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?

www.KimVogelSawyer.com 

www.writespassage.blogspot.com  

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}!

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


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