The Inheritance is about the chance we all long for…the chance to start over. Widowed at age thirty-nine and suffering from empty nest syndrome, Rebecca Sinclair is overshadowed by grief and loneliness. Her husband has been deceased for a year, her oldest child has moved to New York in pursuit of an acting career and her youngest child is attending college in France. Having spent over half of her life as a wife and mother, she has no idea what God has in store for her now. Will an unexpected inheritance in the wine country of New York bring meaning and purpose to her life and give her the courage to love again?
US Postal worker Raymond Jacobey has been in love with the little widow since he first set eyes on her. A wanderer searching for the ever-illusive soul mate, Ray has never stayed in one place too long. Raised by self-centered, high-power executives, he’s longed for the idyllic life of residing in a cozy house in a small town with the love of his life. Will he gain the heart of the lovely widow or will he lose her to the wine country of New York?
Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana and the CEO of The Wordsmith Journal Magazine, an online publication designed to connect readers with authors of Christian/clean/wholesome books. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”
I agree with other reviewers that Pamela’s book, The Inheritance, is “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”
Though the passion is intense and steamy, honest and very realistic, the author keeps the romance in the context of Christian values. Christians feel just as intensely passionate as non-Christians, and this book exemplifies how the passion can be there, but also contained in a Godly manner. Normally I wouldn’t review a book like this, but Pamela did such an extraordinarily great job of keeping the message clear.
The story line itself will leave you intrigued, with both Raymond and Rebecca coming from highly dysfunctional families of origin, leaving them both with emotional holes in their lives. And Rebecca’s first marriage isn’t what she thought it was. Then when an unexpected inheritance comes into play, will it change the relationship between them? For better or for worse?
One part that I would change is Rebecca and Raymond staying in separate accommodations, ‘removing all appearances of evil.’ I had a difficult time, too, that Raymond’s past relationships weren’t addressed with confession and forgiveness. I wondered if the book was too titillating, but the author kept it contained, yet left room for reality.
For a passionate read between this couple alone, within the boundaries of God’s values, you will find the book realistic to life’s romantic experiences. Just keep my exceptions in mind.
This book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received.
One Woman. Two Men. One stirs her pulse and the other her faith. But who will win her heart?
Marceline Murphy is a gentle beauty with a well-founded aversion to rogues. But when two of Boston’s most notorious pursue her, she encounters a tug-of-war of the heart she isn’t expecting. Sam O’Rourke is the childhood hero she’s pined for, the brother of her best friend and a member of the large, boisterous family to which she longs to be a part. So when his best friend Patrick O’Connor joins in pursuit of her affections, the choice seems all too clear. Sam is from a family of faith and Patrick is not, two rogues whose wild ways clash head-on with Marcy’s—both in her faith and in her heart.
While overseeing the Christmas play fundraiser for the St. Mary’s parish soup kitchen—A Light in the Window—Marcy not only wrestles with her attraction to both men, but with her concern for their spiritual welfare. The play is based on the Irish custom of placing a candle in the window on Christmas Eve to welcome the Holy Family, and for Marcy, its message becomes deeply personal. Her grandmother Mima cautions her to guard her heart for the type of man who will respond to the “light in the window,” meaning the message of Christ in her heart. But when disaster strikes during the play, Marcy is destined to discover the truth of the play’s message first-hand when it becomes clear that although two men have professed their undying love, only one has truly responded to “the light in the window.”
Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. Winner of the 2009 ACFW Debut Author of the Year and Holt Medallion Awards of Merit for Best First Book and Long Inspirational, Julie is also the recipient of 14 Romance Writers of America awards and was voted by readers as “Borders Best of 2009 So Far: Your Favorite Fiction.”
Chosen as the #1 Romance Fiction Author of the Year in the Family Fiction magazine 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie was also awarded #1 Historical Fiction Author of the Year in that same poll and #3 Author of the Year, #4 Novel of the Year and #3 Series of the year. She resides in Missouri with her husband, daughter, son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter and is the author of “The Daughters of Boston” series—A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, and A Passion Denied. Book 1 in her “Winds of Change” series A Hope Undaunted ranked #5 on Booklist’s Top 10 Inspirational Fiction for 2010.
A Personal Look at Julie’s Heart:
Hello … I’m Julie Lessman, an Inspirational Romance author with a passion for God and a passion for romance. Since the age of twelve, I’ve been in love with the idea of being “in love.” It happened the moment Scarlett seared Rhett with a look on the winding staircase of Twelve Oaks. Suddenly I was a goner, spellbound by the emotional ebb and flow of romantic relationships.
As an adult, I quickly learned that true romance is spiritual as well as physical and emotional. And one pass through the “Song of Solomon” in the Bible told me that God was the biggest romantic of them all, deeply passionate in His love for each of us. Through my love affair with Him, I have discovered that romance can transcend to another dimension where romantic passion and spiritual passion merge, creating a 3-D love story: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together. I hope you enjoy my stories … and may they bring you closer to the Father’s heart.
“Truly masterful plot twists …” — Romantic Times Book Reviews
“Julie Lessman’s prose and character development is masterful.” – Church Libraries Magazine
My Review:
Returning to Boston in 1895 with her parents from New York after five years away, Marceline (Marcy) Murphy is happy to be reunited with her best friend, Julie O’Rourke. Now a gorgeous eighteen-year-old blonde beauty, she has caught the eyes of Sam O’Rourke and his best friend, Patrick O’Connor.
Sam and Patrick are two rogue womanizers that fall in love with Marcy, but the antics they use to court her initially are typical male behaviors that are absolutely hilarious, yet somewhat crude. Marcy’s choice would be based on which man loved God as she did and would make a good husband and family man who wanted many children. One will change his ways to win her heart, the other will fake his way through. Marcy will need God’s help to glean the truth between the two men, despite what she sees and feels.
Julie expressively develops the parents’ story from the Daughters of Boston and the Winds of Change Series. And what a story! The level of intense interactions and characters are just as developed as her previous books in the two series. Though we see what Sam and Patrick think and do, Marcy isn’t privy to this information. This makes for a heart-wrenching story that touches each character in a multiple number of ways. Just as God’s love prevails, love prevails here also, but it’s not clear-cut. Julie interweaves this aspect throughout the story so beautifully and naturally.
You can easily see each of their children through the backgrounds of their parents. Their feistiness, tenacity, faith, passion, and committed love and faith shine through into the series. A Light in the Window brings a warm closure to the two series and gives you more insights to chew on. I loved it! It’s fantastic!
This PDF version of the book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received.
Rebecca Gillespie is lucky to be alive following a devastating car accident that claimed her husband’s life and put her in a coma with little hope of recovery. Her heart still aches for the loss of her precious daughter given up for adoption by her wealthy, dying mother-in-law to a couple in Mills Landing. Now, fully recovered, Rebecca struggles to rebuild her life—alone. She soothes the emptiness in her heart with laughter of children who fill her local preschool, Precious Miracles.
Cole Seibert clings to his daughter, Kimmy, following the death of his wife. They’d adopted the child as an infant, and Cole never imagined he’d be left to raise her alone. When he drops by to register Kimmy at Precious Miracles, he’s confident the center is the best place for Kimmy…Until Rebecca steals his breath and casts his heart into a firestorm with her revelation–
“I think you have my daughter…”
Availability: .It will be available on 11.02.2012 Source.
Mary Manners is an award-winning romance writer who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee with her husband Tim and the cherished cats they’ve rescued from local animal shelters…Lucky and Gus.
Mary’s debut novel, Mended Heart, was nominated Best Inspirational Romance 2010, and was finalist for the Bookseller’s Best Award while her follow-up, Tender Mercies, was awarded an outstanding 4 ½ star rating from The Romantic Times Book Reviews and was also a finalist for the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Buried Treasures, her third novel, claimed Book of the Year by The Wordsmith Journal. Light the Fire, her fourth novel, took top honors for the 2012 Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Mary was named Author of the Year by Book and Trailer Showcase. She writes romances of all lengths, from short stories to novels–something for everyone.
Connect with Mary on her Facebook reader page at Mary Manners, author.
My Review:
Although Rebecca Gillespie and her daughter survived a fatal car accident that took her husband’s life, Rebecca had remained in a long-term coma with little hope of recovery. Her estranged mother-in-law, who was suffering from cancer, had power of attorney. Since she was unable to care for the little girl, she put her up for adoption in Mills Land, where Rebecca lived. Once recovered, Rebecca searched for years to find her daughter, to no avail.
Cole and Leah Seibert adopted an infant girl after she miscarried twice. However, a genetic heart condition took Leah’s life at an early age, leaving Cole to raise their daughter, Kimmy, alone.
Kimmy missed the kindergarten cut-off date by just days, so Cole needed to register her at a preschool. The one he chose was Precious Miracles, run by none other than Rebecca Gillespie. Prior to the registration, Cole was clueless that Rebecca had been looking for her adopted daughter.
Mary’s take on Rebecca’s initial conversation with Cole through the intercom was hilarious, mainly because he was late and she was hungry. The author then takes us into the wild world of flirtatious bantering between Rebecca and Cole, though they’d never admit it at the time. Instead of registering, their bantering and reminiscing about their old skating pasts lasted almost the whole time; he was in hockey, and she skated at Mills Land’s arena. Though they both secretly had colossal crushes on each other in high school, neither had spoken up. They later dated and married different people.
Since they spent too much time reminiscing, Cole took the registration papers home to bring back in the morning when he brought Kimmy to preschool, because he needed to order a birthday cake for Kimmy’s birthday before 7:00 p.m.
The next morning, Cole arrived so early with Kimmy that only Rebecca was there. Again she listened to them talking over the intercom. Only this time, she was taken aback by Kimmy’s resemblance to herself and their father/daughter talk. She finally let them in.
This is where the hard stuff starts. Mary nailed it with the conversations that followed as to whether Kimmy was Rebecca’s daughter. The pain and agony were sweltering off the pages of the book, causing me to empathize with how each parent felt along with their not knowing what to do next. It was hard enough to know Rebecca had been looking for her daughter, but to think she found her and her old crush had her was painfully and tensely depicted. Neither wanted to hurt the other or cause stress for Kimmy, but they both wanted her.
What a wonderfully written novel of the grief, pain, and agony of a non-consented adoption coupled with the loss of their spouses. Yet you can feel the author revel with us in their love and faith that epitomizes the rest of the story’s unwinding. Mary’s book really touched my heart deeply because of the subject matter and how well she handled it.
This PDF book copy was provided free by the author in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received.
A young architect at a prestigious Chicago firm, Bethany Quinn has built a life far removed from her trailer park teen years. Until an interruption from her estranged mother reveals that tragedy has struck in her hometown and a reluctant Bethany is called back to rural Iowa. Determined to pay her respects while avoiding any emotional entanglements, she vows not to stay long. But the unexpected inheritance of farmland and a startling turn of events in Chicago forces Bethany to come up with a new plan.
Handsome farm hand Evan Price has taken care of the Quinn farm for years. So when Bethany is left the land, he must fight her decisions to realize his dreams. But even as he disagrees with Bethany’s vision, Evan feels drawn to her and the pain she keeps so carefully locked away.
For Bethany, making peace with her past and the God of her childhood doesn’t seem like the path to freedom. Is letting go the only way to new life, love and a peace she’s not even sure exists?
To read the first 3 chapters for free, click here.
Wildflowers from Winter/Available May, 8 2012/Waterbrook Press/ISBN-10:0307730387/ISBN-13: 978-0307730381
Katie Ganshert was born and raised in the Midwest, where she writes stories about finding faith and falling in love. When she’s not busy plotting her next novel, she enjoys watching romantic movies with her husband, playing make-believe with her wild-child of a son, and chatting with her girlfriends over bagels and coffee. She could talk books all day and is often spotted around town pushing a stroller, walking a dog, and reading—all at the same time. Visit her website: KatieGanshert.com.
Praise for Wildflowers from Winter:
“Katie Ganshert writes with a compelling mix of honesty and soul. With compassion and a keen eye for the dynamics of relationship, she wrestles with complex issues of love, freedom, and faith.”
—Nicole Baart, bestselling author of Far From Here
“An impressive debut novel. Ganshert weaves a genuine story of love and forgiveness, family and friendship with simple but beautiful prose. She didn’t just capture my interest with this story, she captured my heart. Well done!”
—Rachel Hauck, award-winning author of The Wedding Dress
“With a fresh voice, Ganshert grips you from page one and takes you on a soul-searching journey. Her characters, in all their imperfections, leap off the pages and into your heart. The richness of the story will move your faith and emotions, leaving the warmth of hope long after you finish the last page.”
—Jody Hedlund, bestselling author of The Preacher’s Bride
“Wildflowers from Winter will touch your heart and leave you longing for a more simple life—and more stories by this new author. Katie Ganshert has penned an impressive debut novel about family strife and going home again, even when it’s against your will. This tender story blends human drama and fragile relationships with true-to-life characters that will jump off the page and into your heart.”
—Deborah Vogts, author of Snow Melts in Spring and Seeds of Summer
“What a powerful story! In Wildflowers from Winter, Katie Ganshert gives readers a very touching tale about the power of love and faith to heal a hurting heart. The cast of characters will grab hold of your heart from the first chapter and stay with you long after you turn the last page. The issues raised and their resolutions are realistic and thought-provoking. Katie knows how to write a romance with deep emotion and meaning.”
—Carrie Turansky, author of A Man To Trust and Surrendered Hearts
Two separate tragedies bring Bethany Quinn back to her hometown, Peaks, Iowa, twice. She has no intentions of staying long either time. But downsizing of her job in Chicago makes Bethany rethink her options.
Bethany’s relationship estrangements with her mother and best friend Robin had initially chased her away from Peaks to gain an education and job as an architect. The only one she had missed was Grandpa Dan and his farmhouse–the only one and only place where she felt comfortable growing up. Now Dan was gone and she inherited the farmland, but Evan Price, who had taken care of the Quinn farm for years, inherited the house, equipment and animals. What did she want with farmland? She was an architect!
Katie Ganshert, in Wildflowers from Winter, takes us on a journey of Bethany’s tragic childhood and her wrestling with relationships with those in her hometown. The interactions are multifaceted, ranging from cold, indifferent, estrangement, love, forgiveness and trust. But the changes are neither quick nor simple. They are in-depth and very realistic. The depth of pain for all involved is very personal and palpable. You are drawn deeply into the storyline, with your heartstrings tugged on all the way to the end of the book.
The author builds on a love story in the midst of the tragedies that is sweet and tender, with a touch of guilt for enjoying happiness during such difficult times.
Wildflowers from Winter is a wonderfully written story. One that will make you rethink your relationships, allowing God to restore them as far as you are responsible.
This book was provided free from Ashley Boyer, Senior Publicist at WaterBrook Multnomah, in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was exchanged.
Orphaned in Iowa, Annie Kennedy moves to Boston to stay with her spinster aunt. She longs for romance to fill the void left by her parents’ death. She is embracing the city life with a new name and a wide-open future.
When she gets involved with a fast crowed at Ocean Pier–one that includes the handsome Steven O’Connor–she is pulled deeper into a world of rule breakers and mischief makers.
She finds herself drawn to Steven and the whole O’Connor family. However, Steve is the man who broke an engagement to her sister, and Annie is worried. Will he break her heart too when he discovers who she really is? A secret Annie’s keeping has the power to destroy her best-laid plans.
Will Steven ever see her as more than a sweet country girls who needs protecting. And will he break her hear when he finds out who she really is?
With heart-pounding romance, intense family drama, and emotional twists and turns, A Love Surrendered is everything Julie Lessman’s many fans have been waiting for. It will ignite your senses and inspire your spirit.
A Love Surrendered By Julie Lessman 978-0-8007-3717-6/$14.99/Paperback/
416 pages/Pub Date: October 2012
Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. Winner of the 2009 ACFW Debut Author of the Year and Holt Medallion Awards of Merit for Best First Book and Long Inspirational, Julie is also the recipient of 14 Romance Writers of America awards and was voted by readers as “Borders Best of 2009 So Far: Your Favorite Fiction.” Chosen as the #1 Romance Fiction Author of the Year in the Family Fiction magazine 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie was also awarded #1 Historical Fiction Author of the Year in that same poll and #3 Author of the Year, #4 Novel of the Year and #3 Series of the year. She resides in Missouri with her husband, daughter, son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter and is the author of “The Daughters of Boston” series–A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, and A Passion Denied. Book 1 in her “Winds of Change” series A Hope Undaunted ranked #5 on Booklist’s Top 10 Inspirational Fiction for 2010. You can contact Julie through her website at http://www.julielessman.com
My Review:
Julie Lessman’s opening Scripture, The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still water, He restores my soul: He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake, Psalm 23:1-3, is SO apropos for Steven’s story from beginning to end.
I’ve been completely intrigued with Julie’s books, The Daughters of Boston and now the Winds of Change. A Love Surrendered has surpassed all of the books in these two series because of Julie’s take on Steven’s life. While Julie writes with a passion for romance, she also writes with a passion for the word of God to permeate the lives of her characters. Some take longer than others to surrender their lives to the Lord, but when they do, be ready for a turnaround!
Steve has destroyed one love relationship and is grieved over his lack of control that led to its demise. When Annie arrives in Chicago with her sister Glory to live with their crabby Aunt Eleanor, she is determined to find a special love like Maggie, her older sister, found in Chicago. Little did she know she’d find it with her sister’s first love, Steven O’Connor. But the way she goes about it is manipulative and sensuous–a dangerous combination. Though Steven’s heart does a flip-flop for her, he’s determined not to acknowledge it, as he doesn’t trust himself. Plus, he’s sworn off women and marriage. But he finds himself coming to Annie’s rescue from unscrupulous men.
This book spoke to me so dramatically because the main character, Steven, is so grieved over his actions with Maggie. His guilt and repulsion of his own actions play a major role in the book, which astounds me, as most men usually sow their wild oats and then look for a good woman. Steven is my kind of man!
Julie’s multi-level action, passionate banter within the context of the married siblings and their parents, and her ever-present emotional twists and heart-pounding romance keep you riveted from beginning to end.
The ambivalence that Steve shows toward Anne is intermingled with deep attraction and disgust with himself, which only draws him in deeper until she makes him toe the line. When he learns who she really is, Steven’s anger and sulking is painful and revealing. With four sisters intent in helping him out of his funk, he’s doesn’t have a chance. And they pull out all their ammunition!
When Julie brings in a twister toward the end, your heart is breaking in two. And we know Steven pretty well by this time and know he’ll do the right thing. Whose heart will be broken the most?
The opening Scripture shows what God can do for a man who is willing to set aside his control for God’s leading. Steven’s surrender is his freedom. And what a freedom!
This book was provided free by Donna Hausler, Blog Tour Coordinator of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. No monetary compensation was exchanged.
How can Attorney Alexia Lindale support the wishes of her client when the goal is a near-certain death?
Alexia knows this new case is a matter of life and death. She doesn’t have a clue what it will do to her heart and soul.
Baxter Richardson survived a fall from a cliff while hiking in the mountains. His survival depends on the machines that help him breathe. His haunted, unstable wife wants to pull the plug and hide her secrets. His father wants him alive for reasons of love and money. Attorney Alexia Lindale must navigate the mixed motives and warring facts to determine—and fight for—what’s right for Baxter in this compelling tale of betrayal and a mysterious, healing grace.
Baxter Richardson epitomizes the American dream: good-looking, wealthy, and recently married to a beautiful woman. But when Baxter plunges off a cliff and onto the rocks below, his life and the lives of those around him are forever changed.
Bright young attorney Alexia Lindale never knew Baxter. But she knows the law. And she’s used to winning. As a prominent local divorce lawyer, she’s used to the men of Santee, South Carolina, cringing when their soon-to-be ex-wives hire her. But then her firm assigns her to Rena Richardson and Alexia’s life turns upside down.
Rena doesn’t want a divorce. She wants to unplug her husband, Baxter, from life support, claiming it’s what Baxter would have wanted. But Baxter’s father is threatening to legally override Rena.
Everyone involved has ulterior motives. Yet God has higher plans. Filled with legal twists, deep questions about life and death, and truly memorable characters, this fast-paced, two-part series delivers a story that will stay with you long after the last page.
Bio:
Robert Whitlow is the best-selling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the prestigious Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. A Furman University graduate, Whitlow received his J.D. with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. A practicing attorney, Whitlow and his wife, Kathy, have four children. They make their home in North Carolina.
My Review:
This book, Life Support, has all the tentacles of the Terri Sciavo case, only with differing medical conditions.
The emotional upheavals and shenanigans of Baxter Richardson’s father, Ezra; the inexplicable behaviors and comments of Baxter’s wife, Rena; the calculating and mysterious behaviors of Baxter’s brother, Jeffrey; the perplexing position of attorney Alexia Lindale working to remove Baxter’s life support, mixed with the romantic tension between Alexia and Ted Morgan, all take you for the tailspin ride of your life. And wait until you meet the short, scarred-face Detective Giles Porter!
The constant twists at every conceivable moment forces you to keep abreast of the situations unfolding. Yet, though there are constant twists and turns, I found the writing style to be relaxed and woven methodically throughout the book. I thoroughly enjoyed the flow of the story line.
The characters are all believable in each episode of the circumstances. The emotions and tension are palpable. I was able to connect emotionally with each of the main characters revolving around Baxter’s medical condition, some of which were good and some that weren’t.
You will become acquainted with musical worship and music therapy. I found this aspect so comforting, as I get into music much the same as Ted.
This is my first book by Robert Whitlow, and I’ve already purchased the second in this series! Can’t wait to read that it!
This book was provided by BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was exchanged.
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old…or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
***Special thanks to Karri James, Marketing Assistant, Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lori Copeland is the author of more than 90 titles, both historical and contemporary fiction. With more than 3 million copies of her books in print, she has developed a loyal following among her rapidly growing fans in the inspirational market. She has been honored with the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and Walden Books’ Best Seller award. In 2000, Lori was inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame. She lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband, Lance, and their three children and five grandchildren.
This new series from bestselling author Lori Copeland, set in North Carolina three months after the Civil War ends, illuminates the gift of hope even in chaos, as the lives of six engaging characters intersect and unfold with the possibility of faith, love, and God’s promise of a future.
Product Details:
List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (August 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736930183
ISBN-13: 978-0736930185
AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Joanie?”Beth’s sister stirred, coughing.Beth gently shook Joanie’s shoulder again, and the young woman opened her eyes, confusion shining in their depths.
“Pa?”
“He passed a few minutes ago. Trella will be waiting for us.”
Joanie lifted her wrist to her mouth and smothered sudden sobbing. “I’m scared, Beth.”
“So am I. Dress quickly.”
The young woman slid out of bed, her bare feet touching the dirt-packed floor. Outside, the familiar sound of pond frogs nearly drowned out soft movements, though there was no need to be silent any more. Ma had preceded Pa in death two days ago. Beth and Joanie had been waiting, praying for the hour of Pa’s death to come swiftly. Together, they lifted their father’s silent form and gently carried him out the front door. He was a slight man, easy to carry. Beth’s heart broke as they took him to the shallow grave they had dug the day before. Ma’s fever had taken her swiftly. Pa had held on for as long as he could. Beth could still hear his voice in her ear: “Take care of your sister, little Beth.” He didn’t have to remind her that there was no protection at all now to save either of them from Uncle Walt and his son, Bear. Beth had known all of her life that one day she and Joanie would have to escape this place—a place of misery.
It was her father’s stubborn act that started the situation Beth and Joanie were immersed in. Pa had hid the plantation deed from his brother and refused to tell him where it was. Their land had belonged to a Jornigan for two hundred years, but Walt claimed that because he was the older brother and allowed Pa to live on his land the deed belonged to him. Pa was a proud man and had no respect for his brother, though his family depended on Walt for a roof over their heads and food on their table. For meager wages they worked Walt’s fields, picked his cotton, and suffered his tyranny along with the other workers. Pa took the location of the hidden deed to his grave—almost. Walt probably figured Beth knew where it was because Pa always favored her. And she did, but she would die before she shared the location with her vile uncle.
By the light of the waning moon the women made short work of placing the corpse in the grave and then filling the hole with dirt. Finished, they stood back and Joanie bowed her head in prayer. “Dear Father, thank You for taking Ma and Pa away from this world. I know they’re with You now, and I promise we won’t cry.” Hot tears streaming down both women’s cheeks belied her words.
Returning to the shanty, Joanie removed her nightshirt and put on boy’s clothes. Dressed in similar denim trousers and a dark shirt, Beth turned and picked up the oil lamp and poured the liquid carefully around the one-room shanty. Yesterday she had packed Ma’s best dishes and quilts and dragged them to the root cellar. It was useless effort. She would never be back here, but she couldn’t bear the thought of fire consuming Ma’s few pretty things. She glanced over her shoulder when the stench of fuel heightened Joanie’s cough. The struggle to breathe had been a constant companion since her younger sister’s birth.
Many nights Beth lay tense and fearful, certain that come light Joanie would be gone. Now that Ma and Pa were dead, Joanie was the one thing left on this earth that held meaning for Beth. She put down the lamp on the table. Walking over to Joanie, she buttoned the last button on her sister’s shirt and tugged her hat brim lower.
“Do you have everything?”
“Yes.”
“Then go outside and wait.”
Nodding, Joanie paused briefly beside the bed where Pa’s tall frame had been earlier. She hesitantly reached out and touched the empty spot. “May you rest in peace, Pa.”
Moonlight shone through the one glass pane facing the south. Beth shook her head. “He was a good man. It’s hard to believe Uncle Walt had the same mother and father.”
Joanie’s breath caught. “Pa was so good and Walt is so…evil.”
“If it were up to me, he would be lying in that grave outside the window, not Pa.”
Beth tried to recall one single time in her life when Walt Jornigan had ever shown an ounce of mercy to anyone. Certainly not to his wife when she was alive. Certainly not to Beth or Joanie. If Joanie was right and there was a God, what would Walt say when he faced Him? She shook the thought aside. She had no compassion for the man or reverence for the God her sister believed in and worshipped.
“We have to go now, Joanie.”
“Yes.” She picked up her Bible from the little table beside the rocking chair and then followed Beth outside the shanty, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Pausing, Joanie bent and succumbed to a coughing spasm. Beth helplessly waited, hoping her sister could make the anticipated trip through the cotton fields. The women had planned for days now to escape if Ma and Pa both passed.
Beth asked gently, “Can you do this?”
Joanie held up a restraining hand. “Just need…a minute.”
Beth wasn’t certain that they could wait long; time was short. Dawn would be breaking soon, and then Walt would discover that Pa had died and the sisters were missing. But they had to leave. Joanie’s asthma was getting worse. Each gasping breath left her drained and hopeless, and Walt refused to let her see a doctor.
When Joanie had mentioned the notice in a discarded Savannah newspaper advertising a piece of land, Beth knew she had to buy the property and provide a home for Joanie. Pa had allowed her and Joanie to keep the wage Uncle Walt paid monthly. Over the years they had saved enough to survive, and the owner was practically giving the small acreage away. They wouldn’t be able to build a permanent structure on their land until she found work, but she and Joanie would own their own place where no one could control them. Beth planned to eventually buy a cow and a few setting hens. At first they could live in a tent—Beth’s eyes roamed the small shanty. It would be better than how they lived now.
Joanie’s spasm passed and she glanced up. “Okay. You…can do it now.”
Beth struck a match.
She glanced at Joanie. The young woman nodded and clutched her Bible to her chest. Beth had found it in one of the cotton picker’s beds after he had moved on and given it to Joanie. Her sister had kept the Bible hidden from sight for fear that Walt would spot it on one of his weekly visits. Beth had known, as Joanie had, that if their uncle had found it he’d have had extra reason to hand out his daily lashing. Joanie kept the deed to their new land between its pages.
After pitching the lighted match into the cabin, Beth quickly closed the heavy door. Stepping to the window, she watched the puddles of kerosene ignite one by one. In just minutes flames were licking the walls and gobbling up the dry tinder. A peculiar sense of relief came over her when she saw tendrils of fire racing through the room, latching onto the front curtain and encompassing the bed.
“Don’t watch.” Joanie slipped her hand into Beth’s. “We have to hurry before Uncle Walt spots the flames.”
Hand in hand, the sisters stepped off the porch, and Beth turned to the mounds of fresh dirt heaped not far from the shanty. Pausing before the fresh graves, she whispered. “I love you both. Rest in peace.”
Joanie had her own goodbyes for their mother. “We don’t want to leave you and Pa here alone, but I know you understand—”
As the flames licked higher, Beth said, “We have to go, Joanie. Don’t look back.”
“I won’t.” Her small hand quivered inside Beth’s. “God has something better for us.”
Beth didn’t answer. She didn’t know whether Ma and Pa were in a good place or not. She didn’t know anything about such things. She just knew they had to run.
The two women dressed in men’s clothing struck off across the cotton fields carrying everything they owned in a small bag. It wasn’t much. A dress for each, clean underclothes, and their nightshirts. Beth had a hairbrush one of the pickers had left behind. She’d kept the treasure well hidden so Walt wouldn’t see it. He’d have taken it from her. He didn’t hold with primping—said combing tangles from one’s hair was a vain act. Finger-picking river-washed hair was all a woman needed.
Fire now raced inside the cabin. By the time Uncle Walt noticed the smoke from the plantation house across the fields, the two sisters would be long gone. No longer would they be under the tyrannical thumb of Walt or Bear Jornigan.
Freedom.
Beth sniffed the night air, thinking she could smell the precious state. Never again would she or Joanie answer to any man. She would run hard and far and find help for Joanie so that she could finally breathe free. In her pocket she fingered the remaining bills she’d taken from the fruit jar in the cabinet. It was all the ready cash Pa and Ma had. They wouldn’t be needing money where they were.
Suddenly there was a sound of a large explosion. Heavy black smoke blanketed the night air. Then another blast.
Kerosene! She’d forgotten the small barrel sitting just outside the back porch.
It was the last sound Beth heard.
My Review:
Fever takes the lives of Beth and Joanie Jornigan’s parents, putting them in harm’s way of their Uncle Walt and his son Bear. He’s brutal and cantankerous. He abuses his slaves as well as the girls. So the girls decide to run away along with one of the slaves, Trella, who is very pregnant. They are rescued by three soldiers on their way home from the Civil War, one of whom didn’t want any interruptions getting there!
Thus Lori Copeland creates the tumultuous events that occur to her characters. The characters are portrayed as spunky, determined, rugged, ruthless, trustworthy, and brave. Beth’s distrust of all men makes for a difficult time for her rescuers. And matches in the hands of Beth are a matter of safety for all involved!
There’s plenty of humor, romance, danger, rescue, friendship and trust in Lori’s book. The faith of some is sorely tested, while others are challenged to believe and trust in God to give them their dreams and a future.
The book is well-written and interesting, but it didn’t catch my attention like other books have. It’s a personal preference, as I was looking for more suspense to up the ante. Romance readers will definitely enjoy Lori’s book!
The judicial system may have cleared Kate Carlson, but those she thought loved her still doubt her innocence. Finding strength in her faith, she hopes a fresh start in glorious Colorado will restore peace and serenity to her broken heart. When history repeats itself, will her new friends stand by or desert her?
Robbie Sutherland’s secret threatens to tear him apart, so he’s learned not to rely on God for anything. Kate may appear sweet and innocent, but he’s been fooled before.
Either her selfless love will help him find forgiveness, or his anger and bitterness will destroy their relationship and suffocate him forever.
How can Kate convince Robbie her love is real and, like God’s love, will endure no matter what?
Christian romance writer…
A native Brit and long-time Texan, mother-of-four Elizabeth Pina lives not far from Houston. Her youngest is a freshman at University, but Elizabeth is constantly busy with livestock, show dogs, and full-time employment. Three years ago she came up with the wild idea she could write a book and soon thereafter became a contest diva. Whenever there’s a spare moment, you’ll find her happily ensconced behind her computer chatting happily with the voices in her head.
My Review:
Falsely accused but exonerated, Kate Carlson leaves Houston, TX, for beautiful Eagle Bend, Colorado, at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, to start a fresh life, as her family isn’t convinced of her innocence. Here she starts her new job as a landscaper at Idle-While Assisted Living under her boss, Colin Keyes. Then history repeats itself. Will her new friends trust her? Or think her guilty?
Robbie Sullivan has lost his wife and young daughter in a car accident. The tragedy is compounded by betrayal. The topic of his family is off-limits, and he has closed off his heart to women!
That is, until he meets Kate Carlson. Sparks fly when both are enamored by the other. He finds love again, but the former betrayal stifles his interactions with her. Kate has her own baggage from a broken engagement, but finds a different kind of love with Robbie. Will his broken heart let her in? Will hers trust again?
Cross My Heart is a tenderly written book about marital betrayal, death, anger, grief, new love, and forgiveness. Elizabeth slowly extracts the issues that both Robbie and Kate carry. Though the pain and guilt is great, she gently probes the area of forgiveness for either of them to grow in love together, as trust is the basis of every relationship. The tug of new love is strong, but is it stronger than the grief and pain?
I was pulled into each of the characters as they struggled with their issues. Each time Robbie walked away, I was hoping they’d work it out. Their yearning for one another is so real and palpable, but so are the emotional struggles they endure. Elizabeth writes a compelling love story that revolves around some very difficult, painful issues.
Faith in God’s love and forgiveness are demonstrated by the whole Sullivan family except Robbie. But they keep praying as they see him struggle, which has been going on three years now. Come read how God works in Kate and Robbie’s lives! This book is a tender, yet painful love story you will surely enjoy and relate to!
Book covers don’t usually catch my eye, but this one is deliciously beautiful!
This PDF book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was exchanged.
Kylie reveals exactly what she’s waiting for in a relationship…
Kylie’s Kiss Blurb:
On a dare, Kylie Matthews lands smack in the middle of Solomon’s Gate—Castle Creek’s new Christian dating agency—and she finds herself revealing exactly what she’s waiting for in a relationship: “The kiss that steals my breath away.”
What she doesn’t reveal is her lack of self-esteem or her irrational reaction to facial disfigurement. Neither is applicable to her quest to find the perfect match. But that seemingly superficial malady becomes all-important when her first agency-arranged date is Rick Dale—a man who is everything Kylie is searching for. He’s handsome, smart, fun. Rick has it all…including an angelic six-year-old daughter with severe scarring on one side of her face.
Hard at work founding a therapy camp for young female victims of deformity or disfigurement, Rick wants Kylie to be a part of those plans. She’d love to say yes…but how can she, when every contact with the facility’s guests—and Rick’s own daughter—will make her violently ill?
Kylie is ready to admit their relationship doesn’t stand a chance, but she’s forgotten that God makes a way where there seems no way.
Fun Bio:
Born and raised in a place called Weedpatch, Delia Latham moved from California to Oklahoma in 2008, making her a self-proclaimed California Okie. She loves to read and write in her simple country home, and gets a kick out of watching her husband play Farmer John. The author enjoys multiple roles as Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, but especially loves being a princess daughter to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. She loves to hear from her readers. You may contact her through her website or send an e-mail to delia AT delialatham DOT net.
Professional Bio:
Delia Latham is a born-and-bred California gal, recently transplanted to Oklahoma where she lives with her husband Johnny. She’s a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend—but above all, she treasures her role as child of the King and heir to the throne of God. Delia enjoys big, loud, happy family gatherings. When she’s not writing, she loves to play piano and sing, read, enjoy nature’s beauty, and design marketing products for authors.
A former newspaper Staff Writer and frequent contributor to her hometown’s regional publication, Bakersfield Magazine, she has also freelanced projects to a public relations firm and various magazines; has compiled, edited, and designed cover art for several book projects for Kindness Incorporated and Chuck Wall, the president/founder of that organization; and has sold greeting card verse. Many of her short stories, articles, and devotions can be found online.
Latham’s backlist of published novels includes: Goldeneyes (2008, Vintage Romance Publishing); Yesterday’s Promise (2010, White Rose Publishing); Destiny’s Dream (2010, White Rose Publishing, Solomon’s Gate Series, Book 1); and Mine! (children’s picture book, 2011, Vinspire Imaginations). Kylie’s Kiss (Solomon’s Gate, Book 2) released in April 2011. Book 3 in the Solomon’s Gate Series will also be available in 2011, with release date pending.
The first-prize winner of the oil bottle necklace will be chosen from comments left on June 27thONLY. I’ll send an e-mail to all of my hosts, announcing the winner, and you may announce it on your blogs if you choose to do so.
The pendant is about 2 1/2 inches long and the decoration is the same on both sides. The oil is Hadas’sah Queen Esther Oil. Necklace and oil from The Master’s Jewels.
ADDITIONAL PRIZES:
For every half dozen blogs I visit on June 27 through June 30, I will give away one pdf copy of either Destiny’s Dream (Book one, Solomon’s Gate) or Kylie’s Kiss (Book two, Solomon’s Gate) ; OR a print copy of Morning Rendezvous(winner’s choice). So…if I’m hosted at twelve blogs, I’ll give away TWO books. If I have eighteen hosts, THREE commenters will win a book. And so on.
Below are all the blogs Kylie and I will be juggling on June 27th. As I schedule more, they will be added here, so you’ll know where to find us. (Two blog addresses beside any host’s name indicates that host will post Kylie’s and/or my information at two different web locations).
Kylie and I are SO EXCITED about this event, and looking forward to chatting with you on June 27th! See you then!
Let’s talk about anointing oil.
In Destiny’s Dream, Book One in the Solomon’s Gate series, the heroine is a firm believer in the power of this amazing additive to heartfelt, genuine prayer. At the end of every day in the dating agency, she kneels at her desk and prays over that day’s applications—to ask God’s guidance in pairing two hearts. Before taking her petitions to the throne, however, she anoints each application with oil.
This is not a new thing. A crucial part of biblical history, anointing oil played important roles in the lives of the children of Israel. God gave specific instructions as to ingredients and use. He provided different “recipes” for different purposes. Certain rituals were connected with its use, and God expected strict adherence to His instructions in regard to those rituals. Once His conditions were met, however, anointing oil became a powerful connection between His children and Himself.
It still is.
In the Old Testament, this medium—referred to as “holy anointing oil,” was used for a variety of purposes. It played a part in preparing the dead for burial; priests were anointed at certain times, by pouring oil over their heads. An anointed priest was considered to be wearing “the crown of the anointing oil of his God”; kings were anointed prior to taking the throne; the tabernacle and the vessels within it were anointed to make them holy. In the New Testament, it didn’t see quite so many uses, but it was still a common practice under certain circumstances: in preparation for burial, when welcoming important guests, and when praying for healing of the sick.
It’s as if the very aroma of the oil wafts its way to Heaven, reaches God’s nostrils and draws His attention to the need being addressed. As if making the extra effort of applying oil earns some kind of heavenly “brownie point,” if I may be so inelegant. It gives God a heads-up. “Hey, Dad…it’s me. Your kid. I’ve got a situation here, and I sure could use Your help.”
He smells the oil, and his ears perk up. His senses go on all-alert. His heart swells with love. The natural instinct of a protective, caring, loving Papa rises up within Him. The Creator of the Universe charges in, in full battle array, to defend…protect…heal…whatever the need is. He’s on it.
Through Destiny’s story, God opened my eyes to the power of anointing with oil. He used a fictional heroine in a made-up story set in a non-existent California town to give me the key to very real, as-yet-untold riches.
I grew up in a Christian environment. From a very young age, I watched my pastor anoint the sick with oil before he prayed over them. But I never thought about why he did that. Some members of our congregation used to anoint the doors and windows of their homes when they moved into them, to invite in God’s presence and drive out anything unholy that might be lurking within. I had heard about this practice, but I didn’t inquire into the purpose behind the gesture. I failed to grasp the tremendous power being harnessed and put into action right before my eyes.
Have you considered the possibilities God has opened up for you? Are you adding this amazing “secret” ingredient to your prayers?
As for me, Destiny May’s use of anointing oil throughout the Solomon’s Gate books taught me to pray more effectively. She showed me the unlimited heights that can be reached, the miracles that can be wrought through the power of prayer coupled with anointing oil. Trailer:
Kylie’s Kiss Excerpt:
Rick settled into a seat across from Kylie and Clay and sat in silence for a moment, a slight frown drawing his dark brows together. Finally he looked up, first at Clay, then in her direction. “Kylie, I haven’t had a chance to share with you about Lea, though I believe Clay knows a little.”
Her heart sank and her gaze flew to her boss, who nodded. Yes, he knew about Lea, whoever she was. This didn’t sound good. “Who’s Lea?”
“She’s my little girl.” Kylie drew in a slow, deliberate breath, forcing herself to stay calm. So he had a daughter. As long as a wife wasn’t the next announcement, she could handle that.
“You have a child. How old is she?”
“She just turned six.” Rick’s expression softened as he spoke, and Kylie knew without a doubt that Lea was his life. His green eyes, startling against the olive of his skin, met hers without flinching. “She’s a special child, Kylie. Smart, beautiful, charming….” Kylie found herself fascinated by the adorable little self-derisive grin that played about his lips. “And sweet as cotton candy.”
Kylie couldn’t help smiling. “You don’t like her much, huh?”
“She is my heart and soul.” A little sheepish, but unrepentant.
“When do we get to meet this perfect child?” Clay’s grin lit up his craggy face. “Destiny’s already looking forward to it, but be warned—she’s going to try to keep her. My wife has a thing with kids, man. She loves ’em, and they always love her right back.”
Rick laughed a little, but his tone was serious. “I hope she still feels that way after she meets Lea.” He pulled a wallet from his pocket, then sat for a moment, saying nothing.
Puzzled, Kylie watched him run slender fingers through his thick black hair. Again and again he invaded the thick waves, managing to somehow leave them only slightly mussed. Finally he opened the billfold and pulled out a photo.
When he raised his head, revealing the torment in his eyes, her heart nearly stopped. What was wrong with Lea? Whatever it was, did Rick think it would make a difference in how she or Clay might feel about the child? If so, he certainly didn’t give them much credit.
“This is Lea.” He handed the photo to Clay, who smiled and passed it on to Kylie.
“She’s a cutie all right, my friend. You weren’t exaggerating. So what’s the problem?”
Kylie wondered the same thing. The photo showed a partial silhouette of an extraordinarily beautiful child. Unlike her olive-skinned father, Lea was a vision of light. Golden hair, porcelain skin, eyes the color of a robin’s egg. Kylie met Rick’s gaze, mystified by his obvious unease. “She’s lovely.”
“Thank you. I think so.” He pulled out another photo and handed it to Clay. “In spite of this.”
Kylie’s stomach clenched and threatened to revolt. Her boss’s flinch was slight, but unmistakable. Oh, dear God, please help me handle whatever this is with grace. How ironic that her first real prayer in years would be one of such a pitifully begging nature. Somehow she knew her reaction to this photo could mean life or death for her relationship with Rick. How strange that she’d be thinking in terms of a relationship now, when only moments before she’d been ready to concede defeat.
Clay nodded slowly, then met Kylie’s eyes. He held briefly to the picture even after her fingers closed on it. His words were directed to his friend, but his gaze held hers. “You’re right, my friend. Nothing could make this child anything less than perfect.”
He released the photo into Kylie’s grip. By now she did not want to look at it. Something in Rick’s eyes and Clay’s voice told her she could be in trouble. But what choice did she have?
Her eyes moved in slow, jerking movements from Clay’s face to the photo in her hands. She gasped, overwhelmed with sympathy—and total panic.
Another silhouette, shot from the opposite side of Lea’s face. Long, lumpy red welts stained her exquisite skin, puckering her cheek into an inhuman mask. Kylie had no idea she was crying until the tears tickled her face, even as her throat closed and her stomach lurched.
The photo fluttered to the floor as she leaped to her feet. Sending the two men a desperately apologetic look, she flew out of the room with a hand over her mouth.
Interview Q & A:
Q: Tell us a bit about who you are outside of the writing field.
A: I’m a born-and-bred California gal, transplanted to Oklahoma at age 50. Talk about your “change of life!” My husband and I moved here in 2008, after he was medically retired (with COPD) and needed to get out of the San Joaquin Valley in California, with its sadly tarnished air. I am fortunate to be able to write full time—a new thing for me, and I’m loving it! The Solomon’s Gate Series sounds intriguing, with the whole dating agency concept.
Q: Is your new release, Kylie’s Kiss, a part of that series? Share a bit about Solomon’s Gate.
A: Solomon’s Gate is a set of three books, based around a Christian dating agency of the same name. The introductory novel, Destiny’s Dream, focuses on Destiny May, who founds a Christian dating agency in a mid-sized, conservative California town. The two follow-up novels involve a couple of Destiny’s “Seekers,” which is her name for the people who come to her seeking a soul mate. Kylie’s Kiss, book two in the series, released April 29. I’m excited about this book, and the true-to-life issues in the storyline. Here’s a blurb: On a dare, Kylie Matthews lands smack in the middle of Solomon’s Gate—Castle Creek’s new Christian dating agency—and she finds herself revealing exactly what she’s waiting for in a relationship: “The kiss that steals my breath away.”
What she doesn’t reveal is her lack of self-esteem or her irrational reaction to facial disfigurement.
Neither is applicable to her quest to find the perfect match. But that seemingly superficial malady becomes all-important when her first agency-arranged date is Rick Dale—a man who is everything Kylie is searching for. He’s handsome, smart, fun. Rick has it all…including an angelic six-year-old daughter with severe scarring on one side of her face.
Hard at work founding a therapy camp for young female victims of deformity or disfigurement, Rick wants Kylie to be a part of those plans. She’d love to say yes…but how can she, when every contact with the facility’s guests—and Rick’s own daughter—will make her violently ill?
Kylie is ready to admit their relationship doesn’t stand a chance, but she’s forgotten that God makes a way where there seems no way.
Q: How do you market your work, or does your publisher do the majority of the marketing?
A: My publisher is wonderful about doing everything they can to get the word out and place our books. They are, however, a small press, and I am expected to help with the marketing. That said, even large publishing houses are now asking authors to contribute something to the promotional process, so I don’t mind. I’m grateful to find a reputable home for my books. White Rose is recognized by both RWA and ACFW, so they must be doing something right.
Q: What can we expect from you next?
A: I’m working on a book of women’s fiction. It incorporates characters from two of my earlier books…Yesterday’s Promise and Goldeneyes. This is a bit unusual, since Goldeneyes is set in 1936 and 1959, and Yesterday’s Promise is a contemporary romance. Readers who’ve read either or both of those books will definitely be interested in this one. I’m also working on a short novella for a Valentine collection. Now to find a home for it…
Q: What advice would you give to budding authors who have published a book and now ask, “What next?”?
A: Start writing your next one! That said, it’s so important to learn everything you can about marketing a book, because you should be doing that even before yours is released. If you don’t already have a platform of followers/fans, start building one—yesterday! Use as many social networking tools as you can efficiently handle, and work them. If you don’t have a website, get one. This will be crucial to your publicity, and if you can’t afford to have one done professionally, there are numerous free web hosting companies online. Webs.com is a good one. Above all, place your career in the hands of God and follow His lead. He sees the bumps in the road ahead that are not within your line of sight yet, and He knows how to guide you through, around, under or over them…whichever is best for your situation. Trust Him!
Q: As a successful author, are there any words of wisdom you’d like to share?
A: “Successful” is probably stretching it a bit. I’m still struggling to make a name for myself and get my books on the bookstore shelves, because I truly feel that each of them hold a message from God for someone—hopefully more than one someone. My advice is always, first of all, to write from the heart. Also, I think it’s absolutely vital to a writer’s success to find a place they can call their own, whether that means a fully dedicated office, the corner of a bedroom, the end of a dining table, or a closet dedicated to the cause. Wherever, whatever it is, go to that place every day, preferably at the same time every day, and write. Write badly if necessary on some days, but write. That’s what writer’s do.
Q: Do you have a favorite verse of scripture?
A: I actually have two, and it’s impossible for me to choose one over the other.
This first one is my daily plea, because I need a new, clean heart every day—and only God can keep my spirit right and steadfast!
Psalm 51:10—Create in me a clean heart, O God,And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
And this one I like to read every morning, because it reminds me where my mind should be channeled.
Philippians 4:8—8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Q: Just for fun, what super power would you like to be blessed with?
A: Just one? I think I’d like to be able to fly, then I could visit all the places I’d love to see without having to spend the money to get there.
What’s the most foolish advice you have followed regarding romance?
Book Blurb: My Foolish Heart: Unknown to her tiny town of Deep Haven, Isadora Presley spends her nights as Miss Foolish Heart, the star host of a syndicated talk radio show. Millions tune in to hear her advice on dating and falling in love, unaware that she’s never really done either. Issy’s ratings soar when it seems she’s falling in love on-air with a caller. A caller she doesn’t realize lives right next door.
Caleb Knight served a tour of duty in Iraq and paid a steep price. The last thing he wants is pity, so he hides his disability and moves to Deep Haven to land his dream job as the high school football coach. When his beautiful neighbor catches his eye, in a moment of desperation he seeks advice from My Foolish Heart, the show that airs before his favorite sports broadcast.
Before he knows it, Caleb finds himself drawn to the host—and more confused than ever. Is his perfect love the woman on the radio . . . or the one next door?
Bio: Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia, Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota’s beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church.
Susan’s larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.
Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!)
A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at:www.susanmaywarren.com.
Since a tragic car accident took the life of her mother, Isadora (Issy) Presley has been home-bound due to debilitating panic attacks. She secretly holds down the job of a talk show host on her program, ‘My Foolish Heart,’ giving romantic advice, though she’s never been on one single date. Her shows’ mantra is ‘Your perfect love could be right next door,’ despite the fact that she can’t appropriate that ideal for herself.
Caleb Knight, an Iraqi war survivor with disabilities, moves next door to Issy, hoping to capture a new life teaching and coaching. When he spies his next-door beauty, he calls the ‘My Foolish Heart’ radio program for advice in claiming her for his true love.
Susan writes a witty, humorous romance story that is filled with hope for healing and a chance for a new life. She aptly describes Issy’s life of an agoraphobic lifestyle caused by a former trauma, while showing the power of God in extracting a new life for Caleb despite former trauma. Issy’s outlook on life is a stark contrast to Caleb’s viewpoint, which Susan plays on throughout the book.
Issy’s initial impression of Caleb as having Neanderthal manners and a very unruly dog brings out the misconceptions we make of people before getting to honestly know them. The whole of the story is the unraveling of such misconceptions, and presents as a fun, romantic read. The characters are very real, and the conversations bring a lilt to the story, even as they touch on hard issues and how to deal with them with forgiveness.
Susan’s book will entertain while exposing you to issues you may not have dealt with in your own personal life. God’s truth and faithfulness comes full round, though maybe not necessarily as one might think it should happen.
This book was provided by Amy Lathrop of Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was exchanged.
The Inheritance is about the chance we all long for…the chance to start over. Widowed at age thirty-nine and suffering from empty nest syndrome, Rebecca Sinclair is overshadowed by grief and loneliness. Her husband has been deceased for a year, her oldest child has moved to New York in pursuit of an acting career and her youngest child is attending college in France. Having spent over half of her life as a wife and mother, she has no idea what God has in store for her now. Will an unexpected inheritance in the wine country of New York bring meaning and purpose to her life and give her the courage to love again?
member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana and the CEO of The Wordsmith Journal Magazine, an online publication designed to connect readers with authors of Christian/clean/wholesome books. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”
.jpg "TBBMG Blog Button")
