I didn’t have to look very far to find examples of Merrilee’s character in my own life. My family tree is littered with women of faith and strength. Take my great grandmother Daniels. A widow, she moved in to take care of my father and his four siblings after they lost their mother—her daughter—in childbirth during World War II. She was a sweet old lady by the time I met her when I was nine, but what impressed me most even then was her love of the Lord. What about my own grandmother who was eight when her father abandoned her family at the height of the depression. She dropped out of school to work in the cotton field to help put food on their table. But years later, when her father came to her doorstep sick and dying, she showed unconditional love and forgiveness by taking him in and caring for him until he died. I asked her one time how she could forgive him so easily, and she said something I’ll never forget.  She forgave him because she had been forgiven.

And then there’s my mother. If you asked her, Momma would say she hasn’t done anything special in her life. She’d just been a wife and mother. But my momma is one of those people who stay in constant prayer—about her kids, her family and those around her. She lives out her faith, not by spouting off scripture but by walking it.

Strong examples of faith that I look to in my writing and in my life.”–Patty

Bio: A romantic at heart, Patty Smith Hall is an award winning, multi-published author. Her stories of encouragement and hope can be found in Guideposts, Journey and Chicken Soup for the Nurse’s Soul.  Her Genesis award winning manuscript, Hearts in Flight, will be released by Love Inspired Historical in July, 2011. Patty resides in Georgia along with Dan, her husband of 28 years, two daughters and a Yorkie who loves to cuddle.

Serving her country as one of the Women’s Army Special Pilots is Maggie Daniels’s dearest wish. But there are obstacles to overcome above and beyond the enemies in the Pacific, including her overprotective family, skeptical fellow pilots—and handsome, distant squadron leader Wesley Hicks. Whatever it takes, Maggie will prove herself to Wesley, until she succeeds in winning his admiration…and love.

Wesley can see that Maggie’s a first-class pilot. She’s also too fearless by half. The war has cost Wesley so much already. Can he let go of his guilt for a chance at happiness—and can he learn to trust in God…and Maggie…enough to believe in love for a lifetime?

Patty, thanks for being my guest. Your book sounds wonderful! I wish you many more.–Lyn

PS: Beckie Peterson won Miranda Parker’s book, A Good Excuse to be Bad and Barbara Ann won Ann Gabhart’s book Blessed is Lacey. Thanks to everyone who left a comment! And thanks Miranda and Ann, for you generosity. (Beckie and Barbara Ann, you’ll be hearing from Miranda and Ann sometime this week via email.)