As soon as I turned in Coast Guard Sweetheart to my wonderful editor, Melissa Endlich, she said, “You’ve got to bring Sawyer and his sister together again.” And so, two books later, I have.
Readers often ask whom I model characters upon. My characters aren’t based on just one person, but an amalgamation of several people from whom I borrow certain physical or emotional characteristics to create a wholly fictional “person.” There is also some truth to the idea that there is a little part of the author in each character, as well.
Like Evy, I’ve loved books since before I could read. One of my great childhood memories is finally getting my own library card when I was five years old. I still remember the first book I checked out—Thumbelina. The library has always been a haven for me. I get a happy feeling wandering among the stacks.
When I was in the sixth grade, I had a friend named Tina. She and her brother were living with their grandmother after the death of their parents. When Tina’s grandmother died, she and her brother were sent to separate foster homes. I will never forget the sadness and fear on Tina’s face their last day together at our school. I never saw or heard from Tina again. I’ve always prayed that she and her brother found each other one day. And so was born Evy and Sawyer’s story.
The theme of this book is wounded hearts. Is there a balm that can soothe hurting souls? There is—and His name is Jesus. It is the love of God and the blood of Christ that makes the wounded whole.
I hope you have enjoyed taking this journey with me, Charlie and Evy. I would also love to hear from you. You may email me at lisa@lisacarterauthor.com or visit www.lisacarterauthor.com.
Wishing you fair winds and following seas,
Lisa Carter