Stephanie Morrill and Free Books!

An Italian American teenage girl and a Japanese American teenage are boy torn apart by racism during WWII.

Before we meet today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the free copy of my e-book, Together By Design, is:

von1janet@...

and the winner of the free copy of my e-book, Beach Dreams, is

grandmatinaof2@...

Congratulations! I'll get your books 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 Stephanie Morrill, author of the Young Adult historical novel, Within These Lines (Blink/HarperCollins, March 2019).

Stephanie Morrill writes books about girls who are on an adventure to discover their unique place in the world. She is the author of several contemporary young adult series, as well as the 1920s mystery, The Lost Girl of Astor Street, and the WWII era romance, Within These Lines.

Since 2010, Stephanie has been encouraging the next generation of writers at her website, GoTeenWriters.com.

She lives in the Kansas City area, where she loves plotting big and small adventures to enjoy with her husband and three children.

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

I can sing all 50 states in alphabetical order thanks to a music unit in fourth grade. This skill comes in surprisingly handy.

What a great idea, and it's so cool that it stuck with you. I love the connection our memories have between facts and music.

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Within These Lines.

Evalina Cassano's life in an Italian-American family in 1941 is everything it "should be" until she falls in love with Taichi Hamasaki, the son of Japanese immigrants. Despite the scandal it would cause and that inter-racial marriage is illegal in California, Evalina and Taichi vow they will find a way to be together. But anti-Japanese feelings erupt across the country after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and Taichi and his family are forced to give up their farm and move to an internment camp.

Degrading treatment make life at Manzanar Relocation Center difficult. Taichi's only connection to the outside world are treasured letters from Evalina. Feeling that the only action she can take to help Taichi is to speak out on behalf of all Japanese Americans, Evalina becomes increasingly vocal at school and at home. Meanwhile, inside Manzanar, fighting between different Japanese-American factions arises. Taichi begins to doubt he will ever leave the camp alive.

With tensions running high and their freedom on the line, Evalina and Taichi must hold true to their values and believe in their love to make a way back to each other against unbelievable odds.

That's an excellent story idea, Stephanie! The only novel I've read about that time period was Stewart David Ikeda's What the Scarecrow Said, years ago (not a Young Adult novel). It was a very moving account of a sad time in our history. It's wonderful that you've written your book for a younger audience to read.

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

Evalina is strong and fiery in temperament, but she’s also tender and compassionate. She cares deeply about social injustice and looking out for those who are vulnerable.

Please share with us your novel’s opening line.

When I jolt awake, the familiar fear smothers my early morning thoughts and thrums through my veins.

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

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate. I had heard tons of amazing things about the book, and it really lived up to all the hype. Even though the history Wingate explores in the story is horrifying and sad, the book still manages to feel hopeful. It’s one I’ll continue to re-read as years pass!

Yes, Lisa's book is often listed in response to this question. I have it on my TBR list (as do many readers, obviously). I've read articles about the subject matter as a result of Lisa's research. You're right--horrifying.

Where else can readers find you online?

You can connect with me and learn more about my books at www.StephanieMorrill.com, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. If you’re a young writer, you can find me at www.GoTeenWriters.com

The book can be purchased online via the following button:




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

I’ve been reading a lot of really heavy fiction recently, and I’m ready for stories that are light and fun. What would you recommend?

Thank you, Stephanie, for visiting and telling us about yourself and your book. Readers, Stephanie has offered to give away a free copy of her novel. To enter, leave a comment and your email below in answer to Stephanie'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. 

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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