Lena Nelson Dooley

Greetings from snowy Colorado where we are caught between fall and winter. Davalynn Spencer here, and I’m happy to introduce author Lena Nelson Dooley who is sharing about her featured book, A Heart’s Gift, Book 1 in her Love’s Road Home series.

Welcome, Lena. Can you give us an overview of A Heart’s Gift?

Franklin desires an heir but cannot trust his heart to another woman. Lorinda needs to provide for her infant son. A marriage of convenience is the perfect answer until two people from Franklin’s past endanger Lorinda. How can he save her? How will this affect their arrangement?

What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

A Heart’s Gift by Lena Nelson Dooley

That God is always with us, and He’s a present help in our times of need.

Such a rich truth, Lena.

Authors often like a particular part of their book better than other parts. Do you have a favorite thread or section in this book?

I pray a lot while I’m writing any book, and God often gives me new things to include that I hadn’t anticipated. A little over halfway through the book, He began putting hints of suspense into the story. I hadn’t planned for it to be a suspense novel, but that was the most fun thread to write. At one point when I finished a tense scene, I stopped and said, “God what are we going to do now?” I didn’t see any way to get out of mess the characters were in. But He came through with the perfect way.

How do you share Christ in your writing?

I share the truth of Christ woven into the lives of my characters. The mistakes they make, the decisions they make, things like that. I want readers to see something of themselves and their problems in the characters and understand that the Lord loves them the same way.

That’s such a critical part of Christian fiction – helping readers see Christ’s love for them. You seem to enjoy writing. Is there a particular reason?

Because I know God created me to be a writer. He wove it into my DNA. When people are doing what God created them to do, it’s a joy and a blessing.

When did you first recognize God’s call to write for Him?

I’ve always written things. I thought it was part of everyone’s lives. Then in May of 1984, God used events in one week to let me know He had created me to be a writer. If the readers of this blog want to read about that week, they can go to either my website or my blog and click on the About Me page. The testimony of that week’s happenings is there. It’s an interesting story.

What ministries are you involved in, and why?

Part of my personal ministry is mentoring other authors. God placed people in my life along the way who knew what I needed to learn at that specific time. I pledge to be that person when others need what I’ve learned.

At church, I’ve been involved in many ministries over the years. Right now, I’m serving on the altar prayer ministry.

Are there certain books you read for pleasure, perhaps one you are reading right now?

I love reading Christian fiction. Because of my contracted 5-book series, I don’t have as much time to read, but I do read some most evenings. I read every Christian genre, except horror. To me they don’t go together, but they do reach some readers who wouldn’t be reached. The book I just finished is Dead Silence by Robin Caroll, a suspense novel.

Have libraries figured into your life and, if so, can you tell us your favorite library memory?

I was born in the 1940s, and our family was fairly poor. Every Saturday, we went to the county seat and visited the library. We always brought home at least 5-10 books for my brother, my sister, and me to read. Libraries have always been a special place for me. Before I started writing, I volunteered in the local library.

What are your hobbies, activities, or passions outside of writing?

At this point in my life, friends and family are of utmost importance. I love eating lunch with good friends. And James and I especially enjoy spending time with our daughters and their families, which now include eight great-grandchildren.

What a fabulous heritage. Can you tell us about your next project?

A Heart’s Gift takes place in 1890-1891. It’s the first book in my Love’s Road Home series.

A Heart’s Forgiveness takes place in 1893 and is book 2.

A Heart’s Forever Home takes place in 1896, book 3.

A Heart’s Redemption takes place in 1899, book 4.

A Heart’s Honor takes place in 1905, book 5.

The first three books release in 2021, and the last two release in 2022.

Davalynn Spencer

Thank you for sharing with us today, Lena. You are quite a busy lady.

If you would like to read more about Lena Nelson Dooley, particularly that life-changing week in her life, check out Lena’s blog and Lena’s website.

Davalynn Spencer

Davalynn’s website

May all that you read be uplifting.