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Author Mini-view and Giveaway: Bonnie Leon and  "To Dance with Dolphins"

9/8/2015

28 Comments

 
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Author Mini-view:

Hey, everybody! I hope you're having a wonderfully blessed week! I'm thrilled to introduce Bonnie Leon and her new book to you today. (Isn't the cover beautiful!?) Let's get this interview started!


Tell us a bit about yourself and your writing. (How did you get started? How many books have you written? Where are you on your writing journey?)

I’m not one of those writers who always wanted to write. I was nearly forty when the writing bug bit me. In 1990 I felt compelled to write short stories, personal experiences and poems and filled legal pads with my ideas. In May of 1991 I attended my first writing workshop. One of the visiting authors told me I had a unique writing voice and she encouraged me to keep writing. I floated home imagining my soon to come writing career.

The dream was short-lived. Less than a month later my life was altered when the van I was driving was hit by an overturned log truck. I was left with permanent injuries to my spine and with chronic pain. After months of medical testing, evaluation, and physical therapy I was told I’d never fully recover and would not be able to work.

I wallowed in a pit of despair, and then God rescued me and set me on a path of writing. I wrote my first novel in 1992 and it released in 1994. I’ve been writing ever since. Thus far I’ve written twenty-one novels and hope to write many more.


What is your favorite Bible verse?

A favorite Bible verse is like choosing one of my favorite children or grandchildren – impossible. The Bible is alive, a gift from God to humankind. Today a special verse that lifts me up is Isaiah 55: 8, 9. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

It reassures me that even when I don’t “get it” God does. He has a greater plan than even I can imagine.



What have you read lately that you would recommend?


I’ve been reading the Lynn Austen series “Refiners Fire”. I’m half way through book three and have thoroughly enjoyed the series, which takes place during the Civil War. She’s a fabulous writer.



What book are you featuring today?

To Dance With Dolphins is my first contemporary novel. It is a story that has been resting in my heart for many years. I’m thrilled to introduce it to readers. The characters and the tale are real to me.  

This is what it says on the back cover:

Twenty-two-year-old Claire Murray has suffered from a mysterious disease for years. Her social circle has shrunk to a small support group for people with chronic illness and disability. But what if life could be about more than doctors, pain, and medications?

Claire and three others—old grouch Tom, hippy-holdout Willow, and moody Taylor—hatch plans for a cross-country trip to swim with the dolphins in Florida. Only a day into the trip, they unexpectedly need help. And who happens to be hitchhiking along the highway but a young, good-looking loner named Sean Sullivan? However, the last thing he wants is to be harnessed to a bunch of ailing travelers.

Though the journey proves difficult, following God’s plan might be even harder. Will they find the courage to follow their dreams and dare to live again?


If you could tell people who are going to read/have read your books one thing, what would it be?

I appreciate you—I couldn’t do what I do without you. And as I write I pray that you will have a good time, and that you will be encouraged and uplifted.

Author Bio:

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Bonnie Leon is the author of twenty-one novels, including the recently released To Dance With Dolphins, the popular Alaskan Skies and bestselling The Journey of Eleven Moons.

Bonnie’s books are being read internationally and she hears from readers in Australia, Europe, and even Africa.  

She enjoys speaking for women’s groups and teaching at writing seminars and conventions. These days, her time is filled with writing, being a grandmother and relishing precious time with her aged mother.

Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.

You can find Bonnie at

https://www.bonnieleon.com
https://www.facebook.com/BonnieLeonAuthor
https://www.bonnieleon.blogspot.com
https://www.@bonnie_leon
https://www.pinterest.com/bonnieleon/

Giveaway Time!

Bonnie is giving away a paperback copy of "To Dance with Dolphins" to one lucky subscriber! To enter the giveaway, simply fill out the Giveaway Tools form below. Giveaway ends 9/15. Good luck and happy reading!
Entry-Form
28 Comments
Melanie Backus
9/8/2015 08:25:44 pm

Bonnie, I would absolutely love to read your book. Thank you for the opportunity!

Reply
Bonnie Leon link
9/9/2015 12:14:42 am

Melanie, you're welcome. I want as many people as possible too read this story. It is a story of my heart.

Reply
Susan Johnson
9/8/2015 08:26:24 pm

I loved the title of this book before I even read the synopsis. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.

Reply
bonnie leon link
9/9/2015 12:16:35 am

Susan, I love this title too. My agent, Wendy Lawton, is so great with titles. When I told her the story idea, she came up with this title instantly.

Reply
Alaina
9/8/2015 08:47:07 pm

I love the title

Reply
bonnie leon link
9/9/2015 12:17:30 am

I do too, Alaina. My agent created it in a flash of genius. :-)

Reply
Sydney Anderson link
9/8/2015 09:22:25 pm

I love the cover of this novel. Looks like a good one. Thanks for the mini-view and giveaway! :)

Reply
bonnie leon link
9/9/2015 12:18:57 am

Sydney, I think it's a gorgeous cover. Nicole Miller created it. She's a fabulous cover designer.

The picture comes right out of the story - one of my favorite scenes.

Reply
Bonnie Roof
9/9/2015 02:29:47 am

I enjoyed the interview, Bonnie and Anna - thank you!!

I love the story line of 'To Dance With Dolphins', and would love to read it!! It would be especially meaningful, as I am another Bonnie who has chronic pain issues.

Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!!

Reply
Bonnie Leon link
9/9/2015 09:42:26 pm

Bonnie, I'm sorry to hear you live with chronic pain - it's a rough path to walk. How thankful I am to know the Lord helps carry our burdens.

Grace and peace to you.

Reply
Nancy M
9/9/2015 03:07:52 am

Thank you for writing a book about people with chronic pain. I have not seen many of those out there. I suffer from it. Beautiful title and cover.

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Bonnie Leon link
9/9/2015 09:46:41 pm

Nancy, there are many like us, who live with the burden of chronic pain. It is not an easy way to fulfill our days, but life is full of beauty. I pray you will be lifted in the Father's loving hands.

Reply
Tonya Robinette
9/9/2015 05:15:03 am

Great interview. I would love to win this book.

Reply
Bonnie Leon link
9/9/2015 09:47:25 pm

Thank you, Tonya.

God bless.

Reply
Caryl Kane
9/9/2015 05:47:09 am

Hello Bonnie! Thank you for sharing your journey of restoration. This books sounds like a must read for those dealing with chronic issues. I will be recommending this book to my friends. I'm looking forward to reading it.

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Bonnie Leon link
9/9/2015 09:49:29 pm

Caryl, thank you so much. Sharing with friends is a huge help to writers. I hope you enjoy the book.

Reply
Debi Smith
9/9/2015 07:42:56 am

This book sounds awesome. Would love to read it

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Bonnie Leon link
9/9/2015 09:50:15 pm

Wonderful, Deb!

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kim amundsen
9/9/2015 07:47:35 am

Looks like a great read.

Reply
Bonnie Leon link
9/9/2015 09:51:27 pm

That is my prayer, Kim. It is my first contemporary so a new adventure for me.

Reply
Laurie Bergh
9/9/2015 08:36:42 am

Interesting that you started to write at age 40. It was a shame you got hurt and couldn't work but that gave you the chance to write.

Reply
Sally
9/9/2015 08:40:07 am

Bonnie, your physical pain that you have suffered reminds me of my husband's terrible experience at age 19. He was badly hurt when he crashed into a utility pole while riding a motorcycle and nearly lost his life and then later his entire leg. He spent 5 months & 1 week in traction in the hospital. He never gave up & now at age 70 he still keeps going and I admire his courage and strength. He is a godly man, too.

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Karen Hadley link
9/9/2015 09:55:28 am

Beautiful cover. Thank you for sharing your story.

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Joan Arning
9/9/2015 02:26:59 pm

How inspiring that you turned adversity into a new career!

Reply
Tania Nelzy
9/9/2015 02:41:01 pm

This is a very interesting book that sounds like it'll give insight on things not many people speak about. Thank you for giving us a chance to read it. God bless!

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Sonja Nishimoto link
9/9/2015 08:50:12 pm

It was fun getting to read a little about you as well as your writings. I would love to read this and thank you for the nice interview.

Reply
Cherie Kasper
9/10/2015 04:06:00 pm

I have read one of the Lynn Austins books Refiners Fire. I also enjoyed it. I love winning books in contests. I usually review them also. ckasper(49(at)gmail(dot)com

Reply
Diana
9/13/2015 10:28:27 pm

This sounds like a beautiful story with and equally beautiful cover!

Reply



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