Julie Arduini's Blog, page 45

Fiction Finder: February 2020 New Releases

February 2020 New Releases

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

Contemporary Romance:

Hands of Grace by Brenda S. Anderson — She’s always looked for love in the wrong places. He wants nothing to do with love. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Desert Willow by Patricia Beal — A stubborn ballerina and a charming young officer are brought together by an old woman’s dying wish and last love letter. (Contemporary Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

A Gift to Cherish by Victoria Bylin — Rafe Donovan, a cop from Cincinnati, is haunted by a recurring nightmare about the drug death of his high school sweetheart. Those nightmares force him to take leave from his job, seek help, and shelter in Refuge, where he pounds nails for his brother’s construction business. Rafe has no desire to stay in Wyoming. His goal is to get back to being a cop in Ohio as soon as possible. But then he meets Daisy Riley . . . When he finds her stranded late at night with a flat tire, he’s impressed by her courage. Daisy is equally impressed by him, but as a former victim of violence, she treasures her safe and secure life in Refuge. Together they navigate the road to love—one that’s complicated by the arrival of Daisy’s troubled best friend, online dating, and the impossible obstacle of 1,600 miles between her home and his. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Her Rocky Mountain Hope by Mindy Obenhaus — Learning to trust can be the greatest adventure. She’s always played it safe…Can he reach her guarded heart? Ready to open his camp for young cancer patients, Daniel Stephens must impress foundation overseer Blythe McDonald to ensure she approves funding for next year. But the cautious former cancer patient was once let down by a similar program, and she’ll leave no stone unturned in her evaluation. Can he convince her his camp is worthy of the money…and that he’s worthy of her love? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

The Story of Us by Teri Wilson — When a bookstore owner and an architect go head to head over a new development that threatens her store, they find a box of love letters from the past that may hold the key to their future. (Contemporary Romance from Hallmark Publishing)

General Split Time:

The Tea Chest by Heidi Chiavaroli — Boston, 1773… Emma Malcolm’s father is staunchly loyal to the crown, but Emma’s heart belongs to Noah Winslow, a lowly printer’s assistant and Patriot. Her father has promised her hand to Samuel Clarke, a rapacious and sadistic man. As his fiancée, she would have to give up Noah and the friends who have become like family to her?as well as the beliefs she has come to embrace. After Emma is drawn into the treasonous Boston Tea Party, Samuel blackmails her with evidence that condemns each participant, including Noah. Emma realizes she must do whatever it takes to protect those she loves, even if it means giving up the life she desires and becoming Samuel’s wife. Present Day… Lieutenant Hayley Ashworth is determined to be the first woman inducted into the elite Navy SEALs. But before her dream can be realized, she must return to Boston in order to put the abuse and neglect of her childhood behind her. When an unexpected encounter with the man she once loved leads to the discovery of a tea chest and the document hidden within, she wonders if perhaps true strength and freedom are buried deeper than she first realized. Two women, separated by centuries, must find the strength to fight for love and freedom. . . and discover a heritage of courage and faith. (General Contemporary from Tyndale House)

Historical:

Heavenly Lights by Barbara M. Britton — God gave Noah bat Zelophehad four sisters, a way with four-legged creatures, and a strong spirit. She will need all three gifts to thrive in the Promised Land of God and find love with a special shepherd. (Historical from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])

Historical Romance:

Waltz in the Wilderness by Kathleen Denly — Eliza Brooks is haunted by her role in her mother’s death, so she’ll do anything to find her missing pa—even if it means sneaking aboard a southbound ship. When those meant to protect her abandon and betray her instead, a family friend’s unexpected assistance is a blessing she can’t refuse. Daniel Clarke came to California to make his fortune, and a stable job as a San Francisco carpenter has earned him more than most have scraped from the local goldfields. But it’s been four years since he left Massachusetts and his fiancé is impatient for his return. Bound for home at last, Daniel Clarke finds his heart and plans challenged by a tenacious young woman with haunted eyes. Though every word he utters seems to offend her, he is determined to see her safely returned to her father. Even if that means risking his fragile engagement. When disaster befalls them in the remote wilderness of the Southern California mountains, true feelings are revealed, and both must face heart-rending decisions. But how to decide when every choice before them leads to someone getting hurt? (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

The Brightest of Dreams by Susan Anne Mason — Quinten Aspinall is determined to fulfill the promise he made to his dying father and keep his family together. To do so, he travels to Canada to find his younger siblings, who were sent there as indentured workers when Quinn was away at war. While overseas, he agrees to look for his employer’s niece who ran off with a Canadian soldier. If Quinn can bring Julia back, he will receive his own tenant farm, allowing him to give his ailing mother and his siblings a true home at last. Julia Holloway’s decision to come to Toronto has met with nothing but disaster. When her uncle’s employee rescues her from a bad situation, she fears she can never repay Quinn’s kindness. So when he asks for her help to find his sister, she agrees. The quest draws the two of them together, but soon afterward, Julia receives devastating news that will change her life forever. Torn between reuniting his family and protecting Julia, will Quinn have to sacrifice his own happiness to finally keep his promise? (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker])

Three Little Things by Patti Stockdale — Hattie Waltz should forget the troubled neighbor leaving for boot camp in 1917. He forgot about her ages ago. It had always been the Waltzs verses the Kregers, his family pitted against hers. When she hands him a farewell gift, a chemistry lesson unfolds. The good kind. Arno Kreger can’t leave Iowa or his old man fast enough. He’s eager to prove his worth on the battlefield and stop blaming himself for his brother’s death. Before entering the train, he bumps into Hattie. He’s loved her forever, always from the sidelines, because nobody crosses Hattie’s pa. One innocent letter soon morphs into many. Arno and Hattie share three little secrets in each letter and grow closer together. But he’s on his way to war across the ocean, and she’s still in her father’s house. Their newfound love will need to survive dangers on both fronts. (Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin — With his future stolen by his brothers’ betrayal, Private Clay Paxton trains hard with the US Army Rangers, determined to do his best in the upcoming Allied invasion of France. Leah Jones works as a librarian at the army base, hoping to find her lost sisters. A marriage of convenience binds them together, but will D-day—and a foreboding dream—tear them apart? (Historical Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Taming Julia by Jodie Wolfe — A gun-toting, breeches-wearing wife wasn’t what the minister ordered. In 1875, Kansas bachelor Drew Montgomery’s sole desire is to serve God, but his congregation’s ultimatum that he marry or leave, forces him to advertise for a wife by proxy. Jules Walker strides into Drew’s life wearing breeches and toting a gun and saddle–more cowboy than bride. After years on the trail, she’s not exactly wife material, but she longs for home and family, and will do anything to ensure Drew never discovers what she really is. (Historical Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

Mystery:

Under Cover by Linda Shenton Matchett — In the year since arriving in London, journalist Ruth Brown has put a face on the war for her readers at home in the U.S. Thus far, juggling her career and her relationship with Detective Inspector Trevor Gelson hasn’t proven too challenging. The war gets personal for Ruth when her friend Amelia is murdered, and Trevor is assigned to the case. Life gets even more unsettling when clues indicate her best friend, Varis, is passing secrets to the enemy. Convinced Varis is innocent, Ruth must find the real traitor as the clock ticks down toward Operation Husky-the Allied invasion of Sicily. Circumstantial evidence leads Trevor to suspect her of having a part in Amelia’s death, and Ruth must choose between her heart and her duty. (Historical Mystery from Shortwave Press)

Romantic Suspense:

Legacy Reclaimed by Robin Patchen — She’ll risk anything to save the company her parents built. When someone makes threats on her life, he’ll risk anything to save her. But that someone will stop at nothing to make sure they both fail. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Speculative:

Cry of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse — Lady Selene Ravenwood has come into her full power as a dreamwalker just as the war with the Dominia Empire begins. Working with the other Great Houses, Selene and Damien use their gifts to secure the borders and save those devastated by the war. But conflict, betrayal, and hatred begin to spread between the Great Houses, destroying their unity as the empire burns a path across their lands. At the same time, Damien Maris starts to lose his ability to raise the waters, leaving the lands vulnerable to the empire’s attacks. The only one who can unite the houses and restore her husband’s power is Selene Ravenwood. But it will require that she open her heart to those who have hurt her and let go of her past, despite the one who hunts her and will do anything to stop her power. Will Selene survive? Or is she destined to fall like the dreamwalkers before her? (Fantasy from Bethany House [Baker])

Young Adult:

Follow the Dawn by Rachelle Rea Cobb — Anna Emory grew up the invisible, shy younger sister, and she prefers it that way. But when her father attempts to arrange an unsavory marriage, Anna learns that courage is sometimes found in adversity. Then she meets a boy and his father struggling in their relationship, and they tip her quiet world upside down. Captain Mathieu Tudder has run from responsibility, entrusting his young son’s care to another and devoting his Sea Beggar ship to the Dutch Revolution. After that cause fails, Tudder returns to England for the son he left behind. But his son seems to have given his heart to a unknown and quiet lady—a woman who reminds him of all he’s ever loved and lost. Will these two hearts—the battle-scarred and the broken—ever find true freedom? (Young Adult Historical from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

The Vault Between Spaces by Chawna Schroeder — Every legend must start somewhere… No prisoner who enters the gates of HopeWell ever leaves. But from the moment Oriel sets foot inside Anatroshka’s most formidable prison camp, she unsettles both commandant and prisoner alike with eyes that see beyond the surface and music that trails her everywhere. Petite and delicate though she appears, Oriel bows before neither threat nor punishment. Moreover, she makes no attempt to hide her intention: Oriel plans to escape the inescapable HopeWell. But when facades are stripped away and myth becomes clothed in flesh, what begins as a prison break becomes a mission to stop the invasion of evil itself. (Young Adult Fantasy from Enclave Publishing)

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

The Duke’s Refuge by Lorri Dudley, Historical Romance

Hannah’s Courage by Molly Jebber, Amish Romance

The Missing Manuscript by Sylvia A Nash, Cozy Mystery

Silvyn’s Tale by Sara Nicole, Fantasy

Freedom Lake Collection: Books 1 – 3 by Toni Shiloh, Contemporary Romance

Yellowstone Yondering by Kristen Joy Wilks, Contemporary Romance

Answering Hard Questions

Before I begin, if you receive this from an email or social media, I recently updated the blog look and I’d love for you to check it out. Everything about what I do revolves around surrender. My heart is to encourage you to find freedom in Christ by surrendering the good, the bad, and—maybe one day—the chocolate. Although I’ve yet to give up chocolate, I am better about consuming it 24/7. I think the blog appearance showcases my heart, and the content, what I do. Check it out!

***

You don’t have to be a sports fan to know the name Kobe Bryant and all he accomplished on the court. Although I haven’t followed basketball as closely as I did in high school (my yearbook says I was going to own the Celtics,) I was stunned to read of the helicopter crash that killed nine people, including him and his teen daughter.

I recently read an article that I wish I could remember who wrote that explained in loss as unfathomable as this, we unite. It makes no sense, and it’s under horrible circumstances, but the division between us pauses and we grieve as one. I remember that with 9/11 as well.

I also observed something else. It’s true for me, perhaps for you, too.

Those that make fun of my faith in Christ are the first to talk to me in devastating situations.

I am the one they call and ask if I would pray for them regarding a medical situation or financial issue.

When they are handed a blow they never saw coming, they reach out to me.

I remember receiving a call after 9/11. It was from someone who didn’t openly mock me to my face, but made it clear I wasn’t ever going to be part of her circle because our lifestyles were so different. I was aware, thanks to others who also made sure, that although they were invited to events, I wasn’t. And we all knew why. I was associated with Jesus.

As awful as rejection feels, I recall it paled to the genuine fear I could hear when each of those people later came to me for prayer and to talk their feelings out. They asked hard questions. Why does God allow children to perish? How come there’s so much devastation around us? Doesn’t God care?

It’s a shared moment. I grieve right with them. Any wisdom you see in me is a download from heaven above. I ask a lot of questions too. I don’t understand. We faced the potential loss of our baby. She’s 16. I’ve attended a child’s funeral and I ask God often why wasn’t that child spared? I don’t get it. And my finite mind can’t process what the infinite mind and heart of God can.

I do know this. We live in a fallen world. We gloss over Adam and Eve’s story because we’ve heard it so often, but the consequences are there. Life is going to be hard, devastating, and unfair.

I also know that anything awful and evil has to get God’s approval. And I know His heart enough to know there is no rejoicing in that. He had to send His own Son on a death mission for our sake, so He does not relish our grief. But. But. He will use it. We may never know during our brief stay on this planet the impact those things had in moving the kingdom of God forward. But His word promises what was meant for evil will be used for good.

I know those answers sound hollow in adversity. But that’s where I can invite you to trust with me. If I’m the one you’re reaching out to because of my faith, what’s the harm in taking that leap with me? Does my friendship with Jesus give me a pass on hard times? Nope. I can’t tell you the tears I’ve cried and betrayal I’ve faced.

But I can tell you I walk in peace that no man, bottle, food, check, pill, car, or home could ever give.

Julie Arduini

And that peace came from admitting I was a screw-up and that I couldn’t get out of any of it on my own. I confessed that I believed in what I’d heard and read in the Bible that Jesus is the Son of God. He was here on Earth. He lived a perfect life as man. And he was crucified not because He was guilty of a crime, but He was the only way, the sacrifice that bridged Adam and Eve and everything after to eternity. I can give a million dollars every day and it still doesn’t earn my way to heaven, because heaven isn’t a factory. Heaven is real, and it’s a gift.

But you have to choose it by choosing Him.

When you’ve taken that last breath, you won’t be asked how much money you gave, how many grandmothers you helped cross a street. You won’t be asked about your resume and how you treated your spouse. You won’t even be asked about your church attendance, Bible skills, or what church you attended.

But you will be asked one question.

Do you know Him?

Not do you know Jesus in a way you knew Kobe, or Harry Styles or your favorite president. Those people you admired and knew of, but you did not KNOW them. They aren’t part of your daily life in a mutual relationship.

That’s all that’s asked of you for your entrance to heaven. Sure, how you treated others and other aspects of your life I think play a part in your eternal blessings, but the peace I have that helps me put one foot in front of the other when my heart is breaking is because I know Jesus.

I wish I had all the answers. I wish I could take away the pain people share with me, and like I said, most often the ones who come first in adversity are the very ones who usually avoid me in the day-to-day. I wish I could convey how loved you are, how you will never reach that perfect day when you think then you can address Your Heavenly Father through Christ but that His arms are open to receive your mess because He took all our stuff because we never could. I wish I could get it through to the world we are not promised tomorrow. Life is precious Life is fleeting.

If you aren’t sure about it, I get it. Truth? I used to be one of the ones that made fun of those who knew Jesus. And over the years I’ve realized it isn’t about the religion, it’s about the relationship. He truly is my friend. And to learn more and see for yourself, find a Bible or Bible app (I use YouVersion) and read the book of John. One chapter a day for a month. Ask Jesus the hard questions. That He show Himself to you. His shoulders can handle it.

And your eternity depends on it.

***

Match Made in Heaven was the first book I wrote as a new beleiver in Christ. In it I cover through fiction and romance the struggles that come, and the blessings that are true when we invite Jesus into our daily lives.

Pixabay images

New Year, New You with Lume

I’ve been pretty transparent about hormonal imbalance, menopause complications, and adrenal fatigue. I try not to get too specific, because I understand men read my work as well. (Thanks, guys!) Today I am sharing a bit more detail, but in a way that I believe can help women and men.

So, here I go.

I have, thanks to my hormones, temperature issues. Since I was pregnant with my son, who is 21, I am hot all the time. When the “change” took place, I became hot and sweaty. Nothing helped. Perfume-y deodorants, expensive deodorants, clinical deodorants, I tried everything. I would apply several times a day. I still felt wet and gross.

A few months ago I was on Reddit scrolling and someone mentioned Lume. They said it is the only deodorant they use. Get this. It can last as long as 72 hours. I looked it up and that’s what it said. I ordered it in spring and it’s the real deal.

Lume is aluminum free, baking soda free, doctor developed, hypoallergenic. It works not just for underarms, but perhaps you sweat where your bra rests. Perhaps your thighs. Whatever your external situation, if you feel sweaty, Lume is your answer. Athletes? You will be impressed. Business folks? Yep, you too.

There are scents, there is unscented. There are tubes and sticks. I’ve ordered a stick and the one I bought for summer I used more because my hormones were way off and I wanted to be protected. I still haven’t had to re-order. I felt clean and refreshed this summer for the first time.

I’m sold.

When Lume contacted me, I decided to apply to be an ambassador of sorts because I’m living proof. I don’t want anyone to struggle with confidence and anxiety like I have because I know what that feels like. Now I know what clean feels like, and I want you to as well.

Lume is for men and women. They carry unscented, Lavender and Sage, Juniper Berry, Silver Spruce, and Jasmine Rose. If you or someone you know is looking for full deodorant protection, consider Lume. If you click on the link and make a purchase, I do earn a small commission. Also, If you purchase using my link, you’ll be automatically entered to win free Lume product EVERY WEEK.

I will put a little info on my website for future easy access, but I wanted to let you know today.

Lume deodorant is doctor-developed and provides up to 72-hour protection.

This post first published in September 2019.

Two Free eBooks for You!

I’m not an author with dreams of walking into a bookstore and seeing a cardboard cutout of me. No, my heart is to see lives changed for the better because you read my books. That you were entertained. And you follow me online so you know exactly when the next read is coming out.

To that order, I offer my work for free whenever I can. For a few days you’re able to get not one, but TWO ebooks for free. If you don’t have a Kindle device, get the free Kindle app for your device and you’re good to go. Don’t have time to read but have an Alexa device? Guess what? She can read those books to you.

Julie Arduini

You’re Amazing is the second of three books that my daughter and I wrote together. Each can be read stand-alone but all follow the members of Linked, a mentoring ministry for girls. What I love about the Surrendering Stinkin’ Thinkin’ series is it is for girls and women of all ages. One chapter is from the mentor’s POV, and the next, the mentee. Both are struggling with the same lie, but neither know the other is. In You’re Amazing, Jazmin was a natural at dance until she’s criticized. Lena remembers how much purpose she had when she was single. Now that she’s married and has young children, she feels like all she’s good for is changing diapers. Can these two surrender the lies they are believing and realize how amazing they are?

And then there’s Restoring Christmas!

Holly Christmas left Geneseo Valley and her family’s holiday tourist attraction, The Christmas Mansion, as soon as she graduated. Now both her parents have passed, and Holly returns when her uncle needs her help running the mansion. On Holly’s first day back, a blunt middle-schooler proclaims Holly hates Christmas. His comment forces her to reconcile the past while planning for the mansion’s future.

Kevin Holt is invested in offering hope to students with challenges. His best friend’s son is in Kevin’s class, and Nathan needs guidance. Their community project placement at The Christmas Mansion is an opportunity to make a positive difference. When Nathan blurts out his thoughts to the beautiful co-owner, Kevin wonders if he has what it takes to help restore the mansion to its former glory, mentor Noah, and convince Holly Christmas she’s exactly where she needs to be.

This story first appeared in the A Christmas to Remember Boxed Set released October 2018.

This free eBook offer for both You’re Amazing and Restoring Christmas is available January 25-29. If you enjoy them, please leave a review. The more reviews, the more Amazon promotes it. Thank you!

Entrusted Exclusive Ending

It’s no secret that I loved writing Entrusted and fell in love with the characters. Although Speculator Falls is fictional, Speculator, NY isn’t, and it was the biggest compliment when residents told me I painted such a picture even they thought there was a Speculator Falls!

A few years ago while talking with a local book club about Entrusted I had an idea for Ben and Jenna’s story. I was busy finising the Surrendering Times series, starting the Surrendering Stinkin’ Thinkin’ series for girls and women of all ages, and writing the Christmas novella that became Restoring Christmas. I kept going back to that idea and when I read about adding an epilogue as a gift to newsletter subscribers, I decided it was time to write that update.

Newsletter subscribers can not only receive Entrusted through BookFunnel as a thank you, but they receive an exclusive version that contains an epilogue. Writing that update brought back all the warm feelings about Ben, Jenna, Sara, Shirley, Will, Carla, and Howard.

Julie

I only send a newsletter when there’s an update that benefits YOU—sales, giveaways, freebies, and the like. If that sounds like something interesting to you, well you know you get a little Entrusted gift as well. All you have to do is visit http://juliearduini.com and you’ll see it in the right sidebar, or click HERE.

After Entrusted, keep reading with Carla’s story in Entangled. Finish it up with Trish in Engaged.

Heather K. Duff: 50 Fresh Starts Journal

Between
family responsibilities, work, and everything else life throws at us, it’s a
challenge to find meaningful connection. I don’t know about you, but my task
list should be named Godzilla. It’s a monster, and most days it keeps me on the
run. It can seem counterintuitive—to pause in the face of overwhelming
busyness—but I’ve run myself ragged, running on fumes, pedal to the metal.
Ticking boxes, annihilating tasks. Until I’m empty.

Life isn’t always so hectic, but most of us do encounter busy seasons from time to time. It’s especially important to start the day with the right focus, putting God first, seeking Him early and often. I’ve had the best intentions about this, but no matter how much I commit to spending time with God in prayer and in His word, my intentions only carry me so far. Without action, intentions are only wishes, and wishes don’t change a thing.

Heather K. Duff

It was out
of this tension that I began writing short devotionals: one verse, one thought,
and a one-sentence prayer. I called these 1-1-1 devotionals. These short,
simple writings were designed to help you and me begin each day with prayer and
Scripture. I compiled them into an ebook and published them on Amazon a couple
years ago. But at the end of 2019, God inspired me to expand this ebook into a
daily devotional journal where the reader could record thoughts, prayers, or
insights. I included lots of white space for doodles, if you’re drawn that way.

It’s Personal: Thyroid Awareness Month

January is Thyroid Awareness month and I didn’t want it to go by without sharing how such a tiny gland has such a big impact on our family.

According to nahypothyroidism.org, there are 300 symptoms associated with a thyroid dysfunction.

The most common are:

Cold hands/feet (hypothyroidism)Dry skin (hypothyroidism)Unexplained weight gain (hypothyroidism)Unexplained weight loss (hyperthyroidism)Loose bowels/diarrhea (hyperthyroidism)Vision issues (Graves’ disease)Difficulty swallowing (goiter/thyroid nodules)

From the American Thyroid Association, ATA:

Prevalence and Impact of Thyroid Disease
More than 12 percent of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime.

An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease.Up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition.Women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems.One woman in eight will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime.Most thyroid cancers respond to treatment, although a small percentage can be very aggressive.The causes of thyroid problems are largely unknown.Undiagnosed thyroid disease may put patients at risk for certain serious conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis and infertility.Pregnant women with undiagnosed or inadequately treated hypothyroidism have an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, and severe developmental problems in their children.Most thyroid diseases are life-long conditions that can be managed with medical attention.

Facts about the Thyroid Gland and Thyroid Disease
The thyroid is a hormone-producing gland that regulates the body’s metabolism—the rate at which the body produces energy from nutrients and oxygen—and affects critical body functions, such as energy level and heart rate.

The thyroid gland is located in the middle of the lower neck.Although the thyroid gland is relatively small, it produces a hormone that influences every cell, tissue and organ in the body.Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, depression, forgetfulness, and some weight gain.Hyperthyroidism, another form of thyroid disease, is a condition causing the gland to produce too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms include irritability, nervousness, muscle weakness, unexplained weight loss, sleep disturbances, vision problems and eye irritation.Graves’ disease is a type of hyperthyroidism; it is an autoimmune disorder that is genetic and estimated to affect one percent of the population.

We are dealing with congenital hypothyroidism, Hashimotos, Albright Hereditary Osteodystrophy in our home. When our daughter was born, she was slightly jaundiced, a sign of hypothyroidism no one told us about. A month later we learned she “failed” her newborn test because of her thyroid, so we were told to re test because it was most likely a false positive. We of course went that same day.

We waited two weeks for the results, and then I ended up calling. The receptionist read the results, something she was not authorized to do. Weeks later we learned at our daughter’s 2 month check that the receptionist not only read the wrong levels, in her own mailbox was a prescription she was to have called us on for proper thyroid meds. We never got that call.

When Early Intervention stepped in, the first thing they told me was to prepare us for mental retardation. That is how important a functioning thyroid is, and we missed 8 critical weeks of medications. The praise is our daughter is not that diagnosis. There are delays that include short term memory, sequencing and comprehension.

When we talked to the doctor overseeing endocrinology in our state back in the day, he did a great job explaining what hypothyroidism meant. He told us to think of the thyroid like a furnace. It kicks on or off depending on what needs to happen. For our daughter, it doesn’t kick on without help. The whole “house” gets cold, even with her meds. Every system in her is slowed. Every. On the flip, a hyperthyroid person would have the furnace running all the time. That helped me a lot.

It boggles my mind such a tiny gland does so much and I grieve how it wreaks such havoc on our child. But we are determined as a family this is just part of who she is—I monitor her health, meds, lab work and advocate for her in school and with doctors. But, she is so much more than that. She’s bling, dance, song, jokes, scarves, pink, romantic, joy, compassionate and crafty.

I hope this gives you a glimpse about the thyroid and why it’s important to be aware of what it does.

Beth’s story in Match Made in Heaven is influenced by our family’s story. I’ve never read a heroine with a thyroid disorder before. I hope you check it out and leave a review if you enjoyed it!

This is a revised post that first appeared here in 2017.

Silver and Bold

Last year my sister purchased a cricut machine and through her I’m learning all the amazing thngs you can do with it. She joked that it was going to be a “Cricut Christmas” and as I look at my customized water bottle, I’ve been also thinking about possible shirts she could make for me.

One of the ideas I have is buying a purple shirt and having her put “Silver and Bold” on it. My transformation to gray hair is nearly complete, and having the courage to stop dying (only because the color refused to hold) was tough. I was brought up that gray hair isn’t seen, ever. I didn’t know what the results would be like, and I was terrified it would age me just when I’m about to hit the 5-0 milestone.

The praise is it’s a poppin’ mix of gray, white, and even a tinge of red/brown left. I’ve NEVER had so many compliments. I have zero regrets.

But it was a bold step for me, even if it was nothing for the next person. I think all of us have an image of something bold we’d like to accomplish, but fear holds us back. What will others think? What if I fail? What if no one shows up? These are things that cross my mind daily. I have a feeling they do for you, too.

This year I’m turning 50 and already my wheels are turning. I refuse to mourn, and I refuse to do anything mediocre about it. I love my husband, but he hates celebrating birthdays. He’s not good at it, and he admits it. He felt a pressure about what his obligation was for me and I told him nothing. Honestly, I’m hard to surprise because I’m that obnoxious. But I want to do something bold.

When Lucy Swindoll turned 50 (I think that was the age,) she rented a hearse and had a celebration with friends.

That’s bold.

Although I don’t think that’s the direction I’m going, I’m pushing myself to do something out of my comfort zone, something that aligns with my word of the year, and well, something bold.

More to come. Promise.

And while I work on that, I’m trying to do something bold once a month. Please understand bold doesn’t mean illegal or outside of God’s will. I’m not advocating standing up to a bully and challenging them to a duel. But I’m inviting you along for the ride. Are you afraid of public speaking? Did you want to learn to knit but never tried? If it’s out of your comfort zone than I consider that bold. It doesn’t have to be pricey or take a ton of time or travel.

Julie ArDuini

You in?

I’ll try to post an update next month and ask how you are doing, too. Feel free to leave a comment if you have an update or want to share your bold plans.

Let’s do this!

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One of my favorite characters remains Jenna Anderson from my first book, Entrusted. Girl had one phone interview for a job in the Adirondack Mountains and moved there from Ohio. Talk about bold. But she’s got a lot to learn, starting with don’t mess with the grocer, Ben Regan. Check it out today!

Lillian Duncan: Baby Steps

BABY
STEPS

TRAPPED is my latest romantic suspense novel—heavy on
the suspense but enough romance to add to the enjoyment. Being a Christian
Fiction novel, there’s always a spiritual message hidden in the pages of the
story as well, and this one is no exception.

Angela Matthews had the perfect life until the day
she’s kidnapped and trapped in a basement with a mad man. Even though she’s
rescued, she remains trapped by the memories she can’t forget.

That’s true for so many of us. Even after the “bad situation” whatever that may be is resolved, we get stuck and can’t seem to move forward with our lives. Instead, we’re angry and bitter or maybe sad and fearful or most likely a combination of all of those negative emotions.

Lillian Duncan

In the story, her rescuer discovers that Angela is
indeed still trapped by her horrible experience. He’s had his own share of
horrible as a Chicago policeman. Because of that, he reaches out to help Angela.

One of the mantras in the story is “baby steps.” So
often we think we have to go from a sitting position to a full-out run or we
are a failure. This story reminds us that’s not reality. Each baby step we take
toward our goal is a win. Every win brings us closer to our ultimate victory!

But TRAPPED isn’t a self-help book, it’s a suspense
novel. That means there’s lots of action, not to mention twists and turns that
will keep you guessing who the bad guy is until the very end!

Backcover Blurb:

Angelina Matthews has
everything—riches, fame, and beauty—until the day she’s kidnapped and trapped
in a basement with a madman, wearing only a stained t-shirt. The dirt is
his—the blood is hers. Tormented and tortured, she cries out to God.

Help comes in the form
of Nate Goodman.

When their paths cross
months later, Nate discovers Angelina is still trapped—not in a basement but in
the memories she can’t escape. Nate knows all about being trapped, and getting
un-trapped. As an ex-Chicago cop he’s had his own demons to wrestle, but his
faith helped him to move forward. He reaches out to Angelina whose paranoid
delusions have her trapped still.

But are they delusions
after all?

BIO:

Lillian Duncan… turning faith into
fiction.

Lillian is
a multi-published author who lives in the
middle of Ohio Amish country with her husband. After more than 30 years working
as a speech pathologist, she believes in the
power of words to transform lives—especially God’s Word.

She loves to write
stories that entertain but also
demonstrate God’s love for all of us. To
learn more about her, visit www.lillian-duncan.com
as well as her devotional blog at www.PowerUpWithGod.com.

I’m Not Apologizing for That

Sounds like I’m starting the new year off sassy.

Not quite.

One thing about me is I’m honest to a fault, although I try to speak the truth in love. The last couple years I’ve journaled my experience with both my hair going naturally curly and gray. Neither was something I saw coming, and it’s been a learning season putting myself out there.

What I didn’t expect was people looking at me and my changes and apologizing for not following my lead.

I’ve had family and friends explain they are going to their stylist, getting their hair straightened and/or colored and then look at me and say, “Sorry. I’m just not ready.”

They mean they aren’t ready to go curly or gray.

And I totally get that. It wasn’t even a year ago I was loudly proclaiming that I would NEVER go gray like so-and-so because it would age me as I felt it had that person. I loved my bold red color and changing it up was not in my plan.

Here’s a hint: never tell God your plans or announce a vow. Because it took zero time for the color to stop staying. By February last year I knew the color wasn’t staying more than two weeks and I was spending a lot of time, money, and chemicals for no results.

But that’s my journey and I had to get their on my own. My mom is in her seventies and she’s colored her hair since she was 16. And that’s ok. I have people in my life who save up so they can get a Brazilian Blowout and keep their locks straight. That’s their journey. I went curly because my hair surrendered to my hormones. I couldn’t keep it straight and boy did I try. Once I experimented with the Curly Girl Method, I felt free. I feel my curls represent my personality. Just like straight hair is perfect for so many others.

This year I sense there are things I used to overlook, to my own detriment, that I will speak up about. There are boundaries I believe I’m going to set for my well-being and sustained peace. There are many things I’ll continue to apologize for because I’m flawed and learning. But there are also things I won’t apologize for.

One is having my convictions and journey. And I’m not going to let you apologize for having yours.

Straight hair? Dyed hair? You, go, you!

Are there things you’ve tried or given up that others have apologized for because they don’t participate in the same thing? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

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Jenna remains one of my favorite characters because she charts her own course and definitely doesn’t fit in. I’d love for you to read her story in ENTRUSTED.