Interview with Nancy Naigle about her new novel "Home No Matter Where"

Author Interview with Nancy Naigle about “Home No Matter Where”

Alexis: Congratulations on the release of a new novel! Why did you write this book?

Nancy: After To Light the Way Forward came out last year, I wasn’t ready to leave these characters behind. I fell in love with Tug and Rosemary’s relationship, and while Nina found her footing by the end, I knew there was more healing to come. That thread stayed with me and wouldn’t let go. Whelk’s Island was calling. And then there was Fisher. He showed up with a quiet strength and a story of his own that unfolded in such a meaningful way. Writing him was a joy.

This book came from that place, wanting to see what happens next when people choose to keep showing up for each other, and for themselves.

Alexis: How does the title “Home No Matter Where” play into the theme of your story?

Nancy: Home No Matter Where is about discovering that home isn’t a place on a map, it’s the people who hold you steady when life shifts. On Whelk’s Island, three generations of women learn that even when everything changes, love, grace, and connection can lead you back to a place of peace, and a feeling of home.

Alexis: Is the setting of your story, Whelk’s Island, a real location on Earth or completely imagined by your mind? Share how you created this setting for your story.

Nancy: Whelk’s Island is a fictional town on the coast of North Carolina, but it’s rooted in places that feel very real to me. I’ve always loved the Outer Banks, especially around Kitty Hawk, and those beautiful barrier islands like Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle. When I created Whelk’s Island, I imagined a stretch of coastline that doesn’t really have anything built out yet and let my heart fill it in. I pulled from my own memories of growing up in Virginia Beach, along with years of visiting the North Carolina coast, to shape the rhythm, the charm, and the sense of community you feel there.

It may be imagined, but it’s built from places and moments that are very real to me, and I think that’s what makes it feel like somewhere you’ve been, or somewhere you’d like to go.

Alexis: Why is Whelk’s Island special to the characters in your story?

Nancy: Whelk’s Island is special to these characters because it becomes home in all the ways that matter. For some, like Tug and Fisher, it’s where they’ve always belonged. For others, like Rosemary and Amanda, it’s where they found healing, connection, and a fresh start. It’s not just a place on the map, it’s where life changes, hearts mend, and people find their way back to what matters most.

Alexis: Tell us about Nina, who is the leading lady of your story. What are the desires of her heart as she tries to heal from her divorce?

Nancy: Nina is trying to find her footing after a life she counted on falls apart. More than anything, she wants peace, for herself and for her daughter. She isn’t one to ask for help, but when Kendra starts acting out, Nina lowers her guard and asks for help. As she and Kendra both heal, they begin to see that home and happiness don’t have to look the way they used to.

Alexis: Kendra is Nina’s daughter and she apparently is a challenge to her mother. Why does Kendra give her mother such a hard time?

Nancy: Kendra is giving Nina a hard time because she’s hurting. Her world changed in a way she didn’t choose, and she doesn’t know how to handle it. The anger and acting out are really about feeling lost and unsure. At her core, she just wants to know she’s still safe, still loved, and that her family isn’t completely broken, even if it looks different now.

Alexis: When Nina brings her daughter to Whelk’s Island, planning to spend a restorative summer with Rosemary, who is Nina’s mother, does everything go as planned? Why or why not?

Nancy: Not exactly, but in some ways it turns out even better than Nina expected. Her relationship with Rosemary becomes a source of comfort and strength. But Kendra struggles more than Nina anticipated, even running away when things get overwhelming. It’s not the smooth summer she planned, but with the help of Tug and Fisher, it becomes something deeper, a season of growth, healing, and second chances.

Alexis: What was your favorite part of telling this story featuring three generations of women (Rosemary, Nina and Kendra) being under one roof for the first time in years? Describe the conflict and the sweetest moments of their time together.

Nancy: I loved writing the dynamic between Rosemary, Nina, and Kendra because it’s full of love, history, and real-life tension. The conflict comes from each of them handling change differently, Nina trying to hold things together, Kendra pushing back, and Rosemary gently holding space for both.

The toughest scenes to write were when Kendra runs away. I could feel Nina’s urgency and fear as I was writing them, and that stayed with me.

The sweetest moments are in the quiet shifts, softer conversations, shared laughter, and the way they slowly find their way back to each other. I especially loved the family getaway in the mountains. There’s a sense of breathing room in those scenes that lets their relationships settle and grow.

These folks aren’t perfect. But the situations are real and rooted in love.

Alexis: Who is Fisher? Describe his role in this story and explain what makes him so attracted to Nina as well as what draws her to him.

Nancy: I love Fisher! We first meet Fisher in To Light the Way Forward as the easygoing surfer who’s always willing to lend a hand, just a genuinely good guy. But in this story, he steps forward as the hero, and we get to see so much more of who he is, his backstory, his quiet strength, and even a few hidden talents that make him stand out in ways Nina doesn’t expect.

Fisher has a way of showing up without being asked, which is exactly what Nina needs, even if she’d never say it out loud. He offers steady support without pressure, and that allows her to start letting her guard down.

What draws him to Nina is her strength. She’s doing her best to hold everything together for her daughter, even when it’s hard, and he sees that. And for Nina, there’s something about Fisher’s calm, grounded presence that makes her feel safe in a way she hasn’t in a long time.

Together, they find a balance, he brings a sense of peace to her world, and she reminds him what it feels like to truly connect and open his heart

Alexis: How do the real-world themes of forgiveness, growing up, letting go, and healing from pain play into your fiction storytelling with these characters?

Nancy: These themes are at the heart of the story because they’re part of real life. Each character is facing something, and their journeys show that forgiveness, growing up, and letting go don’t happen overnight. Healing comes in small steps, in choosing to show up for each other, and in finding hope again, even after things fall apart.

Alexis: Why does it require bravery to start anew? Explain how you showed this in your story.

Nancy: Starting over takes bravery because it means stepping into the unknown. It means letting go of what you thought your life would look like and trusting that something good can still come from what’s ahead.

In this story, Nina shows that kind of courage. She leaves behind the life she knew and brings her daughter to Whelk’s Island, not because she has all the answers, but because she knows something has to change. That’s not easy, especially when things don’t go as planned.

Kendra shows it too, in her own way. Growing up and facing hard truths about family and change takes a kind of bravery that doesn’t always look pretty.

And even Fisher, with his quiet strength, has his own journey of opening up and letting someone in again.

I wanted to show that starting anew isn’t about having it all figured out, it’s about taking the next step, even when you’re unsure, and trusting that healing and hope are still possible on the other side.

Alexis: In what ways do you hope this beautiful book will impact people who read it?

Nancy: I’ve always said if one of my books helps one girl through one bad day, then it’s done its job. My hope for this story is that it reminds readers there is still hope, even when life doesn’t turn out the way they planned. That healing is possible, that some relationships can be mended, and sometimes loving someone might mean making hard, healthy choices when it comes to protecting your heart.

If someone closes this book feeling a little more patient, a little less alone, or a little more open to what’s ahead, then that means everything to me.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Nancy! Would you like to share closing thoughts? If so, please write that now.

Nancy: Thank you for sharing The Shell Collector novels with your friends. You know, this all started with The Shell Collector written as I grieved the loss of my husband.

These characters have walked with me through the toughest times of my life and have become so special to me. It means more than I can say to share their stories with readers. These are the books of my heart. I hope this release, Home No Matter Where, leaves folks feeling encouraged and maybe reminds y’all that no matter where life takes you, you’re never as far from home as you think.

~*~
Author Bio:

USA TODAY and ECPA bestselling author Nancy Naigle writes uplifting coastal women’s fiction and sweet romance that feels like a deep breath of salty air. Her stories invite readers to slow down, escape to the shore, and rediscover hope, healing, and the comfort of close-knit seaside communities. 

Her breakout novel The Shell Collector debuted in the Top 20 on the ECPA Bestseller list and was adapted as a Fox Original Movie. Along with beloved coastal reads like Sand Dollar Cove, later brought to life as a movie on the Hallmark Channel, Nancy’s stories deliver heartfelt summer escapes filled with family ties, second chances, and quiet moments of grace found along sun-washed beaches and weathered piers.

A former Senior Vice President at Bank of America, Nancy now writes full-time from small-town Virginia, inspired by coastal traditions, handwritten notes, and the simple joys that make a place feel like home. Her books are perfect for readers who love clean romance, emotional women’s fiction, and feel-good beach reads that linger long after the tide rolls out.

If you’re dreaming of a story that feels like a seaside getaway and a gentle reset for the heart, welcome to Nancy Naigle’s coastal story worlds.

~*~
Book blurb for Home No Matter Where:

Three generations of women confront their pasts and discover it's never too late for new beginnings in this heartwarming novel of second chances and unconditional love—from the bestselling author of The Shell Collector. 

“In Home No Matter Where we travel to beautiful Whelk’s Island, where a close-knit community puts us right at home. Along the way we meet compelling characters caught in realistic storms and learn faith-filled lessons about weathering them.” —Denise Hunter, bestselling author of More Than Friends

Nina is at her wit's end with her teenage daughter, Kendra. Still dealing with her own wounds of divorce, Nina hopes a change of scenery will help. She and Kendra head to the serene coastal town of Whelk's Island to spend a restorative summer with Nina’s mother, Rosemary—bringing three generations under one roof for the first time in years. Amid the island's charm, old wounds begin to heal, and as new friendships bloom—especially with the steady and enigmatic Fisher—light begins to break through the cracks of Nina’s tightly controlled life.

Kendra's reckless behavior continues but Fisher’s intervention during a critical moment for Kendra sparks a sense of hope in Nina that she thought was lost. Still, change is never easy.

As the women navigate the tides of forgiveness, growing up, and letting go, healing begins and new love brings surprises. While Whelk’s Island may not hold all the answers, it has a way of reminding people that moving forward doesn't follow a set path—it requires the bravery to start anew.

~*~
Buy Nancy’s book:

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Christian Book

~*~
Connect with Nancy:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyNaigleAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancynaigle/

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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4575284.Nancy_Naigle

But most importantly, sign up for my newsletter and stay connected with me on my website www.nancynaigle.com where I post a blog under the FOR READERS tab, and my event calendar is kept, plus I keep subscribers up to date on sales, events and other cool happenings.

Interview with Ashley Martin about "Lost No More" (book)

Author Interview with Ashley Martin about her debut book “Lost No More: A Daily Path to God in the Midst of Your Deepest Valleys”

Alexis: Congratulations on writing and publishing your first book! Tell us about your journey to publication as a first-time author. Who was your publisher?

Ashley: I published with Called Creatives Publishing, a hybrid publisher, and it was truly a boutique experience. They walked me through every step of the process with clarity and detailed guidance. Nothing felt rushed or overwhelming. Their team brought real expertise to the editing, layout, and design, but what stood out most was how well they listened. My opinions and wishes weren't just heard; they were woven into every decision. The result is a book that is completely mine: my story, my personality, my calling.

Alexis: What was the most difficult part of your journey to publication?

Ashley: The most difficult part was revisiting those dark places: my first day of rehab, the mental and emotional pain I was carrying at the time. But my readers cannot truly understand the miracles God has performed in my life without knowing the depth of what He brought me through.

Alexis: What was the most rewarding part of writing your personal story in this book?

Ashley: Answering God's call to write my story. No words can fully describe what I felt the moment I held the finished product in my hands.

Alexis: What do you hope readers will take away from your real-life story?

Ashley: Hope. No matter how lost you feel, you are never beyond God's reach. It all begins with surrender.

Alexis: Who is your core audience for this book? Share how you hope to reach those readers with your message.

Ashley: My core audience is women who feel lost from God, or who once did, whether because of alcoholism, addiction, or simply the busyness of life pulling them off course. I also wrote this for the woman who wants more structure in her daily walk with God but is not sure where to start. My hope is that the three pillars of this book—surrender, prayer, and service—guide every reader into a closer walk with Jesus Christ.

Alexis: What was the most challenging part of your journey out of darkness of alcohol dependency and into the light of sobriety and freedom?

Ashley: Admitting I was an alcoholic and knowing how to ask for help. Both required a level of surrender I had never practiced before.

Alexis: How did your faith in God help you overcome your challenges?

Ashley: My mom gave me my faith. She instilled it in me daily and lived it without ceasing. Once I surrendered and allowed God to take over, the faith of my childhood returned.

Alexis: You talk about “the discipline of surrender” in your book. Tell us more. What does that mean, what did it look like for you and how can practicing this discipline help others who are struggling?

Ashley: Surrender sounds passive, but it is anything but. For me, the discipline of surrender meant choosing every single day to stop fighting God and start trusting Him. In my addiction, I was convinced I could manage life on my own. Surrender meant releasing that. For me it looked like getting on my knees in the morning before my feet hit the floor. It looked like calling my sponsor when I wanted to handle something myself. It looked like saying, "God, I cannot do this, but You can."

The discipline is in the daily practice. Surrender is not a one-time decision. It is a choice you make over and over again, especially on the hard days. For anyone who is struggling, whether with addiction, anxiety, grief, or simply feeling like life is out of control, surrender is not giving up. It is finally choosing to trust the One (God) who can actually handle it.

Alexis: When and how did you first have a defining moment and encounter God’s grace?

Ashley: The night of my last drink. I went to bed and asked God what was wrong with me. He woke me in the middle of the night and whispered one word: alcohol. In that moment, I knew His mercy and grace in a way I never had before. The next morning, I got busy and changed my life.

Alexis: What do you mean when you say that your book is not about religious obligation but an invitation to transformation?

Ashley: Spirituality is a personal, continual, transforming journey with God — not a weekly obligation fulfilled by sitting in a pew and half-listening to a sermon while mentally running through your Monday to-do list. Faith should never be reduced to "I believe because I always have" or "I believe because I am afraid of hell." That is religion. This book is about something deeper. God's grace and love should move you. They should draw you in, change you from the inside, and invite you to become a better person simply because of how much He loves you.

Alexis: How did your background in teaching, ministry and community leadership play into writing this book?

Ashley: Every road led me to this book. My master's in history taught me how to research, write, and cite sources with integrity. My years in the classroom taught me how to explain concepts clearly, which is exactly what this book requires. My call into ministry would not let me be still until every word was on the page. And my work in the community is what will carry this message to the people who need it most.

Alexis: If you could meet your readers one-on-one for coffee or at your upcoming book signings, what would you say to their heart about this book? Share your answer in a few sentences.

Ashley: I would tell them this book was written for them. Not for the person who has it all together, but for the one who is tired of pretending she does. I want every reader to walk away knowing that God has never stopped pursuing her, and that it is never too late to surrender, pray, and serve your way into the life He always intended.

Alexis: Thank you for the interview, Ashley! Do you have any closing comments?

Ashley: Thank you so much for helping me promote my book! I just want anyone reading this to know that I am not a theologian or a lifelong saint. I am a woman in recovery who said yes to God, and He did the rest. If my story can point even one person toward surrender, this book has done its job. I am grateful for every opportunity to share it.

~*~
Author Bio:

Ashley Martin is a writer, educator and speaker passionate about helping others discover healing and purpose through faith. 

With a background in teaching, ministry, and community leadership, she blends Biblical truth with honest storytelling that resonates with readers navigating life’s hardest seasons.

Her work focuses on spiritual growth, recovery, and practical ways to walk with God daily. Through her writing and speaking, Ashley encourages people to move beyond survival and into a life marked by clarity, courage, and calling.

She is known for her relatable voice, authentic transparency, and ability to connect deeply with audiences seeking hope and direction.

~*~
Book Blurb for Lost No More:

What if the valley you are in right now is exactly where God has been waiting for you?

For nearly two decades, Ashley Martin lived under the crushing weight of alcohol dependency, broken trust, and a faith she could no longer feel. Then, in the unexpected quiet of a rehab facility, God met her and nothing has been the same since.

In Lost No More: A Daily Path to God in the Midst of Your Deepest Valleys, Ashley opens her life with rare and courageous transparency. She shares her journey through addiction, marital infidelity, and spiritual emptiness not to dwell in the darkness, but to show you the way out. With the practical wisdom of a Bible teacher and the hard-won grace of a woman who has lived it, Ashley guides you into a steady, daily rhythm of spiritual intimacy that does not require a perfect life, only a willing heart.

Whether you are quietly struggling to sense God's presence, overwhelmed by life's relentless demands, or walking through your own deepest valley, this book will meet you right where you are.

Inside the pages, you will discover how to:

• Surrender control daily and finally experience freedom from anxiety and fear
• Deepen your prayer life with practical, Scripture-rooted tools you can use every single day
• Unlock lasting spiritual peace through the discipline of serving others
• Reconnect with God through reflective journaling prompts and guided prayers woven throughout
• Find hope and healing even in the middle of your hardest season

Lost No More is not about religious obligation or checking spiritual boxes. It is an invitation from one broken, redeemed woman to stop drifting and start living in the peace that only God can give.

~*~

Buy Ashley's book on Amazon

Book Spotlight: Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness (devotional)

I Chased Success and Found Emptiness
A guest post by Dr. Gladys Childs

Have you ever chased something you thought would make life more full, only to realize it was quietly draining the life out of you?

I have.

A few years ago, I stood at a crossroads that looked impressive from the outside. I was serving as Chair of the Religion Department. I loved my students. I loved the rhythm of teaching. Summers gave me space to breathe and time to be present with my son. My life felt full in the right ways.

Then the Provost approached me about stepping in as Interim Dean of the School of Arts & Letters. I had not been campaigning for it, but the invitation stirred something old in me: leadership, influence, and impact. My husband and I prayed, talked late into the night, and finally decided to try it. We told ourselves it was temporary. If it did not fit, I could step away.

At first, I convinced myself it was working. I avoided the political games of Dean’s Council and met with each dean one-on-one instead. I hired an executive coach. I launched initiatives that protected programs and strengthened morale. On paper, everything looked successful.

But my body told a different story.

I stopped sleeping well. I ate standing up between meetings. My inbox felt like a living thing that multiplied overnight. I would sit in my car before walking into the building and feel a tightness in my chest I could not pray away in five minutes.

Then one afternoon, in the middle of class, a student looked at me and asked, "Do you even want this job?"

The room went still. I said yes. My voice cracked. And in that crack, I heard the truth. I did not want it. I was exhausted. I was slowly disappearing behind a title.

When the permanent dean search opened, everything intensified. Complicated dynamics made applying feel less like ambition and more like escape. I told myself that if I just secured the position, the chaos would settle. The stress would make sense. The sacrifice would be worth it.

I made it to the final three candidates. Then the whispers started. A small group of faculty spread rumors. There were threats of a no-confidence vote against the Provost if I were chosen. What had once felt like an opportunity began to feel like a trap closing in. The Provost called me in and asked me to stay another year as interim, with assurances the permanent role would follow. I sat there, listening, feeling the weight of expectation pressing on my ribs.

And I remembered the words from months earlier. "If you do not like it, you can walk away. You do not need this." So I said, "No." Shock flickered across faces. Some were angry. Others confused. The very people who opposed me celebrated. But when the word left my mouth, something shifted inside me. The tightness eased. I walked out of that building lighter thjan I had felt in months. The “no” was not a failure. It was freedom.

In the quiet that followed, I began to see how subtly I had started chasing fullness in the wrong place. I chose the weight of control over trusting God’s ability to handle any situation. I had carried a weight Jesus Christ never asked me to shoulder. His words in Matthew 11:28–30 came alive in a way they never had before: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

I had been yoked to something else. No wonder I was worn thin.

As I stepped back into a simpler rhythm, I began to notice what had been missing. Peace that did not depend on outcomes. Joy that did not rise and fall with performance. Patience returned when I was no longer grasping for control. The fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22–23 was not something I could manufacture through work or control. It grew when I stopped striving.

That season reshaped me. It exposed how easy it is to chase the illusion of security while quietly running on empty. And that is why I wrote my new devotional book: Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness: A 45-Day Journey to Spiritual Abundance.

This devotional was born out of lived surrender. It is not a call to try harder. It is an invitation to slow down long enough to notice what we are really chasing and to let the Holy Spirit cultivate what lasts. Each day focuses on one aspect of His fruit, not as a checklist, but as evidence of a life rooted in Him.

If you have ever lain awake rehearsing tomorrow’s demands, wondering why success feels thinner than you expected, you are not alone. If you have smiled through meetings while feeling hollow inside, you are not crazy. And if you suspect God is inviting you to loosen your grip on something impressive, that nudge may be mercy.

Saying no to the corner office did not shrink my life. It redirected it. It opened space for writing, for hosting my tv show, Bare Faith, for walking with others who stand at their own crossroads.

Fullness is not found at the top of a ladder. It is found at the feet of Jesus.

So let me ask you gently: What are you still saying yes to that God never asked you to carry?

The chase can end. And in Christ, true fullness can begin.

~*~
Author Bio: 

Dr. Gladys Childs hosts the TV show Bare Faith, where raw faith and deep pain meet a relentless God.  

Known as the "Truth Doctor," she names the lies standing between people and God’s truth. 

A pastor’s wife, author, speaker, former religion professor, and boy mom, Gladys, speaks with authority, heart, and real-life grit. 

Her new book, Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness, offers practical guidance, Scripture, and encouragement to live fully in God’s abundance. Learn more at gladyschilds.com. Follow on Instagram or Facebook.

~*~

Blurb for Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness:

Stop chasing what leaves you empty. Discover the spiritual abundance only God provides.

Feeling drained by the pursuit of approval, success, or endless busyness? Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness: A 45-Day Journey to Spiritual Abundance is a daily Christian devotional rooted in Galatians 5:22–23. This 45-day Bible study blends short, impactful devotionals with reflective journaling to cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and other biblical virtues—guiding Christian women and men to deeper faith and spiritual self-help.

With this Christian devotional, you’ll: deepen your faith with daily Scripture and Christian meditations, overcome anxiety and spiritual dryness with practical steps, and grow in biblical virtues through inspiring journaling prompts.

Perfect for Christian women and men seeking spiritual self-help, this devotional leads to the abundant life God intends. Get Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness today, and unleash the joy of God’s abundant love!

~*~

Buy this book on Amazon

Book Spotlight on "God, Where Are You?" by Dominique Young

GOD, WHERE ARE YOU?: The Book That Started as A Cry!

A guest post by Dominique Young

The book “God, Where Are You?” was not something I dreamed of writing since I was young. 

In fact, I never actually thought I was capable of writing a book. This book came from navigating a place of pain with God and learning that He is with us in our pain.

Let me tell you the story.

When I was pregnant with my second son I was struggling with mental health issues, depression, anxiety and what I what I would later find out was perinatal psychosis. To be honest I had been struggling with my mental health for years before this point, but I kept it hidden.

I thought that being a good Christian and having the right faith meant that I didn’t go through these things. The presence of mental health struggles in my life made me feel like I was an unworthy embarrassment to Jesus Christ. I wanted to fix myself before anyone else found out I was a Christian imposter.

So, I kept my mental health struggles silent, I went into prayer lines and never told the person what to pray for and just said “pray as the spirit leads” hoping that someone would pray the exact right prayer to make all this pain go away. I read all the books on how to pray. But nothing was working and one day, after a massive mental breakdown I landed in a mental hospital on a 72-hour hold, because after taking myself to the hospital voluntarily and explaining to the doctor was happening, he surmised that I was a danger to myself and others.

This was the moment that changed everything and little did I know that this would be the moment that would be the catalyst for this book. I cried in that hospital asking over and over again, “God, where are you?” After being released I was determined to find God. I was determined to understand why He wasn’t helping me.

This search for God took me on an amazing journey of reading the Bible cover to cover multiple times, starting Bible studies with groups of women and listening intently as they shared, learning from each person in the room, enrolling in seminary and spending countless hours in prayer. What started out as a complaint to God and a frustration at God for not healing me the way I wanted ended up being a journey of amazing discovery.

It wasn’t until 2023 that I realized that God wanted me to write a book, and not just any book, a book that walked alongside people on journey of discovering God in the middle of pain.

My personal journey was really broken into three phases, I didn’t realize that when I was walking through it, but in hindsight I could see it clearly. First, I found myself. I was hiding and without coming out of hiding, I wouldn’t be able to see God. My face was so very masked and as you know masks at times disrupt your vision. Next on my journey I found God. I found that He was with me in ways I could never imagine, which actually confused me because if He is with me why didn’t He stop the pain? 

That question brought me to the leg of my journey that honestly, I am still in today which is learning that it’s about more that God zapping away all my problems it’s about God being with me through them and me being with Him through them. It’s about relationship.

I felt led by the Holy Spirit to walk with others on their journey in 2023. I hope to encourage them through my own story to be willing to discover God within the pages of their own story.

Honestly “God, Where are You?” did not start out as a book in my life. It began as a cry and that cry turned into a tear-filled journey. And that journey, by God’s grace and through the support of Jevon Bolden (my literary agent) and NavPress (my book publisher), it is now a book that can serve as a travel companion for others on the journey of finding God in pain, grief, depression, and darkness.

~*~
Author Bio:

Dominique Young is the founder of Faith Mamas Inc./Faith Family Worldwide), a community of 6,000+ Christian women and a private app serving over 1,700 believers. 

She helps others break free from fear through Scripture and has been featured on the “Don’t Mom Alone” and “Refreshed Moms” podcasts.

Dominique holds a psychology degree from Hampton University and is pursuing her MA in Theology at Fuller Seminary.

She is also a devoted wife and mother of four.

~*~
Book Blurb:

Here is a safe space for your deepest questions and your hidden pain.

If you’re silently suffering under the weight of depression, anxiety, shame, grief, and spiritual doubt, Dominique Young helps you discover the nearness of a God who does not shy away from your brokenness. In this safe space, you are invited to take off your mask, confront your hidden pain, and be seen by God for who you truly are―beloved.

Far from a quick fix or feel-good message, God, Where Are You? is a vulnerable, faith-filled journey that uses heartfelt storytelling and practical tools to help you wrestle with real emotions and deep questions―like how to deal with failure, how to find your true identity, and more.

Practical tools include:

Tracing God Devotionals: Explore Bible verses at the end of each chapter and learn how to recognize God’s character and presence even in hard places.

Reflection Questions: Through self-examination, you can heal deeply and receive clarity, healing, and personal revelation.

Prayers: Each chapter includes heartfelt prayers that bridge raw emotion and spiritual intimacy, modeling honest and hopeful dialogue with God.

God, Where Are You? is not just a book to be read―it’s a healing journey to be walked. With authenticity, compassion, and biblical grounding, Dominique is your traveling companion to uncover the life-giving truth: even in the silence, God is near.

~*~
Buy this book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Books-A-Million

Christian Book

Walmart

Book Spotlight on "A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul" by Becky Keife

Why I Wrote A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul (my book)

A guest post by Becky Keife

For years, I couldn’t name what lived inside my chest.

I only knew it felt heavy—like a brick I woke up with and carried into the night. I didn’t understand why my thoughts raced when everything around me was quiet. I didn’t have language for the ache that sat beneath the surface of my life, or the sadness that rose without warning and didn’t match my circumstances. All I knew was that something in me felt wound tight—tense, scattered, knotted up.

For a long time, I believed my anxiety was evidence that I wasn’t trying hard enough or trusting God enough. If I could just pray more, be more disciplined, more grateful, more something, then surely I’d find relief. Instead, I felt like I carried a scarlet A—not for adulteress, but anxious. And in my mind, anxious meant weak. Broken. Less-than.

Looking back, I can see how the enemy would have loved for me to stay stuck in that shame. Anxiety became a place I hid. A wall between me and God, and between me and the people I loved.

But walls, even painful ones, can become doors.

It wasn’t until I finally reached the end of what I could muscle through on my own that I discovered anxiety is both a legitimate diagnosis and, strangely, a gift. A teacher. An invitation. A place where God met me not with condemnation, but compassion.

My anxious soul was not proof that God was far away. It was the place He came closest.

Why This Book Matters to Me

A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul was birthed from that journey—years of untangling knots, sitting in therapy, learning the wisdom of medication when needed, and slowly discovering that peace isn’t the absence of anxiety—it’s the presence of Jesus in it. And like any gift God gives, I couldn’t keep it to myself.

I wrote this book for the woman who lies awake at night replaying conversations, sorting through “what ifs” like pebbles she can’t put down.

For the mom who holds everything together on the outside but collapses internally under the weight of worry. For the believer who loves Jesus but wonders why her faith doesn’t erase fear. For the one who has prayed to be steadier, calmer, braver—and feels guilty that she still can’t breathe.

I wrote this book because we need a way to meet God in the middle of the spinning. A way to come—not as women who have it together, but as women who are tired of trying. Jesus never asked us to carry our burdens alone. He simply says, Come.

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NLT) Those words changed me. And I believe they will change you, too.

What I Hope You Experience

As you turn these pages of A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul, you won’t find a quick fix or a magic formula. You’ll find a companion. You’ll find Scripture that breathes oxygen into weary lungs. You’ll find gentle truth for days when your heart feels loud and uncertain. You’ll find exercises that help you inhale God’s promises and exhale trust, one breath at a time. You’ll find prayers for the moments when your own words don’t come.

This book won’t ask you to ignore your anxiety. It won’t shame you for it. Instead, it will walk with you toward peace—slowly, steadily, kindly. A little each day. A step at a time. Because peace isn’t something we earn. Peace is Someone we come to. And when you do, even in the smallest, simplest way—reading one verse, pausing for one breath, whispering one prayer—you make space for God’s presence to fill the places fear once occupied.

Why I Believe It Will Help You

You might be holding this article right now with a heart that feels frayed or frantic. Maybe you’re tired. Maybe you’re discouraged by how often anxiety shows up in your story. Maybe you’re worried that you should be stronger by now. Friend, I have been there. Truly.

But hear me—your struggle does not disqualify you from closeness with God. It draws you nearer. An anxious soul is not evidence of spiritual failure. It is an invitation to deeper dependence. To rest. To renewal. To Jesus. If you let Him, He will meet you right where you are. In the racing thoughts. In the shallow breathing. In the midnight hours where your fears feel loudest.

I wrote A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul because I needed a guide like this—practical, gentle, rooted in Scripture and overflowing with hope. And now I want to place it in your hands, so you never have to walk this road alone.

I believe, with everything in me, that peace is possible. Not someday when you feel stronger. Not when the anxiety evaporates. Not when life becomes easier.

Peace is possible today—because Jesus is here today.

Come with me.
Let’s breathe.
Let’s read.
Let’s walk toward rest together.

Your anxious soul is not the end of your story.

It might just be the beginning of healing.

~*~
Author Bio:

Becky Keife is a Bible teacher, speaker, and author of books and Bible studies. 

Her newest release is a 100-day devotional called A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul. Becky is passionate about helping people hear God’s voice, embrace their true identity, and see God’s kindness even when life is messy.

As a mental health advocate, Becky equips individuals and churches to understand anxiety biblically and experience Jesus wholly. She loves long naps, puffy clouds, and shady trails. Becky lives in Southern California with her husband and three always-hungry teenage sons.

Learn more about Becky’s work and invite her to speak at beckykeife.com, or connect with her on Instagram @beckykeife.

Book Spotlight: "40 Days to God, My Father" (devo) by Rosann S. Coulon

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Today (March 11), we celebrate my author friend Rosann S. Coulon because it is her devotional book birthday! Rosann has graciously agreed to share an except from her book and the story behind why she wrote it. Read on for those details.

~*~

Covered by Him
Written by Rosann Coulon

“For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.”—Psalm 27:5 ESV

I struggled to swallow the lump in my throat and I willed my heart to slow its thumping. My terrier’s wide eyes matched the fear pouring into my body. The thunderous rain outside my window covered my home in darkness and the winds let out a deafening tone. I stole a glance at my husband sitting beside me. If he wasn’t panicking, maybe I shouldn’t either.

“Should we take cover in the hallway?” My voice quavered as the question tumbled from my mouth. His eyes darted to survey our outside surroundings. Already rising, he replied, “Yes!”

While I jolted to my feet to follow him, I grabbed our terrier and took a few steps before sliding my body down the wall of our narrow hallway. I had never heard such howling sounds before, so I quietly prayed for God to keep us safe until the tornado passed by.

As I sat knee to knee with my husband, I saw our pup do something that mirrored what I was experiencing inside my own fearful heart. The dog scooted up against my spouse and used her nose to wedge a hole under his armpit until her entire head was covered with his arm. Our terrier had sought shelter and security in her master’s covering during life’s calamities—and my heart longs to do the same.

In Psalm 27, King David was caught in a life- threatening situation. He was being chased by the jealous and murderous King Saul who had placed a bounty on his head. Perhaps the winds of his heart howled like the winds surrounding my home on that day we bunkered down in the hallway.

But despite this dangerous situation, David remained confident of His Father’s care—and reminded himself where to turn when everything around him was crashing down: “For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock” (Ps. 27:5).

The good news is that we can have the same confidence King David had. In times of trouble—whether literal or figurative storms—we can run into the arms of our Father for shelter and trust He will cover us with Himself. He provides the love, peace, and hope we need to endure the trials of this life—and His grace will lead us safely to our heavenly home.

Thankfully, the tornado left only scattered debris, broken tree limbs, and some missing roof shingles. But I also learned an important lesson from our dog—the safest place to be in rain or shine is the shelter of our Master. He is our hiding place. Hallelujah!

Prayer:

Dear Father, help me run into Your presence for shelter during the hard times of this life. I trust You to be my hiding place. Thank You for protection now—and forever more. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


**This devotion appears in 40 Days to God, My Father. Used by permission from Christian Focus Publications, Ltd.

~*~
Note from the author:

Rosann Coulon has written 40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God, releasing today. 

After experiencing a difficult season with her earthly father’s medication dependency, she found herself struggling to trust the Lord as a good Father. Rosann sensed the Holy Spirit inviting her to know Him as her One True Father.

Approaching the Scriptures with a fresh perspective, Rosann beheld the Lord’s faithfulness, presence, and care in the lives of biblical saints. And through prayer and reflection, she was able understand that God had done––and would do––the same for all of His children. Her faith was renewed.

Rosann wants to share these same truths with others. Her desire is for God’s children to comprehend His perfect Fatherhood. And she hopes that those who don’t yet know Him as Father, would join the family. The invitation is open!

~*~
Author Bio:

Rosann Coulon is the author of the book 40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God.  

She has contributed articles to The Gospel Coalition, The Daily Grace Co., Core Christianity, and other publications. She is the founder of Leaving a Well Ministries whose mission is to share biblical hope with hurting hearts by providing Christ-centered resources. Rosann and her husband call North Carolina home. Visit her at www.leavingawell.com to receive free inspirational content. You can also connect with her at instagram.com/rosann_coulon.

Book Spotlight on "The Hem of His Garment" and a post by the author

Will Pain Make You Bitter or Better?

A guest post by Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Pain. It’s inevitable. We live in a pain-averse society, and we prefer living a pain-free life. But the truth is, we all experience pain of some kind. Jesus warned us we would have trouble, pain, and suffering. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV). 

Pain is certain in this life, but the challenge is how will we respond to it? Will we allow it to make us bitter or better?

We’re all familiar with physical pain—the sprained ankle, broken arm, sunburn, or toothache. But no discussion about pain would be complete if we didn’t also acknowledge other forms of pain: emotional pain, relationship pain, financial pain, spiritual pain, secondary pain caused by the words or actions of others that make us feel worse when enduring the other types of pain, as well as grief and loss.

My husband and I are no strangers to pain. Between the two of us, we’ve had cancer several times. We’ve gone through financial hardship. I endured clinical depression and anxiety earlier in our marriage. We’ve both been bruised by relationship pain, and wondering why relationships were severed with no opportunity to seek forgiveness or reconciliation for something we didn’t even do. And now, living a life of chronic physical pain, just like Jacob wrestled with God and Job asked God questions, I have also wrestled and asked God some hard questions in my suffering. Questions like: God, I’m serving you—why didn’t you prevent this from happening? Or God, do you care that I hurt? Or God, I know you can heal—why aren’t you? I’ve learned that God is big enough to handle my questions…and my pain…and teach me lessons through it.

I never have a pain-free day anymore, although pain is usually less in the morning and ramps up frequently to intolerable levels by evening. There have been many long nights and tear-stained pillows where I’ve cried out to God and asked Him to take my pain away. There have been times when I’ve wanted to ask God “Why?” and yet, in my spirit I sensed Him saying, “Why not you?” God didn’t inflict the pain, but he’s using it. He didn’t cause the trials, but he’s using them. So, the question is, do we want to be used by God, or do we want to be comfortable? I knew God could take it away if he wanted to, but I sensed Him saying, “I’m entrusting this to you. Steward it well.”

God isn’t just the God of heavenly thrones, churches, Bible studies, prayer meetings, and revivals. He’s also the God of chemotherapy chairs, overdrawn bank accounts, prodigal children, empty chairs at holiday dinners, bathroom floors, broken hearts, and tear-stained pillows. He’s a God who stoops and bends his ear to listen to our heartfelt cries. He’s the God who promises to go before, walk alongside, and come behind when no one else will.

My entire purpose for being on social media is to encourage others and point them to the hope we have in Jesus. But I’m also honest, authentic, and vulnerable about life’s challenges. Social media becomes so sanitized with perfectly posed pictures, that comparison and jealousy over others’ staged lives makes us feel worse about our own. So, I vulnerably share the real-life pain, and people resonate with real. My publisher came to me, having noticed that people respond to the authentic trials of life, and asked me if I would consider writing a book on pain.

In all honesty, my first thought was, “No!” Because I’m an experiential writer, and I have to go through what I write about. I had to walk through the valley of depression to write the books Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression and the Hope Prevails Bible Study. I had to walk through anxiety to write Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises. I had to learn to transform my mind and take every thought captive in order to write Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right. And I knew that writing a book on pain would entail me experiencing more pain. And unlike those earlier books where I wrote from the other side of depression and anxiety, because every day is filled with pain for me, I would have to write this book in the crucible of pain. But it only took God a few seconds working in my heart for me to decide I want to be obedient more than I want to be comfortable. So, I agreed to write The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms.

Readers are saying it’s my best book yet. But I would suggest to you that that is because I was completely and totally dependent on the Holy Spirit giving me insights to share. Throughout the book, the common thread is the story of the woman with the issue of blood, and to a lesser degree but still prominent is the story of Job. This was intentional because both of them experienced every single kind of pain I talk about in the book. They teach us how to hold onto our faith when we know God can heal but for whatever reason hasn’t yet. And they teach us about the gifts and benefits inherent in our suffering.

Perhaps in our longing for healing of our pain, God is beckoning us to exercise our faith, to come to him and touch the hem of his garment. Perhaps he has something more waiting for us than we could ever ask or imagine. But it’s our choice whether to let pain make us bitter or better; whether we will run away from God in our pain, or lean into Him for strength.

In her weakened, frail condition, the woman with the issue of blood pushed through the crowd determined to touch Jesus’s hem. She could get no lower, nor any further from making eye contact with the Great Physician. The defining moment in this woman’s life occurred when, lacking in her own strength, she reached out for Jesus’s hem in faith, and his strength went out from him, into her, healing her of the pain that plagued her for over a decade. Perhaps instead of viewing our dependence on God in a negative light, we can see it as the avenue he uses to draw us to himself.

If you are experiencing pain today, let me encourage you that God sees you. He cares about you. He weeps with you. And he not only doesn’t waste our pain, but he uses it. Will you trust Him with your pain and continue to reach out in faith to touch the hem of his garment?

~*~
Author Bio:

Dr. Michelle Bengtson is a hope concierge! 

Whether as a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, host of the award-winning podcast Your Hope Filled Perspective, or the author of several award-winning books including Hope Prevails and Breaking Anxiety’s Grip, her passion is to share hope and encouragement with others. Her newest release is The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms.

 She loves all things teal, spending time with friends and family, taking long walks, or sitting by quiet shores, and it’s a bonus when any of those are accompanied by sea salt caramel chocolate! You can find her and her hope-filled resources at https://drmichellebengtson.com/.

~*~
Blurb for The Hem of His Garment (book): 

Hope for When the Pain Won't Quit

Everyone experiences pain at times. It can manifest physically, emotionally, relationally, or spiritually. It can follow tragic accidents, great loss, sudden betrayal, or unexpected and unwanted change. Often it is temporary. But what do you do when it isn't? When the pain just won't go away, when healing does not come, when the grief and hurt settle in?

Drawing on her own experience of chronic pain and her years as a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, Dr. Michelle Bengtson provides a countercultural perspective on pain. 

Offering hope without any false promises or empty platitudes, Dr. Bengtson unwraps the complex emotional aspects of dealing with pain. She gives you permission to question God, helps you identify the lies you've believed about your pain, and reorients your perception based on the truth of God's Word. Each chapter ends with a recommended playlist, reflection questions, and a prayer.

Your pain may not change, but your experience of it can.

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Buy The Hem of His Garment (book) on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

~*~
Connect with Dr. Michelle:

Website: https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com

Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson

Podcast: https://apple.co/2madPRo or https://bit.ly/3ef2fvs

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3w64SHF

~*~
If you are a resident in the USA then you may enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the link to Rafflecopter: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c463/?

Spotlight on "Love Connects Us All"

Join me in wishing a "Happy BOOK Birthday" to my author friend Michelle Medlock Adams! 

Her new children's book, Love Connects Us All, releases today! She's here to share the story behind her book and offer a copy of it to the winner of the book giveaway contest. 

The contest is for U.S. residents only. If you live in the USA, you can enter the contest via the Rafflecopter widget toward the end of this guest blog post. Meanwhile, enjoy Michelle's story!

~*~

The story behind “Love Connects Us All” by Michelle Medlock Adams

I love sharing my children’s books at schools across the country. This past year, I had the privilege of reading my Christmas picture book, “Dachshund Through the Snow” to several elementary classes the week before holiday break. There’s a part in my book where Crosby, the littlest dachshund in all of Diggityville, is bullied because of his tiny stature. I always stop after that scene and ask, “Have any of you ever been bullied?” Unfortunately, far too many hands go up after I ask that question, and this particular day was no different.

I had just finished reading the final page when the bell rang, and the students began lining up to return to their classrooms, except for one little girl. She hung back and inched her way toward my book table.

“Mrs. Adams, I was bullied…because I don’t have a mom,” the little girl said in a shaky voice.

I knelt down and hugged her.

“Honey, I’m so sorry that happened to you, but you know what? You are so loved by your dad, and you are also loved by God! That’s a lot of love, isn’t it?”

She nodded her head and gave me a little smile before rejoining her classmates. As I waved goodbye to the students, I prayed that God would heal that little girl’s heart, and I thanked Him for allowing me to be there that day.

That encounter was confirmation that God had truly given me the words for my upcoming picture book, “Love Connects Us All”—a book featuring all different kids of families with the overall message that each one of us is a part of God’s big, beautiful family.

I wrote this book because I wanted all children—like the little girl who came from a single-parent household—to find themselves in the pages of my book and celebrate their special families.

Two verses of “Love Connects Us All” says:

“I’m thankful for my family—

this one that God designed.

My family might be different,

but it’s my favorite kind.” 

“And there is more to praise Him for—

I’m in God’s family, too!

I am a precious child of God.

And guess what? So are you!”

The book ends with a special prayer: “Thank You, God, for my family. It’s not like any other family—that’s what makes it so special! I am so grateful for the love we share. And I’m so thankful because I’m in Your family, God. Amen.”

Our words, whether written for children or adults, hold great power. They can encourage, empower, educate, and comfort our readers. They can bring much-needed laughter, and they can provide a temporary escape into the world of story. As Christian writers, we can make a difference, and just knowing that fact, should drive us to put in the hours studying the craft, learning the market, revising and rewriting, praying over every word, and promoting our books so they can go everyplace they were intended to go and do the work they were destined to do.

I’m not saying that as Christian writers we are expected to have all the answers, but I am saying this—we know the One who does! He can help us help our readers! And it’s our privilege to hold the hands of our readers and walk them through these difficult situations.

Because love really does connect us all.

~*~
Author Bio:

Michelle Medlock Adams is a best-selling author and an award-winning journalist, earning top honors from the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Hoosier State Press Association to name a few. 

Author of over 100 books with more than 4 million books sold, Michelle is also a New York Times Bestselling ghostwriter and has won more than 90 industry awards for her own journalistic endeavors. 

Since graduating with a journalism degree from Indiana University, Michelle has written more than 1,700 articles for newspapers, magazines, and websites; acted as a stringer for the Associated Press; written for a worldwide ministry; hosted “Joy In Our Town” for the Trinity Broadcasting Network; blogged twice weekly for Guideposts; written a weekly column for a Midwest newspaper; founded and served as president of Platinum Literary Services; and served as an adjunct professor in the Professional Writing Program at Taylor University. 

Today, she is Chairman of the Board of Advisors for Serious Writer, Inc.; senior editor of her very own children’s book imprint “Wren & Bear Books”—a division of End Game Press; and a much sought-after speaker at professional writing conferences and women’s retreats all over the United States.

When not working on her own assignments, Michelle ghostwrites articles, blog posts, and books for celebrities, politicians, and some of today’s most effective and popular ministers.

Michelle is celebrating her recent releases: Dachshund Through the Snow, Springtime For Your Spirit, Our God is Bigger Than That!, I Love You to the Sun and Beyond and Fly High.

Michelle is married to her high school sweetheart, Jeff, and they have two daughters, Abby and Allyson, two sons-in-law, four granddaughters and two grandsons. She and Jeff share their home in Southern Indiana with two miniature dachshunds and two spoiled kitties.

When not writing or teaching writing, Michelle enjoys bass fishing, cheering on Indiana University sports teams, watching Doris Day movies, and all things leopard print.

~*~

Back Cover Copy for Love Connects Us All: 

What is a family made of?

It can be hard to describe sometimes … but every family has the same thing: love!

Whether someone has step siblings or has lived in foster care or no matter what the size of their family—love connects everyone. It’s moms and dads and pets and friends, and aunts and uncles, too. It’s grandparents and godparents—The ones who treasure you.

In eloquently written rhyme, Michelle Medlock Adams helps readers to see family in a new light. That family isn’t determined by DNA or location—but by the precious love given and received. 

After all, we’re all part of a beautiful family of a very loving God.

~*~
Buy Michelle’s new book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and wherever books are sold.

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Connect with Michelle:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellemedlock.adams
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/INwritergirl/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/INwritergirl
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/INwritergirl/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-medlock-adams-6448746/
Website: http://www.michellemedlockadams.com/

~*~

U.S. Residents ONLY may 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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Devotional Book Spotlight and Giveaway hosted by Rachael Adams

The Inspiration Behind “A Little Goes a Long Way”

A guest post by Rachael Adams

During a dinner conversation with new friends at a writer’s conference, I had an epiphany moment. I was sharing my background and ministry with my mealtime companions as we were getting to know one another. I told them about hosting The Love Offering podcast, where I interview others about how they are living out the greatest commandment. Trying to get to know me better, one woman asked if I ever hosted a solo show. After a brief pause, I responded. “No. I haven’t done a solo show because I doubt what I have to offer.”

How ironic, right? I host The Love Offering podcast and yet I question my own contributions.

Once I returned home, I continued wrestling with this tension in my heart. I wondered if other women were struggling in this area too, so I polled my podcast listeners about how much they felt they had to offer God and others. On a scale of one to ten, with one being nothing and ten being a lot, the average answer was a three. When asked if they believed their contribution mattered, 83% responded no. I had hypothesized this would be the case, however, these findings were even more startling than I presumed.

Would your response be similar? Do you question whether your contributions matter, too?

We want our lives to count, but feel minuscule like our ordinary, everyday moments will never amount to anything. We take stock of the families we were born into, the towns we grew up in, and the positions we serve in, then determine that they are of little value. If we aren’t careful, we can start to believe that who we are, where we are, and what we are doing doesn’t really matter.

But friend, nothing could be further from the truth. Despite living in a culture where bigger is seen as better, I've discovered that a significant life is actually simpler than we think. A quick prayer between errands, a meal shared with family, or a short text to a friend means something in God’s kingdom. We can affect others while standing in the check-out line or sitting on the game-field sidelines, while walking the dog or talking to a colleague at work.

Contrary to how you may feel, every little thing you do can go a long way in God’s hands. Through my devotional A Little Goes a Long Way: 52 Days to a Significant Life, I hope to help you believe that when you partner with God, He can use even the most minute things to affect eternity in ways beyond what you can imagine.

If you are longing for significance and questioning whether your contributions matter, I’d love to help you realize how important what you do is and how significant you truly are. It isn’t about doing more but trusting in the value of all the little you are already doing. Grab your copy of A Little Goes a Long Way and watch God take your everyday actions and transform them for His eternal purposes. A significant life is simpler (and smaller) than you think.

~*~
Author Bio:

Author of A Little Goes a Long Way and host of The Love Offering podcast Rachael Adams hopes to help women realize their God-given purpose and significance.

She and her husband, Bryan, run a family business and farm in Kentucky with their two children, Will and Kate, and two dogs.

Her work has been featured on Crosswalk, iBelieve, Today Parenting, and YouVersion. Connect with her by visiting rachaelkadams.com, by searching @rachaeladamsauthor on social media, and by tuning in to The Love Offering podcast every Tuesday on your favorite listening platform.

~*~

Blurb for A Little Goes a Long Way:

A significant life is more simple than you think.

 

In a culture where bigger is seen as better, it’s easy to wonder if your quick prayer between errands or the short note you text a friend means anything in God's kingdom.

Contrary to how you may feel, every little thing you do can go a long way in God's hands. 

Partnering with God unlocks the eternal significance of the smallest act. In fifty-two devotions, Rachael Adams exemplifies this empowering truth and shares personal stories of how God values each deed, practical actions for lasting impact, and encouraging prayers that reveal how much your contributions matter.

Watch God take your everyday actions and transform them for his eternal purposes.

~*~

Buy Rachael's book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christian Book, and Walmart

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Connect with Rachael:
Website: https://www.rachaelkadams.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaeladamsauthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachaeladamsauthor

~*~
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: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Spotlight on Celtic Winter by Wendy Wilson Spooner

The sequel to Once Upon an Irish Summer is here! And today, you’re in for a treat because the author of this new novel called Celtic Winter, is here to share the story behind her new book!

Let’s welcome my author friend Wendy Wilson Spooner to the blog. Enjoy your time together!

~*~

The Story Behind the story Celtic Winter by Wendy Wilson Spooner:

Founded on a 200-year-old collection of letters

A faded and worn letter collection survives today, written by Eliza and Allen’s parents, to Allen, after he went to America. My mom, my daughters and I transcribed many of the faded, damaged letters ourselves.

Microfilm copies can be found at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah as well as the genealogical library in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The correspondence is both inspiring and heart-breaking, filled with the family’s trust in God as they suffered, while Allen journeyed thousands of miles away through antebellum America, seeking for a way to make a success of himself so he could bring his family to him before it was too late. The small snippets of Eliza’s life in the letters are very precious to me because there aren’t many records to be found for her.

As starvation and typhus fever raged throughout Ireland, Eliza’s story still inspires me today. She worked her fingers to the bone as a dressmaker and cared for her family continuously.

I wrote Once Upon an Irish Summer and Celtic Winter through the eyes of Allen Hamilton’s fictional descendant—a young, gifted artist struggling through debilitating grief—to show that what we learn from the past and who we come from, can entirely change us.

No Doubts

Writing this story in dual timeline was no easy task. But I would do it all again because the outcome has inspired countless people to delve into the lives of their own ancestors.

I believe that those who came before us want nothing more than for each generation to become a little better. And that’s what Once Upon an Irish Summer and Celtic Winter are all about—to learn about the people we come from, to honor them, then to stand on their shoulders to become a better generation.

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Author Bio:

Wendy Wilson Spooner, Lic. G., LCoT, is a Genetic Genealogist by day, a writer by night, and an artist in between. 

Her love of what we can learn from history compels her to write the true stories she unearths during her research because she has found that truth is indeed, much more exciting and inspiring than fiction.

Wendy is a member of the International Society of Genetic Genealogist, The Association of Professional Genealogists, Romance Writers of America, and The American Night Writer’s Association. As an award-winning author of professional articles and poems, she’s turned to novel writing to share what she knows with a greater audience.

When not writing or researching, Wendy paints, hikes, binges on Bollywood movies, and spends time with her greatest loves—her family.

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Blurb for Celtic Winter:

BASED ON A TRUE STORY. Two young ladies, two centuries apart, struggle to save the people they love in this gripping sequel to Once Upon an Irish Summer. 

In 1817, Eliza Hamilton loses her favorite brother to the lure of antebellum America and is left behind in declining Northern Ireland to keep her family alive while religious warfare, oppressive English laws, typhus fever, and starvation, overtake her homeland. She has no time for love, even when her suitor Aiden McNair declares his adoration and wishes to wed.

Two hundred years later, descendant Beth Wilson travels to Indiana to help her injured grandmother. When she arrives, she finds across the street, the mother of the young man she loves-on her deathbed. While Beth cares for her beloved grandmother, juggles school and her budding art career, she and Preston determine to locate the only person who could save his mother's life.

Beth's love of history and what she learns about her ancestor, Eliza, along the way could give her the hope and strength she needs to persevere through it all.

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Buy Wendy’s book on Amazon

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Connect with Wendy:
Website: https://wendywilsonspooner.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorWendyWilsonSpooner/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Wendy_W_Spooner
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendyspooner/

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