Thursday, May 7, 2009

Dreaming with Bonnie Leon - WIN HER NEW BOOK!

It's my pleasure to welcome back today's guest blogger, author Bonnie Leon!



Dreams are funny things. Do you ever wonder where they come from or if they really matter? And if we have a dream what can we do about it? Sometimes we shrug them off as silliness, but there are other moments when we are caught up by the joy and hope held within a dream.

Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Many believe this scripture means we get whatever we want. Of course that can’t be true, because God knows best. He knows the beginning and the end. We do not. However, asking within His will gives us confidence to move forward with assurance. The fulfillment of God’s wish for his child not only offers us joy, but it can change the world.

Sometimes we’re caught up in compelling ideas and expect God to follow us down a path of our own choosing. Wouldn’t it make more sense to dream Godly dreams and then follow Him? To accomplish this we need to be like-minded with the Lord, spend time with Him, intertwine our heart with His, listen to His voice rather than our own, and shut out the squawking of a world that drowns out the words of God.

We all receive God-given dreams. Sometimes we don’t recognize them or we’re afraid of where they might take us. Often fulfilling dreams requires us to step into the unknown, which can be downright scary. Yet, we know that with God all things are possible and that He would never send us out alone. It is true that those who accomplish great things are often the ones who take the greatest risks and trust the most.

When you step into God’s will, be prepared to be dazzled. After all, He is the God of the universe, the one who placed our dreams within us. What a wonder to discover that His will for us is also our dream.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bonnie Leon is the author of fifteen novels, including the popular Queensland Chronicles and the Sydney Cove series and the bestselling Journey of Eleven Moons. She also stays busy speaking for women’s groups and teaching at writing seminars and conventions. Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and four grandchildren.


ABOUT THE BOOK - Enduring Love

Just when things seem to be looking up for John and Hannah Bradshaw, their world is turned upside down.

Years ago, when John was in prison, he was told his first wife, Margaret, died. So how is it that she shows up in Sydney Town looking to pick up where they left off?

Hannah is distraught. Her marriage is now null and void, and she and John feel they must separate to allow John's first marriage to continue.

But is Margaret hiding something? And just what will she do to get what she wants?

The suspenseful, romantic conclusion to the Sydney Cove trilogy.

WIN THE BOOK

If you’d like to be entered to win a copy of Enduring Love, just leave a reply to this blog. I’ll pick a winner at random on May 14th. Please leave an email address so I can contact you if you're the winner. (To prevent spammers from trolling for your email, please use this format with the brackets--you [at] yourmail [dot] com--or something similar.) Good luck!

28 comments:

traveler said...

What a wonderful giveaway. This book appeals to me greatly. The era and the locale of Australia are so interesting. Thanks for this great interview. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

Merry said...

Australia is such an interesting setting, I would love to win Enduring Love. Enjoyable interview!

worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com

Janna said...

What a beautiful cover - I'm really drawn to it!

ryanx6 at msn dot com

Bonnie Leon said...

Hi Traveler and Mez,

Thanks for stopping by.

I knew almost nothing about Australia when I began my first series there, The Queensland Chronicles, but I'm so glad my publisher asked me to write a story planted in Australia. It has layers of interesting history, startling scenery, and its people are to be admired. To settle there and survive, one had to be strong and to stand firm.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

www.bonnieleon.com

Bonnie Leon said...

Hey, Janna.

Thanks. Revell did a fabulous job with the cover. They have been great to work with, allowing me to share in the process.

Blessings,

Bonnie

Helga Marie Bee said...

the book looks beautifuk, please count me in.

QallieQ at gmail dot com

Nade said...

This sounds like one I would enjoy a lot. Thanks for the chance to win one.
Sylvia Gould
nade(@)gorge(.)net

diane said...

I am captivated with this fascinating novel. Your interview was interesting and I enjoy this type of story. The period and setting are my favorite.
rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

Bonnie Leon said...

Helga, I'm with you. I think it's a gorgeous cover. I've heard that from several people. I'll make sure to pass the info onto the Revell art department.

Nade and Diane, I love hearing that people are interested in this type of story. It's my favorite to read and to write.

It will be interesting to see who wins. :-)

Bonnie

www.bonnieleon.com

Linda Strawn said...

Beautiful book--congratulations! I enjoyed reading your blog about dreams. I've had some doozies in my time, and some have even inspired me as a writer.
I'd be honored to be included in your drawing.
lindastrawn[at]yahoo[dot]com

Bonnie Leon said...

Linda,

Thanks for your post. I think dreams are gifts, even the ones that are never fulfilled. The dreaming gives so much pleasure.

And of course doozies that end up in books are especially fun. :-)

Blessings,

Bonnie

Ausjenny said...

Bonnie Thanks for writing about Australia. its a pity more books are not writen about our early history. I would love to read this book. please enter me ausjenny at gmail dot com

anne said...

I am enthralled with this story which is so appealing. I enjoy the era and Australia during this time is fascinating. The interview was enjoyable. bencanada1(at)yahoo(dot)com

Jennifer AlLee said...

Welcome, everyone!

I watched the movie "Australia" earlier this week and it made me even more interested in Bonnie's books. And I agree... the cover is gorgeous!

Patti Lacy said...

Ooh, I loved Bonnie's discussion of dreams. What an interesting post!

Thanks, Bonnie and Jennifer, two GREAT writers!!! Can't wait for your new book, either, Jen!

Patti

Bonnie Leon said...

Jenny, I love writing about Australia! The history and people are fascinating, not to mention the animal life and gorgeous countryside.

Blessings,

Bonnie

Bonnie Leon said...

Anne, I don't dare hope for any one person to win, but I love that the story is enthralling to you. :-)

And Jennifer, I watched the movie Australia a few weeks ago. Love it! I've got to own it. Even with all the research I've done, I learned more and loved the story. They did a fabulous job depicting the aborigine--at least from what research I did. I address the native Australians more in The Queensland Chronicles than the Sydney Cove Series, but find them and their culture absolutely fascinating.

Bonnie

Bonnie Leon said...

Thank you, Patti. Glad you liked the post. :-)

Blessings,

Bonnie

peachykath said...

This book looks really good. Please enter me in the drawing.
Thanks, Katherine

peachykath79[at]yahoo[dot]com

ladybug said...

I'd love a chance to win her book. They've been on my reading list for a long time...

ldneuhof at hotmail dot com

Sherrinda Ketchersid said...

This sounds wonderful! What a compelling storyline! I'd love a chance to win.

sherrinda(at)gmail(dot)com

Bonnie Leon said...

How great to hear from so many of you. I can't wait to see who wins. But then, I'll want to know what you thought. :-)

Bonnie

Keli Gwyn said...

Can't wait to read more of John and Hannah's story and see how they can work through this seemingly impossible situation.

Bonnie Leon said...

Keli, hope you get a chance to read it. I had a great time writing the book. Actually I'm not ready to leave my friends in New South Wales behind, just yet.

Bonnie

windycindy said...

Interesting dilemma in this book's story line! Please count me in.
Many thanks to you!
Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Bonnie Leon said...

Windycindy,

If you get a chance to read the book, hope I manage to keep you guessing about what's going to happen. It was fun, coming up with the plot.

blessings,

Bonnie

Carole said...

I've been wanting to read Bonnie Leon's books and would love to win this one. Thank you for this contest.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Jennifer AlLee said...

And the winner is... Anne! Congrats to you, and thanks to all you lovely ladies for stopping by. I hope to see you again soon :+}