Almost 6 years ago I posted a fictional, short story on this blog entitled “Patches are Honorable as long as they’re Clean” and you readers asked for more of that story. It became chapter 1 of Replacing Ann. When I released that novella, I prefaced it asking if you’re reviews would show me whether you wanted more books. I continue to feel honored beyond words when you write requests for more books. I have lots more stories in my head and I hope to continue sharing them with you.

Every time I finish a book, I am immediately looking ahead to the next one.

Margaret’s Faith followed rebellious Margaret Elmore Berai from Cumberland County, Tennessee to Chicago, Illinois and back again. When she came home, she had two young daughters, Gracie and Lottie.

Gracie’s Babies delves into the life and service of the oldest daughter, Gracie. So I suppose the next book should examine Lottie.

The lives that inspired the first two books were certainly worth studying. Lottie’s life is no different. This woman is remembered as living near sainthood, however, we realize there are struggles in all of our lives – both internal and external and Lottie was no different.

The times when these women lived provided plenty of external struggle as they faced financial hardships, medical problems and all the normal difficulties of raising a large family. If you’ve read the epilogue of Margaret’s Faith, you already know that Lottie raised a several children. Many of them would grow up obedient and eager to serve the Lord. Even those children presented problems for their parents. And what about the ones that rebelled?

In the best of circumstances (and perhaps especially in the best of circumstances), we all have times when we fight against God’s leading in our lives. We often feel constrained by His commandments, pushing to have our own way. Bible stories often allow us to see the results of that rebellion and that is the beauty of writing a novel inspired by historical characters. Sometimes I can see all these years later how early decisions affected lives and descendants. Other times I can imagine the effect and write it into the fictional story.

My vision for the next novel looks at Lottie and her own service as a godly mother and neighbor. I’m eager to get started on it and as you finish up reading Gracie’s Babies, I hope you will begin looking forward the part three of this trilogy.

If you’ve finished reading Gracie’s Babies, please be sure to leave a review on Amazon.com, Goodreads, or any other reading forum you enjoy.