Gail Pallotta joins us on the blog today, talking about her new book, Breaking Barriers. Here’s a little bit about the book.
In this action-packed thriller gunshots ring out as Ann Jones enters church. She hides in the bathroom until they stop then stumbles into the sanctuary. The congregation lies dead in pools of blood. To rebuild the church she starts True Light Guardians. At the first meeting she’s attacked by a terrorist but rescued by James Crawford. He melts her heart, cold from her father’s abuse, and they fall for each other. She’s afraid to commit to love that might grow angry later like the type she knew as a child. James yearns to stop other attempts on Ann’s life, but can’t. Tormented by her constant risks, he breaks up with her. When an assault sends her to the hospital, an unlikely ally shares Ann’s plight with James, but he reveals a lead that puts all three of them in even more danger.
That’s quite the premise, Gail. Can you share with us what inspired you to write the book?
When I learned that Joan Bauer Alley at Prism Book Group wanted to publish a series taken from I Corinthians 13: 4 – 8, I wanted to be part of it.
We all hear the passage again and again at weddings. We read it at church and in Sunday school.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves. Love never fails…”
Was there a line meant for me to explore? If so, which one was it, and could I write something worthy of it? I read the Scripture over and over. Finally, the words “it is not easily angered” stood out to me. Years before I had worked on a book with characters filled with anger toward Christians. I’d left the manuscript in a drawer, but perhaps it was time I got it out.
It became Breaking Barriers, Book #8 in the Love Is…Series
The heroine, the victim of those who seek to destroy Christianity, loves her faith so much she’s willing to defend it against the unsavory people attempting to wipe out Christianity—and her.
The hero not only brings romance to the story, but he shows the heroine the difference in a consistent loving guy and an explosive, angry person like her father who says he loves her, but acts as though he doesn’t.
Gail Pallotta’s a wife, Mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. A regional Writer of the Year for American Christian Writers Association in 2004, she was a 2013 Grace Awards finalist. Gail’s published five books, poems, short stories and several hundred articles. Some of her articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums.
Web site – http://www.gailpallotta.com
Blog – https://www.gailpallotta.blogspot.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AuthorsandMore
Twitter – Gail Pallotta @Hopefulwords
Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GGEX7Z8
Gail is giving away an e-book copy of Breaking Barriers. Follow the instructions below to enter.
Thanks for joining us, Gail. It’s been great to have you!
Becky Smith says
What strikes me the most in the passage about love is that “it is not self-seeking”. That’s a constant reminder that I don’t love for what’s in it for me. Love means seeking the other person’s good. Adding this book to my TBR list.
Gail Pallotta says
Hi Becky, Thanks for coming by and for sharing your thoughts.
Linda Moffitt says
It does not envy, it does not boast is one of my favorite parts. Thanks for sharing this book on your blog. Sounds really great.
Gail Pallotta says
Hi Linda,
Thank you for stopping by and for your comments. It’s such a beautiful passage.
Ann Ellison says
Enjoyed the interview and the book sounds like a really good one.