Snow Melts in Spring

Over on When I Was Just a Kid, this is the book Deborah Vogt is giving away on her interview. If you're interested, go over and leave a comment to enter the drawing for it.


Snow Melts in Spring by Deborah Vogts


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mattie Evans, a veterinarian who grew up in the famous Flint Hills of Kansas, is having a tough time gaining the confidence of the local ranchers. Her biggest supporter is an old rancher named John McCray, who also loves the Flint Hills and ranching. When an injured horse brings Mattie into contact with John's son, Gil, who has been out of touch with his dad while playing pro football, conflict strikes.

This is a gorgeous book and Vogt's love of horses and the famous last tall native prairie grasses in the world gives a wonderful flavor to a story with plenty of conflict. Contemporary issues and real life troubles bring it all home. This is one of my favorite books this year so far.

View all my reviews >>

Grateful to Almighty God for Our Liberties

Since we are under attack these days, threatening our liberty, our freedom to express our opinions, or to even disagree, even though our nation was established under the precepts of Judeo-Christian ethics, I thought I would praise God today through the preambles of state constitutions while I am still able to do so.

To God Be the Glory, amen!





Alabama 1901, Preamble
We the people of the State of Alabama , invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution..

Alaska 1956, Preamble We, the people of Alaska , grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.


Arizona 1911, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arizona , grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...


Arkansas 1874, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arkansas , grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...

California 1879, Preamble We, the People of the State of California , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom...
Colorado 1876, Preamble We, the people of Colorado , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe...

Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.

Delaware 1897, Preamble Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences...

Florida 1885, Preamble We, the people of the State of Florida , grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution....

Georgia 1777, Preamble We, the people of Georgia , relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...

Hawaii 1959, Preamble We , the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance .... Establish this Constitution.

Idaho 1889, Preamble We, the people of the State of Idaho , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings...


Illinois 1870, Preamble We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil , political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

Indiana 1851, Preamble We, the People of the State of Indiana , grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.

Iowa 1857, Preamble We, the People of the State of Iowa , grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.

Kansas 1859, Preamble We, the people of Kansas , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.

Kentucky 1891, Preamble.. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties.


Louisiana 1921, Preamble We, the people of the State of Louisiana , grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.

Maine 1820, Preamble We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity. .. And imploring His aid and direction.

Maryland 1776, Preamble We, the people of the state of Maryland , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...


Massachusetts 1780, Preamble We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction.

Michigan 1908, Preamble... We, the people of the State of Michigan , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, establish this Constitution.

Minnesota, 1857, Preamble We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:

Mississippi 1890, Preamble We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.

Missouri 1845, Preamble We, the people of Missouri , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness establish this Constitution...

Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ....

Nebraska 1875, Preamble We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom establish this Constitution.

Nevada 1864, Preamble We the people of the State of Nevada , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution.. .

New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.

New Jersey 1844, Preamble We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

New Mexico 1911, Preamble We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty.. .

New York 1846, Preamble We, the people of the State of New York , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.


North Carolina 1868, Preamble We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those...

North Dakota 1889, Preamble We , the people of North Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...

Ohio 1852, Preamble We the people of the state of Ohio , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common.

Oklahoma 1907, Preamble Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this

Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences

Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance....

Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing...


South Carolina , 1778, Preamble We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

South Dakota 1889, Preamble We, the people of South Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties ...

Tennessee 1796, Art. XI..III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...

Texas 1845, Preamble We the People of the Republic of Texas , acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.

Utah 1896, Preamble Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.

Vermont 1777, Preamble Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ...


Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other.

Washington 1889, Preamble We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...


West Virginia 1872, Preamble Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ..

Wisconsin 1848, Preamble We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility...

Wyoming 1890, Preamble We, the people of the State of Wyoming , grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution...

Got My Eyeball on Ya

This is my very own eyeball. I've seen too much through it and not enough. What I like about my eyeball is that it does not gain weight. What I hate about it is that it sometimes deceives me, entices me, or betrays me (I often "talk" through my eyes.)

Lately I've been agonizing again about my own POV. I want to do certain things, but hold back. You would think by this time in my life I would not hold back, but let it go with both barrels. I mean, I don't hold back because I'm afraid, but I do hold back because I know how it will go, or because I don't want to hurt someone, or I find myself with too many wrinkles and I'd look stupid! (Wait, that probably hasn't held me back before...)

I've not been posting here because I just have nothing to say. Well, that's not true. I just don't want to say anything to reveal what I'm truly thinking about! I have listened to whispers from the past in my ear. I don't feel in control. Sometimes you shouldn't be in control! (Just let God be in control.) Anyway, I have my eyeball on you all, but just haven't said too much here because I'm mulling over what my direction is going to be, what I need to put my energies into.

My husband used to say to our boys when they were little, "I'm watching you. I'm always watching you. Don't do anything that you wouldn't want me to see." LOL, and they really believed that he could SEE them. (Kept four rambunctious boys in line and they still ask themselves, "Would dad see me?")

I just want my Heavenly Father to be pleased with what I'm spending time doing. He's watching me and expects me to do those things that He wants for me. I see you all doing wonderful things and I'm watching to see if there are clues or messages for me in those things.

So, while I love blogging, I'm not sure what I'm doing with it right now. Maybe I'll put up some of my children's stories that I can't sell, or maybe I'll put up some excerpts from a book I wrote called This Ain't No Glamour Detail? All I know is that I'm restless and know I am spinning wheels.

Be back soon....

Faith, Hope & Love Chapter of RWA IRCC Winners

Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of RWA (Romance Writers of America) had the Awards Ceremony for the Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest today.

Maybe you can find something to read on this list, if you'd like to try romance. Congratulations to all~!

2009 IRCC Winners

Long Contemporary
1)Blue Heart Blessed by Susan Meissner (Harvest)
2)When the Soul Mends by Cindy Woodsmall (Waterbrook)
3)Along Came a Cowboy by Christine Lynxwiler (Barbour)

Short Contemporary
1)A Time to Heal by Linda Goodnight (Steeple Hill)
2)Hidden by Shelley Shepherd Gray (Avon Inspire)
3)Love Finds You in Snowball, Arkansas by Sandra D. Bricker (Summerside Press)

Long Historical (3rd Place Tie)
1)My Heart Remembers by Kim Vogel Sawyer (Bethany House)
2)A Passion Redeemed by Julie Lessman (Revell)
3)Courting Emma by Sharlene MacLaren (Whitaker House)
3)A Promise to Believe In by Tracie Peterson (Bethany House)

Short Historical
1)Hideaway Home by Hannah Alexander (Steeple Hill)
2)Family of the Heart by Dorothy Clark (Steeple Hill)
3)Promises, Promises by Amber Miller (Barbour)

Women’s Fiction
1)Where Do I Go? by Neta Jackson (Thomas Nelson)
2)Waiting For Daybreak by Kathryn Cushman (Bethany House)
3)Lying On Sunday by Sharon K. Souza (NavPress)

Romantic Suspense
1)Healing Promises by Amy Wallace (Multnomah)
2)Shadows at the Window by Linda Hall (Steeple Hill)
3)Double Jeopardy by Terri Reed (Steeple Hill)

Novella
1)Engaging Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn (Faith Words)
2)Almost Home by Susan Page Davis (Barbour)
3)Stuck On You by Rhonda Gibson (Barbour)

When I Was Just a Kid: Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

Come over to When I Was Just a Kid and read about Diana Lesire Brandmeyer's childhood and see her photos! And leave a comment to be entered to have a chance to win Diana's book, Hearts on the Road!

http://wheniwasjustakid.blogspot.com/2009/07/diana-lesire-brandmeyer-from-kid-sitter.html

Introduction to Writing Christian Novels

Author Ginny Smith is teaching a class online on how to write a Christian novel! Sign up TODAY as it starts July 6th. Ginny is a great teacher and has written many novels herself.



Introduction to Writing Christian Novels

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Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon

Winners of the review of the first five pages of their fiction manuscripts on Christine Lindsay's blog were Mary Allen and Debbie Fuller Thomas!

Ironically, I just finished Debbie Fuller Thomas's book Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon.

Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon by Debbie Fuller Thomas

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fabulous voice and an intriguing story, Debbie does first person POV from two characters to make this an intimate story. Marty Winslow's middle daughter of three dies from a rare genetic disease--which leads to discovering that she was accidently switched as a newborn.



Heartbroken over her daughter's death, and finding out that her "real" daughter is being raised by grandparents after her parents died in a fire, Marty fights to win custody of Andie, her biological daughter. Complications occur with the fact that she's a single, divorced mother living with her father (after her mother's death from breast cancer) and two other daughters with issues of their own.



The emotions are real and the unique two-prong 1st person POV characters of Marty and Andie cause the reader to understand both viewpoints. She does a superb job of tackling both. I look forward to more from this talented author.


View all my reviews.

Everyone Has a Story...

This is a photo of my mother and father in front of Irene Byron TB Hospital in Ft. Wayne, Indiana back in the late 1950s. My mother was a patient there and I was sent to Tennessee to live with my dad's parents while she recovered. I would not even know her when she finally made it out as I was less than a year old when I was sent to my grandparents. I called my grandparents "Mama" and "Daddy." When it was all over I ended up with three Mamas (my teenaged aunt, Linda, was like a "mama" to me, too) and two Daddys.

My mom and dad died in 1997 and 1999. I still miss them. My grandmother is still with us and if she lives, will turn 95 in September. Granddaddy died in 1972. I still miss him, too.

My friend and colleague, Christine Lindsay, hosted the story of my heart on her blog. I'm giving away a chance to win a review of your first five pages of your fiction manuscript if you leave a message on that blog (with your email address.) Please stop by. What's the story of your heart? Everyone has a story, but God plants missions for us by our own stories.



The very day that Mama got me back!

More Lovely Blogs!

My good friend at Christian Reader/Writer Connection, Susan J. Reinhardt, awarded me the One Lovely Blog Award, along with so many other good blogs! I'm so honored. Part of the prize is to award it to other blogs that I read. Besides giving it back to Susan, I listed some more blogs to visit below.





Try Terra's Garden for "musings on gardening tips, my journey as a Christian and a writer, tips for new writers, kitty cats, song birds, flowers, book giveaways and more!" She also has this site for her book on scrapbooking for Christmas which will start up again in July.


My friend and fellow first reader, Sabrina at Hijinks in the Heartland, blogs about books and the writing life in between taking care of her family, working in a busy eye doctor's office and caregiving for her parents. Sometimes she gives away books!

Janet Dean at A Cup of Faith talks about her writing and her life. She's a good historical romance writer and a really lovely person!

Call for Short Romances 5000 Words

Interested in writing a short romance? Only 5000 words. I saw this in romance writer, Leigh Michael's newsletter. Leigh is so generous with her knowledge and has a great web site. If you are interested in writing romance, do check that out, too.


ROMANTIC SHORT STORY ANTHOLOGY
to be published late 2009


PBL Limited, a commercial royalty-paying publisher, is actively seeking submissions of ROMANTIC SHORT STORIES for an anthology collection scheduled for publication in late 2009.

Authors will be fully credited, and copyright for each story will be held in the author’s name and acknowledged in the book.

Royalties will be paid to each author selected. Royalty payment/percentage will be based on how many stories are included in the collection.

The collection will be published as a perfect-bound trade paperback and as an e-book.

The published volume will be made available to readers around the world through amazon.com, and will be available to bookstores at trade terms through the publisher.

The collection will be headlined by romance author Leigh Michaels, who has agreed not to accept royalty payments for her story/ies in order to increase the royalty payment to other authors.

Guidelines

Short stories should be 5,000 words or less.

Stories should have a romantic theme.

Non-traditional characters and situations are invited (for instance, heroes/heroines who are older than usual).

Heat level is open to the author’s judgment, but should be appropriate for the characters, the setting, and the situation. Sensual encounters should include one man and one woman only.

Graphic descriptions of violence, including sexual violence, are not compatible with a romantic theme.

Settings may be contemporary or historical.

The ending should be resolved, upbeat, and appropriate to the characters and the situation – but not necessarily happy-ever-after with wedding bells ringing.

Work submitted must be the author’s own. Stories must not have been previously published in any version, or be currently under contract.

The publisher will offer a standard contract detailing the terms.

Limit of two entries per person.

Deadline for submissions: September 1, 2009.

Submissions

Submissions should be emailed as WORD or RTF documents, attached to an email which includes the author’s name, pen name if desired, snail mail address, email address, and daytime telephone number.

The email should include a one-paragraph description of the story – title, sub-genre, heat level, and what makes the story unique.

The author may include a paragraph about his/her writing history and publication credits, but need not include this information.

In the subject line, put "ROMANTIC SHORT STORY SUBMISSION".

Email to pbllimited@mchsi.com or pbl@pbllimited.com



Authors whose works are selected for the anthology will be notified by email on or before September 15, 2009.



guidelines and submissions information posted May 6, 2009.





Email: pbl@pbllimited.com Copyright 2007, 2008, 2009 PBL Limited

Comes a Horseman by Robert Liparulo

Comes a Horseman by Robert Liparulo

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I started reading this book, I was waiting for a son as he got an eye exam. Intense from the beginning, I had to close the book for a few minutes so I wouldn't have to throw up!! But as soon as I gained composure, it was back in the book. I needed a breather when my son finally came out, and I was careful from then on where I was while reading!(And never alone...)



What a gift Liparulo has for writing a thriller! He grabs you by the throat, and brings in a hero to rescue you. It's highly personal, intense.



It is now in paperback and I'm giving away a couple autographed copies on my blog for comments. I'll draw two names (Sorry, U.S. addresses only)on Thursday, June 18 to receive a free autographed paperback copy with bookmark. Compliments of Robert Liparulo himself! (And if you're a Big Honkin' Chicken, don't sign up. Just saying...)


View all my reviews.

Several Lovely Blogs

My good friend at Christian Reader/Writer Connection, Susan J. Reinhardt, awarded me the One Lovely Blog Award, along with so many other good blogs! I'm so honored. Part of the prize is to award it to other blogs that I read. Besides giving it back to Susan, I listed some more blogs to visit below.



Cara Putman, a one-woman Whirlwind, gives insights, opinions and advice, as well as books (she's giving away one right now--head over there!!) Her spiritual depth and transparent emotions are one reason she has written such beautiful historicals and in depth romantic suspense.


Lee Warren at Little Nuances posts more than just sports (though he does that, too, which is AOK with me!) Right now he has a post on what's on his iPod. Sometimes he talks about movies or books, and he has this sensitive side where you get to see behind the curtain of tough guys to a real, live beating heart. Since I'm a Warren, I kid that he's my cuz (and maybe he is!) but I'm proud to know him as my brother in Christ, too.

Delia over at Gatorskunkz & Mudcats is clever and full of love and devotion. She has a gift for hospitality and with kids. I like her quite a lot. She was one of the first people to welcome me to Blogland.

Bonnie Bruno at Macromoments ("because life happens between the lines") may have one of the most beautiful blogs in photos and words ever. She's an author and photographer whose kind words have buoyed me up many a time.


Leave some kind words around the Blogland today. Start with some of the blogs I point out. I'll probably mention more in coming days.

Love Starts with Elle by Rachel Hauck

Love Starts with Elle by Rachel Hauck

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read romance manuscripts in my day job, and have read countless published romances. You'd think after awhile they would all be the same. Not so. Rachel Hauck has penned a romance that took my breath away. She starts with the setting in Beaufort, South Carolina (what could be more romantic?) Brings in characters that you are sure you would find there, whom you want to meet and know. Then, she adds surprises and grabs your emotions. Sigh. I didn't want this story to end. If I could write a romance and pick how I wanted readers to feel afterwards, I'd pick mine to make readers feel like this one! She already did it and did an amazing job. (And isn't the title clever??) I loved this love story--that starts with Elle.


View all my reviews.

Whirlwind by Cathy Marie Hake

Whirlwind by Cathy Marie Hake

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cathy Marie Hake never disappoints me when I choose her historical fiction. This time, guess what? No exception to that rule! She once again hooks me in with characters that take amazing steps of faith, detailing it all with authentic historical touches, which takes me back in time. She doesn't sugarcoat the ugly sides of life, and doesn't give pat answers, either. The peek into Ellis Island was wonderful, too. I am smiling through the tears from this book.


View all my reviews.

The Convenient Groom by Denise Hunter

The Convenient Groom: A Nantucket Love Story by Denise Hunter

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I can't think of a more perfect story. Hunter's skill at weaving this story is so flawless, I barely knew I was reading a book. And I couldn't put it down and didn't want it to end. Funny how that works!



It's amazing how she could actually pull off writing a "marriage-of-convenience" story in contemporary times when people don't bother to marry at all.You really have to see how she does it. The setting is the icing on the wedding cake.






View all my reviews.

More Questions from Eastbrook HS Creative Writing Class

The creative writing class at Eastbrook High School were a nosy bunch! (Perfect for writers!) They asked such excellent questions that I had to share them on my blog.

Here's another:
How long does it take to review a book?


First, you have to read the entire book—I usually have a deadline—then I break the book down by the synopsis, characters, setting, plot, strong points and weak points. I can do a review in 2-3 days if I need to do it. But it is important to read the entire book in order to be fair and back up your judgment of the book.


Most often I have more time than a few days. Sometimes I have up to a month to read and write the review. Depending on the length of the book and how much I need to report on will determine how long it takes.

I do both published books reviewing (for magazines) and reviews of unpublished books (manuscripts.) If you mean to do book reviews on published books, that again takes as long as it does to read a book, but I usually only write 150 words for those. For the unpublished books, it depends on for whom and why I'm reviewing the manuscript, but if it is for an editor/publisher, I can write anywhere from 4-12 pages of notes on various aspects. Some books will only take 3 hours, while others I can spend 24 hours (in a succession of 8 days, spending 3 hours a day on it.) It depends on how much I need to comment on, and how much actually needs commentary.

For the 150 word book reviews I got so fast at doing them that I could nail my word count in about 3 passes of writing the review. I'd get down the initial thoughts, sweep through correcting, cutting words to hit the count, then sweep through again to make sure I brought out the main points. Loved doing those! My column included 4-5of those and Church Libraries magazine would send me anywhere from 4-6 books to review per shipment of books.


I was slower when I first started but by now I've done both types of reviews for so long, that I can work much faster and more efficiently with an expert eye to the details I need to focus on.

I Get By With a Little Help...

My good friend at Christian Reader/Writer Connection, Susan J. Reinhardt, awarded me the One Lovely Blog Award, along with so many other good blogs! I'm so honored. Part of the prize is to award it to other blogs that I read. Besides giving it back to Susan, I listed some blogs to visit below.




LeAnne Martin at Christians in the Arts, a simply gorgeous blog where she posts every Monday and Thursday on the Arts and how Christians are participating in them.

Sharon Lavy at I Dream of Writing for God for sometimes fun (funny) posts, book reviews and interviews with authors, as well as ponderings on her own writing journey.


Nancy J. Ring at Anchors, Signposts & Wanderings where she beautifully illustrates in pictures and words the deep longings and soul-searching thoughts.


I will continue this post tomorrow to share with you more lovely blogs. Do check these out.Leave comments to let them know that Crystal sent you!

Do You Want to Write Fiction?

My friend, Cara Putman, writes fiction, is an attorney,teaches law at Purdue University, has a busy husband who works for Purdue University, has 3 adorable children, is active in her church and with an organization I belong to as well, the American Christian Fiction Writers. She also has published fiction books (check them out!)

I'm out for a couple days, but if you haven't read this entry, and you've been thinking about writing, go to this site and read Cara's entry to help you to decide whether writing fiction could be for you.

Writing takes a perserverence and personality quirk combo. As Stephen King has said, "If God gives you something you can do, why in God's name wouldn't you do it?" (Stephen has his own way with words...but you get the point.) If God calls you do something--you must do it.

Read Cara's entry today! "Is ACFW for You?"

This 'n' That

FIRST

Today my guest at When I Was Just a Kid is Janet Dean, author of Courting the Doctor's Daughter. Go over there and leave a comment to win a free copy of this book or to check out the first chapter and find out more about Janet's childhood and how it's influenced her writing.






The second book in the Courting series, Courting the Doctor’s Daughter released in May 2009.

Courting the Doctor’s Daughter

Courting the Doctor's Daughter
by Janet Dean

Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical
May 2009
Paperback
Category: Inspirational
List price: $ 5.50

An Unexpected Match

A widow with three boys to raise, Mary Graves has no time for peddlers of phony medicine. She’s a dedicated healer working alongside her doctor father. When a handsome stranger blows into town with his “elixir of health” and asks questions about her newly adopted son, Mary’s determined to uncover the truth behind all his claims.

Once the reckless heir to a Boston fortune, Dr. Luke Jacobs travels the country with his herbal medicine while searching for his long-lost son. After meeting the feisty doctor’s daughter and her youngest boy, Luke has found what he’s been looking for at last. But can he convince her to let him into her home, her family—and her heart?

SECOND

I spoke in a convocation at an elementary school on Monday and just had a blast! It reawakened my lifelong teaching bug, as well as intertwined with my love of reading and teaching reading, sharing my passion of reading. Maybe I'll have more to say about this later. Please, if you are a regular reader here, pray for me and my direction in this area. I've had several open doors recently so of course, while I'm dense, I am trying to listen to God's leading.

THIRD

Our hearts are broken with the sudden death of Dr. Fred Osborn, my husband's partner in ER medicine. His celebration of life was yesterday and the church was packed. I was uplifted by the beautiful service full of verses and testimony, as well as the hymns played throughout, including my favorite, How Great Thou Art. We finished the service singing, When We All Get to Heaven. One of my favorite ways to end my letters has always been "If I don't see you here, I'll see you THERE!" And I do hope to see you all THERE. Talk to me if you want to know more!

So, my week has been full and emotional because, finally,
FOURTH

our youngest son, MAX, is graduating from high school on Friday. I feel just a little overwhelmed. He passed his EMT certification on Saturday, which means he's fully qualified to be on an ambulance and save lives.

So, if I'm not getting back to you, do email me again, as I sort of got sidetracked. I also am working on a client's manuscript, so need to finish that.

If I haven't told you lately, you are precious to me. Also, thanks, Susan, for noticing my new banner. My oldest son, Jordan, is an artist, webmaster and flash design expert. He designed a bookmark for me to take to my speaking engagement at the elementary school and this is the "Shel Silverstein-like" drawing of me that he did. If you need any work done, he's taking clients and is reasonable. Just email me and I'll put you in contact! (Smile)

How did you realize this is what you wanted to do with your life?

Question 2 from the Eastbrook High School creative writing students is:
How did you realize this is what you wanted to do with your life?


I think this is a tough question for anyone these days, but especially for high school students ready to embark on jobs, careers and choosing colleges, and even life partners. What path do you choose? Where do I go from here? If I choose this, is this forever closed to me?

There are many things you can do to find what is the best area for you to go. You can take a Keirsey Sorter to find out what kind of Myers Briggs profile you have and from there see just what jobs suit you. Different personalities think in different ways. (I'm an INTJ.)

For me I didn't have this sort of information when I was coming out of high school. I won a scholarship in journalism for all the articles I wrote for the school newspaper. I thought I wanted to write newspaper articles.(And I did.) But even then I put down in the high school paper in the section on "senior dreams" that I wanted to write "the Great American Novel." At the time I was kidding--well, sort of. I loved reading more than anything.


I made a series of decisions. I took the Institute of Children's Literature course while I was in college. I changed my major from journalism to elementary education. I read a ton of children's books. And I worked with children. My job in college was in an off-campus preschool as a teacher's aide and since I was an elementary education major, I got to try all sorts of things.I learned as much in that job about children and books that they liked, as I did in university courses.

And I loved to evaluate. If I had known that, I would have made specific choices toward being an editor or some similar leanings, but instead I just lived life. I found the best thing for my own writing and for evaluating others' writing was to have experience and knowledge. So I read some more.

I took my first job reading/evaluating a manuscript for a friend(Daughter of Prophecy by Miles Owens) who was writing his first novel. I did it for the joy of reading and found I had a knack for it. He was so pleased with my work on it, when his editor and agent asked about who helped edit it, he happily shared my name. From there other things happened, but before all this happened, I did book reviews for several magazines for years. I read a ton of books!

So when I look back on "realizing what I wanted to do with my life?" it was actually a slow realization. It stemmed from loving reading so much that I wanted to be a part of that process of producing a fiction book. I think I realized it as a child, but didn't recognize that I could actually do it until I was an adult, had worked other jobs, married, had four boys and did book reviews.



One of my favorite verses that my aunt also gave to me when I graduated from high school is this:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 5,6 NIV

I dated it June 1976 in my Bible.

It comes as a simple act of obeying and acknowledging God's purpose in your life. When did you realize you wanted to be a writer? When did you realize it was possible? I want to encourage you in your dreams because if you are called to do something, it will follow you to the very depths of the sea (ask Jonah!)


Right above those verses is something I never thought much about before:

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, WRITE them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3: 3,4 NIV)

So if you are being faithful to your purpose to those you love, to that which you love to do, there is a reward for it. Think on this as you choose the path you will take.