FATAL EXCHANGE - Lisa Harris - One Free Book

Readers, Lisa Harris is a very good friend of mine. I mentored her before she became published and early in her career before her family moved to Africa to be missionaries. We only see each other every year or two, but I’m thankful for the Internet that lets us stay connected. I always read her blog. She’s a great wildlife photographer, and I like to keep up with what’s going on with their ministry.

I love her writing. I loved book one of her Southern Crimes series. Fatal Exchange arrived last week, and it’s at the top of my to-be-read pile. I only have a few pages to go to finish reading Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers.

Welcome back, Lisa. Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

Like most women, I juggle a lot of roles. Mom, wife, teacher, chauffer, writer ... My husband and I have three beautiful children, and we’ve lived in southern Africa now for over ten years. We currently live in Mozambique and are involved in church planting and discipleship. We’ve been blessed to see a lot of the world and experience many different cultures, something I’m extremely thankful for.

How did you become interested in writing?           Writing is something I wanted to do from the time I was small. I started a few stories in junior high, then didn’t really take it seriously until I was in my late twenties. After our oldest was born, I was a stay-at-home mom with no vehicle, so I decided it was finally time for me to write a book. And I did. I had (and still do) so much to learn, so I soaked up everything I could from writer’s groups (thank you, Lena!) conferences, and how-to books. About six years later, I got that first call from an editor that they were going to buy my story.
                      

We were all excited when that call came. What compelled you to write a book on the subject in Fatal Exchange?

Fatal Exchange is book two in my Southern Crimes series. While book one focused on a heroine who is a homicide detective, her sister Emily, my heroine in book two, is very different. Emily is a school teacher who isn’t interested in chasing down bad guys like her sister. She cares about her students and insuring they succeed. I wanted her to find out, though, that she was far stronger than she realized. I think that is true for all of us. With God’s strength, we can do things we didn’t think possible.
 

What is the main theme or point that you want readers to understand from reading your book? Are there any other themes present in the book?

When we let him, God can use us, even when we feel small and unable. He is able!

Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book?

When I wrote this story, I thought a lot about the difficult things we face in life and how we react to those difficult situations. In the story, Emily faces a hostage situation in her classroom. Now hopefully none of us will ever have to face anything like that, but life is still full of difficult choices and challenging situations.

The question is how do we respond to those trials? And not just the tougher, life and death situations, but the smaller, day-to-day issues? How do we respond to difficult people? To unfairness at work? To a trying neighbor, child, or spouse? Sometimes these are the situations where it takes the most courage to be gracious, loving, and forgiving.

That is so true. What makes your book different than any other books similar to yours that are in circulation today?            

A reviewer recently mentioned my “signature complex characters” in a review and I loved that. Because I really enjoy delving into the character’s lives and going deeper, which is hard with suspense and a very short time-frame for the story.

How does the book intertwine with God’s call on your life and how you are currently serving Him? I’ve always felt strongly that people need to realize that God can use them no matter who they are. And I love taking characters who don’t feel worthy or able and letting God use them! I see that in our ministry, in my own life, and in my books as well.
            

Do you have a favorite Scripture verse?

I love this reminder, especially when things are tough. “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24

When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?

I love trying new recipes and photography, but for the most part, when I’m not writing or involved in ministry, I simply love to be with my family.

As we close, is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you so much for having me, Lena!

It’s always a great pleasure to interview you. I want my readers to get to know you and your work. Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

I have a blog: http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com . Be sure and sign up (top left hand corner) for my newsletter so you can keep up with all my latest books and information. I also have a website: www.lisaharriswrites.com

Thank you, Lisa. Be sure to schedule your next book on my blog. My readers will be as eager to know about it as I will.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Fatal Exchange - Christianbook.com

Fatal Exchange: A Novel (Southern Crimes) - Amazon
Fatal Exchange (Southern Crimes Book #2): A Novel - Kindle

Christian Book Store

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