Monday, August 15, 2016

Be My Guest: Kristy Cambron and *GIVEAWAY*

by Andrea Renee Cox

Hey, friends! Please welcome Kristy Cambron, author of The Butterfly and the Violin, as she talks about one of our favorite things: BOOKS! Stay tuned till the very end. There's a sweet surprise waiting for you.

When Books Have a Story to Tell
by Kristy Cambron

I remember the day my parents bought me my first art history book.

That was in fourth grade– many, many years ago. And today, it holds an important spot on the favorites bookshelf of this thirty-something wife, author, and momma of three.

I still have the very first copy of Pride and Prejudice (and Jane Austen book period) that I’d ever read. My high school Bible is tucked away – no longer in use because the spine is falling apart. It’s marked up, inscribed with dates and prayers in the margins, chronicling my first decade as a believer. And around my home office as I write this? You’ll find copies of Elie Wiesel’s Night stashed here and there. A stack of Dr. Seuss books occupies a toy basket in the corner. Art history books are shelved in a rainbow of spine colors. And eighteen copies of Jane Eyre are within arm’s reach of my desk.

All of these books are dear to me. They’re dear not just for the story contained between the front and back covers. It’s the memories associated with the where and when they came to me, in part, that make me who I am today.

A good story captures readers if the characters are memorable, the plot is page-turning, and often, if the message is a powerful one. But there’s something beyond the greatness of the words penned to pages. That’s not where the story ends! It’s also found in the memories attached to the books we love.  

I have many friends who adore their e-readers. It’s now possible to carry an entire library in our handbag. (Thank you, technology!) And I assure you – I have an e-reader and it’s stocked with books I’m anxious to read. I stand in no judgement if someone’s not partial to print books, especially with the hustle-bustle of our technology-driven days. E-readers just make sense sometimes. But here’s where a hold-in-your-hands book gets real for me.

Here’s where a book tells its story.

A book that’s engraved itself upon your heart becomes one you loan out to dear friends.

It’s one you purchase as a gift, watching as eyes light up when it’s unwrapped.

Maybe it’s a book that’s been so loved, you’ve carried it from college dorm to first apartment to the home you’re living in now, always finding it a special place on your shelves. Maybe you popped into a little London bookshop on your first trip overseas, and have a copy of a Dickens novel to mark the journey. Maybe you met one of your favorite authors and they signed the front cover of a first edition novel you loved. And maybe, just maybe, you want to write a book one day. To hold your own story in your hands. To know that you dreamt it, pursued it, and finally… that calling of your heart came true.

This is where a used bookshop can become a harbinger of dreams.

Who held this book before you? Who loved it? Who gave it as a gift? Who owned it, wrote their name in the front cover, only to have it come to you after they moved on from it?

Books have a story to tell. And for every book published, it’s a story far more than the awards, critical acclaim or sales numbers could explain. A book is a story you hold in your hands. It’s yesterday and tomorrow, all at the same time. And if we let it, the story will continue on each time it’s passed from palm to palm. Shelf to shelf. Heart to heart.

This is when a book tells its greatest story– by how well it’s been loved. 


What are some of your best-loved books?
What makes it so special to you?


About The Ringmaster's Wife:

An ounce of courage. A split-second leap of faith. Together, they propel two young women to chase a new life—one that’s reimagined from what they might have become.
In turn-of-the-century America, a young girl dreams of a world that stretches beyond the confines of a quiet life on the family farm. With little more than her wit and a cigar box of treasures to call her own, Mable steps away from all she knows, seeking the limitless marvels of the Chicago World’s Fair. There, a chance encounter triggers her destiny—a life with a famed showman by the name of John Ringling.
A quarter of a century later, Lady Rosamund Easling of Yorkshire, England, boards a ship to America as a last adventure before her life is planned out for her. There, the twenties are roaring, and the rich and famous gather at opulent, Gatsby-esque parties in the grandest ballrooms the country has to offer. The Jazz Age has arrived, and with it, the golden era of the American circus, whose queen is none other than the enigmatic Mable Ringling.
When Rosamund’s path crosses with Mable’s and the Ringlings’ glittering world, she makes the life-altering decision to leave behind a comfortable future of estates and propriety, instead choosing the nomadic life of a trick rider in the Ringling Brothers’ circus.
A novel that is at once captivating, deeply poignant, and swirling with exquisite historical details of a bygone world, The Ringmaster’s Wife will escort readers into the center ring, with its bright lights, exotic animals, and a dazzling performance that can only be described as the greatest show on earth!

About Kristy Cambron:
Kristy Cambron
Kristy Cambron has a background in art and design, but she fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. She is the author of The Ringmaster’s Wife, named to Publishers Weekly Spring 2016 Religion & Spirituality TOP 10. Her novels have been named to Library Journal Reviews’ Best Books and RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards Best lists for 2014 & 2015, and received a 2015 INSPY Awards nomination for best debut novel. The Illusionist’s Apprentice (HarperCollins, 2017) is her fourth novel.
You may connect with Kristy on her website: kristycambron.com.

GIVEAWAY!

I'm excited to read The Ringmaster's Wife soon, so to spread the good vibes out there, I am hosting a giveaway. One (1) Kindle copy is up for grabs. Please answer at least one of today's discussion question and include your email address.
This giveaway ends on Thursday, and the winner will be contacted by Saturday.

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25 comments:

Suz and Allan said...

Thanks for hosting the giveaway! Some of my best loved books are the Nancy Drew books because they sparked my love for reading and Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers because it made an impact on me even a decade after I first read it.

Suz and Allan said...

Email address is suzieq16132 AT yahoo DOT com

Joanne Bischof said...

Great post, Andrea and Kristy! I love this - "A book that’s engraved itself upon your heart becomes one you loan out to dear friends. It’s one you purchase as a gift, watching as eyes light up when it’s unwrapped."

eReaders are so awesome for convenience, but there's just something about a paperback and getting to share the love that way. I've loaned TRMW to my mom and the other day a friend saw it on my bed and about stole it, haha! Don't enter me in the giveaway as I have that delicious copy to savor but just so enjoyed this post.

Andrea Cox said...

An impact after a decade? High praise! Thanks for stopping by Writing to Inspire.

Andrea Cox said...

Joanne, thanks for sharing your lovely thoughts on Kristy's latest book. I haven't yet read it, but your enthusiasm about it have me wishing it was next up on my reading list! Thank you so much for your support of my blog and Kristy's guest article.

Olivia said...

All time favorite...Rilla of Ingleside, 8th book of Anne of Green Gables. I love it so much because of the family life and how everyone is so close, the emotions portrayed, and the WW1 setting.

Andrea Cox said...

What a great series, Anne of Green Gables. It's been a while since I've read them, so I can't recall the exact story of Rilla, but you've got me wanting to dive back into it.

Unknown said...

My best loved book is actually a prayer book that was given to me when our son, Zachary, was stillborn at 24 weeks in 1990. It's called A Mother's Manual and has every prayer imagineable for Mothers. I treasure it and have given several as gifts to new moms. I know that most people are referring to novels, but this is the first "book" that popped into my head that is special to me. <3 tinaturpin (at) hotmail (dot) com. Thanks, Andrea and Kristy for a great interview. I am looking forward to reading The Ringmaster's Wife. (and your book in progress, Andrea) ;-)

Lucy Reynolds said...

Some of my best loved books are The Love Comes Softly Series by Jeanette Oke and Anne of Green Gables Series. TY for the chance.
leliamae54@aol.com

Andrea Cox said...

Tina, thanks for sharing your story with us. My heart weeps for the pain you must have experienced when you lost your son. I'm so grateful you received that prayer book at that time, to help you cling to God through that difficult time. The encouraging spirit you've come out of that with shines so brightly. Keep being you, girl!

Andrea Cox said...

Lucy, thanks for sharing your best loved books. Two great series!

Unknown said...

How in the world do I chose a favorite? I used to read Gone With the Wind every year until I discovered Francine Rivers Francine Rivers Mark of the Lion series. Now there are too many to count. Thank you for the chance to win.

Andrea Cox said...

I've heard so many positive things about Francine Rivers' books. Guess I'll have to try one soon! Thanks for sharing a couple of your best loved books, Rebecca.

Lamb said...

Good grief. Favorite Book. Hum.
You know I do love holding books in my hands, but I stopped reading for some reason. Then two years ago I purchased a Kindle to take on a trip to Scotland and oh my goodness that spark was re-lit and is a full grown passion.

I am going to say my favorite book I own is Squanto the Friendly Indian. Why? When I was in first grade I was in a little school play for Thanksgiving. I was a Pilgrim and my whole speech was about Squanto. Now this was more years ago then I can (or want) to count. Fast forward to my late 20s and Christmas time. My dad found the book Squanto the Friendly Indian and purchased it for me. Oh my goodness. That has to be the most special and thoughtful gift from him. He didn't even come to my silly school play because it was during the day. After all it was just a little kids first grade play. I remember being hurt as a first grader, but oh how that was redeemed that Christmas Day.

Andrea Cox said...

Aw, what a sweet story! Thanks for sharing. So glad your dad found that book for you and improved your memory on your play.

Your story is bringing back amazing memories of my second grade play about Thanksgiving. I also played a Pilgrim. I remember stirring some make-believe food in a bowl with a wooden spoon and then welcoming Squanto and the other Indians to the Thanksgiving table. Such precious memories! Thanks for that walk down Memory Lane. :)

Kristy Cambron said...

I remember those Nancy Drew books! ;)

Kristy Cambron said...

This is true, Joanne! My sweet Momma comes over to visit and goes straight back to the office, because she knows there will be new books she can swipe from the shelves. :) I let her because... she's my Mom!

And just a note to you, friend: I just bought a copy of The Lady and The Lionheart so I'll have it next time my mom visits. She NEEDS to read this one!

Kristy Cambron said...

YES! I adore Anne of Green Gables. Loved the Sullivan Entertainment movies too.

Kristy Cambron said...

Dear Tina ~ My heart just wants to reach through the computer and hug you, sister. What a brave woman you are, and thank you for sharing your journey with us. Books can have such tender meaning, novel or not.

Kristy Cambron said...

My grandma always had Jeanette Oke books on her shelf! Hope we get to meet her at ACFW this year -- next week! ;)

Kristy Cambron said...

I love, LOVE the classic literature. Gone With the Wind is one of the best for sure. ;)

Kristy Cambron said...

What a special gift! That made me tear up. (I'm a Daddy's girl too.) Thank you for sharing!

Kristy Cambron said...

Thank you ever so much for hosting me, Andrea! Y'all know I love to talk books. But the stories that have been shared here are those with deeper meaning - some happy, nostalgic, and others bittersweet. I understand that too. I'm honored to get to be here to chat with all of you book lovers. Merci, for stopping by, friends!

Andrea Cox said...

Always a pleasure having you on Writing to Inspire, Kristy! Merci to you as well. :)

Unknown said...

Andrea and Kirsty ... I am blessed you both read my comment and then commented on it. Thank you for your kind words.

My dad passed away almost 20 years ago .. so when these memories come back its sweet. Andrea glad it made you also reflect on one of your childhood memories too.