Posts by NormaGail

Why I Read and Write Fiction – Confessions of a Bookworm

Posted by on Jun 19, 2020 | Comments Off on Why I Read and Write Fiction – Confessions of a Bookworm

Why I Read and Write Fiction – Confessions of a Bookworm

I read and write fiction because I am curious about the world. Fiction increases our awareness of the world around us and broadens our horizons beyond the confines of our daily life.

 

 

 

 

Fabulous Fridays

Why I Read and Write Fiction – Confessions of a Bookworm

I read and write fiction because I am curious about the world. Whether contemporary or historical, fiction transports the reader to another place and time. A well-written novel invites the reader to become part of the story. Fiction increases our awareness of the world around us and broadens our horizons beyond the confines of our daily life.

Fiction vs. Non-fiction

Why I Read & Write Fiction 1

Non-fiction teaches facts. We learn about one topic in detail with little stimulus of our imagination. One problem in our world today is people’s desire to be heard above news media rhetoric. Talking heads with a set agenda tell us what to think.

A well-written novel invites the reader to become part of the story... #amwriting #amreading #fiction Click To Tweet

Fiction, on the other hand, covers a broad range of experiences through the eyes of many different characters. One book enables us to enter the minds of a variety of people from different levels of society: rich and poor, educated and uneducated, management and employee, husband and wife. Points of view are expressed in a non-confrontational way. Readers experience what someone thinks, why they think that way, and develop empathy. Fiction opens us up to new ideas while stimulating pleasure areas in the brain.

Fiction and the Real World

Why I Read & Write Fiction 2

For example, in my new romantic suspense, Within Golden Bands, the reader experiences the hurt and longing of a woman who craves motherhood but cannot become pregnant. I wrote from the heart about longings I experienced. My husband gave input on passages about the husband’s reactions. The story isn’t ours but we dealt with the emotions in real life.

In our world today, fearful of the COVID-19 pandemic, torn by protests over racial inequality, stress and anxiety run rampant. Fiction transports us away from the tension of non-stop news to a place where our brains can rest. Stimulating the imagination is therapeutic.

Fiction transports us to a place where our brains can rest... #anxiety #relaxation #bookworm Click To Tweet

Works of fiction contain the truth about life, history, current events, and even faith. Christian fiction reveals how others might respond to personal crises, relationships, and world events from the standpoint of their faith. I watched my mother-in-law grow in her relationship to Christ through the fiction she read.

Benefits of Reading Fiction

Why I Read & Write Fiction 3

All the best and worst of life is contained in fictional worlds. As we watch characters react to life events, we grow our minds with new possibilities. When based in fact and experience, the author’s imaginings can demonstrate scriptural truth.

Novels open our eyes to fresh perspectives by transporting us into an imaginary world... #amwriting #imagination #escape Click To Tweet

All in all, fiction provides escape from stress and reveals new ways to respond to the world around us. Novels open our eyes to fresh perspectives by transporting us into an imaginary world. We escape everyday turmoil, satisfy our curiosity, expand our thinking, and rest our minds through the pages of a book.

© Copyright Norma Gail Holtman, June 16, 2020

Fiction transports the reader to another place and time... #booklover #novels #readingrocks Click To Tweet

About the author:

Norma Gail - AuthorNorma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.

 

 

 

 

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My Times Are in Your Hands, Therefore I Trust

Posted by on Jun 16, 2020 | Comments Off on My Times Are in Your Hands, Therefore I Trust

My Times Are in Your Hands, Therefore I Trust

“My times are in your hands…” All week, these words played through my mind to the tune of an old hymn. Peace comes with the knowledge that God is in control.

 

 

 

 

My Times Are in Your Hands, Therefore I Trust

2MefromHim Devotional

My times are in your hands… Psalm 31:15

My Times Are in Your Hands scripture

“My times are in your hands…” All week, these words played through my mind to the tune of an old hymn by William F. Lloyd. Then I discovered a sermon by Charles Spurgeon by the same title. Peace comes with the knowledge that God is in control.

My faith sustains me when the world is filled with turmoil. COVID-19 and social unrest have our world in chaos. Natural disasters, fires, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes rob struggling people of all they possess. Where does your hope reside?

My faith sustains me when the world is filled with turmoil. #faith #hope #anxiety Click To Tweet

Our Times Cry for Hope

Psalm 31 reveals David crying out to God, his rock, refuge, and fortress, words that produce the sense of safety, a firm foundation in times of fear and distress. Spurgeon says, “If our lives were not appointed of heaven, we should wish they were. If there were no overruling Providence, we would crave for one.” I long for Jesus’ return because of promised peace.

Psalm 139:16 tells us, “all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” I face the unknown with courage because I understand that God has a plan and purpose. Moses prayer, recorded in Psalm 90 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” True wisdom offers hope.

My Times Are in Your Hands 1

When the downtrodden cry out for justice and disease or disaster threaten, I am comforted by my hope in God. In the words of Job 23:10, “He knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” This time of testing for the entire world provides new opportunities to share the source of our hope with those around us. Moreover, as Christians, we can thrive despite our circumstances because we understand God is in control.

I face the unknown with courage because I understand that God has a plan and purpose. #courage #purpose #Godisincontrol Click To Tweet

My Times Are in God’s Hands

Corrie Ten Boom said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” I know peace because all my days rest in the hands of a loving God. Likewise, never have Jesus’ words in John 10:27-29 resounded with such promise. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” I am safe even when the world around me spins out of control.

My Hands Are in Your Hands 2

Do you have the certainty that your life rests in God’s hands?

I am safe even when the world around me spins out of control. #safety #control #fear Click To Tweet

My Times Are in Your Hands

My times are in Thy hand;
My God, I wish them there;
My life, my friends, my soul I leave
Entirely to Thy care.

My times are in Thy hand;
Whatever they may be;
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright,
As best may seem to Thee.

My times are in Thy hand;
Why should I doubt or fear?
My Father’s hand will never cause
His child a needless tear.

My times are in Thy hand,
Jesus, the crucified!
Those hands my cruel sins had pierced
Are now my guard and guide.

My times are in Thy hand,
I’ll always trust in Thee;
And, after death, at Thy right hand
I shall forever be.

Hymn by William F. Lloyd

© Devotional by Norma Gail Holtman, June 14, 2020

My times are in your hands… Psalm 31:15 #Godislove #trust #faith Click To Tweet

About the author:

Norma Gail - AuthorNorma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.

 

 

 

 

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Christmas Stroll – Within Golden Bands Out-takes Part Three

Posted by on Jun 12, 2020 | Comments Off on Christmas Stroll – Within Golden Bands Out-takes Part Three

Christmas Stroll – Within Golden Bands Out-takes Part Three

The Christmas Stroll in Albuquerque’s Old Town, there’s nothing quite like it! Christmas in June, anyone? This scene, cut from Within Golden Bands is typical New Mexico romance, the kind that makes me fall in love all over again.

 

 

 

Fabulous Fridays

Out-Takes from Within Golden Bands – Part Three

Christmas in June, anyone? For anyone who knows New Mexico, Old Town Albuquerque at Christmas conjures up essences of piñon smoke, glowing luminarias highlighting adobe walls, and red chili wreaths. This scene, cut from Within Golden Bands is typical New Mexico romance, the kind that makes me fall in love all over again. Join in as Bonny and Kieran experience all the beauty and wonder of Christmas in love.

Out-Takes comprise some of my favorite scenes from Within Golden Bands. The decision to remove them from the book was painful but necessary to move the action forward. I allude to these scenes in other ways but for me, they will always be part of the story. I see, smell, taste, and hear what my characters experience and they share it with me each year as I enjoy our home town at Christmas with my husband.

Christmas in June, anyone? Out-takes from Norma Gail's new book, Within Golden Bands #amwriting #authorlife #RomSus Click To Tweet

Chapter One – Scene Three – The Old Town Christmas Stroll

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Anticipation

The evening was warm for December, even for Albuquerque.

Kieran scrunched sideways in the backseat of Dan’s Suburban so Bonny could lean against him as they headed to the Old Town Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Stroll. “Forty-five degrees in December. My parents would never believe it.”

“We could sightsee more if I wasn’t sick all the time.” Bonny burrowed deeper into his arms, a sure sign it wasn’t a complaint. “After the baby is born, we should come back so I can show you everything when I feel better. You’ll love Old Town. The Christmas Stroll is every bit as beautiful as on Christmas Eve.”

“New Mexico is the best place in the world at Christmas.” Kari turned in the front seat to face them. “You’ve only gone a few places, in spite of little hiking and no horseback riding. Did you enjoy Santa Fe, Kieran?”

“It was fun. The Shed has great food, though Bonny wasn’t hungry. The drive up North 14 is spectacular, and Madrid is one of the more unique towns I’ve ever seen.”

San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church, Old Town, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Dan laughed. “I think eclectic is the word you’re looking for.”

Kari thumped him on the shoulder. “What did Dr. Carson say about your nausea and weight loss, Bonny?”

“He had a name for it, hyperemesis gravidarum, meaning I lose my lunch so much I’m losing weight. More medication. Ugh. Some women end up hospitalized. But hopefully, I’ll improve. I hate to spend most of our honeymoon sick. The doctor’s concerned about the scar tissue and wants an ultrasound when we get home to assess any danger. Kieran called and set it up for right after New Year’s.”

The streetlights caught the gleam in his wife’s eyes and her slight smile begged for a kiss. Kieran drew her closer, but if he waited until they were home, he could do it right. They passed the hospital where he had once prayed for her to regain consciousness and live to marry him. The months, while she healed and decided between him and Adam, were a nightmare. Now, it all seemed insignificant.

The Christmas Tree

A thrill of excitement and anticipation throbbed in his heart, palpable in her jittering knees, turning head, and obvious eagerness to share this special time with him.

“You’ll love this, Kieran. The Christmas tree, the luminarias, dinner at La Placita, and a stroll around the plaza. There’s nothing better. Hurry, Dan. We don’t want to be late.”Christmas Tree, Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico

“From the sound of it, I’ll be lucky to get you on a plane back to Scotland.” Kieran placed a finger under Bonny’s chin, turned her head, and searched her eyes for a response. Did she regret the permanence of her move to Scotland?

“I’m ready. It’s wonderful to have you all to myself, but I can’t wait to tell your parents about the baby. Besides, I need to learn to be a sheep farmer’s wife before I have to juggle farm duties with motherhood.” The quick response eased his concern a little.

Dan pulled into a parking space and stopped. Kieran stepped out first, offered Bonny his hand, and tucked her arm through his. “Lead the way, Mrs. MacDonell.”

“Hmm, smell the pinon smoke.” Dan and Kari fell in behind them. “Have you explained luminarias, carrot-top?” Dan teased.

“I’m a married lady, Danny-boy. Haven’t I outgrown my childhood nickname. And yes, I did.”

“Explained them?” Kieran looked back, laughing. “This determined woman made them in Beauly last Christmas at my parents’ house. I shoveled snow for her to set them out.” With her head against his arm, his heart expanded in gratitude. He sniffed the air, pungent with a plethora of unfamiliar odors. “People, lights, luminarias, music. I see why your eyes light up when you talk about it.”

“Honey, there’s the Christmas tree.” Bonny pointed and tugged on his arm. “Come on.” As Bonny dragged him through the crowd, the tree burst into brilliance as white lights revealed red and white ornaments of giant proportions.

It’s more than two stories tall. How many trees do they use? Within Golden Bands Out-takes #NewMexico #Christfic #amreading Click To Tweet

“It’s huge.” Kieran tilted his head back. “They really are entire trees put together to form one big tree. It’s more than two stories tall. How many trees do they use?”

“A hundred and fifty,” Bonny said proudly.

Kari smiled when she and Dan walked up. “You can close your mouth now, Kieran. Did she describe it well?”Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico

“Yes, but I couldn’t imagine it.” His eyes flitted from one unfamiliar sight to another. The warm, golden radiance of the luminarias trailed along sidewalks, rooftops, and porch rails. The flickering lights bestowed a simple beauty on the ancient adobe buildings. “I’m amazed how something as simple as hundreds of small paper sacks with sand in the bottom and candles inside can produce such beauty.”

Bonny’s snaps hadn’t done justice to San Felipe de Neri, the old Catholic Church across the crowded street, so different from the stone cathedrals of his homeland. For more than 300 years, its majestic simplicity of adobe and white-painted wood had graced the north side of the plaza. In spite of throngs of people in the narrow blocked-off streets, the atmosphere was serene. Christmas songs emanated from the bandstand with a distinctive beat played on simple instruments, guitars, violins, and trumpets. “Tell me again what they call the music.”

Mariachi.” She tugged him behind her, closer to the tree. “Take our picture, Dan. We need to send photos to Kieran’s parents. Isn’t it beautiful, honey?”

Reminiscence and Revelations

He nodded, filled with memories of last year when they performed “Silent Night” in Gaelic on Christmas Eve in Scotland. The unfamiliar Spanish was every bit as beautiful. Like tree lights illuminated with the flick of a switch, the answer to a question long agonized over became clear. Bonny refused his proposal and sent him home to Scotland because she craved the familiarity of home while she healed. Now, they stood amidst sights, sounds, and aromas as common to her as they were curious to him. The rugged mountains where she lived, chili, adobe, and the rustic wooden spires of the church meant to her what sheep, heathered hills, castles, and glacier-carved lochs were to him. Home. Given time, she had chosen to leave it all—for him.

The rugged mountains where she lived, chili, adobe, and the rustic wooden spires of the church—Home. #NEWRELEASE #BYNR #Christfic Click To Tweet

His throat tightened and he pulled her into his arms despite the crowds. “You left all you’ve ever known to marry me. For the first time, I fathom your sacrifice—why you had to be so certain.”

With a soft moan, her arms slid around his neck and pulled him down to where her sweet, warm lips melded with his. “I gained much more than I gave up. You are my home now.”

Kari and Dan returned from the other side of the tree. Ever-sensitive Kari touched Bonny’s shoulder. “Dan and I will go on to La Placita. It looks as if you need a moment alone.”

Bonny’s eyes glimmered as bright as the lights on the tree. “Kieran just had a revelation. We’re fine.”

Arm in arm they strolled through the plaza, past the wooden bandstand festooned with white lights and red bows, where a group of carolers had replaced the mariachis. The culture surrounding them was as strange to him as Hogmanay and haggis were to her. Was he brave enough to do what this incredible woman had done?

The emotions surging through him were not the pride of victory over Adam, but humility because she chose him. He drew her out of the crowd, into the circle of light under an old-fashioned lamppost, gazing into eyes made greener by the dark forest hue of her coat.

“Kieran?” Cold fingers caressed his cheek. He caught her hand and massaged it. “What does that little smile mean?”

Within Golden Bands Out-takes Part 3 2

The crowds disappeared and he knelt, grasping the hand where his grandmother’s ruby sparkled amid the diamonds of her wedding band. “I’m the happiest man on earth. I will cherish and protect the gift of your love, mo chridhe, and never take it for granted.”

Only four more days until they boarded a plane for Scotland. Bonny had called it home, and her worries about the baby appeared to have given way to excitement. He almost skipped across the street to the luminaria-festooned restaurant.

Out-takes from novels live on in the heart of the author and provide backstory #amwriting #backstory #NEWRELEASE Click To Tweet

© Norma Gail Holtman

Norma Gail - AuthorAbout the author:

Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.

 

 

 

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Childlike Hearts Speak Truth: Love One Another

Posted by on Jun 9, 2020 | 4 comments

Childlike Hearts Speak Truth: Love One Another

Childlike wisdom rings true in a world torn with racism, prejudice, and juxtaposed ideologies. Human-kind was created as one.

 

 

 

Childlike Hearts Speak Truth: Love One Another

2MefromHim Devotionals

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 #justice #mercy #Godislove Click To Tweet

Childlike Hearts Speak Truth

Skipping up and down the broad sidewalk hand in hand, little girl giggles rang across the parking lot as we waited for the field trip to begin. My daughter and her friends, black, white, Native American, and Hispanic, created a rainbow of ponytails, skinned knees, and laughter.

“Maybe someone will see us and think we’re sisters and your mom is our mom.” One said.

“That couldn’t happen.” Interjected another. “Susie is black, Ann is Indian, I’m blonde, and Amy has brown hair. We can’t be sisters.”

My adopted daughter, used to families of every kind, answered, “We could be sisters. We could all be adopted.”

Childlike Hearts Speak Truth 1

My daughter's words coincide with God's plan.: We could be sisters. We could all be adopted. #humanity #unity #loveoneanother Click To Tweet

Childlike Wisdom Echoes God’s Plan

Her childlike wisdom rings true in a world torn with racism, prejudice, and juxtaposed ideologies. Human-kind was created as one. However, Genesis tells us that God created them male and female. Scripture doesn’t mention color. Likewise, genetics and geography show that the first people carried the genes for every skin color and were probably of a darker tone like Middle Eastern people of today. Any couple could produce children of a variety of skin tones and eye colors. We were one in the beginning.

Childlike wisdom rings true in a world torn with racism, prejudice, and juxtaposed ideologies. #wisdom #truth #Godislove Click To Tweet

Childlike Eyes See Similarities Not Differences

The way my children chose friends mirrors God’s lesson to Samuel, “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) Though we perceive people as different due to sin, in the eyes of God, the heart is all that matters. How might our world be different if we looked at people through the eyes of our Creator?

The world pleads for the message and love of God. Unity comes through Christ alone.

Childlike Hearts Speak Truth 2

Though we perceive people as different due to sin, in the eyes of God, the heart is all that matters. #racism #sin #mankind Click To Tweet

The Message of Christ

Paul says it better than I: “Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts….” (Colossians 3:11-15)

Childlike Obedience to Christ

As Christians, we must serve as examples in our torn and bleeding world. The call is simple. We are to walk humbly as Christ did, treating all we meet with justice, mercy, and love. What steps will you take today?

We are to walk humbly as Christ did, treating all we meet with justice, mercy, and love. #justice #mercy #love Click To Tweet

© Norma Gail Holtman, June 3, 2020

About the author:

Norma Gail - AuthorNorma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.

 

 

 

 

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Out-Takes from Within Golden Bands – Kieran and Adam

Posted by on Jun 5, 2020 | Comments Off on Out-Takes from Within Golden Bands – Kieran and Adam

Out-Takes from Within Golden Bands – Kieran and Adam

Some scenes will always remain in my heart as a writer. That doesn’t mean they made it into the book. I love this scene, set at the Owl Cafe, an Albuquerque icon. It brings back the rivalry between Kieran and Bonny’s former fiancé, Adam.

 

 

 

Fabulous Fridays

Out-Takes from Within Golden Bands – Part Two

Out-takes usually end up as backstory, but they often comprise some of the author’s favorite scenes from the book in its original form. A few scenes from Within Golden Bands will always remain in my writer’s heart. That doesn’t mean they made it into the book. I love this scene, set at the Owl Cafe, an Albuquerque icon. It brings back the rivalry between Kieran and Bonny’s former fiancé, Adam, a character the readers of Land of My Dreams will remember well.

Some of the author's favorite scenes often have to be cut out... #authorlife #amwriting #books Click To Tweet

Out-Takes from Within Golden Bands

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Out-Takes: At the Owl Cafe

Seated on the same side of a booth in the fifties-style Owl Café, Bonny and Kieran fed coins into the tabletop jukebox, selecting oldies while they sniffed the delightful aroma of burgers and fries. Blenders whirred in the background, mixing the famous shakes so thick they required spoons. Bonny’s stomach growled in anticipation. She leaned against Kieran, head on his shoulder, lips a tempting distance from his cheek. “What kept you busy while I was sick upstairs this morning?”

The server appeared with their hamburgers. They offered thanks with clasped hands.

“I worked on a plan to let our neighbors know about the chapel. We’ll invite everyone along Loch Garry and Loch Quoich to the farm for a ceilidh—food, music, and dancing—to introduce my wife and invite them to a Bible study. Those who show an interest will form a core group, able to help once we start worship services.” How those sky-blue eyes twinkled when he talked about the chapel. “Do you think you’ll feel up to a ceilidh before Easter? It’s almost four months away.”

Bonny swallowed a large bite of her burger. “Yum, this tastes good. I should definitely feel better by then. We can ask your parents and our friends to help, and then I don’t have to do everything. It will be nice to meet our neighbors.”

“Aye, there hasn’t been a ceilidh at Stonehaven Farm in years. Now I have the loveliest woman in Scotland as my hostess.” He reached for her milkshake and took a long drink.

“Hey, you wanted Coke. That’s mine.” She grabbed it, gulped, and closed her eyes. “Uh oh … brain freeze.”

Kieran’s big, warm hand came to rest in the middle of her back. “Bonny, you’ll never finish such a huge amount of food. A wee bird eats more than you have in the last few weeks, and now you order a huge burger with green chile and cheese. If you manage it, you’ll be sorry later.”

Bonny shoved her milkshake as far away from him as possible. “We head home in ten days, and I want my first big meal to be one I’ll remember.”

The corners of his eyes crinkled as a teasing smile spread across his lips. “You’ll remember all right. That hamburger would be too large if your appetite were at its best. This is your husband talking—the one who watches you push food around your plate three times a day.”

A behind-the-scenes glimpse at Within Golden Bands, a new romantic suspense novel... #RomSus #Christfic #backstory Click To Tweet

A too-familiar voice drew her eyes to a couple who seated themselves in a booth a few feet away. Adam. A well-remembered ache settled in her heart as images, good and bad, stormed through her mind. She would never forget her former fiancé arriving with a bouquet of roses and a box of Frontier Restaurant cinnamon rolls the day after her father’s funeral—inadequate consolation for breaking their engagement in favor of Vanessa, a fellow attorney in his office. His callous behavior sent her to Scotland and Kieran. Would he ever be out of her life to stay, or would the memory of the pain he inflicted always linger?

“Bonny?” Kieran’s voice jolted her back to the present.

“I don’t believe it …”

“What?”

“Look across the aisle and two booths up.”

Kieran’s face grew red. His eyes narrowed. His jaw worked as if he chewed a piece of gristle. She married him, and still he rankled at the sight of Adam Lawson. Sparring knights, she had called them, and the best man won. Adam never created the spine-tingling ecstasy the mere thought of Kieran produced.

His scowl was the perfect picture of aggravation and dislike. “I thought we might avoid him for the entire trip.”

“We frequented the same places for too long.” Bonny giggled at his irritation. “Kieran, it would be rude to walk past without a word.”

“Is there another way out?” He chomped the last of his burger as if he were grinding Adam to pieces.

Bonny placed her hand on top of his. “I doubt he wants to see us any more than we want to see him.”

“We could pretend absorption in each other to the point we miss them.”

“We won’t be rude.”

Kieran drew his hand out from under hers and settled his arm around her shoulders.

Maybe she could tease him into realizing how ridiculous his continued jealousy toward Adam was. “Hmm, now that I think about it, I want to experience the expression his face. After all the times he called you Scotsman as if it were a disease, we should make him squirm a little.”

“Rubbing it in does have appeal.” His eyes widened.

“What an un-pastor-like answer, Kieran MacDonell. I was kidding, silly.”

“I’m only human.” His smile faded. “It rubs me the wrong way to think of Adam Lawson near you. Isn’t the blonde a little young?”

“Says the man who married a woman ten years his junior.” Bonny gave his shoulder a playful nudge. “She’s his sister, Christy. A sweet girl.”

Kieran loaded the leftovers into a to-go box, picked up the bill, stood, and guided her toward the door. When Adam saw them, his eyes widened. “Come on, we can do this,” Kieran said in a gruff whisper.”

After all the times he called you Scotsman as if it were a disease, we should make him squirm a little... #WithinGoldenBands #BYNR #amediting Click To Tweet

A Confrontation of Rivals

She swallowed hard. “Hello, Adam. Christy.” Keep walking Bonny. Just keep walking.

“Bonny!” Christy, perky as ever, jumped up and ensnared her in a hug.

Adam nodded. “Bonny. Kieran. You look well.”

Bonny recognized his courteous I-can’t-stand-you-but-I’ll-act-nice-anyway tone all too well. Kieran’s arm tightened around her waist.

“Thanks. So do you.”

Bonny took a step forward, but Christy grabbed her hand. “How long are you here?”

No stranger to her brother’s faults, Kari had informed Bonny that Christy understood why she refused his proposal.

“Ten more days. Three weeks altogether.” Kieran pressed harder on her back, but Christy’s grip on her hand made it difficult for Bonny to comply.

“Kari showed me a beautiful photo of your farm.”

“Yes, it’s lovely.” Bonny’s stomach rumbled in protest of the hamburger. The restaurant was uncomfortably warm.

“We should go. My wife needs her rest,” Kieran said, pressing on her back again.

But the room spun, and Bonny’s vision narrowed to a dark tunnel. She reached for Kieran’s hand.

“She’s never fainted before.” The familiar voice was distant and muffled.

Someone patted her hand.

“She’s never been pregnant before.” Kieran’s voice penetrated the murky mist swirling in her head.

Her lips moved, but no sound came out. She forced her eyes open to a blur. The Owl Café. Adam and Christy.

“Bonny, love …” Kieran’s calloused fingers stroked her cheek.

“What … what happened?”

“You fainted. You’ve been out for at least five minutes.”

She attempted to push to a sitting position in the booth where she lay, but her arms collapsed. Kieran caught her and helped raise her upright.

“May I have a … a sip of water?”

Christy held the glass, and the cool liquid revived her a little.

“Congratulations, Bon.” Adam’s voice trembled. When their eyes met, he looked away. “You always wanted children.”

“When did you get married?” Christy asked.

Christy, please, I want to go home. Her one-time love for Adam had turned to pity. His familiar, chocolate-brown eyes looked sad and vacant.

“As of today, seven and a half weeks,” Kieran answered without looking up. “Shall I carry you, hen?”

“No. That won’t be necessary.”

Kieran helped her to her feet, his arm tight around her waist. “You’re sure?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

Christy hugged her again. “Wow, congratulations. How far along are you?”

Oh, Christy, don’t do this.

“About seven and a half weeks.” Kieran’s tone held the same pride and purpose evident when he spoke of his family’s ancient heritage. His lips lifted in a smile.

Adam looked away, jaw working in a nervous twitch. His ego would suffer enough face-to-face with his rival’s victory in both their marriage and her pregnancy.

“Excuse us. I should get her home.” Kieran supported, and they headed for the door at last.

His ego would suffer enough face-to-face with his rival’s victory... #characters #WithinGoldenBands #RomSus Click To Tweet

Coming to Terms with the Past

“Are you all right, mo chridhe?” My heart’s desire. His words and tone caressed her as he guided her to the parking lot.

“Did you see his eyes, Kieran? I’m sorry for him.” When she stepped into the Jeep, a single drop of saltwater trickled down her cheek, in spite of her effort to hold it back.

Kieran leaned in, his thumb caressing her cheek. “Surely you’re not crying about Adam?”

“He hurts, Kieran. It’s tough for a man who hates to lose to realize you not only won my love, I’m having your child.”

“I still don’t like him.” He shut her car door, walked to the driver’s side, and reached for her hand after he got in and closed the door.

“The absurd rivalry between you two should be over. You behaved the same ridiculous way when I was in the hospital, and you did your best to one-up the other.”

Jaw clenched, Kieran started the Jeep, pulled his phone out, made a music selection, and headed for the street. “Try to relax.”

She leaned back and shut her eyes. The soft, sweet strains of “The Rosebud of Allenvale” evoked vivid memories of the night he first said he loved her and their first waltz as man and wife. “Thank you.”

As Kieran focused on the traffic and merged onto I-40, Bonny stared at houses and trees for fifteen miles, while her new husband remained silent. When they exited the Interstate and headed up the winding and wooded North 14, he cleared his throat and rested his hand on the back of her neck. “I’m sorry, love. I shouldn’t have let it irritate me when Adam said you’d never fainted before. My ring is on your finger, and you carry our wee bairn. We were bound to run into him at some point. It’s better to get it over with now.”

He lowered his hand, but she caught it and held it tight. “Yes, I suppose. The kilt always weighed heavily in your favor, you know.”

“Mrs. MacDonell, you just fainted. It’s too soon to flirt.” His lips twitched as he tried to hide his smile with a gruff tone of voice.

“I’m not flirting. No matter how much you dislike him, he means nothing anymore.”

Kieran sighed. “It’s foolish, but I wish you had never loved another man but me.”

“Thank you.”

“For what?” His eyes searched hers for an instant before he looked back at the road.

“You’re the embodiment of all my dreams and the answer to my most fervent prayers. No one could hold my heart as gently as you.”

You’re the embodiment of all my dreams and the answer to my most fervent prayers... #NEWRELEASE #authorlife #Christfic Click To Tweet

The soft touch of a finger on her cheek drew her eyes back to his. “We should keep your house. I love the trees, the weather, and the opportunity to be near your friends.”

“I hoped you’d decide to keep it.” Bonny kissed the back of his hand.

“It’s not the honeymoon we planned, but perhaps it’s what a honeymoon should be, to seek what God wants for our future.” His voice softened, husky with emotion.

His eagerness was reminiscent of his unexpected arrival at her door, all the way from Scotland after she refused Adam’s proposal. “Kieran MacDonell, I could not have a better husband.”

Bonny leaned back and closed her eyes. Frequent visits would be nice, but the tree-lined loch and old granite house, the home she and Kieran would make with their child had supplanted New Mexico in her heart.

What happens when favorite scenes are cut from a book? #amwriting #authorlife #backstory Click To Tweet

© Copyright Norma Gail Holtman

About the author:

Norma Gail - AuthorNorma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.

 

 

 

 

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