HAS LIFE HANDED YOU A FEW BUMPS IN THE ROAD? by BARBARA M. BRITTON

HAS LIFE HANDED YOU A FEW BUMPS IN THE ROAD? by BARBARA M. BRITTON
Monday, December 9, 2024 by Patti Shene

FEATURED BOOK: Escape to Whispering Creek

AUTHOR: Barbara M. Britton

PUBLISHER: White Rose Books, a division of Pelican Book Group

GENRE: Contemporary Romance

SERIES OR STAND ALONE: Series: Emma from Christmas at Whispering Creek

flees to Tennessee when life goes crazy.

TARGET AGE: Fifteen and up

IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTYHOR BARBARA M. BRITTON TO PATTI’S PORCH. BARBARA OFFERS SOUND ADVICE ON HOW TO OVERCOME THIE DIFFICULT TIMES WE ENCOUNTER IN LIFE.

HAS LIFE HANDED YOU A FEW BUMPS IN THE ROAD?

Barbara M. Britton

When Emma Uranova runs smack dab into investment fraud, her life turns upside down. Fortunately for Emma, she is a believer in Jesus, and she holds fast to God’s promises that He is her rock, fortress, and deliverer (Psalm 18:2). Though, living through tough times is never easy. Emma flees to Whispering Creek to hide out with her best friend Samantha. Even with a strong faith, Emma and Samantha have this exchange:

Sam linked her arm. “Jesus is our rock. He’ll give us wisdom and protection.”

“I know.” Emma forced a smile. “It’s just that with this scandal, it seems there are a few pebbles between my feet and the rock. I get an unsteady feeling. Like I’m reaching for God and He’s backing away.”

“Those pebbles are in your imagination. God knows every detail of what is happening in your life. Satan might be pitching fast balls, but God’s got an enormous glove and perfect reflexes.”

Emma laughed. “Spoken by a teacher who pulled recess duty.”

We all have situations in life where we feel we need an enormous glove to manage the fast balls of life. With Christmas approaching, you may relate to Emma.

As Emma travels to Tennessee from Milwaukee, she should remember the colors of a stoplight.

Red: In pleasant times and harried times, we need to stop and commune with God. When life becomes a scheduling mess, we sometimes forget to schedule our most important times: prayer, devotions, Bible reading, and worship.

Yellow: Jesus is the Light of the world! He will guide us through trials, but we may have to wait on His timing. A life with Jesus includes hardship as well as blessing. Going through difficult times is when our faith is strengthened, and we learn life lessons that can help others in their times of need.

When you see that bright yellow in a traffic light, remember…John 8:12:

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darknesss, but will have the light of life.” (NIV)

Green: Means go! Jesus told believers to go and make disciples, but believers need to go and seek wise counsel from other believers when they are going through tough times. Emma seeks counsel from her faith-filled friend Samantha to encourage her spirit. Prayer is essential as we go through life—in good times and in challenging times.

Authors must add conflict and tension to their stories. I made Emma handle stressful situations while holding onto God’s hand. It also helps that Emma has a stellar friend in Samantha who mentors her through all the lumps and bumps of life going on in Nashville and Whispering Creek.

It’s December. We are all busy. As you drive around shopping or going to various events, reflect on the wise colors of the stoplight. Take to heart who is the brightest light of all—Jesus!

Book blurb for Escape to Whispering Creek:

Emma Uranova enjoys her office job until her boss disappears with the investors' money. To avoid the media storm and false accusations, Emma flees to Whispering Creek, Tennessee to live on her best friend' s secluded property. When a temporary position opens up in Nashville, Emma leaves small-town anonymity to pad her depleted bank account. With a handsome new boss and a steady income, Emma believes life is looking up... until she discovers she has transported the scandal in her backpack. Where is God when her life is falling apart?

Wade Donoven is recuperating from a crash that sidelined him from the family electrical business. Worse yet, his prodigal younger brother is getting the glory for Wade' s accomplishments. Desperation, and physical setbacks, have him agreeing to let Emma help him manage the business office. But when trouble follows her to his doorstep, Wade must make some difficult choices. Sending Emma back to Whispering Creek may unknowingly place the woman he's come to love in danger.

Purchase on Amazon or wherever books are sold.

Watch the book trailer.

Barbara M. Britton lives in Wisconsin and writes Christian Fiction for teens and adults. She has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. Barb brings little known Bible characters to light in her Tribes of Israel series. She also writes Christian Contemporary Romance set in Whispering Creek, TN. You can find out about Barb’s books on her website, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Comments

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 12/17/2024 6:54:44 AM

Thank you for joining us, Becky. I’m glad you like the stoplight images. I had a lot of fun writing Emma and Wade’s story. Merry Christmas!

Becky Van Vleet From Colorado Springs At 12/15/2024 4:15:57 PM

Hi Barbara and Patti--I'm sorry I'm a bit late to reply. Barbara, I really appreciate the analogy of the stop light. Something I can apply and remember. Your novel sounds wonderful.

Reply by: Patti Shene

H Becky! It's always a pleasure to have you stop by! Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 12/12/2024 3:20:04 PM

Thank you, Carol. I appreciate you joining us. Merry Christmas.

Carol James From Georgia At 12/11/2024 4:42:12 PM

Barb, I love the stoplight analogy! and I really enjoyed this book. Congratulations on this new release.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Carol. Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing with us! Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 12/11/2024 7:20:48 AM

Hi Diana. I had a lot going on in my life when I wrote this story. It was by the grace of God that I finished the book. I will always remember God's faithfulness. It's good to "see" you. Merry Christmas!