THE PROMISE - Beth Wiseman - One Free Book

Welcome back, Beth. Since you’re being published regularly, what new avenues will your future books take?

I’ve been blessed to be able to alternate between my Amish novels and non-Amish Texas contemporaries, but I think that after twenty-two novels and novellas, it’s natural to want to spread your wings. My publisher graciously allowed me to write a story that is very close to my heart and inspired by actual events. The Promise is way out of the box for me, but ultimately I think this is what I’ve been working toward my entire career thus far. I foresee venturing even further out of my comfort zone. That’s how we grow our writing, and I don’t want to ever stop learning and growing as an author.

What conferences will you be attending this year? Will you be a speaker at any of them?

Sadly, this is the first year that I won’t be attending any conferences. I’m going to miss seeing everyone. L My deadlines are incredibly tight (more so than usual).

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 think that most multi-published authors reach a point in their career when they wonder if they need an assistant. Then comes the question—what do I need an assistant to do so that I can be more productive as an author? Through trial and error, my assistant and I have pretty much perfected our professional relationship, and we are doubly blessed to have grown into great friends. We build on each other’s strengths, and we take up the slack for our weaknesses. Actually, I can’t think of any weaknesses she has, lol. My panel would include my publicist, Katie Bond (this was Katie’s idea, to have a class or panel on this topic), my fabulous assistant, Janet, and the newest member of our team, Jamie Foley…an incredible guru on all things technical, from marketing to websites, and all of the above. It would be a panel to discuss the tough choices authors make to “delegate” and when that becomes a necessity.        

I need to take that course. How important is it to you to be active in writing organizations?

I live in a very small town (289 folks) so we don’t have any organized writing groups here, but it has been discussed, so we will see. But I’m a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and RWA (Romance Writers of America).       

Where in the community or your church do you volunteer?

I teach adult writing classes to benefit Arts for Rural Texas (ARTS), an organization that provides educational opportunities for children. I speak at various church and library events. And I donate books to libraries, charities, and fundraisers as often as I can.

Who are the five people who have made the most impact on your life, and how?

This is a tough question because I’ve been blessed with an amazing family and friends. I could probably name 100 people who have had a big impact on my life, but I’ll do my best to narrow it down to five. Jesus seems an obvious answer, so I’ll assume He is already included and still pick five. I’ve been so fortunate to have the same best friend for thirty-five years. Renee knows everything there is to know about me, like a walking/talking diary that knows what makes me laugh, cry, and all the crazy things in between. She is the keeper of my history and my cheerleader for the future. My husband impacts my life in too many ways to mention, but he mostly keeps me sane. My dear author friend Kelly Long is in my “Top 5.” She is my stepping stone for all things spiritual, writing related and otherwise. Kelly often sees things in me that I don’t see in myself, and she encourages me with her faithful spirit, honestly, and unconditional love. My agent, Natasha Kern, has been a huge surprise for me. I knew Natasha was a great literary agent, but I had no way of knowing what an amazing woman she is and the positive affects she would have on my life, spiritually and professionally. She is also in my “Top 5.” Last, but never least, my mother continues to astound me with her love, support, and life attitude. At 81, she teaches whitewater canoeing, volunteers at the school, and bowls with the same women she’s been bowling with for fifty years. And she reads more books than anyone I know (except maybe Natasha).       

If you could write the inscription on your tombstone, what would it be?

In the end, the cheese got her. Just kidding! I would hope that those who survive me would consider an inscription something like this… A loving wife and mother who wanted to make a difference through words that glorify God.            

Tell us about the featured book.

God never wastes an experience, and such is the case for The Promise. Someone I love was being held captive in Pakistan, and I had to work with the Consulate in Pakistan, the Embassy in Islamabad, and the U.S. State Department to get this person safely home. It was like something out of a movie, and at the time, I couldn’t imagine writing about it. But, here we are … two years later … and I hope and pray that The Promise will help women tempted by this type of deception to walk away. This book is much different from anything I’ve written.

Publishers Weekly had this to say:

“Bestselling author Wiseman encourages readers to think through their feelings about Islam, Christianity, faith, love, and what it means to help others. Her novel will challenge, encourage, and stimulate discussion among her loyal fans and first-time readers.”

Publishers Weekly can be a tough group to please, so I was very happy with this review, since this is what I was striving for – a book relevant to current events in the world that will challenge, encourage, and simulate discussion.

Here is the back cover copy:

Mallory Hammond is determined not to let her boyfriend, parents, or anyone else get in the way of her #1 goal—to save a life. She had that chance when she was a teenager, and the opportunity slipped away, leaving a void she’s desperate to fill. Then a new friend she met online offers her the chance she’s dreamed of. But she’ll have to leave behind everyone she loves to take it.

Tate Webber has loved Mallory for years. He understands that Mallory’s free spirit has to fly, and when he gives her the space she needs, he hopes that when she lands, the two of them will be in the same place and can marry at last.

In a bold move—and with lots of resistance from Tate and those closest to her—Mallory decides to travel across the world to fulfill her dream. Tate begs her not to go, but Mallory embarks on the dangerous journey to Pakistan anyway, only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. Her new friend isn’t who he says he is. And Mallory can only pray she’ll make it out alive.

Inspired by actual events, this riveting story will take you on a wild journey and have you asking yourself: How far would I go for love?

Please share the first page with us.

Here you go. The first three chapters are available for free at www.bethwiseman.com. J

Chapter One

Mallory handed Rosa her empty plate. “As usual, dessert was awesome.” The food was what kept the mandatory Sunday dinners at her parents’ house bearable.

Rosa nodded. Though her dark hair was now speckled with gray, her smile still revealed her girlish dimples and laugh crinkles around her bright eyes. “Glad you liked it, Munchkin.”

Mallory smiled at the maid’s use of the pet name after all these years.

Rosa went around the table to pick up dessert plates, but Mallory’s sister, Vicky, was still working on her key lime pie. Though Mallory missed seeing Haley and Braiden, who were with their father today, she was glad Vicky’s children weren’t present in case things were about to get ugly.

“Mom, Dad ... there’s something I need to tell you.” Mallory’s stomach churned and her voice was shaky.

Her mother set down her wine glass. Mallory was pretty sure she’d seen Rosa fill it four times.

“What is it?” Her mother raised her eyebrows. Eyebrows that seemed to be higher up on her forehead. And the tiny lines of time that feathered from each of her eyes had disappeared as well. Mallory was studying the changes, not sure if she liked them or not, when her mother cleared her throat. “What do you need to tell us, Mallory?”

She swallowed hard. “I’m donating one of my kidneys.”

Her father sat taller, his eyes sharp and assessing. Vicky halted her fork midway to her mouth, glancing back and forth between their parents. Her mother slammed a palm against the table, shaking the dishes that hadn’t yet been cleared.

“No! We’re not going through this again.” Mom shook her head as she glared at Mallory.

“Mom, I’m an adult. And I’ve made my decision.”

Her mother put her empty wine glass on the table, then pointed a finger at her daughter. “I knew this was why you took a job working for that man. This has never been about utilizing your business degree.”

Mallory looked at her father. “Dad, please tell me you understand why I want to do this.”

This book just went to the top of my to-be-read pile. Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

I mostly hang out at Fans of Beth Wiseman on Facebook. We have a lot of fun and great conversations there. Also, the first chapter of all of my books are online at my website – http://bethwiseman.com. And for my current release, The Promise, the first three chapters are available to preview.

Thank you, Beth, 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. 

The Promise - Christianbook.com
The Promise - Amazon
The Promise - Kindle

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