Readers, it’s been two years since my debut novel, Her Memory of Music, was born into the book world, and this week we’re celebrating with a giveaway!

With the launch of my second book in between, I feel as if some distance has grown up between my firstborn book and me. Returning to it after a little time away has allowed me to fall in love with this story all over again. Am I allowed to say that about my own work? I’ve always felt that my stories have emerged as something quite apart from me, so I hope that doesn’t come across as too cringey.

As I’ve been thinking about Her Memory of Music, I’ve been reminded of why I wrote Ally and Rees’ story in the first place.

I wanted a story in which answers weren’t easy and problems were complex—maybe even scandalous. And where real-like people grappled with eternal issues of fear, and faith, and forgiveness. I also
sought to bring together two very different women: one living in the developed world in relative comfort but with questions of faith and purpose; the other in the developing world whose basic needs are great but whose voice has so little chance of being heard.

But mostly I wrote Her Memory of Music for the same reason I hope you’ll read it: because the story captured me. Because I wanted to find out what happened next, even as the plot unspooled on the movie screen of my imagination. At times the answer to that question was a little disturbing. Reader beware: this is a PG-13 book that deals with real-life issues. But I hoped to show that a God of hope and redemption is there amidst the brokenness, bringing beauty to those who seek it.

To celebrate the 2-year birthday of this book baby, I’ve joined up with Celebrate Lit to take part in a big book giveaway, just in time for all those fall evenings curled up with a cozy blanket and something warm and sippable. With its notes of suspense and an autumn, island setting, Her Memory of Music makes an ideal read for this time of year.

For your chance to win, click here.

Best of luck!