Author Jennifer Hudson Taylor

"Highland Crossings" Releases Today!

2012-02-01T08:00:00.002-05:00

#christianfiction

Highland Crossings Novella, Feb 2012

1) Healer of My Heart (1740) by Pamela Griffin

2) Printed on My Heart (1758) by Laurie Alice Eakes

3) Sugarplum Hearts (1789) by Gina Welborn

4) Heart's Inheritance (1815) by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

The four stories in Highland Crossings is centered around the lives of the McKay and McPherson cousins and their descendants. A priceless brooch is given to an ancestress for a good deed she once performed for the imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots and serves as the motivation that tears the family apart. It plays a role in bringing the sisters together after twenty years of separation, gives a daughter a start on her dreams, and a granddaughter a new plan for the future. Each finds her way in the New World, the new nation, and a new century, finding God’s purpose for their lives and the loves of their hearts.

Places to Purchase Highland Crossings

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Christian Book Distributors

Word of Inspiration: "Forgiveness is Balm to Our Souls"

2012-01-31T10:06:00.000-05:00

“For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.” (Psalm 86:5)

We all know our mistakes and we're well aware of all the obvious ways we mess up and keep messing up. It's also one of the many reasons, we avoid God. Too many people think of God as the Judge of the Universe and feel unworthy to pray, step foot in a church, and hate the feeling of condemnation they feel when comparing themselves to what they ought to be doing.

Here's the Good News! God is the Judge of the Universe, but He's also a merciful Judge. When we ask, He forgives. How many times have we had to tell our parents, our kids, brothers and sisters, friends, and spouse that we're sorry. Why is it any different with God? He forgives us unconditionally. That means, unlike your friends and family, He remembers it no more. His mercies are new each morning. God is good. It says He is abundant in mercy. That means there's no limit to how many times He'll forgive you. It feels great to be forgiven, it's a balm to our souls and gives us the ability to forgive ourselves.

Dream: Even Celebrities Need Prayer

2012-01-30T06:00:00.002-05:00

Dream Description

Back in April 2004, I dreamed that Mel Gibson came to visit. He seemed to be in some kind of trouble and wanted something to eat. We gave him what we had, but apologized that it wasn't anything compared to what he was used to eating. He talked about his wife and kids and said he missed them. The next thing I knew, Mel Gibson was in this deep, dark pit where he paced back and forth. He was very anxious, talking to himself, and driving himself crazy.

Fulfillment

I never received an interpretation for this dream, and at the time I wasn't sure why I had it since I rarely dreamed of celebrities. As it began to unfold years later, I realized I should have been praying for Mel Gibson. The Passion of the Christ was released Feb 2004, two months before my dream. At this time, the movie was doing great and Mel Gibson was credited for producing a divine inspired movie, especially since he funded, produced and directed it. People were shocked at how well the movie did in spite of its criticisms.

After the success of The Passion of Christ, Mel Gibson suffered many spiritual attacks and temptations for which he wasn't strong enough in his faith and knowledge of the Word to overcome. His life fell apart through drunk driving, an affair, and a divorce after 26 years of marriage. This is when he fell into the pit of despair and missed his family.

The dream came true and I pray that Mel Gibson will repent and return to his faith in Jesus. In fact, I pray that he will come to realize he doesn't need to go through a priest to pray to God and that he will develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ--the one who IS strong enough to help him overcome the temptations and attacks from Satan.

Word of Inspiration: The Promise of Long Life and Peace

2012-01-26T10:18:00.000-05:00

"My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you." (Proverbs 3:1-2)

So many people wander through life seeking a magic potion to keep them looking and feeling younger. They invest in herbs, vitamins, cosmetics, lotions and moisturizers. Others pay for exercise programs they don't use, such as memberships to the YMCA or YWCA or some other gym. Still, others become vegetarians, eat organic foods, and try very hard to keep their internal body healthy. I believe these are great ways to help our mortal bodies last longer, but we often forget our spiritual wellness, which is what really completes the BIG picture of our life. The verse above is another PROMISE that if we allow our HEARTS to keep God's commandments, long life and peace will be added to our lives. We can't know God's commandments if we don't read, study, and covet them. To covet something means you don't view it as a list of rules you must abide by, but a treasure of promises that will keep you safe and well.

CFBA Blog Tour: "His Steadfast Love" by Golden Keyes Parsons

2012-01-25T10:32:00.000-05:00

The Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing His Steadfast Love Thomas Nelson (November 1, 2011) by Golden Keyes Parsons

#ChristianFiction

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Golden Keyes Parsons writes historical fiction for Thomas Nelson Publishing, and is also a popular retreat/conference speaker. Her highly acclaimed Darkness to Light Series chronicled the journey of her French Huguenot ancestors in 17th century France. Her newest novel, His Steadfast Love, a Civil War novel set in Texas, just released November 2011. Golden lives in Waco, TX, with her husband, Blaine, where they enjoy their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and are avid sports fan of their alma mater, Baylor University.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

It isn't until the Civil War comes to her doorstep that Amanda Bell must choose between love and family.

It's the spring of 1861 on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Amanda never thought she would marry because of a promise she made to her dying mother, but her attraction to Captain Kent Littlefield is undeniable.

When Texas secedes from the Union, her brother Daniel aligns with the Confederate States, while Kent remains with the Union troops.

Her heart is torn between the two men she is closest to and the two sides of the conflict. Amanda prays to God for direction and support, but hears only silence. Where is God in the atrocities of war-and whose side is He on?

Amanda senses her life is at a turning point. She must trust God to deliver her family through the chaos of war with her heart and her faith intact.

If you would like to read the first chapter of His Steadfast Love, go HERE.

Word of Inspiration: Restore Friends in a Spirit of Gentleness

2012-01-24T09:35:00.000-05:00

"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1

Many of us have friends and family members going through lots of difficult situations. Some were self-inflicted by poor choices, while others are just a circumstance of life and no fault of anyone. Either way, pain is still pain regardless of how we got there in the midst of it. Continual pain wears us down, even the spiritually strong. This is why your support and your friendship will mean so much to them in their time of weakness. Keep encouraging your friend. Don't give up on them when they reject your counsel or question God. Intercede in prayer.

The last part of this verse cautions those of us trying to help our loved one to consider ourselves so we aren't tempted to be weak. This means you might need to take a break from your loved one to refresh and renew your mind with the Word of God. Otherwise, their complaints might start making too much sense and tempt you to think negative, especially if you see and sympathize with their plight. Even if what is happening to them isn't fair, negative thoughts won't help anyone. You can't help your friend if you fall in the pit with them.

Dream: How the Holy Spirit Imparts Comfort

2012-01-23T06:10:00.000-05:00

Dream Description

I'm floating over the ocean facing a sandy beach. There are five small islands in a semi-circle facing the shore. In the middle of these islands is a long boulder where the waves are crashing upon it and spraying sea water all over this rock. It was almost large enough to be an island by itself. In a deep, authoritative voice I heard, "Your home is in the lagoon between the last island and the land."

My Interpretation
At the time I had this dream, we were between churches. I kept worrying and stressing over finding a new home church. The only thing between the last island and the shore was the huge boulder in the lagoon. My home was on the rock, and this gave me comfort because I knew that Jesus was the rock, the chief cornerstone. I didn't need to worry about getting "plugged in" because I was already "plugged in" to the Most High. I was unnecessarily worrying and stressing.

While it's true that as Christians we need to find a home church where we can fellowship with other Christians and receive the true word of God, it isn't meant for us to "settle" on something out of guilt, impatience, loneliness, or pressure from others. We need to wait on Him. He will show us the way and it isn't His desire for us to stress on the way there. I believe He gave me this dream to comfort me while I waited.

Word of Inspiration: The Path of Justice Will Perserve Us

2012-01-19T06:16:00.001-05:00

"He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice. Equity and every good path." (Proverbs 2:8)

Satan plants an evil deceptive path in front of us all, tempting us to error out of fear and the unknown. This is why God's people must walk in faith. Sometimes the wrong path looks easier with less controversy than the right path. But if we will walk in faith, cling to what is right and just, even if it doesn't look easy, God will preserve us on that righteous path. When the time is right or after we've made the journey, we will understand. We'll see the good that came out of the bad. This verse is a PROMISE to us.

CFBA - "The Captive Heart" by Dale Cramer

2012-01-18T06:00:00.001-05:00

The Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Captive Heart Bethany House by Dale Cramer#ChristianFiction

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dale Cramer spent his formative years traveling the world as an Army brat, then settled in Georgia at the age of fifteen when his father retired.

After high school he became an electrician, a job that took him to places as diverse as power plants, stadia, airports, high-rise office buildings, and a hard-rock mining operation.

Twenty-five years of experiences in the trades provided him with the wealth of characters, stories and insights that populate his novels.

When he married his childhood friend, Pam, in 1975 he had no way of knowing they would not have children until fifteen years later.

In his early forties, when Dale left his job to become a stay-at-home dad, he suddenly found himself with time on his hands, so he pursued a lifelong dream and taught himself to write.

Using an online writer’s forum as a training ground, he wrote his first short stories in 1996. As his writing skills improved he turned to novels, publishing his first book, Sutter’s Cross, in 2003.

Since then, Dale has published four more novels and garnered a measure of critical acclaim with two Christy Awards, a listing among Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Books of 2004 and numerous other Best lists. Dale and his wife Pam live in Georgia with their two sons.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Bandit troubles intensify as Caleb Bender's family tries to settle into their new life in 1920s Paradise Valley. When El Pantera kidnaps Rachel and leaves her brother, Aaron, for dead, Jake Weaver and the Mexican native Domingo pursue the bandit leader to his mountain stronghold in a hopeless rescue attempt. Jake and Domingo manage to escape with Rachel, with the bandits hot on their trail. In a desperate attempt to avoid recapture, Domingo puts himself squarely in harm's way, giving Jake and Rachel time to get away. This is not the quiet life Caleb Bender envisioned when he led his family out of Ohio. What is a father to make of his daughter's obvious affection for a man outside the fold? And how will a pacifist Amishman like Caleb respond to the events that threaten his family and their way of life?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Captive Heart, go HERE.

Word of Inspiration: Shine as Lights in the World

2012-01-17T06:39:00.000-05:00

“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” (Philippians 2:14-16)

Complaining causes us to look at we don't have rather than the things we do have. It tempts us to think about how we'd like things to be rather than being grateful for how they are. Likewise, disputes causes us to say things we might later regret and hurtful things to others. We are not completely blameless and harmless when we complain and dispute with others.

It says we live in a crooked and perverse generation, so that means we might have good reason to complain at times. Things aren't always fair. We're not going to agree with perverse people, but neither will arguing cause them to change their minds. Many are too stubborn and arrogant to admit their wrong doing. You can try to reason with them, but when it becomes clear that all they want is to argue, step aside and let them be.

Be a positive light to those who are willing to listen. Share the Word with those who hunger for it. Be an example of love when no one else will. Show people that Jesus still works through His people today as much as yesterday.

Sharing Dream Experiences

2012-01-16T11:25:00.000-05:00

On Mondays I'm going to start sharing my dream experiences with you as a testimony of how God has used them in my life. I can't teach you how to interpret dreams, as I believe that will need to come from the Holy Spirit Himself. However, my dream experiences can be a witness to you.

For centuries God has used dreams to communicate. He appeared to Old Testament people such as Jacob, Jacob's son Joseph, Joseph who was Jesus' father, Daniel, David, Pontius Pilate's wife, and so many more. Also, there is a biblical scripture that is used twice, both in the Old and New Testaments, so it must be very important. It talks about about how God will pour out His Spirit on ALL flesh--that's everyone--and He will use dreams and visions in the last days.

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and daughters shall prophesy. Your young men shall see visions. Your old men shall dream dreams." (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17)

Some dreams I receive interpretations before the dream comes to pass, but others I have to wait until I understand them. There are times when I only received a partial interpretation and the rest later becomes clear. Not every dream is prophetic or has a spiritual meaning. I call these regular dreams, but those dreams that stay with me even after I wake up are significant dreams. These are the ones I meditate and pray over.

To protect the privacy and identity of friends and family, I'll use fictional names of individuals who appear in my dreams. If it's too personal, I won't share it.

You may be wondering how can I remember all the significant dreams I've had over the years. The answer is, I can't. Years ago, I felt led by the Holy Spirit to start writing down my dreams and praying over them. I now have a whole collection that may help others begin to understand how God wants to use dreams to communicate in their lives. I keep a prayer/dream journal. It also allows me to see how God is answering my prayers. It builds my faith as I look at all that He's done in my life.

I hope you will find this dream testimony encouraging and that you will share some of your own dream experiences. I'll post the first one next Monday.

Word of Inspiration: How to Obtain Godly Discretion

2012-01-12T06:20:00.000-05:00

"When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you. Understanding will keep you." (Proverbs 2:10-11)

Seek wisdom in God's word and as you read it, you'll gain wisdom and knowledge without even realizing it. When we're filled with sin and the ways of the world, sometimes knowledge isn't pleasant. We're afraid we'll have to sacrifice things we like and make changes in our lives that we don't want. Yet, when God's knowledge is pleasant to our soul, that's when discretion is clear, because our wants and desires aren't getting in the way of making us objective. The path that God would have you take in life and through difficult storms will be clear with the Godly discretion He imparts to you through His word. Pray for this discretion before you read, especially when you have decisions to make.

CFBA Blog Tour - "The Rose of Winslow Street" by Elizabeth Camden

2012-01-11T10:08:00.000-05:00

The Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Rose of Winslow Street Bethany House (January 1, 2012)
by Elizabeth Camden

#christianfiction

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A research librarian and associate professor, Elizabeth Camden has a master’s in history from the University of Virginia and a master’s in library science from Indiana University. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband in central Florida.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The last thing Libby Sawyer and her father expected upon their return from their summer home was to find strangers inhabiting a house that had been in their family for decades. Widower Michael Dobrescu brought his family from Romania to the town of Colden, Massachusetts with a singular purpose: to claim the house willed to him long ago. Since neither party has any intention of giving up their claim, a fierce legal battle ensues between the two families.

When important documents go missing from the house, Libby suspects Michael is the culprit. Determined to discover the truth behind the stolen papers, Libby investigates, only to find more layers of mystery surrounding Michael and his family. Despite their rivalry, Libby finds herself developing feelings for this man with his mysterious past.

As a decision about the house looms in the courts, Libby must weigh the risks of choosing to remain loyal to her family or give her heart to a man whose intentions and affections are less than certain.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Rose of Winslow Street, go HERE.

Visit Elizabeth Camden.

Word of Inspiration: God's Word is Our Safety Net

2012-01-10T06:04:00.000-05:00

"But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure without fear of evil." (Proverbs 1:33)

Fear is one of the main reasons we don't achieve our goals or reach God's greatest potential in our lives. Too many people are controlled by fear. They can't sleep, live in a state of anxiety, worry about everything, spend thousands on counseling, take medications that cause other side effects, fall into depressions, etc.

Most of these other symptoms can be traced back to some kind of fear. Every time an angel appeared to someone in the Bible, he would say, " Do not fear," and then would proceed to give the message. The Bible is available to us as a guide. The Word is a comfort to us when we need hope and faith to believe beyond our current circumstances. This is how we "listen" to the Bible. We act on it by "obeying" the Word. This is how we dwell "safely" in God's protection. Obeying His Word keeps us from falling into the traps the enemy has set for us.

Recycling Articles

2012-01-09T06:49:00.000-05:00

How do you feel about recycled articles? Have you ever dusted off a 3-year old article, edited, and slapped a new title on it? Most of us authors have done that for various reasons--either we were strained with a lack of time or the advice seemed timeless and there was no significant need to re-invent the wheel.

It isn't something I would recommend getting into the habit of doing for obvious reasons. People will start to notice, your content will lose relevance, and eventually, you'll run out of material to recycle. It doesn't challenge the creative juices itching to be tested inside us. We always need to grow and develop to the next level.

However, there are times when it is perfectly appropriate. I think it's okay if the information is relevant to what you want to say and it isn't something you've recently used. There is nothing wrong with enhancing an article. Sometimes you can take an old published draft and literally use it as a first draft. This means you're writing and your ideas have grown. The new version of that article will be the next level of quality. In this case, you can be sure you aren't cheating your readers.

What are your thoughts on recycling articles?

Highland Crossings Video Book Trailer

2012-01-06T12:14:00.000-05:00

Highland Crossings,

By Laurie Alice Eakes, Pamela Griffin, Jennifer Hudson Taylor, Gina Welborn

Novella, February 2012

Head to historic North Carolina where a brooch unites the lives and loves of four women. Dangerous accusations force Seona to leave Scotland with the brooch in tow, but will she find peace before her past is revealed? Years later, Fiona hopes to recover the brooch only to wind up on the whipping block. Can she trust the man who comes to her rescue? Seren sells the brooch to open a confectionery, but will the precious heirloom be lost to a hopeless dream? When the brooch is stolen, can Brynna reclaim it before she loses something even more valuable?

Word of Inspiration - How to Wash Ourselves Clean God's Way

2012-01-05T12:49:00.001-05:00

"Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor;Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow." (Isaiah 1:16-17)

We wash ourselves clean by repenting of our sins. We put away our evil deeds by avoiding temptation, staying away from people, places and things that tempt us. We seek justice by doing what is right. We rebuke the oppressor by rejecting Satan's lies and deceptive ideas. We speak the Word of God back to him just as Jesus did in the desert. We defend the fatherless and plead for the widow by not turning our heads and pretending they don't exist--that taking care of our own families is doing our part--our only responsibility. We do more for others who need God's help since we are God's hands.

CFBA Blog Tour - "The Maid of Fairbourne Hall" by Julie Klassen

2012-01-04T06:16:00.000-05:00

#christianfiction The Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Maid of Fairbourne Hall Bethany House (January 1, 2012) by Julie Klassen

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years (first in advertising, then as a fiction editor) and now writes full time. Two of her books, The Girl in the Gatehouse and The Silent Governess won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Girl in the Gatehouse also won a Midwest Book Award and The Silent Governess was a finalist in Romance Writers of America's RITA awards.

She graduated from the University of Illinois and enjoys travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends. Julie and her husband have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt--and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall?

Observing both brothers as an "invisible" servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding?

On her journey from wellborn lady to servant to uncertain future, Margaret must learn to look past appearances and find the true meaning of "serve one another in love."

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, go HERE.

Visit the author, here.

Word of Inspiration - Knowledge of Good & Evil Is Knowing Right from Wrong

2012-01-03T14:04:00.000-05:00

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12)

So often we worry that people haven't been taught right from wrong because they had bad parents or no parents. Think of it this way. Does a person know that killing another person is wrong without be told it is wrong? Did Cain know what he was doing when he murdered his brother, Abel, especially since it was the first murder? When mankind ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, mankind was given the knowledge of both right and wrong.

According to these verses, the same grace that brings salvation, also teaches us right from wrong--to deny ungodliness and to live righteously. Salvation is a free gift through God's grace, so it would seem, that knowing right from wrong is also a free gift through grace.

It has appeared to all men. This doesn't exclude women. Men is a general reference to mankind. The fact that it has appeared means that it is already done--past tense. We are born with this knowledge of knowing right from wrong--of good and evil. It has appeared to all men. It isn't only reserved for saved people. I do believe that saved people are more mindful of this knowledge, because we are more mindful of the things of God in our desire to love, serve and please Him.

This is how so many people can live good and decent lives, but still not have a conscious relationship with God. There are good people who deny the existence of Christ. When we try to teach an unsaved soul the truth of Christ, we are being God's resource in His desire that none should perish, but have everlasting life.

2012: A New Beginning of Goals not Resolutions

2012-01-02T11:15:00.000-05:00

I don't set New Year's Resolutions. Instead, I celebrate my blessings and accomplishments of the previous year. Then I evaluate my progress toward my long term goals, check off completed goals, and set new ones.

The idea of a "resolution" is to transform oneself, lifestyle, or habits into a brand new creation by sheer will power and determination. It gives the impression that one will be able to achieve this transformation overnight. This is why so many people fail at New Year's Resolutions. It's unrealistic.

Goals are much better as it provides the concept that one will work over a period of time to achieve the transformation, and it's understood that it won't happen overnight. Long term goals work better when one sets milestones like a progress meter to reaching the overall goal.

Writers understand this well. When we sit down to write a full-length novel of 100,000 words, we know it won't happen in a day. We have a schedule we keep, a process we go through, and milestones to reach: 10,000 words, then 20, then 30....

The key to this progress is consistency. The key to consistency is never giving up. I tell people all the time that even a snail's pace is still progress. Little things add up over a period of time. Pennies add up to dollars. Inches add up to miles. Seconds add up to minutes and minutes to hours. Don't discount the small things. God creates miracles out of them. We become the tool He can work through us to accomplish what we think is impossible.

If we could apply this method to all our goals in every area of life, we would be productive and feel better about ourselves. We'll have a sense of accomplishment. It makes us have a more positive outlook at life and this positive energy will project out to others around us. I believe in applying this concept to our spiritual life in prayer, Bible reading, and fellowship, as well as our health with eating habits and exercise, parenting, and work.

Have you set new goals for 2012?

New Blog Design to Reflect My Upcoming Books!

2011-12-28T09:57:00.000-05:00

The Celtic design on my blog was perfect for my first two book releases set in 15th Century Scotland, for Highland Blessings and Highland Sanctuary. Now that I have some historical Quaker books and a new series set in colonial America coming out, I feel it's time to redesign my website/blog to something that would be inclusive to my upcoming books, as well as the first two.

I wanted the design to reflect a peaceful, calm setting where people who need faith and/or inspiration would feel welcome...perhaps drawn to the atmosphere here on my blog. I don't know if this new design accomplishes that for everyone who comes here to visit, but I believe it is closer to the mark than before.

As I walk through this journey that God has called me on, I'll be releasing a few nonfiction books on faith and inspiration. These will be self-published e-books, totally separate from my historical Christian fiction published through my traditional publishers. Some of these works will spring from my public speaking topics, so that I can offer you a more in-depth teaching of what I've learned through the testimonies of my life. I hope that some of what I share will help you minister to others in your own life and through the ministries God has called YOU to serve.

The first of these e-books will be, God's Word is Sovereign, a simple explanation for those who question the validity of the Bible as the Word of God, and a means for those in ministry who need a simple way to explain it to those to whom they minister. My goal is to bring about an understanding of sovereignty, a lost ideal in this day and age when one's self and man-made education is exalted much higher than it should be--even above God. As Christians, we MUST know WHY we believe what we believe, and be able to defend it when attacks come, because they WILL come.

While there are already a few published books such as The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell, these books are written by scholars who write in such a way that isn't...simple. Also, The Case for Christ by Les Strobel is an easier read, but it is more of a journalist's search for evidence that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, not the validity of the Bible itself. God's Word is Sovereign, will be an easy read for those new to their Christian faith, those exploring the Christian faith, teens who are just discovering themselves, and people in ministry who need inspiration and a simple way to help others understand their faith.

The launch for this book will be late Spring 2012, and the price will be reasonable, less than $5.

Joining in the Christmas Spirit

2011-12-23T11:10:00.002-05:00

#Christmas

Last year we had our Christmas shopping done before the end of November. It gave us time to enjoy the season. We watched Christmas movies, read Christmas novels, baked Christmas desserts (okay, hubby and daughter did this, I taste-tested), decorated at our leisure, went to Christmas events, and viewed Christmas lights. If we went anywhere, it was to ENJOY it, not because we felt obligated or we had to buy one more thing to buy. We enjoyed coffee and hot cocoa by the fire.

This year, the experience has been quite different. October and November were spent overcoming illnesses and grief for a lost loved one. We didn't feel like shopping, and in truth, it was the furthest thing from our minds. Now here we are a couple of days before Christmas and so much left to be done. It's the first time in 18 years, I didn't put out my Christmas Village or decorate outside. My husband and daughter finally decorated inside, while I nursed a headache and cold.

We've watched a few Christmas movies, started reading a Christmas novella, and downloaded a few Christmas songs. I still wasn't feeling the "Spirit of Christmas" until we went to the Candlelight Communion service at church last Sunday. Finally...the stirring of what Christmas is all about began in my heart and a bit of light and joy started to warm my heart.

I'm not a Scrooge or hard-hearted, I've just struggled with the joy that I've always had in the past at this time of year. I know why, so many loved ones are suffering around me, and I feel helpless. I'm praying for them and helping when I can, but it just doesn't seem to be enough and my heart hurts for them.

For many people, Christmas isn't the happy time of year that it is for others. Some Christmases are better than others--and that's just the way life is. The good news is, even when we feel alone, we're not alone. Sadness and grief is temporary, another happy Christmas will come. For those struggling with poverty and job losses, tangible gifts aren't the true meaning of Christmas, Christ's sacrifice and unconditional love, that is the true gift. It's both priceless and free. For those who are so happy you can hardly contain yourself, embrace the moment while it lasts. Share some of your joy with someone who could use it.

And now that I'm finally feeling the Christmas Spirit...

I want to wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Book Review - "Daughter of Joy" by Kathleen Morgan

2011-12-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

#christianfiction

Book Description

Set in the late nineteenth century outside Colorado Springs, Colorado, also tells a compelling, perceptive tale of one woman's faith journey. In the wake of losing both her husband and young son, Abigail Stanton is searching for a way to make sense of her losses. She takes a job as housekeeper for Conor MacKay, a confusing, often volatile man who also carries deep pain-and secrets-in his inscrutable heart.

My Review

As a descendant of the MacKay family from Culdee, Scotland, Conor must come to terms with his painful past and the scars his father left on his life. Abby's arrival to his now successful ranch, is a constant reminder of his mother's memory and the deep roots of her faith. Once he realizes Abby's integrity and grit beyond his mere attraction to her, Conor is faced with taking risks he wouldn't ordinarily take, but he believes Abby is worth it.

Abby is grieving from the loss of her husband and 5 year old son, but her attraction to Conor is unexpected and unexplained since she never shared these feelings with her late husband, a man 15 years older and chosen for her by her father. She is forced to make several decisions that put her in opposition against Conor, the town's judgmental convictions, and other ranch hands who don't understand her deep faith driving her forceful will to stand up for what is right.

Just when all seems to be settling down and coming together, the author throws in several plot twists to increase the stakes and tension. The romance is strong, but within the lines of biblical boundaries. The plot is full of suspense that will leave you wondering how the characters will react next. The characters are believable and unique in their own right. The ending is satisfying and I would highly recommend it. Definitely a page turner.

Buy the book here.

Visit Kathleen Morgan.

Word of Inspiration: Stay in the Protection of God's Word

2011-12-20T06:11:00.000-05:00

"But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil." (Proverbs 1:33)

The Word of God isn't only a set of rules for us to obey, but a safety net for us to dwell in if we abide by God's Word. It is our protection. When we think we know better than God, that's when we get into trouble and open the door for Satan's attacks to hit their mark in our vulnerable spots. The enemy is going to attack us no matter what, because he comes to steal, kill and destroy. God has provided His Word as our weaponry, serving as our shield and sword. In whatever you do, do it unto the Lord and make all decisions inside His will, so you will dwell in the safety of His arms and will have no reason to fear evil.

Write a Book, Reap the Rewards

2011-12-19T06:40:00.000-05:00

Last week, Dan Miller wrote a guest post on Michael Hyatt's blog. He stated something that I believe is worth repeating: Most have the fantasy of writing the book, submitting the manuscript, and then sitting in a lawn chair next to the mailbox, waiting on those big checks to show up. The reality of publishing and the source of real income is a quite different picture.

This statement is so true. If you are hoping and praying to be published soon, or you're a new published author waiting for some miracle sales, keep reading, I have some advice for you.

1) Don't quit your day job. Be trying to figure out how you're going to squeeze in your writing time with your day-to-day work schedule, while adding 70% more marketing and promotion than you're currently doing right now. The thought of this may be daunting, but not impossible. I'm a living proof as are other authors.

2) Don't tell your spouse that you're investing the family budget into your writing (for writing conferences and workshops and/or building an online platform) with the intention of putting it back when you get published. It won't happen. Instead, you'll need even more to invest. Consider a part-time job and/or sit down with your spouse and make sure you both clearly understand that your investment won't be a tangible return any time soon. The family will need to sacrifice and support you. This must be understood. Otherwise, it isn't fair to you or your spouse.

3) Don't have the attitude that if God wants your work to be read and widely published, He will make it happen. While God is the only one that can perform miracles for us, His word does say that faith without works is dead. You are going to have to put in a lot of time and hard work and it can take years before you begin to see the payoff. It isn't enough just to write the book and rewrite and edit it multiple times, go to writing conferences, submit to editors and agents and survive numerous rejections. That process is only the beginning...

4) If you refuse to work a full-time or part-time job to pay for your writing expenses, or you feel it won't work for you, then you need to consider other paying alternatives. You will need to build a speaking platform or write multiple paying articles in between your longer works of fiction or nonfiction. Some authors are printing smaller works and self-publishing on e-platforms and earning additional income through these resources.

I'm not asking you to be pessimistic. Stay optimistic, but don't put on blinders. You can be realistic, while staying optimistic. REAL optimism is KNOWING you can beat the odds by knowing what the odds are.

Any of you have any additional advice to add? Feel free to share.

Questions with Author Jennifer Hudson Taylor

2011-12-16T10:48:00.000-05:00

Q: Do you create your own video book trailers?

A: I created the video book trailers for Highland Blessings and Highland Sanctuary. However, the most recent one with Highland Crossings was initially created by a high school intern, and I made edits.

If you have any questions about writing, publishing, publicity, the author's life, feel free to leave it in the comment section or send an anonymous email to jt4novels {at} yahoo {dot} com and I'll try to include it next week.

Word of Inspiration: A Simple Miracle Is in Your Life Each Day

2011-12-15T10:41:00.000-05:00

“Then the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.'” (Luke 1:30-33 NKJV)

I can only imagine how fearful Mary must have felt after the angel visited her with his message. I'm sure a sense of immense responsibility then filled her and Joseph. How on earth should they rear and discipline the Son of God? Since He was perfect, there was no need for discipline, but I'm certain that Mary and Joseph didn't always recognize this--such as when Jesus was left behind because He was teaching the scribes and priests at the age of 12. When they found him and questioned Him, His response was, "Did you not know I would be about my Father's business?"

Another instance occurred when they were at a wedding and Mary told Jesus they had run out of wine. His response was, " Woman what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come." She turned to the others and told them to do whatever He told them. This passage shows us many things: 1) It wasn't meant for Him to perform that miracle, but in obedience to her, He did it. 2) She believed Jesus could do something about it, but didn't know how He would go about doing it. 3) She didn't fully understand her son or His purpose or His timing. She was impatient to see Him do the great things she knew He could do.

We look at God and do the same thing today. We know He can fix all our problems with a word. He is capable of great things beyond our comprehension, but we are so busy looking for the BIG blessings in life that we miss the simple miracles that happen daily. Jesus was born a king and He will indeed reign forever, but on earth He was the poorest king of of low birth in spite of the noble blood in his veins. The Jews knew the prophecy of His birth, but they were looking for a wealthy king of noble birth that would be apparent and evident to all--a BIG sign. Don't miss the REAL blessings, because you're too busy looking at the greener grass on the other side.

You are a prince or a princess, as a child of God, the King of all Kings. Stop, consider the blessings in your life. Be still, and know that He is God. And give thanks!

Book Review - "Mine Is the Night" by Liz Curtis Higgs

2011-12-14T10:48:00.000-05:00

#Christianfiction

Book Description

Stepping from a battered coach on a rainy April eve, newly widowed Elisabeth Kerr must begin again, without husband or title, property or fortune. She is unafraid of work and gifted with a needle, but how will she stitch together the tattered remnants of her life? And who will mend her heart, torn asunder by betrayal and deception?

Elisabeth has not come to Selkirk alone. Her mother-in-law, Marjory Kerr, is a woman undone, having buried her husband, her sons, and any promise of grandchildren. Dependent upon a distant cousin with meager resources, Marjory dreads the future almost as much as she regrets the past. Yet, joy still comes knocking, and hope is often found in unexpected places.

Then a worthy hero steps forward, rekindling a spark of hope. Will he risk his reputation to defend two women labeled as traitors to the Crown? Or will a wealthy beauty, untainted by scandal, capture his affections?

The heartrending journey of the Kerr women comes to a glorious finish in Mine Is the Night, a sparkling gem of redemption and restoration set in eighteenth-century Scotland.

My Review

Mine is the Night picks up exactly where Here Burns My Candle ended. For this reason, I do feel that it would be best to read them in chronological order. It's a story of redemption and restoration, following the biblical plot line of Ruth and Naomi with a different setting and era.

Higgs does a wonderful job creating believable characters who will steal your heart and make you feel their heartaches, joys and disappointments. A new cast of characters are introduced with excellent characterization to set them apart and create their own places in the story.

There are at least three romances that bloom and you see each character's growth from the first book to the second. For this reason, there aren't many character flaws in Elisabeth. She seems almost perfect. The flaws she once possessed where overcome in the first book. The hero is almost perfect as well. The only character flaw I could see in Lord Buchanan was the fact that he was unconventional for his station in society, which is a necessary ingredient for the the plot to be fulfilled with biblical accuracy.

Romance readers may find themselves a bit impatient as Elisabeth doesn't even meet the hero until after 160 pages. Still, the pacing is quick and it flies once the two finally meet. I enjoyed how Higgs used the political conventions of 1746 Scotland to resolve the ending conflicts of the plot in a similar fashion to the biblical plot of Ruth and Naomi. It's a very enjoyable read and one I would highly recommend.

To buy the book, go here.

Visit Liz Curtis Higgs.

Word of Inspiration: God Will Reveal Himself to You

2011-12-13T06:23:00.000-05:00

"Turn at my rebuke: Surely I will pour out my spirit on you. I will make my words known to you." (Proverbs 1:23)

Even if we have slipped away from God's word and don't spend time with Him as we should, if we'll submit ourselves to His rebuke and turn back to His ways, He will still pour out His spirit upon us and reveal His awesome word to us. The Bible says that God is the Word and the Word has hidden mysteries. Regardless of what we've done or how inconstant we've been in our faith, God will reveal His hidden mysteries and make Himself known to us through his wonderful mercy and forgiveness. We may still have to suffer some of the earthly consequences of our sins, but his forgiveness, love, mercy and companionship are immediate.

Photos from my LifeWay Book Signing in Asheville

2011-12-09T10:29:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday I was blessed to meet Diana Flegal in person. She's a literary agent at Hartline Literary Agency. She came to my book signing at LifeWay in Asheville, NC. Diana is the sweetest person and so friendly. She's full of brilliant ideas and enjoying her new home here in my home state of North Carolina.

Welcome Diana! We're glad to have you here.

Where I'll be This Weekend

Saturday, December 10th

5 - 7 PM

LifeWay Christian Stores

Hickory Corners Phase II

1714 Highway 70 Southeast

Hickory, NC

Where I'll be Next Weekend

Saturday, December 17th

12 - 2 PM

Books-A-Million

130 Randolph Mall
Asheboro, NC

If you can't come by in person because you live too far away, feel free to order directly from me by December 15th in order to receive your signed copies before Christmas, here. If you want to pick up a copy from your local bookstore, I can send you a signed book plate for free in the mail. It's a sticker you can insert inside the book with my signature. Just send me an email at jt4novels@yahoo.com with Bookplate typed in the Subject Line.

Sign Up for My Newsletter for a Chance to Win a Free Book!
In the next few days, I'll be releasing my Christmas Newsletter. In it I'll be debuting the new video book trailer for Highland Crossings, a novella collection releasing February 2012. Also, I will draw a name from all the new subscribers since the release of my fall newsletter. The winner will receive their choice of one of my books for free. All my books are available in print and as e-books.

Subscribe here!

Word of Inspiration - "Jesus in THE Only Way"

2011-12-08T10:39:00.000-05:00

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 (NKJV)

So many people worry that they need to be doing more in their ministry, in their church, and in their lives for Christ. While it's true that faith without works is dead, works alone will not get us into the Kingdom of Heaven. We can sacrifice ourselves and our lives, donate every penny we earn, but if the love and acceptance of Christ is not happening in our hearts, then all the works we do is for naught.

Many say that they believe in a Creator God, but they think Jesus was a great teacher and nothing more. That deception in their thinking will cause them to stumble off a cliff and into the abyss of hell, even though some don't believe that such a place exists. It's another great deception.

The scripture above is very clear. These people may believe they are Christian, they may give of themselves to mankind and to God, but Christ's death and resurrection is the only path into Heaven. He was the ultimate sacrifice whether or not they choose to accept him or believe in Him. All one has to do is believe and receive Him in their heart.

The whole Bible is founded on this scripture, the Old Testament through prophecy, the New Testament in fulfillment. If you have friends or loved ones who are deceived by these "other" concepts and you've already shared the truth with them, all you can do is pray for them. Arguing with them will only fuel their animosity to resist the truth. People, disciples of Christ, cannot change the heart of a man, only the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ can do that. Our job is to plant the seed, water it when allowed, and let God give the increase if allowed. He will NOT take away the gift of free will.

"For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." (Romans 11:29 NKJV)

"So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase." (I Corinthians 3:7 NKJV)

CFBA - "Christmas in Sugarcreek" by Shelley Shepard Gray

2011-12-07T10:20:00.003-05:00

#christianfiction The Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Christmas In Sugarcreek Avon Inspire by Shelley Shepard Gray

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Since 2000, Shelley Sabga has sold over 30 novels to numerous publishers, including HarperCollins, Harlequin, and Abingdon Press. She has been interviewed by NPR and highlighted in numerous publications, including USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.

Under the name Shelley Shepard Gray, Shelley writes Amish romances. Her recent novel, The Protector, the final book in her “Families of Honor” series, hit the New York Times List, and her previous novel in the same series, The Survivor, appeared on the USA Today bestseller list. Shelley has won the prestigious Holt Medallion for her books, Forgiven and Grace, and her novels have been chosen as Alternate Selections for the Doubleday/Literary Guild Book Club. Her first novel with Avon Inspire, Hidden, was an Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two children in college, and is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and currently leads a Bible study group, and she looks forward to writing more novels that showcase her Christian ideals.

When she’s not writing, Shelley often attends conferences and reader retreats in order to give workshops and publicize her work. She’s attended national conferences through RWA, ACFW and Romantic Times Magazine, as well as local conferences in New Jersey, Birmingham, and Tennessee.

Check out Shelley's Facebook Fan page

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Judith Graber has always been the obedient daughter. When her older brother Josh struggled with his love life, she offered wise counsel. When her younger brother Caleb flirted with the idea of leaving their order, she firmly told him he was wrong. Over the years, she’s watched her younger siblings, helped around the house, and worked in her family’s store during her spare time. Judith feels overworked, overlooked, and underappreciated this holiday season.

But everything changes when her father hires Ben Knox.

Ben Knox is the “bad boy” of Sugarcreek. Though he’s never considered jumping the fence, he’s certainly never tried to be anything close to dutiful. Two years ago he left Sugarcreek under a cloud of shame. Rumors circulated that his rumspringa had been filled with more than the usual harmless explorations.

Now he’s back and working side by side with Judith.

As the chaos of the holiday season threatens to sap all joy, sparks fly between Ben and Judith. But Judith steels herself to ignore her infatuation. The last thing she wants to be is just one more girl who falls under Ben’s spell. Ben, on the other hand, wants Judith to realize there’s more to him than his bad reputation. When he fled Sugarcreek, he was running from a disruptive home life. Now that he’s back, he wants a fresh beginning.

Could this Christmas season bring love and a new life for the unlikeliest pair in Sugarcreek?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Christmas In Sugarcreek, go HERE.

Showing Physical Emotional Responses in Fiction

2011-12-05T06:00:00.013-05:00

A character's physical response is a visible reaction to the emotional feelings they're experiencing whether it be from another person's treatment, a current circumstance, a memory, or an impending fear of the future. Most of the "show and don't tell" rule can be mastered through this one process. A writer must know when and how to apply it seamlessly throughout the story without interrupting the pacing and flow of progression, while making it seem realistic and believable.

Think about how your characters should logically react to their current situation. Layer in these details as you unfold the story. Love isn't immediate nor is hate, but attraction can be instant, as well as dislike. The instant response is usually to something a character sees or hears before knowing all the details.

There are 2 types of physical emotional responses:

1) Inner Physical Response - How a character feels inside, including their thoughts in response to something. These responses can only be shown through the character's POV to whom it is happening. It happens in the narrative part of the story.

2) Outer Physical Response - A visible response that a character shows. In other words, we will be able to see it if we're watching them on stage. It can occur in a character's behavior, action, body language, expression, or dialogue.

Remember, the writing process should always be: action = reaction

Something happens, then your character must react. This process must take place on every page, not once or twice in a scene. It's a constant rhythm and if you haven't yet found you're writing voice, this is the beginning process in finding it. Think of it this way, every song has a beat, but not every song has the same beat. The rhythm of your writing voice works the same way.

Primary Emotions & Secondary Emotions
While studying emotions, I've seen lots of theories and charts to determine primary vs secondary emotions. I do believe there is a primary set of emotions that lead and/or stimulate secondary emotions and that those often branch out into other layers of more specific emotions.

Out of all the charts and images I've seen, the one I like best is Parrott's Emotions by Groups created in 2001. The group chart is more like a genealogy tree with the basic trunk consisting of primary emotions, which branch out into secondary emotions, and then extend to more specific emotional feelings. It's a great chart for authors who are working on building emotion in their characters to show the stages a character might go through as they head toward the climatic moment in the story.

The progression to love might look like this:

Attraction + Desire + Tenderness + Caring = Love

The progression to hate might look like this:
Dislike + Envy + Jealousy + Resentment = Hate

Below is Parrott's Tree Chart with a few of my modifications:
(Click the image below to make it larger.)

Examples of Showing Primary Emotions
(from Highland Sanctuary)

Showing Love - With gentle restraint, he lowered his lips to hers. The soft touch soldered them together, kindling a passionate warmth that flowed through his body like a current. He dug his fingers into her silk black hair, savoring every moment.

Telling - He kissed her with all the love he felt in his heart.

Showing Joy - Yet, in spite of these people’s poverty, their eyes glowed with a passionate joy he couldn’t fathom, not the listless melancholy one would expect.

Telling - In spite of their poverty, joy filled their eyes.

Showing Surprise - Her red eyes widened in pleasant surprise.

Telling - She was surprised.

Showing Anger - Serena whirled, her green eyes blazed with fire.

Telling - Serena was angry.

Showing Sadness - Fresh tears flooded her eyes and she sank back on the bed, rocking.

Telling - She sat on the bed weeping in sadness.

Showing Fear - Fear wound inside her nervous chest. Her skin prickled as a small shiver raced up her spine and crawled around her neck.

Telling - Fear gripped her insides.

Showing Action/Reaction Using Physical Emotional Response to Fear
(from Highland Blessings)

Action
A savage barbarian riding a fierce gray stallion charged toward her, his army in quick pursuit. Together, the lead warrior and stallion embodied power. He led them as befit a king, but when his gaze fixed on Akira...

Reaction
...her blood ran cold. “Lord, give me strength,” she murmured. She would not run. No, she would stand and wait for him.

Her blood ran cold is an inner reaction showing fear. Her brief prayer is an outer physical reaction, also showing fear and calling on divine help. She would not run is an inner decision. It shows courage in the face of fear. It shows character.

Telling
An army of warriors rode toward her. In spite of her fear, she stood firm.

Showing Action/Reaction Using Physical Emotional Response to Attraction
(from Highland Sanctuary)

Action
He inched closer.

Reaction
Serena's heartbeat quickened.

Sometimes simple is more powerful. He visibly moves toward her. It's an action one can see if watching them. Her reaction is internal, something that no one can see. She has to deal with her internal conflict before there is a physical reaction that can be seen. This internal conflict is in Serena's POV and let's the reader know why she makes her next move.

Reaction Continued
Fear of the unknown fluttered through her, along with a fierce curiosity to feel his lips upon hers. The war waging inside her didn’t feel right, and she pulled out of his grasp, standing to her feet.

There are times when a reaction isn't immediate. Even the reaction can build suspense or it might be necessary to show a character's agonizing decision in how to react.

If these various levels of characterization seem overwhelming, my advice is to go ahead and finish your story. Then during the editing process, layer in more physical emotion.

Word of Inspiration: Dwell Safely in the Lord

2011-12-01T21:39:00.000-05:00

"But whoever listens to Me will dwell safely and will be secure without evil." (Proverbs 1:32 NKJV)

Several verses leading up to these two refer to the blessings of listening to wisdom and the consequences of ignoring wisdom. The entire Bible is full of wisdom and direction, but so many of us chose to ignore it and go through life by trial and error. These blunderings leave the door open for consequences we'd rather not face. Then we wonder why things are so chaotic and out of control.

If we would only give our worries and trust over to God, we wouldn't have all the problems that plague us, and we wouldn't worry so much about things that are out of our control. Our circumstances would seem so small.

Seek God's wisdom and read His word for the best advice that trumps any psychologist, doctor, teacher or any human with flaws. There, you will find the best answers...and healing...and security that makes us feel safe...the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Book Review - "Dance of the Dandelion" by Dina Sleiman

2011-11-30T01:49:00.001-05:00

#christianfiction

Book Description

Love's quest leads her the world over.

Dandelion Dering was born a peasant in the English village of Arun, but her soul yearned for another life, another world. One filled with color and music, with adventure and passion . . . with more.

Haunted by childhood memories, Dandelion determines to find a better existence than the life every peasant in the village contents themselves with. Even if her sweetheart William s predictions prove true, and her journey leads straight to heartache.

From her sleepy hamlet to the intrigue of castle life, from the heart of London to the adventurous seas, Dandelion flees from the mistakes of her past, always seeking that something, that someone who will satisfy her longings.

Will Dandelion ever find the rhythm to her life's dance . . . or did she leave her chance for true love at home in Arun village?

My Review
This is an intriguing medieval tale of the prodigal daughter searching for the lust of the world to only discover more heartache and ruin than she ever imagined possible. Dandelion dreams of escaping her peasant world of poverty and hunger to the luxurious life in a castle full of comfort and security. She discovers the pains of betrayal, abuse, jealousy, abandonment, and a spiritual hunger that devours her soul, giving her no rest in her quest.

In many ways, this book reminds me of Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers with the exception that Angel was forced down her path of destruction as a child devoid of a choice, while Dandelion was a young woman who consciously made her choices. Both heroines had a man who steadfastly loved them with an unconditional love in spite of being rejected and abandoned themselves. This is a beautiful story of love and forgiveness, sacrifice and redemption. The ending is satisfying both romantically and spiritually.

To learn more about the author, visit Dina Sleiman.

Dance of the Dandelion is available in both print and e-book formats. Purchase here.

Word of Inspiration: Pray for Wisdom When Making Decisions

2011-11-29T08:18:00.000-05:00

"Wisdom calls aloud outside, she raises her voice in the open squares. She cries out in the chief concourses at the openings of the gates in the city. She speaks her words." (Proverbs 1:20-21)

For those of us with problems to solve and decisions to make, asking God for wisdom is the best thing we can do. Sometimes we are blind to all the circumstances around us due to love, optimistic hope in others, or our own wants getting in the way. While we should never give up hope that loved ones will turn around and do the right thing, we must also be wise enough to realize when they aren't yet ready. You don't know your future, but God does. His infinite wisdom will give you the better choices in life, if you're willing to trust his judgment over your own.

This Year I Have Many Thanksgivings

2011-11-23T11:55:00.000-05:00

The truth is, 2011 hasn't been the best year for us, but it wasn't the worst either. It's been a year of progress and loss, happiness and sadness, work and rest, prayers and thankfulness, as well as love and forgiveness. But in the spirit of Thanksgiving, today I want to count my blessings, specifically in 2011. These are not listed in any particular order.

I want to thank God that my husband is still alive and well after a serious accident this summer on the interstate highway in Charlotte, NC. I thank God for the angel He brought by way of an 18-wheeler trucker who blocked traffic to keep others from hitting my husband while he was turned around backwards and facing oncoming traffic. There were many doctor trips and a back injury that resulted with physical therapy, but we are all aware of how blessed we were that it wasn't worse.

I want to thank God that my mom is still here with us after surviving cancer surgery and six weeks of radiation treatments form a very aggressive cancer. While she may still need another surgery, we are taking one day at a time and thanking God for today.

I want to thank God for His unconditional love and peace when we lost my father-in-law. There was a level of comfort to our family that soothed us in ways I hadn't experienced before. I know that this grace from our heavenly Father will continue to carry us through the holidays without our loved one.

This year we also lost my uncle. I know that my cousin felt God's love and comfort when her father died. A peace surrounded her that hadn't been there before, because she found God. I rejoice and thank the Lord for her salvation.

I want to thank God for the birth of my new little nephew, JJ. In spite of a rocky start with a blood infection that landed him in the hospital for a couple of weeks and months of antibiotics, he's a healthy and happy little boy who has brought much joy to our lives. I'm so thankful for him and for how well my sister and her husband handled everything. God definitely gives us the strength we need, right when we need it.

I want to thank God for how far my daughter has come in overcoming her delayed developments and jumping 3 grade levels in reading. Also, I'm thankful that her hospital visit worked and her chronic migraines are no more. We were able to break the cycle as her pediatric neurologist had hoped to do. And I thank God for doctors and hospital staff who work so hard to make people better. And I'm still thankful there are no seizures.

I'm thankful to celebrate another birthday (4-0) and another anniversary with my husband, Dwayne (18 years). This year my husband's birthday falls on Thanksgiving Day. Happy Birthday, Dwayne! I love you and I'm thankful to be celebrating this day with you!

There are many other things I'm thankful for--too many to list--and some too personal to mention, but God knows them all.

Regardless of what you might be going through, know that you aren't alone and God is with you. He will comfort you, but you have to be willing to allow Him, because He will never force Himself on anyone since that would take away our free will.

Accept the free gifts that God is offering whether it be salvation, healing, forgiveness, freedom from strongholds, etc. To accept His unconditional love, you must step forward and receive it. The gift has already been offered.

Word of Inspiration: The Peace that Surpasses Understanding

2011-11-22T09:43:00.000-05:00

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (NKJV)

There are many people going through some terrible things during this Thanksgiving, but God does offer us a peace that surpasses all understanding. What does that mean? It means that in spite of all our circumstances, we will know in our hearts that we will survive this and we'll be okay--that we won't go through it alone. It doesn't mean that we won't hurt or feel lonely, but it does mean that we can be comforted through it, given strength to survive it, and the intensity of the pain can ease a bit even if it doesn't completely go away. It's when others shake their heads and say, "I don't know how you're enduring it." It surpasses the understanding of the human mind. This is when God provides those small miracles inside us--pouring healing balm on our hearts--with His word.

Give God thanks for this PEACE!

Jennifer Hudson Taylor's Book Signing Tour for Christmas

2011-11-18T06:14:00.000-05:00

Over the next two months, I'll be at the following book stores signing copies of Highland Blessings and Highland Sanctuary. Please stop by and consider them as Christmas gifts for the reader in your life.

Saturday, November 19th

11 AM - 1 PM

LifeWay Christian Stores

5417-B Sapp Road

Greensboro, NC

Saturday, November 19th

4 - 6 PM

LifeWay Christian Stores

1082 Hanes Mall Boulevard

Winston-Salem, NC

Saturday, December 3rd

12 -2 PM

LifeWay Christian Stores

105-A River Hills Road

Asheville, NC

Saturday, December 10th

5 - 7 PM

LifeWay Christian Stores

Hickory Corners Phase II

1714 Highway 70 Southeast

Hickory, NC

Saturday, December 17th

12 - 2 PM

Books-A-Million

130 Randolph Mall
Asheboro, NC

CFBA Blog Tour - "Valley of Dreams" by Lauraine Snelling

2011-11-16T06:03:00.000-05:00

#Christianfiction The Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Valley of Dreams Bethany House by Lauraine Snelling

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-winning and best selling author Lauraine Snelling began living her dream to be a writer with her first published book for young adult readers, Tragedy on the Toutle, in 1982. She has since continued writing more horse books for young girls, adding historical and contemporary fiction and nonfiction for adults and young readers to her repertoire. All told, she has up to sixty books published.

Shown in her contemporary romances and women’s fiction, a hallmark of Lauraine’s style is writing about real issues of forgiveness, loss, domestic violence, and cancer within a compelling story. Her work has been translated into Norwegian, Danish, and German, and she has won the Silver Angel Award for An Untamed Land and a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart for Song of Laughter.

As a most sought after speaker, Lauraine encourages others to find their gifts and live their lives with humor and joy. Her readers clamor for more books more often, and Lauraine would like to comply ... if only her paintbrushes and easel didn’t call quite so loudly.

Lauraine and her husband, Wayne, have two grown sons, and live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a cockatiel named Bidley, and a watchdog Basset named Winston. They love to travel, most especially in their forty-foot motor coach, which they affectionately deem “a work in progress”.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Cassie Lockwood's mother died when she was little, so Cassie traveled with her father's Wild West Show and became an amazingly skillful trick rider, likened by some to the famous Annie Oakley. When her father died, she continued to work with the show, having nowhere else to go.

Now Cassie has discovered that "Uncle" Jason, the show's manager, has driven the show into debt, and he's absconded with what little money was left. Devastated, Cassie decides to try to find the hidden valley where here father had dreamed of putting down roots. She has only one clue. She needs to find three huge stones that look like fingers raised in a giant hand. With Chief, a Sioux Indian who's been with the show for twenty years, and Micah, the head wrangler, she leaves both the show and a bundle of heartache behind and begins a wild and daring adventure.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Valley of Dreams, go HERE.

Two Changes & Updates in Christian Fiction Publishing

2011-11-14T06:26:00.002-05:00

With the announcement of HarperCollins buying Thomas Nelson this month, Agent Steve Laube wrote a great blog post on Who Owns Whom in Publishing. He begins with the big six and then points out that there are still plenty of independents left in Christian Publishing.

Book publishing is evolving to better options that are cheaper and affordable for retailers who can't afford to stock as many book selections as they'd like, but can invest in an OEM Book Machine that prints on demand. Here's an article on this topic and it includes info on digital printing and expectations by 2013. More main stream stores such as Barnes & Noble are expected to invest in these machines. Book Publishing Evolves

Word of Inspiration: When God Seals the Hand of Man

2011-11-13T06:00:00.010-05:00

”God thunders marvelously with His voice, and He does not restrain them when His voice is heard. He does great things which we cannot comprehend. For He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth.' Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength. He seals the hand of every man, that all men may know His work.” (Job 37:5-7)

I've always been fascinated by how God just speaks the word and it is done. It may be immediate or it may take time, but it is done.

The last part of this scripture has captivated me where it says He seals the hand of every man that all men may know his work. To me, this means there are going to be times when the work of our hands may not produce the fruit we're hoping for. In spite of how hard we work to make something happen, God will provide the result in His way and in His time, which is greater than ours, so that we know it came from Him and no one else. This is when a circumstance is beyond our ability to fix it. God steps in and creates the miracles in our lives that build our faith and remind us of who Christ is in our lives--that He is all powerful, He cares, and He will provide and heal.

Highland Blessings is a Free Download!

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

#christianfiction #kindle
Beginning today and a for a limited time, Highland Blessings is available as a free download on Amazon's Kindle. This is an historical Christian fiction novel. To download, go here!

Bryce MacPhearson, a highland warrior, kidnaps Akira MacKenzie on her wedding day to honor a promise he made to his dying father. While Akira’s strength in the Lord becomes a witness to Bryce, she struggles to overcome her anger and resentment when he forces her to wed him, hoping to end a half-century-old feud between their clans. While Akira begins to forgive, and Bryce learns to trust, a series of murders leaves a trail of unanswered questions, confusion, and a legacy of hate that once again rises between their families. Clearly, a traitor is in their midst. Now the one man Akira loves no longer trusts her, and her own life is in danger. Can Bryce look beyond his pain and seek the truth? Will Akira discover the threat against her before it’s too late? How will God turn a simple promise into bountiful Highland blessings?

Podcast on Platform Building & Perservering with Jennifer Hudson Taylor

2011-11-07T08:55:00.001-05:00

This morning instead of writing a new blog, I'm sharing a podcast interview that Cynthia Simmons did with me on CAG November Spotlight. She asked me about my background in Marketing & Communications and my ideas on platform building. In this interview I give advice to new writers and share some strategic tactics in how my books are reaching beyond the Christian market to individuals who would never willingly pick up Christian fiction. It's about 32 minutes. Enjoy!

Jennifer Hudson Taylor Podcast on Platform Building & Perservering

My Birthday at Biltmore!

2011-11-04T09:07:00.001-04:00

On Sunday my husband piled us in the car and none of them would tell me where we were going. He'd already given me a beautiful birthday cake on Friday with the image of my two book covers. He said it would be a reminder of what I'd accomplished by the time I turned the BIG 4-0! My mind raced with possibilities. Where could we be going?

As we headed south, the possibilities began to form. Then we headed west, and I knew we were going to the mountains. It's no secret that I love going to the mountains on my birthday at the end of October so I can see all the beautiful autumn colors.

When I started seeing the signs for the Biltmore House, I knew we were going to see the gorgeous castle built by Mr. Vanderbilt in 1895 in Asheville, NC. We toured the basement part of the house and then my husband said we had to leave, we had an appointment. Huh? We hadn't finished touring the house. We still had the 2nd and 3rd floors.

We took the car to another part of the estate and when we pulled up to the stables, my heart started beating so fast. I knew what was coming. My daughter and I rode horses around the Biltmore Estate for an hour. It was beautiful weather, the horses were well-behaved, the trees all kinds of colors and a castle in the background. We rode by the river, and so close to a ledge on a winding trail that I worried we would fall if my horse mis-stepped a couple of feet to the right. It was an exhilarating feeling for a good story!

Then we went back to the house and walked around the house, took photos of the back, the balcony and the view. We also toured the gardens and took more photos. Then we visited the Biltmore Village and had lunch at a Mexican restaurant. Once I showed them my ID--that it was really my birthday, they gave me $10 off my meal and a free dessert that I could share with everyone at the table. It was delicious!

I thought I would share a few photos with you. Have you ever been to the Biltmore House? The inside of it covers 4 acres. It's the largest single dwelling home in America. It was definitely state of the art in it's time. It was a 40th birthday to remember!

Word of Inspiration: Respect Governing Authorities Even in Disagreement

2011-11-03T10:10:00.000-04:00

"Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." (Romans 13:1)

When we are displeased with our leaders, it's tempting to judge and criticize them--even complain and gossip. It's true that sometimes our governing authorities abuse their power and make unwise decisions, but that doesn't mean we need to allow THEIR sin to tempt US to sin. Pray that God will find a way to change these leaders' hearts, to help them understand their wrongs, and to have courage to do what is right. Subjecting to their authority means respecting their authority. It doesn't mean you have to agree with their position on things.

Here in America, we will be coming up on an election year in 2012. Let's be wise in our behavior, our choices, and prayerfully vote for the right leaders. Not only did God give us these leaders, but He also gave us a democracy so that we have a choice in who we select as our leaders. Our ancestors fought for this right, and God granted it to us. Don't take it for granted.

Do your homework. It is YOUR responsibility to research who runs for office BEFORE you walk into an election booth. Don't rely on what the media reports and your friends and family tell you. Listen with Godly ears, search your heart with Godly wisdom, research candidates' lives and bio and compare it with the Word of God. And remember, be respectful of others who may not agree with you and ignore those who cannot have healthy debates. Change the topic.

CFBA Blog Tour - "Love on the Line" by Deanne Gist

2011-11-02T06:37:00.002-04:00

#christianfiction, #christianromance The Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Love on the Line Bethany House by Deeanne Gist

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

After a short career in elementary education, Deeanne Gist retired to raise her four children. Over the course of the next fifteen years, she ran a home accessory and antique business, became a member of the press, wrote freelance journalism for national publications such as People, Parents, Parenting, Family Fun, Houston Chronicle and Orlando Sentinel, and acted as CFO for her husband’s small engineering firm--all from the comforts of home.

Squeezed betwixt-and-between all this, she read romance novels by the truckload and even wrote a couple of her own. While those unpublished manuscripts rested on the shelf, she founded a publishing corporation for the purpose of developing, producing and marketing products that would reinforce family values, teach children responsibility and provide character building activities.

After a few short months of running her publishing company, Gist quickly discovered being a "corporate executive" was not where her gifts and talents lie. In answer to Gist’s fervent prayers, God sent a mainstream publisher to her door who licensed her parenting I Did It!® product line and committed to publish the next generation of her system, thus freeing Gist to return to her writing.

Eight months later, she sold A Bride Most Begrudging to Bethany House Publishers. Since that debut, her very original, very fun romances have rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere. Add to this two consecutive Christy Awards, three RITA nominations, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you’ve got one recipe for success.

Her latest releases, Beguiled, Maid To Match, and Love on the Line are now available.

Gist lives in Texas with her husband of twenty-eight years and their border collie. They have four grown children. Click here to find out the most up-to-the-minute news about Dee.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man's world ... which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder.

Dashing Luke Palmer is more than he appears though. He's a Texas Ranger working undercover to infiltrate a notorious gang of train robbers. Repairing telephones and tangling with this tempestuous woman is the last thing he wants to do. But when his stakeout puts Georgie in peril, he realizes more than his job is on the line.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Love on the Line, go HERE.

Word of Inspiration: Heeding Instructions from Parents

2011-11-01T06:33:00.000-04:00

"My son, hear the instruction of your father and do not forsake the law of your mother. For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck." (Proverbs 1:8-9)

Something happens to us when we hit our teenage years. All of a sudden we believe we have all the answers and our parents are just old-fashioned traditionalists. But the truth is, they've been around long enough to learn a few lessons that stand the test of time. Fast forward a few more years to rearing children ourselves. How many times have we caught ourselves repeating the same phrases to our kids that our parents said to us (especially during discipline) that we thought we'd never utter? What our parents taught us is still in us, even if we didn't always heed the advice ourselves.

I believe the graceful ornament on our heads is the wisdom our parents instills in us so that we can age gracefully without having to relearn some of their lessons the hard way--if we heed their instruction. The chain around our necks is the law, a constant reminder to not stray to the left or the right. It is our boundaries of protection so that we won't have to experience the heartache of certain consequences if we keep and obey these laws or "rules".

Some things aren't as hard as they seem. We just make it that way when we want to go our own way and do things our way.

Highland Sanctuary Just Released on the Nook!

2011-10-29T13:26:00.000-04:00

#christianfiction, #christianromance

Since so many have asked, Highland Sanctuary just released as an ebook on the Nook. Yesterday it came out on Amazon's Kindle. As always, thank you for your support of historical Christian fiction!

Get Highland Sanctuary on the Nook!

Highland Sanctuary Just Released on Kindle!

2011-10-28T08:41:00.000-04:00

#christianfiction, #christianromance

For those who have been eagerly awaiting the release of Highland Sanctuary as an ebook on Kindle, the wait is over. Yesterday it came out on Amazon's Kindle, here. As for the Nook and other ebook formats, I'm still not seeing it on those platforms, but keep checking. I'm sure it will be available on the Nook very soon!

As always, thank you for your support of historical Christian fiction!

Highland Sanctuary on Amazon Kindle!

Word of Inspiration: The Beginning of Wisdom

2011-10-27T07:55:00.000-04:00

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7)

Too many people covet the knowledge of man's wisdom, especially university degrees and the idea of surrounding one's self with educated individuals. I'm not against education. I have a college degree and I'm thankful for it. What I'm referring to is coveting man's knowledge over common sense and biblical wisdom.

Our university degrees and certifications is from others--men and women. They challenge us to think and question the world--even to question our faith and belief in things that can't be scientifically proven--a direct contrast to the principle of faith. Only then, does man's education become a danger to our existence in the will of God--we can't be so grounded in reality of this earth--a place of sin--that we lose the ability to believe in something we can't touch or see or sometimes prove or even explain--to simply believe. This is pride, believing that one's ideals are more true over the living creator God who's thinking and word is so high above our comprehension that we don't always understand it. This is why I believe Jesus chose disciples who were common, uneducated men.

Faith is believing in the Word of God--in God--even when we don't understand it or Him. We just believe that what He says is true--just like a child. If we fear that what God says is true--just the tiniest bit as much as a muster seed--it really is the beginning of wisdom. Because this is the deal, if someone is questioning their faith or belief in God, they are seeking proof of His existence. They don't necessarily have proof that he does NOT exist, but in their mind they don't have proof that He DOES exist.

If they are wrong, they risk eternal damnation in hell. If they are right, then they have nothing to lose--He and His word doesn't exist. So therefore, which risk is common sense--the risk of being wrong and eternal damnation in hell or being wrong and losing nothing? Logic and common sense would dictate that not fearing that the Lord might be real and His word true is a lack of wisdom--foolish.

CFBA Blog Tour - "Naomi's Gift" by Amy Clipston

2011-10-26T11:31:00.003-04:00

#Christianfiction, #Christmas The Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Naomi's Gift by Amy Clipston

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A native of New Jersey, I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. I often joke that my fiction writing “career” began in elementary school as I wrote and shared silly stories with a close friend.

In 1991, I graduated from high school and attended Virginia Wesleyan College in Norfolk, and graduated with a degree in communications. I met my husband, Joe, during my senior year, a few days after my father had a massive stroke. Joe and I clicked instantly. We married four years later.

After graduation, I took a summer job with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District, which turned into an eleven-year career. I worked in the Public Affairs Office for four years and then moved into Planning as a writer/editor. One day while surfing the Internet for a professional editor’s group, I accidentally found a local fiction writing group, Chesapeake Romance Writers. I attended a meeting and I met writers in all stages of their careers. The group helped me realize that I did want to be an author, and it was my dream to see my name on the cover of one of my novels.

Through Chesapeake Romance Writers, I learned how to plot, write, and edit a novel, and how to pursue an agent. I signed with Mary Sue Seymour at the Seymour Agency in 2006, shortly before Joe and I moved my parents and our sons to North Carolina. My dream came true when I sold my first book in 2007. Holding my first book, A Gift of Grace, in my hands was exhilarating and surreal.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Take a trip to Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, where you'll meet the women of the Kauffman Amish Bakery in Lancaster County. As each woman's story unfolds, you will share in her heartaches, trials, joys, dreams ... and secrets. You'll discover how the simplicity of the Amish lifestyle can clash with the 'English' way of life---and the decisions and consequences that follow. Most importantly, you will be encouraged by the hope and faith of these women, and the importance they place on their families.

Naomi's Gift re-introduces twenty-four-year-old Naomi King, who has been burned twice by love and has all but given up on marriage and children. As Christmas approaches---a time of family, faith, and hope for many others---Naomi is more certain than ever her life will be spent as an old maid, helping with the family's quilting business and taking care of her eight siblings. Then she meets Caleb, a young widower with a 7-year-old daughter, and her world is once again turned upside-down. Naomi's story of romantic trial and error and youthful insecurities has universal appeal.

Author Amy Clipston artfully paints a panorama of simple lives full of complex relationships, and she carefully explores cultural differences and human similarities, with inspirational results. Naomi's Gift includes all the details of Amish life that Clipston's fans enjoy, while delivering the compelling stories and strong characters that continue to draw legions of new readers.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Naomi's Gift, go HERE.

Refocus by Karen Mayes

2011-10-25T06:00:00.005-04:00

Please Welcome Guest Blogger, Karen Mayes.

With both eyes glued to my son, I attempted to carry on a conversation with my fellow mom friends. I scanned the play area and took inventory of everything that Grant could hurt himself on: uneven ground, steps, the plank that bordered the playground…

Play dates at the park always make me nervous, I thought to myself, So much chaos and uncertainty.

I watched Grant trying his best to keep up with the other children. He wants to be just like them. And he loves life.

He began to climb up the stairs to go down the slide and stumbled forward. I inhaled sharply and lunged forward, catching him just before he crashed.

A few months ago Grant was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome. It is the number one known genetic cause of autism and the most common cause of inherited mental impairment. A significant component of the syndrome is Sensory Processing Disorder.

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), formerly known as sensory integration dysfunction, is a condition that exists when the seven sensory signals (touch, taste, smell, hearing, sight, vestibular and proprioception) jam together and do not get organized into appropriate responses.

SPD affects Grant’s whole world - the way he eats, walks, plays, and filters the commotion of the environment around him.

When Grant was learning to walk he had a very difficult time transitioning one surface to another and he was absolutely terrified of cracks in the sidewalk. Because of his perception issues related to SPD, Grant found it difficult to judge the depth of an ordinary crack. His whole body would shake with fear when he approached certain spots during our afternoon walks. I had to hold his hand and guide him. To his eyes, those cracks could have been deep caverns.

It was, and still is, painful to watch Grant struggle at something that is second nature to many.

When I realized the details of Grant’s condition, I put on a brave face, but inwardly cascaded into a valley of darkness. My life had changed in an instant. One day I was a normal mom – the next I was the mom of a special needs child who would never live independently. The dreams for my son’s future shattered and I felt lost, alone, and hopeless. I went into mourning. My mourning gave way to bitterness. I felt haunted by my new reality. Any public place was a platform to display the life that was taken away from me.

A few weeks after Grant’s Fragile X Syndrome diagnosis, I was standing in line at the grocery store and I overheard a conversation between a mother and her teenage son. They were talking about the teenager getting his homework done so he could drive over to a friend’s house. It was a normal conversation that wouldn’t have caught anyone else’s attention, but I felt as if I had been slapped in the face. I dropped my items and fled to my car. Sobbing, I cried out to God, Will Grant ever drive a car? Will he learn how to be “socially acceptable” enough to have friends? Who will take care of him when I am gone? Oh Lord, why did you choose to give my son a life so full of trials?!

God replied by putting a verse on my heart:

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior… Isaiah 43: 1b-3a

It was then that my focus began to adjust. I didn’t want to live a life stuck in sadness. I had to move on. I began to focus on the blessings God had given me and lean heavily on Him to provide our needs. My son, and my family, will have many struggles. But all of this is for God’s glory and if I rest in Him, there will also be much peace and joy.

I spent too long to wanting what was taken from me and not what was given.
Prince Caspian from The Voyager of the Dawn Treader

I am pleased to say that with a lot of hard work and therapy, Grant now walks with ease over any crack. We love our evening walks as a family.

For more information on Fragile X Syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorder or to follow my family’s journey, please visit my blog, Red Letter Living, at www.akmayes.com.

About Karen Mayes

Karen lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband and two boys. She used to work in the field of grant management and data research, but her life quickly changed courses after her oldest son was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder and Fragile X Syndrome. Karen turned to writing as an emotional outlet and to educate others through her son’s experiences and those of her family. Recently she contributed to the book, Sensational Journeys. You can follow her at www.akmayes.com.

More Winners from Highland Sanctuary Book Launch Contest!

2011-10-21T10:22:00.000-04:00

The first batch of winners had 7 days to respond and a few failed to do so. Therefore, we have drawn more winners to replace those who did not respond. The winners listed below will also have 7 days to respond. This will be the last drawing. Those that fail to respond to this drawing in the 7-day time period will forfeit their prize(s).

Winners were drawn at random. To claim your gift, all winners must respond within 7 days of this announcement by contacting Jennifer at jt4novels@yahoo.com with "Highland Sanctuary Contest" typed in the subject line. I will need your full name and mailing address to mail your gift.

Those who contact me on a first come, first served basis will have their choice of available prizes. The available prizes left are: 1 participant will receive a tote bag with 5 books, 3 participants will receive their choice of an Amazon or B&N giftcard, and 2 participants will receive a Chick-Fil-A giftcard. The last winner to contact me will be left with whatever gift selection has not been chosen by the others.

If you contact me and do not get an immediate response, the date and time of your email will be noted and I will respond as soon as I'm able. If you believe your email is lost in spam, you may leave a comment here on this blog post letting me know you have sent me an email to claim your prize.

For those that emailed their responses and didn't want their whole name posted, I've listed only your first name and the first initial of your last name.

DRUM ROLL, please....

Judy Burgi

Emma Vanderbeck

Robyn (CoolestMommy)

Angela Holland

Lisa Grazano

Aly Logan

Congratulations to all of you and many blessings!

Coping with Asperger's by Sarah

2011-10-20T06:00:00.007-04:00

Please welcome Guest Blogger, Sarah.

Most people who meet my daughter tell me how impressed they are with her conversation skills and politeness. They find her to be sweet and friendly and she is … BUT if you met her at the ‘wrong’ time you’d think she was one of the worst behaved children you’ve ever seen. It is not naughtiness or lack of discipline that causes this drastic change in her behaviour; it is Asperger’s Syndrome.

Kezia has only just been diagnosed with Asperger's but the symptoms have been there for six years! Why so long before a diagnosis? Well, it’s only with hind-sight that I realise there were symptoms so long ago. Initial symptoms were attributed to other causes or simply seen as little quirks, not part of a much bigger picture.

What is Asperger's? The very condensed answer is Asperger's is “high-functioning” autism. ‘Aspies’ are usually of above average intelligence, but have extreme difficulty with social skills. It is much more than that though. For us it’s lots of little differences, in thought and behaviour, that turn everyday things like school, shopping, or meeting friends into very demanding situations. A change of plans or simply trying to leave the house can cause a temper tantrum as it’s taking Kezia out of her ‘comfort zone’. She has a very literal understanding of language, so I have to be careful how I word instructions, responses or plans. If I say, “I’ll be there in a minute” but take longer or, “I’m coming” and don’t immediately stop what I’m doing then, in her mind, I lied. She also requires more time to process information and cannot multi-task.

Kezia barely spoke until nearly 3 years old but then, almost immediately, her speech and vocabulary were well above average. She would get upset that she couldn’t write her name or draw as well as the other children at her nursery could. She’d get quite frustrated and negative about her efforts and just give up. I now see this as the initial signs of her motor skills / co-ordination problems and her mind-set; she has a very negative impression of herself and her abilities. These difficulties and others have become more obvious as Kezia has gotten older and progressed through school.

The temper tantrums of the terrible twos didn’t stop and actually began to increase in frequency, length and strength and the nipping and pushing that is common behaviour in pre-schoolers also increased rather than stopping. Her teachers have often said they were concerned about Kezia’s social skills. Academically there are no concerns, she is above average in most areas.

School has been a nightmare over the last six months as Kezia’s behaviour problems have rapidly increased. She started refusing to do lessons if they involved a change of classroom or if it was an activity she felt she couldn’t do. Nearly every morning is a trial just to get her to school and many days she comes out of school breaking her heart because the situation is so difficult for her.

Patience is a virtue but I’m sorry to say I’ve never considered it to be a strong point of mine. However all the professionals involved have praised me for the way I cope; for my patience, understanding and for being “commendably calm”. I’m not saying this to boast, but in recognition and thankfulness for the Lord’s help. I've prayed consistently for patience, wisdom and strength and, in His mercy, He has answered my prayers and continues to do so, helping me through each new day or situation. I don’t just take a day at a time, it’s often more like hour-by-hour or even minute-by-minute as things can change so fast!

I’m on a very steep learning curve and am always trying to be one step ahead of situations in an effort to spot and diffuse problems before they escalate into total meltdown. It is often physically and emotionally draining, but Kezia is my gift from the Lord (Psa 127:3), and I know He’ll help me be all I need to be to support her. I’ve always been shy and self-conscious but, with the Lord’s help, I’ve attended large meetings of professionals and been able to address them all. I’ve also attended parent group sessions, led by child psychologists, where we not only had to speak; we had to do role play at every session! I never thought I’d do that, but the Lord gave me confidence to do it and do it well, according to the leaders. When I feel I can’t cope, I take courage and renewed hope from the following scriptures:

“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9)

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Phil 4:13)

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Pro 3:5)

“Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” (Psa 37:5)

About Sarah

Sarah lives in Scotland and is one of my readers who has become a great friend.

Wild Card Book Tour - "Autumn Song" by Martha Rogers

2011-10-19T07:52:00.000-04:00

#christianfiction #christianromance

Today's Wild Card author is:

Martha Rogers

and the book:

Autumn Song (Seasons of the Heart)

Realms (October 4, 2011)

***Special thanks to Kim Jones | Publicity Coordinator, Charisma House | Charisma Media for sending a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Martha Rogers is the author of Becoming Lucy; Morning for Dove; Finding Becky; Caroline’s Choice; Not on the Menu, a part of a novella collection with DiAnn Mills, Janice Thompson, and Kathleen Y’Barbo; and River Walk Christmas, a novella collection with Beth Goddard, Lynette Sowell, and Kathleen Y’Barbo. A former schoolteacher and English instructor, she has a master’s degree in education and lives with her husband in Houston, Texas.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Why does everyone think a girl’s only lot in life is to find a husband and settle down?

Kathleen Muldoon is twenty-three and tired of ranch living. Fiercely independent and determined to become a nurse, she has left her family’s ranch to study medicine under Old Doc Jensen and to live in town with her Aunt Mae, who runs a boardinghouse.

Daniel Monroe has just arrived in Porterfield to set up his law practice. Sparks fly when he is introduced to Kate at the boardinghouse, but the initial attraction quickly dissolves into an argument—the first of many. Daniel is enamored with Kate but uncomfortable with her independent spirit and dreams of becoming a nurse.

When trouble erupts between the ranchers and lumberjacks over timber rights, Kate is furious to learn that Daniel has worked out an agreement she believes will destroy her father’s land. Can they overcome their pride and help each other become everything God wants them to be?

Set in the late 1800s, the Seasons of the Heart series follows the lives of four women and their families, weaving together their stories of faith, life, and love as they bond in friendship only God could orchestrate.

Product Details:

List Price: $13.99

Paperback: 304 pages

Publisher: Realms (October 4, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1616384573

ISBN-13: 978-1616384579

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

August 1889

Kate Muldoon, I simply can’t understand why you haven’t found yourself a husband among all the eligible men in this town.” Sarah picked up a book from the bedside table in Kate’s room. “You’re twenty-three now, and hiding yourself away to read and study all the time will not help you find the right man.”

Kate grabbed the book from her sister-in-law, who had wandered into her room for a chat. As usual, the talk had turned to men. “I don’t need a man,” Kate declared.

“How can you say that?” Sarah gasped.

Kate shook her head. Marriage and family ranked last in the things she wanted out of life right now. Kate fought against the swelling tide of anger that had landed her in trouble on more than one occasion. Why did everyone think a woman’s only role was that of a wife and mother? Sarah meant well, but then she loved living on a ranch and taking care of her husband Donavan Muldoon. Sarah believed everyone should be in love, as did her other sisters-in-law.

Once again Kate tried to explain. “Sarah, I do not intend to marry a rancher or anyone connected with cattle. I was born on a ranch, grew up on a ranch, and have lived around cattle and horses all my life so far, and I don’t plan on spending the rest of it on one.” Despite her love of horses and riding, the ranch held no pull or fascination for her as it once did when she was younger. Kate hugged her textbook to her chest. “Why do you think I’ve studied everything about Florence Nightingale and nursing and moved into town to help Aunt Mae?”
Sarah waved her hand airily, dismissing Kate’s plans. “I don’t know about that, but I do know Auntie Mae’s boardinghouse is full of men who are not ranchers. Why, there’s my cousin Seth who just moved out here to pastor our church, and then there’s Doc Jensen’s nephew who came to town to assist his uncle with the infirmary. They’re both unattached. Sometimes I think you’re just too picky.”

Picky wasn’t exactly the word Kate would choose, but preachers and doctors held no interest for her other than as people she could work with. She did enjoy working with Doc Jensen and his nephew, Elliot Jensen, but they were teaching her to be a nurse. Besides, Elliot wasn’t really a friendly sort even if he did have an excellent bedside manner with his patients.
Kate sighed. Her sister-in-law was raised in an upperclass family in Boston, where the entire focus of her life in the last few years had been on her whirlwind romance, marriage to Donavan, then moving to Texas and having Jeremy. How could she possibly understand Kate’s dreams? “I’m learning all I can about nursing and treatments so I can work more with Doctor Jensen,” she explained with as much patience as she

could muster. “He lets me help with some of the lighter cases and says I’m getting good at recognizing symptoms. Besides, I was thinking that the preacher would make a wonderful match for Erin.”

Sarah brightened at the thought. “That might not be a bad idea now that she is of marrying age. Erin would be a good wife for Seth and a good mother for their little ones. She loves little Jeremy and has been a big help to me in taking care of him.” She turned to leave. “I’ll look for you Sunday at church and then afterward for dinner out at the ranch. Now I need to rescue Auntie Mae from Jeremy.”

As if Aunt Mae needed rescuing. Kate waved her hand in the air to say good-bye. Dinner with the Muldoon clan meant much food and lots of laughter, but it also meant another boring afternoon listening to talk of cattle drives and auctions and horses by the men, and talk of babies and mothering by the women—none of which held any interest whatsoever for Kate.
Three older brothers—Brody, Donavan, and Ian—had ranches of their own, and that’s all they talked about. The fourth older brother, Cory, had his sights set on being a lawman and had moved into town to be a deputy for Marshal Slade. Erin, the baby of the family, still lived on the ranch. She’d just turned nineteen and was by far the prettiest of the Muldoon clan.
Kate welcomed Cory’s company and his presence at the boardinghouse. At least he wasn’t interested in finding a bride, and he didn’t pester her about finding a mate. He had his sights set on being a marshal himself one day and figured that job too dangerous to take a wife. Kate snorted. So it was OK

for a man to be unmarried and pursue his dreams, but not a woman.
She laid aside her book and sauntered down to the hallway to find the mail from Aunt Mae’s boarders. One of her jobs at Aunt Mae’s included taking care of the mail. With a start, she realized she’d have to hurry to get there before the afternoon train arrived.

One afternoon train from the west would be picking up mail headed for the East Coast. An earlier train had dropped off its delivery, and that mail waited for her now at the post office. Ever since the railroads had been completed, Kate had seen more men coming to town to work the ranches around the area as well as find their own land and start farming or ranching. All the land around Porterfield belonged to ranchers

and farmers, but in a state as big as Texas, there seemed to be plenty of land to go around.

She donned her wide-brimmed straw hat to ward off the sun’s rays and hurried out to complete her task. The Grayson General Store and Post Office beckoned her to hurry. The train would be here any minute. Her feet kicked up puffs of dust as she walked. Her shoes would need a good cleaning later, but she didn’t mind as she enjoyed the four-block walk to the general store that housed the post office.

When Kate stepped into the store, the balding proprietor grinned and tilted his head. “Is that mail from the boarders at your aunt’s house?”

Kate plopped the letters on the counter along with coins

for stamps. “Yes, it is.”

Mr. Grayson affixed a two-penny stamp to each envelope. “How many boarders are there now?”

Kate closed her eyes to vision the count. “Counting Cory and me, there’s eight. All but one of the rooms is filled, and Aunt Mae is happy as a lark. For some reason, men come to this town, like it, and stay.”
Mrs. Grayson joined her husband. Her blue eyes sparkled as she gazed at Kate. “And when are you going to choose one of these men here for your own?”
Heat rose in Kate’s cheeks. Everyone thought they had to ask that question. “I don’t plan on marrying anytime soon. I’m studying to be a nurse, and besides, who’d help Aunt Mae take care of the house and all the meals if I wasn’t around?”

The plump, rosy-cheeked Mrs. Grayson laughed. “She’d do fine without you, and I’ve seen how Mr. Fuller over at the bank looks at her. Wouldn’t surprise me if she takes a husband one of these days.”
“That’s hard for me to imagine.” The very idea of her aunt with another man after the love she shared with Uncle Patrick caused Kate’s insides to quiver like the branches of a justfelled tree. Aunt Mae did have a few of the men, including Mr. Fuller, looking her way, but she paid them no mind. If Aunt Mae did decide to marry, Kate wouldn’t interfere, but she’d have no part in bringing about that possibility.
As soon as Mr. Grayson dropped the envelopes into the outgoing mail bag, he headed outside and toward the depot. Mrs. Grayson handed her mail from the boardinghouse box. “Thank you.” Kate slid the envelopes into her pocket and wiggled her fingers at Mrs. Grayson. “Bye, now. It’s time to get things started for dinner at Aunt Mae’s.”
On her way back to the boardinghouse, the idea of Aunt Mae marrying danced through her head. Would Aunt Mae give up running the boardinghouse if she married? Kate knew how much her aunt loved visiting with the boarders and preparing their meals. It was impossible to think of her ever leaving the place. Certainly she had found her calling, and for once in this town it didn’t focus only on being a wife and keeping house! Still, when Uncle Patrick was alive, Aunt Mae had combined being a wife and managing all those boarders without much trouble. Perhaps Kate could do the same sometime in the far distant

future.
Daniel Monroe finished his letter and sealed it in an envelope. In a few days he’d leave for the greatest adventure of his life, and he wanted Seth to know when to expect him. He reread the post from his friend telling him that the mayor was more than willing for Daniel to come to Porterfield, Texas, and practice

law as they had no lawyers in the town. If lawyers were needed in Porterfield, then that’s where he’d head.

Seth Winston had gone to Texas last year to pastor the church where his cousin Sarah and her family were members. The idea of going to Porterfield had grown more appealing as Seth had described it when he’d returned to Briar Ridge for his sister Rachel’s wedding this past spring. True, Texas was a long way from Connecticut, but images of the untamed West and all the adventures Daniel could have outweighed the

distance.
He envisioned cowboys, gunfights, saloon brawls, and train robberies. The tales he’d heard about Texas rolled through his mind in an endless stream of pictures. All the action and excitement sounded much better than the quiet town of Briar Ridge where he spent most of his time writing wills and taking care of legal documents for land sales or contracts for service. He’d already reassigned all his clients to other lawyers in

Briar Ridge, and none had truly complained, which only served to emphasize the fact that he wasn’t really needed here. Daniel cleaned out his desk and put it all in a box to carry home. He planned to have the desk, a gift from his parents, shipped to Texas with him. Now all he had to do was purchase his train ticket and say good-bye to family and friends. Since his parents, especially his mother, didn’t approve the move, he didn’t expect a going-away party.

Father seemed on the verge of understanding Daniel’s desire to travel to new frontiers and make a life for himself. Mother, on the other hand, wouldn’t and couldn’t accept the fact that her only son wanted to leave home and move thousands of miles away. His sister, Abigail, would hardly speak to him, but that did not keep Daniel from making arrangements to leave. After his twenty-fifth birthday last month, the desire

for a change came over him, and Texas seemed the best place to do just that.
On the way home he stopped at the depot and purchased a ticket that would begin his trip. He’d have stops in Philadelphia, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, and Dallas before the last leg of the journey to Porterfield.
The ticket agent handed Daniel his passage. “That’s a mighty long trip. I take it you’re heading out West to join Seth Winston. I can see the need for a preacher out west, but what’s a fancy lawyer like yourself going to do there?”

Daniel laughed. His mother had asked the same question. “Not sure, but I hope to help tame some outlaws.” How he’d do that he had no idea, but it sounded good when he said it.

“Well, now, just don’t go and get yourself shot by one of ’em.”
“I don’t plan to, Mr. Colley.” He tipped his hat and walked back out to his rig. At least he knew how to ride a horse well. With all his many long trips to Hartford by horseback, he figured he’d have no trouble riding in Texas. The rig today was simply a convenience for carting home his personal belongings from his office. Tomorrow the desk would be crated and shipped westward.

He entered the foyer of the comfortable, two-story home he still shared with his family. At his age, many other men had places of their own, but Ellie’s cooking and the free lodging had tempted him to stay.
After handing over his hat to Stevens the butler, Daniel turned toward the voices he heard in the drawing room on his left. He knocked then pushed open the doors. “Good evening, Mother, Father.”

His mother stood and hurried to him. She wrapped her arms around him. “Oh, Daniel, please tell me you’ve changed your mind and are staying in Briar Ridge. I can’t bear for you to leave us.”

He patted her back and glanced at his father, who simply lifted his gray bushy eyebrows and shrugged. He turned back to his mother. “I’m sorry you feel this way, Mother, but I purchased my train ticket on the way home this evening and will leave the beginning of next week.”
She pushed away from him and held a handkerchief to her nose. “I simply can’t believe it. I don’t understand why you have to go all the way to Texas to practice law. New Haven and Hartford are much closer. Why, even Boston would be better than way out West.”

“We have a multitude of fine barristers in the cities here in the East. As I’ve said many times, this will give me the opportunity to travel and see what is happening in the rest of our great country.” No matter how many times he explained, his mother would never truly understand his desire to move on. She had grown up in this town, as had his father, and she would never leave it or her beautiful home.
Stevens appeared in the doorway. “Mr. and Mrs. Monroe, dinner is served.”
Mother hooked her hand into Daniel’s arm. “Thank you, Stevens. Tell Ellie we’ll be right in.” She patted Daniel’s hand now resting on hers. Although she held her head high, he noted the slight tremor in her voice as she spoke. “I had Ellie prepare your favorite meal tonight. She’ll be serving all your favorites until your departure.” She swallowed hard as she walked beside Daniel into the dining room.
Daniel’s younger sister, Abigail, bounded down the stairs but stopped short when she saw her parents and Daniel. Her next steps were much more sedate. “Good evening, Daniel. I didn’t know you were home.”

Father waited to escort her into dinner. “And what is your great hurry, my dear girl? Is Ellie’s food that tempting?”

“No, Father, I’m just happy about my trip to see Rachel and Nathan in Hartford next week. I haven’t seen her since the wedding, and I’m anxious to visit and talk with her.”

Daniel assisted his mother in her chair at the table. “I’m sure you two will have much to talk about. What’s it been? Two, three months since the wedding?”
She turned to glare at him. A month ago she wouldn’t have minded the teasing, but since his decision to leave, she had been less than sisterly. “Three, if you must count, but it may as well be three years.” Abigail dismissed him and turned to her mother. “I truly miss having Rachel here in Briar Ridge.”

Father held her chair while she seated herself. He bent and brushed his lips across her hair. “Then I’m glad you will have this chance to visit Rachel in Hartford.”

After his father said grace, Ellie brought in a platter emanating the most delicious aroma. His favorite roast beef as Mother had promised. Along with it came perfectly creamed potatoes, buttered asparagus, carrots, fresh baked bread, and his favorite sweet pickles. “What, no soup tonight?”

Mother pressed her lips together. “You said you didn’t care for soup at every meal, and since this is your meal, we skipped it.”

“Thank you, I prefer to fill up on the main course and not the first one.” He glanced over at Abigail, who scrunched up her nose as the asparagus was passed to her. “Not to worry, dear sister, after I’m on my way to Texas, you won’t have to worry about asparagus. Ellie only cooks it because she knows how much I like it.”

“Humph, that will be one good aspect of your leaving.” She placed two stalks on her plate and handed the bowl to their father.

As his parents began discussing their day, he noted the total lack of reference to his leaving the coming Monday. His mother believed if she ignored it, that perhaps it wouldn’t really happen. Father cast a wistful eye Daniel’s way a few times, as though he wanted to talk with his son. Perhaps after dinner he and Father could have a conversation.
Daniel gazed around at the opulent surroundings. Sparkling crystal, fine china, silver cutlery, and damask table cloth and napkins reminded him of his parent’s wealth. He would find nothing like this in Texas.
Then he glanced again at his mother and swallowed a lump in his throat along with a bite of potato. He didn’t want to hurt her, but he could see in her face and the way she only moved the food around her plate without actually eating it that he had done just that.

How could he make her understand his desire to move away and seek a new life? Somehow between now and Monday he must convince her that God had called him to the frontier. He had spent many hours in prayer over this move, and now he gladly embraced the future and all it held in the grand state of Texas.

The Colors of Grief by Alice J. Wisler

2011-10-18T06:00:00.004-04:00

Please Welcome Guest Blogger, Alice J. Wisler.

When the pediatrician called to tell me that my son had a small blue-celled round tumor in his neck, I was seated on my sofa, my eyes staring at the light blue floral valances and moving to the dark blue wallpaper that bordered the family room.

"Malignant," she said.

The day before Daniel had surgery to remove this growth. The surgeon was convinced he could drain this large bloated inconvenience that had lodged under his skin in the left side of his neck. Many days before that, doctors were thinking the swelling was due to Cat Scratch Fever, sending samples from his skin to the Center of Disease Control.

No one mentioned cancer.

When I got off the phone I had to do something no mother ever likes to do. I woke my three-year old son from his nap to take him to the hospital.

Surgeries, chemo, radiation, fevers and vomiting followed over the next eight months. The tumor shrunk; hope shone like the sun over the Carolina coast. We talked of what Daniel would look like once his hair grew back, and whether his newest sibling would be a boy or a girl.

But during Daniel's check up visit to the cancer clinic, a staff infection entered his compromised body. Seconds after he was rushed to the ER, he coded. And then again. His brain didn't receive the oxygen it needed. His body shut down.

Daniel was not going to live with us much longer; he was on his way to Heaven.

Months ago I thought having to wake a child from a much needed nap was difficult. Telling my four-year-old son good-bye choked my insides. Burying his ashes in a tiny lamb urn the color of his newborn skin cut my core.

The journey of hope ended. Bleakness and numbness, followed by anger, consumed my days. I had no desire to live, but knew my two children ages six and 18 months needed me. The baby in my womb needed me to live so that she could be born.

With a severed faith in a God who had disappointed me, I woke each day to a repeat of the day before. There was no respite, no place I could go to get away from the loud noises in my head.

I wrote. In between changing diapers, buying boxes of tissues, and making room on my dining room table for the gifts of floral arrangements, I poured out my pain onto the pages of a journal a nurse gave me. I wrote, hoping to find a loophole in the past weeks, a way to write my son from demise back to health, to life.

Writing brought sanity, giving me a place to fling out all my anguish. While it was not powerful enough to bring my child back to me, it did provide healing.

For months, I felt removed and distant from God. Now I can say that my faith has taken on a new texture, a new color. I used to think that God would never allow a child to suffer and die, making his parents and family carry on, handicapped in a huge world. Now I know that God allows many sorrows. Jesus promises that our paths will be rocky and yet, He tells us that we can survive the raging sea of grief because he will be with us.

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (NIV).

"I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5 (NIV).

I like to think that these two verses are etched in my heart in a bright blue marker, the same color Daniel used to draw on his sister's wall.

About Alice J. Wisler

Alice was born in Osaka, Japan. Her parents were Presbyterian missionaries. As a young child, Alice loved to walk down to the local stationer's store to buy notebooks, pencils and scented erasers. In her room, she created stories. The desire to be a published famous author has never left her. Well, two out of three isn't bad. She's the author of Rain Song, How Sweet It Is and Hatteras Girl.

She has four children--Rachel, Daniel, Benjamin and Elizabeth. Daniel died on 2/2/97 from cancer treatments at the age of four. Since then, Alice founded Daniel's House Publications in her son's memory. This organization reaches out to others who have also lost a child to death. In 2000 and 2003, Alice compiled recipes and memories of children across the world to publish two memorial cookbooks, Slices of Sunlight and Down the Cereal Aisle.

Visit Alice's website at: www.alicewisler.com.

Clearing Out the Clutter in Your Twitter Stream

2011-10-17T06:00:00.003-04:00

There's no denying the fact that Social Media can become overwhelming and very time consuming, but if we take the time to set boundaries, we'll feel a little less overwhelmed. We'll also feel like some of the time we spend on Social Media sites is more productive--especially those of us who are on there to network.

In this post I'm going to share with you some of my personal Twitter boundaries, which are really my pet-peeves and the reason I unfollow people in an attempt to clean up my twitter stream.

Reasons I Unfollow People
1) Cursing

2) Sex Talk

3) One word tweets that don't mean anything

4) Phrases that don't mean anything

5) Tweeting in a different language other than English. Even if a profile is in English, but the tweets are in Spanish or some other language, I unfollow. It's annoying when I don't know what is being said.

6) Zero tweets, even if you're new, you need to tweet something. It only takes a couple of seconds. Otherwise, I'll assume it's a spam acct and unfollow.

7) No tweets in a month or longer. Some people create accts just to see what Twitter is all about, and then they never use them again or they're sporadic tweeters. I don't like tweeting to no one.

8) Repeat lines, if an acct has multiple tweets that are all the same, it's spam and I unfollow.

9) Racial comments, I'm not interested if a person is black, white, hispanic, oriental or poka-dotted. I'm interested in people and souls. I have no tolerance for racial comments or gossip for that matter.

10) Idolizing celebrities, including repeating tweets to celebrities, begging celebrities to follow back, or only retweeting tweets from celebrities. Someone who does this gives the impression that their focus is in the wrong place.

11) Bombarding me with political tweets. A few are ok, but if I don't agree with the views being stated, that person risks me turning them off=unfollow.

12) Tweeting horoscopes, not interested and it goes against my faith.

13) People who don't have the courtesy to follow back. I don't care how famous and important they think they are, if a person refuses to follow back, I unfollow them. I'm not interested in one-sided conversations. If I really like the content they put out, I still unfollow, but may include them in a list.

What are some of your pet-peeves and unfollow boundaries?

Winners of the Highland Sanctuary Book Launch Contest!

2011-10-14T06:38:00.001-04:00

Thank you for participating in this contest to celebrate the release of my new novel, Highland Sanctuary!

Winners were drawn at random. There were 11 total winners. To claim your gift, all winners must respond within 7 days of this announcement by contacting Jennifer at jt4novels@yahoo.com with "Highland Sanctuary Contest" typed in the subject line. I will need your full name and mailing address to mail your gift.

Those who contact me on a first come, first served basis will have their choice of available prizes listed on the Contest page of my website/blog. The last winner to contact me will be left with whatever gift selection has not been chosen by the others. If you contact me and do not get an immediate response, the date and time of your email will be noted and I will respond as soon as I'm able. If you believe your email is lost in spam, you may leave a comment here on this blog post letting me know you have sent me an email to claim your prize.

If a winner does not respond by email on the comment section of this blog post in the 7-day time frame, they forfeit their win, and we will announce a new winner, who will also have 7 days to respond. Please read ALL Official Contest Rules here.

For those that emailed their responses and didn't what their whole name posted, I've listed only your first name and the first initial of your last name.

DRUM ROLL, please....

Tina Rice

Debra Marvin

Katie McCurdy

Jessica Kramasz

Michelle Vasquez

Jeannie Campbell

Rebecca S.

Susan Cook

Susan Snodgrass

Beth Bulow

Linda Wagner

Congratulations to all of you and many Highland Blessings to you!

Do You Understand Me, Son?

2011-10-13T06:00:00.017-04:00

Please Welcome Guest Blogger, Dee Yoder.

My son has Asperger’s Syndrome. His is a high-functioning form that has caused him trouble with obsessions, as well as over-sensitivity to light and sound. We spent 3^rd - 12^th grade homeschooling because his overly stimulated brain had been turning him into a robot—shutting down his responses—in order for him to cope with perceived chaos in the traditional classroom. Needless to say, there were challenges along the way, but he made it to his senior year and is a graduate of the class of 2011. It took prayer and consistent support for all of us to succeed.

Becoming a grown-up is difficult for anyone, but the added challenges of Asperger’s often make this process seem, at times, impossible. Learning to drive has become a year-long progression. Apprehension of unfamiliar experiences often holds him back, causing stress anytime he is asked to drive. But he is slowly learning to adjust to the nuances of handling a machine the size of our minivan. He is coming along, and I have no doubt he will succeed, but it takes time and patience.

Signing up for tests and course work at the local community college has also brought its share of difficulties. His dad and I watched as the admission clerk gave him instructions in rapid-fire succession. His instinct was to look to us for intervention, but we figured he could handle the pressure, so we quietly stepped back from the desk and let him deal with her on his own.

We saw the confusion and indecision flash across his face from time to time, but we held our positions. Sure enough, he was able to pull himself together and adjust his focus. When our son turned from the desk, clutching the information packet tightly in both hands, I was joyful because he had finished the task on his own. No matter that few of her instructions stuck with him, he had managed an adult decision.

He did well on his ACTs, but had to retake a math placement test. The second time around, he couldn’t wait to call me as he and his dad traveled home. In his voice I heard pride and recognition of his own abilities as he read me his high scores. I smiled and cried for his victory.

But there have been what I call blank days, too. These are days when, no matter how often I request something from him, or how carefully I word the request, he looks back at me with a blank stare. His brain simply can’t comprehend my appeal. Frustration often rises to the surface then, and I hear myself impatiently asking “Do you understand me, Son?”

There is triumph and victory in little things, and like all young adults, discouragement, as well. But there is never a day when his dad and I aren’t proud of our son’s accomplishments as we look forward to sharing many more days of discovery with this extraordinary young man!

About Dee Yoder

I am a writer with my Amish novel, The Miting, represented by The Hartline Literary Agency, with Terry Burns, as my agent. I'm currently editing my second novel, The Powerful Odor of Mendacity. I also write short story fiction for the Faithwriters Writing Challenge. My work has been published in The Evangel, Good Tidings, and The Quill magazines. I'm happily married to Arlen, and I enjoy home educating my teen son, Joseph.

Dee's Blog: My Heart's Dee-Light

Friendly...To a Fault? by Joanne Sher

2011-10-11T06:00:00.026-04:00

Please Welcome Guest Blogger Joanne Sher.

Friendly. That's often the first word people think of when they talk about my mildly autistic son. He loves to talk to, and visit with, everyone and anyone. He's the kind of kid who says hi to each and every person he passes at the store—and wonders why they don't do the same. On occasion, he'll ask if he can roll down the car window so he can say hi to the people on the street as we zoom by. He loves to give hugs. His favorite part of our church service is when the associate pastor says, “Let's greet one another.” He flies out of the pew and walks to every person he can reach in those few moments, shaking hands with a smile.

It's delightful to watch, but it also makes me sad, and nervous. You see, my son is 10 years old, just entering the 5^th grade. His behavior is cute, but it isn't exactly age-appropriate. I know he has eyes rolled at him. I know some kids won't play with him because of how “childish” he is. I know he is too trusting of strangers. I know he doesn't yet have the skills to develop deep friendships. And, perhaps most heartbreaking, I know that he is becoming less and less “blissfully ignorant” of how others see him.

My son has other struggles too—higher-level thinking skills, focus, patience, self-control—but the social issues are the ones that make my heart ache the most. He so wants to be liked. And he has come an extremely long way since he was first diagnosed several years ago. He has learned from his school's incredible special education staff how to make conversation, proper facial expressions for his emotions, and dozens of other things I was never taught – because they came naturally to me.

Though I fear that some day he will “be friendly” to the wrong person, or be taken advantage of because of his naivete, I know that his “childlikeness” can be a huge blessing, both to the people who know him, and the Lord.

A couple years ago, there was a boy who was picking on him, and causing some problems in school. Both of them were taken into the principal's office to talk about exactly what happened. My son, who was not at all at fault, sat with this classmate who was trying to get him in trouble, and asked this “troublemaker” if he went to church. When he said no, my son invited him to our church. Talk about loving your enemies – and faith like a child.

Every child is a gift from God. Their idiosyncrasies, struggles, and talents are part of what makes each of them unique. God has blessed us with our son, and we are anxious to watch how He uses him, and his disability, to make a difference and bring glory to God.

About Joanne Sher

I was raised in Southern California but am now living in West Michigan with my wonderful husband Marc, and our two kids - Andrew is 10 and Annika is 7. I was raised in the Jewish faith, but have since become a follower of Christ.

I love to write and have had assorted stories published in a handful of magazines and a few Christian writing anthologies. I'm currently working on a non-fiction book about God's workings through my husband's health issues. Tentatively titled Ailing Body, Nourished Soul, the first chapter received honorable mention in Fathwriters.com's Page Turner First Chapter contest. At the moment, it is being considered by a literary agent.

My other passion is God's Word, which I find can meet my every need, if I'll just do more than read it. God has sustained me and my family through so much, and it is my ministry (among others) to share that sustenance, and God's work, with all who will listen.

Visit Joanne's website at: www.joannesher.com.

Shocking News to Authors by W. Terry Whalin

2011-10-10T06:00:00.002-04:00

Before I began working inside a book publishing house, I had written more than 50 nonfiction books, ranging from children’s to adult books. I have never self-published a book and always worked through traditional publishers. However, I was unaware of the financial production numbers for nonfiction books and I found it shocking—and something critical for potential authors to understand.

The author never sees these figures for their books as the publisher doesn’t reveal them throughout the contract negotiation process. A publisher will produce these financial calculations as simply a part of good business practices. As an author, understanding this helped me see publishing as a business. Authors have huge amounts of time and emotional investment in their words. When I saw these production numbers, I understood that the publisher, not the author, has the largest out-of-pocket cash investment in a book.

Inside the publisher, the editor will gather a sales projection about how many copies the sales department believes they can sell of your title the first year. That sales figure will be used to calculate the production costs of ink, paper and binding for various amounts of printing (5,000, 10,000 or 15,000 copies). As the initial print number is raised, the cost per book decreases.

You may ask, So why not print a large volume each time? The answer is, if the publisher prints a large number of copies, then he has to store those copies in their warehouse (read cost and expense), plus make sure they actually sell those copies within a year’s timeframe. The cost of tying up financial resources in storing and warehousing books that aren’t selling is large. Also, the federal government taxes publishers on each copy in storage. These tax rules have forced publishers to think long and hard about how many copies of each book to print.

Inside my former publisher, we calculated the overall printing details of the book (paperback with general publishing look or hardcover with jacket) and the number of books to print before offering a book contract. In short, publishers pour a great deal of work into their books and financial projections before they call you and offer a nonfiction book contract. Understanding this process helps you see some of the reasons it takes such a long time for an author to receive a publishing contract…

Often the publisher returns to an author with whom they have already published a book. If the publisher takes a second or third book from the same author, they are investing in that author’s career and trying to build that author’s audience and market. If the author’s books are selling well, then the publisher will be eager for another project. Each week, publishers monitor sales numbers on their books to see if particular authors merit another book contract.

Many writers focus only on the creative aspects of writing a book and getting it published, but the executives inside a publishing house are business people who want to sell books and turn a profit at the end of the day. It’s a delicate balance between creating the best possible product and assuring that each product has the best opportunity to sell into the market and reach the target audience.

________________________________________________

W. Terry Whalin, a writer and publisher lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. A former acquisitions editor, former magazine editor and former literary agent, Terry has written more than 60 nonfiction books including Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams. To help writers, he has created 12-lesson online course called Write A Book Proposal. On Thursday, October 13^th, Terry is answering your questions about proposal creation and marketing in a free teleseminar at: http://askaboutproposals.com You will also receive a free 24-page Ebook, Book Proposal Basics. The call will be recorded and you will receive the replay information if you can’t make the live event.

Where Do I Start? So Much Is Happening!

2011-10-08T07:22:00.002-04:00

Today, I'll be at Greensboro, NC, Barnes & Noble (Friendly Shopping Ctr). I'm giving away a free basket of goodies from a drawing and signing copies of Highland Sanctuary. Please swing by for a visit! (Oct 8th @ 3-5 pm)

Also today, I'm the featured author on the ACFW Blog talking about Using Real Life Experience in Fiction.

Tomorrow (Sunday) is the last day for the Highland Sanctuary Book Launch Contest! Send in your entries now!

On Monday, I'll have W. Terry Whalin as a guest blogger discussing Shocking News to Authors and an upcoming opportunity to join a free telesiminar regarding how to write great proposals.

Don't forget, if you're having trouble finding a copy of Highland Sanctuary at your local book store and you don't want to buy online, ask them to order it. All the major book stores are able to order it for you since it is carried by the major distributors like Ingram, as well as Baker & Taylor.

And finally, in honor of October being National Sensory Awareness & National Downs Syndrome Awareness month, I'm hosting parents who will be guest blogging on their personal experiences with their special needs children. Come read their inspiring story!

The Gift of a Down's Syndrome Child

2011-10-06T06:00:00.003-04:00

Please welcome Guest Blogger, CJ Chase.

“Me?” My 13-year-old son watched me through gray eyes that tilted up at the corners. He gets that color from his grandfather, but the shape—one of the defining characteristics of Down Syndrome—matches no one else in the family.

That morning, several weeks before Easter, he waited expectantly for my answer. Our small Sunday School class—just him and me—periodically read the communion story from his illustrated Bible, most recently that morning. Now he was asking my permission to join the rest of the church in communion for the first time. Was he ready? He could answer my questions, but was it rote memory or did he understand? We’ve long realized he knows more than he is able to express in words.

Down Syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality that affects physical and mental development. People with DS often suffer from a host of ailments, such as heart problems, respiratory issues, hearing difficulties, poor vision, low thyroid function. But there is good news. Early treatment of the physical symptoms is raising both the life expectancy and the IQs of people with DS.

Chances are you’ve met someone with DS. After all, according to the National Institute of Health, it is the most common single cause of birth defects. Still, I never expected it to happen to me.

Those first few days and weeks of Nathanael’s life passed in a blur of specialists and monitors, oxygen tubes and feeding tubes. Nathanael was discharged from NICU after four weeks, and while his improved health relieved some of our stress, the real work for us was just beginning. His low muscle tone, another side effect of the DS, prevented him from breastfeeding, so I pumped and then fed him via a bottle—the feedings lasting as long as two hours per bottle. In order to prevent a recurrence of his respiratory complications, he couldn’t go out in public. And did I mention we also had an active two-year-old at home?

Recently I asked my older son what it was like to have a brother with special needs. Did he wish for a sibling with whom he could have a “normal” brother relationship? Sure, he admitted, it is hard sometimes. But he also wouldn’t want any other brother in the world. Nathanael has “a gift.”

Indeed. We are all better people for having known Nathanael. Unable to make the same kinds of judgments as the rest of us, Nathanael lives in a slightly different, slightly better world—a world where race, weight, and intellectual abilities don’t matter; where you join in the laughter whether you understand the joke or not; where all you really need to be happy is pizza, chocolate milk, and music.

I’ve long believed Nathanael is closer to God’s heart than the rest of us. Jesus said we are to come to him with the faith and trust of a child. And that is exactly how Nathanael took his first communion—with wonderment and a smile on his face.

About CJ Chase

Winner of the 2010 Golden Heart for Best Inspirational Manuscript, C.J. Chase likes to make her characters solve mysteries, wrestle with the difficult issues of life and faith, and fall in love. All wrapped up with a happy ending, of course.

Like a character in one of her novels, C.J. took a circuitous route to her own happy ending as an author. Armed with a degree in statistics, she began a promising career in information technology. But after coworkers discovered she was a member of that rare species--a computer programmer who could also craft a grammatically-correct sentence--she spent more time writing computer manuals than computer code. Leaving the corporate world to stay home with her children, C.J. quickly learned she did not possess the housekeeping gene, so she decided to take the advice of her ninth grade English teacher and write articles and stories people actually wanted to read.

C.J. lives in the swamps of Southeastern Virginia with her handsome husband, active sons, one kinetic sheltie, and an ever-increasing number of chickens. When she is not writing, you will find her gardening, watching old movies, playing classical piano (badly) or teaching a special needs Sunday School class.

You can visit her cyber-home (which is much cleaner than her house) at www.cjchasebooks.com.

Interview with Rachel Burkot at Love Inspired, Seeking New Authors

2011-10-05T06:00:00.007-04:00

Please welcome Rachel Burkot, editorial assistant for Harlequin’s Love Inspired (LIH) line! They published Christian fiction through Steeple Hill.

About Rachel

She loves the variety of daily tasks involved in book production—and the opportunity to read on the job! After going through school hiding a book under a desk and getting in trouble for reading during class, Rachel decided that helping authors make their books as strong as possible would be the ideal career. The hopeless romantic in her is still counting her blessings that she found the perfect home at Harlequin.

For new authors, could you tell us a little about Steeple Hill’s Love Inspired Historical (LIH) line? Must authors submit through an agent?

Our Love Inspired Historical books are engaging stories that take readers back in time for a captivating romance of a different era. Our books span a range of historical settings from all time periods, up to World War II. Story length is between 70-75,000 words. We are actively acquiring authors for all three of our inspirational lines (Love Inspired contemporary romance and Love Inspired Suspense too), but especially for LIH! And no, you do not need an agent to submit.

2. What time period do you see most in LIH and does this mean you would like to branch out into some other timelines or primarily stick to what you already have based on demand?

Rather than by time period, I tend to group our LIH books by genre. We do Westerns, Regencies, Amish, Roman Empire, wartime. We’re open to any time period up to World War II and are always willing to consider something new, as long as the story fits within our guidelines (http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1186&chapter=0).

3. A lot has changed in Christian fiction in the last few years. What are some changes at Steeple Hill as a result and what trends are you seeing for the next year?

Particularly at Love Inspired, we’re pushing for unpredictability and unique stories. We’d love to see some different character occupations, as well as fresh plots, new twists and surprising hooks. Keep readers guessing on where the story is heading from page 1. We’re always looking for compelling, can’t-put-it-down books with relatable characters, strong heroines in particular. Definitely check out what we’re excited about right now by getting your hands on those LIH books! In particular,

I recommend Hearts in Flight, a July release by new author Patty Smith Hall, featuring a headstrong heroine who flies planes for the Women’s Army Special Pilots. Also, The Aristocrat’s Lady, a September LIH by Mary Moore, another debut author, is a great example of what we’re looking for with unpredictability—because the heroine has a secret that will keep readers turning pages!

4. If Steeple Hill has rejected a manuscript in the past, but it has been revised, are you willing to take another look at it?

Yes. Especially when I give an author detailed revision notes, I’m absolutely expecting them to revise and resubmit.

5. What are some pet peeves you don’t want to see with submissions?

Stories with too much description or back story. Characters who are flat and one-dimensional. Contrived or convenient plot elements. Insufficient conflict keeping the hero and heroine apart. Instead, be creative and original. Stay true to the characters you have created. Concentrate on telling a strong story well. Start with a bang. Grab readers’ attention right away, from the first line. Create relatable, sympathetic characters, especially heroines whom romance readers can identify with. Give them sufficient goals, motivations and conflicts, both internal and external.

6. Is there anything else you would like to share with authors who may be considering LIH?

Since the increase in the LIH line from 2-4 books per month at the beginning of 2010, opportunities abound for writers! We would love to see your submissions, and we welcome both brand-new and previously published authors. We've bought almost 20 new authors for LIH in the last two years, and we’d love to acquire more. Send your submissions to Love Inspired Books at 233 Broadway, Suite 1001, New York, NY 10279.

Rachel, thank you for joining us today!

Aspiring authors, feel free to leave a comment or ask Rachel any burning questions you might have. Now is your chance!

This October, Let's Celebrate Our Special Kids!

2011-10-04T06:00:00.022-04:00

October is National Sensory Awareness Month, as well as National Downs Syndrome Awareness Month. Throughout October, several parents will be sharing their stories of challenges and triumphs right here on my blog.

These parents have children with sensory issues, Aspergers, Autisum, seizures, ADD and ADHD. The purpose of these blog posts are to bring a sense of community in helping each other understand and share each other's challenges, to inspire and uplift one another, and to let others know they are not alone.

I'd like to kick off the month by telling you about my daughter, Celina, who was born with a life-threatening seizure disorder where she would stop breathing and need CPR. After three weeks of numerous tests in the neonatal intensive care unit, we requested a transfer to Brenners Children's Hospital at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. It was the beginning of her recovery and healing.

They were finally able to get Celina's seizures under control with medication, but it was the first of many hospital visits over the next three years. My husband and I would NOT sleep well for the next five years. We were told that Celina may grow out of her seizures and to be aware of signs of delayed development.

As believers of God's awesome power and healing, we took her to church and had the elders anoint her with oil and pray for her. Celina's doctor took her off her seizure meds at the age of three, and she only had one febrile seizure at the age of five. It was the last!

By this time we were noticing some delayed development, but we didn't know what to do about it. We held Celina back two years in K5 since she was a young five-year-old. The following year they still weren't ready to send her to first grade. I refused to hold her back in K5 a third year. The private Christian school where she was enrolled refused to let her stay. With much prayer, we finally enrolled her in the public school system and it turned out to be the best decision we could have made.

They had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) where Celina would have measurable goals that would be realistic to her abilities and would allow her to learn at her own speed. At this time she was diagnosed with Sensory Integration Disorder and began occupational therapy and received speech therapy from school. At age seven she was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). The public school system's special resource teachers worked with her in ways I would have never considered. Slowly, we began to see improvement.

We tried a couple of ADD meds, but they didn't work. We were able to keep her off ADD meds until puberty hit. All of a sudden her grades dropped, and she began crying all the time. Fearing a deep depression would set in, we took Celina to her pediatrician. He suggested we try a new med. After a month, her body adjusted and the side affects went away. Her grades came back up, the crying stopped, and it was wonderful having our child back. Celina has now been on this med for three years. It has worked wonders. I thank God that he gives people the technology to develop such things to help people.

Celina is now 14 and this year she jumped three grade levels in reading. She's on grade level for the first time. Delayed development doesn't mean a child won't achieve their grade level, but that it may only be delayed. The good news is...it WILL happen.

Parents, don't give up through the challenges or give in to worry. Have faith! For God is in control when we let Him be.

Highland Sanctuary Releases Today! (Read the 1st Chapter)

2011-10-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

#christianfiction

A Sanctuary of Secrets...

Gavin MacKenzie, a chieftain heir who is hired to restore the ancient Castle of Braigh, discovers a hidden village of outcasts who have created their own private sanctuary from the world. Among them is Serena Boyd, a mysterious and
comely lass, who captures Gavin’s heart in spite of harboring a deadly past that could destroy her future.

The villagers happen to be keeping an intriguing secret as well. When a fierce enemy launches an attack against them, greed leads to bitter betrayal. As Gavin prepares a defense, the villagers unite in a bold act of faith, showing how God’s love is more powerful than any human force on earth.

Where to purchase Highland Sanctuary!

USA Bookstores
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Books-A-Million
Christian Book Distributors
Cokesbury Christian Bookstore
LifeWay Christian Bookstores

Australian Bookstores
Angus & Robertson
Booktopia

Canada Bookstores
Amazon (CA)

Blessings

McNally Robinson Bookstore

UK Bookstores
Amazon (UK)

Foyles
JS Campus
WHSmith

Highland Sanctuary Video Book Trailer

Read the First Chapter!

Highland Sanctuary

Chapter One

Scotland, 1457
The ordeal over, fragmented tremors still quaked through Evelina Broderwick's body. She gazed down at her new daughter. Now, she'd finally have someone who would truly love her. Tiny fingers curled. Evelina marveled at the wee nails. The other hand tightened into a fist and flew into the bairn’s mouth as she sucked on her knuckles.

“She’s beautiful is she not?” Tears clouded Evelina’s vision, overwhelming her by the magnitude of God’s gift of life.

Gunna, her wet nurse, peered closer at the babe swaddled in a warm blanket. “Aye, she is at that.”

“I believe I shall call her Serena after my Spanish grandmother. The lass has an English da and a Scottish mither—a mixture of noble blood from three countries.”

“Not a verra common name here in the lowlands,” Gunna’s round cheeks swelled in a smile as she nodded in agreement, “but lovely just the same.”
The bedchamber door swung open, casting dim light from the hallway candles. The shadow of a man’s tall frame bounced on the dark pine walls. Evelina tensed as her husband, Devlin Broderwick strode in with his usual frown. A dent marred his forehead. He towered over the bedside.

The midwife followed him and stood at the foot of the bed, folding her hands in front of her. The woman appeared to be in her mid-fifties, personally chosen by Devlin and quite loyal to the Broderwick family. Her dark gaze traveled from Evelina to Gunna and down at the infant.

“I’ve heard the unfortunate news.” Devlin’s sharp tone cut through the room like a blade through a gentle lamb.

Was a lass so terrible? Evelina glanced at the only window on the far right. The shutters were closed, blocking the night sky from view. She would like naught more than to escape the confines of her marriage, even if it meant taking sanctuary behind the walls of a convent for the rest of her days.

Devlin cleared his throat. He wore a black tunic with blooming sleeves narrowing at the cuffs. Black suited his dark moods. His hair hung straight in the shape of an downward bowl. He crossed his arms, taking an authoritative stance. “Fortunately, you’re still young and healthy. You can try again when you’re well enough.”

Evelina stayed her tongue. Over the last eleven months of their marriage, she had come to despise him. She had tried to love him, tried to win his affection, but he had been most impossible to please. No wonder her kinsmen hated the English. He had wounded her feelings more times than she cared to count. She’d begun to resent her parents for arranging this union and forcing her into a lifetime of sorrow.

“I’ll love her.” Evelina held her daughter against her bosom. She stared at the wine-colored blanket covering her bed, tracing a finger along the raised flower pattern stitched into the thick fabric, a gift from Devlin’s mother.

“I’m sure you will.” He pointed at their daughter. “Now lay her down so I can see her.”

Cradling her child’s unsteady head, Evelina lowered Serena onto her back. She unwrapped the white blanket from her squirming body. Devlin leaned close.
The bairn’s rosy glow turned red then deepened to a shade of purple. Serena’s head twisted at the nape, her face almost level with the bed. The child’s eyes glazed over, twitching into the corners, only the whites visible.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Devlin jumped back in alarm.

Though Serena’s entire body had grown stiff, it quivered in spasms. The area around her lips faded to white and the rest of her skin melted from purple to an ashen gray.

“She’s not breathing!” Evelina turned to the midwife. “Do something!”

“I deliver wee bairns. I don’t cast out demons.” The midwife’s fearful eyes met hers.

Evelina gripped her husband’s arm, but he pulled away. “Devlin, please do something. She’s stopped breathing! Save her, please?”

He only stared at the helpless babe with disbelieving eyes.

Evelina reached for her daughter’s seizing body. Not knowing what else to do, Evelina turned the child over on her stomach and patted her back. She willed her babe to breathe. She blew air in Serena’s face, hoping to startle her into breathing. White foam leaked over Serena’s colorless lips. Evelina laid her down and plunged her finger into the tiny mouth, pulling with all her might against the curled tongue. Serena coughed, moaned, and screamed into a blessed cry.

“Oh, thank God!” Evelina collapsed, lowering her head next to Serena and letting silent tears fall in relief. Their wee bairn would live.

Evelina kissed Serena’s round head on a thin layer of soft black hair. Her tiny lungs panted for air as her breathing returned to normal. She touched Serena’s sweet ears, her pug nose, and cheeks now gaining a rosy glow.

“What was that?” Devlin’s voice flayed her nerves and she jumped. He stood with his hands on his hips, staring at the child in disbelief, his dark, condemning eyes narrowed.

“The babe was having some sort of fit,” the midwife said. “I’ve heard of stories like this, but never seen one myself.”

“Yes, I can see that. I want to know why!” Devlin took two menacing steps toward her.

“’Tis unexplained.” She stepped back, tilted her head upon her shoulders, and looked up at him with wide eyes. “No one really knows what it is. Some call it the falling sickness.”

Devlin paced across the chamber, rubbing the back of his head. The soles of his mid-calf leather boots clicked against the hardwood floor. “Why would a child have such a fit? How can ye stop it?”

“I don’t know.” The midwife shook her head and sank against the wall.

His gaze dropped to the bundle in Evelina’s arms. “It’s possessed.” His lips twisted in thought. He paced again. “We’ll call a priest to cast it out.” He paused and shook his head. “No, we can’t do that. How would it look if the Broderwick family produced a demon possessed child?” He shook his head. “I won’t have the family name ruined.” He turned and pointed at the midwife and Gunna. “No one had better speak a word outside this bedchamber. If you do, I’ll make you sorry.”

“I won’t say a word,” the midwife said, shaking her head.

“Yes, my lord,” Gunna said, looking down at her feet.

“She isn’t possessed,” Evelina said, her heart pounding in worry. “She stopped breathing and nearly died.”

Devlin strode toward her. He pressed his fists into the soft feather mattress and leaned foward. “There’s no other explanation.”

“Devlin, ye’re mistaken. She couldn’t catch her breath is all.”

“Then why did she turn her head as if it would disconnect from her body of its own accord? Where did her eyes go? In the back of her head? What was coming from her mouth? Do ye call it somethin’ from God?” He stepped back. “`This isn’t the work of God. I feel it in my soul. Something is wrong. As head of this household it’s my responsibility to take care of it.”

“Our child is not evil.” Evelina moved Serena over her shoulder and patted her bottom.

“I make the final decisions in this house.” Devlin’s dark eyebrows knitted together in an angry line. “She may look normal now, but her body is possessed by somethin’. I’ll not tolerate evil under my own roof. Do you hear me, woman?”

“Devlin, listen to yerself. She’s our child.” Evelina clutched the bundle in her arms, fear rooted in her heart. Was he completely mad?

“I saw the babe turn into a demon with my own eyes. I won’t claim it as mine. I’ve made up my mind. I don’t want it, and I forbid ye to keep it.”

“I won’t give her up!” Evelina moved Serena to the far side of her body away from him. “She’s my bairn, not some animal to cast away.”

“You’re my wife, and you’ll do as I tell you.” He stepped toward her, grabbing for the child.

Evelina refused to relinquish her hold. Their daughter began to cry at their tug of war. He tightened his grip on Evelina’s flesh until she could no longer feel. Fearing Serena would be hurt from their struggle, Evelina relented. He snatched Serena.

“I beg ye, don’t take her away.” Tears clogged Evelina’s voice, choking her.
He strode from the chamber with Serena. The midwife made a “hymph” sound and followed him.

Evelina tried to rise. In her weakened state, she fell to the floor.

“Oh, dearie me!” Gunna cried, hurrying around the bed to help her.

Evelina had forgotten she was still in the room. Frantic hands pulled under Evelina’s arms, trying to lift her as she struggled to her knees.
“Nay! Don’t bother with me. Find out where he’s taking her.” Evelina nudged her.

“But—''

“Please? Do this one thing for me.” Evelina sniffed back tears. “Go! Make haste before it’s too late.”

“I-I’ll do as ye ask. Don’t ye worry, lass. We’ll save yer bairn.” She fled the chamber, leaving Evelina alone in her anguish.

Evelina dropped her head upon her arms. Her eyelids fluttered shut. “Dear God,” she whispered. “I dedicate Serena to Ye. She isn’t evil. She’s just the way Ye made her. Allow me to be her mither and I’ll teach her Yer ways and raise her to be Yer child.”

The room began to spin. Evelina clutched the bed linens for support. Darkness claimed her vision as the distant sounds of her child crying in another part of the house fell silent. “Please…God,” she whispered, fading to unconsciousness.

Scotland 1477
Gavin MacKenzie and Leith, his brother, led fifty clansmen along the narrow dirt path, two men abreast, their conversation a gentle rhythm above the steady clip-clop of horses. The comfortable late-spring air made it a good day to travel.

Something moved ahead. From this distance it looked like a horse pulling a wagon. The sound of weeping reached his ears and then faded. Had he imagined it? He motioned to the men to be quiet. Their voices dropped to whispers before altogether silencing.

Sholto, his horse, grew restless and sidestepped. Gavin grabbed the reins with both hands. The animal snorted in obvious distress. To calm the beast, Gavin rubbed his mount’s neck until his breathing evened and his gait steadied. Gavin’s red and gray plaid fell over his right shoulder. Shoving it out of his way, he studied the layout of the land, looking for signs of a surprise attack.

They’d travelled for days, leaving the familiar glens and rolling moors with a sheltered forest for the flat peatland surrounding them in Scotland’s northern tip of Caithness. With no place to hide, the element of surprise was not in their favor. The light wind carried the scent of the bog myrtle across the silver lochs and purple heather dotting the land mixing with the salty sea. By this, Gavin knew they must be getting close to Braigh Castle. He was told it stood in alone on the moss-covered rocky cliffs facing the sea—like a sanctuary.

The wagon up ahead moved. Gavin gripped the reins tight and hastened his mount. As he drew closer, a skittish horse flung his tail in vexation, hitched to a heavy laden wagon. The animal neighed and pranced about as much as the load allowed.
More weeping carried from the opposite side of the wagon. Gavin motioned for his men to halt. He nodded toward Leith who dismounted and went to calm the beast. Gavin inched toward the noise.

A woman with a long braid of auburn hair streaked with gray bent over a lass lying on her back. He couldn’t see much of the one lying down, but the weeping one wore a dark blue gown. She patted her unresponsive companion, speaking in a hushed, worried tone.

He cleared his throat, reining in his horse and sliding to the ground.
She gasped and turned a frightened expression toward him.

“What happened?” He nodded toward the unconscious lady lying in a bed of thick grass.

Her moss-green eyes watched him, assessing his character. She wiped at the tears staining her cheeks. “We must have hit somethin’. The wagon nearly tipped over. She fell from her seat and hit her head.”

Gavin bent to his knees, surveying the unmoving lass and felt for a pulse in her neck. It beat steady. Her skin was warm and smooth. She was much younger than her concerned friend. “Have ye checked her head for bleeding?”

“It only happened a moment ago. I first tried to wake her.” Alarm crossed her face as her eyes widened, and she grabbed the girl’s hands between her own. “I do wish she’d wake. ‘Twould put my mind at ease. She’s my daughter…my only child.” Her chin trembled.

“May I?” Gavin gestured toward her daughter. “I’d like to check her head for bleeding or lumps”

“Aye.” She nodded. “Serena took many falls as a child. She was always so free-spirited. But I’ve never known her to be out this long.”

Serena. He liked her name. It was different. Lying here, she looked serene.

Although her skin was pale, he could tell she had spent time in the sun. Her dark lashes curled against her skin. Light freckles lay across the bridge of her nose. He took a deep breath and eased his hands in her black hair. It was thick and free of curls, reminding him of black velvet, though it felt more like smooth satin.

“It’s right here.” He found a bump forming on the right side of her head above her ear. “’Tis only a slight knot. I’m sure she’ll be fine.” Gavin glanced at the full wagon. “There’s little room in yer wagon. Would ye like me to carry her to my horse?”

She graced her knuckles over her daughter’s cheek. “I’m verra thankful for yer assistance. We live in the Village of Braigh about a mile ahead. Would ye mind carrying her there? We were just returning from the town market.”

“We’d be honored,” Gavin said. “We’re on our way to Braigh Castle. Is yer village near the castle?”

“Aye.” A smile brightened her worry-filled eyes. “Only a half a mile further beyond our village, would be my guess.”

Gavin crooked his finger toward his men, singling out Roan. As his friend dismounted, Gavin realized how much his tall frame would benefit them. His long blond hair was tied back at the nape. One thing he and his men lacked over the course of their travel was proper grooming. He hoped their ragged looks and overgrown beards wouldn’t offend or frighten the lasses.

“I’m going to mount my horse, and I need ye to lift her to me as gently as possible.”

“I got ‘er.” Roan said, bending to one knee and slipping an arm beneath her neck and behind her knees.

Once he was settled upon Sholto, Gavin secured the reins and held out his arms. Roan raised her up. Gavin settled her across his lap, hoping she would be comfortable and the ride wouldn’t jar her wounded head too much. It helped that she wore a simple brown gown.

“Careful,” her mother said, wringing her hands.

“Serena will be safe. Would ye prefer to drive the wagon or would ye like for one of my men to take over?” If she was too upset, he didn’t want another mishap to befall them.

She shook her head. Pieces of hair loosened from her braid. “Nay, it helps me to have somethin’ to do. Let me know as soon as she wakes. My name’s Evelina Boyd, and I’m verra thankful for yer help.”

Leith assisted her to better secure the horse to the wagon and checked the condition of the wheels. Once he and Roan were mounted on their horses again, they began a slow pace to match Evelina’s wagon.

The men conversed in quiet tones. A bird flapped its wings above them and sang. A gentle draft kept the air from being too warm. The sun hid behind white clouds and burst out in brightness every once in a while.

Gavin looked down at the bonny lass in his arms, breathing in the feminine scent of heather and juniper. The aroma stirred forgotten memories of another lass he’d tried his best to forget. If she had lived, he’d be a married man by now, mayhap the father of wee bairns. To his bitter disappointment, his life had taken another route, which led him and his brother all over Europe to escape his grief and guilt.

“Could that be a patch of woods down yon in the glen?” Leith rode up beside Gavin and shielded his hand over his eyes.

“Looks like it.” Relieved to be distracted from his thoughts, Gavin looked where his brother gestured. “That must be Braigh Castle.”

Situated on a long, narrow rocky cliff sat a magnificent stone fortress that looked to be king of the sea. A wide tower stood tall above wings that stretched out on each side. “From here, it doesn’t look like it needs to be restored,” Gavin said, admiring the view. “How will we ever be able to improve upon it?”

“Yer here to restore the castle, then?” Evelina rolled the wagon to a stop beside them.

“Aye.” Gavin nodded, careful not to reveal the other reason they were there—to protect the new laird, his castle, and the village. He wondered how much Evelina and Serena knew concerning the truth behind the elder laird’s death.

“The massive keep is at least two centuries auld and Vikings have attacked it on several occasions,” Evelina said.

“Were they ever successful?” Leith asked.

“I don’t think so.” Evelina shook her head. “But I don’t know the whole history.” She glanced at Serena in Gavin’s arms. “Will the restoration take long?”

Gavin shrugged. “We won’t know ‘til we see the damage.”

“Oh.” Her gaze shifted back to the castle as she pondered his words. Her expression tensing as the lines around her eyes and mouth deepened. She cleared her throat. “I suppose that means ye’ll be here for quite a while then?”

“Aye.” He nodded.

A strange silence followed. An eerie forboding crawled up his spine. He couldn’t help sensing she didn’t welcome their presence. He scratched his temple.

“Back in the town of Braighwick people called it the Village of Outcasts,” Leith said. “Why?”

“Ye’ll see soon enough.” The warmth in her eyes faded to a reserved caution as she clicked to her horse and started forward.

As they approached the only patch of woods in the area, Gavin braced himself for what could earn this place the odd name. They crossed into the shade of the birch and hazel trees dotted among the dominant forest of pine. Brown needles cushioned the ground in a blanket of comfort, much like the serenity of snow he loved in winter. The fresh scent surrounding them appealed to Gavin as he breathed in the pine scent.

Small dwellings were scattered throughout the woods, made of stone and packed with peat bothy, straw, heather and moss. The turf roofs contained a simple hole for the smoke that rose from the center where they built their fires. If the inside of these cottages were like the ones that belonged to his father’s tenants at home, most were one room dwellings with a dirt floor. The family slept on one side, while their cattle passed the night on the other. Having grown up in the luxury of his father’s castle, it was hard to imagine enduring conditions such as these as a way of life.

A few people opened their doors to watch them pass. Compassion hit Gavin with a force he had not expected. Their clothes were worn through and tattered in places. Most were barefoot. Filth and grime covered their faces. The Boyds seemed out of place here with their clean clothes and clean appearance. Yet, in spite of these people’s poverty, their eyes glowed with a passionate joy he couldn’t fathom, not the listless melancholy one would expect.

“This is ours.” Evelina stopped in front of one of the rectangle hovels. She secured the reins, set the wagon brake, and climbed down.

Upcoming: Editor, Rachel Burkot from LIH

2011-09-30T10:11:00.001-04:00

On Wednesday, October 5th, Steeple Hill's Love Inspired Historical Editor, Rachel Burkot, will be on my blog. She'll be discussing the kinds of inspirational historicals they are looking to acquire from new authors. Don't miss it!

Word of Inspiration: The Promise Is for All of Us

2011-09-29T05:50:00.000-04:00

"For the promise that He would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but the righteousness of faith." (Romans 4:13)

When God promised Abraham that he would have a son and God would establish a covenant with him and his descendants, he wasn't just referring to the physical descendants, the Jews. God was talking about us, the gentiles, anyone in the world regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, and gender who is willing to be adopted as God's spiritual child. The promise, Jesus Christ and the salvation He brings to us, is ours if we will receive it!

Highland Blessings a Free Kindle Download

2011-09-28T06:00:00.002-04:00