Susan Marlene
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Timeless Significance for Everyday


Short stories and also devotions that mix historical quotes and contemporary musings, as well as
​author interviews and book reviews.
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THE HEIRESS'S CONVENIENT HUSBAND by Regina Scott, Grace by the Sea, Book 2

4/22/2020

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Grace by the Sea, Dorset, England, June 1804
 
The Earl of Howland placed pressure on the wrong heiress, and a problem-solving Magistrate has a mystery to uncover. When lights are seen in the turreted stone castle that isn’t lived in, Magistrate James Howland discovers Miss Eva Faraday moving in. His uncle, the Earl of Howland, has restricted Miss Faraday to this dusty, unlived in, and secluded location because she will not submit to his iron will, and he is her trustee until she turns twenty-five or marries.  

Regina’s entertaining story explores deep dark secrets about this mysterious castle, which is rife with local folklore and possibly hosts some ghosts—so the locals say. Napoleon Bonaparte and his French soldiers and spies are suspected of landing on England’s shores, so pressure is felt by the Magistrate triggering his desire to protect Grace-by-the-Sea and those in residence.

As always, Regina delivers fun and interesting characters who draw laughter, concern, respect, and so many other emotions from those who are wise enough to get tangled in her stories! I loved this story, and I highly recommend it to you for you to explore and enjoy! ‘Tis true, Regina did send this novel to me, and I am making an honest appraisal ofher abilities to amuse and engage her readers is a story worth reading.





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QUESTIONS FOR REGINA: 

This is an excellent series, Regina. Have you ever met a person or people who reminded you of the Earl of Howland?
I am very thankful to be able to say no. The closest was an old boss who preferred to lead by pitting people against each other and watching who clawed their way to the top. Shudder. I was glad to leave that position behind!

You brought back some characters from your first novel in this series, The Matchmaker’s Rogue. How much did you enjoy creating Maudie? 😉
I had so much fun with Maudie! Her sense of timing if spot on, and her comments never fail to bring a smile to my face. I hope others react to her the same way. I had so much fun writing her into this story, that I’m dreaming up ways to give her a someone special in future books.

I did a book review on The Matchmaker’s Rogue on 1/18/2020 and you show a photo of the area you used to create this tale. (Even though Grace by the Sea isn’t an actual place you used a real location—which was very cool! Do you have a photo or castle floor plan or something else that you used to make this story shine?
Just as Grace-by-the-Sea looks a lot like West Lulworth and Lulworth Cove in Dorset, so too the exterior of Castle How is based on Lulworth Castle in the same area. Alas, the interior has been completely changed since the Regency period, so I had to be creative in imagining what it might have looked like.

What is your favorite quality about Eva Faraday and in the depth of your imagination was Eva born with that quality or did she develop that with life choices?
Eva is unasbashedly herself, in any situation. She generally doesn’t feel the need to conform to any else’s expectations. It wasn’t so much her life choices but her situation that polished that trait. With a wealthy father who doted on her, Eva has never had to compromise.

When will we expect book 3 of the Grace by the Sea series? Do you have anything you wish to say about this book?
I’m working on a June 29, 2020, release date for the third book in the series, The Artist’s Healer. It features spunky artist and entrepreneur, Abigail Archer, who is determined to champion her village, even if that means ousting the new physician, widowed father Doctor Linus Bennett. Linus refuses to lose his post to some crusader, but the pretty painter awakens long-buried feelings. Could Abigail be the prescription for healing his wounded heart?

How to find and follow Regina Scott!   http://www.reginascott.com/
Regina's website has wonderful historical information. This is a fun place to find her specials,  previous series, and current novels! 



REGINA SCOTT'S BIO:
Regina Scott is the author of more than 45 historical romances set in Regency, England; pioneer Seattle; and the Old West. A stickler for getting it right, she’s sailed on a tall ship, driven four-in-hand, and learned to fence, all in the name of research. She and her husband of more than 30 years live in the South Puget Sound area, on the way to Mt. Rainier.


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YOUR BEAUTIFUL PURPOSE by Susie Larson

4/20/2020

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This Bible study book is an invitation and how to abide in the Lord! Having purpose is precious and vital. Does not our purpose bump into and influence others? So, seeking Him and flowing in the becoming you are meant to grow into is a journey worth paying attention to. Suzie’s heartfelt depth of sharing is transparent and relatable. She reveals the difficulties and choices that brought her into an overcoming relationship with the Lord.
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Several friends and I gathered together to study one two-lesson section every two weeks. We began each lesson with the video that Suzie had prepared for each section. The DVD was a very inexpensive and perfect asset to this teaching. I was pleased with the level of intimacy that our small group of women shared together and especially with our focus on the Lord.

The opening of her book starts with the encouraging scripture, II Thessalonians 1:11–12, The Message. I found that scripture perfectly aligned with this study, as was the touching forward by Ann Woskamp. Sharing Susie Larson’s lesson by lesson topics at our meetings, which covered everything from believing in yourself—facing your fears—to lasting long and finishing strong—just to name a few, brought us freedom in Him. We were stunned by the level of tender encouragement and wisdom generously offered throughout.

This is a book on how to overcome interferences that get in the way of really living—living in the healthy joyful freedom in Christ. Your Beautiful Purpose was just the book for me and for those of us who gathered together. I hope you will consider this study for you and your friends. Susie Larson is a popular radio show host, author, and national speaker. She has experienced hurts that could allow her to wallow in anger and damage for the rest of her life. Yet, Susie chose to follow His lead, and she’s become a blessing to those who will apply the wisdom lining her pages!  She is most highly recommended!

QUESTIONS FOR SUSIE:
What is your favorite lesson in this study?
Thank you for asking! I don’t know if I can narrow it down to particular lesson, but I will say that I long for women to rightly interpret their battles, overcome their fears and insecurities and learn to trust Jesus with their whole lives. If they will stay humble and teachable and persist in faith, they’ll marvel at all God is willing to do in and through them. The world needs their influence. Lots of readers have told me how helpful the four seasons were in discerning what obedience and faith might look like in their particular season of life.

If you have something to say to women today, this moment, what would that be?
I would grab your shoulders, look in your eyes and tell you that God’s will for you is your best-case scenario. You can trust Him! After walking with the Lord for a long time, I know more deeply than I’ve ever known before how kind, wise, and protective God is; He withholds no good thing from those who love and honor Him (Psalm 84:11), so, if we don’t have it yet, it’s because it’s not good for us yet. Don’t allow self-ambition to drive you ahead of God’s timing. And don’t allow self-preservation to hold you back from God’s best for you. He’s so, so good. He deserves your trust and your whole life.

Do you have another book coming out? If so, what is the title?
I’ve released a number of books/DVD studies since the “Purpose” book released. The most recent being, “Fully Alive: Learning to Flourish, Mind, Body, and Spirit.” This book is all about inner healing. What happens in our soul, happens in our cells. Jesus wants to restore your soul and that means He not only wants to strengthen you where you’re weak, and revive you where you’re weary, He wants to heal you from past traumas, unearth embedded lies, and release you from repetitive thoughts that keep you stuck. We’ve heard incredible stories of healing and restoration from this book. Thank you, Lord! My next book releases in September and it’s a 365-day devotional titled, “Prevail” which means to prove more powerful than your opponent. I walk us through the whole arc of scripture, from Genesis to Revelation.

Since you are a radio show host, can women find your station online? How?
Yes! We have an amazing show and I think you’d love it. We have amazing guests and rich, deep conversation. If you’re outside our network, you can listen live online (listen online and/or find our list of markets on www.myfaithradio.com). You can also download our free app (search Faith Radio Network) or subscribe to the podcast which we upload right after the live show. We’ve got podcast listeners from around the world. Subscribe on iTunes or on your favorite podcast player. We give away books almost every day on the show. Hope you’ll join us!

How do you carve out time to write as you navigate your busy world?
That’s a great question. And the word, “carve” is perfect for this question. That’s what I do. Since I work in daily talk-radio and I speak at conferences and retreats in the fall and the spring seasons, I use my summer months and winter months to write. I carve out the time during the week (just a few hours here and there), and then I write a longer day on Saturdays.

How do you want your readers to find you online?
You’ll find a morning and evening blessing each weekday on Facebook (Facebook.com/deeperlifeinChrist), Instagram (SusieLarsonAuthor) and Twitter (SusieLarson). My website is, www.SusieLarson.com
 
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THE THIEF OF LANWYN MANOR by Sarah E. Ladd

4/2/2020

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Cornwall, England, 1818
 
This Regency tale embraces an ancient estate with a troubling reputation. Being a companion for her cousin Jane, will not be the needed escape that Julia Twethewey anticipated. Chapter one sets the dangers and mystery afoot as tall, blond Isaac Blake interrupts a crime. Sarah Ladd skillfully lures her readers through mystery, mayhem, and danger that is quite captivating. The characters dispersed throughout the story are rich and varied. The mystery kept this reader glued to the pages ever wishing to find out—yet equally wishing the tale would never end! Dangers within and without kept the tension taut.

I really liked both the heroine and hero, and their struggles to grow through their challenges were well laid. Sarah Ladd certainly knows how to widen the tension beyond the manor and into the neighborhood, which has a partnership with the concerns and troubles pushing the characters onward.

Yes, yes, indeed, I loved this story.  Every time Sarah Ladd releases a new novel—I’m running to purchase it! As is my sister, Pat. Sarah always provides excellent depth in her characters and adventures for them to frolic within. This is an excellent read that I’m happy to point your attention toward, for it is worth every bit of time it takes to read this novel.
 
You may find Sarah Ladd online at sarahladd.com to see her book news and or join her newsletter and discover her promotions. 

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    Susan Marlene is the author of Sisters & Friends, HEARTS FOREVER FAITHFUL and SHORT STORIES, Some Fanciful, Some True, A Collection from Various Time Periods & Adventurous Tales, as well as ​Splashes of Hope, A Trio of Short Stories.

    She has published in these venues also. 

    www.ChristianDevotions.us and in Splickety Love Magazine, The Novice, and  newspapers. She writes devotions, fiction, and nonfiction. She is a member and co-founder of Pens of Praise Christian Writers 
    Group.  She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

    ​She speaks at writers' groups and prepares devotions and teachings often for Pens of Praise Christian Writers,  and was a former member of Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, and Alternative Education Teacher’s Aide. She loves  antiques and misses  her Leonberger, but loves her Boxer who fills their lives with love and laughter. Her cat was the queen of the household and is also dearly missed. 

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"Hope" is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all,​  by Emily Dickinson


susan@susanmarlene.com

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