Popping in after bit of a blog hiatus to herald another awesome book into the world. Today I'm pleased to welcome Lauren Skidmore, author of the brand-spanking new book, WHAT IS HIDDEN. Lauren is a kindred spirit and fellow wanderer... she loves to explore new places and has even been here in Japan, traveling and teaching English. She has her sights set on Europe next. When she's not exploring new places, you can probably find her on the internet with fifteen windows open and looking at just one more thing before actually getting something done. (See? Kindred spirit!)And her book is just what I love to read - mystery, history, and intrigue in a truly spectacular setting. Here's the official book blurb:
In a land of masquerades and mystery, Evie is a mask maker in Venesia, where masks represent rank and identity. When a cryptic bandit strips away Evie's mask and destroys her home, she goes into hiding at the palace to find both a new identity--and revenge.Here's what people are saying about WHAT IS HIDDEN:
"Crisp dialogue and quick pacing propel the story, a riff on Cinderella, to an action-filled ending. Filled with gossiping servants, palace intrigue, and masquerading royal personages, this novel will appeal to romance and fantasy fans" --Publisher's Weekly
"Charming twist on a classic fairytale... an enchanting story of friendship, romance and loyalty." --Deseret News
In keeping with my theme this year, I asked Lauren to share with us a random act of kindness she had either given or received. Here's her response:
I thought for a long time about what kindness I wanted to write about, and my mind kept drifting back to one small instance from my freshman year of college.
My dorm was close to The Creamery, a tiny grocery store-slash-diner, and I had over estimated how much I could carry in one trip. I hadn't really shopped for my own groceries before, and I definitely hadn't done it without a car. So I ended up with like fifty pounds of grocery bags, slowly walking the block back to my dorm.
A jogger passed me, (because there are always joggers everywhere in Provo) and then came back to ask if I needed any help. I told her I didn't, becauseI could literally see my front door, but she insisted, took half the bags from me, and helped me carry them in.
It was a super tiny thing, but I think it really helped set the tone for my college experience. Campus wasn't so scary if random joggers will help carry your groceries fifty feet."
I love this story because it illustrates that you don't have to do something big to make an impact on a person's life. Each little act of kindness counts in a huge way. Thanks, Lauren!
