My Book Baby

In early 2017 I discovered I had an eye condition, MacTel 2, that would gradually steal my central vision. It took a while for the doctor's diagnosis to set in. When it did I realized the day was coming when I would no longer be able to see. That was a scary  moment. I struggled with fear and with the what if's of my life. Often, I was close to tears, wondering what I would do when I could no longer see. What did my future hold for me?

After much prayer and soul searching I decided I needed to move on from writing and in May 2017 I announced my retirement. As I unsuccessfully tried to release my love of story-telling, God spoke to me. "Not yet," he said. "Maybe not ever."

Really? But how could I write if I couldn't see? I set out to find the answer and discovered it was possible. And then I asked myself, "What if I can still see in five years?" Hmm. The answer - I might have written several more books. So, why was I in such a hurry to retire? 

Fear should never be the voice we listen to when making such decisions.

I went back to work.

With renewed enthusiasm I dove into a new historical romance that takes place in my part of the world, Southern Oregon. With poor eyesight it was more difficult to work, but not impossible. And after many months I'd written a new story.

I am so glad I didn't give up because today I am here announcing the birth of my book baby, One Hundred Valleys. 

I am still seeing ... not so well, but enough. Some of the things I feared have come to pass ... like not being able to drive, depending on others more, struggling to read. Sometimes grocery shopping can get interesting. But I'm  managing. And as much as I wish I weren't dealing with this inconvenience, I accept God's plan for my life. There is no better place to be than in the midst of His will.

Sometimes I complain and I am not fearless, but I have much to be thankful for. I still see the beauty in the world around me. I have many friends and family who love me and have come alongside to help. I have a wonderful husband who does all he can to make my life easier.

AND I HAVE A NEW BOOK! 

IT RELEASES TOMORROW, MARCH 15, 2020.

When I decided to return to writing, the words from a movie called Secretariat inspired me. Penny Chenery Tweedy stands up to people who tell her to sell Secretariat, thinking her foolish to keep the horse. She says, her father's legacy to her is not about money, then goes on to say, "You must have the will to win if you can and live with it if you can't. It's about life being ahead of you and you run at it because you never know how far you can go unless you run."

I don't know how far I can go, but I'm running and will keep on as long as I am able.

I am already in the midst of a new book. I hope you will give my novel, One Hundred Valleys  a try. And I pray it will be a blessing to you.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie  

You can order One Hundred Valleys at ...

https://amzn.to/2Qhyi2O
http://bit.ly/2v4JFng