Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Steadfast - Guest Blogger Nancy Mehl



Welcome to Nancy Mehl, this week's guest. Thanks for joining us, Nancy. It's wonderful to have you here.


Nancy Mehl lives in Festus, Missouri, with her husband, Norman, and her very active puggle, Watson. She’s authored twenty books and just finished a new series for Bethany House Publishing. The first book in her Finding Sanctuary series, “Gathering Shadows” was released in May of 2014. The second book, “Deadly Echoes” became available in February.  The third book, “Rising Darkness will release late in 2015. She is also working on an Amish cozy mystery series for Guideposts.

Readers can learn more about Nancy through her Web site: www.nancymehl.com. She is part of The Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com, along with several other popular suspense authors. She is also very active on Facebook.


Secret Wounds

Some secrets reveal themselves as wonderful surprises. Like finding out your first grandchild is on the way, or walking into a surprise party planned by friends. But other secrets are cloaked in pain and hidden away, just like the secrets that are revealed in Deadly Echoes, the second book in my Finding Sanctuary series.

My main character, Sarah Miller, is confronted by the past when her sister, Hannah, is murdered. Her story is marked by a journey that not only brings physical danger, but also emotional challenges. Her story made me think about how many of us bury painful secrets in our hearts that need to be brought into the light.


As a child, I was unhappy when my parents divorced. My brother and I lived with my mother, who suffered from depression and anxiety. There was no one in my life to talk to about the insecurity I felt on an almost daily basis.


I learned to hide the pain, pushing it behind an emotional door where I wouldn’t have to face it. This trait followed me throughout my life until one day, during a difficult situation at my church, that door burst open.


God was faithful and walked me through a very dark valley until I was able to see the light again. From this painful experience, I learned that we’re not equipped to carry our burdens alone. That our secret wounds will only keep us in bondage. This is why Jesus tells us to cast our burdens on Him–to trade our sorrow for His joy.


Sarah will have to confront the past, just as I did. She will need to find the courage to face the truth – even though it hurts. But as Jesus promised, the truth has the power to set us free. Our healing will come from seeing ourselves through God’s eyes and believing His word over our pain.


One of my favorite scriptures is Jeremiah 29:11. God says: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 


What a great promise! Looking forward to that future comes when we can finally break free from the chains of the past.





One of you will win a FREE copy 
of Nancy's new book.





After a youth filled with tragedy and upheaval, Sarah Miller's life is finally settled with all echoes of the past silent at last. She happily calls Sanctuary her home and spends her days teaching at the local school.

Sarah's joy at her recent reunion with her sister, Hannah, and meeting the niece she didn't know she had is too soon interrupted when Deputy Sheriff Paul Gleason informs Sarah her sister has been killed.

As she learns more about Hannah's death, the circumstances are eerily similar to their parents' murder. Sarah enlists Paul's help in digging deeper into the murders the police are dismissing as burglaries gone wrong. Paul's concern encourages Sarah's growing feelings for him, but as their investigation peels back the layers of lies almost twenty years old, they get close to uncovering the truth one person will do anything to hide--even if that means coming after the last remaining members of the Miller family.


Wow, Deadly Echoes sounds like one of those books that keeps a reader on the edge of her seat.

If you'd like a chance to win a free copy, just leave a comment. Please include your email address so Nancy can contact you.

And from last week, the winner of Paula Mowery's book, Legacy & Love, is Maxie! Congratulations!

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie


10 comments:

  1. I can't wait to read this one!
    Danajeweler at y mail dot com

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  2. Nancy, your work is so enjoyable to read. You definitely have a gift from God. Can't wait to read you newest books.

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  3. This looks like a great book.
    centraleast2 at gmail dot com

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  4. I have wanted to read Nancy's books for a long time! rmaney(at)firstarpchurch(dot)org.

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  5. Thank you for your comments. Wish everyone could win!

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  6. I would LOVE this book. Thank you!
    Connie
    cps1950 at gmail dot com

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  7. Anonymous9:05 PM

    Hi Bonnie. Thanks for having Nancy today. She is a great suspense writer. I hope to win this book and then by the end of the year have the whole series. Would love that. I'm glad to say I was born into a wonderful Christian home so asked Jesus into my heart at an early age. I have to admit I never heard my parents fuss at each other. I think if they disagreed it was not done when us 8 kids was around. We were poor folks but rich with so much love and laughter. Don't think we ever realized we were poor. Seemed we always had something to eat even if it was only cornbread with milk or gravy with bread. I still love both. And back when I was growing there wasn't all of this bullying like now. Lots of freedom to run and play . Nancy has some great suspense stories and I would love to win her book. Thanks Bonnie. Maxie
    > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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  8. I am looking forward to reading this book. Suspense is one of my favorite genres. Thanks for the interview and giveaway! momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com

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  9. Thanks so much, Maxie!

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  10. Maxie, when you and I grew up the world was very different. There was so much less emphasis on money and possessions. We didn't have a lot, but neither did our friends. And life was pretty sweet.

    Thanks for sharing. Love your story.

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