I’m excited to tell you about my new novel releasing September 15th called Magnolia Storms! And, of course, I can’t wait for you to meet the hero of the story, Josh Bergeron!
While researching the port of Mobile for my last novel Blown Together, I learned about ship piloting. I didn’t really know what that career entailed, but I was instantly fascinated, and I knew right away that I’d found the next hero for a new novel. (You’ll probably want to turn the music way down or off on the first one.)
So what does a ship pilot do?
Ship captains travel the world’s oceans delivering cargo, but as they approach shallow water, they need pilots aboard to advise them for safe passage.
The pilot boat meets the ship and maneuvers alongside the moving ship whose crew has rigged a pilot ladder that the pilot uses to climb up to the main deck of the ship. That’s where things can get tricky!
The pilot makes his way to the bridge where assumes control of the ship and directs its movement by giving orders to a helmsman who steers the ship.
The pilot disembarks only when the ship is safe from the danger of grounding.
I hope you’re as fascinated as I am! Here’s more about Magnolia Storms!
A Coastal Hearts Novel
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you….
Maggie Marovich couldn’t save her father or her home from Hurricane Katrina, but she’s dedicated her life to meteorology so she can warn others when the monster storms approach. Except…she works three hours inland and rarely risks returning to her childhood hometown of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Both her single-parent sister and the ship pilot Maggie once loved refused to leave the Coast, despite Maggie’s requests. Now a hurricane’s headed toward Mississippi, and Maggie’s sister is seriously injured, leaving Maggie little choice but to head south—into the storm.
The water and tides flow through Josh Bergeron’s veins, and he can’t imagine giving up piloting—even for the love of his life, the infuriating Magnolia Marovich. He tried to move on without her, marrying and having a child. But after his wife abandons him and his little boy, his career choice is threatened by the weight of his parental responsibilities. Moving next door to Maggie’s sister and sharing their child care seems like the perfect set-up. Until Maggie blows back into town.
Being forced to lean on Josh for help washes up the wreckage in Maggie’s faith. Where was God during the destruction of Katrina? Why do some prayers seem to go unanswered? Between the hurricane looming in the Gulf and another gale raging in her heart, can Maggie overcome her past and find the trust to truly live?
Since writing this novel, the disaster in Texas happened, and I’m certainly praying for all involved. Praying for Florida now, too!
I’m giving away one eBook copy of Magnolia Storms to one person who comments on the post by September 14, 2017! (void where prohibited)
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/
Thanks for sharing your new story. Sounds interesting.
I am thrilled to see you have another book coming out!! I lived the BLOWN series and now and I solo ready for more from you!
The book sounds so interesting! And I never even knew there was such an occupation as a ship pilot.
Hi Janet! Informative post. Love hearing about a different and unusual occupation for the hero of your story. About 10 years ago, another English teacher and I did a Mark Twain tour to Hannibal, Missouri and did two cruises on the Mississippi River. Enjoyed watching the barges going by. One barge holds so much more cargo than a semi. Also enjoy cruising the Rhine River in Germany. Ship captains are special. Looking forward to reading Magnolia Storms. Best wishes and enjoy your weekend.
I’m really looking forward to reading your new book! I live in Texas, though not in Houston, so yours is a book that I’m sure will really resonate with me. We were blessed and Harvey turned past us, but while we prepared for the storm we had to realize all over again how we had no control over the situation and needed to keep trusting in God. Praying for those affected by Harvey, as well as those who will be affected by Irma.
Fascinating and your new book sounds good!!
Interesting learning about ship pilots, your book sounds exciting!
Just thinking of water makes me sick to my stomach !!! I’m glad there are people out there who love being out there , but I sure would like a chance to read your book !!❤️?❤️?
Such a timely release on the heels of Hurricane Harvey and in the thick of Hurricane Irma. What a year! Looking forward to reading Magnolia Storms.
Hi Priscilla! Thanks! It really was fascinating!
Hi Paula! You are so sweet!! Thank you!! I hope you enjoy!!
Hi MH, I knew he was a pilot, but I had no idea what that meant! It’s really an important career!
Blessings
Hi Renate! I’d love to see all that!! I love watching the water and ships! Some of those things are enormous!! I hope you like my new story, and have a good weekend, too!
Blessings
Hey Lindsay! I’m praying for all those affected, too. I’m glad it missed you. Yes, sometimes we have to just cling to the fact that God is in control.
Blessings
What an interesting occupation for a hero. Sounds like an interesting story.
After reading about your cover, every time I see it I love it! These videos were fun to watch. I am really looking forward to reading your book!
My FIL was in the US Navy in WWII so I’m always interested in reading anything about ships, sailing, boating, water related crafts.
Hi Janet,
Wow, I’m not sure I could be a captain of a ship. The endless water is too much for me. I do love stories with pirates and ships, but I don’t think I would want to do it myself. I think part is the fact I don’t swim well and I get a little motion sickness.
Hey, I’m sure I’m too chicken. I’m thinking the motion sickness might get me, too! :)
Blessings
Oh, Gail, I get he had interesting stories! I hope you like this one ! :)
Blessings
Hey Becky! Isn’t that crazy wonderful about the cover! I’m glad you liked the videos. I watched a ton of them. I hope you like Magnolia Storms!
Hi Jessica! Thanks! It was fun to research! I hope you like it!
Blessings
Valerie, I had no idea this would all happen, but God did, and perhaps, someone may be comforted by this story.
Hi Nikki! Sorry water gets your stomach churning, but I think you’ll like Josh!! :)
Blessings
Hi Diana! Thanks! I did my best to make it exciting! :)
I hope you like it!
Thank you! I though it was fascinating, too! I hope you enjoy!
Wow! This sounds like an awesome story, Janet! Can’t wait to read it. :)
Thank you. :) God bless!
:)
Thanks, Autumn! I hope you like it!
sounds interesting
With all of the storms, I’d hate to be on a boat! You would be a new to me author. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.
Janet, thanks for the informative post.
This is a new author to me. Sounds interesting.
I didn’t know there was such a person. I just mentioned it to my husband who was on an aircraft carrier in the navy. And of course, he knew about it from there.
New author, I would love to read this. I actually lived on the MS coast during Katrina, and shortly after lived in Ocean Springs.
This sounds like a great book. Thanks for the background info.
Thanks for the great post!!! We were fortunate here in the Rio Grande Valley to have missed Harvey!!! Had us worried for a while however! Judy F
Hi Judith! So glad Harvey missed you! Blessings
You’re welcome, Pam! I enjoyed the research :) Hope you like the story!
Hey, Charlotte! I’m so happy to hear from someone from the Mississippi Coast! I know you went through some hard times in Katrina, but I hope you like the story. I love Ocean Springs. It was fun to go research.
Blessings
Hi Sherri! I didn’t know much about it either. I guess it was just off my radar even though I knew my friend had chosen this career.
Blessings
Thanks, Lucy! It’s great to meet you!! I hope you like it!
You’re welcome, Merrillee! Thanks for popping in!
Blessings
Hey, Perrianne! Yes, the water would not be where I’d want to be right now! Thanks for saying hello!
Blessings
Thank you!! :)
HI Janet! Sounds like a risky job for sure! (don’t enter me for the ebook please). Best wishe for your soon to release book! :D
Hi Sabrina! It is an amazing job! Thanks for the best wishes!
Blessings,
Janet
Sounds like a great book, especially with the current storms. Prayers to all those involved!
Janet, this sounds like such a great read!!! Looking forward to getting to know Josh and Maggie! Thanx for the giveaway!!! Praying for those affected by Harvey and Irma?
Thanks! I hope you like Josh! I thought he was so much fun to write! Yes, praying, too!
Blessings
Hi Susanne! I had no idea that all this would occur, but God did, and I hope my little story is used to help somehow.
Blessings
Thanks for sharing, Janet! Sounds like a great story!
I’ve been wanting to read this book. I have been through several hurricanes and just had Hurricane Harvey visit us. The book sounds really good.
Hi Janet, I have purchased your book (on Kindle) and can’t wait to start reading it!!!
Love your writing!
Yay, Jackie! Thank you!! I hope you like it!! You are so kind and encouraging!!
Hugs!
Thank you, Deana! Prayers and hugs as Texas recovers!!
Hi Laura! I did my best, ha! I hope you enjoy!!
Blessings
I find those videos so fascinating! Trying to imagine what it takes to be a pilot on a cargo ship is daunting. I don’t know if I’d want the responsibility, especially in a storm. You have to admire the guys who have nerves of steel…lol!
Thank you for the giveaway Janet :-)
Thanks, Trixi! Me, too! I can’t imagine. I do admire them! You’re welcome about the giveaway! I hope people like my new story :)
Blessings
love stories on the water as I lived near the water for awhile; would love to win a copy of your novel
Thanks, Teresa! I love the water, too!
Blessings :)
The timing of the release of your book is amazing given the recent hurricanes! I’ve read fabulous reviews about your new book. Congratulations!
Ellie, God’s timing. I couldn’t imagine all this. I hope you like the story :)
Blessings