Are You Afraid? Guest Post by Kimberly Johnson

Today I have the privilege of welcoming Kimberly Johnson to A Bed of Roses. Help me to make her feel welcome.



Kimberly married her college sweetheart and is a graduate of Northwest University. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two teenage sons and their yellow lab. Kimberly is an avid reader and loves romance, suspense and romantic suspense. She enjoys playing the piano, hiking and coffee with friends. She loves hearing from her fans. You can connect with her on her website at http://www.kimberlyrjohnson.com

Are You Afraid?

By Kimberly Johnson

Just like my character Keira Noble in my debut novel The Christmas Promise I struggle with fear or the habit of being fearful of this or that. In fact I consider myself somewhat of an expert on the topic since I’ve spent the majority of my life fearing one thing or another. Fear of the unknown, fear of what’s next, fear of what if so and so gets in an accident, etc . . . The list goes on and on, but I’ve learned to put my trust in the Lord, because He is faithful and has proven that to me time and again.

Thankfully I can turn to scripture for help during these fear filled times. Proverbs 3:5, 6 says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; but in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight.” (NIV)

As a Christian I know in my mind that God says repeatedly in the Bible to not fear. As I have matured not only as a Christian, but in life as well, I have claimed many of those scriptures. If you are interested, here are two additional verses that have helped me, Isaiah 41.10 and 1 John 4:18.

I still battle fear on a daily basis, but with God’s help I am improving. Keira, the heroine in The Christmas Promise, fears driving in winter weather, specifically ice. Her fear is paralyzing. Do you know that kind of fear? What do you do to overcome it?

I pray the Lord will bring to mind His promises when fear has us in its grips and that we will remember to put our faith and trust in Him and not allow fear to overwhelm and control us.

DR. PETE HARDING DOESN'T DATE SINGLE MOMS 

No matter how lovely Keira Noble's smile, or how adorable her four-year-old son. He's been down that road before and knows it can lead to a broken heart. But that doesn't mean he can't help the pretty widow find a puppy to put under the Christmas tree for her son….
Pete claims he only wants to help her find the perfect gift for Cody. Yet Keira can't deny the tender feelings in his eyes whenever he looks at her. Could this handsome Scrooge have a change of heart, and create a new family for Christmas?

Do you have verses that help you when you feel afraid?

Kinship

As I was thinking about what to post, the word kinship popped into my head.

Kinship, as defined by dictionary.com, is
Noun
1. the state or fact of being of kin; family relationship.
2. relationship by nature, qualities, etc.; affinity.
Origin:
1825–35; kin + -ship

I like the second definition. An affinity. That means I feel something for you because we like some of the same things.

I like to read Christian romance novels. A lot. I feel kinship to others who like to read the same.
I like to write and create Christian romance novels. A lot. :) Again I feel a kinship to other writers (of romance or otherwise).
I have children. There is a kinship between mothers, no matter their ages.

With whom do you feel a kinship?

Blessings,
Ginger

Three Reviews: Dangerous Passage, The Governess of Highland Hall, & Kissing Frogs

Do you like suspense novels? Clean romance? Then Dangerous Passage by Lisa Harris is the book for you. This is my first time reading anything by Ms. Harris and I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to read, and enjoy. From the very beginning of the book, I was hooked, and until the suspect was revealed, I was clueless.

Kudos to Ms. Harris. I look forward to more titles from her in the future.

Back cover:

When two Jane Does are killed on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, detective and behavioral specialist Avery North discovers they share something in common--a tattoo of a magnolia on their shoulders. Suspecting a serial killer, Avery joins forces with medical examiner Jackson Bryant to solve the crimes and prevent another murder. But it doesn't take long for them to realize that there is much more to the case than meets the eye. As they venture deep into a sinister world of human trafficking, Avery and Jackson are taken to the very edge of their abilities--and their hearts. 

"Dangerous Passage "exposes a fully-realized and frightening world where every layer peeled back reveals more challenges ahead. Romantic suspense fans will be hooked from the start by Lisa Harris's first installment of the new Southern Crimes series.

Rating: 4.5 roses

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The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky is a touching love story which reminds me that love is more important than possessions or position.

Ms. Turansky wrote an excellent novel that had enough conflict to keep me reading to the very end, which was sweet. I would have preferred a little more closure, but that is a personal preference.

Back cover:

Worlds lie between the marketplaces of India and the halls of a magnificent country estate like Highland Hall. Will Julia be able to find her place when a governess is neither upstairs family nor downstairs help? 

Missionary Julia Foster loves working alongside her parents, ministering and caring for young girls in India. But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden for her parents’ financial support. Taking on a job at Highland Hall as governess, she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected, and she isn’t sure what to make of the estate’s preoccupied master, Sir William Ramsey. 

Widowed and left to care for his two young children and his deceased cousin Randolph’s two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from the financial ruin. The last thing he needs is any distraction coming from the kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be quietly transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith. 

While both are tending past wounds and guarding fragile secrets, Julia and William are determined to do what it takes to save their families—common ground that proves fertile for unexpected feelings. But will William choose Julia’s steadfast heart and faith over the wealth and power he needs to secure Highland Hall’s future?

Rating: 4 roses
Release date 10/15/13

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I found Kissing Frogs by D.A. Featherling to be highly amusing. Em's need to be in control turns many normal events into humorous situations. If you need a laugh while reading a highly romantic story, this is the novel for you.

I have not read the first book, and didn't feel as though I were missing anything, so it can be considered a stand-alone.

Back cover:

Book 2 - Second Time Around Series Until she decides to look for a husband, Em Snider is so-o-o-o in control of her life. But her trip on the internet matchmaking highway soon shows her that she can't control the journey. Her first encounter is a warning. There are toads out there! A Christian internet matchmaking service provides Em a chance to discover Prince Charming, if she can survive the shocks. Em is soon ready to quit, or will she find true love if she'll get off the brakes and let God be in control?

Rating: 4.5 roses

Blessings,
Ginger