Face to the Sun

 

“Sunflowers end up facing the sun, but they go through a lot of dirt to find their way there.”

― J.R. Rim

Every year, whether I intend it or not, I inevitably have a crop of sunflowers grow in my garden. I'm not even sure where the first sunflower came from, but I'm guessing it grew from the birdseed I put out. The following spring, this seed grew into a plant. And the plant, of course, grew a flower. And the flower grew more seeds. We all know this cycle. 

I love birds. And the birds love the sunflowers. So the birds eat the seeds, but not all of them. One or two (or more) always fall back into the dirt, and the next spring, I have more sunflowers than the year before. And the birds, well, they have more seed to eat. It's an amazing cycle that gives me beautiful flowers, attracts my favorite feathered friends, ultimately with very little effort required on my part.

This year, I had a vision of a wall of sunflowers growing next to my porch, blocking the view from the street. I was sure this wall of plants would succeed- after all, the sunflowers grew without any fuss at the lower end of my garden. I bought seeds, hoping for a variety of sunny faces. Big ones. Colored ones. I wanted them all. I planted them and watered them and waited. And waited. And waited. 

I watched as the sunflowers I did not plant sprouted and grew strong to the sun. Taller and taller. And still... my seeds were dormant. Finally, I began to see signs of life. Little sprouts. I continued to water and wait. 

It's now nearing the end of September. Very few of my planted seeds grew tall- and some of them never got the chance to bloom thanks to the passing mule deer who took off their heads as a snack. The sunflowers the birds planted are pecked nearly clean- the chickadees and goldfinches come every day to polish them off. 

My wall of sunflowers did not turn out at all as I imagined. But I do have this: 

This sunflower is taller than I am, even standing on my porch. It is covered with heads that have yet to open, 360 degrees around the stem. And this beautiful face greets me every day when I walk out the front door. Only one. And yet this one has been such an encouragement to me during the last few weeks. 

It's been a season of changes, and I don't just mean the seasons. There have been days when I am completely overwhelmed and wonder if and how we are going to make it. It sounds so dramatic writing it out. Ultimately, I know we will make it. It will be ok. As long as I remember the lesson of the sunflower.

Keep your face to the sun. 

This flower knows where it's life comes from. It needs warmth to attract the bees to pollenate the flower to create more flowers. It needs light to grow taller and stronger and withstand the winds that come and blow it. It needs the light to feed the leaves that feed the roots and grow them deep. It knows where to look.

In the same way, I must know where my life comes from. Keep my face to the Son. Where my help comes from. Where I turn to get the strength and courage and feed the roots and grow them deep. I know where to look. 

So if today is a dark day, and you can't see a way out, I want to remind you what the sunflower taught me. 

Keep your face to the Son. 

 

Eleven Seconds

"All of our ancestors give us the precious gift of life. Do we use it wisely? Do we use it well?" 

                                                                                                                                -Laurence Overmire

Did you know that among other things, September 27th is Ancestor Appreciation Day?

Genealogy is one of my many interests. I'm fairly confident it started out of a need to know more about my maternal grandfather. He died 25 days before my mom was born. Unlike her older siblings, she never got to be held by the man whose voice she no doubt heard, but can't remember. He died putting up an antennae on the roof of their home so that when time came for Mom to be born, my grandma could contact him. My mom, in utero, got to experience all the trauma my grandma felt losing her husband. To this day, Mom can't hear "Taps" without breaking down.  

My grandpa was in the Army, and most of the pictures my mom has are from his time in the service. 

All we had to go on were a few photos, and the little my grandma could tell us. I combed every scrap of detail I could out of those pictures, and each new little bit of information was a huge revelation for us. 

My grandpa was in the military (yay! records!) BUT stationed only at Army Security Agency posts (Read: top secret eavesdropping bases). Drat.

We thought we would attempt to find people who served with him, and  often heard "Oh, he was an MP? Yeah, I tried to avoid them." Double drat.

When we filled out the paperwork and attempted to get his records from the military, we were told that they didn't have anything- that his records were probably lost in a fire at one of their facilities. (Given the nature of his service, we're a bit skeptical about this.) 

In an attempt to consolidate the information and find more records, I signed up with Ancestry. And the rest, as they say, is history. In this case, that phrase is actually true. SO much history. Of course I didn't stop with my grandpa. I branched out and even added John's family tree to mine. (His is way more fun because he has roots in Scotland, but I'm not bitter.) *Cough* And I've learned so many things about my family and where we came from, and about John's family and their past. And I'm able to share these things with our girls and give them insight into their collective family history. 

I've gone so far down the ancestry rabbit-hole that when I saw this meme I busted out laughing because, hey- it's true! 

As I reflect on my 4 year membership with Ancestry, I see there are 666 people (apparently, I need to add one more ASAP) on my tree. 

And the person who started it all, Sergeant 1st Class Wesley Lemuel Johnson? Well, the facts are just as sparse as when we started. One bonus could be that we now have a semi-accurate timeline of his deployments, which we added to his wedding and births of his kids. 

But I will never forget the day we found the video. You see, my grandpa was present at the dedication ceremony for an outpost in Asmara, Eritrea. Kagnew Station was dedicated in May of 1953, and my grandpa was chosen to stand guard next to the official plaque. My mom has had this photo for years: 

Wax (right)

One day, I stumbled across a video of the ceremony on Youtube. 4 minutes and 29 seconds. I watched, breathless, waiting to see if I could catch a glimpse of my grandpa, hope sinking as the seconds ticked by. Then... at 3:22.... there he was. For 11 seconds. He moved. He was alive. I remember my excitement as I frantically passed it on to my Mom, who promptly sent it to her siblings. 

11 seconds. But how precious and dear they are in all their grainy glory. 11 seconds of life! And not possible without all the scrutinizing and analyzing and zooming in photos to try and decipher patches. Without those frustrating and often fruitless searches, I wouldn't have known where to look. 

It started with a photograph.

You know how they say a picture is worth a thousand words? I am endlessly thankful for the pictures my Mom (and her siblings) share. Because without them, we wouldn't have this:

I may not have many "facts" about my grandpa, but this I know. He loved my grandma. He came to know Jesus and was baptized in the Pacific Ocean. He served his country and he provided for his family. And his last act on earth was one of love and care for my Mom, who never heard the words but can't doubt the action. 

Someday, on the other side of Heaven, my Mom will finally get to be held by the hands that gave their life loving her. 

Just like Jesus.

And I can promise, that moment will last infinitely more than 11 seconds.

A Sky Full of Stars

 "I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night."

Sarah Williams

Twilight Hours: A Legacy of Verse

Recently, my family and I watched the movie Sing 2. I won't delve into my love-hate relationship with the fun, lighthearted and musically light qualities that I want to enjoy, while at the same time being so irritated and incapable of getting past the fact that the "leader" is a total con artist who by lying and manipulating everyone around him (including his friends- who sometimes even aid his cause), still manages to get his way, and this is the "happy ending" we are supposed to cheer for. But I digress. 

The music in this film is supposedly a playlist of popular songs from recent years, which I wouldn't know because I rarely listen to secular radio stations. But one of them in particular has been stuck in my head for the last week, the song "A Sky Full of Stars". I had to look up the artist (laugh at me if you want), and discovered it was recorded by Coldplay (whom I have heard of, but now I can also name one song they've done. Hooray.) To my point:

Last night, my youngest daughter asked if we could go out and look at the sky after dark. I've always loved the night sky, and we live far enough outside of town to view them unhindered by street lights. We wandered out in the dark and waited for our eyes to adjust, and I let the fresh wonder of it wash over me.

The expanse of the universe blows my mind- a constant press of light shining and pushing back the dark. If you do any research on space, you'll discover there is way more dark in space than light. You'll learn about the massive distance between stars and the driving force of dark that continues to expand our universe outward. And I look up and think about our world. 

My husband ran inside to get his glasses. He came back outside and was amazed at what he could see. Because he could see! And I realized something.

I know every person is made to bear the light- the Light- capital, L, meaning Jesus- in dark places. We were also created to bring our own unique gift to those around us. Because we have to push back the dark. We were made to shine. Our little globe, Earth, just a speck in the universe, could be the brightest light of all. But in order to do that, we have to see. To look up and love and encourage and stir up the light in those around us. Give them a reason to shine. 

And then, I thought about myself and all the stories I want to tell. 

Each one a star. Each one created to bring light. To push back the dark. 

And I think it's true. I am a sky full of stars. So are you. 

And I don't mean it in some mystical "we're all part of the universe" kind of way. I mean that you and I have light, and Light, that only we can bring to this world. We need to love the stars- the light- too fondly to be fearful of the night. 

Whatever is stirring inside you, let it shine. Don't hide your light. The world needs what you have to bring. 

Mist of Midnight

Greetings to my fellow readers! I will confess to a bit of nervousness here. I have never been part of an official "blog tour" before. As you can see, my little piece of the web is pretty small, but I'm thankful for the chance use it as I share author Sandra Byrd and her newest book, Mist of Midnight, with you.

What I appreciate about Sandra is her diversity as a writer. I have enjoyed everything she has written, from the French Twist Series to the Ladies in Waiting books (see my review for Secret Keeper).
There is a different flavor to each series, but Sandra brings the same passion and zest to every story she undertakes and I love it. I was really looking forward to reading Mist. 
To be honest, I was a bit apprehensive when I started the book, because it was SO different from what I am used to reading, and really, from anything that is out there right now. I honestly couldn't decide if I liked it or not.
But I couldn't stop reading. And the deeper I got into the story, the more I began to find the rythym and flow of the words. I found the flavor of the story- and I remembered other books I enjoyed with a similar feel.
Mist of Midnight is mysterious without being dark. There are clues dropped along the way for you to discover,  but they leave you with more questions than answers. I did feel the ending was a bit rushed, with the truth finally being told almost at the last moment. Mist really reminded me of Bleak House by Dickens- as a reader you know more is going on, but what is truth? And who is telling it? These questions keep the pages turning. I loved the details about India- and the way Sandra tied the two worlds together.
Mist of Midnight is different. But it's a kind of different that is needed in a market filled with so much of the same. I enjoyed the book, and the reminder of books-gone-by that it stirred in me.
I recommend for fans of Jane Eyre & Victoria Holt books.

Synopsis

In the first of a brand-new series set in Victorian England, a young woman returns home from India after the death of her family to discover her identity and inheritance are challenged by the man who holds her future in his hands.

Rebecca Ravenshaw, daughter of missionaries, spent most of her life in India. Following the death of her family in the Indian Mutiny, Rebecca returns to claim her family estate in Hampshire, England. Upon her return, people are surprised to see her...and highly suspicious. Less than a year earlier, an imposter had arrived with an Indian servant and assumed not only Rebecca's name, but her home and incomes.

That pretender died within months of her arrival; the servant fled to London as the young woman was hastily buried at midnight. The locals believe that perhaps she, Rebecca, is the real imposter. Her home and her father's investments reverted to a distant relative, the darkly charming Captain Luke Whitfield, who quickly took over. Against her best intentions, Rebecca begins to fall in love with Luke, but she is forced to question his motives—does he love her or does he just want Headbourne House? If Luke is simply after the property, as everyone suspects, will she suffer a similar fate as the first “Rebecca”?

A captivating Gothic love story set against a backdrop of intrigue and danger, Mist of Midnight will leave you breathless.

Glass House

It's been a while since I've written a personal post. But these words have been floating around in my mind and heart for a week, and I finally let - or made- myself put them down.
You may not know this, but I'm grieving. I'm also tired. Mostly, I'm tired of grieving. But it's okay. And it will be okay. And maybe you need to hear this, too.

Glass House

"How are you?" They ask.

"I'm fine." I say.

And most days, I mean it. I'm not 'good' - but I'm better than 'okay'. And really, it's not fair of them to expect much more from me.

After all, life isn't easy inside the glass house of grief.

I can't help feeling it. Exposed. Everywhere I go. Everyone I meet. I wonder, "Are my curtains drawn tight enough? Can they see?" Because I know- I know- if they took the time to look closely, they would see it all. You can't hide behind transparent walls.

Everything was stable, secure, and safe. And in one moment- one instant, frozen forever in the endless drift of time- everything changed.

Fragile. Precarious. Exposed.

Wounded. Still bleeding. Half-alive. Pieced together. Barely breathing.

I'm fine.

Just don't look too closely.  You might see through my "socially acceptable" smile. My "polite conversation". My "normal life".

The glass house came down again last week. Shattered from the inside. I don't remember what triggered the collapse. It doesn't matter anymore.

I know when it's coming. I can feel the cracks forming, hear the soft splintering sound as the fissure spreads. Reaching out, never satisfied. It grows.

So does my panic. I feel it building inside me. The explosion. The loss of control. There's nothing I can do to stop it. It's time to hide.

I curl into a ball. I hold myself together while I fall apart. And it comes.

The explosion. Again. And again. And again. Like waves against the shore. Powerful, destructive, relentless- it radiates out from me.

Like Jericho, my crystal fortress lies in ruins at my feet. I don't like to lose control. And yet, there's a bitter beauty to it all.

This... is real.

My shattered, broken heart laid bare. Raw, exposed, unprotected. Such a strange relief.

I am myself.

Light breaks through the smoke of my destruction.

It falls from heaven, reflects off each and every piece of glass. Color erupts around me.

Ah yes. The breathtaking glory found in the midst of this place of death.

And yet, I choose to rise again. The Light reminds me I cannot stay here in this ruin. My hands are strengthened. My heart, re-bound. I take up the shards.
I bleed. I feel the pain of all that's wrong with my world. I keep working.

Piece by piece, life fits together again. The glass house shines in the light of a new day. Because life, you see, must go on.

I am not destroyed. I am whole.

I am...fine.

For now.

Tears of the Sea

It's been just over 12 hours since I finished Tears of the Sea by MaryLu Tyndall, and this book still hasn't let me go. It is truly one of the most beautiful scriptural allegories I have read in a very long time.

Wait a minute. Amazon says this book is about a mermaid. 

Yes, it is. Skeptical? Don't worry- I was too. In fact, I had no idea the book was an allegory when I started reading it. It didn't take long for the parallels to start standing out, and suddenly I was filtering the book in an entirely new way.

A King, holy, glorious, righteous, and good.
A lost world, full of suffering souls.
A Prince, sent to save the lost, willing to give himself for the least of these- even unto death.
A crew of faithful servants, unsure what the big picture is, but willing to follow their Captain anywhere.
An evil overlord and his minions, desperate to take over the world and defeat the King once and for all.

And one woman. Cursed. Unloved. Alone. Desperate for redemption, freedom, love.

Can you see it?

Books like this are the reason this blog has it's name-  Tears of the Sea is more than words. Written by & from a heart surrendered to Christ, this book is truth. It is powerful, and deep, and wide as the ocean.
I refuse to say more because I don't want to spoil it for you. I want you to read it for yourself. Let it wash over you and open your eyes again to the truth of scripture. See in a new light just how much He loves you. What He gave to redeem you. What awaits those who press on toward the upward call in Christ.

If you only read one book- just one- this whole year, make it this one.

Amazon Link

I recommend for fans of C.S. Lewis' Narnia, Francine River's Redeeming Love, and Ted Dekker's Black, Red & White (The Circle Trilogy)

PS- I couldn't resist a light-hearted post script... I was already in love with this book, but after visiting MaryLu's Pinterest board and discovering her model for Savion was Chris Evans? Well....let's just say I love Tears even more now.  :)

Just A Hop, Skip, and a Jump

(Also known as, Joy Has Been Tagged)
My friend Gretchen over at Spec Fiction GEKE tagged me in a writing style blog hop.  I am horrendously late in posting my responses (apologies, all), so without further ado:

What am I working on? 
My current project is a fantasy (or speculative) fiction series set in a medieval time. The idea behind the series comes from Matthew 16:18: "And I say also to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell will not prevail against it."
I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. My writer mind started chewing on this verse. "What if I wanted to tell a story about this truth? What would it look like?" And slowly, my story was born. In it, 3 siblings, children of the one true king, represent the church. Only when the three become one will they be fully equipped as warriors, and able to storm the "gates of hell". And don't worry, this isn't some cheesy "Captain Planet" kind of oneness. It's meant to be a portrayal of the power God wants to unleash through His body, the church, to release the captives, and vanquish the evil in this world.

How does my work differ from others in it's genre?
I'm honestly not sure how to answer this question. I don't pretend to think that a story like this has never been done before. And I know several other speculative authors who strive to weave spiritual truth into their stories. So the type of book I am writing is not uncommon. But the Lord gave this  story to me, to be told in my voice, with my heart. So, at the risk of sounding arrogant, what makes my work different is the fact that it's mine. :)

Why do I write what I do? 
One of the reasons I love speculative fiction is because there is so much room to share spiritual truth- to write a powerful allegory- and have it be an amazing journey at the same time. When I read Ted Dekker's Circle Trilogy (Black, Red, & White)- it changed how I looked at speculative fiction. It was a great story. But it was so much more than just a story. It was truth! It was amazing, powerful, redemptive truth. And I thought, "I want to write like that. I want to tell a story filled with the truth of God's word in a way that will impact people long after the last page."
The other reason I write what I do is because God has called me to it. Some may consider that a "cop out" or an easy answer, but it's true. He continues to write this story through me. I hesitate to even call it "my book" because it's not. It's His.

How does your writing process work? 
Um, not well. Haha! Seriously. I am a total pantster (for those non-writerly types who may be reading this, being a 'pantster' means I write by the seat of my pants). I will get a scene in my mind, write it down, take it as far as it goes, and stop. Again. And again. And again. You see the problem, of course. I end up with a bunch of  "brilliant!" scenes which have no context, no depth, and no flow. So this girl is retraining herself to plot. Because random, "brilliant!" scenes tied loosely together do not a solid story make. Plot. Plot all the things! Haha!
I'm learning a lot from fellow authors who are wiser than I am, and always looking for a good writing craft book. I am also working hard at character building. You can sometimes get away with a plot-driven story, but not in speculative fiction.

Well- I hope you've enjoyed this little window into my writing world. :) I now invite you to:

Skip! On over to the blog of a fellow writer and friend. Martha Artyomenko is homeschooling mom and one of my heroes, who still makes time to write while raising 4 boys. :)

And please, do also Jump! To the blog of Nicole Deese- one of my favorite contemporary romance authors! If you haven't yet read her Letting Go series you are seriously missing out.

Dear Mr. Knightley

Let me begin by saying I had a lot of expectations about this book. I had heard nothing but good things about it from my friends. I expected that Katherine would reference Emma, at least, if not other works of Jane Austen. I expected it to be lighthearted and fun. I expected it to be romantic (duh!) and entertaining. 

I purchased this book for my Kindle, and I actually forgot about it. I know, I know. I heard the collective gasp and cries of "how could you?"  Well, it's easier than you think. My life has been crazy for the last few weeks, and browsing my Kindle for something to read wasn't exactly high up on the 'To Do' list. Fast forward to Sunday. The weekend had been brutal, I wasn't feeling well, and I needed a distraction. Time to blow the figurative dust off the Kindle, I thought. And lo and behold, what did I find waiting just for me but Katherine Reay's book. I finished it this afternoon. I know what you're wondering. Will I now say that Dear Mr. Knightley met my expectations? Yes. And no. 

This book was everything I expected/wanted/hoped it to be. I am an Austen fan. I have read all of her novels, and I hold several of the film adaptations very close to my heart. I also enjoy Jane Eyre, Anne of Green Gables, and have seen the movie The Count of Monte Cristo. Why does this matter? Because it matters to Sam. Or, Samantha, if you prefer. Sam's "friends" - these characters- were already my "friends" too. I connected with her instantly on those grounds alone. But it goes deeper. Sam wants to be a writer. It's her dream. She "wants it so bad she can taste it." I can relate to that. 

Sam doesn't know how to let people in. The circumstances of her life have trained her to cope- to hide behind her walls. Granted, Sam's childhood was much more difficult than mine, and her journey couldn't be more different. But her thoughts/struggles/feelings are the same. And I start to wonder if maybe Katherine was following me around and taking notes for her character development. 

Here comes the No-

It went beyond my expectations. This book was MORE. I don't know what other word to use. 

It wasn't just a romp through the life of your average college student, who wittily quotes Jane Austen to her friends, and one day manages to stumble into the "perfect" Austen hero, fall madly in love, the end. 

I didn't expect to think. It sounds horrible, but part of me assumed this book would be a "no-brainer." I was wrong. With every letter, Sam unearths a new truth about herself. Sometimes, it's painful. And in those moments, I would wonder, "are we the same?" 

As the reader, you get the raw, unfiltered story, just like Mr. Knightley. And in a way, Sam baring her soul forces you to do the same. It also forces you to care. A lot. You invest in the characters- in the story. 

I'm always happy when a book surprises me. And Dear Mr. Knightley was such a book. I highly recommend it- especially of you are an Austen fan- but you don't have to be. This book has a story to tell to each of us. I challenge you to read it and see if it doesn't cause some introspection in your own life.

Raspberries and Vinegar

My parents have talked about living off the grid quite a bit. We do our best to eat fresh food.  

Could we do better? Yep. 

Do I still go out and eat the occasional fast food burger? You bet.

Do I believe you are going straight to the bad place downstairs if you don't grow your own food? Um, that would be a no (and I'm pretty sure Valerie doesn't, either). 

Why am I asking these questions? Because. I am about to share a book with you that I enjoyed very, very much. But I must warn you that it may change how you feel about what you eat. And I mean that in the best possible way. :) 

This book delivers exactly what it promises on the front cover. It's about a farm. It's fresh. And it's a romance.

It's about a farm.

But this isn't just any farm. It's a back to nature, make your own compost, heritage seeds only, as-organic-as-you-can-get farm. Jo and her buddies Sierra and Claire are serious about changing the way we as a culture look at food. They're passionate about being good stewards of the earth, and as a result, taking care of the human body in the process. Move over, Super One- Green Acres has come to town!

It's fresh.

I could compare reading this book to eating a crunchy, home grown, leafy green salad. It's just plain good! I have never read a book like this before, and I believe Valerie's voice has definitely been missing in the Christian fiction market. Valerie's characters have minds of their own. They're snarky. They have dreams. They have "issues". And in the end, they come to a point of asking, as we all must, "Who's plan am I following? Am I doing what I want, or am I doing what God wants?"

It's a romance.

Yep. No denying the chemistry between Jo & Zach drives this story. But it's also about the love of the land. The love of the simple life- and the simple things in life. It's about loving those near to you while you still have time. It's about loving another person, even if you will never see eye to eye with them. And most of all, it's about loving God, and desiring to follow Him no matter where it might take you.

Can this book be confrontational? Yes.
Will it challenge the way you as a reader look at the food on your plate? Yes.
That's kind of the point.
 Raspberries and Vinegar will stick with you long after you finish reading it. And, just like that fresh salad, you will be wanting more.
Want to know more about Valerie? http://valeriecomer.com

2013- 12 Days of Fiction: DAY 1!

The Secret Keeper by Sandra Byrd

Here it is, friends! The moment we've all been waiting for- my top pick in fiction for 2013. 

I hesitated to pick up Sandra's books for a long time. I mean, the covers are obviously really rich and exquisite. Reader eye candy, if you will. I can't tell you how many times I picked this book up off the shelf and put it back. 

Henry VIII is a notorious 'womanizer' - and this book centered around the women in his court. Was it possible to tackle such an amorous subject and still keep the content clean enough for a sensitive reader like me? 

One day, while once again studying Sandra's beautiful book sitting on the shelf of the bookstore, one of the employees walked up to me and said, "Why don't you review that book for us?" 

Needless to say I was more than willing to help out! 

And...I have never been more thankful to be proven wrong. These books are written from the perspective of hand maidens to the queen(s) of Henry VIII. Instead of using them as a way to tell a sizzling romance from a different perspective, we get a unique and beautiful look into the lives of the queens themselves. Their joys, heartaches, and triumphs are shared from the caring heart of someone close to them. 

I chose to feature Secret Keeper because I connected with this book deeply. I love to read, so of course, I read often. But it's rare that a book actually moves me to tears. Juliana and her story became my own. I don't want to give the end away, but in all honesty the end of this book is the main reason Keeper has my number 1 spot. The end is beautiful. It's everything you would hope for. 

But it was more than that to me. It was a reminder of the perfect love of Jesus. I wept because I saw myself, forsaken and alone, without a friend. I had nowhere else to go, no one to turn to. And in the moment of my deepest despair, He came, pulled me out of my darkness, claimed me as His own, and rescued me. And that, my friends, is a truly beautiful thing.

So, there you have it! I hope you have enjoyed this year's countdown, and found some new authors to add to your bookshelf! 

I highly recommend all of the books in the Ladies In Waiting series (which can also be read as stand-alones).

Back Cover: 

The author of To Die For returns to the court of Henry VIII as a young woman is caught between love and honor. 

 Juliana St. John is the daughter of a prosperous knight. Though her family wants her to marry the son of her father's business partner, circumstances set her on a course toward the court of Henry VIII and his last wife, Kateryn Parr.
     Sir Thomas Seymour, uncle of the current heir, Prince Edward, returns to Wiltshire to tie up his concerns with Juliana's father's estate and sees instantly that Juliana would fit into the household of the woman he loves, Kateryn Parr. Her mother agrees to have her placed in Parr's household for "finishing" and Juliana goes, though perhaps reluctantly.
     For she knows a secret. She has been given the gift of prophecy, and in one of her visions she has seen Sir Thomas shredding the dress of the king's daughter, the lady Elizabeth, to perilous consequence.
    As Juliana learns the secrets of King Henry VIII's court, she faces threats and opposition, learning truths about her own life that will undo everything she holds dear.

2013- 12 Days of Fiction: DAY 2!

All She Wanted by Nicole Deese

Sorry I'm late with this one, but this book is most definitely worth the wait. Nicole Deese and her book, All She Wanted, are my favorite find of 2013. This book is a shift from my 'usual' reading fare- a contemporary romance- but what a refreshing change! The moment I opened this book on my Kindle, I was completely absorbed in the story. As in, utterly useless. Almost non-functional. If I didn't have 2 little ones and a hubby to feed, I may have just lived on the couch from beginning to end.
I loved Charlie and Briggs. I loved watching them interact, learn about each other, and fall in love. I love that Charlie learns to respect, forgive, and be transparent. I love that Briggs is always the gentleman, is willing to abide by rules he doesn't understand, and puts Charlie and her needs before his own.
These are characters you will care about, invest in, and be utterly satisfied with at the end.

http://www.fictionherofeatures.com/2013/11/briggs.html

Back Cover:
Choices. They determine how we live, who we are, and what we want. Some choices are made for us. Others we must make for ourselves. 
Charlie Lexington is a living consequence of both. Everything about the feisty redhead represents a second chance—even her name. Though she was rescued at the age of five, her past is a lingering reminder of what she longs for most. And the one thing she has spent a lifetime trying to find. After a series of less-than-stellar choices, her Performing Arts Scholarship now hangs by a thread. Her sudden suspension has not only resulted in her father’s disappointment, but in the loss of her freedom as well. She is forced to face the music: four weeks house arrest. 
Briggs is the carefree, charming, yet all-too-mouthy fireman who is asked to keep an eye on the pretty little spitfire. He quickly learns, however, that his first assessment of her was off—she’s tougher than she looks. When her stubborn resolve pushes his sanity and intercepts his heart, his loyalties are put to the test. Sometimes the hardest choice we make, is the one we must make for love... 

**This is the second book in the Letting GO series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. **

2013- 12 Days of Fiction: DAY 3!

Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden

I'm beginning to think I have a thing for stories with a nautical setting. Some of my favorite stories involve a shipyard, or an actual ocean voyage, or pirates, or...you get the idea. In my opinion, this is the best book Elizabeth Camden has written to date- and I am looking forward to more of the same. And since Against the Tide won the 2013 Christy and Rita Awards, I'm not the only one who saw something special in this book.
Alexander Banebridge is not a nice guy. He has his own agenda, and he uses Lydia as a means to his end. He's so focused on what he wants that he overlooks Lydia's needs entirely. There's a bad guy to be caught- and "Bane" believes it's his job to do the catching.  But he can't just waltz in and arrest this baddie. No- he has to toy with him a little first. See, it's all about the setup.
And Bane has it all figured out. Until things get complicated.
Suddenly, he needs Lydia's help for more than just random translation work. But when she becomes more than just another pawn on his chessboard, Bane's priorities shift. Can he accomplish his goal without losing Lydia? Or will his mission cost him everything he loves?

Back Cover:

After a childhood rampant with uncertainty, Lydia Pallas has carved out a perfect life for herself. She spends her days within sight of the bustling Boston Harbor, where her skill with languages has landed her an enviable position as a translator for the U.S. Navy.

Lydia's talents bring her to the attention of Alexander Banebridge, a mysterious man in need of a translator. Driven by a campaign to end the opium trade, Bane is coolly analytical and relentless in his quest. He cannot afford to fall for Lydia and must fight the bittersweet love growing between them.

When Bane's enemies gain the upper hand, he is forced to turn to Lydia for help. Determined to prove her worth, Lydia soon discovers that carrying out Bane's mission will test her wits and her courage to the very limits.


When forces conspire against them from without and within, can their love survive?

2013- 12 Days of Fiction: DAY 4!

The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz

Before I even figured out my "slots" for this countdown, I had to choose which Laura Frantz book I was going to feature. Let me explain. No.....there is too much. Let me sum up.
I won a big giveaway earlier this year, and the prize was 4 of Laura's books. It was kind of like opening a bag of M&M's. You can't stop with just one. I blew through the novels. The Frontiersman's Daughter. Courting Morrow Little. The Colonel's Lady. Love's Reckoning. There must be more! I thought. And there was! I joined the ranks of seasoned Frantz-natics, and waited for the day when Love's Awakening was to be released. A few days after my copy arrived, it occurred to me. I had now read every published book written by Laura Frantz- in one year.
So you can see my dilemma. Some of you may be thinking, "But this is an older title." Yes, it is.
Here is the reason I chose The Colonel's Lady. These are the characters who have stayed with me the longest.
The story is set in Kentucky, and takes place largely inside one of the wilderness forts. Confined within 4 walls, starvation, sickness, and Indian attacks are a constant threat. But we know, amid the harshest circumstances, beauty shines out that much clearer. Lady is a story of hope, courage to overcome your fear, and the power of forgiveness.

Back Cover:
Can love survive the secrets kept buried within a tormented heart?

Roxanna Rowan may be a genteel Virginia woman, but she is determined to brave the wilds of the untamed frontier to reach a remote Kentucky fort. Eager to reunite with her father, who serves under Colonel Cassius McLinn, Roxanna is devastated to find that her father has been killed on a campaign.

Penniless and out of options, Roxanna is forced to remain at the fort. As she spends more and more time with the fiery Colonel McLinn, the fort is abuzz with intrigue and innuendo. Can Roxanna truly know who the colonel is--and what he's done?

Immerse yourself in this powerful story of love, faith, and forgiveness set in the tumultuous world of the frontier in 1779.

2013- 12 Days of Fiction: DAY 5!

A Cast of Stones by Patrick Carr

We come to it at last- the top 5! As I shared on Facebook before I began this countdown, the top 5 slots were especially hard to fill. If the characters were alive and able to arm wrestle, that's probably what would have happened. Then I could have called a winner and saved myself from agonizing over who to place where. Alas, there was no arm wrestling to be had, and in the end I tightened my belt,  narrowed my vision, and hammered out the slots.
Here we find my second recommendation for my guy readers. I have been looking for an epic fantasy tale since Bryan Davis's Dragons of Starlight/Tales of Starlight series' alternate releases last year. (For the record, I STILL haven't read the 3rd book, Exodus Rising, or it's counterpart, Liberator). But I digress....
A Cast of Stones follows Errol, a stinky, worthless drunk, on a fantastic journey to freedom from alcohol, warrior training, and, of course, transformation to a bona fide hero! This book is a slow burner- but stick with it because I promise you will not be disappointed. Patrick Carr knows how to tell a sweeping story, and I ended up loving Errol with all his flaws, and rooting for him (almost) the whole way through the book. I can't wait to get my hands on book 2, Hero's Lot. 

Back Cover:
The Fate of the Kingdom Awaits the Cast of Stones

In the backwater village of Callowford, roustabout Errol Stone is enlisted by a church messenger arriving with urgent missives for the hermit priest in the hills. Eager for coin, Errol agrees to what he thinks will be an easy task, but soon finds himself hunted by deadly assassins. Forced to flee with the priest and a small band of travelers, Errol soon learns he's joined a quest that could change the fate of his kingdom.

Protected for millennia by the heirs of the first king, the kingdom's dynasty nears its end and the selection of the new king begins--but in secret and shadow. As danger mounts, Errol must leave behind the stains and griefs of the past, learn to fight, and discover who is hunting him and his companions and how far they will go to stop the reading of the stones.

2013- 12 Days of Fiction: DAY 6!

Wishing on Willows by Katie Ganshert

Katie is an up and coming author and I am thankful to have discovered her fairly early in her writing career. 

Willows is contemporary romance at it's finest. 

Maybe it's because I grew up (and, incidentally still live) in a small town, but I connected right away with Robin, and the residents of Peaks, Iowa. 

What happens when the stores on Main Street start struggling and big money arrives in town with an offer they can't refuse? When property gets sold, and someone's dream dies on the altar of 'progress'? 

Robin had a dream- and she shared it with her husband. Aside from her son Caleb, The Willow Tree Cafe is all she has of him. She isn't about to give up, and definitely not without a fight. 

We all have dreams. Sometimes everything goes as we imagine. Sometimes, we have to let go, and the dream dies. And sometimes, our dreams are to small. And it's when we surrender those dreams, and give ourselves to a greater plan than ours that we receive infinitely more than we could ever ask or think. Because the One we trust knows what we need even before we ask- and he loves to give us good gifts! 

http://www.fictionherofeatures.com/2013/08/ian-mckay.html

Back Cover: 

Does a second chance at life and love always involve surrender?

A three-year old son, a struggling café, and fading memories are all Robin Price has left of her late husband. As the proud owner of Willow Tree Café in small town Peaks, Iowa,  she pours her heart into every muffin she bakes and espresso she pulls, thankful for the sense of purpose and community the work provides.
                                  
So when developer Ian McKay shows up in Peaks with plans to build condos where her café and a vital town ministry are located, she isn’t about to let go without a fight.

As stubborn as he is handsome, Ian won’t give up easily. His family’s business depends on his success in Peaks. But as Ian pushes to seal the deal, he wonders if he has met his match. Robin’s gracious spirit threatens to undo his resolve, especially when he discovers the beautiful widow harbors a grief that resonates with his own.

With polarized opinions forming all over town, business becomes unavoidably personal and Robin and Ian must decide whether to cling to the familiar or surrender their plans to the God of Second Chances. 

2013- 12 Days of Fiction: DAY 7!

Deployed by Mel Odom

So in case you're wondering, "Does this chick even read anything that doesn't end up on her other blog?" The answer is YES! It just so happens that most of my favorite books this year happen to coincide with FHF. Most....but not all. :)
Mel Odom writes modern suspense- his other series before this was about NCIS. As a fan of the TV show, I'm not sure how I missed those books. They are on my TBR pile now, though.
Book 1 in the Called To Serve series follows Marine Lance Corporal Becka Shaw from her home in a backwater town in the U.S. to Somalia, where she is deployed (hence the title) with her unit to offer protection to humanitarian aid workers.
I am proud of Mel for choosing to highlight the struggles of those women who choose to serve in our country's armed forces.
Becka has a sweet little boy who waits for her at home. He's a little more grown up every time she returns. As a mother, I relate to Becka's struggles. She does what she has to in order to provide for her son- but she knows every time she leaves she could be saying goodbye for the last time.
For those who remember last years countdown, I try to read & recommend something for the guys* as well. This is one of those books. While it may center on Becka, there are several other men in her unit who become primary characters. Book 2, Renegade, picks up the story of Pike Morgan- and I have read & recommend it also. If you enjoy page turning action, suspense, and all around good fiction, Mel Odom should be added to your reading list.

*because Mel is writing about war and terrorists, there is a lot of death in these books, often in violent manners (i.e. Explosions, executions, and lots of gunfights). I am big on age-appropriate fiction, so please bear in mind that this title is recommended for men specifically, and parental discretion is encouraged before purchasing for a younger reader.

Back Cover:
Lance Corporal Bekah Shaw joined the Marine Reserve to support herself and her young son when her ex-husband decided they were no longer his responsibility. Deployed to Somalia for her current tour of duty, she learns that her team must protect international humanitarian efforts and hunt down the terrorists responsible for the violence and carnage. The mission seems straightforward until the team encounters a renegade, a ghost who seems to be fighting against both sides.

Rageh Daud once lived in contentment with his family in Mogadishu, Somalia. But when that life was torn from him by a terrorist attack, he vowed to avenge his loved ones whatever the cost. Raising an army of men from the displaced people scattered through the countryside, his only goal is destruction—until he encounters an orphan child he feels compelled to protect.

When their worlds collide in a desperate situation, Bekah’s Marines and Daud’s militia realize that their only hope for defeating a common enemy—and their only chance at staying alive—may be to form an unthinkable alliance.

2013- 12 Days of Fiction: DAY 8!

A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund

Even though I loved the cover on this book, it took a bit of convincing to get me to read it. I guess I had this hang up that if I read the book, and the story wasn't good, it would ruin the cover. And I really liked the cover. So I looked and didn't touch for a long time. But when A Noble Groom popped up on FHF, I knew my hesitancy had cost me- and I figured it was time to read the book.
I really enjoy stories where the characters are forced together. It makes for some truly great dialogue, and who doesn't love those awkward moments when one (or both) of the characters blunder?
Combining two independent personalities and 'shoving' them into a relationship often makes for an explosive read. I don't know that I would call Groom explosive, although there did come a time while reading it that I exploded....and Carl and I had to part ways for a while. :) I suppose it is a testament to how much I cared about Annalisa and what happened to her.
A Noble Groom is a page turner with loveable characters and an absorbing plot.

http://www.fictionherofeatures.com/2013/06/carl-richards-gottfried-charles-von.html

Back Cover:
Michigan, 1880

Annalisa Werner's hope for a fairy tale love is over. Her husband failed her in every way and now his death has left her with few options to save the family farm. She needs a plentiful harvest. That, and a husband to help bring it in. Someone strong, dependable. That'll be enough. A marriage for love...that's something she's given up on.

So her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom.

Then a man appears: Carl Richards, from their home country of Germany and a former schoolteacher--or so he says. He's looking for work and will serve on the farm until her husband arrives.

With time running out, she accepts his help, but there's more to this man than he's admitting. He's also gentle, kind, charming--unlike any man she's ever known. But even as Carl is shining light into the darkness of her heart, she knows her true groom may arrive any day.

2013- 12 Days of Fiction: DAY 9!

No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig

In trying not to feature the same authors as I did last year, I've run into a completely different hurdle. I've managed to double promote almost all of these titles. :) If you are a fan or follower of the blog I co-write with my battle brother, Nancy Kimball, my 12 Days will seem pretty redundant.
I can't really apologize though, because it means not only do these books contain great heroes, but also the book as a whole is a great read.
Elizabeth Ludwig writes historical suspense, and it's a genre that I am not very familiar with. But having read both No Safe Harbor and Dark Road Home (book 2 in the a Edge of Freedom Series) it's pretty safe to say that I am now a big fan. (Am I also allowed to say that book 3, Tide and Tempest is one of my most anticipated titles for 2014? Of course I can. It's my blog. Ha!)
This story centers around Irish immigrants who have just arrived in New York city. My husband's great-grandfather and  -grandmother immigrated here from Scotland in 1902 through the gateway of Ellis Island- so the setting and characters appealed to me. Rourke and Cara are characters worth investing in, their love story...and the suspense, will keep you turning pages until the very end.

http://www.fictionherofeatures.com/2013/07/rourke-walsh-turner.html

Back Cover:
New York City, 1897

She came to America searching for her brother. Instead all she's found is a web of danger.
Cara Hamilton had thought her brother to be dead. Now, clutching his letter, she leaves Ireland for America, desperate to find him. Her search leads her to a houseful of curious strangers, and one man who claims to be a friend--Rourke Walsh. Despite her brother's warning, Cara trusts Rourke, revealing her purpose in coming to New York.

She's then thrust into a world of subterfuge, veiled threats, and attempted murder, including political revolutionaries from the homeland out for revenge. Her questions guide her ever nearer to locating her brother--but they also bring her closer to destruction as those who want to kill him track her footsteps.

With her faith in tatters, all hope flees. Will her brother finally surface? Can he save Cara from the truth about Rourke... a man she's grown to love?

2013- 12 Days of Fiction: DAY 10!

With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin

I just want you to take a moment and appreciate the cover of this book. It's so rich! I'm a little partial to it because one of my favorite photographers, Brandon Hill, took the picture used for the cover art. I actually saw this image on his blog before I discovered Sarah's book! 

The WINGS OF THE NIGHTINGALE series attracted me for several reasons, but what really connected me to the story, and with Mellie, is the fact that she is a Filipino. Sounds strange, but there's a good reason. It just so happens that my youngest sister, Alice, was adopted from the Philippines. She's been a part of our family for 3 years now, and I couldn't be more thankful that she is finally home.  

So you see, I was automatically invested in the heroine even before I started reading With Every Letter. I wanted Mellie to succeed. The connection was personal. 

My favorite thing about this story is that Sarah takes her time drawing the characters together. The characters mature together, becoming so much a part of each other in the process that reading "The End" on a story has never been more satisfying. 

Against the conflict of WWII when death is an ever present reality, the friendship and ultimate romance between Tom and Mellie is a breath of fresh air. 

Well researched, with a great cast of secondary characters, Letter is a story not soon forgotten. 

Back Cover: 

They know everything about each other--except their real names.

Lt. Mellie Blake is looking forward to beginning her training as a flight nurse. She is not looking forward to writing a letter to a man she's never met--even if it is anonymous and part of a morale-building program. Lt. Tom MacGilliver, an officer stationed in North Africa, welcomes the idea of an anonymous correspondence--he's been trying to escape his infamous name for years.

As their letters crisscross the Atlantic, Tom and Mellie develop a unique friendship despite not knowing the other's true identity. When both are transferred to Algeria, the two are poised to meet face-to-face for the first time. Will they overcome their fears and reveal who they are, or will their future be held hostage by their pasts?

Combining a flair for romance with excellent research and attention to detail, Sarah Sundin vividly brings to life the perilous challenges of WWII aviation, nursing--and true love. 

And, once again, for more about Mellie's story, head here: 

http://www.fictionherofeatures.com/2013/10/tom-macgilliver.html

2013- 12 Days of Fiction: DAY 11!

Submerged by Dani Pettrey 

I am a late comer to the McKenna party. But a body can only hear so much praise before curiosity takes over, and suddenly I "had to know" what all the fuss was about. 

This story swallowed me like the frigid black waters of Alaska swallow Cole every time he dives. Unlike Cole, I didn't let the limited air in an oxygen tank determine how long I stayed under. :) 

It's been a while since I've read a good, tight suspense. The story is character driven, with Bailey and Cole leading the charge. Getting to know the rest of the McKenna clan is a bonus, and the carry over from one book to the next is seamlessly done. This story is about overcoming your past, and leaving it in the past. Bailey's struggle to believe that she is not who she used to be is one that we all face, and her journey to accepting her identity as a new creation is powerful. 

If you are a fan of Dee Henderson's O'Malley series, I guarantee that you will love the Alaskan Courage series. 

So come on- take the plunge! It's worth it.
 

For a spotlight on Cole McKenna and a unique look at Submerged, check out my other blog: 

http://www.fictionherofeatures.com/2012/09/cole-mckenna.html

Back Cover:

A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers. 

One single clue.

Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey, Alaska, again. She has a past, and a reputation--and Yancey's a town that doesn't forget. She's returned only to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash, but then dark evidence emerges and Bailey's own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.

Cole McKenna can face dangerous rescue dives. He can face the fear a murderer may be threatening his town. But facing the reality of Bailey's reappearance is a tougher challenge. She broke his heart...but doesn't seem to be the same girl who left Yancey ten years ago. And he's not the same guy she left behind. 

Racing against the clock and a rising body count, Bailey and Cole must move beyond the hurts of their pasts to work together until the truth of what is hidden in the depths finally surfaces.