Heather Greer's Blog, page 10

My True Love Gave to Me: Christmas Book Review

As promised, here is my second Christmas Book Review of the season for My True Love Gave to Me. This short story/novelette by Karen Witemeyer is a historical, western romance. It’s available on Amazon, and I’ll put the purchase link at the end of my review.

I always enjoy Karen Witemeyer’s writing, though I’ll be the first to admit I’ve not read every book the author has available. When I saw an advertisement for this one, I knew it would be perfect to give away a couple copies to two of those who were helping me launch my own Christmas book. However, since I know I like her writing style and I love Christmas stories, I had to purchase a copy of this one for myself.

My True Love Gave to Me is like the best Christmas cookie with a side of rich, hot chocolate. You don’t gorge yourself on them. You eat a few while your cocoa is hot and have a moment of peace sitting in front of the Christmas tree. You can’t stay there all day, but that’s okay. You’ve gotten all the best parts of the season in one small moment.

Karen Witemeyer has given readers that cookie and cocoa moment in this fun Christmas story. While I could easily see it being developed into a full novella, I appreciate how the author created this completely satisfying story that can be enjoyed in a single sitting, a few moments of Christmas peace.  My True Love Gave to Me is a quick, easy read full of fun and creativity. It’s perfect for when you need a break from the demands of the Christmas season. A five star-Christmas read you won’t want to miss.

Get your copy: My True Love Gave to Me

The post My True Love Gave to Me: Christmas Book Review appeared first on Heather Greer.

Choose Your Own Adventure: Wednesday in the Word

Do you remember Choose Your Own Adventure books? I don’t know if they came out or just became popular when I was growing up, but everyone wanted to read them. The idea that with a simple choice, the story could pivot in an unexpected way captured the attention of reading children everywhere. I loved Choose Your Own Adventure books. It never read the same way twice.

Of course, I find that with regular books too. Something that jumps off the page at me now, I might have missed completely ten years ago. I’m a different person now. Of course, I gravitate to certain elements more than I used to. It’s only natural. But that’s different than the excitement that came when reading the Choose Your Own Adventure books.

With those, each choice had a consequence. (Maybe we NEED these books in the hands of our children and even adults today, as that seems to be a hard concept to grasp.) Oh my disappointment, when three pages in, I’d already killed off my main character due to poor decision making. But the disappointment didn’t last. I could start all over. Choose a different path, a better path.

My quiet time reading of 1 Samuel 24 reminded me of the old Choose Your Own Adventure books. David, hiding in a cave with his men, is faced with a choice. God has already told him Saul (the king who wanted to dispatch with David so David couldn’t assume the throne instead of Saul’s family) is going to be delivered into his hand and the kingdom will be his. The prophet has already anointed David. There is no doubt that David will one day be king.

So, hiding in this cave because Saul is trying to kill him, David is handed the opportunity of a lifetime. The man seeking to kill him saunters into the cave to … well, to answer nature’s call. Could not have been a comfortable situation for David and his men being essentially forced to stay in the restroom with Saul. Gross. But I digress.

Anyway, David’s men remind him that God has already promised to deliver Saul into David’s hand. THIS is that time. Kill Saul. Assume the throne. Let God’s plan be realized and allow himself and his men to come out of hiding.

At that moment, David could have done exactly what his men proposed. God had spoken. This situation seemed God ordained to deliver on God’s promise. The enemy literally strolled into David’s hiding place and was preoccupied enough to give David time to kill him. The deadly game of hide and seek would end. And I believe, based on God’s previous promise, David could have done so without wandering into the realm of sin.

But David went beyond hearing God’s promise and simply going with it. He relied on that still voice inside that said he would not have a clear conscience if he killed the man God had appointed to the throne. Essentially, he listened to the Spirit to know there was a better path available if he would only take it.

If David killed Saul at that point, none of Saul’s loyal men would have been pleased with David’s assuming the throne. They would have seen this evil man, bent on the death of their true king, finally gaining the upper hand. And, as David himself stated, his own conscience would have convicted him. Face it, David only cut off the corner of Saul’s robe, and he still felt bad about it.

By refusing to choose the quick and easy path, David accomplished something bigger than ascending the throne. When he confronted Saul with the truth of the mercy shown him that day, Saul, in front of those following him, admitted David’s innocence toward him. He acknowledged, in front of those present, that David would one day hold the throne. David showed all in attendance that he was not the enemy as Saul told them. He showed strength of character that would go a long way in securing the people’s loyalty.

I believe David could have taken either path and been in the right. But I also have no doubt he chose the best path.

How often do we, do I, look at something God has said or some leading God has placed on my heart, see the circumstances align perfectly and then rush to act without a further prayer for God’s best to happen? Am I assuming that because I’ve felt the call to go one way and then seen situations work out to make that happen, that I am to go that direction? Do you?

Do you assume every open door is the right door to His purpose? Or do you pause long enough to ask God if this possible way is His best way to accomplish the purpose He has for you?

I don’t want to be guilty of staying when I should be going. But I also don’t want to jump the gun and take the less perfect path to the place God is leading. In everything I do, I want His will. I don’t want to Choose My Own Adventure. I want to Choose God’s Best Adventure for me. What about you?

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Christmas Time is Here: Mama Dated Santa Review

Christmas time is here! At least, it is in my reading. I know we still have Thanksgiving, and I don’t want to overlook that. But I find way more books about Christmas than I do about Thanksgiving. Though if you know of any great Christian fiction books set around Thanksgiving, you can drop them in the comments. I’m always in the market for a good Christian fiction set around a holiday. They’re so much fun.

But until your recommendations start pouring in, Christmas time is here! I’ll be watching all the holiday movies on tv, and I’m sure I’ll post my top new movies at some point. So far, I’m waiting for a standout, either from Hallmark or Great American Christmas. And I’m going to kick off my Christmas book reviews today with Mama Dated Santa by Amy R. Anguish.

Mama Dated Santa is the newest release from Amy R. Anguish and is published through Scrivenings Press. (Just a heads up, over the last month, Scrivenings Press released several Christmas related books. Mama Dated Santa is joined by A Gift for All Time novella collection, Chiseled on the Heart novella collection, True Blue Christmas (a Christmas mystery), and Reflecting on Christmas Past (my devotional and memory journal).You can find out more about these books on the Scrivenings Press website under new releases. Here, I’ll make it easy for you: SCRIVENINGS PRESS NEW RELEASES

Now, my review of Mama Dated Santa. For those who might be concerned that the book treats Santa as a living, breathing human, you can relax. The Santa in this story is a store Santa, not a magical being with flying reindeer. In fact this Santa is in a family run toy store which is a lot of fun. And from what takes place in this toy store, it sounds HUGE. I would’ve loved a toy store like that growing up.

But the store has seen better days. Trudy notices that immediately when taking her nephew to see their Santa. But Nick, the store manager, doesn’t see the issue. He’s too busy worrying about the bigger issue of finances and doesn’t understand one may impact the other. When the store Santa hears her name, he immediately recognizes it. Come to find out, he dated her mom before her mom met her (now deceased) father.

I’d say fate makes Nick and Trudy workmates over the next few weeks, but that wouldn’t be true. It’s a meddling mom and uncle. They determine Trudy is the perfect person to help revitalize the store and save it from closing forever. Nick is not so sure.

Trudy and Nick have different ways of looking at things, but there’s also attraction. They disagree often, and each is concerned for what they see as the other’s lack. They’re also equally determined to help the other overcome their deficit.

I absolutely loved Nick and his uncle. They aren’t perfect people, but I could see them running a local store in my hometown and being friends with everyone they meet. I also loved Trudy’s can-do attitude. She’s creative and quickly see the store’s issues and intuitively know what is going to fix them. Is she arrogant about that? No. She has her doubts like any of us would, but she’s not afraid to work to see her ideas come to life.

Though I know we all grieve differently, her grief over the loss of her father is great, and at times, it pushes her to react in ways I found childish. This is the only thing that kept me from loving her as unreservedly as I do Nick, but it did add layers of conflict to the story that would not be there otherwise. It also didn’t keep me from fully enjoying this story.

In the end, Trudy and Nick want to see each other freed from the things holding them back from completely enjoying Christmas and life in general. But they don’t force each other. They lovingly provide opportunities for growth, and I think that’s great. While I wouldn’t call this an enemies to lovers story, I would call it an almost-enemies to lovers story. And because it’s a fun, quick Christmas read that puts readers in the Christmas mood, I give Mama Dated Santa five stars.

Get your copy here: Mama Dated Santa on Amazon

My next Christmas Time is Here book: My True Love Gave to Me by Karen Witemeyer (unless life changes my plans).

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The Mermaid’s Tale Review: On Tour with Celebrate Lit

The Mermaid’s Tale Review

About the Book

Book: The Mermaid’s Tale

Author: L. E. Richmond

Genre: YA Fantasy Retelling

Release Date: October 10, 2023

A Tail Could Tell a Tale

Locklyn Adair has never fit in. The legs she inherited as a result of her great-great-grandmother’s curse make it impossible for her to belong under the sea. When her niece is also born without a tail, Locklyn is determined to save her from similar rejection by sending her to the only place in the Undersea Realm where legs are acceptable – the Lost Island of Atlantis.

Darin Aalto would do anything to protect his family, even spearheading an impossible quest to find treasure that has been lost for over a hundred years. But when his best friend, Locklyn, joins his crew, his ability to keep her safe—and his shot at winning her heart—comes perilously close to being swept away.

A family curse, lost treasure, unrequited love, and a race against time intertwine as Locklyn and Darin seek to save their family, their kingdom, and eventually the entire Undersea Realm without losing each other.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY THE MERMAID’S TALE REVIEW: Let me start at the beginning. Literally. I love, LOVE this cover. It draws you in immediately. And the premise of the story is great. The new take on the familiar Little Mermaid is imaginative and fresh. The undersea world is well created and laid out vividly for readers. Other reviews have mentioned the cliffhanger ending, and while I would’ve like a little more wrapped up in this story (I felt almost everything was left up in the air), I don’t mind a cliffhanger. The story is interesting enough that I will want to find out what happens next. I also enjoyed the characters and the undersea mythology the story is built on. 

There is only one negative I had in reading this story. The heroine is written in first person and the hero in third. This makes the story-telling (not the story itself) a bit disjointed for me and hard to just sit back and take in. The difference was especially noticeable to me because I felt the author was stronger in the third person than the first. I felt there were quite a few times in first person that information was told to me instead of worked into the dialogue or action of the chapters.

That being said, I was drawn into the story by the time I was a few chapters in, and the plot and twists on the original tale were strong enough to keep me reading until the end. I look forward to reading the next book and seeing where the author takes her mermaid’s tale. I give this book three stars, though if I could, it would be three and a half. Definitely an enjoyable book, worth the read.

About the Author

L.E. Richmond was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest by an American composition teacher and a German bookseller. Her childhood consisted in a large part of imagining stories for her Playmobil characters and checking out as many books from the library as her family could fit on six library cards. Now she spends her time chasing two blonde baby boys, reading aloud to the hazel-eyed young man who has her heart, and attempting to transfer the stories in her head into words for others. Her passion is for words and stories that thrill the soul and she is continually amazed by the One who crafted the most epic story of all time.

 

 

More from L.E.

I am a discovery writer, so when I first started The Mermaid’s Tale, I knew only the general plot and that the romance would be between the main character and the older brother of her brother-in-law.

The catalyst for this choice came from a novel published in England in 1815.

Darin Aalto, famous treasure hunting Merman from the Mediterranean, was inspired by none other than Mr. Knightley from Shropshire. He, like Jane Austen’s hero, is kind, experienced, confident, and attentive to the needs of others. On the other hand, my heroine, Locklyn Adair, is not much like Emma Wodehouse, struggling with a lack of confidence rather than the overabundance which plagues the young mistress of Hartfield.

Even though Locklyn differs greatly from Emma in temperament, she shares one marked similarity with her – a deep devotion to her sister’s children. In fact, it is to save her niece from the rejection which legs bring to Mermaids that leads Locklyn to encourage Darin to claim a disputed treasure which in turn leads to hostility from the warrior queen of a neighboring kingdom which leads to a duel to the death which leads to . . . You’ll have to read the book to find out.

Blog Stops

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 19

Madi’s Musings, October 19

By the Book, October 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 21

Denise L. Barela, October 21

Texas Book-aholic, October 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 23

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 25

Inklings and Notions, October 26

Life, Love, Writing, October 27

Blogging With Carol, October 27

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 28

Labor Not in Vain, October 29

Holly’s Book Corner, October 30

Simple Harvest Reads, October 31 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 1 (Author Interview)

Of Blades and Thorns, November 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, L.E. is giving away the grand prize package of hardcover copy of The Mermaid’s Tale and a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/28799/the-mermaid-s-tale-celebration-tour-giveaway

The post The Mermaid’s Tale Review: On Tour with Celebrate Lit appeared first on Heather Greer.

Main Character Monday Interview with Trudy McNamara

Welcome to today’s Main Character Monday interview with our guest, Trudy McNamara. Trudy is the main character in Amy R. Anguish’s new release, Mama Dated Santa. And as a bonus for today’s interview, one commenter who answers the question at the end of this post or asks Trudy/Amy a question in the comments will receive an eBook copy of Love Delivered, one of Amy R. Anguish’s novella collections. Just comment by October 23rd to be entered in the drawing. US entrants only.

Now let’s get started with this Main Character Monday interview by welcoming Trudy McNamara. Trudy, can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m from Austin, TX and I work with companies to help them market and grow.

Okay. Looks like you’re sticking with just the facts. So, let’s branch out here. Tell me something about you that readers may find surprising.                                                                       I used to love Christmas, but my joy in the holidays basically died the same day my dad did, five years ago. It’s just too hard to get in the spirit without him.

Loss can really reshape our traditions and celebrations. I understand that. I like to get to know my guests through some of their favorite things. What is your favorite Bible verse and why?                                                                                                                                                  Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” I love the idea that God is an artist who created us to do good things. As an art-lover myself, it makes me feel closer to God.

Isn’t it great that we serve a God who let’s us know Him through the things we enjoy? Is there a person from the Bible that you relate to most?                                                                           For the last few years, Job. No one seems to understand me as I mourn the loss of my dad, not even the rest of my family. It makes me want to shout at God sometimes, like Job did.

I think most of us can probably relate to that feeling. The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Is there one of these characteristics you find is easier to show than the others?
Joy. I know that sounds funny considering everything I’ve said so far, but I really am a happy
person most of the time. I love seeing potential and delight in simple pleasures.

It’s not strange to hear that. Grief colors things for a while, but who we are at our core is still there. Is there one that is more challenging than the others?                                                   Patience. Isn’t that everyone’s weakness?

I tend to think so. You hear of people with the “patience of Job”, but I’ve run into relatively few of those in my life. If you could give one message to those reading this interview, what would you tell them?                                                                                                                                            Be careful what stores you go into at Christmas-time. They might just change your life.

Hmm. That is definitely advice we’ve not heard in my interviews before. But now, I’m intrigued at this concept of a life changing trip to the store. I can’t wait to read your story and find out how this happens. Before I let you go, I have a couple just for fun questions and some rapid fire questions to give readers a look into Trudy as a person. Ready? Here we go. If you could visit just one place your entire life, where would you go?                       I’ve always wanted to go explore the Smithsonian. Does that count as one place considering there are several different buildings?

I think we’ll count it. If you could choose one talent you don’t already have, what talent would you choose?                                                                                                                                        Music. I can sing okay, but I’ve always wanted to do something more. Not up on stage or anything. Just
for me.

Dark or Milk Chocolate? Dark
Beach or Mountains? Beach
Sweet Tea or Lemonade? Sweet Tea

And one final question I always like to leave my readers with. If you, Trudy McNamara, were asked to describe your author, Amy R. Anguish, in only three words, what words would you choose?
Pushy, Ironic,Creative

Thank you for joining me today. I’m sure readers are anxious to find out more about your story, Mama Dated Santa which releases tomorrow, October 16, 2023. Lucky for them, they can find out more. In addition to the description below, they can also click on the link to read the first three chapters of the book for free. And since I know they’ll want to get their own copy after reading those, I’ve also included a link to purchase the book. 

More about Mama Dated Santa:

Trudy McNamara doesn’t do Christmas anymore. But she will do anything for her nephew Mark, even
take him to visit Santa. After Dad died and the holiday bucket lists stopped, December hasn’t been the
same. But Trudy finds herself tangled up with the toy store Santa and Christmas when she discovers her
mom … dated Santa.

Nick Russo, manager of Russos’ Toy Emporium, is at a loss as to how to save his family’s store. When
Uncle Paul, the Santa and part-owner, hires Trudy to revamp their store, Nick’s life turns upside down.
He’s been so focused on the numbers, the Christmas season has become nothing more than one last
drive for sales. But Trudy makes him re-evaluate his attitude as well as want to help hers.

Can two holiday-haters renew their love for the season … and more?

Read the first three chapters here

Purchase Mama Dated Santa here

More About Amy R. Anguish

Amy R Anguish grew up a preacher’s kid, and in spite of having lived in seven different states that are all south of the Mason Dixon line, she is not a football fan. Currently, she resides in Tennessee with her husband, daughter, and son, and usually a bossy cat or two. Amy has an English degree from Freed-
Hardeman University that she intends to use to glorify God, and she wants her stories to show that while Christians face real struggles, it can still work out for good.

Follow her at http://abitofanguish.weebly.com or http://www.facebook.com/amyanguishauthor

Learn more about her books at https://www.pinterest.com/msguish/my-books/

GIVEAWAY QUESTION (answer this question to enter the giveaway or ask Amy or Trudy a question for your entry into the drawing): How far are you in your Christmas shopping for this year?

 

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Reflecting on Christmas Past

It’s release day for Reflecting on Christmas Past, and I’m excited to finally be able to share it with you. 

This is my first devotional book, but it’s more than your typical devotional. In addition to the 31 daily readings, there are reflection pages for each section. These were created to help readers pause and really think about what has made an impact in their celebrations of past Christmases.

In looking back, I hope Reflecting on Christmas Past encourages readers to put more of what matters into this year’s holiday. Who doesn’t want to lessen the stress and exhaustion in exchange for meaning and peace?

I’ve also created annual journaling pages so the devotional can be used year after year. When full, it holds record of the things that have meant the most to you over the years at Christmas. The book will serve as a reminder to keep putting meaning into your Christmas seasons.

There’s even a “how to” section for hosting a Reflecting on Christmas Past event for your church’s women’s ministry. Working through the devotional as a group will encourage members to grow closer as, together, they focus on the most meaningful Christmas traditions and activities.

If you’re not sure about Reflecting on Christmas Past, you can check out three of the devotions here:

Read three devotions for free

If you’re ready to purchase your copy of Reflecting on Christmas Past, you can order the eBook or paperback (I encourage the paperback for ease in journaling. But the eBook can be used with a separate blank journal or notebook) here:

Buy the book here

 

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Meet the Author Monday: Mary Pat Johns

Welcome to Meet the Author Monday with my guest, Mary Pat Johns. Mary Pat’s debut novel just released, and I am excited to speak with her today. I know you’re going to like this look into why she does what she does. Plus, you might even get a few peeks into her story, Countin’ On Jesse.

Let’s get started. Mary Pat, why don’t you tell us a little about yourself. 

Countin’ On Jesse is my debut novel, book one of the Valiant series. When our son returned from deployment in Afghanistan, God put it in my heart to tell stories of brave veterans and their reintegration into civilian life after suffering the traumas of war. As I kept writing, my focus generalized to include ordinary people who learn how to move forward after devastating events. All of my writing includes a strong spiritual thread.

I live in South Texas with my husband and our two dapple dachshunds. Our grown children and five grandchildren are useful sorts who keep me grounded with my reading/writing obsession. You can find me at the gym, at my computer, or reading a good book.

What a great reason to begin writing. I’m sure your son appreciates the honor you’ve given him in that. As a debut novelist, what are your most fun, most feared, and most tedious parts of being an author?

The fun part of being an author is when people tell you how much they love your books. It makes it worth the struggle. What I fear the most is writing a bad or mediocre book. I want all my books to be the best they can be so my target audience will want to read them. The most tedious part of being an author is working on line edits and the galley proofs because it’s so stinkin’ easy to make a mistake.

Mistakes do happen. It seems no matter how much you read and re-read, mistakes are missed. As for your writing process, do you have a scripture that guides or inspires you in your writing life?

For years, I stumbled over creating a tagline. Then one day I realized all of my books have themes of rescue and redemption. 2 Timothy 4:18 reiterates these themes: “The Lord will rescue me from every evil (deed), and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

What do you wish you knew about being an author before you joined the ranks?

I didn’t know it would take several years of practice for my writing to achieve the professional level needed for traditional publication. LOL. I might  have blasted past my fears sooner if I had known.

We all need people to cheer us on. Who is your biggest cheerleader in your writing life?

My husband isn’t a writer, but he has steadfastly supported my desire to write and be published. He’s also good with action scenes. For instance, when I was writing about a character who drove a motor scooter, he helped me through the logistics of how she ran off the road and her ensuing injuries.

What can readers expect when they pick up one of your books?

Action. Surprises. Fun. Humor. And a rattlin’ good love story.

We talked about the most fun, scary, and difficult things as an author. But have you ever faced discouragement as an author? If so, how did you deal with it?

Discouragement is the unwanted pest who flies around our thought lives, trying to inoculate us with the “I can’t” and “if only” mentalities. I boot out those type of thoughts regularly, but they can be persistent. If swatting them away doesn’t work, then I focus on Scripture—they hate that. LOL.

Swat away discouragement with scripture. Great advice. Other that the Bible, can you tell us one fiction book that’s impacted your life and why it’s been so important?

Surprisingly enough, Jane Eyre has had a marvelous impact on my life and writing. The hero, Mr. Rochester, is quite flawed, but repents and finds redemption. And Jane, the main character, has “irregular features,” which was a nice way of saying she’s ugly. That story, more than any other, helped support my conviction that every person has intrinsic worth, value, and the right to love and be loved.

That is a wonderful message to leave our readers with today. And while you weren’t speaking specifically of it, I’d like to remind our readers that they are loved. Even if they feel alone or rejected, God loves them. I pray someone shows each one His love today.

Thank you Mary Pat for joining me today.

Readers, I hope you  have enjoyed this Meet the Author Monday featuring Mary Pat Johns. I’ve enjoyed getting to know her a little more, and I’m looking forward to reading Countin’ on Jesse, her debut novel.  Keep reading to find out more about this new release and where you can get your copy.

ABOUT THE BOOK: Peeps’ gym owner Jesse seeks accreditation. Accountant Brenna wants to help Jesse and Peeps more than anything. They’re a great team, but can she count on him when trouble strikes?

Accountant Brenna McKinley only wants what’s best for Peeps, the wildly popular gym in Valiant, Texas. But when money goes missing, and she’s the obvious suspect, will she be able to clear her name or face criminal charges? Keeping her dream job matters but falling in love with her boss isn’t part of the plan. Neither is the creepy guy stalking her.

Young veteran Jesse Jacobs manages and co-owns Peeps, an exercise facility in Valiant, Texas. He needs help to gain accreditation for the gym, and his new accountant is all in. But is she who she seems? Too bad he’s falling for her like a man with no parachute. When the pressure builds, PTSD renders him moody and volatile, risking everything he loves.

READ THE FIRST THREE CHAPTERS OF COUNTIN’ ON JESSE FOR FREE

GET YOUR COPY OF COUNTIN’ ON JESSE

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Life Stages and Changes

This week I’ve thought a lot about life stages and changes. My husband turned fifty yesterday. I tease him that he’s SO much older, but really, I’m only a few birthdays behind. We’ve been married for over half of our lives. That’s a lot of stages we’ve gone through. Dating, newlyweds, parents of toddlers, parents of teenagers, semi-empty nesters.

Our newest stage feels like a reset to our toddler raising days. For his birthday, my husband got a puppy. Talia Rose is going to be an inside dog. Inside dogs need training. I’m home with the little tornado by myself for most of the day, every day. She’s cute, but she can wear me out. I just can’t let her wear me down. I really want her well-trained and obedient in the end.

Don’t let her fool you. She isn’t as cute and innocent as she looks in the pictures. She’s currently chasing the cat while I’m sitting on the porch trying to write. But I really didn’t want to get on here and talk about Talia today. I wrote about her last post. You can check it out at the link below  if you want to know more.

A Puppy Kind of Day Blog Post

Whether you want to call them stages or season or life changes, we all go through them. Some, like moving from engaged to married, we eagerly go into. Others, like maybe turning fifty, make us pause and evaluate all the stages up to this new point. In ten years, some of our stages we will look on as fond memories. Others may make us cringe and pray we never go through them again.  Eventually, we may be able to look back at these harder stages without the cringe. Over time, they may lose some of their sting.

We know it hurt, and we definitely don’t want to revisit that pain. But that pain is a little muted as time goes on. And, if we allow God to work in us through the pain, shaping our character through the circumstances, we may even be able to look back one day and see some blessings despite the difficulties. I know as I look back at the hardest times of my life, those things I thought might destroy me still weigh heavy at times. But they don’t hold me captive as they once did. The pain doesn’t take my breath away like it did when I was going through the stage or even shortly after leaving it. And I have the added blessing of being able to see some of the things God grew in me through those stages, ways He’s used my stage to help others.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.”

It doesn’t take away the pain of the unwanted stage. But it can bring a measure of peace as you work through it. Hope that one day this stage will be over and when it is, God will have grown His good in you as you’ve allowed Him to work in you through the circumstance.

An Exciting New Stage

This year, I’ve experienced a new, exciting stage in my writing life. In January, I released my first historical Christian romance book. Window of Opportunity is fiction full of romance and faith, but it is a departure from all the contemporary stories I’ve told. My first experience writing in the historical genre. As different as it was to write (so much research), I enjoyed it and love how the story turned out. If I have the opportunity, I wouldn’t mind writing another historical romance. That’s saying a lot, as I never enjoyed history classes in school.

But as we head into the final stretch of 2023, I’m getting ready for another new experience as a writer. On October 10th, my first devotional releases. Reflecting on Christmas Past is a 31-day devotional that looks at the first Christmas and at our own treasured Christmas memories to renew our focus on the things that bring the most meaning into our holiday season.

The devotional is divided into sections that each focus on a different aspect of Christmas. The sections include questions and space for reflection to aid readers in determining what means most to them in these areas. Special journaling pages keep your treasured memories from each year’s celebration in one place to look back as the years pass.

Reflecting on Christmas Past is meant to be used each year to help create Christmases that truly reflect the things that are most important and impactful to each of us in the Christmas season. It’s a way for us to be like Mary who “treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)

It’s fitting that my first devotional focuses on Christmas. Fall may be my favorite season in nature, but the Christmas season is my favorite time of the year. I love everything about it, from the spiritual significance to the traditions and decorations. But I want each Christmas to mean more to me than the last. I want how I spend each Christmas season to reflect what I find most important about the holiday and not simply add more to my to-do list. That’s what inspired Reflecting on Christmas Past, and I can’t wait for you to read it!

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A Puppy Kind of Day

It’s a puppy kind of day at my house.

You may think that’s a good thing. Puppies are cute and snuggly and so much fun. But that’s the sanitized version of puppies. That’s the version where you get to play with the puppy at a park or a friend’s house, and when you’re done, you leave.

The day to day reality of a puppy is a bit different. And it’s the reason why it’s not a pleasant thing to have a puppy kind of day.

Talia joined our family on August 10th. My husband has wanted a puppy for a long time, and we finally had the opportunity to get one for him. Of course, he’s at work all day and a lot of evenings. I’m the one who stays home. But we knew going into it that I would shoulder a majority of the load where puppy care was concerned. I wanted to do that for Andy. He’s supported me so much in my writing. I wanted to give back, even if it was in something as unnecessary as a puppy.

Adjusting is hard. Training is hard. Getting anything done with her under my feet and demanding attention most of the day is hard. Today, well, today’s is over-the-top hard.

Since Talia joined our family, I’ve not really done any of the things I enjoy. No crafting. No baking. Even my writing output has dwindled to next to nothing. Nothing if you don’t count opening the document and closing it again. I’m counting it. I need this win.

Today, I determined would be different. I’d been craving pumpkin chocolate chip muffins since the weather started to turn cooler. Muffins are quick. Shouldn’t be a problem. Right? Wrong.

No sooner did I get the muffins started than Talia decided it was time for a burst of energy. She commenced with chasing the cat around the house. My grumpy old man cat does NOT find that amusing. I semi-patiently worked around them, ignoring them as best I could. The muffins came out of the oven looking delicious. One went on a plate while I made a cup of tea.

Muffin and tea would make a great photo for social media. I wanted to post a recipe for my readers along with a picture. Besides, what better way to start the day than sitting quietly on my front porch in the cool morning air enjoying a fresh muffin and cup of hot tea. I opened the door. Talia shot out and around the side of the house.

Muffin and tea dropped onto the table outside. I ran inside for the leash. I barely made it out the door before Talia came running back up the porch. Fine. I’d get my picture and eat my muffin. It wouldn’t be as peaceful, but it would still be nice. Then, the grumpy old man cat joined us on the porch. I’d barely had time to snap a picture of my muffin.

Talia and the cat eyed each other for only milliseconds before Talia pounced. The cat swatted. The chase was on, again. Both zoomed back inside. I snatched my muffin, tea, and the unused leash from the table and came back inside. My breakfast sat, uneaten, in the kitchen while I dealt with Talia and the cat.

Finally under control, I went back to my muffin. Little did I know, my husband forgot to put out a puppy pad this morning. The dog found her pillow instead. It’s now in the washing machine. I don’t blame her for that one. And my husband cleaned that one up. Besides, I had a text I needed to answer and a post I’d inadvertently posted on the wrong Facebook page I needed to correct. My muffin would wait, again.

Everything with work back in order, I went to the kitchen right as my husband was leaving for work. Maybe now, I’d get to enjoy my breakfast. Talia struck again. She used the puppy pad this time but didn’t quite get herself fully on it. Andy took her outside, and I cleaned the mess.

Too full of energy after he left, Talia wasn’t going to let me get anything done. I grabbed her leash and decided to let her walk it off. After spending the next fifteen minutes exploring the yard, we came back inside. Talia went to sleep behind the bathroom door.

Finally. I went to the kitchen, removed the wrapper from my muffin, and prepared to take that first bite. The cat wrapped around my legs wanting food. I set her dish on the floor and went back to my muffin. As I take my first bite, Talia rushes from the bathroom and straight to the cat’s food dish. I rush to get it away from her, but she grabs it and food goes everywhere. I sweep it up.

Now that she’s awake again, I know I have no choice. I gobble up my muffin, not savoring even one bite. I wash it down with my, now, tepid tea. This is not the morning I wanted. It’s a puppy kind of morning.

And we all have them, whether we have a puppy in the house or not. Deadlines at work. Health issues that can’t wait. Cranky children. Ministry demands. Financial difficulties we didn’t expect. A phone call with less than pleasant news. One little thing can start the avalanche that makes a puppy kind of day for each of us. We look at perfect, smiling social media posts and think we’re the only ones.

We’re not.

Everyone has them. We need to be real about that. I’m not saying we need to be doom and gloom all the time. We just need to be real with each other. Be willing to share our puppy days with others. That’s where we find support and encouragement in our relationships. It’s where we’ll find our friends willing to pray us through it. That’s where we can find the strength to get through a puppy kind of day.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

Romans 12:15 “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”

1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”

 

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Back to School Multi-Author Giveaway

Hello Readers!

Kids are back in school and we are all getting back to our routines. To celebrate and to build up your TBR pile for you to use to have some R & R,  I have partnered with Celebrate Lit for a giveaway just for you! It even includes my book, Window of Opportunity.

Here is your chance to win 40+ books or a $500 Amazon card to buy a ton of books for yourself in Celebrate Lit’s Back to School Multi-Author Giveaway.

Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/26a15/2023-back-to-school

The giveaway is going on now through September 17.

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