Let Love Bloom: A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill

Interview with Jennifer Beckstrand, 

author of A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill:

Alexis: Why did you title your book “A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill”?

Jennifer: All the Huckleberry Hill books have “Huckleberry” in the title. Even though Sam and Elsie are often at odds with each other, it’s definitely a courtship as they learn to trust each other and work together.

Alexis: Who is Sam Sensenig? Describe his looks, personality, and heart. What motivated Sam to take on the parenting role for his younger siblings?

Jennifer: Sam is tall with curly, light brown hair and blue eyes. Even though he’s in his early twenties, he’s got a lot of responsibility at home. His father is dead, his brother is disabled, and his mother is frequently bedridden. Sam feels a profound obligation to care for the farm and his family because he’s the oldest son and everyone relies on him. He’s quick to jump to conclusions and get angry, especially in defense of his brother Wally, who lost his foot and lower leg in an accident several years earlier. There is no one more loyal than Sam, though sometimes his loyalty is misplaced. If he can see past his own mistaken assumptions about the teacher, they might both be able to help Wally—and fall in love.

Alexis: Who is the schoolteacher in this story and why is she bullying Sam’s disabled brother? Who is Elsie Stutzman? Describe her looks, personality, and heart. How has Elsie’s stubborn streak gotten her into trouble in the past and how is it affecting her present?

Jennifer: Elsie Stutzman comes to Wisconsin to teach at the one-room schoolhouse where Sam’s siblings attend school. Elsie is petite, dark-haired, and feisty, and her strong opinions got her in trouble at her last school. Elsie is not one to back down from a fight, especially when one of her students is concerned. Elsie thinks people have coddled Wally for too long, and she’s determined to treat him like any other child. Wally isn’t happy when Elsie expects more of him, and he makes Sam believe that the teacher is bullying him. Sparks fly when Sam confronts the teacher!

Alexis: Sam and Elsie have a clear mutual attraction but are clearly at odds. Is there hope for a budding romance between these two stubborn hearts? Why or why not?

Jennifer: There is definitely hope, as soon as Elsie can convince Sam that she wants what’s best for Wally. When Sam realizes that Elsie is on his side, it doesn’t take long for him to fall head over heels.

Alexis: Who is Mammi and what role does she play in this story?

Jennifer: Mammi is the Pennsylvania Dutch word for grandma. Elsie’s eighty-four-year-old mammi, Anna Helmuth, loves to find matches for her grandchildren, but she certainly has a hard time getting Elsie and Sam together in this book.

Alexis: What do you love most about writing Amish fiction? 

Jennifer: I love the strong faith and enduring family ties of the Amish. They have chosen to live simple lives in order to bring them closer to God. We could all use a little simplification.

Alexis: What makes this story special to your heart?

Jennifer: A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill is a story of hope and faith and not giving up on someone, even if they’re hard to love. I have a friend who was born with half a leg, and her persistence and determination have always been an inspiration to me. It was truly gratifying to write about Wally coming to realize his worth and potential as a human being.

Alexis: What role does your characters’ faith in God play in this story?

Jennifer: Faith in God permeates Amish daily life. Everything that happens is seen as God’s will. Sam has to learn to put his faith in God instead of piling so much on his own shoulders.

Alexis: What was the most challenging part and the most rewarding, of writing this book?

Jennifer: The most challenging was getting Wally’s disability right without stereotyping him. The most rewarding was seeing the final product. Hopefully, this book gives hope to others and encourages them to never give up.

Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about this story? Why?

Jennifer: I want them to realize the power we each have to affect other people’s lives for the better. And, I want them to thank a teacher. Teachers touch so many lives, but they’re the most underappreciated group in the world.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Jennifer!

~*~
Author Bio:

Jennifer Beckstrand is the RITA-nominated, award-winning Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series and The Honeybee Sisters series for Kensington Books. 

Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth and the Honeybee sisters’ aendi Bitsy. 

Jennifer has published nineteen books. She has a degree in mathematics and a passion for Jane Austen and Shakespeare. 

Jennifer and her husband have been married for thirty-four years. They have six children and six adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

~*~
Book Blurb: 

There's nothing Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin’s irrepressible eighty-somethings Anna and Felty Helmuth like better than a challenge. And the chance to matchmake their feisty granddaughter is their most delightful task yet…

Elsie Stutzman’s plain-spoken ways got her in trouble once before, so she needs to make a good impression at her new teaching job. But she's not about to let disabled student Wally Sensenig work below his potential. And she definitely won’t put up with his hot-headed older brother sabotaging her efforts, no matter how handsome he is. . .

Sam is nearly at the end of his rope caring for his ailing, widowed mother, working their farm, and raising his siblings. He'll admit Elsie’s ideas are bringing Wally out of his angry shell—but why does she have to be as stubborn as she is pretty? Yet as it turns out, Elsie has taught Sam something about himself as well. And he’ll do whatever it takes to make up for his mistakes—and win her heart forever.

~*~
Connect with Jennifer:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferbeckstrandfans
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenniferbeckst1/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jennifergbeckst/
Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/2I7wcQf
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.beckstrand/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jennifer-beckstrand

~*~

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

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Devotionals for the Heart: Sara's story about stepping out on faith

Be of Good Cheer
A devotional by Sara L. Foust

"But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." ~Matthew 14:27 (KJV)

Has God ever asked you to do something scary? Something intimidating? Something so far out of your comfort zone you can’t even see your bubble of safety anymore? 

He has me. A few times now. And man, have I been scared standing at the beginning of those particular new jobs, often wondering why, Lord? Why me? How does my willingness in this area of life play into the bigger picture? What will I learn through this experience?

The truth is, though, that we don’t need to know the why, how, and what. When God asks, we should simply go. Easier said than done, right? 

I very highly doubt that the men and women in the Bible wanted to walk into the middle of a wilderness with no provisions whatsoever. Or that Peter wanted to step out of the safety of that boat to tread atop the water with Jesus. In fact, even the fleshly part of Jesus, the part that felt the agony and the pain, didn’t want to be crucified. He prayed for strength, though, and was willing to walk the line His Heavenly Father had laid out for him. I’m thankful I don’t have to suffer like He did. To this point, every job God has given me has blessed me beyond measure and only added to the joy in my life. 

As I write this, I realize I’m standing on the cusp of walking into the unknown. Just like the men and women of the Bible, God has asked me to do something for Him. I’ve accepted the call and I board a flight on Monday morning to literally fly all the way across the world. I’m leaving my babies, my husband, my every day, routine life to do something scary. Intimidating. Way, way far outside my comfort zone. 

But I know I will be okay, because Jesus is whispering in my heart that I should not be afraid. “Be of good cheer, child, there’s a reason you were called. There’s a reason you must go. There’s a reason, a plan, a puzzle piece that needs to be placed. By you.”

By the time you read this devotional, I will be on a plane headed home. I don’t know what the next two weeks hold for me, but I do know that I trust Him completely. I will have stories to share, photos to show off, and goodies to give to my family when I return. But more than that I have a feeling I will be different. 

With each tear I shed, joy or exhaustion or homesickness, I know they will be making me who God needs me to be for the next step in this journey. I will go and be of good cheer. I will not be afraid. Will you? 

~*~
Author Bio:

Sara writes Inspirational Romantic Suspense from a mini-farm in East Tennessee, where she lives with her husband and their five homeschooled children. 

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Tennessee Mountain Writers.

Her debut novel Callum's Compass won second place in Deep River Books' 2017 Writer's Contest. She also has a story, “Leap of Faith,” in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. Sara finds inspiration in her faith, her family, and the beauty of nature.

When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading, camping, and spending time outdoors with her family. To learn more about her and her work or to become a part of her email friend’s group, please visit www.saralfoust.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: Gracious Words, Health, Honey and Healing

Gracious Words
A devotional by Melissa Henderson

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

~Proverbs 16:24 (NIV) 

Have you considered your words lately? What about your thoughts? Who did you have conversations with today? Reflecting back on this day and recent times, have you shown the glory of God in your words and actions?

Each day, we are given opportunities to shine His love to others. When things are going great and life is lovely, we are happy to share good news and be joyful in discussions with others.

What about those times when life is tough and we feel like venting?

Those times when someone cuts in front of us in the traffic line, or someone gives a not so nice opinion, or something happens at your job and you just feel like you could scream. How do you handle those times? Are your words soothing and calming, gracious and sweet to the soul?

Or are your words angry and defensive, bitter to you and to others?

These are times when we definitely need to pause and ask God for help. Ask Him for peace of mind and heart. Ask Him for the words He would like you to share with others. 

Ask… Ask…

He knows our hearts. He knows exactly what we need.

Imagine having a conversation with someone and the words from the other person are hurtful and angry. Maybe tears flow as the first reaction was unbelief at what was being said. The next reaction might be to defend yourself with hurtful words. How would that help the situation?

Instead, what if you walked away from the conversation? What about pausing to pray and asking God for the words He wants you to share? Or maybe God wants you to stay quiet in this particular instance. Ask Him for guidance.

How do you feel when someone gives you a compliment? When words spoken to you are gracious and sweet to the soul. Does that kindness cause you to want to respond in kindness?

Do you easily lift up others with gracious words and friendliness? We may never know what someone is experiencing in their life. Gracious words can change the perspective of a person who needs love and kindness.

Say hello to the cashier at the store, to the letter carrier, to a neighbor. Ask “How are you?” and truly pause to listen to the answer. Visit a nursing home and listen to the stories of the people there. Their lives are full of magnificent journeys. Taking a walk in the neighborhood on the weekend often brings a chance to speak with people we may not see during the week.

Listen to how you speak to others, in person and on the phone. Are you shining God’s love in your words and your actions? A smile and friendly words can soothe and heal the heart.

Listen to the way people speak to you. Is there something bothering them and they need comfort by your words?

Many questions and many things to consider. Words are a very special way to show others His love and grace. I pray today will be a day full of gracious words.

Blessings,

Melissa Henderson

~*~
Author Bio:

Melissa Henderson and her husband Alan live in South Carolina.

Married for over 38 years, they have one son (Mike) who is married to daughter-in-love (Christine) and now are blessed by precious grandson (Rowan).

Melissa was taught the love of reading and writing at an early age from her parents. She is now working on her first inspirational fiction novel.

Her passions are volunteering, Bible Studies and reading and writing. Connect with Melissa online, https://mimionlife.wordpress.com.

Book Review and Tour details about "Falling for You" by Becky Wade

On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Welcome to my blog's stop on Becky Wade's blog tour about her new novel, Falling for You! Becky is one of my favorite author friends. I've been a fan of hers since reading the first book that she wrote for the Christan book market. It is an honor to serve on the launch team for her new novel, Falling for You.

Read my review of Becky's book and enter the giveaway contest below.

~*~

My Review of Falling for You: 

If there were a song perfectly suited for this story, it would be “After All” by Peter Cetera and Cher because the character arc and storyline resemble the message in that song and is reminiscent of real-life stories about second chance romance. 

Becky Wade's new novel, Falling for You, is a creative masterpiece that focuses on two main characters: Willow Bradford and Corbin Stewart.

Willow, a model known for her breathtaking beauty, is taking a break to work as the innkeeper at her family’s small-town bed-and-breakfast.

She is enjoying the time in her hometown of Merryweather, Washington until something or rather someone comes along to interrupt her perfect peace. His name is Corbin and he’s not on the best terms with Willow nor is she with him.

As pages turn, the reader learns the backstory between Willow and Corbin. We learn that they used to be lovers destined for the altar. However, their plans for happily ever after were interrupted by one phone call, a misunderstood confession from Willow and impulsive reaction from Corbin that broke their relationship and set them apart for years.

But Corbin’s niece, who is an ardent fan of Willow, serves as the catalyst to make Willow and Corbin work together on solving a family mystery. As the three of them play detective, matters of the heart become involved, leading Willow and Corbin to figure out where they went wrong.

This story is filled with intrigue, faith, hope, and romance. As a reader, I couldn’t stop turning the pages until I reached “the end”. As a writer, I applaud Becky Wade for her masterful storytelling. She writes beautifully and tells her characters’ stories in a way that draws the reader in and makes them care about what happens in their fictional story world.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone who needs a second chance romance in real-life or just enjoys reading a good story that will make you laugh with hilarious dialogue and smile as you share sweet moments with the characters.

*I (Alexis A. Goring) received a complimentary copy of this book (Falling for You) from the author’s publisher for me to read. My opinions in this book review are my own.

~*~
Learn more about Becky's book and enter the giveaway contest below.

~*~

Falling for You

(A Bradford Sisters Romance #2)

By Becky Wade

Inspirational Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 368 pages

May 1st 2018 by Bethany House Publishers

Famously beautiful model Willow Bradford is taking a temporary break from her hectic schedule to work as the innkeeper at her family's small-town bed-and-breakfast. She was enjoying the peace of her hometown, Merryweather, Washington, right up until she came face-to-face with Corbin Stewart, the man she loves to hate. A thoughtful rule-follower by nature, Willow threw caution to the wind four years ago when she entrusted her heart to Corbin--and suffered the consequences when it all fell apart.

Former NFL quarterback Corbin is forceful, charming, and accustomed to getting what he wants . . . except where Willow Bradford is concerned. Unable to forget her, he's never stopped regretting what happened between them. When their paths unexpectedly cross again, he's determined to make her give him a second chance.

When a decades-old missing persons case finds Corbin and Willow working together, they're forced to confront their past and who they've become--and whether they can risk falling for one another all over again.

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Book Depository│Christianbook│iBooks│Kobo│GooglePlay

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Becky’s a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market before putting her career on hold for several years to care for her three children. When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction. She loves writing funny, modern, and inspirational contemporary romance! She’s the Christy Award and Carol Award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, and the Bradford Sisters Romance series.

Website│Blog│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│Instagram

Tour Schedule

April 30th:

Launch

Amy Watson Author

Remembrancy

Author Austin Ryan

Heidi Reads...

May 1st:

Author Kelly D. Scott

Radiant Light

Cafinated Reads

Jen Around the World

May 2nd:

The Barefoot Reader

Loraine D. Nunley, Author

Moments

The Mary Book Reader

May 3rd:

The Power of Words

Kat's Corner Books

I Am A Reader

Book by Book

May 4th:

Getting Your Read On

cherylbbookblog

The Green Mockingbird

Author Toni Shiloh

May 7th:

Bringing Up Books

My Scribbler’s Heart

Katie’s Clean Book Collection

Hearts & Scribbles

May 8th:

Facebook Party at 8 PM EDT/5 PM PDT

Author Christen E Krumm

God is Love

100 Pages per Hour

Just a Little Creativity

May 9th:

Wishful Endings

Mel's Shelves

Rockin' Book Reviews

The Great Adventure

May 10th:

Jorie Loves A Story

`Candle Reviews Chivalrous Romance

Flowers of Quiet Happiness

Author Deborah Hackett

May 11th:

Redeemed Hope Dweller

Singing Librarian Books

Locks, Hooks and Books

Dawn's Dreams

May 12th: Grand Finale

~*~

Tour Giveaway:

Celebrate the release of Becky Wade's Falling for You by entering to win a fabulous prize pack that includes some of Willow Bradford's favorite things!

One grand prize winner will receive*:

• A model-worthy Kate Spade bracelet
• A $100 cash card (so you can feed a housewares and home décor addiction like Willow’s)
• A Seattle Candle Co. candle (that smells just like the setting of the book)
• Roasted in Seattle Rainy Day Coffee
• A delicious scone mix (so that you can enjoy scones just like Willow and Corbin do while having high tea)
• Cozy book-lover socks
• And of course, a copy of Falling for You

Two runner up winners will receive*:

• A Seattle Candle Co. candle (that smells just like the setting of the book)
• A copy of Falling for You

*Due to shipping costs, United States of America entrants only.

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Devotionals for the Heart: Women of God and Mother's Day

Beyond ‘Mom’: Celebrating Women of God
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

This Sunday (May 13) is Mother’s Day, a day that used to have one meaning for me: an opportunity to make my mom feel loved and cherished in gratitude for enduring a twelve-hour labor with no pain medication and then raising me, a precocious, bookish girl, to maturity.

But like so many things over the years, this day has evolved. Today, not only do I celebrate my own mother, but also my equally outstanding mother-in-law, my sister and sister-in-law, my stepmother, my aunt, and my grandmothers (here on earth and in heaven). And, of course, my husband and four kiddos—two biological, two “bonus” courtesy of our blended family—celebrate me, too, which always seems entirely unnecessary but very, very sweet to experience as they gather homemade cards and crafts in my honor.

And yet I can’t stop there, for I also celebrate the other women in our world… my children’s stepmom and my stepchildren’s mom, both loving, strong people who adore those kids and help shape them into the great people they are becoming. I also embrace and appreciate all the other women who influence my kids right along with me. I might carry the title “mom,” but we all work together in this: their brilliant and compassionate teachers, their ministry leaders at our church, the moms in our small group Bible study who pray for our flock daily, my other mom-friends in our neighborhood who take turns with me in caring and loving on all our kids for playdates, carpooling, and sleepovers.

They say it takes a village; I say they’re right.

While I’m blessed to have a wonderful biological mother who is a Christian, many of my friends have mothers who have already passed on—and others have it far worse: Their mothers are not women of faith. Some are addicts, driven by a demon and looking to fill the proverbial hole with anything but God. Some, whether from fear or circumstance, have left their children behind. Some are in prison. Some they haven’t talked to in years.

Sadly, I also have friends who are adoptive and foster moms but not fully comfortable with their role; they feel like “false moms” (they most certainly are not!). Others struggle with infertility, like I once did, or have decided for a variety of reasons that birthing children is not something they intend to do, yet the holiday still haunts them.

Where I live, there’s a place, Epworth Children’s Home, that has chosen not to celebrate “Mother’s Day” at all but rather “Women’s Day.” Their director said Mother’s Day at Epworth does not bring smiles and pleasant memories but is often a reminder of broken promises and shattered dreams. So instead, they focus on what it means to be a woman in the eyes of God.

Here’s the thing: “Mother” is not an identity. And while it’s a lovely thing to take a day to celebrate the woman who birthed us or the women who helped shape us, in reality, our children are not “ours” but God’s—and we are not “mothers” first but rather “children of God.”

In fact, as a Christian, if I’m truly honoring my Savior, I’d do well to keep that open-ended concept of family in mind.

In Matthew 12, Jesus was teaching God’s word to a large crowd when someone told Him that His mother and brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to Him.

“(Jesus) replied to him, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ Pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother’” (Matthew 12:48-50, NIV).

Family isn’t mere biology or bloodlines. When we toss aside the mantle of the world and instead choose to follow Christ, we not only gain a new life, but also a new family. We are no longer daughters and sons of flesh and blood but children of the Risen God. Our parent is God, and our siblings are all who walk alongside us in faith.

Happy Mother’s Day, then, and Happy Women’s Day…to God, to my mom, and to women of faith everywhere.

~*~
Author Bio: 

Jessica Brodie is a Christian author, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach. 

She is the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate (AdvocateSC.org), the oldest continuously published newspaper in Methodism. 

Learn more about her fiction and read her blog at http://jessicabrodie.com/.

Let Love Bloom: Bonnie's story

Interview with Bonnie Engstrom about her book “Restoring Love”:

Bonnie: Hi, Alexis! Thanks for having me. You sure do have a lot of questions for me. You plan to make me work here! (grin) Fire away. I will do the best I can.

Alexis: What or who inspired you to write this book?

Bonnie: This was one of the first stories I’d written, although not really a book at that point twenty-plus years ago. When I was browsing through my old, unfinished stories I came upon this one about Cambridge Springs and decided to play around with it.

Alexis: What is the meaning of your book’s title as related to the story?

Bonnie: My publisher and I decided since Jenni and Jake were once in love, now back in love, that their love had been restored. Seemed like a good title. Isn’t Jake handsome?

Alexis: Your story’s heroine and hero have been apart for 15 years. What draws them back together?

Bonnie: I think a combination of memories and that they still can’t resist each other. They both like to tease each other, too. That comes out a lot in the story. And, Jake is so handsome!

Alexis: Jenni (the heroine) and Jake (the hero) have very different careers. She is a teacher now and when they met, he was a stable boy. What does their work experience say about their individual personalities and how does it play into their story?

Bonnie: Becoming a teacher was not only an acceptable career but a safety net for Jenni. With a teaching credential, she could move to almost any state and get a job. Why she chose Arizona, though, is still a mystery. Teaching salaries there are almost the lowest in the nation. I hope she chose it for the weather.

Jake has an amazing work ethic and he had the wonderful opportunity to stay where he loved and fulfill his desire to be an entrepreneur, but mostly to be a loner and the boss. He doesn’t have the supportive family background Jenni has, but he does have a good relationship with his brother who helped him buy the vintage car. Maybe in a sequel, his brother could have his own story.

I would love to know what readers’ think about that.

Alexis: Who threw cold water over Jenni and Jake’s budding romance 15 years ago? Why?

Bonnie: Her stoic, old-fashioned dad believed she was too young to have a serious romance. Sadly, her mother went along with her dad – typical of tradition in those days. But, even then, Jake was so handsome!

Alexis: Why does Jenni still have a flame for Jake after 15 years of not seeing him?

Bonnie: She’s never lost it but pretends to herself it’s bygone history. Then when she sees him, how he’s matured and still drop-dead handsome . . . well. She can’t fool herself any longer. But, she tries to.

Alexis: Describe the town of Cambridge Springs, which is a setting for your story.

Bonnie: There really wasn’t much of a town years ago. Now, it’s still pretty small and uninteresting. The hotel was located way on the outskirts.

Alexis: Clearly Cambridge Springs is special to Jake because he never left. What makes it so special to him that he desired to stay?

Bonnie: Partly the comfort level he has and the opportunity to own the hotel. He is motivated to be his own boss and to own something he can claim.

Alexis: What brings Jenni home to Cambridge Springs? How long will she be in town?

Bonnie: It’s a memory trip for her (notice the subtitle), and she wants to “get away” all by herself and figure out what to do with her life. Is there life beyond being a teacher? A single thirty-year-old teacher? It’s also revealed in the story why her one former infatuation fizzled. Then, she sees Jake again, Mr. Super Handsome.

Alexis: Describe the scene where Jenni and Jake are reunited. What were their first thoughts when this happened?

Bonnie: Again, Alexis, I don’t want to spoil the fun of reading the story. So, no, I don’t want to describe it. Sorry. But, it does have something to do with food and eating. It’s a fun scene that involves a lot of chocolate. Yum.

Alexis: What was your favorite part of writing this book? Explain.

Bonnie: My own memories of Cambridge Springs and the funny old hotel played a major part, but I loved making up how Jake and Jenni are now. Remember, the story isn’t dated, just assumed to be somewhat in the past.

Alexis: Was there any scene in this story that was difficult for you to write? Why or why not?

Bonnie: I loved writing every scene. The story just seemed to flow. This is one of my favorites because it was so much fun to make up the two personalities. Especially Jake who is so handsome.

Alexis: What is your favorite moment in this story?

Bonnie: When the two of them are eating pasta and criticizing each other for how they eat. Their first lovers’ quarrel, and over table manners. It’s a hoot!

Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about Restoring Love?

Bonnie: I want them to remember that real love does truly last, and love can be fun! Especially, if God is in the mix.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Bonnie! Do you have any final comments?

Bonnie: I do, actually a few comments. Although I don’t capitalize on it, the story does take place at Christmas time, and there are some fun scenes – especially the Scrooge play. Sadly, though, is the fact the hotel no longer exists. I only discovered that after the book was complete and I did an online search to answer one question.

For more information, readers can go to http://www.meadvilletribune.com/news/full-story-fire-ravages-historic-riverside-inn-cause-yet-to/article_8055438c-2fa1-11e7-8d49-9f78e0cf6d34.html to see pictures of the original hotel and the grounds and learn what happened to it.

The other comment is to encourage readers to leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads. Reviews mean so much to authors; they are our lifeblood, or as author Carolyn Brown says, “Without reviews, we would be on the top of the endangered species list.” (Paraphrasing is mine, but I agree.)

Thank you, Alexis, for this opportunity to share Restoring Love.

~*~
Author Bio:

Bonnie Engstrom holds a B.A. in English from the University of Southern California and studied Creative Writing at the University of Pittsburgh, as well as post-graduate work at the University of California at Irvine. 

She lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with husband Dave of fifty plus years, is the mother of three grown children and the proud grandmother of six grandchildren, four of whom who live in Arizona and two in Costa Rica where they surf. Pura Vida!

She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a PRO member of Romance Writers of America, Christian Writers of the West, and the Arizona chapter of ACFW, where she recently was part of a published authors’ panel.

A former education columnist for two Southern California newspapers, she has presented workshops at the California State PTA and the National PTA Conventions.

For over thirty years she volunteered in education as a co-founder of a parent-cooperative preschool and a five-time PTA president. She wrote and published hundreds of PTA newsletters that she produced using X-ACTO knives and a hand-held hot waxer before computers made late nights easier!

Most of her stories are set in Arizona, and in Southern California where she and her psychologist husband lived for over thirty years. If you are trying to catch up with her, look for her at the local Starbucks or Menchies with a nine-year-old Chess champion and his three giggling sisters. Chocolate is always the flavor of the day.

She is published by Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged Publications, and is honored to be in the company of many award-winning romance authors.

~*~
Book Blurb for Restoring Love:

A sentimental journey! Can romance still flourish after fifteen years? Will a teacher and a former stable boy remember their first kiss? Jenni wasn’t sure why she was taking this journey back in time. Surely, she didn’t expect to see her first teenage crush, Jake the stable boy. She had moved on from fifteen years ago and sneaking kisses in the barn after trail rides. Undoubtedly, he must have, too. Who on earth would stay in the tiny town of Cambridge Springs? 

Looking forward to a peaceful respite from teaching, she planned to read, take quiet walks and indulge in delicious hotel meals. She hoped the old hotel still served the succulent roast pork, her favorite. At least no one knew where to find her, none of her friends, and not even her family. Odd that the name of the historic hotel had changed. She wondered who would have done that, who had the capability to do it. Maybe new owners. She hoped not much had changed and that the rooms were still filled with antique furniture. She wanted to soak up memories, alone. Unless by a Christmas miracle Jake was still there to share them.

Buy Restoring Love on Amazon

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Connect with Bonnie:

Please visit Bonnie at her website (http://bonnieengstrom.com) to see her grandchildren and learn more about her books. You can also sign up for her quarterly newsletter there and win great prizes. Last time she gave away a Kindle Fire!

You can see most of her books at https://amzn.to/2qPjmML

Email her at bengstrom@hotmail.com. Please put BOOK in the subject line.

She loves to hear from her readers. So, please contact her.

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Devotionals for the Heart: Discipline and Submission

On Submission
A devotional by Lisa Lickel

“…Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” ~Ephesians 5:20-21 (ESV)

In his book, Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster says, “What freedom corresponds to submission? It is the ability to lay down the terrible burden of always needing to get our own way.”

In my quest to reacquaint myself with and freshen my faith life, I have come to appreciate prayer and worship with a renewed attitude of the with-God life. I turn next to reexamine the spiritual discipline of submission.

The word tends to make me shudder. How about you? I think of all sorts of negative connotations. But just as I have accepted that discipline is not punishment, I can rewire my understanding of submission.

At its heart, submitting means not getting my own way.

I really like getting my own way. I don’t believe I’m alone in this attitude. I like deciding which movie to go to, the kind of shoes and how many pairs I want to buy, what book to read next, when and what to make for supper, how to budget for Christmas, where to go on our next vacation. I’m right about how to fold the towels, which way to hang the toilet paper, how to make the bed, and who should go first at a four-way stop. My ideas about what to print in the church newsletter, which songs go with the service, how to decorate the church, and when to allow children to participate in worship or run around afterward are well thought out, balanced, and offered with love. Why would anyone disagree?

When I submit to the Lord, I am not allowing a cruel, controlling master to force me to do things I don’t want to do. When I submit to my fellow believers, I allow each of us to share the gifts we have been given with grace and dignity. I free my stubborn self-will from the torture of the responsibility of always having to be right. When I submit to others, I show my love and compassion by answering honestly when someone asks my opinion, not resorting to saying “I don’t care,” or “Do what you want,” or the dreaded “I told you so.”

I am learning to empathize with the world God so loved when I no longer have to stand alone in my own righteousness and look with pity on those who don’t know better. My way isn’t always the only way. It’s not always the best way. I don’t have to interrupt others or get in the last word.

What a relief! Not only can I free myself to listen in prayer and be wholly, utterly dependent on God, I can submit in deference and avoid nasty disagreements, anxiety, and grief even when “it” doesn’t go the way I think best. How amazing is that? Denying myself to show the depth of my faith is not giving in to the dark side, it’s allowing God to work through me by example and compassion.

I’m learning that the Holy Spirit leads to good decisions when I listen both in solitude and corporately for His guidance.

But I’m still right about the towels.

My Prayer: Amen and amen, Lord Jesus. Help me deny myself, pick up my cross, and follow you.

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Author Bio:

Lisa Lickel is a Wisconsin writer who lives in the rolling hills of western Wisconsin. 

A multi-published and award-winning novelist, she also writes short stories and radio theater, is an avid book reviewer, blogger, a freelance editor, and workshop leader. 

She is a member of Chicago Writers Association and part of Novel-in-Progress Bookcamp and Writing Retreat, Inc., mentoring writers from across the U.S. and Canada.

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Connect with Lisa:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lisalickelauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2839406.Lisa_J_Lickel
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lisajlickel
Amazon Author page: http://amzn.to/2bPxi2X

Website: http://www.LisaLickel.com

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