inspiration

My review of HIGHLAND BLESSINGS by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

/ Dora Hiers / 2 Comments

The blurb:

Scotland, 1473

Highland Blessings is the story of a highland warrior who kidnaps the daughter of his greatest enemy and clan chief to honor a promise he made to his dying father. Bryce MacPhearson, a highland warrior, kidnaps Akira MacKenzie on her wedding day to honor a promise he made to his dying father. While Akira’s strength in the Lord becomes a witness to Bryce, she struggles to overcome her anger and resentment when he forces her to wed him, hoping to end a half-century-old feud between their clans. While Akira begins to forgive, and Bryce learns to trust, a series of murders leaves a trail of unanswered questions, confusion, and a legacy of hate that once again rises between their families. Clearly, a traitor is in their midst. Now the one man Akira loves no longer trusts her, and her own life is in danger. Can Bryce look beyond his pain and seek the truth? Will Akira discover the threat against her before it’s too late? How will God turn a simple promise into bountiful Highland blessings?

My review:
I’m not really a historical romance lover, although I do enjoy reading one occasionally.  I don’t remember ever reading a Scottish historical. But, as the founder and past president of Carolina Christian Writers, Jennifer Hudson Taylor has addressed the group on many occasions, always impressive. So when Amazon offered Highland Blessings free on Kindle, I snatched it up. Why not?
Why did I wait so long?? Highland Blessings hooked me from the beginning. Jennifer Hudson Taylor weaved the story together so well, I was immediately drawn into Scotland in 1473. At first, I was a little nervous about the Scottish dialog, but she managed to make me feel like I talked, lived, and breathed in that generation, until I no longer noticed the difference. I thought she did a great job developing the characters. Bryce, painted as a tribal warrior at first, then later, you witnessed his tender side as he battled allegiance to his tribe with love for his bride. And Akira, initially apprehensive and confused, grew strong and brave, a female who stood up for what she believed in. Heavy on the action and mingled with faith, this book contains enough sweet romance to leave you emotionally satisfied.  
Jennifer Hudson Taylor’s second book, Highland Sanctuary, is available now. I won’t wait until it’s offered free on Kindle to read it! Congratulations, Jennifer Hudson Taylor. Five stars from this reader!

Kill ’em with kindness…

/ Dora Hiers / 2 Comments

We’ve all heard that phrase before, right? Kindness. Being kind. Considerate. Gentle. Doesn’t seem that hard, does it?

Sometimes it is.

Remember the story of King David and Saul? Jealous that David was to be Saul’s successor, King Saul intended to kill David. The King entered a dark cave where David hid. David could have killed Saul, but he didn’t. He exercised kindness, self-control.

Everybody has a King Saul in their life. Probably not someone out to kill them, but a difficult person to be around, one who slings hurtful words or does ugly things. It’s easy to like nice people, but it’s a lot harder to show kindness to the King Saul’s in your life.

Recently, I discussed random acts of kindness with a group of seven-year-olds. Rubbing a pet’s belly, helping a neighbor, giving mom or dad a hug after a tough day. We even talked about being kind to their King Saul’s. Why didn’t it occur to me that a parent might be a child’s King Saul?

A child depends on their parents for everything: a place to sleep, food, clothing, education. What happens when a parent neglects the basics, like love, affection or food?

OK. I can understand how stress factors like going through a divorce, losing a job, a big move, or lack of finances might affect a parent’s ability to show kindness to their child. They’re tired. Stressed. They react to something the child does, or says, or a child’s behavior. On occasion.

But repeatedly? Enough that a government agency comes in and removes a child from the parents, giving them to someone else to raise until the parents take classes so they can learn how to be kind to their kid? I still can’t wrap my head around it.

Kindness. It shouldn’t be that hard for a parent. But apparently it is.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Gal 5:22-23a NIV)


Are you growing the fruit of kindness?

Staring at a Blank Screen?

/ Dora Hiers / 6 Comments
You type “The End” and smile,
relief mingling with renewed energy. You did it!
Now what?
What do you do when a blank computer screen stares back at you?
Where do you turn for ideas and inspiration? 
Who better than the Creator of the Universe?

Chat with God. Praise Him. Worship at His feet. 
Marvel at His handiwork: a sunrise or spectacular sunset, tree limbs that sway with a gentle breeze, funny animals. God has such an imagination and a sense of humor. Why not ask Him for a spark, just a speck of sand from His creative well? Then, leave it up to Him and open your mind to His possibilities. 

So, where can you find ideas to fill an entertaining, action-packed story? 
Scour newspapers, magazines, and books 
Soak up your favorite television shows 
Browse through news articles and local news sites 
Wade through files and notes, research online 
Consider life experiences: weddings, funerals, jobs, family issues, hobbies, etc. 

Eventually, a story event or character will take hold of your head and capture your heart. 

Are you staring at a blank screen? Where do you dig for ideas?