Guide to Categories : Author Interview – an interview with an author, if there is no review from me, I have not read the book and cannot speak to its appropriateness for a school library

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About the Book

Book: To Love A Falcon

Author: Nancy C. Williams

Genre: Christian Historical Mystery, Fairytale retelling

Release Date: November 7, 2023

When life already seems bleak, the Russians send her to Siberia.

Aircraft mechanic Katya Morozov longs for her beloved Mikhail, a Russian naval officer, to return from war. But when an unwanted work assignment takes her far from her home into remote Siberia, Katya faces threats—perhaps because she and her father were engaged in covert protection for persecuted Christians.

A chance encounter with charming test pilot, Yuri Sokolov, turns into more than a passing acquaintance…igniting the flames of a conflict between Katya’s faithfulness to Mikhail and her growing attraction to the enigmatic pilot. Will messages from a mysterious woman in the woods give her the wisdom and strength she needs?

Yuri, who has hidden battles of his own, must likewise make a decision—does he follow his dreams or pursue the lovely mechanic who has captured his heart?

To Love a Falcon, a retelling of the Russian fairy tale “Finist the Falcon,” takes readers into the intrigues of Russian operatives, the stark landscape of Siberian winters, and the courage of those who risk death for faith and love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author – Nancy C. Williams

Nancy C. Williams grew up on “Nancy Drew” books…and occasionally still tells people her middle name is “Drew,” just to get their reaction. Following in the steps of the intrepid sleuth, Williams is an adventure enthusiast who loves hiking, snow-skiing, taking photos, sharing a good laugh, and enjoying a good mystery. She’s a history buff, too, with an affinity for antiques and fascinating stories from the past. Her writing career began with five years in the “Mad Men” world of ad agencies, crafting ads and commercials for ceiling fans, soft drinks, and pest control, among others. Then, during nearly a decade of editorial work at Federal Express headquarters, Williams traveled the globe (often in FedEx jet cockpits) and collected memories of international cultures. She also taught PR at a Christian college for a decade, sharing strategies and practices to the next generation of professionals. These days, blogs and novels are at the top of her “fun stuff to-do” list. She’s serious, though, about serving Jesus Christ…as a prayer warrior and writing for God’s glory, striving to encourage others on their spiritual journeys. When she’s not writing, look for her on the Appalachian Mountain trails with her beloved husband and mini-schnauzer.

More from Nancy Williams

Want to know more about the real-life murder of a Russian naval officer…during a top-secret World War II mission? It’s a fascinating story that sparks even more questions, such as, what if the slain officer had a fiancée back home who didn’t know he was killed?

“To Love a Falcon” is a historical fiction novel set against the backdrop of life in post-WWII Siberia, the persecution of Christians by an anti-religious régime, and the plight of loved ones left at home who waited for lost soldiers. There’s a dash of suspense, romance, and fairy-tale lore thrown into the mix, too!

My father-in-law, who served in the U.S. SeaBees for the top-secret mission, had shared some of the details about the murder…and, I knew an old Russian fairy tale called “Finist the Falcon” that would serve as the perfect template for telling his story. I have my own personal story from Siberia (my husband and I adopted our son from there in 1999), but I learned many more interesting facts during research about this mysterious, challenging place—still largely uninhabited to this day. Our son, who is now a pilot, also helped tremendously in delving into the MiG-9, the first jet-powered fighter aircraft developed in Russia.

I hope you’ll join me on this adventure into the risks of untested flight…the murderous threats of anti-religion zealots…the relationship between a plucky female aircraft mechanic and a charming test pilot…and the possibilities of love and forgiveness in a snowy wilderness. Maybe you’ll fall in love with Siberia, too!

Author Interview – Nancy Williams

When you are not writing, what other hats do you wear? What do you do for fun?

I enjoy photography, baking all manner of sweets, hiking mountain trails to waterfalls in Appalachia, traveling with my beloved husband to intriguing places, and reading mysteries. I stay busy, too, at church (I play flute for our worship services) and love to hang out with my family and friends. I’m always ready for a cup of tea and a chat! (Did I mention that I get to play with the world’s cutest miniature schnauzer?)

What is your favorite holiday? And why?

It’s not a holiday, but fall is my favorite season—I love the changing colors, flavors, and cooler temperatures. It’s a great time to hike in our mountains. Also, I enjoy celebrating my birthday…it’s always a reminder that God has blessed me in many ways. My birthday is right after Christmas, so my tradition is to go out with my family for Chinese food. I look at all the cookie fortunes/proverbs we get and try to make up funny predictions for the coming year. One year, my son’s cookie proverb advised him to try something new, but we couldn’t get him to try sushi at that moment…now, he orders it all the time!

Which character did you enjoy writing most?

I had the most fun creating Nadya…she’s a shrewd schemer and power broker, but there’s more to her underneath her carefully-coiffed exterior. Given more space (or another novel), I would relish adding to her story! 

As a former K-12 school librarian I have to ask – what is your favorite children’s book?

Hands down…The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Even though it’s a “fairy tale,” it drives home the impact of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for us. I cried the first time I read it aloud to my daughter. C. S. Lewis, by the grace of God, created a masterpiece series in his Narnia books that continues to appeal to all generations. Lewis remains at the pinnacle on my list of authors I’d love to emulate. Also, I grew up on Nancy Drew books…I have all the ones in the yellow-bound series plus the cookbook and 1970s board game.

What advice would you give to a child or teen who wants to be a writer?

I’ve often told younger members of my family to simply write…stories, poetry, letters, music, blog posts, any mode that appeals to them. So much of their school writing is drudgery with all the joy squeezed out of it. Young people need to find out (as I did, so much later in life) that writing can be lots of fun! Also, I also advise anyone middle-school age and older to learn a foreign language, at least semi-fluently. Knowing language structure/vocabulary in multiple languages helps nourish the ability to write with clarity and color. 

Readers can find out more about my current novel, “To Love a Falcon,” through Celebrate Lit Publishing’s website (http://www.celebratelitpublishing.com/posts/book/to-love-a-falcon/) or by going to Amazon where it’s available on Kindle and in paperback. Readers can also follow my blog and news at my Lightbourne Creative website, https://lightbournecreative.com–I publish a weekly devotion blog to encourage other Christians in their daily life.

Thanks so much for joining me today. My readers and I enjoy learning more about authors.

Blog Stops

Artistic Nobody, January 25 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 25

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 26 (Author Interview)

An Author’s Take, January 27

For Him and My Family, January 28

By The Book, January 29 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 29

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 30 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 31

Simple Harvest Reads, February 1 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, February 1

Texas Book-aholic, February 2

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 3 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 4

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 5

Through the Fire Blogs, February 6 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Nancy is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of the book and a $25 Amazon card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/29b03/to-love-a-falcon-celebration-tour-giveaway

Read more Author Interview posts.

Amazon’s Valentine Shop – https://amzn.to/3tSQaIe

Amazon Valentine Decor – https://amzn.to/3tTHCki