Hello, friends. Heidi here, with a quick introduction for today’s guest, author Janet W. Ferguson. We met a few years ago through the ACFW writing critique group and I’ve had the pleasure of reading Janet’s manuscripts ever since. I’m fond of her characters, her great sense of humor, and the inspirational message she weaves into her stories. Janet’s debut novel, LEAVING OXFORD, just released. All commenters on today’s post will be entered to win a copy, so don’t miss the details below. Please give a warm Inspy Romance welcome to my friend, Janet.
Prodigal Writer—Prodigal Characters
I was a prodigal. No excuses. I had a good family. They taught me right from wrong and took good care of me, took me to church, supported my extracurricular activities… Still—in my late teens, I chose to wander a different path. It was the path culture sold through media and song, an alluring path, but one that ended in sadness. No, I didn’t end up in a pigpen. I went to college, got a degree, worked at my job, and made friends. I knew and still believed in what was right, but didn’t want to give up control.
Inside, though, the old expression held true. I had a hole in my heart only God could fill.
At twenty-six years old, I hit my knees and begged the Lord to take me back. I was finally willing to go where He led me if only He would have me.
I heard the prodigal story anew in a sermon. The story was more about God than it was about the prodigal. The fact that our Father is waiting, watching, and searching us out. He yearns to have his children back with Him. In Luke, Jesus describes a scene where a father runs to his son when he turns down the road to home, throws his arms around his long-lost son’s neck. He puts a ring on his finger and throws a party to celebrate. Doesn’t that sound amazing?
So I write stories of prodigals because that’s what I know.
My heroine in Leaving Oxford, Sarah Beth LeClair, followed her own path in young adulthood. She ends up living with a man she loves, but he is unwilling to marry her. It takes several years and some heartbreak, but she comes back to the Lord. The story picks up here, because once she did this, her life only seems to fall apart more. She’s in a tragic accident and suffers from panic attacks. Even more confusing is that, no matter how much she prays, she’s not just cured from her anxiety disorder. All she wants is to be normal again. God seems to choose to answer her prayers in a different way—he sends an ugly puppy and an arrogant football coach.
Despite her past, despite her anxiety, God uses Sarah Beth in His kingdom. And that’s my message to readers. Your past and your problems don’t eliminate you from being important and useful in God’s service. He can transform the ashes of our pasts into something beautiful if we give Him the chance.
Back Cover Blurb:
Leaving Oxford
Southern Hearts Series ~ Book 1
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.
Leaving Oxford is available here:
Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served her church as a children’s minister and a youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and four too many cats.
GIVEAWAY: What kind of characters or heroines do you relate to? Comment with your answer below for a chance to win an autographed paperback (U.S. only) or eBook of Leaving Oxford. Deadline for entry is Tuesday May 3rd 2016 at 11:59PM EST.
A Pacific Northwest girl at heart, Heidi was blessed to spend her formative years in Alaska. Her unique upbringing, coupled with Alaska's breathtaking scenery, fueled her active imagination and loosely inspired her debut novel, Unraveled. Heidi graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Sports Medicine from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington and a Master's Degree in Athletic Training from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. After a brief career as a Certified Athletic Trainer, Heidi married her husband, Steve. They live in North Carolina with their three active little boys. When Heidi isn't stepping on Legos, chauffeuring the boys around suburbia or watching one of their many sporting events, she loves to read and write heartwarming romance.
Heidi, Thanks for introducing us to Janet. I look forward to reading Leaving Oxford. Great cover!
Always fun to meet new authors! Thanks for visiting Janet!
Our family has a prodigal and we thank God that he returned to family and God. I like to read stories about characters that I can relate to and also, characters that experience life journeys that I don’t know much about. I love learning new things. This looks like a good story. I look forward to reading it.
Sounds like a wonderful book. I’m from Memphis. My son graduated from Ole Miss. So this book sounds like it’s right up my alley. I usually relate to the shy introverted heroine. Because I’m introverted and a little hesitant to make changes. Ok, really hate changes. Lol!
I like strong females who overcome..
This one sounds like one I’d enjoy,.
Hi Jill! I’m honored to be here today. I hope you like Leaving Oxford! I was pleased with how the cover came out, as well.
Hi Elizabeth! Great to meet you! I’ve met so many wonderful people since I started this writing journey. It’s been a blessing. :)
Mimi, I’m so thankful your prodigal came home! There is always hope. I tried to make Leaving Oxford realistic, but with a tad of humor–because I like to laugh! I hope you like it!
Dana, Great to see another Southerner! I think Memphis should’ve been part of Mississippi! I alway enjoy the food there. Isn’t Ole Miss a beautiful campus?
I was born with a bit of social anxiety, too, so I get you! Change is hard.
DK, It is inspiring to see someone conquer their past despite their challenges. I guess because we can all sooo relate to challenges, and some of us to mistakes in our pasts. I hope you enjoy Leaving Oxford!
Welcome to Inspy Romance, Janet! I tend to like heroines who appear to have everything together but, underneath, have difficulty keeping that facade from cracking. Huh. Why are we so afraid to let people know what truly lies under the surface? Do we really get stomped on that often? (Probably not!) My contemplative question for the morning, before diving in to make my own heroine’s life miserable…
I like strong roles and personalities, people that you can recognize from real life (like myself, a sister, or a cousin, friend…). Real people are the best. (Though I have to admit every once in a while I read fairytales about princess, perfect h/H characters, and a life that could not be my neighbors, but those are fun too…) Your book sounds like a gem. I’m glad to read about it here or I’d never have come across it.
Sounds like a great book. I think all of us have some prodigal moments where we get caught up in doing things the way the world wants to or they way we want to. Some prodigal moments are just more visible than others. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Valerie! We do like to pretend to have it all together. The older I’ve gotten, though, the less it bothers me to be myself. One good thing about aging? Have a great day torturing your characters! :)
Priscila, I like being the sidekick to strong people sometimes, but other times, I have to gather my courage and be that person. I think that shines through in some of my characters
I read all types of books when I was a high school librarian for seven years. I like realistic stories or fantasies with a princess, but always with a happily ever after!
I’m so glad you came by Inspy today and found me. I hope you like Leaving Oxford!
Hi Julie! You are so right. Some mistakes are just more obvious. Our will wants to have it’s way in all sorts of situations, when God’s way is so much better. That’s what’s so amazing about grace! Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Janet, and welcome to Inspy Romance! I enjoyed your post very much, and your book sounds very intriguing. Great cover, and the storyline sounds like one a lot of readers can identify with and appreciate. I’ll check it out! I’m with you all the way on realistic stories but give me that happy ending every time! :) Blessings, and best wishes with Leaving Oxford and all your future writing pursuits!
Such a great book! I’m so glad that you’re putting it out there for the world to see, Janet. I know God will use it to speak hope and purpose to others.
Hi JoAnn! Thank you so much! I was so happy with the cover, I went ahead and had the next three made for the series. I’m very honored to be a guest here. It’s a great bunch of writers! Blessings sent back your way!
Hi my friend Jen! I think you and I both had a message (or messages now, ha!) on our hearts when we started writing. My prayer is that the message finds the right person, as I’m sure yours is, as well! God is faithful to complete a good work!
BTW Jen helped make this story better with a critique. :)
Jen,
See reply below in the wrong place, LOL!
I relate to heroines more like myself. Struggling with everyday problems, slightly overweight, relying on the Lord.
Would love to win, thanks for the chance. FYI: my 62nd birthday is on May 3rd, wink, wink!
Hi Gail! Wow! We sound a lot alike! I don’t relate to perfect and/or no weight struggle, ha! We will put your name in the electronic hat. Happy birthday!! :) Thanks for stopping in.
This book sounds great. I like strong silent type characters, maybe a little broken too. I am shy in a way and in others just ask me questions and I will tell my life story. I try too hard sometimes. Look forward to reading this book.
I did the same thing in terms of covers for my Lewis Legacy Series. I found a cover artist I loved, and had him design the rest of my covers so I’d have them all ready to go. Now to finish the actual writing! Thanks for the compliment on Inspy…we have fun. :)
I like characters who have it rough and then get saved spiritually and practically. I had a rough childhood, but God graciously saved and rescued me and sent me a sweet loving husband :-)!! I also like the princess, or pauper meets millionaire type :-)! I definitely love happily ever after. My daughter’s make fun of me that, in a loving way of course :-)
I’m so excited to see Janet here on one of my favorite blogs. I think there may be a little prodigal in all of us, because who hasn’t strayed a little at one time or another. I know I sure have. Maybe that’s why I love Janet’s characters so much. Leaving Oxford is an amazing story and I love Janet’s sense of humor. ***Hi Janet!!!***
Thank you, Heidi, for sharing Janet’s book with us. I love sports-related heroes.
Hi Connie! Boy can I relate. I read a book once called Approval Addiction, because I worried too much about pleasing others. I was an extremely shy child until you got to know me. I think that’s a manifestation of anxiety. I hope you enjoy Leaving Oxford! Blessings!
Hi, Connie! My kids love to pick on me, too! I like to watch children’s movies when they come out. They’re sweet, funny, clean, and always have a happily ever after. I am sorry you had a rough childhood, but it sounds like you found a prince. I think you’d relate to my characters. Blessings! :)
I love the type of characters like the Sarah from the book “Leaving Oxford”. Many of us have lost our way, but we can find our way back!! Thank the heavens above!! This book looks amazing, and I am looking forward to reading it!
Hi LeAnne! Great to see another writer-friend here who helped make Leaving Oxford a better story! Yes, we all have a little prodigal in us. That’s why we needed a loving Savior. Blessings LeAnne!
Hi Merrilee! Sports heroes are fun! I have another sports hero in book 3 of the series. I hope you enjoy Leaving Oxford! Blessings
Hi Lori! Yes, there are many of us who stray, but thankfully we have a Father who is searching for us and calling our hearts home. I hope you like Leaving Oxford. Thank you for stopping in! :)
In a way, I find it easier to say what kind of characters I *don’t* like :-) When the focus is too much on a character’s physical appearance and physical attraction to the opposite sex, I quickly lose interest. I much prefer the focus to be on the inward person and how they’re growing to be more like Christ.
Hi Margaret! You’re right! The inward person is what matters–that change in the character’s heart is what counts. A change of heart is what matters in us, as well. Thanks for stopping in!
Hi Janet, here’s a warm Inspy Romance welcome from me!!!! Glad to have you as part of the blog :-)
I love these type of stories, where prodigals come back & the Lord is so gracious to restore! My daughter is one of those, and while she hasn’t professed an interest in coming back, we continually pray for her everyday. We know as parents that we’ve raised her in the ways of the Lord & we cling to the promise He has in His word about raising children. So we have hope in Him :-)
I wasn’t raised a Christian, yet I am serving Him today. I believe in part that there were praying aunts in my family & God heard their prayers for me. I can’t tell you the defining moment that I surrendered my life nor explain the circumstances that lead me up to that point. And yes, even I strayed a few times early on! But God is faithful and once I tasted what it was like to really serve Him, I’ve never turned back! He restored 100 fold what was taken from me & I am so thankful everyday for that.
I know I’d enjoy your book Janet! Because I can relate to flawed characters, who isn’t one themselves? This is why we need the saving grace of God :-)
Hi Trixi! I have kids that are 19 and 23, so I feel you on praying for them. All parents have to keep fighting that battling in the the heavenly realms. We do have that word in Proverbs 22 that when they are old, they will not depart from the way we’ve trained them. Some of us are just older than others when we come back. :) I’m sure I worried my poor parents for a number of years. I’m so glad you found your way into the family of God, sister! I hope you enjoy Leaving Oxford!
I was a prodigal so I can easily relate to the heroine in this story. I was away from church and God for a long time. I felt like my life was going nowhere and I was bored. Through the kindness of a good Christian friend I made a retreat and had a powerful conversion experience. Life has never been the same and I am so thankful for the mercy of God and the prayers of others.
Oh Sharon, what a powerful story! And what a terrific friend you have! Luke 15:10 says, “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
I just think that’s so cool! And sometimes it takes prodigals like me and you to reach other prodigals. That was my hope in writing this book. In fact, most of the next stories have a prodigal or two hanging around.
Thanks for coming by, Sharon!
Joann, At least we have the covers finished! One less thing. I have to finish editing… Soon… Tomorrow or maybe the next day…
Thanks for sharing. Your book sounds wonderful! I’d love to win a copy. I need to put it on my TBR list. I enjoy “meeting” new-to-me authors. I like books that have characters that are flawed but likeable, especially if they are working to better themselves.
Hi Winnie! You’re in the drawing! I’ve “met” a lot of great people since I started writing. I can definitely relate to those flawed characters, too. I hope you enjoy Leaving Oxford. Thanks for stopping in! :)
I’ve had the privilege of reading Leaving Oxford. It’s a great story, and I’d encourage you all to get a copy!
Welcome to our growing group of avid readers. I think you book sounds like something I would love to read. The prodigal stories are some of the best because God does welcome us back. I drifted away but but never really left God out of my life. I think giving over control was the hardest thing for me so I like to read about others who struggle with that. I will flag your book as one to read.
Hi! I enjoy reading about characters I can admire, either due to overcoming adversity or growing in character and /or personal spiritual insight. If they are a little shy, are a pastor’s wife, have challenging children and are of my profession, then I identify and enjoy it all the more!
Welcome Janet! Leaving Oxford sounds very appealing. I was once a prodigal. I thought I was lost, but God knew exactly where I was and was ready to welcome me home as soon as I turned my eyes to Him. So, I love this type of story and I pray God would give me the eyes, voice, and heart to reach out to other prodigals and help them understand His amazing love and grace. Heidi – great blog!
Hi Jackie! Glad to see you here! You’re another great critique partner that made this story better! Thank you!
Hi Mary! Love your name! My daughter is named Mary. :) Giving up control is the thing, right? It’s all about trusting that HIs ways are better than our ways. Our earthly eyes just don’t see that some times. Thank you for commenting. I hope you like Leaving Oxford!
Hi Janice! I feel the same way! I like to read about someone real or fictional overcoming adversity. Now I’m curious about what your profession is. I’m always trying to think of interesting jobs for my characters to have. Thanks for stopping in!
Hi Stacey! You sound like a kindred spirit. I have a heart for prodigals, too. I hope you like Leaving Oxford, and if you think it will help, pass it on to others who might need the message. Blessings!
Just want to thank Heidi, my lovely critique partner and friend, for inviting me here! Such a privilege! Virtual hugs to all the authors and readers at Inspy Romance!
:)
Your past and problems help you to be useful to God as they can be used to bring others to Him through your experiences. Nothing’s of waste in God’s eyes, when we choose God’s path over the worlds. This has been my lesson from my past and overcoming the problems was God’s gift to me when I put my life in His hands.
Hi Margaret! So glad you stopped by Inspy Romance! You are right about not wasting our experiences. That’s is exactly what I hoped to accomplish with God’s help by publishing/writing this novel! Blessings!