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.)

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