Dear Readers, I’ve
loved reading Bonnie Leon books for a long time. The ones set in Alaska
Bio: Bonnie Leon
is the author of twenty-two novels, including the recently released Return
to the Misty Shore, the popular Alaskan Skies and bestselling The Journey of Eleven Moons.
Bonnie’s books are being read internationally, and she hears
from readers in Australia , Europe,
Poland , and even Africa .
She enjoys speaking for women’s groups and teaching at writing
seminars and conventions and especially delights in mentoring young authors. These
days, her time is filled with writing, being a grandmother and relishing
precious time with her aged mother.
Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in Southern
Oregon . They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.
Welcome back, Bonnie.
You have twice as many grandchildren as I do. Mine are all grown, and two of them have given us great grandsons. Why did you become an author?
I’d always loved books, but never seriously considered
writing as a career. After all, that was only for intellectuals who were highly
educated, or so I thought. And then a strange thing happened to me. In late
1989, I was gripped by a compulsion to put my thoughts down on paper. I filled
legal pads with real life experiences, vignettes, poems, and short stories. It
was great fun. And after being encouraged by a successful author to consider
publishing, I thought maybe I should give it a try.
Everything changed on June 11, of 1991. A log truck
overturned on a corner of a country road and smashed into my van, leaving me
with permanent injuries and chronic pain. In a moment, the life I knew was
gone. I was unable to do the things I loved and couldn’t even take care of my
family. I sank into a depression, and one bleak day, I asked God to please give
me something to do that mattered.
He gave me writing, opening every door and leading me to
publication. It was a scary and exhilarating time. I’ve been writing ever
since, confident that it is what God gifted to me and asked of me.
I love it. Not that
you were injured, but that God answered your need in such a special way that
blesses all of us. If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job?
I always thought I’d love to own a bookstore, which in this
day and age is generally not a profitable enterprise, but I’d still love to do
it. I can see in my mind what the store would look like—cozy with overstuffed
chairs and a wood stove where readers and writers could gather to share their
love of books and story. There would be a coffee bar for sure and dark wood
shelving crowded with great books.
Sounds inviting. If
you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why?
I love the era of the 1940’s, following the war. It was a
time of hope and prosperity here in the United States . Right and wrong were
clearly defined and it was an exciting time for women who were discovering all
sorts of possibilities.
What place in the United States
I’ve never been to New
York , the city or the state. I wrote a series of
books many years ago, called the Sowers Trilogy and the opening book Where Freedom Grows has a powerful scene
that takes place in New York harbor and Ellis Island . So much history played out there. Terrified
and hope-filled immigrants poured into our nation. I’ve longed to visit ever
since.
How about a foreign
country you hope to visit?
I’ve always wanted to visit Scotland . I have roots there, on my
father’s side, and love the history and beauty of the country. I imagine
exploring Scottish castles, the lochs, and the moorlands. I’d love to stay in
an historical B and B on the Loch Ness. Just thinking about it makes me want to
schedule my airline reservations.
Both my husband and I
have ancestors who came from Ireland
to the US Ireland
I’m in the middle of a big lesson, and I’m doing my best to
“get it.” Life is made up of seasons and at age 65, I’m entering what might be
described as my winter season. There is a lot to adjust to—changes in my
family, my physical and emotional health, and very recently a diagnosis that
will alter my life in a big way.
I’ve been diagnosed with Macular Telangiectasia II, or
MacTel II for short. It’s considered rare and over time I will lose my central
vision, but will be left with peripheral vision. I’ve already experienced a
good deal of visual loss, which makes life interesting. It’s been a big
adjustment that has forced me to make changes in my expectations and long term plans.
Even driving a car is now on notice. Soon I will have to hand over the keys. I
don’t know yet what my life will look like, but I know this—God is in it. And
He’s made it clear to me that I am not to go quietly into the night, but rather
continue to serve Him in whatever He’s called me to do. I’m waiting and praying
and seeking guidance. God knows the entirety of my life and I need not fear,
though I admit that is easier said than done. But as with all lessons, I am
stumbling forward and again learning to trust. And I’m so grateful that He has
my hand.
I’m grateful that He
has, too. What would we do without Him? Tell us about the featured book.
Here’s the back cover copy:
In the spring of 1885, Luba Engstrom meets Nicholas
Matroona, a strong, brooding Native from the island of Unalaska Juneau and the primitive culture of
Nicholas’s small village. After all, before Luba was born, her mother lived on
a wild Alaskan island until she was forced to leave when a tsunami destroyed
her people. But from the moment Luba arrives at Nicholas’s home, she struggles
to adapt and learn the village ways.
Will the conflict between her husband’s belief in ancient gods and her faith in Jesus Christ the Redeemer destroy Luba and Nicholas’s relationship?
Return to the Misty Shore—the third book in the Northern Lights series.
Will the conflict between her husband’s belief in ancient gods and her faith in Jesus Christ the Redeemer destroy Luba and Nicholas’s relationship?
Return to the Misty Shore—the third book in the Northern Lights series.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
I’m happy to, but don’t let this fool you into believing
that this is a standard romance. It’s not. And this is
only the beginning of a wild ride for Luba Engstrom.
Summer 1885
Was she being foolish? Chasing after a man she didn’t know?
Nineteen-year-old Luba Engstrom had been at the docks when
she first saw him. He was loading boxes into a warehouse. Short and muscled, he
moved with such grace and power Luba couldn’t help but notice him. His black
hair, cropped close to his head, accented his angular features, and he whistled
as he sorted and stacked crates, as if he enjoyed the work.
This morning she would return. Maybe he would be there
again. She wore her most flattering dress and piled her thick black hair on her
head the way most of the white women did. She looked in the mirror before
leaving. The lavender in the dress deepened the golden hue of her skin and
softened her chocolate-brown eyes.
Already several men had expressed interest in courting her,
but Luba hadn’t met anyone who interested her. That was, not until now.
When she reached the wharf, she searched for the man. Almost
right away she saw him. His dark hair peeked out from underneath a cloth cap.
For several minutes, Luba watched him unload cargo, wishing she could summon
the courage to approach him. Finally, with her heart banging in her chest, she
quieted the trembling in her hands and, as nonchalantly as possible, strolled
down the pier.
She didn’t look at him, but instead watched the fishermen
unload their catch. Soon unable to resist, she glanced his way.
At that very moment, he looked up. Her eyes cemented to his.
A slow smile lifted the man’s lips, making him look even more handsome.
Luba wrenched away her gaze and turned to regard the boats
moored along the dock.
A deep voice came from behind her. “Looks like the fishing
has been good today.”
I’m eager to read the
book. How can readers find you on the Internet?
Here are some links where you can find me. I hope to hear
from you.
Thank
you, Bonnie, for sharing this new book with me and my readers. I’m sure they
are as eager to read it as I am.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Return to the Misty Shore
- PaperbackReturn to the Misty Shore (Northern Lights Book 3) - Kindle
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