I'll never forget the day when I first discovered my love for books. I was about twelve and had borrowed a book from my older cousin. It was my first novel and I was incredibly proud to be in league with my 19 year old cousin who had suggested the title. I sprawled across my parent's bed and cracked open the pages of "Candle in the Darkness" and was immediately transported to a world built upon inspirational stories, descriptive language, and history that vividly seemed alive and tangible to me. 

Since then, I have been the biggest fan of Lynn Austin, the amazing author of "Candle in the Darkness" along with several other awesome novels (my absolute favorite being "Fire By Night," but that is a blog post for another time!)  

So it is with great honor and excitement that I am now apart of an amazing launch team for Lynn's newest book, "Waves of Mercy," which will be out October 4th!!! (You have the opportunity to pre-order here! Yay!) 

From the back cover: 

"Chicago socialite Anna Nicholson retreats to the Hotel Ottawa in Holland, Michigan, after breaking her engagement with her wealthy fiancé. Filled with questions about her newfound faith and troubled by a recurring nightmare, Anna finds solace in Derk Vander Veen, a seasonal hotel worker who plans to go into the ministry. 

Prompted by a request from her son, Geesje de Jonge begins to sift through memories of emigrating from the Netherlands almost fifty years ago. As she writes them down for the Semi-Centennial anniversary of the town's settlement, her story takes on a life of its own as she honestly and painfully recalls her regrets, doubts, hardships, and joys. Her story captivates Derk, who sees similarities between Geesje and Anna, and wishes to bring the two together.

Past and present collide as Anna and Geesje seek clarity, but neither expects the revelations that await them."

I highly recommend any of Lynn's books! I am so excited to get my hands on this new gem and share my impressions soon! If you are looking for something filled with incredible history, page turning twists, and a theme surrounded by God's redemptive love, then check out "Waves of Mercy!" I have had the privilege of reading the first three chapters, and I'm already in love, as I'm sure you'll be, too!

My team and I got to catch up with Lynn and ask her some questions regarding "Waves of Mercy" and with her work as an author! I'm thrilled to be able to share those interview questions and answers down below! Blessings to you all! 

An Interview With Lynn Austin: 

1.      What inspired you to write this particular story?

I grew up in the area of New York State that was originally owned and settled by the Dutch, and I visited Holland, MI for the first time when I attended Hope College. I was immediately impressed by how proud the community was of their faith and their Dutch heritage. My husband grew up in Holland, so when we decided to move back here two years ago, I began researching Holland’s history to see if it would make a good novel. It intrigued me to learn that the first Dutch settlers came here in 1846 for religious freedom after suffering persecution in the Netherlands. Since that’s true of so many other immigrant peoples over the years, I knew the story would resonate with many readers. I was very surprised to learn how much hardship these early settlers suffered in the process of founding this community. If nothing else, their story taught me not to take our religious freedom or the American Dream for granted.

2.     Are the characters based on actual people?

The only “real” person in the story is Reverend (Dominie) Van Raalte, who led the Dutch immigrants to America in 1846. When researching the book, I read a collection of memoirs written by the first settlers, so I combined a lot of their stories when creating my characters. My main characters—Maarten, Geesje, and her family—are products of my imagination. No one by those names immigrated with the original settlers.

3.     What was the most challenging part of writing this book?

In a way, this was a fairly easy book to write because I live in the community where it takes place. I could easily walk to the site where the Hotel Ottawa once stood if I needed inspiration. And everything I needed to research Holland’s history was readily available. My biggest challenge was making the story realistic but not too sad. I had no idea how much the early settlers suffered until I started reading their story.

4.     Can you give us a little glimpse into your writing process?

I begin a new book by reading everything I can find on the topic, going down rabbit trails, gathering information, visiting the book’s setting if possible. Pretty soon, I begin to envision characters in that setting and historical era and they start “talking” to me. Next, I develop their personalities, collecting pictures, writing “resumes” for them until I know them thoroughly. Then I start writing, making up the plot as I go along. I write every day, 5 days a week when possible, and aim for a goal of 5 pages a day.

5.     How did you start writing?

I was a stay-at-home mom with three kids and I loved to read, but I got tired of reading books that offered no hope. The theme seemed to be “Life is hard and then you die.” I agree that life can be hard, but God is good! So I sat down one day when my kids were napping and decided to try to write the kind of book I loved to read. Writing turned out to be so much fun for me—creating characters, making up plots—that I’ve been doing it ever since.

6.     What words of encouragement can you give to aspiring authors?

Don’t quit. Yes, it’s a hard road to publication, but it’s not impossible. If you’ve been called by God to write, then write—and trust Him for the outcome. A successful writer isn’t the person who is published—it’s person who keeps writing.

7.   What is your favorite quote from the book?

It’s actually a promise from Jesus that the characters often refer to: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them . . . I give them eternal life . . . and no one can snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28)

8.   Do you have a favorite author?

I have quite a few, including Maeve Binchy, Chaim Potok, and Rosamunde Pilcher.

9.   How long did it take you to write Waves of Mercy?

One year, including the research.

10.  What do you hope readers will come away with after finishing Waves?

I hope they see what a close relationship with God is really like, and will learn to trust Him through the hard times and praise Him in all circumstances.

11. What have been some challenging aspects of being a writer? What are the most rewarding?

Being a writer involves a lot of self-discipline. I have to make the very best use of my time and energy so that I can get the job done on time, and to the very best of my ability. It takes me a year to write each book, and during that time I have very little feedback. I’m essentially working all alone. That’s hard, at times. And lonely.  The most rewarding part is when I hear from my readers, telling me how my book has influenced their lives. That makes it all worthwhile!

12. What are a few of your favorite things?

The beach on Lake Michigan near my home—lounging on the sand with my husband and watching the sailboats. The floor-to-ceiling bookshelf in my great room with a sliding library ladder—and all of my books, of course. Spending time with my children and my granddaughter. Going on vacation to fun, new places.

13. Which character from Waves is most like you and why? Which character most inspired you and why? And which was your polar opposite?

I suppose Geesje is somewhat like me because she dares to get angry with God and question why He allows pain and suffering. Geesje and I both know that a real relationship is an honest one—and besides, God knows that we’re angry, so we can’t really hide anything from Him! I was most inspired by Geesje’s parents—who didn’t question God, and were willing to do His will, even if that meant suffering. They also lived out their faith in their daily lives, no matter what. I’m probably least like Maarten, who never seemed to have doubts and lived a solid, consistent, Christian life, sacrificing for others.

14. What was your biggest hurdle when researching Waves?

There was so much information available—including an entire VanRaalte Research Center at Hope College—so it was difficult to do a thorough job and not be completely overwhelmed. I knew I was leaving out a lot of good information but I had a story to tell, first and foremost. I hate reading novels with too much history tossed in. Keeping the history and the story in balance was challenging at times.

15. Is there a theme that seems to show often in your writing?

Life is hard but God is good—and He always has everything under control.

16. You’ve covered a lot of ground, historically speaking, is there an era that intimidates you or one that you’d like to write about but haven’t yet?

Aside from my biblical novels, which go WAY back in history, the earliest time period I’ve written about is the mid-1800s. I don’t think I’d want to go back any earlier than that in U.S. history. Researching the time of the Pilgrims or the Revolutionary War would scare me.

17. Most history lovers have an antique or two around their home, assuming this is true do you have a favorite? A wish list?

I love antiques, but my husband doesn’t care much for them, so I have to keep my collection under control. (No wish lists!) My favorite pieces are the ones that were handed down through my family, such as the mantle clock that my great-grandfather bought for my great-grandmother as a present on the day my grandmother was born. I guess he wanted her to know what time it was when she got up to feed the baby in the middle of the night! I also have a huge, wooden steamer trunk from 1812 that I bought before Ken and I were married to serve as my “hope chest.” We’ve been dragging it around ever since. My oldest antique is an oil lamp I purchased in Israel that dates to the time of King Hezekiah.

18. Which has been your favorite era to research?

The Civil War. I did a lot of traveling when I researched my three Civil War novels, and I enjoyed every minute. The battlefields and cemeteries were very moving, especially seeing the grave of my husband’s great-great grandfather, who died in the war. And I loved visiting the beautiful plantations in the South. This time period also brought a lot of good changes for women, so that made it interesting, too.

19. Do you have any writing must haves?

I must have my daily quiet time for prayer and Bible reading—or else I don’t get anywhere at all with my writing.

20. Can we see a picture of your writing space?

    

21. Do you partner with any other authors?

I have never partnered with anyone to write a book, but I would never have gotten where I am today without the faithful women from my writers’ critique group: Jane Rubietta and Cleo Lampos. They are also two of my favorite authors.

22. What is your least favorite phase of the publishing process?

The part I hate the most is getting the first editorial review of my finished manuscript. I just want to be done with the book (and of course I’m convinced it’s perfect) but my editor always has a few suggested changes.

23. How do you recharge your batteries?

I go out and play! I love to ride my bike, walk in the woods, and play with my granddaughter. My husband is a professional musician, so going to his concerts recharges me, too.

24. Is it possible to get a small clue, say, the year of the setting on your current work in progress?

            It’s about two wealthy sisters who live in Chicago in the late 1800s. They love to travel the world and seek adventure.

Bonjour! 

So today I want to talk about my favorite movie: "Beauty and the Beast."

I am an extremely big fan. Extreme. For example: I once sang to my nephew the entire "Belle" song while he was eating. You know, the "Little town… It's a quiet village" one. Yes, it included dancing and voice imitations. 

"There is the great lesson of "Beauty and the Beast" that a thing must be loved before it is lovable." ~G.K Chesterton 

I think there's a reason why we get a little struck when we hear "For who could ever love a beast?" Is it because it is harder to see the beauty within, but so easy to recognize the beast? The beast of anger, of bitterness, of lashing out because we're hurt.  There is a sense of hope for us all, then, when the Beast transforms because of true love. And that is why I deeply adore this movie… The hope and life that real love brings. 

~Happy Anniversary!~

When I heard that 2016 (September 20th, to be exact) was the 25th anniversary of "Beauty and the Beast," I was beyond ecstatic! Needless to say, I have reveled in all it's glory in just about every way possible. 

For starters, in April my parents and I went to Cincinnati to watch the Broadway version, a dream I have had for years! I laughed. I cried. I marveled at the beautiful sights and songs that came to life on stage. It was an experience I'll never forget!

This year, my sister landed the dream job of becoming a Disney travel agent, who offers free quotes and free planning services (check her Facebook page out here!) To help promote her business during a few days of a festival, I dressed up as Belle and had the time of my life! (Told you I reveled in it's glory every way possible!)

This year also brought to us the teaser trailer for next year's live action version of "Beauty and the Beast," starring a host of amazing actors! When I saw the teaser, I flipped! (And by "flipped" I mean I have watched it probably about 20 times by now… tearing up each time, of course.). You bet that I'll be the first one to buy tickets, the first one in the theater, and the last one to leave.

So September 20th was the official 25th anniversary. I promptly went to the store after work, marched straight to the "New Release"section, picked up a copy, grabbed a few things for my "Grey Stuff" recipe (listed below!), and went straight home to watch it with my mom. Of course, I have both a DVD and VHS copy, but this was the 25th addition with extra bonus features and a Blu-Ray copy…I couldn't pass it up. After I made the "Grey Stuff,"I promptly popped in the disc and fell in love all over again with the beautiful story. There is too many reasons why I love this movie… For starters, the music is gorgeous. The artistry is also beautiful and incredibly detailed. But it's the storyline that gets me. I relate to Belle's adoration of books and her longing for "adventure in the great wide somewhere!" Her kind but bold spirit is also something to be admired. She sees each character based on what is within their heart; aka not judging the book by it's cover. This is a wonderful reminder for children and grownups alike to practice.

 All the characters are fantastic, though! From dastardly Gaston to dashing Lumiere, they add just the right amount of thrills and fun to the overall romantic theme. But the Beast has to be my favorite of the entire movie. His character arc is incredible, and goes to show that love can truly change us. If for no other reason, he gave Belle a gigantic library as a gift. You can't get any better than that. 

This masterpiece will always be a beloved favorite of mine. "Beauty and the Beast" is truly a wonderful classic, and will forever be a "Tale as Old as Time."

Try the "Grey Stuff" It's Delicious! 

Grey Stuff: 

Ingredients: 

-3.4 oz box of instant vanilla pudding

-1 1/2 Cups of milk

-15 crushed (regular) Oreos

-8 oz cool whip

-1 TBSP instant chocolate pudding mix

Whisk box of instant vanilla pudding mix with the 1 1/2 cups of milk.

Set in refrigerator while either crushing 15 Oreos or pulsing in a food processor. 

Set the vanilla pudding mixture back out and mix in crushed Oreos. 

Add in Cool Whip and 1 TBSP of instant chocolate pudding mix. 

Mix thoroughly together, and then chill to thicken. Then, Viola! You have your "Grey Stuff" from the song "Be Our Guest" ("Try the Grey Stuff, it's delicious! Don't believe me, ask the dishes!") I hope you enjoy this delicious treat and be sure to take time to sit back and fall in love all over again with "Beauty and the Beast." 

-The End-

Honesty, I just feel like typing "The Jungle Book was awesome. The end." Really, there is too much to say about this movie! First of all, if you have yet to see it and are remotely a fan of Disney or the original cartoon movie (or even the book!)… See it. If you are into action and awesome special effects, see it. I can keep giving you reasons to see it, but how about I just describe my favorite parts and give you all just a real review?

As I've said before, and I'm sure I'll say again in the near future, I am a huge fan of Disney. Huge. When I first saw the teaser trailer for "The Jungle Book," I got chills. It was the one where Kaa (portrayed by the ever talented Scarlett Johansson) was "reassuring" Mowgli in her husky, transfixing voice. From that point on I was hooked and knew the movie would be epic. And it was.



"All By Myself" 
To fully appreciate this movie, let's start from scratch. The main actor Neel Sethi, (who at the time couldn't be more than ten or eleven years old), acted completely by himself. Sure, there were puppets and little props to help him have a visual, but the kid did it without a single other actor around. Kudos. Because that takes some skill.

Same,Yet Different 

Next, I love that this was it's own story without still being too far from the beloved cartoon. We obviously have the same characters (some with more recognition than others due to slightly different story line). We have the same basic plot line of scary Shere Kahn hunting down man-cub Mowgli. Shoot, we even get to have a little taste of the original songs ('Bare Necessities,' 'I Wanna Be Like You,' and if you hang around long enough, a chilling rendition of 'Trust In Me' during the credits). But this version is definitely more intense and more action-packed, with stunning visual effects that make you feel right at home in the jungle. 

Snakes, Tigers, Bears… Oh my! 

I have to admit, I could almost care less about the story line. I was so enamored by the animals (especially the 'bad' ones!) that I was always anticipating the next scene and what new characters to look forward to. Kaa and King Louie were my two favorite 'bad characters,' if you will. I was a little freaked out by their enormity, but I honestly think that was one reason I was drawn to their characters. Trussssst in me when is say that I love the cartoon characters from Disney's original, but there's something particularly intriguing with bigger depictions that seem to have a new breath of life in them. 

Kaa gave me the most creeps. His/Her (male in original, female in 2016 version) was horribly long in length and scarily reassuring with a slightly echoing voice. 

King Louie is my next favorite. His imposing size and the fact that it's Christopher Walken makes his scene so fun (yet a mite frightening!) to watch! You get to see his enormous size in comparison to Mowgli after a smidgen of ominous waiting, and I couldn't help but wonder what type of steroid-infused mango did he eat? It was captivating to watch his chase with Mowgli through the temple ruins and even get to hear Walken sing a snippet of "I Wanna Be Like You."

I simply adored Bagheera and Baloo. Hats off to the casting choices of Ben Kingsly and Bill Murray because they hit their parts spot on. I've always found Bagheera's calm, soldier-like demeanor enticing for some reason. The creators of this 2016 film drew from that of the serious countenance of the cartoon version, and refined it to a 'T." His sleek black coat and bright yellow eyes look so life like and his friendship with Mowgli was sweet, considering their opposing personalities.

Baloo, on the other hand, was the amazing comedic relief. Not to mention, he was simply adorable. I couldn't get enough of his little funny jibs and sayings. He was a slight reflection of the cartoon version, but I feel like Bill Murray shaped him a little differently. In a good way, though. Baloo seemed more dependent on Mowgli than vice versa, something I recall from the cartoon (how Baloo teaches Mowgli what to eat and how to live in the "Bare Necessities" song comes to mind). In the 2016 version, Mowgli helps Baloo collect food. Namely, honey. But their friendship was just as endearing and definitely a bright spot in the dark tone of the film.

I suppose I have to make mention of Shere Kahn, the biggest threat to Mowgli in the whole movie. While cartoon version had a little more charm and even witty side to him, do not expect that from 2016 Shere Kahn. He is mean, vicious, and extremely intimidating. I have a miniature version of him in my cat, Mitsi. (Just kidding, Mits, I love you!)

With incredible special effects, superb casting and acting, "The Jungle Book" is a winner in my eyes! The movie is now out on DVD and Blue-ray and I'm sure will be coming out to Redbox soon. Check it out! I'm sure you'll love it! 

There's just something about orchards that I feel drawn to.

I'm not exactly sure what it is. Ever since I first visited an orchard, I have dreamed of owning one someday. There is a simplistic beauty that I appreciate: The branches that are heavy-laden with fruit. The comfortable atmosphere of the produce store. The row after row of beautiful apple trees.

Today I visited Anderson Orchards, located in Moorseville, Indiana. Although not quite yet fall time, the orchard still provided early harvests of apples along with a plentiful amount of peaches, pears, and plums.

Looking through the colorful varieties of fruit the orchard offered, I also began to notice the business of the store. The customers picked through the produce while employees helped load cars and point out certain items. Looking more carefully, there were even more employees carting apples to and fro from behind the building, where I'm assuming the sorting of freshly picked apples happened. Outside of the store, trucks and tractors disappeared into the acres of apple trees with their own responsibilities.

I decided to do a little more observing out in the quietness of the orchard. I selected then left my produce at the counter before venturing out amongst the trees. There was peace. There was fresh clean air. There was clear blue skies. I slowly walked through the isle of trees, snapping pictures and soaking in the scenery. I was soon accompanied by a friend, the Anderson's old family dog. Together, we wandered around as I took in the magnitude of what it means to run such a business.

I began to inspect even the smallest detail of operating an orchard. There were stakes to support the trees, sprays to keep away bugs and diseases, mulch, equipment, costs of upkeep for the equipment, pruning shears, signs to distinguish the trees… Every little detail had to be there to keep the orchard in tip top condition. Suddenly, I was appreciative of the owners and their hard work. My small friend and I examined the fruit-laden trees, and I have since been struck with the Biblical analogy of Jesus being the vine and His followers the branches.

John 15:5 says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." 

The mature trees were absolutely bursting with fruit! The trees were healthy, and obviously well cared for. How well do we tend to our branches in Christ? How fruitful are we for Him? Do we work hard to grow in Jesus, to cultivate our faith, to harvest spiritual fruit? It takes hard efforts and dedication. An orchard as lovely as the one I visited today wasn't built in a day. Neither is our fruit in Him. But if we don't start making strides, our branches will wither and die and will need to be pruned. 

How fruitful is your orchard, then? Are you producing love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control (Galatians 5 22-23)? Let your branches bend with the weight of it all! Refresh yourself in the nourishment that the true Vine brings. Tend to your orchard. The harvest will be beautiful. 

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I love baking! I love baking even when members of my family are too lazy to bake for themselves and pass over the responsibility to me! That's what happened this past weekend when my sister needed a delicious dessert for her in-law's get together. And it is the same dessert I'm excited to share with you! Peanut Butter Bars!

This peanut butter bar recipe has been within our family for years! It is bound to show up at our yearly family reunion, and there are never ever leftovers to take home! These bars are quick and super simple to whip up! They are filled with oats and peanut butter, but the topping is everyone's favorite! Simi sweet chips and a peanut butter glaze. Need I say more?

First, get all your ingredients together (I bet you have practically everything already tucked away somewhere in your kitchen!): 1/2 cup of butter (or margarine), 1/2 cup sugar and the same amount of brown sugar, 1 egg, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 cup all purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cooking oats, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp baking soda, and at least a cup of semi sweet chocolate chips.

In a mixing bowl, you'll want to cream together your softened butter, sugars, and peanut butter. A simple way of softening your butter is to either lay it out a few hours before making the bar, or softening it in the same bowl you'll use to mix your wet ingredients right before hand.

Next, add your egg and vanilla then mix well. 

In a separate bowl, combine your flour, oats, baking soda and salt; add into the wet mixture and stir thoroughly. 

Spread into a greased (or sprayed with Pam) 9 x 13 baking pan. 

Have a blast while sprinkling the top with semi-sweet chocolate chips! Just because the recipe calls for a cup doesn't mean you can't add more! Go for it! 

Bake at 350 F for 20 to 25 minutes. Our oven is fast and made our bars ready around 18 minutes, so be sure to check that your bars don't get too brown! Cool them for 10 minutes, then combine your glaze ingredients. 

The glaze is tempting to eat just by itself, and super duper easy to make! You'll need (at least) 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar, 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Whisk those ingredients together to get your yummy glaze! You'll want your glaze a little thicker so it'll hold well and not slide around all over your bars. To make a thicker glaze, simply add in more confectioners' sugar, and continue to mix ingredients until you reach your desired consistency! 

Once your glaze is whipped up, it'll be time for the final touch! Evenly drizzle your peanut butter glaze on top of your bars and voila!!! You have your easy peasy, yummy peanut butter bar! 

My mother did a wonderful job of evenly adding the glaze! 

Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients: 

-1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

-1/2 cup of sugar

-1/2 cup of packed brown sugar

-1/2 cup of peanut butter

-1 egg, beaten

-1 teaspoon vanilla extract

-1 cup of all purpose flour

-1/2 a cup of quick cooking oats

-1/4 teaspoon of salt

-1 teaspoon of baking soda

-1 cup (or more, you rebel!) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Glaze Ingredients:

-1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar (probably a bit more to get a thickened consistency!)

-2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter

-2 tablespoons of milk

Directions: 

In mixing bowl, cream butter, sugars, and peanut butter. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. Combine flour, oats, baking soda, and salt; stir into creamed mixture. Spread into a greased 13 x 9 in baking pan. Sprinkle liberally with chocolate chips. Bake at 350 F for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes. Combine glaze ingredients; drizzle evenly over your yummy bars! Enjoy!