Monday, July 2, 2012

Giveaway! Joy Takes Flight by Bonnie Leon!


Welcome back Bonnie Leon ! Since this is the third time for you to visit, I thought I would throw in some fun questions, maybe some that aren’t part of the norm in other interviews. :)

Three visits? I’m honored.

If you could go anywhere on vacation where would it be?

Tough question, but after giving it some thought I’d have to say, Panama City Beach, Florida. My husband and I made a cross country trip a few years ago to do research for a book. We spent three days at Panama City Beach, a gorgeous place with white sand beaches and an ocean that is blue, aqua and green. October provided perfect weather. We visited a place called Shell Island where we lazed around on the beach and did a little snorkeling. And one day, I cheered my husband on while he flew above the ocean on a parasailing adventure. We had so much fun! I’ve always wanted to go back.

Do you have any pets?

We have just one, our dog Bella, unless you want to count our chickens. We have twenty of those. Bella is a Great Pyrenees puppy—ten months old. She’s big, white, comical and loving. And she’s also smart—too smart for her own good. She figured out how to open all the gates in our yard so my husband put the locks on the outside of the gates—she had that figured out in less than a day. We finally had to put on extra locks. 

Your favorite book that you have written?

This is a REALLY hard question. They each hold special meaning to me for different reasons. But I’d still like to do more editing, even on my favorites. However, if I must choose one it has to be To Love Anew, the first book in the Sydney Cove series. It represents so many of us, who struggle to fully grasp God’s love and mercy and who are unable to forgive ourselves.

Readers either love or hate the book—it’s a bit gritty for the CBA. When telling the story of the prisoners who were shipped to Australia in 1805 I couldn’t soft pedal their experience. The early Australians came mostly on prison ships. They were courageous, tough and passionate. When I was doing the research and discovered their history, my admiration for those first Australians swelled. I wanted to portray them as they really were and not shortchange them in any way. Presently the book is free on Kindle, Nook and other ebooks.

What is your favorite pastime?

There is really nothing I love more than to go lake or river fishing. It’s not something I get to do much of these days. My physical condition makes it almost impossible to fish the rivers, but on a good day I can still relax in our boat and cast out my line. I love the quiet sway of a boat and the sun doesn’t feel too warm when out on a high mountain lake. And of course it’s always fun to catch fish.

Favorite book?

I have lots of favorites. But I’ve discovered Laura Frantz and I’m presently reading her book, The Colonel’s Lady. Absolutely loving it! So, for today, she is my favorite.

Favorite movie?

I’m crazy about movies. My favorites are always true stories. I can’t narrow this down to just one. Sorry. But I’ll keep it short—my top three—#1 Anna and the King (beautiful love story), Secretariat(a must see), and Temple Grandin. Claire Danes did an amazing job of portraying this amazing woman.
I also have a long list of romantic comedies that I thoroughly enjoy time and again.

What people have inspired you in your writing journey?

It might surprise you to hear that it’s not writers, though many have come alongside to teach and encourage me and I admire many. However, the people who inspire me most are those who refuse to settle for less than what God asks of them. Some are well known, such as Helen Keller, Mother Theresa, Corrie Ten Boom and Condoleeza Rice. But there are others, the world doesn’t know but, who have made a personal difference in my life—my mother, Elsa Trover, Kelli Standish, Judy Underwood, and Lauraine Snelling(ok she’s a writer). All of these women have faced heartache with grace and good humor, refusing to allow the troubles of the world to hold them back, but rather allowing God to work through them no matter what.

What character in a novel you have read has stood out and seemed to stand the test of time?

I have to say that Hadassah in Francine Rivers book A Voice in the Wind. For days after completing the book I thought about her and even now I can see her and I know her, though it’s been many years since I read the book.

If you could meet one person from history who would it be and why?

I’d love to sit down with Corrie Ten Boom. Her courage and faith are beyond my ability to understand. I’d love to share time with her and hear from her own lips about her walk with the Savior and how she lived out her faith.

Okay, last one and a fun one for our readers today: If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one thing, what would it be? Why?

I have to be practical. I’m a survivor. I’d take a survivors hand book and hopefully it would keep me alive until I was rescued.

Too fun, thanks for joining us for a third time!! It is a privilege. :)

Thank you for being with us today! 

Readers, here is your chance to enter to win Bonnie's latest book!

Please leave an email adddress! If I draw your name and there is no email, you will not win.



For extra entries:
~Be a follower
~Be a subscriber

Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.

Thanks for coming by to enter! Contest ends on July 13th.
Attn Readers! If you're struggling to leave a comment on my blog, please email your comment entries (in ONE email) and I will submit it for you. But PLEASE only do this after you've failed to leave a comment. My email is: caseym.writer(@)gmail.com 


67 comments:

  1. I haven't read any of Bonnie's books yet. I really enjoyed the interview and would love to enter to get this book. Thanks for the giveaway.

    Blessings.
    Jo
    azladijo(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm a subscriber

    Blessings,
    Jo
    azladijo(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm a follower!

    Blessings,
    Jo
    azladijo(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Bonnie, Joy Takes Flight sounds like a really great read. Loved the interview.
    Campbellamyd at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm a follower.
    Campbellamyd at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm a subscriber.
    Campbellamyd at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I would love the chance to win this book!

    I am a follower :)

    collettaskitchensink [at] yahoo [dot[com}

    Colletta

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  8. I look forward to reading this book.
    I am a follower and a subscriber
    wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I would love to read this book. It sounds very good. Please enter me in contest. I am a follower and email subscriber. Tore923@aol.com

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  10. Thanks for the giveaway! I'm a GFC follower.

    JoyAnne11 at gmail dot com

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  11. This book sounds great...enjoyed the interview...also love the book cover!
    lgm52(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  12. I am a follower
    lgm52(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  13. I am an email subscriber
    lgm52(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  14. HI Casey...a great posting/interview...as always :)

    Thanks for the chance to read Bonnie's latest novel.

    I'm a follower and email subscriber, too :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love seeing Bonnie here! Bless you, Bonnie, for your kind words about my books:) I feel the same about yours. Love your blog, too!

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  16. Sounds like a fun book...and a fun author! Thanks for bringing us the interview, Casey! :)

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  17. love the cover of this book thanks for chance to win

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  18. email subscriber

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  19. follower

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi ladies,

    Haven't read any of Bonnie's books yet so I IMMEDIATELY went to Amazon and down-loaded To Love Anew - yay! Would love a chance to read Joy Takes Flight, too.

    beckydwriter(at)gmail(dot)com.

    Already a follower and receive the newsletter!

    Great interview - praying for you "physical condition" whatever it is, Bonnie. Life is a journey enough when we're not struggling with physical stuff, too.

    Thank you both,
    Becky

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  21. Bonnie's books sound wonderful. I enjoyed your review with her. Like Bonnie, I love Francine Rivers books. Thanks for offering this giveaway. I'm a subscriber and a follower.
    Nancee
    quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  22. I've read the Sydney Cove series, but not this series!!

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm a follower!

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'm a subscriber!!

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I'm a subscriber and would love to win this book. Bonnie sounds like a fun person to know!

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  26. I found you through the book network club! I've subscribed, added you as a friend on FB & a comment. Thank You for this awesome website!

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  27. Hello. Hello. So great to see so many of you. I'm excited to see who wins a copy of my book. This is one of my favorite things to do when I have a book launch. Interviews give me an opportunity to meet new people and even make new friends.

    Jo, I hope you have an opportunity to try out one of my books.

    Thanks, Amy. I like Casey's questions.

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  28. Hi Laura. How good to see you here. I loved your book. And as soon as I can find time, I'm going to feature it on my blog. Soon.

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  29. Becky, you're a sweetheart. Thank you for your encouragement. Some days are just plain hard. But life is good. I have a lot to be thankful for.

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  30. Yeah, Nancee. Francine's books are really wonderful aren't they.

    Bless you.

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  31. Becky, I hope you like To Love Anew. You'll have to let me know.

    Grace and peace to you.

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  32. I love the cover on the book you have pictured in your blog. Would love to have it in my collection.

    jking23(at)kent(dot)edu

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    Replies
    1. Jen, I agree. Revell always does a great job.

      Delete
    2. Jen, I agree. Revell always does a great job.

      Delete
  33. Love Bonnie Leon's books!! tammyredd@gmail.com

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  34. Please enter me - thanks!

    frequentreader19 (at) gmail (Dot) com

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  35. GFC follower.

    frequentreader19 (at) gmail (Dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Email subscriber.

    frequentreader19 (at) gmail (Dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  37. This sounds like a great book.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. Smiles from me. I'm prejudice of course, but I have to agree with you.

      Delete
  38. I am a follower.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I am a subscriber.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I've read the first two books in the Alaskan Skies series and found both to be exciting and historically interesting. They turned me into a huge fan and I can't wait to read the latest book. That being said, please enter me in the drawing. I'm pleased to say I'm a follower and subscriber to your blog and I love the new look of your blog.
    lindastrawn (at)yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda, I love to have new fans. Thanks for making my day brighter. Blessings!

      Delete
  41. I really enjoyed TO LOVE ANEW. I know that JOY TAKES FLIGHT will be a good read as well.
    Shirley
    beekeeper5(at)bellsouth(dot)net

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    Replies
    1. So wonderful to hear you liked To Love Anew. Hope you like Joy Takes Flight.

      Delete
  42. I am a follower
    Shirley
    beekeeper5(at)bellsouth(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  43. I'm a subscriber
    Shirley
    beekeeper5(at)bellsouth(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  44. Thanks for your interview. You really made me want to go to Panama City Beach for a long vacation!
    Ann Gaylia O'Barr

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    Replies
    1. You have to go! It's amazing. Make sure to get a place that overlooks the beach. We stayed at the Holiday Inn on the 10th floor. The way the resort is situated you can see the sunrise from one side of your room and the sunset on the other. It was affordable and fabulous.

      Delete
  45. I subscribed and I'd love to be entered, please!
    missionwife(@)hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I have read Touching the Clouds and To Love Anew. I enjoyed both books and this one looks equally good!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    Replies
    1. So glad you liked the first two. I think book three is the best in the series, but that's just my opinion. And I'm loyal to all my books. :-)

      Delete
  47. I am a subscriber.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  48. I am a follower.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  49. Thank you for the great interview. I love Bonnie's books and would love to win a copy of Joy Takes Flight!

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I am an email subscriber.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  51. I am a long time GFC follower.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  52. I am a follower. I would love to read and win this book. pgmcneill@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  53. I am a new subscriber --- and new to your books. I look forward to reading them.

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  54. Great interview! These books sound fantastic and I'll have to pick up the first two!

    ecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  55. I'm a follower.

    ecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  56. I'm a subscriber.

    ecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  57. would love to win
    p_cowans@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for stopping by, I love to hear from those who traffic my blog! Have a wonderful day. :)