May 20

32 Birthday Blessings (and a GIVEAWAY!)

file0002117963911It’s time to celebrate! It’s my birthday! I’m not a day over 21…really. What? You don’t believe me? Okay, okay…I’m not a day over 28–a few times over.

This time of year, I always like to reflect on the many ways God has blessed me. Thus, here are my 32 blessings (number is random and in no way a reflection of my actual age…really.)

I am thankful for . . .

1.  My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, without whom I would be lost in this crazy world.

2.  My wonderful husband. He is a lifesaver–my biggest encourager, my partner, my everything.

3-5.  Each of my beautiful, loving, crazy kids. They are a lot of work, but they are 3 of the best things in my life.

6 & 7.  My parents. They have been strongholds in my life, a twin-pillar of kindness, generosity, and humility.

8.  My friend, Cathy–we go back a long time, almost 15 years. She has been an inspiration and a joy to know.

9 & 10.  My friends, Kathryn and Dawn Marie. This year has been a particularly rough year for me, and these two have helped to see me through the difficult transition from military to civilian life.

11.  My writing friends. When life gets you down, there’s nothing like a bunch of writers to help pick you up by your bootstraps. They can help with everything–from listening and praying to planning a murder and escaping the police (in a novel, of course).

12.  My writing. A salvation of sorts over the years, writing has kept my head on straight, and my eyes on the future.

13.  My new editing business. I have been looking for a way to earn money from home that would be a bit faster than waiting to be the next best seller. Freelance editing has truly been a God-send. He knew this would be the perfect job for me–and I am so happy to be doing something I love.

14.  ACFW. The American Christian Fiction Writers has been a treasure trove of knowledge. Everyone is so willing to help each other out, and I have found numerous friends that have touched my heart through this group.

15.  My health. While some of you may raise your eyebrows at this one–as sick as I can be, I know there are many people who are worse off than I am in the health department. For now, I am thankful for my health.

16.  Our home. Procuring this home was not easy–and it may not remain ours if we can’t work out some financial stuff soon. Still, this home has been a blessing, and we look forward to many years raising our family here.

17.  Grace and Growing Homeschool Co-op. This group offered the first real chance for the kids and I to be able to make some friends after moving to KY. The women that I’ve met through the group have really helped me to feel at home, and to feel useful. Next semester, I’m even teaching 3 writing courses.

18.  Our bed. This may sound silly, but if you understood my husband’s medical issues, you would know what a blessing it is that we were able to get this new bed back in February. It has helped my husband to rest easier and feel better, which in turn has helped me!

19.  The armed forces and their families. As a military brat turned military wife, I have known no other life. I know the sacrifices that they make, and the importance of their jobs. God bless them all!

20.  Chocolate. Hey, what can I say? It’s one of the necessary food groups.

21.  My laptop. This thing that I’m writing on helps to connect me to the world outside, it allows me to do the jobs I do, it helps with our homeschool…it’s pretty much a jack of all trades for our home.

22.  The freedom to homeschool. There are many, many reasons that we chose to homeschool, and I am glad to live in a country that allows us to do so. I’m even more thankful to live in a state that isn’t very strict.

23.  Books. Where there’s a writer, you will find a reader. If you asked my parents what my preferred activity was when I was a kid, it would be reading. In fact, I used to get in trouble for reading in class and not paying attention to the teacher. Man, they hated it when they called on me and I could still answer the questions.

24.  High-speed internet. I mean, really, my life could just take so much longer if we still had dial-up.

25.  Social Media. There are many pros and cons to social media, but I must say that without it I would not have met some of the many people that I have over the last several years. Some of my closest friends would not have been such without the blessing of social media.

26.  Veggies and fruit. God created this world for us. He made sure that we would be cared for. Veggies, fruit, even meat are made to nourish our bodies. I am learning to embrace His world above the stuff man created. Except when it comes to chocolate . . .

27.  My imagination, without which I would not be the talented storyteller that I am.

28.  Music–life’s song.

29.  My in-laws. They have been such a help over the last year–especially my mother-in-law. She is really something special.

30.  New hobbies! I’m embracing my inner crafty diva and diving into some new (and old) hobbies. I’ve brought out my sewing machine to reteach myself to sew, and I am teaching myself to cook. A friend was nice enough to give me some of her stuff when she was moving to Alaska so that I can teach myself to crochet.

31.  I am thankful for 32 years of life (so far). My trip into this world was not an easy one, and it is only by God’s grace that I am here today.

32.  I am thankful for being able to share my journey with you all. It is a blessing to be connect with people in a fun and unique way. Thank you for stopping by!

 

I am truly blessed! Even through life’s rough moments, it’s important to remember that we are still blessed. God still cares for us. Even if we have nothing, He is there. Always.

And now for my BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY!

I have a basket of 32 things to giveaway! Now, I haven’t made up the basket yet, but I do promise it will be a fun basket. All you have to do is leave a comment below, sharing something that you are thankful for (be sure to include your email address). This contest will run through Thursday (5/23) night, and I’ll announce the winner in Friday’s Character Tour post.

Have a fabulous week!

May 17

Character Tour: Joe the Dreamer: The Castle and the Catapult

Yes, it’s that time again! It’s Friday, and time to welcome the weekend with another Character Tour post. This week, it is my pleasure to invite Ada Brownell and her character, Joe, to our spotlight. I’ve started some of those “different” posts I’ve talked about. I asked Joe 5 questions that will hopefully help to build intrigue for you without giving away the anything. Enjoy!

 

RALENE: Who are you at the beginning of the novel?Joe the dreamer cover

JOE: Yo.  My name is Joe Baker. I’m age 14, going on 15, tall for my age, but if things continue as they have the last few days I’ll pass for an old man any day now.

I’m the son of Darin and Rose Baker, and they disappeared Monday evening. My little sis, Penny, and I waited and waited, but they didn’t come home. Pop, a computer software designer, and Mom, a buyer and fashion consultant at Vanby’s, a prestigious teen clothing store, left work to visit a friend at the hospital, and no one has seen them since.

RALENE: What is your biggest challenge?

JOE: My life is full of challenges. First, I need to find out how to believe in miracles so God will bring my parents home. In the meantime, I should learn how to live with Uncle Faulkner and Aunt Anna. But Faulkner, a powerful newspaper editor, is so full of himself I don’t know who will explode first–him or me. Anna is tied to that little glass of alcohol, and one little match could set her ablaze. But I love Aunt Anna. Can you believe Faulkner was going to send our black lab dog, Hefley, to the pound before Anna put him in his place?

RALENE: What is your biggest fear?

I thought my biggest fear was that my parents would be found dead. But now Pop has been accused of stealing priceless computer software to help control epilepsy. I think he designed it at home in his spare time. Why would he steal it? Then, every time I read the Bible, I dream I’m some great biblical hero and wake up shouting and screaming out, making Faulkner and his psychiatrist friend think I’m mentally ill, need medication and hospitalized.

RALENE: Who has been the most influential person in your life?

I always wanted to be like Pop and someday marry someone with beauty and character like my mom, but they aren’t here now. So, I let Gertrude, a wonderful, old, crippled lady, love on me and pray for me, but I also re-connected with my old neighborhood and joined a gang. Not just any gang, dude. The East Side Gallant Guardians. Christian teens who solve and prevent crime without guns or blades, using things like a pet skunk, sand, rope, noise, marbles. Centipede—he’s the leader–and his group of homies aren’t afraid of anybody or anything because they believe God is with them. Patrick—that’s Faulkner’s son—says we’re going to get ourselves killed, but so far amazing things are happening, and we discovered prisoners are being held at Sir Henry’s Castle in the mountains. I think that might be where Mom and Pop are, and we are taking a catapult and invading the castle.

RALENE: What is one secret that no one else knows about you?

Would you believe we’re even allowing Pete’s twin sister to go with us? I’ve known Petra for a long time and hadn’t noticed how pretty and talented she is until just a few weeks ago. I’m not spreading it around that I like her, you see, so don’t you go texting everyone you know. I hope when everything comes down she’ll hang tough with her karate moves and cut the timber out from under some of those guards—including their robot. Almost would make me grab her and plant a kiss on her gorgeous face!

If you want to know how all of this turns out, check out this link and the review where a teen said the book is “A tale of intrigue and faith; captures the reader from the opening page” JOE THE DREAMER: THE CASTLE AND THE CATAPULT http://buff.ly/XeqTvH

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ada Brownell, also writing as A.B. Brownell, has been writing for Christian publications since age 15 and spent much of her life as a daily newspaper reporter. She has a B.S. degree in Mass Communications and worked most of her career at The Pueblo Chieftain in Colo., where she spent the last seven years as a medical writer. After moving to Springfield, MO in her retirement, she continues to free lance for Christian publications and write non-fiction and fiction books.

She is author of Joe the Dreamer: The Castle and the Catapult, released Jan. 15, 2013; Swallowed by Life: Mysteries of Death, Resurrection and the Eternal, released Dec. 6, 2011; and Confessions of a Pentecostal, published by the Assemblies of God’s Gospel Publishing House in 1978, out- of-print but released in 2012 for Kindle.

Link to purchase Joe the Dreamer: http://buff.ly/XeqTvH

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/AdaBrownellWritingMinistries

Twitter: @adellerella

     Blog: http://inkfromanearthenvessel.blogspot.com Stick to Your Soul Encouragement

Amazon Ada Brownell author page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001KJ2C06

 

May 15

What are You Doing This Summer?

sunflowerHere we are, mid-May, and the weather is finally kicking up the heat a bit. Summer is on its way.

Growing up in the public school system, I am used to the 9 months of school, 3 months of summer. Though, in the middle of my sophomore year, we moved to a district that had more of a 10 months of school, 2 months of summer, with longer breaks during the year.

Summer was always a favorite time because it gave me an opportunity to pursue things I was actually interested in. Art, writing, reading, sports (although I wasn’t very good). Summer meant fair season for 4-H, swimming lessons, and usually a trip or 2.

Now that I’m an adult, summer doesn’t quite hold the same allure. I’m not the fan of hot weather that I used to be. I still love fair season, even though I’m not in 4-H (nor are my kids).

Also, our school doesn’t follow the public school schedule. We school year round in a more literal sense. Our new school year starts in July, and then we have school 6 weeks on, 1 week off, with an extended break over Christmas. Then we take the entire month of June off so I can plan the next year.

This year, though, we’re actually having to move our ending date to the 2nd week of June. With the moving and craziness, we got a bit behind.

I see a trip to my parents sometime over the summer. And our homeschool co-op has some day trips planned. There’s talk of visiting some friends in Tennessee. Otherwise, there’s plenty to do around here!

What about you? What are you doing this summer?

May 13

May SMART Goals Update

I’ll admit it right here, up front–I have not been sticking with my goals very well at all. There’s really no excuse for it. I did have a spring cold last week, and those are no fun. But for my May goals, I didn’t really have to be feeling well to work on them. It pretty much came down to laziness and mixed priorities.

At least I realize my issues, though. May is only half over. I still have 18 days to change things around. There’s still time to rearrange my priorities and develop better habits.

So, how are my goals looking so far?

1. Reading my through the New Testament for 30 minutes a day: I have not been consistent with this at all. However, I have been doing it more often than I had been before. Progress is being made–but I can do better. Part of my problem has been that I haven’t been getting up at 5:30, which is the time I set aside to read. Illness and fatigue has had me not getting up until 7 or later. I need to work on that.

2. Praying: This one I have been doing better at. Prayer is becoming an intricate part of my daily life–from time spent praying when I wake up and when I go to sleep, to short prayers said throughout the day. The thing that I would like to work on now is learning to cultivate deeper prayers and praying God’s word.

3. Making up menus and sticking with them: Menu what? FAIL! I haven’t even tried planning this month. I seem to be waiting for that perfect time. That time that just doesn’t seem to happen for whatever reason. I need to quit putting it off and get stuff done!

How about you? How are you doing with your goals this month?

May 09

The Beginning of Relationship Rehab

067-2We live in a world driven by technology, a society inundated with new toys on a daily basis. I look out at all the changes and wonder where I stand. I want to be an author, to see my novel on a shelf in the bookstore (or at least on Amazon), but with the ebook and self-publishing revolutions, how do I stand out? As a mother, I see my husband and my children drawn to TV and video games (myself to, in some cases), but whatever happened to spending time together as a family—quality time?

What happened to relationships?

In today’s world, relationships seem to be a dying breed, but they are more important to our well-being than we realize. A person cannot live a fruitful, full-filling life without them. Granted, some of us need more than others, but the fact still remains that we need that bond for everything from personal fulfillment to business.

 

Of course, the most important relationship we can have is with God and His son, Jesus Christ. Realizing that we are imperfect, and that we need a Savior, is an important step, but that’s not where the relationship ends. God desires a close, personal relationship with us. We need that relationship to sustain us in a fallen world. Through prayer, Bible study, and just sitting in the quiet, God communes with us, and our cups are filled.

Ideas for building this relationship:

1. Resolve to spend 10 minutes in the morning and at night with the Lord.

2. Read the Bible with purpose.

3. Pray continuously throughout the day. When you would normally count to 10, say a prayer instead!

Family is the second most important relationships we need. I’m not talking just blood here. Family is that close-knit relationship that loves through the wrongs, bears with the pains, and survives no matter what. Close friends, church families, blood relatives—it doesn’t matter. We have to take the time to cultivate these relationships. If God sustains us, family fortifies us.

Ideas for building this relationship:

1. Take the time to write someone a real letter or send them a card for no reason at all.

2. Schedule at least one day a month to enjoy a meal with nearby family members.

3. Trust begets trust, sharing with others will help them to share with you!

You would think in the world of business, things would be different—but they’re not. In business, the latest hot button topic is “networking.” How do you get your name out there? Well, you know, there are hundreds of people doing the same thing you’re doing. As a writer and editor in the digital age, I’m just a name. Why would an agent/editor/reader care to pick up my book, or a writer enlist my services? What makes me stand out from everyone else? It’s all about relationships—it’s not about what they can do for me, it’s about what I can do for them. Personal interaction, favors, going the extra mile, making each person feel just a little more special each time they talk to you, that’s what keeps them coming back.

Ideas for building this relationship:

1. Excellent customer service is key–go the extra mile whenever you can.

2. Start a Christmas list–send cards to customers/colleagues that you have engaged with on a regular basis.

3. Sharing gets the word out! If you have colleagues that you can brag about–do! If you’re spreading the word about them, they may spread the word about you!

It seems the more access we have to each other, the weaker relationships become. We need to make that conscious effort to build those relationships just a little more each day. A personal note to a friend or colleague. A call “just to chat” with a family member, or standing at the fence to exchange pleasantries with a neighbor.

Relationships matter.

May 06

How Do Character GMCs Compare to Real Life Goals? Pt. 1

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As a writer, I often have to reflect on the goal, motivation, and conflict (GMC) of my main characters. These are the things that drive the characters in the story, give them direction, and affect how they act and react.

These character concepts can be compared to real life. To discover how, we must first understand what GMC is (especially those of you who may not be writers).

CHARACTER GMC:

Goal: What is the character’s goal in the story (and there can be more than one)? In the TV show, Smallville, Clark’s goal was to keep his abilities a secret while protecting those he loves. In the movie, She’s the Man, Viola’s goal is to prove that she can play soccer as good as the boys.

Motivation: This is what keeps the character going. It’s why their goal is so important to them. It affects the choices they make, and their reactions to conflicts. 

In Daughter of Light by Morgan Busse, the main character’s motivation for hiding her abilities is that she fears the same humiliation she faced in her hometown, not to mention that her abilities are pretty scary. Her fear keeps her from touching people as much as she can.

In the Disney favorite, Enchanted, Giselle wants to get back to her realm because she wants to marry the prince. While she’s looking for happily ever after, she can’t help but get involved with other people to help them find their happy ending as well, whether it is the soon-to-be-divorced couple at Robert’s law firm, or the somewhat superficial relationship between Robert and Nancy.

Conflict: With every goal, no matter the motivation, comes conflict. After all, it couldn’t really be a goal if it were easily achievable. Conflicts are big and small and can come from outside forces. Sometimes our worst enemy is ourselves. 

In Lord of the Rings, Frodo faces everything from weather, orcs, lava, Golem, and not to mention his own inner strength (or lack thereof at times).

Pretty easy to understand, right? (Not necessarily so easy to apply in a story!) In real life, we are the same way. We make our goals, search for motivation, and face conflict. And just like the characters in a story, the GMC gives us direction and affects the way we act/react.

REAL LIFE GMC:

Goal: We discover a problem in our lives, and we resolve to change it. That change is the goal. Sometimes they’re life-changing, other times they are simply adjustments to habits already in place.

Motivation: One important step to true, lasting change is realizing our motivation. Why is this goal important? What will it change? How is it for the better? The more personal the motivation, the more we will do what is necessary to enforce the changes.

Conflict: No matter the goal and the motivation, life happens. Anyone who has ever tried to lose weight has heard the deafening call for “just one more.” The more we can anticipate these conflicts, the better we can prepare ourselves. Of course, we can’t see the future, but we know ourselves and our lives well enough to brainstorm at least a few.

As an example…

I am a mama with 3 young children. It is my GOAL to homeschool them for as long as God sees fit (hopefully, all the way through high school!). One of my MOTIVATIONS to homeschool is that I want to instill a love of learning and develop independent learners that I think the public school system can’t provide (there are other reasons, but that’s another post). Some of the CONFLICTS I face lie in finances, time management, and health.

Take some time this week to jot down some ideas for the GMCs in your life. What goals do you have for yourself? What are your motivations and the conflicts that you might face? Feel free to share with us!

Next Monday, I’ll be sharing how to write your SMART goals based on your GMC.

May 01

Finding Your Inner Strength

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERAI hear it all the time. “How do you do it all?” “Don’t you ever get tired?” “You know, you could make things easier for yourself if…” Truth is, I don’t do it all, I get tired all the time, and, yes, I could make my life easier (in some ways), but life isn’t supposed to be easy.

Truth is, there are times I’ve pretty much given up. There are times I haven’t only thrown in the towel, but burned it as well.

But I still keep truckin’ on, doing what God called me to do.

Yes, I’m a wife to a disabled veteran.

Yes, I’m a mother to three kids, 7 and under, which I homeschool.

Yes, I participate in church, community, and homeschool activities (not a lot, but some).

Yes, I am taking classes.

Yes, I am growing an editing and writing career.

And yes, the authorities have not declared my home unlivable…yet.

I am no superwoman, I do not possess any magical powers, and I definitely do not keep it all together all the time.

There is only one reason I do not crumple under the weight of so many hats.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13 NKJV)

Yes, it is a familiar verse that we are beat over the head with from the time we are fledgling Christians. I think, too often, we become so used to hearing it that it loses all meaning. But there is little in the Bible more important for us to understand.

Life is hard. We are fighting an uphill battle. Bad things happen.

But we have nothing to fear–we can handle anything that comes our way. Anything.  A.N.Y.T.H.I.N.G. We can handle anything as long as we trust in Christ. He is our salvation. It is through him that we are imbued with the Holy Spirit–a constant guide. It is through him that we are given the gift of prayer, of an open connection between us and the Creator of Heaven and Earth. It is through him that we are given purpose, strength, and reinforcement.

When we pray, our cup overflows. When we breathe in God’s word, we find an oasis. When we settle in the peace and joy that comes with such a precious relationship, we find the strength for the next day, the next hour, the next minute.

I can do ALL THING through Christ who strengthens me.

Apr 29

May SMART Goals

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I am one of those people who needs support to change. I have very little will power, but a lot of hope. It leads to a lot of disappointment and frustration on my part. I want to change. I want better health, better habits, better family life…but why can’t I seem to change?

Part of it is because I don’t have much of a support system. My husband is supportive, but forgetful and often just as little will power as I have. We say we’re not going to eat out for a month, the next day I don’t feel well and can’t make lunch, he goes to Sonic. We just don’t always make good partners for change.

But it’s not about him, or anyone else for that matter.

It’s about me and the most important supporter I have–God. How often do I rely on Him in the short term, but not in the long term and not in those crucial moments of weakness. The most important thing for me to fix is my relationship with Him. How can I expect to accomplish anything outside His strength?

These thoughts lead me to my May SMART goals…

1. Read my Bible for at least 30 minutes every day. I’m just going to start with the Gospel of John and read through the New Testament, see how far I get. The best time for me to do this is first thing in the morning. I usually get up at 5:30 in the morning (or that’s the plan), so spending 30 mins. there would be most efficient. I think I’ve avoided this because I feel like I’m being cheated out of 30 mins. of writing time. But how much more efficient, how much more inspired, would that time be if I started it with God?

2. Continue my Prayer trek. My word for 2013 is prayer, and I’ve been studying up on it, but not with as much vigor as I should be. Prayer cultivates a relationship with God. Prayer focuses our attention where it should be. Prayer is key. I haven’t figured out quite how to track this one. I’m thinking, I know I’ll be praying each time I read the Bible and before I go to bed, so maybe I’ll just put a check mark on the calendar when I do. But having to report here will also help keep me accountable.

3. Create a menu plans–and stick with it! I’ve done the whole menu planning thing the last 2 or 3 months, which is great, right? But you know what works even better? FOLLOWING THROUGH! Yes, another pitfall of mine. So, my goal is to plan out the menu about 2 weeks in advance, but in a flexible way. I may schedule a meal one day that would take too much time or work than I feel like doing that particular day, but I shouldn’t feel guilty about switching up days with something similar so that I can stay on the menu plan.

I think these goals might be a stretch for me, but if I can stay on track, I will be developing some great habits. What about you? What are your goals for May? Let’s keep each other accountable!

 

Oh, and before I forget, I’m also over at NAF today asking about what you wish your superpower was. Come join the discussion!

Apr 26

Character Tour: The Kamanthian Chronicles: Catalystica

I can’t believe how this week flew by! This has been an interesting week to say the least. I’m glad the weekend is almost here, though. I’m ready for an entire day of revising my own novel, as well as editing one for a friend. The weather has been absolutely beautiful–all is right with the world. Or at least with my home.
Now it’s time for another Character Tour. I’m excited to introduce you to a new friend of mine, G.L. Francis. She had an interesting post to share with us. By the way, stay tuned below for the winner from last week’s Character Tour.
Unicorn
The Kamanthian Chronicles: Catalystica
“Prove to me, Ratchen. Bring me the horn of a unicorn so I know your love is true.”

 

Kor, how I loved Anina. And how I loved our son, Scayne, who’d taken his first tottering steps only days before she kissed me and spoke those words. We’d been wed for just over a year, but neither of us had reached our second decade. Why did she do it? Why would she betray me?

 

“Bring me the horn of a unicorn…”

 

I was young, and I believed such a beast roamed the forests of the northern Kamanthian ranges. She told me she’d spotted one just beyond the traveler’s bell at Yerrick Pass. She lied.

 

A Regent patrol captured me, and they laughed as they shackled me. They said she’d reported I was poaching the dun fell deer.

 

Numbers matter in prison. Five years for poaching. Five years of hard labor in the Provincial quarry. Five years of springvine floggings. And when I protested innocence, when I defended myself from other prisoners, when the warder had a liomm headache, or when the prison consul wasn’t  happy with his whore—then a three-day or week in solitary. In a rock cell— two paces from side to side, from front to back. Utter blackness but for a slot uncovered daily for food and water. Stifling. Cold. A living burial. I could scarcely breathe, but I could scream. I thought I would die. I didn’t, but love did.

 

“Bring me the horn of a unicorn…”

 

I’ve hunted the width and breadth of Kamanthia for the last ten years. From the inland sea in the northeast, to the grasslands, to the Beacons of the western coast, to the deserts and deltas of the south. I worked on cargo ships for passage to the minor continent and along the island chains. Along the way, I earned a reputation: violent, amoral, black-hearted, unpredictable, mad. Maybe I deserved the epithets and curses aimed at me, but nothing, nothing was getting in the way of what I sought. 

Then, in the great slash of canyons called the Kahall, I found the fabled Lair of Beasts.

 

Once I learn how to enter the Lair, I’ll kill a unicorn. I’ll bring Anina the horn she wanted badly enough to destroy our life together, to take my son from me as well as my freedom.

And I’ll spear it through her treacherous heart. 

 

GlyndaABOUT THE AUTHOR:

G.L. Francis is a writer, artist, consulting editor for two publishers as well as a jane-of-many-trades. Several of her stories have appeared in The Cross and the Cosmos ezine and its print anthology; others will be in the upcoming Book of Sylvari from Port Yonder Press. She blogs about writing, inspiration for stories, and art at www.clayfootjourneys.blogspot.com  She loves the adventure of stories and life.

 

 

I just got a shiver. That man has some serious anger issues–though I suppose it’s understandable by society’s standards. I hope that he finds some redemption in there somewhere. Thank you. G.L. Francis and Ratchet, for sharing with us!

And now for the winner of Surrendered Love by Laura V. Hilton:

Kay from NY!

Apr 19

Character Tour: Surrendered Love (GIVEAWAY!)

This week, I’d like to welcome Laura V. Hilton. Laura is sharing part of the first chapter of her latest release, Surrendered Love, an Amish romance. Stay tuned at the end for giveaway details!

Surrendered Love Cover (1)

The police officer sorting though the Gala apples reminded Janna Kauffman of Hiram Troyer, but this Englischer  couldn’t be her teenage crush. With a sigh, she focused at the display in front of her. Cabbage. She picked up a head. Homemade coleslaw sounded good to go with the hamburgers and baked beans she planned for supper. She put the cabbage in the cart, but couldn’t keep from glancing at the gut-looking officer again. Dark blond hair, cut in a fancy hairstyle, a trim build…Ach, she shouldn’t be noticing things like that about an Englischer.

Janna looked away but not before he glanced at her. She did a double take. She thought his eyes were blue, like Hiram’s, but she didn’t get a good view before he turned his back and walked away. Probably headed for the doughnuts. She smiled and turned her attention to her shopping list. Ten five-pound bags of carrots…

When she put the carrots in her cart, the hair on the back of her neck tingled as if someone were watching her. She turned, and caught the policeman’s glance just before it slid away. A thrill shot through her, that an Englischer might be attracted to her, an Amish woman, but she stifled it. His interest was a moot point. Of course, he might have just been curious about why she’d loaded so many carrots into the shopping cart.

He disappeared around the corner of an aisle. She turned her attention back to her list. A bag of oranges for Emma Brunstettler. Emma believed an orange a day kept sickness away. It seemed to work for her. Janna selected ten ripe ones and put them in Emma’s mesh bag. The hair on the back of her neck rose again along with her pulse. Her breath hitched.

She wouldn’t look. Instead, she turned to put the oranges in the cart, but missed the edge, and they went rolling all over the floor.

“Klutz.” A woman carrying a hand basket stepped over them and hurried away.

As Janna bent to pick up the first of the escaped fruit, she noticed a man wearing blue pants approaching. She hoped it wasn’t the store manager coming to yell at her. Or even worse, it might be the police officer witnessing her klutzy humiliation. She didn’t know which would be worse. She dared a glance up as he crouched and helped her pick up the oranges. The police officer. He grinned as he handed her the ones he’d collected. She stretched out a shaking hand for the fruit while trying to keep her burning face averted as she stuffed the fruit back into the bag.

His smile would have made her weak in the knees, if she weren’t already squatting. Even so, she put one hand on the floor to keep her balance. He stood, picked up his few grocery items from the edge of a display, and turned to go.

She found her voice. “Danki.”

He glanced back at her and winked. “Careful with those oranges. They’ll get you every time.”

 

35839_1469192045700_1110551537_1419357_4095333_nABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Laura is an award winning author, a pastor’s wife, married over twenty-five years and has five children. She homeschools, writes book reviews and books, Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts, and Promised to Another.

Ah, a forbidden romance! How’s that for enticing? So, if the first couple of pages garnered your interest, leave a comment below (WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!) to enter the giveaway. Giveaway will end next Thursday night, and I’ll announce the winner with next Friday’s Character Tour post. 

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