Interview with Romantic Suspense Author Lisa Harris

LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist and winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 from Romantic Times. She and her family are missionaries in Africa where she homeschools, leads a women's group, and runs a non-profit organization. She loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari.

SS: Please share with us about your missionary work in Africa.

Almost ten years ago, our family moved to South Africa to work with my husband’s aunt and uncle, primarily with leadership training. After spending four years there, God clearly called us to Mozambique where we now live. While we still work for African Outreach Ministries, our work is focused more on discipleship and planting village churches.

It’s been an amazing and, at times, difficult few years, but I’ve see over and over how God is faithful. A couple of years ago, after dealing with the physical needs of people, we decided to start The ECHO Project (www.theECHOproject.org) to enable us to help more people. This non-profit helps with Education, Compassion, Health, and job opportunities. Last year we were joined by another couple who has a lot of agricultural experience and will be using these skills, as well as their ministry gifts, in conjunction with our work. 

 SS: What are some of the highlights of your life in Africa?

Besides ministry highlights and the people we’ve met, one of the greatest highlights has been the opportunity to travel. We spent five months in Brazil, learning Portuguese, have traveled some in Europe, and across southern Africa. Our kids have been able to scuba dive in the Indian Ocean, have seen the penguins at the tip of South Africa, and have encountered leopards and lions at Kruger Game Park.

SS: Tell us about your current release.

Dangerous passage is a novel exposing the darkness of human trafficking, not in some far away part of the world, but right here in the US.

When two Jane Does are killed on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, detective Avery North discovers they share something in common—a magnolia tattoo on their shoulders. Suspecting a serial killer, Avery joins forces with medical examiner Jackson Bryant to solve the crimes and prevent another murder. But as they venture deep into a sinister criminal world, Avery and Jackson are quickly taken to the very edge of their abilities—and their hearts. 

SS: How did you come up with the idea for this story?

Several years ago, I wrote Blood Ransom, a novel that focused on human trafficking in Africa. At the time, I had no idea this was an issue in the US. With this new series, I decided that setting this story in the US, the backdrop of human trafficking would not only make an exciting story, but would also help people become aware of this very real issue.

SS: What’s the story’s takeaway?

In the story, my main character, Avery North, struggles to balance life as a widow and a single mom with a full-time career. She has to come to the point where se realizes her weaknesses and fears and rely only on God’s strength.

In our own lives, we often feel inadequate to follow God’s call, but never forget that the God who created the universe loves us and wants to be our strength. He came to heal the empty and broken hearted, and those searching for freedom and hope. That’s what I hope readers take away from this story.

SS: How can readers contact you on the internet?

I love to hear from my readers! You can find me at my website, www.lisaharriswrites.com, or my blog, http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com.

Lisa is giving away a copy of DANGEROUS PASSAGE! Please comment below and include your email address/contact information if you would like to be entered in the drawing.