Get Lost with CHRISTMAS GRACE and Leslie Lynch

I'm so pleased to welcome Leslie Lynch to Get Lost in a Story!  She's a 2013 Golden Finalist - a Lucky 13 with me and is a fascinating woman!  She is the first woman I ever met who flies with the Civil Air Patrol!



Before we get to my questions for Leslie, don't forget to check the end of the blog for Leslie's question to you.  (There is a giveaway!)


Meet Leslie Lynch

Award winning author Leslie Lynch gives voice to characters who struggle to find healing for their brokenness—and discover unconventional solutions to life’s unexpected twists.

Leslie lives near Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband and her adult children’s cats. While not engaged in wrestling the beautiful and prolific greenery of their yard into submission, she flies as a volunteer for the Civil Air Patrol, loves the exuberant creativity and color of quilting and pottery…and, of course, writes.

See - fascinating - right?

Let's talk about your latest novella -- CHRISTMAS GRACE.  (I love the title!) 

The Story Blurb

No one wants to celebrate Christmas this year.

  

Not Ella McKendrick, who, on the cusp of success as a potter, is tasked with her husband’s company

party on too-short notice. She gives up her first pottery sale to pitch in, but the joy of the season is diminished.

Not Gertie Wycliffe, Ella’s mom, a new widow who is doing everything she can to avoid her first Christmas alone. No one understands the grief and terror she feels—maybe because the craziness of a seventy-four-year-old woman signing up for skydiving lessons is all she lets them see.

Not Natalie Shaw, Ella’s pregnant daughter. Natalie’s husband is deployed halfway around the world, and she believes that ignoring the holiday might blunt her loneliness.

 Then disaster strikes, not once but twice. Three generations; three untenable situations. Three women who come together for each other, and remember what’s most important about Christmas.

This gave me chills!  And I love the cover.

READ A LITTLE, BUY THE BOOK

Sneak Peak (Check it out!)

Buy -- Amazon 

A LIGHTING ROUND OF Q&A WITH LESLIE LYNCH

NAN: How often to you get lost in a story?

LESLIE:  All the time! The better question would be, when am I not lost in a story! I read, read, read, and unless it’s remarkably badly written, I love to meet new characters and travel to new places via books.

Oh yeah!

P

NAN: Can you tell us about a real-life hero you’ve met?

LESLIE:   I am blessed and honored to know a number of military personnel and law enforcement officers. Oh – and a couple firemen. Some of these people have awards for heroic actions (well deserved), but not one of them will mention them. Each and every one lives their lives with the same courageous values on a day to day basis, though, continuing their acts of heroism without fanfare.

What wonderful courageous people you know!

NAN:  Since we're talking about heroes, what's your favorite trait about your hero in CHRISTMAS GRACE? 

LESLIE:    Tough question. There are three guys in the story…and I love them all (eventually, in one case.) Virgil, however, is in a class by himself. He’s an adventure-loving guy who just makes you happy when he’s around. 

Sounds like someone I want to meet!

NAN:  How did you come up with the idea for your book? 

LESLIE:   CHRISTMAS GRACE is a conglomeration of my personal experiences. I’ve watched as my mother, aunts, and other women friends have grappled with widowhood. The struggle to go on, and to redefine one’s purpose is a major one. I’ve seen couples lose the spark that kept their marriage lively, and learn to rediscover it. And I was Ella to my daughter-in-law’s Natalie while she was on bedrest with a high risk pregnancy. The seeds of all my books come either from my personal life, events I’ve witnessed, or issues I’ve read about.

And this makes the conflicts so real! 

NAN:  High Heels or Hiking Boots? 

LESLIE:    Hiking boots. I love the great outdoors and love to hike. I hate dressing up, and high heels hurt my feet. Give me a trail over a dress up occasion any day!

I guessed this one!

NAN'S GOTTA ASK:   What is one of the most instructive experiences you’ve had as an author?

LESLIE'S  GOTTA ANSWER:   Proofing my audio books. That is a real thrill, along with being a bit of work. I have collaborated with the extremely talented Carol Dines on Hijacked, Christmas Hope, and Christmas Grace. 

That sounds amazing and hard!

Thank you for joining the crew today, Leslie!

FIND LESLIE LYNCH:

Website: www.leslielynch.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeslieLynchWrites/

Twitter: @Leslie_Lynch

Goodreads:  Leslie Lynch

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Leslie_Lynch_/

LESLIE LYNCH WANTS TO KNOW:  CHRISTMAS GRACE focuses on the complex relationships of mothers and daughters. Would you like to share a funny or poignant story about a woman who is dear to you?

Commenters - LESLIE  is giving away a print copy of CHRISTMAS GRACE  (North America only)