Springs of Inspiration with Audra Harders

Sometimes, God brings people into your life and their is an instant connection. He did that when I met Audra Harders in 2010 at my first ACFW conference. From that first hug, I just fell in love with this wonderful lady. Her gentleness and encouragement calmed my nervousness, and she was quick to take me by the hands and pray with me. WOW! What a wonderful beginning!

I hope her notes today will be an inspiration to you – as they’ve been to me.

Here’s Audra:

This is an excerpt from my debut novel, Rocky Mountain Hero. Since arriving at the Circle D, Melanie (my heroine) has been battling the guilt of estrangement from her parents. It all comes to a head due to the kindness and love of complete strangers. She learns forgiveness starts with forgiving yourself.

 

The water appeared lower than the last time she’d been there. Rapids formed between the rocks out in the middle of the river leaving calm ponds along the edges. She tore off her shoes and socks and stuck her feet off the edge of the bank, the cold water splashing between her toes. She closed her eyes and listened to the rush of current. Lord, I’ve been away too long. Please forgive me. What am I supposed to do?

  Tipping her face to the sun, she relaxed beneath the warm rays. A soft breeze played with her hair. A light spray of water moistened her face.

What do I do, Lord?   

“Quiet and peaceful, isn’t it?”

Melanie jumped at the unexpected voice. Her eyelids popped open as she caught her balance. “What are you doing here?”

Gabe stood about ten feet away, his arms folded across his chest. “Remember our last conversation about not going anywhere by yourself?”

“I’ve been here before. I thought you couldn’t go off into uncharted territory.”

“If I hadn’t followed you, we wouldn’t have known you knew where you were.”

He kept a straight face. Her shoulders tensed as he continued to stare at her. She hadn’t meant to worry anyone.

The familiar dimple appeared. “Have to keep an eye out all the time.”

She relaxed. I’ll bet you do. She turned back to the river. “I just need time to think. To be alone.”

“Fine.”

She heard gravel crunch behind her then listened as he found a seat. She frowned. What part of wanting to be alone didn’t he understand? “I came here for quiet.”

“You won’t even know I’m here.”

She closed her eyes again. Lord? How can I pray with him here? I’d like to talk, just you and me? The echo of rushing water filled her ears. The breeze continued to flutter her hair across her face. Peace filled her heart.

In the gentle spray of river mist, she didn’t think one teardrop would appear too obvious. Maybe one tear from each eye. Why now? She’d had life all figured out. It wasn’t a bad life was it? Why was normal slipping through her fingers?

Two tears became a torrent. Gentle hands cupped her shoulders and turned her away from the river to a solid chest that smelled like summer sun. His solid support melted her resolve.

“They don’t even know he exists.” She hiccupped between sobs. “My parents have a grandson they don’t even know about.”

He rubbed her back making her sobs come harder. He shouldn’t nice to her. He wasn’t going to be so nice when she told him the whole story. Her arms encircled his waist.

“My folks wanted me to put him up for adoption.” The fights and accusations still rang through her head. The inconvenience, the gossip was all they’d worried about.

“Paul wanted me to get rid of him. When I said no, he dumped me. Just like that. Poof.” She squeezed Gabe tighter, the memory of the nastiness making her sick. “He never claimed Jason; swore he’d prove me lying if I ever tried to come after him.” She came up for air. “My girlfriend started dating him.” The humiliation and agony of that betrayal hurt her more than any heartache from Paul.

She smacked her forehead into Gabe’s chest. She gave him credit, he hung in there for the whole, unvarnished truth. She’d expected him to run long ago. “I want Jason to have what he’s found here: a home, family, love. Instead, all he has is me.”

His arms tightened around her. She pressed her ear into his chest, absorbing his strength. “Why can’t I be more like you? So strong, so patient, so. . .so confident. Gabe, I’m too scared to go back and make things right. I’m so weak.”

“Shhh. There’s nothing to be scared of.” His voice rumbled along with his strong, steady heartbeat. “Don’t bear such needless pain.”

Needless pain? She deserved every ounce of burden on her heart.

“Dear Heavenly Father.” His chin rested atop her head. “So much hurt and pain remain buried deep waiting for Your love and mercy to wash it away.”

Praying? He prayed for. . .her? A muscle twitched in her arm as she held on tighter.

“Dear Lord, only You see the cause, only You know the reason. Fill Your children with the realization of the salvation You bought for us with Your blood, ours for the taking if we just trust You.”

Fire ignited in the pit of her belly where only moments earlier a ball of ice sat. Her hands slid down along his warm, solid forearms. She squeezed his hands.

“Fill Melanie with Your peace and fill her with Your understanding. You are bigger than any trouble on this earth. Have mercy, oh Jesus.”

“Mercy,” she whispered. Standing beside rushing waters, her soul cried for cleansing. As her confession of sin, fear, doubts and everything else silently poured out of her, light and relief filled in. After crying her eyes out earlier, she didn’t think she had any tears left, but she did.

 

Pepper, you ask about frustrations in my writing life? When isn’t there one? Either I have my characters stuck in a situation I haven’t a clue how to get them out of, or they refuse to let me rescue them. LOL! Just like raising kids : )

But really, frustrations lay around every corner of the writing process. If I gave in to them, I’d probably still be writing “See Spot run” or something like that. My favorite verses for not only frustration and slumps, but for all the mysteries of life is from Proverbs:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

 If it’s important to me, I’ve got to let it go. Easy to say; difficult to do.

 Thanks for having me, Pep. You are always such a gracious and wonderful hostess. And a sweet, loving, fun person to boot. You make me smile : )

(She smiles because she knows I’m crazy)

Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful nugget, Audra – and for letting some new readers get a taste of your writing. Looking forward to more in the future

Blessings,

Springs of Inspiration with Myra Johnson

My apologies.

Since my family moved to a new house a week ago, I’ve had lots of trouble getting online. Unfortunately, it’s messed up my Springs of Inspiration schedule, but I’m hoping we can get back on track this week.

Myra Johnson was supposed to be my guest on Friday, so I want to share her response today. Jamie Carie should be here on Wednesday and Julie Lessman on Friday.

Let me just say that I got a ‘sneak peek’ into Myra’s WIP and I LOVE it!!!! She peaked my special interest – Autism. That’s all I’ll say unless she wants to bait you with more. It’s such a SWEET story!!!

So let’s see what Myra has to say about Inspiration!

 1. This excerpt is from my debut novel, One Imperfect Christmas. Thirteen-year-old Lissa has just confessed some very serious meddling to Natalie, her mother.  Natalie also has much to be forgiven for, and in this scene they finally reach a place of healing.

 Lissa joined her next to the library table, silently intertwining her fingers with her mother’s. Her gaze fell upon the ceramic baby Jesus, sleeping in the manger between the kneeling figures of Mary and Joseph. “I guess Jesus is the only kid in the universe who never goofed up and did something stupid.”

 “I bet Mary and Joseph would disagree.” Mom released a gentle laugh. “I can just imagine how worried they were the time they searched and searched for him, only to find him talking with the teachers in the temple.”

 Lissa’s stomach tightened. “Like you and Dad worried when I ran away and hid in Granddad’s barn?”

 “Exactly.” Mom fixed her with a sad-eyed stare and squeezed her hand. “I worried, yes, but more for selfish reasons, because I didn’t think I could handle one more problem. I was hurting so badly myself that I didn’t even try to understand the pain you were going through after your dad and I separated.”

 Lissa curled her tongue over her upper lip. “I didn’t try very hard to understand how you were feeling, either. You were so upset about Grandma, but I just wanted to find a way to get you and Dad back together. Mom, I . . . ” She drew in a shaky breath, afraid to meet her mother’s eyes. “I have to tell you something.”

 “Lissa, you know you can tell me anything, don’t you?” Mom gulped suddenly, her lips flattened into an embarrassed frown. “Okay, maybe you don’t know that. I haven’t been very easy to talk to for quite a while now.” She led Lissa to the chair and ottoman, where they sat facing each other. She clasped Lissa’s hands. “But I’m listening now. What is it, sweetie?”

 Taking courage from her mother’s reassurance, Lissa inhaled deeply and poured out the same story she’d confessed to her father two days ago. Only when she finished did she lift her eyes to meet her mother’s stunned gaze. “Are you mad? Will you ever forgive me?”

 Long moments of silence passed while Lissa tried to read the myriad expressions flitting across her mother’s face. Everything she’d expected was there—shock, disbelief, con- fusion, regret. Then, finally, understanding.

 Mom squeezed her hand. “Remember what Grandma told me the day she got so sick?”

 Lissa spoke softly as the remembered terror of that afternoon ripped a wider hole in her heart. “She said it wasn’t your fault. She told you to forgive and learn to love.”

 “It’s taken me until this morning for those words to sink in. Grandma never once blamed me for not being there to help her the day she had her stroke. But I wouldn’t listen to the truth—about what happened to her, about what forgiveness means, about how much you and your dad needed me.” Her voice became breathy. “About how much I needed your dad and you. I didn’t believe I deserved to be loved, so I pulled away from everyone I cared about most.”

 Lissa sniffled. “I kind of feel that way, too, after what I did to you.”

 “Then it’s time we both learned that’s not what families are all about.” With misty eyes Mom glanced toward the nativity scene. “God gave his most precious gift to us by creating a special family. I’m sure it was so Jesus could learn firsthand about loving and forgiving.” Her eyes twinkled. “Even when we really, really goof up.”

 “I think I get it.” A pleasant warmth spread under Lissa’s heart. “Family should mean we don’t ever have to wonder if we’re good enough or if we’re forgiven. Our family loves us no matter what.” 

2. One verse I find very encouraging is taken from Philippians 1:6.  “…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” This verse reminds me that God is in perfect control. Whatever He calls me to do, whether in my writing or in any other aspect of my life, I can trust God to provide the resources I need and to bring about the results He desires.

 Thanks so much, Myra! BEAUTIFUL reminder of God’s work in us. His Call. His Talents. Our Peseverance.

Love it!

Springs of Inspiration with Mary Connealy

Okay – I have every book this woman has ever written…except her newest one. But I can assure you that as soon as I can find my purse (we moved to a new house this weekend. I can’t find anything), then I’m off to BUY it!!!

Mary Connealy is not only a wonderful and quite prolific author, she’s a fabulous encourager. Her ‘cowboy’ books wrangle in your emotions and keep you on the edge of your saddle from page one. With humor, adventure, and romance braided through the pages, and a smattering of faith to bind them all together, they’re such delighful reads.

So- What does Mary have to say about Inspiration?

 What is your favorite inspirational (i.e. salvation, repentence, forgiveness,) scene you’ve ever written from one of your published works?

My favorite moment in this category is, I think, an odd one. But maybe that’s just because I knew what was going on in my head when I wrote it.

In Calico Canyon, Grace is trapped in their cave/home by an avalanche with one of her troublemaking stepsons, John.

 

The air is running out. The fire is dying. They have no idea if the rest of the family survived the avalanche. Grace feels herself falling asleep.

And Grace realizes she’d been running for a long time. She’d allowed herself to become this frightened rabbit after spending most of her childhood facing danger constantly to protect her little sisters. She was bold. She took her little sisters’ punishment for them. She fought and kept thinking and learning. Then she needed to run to save her little sisters and somehow running was more than just jumping on a train, in her mind she started running, fearing everyone and everything.

And since she’s gotten married she’s doing the same thing.

There, in that dark cave, facing death, she pulls John onto her lap and says, “I was brave.”

 

Here are a few sentences of the scene:

She wrapped her arms tightly around John. “You just did something wonderful for me, John.”

He looked up at her. “You mean praying for you?”

That pulled Grace up short. No, she hadn’t meant that. But maybe, just maybe, praying was what it all came down to. She settled John firmly against her. “Praying for me was wonderful. Thank you. And you did something else for me, too.”

“What’s that?” John rubbed his head against her neck when he looked into her eyes.

She glanced at the dying fire and heard the dripping of the melting snow. She felt a pang of regret that she hadn’t been able to do more to save this precious little boy. She felt even worse to think that she would never have the pleasure of being his mother.

Her chin trembled but she held it steady. “You reminded me of who I am.”

“The teacher?”

Grace shook her head. “No, before I was a teacher.”

“You worked somewhere else?” John shifted his weight around as if getting comfortable for story time.

“Oh, yes. I worked very hard somewhere else. But I’m not talking about what I did. I’m talking about what I was.”

John shrugged and looked confused. “What were you?”

“I was brave.”

 

This moment is the changing moment in Grace’s story. She goes into that cave a frightened woman, a slave to her fears and unhappy about the marriage she’s been forced into.

She comes out restored. She’s regained her courage. If she doesn’t like her life (and she doesn’t) then look out because she is going to FIX IT.

This is almost a resurrection moment. Almost a salvation moment. Grace finds the courage to stop running and face her life bravely, shaking off the enslaving chains of fear and claiming true freedom by claiming God.

It’s a quiet moment but one I think of often.

(LOVE IT!)

 

2. When you’re in a writing slump (or frustrated in your writing journey in some way) what is one verse that encourages you?

The one that comes to mind right now is Psalms 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation–whom shall I fear?

 

To me, in many ways, the whole Bible is almost summed up in this one sentence (I know it’s not…but there is so much in this one sentence). If we could just remember that God will be with us, even in death, we could face everything. Fear nothing. I think the whole world would change and our whole outlook would change if we could just feel the depth of God’s protection–the beauty of His salvation. It’s a part of His love, and key to remembering He’s always with us.

 

And I’m speaking as a woman who is a pretty major whimp.

 

Thanks so much for visiting today, Mary. And I’d say that we’re all wimps and need the strength of the Lord to get by!

 

Blessings, 

 

Springs of Inspiration with Ruth Logan Herne

I know you’ve heard me talk about her before (eye roll) It’s no secret that I’m a big-time Seekerville fan.

And you’ve heard how much I love this woman (and her novels), but I’m just going to say it again.

The main reason I love her is for her cookin…er…wisdom. Yeah, that’s right.

Ruth Logan Herne is my guest today on the Springs of Inspiration series and I affectionately refer to her as my ‘writing Mom’. My real mom doesn’t mind sharing at all, because she’s already quite aware that it takes more than one mom to try and keep me straight.

Anyway, Ruthy is one of the Fabulous Fifteen of Seekerville and a Love Inspired author. Prolific would be an understatement for her writing since 2010. She’s been on a high-speed roll with seven published novels and two more on the way. WOW!

So heeerrrreeee’s Ruthy!

Hmmm….

 Favorite inspirational scene:

From Winter’s End when Kayla’s left the North Country, thinking she’s following her dream, moving south to Virginia for a new job, less snow, less cold, less barren land only to discover that she left her heart up north, and that despite Marc’s flaws, he makes her feel whole. The Holy Spirit gives her a smack-upside the head, reminding her the choice is hers. And while she’s dealing with that, Marc has his own epiphany in the North Country and realizes that he really hadn’t tried to change at all, that his stubbornness and pride got smack-dab in the way. It takes an invite to a new church and snuggling a mop-topped baby for Marc to finally hear the words of goodness his soul craves. But he’s let a lot of time slip by… How will he ever be able to fix things now?

What keeps me out of a funk?  “Pull up your big girl panties and move on…” (Pepper here: That’s the ‘Mama’ part coming out

Oh, wait, BIBLE verse….

“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven.”  Ecc. 3:1  KJV  

This verse is my mantra. That and the Serenity Prayer. They’re my mainstays because I like simple. Simple works for me.

Thanks so much, Ruthy!

Springs of Inspiration with Melanie Dickerson

Are you a fan of fairytales?

What about fairytales with twists?

Author Melanie Dickerson is known for her beautiful novels that do just that – take a familiar, classic fairytale and place it within the framework of YA medieval! Woohoo! Good stuff.

Let’s hear what Melanie has to add to our Springs of Inspiration series:

1. What is your favorite inspirational (i.e. salvation, repentence, forgiveness,) scene you’ve ever written from one of your published works?

(The scene is attached. I hope it’s not too long.) In this scene from The Merchant’s Daughter, Lord le Wyse is talking with his servant, Annabel. She is upset and feeling guilty about something that wasn’t directly her fault. Lord le Wyse is trying to get her to apply the forgiveness she already knows about to her own life and thoughts. Then they begin to talk about pain and sorrow. I enjoyed this interaction between the two characters, as they have deepened their friendship over reading the Bible together.

CHECK OUT MELANIE’S SCENE

“Annabel, listen to me. It was not your fault. You struggled. You tried to scream. You did all you could. I heard you when I was on my walk, but I didn’t reach you in time. Stephen heard you too and he was closer. You have to stop torturing yourself.”

“But God must be angry with me. He intends to punish me.”

“No. Don’t you remember what we read a few days ago? ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ Are you saying you don’t believe He will forgive you when he has plainly said He would?”

Peace washed over her. “You are right. I’m sorry.”

They sat looking at each other for a long time.

“The verse says, ‘If we confess our sins,’ so I must confess. I didn’t trust God as I should have.”

“And God forgives you.”

But does he forgive me for wanting you to hold me in your arms? For thinking about kissing you? Annabel shuddered at the thought of her lord finding out.

“What is it?”

“Nothing. I-I just wonder if God’s tired of hearing all my confessions lately.”

“I don’t think God gets tired of hearing you. I never could.”

The light was so dim she couldn’t read his expression, but his words made her heart flutter. As she watched the candle and firelight flicker over his face, she was struck with the thought that she knew little about him, about his family or past, except for the wolf attack and his wife’s unfaithfulness. “You said the abbess is your mother’s sister. Is your mother still alive?”

“She died seven years ago. My father died last spring. My brother and sister have been gone a few years as well. The worst may have been my sister—she died the same week as my wife and child.”

“I’m so sorry. That is grievous indeed.” He was all alone. “Were you married long?”

“Two years.” He blinked twice, as though he were erasing all emotion from his face and voice. “But there was no love between us—at least, not on her side. She never cared for me.”

Annabel swallowed. Her heart seemed to expand toward him, reaching out to him. He had endured so much pain. She longed to do or say something to comfort him.

“In truth, no one knows if the child born to her was mine or … his. Though I was determined to claim him for my own. After all, it wasn’t the child’s fault his mother was … as she was.”

“You speak of it as if it is no longer painful, but I know you must have suffered.” If ever anyone deserved a noble, loving wife, it was Lord le Wyse.

“Time,” he said, pausing and leaning back in his chair. He stared into the fire. “Time blunts the pain and creates a mist over one’s memory—at least in the case of death and sorrow. Other types of pain linger longer.”

No doubt he was thinking of his wife’s betrayal. How could anyone be so false? Annabel hated her with an intensity that took her breath away.

“Perhaps time is an inconsistent healer,” he said, “but God can purge even the most painful memories.”

What was Annabel’s most painful memory? Her father’s death? Bailiff Tom’s lifeless body in the forest? Nay, it was the terrifying moment when she realized the bailiff wanted her to marry him and was willing to resort to violence. Raw fear had shot through her stomach as he grabbed her and kissed her. Fearful thoughts dogged her steps from that moment to this.

But God had taken care of her. When the bailiff was near, a protector was always there as well. Usually it had been Lord le Wyse, and Stephen had appeared the final time.

Lord le Wyse’s questioning look brought her out of her reverie.

“Shall I read?” she asked.

“As you wish.”

She opened to the second epistle to Timothy. After reading a short passage, she came to the verse, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Forgive me for my fear, God. It did not come from You. I pray you will cast out this spirit of fear. And replace Lord le Wyse’s pain with a spirit of joy.

FABULOUS scene, Mel. Can’t you guys see why she’s winning awards?

2. When you’re in a writing slump (or frustrated in your writing journey in some way) what is one verse that encourages you?

I have several Bible verses taped to my old desktop monitor. When I get discouraged by criticism, I am encouraged by 2 Corinthians 12:10. “For Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” When I can accept my own human frailty, the fact that I do sometimes get discouraged by criticism and bad reviews, then I can trust in God’s strength. It is His strength that gets me through the rough spots, not mine. And God’s strength is all that I need.

Great reminder, Melanie. What a beautiful thought about how Christ is our strength – how our stumbles and brokenness are a part of his great plan to develop His truth within us.

Whew…nice to know we’re not reliant on our own skills – but His.

Blessings,

Springs of Inspiration with Siri Mitchell

Anyone else ‘Spring Forward’ yesterday?

Hopefully most of us did…or at least have caught up with the ‘springing’ now.

To bring in the spring, I’m starting a month long series on Springs of Inspiration – spiritual change in fiction.

Siri Mitchell is my guest today. I just finished reading her newest novel, The Messenger, and as usual it was BEAUTIFUL! If you enjoyed her novel, Love’s Pursuit, you’ll get a similar flare with The Messenger yet set during the Revolutionary War. Two totally different main characters, of course – and I love them. Siri has an amazing way of getting into deep POV with her characters. I never imagined to find a hero in Jeremiah Jones -but WHAT a hero he becomes

So happy to have you with us today, Siri – and WHAT a blessing to have just been ‘inspired’ by your writing. Finished The Messenger, Saturday night.

1. What is your favorite inspirational (i.e. salvation, repentence, forgiveness,) scene you’ve ever written from one of your published works?

My favorite inspirational scene was in Love’s Pursuit at the very end of the book when my heroine finally came to an understanding of God’s grace. I cried buckets when I wrote that scene. I still cry whenever I think of that scene. (Thanks, Pepper! {sniff})

Sorry, Siri – if it’s any consolation, I cried when I read it.

 2. When you’re in a writing slump (or frustrated in your writing journey in some way) what is one verse that encourages you?

When I’m in a slump or frustrated, I always look at a card I keep in front of my computer screen:

 “Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.” 2 Corinthians 8:11-12 (NIV) It’s very encouraging to me. I don’t have to match the novel I envision in my head. I don’t have to write the best book of all time. I just have to write the best book I can, using the skills that I have right now.

Great reminders, Siri. Thanks so much!!

God’s called us to write (or live) for His glory. He hasn’t called us to be anyone else than the person He’s made us to be. We look to Christ as our example, but we also are blessed with God-gifted abilities.

So we are called to use what he has given us.

Who we are.

Where we are.

Blessings,

Pepper

Songs of Christmas – O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

It’s a song of anticipation. A song born out of years of longing and yearning for the Promised One, the Messiah.

A song with the melody of a Gregorian chant and the celebrative chorus of angels.

O Come O Come Emmanuel ’s author is unknown, but it was supposedly written in Latin in the 12 century and translated into English by John Mason Neale in 1851.

You can hear Casting Crown’s version here.

Which authors said that this carol was their FAVORITE Christmas song?

My favorite Christmas carol is O Come, O Come Emmanuel. I have always loved that one. Aaron Shust sings it sooooooo well. I think I like it partly because it just sounds so cool. And because it sounds very medieval. So when I was writing The Merchant’s Daughter and I needed a song for them sing at church, I looked up O Come, O Come Emmanuel and it was written a hundred years before my story, so I used it. It plays into two scenes in the book. It was perfect.

 Melanie Dickerson (author of The Healer’s Apprentice and the newly released Merchant’s Daughter)

 

 

 

 

 

Growing up, my parents had an album The Glorious Sounds of Christmas. One of the songs was “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and the orchestration with the cellos and violins was just soooo soulful and moving, it gripped my heart and imagination every time. I could just see the Israelits traversing across the plains, searching for the promised on.

 

It’s still one of my favorite songs. I have the original album loaded in my iTunes!

Rachel Hauck (author of Dining With Joy and The Wedding Dress)

 

 

 

My favorite Christmas song is “Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel.” When I was growing up my church did a live nativity scene every year. This song was always a part of the show. There’s something about the melody of that hymn that haunts my soul (in a good way). To think that Christ was prophesied so long before he came as a babe in a manger boggles my mind. I can just hear the cries of the Jews, “Oh come, oh come Emmanuel!” as they cried out to be set free from bondage and captivity. In so many ways people are still held “captive” today (by the things of this world). Like those Jews of old, they can cry out, “Oh come, oh come Emmanuel” (God with us) and Jesus will come into their hearts, set them free and release them from the pain of the past. It’s hard to control my emotions whenever that song plays. The words in the chorus: “Rejoice! Rejoice!” transition the song from the bleakness of the mourner’s past to the joy of a life with God.

 Janice Thompson ( author of Weddings by Bella series and When Stars Collide)

 

 

 

My all-time favorite is O Come, O Come Emmanuel. The reason I like it doesn’t really have as much to do with the words as with the feeling and the mood of the song. It’s one of the few Christmas songs written in a minor key and it feels ancient. It’s very elemental and it reflects Christmas exactly the way I feel it. I spent some years in Canada as I was growing up and winter isn’t all glistening snow with merry blue skies. At least not to me. Winter is cold and treacherous and primitive; isolating and brittle, occasionally warmed by gatherings with family and friends. This Christmas carol could be the soundtrack to the painting ‘Hunters in the Snow’ by Bruegel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pieter_Bruegel_d._%C3%84._106b.jpg My favorite song, my favorite painting. They both evoke very strong moods and feelings. It makes sense that I would like them: I try to evoke moods and feelings with my writing too.

Siri Mitchell (author of She Walks in Beauty  and A Heart Most Worthy) – and of course, her answer is as poetic as her books

 

Find out more Song of Christmas with your favorite authors coming later this week, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

 

A Necessary Deception by Laurie Alice Eakes

Oh la la! Seriously! Laurie Alice Eakes newest novel, A Necessary Deception, is a must read for the reader who likes a little bit of everything wrapped up into one book. There is mystery, danger, romance, revenge, chases, escapes, true love (anyone else feel like they are hearing the first few lines of the movie The Princess Bride?)

But all of those things are involved in this novel about God using people and situations to draw His children to Himself.

Young widow, Lydia Gale, desires to do the right thing – but what is the right thing? When she graciously pays one of her husband’s debts by helping a handsome French prisoner gain parole, it begins a chain reaction of scenes that will change her life forever. Threats, kidnappings, and mysterious exploits shake the foundations of Lydia’s life just as she is trying to calm the typical storms of her sisters’ entrance into Society.

It’s an elegant portrayal of the glamour and extravagance of the London Season with the true corruption of it all underneath the lace and manners. Even the illusive villain follows Eakes imagery of the ‘appearance’ of right – so by the end you’re wondering who is genuine and who is not.

Without a doubt the hero, Christien de Meusse, is a worthy portrayal of the opposite. Someone who should not be trusted, but whom Lydia can trust. And he’s SO tres bon to look at too My, oh my, what a great bunch of romantic tension between the two.

Laurie Alice Eakes spins a tale that keeps you guessing up until the end. Her historical detail is impeccable and the way she draws the reader into the period snares you into the story so that you cannot escape. With page-turning suspense and delicious romance, this book is a delight to read.

Available October 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Love on the Line with Deeanne Gist

Deeanne Gist’s newest novel, Love on the Line, is definitely a novel worth ringing home about. With rich historical detail, humor, suspense, and enough romantic tension to have all sorts of bells ringing, this story captures the essence of the changes during the turn-of-the century that affected the changing relationships between men and women.

Georgie Gail isn’t a typical Victorian gal. Besides having an occupation outside of the family, she’s strong-willed, smart, and a little eccentric (which is another reason she’s likeable). While she’s busy keeping the phone lines going in Washington County, TX and bird-watching on the side, an unlikely hero slips into her life.

Texas Ranger Lucious Landrum has a score to settle with the notorious train robber, Frank Comer, but the outlaw has evaded all of Lucious’ attempts to catch him. Assigned to go undercover as a telephone repairman, Lucious (aka Luke Palmer) has to work in close quarters with the sassy telephone operator. Sparks of all sorts fly between them igniting romance, humor, and intrigue that ends up shedding light not only on the truth behind Frank Comer, but the truth about what real love means.

From hat-making to sparkin’ to pistol-firing lessons and a little bit of everything else in between, Love on the Line is the perfect call for any romance reader.

There were moments I wanted to laugh out loud – pistol-lessons, luscious…

There were moments my heart squeezed from the tension – tweezers.

There were moments my heart ached for them both – betrayal & siblings

And other moments I wanted to sigh from the tenderness – phone calls, yellow dresses, & ice cream

It’s such a sweet story as only Dee can write. Maid to Match is still my all-time favorite of hers, but Love on the Line will definitely not disappoint. Fabulous & fun story!

Provided by Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

Post ACFW – part 2

I’ve been out of town the past few days for my grandfather’s funeral, so I’m sorry I haven’t posted more pics. It’s weird being on this side of the emotional roller coaster of ACFW – back to work – my grandfather’s death – and back to work. My brain is numb!

Let me start off with two beautiful ladies (and great encouragers) that I met on Friday at lunch. Debby Mayne and Trish Perry were phenomenal. Debby just showered me with encouragement and even took me to meet her agent, Tamela Hancock Murray (another pleasure). With more books than I had time to count on her website, Debby’s advice and friendship meant so much to me.  Thanks, Debby!!

I just have to say that encouragement was EVERYWHERE – almost in every smile I saw.

I LOVED this pic from Casey’s stash. It’s of me, Case, and the lovely Laura Frantz. Those gals are two absolutely beautiful people (inside & out)

YAY!!! Roomie Carol Moncado is here with me while we have one of those ‘fancy’ meals during the conference. Mealtime was a great opportunity to network and enjoy food (that I neither had to prepare or clean up after – GOOD FOOD in my book) If in doubt of who Carol is – just mentioned the “Cookie Queen’ to any ACFW attendee and they’ll probably be able to tell you. Carol brought SEVEN batches of cookies to give out at the conference. Bribery?…Well, it sure worked. No ONE complained.