FEATURED BOOK: The Story Behind the Story of The Novice Ranch Hand
AUTHOR: June Foster
PUBLISHER: Winged Publications
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
SERIES OR STAND ALONE: Series, book #1
TARGET AGE: 20-90
IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR JUNE FOSTER BACK TO PATTI’S PORCH. JUNE SHARES THE INSPIRATION BEHIND HER LATEST NOVEL.
THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY OF THE NOVICE RANCH HAND
by
June Foster
As I wrote The Novice Ranch Hand, I enjoyed a sentimental journey into the past. The idea for this story, which takes place on a sheep ranch, was inspired by my life as a young child.
My father was heir to a large sheep ranch in west Texas. So, after my parents married, they made the ranch their home. My father raised sheep and sold the wool to the local coop in his town. For years, the business was profitable. Later, however, the foreign wool markets made sheep ranching less lucrative.
In my early years, I have memories of playing with my cousins, riding horses, and exploring the bunk house which was empty at that time.
One recollection I'll never forget is going swimming in the water storage tank behind the house. My father loved to don his swimsuit and take me with him to splash around in the rock structure. The tank was filled with rainwater and not used for much of anything else at the time.
My grandmother lived in a larger house on the ranch property. I always loved going to the big house for a visit. Often, she would fix a delicious Sunday lunch after church.
Unfortunately, my parents divorced when I was six so my experience of living on a ranch didn't last long. Nevertheless, my childhood recollections were a valuable inspiration and starting point for writing The Novice Ranch Hand.
Blurb for The Novice Ranch Hand:
Peyton Langley must escape the haunting memories of the past. He can no longer dwell on what he left behind in the jungles of Peru. Seeking a new life, Peyton answers an ad in the Texas Rancher's Journal for a job at the prominent Ford Sheep Ranch in Central Texas. Only problem, he knows nothing about ranching.
Erika Ford runs the Ford family sheep ranch in the hill country of Central Texas along with her father and two brothers. She wants to keep the legacy of the ranch alive when her father retires and her brothers move on. When a new ranch hand shows up, she pulls a gun on him believing him to be an intruder.
Can Erika prove to her father that she's capable of managing the sprawling sheep ranch which has been in the Ford family for four generations? Will Peyton find a new beginning in the springs, stony hills, and steep canyons of Central Texas.
An award-winning author, June Foster is a retired teacher with a BA in Education and a MA in counseling. June began writing Christian romance in 2010 as she and her husband traveled the US in their RV. Her adventures provide a rich source of information for her novels. She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her next book.
To date, June has written over thirty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels and novellas. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who encounter real-life difficulties yet live victorious lives. She's published with Winged Publications.
June is active in her church and her ladies' fellowship group. She enjoys writing devotionals as well as fiction. She frequently attends writers' conferences such as Blue Lake Writers' Conference and Florida Christian Writers Conference.
Her novel, The Inn at Cranberry Cove, won the 2021 Selah award for Romantic Suspense. It is available on Amazon in paperback, hardback, and eBook format. In 2023, June won the Ames Award for her book Christmas at Cranberry Cove, book three in the same series.
Visit June at her website to see a complete list of her books.
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FEATURED BOOK: Seashells in My Pocket
AUTHOR: Terri Wangard
PUBLISHER: Scrivenings Press
GENRE: historical romance
SERIES OR STAND ALONE: Book 1 of Unsung Stories of World War II
TARGET AGE: women from 20s up
IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR TERRI WANGARD TO PATTI’S PORCH. TERRI TALKS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER FOCUS IN OUR WRITING.
STAYING FOCUSED
by
Terri Wangard
Many World War II books are set in Europe, particularly France and especially Paris. Many feature resistance work or the persecution of Jews. Indeed, the war years were a dreadful time for French civilians.
But what about the rest of the world? What about the countries that didn’t suffer the devastation of war’s weapons?
What about Brazil?
I was familiar with the story of Gail Halvorsen, known as the Candy Bomber of the Berlin Airlift. During the war, he had flown transport planes out of Natal, Brazil. What was that like?
No air raid sirens, no combat missions, no food rationing, right?
I began writing a story and quickly ran into trouble. Very little is written about Brazil in World War II. How could I keep my story based in fact when I didn’t know what the facts were?
Tidbits trickled in. Humphrey Bogart performed in a USO show. Eleanor Roosevelt stopped by. German spies showed up. Window dressing stuff. Interesting stuff, but I needed the substance of life on a huge, busy air base.
Two excellent sources did come to light, both based on pictures, and pictures, you know, are worth thousands of words.
Still, I grew discouraged. Why was I doing this? Who cared about Brazil anyway? There were days I didn’t feel like writing.
Then I read something revolutionary. By writing, I am worshiping. Worship isn’t limited to song. Worship comes through creating in the gift I have been given.
When my focus is on the seeming hopelessness of the task I had undertaken, I become mired down. But when my focus is on Jesus, the words begin to flow.
Martha had the gift of hospitality. But one day, Jesus stopped by and Martha became so focused on her meal preparations, she became frustrated. Her sister Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, focused on Him. Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen wisely.
Taped across my laptop is a proverbial paraphrase. Unless the Lord writes the book, the author labors in vain.
Writing is said to be a solitary endeavor. It’s not, or at least it shouldn’t be. It’s a partnership with our heavenly Father who loves us and wants us to find joy in our joint undertaking.
Blurb for Seashells in My Pocket
German-Brazilian Isabel Neumann delights in creating seashell art, but it’s her mathematical ability that lands her a job at the American air base in Natal, northern Brazil during World War II. She doesn’t need a calculator to determine the correct weights and balances for the Air Transport Command’s cargo planes
Daniel Lambert, an American transport pilot based at Natal, endures the taunts of combat pilots that he is “allergic to combat.” His flying skills win him respect, however, and his friendship with Isabel deepens, even as a new source of trouble looms.
Isabel is caught in the crosshairs of a German saboteur who is obsessed with her. He insists that she belongs with him, and demands that she help him sabotage the Allied base. Her growing relationship with Daniel angers the Nazi, who will do anything to get of rid him. What will happen to Isabel if the madman captures her.
Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Her research included going for a ride in a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor. She also serves on the Genesis and First Impressions contest teams and as secretary of the Wisconsin Southeast chapter.
Connect with Terri:
Website
Facebook
Goodreads
Pinterest
Instagram: @terriwangard
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FEATURED BOOK: Aging Fabulously -52 Devotions Sure to Give You a Faith Lift
AUTHOR: Cynthia A. Lovely, Connie Clyburn, Michelle Medlock Adams
PUBLISHER: Bold Vision Books
GENRE: Devotional
SERIES OR STAND ALONE: Stand alone
TARGET AGE: 40+
IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR CYNTHIA A. LOVELY TO PATTI’S PORCH. CYNTHIA SHARES ABOUT A DEVOTIONAL CREATED BY THREE AUTHORS FOR WOMEN WHO WISH TO DRAW CLOSER TO GOD.
JOIN US IN AGING FABULOUSLY!
by
Cynthia A. Lovely
We can’t stop those numbers from climbing as we face yet another birthday, but we can enjoy and celebrate each additional year of our lives. It was this mindset that brought three gal-friends together to pen a women’s devotional designed for the Gen X and Boomer generations.
Connie Clyburn, Michelle Medlock Adams and I joined forces and compiled our book of Aging Fabulously -52 Devotions Sure to Give You a Faith Lift, published by Bold Vision Books and available on Amazon. It was a fun project to combine our individual writing voices along with our different backgrounds from Tennessee, Indiana and New York!
Connie is our laid-back Tennessee mountain gal, Michelle the successful author with multiple projects and then the impossible New Yorker who wants results in a New York minute. (Uh, yes that’s me). It was an interesting journey for all of us and we still remain good friends.
Our book is full of wit, wisdom, wonder and a willingness to be honest and transparent to help others. The devotions may cause readers to laugh, cry, ponder, and ultimately look to the Author of it all for their continued direction of following after Jesus. We added a closing prayer with the devotions and also a few Sassy Suggestions: realistic ideas of how to follow through with practical thoughts and actions on the scriptures.
Michelle writes about Joining the Senior Club and also Moving On, describing the emotions of relocating to a new home. Connie talks about Seeking the Kingdom and shares her thoughts on I Should Have Been a Cowgirl. A couple of my devotions are about the start of gray hair with Silver Threads and the appeal of afternoon break with Naptime.
The devotions address many pertinent topics including physical changes, friendship and relationships, marriage, travel, grandchildren, health, faith, prayer, laughter, and many more important issues. Our purpose is to emphasize the value of our lives as we age and the reality that God still has a plan for us. We are valuable. We are special. Our lives matter. He is not done with us yet.
Though the book is geared for those ages 40 and up, it is still applicable to any woman who wants to know God on a deeper level and has a desire to draw closer to Him. Check out our wonderful reviews on Amazon and order your copy today to Age Fabulously!
Book Cover blurb for Aging Fabulously:
“…personal stories, prayer, and sassy suggestions that will inspire and refuel you for your continuing journey into amazing.”
--Linda Evans Shepherd, award-winning author of 38 books, founder of the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association
Watching those birthday numerals climb? Need a little encouragement, support, and reminders of the good times and fruitfulness ahead? You are more than just a number.
Your faith-lift awaits! Relate and connect through these devotions filled with fun, faith, and sisterly fellowship. Emotional, physical, and all kinds of natural changes and challenges are taken on with wit, wisdom and a sweet dose of nostalgia—all while highlighting beautiful, future-altering spiritual truths.
Authored by three gal-friends who have joined together for the mission of delivering a blast of motivation and inspiration for Gen X-ers, Boomers, and more, the inspiration is guaranteed to make you ponder, affirm, cry, giggle, and finally, to help you…
…resolve in your heart and mind to Age Fabulously!
Amazon Buy Link
Cynthia A. Lovely is a writer, musician, and minister’s wife in upstate New York. She has over sixty articles and stories published in several periodicals. Her latest book Aging Fabulously-52 Devotions Sure to Give You a Faith-Lift can be found on Amazon or at Bold Vision Books.
Amazon buy link
Visit Cynthia at her website
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FEATURED BOOK: Recapturing Her Heart
AUTHOR: Jennifer Slattery
PUBLISHER: Love Inspired
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
SERIES OR STAND ALONE: Sage Creek Romance Series
TARGET AGE: adult
IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR JENNIFER SLATTERY TO PATTI’S PORCH. JENNIFER TALKS ABOUT THE BEST WAY TO ACCOMPLISH ALL WE SET OUT TO DO.
WHEN TODAY’S DEMANDS FIGHT FOR EVERY INCH OF OUR TIME
by
Jennifer Slattery
Looking at my to-do list, I hate to say this, but our agenda reveals what, or who, we love most and where we place our trust. This really hit me this morning as I read through a particular passage of Scripture. It came from Mark 9:30-31. It states:
“Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee. Jesus didn’t want anyone to know He was there, for He wanted to spend more time with His disciples and teach them. He said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of His enemies. He will be killed, but three days later He will rise from the dead’” (NLT).
Prior to this moment, Jesus and His disciples had been engaged in hugely significant ministry. Christ had been teaching, healing, and liberating thousands of deeply hurting people. He was changing lives with a single touch and powerful words of truth. From a human perspective, that was precisely where He and His disciples needed to stay. Who else could the people turn to? It wasn’t like there were other miracle workers wandering about.
At least, not yet. But Christ knew something His disciples and the crowds didn’t—He was about to share His power and His mission with twelve hand-selected men. Therefore, His and their temporary absence served a beautiful eternal purpose: multiplication. That’s always God’s heart. He takes what little we offer, be that time, resources, or skills, and makes it more than enough.
I know this. I truly believe God will accomplish through me every task He assigns to me, despite my weaknesses, mistakes, and insufficiencies. I’ve also learned, whatever I pursue apart from Him, more often than not, leads to little more than exhaustion and feelings of defeat. In other words, I don’t need to cram my schedule or strive to meet a certain level of success or productivity. Doing so could, in fact, hinder my progress and my call. I achieve far more when I learn to hit pause, take time to nourish my soul, and to better equip my teammates and myself.
My struggles to do so indicate a few things: That I’ve come to rely, and therefore place more trust in, myself, rather than God; and that perhaps I’ve given my heart to someone or something else.
As if I could possibly know or do more than Almighty Creator God or could find soul-deep fulfillment in anything apart from Him. I recognize the foolishness of both scenarios. I also realize my sovereign God can and will do so much more through my surrender than I’ll ever accomplish through my efforts alone. In the process, He’ll fill me with indescribable, inextinguishable joy and peace and provide increased intimacy with Him. My goal, then, is to align my day and priorities to reflect those truths.
In Mark 9, Christ provides a perfect example for how one can live with Spirit-led effectiveness.
First, He knew and remained focused upon His ultimate goal. He didn’t come to alleviate our pain and make things easier in the present, although He did, and still does, do so for countless people. He came to earth to reveal the path to eternal life and shatter every chain that holds us in bondage to sin and death.
We have a similar mission—to point others, with our words and our actions, to God’s free gift of salvation, pushing back our world’s darkness with light. But He’s given each of us distinct roles to play in His big-picture mission. People who we are uniquely wired to reach, who will relate to our story, voice, and presentation.
We can’t do all that God asks and fulfill the hope-filled plans He crafted specifically for us if we’re unclear regarding His will. If we’re unsure of what ideas to run with and which ones to drop, we might end up sprinting for weeks in the wrong direction. Similarly, we can’t simultaneously chase after everything we think, according to our wisdom, might bring us joy or success, as our culture defines it, and live a life pleasing to God. The moment we try, we become double-minded and therefore unstable in all our ways (James 1:6-8).
This leads to Christ’s second example for leaving an eternal impact: prayer. Scripture tells us that Jesus often arose early in the morning, before people were awake and could make demands on His time, to communicate with His Father. He was also known to slip away, as needed, to refresh His soul through that intimate connection.
God invites us to do the same. To carve out space each day to rest in His presence. It’s in that sacred place that we gain clarity regarding our mission and the strength to carry it out. As we offer our heart, wholly to Him, He purges the idolatry, our lesser loves, lingering in the deepest crevices of our soul and re-ignites our desire for Him.
Third, Jesus maintained a long-term perspective. He saw, and cared deeply for, all the needs He encountered each day. But He also understood how quickly and vastly the Gospel would spread, once He trained, empowered, and unleashed His disciples. Therefore, He was willing to hit pause, at the height of His ministry, with all the seemingly urgent demands, to invest in twelve ordinary men with high potential.
Similarly, we should always be searching for and investing in someone and allowing others to invest in us. For me, this means slowing down ministry endeavors, limiting our production calendar, and potentially even allowing certain portions of our organization to halt completely, in order to build relationships with and better equip my team.
Sometimes, like now, when we’re planning for our first ever fundraising gala, this can feel frightening. However, my fear only indicates my lack of trust, my propensity for self-reliance, and idols, such as people-pleasing or self-elevation, that I must renounce. This ultimately involves dying to myself so that Christ might live through me.
The more we understand and embrace our God-given roles and the more time we spend in prayer and in investing in others, the greater our effectiveness, eternal impact, intimacy with our Savior, and our joy and fulfillment.
We live in a hectic, fast-paced, demanding culture, but that doesn’t mean we must accept its invitation to frantically follow. In fact, we mustn’t. Instead, may God give us the wisdom, clarity, desire and strength to do all that He asks and only what He asks of us. May we follow the example set by Christ, our world’s most competent leader, to make room, during our busiest seasons, to fill our souls and pour into the souls of others. And as we do, may God use every insecure and anxiety-filled moment to reveal the cracks in our faith and all the idols we’ve allowed to occupy His rightful place in our hearts.
Let's talk about this! Do you find it challenging to relinquish your daily schedule to God? If so, why do you think this might be? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
Blurb for Recapturing Her Heart:
What she’s always wished for… might be right here at home.
When she loses her job, professional dancer Harper Moore returns to her Texas hometown with one goal in mind—leaving again. But first she needs money for her big move, even if that means working for her ex-boyfriend. CJ Jenkins is certain he can help the single mom and keep his still-bruised heart intact. But as old feelings resurface, can they let go of the past for a new dream together?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Buy link for Recapturing Her Heart
Jennifer Slattery is a writer, podcast host and speaker who has addressed women’s groups, church groups, Bible studies, and other writers across the nation. She’s the lead host of the Faith Over Fear podcast and cohost, with four others, of the Your Daily Bible Verse podcast. She also maintains devotional blogs found JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com and is a regular contributor to iBelieve.com. Connect with her on Facebook and Instagram, and follow her author page on Amazon. When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves playing games with her family, working puzzles, and adventuring with her hilariously fun husband. Contact her through her website to learn more or to book her to speak at your next event.
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FEATURED BOOK: Hidden Names
AUTHOR: Bettie Boswell
PUBLISHER: Mt. Zion Ridge Press
GENRE: Christian Romantic Suspense
SERIES OR STAND ALONE: Book One in the Forest Glen Suspense Series
TARGET AGE: YA through Adult Christian readers
IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR BETTIE BOSWELL TO PATTI’S PORCH. BETTIE EXPLAINS WHY HER LATEST NOVEL IS WRITTEN IN A GENRE NEW TO THIS AUTHOR.
USING THE PAST TO BREAK THE GENRE BARRIER
by
Bettie Boswell
I've always loved reading. Christian books have been my escape, my friends, my journeys into the unknown and familiar. I've traveled with heroines and heroes as they came to realize their love in romances. I've had fun trying to solve the riddle of a cozy mystery. I love reading children's books for all age levels, especially appreciate the ones promoting a Christian lifestyle. Recently I've discovered Christian stories with a hint of suspense. As a writer, I've written some short cozy mysteries, children's stories, romance, dual-time, and now I have a new book that includes that hint of suspense.
I surprised some readers by the change in genre, but I am enjoying the change. That little bit of suspense adds a new level of excitement to the story. Hidden Names allowed me to use my past experiences in several states, from Ohio, to Kentucky, to Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, when my main characters travel in search of clues to solve a riddle. The coded answer will result in providing names of a group of cybercriminals to Federal agent Graham. Amber, who is a jewelry artist, made lockets and bracelets at the request of her father. He hid clues in each item and mailed them away before his death. The crooks think she knows the hidden information and will pursue Amber and Graham as they journey south. She has no idea the trouble and surprising legacies her estranged father left behind, until the book begins.
My Dad and I loved to gather rocks when I was young. We went to many shows where rocks had been polished and turned into jewelry. He also had a love of all things electronic. Using some of the things he taught me about both rocks and electronics helped shape details in solving the crime. Many of my stories have involved information I learned from family members. One of the most important things Daddy shared was to write things down. He recorded family stories and genealogy, while I've turned to fiction. I hope you will enjoy Hidden Names, my breakthrough to a new genre.
Back cover blurb for Hidden Names
A Forest Glen Suspense
Amber's father, Max, betrayed her and her mom when she was sixteen. Determined to make it on her own, she refused all contact with the man and paid her way through college by making jewelry. Now, she finds it hard to let any man get close to her heart.
Months ago, he asked her to make some jewelry. She reluctantly agreed, needing the money he offered to set up her new venture, a studio for artists. Then he died, leaving a jeweled trail of trouble connected to a ring of cybercriminals.
Against her will, Amber must team up with Federal Agent Graham to gather up clues and stay one step ahead of people who don't care who they hurt to protect their secrets.
The wounds of Graham's past complicate their cross-country race as he becomes attracted to Amber. As they uncover the secrets her father left behind, they must learn to trust each other, before time runs out to defeat their nameless enemies, and find long-delayed healing.
Amazon buy link for Hidden Names
Bettie Boswell always loved to read and create stories for family and friends. In 2016 she began writing and illustrating stories to share with the world. She is now an author/illustrator of both children and Christian adult fiction and non-fiction books. Her efforts include contributions to educational works, leveled readers, magazine articles, and devotional and short story anthologies. Bettie has two grown sons, one daughter-in-law, three grandchildren, and a busy minister husband. Visit Bettie’s website.
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