Thursday Thoughts - Guest Post by Tammy Whitehurst

Hello Friends,

Well it's a crazy Thursday in a crazy, busy week (as usual - LOL!) so today I thought I'd bring to you a very special guest post. I pray it blesses you as much as I've been blessed!

How To Have JOY In Your Journey

by Tammy Whitehurst

Giants. We all face them. They come in the form of cancer, relationships, fear of flying, a job, death, a marriage break up, or a person's past. Giants want to suffocate us, scare us, and knock the wind out of us. They leave us hopeless instead of hopeful. But the bigger they are, the harder they fall. Whatever giant is stealing your joy and breaking your heart doesn't have to control you any longer.

There comes a time when we must shake off the chains of yesterday and run forward with purpose, intention, and hope for a brighter tomorrow. We must realize what we can and cannot do. We change the changeable, accept the unchangeable, and remove the unacceptable things we are doing, which starts us on the journey to joy.

Let's be honest. Some of us have been burned out, cheated on, lied to, and stolen from. Our hearts have been broken and our souls have been beaten. The world is filled with “walking wounded” and “battered believers” who are searching for hope.

I’ve spent many days as a walking, wounded, battered believer who knew there was more to life. Don’t we all want to get better at something? Or be a better version of ourselves? I had to decide to no longer be stuck—stuck in a rut, stuck in sadness or numbness, stuck in anger, stuck spending more money on stuff I didn’t need, stuck spinning my wheels, or stuck feeling empty.

There came a time when I did the “hokey pokey” and turned myself around. I began to blame less and bless more. Frown less and laugh more. Hate less and love more. Doubt less and dream more. Gripe less and cheer more. Sit less and move more. Discourage less and encourage more. Eat less and pray more. Fear less and hope more. I could feel joy coming back! I had to get unstuck from the ruts in life and be more of who God created me to be!

It’s amazing how lost and confused we can get with the everyday. We wish our lives away. We go to work day in and day out and leave unfulfilled and unhappy. We moan, groan, and look forward to the weekend. We go through the daily grind unsatisfied. We feel insignificant as if we make no difference in the world.

I say “we,” because I am guilty of doing this and still do it from time to time. People often ask me, "Do you ever have days when you feel sad, down or worried? Do you have days where you feel drab and blah, and have a hard time getting started?" My answer is always the same: "Yes, I do! I am human." The key to my joy is that I focus on what God tells me and not what the world throws at me. It is never too late for a new beginning.   

1. Say to yourself, “It’s time for a change.”

Change often means changing what you commit to do. Instead of shooting from the hip, shoot from the lip! Practice saying no to the things you need to let go of and yes to the things that will improve your life, make you better, and fill you with joy. Sometimes you have to say no to some things so you can say yes to the things you really love to do. Get a grip on the lip so every step in life won’t be exhausting. Begin saying no and refocus on what gives you joy and purpose. You are never too old to change or to have a new beginning. Your greatest accomplishments will be that you had the courage to begin and the endurance to keep going.

You must have a passion for what you do. That is the only way to have joy in your journey. Do what is right for you; no one else walks in your shoes. Move forward, keeping your eyes on the goal and never miss the blessings along the way. Do what you must to make things happen in a positive way and dismiss negativity quickly. Decide what you want and live a life you can be proud of. If there ever comes a time when your priorities have changed and you find yourself hiding from people or feeling ashamed, find the strength to start over again. Sometimes that will mean saying, “I’m sorry.”

2. Decide what is really important and stick with it.

Busyness is not a spiritual gift. It distracts you from what is really important. There is a big difference between being busy and being productive. Instead of running nowhere in every direction, walk in the direction you want to go.

Sometimes we don’t even recognize ourselves in the mirror because we have become somewhat of a chameleon. We are too many things to too many people. Make a list of the most important things in your life. List them in order. Give up the things that weigh you down and cause you to get off balance. When we are out of balance, we can become angry, stressed, snappy, and cold. When we have balance, we are more kind, caring, compassionate, and understanding. Only then can we make a profound difference in the lives of others, as well as ourselves. Compassion will have us hugging the hopeless, comforting the sad and grieving, and laughing with those who haven’t laughed in a long time.

It will not be easy to slow down, but life is kind of like riding a bicycle. In order to ride successfully, you must keep your “balance.” When you encounter bumps and bruises, get back on the bike and stay on the journey. No shortcuts!

3. Make a decision.

Life gets better when you decide to make it better. It always begins with a choice. Moaning and groaning and whining are a trap. Do not give in to this kind of behavior. Negative people pull others down with them. Positive people know what it takes to do something and will wake up to a goal.

Life is full of both challenges and opportunities. When you grasp courage and boldness with both hands, you can make a difference in not only your life but the lives of others. People are attracted to such people because when the world feels like it is crashing down, positive people will find a way out of the clutter and chaos with a grin on their faces. I want to be that kind of person.

4. Realize you can’t fix everything or everyone.

We really only control ourselves, our actions, and our thoughts. When we try to control others we become entangled in a web of confusion, frustration, and stress. No matter how hard we try, we can’t make it happen. When it looks like nothing is changing and we are manipulating a situation beyond our control, we just need to go to a quiet place, refocus, and let it go.

Choose to accept what is and what is not; let go of the need to control every detail of everyone’s lives, and search within the depths of your soul for the peace that surpasses all understanding.

5. Leave the past behind.

We all have a story to tell and a wound to heal. Most of these were dark times of our lives, times that make us shudder or tremble. Some of us visit those dark places day after day. We know it’s poison, but we continue to embrace the darkness time again. In this dark place we try to put the pieces of the puzzle back together again. We go over all the “woulda, shoulda, couldas” and think for some reason we can change the past.

Leave the pieces where they are and walk out of the dark place once and for all, knowing that the puzzle can’t be put back together the way it was. Close the door and walk into the light with your arms open wide. Put the crisis behind you and get on the path to recovery, hope, joy, and a peace that surpasses all understanding. Seek to "get even" with all those who have done right by you and stop wasting time trying to get even with those who have done you wrong.

6. Be an inspiration.

No matter how overwhelming life’s challenges and problems appear to be, or how insignificant you might feel, you can make a difference in the world. You can’t be everything to everybody, but you can still be something to someone. Most people will tell you that the reason they changed is because someone cared enough to listen and show them kindness in a world that at times is so unkind.

When our final days come, we will not remember entire days, we will remember moments. The big things we tried to accomplish often pale in the end compared to the little blessings along the way to the big thing. Don't let something that doesn't matter lose out to something that does. Take time to notice those things from this day forward. One day and one decision at a time. And taste a little joy in your journey.

Tammy Whitehurst, a Christian speaker, is the founder of Joy for the Journey Ministries. You can read more about her at tammywhitehurst.com

Tuesday Treasure - Nightingale by Sharon Ervin

Well it's time for another Tuesday Treasure and as I've done before, today I'm spotlighting a friend and fellow author!

A former newspaper reporter, Sharon (Thetford) Ervin has a B.A. in Journalism from OU, lives in McAlester, Oklahoma, is married, and has four grown children.  She is the author of ten published novels: NIGHTINGALE, 2013; AFTERMATH, 2010; CANDLESTICKS, 2010; MURDER ABOARD THE CHOCTAW GAMBLER, 2008; THE RIBBON MURDERS, 2006; CHIK-LIT FOR FOXY HENS, 2006; WEEKEND WIFE, 2005; COUNTERFEIT COWBOY, 2005; BODACIOUS, 2002, and JUSU AND MOTHER EARTH, 2000.

Find out more about Sharon and her books by visiting her website and/or blog!

NIGHTINGALE begins as Jessica Blair, 18, rescues a runaway stallion in a remote area of Great Britain in May, 1840. A scullery maid, Jessica is the well-educated daughter of a deceased professor, and is sole support of her ailing, widowed mother. Ignorant of the danger in handling an overwrought stallion, Jessica calms the runaway, then backtracks to find the animal’s missing rider. She locates Devlin Miracle, 29, the arrogant Twelfth Duke of Fornay, cowering in the underbrush beside the road waiting for daylight. But for this nobleman, there will be no daylight. Injuries, inflicted by highwaymen, have left him blind.

Excerpt: A horse exploded out of the night, hurtling toward her, a huge, black beast, his rounded eyes glistening, steam hissing from red, flaring nostrils. She flailed her arms and yelled.  “Halt!”

The rider did not slow. He must be a stupid oaf to propel himself and his mount over such a poorly marked course. Still, she did not want the man to die of his stupidity and certainly could not allow such a ghastly end to his horse.

Fanning her skirts to gain attention, she screamed, “Halt! In the name of the Queen!” It was the only command she thought might bring the intemperate soul to his senses. She braced, prepared to jump to either side to avoid being trampled.

The first horse was almost on top of her when he suddenly planted his front feet, sat back on his haunches and skidded. Just before impact, he reared straight up. His hooves fanned the air over her head. Jessica threw her arms up as a shield and leaped to her left, squeezing her eyes closed.

An instant later, when there was no contact, she opened one eye to find the horse’s front hooves still high above her head, striking one another and producing sparks which resembled a bevy of fireflies.

“Whoa,” she shouted.

With snorting that sounded like a groan, the animal dropped his forefeet to the ground. His massive body quivered as he danced sideways. His eyes rolled and his sides heaved as horse and woman stood facing one another.

In her eighteen years, Jessica had never been that close to a horse and this one seemed particularly large and noisy, snorting and wheezing in turn.

“There, there, love,” she crooned, certain she was more frightened than the animal. “It is only I, Sweetness, Jessica Blair.” She resisted the impulse to look anywhere but into the horse’s bulbous eyes. “Welcome to you and your intemperate master to my humble hatches.” She smirked at the purposeful insult directed at the unseen rider.

When the rider didn’t respond, she glanced up and leaned around only to find the saddle empty.

The destrier threw his head high and pranced in place. Metal clanked against metal, the noise she had identified before she had been able to see him.

“Where is your master, love?” She regarded him closely. “Is he lying in the road somewhere injured? He’s not dead, is he, Sweetness?”

Eying her wildly, the horse lifted his nose then lowered it in a series of nods.

Jessica swallowed and eased closer. Raising an uncertain hand, she started to touch him, and then stopped. She wanted to quiet the magnificent animal, and he did seem to be calming.

“My, but you are huge,” she whispered. His restless movements stopped and his ears flicked forward. “Your color is like midnight and you have a look of enchantment, all spirit and size and muscle.”

Nightingale can be purchased at Amazon or Barnes & Noble!

Well sounds like a great story to me! I hope you enjoyed this Tuesday Treasure. Stay tuned for more as well as Thursday Thoughts & Saturday Spotlight!

Saturday Spotlight - A Hero for Jessica

Well Friends, I'm heading out this morning to Louisiana for a couple of weeks.

On this Memorial Day weekend when we remember our fallen heroes, I thought I'd share with you my short story, A Hero for Jessica.

No, Anthony Paul Seville isn't a war hero. He's not even a veteran, and I don't mean to take away from anyone who is, but he is still the perfect hero for a damsel in distress.

Enjoy!

Anthony Paul Seville is known as the ‘most eligible bachelor’ in New Orleans, possibly even the entire state of Louisiana, but finds himself alone—completely and explicitly alone. Jessica Aucoin is a writer on her way to fame and fortune, but is haunted by a man from her past. Will the “champion” lawyer and the author of romantic suspense find love written in their future?  

Excerpt: 

            “Mr. Seville; how very nice to see you again.”

“The pleasure’s all mine,” Paul assured. He lifted her hand to his lips and watched her visitor through lowered lids.

A dark flush crept up the man’s neck. Anger clouded his face. His eyes took on an ominous glow. The guy spun on his heel and stormed off while muttering under his breath.

“Friend of yours?” Paul queried.

“Hardly,” Jessica answered, and disengaged her hand from his. The icy tone of her voice warned him not to pry.

He supposed now was neither the time nor place for such a discussion. There’d be enough time for that later; he’d make sure of it.

“Would you like me to sign those for you?” she asked, indicating the books under his arm.

He handed her the books without another word, watched and waited while she stepped over to the table, slid into the chair and searched for a pen. When she didn’t find one right away, Paul watched her beautiful eyes grow watery with unshed tears. No woman would cry over not being able to find a pen; that guy had truly upset her.

He reached into his pocket and then handed her a pen. Like an electrical conduit, her warmth permeated the slender, gold tube. She smiled her thanks, hurriedly wrote a greeting and signed her name, then handed him the books.

Paul was not immune to the changes in atmosphere. The icy tension had dissipated, only to be replaced by one of a more intimate nature. He sensed her tremble, noticed her heightened color and felt the breath back up in his lungs. The woman was too beautiful for words. A tiny, but vital--very vital--step back, broke the sensual charge between them. He knew he’d never forget the moment of awareness that sparked between them nor the quick spurt of longing that surged through his system at the sight of her sitting there, those fathomless green eyes swimming with tears and a wealth of conflicting emotions.

He took the books, read the inscription, whispered his thanks and strode to the checkout counter as readers gathered and vied for her attention. 

A Hero for Jessica is available from Pelican Book Group under the White Rose Publishing imprint, Amazon & Barnes and Noble!

Well Friends, I hope you enjoyed this spotlight. Stay tuned next week for more Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight and whatever you do to commemorate our Military Heroes, please Be Safe!

Thursday Thoughts - Signs

Good Morning Friends!

Have you ever marveled at the way God speaks to you? Have you ever asked HIM for a sign or "put out a fleece" about a certain situation?

The Bible talks extensively about miracles, signs and wonders to follow those that believe.

Over the last several days I've had numerous spiritual conversations with different people and the subject of God speaking to us through signs is always fascinating.

On Tuesday while cutting up potatoes for lunch my friend and I were listening to the radio. A song in which the singer croons... "She loves me like Jesus does" was playing. My friend remarked that although she wasn't a "churchy person" she loved the song.

My answering remark to her was, "You don't have to be a "churchy" person to have a relationship with God & Jesus."

I turned back to my chore and sliced a potato in half....

Here is the sign I received....

Have you ever received a sign from God?

I'd love to hear your stories!

Tuesday Treasure - Dreams & Miracles by Ann Spangler

Good Morning Friends!

I recently finished reading this book and just had to share it with you!

I received this as a gift many years ago but didn't recall ever reading it. Unusual because in most instances I can read a few pages and know whether or not I've already enjoyed (or not) a particular book.

Anyway, as one who has been on a spiritual quest for nearly half of my adult life, I am truly blessed to have this book on hand. I do believe in the power of dreams to guide, warn or reassure us.

The Bible talks about God speaking to us through dreams....

Job 33:14-15 says... “For God does speak, perhaps once, or even twice, though one perceive it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night (when deep sleep falls upon men) as they slumber in their beds.” 

Joel 2:28 says... "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions."

This wonderful book by Ann Spangler tells stories of people whose lives have been changed by a dream and is accompanied by a "Dream Journal" in which one can write down a strange or reoccurring dream.

Although this particular edition of "Dreams & Miracles" is no longer available, a Kindle version is.

If you believe in dreams and their power or spiritual implications, do yourself a favor and read this book!

PS: Speaking of dreams and books...check out my novel Tempered Dreams (book 2 in my 4 part --maybe one day 5 part-- series!)

Dr. Scott Hensley (introduced in Tempered Hearts) has built a wall around his heart since the death of his wife and parents.  Katrina Simmons is recovering from scars inflicted on her as a battered wife.  Can dreams be renewed and faith strengthened?  Can they find joy and peace in God’s love and in love for one another? 

 Available on Kindle & Nook!

For more on my spiritual quest, check out my column Pamela's Ponderings in The Wordsmith Journal Magazine!

Saturday Spotlight - Willis Abshire & The Curse, the Diary and the Cross: Book One: The Curse Begins

Good Morning Friends!

In all of my Saturday Spotlights, I haven't featured many of my Bayou Writers Group friends so it is with GREAT pleasure I share this one with you!

Mr. Willis Abshire came to our group a couple of years ago and has been a welcome addition to the BWG family ever since! He is a retired Residential and Commercial Painting Contractor from a small rural community in south central Louisiana.  A former Pastor he enjoys his writings and spending time with his wife Vickie along with their seven children, eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren with another on the way.

The Curse, the Diary and the Cross: Book One: The Curse Begins, is his debut novel. 

Find out more about Mr. Abshire by visiting his website, blog or connecting with him on Twitter and Facebook!

In early spring of 1872, Donya Heidsheim stood on the banks of the Weser River looking out at the raging waters.  Her father brutally murdered, and her mother dead from a broken heart, left unanswered questions.  She would no longer pray to the God her parents taught her to love.  In anger she screamed out for revenge. 

       Someone heard her anger.  It appeared to her.  Something gave her peace and a chance for revenge.  Something gave her a chance to see her child again. But it all came with a high price tag.

       The peaceful village of Brunstoke, Germany, surrounded by the beautiful Harz Mountains, was invaded by an ancient sect.  A presence as old as the Garden uses the manipulation of lust and avarice to wrap its talons around Brunstoke’s nobility. 

       Sent from the throne of God, two unlikely companions join forces to work together to combat the curse placed on the Brunstoke family.  Shomer the warring angel for the righteous, and Leb, a mystery character fight the forces of the fallen ones who try to destroy God’s seed born of faith through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Excerpt: Early March, 1872

The chilly evening wind wrapped itself around the young woman as she looked out into the swift current of the Weser River.  Her thoughts went back to yesterday afternoon when she had stood at the graves of her parents, Greta and Achim Heidsheim.  The brutal death of her father and the witnessing of her mother (with no will to live, and a broken heart) succumb to pneumonia, left Donya Heidsheim confused and enraged. 

She turned to look at the little cottage that now belonged to her.  The secure home where once she had been surrounded by love—was now an empty shell containing only memories of the familiar voices that had once encouraged her. 

            She stared at the three Bibles in her hands—the one her parents gave her as a child and the two that her mother and father had given to each other.  Wrestling with her conscience the night before had left her exhausted, frustrated and angry.  She looked up at the heavens.  The clouds passed by her rapidly appearing to give the full moon movement. 

“I hate you,” she whispered as tears ran down her face and dripped onto the Bibles.  

The thoughts echoing in her mind taunted her.  You’re allowing hatred and deception to rule your heart.  Your parents taught you truth. 

“I hate you, I hate you,” screamed Donya as she looked out into the expanse of the Weser River.  Her vision was clouded by tears.  Then her mind’s eye saw him.  The old white haired man she had seen many times in her dreams.  

“Don’t give in to this anger.  Call out to God and he will give you the peace you need.” 

“Leave me alone.”  Her voice took on a low deliberate guttural tone.  She drew in a deep cold breath and stiffened.  “How many have put their trust in you and all they’ve gotten is misery?” 

She lifted the three Bibles and threw them into the Weser River.  The books opened as they fell and the wind jostled the pages as they hit the water.  Then they were swallowed up by the turbulent current.

            “Donya.”

The gentle voice startled her.  She turned around noticing the silhouette of a man approaching her from the shadows of her home.  She couldn’t make out his features. 

“Don’t be afraid.  I mean you no harm.”  He continued walking forward allowing her to assess him.  Then he stood before her staring intently. 

The air around him was electrified with energy against his black clothes.  His appearance captured her.  He was tall and handsome, and his deep-set eyes penetrated her stare consuming her gaze.  His build was not overly muscular but lean and strong.  His teeth were white, his lips appealing. 

Instantly she felt drawn to him.  “Who are you?”

            “My name is Ganav.  I serve the true god Nachash and he has heard your anguish.  I am his prophet.  I’ve been sent to avenge your wounds. What has happened to your father will not go unheeded.  The Jesus God doesn’t want to hear you because he’s a god who doesn’t care.”  He reached out and held her gently in his arms as he stroked her face. 

She yielded to his advance.  He kissed her.  His breath entered her.  Inhaling, the prospect of revenge brought her a sense of peace. 

He pulled back and for a moment faced away.  When he turned back to face her, he held a young child.  “Donya, behold your son.” 

You can purchase The Curse, the Diary and the Cross: Book One: The Curse Begins from the Publisher, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and any other online distributor including Books A Million. Soft Cover copies can be purchased directly from Mr. Abshire!

Well Friends, hope you enjoyed this Saturday Spotlight as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you. Stay tuned for more great books & authors including BWG members!

Thursday Thoughts on Peace

Good Morning Friends!

Last Thursday I shared with you some thoughts on Love. Today I'd like to share with you some thoughts on Peace.

The Bible talks extensively about peace. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you."

St. Francis of Assisi prayed that he would be an "instrument of Thy (God's) peace."

When I researched the word "peace" on Biblegateway I found 17 pages and 420 scriptural references to peace, therefore I must consider that PEACE is imperative!

These things make me wonder if peace is directly related to spiritual power. 

I believe it does.

I mean, think about it. In the narratives about Jesus being tempted in the desert, or any other situation for that matter, we don't see HIM getting all bent out of shape, do we?

No, HE calmly speaks the Word and things happen!

I know this much, I am much more comfortable when in a peaceful state of mind. I get a lot more accomplished, find my joy is more complete, and am happier all around.

How do we maintain an attitude of peace in such a volatile world?

By centering our thoughts and heart on peace every chance we can and by offering peace to others. Another idea may be to send thoughts of peace and love into every situation and before answering every phone call.

I've often told my children, breathe in peace, breath out stress.

Try it and you'll be amazed at how much smoother your life will flow.

Something to think about!

Have a Peaceful Day!
PamT

Tuesday Treasures - Children's Books!

Hello Friends,

Today's Tuesday Treasures is special because I love to buy my grandchildren books and these two look like good ones to check out!  Enjoy....

Cindy Springsteen author of Waffles and Pancakes A Lesson in Bullying lives on Long Island with her husband and two children. She has had a passion for writing since she was in her teens, starting with poetry, which won her numerous awards and were published in various publications. She also spent many years researching and writing about parenting teenagers for various publications. She presently is a virtual assistant for a top author. She currently is working on a novel, which she hopes to finish and release within the next year. There are also other Waffles and Pancakes stories in the works for the near future.

Find out more about Cindy from her Website, Face Book page, Good Reads, follow her on Twitter or Email her!

Waffles and Pancakes are two hamsters who were bought from the pet store on the very same day. But their owners, Danny and Griffin, don't treat them the same way. Pancakes has a lovely new home to play around in with wheels and tunnels. Waffles only has a small box. But when Waffles and Pancakes meet up again, they realize that there are more important things than material possessions.

'This book is definitely a must read not just for young children but for older kids and adults too.'
Fran Lewis

Excerpt:

“I only have a tiny house,” replied Waffles.

“The size of your house doesn’t matter as long as you have people who love you,” said Pancakes. “Does Danny play with you every day?”

“Why, of course he does,” replied Waffles.

“Well Griffin has lots and lots of toys so he kind of forgets about me. I am so lonely. I have this beautiful house but no one to play with me. You may have a small home, but someone loves you and plays with you every day.”

Purchase Waffles & Pancakes Book 1 at Amazon & Barnes and Noble!

Waffles and Pancakes are two hamsters, from the same pet store, that went to their new homes on the same day. They also happen to be the best of friends. In their first adventure, their owners became best friends, too. Together the four learned the lesson of true friendship. Now Waffles and Pancakes, along with their owners, are about to learn another lesson, A Lesson in Bullying.

Join Waffles and Pancakes, along with Danny and Griffin, their owners, as they come face to face with a couple of bullies; Tom and his guinea pig, Oscar. Will Waffles, Pancakes, and their owners be able to become friends with Tom and Oscar? Find out when you read Waffles and Pancakes: A Lesson In Bullying.

Excerpt:

While sitting in the lobby, Waffles and Pancakes were scared. They didn’t want to be at the doctor. No one likes the doctor, but everyone knows that they are good for you and can make you feel better. Could the vet help? How were they going to let the doctor know what was really wrong?
The problem had started a week earlier when the hamsters went for their check-ups. In the lobby, a guinea pig named Oscar started saying mean things to Waffles and Pancakes. Oscar told them they were ugly and fat.

Purchase at Amazon or Barnes & Noble!

Endorsements for Waffles and Pancakes!

“Middle School is TOO LATE! We need to teach our children while they are young. With Waffles and Pancakes: A Lesson In Bullying Cindy Springsteen gives us the words, with colorful illustrations and an endearing story of two hamsters and a guinea pig. It's a page turner for kids!” ~Lynne Kenney, Pediatric Psychologist, The Family Coach.

Saturday Spotlight ~ Susan May Warren & Duchess

Good Morning Friends,

Today's Spotlight is brought to you by Litfuse Publicity Group.... Enjoy!

Seattle: Best-selling Susan May Warren brings what she considers to be her most ambitious series yet to a dramatic close in her latest release, Duchess (Summerside Press / March 1, 2013 / ISBN 978-1-609367718/ $14.99). The Daughters of Fortune series is an epic generational series following the family of New York newspaper magnate August Price from the Gilded Age to end of World War II. Each generation of Price women must navigate love and ambition in a world of wealth, power and social expectation.

However, there’s more to the series than captivating tales of wealth and privilege in New York, Paris and Hollywood. “The series is named ‘Daughters of Fortune’ not only because of their circumstances, but because I hoped readers might see what a true fortune looks like. What a true inheritance is when a person puts their faith in the Lord,” says Warren.

In this final installment, Duchess, readers pick up the story of Rosie Worth, who has achieved her dream of becoming a starlet and is now known as Roxy Price. The golden age of Hollywood is in the business of creating stars, and Roxy has found everything she’s wanted in the glamour of the silver screen. With adoring fans and a studio-mogul husband, she’s finally silenced the voices—and grief—of the past. Her future shines bright, that is until the fated Black Friday when it all comes crashing down.

When Roxy loses everything, she finds herself disgraced and penniless. Her only hope is to join forces with Belgian duke Rolfe Van Horne, a longtime film investor. But Rolfe is not who he seems, and he has other plans for Roxy and her movies—plans to support a growing unrest in Europe, plans that could break her heart and endanger her life. When her country needs her, will she have the courage to surrender her glittering world and her one true love?

For those who may have missed the earlier releases in the series, all three books are now available for review.

The first release in The Daughters of Fortune series, Heiress, introduced readers to the beautiful and wealthy heiress daughters of August Price. Even though the Price sisters could have anything money could buy, it didn’t stop them from desiring something deeper.  And it certainly couldn’t buy them love! Set in New York City during the Gilded Age, and inspired by the Biblical story of Jacob and Esau, Warren writes the story of the Esme and Jinx’s journey to discovering what it means to be truly blessed. 

In book two, Baroness, the story picks up with Esme and Jinx’s daughters, Lilly and Rosie, who are coming of age in the roaring twenties. Both girls are expected to marry well and take the reins of the family empire in a world recovering from “the war to end all wars.” However, each desires more freedom than the life her parents have planned out for her will allow. Lilly longs to return to Montana, the childhood home she holds dear. On the other hand, Rosie dreams of the bright lights of the newly emerging silver screen. Will the pursuit of lives of their own cost them their happily ever afters?

“There is nothing better than diving into a story like this one, surrounding yourself with research and ideas, the culmination of a storyline you’ve been working on for two years,” Warren explains. “I loved penning this novel because I knew that after the hard beginning of Heiress, with so much pain and so many mistakes made by Jinx, and the bittersweet middle story, Baroness, where Rosie walks so far away from her inheritance, Rosie’s redemption would be rich and profound. I loved watching her discover she didn’t need the world’s applause she longed for—that she had it all inside, with the love of God.”

Leading up to the release of Duchess, from February 18-March 4, readers will be able to download Heiress for free from all major e-tailers. During that same period of time the digital version of Baroness will be $1.99.

Praise for the Daughters of Fortune series

“In-depth characterization and fascinating historical detail... an honest reflection of sin and the need for God’s redemption.”

~ TitleTrakk

“Strong entertaining, character-driven historical that will remind readers all that glitters on Wall St. is not gold... Riveting read of high society drama...highly recommended.”

~ Midwest Book Review

For Duchess:

“The golden era of Hollywood comes to life for readers in Warren’s third Daughters of Fortune novel. Warren writes from her heart, adding some intrigue, sins of the past and some twists and turns readers won’t see coming.”

            ~ Romantic Times Book Reviews

About the Author.....

Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of more than forty novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. A five-time Christy award finalist and three-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award and the ACFW Carol award. A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: Discover, create and publish the novel in you!

Warren is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a writing craft and coaching community for novelists to help them get published—and stay published.

Susan and her husband of more than twenty years have four children. Former missionaries to Russia, they now live in a small Minnesota town on the shore of beautiful Lake Superior, where they are active in their local church.

A full listing of Warren’s titles, reviews and awards can be found at www.susanmaywarren.com. Readers can also keep up with her on Facebook (Susan May Warren Fiction) and Twitter (@SusanMayWarren).