by Mindy Obenhaus
It’s here! It’s finally here! The third installment of my Bliss, Texas series, A Future to Fight For, released last week and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I love this story. It’s a tale of love, loss and overcoming tragedy to discover new dreams.
You know, life is full of ups and downs but there’s one thing—one person—that remains faithful. God. Whether we’re in the valley or on the highest mountain top, He is there, willing to walk with us, even carry us.
Paisley, the heroine in A Future to Fight For, woke up one morning to a horrific tragedy. One that would have done many of us in. And threatened to do so with her. But God. His mercies are new every day.
Here’s a snippet from the story:
“Cute kid.” Crockett pointed to the photograph as Paisley lifted her head. “His hair’s the same color as yours.”
Her movements stilled as she looked away. “That’s my son. Logan.”
Son? He wasn’t aware she had a son.
She reached for a towel, wiping her hands as she approached him. “He died in the same car accident that took my husband.” Stopping beside him, she continued. “He was ten.”
Speechless, Crockett simply stood there, feeling as though he’d been punched in the gut. How does one overcome something like that? Losing a spouse to death would be hard enough, but to lose a child at the same time? He couldn’t even begin to fathom the amount of strength it must take for her to get up every morning knowing that they weren’t there.
Looking down at her, he could see the sorrow in her eyes. Yet, there were no tears.
He felt like a heel. “I—I’m sorry, Paisley. I had no idea.”
“I know you didn’t.” She tilted her head to meet his gaze, her smile tremulous. “That’s why I told you.”
Could that be why she’d needed a change of scenery? “How long ago?”
“It’ll be five years next month.” Making her son a few years older than Mackenzie, had he lived.
Reminding himself to give his kids extra big hugs this morning, he searched Paisley’s face, her peaceful expression, realizing just how wrong he’d been about her. She had an inner strength and determination he wasn’t even sure he possessed.
“I’m sorry you had to go through that.”
She nodded. “Me, too. But God is good, and I firmly believe that He has a plan and a purpose for everything, good or bad.” Her tone left no room for argument.
How was that possible? She’d lost her entire family, not to mention all of the hopes and dreams that went along with it. Something he could relate to, though on a different level. Yet, there wasn’t a hint of anger or self-pity in Paisley’s words.
I don’t know about you, but I need to be a little more like Paisley. It’s easy to trust God when things are going good, but when life deals us a hard blow…
Now don’t let this excerpt leave you thinking this is a sad story. I mean, it has a castle. In Texas, no less! How cool is that? There are also a couple of cute kids and lots of banter between the hero and heroine who are anything but friends when the story opens.
How has God proven Himself faithful in your life? Leave a comment—you don’t have to go into detail—to be entered to win a copy of A Future to Fight For (US mailing addresses will receive a print or digital copy, digital only for international).
27 Comments on Seekerville: The Journey Continues: New Release and a Giveaway!
I've used the same physical Bible for 40 years (it's been rebound twice and also mended with duct tape). Revised Standard Version, if anyone cares. I started marking verses that helped me when I was going through stuff, with the date and sometimes the place, and it warms my soul to go back and read these notations. Psalm 4:6 has a notation, June 11, 1988. I don't even remember what I was going through on June 11, 1988, which means He brought me through it. Psalm 9:10, 4/21/84. I don't remember where I was or what I was doing, but apparently He brought me through that one too. Proverbs 18:10, 6/188. I don't even want to know...Yeah, that. If we only take the time to look back, we see all that He has brought us through and all that He has done for us.
Works for me...
Don't put me in the drawing, I already have the book and am enjoying it.
Kathy Bailey
Your Kaybee
Working it all out in New Hampshire"
Thank you so much for the opportunity to win this wonderful book on my TBR list.
Have a blessed day and a wonderful rest of the week!
2clowns at arkansas dot net"
Don't get discouraged! You're on the path God has chosen for your writing. Trust Him!"
God has protected us in so many ways and so many times. He is ever faithful, and He always answers our prayers. "
God has always been faithful, every day and in every way. How could He not be?
"
And prayers for encouragement in your writing journey. With God's help, I know you can do it!!"
And don't put my name in for the drawing. It's on my TBR pile!"
God is so good. Having overcome fertility issues. And multiple jobs/moves. And losing my mother-in-law. We've been through a lot, but it's awesome to see Him working through it all and in it all. My faith is so much stronger because of it. And it leaves me yearning for our forever home, which should always be our aim."