The final book in my Little Red Truck Mystery series is set to release in a few days and I thought it might be inspiring to share the story behind this particular novel.

In the mid-90s, as my children and I drove up to the Mabank area from our home in Houston, we saw smoke off in the distance. The closer we got to my mother and stepfather’s acreage—sixty-three gorgeous acres of cattle land—the thicker the smoke got.

When we arrived on Mom’s street the reality of what faced us was unavoidable. The property across the road, to our left, was in a roaring blaze, flames moving so fast my car could barely get past them on the narrow country road. 

We miraculously made it to Mom’s driveway and went inside her home, hearts racing. In that moment, a decision was made to gather in a circle and pray. We offered up a passionate plea for the Lord’s protection then rushed outside to grab hoses to help water everything down. 

How Will This Story End?

As I sat to write Mistletoe and Mayhem, my latest cozy mystery from Barbour Publishing, I was faced with the memories of this terrifying trip.

Just as you read in this story, firefighters got that massive blazed stopped, right at the edge of her property. And I can tell you as a first-hand witness that not a spark landed on any of us. Whenever I reflect on this event I’m reminded of God’s ultimate faithfulness. He spared us from certain catastrophe.  

I can assure you, we as a family never forgot the mercy and grace of God as we faced our Isaiah 43 moment. No doubt you’ve been through a few fires, too. Fear not. The Lord is right there, ready to carry you through. You can trust Him, even in the fiery trials of life. 

A Verse Worthy of Remembering

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1b-3

Mistletoe and Mayhem

Let me leave you with a blurb about the book: A Wildfire Races toward the Hadley Ranch: It’s less than a week until Christmas in Mabank, Texas, and just a few days away from RaeLyn and Mason’s wedding on Hadley ranch. Unfortunately, a wildfire with mysterious origin is rapidly traveling across several counties and headed right for the Hadley acreage.

Fire fighters rush to put it out before the family homestead goes up in flames, taking the business and the old red truck with it. Their perfect wedding may be ruined, and RaeLyn and Mason are determined to find the source of the fire. Get your copy of Mistletoe and Mayhem today!

Check out the Little Red Truck Mystery Series on Amazon!

The post Mistletoe and Mayhem: The Story Behind the Story. appeared first on Janice Thompson, Author.