Well, well, well, January is officially over today and, you know the old saying, "time flies when you're having fun."
Are we having fun yet?
I am!
Today I am pleased to introduce you to a brand-new-to-me author Allison Pittman as she shares some thoughts with us so please give her a huge, warm WELCOME!
Charles Dickens opens his novel A Tale of Two Cities with one of the most recognizable sentences in English literature: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times… And he goes on with one comparison after another, declaring the time to be equally wise and foolish, full of Light and Darkness, a time of simultaneous hope and despair. He gives this living paradox a timeless quality. His novel takes place in the French Revolution, but he claims the time to be very much like the present period. The timelessness of Dickens means that, whenever you read that opening sentence, the truth behind it holds.
Today, fresh in our New Year, we can see that we are indeed living in the best and worst of times. Social media can connect old friends, and provide a place for a rift between old ones. Modern conveniences make life easy, but also rob us of some of the satisfaction of hard labor. We can fly across the country in a matter of hours, so there’s not as much need to stay close to family. God’s Word can be accessed on a phone ap, leaving well-worn pages neglected and empty of notes.
I know Dickens’ intent was to show balance in the world, but imagine if we all strove to create lives that were decidedly off balance? What if we chose to see only the best in people, to seek only wisdom, to live what we believe, to be Light, to embrace hope? After all, God offers no such paradox. Philippians 4:8—Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (ESV) Now that is a way to bring about the best of times.
Allison Pittman, author of more than a dozen critically acclaimed novels, is a three-time Christy finalist—twice for her Sister Wife series and once for All for a Story from her take on the Roaring Twenties. She lives in San Antonio, Texas, blissfully sharing an empty nest with her husband, Mike.
Her latest release, The Seamstress, “. . . breathes life into the cameo character from Dicken’s classic novel, A Tale of Two Cities.”
And can be found at Tyndale and wherever Christian books are sold.
France, 1788
It is the best of times . . .
On a tranquil farm nestled in the French countryside, two orphaned cousins—Renée and Laurette—have been raised under the caring guardianship of young Émile Gagnon, the last of a once-prosperous family. No longer starving girls, Laurette and Renée now spend days tending Gagnon's sheep, and nights in their cozy loft, whispering secrets and dreams in this time of waning innocence and peace.
It is the worst of times . . .
Paris groans with a restlessness that can no longer be contained within its city streets. Hunger and hatred fuel her people. Violence seeps into the ornate halls of Versailles. Even Gagnon’s table in the quiet village of Mouton Blanc bears witness to the rumbles of rebellion, where Marcel Moreau embodies its voice and heart.
It is the story that has never been told.
In one night, the best and worst of fate collide. A chance encounter with a fashionable woman will bring Renée’s sewing skills to light and secure a place in the court of Queen Marie Antoinette. An act of reckless passion will throw Laurette into the arms of the increasingly militant Marcel. And Gagnon, steadfast in his faith in God and country, can only watch as those he loves march straight into the heart of the revolution.
THANK YOU, Allison for sharing with us today!
Hope you enjoyed today's post, Friends, and that you'll check back regularly for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time take care and God Bless.
PamT
Oh, balance... That elusive unicorn. I agree with you. :) I love the book idea! Looks intriguing.
ReplyDeleteI've been fascinated with this character forever! I hope she finds a whole new audience!
DeletePam, Thanks for introducing me to Allison Pittman. I look forward to checking out her books.
ReplyDeleteSharon-- I hope you enjoy them! Please follow me on my Allison Pittman author page-- I'm always posting tbert when a title is on sale!
DeleteThe story sounds great! I can't imagine how much research you had to do for this.
ReplyDeleteWell, I do wish the research had included a trip to Paris, but that wasn't in the budget. There are so many great resources out there...my favorite was a book about the history and construction of Versailles
DeleteI am glad to see more good historical fiction published. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
DeleteWow. Just wow. This book sounds amazing. I am putting this on my list. I loved your post. It really hit home for me because we have had a scare tonight that is too close to home and reminding us all that the world isn't safe. But also, within that danger, lives all the light and happiness. And there IS more of that than the bad stuff. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteThe best will always overpower the worst if we will make way for it. God is already the conqueror over all!
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DeleteBalance. Hard to find the good in a bad situation. When Hubs was downsized, I put on a "happy" face and said something good will come of this. It did. But with the 3rd time around, it became harder to be positive. Still, good things did come. So, you never know.
ReplyDeleteWe've had lots of lean times.. I remember saying, "Well, what a blessing it is that the kids love macaroni and cheese" as I prepared it for the umpteenth time . God always redeems the time.
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