Romantic Reads: Focus on Love

Welcome Candee Fick to the blog again! 

She was here on June 23 to feature the first book in The Wardrobe series. 

Candee has returned today to talk about book two in the series.

This book is called Focus on Love. 

If you or anyone you know loves photography, this is a post for you to share! 

Enjoy your time with Candee today!

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Interview with Candee Fick about her book, Focus on Love:

Alexis: Focus on Love is the second book in The Wardrobe series. What can you tell us about its placement in that series? Can you give us a glimpse of the first story in the series and explain how that set the stage for your characters?

Candee: The first book of the series introduces several actresses at a musical dinner theater in northern Colorado. Dani, an orphan looking for her brother (in the first book), is roommates with Liz in a company apartment shared with the resident diva and the diva’s sidekicks. The company starts the all season performing 42nd Street, but when rehearsals begin for White Christmas, Liz’s name is left off the cast list leaving her floundering for a new job. Without plot spoilers from book one, there’s a crime, suspects, and a dramatic unmasking of the culprit…leaving an unexpected opening in the cast for Liz to fill.

Alexis: Tell us about your story’s heroine Elizabeth Foster. What does she look like? Sound like? Act like? What are her hopes and dreams? What makes Liz a free spirit?

Candee: Elizabeth—Liz—is a spunky redhead with long straight hair and green eyes. As an actress, she can sing and dance, but while she’s not a traditional “drama queen” seeking attention, she’s not afraid to speak her mind even with a touch of snark. Growing up, she was the creative and artistic sort pursuing both dance and photography with the encouragement of her loving Irish grandparents instead of being stifled by her legalistic religious father. She dreamed of stepping into the family’s photography business and even took a few business classes in college so she could be even more prepared. Despite those dry class topics, she’s the one most likely to color outside the lines or look at the world in a different way.

Alexis: Why does Liz pursue a career in musical theater over photography? Did Liz’s dad pressure her to become a photographer like him and join the family business? Why or why not?

Candee: The opening scene of the book recounts the moment Liz made that decision, so without ruining that moment, let’s just say that Liz’s dream of being a part of Foster’s Fotos looked very different from her dad’s intentions. While she longed to be behind the camera, he ignored her talent and wanted her in an administrative role. And when their visions clashed, he laid down an ultimatum she couldn’t accept, leaving her with a difficult decision that could cost her a connection to her family.

Alexis: Why is it that a possible career in photography and a dream career in theater are pulling Liz’s heart in two different directions?

Candee: After that past pain, Liz only picks up her camera as a hobby while devoting most of her time to rehearsals and her life at the theater. Then our hero Ryan gives her the chance to get paid to help photograph a local charity event. But with her camera in hand and the shutter clicking, all those dormant dreams come roaring to the forefront. Could she build a new dream as a freelance photographer or should she stick to the safer career on the stage even though casting decisions were not guaranteed? Could she have both?

Alexis: If you were to step into your story as a life coach, would you caution or encourage Liz to follow her heart? Why or why not?

Candee: Because Liz can be a tad hot-headed and impulsive—especially when angered or hurt—I’d caution her to make a rational, well-thought-out decision. In other words, look before she leaps. Can she make a living at it? Does it bring her joy? But I’d also encourage her to pray a lot and ask God to reveal the unique gifts He gave her and where she might use them. Liz had turned her back on family and faith, but once she’s reconnected with God, her heart is receptive to that Heavenly wisdom again.

Alexis: Let’s talk about your story’s hero, Ryan Callahan. What does he look like? Sound like? Act like? What makes him strong and what makes him weak?

Candee: Ryan is a stereotypical Montana cowboy complete with jeans, hat, and swagger. But despite being raised on a ranch, his parents gave him the freedom to choose his path and supported his dream of photography. His faith makes him strong along with confidence in his award-winning skills and high-paying contracts that take him around the world. Weaknesses? That same confidence in his talent also makes him resistant to change or new ideas, especially if they come from someone with less experience. (Ahem. Liz.)

Alexis: Why did you make Ryan a sought-after photographer and what role does his life profession play in this story?

Candee: I wanted to give Liz a choice. With her past—and the spoiler I didn’t reveal from the opening scene—she’s got a strong aversion to photographers and not just because they represent the dream she left behind. So Ryan’s mere existence rubs salt in her wounds. And yet, there’s something about him that creates a longing to pick up a camera…and her faith again. Knowing Ryan opens the doors of possibility but also sets her up for failure and more pain.

Alexis: Why does Ryan put his career on hold and how does that choice lead him to Liz?

Candee: When his National Guard brother-in-law is deployed while Ryan is between assignments, Ryan comes to Colorado to help his sister with her two small children. And to help support them without taking on a full-time job, he starts looking around for opportunities to make a few bucks. Why not see if the local dinner theater would let him take family photos in the lobby before the Christmas production? He walks in the door to inquire about the possibility and Liz is the only one there to pass his message on to the owner.

Alexis: What are Ryan and Liz’s first impressions of each other? Why?

Candee: At first Liz thinks he’s there to audition for a role in the upcoming Seven Brides for Seven Brothers production. I mean, why else would he wear a cowboy hat and walk into a theater? Tall, dark, handsome. Oh, and he’s a photographer? Never mind how cute he is. She’s done with that world. But why would a well-known photographer want to drum up seasonal business? Something’s not quite right…

On the other hand, he’s immediately attracted to the smiling redhead who’s gushing about getting a miracle. But too soon he’s competing with her for the chance to implement his brilliant idea. Just who does she think she is? Then he sees the raw talent in her photos and wants her on his side.

Alexis: Why do Ryan and Liz have trouble with trusting people?

Candee: Liz has been hurt by her father’s expectations and the betrayal of her ex-boyfriend. If she puts her heart on the line again, what are the chances she’ll end up broken again? On the other hand, while his parents supported his dream, others in Ryan’s life wanted either to force him into their plans or exploit his connections. So while he’s happy to get to know Liz, there’s a part of him that wonders what the future would bring. Would she try to change him?

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

Candee: The surface plot is all about photography and pursuing a dream. But in addition to the romance, there’s another love story woven through the pages as Liz wrestles with her faith. Her father always preached adherence to religious rules but Ryan’s relationship with God is instead rooted in love. So, I want readers to remember to focus on the Love. Because God so loved the world, He sent His Son. And in response we are to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves.

Alexis: Complete this sentence: If I were a photographer, I’d specialize in __________________ photography because _________________.

Candee: If I were a photographer, I’d specialize in nature photography because I get so inspired by the vast beauty of God’s creation and the intricate details revealed if you take a closer look. Plus it’s the perfect excuse to visit lots of places on my bucket list!

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

Candee: At the conclusion of Focus On Love, readers clamored to know more about Liz and Ryan’s story especially when it came to resolving things with her father. So … I wrote a novella to wrap up all the loose ends. That’s why I’d recommend A Picture Perfect Christmas as a follow-up!

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Author Bio:

Candee Fick is a multi-published, award-winning author.  

She is also the wife of a high school football coach and the mother of three children, including a daughter with a rare genetic syndrome.

When not busy writing, editing, or coaching other authors, she can be found cheering on the home team at sporting events, exploring the great Colorado outdoors, indulging in dark chocolate, and savoring happily-ever-after endings through a good book.

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Blurb for Focus on Love:

His love healed her broken heart, but now her love could set him free. 

Free-spirited Elizabeth Foster turned her back on her father's photography business—and her faith—to pursue musical theater instead. Now, with a one-show contract, Liz is a few weeks away from unemployment forcing her back home until a chance encounter in the theater lobby resurrects her childhood dream of a life behind the camera.

Meanwhile, sought-after photographer Ryan Callahan has put his freelance career on hold to help his sister's family while her husband is deployed. While looking for seasonal income, he discovers a spunky actress with a talent for capturing faces and her quick-shutter enthusiasm ignites more than his dormant creative spark.

After another heart-breaking rejection by her father, Ryan is there to pick up the pieces, however the promise of a bigger assignment could lure him away. With two career opportunities unfolding before her, Liz faces her biggest challenge yet—listening to her heart. What dream would develop if they could only focus on love?

If you like photography, musical theater, and sweet, faith-based romance, you’ll love this second installment in The Wardrobe series by Candee Fick. Get Focus On Love and experience the life-changing journey toward love today.

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Buy Candee’s book on Amazon or listen to it on Audible

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Connect with Candee:
Website: https://candeefick.com
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/Author.Candee.Fick
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CandeeFick
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candeefick/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/CandeeFick/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/candee-fick
Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/Candee-Fick/e/B0056B94VE/

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

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Devotionals for the Heart: Flowers

Comfort Flowers
A devotional by Wade Webster

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
– 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

“Keep them coming.”

“Please keep them coming.”

This has been the most popular response to something I've been posting on Facebook recently. I knew it would help folks get through this virus quarantine. That's why I do it.

Most of these friends are either family members or folks I went to school with in Michigan. Winter is depressing enough. Early spring isn't much better. When my mom was alive she said April was her least favorite month because the snow melt leaves everything dirty until things begin to grow in May.

I moved to Texas to get away from the long, cold days that seemed to never end. October was my favorite month to drive in Michigan because of the abundance of color on display from the fall foliage. April is my favorite month to drive in Texas because of the incredible wildflower show on the roadsides.

We had a mild winter this year with plenty of rain. That makes for an especially vibrant flower show So now I stop when I safely can and take pictures of these marvels of God's creation. People are now longing for my next exposition...even Texans who are cooped up in their homes.

As a truck driver, I get paid to get out to see this color show. I know I shouldn't hog it all to myself, especially with the technology available to me these days. There were too many times in my youth I longed for a camera. Now I have one built into my phone that I carry with me. Life is good.

I know how therapeutic the flowers are to me so I share it to apply 2 Corinthians 1:4 in a very real way. God comforts me with His beauty. I then in turn comfort others with the same flowers.

This is only one way this verse can be applied. There are several hardships we endure that give us an audience that will listen to us only because we've gone through the same thing they're going through.

I'm in a couple of Christian divorced groups where I can encourage others going through this same life stage that we never expected. My encouragement is accepted because of the stories I share about my divorce.

Nothing is wasted in God's economy. God will use your pain to comfort others after you learn to trust Him more. Jesus Christ’s disciples were only beginning to grasp His resurrection the day after it occurred. Their stories now inspire us in remarkable ways.

Find those who need to hear what you've endured. You can help build their faith now.

Let’s Pray: Dear Heavenly Father help us pass along the hard lessons you taught us through this life. Don’t let anything go to waste. In Jesus's name I pray, Amen.

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Author Bio:

Wade Webster lives with his best friend (Jesus Christ) in Plano, Texas.

He attends Stonebriar Community Church and derives most of his income from driving 18-wheelers.

He enjoys running, dark chocolate and being in nature...but not necessarily in that order.

He's the author of 100 Prayers of a Writer and blogs at http://wadewebster.com.

Worth 1,000 Words: Nikki Santerre Photography

Nikki's clients: Mr. Adam and Mrs. Madison Teufel

Welcome creative photographer Nikki Santerre to the blog today! Nikki works two jobs and still manages to devote time to her wonderful photography business! I think you will love visiting with Nikki. You are welcome to leave a message for Nikki in the comment section and connect with Nikki through the social media links provided below.

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Nikki's view of love through her camera lens:

I think the thing that most adequately equips me to serve my clients on their wedding day is that before I am anything else, I am a wife. 

What marriage has taught me is that love is a choice, that everyday my husband and I wake up and choose one another. 

The images that I produce for my clients aren't just pictures, they are heirlooms. Heirlooms that are thoughtfully curated and meant to be tangible, to be passed down through the generations as evidence of the love and legacy that all started with saying, "I choose you and our love is worth fighting for."

What love means to the bride (Madison) before and after the wedding:

Knowing how detail-oriented and wedding-obsessed I have been for most of my life, I thought I would be a total ball of stress on our wedding day. That was certainly the case during the comically disastrous week leading up to the big day - which played out like something from Father of the Bride (the movie). Except instead of a supermarket meltdown over hot dog buns, it was a fluke back injury that almost rendered my dad unable to walk me down the aisle, a mysterious virus/food poisoning that made its way through the entire Steckler family, weather that wouldn't make up its mind, shoes that never arrived, staying up until 2 a.m. every night trying to finish the DIY projects (I blame Pinterest!), and the list goes on.

But somehow, the wedding day came and I felt a calm come over me. It suddenly didn't matter to me that my hair wouldn't cooperate or that I didn't have my perfect monogrammed Jack Rogers I'd ordered. All I cared about was getting to that church and making my best friend of so many years my husband. Truly, I think I looked in the mirror once before I walked down the aisle. I think that's love: not getting wrapped up in the things that just don't matter when you are surrounded by the only thing that does. When Adam took my hand from the other side of the door and prayed with me before our ceremony, his love and calm brought me to center the way it has so many times in the past. I am so grateful for that moment.

Now, as I sit on the couch across from my husband of almost two months, that same love is there and growing everyday. As Nikki captured so well, our wedding was beautiful and perfect despite the comedy of errors preceding it. But our marriage is so much more beautiful than our wedding. Everyday isn't glamorous or Instagram-worthy (ex: I'm currently wearing scrubs from work and eating rice), but it's finally ours to share with each other. And that's all that really matters to me.

What love means to the groom (Adam) before and after the wedding:

As a groom preparing to start life with my future wife, I knew I wanted to do everything I could to make her happy and excited for our marriage. Between the engagement and months of wedding planning, I tried my best to make her smile, and assumed that was the best way to express my love.

After our wedding and commitment to each other, wonderful honeymoon, and starting life together, I soon found out love is more than just seeking happiness together. Love became the mutually shared responsibility challenge, improve, and to be present in the little moments of each other's lives.

During marriage, love has become more exciting and fulfilling than I ever could have imagined. Looking at Maddie, I am reminded daily of just how lucky we are.

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Photographer bio (in Nikki's words): My name is Nikki Santerre, and I'm a Fine Art Film Hybrid Photographer (that's basically a fancy way of saying I shoot both film and digital and I harvest light in order to curate beautiful and timeless heirlooms for my clients). I'm married to a handsome fella named Matt and we have two pups who have stolen our hearts, couch cushions, and my side of the bed. 

Nikki and her husband, Matt. Photo credit: Anna K Photography in Charleston

Earlier this year, I launched Love Came Down, a wedding blog dedicated to preparing for a marriage deeply rooted in Christ. I'm passionate about motherhood (although I am not yet a mother), serving others through my business, education (specifically educating other photographers regarding running a Hybrid digital/film photography business through my monthly newsletter, The Hybrid Society) and doing everything with love and to the glory of my Heavenly Father.

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Connect with Nikki:

Website - http://nikkisanterre.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NikkiSanterrePhotography
Instagram - https://instagram.com/nikkisanterre/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/Nikki_santerre

Worth 1,000 Words: Emilie Anne Hendryx of E.A. Creative Photography

The featured photo: 

Bride: Angela Blount, Groom: Paul Blount
Wedding Photographer: Emilie Anne Hendryx

What true loves meant to Angela on her wedding day and what it means now:

"The day I got married I was focused on how much I loved my soon to be husband and how much that love had changed me and him into better people. I was devoting myself to building a life with this person, and was looking forward to how much our love would continue to change us for the better."

"I've only been married for eight months now but it's amazing how much my view of that love has changed. I still love my husband very much and even more so than the day we were married but I've also learned a lot about the kind of love that's required if it's going to last a lifetime. Grace is a chief requirement for a marriage to have a chance. Not that I wasn't aware of this before, but now am uniquely attuned to just how imperfect my husband and I both are."

"I'm still devoted to building a life with my husband but more importantly I'm devoted to my husband. To loving him and supporting him as he strives to improve himself and become the man I know God created him to be, as he has graciously done the same for me."

*The groom was not available for comment. 

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What Love Means as a Wedding Photographer
By Emilie Hendryx | Owner/Photographer at E.A. Creative Photography

The music changes. Everyone stands. All eyes are on her.

She steps into his line of sight and I immediately turn my camera on to his face. The look of joy, astonishment at her beauty, and pure love that’s reflected there often makes me tear up. Then I turn back to her, capturing her journey down the isle to exchange one name for another, commit her life to his, and seal it all with a kiss. 

I love weddings and, working as a wedding photographer, I’ve gotten to see all sides of them. The good, the bad, and the beautiful. The one thing that has been consistent through all of the weddings that I’ve captured is the reality of love between the groom and his bride. Yes, it looks different outwardly, but I’d hazard a guess to say it is very similar inwardly. A type of love that bypasses conventional wisdom in some cases, that over-looks flaws, and that preservers to the uniting of two hearts.

I get the behind-the-scenes look. It’s actually one of the tenants that I build my business on—the reality that I’m not just the couples photographer, I’m their friend capturing images that will act as tangible memories for the rest of their lives. With that, I get to see everything. I hate to break it to you ladies who may not be married yet, but your wedding likely won’t go off “without a hitch”. That doesn’t have to be a bad thing though! I once did a wedding where a caterer didn’t show up…they ordered pizza and it was a chance for everyone to do dessert first!

The fact is, the wedding day—though a joyous occasion and celebration—is just that, one day. A marriage is forever. And for that forever to work, the foundation has to be love. Not the kind of love you feel one day and it’s gone the next. Not the kind of love that burns passionate and fizzles out. Not even the kind of love that is based on who the person is right then and there. No, it’s a different kind of love.

This kind of love is durable. It can be stretched. It will be tested. It sees with clear eyes to the heart of who the person really is and delves deeper than what can be seen on the surface or acknowledged in a few conversations. This love says that it will take everything—good days and bad, sickness and health, poverty and wealth—because it’s a commitment.

This type of love is a choice.

I’m idealistic and a true romantic at heart, but I have come to realize that I can’t believe love rests on a feeling. If it did, I think I’d be anxious all the time because with one wrong move, that love would be gone because feelings change so often. But realizing that love is a choice means that there is hope. Hope of a sustaining, lasting love.

When a bride says, “I do” to her groom, she knows that those words cover the ups and the downs. They cover her in the morning without makeup on or him forgetting to take out the trash. They cover experiencing the death of loved ones, loss of finances, or natural disasters. They also cover the beautiful times like candlelit dinners, faraway vacations, and the birth of a child.

That is what I see love as. Sustaining, enduring, and ultimately based on Christ’s love for us. We have the perfect example in Him and, through his perfect grace, we can exhibit the type of love that lasts forever.

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends."~1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

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Photographer bio:

Emilie lives in Washington, D.C. and fills her time with creative pursuits. She writes, runs a wedding & portrait photography business, reads, plays guitar, and drinks too much coffee. 

She’s a member of ACFW and is currently working on a romantic suspense series while dreaming up a YA dystopian world on the side. 

You can also check out her writing blog, Thinking Thoughts.

True Love Stories: It Began with A Song

Fireworks happened on the 4th of July. No, not the kind you see light up the sky in brilliant streaks of red, white and blue. It was the kind that lit a deep love in the hearts of CJ and Deedré. It is a love that led to marriage and a lifetime of happiness between this couple not only committed to each other, but to God and His people. 

Today's featured true love story is a real gem. I hope you will not only enjoy it but be encouraged by the journey God took CJ and Deedré on together. It's a beautiful story. I believe you're going to love it. 

But don't take my word for it, see for yourself...

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It Began with A Song

CJ and Deedré's true love story

Our story begins in Plantation, Florida—a suburb west of Fort Lauderdale—on a Friday night, during praise and worship rehearsal at my local church. 

As the rehearsal was getting ready to start, in walks a new face with one of the members of the praise team. Her name was Deedré and I was immediately captivated by her eyes but tried to stay focused on the rehearsal. She was later invited to join us in a song. After hearing her beautiful voice, I was convinced she needed to be a part of our praise team. Little did I know that she was also trying to recruit me for a singing group with a mutual friend. The next day we exchanged phone numbers, both intending to recruit the other. When I finally called her a week later, we spent hours on the phone laughing like two old friends. It felt like we had known each other for years. This was the start of a friendship that was originally brought together by music. It was at a time when neither of us were looking for a relationship, yet simply enjoyed being in each other’s presence. 

A few weeks later, I invited her to a potluck at the home of family friends. Somehow, everyone left the two of us together and ate in another room. We talked, laughed, played Truth or Dare and by the end of the evening we shared our first kiss. It was 4th of July! 

About a month later, after another potluck, I walked into the living room where Deedré was with a sticky note and a pen stuck to my back. The sticky note said, “Will you be my boo? Yes, no or maybe?” When I walked in, she didn’t see it at first. So I pretended to have an itch on my back and asked if she could scratch it for me. Then I turned around so she could see the paper. She began to laugh and then checked “yes” while hugging me. This was now two months after we met and we were now officially boyfriend and girlfriend.

Not long after we started dating, Deedré got the chicken pox. My family and I took her in and took care of her until she recovered. Whenever we tell this story, Deedré shares that this time meant a lot to her because it showed her that I would be there for her no matter what. This was evident when I had the privilege of meeting Deedré’s mother, Dulcie, who’d been battling cancer. She passed away a year later. One of the last things she said to me was “Take care of my daughter”. It was as if she knew what was coming and wanted me to be there to pick up the shattered pieces of Deedré’s heart. It was later confirmed by God when I asked Him what I should do for Deedré during this time of grief. He stopped me and told me, in a clear voice, “Show her my love!” From that day, I vowed to do just that.

Deedré always told me that if I ever proposed to her, it should be as private as possible. So I decided to make it as public as possible! Our church planned a trip to the Holy Land Experience in Orlando, Florida. At the end of the day, I caught Deedré totally by surprise by having her arrested and brought to the Temple mount by very convincing actors who played Roman Guards. With the entire park as my witness, I proposed to her. About 9 months later we had a beautiful wedding filled with friends and loved ones at our local church. 

Our journey has not been easy. We’ve been through things that would’ve broken more seasoned couples, yet through it all, we are there for each other and God was and is the supernatural glue that keeps up together. We’ve been married for over 8 years and are more in love now than we have ever been before. We challenge, yet complement each other and I thank God every day for giving me such a beautiful gift.

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Author bio: "CJ" Claypole S. Cousins Jr. is simply a man who is in love with Jesus. His passion is to live, preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

CJ serves as Associate Pastor for Restoration Praise Center in Lanham, Md. He serves in the areas of evangelism, discipleship and multimedia. He also served as intern pastor at One Place and graduate assistant for grow groups at Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University. 

CJ holds a Bachelor's of Business Administration, majoring in Human Resource Management from Florida International University in Miama, Fla. He also has a Master's of Human Resource Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University. He has completed his Master of Divinity with an emphasis in church growth and evangelism at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University.

CJ is married to the lovely Deedré Nicole Cousins who is a wonderful support and partner in ministry. 

He is passionate about sharing God's love as seen through the gospel of Jesus Christ in the context of Revelation 14:6-12. In addition to preaching and teaching, CJ also loves to sing and write about Jesus.

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Mrs. Deedré Cousins' professional bio: Deedré's affinity for multimedia and technology was evident at a very young age. Throughout her childhood, Deedré developed a keen ear for music and a sharp eye for visual art which led to the completion of three degrees—an associate of arts in music, a bachelors in music technology and a masters of art in multimedia communications. 

Her academic and professional achievements have made her passionate about creating innovative and contextual media on multiple platforms. Whether it's producing a news segment for prime time television or creating a human interest web series, recording music projects, capturing still photography, or giving seminars and consultations on social media marketing strategies, Deedré can conceive, create, publish and promote your next big idea.

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Bonus feature: CJ & Deedré's Love Story video on YouTube