14 Days of Sweet Stories: Paula's book "The Crux of Honor"

The Best Love Story
A Personal Essay by Paula Mowery for “14 Days of Sweet Stories”

The editor-in-chief at Prism Book Group put out a call to the authors through our private Facebook group for submissions to a series based on The Love Chapter, First Corinthians 13 (in The Holy Bible). 

She figured the group of stories would be nice releases for Valentine’s Day. She printed out the passage and basically, the different phrases were up for grabs as to be the theme for the story. I had my eye on one phrase but missed out on that one when another author beat me to it. I decided that I could come up with a story based on the section: “Love does not dishonor.”

God brought to mind my time living in Maryland near the Amish and their honorable ways. This is when my story started to take form. I began with some “what if” questions. What if someone with Amish ties were to bring dishonor to the family? What if the supposed dishonor actually revealed long-concealed lies?

My next thought was about an unexpected pregnancy being the ultimate dishonor in the story. I recalled my time as a devotional leader at our local Pregnancy Crisis Center. Conjuring bitter feelings to portray through my characters wasn’t difficult. When God afforded me the opportunity to serve at the pregnancy center, I was definitely conflicted. These girls had become pregnant, many by accident. As a young woman, I struggled with infertility and harbored ill feelings toward those who found themselves in unexpected pregnancies. But as I got to know these women and heard their stories, I realized I was wrong. What I needed to show them was God’s unconditional love, available to all.

Thus, within the pages of The Crux of Honor, the reader will encounter some Amish parts, as well as a precious Pregnancy Crisis Center, ran by loving Christian women. There are also some medical conditions that reflect research into the Amish community. Of course, a romance buds within those pages of the reunion/second chance type.

Naturally, I enjoyed creating the romance between the heroine and hero. A good love story is still my favorite to read as well as to write. But my ultimate hope is that the reader will encounter an unconditional love available from God, which is the best of all love stories, within the pages of The Crux of Honor.

~*~
Author bio: 

Paula Mowery is a published author, acquisitions editor, and speaker. Her first two published works were The Blessing Seer and Be The Blessing from Pelican Book Group. Both are women’s fiction, and their themes have been the topics of speaking engagements. 

Be The Blessing won the Selah Award in 2014 in the novella category. In November of 2013 her first romance released in the anthology, Brave New Century, from Prism Book Group. This book went to number five on Amazon’s bestseller category, historical Christian romance. Legacy and Love was her first solo romance and was a finalist in the Carolyn Readers Choice Awards in 2015. Her other titles include a Christian romantic suspense called For Our Good, a Christmas romance called Love Again, and a romance inspired from the Love Chapter called The Crux of Honor. 

Reviewers of her writing characterize it as “thundering with emotion.” Her articles have appeared in Woman’s World, The Christian Online Magazine, and the multi-author devotional blogs, Full Flavored Living and Putting on the New. She wrote a section for Join the Insanity by Rhonda Rhea. She has devotionals included in several collaborative books.

She is a member of ACFW and also on the faculty for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference.

Paula is a pastor’s wife and mom to a college student. She homeschooled her daughter through all twelve years, and they both lived to tell about it. Before educating her daughter at home, she was an English teacher in public school.

Learn more about Paula at her blog as well as find other links to connect with her at www.paulamowery.blogspot.com.

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Blurb for Paula's book The Crux of Honor: 

Chelsea Wilson’s life is a constant reminder of what living dishonorably looks like. At every turn she continues to prove her mother’s shunning must be deserved. 

Dr. Kevin Alley returns to the old home place to establish his medical practice. After running into Chelsea, he knows his love for her is still strong.

Chelsea is ousted from her small rented room when her mother bursts in, proclaiming Chelsea’s pregnancy.

Kevin takes Chelsea in, giving her space to live on the upper level of his house. 

When Chelsea’s baby displays life-threatening symptoms, Chelsea must face her mother. Secrets unfold about Chelsea’s parents. 

Can Chelsea and Kevin uncover the secrets linked to Amish heritage in time to save the baby? Can the two find love together despite their history?

~*~

Enter the book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

25 Days of Christmas Stories: Interview with Paula Mowery, author of Love Again

Welcome Paula Mowery to the blog today! She's a wife to a pastor, mom to a college student, editor and author! Today, she is gladly giving away a free e-copy of her Christmas story, Love Again! Here's the cover photo for Paula's book:

You can enter the book giveaway contest by filling out the form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway Now enjoy getting to know Paula, the author of Love Again! 

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*Words by Alexis are in bold, words from Paula are not in bold:

Alexis: Love Again is a Christian romance story. What message are you hoping to convey to your readers through this book? 

Paula: God is there when we experience loss in our lives, and He can even bring opportunity for a second chance at love. Things that we might see as setbacks might really be set-ups from God.

Ben is a soldier who’s returned from his duty overseas to raise his children after his wife dies in a car accident. What—or who—was your inspiration for this character? Describe Ben’s personality, strength and flaws. 

A few years ago my family was vacationing in Myrtle Beach. We love seafood, so we went to a local seafood restaurant. Our waiter was very kind and my hubby asked him a few questions about how he came to be working there. This was his story. His wife had been killed in a car accident and he gave up his career in the military to come home and raise his children. His story sparked the writer in me and I immediately started penning the story of Ben. The character, Ben, is determined and yet conflicted by his grief, which he has never really dealt with since losing the love of his life. He says he wants to move on and make a life for his children, but he deals with memories and guilt of whether he should know happiness or even love again.

Who is Jenna and how does she inspire Ben to “love again”? Give us insight into Jenna’s personality, hopes, dreams and life skills. 

Jenna is fulfilling the calling and desire of her heart by coming to a church in Myrtle Beach to be their new children’s minister. 

Her only knowledge of love has been a distracted and mostly self-centered Peter, who doesn’t understand her calling. Jenna moves to Myrtle Beach and moves in with her former roommate from Liberty University. Jenna meets Ben and his daughter at church and then again in the church’s daycare program. Jenna feels attracted to Ben but doesn’t know if she can compete with the memory of his wife.

Who was Jenna’s ex-boyfriend and why did she break up with him with no regrets? 

As mentioned above, Jenna’s ex-boyfriend is Peter. He is self-absorbed in that he can’t even put down his cell phone to have dinner with her. Then he is demanding in that he assumes that she will not work and just be his wife. He degrades her calling from God. She finally sees Peter doesn’t love her but the person he wants her to be for him and his business.

What is it about Ben and Jenna that instantly draws them to each other? 

The first draw is Ben’s daughter. Jenna knows just how to calm Avery’s nerves when starting the children’s weekday program. Ben is intrigued by how Jenna handles herself and also relieved with the help she gives with Avery.

What was the most challenging part of writing this story? 

The most challenging part was to make sure I was true to how Ben would feel losing his wife, someone he truly loved. I wanted to show the tug-o-war going on in his heart. But I also wanted to make sure it was the male perspective. 

What did you love the most about creating Love Again? 

Personally, I like a story of a second chance at love. And I have no idea what happened to the real Ben - the waiter. I suppose I hoped he got his happy ending with love again too.

What do you want your readers to cherish most about Love Again? 

I hope they’ll cherish the fact that God wants to lead us in our lives. Just as Jeremiah 29:11 says, He doesn’t want to harm us. He wants to give us a future and a hope.

What do you love the most about penning Christmas stories? Why? 

I will have to admit that I haven’t written many holiday type stories. I can speak for this one only. Love Again didn’t have an ending. When my publisher created this Christmas series, I remembered Love Again and knew that ending at Christmas time would round out the story perfectly.

Will you write more Christmas stories in the next years? If so, can you give us a glimpse into what it’s about and when your book(s) will be available for purchase? 

I don’t have a Christmas stories in the works right now, but I’m certainly open to being included in a series of this sort again.

I do have a book coming out at the end of April that is in another series from Prism Book Group. The first of this series which is called Love Is will release around Valentines Day. These books are based on The Love Chapter, First Corinthians thirteen from the Bible. My book is based on the part of the passage that states that love does not dishonor. The name of that book is The Crux of Honor.

Thanks for the interview, Paula! Would you like to share any closing thoughts? 

Thanks so much for letting me share about this story. I hope readers will enjoy reading Ben and Jenna’s story as much as I enjoyed creating it.

~*~
Author bio:

Paula Mowery is a published author, acquisitions editor, and speaker. Her first two published works were The Blessing Seer and Be The Blessing from Pelican Book Group. Both are women’s fiction, and their themes have been the topics of speaking engagements. 

Be The Blessing won the Selah Award in 2014 in the novella category. In November of 2013, her first romance released in the anthology, Brave New Century, from Prism Book Group. This book went to number five on Amazon’s bestseller category, historical Christian romance. Legacy and Love was her first solo romance and was a finalist in the Carolyn Readers Choice Awards in 2015.

Reviewers of her writing characterize it as “thundering with emotion.” Her articles have appeared in Woman’s World, The Christian Online Magazine, and the multi-author devotional blog, Full Flavored Living. She wrote a section for Join the Insanity by Rhonda Rhea. She has devotionals included in several collaborative books.

As an acquisitions editor for Prism Book Group, Paula particularly looks for romance stories with Christian values at its core. She’s especially attracted to those manuscripts that leave the reader mulling over the story long after turning the last page.

Having been an avid reader of Christian fiction, she now puts that love to use by writing book reviews. She is a member of ACFW and is on the author interview team. She was a member of the 2014 and 2015 Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference faculty.

Paula is a pastor’s wife and mom to a college student. She homeschooled her daughter through all twelve years, and they both lived to tell about it. Before educating her daughter at home, she was an English teacher in public school.

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Book blurb for Love Again: Ben Jacobsen never thought he would find himself leaving his role as a soldier and living his life without his beloved wife. But, his two young children need a present parent. 

Jenna Campbell moves to Myrtle Beach to take a Children’s Minister position, much to the disbelief of her boyfriend, Peter Callahan.

Through helping Ben’s daughter adjust to the church’s daycare, Jenna is taken by Ben Jacobsen. The feeling is mutual except Ben worries he is betraying his deceased wife.

Can Ben find a way to love again? Will Jenna remain in Myrtle Beach and give love a chance?

~*~

Buy Paula's book:

Amazon - http://amzn.to/1QFa0cH

Barnes and Noble - http://bit.ly/1YdmWXV

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Connect with Paula:
Facebook - www.facebook.com/pages/Paula-Mowery/175869562589187

Website -  www.paulamowery.blogspot.com 

Enjoy her monthly columns on www.christianonlinemagazine.com

Love is in the Air: Author interview with Paula Mowery

Welcome Paula Mowery to my blog today! 

Paula is a pastor's wife, mom, speaker, author and acquisitions editor. Yet she managed to find time amidst the busyness of her schedule to answers my questions for today's author interview feature. *Applause*

A generous heart, Paula has agreed to give away one, free e-book copy of her book Legacy & Love. More details about the book giveaway contest are found toward the end of Paula's author interview. 

Thank you SO much for taking the time for me and my blog readers, Paula. We appreciate it!

I'd say it's time for the interview, wouldn't you? Let's proceed...

*Interview questions from Alexis in bold, answers from Paula are not in bold.

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Alexis: Why do you think your writing career is a calling from God?

Paula: My writing was confirmed as a calling from God when I put out a fleece. I had been writing for several years, sharing with a couple of friends. Back in 2011, one of those friends challenged me by asking if I would ever pursue publication. This question started running around in my head and I finally decided to pray and ask God to give me a sign as to whether my writing was to be for publication or just a hobby to share with friends. The next morning after that prayer, I received an email that one of my articles had been selected for a national magazine. God had my attention. Not long after, I received my first book contract. I felt God was calling me to write and have been following His leading ever since.

You believe writing for a “godly cause” is worth it. Why? Explain what you mean by “godly cause.”

To me a godly cause means that my writing contains truths and messages from God. My stories are entertaining but have deeper meaning and purpose. I can honestly say that writing for a godly cause is worth it even if only a few people read a given book. When I put out that fleece, I also told God that I promised to write the story even if it was only for one person. Isn’t one person worth it? Each one is in God’s eyes. God has confirmed what can happen if I just be obedient and write His message. Readers have shared with me how my stories have encouraged them in their faith. That is the best motivation to keep writing for God’s cause.

Give an example of how the books you write touch people for the cause of Christ.

One reader shared with me how Be The Blessing touched her. She found herself encouraged to be a blessing to others as we are told in Scripture. To me that will have the domino or multiplication effect. If that person blesses another person then that person does the same, then that equals more encouragement for the body of Christ.

Tell me about your book, Legacy & Love. What inspired you to write it?

I had written two different novellas and noticed that both had the godly influence of a grandmother. My own paternal grandmother was really the inspiration for both of the grandmothers portrayed in these stories. Her Christian legacy was strong and still being passed on.

Who are your main two characters in "The Prayer Shawl"? What do they like and dislike? What did you enjoy the most about creating and getting to know each of those two characters? 

The heroine is Hope who is a pediatric nurse who shares God’s love in her words and actions. She learned to create prayer shawls from her grandmother and she passes on this tradition to friends and patients. The hero is Sean who is a reporter always out for that next big magazine article. During college, he becomes disillusioned about his Christianity and strays. I enjoyed creating a strong Christian in Hope who comes face to face with Sean who wants to dispute her beliefs at every turn. It was fun making them attracted to each other but so at odds when it comes to matters of faith. You’ll have to read for yourself to see how that turns out.

Who are your main two characters in the story "Inheritance"? What are their strengths and flaws? How did you create the perfect names for these characters and do those names have special significance to the story? 

Alex is a woman who has never really started her life. She now returns to her nana’s house which she discovers is deeded to her now. This is a good thing because her career opportunities and lack of funds to pay for her small apartment just fell through. But, she soon discovers that her grandmother had a secret. This is a secret that Chase knows but there’s still a missing piece they have to figure out together. Alex feels she’s messed up too often for God to put her on the track to her life’s plan again. Chase becomes instrumental in helping Alex find God’s plan again. 

And, for choosing names, I have a baby name book which gives the meanings as well as spiritual significance. Sometimes I choose names based on meaning but sometimes just by flipping through until one stands out. Alex is named after her grandmother – Alexandra or Alexa which means benefactor or generous. Chase’s name means "pursuer of truth" or "hunter".

You are a published author, acquisitions editor and speaker! How do you do it all and still take time for yourself, your husband and your daughter?

I keep a calendar and organize my time! My daughter is attending Liberty Online and my husband is a pastor. I write and edit during the day and then stop to spend time with them at night unless a deadline restricts me. I really do take advantage of every moment I can. I can read and write in the car (when my hubby is driving). I have been known to work while cooking supper or in waiting rooms.

Who is your publisher? Are you a hybrid author, indie author or traditionally published? 

I have been fortunate to be traditionally published by two wonderful publishers – Pelican Book Group and Prism Book Group. I also have been published traditionally in several collaborative devotional books.

How does your faith in God affect your storytelling?

All of my writing includes truths from God and His Word. God has given me gifts and experiences exclusive to me and from those I write.

Do you only write books for the Christian fiction market? Why or why not?

I only write for the Christian market. I like knowing that my stories are not just to entertain for a couple of days and then be forgotten. When including a Christian message, the impact could be long-lasting. That’s what I believe my calling calls for.

Who is your favorite author and what book of theirs impacted your life?

Share details. Wow. This is way too hard to answer. I review for many Christian authors through ACFW and The Christian Online Magazine and I love so many of them. And, I have found many of them to speak to me in different ways.

You're known for writing books that are “thundering with emotion.” What does that label mean to you?

This label means that evoke in my reader the emotions my characters are feeling so my reader can truly experience my stories.

Where did you grow up and how does it compare to where you reside now?

I grew up in East Tennessee. My hubby and I moved to Fort Worth, Texas, for him to attend seminary and then we were called to a church in Southern Maryland, Amish country. But, about fifteen years ago, God brought us back to East Tennessee, an hour from our families. I love being back here in the Smoky Mountains. I grew up hiking and fishing.

Give us insight into our life as a pastor’s wife and mom to a college student. What’s a typical day like for you? Do you as a pastor’s wife feel the pressure to appear and act perfect? How do you and your family spend your free time?

I learned many years ago that I couldn’t be that picture perfect, do what is expected pastor’s wife. I can only be who God made me to be and I’m responsible to follow His plan. The college student mom is a different role for me. I homeschooled my daughter through all twelve grades and now, someone else is her teacher. That was hard for me to get used to. 

A typical day probably doesn’t exist around our house, but I have a part-time job as an assistant in the school system to pay for college tuition. (Can I get an “Amen”?) I get up at 5:45 and then work from 7:10-12:15. Then I come home and my daughter takes a break from her schooling online. We have a quick lunch. Then, I’m off to my “hole” in the back bedroom where I write and edit until my hubby comes home sometime after 5:00. We have supper and normally I sit in the living room while my hubby watches the latest sports and I read. But, we’re together. 

Now, when emergencies happen in the church, everything changes. We try to spend Saturdays as a family. Sometimes that just means staying home and cooking on the grill. We like to “run off” to the mountains and take in the scenery. My daughter enjoys photography so we’ll go on picture-taking excursions.

Complete this sentence: At the end of the day, I am________________ because________________________. 

At the end of the day, I am a blessed child of God because He allows me to write for Him. 

Thanks for the interview, Paula! Please leave a question for my readers to answer, which will qualify them to enter the book giveaway contest and win one e-book copy of your book Legacy & Love. 

Paula’s question for blog readers: Is there someone in your family tree who left an intentional Godly legacy? Who was that person? Are you continuing that legacy? 

Rafflecopter widget: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~*~
Author bio: 

Paula Mowery is a published author, acquisitions editor, and speaker. Her first two published works were The Blessing Seer and Be The Blessing from Pelican Book Group. Both are women’s fiction, and their themes have been the topics of speaking engagements. Be The Blessing won the Selah Award in 2014 in the novella category.

In November of 2013, her first romance released in the anthology, Brave New Century, from Prism Book Group. This book went to number five on Amazon’s bestseller category, historical Christian romance. Legacy and Love is her first solo romance. 

Reviewers of her writing characterize it as “thundering with emotion.” Her articles have appeared in Woman’s World, The Christian Online Magazine, and the multi-author devotional blog, Full Flavored Living. She wrote a section for Join the Insanity by Rhonda Rhea. She has devotionals included in several collaborative books.

As an acquisitions editor for Prism Book Group, Paula particularly looks for romance stories with Christian values at its core. She’s especially attracted to those manuscripts that leave the reader mulling over the story long after turning the last page.

Having been an avid reader of Christian fiction, she now puts that love to use by writing book reviews. She is a member of ACFW and is on the author interview team. She was a member of the 2014 Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference faculty.

Paula is a pastor’s wife and mom to a college student. She homeschooled her daughter through all twelve years, and they both lived to tell about it. Before educating her daughter at home, she was an English teacher in public school.

~*~
Blurbs for the two stories in Paula's book, Legacy & Love:

Story #1: The Prayer Shawl

Sean Holland is a magazine reporter always looking for the next story. Hope Weaver is a pediatric nurse who shares Christ through making prayer shawls. The shawls are just the touchy-feely story Sean needs, even though he’ll have to endure Hope’s strong Christian beliefs to get it. An unexpected connection brings them together as a couple. But, can they find love if they don’t share their faith?

Story #2:Inheritance

Alex Lyndon’s life has been a series of fits and starts with no finishes. She finds herself jobless and divorced. Now her only family, Granny Olivia, is critically ill. 

Chase Carson had to step into running the family business when his father died. The time is past due to visit Miss Olivia. 

Alex and Chase must go on a treasure hunt. Will each find purpose and love for their lives in the process?

~*~

Buy Paula's book Legacy & Love: 

Amazon.com - http://amzn.to/1HY1mBN

Barnes and Noble - http://bit.ly/1DHpDG0

Connect with Paula: 

You can follow Paula at www.facebook.com/pages/Paula-Mowery/175869562589187. Learn more about Paula at her blog at www.paulamowery.blogspot.com or enjoy her monthly columns on www.christianonlinemagazine.com. You can also check out her blog for Christian writers at www.ccwcu.blogspot.com.