Monday, November 24, 2014

Count Your Blessings by Mary Manners


Count Your Blessings
By Mary Manners
"This is the day which the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it."
~ Psalm 118:24 ~

What are you thankful for today?
Sometimes I’m so caught up in the day-to-day bustle of writing life...juggling deadlines and outlines and stubborn characters that stray from the plotline...that I forget how very blessed I am. The holiday season is a time to reflect and to also hopefully take a moment to slow down long enough to draw a breath, step back, and count the many blessings that fill my life.

I’m thankful for my loving husband, Tim—a man with whom a share a real-life romance filled with love and laughter, adventure and fun. I often tell my husband he’s cheap entertainment since he makes me belly-laugh with regularity. Tim supports and encourages my passion for sharing the written word with others. I’m so thankful God brought him into my life.

I’m also wildly thankful for my daughter, Danni, who has grown into a beautiful young woman. Danni illuminates my life with her loving, generous spirit. She’s a loyal friend to everyone, and has a special place in her heart for the elderly and the hurting. She has never met a stray or wounded animal she didn't want to bring home and love back to health. Danni is truly a blessing to all who know her.

My friends, especially my precious writing friends, are one more reason to give thanks. These wonderful people completely understand when I elaborate on the ‘voices’ that speak to me while I’m writing. Twisted plots and story arcs make for great conversation when surrounded by those who put pen to paper. I love them dearly.

But, most of all, I am thankful for my Lord and Savior, who has given all of these blessings and more to me. What an amazing gift to know His love and grace are never-ending.

So, as this holiday season begins, I wish you blessings and peace, dear friends. May you take a moment to draw a breath, step back, and count the many blessings that fill your life.

Again, I ask...for what are YOU thankful?

~~~~~

Dillon Cutler has returned to Clover Cove just in time to help with the busy Christmas season at his family’s nursery. All his siblings have found love, but he has no plans to hustle to the altar...until Brynn Jansen shows up at the nursery one night searching for a fresh-cut tree and a sprig of mistletoe. Intrigued by her gentle laughter and dark-chocolate eyes he asks her out.

Brynn Jansen comes to Clover Cove to help Nana, who’s broken a hip. She has warm memories of visiting Clover Cove as a child and is especially fond of the Cutler family who brought her grandparents a Christmas tree during a tough financial time. 

Brynn has plans to pay that kindness forward. What she doesn’t plan for is falling in love with Dillon Cutler.
~~~~~
Mary Manners is an award-winning romance writer who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee with her husband Tim and the cherished cats they've rescued from local animal shelters...Lucky and Gus. Mary’s debut novel, Mended Heart, was a finalist for the Bookseller’s Best Award and her follow-up, Tender Mercies, was awarded a 4 ½ star rating from The Romantic Times Book Reviews. Buried Treasures was named Book of the Year by The Wordsmith Journal while Light the Fire took top honors for the Inspirational Readers Choice Award and Wisdom Tree garnered National Excellence in Romance Fiction. Mary was named Author of the Year by Book and Trailer Showcase. She writes romances of all lengths, from short stories to novels—something for everyone.
Learn more about Mary Manners at her website: www.MaryMannersRomance.com.