Carol Stratton,Lake Surrender

In my first novel, Lake Surrender, I use my love of Michigan lakes to tell a story of a woman struggling with abrupt change and difficult circumstances to see a greater hand at work.

With slices of humor, I write of hardships many face as a single mom, a parent of a disabled child, a displaced employee, a lonely widow and a once homeless young man.

My characters, flawed, live through unnerving stress, like a barefoot water-skier hanging on to the boat connected with one strand of yarn to life. While hanging onto the boat for dear life they find the unwavering patience of God in the most unusual places.

Using my degree in Recreational Therapy I have worked with autistic children, In this novel I wanted a story that would lift their value in the world while at the same time highlight the difficulty raising such a special child.

My first book, Changing Zip Codes: Finding Community Wherever You're Transplanted is a devotional for movers, anecdotes pulled from 22 moves. I have a passion to help families move reminding them they will have a life and community at the other end.


A foot loose and fancy-free freelancer for fourteen years I've now settled down to a regular gig as a reporter for the Mooresville Weekly in Davidson, North Carolina.

Words define me....I love to speak to women's groups such as MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and at national writers' conferences.

Family defines me more. I have a great husband, four grown children and five grandchildren. As far as hobbies I love music and favor bluegrass. If prodded, I will produce a mandolin.

My secret dream was to become a lounge singer. But realizing that dream is a little late to happen, I've found great contentment writing stories to encourage and inspire women. So actually I've chosen the better path.