Today I'm SO excited to be hosting Cara Putman and Melanie Dobson on their blog tour. These two ladies are not only special to the hearts of many of us writers, but they are also phenomenal authors. So without further adieu, please welcome Cara and Melanie. Giveaway details are below.

Mackinac Island. It’s a magical place that allows you to step back in time from the moment you first step off the ferry. Authors Cara Putman and Melanie Dobson have teamed up for a tour of the island, now and then. Comment at each stop for a chance to win a copy of one of their books set on Mackinac Island. You’ll find the list of stops here. Share the tour on twitter, Facebook, pinterest and other places, and you’ll gain extra entries for the grand prize of a copy of each of their books and a 5 slice box of Murdick’s Fudge, straight from Mackinac Island. Just be sure to email Cara at cara@caraputman.com, so she can record your entries. The grand prize winner will be drawn August 27, 2012.
Cara Putman: A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island
The draw that pulls my heroine Alanna to return to Mackinac
Island is helping her parents keep their art studio open. Several shops on the
island display art and photos created by local and regional authors. That
served as the impetus for me to create the Painted Stone studio. The island is
a place that inspires photos that show the blue sky reflected off the lake in
contrast to the grass and quaint shops and Victorian homes. It’s hard not to
shoot tons of photos under a cloudless sky.
The island has drawn artists and writers from its earliest days. There are several shops that highlight local artists. And the plaque pictured to the right is in memory of Constance Fenimore Woolson, an early American writer who loved the island. Is it any wonder we were drawn to the island as a setting for our stories?
A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island: Join attorney Alanna Stone as she returns home despite her determination to never set foot on Mackinac Island again. Once again in close proximity to Jonathan Covington, her first love, she vows to protect her privacy and her heart from the man who still makes her pulse race. But when her worst fears are realized and history repeats itself—landing her in the midst of a murder investigation—Jonathan may be her only hope. Will they be able to lay aside the past and let God heal their hearts, or will reconciliation come too late? Read the first chapter here.
Love Finds You on Mackinac Island: As the Gilded Age comes to a close, Elena Bissette’s family has lost most of its fortune. The Bissettes still own a home on fashionable Mackinac Island, and they spend summers there in hopes of introducing Elena to a wealthy suitor. Quickly tiring of the extravagant balls at the Grand Hotel, she spends her days walking along the island’s rugged coastline. There she meets Chase, a handsome laborer who invites her to watch the ships from an abandoned lighthouse. The two begin to meet there in secret, hoping to solve a mystery buried in the pages of a tattered diary. As Elena falls in love with Chase, her mother relentlessly contrives to introduce her to Chester Darrington, the island's most eligible bachelor. Marriage to the elusive millionaire would solve the Bissettes' financial woes, and Elena is torn between duty and love.
Read the first chapter here.
GIVEAWAY! To be eligible for this giveaway, simply leave a comment below telling us why you think Mackinac Island sounds like a cool place. Cara and Melanie will round up all the comments at the end of their tour and do a random drawing for the winner's choice of any of their books. Sounds like a sweet deal to me! So get chatty, and good luck!
Wednesday
Mackinac Island GIVEAWAY!
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My family vacationed on Mackinac Island when I was a girl and we had so much fun riding bikes around the island (you totally have to ride to work off all the fudge calories!)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the fudge, Veronica! I felt that same way in Savannah, Georgia! Sounds like fun.
DeleteI loved visiting Mackinac Island years ago, and these books could take me back!
ReplyDeleteKaren Schulz
aregeetee5162 at yahoo dot com
Thanks for entering, Karen! The books really do take you there, too! I've never been, but now that I've read Cara's, I kind of feel like I've actually seen Mackinac. Good luck!
Deletethanks Ashley for sharing on your blog today, this is so neat learning all the things about this island, have always thought it would be nice to visit and like the idea accessible only by ferry.
ReplyDeleteI am definately going to read the books and travel there in my mind...
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
Isn't the ferry thing neat, Paula? Thanks for entering! Hope you have a great day!
DeleteAshley, thanks so much for hosting us. Can't wait to see you soon at ACFW!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to do it, Cara! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI've never been there, but it sounds a bit similar to Catalina Island off the coast of California (which is awesome!). I'd definitely be up for trying it for a vacation someday.
ReplyDeleteOhhh, Catalina Island is supposed to be awesome. Have you been there Lindsay?
DeleteCatalina is on my list...someday!
DeleteOh, I loved Catalina too! I tried scuba diving for the first time there and got to stay in the house of Zane Grey (now an inn). It's definitely a good place to write. :)
DeleteI love local artists work, anywhere they are, but they sound special on the Island.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Cherie!
DeleteWouldn't let me reply above, but yes, Catalina actually holds some great memories. My family spent a whole week there the summer before I left for college. It was the last family vacation we took before my mom passed away, and she was healthy the whole time. God was really good. I'd love to go back someday with my husband and kids (whenever we have some, lol). It's just such a cute little place and so peaceful.
ReplyDeleteLindsay, sounds like very special memories!
DeleteI know for a fact that Mackinac Island is a cool place because I have been there! I do imagine though a lot has been changed. I was there in the 1990's. I do remember their yummy fudge though. It is hard to beat!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy sweetpea.judy(at)yahoo(dot)com
Sounds like you had a great trip, Judy! I bet the fudge is still just as good! :) thanks for stopping by today... Good luck in the contest!
DeleteMy husband just showed me the latest charts from the FAA - they lost Mackinac Island! So glad Cara and Melanie found it!
ReplyDeleteHa!
DeleteThat's hilarious! My plane couldn't find the airport closest to it either. We had to land in Saginaw and they bussed us over. :)
DeleteThat is hilarious! I guess that's why we always drive!
DeleteBoth these books are ones I'd love to read. The setting of Mackinac Island is rather unique. Thanks for the chance to win the books and fudge.
ReplyDeletepmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Thanks for entering the contest, Pam! Good luck!
DeleteThe quietness of the island. Reminds me of Cana Island in Wisconsin where we went across on our honeymoon ~*~ rather I did, wading through the icy cold low tide, realizing I only had 2-3 photos left in my camera to take a photo of the lighthouse!
ReplyDeleteI would like to be included for Melanie's book, please! I have Cara's. Thanks, Kathleen
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
We used to vacation in Wisconsin when I was young (and living in Chicago) but I've never heard of Cana Island. It sounds wonderful! Thank you so much for touring with us!!
DeleteI'll have to check out Cana Island. It sounds like a great escape!
DeleteDoor County at the tip. I notice now there is a charge to enter the Island but includes entrance to the lighthouse and light keeper's home. http://www.dcmm.org/cana-island-lighthouse/
DeleteThat does sound like such an interesting place! Thanks for entering the contest and stopping by!
DeleteThat is so neat! I'll have to check it out. Haven't been to Door County yet, but it's been on my list. Now I have another reason to go.
DeleteFrom what I've seen/read on this blog tour, it seems like the perfect place for an artist or writer to explore his/her creativity.
ReplyDeleteIt really is, Laura. I think that's why I love returning. I feel energized after spending even a day there.
DeleteThat's a great way to describe it! I love artsy places!
DeleteThanks so much for hosting us, Ashley! I hope to see you at ACFW too!!
ReplyDeleteYou bet, Melanie! I was thrilled to do it'
DeleteHow wonderful to pair to books that take place at one of Michigan's finest spots -- Mackinac Island. I have found memories of it from frowing up in the Detroit area, though I now live in the South. Just thinking about it brings back the memories of those fudge samples! YMMM!
ReplyDeleteFudge samples... Yum!!!
DeleteThe fact that there are no cars, so much history, and that it's an island with awesome scenery! I think that just being able to spend some time there would be so cool!
ReplyDeletejennydtipton[at]gmail[dot]com
I think that's the appeal. It's just different. And who doesn't like that?
DeleteAgreed! The no cars thing is really appealing!
Deletesounds like a romantic place that is laid back thanks for chance to win
ReplyDeleteABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Sure! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteWhat fun stores to visit.
ReplyDeletebn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
I think its because of the imaginary people we read about on this island...maybe I'll bump into some of them!
ReplyDelete