Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Birthdays Today

There are four awesome birthdays today, November 30, so I had to do a very quick post. They are:

Jonathan Swift (wrote Gulliver's Travels),



Mark Twain (who wrote Huckleberry Finn and a bunch of others),



L. M. Montgomery (who wrote tons of books that I love, most notably the Anne of Green Gables series),



and Mandy Patinkin (who didn't write anything that I know of. He's Inigo Montoya in Princess Bride.






Happy December tomorrow! :)

One Tuesday Morning



Author: Karen Kingsbury
Genre: Life
Series: 9/11 series
Number in series: 1st
My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9.5
Type: Fiction…maybe historical fiction about 9/11.
Number of pages: 337
Time period: 2001, 9/11
My overall opinion: WOW. This was an incredibly moving story. It actually brought me to tears twice. Very touching, very sweet, and absolutely amazing. I highly recommend this book. It has a wonderfully clear Christian message. Karen Kingsbury’s slogan (so to speak) is Life-Changing Fiction, and this book certainly is. It’s a case of mistaken identity…and it keeps you wondering how it’ll end the whole way through. Make sure you read this one!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Cover Focus: Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland




 
Book blurb from goodreads.com : “In 1784 peace has been declared, but war still rages in the heart of Lark Benton. Never did Lark think she’d want to escape Emerson Fielding, the man she’s loved all her life, but then he betrays her with her cousin. She flees to Annapolis, Maryland, the country’s capital, and throws herself into a new circle of friends who force her to examine all she believes. Emerson follows, determined to reclaim his bride. Surprised when she refuses to return with him, he realizes that in this new country he has come to call his own, duty is no longer enough. He must learn to open his heart and soul to something greater… before he loses all he should have been fighting to hold.”

Why I like this cover: This is one of those that has intrigued me since I first saw it. Just look at the dress, for example. Obviously the material is an expensive one, and it looks heavy to me. See the lace on her sleeve? And then that dark hair…*sigh* Very pretty. The way she’s sitting is a bit unnatural, but it’s very poetic, so to speak. J And that building in the background…I don’t know if it’s her home or what, but it’s pretty amazing! Then the sky…a unique one, to be sure. Very pink and purple, and perfect for this cover. I must admit that this is another beautiful cover.
I read Jewel of Persia by Roseanna M. White, and greatly enjoyed it. My review, and an interview with her, can be found by clicking her name in the tags section below.

Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland by Roseanna M. White

Gold of Kings



Author: Davis Bunn
Genre: Adventure
Series: A Storm Syrrell Adventure
Number in series: 1st
My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9
Type: Fiction
Number of pages: 342
Time period: Present
Passage from book: “The rain pelting seventh avenue tasted of diesel and big city friction. Sean Syrrell stared out the limo’s open window and let the day weep for him. Sean gripped his chest with one hand, trying to compress his heart back into shape. His granddaughter managed to make the end of the block only because her aunt supported her. They turned the corner without a backward glance. Not till they were lost from view did Sean roll up his window. Storm’s survival demanded that she be cut loose. He had fired her because it was the only way he could protect her. Sean knew the enemy was closing in. He had felt the killer’s breath for days. Storm was his last remaining hope for achieving his lifelong dream and establishing his legacy.”
My overall opinion: Awesome book. These stories are fast-paced and very exciting. If you like action, and just enough romance to be sweet, I recommend this book!

Monday, November 28, 2011

The Black Madonna



Author: Davis Bunn
Genre: Adventure (inadequate word for the heart-pounding things in this book :P)
Series: A Storm Syrrell Adventure
Number in series: 2nd
My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9
Type: Fiction
Number of pages: 313
Time period: Present
Passage from book: “From the crest of the Herodium dig, Harry Bennett could look out and see three wars.”
My overall opinion: Wow. This was one awesome book. It has a fair element of mystery, and also includes things like planes, guns, auctions (for expensive Christian relics), handsome wealthy men, strong women (not necessarily physically so much as mentally), and much more! I’m sure you’d enjoy this one! I’m definitely reading everything by Davis Bunn that I can get my hands on right now. J

To Kill a Mockingbird



Author: Harper Lee
Genre: Classic, and other than that I don’t know what to say!
My rating on a 1-10 scale: 7.5
Type: Fiction
Number of pages: 323
Time period: Early 1900’s, I’d guess
My overall opinion: I’m glad I finally read this book! I would mention that it deals with some tough racial and other stuff, so it’s more for older readers. It was very interesting, and a must-read for an avid reader. Deals with a lot of racial prejudice in a heart-wrenching manner!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

WINNERS!!!

I had so many entries in each of these giveaways! The authors and I are grateful. :) Now, without further ado, let's announce the winners!

The winner of Wanda Brunstetter's book, The Healing is...




Jennifer Walters!

The winner of Margaret Brownley's book, A Vision of Lucy is...


Miss Laurie!

The winner of Sharlene MacLaren's book, Livvie's Song is...


Melody!

The winner of Penny Zeller's book, Hailee is...



Larkin!

Okay. Jennifer, I need you to leave me your email address. Miss Laurie, Melody, and Larkin, I have yours already and will send them to the authors tomorrow! A HUGE congratulations to each and every one of you! All four of these are books that I'm totally in love with. :) I hope that you enjoy them a ton!

Those of you who didn't win yet...take heart. I have multiple author interviews and giveaways in the works, coming up soon! Keep an eye out...and good luck then!

Forsaking All Others



Author: Allison Pittman
Genre: Life, adventure
Series: Sister Wife series
Number in series: 2nd
My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8
Type: Fiction
Number of pages: 364
Time period: 1800’s
My overall opinion: I enjoyed it! A very interesting sequel to For Time and Eternity. If you’re looking for something new and different to read, try these books.
**The author sent me a free advance copy of this book in return for a review. I have reviewed this book honestly. I am receiving no other compensation for this review.**

Saturday, November 26, 2011

For Time and Eternity



Author: Allison Pittman
Genre: Life
Series: Sister Wife series
Number in series: 1st
My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8
Type: Fiction
Number of pages: 363
Time period:  1800’s
My overall opinion: It was a good book. J I enjoyed it and recommend it. An interesting peek into the Mormon way of life! Oh, make sure you have the next book accessible, because when you finish this one, you’re going to want to keep reading. J
(I was sent a free copy of this book by the author in return for a review. I have given my honest opinion, and am not being recompensed in any way.)

90 Followers!

Whoa. I was amazed to log on this afternoon and see that Austenitis now has 90 followers! I never dreamed that in slightly less than a year, this blog would gain so many. Thanks, everyone! Your comments especially make my day.

List of Books Read (But Not Reviewed)

Whether or not you’re curious about this, I don’t know. J But I’m posting a list of all the books I read, but am not planning to review. These are from my six week blogging break, and also from the past few weeks, when I’ve been geting back into blogging. If you read the entire list – congratulations! My comments follow the author’s name, and my favorites are in orange.
·         A Mad Desire to Dance, Elie Wiesel (very strange)
·         Death Comes as the End, Agatha Christie (set in Egypt!)
·         His Perfect Faithfulness, Ludy’s (very good – highly recommended for teen girls)
·         The Boomerang Clue, Agatha Christie (fun one)
·         The Lady Queen: The Notorious Reign of Queen Joanna, Nancy Goldstone (slightly boring)
·         The Moving Finger, Agatha Christie
·         The Secret Adversary, Agatha Christie
·         The Warrior Queens, Antonia Fraser (not as good as The Wives of King Henry VIII)
·         Theodore Boone: the Abduction, John Grisham (fun, for kids)
·         The Gentlewoman’s Choice, George MacDonald (close to being a classic)
·         The Mountain Valley War, Louis L’Amour
·         Day No Pigs Would Die, ???????????? (can’t remember the authors name…)
·         Cat Among the Pigeons, Agatha Christie
·         The Black Tulip, Alexander Dumas (didn’t finish it…lost the book. Will finish someday, as it had a good beginning)
·         The Christmas Thief, Mary Higgins Clark (okay, some swearing)
·         The Christmas List, Richard Evans (very good – enjoyed it a lot)
·         Creative Techniques for Photographing Children, Vi Orenstein (outdated)
·         Donuts, Elin Klivans (cookbook! Full of pictures)
·         National Audubon Society Guide to Photographing Nature, T Fitzharris (outdated)
·         The Digital Photography Book 2, Scott Kelby (awesome.)
·         Get Happy: the Life of Judy Garland, Gerald Clarke (well written, very interesting, some inappropriate details :P)
·         Get the Most from Your Digital Camera, Joinson, Simon (not too bad)
·         The Gingerbread Book, ___Bragdon (can’t remember the first name…it’s a cookbook)
·         A Love that Multiplies, Michelle Duggar (interesting! 19 children…wow)
·         Palace of Mirrors, Margaret Haddix (classic fairy tale material with some fun twists – written in first person – for tweens)
·         The Jacket, Andrew Clements (short and to the point. Clements has written better ones)
And more…but some have reviews coming (not ones on this list) and others I fear I’ve completely forgotten about despite keeping track. J If you really want more information about any of the books on this list, please ask! J

Friday, November 25, 2011

Birthday Party Interview and Giveaway: Margaret Brownley

I am SO delighted to have Margaret Brownley with me today! As many of you know, I loved her most recent book, A Vision of Lucy. *happy sigh* Read my review here.

Welcome, Margaret! Please tell us a little bit about yourself.



Thrills, mystery, suspense, romance: I penned it all. Nothing wrong with that—except I happened to be writing for the church newsletter. After making the church picnic read like a Grisham novel, my former pastor took me aside and said, "Maybe God's calling you to write fiction."

So that’s what I did. I now have more nearly 25 novels to my credit, including bestselling and RITA finalist A Lady Like Sarah—not bad for someone who flunked 8th grade English. Just don’t ask me to diagram a sentence.

What was your favorite part of A Vision of Lucy to write?



I just loved writing Lucy. She is so much fun and passionate about life, yet there’s that deep yearning inside. It was also fun learning about photography in the 1800s. I look at my aim and click camera with new appreciation.

As do I! I learned a lot. :) Please tell us a little about the plot.

The story takes place in 1886 and deals with loss, guilt and forgiveness—themes that are just as relevant today as they were in the Old West.

The idea for my protagonist Lucy Fairbanks was sparked by an advertisement in an old newspaper. In 1860 Julia Shannon of San Francisco took the family portrait to new heights when she shockingly advertised herself as a daguerreotypist and midwife.

Lucy doesn’t deliver babies but she is determined to capture the “perfect” picture and she’s not about to let an intriguing stranger like David Wolf and his long-held secrets stop her. Photographs can reveal more than they hide and David and the little town of Rocky Creek are about to find out that anything can happen when posing for Lucy—and usually does.

I know I'm not the only person to wonder about those delightfully hilarious photography quotes at the beginning of each chapter...can you tell us a little bit about them?

All I can tell you is this: I made them up. They took me longer to write than the actual book!

I'm so glad you included them. They were delightful! What is your favorite time period to read about? How about to write about?

I love writing and reading about the old west because that’s when women came of age. The westward migration freed women in ways never before imagined. Women abandoned Victorian mores and rid themselves of confining clothes. The gun may have won the west, but it was the women who tamed it. They brought churches, schools, newspapers and helped build community.
These are the heroines for whom we like to cheer. It must have been a shock to the male ego to have to deal with such strong and unconventional women—and that’s at the very heart of my stories.

I also like writing serious themes with a touch of humor and the old west lends itself nicely to laughter, don’t you think? Since people lived so close to the land it’s also a perfect setting for an inspirational novel.

It does, rather. :) Is there a random fact (or two) about you that most people don’t know?

I hate to cook but raised a professional chef, which I consider a great accomplishment. I own a
swimming pool but can’t swim. One day…

*smile* What is one thing you dread doing?

I dread flying—more so today that in the past. I’d rather walk.

What are you currently reading?

You’ll regret asking this question, I’m sure. I read all over the board—four, five, six books at a time. I’m currently reading Doc Susie and The Working Cowboy’s Manual for research; Tribes, for business expertise (I have to keep reminding myself that writing isn’t just art, it’s a business), Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain (interested in how the brain works and why) and Lee Child’s Gone Tomorrow for a change of pace.

I love knowing what others read! What were your favorite books as a child?

I love Little Women and pretended I was Jo, the writer.

If A Vision of Lucy was being made into a movie, which actors would you like to take the main
characters?


I plan to put Hugh Jackman under contract to play all my heroes. The search is still on for the “perfect” Lucy. Maybe readers have some ideas.



Yes, he's perfect looking! Readers, make sure to comment if someone comes to mind! :) What do you enjoy most about being a published author?

I get to live in two centuries at the same time.

Thanks so much for coming, Margaret! How can my readers learn more about you, or contact you?

Thank you for having me! By the way: My story Snow Angel is now available in A Log Cabin Christmas Collection and the first book in my new Brides of Last Chance Ranch series, Dawn Comes Early, will be published in March. I’m currently working on the second book in the series.

Readers can contact me through my website: http://www.margaretbrownley.com/
I can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

Awesome! Thanks again, Margaret!

Well, my readers, guess what? Margaret has offered to give away a copy of A Vision of Lucy! Thanks for that too, Margaret. :)

We are offering this giveaway to anyone who lives in the continental United States! And guess what? You don't even have to follow. Just comment and tell me you want to be entered! And that will gain you one entry right there.

As to extra entries...

+2 if you follow.

+1 for proposing an actress or two for the part of Lucy.

+1 for having my button on your blog.

+2 for blogging about it!

+1 entry if we're friends on goodreads.com !

There we go! :) Good luck, everyone! This giveaway ends on November 24. Continental  USA only. Feel free to put all your entries in one comment! Also, leave your email if you like.

Ready...set...ENTER!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Birthday Party Interview and Giveaway: Sharlene MacLaren

Welcome to this day of my birthday party!
As my faithful readers may know, Sharlene MacLaren became one of my favorite authors as soon as I read her newest book, Livvie's Song. It's still one of my favorite books…one I read aloud to myself, I liked it so much. :) So therefore, I'm very happy to be welcoming Sharlene here today! Before you continue, make sure you read my review of Livvie's Song and the companion post to get a little background. I recommend that you buy this book!
Welcome, Sharlene! Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a retired schoolteacher turned author.  My darling hubby and I have been married for almost 36 years, we have two married daughters and four beautiful grandchildren five and under.  I have always enjoyed writing but didn’t really give fiction writing a try till the summer of 2000.  It has been an exciting, God-led journey.

What do you enjoy most about being a published author? (The books below are Sharlene's. Allow me to mention…I'm jealous of whoever owns that bookshelf. :) Those are all on my to-read ASAP list!

As I said, I love to write, but I think the most enjoyable part for me is the editing process.  Just love going over a completed manuscript, tightening narrative and dialogue, and adding layers to scenes.

What inspired you to write “Livvie’s Song”?

 Livvie’s Song is the first book in my River of Hope series.  I was inspired to write this series set in Wabash, Indiana while on a business trip with my husband.  We drove through this pleasant little town with its tree-lined streets, restored buildings, and charming old houses, and I immediately sat up and asked, “What is this place?  It’s so delightful.” My husband identified it as Wabash, and immediate warmth rushed through me.  “Oh my,” I told my husband.  “I think I feel a brand new series brewing.”

How long did it take you to write “Livvie’s Song”?
I believe it took me about seven months from start to finish once I completed a good deal of research.

What is your favorite time period to read about? How about to write about? 
I have always enjoyed reading historical fiction - i.e. late 1800s to 1930s.  And since I enjoy reading it, it would stand to reason that I’d love writing it as well.

Oh, I also love that time period. :) What’s a book you recently enjoyed reading? 

The last two books I read were Jody Hedlund’s The Preacher’s Bride and The Doctor’s Lady.  I’m very much looking forward to reading more of her books.

I'll take that as a recommendation. :) What were your favorite books as a child?
I loved reading all the Bobbsey Twins books, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Boxcar Children, The Yearling, and several other titles.

What are you currently reading?
I’m between books at the moment, so I’ll just say my beloved Bible.  I rarely miss a day of reading from God’s Word.

Thanks so much for coming, Sharlene! I had a wonderful time getting to know you! How can my readers learn more about you, or contact you? 
Please feel free to check out my website at <http://www.sharlenemaclaren.com>, my blog at <http://www.sharlenemaclaren.blogspot.com> or come on over to Facebook and find me there! <http://www.facebook.com/sharmaclaren>

Mandatory entry: you don’t have to follow Austenitis, but in order to be entered, you do need to answer this question: Have you read any of Sharlene’s books? If so, which one(s)?

You can get extra entries in this giveaway! Do one or all of the below. You don’t have to leave separate comments for each entry…whether or not you do makes no difference. But p lease mention how many entries each thing you do is worth! Thanks. J

+3 entries for blogging about this giveaway! Leave a link so I can check it out!

+1 entry for putting the Austenitis button on your blog!

+1 entry for commenting on any other post on Austenitis. If you’re a regular commentor (and I know it), just say so. J If you aren’t really, make sure you tell me which post you commented on! This entry can be used a maximum of three times.

+2 entries if you follow Austenitis!

Okay. Just read this, then you can start leaving comments! J You may leave your email address if you like. It’s not required. If you do, I will email you if you win! Also if you do, make sure you leave it like this: charityu.austenite[at]gmail[dot]com so that spammers can’t find you! I will also post the winner here. Please note that this giveaway ends on ­­­November 26. I’m sorry for my international readers, but this giveaway is USA only.

Waterfall


Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Genre: Life, adventure, romance
Series: River of Time
Number in series: 1st
My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9.5
Type: Fiction                                                                                                 
Number of pages: 369
Time period: 1300’s Italy!
Main characters: Gabi, Lia, Marcello, Luca, and more!
Exciting events: Time travel. Totally exciting. Battles, rescue, kidnapping, hostages, etc!
Passage from book: “My voice broke off because something odd was happening. The room was spinning, slowly, the paintings on the walls stretching as if I was looking at them through fun-house glasses. And the wall was getting warmer. I tried to pull my hand away, but couldn’t. “Gabi!” Lia cried. I tried to focus on her, the only thing in the room that seemed static. Her wide blue eyes flashed terror. “It’s hot!” “
My overall opinion: I loved it. I’ve heard Katy from Legacy of a Writer and also Jane from Reviews by Jane talking about this series for a long time…they both love it. Well, I’m hooked. This first book was really fun! Packed with adventure. Tinged with romance. I loved learning about Italy in that time period. I totally fell in love with the hero. I enjoyed Gabi’s modern-teenager-thoughts, thought in Italy, while she talked with the old English. J It was an awesome story, and I can hardly wait to get my hands on the next two books!
Special thanks to Katy, who sent me a copy when she won a second one. J
P.S. Anyone with extra copies of Cascade or Torrent? If you ever decide that you need to get rid of this series…well, I’m open. ;) Just sayin’.

P.S.S. This post is coming out on my birthday...because I LOVED this book. :) Got it yet?

Movie: Sense and Sensibility


My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9
Genre: Romance, classic
Primary actors: Charity Wakefield, Hattie Morahan, David Morrissey, Dan Stevens
Length: 3 hours
Based on: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Time period: 1800’s
Year it came out: 2008
My overall opinion: Okay, you’re getting a full run-down, straight from my journal the day after I watched it. J But first…I thought it was good. Really good. In fact, I think it’s close to being as good as the one I’m most familiar with, the 1995 Emma Thompson version. I know that at the beginning, there is an un-needed scene, but it’s less than two minutes (I think – so I’ve heard, but I didn’t watch it). Also, apparently there’s a kiss between Willoughby and Marianne that has more sensuality than needed, but that scene (in Willoughby’s house) can also be easily skipped. So, now that you know I like it…shall we continue?
Most of the characters were better than the 1995 one. Lucy Steele was one exception. The Lucy Steele in the 95 one is THE Lucy Steele – she’s perfect for the part. Mrs. Jennings may be another exception, as she’s an amazing person in the 95 version. However, Edward Ferrars and Colonel Brandon were much improved. And by much, I mean a ton. I thought Margaret Dashwood was also better here. Elinor, Marianne, Mrs. Dashwood, and John Dashwood – all about the same as in the old one. IMHO. Pros and cons of each balance each other. Willoughby – potentially too ugly. None of my sisters thought him at all handsome, and neither did I. The 95 one isn’t exceptionally handsome (looks about to sneeze some of the time :P) but he’s better looking. Sir Middleton and Mrs. Palmer, also about the same. I enjoyed seeing Anne Steele (Lucy’s sister) who’s in the book, but not the 95 movie. Also interesting to see Mrs. Ferrars, and Sir Middleton’s wife. Both of whom are in the book, and aren’t in the other movie. I thought the 95 Fanny Dashwood was better, but this one was a close second. In my journal, I later re-thought the statement that the Elinor’s were the same…I remembered that this one was the perfect personality, the right age (the other one, Emma Thompson, may be a bit old?), and also, this Elinor was clearly very close to Marianne, which isn’t so clear in the other film.
So! You now have a rundown on each (almost – did I miss anyone?) of the characters from Sense and Sensibility.


Friday, November 18, 2011

The Last Sin Eater


Author: Francine Rivers
Genre: Sorry, I don’t know what to say!
My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8
Type: Fiction
Number of pages: 324
Time period: 1800’s
My overall opinion: It was a little strange. Overall, I found it an interesting book, but…well, strange. Includes a little mystery. According to the cover: a…tale of suffering, seeking, and redemption. It’s Christian and clean. And pretty interesting.

Birthday Party Interview and Giveaway: Penny Zeller

Well, everyone, look who I got to come by on third day of my birthday party! None other than Penny Zeller! I’m so excited to welcome her. As you’ve seen from my reviews of “McKenzie” and “Hailee” this week, I really enjoyed both of those books. I also have a review of “Kaydie” on here. Since I’ve relished all three of those books in the Montana Skies series, I knew I had to have her come by again (yes, those of you who are extra alert may remember that she was here a few months ago…but I knew after reading “Hailee” that she had to come again. You can read that older interview here). Also, check out my first Cover Focus, in which I featured "Hailee." Click here!
Oh, and make sure you read the whole thing…there’s a giveaway at the end!
Without further ado, let’s begin!
Penny, I’m so glad you were able to come by!

It’s a pleasure to be here, Charity! Thank you so much for having me as your guest!
What gave you the idea, or inspired you to write specifically “Hailee,” and the whole Montana Skies series in general?
Hailee was inspired by a piece of mail I received regarding orphanages. I knew I wanted to write a story about a girl placed in an orphanage and how she came to find herself in that predicament. 

My Montana Skies Series actually came about in an interesting way. McKenzie (the first book) was inspired by a car accident my family and I were in a couple of years ago where I suffered neck and leg injuries. During that time period of seven months, I was also hit with back-to-back bacterial infections.  Because of the injuries and illness, I was pretty much homebound and my active athletic lifestyle suddenly became limited. I look back now and praise God that He gave me McKenzie, as well as two other manuscripts (another historical and a contemporary) I wrote in that seven month period of pain and illness.
God took what was a difficult time for me and turned it around to something positive that can be used for His Kingdom – taking the time to write the books that I had always wanted to write. He has since healed me and I pray daily that the path I have chosen in life will glorify Him. I think that’s why Jeremiah 29:11, which says, “’For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” is so close to my heart.
He has since healed me completely and has given me a powerful testimony to share with others.
Wow, that is quite the testimony! What’s your favorite part of “Hailee”?



I love Hailee’s story because it gives such a wonderful example of forgiveness and of second chances. It also reinforces the fact that God is with us always. I also love to infuse humor into my novels, so that, too, would be one of my favorite things about this story.
Here’s a tough questions…which of your three Montana Skies books is your personal favorite?

Wow! That is a great question, Charity! I don’t have a favorite of the three as I like each of them best for different reasons.  *grins*
A wonderful answer. J I would have trouble choosing a favorite too. What is the biggest thing you’d like a reader to take away from “Hailee”?

My passion is to write books that impact lives for Christ. Readers can expect to share in Hailee’s pain and sorrow, as well as the joy she experiences. They will watch as her faith wavers and her heart breaks at the losses she experiences in life. They will share with Nate as he struggles to release to the Lord burdens he was never meant to carry. My books are character-driven, and as such, throughout the book and with a variety of characters, readers will catch a glimpse of struggles with forgiveness, Salvation, rededication to Christ, and the hope of a new life.
If you could live in any time period, which time period would it be? 

I love this question! There are so many awesome things about the 1800s (the time period of my books) and even the turn of the century in the early 1900s. However, I think I would choose to live in the present because of the modern conveniences and all of the advances of modern medicine.  J
What three people, living or dead, would you love to have lunch with? They can be together at the same meal, or separate, according to whether you think they’d get along. J

I would love to have lunch with Jesus, of course. I would also enjoy having lunch with Helen Keller.  My great-grandma, who arrived on a boat from Sweden, would also be a very interesting person with whom I’d love to have lunch.
Yes, that great-grandma sounds like a very interesting person to meet! Is there a random fact about you that most people don’t know?

Hmmm. That’s a great question…I met my husband through a prank phone call I made when we were both teenagers. J I wrote a humorous post about it here: http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/2011/02/02/do-you-have-any-grey-poupon-and-phone-pranks-part-2/
I’m definitely going to read that post. J What’s a book you recently enjoyed reading?

I recently started a Bible study on the book of Ecclesiastes written by author Stephanie Shott. Stephanie is an amazing author and I am learning so much!
Which of your bookcover is your favorite?

Wow! Another great question! I love all three covers, but I would have to say I might possibly like Hailee just a teeny weeny bit more.  By the way, I love the book trailer for Hailee, which was produced by Tinkertime Productions. It can be found at http://youtu.be/LEGoM43jtwA

You know I loved the cover for “Hailee.” J Thanks so much for coming, Penny! Where can fans find you on the internet?

Thank you so much for having me here, Charity! I love to connect with readers at –
My website: www.pennyzeller.com

Back to me. J

Penny has graciously offered to giveaway a copy of Hailee to one lucky winner! Believe me, this is one of those books you want to win. J  You can enter whether or not you follow Austenitis. Mandatory entry: leave a comment telling me you want to be entered.
+3 entries for blogging about this giveaway! Leave a link so I can check it out!
+1 entry for putting the Austenitis button on your blog!
+1 entry for putting up the Birthday Party button.
+2 entries for emailing four friends! This is only for people who don’t have a blog. Make sure you include a link to this post in your email! And remember…I’m trusting you here.
+2 entries if you follow Austenitis!
+1 if you follow Penny Zeller’s blog, www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com

Okay. Just read this, then you can start leaving comments! J You may leave your email address if you like. It’s not required. If you do, I will email you if you win! Also if you do, make sure you leave it like this: charityu.austenite[at]gmail[dot]com so that spammers can’t find you! I will also post the winner here. Please note that this giveaway ends on ­­­November 25, 2011. I’m sorry for my international readers, but this giveaway is USA only.
Now go! J