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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Guest Blogger Linda Rondeau and The Other Side of Darkness

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LINDA WOOD RONDEAU is an award-winning author who writes for the reader who enjoys a little bit of everything. Her stories of redemption and God’s mercies include romance, suspense, the ethereal, and a little bit of history into the mix, always served with a slice of humor. Walk with her unforgettable characters as they journey paths not unlike our own. After a long career in human services, mother of three and wife of one very patient man, Linda now resides in Florida where she is active in her church and community. Readers may visit her web site at www.lindarondeau.com

THE OTHER SIDE OF DARKNESS
by Linda Wood Rondeau
Published by Pelican Venture

ABOUT THE BOOK

Haven: a perfect vacation spot filled with mystery and romance except for a killer bent on revenge.

Manhattan prosecutor Samantha Knowlton is stranded in a quirky but intriguing Adirondack town. But she must return to NYC to repair the unraveling case against convicted child killer, Harlan Styles.

Teacher Zack Bordeaux fears he is doomed to a life of mediocrity if he remains in Haven but would be willing to stay if it means a life with Sam.

Landscape artist Jonathan Gladstone feels bound to an estate he both loathes and loves, haunted by the deaths of his wife and son until he falls in love with a spirited attorney and rediscovers his artistic passion.

These three, betrayed and betraying, must find their way from the darkness of broken hope to the light found only in Christ, our surest haven.

View the book trailer.

Readers, buy your copy of The Other Side of Darkness today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

All Things to All Men

"…I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."
(I Corinthians 9:22b KJV)

I couldn’t understand it. I had mimicked her stance to perfection. Yet, when I swung at the golf ball, it sailed far to the right or far to the left. Rarely did the ball manage to land in the fairway, unlike my mother-in-law who hit a straight drive every time. Why wouldn’t the ball behave for me as it did for her?

After a season of frustration and being ready to give up the game entirely, I finally realized that Kathryn’s swing worked well for a petite golfer. However, I stood a half-foot taller. No wonder her swing failed me. I spent the next season studying the game, trying to develop a swing that matched my build, age, and club length. With diligence and adaptability, I began to see more and more drives land in the fairway. One woman’s approach to golf was a disaster for another.

Parenting proved to require the same individuality as designing my golf swing. It never ceased to amaze me how three children created from the same DNA pool could be so vastly different not only in temperament, insight, and personality; but in responsiveness as well. Where one learned through insight, another needed rote memorization. Where one crouched in fear from a loud reprimand, another feared nothing. Like my golf swing, I found that my approach to discipline varied not only from child to child, but from offense to offense.

Christian writers have a message to drive home. Some choose memoir, telling their own story. Some write their message from the heart with advice to help the hurting. Those who tell their message in story form will also vary their delivery. Some write romance. Some write humor. And still others use fantasy to bring home truths. In each instance, the genre will fit the writer’s stance, experience, and voice.

Paul had a message to give the world. “Jesus saves.” Yet, he changed his stance depending upon  where he was and to whom he delivered the message. For the jailer, he’d forego the opportunity of escape. For the tempest tossed seaman, he endured shipwreck. For the Greeks, he appealed to their belief in an unknown God.  For the Hebrews, he reminded them of their heritage. He truly was all things to all men that he might win some.

In our spiritual lives, God uses whatever is necessary to reach us with His truth. Sometimes He will sing His lullaby as he cradles us in His arms. Sometimes he slaps our rigid behinds with a proverbial two by four. But in all ways and through all means, He will do all that is necessary to bring us to Him and keep us within His fold.

* * * * *

Thank you, Linda, for sharing with us today.

Guest Question: How has God revealed Himself in a way that is unique to you?

ENTRY RULES Readers, leave your email address (name at domainname dot com/net) along with your answer to the question for your chance to win a FREE copy of the book above. An eBook will be sent for fewer than 10 comments left. More than 10, and a paperback will be sent to the random winner. If you do not answer the question, and your email address isn't provided, you will not be entered.

This week, the contest is open to residents of the US/Canada only.

8 comments:

Linda Wood Rondeau said...

thanks for hosting me today.nteriva sherce

Pat Dyer said...

Nice article, Linda.

WritePathway said...

I have experienced God speaking to me in that still small voice that was definitely His. After 19 years as a widow, I moved back home to be near my family and ran into a dear family friend. It was so strange because I had no idea about what my future would be except playing with grandchildren and attending little league games. At this meeting with Stan, now my husband of 8 yrs., I heard God say "For this man you have waited." I knew then I was going to marry Stan. I am so enjoying getting to know Linda since she published her book and would love to have a copy. annknowles03@aol.com

Cheryl said...

Wow! I just watched the trailer for this book. It sounds amazing!

Sometimes I can be a bit of a block head. I don't always pay attention to the signals that God sends my way. It took me six years to realize the man I was meant to spend the rest of my life with was the one who I thought wasn't right for me. God knew better. He kept pushing me in his direction until I decided to stand up and take notice. I'm glad the lightbulb finally turned on. :)

ccmal(at)charter(dot)net

Jane Foard Thompson said...

That is an amazing trailer!

In the past, God spoke to me a lot in dreams, even some visions. Right now, I mostly have a "sense," a still, small voice, as well as songs, with words from the Scriptures, that play in the background and swell into the center of my thoughts when I remember to give Him thanks, or call for help.

Paula said...

I really enjoyed your thoughts, Linda. Just this morning i was praying for my four children (ages 14 - 20)and thinking about how different each is and how the LORD leads them all on different paths. I like how you also focused it toward writing. There are so many ways to write His answer . . .

Tiff, thanks for the great post.

Sharon said...

During my first short term mission trip to Ukraine, God spoke to me through a wonderful lady in the church. I was very nervous before we left and asked for prayer that God would hide me behind Him. After the church service the first Sunday in Ukraine, a woman came up to me and said she knew our day camp would be successful - she could see God's love shining around me! What an answer to prayer.
Thanks for the chance to win the book.
smoore at tcq dot net

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

The winner of the free book from Linda's guest blog is Ann. Congratulations. I've emailed you for your address so Linda can send out your book.

We have a host of other authors lined up. New guest blogs every week. Come back on Wednesdays to see who's up next. Thanks, as always, for your support.