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?

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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.

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.

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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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