JESSIE'S PEARLS - Patti Lacy - One Free Book

Welcome back, Patti. What would you like for our readers to know about you personally?

I’m Patti Lacy, the novelist from Normal, Illinois, and did not feel called to write anything but embarrassing love letters and maudlin poetry until I was 50 years young. If I can get my stories down on paper, so can you!!

Tell us about your family.

From the very beginning of my writing journey, my husband Alan, a textbook writer and college professor, told me I could write the story of my best friend, an Irishwoman who dealt with, not one, but two dysfunctional mothers. Two years later, An Irishwoman’s Tale hit the bookstores. I so appreciate 37 years of wonderful marriage! Alan and I have two grown children: Sarah, who is getting a doctorate in Central American history, and Thomas, who works in Waco, Texas, where, eons ago, I went to college. We also have a dog named Laura who loves to take long walks through our neighborhood.

Have you written other nonfiction books?

Yes! Tattooed by Jesus, a memoir, traces the amazing journey of Bonnie Kae Lentz, a Christian minister who once thought Jesus was a cuss word. Bonnie now runs The Jesus House in our sister city, Bloomington, Illinois. I’ve also published four novels: An Irishwoman’s Tale, What the Bayou Saw, The Rhythm of Secrets, and Reclaiming Lily.

Do you have any other books in the works right now?

My agent, Natasha Kern, has a proposal for a contemporary fiction series and a historical fiction series. I also have a few ideas percolating in my gray matter.

What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?

Is there a writer who doesn’t love books? Every night, they tuck me in bed and carry me away…

I also love jogging and have completed marathons, though these days, we’re talking 5Ks.

Why did you write the featured book?

At the most unexpected place, my 40th high school reunion in Monroe, Louisiana, a classmate, Gary McCormick, the son of Jessie, our book’s heroine, approached me and said, “Has my mom ever got a story!” I bit back, “Doesn’t everyone?” and listened halfheartedly, more interested in seeing old friends and drinking in the scenes on the bayou out back. A few weeks later, Gary called me and continued sharing his mom’s story. He finally hooked me with talk of Jessie’s back-breaking labor in the 1930s as a cotton picker and her determination to escape the eviction notices that hounded their family. Single-mindedly, Jessie faced crisis after crisis in her life. Then she found herself financially comfortable, even wealthy, but a knock at her door brought the biggest crisis of all.

What do you want the reader to take away from the book?

Jessie’s Pearls explores the life of a driven woman who learns the meaning of family, loss, perseverance, and, through the grace of Jesus Christ, finds a faith that will last forever. Despite our heroine’s incredible work ethic and generosity, Jessie made mistakes in her life, and paid a steep price. I loved seeing how Jessie learned from her trials and determined to let God work for good in all things.

I also want the reader to understand the depths of pain suffered by many during the Great Depression, World War II, post World War II, and the Vietnam era. History can be a marvelous teacher!         

Is there anything you’d like to tell my readers about you or your book?

Jessie’s Pearls has a Southern flavor and a country girl’s heart. I want you to smell the fragrant magnolia blossoms and see the live oak trees droop their moss-covered branches over the bayou waters. I want you to taste the twice-dipped fried chicken and fresh snap peas. I pray that this memoir will prove to be an enjoyable read, a story with take-away value, and a sensory experience!

I know you’ve piqued the interest of all my readers. Where on the Internet can they find you?

This is a GREAT time to mention my long-time critique partner and Jessie’s Pearls cowriter, Sara Richardson, whose debut novel, No Better Man, has been endorsed by Debbie Macomber, Lori Wilde, and Katie Lane. Find Sara at www.sararichardson.com.

My website is www.pattilacy.com. I also talk books, art, and Jesus at Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/patti.lacy; www.facebook.com/pages/Patti-Lacy/190783284280488.

Lena, thanks for chance to share with your great readers. God bless!

And thank you, Patti, for sharing this new book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

Jessie's Pearls - Paperback
Jessie's Pearls - Kindle

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