Spring Fever by Mary Manners

 

Spring Fever

by

Mary Manners

 

 

I don't know how the weather has been in your neck of the woods the past several months, but here in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, we have recorded one of the wettest winters on record. It seemed as if it would never pass. Days and days of dreary skies, chilly temperatures, and a stiff breeze have everyone longing for brighter days.

 

Sometimes writing is like a long, cold winter. Days spent hunched over a desk, nose to the grindstone, alone in an office, with nothing but a lukewarm cup of coffee and nary an end in sight. But, like the garden plants I am currently cultivating in my sunroom (minus the sun) and preparing to plant for harvest, writers must do the same with the stories we yearn to share. Plant the seeds, tenderly nurture them, take care of everyday tasks, and...wait.

 

 

 

 

Waiting builds patience. It makes us stronger...and better for the journey. So, when the days are long and cold, remember that sunshine and warmth are coming, and the dark winter days will soon be a thing of the past, a distant memory. Keep writing and trust that the seeds you have planted and are tending will grow into a delightful bounty sure to touch the hearts of many. And, should a rainy day come, you'll endure the lack of sunshine because the stories you cultivated will be the sunshine.

 

 



 







~~~~~

 

A Pocketful of Wishes

 

When a job transfer causes Jenna Palmer’s family to relocate across the country, Jenna moves away from her best friend and first love Carter Stevens. She promises to find him again. But as the years slip away and she dives into a career in pediatric trauma surgery, all that is left of her one time love are the memories—and a wish on the lucky penny Carter gave her.

 

Carter Stevens never forgot his first love. On their final morning together he gave her a special token along with his promise to love her forever. Though years have passed as he’s climbed the ranks of the Maple Ridge Police Department, he still longs for another glimpse of the smiling, green-eyed beauty who stole his heart and shared his love of adventure.

 

 

When an accident brings the pair together once again, memories and reality collide. Will their promise stand, or will time crush their promise…and their love?

 

~~~~~

Mary Manners is a country girl at heart who has spent a lifetime sharing her joy of writing. She lives in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee with her husband Tim and their rescue dog Axel, mischievous cats Colby and Rascal, 8 rambunctious chickens, and 13 fish.

Mary writes stories full of faith and hope. Her books have earned multiple accolades including two Inspirational Reader’s Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, the Aspen Gold, the Heart of Excellence, and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award.

 

Mary loves long sunrise runs, Smoky Mountain sunsets, and flavored coffee. She enjoys connecting with reader friends through her website: www.MaryMannersRomance.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 



Seasonal Renewal

 

Seasonal Renewal

By Mary Manners

 

Life is like the changing colors of trees that line a sun-kissed horizon. Throughout our daily walk, we go through phases of bloom and loss, fullness and barrenness, vibrancy and brittle dullness, just as trees do. Through each phase, the roots of the trees remain strong and steadfast, like the roots of our faith and the promise of our Father’s unending love. No storm can conquer, no season destroy what God has put into place.

With this in mind, how does the juggling act of writing, spending time with family, a day job, and remaining true to one's faith fit into the colors of our lives? Well, first and foremost we must prioritize what is truly important. A tree cannot grow and flourish without the proper nutrients just as we cannot function properly without daily reflection and a quiet walk in the Word. How often have we rushed to complete tasks, barely glancing toward the horizon, until those tasks devour our strength? Taking a time-out to study seems like a waste of time. But, without fail the most productive moments are those of reflection...of quiet thanks, thoughts and prayer.  

This week has been such a time for me, as I'm sure it has been for many. The Ice Storm of 2015 has brought the Southeast to a grinding halt. Tens of thousands of homes have been left without power while travel is virtually impossible. No TV...no Internet...no computer. The quiet time has afforded many--including me--the opportunity to reflect on priorities and to spiritually renew.

I truly believe the colors of life, like the weather, are ever-changing to keep us cognizant and appreciative of God’s many precious gifts, given to each and every one of us. I only hope it doesn't take another ice storm to remind me of the importance of prioritizing...and of taking daily time-outs to reflect on the many blessings in my life!

 ~~~~~

 

 

 

Grace's Gold

 

Brent Peterson returns to Mount Ridge, Tennessee with a single goal—to win back Grace Spencer. He's loved her since kindergarten, and should have told her how he felt, but Dan Turner swooped in and stole Grace away before Brent had the chance. Now Grace is a widow with a young son, and while it’s been three years since her husband’s death, Brent isn’t sure he should make his feelings known.

When Brent comes around the family bakery, Grace longs to restore their friendship, but the thin gold wedding band on her finger—and memories of Dan—stand between them.

Can Brent's gentle patience coax Grace to let go of her memories…and the ring, or is it time for Brent to move on alone, and leave Mount Ridge forever?

 

~~~~~

 

Mary Manners is an award-winning romance writer who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee with her husband Tim and daughter Danni, and the cherished cats they've rescued from local animal shelters...Lucky and Gus. She loves flavored coffee and Smoky Mountain sunsets.

Mary was named Author of the Year by Book and Trailer Showcase. She writes inspirational romances of all lengths, from short stories to novels—something for everyone.

Learn more about Mary Manners at her website: www.MaryMannersRomance.com.