Beth Green's Blog - Posts Tagged "christian-fiction"

Thank you to all who got involved in the short lived contest to guess the name of the new novel. It's very exciting for me to get to the last few stages of a novel. I feel God's hand on my thoughts as I write and I sincerely pray that this book will bless you in some way.
I've had some questions about the new novel and I'm trying to be a little mysterious smile emoticon I really want to bring you into the book and take you on a journey. If I tell you too much, I'm afraid the journey won't be as exciting.

A Rose For Jonathan was inspired by two very special children that I worked with specifically but also by all the incredible kids I've had the privilege to work with through the years. In particular, as a pediatric PT, I am blessed beyond measure to be able to help these children and their families and I cannot imagine a better job in the world. As I wrote this novel, I really wanted to not only emphasize the importance of organ donation but also the power we have through prayer and scripture (and especially when combining them together).

This new novel, Quiver, is a continuation of the story but is not a true sequel in the sense that the story now shifts to follow Jonathan. All the old characters make appearances, of course. Who could leave out the Martin sisters or Mr. Roberts? They were just too much fun to not include them. This time, I wanted to emphasize some new things...more to come on that!

Keep checking back in here for updates and the cover reveal. Since the title was guessed so quickly, I've decided to move the do the cover reveal on Friday, April 15. Keep in mind that sometimes we have to make a quick change in the end; but right now everyone is very happy with it!

Please share this post and help me build excitement for the new book release. It's almost ready for Beta reader stage and the release date will be set soon.

Thank you all for your support!

Beth

Don't miss the new cover reveal for

QUIVER

The new novel and a sequel to A Rose For Jonathan.

Cover is revealed tonight at 8:00 PM on Facebook @ The Green Author.

Congratulations to Judy, Angela, Nancy, Christina, and Thomas!

They are the lucky winners of the autographed copy of A Rose For Jonathan!

There is another chance to win an autographed copy of The Club still ongoing on Goodreads.

Enter for a chance to win!

So happy to announce that A Rose For Jonathan has won another award! This makes the third award for this book and I am more than humbled. Thank you to all who have encouraged me along the way!

The sequel, Quiver, is getting close to a release date...stay tuned!

How are you dressed today?

Colossians 3:12

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

As I stand each morning before my closet and try to decide what to wear, many times I'm challenged and burdened with trying to find that perfect outfit for the day. I don't know if you're like me, but I go through several outfits before I decide what to wear. I usually check the weather forecast and balance that against what my activities for the day will be. A lot of thought usually goes into my choice.

As I read this verse today, it occurred to me that we should be working just as hard to spiritually clothe ourselves for the day. I wonder what our world look like if we truly clothed ourselves in compassion…kindness…humility…gentleness…and patience.

The world would most definitely notice…

Compassion: Do you like the feeling of compassion? Many do but some don’t. Maybe for you, compassion is more difficult. Is there someone in your life that could use some compassion?

Kindness: What about kindness? It’s easy to grant this to those we love; but what about to strangers? Those in need around you? Is there someone you know who is struggling and could use a kind word or act?

Humility: I think this is difficult for us all. Satan loves Pride. In my novels, I try to highlight that as much as possible. There is something so seductive about ourselves that it’s hard to deny ourselves for someone else. How can you display humility? Is there someone you need to forgive?

Gentleness: Are you too harsh with those you love? Sometimes I am. I want to be known to be more gentle. It’s not as easy as it sounds. Sometimes I expect or ask too much of those closest to me when they need more gentle responses.

Patience: I think I struggle here so much. In our day of instant everything, we have lost the art of waiting. Sometimes it might be the waitress who is having trouble handling the large number of tables when you’re in a hurry. Or the old man in front of you in traffic. It could be as simple as a slow internet connection that sends you over the edge.

Are you honoring God in all you do?

Take some time to review these attributes in your life and see if you are truly “clothed” in them every day.

Three awards and counting!

A Rose For Jonathan has now been honored three times:

Winner of the New Apple Book Award for Independent Publishing (Religion category)

National Indie Excellence Awards (NIEA) Finalist

Readers' Favorite Book Award Contest Bronze Medalist (Religion category)

I was at a park today seeing a client for a therapy session and as I waited for my family to arrive, I watched a little boy and his big brother playing. The older boy was standing up on a platform and trying to help his younger brother climb; but the small boy was afraid. I heard the older boy say, "Come on, all you have to do is reach, I'll help you." I continued to watch as the smaller boy folded his arms, shook his head, and walked away. The older boy called out, "Okay, but you're gonna miss all the fun."

Something about that image of the older boy's outstretched hand touched me. I could visualize God reaching out for me when I was too scared to do something. I could almost hear him calling out to me, "Okay, but you're gonna miss all the fun." How many times do we simply walk away from the outstretched hand of God? I felt convicted as I saw the small boy not only walk away but shake his head and fold his arms, as if he would do anything else but not that.

Take a moment today and thank God for His patience with us. Surely, if an older brother promises to help his younger sibling, my Heavenly Father will help me when I'm in need. I pray that I have the ability to see His hand, the humility to accept his help, and the courage to reach out and do my part. I don't want to "miss all the fun" God has for me.


Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

More 5 star reviews for Quiver on a variety of sites are popping up!


Here is one of the latest on Reader's Favorite:

Quiver: Angels and Demons Volume 2 by Beth Green is an action packed novel that has it all. It has action, it has adventure, it has love, and it has an epic tale that you will want to read till the end and wish for another page. I am simply blown away by the book and the sheer artistry of Beth Green. She did a tremendous job of creating characters that you can relate to and actually feel a connection with.

The novel follows Jonathan, a man with a supernatural gift that is beyond the comprehension of any mortal man. His powers are a gift, but sometimes they are a huge burden as well. His power attracts the attention of the Angels, but his power attracts Demons too. Now his powers are becoming a danger for the woman he loves and he cannot have that. So he leaves without telling her where he is going, and he becomes more familiar with his powers. Only now, he is a much bigger and easier target for the Demons. What will happen now that Jonathan is out there in the open? Can the Angels keep him hidden from the Demons? Or will he become an easy target before he can get complete control of his powers.

Quiver: Angels and Demons Volume 2 by Beth Green is simply fantastic. Even though it is Christian fiction, anyone can enjoy it. As long as you are a fan of paranormal, action and adventure, you will love this novel. You will also love Jonathan for his determination and his desire to make things right in his life and the lives of the people around him. Beth Green did an amazing job with this novel and in creating Jonathan; he is a well rounded character that you respect a lot. This talented author has the gift of storytelling!

Psalm 56:3
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

As a child, I was afraid of going into my basement. I remember running down and up to get something and singing at the top of my lungs, thinking that would help. When I was older, I was staying with an aunt when I had a horrible experience.

In Physical Therapy school, you do rotations that are similar to a residency but shorter. One of mine was in Birmingham, Alabama, where my mom’s twin sister lived. She had a wonderful room in her basement that opened out into a large family room, complete with workout equipment and a large TV.

One weekend, my aunt and uncle went out of town and I was left in the house alone. I came home on Friday after my shift at the rehab center and decided to enjoy a quiet evening studying some of the articles given to me to read. After making my dinner and working out, I took a shower and bundled up in the bed with my articles, thankful that I could sleep in the next day.

Propping up on my pillows, I was about halfway through my second article when I heard a loud noise above me. It was distinct and purposeful, like someone had knocked over something in the dark. Immediately, my heart began to race and I tried to remain calm. This was years before people carried any kind of cell phone and the nearest phone that I could use was outside my bedroom in the middle of the family room.

After a long pause, I sighed, remembering my aunts’ cat and almost laughed at my own fear until I realized she was laying at my feet. This meant that there was no way she could have caused the noise. Even though I knew this, I still felt like there had to be logical explanation and hopefully I’d just left something on the edge of a counter and it had just slipped off the edge. After my mind sped through those options, I began to relax and leaned back again on the pillows. Within a few more seconds, another sound triggered my heart rate again—it was footsteps. Someone was in the house and there was no doubt about it this time. The footsteps continued and I could hear this person clearly moving above me.

Fear gripped my heart and all I could think to do was pray. I clasped my hands together and prayed a simple prayer:

“God, please protect me.”

Almost immediately, I felt calm and even though seconds before I could barely breathe, suddenly I was clear-headed and I knew what I needed to do. Slowly, I slipped out of my bed and flattened my body to the floor, moving toward the phone to call for help.

As I reached the phone, instead of calling 911, for some reason I called my mother. Whispering to her over the phone, I told her what was happening and she was so upset; but she told me to do something strange. I still don’t know why I called her first; but she made me hang up to call 911 but also do the other thing that seemed crazy. After I punched the numbers into the phone, I did what my mom told me to do: I shouted,

“I hear you! I’m calling the police!”

As soon as I the operator came on the phone, I could hear the person above me run toward the front door and exit the house. Within seconds, I relayed to the police operator what was happening and they sent help right away. After all the investigations, they determined that I had arrived home and startled a burglar, who in turn hid in a closet until he thought I was asleep. He was trying to sneak out when he heard me yell and he panicked and ran away. 

This event scared me so much that I had difficulty staying alone for some time; but I eventually conquered that fear. During that night, I remember just praying and crying out to God to keep me safe. The police told me that I was incredibly lucky and that I could have been murdered that night or in the very least, assaulted. For some reason, that man didn’t do either and for that I am thankful.

I believe with all my heart that God heard my prayer that night and He protected me. Why did I call my mom first? Why did she tell me to do that? She didn’t remember even telling me that the next day. It was so strange. All of it. And no one could explain any of it.

I sincerely, hope that you are never in a situation like that; but we are all scare of something at different times in our lives. Not just sudden gripping fear like I had that night; but fear that is gnawing at us and controlling our emotions in a way that God never intended. He tells us repeatedly (hundreds of times actually) not to fear and to trust in Him. This verse, though, says that “when I fear” so I think He fully expects us to have some fear at different times. When we do, He wants us to “put our trust in Him”. I can tell you that I had no other choice that night. I had to trust that He would keep me safe. I did all that I could but I was helpless and trapped. He rescued me and reminded me that He was and always is in control.