Silence Has A Voice

Within the pages of Things Left Unspoken, Eva Marie Everson skillfully touches upon what is all too common in all families – secrets.

Jo-Lynn believes that returning to her hometown to renovate the family residence is the perfect escape from a marriage in need of the same care. What she discovers will change the view of what she once believed and bring her face to face with the reality of what is. Time spent with an imperfect family and reuniting with a long ago love are the tools used to help restore the life she was consenting to allow to slip away.

Things Left Unspoken combines intrigue and romance with faith to present a memorable story of what can happen when your silence finds its voice.

HER LIFE – UNTAPPED

Life Untapped is the name of Stacy Hawkins-Adams’ monthly newsletter.

By personal definition Stacy defines ‘life untapped’ as one living a life:
• Of optimism
• Of giving back
• Of loving unconditionally
• Of loving self
• Unafraid of the new
• Of recognizing and learning from everyday experiences

Those blessed to know Stacy in any capacity will attest to the fact that she is the living definition of the aforementioned words.

Operating within that context Stacy readily admits that writing is a passion she does not take for granted. With each book she challenges her skills not just for the sake of honing her craft, but for the benefit of her readers.

A celebrated author, Stacy’s humility speaks volumes as she gives thanks to the readers who share their thoughts with her and express their gratitude for the ministry within her work. Graciousness accompanies words relaying her joy born out of knowing that her work is not only entertaining, but for some, life changing. She is also humbled by the outpouring of support at personal appearances.

Stacy’s growing writing credentials include her syndicated parenting column, Life Notes, contributions to publications such as the Richmond Times, Heart & Soul Magazine, Crosswalk.com, contributor to two anthologies and author of five novels.

Worth A Thousand Words is her current release and the second installment from the Jubilant Soul Series (see June 22nd entry of this blog for review). Giving me a glimpse into the future Stacy revealed that she is working on a non-fiction project.

Before concluding our conversation I asked Stacy what she would like readers to know about her. It took a moment for the accomplished mother, wife and writing minister to admit that she is funny and serious. She added that most do not know that in order to become an effective journalist she had to overcome shyness. Above all she wants people to know that she is doing her best to live a life untapped – dependent upon God.


To learn more about Stacy visit her online at: http://www.stacyhawkinsadams.com/

SILENT DESTRUCTION

The private lives of the seemingly blessed is not always the view people expect. Such is the case for Jeff and Nikki Singleton.

From the outside the couple seems to have it all in terms of secure careers, productive financial planning, possessions and a great marriage. What will come to light in this necessary story from author Michelle Larks is what really happens behind closed doors and whether or not their faith will be enough to help them overcome.

Added to their marital woes is a unexpected event with the ability to pull the two farther apart.

‘Til Debt Do Us Part speaks to the challenges that beset marriages when past hurts go unresolved and unspoken needs fester.

Dialogue with the Author

Author Michelle Larks is a wife, mother and IT professional. In my opinion she should add consummate hostess to her list of abilities.

Speaking with Michelle via telephone is akin to being ushered into the inner sanctum of her suburban Chicago home. Exuding a disarming candor Ms. Larks invited me into a conversation that most reserve for close friends. In doing so I believe that beside the word vulnerability in the dictionary, we will now find her picture.

During our short time together Michelle shared the story of how she and her husband had to escape from their burning home. I expected her words to revolve around all the things she had lost, but they did not.

Michelle, in her soft-spoken voice relayed the reality of that moment. That reality was that although she was offered help, it was refused. She refused the help believing that things were not as bad as they seemed. Reality opened her eyes to the fact that things were bad in terms of the damage done to the home. Even at that Michelle made the best of the situation – she and her husband checked into a hotel.

Anyone who has had to live through a remodel can attest to the fact that the timeline can become quite an inconvenience. Yet it is often in our inconvenience, our patience, our experience with that which is not a part of our ordinary routine where our greatest lessons are learned.

What was the lesson Michelle learned?

What Michelle candidly revealed was that it took this experience to show her that needing others, being able to depend upon and accept the blessings awaiting you does not label you a burden or inept. She was able to break out of what could have held back/blocked her blessings when she chose to share her needs with others.

When she chose to accept what she would have unselfishly given to others, blessings poured in. They poured in to the degree that with a book signing on her agenda and no clothes to wear, a business outfit came in the mail from someone in her online writing group.

When asked what she would like readers to know about her and her works her answer touches personal aspects of the life she has lived. Michelle is a people person, one who does not pass judgment, but will give advice when asked. Within the pages she writes her focus is set upon family dynamics. She desires to show how people interact and how individual lives and family can be empowered by effective communication.


To learn more about the author you can visit her on the web at: www.michellelarks.com

How Are You Living?

What the Bayou Saw by Patti Lacy is a journey into an often told story, told through a panoramic lens. More than the black and white vision is shown as we become privy to Sally’s (the main character) initiation into mindsets about Blacks as a youth, what she experienced first hand at a later age and how she must come to grips with it in the presence.

Although a work of fiction Author Lacy does a great job of showing the consequence and guilt brought on by living a lie and redemption that can be had when we seek truth.

You can visit www.pattilacy.com to learn more about the author and her works.

Who's Interpretation?

Practicing What You Preach is an excellent presentation of what happens when a person comes down with a case of Pharisees Fever. The most prevalent symptom of the disease is a dedication to living by the letter of the law rather than the humanity of it. Such is the case for Melissa Anderson.

After rededicating her life to Christ, Melissa focuses on her job and her religion. The problem with this is that her religious mind is overriding common sense.

The book is one that challenges the reader to pull out their own bibles. Some will call this work preachy, others will find it nourishing. What I found is that Ms. Davis-Griggs skillfully presents real life conflict while seaming it to the necessity of needing to truly understand the laws that govern your life, but not missing out on life due to constraints of self-imposed rigidity.

You can learn more about Vanessa Davis Griggs and her works at: vanessadavisgriggs.com