Sarah Price's Blog, page 36

Wow…what an exciting launch week we have had! The Matchmaker YouTube live event was sooo much fun. I hope you all enjoyed it! I am posting the video here for some Saturday Smiles. Thanks so much for making this book launch week a wonderful success!

P.S. Now is your chance to pick up a copy of An Amish Buggy Ride for only 2.00 and First Impressions for 1.99….better jump on those deals!

I just finished reading The Matchmaker by Sarah Price. It is a retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma only Sarah’s Price novel is written from an Amish perspective and I am thinking this is really good! My question is who has read Jane Austen? I haven’t read any of Jane Austen’s books because I thought I wouldn’t like them but I read Sarah Price’s First Impressions which is based on Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen only Sarah’s was Amish and I loved it and then I read Jane Austen’s version and loved it! So I am wondering why did I think I wouldn’t like Jane Austen before, is it because I didn’t think I would like the style, maybe the genre ” classic” scared me off but then I loved Gone With The Wind and it is a classic. Well, with that said I haven’t read Emma by Jane Austen but it is now on my to be read list as well as the other novels by Jane Austen.

The Matchmaker by Sarah Price is classic genre with an Amish twist. Emma is determined to never marry but she knows who is the perfect match for her new friend Hannah. At least she thinks she does. Emma means well but her plans aren’t what God has planned and hearts are broken! Can they be healed and lives lived as only God planned?

It was fun to read this book and see how Emma grows out of her prejudice ideals and learns to “Let Go and Let God.” This is a fun book with plenty of secrets. I challenge you to read “The Matchmaker” and you will become a Sarah Price fan too!

The Matchmaker is a five star book!

Thank you for your wonderful review, Debbie! If I can create an awareness that the Amish genre can be both well-written and interesting as well as introduce my readers to the world of Jane Austen, I consider this a wonderful success!

I’m so excited for the release of my new book “The Twelve Step Plan” this week. I had so much fun writing this book and even more fun creating the character of Sadie! My mother always told me not to tell a lie, so I have a little secret to share. Sadie may be fictional, but she has all of the characteristics of one of my dearest friends (who shall remain nameless, but you know who you are, don’t you!)

You see, a while back, she had quite the crush on a celebrity. It bordered on an obsession, actually. And being the high-achiever that she is, my friend was resolved to meet him and I was only to happy to tag along for the ride. I have to admit, we had so much fun planning our crazy schemes and the best part? She actually got to meet the object of her obsession! There are not many people who can say that! And you know what? Even if she never did get to meet him, it wouldn’t have mattered because we had lots of laughs on her quest and made priceless memories for ourselves. You see, we all have obsessions. Some may have them more serious than others, but they still exist. And I honestly believe we have a little bit of Sadie inside all of us, or if we don’t, we should! Absolutely! Because it makes life a lot more interesting.

So, in anticipation of my book release, I welcome you to peek inside my character’s crazy and, hopefully, funny world. I promise you, Sadie Rollins is so worth the look!

Erin

Purchase a Copy of Erin Brady’s The Twelve-Step by Clicking Here

Erin Brady is a self-confessed romantic comedy addict who hopes to never find a cure. She spends countless hours re-reading Pride and Prejudice and admits to never getting tired of Darcy’s britches. She loves watching rom-com movies because, when it comes down to it, she can’t get enough of the “girl meets boy and falls in love” stories. Most importantly, she loves to laugh and finds humor in everything from washing dishes to singing karaoke off key!

Ms. Brady writes chick lit novels and enjoys every minute of it. All of her novels follow the lives of women who, mindfully or not, end up pursuing their dreams while making mistakes and learning to laugh (and fall in love) along the way. Erin admits that her inspiration for her characters often comes from her own circle of friends, despite her friends’ protests otherwise.

Currently, Erin Brady has published four novels: And The Winner Is, Shopping Swap, Holiday Gig and One Last Blind Date. Her latest novel, The Twelve-Step Plan, is scheduled for release on February 3, 2015.

For the record, Ms. Brady acknowledges her obsession with celebrities, chocolate, Spanxs and designer shoes. She spent the better part of her life single and looking for love. She’s finally happily married to her Prince Charming but it took her a while (and the kissing of plenty a frog) to get there.

Last but not least, she has several subscriptions to tabloid magazines but mostly under different names although she claims she isn’t afraid to admit it.

You can read Erin’s blog at www.erinbradyauthor.com and follow her on Facebook.

I have some fun news…An Amish Buggy Ride is on sale for two dollars! How fun! I think you will enjoy Kate, David, and Samuel’s story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Quiet and soft-spoken, Kate Zook is the responsible eldest daughter in an Amish family and prides herself on fulfilling her role. Then, one fateful snowy night, she uncharacteristically speaks her mind—and unwittingly plays a part in a horrible accident.

Wracked by guilt over her role in the tragedy that left her brother David injured, Kate devotes herself to his care, going so far as to take on his chores in the fields. Even so, her brother’s resentment toward her grows, and David torments Kate, making her increasingly isolated life even more difficult.

Though Kate’s parents have emotionally withdrawn, someone outside the home takes an interest in Kate and notes her clear grief. Samuel, a local boy, has recently returned from a wild rumschpringe—the Amish term for exploring the wider world—and recommitted to his community. Intrigued by Kate’s gentle yet loyal ways, he begins to fall in love with her. But tensions rise as he refuses to put up with David’s rage. As Kate’s heart begins to stir and cry out for happiness, she must rely on faith to find forgiveness or risk losing out on love.

In high school my favorite date was dinner out.

When I got married, my favorite date was a meal out.

I was that girl that didn’t gain weight. I wasn’t too skinny. I’m very petite (that is the polite way of saying I’m short). I had been a gymnast, and despite not exercising, I held on to my muscle tone nicely. I didn’t worry about having a late night snack or a cheeseburger for lunch. Someone brought donuts to work? No problem, they didn’t accumulate on my hips.

Even though weight issues plague both sides of my family, I just knew that I had dodged that bullet and I got the lucky genes…until I hit the “m” word. Middle Age. Suddenly, every crumb I put in my mouth caused a new cellulite dimple on my thigh. I still thought that it was temporary for some reason…that it would just be a few pounds.

In one year I gained 15 pounds. Reality hit. I have entered a new phase of life and I can’t wish it away. The days of cutting one dessert a day out and losing five pounds are gone.

Some of you know that two years ago I went through a desert. A valley. A black hole. I had a break down. My world shut down around me. It was the most difficult time of my life and, frankly, I wasn’t sure I was going to make it. But, during that time, I submitted my entire life to God. I realized I couldn’t fix any part of “me”. Eventually, I got well and came out of it stronger in my faith, closer to my family, and blessed with wonderful friends.

So. Now I find myself in a new place. Wednesday night, after eating a very large brownie covered in frozen custard and caramel while not being in the least hungry, I realized that I have a problem. It seems that I have quite possibly traded my addiction to anxiety and obsessiveness for food…especially sugar.

Over the last year I have cried to my friends, my co-workers and my family about my weight gain.

Me: “I need to lose weight.”

Them: “Drink more water.”

Me: “Yah.”

Them: “Count your calories.”

Me: “That’s so much work.”

Them: “Start exercising.”

Me: {Silence}

So. Thursday morning, I got up and weighed. I knew it was going to be bad. But, I had no idea. I was shocked. I–I just couldn’t believe it. Yet, I could. Why would it be any different? That night, I was in the shower (that is where most of my brainstorming occurs) and God spoke to me (it’s also where God talks to me…probably because it’s one of the few places I am semi-still and quiet). Guess what He said? He told me that it was time for me to give food to Him. No more crying to friends. No more playing games. No more hoping, wishing, pretending. Give. Food. To. Him.

When I want four pieces of honey toast before bed? I will pray.

When the cookies tempt me after work and I want six instead of one? I will pray.

When I want four pieces of pizza instead of one? I will pray.

When I want three spoons of sugar in my coffee? I will pray.

When I want to eat a bag of Twizzlers? I will pray.

You see, I can’t do this on my own. Food has taken an unhealthy place in my life. It has become my comfort. It’s my companion when I’m bored. When I’m happy, it helps me celebrate. When I’m sad, it numbs me. I’ve allowed it to take the place of God in my life…at least to some degree, right?

So, like two years ago, I am finding myself coming into a new relationship with my Heavenly Father. Two years ago I laid my depression, anxiety and panic at His feet. Now, it’s my addiction to food and sugar. I still battle depression and anxiety. But, when they rear their ugly heads at me, I quickly go to my Father. I know that this will be a battle as well, but I have the Creator of the Universe as my General and He will see me through to victory.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (AMP)

Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own,

You were bought with a price [purchased with a[a]preciousness and paid for, [b]made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body.

Lisa Bull sees her life as a journey along God’s divine plan. While considering herself an expert on nothing, she enjoys laughing and has made “choosing joy” her motto. Lisa has experienced God’s unfailing love and grace in her life and wants nothing more than for others to enjoy that same gift in their lives.

Lisa is the daughter and granddaughter of ministers. She has multiple relatives in ministry on both sides of her father’s family including several pastors, pastor’s wives, and missionaries. In fact, ministry in her maternal grandmother’s family can be traced back several generations. She loves being a wife and mother of two terrific young men.

Don’t forget to RSVP for my Book Launch next Tuesday which is the big release day for The Matchmaker. (Yay) Guaranteed to make you smile (I hope) and we all need some smiles! Watch the live stream on my YouTube page and interact on Facebook. Click Here To RSVP. I will bring the fun and you bring the smiles! Hope to see you there.

P.S. Buggies make me smile…

I know I’m late but it’s still Friday!!!!!

OK, so this Friday’s Fare is more Food for Thought. I like food for thought, especially when I can randomly talk about whatever is on my mind. My blog…my food for thought.

And today’s food is very simple. It’s about a word.

That’s right. One single word.

It has the power to change the entire mood of a gathering, destroy a person’s self-esteem, or create a rift between people.

I’ve been pondering this word for a long while…almost eight weeks. This word has crept up time and time again. It’s a hateful word when used inappropriately. It tears people down, creates emotional upset, ruins lifelong relationships.

What single word could possibly have so much power?

Would you believe me if the word is “you?”

That’s right.

You.

I never realized how such a word can be so dangerous. But it is. I’ve had several instances over the past eight weeks that have taught me how wounding the misuse of the word “you” can be:

“You make me feel like…”

“You need to…”

“You are a …”

“You should just…”

There are any number of sentences, destructive sentences that begin with that one single word. I’m certain that I’m not alone in experiencing the power of being told what “I” have done or how “I” have made someone feel or what “I” should do. Whether it comes from a friend, neighbor, business partner, or family member, it really hurts.

What I have discovered, however, is that this type of negative-speak is a projection of what people are feeling and thinking about themselves. If you replace the word “you” with the even more powerful word “I” (adjusting grammar appropriately, of course), the sentence can take on a new meaning.

A truthful meaning.

Ever since I came out of surgery on December 1st, I have been struggling with several different situations involving the misuse of the word “you” and, on each occasion, I have been tested…Am I strong enough to overcome the hurt and sorrow of being blamed for someone else’s feelings, desires, needs?

That’s where the Food for Thought comes in.

There is a more powerful word than “you” and I bet I don’t have to tell you that it’s “God.” When someone tries to bring you down, you only have to look in one place to be uplifted: God. There are many wonderful verses in the Bible that talk about wisdom vs. foolishness. One in particular has helped me as I re-read Proverbs, a wonderful book for helping me understand both the good and the not so good things that happen in life:

Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. (Proverbs 9:6)

I talk a lot about weeding my garden so the flowers can bloom. Years ago, when I started working in academia, I reported to a dean who was very proper and not always very nice. She used the “you need to” on me: You need to weed your garden so the flowers can bloom!

At first, I was really upset. I was raising two children, working a part-time job (despite full-time hours), teaching, and running a non-profit to help poor people. My garden was filled with plenty of flowers, thank you very much. However, she was right. In considering her words when I had stopped pouting and being angry, I recognized the wisdom of that “you” statement.

And I quit my job.

My job was a weed and it wasn’t letting my flowers bloom.

The bottom line is that not all “you” statements are hurtful. Indeed, some can heal. Used properly, the word “you” can bring love and happiness to a person’s life.

“You make me feel wonderful!”

“You need to give me a hug.”

“You are an inspiration to me!”

“You should just be so happy!”

When we hear the negative, it is up to us to decide whether the words are spoken from foolish tongues or truly meant to guide us. We can choose to be hurt by those who are intent on blaming others or we can pray for their shoulders to strengthen so that they can carry the weight of their burdens.

And, if you are not quite certain which it is, turn to the word, the most powerful word, for help: God. By leaning on Him, we can survive any amount of hurt, intentional or not.

A long time ago and in a far away galaxy, a young girl, isolated on her own, personal spacecraft, continuously orbits through space without any destination…

No, that’s not how I really want to start this blog. You see, I’m not a big space or galaxy fan. I will even confess that I did not like Star Wars or Star Trek (although Yoda was a neat character). I didn’t even care for The Jetsons. I never understood why George put up with his cranky, moody boss.

Yet, in a way, it’s true. After all, the young version of me WAS a galaxy away from who I am today. And I did feel isolated. While my friends were getting asked out on dates and spending summers at the beach, I spent my free time writing and summers were often spent traveling to foreign countries (with more writing).

One time, a boy “friend” told me that the reason no one asked me on dates was because I intimidated all of the boys. Since I wasn’t like the other girls who laughed at the right time (even when the jokes weren’t funny) or batted their eyelashes with a puppy dog look on their face, I was a bit isolated, floating through an empty galaxy.

How could I ever find someone who would like me for me and not who I thought they wanted me to be?

When I wrote The Matchmaker, the retelling of Jane Austen’s classic book Emma, I really connected with the main character. I understood her on many different levels because she, too, was isolated. She worried more about taking care of others and never felt compelled to consider love for herself. She, too, did not see a large selection of options that didn’t force her to conform to an ideal that was outside her comfort zone.

A square peg cannot be forced into a round hole.

But God has different plans for us.

I believe that God created Adam and Eve for a reason: people need people.

Maybe it’s a good friend. Maybe it’s a spouse. Or maybe it’s someone to just keep you company through dark days. God did not create mankind to be alone. In fact, He realized the importance of companionship after He created Adam. Sure, Adam had all the animals in the world (an ideal scenario in my little world). But God knew that what Adam really needed with another person: “Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone;” Genesis 2:18 (KJV).

There are times when you might feel alone, like that young girl, all alone, floating through a vast galaxy with no destination in mind. You might even ask yourself “Where is that person for me? Why do I feel so alone?” Sometimes the answer to our questions are right in front of us. And sometimes those answers are not what we anticipated because God does not always reveal the answers on our schedule but His.

He has plans for us. All we have to do is keep the faith.