Getting to know you Thursday with Lynette Bonner

This week we have a second Getting to know you Thursday (on Saturday) as I wanted to finish this book first (Thanks Lynette for sending me a copy of your book I loved it)

Welcome Lynetter Bonner.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Well, I’m a missionary kid – born and raised in Malawi, Africa. I attended a boarding school in Kenya called Rift Valley Academy off and on from the time I was in 4th grade to when I graduated. (The “off” times were when we were in the States.)

After graduating from high school I came home to attend Northwest University in Kirkland, WA and fell madly in love with the man created for me from the beginning of time. J We’ve been married for over 17 years now, and have 4 children who range in age from 15 on down to 5. My hubby is a pastor and we live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I work from home selling Legos on eBay. I was looking for a job that would allow me to stay at home with my kids and eBay seemed the way to go. I’ve been working on eBay for almost 7 years now.

2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?

I loved the Peter Rabbit books by Thornton W. Burgess. There were a lot of them and I would sit and read them for hours. When I got a little older I would read Christian romance by the hour.

3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and write in?

I love romance of all kinds. My published book is a historical romance and I have a contract for a sequel in that series due out in 2010. But I also enjoy writing contemporary romance, and I’m even working on a romantic fantasy.

4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?

I love to read and have many favorite authors. Bodie and Brock Thoene brought the early 1900’s to life for me and really helped me understand more about the era around World War I and II with their Zion books. Francine Rivers is an amazing writer. I love the way Jeanette Windle weaves tension into her books. Linda Chaikin and Linda Windsor have a way of writing romance that amazes me. I would say all these writers have influenced me for the better.

5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?

To be honest, I don’t know the answer to that question. Reading was something I enjoyed so much, and one day I just had a story of my own to write. From there God took the reins and brought me to where I am today.

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

Through a lot of hard work. :) For beginning writers, the first thing you need to do is complete a work. Then you need to collect information on which publishing houses might be interested in your work. I recommend the Writer’s Market for general market publishers and The Christian Writer’s Market Guide by Sally Stuart for Christian publishers. After you figure out which publishers (or agents) might be interested in your work, you need to put together a proposal to send to them. Then the waiting – and the rejection - begins. But one day a publisher or agent will notice you, probably after many, many revisions. :) It took 8 years from the time I completed my novel to the time it was published.

7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be?

Hmmm, that is a hard question. I’ve always like artistic expression so perhaps a web-designer. Or an aide worker in a 3rd world country. Or a rancher. But really, being a writer is wonderful and I wouldn’t trade it – I get to be all the things I think I might like to be vicariously. :)

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?

One of my favorite things to do is to watch my kids play sports. Some other things I enjoy are: playing computer games, watching some of our favorite shows together as a family, having tea with my daughter, and cruising the internet.

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?

If I could afford it I would go to Malawi every year. I’d love to take my husband and children to see the country where I was born and raised.

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?

Wow, that is a hard question. A lot of people went through my mind. But in the end I’m going to have to say my mother and my two sisters. We don’t live close, so we don’t get to see each other too often and to get to spend a meal together just the 4 of us would be wonderful.

Finally can you tell us about your current books and/or any that will be coming out soon. Also where we can find you on the web.

My first book, Rocky Mountain Oasis, just released. There will be a sequel out (High Desert Haven) in early 2010 and I’m working on the third book in the series.

You can read more about me and my books at http://www.lynnettebonner.com Also on my website is an excerpt so you can read the first several chapters of Rocky Mountain Oasis.

But, for now, here is a short synopsis:

She's been living in a desert all her life. Suddenly she's come upon an oasis. But is it just a mirage?

Brooke Marie Baker, eighteen, has been sent west as a mail-order bride. As the stage nears Greer's Ferry, where she is to meet the man she's pledged to marry, she tries to swallow the lump of nervousness in her throat. "Can it be any worse than living with Uncle Jackson...or Hank?" she wonders. "All men are the same, aren't they?" But with her parents and sister dead, she has no choice.

Sky Jordan, a rancher, holds a single yellow daisy in his hand as he watches the ferry cross the river. Ever since he'd found out his surly cousin, Jason, had sent for a mail-order bride, his mind and heart had been ill at ease. "No woman deserves to be left with the likes of Jason." But now he questions his own plans to claim the bride for himself. "Why am I drawn to this woman I don't even know?"

A wounded heart. Desperate choices. Unfathomable love.

Set in the adventure and danger of the Wild Idaho Territory in 1885.

"An intriguing tale with the perfect blend of suspense, drama, and romance. Best keep your eyes on Lynnette Bonner. She's a gifted storyteller." -Sharlene MacLaren, Author, 'Through Every Storm', 'Long Journey Home', 'Little Hickman Creek Series', 'The Daughters of Jacob Kane Series'

You can order Rocky Mountain Oasis from your local bookstore or buy a copy on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Rocky-Mountain-Oasis-Lynnette-Bonner/dp/1602902143/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252008111&sr=8-1) or CBD (http://www.christianbook.com/1-rocky-mountain-oasis/lynnette-bonner/9781602902145/pd/902145?item_code=WW&netp_id=648328&event=ETRS&view=covers)

My Review:

Once again thanks Lynette for giving me the opportunity to read your book to review.

As most of you know by now Historical fiction is my favourite genre. I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the setting and the ruggedness of the area. I love the way Lynette weaves this story. It also made me glad i didn't live in that era. Brooke is a woman who has been abused by men and we see how this treatment conditions a woman. Sky is the kind man who wants to protect Brooke from his cousin who has alot of issues also. Add to this book the setting of an mining area where the gold has run out, Chinese nationals and an Indian population and you get an interesting mix when a major event happens. I loved how this book unfolded and I hope it will be an inspiration to women who have been or are being abused now. It shows how the abuse conditions a women to believe she deserves it when she doesn't. I want to thank Lynette for this insight. We often say why do women put up with this but if they haven't known any different or if its been happening for awhile the women really do think they are at fault. I hope that this book will help someone in this situation realize its not there fault. I am eagarly awaiting book 2.