A few years ago, I joined the “Blogging for Books” program with Multnomah. Every few weeks, I’d get an email from Liz Johnson or another gal (I want to call her Abby), offering a new book to read. And when Liz left there to become an author, she sent me (and I assume others) an email thanking me for being a part of the team and offering me the opportunity to review her upcoming book.
I jumped at it.
Then it arrived and my stomach plummeted to the floor where my insecurities and immaturity did a jig on it. Someone in law enforcement had kidnapped a woman for her own good.
Guess what book I had just about finished? Yeah.
So there I was, reading The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn and waiting for everything to become too similar to mine. The story? Great. It was fabulous, really. I loved every second of reading it. But I think my very favorite part came when I closed the book
And sighed in relief. It was nothing like mine.
For the record, it might have been the first time that’s happened, but it won’t be the last. While I work on my Dyrehurst Mysteries near Tybee Island and Savannah, guess where Liz’ next series takes place?
Yeah. No kidding.
I joked with my daughter that I joined Liz’ launch team to keep an eye on her. Make sure she stops stealing my ideas.
Yeah. She thought I was serious at first.
Well, On Love’s Gentle Shore, the final book in the Prince Edward Island Dreams series, released on July 4th. I was in the throes of sprained ankle time and really, just couldn’t function well. So, I didn’t write the review. I wanted to do a good job, and this weekend, I finally found the words to say what I really wanted to. That review is HERE.
In the meantime, though, I asked Liz Johnson if she’d do a short interview. She graciously said yes. I think I just guilted her into it when she found out I’d read her book twice. In a row.
Without further ado: Liz Johnson!
And the crowd goes wild! *fake screams added for effect here*
By the way, if you doubt that Liz is an awesome person, this is what she put at the top of the return email. Yes, I’m outing her to the world.
Ack! These questions are so good! I’m a little afraid to answer them because I think they might reveal too many of my secrets. But I’ll do it anyway.
Me:
Obviously, Anne of Green Gables had to have inspired your choice of Prince Edward Island for your series, but what about the island surprised you? What did you find that you would never have anticipated?
Liz: Yes, PEI’s red-headed orphan was one of the inspirations for the Prince Edward Island Dreams Series—mostly because my love for Anne’s story was my inspiration for traveling to the island in the first place. While I knew that the little province’s nickname is The Gentle Island, I had no idea just how peaceful it would be. No matter how hard I try to capture the rhythmic clapping of the waves against the shore and the easy breeze that smells of seawater, I can’t seem to find enough words.
The island is unrushed, unhurried. It’s entirely possible to find yourself alone with beach as far as your eye can see. And for a raging introvert like me, that’s positively heavenly. I could never have guessed how much I’d fall in love with this little patch of land and the people who call it home.
Me:
Did you listen to “Song for the Mira” while you were writing it? Just kidding. Did you listen to a specific soundtrack, though? Look at pictures you took? Take multiple trips back just to make sure you got it right? Hee hee.
(For those who’ve never heard that song, check it out. It’s beautiful).
Of course, I love to pull out pictures from my trips and dream of taking more, but I had to settle for memories while writing this book. Good thing I have plenty from my four visits.
Me:
If you could say you learned one thing from writing this series, what would it be and why?
Liz: I definitely learned that God can use the painful parts of my life for His glory. He doesn’t waste anything. My story is not the same as that of the characters’ in my books, but I don’t think I could have written about their healing without going through the healing process in my own life.
I’ve hated the loss, the heartache, the betrayal that I’ve experienced. It hurts, and in the moment, I had no problem asking God why He would allow that suffering. But a few years later, I was able to pull from those experiences that have hurt the most and create characters that resonate with readers.
Do I wish I could skip the pain? Sometimes. But God is faithful to use those hurts to point readers to His love. That’s more than I could ask for.
Me:
So how does Justin’s song in On Love’s Gentle Shore go? Do you hear it in your mind? If a country singer sang it, who would that be?
Liz: Oh, dear! I’m not sure I should admit to this. I’d like to make it clear that I am not a lyricist nor a poet. So writing a song was really hard. I had to have a tune in mind to help me find the right rhythm. When I wrote “On this Shore” (the big song Justin writes and sings about Natalie toward the end of the book), I made my lyrics fit that melody. I figured that no one would ever perform it, so I’d be fine, as long as the words were my own. They are. I had to check the real song a few times to make sure. Whew. They were all original.
My thanks to Garth Brooks, who sang “To Make You Feel My Love” over and over to me while I was trying to get those words down. I contend that that is THE most romantic song. Ever. And if Garth came anywhere near Justin’s song, I’d straight up swoon.
Me:
And I’d just like to point out that Garth Brooks’ “The Dance” fits the last part of your answer to what you learned in writing this series.
Okay, back to the interview. Me and my SQUIRREL tendencies. I know we’re working on similar ideas… AGAIN. Ahem. So, what are you doing in Savannah in your next series?
Liz: Again? Well, you know what they say about great minds! I love how we’re always on the same wavelength and yet writing such unique stories. My next series is set on the Georgia coast, on St. Simons Island, Savannah, and Tybee Island.
In the first book, my hero and heroine are hunting for a treasure that’s been lost for 90 years at a beach-front estate built in the 1920s. They must uncover the past to find hope for their future. But along the way, they may discover that there’s something infinitely more valuable than gold—love.
Me:
Oh, Liz. I’m rolling here. First, don’t forget the rest of the “great minds” quote. We might be that other half! And um… did you know my first book’s inciting event happens at a house party with a 1920s theme? I am not kidding. You have no idea how GRATEFUL I am that I have dated documents and audio files to prove the idea is over 2 years old. Ahem.
What’s next on your writing docket? I’ve already bought and read all three of the PEI books and I totally want to go there someday!! I also read The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn a few days ago. Pleasantly surprised by one aspect of the ending. Looking forward to reading more of your books in the future.
So Liz how do you feel about Chautona stalking you just to make sure you aren’t stealing her ideas? 🙂
MMmmmwaaahahaha.
I would love to read this book in print, I’m older and can not use a kindle
IF you win, I’ll be happy to ensure you get a paperback. 🙂
Chautona,
Thanks so much for having me on your blog! What a treat! I can’t believe that your Tybee story begins with a 1920s inspired party! We seriously must share a brain. Or we were separated at birth. 🙂 It’s always a pleasure to chat with you, and I’d be honored to come back. Any time!
YAY! Well, you know I’ll want you with your new novel. I mean, c’mon!
ASIDE from Chautona (wink), who is your favorite author? (Who do you like to read?)
I love to read just about anything. Mark Batterson and Max Lucado are some of my favorite nonfiction authors. As for fiction, I always enjoy Julie Klassen and Karen Witemeyer. 🙂 I love reading historicals–probably because I know how much work goes into writing them.
Hi Liz! Great to meet you! What’s your favorite Chautona book?
Well, that’s not fair. I haven’t finished reading all of her books, so I might not have gotten to my favorite yet. 🙂 But I do love Christmas novellas (I treat myself to new ones every year), and her story in the Christmas Lights collection was so endearing. So enjoyed it!
I should send you New Year’s Revolutions. You get it all from Neal’s perspective. And he’s in this year’s novella, The Second Noel.
So…those cinnamon rolls? Are they a favorite of yours in real life, or do you have another favorite bakery treat?
Oh, I do love a good cinnamon roll! 🙂 I don’t know if they’re my most most favorite ever. I do love a good brownie! Mostly I like sweets. 🙂
Okay. So when I come to Tuscon, I bring Hungarian Coffee Cake. Got it.
Yes, please! Hungarian Coffee Cake sounds perfect to me! 🙂 Whenever you’re in Arizona!
I loved reading this and reading Liz’s Red Door Inn and I can’t wait to read the others! Any chance that a recipe for one of the delicious baked goods could be included somewhere?
Lori, I wish! I’m a terrible cook, so I don’t need recipes. 🙂 I’m afraid all of Caden’s treats were pulled from my imagination or a treat that I enjoyed while visiting PEI.
I’ll need names and addresses for this trip I’m planning…
Chautona, there’s a bakery in North Rustico called Olde Village Bakery. You can’t miss it. It’s a little yellow house sitting on a hill above the town’s unmistakable three-way stop. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but I have NEVER been disappointed. Date bars, brownies, muffins. All of them are amazing!
Liz, if someone was going on a trip to PEI, what one place/thing should she not miss? (Hoping it isn’t seafood related…?)
All the things. 🙂 No, seriously, every part of the island is incredible. I’m not much of a seafood eater myself, but I sure loved going out on a lobster fishing boat. Incredibly interesting and informative. But my favorite spot on the island is the floating boardwalk at Greenwich. You hike out to this boardwalk and then cross over this marsh and then suddenly you’re on this amazing beach. It’s one of my favorites on the island. But don’t miss the lighthouses, Charlottetown boardwalk, or Anne & Gilbert: The Musical, either. And, of course, don’t miss Green Gables House. 🙂 There’s too much to see and do to pick one thing! I hope you get to go some day!
*adds to bucket list… twice. It’s tradition, you know*
What a fun interview! And I’ll admit, it was definitely your reviews and suggestions that had me reading the PEI series.
Now, for the question for Liz… Who inspired Caden’s sweet-making abilities? And where can I order some of those cinnamon rolls? And where you trying to leave your readers craving muffins and cakes and goodies? ?
No, seriously, you did an awesome job writing the scenes with sweets involved and my family would like to extend a warm thank you, as it made me get up and bake. ?
I’ve never read the book and would love to. I have no idea where PEI is so can you tell me?
Prince Edward IIsland across the river from Seattle
Thank you. I had no clue. Have not been to Canada since I was about 5, so like 48 years ago. Long before passports were required to enter Canada.
Anne of Green Gables’ PEI is on Canada’s east coast, north of Maine.
It’s actually more east of Maine. Sorry!
Another reason for me to get the passport thing done
Vicki, Tina hit it on the nose! PEI is on the East Coast, tucked into a bay between Nova Scotia to the east and New Brunswick to the south and west. I always think that Maine sticks out into the ocean, but actually these provinces surround its northeastern border. Hope you get to visit some day.
Thank you to everyone for letting me know. Really had no clue. Would love to go there.
Natasha, you’re cracking me up! I’m so glad that your family got to enjoy the rewards of your baking. 🙂 I wish there was a place to order those sweets. I’d be all over that. The next best thing is Fairytale Brownies, a bakery in Arizona that will ship you all sorts of mouth-watering cookies and brownies! I’ve been known to send them to my editor to celebrate book releases! 🙂 But, of course, her sweet tooth is inspired by my own. Bring on the brownies!