Devotionals for the Heart: When it's time to let go of the heavy loads

It’s Time to Let Go of the Extra Baggage
A devotional by Joyce M. Averils

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”—Matthew 11:28–30 (NLT)

One of the things travelers loved most about Southwest Airlines was the ability to check two bags for free. It was a standout feature that made flying a little easier and a little lighter. But recently, the airline ended that policy, announcing that passengers would now be charged for both the first and second checked bags. Anything beyond that? You’ll pay even more.

As I read the news, something stirred in my spirit. Isn’t that how life works, too? The more baggage we carry, the more it costs us.

I’m not talking about suitcases or carry-ons. I’m talking about the unseen loads we drag through life—emotional and spiritual burdens that quietly weigh us down. Unforgiveness. Shame. Anger. Regret. Wounds from the past that never fully healed. Mistakes that God has already forgiven, but we keep picking back up. Some of us are carrying full matched luggage sets, dragging them from one season to the next, wondering why we feel so heavy and worn out.

Here’s the truth: God never designed us to live burdened. He didn’t call us to be weighed down by baggage He already made provision to carry.

Jesus Christ makes a gentle, life-giving offer in Matthew 11:28–30 (NLT): Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

What a beautiful invitation. If you're tired—emotionally drained, spiritually burnt out, or just plain worn down—you can have hope because Jesus invites you to come to Him just as you are. Not get it together. Not try harder. Just come. And when we do, He doesn’t shame us for the baggage. He simply says, “Let Me carry that.”

The cost of extra baggage may not show up on your bank statement, but it will show up in other ways: in your peace of mind, your joy, your growth, and your connection with God and others. When we hold on to what God has called us to release, we lose clarity, freedom, and the lightness of walking in step with Him.

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) encourages us with these words: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

You can’t run freely while dragging baggage you were never meant to carry. You can’t step fully into your calling when you're clinging to burdens Jesus Christ already carried on the cross. It’s time to release what’s behind so you can reach for what’s ahead.

In Philippians 3:13–14 (NLT), the Apostle Paul reminds us of an important life lesson that we can all learn. He said, “I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

God wants you to travel light. That means trusting Him with your past, believing Him for your future, and surrendering the messy in-between (your disappointments, your doubts, your questions) at His feet.

Maybe you’ve grown accustomed to the heaviness. Maybe your baggage feels so familiar that it’s become part of your identity. But hear this, my friend: you don’t have to carry it anymore. Jesus already paid the price for that excess baggage. The cross was more than enough. He bore the weight so you could walk free.

So today, unpack your baggage and lay it all before God—every hidden hurt, every secret shame, every lingering fear. He’s not surprised by what you’ve carried. He’s ready to exchange it for peace, healing, and rest. No more paying the cost for what God has already redeemed. No more dragging bags into your next season.

Let today be the day you travel lighter. It’s time to unpack. It’s time to let go. It’s time to move forward, freely and lightly, in Him.

Let’s Pray: Lord, I lay down the burdens I’ve been carrying, all those things You never intended for me to hold. Help me to trust You with my past, rest in Your presence today, and move forward in the freedom You’ve already provided. Teach me to travel light, anchored in Your grace and guided by Your peace. Thank You for always inviting me to come as I am and for lovingly lifting what weighs me down. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Come Just As You Are” by Crystal Lewis. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Press On” by Selah. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Pieces” by Meredith Andrews. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Joyce M. Averils is an attorney by education and a retired judge who currently works as a Life Purpose and Business Empowerment Coach. 

She attended the University of South Carolina where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities and Social Sciences, with a concentration in Political Science in May 1981. Upon graduation from the University, she attended The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, where she graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in June 1984. Joyce was admitted to the Georgia Bar in November of 1984.

During her legal career, she served as the legal advisor for an episode of the American television program “Designing Women”. She also successfully argued a zoning case before the Georgia Supreme Court.

Today, she is the founder of Averils Omnimedia, LLC, which includes Her RICH Life Coaching, where she helps high-achieving women of faith create a purpose-aligned life and business through coaching programs, workshops, and retreats.

She recently launched 26th & Alden Paper Design House which will release its first paper product in 2025.

Joyce believes that God created women to do extraordinary things by walking fully in their purpose, calling, and assignment. She knows that each woman has a unique calling that only she can fulfill, and if she doesn’t answer it, that work may never be done. Joyce is deeply aware that there are people waiting for the help only God can give, and He often chooses to work through His people to meet those needs. That’s why Joyce is committed to answering God’s call on her life and inspiring other women to do the same, so together, we can be of greater service to God and one another.

Her life verse is John 17:4 (NIV), “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.”

She makes her home on the coast of South Carolina.

~*~
Connect with Joyce:
Website: www.herrichlife.com
Facebook Ministry: www.facebook.com/groups/thepurposealignedwoman
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/coachlabforaspiringchristianwomencoaches
Facebook: www.facebook.com/@HerRichLife
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herrichlife
Email address: joyce@herrichlife.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we shouldn't compare and compete

How Not to Sabotage Yourself by Keeping Up with the Joneses
A devotional by Desiree Future

“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.”—Galatians 6:4-5 (NIV)

Today, I want to share a story with you that will teach you how to take the pressure off yourself when you feel like you need to keep up with the Joneses.

A group of friends planned to travel to Paris (France) for vacation. Isaac, Lennon, Edwin, and Charley had not yet visited this destination. The four men thought it would be a good place to go. Therefore, they booked their airplane flights and hotels then they began saving money.

All the friends held very demanding jobs, so this would be a much needed getaway. Isaac was a supervisor of ten people at a warehouse, Lennon was a plant manager, Edwin was an Accounting Manager, and Charley was a Junior Accountant. Charley was the only one who attended church regularly. Though none were married, they all had financial obligations to meet.

Their itinerary was packed to the brim for their 10-day visit. First on the list was to see the Eiffel Tower, stroll down the cobblestone streets, and visit the many shops along the way. Lennon wanted to take a boat ride to get better views of their destination. It was added to the checklist as well.

After spending 10 fun-filled, glorious days in Paris, it was time to leave. When the group of friends checked in their luggage at the airport, all had heavier bags than they started with when leaving the United States of America for France. Each had purchased many souvenirs for family and friends, as well as for themselves.

Two weeks after returning from their vacation, Charley called each of the other three. It seems he had overspent the money laid aside for the trip. Not having enough savings to pay his rent or car note, it left him in a serious jam.

Isaac, Lennon and Edwin all told him they were sorry but couldn’t loan the money. Charley decided to plead his case to his landlord in hopes he wouldn’t be evicted. Not mentioning his overseas vacation, the scared man explained he would be late with the rent. Thankfully she was understanding and gave him an additional week plus late fees included. Charley prayed the leasing company wouldn’t repossess the new car. After making numerous calls, he was finally able to get an extension on the car lease. Having to make a double payment plus extra high fees would avoid repossession.

Although Charley had saved money for the trip, not enough was stored away. Especially for the unexpected. This gentleman bought items just because his friends did, and the fellow wanted to prove that he had the money to spend as well. Making $57,000 a year in salary as a Junior Accountant didn’t come close to Charley’s six-figure hunger for expensive things. Every extra tourist adventure or object that was added cost more money Charley didn’t have to spend. Not wanting to seem cheap, the young man spent the money—funds that were meant to pay his rent and car note.

Charley was not thinking logically. Instead, his mindset was on how to make it seem like his wallet was bigger than it was. Now, after an exciting trip abroad, Charley found himself in a heap of trouble, having to pay late fees on top of the original amounts due. All in the name of pretending to be someone other than who he was not (a wealthy person).

This reminded me of something I’ve heard about for many years. It was a saying called “Keeping Up with the Joneses”. It means you are trying to compete with others by showing wealth, social status, and possessions. I’ve never been one to try to keep up with the Joneses. There are a lot of people who have more than I do. However, I was raised to understand that what God has given me is for me.

There’s no need for me to go into debt to try and prove my bank account is as big as someone else's. Nor is there a need to put myself in harm’s way so someone else doesn’t get ahead of me. Sometimes, we will find ourselves in situations like this. It may seem like there is no way out. However, this is where we will find God. All we need to do is just ask for guidance. Not only to get out of this jam but to give us knowledge on how not to repeat it.

In life, it’s not about making sure people don’t go higher than you. It’s about helping each other. It’s about praising others when they do well. The reason is that you would want someone to help and praise you, too.

Your gifts that God give to you is for you alone. No matter how big or small, they’re meant for you because God knew you could handle the talent. Keep your focus on your own things and not what someone else has.

Let’s Pray: Father God, please open the hearts and minds of anyone reading this to understand they don’t have to compete with anyone. Help them to see that You gave them something special and that is their uniqueness. Help us to celebrate how you made us and steward well the gifts and talents and money You give us. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Keeping Up With The Joneses” by Lydia Walker. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Desiree Future is a self-improvement blogger at “Hope Faith & A Smile” where she pens inspirational and encouraging posts. 

This blog that she started as a place for her upcoming novel turned into something far more than she expected. It developed into a home for conversations with people from all walks of life. By writing about everyday events that occur in her world she makes her posts very relatable. As some commenters have said, “Desiree talks to us and not at us.”

In 2013, she self-published The Pastor’s Heart, a Christian romance novel. The following year in 2014, she self-published its sequel, It’s a New Season.

Desiree has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) since 2020. She’s also been a member of a writing critique group through her local ACFW Chapter since 2021. Several of her articles have appeared on the official blog for ACFW. In 2022, she became a contributing author in the encouraging devotional, The Courage to Write.

This child of God may not have a church home yet, but God is first in her life.

Desiree is a cancer survivor who calls New Jersey home. She enjoys traveling to different places to spark ideas for her next article. She likes thrifting and going to the theater to see the latest matinee.

~*~
Connect with Desiree:
Website: https://desireefuture.com/
E-mail: desireefuturewrites@hotmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Life lessons learned from traveling across Texas

Storehouses New and Old
A devotional by Karen Marstaller

He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”—Matthew 13:52 (NIV)

As a young teenager, I had the opportunity to travel across the state of Texas by myself on a train! My boarding time was around 10:00 p.m. from Alpine, down near the Big Bend, and we finally arrived in Beaumont the next day. It was only about seventeen hours of travel, but it was an even longer journey of the heart.

When the sun came up that morning, we were still in the arid region of the state. Mesquite trees, greasewood, and sage were the only vegetation. It looked the same as my hometown of Van Horn, only flatter. I paid little attention to the view outside and took a little nap.

After a brief doze in the hot, dry air, I awoke to a sight never to be forgotten. The greenest trees I’d ever seen grew all along the great railway and there was no sign of an irrigation ditch, let alone a water hose. We even passed a school with a beautifully manicured lawn, and they weren’t even watering it! I couldn’t believe my eyes. As the miles rushed along, my face was glued to the scenery right outside my window. It was like racing through the Garden of Eden.

Later I grew up and moved away from my home in the desert, and eventually settled down in central Texas. The trees and grass and flowers flourish here, and I’m still amazed at the natural beauty of growing things in my backyard.

But part of me still longs for the scenes of my childhood. My heart cherishes the lessons I learned. Honesty and integrity. Helpfulness and neighborliness. A love of a challenge and, win or lose, good sportsmanship. A handshake is your word, and a promise made is a promise kept.

Added to that is the person I’ve become with the help of the Lord. A wife and mother. A teacher and mentor. A friend and confidante. A lover of God and a lover of the people He has created. And in my heart is something new, too. Joy and peace. Gentleness and kindness. Faith, hope, and love—the love of the Lord that is always more than any of us can imagine.

Both parts, the old and the new, come together more each day. The radiant sunsets that turn the desert hills a rosy pink are a favorite memory. And the plop of a fish on a misty morning lakeside brings a smile. The child who sat on the hot sand to sketch a picture of snow-capped peaks far to the western horizon is the same child in the woman who sits beneath a massive live oak to write a story of an imagined time. The old and the new. Both treasures of sweet moments that are to be cherished for a lifetime.

Granted, not every treasure is a pleasant one. The times of pain and suffering are also in the chest. But today is a time of rejoicing; it’s a day to remember and to bow in grateful adoration to the great God of Heaven and Earth. So, we reach deep into the storehouses of our days, and we give thanks to God who the Father of us all for giving both sorrow and beauty.

A remembered joy is to be shared. As we go through this day, let us give to others what has so freely been given to us. We pass along God’s provision, His patience, His tender mercy, and always, we love as He loves us—openly, joyfully, lavishly. I can only imagine God speaking to us like so: “Go,” He says to our hearts, “Go and teach My people to follow Me.” That is the message our Lord wants us to share.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, the God of all creation, we lift our storehouses to You. Please use them as You see fit and help us to love one another. In the great name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “The Maker” by Chris August. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Karen Marstaller is a retired high school teacher who spent most of her career challenging creative students to write. Her heart is for her readers. 

She writes to encourage them, to make them laugh, to show them that life is a beautiful journey, and regardless of their past, to show them that there is joy ahead if they will just keep looking.

Karen and her husband live in central Texas in a sweet little home that they completely remodeled. They enjoy spending time with their family, which includes seven precious grandchildren.

Most of all, Karen writes in obedience to the command to love your neighbor, to offer a cup of water to those who are dying of thirst, and to comfort others with the comfort she has received.

You can reach Karen by emailing her at this address: klmarstaller@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How to trust God in turbulent times

Learning How to Trust God in Turbulent Times
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.” 

–Psalm 107:28-30 (NIV)

My love-hate relationship with airplanes started when I experienced turbulence for the first time.

My father traveled for work, and he occasionally took me to exotic destinations. One year we boarded the company jet and headed to Hawaii. As the plane reached cruising altitude, the change in pressure gave me the worst earache imaginable. I shrieked, and my mother told me to yawn or chew gum, but nothing helped. Over the loudspeaker, the pilot said we were flying through a thunderstorm and were in for a bumpy ride for the next ten minutes. Though my father reassured me it would soon be over, I sobbed and clutched the armrests until we landed.

As we left the airport, the warm sunshine and tropical breeze caressed my skin. Towering palm trees swayed, and a Hawaiian woman welcomed me with a floral necklace. Once I arrived in paradise, I suddenly forgot about my pain.

When a turbulent situation threatens our security, and everything we do to alleviate our pain fails, our priority is usually surviving the next ten minutes. But as powerless as storms make us feel, they don’t surprise God (1 Peter 4:12). He's taken weary travelers through the worst of weather, so we can trust Him to help us too.

I can only guess what makes you hold on for dear life today. Maybe your boss handed you a pink slip after thirty years. Maybe your troubled teen's latest outburst troubles your sleep. Maybe a diagnosis has shattered your hopes and dreams, leaving you devastated.

The truth is that unless we trust Someone greater than ourselves to help us survive the world's chaos, we will clutch the armrests of the world in the vain hope of finding relief.

Friend, Jesus Christ is greater than the storm you're facing. He knows it’s more than you can handle. And while He never promised a smooth ride through this life (John 16:33), He will accompany you for the duration of it (Joshua 1:9). Relax. You'll be through the worst of it before you know it (Romans 8:28).

If you’re struggling to cope, these four traveling companions will give you the hope you need until the skies clear:

1. Ponder God’s promises. He hasn't failed to keep one yet. Find verses that resonate with you and meditate on them day and night. (Numbers 23:19 and Philippians 4:8).

2. Consider God’s character. His goodness and faithfulness don't fluctuate with life's circumstances. You can trust Him to do what is best for you. (Hebrews 13:8 and Psalms 103:8).

3. Prioritize prayer. When you give your burdens to Jesus, you'll travel light (Galatians 6:2). It's not your job to carry the world's luggage on your shoulders.

4. Practice His presence. You can't escape trials, but when you spend time with God and ask Him to fill you, He equips you to face them (Psalm 23:4).

Let's Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for providing everything I need to weather this storm. When turbulence tests my faith, Your presence gives me the confidence that I will reach my destination. In Jesus's name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Into the Sea” by Tasha Layton. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Your Presence Is A Promise” by Mack Brock. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. As she got older, her mother’s chronic illness inspired her to design a line of greeting cards. Since then, she has written for her college newspaper and two community newspapers where she wrote restaurant reviews and articles for their “Best of” spread.  

Her experience as an administrator in the marketing field gave her the opportunity to write ads for a local business journal.

After a 20-year detour and a three-year season of adversity, God reignited her passion to write. Two divine appointments later, the short story she wrote about her father appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and a short story about Gigi (her Cocker Spaniel) was published in Guideposts (magazine) Mysterious Ways. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

Since 2022, Sarah’s devotionals have been published in The Secret Place by Judson Press, as well as David C. Cook’s Devotions and The Quiet Hour. To this day, she smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she’s not writing, Sarah enjoys watching cooking shows, designing cards and mugs, and taking day trips.

~*~
Connect with Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smittyc65
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SarahCo45835279
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52

My Review of Sun Moon (movie)

Today, I have another Pure Flix movie review for you and a giveaway contest at the end of this post! In case you didn’t know, Pure Flix is like the faith-based version of Netflix. It works the same way but the difference is in the content that points you back to Jesus Christ and shows you how much The Creator of the Universe loves you!

Pure Flix is a one-stop shop for faith and family-friendly movies and shows where you can confidently stream in your home with the entire family. With new premium and exclusive original entertainment choices every week, Pure Flix streaming service has the largest variety of high-quality, curated, positive, encouraging, wholesome movies, series and kids' content in one service. Pure Flix is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment, alongside AFFIRM Films.

Pure Flix VIP Ambassador program asked me to review the movie Sun Moon. The main idea for this movie, in words from the producers, is: Kelsey is running from failure, heartbreak and humiliation. In an attempt to understand God’s purpose for her life, she goes to Taiwan to teach English. Will her leap of faith pay off?

I watched this marvelous movie before it was made available for viewing on Pure Flix. It made me laugh out loud, cry for a moment, sigh several times, smile at one point in almost every scene, and seriously crave some bubble tea at the end!

Now for my review: 

Sun Moon is a beautiful story about how God can turn your heartache into hope and make your life a blessing to others along the way. This movie is filled with faith, hope, love, second chances, sweet school children and characters who have a heart for helping each other. The storyline is filled with highs, lows, twists and turns that will keep the viewing audience engaged. It may even make you want to sip some bubble tea (you'll have to watch the movie to find out why). I loved everything about this wonderful movie and it encouraged me in my real-life journey of learning how to step out on faith and follow God's lead where He may send me. Let me highlight a few main points about Sun Moon…

MacKenzie Mauzy, the actress who played Kelsey, did a delightful job of portraying this character from heartbreak to hope. She stayed in character throughout the movie’s highs, lows, twists and turns. I’m also impressed how in one scene, she climbed over a very tall gate after-hours so she could return to her apartment. I was hoping she wouldn’t get hurt. The movie watcher may identify with Kelsey’s story—especially those who have experienced being left at the altar in real life. But the story doesn’t end with the pain of jilted bride, it only begins there! This is a wonderful reminder about how God can use our pain to catapult us into our purpose.

Kelsey finds her purpose in Taiwan and her life is forever changed in a very good way! Who knew that answering a call to be a missionary would be just what she needed? Just like in real-life, God knew! Oftentimes, we can forget that God has us right where He wants us to be and we cannot mess up His plan for our lives because the Bible says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).

I also like that the storyline showed that despite Kelsey leaving her church and abandoning her faith in God for a while, God never left her alone to do life on her own. He continued to be with her every step of the way even when she tried to run away from Him and push Him away. This is a beautiful portrayal of God’s love that endures forever not just in faith-based fiction stories or in Christian movies, but in the real world.

In conclusion, I’d like to say that Sun Moon should win an award! It was delightfully done in a way that will educate, inspire and encourage viewers to seek God's plan for their life and follow it fearlessly. This movie will touch your heart and help you hope again just when you thought all hope was lost.

Themes of this movie included:

· Keeping up appearances/your image

· Learning new cultures

· Loving all of God’s people, being afraid of losing loved ones/sick relatives

· Being angry at God for how events unfolded

· Moving forward after loss or unplanned events, healing

· Friendship

· Learning to trust in His timing

· Struggling with disappointment and loss of faith

· God uses everything, even the hurt and pain

· Finding confidence

· How to walk through difficult and challenging times

· There is a season for everything

· Grieving loss

· God will push us out of comfort zone (all the way to Taiwan)

· The difference we make in the lives of other people

· “God did not burn you” your boyfriend did

· Choosing to not blame God in difficult situations

· Overcoming adversity

Sun Moon is a movie that will introduce you to Pure Flix, prompt you to join and watch it again and again! And once you’re a member of Pure Flix, you’ll find more content to view that will encourage your heart. So don’t delay, join today!

Watch Sun Moon movie trailer:
https://www.pureflix.com/movie/sun-moon

Jean Thomason from Momentum Influencer Network interviewed Sydney Tooley, writer and director for Sun Moon. Watch their conversation here: https://youtu.be/UX0a9X4DEcg

Before you go, enter this contest for your chance to WIN a FREE 3-month Pure Flix subscription! Note: This giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only. The giveaway starts today and ends on May 12, 2023. If you're participating in the giveaway for Sun Moon, please note that we cannot accept winners that have won a Pure Flix subscription in the last six months.

Here is the Giveaway Contest link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c448/?

Disclosure: Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#SunMoonMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

Love,

Alexis A. Goring, MFA

Founder of "God is Love" blog

Romantic Reads: The Promise Keeper

Welcome Sherri Stewart to the blog! 

She's here to talk about the inspiration for her book, The Promise Keeper. 

Enjoy this glimpse behind the scenes of her story!

~*~

The Story Behind The Story of The Promise Keeper by Sherri Stewart:

Does God have one special person for you? That was what Jonathan believed in The Promise Keeper. He believed that God was interested in the details of our lives, just the same as a really good father is in his children’s lives.

Luke 12:7 says, “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” This seems to point to the fact that God is intimately acquainted with our lives. However, Meadow, the object of Jonathan’s love, isn’t so sure. While she believes that God knows us, she’s not quite sure that He involves Himself in the minutiae of our lives. That is the question of the book.

At the start it seems as if God has brought Jonathan and Meadow together. They are two American strangers that hold the same ticket to a seat at a concert in London. Coincidence or Providence? They spend time with each other, and Jonathan is amazed at how many other coincidences occur. Yet when Meadow spends her last few days on a field trip to see the castles before she returns to the states, Jonathan receives some other providential signs that he should go after her. But where? To which castles?

This brings up another issue about God’s concern with the details of our lives. If He has one special person for each of us, how hard are we supposed to work to find that person? Jonathan seems to be working way too hard, and things don’t go as planned. So should he give up or keep trying to find her?

I’m not a chick flick fan, but I do enjoy a few: Julia Roberts in My Best Friend’s Wedding, Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality, Megan Ryan in You’ve Got Mail, and Kate Beckinsale in Serendipity. People who don’t have God in their lives have no trouble believing in coincidences, karma, destiny, and serendipity, but I believe if we ask God to lead, He will.

I know a man who prayed about finding a wife, and he believed God would direct his path, so he took his cues from his daily readings in the Bible. When he read that Isaac’s wife would come from the south riding on a camel, he took that to be his promise from God. Years passed and he forgot about it, until he found himself on a blind date with a gal who showed him pictures of her trip to Egypt, and you guessed it. They’ve been married for forty years.

If you liked the movie An Affair to Remember or Serendipity, you may like The Promise Keeper.

~*~
Author Bio:

Sherri Stewart loves a good suspense novel, especially one that challenges her faith. 

She proves that it’s never too late to achieve a dream. Her careers as teacher, principal, flight attendant and immigration lawyer have provided fodder for her books.

She's a member of Word Weavers International, ACFW, and the California Bar.

A recent widow, she lives in the Orlando area with her dog, Lily. 

When she's not writing or teaching, you'll find her walking the Disney parks for exercise and thinking through plot lines or planning her next trip to settings for her book.

~*~
Blurb for The Promise Keeper:

Meadow meets Jonathan by chance when they end up with the same seat ticket to a concert in London. Chance or something more? Thus begins a whirlwind fairytale in London and in Wales.

But all good things must end when Meadow returns to Atlanta and Jonathan heads back to law school in New York. They promise to keep in touch. Jonathan believes that providence has brought them together. Meadow’s not so sure, but they promise to meet at Christmas on the rooftop of Cardiff Castle in Wales in two years if they’re not already spoken for.

Will Jonathan keep his promise? If you enjoyed Serendipity and Sleepless in Seattle, The Promise Keeper is the book for you.

~*~
Buy The Promise Keeper on Amazon

Romantic Reads: The Key to Love

Welcome Betsy St. Amant to the blog!

It's a special day for Betsy because her new novel, The Key to Love, releases today!

Please join me in wishing Betsy a "Happy BOOK birthday!" 

She's celebrating with us today by talking about her book, the setting, its characters, Paris (France) and French-inspired bakery treats like macaroons and Petit fours.

Now here's what's in it for you: Betsy is going to give away one, signed paperback copy of her book to the winner of the giveaway contest! You can enter the contest via the Rafflecopter widget that is located at the end of this blog post.

Now onto the interview ...

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Interview with Betsy St. Amant about her book, The Key to Love:

Alexis: “The Key to Love” is a lovely and unique title for a story! What is its significance?

Betsy: The title is referring to the lovelocks that are featured in the story, where my heroine, Bri, has created her own version of the lovelock wall at her small town Parisian themed bakery after the real lovelock bridge was shut down in Paris years before.

Alexis: What was your inspiration for writing this story?

Betsy: I started with two ideas—one, I wanted to incorporate the concept of the lovelocks, but when I started plotting the story, Paris declared the locks on the bridge over the Seine river an eyesore, and replaced the locks with glass panels. I had to revise my initial idea for the story, so I had my heroine make her own version instead in small-town, mid America! I ended up liking it this way so much better. Two, I wanted an opposites attract trope for my hero and heroine, which is why Bri is girlie and everything romance obsessed, while Gerard is the scorned, permanent Bachelor type who Bri accuses of “making flowers wilt when he walks by.”

Alexis: How did you research this story? Did you travel to Paris (France) and Kansas?

Betsy: I’ve never been to Paris, unfortunately. It’s on the bucket list! But I did a lot of research online and through chatting with people who have been, and I mapped some things out that applied to my story. I’ve been to Kansas years ago to visit a dear friend and loved it. The tulips were blooming when I visited, and I was so charmed with the entire state in general. It seemed the perfect spot to set my fictional town!

Alexis: “Story” is a very cute name for a fictional town! Paint a picture of it with words.

Betsy: Story, Kansas is a town reminiscent of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls, where everyone knows who you are, and everyone knows everyone else’s business, but nobody really minds, because it’s all done in love!

Alexis: Let’s talk about the heroine of your story, Bri Duval. What does she look like? Sound like? Act like? What are her primary passions, character flaws and strengths?

Betsy: Bri is dainty and blonde and a huge romantic at heart. She usually bakes in a frilly apron and comfy sweatshirts, and loves the term “wanderlust”—it’s on the wall of the bakery and on a steppingstone leading to the lovelock wall outside. She’s kind and compassionate and knows what she wants—but her flaws come into play in that she’s kept her late parents on such a pedestal, determined to hold out for a love like theirs, that she doesn’t recognize love when it does come her way. She’s placed her identity in the wrong things and begins to lose herself when the pedestal her parents are on starts to wobble.

Alexis: What were Bri’s dreams for her bakery when she opened it and what are her dreams for it now?

Betsy: Bri’s mother, who passed away when Bri was only 18, learned to bake at the same bakery that Bri operates now. It’s owned by two eccentric elderly sisters, Mabel and Agnes, who are not blood-relation to Bri but loved Bri and her mother like their own. They serve as both comic relief and voices of reason in the story, and I love them! They continuously cracked me up. Bri bakes there in memory of her mother, but she’s also trying to save the bakery from being sold to her conniving ex-boyfriend, a town lawyer.

Alexis: Why are petit fours the dessert of choice for Bri? What is her favorite flavor?

Betsy: Since the bakery is Parisian themed, there are a lot of petit fours and macarons! There’s also some decorated sugar cookies and delicious iced coffee and other goodies. Bri spends a lot of time trying to recreate her mother’s macaron recipe, except there’s a problem—she doesn’t know her mom’s secret ingredient.

Alexis: Why did Bri re-create the famous Parisian lovelock wall at her bakery?

Betsy: Bri made the lovelock wall to serve as a memory for her parents’ love story, and to encourage the concept of love and romance in her town. The eccentric bakery owners, Mabel and Agnes, are known around Story, Kansas as matchmakers, so every time they match up a couple, they hang a lock in their honor.

Alexis: Let’s talk about the hero of your story, Gerard Fortier. What does he look like? Sound like? Act like? What are his hopes, life goals, most telling weakness and his greatest strength?

Betsy: Gerard is scorned by love after a failed engagement and a lifetime of watching his mother get dragged around by men. He’s sworn off love and is content to be a permanent Bachelor. His goals are more career-oriented right now, and he’s determined to promote up into his travel magazine’s lead writing position so he can write about things he really cares about—and make more money to help take care of his mom. His flaw is that he tends to run from the hard things and from “putting down roots.” He’s a permanent wanderer.

Alexis: Why did Trek Magazine send Gerard travel to Bri’s bakery to write a feature story about it?

Betsy: Trek sent Gerard to write about the bakery after it went viral from the matchmaking schemes of Mabel and Agnes, and the lovelock wall. Gerard didn’t want to do it, but if he wants the promotion, he’ll have to!

Alexis: What are Gerard’s first impressions of the bakery and Bri?

Betsy: Gerard first thinks that Bri is naïve and a little weak (though he reluctantly notices how pretty she is).

Alexis: How does Bri feel about Gerard when she first meets him?

Betsy: Bri thinks Gerard is a little rude, and a little too rough around the edges. He doesn’t fit her mold of anyone she’d be interested in (though she begrudgingly notices how handsome he is).

Alexis: How does her parents’ true love story affect Bri’s expectations for her own?

Betsy: Bri kept her parents on a pedestal all this time, holding out for a love as perfect as their own. But when that image gets tainted, Bri has to realize who she really is and what she really wants—outside of her parents— and recognize that love doesn’t always look the way she thinks it should.

Alexis: What is the moral of the story?

Betsy: The Key To Love is a story of identity. I hope readers come away from their journey with Bri as she discovers where her identity truly lies, to being encouraged in their own.

Alexis: If you could step into this story as a baker for Bri’s bakery, which one of the desserts on the menu would be your favorite to make and taste? Explain.

Betsy: I’m a sucker for a good petit four, but they’re incredibly hard to make! So, I’d probably just end up buying a few from Bri and binging later that night with a good book. Hehe.

~*~
Author Bio:

Betsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of over fifteen inspirational romance novels and novellas.

She resides in north Louisiana with her hero of a hubby, two total-opposite young daughters, a vast collection of coffee mugs, and an impressive stash of Pickle chips. 

Betsy has a B.A. in Communications and a deep-rooted passion for seeing women restored in Christ. When she’s not composing her next book or trying to prove unicorns are real, Betsy can usually be found somewhere in the vicinity of a white-chocolate mocha–no whip.

She blogs frequently at www.ibelieve.com, a devotional site for women. 

Betsy is proud to be represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency.

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Blurb for Betsy's book, The Key to Love:

The only thing Bri Duval loves more than baking petit fours is romance. So much so, she's created her own version of the famous Parisian lovelock wall at her bakery in Story, Kansas. 

She never expects it to go viral — or for Trek Magazine to send travel writer Gerard Fortier to feature the bakery. He's definitely handsome, but Bri has been holding out for a love story like the one her parents had, and that certainly will not include the love-scorned-and-therefore-love-scorning Gerard.

Just when it seems Bri's bakery is poised for unprecedented success, a series of events threaten not just her business but the pedestal she's kept her parents on all these years. Maybe Gerard is right about romance. Or maybe Bri's recipe just needs to be tweaked.

Novelist Betsy St. Amant invites you to experience this sweet story of how love doesn't always look the way we expect — and maybe that's a good thing.

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Buy Betsy's book on Amazon, Baker's Books or Barnes and Noble

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Connect with Betsy:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BetsySt.Amant

Twitter - https://twitter.com/betsystamant

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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: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Romantic Reads: This Wandering Heart (book) by Janine Rosche

Welcome Janine Rosche to the blog today!

She's here to talk about her debut novel, This Wandering Heart.

Janine is offering a signed, paperback copy of her book to the winner of the giveaway contest hosted via the Rafflecopter widget at the end of this blog post! 

Since mailing books internationally is expensive, you must be a resident of the United States of America to enter the contest. Enjoy your time with Janine!

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Interview with Janine Rosche about her debut book,
This Wandering Heart (Madison River Romance Book 1):

Alexis: What inspired you to write This Wandering Heart as your debut book?

Janine: When I graduated from high school, I flipped through my father's road atlas. From my house, I was able to drag my finger along a path from my home to anywhere in the continental United States. Something about that realization unearthed a longing to set out on my own and discover everything from east to west. Now that I'm settled—married with children—I still struggle with that desire to wander wild.

Alexis: How did you create your main characters for this story?

Janine: Keira isn’t too dissimilar to me in one specific way, so she was relatively easy to create. I feel the same push-and-pull that Keira feels, although her wounds cut much deeper. As for Robbie, I knew I'd need to create a fantastic hero to walk beside her as she discovers herself.

Alexis: Tell us about your story’s heroine, Keira. What are her likes, dislikes, hopes and dreams?

Janine: During her abusive and controlling childhood, Keira read novels and watched travel television shows to mentally escape. Now, as an adult, she wants to photograph that world and share it with others who can’t travel. She also loves the freedom of traveling on her own, but she can’t seem to forget the guy she once left behind.

Alexis: Tell us about your story’s hero, Robbie. Describe his looks, personality and character.

Janine: Robbie is a kindhearted former football star with a great sense of humor that he uses to hide his insecurity thanks to a learning disability. Above all, he has a lot of integrity, but also a serious lack of impulse control that has gotten him in trouble in the past. Oh, and he’s real strong with auburn curls that peek out from under his baseball cap.

Alexis: What makes Robbie swoonworthy and conflicted about his feelings for Keira?

Janine: Robbie is loyal, especially to the women in his life: his mama, his sister, and his four-year-old daughter. So naturally, he feels a driving desire to help and protect Keira despite the fact that she hurt him in the past.

Alexis: What is it about Robbie that keeps Keira coming back to him?

Janine: He’s perfect? Is that an answer? I mean, he loves her so well and would give up almost anything to make her dreams come true. He once saved her from her father and encouraged her to imagine dreams in the first place. He’s the one man she’s ever known who didn’t want to keep her in a cage.

Alexis: Both Keira and Robbie have developed online personas centered on travel. Why?

Janine: Keira is a high school geography teacher so to keep some anonymity she started travel-blogging/social-media-influencing with an alias, Kat Wanderfull. Robbie stumbled onto social media, and wouldn’t still be on there if he’d never crossed paths with Kat Wanderfull who gives him hope that maybe there’s a right girl out there for him.

Alexis: What role do Keira and Robbie’s online personas play in their personal story offline?

Janine: Robbie’s pretty straightforward. He’s been the same guy since he was seventeen and first fell for Keira. He only hides his identity to make “Kat” feel comfortable chatting with him. But Keira has lived her whole life not knowing who she is. Her multiple names symbolize the people she has been and wants to be. That’s a big part of her journey—figuring out her true identity.

Alexis: Why did you set this story in Montana? What about that great state do you love?

Janine: My father introduced me to Montana. I used to love going out there and watching him and my brothers fish the Madison River. After he passed away, I wanted to find a way to memorialize him and give him the retirement he never got. Enter Chuck Matthews, Robbie’s father, who owns a fly-fishing resort on the Madison.

Alexis: Your debut book is the first installment in your Madison River Romance series. What can you tell us about the next books in your series? Will they all take place in Montana?

Janine: While this is an on-the-road romance, Robbie and Keira’s home base is Montana. The next two books take place almost entirely in the Madison River Canyon. The next book is about Robbie’s wild-haired, strong-willed sister, Ryann. She’s my hero!

Alexis: Who is Anabelle and what role does her mother play in creating conflict for this story?

Janine: Anabelle is the result of one of Robbie’s impulsive moments, but from the minute he knows about her existence, he acts as her protector. He cares for her the way a father should care for his daughter and gives up everything for her, especially when Anabelle’s mother abandons her. But now, she’s back and demanding custody. Robbie can’t let her take his girl away.

Alexis: Why do Keira and Robbie struggle with trust issues?

Janine: They’ve each hurt each in the past. Sometimes the best intentions aren’t enough.

Alexis: What brings Keira and Robbie together?

Janine: Keira has a big opportunity to land a travel television show if only she can convince the producers that her followers will fall in love with the person behind Kat Wanderfull. For that, she needs an assistant—and Robbie is the only one who can help her do that.

Alexis: What – or who – threatens to tear Keira and Robbie apart forever?

Janine: Robbie would give up anything for Keira, except his little girl. If this custody battle goes south, he may have to choose between them. Keira struggles with intimacy. Having Robbie close to her side is amazing—she knows from experience. But for her, losing him is devastating—she knows that as well. She can’t risk that pain again.

Alexis: As a Christian author, what role does your faith play in sustaining the fictional lives of your characters in This Wandering Heart story?

Janine: Keira’s desire to “wander” is pretty symbolic of our relationship to God. Fear and a need to be independent combine to keep up from trusting God with our lives. I know I feel that in my own faith. The lyrics from “Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing” describe this perfectly: “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love. Here’s my heart, Lord, take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above.” Bind my wandering heart to thee is my constant prayer.

Alexis: What do you want your readers to remember the most about your debut book?

Janine: One reviewer thought Robbie was too forgiving of Keira’s unwillingness to trust him. And I agree! It defies what most of us have experienced in life. But I hope they see the patience he has with her. He doesn’t force her, doesn’t pressure her, and certainly doesn’t cage her, not unlike how God pursues us. I hope readers rest easy afterward knowing that they are gloriously loved, the same way Robbie loves Keira.

Alexis: Now for the quick and fun questions in italics with your answers in plain font …

Coffee or tea? Sweet Tea! I lived in the south for eight years and I miss it!

Summer or Spring? Summer, because I get to travel!

Kindle or paperback books? Paperback a million times over.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Janine!

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Author Bio:

Prone to wander, Janine Rosche finds as much comfort on the open road as she does at home. 

This longing to chase adventure, behold splendor, and experience redemption is woven into her Madison River Romance series. 

When she isn’t writing or traveling, she teaches family life education courses to college students, takes too many pictures of her sleeping dogs, and embarrasses her four children and husband with boy band serenades.

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Blurb for This Wandering Heart:

In the first entry in the Madison River Romance series, Keira Knudsen gets the traveling opportunity of a lifetime, but when she reunites with her first love, Robbie, she learns that even a wandering heart needs a home. ... 

No one in the quaint town of West Yellowstone, Montana, knows that unassuming geography teacher Keira Knudsen moonlights as sensational travel blogger Kat Wanderfull. No one, that is, except for her first love, Robbie Matthews, who has just discovered the woman he is falling for online is the same one that broke his heart five years ago.

But Robbie has another problem: the mother of his daughter, Anabelle, has resurfaced after a three-year absence determined to rip Anabelle away from him. Robbie needs a steady paycheck for a chance at custody, and now, on the eve of a grand adventure that could give Keira a chance to flee her old, troubled life once and for all, she is in need of assistance.

With so much broken trust between them, Keira and Robbie must keep an arms-length away to make this partnership work. But the more time they spend together, exploring majestic places and sharing new experiences, the closer they get–until their secrets and dreams threaten to cost them everything.

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Buy Janine's book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

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Connect with Janine:
Website: http://www.JanineRosche.com
Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/janineroscheauthor
Reader group, The Love Wander Read Book Club:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/600718360423024/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/janinerosche
Instagram: www.instagram.com/janinerosche
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/janinerosche/
Author Newsletter Link: http://janinerosche.com/the-love-wander-read-journal/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/janine-rosche
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/janinerosche

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United States of America 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

Author Interview with Lindsay Harrel about "The Joy of Falling" (book)!

Dear Blog Reader Friends,

Today, you're in for a special treat!

My author friend Lindsay Harrel is here to talk about her new novel, The Joy of Falling. See the book cover above. Isn't it gorgeous?

Now here's what's in it for you (besides getting to know an awesome author): Lindsay is going to giveaway ONE signed paperback copy of her book to the winner of the book giveaway contest (enter via the Rafflecopter widget toward the end of this blog post)! This book giveaway contest is for U.S. residents only because shipping books internationally is expensive.

I hope that you will enjoy getting to know Lindsay and learning about her book baby, The Joy of Falling!

God bless you.

~*~

Interview with Lindsay Harrel about her book, The Joy of Falling:

Alexis: Why did you write this book?

Lindsay: I wrote this book for the same reason I write in general—I want to bring hope to people. Grief is such a difficult topic, and everyone experiences it and reacts differently to it. But regardless of our different experiences, I believe that hope can always be found, and that’s what I wanted to illuminate in The Joy of Falling.

Alexis: What was your inspiration for this story?

Lindsay: Grief is a topic that is deeply personal to me, since I lost my mom at the age of 19. But I recognize that my own journey is not the same one others have taken, and that led me to write a book about the different ways that people handle grief. That got me thinking about how two people might react to the same incident in various ways—one too busy to deal with it at all, another consumed by it so completely she can’t move forward.

Alexis: How did you research the international locations described in this book?

Lindsay: I mostly used the Internet, including various blogs, tourism websites, etc. Because this book features an ultra-marathon in New Zealand, I actually found a real ultra-marathon website and followed the marathoners’ journey across the country to infuse real places and moments into the story. Also, I asked a friend who lives in New Zealand to read an early draft of the book, and she was able to give me a lot of insight into things that the Internet didn’t.

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

Lindsay: Honestly, it was just putting myself through the emotions of grief once again. Remembering how it felt to lose my mom, asking myself the tough questions that don’t really seem to have an answer—those things gutted me emotionally.

Alexis: What was your most memorable moment as you created these characters?

Lindsay: I was actually doing revisions and trying to rewrite the entire first act. I needed to figure out Eva and her motivations a bit better. And I rewrote the first line: “Once upon a time, color had dominated Eva Jamison’s days.” I still wasn’t sure I had gotten it right, but not long after, I received an email with the cover of the book—which is bursting with color. I immediately knew that this theme of light and darkness, colors and grays, was the perfect metaphor for Eva’s life before and after her husband’s death.

Alexis: Tell us about Eva and Angela. How do they know each other? What do they each want out of life? What is their greatest joy and deepest pain? Explain.

Lindsay: Eva and Angela were both married to the Jamison brothers, who died in a scuba diving accident fifteen months before the book begins. Before their deaths, Eva was living her best life as a florist/artist, fully enjoying her marriage and all that awaited them in the future. Angela, on the other hand, was a wife and mom of three kids, and while she hadn’t pictured her life the way it had turned out, she found she actually enjoyed homeschooling them. When their husbands died, though, Angela had to quit homeschooling and start working two jobs to make ends meet. And here’s the other thing—Angela is mad at her husband for dying. So how is she supposed to process that?

Alexis: How do Eva and Angela process the grief of losing their husbands? In what ways do they grieve the same and in what ways are they different?

Lindsay: Eva is kind of stuck in the grief. She lives in it, because she’s afraid of forgetting her husband if she moves forward. And with raising three kids and working two jobs, Angela doesn’t have time to grieve at all.

Alexis: Let’s talk about the men in this story. What can you tell me about Marc and Simon without giving away the plot? Describe their looks and personalities too!

Lindsay: Aw, I just love these guys! Marc was Brent Jamison’s best friend and business partner, and he feels really guilty for not only still being alive—he was supposed to be on the ill-fated scuba diving trip with his friends—but also for having feelings for Eva (now, after Brent is gone). Marc is Italian American, so he’s got darker features and an amazing smile.

Simon King is a New Zealand reporter who is also a widower with children, so he is someone Angela finds herself able to relate to in a way she hasn’t connected with anyone else. Simon is in his early forties, and he’s broad shouldered with an athletic build. He’s such a family man and I just loved writing him.

Alexis: In what ways does the concept of hope play into this story?

Lindsay: Like in all my stories, I want readers to come away with a sense of hope. Just because our circumstances might be worse than we can possibly imagine doesn’t mean we can’t have hope for a future.

Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about The Joy of Falling?

Lindsay: I want them to remember how they felt as they read it. I hope that they see themselves in the characters, even if they’ve never experienced the loss of a husband.

Alexis: Now for the fun questions (in italics):

How do you take your coffee? 

Uh, not at all! LOL. I prefer iced tea. ;)

What is your least explored hobby? 

I love to sing and wish I had time to be in shows like I once was. But with little children, that’s not happening right now.

Who is your favorite author? 

Explain. That’s a really impossible question to answer! If I must pick one, I’d say Jane Austen. But if we are talking someone in more recent times, I’d say Lisa Wingate. Her book Before We Were Yours inspired me to go even deeper with my writing.

Who in your personal life do you look up to the most? Why? 

I have a few mentors who pray for me regularly and are very generous with their time and encouragement! They love the Lord and they love people, and those are two things I strive to do better.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Why?

I love Philippians 1:6: “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” I feel like it’s such a good reminder that even when we don’t see the WHY of something, we can trust the WHO.

Cake or Ice cream? 

Always and forever ice cream.

Netflix or Hallmark movies? 

Ah, that’s hard, because I don’t have access to Hallmark movies. I’ve enjoyed both!

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

Lindsay: Thanks, Alexis! Happy to have the opportunity to share about The Joy of Falling!

~*~
About the Author:

Lindsay Harrel is a lifelong book nerd with a B.A. in journalism and M.A. in English. 

She lives in Arizona with her young family and two golden retrievers in serious need of training. Lindsay has held a variety of jobs, including curriculum editor for two universities, medical and business writer, and copywriter for a digital marketing agency. Now she juggles stay-at-home mommyhood with working freelance jobs, teaching college English courses online, and—of course—writing novels.

When she actually has time to do other things, she loves to sing, read, and sip passion iced teas from Starbucks. She loves to watch God work in ordinary lives to create something extraordinary, and she writes to bring hope to those who may have lost it along the way. 

Connect with her at www.LindsayHarrel.com and any other place she hangs out online, including Facebook and Twitter.

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Blurb for Lindsay's book, The Joy of Falling:

Eva and Angela must learn to live again. One step at a time.

It has been fifteen months since Eva and Angela lost their thrill-seeking husbands in a scuba diving accident. Both women are trying to navigate their way through the grief, but neither one is making much progress. Angela is barely making ends meet, angry at her husband for leaving her to raise three children on her own. Meanwhile, Eva is stuck, unable to move forward after losing the love of her life and her source of inspiration.

But then Eva gets a life-changing phone call. Before Brent and Wes died, they had signed up for a race of a lifetime—an ultra-marathon in beautiful New Zealand. Eva begs Angela to run the race with her in their husbands’ place, and Angela finally agrees, hoping to finally understand her husband's choices.

Training is exhausting, and the race is even more demanding. Their journey grows more complicated by the presence of two men—Marc is Brent’s best friend who is running the race with Eva and Angela, and Simon King is a writer who is covering their inspiring story. With every step, Eva and Angela must ask themselves questions that they haven’t had the courage to ask before. As the women literally put one foot in front of the other, they wonder: Is it possible to find their way forward in hope?

~*~
*United States 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