And the winner of Karen Barnett’s book, Out of the Ruins, is:
Rachael Merritt.
Congratulations, Rachael!
And now, our featured book . . .
From the back cover:
Two hearts are about to learn the rhythm of love
Bold, sophisticated, and coy, Army Air Force flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, leaving men pining in airfields all across Europe. So how can ruggedly handsome C-47 pilot Roger Cooper be all but immune to her considerable charms? In fact, he seems to do everything he can to avoid her.
Still, as they cross the skies between Italy and southern France, evacuating the wounded and delivering paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them closer. Can they overcome the fears and misunderstandings of the past in order to take hold of the future?
An interview with my friend, author Sarah Sundin:
Finish this sentence. Inspirational fiction is . . .
. . . a window into the full human experience. Unlike in secular fiction when the author can’t mention the name of God unless it’s a cuss word, in inspirational fiction we’re able to explore the spiritual aspects of life as well as having action, romantic, and emotional story arcs. We can show characters grappling with their faith and with sin issues—and show healing, growth, and hope.
What is one of your favorite scenes in In Perfect Time?
One of my favorite scenes happens early in the book when Kay goes out dancing and sees Roger Cooper play the drums. She’s acquainted with the pilot and thinks he’s a fuddy-duddy. But when he drums, she sees his energy and vigor—and she’s attracted to him. Roger battles his attraction to her—and rejects her. But in their conversation he sees a hint of vulnerability in her that intrigues him. This sets the rest of the story in motion.
Are you anything like Lt. Kay Jobson, your main character? If you could cast her in a movie, whom would you choose?
Kay is probably my polar opposite. She’s bold, no-nonsense, ambitious, and doesn’t really care what others think of her. I would absolutely cast the model they used on the book cover. She looks exactly like the Kay Jobson in my mind—even her expression conveys Kay’s personality precisely.
Describe Lt. Roger Cooper. What actor would you hire to play him?
Roger is a down-to-earth man, raised as an Iowa farm boy, biding his time in the war as a C-47 pilot, and determined to become a big band drummer. He’s solidly built, with auburn hair and brown eyes. I can’t think of any actors I’d cast to play him. Most actors don’t have that down-to-earth quality. They’re just too pretty and slick.
What do you want your readers to take away from this novel?
Kay believes she doesn’t deserve God’s love or His mercy, and while Roger has accepted those gifts, deep down he doesn’t feel he deserves God’s blessings in his life. Both learn that God gives good things, not because we’re good, but because He’s good. I hope readers will see ways they turn away from God’s good gifts in their lives—and accept them wholeheartedly.
Do you have another novel in the works? Tell us about it.
Next month Where Treetops Glisten releases—a WWII Christmas collection featuring novellas from Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman, and me. I loved writing my story, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, which features a fighter pilot coming home drained after a combat tour, a lonely little girl, and her widowed mother.
I’m also working on my next series, Waves of Freedom, which follows three American naval officers based in Boston during WWII. The first novel, Through Waters Deep, comes out next summer.
For fun, what do you like to snack on while you write?
I have a mild addiction to gumdrops.
Favorite movie?
So many. I love the classics from the 1930s-1950s. Anything with Jimmy Stewart or Cary Grant! A newer favorite for me is the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice—I’ve watched it over and over.
About the author:
Sarah Sundin is the author of With Every Letter, On Distant Shores, and the Wings of Glory series. In 2011, A Memory Between Us was a finalist in the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Awards, and Sarah received the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.
You can learn more about Sarah and her books at:
Thank you, Sarah, for stopping by.
Sarah is offering a copy of In Perfect Time to one of you. Please answer this question in the comment box along with your e-mail address so that I can contact you if you’re the winner. I will draw the winner next Thursday, August 28th.
Sarah’s question: What is your favorite memory from this summer?
Next up: Karen O’Connor and her book Lord, How Did I Get This Old So Soon? Prayers and Promises to Brighten Your Day.
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I can’t wait to read this one. I am addicted to this series. I am looking forward to reading her other series and anything new she writes. My favorite summer memory this year is my two boys (1 and 3) naked and playing in the baby pool or chasing bubbles. (We are out in the country so it’s ok 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway!
Ooh, I hope you took pictures! Believe me, this will be very important when they’re teens and you can threaten to post the pictures on Facebook (or whatever we’re using then). Not that I’ve ever given this threat to my own teen son. Not that I gave him this very threat just yesterday or anything…
One of my favorite memories is going camping up in the mountains with some friends. Great times! Also, of course, some of my best memories of this summer include time reading wonderful books. 🙂
professionalbookworm418 (at) gmail (dot) com
I used to love camping when I was a kid. As a mom…not so much 🙂
My favorite memory of from this summer was going to my cousin’s wedding. It was wonderful to witness their wedding and I was able to spend a lot of time with family that live far away.
elis(dot)bouma(at)gmail(dot)com
How wonderful! I love weddings!
I can’t believe summer is just about up!
I spent a week in Port Sanilac, Michigan. My husband’s family goes up there every year. One of the days there, I just spent the whole day outside. I laid out on the sand bar, I swam in Lake Huron (VERY VERY COLD – but so worth it!), went kayaking, walked on the beach with my husband, and grilled out. It was such a wonderful, perfect day!
Thank you for the drawing and the article! – Kendra
kwhittle(at)wgem(dot)com
That sounds lovely!
Well, this summer has really flown by…so it’s hard to pick a favourite memory. One would be being able to read “A Distant Memory” in a short amount of time because I enjoyed it that much. 🙂
I loved reading this interview and can’t wait to read the book!
Hi Raechel,
Yes, A DISTANT MEMORY is a great book! Sarah really does her research for each book she writes.
Glad you chimed in.
Sherry
Thank you, Raechel! I’m glad you enjoyed Walt & Allie’s story!
I can’t say I have one specific memory, but having my granddaughter work outside with me, and watching her as her little toddler legs go as she helps hang laundry or work in the gardens is really precious.
Hi Lisa,
Glad you’ve joined us.
Toddlers are so precious. Sounds like chores are even fun when you have a little one around.
Sherry
Oh, sweet! My “baby’s” legs are now knobby, hairy man legs. Miss those chubby, dimpled knees!
My favorite memory was when I spent 2 weeks with my parents in Buffalo, New York. It was such great family time.
Sara
sarajohns95(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi Sara!
Thanks for joining in.
Family gatherings seem to be the highlight of everyone’s summers…yours included! I bet you have a close relationship with your parents like I have. Not everyone feels that way. I enjoy spending time with my parents too!
Sherry
Love those family get-togethers!
My favorite memories of this summer are times with my precious grandchildren, loving each moment with the ones who live a thousand miles away and cuddling the one who lives nearby when we get to babysit! We’ve read books and blown bubbles and taken walks and snuggled at night during visits with the faraway ones and just breathed in the joy of a tiny one nearby.
dsarni@socket.net
Hi Sherry (Great name, by the way! Haha)
Sounds like you’re a very involved grandma, and that you’ve had some special times this summer with your littles. How special!
I’m glad you joined in the fun!
Sherry
How wonderful! I have teens/young adults – so I’m between having little kids and having grandkids – and I miss those sweet days! Of course, teens/young adults are a blast!
My favorite memory from the summer is spending a week with my family camping at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama!
By the way, August 28th will be my 33rd wedding anniversary!
tumcsec(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Gail!
Thanks for participating!
My family didn’t go camping this summer, but we’ve enjoyed it in the past. I’ve never been to Alabama. Sounds like a wonderful time. Happy Anniversary! I hope you and your husband plan to celebrate BIG!
Sherry
Happy anniversary! You deserve a grand celebration!
Spending time with my grandchildren at the park and on outings which they loved and enjoyed. This is precious and memorable.
Hi Anne!
I hope to have grandchildren one day. I can imagine it’s a wonderful experience. Thanks for joining in.
Sherry
I love those park outings!
Having a family get together picnic. So much fun to see everybody & celebrate my mother-in-laws 84th birthday!
Hi Deanna,
Family picnics are wonderful. How special that your mother-in law turned 84! Thanks for participating.
Sherry
What a wonderful way to celebrate!
Going to the beach for vacation was my favorite memory this summer. I had a great time hanging out with my family and reading on the beach.
meaganlwilliford@gmail.com
Hi Meagan,
There’s nothing like sand between the toes and a good book to read while waves crash on the shore in the background! Sounds like the perfect vacation to me. Thanks for adding your name to the drawing.
Sherry
That sounds wonderfully relaxing!
One of my favorite times this summer was going to our State Fair. I got to spend time with my family plus watch my daughter’s band perform in the State Fair band day competition and do a great job! Ellen Gray steveandellengray@yahoo.com
Hi Ellen!
Thanks for joining in.
Sounds like you had a great time at the State Fair! How fun to watch your daughter’s band play too. My family enjoys going to our county fair in September.
Sherry
I haven’t been to a fair in years! We used to love our county fair when the kids were little.
Favorite memory….. spending time with my brother’s 2 children. I don’t get to see them nearly enough!
Hi Kathryn,
Time with family is precious! I was able to visit mine this summer too. Thank goodness for phones, e-mail, Facebook, etc. to keep us connected. Thanks for commenting.
Sherry
It’s wonderful to spend time with family!
My favorite memory from this summer is hands – down my 2 daughters’ double wedding on June 7. We were tremendously blessed to have them marry young men in Bible college who are training to be pastors. The wedding was absolutely beautiful!
Hi Sonya!
Wow! A double wedding. <3 That must have been interesting to plan. Are your girls twins? And they both married pastors! I'd love to see pictures. Thanks for adding your name to the mix.
Sherry
A double wedding? How wonderful! And even better to see your daughters married to godly men. Blessings to all of you!
My favorite was spending time with my nieces and their babies. Cooking out and watching them in the pool.
forgot my email…swtnoel@hotmail.com
Hi Debbie!
Thanks for commenting.
I saw my nieces at my nephew’s wedding in Texas! I love spending time with family, don’t you? There’s nothing like a summer BBQ.
Sherry
How fun! I love poolside BBQs!
Just some great times at the pool. Sun and fun.
Your next Christmas book sounds wonderful too!
Diane
dianemestrella at gmail dot com
Hi Diane!
Growing up we had an above-the-ground pool. So much fun! Thanks for joining in.
Sherry
Thanks, Diane! I actually wrote that Christmas story in the hot California summer 🙂 And I couldn’t convince my hubby to turn up the air conditioning for inspiration…sounded logical to me.