Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog, page 5
December 24, 2024
Merry Christmas
May Jesus’s birth remind you of the beauty and promise of this season.
Merry Christmas from the Luftigs.
The post Merry Christmas appeared first on Robin Luftig.
December 17, 2024
I Can’t Wait Until Christmas is Over
“I can’t wait until Christmas is over.”
Sound familiar? We all feel the pressure … seeking the perfect present … wrapping gifts just right …setting an impeccable table. No wonder there’s so much stress during the Christmas season. But let’s not wish away blessings.
Could we change how we think?What about instead of, I have to … say, I get to …?
Instead of I have to buy the perfect present, say I get to buy a present? If you glimpsed current events at all, you’ll see that several families in Asheville, North Caroline have nothing … nothing! Many have lost their home, their car … all of their possessions. Some have even lost people.
What’s the condition of your family?Many folks are alone during the holidays, often due to hurt feelings. It’s sad how offenses can divide families. This doesn’t have to be.
If there’s a rub between you and a relative during this season of promises, consider reconnecting with those you’re upset with. Contemplate what making amends or being open to hearing theirs would mean. There are folks … like those in Asheville … who’d give anything to spend a few hours with family members who are no longer with them.
You may be one of many who are struggling during this economy. It’s a struggle to buy the tiniest of gifts when it seems impossible to keep up with recurring monthly bills.
How about replacing the, “this gift is lame” attitude with, “I’m offering this with love”? Paper doesn’t have to decorate the box perfectly. A small but thoughtful gift has the power to fill a heart with love and appreciation.
Are you ashamed of the meal you can afford? Don’t be. If you have food and clean drinking water at your disposal, you’ve among the most blessed people in the world.
If you have food and clean drinking water at your disposal, you’ve among the most blessed people in the world.
Don’t Get Lost in the HooplaLet’s strive to see Christmas as a time to celebrate the arrival of the Messiah. This year, try to shake off the trappings of society’s materialism and press through to the beauty of simplicity. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11 NIV.
Nothing changes until we change how we think.
Let’s shake off the chaos by switching our focus. Let’s move from, “I can’t wait until Christmas is over”, to “how can I offer blessings to others”?
I can’t wait until Christmas is over
Share on X
Ladies of the Fire
brought us to the late 1960s as we met the newly-widowed Lily-Rose Pembrick reeling as she fled Lincoln, Nebraska, with her children. Only taking the cash from the house safe and what she could get her hands on at the family bank, she left the recently-inherited and successful Pembrick Transportation company behind. Exhausted from driving all night, she stopped in Applegate, Ohio, and decided to start a new life on Norwood Street. There, she met Fiona Kasey, an African-American no-nonsense housekeeper/companion to an elderly white woman, and Sugar Bowersox, a Southern spitfire who has lost herself in motherhood.
Together, they enjoyed Lily-Rose’s backyard fire pit, where dreams were spoken and secrets revealed. As they embraced a kinship they never would have sought, Lily-Rose began thinking her past could finally be laid to rest—until someone ended up dead.
The post I Can’t Wait Until Christmas is Over appeared first on Robin Luftig.
December 10, 2024
Sharing Tuesday with Cindy Sproles
On this Sharing Tuesday, I’m excited to highlight Coal Black Lies (Kregel, June 2024) by Cindy Sproles.
Coal miner Joshua Morgan managed to do the impossible–he broke away from the stranglehold of the iron-fisted Barton family and the Company Store, to whom all the miners in the Appalachian Mountains are indebted. But it cost him the life of his young daughter, who was run down by a posse led by Thomas Barton while coming to collect Joshua’s payment to the store.
Five years later, a sweet but slow-witted young girl lands on his doorstep, and Joshua’s desire to protect her from the clutches of the Bartons increases his thirst for vengeance. Joshua sets out to discover where the girl came from in order to take down the Barton family once and for all.
Sharing Tuesday highlights Cindy Sproles and her latest novel, Coal Black Lies.
Share on X
His journey leads him to the truth about the day his daughter died, a reality he finds hard to accept. But when confronted by Thomas Barton himself, Joshua is forced to rethink the dark lies brewing in his heart. If he broke away, could Thomas have also? Despite his misgivings, can Joshua join forces with a man he once despised to free the miners from the tyrannical Barton family and forge a future of peace for both the young girl and himself?
Endorsement for Coal Black LiesTrue to form, storyteller Cindy Sproles has done it again. Coal Black Lies keeps readers turning the page, hungry for more of her authentic Appalachian dialect, descriptive setting, and well-developed characters. This author not only keeps us on the edges of our seats, she touches deep places in the heart, inviting readers to experience her story through vivid details stirring the senses. I love this book, probably even more than any of her others, though that’s difficult. (They’re all so good.) Coal Black Lies is brilliant, and I’ll be buying this one for friends and family, knowing they too will love it.
Cindy SprolesCindy K. Sproles is an author and speaker. Raised and living in the mountains of East Tennessee, she spins tales of life in the deep crevices of the Appalachian mountains. Cindy is proud of her mountain heritage and her desire is to see this culture live on in history. Cindy’s desire is to continue to weave the stories, despite their hardships, that show the resilience of the Appalachian culture.
Cindy teaches at Christian Writers Conferences, ladies retreats, and ladies conferences across the country. She serves as the executive editor of ChristianDevotions.us, a writing mentor, and life coach. Treat yourself and take time to get to know Cindy.
Can a woman on the run find herself again?Writers honoring writers. Consider being a part of Sharing Tuesdays. robin@robinluftig.com
Ladies of the Fire brought us to the late 1960s as we met the newly-widowed Lily-Rose Pembrick reeling as she fled Lincoln, Nebraska, with her children. Only taking the cash from the house safe and what she could get her hands on at the family bank, she left the recently-inherited and successful Pembrick Transportation company behind. Exhausted from driving all night, she stopped in Applegate, Ohio, and decided to start a new life on Norwood Street. There, she met Fiona Kasey, an African-American no-nonsense housekeeper/companion to an elderly white woman, and Sugar Bowersox, a Southern spitfire who has lost herself in motherhood.
Together, they enjoyed Lily-Rose’s backyard fire pit, where dreams were spoken and secrets revealed. As they embraced a kinship they never would have sought, Lily-Rose began thinking her past could finally be laid to rest—until someone ended up dead.
The post Sharing Tuesday with Cindy Sproles appeared first on Robin Luftig.
December 3, 2024
Share My Secret
Years ago, I gained a slice of wisdom on how to never leave blessings behind. Allow me to share my secret with you.
Yes, a jar.
The plainest, most nondescript jar you can find. I use a Mason canning jar. Place the empty jar in a conspicuous place. Maybe on the counter in the kitchen … on a table in the entryway … or on the mantel in the den. But place it where you will see it every day.
Beside the jar, place a pad of paper and pen. Throughout the year when something good happens, make a note of it and put it in the jar. At the end of the year, pour out all the slips of paper and read them. Take time to reflect over each good thing — each blessing — that was written on those slips of paper.
It’s just that easy.
We keep our jar on a table in our entry. I pass it every day and have watched as the stack of papers has grown. Through illnesses and challenges, we fought through to fine something good to put in our jar.
On New Year’s Eve, my husband and I have our yearly tradition. After a dinner of cheeses, meats, and fruits, we pull out our calendars and try to project the upcoming year. We schedule birthdays, anniversaries, and other special holidays we hold dear. We write down any scheduled time of traveling apart as well as time to travel together. Then we open our jar. We smile, laugh, and reminisce about the good times noted on each piece of paper. It’s impossible not to see how blessed we are.
We look forward to this every year.
Every December my husband and I anticipate our Mason Jar evening. We know from past experiences, that we’ll be reminded of goodness that we had forgotten. They’re our, “oh, I remember that!” moments.
It’s Your TurnHow about you? Are you game? There’s still time.
Find your own jar. Place it in a place you will see every day. Leave a notepad and pen beside it and leave notes when something sweet happens. It doesn’t need to be anything earth-shaking, but something that made you smile. Did you make a new friend? Maybe you found a new restaurant and had the best risotto ever. Lew and I took a road trip to a Guy Fieri’s Drive-ins, Diners, and Dives for the best Mile High Meatloaf ever.
Whatever good experiences you have, write them down.
the year closes I want to share my secret to appreciating what's around me. Here's how I pause for gratitude.
Share on X
This past year has been filled with more turmoil than I ever thought could be shoved into a twelve-month period. Additionally, none of us know what 2025 will bring. That’s why we should never leave blessings behind and forgotten. But we’ve all experienced something good. Sometimes we just need a reminder.
What say you?
What do you wonder about? Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.
Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.
The post Share My Secret appeared first on Robin Luftig.
November 26, 2024
Wearing Painted On Smiles
November begins the season when families get together and celebrate their special closeness. Yet so many families are splintered with members wearing painted-on smiles while staying close to the liquor cabinet. Are faking happiness and drinking the best ways to work through that “closeness”?
While it would be wonderful to reflect a Norman Rockwell moment while together, it probably won’t happen. If there’s a problem with family relationships, make Thanksgiving more than sharing turkey. It’time to make amends with one another; it’s a time for families to heal.
We seldom have control over who makes up our family. Ponder this–It wasn’t by accident that God placed you in your specific family.
It’s tempting for many wounded people to think they can improve God’s plan by putting walls of unmet expectations and hurt feelings around their hearts.
“I don’t want to be hurt anymore.”“You don’t know what they did to me.”“We have nothing in common; it’s best we just keep our distance and live our lives apart.”Yeah, but …Those statements may sound good, right, and honest. At one time or another I’ve spoken them all. But afterward I realized these thoughts were … well … a smidge self-serving … and wrong!
Here’s What We Can DoOthers have the same thoughts and share these feelings. Look around you. If you hurt someone in the past, apologize. If you have been hurt, forgive. Why? Because it wasn’t suggested by God, it was what he told us to do:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13: 34-35 (NIV)“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” Matt. 5:23-24 (NIV)“… If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” Luke 17:3-4 (NIV)Think about it
Let’s try to remember Jesus died for the person who is causing your grief. They have value. We all have value. That value isn’t about you; it’s about our Heavenly Father. Think about would a Thanksgiving meal could be if we sat at the same table as our Lord and our estranged family members?
If you hurt someone in the past, apologize. If you have been hurt, forgive. It wasn’t suggested by God, it was what he told us to do.
Share on X
Ponder these possibly new thoughts and stop wearing a painted smile. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Have a Happy … and Healthy … Thanksgiving!
What say you?What do you wonder about? Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.
Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.
The post Wearing Painted On Smiles appeared first on Robin Luftig.
November 19, 2024
Sharing Tuesday on Overload
This week’s Sharing Tuesday is on overload. Here we have four authors and books to highlight. All authors are part of the Facebook group, Writing with The Erasers (ERASERS is an acronym for Edit, Rewrite, And Save. Edit. Repeat. Save.) This is a mutual commiseration society for writers and readers who appreciate a good ruff draft, a belly laff, and a grate eraser. [Sidebar] Writer groups are invaluable if a writer wants to enhance their work. Authors and soon-to-be authors offer guidance and support not found anywhere else.
Debbie Sprinkle has two books this year. The Case of Stolen Memories (Scrivenings Press, August 2024) is the third book of the three-book A Mac & Sam Mystery series. When a new year begins, Private Investigator Mackenzie Love resolves to get in better shape. But after only one week of walking, she interrupts a burglary in progress and ends up in the middle of a murder case. Detective Jake Sanders, the man Mac’s dating, is assigned to the murder. Mac, along with her partners, Samantha Majors and Ms. Prudence Freebody, is hired to find the memorabilia stolen from the time capsule in Rennick Park. The two cases intertwine, and Mac finds herself once more on the wrong end of a gun. Can Mac and Jake find the killer and the stolen property before the killer finds them? She also has a book coming out in December, In Death Under the Ice.
In Starr Ayers‘ new book, Waiting for Sunset (Mountain Brook Ink, September 2024), thirty-two-year-old interior designer Olivia Houston suffers anxiety since the death of her husband. Weary of the tyranny of the urgent, she longs for quiet and welcomes the invitation to update her cousin’s 1950s cottage in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. On a jog to the tip of neighboring Bird Island, Olivia discovers the mysterious Kindred Spirit mailbox. Planted in the dunes decades earlier by a young couple, the box contains journals with visitors’ entries—as well as an item that plunges Olivia into a search for the family of WW2 Sergeant Walter Larsen. While at the Kindred Spirit, Olivia collides with Chase Evans, a deep-sea charter boat captain with a circuit-breaker smile, whom Olivia soon recruits to assist with her search. Their shared pursuit takes them far beyond the sands of Sunset Beach and well outside the borders of their hearts. What will future visits to the Kindred Spirit mailbox hold for Olivia? Will her Sunset Beach sabbatical bring the healing and peace she seeks or compound her heartbreak and loss?
Linda DindzansChristian Fiction is a powerful source of entertainment and introduces us to some fabulous authors.
Linda Dindzans’s first book, A Certain Man (Scrivenings Press, August 2024) is Biblical fiction. In it, Mara, a young Samaritan, begins to discover her love for Samuel—and his for her. Soon she will be deemed mature enough to marry. Her hopes are dashed when her greedy father brokers a match with the cruel son of the wealthy High Priest of Shechem. When her loathsome betrothed is killed, her beloved Samuel must run for his life. Mara and Samuel struggle to survive and reunite during the treacherous and scandalous times of the Bible under the merciless rule of Rome.Along the way, they are entangled within the snares of such notable figures as King Herod, Herodias, Pontius Pilate, Caiaphas, and Salome.
Charlsie Estess
Charlsie Estess‘ book When The Ocean Roar ( Iron Stream Fiction, June 2024) offers the reader a Christian mystery embraces intrigue. Weeks before the Ultimate Fighting World Championship, Keane “The Golden Lion” Temple lands in Japan for the battle of his professional life. The adored prizefighter is primed to take the win. And nothing has ever distracted him from victory in the ring. But when his path collides with an intriguing woman, he gives in to impulse and asks her to spend his day off from training with him. Surely, he can keep his heart safe for one day. Ami Ono cannot pass on the invitation but also hides her full identity. As their extraordinary day bleeds into night, both realize one day won’t be enough. Then the excursion ends in disaster when Keane discovers who Ami is. They part ways, but compelling circumstances and an undeniable attraction draw them back together, driving their attraction—and her high-society family drama—to something more intense than Keane has ever faced. As the forbidden romance threatens to take down his principles in the knockout of his life, he struggles to honor his beliefs. Will The Golden Lion surrender his heart? Will Ami defy the domineering men in her life and accept it? Do they stand a chance against nature?
Writer groups are invaluable if a writer wants to enhance their work. Authors and soon-to-be authors offer guidance and support not found anywhere else.
Share on X
Congratulations, ladies.
These are fine examples of the beauty of writing groups. If you’re in the market of a group to help you in your writing journey, consider Word Weavers, International. Its mission is to help members find their unique voice, strive for the exceptional and not settle for the mundane, and to raise the quality of our members’ writing to a publishable level.
Can a woman on the run find herself again?Ladies of the Fire brought us to the late 1960s as we met the newly-widowed Lily-Rose Pembrick reeling as she fled Lincoln, Nebraska, with her children. Only taking the cash from the house safe and what she could get her hands on at the family bank, she left the recently-inherited and successful Pembrick Transportation company behind. Exhausted from driving all night, she stopped in Applegate, Ohio, and decided to start a new life on Norwood Street. There, she met Fiona Kasey, an African-American no-nonsense housekeeper/companion to an elderly white woman, and Sugar Bowersox, a Southern spitfire who has lost herself in motherhood.
Together, they enjoyed Lily-Rose’s backyard fire pit, where dreams were spoken and secrets revealed. As they embraced a kinship they never would have sought, Lily-Rose began thinking her past could finally be laid to rest—until someone ended up dead.
The post Sharing Tuesday on Overload appeared first on Robin Luftig.
November 12, 2024
Sharable Tuesday
My dear friend Eva Marie Everson, along with Miriam Feinberg Vamosh published Ahoti: A Story of Tamar: a Novel (Paraclete Press), May 2024. This i is today’s highlight on Sharable Tuesday.
Ravaged by one brother, silenced and betrayed by another, and abandoned by her father King David, Tamar—once beloved daughter of the king of Israel, and healer of the court—suddenly finds herself in exile, fleeing for her life. But the story continues where the scriptures end: a dangerous journey and tenacious pursuit of her true identity and calling brings her full circle, to her rightful place in the kingdom.
Eva Marie
Eva Marie is a CBA bestselling and multiple award-winning author and speaker, including an ECPA Gold Medallion, Christy finalist, a Silver Medallion winner, a Carol, several Maggie and Golden Scroll awards, and an Inspirational Retailers Choice Award. She is one of the original five Word Weavers members, which began in 1997. She served first as the original president (2000-2007) and is now CEO of Word Weavers International, Inc., which serves writers primarily as a national and international group of critique and educational chapters.
Miriam
Miriam’s love affair with the Bible and ancient sources led to her series of books on daily life in Bible times, her first historical novel The Scroll, her newest novel Ahoti – The Story of Tamar, with co-author Eva Marie Everson, and hundreds of articles. That love grew over many years as a tour educator. Miriam’s interest in the New Testament began with the respect that she learned for people of all faiths and cultures from her parents and her older brother and sister. Her writing, and her translating and editing of scholarly research on biblical antiquity on the one hand, and her 20 years as a translator on the news desk of the cutting-edge Israeli daily Haaretz, on the other, come together in a complex whole that, for Miriam, has made life in Israel a never-ending search for meaning, ever more so in troubled times.
Endorsements & ReviewsToday's Sharable Tuesday - Eva Marie Everson, along with Miriam Feinberg Vamosh published Ahoti: A Story of Tamar: a Novel
Share on X
“As an author of biblical fiction, I know the amount of research and work that goes into crafting a story like this. Miriam Feinberg Vamosh and Eva Marie Everson comprise the perfect team.” —Jerry B. Jenkins, author of The Chosen series
“Vamosh (The Scroll) and Everson (The Ornament Keeper) put an empowering spin on the biblical story of Tamar, the daughter of King David…[I]t’s a welcome and often gripping portrait of the unsung courage of a biblical heroine.”—Publishers Weekly
Enthralling narrative of events so long ago – “the Bible continually comes to life for me as I read of the events in the lives lived 1000’s of years ago. Their situations and the plots that were spun around them are forever intriguing! The power of Kindoms won and lost was so compelling, revealing the deepest nature of man. The life of David always is always appealing, just knowing that he was a man whom the LORD loved draws unending interest. Tamar the precious daughter, so wounded by a sin that plagues mankind continually–incest. The pain and shame come to life to reveal the inner depth of the spirit, the resilience and the searching heart. This book is truly compelling!”
A Gripping Tale of History, Heart, and Heroism You Won’t Want to Miss – If you’re ready to dive into a story that blends rich historical detail with a gripping narrative, the ‘Ahoti” A Story of Tamar,’ by Eva Marie Everson and Miriam Feinberg Vamoose, is your next must-read. Steeped in history and Jewish customs, the authors weave a compelling tale about Tamar that us as rich in detail as it is sin drama. Reading it reminded me of two dear friends who taught me the fine arts of wisdom and kindness. Dive into this journey, and you’ll find yourself captivated by a story of faith, intuition, and fortitude–a portrait of a young woman as breathtaking as she is strong. Trust me, you’re in for a treat!
Can a woman on the run find herself again?Ladies of the Fire brought us to the late 1960s as we met the newly-widowed Lily-Rose Pembrick reeling as she fled Lincoln, Nebraska, with her children. Only taking the cash from the house safe and what she could get her hands on at the family bank, she left the recently-inherited and successful Pembrick Transportation company behind. Exhausted from driving all night, she stopped in Applegate, Ohio, and decided to start a new life on Norwood Street. There, she met Fiona Kasey, an African-American no-nonsense housekeeper/companion to an elderly white woman, and Sugar Bowersox, a Southern spitfire who has lost herself in motherhood.
Together, they enjoyed Lily-Rose’s backyard fire pit, where dreams were spoken and secrets revealed. As they embraced a kinship they never would have sought, Lily-Rose began thinking her past could finally be laid to rest—until someone ended up dead.
The post Sharable Tuesday appeared first on Robin Luftig.
November 5, 2024
God Help Us
God help us. Lord, heal your people.
When God spoke to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3), He gave Moses instructions on speaking to the Israelites. When Moses questioned the Lord, God’s response was with few words:
May Your Words Be FewGod said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say … ‘I am has sent me to you.’”
Exodus 3:14
No matter what happens today, know that God loves us–each of us. He has a plan. If you find yourself looking for peace today, know that God’s right there with you–make that knowledge be enough.
God help us. No matter what happens today, know that God loves us--each of us. He has a plan.
Share on X
What do you wonder about? Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.
Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.
The post God Help Us appeared first on Robin Luftig.
October 29, 2024
Sharable Tuesday
I love supporting authors. For this week’s Sharable Tuesday, From One Reader to Another, I’m excited to introduce two authors I met through the writers’ group, Word Weavers International, who publish in 2024: Linda Dindzans and Charlsie Estess.
Linda Dindzans, M.D. is a writer with the heart of a healer. She offers readers stories of redemption and restoration. Though her compelling characters live during the ancient times of the Bible, Linda believes there is nothing new under the sun. The hopes and struggles of her cast of characters still ring true with hearts today. Only a profound encounter with the Son transforms her characters from victims to victors.
Linda is also a speaker and retired ENT surgeon whose practice focused on the care of children and care of the professional voice. She has pursued a longstanding fascination with God’s Word and commitment to in-depth Bible study. Grateful for this time to lay down her scalpel and pick up her pen, she follows a call to write. A published writer and educator, Linda has been a guest speaker at medical conferences, national and regional Christian conferences, and a facilitator for church and home Bible studies.
A Certain Man, a tale of ancient Samaria at the time of Jesus, is her debut novel.
I love supporting authors. For this week's Sharable Tuesday, From One Reader to Another please meet Linda Dindzans and Charlsie Estess.
Share on X
Mara is a young Samaritan beginning to discover her love for Samuel—and his for her. Soon she will be deemed mature enough to marry. Her hopes are dashed when her greedy father brokers a match with the cruel son of the wealthy High Priest of Shechem. When her loathsome betrothed is killed, her beloved Samuel must run for his life. Mara and Samuel struggle to survive and reunite during the treacherous and scandalous times of the Bible under the merciless rule of Rome.
Along the way, they are entangled within the snares of such notable figures as King Herod, Herodias, Pontius Pilate, Caiaphas, and Salome.
The heartrending tales of Mara and Samuel are interwoven with their desperate love story. Before either meets Yeshua the Nazarene face to face. Before He sets the political, religious, and spiritual landscape on fire. And before either Mara or Samuel are immortalized in the gospels.
Charlsie Estess
Charlsie worked in finance and strategic planning before tackling the full-time rearing of two, strong-willed boys. Through professional and mission projects, she has been blessed to encounter and work with some unforgettable characters on six different continents, experiencing amazing adventures and also witnessing some heartrending scenes. Forever a wanderer at heart, Charlsie knows everyone needs inspiration, a friend who packs a punch, and escape from time to time. She prays her stories give voice to women who have not always had a voice. Love stories with wings for warriors, wanderers, and free birds!
When the Ocean Roars
In When the Ocean Roars, he needs to surrender. She needs to fight. Are they ready for their next battle?
Weeks before the Ultimate Fighting World Championship, Keane “The Golden Lion” Temple lands in Japan for the battle of his professional life. The adored prizefighter is primed to take the win. And nothing has ever distracted him from victory in the ring. But when his path collides with an intriguing woman, he gives in to impulse and asks her to spend his day off from training with him. Surely, he can keep his heart safe for one day.
Ami Ono cannot pass on the invitation but also hides her full identity. As their extraordinary day bleeds into night, both realize one day won’t be enough. Then the excursion ends in disaster when Keane discovers who Ami is. They part ways, but compelling circumstances and an undeniable attraction draw them back together, driving their attraction—and her high-society family drama—to something more intense than Keane has ever faced. As the forbidden romance threatens to take down his principles in the knockout of his life, he struggles to honor his beliefs. Will The Golden Lion surrender his heart? Will Ami defy the domineering men in her life and accept it? Do they stand a chance against nature?
What is Word Weavers?
Founded in 1997, Word Weavers International is dedicated to providing a forum for Christian writers to critique one another’s work in a face-to-face format. Whether in a traditional chapter or in Word Weavers’ unique online “pages,” writers of all levels are welcome.
If you’ve recently published a book, fiction or nonfiction, let me know. I love supporting authors for sharable Tuesday.
The post Sharable Tuesday appeared first on Robin Luftig.
October 22, 2024
Sharing Tuesday – Colleen Snyder
I love sharing books of authors I know. I call these Sharing Tuesdays. This week’s author is Colleen Snyder. I met Colleen through Word Weavers International where she’s a valued leader. While she has several published books, here are two of her 2024 publishings.
Colleen’s third book of the Knights of the Octagon series is The Quake.
Impeccable research from a brave geologist predicts a major earthquake for the local area. Soon. Within thirty days soon. Not all his colleagues agree with his conclusions. The quake is coming? Absolutely. But three weeks? More like three years. Maybe.
A group of young men are convinced of the geologist’s calculations. They’re preparing for it. Frantically buying food and supplies for the survivors. But will there be any? Of the five thousand people in town, how many will believe their report? “Orton’s Crazies,” people call them. “Cultists” who want to sit on a hilltop and wait for the end to come.
It would be easier for the Knights not to tell anyone and simply get out of town. But then how many deaths will be on their heads? How do you convince people—family, friend, and foe alike—of a truth they don’t want to hear?
Want More?Colleen’s year was busy with writing … and publishing. She also finished the fourth book of the Knights of the Octagon series, Wedding Crashers.
The masked figure poured accelerant over the sparkling dreams, wishes, and hopes. Chemicals melted delicate lace tulle. The liquid scarred the shimmering satins. Pearl buttons dissolved. The flash of ignition turned yards of fabric to ash.
An arsonist is destroying wedding shops. Vandalizing event centers, flower warehouses, and anything wedding-related. But it’s still “only” vandalism. Until Micah Andres and Wendy Smothers are taste-testing cakes for their upcoming wedding. An SUV demolishes the building. The baker is killed.
Now it’s murder, and mayhem ensues…
The van Micah rides in is hit with bullets. The county office he visits is blown up. Someone firebombs the houses where the Knights live. Is this the arsonist? Or is something deeper going on? Can Micah and the Knights find out before the murderer strikes again?
I love sharing books of authors I know. I call these share, Sharing Tuesdays. Today focus is on Colleen Snyder.
Share on X
Colleen K. Snyder has always had a passion for writing. She lives on a “ranchette” in California and is the junior-est ranch hand. When she’s not writing she makes herself available to run errands, be supportive, and be present. She also writes, drinks coffee, cooks, drinks coffee, bakes cookies, drinks coffee, and helps around the house. Colleen has worked as a factory line worker, pharmacy technician, USAF missile systems analyst, janitor, nanny, teacher, accounting manager, and whatever else the Lord required. Her story is for His glory, always.
The post Sharing Tuesday – Colleen Snyder appeared first on Robin Luftig.
