Thursday, August 21, 2014

The Story Keeper By Lisa Wingate



Successful New York editor, Jen Gibbs, is at the top of her game with her new position at Vida House Publishing -- until a mysterious manuscript from an old slush pile appears on her desk. Turning the pages, Jen finds herself drawn into the life of Sarra, a mixed-race Melungeon girl trapped by dangerous men in the turn of the century Appalachia. A risky hunch may lead to The Story Keeper's hidden origins and its unknown author, but when the trail turns toward the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a place Jen thought she'd left behind forever, the price of a blockbuster next book deal may be higher than she's willing to pay.

Pick up your copy here




  Lisa Wingate is a former journalist, inspirational speaker, and the author of over twenty mainstream fiction novels, including the national bestseller, Tending Roses, now in its nineteenth printing. She is a seven-time ACFW Carol award nominee, a Christy Award nominee, an Oklahoma Book Award finalist, and a two-time Carol Award winner. Her novels are known for taking on gritty subjects while offering redemptive and uplifting themes. Recently, the group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa along with Bill Ford, Camille Cosby, and six others, as recipients of the National Civies Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life. More information about Lisa's novels can be found at www.Lisawingate.com or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/LisaWingateAuthorPage?fref=ts


IN THE WRITER'S OWN WORDS: A special first grade teacher, Mrs. Krackhardt, made a writer out of me. That may sound unlikely, but it's true. It's possible to find a calling when you're still in pigtails and Mary Jane shoes, and to know it's your calling. I was halfway through the first grade when I landed in Mrs. Krackhardt's classroom. I was fairly convinced there wasn't anything all that special about me... and then, Mrs. Krackhardt stood over my desk and read a story I was writing. She said things like, "This is a great story! I wonder what happens next?"

It isn't every day a shy new kid gets that kind of attention. I rushed to finish the story, and when I wrote the last word, the teacher took the pages, straightened them on the desk, looked at me over the top, and said, "You are a wonderful writer!"

A dream was born. Over the years, other dreams bloomed and died tragic, untimely deaths. I planned to become an Olympic gymnast or win the National Finals Rodeo, but there was this matter of back flips on the balance beam and these parents who stubbornly refused to buy me a pony. Yet the writer dream remained. I always believed I could do it because... well... my first grade teacher told me so, and first grade teachers don't lie.

So, that is my story, and if you are a teacher, or know a teacher, or ever loved a special teacher, I salute you from afar and wish you days be filled with stories worth telling and stories worth reading.
 
I have to be very honest with you all, I have never read a book by Lisa that I did not LOVE.
The Story Teller was fantastic.
This was by far her best work to date, I could not put the book down! I was so sad to read the last page.
I highly recommend this book. The characters will not soon be forgotten. I very touching story.
I gave this book 5 stars two times!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.
 
 

6 comments:

  1. I can't imagine Lisa's writing getting better, she is so good already. She's one of my favorite authors.
    I'm looking forward to reading The Story Keeper.
    Thanks for the great review, Mary.

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  2. Great review Mary! I love Lisa's books and I am looking forward to reading this one!

    Blessings!
    Judy B

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  3. Mary, I whole heartedly agree with you.....Lisa is a master story teller and each book she writes brings more and more to the reader. Thank you Mary and thank you Lisa.

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  4. Sounds just like a book that I would love to read. Thank you Mary for this great review!

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  5. Hi Mary! I'm so glad you enjoyed The Story Keeper.

    Thank you for the kind words!

    ;) Lisa

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