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Lisa Carter | When Setting Becomes a Character
November 25, 2013
Aloha from the 50th state and the land of a thousand rainbows. Have you ever read a book with not only a terrific storyline, but where the
setting of the novel comes to vibrant life and becomes a character in its own right? Maybe you've read about different locales and dreamed of traveling there. But
short of time travel or culture hopping, you may never be able to personally
experience an 1864 Civil War battlefield or dystopian sci-fi adventure. But
these worlds are to book lovers as easy to access as picking up our e-readers or
the latest paperback. Because the best novels transport readers to a vivid place and time, becoming
almost a character in and of themselves. Some of my favorites include: Mitford
in the Jan Karon novels; and the world of Narnia created by C.S. Lewis. Creating
captivating settings is half the fun for me. Last year, I reunited with a college friend, who shared with me how she'd
located her birth father in Hawaii and how a wonderful, new chapter in her life
had opened. Through a difficult personal journey, she and her family had come
full circle. And that very day, the seed of ALOHA ROSE, was born. Three days later, my agent asked me, a writer/quilter, if I had a story idea for
the Quilts of Love series. This series of stand-alone novels
begins with the premise that behind every quilt there is a story. With my
friend's story fresh in my mind, I also reflected upon how Hawaiian quilts are
visibly different from more traditional American quilt patterns. And the
inevitable writer questions began—What if a baby was found abandoned in
such a quilt and this quilt became her only clue to finding her biological family? So it is fitting with November being National Adoption Month for the release of
ALOHA ROSE. In ALOHA ROSE, I endeavor to
bring to readers all the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the Hawaiian
Islands—a feast for the senses. Almost as if you could travel there
yourself—and as readers we can—within the pages of the book. Therefore, no matter where you reside, on behalf of ALOHA ROSE, take this
Calgon moment and enjoy a break from your regularly scheduled winter.
Mahalo and happy travels. ALOHA ROSE When Laney Carrigan sets out to find her birth family, her only clue is the
Hawaiian quilt in which she was found wrapped as an infant. Centering her search
on the Big Island and battling fears of rejection, Laney begins a painstaking
journey toward her true heritage. Kai Barnes, however, is determined to protect
the people he's come to regard as family. He thinks Laney is nothing more than a
gold digger and blocks every move she makes toward her Hawaiian family. As their
conflict escalates, it puts at risk the one thing that Kai and Laney both want
most—a family. Comment to win - a copy of ALOHA ROSE, a lovely
teatowel and macadamia nuts
Comments
36 comments posted.
Re: Lisa Carter | When Setting Becomes a Character
I have thought about travelling to so many wonderful places with kids and budget limitations I am thankful for the stories and photos that allow me to see what the world holds for me!
(Darci Paice 1:50am November 25, 2013)
I have never been to Hawaii but heard wonderful things. Would
imagine that the setting would be colorful and culture
interesting.
(G. Bisbjerg 10:20am November 25, 2013)
What a delightful and special post which sounds inspiring and
beautiful. Travel is so fascinating and unforgettable.
(Sharon Berger 10:26am November 25, 2013)
I love to read books about different places that I'll never go to. Your book sounds great. Hope to be able to read it.
(Carol Woodruff 11:07am November 25, 2013)
Your book brings so many elements together that interest me - mainly quilting and stories about family. I'm not sure about which part of Hawaii is in your book, but my Mother always loved Oahu. She passed away 11 years ago, so your book would have a more special meaning for me. I believe that you do everyone a service when you write stories such as this. You give people Hope, and Hope is such a powerful word!! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! Congratulations on your book!! Aloha
(Peggy Roberson 11:11am November 25, 2013)
Hawaii is so beautiful...who wouldn't want to go there. The people are so friendly too! Would love to read this book!
(Bonnie Capuano 11:33am November 25, 2013)
If you ever want to escape, read a good book and it will transport to a new place. I always have told my kids that, and I truly believe it. I get so involved in reading sometimes that I almost feel like I am whever the book takes me.
(Sandy Fielder 12:18pm November 25, 2013)
what a very nice prize, thank you for offering it, happy thanksgiving, sue
(Sue Hieber 1:15pm November 25, 2013)
I would enjoy a trip to Hawaii, but my next best option is to travel through the eyes of characters in a good book.
(Anna Speed 2:06pm November 25, 2013)
I would love to go to Hawaii to see it in person, but for now books will have
to do!
(Michelle Schafer 2:14pm November 25, 2013)
Books are great but so is Hawaii
(Jeri Dickinson 3:07pm November 25, 2013)
I love quilts and the stories behind the patterns. This book sounds really good.
(Marcy Shuler 3:58pm November 25, 2013)
My nickname is Laney. I was 39 when I found out my bio dad was not the man I grew up with (and he was also my brother's bio dad, but not my two elder sisters' bio dad). Confused? Sounds like a good story to me, but it's the truth....
(Elaine Seymour 4:10pm November 25, 2013)
Anyone who desires to travel but can't afford to visit every farflung locale can get a taste of her desired destination via vicarious visit -- a book! (DVDs can be helpful too.) Of course, there's no substitution for setting foot in the land of your dreams. Not even the best movie filmed on location prepared me for the energy and thrum of New York City. Can't wait to visit Hawaii and Egypt!
(Christine LaRue 5:55pm November 25, 2013)
I went to Hawaii when I was 19. I cried all the way home on the plane, I
didn't want to come back.
(Susan Falkler 7:04pm November 25, 2013)
Books are a great way to travel when you are not able too.
(Jane Komppa 9:41pm November 25, 2013)
I look forward to reading your book. I love Hawaii.
(Michelle Dry 11:14pm November 25, 2013)
Hawaii is such an amazing place. Hope to go someday. Hope to win your book.
(Yaritza Santana 11:27pm November 25, 2013)
Now that our cold Minnesota winter is starting, I think a trip to Hawaii--even if it is only through reading -- is in order.
(Sue Farrell 11:41pm November 25, 2013)
I love to go on a Hawaiian cruise to go islands hopping. This would be the best way to see Hawaii.
(Kai Wong 12:11pm November 26, 2013)
I have been to Hawaii once. What a beautiful place to have
your story take place.
(Mary Brandis 12:48pm November 26, 2013)
I hope one of these days I can see Hawaii. Book sound great. Thanks for a chance to win.
(Amy Milne 2:06am November 26, 2013)
My husband and I went to Hawaii years ago and wish we could visit once again. We hated to get on that plane to return to our reality. Your book reminds me of that special place, especially with snow coming our way....brrrr. Thank you
(C Culp 6:57am November 26, 2013)
I have never been to Hawaii but it's on my list. One day when kids are older :-) Your book looks intersting
(Galina Zamoriy 7:40am November 26, 2013)
I've always been fascinated with Hawaii!
(Richard Proctor 8:05am November 26, 2013)
Sounds like a great book! Great prize, too!
(Maria Proctor 8:22am November 26, 2013)
I loved Hawaii. It was beautiful. I can't wait to get back for another vacation.
(Pam Howell 10:18am November 26, 2013)
I have not been to Hawaii but it does sound wonderfully dreamy.
I love the cover of the book and the story line Sounds great.
Thanks for the contest!
(Vennie Martinisi 11:19am November 26, 2013)
Sure would like to visit Hawaii.
(Tina Lechuga 1:18pm November 26, 2013)
I like the history of the Hawaiian quilts. It's interesting how an everyday item evolves in different cultures and times.
(Laura Gullickson 1:30pm November 26, 2013)
Beautiful quilted tea towel. I'd love to visit all of the major islands of Hawaii.
Thanks for sharing!
(Laurie Gommermann 2:07pm November 26, 2013)
What a wonderful book! I am a quilter and am interested in all types of traditional quilts. Love Hawaiian quilts and would love to win a copy of this book.
(Bonnie H 4:34pm November 26, 2013)
This looks like a great book. I love quilts. I'd love to win this.
(Cathy Thomas 5:13pm November 26, 2013)
I've been asked recently if I quilt. I do not, but I love seeing all the beautiful quilts. Many of the newer quilts of today are more done as works of art I think rather than utilitarian. But the older quilts, those that were used every day, some of those are also so beautiful. And yes, I can see where a quilt could bring one home.
(Donna Durnell 8:09pm November 26, 2013)
reading books about places and times of old is one of my
favorite thing to do.yes place & times are in portent as a
character some times in a good book.
(Stacey Smith 11:14pm November 26, 2013)
Love the quilted red rose snowflake on the cover of Aloah Rose which I know ties in to the story. I think this sounds like a most interesting book that I want to read very much! I've always dreamed about visiting Hawaii one day esp. since I've always lived in cold climates...MN & WI.
(Linda Luinstra 7:11pm November 27, 2013)
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