Mary is offering one print copy of her novel A MATCH MADE IN TEXAS, a collection of novellas by four wonderful authors including Mary, to one randomly chosen commenter. The winner will be announced here on Friday, January 31st, between 5-6 PM EST. For convenience, please leave your contact information within your comment. Thanks!
A blurb of A MATCH MADE IN TEXAS:
There's
a secret matchmaker at work in frontier Texas. In the small town of Dry Gulch,
Texas, a good-hearted busybody just can't keep herself from surreptitiously
trying to match up women in dire straits with men of good character she hopes
can help them. How is she to know she's also giving each couple a little nudge
toward love?
Mary’s
book in this collection--Meeting Her
Match:
When
the tables are turned and a tenderhearted meddler becomes the beneficiary of a
matchmaking scheme, her world is turned upside down. As her entire life
changes, will she finally be able to tell the banker's son how much she cares
for him?
Fired Up
To Forgive by Mary Connealy
I
thought I’d talk about my September release Fired Up, because I think it has a
particularly powerful faith message. In Fired Up, all of my characters struggle
with forgiveness. Particularly one teenaged boy, but as the story progresses
the adults realize that, though they are worried about him, they are struggling
with unforgiveness, too.
The
moment comes in a talk with the villain of the story and I have to be careful
what I say here to not write too many spoilers but my hero Dare is talking to
about forgiveness (will Paul, the teenager, is listening in, as well as his
mother Glynna, the heroine). Dare tells someone (wow, I can’t say much without
giving a lot away) that Jesus asked God to forgive the men who were crucifying
Him. And this ‘someone’ says something like ‘God couldn’t have loved his son
very much or He could never forgive such a thing.
Dare
reference Matthew 27 right after Jesus died. This is paraphrased and shortened.
Dare says, “A curtain in the church was ripped in two. There
was an earthquake, and rocks split. Graves opened; and dead men arose and
appeared unto many.
Then
Dare says, “I reckon God was mighty upset to do all that, but He forgave them
anyway.
As
Dare is explaining just how upset God was about Jesus’ death he realizes that
he (Dare) hasn’t forgiven evil done to him. Later, when Paul asks about it,
Paul says, “How can you forgive someone who would spit on you if you said, ‘I
forgive you?’ How can you forgive someone for hitting you who will hit you
again the next time they’re mad and blame you for it every time?”
Writing
this helped me explore the anger Paul and Glynna and Dare, as well as so many
of us, carry around inside us. Paul’s anger was hurting only him because the
man he hated so much was dead. But that anger was spilling over on everyone he
was near, hurting them and hurting Paul. The forgiveness God calls us to in a
situation like this isn’t for those we forgive, it’s for us.
So
I’ve been remembering that when I think I’ve got a lot to forgive, just how
enraged God was over Jesus’ death and how heartbroken, and how forgiving. How
can we do less?
Mary's Ah-hahs To Tweet:
Like to read romantic comedy with cowboys? Visit with Mary Connealy on Everyone’s Story. #BookGiveaway (Tweet This)
How do your characters deal with forgiveness? See what award-winning author Mary Connealy says. (Tweet This)
#BookGiveaway of A MATCH MADE IN TEXAS by Mary Connealy. (Tweet This)
Mary's Ah-hahs To Tweet:
Like to read romantic comedy with cowboys? Visit with Mary Connealy on Everyone’s Story. #BookGiveaway (Tweet This)
How do your characters deal with forgiveness? See what award-winning author Mary Connealy says. (Tweet This)
#BookGiveaway of A MATCH MADE IN TEXAS by Mary Connealy. (Tweet This)
Author's Bio:
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. She is the author of Swept Away and Fired up, Book #1 & #2 in the Trouble in Texas series, book #3 Stuck Together is coming June 2014. Mary is also in the anthologies A Bride for All Seasons and the newly released A Match Made in Texas. She is also the author of the bestselling Kincaid Bride series, Lassoed in Texas Trilogy, Montana Marriages Trilogy and Sophie's Daughters Trilogy. Mary is married to a Nebraska rancher and has four grown daughters and two spectacular grandchildren, and one on the way.
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. She is the author of Swept Away and Fired up, Book #1 & #2 in the Trouble in Texas series, book #3 Stuck Together is coming June 2014. Mary is also in the anthologies A Bride for All Seasons and the newly released A Match Made in Texas. She is also the author of the bestselling Kincaid Bride series, Lassoed in Texas Trilogy, Montana Marriages Trilogy and Sophie's Daughters Trilogy. Mary is married to a Nebraska rancher and has four grown daughters and two spectacular grandchildren, and one on the way.
Find Mary on the Web:
Hi Elaine, thanks for having me on. :D
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Mary. And from the looks of it, your fans are also pleased as anything!
DeleteI would love to win the book.angelachesnut246@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteAngela, so good to see you here. Do check back next Friday to see who wins.
DeleteHope to see you again.
Good morning Angela, it's so fun to wake up and check in and see all these comments. Good luck in the drawing.
DeleteSounds wonderful! I haven't read this book yet, but would love to!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting this evening!
Deletemom2abcd love the blogger name. I'm mom to abcd, too, only mine are grown up!
DeleteWhat a great interview! I so agree with Mary that most people carry around unforgiveness. And the person it hurts the most is themselves. Would love to win A Match Made in Heaven. pat at ptbradley dot com
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Pat. Carrying a grudge is like sinking into quicksand.
DeleteBlessings.
Patricia, this lesson on forgiveness just grew so naturally from the book, it wasn't even really where I thought I was going with the story. But Paul, the angry son, was just so hurt and he didn't know how to show that except in anger.
DeleteI felt like it was a great lesson for me too, as I wrote it.
I've always enjoyed Mary's books -- her characters are so vividly written. And as an author, I can agree that I've learned a few lessons from my imaginary characters too.
ReplyDeleteBeth, nice to see you again. You made me smile--in my own stories I know when the writing is smoothing out because I finally "get" what the characters are trying to teach me.
DeleteHI BETH! Thanks for stopping in! Thanks so much for the kind words. I usually just set out to write the most entertaining story I can manage and if someone learns something from it, that's probably just a big accident.
DeleteThank you for the wonderful interview with Mary. My husband and I tried to be matchmakers once for some friends but it didnt work out. I would love to read this book. Also how true about forgiveness. If we dont forgive it can cause a root of bitterness. If we forgive we can be better instead of bitter. How wonderful we have the example of Jesus to follow and share with others.
ReplyDeletemarypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann
Thanks for your visit to Everyone's Story, Maryann. I agree about how the lack of forgiveness can become bitter tasting. I find that each new day I renew my love and forgiveness of others--and that these two facets are often inseparable. Thankfully, as you've said, we can look to Jesus as an example.
DeleteHope to see you again.
Maryann, no luck with the matchmaking huh? I have done just enough of it to know it's NOT MY GIFT! Yeesh.
DeleteI've enjoyed reading books by all the authors of A Match Made in Texas. I've read quite a few of Mary's books. They are always quite fun, though as shown in the excerpt above, Fired Up does touch on the deep issue of forgiveness. That's one of the things I like about reading Christian fiction.
ReplyDeleteThanks for giving away a copy of A Match Made in Texas; I'd sure love to win!
pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Welcome to Everyone's Story, Pam. Sounds like Mary has a devoted fan in you--I can picture her smiling as she reads your comment. Check back next Friday evening for the lucky winner. Please visit again.
DeleteHI PAM K! Thanks for reading my books.
DeleteI love Mary's books. This collection appears to be a must read.
ReplyDeleteTonja S.
Tissakay at aol dot com
I'm grateful for you visit, Tonja. You're in the drawing for Mary's book. Best wishes.
DeleteHi Tonja, you sweet thing. Must Read. I think it oughta be a law honestly, You Must Read Mary's Books.
DeleteHow can we get that passed?
I really enjoyed "Fired Up" and am looking forward to the 3rd book in the series. Mary's books are some of my favorites. "A Match Made in Heaven" looks like it will be a great read as well. Thank you for this great opportunity to win!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
jennybug52@hotmail.com
Thanks for visiting, Jennifer. What a blessing you are to an author's ears :)
DeleteHope to see you again.
Stuck Together, Book #3 in the Trouble in Texas series is coming in June 2014. It still seems like a long, long way out!
DeleteJennybug are you the Jennifer I know??? Who posted this just now on Facebook!? How fun to see you here. Well, 'see' isn't exactly right. :)
DeleteThanks Elaine!
DeleteMary- Looking forward to June. =) Unfortunately, I'm not the Jennifer you are speaking of. But it's still great to "see" you too! =)
Thanks for giving us a chance to win a copy of this book. It looks like a great read.
ReplyDeletesusanmsj at msn dot com
And I thank you, Susan, for your visit.
DeleteHi Susan. Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteLove Mary's books! A good looking cowboy and the word of God is a combination I can't refuse. Fun interview, ladies. :-)
ReplyDeleteLove seeing you here, Lisa! Seems like the American Cowboy--who is now beloved on an international basis--isn't fading away in the sunset, ever. Good thing, huh?
DeleteLisa it's quite the combo isn't it. They make cowboys just as good today as ever. I'm married to one. LOL
Delete:) Fun interview, and I wish Mary continued success!
ReplyDeleteDiana, thanks for making my day with your visit! Blessings.
DeleteGood morning, Diana. You know, I haven't named a heroine Diana yet. I think I'm going to do that. Is that an old name? Of course there's some ancient Goddess named Diana the Huntress, right? So that's old. I'm doing it.
DeleteElaine, I love visiting your blog, you have such uplifting and inspiring guests and posts. :) *Hugs*
DeleteHi Mary,
DeleteIn Roman mythology, Diana was the goddess of the moon, birthing, and the hunt. I was named after the old Paul Anka song, "Diana." Thank you for sharing, and so neat. Have fun with your story! :)
Cool, named after a Paul Anka song. I was named after my elderly and really wizened great aunt Mary. Bummer. She was never all that nice to me neither!
DeleteI've enjoyed hearing these stories, Diana & Mary.
DeleteThanks for the chance to win Mary's book. I haven't bought this one yet, so I appreciate this opportunity!
ReplyDeleteI love Mary's books, and her characters are the reason. She really knows them and can capture the story from each unique POV - love her style.
Thanks!
Karin
karin(at)karinbeery(dot)com
Karin, I truly appreciate your visit today. I'm glad you enjoyed Mary's segment. As a writer I also appreciate your reader's insight to what makes a story come alive.
DeleteDo visit again.
Hi Karin, I don't think we've talked in a while. You told me about some Super Cow that gave a magical amount of milk, or something like that, right? (hoping that was you!)
DeleteMary writes great stories!
ReplyDeleteTweedtjewell@gmail.com
JEWELL! Good morning. I've been following your blog all January, you'd doing great things. Thirty Days, Thirty Simple Ways very good.
DeleteWelcome, Jewell. Well, that says *everything* about Mary's novels! Wishing you a great day.
DeleteAny one or thing from Texas must be interesting. Sounds like a good book.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to Everyone's Story, Gay. Funny--I've heard many people say that about Texas. I was (finally) there for a short time 2 years ago when I attended the ACFW Conference in Dallas & saw a tiny bit & can see why people enjoy the Texas-feel!
DeleteHope you'll visit again.
Well....ahem ... no bias there, right Gay?? LOL Honestly when I'm writing Westerns setting them in Texas is so automatic that I have to fight it and move them elsewhere once in a while. I do love putting things in the Rockies, up north, Montana/Idaho/Wyoming. I love the danger of the mountains and the fight with blizzards and snow. Lots of opportunities for drama there.
DeleteI love Mary Connealy's books and have been hooked since the Montana Marriages Trilogy. Thank you for this interview with her. Wonderful insight. amandarwilson@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you today, Amanda. I appreciate you taking the time to visit and comment.
DeleteHi, Amanda. Thanks so much for the kind words. I really appreciate it. Good luck in the drawing.
DeleteAh! One of my favorite authors on one of my favorite blogs! What a fun Saturday! (Of course, it'll be even more fun if I win the give-away! ha!) Wow, forgiveness... I've struggled with that. One year, after a painful ministry experience that left me very hurt, our family joined a small fellowship of believers that met for food, Scripture study, and singing once a week. Early in our fellowship, we did a study on forgiveness, and through the study, God showed me he wanted me to forgive for ME. So I could be freed from the toxins of bitterness that, if not uprooted, would infest my heart.
ReplyDeleteAt the end of our study, we wrote the individual/s/offense on a slip of paper, gave that offense to God, and tossed it in a fire. It was a beautiful and freeing experience.
Jennifer, thanks for your lovely words--definitely a lift for this snowy, seemingly forever winter, day. What a beautiful story you've shared with us. Forgiveness is surely not easy but as you know, oh so necessary. Blessings.
DeleteJennifer that is a wonderful journey to get through. Love burning the offense as a way to give it to God.
DeleteWow, thanks so much for the giveaway! I have read every single one of Mary Connealy's books and am working my way through Mary Nealy's ones :) I cannot wait to read this collection!
ReplyDeletebekaboobear(at)gmail(dot)com
Rebekah, thanks much for visiting with Mary and me today. I love hearing the enthusiasm in your words over the magic and power of stories. Hope to see you again.
DeleteRebekah seriously the Mary Nealy books? Have you read Ten Plagues? Are you okay? (scary book, no cowboys anywhere!)
DeleteWhat a wonderful giveaway! Mary Connealy is my favorite author! I wish I could say I've read every one of her books, but I can't. :( I have read every one that I could get my hands on and I must say, they were each read in no more than 3 days! Her books are not always a great enjoyment to read, but I always learn something from them or am reminded of something I have learned in the past.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this great opportunity! :)
Happy weekend! :)
p.s. Can't wait for Stuck Together to come out! :)
dixiendottie (at) yahoo (dot) com
Dixie/Dottie, thanks for your visit. There's nothing like the book of a favorite author to curl up with, especially during the winter evenings.
DeleteDixie/Dottie thank you so much. I'm so glad you're enjoying the books. The wait for Stuck Together just seems like FOREVER, then in June I've got it AND another Novella collection and then another book in September. So it's famine then FEAST. Which they came out spread out a little better.
DeleteI know that they'll be worth the wait! :)
DeleteWhat a wonderful reminder of the necessity of forgiveness! "The forgiveness God calls us to in a situation like this isn’t for those we forgive, it’s for us." Thank you for sharing a great post and for the opportunity to win a copy of A MATCH MADE IN TEXAS! Fingers crossed!!
ReplyDeletetexaggs2000 at gmail dot com
Britney, welcome to Everyone's Story. You're in this growing drawing for Mary's book--do check back next Friday evening for the winner. Meanwhile, have a great week. Keep on reading!
DeleteBritney we all know it's true that the forgiveness ... when it comes to people who don't want your forgiveness is still good for us. But that is easy to say and not so easy to do.
DeleteI love your books. I love the strong women in your books. What I love the most is the humor. It keeps me coming back again and again.
ReplyDeleteI am so appreciative when a viewer takes the time to share what pulls them into a story. Thanks!
Deleteanonymous, I love writing really strong women. In fact I like it so much I have to be careful to try and mix up the Characters a bit or I'd have every heroine be Belle Tanner or Sophie Edwards or Callie Kincaid, or... well, I could name a bunch more. But I force myself to do something different, and try to keep each character unique and fresh
DeleteI love any book written by Mary Connealy!
ReplyDeletekerwri@gmail.com
Keri, what a fan Mary has in you! Hope to see you again on Everyone's Story.
Deletethanks so much Keri. Wow, Elaine you've got such nice people hanging around here!!!
DeleteHi Mary, I love your books so I can't wait to read this one. Thanks for the great giveaway.
ReplyDeletequiltlady110 AT gmail DOT com
Glad you could stop by to visit this evening. Happy reading!
DeleteHI Quilt Lady, thanks for coming over and saying hi today. Always fun to see you.
DeleteHello Elaine. You are new to me. I am Maxie. Met Mary on Petticoats and Pistols. Quite a Ranch lady. :) She has a lot of books I would like to have , but my budget won't afford it. But they all sound so good. I would love for you to put my name in the drawing. And, Mary, just keep on telling us your stories. And Elaine, I am a follower. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHi Maxie! Welcome to Everyone's Story. Fun to see you over here.
ReplyDeleteMaxie, not being a night owl I missed your comment when it came in last evening but am happy for your lovely greeting. I'm also thrilled that you're now a Follower. Each one of my weekly guests is exciting and precious to me. I'm always learning something new from them and am incredibly uplifted. Such is the case with Mary!
DeleteLooking forward to seeing you again.
I echo statements that any Mary Connealy book is a must read. And that includes her alter egos as well (for the non-western stuff). I've been wanting to get A Match Made in Texas since I first heard about it, but, alas, the book budget is not allowing any purchases at this time. Which makes the giveaway a nice lure here.
ReplyDeleteAs for forgiveness... my mom always says forgiving the other person is more for US than for the one who "needs" the forgiveness. she says it's so nothing nasty festers in our Spirit. Since I don't like the idea of anything festering near me, I do try my best to forgive quickly. Not that I do it, but the fester word usually gets me moving after I've moped a bit. *heh*
Welcome, Deb. I appreciate your thoughts on forgiveness. I believe it benefits everyone: it graces/honors God, heals our troubled spirit, and teaches the one who erred about love. Fester is certainly an excellent word!
DeleteYou're in the drawing. I can relate to having a low budget for books and that's why I commend the generosity of my guests, like Mary, who offers a Giveaway. Besides, it's so much fun, isn't it?
Fester is actually a disgusting word, DebH. I think I am under using it in my books. :)
DeleteMary, I love that your story in a Match Made in Texas has the tables turned on the Matchmaker. I had to grin just thinking about it. I like westerns and I love books that take place in my home state of Texas. fishingjan[at]aol[dot]com. Fired Up is an excellent novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it. and HIGHLY recommend it.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to Everyone's Story, Jan. I love seeing devoted readers like yourself!
DeleteHope to see you again.
JAN! You've read the book! YAY! I'm glad you liked it. You're from Texas, huh? I love setting my books there. It's hard to resist.
DeleteMary, Thanks for the opportunity to find another blog that I enjoy! And for the giveaway from you!
ReplyDeleteKateS girlygirlhoosier52 at yahoo dot com
Oh…. Kate! Can you see me smiling from your sweet words? Thank you so much.
DeleteDo check back later today for Mary's return comment. I'm looking forward to seeing you again.
Kate, I agree, Elaine has such a nice blog here. I've been looking around, too.
DeleteGo Elaine!!!
Would love to win this!
ReplyDeletepbmax101@yahoo.com
Hi Jen. Thanks for the visit today. The winner will be announced on Friday, between 5-6 PM EST. Your visit is helping to make this an exciting week here!
DeleteGood luck in the drawing JenT
DeleteMary I still want to read and review your books. I would love to win this one. I would love to be on our influencing team big time.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Linda Finn
Faithful Acres Books
http://www.faithfulacresbooks.wordpress.com
faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com
Linda, thanks for visiting Everyone's Story. Do check back for Mary's reply. I'll have to check out your website!
DeleteHi Linda! I remember you talking about that.
DeleteElaine,
ReplyDeleteNice to see Mary on your blog. She is as much fun in person as her books are to read...waving at Mary : )
Cynthia, so nice to see you again. And I have **you** to thank for "introducing" me to Mary. I'm still wishing I hadn't worked that day so I hear her speak. Perhaps another time? Hint, hint, Mary.
DeleteHI CYNTHIA!!! Yes, I got to have lunch with Cynthia last summer. She lives near a brother I'd gone out to visit. It was so nice to meet you!!!! Elaine! You live there, too? I'll see, about coming back, but I doubt they'll let me give another speech. :)
DeleteI always enjoy Mary Connealy's books! It's good to read about Dare and Glynna, I enjoyed them from "Swept Away." Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteLis K
garfsgirl [at] hotmail [dot] com
Lis, thanks for visiting Everyone's Story. What sweet words to an author's ears when a reader relates to them like a dear friend. No wonder Mary's novels are beloved!
DeleteHope to see you again.
Lis K, book three of the Swept Away series is coming in June. The wildest of the three books...and that's saying something. Poor Vince. Invincible Vince Yates, the unofficial leader of the group in Broken Wheel, Texas has finally found something he can't handle. A spitfire of a girl that is driving him mad. Between wanting to strangle her and finding himself kissing her, his whole life is spinning out of control.
DeleteLis, I meant when readers relate to an author's characters, but you probably got my gist.
DeleteThank you for the opportunity to win your book. Looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
charlys1504@gmail.com
Debbie, I'm glad you're visiting with us today. You're in the Giveaway drawing! Wishing you a great week ahead.
DeleteHi Debbie. For all of you who don't win the book, go to your local library and ask for it. If they don't have it, ask them to buy it. If they don't buy it, ask for it through Interlibrary Loan and they will often get it for you free or maybe for a dollar or two. Very inexpensive and I love being in libraries (well, my BOOKS being in libraries, although I personally enjoy hanging around in libraries, too.) :D
DeleteI absolutely want to be the winner!!! Mary is one of my top 3 favorite authors!!!
ReplyDeleteDoreen
priviesandprims [at] yahoo[dot] com
Thanks for visiting Everyone's Story, Doreen. Hope to see you again!
DeleteGood luck, Doreen. Thanks so much for the kind words. I really appreciate it!
DeleteI would LOVE to win! I can't wait to read this book anyway so it would be icing to win it!
ReplyDeletevalancy16 @ gmail.com
Elizabeth, thanks for visiting Everyone's Story. Why not have sweets in life?! You're in the drawing.
DeleteHope you'll visit again.
Great post! I love Texas! kkakins at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteKarla, thanks so much for your visit today. I think Texas fills us all with vision of a wide swath of hope. Why not dream, and dream big?
DeleteWhat a great interview thank you so much. Would love to win.
ReplyDeleteLourdes11743[at]gmail[dot]com
Lourdes, you're definitely in the drawing for Mary's book. Check back tomorrow evening for the winner.
DeleteHope to see you again.
Hello Mary & Elaine, I love to read Mary's books and have read "Fired up" those characters indeed looked at forgiveness differently by the end of the story. I have not read this new one "A Match made in Texas" yet so would like to be in your drawing. thanks for sharing
ReplyDeletePaula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
Paula, thanks so much for both visiting Mary & I and for Following Everyone's Story via Google Followers. I truly appreciate it and look forward to seeing you again.
DeleteLoved your post, Mary, love characters that teach us lessons, and would love to read "A Match Made in Texas"! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
ReplyDeletebonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
Bonnie, nice to see you again! Glad you enjoyed Mary's segment.
DeleteMary and Karen are two of my favorite authors, would love to win a copy of this new novella collection!
ReplyDeletepattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Patty, I appreciate your visit today. Hope to see you again.
DeleteWow! Thank you! And what a blessing! These are the first few words that come to mind looking back at this phenomenal week on Everyone's Story and seeing all the interest from you lovely viewers. And the same words doubly apply to my sweet guest Mary Connealy. Heartfelt thanks for an amazing guest appearance, Mary. You've received many viewer hits from all around the world and I hope it has been equally exciting for you as it has for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks too, Mary, for the Book Giveaway. I know you're going to make one viewer a very happy reader!
There's one thing I'd like to echo Mary before announcing the winner: if anyone is unable to purchase this book or any book, please request from your library an inter-library loan as well as a strong suggestion that the library inquire about Mary or any specific author's books.
The winner of Mary's Book Giveaway of A MATCH MADE IN TEXAS is:
Angela C. Congratulations, Angela! Both Mary and I will be contacting you in a direct email. Enjoy the great read!