Promo: Everyday Prayers for Love devotional book by Rachael Adams

Today, we celebrate my author friend Rachael Adams because it is the birthday (release date) of her new devotional book! To celebrate this special event, Rachael has graciously offered an excerpt from Day 19 of her devo, Everyday Prayers for Love: Learning to Love God, Others and Even Yourself. This chapter (Day 19) focuses on how to love people fearlessly. Enjoy!

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Loving Fearlessly
By: Rachael Adams

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love casts out fear."

—1 John 4:18a

I didn't want to put myself out there again. Every time I did, I was met with disinterest. I already felt like I didn't belong in the group, which seemed to be affirmed each time I brought up an idea or topic of conversation. Whether or not I was misreading the situation, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t enough. So, in self-defense, I pulled back. I chose to respond less and withdrew myself from the group before they removed me.

We tend to self-protect when we get hurt, don’t we? Our instinct is to hide or put up walls so our hearts don’t get broken. Likely, we have all had instances where we extended an invitation and were told no, tried out for the team and didn’t make it, applied for the job and didn’t get it, worked towards our dream and were met with a closed door, or gave our best in a relationship and were rejected. In these instances, we are tempted to close ourselves off and not try again. We allow fear of future failure to prevent us from faithfully moving forward.

While this behavior feels safer, it simply isolates and makes us more vulnerable. The enemy prowls like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). While I’m no zoologist, a pack of animals has a much better chance of protecting themselves against a lion than a single animal alone. The same is true for us as believers. There is strength in community.

But what if it is that community that has caused the hurt? If so, we are tempted to escape. Hiding has been humanity’s tendency from the beginning of time. When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, they hid from God (Genesis 3:8). But what did God do? He pursued them.

Since creation, and despite rejection, God has desired to fellowship with mankind, pursuing a closer relationship with us. Throughout Scripture, we see the progression of Him moving toward us. First, His Spirit hovered over the waters. Next, He lived in the desert in the Tabernacle. Then, God became flesh when Christ came to live on the earth. When Jesus descended to heaven at Pentecost, He sent the Holy Spirit to come and dwell within us. Isn’t it unfathomable that the God of the universe would want to be so near to us? No matter what your earthly relationships are like, God is pursuing you.

Something to Think About

There are 686 mentions of love in the Bible. Fear also ranks high in biblical word count, with the emotion mentioned 437 times. I’ve heard it said before God told us to “fear not” (or some variations of the phrase) 365 times in His Word–one for each day in the year. He knew we would struggle with these feelings. Fear is a valid emotion we should pay attention to, especially if we are unsafe. However, when we are afraid, we can trust that God will be with us. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love (1 John 4:18).” His love will quiet your fears and give you confidence.

Hagar experienced God’s pursuit of love in the desert after being mistreated by Sarah. Although it was Sarah’s plan for her slave Hagar to have a baby with her husband Abraham, she became jealous and took her anger out on her servant. The angel of the Lord found Hagar in the desert and advised her to return to Sarah. After this encounter, Hagar called God El Roi, “the God who sees (Genesis 16:13).”

Hagar returned and birthed her son, Ishmael. Fourteen years later, Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 21). The bitterness between the women continued, and Sarah demanded Hagar and Ishmael be cast out. Although it grieved Abraham to do so, he gave Hagar and Ishmael some provisions and sent them away.

Once again, God graciously intervened. The Lord saw Hagar’s distress, provided for her need, and blessed her son because he was the child of Abraham. This story reminds us that no matter who or where we are, God sees and cares about us. He will comfort and provide for anyone who turns to Him and always keeps His promises.

Escape is only a temporary solution. God continually desires us to face our problems with His help. We experience His aid most clearly in and through conflicts and difficulties, not away from them. Are there problems in your life from which you’ve been running away? Allow His perfect love to cast out your fear.

Extra Verses For Study Or Prayer

Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:15

Verse Of The Day

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love casts out fear."

—1 John 4:18a

Prayer

Father, I admit I’m afraid of the heartbreak that can happen in relationships. I have felt rejected and unwanted by people in my life. It feels safer to stay alone than risk being hurt again. But I know You’ve made me for community. Give me the courage to open my heart again. Remind me that You accept, choose, and see me. I no longer want to live in fear. Cast it out and replace it with Your love. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Questions For Deeper Reflection

1. Have you been hurt in relationships with people or even with God? Has this caused you to pull back in self-protection?

2. What could happen if you pushed past the fear? How does knowing God sees you and loves you help to open your heart again?

~*~
Author Bio:

Author of A Little Goes a Long Way and Everyday Prayers for Love, Rachael Adams, hopes to help women realize God’s love and purpose for their lives. She and her husband, Bryan, live in Kentucky with their two children, Will and Kate. 

Her work has been featured on Good Morning America, Crosswalk, Proverbs 31, Today Parenting, and YouVersion. Connect with her by visiting rachaelkadams.com, searching @rachaeladamsauthor on Instagram and Facebook, and tuning in to The Love Offering podcast every Tuesday on your favorite listening platform.

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

The story behind a NEW book by Becky Beresford that releases today!

Join me in wishing my author friend, Becky Beresford, a "Happy BOOK Birthday" because her debut nonfiction book (She Believed HE Could, So She Did) releases into the world today (March 5, 2024) and it's going to be amazing! In fact it already is. 

But don't take my word for it, read all about her story in the post below.

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The story behind the book by Becky Beresford: 

I never thought I would be a serious writer, let alone write a book like the one God has asked me to write.

After working in ministry with women for five years, I got married and quickly became pregnant with our oldest son. I was used to meeting face-to-face with women and discipling them over a cup of coffee or in a small group setting. But motherhood (especially mothering a little one with special needs) soon proved to be a new season where I couldn’t pour into women like I once had. With the passion still in my heart, I asked God to either remove my desire for ministry or to somehow make a way for ministry and motherhood to coexist. He responded with a third option, something I had never considered before. The Lord expanded my idea of ministry and showed me that discipleship could also take shape in the form of writing, and now He was asking me to write for Him!

With shaky hands I sent my first blog post out into the world in 2015, not knowing if anyone would see it or if they would want to read what I wrote. Little did I know the plans Jesus had for the words He was inspiring. People began to respond and relate to the messages God was laying on my heart to communicate. And so, I decided to pursue the idea of writing an actual book. 

After three years of trying to publish a separate book that is not She Believed HE Could, So She Did, I felt worn down to the bone. Not only was I receiving rejection after rejection from publishers, my life was full of overwhelming circumstances, all of which left me feeling like a failure. With special needs parenting, financial strain, health issues, loss, and a marriage on the brink of divorce, I came to the end of my own strength and sufficiency. I tried hard to believe I could handle whatever life threw my way—that if I could just keep my head afloat a little longer, then everything would be okay. Instead of relying on God as my source and security, I kept taking matters into my own hands. Jesus had to show me I didn’t have to be the savior of my story. It was never my job to have, but His.

During this hard time I had a sign on my writing desk from my husband with the popular saying “She Believed She Could, So She Did”. But the more I stared at the statement, the more unsettling it became. Did I really think I could hold everything together and be enough for everyone always, including myself? I was weary from trying to do it all, a state many of us find ourselves in today.

But God never intended for His Daughters to live with the burden of carrying the world’s concerns or trying to make everything happen. Instead, He wants to bring us back to the message of the gospel where we come to Jesus in our weakness and allow His love, truth, and strength to empower us to face trials. We don’t need to believe solely in ourselves when there’s a God who is able to do immeasurably more than anything we could imagine or think. We can take a deep breath and lean into the care and capacity of Christ.

This is why I wrote She Believed HE Could, So She Did. It goes against the grain of culture’s popular self-empowerment mindset, but also challenges similar sayings within the church. We need to go back to the Bible and see what God truly says. I pray the message found within this book’s pages will inspire women to stop striving according to society’s standards and in turn, surrender everything to the God who can. 

True freedom is possible when we ground our whole selves in the Good News.

~*~
Author Bio:

Becky Beresford lives in North Carolina and is happily outnumbered by her husband and three wonderful boys. She is an author, speaker and coach with a Master's Certificate in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship from Moody Theological Seminary. 

Becky loves encouraging God’s Daughters to embrace Christ-centered empowerment through the truth found in the gospel. Her work has been featured in large online communities including Crosswalk, (in)courage, iBelieve, HuffPost, DaySpring, and she recently became a writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries’ First 5 writing team. 

Becky’s book with Moody Publishers, She Believed HE Could, So She Did, releases in March.

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Buy Becky's book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Target

 
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Connect with Becky:
Website: https://www.beckyberesford.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becky.beresford/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beckyberesfordauthor
Sign up for Becky's Empowered Email Tribe: https://www.beckyberesford.com/sign-up

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!

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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.

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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.

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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: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview with Melissa Tagg about her novel "Now and Then and Always"

Let's welcome my author friend Melissa Tagg to the blog and wish her a "Happy BOOK Birthday" because her NEW novel Now and Then and Always releases TODAY!

*Pause for cheers and congratulations!*

Isn't the cover of her new book gorgeous?

Today, you're in for a treat because we're going to learn so much about Melissa's new book via an author interview feature! 

Enjoy!

~*~

Interview with Melissa Tagg about NEW novel, 

Now and Then and Always (Maple Valley Book 1)

Alexis: What inspired you to write this book?

Melissa: I don’t know why, but when I first started thinking about this book (about three years ago, actually!) I was really intrigued at the thought of writing about a man who is incredibly broken, who has lost everything in his life. Which sounds incredibly melancholy, but really, it was so interesting for me to write because I kept thinking to myself, “What if I’d lost all that Marshall has lost? Would I fall apart, too? Would I lose my faith, too?” There’s even a spot where Marshall asks his sister if she could keep believing that God is good and that He loves her if she’d lost what he’s lost. And I was really asking myself that same question as I wrote it. Could I keep believing?

But on a lighter note, I also just had a huge hankering to return to Maple Valley! I’d sprinkled my previous Maple Valley stories with intriguing side characters and I just knew that one day they’d all need their own stories. Similarly, I first mentioned the Everwood B&B in my 2015 book, Like Never Before, and at the time I knew one day I’d circle back to it.

Alexis: Now and Then and Always is the first book in your Maple Valley series. What’s the focus of this new series? Briefly share story details.

Melissa: This new series is set in Maple Valley and it features a small group of tight-knit friends, most of whom are side characters from past books. Jenessa Bellville first appeared in Like Never Before (2015), Sam Ross first appeared in Keep Holding On (2016) and then again in All This Time (2017), and Lucas Danby first appeared in Keep Holding On.

Alexis: Let’s talk about the heroine of your story, Mara Bristol. What does she look and sound like? What is her greatest fear? What is her deepest dream? What or who makes her mad? What or who makes her happy? Explain.

Melissa: I’m going to let you discover some of these things through reading the book…for instance, I don’t want to tell you what her greatest fear is because that’s a big part of her story unfolding on the page. But I can tell you that she has something—or rather, someone—in her past that she fears. She’s also carrying around quite a bit of hurt and loneliness. She’s hungry to belong somewhere, to have a family even if it doesn’t look like a normal family. What makes her happy: cereal, the Everwood B&B…and Marshall.

Alexis: Everwood Bed & Breakfast at the edge of Maple Valley, Iowa sounds dreamy! Please describe the B&B and paint a picture of Maple Valley with your creative words.

Melissa: The Everwood B&B was first introduced in Like Never Before. It’s a sprawling and weathered Victorian house. But it’s also full of charm and personality. We’re going to see it come to life throughout this story...and discover its secrets. Maple Valley is a quirky small town, divided in half by a river that runs straight through the middle of town. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows everyone…which can be hard for strangers to get used to, but more often than not, they end up falling in love with the place and the people who live there.

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

Melissa: Lenora is the owner of the B&B. She took Mara under her wing months ago and invited her to stay and help run the place. You’ll discover she’s been gone for about five weeks at the beginning of the story. To learn more about where she is, you’ll have to read the book.

Alexis: Let’s talk about the hero of your story, Marshall Hawkins. What does he look and sound like? What is his worst weakness? What is his greatest strength? What or who brings him joy? What or who hurts his heart?

Melissa: Again, I’m not going to answer every question here because some of it, well, I want you to discover by reading the book! But some things you’ll find out right away about Marshall—he’s full of pain and he’s not handling it well. He’s lost his daughter, his marriage has ended, and he’s forced to take a personal leave at work. He’s in a dark, dark season…and yet, even in the early chapters, we’ll see little moments of light shining through. I adore the guy!

Alexis: Why does Marshall feel like his life is falling apart?

Melissa: As I noted above, he’s just lost so much—his daughter, his marriage, and his job, although that last one is only temporary. He’s lost his faith, too, and he hasn’t handled his pain well. He’s basically been living in a fog for about two years.

Alexis: What brings Marshall to Everwood and what compels him to stay at the B&B for more than one night?

Melissa: Marshall winds up at the Everwood on a stormy night. He pulls over in a storm while dealing with a migraine…he goes inside to escape the storm and also to make sure the people inside are safe. As for why he stays…you’ll have to read the book to find out.

Alexis: What do Mara and Marshall like – and dislike – about each other? Why?

Melissa: Mara loves Marshall’s dependability, his strength (which he can’t even see in himself), especially his kindness. Marshall senses a mystery in Mara and being the detective he is, he loves that. He also sees her desire to belong and to save the Everwood and he greatly admires that. They do have different ways of handling pain and making decisions and that causes them to clash sometimes.

Alexis: What role do faith, hope and love play in this story?

Melissa: You’ll see both Mara and Marshall deal with faith in different ways—for Mara, her faith is really only a surface thing at the beginning of the story. For Marshall, he was once a man of deep convictions and belief but he lost that right alongside everything else two years ago. Marshall, especially, doesn’t really understand how to hope anymore…but he starts to get glimpses of what his life could be throughout this story. And love…well, this is a romance. So it plays a big role.

Alexis: What’s your favorite scene in this story and how fun was it for you as the author to create it?

Melissa: Truly, my very favorite scene is the prologue where Marshall first arrives at the Everwood and realizes it looks exactly like a picture he’s been carrying around in his pocket for two years. I wrote that scene way back in early 2018 after a long period of not writing. And then in the rest of 2018, I didn’t write much at all due to my big move and house renovation. But I kept coming back to those prologue paragraphs and rereading them and telling myself that someday I’d find time to write this story. I feel like those opening paragraphs kept giving me hope for the rest of the story.

A couple other favorite scenes include Mara and Marshall’s meet-cute and the final scene in the last chapter…and the epilogue, too, because it sets up future books.

Alexis: If you could take a trip with Mara and Marshall, where would you go? Why?

Melissa: Maple Valley! But since Maple Valley doesn’t exist, I think the three of us would have a blast traveling to the Smokey Mountains.

Alexis: Now for the quick questions! Answer in italics.

What’s your favorite color? 

Blue or green

Who are your favorite authors? 

Lori Benton, Joanne Bischof, and most recently, Amanda Dykes

What’s one book that you simply cannot live without? 

The Lady & The Lionheart by Joanne Bischof

What is your favorite season? 

Autumn

Where is your favorite vacation spot? 

Anywhere my family is! But also, I love the Carolinas.

How do you take your coffee? 

Black!

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Melissa! Would you like to share closing thoughts?

Melissa: Thanks for having me! Can’t wait to get this book into readers’ hands. It’s a huge piece of my heart on the page, so it means the world to me when readers take the time to dive into one of my stories.

~*~
Author Bio:

Melissa Tagg is the award-winning author of the popular Walker Family series, the Where Love Begins series and the Enchanted Christmas Collection. She's a former reporter, current nonprofit grant writer and total Iowa girl. 

Melissa's recent releases include a 2018 ACFW Carol Award Winner (One Enchanted Noel), an RT Book Reviews TOP PICK (All This Time) and a Publishers Weekly Spring Top Ten Pick (Like Never Before).

Melissa has taught at multiple national writing conferences, as well as workshops and women's retreats. When she's not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever--not that she's biased--watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next book. Melissa loves connecting with readers at www.melissatagg.com and on Facebook and Instagram.

~*~
Book Blurb for Now and Then and Always:

“It was just a house. Just a weathered old house in a hidden grove, shuttered and still.”

Last year, after traumatic circumstances forced her from her job as a nanny, Mara Bristol finally found a place to belong—the winsome Everwood Bed & Breakfast at the edge of Maple Valley, Iowa. For months, she’s helped its owner, Lenora, maintain the ramshackle property despite their shortage of guests. But when Lenora fails to return from a month-long trip and the bank threatens foreclosure, Mara worries she’s once again alone . . . abandoned . . . about to lose the only true home she’s ever known.

Detective Marshall Hawkins is no closer to whole today than he was two years ago . . . the day his daughter died. Between his divorce, debilitating migraines, and a dependence on medication, his life is falling apart. And when a reckless decision on the job propels him into administrative leave, he has no other plan but to get in his truck and drive. A one-night stay at the Everwood was supposed to be just that. But there’s something about the old house—or maybe its intriguing caretaker—that pulls him in.

Together, Mara and Marshall set out to save the Everwood. But its secrets run deeper than they could’ve imagined. As they renovate the house and search for its missing owner, they’ll each confront the pain that brought them to the Everwood in the first place . . . and just maybe discover a faith and love to help them carry on.

~*~
Buy Melissa’s book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

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Connect with Melissa:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelissaTagg/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/melissatagg/
Website – http://www.melissatagg.com
Twitter – https://twitter.com/Melissa_Tagg

Interview with Sarah Monzon, author of "The Esther Paradigm"

Join me in welcoming Sarah Monzon to the blog and wish her a "Happy BOOK birthday"!

Sarah's new book, The Esther Paradigm, releases today! Therefore she's celebrating what authors call a "book birthday". Feel free to wish her a "happy BOOK birthday" in the comment section below.

But before you share your birthday wishes with Sarah, please take time to read what she has to say today in my interview about her new novel. 

She's also giving away one digital copy of her book, so remember to enter the book giveaway contest on the Rafflecopter widget toward the end of this blog post.

Enjoy!

~*~
Interview with Sarah Monzon, author of The Esther Paradigm:

Alexis: Why do you call this book, "The Esther Paradigm"? Explain the significance.

Sarah: Partway through the book the main character, Hannah Pratt, discovers that her perspective, her paradigm, changes to resemble Esther from the Bible.

Alexis: What inspired you to write this book?

Sarah: The idea of it just entered my head one day, took hold, and wouldn’t let go until I got it written.

Alexis: Describe the research that went into writing this book.

Sarah: I researched everything. Location/geography/setting, culture, food, language, religion, lodging, customs, clothing. I had no less than a dozen tabs open at all times to refer to and look more things up. I also watch a documentary series on Netflix and checked out a few books at my local library.

Alexis: Tell us about your story’s heroine Hannah Pratt. Describe her looks, personality, and outlook on life. What makes Hannah well…Hannah?

Sarah: She’s fair skinned, blond, blue eyes—basically the exact opposite of how everyone else in the region (Middle East) would look. She is very respectful of diversity, caring, and vibrant. A little insecure, she often falls into the pit of comparison and finds herself coming up short in her own mind.

Alexis: Why does Hannah want to start a school for the Bedouin clan that she grew up with when she was a missionary kid?

Sarah: She has a passion in her heart for the people, who she considers her family, and their children.

Alexis: Describe the battle that Hannah is in the middle of and share how her faith in God helps her in this situation. What is the mission that she believes God has called her to fulfill?

Sarah: Hannah and her parents are blamed when a mysterious illness sweeps through the clan’s flocks. The situation becomes heated, but Hannah knows she is where God wants her.

Alexis: Karim Al-Amir is a sheikh who is the hero of this story. Describe his looks, personality, and life goals.

Sarah: Black, slightly-curly hair, dark-brown eyes, and a trimmed beard. He is quiet, observant, and responsible. He wants to preserve the ways of his people and the traditional way in which they’ve lived for hundreds of years.

Alexis: What were Karim’s first thoughts when he met Hannah? How does that affect their relationship?

Sarah: Karim and Hannah met as children. He was instantly mesmerized by her blue eyes and golden hair. He’d never seen another person who looked like her before.

Alexis: Why does Karim want to marry Hannah? Does she want to marry him? Explain.

Sarah: He marries her to keep her and her parents safe. The protection of his name and position.

Alexis: Where is the setting for this story? Why did you choose it and how did you make it true to real life?

Sarah: Somewhere in the Middle East. Because the main character is a missionary serving in a country where Christianity is illegal, it would be unwise for her to ever say exactly where she is. However, she serves in the 10/40 Window, the geographical location ten to forty degrees north of the equator where the majority of the world’s “unreached” live.

Alexis: What was the most challenging aspect of writing this story? Explain.

Sarah: Finding a balance. I know there are things in the book that might make some people uncomfortable. The hero is Muslim and to be genuine and authentic to his character, there are Islamic layers to the story. I had to find the balance of keeping that authenticity to the culture while not alienating my audience.

Alexis: What lesson do you want to teach your readers with this book? Why?

Sarah: I never go into writing a book looking to teach readers a lesson. I hope the story is entertaining, relatable, gives hope, etc., but never with an agenda. However, if the Holy Spirit uses the words I wrote to gently move a reader, I praise God for that.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Sarah! Do you have any closing comments?

Sarah: Thank you so much for having me. It was truly a pleasure.

~*~
Author Bio: 

Sarah Monzon is a Navy chaplain's wife and a stay at home mom to the two cutest littles in the world. Playing pretend all day with them isn't enough, she spends the evenings after their heads hit the pillow to create her own imaginary characters.

When she isn't in the world of make-believe, she can be found in the pine forests of western Washington taking care of her family, fostering friendships, and enjoying all the adventures each day brings.

Her debut novel, The Isaac Project, skyrocketed to Amazon bestseller status while her Sophomore book, Finders Keepers, won the 2017 SELAH award for contemporary romance.

~*~
Blurb for The Esther Paradigm: Hannah Pratt dreams of starting a school for the Bedouin clan she grew up with as a missionary kid, and finally her hopes are coming true. But shortly after she returns to the desert from her college years in the U.S., she discovers her parents have received threats from their Muslim neighbors. As the danger escalates, Hannah finds she’s in the middle of a battle no one seems to understand. 

She must decide to what lengths she'll go to stay faithful to the mission to which God has called her. Even if it costs her everything. 

As sheikh, Karim Al-Amir feels the weight of responsibility as the leader of his people. When a mysterious illness ravishes the clan’s flocks and threatens to destroy their centuries-old way of life, locals believe the American doctors and their daughter, his childhood friend, Hannah, are to blame. Karim must do something to keep them safe—even if the only solution can be found within marriage vows. 

In a society where the line is drawn between us and them, Christianity is outlawed, and foreigners are mistrusted, will their union heal wounds or inflict the final fatal blow?

~*~
Connect with Sarah: 

Website - http://www.sarahmonzonwrites.com
Facebook - facebook.com/sarahmonzonwrites
Twitter - twitter.com/monzonwrites 

~*~

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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Interview with Toni Shiloh, author of Returning Home

Let's welcome Toni Shiloh to the blog today and congratulate her on her book's birthday! Today is the release of her new novel, Returning Home and she's here to talk about it.

Enjoy the interview!

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Interview with Toni Shiloh, author of Returning Home:

Alexis: Why do you call this book, “Returning Home”? Share the inspiration behind the story.

Toni: Although this book is about Jo and Evan, it is also about their friends. Half of them return to Freedom Lake for some reason or other. For Evan, he has to return home to heal and even though Jo Ellen is already in Freedom Lake, she returns to the body of Christ and finds home in the kingdom. That’s the inspiration behind the name. The inspiration behind the story happened when I was out driving. I wondered what would happen if someone was in a car crash that caused him or her a limb. Hence what happens to Evan.

Alexis: Jo Ellen Baker is the heroine of this story. Tell us about her heart, personality, and outlook on life.

Toni: Jo has such a big heart but she’s terrified of anyone seeing it. She hides behind overalls and a hammer. Life has dealt her many blows and she expects them at every turn all the while hoping that luck will grant her favor.

Alexis: Evan Carter is the hero of this story. Describe his looks, personality, and most prominent character flaw.

Toni: Evan has such a big chip on his shoulder when he first walks onto the pages of Returning Home. Despite that, I love his character. His desire to make amends is one I admire. He’s your average looking guy but his grins and strength of character quickly capture Jo’s heart.

Alexis: Describe the setting of this story, Freedom Lake. What makes it special?

Toni: The lake! I love water and was so happy to create a setting with that as a backdrop. The book starts in the autumn season so I made sure to throw in some colorful foliage against the lake’s beauty.

Alexis: What is a carriage house? How does Jo Ellen’s task of renovating it affect this story?

Toni: A carriage house is usually a home built over a garage. Evan needs a place that can accommodate his wheelchair. It’s a central part of the story because it’s how they grow closer together…through the renovation.

Alexis: What is it about Evan that Jo Ellen loves?

Toni: There is a quietness about him that soothes her. She grew up dealing with drama from her mother and sister. When she’s around Evan she can be herself and relax and have fun.

Alexis: What is it about Jo Ellen that Evan cannot forget?

Toni: Her strength. He’s always seen her as calm, cool, and collected no matter what is thrown at her. It centers him in the midst of his own storm.

Alexis: Why did Evan tease Jo Ellen so “mercilessly” when they were kids? How did Jo Ellen respond to it?

Toni: Well, I’ll say sometimes we don’t handle attraction well. I don’t want to give it all away so I’ll leave it at that.

Alexis: Why does Evan have to return home and move in with his parents? How does he feel about this situation?

Toni: Oh he absolutely hates it! What grown-up wants to return home and end up living with their parents? He feels like a failure and doesn’t handle the situation very well.

Alexis: What role do Evan and Jo Ellen’s faith in God play in this story?

Toni: Evan has forgotten his faith in the midst of tragedy. Jo refuses to participate in a faith that seems hypocritical. Both have to come to terms with what is real versus what they believed to be true.

Alexis: What was your greatest challenge in writing this story?

Toni: Hoping that I was true to each character and their own issues they needed to overcome. I’ve never been in either situation so I had to pull on empathy and research.

Alexis: What about writing this story brought you the deepest joy?

Toni: The End! This was the first full-length novel I wrote and I felt such an accomplishment when I completed the first draft.

Alexis: If you were a counselor to Jo Ellen and Evan in this story what would you say to help?

Toni: Your attitude can make or break your day. Often times are pessimistic beliefs and thoughts create an unhealthy environment that is our own undoing.

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

Toni: That no matter where you are on life’s journey, God can see you through.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Toni! Would you like to share closing thoughts?

Toni: Thank you to all who have followed me on my writing journey. I couldn’t do this without your support and prayers. May God bless you as you have blessed me.

~*~
Author Bio: 

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. 

She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and president of the Virginia Chapter.

 You can find her on her website at http://tonishiloh.wordpress.com.

~*~
Blurb for Returning Home (book): Jo Ellen Baker is shocked to find out that the boy who teased her mercilessly throughout high school, has returned to their hometown of Freedom Lake, and he’s missing a leg. 

When his mother asks her to renovate their carriage house to give him a place to gain his independence back, she wants to say no. But one look at him brings a rush of forgotten feelings. 

Evan Carter can’t believe he has to return home and live with his parents. Every hope and dream he ever had dissipated in a car crash that cost him his leg. Stuck in a wheelchair, he’s forced to re-examine his relationship with God and the local carpenter, Jo Ellen Baker.

Will renovating his home open the door for a mended relationship, or are some wounds too deep to heal from?

~*~
Buy Toni's book:
Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/y9ozrv3f 

Barnes and Noble: https://tinyurl.com/y9kwhhp7
Kobo: https://tinyurl.com/ybrf3xrc
iTunes: https://tinyurl.com/y9hr6gvl 

~*~
Connect with Toni:
Facebook - www.facebook.com/authortonishiloh
Pinterest-  www.pinterest.com/tonishiloh
Instagram - www.instagram.com/tonishiloh
Goodreads - www.goodreads.com/tonishiloh
Bookbub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/toni-shiloh
Blogs where Toni contributes posts: http://puttingonthenew.com, http://heartwingsblog.com, http://diversitybetweenthepages.wordpress.com, www.acfwvirginia.com/blog

Giveaway Contest: Celebrating my blog and debut book's birthday!

Dearest of hearts,

Today is my blog's 7th birthday! It all started with this post on August 2, 2010...and God took it from there! He inspired me with ideas to inspire you ever since.

Over the years, my blog has matured from being a place where I timidly posted videos and links to articles that I read online, to a place where I grew strong and found my voice. Now we do book giveaways, music CD giveaways, author interviews, character interviews, and personal essays. You get to "meet" my favorite authors and read devotionals written by lovely ladies of faith in God like Mary Manners and Laura Thomas! Sometimes you even get treated to viewing pictures that are "Worth 1,000 Words" captured by my photographer friends like Katelyn James and Terri Baskin!

My journey as the founder of this "God is Love" blog grew from its humble beginnings to my becoming a consistent blogger with a voice. Every step and blog post of this journey helped to enrich my life. It's always been my mission to share God's Love for humankind with the world and I am thankful that He led me to establish this blog to accomplish that purpose.

Now here's to YOU my dear blog readers because this blog would not be of benefit if you were not reading it! I've downloaded a free e-card from DaySpring just for you! Here you go:

Thank YOU for ALL the "little things" you do that make a BIG difference! Little things like leaving comments on my blog posts, participating in the giveaway contests, and taking the time to write a note to me personally via e-mail truly have made my day. Your kindness has encouraged my heart. I appreciate you ALL so much!

Another reason to celebrate this August 2017 is that my first (debut) book, Hope in My Heart: A Collection of Heartwarming Stories, was published in August 2013! It's my debut book's 4th birthday! And to celebrate both my blog's birthday and my first book's birthday, I'm hosting a giveaway contest where seven people will have the chance to WIN a copy of Hope in My Heart: A Collection of Heartwarming Stories for their Kindle. 

The giveaway starts TODAY (August 2) and it will END on August 27.

So won't you celebrate with me by leaving a comment with your "Happy birthday" wishes and give yourself the chance to WIN this gift of my first book by entering the giveaway contest?

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

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Good luck in the giveaway! God bless your dear hearts!

Love,

Alexis A. Goring
Founder of "God is Love" blog
Author/Blogger/Journalist/Screenwriter