Wednesday Writers –Interview with Meghann Whistler author of Falling for the Innkeeper

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author interview, book excerpt from Falling for the Innkeeper, Christian romance, Meghann Whistler, Sweet romance, Wednesday Writers

Today’s Wednesday Writers is interviewing author Meghann Whistler. In addition to her interview Meghann is sharing an excerpt from her book Falling for the Innkeeper.  Welcome, Meghann!

 

Catherine: Please tell the readers about the release that is being showcased today.

Meghann: Falling for the Innkeeper is a sweet Christian romance novel set at a charming beachside inn on Cape Cod. It’s about a wary single mother who meets a workaholic lawyer intent on buying the only home she’s ever known.

Catherine: I love stories set in beachside communities. How did you come up with the concept for this book?

Meghann: I started with the hero—what drove him to put so much of himself into his work? And what would it take to make him reassess his values and priorities?

I’ll also admit that my grandparents owned an inn that’s a lot like the one in the book, and I wanted to visit it again on paper. So, the setting was another key piece of the puzzle when I first started thinking about this story.

Catherine: What a great way to honor your grandparents. Are you a pantser or a plotter? Linear or non-linear writer?

Meghann: I have a rough idea of where my stories are going when I start writing, but I lean heavily on the “pantser” side of the equation. I enjoy the process of discovery as I write. I’m usually a linear writer, but if I get stuck, I will occasionally jump ahead and then fill in the earlier scenes later.

Catherine: What does your revision process look like?

Meghann: I edit as I write. I know a lot of people who suggest writing straight through without stopping to revise until the first draft is done, but I can’t write forward if I know there’s a problem with an earlier scene. I have to correct it before I can move on.

Catherine: I always edit as I write, too. It gives me a chance to get back into the story. On to the next question:  What’s the first book, in the genre you write in, that you remember reading?

Meghann: I didn’t start reading Christian fiction until about three years ago. The first Christian romance novel I remember reading is Finding Her Way Home by Linda Goodnight, which was eye-opening for me. I’d always thought romance novels were racy and poorly written, but Finding Her Way Home was sweet rather than sexy, and I was so invested in the characters I couldn’t put it down!

Catherine: Do you have a day job? If so, what is it?

Meghann: I’m a full-time, stay-at-home mom to three little boys, and my job duties got way more intense this past spring when COVID-19 hit!

Catherine: I can’t imagine going through COVID with children. I’ll bet you’ll be ready for a vacation when this is over. Speaking of vacations, what is the farthest place from home that you’ve traveled?

Meghann: Hong Kong! What a great city! Part of the reason my heroine’s parents live in Hong Kong is because I couldn’t pass up a chance to write about what a fabulous place it is.

Catherine: It’s been a pleasure having you here today, Meghann. As you say goodbye, can you leave the readers with an encapsulation of your life’s philosophy?

Meghann: I find a lot of comfort in Philippians 1:6, which reminds me that I don’t have to be perfect. As long as I’m willing to show up and do the best I can each day, God will continue to work in me and through me.

 

Thanks for joining us today. Keep reading for a peek at Meghann’s book.

 

FALLING FOR THE INNKEEPER

By Meghann Whistler

A battle for a charming Cape Cod inn… But what happens when romance checks in?

Single mom Laura Lessoway won’t accept her mother’s plan of selling her late grandmother’s inn without a fight. But when big-city attorney Jonathan Masters arrives to arrange an offer from a client, she’s drawn to him. And working together as he helps with repairs only brings them closer. With his career and her home on the line, can they ever find common ground?

 

EXCERPT

Jonathan had always had this idea that if he could just reach that brass ring, if he could just grab it and hold on, that would be the thing that would make everything in his life work the way it was supposed to, the thing that would make everything okay.

But would it? Would it really?

Making partner at the law firm wouldn’t magically fix his father’s illness. Making partner wouldn’t change the fact that he’d been a scared, bullied kid. Making partner wouldn’t mean that his father, who’d gone missing when Jonathan was just seventeen, would ever come home.

He gave his head a little shake. He knew his mentor, Mike Roe, wouldn’t like this train of thought.

But then he thought about Mike’s life: the penthouse apartment and the fancy sports cars, the top-rated restaurants and the best-tailored suits. Jonathan used to think Mike’s life was what success looked like—and maybe, for some people, it did—but what about Mike’s high-maintenance ex-wife? What about the kid he never saw? What about the fact that he had more money than he could spend in a lifetime and he still spent every waking moment at work?

Was this some kind of early midlife crisis? Jonathan wondered. What would he even do with himself if he didn’t have this job?

He drummed his fingers on the bedside table. What was with him tonight? He was wildly unfocused, and it was messing with his head.

It was the woman—Laura. She’d thrown him off balance with her beauty and her wit and her kind, gentle smile. Just thinking about her emerald green eyes—which could, by turns, be sharp, or playful, or kind—made him feel…strange. Whimsical.

And Jonathan never felt whimsical about women. He was more practical than romantic. Back when he’d started at Harvard Law, he’d made a decision not to get distracted by a serious relationship until he made partner, and he’d stuck to his resolution all these years.

He always kept his promises—to others and to himself. After growing up with his unpredictable father, he was very disciplined that way.

 

BUY LINKS

 AMAZON   CHRISTIANBOOK   TARGET   WALMART   BARNES & NOBLE

GOOGLE PLAY   APPLE BOOKS   INDIGO (Canada   AMAZON.CA (Canada)

BOOK DEPOSITORY (Free International Shipping)

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Meghann Whistler writes sweet Christian romance novels that won’t make your grandmother blush. A hopeless romantic who met her husband on a blind date, Meghann recently left her marketing career to pursue her lifelong passion of writing sweet, hopeful stories that demonstrate the power of love and grace. She loves to hear from her readers, who can reach her at www.meghannwhistler.com.

Meghann’s Social Media Links

Facebook:  Twitter: Instagram

 

Wednesday Writers—The Hitman’s Mistake by Sally Brandle is up for a Raven Award!

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This Wednesday Writers’ guest today is Sally Brandle.  Sally’s a regular guest on my blog series, and we are both part of Soul Mate Publishing. Although Sally will be talking about her book The Hitman’s Mistake, today’s post is a bit different from Wednesday Writers’ usual posts. However,  I thought the subject matter was worth the change. So, without further ado, let’s welcome Sally!

 

Hi, Catherine.

Thank you for allowing me to share wonderful news. The first book I wrote (at 61), The Hitman’s Mistake, finaled in Uncaged Book Reviews Raven Awards in the Mystery/Suspense category. To qualify for the semifinals of this neat award, my novel had to garner 4/5 Stars from their review team, then receive enough votes to land in the finals. To win, I am up against an Amazon Bestseller and a NYT Bestseller.

I’d really appreciate your vote. The final poll runs through Friday, August 1^st. I write clean (sensual without intimate scenes) stories weaving slow-burning romance into edgy suspense, motivating women to trust their inner gifts. To vote, simply click on the link below, scroll to the circle next to The Hitman’s Mistake in the fifth category and click. Then click on the ‘Vote’ button below the group. Reader support provides the motivation for me to keep writing. I’m at eight books, with three published in this series. Thank you for your love of reading.

A Note from Catherine:

I’ve read The Hitman’s Mistake and loved the book. If you like clean romance that’s full of suspense, I hope you’ll head over to the Raven Awards link and vote for Sally. It’s one vote per category.  To vote for Sally’s book once  you reach the page, scroll down until you come to Mystery/Suspense category, find Sally’s book The Hitman’s Mistake (she’s the first one on the mystery suspense list), click in the little circle to the left of the book, and hit VOTE at the bottom of the category box.

Raven Award Voting Link:

http://uncagedbooks.com/raven-awards-final-voting/

 

Here’s a peek at Sally’s book.

 

The Hitman’s Mistake

By Sally Brandle

 

Now it’s her life or his.

After Miranda Whitley stops crooked cops from assassinating a prominent Seattle judge, she’s next on the hit list, and her survival depends on the buff FBI Agent she’s had one awkward encounter with. But can she find him in time?

The last person Grant Morley expects to discover on his annual supply run to a Montana mountain hermit is alluring Miranda Whitley, nearly dead from a bullet wound in her side. An accidental witness or the cold-blooded accomplice to would-be assassins?

Miranda must convince Grant of her innocence, evade the killers intent on preventing her testimony, and fight her unwanted attraction for the agent…an attraction which seems to be mutual. If you love sizzling chemistry, Montana’s mountain landscape, and fast-paced action, then you’ll love Sally Brandle’s galloping thriller, The Hitman’s Mistake.

 

About the Author:

Multi-award winning author Sally Brandle weaves clean, slow-burning romance into edgy suspense stories. Sally left a career as an industrial baking instructor to bring to life stories motivating readers to trust their inner gifts

Sally’s Social Media  Website:  Facebook:  Instagram

 

 

 

WEdnesday Writers–From Ice Wagon to Club House: The Life of Jude Mooney by Viola Russell

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Characterization, creating characters, From Ice Wagon to Club House: The Life of Jude Mooney, historical romance, Viola Russell, Wednesday Writers

Today’s Wednesday Writer’s guest is author Viola Russell.  Viola will be talking about the hero of her historical romance novel, From Ice Wagon to Club House: The Life of Jude Mooney. Who inspired this character? Ana why did she choose to place him in this particular historical era? Read on to find out. Viola also included an excerpt from the book for you to enjoy.  Welcome, Viola!

 

Saint or Sinner: Jude Mooney

 

Jude Mooney is the protagonist of my novel From Ice Wagon to Club House: The Life of Jude Mooney. Many people told me that the title was cumbersome. Perhaps it was, but Jude Mooney, the protagonist himself, holds a special place in my heart.  I put Jude’s birth in 1900.  He is a young man during The Great War and a child of Storyville as well as Prohibition. The son of respectable Irish immigrants, he is a resident of New Orleans as well as a native of Ireland.  In many ways, he is based on my father, Samuel Weaver.  My dad was a young man in New Orleans during the Depression, Prohibition, and Storyville. Like Jude, my father started his career driving an ice wagon through the streets of New Orleans.  The Pelican Ice Company still exists in New Orleans, but in my father’s day, it provided ice for housewives who used it in iced boxes, keeping their food cold.  Like Jude, my father trained prizefighters and was a bookie. He also trained racehorses, and like Jude, he eventually sat in that clubhouse.  He trained horses until he died, collapsing at the racetrack.

Of course, I embellished some aspects of my novel.  Sam didn’t fight in the War for Irish Independence; Jude does engage in the fight after a stint in WWI.  I learned much about the Easter Uprising during that time, a period that has always intrigued me.  That era also introduced Jude to the fiery Maeve, the love of Jude’s wife.  The courage of the people living in that country and that era moved me.  Historical and fictional characters play a major part in that struggle.

In creating my characters, especially Jude Mooney, I wanted to show people living during a time who did what they had to do in order to survive in hard times.  I know about those times because my dad walked in the shadow of dark times. He was a man who did what he had to do to save his family.  In The Progeny, I continue the story of the Mooney family.  Like Jude, his progeny also strive to bring prosperity to themselves and their families.

 

From Ice Wagon to Club House: The Life of Jude Mooney

By Viola Russell

 

At fifteen years old, Jude Mooney is driving an ice wagon to help his struggling Irish immigrant family. An obedient son and devoted brother, he willingly works in the sweltering New Orleans heat along with his friend, Pete Saluto, to help his pious and respectable parents. When his older brother’s suicide leaves the family nearly destitute and shame-ridden, Jude seeks employment in the infamous Storyville of old New Orleans, becoming the confidante of the many characters who populated Emma Johnson’s establishment.

When his parents learn of his activities, Jude leaves the family nest, becoming even more embroiled in the seedy lifestyle until a disastrous encounter forces him to leave town and join his relatives in Ireland. It is in his ancestral birthplace that he meets the fiery Maeve and joins the fight for Irish independence and then, paradoxically, the British army when his love turns sour. Upon his return from the front, he seeks Maeve, who has had his twin sons.

Together, they return to New Orleans. A series of losses then force Jude into an uneasy alliance with the powerful mob family, the Matrangas. He rises in the ranks of the Matranga “family,” becoming a valuable cog in the wheel of their bootlegging and horse-racing empire. However, any links to the mob brings risks. How much more will Jude lose as the Feds pursue the men who supply the country with the illicit nectar?

Excerpt:

Jude worked almost every afternoon and into the evenings at the pub. The people were genial, and drunken outbursts were rare. He sometimes heard snatches of political talk, but he rarely joined in the conversations. Rather, he waited for Maeve to return from her job. She’d make her way upstairs, slip into a long skirt and apron, and then proceed to the kitchen. There, she helped her mother with the Shepherd’s pie as well as fish and chips the patrons ordered. After helping with the cleaning of the kitchen, she headed upstairs, shutting the door behind her.

Jude imagined what it must be like in that bedroom. For weeks, he’d watched her slender form move within her modest skirts, and he envisioned a firmly toned body under her modest attire. She mostly wore her hair in a tight bun, but one night, he caught a glimpse of her when her door was slightly ajar. She’d donned a flannel gown, and her dark hair fell loosely about her shoulders. Her back was to him as she sat on the bed, and she brushed her hair with sensuous strokes. For the longest time, Jude only exchanged the most cursory of greetings with her. She was a mate’s sister, and he wouldn’t violate that street etiquette. Now that he was making money, he spent some nights with Sean prowling the city, but he ventured near no other girl. The moment he saw Maeve’s face, Jude knew no one else could compare with to her. When not with his mates, Sean was went out with an assortment of local lovelies, but Jude fantasized about marriage to one gorgeous Belfast girl.

Finally, one day in late November, Jude approached Maeve before she vanished upstairs. He’d finished wiping the bar and moved swiftly to the staircase as she placed one a foot on the first step. Clearing his throat, Jude drew near her. “I—I wondered if you’d like to go with me to the Tea Bar in the Carrich House this Sunday.” He hated himself for stammering and felt his face grown hot. “You know, the one on Lower Region Street?.”

Maeve flashed a dazzling smile that sent molten desire through his midsection. She laughed softly and gazed at him with those mocking eyes. “I’ve lived here me whole life. Yes, I know where it is.”

Jude swallowed, stood tall, and stuck out his chin. “Will you go with me? It would be Sunday afternoon, after Mass.” He’d gone with them to Mass every Sunday at St. John’s the Evangelist, strengthening Kathleen’s good opinion of him. He wondered what this beautiful girl thought of him. Did she see him as some wayfarer to be avoided? Some rough young thug on the sea?

Her lips curved into a seductive but kind smile. “Of course, I’d love to go to tea on Sunday.”

Want to read more? You can buy From Ice Wagon to Club House: The Life of Jude Mooney at Amazon  Also available at Amazon

The Progeny: The Legacy of Jude Mooney

 

About the Author:

Viola Russell is the pseudonym for Susan Weaver Eble.  A homegrown New Orleanian, she holds a doctorate in English literature from Texas A & M University.  She has traveled far and wide and relishes the memories she has made in places as distant as England, Ireland, Canada, and Jamaica and as near as Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma, California, and Massachusetts. She lives with her husband Ben, the love of her life, in a New Orleans cottage and is most comfortable at her computer creating the worlds that drift into her imagination.

You can find Viola Russel at Facebook, Twitter or her website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Writers–You’re Brilliant by Julie Arduini

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Today’s Wednesday Writers’ guest is author Julie Arduini with a post about the characters behind the character in her book YA book You’re Brilliant from her Surrendering Stinkin’ Thinkin’ series and an excerpt from the book.  Welcome, Julie!

 

Character Inspiration Behind You’re Brilliant

Julie Arduini

 

You’re Brilliant is the final book in the Surrendering Stinkin’ Thinkin’ series for young teens and women of all ages. Although it can be read as a stand-alone, You’re Brilliant moves forward with the girls and their mentors from the Linked mentoring ministry in Youngstown, Ohio.  Each book focused on one girl and her mentor, and this time it’s Bethany Tuttle and her mentor, pastor’s wife Cheri Wayson.

What I loved about this series was writing it with my teen daughter, Hannah. It was her brainchild as she processed the challenges of middle school and wanted to help other girls avoid the lies she believed at that time. When Hannah jotted out the story what she ended up with was a three-book series. She supervised the vision for each book, approving my chapters. She created character names and oversaw the cover design. It really was a team effort.

The characters were fun because Hannah loosely based them off her friends. She’s had a solid group of girls from church who have encouraged her, so she had to narrow it down. Hannah took a couple qualities from two girls who have been in her life the longest. In You’re Beautiful, Hayley is based off Hannah herself, but as we wrote, I found my own teen years coming to mind. Some of those experiences are things we went through.

You’re Amazing was a challenge to write because we aren’t dancers and we weren’t sure what specific conflicts to give the girls. As we chatted, we realized that girls and women both struggle with what one person might say and change everything. How much power we give with opinion. Jazmin is a gifted dancer but has some changes to get used to, including a new teacher. The teacher makes a negative comment, and Jazmin’s thrown. It really affects her. Although the real Jazmin hasn’t had that challenge that we’re aware of, we took her dancing gift and made that the core of the story.

You’re Brilliant is Bethany’s story. Our Bethany is a natural at comedy, but the sass that gets her in trouble is something more from our imagination and a little bit of my own experience. KJ came from a reader who requested we write a thread that includes a confident teen blinded by a bully boyfriend. That was something Hannah agreed girls her age deal with—being so beautiful and talented and a boy says something toxic and the girl emotionally crumbles. It was hard to write that, but we felt it was important.

As for the adults, Sabrina is based off a family that loves unconditionally and is active in ministry. She’s a dear friend to me.  Lena is a mix of every mother of young children I know because for years I was active with MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers. I remember the insecurity I had as a wife and mom back then, and how I wanted to please everyone to my own exhaustion. Cheri is a pastor’s wife that Hannah and I both know. Although the real Cheri took a job at school, it wasn’t to pay for a wedding, nor did she make mistakes trying to find her place. For us, our characters take the best of people we know to honor them. Any villains are mixes of people we’ve encountered or seen in media.

I’m sad to see the series end, Hannah is as well. I thank God He gave us the series to not only encourage readers, but grow my relationship with Hannah and let her creativity blossom.

You’re Brilliant Blurb: YA/Women’s Fiction

by Julie Arduini

Amazing things happen when a group of high school students and women discover they are more than competent.

Bethany’s not excited to start high school in a new community where she doesn’t know anyone. She quickly befriends KJ, a popular sophomore, and it looks like the transition will go well until Bethany discovers KJ’s boyfriend is a bully. With a strong sense of justice, Bethany challenges Brent Sullivan, and he’s determined to make her suffer.

Cheri takes on an additional job in a school to help pay for Sabrina’s wedding. It’s a different atmosphere than at the church where she feels more comfortable as the pastor’s wife and mentor with the Linked ministry. After several mishaps, Cheri feels like she’s found an assignment where she can make a difference until a teacher belittles her work.

Can Bethany and Cheri resist the lies about their competency and hold on to the fact they’re brilliant?

The final book in the Surrendering Stinkin’ Thinkin’ series for tweens, teens, and women of all ages by mother and daughter authors Julie Arduini and Hannah Arduini.

 

Excerpt:

CHAPTER ONE

Bethany Tuttle

One glimpse at the sprawling Boardman Valley High School campus and my throat starts to close. It’s my first time here and what a fortress. It’s twice the size of my old school. So many windows. Multiple parking lots. Three athletic fields. There’s even an attached brick circular amphitheater to house the enormous drama and musical talent the Youngstown suburb is known for. What am I doing here? Oh, right. My parents moved and this is the closest school district. Where I know no one.

Students fresh off the bus travel to the main entrance. I’m trapped in the middle of the swarm, moving with the wave of peers, my anxiety escalating with each step. Even if I wanted to yell for help, I wouldn’t be heard over the buzz of first day chit chat filling the lobby.

A boy with a head full of curls and wearing a Saturday Night Live shirt bumps into my side. “Hey, tourist. If you don’t know where you’re going, step to the side.”

“Sorry. Did my fanny pack give me away?” I smile at my attempt at humor, but no one chuckles or even looks in my direction. There’s so much movement. “Say, are we students or cattle?” My voice rises above the fray, but I sound like a squeaky kid.

“Keep mooo—ving funny girl.” The tall blonde surrounded by three girls mimicking her every move, throws her head back and laughs. Her minions follow her lead and they’re giggling with her.

I’m not as agile as my friend Jazmin, but I’ve got stealth working for me. With a few ducks and weaves, I exit the throng of people and slam against the wall next to the office.

A slim, tall girl with shiny, straight brown hair is about to approach the receptionist when she looks my way and tilts her head. “Are you Bethany Tuttle?”

I raise my eyebrows. How does she know my name?

She gestures me forward. “C’mon. I’m KJ Curry. I’m the student council rep the vice-principal lassoed into keeping you corralled.” Her expression is sober for about a second before she breaks into a chuckle.

KJ heard my cattle joke. And thank God, she thinks I’m funny.

 

Want to read more? You can find You’re Brilliant at Amazon

 

About the Author

Julie Arduini loves to encourage readers to find freedom in Christ by surrendering the good, the bad, and —maybe one day—the chocolate. She’s the author of the contemporary romance series SURRENDERING TIME, (Entrusted, Entangled, Engaged,) as well as the stand-alone novellas, MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN and RESTORING CHRISTMAS. She also shares her story in the infertility devotional, A WALK IN THE VALLEY. Her other latest release, YOU’RE BRILLIANT, is for girls ages 10-100, written with her teenaged daughter, Hannah, and is book 3 in their SURRENDERING STINKIN’ THINKIN’ series. She blogs every other Wednesday for Christians Read, as well as monthly with Inspy Romance. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two children. Learn more by visiting her at http://juliearduini.com, where she invites readers to opt in to her content full of resources and giveaway opportunities.

 

Social Media:  Facebook  Twitter  Instagram

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Writers–Fade to White by Tara K. Ross

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excerpt from Fade to White, Fade to White, Short story Pressing into Stillness, Tara K. Ross, Wednesday Writers, YA fiction

Today’s Wednesday Writers’ guest is author Tara K. Ross. Tara will be sharing her debut novel Fade to White as well as an excerpt from her short story Pressing into Stillness that leads into the book.

Welcome, Tara

 

Thanks, Catherine.

In almost every great novel, the story starts long before the first line. However, as authors, we want to draw a reader into the action right away. The story must begin in a moment of change. This is what I tried to do with Fade to White. Thea Fenton’s story though is a culmination of experiences that make her who she is. For a character to become real and relatable, they must live a life with memorable firsts, unforgettable highs and lows and life-changing lasts. One specific last event in Thea’s life challenged her to rethink her purpose in the world. It forced her to consider pain and death and to move beyond it. It happened on the night of her grandmother’s death. Here is a short excerpt from a short story I wrote, called Pressing into Stillness, that offers a window into the last conversation she had with her grandmother before she passes:

∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼

 

“Can I turn on some music or read to you?” Anything that distracted me from waiting for the inevitable.

Her cheeks appeared hollow beneath the crinkled layers of skin but the muscles that remained crested her eyes into appreciation. Simple things gave her such happiness. A cup of tea. Soft jazz music. Words perfectly combined. She cleared her throat and whispered “…lovely.” Her words were few now. And her wisdom? I already missed it.

I swiped through my playlists until I arrived at “Billie and Grams.” The list was full of memories from this past year, and a tremor re-entered my fingers. Billie Holiday’s Love is Here to Stay swooned through the room and with it the scent of cinnamon in the oven, dancing shadows from the firelight and Gram’s voice reading Little Women under a crocheted blanket.

How did this happen so fast?

I leaned toward the pile of books, all familiar to me now. Most of our past few weeks consisted of The Bible, C.S. Lewis, Robert Fulghum, and Louisa May Alcott. An eclectic mix of faith, fiction and philosophy will keep any person on the right path, she often said.

I chose the top three and spread them across the edge of her bed, next to her painted fingertips. “Your choice.” I expected her to choose the Bible, her reliable request over the past few days.

Her gaze shifted downward and she laid her hand on the closest book. Not her leather-bound NIV from who knows how long ago, but a thin C.S. Lewis book, called The Problem of Pain.

∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼

In the first few lines of my debut novel, Fade to White, Thea says that ‘it started with a story in the newspaper’, but there was a greater story planted in her heart long before the death of a classmate. That story already had an ending. Thea’s grams, spent her last moments pouring out as much of this truth as she could. It’s through her pain and death that Thea realizes a greater story. One with an ending that ignites her spark and allows her to share that light not only to herself but beyond. It started with a conversation.

If you would like to read Pressing into Stillness, the short story that first moves Thea into a place of wonder and questioning, please visit Tara’s website at www.tarakross.com.

 

Tara’s debut young adult contemporary novel, Fade to White, continues this story:

∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼∼

Thea Fenton’s life looks picture-perfect, but inside, she is disintegrating. Wracked by anxiety no one seems to understand or care about, she resorts to self-harm to deflect the pain inside.

When a local teen commits suicide, Thea’s anxiety sky-rockets. Unexplainable things happen, leaving her feeling trapped within her own chaotic mind. The lines between reality and another world start to blur, and her previously mundane issues seem more daunting and insurmountable than ever.

Then she meets Khi, a mysterious new boy from the coffee shop who seems to know her better than she knows herself—and doesn’t think she’s crazy. His quiet confidence and unfounded familiarity draw her into an unconventional friendship.

Khi journeys with her through grief, fear, and confusion to arrive at compassion for the one person Thea never thought she could love.

EXCERPT:

My phone starts to ding rapid-fire. The discourse between my parents heightens. A familiar tension fills my chest. The oatmeal churns in my stomach. Did one of them just say my name? The room is brighter. Too bright. I peer in the direction of the front window. Where is the window? The usual California shutters and collection of white cupboards blur. All I see are pewter knobs. I swing my head over to Dad and his dark housecoat. His silhouette is turned toward Mom, but his features are barely visible. What is happening? He is less than three feet from me. Why can’t I see his face? The haze thickens. Am I fainting? But there are no stars, no darkness—just light. Endless, blurring, white light.

I’m dying.

Oh please, no—I can’t be dying!

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. The air is sucked from my throat. I can’t breathe. My ears pound. Strained voices fade.

Wait. What is that? A sound, soft at first, grows like a strong wind or a plunging waterfall. It overpowers my racing heart.

Be still.

Want to read more? You can find Tara’s book Fade to White at Amazon: Barnes and Noble: and Lighthouse Publications of the Carolinas

 

About the Author:

Tara K. Ross lives with her husband, two daughters and rescued fur-baby in a field of cookie-cutter homes near Toronto, Canada. She works as a school speech-language pathologist and mentors with local youth programs. When Tara is not writing or reading all things young adult fiction, you can find her rock climbing the Ontario escarpment, planning her family’s next jungle trek or podcasting/blogging at www.tarakross.com.

FADE TO WHITE is her debut novel.

Connect with Tara at Instagram: @ tara.k.ross :  Twitter:@tara_k_ross Goodreads

 

 

 

Wednesday Writers– Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God by Alexis A. Goring

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Alexis A. Goring, Book excerpt from Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God, Christian Living, devotional book, Wednesday Writers

Welcome to Wednesday Writers. Today’s featured author is Alexis A. Goring who is sharing the story behind her devotional book  Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God. She also has an inspiring excerpt from the book.

Welcome, Alexis

 

The story behind how I wrote my devotional book is a testimony, really … I’ve been writing devotionals for publication online since God gave me this devotional writing ministry after going through trauma at age 16. During the recovery process, God took me into His classroom and taught me many lessons that flowed out of me in the form of devotionals. God made a way for me to eventually get paid for my devotional writing, starting after college when I became the Growing Up columnist for a faith-based publication called Collegiate Quarterly. Since then, He’s blessed me with many more opportunities to write devotionals – some paid, some not but all so worth it! Yet even after all these years of devotional writing experience, I never thought of writing a devotional book until last year (January 2019).

Longer story short, when I decided to give this a go, God lined up everything I needed. He gave me wisdom to gather my devotionals that were previously published on blogs where I was a guest (I gathered about 30). He gave me wisdom to reach out to an editor colleague of mine (Dori) who told me that if I wrote 52 devotionals then my book could be a weekly devotional since there are 52 weeks in a year. God moved me to talk to a literary agent (Jevon), months after talking to Dori and not wanting to write more (I had 44 devotionals written by then). God moved me to take Jevon’s advice to “keep going” (until I had written a total of 52 devotionals for my book). I am so glad that I listened to Dori and Jevon because a 52-week devotional is just what I needed to write and according to the feedback I’ve been receiving, it is just what my readers needed too!

God was in every detail of this devotional book-writing journey! He even sent a new editor (Patty) to work for my publisher a few years prior and I learned that Patty has a background in editing devotionals! Patty noticed that all of my devotionals were tied to my paraphrase of Contemporary Christian songs and Gospel music so she suggested the title “Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God” and it fit perfectly!

Music has always been a major part of my life since childhood. And I’ve always loved sharing stories about life lessons learned as I continue on my journey with God. So the title that Patty suggested made perfect sense!

And that is the short version of the “story behind the story” of my devotional book!

~*~

 

Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God

by Alexis A. Goring

Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God is a 52-week devotional that will bless your heart, soothe your soul, encourage your mind, and strengthen your God-given spirit.

Join author Alexis A. Goring on an inspirational journey. Each devotional builds from real-life experiences that impart many faith lessons learned along the way.

Each day is built on the foundation of a Bible verse or edifying quote, followed by Goring’s personal story and reflection questions for a personalized experience.

All of the devotionals are tied to a song in order to go a little deeper into the heart of the message. A song directory at the end of the book connects the reader with music online to further enhance the study experience and glorify God.

Spend a year on a journey growing closer to the Lord through Stories and Songs of Faith, and discover personal transformation as time with Jesus Christ changes your heart to look a little more like His.

~*~

Excerpt from my devotional book:

Week 44 

Trusting God

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” –Psalm 20:7 (NIV)

The song “Trust in You” by Anthony Brown & Group Therapy opens with lyrics to encourage the listener, declaring that God did not create us to worry or fear; He created us to worship Him and trust Him.

The song lyrics remind the listener about the magnitude of God. He is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Jehovah-jireh (our provider)! The music artists who perform this beautiful song emphasize God’s glory to remind the believer just how big the God we serve is and that no problem that we face here on Earth is too big for God to solve! He’s not just the Creator of the Universe; He is your Heavenly Father and He knows what is best for you.

The Bible says in Luke 12:7 that God numbered all of the hairs on our heads (and if you have a lot of hair on your head like I do then you know the significance of that saying). I think that this Bible verse means that God knows you more intimately than any human ever will and He is perfectly capable of meeting all of your needs!

God met my needs recently in a powerful way.

Late in January 2020, I asked all of the prayer warriors in my life to pray for me. I shared that I had been struggling to pay my bills after losing my job. I asked for prayer that God would bless me with more work that pays well so that I could pay my bills on time.

Less than five minutes later, prayer support and notes of encouragement started flooding in. Several people even shared their own stories about their struggles and how God came through for them just in the right time.

Among those prayer warriors were ones who said that they felt God leading them to give me a monetary gift and when I received their gift, it was just what I needed at that time.

This experience taught me several life lessons:

 

Lesson #1: Always go to God first. He loves you with ALL of His Heart and He cares about everything that impacts you here on Earth.

Lesson #2: Always feed your faith, not your fear. I made a point that morning after private prayer time with God to publicly post that song “Trust in You” and note that it’s the new anthem to my real life story! I chose to praise God and trust Him to take care of me. I refused to give into to fear of the future based on my circumstances.

Lesson #3: Don’t be afraid to ask for prayer support from the people in your life who believe in God and follow Jesus Christ. I did not ask for financial help but God impressed some people to send monetary gifts to me anyway. What a blessing!

Lesson #4: When God blesses you, don’t stay silent! A few days after this amazing blessing and prayer support, God impressed me to write about my experience. I believe that He wants us to share our stories to encourage others who are going through similar situations. Our stories inspire hope!

 

On that note, I’d like for you to please know that no matter what you’re facing in this life here on Earth, you always have hope because you have God. He loves you with all of His Heart, even if you don’t know Him yet! That’s why He sent His Son (Jesus Christ) to save you! Read John 3:16.

Following Jesus Christ and praying “the prayer of faith” (James 5:13-16) is something God wants all of us to do! Why? Because the Bible says in Hebrews 11:6 (NLT), “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”

My “Word” for the New Year 2020 was “Trust.” What a way to start the first month of that year with this teachable moment from God! After my experience in January 2020, I am encouraged to trust Him more and never stop praying about my every need because He cares and even when He’s silent, He’s there.

I hope that my testimony has encouraged your heart and inspired you to trust God with every need, every desire, every dream, and every plan for your life. Remember this: God is Good. God loves you and He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)!

 

May God bless your life story for His glory!

 

~*~

Reflection Questions:

1. When was the last time that God provided for your needs?
2. How does knowing that God answers your prayers, help you to trust Him?

 

~*~

Do you want to read more of Alexis’ devotionals? You can find Stories and Songs of Faith devotional book at Amazon

 

 

About the Author: 

Alexis A. Goring is a passionate writer with a degree in Print Journalism and an MFA in Creative Writing. She loves the art of storytelling and hopes that her stories will connect readers with the enduring, forever love of Jesus Christ.

 Connect with Alexis on her Social Media:  Facebook:  Goodreads: Twitter:

 

 

 

@PennedbyAlex

 

 

Wednesday Writers–Two’s Company and Three’s a Crowd: A Groom for Mama by Catherine Castle

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Today’s Wednesday Writers guest is me, Catherine Castle. I had an unexpected vacancy so I thought I’d fill in and give readers a peek at my award-winning romantic comedy, with a touch of drama  A Groom for Mama. One look at the quirky cover and you know you’re in for some laughs. I mean, who puts Mama on their wedding cake? Can you find her?

So, take few moments and enjoy the excerpt.

 

Two’s Company and Three’s a Crowd

You’ve heard the old axiom, “Two’s company and three’s a crowd,” haven’t you?

Well, imagine you’ve made a deal with your mother to find a husband—a deal you don’t really want to keep. A deal you hope will keep her going to clinics to find a cure for her cancer. A deal that will force you to have a date for every test she takes. A deal that lands you a bunch of disastrous dates. And here’s the kicker, your ex-boyfriend is arranging and tagging along on those dates, at your request.

Yep. Two’s company and three is definitely a crowd for Allison Walters and her ex beau Jack Somerset as they travel across the county to find a cure and A Groom for Mama.

 

A Groom for Mama

By Catherine Castle

 Beverly Walters is dying, and before she goes she has one wish—to find a groom for her daughter. To get the deed done, Mama enlists the dating service of Jack Somerset, Allison’s former boyfriend.

The last thing corporate-climbing Allison wants is a husband. Furious with Mama’s meddling, and a bit more interested in Jack than she wants to admit, Allison agrees to the scheme as long as Mama promises to search for a cure for her terminal illness.

A cross-country trip from Nevada to Ohio ensues, with a string of disastrous dates along the way, as the trio hunts for treatment and A Groom For Mama.

 

Excerpt:

Allison snapped her suitcase shut and shoved it under the bed. “I don’t want to talk about the one who got away, or any other man, Mama. They grab your heart and break it—just like Daddy did to you . . . to us.”

“Not all men are like your daddy,” Mama said. “There are good ones out there, too.”

“Not in my experience.” Allison gave her mother a hug. “I don’t want to talk about it anymore, okay?”

Mama’s silence told her she hadn’t heard the last of this subject. Her mother’s stomach growled, easing the way to a subject change.

Laughing, she asked, “Are you hungry, because I’m starving. Come on, I’ll fix you some lunch. How does your favorite—tuna salad—sound?”

“Lunch,” Mama echoed. “Oh, I forgot to tell you—Jack’s bringing something over.” The doorbell rang and Mama smiled sweetly. “You’d better run and answer the door, dear. I’m not taking the stairs too good, what with my arthritis and—”

Allison cut her off. “Please don’t say it, Mama.”

With a nod, Mama said, “Hurry then, before whoever it is thinks we’re not coming.”

“Do you need me to return and help you downstairs?”

“No thank you, dear. I can manage.”

Allison didn’t doubt that for a minute. Her already-stubborn mother grew more stubborn every day, if that was possible.

It’s just the situation. I won’t lose my temper when we’re both so stressed, she promised herself. Time is too precious to waste on arguing.

Bounding down the stairwell as the bell rang, she shouted, “I’m coming! I’m coming. Keep your pants on!” She threw the deadbolt off and jerked open the door.

Jack Somerset stood in front of her, his chin perched on top of a stack of Chinese take-out cartons. Shoving down her tingling gut reaction, she commanded her heart to stop jumping like an overexcited puppy.

Except for a few more laugh wrinkles around his eyes, Jack hadn’t changed a bit since college. His brown hair still dipped over his forehead in a shaggy mane. A lopsided smile spread across his face when he saw her. He winked at her, his green eyes twinkling.

“Well, if it isn’t the bride-to-be. Nice to see you again, Allison.” He jiggled the cartons balanced in his arms. “I brought Chinese. I remember it was your favorite. Moo shu pork, right?” He pushed past her and headed toward the kitchen, apparently as well acquainted with her childhood home as she.

Grabbing her head between her hands, she squeezed her temples.

Chinese. Of all the things he could have brought, he brought Chinese.

She’d broken it off with him in a Chinese restaurant . . . over moo shu pork. Very loudly and very violently. The pork and the pot of hot tea had landed in Jack’s lap when he tried to keep her from leaving the table. Did his choice of entrees mean Jack hadn’t forgotten the incident? She hadn’t, and she’d been unable to eat that particular Chinese dish since.

Trailing behind him into the kitchen, she said, “You can put the boxes on the table.”

He obliged then started taking plates out of the cabinets.

A frisson of annoyance crept up her spine at the familiarity he showed in her mother’s kitchen. “Why don’t you just make yourself at home?”

“I will.” He shot a boyish grin at her. “Been doing it for some time now.” He set three plates on the table then turned and dug into the silverware drawer.

Stunned, she watched as he laid the silverware out on the table just the way Mama liked them—the knife, fork, and spoon lined up on the right-hand side of the plate. He hadn’t been joking when he said he been making himself at home.

What in heaven’s name had her old flame been doing in her absence? Courting Mama?

 

Want tor read more of this award-winning romantic comedy, with a touch of drama? You can find A Groom for Mama at Amazon and Barnes and Noble

 

About the Author:

Multi-award winning author Catherine Castle loves writing. Before beginning her career as a romance writer she worked part-time as a freelance writer. She has over 600 articles and photographs to her credit, under her real name, in the Christian and secular market. She also lays claim to over 300 internet articles written on a variety of subjects and several hundred poems. In addition to writing she loves reading, traveling, singing, theatre, quilting and gardening. She’s a passionate gardener whose garden won a “Best Hillside Garden” award from the local gardening club. She writes sweet and inspirational romances. You can find her award-winning Soul Mate books The Nun and the Narc and A Groom for Mama, on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Follow her on Twitter @AuthorCCastle, FB or her blog.

 

 

Wednesday Writers–Gateway to Elvendom by Carol Browne

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Today’s Wednesday Writer’s guest is author Carol Browne, with Gateway to Elvendom, another of the books in her epic fantasy series, The Elwardian Chronicles II. Carol is sharing an excerpt with us today. Welcome, Carol

His adventures in Elvendom left Godwin a changed man, and now bereavement has darkened his world.

In another dimension, a new Elvendom is threatened by the ambitions of a monstrous enemy. But who – or what – is the Dark Lady of Bletchberm?

And what has become of Elgiva?

Reeling from the loss of their Elwardain, the elves ask Godwin for help.
Transported into a strange world of time travel and outlandish creatures, will he succeed in his quest against impossible odds, or will the Dark Lady destroy everything the Elwardain fought to preserve?

EXCERPT
His heart thumping in his throat, Godwin took in all the details of the goblin’s appearance. The creature was probably four feet tall at most and was wearing a sleeveless leather tunic and short leggings over his skinny frame. His arms and legs were hard with thin bands of muscle; sinews moved like taut wires beneath the scant flesh. Godwin fancied that the goblin’s skin had a sickly, greenish tint, but in the firelight it was impossible to be sure.

The goblin moved in an awkward manner, not upright like a man or an elf, but slightly stooped and with bent knees, as though on the verge of pouncing. The dome of his head was as bald and smooth as a pebble, and his very long, pointed ears were attached on either side like those of a lynx. His large eyes glittered like wet malachite and between them a long, sharp nose protruded with all the aesthetic attributes of a small parsnip.

The goblin’s large eyes widened as they swivelled in Godwin’s direction, making his stomach curdle in fear and revulsion.

“Only two of you, then?” said the goblin with a smirk. “Not much of a challenge, is it?” He beckoned with his sword and others of his kind began to creep into the circle.

Godwin glanced around. There were six more of them, each carrying a sword of a curious design, the blade like a thin, metal spiral with a very sharp point. A visceral fear welled up inside him at the sight of these weapons, but he didn’t know why.

Order your copy today USA – UK

Born in Stafford in the UK, Carol Browne was raised in Crewe, Cheshire, which she thinks of as her home town. Interested in reading and writing at an early age, Carol pursued her passions at Nottingham University and was awarded an honours degree in English Language and Literature. Now living and working in the Cambridgeshire countryside, Carol usually writes fiction but has also taken a plunge into non-fiction with Being Krystyna. This story of a Holocaust survivor has been well received.

Stay connected with Carol on her website and blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

Wednesday Writers–A Cord of Three Strands by Christy Distler

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Today’s Wednesday Writer’s guest is author Christy Distler. Christy is sharing some of her family history and how it led to her historical romance A Cord of Three Strands. She also has an excerpt at the bottom of the post, so keep reading to the end.

Welcome Christy!

When I was a child, my mom introduced me to genealogy. This was thirty years ago, so she was doing it the old-fashioned way: visiting libraries, historical societies, vital records offices, and cemeteries. I loved going through all the information she gathered. And going through it again. And again.

Years later, my family signed up for internet service, and that was a game changer. Researching our ancestors was suddenly as easy as typing names and birthdates into a search engine. Of course, not all names returned information. Many didn’t. But my Lucken/Lukens ancestors did, and because some were instrumental in the settlement and building of Philadelphia and the surrounding area, both physically and intellectually, information abounded. Now I was really hooked.

Our Lukens family line was one I was able to trace back to the late Middle Ages. Originally from the Netherlands, they were Mennonites-turned-Quaker who, in 1683, following years of skirting martyrdom during the Reformation, finally took refuge in William Penn’s “religious experiment,” Pennsylvania. After settling Germantown (now a part of Philadelphia), they spread east and north, with my ninth-great-grandfather, Peter Lukens, settling in Horsham Township, at that time a wilderness. This piqued my interest even more, since I’d lived some of my childhood in Horsham and resided less than two miles from Horsham Friends Meeting, which Peter Lukens’s family attended.

My love for genealogy continued, and one evening I came across an ancestor who got my mind turning: Seneca Lukens. His intriguing first name made me wonder about the family’s connection to Indian tribes (at the time, the Seneca lived in northern Pennsylvania and southern New York). From the possible Native American connection, Isaac Lukens—a half-Lenape, half-white young man who had been reared by Horsham Friends—made his way into a dream I had that night.

As a fiction writer, I did what I had to: brought Isaac to life as a main character, along with co-MC Elisabeth Alden, in a story that takes place in Horsham in 1756.

My research for this novel brought to light men and women who followed Christ’s instruction and example no matter the cost. Mennonites and Friends were the first colonists to denounce slavery and the gross mistreatment of Indian tribes, and Friends were instrumental in forging peace between Pennsylvania and the province’s tribes, namely the Lenape, during the French and Indian War. Both of these social issues play major parts in the book, and it is my hope that Isaac and Elisabeth’s story embodies Friends’ devotion to truth, equality, and love for others, as well as the plight of the Lenape people during a turbulent time in American history.

This all said, in an interesting turn of events, I have recently learned through a local historian that Seneca Lukens was more likely named for the Roman philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca than for the Seneca tribe. A bit disappointing, but all is not lost. The imagination, whether piqued by truth or speculation, is a wonderful thing.

 

A Cord of Three Strands

by Christy Distler

As 1756 dawns, Isaac Lukens leaves the Pennsylvania wilderness after two years with the Lenape people. He’s failed to find the families of his birth parents, a French trader and a Lenape woman. Worse, the tribe he’s lived with, having rejected his peacemaking efforts, now ravages frontier settlements in retaliation. When he arrives in the Quaker community where he was reared, questions taunt him: Who is he—white man or Lenape? And where does he belong?

Elisabeth Alden, Isaac’s dearest childhood friend, is left to tend her young siblings alone upon her father’s death. Despite Isaac’s promise to care for her and the children, she battles resentment toward him for having left, while an unspeakable tragedy and her discordant courtship with a prominent Philadelphian weigh on her as well.

Elisabeth must marry or lose guardianship of her siblings, and her options threaten the life with her and the children that Isaac has come to love. Faced with Elisabeth’s hesitancy to marry, the prospect of finding his family at last, and the opportunity to assist in the peace process between Pennsylvania and its Indian tribes, Isaac must determine where—and to whom—the Almighty has called him.

 

EXCERPT:

In my bedchamber, I stripped off all but my breeches and lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. My eyes ached with exhaustion, but that hardly compared to the weariness that plagued my soul. This evening’s visit, though it provided more information than expected, left me overwhelmed by conflicting feelings—joy in the gained knowledge that I’d so long yearned for, yet heartache in the loss of those I’d once loved most.

Then there was Elisabeth.

Would I ever understand my actions when it came to her? I’d been so pleased to find her waiting for me, to know she sensed my frame of mind and cared that I was troubled. Yet I had pushed her away. As soon as she had shown concern, hoping I would confide in her, I used the simplest excuse not to.

’Twas no wonder she couldn’t trust me. Why would she share the difficulties she faced when I so often failed to share mine with her? I longed for the closeness we once had, when we shared our every feeling without a second thought, so why was it so difficult to confess my struggles?

I sighed heavily. Distancing myself from Elisabeth wasn’t my intention. She had always known me best, and no doubt she still did. Only with her had I shared the horrors of what I’d experienced while away, and ’twas her reassurances—and her arms around me—that had comforted me since I’d returned. Even tonight, embracing her had eased the emptiness that gnawed within.

But that posed a problem as well. Elisabeth’s beauty enchanted me, and her sweet affection stirred my heart in ways I dared not act upon. Her courtship with Hiram was now quite evident, whether or not I approved, so we could share nothing more than friendship.

In light of that, my earlier aloofness was a necessity. Her best interest required that we take care in our actions, and I’d never forgive myself if her reputation were to be called into question because of me. While that had not been the reason I’d held back from her downstairs, part of me was now glad that I had.

Still, I cared so much for her. There was no denying that her relationship with Hiram could have grave consequences, but I struggled to discern the extent of my responsibility. Should I respect Elisabeth’s maturity and capability to make her own decisions? Or should I honor my word to Jonathan and do everything I could to protect her and the children? Both choices could result in more sorrow.

“Father, give me wisdom,” I whispered. “Show me what to do.”

Be still and know that I am God. The familiar words of the psalmist came to me in the darkness.

Indeed. In my apprehension, I’d somehow lost sight of the Almighty. He loved Elisabeth, the children, and me, and I knew he had great plans for all of our lives. Throughout my years he had proven that his goodness could be trusted even in the bleakest of circumstances.

I needed to allow and esteem his sovereignty in this situation as well.

Want to read more?

You can find A Cord of Three Strands at  Amazon

 

About the Author:

For as long as she can remember, Christy Distler has dreamed her most vivid dreams with her eyes wide open. Names became people—people who didn’t exist in this time and place but couldn’t have been more real in her heart and mind. So she did the only rational thing: gave them a voice by writing fiction.

Christy’s novels, whether historical or contemporary, delve into betrayal and reconciliation, faith and grace, and always involve the intertwining of cultures. When not writing, she works as an editor for publishing houses and independent authors.

Obsession with words (and history) aside, she lives with her husband, children, and dogs in Pennsylvania, less than two miles from where her Lukens ancestors settled more than three hundred years ago.

SOCIAL MEDIA SITES:  WEBSITE    FACEBOOK    INSTAGRAM

 

Wednesday Writers–Claiming Canaan: Milcah’s Journey by Barbara M. Britton

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Today’s Wednesday Writers guest is Biblical fiction author Barbara M. Britton. Barbara will be talking about saying “Good-bye” to her characters. be sure to check out the book excerpt at the end of the post. Welcome, Barbara!

Faith Among The Faithless: Saying Good-bye to Historic Sisters

by Barbara BM. Britton

A few weeks ago, I said farewell to five historic sisters. The daughters of Zelophehad were a recent new-to-me Bible story. How had I missed these brave sisters in Scripture? Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah were orphans who went before an assembly of men and asked to inherit their deceased father’s land. To his credit, Moses sought God, and God said the girls were right. If a man died without a son, his daughters could inherit his land. How had I missed this story? (Numbers 27:1-11)

I was going to leave these sisters before the battle of Jericho and only write a single book, but their story became three books. I followed these historic girls through the book of Joshua. While their initial story is in the book of Numbers, these girls are mentioned in Joshua 17:3-6 where they remind Joshua of their inheritance. Bold? Maybe. Though these girls would need to be strong in their faith for their tribe settled in Canaan where kings had been slain, but faithless people remained.

In my final book “Claiming Canaan,” I show what it might have looked like to settle among a people who do not know God. Milcah, the lead sister in the final book, has to navigate being a landowner and staying true to God without compromising her faith. Milcah chops down wooden carvings of false gods on her land. She doesn’t accept coins with foreign gods inscribed in the metal. She allows widows and orphans to glean on her land but insists that no idols are brought on her land and that names of false gods are never uttered among her plants. Remaining faithful to God takes work.

Even today, our world has been drawn away from God and His promises. Many have followed the lies of Satan and the empty promises of media, music, and mankind. Our idols have become status, wealth, power, beauty, and the list goes on and on. I am heartened that during recent events, many have spoken God’s name and given witness about their faith.

The theme for my daughters of Zelophehad series is “Go Forth With God.” As unmarried women in Bible times, these sisters embraced God who is their true Father. I placed them on land where their faith could be a beacon to the godless. My hope is that their faith is a beacon to us today.

What idols do you see people following today?

 

 “Claiming Canaan: Milcah’s Journey.”

Biblical Fiction from the book of Joshua.

by Barbara Britton

When the tribal elders make marriage a requirement for claiming her land, Milcah bat Zelophehad must find a betrothed straightaway. The only problem in finding a husband is that all her suitors were slain while conquering the land of Canaan. Men avoid her in order to stay alive.

After praying to God to send her a bold suitor, a man from her father’s clan plummets from a tree right on top of her. Is this God answering prayer, or a foolish antic by Eli, the war-scarred brother from one of her clan’s rival families?

Will settling in Canaan sort out Milcah’s troubles, or have her woes just begun?

Excerpt:

Milcah and her sister Tirzah venture into the pagan city of Megiddo searching for jars…

Before Milcah could balance her basket of grapes on her hip, women gathered round her and Tirzah. Some reached at the clusters with bony fingers. They clutched coins barely larger than a plump raisin. Hoglah would have no problem selling her cakes in the city.

Eager, or desperate, the women pushed closer. A barterer held a coin in front of Milcah’s face. The image of a false god scowled from the bronze.

Milcah’s cheeks burned hotter than a bad sunburn. “Do not take their coins, Tirzah. Not if there is a false god etched onto them.”

“There are so many hands.” Tirzah’s back pressed against Milcah’s. “How will I know?”

Milcah held her basket over her head. “Do not pay with images of your gods. We serve the One True God.”

“We need jars.” Tirzah slapped at an overzealous woman. “Didn’t you hear? Jars.”

On tiptoe, Milcah cast a glance and saw Eli engaged in a brisk conversation with a merchant.

Hurry.

Milcah shook her head covering and flailed her arm like one of Tirzah’s tantrums.

“Bring us jars or something to trade.”

A full-faced woman with a brightly embroidered robe pushed to the front of the raucous crowd.

“I have what you seek. Come.” The woman smiled with teeth as thick as a mosaic tile. “Over here.” She waved for Milcah and Tirzah to follow.

With Tirzah clutched to her clothing, Milcah dipped past wide turbans and dodged scurrying children toward a table loaded with sandals, pouches, and leather bracelets designed like the ones Noah wore.

Their impressive shiny-haired leader whisked back a curtain and displayed three tall vessels, identical to the ones in the storehouse. This woman or her husband had ventured outside of the city and traipsed across the vineyard.

Before Milcah could ask the price, a shriek rose above the din of the marketplace.

Want to read more? You can purchase “Claiming Canaan” on Amazon or wherever books are sold. Libraries can order the series too.

About the Author

Barbara M. Britton lives in Southeast Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She is published in Biblical fiction and enjoys bringing little-known Bible characters to light in her stories. Look for Barb to venture into Christian Historical fiction in June with “Until June.” Barb is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Romance Writers of America and Wisconsin Romance Writers of America. Barb has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate.

Find out more about Barb and her books on her website, Twitter, and Goodreads.