Lois Walfrid Johnson has been writing for young readers for many years. Her series revolve around adventure, mystery, faith, and family. These stories come from the labor of research and the inspiration of life. Her Freedom Seekers series, set on a riverboat in the mid-19th century, is our giveaway this week, and Lois let us in on a few of her writing and research insights.

God often uses research to inspire, guide, and show his providence. Lois says, “When we first started researching we learned how the Underground Railroad crossed the Mississippi River as fugitive slaves tried to reach safety in Canada.  We heard incredible stories about the courage of runaway slaves.  It was amazing how many authentic hiding places we could find and see.

We also experienced the practical ways in which God works. While traveling, we asked the Lord for his stops and starts.  More than once we found a resource we could have missed by only five minutes.  In one museum a young man gave me the name of a resource I needed, then said, ‘Go back to the first building in our complex.  You’ll have a hard time finding him.  I’ve worked here two years and have only seen him twice.’  But the man with whom I needed to talk entered the elevator I was on.  As I started down a hall toward his office, he asked how he could help me!

When my husband and I prayed about where we should start the first novel, we came to the public library in Burlington, Iowa.  On a bulletin board near the entrance was a request for people to tell what they’d like to have in the library.  Two girls answered by saying, ‘We’d like more Christian books!’

I thought, Wouldn’t it be fun for them to have a series that starts in their own home town? Continue reading / Leave a comment…

Congrats to the winners of last week’s Harvest of Rubies giveaway:

Jan McFall Powell

Whitney Schork

Carol Gehringer

Jennifer Cherney

Jazmin K

Luba Makonechnaya

Donna Pierce

Denice Mumford

Jenny Lewis

Lisa Larson

We’ll be contacting you today about getting your free copy to you as soon as possible, so please check your email!

Continuing with our May giveaways, this week we’re givng away TEN sets of the first THREE books in the Freedom Seekers series by Lois Walfrid Johnson! That’s a lot of books! These stories will be great for the younger readers in your life.

To enter the contest, simply leave a comment below with a response to this question:

What was your favorite book or series as a child/teenager? (You may mention more than one if you wish.)

You can sign in to leave a comment using existing Diqus, Facebook, Twitter, or Google accounts. Or, you can easily register with Disqus (our commenting platform) by providing your name and email. Your email won’t be visible to anyone but us.

To learn more about the Freedom Seekers series, check out the following:

Our Author Q&A with Lois Walfrid Johnson

Freedom Seekers on Lois Walfrid Johnson’s website

Happy Reading! Continue reading / Leave a comment…