It’s been three and a half years since I published my first romance book. Looking back, I’m still in awe of the journey God has led me on. I’m so blessed that I get to do something I love and share it with all of you! While I’ve enjoyed reading and writing since I was a child, I had never planned on writing fiction. (I started out as a blogger and freelance writer of parenting and marriage articles.) It was only after God opened the doors for me to have a children’s book published, did I consider writing for adults. All I knew at the time was that I wanted to take the lessons I had learned about grace and redemption from my own love story and put them down in fictional form. That’s how my first novella, Straight to You, came to be.
Wanted: A modern knight in shining armor (white horse optional)
Ashlynn Peters is ever the optimist when it comes to love, but even she’s surprised to cross paths with a real-life Prince Charming. Jeremy Adams, her childhood crush, is back in town. He’s sweeter and more handsome than she remembers and also more intriguing than any man she’s dated.
Ashlynn finds herself falling hard for Jeremy, only to discover that he’s not the perfect guy she thought he was. Will she choose to look past Jeremy’s tarnished armor or give up on finding her happily-ever-after?
Inspired by the author’s own love story, this romantic novella will have you laughing, dreaming, and wondering if fairy tales really do come true.
Straight to You is about overcoming the past and trusting that God has the best for you. It isn’t perfect, technically-speaking, since it was my first attempt at writing fiction, but it has so much of my heart in it. I’m very thankful readers have gotten the message I set out to share through this story.
Here’s what one Amazon reviewer said:
“This story combines two of my favorite things: Romance and humor, and both are done very well! The Christian message of abstinence and hope in God seals the deal. There’s more going on here than just a light fluffy read. The author tackles real issues, showcasing the flawed world we live in, and that includes flawed relationships. Most people come with a lifetime of baggage- and regret. The question is, can the one you’re falling for accept your luggage? Maybe even help you toss it into the river?
Meet Ashlynn and Jeremy. Ashlynn is a Christian who has dedicated her life to God: body, mind and soul, while Jeremy has a colorful past he’s not proud of. When they meet again, after knowing each other as teens, sparks fly! But how can they tame the flames so those sparks don’t ignite into a full out fire?
I was intrigued by the ups and downs in their relationship, the real life drama their problems presented. These are characters you can get behind, rooting for them to make the right decisions. To follow their plan for God’s will, and discover the truth of what he has planned for them. If they can trust God and have faith in one another, things may just turn out alright. But you’ll have to read it to find out for yourself. ;)”
I’m happy to offer Straight to You for free through January 16th. I’d love to hear what you think of Jeremy and Ashlynn’s romance. Pick up your Kindle copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LRYSXY8/
Tell me, how have you seen God redeem the past for you or someone you love? Please share in the comments below.
A chauffeur and referee by day (AKA a stay at home mom of two), Liwen Y. Ho writes inspirational and sweet romance infused with heart, humor, and a taste of home (her Asian roots).
Hi Liwen, God definitely leads us where we least expect, trusting Him on that journey can be hard when we cannot see where the next step leads. Grace and redemption- best gifts ever and why I love reading fiction that uplifts what God does in our lives.
Blessings:)
He can redeem our past in so many ways. Even when I was broken-hearted and despondent, He saw and created a way out of that darkness for me.
H Liwen! Happy New Year and thanks for sharing your writing journey. God works in mysterious ways and leads us in directions we often can’t imagine. Started reading your book this morning. Inspiring. Will write a review this weekend. Best wishes.
When young, I had a hard time with self worth & depression. But God’s Word has helped me to overcome that day by day. God’s Word really can change the way you think and help you to see things differently. Have a good weekend!
I think God has used my past to help me encourage others. This looks like a good read and I plan to take advantage of the free copy. :)
Thanks for sharing. I really enjoy your books!
After years of abuse and then being a single parent, He has given me a wonderful husband.
Hi Wemble! So well said. :) Yes, I love that God is creative and has blessed us with the creative outlet of storytelling to be reminded of His truths. Thanks for commenting!
Amen! This reminds me of the song lyrics, “God will make a way where there seems to be no way.” I’m so glad He brought you through those hard times! Thank you for commenting. :)
Happy New Year to you, too, Renate! :) Thank you so much for reading and reviewing my book—it means a lot to me!
Yes, God’s Word is the only thing that makes sense in this world, isn’t it? May God bless you every day to see more of His truth. Thanks for sharing. <3
It sounds like you have an awesome testimony, Elizabeth. :) Thanks for reading Straight to You. I hope it blesses you!
Hi Margaret! Thanks so much for being such a supportive reader! You push me to keep on writing. :)
Big hugs to you, Lucy!! I’m so thankful God has blessed you with a wonderful husband. May He continue to redeem your past. God bless you!
congratulations on following God’s promptings and staying true to Him. He can work mightily through us when we stay close to Him and allow it.
Thanks for your encouragement, Lori! Honestly, so much of this journey is possible because of His grace (I’m just a broken vessel He chooses to use). :)
During the first ten years of our marriage my husband his a lot of things from me. After he gave his life to Jesus, he confessed and I forgave have him even though it took a long time for the hurt to go away. By the grace of God we have been married almost 33 years.
Wow! Thank God for saving your husband and for blessing you both with 33 years. Thank you for sharing such a powerful example of redemption.