Rachel Hauck's Blog

Thanks to all for participating in this hunt! It’s great fun.

Here are the overall winners:

Lisa Hudson

Kathryn Bochman

Heather Olsen

Jan D.

“DR” of New Zealand

Here are the winners from this blog stop:

Janette Kopfhamer
Suzannah Clark
Kerri Norrod

I appreciate everyone who entered. Stay tuned because there’s always more contest and giveaways to come!

The post Winners! Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop #18 appeared first on Rachel Hauck.

Welcome to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! If you’ve just discovered the hunt, be sure to start at Stop #1, and collect the clues at all the stops, in order, so you can enter to win one of our top 5 grand prizes!

The hunt BEGINS on 11/7 at noon MST with Stop #1 at LisaTawnBergren.com
Hunt through our loop using Chrome or Firefox as your browser (not Explorer).
There is NO RUSH to complete the hunt—you have all weekend (until Sunday, 11/10 at midnight MST)! So take your time, reading the unique posts along the way; our hope is that you discover new authors/new books and learn new things about them.
Submit your entry for the grand prizes by collecting the CLUE on each author’s scavenger hunt post and submitting your answer in the Rafflecopter form at the final stop, back on Lisa’s site. Many authors are offering additional prizes along the way!

Shall we get started?

In case you’ve never been to my site before, welcome! My name’s Rachel Hauck, a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. But who’s really tracking, right?

I love a great story with a touch of romance, drama, humor and a hint of elegance. I started out writing romance and chick lit back in ’04. Then penned a 3 book women’s fiction series with country singer Sara Evens. After that it was split time novels—stories with an historical and contemporary timeline—followed by a royal romance series before going back to split time. Such great fun! I was honing my author chops!

Romance and devotion, humor and drama play a roll in all the stories. Whether they have any elegance is for you to decide. You can learn more about me and all my books here on my site and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

***

My newest release is a contemporary romance—THE WEDDING DRESS CHRISTMAS.

December comes to quaint Hearts Bend, Tennessee, with a blanket of white and the glitter of Christmas lights.

For JoJo Castle there is no place like home. Her onetime love of adventure ended when her life in the big city came crashing down. Now that she’s home, she never wants to leave again.

Country music sensation Buck Mathews has charmed the world with his smile and his music. However, news of his mother’s illness brought him home to Hearts Bend for the holiday season.

Working with her cousin Haley in The Wedding Shop, JoJo has no aspirations of love. But when her high school crush returns to town, her buried feelings surface.

Busy with his career, Buck hasn’t had time for family and friends, much less love. Seeing JoJo in The Wedding Shop reminds him there are things more important than his career.

But JoJo and Buck have opposing life goals, and there’s no middle ground. Can love, especially the kind that touches hearts at Christmas, overcome her fears and his quest for greatness?

With the help of a very special wedding dress, there just might be a Christmas miracle.

***

In honor of my new Christmas novella, I thought I’d reminisce about a few books I received as Christmas gifts. In December, I’ll be talking about the inspiration behind The Wedding Dress Christmas in Debbie Macomber’s “Welcome Home” magazine.

 

The Little House Box Set. One year I went snooping for Christmas presents, which was not my norm, and stumbled upon the entire collection of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books. I couldn’t wait to open that gift on Christmas morning! I’ve read the series at least a dozen times.

 

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. My paternal grandmother gave me a signed hardback copy of this hilarious story of the rough Herdman kids becoming the principal players in the church Christmas play. I adored that book. Such a treasure. However, it was lost or damaged as my parents made several moves while I was in college. I’m still a little sad about the loss of that book.

 

True Blue. I’m guessing on the name of this book. It was a YA about a girl who couldn’t wait to go to Valley High. (Or whatever the name.) She and her best friend had been dreaming of it forever. But over the summer, a new school opened and our heroine was rezoned to the other school. It was a crushing but sweet story about overcoming obstacles and making new friends. I wish I could find it, but my searches have netted nothing.

 

The Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg. While I didn’t receive this book as a Christmas present, it is one of my all-time favorite Christmas reads. This quirky novel paints such a rich picture of the holidays in the south and yard full of – you guessed it – redbirds. It captured my heart.

 

There are many more “titleless” and “coverless” books I received under the tree that are long gone. Yet I remember how much I treasured a good book as a Christmas gift. My older brother liked games, but me? I preferred a book over a game any day.

 

When I had a chance to write my own Christmas book, I was thrilled. A Royal Christmas Wedding released in 2016 as an exciting, holiday-kissed conclusion to The Royal Wedding Series.

 

Then this summer I penned The Wedding Dress Christmas. This sweet novella is set in fictional Hearts Bend, Tennessee, where we last saw “the wedding dress” at The Wedding Shop. Yes, I was listening to Bing Crosby in July! 

 

For me, a Christmas story has to be about hope, redemption, family, friends, a bit of snow outside, and warm fires inside.

 

Even though I live in the south, where snow is almost an impossibility for the holidays, I focus on hope and redemption, which are the core meaning of Christmas, as well as friends, family and a bit of hot chocolate.

 

Happy Holidays, everyone!

***

Here’s the Stop #18 Skinny:

If you’re interested, you can order The Wedding Dress Christmas on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Apple Books! E and print versions are available!

You need your clue too!! Here it is! Write it down: to plunge.

Next Stop, #19, is the fabulous Ronie Kendig! Click HERE to keep your hunt going! 

Remember to circle back around to Lisa Bergren’s site to finish your hunt!

***

LUCKY WINNERS!! Before you go, I’m offering two books, Once Upon A Prince and A Royal Christmas Wedding, and The Wedding Dress Christmas ornament to three entrants. All you have to do is sign up to get my e-newsletter via the Rafflecopter form below. If you’re already subscribed, you can still enter. Additional points to those who follow me as an author on Goodreads or on Instagram! (USA only)

***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop #18 appeared first on Rachel Hauck.

Welcome to my day at the pool.

Not my pool, sadly, but my neighbor’s. While he’s away I’m taking care of his sweet dogs so today we’re spending some time in their world instead of mine.

Plus, they have this cool retreat.

Most of the time when you read about a writer’s life you hear the stories of deadline stress, of creative blocks, of self doubt and fear their last book will be their last book.

You might read about the disappointment of low sales or a bad review. Maybe how the gig never seems to pay enough money.

Rarely do we speak of moments like these. When a writer can kick back, take a mental health day and just “be.”

Usually if we’re taking time away from our work we’re procrastinating. We can’t face the blank page or the mountain of edits. Or the grind of turning a “fun, awesome idea” into an actual story.

You know that’s why most people who claim they have a book in them never write it. The grind of actually turning the idea into something worth reading is brutal.

As I sit by the pool, listening to the waterfall, I am relaxed and at peace. This is the perfect bed of creativity to dream about my next book.

So in a sense I guess I am working but away from my desk.

I have a book or two to read… just for pleasure. I think I feel a nap coming on too.

We all need moments like these. When there’s nothing to do but rest. God intended for us to rest. I think some of the best creativity and ideas come from unplugging and opening our hearts.

I like to call it “white space.” Time to imagine. Dream. Stare out the window at the trees.

Some of my good friends have new releases and I thought I’d share them with you! Summer is the best time to catch up on reading!

 

TATE by Susan May Warren

He was sent here to kill you, wasn’t he?” Glo’s voice emerged in a whisper of horror.

Tate drew in a breath, and even Knox looked away as Tate nodded.

Oh, she knew it. Apparently, she had a type.

The kind of men who didn’t care what trouble—or death—might be waiting for them. Who turned their face to it and charged ahead.

The kind of men who died for what they believed in.

  The kind of men who would break her heart.

What will it cost this bodyguard to save the woman he loves?

*Susie writes a delightful story! – NYT bestselling author Dee Henderson.*

Susan May Warren is the USA Today best-selling, Christy and RITA award-winning novelist of over 65 novels, including the best-selling Montana Rescue and Montana Fire series.

Bodyguard Tate Marshall, has always been the family troublemaker…

Maybe it’s his propensity to get entangled in other people’s problems. Now, he’s in over his head because he’s desperately in love with the woman he’s tasked to protect, the beautiful Gloria, “Glo” Jackson, daughter of US Senator and presidential hopeful Reba Jackson. A member of the country band, the Yankee Belles, Glo was targeted in a recent terrorist attack designed to deter her mother from running, and Tate will do anything to keep her safe. Even if it means letting her go.

Country music artist Glo Jackson isn’t afraid of trouble…

Stubborn and brave, Glo isn’t about to hide from threats, at least the kind that won’t cost her heart. She’s already paid a terrible price for the war on terror, and she refuses to fall for a man who might die, especially because of her. Better to keep him away, even if it means sacrificing her heart.

But when danger threatens them both, what will they sacrifice to keep each other safe?

As the presidential campaign heats up and the threats deepen, so does the attraction between Tate and Glo. But what will it cost Tate to keep her alive? And what will Glo do to keep from losing another man she loves?

The gripping second installment of the Montana Marshalls series.

Action, drama, adventure, flawed individuals and emotional and spiritual challenges are hallmarks of Warren’s books. – Christian Library Journal

Warren has a knack for creating captivating and relatable characters that pull the reader deep into the story. – Radiant Lit

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Length: 338 pages

THE MONTANA MARSHALLS (family series)

Book 1: Knox

Book 2: Tate (July 2019)

Book 3: Ford (September 2019)

Book 4: Wyatt (October 2019)

Book 5: Ruby Jane (November 2019)

***

Now and Then and Always by Melissa Tagg

Last year, after traumatic circumstances forced her from her job as a nanny, Mara Bristol finally found a place to belong—the winsome Everwood Bed & Breakfast at the edge of Maple Valley, Iowa. For months, she’s helped its owner, Lenora, maintain the ramshackle property despite their shortage of guests. But when Lenora fails to return from a month-long trip and the bank threatens foreclosure, Mara worries she’s once again alone . . . abandoned . . . about to lose the only true home she’s ever known.

Detective Marshall Hawkins is no closer to whole today than he was two years ago . . . the day his daughter died. Between his divorce, debilitating migraines, and a dependence on medication, his life is falling apart. And when a reckless decision on the job propels him into administrative leave, he has no other plan but to get in his truck and drive. A one-night stay at the Everwood was supposed to be just that. But there’s something about the old house—or maybe its intriguing caretaker—that pulls him in.

Together, Mara and Marshall set out to save the Everwood. But its secrets run deeper than they could’ve imagined. As they renovate the house and search for its missing owner, they’ll each confront the pain that brought them to the Everwood in the first place . . . and just maybe discover a faith and love to help them carry on.

***

You Belong With Me by Tari Faris

What Secrets Are Hiding Behind the Doors of this Small Town?

I invite you to Heritage, Michigan, a historic small-town with its share of romance and secrets. Let your heart find a home in You Belong with Me, book one in the Restoring Heritage series.

Real estate agent Hannah Thornton loves the historic community of Heritage, Michigan. Unfortunately, selling houses is not one of her fortes. She sees each house and the larger town of Heritage as something to be valued, not sold-off to the highest bidder. When a business mogul arrives in town determined to exploit the land and build a new strip mall, Hannah is determined to stop him from bulldozing her town’s past. At first no one supports her efforts—not even her best friend, Luke. Can Hannah help the town of Heritage see that true value lies in the things you cannot put a price tag on?

Even though Luke Johnson has grown up in Heritage as a foster child, he never truly felt like he belonged. Anxious to earn his place in the town and in Hannah’s heart, Luke applies for the job of assistant fire chief. But Luke does not anticipate the interview process to unearth secrets from his past he has kept carefully hidden. Will the pain of being honest be worth the risk? Can he pull down the walls he’s erected around his bruised heart?

***

Season of Hope by Lisa Jordan

His dreams can all come true…but only if his ex-wife will agree!

Jake Holland’s peaceful dairy farm is a sanctuary—one he wants to share with other worn and weary veterans.

He just needs one more piece of land to start his program…and it belongs to Tori Lerner, his ex-wife.

A collaboration could benefit them both, but with a past full of secrets between them, is there any hope for renewed love?

***

Moments We Forget by Beth K. Vogt

Jillian Thatcher has spent most of her life playing the family peacemaker, caught in the middle between her driven, talented older sister and her younger, spotlight-stealing twin sisters. Then on the night of her engagement party, a cancer diagnosis threatens to once again steal her chance to shine.

Now, Jillian’s on the road to recovery after finally finishing chemo and radiation, but residual effects of the treatment keep her from reclaiming her life as she’d hoped. And just when her dreams might be falling into place, a life-altering revelation from her husband sends her reeling again.

Will Jillian ever achieve her own dreams, or will she always be “just Jillian,” the less-than Thatcher sister? Can she count on her sisters as she tries to step into a stronger place, or are they stuck in their childhood roles forever?

 

The post Books You Might Enjoy appeared first on Rachel Hauck.

Writing Dual or Split Time Stories

In honor of my new book, The Memory House, I thought I’d blog about the process or technique of writing a dual time, or split time, stories.

What is dual or split time? 

I’ve heard people use the term “slip time” but that’s not an accurate picture. Slip implies slipping through time. Time travel.

In split time, the author is dividing the story between two plot lines – one set in the past, one set in the present.

While each timeline follows its own journey, the stories must merge in the end. Usually the the protagonist of the past did or possessed something that impacts the present day protagonist. 

Or the present day protagonist fixes something the historical hero or heroine could not, or did not, achieve. Perhaps she rights a wrong or completes a dream of the past’s heroine.

One “must haves” of split time story development is the plot lines must mirror each other then come together, intertwining, in the end. One must significantly affect the other.

In The Writing Desk, Tenley fulfilled a dream of Birdie’s, the historical, Gilded Age heroine.

In The Memory House, the contemporary heroine, Beck, is changed by the actions of a woman she knew as a child but didn’t remember as an adult.

Everleigh, the heroine in the past, hadn’t see Beck in eighteen years yet she carefully planned something extraordinary for her.

Their stories mirrored one another in pain and loss. Their “common link” was more emotional the physical.

Why dual time frame stories?

Lisa Wingate says, “There’s something about the juxtaposition of a modern life and a life (real or fictional) of long ago, that lends reality to both tales.”

For me, I love the chance to look at the past. To imagine how the actions of our ancestors or society impacts me today. What decisions did they make that led me to this point in my life?

Components of a dual time story.

Remember you have to tell two stories. Also, it helps if you have an object, like a desk, dress, house, historical event, to build the story around.

In dual time, historical details are necessary but the “past” has more of a contemporary feel. The historical time line is more of a setting.

Each story line will have 40k – 50k words. Total 100k words. So you’re going to be writing a pretty big book. You’ll need about 10K words to tie up the two stories in the end. 

Ask Yourself.

“What ties the stories together? And how?”

“If I eliminate a thing or a person, or an idea, does the book fall apart?”

“What is my central hook or theme?”

What split time is not.

Split time is not a straight up historical or straight up contemporary. You have to carve out equal space for each tale. You must also have an authentic voice for each timeline.

The spark of inspiration.

For The Wedding Dress, the idea hit me while visiting a friend. As she talked about finding her daughter’s wedding gown, I thought, “What if there’s one wedding dress four women wore over 100 years?”

Lisa Wingate says, “The Prayer Box was the result of a moment of irresistible inspiration, and the tale of those eighty-one mysterious prayer boxes came to me in not one, but two stories, or more accurately a story within a story.

I glanced across the room, saw the small prayer box that had been given to me as a gift, and thought, “What if that box contained many prayers accumulated over time? What if there were dozens of boxes? What if the letters chronicled the life of a woman who could no longer tell her story? What effect might the prayers of a faithful servant have on a modern woman who has lost faith?”

Susan Meissner came up with The Shape of Mercy after reading a diary.

For any story idea you develop, ask, “Is there an historical component I can tell? Is there a contemporary?” If so, perhaps you have a split time story brewing.

So how do you put a split time story together?

There are no real rules but I usually start with the contemporary protagonist. But in The Love Letter, I started with the historical hero. 

Ask yourself which storyline will grip the reader the best. 

When you leave one storyline for another, make sure you’ve concluded the snippet of the split story you’ve just written.

Leave the reader with a hook, but also satisfied with that portion of the story. Often readers can feel jerked around with split time so you want to leave them emotionally satisfied with the piece they just read.

If you’re using an object, like a desk or a dress, introduce it into the story as soon as you can. You don’t have to explain or go into great detail, just bring it in.

Around the end of the second act, the contemporary protagonist meets with a link to the past via a person or the object.

In The Memory House, I use an old cell phone to unlock secrets in the contemporary protagonist’s heart. Which allowed her to remember the historical heroine.

Alternate structure.

In A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams, the split story is told from a single protagonist in different 1930s timelines.

The hook between the stories is the hero, Nick.

Pacing.

Imagine writing two 40-50k stories. But you must keep each storyline in mind as you write. “How does the past shadow the present? What does the contemporary protagonist discover?”

Use the object, person, event, or prevailing truth, to help move the scenes and characters forward.

If you write two to four scenes of the historical characters, then move to the contemporary timeline and repeat. 

Split time is not flashbacks? 

I used flashbacks as a vehicle to understand the main protagonist in The Songbird Novels with Sara Evans. 

The stories of Jade as a child helped the reader see her wounds and hurts, her motivations. There was also a teen love story that impacted the present day plot.

But flashbacks do not require a story arc or three act structure like in split time. It’s just a layer to broaden the characters. 

Hope this helps! Now go write something brilliant! 

The post In Honor Of The Memory House: How To Write Split Time Novels appeared first on Rachel Hauck.

Hi!

Welcome to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! If you’ve just discovered the hunt, be sure to start at Stop #1, and collect the clues through all 27 stops, in order, so you can enter to win one of our top 5 grand prizes!

Here’s how it works:

The hunt BEGINS on 3/14 at noon MST with Stop #1 at LisaTawnBergren.com.
Hunt through our loop using Chrome or Firefox as your browser (notExplorer).
There is NO RUSH to complete the hunt—you have all weekend (until Sunday, 3/17 at midnight MST)! So take your time, reading the unique posts along the way; our hope is that you discover new authors/new books and learn new things about them.
Submit your entry for the grand prizes by collecting the CLUE on each author’s scavenger hunt post and submitting your answer in the Rafflecopter form at Stop #27. Many authors are offering additional prizes along the way!

***

It is my honor to host the amazing Robin Lee Hatcher. We met over 16 years ago at a conference when she keynoted a conference.

I’ve always admired Robin’s work and faith. It’s an honor to be her friend.

Here’s a brief summary of her book:

When Ashley Showalter and Ben Henning meet on Ashley’s horse rescue farm, they quickly discover how much they have in common. Both were raised by single moms. Both want to help where they see a need. And both work with horses in the Boise valley. Ben needs Ashley’s help and expertise after starting an equine therapy barn on his great-great grandfather’s farm—and the more time they spend together, both Ashley and Ben have the feeling that there could be something more between them.

And now, let’s hear from Robin.

***

Equine Therapy Works by Robin Lee Hatcher

When I began work on the second book in my Legacy of Faith series, Cross My Heart, I knew immediately that horses were going to be at the core of the story.

With one of my granddaughter’s
mustangs in training

I’ve been a lover of horses all of my life, and I passed that love along to my daughters and others in my family.

In fact, my oldest granddaughter, Shayla, has been involved in equine rescue in addition to the training of mustangs in order to help them find homes once off the range.

I don’t remember how many years ago that I first heard about equine therapy, but there was never a moment of doubt in my mind that being with horses can heal deep wounds in our hearts or that rescuing horses that have been abused is the right thing to do.

But, of course, research was required. And for a horse lover, this kind of research was like a vacation.

When I began work on my book, I thought the therapy and the rescue aspects were two separate activities. But research at an area equine therapy program (Ride for Joy) pointed me in the direction of an amazing program in Oregon, Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch.

Stables at Ride for Joy

At Crystal Peaks, they both rescue horses, giving them forever homes, and give young people a place to heal through contact with horses. I highly recommend Kim Meeder’s book, Hope Rising. (She’s written more, but I would start with that one.)

Equine therapy is used in a number of ways. It’s used for those recovering from addictions. It’s used with prisoners.

Indoor arena, Ride for Joy

It’s used with veterans. It’s used with those with physical disabilities, such as cerebral palsy. It’s used with children suffering emotional trauma.

Sometimes the therapy takes the form of riding. Sometimes it is simply sitting with a horse and staring into its eyes. Whatever type, it makes a difference.

Equine therapy programs exist around the country.

If you like to be around horses and to help people, I would encourage you to see if there is a program in your area and to volunteer if possible.

Thanks so much for hosting me, Rachel. Happy hunting, all!

***

BOOK BLURB

Can two broken paths lead toward God’s redemption?

When Ashley Showalter and Ben Henning meet on Ashley’s horse rescue farm, they quickly discover how much they have in common. Both were raised by single moms. Both want to help where they see a need. And both work with horses in the Boise valley. Ben needs Ashley’s help and expertise after starting an equine therapy barn on his great-great grandfather’s farm—and the more time they spend together, both Ashley and Ben have the feeling that there could be something more between them.

They also carry the burden of past experiences that may drive them apart if the truth is ever revealed. Ben is a recovering alcoholic with five years of sobriety behind him, while Ashley’s brother is an opioid addict residing in court-ordered rehab. Holding fast to the belief that addicts can never be cured, Ashley has promised herself she will never walk knowingly into the chaos created by addiction. Ben knows that with God, all things are possible—but will Ashley find it within herself to give love a chance? Or will her brother’s mistakes and the pain of her past jeopardize her future with Ben?

Cross My Heart threads together a contemporary love story with the heartwarming tale of Ben’s great-great-grandfather, Andrew Henning—reminding us that God’s Word is timeless and that His promises are new every morning.

 

BIO

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of 80 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print.

She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA® Award, Christy Award, Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award, and she is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®.

When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning.

A mother and grandmother, Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.

Here’s the Stop #25 Skinny:

You can order Robin’s book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD, or at your local bookstore! :

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Christian Book Distributors

***

Clue to Write Down:

your TBR

***

The Next Stop on the Loop:

Robin Lee Hatcher’s site and Stop 26! Good luck!

***

But wait! Before you go, I’m offering THE MEMORY HOUSE to two lucky winners.

All you have to do is sign up to get my e-newsletter (look right) or note that you’re already a subscriber in the comments. Additional points to those who follow me as an author on Goodreads or on Instagram! (USA only)

The post Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop 25 appeared first on Rachel Hauck.

When I began work on the second book in my Legacy of Faith series, Cross My Heart, I knew immediately that horses were going to be at the core of the story.

With one of my granddaughter’s
mustangs in training

I’ve been a lover of horses all of my life, and I passed that love along to my daughters and others in my family.

In fact, my oldest granddaughter, Shayla, has been involved in equine rescue in addition to the training of mustangs in order to help them find homes once off the range.

I don’t remember how many years ago that I first heard about equine therapy, but there was never a moment of doubt in my mind that being with horses can heal deep wounds in our hearts or that rescuing horses that have been abused is the right thing to do.

But, of course, research was required. And for a horse lover, this kind of research was like a vacation.

When I began work on my book, I thought the therapy and the rescue aspects were two separate activities. But research at an area equine therapy program (Ride for Joy) pointed me in the direction of an amazing program in Oregon, Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch.

Stables at Ride for Joy

At Crystal Peaks, they both rescue horses, giving them forever homes, and give young people a place to heal through contact with horses. I highly recommend Kim Meeder’s book, Hope Rising. (She’s written more, but I would start with that one.)

Equine therapy is used in a number of ways. It’s used for those recovering from addictions. It’s used with prisoners.

Indoor arena, Ride for Joy

It’s used with veterans. It’s used with those with physical disabilities, such as cerebral palsy. It’s used with children suffering emotional trauma.

Sometimes the therapy takes the form of riding. Sometimes it is simply sitting with a horse and staring into its eyes. Whatever type, it makes a difference.

Equine therapy programs exist around the country.

If you like to be around horses and to help people, I would encourage you to see if there is a program in your area and to volunteer if possible.

BOOK BLURB

Can two broken paths lead toward God’s redemption?

When Ashley Showalter and Ben Henning meet on Ashley’s horse rescue farm, they quickly discover how much they have in common. Both were raised by single moms. Both want to help where they see a need. And both work with horses in the Boise valley. Ben needs Ashley’s help and expertise after starting an equine therapy barn on his great-great grandfather’s farm—and the more time they spend together, both Ashley and Ben have the feeling that there could be something more between them.

They also carry the burden of past experiences that may drive them apart if the truth is ever revealed. Ben is a recovering alcoholic with five years of sobriety behind him, while Ashley’s brother is an opioid addict residing in court-ordered rehab. Holding fast to the belief that addicts can never be cured, Ashley has promised herself she will never walk knowingly into the chaos created by addiction. Ben knows that with God, all things are possible—but will Ashley find it within herself to give love a chance? Or will her brother’s mistakes and the pain of her past jeopardize her future with Ben?

Cross My Heart threads together a contemporary love story with the heartwarming tale of Ben’s great-great-grandfather, Andrew Henning—reminding us that God’s Word is timeless and that His promises are new every morning.

 

BIO

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of 80 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print.

She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA® Award, Christy Award, Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award, and she is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®.

When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning.

A mother and grandmother, Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.

Check out Robin’s book at these retailers:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Christian Book Distributors

Here’s your clue:  your TBR

Continue the hunt…

Next up, visit Robin Lee Hatcher’s site and Stop 26! Good luck!

 

The post Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop 25 Robin Lee Hatcher appeared first on Rachel Hauck.

 

Here in the 12 Author Give we’re discussing our favorite things. One of mine is the book, A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg.

I confess I haven’t read it in awhile but ever since my encounter with Flagg’s magical story, I’ve been fascinated with redbirds.

So much so I added quite a few to my Christmas tree ornament collection.

Here’s a blurb about the book:

With the same incomparable style and warm, inviting voice that have made her beloved by millions of readers far and wide, New York Times bestselling author Fannie Flagg has written an enchanting Christmas story of faith and hope for all ages that is sure to become a classic.

Deep in the southernmost part of Alabama, along the banks of a lazy winding river, lies the sleepy little community known as Lost River, a place that time itself seems to have forgotten. After a startling diagnosis from his doctor, Oswald T. Campbell leaves behind the cold and damp of the oncoming Chicago winter to spend what he believes will be his last Christmas in the warm and welcoming town of Lost River. There he meets the postman who delivers mail by boat, the store owner who nurses a broken heart, the ladies of the Mystic Order of the Royal Polka Dots Secret Society, who do clandestine good works. And he meets a little redbird named Jack, who is at the center of this tale of a magical Christmas when something so amazing happened that those who witnessed it have never forgotten it. Once you experience the wonder, you too will never forget A Redbird Christmas.

What I loved: When the story opens, you are immediately drawn into the cold darkness of the main character Oswald Chambers and his bleak wintery Chicago existence.

We also gain understanding into his psyche when he fills out a medical form.

Age: 52

Hair: Some… Red.

Marital Status: Divorced

Children: No, thank God.

Please list your complaints: The Cubs need a new second baseman.

Ha! Okay Oswald, I’m with you. I’ll go on your journey.

The doctor advises Oswald to leave The Windy City winter for a warmer climate. His journey takes him to Lost River, Baldwin County, Alabama.

On his first day, he wakes up to a room full of sunlight, birds chirping and host of quirky southern characters. The exact opposite of his Chicago existence.

With Flagg’s humor and gift for description, I saw the sunlight in Oswald’s room. Felt its warmth. I was relieved to be out of cold, dreary Chicago.

I lived in Lost River for 207 pages. (And oh, there are recipes included!)

A Redbird Christmas is a story of hope, connection and the beauty of the world around us when we open our eyes and hearts.

My favorite scene is near the end when it snows for the first time in many, many years and dozens of redbirds descend in the yard and on the barren, white tree branches.

Here’s a bit of that Flagg’s storytelling from the character Frances’s point of view:

“She could see the entire yard and all the trees were completely white with snow! … And the whole yard was alive with redbirds.”

The redbirds fluttering through the quiet, white world was so vivid to me.

The snow and birds were a miracle for the tiny town. And you know, one miracle always leads to another.

Oswald found more than sustained health in his new southern home, he found hope. He found love. But I’ll leave the rest of the story for you to discover on your own.

If you’ve not read A Redbird Christmas add it to your must-read pile. The story, the characters will delight you.

****

Be sure to visit each stop so you don’t miss the fabulous daily giveaways!

Dec 10: Catherine West-Welcome to My Favorite Christmassy Things

Dec 10: Cynthia Ruchti– My Favorite Christmas Tree

Dec 11: Tamara Leigh– My Favorite Christmas Carol

Dec 12: Lauren K. Denton– My Favorite Christmas Disaster

Dec 13: Ronie Kendig– My Favorite Christmas Movie

Dec 14: Jody Hedlund– My Favorite Christmas Food

Dec 15:Elizabeth Byler Younts– My Favorite Christmas Ornament

Dec 16: Beth K. Vogt– My Favorite Christmas Decoration

Dec 17: Rachel Linden– My Favorite Christmas Service

Dec 18: Courtney Walsh– My Favorite Christmas Memory

Dec 19: Rachel Hauck– My Favorite Christmas Book

Dec 20: Susan Meissner– My Favorite Christmas Vacation

Dec 21: Catherine J. West– My Favorite Christmas Gift

Enter by midnight on 12/21/18 USA Eastern time! Winners will be drawn on 12/22/18 and posted on Catherine West’s site.

Draw open to US addresses ONLY, with apologies to our international readers.

Major Prizes:

1st: All 12 Print Novels

2nd: $50 Amazon gift card and $20 Starbucks Gift Card

3rd: $50 Amazon gift card

Enter Here:

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The post My Favorite Things Giveaway! My Favorite Christmas Book appeared first on Rachel Hauck.

Every year on Christmas Eve, our church holds a Candlelight Service.

For many years, it was more like the “Light Your Candle Service” until we decided to actually cut off the electric lights and use candles for the entire service.

After the songs are song and the Christmas story is told, all candles and ambient light is extinguished and each one in the congregation waits in a completely dark sanctuary.

“This is the world without Jesus,” the pastor says.

Then he lights a candle and immediately, the darkness is bitten back and what we could not see before, is now in the light. One small flickering flame can removed the largest shadow.

One year, our former pastor let the moment with the candles linger. The sanctuary was aglow with golden light.

“The baby in the manger became the man on the Cross who died for our sins,” he said, talking about God’s love and redemption. “If you’ve not chosen Jesus as your savior, stand and say, ‘I choose the Cross.'”

The weighty silence of God’s presence hovered over us.

In the back a person stood. “I choose the Cross.”

Then another and another.

I sat on the front row with my family. My parents visiting from Tallahassee along with my oldest brother. My middle brother, who lived in my town, his wife and daughters. As well as my baby brother.

After the service we were driving across the state to be with my sister’s family.

Another stood. “I choose the Cross.”

My heart started pounding. God was moving and I knew my sister-in-law, K., was feeling Him.

“I choose the Cross,” sounded from someone the section next to us.

Over the course of the night, a dozen people must have stood.

Still we lingered. I moved to the edge of my seat thinking I’d whisper to my sister-in-law, “If your heart is pounding, the Holy Spirit is touching you. Stand.”

But I waited. This had to be her choice. She’d prayed the salvation prayer before. Perhaps before she was ready.

Tonight, if she stood, it was because the Love of Jesus wooed her.

Another person stood and declared the Cross.

We must have lingered for close to forty-five minutes. K. remained in her seat.

Stand! Please stand.

As the pastor was about to close the service, K. shot out of her chair.

“I choose the Cross.”

The Spirit fell like a rushing wind.

She was crying. I was crying. (I’m crying now!) My mom was crying as well as my oldest niece.

By the time we blew out our candles that night, the sanctuary was lit with the light of new believers!

As we hugged and walked out of the sanctuary, then prepared to go to my sisters, I felt like I was walking on cloud nine.

For years to come, that moment with my sister-in-law lingered with me and that Christmas Eve remains one of my all time favorites.

I pray this Christmas the Christ of the manager and the Cross will touch your heart.

 

The post My Favorite Christmas Service appeared first on Rachel Hauck.

Listen along as some of your favorite authors share special Christmas memories or holiday inspiration! Plus have a chance to win these 12 books and a $150 Amazon card!

WIN A BOOK—you have 12 chances! (US addresses only)

1. Listen to author’s FB Live video on her FB page, live or recorded. (Schedule and links below)

2. Leave a comment below video as per author’s instruction.

3. One commenter will be randomly chosen to win her book on Dec 13!

WIN A $150 AMAZON CARD!

1. Watch all 12 videos, live or recorded, in order. (Schedule and links below)

2. Write down the one-word clue each author gives you. All 12 words will combine to make a sentence.

3. Go here to enter the winning sentence by Dec. 13: http://www.caraputman.com/giveaways/christmas-giveaway-3/ (This page will not be available until after the giveaway is in progress.)

FACEBOOK LIVE VIDEO SCHEDULE

Saturday, Dec 1 Cara Putman — 2:00 PM EST

https://www.facebook.com/cara.putman

Sunday, Dec 2 Deborah Raney — 4:00 PM EST

https://www.facebook.com/deborah.raney

Monday, Dec 3 Robin Lee Hatcher — 2:00 PM EST

https://www.facebook.com/robinleehatcher/

Tuesday, Dec 4 Colleen Coble— 2:00 PM EST

https://www.facebook.com/colleencoblebooks/

Wednesday, Dec 5 Tamera Alexander — 8:00 PM EST

https://www.facebook.com/tamera.alexander

Thursday, Dec 6 Becky Wade —9:00 PM EST

https://www.facebook.com/authorbeckywade/

Friday, Dec 7 Rachel Hauck — 2:00 PM EST

https://www.facebook.com/rachelhauck/

Saturday, Dec 8 Denise Hunter — 1:00 PM EST

https://www.facebook.com/authordenisehunter/

Sunday, Dec 9 Katherine Reay — 6:00 pm EST

https://www.facebook.com/katherinereaybooks/

Monday, Dec 10 Beth Vogt — 12:00 pm EST

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBethKVogt/

Tuesday, Dec 11 Hannah Alexander — 2:00 PM EST

https://www.facebook.com/author.HannahAlexander/

Wednesday, Dec 12 Julie Lessman— 2:00 PM EST

https://www.facebook.com/JulieLessmanAuthor/

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The post Hope For The Holidays Giveaway! Starting Dec.1 – 12, 2018 appeared first on Rachel Hauck.