My next guest author is the incredibly talented…
Kristina McMorris!
Kristina McMorris is a graduate of Pepperdine University and the recipient of nearly twenty national literary awards. A host of weekly TV shows since age nine, including an Emmy® Award-winning program, she penned her debut novel, Letters from Home (Kensington Books, Avon/HarperCollins UK), based on inspiration from her grandparents’ wartime courtship. This critically praised book was declared a must-read by Woman’s Day magazine and achieved additional acclaim as a Reader’s Digest Select Editions feature, a Doubleday/Literary Guild selection, and a 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist for Best Historical Fiction. Her second novel, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves (March 2012), has already received glowing reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews, among many others. Named one of Portland’s “40 Under 40” by The Business Journal, Kristina lives with her husband and two sons in the Pacific Northwest, where she refuses to own an umbrella.
Kristina’s latest book is BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES:
In this poignant and evocative novel by acclaimed author Kristina McMorris, a country is plunged into conflict and suspicion—forcing a young woman to find her place in a volatile world.
Los Angeles, 1941. Violinist Maddie Kern’s life seemed destined to unfold with the predictable elegance of a Bach concerto. Then she fell in love with Lane Moritomo. Her brother’s best friend, Lane is the handsome, ambitious son of Japanese immigrants. Maddie was prepared for disapproval from their families, but when Pearl Harbor is bombed the day after she and Lane elope, the full force of their decision becomes apparent. In the eyes of a fearful nation, Lane is no longer just an outsider, but an enemy.
When her husband is interned at a war relocation camp, Maddie follows, sacrificing her Juilliard ambitions. Behind barbed wire, tension simmers and the line between patriot and traitor blurs. As Maddie strives for the hard-won acceptance of her new family, Lane risks everything to prove his allegiance to America, at tremendous cost.
Skillfully capturing one of the most controversial episodes in recent American history, Kristina McMorris draws readers into a novel filled with triumphs and heartbreaking loss—an authentic, moving testament to love, forgiveness, and the enduring music of the human spirit.
“A sweeping yet intimate novel that will please both romantics and lovers of American history.”
–Kirkus Reviews
To win a copy of BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES, answer the following question:
What’s your favorite WWII themed book or movie?
(This drawing is open to residents of US and Canada only.)
April 3rd, 2012 at 4:36 pm · Link
When I was a kid it was the movie Castle Keep.
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
April 3rd, 2012 at 4:50 pm · Link
Loved Pearl Harbor and also the mini-series Wins of War. Thia book sounds fascinating.
April 3rd, 2012 at 4:50 pm · Link
I really liked Pearl Harbor
April 3rd, 2012 at 4:53 pm · Link
Pearl Harbor was my favorite movie i think. Saving Private Ryan was good too.
Lisa B
April 3rd, 2012 at 4:58 pm · Link
I liked the Pearl Harbor movie.
April 3rd, 2012 at 4:59 pm · Link
Schindler’s List was one of those movies that floored me. Very emotional.
April 3rd, 2012 at 5:04 pm · Link
Don’t really have one
April 3rd, 2012 at 5:09 pm · Link
I love Saving Private Ryan! But Pearl Harbor with Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett definitely comes a close second.
April 3rd, 2012 at 5:23 pm · Link
It’ll have to be Pearl Harbor or Saving Private Ryan for me, as well.
April 3rd, 2012 at 6:44 pm · Link
I love Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers.
April 3rd, 2012 at 6:56 pm · Link
Hmm my favourite WWII book would be silent honour from Danielle steel. The story is about young japanese girl in love with american guy:)
April 3rd, 2012 at 7:04 pm · Link
IThe WWII era is my favorite in historical fiction. One of my favorite book is Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah.
April 3rd, 2012 at 7:20 pm · Link
I too have to say Pearl Harbor and Saving Private Ryan. The book Winds of War was also a good one.
April 3rd, 2012 at 8:04 pm · Link
Silent Honor is a great book. As for movies, I’d have to say Pearl Harbor.
April 3rd, 2012 at 9:30 pm · Link
Pearl Harbor is an awesome movie so id haveto said pearl harbor
mortalsinn@yahoo.com
April 3rd, 2012 at 9:57 pm · Link
Pearl Harbor!
April 3rd, 2012 at 10:03 pm · Link
Hmm… I haven’t read many set during WWII and am drawing a blank–I think I have one or two on the TBR though!
April 3rd, 2012 at 11:32 pm · Link
Ioved Band of Brothers, Saving Ptivate Ryan, and Pearl Harbor.
April 3rd, 2012 at 11:47 pm · Link
It would be the Great Escape. I like old classic movies.
April 4th, 2012 at 9:19 am · Link
My first WWII movie was Schindler’s List. I was 7. It traumatized me for quite some time.
My favorite WWII movies are Pearl Harbor and Flags of Our Fathers.
April 4th, 2012 at 11:47 am · Link
Band of brothers
April 12th, 2012 at 5:45 am · Link
My favorite WWII book is Hiroshima.