The Wounded Trilogy...

Recently, I came across a very intriguing YA trilogy, and its equally intriguing author, Lynn Dove. I'm going to share a bit about the books, here, and then a brief interview with Lynn. And while I haven't had a chance to read these books, yet, I am very much looking forward to them. They are on my "to be read" shelf, and I will post reviews when I finish. 

But since summertime is book-reading time for so many (especially vacationers), I wanted to give a shout out for Lynn and her books, right now. Because young people have a very special place in my heart, and she has hit on some of the most timely and relevant issues they face, in a well-written, gripping story that I feel will appeal to young people and adults, alike. So, first, here's a bit about the books…

Shoot the Wounded 

First book in the Wounded Trilogy

Written for youth and young adults, addresses how lies and gossip destroy a person’s spirit. It speaks to the heart of relevant themes such as bullying, teen pregnancy and family violence all the while pointing the characters and ultimately the reader, to hope in Jesus Christ.

Heal the Wounded 

the much-anticipated sequel to Shoot the Wounded.

Delves deep into the real world of teenagers trying to live out their faith in the midst of upset and struggle. Will these youth find God’s healing and hope in the middle of hurt and heartache? Brilliantly written, poignantly told, readers will not be disappointed with the powerful message.

Love the Wounded

The dramatic conclusion to the Wounded Trilogy.

For readers who have come to know and love, Jake, Leigh, Mike, Tim and Dylan, their poignant story concludes with each character fighting to hold onto his faith while trying to answer the age-old question: "Why do bad things happen to good people?"

And now, let's hear from Lynn, herself…

Hi, Lynn… welcome to my book club, it's a real honor to have you here.

Thanks, Lilly, it's good to be here.

I was wondering if you could tell us a bit about the story behind  the Wounded Trilogy, and how it came to be written.

I've always loved writing, but my debut novel, Shoot the Wounded, actually started out as a short story. But a hundred pages later, I realized I couldn’t call it a “short story” any longer.  Then it sat for ten years taking up valuable computer memory space until one day as I was deleting files I came across the story again.  It was my husband who encouraged me to finish it. For the characters, I drew mostly  on my experience working with teenagers as a high school teacher, and as a youth leader. 

While my biggest fan is still my husband, Charles, I now have a hugely supportive family that has grown to include extended family and friends. I'm also deeply grateful for my church, that hosts my book launches, and prays for me on a regular basis. They realize that this is a ministry for me, and have bought my books and sent them all around the world!  I feel more than blessed to have such people in my life.

That sounds wonderful, and it certainly looks as if there has been a divine hand involved to have everything come together so beautifully for you. Now that the trilogy is complete, do you have any other books planned? And what have you learned along your writer's journey that has been most helpful to you?

I have a few projects I am working on. A devotional, some articles set to be published in compilation book works, and I am also working on an autobiographical account of my journey with breast cancer, called, “Life Lived.”  As for my writer's journey, I had no idea when I embarked on this writing adventure that there would be so much work involved in promoting myself and my work.  

It takes a lot of time, effort, and purposeful networking. But I have learned so much from those who have been in the industry a long time, and been blessed with incredible mentors along the way. I've learned the importance of building online relationships with other authors and industry professionals, and the value of reading and reviewing books that showcase new and “seasoned” authors, too.  

All of which seems to be working fantastic for you, Lynn, and I will look forward to seeing where you go from here. Meanwhile, many blessings on the Wounded Trilogy… I know I'm going to enjoy reading them, this summer, myself.

Thanks, Lilly.

My pleasure.

A Visit With Carol A. Brown...

Hi, Carol... welcome to my book club, and congratulations on this very special day for SASSY PANTS MAKES AMENDS. What a lovely story it was, I really enjoyed it. 

Thank you, Lilly, it's great to be here.

First of all, this is a very unique storyline, and I'd love to know how you came up with the idea for SASSY PANTS MAKES AMENDS. 

Well, it is a sequel to SASSY PANTS, a story about a little pig who made a real mess of things. My husband insisted that I write a sequel and give her an opportunity to redeem herself. I didn’t have any more story in me. So, I asked the Lord what He thought about hubby’s insistence and within just a few minutes He downloaded the story line! In this story Sassy Pants models how to make a clean apology, ask for forgiveness and then make amends. Amends is a way to fix a friendship when you are the one who broke it. It goes waaaay beyond sorry and gives a person reason to trust you again. It’s simple but not easy.

That's the truth. For adults as well as children, if you ask me. The setting was delightfully vivid… have you ever been on a farm, yourself? 

I was raised on the farm on which this story takes place.

I had a feeling that might be the case. You described everything so well, I felt like I was right there, myself. You're very good at teaching vital truths with a whole new perspective. Do you like teaching?

I always knew I would be a teacher, first in elementary and then after I completed my master’s work as an instructor for a community college, then a four year college and finally as a university instructor for an “Intensive Language Program” where I taught English as a Second Language. After being struck with MS in 1995 I struggled with who I had become and wondered if there was a place for me. God graciously assured me that my new position was a promotion. The world is my classroom now! Big step up!

I should say. Books have a way of reaching many more people than we could ever physically do all by ourselves. What a blessing to have God expand the reach of your ministry rather than cutting back on it.  Very exciting! Will there be any more stories about Sassy Pants we can look forward to?

Definitely! I was riding in the car with my husband, who was pestering me to write this sequel. Well, I asked God what He thought about it, because I didn’t have one at the time. Then, boom! He downloaded the titles to the three remaining books in the series AND the story lines. So when we came home I got right busy writing up these stories.

And I'm so glad you did, because they are marvelous. Will you come back and visit with me, again, when the next two come out?

I'd be happy to, Lilly.

In the meantime, I'll let you get back to the "birthday party" so you can hand out all those special gifts people have been waiting for. Oh, yes, and here's a link to the landing page for any of our readers who would like to take a peek at those... 

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS PIG?

  

Her name is Sassy Pants, and she has been here before. She was a wild thing, but that wasn't really her fault. Because somebody spoiled her when she was little (and very cute), by letting her do anything she wanted to. As she got bigger, she found the most fun by making trouble. Others tried to correct her, but "she did not listen, nor did she care." In the end, someone (much bigger than her) had to make her do what was right. Which was not fun, at all. And because no one had ever treated her like that before, it practically broke her heart. 

If you haven't read SASSY PANTS, the first book written about this mischievous farmyard pig, let me highly recommend that you do. Because whether you are five years old, or fifty, you will find a treat in store. Not just in all the colorful characters (even though they are wonderful). And not even in the delightful way Ms. Brown can twist a word or a phrase that is a pleasure all by itself. No. The big treat about SASSY PANTS is a hidden secret to be discovered there. One that even some of us adults never knew. 

I just had to say all that even though this particular review is not about SASSY PANTS. it's about the second book in the series, called SASSY PANTS MAKES AMENDS. A story I liked even more than the first one, with a bigger secret hidden in it. Oh, the same barnyard friends were there, and--  once, again -- Ms. Brown's way with words was absolutely delightful. It was another great story, no matter what age you might be. But the reason I liked this one best is because I (Lilly Maytree) learned something from it. Something I have always assumed I knew, already.

SASSY PANTS MAKES AMENDS touched my heart, and actually made me want to be a better person. It made me see how I actually could be. Even at my age! So, not only will I be buying these books for the children in my family, I'm going to slip one to a couple of the crusty old adults, as well. Who knows? It could very well have the same effect on them as it did on me…

And that would be priceless.

June 19th is "Launch Day" for SASSY PANTS MAKES AMENDS. If you buy a copy during this special "birthday party," you will be able to download many other wonderful free gifts to add instantly to your purchase. That's how highly the many friends of Sassy Pants regard her. Personally, I consider it quite the privilege to be a part of this celebration, and to recommend it to all of you, dear readers, with my whole heart!

A bit about Carol...

Carol was raised in a rural farming community in Iowa for the first 16 years of life.  The family moved to Minnesota where she finished high school and then pursued academics.  She met her husband, David, during his internship with Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  They married in 1969, and have ministered together in Idaho, Indiana, Ohio, Australia, Germany, Finland, and Canada, David as pastor, counselor, and trainer; Carol as educator, helpmate and intercessor.  They have two daughters and five grandchildren. As educator Carol has taught elementary, then community college, college and university classes.

“I started telling stories when I had enough brothers for an audience!”