In the first book of my historical romance series, Heart’s Desire, Julia’s father tells her he has consented to allow a man she doesn’t like to marry her. She doesn’t know he agreed because he’s being blackmailed. All she feels is shock and anger, because earlier that day she met someone her heart tells her she needs to know better. Julia decides to make things go her way, regardless.
Many of us are like that. We make plans, and no matter what, we’ll make it happen. The problem is, if that’s our attitude, we probably haven’t talked to God about it first. Without bringing our ideas and plans to the Lord for guidance and direction we can end up falling on our face. Or stuck in a situation we don’t want to be in.
At this point in my life, I’ve learned that I need God. I can’t do things on my own. I’ve also learned to wait for His timing, which is rarely the same as mine. Fortunately for Julia, her older sister is a Christian. She leads Julia to a relationship with Jesus, teaching her to bring her requests to God and trust He will work things out in a way that’s best for her. Julia believes, but it’s hard with the wedding looming on the horizon.
It’s especially hard to wait when it looks like you’re running out of time. It helps me to remember Bible stories about God providing right when people need it the most. Remembering how He has helped my family in times of need is also reassuring. His plan and purpose may not be the same as ours, but it’s the best plan and sometimes we can see it after the fact.
One of my favorite verses is Philippians 4:6-7 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. I’m so thankful for that peace.
Another verse that reassures me, and many others, is Jeremiah 29:11-12 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” These are verses Julia hangs onto when she can see no possible happy ending.
Of course, there will be a happy ending. No one would want to read my books, otherwise.
I’ll leave you with one more Bible verse. Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
In 1880 Boston, Julia Phillips’s father betroths her to wealthy Lucien Harris to cover up a tragic secret. She has no interest in Lucien, but Jacob Anderson, a kind jewelry store clerk has captured her attention. Their mutual attraction grows into love, and he wants to be the man she marries.
Julia feels increasing pressure from Lucien to pretend she’s happy about the upcoming wedding. Then, she discovers the arranged marriage is based on blackmail. Her family will be ruined if she doesn’t comply.
Will God make a way for Jacob and Julia to have their heart’s desire?
If you’re interested in reading HEART’S DESIRE, you can find it on Amazon in print, Kindle or on Kindle Unlimited
Book two in the series, HEART’S JOURNEY, is also available on Amazon in the same formats
Linda lives in west central Ohio with her husband, daughters, grandson, a cat and a dog. She earned a degree in psychology from Anderson University where she learned the voices in her head were actually characters from stories waiting to be told.
Linda got her start writing columns and a middle grade serial for the South Charleston Spectator. A retired librarian, she now enjoys being a full-time author in her home office, despite interruptions from family members and pets.
You’re invited to visit my website, where you can see the other books I’ve written and learn more about me. I have a newsletter that will keep you up to date on my writing and new releases. When you subscribe, you’ll receive a Kindle copy of JOEL & ELLA