Delia Latham's Blog, page 48

Interview: Dora Hiers

Welcome to My Book Bag, Dora. Please tell us a little about yourself. Who is Dora Hiers, the gal next door?

My wonderful husband, Ernie, and I have shared twenty-two awesome years. Our oldest son, John, married Lorie. We couldn't have handpicked a more precious daughter-in-law. They have blessed us with two beautiful grandkids, Kayla and Mason. Our youngest son, Scott, is a student at UNC Chapel Hill. Go Tarheels! We now make our home in Kannapolis, NC, after living most of our lives in FL.

I love spending time with my family, drinking my cup of café con leche in the morning, kicking back in my recliner with a good book, teaching 2nd graders in Sunday School, vacationing in the mountains, watching football, walking my dog at the park, turning the fireplace on for the first time in winter, the changing seasons (we never saw this in Florida!), and what else? Shopping!

I don't like traffic. Bad coffee. Or no coffee in the morning. A sad ending to a book. That's the absolute worst! My books always end with happily-ever-after's!

Sounds like you have a very full and happy life…I love that! How long have you been writing? Was there an "aha" moment when you knew that's what you wanted to do?

Since my son started middle school and didn't want me hanging out at school with him anymore. LOL. By then, I'd been a stay-at-home mom about three years and had spent most of my time alternating between two schools. My older son graduated, and my younger son moved to middle school. I knew I needed something more to fill my days. An avid reader, God planted a story idea that pinged around in my head for a few months until I finally confessed my desire to write to my husband. With his enthusiastic support, I started pounding out the story.

Isn't it wonderful to have a husband who is "enthusiastic" in his support of the thing you love to do? :) I know you're excited about your new release, Journey's End. Is this a debut novel, and what inspired you to write this book?

Yes, I'm extremely excited about the release for my debut novel, Journey's End! You know that God-planted story idea? This is it. Journey's End germinated with a seed from a newspaper article about a mobster, finally convicted years later.

What's your favorite scene from Journey's End? Can you share it with us?

Journey's End Excerpt:

"I suppose I should have been a vet." Chelsea stroked the dog's fur from his head all the way down his back, careful not to touch his wounded leg.

"Maybe. But I don't think you've wasted your energy or your talents as a guidance counselor. Teenagers can't seem to resist you, either."

That produced a full-fledged smile in his direction. Way to go, Colten!

"Remember that natural charm I warned you about?"

He threw back his head and laughed. "Yes. And after a few days in your presence, I'm inclined to agree with you."

He pulled into the veterinarian's parking lot and glanced her way, surprised to see her grinning. "What?"

"Saved by the vet."

Her words hit him like a piano dropping ten stories. She was flirting with him.

He took his time walking around to her side of the truck. He opened the door and leaned in, planting his hand on the seat next to her shapely legs. His face hovered inches from hers while he savored the way her wavy hair cascaded down her shoulders, the lips that curved in that always graceful way, and the eyes that spoke everything his heart wanted to hear.
Her eyes closed, and her lips parted slightly.

Trey snapped out of it. He couldn't do this. He was on the job. She didn't know the secrets he knew, the truth about her husband.

Her eyes startled open. As much as he wanted to partake and enjoy, he couldn't. He touched a silky curl framing her face and ran it through his fingers. "You need to know that right now I'm working. But there will come a time, soon, when I'm not."

Ooooh, I'm already hooked! As a reader, do you have a favorite author? What three books are next in your TBR queue?

Oooh, I have bunches of favorites, too many to name! But, as a new author to White Rose Publishing, I can't wait to read all the new books coming out and catch up on the ones I haven't read! WRP has a line-up of fabulous Christian writers, especially you, Delia! And if a book from Susan May Warren releases, it automatically makes it to the top of my pile.

What a sweet thing to say! Thank you. WRP does have an amazing number of talented authors. Do you have a favorite verse of scripture? If so, what makes it special to you?

Psalms 19:14 (NIV) May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

In everything I do ~ every thought that swirls around in my head, every word that comes from my mouth, every word I type ~ I want to glorify my Creator!

Amen and amen! I love that verse too. What one piece of writing advice has been most beneficial to you in developing your writing career?

To never give up. With each rejection letter, I cried, ranted, and stopped writing for a few months. Eventually, I'd pull out that piece of paper and look at it again with a fresh perspective. Every rejection offered constructive criticism on how to make my writing stronger and better. So, never give up because the feeling's ever so sweet when you get that affirmative email or phone call…

I can absolutely relate to the whole ranting and raving thing…! Where can readers find your books? Do you have a website, blog, etc.?

Find Journey's End at White Rose Publishing ~ http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/
Amazon.com ~ http://www.amazon.com/
Christianbook.com ~ http://www.christianbook.com/

Check out what's new on my website ~ http://dorahiers.com/
Blog with me at ~ http://dorahiers.blogspot.com/

It's been a pleasure having you on my blog today, Dora.

Thanks so much, Delia, for inviting me to My Book Bag. I've enjoyed my visit!


About Dora:

After a successful auditing career, Dora left the corporate world to be a stay-at-home mom to her two sons. Eventually, needing something more to fill her days, she started writing heart racing, God-gracing books that glorify her Creator. Dora belongs to the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Carolina Christian Writers.

Dora and her husband make their home in Kannapolis, North Carolina. When she's not writing, Dora enjoys spending time with her family, guzzling café con leche, kicking back in her recliner with a good book, teaching Sunday School, vacationing in the mountains, watching football, walking her dog, and did somebody say shopping?


Journey's End blurb:

Devastated after the brutal murder of her husband, Chelsea Hammond vows never to love another lawman. Intent on rebuilding her shattered life, she turns her focus to helping troubled teens. But when an angry father bent on retaliation, threatens her, Chelsea must turn to the one man she never thought to trust: Deputy U.S. Marshal Trey Colten.

Trey wants only to protect Chelsea, but she blames him for her husband's death.Trey can relate. He blames himself, also. As danger lurks, Trey begs Chelsea to heed his warnings. He let down one Hammond. He won't let down another—especially one who now holds his heart.

When Chelsea is snatched from her home, can she put aside her fear and trust Trey with her life? Can she forgive him for destroying her past and let him help to rebuild her future?

Where one journey ends, another begins…

Morning Rendezvous

I collected as many of my devotions and inspirational posts as I could find online and compiled them all into a little book. Kinda nice to have them all in one place.

A short collection of devotions and random musings by Inspirational Romance Author Delia Latham. Within its pages is a heaping heartful of love, hope, faith, encouragement...even a bit of humor. Grab your Bible and a cup of something warm and soothing. Make yourself comfortable, and come on in. Prepare to be blessed...

(Click on the cover art above to purchase the book. It's $7.50, and is also available on Amazon.com.)

New Release: Return to Me

by Deborah Pierson Dill

Leaving her was his worst regret. Returning to her is his only hope. Audrey Rhodes once walked the straight and narrow, but a terrible mistake changed the direction her life. Now former boyfriend and bad boy, Brent Thomason, is back in Blithe Settlement claiming newfound faith in God. Audrey's feelings for Brent haven't changed, but she has. Her life is in shambles. How can she be worthy of this new Brent's love?

Brent Thomason isn't proud of his past. Audrey had been his friend and his love, and he betrayed her. Now a veterinarian, he's returned home to work with Audrey's dad and make restitution for his misdeeds. Brent finds it's not so easy for people to accept his changed ways; still he must make things right with those he hurt, starting with Audrey.

As God directs their paths, Audrey discovers forgiveness is a two-edged sword...especially when she must first forgive herself. And Brent must accept God's will--even if it means losing Audrey a second time.

Available publisher-direct or through local and online booksellers.

COTT: Exciting News, Poll Results, plus...Fish in a Barrel?

When it comes to books, how easy are you to reel in? Do you swim against the current, requiring a strong line to tug you along? Or do you flow right in to a story's net? I admit I can be a stubborn swimmer. I've become a more critical connoisseur of fiction. Occasionally I'll abandon ship, but I'll usually still swallow a tepid plot even while making a face. It just takes more to make my knees go weak from the complex flavors of a novel. Writing chops get me baited. Strong plotline pulls me in. It's a magical moment when everything comes together perfectly and I'm happy to leap into the boat without resistance.
A couple weeks ago COTT put up a survey asking how long you give a book to reel you in. We received 54 responses! So today we're going to share those results and many of the comments that came in:

     11.1% of responders said one page
     35.2% said one chapter
     46.3% said until they lose interest
     7.4% said they finish every book they start, regardless of interest. (God bless 'em)

What do you think? Here are some of the comments we received: 

I know some stress the first paragraph and even the first line, but I don't want my reading to become fast food. Don't bore me with bad writing, but give me something to savor, something to enjoy for a while. Hopefully, my own writing will do the same.
I always try to give the author a chance, as some great books have slow beginnings.
I am the eternal optimist! I keep thinking, "I know its gonna get better. I just know it." So I trudge along, supporting the author the best I can until finally...I can't go any further. I have noticed that I have a much more critical eye than I used to, though. So maybe my patience isn't quite as long as it used to be. I just hate to give up on ANYBODY!
I love it when I'm hooked in the first few pages. Definitely must be in first chapter. I no longer feel obligated to finish a book I can't get into. Twice this year I've chosen not to finish books that failed to hook me.

Thank you to those who participated in the survey--we love giving readers a voice! Throughout the week we will be interviewing our competing authors and collecting your names for our book giveaway so be sure and join us.
And now an exciting announcement:

We all knew it was coming...We at Clash of the Titles have had such fun getting to know new authors we decided to dive deeper into their novels. Join us in June when we launch a Clash of the Titles Book Club! Our first selection will be COTT Conqueror Karen Witemeyer's  A Tailor-Made Bride , available for free Kindle download in the month of May. Which means...no reason why absolutely everyone can't join, right?  (To download the free Kindle for PC, click here)

Keep up to date on Book Club News right here



Make it a great week, everybody!
bio: Michelle Massaro is a homeschooling mom and aspiring novelist, as well as Assistant Editor for the literary website Clash of the Titles . Connect with her on twitter @MLMassaro, facebook, and her blog Adventures in Writing

Interview: Marianne Evans

Marianne Evans

As promised, today we're chatting with author Marianne Evans. If you missed the previous two posts, you'll want to check 'em out, so you're on the same page with us today. It's worth it!

Welcome to My Book Bag, Marianne! I've been enjoying your Woodland Series, so I'm very excited about your special Easter release, A Face in the Clouds. Tell us about this book.
Delia, it's my pleasure and honor to be here – thanks so much for being an outstanding hostess and opening the doors of your wonderful blog!! I'm excited about the new release as well! A Face in the Clouds tells the story of a pragmatic 'show-me' kind of reporter who falls in love with a woman of faith who needs no quantifications in order to hold firm to her Christian belief system. Through the miracle of an artist's inspired work, their hearts are transformed forever.
I've read it, so I can truthfully say it is phenomenal. I absolutely loved it! How long have you been writing? Was there an "aha" moment when you knew that's what you wanted to do?

Delia, you're so sweet! Thank you for the support and encouragement! Writing is something I've loved to do for as long as I can remember. Seriously, back in grade school, I'd write and produce stories a chapter at a time and hand them out to my friends to read. They kept coming back for more, and I loved answering the call!

I'm sure you did! LOL What inspired you to write the Woodland Series? And what's next from you?

Oh, Delia, talk about an "ah-ha" moment!! For almost two years I had felt the call to write a Christian romance. I tried to come up with ideas, and never found one that grabbed me by the soul and demanded to be told. Also, I think there was a large part of me that just didn't feel 'worthy' of writing a Christian romance. God had other plans, I guess!

I was sitting next to the hubby at church one Sunday and I watched people coming forward for communion. As they did so, I had a true, God-touched epiphany. I studied their faces, and realized, these were all beautiful children of God. Each of them had a story, a journey of faith and love. The idea I had been searching for finally emerged. Not only did the story come to life – the Woodland Series was born.

And what a great series it is! I know this is not going to be easy, but… :D Of all the books in the Woodland Series, do you have a favorite scene? If so, please share it with us.

Wow! That's like asking a mom to pick a favorite child! I love so many scenes throughout the series! I'll provide one, but I just know, as soon as you post this interview I'll be going: "Well, shoot! What about this scene or what about that scene?" LOL!!! OK, then – here we go!

Let me ask a question first. Have you ever longed for a second chance? An opportunity to reclaim a love that got away? What if you were once the queen of the school – the one most likely to succeed? What if your life didn't turn out the way you planned – and you ended up having to leave everything behind except your four-year-old daughter? What if you held in your hands, the heart of a boy, now man, who adored you for everything you are on the inside, not just your popularity and reputation? And what if he was now a highly acclaimed Christian musician who hadn't forgotten you for even one minute?

Meet Amy Maxwell and Tyler Brock—you may remember them as teenage mission group members in Hearts Surrender—well, they're grown up now, and life's given them lots of surprises – good and bad. This is their reunion scene, so it's a sneak peek at Hearts Key, the concluding book of the Woodland Series. Enjoy!!

MARIANNE'S FAVORITE SCENE:

Amy took a deep breath. It was time to move forward, and act like the friend
she had always been. She made progress toward approaching Tyler.

He shook hands with members of his crew and received enthusiastic hugs of support. Then in came Rebecca. Tyler spotted his back-up singer immediately and grinned while she made a dash for his ready embrace. She gave a happy shout as he lifted her up, and spun her in a full circle.

"You were great," she enthused, her voice touched by the cadence of the south. "Honestly, what a show!"

"Inspired, wasn't it, Becs? It feels so good to be home!"

Amy's heart sank when she watched Rebecca peck both his cheeks and smile into his eyes. His dynamic colleague then greeted others around them and dissolved into the crowd of tour staffers. Amy winced, battling off turmoil, self-doubt, and inadequacy.

It was a battle she lost.

In that instant, her mature, straightforward intentions to say hello to Tyler vaporized. Hiking up her purse and camera strap, Amy kept a tight hold on them both as she turned to leave. She took a few steps toward the exit. This was senseless. Futile. She needed to bid this entire, world-rocking episode farewell. In the morning everything would be back to normal. In the morning she could—

"Seriously?"

Amy froze at the sound of the smooth and deep voice that carried with it just a touch of the South. She closed her eyes, and she trembled. Bad.

"You were seriously gonna leave without sayin' hello to me?" the voice continued.

She couldn't pull in a proper breath. Her heart skittered wildly. Red-hot heat crawled up the skin of her neck and ignited her cheeks, melting and burning in one fell swoop.

Bravely she turned around, her lips pressed tight, though she fought through it all to offer a tentative smile. "Hey, Tyler."

It was the best she could manage. His eyes were unspeakably gentle and tender. His attitude of warmth was so typical of the Tyler she had known, once upon a life. Amy welcomed that fact, and at the same time she was swept away by just looking at him.

"Hey, Amy," he greeted softly. His smile bloomed when he took her hands. A beat later, he drew her in for a long, tight hug that left her aching. He felt so hard, and strong. So wonderful. A lump formed fast in her throat—a bit of mourning, she supposed, for all she missed.

"I, ah, didn't want to interfere or anything." As soon as the words crossed her lips, she realized how lame they sounded.

Tyler kissed her cheek, and Amy went a bit dizzy. A bit weak at the knees. "You couldn't interfere if you wanted to." He leaned back and drew a fingertip against her chin; he looked deep into her eyes. "I've missed you."

Wow, wow, wow! Now I can't wait to read the whole book. That was dynamic! Thank you for giving us a sneak peek.

Now, what's the most touching/exciting/encouraging thing a fan has ever said to you about one of your books?

I heard from a widow of two years who read Hearts Surrender and was tremendously touched by Pastor Ken Lucerne's story of remerging from mourning following the death of his wife. The review and e-mail left me in tears because it impacted her at a very deep and personal level—what a precious gift her connection was to me!!

That's what it's all about, isn't it? Do you have a favorite verse of scripture? If so, what makes it special to you?

Oh, yes! Jeremiah 29:11 , which tells us: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Gives me chills every time I read it because, since God's word is Truth, we can hold fast to the knowledge that all things will work to the good! We are part of His plan—we are His precious children. As such, he wants us to be prosperous, full of hope, and to know he is giving us an eternal, perfect future with Him!!

Another "wow"! Great verse, Marianne, and wonderful interpretation. Where can readers find you and your books?

Please connect with me at:

www.marianneevans.com or www.marianneevans.blogspot.com and I have a Facebook readers page located at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Marianne-Evans/308711716744

Thank you for spending time with my readers and me on My Book Bag! We've loved having you.

New Release: A Face in the Clouds

I'm so excited to share the release of a wonderful Easter novelette by my friend and fellow White Rose author, Marianne Evans. Today, find out a little about the book. Tomorrow, come back for a chat with Marianne.

A FACE IN THE CLOUDS

Reporter Paul Hutchins is all about finding facts and uncovering the truth. Verification, authenticity and quantification are the fuel of his spirit…Until he falls in love with producer Sandy Pierson.

Sandy sees Christ alive in every aspect of her life. No need for quantified facts. Faith is the fuel of her spirit. But her love for Paul puts her at odds with God's call toward faith and all of its mysteries.

Paul considers Christianity to be well-meaning myth—hyperbole. To Sandy, it's everything—and she can accept nothing less from the man she loves. Can a miracle happen? Can the touch of God Himself keep their relationship from shattering?

EXCERPT

I know how deeply you feel things, Paul. You have a wonderful heart. That's part of why I love you so much. I'm torn in two about my feelings for you."

Sandy's declaration would have filled him were it not chipped and cracked by the impact of her doubts. <! --more-->

"Your reporter's instinct toward authenticity and revealing the truth is a big part of what I admire about you. There's nothing wrong with facing the world honestly, but you need to make room for a few other truths."

"Yes, and the fact that life holds as much mystery, and as many intangibles, as it does realistic things you can hold tight with both hands."

She wanted him to change. Right down to the soul.

Paul continued to study her. She was hurt enough that she had almost stepped away from attending tonight's event—out of a frustrated sense of love. Yet here they were—together—out of a frustrated sense of love.

And if he wasn't mindful of her beliefs, she'd step away from him.

Paul navigated the rapidly-filling parking lot of Woodland Church. Once they stopped, he killed the car engine and used a restraining hand to keep Sandy in place. He closed the space between them and gave her a kiss that lingered and thoroughly tasted. He felt the gesture ease a bit of the tightness in her shoulders and back.

"I'll keep an open mind, OK?"

She touched his face, and there was yearning in her eyes. "Keep an open heart. That's much more important."

AUTHOR BIO:

Marianne Evans is a multi-published author of contemporary romance novels. Her professional career began when Kensington Publishing purchased her book, Friends & Lovers. Her second offering, Right Hand Man, followed shortly thereafter. Her third release from Kensington, Hannah's Heart, won critical acclaim from reviewers and in the local media.

Her fourth book is her inspirational romance debut at White Rose Publishing—an award-winning novel entitled Hearts Crossing. Hearts Crossing led to the creation of a four-book Christian romance series: The Woodland Series. Book 2, Hearts Surrender, released in late 2010 with Books 3 and 4 – Hearts Communion and Hearts Key, slated for late 2011 and early 2012 release. A Woodland Series Bonus Story, A Face in the Clouds, is an Easter-themed short story, also from White Rose Publishing. Recent awards include:

Hearts Crossing:
Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence Finalist
CAPA Finalist
5-Star Review, The Romance Studio
5-Star Review, Coffee Time Romance

Hearts Surrender:
Christian Small Publishers Association Book of the Year Finalist
4-Star Review, Romantic Times Magazine
5-Star Review & Book of the Week, The Romance Studio
5-Klover Review & Recommended Read, Kwips & Kritiques

A lifelong resident of Michigan, Marianne is an active member of Romance Writers of America and the Greater Detroit RWA where she served the chapter in a number of capacities, but most notably for two terms as Chapter Treasurer and two terms as Chapter President. She also belongs to the Faith Hope and Love chapter of RWA, American Christian Fiction Writers and the Michigan Literary Network. Marianne loves to connect with readers ~ find her at:

www.marianneevans.com
www.marianneevans.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Marianne-Evans/308711716744

Review: A Face in the Clouds

by Marianne Evans


Paul Hutchins does not want the assignment. He's never been able to grasp the whole religion thing. Still, he agrees to cover "An Artist's View of Salvation and Grace" at Woodland Church. Executive Producer Sandy Pierson's faith is all-important to her, and Paul wants to give this lovely woman, at the very least, a nod of respect for that unapologetic, unwavering dedication.

He covers the artist missionary story, in short, because he loves Sandy. He's aware that his lack of faith threatens their evolving relationship, because Sandy won't share her life with a man who doesn't love God. Paul's heart is at risk, but the last thing he's willing to do is pretend to "get it"—not even for Sandy.

At that special Easter service, Paul watches a gifted missionary chalk her heart and soul onto canvas. Within the lines of her stirring depiction of Calvary, something amazing, powerful, and life-changing unfolds….

A Face in the Clouds is a beautiful, stirring, unforgettable love story—the love between a man and a woman, and the unequaled love of the Savior. The artist in this story uses her God-given talent to depict scenes that stir hearts and speak to souls. Marianne Evans does that too—without a paintbrush or a piece of chalk. This author's words are clearly derived from a solid foundation of prayer, dedication and a whole-hearted desire to touch readers with God's love. Every word in this short story is delivered with powerful impact. Do yourself a favor and do not miss A Face in the Clouds.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for more information about this amazing little book. Marianne will share a peek inside! The following day, we'll chat a bit with the author. Mark your calendar for the next couple of days, and bookmark this site so you don't lose your way!

Winner from Penny Zeller's interview comments

Thank you to all who left comments on Penny Zeller's interview!

The free copy of Kaydie goes to Ann Lee Miller. Congratulations, Ann! You will be hearing from Penny to make arrangements for receiving your copy of Kaydie.

(Ann's name was drawn from all the comments on Penny's interview.)

Clash of the Titles Winner

Naomi Musch and the opening paragraphs from her historical novel, The Green Veil .

CONGRATULATIONS, NAOMI!
Naomi takes the title in her clash against the very worthy runner-up, Karen Baney, author of A Dream Unfolding.

A snippet from Naomi's winning passage:
Colette's temples, neck, and shoulders. Behind her eyelids, everything blazed like a powder keg of dynamite going off inside her. Explosions roared and blasts glared - red, and now and then a streak of hot white. She stirred on the bed, and her satin dress rustled.
(read the full excerpt here)


Naomi says her best ideas come from overlooked portions of history she stumbles upon and in The Green Veil those include lumberjacks, land barons, and mill owners racing to control the pine lands in 1840s Wisconsin Territory. To read more about the book and find out what her favorite reads of the last year were, check out her interview ith COTT's Senior Editor April Gardner here.


What did readers have to say? A few comments from our voters:


"Excerpt A grabbed my heart. I found myself hurting for Colette, wishing there was something I could do to save her from her plight. Beautiful work."

"I wished I could pick both. I chose A simply because of the references to the book of Esther, one of my favorite accounts in the Bible."

"Wow, I really enjoyed that pine book."


Naomi responded to her win:

Oh WOW! Thank you to everyone at COTT for allowing me to be part of this month's clash, and for all those who stopped by and voted for either mine or Karen's book. What a way to start the Easter weekend!

There are two more Opening Hooks to vote on this week, so head over to Clash of the Titles and let your voice be heard! A free copy of each competing book will be given away to two lucky readers--you can increase your odds by voting, commenting, sharing our link, or joining our Blog Alliance. Tell us whose blog sent you here to give them an extra entry too!


Have fun!

bio: Michelle Massaro is a homeschooling mom and aspiring novelist, as well as Assistant Editor for the literary website Clash of the Titles . Connect with her on twitter @MLMassaro, facebook, and her blog Adventures in Writing

Guest Post: Shellie Neumeier

I want to extend a huge, very warm welcome to Shellie Neumeier. I know you'll enjoy her guest post today. Shellie's debut novel, Driven, released in March. A second book, The Wishing Ring, will be available in 2012.

Shellie Neumeier

I love this time of year. Not because its springtime—spring in Wisconsin could mean anything from hot and humid to snow and sleet. It's Easter. Cute fuzzy bunnies and yummy marshmallow chicks and don't get me started on the hard-boiled eggs—yum!

The best part of Easter has nothing to do with farm animals and breakfast food, though. When I think of Easter, I think of the greatest sacrifice ever made. The gift Christ gave us—life and love. And the story of Peter.

What? You don't think about Peter when you think on Easter? Maybe it's because I am like Peter—a bit overzealous, impetuous, and impulsive, and for me Peter's story puts the exclamation point behind the Easter story.

Consider this, if you were sitting among strangers waiting for word about Jesus, your best friend and someone everyone hated (as in to-the-death hated), would you have told three inquisitive souls you were His friend? Even if it meant being hated along with Jesus? Maybe even killed? I don't think I could have. I'd have been just as cowardly…as self-absorbed as Peter had been. And just as guilt ridden when the moment passed.

Easter didn't end there for Peter (or me). When Jesus returned, He walked up to Peter, who may have stood back from the group, maybe up against the wall like white-wash with his head hung low and his shoulders slumped.

"Do you love me?" Jesus asked Peter.

Can you picture it? At first Peter's answer may have come softly, but by the third request, he would have gained strength, confidence even.

"You know I do," he told Jesus.

As many times as Peter betrayed Jesus, Jesus gave Peter a chance to redeem himself. Sweet forgiveness. Yay! But it doesn't end there…

Jesus gives Peter a do-over.

"Then feed my sheep," Jesus says. Peter had a second chance to be a part of Jesus' team. To have purpose and dignity.

As if the incredible sacrifice Jesus gave on the cross was not enough, He followed it with this tender moment. So, if you find yourself hesitating to learn more about Jesus because you have junk in your past…it's cool. Jesus offers do-overs to those who love Him.

Happy Easter!

Author bio:

Married for over 20 years, Shellie and her husband have four wonderful kiddos and two goofy greyhounds. After receiving her undergraduate degree in Secondary Education from the University of Wisconsin—Madison, she went on to acquire an early childhood education certificate. Shellie also served in youth, children's, special needs and family ministries for over twenty-two years.

Now she enjoys teaching her teens how to drive and chauffeuring her preteens across the Wisconsin countryside. And once in a while, she loves to read big people books (you know the kind without pictures).

Shellie writes because it keeps her away from her husband's power tools and because every now and then, she doesn't have the choice, it just takes over. Her best inspiration comes from God and the occasional walk along a country road with her greyhounds.

http://www.shellieneumeier.com/

Blurb from Driven:

Robyn can't help but notice the handsome new guy at her school. She ignores, however, the arrival of another being at Brookfield Central High School—a demon assigned to destroy her…

Robyn loves her friends, enjoys her youth group, and looks forward to meeting cute Caleb Montague. But when a caustic news reporter challenges her school's prayer team, Robyn must choose: defend their right to meet on campus and pray for whomever they wish or back down at the principal's request.

Now she must learn what God wants her to do. And she had better learn fast, because there's a supernatural enemy in town whose sole mission is to stop her—no matter the cost.