Monday, November 21, 2016

Be My Guest: Kara Isaac + GIVEAWAY

by Andrea Renee Cox

This year was quite a big one for Kara Isaac. She released her first novel, Close to You, back in April, and now her second book, Can't Help Falling, is available too. Kara is visiting Writing to Inspire today, and she's got a surprise for you at the very end, so be sure to stay tuned for that.



Giving Thanks in All Things
by Kara Isaac


This is the time of year when I get envious of my American friends as my Facebook feed explodes with photos of pumpkin pie (which I don’t even like!), fall flavored lattes (and I don’t drink coffee!), beautiful golden and orange vistas, and mugs of apple cider.

I live in New Zealand. Here we are finally shedding off the layers, grimacing as our white winter legs are inflicted upon the world and enjoying longer, warmer evenings. And I am not complaining! But I have to admit that I feel like we miss out as our calendar rolls through late November and there is no Thanksgiving on it. A holiday to pause and take stock for all the things that I am grateful for in the middle of a full life feels like a great idea.

I’ve been thinking about gratefulness a lot recently. This year I reached that milestone that many writers dream of: the publication of not just one, but two books with a well-regarded publisher. It has been a wonderful adventure, but, as with all new things, it has also been a roller coaster of highs and lows. With the joy of seeing your name on the cover comes the lows of some scathing reviews. With the excitement of having readers letting you know how much they love your stories comes the lows of sales numbers that weren’t what you had hoped for. With the high of having a book contract comes the reality, in this ever-changing publishing world, of the possibility that it may not be followed by another.

I’ve found myself thinking often about 1 Thessalonians 5:18 which tells us to be thankful in all circumstances, not just the good ones. As a mum (or mom!) I want to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness in my children, which means I need to live one out in front of them. To focus on being content with where it is that God has me on this journey as a wife, a mother, a writer, and in all the other hats that I wear. To not focus on the things that didn’t go the way I might have hoped, but to be thankful for the many things He has provided for me.

I hope for you this Thanksgiving that whatever season you are in, be it an exciting one where some of your closest held and pursued dreams are coming true or one of disappointment, disillusionment, or loss, that you too will be able to know the divine gift of being able to give thanks in whatever your circumstances.

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?
How do you cultivate a spirit of thankfulness in your everyday life?


About Kara Isaac


Kara Isaac
Kara Isaac lives in Wellington, New Zealand. When she's not working her day job as a public servant, chasing around a ninja and his feisty toddler sister, she spends her time writing horribly bad first drafts and wishing you could get Double Stuf Oreos in New Zealand. She loves to connect on her website, on Facebook at Kara Isaac - Author and Twitter @KaraIsaac



About Can't Help Falling

Emelia Mason has spent her career finding the dirt on the rich and famous. But deep down past this fearless tabloid-reporter façade, there’s a nerdy Narnia-obsessed girl who still can’t resist climbing into wardrobes to check for the magical land on the other side. When a story she writes produces tragic results, she flees to Oxford, England—home to C.S. Lewis—to try and make amends for the damage she has caused.

Now available!
Peter Carlisle was on his way to become one of Great Britain’s best rowers—until he injured his shoulder and lost his chance at glory. He’s determined to fight his way back to the top even if it means risking permanent disability to do so. It’s the only way he can find his way past failing the one person who never stopped believing in his Olympic dream.

When Peter and Emelia cross paths on her first night in Oxford, the attraction is instant and they find common ground in their shared love of Narnia. But can the lessons from a fantasyland be enough to hold them together when secrets of the real world threaten to tear them apart? Cobblestone streets, an aristocratic estate, and an antique shop with curious a wardrobe bring the world of Narnia to life in an inspiring and romantic story about second chances.



*** GIVEAWAY ***

Kara Isaac has graciously agreed to giveaway ONE (1) PAPERBACK copy of CAN'T HELP FALLING to a reader of Writing to Inspire.

(I'm trying something new with this giveaway, so please let me know if you have trouble accessing the below entry form. Thanks!)




Happy Thanksgiving!


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21 comments:

Olivia said...

Ahh, I'm thankful for so much, but particularly I'm thankful for God's mercy. It amazes and humbles me!

Faith P. said...

Thankful for? Oh, where do I begin! God's grace, family, friends, cold weather, books...and the list goes on.

Lucy Reynolds said...

I try to be thankful everyday for my salvation, my hubby, my elderly parents, children, grandchildren, siblings, heat, water, clothing, food, etc. we are blessed no matter how hard things are. Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
.

Faith P. said...

Whoops. Email: 1p57biskit (at) gmail (dot) com

Andrea Cox said...

Olivia, I'm right there with you in singling out one particular quality of God's character this Thanksgiving. I'm grateful for His trustworthiness. He's recently been cultivating in my heart a deeper trust in Him. Blowing my mind every step of the way, including a personal revelation this morning. Thanks for sharing what you're thankful for!

Andrea Cox said...

Love your list of thankfuls, Faith! Especially "cold weather." I don't see enough of that around here (Texas), so it's always welcome to me when it does show up. Happy Thanksgiving!

Andrea Cox said...

Lucy, thanks for sharing your beautiful perspective! You're so right. No matter what trials come our way, our God blesses us in so many incredible ways. Happy Thanksgiving!

Winnie Thomas said...

I'm so thankful for my family. I come from a family of nine siblings, plus I have five children, 15 grandkids, and a great-granddaughter. We are very close and love to be together.

Andrea Cox said...

What a legacy! Sounds like you have a lot of people to be thankful for in every season. Thanks for sharing, Winnie!

Please reply with your e-mail address, so I may contact you if you win. Thank you!

Deana said...

I'm thankful for my service dogs that help me deal with PTSD.
Jhdwayne(at)peoplepc(dot)com

Andrea Cox said...

Deana, thank you for sharing what you're thankful for. I'm sorry you deal with PTSD, but I'm grateful you've got great dogs to help you through it. You're amazing!

Lamb said...

The God-chosen family God has brought into my life since my bio family chooses not to be part of my life. They are helping me through a tough time of transition.

Andrea Cox said...

Aw, Lamb... you are so precious in God's sight! I'm grateful He sent you the right folks to help you through this transition period. May you see the riches of God's joy through the process.

Please reply with your e-mail address, so I may contact you if you win.

Thanks!

Sydney Anderson said...

This Thanksgiving I am especially greatful for the time my hubby and I get to do our own Thanksgiving and for the little one that will be joining us in a few weeks.

sydneyjames68[at]gmail[dot]com

Andrea Cox said...

Sydney, congratulations! I'm so excited for your hubby and you. May the Lord grant you a smooth delivery and a happy Thanksgiving!

Anonymous said...

I am thankful for my children. They are a light to me each day.

Andrea Cox said...

Aw, that's so sweet! Thanks for sharing.

Please reply with your e-mail address, so I may contact you if you win. Thank you!

Unknown said...

I'm so thankful for my husband! And my family! And for a good job! And most of all for the grace and mercy of a loving God! Happy Thanksgiving! :) smileytwin10 {at} gmail {dot} com

Andrea Cox said...

Rachel, I love your enthusiasm about your thankfulness. Makes me wonder if that's how God likes us to come to Him each day, with eager thanksgiving, like we just can't wait to tell Him how thankful we are and that we're excited to be that thankful. Food for thought on this wonderful Thanksgiving week. God bless you!

Julie Jobe said...

So much to be thankful for! :) I'm thankful for my husband, our 6 kiddos (and the one on the way!), all of our siblings and parents and grandparents and getting to spend time with them over Thanksgiving, great friends, the work God is doing in and through the church plant we are a part of, and wonderful books to read! julie_jobe(at)yahoo(dot)com

Andrea Cox said...

Julie, your list of thankfuls blessed me this morning. Thanks for sharing! And congratulations on the soon-to-be-addition to your quiver. Babies and growing children are such amazing gifts. Happy Thanksgiving!