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!)

Entry-Form

Happy Thanksgiving!


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