Dear Readers, I’ve
loved reading Bonnie Leon books for a long time. The ones set in Alaska take me to that wonderful state.
Bio: Bonnie Leon
is the author of twenty-two novels, including the recently released Return
to the Misty Shore, the popular Alaskan Skies and bestselling The Journey of Eleven Moons.
Bonnie’s books are being read internationally, and she hears
from readers in Australia , Europe,
Poland , and even Africa .
She enjoys speaking for women’s groups and teaching at writing
seminars and conventions and especially delights in mentoring young authors. These
days, her time is filled with writing, being a grandmother and relishing
precious time with her aged mother.
Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in Southern
Oregon . They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.
Welcome back, Bonnie.
You have twice as many grandchildren as I do. Mine are all grown, and two of them have given us great grandsons. Why did you become an author?
I’d always loved books, but never seriously considered
writing as a career. After all, that was only for intellectuals who were highly
educated, or so I thought. And then a strange thing happened to me. In late
1989, I was gripped by a compulsion to put my thoughts down on paper. I filled
legal pads with real life experiences, vignettes, poems, and short stories. It
was great fun. And after being encouraged by a successful author to consider
publishing, I thought maybe I should give it a try.
Everything changed on June 11, of 1991. A log truck
overturned on a corner of a country road and smashed into my van, leaving me
with permanent injuries and chronic pain. In a moment, the life I knew was
gone. I was unable to do the things I loved and couldn’t even take care of my
family. I sank into a depression, and one bleak day, I asked God to please give
me something to do that mattered.
He gave me writing, opening every door and leading me to
publication. It was a scary and exhilarating time. I’ve been writing ever
since, confident that it is what God gifted to me and asked of me.
I love it. Not that
you were injured, but that God answered your need in such a special way that
blesses all of us. If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job?
I always thought I’d love to own a bookstore, which in this
day and age is generally not a profitable enterprise, but I’d still love to do
it. I can see in my mind what the store would look like—cozy with overstuffed
chairs and a wood stove where readers and writers could gather to share their
love of books and story. There would be a coffee bar for sure and dark wood
shelving crowded with great books.
Sounds inviting. If
you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why?
I love the era of the 1940’s, following the war. It was a
time of hope and prosperity here in the United States . Right and wrong were
clearly defined and it was an exciting time for women who were discovering all
sorts of possibilities.
What place in the United States
have you not visited that you would like to?
I’ve never been to New
York , the city or the state. I wrote a series of
books many years ago, called the Sowers Trilogy and the opening book Where Freedom Grows has a powerful scene
that takes place in New York harbor and Ellis Island . So much history played out there. Terrified
and hope-filled immigrants poured into our nation. I’ve longed to visit ever
since.
How about a foreign
country you hope to visit?
I’ve always wanted to visit Scotland . I have roots there, on my
father’s side, and love the history and beauty of the country. I imagine
exploring Scottish castles, the lochs, and the moorlands. I’d love to stay in
an historical B and B on the Loch Ness. Just thinking about it makes me want to
schedule my airline reservations.
Both my husband and I
have ancestors who came from Ireland
to the US .
I’ve always wanted to go there. Now my youngest granddaughter had gone on two
mission trips to Ireland .
I’ve loved poring over the hundreds of pictures she took. What lesson has the
Lord taught you recently?
I’m in the middle of a big lesson, and I’m doing my best to
“get it.” Life is made up of seasons and at age 65, I’m entering what might be
described as my winter season. There is a lot to adjust to—changes in my
family, my physical and emotional health, and very recently a diagnosis that
will alter my life in a big way.
I’ve been diagnosed with Macular Telangiectasia II, or
MacTel II for short. It’s considered rare and over time I will lose my central
vision, but will be left with peripheral vision. I’ve already experienced a
good deal of visual loss, which makes life interesting. It’s been a big
adjustment that has forced me to make changes in my expectations and long term plans.
Even driving a car is now on notice. Soon I will have to hand over the keys. I
don’t know yet what my life will look like, but I know this—God is in it. And
He’s made it clear to me that I am not to go quietly into the night, but rather
continue to serve Him in whatever He’s called me to do. I’m waiting and praying
and seeking guidance. God knows the entirety of my life and I need not fear,
though I admit that is easier said than done. But as with all lessons, I am
stumbling forward and again learning to trust. And I’m so grateful that He has
my hand.
I’m grateful that He
has, too. What would we do without Him? Tell us about the featured book.
Here’s the back cover copy:
In the spring of 1885, Luba Engstrom meets Nicholas
Matroona, a strong, brooding Native from the island of Unalaska .
Against her parents’ wishes, she elopes, believing love will be enough to
bridge the gap between the civilized world of Juneau and the primitive culture of
Nicholas’s small village. After all, before Luba was born, her mother lived on
a wild Alaskan island until she was forced to leave when a tsunami destroyed
her people. But from the moment Luba arrives at Nicholas’s home, she struggles
to adapt and learn the village ways.
Will the conflict between her husband’s belief in ancient gods and her faith in Jesus Christ the Redeemer destroy Luba and Nicholas’s relationship?
Return to the Misty Shore—the third book in the Northern Lights series.
Will the conflict between her husband’s belief in ancient gods and her faith in Jesus Christ the Redeemer destroy Luba and Nicholas’s relationship?
Return to the Misty Shore—the third book in the Northern Lights series.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
I’m happy to, but don’t let this fool you into believing
that this is a standard romance. It’s not. And this is
only the beginning of a wild ride for Luba Engstrom.
Summer 1885
Was she being foolish? Chasing after a man she didn’t know?
Nineteen-year-old Luba Engstrom had been at the docks when
she first saw him. He was loading boxes into a warehouse. Short and muscled, he
moved with such grace and power Luba couldn’t help but notice him. His black
hair, cropped close to his head, accented his angular features, and he whistled
as he sorted and stacked crates, as if he enjoyed the work.
This morning she would return. Maybe he would be there
again. She wore her most flattering dress and piled her thick black hair on her
head the way most of the white women did. She looked in the mirror before
leaving. The lavender in the dress deepened the golden hue of her skin and
softened her chocolate-brown eyes.
Already several men had expressed interest in courting her,
but Luba hadn’t met anyone who interested her. That was, not until now.
When she reached the wharf, she searched for the man. Almost
right away she saw him. His dark hair peeked out from underneath a cloth cap.
For several minutes, Luba watched him unload cargo, wishing she could summon
the courage to approach him. Finally, with her heart banging in her chest, she
quieted the trembling in her hands and, as nonchalantly as possible, strolled
down the pier.
She didn’t look at him, but instead watched the fishermen
unload their catch. Soon unable to resist, she glanced his way.
At that very moment, he looked up. Her eyes cemented to his.
A slow smile lifted the man’s lips, making him look even more handsome.
Luba wrenched away her gaze and turned to regard the boats
moored along the dock.
A deep voice came from behind her. “Looks like the fishing
has been good today.”
I’m eager to read the
book. How can readers find you on the Internet?
Here are some links where you can find me. I hope to hear
from you.
Thank
you, Bonnie, for sharing this new book with me and my readers. I’m sure they
are as eager to read it as I am.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Return to the Misty Shore - PaperbackReturn to the Misty Shore (Northern Lights Book 3) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.
You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us
where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America . (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:
20 comments:
I love Bonnie Leon's books. Please toss my name in the hat. This not only sounds intriguing, but the cover is fabulous! Thanks for the opportunity to win this!
Diana in SC
Fantastic interview!! I can't wait to read the book :) I'll keep you in my prayers, Bonnie.
Diana, I love this cover too. Nicole Miller is the one who designed it. She does amazing work.
Hi Taylor. Thanks for stopping in. I hope you enjoy the book.
I live in the center of our great nation...Nebraska. Our state line signs say...the good life...and it has been true for me. I enjoyed the conversation in this blog and am impressed with both people involved. Bonnie, you have trusted God and He has gotten you through some really big challenges along the way. So thankful that you have that "resource" to keep you in the days ahead. I look forward to reading all of your books eventually. KEEP writing!! Thank you for your gifts and talents.
Marie Smith
Akaylee, I've never been to Nebraska, but I plan to visit many places I've never seen in the months to comme and hope to discover more about Nebraska.
Thank you for your words of encouragement. Bless you.
Thank you, Bonnie. We don't have the magnificent trees and green of Oregon here, but we do have the rolling prairies and abundant crops. Stephanie Grace Whitsom is a Nebraska author you would enjoy reading before you travel here. She is an author who lives here in our city. You can also see her on Facebook. I enjoy her writing, too. She gives a good "picture" of the early years in Nebraska.
oh, sounds so wonderful. thanks for the chance to win. live in ND
Bonnie, thank you for sharing your thoughts. I have always wanted to see Ellis Island also. One of my former co-workers was four years old when her family immigrated to our country from Lithuania. She is one of the most patriot people I have ever known because she watched her parents become U.S. citizens. Bonnie, I will remember you in my prayers.
Easter Blessings to you and yours!
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Goodness, Bonnie, I am intrigued about your choice of your heroine's last name. That's mine, too. Of course by marriage. But, since my hubby is the only son of an only son of an only son, it's not all that common of a Swedish name. Please help my curiosity by explaining.
I, too, have compromised vision, although different (glaucoma). But, it is scary to think we may not be able to see one day. As it says in Psalm 31:15 our time is in His hands. Praise God we trust him. By the way, you are entering a very unique and blessed time in your life. I am ten years older than you and only started publishing a few years ago. You will write many more books these next few years. I have another ACFW writer friend and prayer partner who is older than I and who is legally blind, but still publishes many novels. Perhaps we should form an Over the Hill, Compromised Writer group. LOL
Blessings from the 'other' Bonnie (Engstrom)
PS ~ Because of my vision problems, I only read on Kindle where I can enlarge the text. But, I would love to win your book.
PPS ~ You beat me by two on the number of grandchildren!
Would love to read this one, for sure! Melanie Backus, TX
Akaylee, I love Stephanie Grace Whitson's books. She and I had our debut novels the same year for the same publisher. I've always felt a bond with her. We've remained in touch through the years.
Have a blessed day.
Thank you, Apple Blossom.
If you win a copy I hope you'll drop me a note to let me know how you liked it.
Have a Happy Easter.
Connie, it must have been an incredible experiennce to come through Ellis Island and then become U.S. citizens.
And thank you for your prayers.
Bonnie Engstrom, when I did the research for the book I found the name Engstrom listed as a Scandanavian name and since Erik is Scandinavian and I liked the sound of the name I decided it would be a good one for him.
I'm sorry to hear you're having difficulties with you vision as well. I am trying to prepare while at the same time, not spending too much time thinking on what is ahead. However, there are times when I can't comprehend that it's happening to me and I get a bit freaked out, but most of the time I am at peace with God's will for my life, knowing that being loved and cared for by my Heavenly Father is a beautiful place to be.
I would love to hear how your friend manages to write so many books while being legally blind.
Have a blessed Easter.
Melanie, I hope you'll have a chance to read my book.
Grace and peace to you.
Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway SC.
I love everything I've read by Bonnie . Would love to win this one! Thanks for a great interview.
Bonnie Leon is was of my favorite authors. I'd love to read this!
Beth from IA
I have read many of Bonnie Leon books and would love to win this one.
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