The theme for the month of May is “Family.” There are many different types of family, and not all of them are related by DNA. Today’s featured book is about characters who grew up in the foster care system and formed a family of their own.

The author’s inspiration:

Growing up, I imagined getting married someday, having children of my own, and adopting a few as well. I’ve always had a soft spot for the kids who go from foster home to foster home, dreaming of a family. While we have not been in a position to foster or adopt children (our son has severe special needs), I still think about it often. I wanted to write a series focused on adults who grew up in the foster care system and, without biological relatives to count on, formed a family of their own.

About the book:

She’s determined to escape her past. He’s looking to build a future . . . with her. Will she open her heart and let him help, or keep on running alone?

Anna Henderson is guilty of one thing: trusting the wrong man. Now she’s running for her life from an ex-boyfriend who will stop at nothing to find her. The little town of Quintin, Texas seems like the perfect place to lay low, and its quaint little diner may just give her the new start she’s looking for. The more she gets to know the diner’s handsome owner, the more of a connection she feels with him. But she can’t put her heart—or his safety—at risk.

Joel Ash knows all about second chances. After all, he pulled himself out of his rough past and became a successful restaurant owner. So, when a nervous woman walks into his diner looking for a job, he can’t say no—even though he’s convinced she’s hiding something. He soon finds himself falling for the beautiful stranger, and he thinks he may have a real chance at winning her heart. But when Anna’s past catches up with her, both their lives are thrown into turmoil. His only thought is to protect Anna, and their possible future together, at any cost.

Excerpt:

“What are you running from, Anastasia?”

Her mind scattered in all directions. What was she supposed to say? She wasn’t ready to tell him what she was coming from — she might not ever be. Panic welled in her chest and she forced herself to focus on the pressure of his hand on hers. On the way he was lacing their fingers together and then giving a reassuring squeeze.

Mustering every bit of strength she had, she prayed she’d sound casual and said, “Epic and I came here from Utah.”

“Wow, that’s quite a ways. Did Epic ride in the passenger seat the whole time?”

Anna chuckled at that and cast him a sideways look.

“Every last mile.”

Epic heard his name and had trotted back over to them. Anna ran her hand over his warm head.

“What made you stop in Quintin?”

She considered her answer. “I can’t explain it except to say that, from the moment we crossed into town, I felt God was telling me to stop.” She peeked at him from beneath lowered lashes. “Does that sound insane?”

“No, it doesn’t.” He stopped and moved to stand in front of her, their hands still linked. “It’s always both humbling, and a relief, when God shows us that he has a plan and is going to help us achieve it.”

Anna couldn’t agree more. Coming to Quintin had certainly been an answer to prayer in more than one way. Now that she had this rental with Brooke, could she hope for some semblance of a normal life? Did she even know what that was?

Joel reached his other hand out and traced the outline of her jaw with a single finger. “I, for one, am grateful you stopped in Quintin instead of driving right through.”

His eyes were intense as he studied her. He curled the same finger under her chin and gently tipped it up. A breath later, he dipped and softly touched his lips to hers. It was the briefest of kisses before he pulled away, his breath warm on her cheek. Then he claimed her lips again, gentle, yet confident.

Anna’s heart beat wildly as if trying to escape the confines of her chest. What if things stayed like this? What if she actually found someone to share her life with?

But could she open herself up to him? Tell him about Liam and what had happened? She didn’t think so. Not now.

Joel must have sensed the change because his lips left hers, hovering mere inches away. “Anastasia?” His gaze contained a mix of concern and confusion.

He deserved answers. He deserved an explanation. And she couldn’t give him one right now. Joel must have seen that in her face because he released a frustrated breath

About the author:

Melanie D. Snitker is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes inspirational and sweet romance novels. She and her husband live in the beautiful Texas Hill Country with their two children who keep their lives full of adventure. They share their home with two dogs, a guinea pig, two lizards, three frogs, and a toad. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys photography, reading, baking, computer games, and hanging out with family and friends.

Author media links:

Website – https://www.melaniedsnitker.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/melaniedsnitker

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/melaniedsnitker/

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Melanie-D.-Snitker/e/B00MGOUYRW

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8440136.Melanie_D_Snitker

Bookbub – https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melanie-d-snitker

Buy Link:

Today’s recipe was created on the spur of the moment. I had cans of chili beans and diced tomatoes. I wanted to make my Frito pie, but I didn’t have any chips. Instead, I cooked up white rice, added beans, tomatoes and salsa. It was kind of like Spanish rice only with beans instead of meat, and it was really tasty.

Chili Rice

Ingredients:

1 can chili beans

1/2 cup salsa

1 can diced tomatoes

2 cups cooked white rice

Mix all together, heat on stove or microwave.

Enjoy.

My guest today is Chrissy Dennis, author of the newly released YA novel, Paper Wolf. Chrissy, tell us a little bit about yourself.

Okay, my name is Chrissy and I’m from a rural town in Saskatchewan, Canada. I work part time as an administrative assistant for Renovaré Canada, and I’m a full-time foster mom to two little girls. So, that definitely keeps me busy. I have a cat named Lexi, and for fun, I like to read, crochet and, of course, write.

What is Paper Wolf about?

Happily-ever-after doesn’t exist for kids like Gracie—or does it?

Gracie Anderson may only be eleven, but five years in foster care has taught her that happy endings don’t exist in the real world, not for kids like her anyway. And she’s convinced this next foster home will be just as bad as all the others. 

Except… it’s not. 

The Barkmans are completely different from any family she’s ever known—and she doesn’t trust them one bit because no one is that understanding and compassionate. But no matter how hard Gracie pushes against them, how rude, rebellious, and disrespectful she is toward them, they consistently come back at her with faith, love, and acceptance. And when Gracie’s mom decides not to come back for her, the Barkmans welcome her as one of their own, proving that even someone as damaged as Gracie deserves the love of God and a family. 

Do you have a day job? If so, how do you find time in your day to write?

I do, and I’m a full-time single mom. I don’t have time to write, but I have been intentionally making it a practice to write for 10 minutes a day. Everybody has 10 minutes in a day, right? I set a timer, I turn off all social media, and write. If I have time or inspiration to go longer, I do. Some days, I stare at a blank page for 10 minutes. It’s a good practice and honestly, that’s the only reason The Paper Wolf was ever finished.

Are you a night owl or morning person?

Neither. I’m exhausted 24/7. I suppose I’m most productive in the morning, but I wouldn’t go as far as to call myself a morning person.

How did you come up with the name of your heroine?

I chose the name Gracie because the story is ultimately one of grace. Grace is undeserved favor, and that is Gracie’s journey in The Paper Wolf. It is also the story of the Gospel, available for all who trust in Jesus.

Who was the first person you allowed to read your completed book?

My best friend, Kari. She is always the first reader of my books because she is incredibly encouraging, but she’s also honest about the many ways I can improve.

If you didn’t write books, what would you do for a living?

I used to want to be a forensic psychologist. I’m kind of glad I didn’t pursue that, though. I doubt I have the stomach for that line of work.

Do you have a favorite author or book?

My favorite author is Kristin Hannah. She is a phenomenal author who writes raw, emotional stories that draw you in so deep, you never forget it. When I grow up, I want to be a great author like her.

What’s next for you as an author?

I’m sloooowly writing my 5^th novel, called Only Chance.

Where can readers find you online?

www.chrissymdennis.com

www.facebook.com/chrissymdennis

www.twitter.com/chrissymdennis

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5826990.Chrissy_M_Dennis

Buy Link:

When we had a baby seven years after our second child was born, some assumed he was an accident. An “oops” baby. He wasn’t, however. We had tried for a few months to get pregnant. Our other two children were planned, also. I’d always wanted my kids close together, and the first two were exactly eighteen months apart. After two natural births, however, I wasn’t ready to have another child right away. We’d always talked about having three or four children. That’s why a few years after our second child we decided to go for having our late one/last one.

I never wanted my children to feel like they were unwanted. I was raised by hardworking parents who never made me feel like a burden. Even so, there were times in my life when I questioned the reason for my existence. I’m sure most of us have felt that way at some point in our lives.

Today, I’m talking about one of the greatest romances in the Bible, the story of Queen Esther. She was a Jew, one of God’s chosen people. The Bible says that she had no father or mother, and was adopted by her family member, Mordecai.

Royal Romance

This is what happened during the time of Xerxes, who ruled over 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush:

King Xerxes gave a banquet, lasting seven days, in the enclosed garden of the king’s palace, for all the people from the least to the greatest who were in the citadel of Susa. He was in high spirits from wine and commanded his servants to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at.

But when the attendants delivered the king’s command, Queen Vashti refused to come. The king became furious and burned with anger. Queen Vashti was banished from the kingdom, and a search was made for someone to replace her as queen.

There was a Jew named Mordecai who had a cousin named Hadassah, also known as Esther, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This young woman had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.

Esther was brought to the palace along with many other young women and entrusted to Hegai, the servant who had charge of the harem. She pleased him and won his favor. Immediately he provided her with beauty treatments and special food. He assigned to her seven female attendants selected from the king’s palace and moved her and her attendants into the best place in the harem.

Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so. 

When the turn came for Esther to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai suggested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her. She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal residence.

Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other women. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. 

At the same time, there was a man named Haman who had a position of honor in the King’s court. All of the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman as the king had commanded. But Mordecai, Esther’s cousin, would not kneel down or pay him honor.

When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged. Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes.

Haman said to King Xerxes, “There is a certain people dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom who keep themselves separate. Their customs are different from those of all other people, and they do not obey the king’s laws; it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them.”

When Mordecai found out about the plan to annihilate the Jews, he instructed Esther to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people.

Esther replied: “All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.”

When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish.

“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

So Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance.

When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.

Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.”

Esther asked that the Jews would be saved, and King Xerxes granted her request. Because of the obedience of one young woman, God’s people were saved.

Mordecai’s statement, “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” reminds me that we all have a purpose in life.

There is a reason why you were born. You do not exist by accident, but by the plan of a loving God. As you grow closer to Him through prayer, reading of the Scripture, and fellowship with other believers, allow Him to show you what He has in store for you.

This month’s blog theme is Family. This Sunday is the day we set aside to honor mothers and grandmothers everywhere. Our featured book, The Key to Everything, tells the story of what happens when a nurse practitioner inherits her late grandmother’s home.

Author’s Inspiration:

Sometimes the tiniest things inspire me. I try to listen to God and see where He might be leading me. With The Key to Everything, I kept seeing in my mind a key with a red ribbon in a box and decided to find out more about it through my writing.

About the book:

When nurse practitioner, Dr Genny Sanders inherits her late-grandmother’s house, she moves back to her hometown of Worthville, Georgia, determined to leave her past—and her scheming ex—behind her with a new job and new friends. But during a meeting with her grandmother’s estate attorney, David Worth, she learns of a threat to her property. A local developer wants to buy her land and demolish her house.

Genny refuses to sell, but the land developer isn’t taking no for an answer. As if personal threats aren’t bad enough, a foreclosure proceeding looms, and a fire flashes in the night. Everything Genny holds dear is threatened. If she can’t find a way to save her grandmother’s house, Genny will be forced to give up the fresh start she so desperately wants. And to complicate matters further, she’s falling for David.

While going through her grandmother’s belongings, Genny finds a mysterious key with a red ribbon. What does it fit? Could it possibly be the answer to her problems? What do the messages of love and forgiveness she keeps hearing have to do with everything? As she searches for these answers, she learns more about herself and her grandmother’s legacy than she could have ever imagined.

Excerpt:

Before bed, Genny took a moment to sit on the porch swing beside Elizabeth, who was roosting on one of the cushions. There’d be eggs in the morning for sure. Crickets chirped, and an owl hooted somewhere close by. Tree frogs joined the chorus. Even though the temperature that day had neared ninety degrees, a breeze blew across the porch, carrying the scent of jasmine, which grew on the side of the house. The sounds and smells of a thousand nights spent in the safety of this house brought comfort in the middle of all the swirling questions.

She imagined her grandmother coming to the screen door and calling for her, asking whether she wanted a snack before bed, maybe a biscuit with honey and milk. They’d bring the snack back out onto the porch and sit and talk over their day. Right about then was when Genny would have said, “Grandmother, what am I going to do about all this mess?”

Maybe her grandmother would have paused, lifted her eyes to the southern sky, and said, “I don’t know, sweetie, but don’t the stars look especially bright tonight?”

About the author:

Award winning Southern writer, Beverly Varnado, is a novelist, screenwriter, and blogger who writes to give readers hope in the redemptive purposes of God.

She has written a nonfiction memoir as well as several novels and screenplays, one of which was a finalist for the prestigious Kairos Prize in Screenwriting. The novella, A Season for Everything, is the third work in a series set in Worthville, Georgia. Previous novels set there are A Key to Everything and A Plan for Everything. Her work is also included in several anthologies and periodicals. As an artist, her work was recently chosen for exhibit at a State University gallery.

She lives in Georgia with her husband, Jerry, and their chocolate Aussiedor who is outnumbered by several cats. Beverly is Mom to three children and Mimi to two grandchildren.

Author media links:

Read her weekly blog One Ringing Bell, peals of words on faith, living, writing, and art at oneringingbell.blogspot.com. Also catch her at http://www.BeverlyVarnado.com , on her Facebook author page https://www.facebook.com/BeverlyVarnadoAuthor, Twitter @VarnadoBeverly, or @Beverly Varnado on Instagram.