Devotionals for the Heart: Why you should store your treasures in Heaven

Where is Your Treasure?
A devotional by Peg Arnold

“Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”—Matthew 6:19-21 NLT

Early one freezing winter morning, we were on our way to the Denver airport taking my brother and his wife to catch a 7 a.m. flight. On the way there we reminisced about the wonderful memories made on their first visit to our new home. Suddenly, another vehicle crashed into our car. We shook in our seats as the right side of our car swung up, then veered and hit the cement construction barrier wall on the left. We feared we would flip over as our car was dangerously balanced on the two right wheels and continued to move forward.

My husband skillfully maneuvered the vehicle to the shoulder. We all spoke at once: “Is everyone okay?” “What just happened?” “A car came out of nowhere and hit us.” “Look at the passenger window!”

Shattered glass covered the dashboard and front seat. We breathed a sigh of relief as we realized we were not hurt nor dead, saying, “Thank you, Lord, we are okay!”

Despite being shaken up, I quickly dialed 911 to report the incident. My brother, however, scheduled an Uber to pick them up at the accident location. The next few hours were a flurry of activity. The Uber driver arrived before the policeman! We shivered outside as we talked with police, EMTs, firefighters, tow truck drivers, and insurance agents as the traffic on the busy highway flew by. Finally, we headed home crammed into the back seat of a truck cab, with our demolished car on the rear bed.

Once home, I wandered about aimlessly and finally cuddled in a blanket. I shared the harrowing experiences with family and friends, reliving the situation as a bad dream. Yet, as I looked at the pictures of the demolished car that hit us, God gently calmed my nerves, soothed my mind, and revealed new perspectives. First, I praised Him for protecting us. Despite the extreme damage to the cars, the personal injuries were minimal. God safeguarded all involved, even though the accident occurred on a dark, busy highway.

Did you ever wake up with plans only to have a sudden crash derail everything? Life precariously balances on two wheels, and you hang on, uncertain of what the next step will bring. In these moments, when our world turns upside down, it's not our strength but the comfort and hope of God that sustains us.

Unfortunately, this situation isn’t over for us because we still have the inconvenience of no car to drive, the insurance paperwork to complete, doctor's appointments to keep, and the cost of vehicle repairs or replacement. This all takes time, and there are many emotions to process when we experience unexpected traumatic events that destroy our material things.

Through this ordeal, God brought a familiar scripture to mind. It is not one I would have considered in this situation but it proves true. Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT) says, “Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

This message warns us not to fret about material things but to focus on God's kingdom first. Sometimes, this is difficult when those items are critical to your lifestyle and impact your finances. But I think it is God's reminder to prioritize our relationship with Him and value the fragility of life.

Where is my treasure after experiencing this unexpected event? My heart desires to nurture my relationship with God and others while lifting praises for His provision. I often don't get it right, but I am grateful for God's wisdom, guidance, and patience as I learn these life lessons.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord, 

When we encounter a situation that unexpectedly and precariously flips our lives, help us cling to Your promises. You are t he strength that sustains us, the comfort that supports us, and our hope for the future. Help us not give in to worries and anxiousness about material inconveniences each day. But instead, focus on the treasures of connection with You and others. 

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Angels” by Amy Grant. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Peg Arnold, Speaker/Author/Teacher is a Drama Queen for Jesus. 

Her vibrant, interactive, and soul-stirring messages encourage all to embrace their God-given value. As a mom, wife, nana, mentor, with a master’s in counseling, she connects on a personal basis by sharing her joys and challenges of many life experiences through her dramas, messages, and witness. Whether talking with a friend over coffee or addressing hundreds of people at a conference, her passion for equipping women is contagious.

She has published devotions on YouVersion and in the Upper Room. In addition, she has contributed to two Chicken Soup for the Soul books, three anthologies, numerous articles, and blogs. Her devotional, Devotions for the Distracted Heart, received a 2022 OASIS award. 

Peg desires everyone to know that their story is important and has a purpose. She grew up in Michigan and raised her family in Maryland. Later in life, Peg and her husband relocated close to their family in Colorado.

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Connect with Peg:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arnoldpeg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pegarnoldwow
Website: https://pegarnold.org/ Get some freebies when you visit!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC51V_iWr0RfGAQvQnWVXEoA
Devotions for the Distracted Heart blog: https://pegarnold.wordpress.com/
YouVersion: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/22261-devotions-for-the-distracted-heart
Holiday YouVersion: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28680-holiday-devotions-for-the-distracted-heart
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/wonderofwomen/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/peg-arnold-wow

Devotionals for the Heart: Remember

Remember to Remember
A devotional by Amanda Wen

“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live.” 
– Deuteronomy 4:9 (NIV)

This verse contains some of Moses’ final words to the Israelites, the people he’d led out of slavery in Egypt and through four decades of wandering in the desert.

He spoke them as they were about to cross the Jordan River into the land God had promised to give their ancestors centuries before. And of all the things he urged them to do, one of the last and most crucial was to remember.

Remember the plagues God brought on the Egyptians, and how you yourselves did not suffer the same effects.

Remember how God delivered you out of slavery in dramatic fashion, plundering the Egyptians as you went.

Remember how God parted the sea and drowned the Egyptian army as they came after you.

Remember the many times God came through for you.

Why would Moses give this advice? Because he knew human nature.

Moses knew how easy it is to forget God’s miracles in the heat of stressful circumstances. He knew how soon songs of celebration would turn to questions and complaints, how quickly Israel went from rejoicing in God’s miraculous deliverance to griping about the lack of variety in their diet.

I read these accounts, and I think, “Seriously? They watched God part an ocean for them, but then wished they were back in chains in Egypt?”

But if I look at my own responses to circumstances that are less than my version of ideal, I ask the same questions. “Where are you, God? When are you going to intervene on my behalf? Or do you plan to abandon me? Did you bring me this far only to bring me this far?”

The key to avoiding the vicious cycle of complaint is to remember God’s faithfulness. Remember the times when He’s moved mountains, when He’s come through in ways only He can.

Sometimes these are times of enormous blessing, like when He led me to attend a Boston Red Sox watch party where I met the man who would become my husband. Or when He provided the means and the guidance for us to purchase our home. Or when He nudged me to enter a writing contest where one of the final judges was the literary agent who later signed me as her client.

But frequently, the times God has come through have been in times of great trial.

Like our car accident twelve years ago, where He protected us from significant physical injury and provided professionals to guide us through the longer-term psychological trauma. How, as part of the healing process from that accident, I began writing fiction as a way to cope. How my cello, which was severely damaged in the collision, sounded even better once it was repaired.

That accident was unpleasant, to put it mildly. But God has brought—and is still bringing—so much good from it.

My family right now is going through a very difficult season. It’s tempting to fall into the trap of self-pity, to wallow and wonder why God allows His children to struggle. To wonder if this is finally the time God leaves us hanging.

But remembering His past faithfulness and knowing His character does not change, I’m confident He’ll come through yet again. Remember that He’ll bring beauty from these wounds and scars just as He did before, just as He always does.

During difficult times when you can’t see God at work, look back at the times He’s blessed you. Look back on the difficulties He’s already brought you through.

Looking back and remembering to remember God’s Providence in your life story thus far, will enable you to move forward.

~*~
Author Bio:

Amanda Wen is an award-winning writer of contemporary inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction. 

A first place winner in the 2017 Indiana Golden Opportunity Contest, she also placed first in the 2017 Phoenix Rattler Contest, the 2017 Great Expectations Contest, and the 2016 ACFW First Impressions Contest, among others. In addition, she was a finalist in the 2018 ACFW Genesis Contest.

Amanda is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and regularly contributes author interviews for their Fiction Finder feature. She’s also been spotted onstage with the worship team at recent ACFW conferences. Amanda is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

In addition to her writing, Amanda maintains an active and rewarding career as a freelance cellist, frequently performing with symphony orchestras, string quartets, and her church’s worship team. She lives in the Midwest with her amazing husband and their three adorable and hilarious Wenlets.

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Connect with Amanda:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authoramandawen
Twitter: www.twitter.com/authoramandawen
Instagram: www.instagram.com/authoramandawen
Website: www.amandawen.com

Let Love Bloom: Dancing in the Rain

Interview with Jennifer Slattery, co-author of Dancing in the Rain:

Alexis: Why did you decide to write this book with Eileen Rife?

Jennifer: Eileen and I had been critique partners for years prior to this book, and we’ve always worked really well together. She’s one of those treasured writers who have the love and courage to tell you the truth regarding your stories and the patience to help you make them better.

This book was her baby, and I came in on the tail end as a critique partner. We got to talking about certain elements, and I think she felt I could add something to the story and the characterization. One afternoon, she sent me an email asking if I’d like to join her in the process. I felt honored and excited; the story premise really intrigued me!

Alexis: What was your collaboration/writing process like? Share details.

Jennifer: It is a bit hard to remember all of it as this was a while ago. We let the book lie fallow for a bit as she became busy with ministry and family, and I became busy with other releases that came out on deadlines.

I can’t remember how much of the book she had finished before I stepped in, but we passed the story back and forth quite a bit, chapter by chapter. She’d make tweaks, I’d tweak her tweaks. When differences of opinions arose, I deferred to her (I think. I hope!) as this was largely her baby, but for the most part, things played out really smoothly.

If I remember correctly, I took on a lot more of Michael’s voice and she took on a lot more of Loni’s voice. So that helped.

Alexis: What inspired you to create the characters with their unique individual stories and background? Describe how you brought your vision to fruition.

Jennifer: Eileen has a missionary and church camp background and a heart for bringing the outsiders, like Marta, one of the characters, in. So much of this story arose from her experiences at church camp growing up. I’ve always felt called to a rougher crowd, I suppose you could say. Those from tough upbringings, maybe who struggle (or have struggled with alcohol, so I had strong opinions as to Michael’s backstory, how that might’ve affected him, and how his father might or might not have behaved.

Alexis: Loni Parker is your story’s heroine. Describe her goals/motivation/conflict.

Jennifer: I have such admiration for Loni, a woman who faces ongoing challenges and insecurities related to her blindness. She really wants to be independent and prove herself, but she also wants to remain in God’s will. Sometimes she’s confused how to merge those things, especially when her heart becomes entangled!

Alexis: Michael Ackerman is your story’s hero. Describe his goals/motivation/conflict.

Jennifer: He grew up in an abusive home where he routinely saw his father beat up on his mom. He has a lot of baggage from that, and though he’s close to Christ and walking with Him, Michal still needs a lot of healing. He also has a lot of regret and shame for his past, which includes being the reason Loni lost her sight. These issues motivate his passion for kids and seeing them come to Christ and also his desire to suppress and hide his past as much as possible. 

Alexis: Why is Loni blind? What happened to her?

Jennifer: She was sideswiped by Michael’s car when he was drunk driving—the one time he drank. He’d snapped watching his father beat his mother, turned his anger on his father, then took off. Fueled by anger, suppressed and the fresh rage his father’s behavior triggered, he turned to alcohol. In that moment, in many ways, he became what he’d always hated most in his father.

Alexis: Why does Loni love music and desire to teach it to children?

Jennifer: Loni comes from a very musical family, and music is a huge part of her family’s bond with one another. When they’re together, they often play classical music, and even her service dog chimes in! Also, she feels music very deeply, even more so now that she’s blind. It speaks to her heart and brought her great comfort when she lost her sight. She wants to help children experience that same gift.

Alexis: Why is Loni struggling to find employment as a music teacher?

Jennifer: There are more applicants for the position than there are openings. She feels employers are overlooking her because of her blindness, though there’s no way to know if that’s true or simply her perspective based on her insecurities.

Alexis: What or who leads Loni to Camp Hope?
 

Jennifer: Her roommate, who’d been a camp counselor in the past, suggested Loni join her for a two-week camp experience. She felt it would help distract Loni from her disappointment regarding her unemployment.

Alexis: How did Michael change from ex-con to Director of a Christian camp?

Jennifer: He met a man from the prison fellowship whom he respected and fell in love with Jesus.

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

Jennifer: It’s their lifeline. Without God, Loni would’ve spiraled into a dark world of bitterness after her accident, and Michael would’ve probably turned out like his dad. Similarly, without Jesus, Michael probably would continue running from his pain and his past instead of confronting it head-on, and Loni probably would put her dreams above God’s leading, potentially missing out on her greatest mission.

Alexis: If you were a counselor at Camp Hope and could spend a day with your main characters, what would you do? Why?

Jennifer: Go horseback riding for sure! It’d be so peaceful to ride through the trees, with the sun on my back and birds singing.

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

Jennifer: That God’s forgiveness is all-encompassing, and He can turn our greatest sins and regrets into beautiful mosaics of grace.

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

Jennifer: I’m curious to know how many of your readers spent time at a summer camp when they were kids and what their favorite memories are.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jennifer Slattery is a writer and international speaker who’s addressed women’s groups, church groups, Bible studies, and other writers across the nation. She’s the author of six contemporary novels maintains a devotional blog found at http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com. 

She has a passion for helping women discover, embrace, and live out who they are in Christ. As the founder of Wholly Loved Ministries, (http://whollyloved.com) she and her team partner with churches to facilitate events designed to help women rest in their true worth and live with maximum impact. 

When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves going on mall dates with her adult daughter and coffee dates with her hilariously fun husband. 

Connect with her on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/JenSlatte) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/slatteryjennifer/).

~*~
Co-Author Bio:

Eileen Rife is a multi-published author in both fiction and nonfiction. 

She leads women's seminars, teaches creative writing, and runs Mission Manor, a respite for her missionary kids/grandkids while on furlough. 

You can visit Eileen on her website (http://www.eileen-rife.blogspot.com), Amazon Author Page (http://www.amazon.com/author/eileenrife) and Facebook Author Page (http://www.facebook.com/EileenRifeBooks).

~*~
Book Blurb for Dancing in the Rain:

On the verge of college graduation, Loni Parker seeks employment as a music teacher, but no one will hire her since she’s blind. Or so she thinks. To take her mind off her troubles, her roommate invites her to spring retreat at Camp Hope in the gorgeous North Carolina mountains. 

Unbeknownst to Loni, Michael Ackerman, the director, is an ex-con responsible for the accident that caused her blindness. When Loni warms up to camp and wants to return as a summer counselor, Michael opposes the idea, which only makes Loni want to prove herself all the more. Though she doesn’t expect to fall for the guy. Still, her need for independence and dream of teaching win out, taking her far away from her beloved Camp Hope . . . and a certain director.

Camp director Michael Ackerman recognizes Lonie instantly and wants to avoid her at all costs. Yet, despite the guilt pushing him from her, a growing attraction draws him to the determined woman. She sees more with her heart than the average person does with his eyes. But her presence also dredges up a long-buried anger toward his alcoholic father that he’d just as soon keep hidden. When circumstances spin out of control, Michael is forced to face a past that may destroy his present.

~*~
Buy Dancing in the Rain on Amazon

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

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Cozy Christmas Reads: A Character Interview with Keira

Interview with Keira from A Christmas Surprise by Kimberly Rose Johnson:

Alexis: I enjoyed getting to know you, Keira, as I read your story! Do you think that your author, Kimberly Rose Johnson, gave your story the ending that you wanted? Why or why not? 

Keira: Oh yes! I couldn’t have asked for a more special ending. My heart is full.

Alexis: I’m sorry to hear about your late husband. How did he die? What about his death makes you fear driving in the snow? 

Keira: Thank you. He died in a car crash on an icy road. It was a horrible time in my life. I didn’t think I would recover from losing him. Every time it snows all I can think about is how slippery the roads are and I’m paralyzed in fear—or at least I was. I’m doing much better now.

Alexis: What was your first impression of Pete the veterinarian? After you two got to know each other, how did that impression change? 

Keira: Well, the very first time I met him I didn’t know who he was, and I’ll admit I was interested. That being said once I talked to him again and realized the he didn’t date moms I was not impressed. I mean really, what mom would be? But I respected his honesty. It took me a little while to figure it out, but Pete is a nice guy with a big heart.

Alexis: Your child Cody calls your best friend “Aunt” Susan. How did they bond? 

Keira: Like you said Susan is my best friend. She’s like an Aunt to Cody. She takes care of him when I need help and she’s there whenever we need her. Susan is a big part of our lives.

Alexis: Do you think that Susan is a good friend for helping your meet your match? How did you thank her when things between you and Pete, though rocky at first, started looking up?

Keira: I don’t think I’d call her a good friend for setting me up on a blind date without my permission, but no one is perfect. I’m not sure I ever did thank her. 

Alexis: What was it about your feelings for your late husband that prevented you from falling in love with Pete? How did you overcome that obstacle?

Keira: Hmm, that’s a good question. I’m not sure I can give you the answer you’re hoping for. I don’t think it was so much my feelings for him, but rather me not realizing I was capable of loving again. 

Alexis: Would you say that Pete is a great cook? Why or why not? 

Keira: Yes. Most definitely, yes! If you’d tasted the meal he made for us you would agree. 

Alexis: What’s your favorite dish that Pete’s cooked for you? Why? 

Keira: Without a doubt the Chicken Piccata Pasta. It was delicious!

Alexis: What role does your candy store play in your story? What makes it special?

Keira: Aside from my son, the candy store is my life. It was my late husband’s dream and it pays the bills. I don’t know what I’d do without it. 

Alexis: Pete said he doesn’t date women who have kids but clearly things worked out, so how did you convince him to take a risk on loving you and Cody?

Keira: I didn’t convince him. I’m not sure what changed, but somewhere along the way he had a change of heart.

Alexis: What role does Blondie (the gorgeous puppy) play in this story? Describe how her puppy eyes pull your heartstrings. 

Keira: Ah, Blondie. She was such a sweet dog. Poor Pete was so disappointed when her owner showed up. I think he had his heart set on placing Blondie under our Christmas tree for Cody.

Alexis: If you could change anything about your own life story and your new romance with Pete, what would it be? Why?

Keira: I wish I wasn’t afraid of winter weather driving. It makes my world smaller than I’d like and causes me stress. I wouldn’t change anything about Pete. Why do you ask? Don’t you think he’s just right as is? 

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Keira! God bless you and Merry Christmas!

Keira: Thanks, Alexis! It was my pleasure to visit with you today. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas. If you ever get to Leavenworth, Washington please stop by my candy shop and introduce yourself. I highly recommend coming during the lighting festival. There is nothing like Leavenworth at Christmastime. 

~*~
Author bio: 

Faith Hope and Love Reader's Choice Finalist, Kimberly Rose Johnson, married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. 

From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

You can sign up for Kimberly's newsletter via her website at: http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/index.html

~*~
Book blurb for A Christmas Surprise: 

Veterinarian Pete Harding doesn’t date single moms. 

After showing up to a blind date to find he left before she arrived, Keira is reminded why she doesn’t date. She had true love once but a tragic accident ripped him from her and their son, who’s now four and only wants a puppy for Christmas this year.

Although off limits since she’s a single mom, Pete determines to help Keira find the perfect puppy for her son.

Keira wonders about Pete. He says he doesn’t date women with children, yet she can’t help but notice he behaves like a man who has more on mind than finding a puppy.

Will love break down Pete’s walls and bring more than a puppy for Christmas?

A Christmas Surprise was originally published in 2013 as The Christmas Promise.

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Connect with Kimberly Rose:
Amazon - http://amzn.to/2iGPy0m
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyRoseJohnson

Twitter - https://twitter.com/kimberlyrosejoh

Website - www.kimberlyrjohnson.com

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A Prelude to Christmas: Laura V. Hilton's story about Hot Chocolate

Welcoma Laura V. Hilton to the blog today! She's been here before but today is extra special because she's sharing an excerpt from her holiday story, Hot Chocolate. Why don't you go make a cup of hot chocolate for yourself then settle down and read this lovely story? 

Here's the blurb for Hot Chocolate: Cocoa Tanner is determined to make it through life on her own, without help from anyone, even God. Bill James, still reeling from the tragedy of losing his wife and twins in a car accident, is not yet ready to open the door for God to return to his life. Two people, thoroughly disenchanted with their perception of God, turn to one another, only to find out there's more to God than meets the eye.

~*~
Story excerpt from Hot Chocolate:

Chapter 1

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Cocoa Walker unlocked the door and flipped the sign. This was it. Make or break, her business had officially opened. Too bad no ribbons adorned the front door, and she didn’t stand out front with the mayor holding big scissors in her hands. Pipe dreams. She exhaled, praying that someone would walk in the door. Anyone. She squared her shoulders and turned to wait close to the wonderful smelling coffee brewing in the background. No sooner had she stepped behind the counter than the chimes above the door jingled, and her first customer walked in.

A real person, coming to buy her coffee. She’d dreamed of it, but fear had caused her to doubt her ability to do this. Fear that people would stay far away from the doors of the Common Ground. After all, what was one more coffee shop in a land of many?

But this, this was a customer. A customer! Cocoa couldn’t stop herself from running around the counter. She flung herself into the man’s arms. He staggered under her unexpected attack.

“My very first customer. Congratulations.” Cocoa stepped away. “Your coffee is on the house.”

The man, a stranger, looked around as if checking for other patrons, red creeping up his neck. “Are you going to greet all your customers like that? Or am I the lucky one?”

Cocoa laughed and shrugged. Heat warmed her cheeks. “What would you like to drink, sir?” She pulled at the hem of her short pink skirt, and moved behind the counter.

The man eyed her. “You look like a dark haired Barbie doll. My niece has several; she doesn’t like the blonde ones. She dresses them in pink mini dresses and high heels too.”

Cocoa giggled. She knew she didn’t look anything like Barbie’s friend, but it sure sounded good. “You’re my friend for life.”

“Do you have any hot chocolate? It’s awful cold out there.”

“Sure. Coming right up.”

“I’ll take it to go,” the man said.

Cocoa prepared his hot chocolate and set it on the counter. The man handed her exact change.

“I told you it was on the house.” Cocoa shoved the money toward him and watched as he pocketed it.

“Thanks. I work a couple buildings away. I’ll be back. Do you serve lunch here?”

“Not yet. Right now it’s strictly coffee. But we do have donuts.” She gestured toward a glass display case displaying the goodies she’d purchased from a local bakery, at a discount, because she was friends with the owner. “I’d eventually like to expand to serving deli sandwiches.”

The chimes jingled again, and the man stepped away from the counter. “See you tomorrow.” He nodded to an older lady wearing a pink knit cap and jacket, then disappeared out the door.

Cocoa watched him go, admiring his strong stride. She let out a deep breath. “Wow. He’s cute.” Not that she was interested.

“Don’t waste your time.” The woman glanced after him. “I work the floor above his, and all the young ladies pant after him. Mr. James is married to his job. I’ll take a hazelnut coffee and a chocolate donut to go.”

“Coming right up.” Cocoa stopped herself from asking what Mr. James did for a living.

***

Bill’s brain whirled as he strode away from the new coffeehouse. It had been a long time since he held a woman in his arms. Not since his wife, Beth… He took a deep ragged breath. He couldn’t allow himself to think about it. If he did, he’d fall apart. He poured himself into his job so he wouldn’t have to cope with his loss. Losses.

He frowned at the pedestrian light as he waited for it to turn green. As if that would make it change any faster. That woman at the new coffee shop had seemed very alive in his arms. He could get used to that. It would do him well to stay far away from her and her little shop. But—he didn’t want to.

What had possessed him to mention her looks? That comment came out of nowhere and left him reeling. He must have reacted to her impulsive personality. Any guy who got to catch a beautiful, enthusiastic stranger would react with confusion.

The light changed and Bill joined the crowd crossing the street. The disposable cup in his hand was warm. Warmer than his heart. Sometimes it seemed like he had died along with his family. Instead of living, he’d become a deep aching chasm.

“Hi, Bill.”

He froze at the seductive voice that interrupted his thoughts seconds before he reached his office building. He glanced to the side, and his eyes met the dark gaze of the building’s beauty, Miranda Lowe.

“Miranda. You’re a bit early today, aren’t you?” Bill glanced at his watch.

“I wanted to catch you. It’s been awhile since we talked. Are you free for lunch?”

Panic caused his stomach to churn. “No. No, I’m not. Sorry, I have another engagement.” And he would. If nothing else came up, he’d hang out at the coffeehouse and talk to the green-eyed owner.

~*~
Author bio:

Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as the Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Birdhouse. 

Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press’ Quilts of Love series. Laura is contracted for another three book Amish series set in the Jamesport area, with the first book, The Amish Firefighter releasing in May 2016, followed by two more Amish books and a Christmas story releasing in Fall 2016, Spring 2017 and Fall 2017 respectively.

She has self-published a Christmas novella, Christmas Mittens.

Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer. She blogs for "Putting on the New and Seriously Write". 

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Buy Laura's book Hot Chocolate:
Paperback on Amazon

Kindle edition on Amazon

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Connect with Laura:
Amazon Author Page
Blog #1 - http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/
Blog #2 - http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/
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