Kathy Harris – The Road to Mercy

Today I’m interviewing Kathy Harris about her new novel, The Road to Mercy. Kathy, tell us a little about your novel, The Road to Mercy.

Here’s the back cover blurb:

Dr. Ben Abrams, rescued as an infant from a fiery crash that killed his family, turned his adversities into success but lost his heritage of faith. Fifty years later, Josh and Bethany Harrison face a difficult decision that also tests their faith. A rupture in Beth’s carotid artery leaves her on the brink of death, even as she’s pregnant with their first child. While Dr. Abrams urges her to abort the baby to save her own life, she and Josh step out on faith and continue the pregnancy.

During the next few months, Josh, a contemporary Christian singer, struggles with his faith while Beth hides a secret that may destroy their marriage. She also discovers a decades-old connection to Dr. Abrams that could change his life forever.

Your novel follows Dr. Ben Abrams and his journey to believe in God. Tell us a little about your faith journey.

I was raised in a Christian family, so church was a way of life. I made a public profession of faith in high school, but I’d made my personal decision quite a bit earlier.

In high school (and throughout college) I became involved in church work—choir, teaching Bible school, singing gospel music with a group of friends (we traveled to churches and auditoriums on the weekends). In my adult life, I’ve taught Sunday school, facilitated Experiencing God courses, once again sung in the choir, and even briefly co-published a Christian newsletter with a friend. Now, I enjoy writing faith-based novels.

How did you get the idea for The Road to Mercy?

I wanted to write about generational blessings. I love the idea that our lives today are still being impacted by the faith (and prayers) of our ancestors.

As the story evolved, it took on the theme of forgiveness. Not just forgiveness of others, but forgiveness of ourselves. No matter what we’ve done, God is willing to forgive us when we put our faith in Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross.

What else are you working on?

I’m working on a final round of editing for a romantic suspense manuscript to submit to publishers. It’s a fun story that just wouldn’t let go of me until I finished it.

Okay, now for the holiday questions…

Yesterday was Thanksgiving. What unique blessing are you thankful for this year?

Family. And friends. And the blessing of being born in a country where freedom and the right to worship is part of our foundational beliefs.

I’m also thankful that God allowed me to find my way back to writing, something I’d wanted to do since childhood. It all came about by way of a detour, what I call my “divine detour.” I regularly interview other authors and musicians about their “divine detours” on my blog, www.DivineDetour.com. In fact, I was happy to have you as a guest today!

What was your favorite Christmas gift ever?

I’ve thought about this question for a while and the answer seems to be more related to experiences than to something I can hold. I’ve received lots of wonderful and thoughtful gifts through the years but none any more precious than the memories of spending Christmas with family. I fondly remember the trips every year to my grandparents’ homes to visit with extended family. Laughing, talking, and enjoying each other’s company—those memories are treasures.

What is a typical Christmas like for you?

We usually eat Christmas Eve brunch with my husband’s family and then have Christmas Day lunch with my parents. Our family is small and the holidays are usually quiet. It’s a great time to relax. Occasionally we take a family vacation the week after Christmas.

What’s your favorite Christmas movie?

What a great question… I just wish I could come up with a good answer. You can ask my husband, I’m terrible at remembering movies. I know… that’s not normal for a writer. If I have to pick one, it would probably be Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase. I love the humorous depiction of holiday madness, which can certainly get out of hand. J  We all need an occasional reminder of the real reason for the season.

Merry Christmas, Kathy! Thanks for being a part of our Christmas Blog Tour.

Thanks, Tamera! Blessings to you!

About Kathy Harris:

Kathy Harris is an author by way of a divine detour into the Nashville entertainment business. She graduated with a B.S. in Communications from Southern Illinois University and has spent the past two decades employed as a marketing director in the Nashville music industry.

An active member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the publicity officer for Middle Tennessee Christian Writers, Kathy lives near Nashville with her husband and their Shiloh Shepherd dog.

Kathy regularly interviews literary and music guests on her blog at www.DivineDetour.com. Her author site is www.kathyharrisbooks.com. You can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KathyHarrisAuthor or Twitter @DivineDetour.

Contact Kathy At:

info@kathyharrisbooks.com

Purchase Road to Mercy at:

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/The-Road-Mercy-Kathy-Harris/dp/1426741936

Christianbook

http://www.christianbook.com/the-road-to-mercy/kathy-harris/9781426741937/pd/741931

Barnes & Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-road-to-mercy-kathy-harris/1108857098

Deeper Shopping

http://www.deepershopping.com/item/harris-kathy/road-to-mercy/4262745.html

Today, Kathy Harris is also interviewing me on here blog as a part of The Christmas Blog Tour at this link.