Perfect Mercy plus book giveaway

by Elaine Fraser

Perfect Mercy is my first young adult novel and part of the Beautiful Lives Series. For many years I was a secondary school teacher and loved seeing how my students’ lives were transformed over the years. Sometimes the way was rocky and they had detours.

Sometimes their lives seemed perfect on the outside, but years later I found out that at that the time turmoil was lurking underneath. Others’ lives were relatively peaceful and happy during the school years and it was only when they left school that problems emerged. 

A couple of years ago I received a message on Facebook from a student I hadn’t seen for about ten years. I had never had any contact with her since she’d left school. 

At the time, I was writing Perfect Mercy and feeling discouraged. Why had God told me to write fiction? I was ready to give up. What was the point? 

I just wanted to say to, that while I was at school I went through one of the hardest times in my life. 

I haven't told many people this, but it got so bad back there that I actually became suicidal. 

I want you to know that you were a shining light to me back then, and I am sure that God put me in your class for a reason. He knew that what I would go through would be tough, but He always manages to put the right people around us. 

While I was at school that right person was you, I might not have always behaved like it, and I'm sure I never said it. You were a light into the dark places of my life. 

Coming to your class, for me, was like a breath of fresh air, an escape. It wasn't anything about what you were teaching, it was more who you were and I guess I could see (without realising it at the time) but God was alive in you and that was clear to see. You carried his presence with you and that for me, was life. 

So, thank you (insert facebook hug here). So, I thank you...and I am sure that I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for that. 

Leaving teaching to write was one of the hardest decisions of my life. I loved it so much. God has given me a new mission - to write for girls like the one above. The ones who love God, yet struggle with life and emerge stronger and more resilient. 

My hope for these novels is that the girls who read them enjoy the stories but are also inspired to build faith and live beautiful lives. 

Book One: Perfect Mercy 

Perfect Mercy, Elaine’s first novel, is the start of the Beautiful Lives series for young adults.

Perfect Mercy is the story of Mercy Hamilton who has the perfect life. She is gorgeous with amazing fashion sense, is intelligent and has the perfect boyfriend, family and home. 

However, things start to unravel when Mercy does something she regrets at a party. Mercy’s perfect world falls apart as she discovers her parents haven’t been as happy as she believed, her reputation is ruined and her relationship with her boyfriend breaks down.

In real life our choices have consequences and, just when you think there is no hope, along comes Perfect Mercy. 

Book Two: Love, Justice is due out April 2014

Book giveaway: Elaine, thanks for visiting with us today. By commenting on today’s post, Australian and New Zealand readers can enter the drawing to win a print copy of Perfect Mercy. The drawing will take place on Monday, February 3 and the winner announced in a comment on this post on Tuesday, February 4. Please leave an email address [ ] at [ ] dot [ ] where you can be reached. 

"Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws."

After many years as an experienced and respected secondary school educator, Elaine began writing for young women. 

She sees the need to teach young people to have resilience, confidence and a strong sense of purpose. 

Her husband, Steve is a photographer and they both spend significant time traveling the world gaining inspiration.

Elaine also works for Transform Cambodia as an educational consultant. The role involves travel to Cambodia and the training of teachers.

Elaine has published two non-fiction books: Beautiful: beauty tips for the soul and Too Beautiful: more beauty tips for the soul. Her first young adult novel, Perfect Mercy, was released in 2012. 

You can find out more about Elaine at www.beautifulbooks.co

Regular blogger at: http://www.kinwomen.com/author/elaine-fraser/ 
Website: www.beautifulbooks.co 
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ElaineFraserBeautifulBooks 
Twitter: @Elaine_fraser 
Instagram: elainefraserauthor