There is Always Hope

My daughter and I attended an event where we got to listen to two men who had just returned from helping Ukrainian refugees in Poland and southern Ukraine. It was so eye-opening. The men said they had expected the people to be sad, the outlook dreary, but most people were holding on to hope and finding the good. They told about a Polish aid worker who was always happy, always helping as she sorted out how best to help those coming across the border. One thing she did was that she would give a little clap, smile as big as she could, and say, "God is good. All the time." And she truly believed it. It was her way to lift, to remind, and to give a little bit of hope. You could see that in her face. It touched them and it touched me.

Most of the refugees the men saw and helped were women with children and the elderly. They talked about how so many churches are banding together to help and just how inspiring it was to see all the hands reaching out to offer comfort and necessities. They shared some experiences they had as they delivered desperately needed supplies to an orphanage in southern Ukraine that made my heart race as they were close to danger. It was definitely a riveting presentation. I've been thinking about the things they shared ever since, and how our outlook and our words can offer hope to someone else. "God is good. All the time." I'm grateful we got to give back in a small way that evening and I don't think I'll forget the things that were shared. Our world needs more hope, more light, and more people willing to stand up, even in dark circumstances.

A New Authors Off the Page is Live!

The new Authors Off the Page was a really fun one, and one of the authors makes a surprise announcement! You won't want to miss it. Come laugh with us!

You can listen wherever you get your podcasts or click HERE

Memorial Day

It was a very rainy Memorial Day, but this lone bagpiper standing in the storm to play for all those visiting the cemetery touched my heart. Very symbolic, I think. 

I'm so grateful for the sacrifices made for our freedoms.

Almost Freebie Friday for Historical Romance Fans!

 Do you need a historical romance to read this weekend? A Proper Scandal, by Esther Hatch, is only .99 cents today! I really enjoyed this one. Lots of twists and turns and swoony romance. 

Get your sale copy HERE

Here's the back copy:

His scandals were right on track until she derailed everything.

As the successful owner of multiple railroad lines, Diana Barton is all too accustomed to fending off suitors seeking to stake their claim on her wealth. In order to keep the wolves at bay, Diana has contrived the perfect plan: appeal to the most notorious rake in London, the Baron Lord Bryant, to ruin her reputation and scare off the worst of the time wasters. The ruse will be no hardship—she’s secretly been fascinated by the man for years.

Lord Bryant is well aware of his questionable reputation. Indeed, he has cultivated the image carefully, and the last thing he wants is a wife. When he’s approached by the younger sister of a business associate, he tells her in no uncertain terms that he cannot help. However, when he sees for himself what she is up against, Bryant grudgingly offers his assistance. Faced with his most complicated entanglement yet, Bryant is firm in his conditions—and Diana knows that to get romantically involved with Bryant would spell certain heartbreak. But as the counterfeit couple grows ever closer, the line between truth and lies becomes blurred, threatening both Lord Bryant’s well-laid plans and the future of Diana’s railroad business.

The Best of State Awards!

Tonight was the awards ceremony for Best of State. It was amazing! The entire experience was so much more than I expected.

As I walked backstage after receiving my medal, (I won for Best Children's Book) there was a lady there to give me my certificate and commemorative coin and she was saying how wonderful it was to meet me and how she loved my children's book. It just touched me that she was so excited about the book. 

Honestly, it's moments like those that make everything worth it! We were treated to an incredible dinner, then musical entertainment that included a high school band that sounded so professional and Octapella who were incredible. From the beginning to the end, it was so much fun. What an unforgettable night!

The hardcover book is on sale right now for only $20.41! You can get your copy HERE

Helping An Author Friend

My longtime author friend Rachelle lost her husband yesterday. I'm so heartbroken for her and her family. 

If you are a praying person, could you remember them in your prayers? And if you have a bit of extra book money in your budget this month, maybe you could buy a book or two of hers. I've recommended them before and I think you'd enjoy them. She writes fun romances and some romantic suspense.  

You can see all her books HERE

Are You On TikTok?

So . . . I joined TikTok. I love seeing all the readers and book reviews and authors on Booktok. I admit, though, it's been a little overwhelming! I'm sort of getting the hang of it, and that's making it fun. Uploading the videos (especially my first one) was such a learning curve, but I'm a little proud of it, since I'm not a techy person at all. Go me!

Are you on Tiktok? If you are, you should friend me! @juliecoulterbellon