Watching the beautiful sunrise from my back porch as I think about my mother’s mother.
We celebrated her 90th year on this planet. Her five surviving children, many of her grandchildren and a bunch of her great grandkids were there.
It’s amazing when I think of everything she has accomplished the many storms her faith had carried her though. A legacy of love and faith is the best any of us can hope to achieve this life.
Hanging out with my aunts, uncles, sister, cousins, nieces, nephews and my own kids is always fun. I’m blessed by an imperfect, flawed, but loving family. I’m surrounded by people I know will be there without a doubt if I needed them.
I think that might be why family dynamics are a strong thread in stories.
Another reason I write the stories I write is because of my Granner. My grandmother taught me many lessons, but the most important: to completely trust in God’s will. Easy to say but to live it is another challenge that I fail at times.
To have faith that God is always good, even in the middle of the worse storm can be hard to see and, in our drive, to make things right or to control a situation, we can lose our way, lose our propose.
In my new series arriving May 21, Elijah and Jazmine both must learn this lesson to find the love they were meant to have. But fear, doubt, and guilt must be turned over to God first.
When Elijah De La Rosa runs into his ex-wife—the one person he hasn’t apologized to for his youthful mistakes—he’s shocked to discover they have a five-year-old daughter. But can he convince her he’s a changed man worthy of the title daddy…and, possibly, husband?
These were two of the hardest character to write, but I came to love them so much and wanted to make sure to get their story right. They had not trusted God and took matters into their own hands – of course we know what kind of trouble we find when we turn from God.
I love writing the happy endings for not just my hero and heroine, but the families too.
I love themes of forgiveness and righting wrongs. Sometimes it the forgiveness that God has given us that can be the hardest to accept.
What themes do you love seeing in a book?
If you leave a comment you could win a copy of Texas Reunion that includes two books. The Bull Rider’s Homecoming by Allie Pleiter and Texas Daddy by Jolene Navarro (that’s me hehe)
After his daughter suffers a rodeo injury and winds up recovering alongside his first crush, Nikki Bergmann, devoted dad Adrian De La Cruz becomes even more protective of Mia – and his heart. But as the bond between Mia and Nikki grows, Adrian can’t help falling for Nikki once again. Will long-buried secrets tear them apart… or can Adrian finally build a future with the women he’s never forgotten?
Cassandra Myers says
I envy your family, my family is not like yours and were so toxic to my mental health I had to cut all ties.
Jolene M NAVARRO says
That was a smart move. We hope for others to respect and love others but when they don’t we have to cut those connections. Thank you for stopping by.
Brenda Day says
Your very blessed to still have your mother with enjoy the great times. God bless you and thanks for all the wonderful books you have written.
Jolene Navarro says
This is my grandmother. I lost my mother 11 years ago. I miss her everyday. Thank you for stopping by for a visit
Jan says
Hoping this is where I leave a reply. Love the books you write and it’s such a tribute to your Granner. She enjoys the books you write so much! I’m greatful to have her in my life as I didn’t get the opportunity to have my mother survive to have great grandchildren and know her as a mentor. Miss her so. So I live vicariously. Love this huge, dynamic family! It’s a crazy one but it’s fun!!
Jolene Navarro says
Yes, family is formed in so many ways. My mom didn’t get to see her grandchildren grow up or meet any of their children. Having Granner is a true blessing in so many ways.
Jimette ross says
What a wonderful gift for her to be surrounded by all her loved ones! She certainly doesn’t look 90. As for books, I like almost any theme. My fave is second chances, small towns, etc.
Jolene Navarro says
Thank you. Second chances areso of my favorites too. It can be hard to get it right the first time. LOL
MJSH says
What a blessing it is to have such a wonderful family. You’ve made me reminisce about my own grandmother and my husband’s. My husband’s grandmother lived with us until she went Home, and, despite the language barrier, I’m praying that her legacy of faithfulness and service will be remembered by my children.
Jolene M GUINTHER-NAVARRO says
My in-laws and I spoke different languages but it didn’t stop the respect and love. Thank you for stopping by.
Paula Shreckhise says
The themes I like to see are hope and forgiveness. These books look extra interesting.
My mother passed away last year at 101 and I just became a great-grandma! I’m the only one of my siblings to have children.
Jolene Navarro says
Wow, Paula. 101 is amazing. Those are great themes and some of my favorites to explore over and over again. My grandmother was the only one of her siblings to have children. We joke that she made up for sisters.
kim hansen says
My family too was so toxic to my mental health that I cut all ties many years ago. I still talk to a cousin on Facebook but not on the phone or in person. My father who is the only family member I have left I haven’t said a word to him since my brothers death in 2011. Before that I talked to him twice in 30 years.
Jolene M NAVARRO says
Hi, Kim. So sorry about the loss of family, but you’re right. Sometimes we are better off without them if they are toxic. Facebook can be a nice way to stay connected. Blood doesn’t always make family.
Susan Bates says
I enjoy books that allow me walk alongside a person as they evolve in their character. I especially like ones that have someone else in the picture (generally a love interest) that assists them in that growth.
Jolene Navarro says
Hello Susan. You and I have the same taste in books. :)
Susan Bates says
Nice to know I have a kindred spirit out there. :-)
Renate says
Hi Jolene! Wow! What a great family and tribute to your grandmother. Interesting comments, my husband’s aging widowed mother cut ties with her only son when he asked how he could help her maintain her home and property. A toxic relationship. So very sad to read the remarks of toxic family members. As an immigrant, I was separated from my extended family by an ocean and for decades by the Berlin Wall. I missed seeing my two grandmothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins. My grandfathers were deceased before I was born. My dad’s father died in 1918 of WW1 injuries 6 weeks before my dad was born. My mother left her mother when I was five – next time I saw my grandmother I was 26 and married. I enjoy reading about second chances and mending broken relationships. Enjoy your weekend. Sun is shining in Michigan, but still cold – in the 30s. Hope Spring arrives this week! Best wishes.
Jolene Navarro says
Family history is not always a smooth path. My husband’s parents are from Mexico so some of the family histories are lost. My grandmother is the 5th generation in Texas (I’m 7th) so it’s easier to keep track of everyone. lol.
Lori Smanski says
Congrats to grandma. What a wonderful time for family. We celebrated my grandmothers 100 birthday a few years ago. She left us 3 months later. But what a wonderful time we all had with her. These family memories are precious. And the wonderful stories we can pass down through the generations.
Jolene M GUINTHER-NAVARRO says
100 wow. That’s awesome. Yes the story telling is the best.
Kelley Blair says
I love to see redemption.
Jolene M GUINTHER-NAVARRO says
That makes for a compelling storyline.
Dalyn says
Beautiful! I love family themes, Especially redemption. Every family has its skeletons hiding in the closet so it’s fun to see a happy ending.
These books looks really good! Gonna have to go get them ?
Jolene Navarro says
I love exploring family themes. Putting people together with different family experiences.
Pam Whorwell says
What a blessing to have a close family. My parents and grandparents are all gone as are my husband’s. Looking forward to the new stories.
Jolene Navarro says
Hi Pam. I have lost both of my parents, so having my grandmother is a true blessing.
Priscila says
Congratulations to your grandmother.
My grandfather and my husband’s grandmother are turning 90 this year and it has not been an easy journey lately. They’ve both faced major life diseases, lost their spouses, but have been strong in facing every new day of life.
Jolene Navarro says
Dealing with loss is always hard. From our health to our loved ones or our independence makes it difficult to keep the faith at times. Bless you and your grandparents
Lorel Kline says
I love to read about stories that show real life mistakes we make then show the hope, forgiveness and redemption when a life is changed. God can heal hearts that let Him in and forgiveness is accepted and given and lives are restored.
It is wonderful to see your beautiful family celebrating your grandmother’s 90ith birthday together. What a blessing you have to have her and have learned from her wisdom. When my mother died 25 years ago, my half-sister and half-brother, who is now deceased I found out cut me out of their lives. They had a different father and were adults when I was born so we were never close. I have been grateful for the love and acceptance that my husbands family has given me all theses years. My mother-in-law was amazing and everyone loved her. My children were blessed my having her in their lives. I just hope I can be a fraction of the same to my grandkids.
Jolene says
Lorel, thank you for sharing. Your grandkids will be blessed by your love.
Ellie says
Your grandmother looks great! What a blessing!!! I enjoy reading about characters who really trust in God and have high integrity.
Jolene Navarro says
Thank you Ellie. She is a blessing.
Melynda says
What a wonderful celebration! My grandma is 92, but loves on opposite coasts from me, so I’m not able to celebrate her birthday with her each year.
I enjoy many different themes in books. I don’t think I can choose a favorite. The only thing I really dislike is when a story feels forced or pushed along too quickly.
Jolene Navarro says
Meylanda, thanks so much. I love a good variety too.
Kerri Norrod says
Congrats to your grandma! Thank you for your wonderful books!
Jolene says
Thank you. Kerri
Diana says
Congratulations! Family celebrations are a blessing!
Jolene Navarro says
Thank you Diane
Lelia (Lucy) Reynolds says
Happy 90th Birthday ?. Blessed
My mom will be 89 on Thursday and my parents will be married 72 years on the 31st.
Jolene Navarro says
What a true blessing, Lucy. Thank you
Lisa says
What a wonderful looking family! And what a joy to have such a loving family. Not everyone has that and, it can be very lonely. Thankfully, we have a God that’s always there when no one else is.
Jolene Navarro says
Yes, loss is hard. God is our strength in the hard times. My grandmother was in her late 20s with four young children when her husband (my grandfather) was killed in an accident. Thank you Lisa for stopping by
Susanne says
I love cowboy stories. My grandma is 93 and it is a blessing to still have her in my life.
Jolene Navarro says
Cowboys are great. I married one. Lol. Thanks for stopping by Susanne
SARAH TAYLOR says
What a Beautiful Family their is nothing like family that is for sure Thank you for sharing this post with us! Love your books and love reading about cowboys!
Jolene Navarro says
Thank you so much Sarah. Cowboys are fun.
Dianna says
What a wonderful memory! My grandmother is 89 and she’s still going strong. She loves to read Christian fiction!
Jolene Navarro says
Hi Dianna. Strong is good and I think reading is great for the mind. My grandmother loves reading.
Angela Saver says
What a celebration, and great memories!
Jolene Navarro says
Thank you, Angela
Natalya Lakhno says
Happy birthday ????
Blessings for your grandma and many more years! Lord called my grandma home at 93 … I wish we had more time with her BUT we will one day :)
Jolene Navarro says
Natalya, what a blessing to you and your family. Thank you
Jolene Navarro says
Cut ties can be hard, because we hope for something good. But you’re smart to make that tough choice. Bless you.
Nellie says
You are so right,,,,we are not a perfect family, but we are family & I love each & everyone of them!!!! Thanks for the beautiful tribute to Mom, her faith has always been there & has been a great influence in all our lives. Oh & I like the name of the male character in your new book ?
Love you,
Aunt Nellie
Jolene Navarro says
It is a good name. Lol. Thank you for all you do. Love you
Jolene M GUINTHER-NAVARRO says
My in-laws and I spoke different languages but it didn’t stop the respect and love. Thank you for stopping by.