This week I’m hosting Jessica Keller with The Widower’s Second Chance (US only), Davalynn Spencer with Romancing the Widow (US and Canada only) and Bonnie Leon with Where Eagles Soar. If you want to enter the drawings for the books, please leave a comment on your post with your email address. I will not enter you without an email address (my way to contact you if you win). If you don’t want to leave an email address, another way you can enter is to email me at margaretdaley@gmail.com. The drawings end Sunday (Aug. 24th) evening.
Interview with the heroine from Where Eagles Soar by Bonnie Leon:
1. Lily Sanders, tell me the most interesting thing about you.
I never saw myself as nothing much, especially not someone interesting. Living a wilderness life never seemed special to me. But now people tell me I’m very interesting because I lived so different. My life was unbelievable—how we lived and managed to stay alive. People don’t do that today.
And I’m one who never gave up on things and I never will.
2. What do you do for fun?
When I was a kid me and my sisters and brother used to play cowboys and Indians. When Daddy was gone Mama let us be free. We’d take the horses and tear through the woods, and we’d build little huts and have us some fierce battles.
Now days, me and my husband pan for gold and we even get some color now and then.
3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?
I don’t put nothing off. Why put it off—you got to get it done so you might as well.
I’ve always been like that. Now that I’m old, people tell me I have t slow down, but I don’t, not unless I’m laid up real bad.
4. What are you afraid of most in life?
I’m not afraid of much. ’Course when I was young grizzlies worried me, but that was something worth worrying about.
One time when I was out with my dad, taking a boat up the coast, the boat sank and we all nearly drowned. I couldn’t swim. I’ve been afraid of water ever since.
But probably the thing that worries me most is whether I’m doing enough for the Lord. I don’t want to let Him down. I’m always giving out Bibles and talking to people about Him. When I stand before God I don’t want to be ashamed.
5. What do you want out of life?
When I was a girl I wanted to be a famous runner. A neighbor of ours had a tractor and when he’d go to town I’d run behind him all the way, dreaming about one day being a famous marathon runner. I even got a piece of paper and wrote down that dream.
Now days I just want to live peaceful and help as many people as I can, with whatever they need.
6. What is the most important thing to you?
My mama was the sweetest, kindest person I’ve ever known. Since I can remember I’ve wanted to be just like her. She always looked out for the family. And I’ve always fought for my family, helping my sisters whenever they needed something. I even helped my daddy. One time when I was little a neighbor was beating up on him and I grabbed up a rake and started hitting that fella with it, doing what I could to help Daddy, even though he didn’t deserve it.
7. Do you read? If so, what is your favorite type of book to read?
I love to read. I read all the time, maybe because for so much of my life I couldn’t read a lick. My favorite books are Christian true stories. I just got done reading all of the Corrie Ten Boon books. She was the most amazing person.
8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I’d change my looks. I think I’m the ugliest one of the girls in my family. My daddy always told me I was ugly. Even now, I can’t get that out of my head.
9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?
I had two pets when I was a girl. When I was six and recovering from a bad injury, my dad got me a teeny little Pomeranian. That dog was so sweet and she went everywhere with me. Mama also let me have a little banty chicken. I called her Penny. Mama would say, “Go out and feed Henny Penny.” I loved that little chicken.
One time, I took my dog and the chicken with me up into the mountains on horseback. We had a good ‘ol time together.
10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?
I’d go right here where I live in Oregon. A lot of years ago when I was a girl, a hunter told me there was no place like Oregon. He told me about all the food you could grow here and he said, “You should visit Oregon. You’ll never come back.” Boy, was he right. I love it here. It’s the first place I lived that I didn’t have to fight the cold and snow and all the mosquitoes.
Living a wilderness life is very special & interesting.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Lily’s life was so unlike most of ours. It was amazing in so many ways, but it was also terrifying.
I enjoyed this character interview and would love to know more about Lily!
texaggs2000 at gmail dot com
Britney, I love Lily. She is amazing – a true gem, unlike any other. And she is ecstatic to tell her story.
Would be great to meet Lily someday.
Pam, she will be at the Roseburg signing on September 6th. She’s a doll and full of stories. Each meeting is always interesting.
I love all of Bonnie’s Women of strength and faith. . .always so encouraging and powerful. Thank you Bonnie for following where God leads, you are an awesome example of Faith and trust. I love you.
Thank you, Teri. You are such a dear friend. Hugs to you.
Lily, such a beautiful person
She is a lovely person who loves God with her whole heart, but she has warts like we all do. 🙂
Ohhhh, wish Bonnie ‘n Lily could come to my house for a whole afternoon of noshing, yakking, and enjoying each other! My twin and I played the same games as kiddos—and we’ve shared a “few” of the same experiences. I hate that her daddy called her ugly–mine called me Fatty Patti and my twin Piggy Peggy. Sticks ‘n stones may hurt my bones but names will ALWAYS hurt me… Great interview with a grand lady! pattiiverson@gmail.com
Patti, that would be so much fun. Maybe we can get together somehow, one of these days.
So sorry about the name calling. Words do hurt or heal.
#4 sounds scary
bn100candg at hotmail dot com
Yep. I agree.
Lilly-thank you for the inspiration and encouragement you are to me to ‘carry on’ in my life with our Lord 🙂 My God continue to bless your days with His peace and love. (I am sure He will-xoxo)
Sincerely,
Laura W.
Laura, I will give Lily your message. It will mean a lot to her. Thank you for your tender heart.
Okay. I really, really, REALLY want to read this book. And I know Bonnie would want me to have it, because we’re practically sisters. 🙂
Rebecca, I am REALLY really chuckling right now. You are a lovely sister.
Hugs.
I am so thankful to know this little gal! She is full of spunk!! Great to see her story finally in print! Thank you Bonnie Leon for all the love & hard work you poured into this!!❤️
Okay, Melody, you sparked tears here. She is a spunky gal. I love her. And I am privileged to be the one to write her story. And, yep, it was a lot of hard work. But when I gave that book to her and I see what God is already doing through this work, every moment was worth it.
Lily, Thanks for having the perseverance to gain your freedom and the endurance it took to tell your story.
It will set many captives free!
Lyla, thank you. I will make sure to share these messages with Lily. She will be so blessed. And I am praying for the healing of wounded hearts.
Hoping my email, is listed, as it was required to post here– if not, please let me know and I’ll list it out here in the open(?)
This book sounds so good! I’m not sure what the bad thing is that Lily’s father does to hurt her so bad but our relationships with our earthly fathers sound a lot alike and I’m itchin’ to hear Lily’s story!
Kristen
kam110476 at gmail dot com
I’m excited to read Lily’s story and so thrilled that I actually know her and also the wonderful author, Bonnie Leon! A first for me! Lily is certainly a “beloved child of God”, a one-of-a-kind strong woman.
Thank you for introducing Lily. I would love to know more through this fascinating book.
melback at cebridge dot net