The Book I Didn't Want to Write & Other Happenings

Book 3 of the Southern Hearts Series, Tackling the Fields, will likely release early so that it will be available at the Lemuria Signing, August 13th, and the Mississippi Book Festival in August. I must warn you, though, that this is a story I didn’t want to write, but felt called to tackle. The loss of the dream, the loss of innocence, and life’s other unfair struggles can challenge our faith—can make us captive to fear and disappointment.

The sensitive topics in this story seemed particularly sad, but relevant in our society. Trust me, I didn’t prefer to research acquaintance/date rape or human trafficking, but both are going on all too often in communities both small and large. There are a number of organizations set up to help victims of these crimes if you feel a calling to help.

Also, the story is about football. In the South, we love football. In writing this book, I’m not trying to make a statement for or against the sport. My husband and son loved playing the game. After my son suffered a torn ACL, torn shoulder labrum, and four surgeries, he could no longer participate in the game he loved. He mourned the loss of the brotherhood of his team. I saw the popular pastime differently from his eyes. For young men, I believe it is a bond between friends for a common goal. Though the character in this book is totally fictional, I’m dedicating this book to my son, Luke.
  
Some who read this story may have had something terrible that happened in their past or may know someone who has. God is able to set free the captives, set you free from the bonds that hold you. My prayer is that you find comfort in that truth.

​P.S.
I promise that book 4 will be lighter. For example, there's a hairless cat named Mr. Darcy.

Picture courtesy of my friend Susan who owns a hairless cat.

Happenings
I'm on a blog tour that offers prizes this week.
($50 Amazon gift card, $25 Amazon gift card, signed copy of books...)
​The winner may as well be you. Enter here if you want.
http://www.celebratelit.com/going-up-south-celebration-tour/
Just scroll down until you see me.

I'll also be in Starkville, Laurel, and Mendenhall in the next week or two, and I don't know many people in those places. If you live nearby, come say hello, or if you know someone who lives nearby, ask them to come say hello. :)

Jul 16, 2016 11:00 AM    Starkville, MS    Book Mart
   
Jul 18, 2016 5:00 PM    MENDENHALL, MS    Mendenhall Public Library  
 
Jul 23, 2016 
2:00 PM    Laurel, MS    Jitters Coffeehouse and Bookstore    
Aug 13, 2016 
1:00 PM    Jackson, Mississippi    Lemuria Books
​  
Aug 20, 2016 
JACKSON, MS    Mississippi Book Festival