Love Redeemed by Kelly Irvin

Love Redeemed by Kelly Irvin
Wednesday, March 5, 2014 by Patti Shene

Title of book: Love Redeemed

Author: Kelly Irvin

Publisher: Harvest House

Genre: Contemporary Romance (Amish)

Stand Alone or series: Series (New Hope Amish)

Target Age: 25 and up

KELLY IS OFFERING A GIVEAWAY OF HER BOOK, LOVE REDEEMED. CHECK BELOW TO SEE HOW TO ENTER TO WIN.

Catching up to the caboose

Kelly Irvin

The year 2013 was a momentous year in my life in ways that had little to do with my writing career. At least that’s what I thought. My twenty-three year old daughter got married, graduated from college, and had my first grandchild, a beautiful little girl named Brooklyn Jane.

I also celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary with the love of my life, who took me to Hawaii for the first time. And I turned fifty-six.

The year was a whirlwind when you add the last book in the Bliss Creek Amish series and the first one in the New Hope Amish series being published. And a new three-book contract with a new publisher.

You might think I had the big MO. Momentum. Just between you and me and the fencepost, that’s not how it felt. It felt like a runaway train. Picture me scurrying along behind the caboose, yelling, “Wait, wait, this isn’t my life. You’re moving way too fast.”

I felt old. I looked in the mirror and saw drooping cheeks around my thin mouth, lines around my eyes, silver in my hair, and yes, a nasty old lady hair on my chin that required plucking.

I was in the delivery room when my granddaughter was born. Gorgeous, whole, perfect, a plump little eight-pound gift from God. She’s at my house almost every day now, visiting, spitting up, cooing, and burping like a sailor after her bottle. In less than two months, she and my daughter will move to Norfolk to join daddy, who is currently deployed on the USS Harry Truman in the Persian Gulf. Virginia is a long way from Texas. Our cozy visits are numbered. So I’ve begun reading to her the books I loved reading to her mommy. Brown Bear Brown Bear, the Little Caterpillar, Doctor Seuss and so on.

It’s my hope she will grow up reading books just like her mom did because together we are laying that foundation. Someday she might read one of the books her grandma wrote.

God has given me these great gifts. A loving husband. Children. A grandchild. The gift of writing His stories. Stories that will linger long after I’m gone from this earth. And I still have many stories to tell. I’ve always known time is short. None of us knows just how short. But God does. He sent me this beautiful granddaughter and said, “Don’t waste my gifts. Catch up. You’re not old. You’re just getting started. Don’t make me come down there. Catch up to that caboose.”

Tell His stories. To anyone and everyone, whether you think they’re listening or not. Whether you have two weeks or twenty years left, use them. Write until your fingers give out and your heart stops.

No matter what gift God bestowed about you, use it. Wear it out. You may retire from your day job, but not God’s job. Forget the caboose. Hop on that train and drive it. The next generation needs you.

Brooklyn Jane needs you.

LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE PLACED IN THE DRAWING TO WIN A COPY OF LOVE REDEEMED BETWEEN NOW AND WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19TH AT MIDNIGHT MST. DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR CONTACT EMAIL SO YOU CAN BE NOTIFIED IF YOU WIN!

Kelly Irvin is the author of the Bliss Creek Amish series and the New Hope Amish series, Her latest release is Love Redeemed, which debuted March 1.

The Kansas native is a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Journalism. She has been writing nonfiction professionally for thirty years. Kelly and her husband reside in Texas. In her spare time, she likes to write short stories and read books by her favorite authors.

Connect with Kelly on her website, on Facebook, and on Twitter.

Comments

Dali Castillo From South Bend, IN At 3/10/2014 5:27:11 PM

I really enjoyed your blog. I'm 55 & my first grandchild is almost year old. We live far from each other,so I can totally relate to your situation. I'd love to win your book, but if I don't win, I'll definitely be getting my own copy to read.

Rhonda G Nash-Hall From Virginia At 3/9/2014 7:50:46 AM

I am a 52 year old empty nester and my first grandbaby was born at the end of january. I held her in my arms and sobbed with joy that she was here, healthy and whole, and so precious. I would love to win your book. Rhonda [email protected]

Missy Price From jonesborough tn At 3/9/2014 3:17:45 AM

This really sounds think a really good book would love to win so that i canread it

Patti Shene From Colorado At 3/8/2014 10:10:38 AM

Thank you all for stopping by to read Kelly's post and leave a comment.

Carol Carman From Arkansas At 3/8/2014 9:57:54 AM

Your post made me cry. We have so many things in common. Many times throughout my life I've thought I'd like to write...but haven't had the courage. You've inspired me. Thank you!

Esther Clark From Virginia At 3/7/2014 5:58:02 PM

I absolutely love reading Amish books, takes me back to a more peaceful time and place. So look forward to reading this one!

mary ellen ashenfelder From PA At 3/7/2014 11:46:30 AM

Awesome article -- awesome year for an awesome author. Would love to add this book to my collection. Love Kelly's work and welcome a new read by her. Thank you.

Karen G From New York At 3/7/2014 11:46:14 AM

Wonderful post. Happy belated birthday/anniversary and congrats on your first grandchild. Looking forward to reading you new series. Thank you for a chance to win a copy of your book. kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

Leslie Schmidt From Tabernacle, NJ At 3/7/2014 11:45:19 AM

This looks like a great story and you are never too young to tell your story!

Phyllis Royster From Illinois At 3/7/2014 10:37:15 AM

We have be ""empty-nesters"" for many year. I am a retired nurse and have been married to my sweetheart for over 56 years. We have 4 children, 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grand children and counting. We both love to read. I would love to win your book. Thanks and God Bless.

Faye Simer From Jackson ,Tn. At 3/7/2014 9:35:57 AM

My 2 girls have long been gone from home, but they both gave me grandchildren to help keep me young ! And now I have a great grandson to help me along even further! I've not read any of your books yet but this would be a great start. Thanks

Rachel Lepree From Tennessee At 3/7/2014 7:52:21 AM

Sounds like you've had a busy year - we all have so much to be thankful for. Would love to win your book. Rachel

Debbie Curto From Illinois At 3/7/2014 7:21:03 AM

Would love to win this book ! I am trying to writ a novel but it is on hold for the moment

Kelly Irvin From Texas At 3/7/2014 6:47:47 AM

Thank you all, for your kind, thoughtful words. 2014 will be a new season in my life. Looking forward to what it will bring! Blessings!

Judy B From Kendallville, Indiana At 3/7/2014 6:28:26 AM

You are NOT old Kelly! You are several years younger than myself. Look at it as we are just getting better and better! Love on that Grandbaby as often as you can! Mine live in Stockholm, Sweden! I would love to win a copy of Loved Redeemed! Blessings! Judy B judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com

Karen C. From Ohio At 3/7/2014 5:35:45 AM

This is such a heartwarming blog post. I can totally relate to your feelings, as I am turning 52 this month. Winning this book would be a wonderful way to celebrate my birthday. Karen C. [email protected]

Teresa Sheroke From Texas At 3/6/2014 10:52:56 PM

Oh Kelly, you made me laugh.I think the same things. I feel really old at times and drooping too. I have a 2 1/2 year old grand daughter, she wears me out! My health is not what it used to be; reading I can do still. I would love to win this book.

Patti From Virginia At 3/6/2014 10:12:01 PM

I would love to win this book or any books you have written or will write. I love your grand daughters name. It is nice that you can spend this time with her. Yep VA is a long way from TX. God bless you and your family. Keep writing we all love your books

Patti Shene From Colorado At 3/6/2014 9:49:57 PM

I think Kelly has lit a fire under all of us who read this post. I know I'm feeling a bit guilty about all I could be doing with my writing and have not to date. Thanks for stopping by everyone!

Juanita Cook From Lincoln, Nebraska At 3/6/2014 9:45:48 PM

Love Redeemed sounds awesome. Thanks for a chance to win.

Mallory Fry From Seattle, WA At 3/6/2014 9:37:54 PM

I'm so glad you feel inspired, Kelly! You are an inspiration to me, so please keep writing! God bless and keep you, & thank you so much for doing this giveaway! (I also shared this giveaway on Facebook too!)

Lois Arrowood From Columbia, PA now At 3/6/2014 9:14:23 PM

You are so very right about life being short and using the Gifts God has given each and every one of us. We must not squander our time as it is not ours to waste. May God Bless you all.

jackie tessnair From North Carolina At 3/6/2014 8:46:16 PM

Thanks for sharing.My last child at home is soon going be graduating high school and I hate the thought of her leaving home.She is and will always be my baby.I love your books.Thanks [email protected]

Kelly Irvin From TX At 3/6/2014 8:25:07 PM

I'm so glad you were inspired. God's timing!

Patti Shene From Colorado At 3/6/2014 7:13:51 PM

Thank you all for stopping by the Over 50 Writer and for supporting and encouraging Kelly.

Cheryl Baranski From Virginia At 3/6/2014 6:37:38 PM

Lots happening in your life.We are expecting our first grandbaby in April. VA is beautiful.Your daughter should enjoy it.It is so nice you get to enjoy the time your can with them. Maybe their move will inspire you to have signings in VA! Love your books Kelly! Would love to win your book!

Emma From USA At 3/6/2014 6:37:08 PM

Love Redeemed by Kelly Irvin sounds wonderful. Please enter me in contest. Thank you for the opportunity to win.I enjoy reading your books.Have a wonderful weekend.

Lynne Young From Abingdon, Virginia At 3/6/2014 6:12:53 PM

Amen Kelly! What a blessed year you had! So many positives! I pray 2014 has many more positives for you and your family. I know it will be hard to let go of Brooklyn but there is always Skype to hold you over until you get to hold her again. Thank you for sharing your God given talent.