God’s Lessons Found in Christian Suspense

Posted on May 16, 2023 by Author Mary Alford

I love the lessons that can be found in Christian fiction, and God bless the authors who strive to include God’s love and forgiveness in their books.

No matter what the hero and heroine are facing, God is there with them. Whether one or both are believers at the beginning of the story, they can see God working in their lives.

In AMONG THE INNOCENT, God brought two people connected to the same past together to grow their faith and to give them both the answers they’ve both been searching for.

God wrote the greatest love story of all time when He loved us enough to send Jesus to die on the cross. In Christian suspense, most stories feature two people who may or may not know each other at the start of the story, but as they face down danger, they draw closer, and risk everything to protect each other.

In AMISH WILDERNESS SURVIVAL, two people who are complete strangers to each other are forced to work together to figure out what happened to their kidnapped loved ones. By the end of the book, they have fallen in love, and put their trust in God to bring them through an uncertain future.

Just like we as Christians face an enemy, so do the hero and heroine in suspenseful fiction. How they deal with the challenges the villain throws at them, especially when things seem hopeless, can be a wonderful example of how Christians overcome whatever Satan brings our way through God.

In SINS OF THE PAST, the villain is a serial killer known as Judge who has appointed himself judge and executioner (sounds like someone else we know).   

I’ve always been a huge fan of Christian romantic suspense. It’s why I write it. I love how God’s love and forgiveness can be seen throughout the chapters of the story as well as His salvation.

So, the next time you set down to read a Christian fiction novel, I hope you will be able to feel the love of God that the author has painstakingly placed in the pages of their story.

John 21:25 says, Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.  

 Until next time,

I wish you God’s blessings!

Mary

www.maryalford.net  

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A Special Trip by Tara Randel

Posted on May 15, 2023 by tararandel

Florida offers a variety of memorable locations to enjoy. That’s one of the reasons I love living here. The weather is pretty awesome, so I can take a day trip and enjoy both the sights and the sunshine. Here we have incredible beaches, theme parks, beautiful gardens and small towns waiting to be explored. But twice a year, the most popular destination in Florida is Daytona International Speedway.

We’ve been to NASCAR races multiple times. There’s always excitement in the air. Once the engines fire up, the noise is so loud, there’s no point in talking when the cars careen across the front stretch. The cars are so fast, they speed by and then you hear the grumble of the motors. It’s an experience like no other and being at the track brings back lots of memories.

Last weekend, my husband and I took a day trip to Daytona for Jeep Beach. The speedway opens the infield to vendors who sell all things Jeep related. Since we don’t go to races these days, just being in the stadium is fun. But this year, I was able to walk on the track. That’s right, walk on the track.

Once we paid to get into the event, I expected a tram to take us to the show by way of the tunnel under Turn One. It’s the way fans get to the infield. This year, they opened the fence and we walked across the track to get to get to the show. I didn’t really think about where we were walking until the stands loomed up beside me and I realized I was on the track that holds so much motorsports history. Needless to say, I stopped, took it all in, the proceeded to take pictures because… I was standing on the track!!!

Have you ever had that one place that evokes such a strong response? I suppose I really felt the emotion that day because going to Daytona Speedway was my oldest daughter’s favorite place to be. And in all the years we attended races, we never got on the track. And since she isn’t with us any longer, I just wanted to yell, “I made it onto the speedway!”

This place is really impressive.

After that, we finally got to the Jeep show. Long aisles of Jeep stuff, and this is the only picture I took, LOL.

I guess a Barbie Jeep is a dream for someone.

Since we’re coming up on summer, I hope you are able to make some trips that are meaningful to you. Next time I hope to write about a different location I’ll be visiting.

Have fun!

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Look for her Harlequin Heartwarming romance, HER SURPRISE HOMETWON MATCH, available now. For more information about her books, visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TaraRandelBooks. Sign up for Tara’s Newsletter.

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Never, Ever Give Up by Julie Arduini

Posted on May 12, 2023 by juliearduini

I love a good underdog story. I’m energized when I see potential in someone and they start to believe it.

But I also tend to isolate myself from people who in my opinion ignore God’s love, their calling, and the enormous potential I see in them.

Sadly, over the decades I’ve isolated a lot. If I don’t think the person is interested in changing, I move along to the one who does. I’ve tried to improve as our church adopted principles, and one of them is “Every life is redeemable.” Still, I struggle. Why would people embrace garbage choices when they are such a treasure?

If you struggle in this way like me, take heart. I’m seeing amazing transformations that honestly, I gave up thinking would happen. These were folks who were on fire for Jesus but walked away. They seemed forever stuck in the miry pit, clinging to the world’s answers instead of their Savior.

But, God!

Now? They are out of the pit. Showing up to church no matter how hard it is, even if they come without anyone in their family. They raise their hands to be baptized. They go forward for altar calls. They are telling others what Jesus has done.

It’s nothing short of miraculous.

In my time frame, their situations seemed hopeless. I backed away, much like a Michael Jackson moonwalk. I thank God for His grace with me, and His love for them.

If you love someone who seems far, far, FAR away from what you believe they could be in Jesus, don’t give up. Keep praying. Then, pull down those promises from heaven and start decreeing who they are in Jesus. Believe.

Julie Arduini

And watch Jesus get the glory.

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AI, Good or Bad?

Posted on May 11, 2023 by Patricia Bradley

AI= Artificial Intelligence

Should authors use AI in writing their books? Will AI replace writers? Is AI evil? Is it wrong to use AI to research characters…These are questions I’ve seen addressed for weeks now, but since I had not used AI, I didn’t have a horse in that race. (Can you tell I watched the Kentucky Derby Saturday?)

That all changed when I couldn’t come up with a good motive for my antagonist in my last book. The deadline was looming. I knew who “did it.” What I didn’t know was why other than generally why. I wanted something deeper.

So I brainstormed with a friend who had been fooling around with AI. She put the information into her program and came up with several backstories that could fit the character and give him a motive.

As I read the profiles the AI program spit out, one of them triggered an idea that in turn gave me a motive. The profiles also made me think about several aspects of the story and character that I hadn’t thought of. It also created a clearer picture in my mind of the antagonist.

AI can be a great tool for writers to help flesh out books, but I don’t believe it will ever replace writers. In Genesis 1:26, God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…”

AI will never be made in God’s image, and can never replace the creativity God put in writers to tell stories.

I’ve read several blogs where the writer asked AI to create a scene in the style of a particular writer. What AI returns is a pale imitation of that writer. And never any dialogue. And no “voice’ whatsoever.

Ai is technology, a tool, that a writer can use. Like atomic energy, it is neither good nor bad. There will be those who abuse AI and already are. Agents have told me they’re getting proposals that have obviously been written by AI. My question is, why would anyone want to use artificial intelligence to create a story? What satisfaction would that bring?

One of my greatest joys is having the scenes in my head to come out through my fingers on a computer. How could a writer have that joy when they didn’t create anything?

And last of all, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…”

AI can’t do that.

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Love and Hate by James R. Coggins

Posted on May 10, 2023 by jrcoggins

I had read John 15 many times but never noticed the juxtaposition of a passage on love and a passage on hate. In John 15:9-17, Jesus commanded His followers repeatedly to “love each other as I have loved you.” In John 15:18-25, Jesus warned His followers that they would face hatred and persecution: “You do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”

There are only two options in life. We can choose to follow Jesus’ way of love or the devil’s way of hatred. In John 13:34-35, Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

This is a comforting promise, that we can choose to join the Kingdom of Jesus’ love. But it is also a warning and a test. We may be overconfident, blithely assuming that we belong to Jesus’ Kingdom rather than Satan’s. But if we want to have a clearer idea of whether we actually do, we should examine ourselves and ask the hard question of whether we love or hate the people we come into contact with, including sinners and those who are not faithful to Jesus. Are our actions motivated by love or hate? We can all think of people who claimed to be part of Jesus’ Kingdom but whose lives have seemed more focused on hate than love. But that is none of our business. Our business is to make sure that we are not among them.

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God’s Children by Peggy Webb

Posted on May 9, 2023 by Vicki Hinze

Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me. Mark 9:37

Sam is one of the adorable children in the Sunday school class I co-teach with Donna Rogers in the little country church built by my ancestors. Our church is small by any standards, quaint and quiet, with a dedicated congregation who feel like family, and simple, stained-glass windows that were given in memory of the faithful members who came before us.  

As a result, our class is small, ranging from six children to only one or two each Sunday. The excitement they bring into the Sunday school room is palpable, and the joy they give us each week is immeasurable. Each child is distinctive…and so very loved. They come to us with big personalities, innocence, eagerness, and a simple love of Jesus in their hearts.

Sam is our quirky, down-to-earth, straight-talker who charms us with one glance of those big brown eyes.  He has opinions about everything, and is bubbling over to share them. This past Sunday, we had him all to ourselves, and what a grand day it was! He came into the room—as all the children do—spilling over with the things that were on his mind. He lost his great grandmother recently, and treated us to a stream-of consciousness monologue about her death and death in general, which always includes his fantastical stories about dogs.

Donna and I listen to our children. The things on their minds give us cues for guiding them. Sam’s concerns about death led to hugs and a discussion about the sadness of losing someone we love, as well as the promise of eternal life. Then we were on to our lesson. 

I teach directly from this beautifully illustrated Children’s Bible, and Donna creates crafts that help illustrate the lesson. Our goal, Sunday after Sunday, is to ensure the children know that Jesus loves them and to instill in them a love for Jesus. Still, these little angels amaze me in their capacity to learn and understand scripture in a clear and uncomplicated way. 

Sam was so excited about Sunday’s lesson on the Holy Spirit—what is it, when did it come, why did it come—that he declared, “I just want to hug God!” 

I wanted to race out and say to the serious-minded adults, “See! This is how it should be! We should love God like a child.”

Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. Luke 18:17

There is so much more I could say about Sam, as well as all the children we teach. How he loves to ride the antique rocking horse in our classroom. “Where are you going, Sam?” I’ll ask him. “To Wal Mart,” he’ll say, with that sly little grin on his face. How he prays with such fervency and simple faith. “God, thank you for peanut butter.” But I’ll bundle up all that joy and share it with you another day.

Let the little children to come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Luke 18:16.

God is good.

Peggy Webb

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A Moment to Forgive by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on May 8, 2023 by Nancy J. Farrier
Photo by Alex Shute on Unsplash

The last week of April we were in California prepping for my daughter’s wedding on the 30th. I planned to do a post about the wedding but something happened prior to the big day and I had to share that with you. 

I was chatting with some family members and in the course of the conversation about a subject very sensitive to me I blurted out, “I still haven’t forgiven them for…” As soon as I said that I knew it was wrong, but I was so caught up in the deliberate offense of what had been done that I didn’t see my error. 

Those involved in the misdeeds had been in the wrong. People lost jobs. There were huge fines laid down. The illegality had been handled by those in charge—who were not me. It was not my place to judge or to hold a grudge, yet I did.

We all face these times of unforgiveness when something cuts deep and the hurt is so bad we stuff it down inside rather than dealing with it and letting go. People say or do something to us or a loved one and that seed of anger festers until we have condemnation ruling our hearts.

A few months ago, in Bible study, one of the sections dealt with this issue. The teacher pointed out that we are to pray and forgive, but sometimes one prayer doesn’t do the job. If the offense is very heavy we need to be conscious of the fact that we still harbor ill feelings. It can take months to get rid of every bit of the hurt and anger, but we must persevere. 

Every time a thought of the inciting incident pops up we must assess if we still have animosity toward that person. If we do, we must pray more, asking God to help us forgive until we have no ill will toward those who did the slight. Depending on the depth of the wrong done, this can take a little time or a long time. But, if we continue in prayer, there will come a day when the thought of that hurt will no longer bother us. Then true forgiveness has happened.

As I’ve thought about my statement of not forgiving, I’ve realized God brought that to the surface so I can deal with something I harbored deep within for way too long. Stuffing our feelings down deep instead of dealing with them is easy to do, but God is faithful to point out areas where we need to change. 

What I held on to for several years was ridiculous. It wasn’t anything I could change by harboring that anger and hatred. It was detrimental to my health and my relationship with Christ. 

Now that I realize it’s there, I am praying to be rid of this area of unforgiveness. I pray that you ask God to show you any hidden hurts that you have and begin to pray and get rid of those. They are not worth carrying around even if you don’t think of them every day. 

It only takes a moment to begin the journey to forgiveness. With God’s help you can do it.

“…and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Matthew 6:12 (ESV)

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Nora’s Review of: The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy

Posted on May 5, 2023 by Vicki Hinze

The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy

Published by Bethany House, 400 pages

NORA’S REVIEW: My husband and I were memorized by our Cirque Du Soleil experience this past Christmas. Wow, it was a magical event under the big top tents, I’ll never forget.  So, when an opportunity came to read this story, I jumped at the chance to review it.

I was swept up into this adventure with all the amazing acts, the drama, and the enchanting atmospheric circus backdrop. Mabel McGinnis was known as the strongest woman in the Manzo Brothers Circus. She had done the act with her father her entire life. She tried to do the act without him but could not. Not only that, but she didn’t know who she was without him. The circus is going to give her one more chance. If she can’t perform, she’d have to find another job. As the Manzo Brothers Circus was getting ready to move to the next town, Mabel finds hidden letters in her father’s belongings, addressed to her from her mother. He said she died. Why did he lie to her? This changed everything. Forget the circus act, she had to find her mother and, in the process, find herself.

Isabella Moreau, America’s most celebrated Aerialist, is losing her edge. She is racing against the clock as she hopes will power alone will keep her in the air, but she feels her body betraying her. It’s not as strong as it used to be. She struggles with this and the regret and losing her daughter. Isabella heard the news about her husband’s passing. Could she re-connect with her daughter? Their situation was complex, how could they rebuild their relationship after all these years?

Jake Cunningham feels protective of Mabel and wants to help her on her quest to find her mother. Jake is dealing with loss and grief too. Maybe he’d find the next thing to do. He was done being in the circus. He hopes this trip will stretch them both to become what they were meant to be, not what others labeled them. Jake and Mabel find the truth and a freedom they’d never known before. There was more to life than being the best act, drawing big crowds, would they have the courage to walk on a new path?

I appreciated the natural spiritual thread that sheds light and gives hope in the dark topics the author talks about like postpartum depression, suicide, abuse, loss/grief, abandonment, sexual harassment, and fear. The author also shows redemption, grace, and forgiveness.

I enjoyed the growth of the characters throughout the story. This is a beautiful escape, with a complex cast of characters in a layered story, with a depth and fascination that kept me up late. I adored every minute reading about these broken, flawed people making their way through life and circumstances that occurred beyond their control. The message throughout was that our self-worth is not based on how we look, or how well we perform, but our hope and strength come from above, and from the one who never fails us.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent

TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! 

The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

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The Sound of Silence

Posted on May 4, 2023 by Ann Malley

The Sound of Silence

I don’t know about you, but I love the sound of actual silence. The Simon and Garfunkel song is pretty good, too. In its original form.

But true silence is a powerful tool for mental, emotional, and spiritual health. We humans are surrounded by constant noise, distractions, and increasing demands. Scheduling moments of solitude is the road to peace, clarity, and renewed strength.

I took a sabbatical from my typical routine of push, push, push. My body took a break that is. My brain was forced to let go, and guess what? Day came, night followed, and God kept His creation going. The world kept going as if I hadn’t done a thing. That’s a lesson that bears repeating until the message sticks.

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, KJV). There is a time to speak and a time to listen, a time to work and a time to rest, a time to be active and a time to be still. Silence and solitude are an essential part of this rhythm of life, allowing us to rest and recharge so we can be more effective and engaged, not only with the world but with the Lord and ourselves.

I’m especially attracted to the phrase a time to be still. Silence doesn’t refer only to auditory stimuli, but the clamor of rushing, working, stretching, tensing, & moving period. Our hearts keep going by design. Other parts of the body are designed for another rhythm.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus himself often withdrew to quiet places to pray and reflect. “But when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:6, KJV). Jesus understood the importance of finding a quiet space away from the noise and distractions of daily life to connect with God and receive guidance and strength.

Similarly, the Psalmist writes, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10, KJV). In moments of silence and stillness, we can let go of our worries and concerns and focus on the presence of God within us and around us. We can find comfort knowing God is with us, no matter what challenges we may face.

Did you notice be still was mentioned again? Stillness of the mind, the body, the spirit makes way for being. This stillness makes space for God’s presence in my experience. We miss the magnificence of the forest for all the trees when we fail to shut down to truly listen.

But what to do when those dreaded distractions come during prayer and meditation? Fight them? Fret? Worry about not being quiet enough? No. Don’t fret. Thoughts come and thoughts go. Letting them go in their own time like

Silence and quiet times can also help us gain perspective about our life and priorities.“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19, KJV). When we are constantly surrounded by noise and chatter, it can be difficult to discern what is truly important and worth our time and attention. Taking a step back and spending time in quiet reflection can help us gain clarity and wisdom.

Moreover, silence and solitude can be essential for our mental and emotional health. In the book of Psalms, we read, “My soul is silent unto God: from him cometh my salvation” (Psalm 62:1, KJV). When we are constantly bombarded by noise and stimulation, it can be easy to become overwhelmed and anxious. Taking time to be silent and still can help calm our minds and alleviate stress and anxiety.

Scripture is clear when it comes to anxiety and resulting worries:

Matthew 6:25-34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Jesus wants us to abandon worry. God takes care of the bird and the flowers, and will certainly take care of his children. He knows exactly how many hairs are on each of our heads

Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

1 Peter 5:7: The apostle Peter urges his readers, “Cast all your anxiety on [God] because he cares for you.”

Finally, silence and solitude can help us connect with ourselves and others on a deeper level. In the book of James, we are reminded, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19, KJV). When we are always filling the air with our own opinions, we may miss out on the wisdom of others. Being silent leads to listening. Listening helps us understand and connect with those around us, even if we don’t always agree.

Taking intentional moments to step away from the noise and distractions of daily life brings peace, clarity, and renewed strength. As the Bible reminds us, there is a time for everything, and finding a balance between activity and rest, between noise and silence, is essential for our well-being. So let us be still, and know that God is God.

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Good News for Children by James R. Coggins

Posted on May 3, 2023 by jrcoggins

My B.A. degree included a heavy focus on the great classics of English literature. Among them was a book by a barely literate Baptist preacher—John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. A massive volume I consulted on English literature said that Bunyan demonstrated that you don’t need great education or great literary technique to write a great book—you just need something important to say.

About a decade ago, I established a small publishing imprint (Mill Lake Books) to help people with something important to say, especially Christians, get their books published. The imprint has now published over 30 titles, and I have far more people requesting help with their books than I have time to work on. Some of the authors have advanced university degrees, even doctorates, and some have much less formal education. Some authors I have known for years, and some I had no acquaintance with at all until they contacted me by email.

One of the latter is Pamela A. James. Her qualifications are that she has a Bachelor of Religious Education degree and has been a Sunday school teacher for many years. Her more important qualification is that she understands children and is able to communicate on their level.

Pamela wrote a small book called Living in God’s World: A Book of Instruction for Children of All Ages. The book has 24 one-page “chapters” accompanied by hand-drawn illustrations. In each chapter, a child asks a basic question, and then Pamela answers with information from the Bible. The book covers key themes from the Bible—creation, God, sin, and forgiveness. The chapter titles include: “Where did our world come from?” “Why should I learn about God?” “What does God want me to do?” “Why do I have to obey my parents?” “Why do I have to go to church?” “Why is it so wrong to tell a lie?” “What am I supposed to do when people do mean things to me?” “Why do I have to give?” “What does it mean to trust God?” “Why did Jesus come to earth?” “How can I ask God to let me become part of His family?” “What if I do bad things?” and “Why did God create me?”

This is such a simple book that it could easily be dismissed as old-fashioned and not very important. And yet it presents the teaching of the Bible and the Good News about Jesus in a simple way that children can easily understand. It made a profound impact on some of my grandchildren when they read it. I recommend it. I am glad Pamela sent it to me. It was a privilege to help her get it published.

Living in God’s World is distributed by Ingram and is available through bookstores and through online retailers such as Amazon.

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The End

Posted on May 2, 2023 by Author Mary Alford

For authors, getting to write those two words is one of the best feelings ever! It means the book we’ve struggled through, shed tears for, lost sleep over, is finally finished.

Mostly, we authors know how the book will end when we begin the journey. Sometimes, the characters take over and move it in a different direction, but let’s face it, we write the characters, so we know the ending.

Have you ever wished you could know how things would end in real life? Like, will I get that job? Will I have two children or more? Will I live for a long time?

The future is something that can be exciting to contemplate as well as frightening.

Sometimes, I wish I could know those things while other times, I think it would be scary. As humans, we would want to try to intervene in God’s plan and fix things the way we want them to be.

So, for the most part, the future is hidden from us.

But did you know you can see parts of the future? It’s true. It’s right there in God’s word in the final chapter of the final book in the Bible.

Revelation 22 1-7 says,

And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

What comforting words. I love the promises written in Revelation. While we can’t see into the future we’re facing right away, we can rest assured God has everything under control and there is a better future and a better world coming. . .one day.

Mary Alford

www.maryalford.net

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Writing Update by Julie Arduini

Posted on April 28, 2023 by juliearduini

I thought it might be a good idea to update you on my writing life since there might be new readers (hello!) and it’s honestly been awhile since I’ve been specific here.

My genre is Christian romance with small town settings. To narrow that more, I use Upstate NY settings because that’s where I spent 34 years and those little towns are gems rarely used in fiction. My passion is to encourage readers to find freedom in Christ through surrender. All my books contain a surrender issue with a chocolate mention.

My tagline?

Encouraging you to find freedom in Christ by surrendering the good, the bad, and—one day—the chocolate.

Julie Arduini

For what seems like a decade but is more like five years I’ve been working on the Surrendering Hearts series. I lost a lot of writing time when my mom was sick and passed, but the first book, Anchored Hearts, is available, and the second, Repairing Hearts is well on the way.

I’d love for you to learn more.

The series premise is what happens when a family with an unique birth story stays in the spotlight due to tragedy? From there, each book features a Hart sextuplet who finds their own identity and tries to discover a love like their parents shared.

I am so in love with the Hart family.

The books go in birth order so Anchored Hearts tells Jordyn’s story. She’s used to taking care of everything and everyone but now that the sextuplets are grown, they don’t need her help. Their father is more independent with his life change, and even her work is different. Not being in control puts Jordyn in a spin, especially when she’s paired with no-nonsense reporter Spencer Collins.

The feedback has been positive and encouraging. Readers relate to Jordyn and love her family.

Repairing Hearts tells Ryan’s story. He’s the loner that went into the Navy instead of college. He’s back in the Finger Lakes area but purchased a home outside of Watkins Glen to start a life apart from the chaos his large family brings. The house is a dump and Ryan agrees to be part of a home improvement reality show brother Evan created to help him out of the financial sinkhole he’s in.

Thing is, the reality show is split in two. The first show is all about Ryan and his quest to find a project manager. Repairing Ryan’s Heart has little to do with hammers and nails and more to do with dating drama. The contestants are female and want Ryan as their soulmate. Everyone but BJ Wallace, a quiet Wisconsin hardware store employee with secret ties to the Finger Lakes. Will her secret help Ryan and his hurting heart or destroy him?

This book has been fun to write. I’m not a reality show watcher per se, but I have a friend who is and she helped me craft the ins and outs of the show. Every book needs a villain, and Raini Bly is a contestant with her own secret. She’s going to win or else. My critique partners seethe when they see Raini’s name, so I know I’m on the right track!

Evan will be next in Building Hearts. As the sextuplets celebrate their 25th birthday, it’s time to renovate Ryan’s house. The project manager from Repairing Hearts works with the crews and each Hart sibling has to re-do a room. Evan, known for his scheming and entrepreneurial ways isn’t enjoying the spotlight like he thought he would. Can he find his place with his family and experience a future where he isn’t alone?

James will be next, and I’m still working on his plot. He’s currently a student teacher, so his story will have an education background, and I have a few twists in mind…

Kelly is after that, and I don’t have too much started with her yet. I know her love interest, and he is going to create TONS of conflict.

Paige is last and I have a bit stashed away in my notes on her. The siblings are learning how deep their shared trauma has affected Paige, and they are grieving for her. When it’s time to explore her full story, she’s going to surprise her family and come in contact with someone from a previous book…

I hope you are as curious about the Hart sextuplets and the Surrendering Hearts series as I am. In the image you can see that Anchored Hearts is available on Amazon, and my older books are also available there, but other places as well, including eBooks/online library apps. Search “Julie Arduini” and I believe you will find my books at either low cost or free. Enjoy!

What book/sibling sounds most interesting? Why?

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LOVING KINDNESS

Posted on April 27, 2023 by Patricia Bradley

“But You are a God of forgiveness, Gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness;” Nehemiah 9:17

What is lovingkindness? I like what Barbara Johnson, Award-winning Christian author and Women of Faith Speaker emeritus, said about loving-kindness.

How many times are we tempted to do less because we’re in a hurry or have a deadline, or are on overload? In my Bible reading, I noticed that in one day, Jesus healed a man of leprosy, healed the centurion’s servant, cross the Sea of Galilee and healed a demon-possessed man, crossed back over to his hometown of Capernaum, and healed a paralytic…never once complaining or becoming ill with the people. And often we aren’t even kind to our waitstaff when we’re a little bit hungry.

There are many Scripture verses on loving-kindness, but I came across this verse and a sermon Spurgeon preached on it:

We have thought, O God, on Your lovingkindness…Psalm 48:9

In his sermon A Worthy Theme for Thought, Charles Spurgeon thought of three different people in the church and how they should each think and speak more of the lovingkindness of the LORD.

Now, my dear sister, you have talked about that rheumatism of yours to at least fifty people who have been to see you; suppose you tell your next visitor about the lovingkindness of the Lord to you.”

· “Yes, my dear brother, we all know that trade is bad, for you have told us so, every day, for I do not know how many years. And you have always been losing money, though you had no capital when you started; yet, somehow or other, you have managed to have something left even now. Well, we know that old story; could you not change your note just a little, and talk about the lovingkindness of the Lord?”

· “Yes, my friend, I know that many professing Christian people are not all that they profess to be; I have heard you say soever so many times. You say also, ‘There is no love in the church.’ Well, so far as we can see, you are not overstocked with it. You say, ‘There is no zeal among the members,’ but have you any to give away to those who need it? Now, henceforward, instead of always harping on the faults and failing of God’s people – which, certainly, are numerous enough, but have not become any fewer since you talked so much about them – would it not be better to think and talk of the lovingkindness of the Lord?”  A Worthy Theme for Thought, Charles Spurgeon 

My question for me today is: How many times am I like any or all of these three? Instead of complaining about the heat or cold, how about I praise God for the very air I breathe?

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Fruit That Will Last by James R. Coggins

Posted on April 26, 2023 by jrcoggins

The Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes can be seen as a long lament about the impermanence and transience of life on earth. Nothing seems to last, not wealth or fame or health or strength or position or governments or achievements or people.

Against this is Jesus’ call and promise that we should bear “fruit that will last” (John 15:16). What is this fruit? We can understand this command in conjunction with Jesus’ call to Peter and Andrew to “fish for people” (Matthew 4:19) and Jesus’ great commission to His followers to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). The promise is that those who become followers of Jesus will live forever with Him—they will last.

There is another aspect to this promise. The call to bear fruit that will last comes in the context of Jesus’ plea to His followers to “love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12). This is echoed in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. He said that gifts and knowledge might pass away but that faith, hope, and especially love will remain (1 Corinthians 13:8-13). This is Jesus’ promise, that what we do as a result of loving people as Jesus loves will produce fruit that lasts, fruit that endures beyond the end of time.    

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Living in the Midst of Chaos by Peggy Webb

Posted on April 25, 2023 by Vicki Hinze

The news and commentary spewing 24/7 from network television is so depressing to me that I have to limit the time I spend watching. I have to remind myself on a daily basis that the politicians, rioters, war-mongers, drug pushers, and money-hungry moguls are not in control. God is. Then. Now. And always. Because I’m a Christian, I know the end of this story.

Still, the heartbreak of watching my country in decline and at great risk of losing the freedoms I grew up with is always somewhere in my mind, just as the hope for the future is always in my prayers.

But once I’ve seen the awful images of unchecked looting and burning and worse, I cannot unsee it. Once the fear takes hold, it’s hard to shake it off, even when I can look out my window and see that my own community appears peaceful and safe, untouched by the madness sweeping the rest of the country. (That’s illusion. My friends on the police force tell me so.)

The broader chaos comes into play, exacerbating everything, when my personal life is suddenly turned upside down. Yesterday was one of those day. 

I’m very close to writing The End on a new thriller, about thirty pages or so. When I turned on my computer, opened the manuscript and started writing, my entire computer screen went black. The backup power did not work. The tower went dark. 

Panic took over. I’m a creative soul, at ease writing, singing, playing piano, dabbling in pottery. But my computer and I have an uneasy relationship. As long as it works, we are fine together. But when anything goes wrong, I feel as if I’ve been cast into a wilderness without a map. I’m not tech savvy. And that’s putting it mildly.

While I desperately tried to get in touch with my tech guru, my washing machine quit. Then the arborist, outside checking to see how he could remove a dead tree that was threatening to fall onto my roof with the next tornado that sweeps through Mississippi, rang the doorbell to tell me he couldn’t get his equipment in to cut the tree. It’s boxed into my small patio by the fence and other large trees. 

Now, understand that I live alone, and my children and grandchildren live far away. In distant states, not cities. 

I wanted to crawl into bed and have a good cry. But I have a commitment to my publisher to meet my writing deadline, and I have never missed one in my thirty-eight-year career. Plus, I have promised to be in a commercial for my bank in three days, and they probably don’t expect me to appear with blotchy red eyes and a puffy face.

 So I soldiered on.   

I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me. Phillipians 4:13

I’ve scheduled a big cry for four days, after the commercial. Chances are, I’ll skip the cry because I’ll be too busy living in the best, most joyful way I know how. Here’s what Ralph Waldo Emerson had to say about living.

He said, “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety. Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in. Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This new day is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays.”

Peggy Webb 

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