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Wednesday, May 30, 2018

SAFE REFUGE - Pam S Meyers - One Free Print or Kindle Book


Welcome back, Pam. I love your head shot. Tell us about your salvation experience.
I was raised in a nominal Christian home and drifted away from church involvement when I left home. In my early thirties, while living in Los Angeles, I got involved in a small claims court case with a roommate and a coworker started talking to me about the Lord. I took her words to heart, but didn’t react on them until I returned to the Midwest to live several months later. My mom became very ill, and I promised God I’d return to church if she got well. She did get somewhat well and I started attending a church that wasn’t right for me. Regardless, during a Good Friday service as I heard the biblical account of the crucifixion read from the Bible the Holy Spirit opened the eyes of my heart and I realized that Jesus did that totally for me and I was humbled. I didn’t know about praying for the Lord to come into my life, but Christian friends came alongside me and discipled me. I eventually moved to the church I still attend today which is a Gospel-preaching evangelical church and I’ve been growing in Him ever since.

I love life stories like yours. You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?
Ane Mulligan because she’s a dear friend and one of the best brainstormers around. Deb Raney because she is a wonderful writer and an awesome encourager to writers. Cynthia Ruchti because she brings biblical insight of the Lord to those who write and I want to write like her when I grow up. Elizabeth Camden, who writes awesome historicals in a way that I want to write them.

Do you have a speaking ministry?
If so, tell us about that. I have spoken at my book launches and readings about my books and when my Love Finds You in Lake Geneva book (now published as Surprised by Love in Lake Geneva) I spoke on the historical research I did for the book at the public library in Lake Geneva. I would love to develop more of a speaking ministry, but so far I haven’t pursued it enough.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?
When going to a presentation related to Love Finds You in Lake Geneva, I arrived at the retirement home where the event was to take place and realized that I forgot my computer which was on Keynote (the Mac version of PowerPoint). Fortunately, I did have the presentation on a flash drive and a worker at the home had a Mac. With the help of a techie we were able to work around things and I was able to make my presentation.

People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that?
I do get asked this once in a while. I always encourage them that if they are really serious about writing to start writing. Read writing craft books, attend a local writers conference and take the beginners workshops in writing, and if they aspire to write fiction to join American Fiction Christian Writers (ACFW) and their local chapter if they live near one. They need to soak up all they can and start writing.

Tell us about the featured book.
Safe Refuge is the first story in a three-book series called The Newport of the West. My home area of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, has a very rich history that all but began in the fall of 1871 when the Great Chicago Fire occurred. The fire destroyed the businesses and homes of Chicago’s most wealthy movers and shakers. Many of those men grabbed up land on the shores of Geneva Lake, which was a two-hour train ride away. There they built beautiful mansions and their families stayed there while the city was being rebuilt. Thus the area was nicknamed Newport of the West as it reminded people of Newport, Rhode Island, where similar families from New York City and Boston built grand homes on the shoreline. For decades excursion boats have taken passengers around the lake to point out the estates of people like the Wrigleys, Schwinns, and others with not so recognizable names. Over the years many of the homes have burned down or fallen to the wrecking ball. It’s my desire to preserve some of the lake’s legacy through these three novels that focus on a fictional family who moves there after the fire.

Please give us the first page of the book.
October 7, 1871
Chicago, Illinois
“GLAD I CAUGHT ya before you be leavin’.”

At Rory Quinn’s comment, heat filled Anna Hartwell’s cheeks, and it wasn’t because of the unusual fall heat wave Chicago was experiencing. She turned from the family carriage and shielded her eyes with her hand. The Illinois Street Mission janitor and general handyman, leaned against the mission school’s doorframe, shirtsleeves rolled up, his muscular arms folded across his chest. A dimpled grin filled his face.

She pressed her hand against her flip-flopping stomach. Why did seeing him always produce that reaction? Maybe because despite the only thing he ever wore was a well-worn shirt and denim pants held up by black suspenders, Rory was more handsome than any man who frequented her usual social circles.

She should look away, but she needed to make sure the memory of his face was forever etched in her mind. “I was about to search for you. I only came out to give Patrick my bag.” She swallowed against the lump in her throat that felt the size of a small boulder and forced out her next words. “I need to return to the classroom before I leave.” Guilt replaced regret. To tell him the truth would only result in questions with answers she’d rather not share.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
I’m most frequently on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pamela.meyers. My new website address is www.pamelasmeyers.com

Thank you, Pam, for sharing this new book with us. I always love your books, and I’m eager to read this one.

Readers, here are links to the book.
Safe Refuge (Newport of the West) (Volume 1) - Paperback
Safe Refuge (Newport of the West Book 1) - 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.

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22 comments:

  1. What an interesting story of the fire and then relocation of numerous families to their second homes in what sounds to be a lovely area. I have read a little about the fire but not so much as to the ability of some of the population to relocate. Thanks! Jane in TX

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  2. Thanks, Jane, for your comment. I'm finding quite a few people don't know much about the Great Chicago Fire, except that it happened. I grew up knowing about it because of Lake Geneva's proximity to Chicago and, of course, because I've always known that's how so many beautiful mansions from the 19th Century came to be building on the lakeshore. Actually October 1871 started out very hot for that time of year after the area had experienced an extended time of draught. Two other fires occured that same day of October 7th, 1871: one in Peshtigo, WI and another in Holland, MI. Back then most every building was constructed as wood, as were sidewalks, hitching posts, etc. Many of the homes on the lake had a stone foundation for the ground level, but then they would rise up two or three more floors--all wood.

    The wealthier people were able to relocate their families, but sadly there were many working class people who could not. It's been an interesting time to research for this book.

    Pam

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  3. Sounds like a interesting book! Shelia from Mississippi!

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  4. Aw, thanks, Pam. You know I love to brainstorm. And your stories are fun to do. I love the era and the location of your stories. Your research is deep and personal, that's what makes your stories so good!

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  5. LOL, thanks Ane. Come to think of it we were planning a writing retreat on the phone a couple of weeks ago, weren't we. I am loving the research I'm doing and learning so much. The trick is to know when to draw the line and don't include everything you learn, otherwise it will be an information dump. It has to be organic to the story.

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  6. Thanks for the great interview, Pamela and Lena! I always enjoy learning more about an author and the story behind a story. I love reading historical Christian fiction! I have not read much about the Great Chicago Fire. I find it very intriguing that your Newport of the West series centers around the Fire and how many of the wealthy and shakers relocated to Geneva Lake where they built beautiful mansions while their Chicago homes were being rebuilt.....Thus, the legacy of Geneva Lake was born! I just love beautiful old homes and their history! I am looking forward to following the story of the fictional family of this series who moves there after the fire. Thank you for the chance to win Book #1, Safe Refuge! The cover is lovely!

    ~Alison from MI
    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

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  7. Thank you for sharing this one. I am intrigued and think it would be a great read. Melanie Backus, TX

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  8. Pam, thank you for introducing your book to me! Blessings!
    Natalya from California, USA

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  9. Vivian Furbay12:47 AM

    What a lot of history in this book! Would enjoy reading it! Vivian Furbay of CO

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  10. Oh, sounds so intriguing. She’s a new-to-me author. Thanks for the giveaway.
    MJSH from NJ

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  11. Lena, I have a "correction" to one of my answers in the interview regarding doing public speaking. Since I answered that question I am booked to make two presentations at the Lake Geneva Public Library regarding Safe Refuge and what I learned about the Great Chicago Fire in my research. The First is scheduled for August 29th on how the fire affected the small village of what was then known as Geneva, WI. The second is booked for October 10th regarding the enclave of Irish immigrants west of town called Irish Woods. If anyone is going to be in the Lake Geneva area on either of these two Wednesday evenings, let me know and I'll get the details to you. My books will be available for sale at both events.

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  12. Pam is a wonderful writer and I find the Lake Geneva area so interesting. Thanks for this. Tammie from Illinois.

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  13. Hi, Tammie. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I'm in Lake Geneva right now at the library for research Enjoying the view from the library window, of course!

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  14. This looks really good!
    Abigail in VA

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  16. Our church library readers enjoy our historical fiction books.
    Thank you for entering me in your giveaway.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
    Florida

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  17. Pam, your books sounds wonderful!

    Caryl K in TEXAS

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  18. Hi Pam. I always enjoy books with historical facts woven into the story.
    Blessings!
    Connie from Kentucky
    cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

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  19. I enjoy reading these author interviews!
    Dianna (TN)

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  20. Sharon Bryant6:25 PM

    Enter me in your awesome giveaway for the print copy!!
    Conway SC.

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  21. Hi Pam! I'd love to win a copy of your book! Blessings!

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  22. sounds like a good read! Shelia from Mississippi

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