Category: Valentine’s Day

Winter’s Passing … I Hope

On By Betty OwensIn Amy C. Blake, Authorview, Black History Month, Katie Weiland, Presidents Day, Rachel Hauck - Authorview, Siri Mitchell - Authorview, snowmageddon, Valentine's Day, Winter's Passing I Hope2 Comments

In so many ways, February is a great month. Two of our most famous presidents were born in February. My grandmother was born in February. It’s Black History month. We celebrate Valentine’s Day.

For me, February is a month to endure on the way to Spring. This year, in my little section of the world, Winter hit us with a king-sized wallop in February. #Snowmageddon2015. We got somewhere near twelve inches, which may not seem much to some of you, but in the mid-south, it’s a lot.

Even the squirrels disappeared for several days. When they did come out, they either skittered over the surface of the snow or disappeared beneath.

Having nowhere to go, I stayed inside. About now, I really need to get out, but we have freezing rain. And more bad weather in the forecast. Ack!

I don’t want you to think I’m complaining–I love the snow. My favorite time is at night, when the world should be dark, but it’s not, because the light from the stars and moon reflect off the brilliant white snow. It’s gorgeous. Even though it’s twenty below out there.

Authorview is a great success this year. My first guest was Katie Weiland, author of Outlining Your Novel Workbook and Structuring Your Novel Workbook. You can read her interview here. February’s guest was Rachel Hauck, author of How to Catch a Prince (which releases today). You can read her interview here. How to Catch a Prince is available here.

Coming up in March: Amy C. Blake, author of newly released Whitewashed, will be my guest March 3rd. And my Authorview guest on March 17th is Siri Mitchell, author of Like a Flower in Bloom. 

Guests and guest posts aside, March is big month for me. It’s my birthday month, and I’m going to celebrate by giving away books. So you will want to stop back by in March! There will be several chances for you to win free books.

As always, thanks for stopping by. I appreciate all of you. Hope you’re staying warm and safe!

The Love Boat Bachelor

Romance is a joke.

After the love of Brent Teague’s life came back into his world only to marry someone else, Brent is through with women. He might be through with being a pastor, too.

Brent was so sure that God brought Mara Adkins home to him so they could marry and live happily ever after. Six months after her wedding to another man, that theory is obviously a dud. If Brent could be so wrong about that, who’s to say he’s not mistaken about God calling him to pastoral ministry?

Tired of watching Brent flounder for direction, Brent’s feisty older sister boots him out of Spartanburg and onto a cruise ship. Brent’s old college buddy manages the ship’s staff, and he’s thrilled to finagle Brent into the role of chaplain for the two-week cruise.

As the ship sets sail, Brent starts to relax. Maybe a cruise wasn’t such a bad idea after all. But there’s just one little thing no one told him. He’s not on any ordinary cruise. He’s on The Love Boat.

What’s a sworn bachelor to do on a Caribbean cruise full of romance and love? He’ll either have to jump ship or embrace the unforgettable romantic comedy headed his way.

Now Available – 99¢ on Kindle

Port of Call Valentine’s Day

On By Betty OwensIn contest, love, Love Boat Bachelor, the bachelor, Valentine's Day, Write Integrity Press

In the wake of my work on The Love Boat Bachelor … I have a confession to make:

I get seasick walking on a pier. I have to ingest heavy doses of ginger to go canoeing or ride on a ferry. For this reason, I have never wanted to take a cruise vacation. I’ve walked plenty of beautiful beaches, and driven over the amazing bridge connecting the Florida Keys. Stood at the southernmost point of the continental USA. I’ve even sailed on a clipper ship–heavily dosed with anti-vertigo medication–as long as I’m pro-active, I’m fine.

Confession: The closest I’ve ever been to a cruise ship.

Though I’d never been on a cruise, I was intrigued by the story idea for The Love Boat Bachelor. After I read Jerusha Agen‘s opening chapter, I knew–I did not want to miss this one, with its ample opportunities for humor and romance. I jumped in head first and had a blast.

Caribbean beach scene

Choosing a destination was difficult for me. They were all so beautiful, but I had never been to any of them. So I went via Google and Pinterest. Each location had its own flavor, offering the best snorkeling, the best dolphin-viewing excursions, the best surfing, etc. So I took the dartboard approach. I landed on … well, you’ll find out when you download the Kindle version of book. The download is FREE for the first three days.

I love an adventure, so if someone offered me the opportunity to go on a cruise, I’d be all in. Maybe I would like it so much, I’d be like the elderly lady who lives on one instead of in a retirement home. Think of it! An attentive wait-staff, housekeeping, all the food you can eat. New adventures every day, new people to meet and get to know. An extrovert’s dream-come-true! But I think even an introvert like me could find something to love about a cruise.

This is my second excursion into the world of collaborative storytelling. And I loved it. It’s a writing prompt. You’re given the details and asked to create a story within certain parameters. It kind of takes the pressure off, but it’s challenging, too. Your chapter becomes a piece to a puzzle that will fit perfectly to create a whole, complete story.

Many, many thanks to Tracy Ruckman of Write Integrity Press for including me in this latest adventure. This is my fifth release and each one is more exciting (for me) than the last. I hope you’ll enjoy reading the finished product, as Brent Teague sets out on the adventure of a lifetime. Settle in, and enjoy the cruise!

The Love Boat Bachelor will be released–with its final chapter–on Kindle. Watch for it there.
Release date: February 14, 2015
Available as a FREE download for three (3) days! –I can’t wait.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

On By Betty OwensIn A Dozen Apologies, Beatles, download, Downton Abbey, Kindle, love, music, Romance, Valentine's Day

It was Valentine’s Day on Downtown Abbey and it seemed almost everyone received a valentine card. Some of them were anonymous, leaving the receiver (and us) guessing. Who sent it? The giving of valentines originated in the UK. Chaucer (14th century) mentioned it in his poetry during a time when courtly love was popular. 
When I was in elementary school, everyone got valentine cards and they were usually funny. You received them from your friends and classmates and sometimes, you didn’t know who’d sent them. Those were the fun ones. I used to try to figure it out and was usually wrong. 
These days, I get a valentine card from my husband. He calls it, “Love Day,” because most of the time he can’t remember the word Valentine. Or maybe he knows it will irritate me and I’ll have to correct his mistake. Sometimes we go out to lunch or dinner (lunch if he forgot to make reservations for dinner). That makes him sound forgetful, doesn’t it? It’s not so much forgetfulness as it is “notreallyimportantness.” It’s rather too close to my birthday, you see, and we haven’t quite recovered from anniversary and Christmas. 
We’ve had some wonderful Valentine’s Days in our life together, (check out one of them here) so it doesn’t worry me in the least. 
Some argue that Valentine’s Day was developed by card companies or candy manufacturers, to sell cards and candy. Maybe it was. But it’s also a day or a week or a moment, when you honor that special person in your life. It doesn’t have to be a romantic love. You can send one to your child or your mother, or anyone else you wish. 
Purchased from Shutterstock
Copyright – Dorottya Mathe 
So today, I’m sending you one, along with a little theme music, because I appreciate you, my readers. Thanks for taking a moment to read my post. And don’t forget to download your free copy of A Dozen Apologies – due out today. It’ll be available for a free download today until Sunday, so tell your friends. Post it on Facebook and Twitter. Everyone likes a free book. Download the book here.
And have a very happy Valentine’s Day. I hope you have a special someone to share it with, but if you don’t, smile at a neighbor or wish a friend or coworker a happy day. After all, it’s also Friday!

Love, love me do!


Riley Tompkins Interviews Cara and Dane Adkins

On By Betty OwensIn A Dozen Apologies, Christian, couple, fiction, forgiveness, love, magazine, Mara Adkins, Marriage, marriage encounter, Romance, Southern, Valentine's Day4 Comments

Riley Tompkins, Southern Christian Magazine*Interview with Mara Adkins’ folks (uncut version)

Part 1
Riley: Thank you for agreeing to do this interview, Mr. and Mrs. Adkins. My first questions are for you, Mrs. Adkins.

Cara: You can call me Cara, Riley, and thanks for having us.

Riley: I’d like to know what happened, in your viewpoint. Why was your daughter Mara so mean-spirited towards all those men?

Cara: Without God in the middle of a family, there isn’t much hope. I think there were a lot of factors in this situation. I’m not here to play the blame game, but I have to accept some responsibility for part of the problem. (sighs) We’ve all come to the Lord and we are forgiven. Thank goodness for His Mercy and Grace.

Riley: Seems like God brought all three of you through a lot of issues.

Cara: Yes, by the time Mara left for college, her father and I were ready to call it quits. We planned to file divorce papers after she left home.

Riley: I’m so glad you didn’t do it. Mara’s so changed. What exactly happened to all of you that set off this chain of events?

Cara: Old friends called from out of town one day and wanted to visit with Dane and me. They had become Christians and they were able to answer many of our questions about God and life in general. They backed their opinions with Scripture and prayed with us to accept Christ as our personal Savior.

Riley: What did they tell you that seemed to be the most important thing during their visit?

Cara: That’s a great question. God is a provider, not a divider. A house divided against itself cannot stand and the enemy of our souls does not like good marriages. Dane and I have been married a long time and we have gotten through a lot of tough circumstances. I believe when we learned that every Christian has challenges, we weren’t the exception. We were relieved to find out that we weren’t the only people or couples that have problems, they are part of life. Problems, I mean…are a part of life.

Riley: Did you and Dane join a Bible Study Group or attend church activities to help? In other words, a good group support system?

Cara: We attended a couples’ weekend, specifically Marriage Encounter, where couples can strengthen and renew their marriages. The retreat offers a tool for communicating. However, it works both ways. If both parties are willing to “work,” I mean really “work” together through their personal lives and marriage, it’s an excellent tool and we recommend it for all marriages, don’t we Dane? (Glances at Dane for affirmation. He shakes his head with a big smile. “Yes, we do, dear. As a matter of fact, Riley, we are now a team couple leading the local Marriage Encounter group.” Cara turns her attention back to interview) Yes, that’s right.

Riley: What about Mara? She’s an adult now. Were you glad she came home after almost five years?

Cara: Absolutely. Dane and I are so proud of her. She’s had a tough life, but always put on a brave face as she left the house every day. So much fighting…
We stated praying for her immediately and giving our precious baby to Christ to help her.

Riley: Do you really think she did the right thing by going all over the country to apologize to these men?

Cara: Yes, I do. She was obedient to what God asked of her. She learned a lot about repenting and forgiving. And even as she drove, the Lord had her undivided attention, and she told me, it was in those quiet times, she learned to forgive herself.

Riley: I didn’t think about that, forgiving yourself… So is she free now of her demons? I know that’s a pointed question, but readers will want to know.

Cara: I’ve never seen our daughter happier. Yes, she’s totally free in Christ and she successfully reached out to each man she hurt. Not all the men understood, but she’s accepted where they are…and prays for each one–– (voice breaks, due to emotion).

Riley: I’m sorry, Cara. I didn’t mean to upset you with my questions.

Cara: (Dabbing her eyes) Oh no, Riley, these are tears of Joy. Our Mara is a sparkling new person, inside and outside. Dane and I are thrilled with the healing of our little family. Mara has found love and happiness. We can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Riley: Thank you so much for sharing your heart, Cara. It looks as though you two have a wonderful ministry together.

(Dane hugsCara and give her a kiss then whispers, I love you, honey. Ya done good.”)

Cara: “You’re welcome, Riley.”

Part 2

(Interview with Dane Adkins)

Riley: Dad, what do you think about all this?

Dane: Excuse me, Riley, but I’m not comfortable with you calling me Dad. You’re every bit as old as I am.

Riley: I’m sorry, Dane I didn’t mean to imply––
Dane: I’m just joshing you, Riley. If you’re asking what I think of my daughter, I love her. I’m very proud of her, and I’ll support whatever decision she makes.
Riley: Of course. But now that you know some of the things she did in college to those poor, unsuspecting geeks. This cruel game she payed, along with her sorority sisters––as a man, how do you feel about that?
Dane: I don’t feel anything about that, Riley. Mara is not the same person she once was. She’s been forgiven.
Riley: (Clears throat) Oh, yes, I know. Your wife just told me about how Mara traveled all over, making apologies and most of the men forgave her.
Dane: No, you misunderstand me. She’s been forgiven, whether those men forgave her or not. She has God’s forgiveness.
Riley: Right. So you’re convinced she’s changed her ways?
Dane: Absolutely, she has. And let me tell you, Riley, with God’s help, she’s turned her life around.
Riley: From what I hear, you and Mrs. Adkins were a part of that turnaround. You were here for her, when she needed you.
Dane: (Low chuckle. Scratches head) Well, that’s where the real miracle comes in. If not for the Lord, we wouldn’t have been here for her at all (takes wife’s hand in his and smiles into her eyes). I found out what true forgiveness is. (Continues to gaze into Cara’s eyes)

Riley: Ahem. (Dane remembers I’m sitting here with them)
Dane: Riley, God healed our broken marriage, and here’s the best part: once we were walking in His healing and love, He sent our broken daughter back to the nest. Because of what we’d been through, we were able to give her the guidance she needed, the love and acceptance she craved.
Riley: And you now believe she’s this new person? You trust her to straighten up and fly right––to never damage another man’s heart?
Dane: I do, Riley. I know she’s a new person. I see God’s love shining out through her beautiful eyes. (Grins) She has my eyes, don’t you think?

Riley: She has your sense of humor too, Dane.
Dane: Well, that’s a good thing, right?

Riley: Absolutely. Thanks, Dane and Cara, for giving me a bit of your time today. I hope you’ll like the article I write about you and your daughter, Mara.

Dane: I hope our story encourages others to trust in God’s forgiveness. And if they live in the area, check out our Marriage Encounter group.

If you’ve been keeping up with A Dozen Apologies, you’ll know the voting has ended for the readers’ favorite hero. Our editor is busy working to get the final project ready to release as a FREE ebook February 14th–16th (Valentine’s weekend). What a wonderful gift to give yourself––a fun read. I will supply you with the link here on my blog or you can go to Write Integrity Press.

If you would like more information about forgiveness and God’s love for you, please contact me via the contact tab above (private message).

*Southern Christian Magazine is a fictitious magazine for this post. Any likeness to any real magazine (or reporter named Riley) is purely coincidental.

Authors: 
Paulette Harris: Part 1, Cara Adkins
Betty Owens, Part 2, Dane Adkins

Paulette Harris has two wonderful children and five awesome grandchildren. She still lives with her original husband and two cats. Both business and social work have opened her eyes to humanity and produced a desire to help others. Battling injury and illness while raising a family and dealing with a deep personal grief have finally led her to write as a way to help others face similar, seemingly overwhelming obstacles in their lives. Writing has become her passion. It’s her sincere wish and prayer that her work will be of aid to readers. Paulette offers services as an author/speaker and encourager of God’s Word, through her company, Wordburst.

You can find more information about Paulette and her work at http://pauletteharris.com/.

A Dozen Apologies is a collaborative novella soon to be released by Write Integrity Press. Paulette and I are two of twelve authors involved. It has been my great pleasure to work with such wonderful authors.

Thanks for stopping by!