WHAT'S IT GOING TO BE?

What book should you read next? What words should you write next? Whether you're a reader, a writer, or both, you need look no further for ideas and pointers to help you make up your mind. You might even get your next book for free!

Sometimes I even give away my own novels. My Inspirational romances and devotionals are pictured below and are detailed on my Books page. You can always count on a trace of humor in my novels and nonfiction. Whether you're a teen or a woman mature in years, I think these stories will ring true.

Read on, and discover some of today's most appealing Inspirational novelists, their latest books, and their words of wisdom and imagination. Enjoy!

Monday, March 11, 2019

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. 

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.

Also readers, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post title.

Remember, if you'd like information on additional new releases, check out Christian Book Heaven, an email newsletter for Christian book deals in whatever genres you select. You can subscribe here: ChristianBookHeaven

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

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

As a bit of light reading, I would recommend “Daddy Long Legs.” It’s a classic that I’ve never heard of before and it was gifted to me recently. I highly recommend it as it is truly deliightful!
perrianne(DOT)askew(AT)me(DOT)com
Perrianne Askew

Stephanie Morrill said...

I've heard of that, but I've never read it. Thank you!

Bridget said...

Cinder by Marissa Meyer is a light and romantic read. It's a sci-fi/fantasy blend and one of my favorites! I cannot recommend it enough. My email: Bridgetmagness14@gmail.com
Bridgetmagness14(at)gmail(dot)com

Lee Hillshire said...

Most recent light read I've read was a Junie B. Jones book. These were my childhood, and I still have my entire collection of those books.
madatcomputers@gmail.com

Vala Dusk said...

I'm not sure what would qualify as light, but Torry Martin's book "Of Moose and Men" is a Christian non-fiction comedy which I really enjoyed. ^-^
Dinoshorty@yahoo.com

arletta said...

Oh, I have some good books to recommend. Sugar and Heart Land, both by Kimberly Stuart. Katherine Reay is another great author. Her book, Dear Mr Knightly is a favourite. Oh, wait, I cried throughout the entire thing. Still read it but it might not be light enough. lol Check out Jenny B Jones and Erynn Mangum for more great reading.

Caryl Kane said...

Mary Connealy's westerns are a delight to read.

psalm103and138@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Mending Fences by Suzanne Woods Fisher
tumcsec(at)gmail(dot)com
Gail Hollingsworth

Stephanie Morrill said...

@Bridget, I really need to bump Cinder up on my list! I've heard great things about that book.

@Livia, those are such fun books! I read those with my kids sometimes.

@Vala Dusk, I love Torry Martin! I haven't read his books, but I've met him in person and he's wonderful.

@Arletta, Thank you! I have Jenny B. Jones's latest sitting on my Kindle. I love her! Those others sound excellent too. Thanks!

@Caryl, I think Mary Connealy is such a delightful writer. She's so funny.

@Gail I've heard that's good! I should bump that up higher on my list. Thank you!

Patty said...

I've recently been reading a cute series by Leah Atwood called Modern Conveniences. Not sure if they are in paperback as they are more of a novella length and I am reading them on my Kindle.

Trish Perry said...

Great suggestions! It's always wonderful to have a list of recommended books under a certain genre, for when the mood is just so. I like to mix up the tone, as you do, Stephanie.

Just a reminder to anyone answering Stephanie's question: if you'd like to be entered for her book drawing, be sure to give me a [fractured] email to enter into the random selector.

Stephanie Morrill said...

Thanks, Patty! I love that the rise of ereaders has also brought a rise in shorter fiction, because it's such a great art form!

 

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