Wednesday, May 07, 2014

FATAL EXCHANGE - Lisa Harris - One Free Book

Readers, Lisa Harris is a very good friend of mine. I mentored her before she became published and early in her career before her family moved to Africa to be missionaries. We only see each other every year or two, but I’m thankful for the Internet that lets us stay connected. I always read her blog. She’s a great wildlife photographer, and I like to keep up with what’s going on with their ministry.

I love her writing. I loved book one of her Southern Crimes series. Fatal Exchange arrived last week, and it’s at the top of my to-be-read pile. I only have a few pages to go to finish reading Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers.

Welcome back, Lisa. Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
Like most women, I juggle a lot of roles. Mom, wife, teacher, chauffer, writer ... My husband and I have three beautiful children, and we’ve lived in southern Africa now for over ten years. We currently live in Mozambique and are involved in church planting and discipleship. We’ve been blessed to see a lot of the world and experience many different cultures, something I’m extremely thankful for.

How did you become interested in writing?           Writing is something I wanted to do from the time I was small. I started a few stories in junior high, then didn’t really take it seriously until I was in my late twenties. After our oldest was born, I was a stay-at-home mom with no vehicle, so I decided it was finally time for me to write a book. And I did. I had (and still do) so much to learn, so I soaked up everything I could from writer’s groups (thank you, Lena!) conferences, and how-to books. About six years later, I got that first call from an editor that they were going to buy my story.
                      
We were all excited when that call came. What compelled you to write a book on the subject in Fatal Exchange?
Fatal Exchange is book two in my Southern Crimes series. While book one focused on a heroine who is a homicide detective, her sister Emily, my heroine in book two, is very different. Emily is a school teacher who isn’t interested in chasing down bad guys like her sister. She cares about her students and insuring they succeed. I wanted her to find out, though, that she was far stronger than she realized. I think that is true for all of us. With God’s strength, we can do things we didn’t think possible.
 
What is the main theme or point that you want readers to understand from reading your book? Are there any other themes present in the book?
When we let him, God can use us, even when we feel small and unable. He is able!

Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book?
When I wrote this story, I thought a lot about the difficult things we face in life and how we react to those difficult situations. In the story, Emily faces a hostage situation in her classroom. Now hopefully none of us will ever have to face anything like that, but life is still full of difficult choices and challenging situations.

The question is how do we respond to those trials? And not just the tougher, life and death situations, but the smaller, day-to-day issues? How do we respond to difficult people? To unfairness at work? To a trying neighbor, child, or spouse? Sometimes these are the situations where it takes the most courage to be gracious, loving, and forgiving.

That is so true. What makes your book different than any other books similar to yours that are in circulation today?            
A reviewer recently mentioned my “signature complex characters” in a review and I loved that. Because I really enjoy delving into the character’s lives and going deeper, which is hard with suspense and a very short time-frame for the story.

How does the book intertwine with God’s call on your life and how you are currently serving Him? I’ve always felt strongly that people need to realize that God can use them no matter who they are. And I love taking characters who don’t feel worthy or able and letting God use them! I see that in our ministry, in my own life, and in my books as well.
            
Do you have a favorite Scripture verse?
I love this reminder, especially when things are tough. “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24

When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?
I love trying new recipes and photography, but for the most part, when I’m not writing or involved in ministry, I simply love to be with my family.

As we close, is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you so much for having me, Lena!

It’s always a great pleasure to interview you. I want my readers to get to know you and your work. Where can my readers find you on the Internet?
I have a blog: http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com . Be sure and sign up (top left hand corner) for my newsletter so you can keep up with all my latest books and information. I also have a website: www.lisaharriswrites.com

Thank you, Lisa. Be sure to schedule your next book on my blog. My readers will be as eager to know about it as I will.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Fatal Exchange - Christianbook.com
Fatal Exchange: A Novel (Southern Crimes) - Amazon
Fatal Exchange (Southern Crimes Book #2): A Novel - 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 Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, 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

34 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great book!
Thanks for the giveaway
Sydney Harries GA

Britney Adams said...

Thank you for the opportunity to get to know Lisa Harris. I am eager to read her books!

Britney Adams, TX

Lisa Harris said...

Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by! And thank you, Lena, for having me on your blog!! You're a blessing.

Melanie Backus said...

Fatal Exchange sounds like a wonderful book and Lisa sounds like a wonderful lady. I love the teacher concept as I taught years ago. I would love to read this story. It is so true that we don't really know our own strength and are much stronger than we seem to think.

Thank you ,Lena, and thank you, Lisa.

Melanie Backus, TX

Diana Gardner said...

Portsmouth, VA

Library Lady said...

I would love to win this book to give to our church library. We already have the other books in this series.
Thanks!
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Florida

Cyndi said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Cyndi said...

LOVED the first book, Dangerous Passage, and am definitely looking forward to this one! Great interview! Thanks for the giveaway!

Cyndi in AL

Unknown said...

I have not read any of Lisa's books yet. I enjoyed the interview and would love to read Fatal Exchange.
Thank you from Ohio
mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

Lisa Harris said...

So glad you enjoyed Dangerous Passage, Cyndi! Appreciate you all for stopping by. Not knowing our own strength reminds me again and again of how we can do all things through him who strengthens us!

Amy C said...

Fun to read another lovely interview with a new author to me.
Thanks
Amy C
VA

KayM said...

I've been wanting to read Lisa's Southern Crimes series. I missed the April sale on the first ebook. I would love to win this second book.
Tennessee

Lourdes said...

Thank you for the interview. Looking forward to reading Fatal Exchange, so enjoyed Blood Covenant.

Lourdes Long Island, NY

Susan Johnson said...

This looks like a great book. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
Susan in Texas

Anonymous said...

would love to win. Angela from KY

Lisa Harris said...

Dangerous Passage was on sale in April, but if yore still looking for a sale, the price for both Dangerous Passage and Fatal Exchange have been dropped to just over $5 which is still a great deal! Happy reading!

Mary Preston said...

Wonderful to meet you here today.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Charlotte Kay said...

Having been a teacher, I am anxious to read this book!!!! I loved the interview and got to know so much about another new author to me!!! Thanks and God bless!!

Many Blessings and Smiles :) :) :)
Charlotte, Ohio

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read this wonderful mystery.

karenk...from PA
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond Bryant
Conway,SC
sharonruth126@gmail.com

Cindi A said...

Thanks for the opportunity for a chance to win a copy of Lisa's latest release. If it's half as good as Dangerous Passage, I'll be thrilled.
I'm looking forward to reading Fatal Exchange.

Cindi A from PA

Lisa Harris said...

Great to see you all here! Thanks for taking the time stop by. You're entered in the drawing!

Kandra said...

This sounds like such an interesting book. Great interview, too!
Kandra from OK

Anonymous said...

Great interview Lisa! I live in Mississippi! Shelia Hall sheliarha64@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Would love to have the book for our church library. Thanks.

Julie (WI)

Melissa Oldaker said...

Currently reading Dangerous Passage and am loving it! Can't wait to read this one! As a teacher myself, this one sounds especially intriguing. Thanks for the giveaway!

Melissa from NC
mo1202007@yahoo.com

Lisa Harris said...

Thrilled to see some of you are reading Dangerous Passage as well! While I tried to make sure each book in the series could stand alone, if you read them in order you really get to know the Hunt family and there is an overarching story that ties the three books together. Happy reading!

Lena Nelson Dooley said...

Lisa, I'm reading FATAL EXCHANGE right now and loving it. Of course, I knew I would.

Courtney Clark (The Green Mockingbird Blog) said...

I'd love to win!
Courtney C. from AR

Lisa Harris said...

Thrilled to hear that, Lena!!! Happy reading, all!

kam110476 said...

Fatal Exchange sounds so good! I've been wanting to read it since I first heard about it last month! Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Kristen in OK
kam110476 at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

Please enter me. Sounds like a really good book!
Tonja S. From Virginia

Unknown said...

Sounds like a good Romantic Suspense novel which I enjoy reading. Thank you for the chance to win.
Brookfield, WI
marybrandis@gmail.com

Merry said...

Fatal Exchange sounds like a gripping suspense filled story. Please add me to the drawing, thanks!
Merry in MN