Author Christina Berry & Her Grandfather's Advice

My guest today is Author Christina Berry who asked to tell us about some advice she made good use of. Here's Christina:

"This advice didn't come from a strong woman. In fact, it came from my darling grandfather, but it's about being a strong woman.

I had been dating a boy for a few years, and though I was only a senior in high school, my grandparents could tell I was very serious about him. During a visit to their house in South Lake Tahoe, my grandpa took me out to the Keys and parked the truck looking over the water. "Christy, no matter what, you finish college. You get a degree."

Of course, I will, I thought, but I promised anyway. There was never a time when I considered dropping out ... not when I married the boy during Spring Break of my freshman year ... not when I had our first baby during my last semester. But I always heard my grandpa's voice and knew I wanted to please him and keep that promise.

Here I sit, 15 years later, as a single mother who is grateful beyond words to have a college degree. I've come to see that a strong woman plans ahead for her future. While others might not face divorce, their spouse might die or get laid off. Part of strength is the putting aside of talent and training for such a time it is needed.

Love you, Grandpa!"--Christina

That was good advice! And I'm glad you followed it. Christina's first book, The Familiar Stranger, is out now.

Drop by

www.christinaberry.net OR
www.authorchristinaberry.blogspot.com OR
www.ashberrylane.net

to learn more about Christina and her book!--Lyn

Author Erin Rainwater & Her Mother's Love

My guest today is Author Erin Rainwater, who tells us a story that is very close to something that just happened in my family too. Here's Erin:

"I always thought of my mom as a strong woman. Widowed at 42, she was left with five children ages two to ten. I was the two year old. Mom took a streetcar to work every day in a time when single-parenting was uncommon. She saw to it that all five of us kids got college degrees. But it wasn’t until nine months before she died—at the age of 93—that I realized just how strong a woman she had been long before the tragedy of losing her husband. In fact, I’m now sure it was that strength that carried her through.

I was visiting back home in PA, doing my usual snooping sweep of her basement (she lived in the same house since her marriage to my dad in 1939—the house where I grew up). In a very dark and very dusty corner, I found boxes of letters my parents had written to each other during WW II. It was the most precious treasure anyone could ever find! I read, in my father’s own handwriting, how my mom had given her consent for him to join the Army Air Corps. He was a successful attorney, and was not drafted, but felt a calling to go. He referred to it as a “tic,” something inside telling him HE was the one meant to do this job.

Problem was, mom was pregnant with their first child, and he’d be leaving them behind. He wrote of how torn he’d been in “that heart-rending period preceding the acceptance of my commission, the mental confusion that harassed me when the time arrived to decide between home and country.” In another letter, Daddy wrote: “Sure, I could say ‘let the other fellow do the fighting. I’ll slip out of it some way.’ But I am not constitutionally constructed that way. The hypocrisy of it would make me uneasy and unhappy.” He loved my mom all the more for making it easy for him to do what she knew he wanted to do. “You indeed have been my inspiration and I know shall always be. Many, many times I have wondered what my position and mental attitude would be if I didn’t have you. But I do, and for that I shall be eternally grateful to the Almighty.” Was there ever a more passionate love letter?

Having already completed my novel, True Colors, when I found these letters, I knew I had to go back and rewrite one particular scene. My protagonists, Michael and Cassie, face this exact same situation (except for the issue of expecting a child). My father’s written words became part of Michael’s dialogue. Cassie, like my mother, faces subjecting her heart to her man’s

destiny. She, too, shows incredible strength of inner character while war rages around her. That scene is my tribute to my parents’ situation back then, and their love for each other. What a blessed child I am to have been born of that love." -- Erin


Erin, my daughter found the WWII letters between her grandparents recently when we were cleaning out their home after my mother in law's passing. And everyone, Erin tells me that her novel has been awarded the Gold Medal for Historical Fiction by the Military Writers Society of America! Bravo, Erin. To learn more, visit her website. Thanks for being my guest, Erin.--Lyn

Author Debbie Fuller Thomas & Her Mother

My guest today is Author Debbie Fuller Thomas who has gotten off to a great start with her writing career. Here's Debbie:

"Growing up, I always knew my mother was the self-sufficient type. She could wield a hammer as well as sew all our clothes (including my father’s suits) and can or freeze every vegetable in our garden so we could enjoy summer in the midst of winter. If she had a problem with the house, she saw no reason why she should wait until my father got home when she could figure it out on her own. For years, she took the three of us to church without my dad, which I now recognize as a display of uncommon strength which encouraged him to come to the Lord later in life. Although still extremely self-sufficient in her eighties, she now enjoys the leisure of having her kids wield the hammer when necessary. But I never truly realized the extent of her dependence on God for her source of strength until my dad passed away.

My parents enjoyed a loving, stable marriage for more than fifty years, but after a brief battle with a debilitating illness, my dad passed away two weeks before Christmas. The family gathered from their respective corners of the country and spent the week reminiscing and accompanying Mom as she took care of details for the funeral. One by one, we had to return to our homes and jobs and all the unfinished details of the now difficult holiday season. Any holiday is difficult following the loss of a loved one, but Christmas came so soon that it was a struggle to cope.

Although my mother knew that she could make it easier on herself by closing up the house and spending the weeks surrounding Christmas with any one of her three daughters, she refused to leave. She would spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my sister who lived nearby, as they always had, but she would face the season head-on. She said she would have to face it someday, and she may as well get it over with. My mother is a very private person, but it was clear from her opened Bible and her lifetime of faithfulness in worship that God had graced her with uncommon faith.

Unfortunately, it takes Bebe, my heroine, much longer to find the strength to face her issues head-on. But when she does, it’s all due to her growing faith in the God who pursued her in love."

Debbie Fuller Thomas writes contemporary fiction from a historic Gold Rush town in Northern California. When she’s not working on her next book or planning children’s programs for her community, she enjoys singing with Colla Voce of the Sierras with her husband and spending time catching up with her two adult children. Her debut novel, Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon was a finalist for the 2009 Christy Award and the ACFW Book of the Year, and her latest release is Raising Rain.--Thanks for sharing, Debbie!--Lyn

For more information or to purchase one of her books, go to her website. Or www.novelmatters.blogspot.com Or blog.debbiefullerthomas.com

Author Birdie Etchison & Her Mother's Advice

My guest today is a Heartsong Presents Author Birdie Etchison and she has a story we can all identify with. Here's Birdie:

"My mother was a heroine in many ways, but I tended to forget that as we fought like crazy during my growing up years. Determined to be right, we clashed visibly and often.

My little sister, always the peacemaker, disliked conflict and suggested ways to solve our differences. As I grew older, I realized I thrived on conflict. It was a way of getting attention.

So, even as I railed at my mother, I think back now to advice she gave me, which helped me to grow, to learn, to function in the role women find themselves. With me it was being a wife and the mother of six. And later a freelance writer.

One thing mom did was not let me give up the typing class. I would need these skills later – how ever did she know? When you find yourself at the bottom of a class of 40 students, it’s disarming. Because I stuck it out – had no alternative - I ended up being the fastest typist at the end of the first semester. “Stick to what you start,” was her motto.

Another thing – while still in high school, I complained that the popular girls didn’t like me. She asked, “Do you ever initiate a conversation?”

“Well, no,” I replied.

“Then do so – walk up to someone, smile and say ‘hello’.”

That’s what it took. I heard later that the girls not realizing I was shy, thought I was stuck up. Imagine.

Another habit she taught me was to be frugal. “Waste not, want not,” was one of her favorite sayings. I find myself saving scraps of paper, good sturdy boxes in various sizes. Oh, there’s more, but we’ll stop there.

Mom was not a practicing Christian, though I heard she gave her life to Jesus when she was a young girl. One of her most important decisions was to say “yes” when a friend asked to take me to Sunday school when I was eight. That one move altered my whole life.

Though gone now, my mother’s rules, her standards live on through me. Her negative ways created a positive spirit in me. Her lessons also taught me to instill love and independence in my four daughters. Yet the stick-to-itiveness is what caused me to continue writing after two years of rejection. And to date I have sold 21 books and countless short pieces. God is good!"--Birdie

I love this story, Birdie, and I love your name. Drop by http://www.heartsongpresents.com/ to learn more about Birdie's books.--Lyn

Author Leanna Ellis & Her "Tea Bag" Aunts

My guest today is Author Leanna Ellis. I had the pleasure of having breakfast with her in Dallas in March. And it was fun! Here's Leanna:

"Since I write for women, I like to contemplate the unique pressures, stresses, obstacles and joys women face. One of my favorite quotes that I’ve had for many, many years is by Nancy Reagan who said, “A woman is like a tea bag, you never know her strength till you drop her in hot water.” As a writer, I like to put my characters in hot water and see what they’re made of. Do you ever feel like you’re in hot water? That you’re being steeped? I certainly have.

Many years ago, I was sitting at my parents’ home visiting with two of my aunts. They were both suffering from cancer and the effects of their treatments. Aunt Dot had fought breast and liver cancer for 12 years. Aunt Ora Lou had fought pancreatic cancer for six months. They had different battles and difficulties but they were still able to smile and laugh. But there was an intimate moment that I was privileged to witness that day. Aunt Ora Lou said to Aunt Dot (they were sister-in-laws), “I admire how you’ve fought the good fight all these years.” “Oh, no,” Aunt Dot said, “I admire you and how you’ve dealt with what you’re going through.” Tears glimmered in their eyes.

Watching those women gave me a life lesson in dealing with the harsh winds that toss our lives in the air. Life gave them both a turn they’d never anticipated on their journey. But they handled the pain and suffering with grace and humor. They’ve both gone onto heaven now, and I miss them, their quiet humor, their strength, their love.

Sometimes we are handed difficult situations as my heroine, Dottie in Ruby’s Slippers, loses her mother and her home. But she learns that at the end of that storm cloud is a rainbow of possibilities.--"Leanna

Thanks for a wonderful story, Leanna. Visit Leanna's website for more about her and her lively books!--Lyn

Book Monday-Author Terri Blackstock & Intervention

My guest today is Best-Selling Author Terri Blackstock and her latest title-Intevention.

"It was her last hope—and the beginning of a new nightmare.Barbara Covington has one more chance to save her daughter from a devastating addiction, by staging an intervention. But when eighteen-year-old Emily disappears on the way to drug treatment—and her interventionist is found dead at the airport—Barbara enters her darkest nightmare of all.Barbara and her son set out to find Emily before Detective Kent Harlan arrests her for a crime he is sure she committed.

Fearing for Emily’s life, Barbara maintains her daughter’s innocence. But does she really know her anymore? Meanwhile, Kent has questions of his own. His gut tells him that this is a case of an addict killing for drugs, but as he gets to know Barbara, he begins to hope he’s wrong about Emily.The mysteries intensify as everyone’s panic grows: Did Emily’s obsession with drugs lead her to commit murder—or is she another victim of a cold-blooded killer?

In this gripping novel of intrigue and suspense, bestselling author Terri Blackstock delivers the page-turning drama that readers around the world have come to expect from her."

Watch the Intervention video trailer at her website.

"Terri Blackstock's new book Intervention was inspired by her personal experiences with her daughter's addictions. Six years ago she became aware that her daughter (then in her early twenties) had a severe prescription pill addiction that was killing her, and she hired an interventionist to convince her daughter to go to treatment. After a grueling few hours, her daughter agreed to go. As Terri put her on the plane with the interventionist, she was hit with the crushing feeling that her daughter was in the hands of a stranger, and anything could happen. That's when this book was born.

Over the past few years, Terri's family has been in a tornado of relapses and rehabs, with one emergency after another, and grace upon grace. But through all this, God has taught her to pray as never before, and he's shown her how many other families are experiencing the same thing. He's also shown her that many blessings can come from crises such as this. Terri has tried to fold all of those experiences into this suspense novel of desperation and hope. She's also added a page to her web site: "Hope for Families of Addicts," which has tips on dealing with a loved one who has addictions.

Though the book is fiction, Terri poured much of herself into Barbara, the mother who's desperate to save her daughter. And Terri's own daughter has given her blessings for Terri to talk about this, in hopes of helping other hurting families and raise awareness about the perils of addiction. To see/hear Terri share her personal story about Intervention, don't miss her interviews on American Family Radio's "Today's Issues" on September 24, Moody Radio's "Chris Fabry Live on September 25, and "The 700 Club" on September 29.
In Stores Everywhere September 22nd--tomorrow!"

I recall praying for Terri's daughter and she at the same time was praying for my daughter who was in a deep depression. Being a writer doesn't keep the harshness of life away. On the other hand, whatever happens to a writer can be used to help others through the same struggles. I've never read a Terri Blackstock novel I haven't loved.--Lyn

Author Irene Hannon & Her Unmarried "Grandmother"

My guest today is Irene Hannon, a longtime Love Inspired author who is now also writing for Revell. Irene today tells a family story of faithfulness in the face of unfaithfulness. Here's Irene:

"Today I’d like to pay tribute to a woman I never met but who I suspect had a tremendous influence on my life.

Her name was Catherine Hannon, and she was born in Ireland more than 100 years ago. Still single as she approached 40, she was drafted by her newly widowed brother to take care of his two pre-school children, James (my father) and Cis, while he set off for America. He promised to send for the siblings soon and to provide financial support.

So Aunt Kate, as Dad called her, moved into her brother’s home. In that small rural cottage without indoor plumbing, electricity, or heat (except for a fireplace, where she also cooked), she took on the temporary job of substitute mom.

Except it wasn’t temporary. Her brother never sent for the children. And financial support was sporadic. Aunt Kate worked in the fields, took in laundry, served as a midwife, prepared bodies for burial—no job was beneath her as she struggled to put food on the table and take care of the two little children in her charge.

Years later, as adults, my dad and his sister did come to America. They both regularly sent money to Aunt Kate, who never married. When she died, they paid tribute to her with a headstone that said, “In Loving Memory of Catherine Hannon…erected by her ‘children’ James and Cis.”

In a country that was very traditional, Aunt Kate took on a role usually reserved for men—the head of a household. I have to believe that her competence and strength and independence had a profound effect on my father, who never factored gender into any challenge I faced, nor limited my opportunities based on sexist stereotypes. He encouraged me to reach for the stars. And I did.

While I’ve never consciously based any of my heroines on Aunt Kate, I always write about strong, brave women. Psychologist Emily Lawson, the heroine in my latest suspense novel, An Eye For An Eye, (Book 2 in my Heroes of Quantico series) is a good example. Though a sniper turns her world upside down, she carries on with grace, courage and even a touch of humor as she reconnects with her first love, FBI Hostage Rescue Team member Mark Sanders. Yes, she’s afraid. But she doesn’t let fear paralyze her. The same is true for Monica Callahan in Against All Odds, Book 1 in the series, after terrorists mark her as the next victim. Both of these women endure—and triumph—in the face of obstacles.

I have a feeling Aunt Kate would have liked them.

If you’d like to know more about the brave women who are the heroines in my stories, please visit my Web site at www.irenehannon.com. And drop me a line, if you like. I love to hear from readers!"--Irene

On Irene's website, she has a page titled, "What's Cooking?" She's features a new recipe every month. And she also has a page "News and Notes" where she keeps her fans up to date on her activities.

Thanks, Irene, for a wonderful story.--Lyn

Author Linda Ford & Her Mother's Example

My guest today is Linda Ford, a Canadian author who has written for Heartstong Presents and now Love Inspired Historicals. She's a sweet lady who has a story of true love. Here's Linda:

"My mother was a writer. She wrote hundreds of articles, stories and puzzles for Sunday School papers. (One of my goals is to create a collection of some of these into a keepsake book for family members.)

More than that, my mother was one of the strongest women I know. I confess I failed to recognize this until I was raising a family of my own. My mother was raised in a strict home with four sisters and two brothers. She lost one brother over in Germany in WWII and I'm sure that impacted her more than she ever said. She began nurses training but when she got tuberculosis, she had to postpone it for almost two years.

Treatment at that time involved a number of barbaric procedures and complete bed rest. Sometimes the patients went weeks without being allowed to even wash their hair. I have her journals written during that time. She wrote poems that were published in several newspapers. They often reflected impatience with continual inactivity and a struggle to accept God's hand in this adversity.

Eventually, she was healed in what she always considered a miraculous way. Yearly x-rays the rest of her life confirmed that the disease was completely gone. She finished her nursing training but she longed for more-a husband and family of her own. Having been abandoned by her then boyfriend when she was sent to the tuberculosis sanatorium, she harbored a doubt as to whether any man would find her acceptable.

You need to know that TB was considered a sort of curse in those days. However, a friend took her home to visit and meet their hired man who was a widower with 7 children. Four of them were his wife's children, three were his from that union. The older four were almost grown though two still lived at home, one caring for the younger children--a girl about 4, and two boys, 7 and 9. They had lost their mother when the little girl was born and were used to managing on their own. I don't think they much wanted a new mother but that's what they got and eventually, three younger siblings.

Beneath the surface of our blended family simmered a resentment toward my mother. She was very aware of this yet she did her best to be a loving, providing, caring mother. Every year my parents would make a trip across many miles to visit each of the children, now grown with kids of their own. From reading her journals and reading between the lines of the articles and stories she wrote, I know she strove to be patient and kind despite the challenges of her situation.

She firmly believed the Lord would provide the grace she needed. Despite her health problems (not related to TB) she managed to run a household in sometimes primitive conditions. She wrote. She gardened. She did laundry at a wringer washer. She hauled clean water in and used water out. She canned, made jam and froze produce (after they were able to get a freezer).

Mom didn't speak about the challenges she quietly faced. She never told me how to smile through adversity, how to overlook slights and unkindness. She never pointed out that trusting God meant trusting Him in difficult circumstances. But she lived it through her life. It brings to mind a verse in 1Peter 3:1. '.they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives.' Mother taught me her values without speaking a word about them.

I believe my mother was totally unaware of the strength of character her behavior revealed. I suppose she saw instead the hurt she felt, the words she bit back and the mistakes she made.


In my Sept. 09 release, Dakota Child, I have a heroine who, like my mother, has been hurt by those around her. At first she has allowed it to beat her down but then she finds reasons to overcome the pain and unfairness. She discovers she has strength through her faith in God that enables her face the challenges of her life. Like my mother, she is unaware of how strong she is but her decisions prove it. I hope readers will be encouraged by this overcoming heroine."--Linda

I think it's interesting that Linda's mother didn't so much give her "words" advice but "actions" advice. Showing unconditional love to those who hurt us intentionally is hard to take. In a situation like this, I usually keep repeating, "Love is patient, Love is kind" in similar situations.

Linda Ford lives in Alberta, Canada. She enjoys her growing number of grandchildren (8 currently with #9 and #10 due this summer), travel (in short spurts), gardening (in theory more than in practice), and home sweet home.

Linda also has a novella included in a special collection, A Prairie Romance Collection, 12 complete favorite stories.

Thanks, Linda, for this great story--Lyn

Book Monday--Author Roxanne Rustand & Final Exposure

My good friend, Roxanne Rustand, is the author of today's featured book, Final Exposure. I always enjoy her books and think you should give her a try!

Blurb: "Safety. Serenity. That’s what Jack Matthews wants, and what he seeks in Lost Falls, Montana. A quiet retreat is just what Jack and his orphaned nephew, Max, need—especially with gentle, beautiful Erin Cole as their host. But when sirens in the night leave Max screaming, Jack’s faced with the harsh truth. They’re not safe—not him, not Max and especially not Erin. What is she hiding? What does the shadowy figure stalking her want? And how much will Jack have to risk to keep her safe?
FOUR STARS RT Book Reviews Magazine.


Roxanne's invitation--

"Take a look at my blog, ”All Creatures Great and Small Place.”

The name came from the lyrics of “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” a Cecil Alexander hymn written in 1848. If you love animals, this is the place to visit–where authors and writers can share stories (both poignant and fun) about their pets. You’ll also find periodic additions to “The Old Horse Trader Tales”–true stories about the adventures (and misadventures!) of a horse trader during the 1930’s -1980’s. I wrote them as feature articles for a magazine about fifteen years ago, and look forward to sharing all of the nostalgic stories about this charming old man. I’ll also occasionally be featuring some cool new releases by my favorite authors on this blog, too…so take a look!

When you finish there, please also check out www.shoutlife.com/roxannerustand where I have a variety of other blogs running, and some fun contests now and then. Come over for a visit!"--Roxanne

Roxanne's blog is really fun for us pet lovers!--Lyn

Author Marta Perry & Her Grandmother Mattie

My guest today is a longtime friend Author Marta Perry. She is a prolific writer and a good one too. Here's Marta:

"One of the strongest women I ever knew was my grandmother, Mattie Dovenbarger, but I didn’t realize that until long after her death. I was only eight when Grandma Mattie died. I remember being taken to see her during her last days, at the home of my aunt, and hearing my mother and aunt assure me that Grandma was slipping away into the arms of Jesus. Since she’d often spoken of Him, it seemed to me that she must be happy.

When I thought of her afterwards, I remembered most of all her patience and serenity. Grandma could sit for hours rocking a cranky child and play endless games with a sick one. I never saw her upset or angry, never heard her speak a harsh word. I knew, without asking, that when she sat with her Bible in her lap, eyes closed, she was praying, possibly for me.

Many years later, when I started researching my family history, I realized what an extraordinary woman she had been. Born in Ohio in 1869 to English and Pennsylvania Dutch parents, she married at twenty to William Dovenbarger and took up the life of a busy farm wife. Over the next eighteen years she had seven children, one of whom, Elizabeth Lucinda, died at age eleven in one of the flu epidemics which took so many lives. She saw two of her sons go off to Europe in World War I, praying them through until their safe return. She was only forty when her husband died, leaving her with three children still at home to support at a time when there was no government safety net. She worked hard, raised her children to lives of faith, and never seemed to lose her serene spirit or her confidence that God would show her the way.

Reflecting on my grandmother’s life led me to the desire to write about a character like her...a strong woman of faith who could endure all life’s difficulties and retain a sense of serenity and wisdom. That character is Miz Callie in my new series from Love Inspired, The Bodine Family. The central strength around which her large extended family revolves, Miz Callie was a joy to write. She came alive on the page for me, as I hope she will for readers. In the first book, TWICE IN A LIFETIME, available now from Steeple Hill Books, Miz Callie’s longing to resolve a family secret sends her granddaughter on a quest for the truth, as well as bringing her to a love she didn’t think she’d ever experience. Miz Callie, of course, knew better. Filled with Miz Callie’s love for her family, her devotion to God, and her love of the natural wonders of the Carolina coast, the subsequent books will follow the adventures of the rest of the Bodine clan as they come home to love.

And finally for Sentimental September: My mother left me some beautiful advice in a note I found folded into her Bible after her death. It reads, "Reach out to other people for Jesus, and you'll receive more than you can imagine." My mother and grandmother showed that in their lives. I hope I can do the same."--Marta

Marta has a new venture coming up soon. She has written her first Amish series: The Pleasant Valley Amish Series from Berkley Books, and the first book, LEAH'S CHOICE, debuts this November. I wrote an endorsement for Leah's Choice --Even if you're not a fan of Amish books, this one is captivating with tender and true emotion. Don't miss it! For more info, drop by her website.

Lyn & Sentimental September

Happy Autumn! I know it's not going to be fall officially till later this month. But with the school children back in class and the days getting shorter, let's not quibble--it's fall.

I like fall. I'm looking forward to the leaves changing (some maples here are already red-tipped) and baking apple and pumpkin pies and watching the season change again.

I've called this month Sentimental September. First of all, because my two books Finally Home & Finally Found have been reissued as a Love Inspired Classic. It's hard to believe that I've been writing long enough to have books being re-issued. But I know many readers only discovered Love Inspired romances in the past few years and they are eager to read our earlier books.

That's quite a compliment to us. You support by buying our books and telling friends and booksellers and librarians about them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart (and theirs).

And the second reason for Sentimental September is that I'd like to take a few moments and recall good advice that I received from other women. I think first of my mother. She was a strong woman. She had to be. Nowadays being a single mom is commonplace, but not in 1960. When my father deserted her, she was left with two pre-teens and a five-month old baby.

I won't go into the struggle of those days. However, since she and my father shared a business, she not only lost a husband, but also her way of making a living. But she shouldered on. We never missed a meal and we stayed together. Those were rough years, but they taught me a lot about strength, pulling together as a family and not giving into despair.

The advice my mom gave me came years later and unfortunately, it was advice that she should have followed herself so she gave it to me with great regret. Her advice?

She said to me when I was a young mother, "I see now how so much would have been different if I'd just followed God and depended on Him each day."

When she said that to me, I broke into tears. Because I knew what she meant. She had gone it alone through those hard years and had not known that God could be with her in a very personal way. She believed in God and sent us to Sunday school but she never discovered a personal relationship with Christ till she as well into mid-life.

I found Christ early and never strayed far and HE has blessed me. Sometimes I like to take credit for my accomplishments because I am a hard-worker. But my mom was a hard-worker too and she said to me when she was in her sixties, "I have never gotten what I wanted in life. None of my dreams."

That made to cry too. My mother was a wonderful woman in so many ways, but she always wanted to be in control. She never let God take charge and she missed so much.

So it was sad advice that my mother gave me. I've tried to give the same advice to my daughter, teaching her to depend on Christ every day. We pray together but I don't know God's mind for her. I just pray for her and my son every day and hope that they will never feel the regret my mother did.

Finally Home & Finally Found have a scene at the end of the second book where an old secret is uncovered by the three sisters in the story and healing and joy comes. Let me know if you enjoy it--if it speaks to your heart.

Lyn Makes Mistake & 4 Readers Get Lucky!

Well, you won't believe this OR you will. I couldn't believe it!

I got busy on Saturday, preparing to send out the copies of Her Inheritance Forever which Vintage Fan, Edna, Rose and Cherie J won in August. I was also sending several copies of my September book a Love Inspired Classic two in one, Finally Home-Finally Found to another author who handles the quarterly contests on the group site for Love Inspired Authors. I send her a year's worth at a time, four books one for each quarter and some goodies. (Drop by the site and signup for the latest contest. Deadline September 15.)

ANYWAY, I got confused and ended up ALSO signing four copies of Finally Home-Finally Found INSTEAD of Her Inheritance Forever! And since I personalized the autographs to the four August winners, I couldn't save them for September. So Vintage Fan, Edna, Rose and Cherie J, you'll be getting both my August and September books!

So my mistake! Your lucky day!

Author Nikki Arana & A Voice for the Persecuted

My guest today is a non-fiction author who is doing a work for God. Here's Nikki:

"I have been blessed to have many strong women in my life. Most recently, one of the strongest gave me some advice. She is my agent, Natasha Kern. She advised me to write the book I have been given, be true to myself, and follow my heart. Having represented my four novels, she knew this non-fiction book would be a challenge. Yet she has encouraged me and supported me in every way possible. I’m so glad I listened to her. God bless the women in our lives that come along side us just when we need them.

I am often asked is it is dangerous to have a ministry to Muslims. The answer is, it can be. I not only have been called to minister to Muslims here in America, but I am also an activist in the Christian underground in Egypt and North Africa. Doesn’t this sound like a perfect fit for a blog about strong women and brave stories. Well, it is, but in a little different way than you might be thinking.

God called me to this ministry in 2006. Since then I have learned so much about Him . . . and about myself. I’ve learned it isn’t about me being strong or brave. It is about intimacy with Him. It is about letting my dreams die and being willing to live out His dreams for me. It is about spiritual growth that has nothing to do with my courage.

It has to do with sanctification, being set apart for His purposes, realizing that I am not meant to serve man, I am meant for God to serve man through me. A very different thing. I am to be a vessel of His strength, His boldness, His courage. Those things are the fruit of my relationship with Him when I surrender.

We are all called to be His vessels. I encourage you to read Through the Eyes of Christ: How to Lead Muslims into the Kingdom of God. It has been endorsed by the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton, Campus Crusade for Christ, and others. You will find scripture given for everything that is suggested. God’s grace and mercy to me on this journey has allowed me to learn how to love my enemies, do good to those who hate me, and bless those who curse me. I think you can see how this isn’t really the story of a strong woman with a brave story. It is the story of a Savior, who indwells us with a love that is stronger than death and empowers us to change the world.

You can learn more about the book at: www.AVoiceForThePersecuted.com

Thanks, Nikki, I think you qualify as a strong women and a brave one too. Thanks for letting us know how God is using you.--Lyn

~
Available now:

Through the Eyes of Christ:
How to Lead Muslims into the Kingdom of God

"I highly recommend this book . . ." Roy Oksnevad, Director
of Muslim Ministries, Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College

"Every evangelical Christian household should consider ordering
this easy-to-read book that helps all of us understand and
reach out to the growing number of Muslims in our neighborhoods."
Warren Larson, Director of the Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies,
Columbia International University

The Four August Winners Are..........

Starting this August and for the rest of this year, I'm giving away one copy each week of my new book in the month it is released. In August that was Her Inheritance Forever. To qualify for these weekly drawings, a visitor must leave a comment and perhaps something else like a recipe.

In August the recipes were Mexican-style to celebrate my heroine Alandra Maria Inez Sandoval. As soon as I can manage it, I'll put the collection together and you'll be able to download it here.

But now what you've really been reading to find out--here are the winners. I had already announced that Vintage fan won week one's drawing. And then life went frantic. Most of you know we had to travel out of state for ten days to be with my mother in law and husband's family at her passing.

But I have gone through weeks 2-4 and picked out three more names. And they are:
Edna, Cherie J, and Rose. Ladies, please email me from my website. Click here .

And then click the button marked Contact and email me your street address or post office box address and I hope next week I'll have time to get to the post office and mail off your book. Congratulations!

And BTW, I have a September release Finally Home-Finally Found, a Love Inspired Classic two in one re-issue. If you'd like a chance to win a copy of it, drop by and leave a comment. I'll be having a weekly drawing throughout September.


And don't forget Sentimental September. Drop by my homepage and see what that's all about.--Lyn

Author Carrie Turansky & Unspoken Advice

Today we start a new month, Sentimental September, where guests will share good advice they have received. My guest today is Author Carrie Turansky who shares the "unspoken" advice from her mother-in-law. Here's Carrie:

"My mother-in-law, Shirley, is one of the strongest and bravest women I’ve ever known. Since we met thirty-three years ago, she has been a wonderful example and an inspiring mentor for me. Shirley and her husband, John, were in the ministry together for almost 50 years. They planted churches, led hundreds of people to the Lord, and encouraged and discipled countless others. Though Shirley has been committed to helping many people in their churches over the years, her main focus has always been loving and caring for her family. I’ve learned much from Shirley. Sometimes she passes on wisdom to me through helpful hints in conversation or sage advice in an email. But her most powerful lessons have been caught through her example.

She has shown me how to nurture my children, cook healthy and beautiful meals, make every holiday special, exercise and stay active, and greet each day with a smile and a positive attitude. Those are valuable lessons I will never forget. But keeping that positive attitude hasn’t always been easy for Shirley.

Five years ago John suffered a stroke that totally altered their lives. Shirley manages everything now, from car maintenance to house repairs, and she never complains. She lovingly sets out John’s clothes each day and helps him stay on a schedule that makes him comfortable. Though she never expected her life would take this turn, she keeps her focus on loving her family ad trusting her Savior. And that is a beautiful example of love and faithfulness I try to follow.


Shirley’s trust in God through the storms in her life inspired me to create my heroine, Rachel Thornton, in the novella “A Shelter in the Storm.” Like Shirley, Rachel faces life-altering trials, and she must decide if she will put her hope and trust in God or give in to fear and despair. I hope you will pick up a copy of A BLUE AND GRAY CHRISTMAS and enjoy Rachel’s story. Please visit my website for more information about my books, sample chapters, delicious recipes, family photos, writing tips, articles related to topics in my books, and much more.

A BLUE & GRAY CHRISTMAS
By Carrie Turansky, Lauralee Bliss,
Vickie McDonough, and Tamela Hancock Murray

Surrender yourself to the forces of love in four engaging Civil War Christmas romances. Join up with Leah Woods as she searches for her missing fiancé in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Stick to your guns with Arabella Lambert as she pledges her allegiance to pacifist Barry Birch, a man labeled a coward. Ride out the storm with Rachel Thornton as she resists her attraction to the wounded artist James Galloway. Saddle up with Confederate-born Hannah McIntosh as she falls for Chris Haley, an embittered Union soldier. Can these couples forge an everlasting union in the tide of civil war?"--Carrie

Sounds like four great holiday stories and a great gift idea of another lady too. Thanks, Carrie. --Lyn