Interview with Deborah Vogts with book drawing

I'm so excited to have Deborah Vogts visit my blog today. Debbie and I have been crit partners and friends for years and she's become like a sister to me. Last year, she sold her Seasons of the Tallgrass series to Zondervan. I remember reading this story a number of years ago and am so excited that it is now in print. At the end of the interview, be sure and leave a comment for a chance to win your own copy of this fabulous new book, Snow Melts in Spring.

Lisa: What was your initial reaction in finding out you sold your first book, Snow Melts in Spring?

Debbie: Well, I had forewarning that Zondervan had interest in it, but when I received “the call” from my agent, Rachelle Gardner at WordServe Literary, she asked me if I wanted to sit down. I did, and then she went on to tell me that we’d received an offer from Zondervan for two books. She later was able to turn that into a three book offer. My youngest daughter and husband were home at the time, so there was a LOT of celebrating—screaming, laughing, dancing, jumping, giggling, screaming. You get the idea. ☺


Lisa: That is very exciting! Tell us some of the background behind the idea for this book.

Debbie: Years ago, I took a Flint Hills Folklife summer course at Emporia State University that was taught by Dr. Jim Hoy. Along with classroom study, we took field trips into the heart of the Flint Hills and visited with old-time ranchers, schoolmarms and post-mistresses. It was such a delightful experience, especially our drives into the pastures. We would get on these back roads and drive over pasture guards into the open range. We would travel for miles without seeing another car or even an electric line—just pure, native prairie. That summer, I fell in love with the Flint Hills and it has stayed with me all this time. I’m so glad I have this chance to share this place with my readers through the Seasons of the Tallgrass series.



Lisa: I find in my own writing that I often grow alongside my characters. Is there a character who you relate to from the book and who made an input on your life?

Debbie: My love for country life and the Flint Hills comes out in my main character Mattie Evans. Mattie is a large animal veterinarian in the ranching community of Charris County. Although she struggles with her practice, she is determined to settle in the Flint Hills, a place that is firmly planted in her heart. Almost against her will, she finds herself falling in love with the owner of one of her patient’s—a man who is determined to run away from the Flint Hills and his problems at home. There are many family relationship issues in this story, but the land and particularly the Flint Hills are a major focus. As a young woman, I remember living in Topeka, KS and yearning for wide open spaces. I soon found myself returning to my home roots. My character Mattie is intent on never leaving hers. I guess I can identify with that. ☺

Lisa: Snow Melts in Spring is book one in a three book series. Can you tell us what it’s like writing a series? Do you think you’ll miss your characters once the last story is written?

Debbie: Whew. I don’t know. I’m sure I will. The Seasons of the Tallgrass is actually a 4 book series. Zondervan has contracted for three of those with options on the fourth, so hopefully that will go through. So far, I’m enjoying writing this series. Each of the stories are what you would call a “stand-alone” in that you won’t need to read the first book to know what’s happening in the second. What will be the same is the setting and the community of characters. While each book has its own main characters, readers will see glimpses of past characters running about. Many of my readers have “fallen in love” with Gil’s dad, the gruff old rancher. You’ll see him again in the third book & if contracted, he’ll have a big part in the fourth when he gets a little romance of his own.

Lisa: Tell us a bit about the research you had to do for this story, including the native tallgrass?

Debbie: I did lots of research on the Flint Hills and on ranching. For that I especially enjoyed reading through old journals and books that told about the time period when this land was settled. My husband and I took several trips into the pastures to take pictures, see the land and visit the community. Because the story centers around an injured horse, it was particularly important for me to get the veterinary scenes of the story correct. In doing this, I studied and visited four different veterinarians and tagged behind a couple of them for an afternoon. My male lead character, Gil, is a retiring professional quarterback, so learning more about football was also important. For this, I packed home piles of books from the library and asked a TON of questions to anyone who knew anything about the game. Oh, and I watched a LOT of football that season. My girls weren’t overly happy about my “newfound interest” but my husband enjoyed it! LOL

Lisa: What is the number one thing you’ve learned from your writing journey?

Debbie: I met my first agent in 2005 at an ACFW conference. She took me on and we shopped my “Seasons of the Tallgrass” series for a year and had a few bites but no sale. At our year anniversary, she released me, which was a real heart breaker for me. However, we don’t always see the big picture like God does, and six months later I signed with agent, Rachelle Gardner with WordServe Literary, and we signed with Zondervan three months after that.

The year my series was being shopped around was especially difficult. My agent would get a bite and then nothing . . . and then a little interest and then nothing. I believed God had placed me on this journey, and things were going so well. Then, all of a sudden, everything stopped! That can really mess with a person’s mind. So, for me, that period between shopping my manuscript and finally getting the sale with Zondervan was a time of learning for me. I had to learn to trust God and put everything in His hands. Not easy. During that time, I bathed myself in prayer, read Bible scriptures that reassured me of God’s promises (no matter whether I became published or not), and I sang many hymns. The verse I leaned on most was “Be still and know that I am God,” as well as Philippians 4:13, Proverbs 3:5-6, and Isaiah 41:13.

Lisa: Because I know where are many aspiring writers out there, can you share any tidbits of wisdom on getting published?

Debbie: When you receive a rejection, cry and scream if you need to but don’t give up. Keep dreaming and studying the craft, and reading. Stay tuned to what God wants for you and let scripture keep you afloat. Learn to depend on God for everything—every step of the journey. Just knowing that He is in charge and knows what is best for you, helps to alleviate the pressure so that you’re able to ENJOY the journey AND life.

Lisa: Great advice! Thanks again for stopping by, Debbie, and congrats again on the sale of this wonderful series.

Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a copy of Debbie's Book. I'll draw a winner on Monday.


Visit Debbie's blog and website to learn more about her and her upcoming books!

Greetings from a very chilly South Africa!

We're staying at a missionary guest house, and quickly remembering how cold SA can be in the winter. But not only do we have a nice cottage to stay in, we also have internet!

We dropped off the team on Tuesday with plans to have our cars serviced and then head home on Friday, but as normal, things don't typically go as planned. The car had some problems (four holes in the radiator for starters) that had to be taken care of, so it looks as if we will be here through the weekend.

God is good, though. Some of you received the prayer request for Gabriel. We took him to the doctor Wednesday to check out a lump in his chest. The doctor had a sonogram done and it was determined that he needed a biopsy. After a night of prayer, we went to the hospital this morning for the biopsy with a second doctor, who decided to do another sonogram and an xray first. When the results were done, both doctors agreed that the lump was only a swollen gland and nothing serious. It had also shrunk considerably since the first exam the day before.

Praise God!

We will watch it, but don't have to go back until next year to have it rechecked.

Here are a few photos taken during our time in the village last week. The team worked together with the villages to transport water from another pump to the one being dug as part of the drilling process. God opened doors in some amazing ways into the village. We also were blessed to baptize Pascoal in the ocean last Saturday night. Scott, David, and Pascoal will start their follow up next week to those interested in hearing more.

Thanks for all your prayers!

Lisa

Quick Update

Just a quick update from South Africa where we just dropped off the team from Katy, Texas. Last week in the village with the well water project and showing of the Jesus film turned out to be an amazing adventure, full of God's handiwork. We've been without internet, though, so I've been unable to check email or post photos and updates as I'd hoped.

We'll be in South Africa a few more days for maitenence on the car and doctor's appointments. Please continue to keep us in our prayers as we travel home and as the team from Texas travels home.

More later!

Lisa

Mission Team: Day One

Our first full day with the team was incredible as they visited with four groups. In the morning, Scott took them to a village on the other side of the bay. Scott transported one house church to a new village preaching point for a combined worship service.

In the afternoon, we again combined two house churches. After a wonderful service, we went to the bay where a young man and his parents, a couple in their seventies, were baptized. This family knew nothing about Jesus until Barnardo, one of our Christians began talking to them. Scott and David continued sharing with them every week since then. It was such a blessing to see their joy as they begin their new life.

Today, we head out to the village in preparation for the well-digging that starts tomorrow. The rest of the team arrives then as well. I'll be sharing photos throughout the week.

Please pray that we can be a blessing to these people this week and that lives will be transformed.

Blessings,

Lisa

Switching gears

Typically, my life is filled with home schooling, writing, and supporting Scott in the ministry. Tomorrow begins a few changes in our schedule that we are all excited about. Last night I sent off my manuscript revisions to my editor and today was the last day of school for the kids for a couple weeks.

Why?

Because we will be hosting 18 Americans who are coming to help with a well digging project and hygiene classes in one of our nearby village. Several of them are also spending this weekend with our precious orphans in Zimbabwe. We are so excited about their arrival. Please pray that God will transform lives during this time, and for health and safety of the team.

Thought for today: I was moved to tears over several responses from my last post on the struggles we often have in hearing God's voice when faced with hardships. It reminded me how God brought the Israelites out of Egypt and a life of slavery. He performed amazing signs before them including driving back the Red Sea and giving them manna and quail to eat. He was the One who protected them and drove out other nations before them.

These were markers in their lives. Times when they could look back and see the powerful hand of God working in their lives and know without a doubt that He is real. That He cared for them. And that He loved them. Markers work like anchors to help us to preserve in our faith and help us to hold to our decision to follow God no matter what is happening around us.

What markers do you have from your own life that help keep you steady when difficulties arrive?

I'll be posting photos next week from the village of Masavana. See you then!

Lisa

Random Photos from Africa and Open Doors

I downloaded photos today and thought I'd share some from our daily life. I've posted them below, but first, Elise recently ask if I would share how Scott and I decided to move to Africa. The question has reminded me of the amazing ways God works in our lives. About seven years ago, we knew we wanted to move back to the mission field, but we weren't sure where God was calling us. At the time, we were looking at joining friends in Japan and started pursuing that option. But as much as we wanted to work with them, God closed every door with a resounding slam.

I remember going to church one Sunday feeling a bit discouraged. The sermon was on missions and we both believed strongly that we wanted to go, but again, where? On the way home, we talked about different options and Scott mentioned how he'd love to work with his aunt and uncle who'd been on the field for over thirty years. They'd mentioned us joining them in passing, but it wasn't ever anything formal. "If they sent us a letter of invitation," Scott then said, "I'd go."

Scott dropped us off at home while he went to do some errands. I sat down and checked my email and immediately began bawling. There, in my inbox, was an official invitation for us to join his aunt and uncle in the work in Africa. Two years later, we moved our family to Joburg, South Africa.

We spent a number of years with them in South Africa, working throughout Zambia and Zimbabwe until again, through a set of amazing circumstances, God called us to move to Mozambique to expand the ministry. For me, these "God moments" are what keeps me here, because I know without a doubt that this is where He wants me.

I'm also reminded, though, that there have been times when I couldn't feel God's presence or the peace He's promised. We all struggle, especially when faced with heartships, to hear God's voice. If you feel that way today, look to the times when He has worked a miracle in your life. He has promised to be our strength when we are weak, to give us hope when we are hopeless, and to love us when we feel unlovable. It’s never relying on our own strength to get us through difficult times, but leaning on the mighty arm of God and being continuously filled with His Spirit. Isaiah 41:10 says not to fear, because “I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

How has He spoken into your life recently? Are you still waiting to hear His voice? I'd love to hear from you!


Scott teaching at one of the house churches.



Jayden finally has his own room. Because we need more beds due to all of the company coming through, we took down the school room which gave us a small, extra room for him. His friends had fun helping him put the bunk bed together.



One of our newest disciple, Anthony (right) with David, our evangelist.



After a year of waiting for a new transformer and dealing with the lack of electricity, they are working on upgrading electricity for the entire neighborhood. You can see why this photo has me smiling!!



New ice cream shop in town has become a special treat.



We've learned to be careful driving through town. This isn't a tree growing in the middle of the road, but a warning that there is a hole. I saw a truck run over one recently and the hole was big enough to literally swallow his front tire. Took a dozen guys to lift the vehicle out.

Blessings!

Lisa

And the winners are. . .

My kids drew numbers at random this morning, and I'm happy to announce the winners of Love Finds You in Revenge, Ohio!

Deborah Vogts, Linda, Ausjenny, shebapolly, and RGermany! Congratulations, Ladies! I'll be contacting you today for your snail mail address.

For those of you who didn't win, don't worry! I'll be holding another book drawing around July 1st for copies of my next Barbour release, Cranberry Hearts! This is a fantastic three-in-one contemporary romance collection with Lena Nelson Dooley and Elizabeth Goddard. I'll also be giving away several goody baskets filled with delicious treats and a few surprises from the heart of Africa later this year so stop by often!

Thanks again for all the wonderful feedback and comments many of you shared this week on my blog. I really enjoyed it!

Blessings!

Lisa

Win Love Finds You in Revenge, Ohio!

I can hardly believe that June is here! The year is flying by, and we're gearing up for an even busier summer (It's actually winter here, though it won't get very cold). We have over thirty people arriving throughout June and July for a well digging project and an English camp. Mid-terms are upon us for school, and I'm finishing macro edits for Blood Ransom and final edits on a medical thriller.

Yikes!

In the midst of these busy months, I'm having to remind myself of what is important. Remember when Jesus told Martha, "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one things is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken from her."

It's not easy to do, is it?

In these coming months, I really want to watch out for the pulling of the urgent and focus instead on what's important. I want to spend more time with God, and make quality time with my kids and husband. I want to really see those around me, and look for opportunities to minister. So while this world tugs at me with the urgent, Jesus said, "Seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

In Love Finds You in Revenge, Ohio, Katherine Morgan has her hands full taking care of her three sisters and sometimes loses perspective on what is really important. If you love historical romance--with a handsome lawman, a con man, and grubstaker included-- I think you'll love this story. Carol Cox, author of A Bride So Fair says, ". . .riveting suspense, and enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until the very end. Fans of historical romance won't want to miss this one!"

So what things do you want to focus on as important during your busy summer? I'd love to hear your responses and let me know you'd like to be entered in this contest. I'll draw FIVE winners on Friday. If you're signed up for my newsletter, you'll automatically be entered. Leaving a comment here will give you an extra chance!



Blessings!

Lisa

Passion Fruit Cake

I'm starting to try a number of recipes using some of the exotic fruit we have here. This one uses passion fruit pulp (seeds and all) and is not only easy to make, but delicious.

3/4 C butter softened
3/4 C sugar
1 t vanilla
1 1/2 C flour
1/3 C passion fruit pulp
2 eggs

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Beat the butter, eggs, sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Add the flour and passion fruit and mix well. Put in a greased 8 x 8 pan and bake for about 30 minutes or until comes clean with a toothpick.

Frosting: Mix together well 3/4 C of softened butter with 1 C of powdered sugar and 1/4 C passion fruit pulp.

This frosting isn't stiff, but was fantastic poured over the cake once it cooled. It's also very sweet, so this cake should serve about nine people.

Enjoy!

Lisa

Open wide!

Our internet has been down since the weekend. We finally decided to try a small internet cafe in town. Hopefully it will be working tomorrow.

With all the feedback I received on my hippo photos, I had to post this one that comes with a warning to parents to cut down on your kids sweets! LOL

I'm planning to post another book giveaway on Monday if my internet is up and running. So be sure and stop by for the chance to win one of several copies of Love Finds you in Revenge, Ohio!

Blessings,

Lisa

Safely home

We're finally home after an uneventful trip from the capital. We ended up spending last night in Maputo because we were going to get home after dark. With the roads all full of potholes, it's simply not safe to drive at night. The kids didn't mind too much. We were able to get Jayden a bunk bed and have pizza and ice cream for dinner.

I was amazed at how much we were able to stuff in the car. Along with Jayden's new bunk bed, we were able to stock up on supplies for the upcoming mission teams that will be here in June and July. A lot of food items, even basics like milk and oil, cost twice as much here, so whenever it's possible we try and stock up either in Maputo or South Africa.

Here are some photos of Maputo from our third story hotel room.

Have a great weekend!

Lisa

Safari Photos

Finally picked up the car tonight and will be heading home tomorrow. We spent the day at Kruger, and while it wasn't a great day as far as seeing lots of animals, we still had a lot of fun. Some of the highlights were three cheetahs lounging under a tree. They were close enough for us to see the, but not close enough for me to get a good photo. We heard later that some people saw them kill a warthog in the same area.

Loved watching the hippos as well, as they managed to show more than just their ears out of the water. Otherwise, we only saw one elephant, a handful of zebra, a dozen or so giraffe, and a lion that was too far away to really see. (Looked like a rock to me!)

Enjoy the photos,

Lisa

Trekking across Africa. . .oh my!

Someone recently told me they assumed that all our traveling across Africa must be like a bunch of vacations. I had to chuckle, because while we've definitely seen a number of amazing places and enjoy traveling, it's not always easy. Take yesterday for example.

We try to limit our trips to the capital by combining necessary errands, but some trips are unavoidable. We set off yesterday with a number of things that had to be taken care of. Besides stocking up on supplies for the mission teams arriving next month, we also have a number of business things that have to be done. While there is a car insurance off in our small town, they aren't connected by computer to the main office, so we learned first hand that if you pay there, you're insurance will likely be cancelled. This means it has to be paid in person in the capital.

We also needed a signature on an official document from a lady in the capital in order for us to file the papers for us to continue living here as our one year dery expires next month. Lastly, we have to take our car to a mechanic in South Africa as parts in Mozambique are hard to come by.

So we started off yesterday morning with plans to make it to the capital for lunch, run our errands there, then cross the boarder so the car could be dropped off this morning. Because of the problems we'd had with the car, I drove a second car in case we broke down as it had only been temporarily fixed.

An hour into the trip, Scott was pulled over by the police. Now the odds of getting a speeding ticket here, whether you've been speeding or not is high. So I waited up ahead, he paid the mandatory forty bucks we always keep with us and we headed off. Now the roads, especially in this long section are horrid and that's putting it nicely. I wove through potholes down the narrow stretch, trying to avoid as many as I could. Then at one point I missed one hug hole spanning the road and ran over a second.

The moment my tire hit the hole I knew I was in trouble. Immediately, I pulled over and sure enough, I'd ruined the tire and crushed the rim. For my first flat tire in Africa, it was a doozy. I called Scott on the walkie-talkie and he turned around to help. By the time we were on the road again, we'd lost more time. The kids were hungry, so we bought gas and bread, (there is no fast food)

We finally made it to the capital with only minutes to spare as the insurance place closes at 3:45. (Strange, I know.) They were getting ready to lock the door, but Scott begged for them to let him in which they did. Our insurance expired today, so we didn't want to have to spend the night in the capital. Scott rushed off to get the needed signature, and we forego the rest of what we had to do and headed for the boarder.

By now, it was dark and the kids were hungry, but the missionary guest house we were going to stay in was fixing us dinner, so we decided to grab a small burger for the kids across the boarder to hold them over, then drive the last hour to the guest house.

After an uneventful boarder crossing, KFC was a welcome sight. The ATM was broke, so we couldn't get money, but we scrounged for cash and had just enough to buy everyone a small chicken burger and pay for the upcoming toll. We got ready to leave and. . .Scott couldn't start his car. And it wasn't just that it wouldn't start, he couldn't even turn the key.

He called someone over from the gas station next door to see if they could help him, but after fifteen minutes, nothing. I noticed a guy pull up at the KFC with a 24 hour emergency car service on his car, so after praying over our car, we snagged him and asked for his help. Problem was, we had no cash to pay anyone to help us. Scott then sent me on to the next gas station to find an ATM, but when I got there, it was broken as well. I'd seen a sign that said three kilometers to the next town, so I headed off to the next town. By the time Scott called me on the phone, I realized that I was in the middle of nowhere and there were no towns and I must have read the sign wrong. But Scott had finally started the car (Praise God!) and with me headed down the highway (thankfully in the right direction) he caught up with me and we headed--again--for the guest house.

We arrived about nine o'clock and the wonderful hosts had saved us roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy. The only problem was that I was so tired and hungry after eating so little all day, that I crashed and was asleep within a few minutes. I'm feeling much better today. Our cars in the shop, the flat tires being fixed, and while the kids are working on school work, I plan to start working on my Zondervan edits.

Depending on the car situation, we're hoping to spend tomorrow at the game park, though I might just curl up and sleep. :-)

Blessings!

Lisa

Another typical day. . .

I had to laugh at Scott's facebook post this morning.

"Took one of the Pajero's in for repair this morning with the parts needed. Will it be done today as promised? The parts for the second Pajero are to arrive today by plane from South Africa. Will they arrive? Will the second car be fixed tomorrow? More suspense than your daily Soap Opera, but just another typical day here in Mozambique."

Ah, another typical day. More than that, though, is that God is using it to teach me every day to relax and go with the flow. Something that can be quite a challenge to me. I've always been a highly-structured fairly organized person, who used to live by my watch. Now, I don't even wear one. What's really important in life has also changed.

One thing that always puts things into prospective is when I see a man, like the one in this photo, pushing his goods on a cart and I'm reminded how blessed I am to have a car to fix.

Today I want to be thankful for His blessings and be aware of how I can be a blessing to those around me.



On another note, if you missed winning a copy Wild Prairie Roses in my last drawing, visit Lena's blog for a chance to win another copy today! Scroll down to my interview and leave a comment.

Brazilian Trip Praise Report

As many of you know, Scott and his uncle just returned from two weeks in Brazil, meeting with two couples and a single lady who are interested in joining us in our work. We met these wonderful people while we were in language school last year, and while we never imagined recruiting while we lived in Brazil, God had other plans in mind. It's been an amazing journey as over the past year God has continued to move in the hearts of these dear friends.

Luis, Fernanda, and Luciana have now committed to come to Mozambique this October to
join our family full time in the work here. The second couple is praying and fasting right now for a confirmation of their desire to join the team. This is wonderful news for our ministry and for our family in particular.

Please pray for these friends of ours as they make preparations to come and praise God for His supplying of much needed harvesters for Mozambique!

Blessings,

Lisa


P.S. I received an email from one of my readers, pointing out that I left out a couple directions on the peanuts in my last post. Here's what my aunt had to say. "While the peanuts are in the oven, stir them a little, but not much. And I put the oven on low, about 200 degrees fahrenheit, as you just want to dry them out. If it's too high, it will melt the sugar and you will get a hard caramel coating."

Hungry anyone?

Sugar Cane

I've been meaning to post all week, but it's been hectic with Scott gone, keeping up with school for the kids, and finishing up a manuscript. He finally returned yesterday with good news regarding the couples considering joining us here. I'll blog more on that later once everything is worked out.

I've written before on the challenges of cooking here. For the most part, by making my rounds of all the tiny shops in the area, I've been able to adapt my cooking to fit what is available. I was stuck recently, at how my kids have also adapted to living here in regards to what the eat. There are no instant/traditional snack foods here (sometimes I can find chips, but that's about it) so with three growing kids who are always hungry, I've had to get creative.

While some of our favorite snacks, like fruit, popcorn, yogurt, and vegetable sticks, are more in line with traditional snacks, others are pretty unique to this area. We roast our own peanuts, pop our own popcorn, and snack on regional things like Tenzewa--I have no idea how to spell this, but this is what our neighbor calls it--where you break off the outside shell and eat the powdery insides. Sugar cane is one of Gabe's favorite snacks, but I picture rotting teeth and don't let him have it often.

Favorite fruits are green oranges, bananas, mango, pineapple, and passion fruit. The boys love scooping out the insides of the passion fruit and eating it, seeds and all. (This is my favorite as well!)



Tenzewa



Roasted Peanuts


If you're feeling adventurous, try this yummy receipe from my aunt.

SUGARED PEANUTS
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. water
1 or 2 t. cinnamon (to taste)
Mix sugar and cinnamon in heavy skillet, and add water and heat until dissolved. Add 4 cups of raw peanuts and continue cooking peanuts over medium heat. Cook and stir until sugar has dried. Put into medium oven for 30 minutes or more.

You can leave out the cinnamon if you want that. I always use my iron skillet and I cook them until the sugar dries on the sides and down into the bottom for a ways. If you try to cook it till it is dry all the way, it will begin caramelizing the sugar and make it hard.

Enjoy!

Lisa

Book winners!

Congratulations to the five winners of Wild Prairie Roses. My kids drew the numbers to keep everything fair. :-) Drawing from both blogger comments and my newsletter list, the winners are. . .

mary_zander, susans_book_sets, rdinges, Shirl, and Kelly Kiggins-Lund.

Congratulations!!!

Please contact me here with your snail mail address so I can send you a copy of the book.

Thank you so much to those of you who left a comment on why you love historicals. I loved reading your answers. And if you didn't win, I'll be holding another contest on the first of June for my upcoming historical release with Summerside Press, Love Finds you, in Revenge, Ohio. I'm really excited about this book that is to be released next month and will be available at all your local book stores.




"The only thing worse than being a spinster is being a twice-jilted spinster. At twenty-five, Catherine Morgan is hardly an old maid. But she’s given up on marriage and instead manages the family’s general store in the small town of Revenge, Ohio. Bound by a promise to care for her three sisters until they marry, she’ll do anything to keep them safe. But Sheriff Corbin Hunter stands in her way. He has evidence that her sister’s fiancé is really an infamous bank robber—and the man who murdered his father. Catherine finds herself torn between saving her sister’s heart and losing hers to the man who jilted her seven years ago. Will Corbin’s desire for revenge cause him to lose Catherine a second time?"


“This story has all the elements I love in a good read: mystery, romance, and faith. Add a fun historical setting and a fast-moving plot, and Love Finds You in Revenge, Ohio is a winner.”
~Susan Page Davis, author of the Frasier Island series.

". . .riveting suspense and enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until the very end. Fans of historical romance won't want to miss this one." ~Carol Cox, author of A Bride So Fair and A Test of Faith

Win a copy of Wild Prairie Hearts

It's been another busy week with Scott in Brazil while I hold down the fort at home. The kids have been working hard at school and I've stayed busy by judging entries for a writing contest, reading through gallies for two of my books coming out this summer, and writing

I've just received my author copies of Wild Prairie Hearts! The book is scheduled to hit the shelves in a couple of weeks, so if you don't win a copy you should be able to find it at your local bookstore.

This month, I'll be giving away FIVE copies of the book. If you're signed up for my newsletter, you'll be automatically entered. (You can easily sign up on my blog at the top) A comment left between now and midnight on Monday (PST) gives you another chance to win. So leave a comment below, letting me know what you love about historicals (I'd really like to know!) and that you'd like to win a copy.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Lisa

Wild Prairie Roses

If you love a good romantic historical, watch for Wild Prairie Roses, coming in May from Barbour Publishing!

It's a three-in-one collection of full length novels set in Iowa.

And look for a chance to win your free copy right here in the near future!

Blessings,

Lisa

Escape with DiAnn Mills' Breach of Trust

Even with a difficult economy, a book's always a great deal. If you love romantic suspense, you'll love DiAnn Mills' latest release.

"Paige Rogers thought she had buried her past when she became the librarian in small town Split Creek, Oklahoma. But her growing relationship with high school football coach Miles Laird and the political ambitions of her former boss threaten to unmask her. Will she risk everything---even love---to expose the would-be governor's past misdeeds?" 350 pages, softcover from Tyndale.

This is a strong beginning to a new series from DiAnn. I was immediately caught up in the small town drama and its far reaching consequences. Several surprising twists will keep you turning the pages.

Blessing!

Lisa Harris