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Step Into The Light Podcast

Is where we introduce listeners to people who have found their way out of the dark shadows of life and back to light and those who lead others on their journey from darkness to light.

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Meet seasoned authors, learn about new books and find inspiration to help you along your journey. No matter how far you’ve come or where you are going, I’d be honored to travel with you. If you like what you see, please subscribe to avoid missing updates.

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Step Into the Light Blog Talk Radio Show

Latest Show

2024-12-12
Episode #271 - Featuring Pastor Joseph Misiaszek

Pastor Joe currently teaches math at the community college level and pastors the First Baptist Church of Vona, Colorado. He is the author of the daily devotional titled Daily Sword Sharpening: Applying the Word of God Daily to Your Life; Keeping the Sword of the Spirit Sharpened so You Can Sharpen Others. Join us as pastor Joe discusses the important message his devotional conveys of how we can apply the Word of God to our own lives and share it with others.

Recent Shows

2024-11-28
Episode #270 - Featuring TonyaAnn Pember

2024-11-14
Episode #269 - Featuring Gayle Irwin

2024-11-04
Episode #268 - Featuring Liisa Eyerly

2024-10-24
Episode #267 - Featuring Lana Christian

Recent Posts

HAS LIFE HANDED YOU A FEW BUMPS IN THE ROAD? by BARBARA M. BRITTON
12/9/2024 11:00:00 PM 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.

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR NEW WRITERS by KIMBERLY KEAGAN
12/5/2024 11:35:00 PM BY Patti Shene

IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR KIMBERLY KEAGAN TO THE OVER 50 WRITER. KIMBERLY SHARES INSPIRATION FOR THOSE WHO DREAM OF WRITING THAT BOOK SOMEDAY AND SHOWS IT’S NOT AN IMPOSSIBLE GOAL.

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR NEW WRITERS

Kimberly Keagan

Have you ever waited, and waited, for the perfect moment to write that publish-worthy book? I’ve been there, too. Waiting for inspiration, for free time, for confidence. One day, it hit me: the perfect time would never come. If I wanted to be an author, I had to make time.

I’d love to tell you my first attempt at a manuscript was a masterpiece, but the truth—it wasn’t pretty. I had so much to learn. I took online courses, devoured craft books, entered writing contests that humbled me more than once, and found a community of like-minded writers.

Fast forward five years, and I’ve written four books—though for the sake of my readers, two will never see the light of day. Along the way, I considered traditional publishing but quickly realized my stories weren’t what agents were seeking. And that’s okay. I still believed my stories had a purpose and I pivoted to self-publishing. But self-publishing meant a whole new world of learning. It wasn’t just about writing anymore—it was about building a business. From marketing strategies to creating a readership, every step requires patience and perseverance.

Now, as I prepare for my first release in 2025, the road ahead feels thrilling and daunting. Questions sneak in: Will anyone care about my stories? Will my book get lost in the sea of new releases? But whenever those doubts creep in, I remind myself why I write.

It’s not about fame or fortune. My dream is to reflect God’s light through stories that inspire joy and hope. If even one person finishes my book with a smile, a laugh, or feels a spark of encouragement, I’ll have succeeded.

If you’re standing at the beginning of your writing journey, wondering if it’s too late or if your stories matter, let me assure you: it’s not and they do. Your voice matters. Your unique perspective matters. And there’s an audience out there waiting for what only you can share. Be patient and pray for the Lord’s guiding hand in your work.

This brings me back to something I learned quickly: becoming a published author isn’t an overnight process. For me, it’s been a five-year journey of practice, dedication, and faith. My advice? Give yourself the same grace. Allow time to learn, grow, and discover your voice.

So, grab that pen, open a blank page, and take the first step. Your story is waiting.

At the age of thirteen, Kimberly Keagan discovered romance novels. Whenever possible, she ignored her chores in favor of a book she couldn't put down. In time, she earned a degree in accounting and enjoyed a brief career in investor relations, writing financial reports and press releases—terrific jobs, but not very romantic. By God's grace, she married her own handsome hero and raised two wonderful children, whom they homeschooled. Now, she is following her long-held dream of penning historical romance. Her debut novel releases in 2025.

Head to linktr.ee/kimberlykeagan to connect with Kimberly. You'll find links to her short stories, story world articles, book news, and book recommendations. For a copy of her reader magnet novelette All Along, go to this link.

HOW GLITTER AND THE GROUCH HAPPENED… by MARY PAT JOHNS
11/26/2024 12:05:00 AM BY Patti Shene

FEATURED BOOK: Glitter and the Grouch

AUTHOR: Mary Pat Johns

PUBLISHER: Scrivenings Press

GENRE: contemporary romance

SERIES OR STAND ALONE: Book 3 of Romance in Valiant series

(may be read as a stand alone).

TARGET AGE: Women of any age

IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR MARY PAT JOHNS TO PATTI’S PORCH. MARY PAT TALKS ABOUT A REAL LIFE EVENT THAT INSPIRED HER LATEST NOVEL.

HOW GLITTER AND THE GROUCH HAPPENED…

Mary Pat Johns

My latest book release, Glitter and the Grouch, centered around the Texas Water Safari, a legendary river race. Many of my readers have mentioned they knew nothing about the race and particularly enjoyed the setting.

I love following the annual race. So when two minor characters from Books 1 and 2 of my series, Romance in Valiant, insisted on having their own story, I decided the race would be a marvelous place for them to fall in love.

Many readers had the impression Glitter and the Grouch was going to be a romantic twist on “Row, row, row your boat,” but it turned out to be so much more. See if you agree.

The race is 260 miles long. The average time to finish is 3+ days with few breaks. There are ten established checkpoints for participants to exchange water jugs, but volunteers also officially document the time a participant passes through. Newbies consider completing the race a win. The conditions are so rugged, though, many settle for a DNF—Did Not Finish.

It starts at Spring Lake in San Marcos, then feeds into the San Marcos River. This part of the race can get clogged with tubes, rafts, and hordes of people. Once it converges into the Guadalupe River, the paddling is swift or slow depending on the amount of rainfall. It comes with its own set of obstacles—alligators, portaging, and logjams. There’s even a stretch of river known as “Hallucination Alley,” where people imagine all sorts of nightmarish images. It’s not for the directionally challenged. Too easy to get lost and not find the way forward.

The last leg of the journey is the most difficult. It’s where the Guadalupe River merges with the San Antonio Bay—choppy and rough on the best of days. Racers will often carry their boats to the finish line.

From a research perspective, my friend Bill Stafford has completed the Texas Water Safari thirty-two times. He has written a book about his many years of racing, The Texas Water Safari Has a Polecat in It. My copy of his book is dog-eared, yellow with highlights, and still holds bookmarks. Bill was easy to work with and very gracious to answer my questions. He even inspired a minor character in the story.

Glitter and the Grouch is a much better book because of one man’s willingness to share his experiences. It made the book more fun to write, because I could see my characters through Bill’s perspective and keen sense of humor. It was a privilege to have such a great connection.

Back cover blurb for Glitter and the Grouch:

Silas only has one choice: his sanity or his future.

Silas and Nat don’t get along, but they can’t leave each other alone either. When a prank goes terribly wrong at their workplace, they face an impossible choice.

They must compete in a canoe race to prove they can work together or forfeit their futures at Peeps. Good thing quitting isn’t in their DNA, because their boss isn’t backing down an inch. He assures them they can accomplish anything they set their minds to, even if it means covering 260 miles of river. There’s only one catch—they have to be in the same boat.

Will they reach deep inside to find out what they’re made of? Or will they succumb to the physical rigors of the event and the machinations of a controlling ex?

Amazon buy link

Mary Pat Johns’ writing career began once she retired from years of teaching speech and writing. She’s written devotions for an online publication and had short stories published by Chicken Soup for the Soul. She currently writes a weekly faith column for the local newspaper. Countin’ On Jesse, her first novel debuted in 2023, and books 2 & 3 of the Valiant series, Lovin’ On Red and Glitter and the Grouch, released in 2024. God put it in her heart to tell stories of brave veterans and their reintegration into civilian life after suffering the traumas of war.

She lives in South Texas with her husband and their two dapple dachshunds. Her grown children and five grandchildren are useful sorts who keep her grounded with her reading/writing obsession. You can find her at the gym, at her computer, or reading a good book. Connect with Mary Pat:

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Patti Shene

Magnify Your Message Ministries

Welcome

Subscribe to Patti’s newsletter under the NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTIION tab above

Step Into The Light Podcast

Step Into the Light Blog Talk Radio Show

Latest Show

2024-12-12 Episode #271 - Featuring Pastor Joseph Misiaszek

Recent Shows

2024-11-28 Episode #270 - Featuring TonyaAnn Pember

2024-11-14 Episode #269 - Featuring Gayle Irwin

2024-11-04 Episode #268 - Featuring Liisa Eyerly

2024-10-24 Episode #267 - Featuring Lana Christian