Kindness

An Interview with Author Anita Higman About A Marriage in Middlebury

Anita, welcome to Encouraged in Heart. I read A Marriage in MIddlebury, and I have to say I loved the story of Sam, Charlotte and the other wonderful characters you created.  I'd love to stop by Charlotte's tea room and enjoy a pastry and tea. Tell us more about this delightful book.

What was your inspiration for A Marriage inMiddlebury?

The idea for this book came from my absolute love of tearooms in Texas. In fact, here’s my note to readers on that very subject:

More than a decade ago I met a woman named Linda Becker

who opened a tearoom in the Houston burbs called, Tea for

Two. Her eatery and gift shop did so well, she opened a second

shop. Over the years I’ve enjoyed her wonderful tearoom

fare as well as the quaint ambiance. Linda’s tearoom isn’t just

a café—it’s a gathering place for friends, a place to eat home

cooked food, and a place so cozy you don’t want to leave.

As a writer I thought it might be fun to create a heroine who

owns a tearoom similar to Linda’s and set her shop in a small

town on the gulf coast of Texas. So, that’s how the novel, A

Marriage in Middlebury, was born. Even though my story, the

characters, and the town are fictional, Linda’s tearooms are

real places you can visit and enjoy. Thank you, Linda, for the

great food, and the fellowship, and the inspiration.

Everything was going smoothly for the main character when suddenly everything changes with the return of her ex. What advice do you have when life throws a curveball?

As a Christian we should trust in the One who made us, the One who’s known us from the first day when we were being knit together in our mother’s womb, the One who loves us best. Trusting in Him during life’s storms is the only answer, and it’s more than enough.

Charlotte was pressured into breaking off her relationship with Sam by Sam’s father - how should we react to family pressures and difficult relatives?

Bathe the situation in prayer and then talk things through no matter how painful. But once the air is clear, forgive and move on. Don’t keep going back over and over. Forgiveness is not easy, but it’s the only way to live free. It helps to remember that forgiveness is what God offered us when we sinned against Him.

Is there a certain Bible passage or verse that goes along with the theme of A Marriage in Middlebury?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Are any of the characters or events in A Marriage in Middlebury based on your own experiences?

Well, I love art, flowers, quirky characters, and tearooms, and I managed to put them all into the novel. It was a fun ride!

Do you find yourself returning to the similar themes in your novels (i.e. forgiveness, trust, etc.) or do you have a new message with each release?

Yes, I tend to go back to the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation. These are not only good themes for a story, but they are paramount in living the Christian life.

What do you hope readers will walk away with after they turn the last page of A Marriage in Middlebury?

That with God all things are possible!

Like several of your other books, A Marriage in Middlebury is set in your home state of Texas - what are some of your favorite things about Texas?

Overall, Texas is an inexpensive place to live, it’s a great place to raise a family, and it’s one of the friendliest places on earth. I’ve lived here for about thirty years, and I’m proud to call Texas my home.

Before becoming a writer, you had number of interesting jobs - what was it about writing that drew you in?

I had an incredible need to tell stories. I don’t think I had a choice in becoming a writer—the profession sort of chose me. But I’m content in that truth. 

Rest in HIm

Do You Make Christmas Ornaments?

With October coming to an end and Christmas around the corner, I thought I’d share some sites from the web that feature free Christmas ornament patterns and ideas.

Better Homes and Gardens has links to free ideas and patterns: http://www.bhg.com/christmas/crafts/make-christmas-ornaments-with-felt/ and http://www.bhg.com/christmas/ornaments/homemade-ornament-projects/

Crochet patterns:
http://voices.yahoo.com/diy-christmas-decorations-free-christmas-ornament-6994912.html?cat=30 click on the ornament name to see the photos.

HGTV offers:
http://www.hgtv.com/handmade/40-printable-and-free-christmas-templates/index.html

If you knit:
http://www.allfreeknitting.com/ChristmasKnits/13-Knit-Christmas-Tree-Ornament-Patterns/ct/1

Out of paper:
http://www.bhg.com/christmas/ornaments/pretty-christmas-ornaments-made-from-paper/

Just for fun:
http://www.tipjunkie.com/holiday-crafts/christmas/home-made-christmas-ornaments/

Whether you’re be inspired to create your first ornament or help your children make one for Grandma. Have fun and let your creative juices flow!

Do you have other good links? Please share here...

Wednesday Wisdom

The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman by Carole Brown

A Journey of Love and Hope

Carole has created a moving account of life in a cult created by self-centered and evil leadership. Caralynne Hayman carries a torch for her deceased daughter and the terror she experienced at the hands of wicked men. With a sense of urgency, Carole carries the reader through the unbearable journey of a mother’s sorrow as she mourns, yet rises to protect her other children. Caralynne must call on the faith she once knew and the man she once loved.

This is also the story of truth and how God’s love prevails. The book is not for the faint of heart, because Carole paints a true picture of how terrible life can be inside a group of misled people who believe so intensely in what they do that they will harm anyone who gets in their way. Well written and thought provoking, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman will not leave you for a long time. 

Wednesday Wisdom