We’re getting closer! My newest novel, “Chasing Shadows,” will be released in just two more months, on June 8. So, a few days ago, my publisher, Tyndale House, sent a film crew to my home to interview me about the book. It was quite interesting to have my home transformed into a recording studio, with lights and cameras and complicated-looking equipment.
It seemed like there was a lot going on around me as I sat there smiling and talking and answering questions. It was hard not to get distracted as I described the novel, which takes place in The Netherlands during World War II. I talked about the inspiration for the book, and described my three main characters, Lena de Vries, her daughter Ans de Vries, and Miriam Jacobs, a Jewish refugee.
When the interview ended, we switched gears and moved to an outdoor setting. I live in Holland, Michigan, which originally was settled by Dutch immigrants, and our town just happens to have a beautiful park with a 250-year-old windmill imported from the real Holland. It’s the only authentic, working Dutch windmill in the United States. There’s a windmill in “Chasing Shadows” but you’ll have to read the book to find out more about it. My town of Holland also has millions of tulips, which are just beginning to bloom in time for the annual Tulip Time Festival in May.
I will announce the links to the finished interview when the film is completed and edited. But in the meantime, I’m giving away an autographed copy of my novel “Waves of Mercy,” which I wrote a few years ago. It tells the story of the Dutch immigrants who settled Holland, Michigan in 1857. The area was still a wilderness, but the settlers were escaping religious persecution in the Netherlands and were happy to be here. Simply leave a comment below and I will randomly choose a winner. Happy Springtime!
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I live in Traverse City and now I want to be sure to come your way to see that windmill.
I will definitely watch the interview! I’m from the Netherlands, so I’m really looking forward to read your newest book!
The book sounds intriguing!
I’m eagerly awaiting your next novel and will look forward to viewing the film that is being made in advance of the novel’s publication. My pastor’s family is from Holland, Michigan, although he grew up locally.In fact, I was born in Michigan and lived there until I was 5. It’s fun to find things in common with others you admire.
I love windmills and tulips. Tulips make me think of our dear neighbors. They always had a wonderful tulip garden in front of their house. I always enjoy reading your books and will look forward to the interview.
I do remember my visit to Holland, Mich. We toured the bulb barns as well. The old windmill was on our tour of that day.
Thank you for your writing.
I’ve always wanted to visit Holland, MI! I bet it’s gorgeous there right now. Looking forward to the new book!
I grew up in Lansing and remember visiting the beautiful city of Holland as a child. Thanks for the giveaway. I can’t wait to see your interview!
I love tulips 🌷 They are my favorite flower. I grew up in Germany and went to Holland a few times for the tulips.
Holland is an adorable city. I would love to go to the tulip festival some day!
Tulips and spring flowers always bring to mind a new beginning and much to look forward to.
I’ve enjoyed reading several of your books. Wouldn’t it be fun to be a time traveler? Thank you for your insight into history!
Visiting Holland (either ) is on my bucket list. I look forward to reading your novels.
I have never been to either Holland, but I can just imagine the beautiful tulips in all their glory – what a treasure you have to be able to view them every spring.
I think I would be distracted and nervous to be filmed like that! Yay for you! Love the tulips. We have the Skagit Valley in WA state, which is covered in tulip fields right now. So beautiful!
I loved Waves of Mercy!
Why did I not figure out you lived in Holland, MI?
I grew up in Grand Rapids and watched or marched in some Tulip Time parades.
Thanks for brightening my day!
Wow!! An actual Dutch Windmill, so cool!! I’m adding it to my bucket list of places to visit 🙂 Sounds like an interesting day, can’t wait to watch the interview!!
Your interview will be wonderful. I’m sure it must have been distracting to have all that paraphernalia around you. Loved our trip to Holland and will look forward to reading your new novel.
Looking forward to reading “Chasing Shadows”… thanks for having this giveaway!
I love tulips. I’ve always wanted to visit Holland, MI at tulip time.
I just finished reading the Kindle edition Waves of Mercy and Legacy of Mercy! I am now reading Wonderland Creek! I have enjoyed them so much. I cannot imagine the hardships they endured. It was heartbreaking and also humbling, when I consider my own ‘hardships’. I’m afraid I would not have been a very good pioneer.
I would be honored to have a book autographed by you! I love your writings…I always learn so much! Thank you for sharing your gift. God Bless! ❤️
I went to school with a de Vries – nice to see her name come up (50 years later…!)
My parents live in St. Joseph, and pop up to see the tulips every year! Best wishes as you release another book baby – “A Woman’s Place” is still a favorite of mine.
Best wishes on your upcoming release. I wish tulips could be successfully grown here in my area of the Southwest – they are such beautiful flowers.
Lynn,
Your description of your town brings back a fragrant bouget of memories for me. My first husband and I adopted a little boy, not far from there, and visited that area. Jim unexpectedly died before our little boy’s adoption was finalized. I have often thought of buying a yard windmill to celebrate those good times.
I have never seen the tulips fields when they were in full bloom, but I have heard descriptions, and bought postcards of them. You are a new author to me, and I am excited to get acquainted with your books. I have written nonfiction in the past, and am now involved in studying fiction and working on my first book.
Congratulations! Your name was randomly chosen to win a copy of “Waves of Mercy.” Please send your mailing address to: LynnNAustin@hotmail.com
So happy to hear that you have another book coming out. Looking forward to reading it.
LOVE seeing you in your home, Lynn, and I look forward to watching this interview. (No need to include me in the giveaway. I’ve already read the book and loved it.)
I love the windmill! Some of our tulips started opening today with the warmer weather. I’m really hoping the snow forecasted for this week won’t come and kill the rest that haven’t opened yet.
Beautiful windmill! I love tulips, they are so pretty as they spring from the ground, and they have so many colors. Sometimes I’d really like to go to a tulip festival. Thank you for the chance to win.
What a wonderful way to honor those who fought for religious freedom in our great nation. I can’t wait to read your new book.
I would love to win an autographed copy of your book. I have it and already read it but if I win I will keep the autographed copy and give the other to a friend. I can’t wait to read your new book. I filled out for your launch team. Thanks for the giveaway!
My brother’s family just visited this windmill two weeks ago on their spring break trip. Such fascinating history in that windmill, too. I’m excited about your upcoming book release. Thank you for sharing your writing talent with us.
I grew up in Michigan, and vaguely remember visiting Holland at least once.