Julie Arduini's Blog, page 66

Fiction Finder: September New Releases

September 2018 New Releases

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

Contemporary Romance:

A Baby for the Minister by Laurel Blount — Jilted at the altar, Natalie Davis has no one she can turn to—until Jacob Stone steps in. The single minister’s drawn to the beautiful mommy-to-be and wants to help…even if it goes against his congregation’s wishes and could cost him his job. But when she refuses to accept charity, can he convince her she’s more than a ministry project? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Courting Her Secret Heart by Mary Davis — Deborah Miller lives a double life as an Amish woman—and a fashion model! All photography is forbidden in her Plain community, so she must keep her job a secret. But when Amos Burkholder starts helping at her family’s farm, hiding the truth from him is impossible. And soon she must choose between the Englischer world of modeling and the Amish man she’s come to love. (Contemporary Amish Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

12 Gifts of Christmas by Lena Nelson Dooley — Can Malcolm MacGregor, a contemporary descendant of Scottish lairds, capture the heart of Brazilian-Italian beauty, Alanza Cantalamessa, in 12 days? (Contemporary Romance from Whitaker House)

All Made Up by Kara Isaac — Katriona McLeod has never gotten over Caleb Murphy, the one guy she’s ever loved. When she accepts a job as a make up artist on the latest looking-for-love reality TV show, Falling for the Farmer, she discovers to her horror that Caleb is the leading man and she’s cast as one of his harem. But she hides a secret that means that even if she wanted a second chance with the guy who broke her heart she could never have it. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

An Amish Holiday Wedding by Carrie Lighte — On the brink of losing her bakery, the last thing Faith Yoder’s interested in is courting—until Hunter Schwartz returns to Willow Creek. After hiring him to deliver her treats to a Christmas festival, Faith’s determined their relationship will stay strictly professional. But despite a secret that’s kept her single, Faith can’t help but wish she and Hunter could become husband and wife. (Contemporary Amish Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Cozy Mystery:

Deadly Holiday by Marissa Shrock — The Christmas season greets Georgia Winston with a new boyfriend (maybe), a Christmas program to run, and a man dying at her feet. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

General Contemporary/Women’s Fiction

From the Lake to the River by JPC Allen, Bettie Boswell, Carole Brown, Sandra Merville Hart, Tamera Lynn Kraft, Sharyn Kopf, Michelle Levigne, Cindy Thomson, and Rebecca Waters — Set in Ohio, in the past and present, these nine short stories and novellas by Ohio authors cover a wide range of genres, topics and locations. From Troy in the west to the North Coast and south-central Ohio. From Lake Erie to the Ohio River. From romance to YA adventure, with touches of mystery and humor. Dealing with historical events and situations, such as floods and the lasting effects of the Civil War. With characters involved in square dancing, theater, and music. Dealing with loss and danger, a second chance at love and taking a chance on love for the first time. Chances are good, no matter what you have a taste for reading, you’ll find something to like. Welcome to a taste of the Buckeye State! (General Contemporary from Mt Zion Ridge Press)

Place Called Home by Brenda S. Anderson — While building his graphic design company, Nate Brooks is focused on the future he’s dreamed of: traveling around the country from the comfort of his renovated school bus. But when he picks up a wounded, mysterious hitchhiker, those well-laid plans take a backseat to protecting her. Hobbled by her injury, and unable to keep running from her controlling ex, Tessa fears she’ll never find freedom. Or has she found it with the family who graciously opens their home to her? And will Nate’s protection put his family–and his heart–at risk? (Women’s Fiction, Independently Published)

Swimming in the Deep End by Christina Suzann Nelson — Jillian Connors has big expectations for her teenage daughter, Gabby, an Olympic hopeful—until Gabby becomes pregnant with her boyfriend Travis’s child. Meanwhile, Margaret Owens is furious that Gabby’s condition jeopardizes her son’s baseball scholarship. In the midst of the family drama lies the fate of the unborn baby. What does the future hold for him? (General Contemporary from Kregel Publications)

Historical:

Hidden Among the Stars by Melanie Dobson — A gripping time-slip novel about hidden treasure, a castle, and ordinary people who resisted the evils of the Hitler regime in their own extraordinary way. (Historical from Tyndale House)

Everything She Didn’t Say by Jane Kirkpatrick — A Victorian woman who traveled 15,000 miles by stage between 1870-98 decides to tell the story behind her memoir believing her husband will never see it. (Historical from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Enya’s Son by Cindy Thomson — This retelling of the early life of St. Columcille and his mother will usher readers on a fateful journey through ancient Ireland’s monastic centers, her wild coastline islands, and the land Columcille believed was filled with holy angels, a place where he felt safe … yet was destined to abandon. (Historical, Independently Published)

Historical Romance:

Victorian Christmas Brides by C.J. Chase, Susanne Dietze, Rita Gerlach, Kathleen L. Maher, Gabrielle Meyer, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Vanessa Riley, Lorna Seilstads, and Erica Vetsch — Faced with the daily extremes of gluttony and want in the Victorian Era, nine women seek to create the perfect Christmas celebrations. But will expectations and pride cause them to overlook imperfect men who offer true love? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Esther’s Temptation by Lena Nelson Dooley — Saddle weary, former deputy US Marshal Jac Andrews rides into Denton, Texas hunting a swindler-and-daughter criminal team and finally feels he’s caught up to them. Unfortunately, he becomes distracted by the lovely redhead, Esther Brians. Esther, feeling like an old maid surrounded by all her close friends who are happy married couples, is drawn to the intense gaze, blue as the Texas sky, of an unknown cowboy. But several things cause her to become wary of his intentions—and his spiritual well-being. Has this unsaved lawman captured Esther’s heart or will the Lord deliver her from the temptation of Jac’s presence? What will it take for Jac to win this lovely lady and become Esther’s husband? (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

The Sound of Distant Thunder by Jan Drexler — Katie Stuckey and Jonas Weaver are both romantics. Seventeen-year-old Katie is starry-eyed, in love with the idea of being in love, and does not want to wait to marry Jonas until she is eighteen, despite her parents’ insistence. So much can happen in a year. Twenty-year-old Jonas is taken in by the romance of soldiering, especially in defense of anti-slavery, even though he knows war is at odds with the teachings of the church. When his married brother’s name comes up in the draft list, he volunteers to take his brother’s place. But can the commitment Katie and Jonas have made to each other survive the separation? (Historical Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Romantic Suspense:

Loving the Texas Negotiator by Mary Connealy — Beth Garrison is the top hostage negotiator in Rocky Ridge Texas. She’s called in to a task force to investigate a killing that is a copy cat of her first bust as a rookie cop. The Valentine Killer.

Tate McCade, with the best arrest record on the force and a reputation for steamrolling anyone who gets in his way, heads the task force. He’s had a run-in with Beth and her oversized ego. He’s got a bruise on his face to prove it. Rather than have the pleasure of busting her back to walking a beat, he has to work with her. And the clock is ticking because there’s a woman and child missing and nothing about the crime adds up. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Speculative:

Guardian of Ajalon by Joan Campbell — The poison tree path is Shara’s road home. . .if she and her companions can survive the journey. In the danger and darkness of the forest, her only respite is in the story unlocked in the Old Tongue book. In this vivid world, Shara finally discovers what she has longed for all her life: the key to the secrets of her past. Yet time is running out for Shara—and all of Tirragyl—as Lord Lucian, King Alexor, and the royal army attack the Guardian Grotto to claim the powerful Guardian Rock. Unwilling to sit idly by as her kingdom is destroyed, Queen Nyla leaves her hiding place to recruit a most unlikely army—the Charab. But how can she win over the infamous assassins who have been oppressed by her family for generations? (Speculative Allegory from Enclave Publishing)

Kelly Goshorn: A Love Restored Excerpt

Julie’s Note: Yesterday I interviewed author Kelly Goshorn. She has a new release, A Love Restored. Today, she shares an excerpt. Enjoy!

***

Loudoun County, Virginia

August 1873

Benjamin Coulter cringed as the shrill tune hung in the air. That woman sure knew how to ruin a Sunday afternoon. Sounded like something was dying and needed to be put out of its misery.

He shook his head. All he wanted to do was rest a while longer. His decision to go around his headstrong superior and talk to Mr. Farrell directly about his boss’s inaccurate measurements had made for a nerve wracking week. That decision could have cost him his job. Thankfully, his discovery had been received well, saving the struggling railroad both time and money.

Benjamin leaned against the sycamore tree and tossed his line into the creek. A slight hint of remorse nicked his conscience. He now sat poised to guide the construction of the Washington & Ohio Railroad through the town of Catoctin Creek and over the Blue Ridge Mountains to Winchester, but he hadn’t intended to get his boss fired. If only the man hadn’t refused to admit he’d made a mistake.

Yep, it was all coming together. Just the way he’d hoped it would when he agreed to leave Texas and take this apprenticeship in Virginia. All he had to do was pass that examination next spring and…

He shuddered. The woman’s screeching escalated to a bone-grating pitch. She’d frighten the fish away for sure. Like most folks, Sunday was his day off, and he didn’t intend to spend it listening to her sing off-key.

Wedging his pole in the mud of the creek bank, he set off to investigate. Her ear-piercing slaughter of The Merry, Merry Month of May led the way. He spied his first glimpse of the lyrical assassin through the thin limbs of a dogwood tree. Perched on a large, flat rock at the edge of the creek, she swirled her bare feet in the water. Behind the rock sat a pair of woman’s boots—fancy ones. Too bad she hadn’t spent some of her shoe allowance on singing lessons. Her voice cracked. “The skies were bright, our hearts were light, in the merry, merry month of May…”

Benjamin winced. That was the fourth time in a row she’d sung that part. For the love of Pete, didn’t Miss Fancy Boots even know the words? He needed to put a stop to this so he could continue fishing—and napping. He stepped forward then stopped. The woman reached up and removed a pin from her hair, then another. Mounds of long chestnut brown ringlets spilled over her shoulders into the middle of her back.

Curls. He groaned. Why’d she have to have curls?

“The skies were bright. Our eyes were light…”

Never mind. Curls or not, the woman’s voice could haunt the dead.

Purchase A Love Restored on Amazon US, Amazon UK and Barnes & Noble

Kelly Goshorn weaves her affinity for history and her passion for God into uplifting stories of love, faith and family set in nineteenth century America. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Kelly has been enjoying her own happily-ever-after with her husband and best friend, Mike, for 28 years. Together they have raised three children, four cats, two dogs, a turtle, a guinea pig, a gecko, and countless hamsters. Thankfully, not all at the same time. When she is not writing, Kelly enjoys spending time with her young adult children, scrapbooking with friends, board gaming with her husband, and spoiling her Welsh corgi, Levi.

 

 

 

 

An Interview with Kelly Goshorn

 

 

 

 

Please tell us a little about yourself. 

I live in northwestern Virginia in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains not far from the Maryland and West Virginia borders. I’ve been writing historical romance for about 8 years and so far, my stories are all set right here in Loudoun County, Virginia, where I live with my husband Mike. Mike and I have three grown children. I work two part-time jobs and when I’m not working or writing, I enjoy playing Euro-style board games, watching BBC period dramas, and spoiling my Welsh corgi, Levi.

Please share 5 fun facts about you.

I usually write early in the morning in my PJs and slippers.
I can’t carry a tune with a handle on it (but I still sing anyway).
According to my family, I make a pretty mean lasagna.
I love just about any type of black tea but abhor coffee.
I have a sweet tooth the size of Mt. Everest.

Fans of romance novels enjoy a cute meet between the hero & the heroine. How did you and your husband, Mike, meet?

Mike and I met on my 23rd birthday in August 1988. He crashed my birthday party to flirt with my friend who was hosting the get together. He brought chips and dip along. When he offered me some I jokingly responded, “chips and dip, my kind of man.” He said he thought he’d find out if that were true and showed up at my apartment a few days later with Chinese food. The rest is history.

Tell us about your new release. (From the back cover)

With pert opinions and a less-than-perfect figure, Ruth Ann Sutton doesn’t measure up to society’s vision of a perfect lady. When she accepts a position teaching in a Freedman’s School, it threatens the only marriage offer Ruth Ann is likely to receive. She’s forced to choose between life as a lonely spinster or reinventing herself to secure a respectable proposal.

Determined to rise above his meager beginnings, Benjamin Coulter’s reputation as a fast learner and hard worker earn him the opportunity to apprentice with a surveyor for the railroad—a position that will garner the respect of other men. After a chance encounter with Ruth Ann Sutton, Benjamin is smitten with her pretty face, quick wit, and feisty personality.

When others ridicule his choice, will Benjamin listen to his heart or put ambition first?

 

What inspired you to write A Love Restored?

A Love Restored is based on my real-life love story with my husband, Mike—all of our ups and downs, including our emotionally devastating break up. When I first began writing, I tinkered with a story about Irish mail-order brides (the whole mail order bride thing just fascinates me). Hubby read it, told me it “wasn’t bad,” then suggested I write our story. Skeptical, I questioned him. “Are you sure. I mean you don’t look so good in that story for a long time.” He grinned and responded, “Yeah, but I think it turned out all right.” I’d have to agree. We celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary in mid-June.

You mentioned above that A Love Restored is based on your own life. In what ways are you similar to your heroine, Ruth Ann Sutton?

Like my full-figured heroine, Ruth Ann, I’ve struggled with weight issues my entire life. I’ve had cruel things said about my appearance. Oftentimes by people who were supposed to love me. But their insensitive words failed in comparison to the ugly way I spoke to myself. I’d become so defined by the negative comments and opinions of those surrounding me, I no longer saw anything to esteem. I’d allowed my self-worth to be determined by a yardstick that measured my value according to the size of my waist or the flatness of my stomach, always coming up short. My own journey to self-acceptance, as well as what a loving God will do to grab a stubborn woman’s attention, are pivotal to the story line.

 

In what ways in your hero, Benjamin Coulter, similar to your husband, Mike?

Like my husband, Benjamin makes Ruth Ann laugh, holds her accountable to herself and is very generous with his time and talents. He is extremely intelligent, and like Benjamin, my husband wooed me with his guitar and teases me about my not-so-stellar singing voice. Like Benjamin, my husband struggled with his pride and let vows, words he’d spoken over himself, dictate his choices. Benjamin’s journey is about finding the courage to challenge society’s idea of what success looks like and trusting God’s plan for his life.

 

What was the most challenging aspect of writing this story?

 

I found it challenging to write our characters, Ruth Ann and Benjamin, who both struggle to come to terms with Ruth Ann’s fuller-figure, without making her look weak and pathetic nor him look shallow. I hope readers find them to be strong, good-hearted characters struggling with very human flaws who look to God and scripture for guidance and healing.

What do you hope readers take away from reading A Love Restored?

A Love Restored is not only a story of love, romance, heartache and restoration, but also a story about the power of words over our lives. It is a story about the struggle each of us faces to take our thoughts captive to the truth of Scripture so we may experience the fullness of God’s unequivocal love for us. As my husband and I discovered, it is only then that we are truly able to give and receive love, unconditionally.

My prayer for you and your lovely readers is that you will not allow the enemy to steal the joy that is rightfully yours as a child of God. Speak the truth of the gospel over yourself every day and ask God to give you His eyes to see yourself as He does.

 

“For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b

What are you working on now?

I’m very excited about the series I’m working on now, Surrendered Hearts. Set in Civil War Virginia, the series examines what happens when God calls us to surrender those things we hold most dear. Characters are called to sacrifice their dreams and ambitions, their pride, and ultimately their hearts as God recklessly pursues each of them. Hearts and wills are challenged, and lives transformed as characters experience restoration with one another and with God. If readers are interested in learning more, the can visit the Surrendered Hearts page on my website.

Where can readers purchase A Love Restored?

A Love Restored is actually on sale right now for .99 cents on Kindle. You can also find the print copy on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

How can readers keep in touch with you?

The best way to stay current with my writing projects is to sign up for my newsletter at http://kellygoshorn.com/my-writing/newsletter. When readers signup, they’ll receive a copy of my husband’s sugar cookie recipe that inspired the baking scene in A Love Restored. This recipe was handed down from his great-grandmother Dorwaldt and these cookies are melt-in-your mouth delicious! Hubby keeps a copy of the recipe in our lockbox with all the important papers like our marriage license and the kids’ birth certificates. True story!

Readers can also connect with me on

 

My Website http://kellygoshorn.com/

 

Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/kelly.j.goshorn/

 

Twitter  https://twitter.com/KellyGoshorn

 

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

 

Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/

 

Goodreads  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18023325.Kelly_J_Goshorn

 

BookBub  https://www.bookbub.com/search/authors?search=Kelly%20Goshorn

 

Purchase on Amazon US, Amazon UK and Barnes & Noble

Kelly Goshorn weaves her affinity for history and her passion for God into uplifting stories of love, faith and family set in nineteenth century America. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Kelly has been enjoying her own happily-ever-after with her husband and best friend, Mike, for 28 years. Together they have raised three children, four cats, two dogs, a turtle, a guinea pig, a gecko, and countless hamsters. Thankfully, not all at the same time. When she is not writing, Kelly enjoys spending time with her young adult children, scrapbooking with friends, board gaming with her husband, and spoiling her Welsh corgi, Levi.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get to Know Joan Deppa

Hi, my name is Joan Deppa.  My husband and I have been in church ministry for over 30 years and have counseled many hurting people. I have always loved to read and now write inspirational fiction, sharing God’s love, forgiveness, wisdom and ability to change lives yielded to Him in a way that people can relate to.  My hope is that my readers will find true joy, guidance and forgiveness in Christ from their past and present challenges in life. We have four adult children, eleven grandchildren and have lived mostly in the Midwest.  We enjoy seeing all the beauty of God’s creation wherever we are, and I share some of our favorite spots in my stories.  I am a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers.

 

 

My books are for women of all ages, are a fun-read, contemporary and inspirational romance novels. They are available in hardcover, softcover or  Ebooks and published by Westbow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson/Zondervan Publishing.

 

Seasons of Love Series:  This series takes place in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where we lived for 14 years.  It is a 3-part series that highlights some of the special sights and activities that we enjoyed in this beautiful area, with characters that readers can relate to.  But it also brings out how, through Christ, we can deal with the challenges of life, as well as issues from our past that keep us chained to our anger and bitterness, our fears of rejection, and the high expectations that others, as well as we ourselves, place upon us.  The books can be read separately, but are best in the series.

Background of Book 2:  We have counseled a lot of people over the years who have been hurt by the pain and fears of divorce, as well as experienced it ourselves when my parents, as well as one of our sons went through a divorce.  It causes a lot of pain of rejection, insecurities and fears that only Christ can heal, so that is the theme for my second book, Summer Dreams.

  SUMMER DREAMS, Seasons of Love #2

April Phillips is a 6th grade teacher who loves children but feels she should never marry due to the history of divorce in her family.  So instead, she pursues her dream to learn to Kayak and buys an older house that she can make into the home of her dreams.  However, Aaron Matthews has his own dreams – to marry April and have a family of their own.  But first he needs to help her realize that God is able to break her chains of fear and give her a love that paddles through the storms and difficulties of life and thrives.  Whose dreams will be realized?  Can they both win?

 

Reviews by my Readers:

“Once I started reading it I could not put it down. I finished it by the time I went to bed last night.”

 

“I feel that there was things that the characters in this book go through that all of us battle on a daily basis. Order this book, you won’t be disappointed.”
“Highly recommend this read!!! Perfect for your summer reading list.”

 

Also check out:  Whiter than Snow, Seasons of Love #1.  A book that shares the peace and joy that God gives when He makes our hearts, “whiter than snow.” (Ps. 51:7)

 

Where to Buy My Books:

Books may be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble or my website: www.joandeppa.com.

Social Media sites:

Facebook – JoanDeppa

Twitter – @JoanDeppa

Bonnie Engstrom: Melanie’s Ghosts

Please tell us about yourself. (Family, where you live, etc…)

 

I live in Scottsdale, Arizona on a lake with my psychologist husband of 53 years and our two dogs, one of which is Lola who appears in two of my books. Our daughter and four of our grandchildren live about seven minutes away, so we often have the kids at our house. We moved here when our first grandchild was born over thirteen years ago. I moderate two online prayer chains, one for Forget Me Not Romances authors and one for moms and grandmas. After my morning devotions I immediately check my emails for prayer requests and, hopefully, praises.

 

How long have you been writing? What was it that gave you the motivation to pursue publication?

 

I’ve been writing fiction for about twenty years.

 

As a member of the Orange County Christian Writers Fellowship and an attendee at a Mount Hermon Writing Conference I found a lot of encouragement. I started attending American Christian Fiction Writers conferences and was motivated by having two editors request one of my stories. Neither of those panned out, but the seed was sewn. That story will probably be published soon.

 

Tell us about your new release.

Melanie’s Ghosts is the seventh book in the Candy Cane Girls Series. Melanie’s husband Larry dies in prison and a lawyer friend suggests she attend a grief group. Robert, the man who sits beside her in the group, is falling in love with her and is very protective – to the point he is suffocating her emotionally. She isn’t ready for male friendship, and definitely not for romance so soon after Larry’s death. Worse than Robert’s attention is the homeless woman who claims to be Larry’s mother and stalks Melanie. What would the woman who abandoned her child thirty years ago want from Melanie? Larry left nothing to Mel except the opulent blue diamond ring he betrothed her with, the ring she keeps twisting on her finger.

Melanie’s special group of friends The Candy Canes are always available for advice and prayer, even the ones who live far away. They are a tight knit group of seven, six of whom grew up together, who wore special red and white striped bathing suits while winning high school swim championships in Newport Beach.

 

What inspired you to write this?

My publisher encouraged me to write the story of how Melanie deals with Larry’s arrest. She said readers would want, and need, to know.

 

Did you face any challenges writing this book?

Many, tons, a lot! That gives you an idea. I had to put myself in Melanie’s shoes and the homeless woman’s, or at least try. Then there was how to format the book – something I’ve never had trouble with before. I edited the manuscript probably thirty times. I lost track. I even had several beta readers, something I’ve seldom done before. The most helpful beta reader was my biggest fan who has read all my books. She knows my style and the message I was trying to get across. In fact, she wrote the back cover copy so well I used it.

 

What is your hope that readers take away from it?

I always hope the message of friendship and faith will be evident in all my writing, but particularly in the Candy Cane series. I mean it’s pretty amazing that seven women could still be close after ten years! Some are married, one has a child, one is a successful model, and Melanie is still a preschool teacher. Go figure. Only faith and commitment to the vow of friendship they took so many years ago can be the reason. Yet, they aren’t a bunch of Pollyannas. Real women with real problems.

 

What are you working on now?

I’ve finally finished a book very close to my heart that I started twenty years ago. Although it’s not about my old friend, Ingrid, it’s inspired by her and dedicated posthumously to her. A lot of it takes place in Sweden based on my own memories. It’s about a secret, one that impacts an entire family and their progeny. I’m still toying with the title. It’s being edited right now, and the person editing it thinks it could be the beginning of another series.

How can readers find you?

I wish I had a long list of places readers could click on. Although I do have a Facebook author page, I’m not very astute at social media. I think I have one page on Pinterest that my daughter set me up with a while ago, but I don’t even know how to access it. I really do best chatting with readers on email. Below are a few ideas.

Email: bengstrom@hotmail.com (please put BOOK in the subject line so your post doesn’t end up in a cyberspace cloud.)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/bonnieengstromauthor/about/  (Would you believe there are eleven Bonnie Engstroms on FB? Look for the one with my photo.)

Website: http://bonnieengstrom.com (where you can see all the grandchildren)

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2olLW6s (where you can peruse almost all my books – at least most)

 

What is something most readers would not know about you?

Wow! Probably lots of things. Here’s a quick list off the top of my feeble brain:

I asked my husband to marry me. It worked. We just celebrated 53 years – a long time for a shrink to be married!
One of my biggest fears is running out of gas, so I fill my tank when it gets to ¼.
My first paid writing gig was when I was only seventeen.
I served five times as a PTA president. Education is still very close to my heart. I started a parent-cooperative preschool when my eldest son was only two.

 

Do you have any questions for the readers?

A few:

How do you feel about interracial romance and marriage? (That’s in a few of my Candy Cane books.)
Dogs or cats? (4 dogs, 3 cats are characters in my books.)
Do you enjoy reading stories whose venues are recognizable to you? I try to use street names and well-known, even historic, places in my stories.
Would you like to chat? Maybe even be a character in one of my books?

 

                Ghosts

One is laughing down from heaven.

One wears rags.

One is falling in love with her.

Melanie’s faith is shaken.

Her husband Larry is dead. They had only been married a few hours before he was arrested. Will her best friend Natalie be enough? Who will understand about Larry’s crime, his deception and how he died? Surely not her new friend Robert who lost his wife to cancer; no deception there. Just sadness.

Should she believe the homeless old woman who claims to be Larry’s estranged mother, calling herself Melanie’s mother-in-law? Especially when the raggedy old lady stalks her and camps on her doorstep. Why did the woman abandon her son and husband over thirty years ago? Robert gives her empathy and support . . . until his own secret is revealed.

All Melanie has left of Larry is the gorgeous blue diamond ring!

Her special group of friends, the Candy Canes, promise to pray for her. But, is prayer enough? She counts on all of them for support and answers! The love of a dog with her shaggy fur, big eyes and her kisses may have to be enough.

Larry, his homeless mother, and even Robert, all haunt her. Her only normalcy is teaching the adorable three-year-olds in her preschool class. Maybe little Jackson will help put the ghosts to rest.

To order click on this: https://amzn.to/2ncpFrv

 

About Bonnie

This is the seventh book in the Candy Cane Girls series. All are set in Newport Beach, California, with a few scenes set in Scottsdale, Arizona, both places Bonnie calls home.

She and her husband, Dave, have four grandchildren in Arizona a few miles from them.

The other two boys live in Costa Rica – Pura Vida! – with their father who has taught them to surf, skateboard and fish for their dinners.

Bonnie is a long-time member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Christian Writers of the West in Arizona. She is a Pro Member of Romance Writers of America.

 

You are Enough

As I mentioned before, believing I was captivating was a struggle for me most of my life. It still takes intentional thinking, especially as I battle harsher symptoms of menopause than peers. Beautiful is the last thing I feel most days.

I was lamenting my flaws when I felt two flashes to my past that cemented how I felt about myself, but something new popped up with those memories.

What I believe was an encouragement from my Heavenly Father, Our Creator, the One who created the oceans, birds, you, and me.

You are Enough.

The memories are ones I’ve forgotten, perhaps even blocked.

One was when I was getting a consult for my wisdom teeth. I needed all four out at the same time. I was a teen, driving age, maybe even out of high school. The surgeon had his light and instruments, looking around while my mouth was open. He turned to my mom and started explaining that he could fix some other things. Something about my jaw, and I think he even said something about my cheekbones. I don’t remember much, but I remember sitting there hearing all the things wrong with me. My mom’s reaction was definitely helpful. I remember her asking is there anything physically wrong with her? He said no, but that he could fix my look with these cosmetic changes.

I felt shame and so unworthy, two partners that already violated my head space as it was.

My mom said something to the effect that he was to do his job and nothing else. It was not his place to change what God gave me.

The second memory seems to negate the first, but I believe my mom was trying to indoctrinate me to the cool circle without spending money, something that seemed impossible in our small, corporate town. However, we were on vacation, camping, and someone a little older and definitely in the popular circle was with us. She never treated me less than, but I was certainly intimidated and inwardly questioned why she hung with me. My mom suggested one evening that this family member give me a makeover. My mom even commented I should wear more makeup than I do, something you don’t hear often from moms. But the two encouraged me to get a makeover, so I allowed it.

I think there might even be a picture in my albums somewhere, but I remember the oohs and ahhs.

But not from me.

I felt foreign and fake. I also felt the message was I wasn’t good enough without makeup. Without significant help. Just like the surgeon. I need change or fixing or additions to be acceptable.
Isn’t that what our TV commercials are hammering into your head, too?

There is a truth to it, but not the angle ad agencies are aiming for. I do need help. But not from procedures or products, although neither is sinful or wrong, it just never felt right for me.

I needed the love of Jesus.

Like I’ve mentioned, my visual was of God as this mean task-master, constantly shaking His head in disappointment. Jesus? He wasn’t even on my radar. The Holy Spirit? He was a tag-on in my rote prayers, but certainly not a part of my life. But as I struggled with anger and near zero self-worth, I was trying to fill that gap in my life with a lot of things. The only way to fill that gap? Knowing Jesus in a personal way. Accepting He is God’s Son who lived on Earth, sinless and misunderstood. Embracing the fact that He was beaten, spat on, and nailed to a cross for one reason. Loving you.

It took me decades to get to that last place. I could read it and believe it, but embrace that Jesus loved me? I’m His beloved? He finds me beautiful?

That took a lot of time, tears, Bible studies, prayer, counsel, and changing my mindset. I had to transform my thoughts. Exchange the lie for the truth.

You are enough is a truth we all need to embrace. I know you’re getting hit with the lie that you aren’t enough because look at our society. Addiction. Suicide. Bullying. Yes, wounded people wound people. I did my share. And like I said, commercials pound into us we need help, their product, to become worthy.

If you struggle with your looks, your worth, anything about you, I love how Max Lucado said it, “If God had a fridge, your picture would be on it.” He doesn’t make junk. You ARE enough. You are loved deeply in a way I can’t even define by your Creator. You are a treasure, even on your worst hair day, fat pants, triple chin selfie.

It’s time we rise up and live like the stunning creations we are. I am. You are.

***

Here are some of the books I’ve read over the years that helped me overcome my anger, lack of self-worth, and much more:

Captivating, Stasi Eldredge

Believing God, Beth Moore

Uninvited, Lysa TerKeurst

Live Loved, Max Lucado

Battlefield of the Mind, Joyce Meyer

No More Faking Fine, Esther Fleece

Fervent, Priscilla Shirer

 

Book Review: Homespun, Amish and Mennonite Women in Their Own Words

“Ever wish you could visit with a group of Amish or Mennonite women over a cup of coffee? In the pages of Homespun, Amish and Plain Mennonite women swap stories and spin yarns while we listen in. Lorilee Craker, bestselling author of Money Secrets of the Amish, collects these personal writings about hospitality, home, grief, joy, and walks with God. Hear from one woman who struggles with feeling inferior to her sister, from another about her longing for a baby, and from a third who accidentally bought stretchy material to sew her husband’s pants. Each woman’s story is a testament to the grace of God and the blessings of community. Behind Amish romance novels and tourist spots and television shows stand real people, with longings and loves just like the rest of us. Every Amish and Mennonite woman has a story. In Homespun, you get to hear some of them.”

 

Homespun is a collection of stories from women living in the Amish and Plain Mennonite communities. They share their life experiences including faith, home living, grief, and stories to make you smile. What I realized reading these is that we tend to focus on what sets apart from the Amish and the Plain Mennonite community rather than what we have in common. 

These women have families to feed, or, families they long for. They struggle with jealousy, insecurity, grief, and questions of faith. That was something I never gave thought to, so I really appreciated these women opening up their lives as they have. These are stories that gave me a break from a busy summer to engage in a simpler, but not perfect life. I liked that different topics were covered, including different emotions. Lorilee Craker did a wonderful job editing these stories to a memorable book I think readers will find as satisfying as an Amish pie.

Here’s an excerpt from Homespun: Amish and Mennonite Women in Their Own Words

Lorilee Craker, editor

Excerpt ©2018 by Herald Press

I’m just a simple Mennonite girl from the prairies.

This is what I tell people, and it’s true. As a two-week-old adopted infant, I was brought to the home of my Mennonite

parents, Abe and Linda Reimer, on a slushy April day in 1968. From that moment on, I was their daughter, grafted into

the family tree and over four hundred years of Mennonite history.

On my mom’s side, we are country folk, descendants of Mennonite pioneers who traveled from Ukraine in the 1870s,

carrying scoops of hearty winter wheat from the Old Country to plant in the New. The Loewens and the Brandts of

Rosenort, Manitoba, still speak Low German (Plattdeutsch) and partake of Faspa (a late afternoon lunch) on any given

Sunday. The ties of language, food, and culture that bind them to their pioneer great-great-grandparents are startlingly

durable. The Isaacs and Abrams and Sarahs and Lydias of old, who lugged steamer trunks halfway across Canada on Red

River carts and abided in sod huts, would be so proud.

My dad was born in 1937, in a Mennonite colony in Ukraine. He was born into a holocaust waged by Stalin against his

own people. By the time my dad was ten months old, he had lost his twin sister, Anna, to starvation. At age six, he fled

with thousands of other refugees across Ukraine by foot, fleeing Stalin. He arrived by boat in Canada in 1947, a ten-year-

old immigrant Mennonite boy.

You see, I knew from early on that there were lots of different kinds of Mennonite stories.

But I didn’t know until I went away to college in Chicago at the age of nineteen that there was anything peculiar about

being Mennonite. Hey, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where I was raised, you can’t throw a Fleisch Perishky (meat bun)

without beaming another Menno on the head. Upon arrival in Chicago, I quickly realized, much to my surprise, that most

people outside of Mennonite communities assumed I had come from buggy-driving, bonnet-wearing, butter-churning

folk. Everyone seemed to think that being Amish or Old Order Mennonite and being my kind of Mennonite were one

and the same.

This assumption led to lots of explanations on my part about the difference between my modern Mennonite upbringing

(“like Baptist, with a German accent and special foods”) and those other related subcultures. It also led to me writing a

whole book about the Amish, who I came to realize were more closely tied to me and my upbringing than I had ever

dreamed.

As I visited Amish homes and barns in Michigan and Pennsylvania for my 2011 book, Money Secrets of the Amish, I

recognized bits of their dialect, Deitsch (Pennsylvania German), from my spotty grasp of Low German. The Amish

women’s hair buns and long skirts, not to mention the tantalizing aromas of fruit strudels (Platz, to me) baking in their

ovens, reminded me of my beloved grandma Loewen. I recalled my little dynamo of an Oma (grandmother) tsk-tsk-ing

me about the length of my skirt. She always had a twinkle in her eye as she chided me, but I still made sure to go for full

coverage as I interviewed the Amish.

Among the Amish, there was a feeling of welcome, of peace and simplicity. I felt oddly at home among my spiritual and

cultural cousins. Both Amish and Mennonites are Anabaptists, a Christian group that began during the 1500s and

continues in a variety of forms today.

These combined elements in my background prepared me well to curate this book you hold in your hands. I was excited

to cross those hospitable Anabaptist thresholds again, if only through the writers’ words. I knew I would find a gentle

spirit in the writings of my Mennonite and Amish sisters, and I was right.

 

Even though some of these writers drive cars and hold jobs like the rest of us in the world, their rootedness in their

Anabaptist heritage sets them apart from that world. In these writings, most of which are drawn from two Anabaptist

women’s periodicals (Daughters of Promise and Ladies’ Journal), I found a sisterhood of women with shared values. As I

read dozens of essays and devotional pieces and true stories, all written by women, some themes arose.

Welcome. A deep sense of hospitality is fundamental to these women. Yet it’s not hospitality in the HGTV, your-house-

needs-to-be-perfect kind of way. “It is easy to overthink hosting,” writes Vicki Kaufman. “There’s no formula for the

perfect menu, the perfect conversation, the perfect music playlist. Our Lord Jesus made it look quite simple, and his

hosting style can be described in one word: love.”

Abide. Hospitality is sacred and spiritual, but it doesn’t mean these writers don’t want to have an appealing home space

in which to dwell. They want to abide in an abode, if you will, that nurtures them and feeds their spirit. “Keep it simple

but significant,” says Bethany Hege in “White Space.” The writers here expound beautifully on what home means to

them.

Testimony. Story makes the world go round. When we hear the stories—the testimonies—of others, we are better able

to understand our own story and our place in the world. These narratives stirred different emotions in me. My heart

ached for Ervina Yoder as she described what it was like for her to be the mother of a longed-for but stillborn baby: “I go

grocery shopping and no one knows I’m a mommy,” she writes, from a to-the-bone level of honesty. I was inspired and

encouraged by Danielle Beiler’s trust in God as her provider. “If God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, he can take care

of my needs.” And I giggled at Mary Yoder’s secondhand testimony of an Amish man whose pants were just too stretchy.

Poor guy was definitely in a “ferhoodled” state of mind!

Wonder. The blazing faith of early Anabaptists is evident in the openness of these writers to all things wondrous. This

short-but-sweet section easily could have been filed under “Testimony,” as the four pieces are true stories of miracles,

phenomenal happenings that don’t make sense from a human perspective. But these tales deserve their own section, as

they highlight the possibility of the miraculous happening all around us, in big ways and small.

Kindred. A core value of both Mennonites and Amish is the preeminence of family—kinfolk, whether they be kindred or

not. I grew up with dozens of cousins between two close-knit families, and I thought that’s how it was for everyone. Our

kin shape us in ways both known and unknown, good and bad. These essays and stories speak to the tremendous

influence of family, from our great-grandparents to our children. Writing about family trees, Gert Slabach offers this

pearl of wisdom: “Whether we’re part of the tree from our beginning or whether we were grafted in, we belong. We not

only belong to the tree; the tree is a part of us. Those knots and gnarled limbs? There’s a story behind them.”

Beloved. As I sifted through these essays, I was struck by the faith shining through. More than once, tears came to my

eyes, and I lay down the piece I was reading to meditate on it a bit. These essays enthused my soul, and I came away

feeling as if I had just been to church. My cup had been filled. There is something wonderfully elemental and childlike

about the devotion expressed here, devotion even in doubt. These pieces drew me closer to the One who calls all his

daughters “beloved.”

In closing, my wish for you as you read these wunderful gut pieces of writing is that you will enjoy them as much as I did.

You don’t have to be a simple Mennonite girl from the prairies to do so. All you need to do is open your heart and let the

homespun words of these women enlarge your worldview, extend your heart, and increase your friendship with the Creator of all good and gut things.

Purchase Homespun HERE.

Follow Lorilee Craker

lorileecraker.com

Facebook (@LorileeCraker)

Twitter (@lorileecraker)

Instagram (@thebooksellersdaughter)

Follow Herald Press

www.heraldpress.com

Facebook (@heraldpress)

Twitter (@Herald_Press)

Instagram (@heraldpress)

I received a copy of Homespun from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Adventures in Odyssey Club: Trail Life

Sign-up for a free 14-day trial of the Adventures in Odyssey Club and listen to the episode “Walk Worthy,” inspired by Trail Life USA, a Christ-Centered, Boy-Focused mentoring and discipleship journey that speaks to the heart of a boy. Established on timeless values derived from the Bible and set in the context of outdoor adventure, boys are challenged to grow in character, understand their purpose, and develop practical leadership skills to carry out the mission for which they were created.

GET A FREE 14-DAY TRIAL
OF THE ADVENTURES IN ODYSSEY CLUB!

The Adventures in Odyssey Club is a safe online experience for children teaching lasting truths through storytelling. For a limited time, you can try the Adventures in Odyssey Club free for 14 days! When you sign up, you will receive:

Unlimited access to over 800 Adventures in Odyssey episodes
Exclusive episodes released to club members first
Daily devotions
Monthly Webquests and more!

To learn more, check out the Adventures in Odyssey Club HERE!

*I am an affiliate member of the AIO Club. This means I blog and promote the club through social media in return for a membership. But let’s be clear, I jumped at the chance. I really believe in all Focus on the Family provides, most of all, Adventures in Odyssey!

The Captivating Truth, Part 2

Did you miss the first part of my captivating story? Read that first HERE.

I was driving down a main road that had a hill that eclipsed the landscape. I reached the top of that hill and saw the most glorious sunset. Orange. Full. At the time flip phones were the thing and I tried to capture the gorgeous scene. I held onto that picture until the phone died.

But that wasn’t all.

Later that evening I visited a bike trail based near a working farm. Usually the trail was busy, but it was just me. I felt like Cinderella. Ducks came near. Then bunnies. Squirrels. Then deer. It was quiet and absolutely beautiful. I felt so overwhelmed with God’s love for me that I cried. I knew that sunset was for me. And so was this nature scene.

God created women to be captivating. From the moment we twirl our skirts as little girls asking if we’re pretty to those teen years when the temptations to follow choices like I did to try to fill that gap, we long to believe we are captivating. If we aren’t given that truth in our early years, we’ll find the answers on our own in false ways. It breaks my heart to see so many girls and even women chase after things that I know will never close that circle.

Being captivating comes from our Heavenly Father. He poured that into us at creation. No drink, no man, no cookie can fill that longing. And once I embraced that God found me captivating, everything changed.

Like any marriage, we had our mountains and valleys. In a particularly tough valley, he uttered the words I was certain early on he would say and that he’d see me for who I thought I was and walk away. The words hurt. But even as he uttered them, I was filled with peace. I knew right then if we are over, I’m going to be okay. Jesus is my husband, and He has my back. He goes before me. He is at my side. He surrounds me.

I knew I was captivating, and that I’d be okay.

Thank God, our marriage survived that season. I’ve had so many captivating moments through the years, and you probably have as well. When snow looks like diamonds? That’s God showing off for you. Rainbows. Sunsets. Sunrises. Those beautiful scenes that take your breath away? That’s for you. You are so loved. You always were.

As I zoom in on 50, I am back struggling with weight. The true defeated one comes at me with my looks. Sometimes I listen. But overall, I’m not that broken little girl anymore. Menopause may be a beast for me, but I’m still captivating. I’m worth everything. How do I know? God sent Jesus to earth knowing He’d be nailed to a cross. For me. For you.

Because you are captivating.

***

 

To this day, I’m breathless at the sight of a brilliant sunset. The kids tease me for wanting that perfect shot. If you’re a visual person, I’m on Instagram where I love taking nature pictures. They are never on a fancy camera, always whatever phone I have. They are God’s masterpieces, His artwork. Feel free to follow me to see for yourself.

The Captivating Truth

As I mentioned earlier this week, I feel this God-nudge to share more here in what I believe is to be obedient in fulfilling the call on my life—to encourage audiences, mostly women, to find freedom through surrender. I believe that surrender comes from Christ. I’ll share a little bit of my story to explain why.

Growing up, we didn’t have a horrible background by a long shot. But, addiction was at play and it was long before the words rehab and enabler and all those terms were part of our vocabulary. I was old enough to figure out something wasn’t adding up, and protective enough to take matters into my own hands when I sensed trouble brewing. The praise is the addiction was paused by the time I entered high school, and that loved one passed away knowing we had a solid relationship full of forgiveness. I don’t take that for granted.

But as a child, I was full of fear and feeling less than. I remember my mom saying that in winter I would gain weight, but she never worried because each summer I played and swam it off. Until one year I didn’t. I suspect that timeframe lines up with when addiction was active and I was figuring things out.

It was a tough time.

Kids were cruel then, so I hate when I hear how kids treat each other now. For me, a critical moment came when we had to swim in gym class and a boy raised his hand. He pointed at me and asked the teacher if fat floats.

As a young teen, I remember hearing things like “this is your pretty day” as if I only had one, and “you’re the smart one,” which led me to believe I wasn’t attractive and should make choices only a smart girl would. My self esteem was so bad that by the time I started repeating the addictive behavior I vowed I never would, I was in college talking about Valentine’s Day. My friend was lamenting how much flowers cost for his girlfriend. Me? I declared I’d never ask for such things. I was so broken I said, “As long as he’s not beating me, it’s a good day.” I wanted to be loved so much, yet felt too worthless to believe for anything healthy.

Even when the weight wasn’t an issue, I still saw through that lens. I wasn’t brought up with God’s promises or the fact that He is my Heavenly Father with open arms, ready to receive and love me just as I am. My visual was that God’s arms were closed, shaking His head, constantly disappointed.

Even when I was invited to church and told about Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross that I received into my life, I wasn’t instantly changed. I was angry, broken, and my confidence was low. All those years, including my early ones in my relationship with Christ, I was chasing a broken circle, trying to fill a gap with food. Drink. Pursuing bad boys. Even healthier choices, like placing all my healing on the shoulders of my husband wasn’t working. I still felt so low that I made choices that would make my husband reject me, because I was certain one day he’d see the real me and want out. I gave him a lot of opportunities those first years.

If I had to choose one word that changed everything, it would be captivating. Captivating. I was in my 30’s, so my faith was more than a decade old. I read a book by Stasi Eldredge by the same name. Her background was much harder than mine, and her choices destructive. As she trusted Christ with her past, present and future, she was married and on a ship with her husband. He loved dolphins and was reveling at how God was loving on him, showing him all those dolphins. Stasi felt left out, and unworthy. She wondered where her dolphins were.

The ship docked, and she got off and visited a beach. She was lamenting to God, wondering why He wasn’t loving on her. She was looking down and saw a starfish. She thought, cool, I love starfish. She lifted her head and was taken aback.

The entire beach was filled with starfish.

That story changed my life. I demanded that God show me His love. I didn’t mean to be bossy about it, but I was desperate. I wanted to see myself as He did. I wanted to feel unconditionally loved. Even bolder, I asked that He do so in two weeks.

It took less than one.

(Tune in August 24 to read the rest! If you don’t want to miss it, you can subscribe on the right sidebar and have any new post delivered to your inbox.)

***

 

One of my first writing victories was participating in the empowering book, Run Like a Girl. I share a bit of my childhood there. I love Kathy Vick’s writing, so it was a thrill to be included. Check it out!