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REGRET NOTHING by MELONY TEAGUE 1/25/2020 1:45:00 AM BY Patti Shene
Title:A Promise to Keep
Author: Melony Teague
Publisher: Anaiah Press
Genre: contemporary romance
Series or Stand Alone: Stand alone
Target Age: 16-99
I AM PLEASED TO WELCOME AUTHOR MELONY TEAGUE TO PATTI’S PORCH. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU HAD DONE DIFFRENTLY IN 2019? MELONY SHARES HER THOUGHTS ABOUT REGRET.
MELONY IS OFFERING A GIVEAWAY! SIMPLY LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO ENTER THE DRAWING FOR AN EBOOK COPY OF A PROMISE TO KEEP.
REGRET NOTHING
by
Melony Teague
“Write down your regrets of 2019, we will tear them up.” Our hostess handed us two small squares of paper and a pen. This was the instruction given to a group of women who’d gathered at an end-of-the-year Christmas potluck and Carol singalong in her home.
On one piece of paper we were to write a dream for 2020 and on the other, a regret that we wanted to let go of.
I had absolutely no hesitation in writing a dream I know only God can bring to reality—especially since nobody else knows what I wrote on that paper—and it will stay that way. I’m leaving that dream in God’s hands.
For jotting down a regret, I wracked my brain to find a regret that I had been hanging on to. Did I regret something I did? If I had a do-over, would I have done that thing differently? Maybe? But here’s the thing. Even my mistakes and faults (and I have many of them) I can’t bring myself to regretbecause every mistake I’ve ever made was an opportunity to learn something, a chance to change and do things differently next time. Every fault that God brings to light is an opportunity to let Him mold me. As much as I wish I was less flawed, I’m not perfect and I won’t be until I step over the threshold of heaven, and then only because of His grace. And that makes me even more thankful.
All my regrets, mistakes and slip-ups are forgiven, because of Jesus. I see the difficulties in life as an opportunity for character building and growth? Thankfully, most of the challenges I’d faced which seemed insurmountable often turned out to be things I could laugh over later. I truly believe we need to laugh at ourselves and not take ourselves so seriously. And yes, for someone like me who puts way more pressure on myself than anyone else does, learning to back-off and show myself grace has been an ongoing lesson.
I left that gathering still pondering writing down a regret and concluded that there was another kind of regret I’d not thought of. In my fiction debut, A Promise to Keep, Michael Mc Cann says this to Savannah Sanderson:
“The things in my life that bring regret are not so much things I did. More like things I didn’t do. Words I should have said. Moments I should have cherished. It’s funny, but in hindsight, I see them all clearly. It’s harder to recognize an opportunity you’re missing while you’re in it.”—Michael McCann.
Michael McCann nailed it. If I regret anything about 2019, it would more be about missed opportunities, may they be because of fear or self-doubt or unrecognized chances to slow down and show someone I care. Or, as Michael says, those moments not cherished. Life is fleeting. Let’s put our past regrets under God’s grace and determine to be more sensitive to living life each moment to the fullest, not rushing through life missing the precious moments.
Blurb for A Promise to Keep
A Promise. A High School Reunion. And a pact that proves harder to keep.
Research librarian Savannah Sanderson wants nothing more than to escape into her happily-ever-after novels with their larger-than-life fictional heroes. But a promise to her late husband has her attending her dreaded twenty-year high school reunion, drinking ghastly punch, and taking desperate measures just to keep her vow, even if she has to hide behind the décor to do it.
Once a reckless troublemaker, Michael McCann fled town after graduation. Now a professional technical rescuer, he’s back for the reunion, but on his trip down memory lane, he soon comes face to face with unresolved issues, namely Savannah.
Before the night is over, a pact between these two old friends will lead them on an adventure into uncharted emotional territory where Michael must confront his past regrets and find the courage to reveal the truth. But can Savannah fly from her sheltered nest and risk her heart on a real-life hero?
Praise for A Promise to Keep
“A delightful romance sure to please anyone looking for a story about second chances, grace, and hope. This one has all the right ingredients!”
—Catherine West, award-winning author of Where Hope Begins
“With beautiful tenderness, Melony Teague has given us a window into the joy, sorrow, humor, and soaring love of characters that come alive. Be ready to have your heart stolen in this must-read fiction debut.” —Mikal Dawn, author of the EMERALD CITY ROMANCE series
“A Promise to Keep by Melony Teague is a welcome addition to the contemporary romance genre. Layers of laughter, chemistry, and unexpected intensity make Michael and Savannah’s story a wonderful surprise! A Promise to Keep shows the skill of a talented author who can sensitively tackle subjects like cancer and grief while still producing a laugh-out-loud story! I can’t wait to read whatever Melony Teague writes next!” —V. Joy Palmer, Author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations
“With charm, wit, and romance, Teague’s debut novel takes readers on a journey of second chances, grace… and a trusty fern. Hope and humor blend throughout the story, balancing deep emotions with lighter moments and a sweet romance besides. A bright new voice in Christian fiction! —Carrie Schmidt, ReadingIsMySuperPower.org
DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE PLACED IN THE DRAWING TO WIN AN EBOOK COPY OF A PROMISE TO KEEP BETWEEN NOW AND TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH AT MIDNIGHT MST.
BY LEAVING A COMMENT, YOU GRANT PERMISSION FOR YOUR EMAIL TO BE REVEALED TO THE AUTHOR IF YOU ARE THE WINNER TO FACILITATE RECEIPT OF YOUR BOOK.
Melony Teague writes contemporary romance with a dash of humor, she loves to inspire and motivate others through her written words, and she believes everyone has a story to tell. Melony is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and she is the co-author of As the Ink Flows, a devotional for authors. A Promise to Keep out on Jan 21, 2020 is her fiction debut. Melony was born in South Africa and now lives in Toronto with her handsome husband, their two teenagers, and does the bidding of her two adorable cats. Connect with Melony:
A NEW STUDENT, ALL OVER AGAIN by BECKY VAN VLEET 1/22/2020 11:10:00 AM BY Patti Shene
FEATURED BOOK: Talitha, the Traveling Skirt
AUTHOR: Becky Van Vleet
PUBLISHER: Elk Lake Publishing Inc
GENRE: Children’s Picture Book
SERIES OR STAND ALONE: Stand Alone
TARGET AGE: 3-8 years
IT IS A JOY TO WELCOME MY NEW FRIEND AND AUTHOR BECKY VAN VLEET TO THE OVER 50 WRITER. BECKY SHARES HOW ADVICE SHE GAVE HER STUDENTS AS AN EDUCATOR NOW SERVES HER IN HER WRITING ENDEAVORS.
BECKY IS OFFERING A GIVEAWAY! SIMPLY LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO ENTER THE DRAWING FOR A COPY OF HER CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK TALITHA, THE TRAVELING SKIRT.
A NEW STUDENT, ALL OVER AGAIN
by
Becky Van Vleet
As a new sixty-something writer, I don’t know that I have any special tips or advice to pass along to “older” writers, or even those younger than me. But I will say that we are all lifelong learners no matter our age.
I enjoyed some freelance writing attempts for church bulletins back in the 1980s and 1990s, but other than that, I don’t have a lot of experience and practice. It was only about a year and a half ago that I started tapping at my keyboard and some new writing attempts emerged. And with a great deal of patience, hard work, encouragement and support, my first children’s picture book, Talitha, the Traveling Skirt, was published in August 2019. When I say first, naturally I’m eager to try again!
I was inspired to write this children’s book because a little skirt, hand-sewn right after WW2, has been traveling in my family from city to city, from state to state, for more than 70 years. To create a fun tale for children, I personified the little skirt and made “her” the main character.
As a retired elementary teacher and later principal, I will let you in on a writing strategy that has worked for me. Because I have little professional writing experience and even less knowledge of the publishing industry, my feeble efforts today have taken me back to my teaching/principal days. I find myself asking, how did I guide my students when I taught writing in grades six and eight? What kinds of advice did I later give my students as their principal?
Well, first, I always told my students to give their best efforts. No shortcuts. Turn your homework in on time, maybe even early, and work really hard. So, now I am applying this advice to my own writing today. If I need to do research, then I need to do it and not procrastinate. If I have a goal to finish a writing project, then I need to stick with it and not give up.
I always told my students not to stress out and to enjoy their educational experiences. I try not to stress about my writing efforts today because I want to enjoy my new writing path.
As a principal, I had many conversations with students to not succumb to peer pressure, to stay true to themselves. As I write today, I try to shoo peer pressure out the door. I read spectacular blogs and riveting books galore, but I won’t compare myself to other fabulous writers who have numerous published works. Un-huh, won’t go there!
Choosing friends wisely, staying close to them, sincerely listening to them, was advice I shared quite frequently with my students. I try to remember that guidance I offered. Today, I listen to advice from other writers and I try to stay close to them, many of whom are unmet friends. I value their input. I can learn and grow from them.
I chuckle from time to time as I think about my new-fangled writing journey and how I have become a new student all over again. Yes, I am indeed a lifelong learner!
Book Cover Blurb for Talitha,The Traveling Skirt
Meet Talitha, a little plaid skirt that likes to travel. Through the years, she visits many two-year-old girls in a special family who wear her to get their pictures taken. But Talitha encounters problems when she least expects them. Filled with colorful and detailed illustrations, young children will delight in this heartwarming story about a little skirt’s adventures.
DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE PLACED IN THE DRAWING TO WIN A COPY OF TALITHA, THE TRAVELING SKIRT bETWEEN NOW AND SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST AT MIDNIGHT MST.
BY LEAVING A COMMENT, YOU GRANT PERMISSION FOR YOUR EMAIL TO BE REVEALED TO THE AUTHOR IF YOU ARE THE WINNER TO FACILITATE RECEIPT OF YOUR BOOK.
Becky Van Vleet is a retired teacher and principal. She and her husband make their home in Colorado Springs, where Becky enjoys gardening and hiking and biking in the great outdoors. Becky relishes spending time with her family and especially reading books to her grandchildren. Her website is devoted to creating and preserving family memories while connecting generations.
SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY - ENJOY EVERY DAY OF YOUR LIFE by JUNE FOSTER 1/17/2020 11:30:00 PM BY Patti Shene
FEATURED BOOK: An Unexpected Family
AUTHOR: June Foster
PUBLISHER: Winged Publications
GENRE:Contemporary romance
SERIES OR STAND ALONE:Book 1 For the Love of a Family series
TARGET AGE: 18-90
AUTHOR JUNE FOSTER VISITS PATTI’S PORCH WITH IMPORTANT ADVICE ABOUT HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF LIFE.
JUNE IS OFFERING A GIVEAWAY! SIMPLY LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO ENTER THE DRAWING FOR AN EBOOK COPY OFAN UNECPECTED FAMILY.
SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY - ENJOY EVERY DAY OF YOUR LIFE—
advice from a veteran life traveler
The older I get, the more I realize how important family is. When we're teenagers, we think our parents don't understand us. Then when we get married and have young children at home, we realize the amount of work involved with raising them.
When I was younger, I didn't dwell on the fact that my parents, my children, or my siblings wouldn't always be around. Kids grow up and leave home, our precious parents pass on, and our siblings seem to spread out to all parts of the US.
When we're young, we somehow think we're invincible. We're not. I speak from the vantage point of the second half of my life. So, young people—listen up. You won't be sorry. Spend more time with your parents, glean all the jewels of wisdom they have to offer. Maybe that doesn't make sense right now, but it will—soon. My aunt passed several years ago, and I would love one more hour in her presence to ask her questions about our heritage.
Being a mother of young kids is tough. You probably believe you'll never again have a moment to yourself or be able to sleep through the night. But the time will come—sooner than you think. Enjoy their babyhood while you still have them at home.
Be grateful for your spouse. He/she will not be by your side forever. Siblings? You might not have the best of relationships, but in the end, they are family.
"To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there." Barbara Bush
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ Ephesians 5: 21
Blurb for An Unexpected Family
Man's best friend plays matchmaker
Grant Elliot leaves his father's veterinarian dynasty and overambitious twin brother to practice in the small town of Homedale, California. When local baker Kate Klein brings her ailing dog into the office, Grants's intrigued by the lab's gorgeous owner. He wants to get to know her but can't reveal his origins. What would she think if she knew his father's clinics cater only to the wealthy who spoil and pamper their pets instead of practicing genuine medicine?
Kate Kline inherits Aunt Ella's Bake Shop when her aunt passes away and must make a success of the failing business or lose her father's respect. Now California Plastics, her major account, has moved their plant to Sacramento. She's faced with the possibility of closure and won't accept Grant's offer to bail her out. She doesn't need a man's help.
Only God can mend broken families and create unexpected new ones.
DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE PLACED IN THE DRAWING TO WIN AN EBOOK COPY OF AN UNEXPECTED FAMILY BETWEEN NOW AND TUESDAY, JANUARY 28TH AT MIDNIGHT MST.
BY LEAVING A COMMENT, YOU GRANT PERMISSION FOR YOUR EMAIL TO BE REVEALED TO THE AUTHOR IF YOU ARE THE WINNER TO FACILITATE RECEIPT OF YOUR BOOK.
An award-winning author, June Foster is also a retired teacher with a BA in Education and a MA in counseling. She is the mother of two and grandmother of ten. June began writing Christian romance in 2010. She penned her first novel on her Toshiba laptop as she and her husband traveled the US in their RV. Her adventures provide a rich source of information for her novels. She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her next book.
To date, June has written twenty-two contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels and novellas. She loves to compose stories about characters who overcome the circumstances in their lives by the power of God and His Word. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who find freedom to live godly lives. She's published with Winged Publications. Visit June at www.junefoster.com to see a complete list of her books.
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Title: A Promise to Keep
Author: Melony Teague
Publisher: Anaiah Press
Genre: contemporary romance
Series or Stand Alone: Stand alone
Target Age: 16-99
I AM PLEASED TO WELCOME AUTHOR MELONY TEAGUE TO PATTI’S PORCH. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU HAD DONE DIFFRENTLY IN 2019? MELONY SHARES HER THOUGHTS ABOUT REGRET.
MELONY IS OFFERING A GIVEAWAY! SIMPLY LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO ENTER THE DRAWING FOR AN EBOOK COPY OF A PROMISE TO KEEP.
REGRET NOTHING
by
Melony Teague
“Write down your regrets of 2019, we will tear them up.” Our hostess handed us two small squares of paper and a pen. This was the instruction given to a group of women who’d gathered at an end-of-the-year Christmas potluck and Carol singalong in her home.
On one piece of paper we were to write a dream for 2020 and on the other, a regret that we wanted to let go of.
I had absolutely no hesitation in writing a dream I know only God can bring to reality—especially since nobody else knows what I wrote on that paper—and it will stay that way. I’m leaving that dream in God’s hands.
For jotting down a regret, I wracked my brain to find a regret that I had been hanging on to. Did I regret something I did? If I had a do-over, would I have done that thing differently? Maybe? But here’s the thing. Even my mistakes and faults (and I have many of them) I can’t bring myself to regret because every mistake I’ve ever made was an opportunity to learn something, a chance to change and do things differently next time. Every fault that God brings to light is an opportunity to let Him mold me. As much as I wish I was less flawed, I’m not perfect and I won’t be until I step over the threshold of heaven, and then only because of His grace. And that makes me even more thankful.
All my regrets, mistakes and slip-ups are forgiven, because of Jesus. I see the difficulties in life as an opportunity for character building and growth? Thankfully, most of the challenges I’d faced which seemed insurmountable often turned out to be things I could laugh over later. I truly believe we need to laugh at ourselves and not take ourselves so seriously. And yes, for someone like me who puts way more pressure on myself than anyone else does, learning to back-off and show myself grace has been an ongoing lesson.
I left that gathering still pondering writing down a regret and concluded that there was another kind of regret I’d not thought of. In my fiction debut, A Promise to Keep, Michael Mc Cann says this to Savannah Sanderson:
“The things in my life that bring regret are not so much things I did. More like things I didn’t do. Words I should have said. Moments I should have cherished. It’s funny, but in hindsight, I see them all clearly. It’s harder to recognize an opportunity you’re missing while you’re in it.”—Michael McCann.
Michael McCann nailed it. If I regret anything about 2019, it would more be about missed opportunities, may they be because of fear or self-doubt or unrecognized chances to slow down and show someone I care. Or, as Michael says, those moments not cherished. Life is fleeting. Let’s put our past regrets under God’s grace and determine to be more sensitive to living life each moment to the fullest, not rushing through life missing the precious moments.
Blurb for A Promise to Keep
A Promise. A High School Reunion. And a pact that proves harder to keep.
Research librarian Savannah Sanderson wants nothing more than to escape into her happily-ever-after novels with their larger-than-life fictional heroes. But a promise to her late husband has her attending her dreaded twenty-year high school reunion, drinking ghastly punch, and taking desperate measures just to keep her vow, even if she has to hide behind the décor to do it.
Once a reckless troublemaker, Michael McCann fled town after graduation. Now a professional technical rescuer, he’s back for the reunion, but on his trip down memory lane, he soon comes face to face with unresolved issues, namely Savannah.
Before the night is over, a pact between these two old friends will lead them on an adventure into uncharted emotional territory where Michael must confront his past regrets and find the courage to reveal the truth. But can Savannah fly from her sheltered nest and risk her heart on a real-life hero?
Praise for A Promise to Keep
“A delightful romance sure to please anyone looking for a story about second chances, grace, and hope. This one has all the right ingredients!”
—Catherine West, award-winning author of Where Hope Begins
“With beautiful tenderness, Melony Teague has given us a window into the joy, sorrow, humor, and soaring love of characters that come alive. Be ready to have your heart stolen in this must-read fiction debut.” —Mikal Dawn, author of the EMERALD CITY ROMANCE series
“A Promise to Keep by Melony Teague is a welcome addition to the contemporary romance genre. Layers of laughter, chemistry, and unexpected intensity make Michael and Savannah’s story a wonderful surprise! A Promise to Keep shows the skill of a talented author who can sensitively tackle subjects like cancer and grief while still producing a laugh-out-loud story! I can’t wait to read whatever Melony Teague writes next!” —V. Joy Palmer, Author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations
“With charm, wit, and romance, Teague’s debut novel takes readers on a journey of second chances, grace… and a trusty fern. Hope and humor blend throughout the story, balancing deep emotions with lighter moments and a sweet romance besides. A bright new voice in Christian fiction! —Carrie Schmidt, ReadingIsMySuperPower.org
Amazon buy link
DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE PLACED IN THE DRAWING TO WIN AN EBOOK COPY OF A PROMISE TO KEEP BETWEEN NOW AND TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH AT MIDNIGHT MST.
BY LEAVING A COMMENT, YOU GRANT PERMISSION FOR YOUR EMAIL TO BE REVEALED TO THE AUTHOR IF YOU ARE THE WINNER TO FACILITATE RECEIPT OF YOUR BOOK.
Melony Teague writes contemporary romance with a dash of humor, she loves to inspire and motivate others through her written words, and she believes everyone has a story to tell. Melony is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and she is the co-author of As the Ink Flows, a devotional for authors. A Promise to Keep out on Jan 21, 2020 is her fiction debut. Melony was born in South Africa and now lives in Toronto with her handsome husband, their two teenagers, and does the bidding of her two adorable cats. Connect with Melony:
WEBSITE
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A PROMISE TO KEEP BOOK CLUB
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