The Cover for Transplanted to Red Clay

I am excited to at last release the cover design for my new historical novel, Transplanted to Red Clay. This is the fourth and final book in the Appalachian Roots series. Below is the final concept design, which will be even clearer when I get the final copy from Hannah, but this is what it will show.

Here is the synopsis of the story:

When Rachel Moretz's Aunt Ivy invites her to come to the Whitley family's farm in Stanly County, North Carolina, Rachel jumps at the chance. She loves her parents' mountain farm, but she feels isolated there, and there're no other young people her age around.

She barely remembers her half cousin, Patrick, although he seems to have intriguing memories of her. He soon becomes Rachel's best friend, helping her to navigate many uncertainties while introducing her to Big Lick society. But, the extended visit will bring unexpected friendships, suitors, and dangers. Rachel finds she must rely on her family's support as she faces unexpected trials and prejudices. Throughout it all, she comes to realize that the best plan for her life is God's plan, and that forgiveness comes in many forms. And in the end, the Moretz family's story comes full circle -- a circle filled with love.

The ebook should be ready soon, and the publisher is estimating the print copies will be available September 30. All my profits go to a scholarship fund for missionary children. Although I hate to see this series come to an end, I can't wait to get my hands on the books. And of course, I always have others in the works.

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Cruising the World

I'm one of those people who's interested in about everything, and I'm never bored. I can always find something that interests me. The bigger problem is keeping up with it and finding time for everything. I thought about listing some of my hobbies, but the list would be too long, and I'd be sure to leave out some things.

One of the things I love to do is travel. I've been to all 50 states, and about 40 other countries. I've also been on 14 cruises. So, when I decided to set half of my latest book on a cruise ship, I had plenty of experience I could put to use. That's one of the things I love about writing. It allows me to pull from my many interests. (All my profits go to a scholarship fund for missionary children.)

Especially when I was single, cruising was a convenient, safe way to travel. Everything is provided, and it felt more like a retreat. It's also economical when you consider you get your travel, accommodations, scrumptious food, and entertainment. But my husband enjoys it too now, and we can cruise the world together when he manages to find the time. I can write anywhere. In fact part of With Summer's Song was written on our Mediterranean cruise.

Here are the cruises I've been on, some of them more than once:

The Bahamas
The Eastern Caribbean (2)
The Western Caribbean
Southern Caribbean
Cozumel & Central America (2)
The Panama Canal
Alaska (2)
Hawaii
Bermuda
The Mediterranean
New England and Canada

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In Water, Wind, and Fire

In the Old Testament God often shows His presence in these three elements - water, wind, and fire. In Genesis 5:9, God destroys everything except the ark and it's passengers in a flood. He used wind and water to save the Israelites as they fled Egypt, but that same wind and water in the Red Sea destroyed the Egyptian soldiers. And, in 1 Kings 18, God used all three to show his power on Mt. Carmel with Elijah and the pagans and afterwards when the rains came to end the famine.

Fire demonstrates the presence of God even more. God spoke to Moses in a burning bush that would not be consumed (Genesis 3:2-6). He descended on Mt. Sinai "in fire" (Deuteronomy 4). He showed all those on Mt. Carmel who was God by sending down fire that devoured not only the wood on the altar and the sacrifice, but also the altar itself and all the water poured over it and in the trenches ( Kings 18:38). As many Bible commentators have pointed out, fire represents the presence of God. Malachi 3:3 tells us that God uses fire to purify His people. "And, we're told that the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel" (Exodus 24:17). Even John saw Jesus' eyes looking like a blazing fire (Revelation 1:14, 2:18 & 19:12).

But God presents Himself differently to us today. The work of His Son on earth changed things. On Pentecost the Holy Spirit descended in the wind and with tongues of fire on the believers, just as Jesus had promised (Acts 2:1-4). Now, God communicates with us by the Spirit. With His Spirit within us, we can always be close to Him. What a magnificent gift!

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With Summer's Songs

My print copies of With Summer's Songs came yesterday, and it's always so exciting to open that first case. I have published four inspirational, historical novels so far, but this is my first contemporary one. However, it does have a connection with When Winter Is Past, my last historical novel set in colonial Pennsylvania. Tara Kildare inherits Stanton and Beth's house, and Beth's journal helps Tara realize what God has been trying to show her. If you plan to read them both, I suggest you read When Winter Is Past first, because With Summer's Songs hints at some of its ending.

Here's the backcover copy for With Summer's Songs:

Tara Kildare’s sister gives her a cruise so she can escape her troubles for a while. Her husband had become abusive but was killed in Iraq. Now his parents are trying to gain custody of her son, Ricky. Tara knows she will never trust another man, but would a husband help her court case as her lawyer says, and would she do even this to keep her son?

Sean Murphy might be impulsive, but he’s also an optimist. He’s had about enough of sailing around the world, and Tara might just be the woman to give him the home and family he wants. She’s certainly captured his interest and then his heart. Now he’ll need to convince the stubborn woman that they were meant for each other, and, with God’s help, he intends to do just that.

I have loved all the heroes in my books, but Sean Murphy is delightful. He's an Irishman who can laugh at himself and doesn't let life get him down. His optimism and even his impulsiveness make him endearing, because he has such a loving, caring nature, while still being very competent. I think readers will love him and sympathize with Tara as much as I do.

(All profits from both books go to a scholarship fund for missionary children.)
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First National KKK Rally

The first national Ku Klux Klan rally was held in Washington, D.C., on August 8, 1925, ninety-one years ago. It is reported to have started in Pulaski, Tennessee, in December 1865 as a social club by six former Confederates. Members met in Nashville in 1867 to establish rules and guidelines. However, it evolved into something more and was suppressed in the 1870's, because it wanted to overthrow Reconstruction governments in the South.Yet, although it dwindled, some believe that local pockets continued to operate in secret.

The organization regrouped and begin to flourish in 1915. This time, it spread into the Midwest and West. Now, it not only opposed blacks, but also Jews and Catholics. This group wore the standard white costumes and conical hats but added cross burning and parading in masses. The first national KKK rally in D.C. came under this group.

The last resurgence of the Klan came in 1950 and continued through the sixties to fight the new Civil Rights laws and desegregation. More than at any other time, local law enforcement often joined their ranks, making it hard to oppose them until federal marshals stepped in. 

Even in these modern times, the Klan still exists. It's estimated that there's about 150 chapters across the United States with around 5,000 members. Today, many consider them a terrorist organization. The city of Charleston, SC, declared them one in 1999. They appear in my fourth and final book in the Appalachian Roots series, Transplanted to Red Clay, which should go to the printer in a few days.

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Learning from Eagles

For thus saith the Lord; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings... (Jeremiah 48:40).

The eagle is a large bird with an expansive wingspan. Their nests are also large to accommodate their young. The babies are born with wings, but they have to learn to use them. When the time is right, the mother pushes a baby out of the nest, knowing it's going to fall. However, she swoops beneath it, catches it on one of her wings, and carries it back to safety. She continues to do this until it learns to fly. The eagle is a powerful flyer. It can fly about 45 mph when soaring and reach speeds of 75 - 100 mph when diving, but it has to be trained to fly.

Christians get their spiritual wings at rebirth, but they need training in how to use them. The Lord puts us into situations where, although we might fail a few times, we will learn. While we're learning, our confidence might falter, we might feel helpless at times, and we may grow tired, but God will never leave us. He'll spread His arms to catch us when we fall and stand beside us to give us strength when we need it.

Even though the young eaglets don't like leaving the security of their nests, their mother knows it is what's best for them. As we learn to depend on God, Christians learn that He has their best interests at heart. The more we allow Him to take over our lives, the more our trust in Him will grow, and the more we'll see his work within us. Step out in faith, and let God show you what great things He'll do.

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up on wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).

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The Author on Social Media

It recently came to my attention that a few friends and family don't think I should be using social media to get the word out about my writing and books. This shocked me. After all, this is what my publisher insisted that I do. He told me I needed a presence on social media, a website with regular blogs, and other efforts to grow a fan base. I complied and have seen great blessings and another ministry come from it.

It's also what all other authors I know do, and facebook has many pages designed just for this. The one person with a book I could name who doesn't put out information on social media doesn't view himself as a writer but a pastor, and his books haven't sold over a hundred copies in years. I have a personal example of this. Three weeks ago, I published an indie book, With Summer's Songs. However, I found too many mistakes in it and wanted to correct them before I announced its release. It has been on amazon and other sites for a little over three weeks now, and not a single copy has sold. It will begin selling when I announce it's release on social media after I get a clean copy.

Those who follow my writing and anticipate the books I publish love the fact that they can keep up with it all on social media. Instead of a nuisance, they see it as an opportunity to connect with a writer they enjoy. It's all in attitude, perspective, and a heart for people. I write this blog, hoping to encourage understanding and at least tolerance, if not support. I want my books to get in the hands of people and pray they'll encourage, inspire, and deliver God's personal message to each reader. I see writing Christian books as my calling, and all my profits go to a scholarship fund for missionary children.

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