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

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