I first met Beth just after she had signed her first book contract, and we quickly became friends. Award-winning author
Beth Wiseman has hit the best-sellers lists with each and every one of her books,
and her latest, The House that Love Built,
is sure to follow. In the interview below, she shares more about the story
behind her newest release.
Welcome back, Beth. Is
there one particular message or “moral of the story” you hope readers walk away
with?
I hope that Brooke, Owen and the rest of the gang will stay
on readers’ hearts for a long time, that readers will reflect on the very
different ways that the characters handled the events in their lives. And in
turn, hopefully the story will inspire people to turn to God in both the good times
and the bad.
Forgiveness of self
and others is one of the themes that runs through The House That Love Built.
Why do you think it is so hard for us to forgive ourselves and let go at times?
People often say we are only hurting ourselves when we can’t
forgive someone. That holds true when we can’t forgive ourselves, too. God
forgives us . . . and so easily. Yet, we beat ourselves (and others) into the
ground over the burdens of our past. I personally have trouble forgiving
myself, so that ends up in my books a lot.
Both of your lead
characters have baggage that keeps
them from wanting to pursue a new relationship. Do you think sometimes we let
our past get in the way of what God has planned for our futures?
Carrying our burdens of the past is self-destructive, and my
goal for this story was to have several of my characters shedding their burdens
as they grow in their faith and put their trust in God.
Even though she
questioned God’s will, Brooke clung to God after her husband died. However,
Owen did the opposite when his wife left. Do you think there’s any reason in
particular some people have one reaction versus the other when something bad
happens in their life?
I have no idea why people react so differently during a
crisis, and I intentionally wanted to incorporate both sides, so to speak, into
the story. The spiritual arc in this book is clearly Owen’s, so I wanted to
show his struggles and how he eventually reaches out to God. But I also wanted
to show that there are people who do not
turn from God during a crisis—like Brooke—no matter how unfair things might
seem.
Has there been a time
in your own life where you could really sense God was putting you in a situation
for a reason?
That has happened to me many times, but I couldn’t foresee
the reasoning — especially during the bad times. It has taken years to
understand that much of what I have experienced was to give me a better
understanding of certain situations so I could write about it and hopefully
help others. I’m not sure I could have captured the hospital scene in my second
novel if my own son hadn’t spent a month in the hospital. My character was
fifteen, just as my son was when he was sick, so my emotions ran deep. I’ve
witnessed a miracle, so I wrote about one. I’ve made mistakes I’m not proud of,
and those seem to find a way into my stories, as well, painful as some of them
might be. I’m adopted, so I’ve written about that. Each book I write ministers
to my own soul, and I pray the stories will bring peace to my readers.
The House that
Love Built is set in Smithville , Texas , where several Hollywood
movies have been set. You live nearby. What’s so special about Smithville?
I love writing stories set in small Texas towns, and Smithville is really quaint
with friendly people who live there. The movie Hope Floats was filmed there, and the town is very welcoming to
authors, film crews, and the public in general. There are a lot of older homes
like the one Owen purchases in my story. The mystery surrounding the house was
inspired by a house in another small Texas
town: Schulenburg.
You are best known
for your Amish fiction, and The House That Love Built is just your
second venture outside that genre. What persuaded you to try something new?
I think it’s natural to want to spread your wings a bit when
you’ve written so many novels and novellas in the same genre. For me, writing
about Texas
comes naturally since I live here, and I love to write about a community, as
opposed to just “boy meets girl.” I like a good love story, but my secondary
characters usually end up with large roles because I like to show how God puts
certain people in our paths for a reason, however unlikely it might seem to us
at the time.
Beth, please share the
first page of the novel with us.
Brooke Holloway woke with a start, then felt her stomach
lurch when she recalled her dream. She rolled over and threw her arm across
Travis’s side of the bed, wishing she could will him to be there. She lay there
a few more minutes before forcing herself to get up and dressed before she went
downstairs.
She pressed the button on the coffeemaker before facing off
with the calendar that hung on the wall to the left of the refrigerator. She
reached for the black marker dangling on a string nearby and drew a big X across
today’s date, as she did every morning, then scribbled “45” in the
upper-right-hand corner of the square. The kids liked to keep up with the
count-down to July 10.
Two cups of coffee later she still yawned as she headed back
upstairs and down the hall to Meghan’s room.
“Up, sleepyhead.” Brook flipped on the light and walked
toward her precious six-year-old, whose blond hair crumpled in a mass on the
pillow. “Time to get up.” Brooke sat on the bed and kissed Meghan on the
forehead, Travis still fresh on her mind. He used to wake up the kids each
morning, said that seeing their faces first things always made for a better day.
What’s on the horizon
for you? What will you be writing next?
I just finished book number six in the Daughters of the
Promise series, releasing in October 2013. I’ll also be doing some Amish novellas
for the next couple of years. But the next full-length book I will be working
on jumps way outside of the box. It will take readers far away from Amish
Country and Texas
to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. I can’t say too much yet,
just that it is inspired by a true story and something very close to my heart.
Learn more about Beth
Wiseman at bethwiseman.com and follow her on Twitter (@bethwiseman). She also hangs out at Fans
of Beth Wiseman on Facebook and loves hearing from readers.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The House that Love Built - paperbackThe House that Love Built - Kindle
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
107 comments:
Great to see you today on Lena's blog, Beth. I love to read your books so would love to be in this drawing.
your question about folks and their different reactions to death, I would think maybe just because we all are so different in many ways even at this time there would be differences. I try to remember that death frees the one who died to be with Jesus -it is us that remain who have to be sorrowful because we miss them...
thanks for sharing
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
a Ga reader
Forgiveness is an important characteristic, thanks for spotlighting this book.
Thanks for the opportunity to get this book.
Lyndie Blevins
Duncanville, Tx
I would love to win these books and I have heard much about Beth Wiseman but she is a new author for me to read. sharon, san diego
I would love to win these books and I have heard much about Beth Wiseman but she is a new author for me to read. sharon, san diego
I love her books! Can't wait to read this new one!
Heidi, CA
Would love to win this book! Thanks for the giveaway!
Cathy in BC Canada
I love Beth's books! She is listed as one of my favorite authors on Amish Living. I haven't read any of her non-Amish ones but would love to, because I feel like her skill and wit as an author would transcend genre. I'm thankful for the chance to win!
Laurel
South Georgia
Love, love, love Beth's books!! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Marie Ferland
Ontario, Canada
Thanks so much for all the kind words!
Beth Wiseman
I absolutely love Beth Wisemans books, Especially her Amish ones. You have this Western Australian totally hooked!! I would love to win one of her books. Many thanks for the opportunity and God Bless.
I would love to win these books. Beth is my favorite author to read. I have read all hers books but a few and they are on my list to read.
Love your books Beth....You give us another look at the peaceful world of the Amish...God bless and Happy Easter <3
Thank you for the opportunity of receiving this book. I enjoy reading them and I can't wait to read this one. Many Blessing to you all.
I've read your books Beth and love them.
Thanks for chance to win.
Carolyn Jefferson
carolynj63@att.net
I always love a chance to win a new book. If it comes from an author with the same last name as mine, that makes it even luckier, I hope.
Thanks for the offer Beth. I hope I win!!
Bobbie Wiseman
Sounds like a great read. Would love to win it but if not will get it .
Would love to read the book.
You and family have a blessed Easter!
Patty, Cape Coral, FL
I would love to win the book!
Think most people find it hard to forgive themselves. I know God forgives us but sometimes I will go back on something. It's just the devil working. Thanks for the chance to win this book would love to read it. Great interview also.
Blessings
joeym11@frontier.com
Thanks for the chance at winning a copy of this book. I've been so hoping to read it :)
"Angel" Linda M.
mslafate@yahoo.com
Happy Easter to everyone! I would love to win a copy of your book! It's so refreshing to read your writing. Keep the good stories coming!
Love your books Beth....You give us another look at the peaceful world of the Amish...God bless and Happy Easter
Absolutely love Beth's books. Would be honored to win this and share with my church family. Have a blessed Resurrection Day.
Lucy from WV
leliamae54@netscape.net
Beth is one of my favorite authors. I have read most of her books and would be so excited to win The House That Love Built.
Brittany McEuen
Forgot to put that I am from Grand Prairie, Texas. Brittany McEuen
Would love to win a copy of this book.
Ontario, Canada
Would love to win this book thanks for the opportunity to try :)
Geri Kelley
Gkkel@aol.com
Love all your books especially the Amish ones. Love the Amish people. Would love to win - The House That Love Built. I just lost my oldest daughter to her Heavenly Home. I do miss her so much. I am from Roanoke Rapids, NC. Thanks & have a nice Easter Season.
I have read most of Beth's books and some I have read again and again. Each time with a new outlook and lesson. Beth this book sounds as amazing as your Amish books. Would love to win it. Thanks for a chance, LeAnn from Rhodhiss, North Carolina
i really love your books and sure hope i win this one, thanks for a chance and Blessed Easter to you
Shirley, jcisforme@aol.com
Would love to win this book Thanks for the chance :)
Blessed Easter!
Central Minnesota where snow is still ruling but Spring is peeking around the corner!
mandn@wisper-wireless.com
I have never won one dof your books, would love to. I am a very big reader, sepecially of christian books.
Thank you for the opportunity to win one of your books! Easter blessings to you!
I have read all of Beth's books up to this one need it to add to my Beth Library!!!!!
Love your books!
Amber
amberdawnchris@gmail.com
KC, MO
Sounds like a book I'd really enjoy reading
thanks for the chance and happy Easter
Cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com
I LOVE all your books!!!! Please pick me. Happy Easter.
farley13@comcast.net
Love Beth Wiseman's books! Looking forward to reading her new book.
Linda Ortiz
strgth4yu@hotmail.com
I would love to win a copy of The House That Love Built! ejs841@hotmal.com
7933Would love to win a copy of "The House That Love Built". Have probably read every copy of your books in our local library. Love them. sjeano@new.rr.com
I love Beth's books. Would love to win this book.
Thanks for the opportunity!!!
I would love to win and read your book. Thanks for the opportunity.
Juanita Nobles
mjnobles(at)charter(dot)net
Hello! I live in Fleming County, Kentucky, which is an Amish-rich area. My best friend is Amish and I share my huge collecton of Amish and historical fiction with her and her family. I love Beth's books and I would love to add this one to my library!
House That Love Built sounds like a great read. I would love to win a copy. I love Beth's books. I love all her Amish books but I must say, it doesn't matter what genre she writes in, she does a wonderful job as an author. Beth is one of my favorite authors.
Thanks for this interview with Beth and a chance to win a copy of "House That Love Built."
Blessings!
Judy B from Indiana
I just posted from Fleming County, Kentucky. For some reason, it left off my name and email address. Here it is:
Cindy Adams
jociadam@hotmail.com
I would absolutely love to win your book. I love all of your books and am an avid reader. May God continue to bless you. Cheryl Salinas from GA.
would love to win this book I sure love the books Beth write adout the Amish,thank
I would love to win a copy of your book.
Wendy, Michigan
You are an excellent author with the unique talent to make me feel as if I am part of the family you are writing about.We go to visit and buy from the Amish in Kenton Ohio and I come home with such a peaceful feeling. Please continue to write many, many more books-thank you, Mary Bonnell
The House That Love Built.....what better place to live? I would love to win a copy....I love the title!
Ibakecakes4you@AOL.com
Can't wait to read this book, whether I buy it or win it!
Debi1@zoomtown.com
Happy Easter to Everyone!!
Vanessa Burzynski
Bedias, Texas
I have heard great things about Beth's work.
Happy Easter Everyone!
Amy C
VA
Happy Easter! I've just recently discovered beth's books. I love them and Iw ould love to win this book. Have a Blessed Easter!
I love your books. I first read The Amish Wedding and got hooked. Happy Easter and have a blessed day
Would love to have this book! I have enjoyed all of Beth's books! Thanks for the chance!
Jennifer Gentry
jengen2@yahoo.com
I love your books and would love to win. Jean from Alma,Michigan
Our library readers love Beth Wiseman and can't seem to get enough of her books. I would love to win this book.
Thanks for the chance to do so.
Janet E.
Florida
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Would love to have a copy of this book to add to my collection. Please accept my entry. I live in Danville, Pennsylvania.
Thank you,
meashy@verizon.net
I would love to have a copy of your book
I would love to win a copy of The House That Love Built! I love your books Beth!
Julie Bish
Pennsylvania
Would love to win this free book.
Dawn Crawford
dcofohio@yahoo.com
Love your books Beth . Thank you for the contest. I would love to win "THE HOUSE THAT LOVE BUILT"
Elizabeth
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
Decatur,Al.
I would love to win The House That Built Love because I've read books by Beth Wiseman before and I always love the plot, setting, and of course the characters in them! Happy Easter:)
Rebecca
Pennsylvania
I would love to win The House That Built Love because I've read books by Beth Wiseman before and I always love the plot, setting, and of course the characters in them! Happy Easter:)
Rebecca
Pennsylvania
I would love to win this book because my sister is a great fan of Beth Wiseman. This book would make a great Easter present for her.
Maria
Beth you are one of the best writer's out there. I would love to read this book. Oklahoma
Oh how I would love to win a Beth Wiseman book. What an honor that would be.
Hello Lena and Beth. Happy Easter to you both. Beth, this book sounds really really good. Hope I'm lucky enough to win it. Think it will really pull you into the story. I ,like that. Interesting about your other book that will be far away. BUT, all of your books are good. Lena, thanks for this interview and chance to win Beth's book. mac262(at)me(dot)com
Maxie from Pasadena, Tx.
sounds like another great book you 'cant go wrong with any book that beth writes!
I enjoy your books. Would love to get this free copy. Mississippi
I would love to read this book.
California
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Love the sound of your book Beth, i hope i win it. God forgave us so we need to be able to forgive others and ourselves, thanks for reminding us of that. Your cover to your book is great. God bless you.
Norma Stanforth from Ohio
Would So much love to win!!!!Love Beth's Books.pbennett123@windstream.net
It's gonna be another WONDERFUL book.I can't wait!!
Angie
Waverly, Ohio
This would be a great book to win! I enjoy all of your books!
I live in Tennessee.
Love reading Beth's books.
Ola Norman
Traphill NC
I'm really looking forward to reading this. When I read Beth's novels, it's not only a wonderful story but they remind me where my heart should be.. forgiving and loving even when people and situations are unlovely.
Abbey Rust
Oskaloosa, Iowa
Happy Easter!!
I enjoyed the interview thank and and the first page.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
I love Reading these Inspirational Books... Would love to Win ....
Love reading her books. Would love to win. Abel.barb@Yahoo.com
I have bought and read just about all of Beth's books, and happen to be reading one now. It is really good and is called His Love Endures Forever. I'm a bit late reading it b/c of having to review other books. Would feel very blessed to win this one! Thank you for the chance!
Diana from SC
dianalflowers[at]aol[dot]com
Beth is an incredible author. She has contributed some of the best Amish fiction I've read. Thank you for featuring her and offering a giveaway of "The House That Love Built."
Nancee in Michigan
quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
thanks for the chance to win Beth's book
live in ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
I've loved all of Beth's Amish books, so I'm sure I'll like this one!
~Marissa from CO
Enter Me! Looks Awesome!!!
Blanch, N.C.
Love Beth Wiseman's books, she is a great author and would love to win this book ....
Sounds good, not sure if I have read any of Beth's books.
Patty in SC
I've been looking forward to this one! I'm in MN.
I haven't read any of Beth's books. This one sounds interesting. Thank you for offering a copy.
Tennessee
I enjoy Beth Wiseman books very much. Since I live in a small town, the small town setting appeals to me.
Beth from Iowa
Enter me!!!
Sarah Richmond
N.C.
Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch,NC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com
I've been working my way through Beth's Amish novels, and I've loved each one I've read. She really makes you feel like you know the characters and that you're in the story. I'd love to try this contemporary story. Thanks!
Lisa in Washington State
I'd love to win this book!
Hannah CA
Looks like I've got one chance in about 100 of winning Beth's book. Another of her fine writings. Thanks for the chance to win a wonderful story.
Barb Shelton
Arlington, TX
My daughter loves reading your books. They're very inspirational to her. She would be so excited if I won this for her. Thank you and God bless.
Rose Marie
Pennsylvania
I want to win it for my daughter
I want to win it for my daughter.
Dean
Pennsylvania
I enjoyed the little peek, please add me!
Merry in TX
I want to win this book because my sister really likes Beth Wiseman's books!
Ashley
Pennsylvania
I would like to win your book because my sister is crazy about them.
Selena
Pennsylvania
The writer had me at hallo when she mentioned *Hope Floats*, a community oriented towne, and a welcoming to others who do not live there in a geniune fashion! I love townes that are built around a heart and core of goodwill, as its nearly difficult to find these days! I love the opportunity your giving us to read this book, as I can tell that she's infused the story with a towne that is wrapped around her heart! :)
inkand-blogaways(at)usa.net
//Florida
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