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. 

Website

Amazon Author Page

Friendship Month: A Cup of Tea Friendship

by Marilyn Leach

Do you enjoy getting little memento’s from friends?

My dear friends that live in Reading, Berkshire, England gave me a special little trinket. It now hangs by my kitchen window that looks out onto a gracious green space, home to an apple tree and blue spruce. And, I won’t soon forget the day Lillie and Andy presented the gift to me.

Weary from my overnight flight from Denver to England, customs was a blur. But, nearing the gate at Heathrow where people stand with names printed on tag boards and loved ones await, I became energized.

I stepped through the doorway in the waiting area.

“Marilyn,” was called out with devil-may-care delight. “E-E-E Marilyn.” Lillie’s smile was like a neon light. Andy was around the ropes and pulling my roller bag before I could say God Save the Queen. We shared generous hugs.

This wasn’t the first time it happened, and it hasn’t been the last.

In a flash, we were in the car, making way and chatting at the same high speed we hurled down the motorway.

Arriving at Andy and Lillie’s gracious abode felt like home away from home. The Harris Family has always made it so. From the first time I entered their door many years ago, warm hospitality bubbled. And it was no different this day. My heart danced when those special, inevitable words rang out just after I hung my coat on the peg rail. “I’ll put the kettle on.”

The long plane journey faded as laughter and chit-chat of family and events accompanied a most welcomed cup of soothing tea. Sometimes in the back garden, or the breakfast room, often in the sitting room, we drink in the flavorful brew and the joy of being with one another. And so goes the entire time we spend together. Overnight outings, visiting stately homes, riding steam trains, or simple days in, good times are always punctuated with a steaming cuppa. It’s a simple celebration of life and friendship.

This particular visit, as was habit, Lillie had a little gift bag for me. Wrapped up inside was the memento that I’m writing about now. It was a teacup-shaped ceramic tile with a little hanging ribbon. The caption engraved upon it read:

Life is like a cup of tea: to be filled to the brim
and enjoyed with friends.

Truer words were seldom spoken, a sentiment I’ll always treasure.

Now, brewing tea has become a daily occurrence in my home. And every sighting of that memento hanging near my electric kettle reminds me of pleasant memories with special friends. Thank you, Andy and Lillie.

Though Marilyn grew up in the Western United States, she became a dyed-in-the-wool British enthusiast after exploring the UK and making friends there. She has co-authored plays that have been performed in both secular and church venues. Her many devotionals have appeared in such works as The Quiet Heart, Big Dreams in Small Places, and Guideposts. In her current British mystery series with Pelican Books, Berdie Elliott is the intrepid vicar’s wife who solves crime with a little help from above. Marilyn lives in a lakeside cottage on the front range of the Rocky Mountains.

Contact:

Website   Amazon Author Page   Pre-order ENIGMA OF FIRE: A BERDIE ELLIOTT PENTECOST MYSTERY(Releases March 1st)
Leave a comment on every Chirp 'N Chatter Friendship post in September for a chance to win the fantastic virtual gift basket! (See the 09/01/2016 Gift Basket post.)