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Friday, April 26, 2013

SWEET SANCTUARY - Kim Vogel Sawyer - One Free Book on This Blog, Plus Much More


Welcome back, Kim. Since you’re being published regularly, what new avenues will your future books take? 
Since I love writing historical novels, I will probably continue writing stand-alone historicals. However, I’m hoping to travel away from prairie settings exclusively and perhaps explore inter-related novels--stories that can stand alone but have connections between characters or setting. 

What conferences will you be attending this year?
Will you be a speaker at any of them? I plan to attend the ACFW conference in Indianapolis. My writing schedule doesn’t allow for a lot of conference attendance, but I always look forward to connecting with fellow writers and friends in the publishing world at the ACFW gathering.      

If you were in charge of planning the panel discussion at a writing conference, what topic would the panel cover, and who would you ask to be on the panel, and why?
I’d love to explore what makes a book resonate with a reader, and I would put authors in the audience and avid readers on the panel.

I’d love to attend that discussion. How important is it to you to be active in writing organizations?
Very important. Writing is a solitary activity, so connections with other writers can keep one grounded and sane. I have been so blessed by writers who helped me along in my writing journey, and I want to offer the same hand of assistance to those starting out. The best place to find aspiring writers in within writing organization.       

Where in the community or your church do you volunteer?       
I am very active in my home church. I participate in the music ministry—choir, bell choir, solos, etc., I help lead women’s fellowship, and I am a substitute teacher for adults. When I have time to spare, I love to participate in community theatre.

I was in the bell ringer choir for a couple of years. It’s interesting. Who are the five people who have made the most impact on your life, and how?
My mom and dad--they are such incredible representatives of Jesus and have both overcome so much. They inspire me.
My step-grandma who has gone on to her reward but lives forever in my heart as one who loved me unconditionally and believed in me wholeheartedly.
My 9th grade English teacher who convinced a shy, scared-of-her-shadow girl she had something of value to share.
My soul sister, Kathy who helped me heal from a mighty emotional wound and see myself as a person with ability again.  

If you could write the inscription on your tombstone, what would it be?
I would love for it to read: She lived exuberantly. She loved without reserve. She made a positive difference.        

Wonderful. Tell us about the featured book. 
A Story of Hope and Love Set Against the Backdrop of World War II

Lydia Eldredge longs to provide sanctuary for her young son, Nicky. But a constant threat comes from Nicky's drug-addicted father, who wants the boy and seems willing to do whatever it takes to get him.

Dr. Micah Hatcher faithfully serves the immigrant population of Queens, New York. But under cover of darkness, he has a secret mission that challenges everything he thought he wanted out of life.

When Lydia and Micah's paths cross, they are suddenly wrapped up in each other's callings. Together, they seek a refuge of safety--for Nicky, for themselves, and for the needy people God puts into their lives. Amid turmoil and discord, can hope and love prevail?          

Please share the first page with us. 

QUEENS, NEW YORK JULY 1944
Micah Hatcher scanned the letter a second time, his pulse beating at twice its normal rhythm. A joke . . . This has to be a joke. Yet there was nothing funny about it.
Someone bumped him from behind, and he apologized, moving away from the rows of mail cubbies to lean against the opposite wall, where he wouldn’t block the foot traffic. Half the population of Queens seemed to be retrieving mail right now. He scratched his head, trying to understand why this letter had come to him.

He checked the signature. N. Allan Eldredge. Scowling, he pressed his memory. Eldredge . . . Eldredge . . . The name seemed familiar. Then he slapped his forehead, remembrance hitting like a wave.

Lydia Eldredge. The nurse from Schofield Station Hospital. The one who had left Oahu early because of a mysterious emergency. An emergency that was no longer a mystery, thanks to the letter.

Micah’s gaze dropped to the letter again. Yes, now he understood. Small wonder Lydia had been in such a hurry to get back to the States—halfway through her tour of duty, as he recalled. He released a huff of disgust. He knew Lydia had been rather . . . well, flighty . . . and somewhat self-centered. But despite Lydia’s faults, he would never have taken her for a liar. How could she make up such drivel about him? He didn’t have time for this kind of nonsense now—not with Jeremiah depending on his help.

Tucking his other mail into his jacket pocket, Micah left the crowded lobby and plunked down on a wrought-iron bench outside the post office. With the noonday sun heating his head, he flattened the letter against his pant leg and read it once more. Slowly. Concentrating on every word and searching for hidden meaning between the lines.

Dr. Hatcher, I am sure by now you feel certain that your responsibility has been fully avoided, and this letter has come as a surprise. It has taken me some time to locate you. But this is a matter of extreme importance. A child’s life has been impacted. As the child’s grandfather, I cannot allow him to grow up wondering why his father has chosen to abandon him.

Therefore I request that you honor your responsibility toward your child. He and his mother are living with me in Boston. I will allow you two weeks to contact me. If by the end of that time, you have not chosen to honor your duty to your son, I shall be forced to take legal action. I assure you I have the wealth and influence to see that you do not continue to neglect your responsibility. I encourage—no, I insist—that you come with all due haste to Boston to settle this matter in an honorable fashion.

N. Allan Eldredge

“My son?” Micah muttered, his frustration growing. He had no son—it was impossible! Why on earth would Lydia tell her parents he had fathered her child? He folded the letter and shoved it roughly back into its envelope.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kim-Vogel-Sawyer-AuthorSpeaker/

To celebrate the release of  Sweet Sanctuary Kim Vogel Sawyer is giving away a Cupcake Club membership (monthly cupcake delivery!) from the amazing Magnolia Bakery in New York and hosting a Facebook Author Chat party {4/30}!


Sweet-Sanctuary-giveaway300

One "sweet" winner will receive:
    • Cupcakes from NYC’s Magnolia Bakery delivered to your door every month. (Eat them all yourself or share!)
    • Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer for you and four of your friends. (Start a book group — cupcakes and a "sweet" read!)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 29th. Winner will be announced at the "Sweet Sanctuary" Author Chat Party on 4/30. Connect with Kim, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be fun giveaways - gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of Sweet Sanctuary and join Kim on the evening of April 30th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 30th!

Thank you, Kim, for sharing this new book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Sweet Sanctuary: A Novel by - paperback
Sweet Sanctuary: A Novel by - 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

36 comments:

  1. Deborah Dun10:10 AM

    I would love to read this.

    Deborah Dun, FL

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  2. I like the fact that you want to write so characters meet in other books.
    always interesting when I read things that are happening with you, enjoyed writes of passage today about the mennonite/amish differences.
    I am one that confuses the two.
    would love to read this book.
    Paula O(kyflo130@yaqhoo.com)
    a reader and fan in Ga

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  3. This looks like a sweet read. Thanks for sharing the interview!

    Heidi, CA

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  4. thanks for the chance to read this novel :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com
    ...from PA...

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  5. I want to win and read this book...sounds great.Thanks...Jackie Tessnair from N.C.

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  6. glad to know that you are on facebook too! follow!! and liked!!!

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  7. I love Kim's books! Winning a copy of Sweet Sanctuary would be delightful!

    Blessings!
    Judy B from Indiana

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  8. Kim is one of my favorite authors! I already read and loved Sweet Sanctuary! (Which, the book blurb in the post isn't about?? Is that another upcoming book of Kim's...?)

    Stephanie
    Binghamton, NY

    mybabyblessings AT gmail DOT com

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  9. thanks for chance to win
    live in ND

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  10. Stephanie caught my boo-boo--it's fixed now. LOL! I'm glad you enjoyed the book. Please join me for the book chat on the 30th! (The wrong blurb was from my September release, WHAT ONCE WAS LOST.)

    Good luck in the drawing, all!

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  11. This looks like a good book!
    Rebekah TN

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  12. Linda Ortiz8:09 AM

    Would love a chance to win! Love all your other books, I look forward to reading this one.

    Linda Ortiz
    strgth4yu@hotmail.com

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  13. Ellen Wycuff8:47 AM

    I just recently started reading your books and I love them! I would love to win this contest. Also I live in West Central Ohio in a small town called Celina!
    Ellen W jolen@bright.net

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  14. I've read several of Kim's books and enjoyed each one of them!

    Patty in SC

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  15. Connie Leonard12:00 PM

    Sounds intriguing. I'm interested to discover the tie-in with cupcakes.

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  16. I love all of Kim's books.

    From South MS
    plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

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  17. I would love to win this book! I've read some of your books and really enjoyed them. Thank you for this opportunity to win this book.
    Barbara
    barbmaci61@yahoo.com

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  18. Love Kim's books!!! Thanks for the Awesome Giveaway!!! Please enter me!
    God Bless!
    Abigail from Blanch, N.C.

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  19. I really like Kim's books! Can't wait to read this one!!

    Marissa from Colorado

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  20. Judy Cooper2:31 PM

    I enjoy all of Kim Vogel Sawyers novels and I would like a chance to in this one. Thank you. Judy C. in Louisiana.







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  21. Great book,great author, cant wait for the party!!!

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  22. Pam K.5:36 PM

    I always enjoy Kim's books so would love to win a copy of Sweet Sanctuary. I like her prairie romances but am happy to see her branch out into another time period and setting. Thanks for this interview with Kim and for giving away a book.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
    Kansas

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  23. I would love to win this! :D
    Hannah Peasha
    CA

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  24. Oh my! What a blow that news was to the reader! I would love to win a copy of Sweet Sanctuary.
    I live in Tennessee.

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  25. Ooh..great book!

    Jean K
    West Palm Beach, FL

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  26. Am currently thoroughly enjoying reading Kim's "My Heart Remembers". As I've told you before, Kim, love all your books and look forward to this one also.
    I live in Tasmania, Australia and do wisjh could join you in the US again sometime.

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  27. sharon m10:19 AM

    sharon, CA
    Would love to win this book and cupcakes! Kim Vogel Sawyer is a great author and I really enjoy her books.

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  28. This sounds so good! I'd love to win. I'm in MN.

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  29. I would love to read this new book by Kim Vogel Sawyer! Love historical novels, and the subject sounds very interesting. I live in Phoenix AZ

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  30. Sharon Richmond2:14 PM

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

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  31. bonnie3:45 PM

    Sounds like a wonderful, emotional, book - haven't read any of Kim's books & would love to win a copy of this one (the fact that I have a son named Micah would only make the reading even more fun - I don't know many people named Micah). Thanks for the giveaway!

    bonnieroof60@yahoo.com

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  32. How fun to see so many popping by to read about SWEET SANCTUARY. :o) Thanks for your interest! (And Mary Hawkins, I would absolutely love time with you again. Blessings, dear lady!)

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  33. Sweet Sanctuary sounds like a touching WWII story, please add me to the drawing. Thanks!
    Merry in TX

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  34. Jorie8:31 PM

    I have not yet had the pleasure of reading a book by Ms. Sawyer, but I have been seeing a lot of this book featured on blogs of late, and the fact it has the backdrop of WWII is ideal, as I am drawn to that era quite often! By way of classic motion pictures (Since You Were Gone; So Proudly We Hail) and novels -- its a rich and dynamic era that I would presume has a lot of room to write characters who find themselves caught up in missions and causes to help those on the homefront.

    I would be honoured to win to see where she takes us on her character's mutual and individual journeys!

    Thank you for this bookaway!

    inkand-bookaways(at)usa.net
    //Florida

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  35. Since I live in the Midwest I know i would enjoy this book. thanks -
    Beth from Iowa

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