Author Janet W. Ferguson
I’m Janet W. Ferguson, a Christian author with real life issues. I have anxiety. I’m a prodigal. My family is not perfect. My life is messy sometimes. Okay, a lot of times. The struggle is real.
But despite all this, I cling to hope…
Hope and faith that Christ’s sacrifice is strong enough to cover all my mess ups.
Hebrews 10:10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Hope and trust that God’s promises are true—He will wipe my tears, and death is not final.
Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Some busy days, the hope is in the back of my mind, but other days, I must make a white-knuckled grasp of that hope to keep my emotions from dragging me into that spiral of anxiety.
Hebrews 10: 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
So I write characters with messy, realistic lives, like me and the people I know. But I give them a happy ending…because I believe we all need that hope.
The first book in my Southern Hearts Series is Leaving Oxford.
Leaving Oxford
Book 1 in the Southern Hearts Series
Leaving Oxford
Escaping home to Oxford, Mississippi, seemed like a good idea. Until it wasn’t.
A year after a tragic accident in Los Angeles flipped her world upside down, advertising guru Sarah Beth LeClair is still hiding away in her charming hometown of Oxford, Mississippi. And she may well be stuck there forever. Suffering from panic attacks, she prays for healing. Instead, her answer comes in the form of an arrogant football coach and an ugly puppy.
Former celebrity college quarterback Jess McCoy dreamed of playing pro football. One freak hit destroyed his chances. Although he enjoys his work as the university’s offensive coordinator, his aspirations have shifted to coaching at the highest level. His plans of moving up are finally coming together—until he falls for a woman who won’t leave town.
As the deadline for Jess’s decision on his dream career looms, the bars around Sarah Beth’s heart only grow stronger. But it’s time to make a decision about leaving Oxford.
I’ll be giving away one EBook copy of Leaving Oxford to one person who comments by January 27, 2017.
Janet W. Ferguson is a Christy Award finalist and the FHL Readers Choice Award winning author of realistic inspirational fiction. An avid reader, she loved books so much she found a job as a librarian so she could be around them all day. Then she turned that love of story into writing faith-filled novels with characters who feel like best friends. You’ll laugh and cry as the quirky heroes and heroines chase their happily ever after. Janet and her husband live in Mississippi where they say y’all a lot, and she forces him to visit the beach as often as possible. They have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space. Connect with her at http://www.janetfergusonauthor.com/
I would love to read your book. I also have anxiety and suffer from PTSD. I like authors who write stories with realistic problems we all can relate to
Leaving Oxford looks good, I will go check it out! Anxiety can be debilitating, it takes a lot of strength and support to deal with. I love that you have claimed God’s promises; it is sometimes an hourly prayer to get through the day (Hebrews 10:23 is a personal one for our family:) Blessings to you.
Hi,
I am also struggling at the moment. My life is absolutely a mess!
It is a very, very, very long story and not a lot of time to tell it.
I know one thing : My God Reigns!!!
Through everything He has been with me and I am never alone!
He is the keeper of my soul.
2 Chronicles 20:12 says ” We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you”
Vanessa
I have Leaving Oxford on my Kindle and after reading the excerpt, it’s moving up in the queue. I’m sorry to hear about your struggle with anxiety, Janet…praying for you.
Thanks Janet for reminding us God is faithful, even when life is messy and especially when we are anxious. Our family has definitely seen God at work during some messy anxious times. I always enjoy reading stories with real life issues and Leaving Oxford sounds interesting. Thanks for sharing and happy writing.
Thanks for sharing your inspiration for writing. Leaving Oxford sounds quite interesting.
This book looks like the kind of stories that I like. Would love to win a copy but I am sure that whomever wins it they will enjoy it.
Thank you for showing us there is light after the storm and blessings come even to the most unworthy.
The struggle is definitely real but I am slowly learning to trust in God and not my own understanding. I have dedicated time to read the word and bible plans to deals with whatever situation I am going through. The Bible does have a lot of answers to what we are facing.
Hi Janet! I suffered from PTSD and anxiety for years. Psychotherapy made a huge difference but it wasn’t until the idea of “renewing my mind” clicked that things radically improved. Anytime an anxious or negative thought creeped in, I would repeat, out loud, a few quotes from scripture. I also learned deep breathing techniques that made a huge difference, especially at night!
I was holding on too tightly—to the past mostly, thinking that I could control the future. I finally just let go and let God. “LGLG.”
I love the premise of your book!
Life can be challenging But…..GOD is everything! He strengthens and protects in the middle of messes. Blessings to you. Thanks for writing!
This sounds like a book worth reading. I was just thinking yesterday that we need more stories that are closer to the messiness of real life. I struggle with depression yet I am called to teach. It is hard to share the truths of the Bible when joy is not evident in my life. It is only by knowing that I am loved by Jesus that Icontinue. I would love to read your book. At least your heroine can go home. Due to my dad’s vocation and now retirement in yet a different place I have no hometown. So even when there is a temptation to escape, there is no safe or familiar place to go except to the arms of God. God bless you in your writing.
Your book sounds fantastic….I want to read it!!! Thanks for sharing your story….will be praying for you.
My big challenge is health issues. Thanks for your giveaway.
I loved Leaving Oxford and have the next two on my Kindle. LO was eyeopening, and I really felt for Sarah’s dilemmas. Well done!
Thank you for being Real in your writing. Life is messy & nobody’s perfect! I wouldn’t be able to handle my life without Jesus in it.
I just wanted to stop by and congratulate you on your success with Leaving Oxford and the series. Hard work and talent pay off!
This book sounds so good.I love books that are real life.
Sounds like a wonderful read.
I understand your pain because I suffer the same way.
Large groups of people scare me.
I look forward to reading your book.
Hi Deana, First I’m sorry you have anxiety and PTSD. It’s tough, I know. Saying a prayer for you :) I try to write realistically for the most part. I’m not sure I know how to do anything else, LOL. I hope you enjoy Leaving Oxford.
Blessings
Hi Wemble! I hope you like Leaving Oxford. It is the book of my heart. Yes,, anxiety isn’t any fun, but you’re right about claiming God’s promises. He is with us in our fires. I’ll go look up Hebrews 10:23!
Blessings
I am always searching for new authors. This looks like a book I NEED! I am a caregiver to my elderly mother, and can certainly relate to anxiety and stress. Thank you for the chance to win a copy, but it will also be on my wish list in case another deserving person wins!! Blessings!
Vanessa, So sorry you’re struggling. I’ve been in a number of messes, some my fault and others not. It’s hard. But Amen! God does reign! I love the way you worded your comment. He is with us. Praying for your mess and for peace through. God’s good at cleaning up messes. Thanks for the verse :)
Blessings
Sweet, Jill! I hope you like it! Thank you for the prayers. Always good to have :)
Hi Renate! Great to see you here! God is often more visible in our hard times, isn’t He? Maybe because we have to hang on tighter to Him. I hope you like Leaving Oxford!
Happy reading :)
Real life with hope for a good ending…Love that. It’s how I like to write as well. Congrats on the new release.
Hi Priscila! You’re welcome! The book was on my heart for about 7 years before I wrote the first word. I started writing it finally a few months after my parents passed away. I felt like it was time to quit thinking about it and do it. I hope you like Leaving Oxford!
Blessings,
HI Mara! I hope you like it! Good luck in the drawing :)
Blessings!
You’re welcome! I was a counselor at a youth camp once where we talked about the march of the unqualified. I think unworthy fits too. It’s fun to see how God can use the unqualified and unworthy both in the Bible and in real life :)
Blessings,
Hi Colleen! I do continue to learn that trust lesson. I have to retake that class often, ha! You have a great plan with dedicated time. The Bible does have the answers!
Blessings :)
Hi Josee! I’m so sorry you went through PTSD! I love that renewing the mind! Love that verse! I just went and looked it up. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
I like that you repeated scripture out loud. There is power in the Word!
Yes, Let go, Let God!!
I hope you like Leaving Oxford!
Diana, I love what you wrote! God is everything! Thank you for the encouragement and blessings. Sending blessings back to ya!!
Hi Judy! I’m sorry you struggle with depression. It’s so hard. You are a better teacher for it, I’m sure, though, because when we are weak, God is strong. We know that it is in His strength we continue. Sorry you can’t go to your hometown. His arms can be home. And having a Christian friend or group of friends to support each other is so helpful. Prayers and hugs sent your way.Thank you for the blessings. Sending blessings back to you :)
Realistic is so perfect. No one has a perfect life. It takes troubles for God to shape us into the person he wants us to be. And I always love happy endings. Reading is an escape from real life for me.
Thank you, Jackie! I hope it’s fantastic, ha! I did my best anyway :) I always appreciate prayers. Health issues are tough, too. Most women don’t like to have to get any help. We like to do it ourselves, and it can be so frustrating. Prayers for your health and healing. I hope you like Leaving Oxford. Good luck in the drawing!
Blessings
Sweet! Thank you so much, Valerie! I’m so honored that you read my little story!! I really appreciate the encouragement :)
Hi Tina!! Thank you for all your encouragement and advice over the years! You have been instrumental in helping me and so many other authors! You’re awesome!
Blessings :)
Hi Esther! You’re welcome! I’m not sure I know how to be something besides real, ha!
Yes, we are all in the same boat of imperfection, so glad we have our perfect saviour! I love your name :) Does everyone tell you, “For such a time as this?”
Blessings!
Thank you, Nancy! I hope you enjoy Leaving Oxford!!
Blessings!
Thank you, Merrillee!! Hope you have a great day!
Hi Linda, Sorry you have to deal with that issue. It’s no fun. Prayers that it gets better! Next week I have to do public speaking. I do not feel comfortable with it at all. I probably won’t sleep the night before! I hope you like Leaving Oxford.
Blessings :)
Hi Susan! I have been where you are. It’s so bitter/sweet at the end of life. We cared for my parents. I worried a lot about my choices I had to make for them. It was all so hard, but now they’ve gone home to the Lord, and I miss them terribly. Prayers for you and your mother.
I hope you enjoy Leaving Oxford! Good luck in the drawing.
Blessings
Diana, thanks so much for your words of hope and comfort I needed today in all my messes, both external and internal. I, too, am still a Mississippi girl, born in the Delta, though living now not far away in Memphis, so I am sure the setting and atmosphere of _Leaving Oxford_ would strike a chord with me. May God continue to bless you in your writing and comfort you in your anxieties as you keep on casting all your cares on Him.
Hi Ginger! I’ll have to make time to read your books, too! So many great books, so little time :)
Blessings
Hi Gail! I love how you worded that about troubles shaping us. Yes, we are being refined, many times by fire, right? And you’re right, no one has a perfect life which makes us long for our true home. I have to have that happy ending, too! I love to escape in a great story.
Blessings
Hugs and prayers, for everyone here. Holding fast to God’s promises is all that pulls us through some days! Love the honesty of the post and the comments. <3
Hi Kathryn! Prayers for you today! The external messes are hard, but these internal ones are toughest for me. I hope things get better. I’m so happy to hear from a fellow Mississippian. I was born in Greenwood, but spent most of my life in the Jackson area. You will slip right into the setting of Oxford, for sure! I hope you like it!!
Thank you so much for your encouragement!
Blessings and hugs sent back to you!
Autumn, I don’t think we’ve met in person, but I can tell you are so sweet! We have to meet up at ACFW or something for coffee!
Thanks for the prayers and hugs, and sending them back to you!
Hi Janet,
It’s great to see you here.
Leaving Oxford is a great story! If anybody hasn’t read it you need to.
I hope you all have a blessed day!
Thank you, Jackie! You read it a few times in the making, and helped me improve! Blessings!
I appear to be having one white-knuckled experience after another, starting with my hubby’s stroke in September and then…and then…and then… Thanks for the reminder that God is good all the time.
I don’t have any of your books, Janet. (yet) I have struggled in the past w/PTSD. It takes a lot of work and courage, but the Lord is on your side. He will help you. Thanks for sharing your struggles and writing honestly. I love that!
Deb, No wonder! That’s tough. I know you’re exhausted and frazzled. Lifting you up in prayer for strength and refreshment and sending hugs. God is good all the time, but sometimes we need reinforcements/friends/prayer-warriors and a big inhale of His Spirit to get through the moment, the hour, the day.
Blessings
You’re welcome :) Great to see you here, Judy! I’m so sorry you’ve been through that. People don’t understand until it happens to them how bad it is. Yes, the Lord is on our side, so thankful for that!
When you get Leaving Oxford, let me know what you think. Blessings
Janet, I’m excited to see the success you’re having with your books. I hope God will continue to give you the inspiration you need. Many blessings to you!
Hi Kristy! Great to see you here! You are so kind! I remember you offering great advice and encouragement way back when I was just starting this journey! And your sweet book Blinders :)
Blessings sent back your way!
I would love to read your book. It sounds very good!
Hi Angie! Thank you! Glad you said hello! Good luck in the drawing! I hope you like Leaving Oxford.
Blessings
Thanks for such an inspiring post, Janet! Love the scriptures you used. Look forward to reading your book!!
We certainly all have issues of some kind. I’m thankful for authors who write realistically about life’s problems and show through their stories how God can help us. I’ve been seeing your books featured on other book blogs and am interested in reading them. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Leaving Oxford.
Hi, I enioyed this book. I work with teens that have different types of mental health issues and concerns. I enjoyed how she was able to little by little overcome her struggles. God bless!!
I have been depressed for several days! Don’t know if it is anxiety or not! Would love to read your book.
Hi Laura! Thank you! God’s got some great words for us, doesn’t he! I hope you like Leaving Oxford :)
Blessings
Hi Pam! Everyone’s normal until you get to know them, right? I hope you like Leaving Oxford! Good luck on the drawing :)
Blessings
Hi Evelitza! I love that you work with teens. What a great ministry! I have read books where characters suddenly get better, and maybe that happens, but in my experience, healing is gradual. Thank you for all the encouragement and your sweet comment on my FB page :)
Blessings to you and your ministry!
Hi Linda, Sorry it’s been a bad stretch for you. Prayers sent up to the Father and hugs sent to you over the internet :) Anxiety and depression can march together but not always. Can’t hurt to find out if it persists. I hope you like Leaving Oxford, and good luck in the drawing.
Blessings
LOL, my brain! Hebrews 10:23 is what I wrote up top :) It is a good one.
I am learning to appreciate suffering for what God intends for it to do. I realize that I look for God in my suffering more than any other time in my life. I am always looking for scriptures that remind me of my hope in God.
This book sounds SO good. I too suffer from high anxiety, panic attacks and extreme fear of crowds (or just people in general! lol). Thank you so much for the invite to the FB page. I love it! Can’t wait to read this book! :)
What you’re saying is so true. You’ve reminded me of a C.S. Lewis quote that means a lot to me, so I went and looked it up (so I wouldn’t butcher it). “Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
In that pain and suffering, scripture are our lifeline. I hope you like Leaving Oxford!
Blessings
Oh Teresa, I feel your pain! My panic attacks center mostly around driving on the interstate due to a wreck, (I’m not a fan of public speaking either, but I think that’s a different animal), but I think all panic attacks are the worst!! Then you worry about if you’re going to have them. I’m praying for you now for healing and God’s gentle hand on you when you feel like anxiety might come.
Thanks for liking my page :) I hope you enjoy Leaving Oxford. I’ve put a bit a bit of my goofy humor throughout the story, so me and you don’t get too stressed, ha!
Blessings and hugs
Thank you Janet for your inspiring post. You have offered encouragement to many people.
Hi Connie! I’m glad to offer hope! Thank you for your encouragement, too!
Blessing :)
Thank you for writing books with real characters with messy lives that are easy to relate to. Leaving Oxford sounds like a great book to read. I love happy endings.
Thank you, Pat! I hope you like Leaving Oxford! Yes, I always need happy ending. I’m so full of hope that all believers ultimately have a really happy ending in the Lord :)
Hi Janet, I may know the cause of your anxiety. I retired from being in branch banking after 30 years in the largest bank in a SW state. I suffered from migraines for most of those years! Two years after I left banking my headaches disappeared to never return. Isn’t that a blessing? I want to read your book.
Hi Sally! The body is a wonderful yet crazy creation, and stress can really take its toll! So glad you no longer have headaches! Those are the worst. Good luck in the drawing :)
I hope you enjoy Leaving Oxford!
Bllessings