Hi, friends. Remember me?
Last year, when I took a step back from writing bi-weekly blog posts for Inspired by Life and Fiction, I never dreamed I would let so much time pass before I took advantage of my “Bonus Days” status. Because 2019 was a rough year for me personally, I was looking forward to turning the calendar to a new year and a fresh leaf.
My word for 2020 is “Revelation” and the related verse is Ephesians 1:17 where Paul prays, “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.” (NASB95)
Sounds good, right? I was ready to spend this year deepening my intimacy with Jesus, only in my mind, I pictured that happening during long, easy days spent in joyous contemplation. Picture wildflowers in a mountain meadow. Cue swelling music.
Well, like everybody reading this, 2020 has not gone at all as I wanted or expected. (And we all knew that those long, easy days with wildflowers and music were a fantasy, right?)
On the bright side, I have two books releasing this month, and I really want to share them with you.
How Sweet It Is
How Sweet It Is (click title to read the blurb) officially releases on Tuesday, July 14th. This is the third book in the Legacy of Faith series, and I must confess that it is bittersweet to see it released because I have moved on to other stories but still miss the Henning family. I fell totally in love with them and was deeply touched as I wrote about Andrew Henning’s Bible and how it affected the lives of the three descendants featured in Who I Am with You, Cross My Heart, and How Sweet It Is.
There are two things I hope for now. First, I hope that you have fallen in love with the Hennings and will be eager to read How Sweet It Is (and the first two if you haven’t already). And second, I hope that I will leave a legacy of faith that is just as strong as Andrew’s.
About How Sweet It Is, one reader on Goodreads said: “This is my first Robin Lee Hatcher book and I am now a huge fan! [… The story] touched me to my core.”
Those are the kind of words that make long weeks and late nights on deadline so worthwhile.
Rich Beyond Measure: Zlata’s Story
My other book out this month (available now) is my first novel with a biblical setting. I struggle to call it biblical fiction because another writer said, “If it’s biblical, it isn’t fiction.” That has a ring of truth to me.
Rich Beyond Measure (click title to read the blurb) is how I envisioned the story of the poor widow who gave the two mites in the Temple. When I was first approached by Guidepost Books via my agent, I was daunted by the idea of setting a story in Jesus’ day. If I make a mistake (despite my research) in a book set in the 1700’s or 1800’s, I feel bad. But somehow the possibility of writing about Jesus and making a mistake felt much, much worse. What if I messed up?
Thankfully, I was able to brainstorm the book with my wonderful writer friends. I always love brainstorming with this group (we’ve been doing this together since 2003), but their excitement and enthusiasm as we talked about the story took away a lot of my fear. The remainder of the fear vanished when I started writing the book and found myself immersed in the four Gospel accounts every single day. I learned so much and grew so much, and I have a new appreciation for reading the Bible through Middle Eastern, First Century eyes.
If you’d like to read an excerpt (the scene with the sinful woman who washes Yeshua’s feet with her tears), it’s available for download on my website.
Rich Beyond Measure isn’t available through normal bookstore channels at this time. It can only be ordered from the Guidepost Books website (hardcover, ePub, and ePDF). Right now you can use the promo code CELEBRATE to get 20% off. (I don’t know for how long that promo will last.)
We remember the past to live forward
While last year was personally rough and this year has been a challenge for people around the world, I was reminded in the Bible study Jesus and Women in the First Century and Now by Kristi McLelland of the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness.
Kristi wrote: “Remembering God’s faithful record in our lives gives us courage to trust Him in the unknown and live forward. We zakhar (remember) so that we can step forward, because the same God who was faithful to be with us in the past is the God who will be faithful to be with us in a future that may seem unknown. We don’t remember for remembering sake, but we remember to move forward with renewed faith and hope in the God who is shepherding our whole lives.”
In 2016, I did some Bible art journaling about the Stones of Remembrance (Joshua 4:3, 6-7). We bring those stones from the deepest waters of our lives. We bring them from the hard places. Those times aren’t easy, but they allow us to “live forward” because we remember what God brought us through.
Comment for a chance to win
Would you like a chance to win an autographed copy of How Sweet It Is? Just leave a comment on this post, and I’ll select a random winner on Tuesday morning, July 14th.
Friends, I pray that you are well and remain well. And I wish you joy.
Robin
UPDATE: Linda McFarland’s name was drawn as the winner of a copy of How Sweet It Is. Thanks, everyone, for your comments. I hope you’ll enjoy reading my latest novels.
Robin Lee Hatcher
Latest posts by Robin Lee Hatcher (see all)
- Something Delicious - November 15, 2024
- When Discouragement Meets God’s Word - November 1, 2024
- Wanted: Women with Gumption (plus a giveaway) - October 18, 2024
Congratulations on your book releases. I have been a fan for a long time so I know they will be wonderful. Your journaling is beautiful and inspiring. Have a blessed weekend.
Thanks so much, Lucy.
I’ve never read Robin’s books, but I’m definitely going to read this book and all the books mentioned in this post. My adult son is making/has made decisions that completely go against how we raised him. I feel like I’ve been gut punched. I’m searching for ways to reconcile what he’s told us. Now more than ever I’m drawn to God and stories of how other people rely on God while navigating difficult times. I’m looking forward to Robin’s books.
I hope you’ll have a chance to read one of my books and that you’ll enjoy it.
I enjoyed Who I Am With You. I’m sure this is just as good.
Thanks so much, Terri.
I have not yet read this series, but they all sound so good! Thanks for the giveaway!
Congratulations on the release of two wonderful sounding books!
I think we all could use some good times ahead. However, through personal experiences, I’ve learned to be grateful and appreciate each day as it is. It’s a gift – one that can’t be returned and can’t be used but once which makes it a treasure. As bad as times have been, I find if I take the time to really think about it and look around that I can always find something to be thankful for and see that others have it a lot tougher than me. I pray for them and give praise for the good things in my life.
I would love the opportunity to read “How Sweet It Is “. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
Be safe, stay healthy and have a little adventure along the way – even if through the pages of a good book.
Welcome back, Robin! Congratulations on releasing not one but two novels in this uncertain time – both sound fabulous!
Thank you Robin for these thought provoking words during These difficult times.
Sounds like a great story.
Wow! That journaling page is amazing! My brain does not work like that, lol.
Thanks, Sandi. I have really enjoyed the Bible art journaling over the past few years.
These sound like great books! This year has been a difficult year for our family but we know that HE is in control and trust in HIS love.
Thanks so much for the chance to win your book!
I read “The Forgiving Hour from your books and was deeply touched by it, I loved it. I want to read more of your books!
I loved Kristi’s quote about God’s faithfulness record! Thanks for sharing us about you and your books!
Stay safe and be blessed!
Thanks, Paty. The Forgiving Hour remains a book that is close to my heart.
Congratulations on your new book! Looking forward to reading this series.
I love reading your books! Congratulations!
You are right – 2020 was on no one’s radar! Whoa! Except God, who knew it was happening. Congratulations on your new books!
“How Sweet It Is” sounds like a wonderful book. In fact, the whole series sounds great. I’d love the opportunity to read them. Thanks for the giveaway!
Congratulations on your new books being released. I am going to put them on my TBR list! The Legacy series sounds wonderful!
Congratulations on your new release. I hope always know that your stories makes an impact on your readers. I have read the first 2 book and I am looking forward to this one.
Thanks, Sonetta. I hope you enjoy this third and final book in the series.
Yes, I would like to win the book: “How Sweet it is!” It sounds like a wonderful story!
Robin, your books are always an inspiration to me, and so encouraging. You’re such a gifted author. Thank you for sharing your God-given talent with us. I’d be tickled pink to receive your free book!
Thank you, Donna.
Congratulations on your new book! Thank you for the giveaway!
Congrats on the new release! I’m sure it’s difficult to market a new book in these trying times. I would really like to see authors able to get Back out and do some book signings. Praying that our nation can get hold of this virus and either find a vaccine or a good treatment method.
It is challenging, Perrianne, to release a book right now. All authors appreciate the readers who are going the extra mile to obtain our books.
Congratulations on your new book. Your books always touch me.
Thanks, Mary.
I like that it is part of a series. You get to know the characters better. Thanks for the chance.
Happy Book Release! Thanks for the chance to win, and for sharing this post.
“How Sweet It Is” has such a beautiful cover! The yellow and white are so pretty!
Congratulations on your new books! Indeed a bright spot in this year! Love to see your journaling.
This year has been a challenge in many ways but I know God is working out the details for my benefit and His Glory! If He brings me to it, He will bring me through it! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Amen, Linda.
Congratulations, Linda. Your name was randomly drawn as the winner. An email has been sent to the address used with your comment.
I love to read series and especially like to binge read them so that I remember all the details from the previous books in the series as I continue forward. I look forward to reading How Sweet It Is!
Thanks, Suzanne. Happy binging.
2019 was a hard year for me to I struggled with things.
Cant wait to read your new book it sounds really good!
I know that God has his hand on all of us and he will lead us through and I will follow him even in the depths of fire and smoke! Congrats on the new book release!
Sounds like some good reading ,i could use some of that right now,,time for good,enough bad has happened,,look forward not backward
I have loved the first two books in this series and am looking forward to the next one! Congratulations on the release of two new books!
I greatly enjoyed the first book in this series, which I have on my bookshelf. Congratulations on your new releases. I have been a fan of your books for many years. Since I have always appreciated history, I find myself wondering what my deceased parents and grandparents would think of 2020 thus far, particularly as compared to events in their lifetimes.
Thanks, Leanne. So glad you enjoyed the first two and hope you will feel the same about How Sweet It Is. And I hope you love the conclusion of Andrew and Helen’s story.
Robin, Congrats on your new release!
I’m looking forward to reading this new book. Your books are always inspiring.
Thanks, Ola.
It is so wonderful to know that God is always with us and we are never forsaken by Him!
Amen.
Love all your books. Looking forward to reading these.
Thanks, Cele.
I’ve always enjoyed reading your books. This series sounds great. I have gotten a little behind in my reading this year. I need to hurry and read the first 2 books. Hopefully the 3rd one will be at my local Christian bookstore when I go there on Tuesday. Congratulations on your book releases. I am praying that the second half of 2020 goes well for you.
Thanks, Carol. I hope you’re able to read all three.
I love your Bible Journaling!
Thanks, Brenda.
Beautiful journaling! Congrats on the releases. 🙂
Thanks, Cheryl.
I love your books! I can’t wait to read both of these two new books.
Thanks, Sally.
Congratulations on your book release.
I would love to read this book. I’ve read the first one.
I’ve read many of your older books, but I need to catch up on your newer ones! The Bible storyline sounds so beautiful!
Congratulations on the upcoming book release! I have so enjoyed the series, and very much look forward to the final installment of the Henning Bible. I don’t think 2020 has look anything like any of us ever expected, so it’s OK to be forgiving of ourselves and each other. May the coming days be heaped with blessings for you!
So glad you’ve been enjoying the series, Teri. Thanks.
I’m really looking forward to reading How Sweet It Is! It’s waiting…patiently, on my Kindle! Thanks for the chance to win a print copy for my bookshelf!
I’ve accumulated a small rock collection and each stone reminds me of a precious time or place in my life. Thank you for showing us your Bible journaling. That visual will stay with me a long time.