Revell Publishing has added romantic suspense author, Lisa Harris, to their September lineup, and I was thrilled to get a sneak peek of her new release, Dangerous Passage, to write an endorsement.
What a compelling read!
I finished it in two days and have been looking forward to introducing it to you ever since.
My Review:
In this compelling and emotionally-charged read, Harris exposes the alarming state of human trafficking in the U.S. and the incredible challenges faced by law enforcement to stop it. The intriguing plot, lightened with a sweet romance, kept me reading late into the night. Looking forward to the next in this series.
Back Cover Blurb:
When two Jane Does are killed on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, detective Avery North discovers they share something in common—a magnolia tattoo on their shoulders. Suspecting a serial killer, Avery joins forces with medical examiner Jackson Bryant to solve the crimes and prevent another murder. But as they venture deep into a sinister criminal world, Avery and Jackson are quickly taken to the very edge of their abilities—and their hearts.
I asked Lisa what prompted her to write a suspense centered around human trafficking. Here’s what she shared with me:
Several years ago, I wrote Blood Ransom, a novel that focused on human trafficking in Africa. At the time, I had no idea this was an issue in the US. With this new series, I decided that setting this story in the US, the backdrop of human trafficking would not only make an exciting story, but would also help people become aware of this very real issue.
Thank you, Lisa. It is frightening how widespread this problem is here in Canada as well–and a serious challenge for law enforcement.
If you’re wondering why Lisa wasn’t aware human trafficking was an issue in the US, it’s because Lisa and her family have spent almost ten years living as missionaries in Africa where she leads a women’s group, and runs a non-profit organization that works alongside their church-planting ministry. The ECHO Project works in southern Africa promoting Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity and is a way for her to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” (Proverbs 31:8)
Lisa is a Christy Award finalist and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 from Romantic Times. She has over twenty novels and novella collections in print.When she’s not working she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari.
For more information about her books and life in Africa visit her website at www.lisaharriswrites.com or her blog at http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com. For more information about The ECHO Project, please visit www.theECHOproject.org.
Your turn: I’m giving away a copy of Dangerous Passage to one randomly selected commenter. Please ask Lisa a question about her new series or ECHO Project or about her life in Africa or the writing life etc. and/or share why you’d especially like to read this book. (Lisa will be traveling as of Tuesday, but will check in when she can)
The winner will be notified by email on Sunday, September 1st. Can you believe it?!! Only one more week until September is here!
Sept 1 Update: Thank you so much to all who contributed such great questions! Our giveaway winners (chosen by random.org) are Sybil Bates McCormack, Robyn Conners and rlee. Check your inboxes/spam folders for my email.
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Unfortunately, I don’t have a question just a comment. I loved Blood Ransom and am looking forward to your next book. As for not knowing this was an issue in this country, there are a lot of people who are unaware. I have a friend who is very aware and is trying to increase awareness through FB posts and other venues.
I’m thrilled you loved Blood Ransom, Laura and hope you like this new series as well. Thankfully, I do think people are starting to become more of this issue in the US and praise God for people like your friend who are helping to raise this awareness.
Would love to win this book…not only because it involves some tense & serious issues, but because I’ve discovered that most of the books I’ve read recently are published by Revell. Thanks for offering this book; blessings and congratulations, Lisa!
Revell really is putting out some great books! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Pat!
This is a topic my church cares about. Thanks for writing a novel that shows how this is happening on the streets of our cities.
I love hearing about churches getting involved in situations like these. Thanks for sharing! We definitely don’t have to move overseas to let God use us!
This is such a horrific problem, but one that more people need to be better-informed about, so thank you for writing this book. ~ I’m just curious….How did you choose Atlanta, Georgia? I’m assuming because it’s a large city (sadly with the crime as all cities have)? Just wondering! 😉 ~ Being an Atlanta native (and still reside in a suburb of Atlanta) I’m always eager to read stories that feature my hometown! 🙂
Hi Patti, I originally chose Atlanta with my editor because we wanted the series to have a southern setting. And yes, trafficking does exists there. I had two Atlanta natives read the story, so hopefully you’ll enjoy the setting. 🙂
P.S. Ooops!! Meant to add one more thing….How WONDERFUL that you and your family are serving as missionaries!! I’m sure you all are a tremendous blessing to those you serve. 🙂
Thanks for your encouraging, sweet words, Patti!
How do you stay focused in the work you have, a home and on the Mission Field? Please enter me!
To be honest, it can be tough, Mary Ann 🙂 but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve been homeschooling the past six years, so my kids have been a priority. But I’ve been able to stay at home, so that has been a huge blessing allowing me to write and do some ministry. Two of my three children are getting ready to join their older brother at a missionary boarding school (we are on our way there now!) so lots of changes ahead, but the writing allows me to see them more often so I’m so thankful for that!
Hi Lisa. I loved Blood Ransom and would love to read Dangerous Passage. Human trafficking Is huge problem in the U.S. I first became aware of this through a church friend who personally got involved in rescuing girls from it through F.R.E.E. International.
That’s fantastic, Beth! I’m continually learning more about these organizations and am so thankful for those who care about these girls!
Oops, I think my comment was eaten. I’ll try again.
Lisa, your book sounds like a compelling read!
Now that you are back in the States, are you in involved in any new mission projects or do you still have a hand in ECHO?
I’ve just arrived in Kenya where our kids are going to school and the internet is sooooo slow, so I’ll do my best to answer your great questions.
Jennifer, we are still full time in Africa (Mozambique) and yes, I am still working with the echo project! This is a way for us to meet people’s physical needs here. (www.theechoproject.org)
Lisa, I’m glad Sandra wrote about your book. We need to be made aware of the “underworld’ of using people. It s really another aspect of slavery.
Have you ever wondered about the lot of migrant workers?
We have men and women coming here to work and, on occasions, women have been abused. I always feel for their isolation and language difficulties. In my Ontario county of Essex, there are language classes for growers who employ people from Mexico and it helps understanding. Jesus always had compassion for the underdog so any book making us aware of such a situation ,is important. Thank you. I will look for your book in Canada. Cameron’s is a Christian Book shop in Windsor (near Detroit).
Jane, this story is actually about girls who are lured to the US for work then end up being used as domestic slaves. You are so right that trafficking goes beyond just the sex trade which is horrible as well!
As a mystery writer myself, and one whose books have never quite fit into CBA, I’m curious about how easy it was to get a book with this storyline published. I’d have assumed a book like this would have been a very difficult sell.
Has the Christian publishing industry changed in the last few years?
Do you think TV shows like CSI, etc. have helped opened things up in CBA? Or???
J.A. I do think that the CBA is changing and suspense is a growing genre. Writing is a journey, and yes, selling can be tough. i was thankful that this series sold quickly, but it isn’t always the case. I tried to come up with a series for the CBA audience that combined a subject I was feel passionate about and hope now that readers like the combination!
I thank God for people like you who are helping to alert folks to the problem of human trafficking. I would love to read this book and recommend it to my friends etc. God bless.
Thank you, Sandi!
Thanks for stopping by, Emma. It took me about six months to write the story which is pretty average for me:-)
It’s getting close to eleven here, so I’m headed to bed after a four hour drive to the airport and another four hour flight, but because you all are so wonderful for leaving great comments and questions, Sandra, let’s add two more winners for three in all!
Thanks so much to all who have stopped by. Spread the word!!!
Woo hoo! That’s great, Lisa! You get some sleep!
Lisa congratulations.How long did it take to write Dangerous Passage? Dangerous Passage sounds wonderful.. Please enter me in this contest. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
sure would be happy to win your book so I can know what everyone is saying. Karen Smith at khsmith97217@yahoo.com
Human trafficking is something I am very aware of, and do my best to inform other people. I donate to Somaly Mam Foundation. Thank you for doing what you can to bring this to people’s attention.
I have never really read many books in the suspense category but this sounds really interesting. Would love to win it. Thanks for the chance to be a contender in this giveaway.
Anxious to read the new series!
Hi Lisa!
Just stopped by to say “Hi!” and welcome to the Revell family! Your book sounds fabulous, and you’re in good hands on Sandra’s blog. I pray your writing raises awareness and that the Lord continues to bless your ministry!
Thanks so much for the sweet comments from everyone! I’d hoped to respond to everyone, but with my slow internet tonight I’ll work on the questions. Love the enthusiasm and heart for those in need!
I would love to read this book because I know very little about human trafficking and would like to learn more so I can help in some way.
Will your book be out in Amazon? If I don’t keep my library electronic, it would quickly overwhelm my home.
Wow, this sounds very good and on a very “hush” topic in the U.S. It’s hard to believe that is a problem here. Is it hard to homeschool in Africa?
Thanks for the giveaway.
lattebooks at hotmail dot com
Susan, I’ve definitely seen homeschooling as both a challenge and a huge blessing. We don’t always have resources readily available, but I have loved the time with my kids. After six years of homeschooling life is taking a huge change for me they will all be going to a missionary boarding school where my oldest has been for two years. I’m both exited for them and sad for me!
Hi, Lisa! I have my first novel debuting in June, 2014 with Revell and feel I’m in such wonderful and amazing company! Your novel sounds very intriguing. You sound like one busy lady, and a blessing to those you minister to.
LISA!!! Welcome to Revell, girl — looks like you’re going to be a stellar addition to an already fabulous publishing lineup!! As a Revell historical romance author, I am not typically a suspense reader (except for Sandra, Lynette, and Debby Giusti, of course!), but this subject matter sounds too intriguing to pass up!!
Hugs,
Julie
Wow, what an awesome turn out here today! Thank you so much, to everyone to new visitors for your patience in waiting for your comments to be moderated. I didn’t expect to be out all day. But…I had a friend visit all the way from Minnesota and we stretched out our time together as long as we could. 🙂
Quick answer to Jennifer about Ebooks. Yes, it’s on Kindle. Here’s the link:
http://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Passage-Southern-Crimes-ebook/dp/B00CIUJWLI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1377551414&sr=1-1&keywords=dangerous+passage
Lisa — As several of the others have said, “Welcome to Revell!” I’m a big fan of suspense (even though it tends to wake me up in the middle of the night) and am looking forward to reading Dangerous Passage. The subject is frightening but definitely needs to be addressed. Thanks for doing that.
How fun to meet so many fellow Revell authors here. I’m very excited to be writing for them and hope to meet some of you in person at ACFW!
What part of Africa were you? I was a short Term missionary in Niger in 1983. I loved it there. I would love to read your books. They have now been added to my wish list.
I am so looking forward to reading this! Thanks for the interview and introducing me to an new to me author to add to my TBR list. I would be interested in knowing how you and your family ended up in Africa. I love that your foundation speaks for those that can’t speak for themselves. I work as an English Language Instructor and teach students from all over the world. This is one of the lessons that I have to add to my classroom, teaching the students to speak out against injustice, to speak up for themselves and to not settle. It is so not of many of their cultures. I am so glad that they come to trust me and I am able to help them out.
What area of Africa are you in? Is there much government support/opposition to what you do? With so much unrest/fighting in African countries, how can we best pray for you?
Wilani and Carolyn, we currently live in Mozambique, where thankfully things are pretty peaceful.
Robyn, we lived for several years in South Africa, in leadership training in southern Africa. God then clearly called us to move to an unread he’d people group where we are now.
Carolyn, the prayers of God’s people are so powerful, thank you! I’d say prayers for wisdom and endurance!
My almost ten year old daughter wants to be an author and a missionary! What are pieces of advice that you can give her just to start her on her way because I believe that since this is what she wants that she will do what is required of her! She would love to hear from somebody that does both things that she wants to do Thanks!
Angie, I love hearing about young people who God is clearly calling–like God calling samuel! My husband recently took our son to china because he feels called to this country and I saw the impact of this trip. If you could take her on a mission trip the impact would be huge. Pray with her, that she will listen to God’s calling and read biographies of missionaries together.
As for writing, encourage her to do just that. Write. Any story she has inside her, just for fun!
I was only marginally aware that human trafficking was a problem here in the U.S. I love to read suspense/mysteries/intrigue type books, especially Christian fiction. Would love to win a copy of your book!
Hi, Lisa!
Bless you for the work you are doing here in the USA & Arica – haven’t read either of your books, & would love to, so that I can learn more about the trafficking issue.
A heart-breaking problem, & even more so – when children are involved. I worked as a houseparent in a children’s home for abused & neglected children, where some of the children had been used lent/sold for sexual favors by their parents. We were able to help many of the children there & introduce them to the Lord – others were so damaged that only He can help them, so glad that we planted the seeds.
Lisa, as you know I’ve enjoyed all your books I’ve been able to read, especially your Blood Ransome. In Australia, there have been stories in our press in the last few months about overseas workers being exploted by employers. We sure have huge problems with people smuggling here and now I am wondering if any of those are actually because of human trafficking here in Australia. Absolutely hate the idea. I look forward very much to reading this book either on Kindle or when it hits our bookshelves here – and congratulations for now being a Revell author too.
Jumping in for Lisa, here Mary. Yes, the human trafficking in Dangerous Passage involves domestic workers.
Lisa, Why did you pick Atlanta as the setting? Are you going to write more books in this series?
Karen, I chose Atlanta because I wanted a southern setting for this series. And yes,there are two more books in the series. They each can stand alone, but there is a thread that ties them together.
May what breaks His heart break ours!
Lisa, So good to see you here and get to know you via Sandra. Suspense authors rock:) And Revell is such an amazing publisher! I’ll glad share and pin to Pinterest. Bless you for being here!
I would love to read this. Sounds mysterious and intriguing. And some romance, too! What could be better!
May the Lord bless you in your work and keep you safe so you can continue such wonderful writing!
This is a new author to me. Can’t wait to find some of her books.
Lisa, welcome! What is your writing office/room like in Africa OR where do
you write while in Africa? thanks.
I have a desk in our living room, but not an office. Years ago, when my kids were smaller, I had to get used to writing in chaos and steeling quiet moments when I can. Now, with (almost) three teens, life hasn’t changed much! Of course now with my kids gone thee months at a time, I think I might end up missing the noise!
With all that is going on in your world, do you like to write in the mornings or late at night? I’m sure your evenings are busy.
Morning…noon…night…honestly whenever I can find free time, though I do have a daily word count.
I thank you for writing this book, and i would love to win it
Shirley B jcisforme@aol.com
I enjoyed Blood Ransom. My question for you is where in Africa do you live?
We live in Mozambique, Heidi. It is next to South Africa. Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you for your kingdom work here & in Africa!
I have not had a chance to read either of these books and would love the opportunity. May the Lord continue to bless your work in Africa.
Lisa, God bless you and your family in Mozambique. I have family working as missionaries in Cameroon and Congo. Africa is so large that I know that is a ways from you as is Kenya. Hope your children do well in their school and that Mom and Dad do okay as well.
My question is what is the next book you are working on?
That’s neat about your family, AJ. Right now I am writing book three in this series and reading through for the final time before it goes to print a romantic suspense for LIS set in South Africa at a game reserve.
How did you research for this book? It sounds like that would have been scary too.
Oh, good question. I’m curious about that, too!
Shelley, yes, the research can be very scary at times, and then when my imagination takes over…:-) For this book I read a lot as well as did research on the internet. I also had a retired female detective read through the book and two friends from Georgia.
Hi, Sandra and Lisa. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of “Dangerous Passage.” My question for Lisa is two-fold:
(1) What one thing have you discovered since living in Africa that you think most Americans would be surprised to learn about the continent or about the countries in which you’ve lived or traveled (e.g., South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya)?
(2) Do you anticipate that you and your family will ever return to the States for good and, if so, what would you miss most about your current life if you did?
Blessings from Hotlanta!
Great questions, Sybil. For number one, I’d say the fact that possessions don’t buy happiness. Some of the happiest and most generous people I’ve ever met have had nothing as far as physical things, which has really impacted me.
The first thing that comes to mind about what I would miss besides the people would be the slower pace of life. While our lives are very full and busy, there aren’t as many distractions of having to go here and there the way I see people pulled in so many directions in the states. It is said that Westerners (Americans) have watches, but Africans have time.
Thanks so much everyone for all the great questions. The three winners have been picked and notified.