I love my latest book’s release date. Why? Well, just look at it–all ones and sevens. Maybe it’s because Dad’s a math teacher, but for whatever reason, it pleases my eye.
At any rate, my fourth full-length novel, The Sound of Rain, will release next Tuesday. A handful of folks already have their copies and there are a couple of good reviews out (RT Book Reviews and Library Journal). The first one-star review is still out there in the future somewhere.
It’s weirdly wonderful to release a novel. A combination of pride and fear. I know the book is pretty good–it must be or Bethany House wouldn’t have put it out there. Still . . . doubts creep in and I want everyone to love the book as much as I do.
Which is, of course, impossible. Everyone didn’t write it, didn’t conjure up Judd from real-life family heroes or Larkin from favorite southern ideals. But maybe, just maybe, some folks will like it. And maybe, just maybe, it will touch a heart here and there and remind someone that change–although hard–is often God’s way of shaping us into what he had in mind in the first place.
The book starts in the WV hills and quickly moves to the coast of SC, then sends Judd and Larkin to eastern KY where coal is king and life is hard. I hope you’ll journey with them. And I hope you’ll enjoy the trip as much as I have.
I’m new to your blog, and I have not read any of your books……yet. I have seen your beautiful CAPITOL building, and read your remarks about it, which is why I have read more. I must read your books! Today, I read your comment about change and God shaping us into what he had in mind in the first place. I would like to share your comment with someone who might benefit from reading it. May I share it?
Oh yes, please do share! My novella, Appalachian Serenade, is about a woman who has to give up her own plan to follow God’s. It’s an ebook you can download for free on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Christianbook.com if you think your friend (or you) might enjoy it!
A gift of a novella-what a lovely way to open a beautiful season. Thank you, and thank you for your reply.
With my soft spot for characters who are coal miners (my grandfather mined alongside his father in the late 1910’s) I am really looking forward to The Sound of Rain.
Judd’s my favorite hero so far! Hope you like him, too.
Only a few days now. I’m so excited to read your new novel. I’m going to save it for my trip home for Thanksgiving. It’s the perfect time to through the same states as your characters did! Plus, it will keep me quiet and my hubby can drive in peace! He will be so happy!
My husband WANTS me to talk to him. And sometimes I even read aloud for him. Hope you have a wonderful trip home!
Looking forward to the new novel. Coal miner stories always bring October Sky to mind.
Homer Hickam is pretty great!