A SPARROW IN TEREZIN - Kristy Cambron - One Free Book, Plus More

Dear Readers, I first met Kristy through my agent’s private email loop. We became friends, and when her first book came out, I was blown away by the artistry and depth of her first novel. The story haunted me for a long time. Since one of my aunts lived through that time period in Europe and had told me many of stories of things she’d seen, heard, and experienced, I knew that Kristy’s depictions were historically accurate. I will read every book that she writes.

BIO: Kristy Cambron fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. Her debut historical novel, The Butterfly and the Violin (Thomas Nelson, 2014), was named to Library Journal Reviews' Best Books of 2014, Family Fiction's Top Ten Novels of 2014, and received a nomination for the RT Reviewers' Choice Awards Best Inspirational Novel of 2014 and a nomination for the 2015 INSPY Awards for Best Debut Novel. Her second novel, A Sparrow in Terezin (Thomas Nelson, April 2015), was named Library Journal Reviews' Pick of the Month (Christian Fiction) for February 2015 and a Top Pick from RT Book Reviews for April 2015.

Kristy is an Art/Design Manager at TheGROVEstory.com and holds a degree in Art History from Indiana University. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons, where she can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good Christian fiction read.

Welcome back, Kristy. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I have an Art History/Research Writing degree, so I always knew I wanted to write historical fiction. I thought about becoming an art professor once upon a time. I’m still drawn to the idea of it, but I wanted to write for Christ and found that Christian fiction was the place to combine the things I love into a career.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

I try to remember that my happiest day is today. If I get to spend time with the Lord, growing in and leaning on Him, and I have my family’s laughter around me … then every day is the best day of my life. (That doesn’t mean we don’t have struggles – let’s get real about that. But I want to be grateful and lock my eyes on Him with every new day.)

The longer I live, the more true that becomes in my life. How has being published changed your life?

This is not an understatement – everything has changed for our family. I’ve gone from a fifteen-year career in Corporate America to writing from home full time, and now have the opportunity to do what I really love most (which is to speak and write in the Christian publishing industry). Any change sparks adaptability in our lives and we’re still going through it, but it’s been an amazing journey so far.   

What are you reading right now?

Right now, all of my reading time is focused on research for my next novel. I’m reading about life in the 1920s, biographies of the Ringling Brothers, and all about the early circus in America. Research is something that I always enjoy but this is particularly exciting – the subject of the circus and the Jazz Age is just so vibrant and colorful!

What is your current work in progress?

I’ve always written historical fiction – World War II, Regency, and Victorian being eras I’ve focus on. But right now, I’m excited to dive into a new era in American history – the Jazz Age. The first book in my new series (releasing in 2016) will be on John and Mable Ringling and the early circus. It’s such an incredible vibrant time in our country’s history and the backdrop of the circus brings such a diverse array of characters and scenery that I’m completely drawn in. I can’t wait to share this new story with readers.  

And I can’t wait to read it. What would be your dream vacation?

Europe. No questions asked. I’ve not yet set foot on European ground (like my characters have), but I know I’ll get there one day. The stops on my travel itinerary? The Louvre in Paris, the Palace of Versailles, and sites all about Olde London Towne. Cheers!

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I try to get a feel for the characters’ worlds by researching everything I can about them – weather patterns, social and cultural norms of the time, and especially real-life stories of people from history. I see what sparks interest from there. Usually, I can see something like a movie reel in my mind, with the characters reacting to their surroundings. I try to get a feel of what it would be like to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the world through their senses. The story just comes to life from there. I see that movie playing in my mind, and I document what I see.

With a drama and film background, I see all of my stories as movies in my mind, too. If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

My husband. He’s famous to me. And as we have three young boys, the quiet talk time between best friends doesn’t come often. I’d love to have an evening with him, maybe dining and talking by the river in our city. We stole away an afternoon like that once a few years ago. I still remember the bliss of that day.

Spending quality time with my husband is my favorite part of our empty nest home. Our children, grandchildren, and greats all live close so we can see them often, but being with James is so precious. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I used to love running! I ran 5k races and regularly kept up with my 40 mile per week running habit. It’s not easy to get to the gym though, with three little ones in the house. I try to get in some activity for my well-being by chasing after them. (Mommas usually do that!) I also LOVE watching classic films, going on research trips, and believe it or not – the perfect date with my husband would be to go to the batting cages. Fun!

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Time. That’s usually the elusive target we writers are trying to catch – time to express words on paper. I have more of it now that I’m not longer traveling for my job in Corporate America, but life still happens. You have to make writing a priority just like you do with the other relationships in your life. Investing and being really intentional about your writing time isn’t always easy to do, but it’s essential. I learned to write chapters on my iPhone as a result and found it to be a really effective tool to get my first drafts written.

I’m too old-school. I’m amazed at those of you who can write a book on your smart phones. I have one, too, but it’s just used as a phone and camera, with a few added features. What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Two things: Keep going and stick close to Christ throughout your entire publication journey. You may find that rejections come. If they do, you’ve got to keep going. Pray your way through every up and down. Keep learning and always growing in your understanding of the craft. And study up. Learn about the industry from authors and other professionals who are where you’d like to be one day. Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery (thanks, Anne Shirley), but it’s also a fantastic teacher.

Tell us about the featured book.

Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection through one survivor's story of hope in the darkest days of a war-torn world.

Present Day—With the grand opening of her new art gallery and a fairytale wedding just around the corner, Sera James feels she's stumbled into a charmed life—until a brutal legal battle against fiancé William Hanover threatens to destroy the perfectly planned future she’s planned before it even begins. Now, after an eleventh-hour wedding ceremony and a callous arrest, William faces a decade in prison for a crime he never committed, and Sera must battle the scathing accusations that threaten her family and any hope for a future.

1942—Kája Makovsky narrowly escaped occupied Prague in 1939, and was forced to leave her half-Jewish family behind. Now a reporter for the Daily Telegraph in England, Kája discovers the terror has followed her across the Channel in the shadowy form of the London Blitz. When she learns Jews are being exterminated by the thousands on the continent, Kája has no choice but to return to her mother city, risking her life to smuggle her family to freedom and peace.

Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, these two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line.

Please give us the first page of the book.

July, Present Day

Sausalito, California

The last thing a bride needs to fret over on her wedding day is whether the ceremony will take place.

It was an unproductive thought in the midst of trying to manage pre-wedding jitters. Nevertheless, the familiar doubt continued to plague her heart, and Sera James, still caught up in the shadow of an uncertain future, all but gave in to it.

She ran her fingertips over the string of pearls at her nape and stared out the first-floor bedroom window of the Hanovers’ California seaside estate. She scanned the horizon, taking in the beauty of the setting sun as it created flashes of diamonds across the bay, wondering if William had the same doubts. Would he be out there waiting on their beach?

A gentle knock drew her attention to the bedroom door.

She turned and found the familiar face of her friend, Penny, who offered a hushed greeting from the hall. She presented a serene, pink-glossed smile.

“Sera? It’s time,” Penny said, her voice whisper soft, and stepped into the oversized bedroom. Her strawberry blonde hair hung in soft waves and danced about her shoulders as if tossed by the playfulness of the sea breeze outside. “Everyone’s waiting.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Facebook: Kristy Cambron | Twitter: @KCambronAuthor  | Instagram: kristycambron 

Pinterest: KCambronAuthor | Web:  KristyCambron.com | TheGROVEstory.com  

Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection in Kristy Cambron's new book, A Sparrow in Terezin. Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line.

Kristy is celebrating by giving away a basket filled with goodies inspired by her new book!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A set of poppy notecards
• A poppy pin
• A copy of I Never Saw Another Butterfly
• A copy of the Mrs. Miniver DVD
• Literary tea bags
• Tumbler
• A copy of A Sparrow in Terezin

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 28th. Winner will be announced April 29th on Kristy's blog.



{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.} Thank you, Kristy, for sharing this new books with us and giving us the chance to win this wonderful prize.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog. A Sparrow in Terezin - Christianbook.com
A Sparrow in Terezin (A Hidden Masterpiece Novel) - Amazon
A Sparrow in Terezin (A Hidden Masterpiece Novel Book 2) - Kindle

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