Seal Under Siege – The first chapter

Posted on September 12, 2013September 5, 2013 by lizjohnson

I’m so excited about my new release SEAL Under Siege, book 2 in the Men of Valor series. (Even if you missed A Promise to Protect, the first in the series, you’ll still be able to enjoy this book.) It’s filled with some of my favorite things, like all my sister’s pregnancy quirks, which found their way into one of the characters. And Tristan has to be one of my favorite characters.

Here’s a little more about the book:

When Staci Hayes is rescued from a Mideast prison by navy SEAL Tristan Sawyer, she thinks the ordeal is over. But back in San Diego, a new threat arises. Staci has information that could prevent a hit on U.S. soil, and the terrorist will stop at nothing to silence her. Tristan insists on being her bodyguard, but his constant presence makes her long for things beyond her reach. Protecting Staci is the second chance Tristan needs to put the past behind him. Yet with a spy on the naval base, anyone could be a threat. Can he offer her safety…and love?

I’m offering my blog readers an opportunity to read the first chapter free. Just click here. Feel free to leave me a comment if you read it. Let me know what you think.

Hope you enjoy!

A Return to A Log Cabin Christmas

Posted on September 10, 2013September 5, 2013 by lizjohnson

In honor of the re-release of A Log Cabin Christmas Collection this month from Barbour Publishing, I’m sharing some of my favorite pictures from Carnton Plantation, the real-life field hospital that is mentioned in my story A Star in the Night.

In August 2010, nearly a month after I originially submitted my proposal for this story, I made my mom join me for a tour of the old plantation and the grounds.

The tour of the house was incredible. Here are a few pictures of the house, Confederate cemetery, and grounds.

Confession. I went back to Carnton in November of that same year, and I got so lost up in imagining what it would be like to to have lived there, to have survived the war, that I nearly missed the last guided tour of the day. Oops! But wouldn’t you get lost in those enormous trees and open fields?

The real history of Carnton is amazing, and Carrie McGavock, the mistress of the plantation, who opened her home to injured soldiers from both the North and the South, was an incredible woman. You can read all about the history of Carnton and the McGavock family here.

If you’re ever in Middle Tennessee, I hope you’ll stop by and visit this old home filled with history. Until then, enjoy A Log Cabin Christmas Collection. And don’t forget to enter the big giveaway this week at Jane Kirkpatrick’s blog.

A Log Cabin Christmas Giveaway

Posted on September 9, 2013September 5, 2013 by lizjohnson

As I mentioned last week, the nine authors of A Log Cabin Christmas Collection have joined forces for a mega-Christmas giveaway.

Up for grabs is everything you see pictured here, plus a copy of A Log Cabin Christmas Collection, signed by all 9 authors.

The more times you enter, the greater your chances are of winning! Entering is so easy. Just visit Jane Kirkpatrick’s blog here and use the easy Rafflecopter entry system. Good luck!

Seven Reasons September Rocks!

Posted on September 6, 2013September 5, 2013 by lizjohnson

I LOVE September. For many, many reasons. And this September is even better than usual. Here are 7 reasons this September rocks!

1. My brand new book, SEAL Under Siege, released this week. It’s now for sale all over. And there’s just nothing quite like seeing your book on a bookstore shelf. Next week, I’ll post the first chapter, just to tease you. 🙂 For now, I’ll just say how grateful I am for the very kind reviews so far for this book.

2. September means the annual ACFW conference, which, for me, is always equal parts stress and excitement. It takes a lot to prepare for the conference. There are proposals to polish, one-sheets to create, and pitches to perfect. But there are also so many wonderful friends to see and favorite authors to ~~stalk~~ chat with. That means you, Karen Witemeyer and Jenny B. Jones. (Seriously, these ladies are lovely and such talented writers, and I adore them.) It also means I get to catch up with some of my favorite folks from the Christian publishing industry.

3. September brings the return of fall weather. At least theoretically. Nashville is trying to prove this wrong this year.

4. Football. ‘Nuff said. Also Peyton Manning and Eli Manning. (Okay, now I’m done.)

5. Barbour Publishing is re-releasing A Log Cabin Christmas Collection, which includes my novella, A Star in the Night. This New York Times bestseller has been a favorite for the last few years, and all nine authors joined together for a fun giveaway starting next week. More details coming on that soon, but here’s a picture of all the great stuff that’s up for grabs.

6. My friend, Ruth, has a birthday this month. I adore celebrating birthdays. Even more so when it’s such a great friend.

7. September means the start of the new TV season. I’m looking forward to Castle and the final season of How I Met Your Mother, plus some new shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

What do you love about September?

Giveaway of A Promise to Protect

Posted on October 10, 2012October 9, 2012 by lizjohnson

Goodreads Book Giveaway

A Promise to Protect

by Liz Johnson

Giveaway ends November 07, 2012.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

A Promise to Protect – Teaser and Announcement

Posted on July 19, 2012 by lizjohnson

I have a new book coming out. Sure, it’s still several months away, but that’s no reason not to celebrate.

My next book with Love Inspired Suspense–A PROMISE TO PROTECT–releases November 27 this year.

What’s that you say? You’d like to know what it’s about? Oh, all right. If you insist, here’s a little blurb about it.

Navy SEAL Matt Waterstone knows about keeping people safe. When his best friend’s sister is attacked, Matt promises no harm will come to Ashley Sawyer–not on his watch. But Matt’s not the only protective one. Ashley will do anything to safeguard the residents of the battered women’s shelter she runs. She’s sure she can handle the threats she gets in return. What she can’t handle is the way Matt scales the walls around her heart. Yet when she falls prey to a crime web more sinister than she’d realized, trusting Matt could be the only way to survive.

This is my first book about Navy SEALs, and I’m so excited to announce that it won’t be my last! I’ve just signed a contract for two more books in this SEAL series. They should release about 6 months apart. I’ll keep you updated on those soon. (Although I’m back on deadline, which means more writing and less blogging.)

I’ll be revealing the cover art for A Promise to Protect in the next couple months, so stick around. In the mean time, if you can’t wait to order it, here are links to some stores offering preorders.

amazon.com
barnesandnoble.com
cbd.com

The Great Christmas Story Contest Picture!

Posted on December 1, 2011November 20, 2011 by lizjohnson

Today’s the day! Are you ready? It’s the official start of THE GREAT CHRISTMAS STORY CONTEST! All you’ve got to do is sign up for my email newsletter (just enter your email address in the box at the bottom of this post) and email me your original Christmas story of no more than 1,000 words about this picture by December 11th!

In case you forgot what’s up for grabs …
GRAND PRIZE (1 winner): $50 Target giftcard, a DVD of While You Were Sleeping (one of my favorite Christmas movies!), a wooden star ornament, and a copy of the 9-novella collection that I was honored to be part of, A Log Cabin Christmas

2nd prize (1 winner): $25 Target giftcard, an autographed Christmas cd from my friend Mark Smeby (great for getting in the spirit of the season and thanks to Mark for donating a copy for this giveaway!), and a copy of A Log Cabin Christmas

3rd prize (2 winners): a copy of A Log Cabin Christmas and a copy of The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall

Again, here are the official rules:
1. Winners of one grand prize, one 2nd price, and two third prizes (as outlined above) will be announced by December 15, 2011.
2. The grand prize winner will be selected from entrants who have registered for my email newsletter by filling out the form below and submitted an original short story (in the body of an email–no attachments, please–to contests@lizjohnsonbooks.com) written by the entrant and unpublished of no more than 1,000 words by 11:59pm CST on December 11, 2011. Eligible stories will be judged by me (Liz Johnson) and/or my delegates based on (a) how well the story relates to the Christmas picture posted here on 12/01/11, (b) it’s Christmas spirit, (c) originality, and (d) completely subjective enjoyability. If no eligible story entries are submitted by the deadline, the grand prize will not be awarded.
3. Winners for 2nd and 3rd prizes will be randomly selected from the total number of remaining eligible entrants, who have registered for my email. Entrants who also follow me on twitter (@lizjohnsonbooks) and email me at contests@lizjohnsonsonbooks.com to confirm that, will receive a second entry into the random drawings for 2nd and 3rd prizes.
4. All winners are final, once posted on this blog. No prize substitutions will be made.
5. Open only to entrants with a US or APO mailing address. Void where prohibited. Not open to my family members. I will make every reasonable effort to meet the stated deadlines, but if a delay is caused by unforseeable events and/or acts of God, I will announce alternative dates for this contest on this blog. (Can you hear the legal announcer voice?)

I can’t wait to read your stories!

The Great Christmas Story Contest

Posted on November 21, 2011November 20, 2011 by lizjohnson

I am SO excited about my novella, A Star in the Night, which is part of A Log Cabin Christmas Collection. Of course, if you’ve dropped by my blog once or twice in the last few months, you’ve probably heard about it. And I want to do something really, really fun to celebrate my favorite holiday and my new book. So welcome to THE GREAT CHRISTMAS STORY CONTEST!

This is, of course, a chance to win some fabulous prizes, which would make excellent Christmas gifts for a friend or you! So let’s start with what’s up for grabs.

GRAND PRIZE (1 winner): $50 Target giftcard, a DVD of While You Were Sleeping (one of my favorite Christmas movies!), a wooden star ornament, and a copy of A Log Cabin Christmas

3rd prize (2 winners): a copy of A Log Cabin Christmas and a copy of The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall

But how does one win one of these excellent prizes? I’m glad you asked.
First, sign up for my brand new email newsletter. Just enter your email address in the form at the bottom of this post. Winners will be selected from those registered emails. (It’s simple, and I promise not to flood you with emails. Just updates on new books, giveaways, and other fun stuff a few times a year.) If you also follow me on twitter (and email me at contests@lizjohnsonbooks.com that you’re following me), you get a second entry to win.

Just signing up for my newsletter (and following me on twitter if you like) is all you have to do for a chance (or two) at 2nd or 3rd place prizes.

And for a chance at the grand prize, submit an original Christmas story (up to 1,000 words) by 11:59pm on December 11th about a picture that I will reveal on this blog on December 1st. Yup! I want to read your Christmas stories based on a really fun picture that I’ve already picked out, and I’ll post the winning story on my blog. But don’t jump the gun. Wait to start your story until you know what the picture is. Everyone has the same chance–11 days to write a story!

Got it?

In case you missed something, here’re the official rules:
1. Winners of one grand prize, one 2nd price, and two third prizes (as outlined above) will be announced by December 15, 2011.
2. The grand prize winner will be selected from entrants who have registered for my email newsletter by filling out the form below and submitted an original short story (in the body of an email–no attachments, please–to contests@lizjohnsonbooks.com) written by the entrant and unpublished of no more than 1,000 words by 11:59pm CST on December 11, 2011. Eligible stories will be judged by me (Liz Johnson) and/or my delegates based on (a) how well the story relates to the Christmas picture posted here on 12/01/11, (b) it’s Christmas spirit, (c) originality, and (d) completely subjective enjoyability. If no eligible story entries are submitted by the deadline, the grand prize will not be awarded.
3. Winners for 2nd and 3rd prizes will be randomly selected from the total number of remaining eligible entrants, who have registered for my email. Entrants who also follow me on twitter (@lizjohnsonbooks) and email me at contests@lizjohnsonsonbooks.com to confirm that, will receive a second entry into the random drawings for 2nd and 3rd prizes.
4. All winners are final, once posted on this blog. No prize substitutions will be made.
5. Open only to entrants with a US or APO mailing address. Void where prohibited. Not open to my family members. I will make every reasonable effort to meet the stated deadlines, but if a delay is caused by unforseeable events and/or acts of God, I will announce alternative dates for this contest on this blog. (Can you hear the legal announcer voice?)

Great! We’ll see you back here on December 1st for the big reveal of the story picture!

And here’s the newsletter registration form. Tell your friends and spread a little Christmas cheer.

Log Cabin Christmas Blog Hop – Day 2

Posted on November 8, 2011November 5, 2011 by lizjohnson

Welcome to Day 2 of the Log Cabin Christmas author blog hop! I’m so excited that you’ve joined me today.

I’ve previously written about how I came up with the idea for A Star in the Night (my contribution to A Log Cabin Christmas) when I visited Carnton–a Civil War-era plantation in Franklin, Tennessee. Carnton served as a field hospital following the Battle of Franklin, an unexpected but deadly skirmish south of Nashville.

As I mention in my novella, Carrie McGavock was the mistress of Carnton at the time of the battle, and offered her home to the wounded (both Confederate and Union soldiers). The guides at Carnton speak of her with the utmost respect, and it’s easy to see why. She served breakfast to the soldiers the morning after the battle and offered her home’s rooms–including all the bedrooms–as operating rooms. She tirelessly served the men in her home–some who were there for weeks.

One of the most beautiful features of the property at Carnton is the Confederate cemetary, a labor of love for Carrie and her husband. Following the war, the McGavocks tirelessly worked to identify and bury each of the fallen soldiers, and even today the rows of headstones bring to mind the immense loss of American life on both sides of the war.

But the truth is, there isn’t a whole lot really known about Carrie. The facts of her life are sparse, which allowed me lots of room to dream and take a little literary license. Carrie doesn’t actually appear in A Star in the Night, although she is mentioned several times, and my characters’ interactions with her are, of course, fictional. But I tried to be true to her legacy and character. I like to think that Carrie and Cora would have been fast friends.

Here’s a question for you:
What historical figure do you think you would be great friends with?

————–

Don’t forget to comment on this post and then pop over to Jane Kirkpatrick’s blog tomorrow for a special blog post from Wanda Brunstetter and comment there and on the other posts.

For a list of all the participating blogs, and full contest details, click here.

If you can’t wait to get your hands on a copy of the book, you can order it here or here.

Christmas and Contests!

Posted on November 5, 2011November 5, 2011 by lizjohnson

I’m so exited to share with you all some really great contests this month! To celebrate my newest book, A Log Cabin Christmas, I’m offering you chances to win some pretty spectacular gifts and prizes (if I do say so, myself)! Here’s a quick overview of what’s to come.

1. Starting Monday, 11/7, join ALL nine of the authors of the New York Times best-selling A Log Cabin Christmas Collection in a very fun blog hop. Jump from blog to blog each day to learn some of the stories behind the stories in this wonderful collection and enter for a chance to win TWO copies of this gorgeous book, each signed by ALL of the authors. Tell me that’s wouldn’t be an AWESOME gift for that hard-to-buy-for friend (and for you, too!). The blog hop starts on Jane Kirkpatrick’s blog on Monday. Check out the official rules here.

2. I’m giving away a current Thomas Nelson fiction title of YOUR choice (subject to available titles)! The Thomas Nelson fiction team graciously offered me a free book for participating in a fiction focus group, and I’m passing that along to you! More details to come this week.

3. And then there’s the Christmas Story Giveaway Extravaganza! This one is going to be a doozy, folks! I’m still putting the final details in place for it, and I hope you’ll join me for the fun. Check back soon for details on a chance to win all sorts of great Christmas prizes including dvds, books, and gift cards!

See you on Tuesday for my entry into the Log Cabin Christmas author blog hop!

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Goodreads Book Giveaway

by Liz Johnson