I loved the family movie “Dolphin Tale.” I am looking forward to seeing its sequel “Dolphin Tale 2.” Both are based on a true story. The movie will be released in September!
Did you see the first movie?–Lyn
Trailer for Family Movie Dolphin Tale 2
Best-selling Author Brandilyn Collins & Mothers on Strike!
My guest today is best-selling suspense author Brandilyn Collins. She is know for her Seatbelt Suspense stories. Today she shares about her mother and a strike. Here’s Brandilyn:
Missionaries in India
“My parents, J.T. and Ruth Seamands, were missionaries in India for 20 years. Once as they were coming back to the States on furlough, they boarded a ship for the long journey along with their four children. (I was two at the time.) The ship would sail in the morning.
But it didn’t. The ship’s crew had gone on strike. Nobody could get off the boat, and the crew wasn’t cooking for the passengers. No breakfast awaited our family.
It was 115 degrees at the time.
Hungry Children
By ten o’clock all the children were complaining of hunger.
My father was more the conciliatory type, praying for a quick ending to the strike. Mom had far less patience. She took matters into her own hands.
She visited the dining room of the ship to ask the crewmen to cook for the passengers. She found them lounging at the tables, laughing and drinking coffee, and eating fragrant, hot bread. When she asked the dining room steward for food, he told her it was not possible, they were on strike. Mom’s temper flared.
“You and your men can sit here guzzling coffee and starve your adult passengers to death if you want to, but please do something for the children. There are lots of hungry children crying up and down the halls.”
Sorry, Madam
The steward shrugged. “Sorry, Madam, we feel for the children, but we can’t break strike.”
Mom saw red. “Then give me the keys to your cupboards. I and the mothers will make our own food.”
Again—not possible.
Mother in Action
Mom got so mad her stomach hurt. She stuck her hands on her hips and yelled at them all. “You’d just better do it! Because I’m going upstairs to round up every mother I can find. We will come down here as an army and wreck this kitchen if you don’t feed our children!” She stomped off and started summoning the mothers. Meanwhile the crew must have known she meant business, because they sent a man to find her. His message: “Bring your children down in ten minutes. We will feed them.”
Score one for a woman facing down injustice.
To purchase, click here. Sidetracked
In my latest Seatbelt Suspense®, Sidetracked,
the main character, Delanie, also sees a terrible injustice. One of a very different kind. Her friend has just been murdered. Everyone wants to see the killer go to jail. But the police have arrested an innocent man. Delanie, with her own secrets to keep, faces a terrible choice: protect herself and the life she’s built in this small town—or speak out publicly and fight to keep the innocent man out of jail.
Sometimes when a woman stares injustice in the face, she gets mad enough to do something she thought she’d never do …” Brandilyn
Sidetracked ebooks are $4.99. Also available in paper. Read the first chapter here.
To learn more about Brandilyn and all her books, visit her website. She loves to interact with her readers on Facebook. On Twitter she’s @Brandilyn.
Thanks, Brandilyn. Your mom is the kind of lady I’d like to have known! If you’ve read a book by Brandilyn, leave her a comment. QUESTION: Do you like to read suspense stories?–Lyn
PS- Here’s the first review of the 91 on Amazon.
By N. White
Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
This book is in my top 5 all time favorite Brandilyn Collin’s Seatbelt-Suspense novels. Even if you don’t usually read murder mysteries, I highly suggest reading this book. Murder mysteries are not my usual genre but she keeps you on the end if yr seat until the very end.
Lyn Interviews Book Blogger Kathleen of Lane Hill House Blog
Today my guest is book blogger Kathleen who reviews at Lane Hill House blog. Kathy often leaves comments here
so I’ve been acquainted with her for some time. Here’s Kathy:
1-Who are your favorite authors?
Jane Kirkpatrick for the depth of her stories and research;
Lynn Austin and Allison Pittman for their whimsical characters and true to life “neighbors”;
Ruth Axtell, for her Maine stories that draw me in;
I know I am going to leave someone out! ~ Susan Meissner, Nancy Moser, Siri Mitchell, Kim Vogel Sawyer,
Lena Nelson Dooley, Stephanie Grace Whitson, Jan Watson, Julie Klassen,
Marlene Banks, Katie Ganshert, Joanne Bischof, Carol Cox,
Mona Hodgson, Laura Frantz, Anne Mateer, Sarah Sundin, Maggie Brendan,
Laurie Alice Eakes, Melody Carlson, Anita Higman, Liz Tolsma, Deborah Raney.
Wow, Kathy, you named a few I hadn’t heard of!
2-What kind of book is the one you look for in bookstores and online?
Christian Historical Fiction is my very favorite genre. I appreciate the research authors do to place their characters within the happenings/events of the time period. So much greater information than we might have learned in school.
3-What prompted you to start a book blogging site?
Five years ago my husband and I moved to a rural community that does not have a bookstore and at the time our local library did not offer inter-library loan. I volunteered at the library and checked out several books, finding new authors while shelving. Prior to our move, for years I would sign up for current releases I found in a Christian book catalog. Because we lived in a large city, I had access to several outlying inter-library loans. I was content to wait three months or so until my name popped up for the one week check-out on new books.
One wonderful day I read a blog entitled, “How to Get Review Copies, by Kate at her Parchment Girl blog. You mean I can order my favorite author novels, receive them in 4-6 weeks and, in turn, tell you about them in a blog?? Wow! Answered prayer for sure on my missing new book releases. Kate says she is not primarily a fiction reader, but she opened my world up!
I began my Lane Hill House blogpost at the end of January 2011. I find my style has changed as I have been reading and writing, to now include photos since I am a “visual” reader. I love the descriptiveness and it pulls me into the story. Such a fine line of not giving anything away, so I will tell you about the story but not my opinion as much, as I want the reader to be able to form their own way in and not feel like they have been robbed of the story themselves. Book reviews are to be just that, not a synopsis. I look for a first chapter from the publisher to include so a reader can decide for themselves if they would like to turn the next page ~ and, what happens next?
4-Tell us a bit about yourself.
I have always been a reader. I was read to when I was a little girl and I feel that is key. My mother died a month before my sixth birthday and I can still recall Hans Christian Andersen and the brothers Grimm fairy tales, fables with a moral, and Mother Goose nursery rhymes.
My very favorite book is absolutely Heidi. I breathed in the fresh mountain air with Peter and the wonderful bakery aromas with Clara in Frankfurt. I devoured Nancy Drew, especially The Clue of the Tapping Heels, The Hidden Staircase, and The Secret of the Old Clock were favorites.
I am a certified literary braillist with the Library of Congress National Library Service, and in the past, worked in the classroom with vision impaired students, reviewing after the vision teacher with the student, and writing the print above the braille for the teachers for the student’s work. I loved it! My very first student is getting married this year.
My husband and I retired five years ago and moved 10-1/2 hours away to be within a long day’s drive to our adult children in three states in any given direction. That has been a great blessing for us. We love our home on a hilltop, our church and community. This is exactly where we are to be! In closing, I would like to comment about my online relationship with other readers bloggers and authors. They have enriched my life. We encourage and pray for each other. A community that is close at hand. The publicity agents have been wonderful to work with.
I have a favorite story of Lyn Cote’s, a novella entitled, “For Sophia’s Heart.” I would love to have it written in a full-length novel. Beginning on the train meeting to the end of their lives would be great for me!
Besides reading and writing reviews, I enjoy machine quilting, attending local community theatre, playing Ticket to Ride boardgames with my husband, and Phase10 and Hand and Foot card games. I am part of two back-to-back exercise classes at the YMCA M-W-F, aerobics and stretching; and a Thursday morning Bible study and out to eat with friends afterward.”–Kathleen
For more about Kathleen, visit
http://lanehillhouse.blogspot.com/
Twitter @LaneHillHouse
Guess what, Kathy. I’m planning on a sequel to “For Sophia’s Heart” which will feature her daughter. I’ll keep you posted.”–Lyn
PS- Christy won Margaret Daley’s book. Pauline and Janet won copies of Sylvia Bambola’s REBEKAH’S TREASURE.
Author Sylvia Bambola & a Daughter’s Strength Through Pain
My guest today is award-winning author Sylvia Bambola. She will be offering two copies of her new books REBEKAH’S TREASURE to two readers who leave comments. Here’s Sylvia:
My Daughter Gina
“Webster defines strength as the power to resist strain and stress; toughness; durability. All qualities I witnessed in my daughter, Gina, as she battled ulcerative colitis for almost nine years. It’s hard to watch your child suffer, but watch I did. Though she was exhausted from pain, I watched as Gina engaged her toddlers, never complaining but always insisting she was doing well.
Suffering Continues
Then when they got older and went to school, I watched how Gina struggled to dress herself and sit upright on the couch, even on the really bad days, so my grandchildren wouldn’t come home and see her in bed. Though she faithfully followed various health diets promising relief, she found little, and when she did, it was short lived. But in spite of it all, she never let her children see her discouragement. She knew if she did, they would become worried and fearful. And time and time again, I watched her read healing scriptures and other scriptures of encouragement when I knew deep down she just wanted to give up.
Major Surgery
Finally, when it became clear she couldn’t save her colon and would have to undergo major surgery I watched her read to her children, in an upbeat manner, a book explaining all about the coming procedure; what it would involve and the recovery period, so they wouldn’t become anxious.
Several surgeries did follow. Some set backs. Also pain, fear, exhaustion. But through it all I witnessed courage, strength and a mother more concerned for her children and how to help them throughout this entire process, than concern for herself. Yes, there were tears, too. With her wonderful supportive husband she would sometimes let down her hair and have a good cry, and sometimes with me. But with her children she never did, choosing instead to exhibit courage, good humor, and love.
A Happy Ending.
I’m delighted to say Gina is doing wonderfully now. Living a full active life as a wife, mother, school volunteer, children’s Bible study teacher and artist. God has been good to her and made a way of escape where there seemed no way during those long dark years. She is healthy and grateful. And so are my grandchildren. For the most part they have come unscathed out of this ordeal. But not completely. They still overreact when Gina looks tired or doesn’t feel well, even if it’s unrelated to her condition. But because of the way my daughter has handled this entire situation, it’s a minor holdover considering what it might have been had she conducted herself differently.
Universal Truth
I think it’s a universal truth that most mothers will sacrifice a great deal for their children and will try to do what’s best for them even at great cost to themselves. It’s one of the themes in my current novel, Rebekah’s Treasure. Set amid war-torn 70 A.D. Jerusalem, Rebekah, a mother herself, is primarily concerned for her family, and is willing to face difficult odds and multiple dangers on their behalf.
Mother’s today face many trials and hardships, and dangerous, too, as they train their children in the way they should go, as well as try to keep them safe from the many physical and emotional hazards around them. These are true woman of strength and courage.”–Sylvia
To purchase, click here. Rebekah’s Treasure
Book Blurb:
FIRST PLACE WINNER FOR ADULT FICTION IN THE FLORIDA STATE ASSOCIATION NATIONAL LEAGUE OF AMERICAN PEN WOMEN
Forced to flee war-torn Jerusalem in 70 A.D., Rebekah and her husband, Ethan, each take something of value: Rebekah, the cup of the Last Supper; Ethan, a copper scroll detailing the whereabouts of a vast Temple treasure. Ahead, separation and danger face them as each tries to survive. But it’s not only external forces that could keep them apart forever but internal ones as they struggle to discover where their true treasure lies.
Author Bio:
Born in Romania in 1945, Sylvia Bambola lived her early years in Germany. At seven she relocated with her adopted family and saw the Statue of Liberty and America for the first time. But the memory of those years in Germany inspired her to write Refiner’s Fire, which won a Silver Angel Award, and was a Christy Finalist. Her frequent moves as an “army brat” gave her an opportunity to see America and fall in love with her new country. Bambola has authored six novels, has two grown children, teaches women’s Bible studies, and is learning the guitar.
Connect with author:
Website/blog: http://www.sylviabambola.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sylvia-Bambola/78754640991
Twitter: @sylviabambola
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/83706.Sylvia_Bambola
Now remember the giveaway and here’s the QUESTION: Do you enjoy reading biblical era novels? Why or Why not?–Lyn
Author Margaret Daley & Do You Know a Strong Woman?
My guest today is author Margaret Daley, an author of over 60 (THAT’S SIXTY) books. She is offering a giveaway so be sure to read and comment. Here’s Margaret:
My Mother
“When I think of a strong woman, I think of my mother who was a nurse and dedicated to helping others. Through her first husband death and tragedies like hurricanes, her faith remained strong. She volunteered and was ready to help others where she could. But what I remember about her was that she was always there for me. She died from a series of strokes that caused dementia. It was hard for me to see her that way, but I wouldn’t trade the years I went home at least a couple times a year to see her (living halfway across the country).
Series about Strong Women in
When I’ve started a series of novellas about strong women in extraordinary situations, I started thinking about what makes a woman strong. My first book in the series is about a female bodyguard and the second one revolves around a woman Texas Ranger. Each one is dedicated to her job, doing the best job they can, and there to help the underdog.
QUESTION: What I would love to know from you is what you think a strong woman is? Do you know one in your life? If so, please tell me why you think she is strong?
I will give one ebook copy of my first book in the “Strong Women, Extraordinary Situations” Series called Deadly Hunt to one of the commenters. I need you to leave an email addy so I can contact you if you win. Look for Deadly Intent, the second book, at the first of July.”–Margaret
To purchase, click here. Deadly Hunt (Strong Women, Extraordinary Situations)
Blurb for Deadly Hunt by Margaret Daley:
All bodyguard Tess Miller wants is a vacation. But when a wounded stranger stumbles into her isolated cabin in the Arizona mountains, Tess becomes his lifeline. When Shane Burkhart opens his eyes, all he can focus on is his guardian angel leaning over him. And in the days to come he will need a guardian angel while being hunted by someone who wants him dead.
Thanks so much, Margaret. And I know that your mother would say you are a strong woman too!
Visitors–Don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered into the drawing.–Lyn
Last Tribute, Poem “Mama Was” by Virginia Archer
This is the last blog post this year honoring mothers and daughters in May. Virginia Archer occasionally sends me poems and I asked her to send me a few honoring her mother. I chose, “Mama Was.”
Mama Was
Mama was a country girl
…living most of her life on the farm.
She tried to live in such a way
to never caused anyone harm.
Mama was a private person
but you couldn’t ask for a better friend.
She never turned away anyone in need
…no matter what it cost in the end.
Mama was a good provider
…making sure we had plenty to eat.
Even though we had very little money
she often gave is special treats.
Mama was a loving mother,
and it was seen in the way she lived.
Not one to give out hugs and kisses,
but we felt the love she would give.
Mama was a faithful Christian,
…serving God in her quiet way…
showing more by her actions
than by what she had to say.
Mama was sorely missed,
and has been since she passed away.
Her Father called her home in ’76,
on a Saturday before Mother’s Day.
Virginia Archer
05-11
Thank you for sharing this, Virginia. If you enjoyed this, leave a comment for Virginia.–Lyn
What is Your Most Treasured Memory of Your Children or Mother?
One More Chance to Reminisce
This is the last week of May, the month that I honor mothers and daughters on my “Strong Women, Brave Stories” blog. Today I want to share my most treasured memory of my children, in fact, I’ll share two.
I’d love it if you would share a treasured memory of your children too. If you haven’t been a mom, please share a treasured memory of your mother.
My treasured memory
takes place when we lived in Iowa. It was December and my son (around 7) and my daughter (around 4) had been invited across the street to a birthday party. Thirty years ago, everyone “dressed” for a party so I duded my kids in their Sunday best and winter coats and sent them off. In parting, I told my son to watch over his sister and bring her home safe.
Well, as mothers do, I got busy taking care of chores while they were gone. Finally it felt like time for them to be home. I looked out the window and was surprised to see that an unexpected snowstorm had started while I’d been busy.
Another glance out the window provided me with an image I’ll never forget. My son was walking backwards into the wind. His back was plastered with snow that was pelting him almost horizontally.
He had both arms outstretched around his sister who was huddled within them, facing him. They were inching their way home. The image of my son protecting his little sister (who was usually his rival) touched my heart. I will never forget it.
The second memory is just a glimpse in time.
Again it was winter and I woke in the night and as always went to check my children. My daughter (around 7) of course had lost her blankets. As I covered her back up, she said, “Thank you, Sweet Mama.”
Oh, my heart still stirs at that unexpected endearment.
Your Turn
Would you like to share a sweet memory of your children or mother. Here’s your chance. Take your turn.–Lyn
Lyn Interviews Best-Selling Author Debbie Macomber
I’m pleased to have a chance to interview best-selling author Debbie Macomber today. I was privileged to hear her speak at a writing conference in Hawaii in 1995. Her words in her keynote address touched me as her books, especially the Cedar Cove series have. Here’s Debbie Macomber:
1-Share one fun or interesting fact about your life or books.
Many of you may or may not know that I grew up with a wicked brother. Surprisingly he turned into a decent adult but from the time he was born he was a constant thorn in my side. Still, I have to thank him for one small evil deed that headed me in the right direction early in my pre-teen years. My brother was responsible for my very first sale. It’s true. Terry, with two accomplices–my cousins Doug and David–made copies of my diary and sold it to the boys in my class. It was a best seller.
And you let him and your cousins live to adulthood? Amazing.
2-Why do you write?
I am happiest when I am at my desk writing. When the story is strong inside of me, I live, breathe and sleep with those characters rummaging around inside of my head. Over the years I’ve made an astonishing discovery. Whatever I am feeling, whatever emotion comes over me as I create a scene, is transmitted to the reader. If I laugh out loud, I know the reader will laugh as well. The same is true with other emotions as well. If the scene is heart wrenching and sad and I cry, I strongly suspect my reader will pull out a few tissues along with me. When I put my heart out on the page, it links with that of my reader. It’s this feeling of reaching out and touching someone else with my words that compels me to write. And when I receive feedback from readers who say they laughed or cried along with my books, it encourages me to keep writing.
I think that you’ve said it well. If I don’t make myself cry or laugh while I’m writing, I can’t expect my readers to. And the emotional connection between readers and writers is true and strong, special.
3-In what ways does your heroine show strength? And where does she draw this strength?
To purchase, click here. Blossom Street Brides: A Blossom Street Novel
In my current book, BLOSSOM STREET BRIDES, Bethanne Scranton is newly married to Max. They are crazy in love and grateful to have found a second chance at love, but Max has a business that needs his close attention in California and Betheanne’s business and family are in Washington state. While they struggle to find time to be together, Bethanne’s ex-husband is creating an atmosphere of distrust in hopes of getting Bethanne back. It is their love for each other, with the support of family and friends, that gives Bethanne and Max the strength to make difficult decisions to create a new life together.”–Debbie
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Debbie, thanks for being my guest today. And keep writing those wonderful books (oh and knitting too. :-)–Lyn
For more about Debbie on the web:
Website: www.DebbieMacomber.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebbieMacomberWorld
Twitter: @debbiemacomber
Check out my new free read, Lady Sarah, an American Regency–above.
Wisconsin Poet R. Genie McKenzie & Mother and Daughter Poems
I have the pleasure today of hosting a local friend from my church, Wisconsin Poet R Genie McKenzie and two of her poems I thought were especially appropriate for this month when we celebrate mothers and daughters. Enjoy!
Daughter
Little Blossom,
Spring from roots of love,
Returns to us
Her nectar.
Alissa, My Flower
Alissa, my flower,
So fragrance and sweet,
Dear father, I lay her
At your blessed feet.
Bathe her in Son-light
From her precious Lord
Feed her with wisdom
From your holy word.
Help her to blossom
Through joy and through woe,
To show your sweet fragrance
With all that she may know.
Let her remember,
Whatever life gives,
My love will be with her
As long as she lives.
Genie is a dear woman who loves my books! 🙂 Hope her tender poems gave you a lift!–Lyn
Author Sheila Lipsey & The Dream I’m Living Today
My guest today is author Sheila Lipsey. She is offering a book giveaway so look for the QUESTION at the end. I hope you find her words encouraging. I did. Here’s Sheila:
Remembering What Shaped Me
When I think about my life and my career, I can’t help but remember those things that shaped me and pushed me toward the dream I am living today. Life for me was quite challenging, to say the least. Coming to grips with the fact that I had a permanent physical disability since the age of two, was quite difficult for me. Nevertheless, through faith, through the love and encouragement of friends and the blessings in the form of my sons, I learned that my life was rich and rewarding. I also discovered that I had a vivid imagination. I believe it stemmed from the fact that as a child, I spend many days, weeks and sometimes months in a hospital, isolated from my family and loved ones. I often share that it was during these times as a young child that my imagination took root and carried me on adventures near and far in an effort to escape the physical pain of polio and the emotional pain of being separated from my family.
Much like me,
the protagonists in the line of Christian fiction stories I write, often find themselves dealing with the difficulties of life, love, and relationships. They battle with themselves and sometimes, like me, question their own faith and belief systems. That’s one of the reasons I love that God has called me to be a writer. Being a writer allows me to delve deep into the mindsets of my characters. I can reveal their flaws and all. I can even sprinkle dabs of ‘me’ inside them. They can look like you or they can remind you of someone you know. Overall, they experience real life situations and face real life celebrations and calamities.
Strength to Conquer
I find through my writing strength to conquer my fears. Writing has opened doors for me because it allows me to do something, which I love. Regardless of my physical limitations, writing poses no limitations because my mind is set free and my ability to think, imagine, and then translate my thoughts on paper is nothing short of favor bestowed on me by God himself.
I think because I write what I call ‘perfect stories about imperfect people’ that it is the catalyst that enables my readers to connect with the characters and story lines in such a real manner. The characters come alive for them.
To purchase, click here. My Wife My Baby…And Him (My Son’s Wife)
My latest novel, My Wife My Baby…And Him is book five of the “My Son’s Wife” series. It continues with the story of the Graham family, particularly the senior pastor of Holy Rock, Stiles Graham and his conniving, cunning, and deceitful wife, First Lady Detria Graham.
I have also found tremendous joy
in venturing into writing books for young adults. My first young adult novel, House of Cars, has been receiving rave reviews as it candidly addresses the issue of homelessness among our children, cyberbullying and in school bullying. It is book one in the “Fairley High” series. I am presently working on book 2 in the series, which is titled The Secret Life of Payne.
To purchase, click here. House Of Cars (Fairley High Series)
I feel divinely blessed and highly favored because each day that I am allowed to wake up, I have the opportunity to live my dreams now! I have the opportunity to do something that touches the lives of people, hopefully in a positive manner. I have the opportunity to reach thousands of people and leave my mark and an eternal legacy to my family and the world, all because of the words I write that are then turned into book form for endless numbers of people to read. What an amazing gift and a blessing that I do not take for granted.
Live Your Dreams
As I come to a close, I encourage you to live your dreams. You do not have to chase after them, run to them, or pursue them because the dream already resides within you. You have seeds of greatness already planted inside of you. You do not have to chase the blessing down because the blessing will chase you down and overtake you so stop running.
To date I have fourteen titles to my credit and two stories in anthologies. I invite you to read one or more (or all) of my books.
Please reach out to me via Facebook social media
at http://www.facebook.com/SheliaELipseyReaders.
You can find me on twitter and Instagram under shelialipsey.
Contact me via email at books@shelialipsey.com and visit my website www.shelialipsey.com
If you would like to be a guest on my blog, The Word According to Shelia, please send me an email (books@shelialipsey.com).
And definitely when you visit my website, sign up as one of my followers and receive updates and blog posts.
Lyn, thank you again for this opportunity. Be strong, stay encouraged, and never ever ever ever give up on living your dreams now!”–Sheila
For Sheila’s giveaway, she says:
Visit my website, sign up to become one of my followers, and leave a comment that you read my post on Lyn Cote’s blog. You will be entered into a drawing to win a copy of my novel, What’s Blood Got To Do With It?
Thanks for being my guest, Sheila. You are an inspiration. QUESTION: WHAT ARE YOUR DREAMS? ARE YOU LIVING THEM?–Lyn