Thursday, September 19, 2019

"Shadow of the Taj" by Lara Bernhardt. An Interview with Lara Bernhardt by Jason E. Foss.


                                                                                 LARA BERNHARDT

                                         "Great Authors write stories that give the Reader the feeling they are walking in the main characters footsteps.  Each book they write not only matches the last but they continue to bring words to life and take you inside the story being told.  Their growth is evident in each chapter.  The time they took to perfect their craft shows in every word.  They can open your eyes to the realities of the world.  One of these Great Authors is Lara Bernhardt.  She's always up for the next challenge.  When she writes a book her imagination takes over.  It knows no bounds.  Her writing was so well received that it demanded a sequel.  A book two being just as good as the first is not an easy feat yet she pulled it off what seemed effortlessly.  When someone writes with Passion once ink hits paper their words are not the beginning of a book rather a Journey for your mind's imagination.  She let us know what motivates her."


                                                                                                               Jason E. Foss


Jason:                              "What inspired you to write Shadow of the Taj?"


Lara:

                                          "Many years ago I had the opportunity to spend about half a year in India. I met wonderful people, learned about a fascinating culture, was served some of the best food I’ve ever eaten, and toured many beautiful, historic sites. The time I spent there was enriching, informative, and eye opening. It was also sobering. Decadent opulence counters extreme poverty, of a depth we have a hard time fathoming in the western world. While there, I witnessed many horrific things that I could never forget. I also read any English-language newspapers and magazines I could get my hands on – and learned about the horrifying reality of human trafficking and sex slavery. The stories I read stayed with me, haunted me.  I tried to research the issue more after returning to the States, but found little information. I needed to write about this, to share it. The characters in my book are not drawn specifically from one character each, but are amalgamations of stories I actually read. I’d like to say the horrors in the book are inventions of my overactive imagination. Sadly, they’re real. Millions of our sisters on the other side of the world live this horror."


Jason:                                   "One of my favorite things about you is the excitement you show when your new books come out. What is one reason why this book means a lot to you?"


Lara:

                                               "Though this isn’t my first published book, it is the first book I ever wrote. It developed slowly over many years. I questioned whether or not it was even my place to write this book. But I didn’t see one like it, and the story wouldn’t let me go, so I committed to bringing it to life. I put in many hours of research to ensure I got it right. I started attending conferences and workshops, learning the craft of writing a novel. Telling this story, speaking out for the helpless, has become paramount to me. I hope that shining a light on this issue may one day improve someone’s life."


Jason:                                     "Which character can you relate to the most and why?"


Lara:

                                                 "I’m going to go with Leslie, the main character, though she is a fictional character and not actually based on me. She is shocked by some of what she witnesses in India and longs to reach out to help those who find themselves in grueling situations. She could be any of us, and embodies many of the challenges and abuses women face navigating their daily lives. I wanted readers to identify with her, to recognize themselves in her as someone who shoulders responsibility, supports her family, and does whatever needs to be done - often without recognition. And some readers may even nod along as they read about issues Leslie has endured that they’ve experienced in their lives. She doesn’t possess superpowers or preternatural skills. She isn’t perfect, but she reaches deep and finds the strength and determination to help a little girl gravely in need of saving."


Jason:                                       "For your fans and book lovers, briefly describe Shadow of the Taj."


Lara:

                                                    "Leslie Matthews, an elementary school teacher, travels with her husband to India on a research trip. She has little to do and few for company. But everything changes during a visit to the zoo, where she witnesses a young girl forced into shameful and humiliating acts for money. Pained by her own dark memories, she follows the girl, hoping to help, and is soon drawn into a bitter world of abuse and systemic sexual slavery."

                                                      "Forced to confront the guilt and shame that surfaces from the abuse she suffered in her past, she resolves to rescue the girl from the brutal and sordid underworld, whatever the cost. In her fight to save another, she risks her safety, her marriage, and ultimately, her life."


Jason:                                             "For those who want to read your book, what is the easiest way to preorder Shadow of the Taj?"


Lara:

                                                          "Shadow of the Taj is available for preorder in eBook and print at Amazon and Barnes And Noble, and eBook at Kobo. Thank you!"

         
                                                 Link:  https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Taj-Lara-Bernhardt-ebook/dp/B07W65NSJ7/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=lara+bernhardt&qid=1568961186&s=gateway&sprefix=lara+ber&sr=8-1


                                                                            CLOSING


                                                           "Lara Bernhardt was motivated by her half a year in India many years ago.  My favorite thing about Lara is even though she is an amazing writer she is so down to earth and giving Readers new experiences is very important to her.  She is just as excited that her new book is coming out as  her fans are.  That type of energy is special.  Those that read her books are never disappointed because they know she will always give them her best.  Her previous works has book lovers anticipating her next.  In less than two weeks they will be able to read another one of her great books.  Click on the link above and Pre-order "Shadow of the Taj"."


                                                                                                                      Jason E. Foss
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