Sunday Morning Sunshine: Praise to God!

 Lift up your hands in the holy place, 

and bless the LORD.

 Psalms 134:2 

Rambling Friday: Looking Forward to Autumn...

 Looking Forward to Autumn...

What a year! And when I say that, I mean it! (Smile) From being hit with a serious (and unexpected) case of Covid mid-February, hospitalized for a month, recovering, and then finding out I had some early signs of cancer, surgery, and still recovering, but doing very good, it has been a humdinger of a year! 

But that's the negative side of the year. For I realized plainer than ever before what a help God was through all of the above. Am I worthy of His help? No, but I am so very grateful for it! He is truly a very present help in the times of  trouble. 

So I'm truly looking forward to Autumn this year. Reasons?

* It's my favorite season...

* It's a beautiful season, one that is colorful...

* It reminds us of all the blessings God bestows upon us. Harvest, beauty, cooler weather...

* A time to relax with family and friends. Have cookouts and wiener roasts, toasted marshmallows, and hot chocolate. Laughter and songs, cool nights and stories. Much more...

* Decorations, so many ways to go with this! I truly enjoy decorating my porch for Autumn!

What's not to love? 

I'm blest with a harvest of God's goodness, mercy and love! And I'm so very thankful! 

Serious Wednesday: The Birth of Fictional Characters

 

The Birth of Fictional Characters by Carole Brown

One of my favorite things when writing a new book, is to create the characters. When I wrote the first book in this series, there were quite a few comments about Hunter and Maria, the cook. Readers wanted to read a book about Hunter—Hunter's personal story. It was a nice affirmation because I'd already decided that the second book would be about Hunter, his love life and the trouble that created the tension in the book.

Hunter Carson is a fun character. With his father murdered while Hunter was just a child, he very well could have been abandoned to fate. Only another young person's intervention saved Hunter. He grew up to be a man that was both strong and trustworthy. He's a bit quick-on-the-trigger (as the saying goes) but he's also smart, loyal, not a bit stuck on himself, and overwhelmed that a beautiful Mexican girl like Rosita DeSantis could fall in love with him. He has the determination to protect her and the ability to give her pretty much anything she wants—without seeming pompous.

Rosita came from a rich, loving family who adored her, and as an only child was entitled to the family inheritance. Having to abandon that life, she was determined to pursue a different life style even when enduring hardship and fear. Nevertheless, she is a sweet, friendly and a loyal friend to those around her. She knows her own mind, yet is not pushy or obnoxious in her efforts, whether it be love or in scorning the man who insists he wants her back. Rosita is both smart and a real lady.

Carlos De Leon, the villain, on the other hand, is one of those persons who has everything: money, prestige, excellent features and education. Yet he lacks the character to realize that it's not always possible to have everything you desire. Determined to have what he wants and when, he is not afraid to sacrifice the people who he deems is hindering his quest.

And then, there are the secondary characters: those who support and somehow create interest, not only in themselves but in keeping a reader's interest in how and when the main characters will respond to them.

Could it be the downright good-looking Jackson who is quiet and withdrawn has a story? His support of Hunter, the tell-tell signs of his education, and the absence of any real knowledge of his past encourage the reader to imagine who he really is.

Then there's Gabrielle Autumn Mayfair, a quiet, rather shy girl who is more of a follower than a leader—until it comes to a man who catches her attention. Her friends worry that she may get hurt, but Gabrielle is more persistent than either of her best friends realize. This blondish-redhead has an endurance that may prove favorable—or it might end in a tragic heartache.

Sully, Old Peete, Nicolas, Susie and Maria—characters that flavor the reading and add some laughter, tension and mixed feelings about their possible hindrance or helpfulness.

Characters—one of the best and most fun parts of a book. I hope you readers will get to know the characters in Hunter's Rose and love (or hate) them as much as I did when creating the story.

Available:

http://amzn.to/3erjREA

Sunday Morning Sunshine: Patience, Peace and Determination

 Patience

When I want things done NOW or yesterday...

God's helped me to learn that HIS timing is always right.

Peace

God has taught me to appreciate and take advantage of a

slower pace; to use the beautiful, simple things

in my life to gain peace.

Determination

When the devil says I can't

When circumstances look impossible

When my confidence in my ability wans

then God stirs a big courage into my life. 

Have faith.

He knows what we need.

Rambling Friday:

MY THOUGHTS ON WRITING 

HUNTER'S ROSE

When I first began writing this book,

I was excited and thought I knew 

where I wanted to go with it.

The more I wrote, the less confident I was.

I 

But as I moved further into the story

I felt like I was not creating it as it should be.

I thought I was failing, repeating, overstating.

BUT...

I kept writing.

Kept my writing schedule most days.

And when I finally finished the book,

reread it as I edited

(and edited, and edited more)

I realized I loved the book,

loved Hunter and Rosita's relationship.

It was a nice feeling to know that my fretfulness over

the story not being as thorough or as good as I wanted,

was, actually, wrong. It was quite well done.

I give God all the glory for his help.

As much as I enjoy creating stories,

I know without his constant help and inspiration,

I would have quit a long time ago. 

If you love westerns, historicals, romance and a bit of suspense,

then you should check out this one. 

I think you'll enjoy it! 

ON PREORDER 

this month only!

$.99 Kindle

https://amzn.to/3ReNCen

 Happy Reading! 

Serious Wednesday: This Month: A Contest for Readers

Do You Love to Read? 

Then this contest is for YOU!!

If you've read BOOK ONE of the

Troubles in the West series, 

(Caleb's Destiny),

and you want to win BOOK TWO

Hunter's Rose,

then this one's for you:

To win a copy of 

Hunter's Rose,

Here's what to do:  

1.  Share about this contest,

then post your link here in the comments on where you shared

2.  Tell me why you should win this contest

3.  And why you want to read 

It's easy and fun! 

Follow the directions above

Make sure you do all THREE of the requirements,

AND then later this month,

I will choose ONE person to win

a KINDLE copy of 

Hunter's Rose,

Book Two

of the

Troubles in the West series. 

Have fun! 

Sunday Morning Sunshine: What Can God Do?

 Can God do the impossible?

Jeremiah 32:17 declares, “Ah, Lord God, behold thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too difficult for thee."

God can NOT...

Lie

Allow sinners into heaven

Change

God CAN...

Take care of you

Give you knowledge and power to live as you should

Give you peace in difficult times

He knows all things; therefore, he can be trusted. 

With humility, he will roll burdens away

Be our best friend

Defeat our worst enemy: Satan

Take us to heaven

Love us with an everlasting love

And much more! 

Rambling Friday: It's on Preorder!

 Preorder Now! 

$.99 Kindle

Limited Time! 

https://amzn.to/3ReNCen

Serious Wednesday: A Warm Welcome to Linda Weaver Clarke!

I'm delighted to welcome Linda back to Sunnybank Secrets! She's a delightful author with quite a few novels. I hope you will check out the novels she's highlighting today!

Courageous Women Throughout History

The women of the past were brave and spirited ladies who knew what they wanted in life and wanted to make a difference. In the late 1700s, Abigail Adams, the wife of John Adams, was the first woman to stand up for women’s rights but America wasn’t ready for equality at that time.

There were many who spoke out on women’s rights. Elizabeth Stanton was one of them. She said that women should have the right to vote and receive an equal education. She had received higher education at Troy Seminary in New York and felt all women deserved the right to be educated.

When she gave lectures on the subject, it was frowned upon. A pastoral letter from a minister in Massachusetts said a woman who speaks publicly is “unwomanly and unchristian.” The pastor also mentioned that it would “threaten the female character with widespread and permanent injury.” Was this how the men really felt back then? Why were women being held back? Even though it was not proper, women still gave their opinions.

Elizabeth was also an abolitionist and fought adamantly against slavery, prejudice, and inequality but it was not readily accepted. When Elizabeth Stanton went with her husband to a convention in England that was against slavery, she tried to give her opinion but was put down and told that women were not permitted to give speeches. It was solely a man’s place to speak publicly.

Frederick Douglass, who was a public speaker, author, and statesman, said: “When the true history of the antislavery cause shall be written, women will occupy a large space in its pages; for the cause of the slave has been peculiarly a woman’s cause.”

Susan B. Anthony was another who fought for equal rights. When she defied the laws and voted illegally on November 5, 1872, in a presidential election, she was arrested and fined $100. But she refused to pay it. She said, “Resistance to tyranny is obedience to God.” She was angry when she heard the politicians say that women wouldn’t understand politics, so there was no need to have them vote. It was up to the men to decide what was best.

These courageous women were an important part of history during this time period and made a difference. Did you know the first four states to give women the right to vote were Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho? It did not take long until women began running for office in each of these states.

Do you have some courageous ancestors that were an influence on you? I had a great grandmother who stood up for her rights and would not allow anyone to intimidate her. She was told by a group of men that if she denounced her religion then they would not burn down her home. The leader of the mob was a large burly man and she had every right to be frightened. But Martha would not give in to fear. She was a devout Christian and would not deny her Faith. With strength and courage, she stomped her foot and said: “You may burn it and be damned.”

I had another great-grandmother who was an influence on my life. When she saw some thieves stealing her grapes, she knew they would not be afraid of her if she tried to chase them off. An idea came to her. Frances put on her husband’s cavalry uniform, tucked her hair inside his hat, and grasped his sword from its scabbard. Bravely marching outside onto the porch, she brandished the weapon in a threatening manner and demanded in a loud voice “Leave or perish!” I’m sure she smiled inside when she saw them take off like scared rabbits. And maybe she was quaking in her shoes just a little from the experience?

All of us have challenges in our lives. Sometimes we wonder if we are the only ones who are experiencing difficulties. Have you ever felt that each trial you have endured was so difficult that you wondered where the “light at the end of the tunnel” was? Many times we don’t bother talking to anyone about it or asking for help. But we are not alone in our grief. Others have walked the same path.

It touched my heart when I read about another great grandmother’s experience, which was written by her daughter. Her courage and difficulties touched my heart.

Hannah and her husband came here to America in the mid-1800s for a better life. On the ship from England, Hannah’s one-year-old daughter became very ill, which resulted in deafness. One year after arriving in America, Hannah gave birth to a baby boy but she was not meant to have him long. He died six weeks later. A year later, the sheriff came to her door and announced that her husband had been murdered on the streets of St. Louis, Missouri. Realizing she had to make a living for her children, Hannah took a job as a maid at the largest hotel in St. Louis, hoping to earn enough money to move on.

What a courageous woman! Would I have been that brave if I were Hannah? Would I have turned around and headed back to my family in England? Her family volunteered to pay her passage if she returned. But she chose to stay instead.

“No matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it.” ~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf

This was Hannah’s attitude as she tried to search for the “light at the end of the tunnel.” How many times do we search for that light, wondering where it is and hoping that our trials will soon end? Is God watching over us? Is He there when we need some comfort? In our darkest moment, does He know how we feel? I believe He does.

Five years later, Hannah earned enough money to board a riverboat and head northward, far away from St. Louis. That was when she met a wonderful man who fell in love with her. 

My great-grandmothers were an example to me. If I were in their shoes, I wonder if I would have had that much courage. After reading their biographies, I took their stories and created a series of novellas called Women of Courage. Hannah was the inspiration for the first novella. Using her experiences, I created a historical romance called The Light at the End of the Tunnel.

In The Light at the End of the Tunnel, Hannah is a young single mother who has had some hardships since arriving in America. But the trials in her life only make her stronger. Wanting to be independent, she opens a hot chocolate shop. At first, it’s a struggle. But she will not give up.

In A Lady of Refinement, Serenity is an educated young woman from Wales. After arriving in America, she decides to teach adults how to read and write. She is determined to help the citizens learn the enjoyment of reading. One of her favorite books is Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott. No one seems to measure up to this valiant knight until Jonathan comes along.

In A Mississippi Sunset, Laura gives lectures regularly, encouraging women to fight for their beliefs
and be heard. Equality is her message. But she soon finds out that women who speak publicly are looked down upon and criticized, saying it is unwomanly and unchristian to speak publicly. But she has faith in God and knows He will help her in the cause for justice.

Here's a link to a video that Linda created to share about her books. Check it out!

https://vimeo.com/721762655

Connect with Linda here:  

Learn about your heritage at FamilySearch: https://www.familysearch.org

Author’s Official Website: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com

My Family Friendly Blog:
https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com

Thanks for joining Linda and me today! 

Sunday Morning Sunshine: All Good Things are God's!

All God's Things are Good! 

When God made the trees, animals and birds,

He said they were very good.

The vine is for grapes.

The wheat is for bread.

The bee to give us honey.

The sheep gives us wool.

Even the cat is good to catch mice.

All God's things are Good!! !

And God saw everything that he had made, 

and behold, it was very good!

Genesis 1: 31

Rambling Friday: When Troubles Come...

When troubles come, what do we do?  

Complain?

Put on a grouch?

Question why does it have to be ME?

Put on a martyr'd face?

*  We had to put off Christmas celebration because of circumstances, till January. BUT it turned out just fine. Relaxed and fun.

*   Hubby and I both got a serious case of covid (in spite of all precautions) in February and March. BUT, you know what? It drew me closer than ever to God. He loves us so much, and I trust in Him!!

* In late Spring hubby lost a beloved brother suddenly and unexpectedly. We were heartbroken and sad, but God gave hubby the strength to speak at his funeral. He comforted us when we needed it although we surely didn't understand the why.

* We lost close friends from our church who felt it was time for them to move on. Sad.

* Hubby and a son have been way too busy trying to complete some jobs they took on. WHICH means, they had little to no time to complete some landscaping and repairs needed on our property. Sigh. 

* Hubby had a bad case of kidney stones, and I've been going through another serious physical problem.

OR...

Can we, do we look heavenward and claim the Biblical verse:

The Lord is good, 

a strong hold in the day of trouble; 

and he knows them that trust in him.

Nahum 1:7

God has given strength to face each and every battle that has come our way this year of 2022. 

Because, sure as we are breathing (right now!), God knows our problems, our very being, and He will honor His word. He cares about us and whatever befalls us, He will see us through each and everything that comes. He is our anchor! 

What a wonderful God!

Serious Wednesday: Hunter's Rose is Coming! Win it!

 In case you don't remember...

I mentioned in a recent earlier post,

a bit about Hunter's Rose.

To clarify,

Hunter's Rose is the second book in the

Troubles in the Wes series.

(The first book is Caleb's Destiny).

Preorder for this book will be available beginning in July!!

Don't miss out on this opportunity

to read Hunter's Rose at a discounted price!

Answer this question for an opportunity

to win a free Kindle copy!

Question:

Rosita's past engagement with Carlos De Leon

went sour before she fled Mexico.

Now married to Hunter Carson,

she's still being followed by Carlos. 

Does he still love her?

Or is there something more sinister

he wants from her?

Hunter's Rose!

Sunday Morning Sunshine: Revival

 When Do We Need a Revival? 

It is very evident that we need a revival:

When it is easier to stay at home than to go to church.

When it is easier to work than to worship.

When it is easier to be critical than kind.

When it is easier to read fiction than the Bible.

Then it is easier to shirk God-given opportunity than to do it.

When it is easier to support the club than the church.

When it is easier to sleep in church than stay awake.

When it is easier to grumble than to praise.

When it is easier to condemn souls than to pray for their salvation.

when it is easier to hold grudges than to forgive. 

Amen?

Amen!

Rambling Friday: In God's Hand

Extreme Tornado Watch!

Although we didn't see a tornado right here

on our land, the strong winds did this damage

and more.

It was a little scary to see those

large oak and maple trees bend almost double

from the wind.

Dark, heavy, rushing black clouds 

flew across the sky.

Thank God we didn't have predicted hail.

Thank God we saw us through the storm.

Thank God for His protection. 

I do believe he kept us safe in the hollow of his hand!

 

Serious Wednesday: A Chance to Win My Book and Many Others

 Here's an opportunity to win $500 or these forty-plus books!

Go here to sign up:  

https://promosimple.com/ps/1d71d/2022-summer-kick-off-multi-author

Sunday Morning Sunshine: Things That Make Me Happy

Animals, like...

Squirrels.

They're thieves, fast, and brave.

Funny and smart

Turtles

Not very friendly,

loners at times,

and are quite determined to be left alone.

But still awesome.

Geese

Quite demanding when it comes to food,

Protective of their babies,

Slow-moving (on purpose, I believe) when crossing a road,

And so much fun to watch!

Swan

Graceful, elegant,

and quite the King (or Queen) of the feathered creatures.

ALL God's Creatures!

 

Rambling Friday: Take a Break

 As most authors know, or soon will if they're newbies, most writers benefit from an occasional break.
That includes short--and long--periods of time. Whatever each individual decides is long enough is a personal choice. And it's necessary.

Why? Because resting for a period of time clears our minds, and, sometimes, it gives us a new perspective in eyeing our writing. 

Taking a break doesn't mean you can't think about your writing. In fact, after your break, you can critique your work and perhaps improve what you've written. You might even decide to add a new element to it or change direction than you'd previously planned. 

If you've struggled with what you've already written, it might give you clarity in seeing what is the problem. Resting may renew your creative juices so that you can proceed and not force your writing. And it may also give you the courage to scrap what you've written and begin fresh. 

If you haven't had a break in a l-o-n-g time, think about it, plan for it, and take that break. You need it. You deserve it. And you'll be better for it. 

Happy writing! 

Serious Wednesday: More Opportunities to Buy a Book for $.99!!

Readers!

Here's another opportunity for you to

obtain a book for a great price!

Only $.99 Kindle price

Catch Me If You Can

(Book One in the Nursery Rhyme series)

is just $.99.

A touch of romance,

A hint of whimsy.

A cat with perceptive intelligence.

A woman who's determined to find the answer in spite of threats, scary situations, 

an unfriendly manager, and unwelcoming workers. 

Can she?

Check out the book here:

 Amazon

Reviewers have this to say about the book:

*  Lively characters. Snappy dialogue.
Fantastic work.

*  The author has given us well-developed characters, plenty of plot twists and turns and has given me a whole new look at the childhood ditty about the Gingerbread Man. There is a mystery that must be solved, a business to save and a perpetrator to be found. So just sit back, enjoy the ride and try to figure out who does not want to be caught!

*  Wow!! This story is definitely the author’s best to date. It is somewhat mysterious, a bit creepy but oh so intriguing.Did I figure out who the guilty person was? No but that just shows me how good she is at keeping readers in suspense til the very end.

Serious Wednesday: Here's Your Chance!

 Don't you just love a good sale?

Here's an opportunity to read the first book in the 

Spies of WWII series:

With Music in Their Hearts

(In this series, you'll find:

Three Spies

Three Redheads,

Three Love stories and suspense)

It's only $.99 for this first Kindle book, 

it can be YOURS!

Check it out here:

Amazon

What reviewers are saying about this book:

*  Ms. Brown’s historical novel is a delight.

*  I opened to chapter one in my Kindle and heard the music coming from the piano at the boarding house. I felt a part of the intrigue and saw the characters as they interacted with one another. Carole Brown’s World War II spy novel With the Music in Their Hearts is a fascinating read. The realistic dialogue, setting and characters' dress drew me into this 1940’s mystery.

*  I love WWII era stories and was eager to read With Music in Their Hearts. Carole Brown did a great job of capturing the essence of the era. The colorful cast of characters entertained me, the story engaged me, and the mystery kept me guessing until the very end!

Book two is:  A Flute in the Willows

Book three is:  Sing Until You Die

Happy Reading! 

Sunday Morning Sunshine: Winter is Past

 Winter is Past

For, lo, the winter is past,

The rain is over and gone;

The flowers appear on the earth,

The time of the singing of birds is come,

And the voice of the turtle is heard in the land. 

How's your spring?