"The Wedding Dress" -- A Book Review

This charming romance blends both Contemporary and Historical through unique characters spanning a hundred years. Meet Charlotte, a wedding boutique owner who takes pride and pleasure in helping brides find that special dress that will make them feel like a princess on their wedding day, but flounders when it comes to her own upcoming wedding. Meet Emily, a suffrage supporter trying to please her family and society, and losing her identity, freedom, and shot at happiness in the process.

The Wedding Dress is beautifully written in a style that sang to my internal editor. Every scene had purpose and moved the story forward, and though the pace was slower than what I prefer, it was ideal for Contemporary Romance. Kudos to the author for such a fantastic ending, one I didn't see coming until well into the book--a perfect example of how to do a HEA (happily ever after) mixed with that "unknown" element readers crave. Only one other author was able to surprise me at the end, and both surprises came about because the author broke out of the mold other CBA authors rarely stray from.

The one thing that grated was Emily's determination to please others, even at the cost of closing her eyes to obvious truth. I wanted to scream at her and shake some sense into her--maybe because I have people-pleasing tendencies myself--and if it weren't for a connection with Charlotte, I might have stopped reading the book altogether. But by the end, I wanted to hug Emily and commend her for her courage, lol. It's a talented author that can breathe life and real personalities into imaginary characters, and Hauck wowed me with her ability to redeem Emily and turn her into a true heroine. I loved the man who dressed in purple, and the supernatural element that surrounded his character. More and more CBA books seem to be incorporating a thread of the supernatural, and I love it!

Wonderful, wonderful story, and I'm looking forward to Hauck's latest release, "Once Upon a Prince". :-)

Enjoy the Ride

I hope you all had a pampered Mother's Day. :-) I woke up to a beautiful bouquet of roses and Reese's Cups! I'm telling you, someone should have thought of mixing candy with flower bouquets a long time ago. ;-) Anyway, last week, I interviewed debut author Carrie Pagels and announced a giveaway. Well, I am pleased to say that Carrie graciously gave away e-book copies of her novella to all who commented, making everyone a winner! Yay! So if you commented last week, and haven't heard from Carrie, please let me know.

In other news. I semi-finaled in the 2013 Genesis Contest, hosted by ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), one of nine other contestants to move on to the next round of judging for the Historical Romance category. (Here's the link if you want to check out the list.) Whoo-hoo! And...Aaaaaahhhh!!!!

A few days before the semi-finals were announced, I told God that I didn't want to semi-final. (True story.) Mainly because I'm a perfectionist with my work, and didn't think my manuscript was ready for attention. It's finished, but needs coat after coat of polish. And I have a lot on my plate right now. I don't have a lot of time to devote to polishing. So why did I enter it in the Genesis? Hehehe. Remember my post about the photo I practically did back flips for?--its here if you'd like to go down memory lane with me--I'd planned to skip the Genesis Contest this year, and got bitten by the I-have-to-do-this bug at the very last minute. So anyway--I here I was, days before the semi-finals were announced, praying for obscurity because I didn't feel ready for a lot of attention. (Which raises a lot of questions over why I even have a blog and social media presence.) I guess I'm just looking at everything--my blog, my manuscripts, myself--seeing what it is, what it could be, and what I want it to be. Very different things.

You know what God told me? You probably do. You're probably saying it right now.

Breathe. And enjoy the ride.

And you know? I have to remind myself that God won't give me more than I can handle. If He says the manuscript is ready for attention, then its ready. I may require perfection of myself, but God doesn't. He simply wants obedience, and good stewardship of His gifts. That's it.

As I was reeling with the shock of semi-finaling, a good friend told me something that struck a chord. Don't you love the song Shout to the Lord? I do. Doesn't it open your spirit in worship to God in a beautiful, powerful way? Guess what. It wasn't the author's favorite piece of work. Darlene Zschech said that she didn't think the song would do well. And now its one of the most popular worship songs, played in just about every church on the planet. And who gets the glory every time that song is played? God. That's my prayer--if God can use my story and wants to bring it into the spotlight, that it will impress less and minister more.

Interview with Carrie Fancett Pagels and Giveaway!

Carrie, I am excited to have you as my guest today!

Thanks for having me, Gwen!! And congrats on being a finalist in the Genesis contest for ACFW!!!

Thanks, Carrie! I’m still pinching myself. ;-)


Tell us a little about yourself.

I call myself Tired Old Mommy who also transforms to “Terrific Overcoming Mom!”  Married 25 years to the man of my dreams (literally—God gave me dreams about him when I was engaged to my second fiancé!) We have an almost 24-year-old daughter and a son who just turned eleven.  We are so blessed!

Wow, God gave you dreams about your hubby when you were engaged to another man?? Intriguing, and congrats on twenty-five years!


Where are you from?

I am a former Yooper girl—from the upper peninsula of Michigan! I live in the historic triangle of Virginia, which is awesome for my writing.

Ha ha, love that word—Yooper. :-) I've never been to Michigan, but I lived in the Fairfax area of Virginia many years ago.


What is your background?

I have a Ph.D. in School Psychology and worked as a psychologist in many capacities until several years ago when my rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory issues resulted in me becoming disabled.  I think of myself as differently abled btw! 

Differently-abled!, ha! I love your optimism and cheerful spirit. And Psychology! *whistling* I'm sure that gives you an edge on character personalities.


When did you first know that you were called to write novels?
As a child.  And over the years God has whispered to my heart.  I always told Him later.  Once I became pretty much house-bound, I got more productive.


How did you come up with the idea for your brand new release, “Return To Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance”?

Somewhat by accident.  I was in Ohio and in Bowling Green. I accidentally found information (looking back now it must have been in my AAA book) about conscriptions into the Confederate Army (unfortunately I later found out this was Bowling Green, KY!!!)  But my friend Kathy Maher saved me on Matthew’s story line because she had come across information on a Copperhead congressman who’d ended up with the Confederate army so that was how we had Matthew Scott.

The main part of the story with the setting was totally inspired by the wonderful Shirley Plantation docents who had done tours and talked about how the ladies of Shirley had helped tend the Union army.

My heroine, Angelina, was inspired by some research I’d come across and from the huge project done a couple of years back on white slaves and how that had been used by the Abolitionist movement.  They had postcards of children from the south who appear white. It’s sad that the atrocity of slavery had to be conveyed by children who appeared like one’s own children, in appealing to people to outlaw this institution.

Fascinating history! I love visiting historic places, and was blessed to see the Mount Vernon estate and Colonial Williamsburg when I lived in the Fairfax/D.C. area. Unfortunately, I was a kid and not interested in taking notes, lol.


Tell us about "Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance".  I understand its part of an anthology.

I probably just did!  Here is my blurb: Abducted against his will, Matthew Scott is conscripted into the Confederate army because of his Copperhead father's political leanings. Injured at Malvern Hill, Matthew is taken by the Union army to Shirley Plantation in Virginia where he is tended by seamstress Angelina Rose, a freed slave. Given an opportunity to leave the South and start a new life for herself, Angelina remained for the sake of her sister's orphaned twins who are still enslaved. Will Matthew's return to Shirley Plantation settle a mystery concerning his father's past? And help Matthew find the family he longs for.

I am one of over a dozen authors contributing to this Civil War anthology that Murray Pura pulled together.  It is a privilege and an honor to be part of this group!  Also a lot of fun!

Sounds like a great story! The Civil War is such a fascinating period of American history.


Got any new projects in the works?

I just submitted my short story “Snowed In: A Northwoods Christmas” to Guidepost Books where it is contracted to be included as one of fifteen stories in the upcoming release: “A Cup of Christmas Cheer.”

Also I am a contributor to “God’s Provision in Tough Times” by Cynthia Howerter and LaTan Murphey that releases in July, 2013.

I love Christmas stories! And "God's Provision in Tough Times"...even the title calls to me. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for those. ;-)

What’s your favorite time of day to write?

Morning and right after lunch. And later in the afternoon.  I take breaks.  I do time on task and then do other things and come back. 

I agree, breaks are important. I need to take more myself.


Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.

I’ve hardly been able to walk for almost two years.  Am facing possible surgery soon.

I do not like gardening as I am not able to physically perform gardening tasks but I like to take pictures of stuff from my yard that blooms!

I am as big on obedience to God as my character Angelina is!

Oh, no! Will definitely pray for your health. In fact...Father in heaven, I ask you to touch Carrie's body and administer healing in her joints, her back, her limbs--wherever the problem is coming from. Give the doctor's wisdom and skill, and give her relief from any pain. In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Psst. I'm not big on gardening either, as I have horrible Spring-related allergies. :-P

 

What are your top favorite books? (I’ve come across some fabulous reads by asking this question. ;-)

Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, and The Frontiersman’s Daughter are some.  Also loved Veil of Pearls by MaryLu Tyndall that was my top book last year and she has an escaped slave in that book as well who passes for white.

Oh, "Anne of Green Gables" is such a classic series! And I recently discovered "The Blue Castle", a lesser known work of L.M. Montgomery. I really enjoyed "The Frontiersman's Daughter" and "Veil of Pearls", too. Loved that Scottish Ian. ;-)

 

What advice would you give to pre-published writers?

If God has called you don’t give up! Don’t be afraid to try some different things to get your name and writing out there—like serial and anthology writing!

Great advice!

 

Carrie, thanks for being my guest today! Where can we connect with you on the web?

www.CarrieFancettPagels.com, www.OvercomingWithGod.com, http://colonialquills.blogspot.com, Gwen, thanks so much for the interview!

**GIVEAWAY! Carrie is offering a kindle copy of her novella, “Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance”, and a lovely pack of Shirley Plantation note cards. Just leave a comment with your email address, and I'll draw and announce the winner with my new post on the fourteenth, next Tuesday.

Guaranteed Worry Buster

Unless you were born rich, you will probably deal with money issues at some point in your life. I got slapped in the face with money trouble this week. And let me tell you, its a hot button for me. My stress levels can go through the roof if I let them.
Notice I said, "if I let them". You don't have to allow worry to consume you, eat away at your energy and form permanent frown lines on your face. Because if you know God, then you've got it made.

How's that?

He may not entrust you with millions of dollars, but He's got it all, baby. He owns the whole earth, and every piece of gold and currency paper in it. But we know that. Our struggle is not in believing that God has it all and is able to take care of our problems. Our struggle comes from unbelief. Sure, we know that God loves us, and that Jesus died for us. But when it comes to believing that He wants to take care of us and our petty financial issues, we struggle. We don't trust God when it comes to our livelihood, we'd rather trust ourselves.

We love ourselves. We'll do everything and anything we can to make sure we're taken care of and comfortable in life. But when it comes to the idea that God is just as interested in our well-being, we're plagued with unbelief.

God wants us to depend on Him, not ourselves. God wants us to put our trust in Him, not a fat bank account. God wants us to be able to laugh at money trouble and praise Him for His provision. Even before He provides it.

So I got blindsided with money issues this week. Here's how I pushed panic away--though I admit, I indulged for a little while ;-) Four simple sentences, I said over and over until I really thought about them and believed them.

God, I know that You LOVE me.

God, I know that You CARE about this.

God, I know that You are ABLE to take care of this for me.

God, I know that You WILL take care of this for me.

God, I praise You, because it's already DONE.

I dare you to write down those five sentences, tape them where you can see them and cling to them in a crisis. It sounds so simple, but it really does make a difference. You may not feel the truth of those statements at first, but if you keep saying them like I did, your flesh will eventually move over. You'll feel better, you'll make the devil mad, and most important--God will be pleased with you. :-)

A Guest Post and Prayer Request

Snooze... :-)

I may have something for you later.

But in case I don't, I've been hanging out with Carrie Fancett Pagels over at Overcoming With God over the past few days, sharing about decisions and almost-decisions, and how God is bringing good out of it all. Would love for you to stop by.

I also have a prayer request. My grandmother is in severe pain around her lungs and diaphragm, and needs prayer. It's a pain she can't live with, and when she moves around, it robs her of breath. She's been to the hospital, and they've given her morphine, but she obviously can't live on morphine. The doctors haven't been able to pin-point the source of her pain, but my grandmother suspects it may be the culmination of a problem that has been brewing for years. Her name is Peggy.

Bless you all, and thank you.