Sunday, April 16, 2017
Spring into Love: Safe Harbor by Kristen Terrette
Let's welcome Kristen Terrette to the blog today! She's here to share an excerpt from her novel, Safe Harbor. She's also giving away a copy of her book to one lucky winner! Details for the book giveaway contest are toward the end of this blog post. Enjoy!
~*~
Book blurb for Safe Harbor: Eva Elliott is left with a jaded heart after the death of her boyfriend while she was pregnant. She pushed away the idea of God and love, focusing solely on her daughter, Willow. She accepts an offer from her mom to move to Moanna Island, off the coast of Georgia. She hopes the move will help her tuck away the guilt for the role she thinks she played in her boyfriend’s death.
Thad Smith is the local youth mentor and football coach, who’s finally recovered from his fall from grace when his NFL career ended. The day Eva arrives, Thad saves her daughter from drowning in the ocean the day, instantly connecting the pair. Eva stubbornly fights the stirring in her heart the moment Thad smiles, but since Thad coaches the football team where Eva teaches, and lives down the street, God continues to intertwine their lives. Eva will not agree to a date, so Thad uses his adventurous spirit to his advantage.
She doesn’t expect Thad’s ex to throw a kink in the fragile plan, nor for Thad’s relationship with God to convict her own shame and brokenness. Just when she opens the door to God, finally ready to make things right, an accident occurs that could leave Willow an orphan and Thad all alone again.
~*~
Book Review:
Inspiring - a great read!, February 4, 2017
By Vanessa Trainor
This review is from: Safe Harbor (Moanna Island Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
She doesn’t expect Thad’s ex to throw a kink in the fragile plan, nor for Thad’s relationship with God to convict her own shame and brokenness. Just when she opens the door to God, finally ready to make things right, an accident occurs that could leave Willow an orphan and Thad all alone again.
~*~
Book Review:
Inspiring - a great read!, February 4, 2017
By Vanessa Trainor
This review is from: Safe Harbor (Moanna Island Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
"From heartbreaking to heartwarming, this book takes you along Eva's wavering journey to discovering love, learning forgiveness and ultimately finding her way back to God again. An inspirational read that really allows you to connect with the characters! I look forward to this author's next book!"
~*~
Chapter One excerpt from the book, Safe Harbor:
Eva
“Mama!”
The gurgling, panicked voice snapped me out of my stare on the horizon. I spun around to see a flash of tanned skin and muscles dive into the water after Willow.
“Willow!” I screamed as I took off into the water. I dove for her, but she was too far, and in between my strokes and pulls, I watched my baby roll and tumble, unable to gain her footing.
“Willow!” I screamed though the water hitting my face muffled the sound as I kicked harder, my adult body having to fight hard against the waves.
I will not lose anyone else!
In between the crashing waves, my vision cleared long enough to see the man snatch her up in his arms. I planted my feet as he gained his balance, stood up and hugged her to his chest.
“Baby! Is she alive?!” He rushed to shore, his giant frame unmoved by the powerful tugs and pulls of the ocean as I chased after him, horrified, terrified, and scrambling. When he was out of the reach of the waves, he laid her down and I heard her cough.
My knees hit the sand. “Willow! Are you breathing?!”
The guy sat back to give her some room, and I got down to her face. She tried to talk, but couldn’t through her coughing.
“Turn on your side so you can breathe better.” The guy pushed on her shoulders, prompting her to roll over. “That’s it. Take a deep, solid breath, and try to let it out slowly.”
His husky voice settled over us, and I found myself doing what he was telling Willow to do.
Willow recovered some, and locked her beautiful blue eyes on me. “Yeah, Mama,” she said softly, though a sob that was beginning to take over, “I’m…I’m breathing.”
She started coughing again, though this time it didn’t have so much force behind it. I pulled her to me and she gripped me tight around the neck. “Oh, Willow, my goodness, you scared me to death!” I closed my eyes attempting to ward off the tears, though it was useless. The utter vastness of the ocean had always unnerved me, and now my very worst fear had almost come true in it. I took a deep breath to compose myself. “I’m sorry honey. I didn’t mean to sound so mad. I was just scared, really scared. But I’m not mad at you, okay?”
She nodded into my neck. I looked up and locked eyes with Willow’s savior. His relief shown by the happy grin he wore. Through my range of emotions—panic, relief, and even anger—I now had to add giddy as his smile shot through my heart like an arrow.
“You know, I didn’t want us meet like this.” He laughed when I knitted my brow. “Never mind.” He was still showing off his killer smile and now I noticed he had a rather country accent. It didn’t seem to fit this dark tanned, completely drool-worthy man who looked like he was from Hawaii. He stood and reached to help us stand.
I took his hand, gripping Willow tight with the other, as he heaved us up. I realized just how tall he was as his frame hovered over my head, and I had to look up cause my eyes stared right at his chest. “Th…th…thank you,” I rambled. “I’m not sure how I could ever properly say thank you for…” I squeezed Willow, now resting on my hip, “for rescuing my girl.”
“Well, you just did. And don’t worry about it. I take any excuse to get wet.” He laughed and ran his fingers through his shoulder-length, almost black, wavy hair.
“We were not planning to get wet.” I held out my free hand to refer to our clothes, dripping with ocean water.
“Oh, that’s not your bathing suit?” He cocked his head and looked at Willow.
She giggled. “No, my bathing suit is hot pink with ruffles.”
He looked at me. “Are you and your husband new to the island?”
“Uh, no husband.” I stuck my hand out to him to cover the flush on my face. I always dodged that question. Being an unwed mother brought sadness, shame, and embarrassment. “I’m Eva by the way, and this is my daughter Willow.”
What is it about this guy that makes me nervous? Oh wait, maybe it’s the muscles and the four tattoos I’ve already noticed on his six-foot-something-really-tall frame.
No, even as those thoughts left my brain I knew they weren’t true.
“I’m Thad.” He shook my hand, but lingered a moment before letting go. The heat from his hand lit more than just my fingers. He had this easy way about him, this peacefulness that dripped off him and made its way into your soul.
Uh, what’s happening?
~*~
Author bio: Kristen Terrette has been an avid reader since childhood, a self-confessed book nerd, and always had characters running through her mind- ones she made up. She went back to school years ago to obtain a Master's degree in Theological Studies because she felt God's tug towards ministry, but she didn't know then what God had in mind.
~*~
Chapter One excerpt from the book, Safe Harbor:
Eva
“Mama!”
The gurgling, panicked voice snapped me out of my stare on the horizon. I spun around to see a flash of tanned skin and muscles dive into the water after Willow.
“Willow!” I screamed as I took off into the water. I dove for her, but she was too far, and in between my strokes and pulls, I watched my baby roll and tumble, unable to gain her footing.
“Willow!” I screamed though the water hitting my face muffled the sound as I kicked harder, my adult body having to fight hard against the waves.
I will not lose anyone else!
In between the crashing waves, my vision cleared long enough to see the man snatch her up in his arms. I planted my feet as he gained his balance, stood up and hugged her to his chest.
“Baby! Is she alive?!” He rushed to shore, his giant frame unmoved by the powerful tugs and pulls of the ocean as I chased after him, horrified, terrified, and scrambling. When he was out of the reach of the waves, he laid her down and I heard her cough.
My knees hit the sand. “Willow! Are you breathing?!”
The guy sat back to give her some room, and I got down to her face. She tried to talk, but couldn’t through her coughing.
“Turn on your side so you can breathe better.” The guy pushed on her shoulders, prompting her to roll over. “That’s it. Take a deep, solid breath, and try to let it out slowly.”
His husky voice settled over us, and I found myself doing what he was telling Willow to do.
Willow recovered some, and locked her beautiful blue eyes on me. “Yeah, Mama,” she said softly, though a sob that was beginning to take over, “I’m…I’m breathing.”
She started coughing again, though this time it didn’t have so much force behind it. I pulled her to me and she gripped me tight around the neck. “Oh, Willow, my goodness, you scared me to death!” I closed my eyes attempting to ward off the tears, though it was useless. The utter vastness of the ocean had always unnerved me, and now my very worst fear had almost come true in it. I took a deep breath to compose myself. “I’m sorry honey. I didn’t mean to sound so mad. I was just scared, really scared. But I’m not mad at you, okay?”
She nodded into my neck. I looked up and locked eyes with Willow’s savior. His relief shown by the happy grin he wore. Through my range of emotions—panic, relief, and even anger—I now had to add giddy as his smile shot through my heart like an arrow.
“You know, I didn’t want us meet like this.” He laughed when I knitted my brow. “Never mind.” He was still showing off his killer smile and now I noticed he had a rather country accent. It didn’t seem to fit this dark tanned, completely drool-worthy man who looked like he was from Hawaii. He stood and reached to help us stand.
I took his hand, gripping Willow tight with the other, as he heaved us up. I realized just how tall he was as his frame hovered over my head, and I had to look up cause my eyes stared right at his chest. “Th…th…thank you,” I rambled. “I’m not sure how I could ever properly say thank you for…” I squeezed Willow, now resting on my hip, “for rescuing my girl.”
“Well, you just did. And don’t worry about it. I take any excuse to get wet.” He laughed and ran his fingers through his shoulder-length, almost black, wavy hair.
“We were not planning to get wet.” I held out my free hand to refer to our clothes, dripping with ocean water.
“Oh, that’s not your bathing suit?” He cocked his head and looked at Willow.
She giggled. “No, my bathing suit is hot pink with ruffles.”
He looked at me. “Are you and your husband new to the island?”
“Uh, no husband.” I stuck my hand out to him to cover the flush on my face. I always dodged that question. Being an unwed mother brought sadness, shame, and embarrassment. “I’m Eva by the way, and this is my daughter Willow.”
What is it about this guy that makes me nervous? Oh wait, maybe it’s the muscles and the four tattoos I’ve already noticed on his six-foot-something-really-tall frame.
No, even as those thoughts left my brain I knew they weren’t true.
“I’m Thad.” He shook my hand, but lingered a moment before letting go. The heat from his hand lit more than just my fingers. He had this easy way about him, this peacefulness that dripped off him and made its way into your soul.
Uh, what’s happening?
~*~
Author bio: Kristen Terrette has been an avid reader since childhood, a self-confessed book nerd, and always had characters running through her mind- ones she made up. She went back to school years ago to obtain a Master's degree in Theological Studies because she felt God's tug towards ministry, but she didn't know then what God had in mind.
After five years on staff at her church, she followed God's leading to a different kind of ministry: one with words, love, pain, and real-to-life characters. She now stays at home during the day while the house is quiet writing stories she hopes will bring readers to a stronger understanding of how God works and His love for sinners like us.
She always has contemporary romance characters and plots running through her mind and considers romance her first love...but she has a few amazing literary fiction novels up her sleeve as well. Both genres fight for time occupying her mind.
~*~
Buy Kristen's book on Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble
~*~
Connect with Kristen:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authorkristenterrette
Twitter - https://twitter.com/KTerrette
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/kterrette2/
~*~
Buy Kristen's book on Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble
~*~
Connect with Kristen:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authorkristenterrette
Twitter - https://twitter.com/KTerrette
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/kterrette2/
~*~
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:
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:
Friday, April 14, 2017
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Spring into Love: Laura Hilton's story
A Valentine’s Day release Amish romance, sweets with a definitive kick, January 30, 2017 (Source: Amazon) by Harold Wolf
This review is from: The Amish Wanderer (Paperback)
Laura V. Hilton puts a buggy horse gallop into this story opening. A story hook as gripping as a horse’s bridle. A young gal falls down a hayloft ladder, swiftly followed by a wanderer but former heart-throb, while her Bishop-Daed is hospitalized awaiting possible imprisonment. Ach, sounds more like “Fanny Hill” or “Peyton Place,” ain’t so?
From that start this Amish adventure escalates excitement and incorporates innocent fun, leading rather predictably to romance. But actually the joy in relationship is as much in the “getting to” as the “I do,” ain’t so? Getting readers to the finale is another ingredient where Hilton excels.
There’s vivid, frightening action too, difficult reading, emotionally jarring. There’s tenderness to balance, and the mysterious encounter, and a . . . well, “The Amish Wanderer” is a fully packed picnic—and I devoured it. I enjoyed this ARC Amish book so much I just had to announce it to all Amish genre-loving readers. Laura Hilton NEVER writes “typical” Amish novels. “The Amish Wanderer” incorporates several Jamesport community characters from “The Amish of Jamesport” novel series (also recommended reading).
~*~
Excerpt from Chapter One of The Amish Wanderer:
November
An unidentified sound, loud in the relative silence, jarred Bethany. Her blue pen made a squiggly line across the page in the fat little notebook where she wrote her thoughts. Maybe she should’ve found a more secluded place than the hay pile beside the loft ladder, but she rarely was disturbed. She raised her head and listened.
Nothing, except the squeak of the wood doors in the back of the barn as her younger brother, Timothy, put the cows out to pasture. The soft lowing of cows. The clucking of free-range chickens.
Hopefully, he was too busy to notice she’d left—and wouldn’t look for her.
But there it was again. From somewhere overhead. A sound that didn’t belong. A creak and a thump.
Hopefully, it wasn’t Hen. She’d hear if he were out of jail, ain’t so? A thread of fear ripped through her, unraveling the tiny bit of peace she’d been able to find.
Bethany capped the pen, shot to her feet, and hid the notebook under a loose piece of wood in the floor. Then she scampered up the ladder to the lower loft.
Nothing.
She climbed higher, to the upper one, some thirty feet from the ground.
Peeking over the edge, she scanned the open floor. And… there… someone was wrapped in the old ratty blanket Daed kept in the barn for strays, as he called them. Mamm called them wanderers. She wouldn’t be happy to learn one bedded down in their loft while Daed was gone—incarcerated, of sorts, in a mental hospital, after he tried to kill all the black cats in their district.
The cats lived. They had nine lives, ain’t so? But Daed was institutionalized and his assistant, the one who actually carried out Daed’s deranged wishes, Hen Stutzman, was locked up in jail awaiting trial for arson. As if a man should be punished for obeying crazy orders. Well, they had been horrible things, so it was warranted.
And here she’d thought Hen came around so often to see her. Though she’d come to dread his visits.
Her head, and heart, were permanently bowed in shame. Now no one would ever come calling.
Especially if they ever found out… Nein. They couldn’t. She’d never tell.
Life would never be the same.
Okay, maybe that was a bit overly dramatic. But still…
Bethany’s eyes burned. She blinked to clear the watery haze.
What were they going to do with Daed gone?
A black Amish hat covered the face of whoever slept up on the hay-strewn floor of the loft. His body was swaddled like a newborn boppli in an effort to keep warm, most likely. Almost like Baby Jesus in the manger. Except it was a man. Not a boppli.
And definitely not Hen. This man was taller and much thinner. Relief flooded her.
She started to descend the ladder. It wouldn’t do for a vagabond to discover her alone, almost in the loft with him. Not even if something about it reminded her of the live nativity scenes she’d seen downtown at one of the Englischer’s churches.
Little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay… The tune ran, uninvited, through her thoughts.
A board on the ladder creaked and snapped under Bethany’s weight. She dangled, her feet flailing, from the top of the ladder. Too far to fall without breaking something. Or killing herself.
Why hadn’t she noticed the crack in the wood when she’d climbed up?
She let out a strangled cry when her fingers started slipping from the worn wood. The man blasted upright, his hat falling away to reveal shocks of sun-streaked light brown hair. He struggled free of the blanket, and half-crawled to the edge of the loft.
“Are you okay?” His warm, callused hands closed around hers.
His hand was strong. Warm. Work-roughened. She glanced at his fingers, curled around hers. Unexpected sparks shot up her arms. It had nothing to do with her life hanging in the balance. Or maybe it did. She looked down at the floor thirty feet below again. And whimpered.
“Grab my hands. I’ll pull you up.”
Up. In the loft. Alone with him?
Nein.
Clinging to him seemed a gut idea though. And if it’d save her from falling…
Her shin made contact with the broken rung a moment before her tennis shoe found another ladder rail. She let out a breath she hadn’t realized she held. “I’m fine.” Now. She pulled her hands free one at a time and lowered herself. A step. Two. Three…
He stepped out onto the ladder and started down after her.
Nice looking… Wait. He followed her? She needed to find her brother. Or call for him. “Timothy!” There was safety in numbers. Sidetracked watching his quick descent instead of concentrating on her own in her hurry to escape, her feet slipped off the rung. Her hands caught only slivers and—
~*~
Author bio:
Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with almost twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances.
When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write and Putting on the New.
Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.
Laura enjoys reading and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.
~*~
Book blurb for The Amish Wanderer: Bethany Weiss has been fascinated by Silas Beiler since he spent a couple of years in Jamesport, Missouri, before he and his family moved to another Amish community. They hadn’t kept in touch, but she hasn’t forgotten the friendly young man who brought her lemonade and took her home once from a Singing years ago. When she finds a man sleeping in her family’s barn, like Jesus sleeping in the hay, she is stunned to recognize Silas. He’s left the Amish and is backpacking across the country. She talks him into staying, at least until after Christmas.
Silas’ family has never been happy living in one area for long, and their vagabond ways are wearing on him. He’s lived in Amish communities all over the nation, moving whenever his daed became disgruntled with the leaders, and he’s looking for some sense of stability. His intentions are to make it back to Pennsylvania and stay with his Englisch onkle and his family—and pursue an education. Will Bethany be the one to bring Silas in from the cold? Or will he continue on his way to his extended family and become Englisch?
~*~
Buy Laura's book: Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ CBD
~*~
Book blurb for The Amish Wanderer: Bethany Weiss has been fascinated by Silas Beiler since he spent a couple of years in Jamesport, Missouri, before he and his family moved to another Amish community. They hadn’t kept in touch, but she hasn’t forgotten the friendly young man who brought her lemonade and took her home once from a Singing years ago. When she finds a man sleeping in her family’s barn, like Jesus sleeping in the hay, she is stunned to recognize Silas. He’s left the Amish and is backpacking across the country. She talks him into staying, at least until after Christmas.
Silas’ family has never been happy living in one area for long, and their vagabond ways are wearing on him. He’s lived in Amish communities all over the nation, moving whenever his daed became disgruntled with the leaders, and he’s looking for some sense of stability. His intentions are to make it back to Pennsylvania and stay with his Englisch onkle and his family—and pursue an education. Will Bethany be the one to bring Silas in from the cold? Or will he continue on his way to his extended family and become Englisch?
~*~
Buy Laura's book: Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ CBD
~*~
Connect with Laura:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q
Blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/ & http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/vernetlh/
Blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/ & http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/vernetlh/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Laura_V_Hilton
~*~
Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of Laura's book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Celebrate Lit blog tour featuring Kathy Ide's book "21 Days of Grace"
Book: 21 Days of Grace: Stories that Celebrate God’s Unconditional Love
Stories compiled by Kathy Ide
Review by Alexis A. Goring
This is a sweet devotional book with a twist: short stories with a focus on Jesus Christ with a “Life Application” page following each story.
At first, I was unsure about how the author would be able to combine fictional stories with life applications and then put it all together in a neat little devotional book but Kathy Ide surpassed my expectations. She’s compiled these stories with skill and finished them with finesse. The stories only last a few pages but that’s enough to draw the reader in and prepare their appetite for the short paragraphs in the life application section that follow each story.
Seasoned authors who have a wealth of experience in writing Christian fiction wrote each story. The stories feature characters that are in need of God’s grace. Each tale teaches a lesson about life and God’s love for humankind. The authors in this book prove through their stories and life applications that God’s love is unconditional.
I found this book to be very inspirational and encouraging to my heart. The stories are relatable, true to real-life and uplifting. It is easy for the reader to absorb and enjoy each story.
This book features stories by Robin Bayne, Angela Hunt, Deborah Raney and many more notable authors! The authors achieve their goal of telling fictional stories packed with lessons that the reader can apply to their everyday life.
21 Days of Grace is well deserving of a five-star rating and should be on the shelves not only in bookstores but in the homes of readers who need God’s Grace.
~*~
Details from Celebrate Lit:
About the Book:
Book: 21 Days of Grace
Author: Compiled by Kathy Ide
Genre: Devotional
Release Date: March 24, 2015
Blurb: Love fiction? Looking for a devotional? Check out 21 DAYS OF GRACE, book one in the Fiction Lover’s Devotional series (published by BroadStreet Publishing Group). Fictional stories followed by brief life applications written by best-selling Christian novelists and debut authors, including Angela Hunt, Cindy Woodsmall, and Deborah Raney. Great for individual or group study.
~*~
About the Author:
She teaches at writers’ conferences across the country and is the director of the SoCal Christian Writers’ Conference and the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference.
She’s a co-owner of the Christian Editor Network LLC and founder of the four divisions that comprise the CEN: Christian Editor Connection, The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, PENCON, and The PEN Institute. To find out more about Kathy, visit www.KathyIde.com
~*~
Guest Post from Kathy Ide: I’ve always loved Christian fiction, and I’ve seen the power of fiction to touch hearts and change lives, both firsthand and hearing about the experiences of others. But you know, in my quiet times with the Lord, reading a chapter from a novel just doesn’t seem quite appropriate. So a devotional with short fiction stories seemed like a great solution. And you can take these purse-sized devotionals wherever you go, to read when you have a few minutes of down time. It’s a great way to get “inspiration on the go.” And they make fantastic gifts for friends and loved ones.
~*~
Blog Stops for this Celebrate Lit tour:
March 23: Reading Is My SuperPower
March 23: A Reader’s Brain
March 24: ASC Book Reviews
March 24: autism mom
March 24: It’s Storytime with Van Daniker
March 25: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
March 25: Inklings and notions
March 26: Blossoms and Blessings
March 26: The Power of Words
March 27: Lighthouse Academy
March 27: Because I said so – and other adventures in parenting
March 28: Moments Dipped in Ink
March 28: A Greater Yes
March 28: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
March 29: Captive Dreams Window
March 29: Donna’s BookShelf
March 29: Southern Chelle
March 30: Pause for Tales
March 30: The Scribbler
March 31: Carpe Diem
March 31: Faithful Acres Body Soul Spirit
April 1: A Baker’s Perspective
April 1: Splashesofjoy
April 2: Christian Bookaholic
April 2: Karen Sue Hadley
April 3: Ashley’s Bookshelf
April 3: Lane Hill House
April 4: Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet
April 4: History, Mystery and Faith
April 5: God is Love
April 5: Reader’s Cozy Corner
April 5: Simple Harvest Reads
~*~
Giveaway details:
1st – 4th place winners: A set of all four devotionals in the series.
5th and 6th place winners: An autographed copy of 21 Days of Grace with a novel written by one of the contributing authors!
Click below to enter:
https://promosimple.com/ps/b2cd
Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
Devotional by Laura Thomas: The Easter Sheep
The Easter Sheep
A devotional by Laura Thomas
Picture a garden. A cave. A large stone. And a woman crying—weeping uncontrollably, actually—for she had lost someone very special. Someone she would never forget.
Mary Magdalene had encountered Jesus many moons prior, back when he delivered her from demons—that’s something you don’t forget in a hurry—and she promptly became one of His devoted followers. She had been there at the cross where He was murdered, and now her heart was breaking at the empty tomb. Jesus’ body had been taken, and it was the last straw for her fragile nerves.
She was so caught up in her grief, her eyes so blurred by tears, her heart so crushed, that she failed to recognize Jesus outside the tomb.
She thought he was the gardener.
Her Savior was gone and she was devastated…until Jesus made Himself known to her.
He called her by name.
In John chapter 10, Jesus talks of Himself as being the Good Shepherd, One who would lay down His life for His sheep. The sheep would be us, you guys. Granted, not the smartest of creatures; they tend to wander off and get lost, and are in need of constant guidance. But they are also highly treasured by their shepherd. Loved. Protected. Cared for. Verse 3 (in John chapter 10) says, “He calls his own sheep by name”… just as Jesus called Mary by name. And He calls me by name. And He calls you by name.
At His resurrection, Jesus could have appeared to whomever He wanted—crowds, leaders, cities…but He chose to appear to one of His sheep first. It was personal and so typically Jesus in its simple beauty.
And Mary’s joy was complete! Can you imagine? As soon as Jesus spoke her name, she was safe again. Her Good Shepherd hadn’t deserted her in any way—He was fully there, calling her name, and she no longer grieved. She may not have fully comprehended the theological ramifications of the resurrection, but Her Lord was alive and that was enough! Is that enough for us?
This regular woman with a tainted past was given the honor of being the very first person to herald the resurrection of Jesus Christ to the world! That’s quite something, isn’t it? We have also been given the same message to proclaim to the world—that’s quite something, too!
It’s timeless and true. A message of redemption and restoration.
As we ponder the path leading up to Easter, remember how personal the message of salvation is. Jesus died for us as individuals. He conquered death so that each of us might have eternal life. He did it for you. He did it for me. And He calls us by name, just as He called to Mary.
He really loves His sheep. I pray that we won’t be too busy or distracted wandering in other pastures to hear the Good Shepherd’s voice this Easter.
~*~
A devotional by Laura Thomas
Picture a garden. A cave. A large stone. And a woman crying—weeping uncontrollably, actually—for she had lost someone very special. Someone she would never forget.
Mary Magdalene had encountered Jesus many moons prior, back when he delivered her from demons—that’s something you don’t forget in a hurry—and she promptly became one of His devoted followers. She had been there at the cross where He was murdered, and now her heart was breaking at the empty tomb. Jesus’ body had been taken, and it was the last straw for her fragile nerves.
She was so caught up in her grief, her eyes so blurred by tears, her heart so crushed, that she failed to recognize Jesus outside the tomb.
“At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
~ John 20:14-15 (NIV)
She thought he was the gardener.
Her Savior was gone and she was devastated…until Jesus made Himself known to her.
“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’”
~John 20:16a (NIV)
He called her by name.
In John chapter 10, Jesus talks of Himself as being the Good Shepherd, One who would lay down His life for His sheep. The sheep would be us, you guys. Granted, not the smartest of creatures; they tend to wander off and get lost, and are in need of constant guidance. But they are also highly treasured by their shepherd. Loved. Protected. Cared for. Verse 3 (in John chapter 10) says, “He calls his own sheep by name”… just as Jesus called Mary by name. And He calls me by name. And He calls you by name.
At His resurrection, Jesus could have appeared to whomever He wanted—crowds, leaders, cities…but He chose to appear to one of His sheep first. It was personal and so typically Jesus in its simple beauty.
And Mary’s joy was complete! Can you imagine? As soon as Jesus spoke her name, she was safe again. Her Good Shepherd hadn’t deserted her in any way—He was fully there, calling her name, and she no longer grieved. She may not have fully comprehended the theological ramifications of the resurrection, but Her Lord was alive and that was enough! Is that enough for us?
This regular woman with a tainted past was given the honor of being the very first person to herald the resurrection of Jesus Christ to the world! That’s quite something, isn’t it? We have also been given the same message to proclaim to the world—that’s quite something, too!
It’s timeless and true. A message of redemption and restoration.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” ~Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
As we ponder the path leading up to Easter, remember how personal the message of salvation is. Jesus died for us as individuals. He conquered death so that each of us might have eternal life. He did it for you. He did it for me. And He calls us by name, just as He called to Mary.
He really loves His sheep. I pray that we won’t be too busy or distracted wandering in other pastures to hear the Good Shepherd’s voice this Easter.
~*~
Author bio:
Laura is a published Christian author with a heart for inspiring and encouraging readers of all ages.
She is truly multi-genre—with a published Christian teen fiction trilogy, marriage book, children’s stories, devotionals for Union Gospel Press, musings on her blog, and she now has a literary agent representing her Christian romantic suspense novel.
Laura is English and Canadian, married to her high school sweetheart, mom of three, passionate about faith and family…and chocolate!
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Connect with Laura:
Website - www.laurathomasauthor.com
Facebook - http://bit.ly/2o1eRyt
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Connect with Laura:
Website - www.laurathomasauthor.com
Facebook - http://bit.ly/2o1eRyt
Twitter - https://twitter.com/Laura_Thomas_
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lauracthomas/
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/lauracthomas/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lauracthomas/
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/lauracthomas/
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Spring into Love: Angela Ruth Strong
Finding Love in My Own Life Story
A personal essay by Angela Ruth StrongLast night a friend said, “I finished your novel. Talk about autobiographical.”
She’s right. There’s so much of me in Finding Love in Park City that I was afraid if people didn’t like the book, then it meant they wouldn’t like me. So far that hasn’t happened.
My friend asked, “Was it hard putting it into words?”
Enough time had passed since my personal experience with divorce that I’d made peace with the pain, so writing about it didn’t hurt, but I found it eye-opening to see how the story affected others. When my critique partners commented on my character, it gave me new insight into my own life. For example, after “the other woman” in my story made derogatory comments, my first reader said, “Your main character has to know that’s not true.”
Oh. I thought back to my own experience where “the other woman” had said those exact words verbatim. In my head, I’d known it wasn’t true, but the words still hurt my heart as if I believed them. Hearing it considered crazy talk from an outside source was very validating.
Then there was the, “Wow, your main character is really insecure,” which eventually became, “Oh, no wonder she’s insecure!”
Yes, I had these same insecurities, but I had them for a reason. Such a critique made me feel understood. Because this wasn’t a friend trying to reassure me as my friends all had, this was an unbiased opinion of a character my critique partner didn’t know actually existed.
I have to admit, my favorite comment so far has come from my mom. “I’m reading Finding Love in Park City right now, and I really like Sam. He’s such a great hero… Did you base him on Jim?”
Yes, Sam is based on my husband. And he really is a great hero. You guys, my husband puts great heroes to shame. He is the reason I write romance again.
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| Pictured above: The author (Angela Ruth Strong) and her husband Jim danced together on their Wedding Day |
I want to offer hope that love like this really exists because it’s hard to believe when the person you love is abusing you, and we all know someone who has been through—or is going through—this. Sadly, abuse is often misunderstood, and the church doesn’t always know how to help. I’d like to think my words can make a difference. I’m honored that at least one reviewer has thought so too: “This is the first book to speak so clearly about the effects of verbal abuse on a marriage and family in romantic fiction I've read.”
Back when I was in the midst of my divorce, I went to a prayer room where women prayed over me. They didn’t know anything about me, but one woman said, “This isn’t the end of your story.” She had no idea I was a writer or that I would literally write a happy ending to my tale, but it was the best advice she could have given.
I am grateful for everything I’ve learned. I’m grateful for where I am now. And I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story with you.
~*~
Author bio:
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Book blurb for Finding Love in Park City, Utah:
*Only United States Residents may enter this book giveaway contest for their chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:
Back when I was in the midst of my divorce, I went to a prayer room where women prayed over me. They didn’t know anything about me, but one woman said, “This isn’t the end of your story.” She had no idea I was a writer or that I would literally write a happy ending to my tale, but it was the best advice she could have given.
I am grateful for everything I’ve learned. I’m grateful for where I am now. And I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story with you.
Author bio:
Angela Ruth Strong studied journalism at the University of Oregon and published her first novel, Love Finds You in Sun Valley, Idaho, in 2010. With movie producers interested in her book, she's rereleased it as part of a new series titled Resort to Love, and she's excited to be writing for Love Inspired Suspense, as well.
This Idaho Top Author and Cascade Award winner also started IDAhope Writers to encourage other aspiring authors.
She currently lives in Idaho with her husband and three teenagers where she teaches yoga and works as a ticket agent for an airline when not writing.
Find out more at www.angelaruthstrong.com or become an insider by joining her Facebook fan group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1557213161269220/.
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Book blurb for Finding Love in Park City, Utah:
C.J. Lancaster’s job as a tabloid journalist takes her to the Sundance Film Festival to interview an actress. She tries to charm her way past the movie star’s youngest brother-in-law, Sam, and somehow ends up on an “undate” with him. If C.J. were ready to date, the fun-loving veteran would be her first choice, but since she’s still healing from her ex-husband’s affair, she knows it will be safer if she scares her new “friendboy” away.
Sam Lake is intrigued—he’s never had to pursue a woman, and he can’t get C.J. out of his mind. Whether it’s how she likes to eat ice cream in winter or the way she gets his nieces and nephews to gang up on him in a snowball fight, he feels more at home with her than his oversized family. But when his own issues arise, he realizes C.J. might be right about avoiding a relationship with him.
Can the two of them overcome the emotional mountains in their lives, or will they remain a “noncouple” forever?
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Buy Angela's book: Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble
Can the two of them overcome the emotional mountains in their lives, or will they remain a “noncouple” forever?
~*~
Buy Angela's book: Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble
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