Sunday, March 28, 2010

BLOOD RANSOM - Lisa Harris - Free Book

This is another interview I've really been looking forward to. Lisa is one of the authors I mentored before she was published, and when she sold this series to Zondervan, I could hardly wait to read it. I have read it and reviewed it. You can find the review by clicking on the Book Review link at the top of this blog. In addition to the review, I'll share this book trailer to whet your appetite for the book:



Welcome, Lisa. As an author, I know it takes a lot of people to birth each book. Who were the people involved in the birthing of this book, and what were their contributions?

For a long time, I had a vague idea of an adventure/suspense novel set in Africa that I dreamed of writing, but none of the editors I spoke to, over a period of several years, were interested in stories set in an exotic locale. Then on New Years’ Eve, four years ago, we were having a time of worship and a good friend of ours spoke to me about moving forward and writing the story of my heart. I felt that his words were God releasing me to write the book. This was confirmed a few months later when I met Sue Brower for the first time. She loved the concept behind the book and told me that the timing was finally right. It took another two years before I received that long awaited contract and the process continued with rewrites, edits, and the input of experts who helped me with medical and pilot questions. So, as you can see, the birthing process of this particular book was literally years in the making, which makes it all the more special to me.

If you had to completely start over in another place, where would you move, and why?

Actually, this question sounds pretty close to reality in my life. :-) Almost three years ago, we put our house on the market in South Africa where we’d lived for several years and moved to Brazil for language school to learn Portuguese. Then, after six months of school, we packed up and moved to Mozambique where we are involved in church planting and discipleship. If I had to choose to move again—something I don’t want to do for a very long time—I’d probably be happy as long as it was somewhere where the sun shone year round and the sea was close by. I don’t like hot, hot summers, but I need the blue skies and sunshine!

Yes, I remember those times, and I loved receiving reports from each of those places. If you could only tell aspiring novelists one thing, what would it be?

Don’t give up on your dream! The writing journey is not for the faint of heart. It’s a lot of work, a lot of rejection, and a lot of late nights battling with your characters. But if it is what you really want, stick with it. Learn, study, and write!

You’ve been asked to be in charge of a celebrity cruise. Who would you ask to take part, and why? (AS in what program, singers, etc. [it doesn’t have to be writing related])

Hmmm… I’ve never been on a cruise so I’ll have to stretch my imagination on this one. :-) I think I’d love to be a part of a cruise where there were Christian artists of all types--singing, art, authors, dance, etc—heading up a Creativity Cruise where the rest of us could listen to the awesome music and dance, glean from their experience, and be inspired to use our own artistic talents for Him!

Tell us about the featured book?

Blood Ransom is a fast paced suspense set in the heart of Africa, with a strong thread of romance. Here is the blurb.

Deep in the heart of Africa, two American lives are about to change forever.

Natalie Sinclair is working to eradicate the diseases decimating whole villages in the Republic of Dhambizao, when she meets Dr. Chad Talcott, a surgeon on sabbatical from a lucrative medical practice now volunteering at a small clinic.

Meanwhile, things are unraveling in Dhambizao. Joseph Komboli returns to his village to discover rebel soldiers abducting his family and friends. Those that were too old or weak to work lay motionless in the African soil. When Chad and Natalie decide to help Joseph expose this modern-day slave trade—and a high-ranking political figure involved in it—disaster nips at their heels.

Where is God in the chaos? Will Chad, Natalie and Joseph win their race against time?

Romance and adventure drive this powerful thriller about the modern-day slave trade and those who dare challenge it

Please give us the first page of the book.

A narrow shaft of sunlight broke through the thick canopy of leaves above Joseph Komboli’s short frame and pierced through to the layers of vines that crawled along the forest floor. He trudged past a spiny
tree trunk — one of hundreds whose flat crowns reached toward the heavens before disappearing into the cloudless African sky — and smiled as the familiar hum of the forest welcomed him home.

A trickle of moisture dripped down the back of his neck, and he reached up to brush it away, then flicked at a mosquito. The musty smell of rotting leaves and sweet flowers encircled him, a sharp contrast to the stale exhaust fumes of the capital’s countless taxis or the stench of hundreds of humans pressed together on the dilapidated cargo boat he’d left at the edge of the river this morning.

Another flying insect buzzed in his ears, its insistent drone drowned out only by the birds chattering in the treetops. He slapped the insect away and dug into the pocket of his worn trousers for a handful of fire-roasted peanuts, still managing to balance the bag that rested atop his head. His mother’s sister had packed it for him, ensuring that the journey — by taxi, boat, and now foot — wouldn’t leave his belly empty. Once, not too long ago, he had believed no one living in the mountain forests surrounding his village, or perhaps even in all of Africa, could cook goza and fish sauce like his mother. But now, having ventured from the dense and sheltering rainforest, he knew she was only one of thousands of women who tirelessly pounded cassava and prepared the thick stew for their families day after day.

Where can we find you on the Internet?

Stop by and see me at http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com/  or my blog at http://www.lisaharriswrites.com/ .

Thanks, Lena!

And thank you, Lisa, for spending this time with us.

Readers, here's a link to the book. By using this link when you order, you'll help support this blog.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.


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 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

33 comments:

Linda Kish said...

This book sounds really good.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

misskallie2000 said...

Lisa, this sounds like a great book. I love suspense, mystery and a little romance mixed in. I would love to read your books.
I enjoyed your interview. Thanks for stopping by to chat.


misskalllie2000 at yahoo dot com

Lisa Harris said...

Thanks so much for having me Lena and for stopping by ladies. It's always a joy to be here!

Anonymous said...

The book tha Lisa has written sounds very interesting, wtih huge human suffering that needs to be told to the world. Way to go gals! Thank you for the interview.

rubynreba said...

Great interview. I'd really like to be entered for this book. Thanks.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Mark said...

Sounds like a great book, I'd like to enter

Desiree said...

This sounds very interesting.

Casey said...

Please enter me, looks great!

Anonymous said...

Please enter me. This books sounds great. I have it on my to get list.Blessings.tarenn98[at[yahoo[dot]com

Debbie said...

I'm always interested in novels like this one. Please enter me.

--Debbie

Unknown said...

I really want to read this book--I love novels set in Africa that also address an important social injustice. Enjoyed the interview also.
Please enter me in the drawing for the free book.
Thanks.
Dawn
earlymorn23@aol.com

Unknown said...

Sounds like a great read!

lead[at]hotsheet[dot]com

Cindy W. said...

Interesting cover art...I like it. Would love to read the book it sounds great. Please enter me into your drawing. Thank you for the opportuntiy.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Michelle said...

It sounds different and original.

sweetpeafluffy at gmail dot com

Lisa Harris said...

Thanks so much to all of you who have stopped by. In contrast to the darkness that is revealed in this book is a message of hope through Christ Jesus. That's the message we all need no matter where we live and what our circumstance!

Be blessed today!

Lisa

Anonymous said...

This book looks amazing! I would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Wendy said...

I am so excited to read this book!

Linda said...

This sounds great as Lisa spent time in the area of Africa. Please enter me. Thank you.

desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

CarlybirdH said...

Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you.

Carla said...

Sign me up. Thanks, Carla

Anonymous said...

Please enter me.

Wendy
ebeandebe at gmail dot com

Kristen said...

Oh my!! What a fantastic start, and I'm already tense from wondering what will happen after that first page. Thanks

Megan said...

Oooh another intense one! And I loved Lisa's Pricilla Crumb series -- but this will be very different.

Thanks Lena

Meg

Marla said...

Definitely sounds like a book I would really enjoy reading. Thank you for the giveaway.

koinonia572001@yahoo.com

Lisa Harris said...

Yes, while my cozy mysteries were so much fun to write, Blood Ransom definitely has a higher level of intensity and adventure, but the thread of romance is still there. Got to have that! :-)

Cherie J said...

Enjoyed the interview! Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you!

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

Would love to read the book, please enter me!

dancealert at aol dot com

Sarah G said...

This sounds like a thrilling book to read! Thanks for the chance to win!

Nancye said...

This book sounds very intriguing! Please enter me.

Coolestmommy said...

The book sounds like a great read, but I was fascinated by your move from South Africa and your work.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com

Sheila Deeth said...

Sounds a wonderful book. Lovely interview too and much to learn.

Rosalie Patience said...

Please enter me in the drawing. I would love to read it interested because it's set in Africa especially since it involves nurses and doctors in Africa.

~Abby

abster . rose @ yahoo . com

Judylynn said...

I would love to win this one.

seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com