STRONG WOMEN

Author Lyn Cote has a penchant for writing about strong
women. That's why her stories attract her readers.

She says:

As is true of most writers, I have developed a voice or brand. My brand is “Strong Women, Brave Stories.” This brand flows through all three of the kinds of romance I write: contemporary, romantic suspense and historical. My books always include three elements:

• a strong, usually crusading, heroine who does not fold under pressure.
• authentic detail, especially in my historicals
• a multi-cultural cast of characters.

Lyn Cote and her husband now live on the shores of a clear glacial lake in the northwoods of Wisconsin. After her husband was downsized in all the repercussions of 9/11, they ended up selling their home and moving to their "retirement" home—many years earlier than they had anticipated. But God has provided. Lyn has been busy writing and her husband found a job he loves in the northwoods. Now she and her husband are living in a beautiful and peaceful setting. But to keep things from getting too quiet and relaxed, they went to the local animal shelter and picked out two cats—a dainty little golden tabby that Lyn named Sadie and a big gold and white Tom that her husband named V-8. Not for the juice for the engine. V-8 has a mighty purr! His other nickname is Cadillac cat because he's a very large cat. One of his most endearing traits is loving to lie like a baby in Lyn's lap. And some days this is Lyn's largest obstacle to get her writing done!

JULIE KLASSEN - Modern Day Jane Austen

This author loves to write Regency novels. And she has a huge following of readers who cannot get enough of her exquisite writing.

She combines tales of yesteryear with her Christian worldview. Her stories - no matter how bad the outcome appears from the beginning - always have a great ending.

Here are some of her titles: The Silent Governess, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Apothecary's Daughter, The Lady of milkweed Manor, The Girl in the Gatehouse, The Dancing Master.

At her book signing appearances, the audience are held enthralled as she tells a little of the background to many of her novels.

Julie shares a little about herself:

 I graduated from the University of Illinois and enjoy travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends. My husband and I have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.

I worked in publishing for sixteen years (first in advertising, then as a fiction editor) and now write full time. Three of my books, won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. 

Ellie Whyte, a popular NZ Christian Book Reviewer asked Julie: 
Other than writing great novels, what other goals do you have for your life? 
"To help my sons grow up to be successful adults. To grow closer to my husband and to God. And, to finally figure out a way to either 1. Keep my house clean, or 2. Have people over anyway. :)

Julie adds:  If you love romance, English accents, Jane Eyre, or anything by Jane Austen, then you and I are soul sisters and I write for you!

AN UNLIKELY PAIR

Ian McDowell was the principal of the Emmaus Bible College in Sydney some years ago. My husband and I attended during the twenty-three of their stay. Recently I asked Valerie McDowell to share their story.

"I first became aware of a certain young man at during my college days. He wore bright red socks and appeared to be an immature, undisciplined student who enjoyed miscievous pranks. Definitely not my type! 

The following year we both attended the same Maths lectures and he began phoning me. As I'd planned to attend a Christian camp over the break, I invited him. He surprised me when he agreed to take time off his work as an engineering cadet. When I met him at the train station I was appalled. He had a rifle slung over his shoulder and a pistol in his pocket! He was hoping to share his shooting skills there. 

Up to this time Ian had no respect for religion, however he enjoyed all the activities and the talks.  On the last Bible study session he was struck by he contrast between unbelievers and Christians. He said to me, "Your way is better because you always have joy in your heart. I have to keep creating pleasure through drinking, smoking and gambling."

Soon after having the Gospel explained to him, he knelt down and thanked Jesus for dying for his sins. From that moment his former desires left him and although known for his"filthy mouth", he never swore again for the rest of his life. God had truly transformed him.

Our friendship developed with the outcome of our marriage. Every morning and evening we read the Bible together and prayed for God's guidance in our lives together. This practice became the anchor for fifty-three years of our happy, fulfilling marriage."

As Valerie told me, theirs was " a marriage made in heaven" because there was no other way to describe such an "unlikely union".

Special Announcement

Lucy Morgan-Jones

I really want to share this news about one of our Facebook friends, with her permission. We read the following in her own words:


WARNING: Romance Alert!

We've had a few exciting changes in our household lately, so now is the time to make an announcement!!

Quite a few months ago an old school friend looked me up on Facebook. We knew each other when we were 14 & 15 and used to hang out at school, play computer games...and he used to bring me roses (cos friends do that, right??). We reconnected and picked up the friendship straight away, chatting on F/book, sharing funny links, and then texting. Our first phone call was over 4 hrs long and neither of us was stuck for things to chat about. As the weeks went by, we both found more and more things we admired about each other, and our phone calls grew longer and longer (including a few where we literally talked all night!).

You guessed it, we fell in love and when he drove nearly 24 hrs straight to visit us that bond only grew.
After meeting his family, and many excitingly negotiated conversations later we are planning to be married sometime in March!! A move for us is on the cards, with mid February the most likely date.

 So, who is this man who has captured my heart you might ask?
*pause for sappy sigh* His name is David, aka Dave Thompson. A 6' 1", hard working, Trade Assistant from central Qld. Quirky in humor, big in heart, he loves Jesus, animals, country living, cool science stuff, and is ridiculously romantic. Did I mention he's brave... Who else would take on a romance writer who is a single mum with four rambunctious children!

So, please pray for us as we move, merge households, and for the future we'll have together. Thanks for being part of the journey!

Thanks for sharing your wonderful news with us Lucy. We wish you and Dave the Lord's richest blessings as you begin your new life together.