Amy thank you so much for joining me here today! First, if you have not had a chance to read my review on CWO please go here, also on CWO Amy Wallace is giving away a copy of her Enduring Justice book (believe me you will want to enter).
1. Would you tell us a little bit about your new book Enduring Justice?
Enduring Justice is the third book in the Defenders of Hope series, and the one book that contains more of my story than any other novel I’ve written. Here’s a short blurb:
When the dark secrets of Hanna Kessler’s past threaten to destroy those she loves, she must face the summer that changed her life and the man who still haunts her memories. Crimes Against Children FBI Agent Michael Parker wants to help. But when the system fails and a white supremacist is set free, Michael’s drive for retribution eclipses all else. Then a racist’s well-planned assault forces Hanna and Michael to decide between executing vengeance and pursuing justice. The dividing line is the choice to heal. But when the attack turns personal, is justice enough?
2. Each of the books in the Defender of Hope series had to be difficult to write, but I am guessing Enduring Justice may have been the most difficult? What was the most challenging aspect of writing books that deal with child crimes?
Actually, the writing of Healing Promises was more physically and emotionally painful because I had a torn shoulder muscle that I couldn’t have surgery on until I turned in line edits. In addition to that, God took me back through two painful memories as I was writing Healing Promises: that of attending a friend’s funeral after three years of praying for his healing from cancer and also losing a baby. All that together made for a hard few months of writing.
But no matter how hard the research has been or the actual writing at times, I work to keep my eye on the goal—that of writing a story filled with redemption which draws readers closer to the Lord.
The most challenging aspect of writing about child crimes is two-fold: praying as I research for the children and parents affected by these crimes in real life and not becoming overprotective of my children. Thankfully, one of my prayers as I wrote all three novels was that parents would read and be encouraged to watch their children a little closer and pray a little more without fear. God accomplished that in me and I pray He will for other parent-readers.
3. One message in Enduring Justice was about purity. Do you feel this is one of the biggest temptations for dating couples?
I’m not too old that I don’t remember what dating was like, and it was tough to stay pure twenty years ago. I think it’s much harder now with all the ads and TV and music screaming that all your dreams will be fulfilled in someone’s arms.
In Enduring Justice I wanted to be honest about that struggle but also show how a godly man who truly loves the woman he’s dating will wait and make sure they don’t go too far physically. And on the flip side, for women, that sex isn’t the way to find your okayness and feel loved.
In many ways, Hanna and Michael’s relationship showcases the truth in one of my favorite Oswald Chambers quotes, “No love of the natural heart is safe unless the human heart has been satisfied by God first.”
Lori: Oh I love that quote!
4. This is the final book in your Defender of Hope series, so what has God been doing in your life lately?
God has been teaching me that my future isn’t bound up in the economy or what anyone else thinks—good or bad—about me. My future is in His hands and He will accomplish His good purpose in and through me in His perfect timing. That’s a hard lesson when it’s easier to look at the news or listen to the nay-sayers and give up. But I can’t. God called me to write, so I’m continuing to do that. God has also been reminding me of the sweet joy of simple things~ laughing with my kids, baking cookies instead of going out to eat, and just being together.
5. Is there anything you would like to tell our readers?
As a writer, I’d love for readers to know what an encouragement it is to hear from them. Writing is a tough career, but getting a note from a reader about how a book has touched their life makes the work so much sweeter. So please visit me on the web at the Dark Chocolate Suspense site: www.amywallace.com and leave a note in the guestbook, drop me an email, or join the Dark Chocolate Suspense newsletter community: http://www.amywallace.com/Newsletter.html
As a fellow sojourner, I’d love to point them heavenward—take a look, God is there, smiling and delighted to call you His beloved child. Rest in that.
Well I can not think of anything to add to that perfect ending, except go buy the book. =)
