Interview & Contest with Lorraine Nelson Author of A Cowgirls Pride

 About Lorraine Nelson:  

Lorraine Nelson is a multi-published author and lives in eastern Canada. She loves creating believable stories of romantic suspense. When not writing, you can find her reading, baking, gardening, or spending time with her kids and grandkids.

Interview Questions…. 

 

   1.       What inspired you to become a writer?

     

It seems like I've always written. I started out with short stories and poems in school, but didn't do much else until my children were grown. Although I did write and publish children's books and posters in the 90's, I'm happy to be writing in the adult category now.

 

   2.       When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

     

 

Writing for adults came about because of medical problems. I developed a bone infection in my thumb in 2008 and it had to be amputated. My day job requires the use and flexibility of both hands, and in an effort to regain that, I sat down and started typing a story. Seven weeks later, Love on the Rocks was written, edited, and ready to go, or so I thought. J I've learned a lot since then and it's gone through several revisions, but I'm happy to say that first novel is being released through Breathless Press in August.

                                                                                                                                                                       

           3.  What genre(s) do you write?   Why do you write the stories that you write?

              

I write mainly romantic suspense. I write what I love to read, so combining romance with a mystery is right up my alley. I love it! 

           

    

               4.  Where did the inspiration for your book come from?

           

 

My latest release, A Cowgirl's Pride, is the 4^th book in my Thunder Creek Ranch series with Evernight Publishing. As to inspiration? Well, the characters keep talking to me and I just keep taking notes. :)

        5.  How long did it take you to put the story together?   

           About 6 weeks.

6.  Can you share a little about your novel with us?

 

Leah Manning grew up among so many domineering, protective males that it left her frustrated, longing for a different life. Her family couldn't, or wouldn't, understand that she needed to dance, and she'd lived away for several years. Unknowing, she'd embroiled herself in a deadly game from which there seemed no way out. Now she was home. Would they welcome her back? What if trouble followed? Most importantly, did Cal still work the ranch?

Brian Calhoun, Cal to his friends, had hated Leah when she'd left, but hated himself even more for not going after her. Now she was back and more lovely than ever. Would his adolescent love for her return, develop into something more, or die a slow death at the hands of this new Leah? 

Trouble does follow Leah home, and her ex will stop at nothing—even murder—to silence her. Will the terror draw them closer together or drive them apart forever?

               7.  Who is your favorite character in your novel and why?

            

I love all the Mannings, but there's just something special about Leah. She's strong and determined. Leah ventured out on her own, had successes and made mistakes, but when her troubles became unbearable, she returned to the safety of the ranch and the love of her family.

 

                8.  Now that your book is out, describe how you feel in one sentence?

           

I feel great, and I'm thrilled that I've come up with another story to entertain my readers.

                 9.  What has surprised you the most about the whole processes of getting your book on the market?

           

The amount of self-promotion was a stunner. Marketing yourself and your writing is hard work, but so far, I enjoy it, except for the time it takes away from my writing. :)

               10.  Would you like to share what the reviewers are saying about your books?

          

Certainly! I've had some excellent reviews. There's nothing better than getting feedback from my readers. J A Cowgirl's Pride released on March 26^th and so far there aren't any reviews. Be warned, some of the reviews contain spoilers.

Zakia and the Cowboy, Book 1:

Michelle Fayard's review Oct 20, 11 (Also posted on Amazon. 5 Stars!)
Zakia and her five-year-old twins are forced to return to the ranch of her former husband when someone starts maliciously stalking her. Zakia has never stopped loving Luke, but how will she regain his trust after having left without an explanation—and without telling him she was pregnant with their sons? Now time is running out, both for their love and Zakia’s life.

Set in the Canadian Rockies, ZAKIA AND THE COWBOY is an intense read from debut author Lorraine Nelson. The first of the Thunder Creek Ranch series, ZAKIA is a keeper, and Nelson is an author whose name readers will look forward to seeing on covers in the future, as she excels in creating memorable characters, gripping scenes and heartfelt emotions with a wow level of heat. The rich details about life on a cattle ranch are an extra bonus.

 

The To Be Read Pile reviews, December 2nd, 2011, Reviewer: B.H.  5 stars!
Zakia is running from a stalker. She flees for protection to her ex-husband with the surprise that she not only had his child but twins. Can they rekindle lost love or will the stalker end any hope of a good future?

The beginning was hard to continue, it was telling and the story just starts. There’s the characters, there’s the scene with no gentle ease into the book. That said, KEEP READING! It gets so much better. The growing relationship between Lucas and his twins was beautiful. Then add the flames between him and Zakia, it makes for a dynamic read. I’m not a mother and usually kids in romance novels never end well but Ms. Nelson did a fantastic job
incorporating them without smothering the steam. There was sweet and romantic. That hay scene was something special. 


There are small paragraphs from the stalkers POV and they really did not work as well as they could have. He/she should have had a lot more violent and malicious thoughts to be a convincing psychopath. Some scenes were redundant, such as why she left. I must have read Zakia explaining it at least three times. If they were trimmed it would have really added to the story. Back to the stalker, halfway through I knew who it was, but I’m usually ahead of the game in these kinds of thriller books. The ending could have been flesh out and a real explosion of intensity, this just fizzled out but it was still very satisfying.


So why, do you ask, did it get 5 stars? Well, it was sweet, romantic and truly entertaining. I really enjoyed the blooming relationship between the twins, Lucas and Zakia. If you have kids I have a feeling you’ll love this book. I don't have any and I still really loved this book. I can't wait to read the next in this series!

 

Covert Mission: Undercover Cop, Book 2:

Monica's Review, Happily Ever After Reviews, 4 1/2 Tea Cups!  

This is a passionate story where two characters come together shortly after tragedy happens at Thunder Creek Ranch. They have been friends going out on outings but never out formally. A passionate weekend is all that Sam can give but Blake is not ready to let go. Only that Sam is holding a secret that can either break their somewhat relationship or maybe get married.


Sam is a strong independent woman that has been holding her own since she was discharged from the military on medical leave. She was caught in an explosion that left her without an arm. Coming to realize that she maybe falling in love with Blake she decides to have a passionate weekend then walk away. Only that the stalker of her best friend escapes on the day he had court she realizes that she will be spending more time with Blake.


Blake knows what he wants and will do anything to have Sam. He tries to stay away from her but he misses her too much. So when she agrees to spend the weekend with him at his ranch home he is in heaven. Only his happiness is short lived because Sam is in an accident and can not remember anything. He helps her to recover but at the same time he has a job to do and people to protect. He needs to remember that not only does he need to protect his friends but he can also be in danger.


Covert Mission: Undercover Cop takes place in Thunder Creek Ranch where his best friend Luke and his wife Zakia live. The stalker that Zakia had in book one is back to finish the job that he failed to do. This time her best friend will be with her every step of the way but an accident left her with amnesia. Little by little she regains her memory but somehow during her time without memory she is still attracted to Blake. Only Blake was a gentleman and did not cross the line with her no matter what Sam did. When she regains her memory will she allow herself to be happy no matter what?


I liked that the characters in Zakia and her Cowboy were integrated into this book. I was able to see how their relationship has flourished. I was so happy for Blake when it looked like he was going to have his dream come true but all was shattered when his life was hangs by a thread. I also sympathized with Sam because she went through a lot when she was in the military with her accident and the heartache of losing people she loved. There were a couple of editing errors which confused me but not enough to keep me from finishing the story. The only problem that I had with this story was that I wanted to read how the stalker was caught and who was behind in helping him escape when he was being transported to the court. But believe me it was worth the read.


If you have not read book one of this series, Zakia and her Cowboy, I highly recommend it so you can see how it all started with the mission of finding the fugitive. Will Blake accept the secret that Sam has been keeping from him and somehow form a family in the future. Well buy this book and find out how they got their happily ever after.


Anya's Review, Coffee Time Romance, 4 cups
Sam was force to leave the Army after she lost her arm in combat. When the criminal who tried to kill her best friend, Zakia, escapes, she leaves her laundry business to help. There she gets to see her good friend and hidden desire, Blake. As the two work to protect their friends, they also realize how much they want each other.


Blake is an undercover cop trying to protect his friends and catch the bad guys, all the while wanting to explain to Sam his desire for her. As the danger they face gets closer, he must focus on the big picture or lose everything.


As the chase for the bad guys intensifies, Sam and Blake turn to each other with love, but know they must finish their mission. They also must admit their fears if they have a chance for a future together.


This is a great story that had me from the beginning. I really enjoyed the thought of a female military amputee and thought it was handled very well. Sam’s recovery was how the author pulled all facets of the story together. The dialogue was good, but the descriptions were better. Watching the couple move from friendship to lovers was wonderful, and I loved it almost as much as Sam’s growth. The sex was great and very hot, and the transition to the thrilling action scenes was enough to make me recommend the book alone. Covert Mission: Undercover Cop is a great modern western romance. 

Trouble Brewing in Thunder Creek, Book 3:

Seriously Reviewed, Stacey Jo, February 12, 2012.
Story: 7/10    Presentation: 7/10    Total: 14/20 (4 Stars) Review: 

 In this third installment of the Thunder Creek series  we learn more about the older Mannings, Lucas and Winnie. It is a more in depth story of how they met and their life together. This continues from Zakia and The Cowboy immediately following Zakia's kidnapping and the imminent arrest of Leroy Williams.

Leroy is actually Winnie's son. A scoundrel to the highest degree, he is charged with kidnapping and currently sits in jail awaiting trial. Claiming he is innocent, Winnie believes him. A mother's love will transcend even the most damning evidence. Who could blame her?

The love she has for her son starts to put a strain on her relationship with her husband, Lucas. Though they love each other deeply, we see the turmoil they both feel and it is heart wrenching. They are both torn between protecting their children and maintaining their marriage at the same time. To say it is a difficult situation is putting it mildly. The stress eventually takes its toll, but this family will not give up. The love they share is infinite and enables them to get through anything together.

Being the second book in this series, I am glad I had the opportunity to read the first one. Though it isn't necessary to read them in order, it does help. Either way, once you arrive in Thunder Creek you won't want to leave. This family is full of hard working, hard loving, no nonsense people. Their world revolves around family and they will do anything to protect each other.

Lorraine Nelson has given us a real ranch family. She shows their humor, heart and determination in every aspect. She even manages to make you feel a bit of compassion for Leroy, and he is truly no good. Lorraine captures the true essence of a mother's love and shows us there are no boundaries to it. We have Zakia protecting her children and Winnie protecting her son, yet these women never clash. Winnie is filled with insecurity of her place in this family because of her son's crimes, but the family emphasizes she will always be accepted. It wasn't her fault, it was Leroy's. It is a wonderfully well written book from all points of view.

Come on in, put your feet up and rest a spell. Winnie loves visitors and there's always room for one more.

             11.  How many books have you written?

           

I've written 11 novels and 2 novellas since Feb/2009, and have 9 others in various stages of completion.

                 12.  What are you working on next?

           

I have a few projects on the go right now, the most important being book 5 in my series.

I've also worked up the outlines and started writing a new western trilogy.

               13.  What do you like to do for fun when you’re not writing?

           

I spend a lot of time with family. I have 3 sons and 6 grandchildren who I adore!

                 14.  How can readers contact you?

           

      LorraineNelson Facebook

      Lorraine Nelson's Website  

      Lorraine Nelson Blog

      Lorraine Nelson Twitter

     Email: lorrainenelson_author@hotmail.com

    

                15.  When does your book go on sale and where can we buy it?

           

A Cowgirl's Pride was released on March 26^th.

Thunder Creek Ranch books are available at:

Evernight Publishing

all romance ebooks

Bookstrand

Amazon

         16.  Last but not least, is there anything that you would like to add?

         

If writing and being published is your dream, keep at it. Learn your craft, write, edit, tweak, and polish those manuscripts, then send them off. Best of luck! :)

 I'll be giving away a free download from my Thunder Creek Ranch series to one lucky commenter. Just leave a comment completing this sentence:

If I had me a cowboy, I would _______.

Don't forget to leave your email address. Winner will be notified on April 15^th.

I'd like to take a moment to Thank Lorraine for taking the time to do this interview and offering a chance to win a copy of Thunder Creek Ranch.  Good Luck to everyone!!!