Saturday, September 7, 2024

Heavenly Rescues and Answered Prayers by Andrea Jo Rodgers

 

 


About the Book

 


Book: Heavenly Rescues and Answered Prayers: True Stories of Faith and Miracles from a First Responder

Author: Andrea Jo Rodgers

Genre: Christian Inspirational

Release date: June 4, 2024

Powerful Stories of Life’s Emergencies

For more than 35 years, veteran EMT Andrea Jo Rodgers has been helping people in their most terrifying and vulnerable moments—and bearing witness to the miraculous power and handiwork of God.

In this new collection of unforgettable stories, Andrea shares more heart-pounding accounts of rescues and interventions from her vast experience as a first responder. Whether it’s a boy fallen through thin ice into freezing water, an old woman and her walker stuck at a railroad crossing, or a loyal dog playing guardian angel for his incapacitated owner, join Andrea as she responds to incredible scenarios that testify to God’s power and love.

Not only will you be astounded by the courage exemplified by Andrea and other first responders, but you will also be inspired by her faith, empathy, and hope—even amid the most daunting circumstances. These powerful stories will encourage you and deepen your awe for God’s amazing mercy and grace.

 

Click here to get your copy!



I received a complimentary copy of this book, 
And all opinions given are my own and not an
Endorsement of all author’s opinions. 

 

About the Author



Andrea Jo Rodgers holds a clinical doctorate in physical therapy and has worked as a physical therapist for 30 years, specializing in women’s health, oncology rehab, and ALS. She has served as a volunteer emergency medical technician on her town’s rescue squad for 37 years and has responded to more than 9,700 first aid and fire calls. She lives with her family on the east coast. She enjoys reading, writing, day trips, and savoring a slice of avocado toast along with a cup of green tea. Andrea’s latest book, Heavenly Rescues and Answered Prayers, shares more inspirational stories based on her experiences as a volunteer EMT.

 

 What did your research process look like for this book? 

 

I’ve been a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT) on my town’s first aid and rescue squad for over 35 years, responding to more than 9,600 emergency calls. Along with my fellow squad members, I’ve been called to help those suffering many different kinds of medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest, near-drownings, and overdoses as well as victims of trauma. My research comes from education, training, and hands-on experience

 

What was something new you learned while writing this book? 

 

Writing about rescue calls from my personal experience has helped me to better realize how blessed we are to serve as instruments of God, acting as cogs in the wheel of heavenly orchestrated interventions. As an EMT, I’ve observed firsthand how God carefully puts together all the pieces to create jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring rescues.

 

What audience did you have in mind when writing this book? 

 

I wrote Heavenly Rescues and Answered Prayers for people who enjoy inspirational medical stories and for those looking to affirm their faith through reading about miracles, rescues, and answered prayers. I write for a non-medical audience, so I try to make sure to explain medical terms and the treatments we render in an easy-to-understand manner.

 


 

 Do you have a favorite drink or snack for when you’re writing? 

 

While I’m writing, I like to snack on popcorn with a mug of decaf green tea (plain-no cream or sugar, please). Of course, anything chocolate is another go-to!

 

 What message do you hope readers take away from your book? 

 

As an EMS volunteer, I meet people at their most vulnerable moments, when a seemingly ordinary day can suddenly morph into one that is dark and sinister, challenging their faith and calling into question an ongoing earthly existence versus transitioning to eternity with God. In these times of profound crisis, people turn to God for help. I know He hears our prayers, for I’ve seen them answered in ways that defy logic. His loving hand pulls us literally or figuratively to safety in ways that cannot be written off as mere chance.

 

 

 

 

 



More from Andrea

Have you ever wished you could keep yourself and loved ones safe from danger? Perhaps you envision placing a protective bubble around the newest driver in the family or maybe figuring out a way for germs or cancer cells to bounce off those closest to you. For some, the desire may be not for physical protection but for safeguarding the hearts and minds of family members or friends during periods of personal difficulties.

I’ve been a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT) on my town’s first aid and rescue squad for 37 years, responding to more than 9,700 emergency calls. Along with my fellow squad members, I’ve been called to help those suffering cardiac arrest, victims of trauma from accidents, near-drownings, people suffering from drug overdoses, and a variety of other medical emergencies. We’re blessed to be able to serve as instruments of God, acting as cogs in the wheel of heavenly orchestrated interventions. In my capacity as an EMT, I’ve observed firsthand how God carefully puts together all the pieces to create jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring rescues.

“Wow, that was a lucky save!” some might say. I believe it’s not luck at play but rather God’s saving grace. The orchestrator of miracles, He puts all the pieces in motion to create occurrences that are truly beyond mere coincidence. In Heavenly Rescues and Answered Prayers, I share my firsthand accounts of the ways God works to protect and save us. If we open our minds and hearts to the quiet presence of God in our lives, we’ll be able to recognize these heavenly rescues.

Blog Stops


Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 29

Artistic Nobody, August 30 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 31

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 1 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 3

For the Love of Literature, September 4 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, September 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 6 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 7

A Reader’s Brain, September 8 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 8

Dee S. White, September 9

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 10 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 11


Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Andrea is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5427

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Conversation Hearts by Marguerite Martin Gray

 

 

 

About the Book

 

Book: Conversation Hearts

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre: Contemporary Romance

💝 Release date: July 30, 2024

Will she be able to save her father from the island’s magic before she falls victim to it herself?

When Megan Standish finds out about her father’s new relationship, she storms into the Suamalie Islands to rescue her father and carry him home to New Mexico. He’s firmly planted on Alexandre, however, but she refuses to let the island’s magic cast a spell on her decision. Even when a handsome islander and his daughter knock at her heart.

Jean Girard is a local with a flourishing transportation business taking passengers from island to island. When he encounters Megan’s stormy tirade on his boat, he promises to shelter his daughter and himself from her negative vibes. His concern continues to grow as he watches his daughter get attached to the American.

Either Jean will have to create an even bigger hedge of protection around his daughter and his heart from this pouty, controlling woman, or he will have to trust God to peel back the stubborn, hurting layers of the past and allow the miracle of His love again.

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

 

Click here to get your copy!



 I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions given are my own and not an endorsement of all author’s opinions. 


Author Interview

• What was the most enjoyable part of writing your book?

I loved continuing my characters’ stories. The island theme flavored my vacations as I tried to soak up the ambience, food, and beach time in Florida, Marseille, and Naples. I never made it to Bora Bora! Since this is a contemporary, I enjoyed the freedom in writing in a new genre, different from historical. Also, Conversation Hearts connects to the first book Room for Love and the third book Dreams Revived giving the characters extended lives. 

 

• Was your writing process spontaneous as it came to you or very planned and organized? Why? 


I am a planner and organizer by nature in all areas of my life, so it overflows into my writing. I start with my imagination and an outline. Now, the outline can change and morph as the characters take off in different directions.



• Do you have a favorite time of day you are most productive in your writing? 


I love writing in the morning. Since I work at home full time, I can arrange my schedule to give me some time then. It is quiet and free of distractions, except for my constant Tully companion (my rescue dog.) I can produce more words with the least amount of pressure without anyone else around.



• How many books do you personally own? 


Oh, what a question. So many from so many years. I have many collections—old, new, research, TBR, friends, travel. Hundreds. Recently, I got rid of about 100 and still have an abundance.

 


 • What is your next big goal as an author? 


I have a new series in mind that explores the micro states of Europe like Andorra, the Vatican, Monaco. It will involve history, treasures, mystery, romance, past and present. I’ve already started the first one. So, we’ll see where it goes.


About the Author



Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, and Bring Me Near– Revolutionary Faith Books One, Two and Three. Besides researching her historical novels, she enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and has degrees in French, Spanish, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and a MA in English from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Marguerite is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Abilene Writers Guild, Daughters of the American Revolution, South Carolina Historical Society, and Preservation Society of Charleston. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and Cleo, her cat. Her two adult children keep her up to date and young.

 

More from Marguerite

I have enjoyed this series and the relationships forming as the characters find new ways to communicate on the journey. Are you a good communicator? Introvert or extrovert? Conversation is so very important. Think about how we use it every day: directions, warnings, concerns, prayers, instructions, disciplines. Even though I teach online, my words of concern and instruction are needed to spur the students toward success. Somehow, I have the words to communicate well in so many areas of my life.

Then what about the heart? I think of the Valentine’s candy hearts—Conversation Hearts! As relationships develop between characters in Room for Love and Conversation Hearts, the heart becomes more and more a major component with all the characters. Yet, sometimes we fail to really say what we think in order to protect our hearts. There are many lessons to learn about being honest in relationships. Sometimes we avoid the conversation part and miss out on the wonderful relationships.

I embrace the conversation of the heart in my life through love, decisions, marriage, job, God appointments, children, and difficult circumstances. Explore different facets of important conversations with Amy and Walker and their families as you read this installment of Suamalie Islands series.

Happy Reading!

 

 

Blog Stops


Locks, Hooks and Books, August 30

Stories By Gina, August 31 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 31

She Lives to Read, September 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 2

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 3

A Reader’s Brain, September 4 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 5

Back Porch Reads, September 6 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 6

Karen Baney Reviews, September 7

Simple Harvest Reads, September 8 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Artistic Nobody, September 9 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, September 10

Holly’s Book Corner, September 11

Beauty in the Binding, September 12 (Author Interview)


Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Marguerite is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5429