The Inspiration Behind Carolina Reckoning: Out of Life’s Adversity by Lisa Carter

Lisa Carter

God has often taken life’s adversity and used the trial as a refining fire in my walk with Him. This holy fire has in turn provided fuel for the stories with which He subsequently gifts me. My parents divorced when I was nine year’s old. In many ways, I am Claire and Justin in Carolina Reckoning. And like Claire, I was angry at everyone, most of all God, when my world fell apart.

I wrestled with feelings of anger, abandonment, forgiveness, and faith. Like Alison in Carolina Reckoning, I longed to find someone upon whom I could rely. And at the foot of the Cross, I discovered a Father God who is always faithful and true.

Like Alison’s ultimate choice, as a teenager I came to a crossroads—to carry an anger that in the end harmed me more than anyone else or to choose to forgive, to forgive someone who’d never asked for my forgiveness nor deserved it. But to forgive anyway, like God had forgiven me. Because unforgiveness brings its own reckoning. It isn't how God wants us to live. And God's way is always the best way.

Out of those hard times, God birthed this novel within me. Carolina Reckoning is a novel for those who’ve felt alone and faced an unknown future. For those who’ve felt abandoned and betrayed by a friend, spouse or family member.

But in the midst of pain and disillusionment, there is a Savior and Father God who is always faithful and true. Enough for every need—past, present or future.

This is the message I’m excited to proclaim to readers.

It is the story, in a small way, of my life. My own journey, like Alison, toward faith.

Carolina Reckoning is a novel about hope. And true hope, forgiveness and love will be found in Jesus Christ.

I hope you enjoy Carolina Reckoning—a little sweet tea and a whole lot of southern magnolia.

Have you ever wrestled with anger or abandonment? Were you able to use those feelings in your writing? Did it help you to write out those scenes? Please share your experiences with us.

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In the midst of pain, there's a Savior & Father who's always faithful and true. Click to Tweet

True hope, forgiveness and love will be found in Jesus Christ. Click to Tweet

God often takes life’s adversity and uses it as a refining fire. Click to Tweet

About the Author

Lisa Carter is a writer and teacher whose articles have appeared in FamilyFun, Thriving Family, MomSense and Christian Parenting Today. She has taught at the collegiate, high school and

Carolina Reckoning
by Lisa Carter

middle school levels. As frequent speaker and vocalist at women’s ministry events, Lisa shares her own journey of faith regarding God’s sufficiency for every need. Carolina Reckoning is her debut novel. She and her husband have two daughters and make their home in North Carolina. When she isn't writing, Lisa enjoys traveling to romantic locales, quilting and researching her next exotic adventure. www.lisacarterauthor.com
Learn more about Lisa and Carolina Reckoning at www.lisacarterauthor.com. For behind-the-scenes photos, check out the Carolina Reckoning board on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/lisacoxcarter/carolina-reckoning/.

Carolina Reckoning

Alison Monaghan never gets to confront her husband with the proof of his infidelity when his body is found on a lonely back-country road near antebellum Weathersby Historic Park. Homicide detective Mike Barefoot immediately puts Alison at the top of the suspect list. He's learned to keep his emotional walls high and he knows better than to get involved with a murder suspect. But despite his best intentions, he finds himself drawn to her and to her two teenage children. Can he fight his feelings for her—and find the killer before Alison becomes the killer's next victim?