Cara C. Putman's Blog, page 92

Coffee Chat with Beth Vogt

This week I’m delighted to bring you chats with three of my fun writer friends, reviews of their new books, and giveaways of those new delights. I hope you’ll enjoy this breath of fun! And be sure to read to the end of each post so you can participate in the giveaways. I wouldn’t offer them if I didn’t think they’d delight the readers who will find these titles in their mailboxes! So grab a mug of your favorite drink and meet my friend Beth Vogt.

In Somebody Like You, Beth creates characters and a story that will pull you in slowly and then hold you captive until the end. The heroine is still mourning the death of her soldier husband as she awaits the birth of their child…the child he never knew about. Then one day she is shocked and surprised when his identical twin brother arrives at her door. He’d been estranged from his brother and now he can’t mend their relationship.

Their interactions are rocky as they both deal with their grief and regrets. And it’s a slow process of coming to terms with the past and how their lives intersect. I found this a story that I kept returning to because I cared about how the characters’ grew and evolved through their journey on the pages. There were moments of humor to balance the moments I wanted to cry with or for Haley and Stephen.

Somebody Like You is a book that readers of contemporary romance with shades of women’s fiction will enjoy reading.

I enjoyed Somebody Like You so much that I endorsed the book. The characters and their journey was one I didn’t want to see end. How did you get the inspiration for the story?

I mulled over “What if … ?” for several weeks — tossing in the topic of twins. I’m a fraternal twin — I have a twin sister — and I’ve always wanted to write a novel with a storyline that involves twins. I turned it upside down a bit and chose to write about twin brothers and then added in the military angle.  I’m also familiar with that experience because my husband was in the air force for 24 years.

The heroine is dealing with the loss of a spouse…Why did you decide to make this part of her story?

I’ve experienced Haley’s story personally — not because I’ve been widowed but because several of my close friends have been widowed at young ages. So as I wrote Haley’s story, I was honoring those friends, trying to write honestly about that kind of loss, that kind of grief.

Watching others experience grief definitely impacts me, and it added a rich element to the story. I love the interaction between Hayley and Stephen. You gave them both heavy histories and a challenging present. Yet there’s a chemistry that penetrates the challenges. Did that come naturally or was it something you had to force into their interactions initially?

The first draft of any novel I write is always rough — and I expect it to be that way. And then I go back and write and rewrite the story, layering in the emotion, the tension. Some of the scenes I wrote surprised me, but then again, I try to leave room in the story for my characters to do and say things I don’t expect.

There were times in this story that I wanted to sob for Hayley — since she was too tough to cry for herself. Did you find yourself in tears as you wrote some of the scenes?

Yes, there were times I had to stop writing, walk away from the story, and let myself cry. I knew when I started the story that Haley wasn’t going to cry — and I knew why too. I’ve been where Haley was. There was a painful season in my life when I shut down and didn’t allow myself to cry. I felt overwhelmed and I just couldn’t cry over one more thing. I thought doing so made things better. Easier. But I was wrong.

I’ve been there, too. What do you hope stays with readers after they close the cover on this novel?

Of course, I hope the story lingers … I hope they miss Haley and Stephen. But more than that, I hope they’ve wrestled with the question Is it ever wrong to love someone? Maybe their answer is different than the one I came up with in Somebody Like You, but at least they understand that God works in us and through us in the messiness of our relationships.

Can you give us a sneak peek at what’s next for you? I’m working on my next novel with Howard Books. It’s a contemporary romance that’s part of my Destination:Wedding series.

Destination weddings? Sounds fun! Where can people connect with you?

I love to connect with my readers! They can find me via my website or on my author Facebook page or Twitter or Pinterest.

Cara again: Be sure to enter for a chance to read Beth’s new book below. You can also check out the giveaways for Melissa Tagg’s here  and Regina Jenning’s here .

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Coffee Chat with Melissa Tagg

This week I’m delighted to bring you chats with three of my fun writer friends, reviews of their new books, and giveaways of those new delights. I hope you’ll enjoy this breath of fun! And be sure to read to the end of each post so you can participate in the giveaways. I wouldn’t offer them if I didn’t think they’d delight the readers who will find these titles in their mailboxes! So grab a mug of your favorite drink and meet my friend Melissa Tagg.

Here to Stay is a beautiful story many of us can relate to. Either we’re the heroine who feels trapped and just wants a chance to live her dreams, or we’re the hero and our past has kept us running and now we just want to grow past it and put down roots. Add in some family rivalries, a past tragedy that overshadows the present, and delights of humor and romance, and this was a book I could barely put down! I so wanted Autumn and Blake to grow past their difference, family hang-ups and find a way to forge a future. Both have to sacrifice dreams that made me ache for them. Yet the small-town life, the fantastic cast of characters, and the sweet message of faith and hope kept me glued to the pages. And I loved the cameo by Miranda from the first book. This book is a keeper for all fans of contemporary romance laced with humor and lifted by a gentle message of faith.

Now I’m delighted to introduce you to my friend Melissa.

Melissa, In Here to Stay you’ve created a perfect mix with a heroine who can’t wait to leave and a hero is back to stay. The history between them is rich and multi-layered with loss and challenges. How did the characters first arrive in your mind?

Blake first appeared in my debut novel, Made to Last (a fun book that I endorsed!!). In that story he pretty much played the comic foil—a goofball pretending to be a celebrity’s husband. But I heard from a lot of people that he was their favorite character and as I wrote that first story, multiple times I had the feeling, “There’s more to this guy’s story.”

So going into Here to Stay, I knew Blake on the surface level but I had to dig in deeper and figure out who this guy was underneath his funny exterior. I started by asking myself, “What would make a man walk away from his life and agree to play someone’s fake husband? And what does he want now that he’s returning home?” As for Autumn, I’m not exactly sure how her character first arrived in my mind. She ended up being sort of a female George Bailey a la It’s a Wonderful Life. So maybe I’ve just watched that movie enough times…? There’s a lot of me in Autumn, too, even though my life looks pretty different than hers.

I think a little of me creeps into many of my heroines, too. I had such fun watching the interaction between Blake and Autumn. Did the chemistry come naturally or did you have to watch a bunch of classic movies to catch the vibe?

LOL I do watch tons of classic movies! I’m not sure I watched them specifically in order to help build Blake and Autumn’s chemistry, but they had to have helped. I think one of the things that helped build their chemistry was asking myself (and them), what do you like about each other? What makes you right for each other? What is it that pulls you together even though all these outside elements should be tearing you apart? I love walking that romantic tight rope of “why DO these characters belong together?” and “why DON’T they belong together?” That tension is what makes a story fun to read…and to write!

Those are great questions to ask your lead characters! Did you know when you wrote Made to Last you’d tell Blake’s story next? He’s got a heavy background. Have you ever faced anything like that? 

When I was first drafting Made to Last, there was a little niggle in the back of my mind that Blake’s story should come next. And then during revisions as I worked to strengthen his motivation, I definitely realized there was more to his story…and I couldn’t wait to tell it. Honestly, I haven’t faced anything like his background. Even just imagining what he’s been through was hard for me. I remember one moment, writing one scene in particular, when I started thinking about what it’d be like to lose a sibling at all, let alone in such a tragic way, and I pretty much broke down.

What do you hope stays with readers after they close the cover on this novel?

Well, I hope they’re still sighing over the ending. That last scene in Here to Stay is one of my favorite scenes I’ve ever written (I hope it’s not weird or cocky to admit that) and so I hope it gives readers the same gooey, happy feeling it gives me.

But too, the underlying themes of this book ended up being different than what I originally planned…and they resonated with me in a very personal way. I hope readers find themselves pondering life and dreams and the questions the story raises. Like: What do you do when your dreams collide? When the thing you’ve always wanted is at your fingertips…but now a new dream comes swooping in? How do you deal with that feeling of “Am I missing out?”

My favorite line came from that scene. It was a movie perfect ending…loved it! So tell us what’s next for you?

Well, I’m very close to turning in my third novel, From the Start. It’s the start of a brand new series that I’m really excited about and releases spring 2015. Then I’ll be writing a novella, Three Little Words, which will come out before From the Start and will bridge both series. Then it’ll be time to write book four, which is due later this year. So…what’s next for me? Lots and lots and lots of writing.

Yeah! I can’t wait to read those! Where can people connect with you?

All over the place. Here are my main hangouts:

Website: www.melissatagg.com
FB: www.facebook.com/AuthorMelissaTagg
Twitter: @Melissa_Tagg
G : MelissaTagg
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/MelissaTagg
YouTube:  www.youtube.com/melissatagg
Instagram: melissatagg

I’m also on Pinterest, but I think I might be the only girl in the world who doesn’t really love it even a tiny bit, and on LinkedIn, though I don’t know why.

Cara again: I think you can see why I love Melissa — she’s got a great sense of humor and loves classic movies.  Be sure to enter for a chance to read her book below. You can also check out Regina Jenning’s here and Beth Vogt’s here.

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Coffee Chat with Author Regina Jennings

This week I’m delighted to bring you chats with three of my fun writer friends, reviews of their new books, and giveaways of those new delights. I hope you’ll enjoy this breath of fun! And be sure to read to the end of each post so you can participate in the giveaways. I wouldn’t offer them if I didn’t think they’d delight the readers who will find these titles in their mailboxes! So grab a mug of your favorite drink and meet my friend Regina Jennings.

Regina is the  author of three novels, the latest of which is , the heroine is hiding because of the domestic abuse she suffered earlier in her life. This is a very important issue…Why did you decide to make this part of her story?

Anne’s husband Jay Tillerton was the villain in the first Ladies of Caldwell County book, Sixty Acres and a Bride.  Because of the events in that book, I knew Anne’s story would take us through some dark places—places that would be familiar to some readers. It was important to demonstrate that although Anne’s husband was dead, her fear was not. Violence changes people, but so does Christ. That was the ultimate message of the story.

I love that message. So many need to hear and believe it! I also loved the interaction between Nicholas and Anne. Did the chemistry come naturally or was it something you had to force into their roles initially?

When writing romance my first inclination is for the hero and heroine to fall into feisty banter. I like a couple who stand up to each other and I’m not opposed to a hero who might eventually sweep the lady into his arms to end the argument. That’s what would be most natural for me to write.

Writing Nick was trickier. Although Anne and Nick definitely didn’t shy away from any arguments, Nick had to tread softly when it came to furthering their romance. Their chemistry came naturally, but I found myself having to restrain this hero perhaps more than my other heroes. Because of Anne’s past, Nick couldn’t come on too strong. He had to show more patience and gentleness. In the end, it made him a better man and a more interesting character.

It definitely did! He was a very rich hero. There were times in this story that I wanted to sob for Anne — since she was too tough to cry for herself. Did you find yourself in tears as you wrote some of the scenes?

Yes, I did and I’m definitely not a softie. There was one scene in particular, and those who’ve read the book can probably guess which one, that I kept wanting to pull away from. I kept thinking to Anne, “Don’t think about what’s happening. It’ll just make you sadder. Get out of there and turn off the emotions!” I wanted to rush her through her sacrifice, but I pressed on to give us the full experience and I think the result was effective.

What do you hope stays with readers after they close the cover on this novel?

In this story, success comes easily for Nick. Sure, he’s a Christian and if you want any proof just look at how much God has blessed him. That means something, right?  But by the end of the story, both Anne and Nick have faced a crisis of belief and they must answer the questions:

“Is God to be loved apart from His gifts? Is He to be obeyed despite the consequences?”

In a prosperous nation like ours, it’s easy to believe that if we are truly obedient, we won’t face loss or failure—that if we follow the rules, God is obligated to give us whatever we desire.  I hope this story inspires readers to look at their assumptions about the rewards of obedience and resolve to live for Christ even when it becomes costly.

Such a great question…and one both Anne and Nick dealt with it. What’s next for you?

We will be saying good-bye to the ladies of Caldwell County after this book, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see a particular deputy from Caught in the Middle starring in his own story someday.

The next book A Most Inconvenient Marriage releases in December of this year. Here’s a sneak peek at the blurb:

Having fled a difficult home life, Civil War nurse Abigail Stuart feels like her only friend in the world is sweet but gravely wounded patient Jeremiah Calhoun. Fearing he won’t survive, the Confederate soldier’s last wish is that Abigail look after his sickly sister at home. Marry him, return to his horse farm, and it’ll be hers.

Left with few choices, Abigail takes him up on his offer and moves to Missouri after his death, but just as the family learns to accept her, the real Jeremiah Calhoun appears—puzzled to find a confounding woman posing as his wife. Jeremiah is determined to have his life back to how it was before the war, but his own wounds limit what he can do on his own. Still not fully convinced Abigail isn’t duping him, he’s left with no choice but to let the woman stay and help–not admitting to himself she may provide the healing his entire family needs.

Where can people connect with you?

I love to hear from readers at www.reginajennings.com and on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.  Come on over for a visit!

Bio:

Regina Jennings is homeschooling mother of four from Mustang, Oklahoma. She enjoys watching musicals with her kids, traveling with her husband and reading by herself. Regina graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. For more posts by Regina or information about her novels, please visit her website – www.reginajennings.com.

Cara again: I think you can see why I enjoy Regina and her books.  Be sure to enter for a chance to read her book below. You can also check out Melissa Tagg’s here and Beth Vogt’s here.

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Fatal Exchange: pulsing romantic suspense

One of my favorite types of book to read is a romantic suspense that moves. Give me characters I can connect with an intricate crime or ticking time bomb, and I’ll be hooked through the pages. Fatal Exchange, the latest from Lisa Harris, is that kind of book. I LOVED Fatal Exchange! The pacing is fast — 85% of the plot happens in one day. It is tightly woven with an intricate plot. The action doesn’t slow until the end. By that point, the characters need a chance to catch their breath. There is a romance, and because of the hero and heroine’s past, it works even under the very tight timeline. The Christian thread only enhances the story. I loved this romantic suspense and the way it weaves in characters from a prior novel. It stands on its own and has me itching to read the next Lisa Harris novel.

Gifts with a Purpose: Part 2

This beautiful bracelet symbolizes the never ending journey of service. Just like the sweet teenagers in Cambodia started the journey to make this exquisite bracelet, it is passed on to others who will wear it and serve with it.

I’m so delighted to have Wendy Bird back for a second day to share her heart and vision for Pearls with Purpose.

I love to find gifts that allow me to help someone else…gifts that have a purpose beyond the gift giving. I feel like I’ve found that with Pearls with a Purpose. Be sure to read to the end so that you can participate…because I want to bless one of my readers with one of the necklaces from the collection. I guess you could say I’m putting my money where my mouth is And everyone can use the discount code I’ll give you at the end of this post for 20% off your purchases at the website.

Wendy, what role (if any) does faith play in your dream?

Faith encapsulates everything. The women in these developing countries believe the women in America will love, wear, and purchase their jewelry. The volunteers exercise faith as they willingly give their time and talents to help us move forward. It is the faith of the consumer who stops to learn our story, our cause, makes a purchase and then shares that with those they associate with. It is my own personal faith that I resort to when I feel inadequate to the tasks before me.

I can so relate to falling back on faith when you feel inadequate. Can you share a story or two about how this company is helping women?

Being the one who travels, trains and interacts with these deserving women on such personal and frequent levels, I have been privy to hundreds of stories on a first-hand basis. One that stands out is Shanti’s story…here it is:

One of our Pearlologists had left us for another job so we began interviewing for a replacement. Several women had come in before lunchtime, all of them referred by our other workers who were eager to share their good fortune with friends or relatives. That morning each of the women who showed up seemed more bored with life than interested in working. Their husbands had good work with the government or the hospital, one was an AC tech, and each earned about 8k INR per month, which is a pretty decent living in India.

Sterling Silver Infinity symbol ring, with a touch of beautiful glitz

During one of these interviews, a girl came limping into the co-op. She looked young, maybe seventeen or eighteen. Her right leg was held up high as if she was on a ballet point toe. Her knee jutted out and her limp was severe. She walked toward Javits and me and said she was there to interview. Javits asked her to wait until we were done with this interview, so she limped over to a post and leaned against it. When we finished up she came to stand by us and introduced herself as Shanti, which means peace in Tamil. She had a very determined look on her face and something told me she was not going to leave the co-op until she was hired.

She shared that she had two boys, ages eight and four, and was nearly thirty, which blew me away. Her husband was a gypsy of sorts. He biked to a tourist town, Pondicherry, nearly every day to sell bangles. We asked what happened to her leg. She lifted her Sari partially and said, “Accident, bus, tore muscles from leg.” “What age?” I asked. Thirteen. She then explained that there was so much damage she had to drop out of school. Many kids made fun of her. She wasn’t allowed to attend classes. She suffered greatly both physically and emotionally.

But my deep sympathetic feelings were not enough reason to hire her. In that moment I decided to wait and hire someone at my next visit, in April or May. And yet, I couldn’t get over her quiet determination.

I asked more about her husband. “How much does he earn?” She replied 1-2k INR per month ($20-$40). WOW. That was humbling. I wasn’t sure what else to say. Javits then asked her if she had anything she would like to add to the interview, giving her a last chance to promote herself. Suddenly, it was Fantine sitting in front of me, begging for a chance at a good life for her children. A fire came on in her eyes. She spoke rapidly in Tamil, gesturing with her hands, her arms, speaking passionately. Tears threatened to fall as I heard the words “alcohol”, “children starve”, “need-job”, “no money.” Javits was as enraptured as I was with her impassioned speech. When she finished, Javits repeated to me the details of the words I had already understood. “Her husband is an alcoholic. He goes to Pondicherry and returns drunk everyday. He spends all the money he gets; nothing ever reaches her. She begs from neighbors and family for food for her boys, herself, and her mother-in-law who lives with them. She says with this job, she will feed her children and finally have the peace her name always promised her.” She followed up in English, “Please ma’am, I need work.”

Crystal Cable Pearl Necklace designed by a bride for her wedding day, the crystal cable pearl necklace is both elegant and timeless.

I led Shanti to a mat, and showed her the place where she could work everyday so that she could feed herself and her family. Finally, Shanti can find her Peace.

What a gut-wrenching story. What would you say to a woman who has what feels like an impossible dream burbling inside?

I would tell her to follow Winston Churchills advice (which is plastered in numerous places throughout my house)

NEVER NEVER NEVER GIVE UP. Get that dream OUT. That dream is your purpose. There is no road block, no obstacle, nothing that will keep you from achieving it except yourself and your choices.

I love the quote, too! How can women come alongside you to support your vision and Pearls with Purpose?

Women can assist us by being socially minded and purchasing jewelry/gifts that make a REAL difference. We have a new in-home business model called the AccessoRISE program, helping women RISE out of poverty (both in the states and in developing countries). Women can share our stories from FB and our Blog, women can simply tell a friend about us. There are a myriad of ways to be involved. We travel throughout the US promoting the products through various events and are always looking to save on hotels, flights, travel expenses. We need volunteers to help us at these events (they are rewarded with jewelry!!)

Mahel Necklace

Please visit our website or us if there is a talent you possess that can help us move forward. We love ideas from others!

Cara again: As promised, I’m giving away one of Pearls with Purpose necklaces. The one I choose is the Mahel.

I choose this necklace because the women of the Philippines love the American women who buy their necklaces. Here’s what the catalog says: A limited edition coming back with us from Philippines, Mahel means love in Tagalog and that is what this necklace represents to us. Buy this special edition necklace and feed a family on the other side of the world.

I also wanted to support women in the Philippines because of the devastating tsunami last winter. And Pearls with a Purpose allows you to tailor your support to one of the countries. So please spread the word and participate in the raffle! 

And as I mentioned above, Pearls with Purpose has graciously agreed to give you, my readers, a special discount. I don’t know about you, but I love shopping with a discount. So here’s the special code: CARA. You plug that in at check-out and will receive 20% off your order. So please go over and take a look at their website. You’ll learn even more about the women this organization helps. And you might find some jewelry you like or for gifts for the teachers, mothers, and friends in your life. 

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Gifts with a Purpose: Part 1

Maybe you’ve caught the buzz about giving gifts with a purpose. As Mother’s Day barrels down on us, I’ve been on the lookout for gifts that make a difference. Maybe you’ve noticed that WalMart has carried a line of cards and products from Full Circle Exchange. (Mom, close your eyes!) Several women in my life are getting their cards because I love the idea of giving a high quality card with a great message to someone I love that also helps women. The cards I bought were made by women in Peru and Idaho. How cool is that!

We’ve also use the World Vision gift catalog to give meaningful gifts in honor of loved ones that also help a family in a third world country gain independence. Samaritan’s Purse and many other nonprofits do similar things. For example, in honor of my grandparents who were lifelong farmers, we gave a gift that provided a family in a third world country the beginnings to a farm.

When I attended the Public Libraries Conference in March I stumbled upon another group that is using coops to help women in countries where they typically cannot make a living create an income for their families. I was captivated from the moment I met Wendy Bird, the founder of Pearls with Purpose. I LOVE the idea of helping women become self-sustaining and that’s exactly what Pearls with Purpose does. Wendy was kind enough to chat with me, and I wanted to share her with you! Here’s the first part of the interview. Be sure to come back for the second when I’m going to give away one of her beautiful items. I loved them so much, I just had to share! (And be sure to read to the end where I’m delighted to share a special 20% discount code with you!)

Wendy, thank you so much for joining us and sharing your dream with us. How did you catch the vision for Pearls with Purpose? Was this part of a larger dream, or did it arrive unexpectedly?

You can definitely say that this arrived unexpectedly.

Back in 2002, I was a stay at home mom of five dabbling in jewelry-making. I was a certified gemologist and looking for loose pearls to be shipped to the states that I could make jewelry from. I received several emails from factories in China, Japan, Indonesia and etc. One stood out. It was a personal email from a woman named Amara, in the Philippines. One sentence from her email struck me right in the heart, “If you import finished pieces from me, not just loose pearls, you can change womens lives in my country”.

Giving away one of these beginning Friday: I choose this necklace because the women of the Philippines love the American women who buy their necklaces. Here’s what the catalog says: A limited edition coming back with us from Philippines, Mahel means love in Tagalog and that is what this necklace represents to us. Buy this special edition necklace and feed a family on the other side of the world.

If you pause to capture the meaning of that “change womens lives”, then you can see why this project moved forward in such unexpected ways. I am a firm believer in God and in the knowledge that he loves all His children. Especially those in unfortunate circumstances. Being able to be part of something that helped others was incredibly motivating to me. Needless to say, I moved forward with her and we began teaching women from squatters areas how to make jewelry that American women would be proud to wear.

To be perfectly honest, there was not a “Larger dream” at this time. My limited vision was simply “hey, find some loose pearls and make jewelry”. (good thing Someone else is in charge!!) I give complete credit to God that everything moved forward in the way it did.

Owning/running a small business is seldom easy, the path is paved with obstacles, frustrations, setbacks and even failure. During every trial I experienced over the past twelve years, just when I felt I couldn’t give another inch (or dollar), a small miracle would unfold in a very wondrous way. And we would move forward. Expanding our reach, assisting those with true needs and pure desires. I could share thousands of stories where all the planets aligned in just the right way for the right things to take place!  It is how we expanded to Thailand, then India and eventually Cambodia. Heavenly Father is very aware of ALL of His children and their happiness is of utmost importance to Him. I feel strongly that I am merely a tool in His hands helping to alleviate others’ burdens in a small way.

Amara proceeded to send me emails telling the stories of the first four women we wanted to help. These stories and thousands of others are what has made PWP what it is today. As needs arose, individuals stepped up to fill those needs in miraculous ways. I have said many times and will not stop saying it, this organization exists not because of me, but because of the thousands of individuals who chose in a single moment to be part of it, whether for a lengthy amount of time or for a brief moment, they followed their instinct to jump in and that is what has made all the difference.

As I mentioned above, Pearls with Purpose has graciously agreed to give you, my readers, a special discount. I don’t know about you, but I love shopping with a discount. So here’s the special code: CARA. You plug that in at check-out and will receive 20% off your order. So please go over and take a look at their website. You’ll learn even more about the women this organization helps. And you might find some jewelry you like or for gifts for the teachers, mothers, and friends in your life.

Mother’s Day: Pain or Blessing?

With Mother’s Day later this week, I’m reminded of how painful Mother’s Day can be. It’s a holiday laced with immense pain for many . . . those who struggle to have children . . . those who had a bad relationship with their mother.

Then there are those who have lost a child. Those who wait with longing for a child they’ve been matched with but have yet to adopt.

My heart hurts for those who long to be mothers but aren’t. Infertility is so very painful. Before children and before my miscarriages and secondary infertility, I hated Mother’s Day. I knew I wanted to be a mother, just had to wait on the timing. Then my first two children came without thought or effort. But there’s a 4.5-year gap between our second and third children. A gap where two years were filled with the pain of longing for a child but not becoming pregnant. Beginning doctor’s appointments and tests. Then becoming pregnant to be followed by a missed miscarriage that led to a D&C. Circumstances I never imagined myself in. Then a long delay before our third arrived. The pain of each passing month. Of that Mother’s Day.

Maybe you find yourself in another position. You aren’t married or don’t have children yet. You’d like to, but the time hasn’t arrived. Or maybe you know you won’t have children. It was a choice or thrust upon you, but either way, you love your life.

Regardless of where we are in the mothering journey, all of us can mother the children God has placed in our lives. The world is filled with children hungry for an adult to see them, to know their name, and to communicate that they are important. Open your heart, ask God to open your eyes. Be willing to slow down long enough to connect with them at their level.

The smiles you receive make the moment so worthwhile!

And maybe God will redeem all that pain in ways that only He can. For me it was allowing our third to be born Mother’s Day weekend…a reminder that He sees, He know, and He cares.

He knows Your Name

I am someone who worships and prays through songs. It’s not unusual for there to be a song that resonates more than others. These songs simply minister to me where I am in that season. Lately, it’s been this song by Francesca Battistelli.

There is such freedom when we embrace the reality that we have all we need in God. When I grasp that He adores me, then I’m not nearly as concerned about what other people think of me. In those moments, I don’t have to seek my identity in the applause of those around me…or feel a deep sense of loss and emptiness when I don’t get it. Let’s face it: there’s a special relationship between a Father and His daughter.

When that relationship works, the daughter has a certainty that she is deeply loved for who she is. Looks aren’t important to her daddy. Instead, he is captivated by who she is. Her talents, her personality, her soul.

When a young woman knows she is adored by her daddy, she doesn’t seek other relationships to fill that void. Instead, she has a confidence that comes from knowing the one who matters most sees who she is and finds her worthy of love.

When this happens, she knows he knows her name…and will never forget. This gives her the inner strength to move through hard days, to tackle challenging tasks, to dig deep when it’s called for.

If this doesn’t exist in earthly forms, remember the perfect Father is God. I’m blessed because I have a great dad, but if you haven’t, you can still experience of knowing you are accepted and known.

6 Novels You Shouldn’t Miss

One thing that happened with the recent transfer of my website to a new server is that several blog posts disappeared. Ah well! Ever resourceful, I’m back with some reviews of books you really should look for. I guarantee there’s something in this post for every book lover! Just keep reading

Tracy Higley is an author with a gift for transporting readers to the ancient world. Her settings have included many of the ancient wonders of the world, and The Queen’s Handmaid transports readers to Alexandria, Egypt, and the courts of Cleopatra. The characterization is rich, the setting lush, and the plot compelling. I also love how her books make me think about what it would be like to seek God before Christ came to bridge the divide. 

 

I LOVED Fatal Exchange! The pacing is fast — 85% of the plot happens in one day. It is tightly woven with an intricate plot. The action doesn’t slow until the end. By that point, the characters need a chance to catch their breath. There is a romance, and because of the hero and heroine’s past, it works even under the very tight timeline. The Christian thread only enhances the story. I loved this romantic suspense and the way it weaves in characters from a prior novel. It stands on its own and has me itching to read the next Lisa Harris novel.

 

Raptor 6 is the latest release from Ronie Kendig. She writes high-octane military novels. I loved the missionary angle that comes into play in this book set in Afghanistan. Zahrah just wants to help the Afghan children but has an expertise that makes her valuable to the anti-US forces. This book moves fast and honors the men and women who fight in the military while including a beautiful romance. It’s another excellent military read that will keep fans of Tom Clancy’s books coming back for more.

I adore Tamera Alexander’s historical romances set in post Civil War Nashville. They capture the essence of reconstruction in a realistic way while telling a story I can disappear into. This story-telling sets a high standard and leaves me wondering if she can do it again. She does!

In A Beauty so Rare, Eleanor Braddock is not a beautiful woman in the traditional southern sense, so she has resigned herself to a life of singleness. because of her father’s illness she has to find a way to support herself. The story weaves in the plight of war widows and orphans while also pulling in an element of European royalty. Trust me: it works beautifully. And in the telling, the author addresses true beauty and the importance of looking beyond the superficial to the heart and essence of a person. I finished the last page with a happy sigh for a story well told, quickly followed by a sad sigh because now I have to wait for her next book!

If you love antebellum historical romance with strong Christian threads, you will adore this story that transports you to that time in Nashville.

I enjoy Vannetta Chapman’s Amish based mysteries in large part because the Amish and English characters interact in real and dynamic ways. Murder Simply Brewed is no exception. A man dies while at work in an Amish village/resort. At first nobody suspects anything, but as other strange things begin to occur at this getaway, the manager and the Amish employee who found the body begin to wonder if more could be at stake.

There is more than the mystery though, as one couple experiences romance and another begins to explore what could be. The characters are enjoyable, the interactions real, and the mystery kept me guessing for quite a bit of the book. All in all a great read for those who love a mystery in an Amish setting.

 

Set in 1882 in the Wyoming territory, Claiming Mariah has a richness of layers. The characters are faced with impossible choices foisted on them by the decisions of their fathers. Watching the characters wrestle through the impossible kept me reading page after page. This book will delight you if you love a western with a twist.

See? I promised there would be something for everyone! So do any of these books intrigue you?

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Shadowed by Grace “With an authentic knowledge of World War II history, a gentle hand of artistry, and a heart for true love, Cara Putman has written a story that stole my heart.”…