A Glimmer of Faith in the Midst of Doubt

You will keep him in perfect peace 

whose mind is stayed on you. 

Isaiah 26:3

She regarded the brightly shining angel, with its synthetic blonde-hair, tilting a little on the top branch. Perhaps she ought to say a prayer. If she thought it would help, she would do so.

But then, did prayer really help? Had God sent an angel to earth to look after her and her baby while Patrick was gone? Well, if he had, their angel had better get busy. He wasn’t doing so well right about now.

--from Christmas Angels, an anthology novella (From the Lake to the River)

Abigail is young, lonely, afraid and a new mother and wife, with little money, and not much of hope of getting any kind of help. What could be worse?

How many times have we gone through situations, problems, trials, or even persecution in one form or another, and found ourselves doubting God or his ability to carry us through, even if the thought was for just the briefest of time?

Did God hear me?

Does he even listen?

Does he even care?

Where is God when I need him?
What did I do that he won't answer my prayer?

Or much worse...

Is there even a God?

Thorndike Dictionary describes doubt as:

• not believing or trusting
• not to be sure of or feel uncertain about
• difficulty in believing
• an uncertain state of mind
• an uncertain condition of affairs

Can we believe God when finances are low and there's no job in view?

How is our faith when a loved one is suffering physically or dying?

How do we pray when a child is wayward and rebellious?

Be assured that God knows our heart, our mind, our self. He understands our weaknesses, the temptations we have, the doubts that arise. 

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, 

and lean not toward your own understanding.

He shall direct your path.

Proverbs 3: 5 and 6b

How to increase our faith?

1. Acknowledge our weakness
2. Snuggle deeper into his arms of strength and into his love and understanding
3. Dig deeper into his Word. 
4. Refuse to listen to the enemy of our soul
5. Rest in the knowledge that God is God. He loves us!

In II Corinthians 12: 9-10, Paul admonishes by talking about his own experience:

And he said unto me:

My grace is sufficient for you,

for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches,

in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake, for when I am weak, then am I strong.

In the short scene from Christmas Angels, above, Abigail, in her time of questioning and doubt, wonders if God is there. Would her prayer reach God's ears and would he care enough to help?



Yes, God hears! 
Yes, God Cares! 
Yes, he will answer! 


Rest assured, Troubled Soul, of that!!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 

who comforts us in all our troubles, 

so that we can comfort those in any trouble 

with the comfort, we ourselves receive from God.

--II Corinthians 1:3 & 4

***

Thrilled to announce my newest contribution 

to the writing world: 

Christmas Angels 

A Novella, (set during WWII) 

is included in the Ohio anthology: 

From the Lake to the River.

Consisting of nine stories from nine Ohio authors, there is something for everyone! 



Set in Ohio, in the past and present, these nine short stories and novellas by Ohio authors cover a wide range of genres, topics, and locations. 

From Troy in the west to the North Coast 

and south-central Ohio. 

From Lake Erie to the Ohio River. 

From romance to YA adventure, 

with touches of mystery and humor. 

Dealing with historical events and situations, 

such as floods and the lasting effects of the Civil War. 

With characters involved in 

square dancing, theater, and music. 

Dealing with loss and danger, 

a second chance at love 

and taking a chance on love for the first time. 

Chances are good, no matter what you have a taste for reading, 

you'll find something to like. Welcome to a taste of the Buckeye State!

Here's the blurb for Christmas Angels:

Her mother called her a failure, and maybe she was. Her husband was gone—in the service, yes, but
if he loved her—really loved her, why didn't he write? Or call? Or send the money she needed?

She was scared too, afraid of being alone, and though she loved this sweet little bundle of joy—her baby—well, was she smart enough and strong enough to raise her?

She didn't mind doing without all the nice things she'd love to have, but not being able to provide luxuries like Christmas trees, ornaments and presents for her baby girl was beyond enduring.

What she needed was a miracle...and that wasn't going to happen.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Lake-River-Buckeye-Chr…/…/ref=sr_1_1…

Barnes & Noble/Nook:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/from-the-lake-…/1129185393…

Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/…/from-the-lake-to-the-river-buckeye-c…

About Carole:

Besides being an active participant in many writing groups, Carole is an award-winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance, and whimsy into her books and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Interview with author Lucy Nel!

Angela here. Thank you all for joining me and my special guest, Lucy Nel. here is a little bit of an introduction:

Lucy Nel is a coffee addicted work-in-progress daughter of the Lord Almighty. She's a mommy to a rambunctious toddler and wife to her best friend and real-life hero. Along with three spoiled Pugs, they make their home in Gauteng, the smallest of nine provinces in South Africa.

During the day, she's a bookkeeper. At night when the world sleeps, she delves into her passion, creating interesting characters in historical settings.

She's a member of American Christian Fiction and her dream came true when she recently signed a contract with Pelican Book Group for her Christmas themed novella, The Widow's Captive.

One of her favorite quotes about writing is by C.S. Lewis: You can make anything by writing.

Her favorite verse is Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

First of all, Lucy, I want to say how much I enjoyed your novella, The Widow’s Captive! And the cover. So lovely and Christmassy! (See end of interview.)

Thank you so much, Angela. I’m thrilled to be here! Yep. I’m really impressed with the cover!

For those who don’t know, would you like to tell our guests where you are from?

I live in Alberton. *Nothing ever seems to happen here, though. ;)* It’s a town in Gauteng, the smallest of nine provinces in … South Africa

Your novella’s is set in Colorado, if I remember correctly. What made you decide to write American frontier stories? 

This is the most common question I receive when people realize I’m South African. (Giggles!)

Easiest answer would be that we just don’t have cowboys. ;) 

The more thorough answer is a combination of several of things. 

Grace Livingstone Hill’s books. 

Little house on the Prairie. 

Janette Oke’s Love Comes Softly. 

And of course…Hollywood.

A good combination. What made you decide to become a writer?

I’ve always enjoyed reading. I was thirteen when my parents got divorced and since I’m an introvert, I struggled to put everything into words. So, I wrote my first ‘novel’ to cope with all the emotions I experienced. Now, years later I’ve discovered how beneficial writing is. I get to say a whole lot of things without opening my mouth!

Where did the inspiration for The Widow’s Captive come from? 

From a picture I saw on Pinterest. I was researching Myers-Briggs personalities and WHAM – there it was. It said ‘Don’t argue with the types while they’re holding… ESFJ: A frying pan’. Needless to say, my heroine is an ESFJ.

What do you want readers to come away with after reading your story?

I tend to write ‘light’ fiction. A smile is good enough for me.

Smiles are very important. :) 

Now for something really random. Let’s say you are running against a writing deadline, or something else is life is stressing you out. What is your favorite comfort food or beverage? 

Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and water. I wish. Unfortunately, everything that settles at the hips seems to wander into my mouth…

I was wondering there for a minute! Really, who eats cucumber then they are stressed out? Speaking of favorites, though, what is one of your favorite scenes from The Widow’s Captive? 

I love the scenes that included Ethan, my heroine’s son, but if I have to pick one it was the Christmas tree scene.

I agree, that is a good scene. 

So The Widow’s captive is your debut novella. What are you writing now? 

I tackle several projects at a time. One of the reasons is that since I’m a panster, I tend to get stuck on occasion. If I have more than one project, I can keep going. At the moment I’m working on a full length novel set in a fictional town in Colorado. 

Amelia Clark is stubborn, bossy and independent. She loves the general store as much as her Daddy ever did, and can run it as well as any man in Sweetwater Creek. Perhaps—even better. Despite her competencies, her father didn’t think it natural for a woman not to marry, much less run a business. When her late father’s will determine she should marry in order to inherit the story she takes matters into her own hands and thwarting his instructions, picks her own husband.

Micah Kelly returned to Sweetwater Creek to take care of his orphaned nephew, Adam. As the prodigal brother of Amelia’s childhood friend, Micah struggles to rid himself from the shame of his youth, and finds himself heading nowhere.

Amelia’s offer of marriage is an answer to his prayers. Adam will be safe. Micah will have a chance to show his worth.

What could possibly go wrong?

 Thank you so much for joining us today, Lucy. We look forward to all your future projects! 

Thanks for having me, Angela! 

On the run with two small children and a third due within weeks, Adeline Spencer fears the approaching blizzard will seal their fate. An abandoned cabin is an answer to her prayers. She hopes it will shield them from both the storm and the enraged brother-in-law hot on her tail. But when a stranger knocks at the door, she is convinced they have been found by one of Ward’s lackeys.

Blamed for the death of his friend, Sheriff Jonah Hale is determined to prove himself worthy of his badge, even if it means riding into a blizzard to check on a crazy miner. When Jonah reaches the cabin, he’s caught off guard by a pretty and very pregnant young woman wielding a skillet. Bound to a chair while the storm rages, and as Christmas settles in around them, he must find a way to earn Adeline’s trust…and perhaps her heart.

You can find Lucy:

Quills and Inkblotts

Pinterest

Find me on Facebook

Follow me on Twitter

Visit me at Pinterest

An Interview with Historical Romance Author Elaine Manders

 

 

It’s my great pleasure to introduce one of Stitches Thru Time’s own crew today--Elaine Manders. Elaine writes historical romance to inspire and intrigue. Elaine began her writing journey with feature articles for a Christian newspaper and turned to fiction in 1992. Her debut novella series, the Annex Mail-Order Brides, was published Jul, 2015, and serves as prequels to her long historical novel series, Intrigue under Western Skies. The first of this series was published in Jan 2016 and the second, Surrendered, will be out Aug 2016. She has two other novellas out with several more full-length novels in the works. Her greatest joy is to create endearing characters and intriguing plots with humor and faith woven throughout, and her fondest hope is that these books will entertain the reader and bring glory to God. She lives in Central Georgia with her college going grandson and a happy bichon who guards her office.

 

Elaine has agreed to answer some questions about herself, and tell us a little bit about the newest book, Cloaked in Love, which is part of the Threads of Love Anthology featuring several of this blog's authors. Be sure to read to the end, since we have a couple of great giveaways you can qualify for by leaving a comment.

 

Let’s get started. Elaine, Please tell the readers about the release that is being showcased today.

 

Cloaked in Love is a historical western romance with a Christian theme about a young woman held captive in her isolated Wyoming ranch home by a ruthless outlaw gang. She’s forced into a pretend marriage to the youngest gang member, a handsome cowboy who must use his wits more than his six-shooter to help his “bride” escape.

 How did you come up with the concept for this book?

 I grew up in the era of TV westerns and have always wanted to write a series about women in peril. When Crystal Barnes asked for volunteers to do a STT boxset with a craft theme, the plot for Cloaked in Love crystalized, (pun intended) since a cloak the heroine is crocheting plays a major part in the story’s resolution. I looked upon it as a God thing, an opportunity to work with three other talented authors, something I rarely get to do.

 

I love westerns, too, and do some crocheting, so this sounds very interesting. What’s your favorite scene in your book and why?

 

My very favorite scene comes at the end, and I don’t want to give it away, so I’ll tell about my second best. The heroine, Jeannie, is forced to marry Zak, one of the outlaws who’ve taken her captive. Rather than docilely accepting her fate, Jeannie lights into him like a cornered wildcat and manages to do some serious damage before he’s able to convince her he means her no harm. As a writer, I didn’t see that coming—that Jeannie turned out to be such a tough little wrangler. She showed her strength and faith, believing if she resisted evil, God would deliver her. And He did in the end in a way she could never have imagined.  

 

Don’t you love it when your characters go off script? It makes for interesting writing. Speaking of characters, who is your favorite character in the book and why?

 

Jeannie. She questions her faith, but when faced with this nightmare, she faces the evil with courage and love, a love that even extends to her enemies.

 

You have several full length books and novellas out. Which do you prefer and why?

 

I’ve actually written more full length novels than novellas, but only one novel is published yet. The second is coming out next month. It takes much longer to edit and polish a 100K book than one at 25K. When I first decided to become an independent writer, I felt it was best to publish the most popular genres at a low price as a way to attract readers to take a chance on an unknown author. The novella isn’t my first love, though. It doesn’t allow you to delve into the characters as much as I’d like.

 

What is your next project?

 

The book I’m preparing for release in August is the second in my Intrigue under Western Skies series, entitled Surrendered. It’s the conclusion of the love story of an idealistic librarian and a handsome, but troubled cattle baron in 1884 Nebraska. It’s another of my God inspired premises, and very difficult to write, because it follows a man fighting against his own beliefs from atheist to redemption, and in the process, delves into those basic, bone-deep theological questions most people don’t want to even think about. There’s plenty of conflict in the series, though, as the series title suggests, so it moves as a fast clip for long novels.

 

Thanks for being with us today, Elaine. It’s been a pleasure interviewing you.

 

 Cloaked in Love

 

With Pa off on a cattle drive, Jeannie Baylor is alone on their isolated Wyoming ranch. When she’s taken captive by a gang of ruthless outlaws, she realizes her virtue is in imminent danger, and her life is safe only as long as they need her house for a hideout.

 

Unexpectedly, one of the men, Zak Collins, a handsome man with bitterness evident in his stone gray-green eyes, proposes a fantastic scheme to save her life. Having no other choice, she has to trust Zak. But God gives her another way, and its success depends on the cloak she’s crocheting for a friend.

 

 

 

 

Threads of Love

 

Four heartwarming historical romance novellas woven together with faith and love. From a mail-order bride seeking revenge, to a woman captured by an outlaw gang in the old west, to a young widow who follows her mother-in-law into a war-torn country, and sisters who make a pact to never marry, each one of these stories will satisfy the romance lover’s heart.

 

***Special Giveaway for today only. Up to 3 lucky commenters will win the boxset of Threads of Love, which includes Cloaked in Love.***

 

Don’t forget to leave a comment to get your name in the drawing for Cloaked in Love by Elaine Manders! Winner announced in the Weekly Windup on August 1^st. Check out all our great prizes on the Prizes Galore page.

 

 

 

Mail-Order Revenge...and Marriage Advice?

Thank you for joining me today for the release of my novella, Mail-Order Revenge. As I will be celebrating my wedding anniversary in a couple weeks (only 6 years, so we are still in the honeymoon stage), I would like to talk about marriage...or maybe I will let my lovebirds from Mail-Order Revenge share their thoughts:

We'll hear from Elizabeth (who also goes by Eliza) first as she was the one who decided to answer the advertisement and travel across the country to become a bride.

     Axel ducked his head and rubbed a knuckle against his temple as a smile tugged at his mouth. “Truth is, Eliza, I wasn’t so sure about this whole arrangement, but after seeing you, I think I might be coming around. And not just because you’re as pretty as you are. When I saw you climbing down from that stage, it occurred to me the kind of courage it must have taken for a woman like you to travel all this way on your own. And I respect that. I don’t think marrying you is a decision I’m going to regret.”
     Elizabeth’s face warmed. Not from his praise, but from the fact that making him regret this marriage was foremost on her mind. 

On second thought, maybe Elizabeth isn't the one to ask for advice. We'll hear from her new husband, instead.

  Axel let a lock of Eliza's hair slip between his thumb and forefinger. Mama’s hair was brown too, but not this dark, and she always wore it piled on the back of her head, or in a thick braid when she’d been confined to her bed. She’d lain there for weeks, propped up with pillows so she could stitch the dainty roses into the array of colored fabric for this quilt.
     “Why is this so important to you, Mama?” he’d asked her a few days before she slipped into the eternities. Her hands shook, making each stitch an exercise of will.
     “Mostly selfish reasons,” she’d said, her smile brightening her eyes as it always did. “I want to leave a mark upon your life. Just you remember, Axel, nothing will make you more miserable, or bring you more joy, than the woman you someday marry. Marriage is like a quilt. It’s patching two lives together, with children to follow. You can tack the cloth together and pray it holds enough to keep you warm, or you can create a work of art that will add color and beauty to your life as well as protect you from the cold.”

I'll leave you with that thought. A beautiful quilt that will last the years and stresses requires forethought, work and care. My prayer for all of you who are married or will be, including myself, is that we take the time to make our marriages beautiful.

What is the best marriage advice you have heard (or given)?

Elizabeth Landvick knows of one man to blame for her family’s loss of fortune and her parents’ deaths. Now, she will stop at nothing to take her revenge and recover their wealth. Even travel across the country to marry the man’s son.

With his focus his sprawling Arizona ranch, Axel Forsberg has little time for wooing a woman, so when his father finds him a bride from the east, he trusts he won’t regret the convenience. Until horses go missing, barns burn to the ground, a range war begins…and he loses his heart. 

Now available on Amazon!

Thanks for stopping by today. You can also join me over on facebook today for my launch party! And leave a comment here for a chance at a free copy of Mail-Order Revenge (print or e-book)!

Mail-order Brides + Cover Reveal!

Though women had been travelling to meet unknown husbands as mail-order brides throughout the early half of the the 1800s, when the Civil War stripped the eastern States of ~664,928 Federal soldiers, and over 483,026 Confederate soldiers, many women were widowed or left without the prospects of marriage. To make matters worse for these woman, the west was opening up to men who wanted land and a new beginning. Or Gold. While a few men went with wives and families, most opted to tame the west as bachelors...until they realized some things remained wild without a woman's touch.

For the next four decades, single men took what avenues were available them to bring future wives and mothers into their homes. Churches, relatives, newspaper ads, and matchmaking organizations lent a hand in arranging these marriages. Many single women, whether maidens, widowed, or runaways, went eagerly wanting a home and to start a family or adventure. Some found what grew to be happy and prosperous unions, while others were painfully disappointed.

With letters often the only way to court, and even the Pony Express's top speeds making lengthy waits between such correspondences, most couples did not know their future spouse very well. That is where my novella, releasing April 26th, differs from most mail-order bride stories. While the groom might not recognize the woman he is about to bind himself to, the bride not only knows her intended, but has planned to make his life as miserable as hers has been. She wants revenge.

Elizabeth Landvick knows of one man to blame for her family’s loss of fortune and her parents’ deaths. Now, she will stop at nothing to take her revenge and recover their wealth. Even travel across the country to marry the man’s son.

With his focus on his sprawling Arizona ranch, Axel Forsberg has little time for wooing a woman, so when his father finds him a bride from the east, he trusts he won’t regret the convenience. Until horses go missing, barns burn to the ground, a range war begins…and he loses his heart. 

I am so excited to share this story with everyone. Please mark your calendars! And pop by my website for updates, or follow me on Amazon and Goodreads. Also, a huge shout out and thank you to my amazing cover artist, Jessica Sprong of Creative Junkie!

With This Ring?

What great titles, and what great stories! With This Ring? is a novella collection by 4 amazing authors. Here's a short takeaway from each.

1. The Husband Maneuver by Karen Witemeyer -- I L-O-V-E loved the first novella! Dead-eye Dan has met his match. :)
2. Her Dearly Unintended by Regina Jennings left me wanting more. 
3. Runaway Bride by Mary Conneally -- What a fun ride and sweet romance! Can't help but love a Texas Ranger who sweeps in and sweeps a gal off her feet. :)
4. Engaging the Competition -- Melissa Jagears wrought such unique and complex characters in an engaging romance.

I'd definitely recommend this collection. I'm already contemplating reading it again. :)


I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Interview with Marion Ueckermann + giveaway!

Angela Couch here, and I am very excited about our guest today. Let me make introductions:

MARION UECKERMANN's passion for writing was sparked when she moved to Ireland with her family. Her love of travel has influenced her contemporary inspirational romances set in novel places. She now lives in South Africa in an empty nest with her husband and their crazy black Scottie, Wally.

She will be giving away a copy of her latest novella, A Match for Magnolia in e-book format today!

Hi, Marion. I am so glad you could join us today to talk about your latest book, and series! First let me say, I have really enjoyed your stories, from Helsinki Sunrise, your first Passport to Romance, to Poles Apart, one of my new favorite Christmas reads, and now, A Match for Magnolia.

What can you tell us about this latest Novella and your inspiration for it?

Hello, Angela. It's great to be here with you today. Thank you for hosting me on Stitches Thru Time. 

I hadn't planned to write this story, at all. Having had such fun and success with Splash!, the first boxed set I was involved in last summer, and then the same experience with Snowflakes and Mistletoe, the Christmas boxed set I was part of, I guess I was having withdrawal symptoms to be involved in another boxed set. That, and the fact that I had a spring novella waiting to be published. However, once we'd chosen Love Blossoms for the title of our spring boxed set, and designed a cover, I no longer felt that the story I'd planned to publish was the right fit.

I spent a couple of days mulling ideas around in my head. To be honest, I cannot remember what sparked the idea, however, when the dust settled on my rethink, I was left with a plan for a seven book series about the Blume sisters, plus an additional separate three book series about their mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

A Match for Magnolia is Book 1 in my new Seven Suitors for Seven Sisters series which I will write during 2016/2017.

So much to look forward to! I love that the seven Blume sisters each is named after a flower. (Yep, I’ve already had a sneak peek!) They also seem rather industrious. In your story, Magnolia is a jeweler and is hired to make an exquisite ring for the hero—she can only assume he intends it for a woman he’s planning to propose to. What other sorts of occupations do the Blume sisters have and how did you come up with them?

This is the part of the series that I love...the idea behind the Blume sisters' careers. It was the Proverbs 31 woman that inspired my planning. 

Magnolia (Maggie), the jeweler's profession was inspired by verse 10 - A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

Rose is a fashion designer, wedding dresses in particular. Verses 13, 19 and 24 speak of this heroine working with wool and flax, holding the spindle, and making linen garments to sell, and supplying merchants with sashes.

Because verses 14 and 15 speak of the Proverbs 31 woman in terms of providing food for her family and servants, Clover, the youngest sister, is a chef.

Heather is my serious social worker - verse 20: She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

Poppy, the oldest of the seven, is into real estate. She even has a mountain to sell, and the inspiration for that idea is another great story. The Proverbs 31 woman fortunately doesn't face such a challenge...she merely buys fields and plants vineyards (verse 16).

Holly is an interior designer, and she does a great makeover of Poppy's lounge in A Match for Magnolia - see verse 22, "she makes coverings for her bed."

Finally, we have beautiful Lily who is a model. I got the idea for her profession from verse 30, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty if fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." She is beautiful inside and out.

I’ve always been a huge fan of that chapter of Proverbs. The 26^th verse reminds me of you, but I’ll change one word. “She [writes] with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”

Thanks, Angela. I consider that an honor J

What is it you hope your readers will glean from A Match for Magnolia?

I guess the best way to answer this question is to post the Dear Reader letter that is in the front of A Match for Magnolia:

Dear Reader

Often we’re quick to judge people based on what we’ve heard, what we’ve seen, what we know (or think we know). But people can change. People do change. All because of Jesus. That’s a lesson my heroine, Magnolia Blume, comes to learn. It’s a lesson I’m continually learning. Far too many times I’ve summed up people the first time I met them, only to find when I got to know them, that they’re not at all like the person I first thought they were. And I have to reprove myself for judging, for having wasted precious time viewing that person, who God loves with an everlasting love, in a negative light.

If you struggle with this, too, remember that there is something so amazing about acceptance!

Before we let you go, I think one of the most unique things about your writing is where it takes the reader. The first book I read of yours was set near Helsinki, Finland. You have other stories set in Finland, Zambia, Norway, Scotland, and England. I think that covers your published works. :)

So everyone knows, you live in South Africa, but where all have you traveled?

I love setting stories in all these unusual places, and I’ve been fortunate to have been to all the countries, with the exception of Norway. So, here’s a list of all my wanderings, starting with my neighboring African countries: South Africa (home), Swaziland, Lesotho, Namibia, Zambia (my country of birth), Zimbabwe, Mozambique. Moving further abroad: Australia, Romania, Hungary, Switzerland, France, Finland (including Lapland), England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and finally, the USA (Texas).

Do the airports in Germany, Spain, Singapore, Qatar, Turkey, and United Arab Emirates (Dubai) count?

I’d count airports. You did touch ground. J

Where else are you hoping to go?

In June I’ll be travelling to Scotland to visit my brother. Hubby and I would like to visit my missionary son in 2017. Not sure where he’ll be living at that time, but if it’s close enough, we hope to take a trip to Italy with him as he has friends there.

I’d still love to visit New Zealand, Norway, Italy and the Isle of Skye (off the coast of Scotland).

I can tell we still have lots of great love stories in “novel places” to look forward to!

Thanks so much for joining us Marion! And for everybody else who came by, please leave a comment for a chance to win this Novella:

     Womanizer. Adulterer. Divorced. That is Lord Davis Rathbone’s history. His future? He vows to never marry or fall in love again—repeating his past mistakes, not worth the risk. Then he meets Magnolia Blume, and filling his days penning poetry no longer seems an alternative to channel his pent-up feelings. With God’s help, surely he can keep this rare treasure and make it work this time? 
     Magnolia Blume’s life is perfect, except for one thing—Davis Rathbone is everything she’s not looking for in a man. He doesn’t strike her as one prone to the sentiments of family, or religion, but her judgments could be premature. 
     Magnolia must look beyond the gossip, Davis’s past, and their differences to find her perfect match, because, although flawed, Davis has one redeeming quality—he is a man after God’s own heart.

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