Bio: Lynn Austin has sold more than one and a half
million copies of her books worldwide. A former teacher who now writes and
speaks full-time, she has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction
and was one of the first inductees into the Christy Award Hall of Fame. One of
her novels, Hidden Places, was made
into a Hallmark Channel Original Movie. Lynn and her husband have three grown
children and make their home in western
Welcome, Lynn. Have you always loved books and reading? What about your formative years informed your love for reading and books? Books have been part of my life for as long as I can remember, beginning with bedtime stories when I was a child. My mother was the town librarian in the village where I grew up, so it’s not an exaggeration to say I was raised in a library. Over the years, I helped with everything from processing books to reading aloud for story hour, and I developed a deep appreciation for all sorts of books. In addition, my grandmother was a natural-born storyteller whose tales kept my sisters and me spellbound for hours on warm summer evenings.
How did you become a writer? I loved to read, but
after a while it seemed like so many well-written books offered very little
hope. Too many themes seemed to be “Life is hard and then you die.” I agree
that life is hard—but God is good! So I sat down one day thirty-five years ago
(I was a stay-at-home mom with a new baby at the time) and decided to write the
kind of book I enjoyed reading—one that makes me laugh, makes me cry, and helps
me learn something about myself and my life. I knew nothing about getting
published (that would come later), but I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed
writing. Eventually God brought a wonderful Christian author into my life who
asked me to join her writers’ critique group, where I learned the basics of
writing and publishing. As the years passed, I struggled to figure out if God
was calling me to be a writer. I decided to persevere, and eleven years after I
first sat down to write, my first novel was published.
My first book took eight years to publication. What
made you want to write historical fiction? What about that genre do you enjoy? I write historical
fiction because I love history, especially the little-known stories of ordinary
people. For me, reading about the past and how people like me lived lives of
courage in difficult times helps me live a life of faith and grace with God’s
help. When we travel back in history through novels, I think it’s easier to see
how God used tragic events as part of His redemption story. And that gives us
faith to believe that He is still working now and that our lives can play a
part in His story today.
What motivated you to write a story line about
three women in the
Please tell us a bit about the setting of your
novel. What prompted you to write about the
Please tell us about your main characters in Chasing Shadows and what specific challenges each one of them faces. Lena de Vries is a wife and mother who loves her life on a farm in the country outside of
I knew I had to read the book with a heroine
named
What lessons can be learned from your main
characters? All
three women found themselves plunged into impossible circumstances that they
never could have foreseen. Not only were their lives turned upside down
overnight, they lived in daily suspense, never knowing what would happen next,
how long the war would last, or if their lives would ever return to normal. One
lesson I learned while writing this book was not to take my life for granted in
the good years. And not to take my relationship with God for granted when
things are going well, either. We never know when or how life could change, so
the faith that gets us through the hard times must be cultivated and nourished
in the good times. We’ll never know how strong we are, how strong our faith is,
or how faithful God is until we endure hardship.
How much research did you have to do on the WWII
period in the
What is your hope for Chasing Shadows? How do you hope this story resonates with your
readers? We’ve
all been “at war” with the COVID-19 virus this past year, and the fear and
uncertainty and isolation we’ve experienced has many parallels with an enemy
invasion like the one my characters endure in this novel. It’s my hope that Chasing
Shadows will lead readers to take a closer look at their own faith,
just as I did after first reading The
Hiding Place years ago. I remember wanting a faith like Corrie ten Boom and
her family had, one that would sustain me through unforeseen trials and hardships.
I pray that this novel will inspire readers to pursue a closer walk with God
and a commitment to serve in His Kingdom with whatever gifts He has given them.
Thank you for sharing your book with my blog
readers and me.
Readers,
here’s where you can find
Buy Links for the book:
Readers,
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
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 c
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, 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: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
13 comments:
Chasing Shadows which interests me greatly is a real treasure to cherish. Not only is it a real historical which is profound and meaningful but it is important and vital to remember what happened during World War 11 in Europe and realize that there were many individuals willing to risk their lives. Thank you for the informative and fascinating interview and this amazing novel giveaway. Being Jewish this book resonates with me. Anne in NM.
Lynn Austin's books are captivating and unforgettable. This historical sounds unforgettable and enthralling since it involves innocent people, their lives and their future. I enjoyed learning about the novel, the research and travel to the Netherlands. Pearl-NM.
This book sounds so intriguing. I love historical fiction, and I haven't read any of Lynn Austin's books for a while. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Winnie T. from Utah
This book looks so good!
Abigail in VA
This book sounds intriguing. I also was greatly moved by reading The Hiding Place. My maternal great grandmother emigrated from Holland.
Connie in Texas
This book sounds like a must read for sure!!!
Melanie Backus,TX
I love Lynn's books! I would love to win this newest one! Indiana is my home state.
I'd love to read this one! The Hiding Place is one of my favorite books!
-Melissa M. from TN
Chasing Shadows sounds like a compelling and heart-gripping story! Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this book!
Alison from MI
nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com
Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway SC.
Looks like a book I would enjoy since I always like to read about the Netherlands!
Beth from IA
I've seen so many great reviews of this book already! Thanks for sharing.
Connie from Kentucky
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Patricia Barraclough and I live in Tennessee.
I am so glad to see more books set during the period of WWII and the adjacent years. It was an important time for the world and has many lessons to teach present day readers. I hope the book is doing well.
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