Guest Author: Marilyn Leach

Pentecost, A Glorious Birthday Celebration

This coming Sunday, June 5, is known in the world-wide church as Pentecost Sunday. It’s celebrated in commemoration of an event that was spectacular by any standard. (It’s the moment the Holy Spirit of God manifested itself and came to dwell in people of Christian faith on this earth. Many call it the birth of the church.)

If you like drama, this episode in church history is loaded with it. Jesus had recently ascended into heaven with the promise that His Holy Spirit would come. His followers were gathered together in a single place when there was a huge gush of wind and fire danced above their heads. Wow! They suddenly burst into speaking languages they had never spoken before and bystanders from various parts of the world recognized them as their mother tongues. The inspired speakers shared all about God’s glory with visitors from countries near and far. What an amazing way to introduce the Christian faith to the globe!

Different churches in multiple countries have their own traditions of commemorating that occasion. In France, they blow horns to mimic the gush of wind. In Italy, they spread red and pink petals across the church floor to represent fire. In Northwest England, they have Whit Walks, processions from church and chapel with brass bands and choirs. Some areas have special fetes and contests. I attended a church on Pentecost Sunday that draped their sanctuary ceiling and walls with great swathes of brightly colored fabric.

However and wherever Pentecost is celebrated, it’s a commemoration of God’s good gifts to people of faith. I hope your coming Sunday is filled with His unsearchable goodness.

Enigma of Fire: A Berdie Elliott Pentecost Mystery

In the English village of Aidan Kirkwood, no divine gifts are going spare when Berdie Elliott flames into action and demystifies the enigma of fire.

When English village, Aidan Kirkwood, experiences an explosive fire, the entire parish is aflame with rumor and innuendo until Berdie Elliott, the scorching sleuth and vicar’s wife, can douse the flames with cold, hard facts that expose the perpetrator.  A heroic dog, elusive book, and military champions come together to reveal the enigma of fire.

Enigma of Fire Excerpt:

 “Cedric. Don’t chance it. Please.” Doug’s voice trembled as he shot out the command.

“Don’t what?” Berdie asked herself as much as Doug.

“Down, Mrs. Elliott.”  Doug’s eyes wide, his breathing was short and rapid for the toil of making his wheels go toward them as fast as he could manage.

“Down?  What are you talking about?”

Berdie suddenly experienced a jolt to her body that propelled her to the ground with such force it left her breathless.  A stab of pain coursed through her while the reverberation of full-on colliding trains penetrated her ears.  The horrific ache that shot through her knees focused her senses as she tried to gather her thoughts.  Grass etched itself into her cheek, making it itch.  Then the smell of acrid smoke assaulted her nose.  She worked to catch a breath of air.  What’s happened?

Endorsement:

Are you an Agatha Christie fan?  Does the thought of an English village make you long to grab your passport and head across the pond?  Are cozy mysteries your cup of tea?  If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, you won’t want to miss Marilyn Leach’s newest release, Enigma of Fire. 

Intrepid heroine Berdie Elliott, a vicar’s wife whose sleuthing skills were honed as an investigative reporter, faces her most challenging mystery yet when her husband’s former military comrades come to the sleepy village of Aiden Kirkwood for a sculling regatta.  From its riveting prologue to the final resolution, this story showcases Leach at her best. 

—Amanda Cabot, CBA and ECPA bestselling author

Purchase Enigma of Fire

Marilyn Leach is a dyed-in-the-wool British enthusiast who lives lakeside near the Colorado foothills.  She enjoys viewing and reading mysteries that originate across the pond.  From the Scottish Boarders to Devon, city buzz to rural church bells, she enjoys excursions throughout the beautiful isle that inspire her writing.  Her dear friends, who have become like family, live in Reading, England. 

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