The excitement never grows old. In less than two weeks, my newest novel, “Where We Belong” will be out in bookstores. This is book #25 for me (unbelievable!) yet its release is as exciting to me as book #1 was. I have spent a year working on this manuscript, researching, writing and rewriting, editing and revising. It has required a lot of hard work and many long, lonely hours. And now, readers will probably devour it in a week or two. But that’s okay. More than anything else, I want to give my readers an enjoyable story. Personally, I love to read a book that makes me laugh, makes me cry, and makes me think—don’t you? I hope this one accomplishes all those things.
Chapter One begins in the Sinai Desert in the year 1890. Here are the first two lines, just to whet your appetite:
“Rebecca Hawes lay awake in her tent, convinced that the howling wind was about to lift her entire camp into the air and hurl it to the far side of the desert. The desolate wasteland of the Sinai Peninsula lay beyond her tent door, thousands of miles and a world away from her home in Chicago.”
So, what is this book about? Here is a brief synopsis (without any spoilers. I hate spoilers!):
In the city of Chicago in 1890, the rules and expectations for Victorian women are strict, their roles in life limited. But sisters Rebecca and Flora Hawes are not typical Victorian ladies.Their love of adventure and their desire to use their God-given talents have taken them out of society ballrooms and delivered them to the Sinai Desert—and into the teeth of a sandstorm. Accompanied by Soren Petersen, their somber young butler, and Kate Rafferty, a plucky street urchin learning to be their lady’s maid, the two sisters are on a quest across the desert, chasing rumors of an important biblical manuscript. As the expedition becomes ever more dangerous and uncertain, all four travelers sift through memories and adventures of their past, recalling the events that shaped them, and the journeys and providence that brought them to this very time and place.
There is adventure and romance in this armchair journey into another era. But mostly it’s the story of two unique sisters whose faith leads them to follow God along a very unconventional path. Thirty-three years ago, my life veered away from the ordinary when I left my teaching career to write books. It was a risk I’m glad I took.
So how about you? Have you been on any unusual journeys as you’ve followed God? What risks have you taken?
Be sure to check my blog again in two weeks for a chance to win a free copy of “Where We Belong.”
10 comments
Can’t wait to have this book in my hands and a quiet place to read it!
I love your books.
I read the chronicle of the kings. I learned so much about the kings . Thank you !
I’ve read all your books. I am SO excited to read this one.
I was going to college as a triple music major- vocal performance, general music education, and choral education. I was LITERALLY five credits away from graduating with two degrees when God stepped in. I had worked hard memorizing a piece in Portuguese for a solo competition- Months of practice. I confidently got on stage. Mid-song, all words LITERALLY flew away. I could remember nothing. I had never had this happen before. I looked at my acvompanist for a hint- he shrugged- he didn’t know Portuguese! Ha! When the most important section completed, my memory came back and I sang again, ending the song. Humiliated, I left the stage. I, or course, did not win the solo competition. For me, it was an eye opening realization that performance was NOT where God wanted me. I had read and studied about the lives of performers and their struggles with marital relationships, raising children, health concerns, and with this added experience, it seemed to be a red flag- “this is NOT the path that I have chosen for you.” I dropped my performance major and degree, and never looked back. I still love to sing, but no yearning to do it for my glory anymore. If I do sing solos, it’s to bring glory to God- right where it should be.
I can’t WAIT to read the full book, Lynn. You are blessed to be working where God placed you. I’m so glad that you chose to follow Him!
We love your books, Lynn. I believe we have read all of them and have them in our bookcase to pass on to others. God has blessed you with amazing talents, and we have all benefited from this. Excited to get your new book soon. Keep writing.
Love your books! Can’t wait for the “Where you belong” comes out!
I also can’t wait to take hold of another of your books. They are like treasured friends with stories, paths and words of wisdom I have needed to hear for my journey. I have read some of your books 5 times as I have never found any other books as fulfilling. Thank you for your gift of telling of Gods love.
Really looking forward to reading this, Lynn. You’ve inspired my writing in ways you may never know. Blessings to you as you continue writing what God has put on your heart and in your creative mind, made in His image.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Mercy series. I hope you will have a book #3! And soon! I love your humor that randomly pops out in the sometimes tense moments.
My most favorite of all your books is your Refiner’s Fire series. I am not one to re-read or re-listen to books because I become bored since I know the outcome, but these are an exception.
Your books are like cotton candy to my mind and heart.
You are my absolute favorite Christian author. I just completed “Legacy of Mercy” and I hope their will a third book in this wonderful series. Will there be another bus tour of Holland in 2019?
I have read all of of your books and enjoyed every one of them.
May God bless you for sharing your talents.
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