Heather Greer's Blog, page 24

What I’m Reading: Perfectly Arranged

Sometimes life throws us an adventure. Depending on who you are, that can be exciting, scary, or both. I don’t know which it would be for me. I don’t think I’ve ever been handed an adventure by life.

Yes, I’ve known the adventure of marriage and family and ministry. But those everyday adventures aren’t what I’m talking about. I’m referring to moving out of the day to day, out of the comfortable place, out of the known, and into something new and different.

I’m talking about adventures like the one Nicki Mayfield takes in Perfectly Arranged by Liana George. Nicki’s goal in life to is have a plan and live by the plan. As a professional organizer, Nicki arranges the details of other people’s lives as much as she does her own.

But with a costly mistake, Nicki finds her plan of running a successful organizing business slipping through her fingers. When one last job opportunity arises, Nicki ends up working for an eccentric, wealthy woman who is more complex than she originally seems.

A mysterious business card surfaces, leaving Ms. O’Connor and Nicki with more questions than answers. With a need to reconcile the past, Ms. O’Connor decides she’s going to China, and she’s taking Nicki with her. It’s an adventure Nicki never dreamed for herself, and she’s not sure she wants. But she accompanies her employer and finds there’s more to the story. For Ms. O’Connor and for herself.

In the end, Nicki’s adventure is full of fun, but her story is also touching and beautifully told.

I don’t know that I’ll ever be faced with the choices Nicki had put in front of her. I’ve not even visited a third of the states, much less traveled to a foreign country. I’d love to, although China isn’t on my bucket list of places to tour. But even once she’s there, Nicki faces new adventure and new challenges. And it’s through facing these that she begins to realize more about God and herself.

I hope if adventure ever does come my way, I’ll let exciting overrule scary and take the plunge. Until then, I’ll enjoy the adventures of characters like Nicki Mayfield in Perfectly Arranged. 

What about you? What is the best adventure you’ve ever been on?

Perfectly Arranged releases on October 26, 2021. But you can pre-order your copy today! The ebook version is at a special pre-order sale price until release day.

The post What I’m Reading: Perfectly Arranged appeared first on Heather Greer.

Wednesday in the Word: Seasons Come and Go

“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22 ESV

It has begun. The annual war between summer people and autumn people.

Filling social media feeds everywhere are memes crying out for one last day in the pool, denouncing the likability of pumpkin spice anything, and criminalizing the early putting out of autumn decor in stores and on porches.

On the other side of the leaf covered fence are those memes praising the return of hoodies and flannel,  the first pumpkin spice (fill in the blank with any number of foods and drinks), and cooler temperatures and colorful leaves.

Spring and winter rarely get in on the action.

Winter gets a pass because of Christmas and New Years. Who doesn’t want a white Christmas? It’s what Hallmark movies are made of.

By the time spring has sprung, everyone is ready for the first blossoms to reach through the snow reminding us color does exist. They’re ready to shed layer after heavy layer of shirts and coats for a simply light jacket.

Fall to winter. Winter to spring. Spring to summer. They’re all friendly passers of the seasonal torch. Not like the bitter rivalry that takes place between summer and fall.

Personally, I live for fall. I love everything about it. I’m not built for heat, and summer saps my energy. The colors are great. The family friendly activities are wonderful memories. I do enjoy a good pumpkin or pumpkin spice whatever. Flannel is so comfortable. Hoodies are too. And nothing beats sitting on the porch each morning with a hot cup of tea, cider, or cocoa. Fall is so cozy!

I’m happy to see summer go, and I’d be thrilled to live in a place that was fall year round.

But we have seasons for a reason. And there are admirable aspects to each one.

Summer allows us to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables to enjoy at barbecues with our friends and family. Swimming and other water sports are best enjoyed when getting in the water won’t cause hypothermia. Oh, and ice cream and lemonade. I really don’t need to explain those.

Winter brings beautiful snow and the perfect reason to curl up with a good book. Hot cocoa and a plethora of Christmas cookies make the season sweeter. And Christmas lights, trees, music, and movies have their own special magic. Plus, from Thanksgiving to Christmas, people seem to practice a little more generosity.

Spring has its fun colors, new life, and warmer breezes. The sunshine is rejuvenating after long winter nights. And don’t forget petrichor. Don’t know what that is? You should look it up. You’ll breathe it in from memory when you read the definition.

As it is with our physical seasons, we often have our favorite seasons of life. Some are die-hard fans of pre-family years. Others believe childhood was the best it’s ever going to be. Retirement years beckon others.

And there are seasons within our seasons. Those awkward pre-teen years might be a rough spot in our childhood season. And the terrible twos of the season of family may make us yearn for the newlywed season of life.

Each season brings with it benefits and challenges to us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Maybe you’re in a season that seems filled with unending challenges. The temptation is to look so much for the season to change that we fail to see the benefits of the one we’re in.

Problems also come when we focus so much on the challenges of the one we’re facing, discouragement and depression can set in. We don’t widen our focus enough to see it is only a passing season.

Let’s aim for balance. We can appreciate the benefits of the season we’re in while anticipating the day we cross into a new one that will free us from our current challenges. When we reach that new season, we may find the challenges it presents are easier for us to handle. Then again, maybe not.

It won’t matter though. As our new season begins, we will adjust our attitudes and continue having gratitude for the benefits of this new season while understanding that these new challenges we face are only with us for a little while. A little while longer and it will be time for the seasons to change again.

Let’s enjoy each season as they come, at least the ones in our personal lives. Because when considering summer, fall, winter, and spring, everyone knows the best one is always fall!

What’s your favorite season?

 

 

The post Wednesday in the Word: Seasons Come and Go appeared first on Heather Greer.

Main Character Monday: Weekend Edition Part Two

Welcome to the second installment of the special Weekend Edition of Main Character Monday. Since today is Monday, I guess, technically it isn’t the weekend anymore. But we’re not going to quibble about little details like that when we have a guest waiting.

Friday’s Main Character Monday introduced you to a new novella collection called, Candy Cane Wishes and Saltwater Dreams, and one novella’s main character. Today, we have the privilege of meeting PENNIE VAUGHN from A PENNIE FOR YOUR THOUGHTS by LINDA FULKERSON. Thank you for joining me.

If you could choose only one thing to buy without money being an issue, what would you buy?

Definitely a new front porch for the cabin I inherited from my foster mom, Dottie. The cabin’s cozy and has a great view of the lake, but watch your step, because there are a few scary boards, and I don’t want you to fall through! Who knew lumber prices would out soar precious metals? Just a sec. Gotta grab another bucket to place beneath this leak. Ugh! Forget the porch. I need a roof. Yeah. That’s what I would buy. A roof!

Maybe purchasing a lumber company would help! Then, you’d have all the wood you need for fixing up your place. The New Testament tells the story of two sisters who react to Jesus visiting in very different ways. Mary chooses to spend her time with him, while Martha chooses to see to the physical details of his visit. Are you more a Mary or Martha?

Is that a trick question, or did my best friend Callie put you up to it? I’m not really on speaking terms with God at the moment.

 Then you’re probably not going to enjoy the next question either. “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27 – Do you think this verse, lived out would have made a difference in your life? If so, how?

More God stuff? Seriously? You know, I took Dottie to church when she became too weak to drive. She was a widow, so I guess that counts. I mean, I believe in God and all that. I’m just really struggling with the whole faith thing right now. My parents were killed when I was young. My fiancé dumped me just weeks before our wedding. I inherited a shack I can’t afford to fix up, but I can’t let it go because Dottie left it to me. It’s just hard to focus on God stuff when I wonder if He really does care about me. Does that make sense?

Okay. Not really sure if you want to give God time if you’re not sure He really cares. I get it. But surely, you can find some redeemable thought from memories past to answer this next one. What scripture verse would you claim as a life verse?

Have you even been listening to me? Look, I write a travel advice blog. I don’t give out religious advice. And even though I give travel advice, I don’t really ever GO anywhere. Anxiety. Ugh! But Dottie used to quote this verse to me, Psalm 121:8  – “ The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” Whenever I do have to travel, I sometimes let that roll through my head. It helps. Don’t tell Callie I said that, or she’ll ask me to go to church with her again. You know, church isn’t so bad, come to think of it. Maybe I should go back …

 If there was one message you could give those reading this interview, what would that be?

Ah! Now you’re talking my language! How about I leave your readers with some travel advice? I mean, that’s what I do!

Here’s a good one: Although “ZERO” doesn’t typically add up to much, if you accidentally leave it out while entering an address into your GPS, you may learn just how valuable this seemingly worthless number is. Especially if you’re in say, downtown Philadelphia.

There’s plenty more where that came from. In fact, each chapter in the novella Linda Fulkerson wrote about me begins with a travel tip.

Oh, wait a minute. You probably meant something deeper. (Sigh) Okay. About the whole God thing … If you’re struggling with faith stuff, I get it. I’ve been there. Just hang on. It’s hard, but be patient. Let your best friend pray for you until you can pray yourself. Even if you can’t feel His presence, He’s there. I’ve learned that He really does care.

Great travel tip! And thanks for sharing a “deeper” thought as well. I know it’s uncomfortable for you, and I appreciate it. Now, on the lighter side. What one hobby/interest would you keep if you had to give every other hobby up?

Now that I’ve actually gone somewhere, I think I’d love to travel more. Once I got past the white-knuckled grip stage, I loved it! (Apologies to the stranger seated next to me on the flight to Hawaii – hope those nails digging into your arm didn’t leave a mark, but we did have an ocean beneath the plane. An OCEAN!)

And let’s end with some rapid fire questions just for fun:

Indoors or outdoors:

Outdoors. Nature. I love it. And now that I’m on better terms with God, I love seeing His glorious creation.

Reading or writing:

Writing. I’m a blogger. But reading? Love that, too!

Apples or pears:

Pears. So sweet and juicy.

Early bird or night owl:

Both. I don’t require much sleep.

How would you describe Linda Fulkerson in just three words?

Hmm …

Well-traveled (To be honest, I’m a bit jealous). Stubborn. (She seriously had to make me sit still for three days straight so she could finish writing my story.)Funny. We laughed together a LOT while she was pecking on her keyboard.

Thank you for joining us today Pennie! We’ve enjoyed getting to know you. And readers, to find out more about Pennie and Linda, check out the book blurb and bio below. Then, click the link below to get your copy of Candy Cane Wishes and Saltwater Dreams!

BLURB – A PENNIE FOR YOUR THOUGHTS:

 When the Lakeshore Homeowner’s Association threatens to condemn the cabin Pennie Vaughn inherited from her foster mother, her only hope of funding the needed repairs lies in winning a travel blog contest. Trouble is, Pennie never goes anywhere. Should she use the all-expenses paid Hawaiian vacation offered to her by her ex-fiancé? The trip that would have been their honeymoon?

 

LINDA FULKERSON BIO

USMC veteran Linda Fulkerson became interested in writing while working as a copyeditor and typesetter at a small-town weekly newspaper. She has since been published in several magazines and newspapers, including a two-year stint as a sports writer. Linda is the author of two novels and seven non-fiction books, four of which are coloring books for writers. In 2020, she purchased Mantle Rock Publishing’s backlist as well as acquiring all MRP’s future contracts and founded Scrivenings Press LLC.

Her first book, The Prodigal Daughter (Petit Jean Press), was published in 2003. At that time, Linda was introduced to the world of book marketing and blogging. She soon became a blog coach and marketing consultant, launching the popular instructional blog, On Blogging Well.

While living in Texas, Linda was the online editor of the Killeen Daily Herald and director of digital services for the largest media group in Central Texas. Soon after returning to her home state of Arkansas in 2013, she launched her own digital services company, which focuses on helping authors, speakers, and small business owners develop an effective online presence. Her Ideas to Books brand offers coaching and self-publishing assistance for indie authors. She also owns a graphic design business, Book Marketing Graphics, which builds author websites, designs book covers, and produces video book trailers.

She and her husband, Don, live on a ten-acre plot in central Arkansas. They have four adult children and eight grandchildren. She and Don are part of an RV ministry group that travels to various locations around the United States, providing volunteer labor to small churches, church camps, children’s homes, and other organizations. When she’s not working or writing, Linda enjoys photography, travel, and spoiling her two dachshunds.

Linda speaks to small business owners and writers’ groups on a variety of marketing-related topics, such as blogging, social media management, and website development. To learn more about Linda, visit her website at LindaFulkerson.com.

(Someday she hopes to slow down long enough to get a professional headshot made.)

LINKS:

https://www.facebook.com/scriveningspresshttps://www.instagram.com/scriveningspresshttps://twitter.com/ScriveningsLLChttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6iTbrMW9_s9dRaIPe-ExUA

 

The post Main Character Monday: Weekend Edition Part Two appeared first on Heather Greer.

Main Character Monday: Special Weekend Edition

Welcome to a very special edition of Main Character Monday. As you know, today is not Monday. However, in celebration of Candy Cane Wishes and Saltwater Dreams releasing on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, I’m hosting a weekend edition of Main Character Monday. Today, you’ll hear from one character in the collection. Monday, you’ll get to meet another.

Today’s guest is Taylor Fordham from “Mr. Sandman” by Regina Rudd Merrick. Thank you for joining me .
If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go?
As much as I love living at the beach, some of my happiest times have been in the mountains.
I’m in South Carolina, but North Carolina and some great skiing is available fairly close. I haven’t traveled outside the US, so, if I could pick ANY place? Skiing in the Alps in Switzerland.

That sound like the complete opposite of where you are? But it does sound like an adventure.                       The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Which of these traits do you find easiest to display in your life? Which of them is the hardest to display?
Hmmm . . . Easiest? None of them are easy ALL the time! I guess Gentleness comes more
naturally to me. Hardest? That would be patience. I know, not very original, but with all that’s
happened in the last few years, and then some of the strange things happening around me now,
I’m wondering if God’s got ANY plans for a “happily ever after” for me?

You’re right. So many of us struggle with patience. What is your favorite story from the Old Testament?
Oh, that’s an easy one! Esther! She was in exactly the right place at the right time – to me, it
shows just how much God loves us, that he would choose someone like Esther, an orphan, to be
a queen and save her people.

What is your favorite book in the New Testament?
James. Hands down. In the first chapter, verses 2-4, James says, “Consider it a great joy, my brothers and
sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith
produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete,
lacking nothing.” That’s the CSB version. The Living Bible actually says, “when the way is rough, your
patience has a chance to grow!” Tough words, but comforting when you feel like life is out of control!

It’s a hard thing to count our trials joy, but I love the way the second version words the verse. It feels like a reminder to motivate us in the hard times. If you could leave us with one message, what would you want us to know?
God is faithful. When you think things can’t get any worse, guess what? They can! But, God is there, and
He’s walking right beside us and loves us through it.

One more lighthearted question for you. If you could have one exotic pet, what would you choose?
A very TAME lion. I love the big cats!

Your answer reminds me of the quote from The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. When speaking with Lucy at the end one of the characters describes Aslan by saying, “Only you mustn’t press him. He’s wild, you know. Not like a tame lion.”
And here are your speed questions, just for fun:
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset. Sunrise comes too early for me!
Pie or Cake? Pie. Gooey goodness.
Tulip or Iris? Iris. They last longer.
Chocolate or Vanilla? Uh, chocolate! What is vanilla but a non-flavor that needs other flavors to make
it worthwhile! LOL
What three words would your character use to describe you as the author? Dependable, Fair, and somewhat Distracted

Thank you for chatting with us Taylor. And readers, be sure to check out the blurb below for more about “Mr. Sandman”. Regina’s links are also included as well as the link to pre-order your copy of Candy Cane Wishes and Saltwater Dreams!

And if you have questions for Taylor or Regina, post them in the comments below!

BLURB for Mr. Sandman
Events manager Taylor Fordham’s happily-ever-after was snatched from her, and she’s saying no to
romance and Christmas. When she meets two new friends—the cute new chef at Pilot Oaks and a
contributor on a sci-fi fan fiction website who enjoys debate—her resolve begins to waver. Just when
she thinks she can loosen her grip on thoughts of love, a crisis pulls her back. There’s no way she’s going
to risk her heart again.

Regina’s Bio.                                                                                                                                                     Regina Rudd Merrick is a multi-published writer, church musician, wife, mother, former librarian, lover
of all things beachy and chocolate, and grateful follower of Jesus Christ. Married to her husband of 35-
plus years, she is the mother of two grown daughters, and the keeper of a 100-year-old house where
she lives in the small town of Marion, KY. She is the author of three novels in the Southern Breeze series,
and with the Mosaic Collection, the RenoVations series, which includes two full-length novels, Heart
Restoration, book 1, and Rebuilding Joy, book 2, and two Christmas novellas. Connect with Regina on
Facebook, Instagram, or on her website at https://www.reginaruddmerrick.com .

Regina’s Social Media Links.                                                                                                                     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Regina-R-Merrick-512257938964888/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/trmerrick64 

Instagram:

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rmerrick/

Website: https://www.reginaruddmerrick.com 

Mosaic Collection: https://www.mosaiccollectionbooks.com/

Scrivenings Press, LLC: https://scriveningspress.com/

WHERE TO GET YOUR COPY OF CANDY CANE WISHES AND SALTWATER DREAMS:

The post Main Character Monday: Special Weekend Edition appeared first on Heather Greer.

Wednesday in the Word: What’s Your Cake

As an author, I work with a lot of cake. Wait. What?

I admit the two don’t really go together, but it did get your attention. And it is a true statement, though my being an author has little to nothing to do with working with cake. Unless you count the number of bakers and bakeries I have in my books.

Authors are creatives, and creatives need outlets for their creativity. It helps them relax. One would think the writing process would take care of that need. But as writing turns to work, authors sometimes find the need to express themselves in other creative ways for relaxation. They look for opportunities to work out other creative processes.

One way I do this is through baking. I learned to decorate cakes in high school, and in adulthood made and decorated cakes as a hobby-business. I love all the techniques you can employ. And cakes can be decorated to compliment any personality. But there is a downside.

You need a small round cake for a birthday. Chocolate frosting and chocolate cake is the birthday girl’s favorite. Aunt Karen breaks out in hives when she eats chocolate. Do you get the chocolate cake and leave out Aunt Karen? Get a flavor the birthday girl doesn’t like as much?  Order an extra cake, incur greater expense, and have leftover cake?

Enter the cupcake. Cupcakes allow a variety of flavors without the added expense or leftovers. Cupcakes can  also be decorated to fit any style and personality. You do miss out on the wow factor of the full cake masterpiece, though, if you don’t go to any additional lengths in the display. Another downside is the nasty wrappers to dispose of.

Cake balls provide an alternative. Frosting and cupcake are condensed into one bite-sized morsel sweetly contained in a layer of chocolate. Done correctly, the inside it smooth, almost creamy. The outside can be decorated, though choices are more limited. They are also easy to make very poorly. Improper mixing leaves clumps of dry cake and globs of frosting inside the chocolate shell.  Plus, adding a layer of chocolate to what is essentially a full cupcake can make them too sweet for some.

Many people prefer full cakes. Others like the fun, portability of the cupcake. And there are those that like the one bite cake ball. As for me, I’d have to say cupcakes are my favorite, both in eating and baking.

The point is all three use the same base. Cake and frosting are essential to each one. We aren’t limited to one form of cake for everyone in the world to enjoy. We aren’t even limited to one form for ourselves. I can love cupcakes while you pass them over in favor of cake balls. It’s okay.

Know what else is okay? The fact that we choose different churches for worship. As believers, we are united with the same base. Our sin separates us from God, now and in eternity. Jesus’ sinless life, innocent death, and triumphant resurrection pays our sin debt when we cannot. When we accept this truth for our lives, God promises to forgive our sin and we enter into renewed relationship with Him.

Whether we attend a church with contemporary worship or traditional hymns makes no difference. If we are comfortable in a church with weekly communion or prefer to partake of it quarterly, it makes no difference. We could be surrounded by hundreds of worshippers or a handful. Guess what? It makes no difference. As long as our church is teaching truth from scripture, none of these trappings of church make a difference.

United through the same base of salvation, we can worship in churches that speak to the way God created us. When we meet at conferences and concerts, we can worship together as one and lift each other up in prayer. And when there is a need, we can all work together as the united body of Christ.

Because no matter our differences, as believers, we are all part of one body through salvation.

Ephesians 4:1-6 “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.”

I attend a small church, but have the pleasure of working in a ministry where believers from several types of churches come together to share God’s love with teenagers each summer. Is your church a large church or small church? What do you like about it?

The post Wednesday in the Word: What’s Your Cake appeared first on Heather Greer.

On Tour With Celebrate Lit: The Watcher

About the Book

Book:  The Watcher

Author: Sara Davison

Genre: Speculative Romantic Suspense

Release date: March 2021

Someone or something is watching Kathryn Ellison.

Kathryn thought she had buried memories of That Night for good—until Nick Lawson returns, reigniting her long-suppressed feelings for him. Seeing Nick has always reminded her too much of the horrible night that changed her life. As much as she wants to be with him, she wants even more to forget. When Nick unexpectedly shows up at her family ranch, Kathryn knows it is finally time to let go of the traumatic past that has held her captive for so long.

David Henley is a captive too—of the dark secret involving Kathryn, a secret he’s kept even from his wife. Now the truth is about to be revealed. And when it is, he could be stripped of everything in his life that matters to him.

A storm is brewing in the spiritual realm, and its effects reverberate through the natural world, summoning otherworldly Beings to the ranch. While Kathryn confronts the memories of That Night and struggles to let them go, she is not as alone in her home as she thinks.

As spiritual and temporal forces collide, Kathryn—and everyone she loves—is about to be caught in the crossfire.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY THOUGHTS: The Watcher by Sara Davison is a mash-up of genres that ends up working very well. Speculative, suspense, and contemporary romance all have a place in the story. And the way the author tells the story is reminiscent of Frank Peretti. Only where he took readers into the angel and demon battles being waged in the invisible spiritual realm, this author personifies the qualities of a person’s life.

Faith, hope, love, and a host of other elements are shown at work throughout the main character’s life as events unfold. Not all of the elements are good, and it’s even brought out that some we would consider bad may be more complicated than we like to think.

God’s grace and mercy are a prevalent theme in the story. It wrestles with the idea that God can bring beautiful things out of the devastation caused by our own choices and the choices of others if we allow Him room to do His work. And it also brings up our call to extend grace and mercy to others.

The story is thought-provoking and well written. Told from the perspective of one of the personified qualities, it took a chapter or two for me to adjust to what this being knew and could do. Once I accepted the idea that this Watcher could tell the story as if the main character was telling it and also jump in with occasional personal thoughts, it made getting into the story much easier. This was especially true with the frequent flash backs.

I’ll definitely read more by this author, and I give The Watcher four stars.

SPOILER ALERT AND TRIGGER WARNING: This story deals with a character who is a victim of sexual violence. While the incident is not described, it is spoken of and the woman’s feelings dealt with throughout the book. She also develops a friendship with one of her attackers after he has proven himself of no threat and changed by God.

About the Author

Sara Davison is the author of three romantic suspense series—The Seven Trilogy, The Night Guardians, and The Rose Tattoo Trilogy, as well as the standalone, The Watcher. She has been a finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, including Best New Canadian Christian author, a Carol, two Selahs, a Holt Medallion, and three Daphne du Maurier Awards for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a Word and Cascade Award winner. She currently resides in Ontario, Canada with her husband Michael and their three children. The words on the mug she uses every morning pretty much sum up her life—I just want to sleep, drink coffee, and make stuff up. Get to know Sara better at www.saradavison.org and @sarajdavison.

 

More from Sara

The Watcher has taken me on an incredible journey over the last decade. After obtaining my degree in English literature, I longed to write a book. However, I found the idea of sitting down and actually writing one extremely daunting. So, I took every creative writing course, read every book on the subject, and attended every writing conference and seminar I could fine—basically doing everything except writing. Then one Easter Sunday morning, in church, the idea for an entire book—beginning, middle, ending, characters—came to me. Over the next five years, I wrote, rewrote, edited, polished, and got feedback on the book, until I felt it was nearly ready to submit to a publishing contest.

I say nearly because, while the feedback I had received was largely positive, it was still clear that something was missing. A month before the deadline to submit to the publishing contest, it occurred to me what that something was—the timeline. The novel read a bit like a sweeping epic novel that took place over twenty years. While that might work in some genres, it doesn’t play well in romantic suspense.

I had always been intrigued by the idea of a non-human narrator, and it occurred to me that could work with this book. That led me to the idea of using The Watcher, an unseen being in the spiritual realm, as my narrator. When I added in that being and numerous other beings, I was able to shorten the timeline of the book from twenty years to six days.

Of course, this required a major overhaul of the book. I closeted myself in my office for a month, only completing the story the day before the deadline for the contest. That meant I didn’t have an opportunity to show it to anyone or get feedback, so I had no idea whether the idea worked or if the story even made sense anymore.

The Watcher ended up winning the contest and was published in 2011. A decade and eight other published novels later, I got back the rights to my debut novel, polished it up, added several more chapters, and re-released it through Mountain Brook Ink in 2021.

As my first novel, my only (so-far) standalone, and the sole novel I have released that is speculative romantic suspense as opposed to contemporary romantic suspense, The Watcherholds a special place in my heart. As with all my books, my hope and prayer is that it will touch readers’ hearts and draw them closer to the God who has promised to never leave them or forsake them.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 17

Blogging With Carol, September 17

By the Book, September 17

Inklings and notions, September 18

Texas Book-aholic, September 19

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 21

For Him and My Family, September 21

deb’s Book Review, September 22

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 23

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, September 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 26

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 27

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 28

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sara is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

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/119f3/the-watcher-celebration-tour-giveaway

The post On Tour With Celebrate Lit: The Watcher appeared first on Heather Greer.

Wednesday in the Word: Get the Grease Out

Have I ever told you I despise doing dishes? It’s true. The worst is when I decorate a cake. Buttercream frosting may be great on the cake (Not for me. I don’t care for frosting. But for others.), but it’s awful to clean up.

We don’t have a dishwasher. After our last one sparked in the middle of the night when it wasn’t even on, I’m hesitant to replace it. Usually, hand washing dishes is time consuming and boring, but whatever. I do them because we need clean dishes.

Buttercream frosting is another story. When I decorate, I have at least one mixing bowl, a measuring cup, piping tips, and spatulas to wash. I stopped buying reusable piping bags a long time ago. (I know they’re better for the environment, but it’s gross.) There are still several things I need to wash.

I buy the good dish soap, the one that takes care of grease. I have to. Because if there’s one thing you have after making buttercream, it’s grease. And I use hot water, as hot as I can get it without scalding my hands. But even prepared with hot water, good soap, and a fresh washrag, it can’t stop the curse of the buttercream frosting.

It takes a thorough scrubbing to clean these dishes. The heavy grease content in the frosting means a slick film left on your dishes if you’re not diligent about getting it off. Even being intent on it, you sometimes have to make a fresh sink of water or change rags. Once a dishcloth gets that film on it, all it does it transfer it to the next dish. And forget washing any other dishes. If you try, they’ll end up with that greasy sheen.

Nope. The water must be emptied, the sink cleaned, and a new rag found before new dishes can be done.

And did I mention what happens to hands? By the time the dishes are done, your hands are so coated in grease you won’t need lotion for at least six months. It’s disgusting. Washing them helps. Washing them again helps a little more. Eventually enough soap and hot water will wash it away, but it’s not going to happen with a quick rinse.

Why all this talk about washing dishes? Because as I was washing up after making a batch of frosting this week, I couldn’t help thinking about Galatians 5:9 where Paul talks about false teachings leading people into sin. He says, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” I feel this when I’m washing dishes.

It doesn’t take a lot of frosting. Really, it’s only the remnants of the frosting because I scrape out my dishes before I wash them. This little bit of leftover frosting ruins the water, put film on my dishes, and coats my hands.

It doesn’t take a lot of sin either. When we allow sin into our lives, it spreads and affects so many different parts of life. Even what we would consider small sins from our earthly perspective, sins that should only bring results in one area of our lives, spread, leaving their greasy sheen on everything we come in contact with.

Soon our attitudes change. We don’t feel as close to God. His voice becomes less clear. We face new temptations. And it starts with one greasy, little sin.

But we don’t have to live with a film of sin over everything in our lives. Confessing our sin and repenting of it brings forgiveness. Honest appraisal of other attitudes and behaviors can show us where the grease of sin has spread. Sometimes, we find someone else’s life has been coated in the greasy sheen of our sin. In those cases, we may need to seek forgiveness from one we’ve wronged.

The process can be time consuming. It can be painful. But as with my frosting, we have to be deal with it completely or we’ll find its film on everything in our lives.

Is there another example from life that you feel illustrates this verse?

The post Wednesday in the Word: Get the Grease Out appeared first on Heather Greer.

On Tour With Celebrate Lit: Save The Date

About the Book

Book: Save the Date

Author: Hallee Bridgeman  (Author), Kari Trumbo  (Author), T.K. Chapin  (Author), Chautona Havig  (Author), Shoshanna Gabriel  (Author), Dori Harrell (Author), Liwen Y. Ho  (Author), Lisa M. Prysock (Author), Camy Tang  (Author), Jan Thompson  (Author), Marion Ueckermann  (Author), Jaycee Weaver  (Author)

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Release date: June 2021

Weddings for every season and occasion. Adventures, mishaps, and dream destinations—this collection has it all!
As our guest of honor, you’re cordially invited on a journey through twelve heartwarming and inspirational novellas that will take you from small-town America to romantic Paris, from the sunny shores of Hawaii to New Zealand. Office romances, friends-to-lovers, second chances, and more await you in these stories full of forgiveness, redemption, laughter, and love.
Say “I do” and claim your copy of this limited-time anthology by your favorite USA Today and bestselling Christian romance authors!
January Hope by Kari Trumbo
Clothing historian Cleo goes on the hunt for an 1880s fashion magazine wedding dress. Discovering it’s part of a museum collection, her biggest obstacle is handsome curator Lowel. Unfortunately, his no-touch policy just might put a stop to her hunt and her heart.
A Valentine for Veronica by Lisa Prysock
Veronica purchased her dream wedding dress though she’s single. When an encounter with a former peer—now a wedding magazine photojournalist—entices her into doing a special feature, the pressure is on to find a husband. Will Veronica’s pride be her downfall, or will her faith lead to love?
I Take You by Marion Ueckermann
Since childhood, Kaia has dreamed about her fairy-tale wedding. But when her father’s choices crush Kaia’s dreams, her fiancé is left scrambling for a solution to their dilemma. Kaia doesn’t want to delay their wedding, and neither does Leo. He’s waited a lifetime to make Kaia his wife.
Adoring April by Chautona Havig
Whoever heard of a church expecting an incoming minister to marry their only single member as a condition for employment? Legality aside, what kind of woman would possibly agree to such a crazy idea? What’ll it take for Jesse to go from avoiding April to adoring April?
A Change of a Dress by Hallee Bridgeman
Belle struggles to bury the past and grasp her elusive future. Scarred by an incredible act of heroism, combat veteran Vince longs to courageously walk the road less traveled as an army chaplain. The two unknowingly cross paths time and again until meeting changes everything.
Time for Me by Jan Thompson
When Sheryl tries to get a world-famous sculptor to display his artwork in her gallery, she doesn’t expect him to fall in love with her in this friends-to-more romance.
The Wedding Dress by T. K. Chapin
Alexa Anderson doesn’t want to wear her mother’s wedding dress when it’s time to marry the love of her life, Brad Jackson. Little does she know, the wedding dress has a story of its own to tell…
The Wedding Kimono by Camy Tang
A tomboy massage therapist and her boss discover a mysterious message hidden in her grandmother’s wedding kimono. Can her family legacy help her to see her inner beauty and open herself up to love?
One Vow for September by Liwen Ho
She’s a writer with an unconventional assignment, he’s the jaded coworker playing her husband; together they’re one odd couple about to find out how real love is.
Braver with You by Jaycee Weaver
She’d follow her childhood sweetheart anywhere, but first they’ll need all her courage and all his support to make it through the wedding their mothers have planned.
Grateful for You by Dori Harrell
Jeans-only Libby hasn’t spoken to lawman Jamie since she turned down his proposal. But when she sees a frothy gown in a store window, she knows he’s the guy for her. But winning him back might mean landing herself in jail.
Countdown to Her Cowboy’s Christmas Wedding by Shoshanna Gabriel
A handsome rancher. The girl next door. A childhood promise comes due that could change their lives… for better or worse. When their Christmas wedding preparations bring out painful memories of heartbreak, will Kate be able to forgive Jay—and herself—so they can finally be together?

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY THOUGHTS: If the remaining eight stories are anything like the four we received in the ARCs, you do not want to miss this collection! I know I’m ordering my copy today.

January Hope by Kari Trumbo was a great story. Though mom and daughter didn’t see eye to eye on everything, it was refreshing to see them respect each other’s differences. And even though the love story had to happen quickly, it didn’t seem forced or rushed at all. The way the author handles it gives complete believability.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from One Vow for September by Liwen Ho. I’m not generally a fan of first-person story-telling. But I ended up loving it. I guarantee this story will give you all the feels! I was so pleasantly surprised by this one that I know I’ll be checking out more from this author.

Jaycee Weaver’s Braver with You also gave me the chance to read something from a new to me author. This one is a touching story of healing and hope.

A title like Countdown to Her Cowboy Christmas Wedding wouldn’t normally get my attention, but I am glad it was part of this collection. Shoshanna Gabriel is another new to me author, and her story is one of mistakes, hurts, and learning how to forgive and take a chance on love.

Based on this sampling of four stories from the set, I give Save the Date a five star rating. These novellas are the perfect length to enjoy a relaxing evening reading. And the stories are perfect for when you want that warm feeling that comes from reading a sweet romance.

Be sure to check out all the other blog stops and enter to win the giveaway!

About the Authors

The authors of Save the Date joined together for this limited-time collection as an opportunity to bring their readers an excellent reading experience. From California to Kentucky, South Africa to Idaho and everywhere in between, these authors live and write the stories on their hearts to touch the hearts of their readers.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 4

Texas Book-aholic, September 5

Inklings and notions, September 6

By the Book, September 6

For Him and My Family, September 7

deb’s Book Review, September 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 9

Back Porch Reads, September 9

Connect in Fiction, September 10

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 11

Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 11

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, September 12

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 13

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 14

CarpeDiem, September 14

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 15

She Lives To Read, September 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 16

Simple Harvest Reads, September 16 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, September 17

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, the Save the Date authors are giving away the grand prize of 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/11816/save-the-date-celebration-tour-giveaway

The post On Tour With Celebrate Lit: Save The Date appeared first on Heather Greer.

Celebrate Lit Tour: Always a Wedding Planner

About the Books

Book: Always a Wedding Planner

Author: RL Ashly, Leeann Betts, Toni Shiloh, Davalynn Spencer

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: June 1, 2021

This collection features four stories of wedding planners who are partners at Weddings by Design, located in Loveland, Colorado. Each novella will be about 30,000 words.

Can four contemporary wedding planners break the jinx of singledom, or are they destined to witness the weddings of others?

Business partners Felicity Edwards, Kiki Bell, Cassie Blackthorn, and another who has yet to be named are best of friends in Loveland, Colorado—a romantic wedding destination for many couples—and they work together to make every bride’s special day the most important of their lives.

But each of the women hides a secret from the others, one that threatens their business, their friendship, and their happiness.

Can they work out their differences, build on their strengths, and trust each other—and God—with their futures?

 

Click here to purchase your copy!

My Thoughts:
This is the first time I’ve read any of these authors, though Toni Shiloh books are in my TBR list. I love the concept of this novella collection. Four best friends running a wedding planning business together means lots of romance before the main characters’ romance even starts! The first and last stories, Finally a Sweetheart by Toni Shiloh and Taste and See by Davalynn Spencer were my favorites of the group, but all of them were enjoyable stories.

Finally a Sweetheart introduces readers to Weddings By Design and focuses on Felicity, the company cake designer. When her high school crush walks back into her life, Felicity begins to wonder if this isn’t her time to leave singleness behind. Of course, hidden baggage means misunderstandings and a rocky road to romance. One of my favorite scenes is the mini-golf scene. It is so funny! Most might read it thinking nothing that humiliating could ever happen, but as a woman who struggles with being a klutz, I can totally believe it. In fact, I want to know if it is based on a true situation.

Hemmed In focuses on Kiki the seamstress of the group. Raising her niece and nephew while trying to fix up the house she inherited and designing and creating wedding dresses is hard enough. When a fire brings code issues to the attention of the fire department (no matter how cute the man is) and an unexpected hire at Weddings By Design, things get even trickier without adding in the prospect of romance.

The Worst-Kept Secret showcases Cassie the wedding coordinator. She’s an introvert in an extrovert’s job, and it takes a toll on her. Pressure to keep from letting her friends down is strong. Her attraction to the limo driver the company uses only stresses her out more. She feel he’s a bad choice for her and comes to believe he’s bad for the business too. A lot of truth is needed for Cassie at Weddings By and also for any hope for her happily ever after.

This cute quartet of sweet romances is finished with Taste and See. Saffron is the company chef. There’s just one problem, she can’t taste her food anymore. The cute handyman who is helping her around the house makes a perfect helper without having to disclose her secret and putting her job at risk. But protecting her secret from friends and the man she’s coming to care for has a price that could away everything she cares about.

I’ll be candid. I did not like one of the characters (introduced in this story and continued in others) whose horrible ways were so awful and her reasonings for being that way so mild in comparison to her actions, that I was disappointed a bit in the inclusion of her in the stories. Though she apologizes at one point, she continues being horrid to everyone and no one does anything about it. And I have a bit of issue with one of the characters who seems very quick to jump to conclusions and hold it against people without trying to find the truth.

However, these two matters don’t keep the stories from being enjoyable romances I’d recommend to others. The way the friends care for and support one another is wonderful, the romances full of sweet moments, and the stories are packed with fun. I give Always a Wedding Planner four out of five stars.

About the Authors

Leeann Betts writes contemporary romantic suspense, while her real-life persona, Donna Schlachter, pens historical romantic suspense. Together she and Donna have published more than 30 novellas and full-length novels.

 

 

 

R.L. ASHLY is a master seamstress with a Master of Arts degree in Literature (May, 2019). S, who is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Literature.  A mother and grandmother, she is active in her local writing community, never says never to a home improvement task, and strives to one day write the Great American Novel.

RL Ashly writes on the run. She enjoys a good mystery with a complicated plot. Iced tea is her beverage of choice. Hemmed In is her first traditionally published novel.

 

DAVALYNN SPENCER is a Publisher’s Weekly and ECPA bestselling author with novellas in three Barbour collections, The 12 Brides of Christmas, The 12 Brides of Summer, and The Cowboy’s Bride. She won the Will Rogers Gold Medallion for Inspirational Western Fiction and is the author of ten additional titles, both contemporary and historical. She blogs monthly for Christian Authors Network, Heroes, Heroines & History, contributes to the American Christian Fiction blog, and writes her own weekly inspirational blog. She appears on an area radio broadcast, Write Time Radio, and teaches writing workshops when not wrangling Blue the Cowdog and mouse detectors Annie and Oakley.

 

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness.

 

 

 

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 3

Inklings and notions, September 4

By The Book, September 4

For Him and My Family, September 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 5

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, September 6

Kayem Reads, September 6

Texas Book-aholic, September 7

lakesidelivingsite, September 8

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 8

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 9

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 10

She Lives To Read, September 10

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, September 11

deb’s Book Review, September 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 12

Labor Not in Vain, September 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 13

Splashes of Joy, September 14

Through the Fire Blogs, September 14

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 15

Pause for Tales, September 15

Simple Harvest Reads, September 16 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, R.L., Toni, Leann and Davalynn are giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a print copy of the book (US only)!!

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/116b7/always-a-wedding-planner-celebration-tour-giveaway

The post Celebrate Lit Tour: Always a Wedding Planner appeared first on Heather Greer.

Wednesday in the Word: Covered in Ashes

I have a lot of pictures in my office. Most are phrases, quotes, and inspiring words. Some come from scripture. One is a quote from Elizabeth Elliot. It’s not that I’m a huge Elizabeth Elliot fan. But as I window shopped at a local craft fair, the quote hit me. It was a tough season for me in many ways. I nearly cried in a jam-packed public event as I read, “Of one thing I am perfectly sure; God’s story never ends with ashes.”

Whenever the days are hard and the battles seem impossible to win, I can take comfort in the quote. But it’s not because of the person who spoke them. My comfort comes from the scriptures she may have used as inspiration for the quote.

“To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3

Yesterday, the concept brought me to tears (Please believe, I rarely give in to tears.) as I listened to a familiar song. Beauty for ashes. It happens as we lay our mourning, hurting, disappointment, and fears at the feet of our crucified Lord.  (I included the song link to YouTube below)

Thing is, this transformation from ashes to beauty isn’t always easy, and it isn’t always overnight. The same thing that broke my heart when I saw the quote at the craft fair three years ago is still breaking my heart today. For three years, I have consistently prayed for the redemption of the situation in the ones I love, and for three years I’ve only seen temporary glimpses of encouragement. Most of those have been God reminding me He cares, not Him touching my loved ones’ hearts and lives.

God can be working where I cannot see. He knows what is best and loves my loved ones even more and more perfectly than I do. My Heavenly Father hears and answers prayer. One day my ashes of mourning will be replaced with beauty beyond my imagination. I believe each of these things with all my heart.

Though at times it is difficult to see it as I sit in ashes, I believe. My prayers continue because I know and trust my God and His word. I can find encouragement in that simple quote and this beautiful song. But more specifically, I find it in God’s word and hold it close to my heart.

“I would have lost heart, unless I believed, That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!” Psalm 27:13-14

Whatever you’re going through, you are never alone as a child of God. You are loved. God sees you. I know it can be hard, but you will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Keep praying. Keep believing. One day the ashes will be gone, leaving beauty in their place.

Have you ever experienced God turning your ashes into beauty?

The post Wednesday in the Word: Covered in Ashes appeared first on Heather Greer.