
I'm excited about your new book. Can you tell us about it and about the one that brought you to write
Finding Jeena?
Post by Miralee Ferrell
Finding Jeena
When I started writing I thought I’d always pursue non-fiction—specifically, true stories from my own experiences that could be translated into life lessons. I’d had a few magazine articles published and a story in Cup of Comfort and felt comfortable with non-fiction. Then, a friend suggested I branch out into fiction as she felt I had the voice for storytelling. I disagreed. I couldn’t imagine creating anything beyond what I knew personally, but she urged me to reconsider, telling me to start with a story based on something I knew.
The Other Daughter was birthed from that conversation. Years earlier a letter for my husband arrived from an 18 year old girl claiming she was his daughter. It was a blow to us both and hard to take in. Prior to getting saved and starting to date me, he’d had a one night encounter with the young woman’s mother and knew it was possible. Once we got used to the idea it could be true, we investigated, and met the girl. Her baby pictures looked eerily similar to our daughter at that age, and her mother agreed to have a blood test to prove paternity. We chose not to go that route, as we felt the girl had been through enough and we decided to acknowledge her as his daughter. Tricia had lived eighteen years not knowing her father and we were willing to fill that empty spot in her life.
That encounter gave me the idea for The Other Daughter, only the girl dropped off on the couple’s doorstep in the book was thirteen, and her mother had recently died. The husband, David, was a Christian and the wife, Susanne, was not, so that was where the similarity ended. There were a number of things that were factual in the story. The two children of David and Susanne were drawn from our children and it was set in the area where we lived. Also, David and Susanne had foster children for years as did we.
I decided to write Finding Jeena about three-quarters of the way through the writing of The Other Daughter. Jeena is a friend of Susanne’s who thinks she’s looking out for her interests by urging Susanne to leave David due to what she sees as his betrayal and dishonesty. Jeena means well, but she comes across as bossy and controlling, and she’s very antagonistic to anything Christian. Jeena demanded I tell her story. She didn’t want readers to judge her without understanding who she was, and why.
So, Finding Jeena hit the shelves two years later and readers can finally discover what made Jeena react the way she does. I think they’ll be surprised at some of the answers they find, and maybe learn a little about themselves and their own judgments, as well. I hope they’ll be ministered to and entertained for at least a few hours as they go on a roller-coaster journey with Jeena.
Please check your junk mail on and the day after the drawing. I've had to redraw before because of no responses. Subject box will have: winner of (book title). US shipping only. Thanks so much and please stop back again!
I would love to be entered to win Finding Jeena. The book looks like a good one. I haven't read The Other Daughter and it is now on my list of books I want to get. Thanks for the chance to win this book!
ReplyDeletepbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Please enter me in the drawing! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Kim
lonebanana(at)msn(dot)com
Add me to the giveaway also. It sounds like a great book. I hadn't heard of the other book, so will need to get that one. Please enter me. Thanks.
ReplyDeletedesertrose5173 at gmail dot com
Hi Ruby, I'm tickled you're interested in buying The Other Daughter. It still gets good reviews and you can find it on Amazon or Christianbook.com, or order it in any book store. I'd love to hear your thoughts if you end up getting it!
ReplyDeleteKim, It's nice to see you here. I've noticed you entering several of my drawings. I hope you win one of my books!
Carmen, Bless you for your interest in both of my books. I'm thrilled to meet you here, as well.
Miralee
Gals, just a quick note. Debbie added a bit of info after you entered. If you become a follower of my blog as well as Debbie's (be sure you mention that you did) you get to be entered in the contest twice. You can find my blog at www.miraleesdesk.blogspot.com. As an added bonus, I'm also doing a drawing there for this same book, so hop on over!
ReplyDeleteMiralee
Greetings,
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book.
I'm a follower of this blog and also Miralee's. I've signed up to win this book at both blogs so hopeful I will get a chance.
Have a super day,
Trinity Rose
wandaelaine at gmail dot com
Please follow my blog also
http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/
wow. knowing what I know about this book and its prequel makes me want not only to read it, but pass it along to my friends. Sounds like the Lord has brought you on an exciting journey.
ReplyDeleteI can say that Miralee is a talented and touching author, having read her book Love Finds you in Bridal Veil, Oregon. She has a great grasp of character and motivation, and weaves a tale with finesse.
Thanks for featuring Miralee, Debbie Lynne. Great post.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed The Other Daughter, so I'm sure Miralee's done a fantastic job with Finding Jeena, too. She a wonderful writer who deals with delicate subjects honestly. No paper doll characters here.
ReplyDeleteThanks for telling us about her new book, Debbie Lynne!
I would love to be entered into the giveaway! I found my way on here through Christian Book Giveaways. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteGod bless~
Katie G.
I read The Other Daughter last year and loved it. The family drama is my favorite genre and I'm so glad you wrote a sequel, Miralee. I appreciate the chance to win a copy of Finding Jeena.
ReplyDeleteI follow both of your blogs.
cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net
Both of those books look really good!
ReplyDeleteparisakins@gmail.com
It's wonderful to see some familiar names as well as meeting new readers. Thank you all for stopping by, and thank you especially to those who read and commented on The Other Daughter.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Miralee
Please add me to win this book! I have mot read the other daughter but they both sound wonderful! Thank you so much for the chance to win!:)
ReplyDeletelindseypa89(at)yahoo(dot)com
thanks for the opportunity to read this fabulous book :)
ReplyDeletekarenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
I enjoyed reading the stories behind Miralee's books.
ReplyDeletejulesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love to win Finding Jeena. I am a follower of MiraLee as well as a follower of this blog.
ReplyDeleteSmiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com
Sounds like a great book! Please enter me in th egiveaway.
ReplyDeleteseizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com
Please enter me in the contest.
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Esther
estherym@yahoo.com
p/s Carman sent me
I am a follower of both blogs! I'd love a chance to win this book! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteinspiredbyfiction[at]gmail[dot]com
This sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
I follow both blogs
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Found out about this giveaway over at Carman's blog. Please sign me up this looks like an interesting book.
ReplyDeleteDeborah M.
debbiejeanm[at]gmail[dot]com
Hi DebbieLynne,
ReplyDeleteSorry for the extremely late thank you!!
I received my book and enjoyed reading it too...
Stay blessed...