Minneapolis, MN— Lisa Wingate’s charming and acclaimed writing style has enabled her to not
only become a bestselling author but to also successfully walk the line between the mainstream and
inspirational publishing worlds. Actively writing and publishing in both markets, she finds the
stories share a common heart: being grounded in real life.
“For every novel, there’s an interesting backstory,” said Wingate, “a nugget of reality, a real
experience, a real person, a unique event that generated the story. For me the heart of a story is the
smaller human questions that we all struggle with in life.”
This is certainly seen in her latest novel, Never Say Never, inspired by and dedicated to the
“determined, resilient folks of the Texas Gulf Coast,” who Wingate has encountered and helped
during recent Hurricane Ike, Dolly and Rita evacuations as they sought refuge in her small Texas
hometown. “These massive exoduses of people, pets, and belongings are frightening, frustrating, challenging,
and at times oddly wonderful.When so many are on the road seeking shelter, the worst, but also
the best qualities of humanity come to the surface.”
It is this idea of humanity coming together that lies at the center of Never Say Never, where people,
amidst the reigning values of independence and self-sufficiency, are forced to rely on one another to
meet their common needs, realizing that without faith they really are alone in the storm.
Kai has never put down roots in any one place—and she doesn’t plan to. But when a chaotic hurricane
evacuation lands her in Daily, Texas, she meets hometown-boy Kemp Eldridge, and she begins to think
twice about her wayfaring existence. Until she discovers he may be promised to someone else. But Daily
usually has a few surprises in store—especially when Aunt Donetta has cooked up a scheme.
Mixing Southern charm and wit with authentic life experiences,Wingate brings to life the heart
and generosity of the small Texas town with a good dash of romance tossed in.