BOOK BLAST EVENT
DAY 12
LISA WINGATE AND LARKSPUR COVE
This author I have for you today is one that I am not real familiar with. Seems like I am bringing a lot of new authors, at least for me, to this event. But some of you may be familiar with her books. Lisa Wingate has offered to give one of my readers a copy of her book, Larkspur Cove. This book does not release until February. Lisa is going to try and get the winner a copy the end of this month. Which is why I held this one out until close to the end of my event. But this may be an ARC copy. Not sure exactly how she is going to work it. But the book sounds good so you will want to get your entries in below:)
Why did you write this book?
A: Every story begins with an incident that upsets the framework of the characters’ normal lives, sending them on an unexpected journey. As I was developing Larkspur Cove and considering what sorts of incidents would upset the tranquil rhythms of lake life, a national story broke about a kidnapping victim who was held by her captor for eighteen years, before being rescued. Around the same time, I was chatting with an adoptive mother at a baseball game and learned that her daughter could have ended up in much the same situation. As an infant, the little girl had been taken on the run by a relative with a prison record. They moved from place to place, always staying ahead of social services, and weren’t found until a year and a half later, when suspicious neighbors submitted a police report. The little girl was rescued and placed with a wonderful, loving, Christian family. I wondered what would have happened if neighbors there had not been close knit and concerned for the welfare of others. Would they have noticed immediately that something was out of the ordinary? Would they have gotten involved? Would the fate of that young girl have been like that of kidnapping victim, Jaycee Dugard? Those questions became the basis of Larkspur Cove, in which the town recluse is suddenly spotted with a young girl in tow, creating a storm of uncertainty among the lakesiders and raising questions that must be answered.
What is the take-away message you want readers to receive after reading your book?
A: Well, to begin with, nosy neighbors are not necessarily a bad thing. God gives us neighbors for a reason—because we’re going to need them, sooner or later. There is also a theme of redemption and forgiveness in the story. Both Mart and Andrea are suffering from the shame, grief, and guilt of painful pasts. This determination to dwell in the past has trapped them in one place. Literally, by moving both of them to Moses Lake, God is pushing them to break free of the boxes in which they have imprisoned themselves. As is written on the Wall of Wisdom in the Waterbird Bait and Grocery in the story, If you have one eye on tomorrow and one eye on yesterday, you’ll be cockeyed today. Much of the story is about taking a fresh look at life.
Why is this book relevant today?
A: We hear of cases every day in which children slip through the cracks of the social services systems and the community’s watchful eye and remain in dire situations. I hope this story will encourage community members to become involved with at-risk children, and to become part of the village that makes a difference in young lives.
Len, a veteran who trudges through a life of challenges because of war injuries should tug on the heartstrings and, I hope, kindle our resolve to care for our vets.
The theme of church/pastoral scandal and downfall is also very relevant to many media stories today (see below for more on this topic).
What makes your book different than others like it in the market?
A: Larkspur Cove is the story of how one lakeside community responds when the town recluse is suddenly spotted with a mysterious little girl in tow. It is unique because of the blend of mystery, romance, and women’s fiction in a compelling setting, very suitable for both ABA and CBA outlets and readers. Andrea, as a character, is dealing with disillusionment in her faith, after a very traumatic church / clergy scandal and a divorce, which is an issue that many people can relate to, and one that is discussed often in the media in relation to church/pastoral scandals. We don’t often see the human side of these incidents, the families caught in the crossfire, and the results. Larkspur Cove looks at these issues in a very real-world scenario, considering the emotional, financial, and spiritual fallout of such a life-altering event.
What type of relationship do you have with your readers?
A: I enjoy communicating with readers through email, social networking, motivational and inspirational speaking events, and a website that points readers to online audio and video interviews, and contests. My Youtube channel has inspirational videos that ca be shared with clubs and emailed to friends. Fans can sign up on my website for e-newsletters or email me to be on the mailing list for post cards to announce new books.
BLURB
Larkspur Cove (February, 2011) introduces the new Moses Lake series, published by Bethany House. Set in a fictional lake community in Central Texas, the series takes a fresh look at life when community makes all the difference.
Adventure is the last thing on Andrea Henderson's mind when she moves to Moses Lake. After surviving the worst year of her life, she's struggling to build a new life for herself and her son as a social worker. Perhaps in doing a job that makes a difference, she can find some sense of purpose and solace in her shattered faith. For new Moses Lake game warden Mart McClendon, finding a sense of purpose in life isn't an issue. He took the job to get out of southwest Texas and the constant reminders of a tragedy for which he can't forgive himself. But when a little girl is seen with the town recluse, Mart and Andrea are drawn together in the search for her identity. The little girl offers them both a new chance at redemption and hope--and may bring them closer than either ever planned.
So, this hopefully gives you a little glimpse of the author of this book, and a rundown on the book and why you really, really want to win this book! Again, follow directions below and you get your name entered to win this book. And remember, the more entries you do the better chance you have of winning!!
US ONLY!!
MANDATORY ENTRY-
Leave a comment letting me know your favorite drink. Tea, soda, water, etc. Let me know in a comment:)You must leave an email in the first entry so I can email you if you are the winner. No email, no entry.
EXTRA ENTRIES-Please leave a separate comment for each entry.
1.Tell me another novel Lisa has written. Check them out on her website.
2.Follow Lisa on FB and leave a comment on her wall that you came from Giveaway Lady. Get 3 entries for this so leave 3 comments.
3.Blog or post about this on Facebook. Get 3 entries for each.
4.Follow my blog via GFC, subscribe through RSS Feed or follow me on Twitter. Get one entry for each you do.
5.Enter any of my other currently running giveaways. Let me know which ones.
6.Leave a comment on any of my review only posts. This must be for reviews only! Leave a comment for each.
7.Grab my Book Blast Event Button on the sidebar. Get 3 extra entries in any of the giveaways.
This giveaway will end 1/28. Winner will be chosen through Random.org and they will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.