The first thing I usually do after preparing a manuscript for publication is to read new work.

That’s right.

I start reading all the books I didn’t have time to read prior. Currently, I’m reading MY NAME IS LUCY BARTON. The book got great reviews but I’m undecided on it. But like I said, I’m only halfway through the book so I’ll keep at it.

I’ve also got a pile of books that some of you have recommended that I can’t wait to get around to reading. I’ll let you know when I do. Meanwhile, two friends have launched new books in the past weeks and I am giving away free copies!!!! That’s right – FREE!!!

SEVEN WINGS TO GLORY by Kathleen M. Rodgers was a book I did make time to read earlier this year. Rodgers, a military wife and mother, knows her subject matter. Too often those writing about military culture are too unfamiliar with its nuances. And anyone who has lived military culture picks up on that lickety-quick. Because she’s been immersed in military for a very long time, there isn’t a false note in Rodger’s novel, her third. Her sassy sense of humor entertained me. Her characters were people who have populated my own life. One thing I appreciated about SEVEN WINGS TO GLORY was Rodgers ability to challenge stereotypes. Rodger’s work is not fiction lite. She’s tackling important questions. SEVEN WINGS TO GLORY is the sequel to JOHNNIE COME LATELY, which earned the 2015 Gold Medal for literary fiction from Military Writers Society of America.

A great book for book clubs, especially for times such as these.

The second book I’m giving away copies of  is BORDER CHILD by Michel Stone. Regular readers of the blog may remember Stone’s previous work THE IGUANA TREE, a novel that deals with the immigrant experience. BORDER CHILD, the sequel to that story, is garnering praise across the literary field, especially given today’s immigration minefield.

Stone, who was our local Altrusa club’s Visiting Author, made the decision to write a sequel while speaking to a crowd who had turned out to hear her presentation on THE IGUANA TREE, a story so compelling I taught it in my classes.  I, like many of you, have been awaiting the story of what happened to Hector and Lilia’s infant daughter.

BORDER CHILD has earned a starred review from Kirkus, no easy feat. And none other than the BBC has declared it a must-read. It is, in fact, one of their top 10 books to read this month!

I’m so proud of these women and the work they have created, work that challenges readers to think, work that pushes up against our preconceived notions of how the world works, work that entertains as it  informs.

I know of no other way to show them how proud I am than to give away their work. So leave your name and/or comment below and enter a chance to win!! Tell your friends, too.

Both women are currently on tour, so check out their websites to see if they are going to be in your neck of the woods.

Or if you don’t want to wait, run out to your local bookstore and get you a copy now. (Both books available as eBooks).
Karen Spears Zacharias is author of BURDY and the forthcoming CHRISTIAN BEND (Mercer University Press).