Heather Greer's Blog, page 26

What You’re Reading, a Sale, and a Contest

Yes, I know. I usually share a review of what I’m reading each week. But I’ve spent the last couple weeks prepping for and directing a youth camp for teens. That doesn’t leave a lot of time for reading. But I have started a non-fiction book I’m really excited about. Come back next week for that review.

Until then, I would love to hear from you.

What are you reading? Share the title and the author in the comments. You might even include the genre. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can share the first line, even though it isn’t Friday!

Maybe you’re looking for something new to read. Now’s the perfect time to load up your kindle. Scrivenings Press, my publisher, has almost every ebook in their catalog on sale for 99 cents each! The sale goes through July 25th. My newest book, Cake That!, could not be part of the sale, but here are the links to my first three books.

http://www.scrivenings.link/faithsjourney

http://www.scrivenings.link/graspinghope

 

http://www.scrivenings.link/relentlesslove

And there’s still time for you to enter the Scrivenings Press 2021 Sweepstakes. Enter and you could be the winner of an ebook copy of every Scrivenings Press book published in 2021 and a $50 Amazon gift card. Here’s the link for that one.

https://scrivenings.link/2021sweepstakes

The post What You’re Reading, a Sale, and a Contest appeared first on Heather Greer.

What I’m Reading: Forevermore

Some of my fondest memories come from the church camp I attended as a child and teenager. It’s the same camp I’ve directed for the last 24 years. I can close my eyes and picture each counselor, teacher, cook, and chaplain.

My chaplain was Eddie. I loved Eddie’s messages as a teenager. Bonnie always cooked for camp. After her death, DeeAnn and a different Bonnie took the job. Stella and Dee were my favorite counselors, though most people chose Bonnie to win that award. Yes, it’s the same Bonnie that now cooks. Joy always taught classes for the girls while Ralph and Lee did the same for the boys. Waldo, June, and Crystal did their part leading worship. And my grandpa, Donald Ray, provided maintenance and led game time to work out all that teenage energy we had as campers.

Many of those who came before have moved on, either through death or age, but they stay in my heart and memories. Each one did their part. They came together with their unique talents and interests and gave faithfully to help the teens of southern Illinois know God’s love. They did so selflessly. Not perfectly, mind you, but God sees the heart. I’m glad we can’t derail God’s plans with our imperfection.

“Mornings like this, Jakob felt this was a little foretaste of heaven – of everyone being of one mind and hearts raised in praise for God’s goodness.” Forevermore by Cathy Marie Hake

When I read this quote from Forevermore by Cathy Marie Hake, it brought to mind all those who became treasured memories of my youth at camp. The scenes she writes of families working together for the benefit of all inspire me. And I guarantee they will open the door on your own memories of times when God’s people worked together for a common good.

That spirit isn’t reserved for harvest. Hope Ladley embodies all it is to serve God wherever He takes you. Her desire to bring hope, help, and healing to those she meets is only heightened by her quirkiness. She is charming and loving and unique. Her outlook on like is one we should all strive to keep.

This was my first book by Cathy Marie Hake, but it won’t be my last. I fell in love with these characters, and I know I’ll return for visits in the future. And thanks to the wonderful story, I’ll also spend some time remembering the times when I’ve gotten a little taste of heaven just like Jakob did.

When have you seen God’s people working together in this way?

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

The Birth of a Book: Cake That!

When you start writing a book, there’s so much excitement. As the author, you love the story. You love the setting. You love the characters. There may be times in the writing that cause you to question your sanity in choosing this path, but you keep at it. When you finally type “The End”, it’s really misleading. You may think it’s the end. Really, it’s just the beginning.

Your beloved story now faces several rounds of edits from the publisher. While working on those, the proverbial carrot is dangled in front of your nose to keep you motivated. “Look at this beautiful cover!” This is the exclamation of the publisher, and it works to energize you amid the editing that threatens to make you chuck it all and walk away.

You’ve been planning the launch for awhile, but feeling slightly like a fraud. You’ve not actually seen a copy of your book, after all. Maybe it’s a figment of your overactive imagination. You are a writer, after all. You’re known for telling stories.

Finally, your book hits the pre-order stage. Then, your author copies arrive. The picture becomes a tangible story you can hold in your hands. It’s not a figment of your imagination. You’ve given birth to a beautiful book, and you can’t wait for everyone to enjoy it.

But wait. Time has slowed to a crawl. It’s the final week before your book is due to release. Will it ever happen?

YES! Release day arrives. You share pictures of your new release and tell everyone about it. You can’t help it. It’s been a long process, and your excitement has returned full force. It will not be contained. The wait is finally over. You’ve finally reached “The End”.

Or have you? But waiting for your first reviews is a story for another time.

You can check out my newest release, Cake That!, at the link below.

https://scrivenings.link/cakethat

 

 

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Author Spotlight: Molly Noble Bull

I love reviewing books that I’ve read. There’s something about sharing a good story with others who will appreciate it. Maybe that’s part of why I love to write too!

And having a blog dedicated to faith and  all things books, I also have the opportunity to speak with other authors who have the same desire to share their stories with readers and do so in an uplifting way. Today is one of those days when I have the pleasure of introducing you to an author that might be as new to you as she is to me. Let’s find out together a little more about Molly Noble Bull.

Authors have a distinct way they write. What can readers expect when they pick up a story by Molly Noble Bull?  

I try to begin all my books with a reader hook, and Bluebonnet Bride has one. Here is my first line. “She’d had another of those horrible flashbacks straight from her teenage years.”

I have to admit, it makes me wonder what happened to her as a young girl to cause horrible flashbacks. Next question. Is there a verse or person from scripture you gain inspiration from in your life as an author?

Many scriptures inspire me, and I try to post at least one Bible scripture a day at my page on Facebook. In fact, I have been doing that since August 2017. I also post a scripture at the beginning of every novel I write. The scripture verse for Bluebonnet Bride had to do with forgiveness, and forgiveness is the theme of the entire novel.

Since 2017. I wonder how many people have been encouraged or challenged to growth through reading your daily posts. You mentioned Bluebonnet Bride, so let’s talk about that for a moment. Which character from that book was your favorite to write and why?

Gina Hollister, the heroine of Bluebonnet Bride, is a dyslexic with a PhD, and her struggles are also mine. Though I was never tested, I think I am dyslexic, too. I had a hard time learning to read and spell, and now I write novels that other people read. Some of them win contests for published authors. God is good.

Yes, He is. With a title like Bluebonnet Bride, I have to ask. Are Bluebonnets your favorite flower?

The bluebonnet is a wild flower as well as the state flower of Texas, and I am a native Texan. I would have to say that many if not most Texans love bluebonnets. I know I do, but if I had a favorite flower, it would probably be a rose.

Roses are a classic. Nothing wrong with that. Is there a hint of real life in your story? And along with that, where did your inspiration come from for Bluebonnet Bride?

Yes and no. My husband is not a billionaire; we don’t live in a castle-like mansion, and I am not a PhD. But as I said, I had a hard time learning to read. Gina’s problems in that area are/were very much my own. My inspiration came from my heart and my memories of earlier times—times when I actually thought I might be a little on the “stupid” side.

What do you hope readers will take away from this story?

I hope they will learn more about what Christians are truly like and enjoy the story at the same time.

Before we finish our interview, let’s move back to you. What is one interesting fact about you that readers may not know?

My father and my maternal grandfather were cattle ranch foremen—real Texas cowboys. I spent part of my growing up years on a sixty thousand acre cattle ranch in South Texas, and all of our grown sons are Texas cowboys today. And yes. Some of my novels are Christian westerns.

Molly, I want to thank you for allowing me to interview you today. Readers, if you have a question for Molly, please leave it in the comments. I know she would enjoy hearing from you.

Molly’s Bio:

Molly Noble Bull is a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a Christian romance novelist, and a graduate of Texas A&I, now Texas A&M at Kingsville, and she has published with Zondervan, Harlequin’s Love Inspired, and others. .  Sanctuary, her long historical, won the 2008 Gayle Wilson Award in the inspirational category and tied for first place in a second national contest for published authors that year. Later, Sanctuary was republished under a new title, The Secret Place. However, the two novels, Sanctuary and The Secret Place are exactly the same book. The only difference is the title and cover information.

.   Gatehaven, her Gothic historical, won the Grand Prize in the 2013 Creation House Fiction Writing Contest. When theCowboy Rides Away won the 2016 Texas Association of Authors contest in the Christian western category, and Scrivenings Press republished it in 2020.

.   Other of Molly’s titles are The Rogue’s Daughter, Brides and Blessings, For Always, and The Winter Pearl.

.   Barbour Publishing published The Secret Admirer Romance Collection on May 1, 2017, and Molly’s novella in that collection is titled “Too Many Secrets.” Scrivenings Press also published Bluebonnet Bride, her newest sweet Christian romance; it was published on June 29, 2021.

To learn more, click on Molly’s web page, www.mollynoblebull.com

Or visit the Bluebonnet Bride page at Amazon. https://scrivenings.link/bluebonnetbride

Bluebonnet Bride:

Billionaire Steve Bryson doesn’t like Bible thumpers, and he thinks Dr. Gina Hollister is one.

https://scrivenings.link/bluebonnetbride

 

The post Author Spotlight: Molly Noble Bull appeared first on Heather Greer.

What I’m Reading: Head in the Clouds

To leave or not to leave, that is the question. And it’s been the question multiple times in my life.

Do we stay at a church where we’re happy or start a new church?

Should I leave my current job where I’m comfortable for one I could equally love or hate?

Do I stay at my job with its guaranteed paycheck or pursue writing full-time though the income is not secure?

God’s word promises He will give those seeking after Him guidance in the paths they should take. Peace is a great indication. Agreement on the issue with a spouse is another. Sometimes an unexpected word from a friend can confirm a direction. Yet when life-altering decisions loom, you want complete assurance you’re on the right track.

At times, God has left me with no doubt about what He wants. That quiet voice, not audible but it might as well have been, saying it was time to leave our first church. I had to wait a while for my husband to get the memo, but I know it was God’s direction as I sat in church that Sunday morning.

That clarity is a rarity. More often than not, I find myself wishing God left voice mail or sent certified letters detailing my next step. I can’t count the times I’ve told God I’d gladly take that next step if He would only flash a neon sign outside my bedroom window clearly displaying my direction.

Adelaide Proctor, from Karen Witemeyer’s Head in the Clouds, may not know what neon signs are, but as I read her story, I know she understands the sentiment. Adelaide runs ahead of God and finds herself in an embarrassing situation. Considering her next move, Adelaide knows she has to follow God’s leading. But where is He taking her? How can he redeem this situation she finds herself facing?

God doesn’t give her a neon sign, but He guides Adelaide in her next step. Her new job as governess to sheep rancher Gideon Westcott’s adopted daughter is a perfect fit. Between the devastating loss Isabella has faced in her young life and the sweetness of the child, Adelaide looses her heart in no time. But the child isn’t the only one tempting her heart. Even though she’s determined romance is for storybooks alone, Gideon is quickly filling the role of Prince Charming in her mind and heart.

But, as we all do, Adelaide finds even when following where we know God is leading, the path isn’t easy. Trouble threatens Adelaide’s happily ever after almost before it can begin. With loss and heartache looming in the pages of her story, can Adelaide trust and have peace knowing she has followed God down His path for her?

Can we do the same when our own paths become difficult?

 

The post What I’m Reading: Head in the Clouds appeared first on Heather Greer.

Cake That is Almost Here!

My new book, Cake That!, releases on July 6th, but you can pre-order your copy today! And if you favor ebooks, the Kindle edition is on sale until the release date. 

 

https://scrivenings.link/cakethat

 

The post Cake That is Almost Here! appeared first on Heather Greer.

What I’m Reading: Full Steam Ahead

Early in my dating years, I met Tim (not his real name). Sparks galore and the giddy excitement of a new relationship surrounded us. Being young and inexperienced, I was confused when normal started to creep in. When I found myself intrigued by another guy (who had less than zero interest in me, by the way), I was even more confused. If I really liked Tim, I wouldn’t have interest in anyone else, right?

I broke up with Tim. Later, when dating someone I’d known forever, I realized that giddy excitement fades. Being comfortable with each other is okay. Sparks give way to solid friendship. I also learned being attracted to one person, doesn’t mean another can’t catch your eye.

After I ended things, Tim left the group we belonged to, though they were his friends first. I felt bad about hurting him, and the feeling intensified after I learned those later lessons in relationships. I’m not saying we should have stayed together forever. But I could have been more sensitive and understanding. Long ago, I asked God to forgive the unintended hurt I caused. He did.. And though the hurt was only a blip on the radar of his life, quickly forgotten, I’d still want to apologize to Tim if I ever saw him again.

It was a small small thing, but I regretted my actions. It didn’t make a huge difference in anyone’s life, and I still feel the twinge of disappointment in my teen self when I think about it. But not all our mistakes, sins, or failures are so inconsequential. Some reap life changing results.

But not all our mistakes, sins, or failures are inconsequential. Some reap life changing results.

That’s the case for both of the main characters in Karen Witemeyer’s Full Steam Ahead. (Side note here. I’m just going to say, Darius Thornton is the definition of a swoon worthy hero!)

Nicole Renard is a force to be reckoned with, but doubt drives her to choices that should have been avoided. In an effort to save her family and prove her worth to her father, Nicole finds herself on the run with a family heirloom, no money, and a pair of evil men hunting her down. Hiding in the first place she lands, Nicole has to seek employment to fund the rest of her plan to make her father proud. Doing so puts her new employer and his staff in grave danger.

Darius Thornton can’t let go of his failure. It cost a life. Not only does this haunt his dreams, it makes him singularly focused on making things right. His scientific obsession could cost him his physical life. It’s already cost him his family and any chance of lasting friendships. Those sacrifices are the least he can do to pay for his failure.

But Nicole finds in Darius the respect as an intelligent and spirited woman that she’s craved her entire life. Darius finds someone willing to work with him and bring new perspectives to his work without shoving him to the side as the town’s eccentric genius who should be avoided.

But both Darius’s obsession and Nicole’s mistakes threaten to keep them apart despite their growing feelings for each other. Unless Darius can find freedom from the failure that drives him and Nicole can accept she doesn’t have to have all the answers, their deepening relationship will be one more victim of their guilt.

The guilt from our sins or failures can damage our relationships as easily as it did to Nicole and Darius. But God offers forgiveness and healing. Our physical circumstances may remain the same because actions have consequences. But God offers freedom from the guilt. He offers forgiveness from sin. And He can redeem any and every situation, using it for our good and His glory.

Isn’t it a relief to know that next time we’re plagued with guilt from sin or failure, we can turn it over to God, find forgiveness, and experience His peace?

The post What I’m Reading: Full Steam Ahead appeared first on Heather Greer.

Extreme Makeover Website Edition

Starting Friday, my website will be down for about two weeks. During that time, I won’t be able to post book reviews. But when I come back, I’ll have an amazing looking new site (and more new book reviews)! I’ll see you in two weeks!

What I’m Reading: Undeniably Yours

Purpose. Don’t we all hunger for it? We ache to know we are here for a reason and live out that purpose with everything in us. God promises we are here for a reason. Jeremiah 29:11 assures us God has plans and purpose for our lives. Several places in the New Testament remind us we’re here to be a reflection of God’s love to the lost, to be ambassadors of the God we serve to a world that’s often hostile to Him, and to encourage and build the body of Christ.

These things are for each of us as believers to live out. But what about the specifics in our individual lives? I can serve God and show love whether I’m a teacher, astronaut, or garbage collector. Does that mean the broader purpose for every believer is all that matters in our lives?

I don’t think so. Psalm 139 tells us we’re all uniquely created by God. He gives us passions and interests that can point us in the direction He wants us to go. For me, that means writing and speaking. I can serve Him faithfully, and I hope I do, even when I’m working the day job I’ve needed for my family. But I know the most satisfaction when I’m doing what He’s given me passion for in the way He created me to do it.

I believe this is why Meg Cole, from Becky Wade’s Undeniably Yours, struggles so much through the events in the story. Meg’s been given the world as the sole inheritor of her father’s oil empire. She has the funds to do whatever she wants, but she feels confined by the demands of a profession she never enjoyed. Is there a way to escape into a life she can pursue with passion?

Bo Porter may not have an oil empire, but he’s happily living a life he loves as a the manager of Whispering Creek Ranch’s racehorse farm. At least he’s been able to until Meg takes the reins of his employer’s empire and decides the ranch is the last thing she needs to invest in.

Though born and raised in the same town, Bo and Meg come from different worlds. One fights for the freedom to continue living his dream. One struggles to find the dream that will bring passion into her life. Seeing what they need in each other, they can’t deny their attraction, but they can fight it. Their differences are more than enough to keep them apart, and they know it. And when the mistakes of her past come back to haunt Meg, even thoughts of friendship are abandoned.

Undeniably Yours is an enjoyable, easily read story that leaves readers wanting more of Whispering Creek Ranch and the people who live there. And it’s a great reminder to consider the passions God has given us and how He might want us to use them as we live each day for Him.

Are you Meg, searching for the thing that will add passion to your life? Or are you Bo, in a profession you’re passionate about and loving it?

https://www.amazon.com/Undeniably-Yours-Porter-Family-Novel-ebook/dp/B00B85M0FO

What I’m Reading: A Most Peculiar Circumstance

My friend Mona and I are the president and CEO of a very exclusive club. It’s the Unrefined Grace club. When God made us, He decided we needed a very specific set of talents. In fact, our talents could rival those of Charlie Chaplin, Jim Carrey, or any other physical comedian. What they did for laughs and a paycheck, we do because we can’t help it.

Most people need things to trip over. We simply need air and our own two feet. If we can humiliate ourselves with klutziness, we will do it.

Children everywhere jump on beds. When I did it, I hit my head on the corner of a window sill and ended up in the ER.

Children everywhere jumped on pogo balls back in the late 80s. When I did it, I put my arm through the glass pane of my grandmother’s storm door.

Once, in a dirt clod fight (don’t ask), I got hit over the head with a shovel. It’s a wonder I didn’t end up with a concussion.

And just so you know my talent didn’t end with my childhood, I fell down stairs and put my back out when I was pregnant with my first son. And I also tripped over a stump when pregnant with his brother and dropped him into a flower garden on my way down to the ground.

It’s a wonder I haven’t broken a bone. I’ve never figured out why God gave me this particular skill set. Maybe, like Paul, it’s my thorn in the flesh to keep me humble. Maybe it’s just to provide comic relief. Whatever the reason, I have a gift for being in the center of unfortunate circumstances. But at least my propensity for trouble has only landed my in the ER and not in jail.

The same cannot be said for Miss Arabella Beckett in Jen Turano’s historical romance, A Most Peculiar Circumstance. As if Arabella’s radical beliefs that women should have the right to vote are not enough to make her stand out in society, her well-intentioned attempts to help others make her propensity for finding trouble increase exponentially.

When the story begins, Arabella has helped a naive young lady escape being sold into prostitution. And she’s landed herself in jail with multiple charges. Her only way out is accepting the help of the private investigator her family hired to find her.

Theodore is handsome, but he’s trouble in Arabella’s mind with his archaic beliefs about women. Sparks fly and attraction grows even as they verbally spar with each other though neither will admit it.

Though they drive each other crazy, they can’t seem to be rid of each other. Family ties and Arabella’s uncontrollable ability to land herself in one mess after another keep bringing them together. Along the way, they learn a little about each other, a lot about themselves, and even something about love.

It makes for a story that will at times have you laughing, shaking your head, and rooting for Arabella and Theodore to work out their differences in the end. And it wouldn’t be nearly so much fun without the unfortunate events that seem to follow Arabella everywhere.

https://www.amazon.com/Most-Peculiar-Circumstance-Jen-Turano/dp/076421019X