Guest Post: Kathleen Friesen

Stories of Redemption

^“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” Ephesians 1:7(ESV)

I love stories of redemption, don’t you? Stories of I once was lost, but now I’m found; was blind, but now I see make my spirit soar and my heart sing. Whether it’s the Biblical story of Zaccheus, the historical narrative of John Newton, or even fictional tales, I love them all.

Redemption’s Whisper is my latest love story, and I’d like to share a wee bit about Hayley. When we first meet Hayley Blankenship, she is almost beyond hope. Ready to give up. End it all. Almost.

Then comes grace, that God-touch that sets in motion His plan for her, a plan to give her a future and a hope.

Isn’t that what we all need? Even those of us who’ve known God for a long time often find ourselves in need of His touch, His redeeming grace. Time after time. When I worry myself into a dark pit, when the world seems out of control, or as health problems debilitate, I need His gracious touch.

And every time, “according to the riches of His grace,” He gives what is needed. Redemption whispers, “Come. Be healed, be saved.”

Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe. Sin has lost its crimson stain; He washed me white as snow. (Elvina M. Hall; Public Domain)

About Redemption’s Whisper:

Desperate to escape her past, Hayley Blankenship flies from Toronto to the Saskatoon home of Pastor Dave and Lydia Harris, the only people who may be able to help her. If she doesn’t find a reason to hope, she may give in to the temptation to end it all. If only someone could love her, in spite of what she’s done.

Trevor Hiebert aces the interview for his dream job in Toronto, but he’s torn. His beloved parents need him, and while he doesn’t want to let them down, he craves the affirmation he hopes to find in the big city. But on the flight home to Saskatoon, he meets an intriguing, gorgeous redhead with dark secrets of her own. Can these two troubled souls gain the peace they need—and in the process, find love?

Purchase Redemption's Whisper:

http://amzn.to/2fjxMM8

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About the Author:

Kathleen Friesen writes contemporary stories of faith that overcomes tough trials and deep heartaches. Her desire is for her readers to see themselves in the characters of her stories, and to realize that Jesus Christ is the true hero.

Kathleen spent her childhood in the Pacific Northwest and, after marrying the man of her dreams, survived the first thirty years of married life on the Canadian prairies, where they raised three fantastic children. Now she and her patient husband, Ron, live in the beautiful Okanagan Valley of British Columbia.

Guest Post: Present Tense (Jody Day)

I'm pleased to welcome fellow Pelican Book Group author, Jody Bailey Day to Chirp 'N Chatter. Jody brings a special post that I'm sure will touch the hearts of many people who need this little 'present tense' reminder. It certainly touched me in a very real sense!

Jody Day

I don’t usually go to a dark place, in fact, I’ve been accused of being annoyingly happy all the time. But not lately. Turning 60 in January, and then losing my mother in February threw me into  a Twilight Zone kind of upheaval.

A kind of panic and fear has tried to overtake me. My thought process runs through the mud: People my age are dying…who knows how long I have...I’ve not accomplished anything... there’s not enough time to do all the things I want to do...my husband, my kids, my grandkids...on and on, until I feel like curling up in the fetal position and checking out from the world.

Just like Scott in Wedding Express, fear clouds my thinking, confuses my perspective, and affects my decisions. My prayers seem to hit a concrete ceiling, and my heavenly Father seems distant. Scott’s Pastor Jack, the traveling preacher that serves at the diner church in the story, confronts Scott with his fears.

I balled my hand into a fist. “I can’t do this right now.‛ Please leave me alone.

“Why not? Haven’t you figured out through all this how quickly life passes by? Your uncle seems to understand that. He reached out in faith for love and he knows as well as anyone that we don’t know what tomorrow brings. The older we get, the word ‘now’ becomes very important.”

“That’s just it, where’s my faith? I can’t even pray anymore.” I bumped the table with my fist.

Pastor Jack reached across the table and squeezed my arm. “I’d say faith’s something you have to practice. I think you’re being tested in areas where you trusted in yourself. Youth and strength made you feel invincible. It was easy to trust then. But when life happens with death and sickness, faith must grow to a whole new level. Remember the Father said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’‛

Pastor Jack and Scott discuss the scripture where Jesus says, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”

“Actually, God said that in several references. Deuteronomy and Hebrews. What Jesus actually said was “I am with you always. Present tense.”

I filled my lungs and slowly exhaled. Present tense.

“He’s with you now. So you can live now, love now, and trust Him for the future.”

Who knew that I’d be ministered to by something I was led to write two years ago? I may not feel it right now, but I need to practice my faith and know that I am not alone, that Jesus will never leave me. He’s got me in the palm of his hand, and just like Scott, I’ll get through this.

About Wedding Express

Book 2 in the Washout Express Series: Scott West is about to marry the woman of his dreams, but when delayed grief and a life-or-death event jeopardizes their relationship, Scott is forced to ask himself what kind of man he really is. Can he own up to the truth and risk losing the love of his life? And if he does come clean, will it be enough for Bailey? Discover the power of hope, forgiveness, and love in Wedding Express.

Purchase Wedding Express

About the Author

Jody Bailey Day writes inspirational fiction from her West Texas home. Writing, thirteen grandchildren, and a full time job at her local library keep her busy, along with her interest in crochet. She is President of her writers group, Critique Cafe, and is involved in Toastmasters. She is represented by Hartline Literary Agency.

Author interview: Judith Rolfs

This week we have a special treat! Author Judith Rolfs has been published in every genre. As an author and professional marriage and family counselor, Judith focuses on motivating people to live their best lives - emotionally, physically and spiritually. In her thirties, she researched the complexity of the natural world and moved from agnosticism to faith in God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Today, she talks about her latest novel, Never Tomorrow.

Tell our readers about your new mystery novel Never Tomorrow.

Thanks for asking. It’s like having a new baby - I welcome a chance to talk about Never Tomorrow after literally years in the writing. This is a powerful murder mystery, plus more - a psychological thriller that probes the marriage relationship, infidelity and forgiveness. I use my insights and experiences as a psychotherapist for three decades to instill deep emotions in my characters– the grieving, the loves, and the deep joys, that we all experience in real life. These are integrated with a compelling murder mystery.

This is your seventeenth book but only your third mystery novel. Tell us about your switch to fiction from non-fiction.

My previous books were how-to books about marriage and parenting and family issues, also a devotional and a teen book. Mysteries are a huge change. They are much more difficult to write, but seem to have a greater impact on readers.

Which leads to my next question. I understand your slogan is Mysteries With A Message. Explain please.

My mysteries center on real life family issues while keeping the suspense steaming. Directive 99, my first self- suspense novel is about conflict between a woman’s career vs. family priorities. She makes major life changes when her husband is kidnapped. My next mystery novel Bullet in the Night with Prism Books is about genuine rehabilitation leading to life change and the value of nurturing friendships. I want readers to have a takeaway to ponder that can help them face situations in their own lives with more wisdom and confidence.

Tell us about where you like to write and a bit about your process.

My favorite writing places are my cottage in the woods in Fontana-on-Geneva Lake and a winter beach condo we rent in Venice, FL. I need solitude to create the story and develop my characters, but then I love to edit in coffee shops where I’m immersed in the energy of people. Relationships have always been fascinating to me, which is why I became a psychotherapist. Of course it’s helpful as an author to develop well-rounded characters. I also love to travel. In fact, Never Tomorrow starts out in Ballybunion, Ireland which I researched during a three-week trip there.

How and when did your writing career begin?

My writing career began at age ten creating stories for neighborhood children. I wrote newspaper editorials in high school, and was part of the Superior Student program at Marquette University, which published me in their literary journal. I love everything about writing especially contact with readers and other authors who are so gracious! I recently met Pat Gussin, New York Times Best Selling Author of After the Fall and she offered to read Never Tomorrow prior to publication. She blessed me with an amazing review: “Layer upon layer of intrigue—laced with murder–propels this novel to the pinnacle of suspense. An ingenious plot, dynamic and complex characters, and an insight into the troubled avenues of human behavior rarely exposed make NEVER TOMORROW a stand-out for readers of mysteries, thrillers, and suspense.”

In closing, where can we find your new book baby?

Never Tomorrow is available through Prism Book Group, on Amazon and Barnes & Noble and through local libraries. If it’s not at the local library I hope readers will request it. Thank you for featuring me on your blog. It’s been a pleasure.

Visit Judith at http://judithrolfs.com/Dr._Judith_Rolfs/Home.html

 

A compelling mystery with a powerful theme of forgiveness and healing...

Journalist Whitney Barnes investigates the mysterious death of her mother and three women from Cortland City seeking the thread that links them to an enigmatic killer. Why are women being murdered with no apparent motives for their death? Police are mystified at the lack of clues and a growing sense of fear surrounds the community. Who will be the next victim?

Determined to find the killer, Whitney discovers these women were dealing with wounds from their troubling pasts, but what was their connection? She

teams up with Dr. Sarah Stevens, an expert on women's issues, to ferret out information while TV talk show host Rich and real estate broker Jordan vie for Whitney's affection.

Whitney discovers new strength within her, but is it powerful enough to cope with this dark force of evil? Suspense escalates as Whitney becomes the killer's next target.

Author Interview: Gail Kittleson

What inspired you to write With Each New Dawn?

This book continues the story of Addie and Kate, two young World War II women from Iowa. Their saga simply couldn’t stop at the end of the first book, so I kept writing. I couldn’t stop!

Which character in your new release did you most enjoy writing? Why?

I’d have to say Domingo, the Basque shepherd-turned guide and French Resistance saboteur. Domingo had no desire to do anything but spend his life at his ancestral home near a small French village. The work he inherited from his papa and grandfather, caring for a flock of sheep on the beautiful meadows and hills of the Department of Lot in Southern France brought him satisfaction.

Besides that, his commitment to Sancha, his betrothed, included dreams of a family and a quiet life. But Sancha’s murder by Nazi oppressors changes Domingo’s plans. He learns the meaning of revenge, and deepens in his concept of mercy. Still grieving his loss when he meets Kate, he has no idea how much more the war will change his life.

What I like best about Domingo is his humble attitude—he does what he can to aid the Resistance, seeks no glory, and longs for the return of the simple, beautiful way of life the war threatens to destroy.

What, if anything, do you and your heroine have in common?

Kate is much more of a risk-taker than I am. Probably I’m more like her best friend, Addie, with far too much fear. But Kate and I do share the propensity to ask questions. Oh my...yes!

Experience has taught me that our doubts and questions fail to alter God’s love for us, that His commitment to carry us through goes far deeper than our mental and emotional ups and downs. We’re human, so we fluctuate, but our Creator remains constant. No matter what.

Kate has been through so much grief and loss. An orphan from childhood, she also grieves her aunt, her husband, and during the first part of With Each New Dawn, her firstborn.  But most of all, an insistent desire to know more about her parents haunts her. What were they like and why did they die so young?

I’ve never experienced orphanhood, but have longed to make sense of things for many years. Back to Kate and me sharing a questioning mind.

What spiritual theme does this book include? How did it come to be a part of this story line?

Most people would agree that war brings out the worst in society. But conflict seems an inevitable part of history. The World War II era had lived through World War I, knew its horrors, and yet found themselves plunged into another terrible series of battles spread all over the world.

Both Kate and Domingo deal with spiritual questions—and so does another character, a wily Catholic priest active in the Resistance. He suffers great loss as well, when the Waffen S.S. ravages his hometown. Vulnerable and mourning, he finds Kate’s questions very much like his own. Where is the Almighty in all this?

As these characters grapple with impossible circumstances, their faith grows. Seems highly unlikely, but don’t we all grow through the worst of times?

What household task do you most dislike? Which do you most enjoy?

I’ve never liked to vacuum. Actually, I don’t like housecleaning at all, but at least there’s the satisfaction at the end, when things look their best for a while. Maybe it’s the fleeting nature of that state that makes cleaning seem such a futile use of valuable time. Let’s see, I must enjoy something…I don’t mind doing dishes. There’s something relaxing about that task.

What makes you laugh out loud?

Things my husband and grandchildren say. My husband’s quiet, wry sense of humor and his love of language leads to some hilarious quips. Our grandchildren are always coming up with actions or stories that make me laugh, too.

What smell do you love most, and why?

I love the clean pine scent of the forest, with snow run-off flowing over rocks in the background.

What book are you currently reading?

Queen Victoria, by Cecil Woodham-Smith. My husband read this and since we’ve been watching Victoria on television, the relationship between the Queen and Prince Albert intrigues me.

Do you usually insert a spiritual theme into your books? If so, do you have a favorite?

Because my heroines, so far at least, operate from a Christian-Judeo foundation, spirituality enters naturally. I think the concept of God being there for us through thick and thin is my favorite. Makes sense, because that’s always been the toughest one for me to embrace—and the most comforting.

Ponderosa Pine Forest, where Gail walks in the winter.

Where do you hide away when you want to pray, meditate, read, or just cuddle up with God?

I absolutely love to walk in the woods. Some people need ocean time, or love their cabin on the lake, but towering pines and a mountain in the distances do it for me.

Please share a verse of scripture that is especially meaningful to you, and why it is special.

Isaiah 63:9—In all their affliction He was afflicted, And the angel of His presence saved them; In His love and in His mercy He redeemed them, And He lifted them and carried them all the days of old. (NASB)

We all suffer in ways unique to us. The idea that our Lord shares our afflictions seems incredibly beautiful. He who created the universe and sustains life, deems to suffer when we suffer. How amazing is that?

Please share your conversion experience, if you’re comfortable doing so.

Faith grew in me before I even realized it. All the doubts and questions of my youth culminated in crying out for deliverance in several areas between high school and college. Answers came to me through Catherine Marshall’s book Beyond Ourselves.

Suddenly, spiritual things began to make sense.

Of course, I had SO very far to go on this journey, and I’m still at it. It’s not what I do, but what God does...ahh, heavenly!

About With Each New Dawn

In war-torn London, American Kate Isaac grieves her husband, awaits their child’s birth, and welcomes her best friend Addie. But after her miscarriage, a meeting with mysterious Monsieur le Blanc launches her into Britain’s Secret Operations Executive(SOE). In late 1943, Kate parachutes into Southern France to aid the Resistance. 

Domingo, a grieving Basque mountain guide-turned-saboteur, meets her parachute drop, tends her injured ankle, and carries her to safety. Reunited a few months later, they discover the injured Monsieur le Blanc who with his dying breath, reveals his familial connection to Kate. 

In the shadow of the Waffen SS, Domingo and Kate find his younger brother Gabirel missing. While Domingo seeks Gabirel, Domingo’s parish priest, Père Gaspard, creates a new identity for Kate. 

United once again, Kate and Domingo subject their mutual attraction to the cause. But can mere human will and moral courage change the war’s tide and forge a future for them?

Preorder info:  http://tinyurl.com/jmvc36a

About the Author:

Gail Kittleson taught college expository writing and English as a Second Language. Now she writes memoir and women’s fiction, and facilitates writing workshops and women’s retreats. In northern Iowa, she and her husband enjoy grandchildren and gardening. In winter, the Arizona mountains provide new novel fodder.

Contact links:

http://www.gailkittleson.com/

www.facebook.com/GailKittlesonAuthor

http://amazon.com/author/gailkittleson

www.twitter.com/GailGkittleson @GailGkittleson

Author Interview: Alexis A. Goring

Welcome, Alexis—and congratulations on your new release! That first contract is always so exciting! Let me tell you a little secret though: It never gets old! Every contract after that is just as much fun! May you have lots of fun, exciting moments ahead in your career as a published author.

Let’s talk about your ‘new baby’:

What inspired you to write A Second Chance?

Honestly? I wanted to write a story about struggling journalists and focus on characters who needed a second chance at life and love.

I especially love second-chance romances. Which character in your new release did you most enjoy writing? Why?

Carla because she’s compassionate, feisty and brilliant.

Feisty is fun, especially when you’re writing. What, if anything, do you and your heroine have in common?

She and I are both entry-level journalists who are frustrated with our industry’s system of “paying your dues.”

I hear that! What spiritual theme does this book include? How did it come to be a part of this story line?

Trusting God’s perfect plan. It became part of this story line from the start because my story’s hero and heroine have trouble trusting God and believing that He knows what is best.

Those are things a good many of us have problems with.

Let’s talk about Alexis Goring, behind the smiling author photo.

What household task do you most dislike? Which do you most enjoy?

Cleaning the carpet because of how much time it takes. I enjoy washing dishes. The running water and cleaning methods are therapeutic.

I enjoy washing dishes too, especially during the winter, when the warm water feels soooo good. J What makes you laugh out loud?

Movies by Tyler Perry and the movie Love Different starring Jenn Gotzon.

What smell do you love most, and why?

The cherry almond professional shampoo brand that my stylist washes my hair in, because it makes my hair smell great for days after leaving the salon.

Nice, fragrant shampoos are awesome. What book are you currently reading?

I’m reading, Control Girl: Lessons on Surrendering Your Burden of Control from Seven Women in the Bible. Shannon Popkin is the author of this book.

Now let’s take a look at you and God.

Do you usually insert a spiritual theme into your books? If so, do you have a favorite?

Yes. Trusting God is my favorite because at times, I still struggle with that theme.

You and me both…and I hardly think we two are an island in that regard. Where do you hide away when you want to pray, meditate, read, or just cuddle up with God?

The living room because my favorite reading spot is the big, oversized white sofa with huge pillows. It’s the perfect place to snuggle and spend time with God.

Sounds like a nice, cushy-comfy place to settle in. Please share a verse of scripture that is especially meaningful to you, and why it is special.

Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

It’s special to me because my Mom “discovered” this Bible verse when I was going through a traumatic time as a teenager and it gave me hope.

It’s a great verse for delivering hope! Thank you for visiting, Alexis. I’ve enjoyed chatting with you.

About A Second Chance:

Newly single food critic and newspaper reporter Traci Hightower is done with dating. After the man of her dreams left her at the altar on their wedding day and ran off with the woman she thought was her best friend, Traci resolves to focus on work and resigns herself to being a bachelorette for life. 

Marc Roberts is a political reporter who is known as Mr. Nice Guy, the one who always finishes last. However, Marc’s compassion and kindness are of invaluable help to his newly widowed sister Gina Braxton who is trying to raise her two kids in the wake of her firefighter husband’s death.

Traci and Marc may be the perfect match, but they don’t know it yet. With God’s guidance and the help of Gina’s matchmaking skills honed by her career as a bestselling romance novelist, there is hope for a happily ever after for these two broken hearts.

Purchase A SECOND CHANCE

About the Author:

Alexis A. Goring is a passionate writer with a degree in Print Journalism and an MFA in Creative Writing. She loves the art of storytelling and hopes that her stories will connect readers with the enduring, forever love of Jesus Christ.

Author Interview: Tamera Kraft

What inspired you to write Resurrection of Hope?

I heard a sermon in church about how men need respect and women need love from their spouses. I also was toying with the idea of writing a story with a tornado outbreak in it. Ohio has a devastating history of tornados destroying entire towns. I found out that a deadly tornado hit Western Ohio on Palm Sunday in 1920 and the setting took shape. That time period, shortly after World War One and the Influenza Pandemic is such an interesting pivotal year. I knew I had all the elements I needed for a story set around Easter where I could inject the hope of the Gospel in dark times.

What spiritual theme does this book include? How did it come to be a part of this story line?

The theme of Resurrection of Hope is the hope that Christ brings. In the story, Vivian has lost everything: her family, the love of her life, her material possessions, even her faith in God, but God resurrects hope in her life using Henry, a man who has his own issues. Hebrews 6:19 says, “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.” I wanted to illustrate that even in the most hopeless situation, Christ gives us the hope that is an anchor for our souls.

What book are you currently reading?

I am currently reading 30 AD by Ted Dekker. I am fascinated by the story of Mavia, an Arab, who encountered Jesus. I love historicals that are epic adventures, and this fits that description.

Do you usually insert a spiritual theme into your books? If so, do you have a favorite?

I don’t really insert a spiritual theme, but a theme always ends up inserting itself. I have favorites. I love stories where redemption plays a key role. Resurrection of Hope has this element. I also love stories where the heroine or hero is called by God to fulfill an impossible task and must decide to risk all to obey God.

Please share a verse of scripture that is especially meaningful to you, and why it is special.

I can’t share only one. I have two passages I call my life verses. The first one is found in Roman 12:1-2. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” This is basically what God expects from me. It was preached the night I gave my life to the Lord.

The second verse is what God has promised me. Isaiah 43:1-2 says, “...Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” With a promise like that, how can I help but trust God through any trial?

About Resurrection of Hope

She thought he was her knight in shining armor, but will a marriage of convenience prove her wrong?

After Vivian’s fiancé dies in the Great War, she thinks her life is over. But Henry, her fiancé’s best friend, comes to the rescue offering a marriage of convenience. He claims he promised his friend he would take care of her. She grows to love him, but she knows it will never work because he never shows any love for her.

Henry adores Vivian and has pledged to take care of her, but he won’t risk their friendship by letting her know. She’s still in love with the man who died in the Great War. He won’t risk heartache by revealing his true emotions.

Purchase on Amazon

About the Author:

Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. She has received 2^nd place in the NOCW contest, 3^rd place TARA writer’s contest, and is a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest and has other novellas in print. She’s been married for 38 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and two grandchildren. Tamera has two novellas in print: A Christmas Promise and Resurrection of Hope. Her first full length novel, Alice’s Notions, is due to be released in April. You can contact Tamera on her website at http://tameralynnkraft.net.

You can also contact Tamera online at these sites.

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Guest Post: Patrick E. Craig (with GIVEAWAY!)

A warm welcome to Author Patrick. E. Craig! I love this post, and I think you will too, my fellow sheep. As if the post isn’t a sweet enough reason to be right where you are right now—here on Chirp ‘N Chatter—Patrick will be giving away THREE copies of his latest release, THE AMISH PRINCESS! Read the post and leave a comment to be entered for a chance to win one of them.

No Wonder He calls us Sheep

by Patrick E. Craig

My wife, Judy, and I used to raise sheep. We gave them shots, we sheared them, we cleaned up their feet when they got foot rot, clipped their hooves, cleaned their boils and abscesses… it was a never-ending story. If we didn’t feed them by 6 a.m. they stood at the back fence and bellowed until I came out. When the ewes lambed, we had to put them in the barn with the baby for three days so they would bond. We had to give the mama a bucket of molasses water to help her get her strength back. We had to make sure that the mama had enough milk and if they didn’t we had to bottle feed the lamb

                                        stock.adobe.com

for a month. That meant getting up at 12 a.m. and feeding them every four hours for thirty days. We did all these things for their good, and still they fought us every step of the way. They struggled, they cried, they ran away when we needed to get them in the pen. When it was time to give them their yearly shots, I had to chase them down, drag them to the barn and “cast them down,” which means that I wrestled them down on their back with their feet up in the air. When they are in that position, they are completely helpless.

Bet you didn’t know that when you read “Why art thou cast down, O my soul” in Psalm 42:5. God is describing a sheep with his legs stuck straight up in the air, hopeless and helpless.

Being a writer is like being a sheep in some ways. We want to do it our way. We want fame recognition, publishing contracts, an agent, a New York Times Bestseller, and all the rest. God leads us in one direction and if it goes against what we want, we fight Him every step of the way. In my latest book, The Amish Princess, the primary conflict for all the main characters—Opahtuhwe, Jonathan, Joshua and even some of the secondary players—is the age-old battle: doing what God wants, or doing what we want.

You see, it’s no mystery why God calls us “the sheep of His hand.” Everything God does for us, He does for our absolute good, and yet we continue to "struggle against the goads." That’s why sometimes He must apply “the rod and the staff,” or even “cast us down” by adverse circumstances, so that we are absolutely helpless. It is then that the Holy Spirit inspires us to cry “Abba, Father, help us.” It is then that we come back into the relationship that God desires—one of complete dependence on Him. Our writing will only accomplish His purposes when we put our hopes, dreams and desires in a subordinate position to His purpose for us.

You know we really should listen to what He wants and follow His plan. After all, He made the universe. He’s at least a genius…

About THE AMISH PRINCESS

Opahtuhwe, the White Deer, is the beautiful daughter of Wingenund, the most powerful chief of the Delaware tribe. She is revered by her people–a true Indian princess. Everything changes when the murderous Delaware renegade known as Scar brings three Amish prisoners to the Delaware camp. Jonathan and Joshua Hershberger are twin brothers that Scar has determined to adopt and teach the Indian way. The third prisoner is Jonas Hershberger, their father, who has been made a slave because he would not defend his family. White Deer is drawn to Jonathan but his hatred of the Indians makes him push her away. Joshua's gentle heart and steadfast refusal to abandon the Amish faith lead White Deer to a life-changing decision and rejection by her people. In the end, White Deer must choose between the ways of her people and her newfound faith. And complicating it all is her love for the man who can only hate her.

About the Author:

Best-selling author Patrick E. Craig is a lifelong writer and musician who left a successful songwriting and performance career in the music industry to follow Christ in 1984. He spent the next 26 years as a worship leader, seminar speaker, and pastor. In 2011 he signed a three-book deal with Harvest House Publishers to publish his Apple Creek Dreams series. His current series is The Paradise Chronicles and the first two books in the series, The Amish Heiress and The Amish Princess, were published by P&J Publishing . Patrick and his wife Judy make their home in Idaho and are the parents of two adult children and have five grandchildren. Patrick is represented by the Steve Laube Agency.

Find Patrick online:

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Purchase Patrick’s books:

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