Dangerous Passage: Behind the Scenes

If you're interested in the inspiration behind a book, here is a video I recently put together where I share some of the background behind Dangerous Passage. Just press on the video below to watch.

And don't forget that book two in the Southern Crimes series, Fatal Exchange, is now available for pre-order and releases in just a few short weeks!













Behind the Scenes: Dangerous Passage from Lisa Harris on Vimeo.

Return to Maria's Village

A few months ago, I shared about a trip to a village that seemed to be 'at the ends of the earth.' If you missed that video, you can watch it here. Here is a second video when the disciples more recently returned to Maria's village. Push on the arrow to watch the video below.

Return to Maria's village English from Lisa Harris on Vimeo.

Introducing Lynne Gentry with a giveaway!

 

 A 21st century doctor dropped into a 3rd century plague. . .

If that doesn't grab your attention, I don't know what will! I'm so excited to share with you a brand new series by author and my close friend, Lynne Gentry. The first book in The Carthage Chronicles,  Healer of Carthage, has just been released.

I was honored to be able to endorse this story and read it early on. Lynne has incredible talent as an author, and if you love adventure, time travel, history, and a strong heroine, you'll love this story.






Watch this short video, and learn the background to this series.



Here's the blurb from the back cover:

A twenty-first-century doctor. A third-century plague. A love out of time.

First-year resident Dr. Lisbeth Hastings is too busy to take her father’s bizarre summons seriously. But when a tragic mistake puts her career in jeopardy, answering her father’s call seems her only hope of redeeming the devastating failure that her life has become.

While exploring the haunting cave at her father’s archaeological dig, Lisbeth falls through a hidden hole, awakening to find herself the object of a slave auction and the ruins of Roman Carthage inexplicably restored to a thriving metropolis. Is it possible that she’s traveled back in time, and, if so, how can she find her way back home?

Cyprian Thascius believes God called him to rescue the mysterious woman from the slave trader’s cell. What he doesn’t understand is why saving the church of his newfound faith requires him to love a woman whose peculiar ways could get him killed. But who is he to question God?

As their different worlds collide, it sparks an intense attraction that unites Lisbeth and Cyprian in a battle against a deadly epidemic. Even as they confront persecution, uncover buried secrets, and ignite the beginnings of a medical revolution, Roman wrath threatens to separate them forever. Can they find their way to each other through all these obstacles? Or are the eighteen hundred years between them too far of a leap?

GIVEAWAY!: Lynne has graciously offered to give away this beautiful perfume decanter to one winner on this blog. Please leave a comment on this blog post as well as a way to contact you for a chance to win in this random draw. US addresses only please. Giveaway closes Saturday March 15th at 11:59 pm PST.

To learn more about Lynne and her new series please visit her website.

Happy reading!

Lisa 




Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

Catching up. . .With a giveaway!

So much has happened since the first of the year, I feel as if I'm constantly playing catch up in order to get everything done. And somehow, we're already into March! I thought I'd share a few recent photos below as I catch up on my blog.

First though, here's a quick writing update:

I'm so excited about the release of Deadly Safari, my latest romantic suspense from LIS. It's available now at Amazon and other online retailers. This book is set in South Africa and was one I had so much fun writing! Leave a comment and a way to contact me, and I'll draw one winner to receive a copy. If you live in the US, a paperback, or an ebook copy if you live outside the US. Giveaway will end Sunday night at midnight, PST.

I'm also thrilled announce that I just sold another three book series to Revell. I'm really excited about writing another romantic suspense series. More details to come!

Lastly, on Monday, I will be sharing with you a video interview with a close friend of mine, Lynne Gentry, whose incredible book, Healer of Carthage, has just been released. She will be giving away a perfume decanter to a US reader.

Be blessed,  Lisa

The ECHO Project has been able to continue helping a number of people recently,
 including eye glasses for a young student, monthly food gifts for orphans,
and the hook up of water for a small community.

We have had a number of baptisms over the past few weeks, both
in the village and in town. We are excited about 3-4 more this Sunday.

We were able to spend ten days in Kenya with the boys and had a fantastic time.
The parents of the junior class were all invited to help work on the banquet given for the seniors.
One of the highlights for me was hanging out with the boys and watching them play basketball.

Gabriel and his girlfriend, Njema ready for the banquet.

Mariah posing with her big brother.

So thankful to be together as a family again!

For the giveaway: Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

Being light in a dark world

We are currently in Kenya, spending a week with our boys at school. It's a special time for the parents of juniors to help out with this weekend's banquet for the senior class. And yes, I'm enjoying every minute of it! I'll post photos later, but for now, I want to share a powerful video I recently put together of one of our young men sharing his testimony.

New Project 11 - Medium from Lisa Harris on Vimeo.

Ten Years in Africa (with a video)

To be honest, I'm not sure where the last month has gone! It's hard to believe that not only has a new year year come, but the first month is almost over.

We enjoyed time with our kids during the Christmas holidays. It was such a blessing to have them home. The boys left the beginning of January, while our daughter has decided to finish out the year at home, with plans to return to boarding school for tenth grade. This means I'm back to homeschooling again along with ministry and writing, so things have been busy.

Our family hit a landmark this month. We've now been living in Africa for ten years! To celebrate, I put together a video of our ten years in Africa. (click on the play button below to watch) What really struck me as I looked through the photos was how God has put people in our lives, time and time again, who would at a later point become a significant part of our ministry. I see His hand so clearly, and am so grateful that through both the good and difficult times we've gone through, He has been faithful.

We are also so thankful for those who have visited us, encouraged us, worked beside us, prayed for us, hosted us in their homes, and supported us financially. Because in reality, our work--and our lives--have been impacted from so many from all over the world.

10 Years in Africa.mov (iPad, iPhone 4 & Apple TV) from Lisa Harris on Vimeo.

Be blessed,

Lisa

Dangerous Passage: Huge Holiday Discount!

I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas and blessed time with friends and family. If you love romantic suspense, I wanted to let you know that ebook version of Dangerous Passage is now on sale for only $2.99 until January 11th! 

 

If you already have a copy, you can easily give the ebook as a gift, and please let your fellow readers know about the discount!

Buy now at:

Amazon   Barnes&Noble   Christianbook.com

"When two Jane Does are killed on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, detective and behavioral specialist Avery North discovers they share something in common--a tattoo of a magnolia on their shoulders. Suspecting a serial killer, Avery joins forces with medical examiner Jackson Bryant to solve the crimes and prevent another murder. But it doesn't take long for them to realize that there is much more to the case than meets the eye. As they venture deep into a sinister world of human trafficking, Avery and Jackson are taken to the very edge of their abilities--and their hearts."

Happy Holidays,

Lisa Harris

Simple Significance

It cost me almost nothing. Nothing more than a few minutes of my time and a couple dollars.

I noticed him for the first time at church out in one of our villages. A sweet little boy of five or six with an ugly sore on his head. He sat quietly, listening to the lesson, and trying to keep the flies from landing on the sore.

After church I spoke to his grandmother and asked if I could take a picture of his head with my phone so I could ask my nurse friend what I could do to help. The old woman smiled at me, grateful for my offer.

We return with some medicated shampoo and anti-fungal cream along with simple instructions on how to help clear up his head. It was a simple solution. Nothing hugely significant in my mind at least.

And yet the grandmother thought otherwise.

She invited the disciples back to her home, a long walk from the church, and offered tea and bread. Then she served lunch of rice and greens and sent dried manioc and mangos home with us. It was all an offering of thanksgiving out of her poverty.

She was grateful, but I was humbled.

I was amazed that something so simple could have affected someone so much. I was reminded of all the things I take for granted without ever giving glory to the One who provided.

But isn't that what Jesus taught?

He said, "I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward." (Mark 9:41)

God always uses the least of us to show His greatness. The seemingly insignificant to show His significance. Again, I am humbled.

The boy's head is healing. Just a bit of time and money was all it took to make a major impact on this family and to glorify our King.

Take a moment to look around you and see how you can touch someone.

To find out how you can help us make a difference to those around us, please visit The ECHO Project.

Lisa

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you and your family a very blessed Thanksgiving as many of you stop on this day to remember all that there truly is to be thankful for.

Lisa

Video highlights from all church get together

A couple weeks ago we had Christians from five of our towns and villages came together for a day of celebration in Guinjata. Here is a short video highlighting the day.

Enjoy!

Lisa

PS If you haven't seen my Heart of Africa giveaway post, be sure and stop by today and leave a comment here! I'm really loving hearing what people are thankful about. Contest ends Monday night.)

All Church Gathering from Lisa Harris on Vimeo.

Heart of Africa Giveaway!

I'm so thankful to each one of you who takes the time to read my blog and my books, and especially to those who have taken the time to contact me personally. I love connecting with each one of you!     

As a small thank you, I've got a few fun things to giveaway as we come to the end of another year! 

1.) Along with a copy of Dangerous Passage, one winner will receive a 2014 calendar, African tea and coffee, and a set of beautiful, beaded teaspoons. 

2.) Two winners will receive one copy each of Blood Ransom and Blood Covenant, my romantic suspense series set in Africa.

3.) Two winners will receive one copy each of Dangerous Passage

(Total of five winners!) 

You can leave a comment now through Monday, November 25, 11:59 pm, EST.

HOW DO YOU ENTER:

All you have to do is leave a comment below on this blog and tell me what you are most thankful for this year and you will be automatically entered. PLEASE include your email and state so I can get in touch with the winners. To make it simple, the winners be be chosen by random.org. (Sorry, but because of rules and regulations, I'm limiting this to US addresses only. Please read the official rules at the end of this post. ) 

If you already have copies of any of these books, feel free to give them away! Also, if you haven't signed up yet for my Author Newsletter, you can still receive your ebook copy of Recipe for Murder just for signing up! Feel free to spread the word!!!

I'll probably be extra quiet over the holidays as I spend time with my family, but I do want to wish every one of you a very Happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas. 

Be blessed, 

Lisa

Here are the rules of the sweepstakes:
No purchase necessary. Open to US residents only. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Winners will have 7 days to respond to my email. if they do not they will be removed from the giveaway and another will be randomly selected.This offer is void where prohibited, and the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering this giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal laws.

A visit to the very end of the earth

This past weekend we had a fantastic time with many of the villages we work in gathering together for a day of celebration and worship.

I will be sharing a video highlighting the weekend soon, but in the meantime, here is a video about a recent visit into a new area where we are beginning to work.

In this short video, Scott shares the story of Maria, a woman who God healed and who is not sharing her new-found faith in her home village. After visiting in Maria's village, one of the disciples who went with Scott described this village as being at "the very end of the earth."




Click on the arrow above to watch the video!

The ECHO Project: Dinner TIme

Here's the third, short video about live in Africa from a kid's point of view all about. . .dinner time!

Please consider making a donation this holiday season to The ECHO Project. 100% of the money raised goes to helping individuals. You can learn more about how you can help us make a difference here.     

Click on the arrow in the box below to watch this week's video and enjoy!

This week in photos: Loving your neighbor

As we work primarily with village churches, one of the things we've tried to encourage is for the Christians to reach out to those in their communities. And that is exactly what we are seeing. After church on Sundays, the Christians in Guinjata have begun going around and praying for the sick in the community. Last week, Scott took a carload of people from Magola to visit and encourage a woman over an hour away who had invited us to come and teach her and her neighbros. Another woman took in two small children when their mother was unable to take care of them. 

We are so excited to see people truly living out their faith and being light in their communities as they demonstrate their Christ to their neighbors.

One of the young men from English camp and his two sisters went with us out in to the community

Visiting the sick in Guinjata

Praying for the sick in the community

Leaving our shoes outside before going inside the dark hut and praying for a young woman.

Massai Mara video highlights

After dropping out kids off at school last month, Scott and I took two days to explore the nearby Massai Mara, one of Africa's most incredible game reserves and celebrate our anniversary. I have to say, I wasn't disappointed. It was truly incredible! Here are some video highlights I thought you might enjoy.

Lisa

Life in Africa: Thirsty Anyone?

Ever thought about how blessed you are to be able to walk into your kitchen and get water from the faucet?

Here is the second in a series of short, fun videos sharing about life in Africa from a kid's point of view. Consider sharing these with your kids, grandkids, or Sunday School classes.

To learn more about what The ECHO Project is doing to make a difference in the lives of individuals and how you can help, you can visit the website.

Click on the arrow in the box below to watch the video and enjoy!

Perspectives

(To sign up for our ministry newsletter  click here!)

These past couple weeks, we've been hit extra hard with the news of so many tragedies.  Scott's father's best friend for forty years was killed in a car accident. Four young boys from one of the villages we work in drowned in the ocean. We were first responders to a tragic accident outside of town and had to transport a man to the hospital who had just lost his arm. On top of that, both of our boys had friends who were in the Nairobi mall during the terrorists attack. They survived without injuries, but the emotional impact has affected all of us.

As this news hit us over the span of a few short days, I was reminded of the simple fact that life is short. We are here for a time, then vanish in an instant. There aren't even any guarantees we will see tomorrow.  

God confirmed this to Isaiah when he said 'Shout that people are like the grass. Their beauty fades as quickly as the flowers in a field.The grass withers and the flowers fade beneath the breath of the Lord. And so it is with people. The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.'

Through all of the tragedy, I have been reminded again why we are here. Paul made it very clear that we are fighting, not against those around us, but a spiritual battle. Against the rulers and authorities of the unseen world. Which was why he then goes on to write in Ephesians 6:14 that we need to put on every piece of God's armor so we can resist the enemy in the time of evil.

He calls each one of us to be in a relationship with Him. As fragile as life might be, He loves us. He has called us to be a light, to serve and to love those around us. And He will give us the strength we need for the task He gives us to complete.

A quote I recently read by Tullian Tchividjian sums it up well. "We don't need answers (to suffering) as much as we need God's presence in and through the suffering itself." 

Life in Africa

Over the next few weeks I'll be sharing with you ten fun, short videos we made to share more about life in Africa from a kids point of view, in connection to The ECHO Project. Consider sharing these with your kids, grandkids, or Sunday School classes.

To learn more about what The ECHO Project is doing to make a difference in the lives of individuals you can visit our website.

Clink on the arrow in the box below and enjoy!

Lisa

Playing Catchup

Stopping for yogurt and toppings while doing last minute school shopping.

It's hard to believe that a month has past since I last posted. So much has happened and I've had little time on the internet. 

The first major thing was taking the children to Kenya where they will be attending a missionary boarding school. The first few weeks have had their ups and downs, but they all love the school, are making friends, and are settling in.

Already, they are almost halfway through the first term. I will be going to visit them over a long weekend during this mid-term break, something I'm so thankful to be able to do. I miss them but am thrilled for the opportunities that they are having. 

Going away to school requires TONS of luggage!

Family photo before heading off to school

Getting settled into Jayden's dorm

After we dropped off the kids, including two days of new-student orientation, Scott and I celebrated our  belated 23rd anniversary and our new part-time empty nester status by spending two nights in the Masai Mara. For those of you who know how much I love Kruger in South Africa, I had very high expectation after hearing how incredible the sightings could be. I have to say, I wasn't disappointed. With only one full day plus a few hours, we saw the big five and so much more. I will be posting more photos and videos of our time later. Here are a few highlights.

Leopard with a kill

Cheetah

An incredible male lion up on a ledge.

After Kenya, I went to the States as I had won an all expense paid trip to the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference through the CreateFiction writers contest last year. Here I was able to not only sit in on some fantastic classes, but see old friends, meet new ones, and meet all of my editors for the first time in person. This was such a blessing as it has been a number of years since I have been able to attend one of these conferences. I was also able to spend a few days with my family which was a blessing.

While I was gone, Scott made his yearly trip to Zambia to encourage the churches that Allen and Janelle worked with before we moved here. His time there was a huge blessing both to him and to the churches. 

Dressed up for the gala.

We arrived back in Mozambique over a week ago and have hit the ground running. Last week, twelve new believers took on Christ in Magola, so we are excited to see people reaching out to those in their communities and praying with those in need. I've enjoyed being back with the women and going out with them to the villages to teach.

Twelve baptisms in Magola

Be blessed,

Lisa 

Happy Release Day!

Today is the official release day of Dangerous Passage! I'm so excited about this new series and hope those of you who read it will thoroughly enjoy the book.


When two Jane Does are killed on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, detective and behavioral specialist Avery North discovers they share something in common--a tattoo of a magnolia on their shoulders. Suspecting a serial killer, Avery joins forces with medical examiner Jackson Bryant to solve the crimes and prevent another murder. But it doesn't take long for them to realize that there is much more to the case than meets the eye. As they venture deep into a sinister world of human trafficking, Avery and Jackson are taken to the very edge of their abilities--and their hearts. 




Here are what a few readers had to say!

"The suspense, romance, and mysteries through this book will grab you and not let go!" Suspense Magazine Review 

"(A) compelling and emotionally charged read. . .kept me reading late into the night. . ." Sandra Orchard, award-winning author of the Undercover Cops series

"Harris pens another thrilling tale that will give the readers one breathless moment after another." Christy Award winning author, DiAnn Mills.

If you go to my publisher's page here, it will link you to online sellers, as well as the Reading Group Guide and an Excerpt!

 And be sure and watch here as well for my upcoming Heart of Africa giveaway later this month. Details coming soon!

Today is also a bittersweet day as we leave our three children behind at Rift Valley Academy.  While I know this is going to be a wonderful experience for them, I'm already looking forward to visiting them during their mid-term break in October! This is something we've planned for a long time, but it's going to be tough adjusting to a quiet house, I know.

I'll be traveling then next few weeks, but would love to hear from you, especially your thoughts on the book!

Happy reading!

Lisa