London in the Dark Anniversary Tour | Interview + Giveaway

Hello Friends!

I know.  I'm here on Friday again.  =)

Today a writing friend is celebrating her novel's one year birthday, and I have the privilege of joining her!  Although I haven't read London in the Dark yet, I've been inspired by Victoria and hope you will be as well.

London, 1910

Budding Private Detective Cyril Arlington Hartwell has a conundrum. London is being ravaged by the largest run of thefts in recent history. His hunch that it is all tied together may put him and those he loves in more danger than he could have reckoned.

Olivia Larken Hartwell is just home from boarding school for the summer anticipating time with her adoring parents. She misses her absent brother, Cyril, hoping for the day he will finally come home. But tragedy strikes, causing upheaval for all concerned and changes her life in a way she never could have imagined.

Olivia, Cyril, and their friends must bring the hidden to light, seek to execute justice, and dispel the darkness that hovers over London… and their hearts.


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Interview:

Hello Victoria!  I'm glad to have the chance to learn more about your novel!  Can you describe London in the Dark in one sentence?

A blend of mystery and suspense without being fully either, with an endangered sibling relationship and loveable characters. :D 

What inspired you to write this novel? 

I am a huge Anglophile, and I was really in love with mystery stories at the time. The thought that really got the wheels turning was “what would it be like if someone such as Sherlock Holmes had a sister?”  That got it all going. 

What were the biggest challenges you faced in plotting/writing/editing London in the Dark, and how did God work through them? 

It was a challenge to write every day, but I am grateful for that habit that I formed. In the editing process, I had quite a few setbacks with deadlines. Each stage took longer than I thought and I ended up having to push publishing farther than I wanted to, but God really taught me to rely on Him through those disappointments and it ended up being the perfect timing in the end. 

What made you decide to begin your writing career, and what have you learned through the experience? 

I had the sudden realization that this was something I could do. So I went for it. I had a lot of friends who encouraged me along the way, and it was a very lesson filled road. Since I did nearly everything myself, I had to learn everything from the ground up. If there is one thing I’ve learned it’s that the Indie community is incredibly welcoming, encouraging and helpful as a general rule. I had several authors who took the time to answer my questions in detail and that forever blessed me beyond words. 

What piece of advice would you like to share with future (or current) Christian writers? 

Can I pick two things? The first would be to stay true to who you are and not let reviews shake your confidence. The other thing would be to make time for your writing. It is important, and you have something special to share. If it is something that you see yourself doing and something you are passionate about, take the time to do it and do it right. :D 

What are your next steps in writing? 

I am nearly finished with a modern suspense that has taken me the last few months to create and I am super excited to finish that rough draft! Next up is simultaneously finishing the half-complete first draft of London’s sequel, Shadows in London, and editing a novella that will be announced shortly! If you want to keep up to date with new books being published, be sure to follow along at my blog, Ruffles and Grace. 

And now for the giveaway...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

Victoria Lynn is in her 20s and if she's not writing, she is probably sewing, singing, playing the piano, washing dishes, creating something with her hands, or learning something new. She has a passion for serving her Creator, encouraging others and being creative. She blogs at www.rufflesandgrace.com about writing, fashion, modesty, her walk with God and life. She lives in Michigan with her parents and 8 siblings.

Links:

Blog     Amazon     Facebook     Instagram     Pinterest

Facebook party for London in the Dark

~♥~

A Newborn Miracle

Some of you remember the miscarriage my family had a year and a half ago.  This month, our little boy should have been turning a year old.  His first year alive with all the beautiful memories - first smile, first step, first word.  We'd know his eye color, see his face convulse when we gave him his first bite of ice-cream.

But God had different plans.  And they were even more beautiful. 

On Friday, God blessed my family with the arrival of a tiny princess.  I was able to watch her open little, dark eyes for the first time and see her head-full of silk-black hair.  And through the experience, I saw the beauty of life born in a perfectly formed, newborn baby.

God had a perfect plan all along.  I now have two babies - one waiting in heaven and one here in my arms.

He gave us our beautiful Breeze Rejoice - an immensely loved, peaceful girl who fills our home with joy despite her soprano cries.  She's a tiny human with a wonderful story that God's writing; He knew the number of her days before she was even conceived.

Breeze's tender body reveals the truth that there's a God who loves us.  How else could such a treasured individual enter the world?!

(and yes, I'm in love)

My mom is doing well and resting after the long nights with an active baby.  And Breeze herself will never know what it feels like to be out of someone's arms.  She's constantly in demand with 9 loving siblings.  On her first day home, we actually had a holding list, so we could wait in line for our turn to cuddle her.  (10th borns sure are spoiled!)

But you want pictures, yes?

above:  Breeze at 6 hours old

below:  first photo-shoot by her big brother

For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well...
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.

- Psalm 139:13-14, 16

~♥~ 

Vlog Post | Book Projects + a Baby!

Hello sweet readers!

I'm here today with a quick vlog post featuring three of the book projects I've been working on and an exciting announcement about our new precious baby on her way!  Enjoy!

Video credits: Josiah Chad.

(view in a different screen here)

Thanks for watching!  (you did watch it, right?)  =)  Do you have any questions about the writing projects I'm working on or want to share what you've been doing in the writing world?  Let me know below!

And, as promised, here's the link to a NEW writing blog by my friend J.M. Ivie!  The blog not only has some helpful writing advice but also reveals an exciting novel that is coming out soon.  Keep your eyes open for Alvar: Battle for the Realm!  (you can also check out J.M. Ivie's Facebook page here)

My friends, never forget that you're following an incredible God who is writing the story of your life.  I'll slip away with some verses from Ephesians, but I encourage you to read the rest of the passage,

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

- James 1:12

(ps) as I'm writing this post, we're preparing to drive off to the hospital!  We are very excited about welcoming a new sister into the world and appreciate your prayers.  I'm thankful for you!

~♥~

Dear Friend | Love like Jesus

Dear Friend,

I wonder what's on your mind as your eyes scan these words.  What's going on in your life?  Are you resting in joy or struggling to take a breath?  I wish I could sit down with you, hear your story, and offer a warm hug with a smile.

Because that's what friends do, right?

Well, not always.  As friends, we're often selfish.  Sometimes we love because we want to gain from the other person.  We complement to make people like us.  Even something as beautiful as friendship can be turned into a way to promote ourselves.

That's what this post is about:  I want to be the most loving friend I can be.  No, these qualities coming up aren't a list of my complaints, saying what I wish other people would do more of.  I'm not writing to point a finger.  They're what I want to develop in my own life.  They're what I'm lacking.  And I hope you also want to love as Jesus loves.

I fail in this a lot.  But with God, everything is possible.

(and please note that many of these are personal thoughts.  I will not say any of them are complete truth unless backed up by Scripture, but I also strive to be open about what I've learned in life.)

This is longer than most of my posts.  But real friends read to the end, right?  haha.

a friend steps out to love others

Yes, introverts, I'm talking to you.  Being friendly isn't easy (trust me, I know!), but when we step out to offer a smile and a kind word, it can make a huge difference.  If I never stepped out at that wedding, I wouldn't have made a new friend.  If I never talked to the girl sitting beside me on the pew, I wouldn't have known that she needed prayer.  Stepping out is huge!

a friend seeks the good of others rather than their own promotion

They are willing to love just for the sake of blessing others.  A friend understands that it's not all about having fun or being popular - it's about being a blessing to that person.  They have a pure love for others.

Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart...

- 1 Timothy 1:5

This also means that a friend is willing to hurt for (and with) their friend.  They are willing to be vulnerable for the sake of being an encouragement to just one.  They'll make sacrifices.  Because they love that much.

a friend listens before speaking

Have you ever listened to a conversation just enough to come up with a witty response?  Then your brain ignores the rest of their words.  You have something to say!  What's on their heart isn't as important.

Just read through a few chapters of Proverbs to discover the truth.

Whoever guards his mouth and tongue
Keeps his soul from troubles.

- Proverbs 21:23

Which leads to another point.

a friend doesn't need all the answers

Sometimes a listening ear means so much more than words of advice.  We need to listen to their problems and love them stronger because of it, but we can't think we can fix their life by shoving our answers down their throat.  It's really not what they need.

Yet if a friend is clearly living in sin or if you feel a need to challenge them in an area of life, be brave to open your mouth with words of loving confrontation.

a friend will confront or challenge in love and never tolerate sin

Confrontation is never fun.  (it hurts too)  But what special relationships are built with friends are willing to be open and honest with each other!

Recently, a friend challenged me to reconsider several areas of life.  We were able to discuss them together and share where we stood in those areas.  Even though we don't agree in every area, it's okay.  I know what she believes and she know what I believe.  Being completely open makes friendships so sweet.

And, to visit the reverse, a friend should accept confrontation gracefully. 

It reminds me of two other Proverbs.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend...

- Proverbs 27:6

As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

- Proverbs 27:17

And yet, a friend shouldn't point out unnecessary flaws.  It's okay if your friend has a habit you don't like or if something about their appearance catches your eye.  Don't point it out.  Just love them.  If something isn't sin (and you do not feel that confrontation would be loving in a Biblical sense), it's okay to keep your mouth shut.

a friend strives for understanding

What's your friend's love language?  If an online person appreciates personal touch or acts of service, this could prove to be difficult.  Yet there are so many ways you can bless a person only by knowing who they are.

Each person is unique and beautiful, created in the very image of God.  What a honor that you can get to know them!  Seek to understand your friend's struggles, fears, gifts, talents, and hobbies.  And support them in their giftings!  Even if you can't relate with their outlook in life, take time to appreciate their talents.

I have a brother in computer security and another who sings classical music.  While I cannot directly relate with their abilities, I want to know and understand them because they're two of my best friends!  I don't know every opera composer, but I can take time to listen to their songs.  Because that's what I want a friend to do for me.

But certainly, don't start meddling in the other person's life.

a friend doesn't impose herself or have to know everything

It's hard to accept that our friend has...well, other friends.  We're not the center of their lives, and it's okay to not know everything that's going on.  They're living their own lives.  It's good for us to seek to understand and love them, but don't force them to live answering your texts.

a friend makes their friend know that they are loved

However you do it, make sure they know.  Send a card, give a gift, squeeze your hug extra tight.  People need to know that someone's out there who cares.  Who knows if that smile could save a life?

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

- 1 John 4:7

(to see the warning for those who don't love, read verse 8!)

a friend prays

They don't forget.  If a friend asks for prayer, a true friend should write it down and remember to do it.  They should be able to say like Paul,

...without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day...

- 2 Timothy 1:3

Okay, so you don't have to pray all day and night for every single person you know (if you did, that would be awesome!).  But prayer is so important, and it's often underestimated.

Ask your friends how you can be praying for them.  And then do it.  But don't just stick with friends.  If you just met someone, ask what they need prayer for!  God gave me the chance to do this yesterday, and it meant so much to see the tears in her eyes when she found out that I cared.  ♥

a friend always points back to Jesus

They offer Godly support.  They direct conversations to eternal matters.  They share the Gospel.  A friend cares about more than earthly things - they want those around them to flourish in Jesus and to love Jesus more than themselves.

The relationship between David and Jonathan is a beautiful example of friends encouraging one another to what really matters.  Amidst persecution, confusion, and fear,

Then Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God.

- 1 Samuel 23:16

a friend forgives

This isn't only forgiving the silly friend who texted you back and said, "you texted the wrong number", making you panic and frantically try to find who you DID text.  That definitely didn't happen to me today.  It goes deeper.

Jesus forgive the people who shoved nails into His hands.  Could we do that?

And lastly,

a friend loves

Because Jesus loved us.  How could we not love others?

This is the second greatest commandment in the Bible - to love one another.  And what's better than loving a friend in the Biblical view of 1 Corinthians 13?

Friendships are priceless treasures.  Relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ should be a great source of joy, encouragement, and truth.  But it starts with us - are you a true friend?

Let's talk!  What aspect of friendship do you struggle with most?  Is there one I forgot to mention?  Who is a friend who has been a real source of Christian love to you?

(and if you made it through this entire post, congrats!  You're a great friend!  Here's a hug.  *hug*)

~♥~

A Week on the Farm

So you live on a farm and the main animal caretaker takes a week-long break.  What happens?  I'm beginning to find out.  (and yes, I'm expecting a very exciting week coming up)

I typically post here about my walk with Christ and the different lessons He teaches along the way.  But while that happens, I also live life.  Sometimes that includes several hours of school mixed in with normal chores and hobbies, but this week is different.  And I'm a firm believer that the mundane (or crazy) events in life can draw us closer to Jesus.

That's what this post is about.  Here's a glimpse into what life is like on the farm.

Spring is a beautiful time in the country.  Already, I've discovered a dozen varieties of flowers in bloom, and trees are budding in soft whites, violets, and greens.  The air became warm, grass grew, and the animals began to enter birthing season.

Within one week, we had around 14 lambs and kids (baby goats) born on our farm.  Little, black legs began to jump and skip around the pasture.  Frantic "maa"s filled the air as babies forgot their play and realized that their milk source was half-way across the pasture.  Quick skips and hops ensued, colorful streaks across the green grass.

Although I wish that happy picture was farm life in its entirety, there was more.  Despite the newborns, getting a dozen eggs a day, and happy dogs in spring air, the temperature dropped.

My 15 year old brother left yesterday to attend the Christian Worldview Film Festival in Franklin TN.   To say it simply, he's #1 in charge of watching over the sheep and goats.  So when he left, I was pulled into animal duty with my sister (who is also an animal pro).  After only a handful of hours, things turned sour.

Night arrived, and we stayed up until midnight.  Between dozing, my sister and I prayed for and watched a weak lamb struggle between life and death.  And then as the clock struck twelve, it gave in and grew still - perfect, little, white body.

Morning dawned, and we dragged ourselves out of bed.  Or, I did.  My sister was feeling sick, so I became the primary animal caretaker.   Me with my love of goats.  (I mean, they're cute...but...?)  Watching, feeding, herding, and taking care of 35+ animals didn't sound the most fun way to spend my week

But it's exciting.  I'm excited to see the new arrivals on our farm.  I'm excited to step out and do something I don't normally do.  I'm excited to discover how God uses it to stretch and grow me (He's already started!).

Farm life isn't always beautiful.  It's not always fun.  But in every area of life - including chores and long nights and tears - He's eager to shape us into the person we were meant to be: a person with a heart like His.

It reminds me of Solomon's words.

To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born,
    And a time to die...
A time to break down,
    And a time to build up;
A time to weep,
    And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
    And a time to dance; 

- Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

After I woke up this morning, I stared outside the window.  The dark shapes of trees stood with a crown of snow.  White flakes covered the spring grass and swept around hills.  With sunlight streaming upon blinding whiteness, the world glistened fresh and beautiful and soft.

Because in every moment of life, there's beauty.  Despite everything, He is strong.

If you're spending a week on the farm, struggling with balancing all the tasks on your shoulders, or feeling alone when a friend leaves your side, remember that there's whiteness in a dark world.  There's hope.  There's love.  There's a purpose.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

- Jeremiah 29:11-13

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ... Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

- Romans 8:35, 37

~♥~

Dear Today | Rejoice in the Day

Dear Today,

I had a good day.  I studied for a test and passed.  I had time to read my Bible, chat with fellow writers, and still had an empty afternoon ahead of me.  With my siblings under a soft, grey-blue sky, we pet chickens, discovered hidden nests, raced around a playground, climbed trees, balanced on fallen logs, exclaimed over newborn pets, and wiped away a few tears.  And as I write here, I smell dinner being cooked, and a brother just came in to say that another lamb was born.

Yes, it's a good day.

But recently, a friend proposed a question that's been stuck in my mind.  We often talk together about our weekly agendas and how life is going.  But, she asked me, what is it that makes a day good?  What do we mean when we have a "wonderful" verses an "okay" day?

After considering the question, I realized that I had everything wrong.  A "good" day for me was a day in which I felt happy.  Things were going the way I wanted them to.  It was all based upon me and my attitude and my schedule when, in truth, every single day is a beautiful gift.

This is the day the Lord has made;

We will rejoice and be glad in it.

- Psalm 118:24 

God created day and night (see Genesis 1:5) and intertwined them into weeks, months, and years.  Every day has a purpose.  Doesn't that mean that every day is good?

No, they don't always go the way we want them to.  I just finished studying the Holocaust, and those days were terrible and dark.  Evil reigned as men murdered their neighbors.  Children died.  Families were separated.  How could that be good?  How could a genocide ever be good?

Or what about my simple, day-to-day life?  If I had failed my test today, could I still say today was good?  What if there was a car accident, an upset friend, or even cold water in my shower?

Despite all those things, today could still be a good day.  Because it's not about what happened in the moment.  It's about the truth.

And this is the truth:

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

- Hebrews 13:8

Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today.

- Exodus 14:13 

Disasters and dilemmas are hard.  We don't like suffering or failing or being uncomfortable.  But just like the plot twists in a book, they all turn out for beautiful ends.

I don't know why the Holocaust had to happen, but, even then, there was beauty in the pain.  Heroes like Corrie ten Boom, Irena Sendler, and Oskar Schindler stepped out to make a difference.  Countries united against evil as courage souls said "no!" to the darkness that threatened to overcome.

And whatever you're facing today - from broken relationships to stressful situations, it's still a good day.  It's a good day because Jesus is the same, and He's eager to save you if you trust Him.  Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.

That's the difference between happiness and joy.  Happiness depends on the circumstances around us - was today a "happy" day?  But joy extends deeper, beyond the circumstances.  It's the assurance that God will be strong no matter what.  It's knowing that He's offering His love to us in every area of life, and He's at work in our lives.  What joy!

Instead of focusing on our own limitations and schedules, let's let go and rejoice!  God's in complete control over every aspect of your life (Luke 12:27-28).  Hebrews tells us to,

...exhort (encourage/warn) one another daily, while it is called “Today...”

- Hebrews 3:13

Let's not waste our time.  We have today - let's use it.

How is your today, dear friend?  What struggles do you face, and how can I support you in your walk with Christ?  In what ways has God been strong for you?  I'd be thrilled to chat in the comments!

Seek the Lord while He may be found,

Call upon Him while He is near.

- Isaiah 55:6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

- Proverbs 3:5-6

~♥~

photo credit: Pexels