Wednesday, October 24, 2012

SCAVENGER HUNT STOP # 15!


R. J. Larson

Home of Biblical Fantasy author R. J. Larson's Blog.


First *R.J. steps aside* The official guidelines!

Follow the clues to win the grand prize: a Kindle Fire and 31 free books, each autographed by the authors!

WELCOME, to the Fall Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt~~we hope you're enjoying the stories as you search!

·         This hunt begins 10/25 at noon MDT

·         The fun finish falls on 10/28 at midnight MDT—plenty of time; no need to rush!

·         Enjoy 31 stops, each with a different author and fresh, new-to-you content!

·         Discover authors with new or soon-to-be-released novels

·         Collect the clues in red on each post, beginning from Stop #1 and at Stop#32, fill out the Rafflecopter form. Be ready to provide the completed clue quote, gathered from all 31 stops, within 24 hours of email notification or another winner will be randomly drawn. No need to email/submit it, unless you are notified on 10/29/12.
  • Grand Prize: A new Kindle Fire, plus 31 new novels! 
UPDATE!!! The winners have been chosen!
The GRAND PRIZE winner is: Jennifer Friedley
The second and third prize $50 gift certificates went to: Laura McEwen and Gretchen Michels Garrison!!!

Congratulations, to the winners!!!

·         2nd & 3rd Prizes: $50 Amazon, B&N, CBD or BookDepository.com gift certificate

·         (Contest is open to international entrants. If the winner lives outside the United States, they shall win the equivalent in gift certificate funds to the prize in US dollars.)

[R. J. returns!]

Welcome, Hunters! I'm pleased to introduce our delightful guest at this stop, one of my fellow Shakespeare-fan friends, Leslie Gould!

 Leslie Gould is the Christy award-winning and bestselling author of fifteen novels. Her latest, Courting Cate, is inspired by Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.” Leslie enjoys traveling, watching soccer games, and binge reading. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and four children. Visit her at
Her Website    
FaceBook! 
 and
Twitter!
Courting Cate:

In Paradise, Pennsylvania, Cate Miller is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Her sweet and flirty sister, Betsy, on the other hand, seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County!

But the sisters' wealthy father has made one hard-and-fast rule: older Cate must marry first, before younger Betsy can even start courting. Unfortunately, untamable Cate has driven away every suitor--until Pete Treger comes to town, that is.

Prodded by the men of the area, Pete turns his attention to winning Cate's hand. But is his interest true or is there a scheme at play?


Now, dear Hunter, here is an exclusive sneak-peek at Leslie's recent journey to Lancaster county, the setting for Courting Cate, narrated by Leslie!

 

Snapshots of Lancaster County

Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” influenced the plot of Courting Cate, while the pastoral beauty of Lancaster County inspired the setting.




Courting Cate is set in the picturesque landscape around Paradise, Pennsylvania. I drew on this photo of green rolling hills and Amish barns as I described the “farmette” where Cate lives and the surrounding countryside.
Don’t be fooled by the beauty of the laundry on the line. It took a lot of hard work to get it there. I’d much rather write about the work of an Amish woman than actually do it. Cate, in my story, avoids doing laundry at all costs, leaving it to her sister, Betsy.

I love this photograph for a couple of reasons. First, someone who lives in an Amish home is selling a motorbike. Is he (I’m assuming it’s a young man) finished with his Rumschpringe (running around time)? Or upgrading to a bigger bike? Cate, in my story, is a bit prickly (okay, a lot prickly), but she’s not wild. The whole Rumschpringe never appealed to her, and she joined the church while still in her teens. Still, she has some growing up to do.


My husband, daughter, and I just happened to drive by this church wagon while tooling around Lancaster County. “Stop!” I shouted. (My poor hubby.) I have lots of church wagons in my stories, but this is the only one I’ve seen in real life. A wagon like this one would be filled with tables, benches, and other items and transported to the family hosting church services that Sunday in their home.
















Cate is a bit of a speed demon when it comes to driving her buggy. In a pivotal scene in the story she and Pete, the man she loves to hate, go for a drive and race over a covered bridge. Even though covered bridges have a romantic quality, this particular scene doesn’t. The romance comes later.
Speaking of romance, this image inspired me to incorporate a sunset into Courting Cate as the backdrop for these lines:
And where two raging fires meet together,
They do consume the thing that feeds their fury.
“The Taming of the Shrew,” II.1.125-126, William Shakespeare

R. J. here: Leslie, thank you!  I'm a fantasy/history/Biblical "swords and cloaks" author and reader, but Courting Cate is now on my reading list~~I cannot resist Shakespeare, and Cate's feisty, "I dare you" image on the cover!
Hunters, if you are equally tempted by Courting Cate, here are a few handy "Buy Now" links: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD! Or purchase a copy at your favorite bookstore! 

THE SCAVENGER HUNT BASICS: 

Before you go, write down this STOP #15 clue: And
WAIT! Speaking of and: Enter to win a signed copy of PROPHET, plus the audio cd of Volume #1 in the acclaimed Books of the Infinite series! *Easy*
Just click on the Rafflecopter form below to "like"
R. J. Larson's Facebook page! 
<a Rafflecopter giveaway>

Now, blessings and onward to stop #16, Leslie Gould's own site!



96 comments:

Unknown said...

You have a wonderful gift for writing!

RJLarsonbooks said...

Thanks, Hannah! Blessings and have fun with the hunt!!!

Glenda Parker Fiction Writer said...

Thanks for being part of the hunt. I love your work. God bless you.

Glenda Parker

RJLarsonbooks said...

Glenda, blessings and hugs!!! Thanks. :D AND, thanks for liking my fledgling blog!!! <3

Sarah said...

Thanks RJ for such fun! I have 'Prophet' on my Kobo and can't wait to read it! Blessings on you!
Sarah

Melanie said...

This is so much fun!

Amy C said...

Thank you for an awesome hunt!

Unknown said...

I love your book Prophet! I picked it up as a freebie on Amazon, and it laid around on my Kindle for a month or so before I started reading. However, when I started, I was hooked!! You have such a special gift that glorifies God!! Keep it up! I almost threw a fit when I found out that my library didn't have Judge on order.

Unknown said...

I love your book Prophet! I picked it up as a freebie on Amazon, and it laid around on my Kindle for a month or so before I started reading. However, when I started, I was hooked!! You have such a special gift that glorifies God!! Keep it up! I almost threw a fit when I found out that my library didn't have Judge on order.

Anonymous said...

Shakespeare and Amish ... wow. That's an interesting premise. And I live nearby Lancaster County ... great pictures!

sustahl said...

I have learned so much about many authors I haven't read.

Anonymous said...

Great post. This Scavenger Hunt is fun!

BurtonReview said...

What great pictures used to tell the story.. I am intrigued!

___ said...

This Scavenger Hunt is so awesome!!! And I LOVED the drawing of Scythe... too cute! I already have a signed copy of Prophet (should have had you sign JUDGE - duh! where was my brain that day???), but this hunt is too much fun to not enter again!
amy(at)amydrown(dot)com

___ said...
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___ said...
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Cindy said...

I loved Prophet and just ordered Judge yesterday and it is on its way to me as I type.

And yes, Scythe is my favorite. Thanks for the great story!

Unknown said...

L.o.v.e.d! Prophet! cannot wait to get my hands on Judge. Fantastic writing, loved the story. And Scythe is fun!

Courting Cate looks like a goodie. looking forward to reading it!

Thanks for being part of the Scavenger Hunt/Blog-Hop!

Unknown said...

L.o.v.e.d! Prophet! cannot wait to get my hands on Judge. Fantastic writing, loved the story. And Scythe is fun!

Courting Cate looks like a goodie. looking forward to reading it!

Thanks for being part of the Scavenger Hunt/Blog-Hop!

Susan said...

Thanks so much for this scavenger hunt!

Anonymous said...

This scavenger hunt has been so much fun - lovely way to get to know new-to-me authors and books.

Blessings,
Becky Doughty

Carla said...

I have never read any of your books, but a frind of mine was just telling me about how much she loved your books the other day. I would love to win. just liked you :)

Thanks for being a part of this hunt !

Rina said...

Love the cover! Thanks for participating in the scavenger hunt!

Tonya said...

I am soooo wanting so many books now! Each one unique and a blessing.

Selina R. Gonzalez said...

Thanks for taking part in the Scavenger Hunt. It's an awesome idea!

Sparks of Ember said...

Thanks for a great post & participating in this fun scavenger hunt!

Megan Parsons said...

I loved the pictures! Thanks so much for sharing <3

Cherie Hamby Kasper said...

Leslie, your book sounds exciting. Would love to read it. RJ, can't wait to read your's also.

Sarah said...

I'm a "sword and cloak" kind of reader myself, although I enjoy some historical and contemporaries. The information about Courting Cate definitely has me interested as well.

Judy said...

Great hunt. Thank you for joining in! I'm having a blast!

Beth MacKinney said...

I love the title 'Courting Cate!'

Catherine said...

Hilarious! I started reading about the book and go "Hmm, that sounds like 'Kiss Me, Kate!' or 'Taming of the Shrew'...and then finished reading the blog. lol! Look forward to the chance to read the book :-)

Eowyn Blythe said...

Thanks so much for the chance to win! Blessings! :)

Anneliese Shaw said...

What an interesting book! I'll have to try and read it sometime. Thanks for participating in the scavenger hunt!

Unknown said...

I've never read any of your books but after wreading that write up I want to. SO nice to meet you and hope to read the Prophet soon!!

Linda B. said...

Thanks R.J. and Leslie. It was so nice to read and meet you. Loving this "hunter" game :-)

Michelle said...

I love all of these pictures!

bluenichols said...

Love this. thanks for participating.

Unknown said...

Thanks for helping promote the hunt. It has been fun.

Unknown said...

Thank you for being part of the scavenger hunt. I read The Prophet recently and fell in love with precious Tzana.

Jenna said...

Thank you for being apart of this! :D

PS. My mum goes by R.J. too! Lol

Marissa said...

I can't wait to read your books!!

RJLarsonbooks said...

Wow...Amy, Sarah, Marisa, Cindy, Robin, Selena, Sustahl, Angela, Marie, Susan, Becky, Carla, Rina, Tonya, Meagan, Cherie, Sarah, Judy, Beth, LadySaotome, Catherine, Jules, Anneliese, Kristi, Linda, Michelle, Nicholas, Gail, Mama Mudbug, Snowbaby, and Marissa, Thank you!!!!

Melissa Jagears said...

oooh, a audio prize, my blind grandma would love it!

Lynfordshire said...

This is a BRILLIANT idea. I am being introduced to so many gifted writers. Thank you for being part of this.

pol said...

New author R J Lawson but would love to read this book Prophet, enjoying the "Hunt" thanks for your participation, now I am off again to next stop.........
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)

Cheryl Hart said...

I love the lovely narration and pictures - and getting to know a little about Cate. :) Thanks for the opportunity to win a signed copy of PROPHET and the Volume #1 cd of the Books of the Infinite series!.

Thanks for the next clue as well. :)

nicnac63 AT hotmail DOT com

RJLarsonbooks said...

Yay, Melissa, that would be awesome!!! I'm eager to see who wins! Hugs to your grandmother. :D

RJLarsonbooks said...

Lynn and C.E., glad you're enjoying the hunt and checking out posts!!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!!!

RJLarsonbooks said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
RJLarsonbooks said...

Thanks, Paula!!!! I hope the winner has as much fun reading PROPHET as I did writing it!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for being part of the scavenger hunt. This is fun.

Lauren said...

Thanks for being part of the scavenger hunt!

Lauren - laurenf917@yahoo.com

Marla said...

I'm having fun with this hunt

Anonymous said...

Oooh, that book looks good. I'm studying Shakespeare this year, I think I'm reading Taming of the Shrew next month. :)

Anonymous said...

Thank you, RJ, for hosting me! This is so much fun! Such an honor to be part of this with you and so many other wonderful authors!

Leslie

TheAtticGirl said...

This sounds like a great read! So many books to add to my "read" list.

donnyandshelly at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

It's so cool seeing the pictures of Lancaster Country! :)
Thanks!
Kim
lonebanana(at)msn(dot)com

Project Journal said...

Thank you so much for doing this R.J.! I'll be honest that I've never heard of you, much less read your books. However, the covers are very alluring to me. The characters illustrated on the front almost seem to beckon me to open the front cover. Unfortunately it's on the computer LOL but hopefully I'll be able to get my hands on a copy - whether I win it or have to buy it :) You also introduced me to another new author, so thanks for that as well!
Hannah

Awakened Anew said...

Thanks for participating in this fun giveaway :)

RJLarsonbooks said...

Hannah, I haven't been writing fantasy for long, so it's no wonder you haven't seen my books--but aren't the covers great?!!! Bethany House did an amazing job. :D

Blessings and have fun with the hunt!!!!

RJLarsonbooks said...

Hi, Leslie!!!
I'm thrilled to host you; Courting Cate is beautiful, and the idea is SO inspired!!!!

Elizabeth said...

I hadn't heard of your books before the scavenger hunt, but the minute I read the descriptions I knew I was adding them to my Christmas list!! lol! :)
Thanks for being part of the scavenger hunt!!
~Elizabeth

Chelle said...

I think I will definitely have to check out these books. I wasn't really aware of the biblical fantasy genre. That's what I'm loving about this, my first scavenger hunt! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

RJLarsonbooks said...

Chelle and Elizabeth, we're delighted to be meeting you as well! Thanks so much for touching base with us! :D

Randi said...

Thanks for participating in the scavenger hunt! I'm really enjoying it!

Randi said...

Thanks for participating in the scavenger hunt! I'm really enjoying it!

Trish said...

Thanks for being a part in the scavenger hunt!

Deenie said...

Thanks for your participation this is great

Mary Preston said...

I love the pictures thank you.

marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Anonymous said...

Loved the pictures and the background info. Thanks!

Sharon said...

Love the idea of Biblical fantasy. Can't wait to check out your books.

Tara Bentley said...

Thanks for the hunt!

Sapphire said...

Thanks for taking part in the scavenger hunt and offering a giveaway!

Candice said...

Thanks for the great Scavenger hunt!

Gailya L. Keller said...

Having so much fun on the Hunt!!! Thanks for the chance!!!

Gailya L. Keller said...

Having so much fun on the Hunt!!! Thanks for the chance!!!

RJLarsonbooks said...

Randi, Trish, Deenie, Mary,and Barbarah--Hooray!!! Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings as you continue the hunt! :D

RJLarsonbooks said...

Sharon, Biblical fantasy...it's still so new to me! :D I hope you enjoy the stories and recognized beloved figures from the scriptures!

RJLarsonbooks said...

Tara, Sapphire, Candace, and Gailya--*Cheers* Hope you're having fun!

Sandy said...

I've not read your books yet, but they sure do look good!

Jenny B. said...

Pretty pictures! Loving the hunt!

Jes said...

Thanks for participating in this scavenger hunt!

Jes
jswaks at gmail dot com

Kim in NC said...

Thanks for doing the hunt. I thought I left a comment, but can't see it on here. I don't leave a lot of comments on blogs, so I'm not always sure what I am doing.

I was wondering if you books are good for children - say 10 and over. My children love to read Christian fantasy.
Thanks again and God bless,
Kim in NC

Lcenlow said...

Love this scavenger hunt!!
lcenlow@sit-co.net

Laura said...

This has been a very fun scavenger hunt. I look forward to getting to know your books.

Ruth Ann Dell said...

Many thanks for the scavenger hunt, it's great fun.

Courting Cate sounds like a really good read.

Blessings

Ruth Ann Dell

DarcyO said...

Thanks for being on the hunt!

valleyreader(at)gmail(dot)com

RJLarsonbooks said...

Kim Osborne, the books are written for ages 15+, guys and gals, but I've seen parents share with their kids ages 12+.

If you'd like to check out the first three chapters of Prophet, they're available at the Bethany House site. Blessings! Here is a shortened link:
http://tinyurl.com/8hchhrb

HandyFamily said...

This is such fun!

Wendy Garner said...

Would love to win this book!

RJLarsonbooks said...

HandyFam, thank you!

RJLarsonbooks said...

Wendy, I'm eager to see who wins this book and the audio version~~!!!

Melinda Kay said...

Thanks for being part of the scavenger hunt! I love discovering new authors, and I've just shared your blog with a friend who (like me) loves a good fantasy! I'm looking forward to reading your books.

RJLarsonbooks said...

Melinda, that's awesome~~thank you!
I hope you enjoy Ela and Kien's stories. And, I hope you enjoyed the hunt! Blessings to you both!!!