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29 April 2012

Interview Kelly Marie Long


Kelly Long is the author of the new Amish colonial release Arms of LoveI met Kelly through ACFW (She is a member of the MidAtlantic Zone of which I am Zone Director), Colonial American Christian Writers, and God brought us together!

Kelly, welcome to Overcoming Through Time.  Would you share either the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help, or the most tragic situation or circumstance one of your character’s has had to get past? 


My mother died on Feb. 22, 2011 at 2:30 AM. My fingers were on her pulse. It will always be the most dramatic loss of my life. But, God was and is glorified. Grief is the last gift of love. I miss her so much that only time will lessen the pain or shape the pain into something that I can handle, accept, and believe…But Got still be praised!


CFP: Kelly we at OTT-WGH are sorry for your loss.  Both Diana and I lost our mothers in the last two years. We pray God will bring you peace as you work through your grief.

What is your favorite bible verse and why? 


“I will lift up mine eyes to the hills from whence my Redeemer cometh.” It is a verse that sees beyond the immediate, the pressure, pain, and loss of the moment. And I know that it is absolutely true!

Disability friendliness:

I do believe that they are all available in alternative formats. My dad is traditionally illiterate…he needs the listening versions!


CFP: I have listened to Kelly's books on audio through audible.com








What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?

Time is not linear for God. He can redeem and reshape a past that we cannot touch on our own. This is important because so many people think “they’re too bad for the Cross.” But the Cross is the greatest power of all time until Christ returns.

As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?


I learned how much the Amish truly suffered in Europe…they were literally burned in the streets for their faith. This is why the Amish respond to violence with compassion—because they have suffered so themselves. It is a brave stance.

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation? 


Arms of Love is about breaking the cycle of generational violence and abuse, PTSD, and making difficult choices.


Thank you Kelly for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!


Kelly Long's books are available on Amazon, Christian Book Distritbutors , and other book stores.





GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of Kelly Long’s books, choice of format.

28 April 2012

Two Friends Overcoming Breast Cancer


My two best friends, one African-American and the other Irish-American, both were diagnosed with breast cancer the year my mother died. Both of their mothers had breast cancer and had survived, although one is still being followed as her cancer is one of those tricky kinds that keeps popping up again.

A lot of praying, crying, encouragement, and time in the Word accompanied that time period. One memorable day, my daughter and I picked up flowers, pizza, and another goody and drove to my girlfriend’s house in a nearby town. I’d remembered how isolated I felt when my mother was going through her treatment and I didn’t want Susan to think there wouldn’t be something demonstrating my support.  I think both the person diagnosed and the loved ones often feel so alone.  I wanted to be there for my friend. 

My other friend, who I’ve known for almost thirty years, had a stiff upper lip attitude and didn’t even share about her breast cancer until after she’d had surgery. Raised in the deep south, she keeps a lot of stuff inside until she’s gotten through the worst of it. The downside of that, of course, is not receiving the support that could be offered you – and the prayers.

I have supported the American Institute of Cancer Research  for thirty years - back when it was considered nutty to believe foods consumed could have anything to do with cancer's prevention. Of course we now know there is input from food, environment, genetics, etc. Click on their name, above, to check out their website.

Nancy Herriman week ends today and we have been glad to have this breast cancer overcomer on with us this week.  She is a talented author.  Winner announced tomorrow morning.  Leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win!

Are you a cancer survivor or friend or relative of a breast cancer overcomer?  What is the best thing to do when getting through this diagnosis and treatment?  

27 April 2012

Carrie Fancett Pagels Reviews Audio version of "The Irish Healer" by Nancy Herriman



The Irish Healer 
by Nancy Herriman
(Worthy Publishing, 2012)


Amazing Debut Book!


I listened to The Irish Healer as an audio download through www.audible.com.  I have a platinum membership which means I listen to two dozen books a year.  For those of you who prefer audio and who regularly purchase books, the price ends up close to the cost of a paperback for many titles IF you order the membership. And NO, I do not own stock in the company!


SPOILER ALERTS (I am known for spilling the beans and if you don't want to know too much then don't read the review!)


The book starts off rather dark and I almost did not continue to listen.  Am I ever glad that I did! Rachel Dunne, a healer, from Ireland, flees after being acquitted of murdering a child in her care. One thing I missed in the listen at the beginning, but caught at the end, is that Rachel did not realize that the initial job she has secured in London is with a physician.


A widower, Dr. Edmunds failed to save his wife, who died from a fever after giving birth. His previous medical assistant has left and he needs help. He is packing up and moving to his country estate to honor his father's dying wishes. 


The details of the cholera outbreak are gross, but Nancy doesn't dwell terribly upon them. I don't normally like too much death in a book but I expect there would be a bunch of tertiary characters killed off, and there were.  But she left our favorite characters alive and well.


The narrator for this book was amazing. She was perfect for the story.  Rachel and the doctor are meant to be together and Nancy does a great job of showing the why/why not of the relationship. The craft was excellent. We will be reading plenty more from this author. I want to say that Nancy hits a midpoint between Christian historical fiction and Christian historical romance.  She could satisfy either reader but those looking for a straight formulaic romance should look elsewhere as they may be overwhelmed by the phenomenal details she gives in the book.


The Irish Healer is available for purchase on Amazon, as well as on Christian Book Distributors,  and on Barnes and Noble as well as in other fine book stores.


GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of Nancy Herriman’s books, choice of format.

26 April 2012

Diana Flowers Reviews The Irish Healer by Nancy Herriman



The Irish Healer 
by Nancy Herriman
(Worthy Publishing, 2012)


4.5 stars~
Heartwarming Romance!


In The Irish Healer, Nancy Herriman has crafted a tender tale that takes our lovely young heroine, Rachel Dunne, from the lush blue-green, heather-filled hills of Ireland, to the sooty gray, crowded streets of 1830s London. Rachel is known as a healer in her native Ireland, but after being accused of murdering a patient under her care, Rachel flees to London. She secures employment with a wealthy physician, James Edmunds, but only to help him pack and organize his belongings, vowing never to be a healer ever again.


Dr. Edmunds, is hiding his own secret demons, and is in the process of closing down his practice and retiring on his country estate. Upon visiting, Finchingfield, as James's estate is called, Rachel falls in love with the emerald covered hills, his charming reddish brick home, and lovely fenced garden, and James Edmunds. However she knows a discredited Irish healer would never make an appropriate mistress there, and keeps her feelings towards the good doctor hidden.


As secrets begin to unfurl, will their budding love for one another turn into mutual contempt? Will Rachel learn to forgive herself for the death that occurred under her care?.. and more importantly, forgive God for allowing it to happen? When cholera strikes will she rescind her vow never to be a healer again?


The further I got into this book, the more I loved it! It is truly a heartwarming, romantic tale of forgiveness and redemption. The main characters were very realistic, struggling with an undeserved lack of self worth and unforgiveness. The spiritual thread is strong, and with a satisfying conclusion, I believe we have alot to look forward to in the future by Nancy Herriman. Very nicely written!

*I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and was not  
  required to write a positive review.



The Irish Healer is available for purchase on Amazon, as well as on Christian Book Distributors,  and on Barnes and Noble as well as in other fine book stores.


GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of Nancy Herriman’s books, choice of format.

25 April 2012

Teresa Mathews' Review of Nancy Herriman's The Irish Healer




The Irish Healer 
by Nancy Herriman
(Worthy Publishing, 2012)



5 Stars *****


Reviewed by Teresa Mathews

Nancy Herriman takes us away to 1832 London with a story of Rachel Dunne and Doctor James Edmunds. Two people from different worlds, yet that are alike in the fact they both have a calling to heal others. In this story Nancy weaves a tale of shame, secrets and unforgiveness but by the grace that only God can give, it becomes a tale of forgiveness and love.

Rachel Dunne is from Carlow, Ireland, where she has been a healer since a very young age. When Mary Ferguson died under Rachel’s care, Mary’s father insisted Rachel had killed her. Rachel was brought to trial and found not guilty, but that didn’t stop Mary’s father from spreading his hate to others in town. To keep her family from any more undue stress, with the help of a relative, Rachel secures a temporary position with a physician in London who requires help to catalog his huge private library.

When Rachel finally arrives at Doctor Edmunds she is surprised to find him quite pleasant and especially handsome. Dr. Edmunds kindness stirs feelings in Rachel she would love to be able to act on but she knows that cannot be because if he finds out the real reason she is in London he would never forgive her. After several incidents of helping people in distress, will Dr. Edmunds realize Rachel knows more about doctoring than she is telling? When someone steals a letter from her mother, will her secret at last be revealed? Will Rachel ever be able to release the guilt she feels and receive forgiveness?

Dr. James Edmunds is a man that has given up hope in his calling to be a doctor. James has seen far too many deaths and some he takes the blame for, including his wife‘s. When Rachel Dunne shows up to help him pack up his library, James knows something is different about her. He feels drawn to her; it seems Rachel is like the breath of air he needs to revive his dead life. But James has secrets of his own and he feels it would be better for all if he just quietly moves away to the country and gives up his dreams of being a doctor. Will James be able find the grace and forgiveness that his soul needs? Will he ever be able to forgive Rachel for what he sees as her deception to him?

This was a great story, I found myself  being drawn into it and not wanting to put it down until the last page was read. Thank you Nancy for this most enjoyable read, I cannot wait to read another of your stories.




This book was requested from the publisher through NetGalley.  My opinions are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.  

GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of book format.

24 April 2012

International Review by Marian Baay - The Irish Healer by Nancy Herriman


The Irish Healer 
by Nancy Herriman
(Worthy Publishing, 2012)
4 stars****

Rachel Dunne is the Irish Healer in this story. In her hometown in Ireland a child under her care died. Now she’s accused of murder and is fleeing to London. There her cousin has obtained a position as assistant for her with Dr. James Edmunds.

Dr. Edmunds’ wife died three years ago and he blames himself for her death. His father also died over a year ago and left him the family estate. The last wish of his father was that James would raise his daughter on the family property. Therefore Rachel is helping him pack his belongings.

Rachel vowed not to use her healing abilities anymore, but she finds out it’s harder to ignore her calling than she thought. Soon she falls in love with James, but she thinks there are too many obstacles that make a relationship seem impossible.

Both Rachel and James feel abandoned by God. But when the cholera epidemic is sweeping through London they must learn to pray and trust God again.

Nancy Herriman writes a promising debut novel! She really made me feel like I was in London with her lively descriptions. Her knowledge of healing seems accurate and therefore she writes a believable story. She also knows how to attract attention to the story. The more I read the more I liked the story.


Good job, Nancy!



This book was requested from the publisher through NetGalley.  My opinions are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.  


GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of this author’s books, choice of format.

22 April 2012

Interview with Nancy Herriman - Breast Cancer Overcomer



Nancy Herriman is the author of The Irish HealerI met Nancy through Facebook and fellow ACFW members.

Nancy, welcome to Overcoming Through Time.  Would you share either the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help, or the most tragic situation or circumstance one of your character’s has had to get past?
 - Easily the most difficult thing I have recently had to overcome was a diagnosis of breast cancer, which was received shortly after The Irish Healer was bought by Worthy Publishing. A bittersweet time, for certain, where the jubilation of finally selling--after more than 10 years of hard work and numerous rejections--was tempered by the shock of a life-threatening illness. Without the support of prayer and my wonderful church family, it would have been a much more difficult ordeal. Because of this support, though, and the amazing folks at Worthy who have been a true blessing, I have been able to face this trial with (I hope!) a measure of equanimity.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?
- Although this has changed over time, I would say my current favorite is Phil 4:13 ‘I can do all this through him who gives me strength.’ Beautiful, encouraging and very timely for my current life situation.

Disability friendliness:
Is this release available in audio format? Will it be released in large print?  (Thank you – we offer this information to our readers with difficulty reading books in regular print format.)
- Indeed yes, The Irish Healer is available in audio format. It is also available in e-book form (both on Kindle and Nook, as well as directly from Worthy), which permits folks to adjust the size of the font and make reading more comfortable and legible. The wonders of technology! At this time, I’m not aware if the book will become available as a large print in paper.

What is the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?
- I hope that my readers will find encouragement to persist through difficulties and to know that they aren’t alone, since God is always with us. Understanding why troubles occur does not come easily, but God--if we ask--can give us the grace to persevere and hopefully overcome.

As you researched your book, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?
- As I was doing research on the cholera epidemic, I think I was most touched by the fear people of the time must have felt as they dealt with a disease that had a cause they didn’t understand and that they also didn’t know how to cure. Talk about the need for pure and strong faith! Medical solutions of the day were more likely to harm and possibly kill them than heal.

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?
- In that regard, readers who feel themselves to be outsiders or outcasts (in the book, my heroine is an Irish immigrant in a time when they were despised in England) will encounter a story sympathetic to their situation. Also, the two central characters must attempt to heal others when they have lost their confidence or their courage to do so, a topic that not just people who work in a medical field might find therapeutic to read.

Thank you Nancy for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!


The Irish Healer is available for purchase on Amazon, as well as on Christian Book Distributors,  and on Barnes and Noble as well as in other fine book stores. And The Irish Healer is available for download on Audible.com!!!



GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of this author’s books, choice of format.


21 April 2012

Overcoming Grief With God's Help

On May 17, 2010, I got THE CALL. The call that I knew someday I would get, but pushed aside because it was too painful to think about. The call that I foolishly hoped I would never get. After all, my mom was invincible, wasn't she? But on May 17, my mom left this world to go to her eternal reward, leaving my world filled with an unbearable sense of loss, emptiness, and grief. I was now an orphan. I had no mother, no father, no one...or so it felt. I ran the whole gamut of emotions; shock, sadness, anger, fear, even guilt that maybe I had left something unsaid or undone concerning my mother. These are all normal reactions, and are a healthy part of the grieving process, but I disliked feeling this way and having these thoughts.


During this time it was so hard for me to pray, but I drew upon the strength of others. In my aloneness, I clung to every encouraging word from friends who had been there and had suffered the loss of a parent, my church family, and oh, what Godsends were Carrie Pagels and Laura Frantz, who helped to give me a diversion from my pain. Thank you all so much!


There are many causes of grief---loss of a loved one, divorce, loss of a friendship or job, and there is no right way or wrong way to cope with grief, but there are healthy ways. To deny the grief may only prolong it, so face it, and if you need to cry...cry. Tears are not a sign of weakness and can be very healing. After all, the Master gave us tear ducts for a reason! Allow yourself time to grieve. You may feel like the worse is over and then have a terrible day, which happened to me just recently. I cried about Mom's death all day, and was rather upset with myself, when I should not have been.
Rely on your friends, your family, and your faith, and if the grief leaves you feeling beyond help or hope, or suicidal over a period of time, by all means seek help from a professional Christian grief counselor or your pastor. Take care of yourself and eat right, exercise, and treat yourself to some of the things you enjoy. My respite during that dark time was sitting amongst my flowers with a copy of Laura Frantz's, Courting Morrow Little, and joining Carrie on her wonderful blog.


Remember, it WILL get better. I soon realized I was not alone for Jesus said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5. He sent people my way to help me to not feel so desolate during this time, and gave me songs in the night hours. Scriptures and hymns would just come floating to me during the day as if on a breeze. And He kept reminding me of this scripture in Psalm 27:10, "When my father and my mother forsake me, the Lord shall take care of me." So He is my father and my mother, and I am no orphan, but a child of the King! I look forward to the day when my mother and I shall be reunited in that place where no tears shall dim the eyes, and there will be no more pain or parting ever again.

20 April 2012

Diana's Corner: Prize of My Heart review


Prize of My Heart 
by Lisa Norato
(Bethany House, 2012)
4 stars ****

A Heartwarming Historical!

In Prize of My Heart, Lisa Norato has penned a heartwarming tale in the aftermath of the War of 1812; a tale of deceit, betrayal, honor, and love. After searching relentlessly, Captain Brogan Talvis, one of the bravest privateer captains during the war has his heart set on but one goal; to retrieve the son his late wife abandoned several years before. He discovers that his son was adopted by a wealthy shipbuilder, and is being lovingly taken care of by the man and his lovely daughter, Lorena Huntley, and intends to spirit his son away from them no matter what the cost.

Lorena finds herself intensely drawn to Brogan, quite unaware of what he is after and that he is also a man of many dark secrets. Brogan, in return, is oblivious of the fact that Lorena fosters her own deep, dark secret, and finds himself falling for this sweet, Godly, young woman. Will their secrets destroy the sparks of love igniting the two of them?...and when Lorena is in danger will Brogan choose to save her in exchange for the son he has so longed for, all these many years? Will he ever submit his tormented soul to the loving God Lorena serves? 

This was truly a lovely story of forgiveness, redemption, and second chances; with characters who wrapped themselves around my heart from pg. one! Lisa is a marvelous writer, and her research for the setting in this novel was impeccable. I love that there was a deep spiritual thread throughout, and though the conclusion was somewhat predictable, I enjoyed the journey there. Very nicely written, Lisa, and I am expecting great things from this author in the future!


Prize of My Heart is available for purchase on Christian Book DistributorsAmazon, and other book stores.


GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest to win a copy of Lisa's novel.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of format.


19 April 2012

International Review of Lisa Norato's Prize of My Heart



Review Prize of My Heart 
by Lisa Norato
(Bethany House, 2012)

4½ stars


Reviewed by Marian Baay


It is the year 1815. Ex-privateer Captain Brogan Talvis’s wife had abandoned their two-year-old son to strangers. She refused to tell him to whom she gave the infant. Shortly thereafter, Brogan’s house burned down and his wife was killed in the fire.From that moment Brogan has searched for his son. 


It is three years later now and finally he has discovered that the boy lives with shipbuilder Nathaniel Huntley and his  nineteen-year-old daughter, Lorena. Brogan orders a ship from Nathaniel Huntley and makes up a plan to kidnap the boy from the Huntley home. Wooing Lorena is part of the plan. Only he did not expect to really fall in love with her.

Will Brogan continue with his plan to kidnap the boy? And what dark secret is Lorena keeping? When Lorena is deceived by a friend of the family, she finds herself against her will on a ship to England. Will Brogan go after her and rescue her? Or is this the perfect opportunity to sail away with his son?

Lose yourself in this story about deceit, secrets and above all... love! Lisa Norato has a pleasant voice and she beautifully shares biblical truths in this wonderful and lovely story!


Prize of My Heart is available for purchase on Christian Book Distributors, Amazon, and other book stores.



GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest to win a copy of Lisa's novel.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of format.

18 April 2012

Teresa Mathews Reviews Prize of My Heart by Lisa Norato



Prize of My Heart
by Lisa Norato

(Bethany House, 2012)

4 Stars ****

In this exciting tale Lisa weaves a story of mystery, secrets and forgiveness and of a hero that is a handsome Privateer! What more can you ask for?

Captain Brogan Talvis, one of the greatest Captains from the War of 1812, is a man on a mission to find his son. When he returned from war three years ago he was told by his now deceased wife that she gave away his two year old son and she made sure he would never be found. But Brogan has searched everywhere and now he has finally found his precious Ben in the home of a prominent shipbuilder, Nathaniel Huntley. Ben is being cared for by Mr. Huntley’s beautiful daughter, Lorena. There is nothing Brogan won’t do to reclaim his son. But will Brogan be able to sweep in and sail away with his son as he has planned or will the God he has turned his back on have other plans for him?

Lorena Huntley is the beautiful, sweet spirited daughter of Nathaniel Huntley, who is not above getting her hands dirty working alongside the servants. That is why when she first encounters Captain Talvis in the seaside shipyard; he thinks she is a mere servant girl. Lorena doesn’t know who this handsome stranger is that has intruded on her quiet time with the Lord, but she knows he stirs feelings in her she has never encountered before.

Lorena has been having troubling premonitions, but little does she know she will soon be the one in need of rescue and this giant of a man will be her rescuer.

When a childhood friend takes Lorena against her will on a voyage to England, Lorena’s father begs Brogan to go after them and bring her back. This is not the plan that Brogan has in mind; he just wants to take his son and leave. Will Brogan come to realize that Lorena means as much to him as his son does?

There are some twists to this story I was not expecting, Lisa did a wonderful job of creating a story that held my attention until the end. Hopefully we will be reading more from her in the near future.





GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of format ebook or paperback.

16 April 2012

Interview Lisa Norato



LISA NORATO is the author of Prize of My Heart, an inspirational historical novel set in Massachusetts 1815, and two earlier romances published by Five Star Publishing. I was introduced to LISA through reviewer Marian Baay when Lisa was invited to join the Colonial American Christian Writers (CACW) online group.

LISA, welcome to Overcoming Through Time.  Would you share either the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help, or the most tragic situation or circumstance one of your character’s has had to get past?

The hardest period in my life I’ve ever had to endure, with God’s help, was the death of my beloved “Nanny,” my grandmother, Victoria Vannelli.  She lived with my family for many years and was a second mother to me.  She was beautiful, caring, giving woman, filled with God’s love.  Growing up with her in my life, watching her example, definitely made my faith stronger.  She was visited a couple of times throughout her illness by Jesus.  I know with certainty she is enjoying eternal life in heaven, reunited with my grandfather and her family, but it was the cause of her death that was difficult to overcome—liver cancer.

After many years, it is still painful to think about.  Why do good, faith-filled people suffer?  That is a hard question to struggle with.  I don’t think anyone has the answer.  We can only hold onto our faith and trust God.  During one experience of being visited by Jesus, my Nanny explained that Jesus came to her and stood by her bed, but she could only see Him up to just past his knees.  The remainder of His body seemed to vanish.  She questioned why and then told us that she believed it meant she had a little more time, and that when she saw all of Him, then she would go home.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?
This is a difficult question to answer.  The thing I love about the Bible is that there are scriptures we as believers can lean on for comfort no matter what our concern, whether large or small.  My Bible is filled with tagged pages and highlighted passages, but if I must choose one, I would say that the scriptures in 2 Chronicles 20:10 are ones I find myself turning to and praying over the most.

In verse 12, when all the armies surrounded Jehoshaphat, he said to the Lord, We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.  When life seems overwhelming or I’m facing a challenge, I pray, “I don’t know what to do, Lord, but my eyes are fixed on you.”

Later, in verse 15, the Lord tells Jehoshaphat, Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.  For the battle is not yours, but the God’s.  I love this verse!  It reminds me to rest in Him and not be burdened by worries.

And further, in verse 17, God says, You will not have to fight this battle.  Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. . . Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.  I love how the Bible is constantly reminding us to not be afraid or discouraged.  This verse brings me peace and gives me strength, and I turn to it often.

Disability friendliness:
Prize of My Heart is available in trade paperback and in e-book format for all types of e-readers, which allow for the typeset to be the enlarged to the individual reader’s needs.  Kindle also provides audio capability, and I believe most other brands of e-readers do as well.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your book and why?
For all of us, it requires courage to release the hurts and injustices we’ve suffered.  I hope Prize is a reminder to readers of the importance of forgiveness.  Both main characters are faced with situations where they are called upon to forgive, not for the sake of the person(s) they are forgiving, but so they can set themselves free of bitterness and move on with a happy, blessed life.

Overall though, it is my hope readers are left with the positive, inspiring message that, even though we might not see a way for our troubles to work out, God has a way and a plan for our futures.  The Bible says in Romans 8:28 that He can take what others might have meant for our harm and turn it around for good.  I like how The Message explains God’s way of working things out in our lives, “…God’s spirit is right alongside helping us along.  If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter.  He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans.  He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition and keeps us present before God.  That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

As you researched your book, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?
In my research, I try to read as many first-person accounts and diaries of the period as possible, and what touches my heart the most is that people are alike in their emotions and struggles and faith, no matter what time in history they may have lived.

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?  
Throughout the story, my hero, Captain Brogan Talvis, must deal with several issues--the loss of his son, betrayal by his wife and forgiveness for the terrible injustices done to him.  He suffers from the trauma of abuse and humiliation he experienced being raised in a cruel orphan asylum.  He wears his hair longer than is fashionable, because he cannot bear to have a pair of shears anywhere near his head for the way his hair was painfully chopped as punishment.  Memories haunt him, but perhaps even greater than the physical abuse he suffered are the feelings of unworthiness impressed upon him for his ill birth.  He struggles to find the courage to call out to God and to believe that he will be heard, that even he is acceptable to God.

Thank you, LISA, for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!
Thank you so much for having me, Carrie!  Blessings to you!


GIVEAWAY:  Leave your comment and email addy to win a copy of PoMH either in pb or ebook.  Drawing is on Saturday, announced Sunday.
                                            

14 April 2012

Carrie Fancett Pagels Reviews Prize of My Heart by Lisa Norato




(Bethany House, 2012) 

I loved this book!  I received a softcover book from the publisher and it read fine.  But I enjoy using my Kindle and so I purchased it to read the story.  (Hint: We have a very gently used copy of this book to do as an additional giveaway at the end of the week in addition to our regular giveaway!)

The War of 1812 is over and a privateer,  Captain Brogan Talvis, can search out his son, Ben, now five-years-old. Having acquired money through his exploits, he has arranged for a ship to be built in the shipyard of the family who adopted his son. His wife, shortly before her death in a fire, gave away their son to strangers.

Little Benjamin was renamed Andrew and called “Drew” and is being cared for by Nathaniel Huntley, a widower. Huntley’s daughter Lorena has essentially been raising the boy. She is a winsome character with a strong faith.

Brogan plans to take the child with him when he departs with his ship.  But he falls in love with Lorena, whom he initially mistakes for a household servant, startling her on the beach one morning.

Mr. Huntley has sponsored and helped a gifted young architect, who has been friends with Lorena and who persists in seeking her hand in marriage despite her continual refusals. A British citizen, the suitor has accepted an excellent offer in England and intends to take Lorena with him.

Brogan has a choice to make when Huntley reports his daughter has been taken away on board a ship bound for England, apparently against her will. Should he take Ben and sail away or race after the beautiful young woman who has captured his heart?

Nice job with the spiritual arc of the hero, who has had a very rough life and is dealing with abandonment issues.  The secondary characters are well-developed and add great flavor to the story. 

The Huntleys have their own secrets, too. When these are revealed will Brogan be able to pick up the pieces of a heart and soul betrayed and deceived?   Read and find out!

This was a lovely book and I highly recommend it.  Prize of My Heart can be purchased at Christian Book DistributorsAmazon, and other bookstores.

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