Bonnie Leon's Blog
August 5, 2022
New Book
I've been gone a while. I guess I got distracted by COVID. But I'm back now. And I have a new book. The title is Valley Melodies and it is the sequel to One Hundred Valleys.
Here's the back cover.
Is love enough to overcome the tragedies and hardships thrown at them?
In the spring of 1856, Emmalin Hammond decides the Oregon Territory is not the place for her and chooses to return to her Philadelphia home. But mountain man, Jacob Landon, has other ideas. With an unexpected profession of love, he asks her to marry him and share his life in the Oregon wilderness.
Before they can marry, a string of misfortunes tests her desire to step into the role of a pioneer woman. Though determined, Emmalin soon recognizes she may be deceiving herself. Is the life she’s chosen out of reach?
This story takes place in my hometown. The place and characters are close to my hear. I hope you'll give it a try. And I hope you enjoy it.
Here's the back cover.
Is love enough to overcome the tragedies and hardships thrown at them?
In the spring of 1856, Emmalin Hammond decides the Oregon Territory is not the place for her and chooses to return to her Philadelphia home. But mountain man, Jacob Landon, has other ideas. With an unexpected profession of love, he asks her to marry him and share his life in the Oregon wilderness.
Before they can marry, a string of misfortunes tests her desire to step into the role of a pioneer woman. Though determined, Emmalin soon recognizes she may be deceiving herself. Is the life she’s chosen out of reach?
This story takes place in my hometown. The place and characters are close to my hear. I hope you'll give it a try. And I hope you enjoy it.
June 5, 2020
I Didn't Give Up
In early 2017 I discovered I had an eye condition, MacTel 2, that would gradually steal my central vision. It took a while for the doctor's diagnosis to set in. When it did I realized the day was coming when I would no longer be able to see. That was a scary moment. I struggled with fear and with the what if's of my life. Often, I was close to tears, wondering what I would do when I could no longer see. What did my future hold for me?
After much prayer and soul searching I decided I needed to move on from writing and in May 2017 I announced my retirement. As I unsuccessfully tried to release my love of story-telling, God spoke to me. "Not yet," he said. "Maybe not ever."
Really? But how could I write if I couldn't see? I set out to find the answer and discovered it was possible. And then I asked myself, "What if I can still see in five years?" Hmm. The answer - I might have written several more books. So, why was I in such a hurry to retire?
Fear should never be the voice we listen to when making such decisions.
I went back to work.
With renewed enthusiasm I dove into a new historical romance that takes place in my part of the world, Southern Oregon. With poor eyesight it was more difficult to work, but not impossible. And after many months I'd written a new story.
I am so glad I didn't give up because today I am here announcing the birth of my book baby, One Hundred Valleys.
I am still seeing ... not so well, but enough. Some of the things I feared have come to pass ... like not being able to drive, depending on others more, struggling to read. Sometimes grocery shopping can get interesting. But I'm managing. And as much as I wish I weren't dealing with this inconvenience, I accept God's plan for my life. There is no better place to be than in the midst of His will.
Sometimes I complain and I am not fearless, but I have much to be thankful for. I still see the beauty in the world around me. I have many friends and family who love me and have come alongside to help. I have a wonderful husband who does all he can to make my life easier.
AND I HAVE A NEW BOOK!
IT RELEASED MARCH 15, 2020.
When I decided to return to writing, the words from a movie called Secretariat inspired me. Penny Chenery Tweedy stands up to people who tell her to sell Secretariat, thinking her foolish to keep the horse. She says, her father's legacy to her is not about money, then goes on to say, "You must have the will to win if you can and live with it if you can't. It's about life being ahead of you and you run at it because you never know how far you can go unless you run."
I don't know how far I can go, but I'm running and will keep on as long as I am able.
I am already in the midst of a new book. I hope you will give my novel, One Hundred Valleys a try. And I pray it will be a blessing to you.
Grace and peace to you from God,
Bonnie
You can order One Hundred Valleys at ...
https://amzn.to/2Qhyi2O
http://bit.ly/2v4JFng
After much prayer and soul searching I decided I needed to move on from writing and in May 2017 I announced my retirement. As I unsuccessfully tried to release my love of story-telling, God spoke to me. "Not yet," he said. "Maybe not ever."
Really? But how could I write if I couldn't see? I set out to find the answer and discovered it was possible. And then I asked myself, "What if I can still see in five years?" Hmm. The answer - I might have written several more books. So, why was I in such a hurry to retire?
Fear should never be the voice we listen to when making such decisions.
I went back to work.
With renewed enthusiasm I dove into a new historical romance that takes place in my part of the world, Southern Oregon. With poor eyesight it was more difficult to work, but not impossible. And after many months I'd written a new story.
I am so glad I didn't give up because today I am here announcing the birth of my book baby, One Hundred Valleys.
I am still seeing ... not so well, but enough. Some of the things I feared have come to pass ... like not being able to drive, depending on others more, struggling to read. Sometimes grocery shopping can get interesting. But I'm managing. And as much as I wish I weren't dealing with this inconvenience, I accept God's plan for my life. There is no better place to be than in the midst of His will.
Sometimes I complain and I am not fearless, but I have much to be thankful for. I still see the beauty in the world around me. I have many friends and family who love me and have come alongside to help. I have a wonderful husband who does all he can to make my life easier.
AND I HAVE A NEW BOOK!
IT RELEASED MARCH 15, 2020.
When I decided to return to writing, the words from a movie called Secretariat inspired me. Penny Chenery Tweedy stands up to people who tell her to sell Secretariat, thinking her foolish to keep the horse. She says, her father's legacy to her is not about money, then goes on to say, "You must have the will to win if you can and live with it if you can't. It's about life being ahead of you and you run at it because you never know how far you can go unless you run."
I don't know how far I can go, but I'm running and will keep on as long as I am able.
I am already in the midst of a new book. I hope you will give my novel, One Hundred Valleys a try. And I pray it will be a blessing to you.
Grace and peace to you from God,
Bonnie
You can order One Hundred Valleys at ...
https://amzn.to/2Qhyi2O
http://bit.ly/2v4JFng
May 1, 2017
NEW BOOK JUST RELEASED
I have a new book out! Return to the Misty Shore just released. It's the third book in my Northern Lights series.
Here's a little about it:
In the spring of 1885, Luba Engstrom meets Nicholas Matroona, a strong, brooding Native from the island of Unalaska. Against her parents’ wishes, she elopes, believing love will be enough to bridge the gap between the civilized world of Juneau and the primitive culture of Nicholas’s small village.
After all, before Luba was born, her mother lived on a wild Alaskan island until she was forced to leave when a tsunami destroyed her people. But from the moment Luba arrives at Nicholas’s home, she struggles to adapt and learn the village ways.
Will the conflict between her husband’s belief in ancient gods and her faith in Jesus Christ the Redeemer destroy Luba and Nicholas’s relationship?
http://amzn.to/2pCjQT3
Here's a little about it:
In the spring of 1885, Luba Engstrom meets Nicholas Matroona, a strong, brooding Native from the island of Unalaska. Against her parents’ wishes, she elopes, believing love will be enough to bridge the gap between the civilized world of Juneau and the primitive culture of Nicholas’s small village.
After all, before Luba was born, her mother lived on a wild Alaskan island until she was forced to leave when a tsunami destroyed her people. But from the moment Luba arrives at Nicholas’s home, she struggles to adapt and learn the village ways.
Will the conflict between her husband’s belief in ancient gods and her faith in Jesus Christ the Redeemer destroy Luba and Nicholas’s relationship?
http://amzn.to/2pCjQT3
August 7, 2016
In the Land of White Nights
My new novel, In the Land of White Nights, is now available online!
In this sequel to The Journey of Eleven Moons, Anna and Erik set sail for Sitka and embark on another Alaskan adventure. During the gold rush of the nineteenth century, they carve out a new life together in Southeast Alaska.
Anna stands strong against the adversities of the new land with its unfamiliar culture and fearsome challenges. She fights her fears, the prejudice of others and discovers joy as well as heartache in the Alaskan wilderness.
When forced to move north and begin again, Anna refuses to give up. She is resolute, allowing nothing to stand in the way of her family’s happiness. But will Erik’s love of gold put all they’ve worked so hard for in jeopardy?
http://amzn.to/2aXZ7pk
In this sequel to The Journey of Eleven Moons, Anna and Erik set sail for Sitka and embark on another Alaskan adventure. During the gold rush of the nineteenth century, they carve out a new life together in Southeast Alaska.
Anna stands strong against the adversities of the new land with its unfamiliar culture and fearsome challenges. She fights her fears, the prejudice of others and discovers joy as well as heartache in the Alaskan wilderness.
When forced to move north and begin again, Anna refuses to give up. She is resolute, allowing nothing to stand in the way of her family’s happiness. But will Erik’s love of gold put all they’ve worked so hard for in jeopardy?
http://amzn.to/2aXZ7pk
July 19, 2016
BOOK RELEASE!
The twentieth anniversary revised edition of IN THE LAND OF WHITE NIGHTS. is n ow available for pre-order at a special discounted price!
Anna or rivers of gold--which will captivate his heart?
The lure of the nineteenth-century gold rush calls to Erik, a civil-war veteran. He and Anna, his Aleutian bride, set sail for a new life together in Sitka.
Anna stands strong against the adversities of the new land with its unfamiliar culture and fearsome challenges. She fights her fears and the prejudice of others, while growing her newfound faith in the white man’s God.
When forced to move farther north and begin again, Anna refuses to give up, allowing nothing to stand in the way of her family’s happiness. They discover joy as well as heartache in the Alaskan wilderness. But will Erik’s love of gold put all they’ve worked so hard for in jeopardy?
http://amzn.to/2a7Vawk
Anna or rivers of gold--which will captivate his heart?
The lure of the nineteenth-century gold rush calls to Erik, a civil-war veteran. He and Anna, his Aleutian bride, set sail for a new life together in Sitka.
Anna stands strong against the adversities of the new land with its unfamiliar culture and fearsome challenges. She fights her fears and the prejudice of others, while growing her newfound faith in the white man’s God.
When forced to move farther north and begin again, Anna refuses to give up, allowing nothing to stand in the way of her family’s happiness. They discover joy as well as heartache in the Alaskan wilderness. But will Erik’s love of gold put all they’ve worked so hard for in jeopardy?
http://amzn.to/2a7Vawk
June 11, 2016
For Writers & Everyone Else
I'm pretty sure writers will understand this post, and I think everyone else will too.
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. The characters had to be real and quirky and fun. They were together in most scenes. Research required a cross country trip. The book was contemporary and all I'd written was historical. It was personal and revealed my soul. It was risky. And I had to get it right.
I did it. And I felt good about that book.
To Dance with Dolphins
To Dance With Dolphins is the story I had to tell. It's a good story. But it's not one that at first glance is appealing to the masses. It's about people, young and old who live with mental and physical illness. They are real, they are people who suffer like so many of us do.
So, why would anyone want to spend time with characters who suffer? Read an entire book about people who fight just to get out of bed in the morning?
If sales say anything about readers, my guess is that most people don't want to spend more time where they already live. Only, they'd be wrong if they think that's all this book is about. The journey my characters take across this amazing country called America is one we should all take. It's a place to discover who we are, why we're here, and to realize there is so much to hope for and that exuberant joy exists even for the afflicted.
We all experience physical or emotional obstacles. After living with chronic pain for twenty-five years, one thing I know is that everyone has stuff. We all walk through valleys, some of them terrifying and dark, but nevertheless we walk through ... one step at a time. We also climb mountains and stand on summits and gaze at amazing vistas that make us cry because we can't believe something so beautiful even exists. We give and receive love and devotion that reminds us that goodness still flourishes on this planet where we live. And there are troubles we think we will never overcome and then we do.
We try to ignore the places we don't want to think about. The "what ifs" of life. Where there are no winners. Where our bones and souls are crushed - where God meets us. He reaches down and lifts us up, pulls us into His arms, presses us against His heart and wipes away our tears.
How extraordinary it is when we realize that with the Lord there are no losers. Whether in this life or the next, His children win.
I wrote To Dance With Dolphins because I had to. It is a story for those who have no hope. It is a place where they may find it. And for those who stand alongside the suffering I pray it will give you strength.
Mostly it is not about suffering. It is about living and discovering love, joy, and hope. It is the story of my heart, the one I had to tell. I want people to read it. I pray people will read it.
Grace and peace to you from God,
Bonnie
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. The characters had to be real and quirky and fun. They were together in most scenes. Research required a cross country trip. The book was contemporary and all I'd written was historical. It was personal and revealed my soul. It was risky. And I had to get it right.
I did it. And I felt good about that book.
To Dance with Dolphins
To Dance With Dolphins is the story I had to tell. It's a good story. But it's not one that at first glance is appealing to the masses. It's about people, young and old who live with mental and physical illness. They are real, they are people who suffer like so many of us do.
So, why would anyone want to spend time with characters who suffer? Read an entire book about people who fight just to get out of bed in the morning?
If sales say anything about readers, my guess is that most people don't want to spend more time where they already live. Only, they'd be wrong if they think that's all this book is about. The journey my characters take across this amazing country called America is one we should all take. It's a place to discover who we are, why we're here, and to realize there is so much to hope for and that exuberant joy exists even for the afflicted.
We all experience physical or emotional obstacles. After living with chronic pain for twenty-five years, one thing I know is that everyone has stuff. We all walk through valleys, some of them terrifying and dark, but nevertheless we walk through ... one step at a time. We also climb mountains and stand on summits and gaze at amazing vistas that make us cry because we can't believe something so beautiful even exists. We give and receive love and devotion that reminds us that goodness still flourishes on this planet where we live. And there are troubles we think we will never overcome and then we do.
We try to ignore the places we don't want to think about. The "what ifs" of life. Where there are no winners. Where our bones and souls are crushed - where God meets us. He reaches down and lifts us up, pulls us into His arms, presses us against His heart and wipes away our tears.
How extraordinary it is when we realize that with the Lord there are no losers. Whether in this life or the next, His children win.
I wrote To Dance With Dolphins because I had to. It is a story for those who have no hope. It is a place where they may find it. And for those who stand alongside the suffering I pray it will give you strength.
Mostly it is not about suffering. It is about living and discovering love, joy, and hope. It is the story of my heart, the one I had to tell. I want people to read it. I pray people will read it.
Grace and peace to you from God,
Bonnie
December 18, 2015
Christmas Sales
FABULOUS SALES FROM ASHBERRRY LANE PUBLISHIING!
http://ashberrylane.com
Until January 24 Ashberry Lane is running special prices on books from authors,
Sara Davison
Samuel Hall
Camille Eide
Susan Mass
Diane Price
Angela Ruth Price
Bonnie Leon.
I have three ebooks discounted on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Books make great Christmas gift and it’s the perfect time to try something new.
To Dance With Dolphins - 0.99 http://amzn.to/1Yl7U2c
The Journey of Eleven Moons – 0.99 http://amzn.to/1Owytwh
To Love Anew – 0.00 http://amzn.to/1RSoFlE
http://ashberrylane.com
Until January 24 Ashberry Lane is running special prices on books from authors,
Sara Davison
Samuel Hall
Camille Eide
Susan Mass
Diane Price
Angela Ruth Price
Bonnie Leon.
I have three ebooks discounted on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Books make great Christmas gift and it’s the perfect time to try something new.
To Dance With Dolphins - 0.99 http://amzn.to/1Yl7U2c
The Journey of Eleven Moons – 0.99 http://amzn.to/1Owytwh
To Love Anew – 0.00 http://amzn.to/1RSoFlE
November 29, 2015
Christmas Book Giveaway
Stop in at my blog - http://bonnieleon.blogspot.com/2015/1...
Books make great Christmas gifts. I have a new summer release, To Dance With Dolphins, that would love to have a place underneath your Christmas tree.
I'll be posting excerpts on my blog until December 10th, just to give you a glimpse into the story and its interesting characters. I'll also have a Christmas drawing. Each day I leave a story excerpt I'll also post a question and if you answer the question or leave a comment, you'll automatically be entered in the drawing on December 11th. I'll be giving away a complete set of The Alaskan Skies Series or Sydney Cove series. Your choice. - See more at: http://bonnieleon.blogspot.com/2015/1...
Books make great Christmas gifts. I have a new summer release, To Dance With Dolphins, that would love to have a place underneath your Christmas tree.
I'll be posting excerpts on my blog until December 10th, just to give you a glimpse into the story and its interesting characters. I'll also have a Christmas drawing. Each day I leave a story excerpt I'll also post a question and if you answer the question or leave a comment, you'll automatically be entered in the drawing on December 11th. I'll be giving away a complete set of The Alaskan Skies Series or Sydney Cove series. Your choice. - See more at: http://bonnieleon.blogspot.com/2015/1...
November 12, 2015
BIG NEWS!
I was notified today that my new novel, TO DANCE WITH DOLPHINS has been nominated for a RT Reviewers Choice Award!
Incredibly excited. And honored to have been chosen to be included in the best of the best.
Wow!
Incredibly excited. And honored to have been chosen to be included in the best of the best.
Wow!
October 15, 2015
To Dance With Dolphins, the movie.
JUST FOR FUN.
I've been told To Dance With Dolphins would make a great movie. I agree! And I'm already thinking about actors who will bring the characters to life.
I'd like to hear from readers. Who do you think should be cast as -
Claire
Sean
Willow
Tom
Taylor
Can't wait to see what you come up with.
And here's to hoping that one day To Dance With Dolphins is seen on the "big screen".
I've been told To Dance With Dolphins would make a great movie. I agree! And I'm already thinking about actors who will bring the characters to life.
I'd like to hear from readers. Who do you think should be cast as -
Claire
Sean
Willow
Tom
Taylor
Can't wait to see what you come up with.
And here's to hoping that one day To Dance With Dolphins is seen on the "big screen".
