Almost Forever by Deborah Raney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Almost Forever begins portraying a horrifying tragedy with stark reality. Then it shifts into a very believable romance of two wounded hearts. Just when we think the happy ending might be near, the heroine makes a startling, shattering realization. In spite of one “pat-feeling” plot point, I enjoyed this book and found it compelling.
My guest today is Author and Counselor Karen Tripp. I met her in St Louis in June at the International Christian Retailers Show. We caught lunch together by serendipity! BE SURE to leave a comment, an answer to my question! Karen has offered to send an autographed copy of her book, GOD IS BIGGER THAN YOU CANCER!
Here’s Karen:
“In writing God is Bigger Than Your Cancer, God led me to many amazing stories of people drawing closer to Christ through their cancer struggle. Christina’s strength and bravery take my breath away.
“At age 35, with three daughters under the age of 5, my husband Stephen and I were told I had breast cancer. Following a lumpectomy, the preliminary reports said the cancer was gone. Four months later, we found out I was pregnant with our fourth child.
The doctor told me two days later that I was never cancer-free. An unseen final report had said the cancer was still there. For the health of our child, chemotherapy, radiation or a mastectomy was not an option — neither was an abortion. Yet at 16 weeks pregnant, the tumor in my breast had grown so large, I had no choice. I had to begin chemotherapy.
Now I’m wondering if I heard God wrong when I first refused chemotherapy or when I decided not to abort my child. Despite my doubts and confusion, at 32 weeks we were miraculously blessed with a beautifully healthy son, Alex.
After ten months of coping with a mastectomy and radiation, I prepared for my last reconstructive surgery. In my pre-surgical blood work-up, they discovered I was pregnant again. Stephen and I were in total disbelief. From day one I worried about the effects of my earlier chemo treatments on this child. In quiet moments I found myself asking God to take this child. My doubts and confusion were back.
At 5 months pregnant, I woke up one morning with excruciating pain across the top of my back. My cancer had returned – this time to my bones. With that news, I just crumbled inside. I was told, with an abortion and aggressive chemotherapy, I might live 2 years.
Even though Stephen knew he could soon become a single father with 4 children, he felt adamantly against an abortion. I was frightened and felt God had left me. I pleaded and begged God to take this child so I wouldn’t have to. I wanted action, and I wanted it now. I even called an abortion clinic at one point. I thought if I could just take that pill, people would think I miscarried. But then Jesus spoke to me. “The devil wanted your son Alex, just like he wants the one in your womb.” I sobbed, knowing it was true.
I knew later it really was Jesus who spoke to me, because He totally changed my heart. Thoughts of abortion were gone. I lived each remaining day of the pregnancy with complete joy that I was pregnant.
After our healthy son Austin was delivered prematurely, my cancer battle continued. The cancer had spread. My head knew that God was in control, but I worried and acted like it all depended on me.
I finally understood that God doesn’t wait for us to do the right thing so He can make His will happen. God’s will is supreme, with or without us. We need to seek His will, but He doesn’t need us to complete His plans.
God can take everything, even our mistakes, and use them for His will. We don’t have to walk a perfect walk. When we really get it in our heart and in our head that God’s in charge, it takes the pressure off of us.
Alex is now 4 and Austin is 2. My doctors said I was supposed to be dead over a year ago. I’m not cancer-free and I’m trying to make the best decisions I can. It’s easier now because I have given control to God. I know He can use me, even in the midst of my mistakes.” Summarized from God is Bigger Than Your Cancer.
http://Godisbiggerthan.com
6. Christina’s rest of the story is at http://Godisbiggerthan.com/cancer-rest-of-the-stories/
Lyn here: That story puts all my “troubles” into perspective. How about you? What would you say to Christine?
AN EYE FOR AN EYE by Irene Hannon (RITA finalist)
Book 2—Heroes of Quantico
Chapter 1
His quarry was late.
Very late.
Shading his eyes, the man scanned the deserted jogging path and shifted the rifle cradled in his arms. He couldn’t linger much longer without risking detection. In the past couple of hours he’d already seen a few too many runners and dog walkers, despite the oppressive August heat. But no one had yet ventured anywhere near his concealed position in the woods at the edge of the park.
After studying his quarry’s habits, he’d chosen the time and place with care. And he’d walked through the exercise dozens of times in his mind. Park behind the First Congregational Church, unoccupied on this sultry St. Louis Saturday. Leave the car at the far end of the isolated parking lot, next to the woods that separated church property from the park. Cut through the dense thicket. Wait for his target. Take his shot. Return to the car, slide the rifle back inside the weed-eater box on the back seat. Drive home. Dispose of the gun.
He stroked the sleek steel barrel, the taste of regret sharp on his tongue. He hated the thought of destroying his favorite hunting rifle. But hanging onto it once this job was finished would be too dangerous. His only consolation was that it would end its life doing God’s work.
Shifting his position, he lifted his arm and wipe the sweat from his forehead with the sleeve of his dark green shirt. Then he turned to scan the empty church parking lot, barely visible through the shrubby undergrowth beneath the trees. He hadn’t sought out a house of God as his staging area, but it was fitting. For he was here to follow a directive from the Good Book. To claim an eye for an eye.
Today’s guest is Author Rhonda McKnight who shares her experience with her special son. Here’s Rhonda:
“Parents want their children to be perfect. That’s why women obtain prenatal care, eat right, and take advantage of those special parking spaces. I was no different. When my little one arrived, I waited with baited breath until our pediatrician announced, “He’s perfect.” And life was good, until about age two. I noticed conversational speech wasn’t what it should be. There were sensory issues and other, little things. I took my concerns to his doctor and then it began, our entrance into a world that was not so perfect, one where there was a diagnosis of “persuasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified. PDD-NOS”
PDD-NOS, I cannot describe the weight of those letters. I vacillated between being super-mommy for my son and feeling sorry for myself. I cried every night for weeks until God whispered, “It’s okay. He’s still perfect. He’s just different.” I heard God, but I determined “different” was not okay. Different is inconvenient in a homogeneous society.
In my novel, An Inconvenient Friend, Angelina Preston, is challenged to mentor Samaria Jacobs, a woman who is unsaved, inappropriately dressed and, dare I say, un-churched. The other women in the ministry don’t want Samaria there. Her makeup and short skirts are unwelcome. “Same” is comfortable, so like Angelina, I struggled with where that left me when God had decided to introduce the word different in my life and was “God-like” silent when I ask why?
I began an in-depth study of PPD-NOS. After which, I resolved that some learning disabilities are the result of illness that I surely wish could be cured, but PPD-NOS is not a sickness that I could lay hands on. He will learn with therapy. And accommodations have to be made for things he does differently, as was the case with Angelina and Samaria’s relationship. Angelina had to dig deeper into the Bible to reach the young woman who she thought was looking for God.
Angelina was poised for the task in front of her. Not so with me. At the onset, it was overwhelming, but I now see my life has always been filled with differences. I was the one in high school who had friends of various races. I supervised a twenty person team of non-citizens from fifteen different countries. I completed my graduate work in the area of diversity. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about differences, accepting and embracing them; that to expect and want everyone to be the same was narrowed minded to the point of ignorance. Had this attitude and my studies been preparation for parenting a special needs child? Had it been the reason I incorporated that thread into my novel? God answered, “Yes.”
So while I may not know the answer to the “why” of our new reality, I do know the “how”. My life is not exactly as I imagined it would be, but I’ve accepted that the “difference” is okay and I’m the right mother for the job. Will it be the same for the characters in my novel or will the “differences” be too inconvenient?”
Novelist Rhonda McKnight is the author of two novels, An Inconvenient Friend (August 2010), Secrets and Lies.( December 2009) and a contributor to an independently published project titled, A Woman’s Revenge (June 2010). She is the owner of www.urbanchristianfictiontoday.com, a popular Internet site that highlights African-American Christian fiction and Legacy Editing, a free-lance service for fiction writers.
Originally from a small, coastal town in New Jersey, she’s called Atlanta, Georgia home for twelve years. She has two sons, one entering college and the other beginning preschool. Her website is www.rhondamcknight.net
Today‘s book by Author Jill Eileen Smith is Abigail released February 1, 2010 and is book 2 in The Wives of King David series. Bathsheba, book 3, releases March 1, 2011. Michal, book 1 is available now.
Abigail is the third wife of King David and her journey is one of heartache and shattered dreams, but in the end she grows stronger for what she has endured and her relationship to David takes an interesting turn.
What price must she pay for true love?
Her days marked by turmoil and faded dreams, Abigail has resigned herself to a life with a man she does not love. When her husband Nabal’s foolish pride angers David and his men, she boldly steps forward to save her family—and David, the would-be king, takes notice.
Circumstances offer Abigail a second chance at happiness with the handsome David, and she takes a leap of faith to join his wandering tribe. But her struggles are far from over. How can she share his love with the other women he insists on marrying?
Abigail follows the bestselling Michal and continues Jill Eileen Smith’s rich story of David’s wives.
“With skill honed by years of historical research, made sharper still with a gifted passion for storytelling, Jill Eileen Smith crafts the story of Abigail in a way that takes us deep into the heart of King David and into the heart of a woman determined to follow God’s will, no matter the cost to her—or to the man she loves.”—Tamera Alexander, bestselling author of From a Distance and The Inheritance
“Smith’s writing swept me back to ancient days and brought Abigail and David’s love story vividly to life.”—Deborah Raney, award-winning author of Almost Forever and the Clayburn Novels
“A rich tapestry of an era filled with love and longing that rings true across the centuries.”—Siri Mitchell, author of Love’s Pursuit
Available from Amazon and fine bookstores everywhere.
If that link doesn’t work, try this: http://www.amazon.com/Abigail-
Jill Eileen Smith has been married for 33 years to her beloved engineer husband, Randy, and together they have three adult sons. Two sons live in California pursuing a film career, and one lives at home finishing an English degree. She was a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom for 12 years so the transition to almost-empty-nester has been tough! She is most grateful for technology, particularly Skype. Jill lives with her family in Southeastern Michigan.
For more about Jill Eileen Smith, drop by
http://www.jilleileensmith.com
http://www.
Seekerville: RWA NATIONALS UPDATE
And the winner of the RITA in the inspirational category is
Jan Cline– jancline (at) ymail (dot) com is the winner of an autographed copy of Tamera’s RITA award-winning book.
Thanks to all of you who read about the RITA and commented. The next big award on the calendar is The Carol.
Have you heard of that one?
Lyn:What does it mean to you to have a book nominated for a RITA?
Author Irene Hannon: It means I’m absolutely thrilled! Even though I’ve won the RITA once and this is my fourth nomination, the thrill never diminishes. For a romance writer, there is no higher honor than a RITA. It’s the Oscar of this genre. So in a very real sense, it’s a validation that all of the hard work of mastering the craft, the longs hours at the computer, and the painful rejections along the way to publication have been worth it.
What makes the RITA especially valuable to me is the judging process. Only published authors judge—five in the first round, five in the second. In other words, a finalist book goes through two complete judging process and is read by 10 published novelists. So the credibility of the contest is very high. For that reason, to me being a RITA finalist is as good as a win in almost any other contest.
I also feel honored to be in the company of so many wonderful authors. The competition is always stiff for this coveted award, but I can honestly say that in the years I’ve been a finalist, I’ve never had an issue with a book that won over mine. In one case in particular, if I’d been a judge I would have picked the book that won! So no matter who wins this year, I still feel like a winner just to be included in such an amazing group of authors.
Irene’s book is An Eye for An Eye, out by Revell. Drop by a past blog using this link to read about this book.
http://strongwomenbravestories.blogspot.com/2009/09/author-irene-hannon-her-unmarried.html
Lyn: What does it mean to you to be a finalist for a RITA award?
Julie Klassen: “I have never been a RITA finalist before, so when I learned my book, The Silent Governess, was among this year’s finalists, I was thrilled. I have been involved in publishing for fifteen years—long enough to know that the RITA awards are well regarded within the industry. Being a finalist is a true honor. For me, being a finalist means I can justify going to my first Romance Writers of America National Conference. I am very much looking forward to attending. I will have the opportunity to meet and spend time with other authors who write books set in Regency England, learn more about the clothes, servants, history, and etiquette of the time period. Better yet, I will attend my first ball and learn some 19th-century dances. I have a Regency dress and everything!
I am also looking forward to attending the RITA and Golden Heart awards ceremony during the conference. Whether The Silent Governess takes home the coveted RITA statuette or not, I am looking forward to a night to celebrate romance with my other sister-authors.”
To find out more about Julie Klassen and her books, drop by
http://www.julieklassen.com/
http://noveljourney.blogspot.com/2008/01/julie-klassen-author-interview.html
Lyn: What does it mean to you to be a RITA finalist?
Carla: “Being a Rita finalist is a blessing…and it’s fun! 🙂 Whether you win or lose, just knowing the judges really enjoyed your book is a huge honor.
As you can tell from Carla’s spontaneous and unpretentious reply, she’s a keeper. She’s also a double RITA finalist. Since her book, the Gladiator, is also up for Best First Book! Way to go, Carla!
A View from a Tree
Beccaroon cocked his head, ruffled his neck feathers, and spread his wings, not to fly, but to test the air. He stretched, allowing his crimson wings to spread. The branch beneath him sank and rose again, responding to his weight. Moist, hot air penetrated his finery, and he held his wings away from his brilliant blue sides.
“Too hot for company,” he muttered. Having declared his opinion, he rocked back and forth from one four-toed scaly foot to the other on the limb of a sacktrass tree. The leaves shimmered as the motion rippled along the branch. “Where is that girl?”
His yellow head swiveled almost completely around. He peered with one eye down the overgrown path, and then scoped out every inch within his range of vision, twisting his neck slowly.
A brief morning shower had penetrated the canopy above and rinsed the waxy-coated leaves. A few remaining drops glistened where thin shafts of tropical sun touched the dark green foliage. On the broot vine, flowers the size of plates lifted their fiery red petals, begging the thumb-sized bees to come drink before the weight of nectar broke off the blooms.
Beccaroon flew to a perch on a gnarly branch. He sipped from the broot blossom and ran his black tongue over the edges of his beak. A sudden breeze shook loose a sprinkle of leftover raindrops. Beccaroon shook his tail feathers and blinked. When the disturbance settled, he cocked his head and listened.
“Ah!” he said. “She’s coming.” He preened his soft green breast and waited, giving a show of patience he didn’t feel. His head jerked as he detected someone walking with the girl.
“Bah!” The word exploded from his throat. He flew into a roost far above the forest floor where he couldn’t be seen from the ground.
For more, visit