Devotionals for the Heart: God sends messages with beautiful rainbows

Rainbow Messages
A devotional by Paula Moldenhauer

“I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth.”~ Genesis 9:13 NLT

My nine-year-old burst through the front door. “Did you see? There are two rainbows outside!” The family rushed to the window. I trailed behind, caught up in a glum mood.

“Hurry, Mom!” My seven-year-old pleaded. “You gotta see this!”

I caught my breath as I joined them at the window. The perfect rainbow arched right in front of our home. Its colors were so rich it looked surreal, like something from a children’s Bible storybook instead of honest-to-goodness reality.

A tug in my heart said God gave me the rainbow to remind me of His promises.

Like the grumpy woman I was that day, I rejected the happy thought, reasoning with the left side of my brain that science has shown us how and why rainbows were made. The rainbow was delighting many families throughout our neighborhood. It wasn’t personal. It wasn’t a reminder to hope in God. Instead of reveling in the wonder of the rainbow’s beauty, placement, timing, and perfection, I recited the colors of ROY G. BIV.

Even people who’ve never read the Genesis account of Noah know the rainbow is a symbol of hope and promise. Whether or not God painted that rainbow for me at that moment can be argued either way. That isn’t the point.

The point is the Holy Spirit wanted to whisper hope into my heart as I gazed upon the rainbow’s wonder.

But that afternoon, I didn’t want to feel hopeful. It would mean choosing faith over whining, and, quite frankly, I felt like complaining.

I shut my heart and turned from the glorious rainbow. Oh, outwardly I tried not to dampen the enthusiasm of my children. I said the right things. Smiled an outside smile. But on the inside, I willfully closed my heart to the gentle reminder of the Holy Spirit that God’s promises were worth holding onto.

What a waste! I could have rushed down my stairs, flung open the front door (and my heart)! I could have run onto the lawn, my arms spread wide, embracing the promises of the Creator! I could have twirled in the street underneath the brilliant arch and laughed in joyful acceptance of His loving encouragement!

How about you, my friend? Are there gentle whispers of hope you turn from?

My Prayer: Father God, help me embrace the moments of hope You so freely give.

~*~
Author Bio:

Author, speaker, and mom of four, Paula Moldenhauer encourages others to live free to flourish. She shares this message when speaking at women’s events, and it permeates her written work. 

Paula has published over 300 times in non-fiction markets and has a devotional book series, Soul Scents. Her first published novella, You’re a Charmer Mr. Grinch, was a finalist in the ACFW Carol Awards, and she now has six published works of fiction. Her most recent release is included in A Bouquet of Brides. 

Paula and her husband, Jerry, are adjusting to a sometimes-empty nest in Colorado. They treasure time with their growing family of adult children, spouses, and spouses-to-be. 

Paula loves peppermint ice cream, going barefoot, and adventuring with friends. 

Today’s devotion was adapted from her devotional book, Soul Scents: Rooted. Visit her at www.paulamoldenhauer.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Learning how to live by faith in God

Living by Faith 
A devotional by Nanci Rubin

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

~Heb. 11:1 (KJV)

I think we all struggle in areas of faith. How do we get it? How much do we need? Will I stand in faith during the hard times? God’s Word says, "So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." ~Romans 10:17 (KJV)

How much faith do we need to move the mountains in our way? Jesus said, “Because of your unbelief: verily, I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of a mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” ~Matthew 17:20 (KJV)

So now we know that we all have a measure of faith. From my own perspective, I have learned in order for me to have faith in the hard times I have to stay "built up" before they come. I strive to stay in God’s Word and prayed up so when the crisis arrives I won’t be caught unprepared. We should always be ready for the unexpected. God is faithful, and we can trust Him no matter what comes our way.

Another criterion for water-walking faith is not to live in sin. The Bible says, "If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." ~1 John 1:7 (KJV)

As long as you walk in what light you have, there is cleansing from all sin by the blood of Jesus Christ. However, if you persist in living in wrongdoing, you are going to get into trouble sooner or later. However, God extends His grace to us so that when we confess our sins, He is just to forgive us (1 John 1:9). The sin issue is a biggie. We all sin. I often feel like Paul by doing the things I shouldn’t and not doing the things I should. The older I get the more aware I am of my shortcomings but when I confess my wrongdoing God is faithful and reminds me He’s not done with me yet.

In the eighties, my husband and I were preparing for a life-changing trip to Israel. Where we lived at the time there were many home invasions going on. Being away for ten days caused some concern, but I trusted God to protect what belonged to us. We had no family in the area but a wonderful older couple who lived next door. My husband was expecting a package to arrive while we were away so I asked our neighbor if they would look out for it. They were happy to do so. Needless to say, our trip was and still is the most amazing trip of our lifetime. Our return home brought us a total surprise and definitely renewed our faith in God’s promises to us as believers.

I walked over to our neighbors not only to pick up our mail and package but to give them the gift we’d picked out for them. My neighbor told me what a wonderful alarm system we had. She eagerly related that when she opened the storm door to pick up the delivered package, the alarm went off. I had a huge smile on the inside of me because that was God’s alarm system. I couldn’t wait to tell her that we didn’t have an alarm system. We had prayed that God would protect our home and bless His name, He did. That was a wonderful testimony and an opening to witness to our precious neighbor.

I can’t tell you how many times God has done the miraculous in our lives. I remember reading somewhere that God is as faithful as we believe Him for. I strive to walk by faith. There are many areas where my faith is weak, but I work through the trust issues. I can honestly say He will be there when you call on His name. WE CAN TRUST HIM.

I hope this is an encourager for you today. Our world is so stressed and there are so many hurting people, especially our youth. I can’t urge you enough to trust God with your loved ones and family. He is as close as your next breath. Things might appear hopeless and a situation impossible, but I can honestly say He has not forgotten you. So, remember you have a measure of faith, and you can build it up by believing YOU are who GOD says you are. If we stumble and fall and make a mess of everything God ‘s not going to be mad at you, instead He’ll be mad about you. He loves you more than you can imagine.

~*~

Author Bio:

Nanci writes Inspy Amish romance. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two fur kids, Romeo and Juliet, rescue cats. She is working on her debut novel, Plain Justice.

She retired earlier than planned from nursing to care for her mother, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Her mom passed last year at the age of ninety-nine and Nanci has delved more into her writing.

She is active in an intercessory prayer ministry in her church, belongs to The Woman’s Club, a service-oriented volunteer organization dedicated to the welfare and enrichment of the community and volunteers two days a week at the Mary Washington Museum.

Currently, she's enrolled in Rhema Bible College’s correspondence Bible studies. She belongs to ACFW and RWA. When she’s not working, reading or writing she’s hiking with her husband at Shenandoah National Park.

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Let Love Bloom: The Wedding Barter

The Wedding Barter: The Story Behind The Story

A guest post by Alice K. Arenz

I’ve always loved reading and writing mysteries and suspense—all the puzzles that must be pieced together one scene at a time. And, while there’s always a bit of romance in each of my novels, they are, at the core, mystery/suspense. So, you can imagine my surprise when I was approached about writing a romance. I was flattered, but it was too far out of my comfort zone to even consider. 

But, the more I talked with my publisher—Forget Me Not Romances—the more curious I became. The premise sounded interesting and amusing—loosely based on a bridesmaid auction that had been in the papers—and would be part of six novellas in a proposed boxed set (later named Trying Out For Love). Maybe, just maybe, I could do this. After a lot of prayer, the seed of an idea soon blossomed into more than I could’ve ever imagined. The big question before me was—“Exactly HOW are you going to do this?!”

You see, my entire body was in such a state of spasm that I couldn’t sit at the computer—and because of chronic issues, working on a laptop in my chair is NEVER an option. Adding to the situation, were horrible allergy attacks that locked me in a mental and physical fog! But, I’m a firm believer that God wouldn’t have given me the idea and details if He didn’t have the solution already worked out.

After stewing over the dilemma for about a month, my husband suggested that I dictate to him as he typed on his laptop. Seriously? Which is exactly what I asked him. He was not only serious, he was dedicated to the project—even when absolutely nothing was happening! He tried to understand that “my process” had always involved me sitting at my desk, eyes closed, fingers on the keyboard as I prayed and waited for the “connection.” I can’t even begin to explain how much more difficult it was to find a way to verbally describe what I saw happening in my head! 

But, like my characters in Barter reminded themselves, all it takes is a mustard seed of faith. That’s what I sought, and the result is a 49,000-word short novel which is a romance based in the same fictional town of Tarryton, Missouri where The Bouncing Grandma Mystery series is set. No murders, but a few twists and turns, and, I hope, some laughs as well.

~*~
Author Bio:

Though Alice K. Arenz is known for her cozy mysteries and romantic mystery/suspense novels, the Carol Award-winning author has branched out with her newest release, The Wedding Barter, a romance that is both serious and funny. 

Arenz is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Her first three novels were honored by two finals and one win in ACFW’s Carol Awards: cozy mysteries The Case of the Bouncing Grandma (a 2009 finalist), The Case of the Mystified M.D., (2010 winner), and mystery/suspense Mirrored Image (a 2011 finalist). These novels have been followed by An American Gothic, Portrait of Jenny, and short story, Home Cookin’.

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Blurb for Alice's book The Wedding Barter:

Riley Carr has been best friends with Amy Lawton since they were toddlers. While Amy awaits her discharge from the Army, Riley's been left in charge of helping to arrange "a very small, intimate ceremony with no fanfare" for Amy and her fiancé. But, Riley has something else in mind.

With the aid of two other friends, Riley presents her “wedding barter” idea to groom, David Herron. He agrees, providing best man, Mike Todd, stays in the loop to keep things from getting out of hand.

It doesn't help that the giant of a man is threatening, overbearing, and just doesn’t seem to like her or her ideas. But, when Todd gives Riley an ultimatum of producing results in three weeks or he’ll take over, she’s determined to prove him wrong . . . in more ways than one.

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Buy Alice's book on Amazon

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Connect with Alice:
Website - www.akawriter.com

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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: Easter

Easter
A devotional by Sara L. Foust

"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him." ~1 Thessalonians 4:14 (KJV) 

I absolutely adore Easter. It is by far my favorite holiday. I love everything about it, from the bright colors of new spring outfits to the Easter egg hunts. Our family gathers each year to eat a big meal and visit. Some of the dads will hide the eggs while us ladies keep the kids occupied and try to prevent peeking. Then we let them free into the sunshine and listen to their giggles and squeals. After we find all (okay, most) of the eggs we settle in to open them and see what goodies the kids have found. The children run and play in the hopefully warm yard and enjoy the rest of the day.

We’ve had a few cold Easters, but I think I tend to block the memories of the chill-out. I’m a lot like a groundhog, I think. Or a momma bear. I get into this hunkered-down kind of funk in the winter months, and Easter is the first time I really feel like I’m coming out of my cocoon. Like I’ve been asleep all winter and now I can peel back the layers of gray and stretch into the sunshiny, flowery day of Easter with a huge smile on my face. With the birds returning and the animals waking, springtime is a wonderful time of rebirth. I don’t think it is any mistake on God’s part that Easter happens in springtime, do you?

More than anything, though, I adore Easter because of that great love God sent down for us. Without the love of His son Jesus, we could never know our own personal reawakening that is more than waking up after winter or simply waking up each morning. What Easter represents is the most beautiful love story ever told. A man, who was sinless and perfect, chose to take on my sins and bear them to a cross of agony in order to set me free. He died to prove His power over life and death, rising again, awakening again on the third day and attaining the victory that can never be taken from Him. And He chose to let me be a part of that eternal reawakening, even though I’m not perfect and even though I don’t deserve His mercy and grace.

His birth celebration is important, of course, but without the resurrection, the world never would have seen what a truly-miraculous, tradition-breaking, awe-inspiring plan salvation is. Without Jesus’ resurrection, once I slumber in death that’s where I would stay. But because of that mind-bending miracle, the one I can’t even try to wrap my humble brain around, I get to go to sleep in death and rise again in Heaven. Doesn’t that make you want to shout for joy?!

Many of our Christian holidays have become so commercialized, generations of children grow up believing that trees and eggs and candy and presents are what they are about at their core. I’m so glad I know the truth and am able to teach it to my children. Easter is a great time of reflection on my personal salvation story and a day I can spend in extra prayer thanking Him for loving me enough to die for me. For loving me enough to rise for me.

I hope this Easter you were surrounded by family who loves you, by a church who loves you, and by friends who love you. But I also hope you remembered that there has never been a more beautiful reason to celebrate. Easter is proof God loves you enough to want you in Heaven with Him and His Son.

~*~
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: Restoration

Restoring your soul
A devotional by Melissa Henderson

“He restores my soul.” ~Psalm 23:3 (ESV)

Every moment of each day has the potential to be filled with hope or filled with despair. Daily living may include activities which give us joy or bring on stress. Smiles one moment and tears the next moment. From employment worries, financial concerns, health issues, relationship challenges and “to do” lists invading our thoughts and making the heart beat faster and the pulse feel like you're running a never-ending race. We can become consumed with worry.

Have you ever experienced one of those days? A day when everything seemed to be going wrong? A time when the car wouldn’t start, the bills are overdue, the dinner burned on the stove, the laundry machine overflowed onto the floor, the school is calling with news of a bad situation or any other worrisome event.

Pause for a moment. In those seemingly endless situations where you felt like all you could do was fall to the floor and cry, what was your initial reaction? What was your response to everything happening around you? What about things you have no control over? What about things you do have control over and they still went the wrong way?

Did you blame someone? Did you blame God? What were the first words out of your mouth or the first thoughts in your mind? Was your question something like, “Why God? Why do bad things keep happening to me and my family? What is the reason? How can we go on like this? I can’t take this anymore. I don’t know what to do.”

I have experienced those awful days. Times when my heart has broken into pieces and I felt deeply at a loss for a remedy to the situation. Through medical diagnosis of breast cancer and the after-effects of surgery and treatment, to the loss of both of my parents, to job changes and financial concerns and so much more, I have been that person who fell to my knees and asked, “Why? Lord, are you trying to teach me something? What is the purpose in all of this mess?”

The storms of life hit and thankfully, I have a way to find peace and comfort. Yes, I still encounter the storms and stumble through them. But, I am not alone. You are not alone.

Through learning to rely on God and not myself, I found an answer to help me. No, the problems aren’t all “fixed”. Yet, there is one response to my worry that comforts me the most.

You may ask, “What? How can anyone find comfort in the saddest of times?”

My answer is this. Call out to God. Cry to Him. Give Him your joys and your concerns. He knows your heart already. He is waiting for you. Share your thoughts and your pain with Him. Talk with God. He is ready to restore your soul.

Saying His name provides comfort for me. 

Father ... Jesus ... God ... Savior ... Creator ...

Those are just some of His names. Breathe in and say His name. Breathe out and say His name. Concentrate on Him.

Pause...say His name. Call to Him. He is listening. Let Him restore your soul.

Problems and stressful times will come and go. God will always be here for us. Remember that His love is overflowing and never-ending. He loves you.

Have a glorious and blessed day,

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.SaveSave

Devotionals for the Heart: Diaries

I’m Just a Diary Kind of Girl!

A devotional by Tammy Karasek

Diaries. Journals. Thought Keepers. Whatever it is you call the book in which you write things down for keeping, do you have one or have you ever had one? Is it something you love doing or something you loathe?

I’ve always been one to write things down. I love keeping track of things, planning things, list making and recording the details of life. Give me a stationery store or bookstore that carries writing implements and I’m in bliss. I see journals and want a new one even though I just bought one a month ago. Pens and markers—oh my! My hubby constantly says, “Don’t you think the drawers of pens and markers you have is quite enough?”

I quickly respond, “No. I don’t have this one!”

Recently I was perusing through some of my journals and I recalled the diaries I used while growing up. You might remember, the small books about the size of your hand with a little lock and key. I so wish I had kept them. For some reason, I threw them away when I moved out and got married. I remember a friend from school that would receive a new diary every Christmas started on January 1st and remained diligent through the entire year. We laughed about it one day while we were in college many years ago, and she told me she had every diary she’d received since elementary school and was still in the habit of filling them in every year. I wonder if she still has those diaries now. I also wonder if she still keeps a diary. If you are reading this my friend Ms. G, do you?

I do wish I still had some of mine from my youth. I’m sure I wrote about silly young girl stuff and it would be fun to read about the stuff that rocked our world at that age. You’ve got to admit they would probably be hilarious.

As I’ve aged, my diaries that are now journals have become deeper and richer. Sure, I still record details of life, but more so, I’ve recorded growth and lessons. 

I’ve written about God’s faithfulness to me even when I might have been a little less faithful to him with my impatience in waiting for an answered prayer. I’ve been honest in writing where I’ve needed a little conviction and correction to turn a different path. I’ve emptied my heart out onto those pages during struggles, loss and difficult seasons. I’ve logged lots of lines of praises to the One who is so worthy of our praise.

In Scripture, there are several places where we are instructed to write. One of my favorites is found in Proverbs 7:2-3 (NIV) which says,“My son, keep my words... Keep my commands ... write them on the tablet of your heart.” 

We are told to keep God’s commands and to write them on the tablet of our hearts. One of the ways I do this is by writing them down. When I copy the Scripture into my journal, the process helps me in memorizing it. It’s that repetition we all need of seeing it again and again. I love reading through old journal entries and seeing the Scripture that was speaking to me at that season of life. It’s also a great reminder to see where we have grown and things we have made it through.

So what about you, are you a keeper of thoughts? Do you enjoy the process of writing down the lessons you’ve learned, dreams and wishes, special times or seasons of your life? I’d love for you to comment below and share your thoughts whether you love writing in a journal or you’d rather volunteer for a root canal!

As for me, give me a writing instrument and something to write on and I’m a happy girl. Well actually, just give me the pen and I’m sure I’ll find something to write on!

~*~
Author Bio:

You’ll find Tammy seeing humor and causing laughter in every aspect of life. Tammy’s past filled with bullying and criticism is the driving force of her passion to always encourage others and share with them the Reason to smile.

She’s been blissfully wedded to her college sweetheart, Larry, for 36 years, mom to their grown daughter, Kristen and wrapped around the paw of a little puppy named Hattie.

She’s the President of Cross N Pens Christian Writers and a member of ACFW. She will be published in the 2018 Divine Moments book – Cool-nary Moments.
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Connect with Tammy:
Blog - http://www.tammykarasek.com
Twitter - https://twitter.com/tickledpinktam
Email - tickledpinktammy@gmail.com

Let Love Bloom: Loving Grace

Interview with Grace, character in April Smith’s book “Loving Grace”:

Alexis: Hi, Grace! Thanks for agreeing to an interview. This story opens with a conflict and you have to make a quick decision about a certain title. Why didn’t you want to be the Watermelon Queen?

Grace: It’s not so much that I didn’t want to be the watermelon queen, but that everything happened so quickly. I didn’t have much time to process everything, and I still had a lot going on in my head about the accident.

Alexis: What is the Watermelon Queen tradition all about and what is the queen required to do? 

Grace: As far as traditions go, it’s something the association created to have a spokesperson for them. There’s been a watermelon queen for as long as I can remember. Her main job is to promote the watermelon industry—but I’m telling you guys, it’s so much fun… seeing new places, trying new foods, meeting interesting people…

Alexis: Who is Beau Baron and what role does he play in your life story? Describe his looks, personality and your history with him.

Grace: Our history…so much to say, so little time. Let’s put it like this: we grew up together. He’s been around for as long as I can remember. He and my twin, Luke were best friends—inseparable actually.

Alexis: Now on to his personality. It depends on the day really…let’s just say we’re like oil and vinegar—we usually don’t mix well together.

Grace: Okay, I’m going to tell it to you straight, but if I find out you told Beau, I’ll deny ever saying a word of it. I mean it…I’ll deny it with my last breath…He’s tall, like over six feet tall, and when he’s not being annoying, which let me tell you isn’t often, his smile is like, wow!

And—uggh…I can’t believe I’m going to say it—he is good looking. Dark brown hair and chocolate brown eyes. Need I say more?

Alexis: Why does Beau make your blood boil but also occupy your mind?

Grace: Probably because he knows which buttons to push to drive me crazy. 

Alexis: Who is Warren Hartley? Why do you think he’s so dreamy? How does his presence affect your story?

Grace: He’s every girl’s dream. He’s the knight in shining armor type. What girl doesn’t want to feel like and be treated like a princess? He just always seems to know what to say and do. 

Alexis: What can you tell us about the accident that “rocked your world”? How did it change you? Do you think that change was for the better or worse? Why?

Grace: It didn’t change me, it shattered me. I lost what was most important to me that day. To say it was for the better or worse…I don’t know. I know I’m stronger now and working to understand it, but healing takes time, and the only way I’ve been able to make sense of it, is to give it all to God; so, placing it at his feet, has allowed me to move forward. Some days are easier than others, but I’m getting there.

Alexis: When did you first see sparks fly between you and Beau? What did you do about it?

Grace: We were five, and he came over for a playdate at our house. Beau and Luke didn’t want to include me in their game. Up until then, I’d never really had to share Luke with anyone, and they had never tried to leave me out before…let’s just say it was the first time, I realized that I didn’t do well with sharing my brother’s attention. I kicked Beau in the shin. I got a timeout. He got a bruise and to play with my brother while I had to sit in my room. So unfair (insert frustrated sigh here). Okay, I know I was in the wrong, but still, that’s the first time the sparks flew…

Alexis: What is it about Beau that warms your heart? Why is he special to you?

Grace: In some ways, he’s still a connection to my brother. They were always together, and after our first initial battle (you know the one where I kicked him in the shin) we eventually all three became a close trio. It was only after the accident, that things for Beau and I fell apart.

Alexis: What would you say was the turning point in your relationship with Beau?

Grace: I don’t know that we’ve had a turning point. Beau and I have been through a lot. Some of it has been good, some…not so good…but that’s life. It can be complicated. I think it’s a gradual process with me and probably for him too.

Alexis: How does your faith in God impact the way you live and make decisions?

Grace: I’m a firm believer that we’re here for a purpose, and I want to glorify God, by being what He calls me to be. I want all that I say and do to be pleasing to Him.

Alexis: What did you like—and not like—about being the Watermelon Queen?

Grace: I missed Gramps from time to time. Also, living out of a suitcase means a lot of laundry. Those are minor things compared to all of the travel and fun experiences that being the watermelon queen brought into my life. And honestly, it was at a time when I needed some fun and to be forced out of the rut I had landed in.

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

Grace: Life can be messy, but we can trust God in the process.

Alexis: What advice do you have for the next Watermelon Queen?

Grace: Be yourself. Have fun and enjoy your year! It goes faster than you’d ever believe. 

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Grace! Do you have any closing thoughts?

Grace: Just, thank you! And I really enjoyed our chat.

~*~
Author Bio:

April Smith grew up spending summers working on her best friend’s family watermelon farm and she was one of those watermelon queens she writes about. She has her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in the Art of Teaching.

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Blurb for April's book Loving Grace: 

Grace Summer lands herself in a melon load of trouble when she becomes torn between the boy of her dreams and the boy almost next door. As the newly-crowned Watermelon Queen, she is thrust into the spotlight, meets the dreamy Warren Hartley, and continues trying to get over an accident that rocked her world. Mix in working with Beau Baron who Grace happens to fight with just about as much as breathing and the metaphorical sparks fly. 

Like most things in life, Grace must learn to take the good with the bad. While the good is the handsome and fun Warren Hartley, the bad is Beau Baron—or at least being around his annoying and rude self way more than she would like. For Beau, Grace is nothing more than aggravating and an irritating reminder from the night of the accident. Tensions soar as Grace and Beau fight to love themselves and maybe, just maybe, each other.

~*~
Connect with April:
Website - www.aprilsmithbooks.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/aprilsmithbooks

Twitter - https://twitter.com/aprilsmithbook

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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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