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

6/27/2016

20 Comments

 
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About the book:

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?

Author Mini-view:

Happy last week of June, blog friends! (I can't believe we're halfway through the year already!) Please join me in welcoming the lovely Bonnie Leon to the interview table today. (Doesn't her book sound absolutely amazing?! And that cover... Gorgeous!) Let's get this mini-view 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've been writing and publishing books for more than twenty years. I love the mystery and beauty of creating stories, but what I love most about my life is my family. My husband and I have been married forty-five years. He's a good man. We have three children and seven grandchildren and we've lived in the same small town in Southern Oregon for thirty-six years.

All my growing up years I never imagined myself as a writer, though I loved to read. And then, in late 1989 I was gripped by a compulsion to write and filled up legal pads with poems, personal experiences and short stories. I played at writing until a terrible auto accident in 1991 left me unable to work or to care for my family. God in His mercy led me into writing during a time in my life when I felt I had nothing else to give. It was a whirlwind romance. I wrote my first-ever novel in 1992 and sold it to Thomas Nelson Publishing in 1993, and it published in 1994. I've been writing ever since.

I'm sixty-four now and I've slowed down a bit, but still love to write and have lots of book ideas still percolating in my mind.

I am presently working on a revision of one of my first novels. It is the second revision I've done and I've discovered that revising is much more difficult than creating. In the Land of White Nights will release in August and I am proud of the work and know that it is a much better book with a more satisfying story line. I can't wait for it to release.

What is your favorite Bible verse?

My favorite Bible verses are Isaiah 40:26 - 31. I often go to these verses to remind me of the power and hope that is in my Creator.


What have you read lately that you would recommend?

I recently finished reading A Flight of Arrows by Lori Benton and highly recommend the book. She is one of those writers who is special. I know when I sit down with one of her stories I am going to be carried away and lifted up.

What book are you featuring today?

I had a story, the story of my heart, that weighed on me for years. It was always in the back of my mind, asking me to write it. I wanted to but I was busy, or the time wasn’t right or publishers wanted something else from me. For years I let it go. But it had to be heard and finally I stepped away from everything else and went to work on the story of my heart.

It wasn’t easy. It was contemporary and I’ve always written historical. The characters had to be real and quirky and fun. And the story would reveal my soul. It was risky. But I did it. And I’m hoping you will read the book of my heart. TO DANCE WITH DOLPHINS is the story of a group of friends who have given up on life and set out on a cross country trip hoping to discover there are still hopes and dreams for people like them.

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

My books reveal the heart of people, their strengths and weaknesses, and the power of God who offers hope and change for those who seek Him.

About the Author:

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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 and especially delights in mentoring young authors. 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 seven grandchildren.

You can find Bonnie at:
https://www.bonnieleon.com 
https://www.facebook.com/BonnieLeonAuthor 
https://www.bonnieleon.blogspot.com
Twitter: @bonnie_leon
https://www.pinterest.com/bonnieleon/

Giveaway!

This week, Bonnie is generously giving away a copy of "To Dance With Dolphins" to one of my blog subscribers! (The winner can choose between a paperback copy and e-book copy.) Just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below to enter! (If it doesn't show up in the email, click here and go to http://www.annaweaverbooks.com/giveaways to enter from the website.) Giveaway ends 7/5. Thanks for participating and God bless!
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20 Comments
Melanie Backus
6/28/2016 10:32:12 pm

I am intrigued by this story and would love to read it. Thank you for the opportunity.

Reply
Bonnie Leon link
6/29/2016 12:34:36 am

Hi Melanie.. Thanks so much for joining us. I hope you'll have an opportunity to read To Dance With Dolphins.

Reply
Bonnie Roof
6/28/2016 11:12:14 pm

I enjoyed the interview and love the storyline of 'To Dance With Dolphins'!! I have some serious health issues myself and one thing on my bucket list has always been to see a dolphin up close and touch it. This past May, I was able to do that while in Nassau. Having mobility issues, I was helped down into a tank of water and sat in a wheelchair equipped for the water. The dolphin came up and kissed me on the cheek and I was able to pat it afterwards. After kissing me, the dolphin stood on it's tail, clapped it's fins together and squealed as if so proud of itself. Such incredibly smart creatures!!

Bonnie Leon, thanks so much for the opportunity to win a copy of your book - I'd love to read it!!

Reply
Bonnie Leon link
6/29/2016 12:38:34 am

Hi Bonnie.

My heart is with you in the struggle with your health. I think it's amazing that you got to spend "up close & personal" time with a dolphin. Sounds like you both enjoyed the encounter.

I pray God's blessing on you. Grace and peace to you.

Reply
Penny Marks
6/29/2016 03:35:44 am

Your book sounds inspirational especially for those that have health problems and need to realize a dream. I have always wanted to swim with the Dolphins and hope to someday. Thank you so much for the chance to win a copy of your book.

Reply
Bonnie Leon link
7/1/2016 02:47:33 pm

Hi Penny. I've been on a tight deadline so couldn't get back to you sooner.

I have lived with disability for many years and know how tough it is to hang onto hope and joy. It is possible and I wanted to encourage others who suffer. But the book has something for all readers.

I hope you'll have a chance to read it.

Reply
Jan Hall
6/29/2016 07:18:07 am

My hubby and I both have chronic health issues. We are living our dream on a small lake out in the country. It is hard but we love it. I hope we will have a few more years here. Blessings. Many years ago when I broke my ankle a friend wanted to help me. I kept trying to do things myself. One day she sat me down and asked this question. "Do you like to help people? Does it make you feel good to help people?" I said yes. She said " HOW DARE YOU DENY ME THAT SAME PLEASURE." I couldn't say anything. I will never forget that.

Reply
Bonnie Leon link
7/1/2016 02:49:49 pm

What a beautiful friend you have, Jan.

It has been my dream to live on a lake, have a dock and a boat for fishing. I don't think that will happen for me, but then we can't have everything.

May you and your husband be blessed with many more years in your special place.

Grace and peace to you.

Reply
Lisa Murray
6/29/2016 07:42:25 am

This book sounds amazing!! Thank you for the chance to win it! I also have major health problems and spend most days in bed trying to control the pain. So I read a LOT!! LOL...books are a great way to take your mind off of your own problems.

Reply
Bonnie Leon link
7/1/2016 02:51:41 pm

Dear Lisa, my heart aches for you. I have chronic pain, but most days I am up and about.

I pray you will have many, many good days and that you will be lifted up by the love of the Lord.

Bless you.

Reply
Alison Boss
6/29/2016 09:40:31 am

My daughter loves dolphins so any time I see a book about them, I want to see what the book's about. Dance with the Dolphins sounds like an interesting read! Thank so much for the opportunity of this giveaway!!

Reply
Bonnie Leon link
7/1/2016 02:53:39 pm

Alison, I love dolphins too. They are beautiful, strong and intelligent. I hope that one day your daughter will have a special encounter with dolphins. And that she'll read my book and be blessed by it.

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Sally Davison
6/29/2016 02:21:22 pm

I believe it would take such courage to travel with a group of friends as you did. I'd love to read about your adventures!

Reply
Bonnie Leon link
7/1/2016 02:55:35 pm

Hi Sally.

I didn't live this story, though I have lived with chronic pain for twenty-five years.

The story is fiction, but my husband and I took the trip across country to do research for this book. We had such a fabulous time. I hope we'll get to do it again.

Grace and peace to you.

Reply
Nishimoto link
6/30/2016 06:25:34 pm

What a great storyline! I would love to read this!

Reply
Bonnie Leon link
7/1/2016 02:56:53 pm

Hi Nishimoto. Thank you for leaving a comment. I know I'm prejudice about this book (I wrote it), but I do love the story. I hope you'll read it and love it too.

God bless.

Reply
Lucy Reynolds
6/30/2016 06:55:49 pm

I would love to see a dolphin, but I can't swim, so I would have to watch. Thank you for the chance. God bless.

Reply
Bonnie Leon link
7/1/2016 02:59:03 pm

Hi Lucy.

Thank you for the comment. My husband and I went to a place called Shell Island (it is in the book) and before we even got to the beach, we watched a dolphin very close to our boat.. It was great fun.

Maybe one day you'll get to see one up close.

Many blessings.

Reply
wenona
7/2/2016 09:17:01 am

Looks like a great read! Love the cover! Thanks for a chance to win! Have a blessed day!

Reply
Pat Moore
8/4/2016 07:13:51 pm

If you haven't read any of Bonnie Leon's books then you need to give her a try. I received my first book through Book Club Network and left 5 star reviews. Since then I've bought several of her books and left 5 star reviews on them. Her books will give you a warm, heart tugging feeling. I only give 5 stars when an author touches my heart or the book is page turning suspense. I highly recommend any books by Bonnie Leon. Oh wait - I just saw one I missed. Let me order that one now. God bless & have a wonderful time reading.

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