This week I’ve invited Marianne Evans. A lot of readers of Christian fiction are familiar with Marianne. She has over ten books to her belt and is featured in newsletters and blogs all over the web. Welcome Marianne. Look for my review of her lastest book Devotion on the Events page. Also, comment on either this page or the Events page for a chance to win an Ebook copy of Devotion.
From Genesis to Devotion
There I was, innocently wrapping up my first-ever inspirational romance series for White Rose Publishing (part of the amazing publisher, Pelican Book Group!) I shed some bittersweet tears as I finished creating the story of Tyler Brock and Amy Maxwell.
But then, something most unexpected happened. I met a guy. Actually, I met a guy and his wife. And they stole my heart. Into my imagination charged Kellen Rossiter. What a guy. He fascinated me immediately upon his entrée into Tyler and Amy’s story. He’s seemingly got it all. A high-powered and successful career as an agent in the Christian music industry. A wife he adores completely. A faith-life he’s never questioned. Juliet, his bride, is his perfect compliment. She’s smart and sweet, Christ-centered, lives to serve and loves her husband above all others.
But as the couple came to life, I discovered their perfect life had a few cracks and fissures. The world, and the relationship they shared, was about to come crashing down around them…because of a surrender to temptation.
You may ask, rightfully so, ‘Come on, Marianne. How can a couple so committed, so devoted if you will, fall prey to a spiritual failure? Sadly, it’s an easier trap to fall in to than you may realize. As I journeyed with Kellen and Juliet through a turbulent season in their marriage, I discovered something important. Temptation sneaks up on you. Seldom does it bang you over the head and cause you to fall. Rather, circumstances build. Circumstances left unchecked overwhelm. Goodness and light become tangled, swallowed into a shade of gray that leaves right and wrong, good and bad, in question.
Even for the most faithful person.
Another lesson I learned in writing Devotion is this: Christians fail. Christians aren’t perfect. Instead, we know enough to lean on God’s truth, his forgiveness and unfailing mercy to work past the sins we commit. When we approach Him with sincere regret and in authentic reform, God always welcomes us home.
I hope you enjoy the story of Devotion. I pray it blesses you the way writing it has blessed me!
http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/devotion-softcover
www.marianneevans.blogspot.com
_____________________________________
Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create.
Evans’s novel, Hearts Communion, earned Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year honors in the Romance category and readers have lauded her work as: ‘Riveting.’ ‘Realistic and true to heart.’ ‘Compelling.’ Evans has also won acclaim in such RWA contests as The Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence where she has been a finalist twice, and the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence.
A lifelong resident of Michigan, Evans is active in a number of a number of Romance Writers of Aneruca chapters, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President. She’s also active in American Christian Fiction Writers and the Michigan Literary Network.
It sounds like a great read!
Patty, Thanks for stopping by. I know you’ll enjoy the book.
Patty, thanks for the compliment, and thanks for stopping by! I’m very excited about this release!! Devotion holds a precious place in my heart. 🙂 Blessings!
Hi, Marianne! I love the sound of this story and can’t wait to read it. I’m so happy to be a sister Pelican with you! 🙂
Liz, It is a good book. You’ll enjoy it.
Thanks, Liz! I’m delighted we’ve “reunited” as well!!! 😀
Marianne, this is such an exciting time for you! Congrats on your success in your writing ministry and blessings on your upcoming fall release, DEVOTION! God bless you, my sweet friend!
Kathryn, thanks for spotlighting such a talented Christian writer. Please don’t enter me in the drawing. I was treated to a pre-release goodie of DEVOTION, which I’m very anxious to start reading!
Dora, you’re a treasure. No other word for it. 🙂 Thanks for visiting, and God bless you right back. Continued success in your own writing ministry! You write the most awesome suspense!!!! I love the way your career has taken flight!!!!
Dora, Thanks for stopping by with such kind words.
Kathryn, thank you so much for being such a lovely hostess! I’ve enjoyed my time visiting!! God bless, and please know how much I appreciate you!
Great post, ladies! Wow! Great story line!
It is a good storyline. One a lot of Christian authors are afraid to tackle.
Donna, your support means the world to me – THANK YOU!! Yes, Kathryn, the storyline was difficult to approach, but once I lived in Kellen and Juliet’s world, I just knew their journey needed to be told.