Julie Arduini's Blog, page 11

The Perfect Iron, a Christmas Devotional

The Perfect Iron:

A Christmas Devotional

by Julie Arduini

This was first shared at the HTC Women Casual Christmas Cookies and Cocoa event, December 2023

I was ten years old when Christmas bottomed out for our family. Although we didn’t give our situation a name at the time, alcoholism was destroying our lives one sip and forgotten promise at a time.

The tension was palpable. I even remember our Peekapoo, Pookey, walking tentatively around the house, never knowing when yelling would start.

We probably all walked that way.

Despite the fear that honestly has my gut health impacted to this day, somehow I managed to have some cash on hand to buy our mom something for Christmas. I suspect it was a job assigned to me, assigned by my Dad, me and my sister. I took that job seriously. No matter the tension, no matter the state of my parent’s marriage, it was going to be the perfect Christmas because mom would receive the perfect gift.

I ended up buying an iron. It felt like such an upgrade to the trinkets I bought in years past at the school store. I wrapped that beauty up and made sure it had a prominent place under the tree. I knew, I felt it in my bones, this present was going to change everything and bring peace to the chaos.

I don’t recall Christmas Eve what transpired, but I can guess that there was alcohol and a verbal skirmish involved. I do recall feeling like we were living inside a pressure cooker, and that lid was about to blow. That present under the tree for Mom glowed in my eyes. It was going to turn everything around. It was going to be perfect.

Christmas morning, Dad asked who should go first.

And my ten-year-old self blurted,

“Mom, do you want to open your iron now?”

I heard what I’d done as soon as iron was said.

To me, I ruined the only good thing that was going to take place that year. No perfect Christmas. No perfect family.

I was crushed. There was laughter, but not the kind that deflated the tension.

I hated that Christmas.

I also don’t love to iron. But maybe that’s me.

Why do I share this story?

Because when I look at some of my favorite Christmas movies, from Arthur’s Perfect Christmas to Christmas Vacation to Christmas with the Kranks—perfection is the goal. As an author, I can share what drives a good story or movie. Conflict. And any time a person strives for perfection at Christmas—whether believing an iron will serve as a magic wand to heal a hurting family—or Griswold exterior Christmas lights being the symbol of a perfect family celebration as hilariously played out in the movie Christmas Vacation-–disappointment is coming.

—Julie Arduini

I don’t know all your personal lives but I know Christmas magnifies loss. Change. Financial troubles. Job transition. Relationship issues. Grief. Depression. Anxiety.

If you don’t surrender this season—your life—and all you are and dealing with to Jesus—you’re going to burn faster than my mom’s iron. Perfection isn’t attainable. We aren’t Jesus. If you’re spending more money than you have to delight a child or grandchild who needs to hear they are loved, and told about Jesus and His love, are you really celebrating the reason for the season? If you’re staying up past midnight to ice those cookies so they look bakery perfect, chances are you’re bleary-eyed and miserable. If this is your Christmas with the kids who otherwise split their time elsewhere, are you planning, planning, planning so every moment is filled and just perfect but your insides are tied in knots?

Maybe it’s time we look at my iron and put down the expectations. Give up the fantasy that you can create a perfect Christmas. Mary didn’t birth her Savior in a penthouse suite at the Hilton. Nothing about His birth sounds perfect except the Child. He was born in a feeding trough in a barn during a time the Israelites were oppressed and baby boys were hunted to be killed.

If Mary, Joseph, wise men, angels, and shepherds can rejoice at such a less than environment, can’t we?

In Ecclesiastes 4:6, ESV it states,  “Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.”

If our focus is on Jesus and His birth, all the wonder that comes with it, we should be glowing this season. But out of worry and stress do we often look like wrinkled pants in need of my mom’s iron? If my family back then had known Jesus as a Savior with warm, open, loving arms, I suspect our lives would have looked different, even if alcoholism was present. I feel sad for that little girl that was me, and for anyone today who feels the same.

If we put Jesus first, I can’t promise there won’t be adversity or the unexpected. I can promise His peace will pass all understanding. A peace I can’t even define, and I love words. If you’re trying to plan events, juggle the calendar, buy the stuff to fill the fear, chaos, or pressure, whatever it is thinking you must make the perfect Christmas, my prayer is you find me or one of the team tonight and ask us to pray with you.

Ladies, ditch my childhood iron and the perfect expectations you should not be putting on yourself. Place everything about you and your daily life at the feet of Jesus. And have yourself a Merry Christmas.

A Change of Heart by Diana Leagh Matthews

A Change of Heart
by Diana Leagh Matthews

“Hurt people hurt people.” The old adage is so true.

Years ago, I shared my thoughts on a movie adaptation of my favorite book, but instead of thinking about what I said, I spoke unfiltered and with venom, damaging the friendship. My anger wasn’t toward anyone in particular but part of the hurt I carried inside, having recently left an abusive relationship.

When I wrote “Carol of the Rooms,” I had to dig deep to determine what hurt my main character so much. She reminded me a lot of Scrooge and the invisible chains he carried around.

Both Scrooge and my main character change their ways after experiencing an out-of-body experience.

However, there’s only one person whom I know that could heal my heart. Jesus Christ. Healing has not come quickly or easily. It’s been a long process and a gradual stripping away of layers. However, He never gave up on me.

Scripture is full of hurting men and women, whether it was emotional pain or physical pain. In Psalm 6:2-3, King David calls out with “Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long? Turn, Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.” (NIV)

Whatever hurt you may carry, know that the Lord loves you. He’s there for you. Call upon His name and ask for His help. If there is hope for Scrooge, then there is hope for all of us.

How do you call upon the name of the Lord?

To celebrate my new release, I’m hosting a Christmas extravaganza with special guests, giveaways, and a ton of fun. Please join me at https://www.facebook.com/groups/994850748295488

Click here to purchase the “Carol of the Rooms.”

Bio:

Diana Leagh Matthews shares God’s love through her story from rebel to redeemed. Her day job is as a volunteer coordinator, but at night she writes and hunts genealogy. She gives programs as a speaker, teacher, vocalists, and presents historical monologues. Leagh (pronounced Lee) is the author of Carol of the Rooms, History Made Real, 90 Breath Prayers for the Caregiver, and others in the Breath Prayers series. She also writes the history behind hymns at DianaLeaghMatthews.com. While there you can sign up for her monthly newsletter where she shares all her news first.

Connect with Me

Facebook    https://www.facebook.com/DiLeaghMatthews

Twitter/X    https://twitter.com/dileaghmatthews 

Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/dianaleaghmatthews/

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

LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-leagh-matthews-19187544/

Fiction Finder: December 2023 New Releases

December 2023 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Contemporary Romance:
Bidding on a Second Chance by Emily Conrad — His bid for a second chance this Christmas might lead to her most disastrous fall yet. Police officer Graham Lockhart’s life is dangerous enough without accident-prone Piper Wells tripping around in it—at least that’s what she claimed when she declined his marriage proposal two years ago. But he can’t help but wonder if there is more to her refusal. Piper always cared for Graham, but she is incapable of giving him the one thing he wants more than anything—family. All her orphaned self knows about that is how much it hurts to lose. She’s better off focusing on caring for her nephew and running her business. Secondhand furniture doesn’t break hearts. When an injury sidelines Piper leading into the holidays, Graham steps up to help her keep her commitment to a Christmastime auction benefiting a local family. Can they overcome the hurdles between them, or will the past and their warring hopes and fears trip them up for good?? (Contemporary Romance from Hope Anchor LLC)

Home from the Storm by Laurel M. Blount — After a senseless loss, hotheaded Caleb Hochstedler left his Amish faith and his young wife to seek justice. Two years later, he tracks his parents’ killer back home to Johns Mill, where he’s astonished to learn he’s the father of twins. Now he’s determined to protect his children and the woman he still loves—if she’ll let him. Her new husband’s abandonment broke Rhoda Lambright’s heart and proved her father, the bishop, right. Such a stubborn man could never be happy among the peaceful Amish. When Caleb unexpectedly returns, Rhoda is caught between her rock of a husband and a very hard place. Her church forbids divorce and requires forgiveness, so Rhoda lets Caleb back into their home. But can she ever let him back into her heart? One thing’s for certain sure. This second chance will take all the faith they can find. (Contemporary Romance from Berkley)

The Care of a Cowboy by Elsie Davis — In the sprawling landscape of Crossroads Creek, where the Texan sun paints golden dreams, Max Turner suddenly finds his dream of reclaiming his family’s lost ranch put on hold. To avoid draining his savings account, Max is desperately searching for a new job and a place to live, except ranch foreman jobs weren’t easy to come by. As the scorching summer unfolds, Max’s path crosses with that of Lucy Carrington, a determined young woman whose dreams clash with the expectations of her traditional rancher father. When her father hires Max to secretly oversee the ranch because he doesn’t trust his daughter to handle a man’s job, Max is caught in a web of deceit. As Max and Lucy navigate the complexities of their new roles, including the surprise news that Max is guardian to Crystal…a twelve-year-old niece he never knew existed, they discover the power of love and resilience, and the true meaning of family. (Contemporary Romance from Sweet Romance Publishing)

General Contemporary: Broken Spirit by Sheridan Lee — The dream of motherhood eludes her. Can she find her way back to hope? Belinda Briggs’ life is shattered by losses and crises, shattering her faith and leading her on a quest for renewed hope, faith, and peace in this series finale contemporary Christian women’s fiction tale. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction from Winged Publications)

Chokecherry Valley Comfort by Jean Rezab — One accident. Two devastated families. Paul Richmond’s life changed in an instant when his wife and seven-year-old daughter die in a car accident. He struggles to move forward with this huge change. As his two-year sobriety anniversary approaches, he knows he’s on the edge of a relapse. He takes a sabbatical from his work as a doctor and heads to his in-law’s farm to get perspective and try to come to terms with his new life. Tyler Garvey is the only survivor of the two-vehicle accident in which his younger brother dies. He feels guilty because he should have been driving. His parents don’t blame him, but he blames himself, and so does Paul. Both families try to put their lives back together. It’s going to take time, a great deal of comfort, and forgiveness on all sides. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)

Chokecherry Valley Joy by Jean Rezab — Abby feels like everything is wrong with her life. She’s never dealt with the grief of losing her twin sister, Samantha, and niece, Amy, in an accident. Her marriage to Mark has fallen into the routine of his long hours of work and her erratic schedule as a nurse in a busy Houston hospital. Their failed attempt to have a child puts further strain on their relationship. Unhappy in her current job, she needs a break. She travels to Chokecherry Valley to spend two weeks with her parents at their farm. Mark plans to join her after he finishes his current work project, and she hopes to reconnect with him and discuss their future. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)

The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos by Kelly S. Irvin — Determined to save Sherri’s life, Kristen drops everything to guide her sister on the harrowing cancer treatment journey. When she’s unable to balance the strain of caring for her patients, being a wife and mother, and her frantic efforts to save her sister, Kristen’s carefully balanced life crumbles, starting with her marriage. Desperate to regain her footing, she vows to rebuild her broken relationships . . . as soon she’s sure Sherri will beat the odds stacked against her. Unlike her sister, Sherri Reynolds has worked to cultivate balance in her life. Her children, her job as a teacher, and her strong faith keep her grounded—until her diagnosis sends her spiraling into the scary world of what-ifs and unknown outcomes. Sherri faces the agonizing realization that family history may be about to repeat itself. With the clock ticking, she’s determined to use whatever time she has left to heal old wounds and restore relationships. Together, the sisters are forced to reexamine their priorities, address the still tender wounds of their childhood, and delve more deeply to discover what it means to live each day to its fullest.? (General Contemporary from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Christmas in Ohio by Bettie Boswell, Tamera Lynn Kraft, Penny Frost McGinnis, and Michelle Levigne — Come join us for a celebration of Christmas in the Buckeye State, with snow and mistletoe, a dash of suspense and danger, mystery and reunions, healing and hope. (General Contemporary from Mt. Zion Ridge Press)

Historical Romance:
When Love Comes by Penny Zeller — A woman with a broken heart. A man struggling with the loss of his brother and the subsequent care of his young niece. And two silly aunts who discover it’s never too late for true love. When Charlotte’s and Tobias’s paths cross in Prune Creek, Wyoming, can they put aside their preconceived disdain for each other? Does God have a plan for them and for a young girl in search of someone to take the place of the parents she lost? (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

Cozy Mystery:
Deadly Burden by Janet Sketchley — Obey the police and stay safe, or follow her heart and help unmask a killer? Landon Smith solved the last murder by accident—and nearly became the next victim. When a shocking death strikes her close-knit circle, can this amateur sleuth discover who wanted the town busybody dead? The dead woman knew too much about too many people. Was she silenced to protect a secret? Or because of one she wouldn’t tell? And how can a dyslexic trauma survivor find clues the professionals miss? Landon can’t afford to be sidetracked by a vindictive guest at the inn or by unexpected family drama. Or by falling for the geeky writer next door—now that he’s over her. With a storm closing in and no leads in sight, Landon’s first Christmas at the Green Dory Inn is shaping up to be anything but merry and bright. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense: Buried Grave Secrets by Darlene L. Turner — Standing guard…with threats on all sides. When bones are found at an unmarked grave site—and then shots are fired—forensic anthropologist Jordyn Miller knows someone wants old secrets to remain buried. She’ll do anything to uncover the truth about these suspicious deaths, including accepting the protection of her ex-boyfriend, Constable Colt Peters, and his K-9. But with targets on their backs, can Jordyn stay alive long enough to bring a serial killer to justice?? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense/Harlequin)

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

A Courageous Betrothal by Denise Weimer – A wounded lieutenant, a woman fierce enough to protect her family, and an American Revolution with everything at stake. (Historical Romance)

Another Outer Banks Christmas by Christina Sinisi – She’s a role model for everything good, and he comes from a rough and broken home. (Contemporary Romance)

Finding Baby Jesus by Lynn Weathington – Will Baby Jesus find his way back into the nativity in time for Christmas? (Contemporary Romance)

Hilltop Christmas by Kathleen D. Bailey – When the integrity of the Festival is threatened, Noah must call on his Lord, and Jane on the God from whom she’s drifted, to find justice and restore Hilltop to what it is. (Romance)

Her Christmas Healing by Mindy Obenhaus – With love, faith, a support dog and some Christmas spirit, maybe it’s not too late after all… (Contemporary Romance)

For Love or Money by Susan Page Davis – When he learns where the money probably came from, will it keep their two families apart? (Western)

Hope’s Hills by Ruth Kyser – Will they remain good friends, or has God got other plans for their futures? (Contemporary Romance)

Snow Globe Secrets by Laura Thomas – Shootings, snow globes, and secrets abound when Alexis James witnesses the shooting of a British author outside the local bookstore. (Romantic Suspense Novella)

The Quilting Circle Box Set by Mary Davis – All four books from the Quilting Circle Series in one box set. (Historical Romance)

Brave Writing by K.S. Moore

Brave Writing

As writers, I believe we’re called to not only tell a rollicking good story but also to use our narrative, our characters, and our gifts to inspire. Our readers ought to feel better, be better, and live better because they felt our words and took them to heart. The world should be a better place because our story came alive for our readers and still burns in their hearts long after the last page is turned or swiped.

The inspiration for The Bravest Among Us came when my adventure-seeking husband bought a motorcycle. But the story also includes a great deal of my own experiences: growing up poor, a devastating sense of not belonging in high school, and a lifelong struggle with self-doubt. Even now, I wonder if I am enough to have written and published this book.

Needless to say, my husband and I had a serious conversation about the motorcycle, and he assured me he had no intention of riding it. He simply wanted to fix it up and resell it, make some money. He promised he wouldn’t even register the thing. Still uncomfortable with the idea, I wrote a short story about what it would do to our family if he were to get injured or killed riding that motorcycle.

A few years later, I took that short story and turned it into The Bravest Among Us. A broken-hearted widow seemed like a good beginning for a starting-over love story.

Part Casa Blanca, part Hillbilly Elegy, and with underlying themes of self-doubt, shame, and the war on poverty, the Bravest Among Us is a work of romantic women’s fiction about three unlikely heroes with a heart for kids in crisis. Devastated by her husband’s death, will my heroine dare to love again? Or will she finally pursue her lifelong dream to become a public defender, the warrior for social justice she’s always longed to be? And which man has what it takes to join her daring quest—her wrongly convicted ex-con teenage crush or the up-and-coming actor with a questionable reputation?

With every story, we writers put ourselves out there. It takes a great deal of courage and confidence. We must constantly tell ourselves we’re enough to write the story that’s in our hearts. Editors often comment, “This will offend,”—in my work, anyway—and I’m reminded of something Oprah once said: “Do not think you can be brave with your life and your work and never disappoint anyone. It doesn’t work that way.”

Am I risking a negative review or two (or God forbid, many)? Maybe, but if only one of my readers signs up to mentor an inner-city kid this fall, I’ll know my story meant something because at least one at-risk child has a chance at a better life.

And that makes being brave totally worth it.

“To inspire, comfort, and breathe faith and hope . . .”

An avid lifelong reader, I consume at least a book or two a week. When I’m not working, reading, or writing, I spend my free time enjoying the outdoors with my family, mostly at our home on a small lake in Southwest Michigan, occasionally visiting a rustic hunting cabin in Colorado and every once in a while, when we’re blessed with the means, a vacation in the Caribbean.

My stories are contemporary character-driven tales of ordinary everyday people and the challenges we all face in life: love, friendship, parenthood, morality, mortality, compassion, and faith. My favorite novels are those that reach down deep, wrap up my whole heart and soul, and make me laugh, and cry. And those are the types of stories I strive to write. I want to touch people’s lives. I want my readers to feel better, be better, and live better because they read my words and take them to heart.

Through my words, I endeavor to inspire, comfort, and breathe faith and hope into anyone who may despair that they’re alone in this world.

Kathryn@KathrynSueMoore.com

Website / Blog: KathrynSueMoore.com

Social Media: X | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads

Happy Thanksgiving from Julie Arduini

As I’m typing, my phone notifies that a probable terrorist attack occurred at the Niagara Canada/US Rainbow Bridge border. I can’t help but wonder was that really their destination? Were they heading somewhere bigger, especially with Thanksgiving?

How can we be thankful with those kind of thoughts and realities swirling around?

The last three years have been hard at best and devastating at worst.

But. God.

I can remain thankful on the daily because no matter what happens around me, I have Christ in me.

It makes all the difference.

Do I struggle? Of course. I’m human.

But I have so much to be thankful for.

-I’ve been married for 27 years to a man who loves the Lord, works hard, and is still fun to be around.

-We have 4 kids. Two I received as perks of marrying their dad who are married with families of their own. They are healthy and doing well.

-Our two local children are grown. One is married and making a difference no matter what adversity comes his way. The youngest is at home, attending college online, works part-time, and is active in ministry.

-We paid off a home that we didn’t love for us, but for another family, it checked all their boxes and was an answer to prayer. It will be their home shortly.

-We live in a home that offers far more than we deserve. We don’t take it for granted and love that for years it has entertained teens and been a safe place they can land.

-Our extended family is healthy and well.

-We have a church family that loves us well, and we love them.

-We have cars that run, and although it wasn’t there on paper, we always had provision for gas, oil changes, tires, etc…

-I have ministry work that grows my faith and friendships.

-I released a book despite technical issues that literally “dogged” me all year. As in the dog broke my laptop.

-I’m a dog mom that challenges me beyond anything I anticipated. One dog is a senior and his needs are changing. He needed surgery this year. We rescued a Beagle last year and the work I’ve put into him few would probably realize. He is a punk, but boy he can disarm my bad days with his affection. Most of the time.

-I read with a group of ladies every line of Revelation with study and discussion. It was hard stuff, but so fascinating.

-After years of basically doing individual Bible study because no one seemed interested/able to join me for the deeper studies, someone is in my life now who makes my reading look lazy. We’ve finished Building a Resilient Life by Rebekah Lyons, and we’re just starting You Are Unshaken by Laura Krokos.

I know there is more. This is right off the top of my head. Have you listed any thankful thoughts from this year? I challenge you to try. No matter what chaos threatens, there is always, always something to be grateful for.

Thank you for reading this blog and following me across social media. I do not take that for granted.

Writers by Michael Garrett

Writers are entertainers who

perform on pages rather than stage or screen

I originally started this article by stating that I’ve been a published author for over forty years. I’ve been a writer, however, my whole life—there were just times when I didn’t write.

It’s easy to get caught up in the artistic side of writing, but the bottom line is that we are entertainers who perform on pages rather than stage or screen. We have a more intimate relationship with our audience because our stories are projected into the minds of our readers and we share hours and hours of their time. As entertainers, we must be forever conscious of what our readers expect from us, and if we wish to be successful, we must consistently deliver our best performance. The opinion of our readers is far more important than our own.

For instance, consider a stand-up comedian. What if the joke that he thinks is the best that he’s ever written doesn’t get any laughs? He might personally love the joke, but he’d better stop using it.

I’m a strong believer in outlines. Not the formal Roman numeral type that we were taught in school. Not even necessarily one that’s written down. To me, an outline is simply a plan, and it can be in my mind alone. I always need to know in which direction I should be headed. If I write without a plan, I tend to ramble with no direction in mind. After all, filling pages with words is not writing. Those words must work together to advance the story line.

I hate irrelevant detail when I read for pleasure. Some 100,000 word novels, in truth, should only be 75,000. Those authors probably wrote without a plan.

My first and only secular novel, Keeper, was originally published in 1990. It remains available almost thirty-five years later in print, digital, and audio formats, and it was optioned for a television movie in the ‘90s, which unfortunately never got off the ground.

As a writer, I feel as if my work is never finished, not even after it’s published. Not long after Keeper was originally released I realized that I could have taken it in a much better direction and regretted that I couldn’t immediately withdraw the book from circulation for a rewrite.

Absent from writing for the next thirty years, I had become a different person. Following a spiritual awakening, I felt compelled to use my God-given talent as a writer to honor Him and the graceful way that Jesus’ forgiving presence in my life has led me to a state of happiness that I never dreamed possible.

I had a second chance with Keeper by rewriting it for the Christian market and re-developing it as I had wished to do those many years before. I eliminated several supporting characters and added a major new one. The second-chance result, CAPTIVE, a Firebird Book Award winner and a 2023 Best Book Award finalist, is far better than the original. No swearing or sex this time.

My philosophy as a writer is that the purpose of page one is to convince the reader to read page two. The purpose of page two is to convince the reader to read page three, and so on.

Keeping my readers’ interests in mind, I try to grab their attention on page one, line one, providing a solid reason to keep reading. CAPTIVE’s opening line is:

HE COULDN’T DIVERT his attention from the crusted blood on the passenger-side floorboard.

Blood on the floorboard—someone has been seriously injured or killed!

I self-published CAPTIVE on Kindle even though I could have done so through a traditional publisher. I followed the same creative approach in writing it, though, because self-publication does not excuse an author from meeting commercial publishing standards. The jury is still out on self-publication versus traditional.

The opening line of my latest Christian romantic suspense novel, Nothing to Lose,  is:

TENSION INSIDE THE CAR had steadily risen before they even arrived at the proposed contract hit site.

Someone is about to be murdered!

Nothing to Lose is a serious departure from my previous works—it’s an unconventional love story. In my old age I’ve become somewhat of a softie and I find love stories to be quite heart-warming as long as they’re not formulaic and predictable. Nothing to Lose is a love story that takes place against a backdrop of suspense, and quite honestly, it was the only time I’ve ever cried while writing a scene. Don’t expect a standard romance here; this is a love that could only be engineered by God.

Over the Edge, the follow-up novel to the above, also became a Firebird Book Award winner and a 2023 American Fiction Award winner. For fans of the first book it answers the question of “what happens next?”

For those of you who may be unpublished writers, I return to my statement at the top of this article: Writers are entertainers who perform on pages rather than stage or screen. Prepare for your greatest performance by writing and rewriting as many times as it takes. Read your work out loud, and if you stumble in places, revise those sections. When it’s the best that you can possibly do, hire a top-notch book editor to point out where it still needs work to meet professional standards, then rewrite again.

For me, rewriting is the key to my success. As Truman Capote once said, writing without rewriting is only typing.

Will I pen novel number four? I really can’t say at this point. I don’t write just for the sake of writing; I need inspiration, so if God points me in that direction again I’ll go at it vigorously.

Every day I enjoy the fruits of God’s blessings.

It has, indeed, been a wonderful life, and it only gets better.

Life is good.

Michael Garrett holds the distinction of having served as Stephen King’s first editor and publisher. He’s one of the world’s top independent book editors, living in a small Alabama town. His life revolves around God, his wife of 35+ years, Sharon, two adult children, five grandchildren, a dachshund, and one grand dog.

As a former Writer’s Digest School Editorial Associate and contracted editor with Pocket Books and Kensington Publishing, Michael has worked with scores of highly successful authors, as well as hundreds of new writers seeking publication. For over twenty years he taught a highly acclaimed writing workshop series on college campuses coast-to-coast.

Repairing Hearts Releases + #giveaway

I try to be a thankful person, but today I’m extra grateful. Repairing Hearts, Book #2 in the Surrendering Hearts series featuring the Hart sextuplets, releases. This is Ryan and BJ’s story and I love how it turned out. Whereas oldest sextuplet Jordyn had to surrender control. Ryan needs to let go of the anger he’s held on to.

Even more excited, a BIG secret is revealed that changes the course of the series.

Repairing Hearts is part of a series, but can also stand alone. I believe you would want to read Anchored Hearts first, that way you can really get to know the Hart family.

Not only is it release day, But Madi”s Musings has an AMAZING giveaway going on, and Repairing Hearts is included!

The author life is lonely and time-consuming. The returns versus the time are not compatible. But if one reader is encouraged through my writing? If anyone out there raises their hand and says they want to surrender that issue because they read about it in my work? Worth it.

Thank you for your support, encouragement, and prayers. If you read and enjoy my work, please leave a review. That really helps boost visibility.

Never Say Never by Patti Shene Gonzales

NEVER SAY NEVER

by

Patti Shene Gonzales

I have aspired to be a writer since childhood. Procrastination and self-doubt proved the biggest stumbling blocks to my writing dreams. A career, a family, and other priorities afforded excuses to save the writing for another day.

There were things I said I would never do if I pursued a writing career. Number one, the last story I would have any interest in writing would be a Christmas story. It’s not that I have anything against Christmas. It is the most joyful and meaningful time of year. However, I could not see myself crafting the type of amazing Christmas stories other authors have written.

Second, I would never self-publish a book. I wanted my manuscript in the hands of a royalty paying publisher who, by contracting it, would validate the worth of my work.

God has an amazing way of changing the minds of even the most stubborn.

Last year, a friend invited me to participate in a multi author Christmas series. The project sounded intriguing, so I accepted the challenge.

Spending too much time tossing ideas around in my head without writing them down, suddenly my deadline date loomed a mere few weeks away. Several nights found me up until 4 a.m., struggling to put the words together that would make a readable story. Ideas eluded me. I petitioned the Lord in tears, wondering if this was a project I should pursue.

The more I wrote scenes and deleted them, changed my characters’ names, and created conflict and resolution, the easier it became. I thank God for that. He puts ideas into a writer’s head that can be transposed onto paper or a computer screen to convey a message.

Once completed, I sent the manuscript to a friend who is blind. Using a reading program, she picks up mistakes the average person doesn’t. She caught those small but annoying errors—an omitted quotation mark, a missing period, a commonly misspelled word. Two other friends served as beta readers.

My fellow authors and I had agreed to self-publish the series through Amazon, so I tackled that learning curve. Expending a bit of time, I got the knack of the program. I spent several hours at my friend’s home while she showed me how to upload the book.

Standing in line at a fast-food restaurant, I received an email notification from Amazon that Cathy’s Christmas Confession was “live”. I lost count of the number of times I accessed Amazon’s web page over the next few days just to see my book there with my name on it.

The day my sister called to tell me she “loved my book,” I cried. Even though it is a Christmas story, I have received emails throughout the year from friends and relatives, telling me how much they enjoyed the story.

Recently, I learned a copy of Cathy’s Christmas Confession is nestled among other books in a little free library in Maryland, waiting for its next reader.

So much for never say never. This aspiring writer, who claimed she would never write a Christmas story and never self-publish a book, has an author page on Amazon featuring her Christmas novella.

If you choose to read Cathy’s Christmas Confession, out of the thousands of Christmas stories out there, I will be truly honored. My prayer is that the book will glorify my Heavenly Father and bless you as its reader.

Blurb for Cathy’s Christmas Confession

Christmas is not a time of joy for the hurting.

During a snowstorm, widow Cathy Fischer creams a stop sign on her way to work at the Christmas Ridge Community Church. Acquaintance David Martin stops to help. Cathy sees signs of deep grief in David, a recent widower. She reaches out with support in an attempt to help David through this most difficult first Christmas without his beloved wife.

David Martin struggles with grief over the death of his wife. He blames God for her rapid demise after her cancer diagnosis. Cathy reaches out to him with compassion and support and soon enlists him in her mission to bring joy to others at Christmas. Will their joint quest restore David’s faith?

David needs to turn loose of the past and embrace his future. Cathy has a confession to make to the entire community that may give David a different perspective of who she really is. Will her confession set her free?

Does God have plans in mind for the two of them they did not anticipate?

Buy link for Cathy’s Christmas Confession          

(available on KU and in Kindle and print format)

Patti Shene Gonzales hosts Step Into the Light, a bimonthly interview style podcast, where guests share their journey out of darkness or ways they lead others back to light. She hosts writers on her two blogs, Patti’s Porch and The Over 50 Writer. Patti is published in two anthologies and local publications and has three novels in progress. She enjoys writing, reading, critiquing, and spending time with family and friends. Patti lives in Colorado with her devoted feline companion, Duncan. Cathy’s Christmas Confession is her first novella.

An Unexpected Christmas Gift by Janette Fudge Messmer

The idea for An Unexpected Christmas Gift (my latest novel) came to me because my hubby and I owned a bed and breakfast. When I remember how the story of our B&B journey began, it is actually quite humorous. 

Some of you may have read my first novel, Early Birds. In it, I talked about Rose Wilford getting the cart before the horse. In this circumstance, we did it. We’re in Montrose, Colorado less than an hour, and we spied this unique home. Four hours later we bought it.

YOU DID WHAT???

The second I saw it, I shouted, “Look, there’s a B&B, and it’s for sale.” We called the realtor, saw the house, met the previous owner, and made a deal on it. The only problem – we purchased it before the sale of our auto repair business was final.

Thankfully, forty-five days later, we signed the papers on both places. Friends and family helped us pack up and move to the western slope. We were quite the caravan going down I-70. Instead of the Clampetts, we were the Messmers.

In August of 1999, the Rusty Moose Bed & Breakfast opened its doors. We’d never owned a B&B, but with our background in customer service, we made it work. Hubby cooked (thank the Good Lord), and I served breakfast to our customers.

Ray teased me that I could retell the same story when new guests arrived every few days, and I did. But what we thought was the coolest part of owning a B&B, it was meeting the people who had made reservations.

One evening we’re sitting on the porch with two couples—one from England, the other from Alabama, and us. Ray and I were totally baffled by the conversation. Our nodding seemed to satisfy them. The other four appeared to understand each other perfectly.

Another time, a family came down for breakfast. Everyone seemed to enjoy their meal, and the mini muffins we’d added to the menu were a big hit. I didn’t know how much until I overheard one sister tell the other, “I ate fourteen of those mini muffins. Yes, I did.”

After they went upstairs, I told Ray the story and said, “We’ll be making more mini muffins for tomorrow.” The next day arrived, and the same young lady bragged at the end of it, “Today I ate twenty-one.” We still laugh about that one when we make little muffins.

One more story. We also housed overflow guests when the hotels sold out. One evening a man and his wife came in. They’d never stayed at a B&B before, and the man asked me, “You just let people stay here that you don’t know?” I smiled, “Yes, but I keep a butcher knife under my pillow in case someone gets out of hand.”

The look on that man’s face was priceless. I quickly added, “No, I don’t have a knife hidden anywhere. I trust that the Lord will protect us.” On their way out the next morning, the man said, “Thank you. Our stay has been wonderful. You sold us on B&Bs.” You’re very welcome, sir!!!

Oh my goodness, I have to tell you another story. A couple stayed with us, and two months later, we received Rusty in the mail (see above photo). The gentleman said, “This is what you look like after you’ve served all of your bed and breakfast guests.” And he wasn’t kidding. We were tuckered out. FYI: We have Rusty in our RV, and it reminds of us of our wonderful guests.   

In the almost three years of owning the Rusty Moose Bed and Breakfast, we welcomed visitors from all over the United States and the world. What an absolute joy. And, oh, we loved everyone who stayed with us.

However, because of 9/11, we had to close down and get real jobs. We rented the property to a girl’s home for a few years, and then they bought it. It’s funny, since we’ve retired, we’ve talked about opening up another one. Maybe one of these days, when we’re done RVing. For now, I’ll write a novel about one.

Here is the cover and back cover copy of An Unexpected Christmas Gift. Enjoy!

Breanna Snow owns the Snowed Inn B&B outside of Boulder, Colorado. And the city manager, Matthew Jacobson, is irritating the socks off of her. The Go-By-The-Book-Kind-Of-Guy wants to shut her bed and breakfast down. And Bree has no clue why.

But she doesn’t have time for Mr. Jacobson’s nonsense. She’s getting married. However, a tiny hiccup occurs while she’s trying on her wedding dress. It literally turns her world upside down. And to her dismay, the city manager is right in the middle of it.

Will the mortal enemies find a way to work things out before her B&B closes? Or will they die trying to find the truth and Breanna’s “happily ever after?”

Penwheels, thank you for helping authors get the word out. And for all of you who stopped by and read about An Unexpected Christmas Gift. For the month of December it is .99 cents on Amazon. Hope everyone have a Happy Holiday Season!!!

Turning Life into Comedy is Janetta Fudge Messmer’s tagline. The genre she writes in is Christian Comedy (with a touch of Romance). Janetta also writes devotionals since life on the road in a camper gives her plenty of material. When she’s not writing, she teaches classes on how to “Tell Your Story.” The inspiration for the class came when she asked her mother questions about her life. Janetta, her hubby (Ray), and their pooch (Maggie) are full-time RVers. Most days, you’ll find them out sightseeing…but first Janetta has to sit down and write a few words.

Repairing Hearts Giveaway Opportunities

Happy November!

I’m so excited that release day for Repairing Hearts is around the corner. It’s available now for Kindle pre-order, and softcover is coming soon.

If you read Anchored Hearts, you know Ryan is the second Hart sextuplet and he’s got a mess of a property on his hands. And no money to renovate it.

He agrees to participate in a reality show, but it’s nothing close to what he was promised.

Here’s a blurb:

BLURB: What happens when a reality show creates a blight on sextuplet Ryan Hart’s life harsher than his dump of a home?

BACK COVER: Ryan, the independent, brooding second oldest of the Hart sextuplets, can’t enjoy the solitude he craves when he agrees to star on a reality show. The plan is to discover a project manager to renovate his hole of a property. The show reveals that it’s more about Ryan’s dating life. Can he keep his guard up when everything around him is falling apart faster than the shingles on his roof?

BJ Wallace loves her quiet life in Wisconsin that she’s created far from her traumatic childhood. Everything changes when she learns she’s competing on Repairing Ryan’s Heart. As the show focuses more on Ryan than the house, BJ falls for him. Will she win the show and destroy Ryan with her secret, or sacrifice her heart to protect Ryan?

A small-town, reality show romance with family drama and a Christian thread of surrendering pride and anger.

I share my thoughts PLUS a FEW giveaway opportunities. Not one. Not two. Not three. But FOUR opportunities to win one copy of Repairing Hearts. I will be giving two softcovers (US Winner only) and two Kindle copies (where Amazon gifted ebooks work).

What do you need to do? Just read my newsletter to learn more. Even better, subscribe so you don’t miss future giveaways. It’s not required, but it would be awesome if you did.

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