Julie Arduini's Blog, page 39

Lynne Tagawa: The Heart of Courage

The Heart of Courage

Lynne Tagawa

Greetings, readers. We’ve engaged a Shawnee interpreter to help us in our interview today.

Tell me, Red Hawk, how long have your people lived in this place?

Actually, not long. Over a year ago I spotted white men with chains [surveyors, the interpreter says] while I was hunting. The elders decided to move toward the setting sun.

What were your feelings about the surveyors?

Feelings? Well, I only know that they want this territory. But we live here. I am certain that Grayfeather’s words were good words, that peace is better than war. So I will not speak more. I am a young man, not an elder.

Does Grayfeather continue to promote peace?

Grayfeather is no more.

What happened?

I will not speak of it.

Are all the Shawnee agreed on peace?

No, Elk Tooth and Laughing Wolf… well, they can speak for themselves.

Tell us more about your village and family.

Grandmother is the head of the women’s council. She is my father Red Pipe’s mother. She is exceedingly wise, treats ailing folks with herbs, and she knows all the Shawnee stories. She even knows some of the knowledge of the Muskogee and Uchee. That is because years ago, many of the Shawnee were pushed south by the Iroquois, the Six Nations. It was a dispute over hunting territory when beaver became such a good trading skin. So now we live near the Muskogee, and even the Uchee traders visit from time to time.

Tell us about the Shawnee stories.

{chuckles} It would take too long. My greatest wish…

Yes?

My greatest wish is that I could record all the wisdom of the Shawnee people on leaves. Like the chain men did—I saw them, with little sticks. They made marks in a book. Grandmother says a book contains a code like the patterns of beads in her designs. I want to master this code for myself—wait, I think you had better leave.

[Interpreter: He says Laughing Wolf has come back from a raid, we need to hide.]

Excerpt from The Heart of Courage:

Father’s steps were slow and sure as he approached. He jerked his chin in command and ducked into their wigwam. Red Hawk followed, and Dark Water served them portions of thick stew.

When their bowls were finally empty, his father spoke. “Grayfeather will join the Ohio chiefs traveling to Penn’s village.”

Red Hawk nodded. At the Bread Dance, he’d heard rumors. The Catawba had formed a new treaty with the whites, a surprising development. But at the time, he’d been more interested in the archery contests and footraces. “Is the chief of the Virginia Long Knives in Penn’s village?” He had only a vague notion of the political boundaries of the whites.

His father tapped the ashes out of his pipe. “No. But the consensus is we should do as the Six Nations and deal as a unified people with all of the whites. Penn’s Forest comprises white men living to the north of Virginia, near the Six Nations. It is said the white men of Penn’s village are more equitable than the Virginia Long Knives. And they have influence with the rest of the whites.”

Red Hawk didn’t see how this was related to the scalps but waited for his father to continue.

“Even the Catawba have publicly aligned themselves with the British. Right now, the British see the French as their enemy, not the Shawnee.”

He wasn’t sure about that. As long as he could remember, there had been a cold hostility between white men and Shawnee. It had just never broken out into war.

Father wiped the bowl of his pipe and set it down. “If we present ourselves as peaceful, the actions of a few may not bring wrath upon us.”

Laughing Wolf.

“Stealing a horse is one thing. Killing and scalping is quite another.”

“Grayfeather is wise.”

Lynne Tagawa is an author, editor, educator, and best of all, grandma to four. She loves to write quality fiction with solid gospel content. Her debut novel, A Twisted Strand, is contemporary romantic suspense, but she thinks she’s found her true home in historical fiction.

The Shenandoah Road (print, kindle, or audiobook):

The Heart of Courage:

To sign up for her newsletter and keep abreast of special deals, go to her website:

https://www.lynnetagawa.com/

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Three: Why I Believe

This week I’ve been sharing key times in my adult life where there’s no way luck or coincidence played a part. My faith is more than showing up to church on Sunday. I have a living, breathing friendship with Jesus.

And there was a day when I felt He was all I had.

And I’d be okay.

Marriage is hard, hard work. I was sharing today with a group of young ladies that as an engaged couple, we went to a marriage conference. They had a segment for the engaged, and we were so, so glad we went. We learned that every day a couple has a choice: isolation or oneness.

There are days you choose straight up isolation.

There are seasons where that can happen as well.

And that was our case. It was an uphill time where finances were tight, encouragement was low, health issues were high, and oneness was foreign. I threw myself into prayer, sometimes so empty all I could utter was “Jesus.” I tried Bible studies when I had strength. I grew in my faith and reached a place where I knew if everything crashed around me, I’d have Jesus.

And He’d be enough.

I knew the reality of no finances and a lot of struggles. But the peace that surrounded me, I KNEW I’d be okay even though I had no idea what the future held. From the very beginning of our relationship I was insecure that one day he would look at me and say we were done. He denied it more than Peter promised he’d never deny Christ and then did, three times.

One night, it happened. The burn out we had both been living on reached the zenith and in a moment of anger he said it. Done. This was over. Done.

I didn’t break. I felt protected as if an army surrounded me. I didn’t know how or when or even how the next hour was going to play out. But I knew.

As the night wore on and tempers eased, the peace continued. He wanted to shrug the incident off as an over reaction. I made a promise I’d never lie about a fragile place we might find ourselves in. I said if I was at “the line,” I’d call it. I did. What we were going through was much more than a night where the worst fear came to pass. It was a season that was escalating into a lifestyle I wasn’t going to allow my kids to experience. I grew up broken and it wasn’t going to go that way intentionally for me with them. If I had to be destitute but everyone was emotionally safe, I had to call that line.

The praise is that we are celebrating our 24th anniversary this month. That night, as painful as it was, God allowed and Jesus provided. He was my perfect peace. I believe because I knew it could end very different and life would be very hard. I am no one special. If you are at a low place, I PROMISE you, call on the name of Jesus and He will show Himself to be invested. On it. Not because He’s Santa or a genie, but because He is the Son of God. He is Savior. He is King of Kings and the Prince of Peace.

Because I’ve had times when Jesus was all I had—and He was enough.

I don’t have all the answers, but if you need to ask me anything or pray, feel free to reach out at juliearduini@juliearduini.com or on social media @JulieArduini.

Two: Why I Believe

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I started a series Monday on why I am a Christ follower. In simple terms I want to share the ways Jesus has proved Himself true and why I make Him a daily part of my life.

I believe because He has healed me.

I believe because He has not.

When I was little, my religious training was just that. Religious. I attended every week but there wasn’t a lot to chew on. I had a lot of questions, right down to the virgin birth. I was told to stop asking so many questions. When I then decided Jesus must be like a genie, I asked for stuff. And when it didn’t happen, I made a choice to push Him as far as I felt He was keeping me.

Once I made that choice to allow Him in my life and that He was an alive Savior very much interested in everything about me, challenges rose up right away. The biggest was my health.

I had annual exams that were not coming back normal.

I had pelvic pain that was debilitating.

I had mood swings so dark I was ashamed to tell people how deep off the rails I felt.

By the time I was 25, I had a diagnosis, PCOS, polycystic ovaries. Back in the nineties, PCOS was little heard of. My doctor sat me down and explained the challenges I would most likely have to conceive. He told me his wife’s story, and that they have children. He encouraged me to not take a lot of stock in his words as a doctor because he was not God. He then suggested I have children pray for me.

It was a hard season. The pain, which I’m not fragile about, was a level 12. It hurt to walk. As a newlywed there were times I’d work, make dinner, and go to bed. I was exhausted.

One night the pain was so bad I wanted to just be done. Not kill myself, but not be alive. Just be done. I sobbed, I mean cried and cried beyond headache and red eyes. It was as I later learned a gutteral prayer so intimate and deep I could not form words. I basically emptied myself.

I also made a vow.

I told God if He could heal me of this pain, I was willing to give up my desire to be a mom. If it meant a hysterectomy that would take away all chances to conceive, I would never complain. Whatever His method, I was ready. And I meant it.

I had a surgery consult soon after. I felt the peace of Christ—it is something that defies description. There is nothing man-made that comes close to that feeling. Nothing. I was not prepared for the surgeon’s declaration. He didn’t think I needed a hysterectomy. He recommended a wedge resection. They are rarely done now, but he took out 1/2 of each ovary. His statement? It would enhance my chances to conceieve, not destroy them. He was just worried I would pin all my hopes on Him and blame Him if I wasn’t pregnant.

No, I assured him I trusted Jesus. That no matter what, I KNEW I’d be okay.

After the surgery and recovery, I never completed the first round of infertility drugs. I was pregnant.

He has been faithful and good to me.

Thing is, the pelvic pain went away but the mood swings did not. In fact, pregnancy and motherhood made them harsher. There were times the pit was so deep I saw myself walking to the medicine cabinet. I packed a suitcase once. I was just going to run.

It took years and years before I realized this was no way for anyone to live. I was not a failure to see a doctor about it, nor was I less of a believer. Medicine is one of the many ways Jesus heals.

I am now in menopause. I had a hysterectomy at 38. The last four years have been intense with sleeplessness, intense hot flashes, non-stop hunger, weight gain, and mood swings. I don’t know why I’ve had to have these things more severe than others. I don’t know why God didn’t take it away. Long ago I decided this must be the “thorn” God uses in my weakness that because of Him, I am strong. Because I am not healed of these things, I can share with others in similar pain.

I don’t feel that Jesus abandoned me. In fact, when I feel my worst, I feel HIM. It is comforting. Because I know His promises, I KNOW one day I will be in heaven, in my own mansion He built. He stores our tears. I am convinced one of our times together will be Jesus taking me on a tour of the warehouses containing my tears. And He will explain it all.

I also trust Him because in pregnancy I begged Him not to inflict the kids with anything I’ve suffered.

I have one child that struggles with anxiety that took me until recently to see I had the exact same thing.

I have a second child that while pregnant I felt God declare she would be an overcomer. I decided, without seeking God’s thoughts, what that would mean. I thought she would be spared. Instead, she has since being weeks old dealt with one diagnosis after another. Specialists. Lab work. Cruel procedures and even crueler people.

I’m pretty sure one of those warehouses of tears are my laments for all they have gone through.

Yet as they have dealt with these things, they have held tight to who God is and that they can do all things because of Christ. They have ministered people through sharing, but even with their smile. It blows my mind every time. Had they been born flawless like I begged, there would be no story.

Or glory and thanks I could give Him.

When He heals, I believe. When He doesn’t, I still do. It is not easy, and rarely is it immediate. But each time I’m faced with trusting Jesus or not, it gets easier to answer.

If you have any questions, I can’t promise to know everything, but feel free to contact me at juliearduini@juliearduini.com.

Stay tuned!

Book Review: Persian Betrayal by Terry Brennan

How much can Brian Mullaney risk to serve God and save lives—without losing his own?
 
DSS Regional Security Officer Brian Mullaney has been tasked with an incredibly dangerous mission. When a synagogue in Jerusalem is destroyed by an explosion, burying the second key prophecy Mullaney is hunting—and the deadly box that protects it—the answers he desperately needs are also crushed. How can he discover the meaning of the centuries-old prophecy now? Why are he and the ambassador he’s assigned to protect being targeted? And is there any way this lone man can thwart a nuclear arms race between three ascendant empires of the past?
 
An otherworldly servant of evil known only as the Turk is maneuvering all three nations into an intricate dance designed to undermine prophecy about the end times. And he won’t let Mullaney or anyone else get in his way.
 
Wounded in a bloody shoot-out, pressured by his wife to come home, and mourning the death of his best friend, Mullaney doesn’t need a powerful enemy. Who is he to save the Ishmael Covenant, the treaty promising peace in the Middle East? Despite angelic intervention, Mullaney wants nothing to do with his final assignment. But without him, evil will win the ultimate struggle . . . and humankind will have no hope left.
 

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Persian Betrayal is book 2 in the Empires of Armageddon series and jumps right in where Ishmael Covenant left off. The rising stakes for Brian never take a rest as the Middle East is in conflict, conspiracies abound, his marriage is his crisis, and death is at his every turn. I love books like this because I can’t guess which way things are going to go. The political intrigue is huge, and those make for the best reads.

What I also enjoyed that is not part of most action/political suspense books is the element of the supernatural. I thought that was well-written and added to the story.

I think this series is extremely well-done with Persian Betrayal just as outstanding as Ishmael Covenant. I definitely recommend, but I also suggest you start with book 1 to make sure you’re familiar with the characters.

I received Persian Betrayal in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

Terry Brennan is the award-winning author of The Sacred Cipher, The Brotherhood Conspiracy, and The Aleppo Code, the three books in The Jerusalem Prophecies series. His latest series is Empires of Armageddon, which includes Ishmael Covenant and Persian Betrayal. 

A Pulitzer Prize is one of the many awards Brennan accumulated during his 22-year newspaper career. The Pottstown (PA) Mercury won the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing for a two-year series published while he led the team as the newspaper’s Editor.

Starting out as a sportswriter in Philadelphia, Brennan became an editor and publisher for newspapers in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New York and later moved to the corporate staff of Ingersoll Publications (400 newspapers in the U.S., Ireland and England) as Executive Editor of all U.S. newspaper titles.

In 1996, Brennan transitioned into the nonprofit sector, spending 12 years as VP Operations for The Bowery Mission and six years as Chief Administrative Officer for Care for the Homeless,  both in New York City.

Terry and his wife, Andrea, now live in Danbury, CT.

More on Brennan can be found at www.terrybrennanauthor.com. He is also on Facebook (Terry Brennan) and Twitter (@terrbrennan1).

One: Why I Believe

I’ve felt the nudge to do this for awhile but the timing always felt off. Honestly, I’m in the middle of cranking out a few thousand words a week with my new series, and that takes time.

But this is important.

I try in my writing and appearances to model the life of a Christ follower. It’s who I am, but I know that definition can get muddled by the Christians we meet. I know I’m not perfect, no one here is. But my heart longs to accurately show those who do not have a daily life with Christ why it is I choose to.

Julie Arduini

I’m not Biblically gifted. I remember 80’s lyrics better than verses. I wish I were better, but at least you know I’m honest. I AM a Bible reader. And through these posts I hope to show why that’s made such a difference.

So, here I go. Simple, transparent reasons why I call myself a Christian and live it each day.

I believe in Jesus and invite Him to be part of my life because luck and coincidence could never explain the positive changes in my life. Those on FB who knew me in high school remarked that I was confident, even bossy. That’s not quite true.

I was lost. Lonely. Bitter. Angry.

I didn’t have a horrible life by any means, but there were things I observed that didn’t quite look like other families. These days what I saw is quite normal, and I’m happy to say the addiction we had in our lives became a happy ending. Thing is, my attitude and hurt didn’t change overnight.

It took years.

Ironically, addiction began in my family to numb rejection. And I was on track to follow. I used things in the world to mask the pain, give me confidence, and fit in. It was not a solution.

It wasn’t going to church that changed my life, nor what it one single sermon I heard. It was a combination of things. I heard messages about Jesus being perfect and yet being crucified. Why? He was perfect. And that’s what gets me to this day when I think about the nails pounding through His flesh. The whippings He took with a strap loaded with shards of glass and stone.

He took it.

He allowed it.

Not because He was a wimp.

Because He was standing in the gap.

For me.

For you.

For all who choose to follow.

Jesus is a circle fulfilled. All the choices I made to feel better, dodge my hurt, or work hard to inflict pain on others was never a circle. The ends never closed on my life because there was a gap. If you think about a bridge, I was on the edge of a cliff on Point A, and I could see Point B. But I had no way to get there.

It sounds like Sunday School. Cliche. But it is the truth. I am the proof. Jesus is the only way.

Reading about Him, talking to Him, and going through study after study changed my life. It was not overnight. It was not a straight line of progress. But who I am today is completely different than the ugly mess I was as a young person.

I don’t miss my barbed remarks and cruel comebacks.

I don’t miss peppering my sentences with profanity.

I don’t drink if I feel motivated by numbing pain/competing/drinking for any reason than a glass on New Year’s or my anniversary. And I don’t miss the old ways or old me. I’m pretty sure if you quizzed everyone, they don’t wish that girl back.

So that’s why I believe. Jesus is the real deal to me. Even if I didn’t believe His story, and I 1000% do, He changed me. I’ve watched others with far worse stories than mine. People in prison for murder who truly found freedom in their cells because of trusting Jesus. Victims of abuse. Even those without major woes who followed luck and therories and realized Jesus makes a mess out of math. Everything He is is statistically impossible. Yet I’m forever changed because of Him.

If that’s something you desire, close the circle in your life by asking Christ into your life. It’s nothing weird or fancy. I was in my bedroom and just started chatting. I didn’t even know I was following a prayer, but later I realized I had done exactly what millions before me have done.

I told God, my Heavenly Father, who is not mean with arms closed, but so full of love, that I was a sinner. I missed the mark. I goofed up. I named the things I’d done.

I then shared that I believed what I learned about Jesus. That God did send Jesus to earth. That although He was on Earth as a man, He was Savior. He was perfect. He was crucified and rose again. He is still alive. He is in heaven. He is the only way I’ll spend eternity with Him. Heaven is perfect. I want to go there. I believe. I believe in Jesus. I believe.

Later I learned that when I prayed that, angels rejoiced. If you grew up hearing they are just harp players, they are God’s messengers. Warriors. And they love a celebration.

I can’t promise to have all the answers, but if you have questions, please contact me at juliearduini@juliearduini.com.

Stay tuned!

Fiction Finder: August 2020 New Releases

August 2020 New Releases

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

Contemporary Romance:

The Price of Dreams by Toni Shiloh — Ballet has always been my life, but one terrible moment may have destroyed everything I’ve worked so hard for—especially my title of Octavia Ricci, principal ballerina. I thought for sure my physical therapist, Dr. Noah Wright, could help me obtain my dream once more, but he wants more than I’m prepared to give. I’ve seen firsthand the trials of interracial relationships. I’m a product of one myself and promised I’d never put my hopefully-someday kids through that drama. Everyone keeps telling me to let go of other people’s expectations, but I’m just not sure I can. Besides, if my dreams of returning to ballet are futile, what hope is there in seeking unconditional love? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Peace in the Valley by Kelly Irvin — After a devastating wildfire sweeps through her town, one young Amish woman is shown a different way to practice her faith . . . but pursuing it could cost her everything she holds dear, including the man she loves. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Contemporary:

The Plans We Made by Kathryn Cushman and Lauren Beccue — Caroline Chapman is reeling from a broken engagement. Determined to start again, she moves cross-country for her dream job of planning events in the historical mansions of Newport, Rhode Island. Just as her life is getting back on track, she gets an email that shakes her very foundations. Linda Riley’s life looks picture perfect – a wonderful husband, two great kids, involved in church and the community. Then comes the diagnosis that shatters the facade. In order to save her son’s life, she must reveal secrets that can rip everything apart. Connected by more than painful circumstances, these two women discover a sacred bond. In this beautiful story of love, loss, and the fight for life, Caroline and Linda experience the reality that things don’t always go according to The Plans We Made. (Women’s Fiction from White Glove)

Historical:

In High Cotton by Ane Mulligan — While the rest of the world has been roaring through the 1920s, times are hardscrabble in rural South Georgia. Widow Maggie Parker is barely surviving while raising her young son alone. Then as banks begin to fail, her father-in-law threatens to take her son and sell off her livelihood—the grocery store her husband left her. Can five Southern women band together, using their wisdom and wiles to stop him and survive the Great Depression? (Historical from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

The Heart of Courage by Lynne Basham Tagawa — In 1753, troubling news comes to Russell’s Ridge… Susanna Russell longs to escape her valley home. When war breaks out, she gets her wish to study in fabulous Williamsburg. But she realizes she’s lost something important along the way. Something—and someone. James Paxton is studying for the ministry. But when violence threatens the valley, his path becomes clouded. What is God’s will for his life? The answer is alarming—and impossible. Red Hawk spies white surveyors near his home, a harbinger of trouble to come. Shawnee chiefs go to Philadelphia to treat for peace, but the unthinkable happens, and Red Hawk loses all he once held dear. Then he has a strange dream. What can it mean? (Historical from Blue Rock Press)

Historical Romance:

Heart of a Warrior by Angela K. Couch — All Christina Astle wants is to reach Oregon before her baby is born, but the wagon train is attacked, and her husband killed, stranding her in a mountain labyrinth. Raised in the East, within civilization’s embrace, survival is not a skill she’s learned. Neither is evading the lone warrior dogging her trail. Disgusted by the greed and cruelty of men like his white father, Towan has turned to the simpler existence of his mother’s tribal people. He is not prepared for the fiery woman who threatens to upturn his entire life … and his heart. (Historical Romance from Prism [Pelican Book Group])

The Shopkeeper’s Widow by Izzy James — When the love of her life returns with a load of smuggled firearms, she must discover a new way to happiness. (Historical Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

Dinah’s Dilemma by Linda Shenton Matchett — Dinah Simpkins has no chance of making a good marriage. Her outlaw brothers and her father’s gambling addiction have ruined the family’s reputation. Then the Westward Home and Hearts Matrimonial Agency provides an opportunity for a fresh start. After Dinah arrives in Nebraska, she discovers her brothers played a part in the death of her prospective groom’s first wife. As a former Pinkerton detective Nathan Childs knows when someone is lying. The bride sent by the matrimonial agency may be beautiful, but she’s definitely hiding something, and he has no intention of marrying her until he uncovers the truth. But an easier solution may be to send her packing. Then his young daughter goes missing. He and Dinah must put aside their mutual hurt and mistrust to find her. (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Katherine’s Arrangement by Blossom Turner — Marrying him is her only choice to save her family, but Josiah Richardson isn’t at all the man she expected. A marriage of convenience is the last thing she wants, but there doesn’t seem to be a better option for her family or herself. Meanwhile, Josiah works hard to befriend Katherine, to earn her trust and win her love. And Katherine is pleasantly surprised to find herself drawn to Josiah, until an unexpected friendship tears apart all they’ve worked for. Where once the promise of love had budded between Josiah and Katherine, now they wonder what to do with their so-called marriage. Is love strong enough to weave its healing power through two broken hearts? (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

The Black Midnight by Kathleen Y’Barbo — Called to London by her great grandmother Queen Victoria, former Pinkerton agent Alice Anne von Wettin goes undercover to assist Scotland Yard in catching Jack the Ripper after working a similar case in Austin, Texas. (Suspenseful Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Romantic Suspense:

Accidental Target by Theresa Hall — Allison Moore can’t deny what she sees—a lifeless hand sticking out of a tarp in the back of a crashed pickup truck. Seconds later, she’s on the run with a murderer on her heels. Nowhere is safe and no one can be trusted…except police sergeant Jackson Archer. But with someone set on silencing her, can Jackson keep his promise of protection? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Minutes to Die by Susan Sleeman — It’s the intel every agent fears—terrorists have been smuggled into the country intent on unleashing the most deadly attack since 9/11. With the threat imminent, FBI Agent Kiley Dawson and ICE Agent Evan Bowers are charged with taking down this terrorist cell. Only problem is, Kiley blames Evan for the death of her former partner, and she can barely be in a room with him. But with millions of lives on the line, she has no choice. If it wasn’t for a bad call Evan made, Kiley’s former partner would still be alive, and Evan has to live with that guilt for the rest of his life. When he starts falling for her, the agent’s death seems an impossible obstacle—but it’s also the last thing he needs to think about. As the terrorist plot veers toward targeting Kiley’s family, the two are pushed to the breaking point in a race to save countless lives. (Romantic Suspense from Bethany House [Baker])

Speculative:

Kokopelli’s Song by Suzanne J Bratcher — Seventeen-year-old twins Amy Adams and Mahu Sekatewa team up with Mahu’s friend Diego James to stop ancient evil from tipping our universe into chaos. (Speculative from Scrivenings Press)

 

Rose in the Desert by K.M. Daughters — Anna Babic Robbins, dubbed “The Rose Of The Adriatic” by pilgrims to her village, leaves her home bound for America. She is to deliver secrets concerning the fate of the world to a Chicago priest who will shepherd mankind to prepare to hear God speak. Four women travel to Las Vegas, and while there, snow begins to fall during triple digit heat. They soon learn that the non-accumulating snowfall is a worldwide phenomenon—a universal sign from God preceding the gift of a permanent sign inexplicable by earthly standards. With the culmination of these miraculous events, all their paths intersect, and God will reveal His plans to each soul on earth. Will mankind listen? (Speculative from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

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

Song of Mercy by Brenda S. Anderson, When a vlogger spots a man stalking young children, she’s spreads it on social media only to learn she may be mistaken–the man might be innocent. (Contemporary Romance)

Faith and Hope by Amy R. Anguish, Two sisters. One summer. Multiple problems. (Contemporary Romance)

Grace in the Desert by Christine Dillon, Must yesterday’s pain strangle tomorrow’s hope? (General Contemporary)

When Heaven Sighs by Susan Guinn, Angels, death and mysticism surround the arrival of a Dead Sea Scroll in Nashville, Tennessee as a dedicated homicide detective and a local pastor struggle to capture the murderers of two young men brave enough to believe in the scroll’s unique message. (Mystery)

Where She Belongs by Pamela Harstad, A Hawaiian woman desires love and struggles to belong, but a murder changes everything. (Romantic Suspense)

Two Hearts by Ruth Kyser, Tory Hendricks visits a guest ranch in the Hill Country of Texas where she meets the owner, Reed Montgomery. Even though they’ve both decided to remain single, they become good friends. The question is, does God have something more in store for them than just friendship? (Contemporary Romance)

Legacy Redeemed by Robin Patchen, Vanessa will fight to rescue her sister. Caleb will fight to protect Vanessa. But Abbas has evil plans for them all. (Romantic Suspense)

No Secrets No Lies by Tamara Tilley, Charlie lives in hiding. Hunter lives in the limelight. She is afraid to be a part of his world. He cannot imagine her not being in it. (Contemporary Romance)

Devil’s Cauldron by Michael Jack Webb, The FBI asks an ex-Special Forces Ranger once accused of domestic terrorism to investigate a Black Swan event in Antarctica. He must battle interdimensional, supernatural enemies attempting to regain power over humanity after ten-thousand years. (Supernatural Thriller)

I’ll Be Yours for Christmas by Dalyn Weller, Christmas magic in the Cascade Mountains. (Contemporary Romance)

Ane Mulligan: In High Cotton

In High Cotton actually began ten years ago. At that time, I wasn’t yet published. One of my critique partners thought maybe if I tried a historical novel, I might get contacted sooner. I have no affinity for prairie novels, but then she suggested the time period of the Great Depression.

That’s more modern history, it resonated with me, so I started writing. I quickly fell in love with the characters and the story. Soon, I sent three chapters to my agent, and while she liked it, she asked if I wanted to write contemporary or historical? At that time, my heart was in contemporary, so I had to set this novel aside.

Fast forward to 2019. I now had four novels in print (traditionally published), two novellas, a cookbook, and two Indie published novels and one novelette. In High Cotton follows my brand: it has an ensemble cast of strong Southern women facing life’s issues together.

I resurrected the story and finished it. I had to change one very important component … the setting. I wanted to place it in Buford, Georgia, but because of a business in that town, most everyone was employed throughout the depression, so it wasn’t the right place. (That story does get told, however. The second book in the Georgia Magnolias series is On Sugar Hill. It will release June 1, 2021.

So, I chose a rural area in the southeast area of Georgia. The Yamacraw Indians called the place “where rivers end,” because the Oconee and Ocmulgee rivers converged into one, becoming the Altamaha. There isn’t much around there today and certainly not in 1929. It was the perfect place for my fictional town. The back-cover copy says it well: While the rest of the world has been roaring through the twenties, times are hardscrabble in rural South Georgia.

The era and the setting became antagonists for my heroine, Maggie Parker, along with her late husband’s father. Now I had what I needed and the story flowed. There were still a few times it bounced over the rocks in those rivers instead of flowing, but it always came back together after a brainstorm session with a critique partner.

If a story resonates with your soul, keep it. Even if you have to set it aside for a few years. The right time and place will come around. It did for In High Cotton.

In High Cotton

Southern women may look as delicate as flowers, but there’s iron in their veins.

While the rest of the world has been roaring through the 1920s, times are hardscrabble in rural South Georgia. Widow Maggie Parker is barely surviving while raising her young son alone. Then as banks begin to fail, her father-in-law threatens to take her son and sell off her livelihood—the grocery store her husband left her. Can five Southern women band together, using their wisdom and wiles to stop him and survive the Great Depression?

For the e-book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087V636BH  

for the print book: https://amzn.to/2WOLShX or https://shoplpc.com/in-high-cotton/

Target: https://www.target.com/p/in-high-cotton-by-ane-mulligan-paperback/-/A-80663388

To read the first chapter free, go to https://anemulligan.com/georgia-magnolias-series and scroll to the DOWNLOADS

Ane Mulligan has been a voracious reader ever since her mom instilled within her a love of reading at age three, escaping into worlds otherwise unknown. But when Ane saw PETER PAN on stage, she was struck with a fever from which she never recovered—stage fever. She submerged herself in drama through high school and college. One day, her two loves collided, and a bestselling, award-winning novelist emerged. She lives in Sugar Hill, GA, with her artist husband and a rascally Rottweiler. Find Ane on her website, Amazon Author page, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and The Write Conversation. 

Before the Wrath + #Giveaway

ABOUT Before the Wrath

While scholars debate the timing of the Rapture, the world has lost why this event is prophesied to occur in the first place; knowledge that was once understood by those in the first century. Today, researchers in the Middle-East have rediscovered ancient anthropological evidence from the time of Christ that reveals exactly how and why the Rapture must occur; unveiling new biblical insight that will reignite hope for believers and prepare the world for what’s coming.

But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-2

AWARD-WINNING

#1-selling documentary DVD on Amazon for three straight months.
#4-selling film in America during a time in April behind JUMANJI, 1917 and FROZEN 2.
#1-selling film on Christian Cinema, even after three months.
Nominated for multiple film awards including best documentary and cinematography.

THEMES



Biblical StudiesProphecy Faith Miracles HopeSalvationBeliefCommunionSacrificial love



MESSAGING



Available on Blu-ray, DVD & digitalNarrated by Kevin Sorbo#1-selling documentary DVD on Amazon for three straight months.



FOR FANS OF



Bible storiesDocumentariesIS GENESIS HISTORY?PATTERNS OF EVIDENCE: EXODUSFINDING NOAH



From Julie:

Before the Wrath combines breaking down a Galileen wedding and its traditions and how it pertains to the rapture. It also shares statistics on rapture opinions among believers as well as experts weighing in on the church today.

Kevin Sorbo delivers a Biblical warning and encouragement in a presentation that is under 90 minutes. For me, I was amazed at what I learned about the Galileen wedding backdrop against the return of Christ. The statistics are sobering. As the experts plead, the church has to hear the message. Believers need to read the Bible and tell others. We can’t give the world the fun parts of the gospel. To do so completely waters down what Christ did for us.

For someone interested in the Bible, history, prophecy or their eternity, I think Before the Wrath is an excellent source. I definitely recommend.

My review also includes a giveaway. One US winner will receive a Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack of Before the Wrath, so leave a comment with a way to contact you on why you’d like to receive this.

I received a screening of Before the Wrath from Lev3L. All opinions are my own.

Before I Review Before the Wrath

If you have studied the Bible and/or a follower of Christ, rapture is not a new term for you. It is an event prophesied in the Bible (where all prophesies up until the rapture and revelation have come to pass, statistically impossible,) where Jesus returns for those that followed Him. It will be an event that happens in a blink of an eye and at the sound of the trumpet. It will remove the Holy Spirit’s presence from the earth and usher the great tribulation. As depicted in the fictional but based on Scripture series Left Behind by Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, when the rapture takes place, there will be people left behind who either rejected Christ or faked it. They will see the clothes and accessories of their loved ones, yet the believers will be gone. Planes will be unmanned because there will be pilots who will be with Jesus. It will usher in great destruction on earth.

For the believer? It’s a glorious thought. They won’t be around the destruction or chaos. They will be with Jesus. Heaven is real and not where we sleep on a cloud or play harp. We have a mansion. The streets are made of gold. No pain. It will be perfect.

For those left behind? Take 2020. Multiply 1000 of the heartache/grief/loss/challenges/disasters. Without the Holy Spirit on earth, the true defeated one has a short span of time he gets to do whatever he wants. It will be with lies, promises, and destruction. Those left behind will have the opportunity to ask Christ into their lives and have an eternity with Jesus in heaven, but it will not be easy.

Is all this the same as doomsday cults? NO. For one, those are led by a leader, all human, declaring to be Jesus, something Jesus warned about in the Bible. These are men/women seeking a following for their own gain. That’s how you spot a cult. Jesus is always about loving people and giving glory to God. No man should seek that glory.

It’s also not the same because with the true rapture, not even Jesus knows the time or day. When God says go, Jesus will be gathering His people for an eternity with Him in perfection—heaven. No one, NO ONE knows the exact day or time. If someone says they do, run. They are not someone you want to listen to. Also don’t listen to anyone who says it will be via spaceship or anything else that goes against the Bible. As our church decrees, “The Bible is the bottom line.” And, “No God, no go.” Wise advice.

That said, Before the Wrath shares the current state of the church and where it stands on the rapture, as well as Jesus words and HIs clues about it. It’s an interesting analogy I enjoyed listening to. Stay tuned for my review tomorrow.

My review also includes a giveaway. One US winner will receive a Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack of Before the Wrath, so stop back tomorrow!

More Resources:

What is the Rapture?

Rapture Bible Verses

The Blessed Hope

End Times

I did my best to explain this in simple terms because I am a simple person. These resources share the verses to back up my explanation. Any errors are because of me, but my belief in the rapture is solid. Bottom line? If you do not know Jesus in a way that includes Him daily as your lifestyle, you do not want to reject Him. Hell is real. It is eternity without Him. Sound fun? It is not. It is utter darkness. A furnace of fire that does not cease with weeping and gnashing of teeth. If you read this and think Jesus is not for you, you have made your choice. But I love you enough to at least invite you to know more.

Julie

About Hell

Bible verses about Hell

What is Hell?

Have You Heard the Good News?

Janetta Fudge Messmer: Waltzing with a Grease Monkey

Penelope Price contemplates dating her boss (Derek Hamilton) again. But all they talked about the last time was vehicles they worked on at the auto shop that day. Along with her job at Hamilton Auto Repair, Nell also teaches ballroom dancing at her mom’s studio.

And to top off her crazy job schedule, she takes a “Finding Your Spiritual Gifts” test at her church. This sets more things into motion than Penelope ever dreamed of – one being the day her two professions collide. She won’t be able to dance her way out of this predicament.

Will Penelope’s newest dance student (Harrison) waltz into Priceless Dance Studio and steal her heart away? Or will Derek’s gifts of wit and wisdom win her over in the end?

Waltzing with a Grease Monkey is .99 through July.

Janetta Fudge messmer

Janetta Fudge Messmer’s tagline is Turning Live into Comedy. The reason being, she loves to laugh and that’s why she writes Christian Comedy (with a touch of Romance). She’s also a speaker and editor. For Janetta, writing and traveling go hand in hand, since she, her hubby (Ray) and their pooch (Maggie) are full-time RVers. Most days you’ll find them sightseeing around the USA in their Winnebago…but first Janetta has to sit down and write a few words.