Linda Thompson and Free Books!

A gripping novel inspired by a true story from World War II’s daring Doolittle Raid.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free e-copy of Stagecoach to Liberty, by Janalyn Voigt, is:

jdmfirefly@...

Congratulations! We'll get your book right out to you. I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to learn about new releases! U.S. subscribers are entered in the drawings a second time when they comment.

And now let's meet novelist Linda Thompson, author of the historical novel, The Plum Blooms in Winter (Mountain Brook Ink, December 2018).

Linda Thompson stepped back from a corporate career that spanned continents to write what she loves--stories of unstoppable faith. Her debut novel, The Plum Blooms in Winter, is an ACFW Genesis award winner.

Linda writes from the sun-drenched Arizona desert, where she lives with her husband, a third-generation airline pilot who doubles as her Chief Military Research Officer, two mostly-grown-up kids, and a small platoon of housecats. When Linda isn't writing, you'll find her rollerblading--yes, that does make her a throwback--taking in a majestic desert moonrise, or dreaming of an upcoming trip. She and her husband recently returned from a tour of Israel and Jordan and a visit to Wales.

Please tell us one random thing we might not know about you.

Our son Josh met a young Welsh woman when we were on a mission trip in the U.K., and fell in love. They carried on a long-distance relationship for a couple of years, then married. However, due to the U.S. immigration process, the relationship is still long-distance! She will finally be able to join her husband permanently here in Arizona in January--with our first grandchild, who is now two months old and a dual U.S. / U.K. citizen! We are very excited to see them finally begin their life together for good. (I am already plotting how I can work a Welsh character into a future novel!)

It actually sounds like their story could be the plot for a future novel!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of The Plum Blooms in Winter.

A Prostitute Seeks Her Revenge--In 1942, Miyako Matsuura cradled her little brother as he died on the sidewalk, a victim of the first U.S. bombing raid on Japan. By 1948, the war has reduced her to a street-hardened prostitute consumed by her shame.

A WWII Hero Finds His True Mission--Dave Delham makes military aviation history piloting a B-25 in the audacious Doolittle Raid. Forced to bail out over occupied China, he and his crew are captured by the Japanese and survive a harrowing POW ordeal. In 1948, he returns to Japan as a Christian missionary, determined to showcase Christ's forgiveness.

Convinced that Delham was responsible for the bomb that snuffed out her brother's life, Miyako resolves to restore her honor by avenging him--even if it costs her own life. But the huntress soon becomes hunted in Osaka's treacherous underworld. And then confronts a decision that will change everything.

What is it about Miyako that will make your readers care about her?

Miyako is deeply wounded, but courageous, determined and self-sacrificing. She will pay any price to fulfill what she sees as her duty.

What’s one of your favorite Christmas books or films?

Okay, promise not to laugh… The Muppet Christmas Carol. I enjoy the music and the corny jokes, and I appreciate the message of this classic redemption story. And Miss Piggy’s star turn as Mrs. Cratchit? Perfect.

Oh, that does bring back memories!

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

I loved Melanie Dobson’s Catching the Wind. I find the craft behind time-slip stories fascinating, and I especially enjoyed the well-researched World War II timeline that ended with a heart-rending and very memorable separation. But yes, there was healing on the other side of that.

Yes, Melanie is great at time-slip stories. I featured her Hidden Among the Stars not too long ago.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on Book Two in the Brands From the Burning series, The Mulberry Leaf Whispers. It continues the World War II story from The Plum Blooms in Winter, but also introduces a new plotline from samurai-era Japan.

Where else can readers find you online?

I love to connect with readers! My website: lthompsonbooks.com Author Page. Or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, or Bookbub.

The book can be purchased online via the following button:



Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

Certain eras are very popular in historical Christian fiction, while others are largely unexplored. Does the idea of reading a story that explores the challenges of Christians in Japan’s samurai era intrigue you, or not? Can you expand on why you feel that way?

Thank you, Linda, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Linda has offered to give away free e-copy of her novel. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to Linda's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Remember that U.S. subscribers are entered an additional time in each drawing. The drawing is done by email, so leave your email address, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com. 

Only United States residents are eligible for the drawing, but anyone can subscribe to the blog posts via the GDPA-compliant Feedblitz box above my list of books, at right.

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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, GDPA notice, and my Disclosure of Material Connection HERE