Wednesday, October 11, 2017

BRINGING MAGGIE HOME - Kim Vogel Sawyer - One Free Book

Bio: Kim Vogel Sawyer is a highly acclaimed, best-selling author with more than one million books in print, in several different languages. Her titles have earned numerous accolades including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas with her retired military husband Don, where she continues to write gentle stories of hope and redemption. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and grandchildren.
Find out more about Kim at http://www.kimvogelsawyer.com/.

Welcome back, Kim. How did this book come about?
A couple of years ago I stumbled upon an obscure online article about the mysterious disappearance of several children from one Arkansas county during the 1930s. This sent my writer brain down several pathways of possibility, and the story emerged from there.

Tell us about the books cover and what makes it unique.
This cover is very different from any of my others, which mostly largely feature the heroine. The soft image of a carefree child running through the grass invites the reader to turn the flap and see where shes off to.

Please explain and differentiate between whats fact and fiction in the book.
Although the story was based on a true event, all of the details surrounding it are straight from my imagination. There are some real-life cities used for locations (such as Las Vegas, Nevada), but the town of Cumpton, Arkansas, which plays heavily in story world, is completely fictitious. I am sure there are a few snippets of conversation between characters that happened at some point in time in my life since I have three daughters, but the story is predominantly made up.

How much research did you have to do for this book?
Quite a lot! I researched forensic science, vegan lifestyles, health issues commonly suffered by the elderly, and several cities so I could get the details right. I enjoy research, though, so it was kind of fun especially how cold case detectives solve mysteries.

What inspired and surprised you while you were writing the book?
Since I am a seat-of-the-pants writer and dont follow an outline or plot, I am often surprised by where the characters take me. I love this kind of writing because every day is an adventure.

I told the writing workshop students on Monday night that as a seat-of-the-pants writer if I plotted out each scene, Id be bored when tried to write the story. I had already completed it in the plotting. What do you hope the reader takes away from the story?
First of all, I hope the reader will see that its never too late to restore broken relationshipsboth with people and with God. I also hope it will help them take a look at their life and, if they are allowing a past event to negatively impact their present, will forgive themselves and let the regret go.

What is the next project youre working on?
Im in the research stage of a story set at the Atlanta Exposition in 1881.

Please give us the first page of the book.
July 1943
Cumpton, Arkansas
Hazel Mae Blackwell

Hazel set a porcelain cup and saucer on the overturned apple crate in front of her little sister. Madam, would you like cream and sugar in your tea?

Maggie nodded, making her Shirley Temple curls bounce. Her hairwhat Daddy called flaxenshimmered under the noonday sun, almost as yellow as the roses painted on the cup.

Jealousy sparked in Hazels heart. Why couldnt she have inherited Mamas sunshiny-yellow hair and sky-blue eyes the way Maggie had instead of Daddys dirt-brown hair and eyes?

What do you say? Hazel asked the question as tartly as Mama.

Yes, pwease.

Pluh-ease, Hazel said.

Pwuh-ease.

Hazel sighed. Maggie was just-turned-three, as Daddy often reminded her when she got impatient with her sister. Sometimes she wished Mama hadnt waited so long after Hazel to have another baby. Wouldnt it be fine if almost seven years didnt stretch between them? Mama and Daddy were always telling her she was lucky to have a sister, and Hazel loved Maggie. Of course she did. But sometimes

Pwease, Hayzoo Mae?

She lifted the lid on the doll-sized sugar bowl and spooned out pretend sugar. Then she pretended to pour cream. No matter how much Hazel begged, Mama never let her waste real sugar and cream for her tea parties. She used the spoon to stir the air in Maggies cup. There you are.

Maggies apple cheeks dimpled with her smile. Fank you. She picked up the cup between her fingers and carried it to her rosy lips.

I hope it isnt too hot.

Maggie made noisy drinking sounds. Her blue eyes rounded and she pursed her lips. Ooooh, it is hot! I bun my tongue!

Hazel stifled a chuckle. Playing make-believe with her doll had never been this fun. Maybe she should have let Maggie use her special tea set before. But shed waited until her sister passed her third birthday, the same age Hazel had been when she received the set for Christmas from Memaw and Pappaw Blackwell. She hadnt trusted Maggies baby fingers not to break one of the fragile cups or plates.

She picked up her own cup and held it close to her mouth. Blow on it. She puffed breaths into her cup, smiling when Maggie imitated her.

With the sun warming their heads, they sipped and smiled at each other and helped their dollies eat pretend cookies from the serving plate centered on the crate. Hazels imagination painted their surroundings from a dusty yard to the fancy city restaurant shed seen in a magazine. With linen-draped tables instead of a handkerchief-covered crate. With ladies wearing silk instead of homespun. So easy to see in her imagination. She even pretended her hair was shiny yellow curls trailing down her back instead of wind-tossed, dirt-brown, pin-straight locks lopped at shoulder level.

She picked up the plate and offered it to Maggie. Would you like the last cookie?

Maggie reached out her pudgy hand.

Im eager to read this story. How can readers find you on the Internet?
Please visit my website (KimVogelSawyer.com)youll find Facebook and Twitter links there.

Sawyer pin1
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Thank you, Kim, for sharing this new book with us. My blog readers will be eager to read it, too.

Readers, here are links to the book.
Bringing Maggie Home - Christianbook.com
Bringing Maggie Home: A Novel - Amazon paperback
Bringing Maggie Home: A Novel - Kindle
Bringing Maggie Home - Audio book

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 youll 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 youre 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. Heres a link:

35 comments:

Lori said...

This book sounds really good. Thank you for sharing. I live in the central valley in California.

nana to 7 said...

I live in Harrisburg, Pa and absolutely loved Bringing Maggie Home. If I win, I would gift the book to my friend.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the chance to win. I am really excited to read this book. It sounds good.

Unknown said...

Oops. I forgot to share where I live. I live in Ohio!

Wendy Newcomb said...

Love Kim's books so thank you for hosting this giveaway!

Wendy in South Sioux City, NE

wfnren at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

Oh this sounds so good!There are 6 years between my brother and I so I can relate to this story! Shelia from Mississippi

Anonymous said...

Kim is a very talented author and I would love to read her new book. Thanks for the interview Lena.
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann in New York

Kentucky Daisy said...

Thanks so much for sharing this interview!! Kim is a wonderful writer and at the top of my list of favorite authors! I would love to win a copy of her new book as I am already hooked from this "sneak peek." I would love to read "Bringing Maggie Home" in my home in southeastern Pennsylvania!

Kim Vogel Sawyer said...

I hope you are not in the path of the fires!

Kim Vogel Sawyer said...

Thanks for the kind words. :)

Kim Vogel Sawyer said...

My oldest and youngest daughters are 8 years apart. It becomes a unique relationship!

meadowlarkridge@wordpress.com said...

My daughter-in-law's name is Maggie. We live in the Chicago area. Looking forward to your newest book!

Kim Vogel Sawyer said...

Thanks for the kind words!

Melanie Backus said...

Kim's books are all so wonderful. I know this one will be too. Melanie Backus, TX

Kay Garrett said...

BRINGING MAGGIE HOME sounds like a great book to read and one that I would love.
Thanks for little snipe to read and the chance to win a copy.
Kay Garrett from Mountain View, AR
2clowns at arkansas dot net

Jane said...

I have read many of Kim's books and always enjoy them very much. The last one read was Grace and the Preacher, which I have in my bookcase. This story sounds a little different and very intriguing with the mystery following through different generations. Thanks from TX.

VanG said...

I love Kim's books and think I have read every one she has written to date. She is one of my favorite authors. I have this book on my wish list and would be delighted to win a copy! Thanks for the chance! 😉 Blessings on you as you continue to write, Kim!

VanG said...

Oops, failed to tell you where I am...VanG from NC

Jackie Smith said...

Wow I love Kim's books......never miss reading them! I missed this post yesterday, but want to get my name in the drawing, please, for this great giveaway.
I live in GA

kim hansen said...

Her books are always a great read. North platte Nebraska.

Library Lady said...

We have Kim's books in the church library. Our readers love them.
Thanks for giving me a chance to win her newest book.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Florida

Unknown said...

Sounds like an amazing story! I can't wait to read it. The first page got me hooked.
Thank you for the great interview and giveaway.

Melody B (Quebec, Canada)

Jackie Tessnair said...

This sounds like a very interesting book.I am looking forward to reading it.Thanks for sharing. Jackie T. In North Carolina

Paula Shreckhise said...

The first page was very engaging. The story sounds very suspenseful. Thanks for th3 chance to win! Paula from Missouri.

Abigail Mitchell said...

Love Kim's books!
Abigail in VA

Winnie said...

Thanks for the lovely interview. This sounds like a wonderful book. I love the cover. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Winnie T from Utah

Anonymous said...

I live in the State of Maine. I would love to win your book. I had many of you books Kim but lost them in a house fire on January 23rd 2017.I would love love to start my new library with your book. My husband of 37 years and our 25 year old special needs son . Both are now with thete LORD and Savoir Jesus Christ..

Patty said...

I've read several of Kim's books, but it has been quite a while since I picked up one of them.

Patty in SC

Pam K. said...

I've read quite a few of Kim's books and always enjoy them. Bringing Maggie Home sounds like another intriguing book. Thanks for the interview with Kim and the book giveaway.

pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
Kansas

Linda Kish said...

I don't normally read this time period but, this story really piques my interest. I thoroughly enjoyed the first page and would love to read more.

Linda in CA

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Connie Porter Saunders said...

Hi Kim & Lena. This story sounds both sweet and intriguing. Thank you for sharing your first page and this giveaway.
Blessings!
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

Judy Cooper said...

I love anything Kim Vogel Sawyer writes. I just wish she could write faster. lol Judy Cooper,SW Louisiana.

Caryl Kane said...

Hello Lena and Kim! This book sounds awesome! Thank you for the chance.

Caryl in TEXAS

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway SC.

rubynreba said...

Kim's books never disappoint!
Beth from Iowa