Here it is, the last day of January, and ever since the beginning of the New Year, I’ve witnessed many people talk about wrapping 2017 around a single word. What one word will be your emblematic motto?
 
I’ve always had a Biblical verse as the theme for an oncoming twelve months, never a single word. After pondering, I finally deliberated that my word is Onward. I don’t have new plans for this year, per se, but I have pre-set plans that, unless the Good Lord deems otherwise, I intend to accomplish. So…onward I go. My word just happens to coincide with my verse for this year: “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3
 
To help inspire me, I’ve posted near my desk a recent drawing my son did. It’s a ten-second sketch, but speaks volumes of how he sees me. How I interpret, anyway. In the rough outline, I see most of all, diligence. Diligence is a part of my name…literally, my birth name means diligent harvester. And back in the day, a few I’d toured with didn’t call me “Tenacious Tessa” for nothing. All of this is a part of me still, and accompanies my present word for a 2017 focus, Onward.
 
Another word has snuck up, however; more like hammering me in the head everywhere I turn. That is, Meekness. It’s a word definition I seem drawn to, yet hear very little about in this day of narcissistic society. The world tends to interpret meekness as weakness or wimpy. Truth is it takes more strength to hold your tongue when you want to give a what-for, to exhibit kindness regardless of circumstance, and to portray leadership partnered with humility, a humble leader, putting others first. When I recently heard a sermon by Mark Hoffman/2RC on the topic of meekness, I learned a perfect definition for the word. Meekness is “Strength under control.” That is definitely something for which I wish to wrap not only my year but also my entire life around.
 
Okay, so maybe I have two words this year. To sum it up, I strongly desire to have a year of pressing onward with meekness. How about you? What might be your word?

One of my personal favorites in The Brother's Keep novella series, Wind's Aria,  has been rereleased and offered at a lower price. So, if you have not yet read this story, grab yourself a copy. You won't be disappointed if you like romantic, lyrical, allegorical fantasy. This also happens to be novella #1, the launch in the 8-novella series - so, it's a good place to start. Here is a recap of the overview:

A mockingbird has made itself very comfortable outside my bedroom window. A bird that never sleeps, it sings endlessly. Many times I awaken, my internal clock telling me it’s time to arise, the sun is about to crest, while the mockingbird chatters. But it’s only 1 AM. The bird tricks me. If I could be as incessantly joyous as this nightbird sounds…

With a contented smile, I rest my head back on the pillow. The bird’s song is beautiful, and the energetic melody reminds me that somewhere on this blue planet the sun is always rising. Dawn is imminent, and so is the hope renewed in my heart for a fresh and glorious day.

“By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life.” Psalm 42:8

Newly released, my latest novel from the Hearts in Africa series. Now available on Amazon.

"Sometimes people ask God to join them in what they are doing, rather than joining God in what He is doing. Emotional tension already high, Nick and Claire are jostled by circumstances as they struggle between human understanding, desire, and the will of God. In the end, they realize that He had their best interests in mind all along. From the wilderness of Washington State, straight to the heart of the Maasai in Tanzania, onto the spice island of Zanzibar and around again, the path of faith and the outcome of their relationship are ultimately made clear in a whirlwind of adventure, trials, and enduring love. Uniquely sweet, Carry My Heart is a memorable missionary romance." ~ CPP

Released today!

Ice Dancer's Hold, novella #4 of The Brother's Keep inspirational fantasy romance series.

Now on Amazon.

A beautiful slave named Sasha holds the hidden power to destroy Master Kilian once and for all, along with his reign of terror. Instead, she openly sacrifices herself, silencing her own authority, deep within his arctic fortress. The question is, why? Now, among the confusion, evil prevails.

This is "a different kind of inspirational romance." But I wouldn't have it any other way. ;) Hope you love it. Cheers!

My latest Fantasy Romance fairy tale, installment #3 of The Brother’s Keep novella series, published by Soul Mate Publishing, released today. I want to
reveal that this particular title, Tree Lord's Oracle, happens to be one of my favorites in this series—straight from the depth of my heart and imagination, directly to you. I hope you enjoy Arekel’s story of her growing love for a soul snatcher she was sent to destroy.

The official blurb:
Arekel becomes the chosen of her world to stop the Tree Lord menace from expanding his domain of Deadwood. Embarking on the fretful task, the young maiden learns that she alone holds the key to destroying the Tree Lord’s malevolent heart. There’s just one other  problem. She’s fallen in love with him.

Now available through Amazon.

Yesterday was the actual day for the release of my latest fantasy romance novella, #2 of The Brother’s Keep series via Soul Mate Publishing, Sea God’s Siren. However, I’d missed the launch! Ugh. Instead, I had been camped out at a hospital for several days while a loved one experienced surgery and then complications from that surgery. Ick. It’s been a loooooong week, yet the end of it holds promise, and even excitement, as those uncomfortable things in life smooth out and I can now officially introduce this new title. So without much ado, here he his, he’s arrived—the last merman who pledges his forbidden love to a blind mortal.

Now available on Amazon. How cool is that?