Thursday, May 30, 2013

STOLEN IDENTITY - Lisa Harris - One Free Book

Readers, don't forget to follow the instructions at the end of the post, so you can be included in the drawing.

I'm thrilled to have my dear friend, Lisa Harris, join us today. She and her husband are missionaries in Africa, so we don't get together in person very often. 

Welcome, Lisa. How did this book come about
Several years ago I wrote my first novel for Love Inspired Suspense dealing with Internet scams. I was struck by how many people are affected by these scams and other issues like identity theft and knew I wanted to write another book on the subject—both to entertain and inform. 

Tell us about the book’s cover and what makes it unique.
I love this cover, because it turned out exactly as I imagined it. It’s taken from one of the final scenes in the book, a pier along the Oregon coast where the heroine is running for her life.

Please explain and differentiate between what’s fact and fiction in the book.
The issue of identity theft is very real. I’ve upped the stakes in this story, but in real life the fallout can be devastating and take years to resolve. According to one source I read, almost 10 million American’s were victims of the crime last year alone. We don’t need to be afraid, but we do need to be diligent. For example, do an annual review of your consumer credit reports, along with shredding and destroying unwanted documents with personal information. Also make sure you use strong passwords on line and avoid responding to spam emails and suspicious callers who ask for personal information.

How much research did you have to do for this book?
I did a lot of online research in understanding the problem and how it works. I’ve also heard from people personally who have been victims.

What are some of the most interesting things you found about this subject that you weren’t able to use in the story?
While I focused on identity theft in this story, there are numerous other scams and hacking that can be done. For instance, I read about a test done where they were able to hack into a car’s electronic braking system so the driver couldn’t stop the car. Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction!

What inspired and surprised you while you were writing the book?
I always seem to gain something personally in the writing process that surprises and challenges me. I love writing stories about ordinary people who face difficulties and come to realize that they are stronger than they think when they turn their lives completely over to God. For me it is a constant reminder of my need to trust in Him for everything, even when I feel weak.

What do you hope the reader takes away from the story?
Hopefully none of my readers will face a situation like Danielle, but the reality is that life often throws us things we aren’t prepared for. In this story, I wanted to remind us that our identity can’t be tied to the securities of this world. Because this world is temporary. We need to keep our hope and security in our Heavenly Father.

What is the next project you’re working on?
I’m currently working book two in a brand new romantic suspense series I’m so excited about. It debuts this fall from Revell. The series revolves around the Hunts, a family from Atlanta who has served their country through the armed service or police department for generations. Despite conflicts that arise between them, they are close knit, and when it comes to fighting injustice, they stick together and do whatever it takes to stop that injustice.

What do you do when you have to get away from the story for a while?
My favorite thing to do is go to Kruger in South Africa, a large game reserve, and take photographs of animals. I don’t get to go near as often as I’d like, but for me it is one of the most relaxing places I can think of. No cell phones, not computers, just driving and watching the amazing wildlife.

And I love it when you share those pictures with us on your web site. Please give us the first page of the book.
Jason Ryan snagged his cell phone from the kitchen table, then fumbled to answer before the caller hung up. The muscles in his jaw tightened as he checked the ID. Great. So the long lost prodigal had finally decided to check in.

He took the call, skipping any formalities with his best friend and business partner. "Where are you, Garrett?"

"Listen, I just have a minute. Some things have come up, and I…I need a few more days off."

"A few more days to do what?" Jason shoved the last file into his briefcase then slammed the lid shut. He didn't have time for more of Garrett's excuses. Not today.

"I can't tell you." His friend's voice faded in and out with the choppy connection.

"You can't or won't tell me? Come on, Garrett. I've put up with your excuses for weeks, and now you won't even answer my phone calls or respond to my emails. What am I supposed to do?"

"You don't understand—"

"No…" Jason let out a loud humph and started pacing the kitchen's mosaic tiled floor. "You're the one who doesn't understand, Garrett. I need you here. I just finished our final analysis of Simon's company and discovered another million dollars' worth of misappropriated funds. Do you realize how much work we have ahead of us?"

"I'm sorry, for everything, but I've gotten involved in something…something serious." 

I can't wait to read it. How can readers find you on the Internet?
You can stop by my website, www.lisaharriswrites.com or visit my blog, http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com . Would love to connect with you!

Thanks so much for letting me drop by, Lena!

It's my pleasure and great blessing, Lisa.

Readers, here is the link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Stolen Identity (Love Inspired Suspense) (The book is also available through Mills and Boon.)

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

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.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

25 comments:

Katie said...

Sounds great! Please enter me. I'm from NC.

Bethany said...

I'd love to be entered! I'm in Ohio :)

cbus.blogger at gmail dot com

Lisa Harris said...

Thanks so much for having me on your blog, Lena! And thanks for stopping by ladies! Happy reading!

Melissa M. said...

Sounds exciting! Please enter me.

-Melissa M. from TX

Cindy W. said...

STOLEN IDENTITY sounds like a great book. I love the Love Inspired Suspense line of books. I must say I like the cover. I actually think I have developed a book cover fetish.

Thank you for a chance to win a copy.

I live in Indiana.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com

Norma S said...

I would love to win your book, it really sounds great. I love suspense book. Thank you for giving me a chance. God bless you.
Norma S. from Ohior

Linda Kish said...

This sounds like a very interesting story. One that I would love to read.

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Jo said...

This sounds like a great book and one that I would love to read. Thank you for the opportunity!

Blessings,
Jo from Southern ARizona

Jasmine A. said...

Sounds like an exciting book!

Jasmine A.
montana

Lisa Harris said...

Thanks for stopping by everyone! And Cindy, I'm with you. I love book covers, which is the one thing that makes me sad about my Kindle. We live overseas with no bookstores around, so that is a huge plus for me to have a kindle when it comes to reading. But with mine, I have to search for the cover and even then it is in black and white. Covers are the first thing I study when looking at a new book and can actually convince me to buy--or sometimes not buy--a book. Happy reading all!

Mary Preston said...

It would be just terrible to have your identity stolen. What a mess it would be. I'm looking forward to a great read thank you.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Cyndi said...

Sounds intriguing! Will definitely have to check it out!

Cyndi W. from AL

Ginger Solomon said...

What a hook. :)

Ginger in AL

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

Looks and sounds interesting,enter me! Thanks for the giveaway and God Bless!
Sarah Richmond
N.C.

Heidi Reads... said...

I enjoy reading the Love Inspired Suspense line of books! I haven't read Lisa Harris yet- I'll have to check her out! Thanks for the review!

Heidi, CA

apple blossom said...

love the love inspired books thanks for chance to win Lisa's book

live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me this book looks great!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch,NC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com

Kristie said...

I'm a librarian and recently I had a lady who was suckered by the Nigerian scam email. Groan. I tried to tell her it was a scam but she said she talked to them on the phone. I had printouts from The State Department but she didn't listen. Sigh. I always tell my computer classes, "If you received this email as a real letter in the mail, what would you do?" "Wouldn't you throw it away?" I always get a resounding yes. It's the same thing. Just way, way cheaper for the scam artists. Your book sounds great. Kristie from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

Nathanael Richmond said...

Looks Interesting!
Enter Me.
Nathanael
Blanch, NC
richmond.nathanael@gmail.com

Shopgirl said...

I love the idea of learning about scams while being entertained! I'm in MN.

Merry said...

Thanks for the peek into Stolen Identity, please add me!
Merry in MN

Lisa Harris said...

That is so scary, Kristie. While I hope this book is entertaining, I really do hope it saves someone from getting suckered in to a scam like that. While we don't want to live in fear, we do need to be careful and diligent.

sharon m said...

I would really like to read STOLEN IDENTITY. We have had Credit Card #'s stolen and received bills for things we never purchased and had to cancel cards and reissue new ones. Always wonder about stolen identity, especially with all the internet surfing I do. sharon, CA

KayM said...

Stolen Identity sounds like a book for our times.
may_dayzee (at) yahoo (dot) com

rubynreba said...

Stolen identity would be devastating. I'd love to read this.
Beth from Iowa