Last weekend, I discovered that Netflix has a new movie releasing November 1st. I can’t wait! Holiday in the Wild looks like such a fun movie, and it’s set right here in Africa… actually, in the land of my birth, Zambia.
To be honest though, when my son told me it had orphaned elephants, the thought crossed my mind whether someone had plagiarized my first indie novella, Orphaned Hearts. I spent a few agonizing moments conjuring up scenarios of how to prove the story had been mine to begin with, and ugh, the lengthy court battles that could ensue. I was very pleased to realize when I watched the trailer, that it’s not even remotely my story. Yay!
This is my orphaned elephants story…
I did a search on Goodreads and discovered 106 romance novels set in Africa—from the southern to the northernmost tip—although probably only a handful are Christian romances (I recognized a few names there). And why not? There’s a romance about Africa. I love what English writer, Rudyard Kipling says: “One cannot resist the lure of Africa.”
Another beautiful saying I came across that so describes how Africa can touch your very soul, is by South African poet, Bridget Dore. “You cannot leave Africa, Africa said. It is always with you, there inside your head. Our rivers run in currents in the swirl of your thumbprints; our drumbeats counting out your pulse; our coastline the silhouette of your soul.”
But why am I telling you all of this? Because I’d like to take you away to Africa on a safari this very weekend—a book safari. It started yesterday already, but hey, we’re on African time here … there’s plenty of time to catch up.
This book safari has some romance books, plus other genres. There are fiction and non-fiction books containing stories, devotions and memoirs. For sure, there’ll be something for everyone to read. Until Monday, we have giveaways planned and you’ll also get to learn about several authors connected to Africa and with books set in this amazing continent.
A word of warning first before you hop into that safari vehicle with me … you must know that it’s entirely possible you may just lose your heart, because one cannot help falling in love with Africa.
Personally, I’m giving away 5 e-copies of The Other You set in the winelands of South Africa, two $5 Amazon gift vouchers; and 3 e-copies each of Orphaned Hearts (Zambia) and A Time to Laugh (eastern coast of South Africa) at our Africa Book Safari taking place right now on Facebook. Winners from the Facebook event will be notified within a few days of the book safari’s end.
But I don’t want any of you to be left out (just in case you can’t make the safari), so I’m also going to give away an e-copy of each of those three books. Just let me know which of the books below you haven’t read to be in the draw to win. Three winners will be drawn randomly to win one book each.
USA Today bestselling author, MARION UECKERMANN’s passion for writing was sparked when she moved to Ireland with her family. Her love of travel has influenced her contemporary inspirational romances set in novel places. Marion and her husband again live in South Africa and are setting their sights on retirement when they can join their family in the beautiful Cape.
I tried to post in the safari yesterday but my computer or should I say browser went mad again. Its been playing up so much ever since the internet service started dropping out. It often freezes and the only way to restart is to take the battery out.
I will try again later to comment. I have read a few books set in Africa.
Hi Marion, what a beautiful quote about Africa- “our rivers run in currents in the swirl of your thumbprints”- wow! I have never been to Africa, (one day!) but from the documentaries/books/pictures it looks like a very beautiful, diverse continent. I can only think of your books and 2 other Christian authors who have books set in various locations in Africa, so I am eager to be introduced to more.
Blessings:)
I am sorry I have been MIA at the book safari, things have been a little crazy in my world right now, but I have read all your books and love this wonderful project you have all put together to show case Africa!!
I really have enjoyed reading books or watching movies set in Africa. I have not read A Time to Laugh or Orphaned Hearts so I have added them both to my wishlist.
Hi Marion! I enjoyed all your African stories. Hallmark has a movie set in South Africa. Love on Safari about a young lady who inherits a wildlife reserve in South Africa. Beautiful setting and the movie brings in the colorful African culture. Another movie set in Africa – Kenya is Nowhere in Africa. It is a German movie about a Jewish family that moved to Africa around WW2. May need to watch it again. As pastor’s wife our churches sent Kilo packages (care packages that weighed a Kilo or 2.2 pounds) to our missionary friends in Cameron and Nigeria (West Africa). When on furlough our missionary friends shared delightful stories. I have always been intrigued by other cultures, traditions, and language. Will check in your African Safari later this evening. Looking forward to attending my first Southwest Michigan Writers Conference. Been a busy week reconnecting with high school friends and more. Best wishes and enjoy your weekend.
Hi Marion–I’ve never been to Africa, but know plenty of people who have. It does indeed look beautiful! A great place for a story setting to be sure.
I loved your book trailer! I don’t think I’ve ever read a book set in Africa. I guess I’ll have to give it a try!
I’ve never read a romance set in Africa but lots of women’s fiction because I love Africa and that’s been my only way to visit.
I’ll have to try some romance now!
I nearly had a chance to visit Africa in 2000, but it didn’t work out. One of my sisters and her husband raised their family in Senegal, West Africa, as missionaries there. And one of my nephews, together with his family, is currently a missionary in Mozambique.
Thanks, Marion, for helping me get some details on Africa correct in my novel Plum Upside Down, which has a few chapters set in South Africa. The differences and similarities to Canada are so very interesting!
Marion, thanks for sharing the books about Africa. My husband and I are looking forward to our trip to South Africa in December of 2020. Over a year to wait.
Loved the book trailer! I’m enjoying my time on the safari, though I’ve been late joining the last two days!! I’ll be over there later to play catch up!! I’d like Orphaned Hearts or A Time to Laugh. I have The Other You, I just haven’t had time to read it YET!!
Aw, sorry you’ve been having computer troubles. Well, today, the folder on my external hard drive with all my current WIP, recent books, and planned books, got corrupted. Praying for a Lazarus miracle.
Hope you manage to comment on the Africa Book Safari, Jenny :)
I had a wow moment, too, reading that quote :) Africa is very diverse … deserts, mountains, forests, beautiful coastline, winelands, snow, heat, and a whole lot more :)
Thinking of you and praying for you, Paula. We are having a whole lot of fun on this safari weekend, and it’s been a crazy time! Yesterday I spent 10 hours in front of the PC at the book safari. Today a little less because I had various errands to run that I couldn’t get out of. I feel like I missed a lot today.
Hope you get to read them, Lori. I think you’ll enjoy them :)
Ooh, those sound like great movies, Renate. I’ll have to see if Netflix has them. Enjoy your writers conference … #sonotjealous … right… :)
It’s a great place for stories, Lindi … so many great locations to choose from. I’m looking forward to writing my new series next year set in the Drakensberg mountains.
Thanks, Lila. Glad you enjoyed the trailer. Hope you get to try an Africa-set book soon :)
I hope you get to try, Dalyn. I think you’ll love them. I have a few as noted in my post. So does an author friend of mine … Ashley Winter (she has 11 or 12). Look her up on Amazon :) She’s also part of the Africa Book Safari. Lynnette Bonner also has 6 historical romances set in Zanzibar. I’ll have to get them; they look great!
So sorry you didn’t make it, Valerie. And it was great fun helping you with that piece in Plum Upside Down. I loved that story :)
Oh awesome, Merrillee. Whereabouts are you planning to go? If you’re in my neck of the woods, we must try meet up :)
Great to see you on the safari, Trudy. It’s been a whole lot of fun … crazy busy. There’s still time to catch up, especially when we’re all sleeping this side of the world :) All the best in the draw.
I haven’t read any of your books but they look intriguing. I liked the book trailer. I’ve read other books set in Africa, including a few by Catherine Palmer and Alexander McCall Smith’s No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series.
What an absolutely lovely book trailer and an intriguing story!
Glad you enjoyed the trailer, Pam, and I do hope you get to read some of my books sometime :)
Thank you so much, Laurie. Hope you get to read Orphaned Hearts :)
Hi Marion, Your African safari blog tour sounded like a lot of fun! I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to visit and follow along – I love the concept! 😊