When a woman’s brother is attacked because he is gay, she is forced to make hard choices about family, faith, and her own future; choices that take her to the very edge of grace. Before we visit with today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Susan Page Davis's novel, Captive Trail, is:
hediru@ . . .
Congratulations! I'll contact you today for your snail mail address, and we'll get your book to you right away. I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to participate in future book give-aways!
Now let's revisit novelist Christa Allan, author of The Edge of Grace (Abingdon Press, July 2011).
A true Southern woman who knows that any cook worth her gumbo always starts with a roux and who never wears white after Labor Day, Christa Allan writes not-your-usual Christian fiction that’s unafraid to tackle the tough questions. Walking on Broken Glass, her debut novel, released in 2010. The Edge of Grace released in 2011. Four more novels with Abingdon Press follow in 2013 and 2014. Love Finds You in New Orleans (Summerside Press) is set to release in 2012. Christa is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America and its Faith, Hope, and Love chapter. She also belongs to writing organizations in her community. Christa, a high school English teacher, and her veterinarian husband live in Abita Springs with their three neurotic cats. Christa is the mother of five and is totally smitten with her two grand girls.
I find it hard to believe you have grandkids! You look far too young for that.
Please tell us five random things we might not know about you.
--I like weeding my garden.
--I won first place for a stand-up routine in a talent show.
--I am addicted to fine point roller ball pens.
--I dance like Elaine on the Seinfeld show.
--I hate roller coasters.
Please tell us a bit more about the plot of The Edge of Grace.
Caryn is a widowed, single mother plodding her way through the world with her catering business to make a life for herself and her son, Ben. After losing her husband, she put God on hold. Then, her brother David calls to announce that, not only is his pending wedding not happening, he’s gay. Already overwhelmed, Caryn sees this as one more problem in her life, and she tries to fix it.Then, when David is attacked, Caryn is forced to stop looking outside of herself, and examine what it means to be his sister, her own issues, and how she can come to love him.
What is it about your lead character that will make your readers care about her?
I hope readers come to see Caryn as someone who, like all of us, isn’t perfect, but she’s doing the best she can with what she has--physically and emotionally.
If you were the casting director for the film version of your novel, who would play your lead roles?
I seem to change my mind about this one each time I answer that question!
Caryn: Laura Innes
David: Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Max: Jake Gyllenhaal
What were some of your favorite words of encouragement from a mentor, colleague, or reader?
A reader shared this after finishing Walking on Broken Glass: “Through that book, I was forced to face a truth about my life that I had been running from for years. Facing that truth has led me to a healthier life today.”
“I believe in you.” What my husband always tells me when I’m in tears or tantrums!
Aw. Both of those are terrific comments.
What is the last book you read that you would recommend?
The Girl Who Chased the Moon, by Sarah Addison Allen. Her language is delectable, and she ties the plot together in unexpected ways. I especially love the element of magical realism in the novel.
Magical realism is definitely an acquired taste!
What are you working on now?
I’m waiting on edits for Love Finds You in New Orleans (Summerside Press), and I’m starting A Matter of Trust, one of the books in Abingdon’s new quilt series.
Where else can readers find you online?
Twitter: ChristaAllan
Google+
The book is available at fine book stores and for online purchase via the following buttons:
CBD.com
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Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?
What makes you eager to recommend a book to friends?
Thank you, Christa, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel. Readers, Christa has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Thursday, September 29. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Christa's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Leave your email address, in case you win, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.
Be sure to check out my interview with Alison Strobel, below. Leave an appropriate comment at the bottom of the post to enter the drawing for a signed copy of her book.
Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer HERE.
10 comments:
I am eager to recommend a book if it is one I had trouble putting down. I have to be able to relate to the characters and the plot.
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Plenty of times I finish reading a book and am dying to discuss it with someone else who read it. That's what's so great about book clubs. Sometimes it's because the story is so compelling or the ending floors me or the characters really got to me.
But sometimes it's just because the author uses the language beautifully--I don't mean the writing is pretty, but that it's unusually creative and poetically used. That kind of writing inspires me to write better.
The kind of book that I couldn't put down, one that made me feel lots of various emotions and an interesting
historical time in life. These are a few of the reasons that I recommend
books...
Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
When I read a book I truly enjoy, one that touches my heart, or one that I cannot forget...that is one that is sure to be mentioned to my friends and family.
lgm52@hotmail.com
I love your books, Christa! I also dance like Elaine, but usually just to get a laugh from friends.
When I read a book that truly takes me to a place I've never been and into the heart and lives of characters to the point I feel like part of their lives, I rush to share it with friends.
Great interview!
i loved your first novel, christa...looking forward to reading your latest :)
i recommend books that move me...i recommend books that are written so beautifully (in my opinion)that I don't want them to end...i recommend books by my 'favourite authors,' too (like you!)
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
I can't wait to recommend a book that I found unique and gripping. Something that I don't think everyone has already read. For instance Dan Walsh's new book "Deepest Waters" was so amazing I started telling everyone about it - and I was passionate about the fact that it was mind blowingly good! Even recommending it to my sister-in-law's book club. Does the book have a hook that makes it unique? That's what I want to see (along with excellent characters, vivid settings and beautiful dialogue)
Janna
ryanx6 at msn dot com
I can't wait to recommend books that surprise me. I push myself to read books that I wouldn't normally pick off the shelf, and I love it when I fall in love with one of those! I often recommend the first book in a series; it's so fun to take a journey with characters through a series of books and share it with a family member or friend who is reading the series, too! Books that I can't put down and ones that really make me feel something are also easy to suggest.
amberdawnwhitlock[at]gmail[dot]com
This sounds like such a interesting book and definitely want to read it. Thanks for the opportunity to win it.
Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
Hi ladies, what a beautiful blog and a lovely interview. Christa is awesome!
I love sharing those books that left me with a nugget to treasure. A book that not only tells a story, but makes me look within my own heart. A book that brings a story to my heart and a challenge for me to accept.
srprater@gmail.com
Blessings to you both,
Robin Prater
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