| When life already seems bleak, the Russians send her to Siberia. Aircraft mechanic Katya Morozov longs for her beloved Mikhail, a Russian naval officer, to return from war. But when an unwanted work assignment takes her far from her home into remote Siberia, Katya faces threats—perhaps because she and her father were engaged in covert protection for persecuted Christians. A chance encounter with charming test pilot, Yuri Sokolov, turns into more than a passing acquaintance…igniting the flames of a conflict between Katya’s faithfulness to Mikhail and her growing attraction to the enigmatic pilot. Will messages from a mysterious woman in the woods give her the wisdom and strength she needs? Yuri, who has hidden battles of his own, must likewise make a decision—does he follow his dreams or pursue the lovely mechanic who has captured his heart? |  |
To Love a Falcon, a retelling of the Russian fairy tale “Finist the Falcon,” takes readers into the intrigues of Russian operatives, the stark landscape of Siberian winters, and the courage of those who risk death for faith and love.
Genre: Christian Historical Mystery, Fairytale retelling
Release Date: November 7, 2023
Release Date: November 7, 2023
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Interview with Nancy
1. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
It took about six months...once I have an outline, I can write rapidly. Writer’s block usually hits me only at the beginning of a project, not at the end. Deadlines help tremendously, too. I write a weekly devotional blog on my website, which forces me to write around 1,000 words within a couple of hours. It’s like exercise, requiring a regular commitment to keep up my skills. When it’s fun, it goes fast!
It took about six months...once I have an outline, I can write rapidly. Writer’s block usually hits me only at the beginning of a project, not at the end. Deadlines help tremendously, too. I write a weekly devotional blog on my website, which forces me to write around 1,000 words within a couple of hours. It’s like exercise, requiring a regular commitment to keep up my skills. When it’s fun, it goes fast!
2. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
While I spent the most time developing the heroine and hero (Katya and Yuri) in the story, I enjoyed hanging out with Dmitri and Anton. Both of them emerge as benevolent characters who admire Katya for her generosity and hard work. Dmitri is strong, cheerful, selfless, and caring—he takes Katya under his wing and frequently rescues her from trouble.
While I spent the most time developing the heroine and hero (Katya and Yuri) in the story, I enjoyed hanging out with Dmitri and Anton. Both of them emerge as benevolent characters who admire Katya for her generosity and hard work. Dmitri is strong, cheerful, selfless, and caring—he takes Katya under his wing and frequently rescues her from trouble.
3. How did you name your characters?
I looked up common Russian names as well as their meanings. For the heroine, I chose Katya, which means “pure” or “perfect”—appropriate for the way God is perfecting her. Morozov, her last name, means “frost,” which reminds me of one of my favorite Russian words, “morozhenoye” (ice cream)! Yuri, the hero, means “light of God.” I paired Yuri with Sokolov, meaning “falcon” or “eagle”—appropriate for a pilot and the fairy-tale plot based on “Finist the Falcon.”
I looked up common Russian names as well as their meanings. For the heroine, I chose Katya, which means “pure” or “perfect”—appropriate for the way God is perfecting her. Morozov, her last name, means “frost,” which reminds me of one of my favorite Russian words, “morozhenoye” (ice cream)! Yuri, the hero, means “light of God.” I paired Yuri with Sokolov, meaning “falcon” or “eagle”—appropriate for a pilot and the fairy-tale plot based on “Finist the Falcon.”
4. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
One of the most surprising parts of launching my book has been the happy response from my family and friends. They have rallied around me by joining me at book-signings, heaping on loads of praise, and really celebrating with me. I have been so humbled and honored by their encouraging words...and they inspire me to keep writing novels.
One of the most surprising parts of launching my book has been the happy response from my family and friends. They have rallied around me by joining me at book-signings, heaping on loads of praise, and really celebrating with me. I have been so humbled and honored by their encouraging words...and they inspire me to keep writing novels.
5. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
Write your own story, about your life. It doesn’t have to be a Pulitzer-prize-winning effort...just tell the facts, the people you’ve loved, the times you’ve been happy or sad, and the things you’ve learned from God. When you’re gone and there’s nothing but a gravestone with start/finish dates, your stories in writing will remain in the hearts of those to come. You have the opportunity to inspire others to follow Jesus Christ in their own lives.
Write your own story, about your life. It doesn’t have to be a Pulitzer-prize-winning effort...just tell the facts, the people you’ve loved, the times you’ve been happy or sad, and the things you’ve learned from God. When you’re gone and there’s nothing but a gravestone with start/finish dates, your stories in writing will remain in the hearts of those to come. You have the opportunity to inspire others to follow Jesus Christ in their own lives.
Readers can find out more about my current novel, “To Love a Falcon,” through Celebrate Lit Publishing’s website (http://www.celebratelitpublishing.com/posts/book/to-love-a-falcon/) or by going to Amazon where it’s available on Kindle and in paperback. Readers can also follow my blog and news at my Lightbourne Creative website, https://lightbournecreative.com–I publish a weekly devotion blog to encourage other Christians in their daily life.
More from Nancy
Want to know more about the real-life murder of a Russian naval officer…during a top-secret World War II mission? It’s a fascinating story that sparks even more questions, such as, what if the slain officer had a fiancée back home who didn’t know he was killed?
“To Love a Falcon” is a historical fiction novel set against the backdrop of life in post-WWII Siberia, the persecution of Christians by an anti-religious régime, and the plight of loved ones left at home who waited for lost soldiers. There’s a dash of suspense, romance, and fairy-tale lore thrown into the mix, too!
My father-in-law, who served in the U.S. SeaBees for the top-secret mission, had shared some of the details about the murder…and, I knew an old Russian fairy tale called “Finist the Falcon” that would serve as the perfect template for telling his story. I have my own personal story from Siberia (my husband and I adopted our son from there in 1999), but I learned many more interesting facts during research about this mysterious, challenging place—still largely uninhabited to this day. Our son, who is now a pilot, also helped tremendously in delving into the MiG-9, the first jet-powered fighter aircraft developed in Russia.
I hope you’ll join me on this adventure into the risks of untested flight…the murderous threats of anti-religion zealots…the relationship between a plucky female aircraft mechanic and a charming test pilot…and the possibilities of love and forgiveness in a snowy wilderness. Maybe you’ll fall in love with Siberia, too!
“To Love a Falcon” is a historical fiction novel set against the backdrop of life in post-WWII Siberia, the persecution of Christians by an anti-religious régime, and the plight of loved ones left at home who waited for lost soldiers. There’s a dash of suspense, romance, and fairy-tale lore thrown into the mix, too!
My father-in-law, who served in the U.S. SeaBees for the top-secret mission, had shared some of the details about the murder…and, I knew an old Russian fairy tale called “Finist the Falcon” that would serve as the perfect template for telling his story. I have my own personal story from Siberia (my husband and I adopted our son from there in 1999), but I learned many more interesting facts during research about this mysterious, challenging place—still largely uninhabited to this day. Our son, who is now a pilot, also helped tremendously in delving into the MiG-9, the first jet-powered fighter aircraft developed in Russia.
I hope you’ll join me on this adventure into the risks of untested flight…the murderous threats of anti-religion zealots…the relationship between a plucky female aircraft mechanic and a charming test pilot…and the possibilities of love and forgiveness in a snowy wilderness. Maybe you’ll fall in love with Siberia, too!
 Nancy C. Williams | Nancy C. Williams grew up on “Nancy Drew” books…and occasionally still tells people her middle name is “Drew,” just to get their reaction. Following in the steps of the intrepid sleuth, Williams is an adventure enthusiast who loves hiking, snow-skiing, taking photos, sharing a good laugh, and enjoying a good mystery. She’s a history buff, too, with an affinity for antiques and fascinating stories from the past. Her writing career began with five years in the “Mad Men” world of ad agencies, crafting ads and commercials for ceiling fans, soft drinks, and pest control, among others. Then, during nearly a decade of editorial work at Federal Express headquarters, Williams traveled the globe (often in FedEx jet cockpits) and collected memories of international cultures. |
She also taught PR at a Christian college for a decade, sharing strategies and practices to the next generation of professionals.
These days, blogs and novels are at the top of her “fun stuff to-do” list. She’s serious, though, about serving Jesus Christ…as a
prayer warrior and writing for God’s glory, striving to encourage others on their spiritual journeys. When she’s not writing,
look for her on the Appalachian Mountain trails with her beloved husband and mini-schnauzer.
These days, blogs and novels are at the top of her “fun stuff to-do” list. She’s serious, though, about serving Jesus Christ…as a
prayer warrior and writing for God’s glory, striving to encourage others on their spiritual journeys. When she’s not writing,
look for her on the Appalachian Mountain trails with her beloved husband and mini-schnauzer.
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Nancy is giving away the grand prize package of
a copy of the book and a $25 Amazon card!!
a copy of the book and a $25 Amazon card!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
Blog Stops
Artistic Nobody, January 25 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 25
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 26 (Author Interview)
An Author’s Take, January 27
For Him and My Family, January 28
By The Book, January 29 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 29
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 30 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 31
Simple Harvest Reads, February 1 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, February 1
Texas Book-aholic, February 2
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 3 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 4
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 5
Through the Fire Blogs, February 6 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 25
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 26 (Author Interview)
An Author’s Take, January 27
For Him and My Family, January 28
By The Book, January 29 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 29
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 30 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 31
Simple Harvest Reads, February 1 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, February 1
Texas Book-aholic, February 2
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 3 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 4
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 5
Through the Fire Blogs, February 6 (Author Interview)