Author Speaks About Glittering Promises

 An interview with Lisa T. Bergren,

Author of Glittering Promises

Each of us must set upon a spiritual journey to find out who we really are. For Cora Kensington, the greatest discovery about herself occurred during an epic Grand Tour across Europe. In Glittering Promises (David C Cook/October 1, 2013/ISBN 978-1434764287/ $14.99), the final installment of the Grand Tour Series by Lisa T. Bergren, Cora comes to terms with the Father who will never fail her while wrestling with increased demands on her life and heart.

Throughout the series, readers have joined Cora and her travel companions not only on a Grand Tour of the major sites of Europe, but on an adventure of forgiveness, spiritual awareness and self-discovery. Cora’s quest to find her place within her new family parallels her realization that her true identity rests not with her earthly family, but with her Heavenly Father. “The Grand Tour is not only Cora’s journey toward understanding true identity in Christ, but I hope it will help every reader understand it better too,” explains Bergren.

Q: The series begins by Cora discovering something huge about her true identity. How does finding her place within her new family parallel the spiritual discoveries she makes along the way?

While she’s biologically connected, what she’s really after is an “adoption” among her siblings. Along the way, she finds out what we all find out on our spiritual walk—our family is much bigger than any biological family tree... we have brothers and sisters the world over. And a familial bond is possible wherever we go. Now that process for Cora, of course, is rather challenging... just as it is for most of us. We make strides, and then we fall a few paces back. But then we stand up and make strides again.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a theme of identity for this series?

My husband and I are a part of a ministry called 3DM, and a core principle is to understand our covenant bond with our Father. If we truly understand the deep love He has for us and rest in that identity first (above all others), then we can move forward in obedience. We all often get so wrapped up in the wrong, temporal identities (whether it’s our work or familial “hats”) that we forget the eternal. And when the temporal identity ends or changes, we feel lost. If we can get that eternal bond down solidly in our hearts, no matter what comes at us, we can remain strong and sure in our walk.

Q: At the end of Glittering Promises, what message do you hope readers walk away with?

I’m never what I call a “soapbox” writer. So there is that theme of identity in there. But mostly, I love it when readers can try on a fictional characters troubles and triumphs for size and think about what they might do in the same situation. I think that’s the expansive power of fiction. But I also want just to tell an entertaining story, in order to fully engage the reader. I want my readers to reach the end of the series and say, “Well, that was worth my time.” It’s such an honor that readers spend their hard-earning money and hours on my books—I want them to be satisfied.

Q: When faced with pressures of what family, friends and society expect of us, what are some of the ways we can discern what God has planned for us? How have you seen God direct you in your own life?

It is hard to find God’s voice in the midst of all the noise, isn’t it? But the more I experiment with immediately acting on the Spirit’s direction, the more He seems to speak to me. It’s almost as if His voice gets louder and clearer in my heart the longer I walk with Him. But I greatly value weighing options and challenges with my brothers and sisters. Again, in the 3DM movement, we use a tool called the Circle, which begins with a “kairos.” We all get daily kairos, whether we recognize them or not. A kairos is sometimes small, and sometimes they’re big. They’re those moments you know that God is breaking into your everyday chronos-time to make you stop and think about what He’s saying. The challenge is to clarify that, and then decide what you’re going to do about it. Stopping to discuss it with people you trust allows the Spirit to speak further into your life about that particular kairos and formulate a plan. Giving those people permission to ask you about how you did on that plan is big encouragement to truly complete that circle. It’s incredibly motivating and gratifying as you continue to “work the circle,” daily, weekly, monthly. It’s kinetic. Through that process, I’ve seen God direct me on what to accept in work and volunteer commitments, reaching out to neighbors, and modifying and deepening relationships with loved ones.

Q: When you start writing a series, do you know how it’s going to end? For example, did you know which man Cora would choose all along, or did you make the decision right along with her as the writing process progressed?

I don’t know how each book will end. But I do know the end goal—romantic and theme-wise. So yes, I knew the hero Cora should choose, regardless of how tempting the other was!

Q: Do reader reviews from early in a series ever influence later releases?

Not as much reader’s reviews as reader’s questions. If I haven’t made something clear or satisfied the reader in some way, I seek to accomplish that by book three. That’s another luxury of a series! However, I’ve had bit characters that seem to take a life of their own and capture readers’ attention—they simply demand a bigger piece of the pie as we go.

Q: Cora’s tour comes to an end in Italy, which is one of your favorite places to visit. Were you able to go to Italy to research any specific locales for Glittering Promises?

Oh my, yes. I adore Italia. There really is something about the place that gets under your skin. And two years ago this fall, my daughter Emma and I spent ten days in Rome, a city you could spend a year in and a few more in Venice. But even ten days gave me enough new fodder for the book, as well as precious memories for the two of us.

Q: Now that the Grand Tour Series has come to a close, what’s next on the horizon for you?

I’m hard at work on a new dystopian series called REMNANTS. My readers know me... I’m always on to something different. So far in my career I’ve written contemporary romance, historical women’s fiction, contemporary fiction, speculative medieval fiction, time travel YA, back to historical women’s fiction for the Grand Tour Series, and now dystopian YA. It makes it hard to market me—a lot of readers stick to one genre, so publishers prefer that. But it gives me ultimate creative freedom to follow where God is leading me next. Still, my really hard-core fans who read everything I write deserve a badge or something...

Learn more about Lisa T. Bergren at her online home, www.lisatawnbergren.com. Readers can also join Bergren’s Facebook fan page or follow her on Twitter.

The Borrowed Book's quick REVIEW of Glittering Promises:
The last book in the Grand Tour Series is set in romantic Italy. Cora's future is much different than her past--a true Cinderella story. Lisa T. Bergren's research and passion for the setting shines in this book. Mystery and intrigue wind tightly around the romance, but the plot seems to drag a bit, as if a two-book premise was stretched to make three. Still, it is a solid read that will leave the avid romantic satisfied and perhaps even disappointed that the Grand Tour series has come to an end. 

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Winner of the Grand Tour Series

Well, folks, I got sick, so excuse the delay in announcing the winner of the Grand Tour Series collection is. . . NENNA!

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Today Only! Giveaway of the Grand Tour Series by Lisa Tawn Bergren

LitFuse is giving away a full set of Lisa T. Bergren's Grand Tour Series! Today only. Comment to win by answering the question: What country would you most like to visit?

Book # 1: When Cora Kensington learns she is the illegitimate daughter of a copper king, her life changes forever. Even as she explores Europe with her new family, she discovers that the most valuable journey is within. The first book in the Grand Tour series takes you from the farms of Montana through England and France on an adventure of forgiveness, spiritual awakening, and self-discovery.

Book # 2: For Cora Kensington, the journey of a lifetime takes unexpected twists. And her future—her
very life—depends on the decisions she’ll make at each crossroad. As her European tour with her newfound family takes her through Austria, France, and Italy, an unseen enemy trails close behind. Meanwhile, a forbidden love continues to claim her heart, putting everyone’s plans in danger.

And as Cora stays one step ahead of it all, what might need the most protection is her own heart, torn between the dramatic pursuit of a dashing Frenchman and a man who has been quietly staking claim to her affections all along. Love has dangers all its own. She must escape the bonds of the past and discover the faith to make the right choices, as each one has grave consequences.

Book # 3: America’s newest heiress must decide if her potential fortune is rationale enough to give up her freedom and all that God is leading her toward. And when her newly-discovered siblings are threatened with ruin, her quandary deepens. Then as Cora nears Rome, more journalists are track the news story of the decade—“Copper Cora,” the rags-to-riches girl—and want to know more about her family and the men vying for her attention. Meanwhile, a charming Italian countess decides that if Cora isn’t going to claim Will’s heart, she might just try...

COME BACK THURSDAY FOR AN INTERVIEW WITH LISA AND FRIDAY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN BOOK # 3, GLITTERING PROMISES

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Contemporary Romance Book Spotlight ~ Love's Refuge

Sandra Leesmith is back with a brand-new inspirational contemporary romance! I had the pleasure of editing the book and assisting Sandra in publishing and promoting it (via my freelance editing & publicity business, Editing Through the Seasons). We're currently in the midst of the blog tour right now, so be sure to read on for more info about that!

About the Book

Skye Larsen loves her peaceful life on Leeza Island in Puget Sound – the tranquility, the friendly neighbors, and especially the safety from big-city dangers. So when cruel pranks start to escalate and changes threaten to overtake the island, Skye is determined to fight for her haven. The presence of a handsome vacationer and the unexpected feelings he awakens can’t distract her from her goal.

 Danny Fraser doesn’t realize how desperately he needs a rest until he meets Skye. By allowing him to glimpse her simple way of life, she helps him reorient his priorities – and steals his heart in the process. But his work and home in Seattle keep Skye at bay.

An isolated island girl with painful memories. A dedicated city boy with a wild past. What will it cost for them both to find a refuge from their storms? 

About the Author

Sandra Leesmith loves to travel in her RV and explore all of nature’s beauty, discover America’s history, and fellowship with the wonderful people she meets while on the road. She enjoys reading, writing, hiking, swimming, and pickleball. Learn more about Sandra and her books at www.sandraleesmith.com.

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• The Kindle e-book is on sale for $.99 during the blog tour (through Nov. 30th)!

• The book is currently on tour in the blogosphere! Check out the schedule, the awesome Kindle giveaway, and more HERE. Today's stop is Ann's Two Cents.

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Winners!!

Good morning, BB fans! Thanks to everyone who participated in our "puzzling" Friday giveaway! Keep all those facebook and Twitter notifications, coming!

This week's winner is: 

Cindy W - Dark Road Home by Elizabeth Ludwig.

Congratulations, Cindy! Thank you all so much for stopping by The Borrowed Book.

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Max'ism...everything I've learned about God by watching my daschund

Max’ism: Do Not Be Afraid
Jeremiah 31:9-11

Max is a wiener dog. Though his spirit is big, he’s had to come to terms with the fact that he is a fifty-pound dog trapped in a ten-pound dog’s body. That was made very evident on one of our daily walks.

We live on a country road far from traffic. We do, however, have Barney. Barney is a German Shepherd of considerable size. Even I think so. And when Barney barks, people listen! Normally, Barney is a very friendly dog, but on this occasion, he took our walking past his turf as a personal insult. Terrified, Max scrambled over to me and began jumping on my leg, begging me to pick him up.

“You’re fine,” I repeated over and over, but Max would not be mollified. Not until I held him in my arms, snug against my body, did he finally stop shaking. What Max didn’t realize is that I had no intention of letting that big ole German Shepherd harm him. I was ready to protect him, and watched Barney carefully to make sure he didn’t come near. And then I realized how much like Max the children of God are.

We walk alongside God, content with the way things are, enjoying the view, until something big and scary happens, and then all our faith flies out the window. “God help me! Where are you? Why didn’t you protect me,” we cry. When all along, God stood ready, one eye upon the storm, and one eye upon His child. I can almost hear Him…

“Didn’t you know? I was beside you all along! I had no intention of letting anything harm you, beloved, only that which will strengthen you, and build you up.”

That is, after all, the nature of our God.

Jeremiah 31:9-11

New International Version (NIV)

⁹ They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel’s father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son.

¹⁰ “Hear the word of the Lord, you nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands: ‘He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.’

¹¹ For the Lord will deliver Jacob and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they.

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Weekly Drawing

It's Fun Friday at The Borrowed Book!

To enter:

Leave the time it took you to complete the puzzles in the comments section as well as your email address for notifying you if you've won. Winners will be drawn from ALL of the times, so the person with the fastest time may not be the actual winner, but by leaving your time, you double your chances.

Want another entry? Tweet your puzzle time and mention The Borrowed Book, get another entry. RETWEET our Tweet, get two entries!

Post your puzzle time on BB's Facebook wall and...you guessed it...get another entry!

Post it on your OWN Facebook wall and you could get as many as FIVE entries.

It's all a way to spread the word about the great giveaways on BB. So c'mon! Help us spread the word, and have a little fun at the same time. Enter all weekend long! Winners will be announced Sunday night at midnight.

This week's puzzle feature is brought to you by Elizabeth Ludwig and her newest release, Dark Road Home.

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Author Interview ~ Elizabeth Ludwig

Elizabeth Ludwig is the award-winning author of No Safe Harbor and Dark Road Home, Books One and Two in the Edge of Freedom series. She is an accomplished speaker and teacher, often attending conferences and seminars where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Along with her husband and children, she makes her home in the great state of Texas. To learn more, visit ElizabethLudwig.com.

Welcome! First, why don't you briefly tell us how your writing journey began. 

Believe it or not, I started writing in elementary school. I had a fifth grade teacher who really got into the creative writing stuff, and encouraged us to love it, too. I also LOVED to read, so I guess she thought it was a natural progression for me to also write. So when she learned of a contest for young authors, she pushed me to enter. I told myself I was going to hate it, but as I got into the story, I found I really liked coming up with my own characters. I did spend most of my time daydreaming about books, after all. I guess that was the spark I needed, because I never forget what it was like to write and began seeking publication in 2001.

Well, I wish I could say success came immediately, right after I submitted my first manuscript. The truth is, I wrote for five years before I sold my first book, and I completed six full manuscripts, none of which will probably ever see the light of day. I sold my seventh book to Barbour Publishing in 2006 (though the book did not actually release until 2008). It’s a mystery called Where the Truth Lies. I co-authored it and two sequels, Died in the Wool and Inn Plain Sight, with Janelle Mowery.

Please share with us one fact about you that not many people know. And feel free to have fun with the question! 

This is a fun one! I guess it would have to be that I love playing with computers. In fact, my kids call me a computer geek wannabe! I’m not good enough with techie stuff to actually do anything fancy…just good enough to get in trouble.

Which fictional literary character most inspired/inspires you? 

Oh my goodness…I know this answer is going to baffle most people but…I have to say the character who most inspires me is Annabel Tippens. Annabel is a little girl “with short blond hair and very good manners” (taken from the book description on Amazon.com/No Flying in the House by Betty Brock). She seems quite ordinary, except that she’s also half fairy—and instead of parents, she has a two-inch high dog named Gloria.

Well, you can imagine that for a kid who loved to read, this book was extraordinary. I read it over and over again, and dreamed of the day I would learn to fly. Later, I came to realize that what captured my imagination was not so much the story of a half-fairy princess, but of a little girl struggling to find herself. The sacrifices that Annabel Tippens makes challenged me to acknowledge what was real and important—love, faith, and family.

What inspired you to choose the setting for this series? 

My newest release, Dark Road Home, is set in and around New York City, especially Ellis Island. For those of you not familiar with its history, over twelve million immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island from 1892 to 1954. Many of those immigrants were Irish, so when I decided to write a book about an Irish girl searching for her brother in America, it seemed the natural choice.

If you could be best friends with any of the characters in your novel, who would it be? Why? 

Goodness…I love them all, but if I had to narrow it down, I guess I would have to say Cara. She’s the perfect definition of a true friend—honest, loyal, and caring, and she would do anything for those that she loves. Want to know a secret? I fashioned this character after my four beautiful, loving sisters. ☺

What inspired this novel? 

Family members on both my side and my husband’s emigrated from Europe in the early 1900’s. Some of my ancestors were from Spain. My husband’s ancestors were from Holland, Ireland, and Germany. These brave men and women who risked everything in search of a better life were the inspiration for this story. I hope I’ve done them proud!

What are 3 things you like to do to relax? 

First, I love to read. Even as a kid, I spent hours curled up with a book. My sisters never understood the fascination. One of my younger sisters (whom I affectionately call Magon Dragon—she knows what that means) used to hide my books just to get me outside to play!

Apart from reading, I love to ski. My family and I look forward to going to Colorado every Spring Break. Last year, we took twelve newbies with us and taught them all how to ski. Okay…so we taught them how to avoid killing themselves. Still, by the end of the week, they could all get off the lift, and they all could stop at the bottom of the mountain before they crashed into the chalet.

And lastly, I’m a sports nut, so everyone knows…don’t bother me when the Steelers are playing. Go Pitt!

What is your favorite scene from Dark Road Home?

There were several scenes in Dark Road Home that I wrote from the heart, but one that I really love is when the hero, Eoghan Hamilton, realizes that despite his many sins, God is still reaching out to him. He questions how he could possibly find his way back to the Savior, and then…this:

The streaming sunlight cast a distinctive pattern. Was it by accident? Slowly, he swung his gaze to the crucifix that hung at the front of the sanctuary. He’d not have believed so once.

A wry grin took him. With the sun shining through the window and the strips of wood that divided the panes blocking only partial light. . .

He’d been standing in the shadow of a cross.

What piece of writing advice have you received that was most helpful to you? 

Don’t stop learning, and never, ever give up!

Where can readers connect with you? 

I’ve actually made quite a home for myself out in cyber space. Readers can find me at:
Website: www.elizabethludwig.com
Blog: www.theborrowedbook.blogspot.com.

I’m also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.ludwig.33?ref=tn_tnmn and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/theborrowedbook.

Stop on by! I’d love to have you visit.

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5 Keys to Hosting a Successful Book Launch

My very first contract was for a cozy mystery called Where the Truth Lies, which I co-authored with Janelle Mowery. The book released in 2008. Since then, I have been very fortunate to have one title release every year. But in all that time, with all of the marketing, interviews, and promotions I have conducted, I have never hosted a Book Launch Party.

The reason? Overwhelming, debilitating, paralyzing terror.

See…I was never the popular kid who got invited to the birthday parties. In fact, I never even had my own birthday party because I was too afraid no one would show up! Okay, so that wasn’t the only reason. I did, after all, grow up in the middle of farm country where our nearest neighbor could only be reached by phone or smoke signal.

Still, the plain and simple truth of the matter is I used to have nightmares about sitting all alone with a pitiful little cake in front of me and a solitary candle sputtering to an agonizing and dismal death. So is it any wonder when a friend and co-worker suggested we host a Book Launch Party for my Edge of Freedom Series, my heart tried to beat its way out of my chest?

 I came up with excuses: It’s a busy time of year. I’m not sure what day will be good. It’s too far into the series so there really isn’t any point. My friend stared at me, unblinking, and said, “Let me rephrase. We’re having a Book Launch Party. It’s on the 18th. Make sure you’re there.”

I could have dug in my heels. Or volunteered for jury duty. Instead, I pasted on a smile and agreed to the date. After all, the Book Launch was still almost two months off, and hurricane season was in full swing…

But this year? This year, it was clear skies and sunny days and before I knew it, the Book Launch was upon us. Lo and behold…there was a cake, but it was by no means pitiful. I even had friends around to help me enjoy it. So what happened? What made this event unfold so successfully despite my all of my fears and insecurities? Well, along with a basketful of heavenly petitions, I developed five keys which I think can help anyone enjoy what is meant to be a celebration of their accomplishment:

1. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: My name is Elizabeth Ludwig, and I love social media. Rather than fight the pull on my time and attention, I decided to maximize it, use it to my advantage, so to speak. After all, social media is where my friends are! Once the details of the book launch were finalized, I created an online invitation and used my influencers to help me spread the word via email, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. Also, I emailed the invitation to my church secretary and to all of the local churches where I’d had opportunity to minister. I printed hardcopies and distributed them to the public library, fellow parishioners, and co-workers. More importantly, I made sure that people knew they were welcome, and that we had a fun evening planned.

Key #1 to hosting a successful book launch? Do like facebook and “share.”

2. Hard as it is for me to admit, even work-driven, overachievers like me can’t do everything. That’s why I am so thankful for a few, close-knit family members and friends who were willing to take on some of the tasks for the night of the book launch. The list was simple—thing like posting updates and scheduling tweets. I even pre-wrote a list of tweets to post throughout the event, so that my husband could simply paste the messages into the compose box, and then attach a picture. For me, this was much better than scheduling tweets, because using the pictures helped those who couldn’t attend get a glimpse into the fun. Lastly, all of my tweets automatically posted to my facebook page which helped me to reach all my cyber-friends. And don’t forget the hashtags! For this event, anyone who wanted to follow the action simply looked for #LudwigLaunch.

Key #2 to hosting a successful book launch? Enlist friends to help you include the people in your cyber circle.

3. As I said earlier, I’ve never had any problem with the other forms of promotion needed for marketing my books. Blog articles, speaking engagements, workshops, seminars, even radio interviews have never made me as nervous as this book launch. I have, however, developed a very lengthy list of contacts from the aforementioned events, and I didn’t hesitate to contact them early and often to ask if they’d be willing to help me spread the word. This was especially effective with all of the local promotion I’ve done over the past few months, especially the book club chats and library speeches. I also utilized my contacts in the local media and tried to get as much exposure as I could the week before the event.

Key #3 to hosting a successful book launch? Keep a list of contacts from previous or upcoming speaking events. Invite them personally to the event, and then ask them to help you spread the word!

4. By now, we’ve probably all become aware that the old way of conducting book signings has become rather cliché. People want plenty of activity, but it needs to be topical and organized. I scheduled several things over the course of the night and tried hard to keep things moving. Among the activities was an authentic food tasting with recipes from the 1800’s. We had recipe cards available for any brave souls who wanted to create their own authentic food. Believe it or not, this was big hit! I also debuted my series trailer, had a cover reveal for the third and final book in my series, conducted several question and answer sessions, and conducted a drawing for a Nook.

Key #4 to hosting a successful book launch? Plan your book launch like you would a wedding. Provide good food and entertainment, but take care that everything you do points to the star of the show—your book.

5. Jason Gray recorded an amazing song called “Remind Me Who I Am”. I’d heard it before, many times, in fact. I’d never sung it, however. That is, not until the Sunday before my scheduled book launch. I sat there in the pew, struggling with my insecurities, and then this:

When I lose my way,
And I forget my name,
Remind me who I am.
In the mirror all I see,
Is who I don’t wanna be
Remind me who I am.
In the loneliest places
When I can’t remember what grace is.

Tell me once again who I am to You,
Who I am to You.
Tell me lest I forget who I am to You,
That I belong to You.

Suddenly, I remembered something I’d forgotten in all of the planning and preparation—I belong to Jesus! In Him, I have value and more than that, I will live my life never knowing what it is to be completely alone.

Key #5 to hosting a successful book launch? Remember who you are—not to your friends, readers, or fans—but who you are to God.

Author Bio:

Elizabeth Ludwig is the award-winning author of No Safe Harbor and Dark Road Home, Books One and Two in the Edge of Freedom series. Her popular literary blog, The Borrowed Book, enjoys a wide readership. Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, often attending conferences and seminars where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Along with her husband and children, she makes her home in the great state of Texas. To learn more, visit ElizabethLudwig.com.

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The Research of Research by Author Elizabeth Ludwig

I never realized when I started out writing historical romance that I would need to develop an archeologist’s skill when combing the internet. On top of crafting a good story, writing anything with historical significance requires a general knowledge and level of accuracy that readers of the genre have grown to expect. 

Book 2

My latest novel, Dark Road Home, for example, definitely required more research than anything I’ve published so far. Set in and around New York City with key scenes taking place on Ellis Island, I knew early on that I would need to conduct careful study on the more than twelve million immigrants who entered the United States through Ellis Island from 1892 to 1954. It wasn’t enough to know how they came, however. I wanted to figure out why, so beginning at the Ellis Island Foundation’s website, I began looking for letters, pictures, anything I could find that would give insight into the motivation behind so many peoples’ journey. This in turn led me to other sites, like Ancestory.com and the National Park Service website, which were full of information regarding not only the history of the island, but of the people who passed through on their way to a new life in America.

Along with filling the story with facts about our nation’s history, Dark Road Home is about an Irish girl running from her past and a man with dangerous political affiliations, so on top of all of the historical facts I could dig up about New York in 1897, I had to research Ireland and everything that was occurring during the same time period there. That meant learning what I could about the conflict in Ireland—its origins and history. Once again, I tackled the internet, beginning with a simple Google search on “why Ireland is divided”. This led me to a number of sites, including ibiblio.org and encyclopedia.com. Remember those research papers your English teacher made you do in high school and college? Researching my book was a lot like that!

While it would have been easy to pack all kinds of historical facts into my novel, I had to keep in mind that this was a work of fiction, and that it needed a strong romantic thread. That meant finding a careful balance between what was true, and what was meant to entertain. Too much of one, and the reader would get board. Too little of another, and the work became less of a historical. In the end, I discovered that sorting out tidbits of information and dropping them into a fictional tale is a lot like digging treasures from the earth—it requires patience and a good deal of dedication. Hopefully, the end result is something the reader not only enjoys, but learns from as well.

BOOK BLURB: Lured by a handful of scribbled words across a faded letter, Cara Hamilton sets off from 1896 Ireland on a quest to find the brother she'd thought dead. Her search lands her in America, amidst a houseful of strangers and one man who claims to be a friend--Rourke Walsh.

Despite her brother's warning, Cara decides to trust Rourke and reveals the truth about her purpose in America. But he is not who he claims to be, and as rumors begin to circulate about an underground group of dangerous revolutionaries, Cara's desperation grows. Her questions lead her ever closer to her brother, but they also bring her closer to destruction as Rourke's true intentions come to light.

Also, be sure to check out Book Two in the Edge of Freedom Series, Dark Road Home: 

Ana Kavanagh's only memories of home are of fire and pain. As a girl she was the only survivor of a terrible blaze, and years later she still struggles with her anger at God for letting it happen.

At a nearby parish she meets and finds a kindred spirit in Eoghan Hamilton, who is struggling with his own anger--his sister, Cara, betrayed him by falling in love with one of his enemies. Cast aside by everyone, Eoghan longs to rejoin the Fenians, a shadowy organization pushing for change back in Ireland. But gaining their trust requires doing some favors--all of which seem to lead back to Ana. Who is she and who is searching for her? As dark secrets from Ana's past begin to come to light, Eoghan must choose which road to follow--and where to finally place his trust.

BIO: Elizabeth Ludwig is the award-winning author of No Safe Harbor and Dark Road Home, Books One and Two in the Edge of Freedom series. Her work has also been featured on Novel Rocket, the Christian Authors Network, and The Christian Pulse. Elizabeth’s debut novel, Where the Truth Lies (coauthored with Janelle Mowery), earned her the IWA Writer of the Year Award. Her first historical novel, Love Finds You in Calico, California, was given four stars from Romantic Times. And her popular literary blog, The Borrowed Book, enjoys a wide readership. Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, often attending conferences and seminars where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Along with her husband and two grown children, she makes her home in the great state of Texas. To learn more, visit ElizabethLudwig.com.

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Historical Romance Series Spotlight ~ Edge of Freedom

About Book 1

New York City, 1897 
She came to America searching for her brother. Instead all she's found is a web of danger.

Cara Hamilton had thought her brother to be dead. Now, clutching his letter, she leaves Ireland for America, desperate to find him. Her search leads her to a houseful of curious strangers, and one man who claims to be a friend--Rourke Walsh. Despite her brother's warning, Cara trusts Rourke, revealing her purpose in coming to New York.

She's then thrust into a world of subterfuge, veiled threats, and attempted murder, including political revolutionaries from the homeland out for revenge. Her questions guide her ever nearer to locating her brother--but they also bring her closer to destruction as those who want to kill him track her footsteps.

With her faith in tatters, all hope flees. Will her brother finally surface? Can he save Cara from the truth about Rourke... a man she's grown to love?

About Book 2

The nightmares of her past have found Ana Kavanagh an ocean away.

Ana Kavanagh's memories of Ireland are mostly of fire and pain. As a girl she survived a blaze that left her an orphan, left her scarred, and left her angry at God. Now in New York, Ana finds a kindred spirit in Eoghan Hamilton, who's struggling with his own anger. His twin sister, Cara, betrayed him by falling in love with his enemy.

Cast aside by everyone, Eoghan hopes to rejoin the Fenians, an organization pushing for change back in Ireland, by securing information against Rourke, the man his sister married. Ana, Cara's friend, may be his best source, and despite the attraction he feels, Eoghan determines to use the girl's sweet nature to his advantage.

Adding to the danger is a specter from Eoghan's own past, one whose thirst for vengeance knows no bounds. Eoghan must choose which road to follow--bitterness or forgiveness--and where to finally place his trust.

About Book 3

It's been two years since Tillie McGrath last saw Captain Keondric Morgan. He'd let her visit her ill fiancé before he died. Now the dashing captain has found her at the boarding house where she lives and has swept back into her life. But all is not well. He seems to be trying to protect her--from whom or what stays a secret.

Even years later, Keondric never forgot the heartbroken lass from his boat. When a crewmember's death-bed confession hints that her fiancé's death may have been murder, the captain knows he must try to save her. But his attention draws the notice of others as well, dangerous men who believe Tillie may have the last bit of evidence needed to put them away. And trying to stay safe may put them both in more danger than they could have ever imagined.

Series Trailer

About the Author

Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author and an accomplished speaker and teacher. Her historical novel Love Finds You in Calico, California earned four stars from RT Book Reviews. She is the owner and editor of the popular literary blog The Borrowed Book. Along with her husband and two children, Elizabeth makes her home in Orange, Texas. Learn more at www.elizabethludwig.com.

 Want More?

• You can buy No Safe Harbor and Dark Road Home now, and pre-order Tide and Tempest (which release March 4, 2014). 

• Check out Elizabeth (AKA Lisa) and her books on the Bethany House website.

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Winners!!

Good morning, BB fans! Thanks to everyone who participated in our "puzzling" Friday giveaway! Keep all those facebook and Twitter notifications, coming!

This week's winner is: 

Emily Kopf - God is Able by Priscilla Shirer.

Congratulations, Emily! Thank you all so much for stopping by The Borrowed Book.

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Max'ism...everything I've learned about God by watching my daschund

Max’ism: Be Obedient
1 Samuel 15:21-23

Obedience is not an easy thing to learn. Max struggles with it. My kids struggle with it. I struggle with it. But I finally grasped its importance watching Max submit to my will even though it broke his heart.

Max loves to ride in the car. In fact, next to eating ice cream, riding is his favorite thing to do, and he’s learned to catch the signals of when we are about to leave. As soon as I pick up my keys, Max is at the door, tail sticking straight out and nose pressed against the jamb so he can scoot out the moment I turn the knob.

“Not this time, Max,” I said. “You’re staying home.”

He didn’t budge.

“Max, you’re staying,” I repeated, this time more firmly.

He looked up with sad, puppy eyes. I shook my head. Do dogs have shoulders? If they do, his slumped. His head lowered and he slunk to the window. Front paws propped against the sill, he watched as we pulled from the driveway.

Now that was a pathetic sight, I tell you. And yet my heart thrilled at his obedience. And suddenly, I understood why God said to obey is better than sacrifice. Sometimes, He may ask us to do or endure something we totally do not understand. It may even break our hearts. The separation we feel during the struggle between doing our will and doing God’s tears at our faith. But God is patient. And He waits…to see if we will obey.

1 Samuel 15:21-23

New King James Version (NKJV)

²¹ But the people took of the plunder, sheep and oxen, the best of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.”

²² So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. ²³ For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.”

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Weekly Drawing

It's Fun Friday at The Borrowed Book!

To enter:

Leave the time it took you to complete the puzzles in the comments section as well as your email address for notifying you if you've won. Winners will be drawn from ALL of the times, so the person with the fastest time may not be the actual winner, but by leaving your time, you double your chances.

Want another entry? Tweet your puzzle time and mention The Borrowed Book, get another entry. RETWEET our Tweet, get two entries!

Post your puzzle time on BB's Facebook wall and...you guessed it...get another entry!

Post it on your OWN Facebook wall and you could get as many as FIVE entries.

It's all a way to spread the word about the great giveaways on BB. So c'mon! Help us spread the word, and have a little fun at the same time. Enter all weekend long! Winners will be announced Sunday night at midnight.

This week's puzzle feature is brought to you by Priscilla Shirer and her newest release, God is Able.

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A Day in the Life of Anita Higman

I have been a morning person my whole life. I’m up at 5:30 every weekday morning—sharp—and after I eat a breakfast of granola, Greek yogurt, and fresh berries, I usually have a short devotion time with my husband. This sets the right mood for the day and this also gives us the spiritual strength to deal with all the many tasks and problems that invariably come up during the course of an average workday.

            After my husband leaves for work, I go upstairs to my office to get started for the day. Once at my desk, I answer all my emails—which usually takes an hour or two—and then I occasionally allow myself a few minutes to read a few of my reviews.

Huge mistake.

I would not recommend this ritual, especially at the beginning of the day. If the reviews are gushy then you might get the idea that anything and everything you write will be like laying a nest of golden eggs. Even though reading the honeyed reviews can give you quite the swoony rush, it’s not an honest emotional place to be when you start on your manuscript. Why? You’ll get the feeling you no longer have to try so hard.

But.

If you read even one ugly review, well, those words will paralyze your spirit like a frog in frozen mud. You know I’m right. So, my advice? Start your day with prayer, not reviews.

If I’m working on a rough draft I try to meet a word-count target of about 2,000 words each day. When I hit my goal or nearly there, I can play for a bit, which means I’ll run errands or do some marketing work on my latest release.

            There are some days when I don’t get all my work done by the end of the day. When that happens, I don’t usually treat myself to a fun movie or the chance to settle into my cozy den and read one of my favorite authors, such as B.J. Hoff or Jenny B. Jones. It means I’ll have to tromp right back upstairs in the evening and write some more.

Needless to say, it takes a great deal of discipline to be writer. You have to show up every workday—bum securely fastened to the seat of the chair—no matter what. Even if you don’t feel awake or well or motivated.

Or alive.

So, I stay put in that chair even when that rosy halo called the muse isn’t glowing around my head. Yes, novel writing can be relentless, tedious effort. Can we say boring? But it can also be deeply satisfying. All the way to your soul. Especially when someone tells you that her life was changed for the better because she read one of your stories. It makes all the tedium, all the sacrifice, all the muscle aches and pains as well as the exhaustion, worthwhile.

            Okay, after I finish an evening of writing I head to bed about 9:30. Of course, by then the muse is heated up and is now as bright as a street lamp shining in your bedroom window—which means I’m not going to sleep. My imagination as well as my next-day ta-do list can’t turn itself off. So, after I’ve gone to bed, many times my husband will see me pop right back up again to write something down. After one or two or more of those rounds, I finally settle into slumber. Then, of course, my dreams take it from there. Rarely, though, have I dreamed scenes or concepts that I could use in one of my novels. That’s a shame, really, but I’ve heard other authors say that have incorporated pieces of their dream world into their books. I only wish that were the case for me.

Well, as you can tell, the life of a writer isn’t easy. The life of a writer doesn’t always include a good night’s sleep. But the life of a writer does mean they’ll be days—and sometimes nights—that will be filled with that inimitable and imaginative and miraculous thing called story!

Anita Higman is a CBA best-selling and award-winning author. Among her many accolades, Higman has won the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award twice. She has written or co-authored more than 30 books, including fiction and non-fiction for adults and children, as well as plays. Higman has also been recognized for her contributions to literacy and has raised thousands of dollars with her book I Can Be Anything while serving on the board of directors of Literacy Advance of Houston.

Even though she’s written in many genres, Higman does have her favorite. “I love inspirational romance. There’s just nothing else like it for writing and reading. It naturally makes you want to curl up on an overstuffed couch and read the day away.” Her latest release is A Marriage in Middlebury.

She loves good movies, exotic teas and brunch with her friends. Higman and her husband live in Houston, TX.

To keep up with Anita Higman, visit anitahigman.com, become a fan on Facebook (Author Anita Higman) or follow her on Twitter (@anitahigman).


Don't forget to stop by tomorrow, when you can enter to win a free copy of Anita's latest release, A Marriage in Middlebury!

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