Saturday, June 25, 2022

Flame of the Rockies Blog Tour & Giveaway by Angela Breidenbach

About the Book

Book: Flame of the Rockies

Author: Angela Breidenbach

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release date: February 1, 2022

The fiery pain at her new husband’s murder might equal the disaster blazing across the Pacific Northwest. Stranded in the treacherous railroad camp, baking bread for survival to avoid the life of a bordello canary, Juliana Hayes has no desire to marry a railroad ruffian like Lukas Filips, or anyone else. Her scrimping and saving will pay off soon. She’ll be free of the camps, the rails, and the men who destroyed her life. But she can’t earn her living constantly besieged by desperate bachelors where few women cause chaos in the male ranks.

Juliana reluctantly accepts his protection, but when Lukas reveals the secret of his Montenegrin nobility, the old fears flare as hot as the fire storm eating up the forest at their heels. Can she release her prejudice to love again? Or will either one of them survive The Big Blowup to find out?

Flame of the Rockies, Book 6 in the Queen of the Rockies series, is based on true history when three million acres burned out of control on the border of Montana and Idaho darkening the skies all the way to the East Coast during August of 1910. It’s a wonder anyone survived! Read this heart-pounding romance full of adventure, honoring true history and the heroes that made it. Be sure to follow this 6-book historical romance adventure series, Queen of the Rockies, set in the Gilded Age through the turn-of-the-century. Written by bestselling author and professional genealogist, Angela Breidenbach.

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

Another great read from the Queen of the Rockies series. I loved reading the historical material included in the introduction insight into the life of the many nationalities that had swarmed to Idaho in 1910.

Julianna Hayes, a widow and baker that rode the train providing baked goods to the mining camps, was strong-willed and very determined to make it until she could leave the area. Her life was plagued by circumstances beyond her control and even danger. Lukas, a foreigner and foreman is also a hard worker with strong ties to his family overseas which he provided for.

The descriptions of the fire were terrifying to read. Lots of action, suspense, and a sweet ending that wrapped everything up well. My only complaint is that it ended before I was ready. The storyline had me captivated from the beginning and kept me on the edge of my seat.

I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily choose to review it.

About the Author

Angela Breidenbach is a professional genealogist, the director and president of The National Institute for Genealogical Studies (GenealogicalStudies.com), conference speaker, bestselling author of eighteen books. Angela lives in Montana with her hubby and Muse, a trained fe-lion, who shakes hands, rolls over, and jumps through a hoop. Surprisingly, Angela can also. Catch her show and podcast, Genealogy Publishing Coach!

https://AngelaBreidenbach.com

More from Angela

Research is both a joy and a nemesis for an author and/or genealogist. We’re easily distracted with one more fascinating discovery! The entire series, Queen of the Rockies, came from research rabbit trails when I thought there’d be one book. Now there are six ending with Flame of the Rockies!

Flame of the Rockies happens on the factual Trail of the Hiawatha. At first, this trail was a mining area deep in the mountains on the Idaho-Montana border. So deep that fourteen feet of snow blocking the railroad was common during the winter. Quite the contrast to the hot, dry summers with countless lightning strikes and regular forest fires.

After the Big BlowUp that occurred in August of 1910 burning over 3,000,000 acres, the area gradually became a gorgeous upscale train ride through the mountains. People rode the Hiawatha for leisure, upscale dining, and tourism. Then rails died out. The Trail of the Hiawatha rose from the ashes of forgotten history to become the incredible 16.5 mile bike path it is today. The trail winds down the valley from on top of the Continental Divide with incredible views for miles as you ride and experience the awe of God’s creative grandeur.

Understanding the history and evolution of this special trail isn’t hard. So much work in historical preservation has been done, and continues to be done, for those who come. Be sure to read the travel article in the back of this book so you can be one of those holding your breath as mountain after mountain after mountain roll outward from the trestles. You’ll see mountain tops go on for miles and miles. Those vistas truly feel as if you’re standing on the clouds with the Heavenly Hosts. Then you’ll understand why Montana is called the Big Sky Country!

I hope you enjoy Flame of the Rockies and meeting many of the real people who lived and worked in those extreme conditions. Yes, a few of the characters are fictitious. But remember you’re also going to meet a true hero whose heroism and name still rings through the Hiawatha and the world today!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 18

Texas Book-aholic, June 19

Rebecca Tews, June 19

Inklings and notions, June 20

For Him and My Family, June 21

Blogging With Carol, June 21

deb’s Book Review, June 22

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 23

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 24

Bizwings Blog, June 25

Sylvan Musings, June 25

Pause for Tales, June 26

Betti Mace, June 27

Connie’s History Classroom, June 27

Mary Hake, June 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 29

Blossoms and Blessings, June 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 30

Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 1

Spoken from the Heart, July 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Angela is giving away the prize a free genealogy course to three winners!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1eff7/flame-of-the-rockies-celebration-tour-giveaway Tour Reminders

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

The Songs That Could Have Been by Amanda Wren

ABOUT THE BOOK

Two couples in love. Two sets of impossible circumstances. One powerful God of grace.

After a devastating tailspin in her late teens, Lauren Anderson’s life is finally back on track. Then a chance meeting with Carter Douglas, her first love and the man who broke her heart, threatens to throw her well-balanced world out of control.

Now a TV meteorologist, Carter is determined to make amends with Lauren. After all, she still owns his heart. But his old demons are forcing him toward the same decision he faced in the past. Is he courageous enough to make a different choice this time around?

When Lauren’s elderly grandmother, Rosie, begins having nightmares about a man named Ephraim--a name her family has never heard before—a fascinating and forbidden past love comes to light. As Lauren and Carter work to uncover the untold stories of Rosie’s past in 1950s Wichita, they embark on a journey of forgiveness and second chances that will change their lives—and Rosie’s—forever. Along the way they’ll learn that God wastes nothing, his timing is perfect, and nothing is beyond his grace and redemption.

The Songs That Could Have Been is full of the same deftly handled, resonant writing that readers and critics alike enjoyed in Amanda Wen's first book in the series, Roots of Wood and Stone. Fans of Lisa Wingate and Rachel Hauck will add Amanda Wen to their must-read shelves.

Purchase a copy

MY REVIEW

I absolutely loved this book. It touched on a sensitive subject back in the 1950s that created lots of surprise and tension within the dual timeline narrative. The writing was easy to read and the characters from both timelines are full of depth and my heart was captivated by them.

This is a story that will give you lots to think about long after you have turned the last page. There is mystery and the ending was sweet. The author wrapped everything up nicely. The storyline is steeped in faith, loss, enduring love and forgiveness.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amanda Wen is an award-winning writer of inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction. She has placed first in multiple writing contests, including the 2017 Indiana Golden Opportunity, the 2017 Phoenix Rattler, and the 2016 ACFW First Impressions contests. She was also a 2018 ACFW Genesis Contest finalist. Her debut novel was a 2021 Christy Award First Novel finalist.

Wen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and regularly contributes author interviews for their Fiction Finder feature. She also frequently interviews authors for her blog and is a contributor to the God Is Love blog. She is the author of Roots of Wood and Stone and The Songs That Could Have Been.

In addition to her writing, Wen is an accomplished professional cellist and pianist who frequently performs with orchestras, chamber groups, and her church’s worship team. She serves as a choral accompanist as well. A lifelong denizen of the flatlands, Wen lives in Kansas with her patient, loving, and hilarious husband, their three adorable Wenlets, and a snuggly Siamese cat.

To find Amanda Wen’s blog and short stories, visit www.amandawen.com. Readers can also follower her on Facebook (@AuthorAmandaWen), Twitter (@AuthorAmandaWen), and Instagram (@authoramandawen).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, June 20, 2022

Adventures of Harmony "The Elegant Emu" Blog Tour & Giveaway by Karen M. Bobos

Join us for this tour from June 14 to July 8, 2022!

Book Details:

Book Title: THE ELEGANT EMU (a Harmony Adventure) by Karen M. Bobos
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 40 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book, Fairy Tale
Publisher: Bobos Babes, Ltd.
Release date: June 2022
Content Rating: G for everyone.

Book Description:

The magical sisters are enrolled in an etiquette class when their manners are not fit for the king and queen of the enchanted land of Harmony. Can Elizabeth the Emu help the royal sisters?

In the beautiful and peaceful land of Harmony, three magical sisters, the Bobos Babes, uproot the kingdom's tranquility with some not-so-polite actions -nose-picking, belching, and other noisy...expulsions. Their parents, the King and Queen, enroll the sisters in the elegant Elizabeth the Emu's etiquette class where they learn manners and other ways to self-improve like being on time, politeness, and proper personal hygiene.

Elizabeth the Emu explains to Angel Scarlet, Princess Daphne, and Fairy Cora that having proper etiquette is more than good manners, it's about being kind and courteous. And for the sisters? Well, let's just say that they will be needing more than one lesson from Elizabeth the Emu's etiquette class.

MY REVIEW

The Land of Harmony is a place of magic. The King and Queen raise Scarlett, Daphne & Cora with grace and good manners, but then things just happen. The addition of Elizabeth, the Emu, makes for a very cute and entertaining story. You see, Elizabeth's pet peeve is manners, and she is about to teach the girls etiquette.

The illustrations are bright and cheerful, well-drawn and a nice eye-catching addition of soft colors that draw your attention. Any child would be engrossed in the images. It's a well-written easy to read story that involves lessons for a child to learn. I enjoyed the message. It's a short story that will hold a child's attention.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and willingly choose to review it.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N
Walmart

Meet the Author:

Karen M. Bobos is the multi-award-winning author of the Adventures in Harmony series, which was created in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. While living in a city of unrest, her family left Chicago to stay with her mother in Northwest Indiana for several months. She and her husband were determined to keep life filled with wonder and magic for their three daughters, Scarlett (6), Daphne (5), and Cora (3). The Adventures in Harmony series was created to entertain her daughters during their stay at Gigi’s home and is filled with characters from the sisters’ world. Everyone deserves to escape to a land filled with love and adventure where creatures co-exist and happiness awaits.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Author Interview

What is your favorite part of The Elegant Emu?

I had fun writing the end of the book when Elizabeth comes home from a long day of teaching the royal sisters. She’s this elegant creature that these sweet young sisters flipped into a hot mess after one day with them. This is how I feel most days after taking care of my three children. My sister-in-law truly has a wonderful, doting husband and their children are precious. I could only imagine them running to take care of her after a long day at work.

Where do you write?

I prefer to write in my office when the kids are in school, and I have quiet to think. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Unfortunately, that is often not the case … LOL. With three children under eight years old, my quiet time is far and few between. I often write while sitting at a table at their gymnastics studio while they are in class. It’s not super quiet, but I can zone into my writing there.

Do you write every day?

I would LOVE to write every day. I try to as I notice that the more often that I write, the better and more creative my stories are. It’s true for writing as for anything else, practice makes perfect.

What do you do for fun when you aren’t writing?

Well, I am a very busy mom of three. When I am not doing “mom stuff,” I love working on decorating our home. We have a 1929 vintage condo in Chicago that I am constantly working with contractors to restore. We recently bought a lake house in Indianapolis, so I am so excited to begin working on decorating and renovation projects on that home. I also love hanging out with our giant Bernese Mountain Dog, Luke.

Luke, your giant Bernese Mountain Dog, is also in your books. Is he really “giant?”

Yes! The real Luke weighs 140lbs. The average male Bernese Mountain Dog weighs around 100lbs. He’s a big boy. When he was younger, we would put the girls on his back and pretend to have them ride him. Now that he is 9 years old, we just shower him with lots of love.

What do you think makes a good story?

I love adding humor to my stories. I often find myself giggling while I write. My hope is for mom and dad to enjoy reading the books as much as the children do.

What do you hope your readers learn from The Elegant Emu?

Well, obviously some etiquette tips that are wrapped into the story. I think it’s important to know that no one is perfect, even royal, magical sisters. There is always room for improvement in our lives. Having proper etiquette is more than behaving well, it’s about being kind to others.

Tour Schedule:

June 14 – Faith And Books – book review / giveaway
June 14 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
June 15 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
June 16 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
June 16 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
June 16 - Kam's Place – book review
June 17 – icefairy's Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
June 20 – Bizwings Blog – book review / author interview / giveaway
June 20 - Lisa Everyday Reads – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
June 21 - Library Lady's Kid Lit – book review / author interview / giveaway
June 22 – Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting – book review / giveaway
June 23 – Older & Smarter? – book review / author interview / giveaway
June 24 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
June 28 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / guest post / giveaway
June 29 – The Phantom Paragrapher – book review / giveaway
June 30 – My Reading Getaway – book review / giveaway
July 5 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
July 6 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
July 6 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
July 7 – Bigreadersite – book review / giveaway
July 8 – Lisa's Reading – book spotlight / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

BOBOS BABES ADVENTURES: THE ELEGANT EMU by Karen Bobos Book Tour Giveaway

Sunday, June 19, 2022

Love in Disguise Blog Tour & Giveaway by Penny Zeller

About the Book

Book: Love in Disguise

Author: Penny Zeller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: February 22, 2022

Who knew concealing one’s true identity could be so disastrous?

Who knew asserting one’s independence would cause such embarrassment? If only Almira “Emilie” Crawford Wheeler hadn’t insisted upon carrying her own stack of parcels, she wouldn’t have landed in an unladylike heap on the boardwalk. And what about the half-truth she told the handsome stranger who came to her aid? The stranger she never expected to see again?

Thad Alexander Evanson should have been paying closer attention to the boardwalk, rather than the newfangled automobile motoring down the street. Had he been more astute, a collision with the beautiful parcel-laden stranger might never have happened. And if it never had happened, he wouldn’t have told a partial-truth he figured wouldn’t matter.

Before long, Emilie and Thad are arranging to meet for a noonday meal each weekend in Missoula under the guise of different names. But what happens when their true identities are revealed? When half-truths are exposed? Could God have a plan even in the midst of a tangled web of lies?

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

Emile, a widow and rancher lives next door to another rancher whose cattle are continuously breaking through her fence and getting into her flower and vegetable garden. She has never met the man but dislikes him. Mr. Thad Evanson, her neighbor is out of town a lot and unaware. She thinks she confronts him later but doesn't realize it's his hired hand.

The story has many unexpected moments. I can say that I have never laughed so hard. The storyline is witty, holds a Christian message along with a beautiful love story.

There is forgiveness, redemption, and times where things aren't as they appear. By far Love in Disguise is one of the best historical books set in 1911, that I've read in a long time.

Highly recommended inspirational and inspiring story written with great characters, vivid descriptions, and lots of humor. I was given a complimentary copy and voluntarily choose to review it.

About the Author

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.

Today Penny is a multi-published author of several inspirational books. She is also a homeschool mom and a fitness instructor.

When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, camping, hiking, canoeing, reading, running, cycling, gardening, and playing volleyball.

She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her website www.pennyzeller.com and her blog, random thoughts from a day in the life of a wife, mom, and author, at www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com.

More from Penny

In Love in Disguise, the two main characters, Emilie and Thad, are both fond of pie a la mode. It plays a prominent part in the book, especially during Emilie and Thad’s courtship. My inspiration behind the dessert? My aunt’s famous, old-fashioned pie a la mode recipe, which is a family favorite.

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, June 8

Labor Not in Vain, June 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 9

Texas Book-aholic, June 10

Inklings and notions, June 11

Of Blades and Thorns, June 11

For Him and My Family, June 12

deb’s Book Review, June 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 14

Mary Hake, June 14

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 15

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 16

Connie’s History Classroom, June 17

Pause for Tales, June 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 18

Bizwings Blog, June 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 20

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 20

Splashes of Joy, June 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Penny is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1eb77/love-in-disguise-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, June 17, 2022

On Sale- June 21st through June 28th- Pacific Cove Legacy Series

Time of Haunted Beginnings- Book 1 in the Pacific Cove Legacy Series on sale for 99c.

Christian Contemporary/Mystery/Romance

The Sanders Legacy begins. Soon after their wedding, Jason & Naomi move to the Pacific Cove Ranch. Naomi, giving up the city life she is accustomed to and trying to come to grips with the death of her sister, finds herself isolated and depressed. Is her grief causing her to see things or is there some entity attached to the ranch house?

Will she convince her husband and the owner of the ranch that there is a 100-year-old mystery that she desperately wants to solve? Maybe, it’s the only way to regain her sanity.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KECQ86S

Time for Second Chances- Book 2 of the Pacific Cove Legacy Series on Sale FREE June 21st through June 25th.

Continuation of the Sanders legacy. In book 2, Jason and Naomi’s son graduates from college and returns to the Pacific Cove Ranch. He continues the legacy by choosing to work and plan his future there.

Could the young woman, Amanda, crippled by a broken heart, become the woman of his dreams? A series of devastating events happen to the family and their faith and ability to endure and go on is tested to its fullest.

Can faith, friends and love carry them through, or will the struggles cripple them?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LRN71N2

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

ON SALE- Book 1- Redemption at Shadow Lake 99c on Amazon Book 2- Buried Secrets FREE

Christian Mystery/Romance

Redemption at Shadow Lake Book 1 of the Houses of Mystery is on sale on Amazon for 99c through June 21st. If you haven't read the series yet, now is the time to take advantage of the sale price.

Description:

Samantha Dunning needs a change of scenery after a lengthy relationship that ends in a bad breakup. Can a big city girl find peace and happiness in the small town of Shadow Lake as a real estate broker?

Just when Samantha begins to enjoy her new surroundings, she meets Calvin Benham, a handsome and charismatic investment broker planning on building a resort in Shadow Lake. But does he have a hidden agenda?

When her GPS mysteriously resets itself and takes her to the abandoned McClure Mansion her adventurous side takes over. Frightened by something inside, she flees and finds herself in the arms of Jonathan Williams, a local photographer. Just a coincidence or something more?

Will the hidden secrets of the McClure Mansion destroy any chance for a relationship between Samantha and Jonathan or has God brought them together? What will the secrets of the historical McClure Mansion reveal?

https://www.amazon.com/Redemption-Shadow-Lake-Houses-Mystery-ebook/dp/B07K5ZGY2F

Buried Secrets FREE June 15-19th
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082XHMN6J

Friday, June 10, 2022

Wonders In the Deep Blog Tour & Giveaway by Chuck Carr

About the Book

Book: Wonders in the Deep

Author: Chuck Carr

Genre: Christian Fiction, Inspirational

Release date: April 29, 2021

Love. Loss. Hope. Heroism. Is there safe passage through the torrents and storms of life?

Wonders In the Deep is a dramatic illustration, an emotionally charged depiction of the elements that keep us human, fuel our spirit, and give us the courage to continue.

The life of eighteen-year-old Brandon Lawrence is one riddled with questions. Pained sore inside, he seeks answers that have been swallowed deeply by his own grandfather, whom he lovingly calls Pap. How did his parents and grandmother die? Why does his grandfather resent Natalie, Brandon’s best friend since childhood? Why is he forbidden to step foot on a boat, to ride the waves of the sea? Will he ever find answers?

Pap’s journals. Could they hold the secrets?

Set in the rocky and rugged coastline of Maine, the story uncovers Brandon’s world in the summer of 1998. The 1930s and 40s of his grandfather’s world are now over, along with the flat plains of a corn-belted Illinois town he had decided to leave as a young man. What had happened to cause a man to run from a life he couldn’t handle? What had turned Pap into a man withdrawn from life? A man holding tight to the secrets of his life.

Sitting alone on the same weathered dock Brandon had come to with Pap every Thursday growing up, he tries to piece together the puzzle of an unspoken life. Face to face with the only solution he knows, he must choose between honor and answers; an act of thievery plagues him hard, haunting and jolting his conscience. If his grandfather is too brokenhearted to speak of such things, could Brandon steal the answers he needs from the journals?

Wonders In the Deep is a soothing balm, medicine to a hurting and wounded soul. Faced with the harsh realities of grief and loss, two men embark on a great journey to find healing in the deep and uncertain oceans of life. As you journey with Brandon and Pap, you may identify with their struggles.

Is there true triumph over adversity? How far will one go for answers? How far will you go?

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Wonders In the Deep is a story of loss, redemption, and finally peace. With a background of sailing and a person's desire to fulfill his destiny and great love in his life, the author paints a picture of Alan that is filled with pain, heartbreak, and breaking away from God. Alan's grandson, Brandon, is searching for answers that his grandfather is not willing to give.

The author's writing style is a lot different than others I have read. His descriptions of settings and feelings are more in-depth. It gives you a lot to digest while reading. The storyline is uplifting but also heart-wrenching at times and will give you a lot to ponder about. The ending wrapped everything up nicely and answered questions I had as I went on their journey.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and I willingly choose to review it.

About the Author

Inspired by life events, Chuck Carr takes lessons learned over his years and forms them into words and phrases meant to lift others from the same hardships he has faced himself. He wraps and weaves the essence of what life is all about into this, his fourth book, a novel. Filled with his own energy, blood, and tears, Chuck combines this powerfully lifting message with one of his greatest passions in life¾his passion for the sea. As a former youth pastor, Chuck Carr has influenced hundreds of people throughout his life. He desires to help others live effectively despite hardships, as his testimony proves that sufferings can be changed into blessings. Losing a spouse in 2008, he strives to help those hurting from the same pain. A life altering accident in 2018 left him with a traumatic brain injury, and his vision and life goals have been refocused to help others heal from devastating traumas. He is a writer of both fiction and nonfiction, publishing The Convergence, Navigating Grief, and All That the Locusts Have Eaten, which carry the message that one can live the abundant life God desires for us regardless of hardships and shortcomings we face. His audience at www.Chuck-Carr.com has been blessed by inspirations about topics such as Christian faith, overcoming loss and grief, and achieving purpose in life. Now remarried to a woman of shared life goals, Faerie, he has chosen to live with purpose despite his injuries, being an inspiration to others, residing in New Alexandria, Pennsylvania.

More from Chuck

There was never a time in my life so confusing, so emotionally raw and puzzling as when my first spouse passed away in her twenties in 2008. She had to say goodbye to our two boys ages 5 and 3. The event changed everything about me in one way or another. The things I was forced to face since that day are things that unfortunately so many other people are also forced to face as well. It isn’t fun. Thus, the birth of my desire to help those who know what I’m talking about.

Initially, I was attacked with the obvious and the daunting question of “why.” It never fails. We all ask it. Sooner or later, that single question begs our attention, and how we answer it will determine our outlook on everything else in life. It is an unavoidable roadblock that cannot be dodged or taken lightly. If not properly handled, that monster will bite you from behind and consume you it is a foe one cannot play around with. But not all things are black and white. Another thing I learned out real fast, was that some things don’t have a right or wrong answer in life. Yes, I avoided it like the plague. Almost a certainty, those who meant no harm would bring it up and shove it in my face unknowingly. It came with incredible pressure, the prod or question no survivor ever wants to look at. “You’ll find love again.” Maybe. But should I love again? The prompt comes in various forms, yet none look pleasant to the one who has tasted loss.

These two insurmountable difficulties are what prompted me to write the novel Wonders In The Deep: A Tale of Healing. I wanted others to learn that the “why” is a tremendous opportunity for us if we allow ourselves to go on the journey God promises to walk beside with us. Only there in this incredibly intimate and personal space can we understand the richness of a God whose heart is broken right along with ours. I also wanted to show readers that some may choose to honor those they have survived¾and that is ok. Some, choose to love again. It is a deeply personal choice that is extremely hard to navigate. This book illustrates it well, a way to sort out feelings one might not be able to do alone.

Wonders In The Deep. A place where one can cross the great divide of heartache to healing. A journey of a lifetime. One I hope you will cross with me.