Blog - Page 10 of 30 - Roxanne Rustand

Grizzle the Boston Terrier…and author Leann Harris

Posted on March 6, 2014 by RoxanneMarch 6, 2014

Guest blogger Leann Harris

While my children were growing up, we had a Boston Terrier named Grizzle, which we bought to be a buddy for my son. The little guy, turned out to be a blessing for everyone in the family. He was a bud to my son. The moment my husband walked into the back door when he came home, that dog was there and would jump almost 6ft to get my husband’s attention and wouldn’t stop until acknowledged. My husband had no choice but to leave the problems of the day and give his attention to the dog.

For me, my guy was my champion when I was striving to get published. The closer I got, the harder each rejection became. The last rejection I got before publication, I sat at my desk and cried. That dog sat at my feet and gave me all his attention and love. He didn’t leave my side. The next day I went out and bought him lots of new toys and chews.

Animals can be the best therapists. In my new book, A Ranch to Call Home, when my heroine is injured when a suicide bomber walks into the café she was at in Baghdad, she comes home to face the problems of her past. Captain Brenda Kaye pours her heart out to several of the horses on her family’s ranch. The hero, Caleb Jensen, a rodeo pick-up rider is at the ranch, taking time to reevaluate is life since once of the cowboys he pulled from a bucking bronco was seriously injured.

When Caleb’s horse shows his approval and likes the heroine, it catches Caleb’s attention. The horses—Razor (his) and Midnight (hers), are the bridge between the hero and heroine, providing comfort and an excuse for Brenda and Caleb to be together as they care for the horses. Also, both horses serve as “therapists” for the couple, allowing them to safely talk out their feelings. But then again, animals are always good therapy.

Here’s an Amazon link to Leann’s latest book! A Ranch to Call Home (Love Inspired LP\Rodeo Heroes)

A Ranch Called Home
Love Inspired
Leann Harris

A cowboys promise…The thrill of the rodeo is gone for cowboy Caleb Jensen. Nowadays, he helps out at a Texas ranch and keeps bad memories locked away. Then the owner’s granddaughter unexpectantly returns home–with a request he can’t accept. Former Army captain Brenda Kaye is organizing a charity rodeo, and she needs Caleb to get back in the saddle. She is determined to save her family’s ranch, even is it means working with the smart-aleck cowboy–and uncovering the mysteries that lie in their pasts. Brenda is used to the dangers of war, but if she trusts Caleb, could the next casualty be her heart?

I am so thrilled!! Come meet the new member in our family!

Posted on March 4, 2014 by RoxanneMarch 4, 2014

As anyone knows, who follows this blog or follows me on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Roxanne.Rustand or ww.facebook.com/Roxanne.Rustand.Author ) I love animals of all kinds. Truly, truly love them.

Last fall, we lost our beloved border collie mix, Harold….a big floofy puffball of a dog. Such a sweetie…but old age hit hard, and eventually he refused to eat…and then refused to drink, and he was telling us it was time.

Elmo the Wonderdog, a border collie my husband and I adopted at the Cedar Valley Humane Shelter some years before, has been our only dog since then, but I have longed for a golden retriever for many years and have so hoped to eventually find one at a shelter. I grew up with goldens, and when our kids were young we had a golden…they are just the most wonderful, loving dogs.

Well, today is a red letter day!! Thanks to a friend, I heard about a golden at the Cedar Valley Animal Shelter nearby, and hurried over. And fell totally in lovel

Our paperwork is done, and after he is neutered tomorrow we will be bringing him home. I am soooo excited! We are completely dedicated to adopting pets from shelters rather than buying from petshops or breeders, and I am so thrilled that my dream of finding a golden has finally come true!

The only thing is…he is such a beautiful boy, but his name is Sarge and it just doesn’t fit him. If you have any thoughts for some good names for this sweetie, we would love to hear about them! He posed so nicely for his photos with the staff member at the shelter, didn’t he? 🙂

In fact, if someone comes up with a name we choose, I’ll send the winner two of my books, autographed (if paperbacks are chosen) or I will send them my two new e-book–titles, and a $20.00 gift card to either Barnes & Noble or Amazon!

Have you ever adopted a pet from a shelter? I would love to hear about it!

Blessings,
Roxanne

A Christened Tree…by author Davalynn Spencer

Posted on February 28, 2014 by RoxanneMarch 4, 2014

By guest blogger Davalynn Spencer

My first two books each had lovable dogs that figured into the storyline, but not my upcoming book, The Cowboy Takes a Wife. However, Nell, a beautiful, “yellow” draft horse plays a key role when her expectant condition brings about the meeting of Annie Whitaker and Caleb Hutton in 1860s Cañon City.

The mare’s foal, Dolly, shows up in the third book of the historical series, Romancing the Widow. But in between in book two, Branding the Wrangler’s Heart, an abandoned pup—Maverick—finds the soft spot in the hero. Dogs have a knack for doing that sort of thing—finding our soft spot and inching into our hearts one wet kiss at a time. Even when they do things we’d rather they didn’t.

I remember the Christmas we bought a “living tree” during our church’s landscaping campaign. We could get a live tree at discount from the local nursery if we promised to donate it to the church project after the holidays.

Cake, right?

Until we showed up for the little spruce and discovered it was attached to a 200-pound ball of burlap-wrapped dirt. The nurseryman loaded it in our horse trailer with a forklift and my husband and I dragged it out of the trailer but couldn’t get it in the house. It reminded me of those inflatable clown punching bags that popped up if you hit them due to their weighted bottom. This little tree had a very weighty bottom.

We shoved it over to the garage to wait for our neighbor’s high school-aged son to get home and help us. That’s when Rocco, our Jack Russell terrier, noticed the new dirt on his turf, and well, you know how territorial a terrier can be.

We didn’t know Rocco had christened the tree into the family until the neighbor boy hefted it into our woodstove-warmed front room. But neither did we have the heart to ask the kid to haul it out again, so I spent an entire can of pine-scented aerosol spray dousing Rocco’s anointing.

That was possibly the most memorable—and aromatic—Christmas of all.***

Here is an Amazon link for Davalynn’s new book! The Cowboy Takes a Wife (Heartsong Presents)

The Cowboy Takes a Wife
Davalynn Spencer
Heartsong Presents
Feb. 4, 2014

When Annie Whitaker and her merchant father set out for Cañon City and the Pikes-Peak-or-Bust gold rush, Annie finds much greater wealth in the heart of a runaway preacher.

ANNIE WHITAKER HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PLAIN JANE. But in the bustling gold-rush town of Cañon City, Colorado, she turns heads, especially that of cowboy Caleb Hutton. Annie’s seen Caleb many times in her father’s mercantile, and she’s surprised and pleased when he takes a special interest in her. Caleb’s faith was shattered when his fiancée jilted him for a wealthier man. But as he gets to know Annie, his view of women—and God—soon takes a turn for the better. Can Annie’s steadfast faith help the former preacher find his way back to his calling and a second chance at love?

Connect with Davalynn online at
www.davalynnspencer.com
www.facebook/AuthorDavalynnSpencer
http://www.pinterest.com/davalynnspencer/
and on Twitter @davalynnspencer.

A Puppy Named General Lee …by author Diane Dean White

Posted on February 27, 2014 by RoxanneFebruary 27, 2014

Guest blogger Diane Dean White

Our children were four, six, and eight, and we had built a home among the pecan trees in the South. Our yard was a good size, and my husband made a play fort for them in the back. A relative who lived in the same area had a large farm, and their dog was expecting pups. When the pups were old enough, we took the kids to the farm and picked out a little brown-haired puppy.

The children named the puppy “General Lee.” I’d like to tell you it was because of the great War General himself, but the truth is “The Dukes of Hazard” had come on the television screen and the boys loved that show!

The General slept in the utility room off the garage in his own little bed, made out of discarded clothing. A long rope went all around the yard for the General, so he could play outside. This was especially fun for the kids when their new little pet gave them kisses while playfully knocking them over. He was one of their pals, a playmate, and guard for their fort.

The General was growing; and one day they untied him to go for a walk and within moments he was completely out of sight. We called and called his name, took bike rides around the area, and finally the kids and I got into the car and headed towards town.

As we drove up and down the main street, a small figure next to the curbside drew our attention; before I could turn the car around to shield them from the sight, they saw their small still puppy. The children started to cry; their beloved General was gone. Then our oldest son spoke up. “Wait a minute…he is really whole again because he is in heaven, and when we go there, everything is all right.”

I told the kids we would tell their dad, and he would take their puppy and give the General a proper burial. They agreed, as they felt it would be too hard for them to attend this service.

I can still recall the vision on that afternoon, of our three heartbroken children sitting around the kitchen table talking. They told me they had come to a conclusion and decided it hurt too much to have this happen again, they never wanted another dog. I wanted to cry, too!

A few nights later after the children had been tucked into bed and prayers were said, I waited for my husband to come home. When he came through the door, he was holding another little puppy. I had told him about their talk and what the children had said, but he felt eventually they would learn to love a new puppy, and he had made another trip to the Farm.

The next morning I didn’t say anything—it seemed like a shell had been broken as we watched our three children run over and pet the new puppy. He was adorable, licking them and endearing them with his little yelps. I was glad my husband realized what needed to be done.

“What should we name him?” our youngest son said.

“Not General again,” responded our daughter.

“No, he’ll never be a General,” agreed our older son.

The name “Slinger” was chosen. From where, I don’t know. It was their decision and they had fun with their new puppy. Some of the pain had been replaced with love for the General’s sibling.

Years and other pets have come and gone, but there is something about that first one that they loved and lost which will remain in my heart for a long time. When we see our children hurt, it doesn’t leave us. That’s the way it is supposed to be for parents and the reason our love is so strong.

“Children and dogs are as necessary to the welfare of this country as Wall Street and Railroads.”
— Harry S. Truman

Here’s an Amazon link for Diane’s book! On a Summer Night

On a Summer Night
by Diane Dean WhiteON A SUMMER NIGHT, Kate and Vanessa hadn’t planned on the summer night that changed their lives. Could they have imagined the darkness that descended and how gripping fear could be? The beauty and sweeping moss, gentle palm trees and Florida breezes was wrapped with the memory of the awful evening. They played at being cheerful and returned home to yet another sorrow. Times steals away from the 60’s, and the memory of what happened was hidden in the recesses of Kate’s mind. She and her husband, returned to the winter home where by-gone memories were stored. Can she trust God to help her find forgiveness? Will her husband understand? She knew he needed to hear her story.

The Oddballs Out of the West… by author Patricia Knoll / Patricia Forsythe

Posted on February 24, 2014 by RoxanneFebruary 24, 2014

Why We Love Those Oddballs Out West by guest blogger Patricia Knoll/Patricia Forsythe

There is something unique about the American West. It’s partly because of the setting – wide open spaces, huge mountain ranges, deserts at the base of a mountain and dense forests on top. It’s partly because of the weather, mostly dry, but be prepared to be pummeled by a sudden cloudburst resulting in a flash flood that can carry you many miles from where you intended to be. It’s partly because of the dry, relentless sunshine and heat that can take a ferocious toll on you if you’re outside too long.

But the main thing that’s unique about the American West is the people. Some of the blame for our eccentric westerners can be laid squarely at the feet of wealthy eastern families of the late 1800’s who sent their embarrassing sons west as Remittance Men – ones who were paid substantial funds to stay as far away from their refined kinfolk as possible and still be on the same planet.

Along with them came miners looking for gold, silver, or any other metal or stone that would make them a buck, cattlemen looking to buy up cheap land on which to graze their herds, farmers who thought they could turn desert lands into an oasis, merchants with goods to sell, and scoundrels looking for easy money. They all tumbled together in places like Colorado and Arizona and developed an unusual culture of acceptance of all comers.

In every small town and big city there are those who go about their daily lives pretty much like people in any other part of the world. Here in the west, though, we also have people who are set apart by their sheer nuttiness. Since I grew up in a small mining town in Arizona, I had the opportunity to study these folks up close. I won’t even go into the number of men who walked around town with a Colt 45 strapped to their hip. Along with boots and cowboy hats, that was practically their daily uniform. As far as I know, very few of them ever shot themselves in the foot. You could tell the ones who had, though. They had an occasional limp.

Although there are probably many eccentric people in big cities in the west, they tend to stand out in small towns and mostly, we’re proud of them. We still accept all comers. If you want to fill your house with the stuffed heads of elk and bison, come on out west. There’s room for you. If you want to buy a dual cab truck with an extra long bed and paint it jungle camouflage, more power to you – though I have to wonder how effective the camouflage will be against a backdrop of dry desert and saguaro cactus. If you want to spend your days walking around town pushing an old-fashioned baby carriage filled with your pampered pooches, we’d love to have you. Just remember all those wide open spaces. We’ve got space for you.

Patricia Knoll lives in Arizona and writes under that name and as Patricia Forsythe. With either name, she writes romantic comedies, mostly set in the west, including her Lucky Break, Arizona series that features a small town of eccentric people who have a hard time minding their own business. Here To Stay and Love In The Afternoon are two Lucky Break books with more on the way. They are available online at Amazon. You can find Patricia at www.patriciaknoll.com.

Here is an Amazon link for Here to Stay: Here To Stay (Welcome to Lucky Break, Arizona!)

Here is an Amazon link for Love in the Afternoon: Love In The Afternoon (Welcome to Lucky Break, Arizona!)

A forever home for Bruno by author Carol Post

Posted on February 21, 2014 by RoxanneFebruary 21, 2014

Guest blogger Carol Post

Leave a comment (click on Comments at the bottom of the post) for a chance to win an autographed copy of Motive for Murder!

I am amazed and heartbroken over how many pets are just discarded.

Shortly before my husband and I were to leave for the holidays, a tenant moved out of one of our rental properties and abandoned five dogs—a black lab named Jackson, a lab/cur mix named Bruno and a dachshund mix with two puppies. The dachshund disappeared; the neighbors suspect the tenant took her. People advised me to call Animal Control for the other four. But in our county, as in most others, animals brought to Animal Control have a few hours to a few days, usually on the lower end of that range. I’m way too tender-hearted to carry good dogs to their death. So I enlisted the help of a friend and we googled rescue groups and sent dozens of emails asking for help.

Over the next few days, neighbors gave the dogs food we provided, and rescues responded asking for information and pictures. I went out armed with my digital camera, unsure how the two larger dogs would respond to a stranger. I needn’t have worried. They rushed toward me, tails wagging. Once sure they were friendly, I handed my neighbor the camera and sat down to pet them. Bruno immediately pushed me backwards and attempted to plant a sloppy kiss on my face. I went home with some great photos.

The puppies were easy to place. (Who can resist those sweet faces?) The larger dogs weren’t. It was the week before Christmas, and with many rescue foster families traveling for the holidays, there was no room. (Sorta reminds me of another Christmas story.)

Soon we were down to three days until we were to leave, and Bruno and Jackson were still homeless. My boss had lost an older lab and decided to take Jackson. Bruno and Jackson grew up together and were inseparable, so I asked if we could keep them together one more day while we tried to place Bruno. I would have taken him myself, but I live in a condo where I’m allowed two pets. I have a dog and three cats, all rescues. (Three plus one equals two, right?)

My boss told his family about Bruno, and his wife said to make sure he gets a home. When he told her that was out of his control, she said, “Then lie to me!” She promised to distribute Bruno’s pictures around the school where she teaches. By lunchtime, a family had agreed to take him. By the end of the afternoon, both Bruno and Jackson were on their way to their new homes with their first scheduled play date lined up.

Bruno now has a home on ten acres with a loving family, other dogs and cows. He’s living the good life.

Unfortunately there are hundreds more like him who aren’t that lucky. Calling Animal Control is quick and easy. Contacting rescues involves time and effort. But nothing beats the feeling of knowing some sweet dog or cat has found a forever home and you had a hand in it. In Motive for Murder, Jessica Parker finds herself caring for her deceased sister’s dog. Although she has no interest in owning a pet, little Buttons winds his way into her heart.

Have you ever taken in a pet you didn’t really want, only to have it win you over?

HERE IS AN AMAZON LINK FOR CAROL’S NEW BOOK: Motive for Murder (Love Inspired Suspense)

MOTIVE FOR MURDER
LOVE INSPIRED SUSPENSE
Carol Post

Jessica Parker left Harmony Grove with bad memories and a vow to never return – until she is called back eight years later to deal with her sister’s suicide. When all the evidence points instead to murder, she is determined to find the killer and bring him to justice. Her handsome new neighbor is eager to help, but she’s sure he’s hiding something.

Undercover FBI agent Shane Dalton is in Harmony Grove investigating the crash of a plane full of cocaine and gets more than he bargained for when he runs into Jessica. She’s a little rough around the edges, and he isn’t sure whether she’s involved or is just going to get in his way. But soon it becomes obvious that someone wants Jessica gone from Harmony Grove.

As the threats intensify, Shane finds himself in a race against time to solve both cases. Because the closer they get to the truth, the closer the killer gets to making them his next victims.

4½-Star RT Review – “…Gripping from the start, the second book in the Harmony Grove series keeps readers on the edge of their seats with the various twists and turns.”

From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol’s resume reads as if she doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is her love for writing. She started as a child writing poetry for family and friends, then graduated to articles which made it into some religious and children’s publications. Several years ago (more than she’s willing to admit), she penned her first novel. In 2010, she decided to get serious about writing fiction for publication and joined Romance Writers of America and her local RWA chapter. In 2012, she got “the call.”

Carol lives in sunshiny Central Florida with her husband of thirty-three years, who is her own real-life hero, and writes her stories under the shade of the huge oaks in her yard. Besides writing, she works alongside her music minister husband singing and playing the piano and holds the position of church treasurer. She enjoys sailing, hiking, camping—almost anything outdoors. Her two grown daughters and grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all that nurturing into taking care of three fat and sassy cats and one highly spoiled dog.

You can find her at www.facebook.com/caroljpost.author and www.caroljpost.com.

From Scared to Loved…guest blogger Angela D. Meyer

Posted on February 14, 2014 by RoxanneFebruary 14, 2014

Guest blogger Angela D. Meyer

Don’t forget to page down–for info on a great promotion going on just through today, February 14!!

One year old Lucy was a scaredy cat when we brought her home from the humane society. She was used to fending for herself on the streets and hissed at any perceived danger. This was usually at our dog, Ranger. He is mixed breed of German Shepard, Golden Retriever and Newfoundland. No wonder our little cat was frightened. She was also a recent mother and prowled our house mewing for her kittens. She avoided us unless she needed food.

To help our pets learn to get along, at first we kept her in the bathroom with her litter box when we weren’t around and at night. Little by little, she gained her complete freedom, but that didn’t mean she trusted Ranger. She still gave him a wide berth. At least she tolerated him.

It’s been almost four years now and there have been some changes. On occasion Ranger and Lucy attempt to play with each other. But much like a boy and girl playing at being interested in each other, one day she wants to play and he wants to be left alone. Then they reverse roles. But when they get the same idea at the same time, we all get quiet and watch. It doesn’t usually last very long and we don’t want to miss it.

Lucy has transferred her motherly attentions to the family. In the mornings she is restless until everyone in the house is up. If Ranger hasn’t been fed yet, she will meander around his bowls until we get the idea that he needs his food as well. Then she finds a spot and takes her morning nap.Lucy loves attention now. As soon as someone sits down, in all likelihood she will jump up in your lap. I still remember the first time she jumped up into mine. I told everyone. She also likes to be held looking over a shoulder like a little baby. And at night you can find her curled up on my daughter’s bed. Unless a guest is sleeping on the couch and then guess where she hangs out.

Lucy has overcome her fears. Slowly, she grew to understand she was no longer abandoned, but loved. She trusts us. She may not like going outside or to the vet, but she tolerates it when we hold her. And with us right beside her, DOG does not necessarily mean danger.She also has a new perspective on life. No longer does she have to forage for herself. We provide everything she needs. And actually, she has gotten quite demanding of what she wants.

I think we need the same kinds of things to overcome our fears. Understanding that we are loved by God and a new perspective – that God is in control. We don’t have to do it ourselves. What have you learned from a pet?

Here’s an AMAZON LINK TO CLICK, FOR ANGELA’S LATEST BOOK! Where Hope Starts

Where Hope Starts
Cross River Media
Angela D. Meyer

In a city full of dreams… Karen Marino’s life is a nightmare. The New York City restaurant manager is a professional success, but her marriage is in shambles. When her husband, Barry shows up drunk at her restaurant, she loses both. She flees The Big Apple and returns to her Midwestern home to sort through her options. But instead of answers, she finds an old boyfriend ready to rekindle romance, a family full of secrets and an angry brother bent on revenge.

Still in New York, Barry fights his own demons. He knows he messed up, but is powerless to stop his rage and addictions. A fistfight on the streets of the city lands him in jail and forces him to face the possibility of a future behind bars.

Karen knows holding onto her bitterness won’t repair her marriage. But how do you forgive someone when you don’t feel like it? As she searches for the answer, she uncovers the family secret that threatens to tear them all apart. Can she find her way back to the place Where Hope Starts?

Would you like your own copy of Where Hope Starts? There’s a promotion going on over at Angela’s Facebook page just through February 14. Stop by for a chance at some great giveaways! www.facebook.com/AuthorAngelaDMeyer

In addition to Amazon, you can find the book at the publisher’s site: http://crossrivermedia.com/
release date: September 2013

Contact addresses:
Website: www.angeladmeyer.com
www.facebook.com/AuthorAngelaDMeyer

Winter jammies….

Posted on February 6, 2014 by RoxanneFebruary 6, 2014

It’s been so, so cold and snowy here in Iowa–what a winter! After a number of school closings and late starts, the schools around here had a regular day today–despite windchills at -30 F this morning. I felt so badly for all the school kids in town who have to walk to school! I can’t believe there wasn’t a two-hour delay for them. 🙁

Out here in the country, the wind has brought drifts and made doing horse chores a rather miserable affair. We bring the horses in at night if the temps are in the teens or lower, and put on blankets when it hits zero, but I’ll bet the horses are longing for spring as much as I am!

Here at the top right is Susie–who looks like a chubby, woolly bear with plenty of personal insulation, 🙂 but even she starts to shiver when the windchills are this low. The other two mares are thinner skinned and have finer coats, so their blankets go on sooner each winter.

So how has your winter been? Are you a lucky southerner, wearing shorts and enjoying the sun? Or are you one of the lucky ones who takes vacations on some tropical island around this time of year?

I can definitely see an up side to living a bit south, even though I love having four seasons.

And I will remind myself of that–over and over–when I bundle up to do chores tonight!

Happy trails,

Roxanne

Faithfulness, and a border collie named Lady

Posted on February 3, 2014 by RoxanneFebruary 3, 2014

Guest blogger Teresa Pollard

If there is a special place in heaven for amazing animals, I’m quite sure our border collie Lady is there. To me, she “personified” the definition of faithfulness. For ten years, we lived way back in the woods up on top of a mountain, so when Kristina and Kevin, my older two children, tell people they had to walk a mile to and from school every day, they are telling the absolute truth. My youngest daughter, Kara, however, never had to make that walk. She was very tiny, and we nicknamed her “Virgin Toes” because Lady carried her most everywhere she went. Every morning, Lady would appear at the back door at 7:15 a.m. to walk with the children down to the bus stop with Kara on her back. At 3:30 in the afternoon, she would be waiting at the bus stop ready for “pony duty” to make the trek back up the mountain.

But the kids weren’t the only ones Lady helped. One day, my husband Wade was up at the top of the mountain working on the spring when he heard the rattle of a rattlesnake behind him. Fortunately, Lady had followed him up and heard it too. She leaped into the air and caught that snake in her teeth mid-air just as it was lunging toward Wade He’s absolutely certain, Lady saved his life that day. I never doubted it either. I never had to worry about my children’s safety even though we lived in such a remote place. I always knew if there was a problem, Lady was there.

Fortunately for Lady’s back, we moved off the mountain when Kara was about seven. We had intended to give Lady to our closest neighbor since we knew she’d have to be on a leash in the city where we were going, but Lady would have none of it. She jumped up into the furniture truck and wouldn’t budge from it. We were her family and she wasn’t about to let us go without her. She stayed with us until she died at about sixteen. She didn’t even seem to mind the leash; maybe because by that time she was too old to run much anyway. She was happy as long as she could be right there to say goodbye and hello to the kids when that yellow bus arrived. When I’m gone, I hope Jesus will say of me that I was faithful like Lady was faithful.

Here’s an Amazon link (for both print and Kindle) for Teresa’s new book: Tokens of Promise

Tokens of Promise
HopeSprings Books
Teresa Pollard

“Beware, Prince of Hebron, her witching ways are strong.” Ben Qara’s evil words still rang in his ears. Judah is sure he was bewitched by the beautiful Tamar. She is all he can think about. But no, it must not be. He will not break his vow to Yah. He already has a wife, and he will have only one. Tamar must marry Er.

Rescued from disgrace by the handsome Judah, Tamar is already in love with the kind stranger. She eagerly followed Emi’s advice on how to win him. It almost worked. He’d promised. If only his servant hadn’t come at that moment, she’d be his wife now instead of going home with him to be his daughter-in-law. Why had her father agreed to this? Surely he could see her destiny was with Judah?

“What are you talking about, woman?” Er demanded. “Tamar is no harlot. She’s the daughter of a Man of God, and Father bought her from him for me.”

“After he found her naked in the street and bought her back from her rightful husband,” Ruah said spitefully. Her family was gone from the town, but your father stayed in her home with her through the night. How many times do you suppose he could have come in to her before my father arrived with the dawn? You don’t believe me? Ask the messenger who took the supplies back to Chezib. It seems the whole town is talking about it.”

Er’s anger seethed, and he vowed revenge. His father must die. But not before he would see what he would do to the beautiful “bride” he had intended to foist off on him.

Teresa Pollard is from Richmond, Virginia, and was saved at a young age. She has a Masters degree in English and Creative Writing from Hollins College, and has served as a Sunday School teacher and children’s worker for most of the last forty years. Married for forty years, she was devastated by divorce and the death of her youngest daughter, but God has blessed her with a new home and another grandson, and she now resides in Dacula, Georgia. Her website is TeresaPollardWrites.com

Rudy and the Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue

Posted on February 1, 2014 by RoxanneFebruary 1, 2014

guest blogger Mary Hamilton

Rudy came to us from Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue in Houston almost five years ago. We guessed him to be about eight years old, but the only thing we really knew was that he was found as a stray. I’d never known a dog that didn’t become ecstatic at the word “walk,” but on a good day, Rudy would make it to the end of our driveway and stop. After six months, one obedience class and two trainers, I finally managed to walk him around the block. Both the trainers said he exhibited behaviors consistent with past abuse. I did my best to reassure him those days were over.

We looked for a Golden specifically because our previous dog had lacked an affectionate nature, preferring to be where she could see us but never in the middle of our activities. She’d get up and walk away whenever my kids wanted to pet her. So, I promised my kids our next dog would thrive on attention.

A Golden Retriever seemed like a perfect fit. But it never occurred to me that the kids were nearly grown. Two were out of the nest, the youngest was busy with high school activities. I’m the only one left to provide the attention. We jokingly say Rudy suffers from Attention Deficit Disorder, not because he can’t pay attention but he can’t get enough. He’d bump my elbow with his nose, sending my pen skipping across the page, or my drink splashing across the table. If I made the mistake of sitting on the floor, all 80 lbs. of him would collapse onto my lap. Just as I was getting used to the empty nest feeling—even kind of enjoying it—suddenly I had a toddler again. It wasn’t enough for Rudy to be with me; he wanted to be touching me. Whether he leaned against my leg, laid across my feet, warmed my lap, or rested his paw on my knee, he needed to be close enough to touch me. More than once, I ate a meal one-handed because he insisted I hold his paw with my other hand.

This sweet, beautiful dog shadowed my every move and it irritated me to no end. But maybe God was teaching me something. Too often, I’m content to sit on the sidelines and watch. What if I insisted on being part of the action, like Rudy? What if I continually stayed close enough to touch Him? What if every time life threw me a stick, I eagerly carried it to Him? I could push this dog away in annoyance, or I could learn from him, watching for a chance to sit at the Lord’s feet, to relax in His lap, to put my hand in His. Hmm. Maybe this old dog could teach me some new tricks, if I pay him some attention.

Hear No Evil,
Book 1 in the Rustic Knoll Bible Camp series
Mary Hamilton

Brady McCaul’s mother drops him off for a week of summer camp and tells him he can’t come home. She doesn’t want him living with her anymore. While Brady tries to figure out what he did wrong, he becomes fast friends with Steven, a blind but capable cabin mate and Steven’s spunky friend, Claire. But Brady also has to deal with the camp bully. Between his dad’s abandonment six years ago and now Mom’s rejection, Brady’s wounds are so deep only God can heal them…and he’s not convinced that even God cares about him.

Read the first chapter here: http://www.maryhamiltonbooks.com/hear-no-evil-sample-chapter/

Here’s an Amazon link for Mary’s book! Hear No Evil (Rustic Knoll Bible Camp)
Barnes & Noble link: http://tinyurl.com/kw2xmtr

About the author: Mary L. Hamilton grew up at a youth camp in southern Wisconsin, much like the setting for her Rustic Knoll Bible Camp series. Hear No Evil was a 2012 semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis contest, and has won awards in the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and the Cat 5 contest.
Besides writing, Mary loves the outdoors and nature, as well as opening her home to youth Bible studies, pancake suppers and breakfast with her special recipe waffles. She and her husband live near Houston, TX, within range of their three grown children.

Connect with Mary:
Website/blog: http://www.maryhamiltonbooks.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maryhamiltonbooks
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mhamiltonbooks
Twitter:@mhamilton122