I’m happy to introduce my good friend Cindy Rooy, author of “Trusting God Through Troubles & Tears.”  I met Cindy years ago at the Blue Ridge Mts. Christian Writers Conference. We were both fairly new to the writing scene and fumbling our way around the retreat center. We developed an instant friendship and encouraged each other throughout the week. Cindy has gone through many of her own troubles and tears and still came out smiling. Through the difficulties came the inspiration for her book. In her own words,

“I wanted to know why God allowed so much pain and adversity in our lives so I studied the Bible for answers. My church asked me to do a Bible study workshop at their retreat and I wrote “Trusting God” from that personal study. An author in that class convinced me to go to the Blue Ridge Christian Writer’s Conference. A publisher at the conference asked me to turn that workshop into a six-chapter Bible study.”

I remember encouraging Cindy when she entered a contest at the conference. As winners were announced, she slunk lower and lower in her seat. Defeat written across her face, mumbling, “I don’t know why I even entered…”  Ah, but it wasn’t over yet. Cindy won first place in the devotionals category! We had to literally scoop her out of the seat and get her on her feet to accept the award : )   Fond memories, my friend!

Cindy has pursued her calling to write and God has continually opened doors for her. Major successes include the publication of her book, a speaking ministry, an inspirational columnist for the Kingsport Times-News, The Rogersville Review, and the Common Ground Herald (covering SW Virginia and NE TN). She also hosted a radio show “Faith Flash” and is a contributing author for several anthologies. If you are a struggling newbie writer – don’t give up! Cindy is a prime example of persistence and prayer – two necessary requirements for writing.

Note: Cindy’s website is www.cindyrooy.com

Have you ever planned something with the best intentions only to have it go in a completely different direction?

My husband and I were away last weekend – he went to a Men’s Retreat and I went along with him since we were continuing our travels after the retreat to visit our most favorite church in Long Island. I dubbed it my writers retreat and planned to lock myself in the hotel room and write.  I took tons of work with me and had very lofty goals.

God had other plans.

The weather was beautiful. I refused to stay inside.

I walked.And walked some more.

Sat on the patio in the sunshine.

Spent time with friends.

Meditated.

Had lunch with my husband and some dear people whom I look up to as spiritual mentors.

I relaxed.

Write? Not so much.

The rest of the weekend was wonderful and exactly what I needed. God knows. His plans were so much better than my plans.

I came home encouraged and refreshed and ready to write.

Has the Lord ever turned your plans around and made everything so much better with HIS PLANS?

The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden brings you into the neighborhood of a small town in Massachusetts. The main characters Libby Sawyer and Michael Dobrescu are wonderfully matched, or mis-matched as the case may be.

The story revolves around the conflict of Michael coming to town with family and taking over Libby’s father’s house while it is vacant for the summer. Fleeing the war torn lands of the Balkans and leaving Romania behind with plenty of family secrets, Michael moves into the house, believing he has legal rights to be there. Many twists and turns to this story, keeping the reader totally engaged and entertained. The sparks fly between Michael, a “great big strapping man” and Libby Sawyer, a sensitive artist with little confidence in her abilities and hiding her own secret.

Cultural differences and personality conflicts bring out many rude comments: Michael to Libby – “ You dress like a man and you act like an idiot.” Also, “Take her out to the nearest lake and throw her in to see if she floats. Except I think she might like it.””

Libby – “what I would like, is to have an exorcism to rid my house of a passel of gypsies.” Yes, it sounds like they were meant to be together : )

Love a certain rooftop scene near the end of the book. Not just a romance, the author touches on the complexity of family issues. Great story with interesting subplots delving into some serious subjects with creative characters skillfully drawn.