UPDATE:
The NEW Winner is...
KELLY BALLENGER
Entry #43
The NEW Winner is...
KELLY BALLENGER
Entry #43
In anticipation of the release of The Quilted Heart we have featured a different post each day from January 19-21st with all things related to the book, we dug up some neat things to share with you. Go back, check them out, and don't forget to read today's great post - there's a lot in it.
Please note that there are 2 different giveaways for you to enter.
Please carefully read the instructions for each giveaway.
Giveaways and information are at the bottom of this post.
Please carefully read the instructions for each giveaway.
Giveaways and information are at the bottom of this post.
Countdown Day 3 is also Release Day!
An interview with Mona about The Quilted Heart
#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
Intersections inspired the concept of The Quilted Heart novellas. First, a visit to Historic Saint Charles, Missouri, in 1999 and the desire to write a story set there. Then, the idea to use quilting and a quilted heart as a metaphor for a transformed heart in a series of talks for Christian Women's Retreats. Next, a heightened awareness of the affects of Retinitis Pigmentosa on my extended family and a desire to tell the story of a women struggling with blindness. When I had an opportunity to write a grouping of novellas as a prequel to Prairie Song, Book 1 in Hearts Seeking Home, a wagon train series, all of the above factors intersected to create The Quilted Heart omnibus--Dandelions on the Wind, Bending Toward the Sun, and Ripples Along the Shore.
Intersections inspired the concept of The Quilted Heart novellas. First, a visit to Historic Saint Charles, Missouri, in 1999 and the desire to write a story set there. Then, the idea to use quilting and a quilted heart as a metaphor for a transformed heart in a series of talks for Christian Women's Retreats. Next, a heightened awareness of the affects of Retinitis Pigmentosa on my extended family and a desire to tell the story of a women struggling with blindness. When I had an opportunity to write a grouping of novellas as a prequel to Prairie Song, Book 1 in Hearts Seeking Home, a wagon train series, all of the above factors intersected to create The Quilted Heart omnibus--Dandelions on the Wind, Bending Toward the Sun, and Ripples Along the Shore.
#2. How long did it take to finish writing each novella?
I had a series of tight book deadlines with about four to six weeks to write each story in The Quilted Heart.
I had a series of tight book deadlines with about four to six weeks to write each story in The Quilted Heart.
#3. Do you have favorite character(s) in any or each of the stories?
If you've read The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series, you know I'm partial to Miss Hattie and to Boney Hughes. so much so that I couldn't say goodbye to them. Maren, the lead in Dandelions on the Wind, is especially dear to me because the loss of her eyesight gave me the opportunity to explore what life might be like for three of my aunts who live with Retinitis Pigmentosa. And I love my "mentor" characters, so Elsa Brantenberg, the host of the Quilting Circle, holds a special place in my heart too, a tribute to the dear senior saints in my life. As far as heros go, it's a really tough choice, but I'll say Garrett, the male lead in Ripples Along the Shore was especially intriguing as he struggles to reconcile his past and make a future. If settings count as a character, I'll add Heinrich's Dry Goods and Grocery in Bending Toward the Sun to the list. In the heart of Saint Charles, the market serves as a hub for action and interaction.
If you've read The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series, you know I'm partial to Miss Hattie and to Boney Hughes. so much so that I couldn't say goodbye to them. Maren, the lead in Dandelions on the Wind, is especially dear to me because the loss of her eyesight gave me the opportunity to explore what life might be like for three of my aunts who live with Retinitis Pigmentosa. And I love my "mentor" characters, so Elsa Brantenberg, the host of the Quilting Circle, holds a special place in my heart too, a tribute to the dear senior saints in my life. As far as heros go, it's a really tough choice, but I'll say Garrett, the male lead in Ripples Along the Shore was especially intriguing as he struggles to reconcile his past and make a future. If settings count as a character, I'll add Heinrich's Dry Goods and Grocery in Bending Toward the Sun to the list. In the heart of Saint Charles, the market serves as a hub for action and interaction.
#4. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
Yes, our paths are hidden by darkness in places and full of twists and turns that leave us dizzy and unsure of our footing at times, but God is with us in each step of the journey. He is Light. He is faithful. We can trust Him.
Yes, our paths are hidden by darkness in places and full of twists and turns that leave us dizzy and unsure of our footing at times, but God is with us in each step of the journey. He is Light. He is faithful. We can trust Him.
#5. What made you choose some of the specific locations in these stories?
I'm an explorer. Part of the reason I love writing fiction so much is that doing so affords me the opportunity to explore different time periods, geographic locations, professions, lifestyles, and situations. I live in the high desert of Arizona. I'd written about various aspects of life in a Colorado mining camp. I was ready to visit the Midwest, the river, and a farm. Ready to return to and explore the charming, historical Main Street District in Saint Charles, Missouri.
I'm an explorer. Part of the reason I love writing fiction so much is that doing so affords me the opportunity to explore different time periods, geographic locations, professions, lifestyles, and situations. I live in the high desert of Arizona. I'd written about various aspects of life in a Colorado mining camp. I was ready to visit the Midwest, the river, and a farm. Ready to return to and explore the charming, historical Main Street District in Saint Charles, Missouri.
#6. How did you name your characters?
Given the time period and location, many of my characters are immigrants. Largely a German population, and Irish. I keep a list of historically accurate character names to draw from. I also use a book called Baby Names Around the World. I used an online site that provided a good listing of German names. For Garrett, I asked my Facebook friends for ideas for a name for this character from Virginia. Garrett won! Maren came from the book. Jensen is my step-dad's last name. Elsa Brantenberg is my mother-in-law's maiden name. I do borrow names from people I know, usually a first name or last name, here or there.
Given the time period and location, many of my characters are immigrants. Largely a German population, and Irish. I keep a list of historically accurate character names to draw from. I also use a book called Baby Names Around the World. I used an online site that provided a good listing of German names. For Garrett, I asked my Facebook friends for ideas for a name for this character from Virginia. Garrett won! Maren came from the book. Jensen is my step-dad's last name. Elsa Brantenberg is my mother-in-law's maiden name. I do borrow names from people I know, usually a first name or last name, here or there.
#7. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving each novella or the book as a whole.
Delightful is the word I'd use for my March 2012 research trip to Saint Charles! The City of St Charles and the folks in the Historic District were so welcoming and hospitable. That's the reason I'm delighted to return to Saint Charles to participate in the Lewis & Clark Heritage Days events, May 17&18, 2014. Sign up for my newsletter and blog at www.monahodgson.com to receive updates on those events and upcoming giveaways and contests.
Delightful is the word I'd use for my March 2012 research trip to Saint Charles! The City of St Charles and the folks in the Historic District were so welcoming and hospitable. That's the reason I'm delighted to return to Saint Charles to participate in the Lewis & Clark Heritage Days events, May 17&18, 2014. Sign up for my newsletter and blog at www.monahodgson.com to receive updates on those events and upcoming giveaways and contests.
Bonus. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them,
for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
Courageous! My word for the year 2014.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them....
Of whom? Disease? Transitions? Conflict? Loss? Anything. Why not?
...for the Lord your God goes with you....
When? Where?
He will never leave you nor forsake you.
All the time. Anywhere.
I talked more about this in a blog post at http://monahodgson.com/2014/01/2014-word-courageous
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them....
Of whom? Disease? Transitions? Conflict? Loss? Anything. Why not?
...for the Lord your God goes with you....
When? Where?
He will never leave you nor forsake you.
All the time. Anywhere.
I talked more about this in a blog post at http://monahodgson.com/2014/01/2014-word-courageous
 | Announcement FACEBOOK BOOK RELEASE PARTY! |  |
Please save the date for a Book Release Party for THE QUILTED HEART on Facebook, FRIDAY, January 24th! You'll find the party in the Notes Section on her "Mona Hodgson Author Page" from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Mountain Time). Mona will answer questions, give away prizes and share photos and behind-the-scenes stories about the three novellas included in The Quilted Heart omnibus, set in Saint Charles, Missouri.
The Quilted Heart
Dandelions On The Wind
When Maren Jensen took a job at Elsa Brantenberg's St. Charles, Missouri, farm, she never expected to call the place her home. As she grows to love Mrs. Brantenberg and her granddaughter, Gabi, Maren is transformed from a lonely mail-order bride-without-a-groom to a beloved member of the Brantenberg household. But when Gabi's father, Rutherford “Wooly” Wainwright, returns to the farm unexpectedly, everything changes for Maren, and she feels compelled to find another job. Are her choices in obedience to God, or is she running from His plan?
Bending Toward The Sun
Dedicated to her education and to helping her father in his general store, Emilie Heinrich is convinced she doesn't have time for love. But when a childhood friend returns to St. Charles, Missouri, after serving in the Civil War, his smile and charm capture Emilie's heart. Will she be forced to choose between honoring her father and a future with a husband and family of her own?
Ripples Along The Shore
Change is brewing in St. Charles. A group of brave souls are preparing to head west on the Boone's Lick Wagon Train, led by the mysterious and handsome Garrett Cowlishaw, who served as a Confederate soldier in the war that killed Caroline's husband. Despite her dislike for him, Caroline is tempted to join the wagon train and start fresh somewhere new, but when Mr. Cowlishaw forbids her – a single woman – to travel with them, will one man's prejudice destroy Caroline's hope for the future? Or will the ripples of God's love bring the answer she needs?
When Maren Jensen took a job at Elsa Brantenberg's St. Charles, Missouri, farm, she never expected to call the place her home. As she grows to love Mrs. Brantenberg and her granddaughter, Gabi, Maren is transformed from a lonely mail-order bride-without-a-groom to a beloved member of the Brantenberg household. But when Gabi's father, Rutherford “Wooly” Wainwright, returns to the farm unexpectedly, everything changes for Maren, and she feels compelled to find another job. Are her choices in obedience to God, or is she running from His plan?
Bending Toward The Sun
Dedicated to her education and to helping her father in his general store, Emilie Heinrich is convinced she doesn't have time for love. But when a childhood friend returns to St. Charles, Missouri, after serving in the Civil War, his smile and charm capture Emilie's heart. Will she be forced to choose between honoring her father and a future with a husband and family of her own?
Ripples Along The Shore
Change is brewing in St. Charles. A group of brave souls are preparing to head west on the Boone's Lick Wagon Train, led by the mysterious and handsome Garrett Cowlishaw, who served as a Confederate soldier in the war that killed Caroline's husband. Despite her dislike for him, Caroline is tempted to join the wagon train and start fresh somewhere new, but when Mr. Cowlishaw forbids her – a single woman – to travel with them, will one man's prejudice destroy Caroline's hope for the future? Or will the ripples of God's love bring the answer she needs?
 Mona Hodgson | Bio Mona Hodgson is the author of nearly 40 books, historical novels for adults and children’s books, including her popular Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series, The Quilted Heart novellas, and Prairie Song, Book 1 in her Hearts Seeking Home Series. Her children’s books include bestseller, Bedtime in the Southwest, six desert and princess Zonderkidz I Can Read books, Real Girls of the Bible: A 31-Day Devotional, and her six I Wonder books. Mona’s writing credits also include several hundred articles, poems and short stories, which have appeared in 50 different publications. Mona is a speaker for women’s groups, Christian women’s retreats, book clubs and reading groups, schools, and conferences for writers and librarians. |
The Giveaways!
BLOG TOUR DRAWING
Leave a comment here on this blog post, then comment on Mona Hodgson Author Page
before Friday, January 31st to enter the BLOG TOUR DRAWING for one of three signed
copies of The Quilted Heart. Tell Mona which blog you visited and commented on!
You can enter once for each Participating Blog (List of blogs found HERE)
before Friday, January 31st to enter the BLOG TOUR DRAWING for one of three signed
copies of The Quilted Heart. Tell Mona which blog you visited and commented on!
You can enter once for each Participating Blog (List of blogs found HERE)
These Bead Earrings made by MontanaMade by Jasmine
are inspired by the cover of The Quilted Heart
are inspired by the cover of The Quilted Heart
Freshwater Pearl & Swarovski Crystal Sterling Silver Earrings
To enter the giveaway please use the Rafflecopter below.
Before entering please click the Terms and Conditions button at the
bottom of the Rafflecopter and read them.
Before entering please click the Terms and Conditions button at the
bottom of the Rafflecopter and read them.
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I'd like to remind everyone entering the giveaway that
I will NOT be contacting the winner, it is up to the winner to contact me.
If you win please send your mailing address/email address to me at telltalebookreviews(at)gmail(dot)com, just replace the (at) with an @ and the (dot) with a . and I will get the info to the correct person.
