooley

I give away free copies of my books on my web site and free copies of the other authors’ books on my blog.

Thank you, Louise, for having me.

LEAVE A COMMENT AND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF LENA'S Carolina Carpenter Brides.

DiAnn Mills' Awaken My Heart

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNER OF DiAnn'S BOOK: Susan K. Marlow!


When I was a kid, I used to get spanked for lying. Now I get paid for it! Ah, such is the life of a fiction writer. Hi, I’m DiAnn Mills, and I’m excited about Awaken My Heart, my new historical novel published by Avon Inspire.

I live in Texas, the Lone Star State, where history and adventure are carved out of ordinary people and presented in novels and across the screen. Texas provides the perfect setting for tales of adventure. Here you can find cowboys and rodeos, deserts and mountains, bluebonnets and cactus, rattlesnakes and alligators, trail rides and space exploration. The romance and intrigue of those who helped build this State weave powerful stories. You name it, and Texas has it. But it’s the stories about the courageous people who stand tall and make this state what it is today that capture the readers’ attention.

If you’ve ever thought about writing your own novel, remember that characterization is the key to a dynamic and unforgettable story. Spend time getting to know your protagonists and antagonists, because well-written characters will make your manuscript stand out from others when you are looking for a publisher.

Now, let me introduce you to my February release and its cast of unforgettable characters!

Awaken My Heart is set in 1803, when Texas was Tejas, a colony ruled by Spain. Indians, Mestizos (native-Spanish lineage), and the elite ruling class of the Spanish lived and died here. The priests living in the Catholic missions helped educate and train the people in various crafts and how to serve God. From this culture was born my story of forbidden love.

Which brings me to one of my favorite heroes—Zorro. Who can forget the handsome, daring masked man who championed the poor and fought the injustices his people faced? His flashing sword, generous smile, and chivalry would bend the strongest woman’s resolve. It also helped Zorro’s cause to be portrayed by Antonio Banderas in The Mask of Zorro (1998) and The Legend of Zorro (2005).

Is it any wonder that I call Awaken My Heart my Zorro book? My hero, Armando Garcia, is passionate about the cause of his poverty-stricken people, but his passion also extends to Marianne Phillips, the daughter of a wealthy Texas rancher. The wealthy and the peasant. The Diablo and his angel. And her daddy ain’t happy. Oops! I mean Marianne’s father is out for blood.

When mestizos kidnap Marianne, they hope that her father will trade land for her freedom. But rebel leader Armando Garcia is enchanted with this young woman whose faith is so strong---and arranges for her escape. How much will Marianne and Armando risk to give their love a chance?

This isn’t the first book I’ve written about historical Texas. The Texas Legacy Series was set in the period of the Old West when lawlessness reigned and unscrupulous characters crawled out from under rocks and attempted to claim the state. I chose unlikely heroes and heroines who made a courageous stand for what they believed in.

Hop into the saddle and grab the reins. This ride will keep you up all night.

http://www.diannmills.com/ Let me hear from you!

Leave a comment and win a copy of Awaken My Heart.

AN INTERVIEW WITH SHARON K. SOUZA

Author of Every Good and Perfect Gift

1 . Your debut novel Every Good & Perfect Gift is releasing this month from Nav Press. Can you tell us a little about the book?

DeeDee and Gabby have been friends since the sixth grade, when headstrong and courageous DeeDee began mapping out their lives. But after twenty years with her husband DeeDee changes her plan. Nearing forty years old, she wants a baby - now! Two years of infertility, prayers, and outrageous behavior finally results in the birth of DeeDee's demand.
Gabby is present for all of it, noting the increasingly strange behavior of her lifelong friend after the baby's birth. Then comes a diagnosis that threatens to shatter their world. Gabby must find the strength and faith to carry DeeDee and herself through the dark unknown, but is she up for it?

2. What inspired you to write Every Good & Perfect Gift?
I wanted to write a book about a "Jonathan and David" type friendship between two women, knowing that I was ultimately going to tell the story of a young woman who is diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's. I have a close friend who, at the age of 42, began to exhibit many of the symptoms portrayed in the book. Since completing the book I've learned that another close friend has been diagnosed with EOA. What are the odds? In determining what course the friendship between Gabby and DeeDee would take, I asked myself: What is the greatest way one woman can express friendship to another? The answer: By helping her have a child if she's unable to, which one character is willing to do if it comes to that.

3. You've incorporated two major issues in Every Good & Perfect Gift: infertility and Early Onset Alzheimer's. Why not focus on one or the other? Why both?
The theme of Gift is extraordinary friendship. The foundation for the friendship is established between the characters in their childhood, tested through the issue of infertility, and exemplified through catastrophic illness. Infertility was the catalyst to get to that level of friendship expressed because of the illness. One character's growth was accomplished because of infertility, while the other character's growth came as a result of the Alzheimer's.

4. Why did you use humor to tell a story with such serious issues?
It's exactly because the issues are so serious that I chose humor to tell the story. Our life experiences are heavy enough without adding to them as we read for pleasure. That's not to say there aren't serious moments in the book, but hopefully the reader is buoyed by the lighter sections, rather than overloaded with the weightier ones.

5. What are your feelings about egg donation and other modern solutions that help women overcome infertility?
There are some things I might not personally opt for, but infertility was never an issue with me. If it had been I might have been willing to try anything. As it stands, I'm not opposed to in vitro fertilization or sperm donation, things of that nature. I don't find anything in Scripture that would cause me to be against it.

6. What are your feelings about a couple's decision to intentionally not have children?
Again, that wasn't my experience. I had three babies in quick succession and would not have done anything differently. But not every adult is cut out to be a parent. If an individual or couple realizes that they aren't equipped for parenthood, or if they feel their lives are full as they are, I don't' believe it's a sin not to have children. In fact, I think it's wise. That's not to say a person's feelings may not change in time, like it did for DeeDee. Then it's up to the couple to make the choice that's right for them.

7. What do you want your readers to take away from this book?
I spent several years in my early adulthood without a close friend. When the first one came into my life, I realized what I had missed and truly saw her as a gift from the Lord. But beyond that, I've experienced the truth of Proverbs 18:24: ". . . there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." In her darkest moments, Gabby learned that the Lord reaches out to us in compassion, spanning the gap between our need and His provision. That's been the case in my life over and over.

8. Do you base any of your characters on real people?
The concept of the story was based on a real situation in regards to the Early Onset Alzheimer's. But the characters are not based on real people. I do typically use people I know/have known and then take their personality traits/quirks to extremes--almost like a caricature--in order to make the character as interesting as possible. Almost always my daughters will recognize something of themselves in my make-believe world. It makes for fun conversation.

9. If the characters are primarily fictional, what about the setting? Is that someplace known to you?
I actually wrote the entire story in a fictional setting, without ever naming it. I just placed the town in the San Joaquin valley. My editor suggested I nail down the location, even a fictitious one. As we talked back and forth, I decided to use my real "home town" of Lodi. I grew up in the Sacramento area, but have lived in or around Lodi since my husband and I got married. There's some debate about whether or not "our" Lodi is the subject of the 1969 Credence Clearwater Revival song, "Stuck in Lodi." Right or wrong, I choose to think it is. But not for a minute do I feel stuck. I love Lodi.

10. What is your purpose in writing inspirational fiction?
I've had well-meaning friends ask why I write fiction at all. If I want to share the Gospel, why not write "the truth." Two answers come to mind. First, that "burning fire shut up in my bones" (Jer. 20:9) finds its release in fiction. Second, when Jesus wanted to get a heavenly truth across, He didn't deliver a three-point sermon. He told stories. My desire in writing inspirational fiction is that women who read my books will find them easy to share with other women who haven't yet come into relationship with Jesus, and that those women will be directed to the One who loves them with an everlasting love.

Sharon K. Souza is available for speaking engagements or futher interview

Home by Christmas - A Victorian Tale

Home by Christmas Part 1
By Louise M. Gouge
Unable to restrain himself any longer, Griffin Tirach spurred his mount to a gallop. The Northumbrian wind bit through the woolen scarf he had thrown across his face against the cold. But he must gain the top of the hill before his heart leapt from his chest. Within a scant five minutes, he reached his destination and stared down into the valley below.

There, just as he had left it eleven years before, stood Arbonne. Vast. Stately. Austere. Foreboding. Home.

Joy welled up in his chest and battled with his anguished doubts, leaving him almost breathless. Would the inhabitants welcome home the prodigal after all this time? Would Mama weep, as she had when he left? Would Father even grant him entrance? Perhaps Terrence would be home for Christmas with his family. Perhaps little Alicia, grown up and married and now with her own children.

He glanced behind him at the heavy-laden coach that lumbered up the road, taking a quarter hour to reach him and carrying all his hard-earned wealth. In this sparsely populated part of the country, highwaymen might have stolen it all. Yet they had only passed a single coach yesterday and none at all today. God was watching over them.

“Whoa.” The coachman pulled the horses to a stop and set the brake. “Quite a sight, ain’t it, gov’ner?” The whiskered old fellow grinned with the familiarity of a close and trusted servant.

“That it is, Stevens. That it is.” Now that he had seen the place, now that they were safely within the borders of Arbonne, tendrils of warmth spread through his chest, shoving his doubts to a dark corner.

He peered through the carriage’s isinglass window and grinned. “Warm enough?”
Bundled in her furs, Verity nodded. Her blue eyes sparkled, and her olive cheeks bore the blush of excitement. Wisps of black hair curled across her forehead, enhancing her look of innocence. Sweet child. She had no idea that his family might send them all packing. Only nine years old, yet she had borne the wild and wintry voyage from India without complaint, unlike many more mature passengers on the Night Hawk.

Griffin glanced at Disha. The Hindu woman gave him a curt nod. Slavishly devoted to the child, she, too, had endured the voyage, refusing to become seasick. Somehow her presence gave him a sense of assurance that all would be well.

Dear God, please grant us grace in Father’s eyes. Grave and parsimonious for eleven months of the year, yet at this season, the old man had always become sentimental and benevolent. May he still be that way. Please, God.If not, they would find out soon enough.

More to come...

Or read more of the story at homebychristmas.blogspot.com

Christmas Greetings from DiAnn Mills

DiAnn Mills' newest release, A Texas Legacy Christmas, is just the book to get you into the holiday spirit. A heart-warming story of love, loss, and reclaimed souls, A Texas Legacy Christmas stays true to DiAnn's inimitable style. Read her take on the story and leave a comment for an opportunity to win a copy of this book of seasonal cheer.

Christmas is the time of year when we remember friends and family, when a bit of nostalgia roots in our hearts and blossoms into sentimental moments. Our faith in God and the birth of Jesus shape our ideals of what we want for the world, our country, and our community. Peace on earth becomes an action instead of a greeting.

The Texas Legacy Series comes to a close with the Christmas book. The characters, whom I have grown to love and respect, will always be with me, but now it’s time to finish the story. We think of Christmas as the beginning of our Christian faith, a time for all of us to reflect on the past and to step forward. I think this is a perfect time to say goodbye to our friends in Kahlerville, Texas.

For me, writing about historical Texas brings that era to life. In the beginning when I wrote Leather and Lace, I fell in love with Casey and her dream of forsaking the outlaw life. But the story would not let me go. Grant needed his story told in Lanterns and Lace, and Bonnie’s sweet story had to be told in Lightning and Lace. I fell in love with Zach Kahler, Bonnie’s son, and I could not let the series end without showing how that wayward boy had grown into a fine man.

So Zack had a story of his own, an amusing and heart-wrenching tale set at Christmas time in 1911. He introduced me to a pair of orphaned six-year-old twins from the streets of New York who wiggled their way into his heart. And those children weren't the only ones who snatched up his heart. A Texas Legacy Christmas captures what all of us dream about in an old-fashioned Christmas--love, laughter, family, and a warm feeling of nostalgia.
My books are character-driven. I believe in strong men and women who step off the page and into a reader's heart. For me, characterization is the most important aspect of writing. I want the reader to sympathize with the protagonists and understand the antagonists. This is not easy or a quick fix! It requires spending time with characters and developing their personalities and temperaments. How characters react and respond to the happenings in their lives reveal who they are.

Our lives are much like the lives of these characters. We grow and change while seeking to turn our weaknesses into strengths. Our faith is challenged, and even though we may stray, God’s love is permanent. Fiction is my way of planting seeds about truth. Writing about Texas history has allowed me to grow truth and memorable characters in the hearts of my readers. And maybe, just maybe, the story might make a difference in someone’s life. DiAnn Mills, http://www.diannmills.com/

Congratulations to Hannah for winning Kathleen Y'Barbo's Beloved Castaway! I know you'll love it as much as I did.

Home by Christmas

The Christmas season is here, and what better way to get into the seasonal spirit than to read a Victorian Christmas story? Fourteen authors joined together to write “Home by Christmas,” set in northern England.

I have the honor of being the first contributor to the story, which you can find at http://www.homebychristmas.blogspot.com/ .

Drop by, enjoy the adventure, and leave a comment. When the story is completed, we’ll have a drawing of all the names. Several published authors have donated books to be given away to the winners.

You might want to bookmark the story so you can find it easily to read the daily installments. I’m going to be reading it every day. Although I started the story, I have no idea how it ends! What fun!

Kathleen Y'Barbo on Beloved Castaway

Beloved Castaway Article
By Kathleen Y’Barbo

BELOVED CASTAWAY, originally called OUT OF THE FIRE, came to life in late 2002 after reading a verse from Scripture: Jude 22-23 KJV: "And of some, have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh."

I "saw" the story's first scene where a woman flees slavery aboard a decrepit ship called the Jude whose old wooden hull and brittle canvas sails must literally escape a fire engulfing New Orleans harbor. Isabelle, the heroine, represents us all. She's a slave and yet she yearns to be set free. I think we’re all born with the innate sense of belonging to God, even if we don’t always know what to call it or how to achieve it. Once we realize we do not have to be a slave to our former lives, being set free is a simple matter and a complicated process all at the same time.

While Isabelle is seeking a new life, Josiah, the hero, is running from his. In a way, he's also like us. Sometimes God calls us to things that we don't think are meant for us. Like Josiah, we run from our father and seek what we think is our destiny, only to find we were on the wrong path altogether. It is only when some of us hit bottom that we see where we were meant to go. In this story, the Jude literally hits bottom on a reef, setting Josiah's new life - one he is well-suited for - into motion.
I hope that readers come away from BELOVED CASTAWAY with a profound sense of God’s sovereignty and mercy. May the experiences of Josiah and Isabelle give you hope that no matter how difficult the circumstance, God can redeem it.

Kathleen Y’Barbo’s Beloved Castaway

Historical author Kathleen Y’Barbo has written another delightful novel, Beloved Castaway, in which “a stormy romance rages along the Florida Keys.” Mistaken identities, broken families, forbidden romances, struggling faith, and adventure on the high seas come together to keep the reader turning the pages from beginning to end. Seldom do I finish the last page of a book with happy shivers running down my spine and tears in my eyes. Beloved Castaway is one such book.

If you would like to win a copy of Beloved Castaway, leave a comment in response to Kathleen's formula for a successful historical novel:

A successful historical novel is a combination of good research, good writing,
and great plotting. If any of these things are missing, the book will fall flat.
In my opinion, a great plot will trump the writing and research, but it’s got to
be really great.

--Kathleen Y'Barbo

What I'm reading now

The next book on my to-be-read stack is Kathleen Y'Barbo's Beloved Castaway. The cover is enchanting. I can't wait to jump into the story. If you've read it, leave a comment!

Blogger at last

Well, here I go, learning how to blog. Not much to say today, but in the near future, I'll be posting about writing, finding new careers, marriage, grandparenting, and whatever comes to mind. I hope you'll come back and visit often. Please leave a comment!