Brothers in Arms

Welcome to the Brother in Arms collection website!

2009-12-18T14:20:00.010-06:00

Nightingale, book 2 in the Brothers in Arms Collection is available now! For more about this amazing story click here and journey over to the NOVELS page. Also, be sure to visit the Share Page for the Letters from Home Giveaway - you could win a FLIP HD Camcorder. Happy reading and thanks for stopping by! Do read the note below about the other books in the Brothers in Arms Collection and take a look around while you're here.

It’s every author’s dream to have one of their favorite editors call them up and say…”will you write me a story?” Uh, yes! And especially wonderful is when God has dropped a story in that author’s heart to simmer months earlier.

See, I was on a plane to Florida. And, as I sat down, my seatmate was on his cell phone, speaking another language. I admit I was curious (some may call it nosy). So, I asked him what language he was speaking. Greek – and he was talking to his father who was an immigrant from Greece. And it got better - his grandfather was also an immigrant, and had fought in World War Two, while his wife raised their children in Greece. But that wasn’t all – there was an uncle involved, and family scandal and….hmm…interesting. This poor man graciously answered a thousand questions during our two hour flight, and seeded in my heart a story about two Greek brothers who loved the same woman.

By the time I arrived to my friend Rachel’s house, I had the entire plot worked out. Now, I just had to wait until…my editor asked me to write it.

Thus, Sons of Thunder was born. I have long desired to write books set in the World War Two era. Such a heroic, courageous time, filled with heroes and epic romance and tales of hope and redemption. (Not to mention the amazing music and dress styles – oh, I was born in the wrong era!) More than that, as I’ve had the privilege of traveling the world and meeting amazing people from other countries, I’ve realized that many, many Christians fought in the war, on all sides – British, Russian, Dutch, French, American…even Germans. Brothers united by a common lineage in Christ forced to pick up arms to fight in a war they may or may not believe in, but because they were patriots to their country. My vision was to write stories from around the globe of heroes from all nationalities. I call it the Brothers in Arms collection.

The first book is an epic three part story about two brothers who love the same woman. As they flee their Greek home after tragedy, they both make her a promise. But only one can keep it. Set in three pivotal time periods of the 20th century – the Jazz/Gangster era, Pearl Harbor and our entrance into the war, and the liberation of Europe in 1945, the story is rich with the historical backdrop as well as the characters of Marcos, Dino and Sofia, three people who trying to understand and trust in God’s deliverance. It one of my favorites – I hope you’ll enjoy it to!

While you're hear, click over to the NOVELS page and find out about book 2, Nightingale. You can also order the books and read an excerpt. And on the share page, read stories and letters from those who have had family who have immigrated to America, or fought for her on foreign shores. Don’t forget to share your own! Just click on the SHARE button at the top right!

Look for Book 3, Part the Waters, in August of 2011! Check back or sign up for my newsletter to get updates and sneak peeks!

Welcome, to the Brothers in Arms!

Sons of Thunder contest

2008-05-24T15:32:00.000-05:00

Thank you all so much for sharing your stories during the blog tour contest for Sons of Thunder!

The grand prize winner is:
WENDY K.
Congrats! you've won the Memory Prize package containing a gift certificate to create your own hard cover photo book, a 6 month membership to Netflix and a signed copy of Sons of Thunder!

and the 5 runner's up are:
ANNA K.
LORRAINE L.
EDNA T.
CARRIE T.
ANNA W.
Congrats! You've all won a signed copy of Sons of Thunder!

Each one of us has a wealth of stories from the past – while they might not all be as sweeping and dramatic as that of Sofia and the Stravos brothers (swoon), your family history is a treasure nonetheless.

Well – let’s hear them! Were your great-grandparents ‘fresh off the boat’? Was your great uncle a war hero? Did your grandmother make unbelievable sacrifices to help or protect the family? Did your father harbor a family secret until his death? Are you related to someone famous (my assistant is related to Presidents Harrison and Jackson – wow! Who knew?) Do you have a family treasure? Maybe you just have some lovely memories. Whatever it is that is unique in your family history – share it with us.

Carrie T.

My father was in the Army Air Corp during WWII. He fought in the Pacific for four years doing several different jobs, everything from working as a dental assistant to parachuting into battle to running an officers' club.

I will always remember the story he told about the day God saved his life. He and his buddies had formed a long line, searching for Japanese soldiers hidden in a field of tall grass. He noticed his boot was untied and ignored it for a while. Finally he decided to squat down and tie it.

The Japanese opened fire at that moment, and my father was able to hit the ground quickly to protect himself. The men around him died that day, but his life was spared.

Krista H.

As a child, and through my high school years, I loved to visit my Great-Grandpa. He always loved to tell stories, and up until he died at the young age of 95, he could still remember his childhood. One of his favorite stories to tell was how as a child, growing up in Nebraska, he would be sent to go after the cows in the evening. He would always make a point to walk under the railroad bridge at the exact time the passenger train was passing overhead. Then he would say that he was run over by a train.

One of my favorite stories was about how he fell in love with his wife, my Great-Grandma. During their high school years, his older brother and her older sister were married. Several years later, they themselves began to “go steady.” After about two years, circumstances changed. She left for college and began to date other men, while he found another sweetheart. A few years later she returned from college, and began teaching at the local schoolhouse. It was at this time that my Grandpa fell in love with her. Unfortunately, by this time she had a steady beau. But this did not deter my Grandpa, and after awhile he found it convenient to stop at the schoolhouse while she was teaching. It did not take long for her to also fall in love with him, and they were married in 1933, in the heart of the Great Depression.

Most importantly, my Great-Grandparents left a legacy of faith. Very shortly after they were married, they realized that if their marriage was going to be a success, they needed to turn to God for guidance. So one Sunday morning they committed their lives to the Lord. There were many trials those first years of their marriage. Neither one of them had a steady job, nor did they always have a permanent place to live. A year after they were married, their first daughter was born, and they had yet another mouth to provide for. Jobs were scarce at that time, and there was not much cash to pay for hired help. My Grandpa went from job to job, doing anything that would provide money.

At times they would not even have any food in their cupboards, and there were several times when someone would show up on their doorstep, food in hand, saying that the Lord had placed it on their heart to bring them food. Even though they went through many hard times, they never stopped relying on the Lord and through it all he provided for them.

Angie

From what I understand, I have a great-great uncle who was a bank robber, around the same time as the Newton Boys. He and his brother were caught. They were offered two choices: Prison or the Army. One chose one, and one chose the other. The uncle who chose the Army was blond-haired and blue-eyed, and was selected to be a "spy", because he also was fluent in German, and could pass for a German. If I'm not mistaken, he was also a part of the Dirty Dozen, and was known as "The Strangler". I can't remember if they're one in the same or not. Pretty grisly though!

My husband's great-grandfather was the right hand man for Pancho Villa.

Connie W.

My grandfather served in WW II, and the story goes something like this: While he was in Scotland, he saw my grandmother on a bench. He tried to talk to her, get her name and where she was from, but she wouldn't cooperate. So a service buddy of his who knew who she was told him. And he began writing. Over the course of time, they fell in love through letters. He never saw her again after that day on the bench till he flew her to him. He sent her engagement ring and proposal through the mail between a king and a queen of hearts. She was sick in bed when she received his letter, so the joke of it was over the years that she got engaged in bed. And when he flew his Scottish bride in, it made headline news of the small hometown paper. I think my aunt or my mom still have the clippings. They had 8 children together, my mom being the oldest. Sadly though, she was diagnosed with lung cancer the same time she became a US citizen. She passed away July 4, 1977, I was 5. I do not remember much but her accent, and seeing her shortly before she passed to say good bye, and remember all the tubes. I still have the last gift she gave me, as tattered as it is, a high chair for my baby dolls.

Cheryl F.

Zachary Taylor is related to me on my mom's side of the family.

Also my great grandpa on my dad's side was supposed to go on the Titanic, but he missed the boat, that could have changed history and he and I never would have been born!

Joyce J.

I remember as a little girl visiting my PaPa. He was my Mom's father. He lived in Alabama. We visited one or twice a year. I always loved going to his house. He did not have indoor water or a bathroom. I loved drinking out of the water dipper. The water was always so cold, I could drink and drink.

My PaPa smoked a pipe and he saved me his tobacco cans. I remember lining them up. I then would touch the last tin and watch to see how many of them would fall. Just by touching one tn, often all of them would fall. My PaPa also lived close to a lake. We would walk to it and it was so cool to fish with him. I did not have to be quiet with him like I did if other family members were along. I have other great memories of my PaPa. He died in the early 1980's. I miss him alot.

Debra G

My grandfather was someone who helped our country. He worked the railroads his whole life. My grandmother could always ride for free and he used to bring home a bus that could also go on the rails. It was really neat.

Candy Rox 5125

My family treasure is my great grandmother's painting. She believed that the photo would bring happiness and wisdom for the future generations of our family.

Whenever I see the painting, I feel empowered and motivated to pursue my goals, which is to enter the beauty industry. I've always enjoyed expressing my individuality through art, fashion, and writing. I believe that appearance does not always define the true meaning of beauty. I love beauty that is reflected from the heart to the appearance. My dream is to design beauty products that may enhance one's beauty, yet allow one to feel delightful and confident. Thus, my great grandmother's painting reveals hope to the future for her future generations, and I always keep that in mind as I continue on with my journey.

Anna N

I got sick with multiple sclerosis when I was a little older then 3. It was a very trying time for my parents and my older brother, who was 5 at the time. Of course it was no picnic for me either. I was in and out of the hospital for the most part of my younger years. The doctors didn't know what I had until I was around 10. Until that point it was really just a guessing game. My symptoms ran from vision problems to walking issues.

Our faith in God was the bedrock of the family, and still is. Thankfully when I was 10 my mom gave me a little brother. Oh great another brother to annoy me! When I was about 7 my mom was reading guidepost one morning and came across a story about a woman who was having money issues and only had cloth diapers to use for her baby, she didn't have enough cash to buy detergent for the soiled diapers so that the baby could have clean ones.The lady was on her last diaper when a neighbor stop by and surprised her with groceries, which had a box of detergent in it.

Mama was encouraged by that and prayed that God would reveal himself and let her know it was going to be okay.The next day after she checked the mail and was entering the gate, she noticed something in The handle of the gate. It was a packet of detergent. My mom died in 2003 but at 23 years old I still have that packet of detergent. God is faithful His children! I am thankful to have that memory only if it is second hand. LOL!

SANDY W.

I just wanted to share with you my story of my grandpa and grandma Davis. When I was 6 years old my grandmother had a stroke that left her paralyzed on the left side. She was always the strong silent grandma that made her own soap, had a hand wringer washer to wash her clothes in. Got her drinking and cooking water from an outdoor pump and didn't have an indoor bathroom until 1961.

In 1961 grandma had a stroke, which left her paralyzed on the left side. All grandma wanted to do was come home and not be put in a home. So my grandpa brought her home.

He took such great care of her I am so in awe of them.Grandpa took over doing everything for grandma. He put out the garden,took care of all the farm chores and animals, farmed, cleaned the house and did the cooking. On the weekends my mom, and her brother and sister would come and take some of the load off grandpa. My dad put in an indoor bathroom and walk/roll-in shower for grandma to use.

On Friday nights I would go over and spend the weekend with grandma and grandpa. She taught me how to cook and bake. She taught me step by step how to embroider. She had such wonderful stories of her family and growing up I will never forget her and grandpa.

When school would get out for the summer; I was allowed to go over and help out while grandpa was in the fields. Grandma and I became very close.

She loved to laugh and any kids that came over to see her, whether grand kids or neighbor kids grandma just loved to have them tell her stories and how their days went,then she would just smile and laugh. You always saw a smile on her face.I often think of her and grandpa and I know that if they could see my kids and grand kids they would be laughing and crying with joy! Oh how I miss them both and can't wait until I get to heaven and can see them again.

Rose B.

My Mom and her parents and her 4 sisters came into New York in 1922 from Ireland. My Grandfather was from Scotland and met my Grandmother in Ireland.

Amy S.

I grew up in the 40's and 50's on a small farm in North Carolina. I was raised in a godly home where the Bible and prayer were central to our daily lives. When my parents celebrated their 50th anniversary these are some of the "memories" I wrote down of my growing up years.

"I remember...Mama reading stories from the Old Testament and memorizing verses from Proverbs with me...hearing daddy pray...the fun and excitement of Christmas, going to the woods to cut down a tree and decorating it with balls & tinsel, getting fruit, nuts and candy in my stocking...daddy getting up early in the morning in winter and building a fire...the excitement of getting the Sears catalog in the mail...picking cotton with my little sack across my shoulder...going to town to get ice for our icebox...mama churning milk to make butter...making play houses under the trees, using sticks & rocks to divide the rooms...helping gather eggs, and baby chicks coming in the mail in big boxes...the Raleigh & Watkins men coming by in their panel trucks to sell us salve, vanilla, etc...getting switched with peach tree limbs when I was naughty...the church bell ringing when World War II ended and my Uncle Lee coming home from the war...dresses made from printed feed sacks...having friends come over and making homemade ice-cream...going to church at the little Methodist church and everyone sitting close to the wood stove in cold weather...playing hide & seek and Annie Over with my city cousins in the summer...lying outside on a quilt on hot nights and looking at the stars...the way mama and daddy used everyday events to teach me about God's love and care...." Yea, I have a godly heritage!

Audrey B.

It was April 1, 1944, April Fool's Day, that I attended a dance with a girlfriend. I was seventeen, a senior in high school in Flint, Michigan. Men were scarce so my friend and I went stag to the dance. It was there that I met a young sailor who had recently returned from the Pacific Theatre of the war. He had been on a mine sweeper for two years in the thick of things at Guadalcanal and the Solomon Islands, sweeping the waters around those places. He had prayed one night to be allowed to take advantage of an opportunity to come back to the states and attend college in the V-12 program. He was blessed to pass his physical and be sent back to attend the University of Michigan.

He swept me off my feet that night, and I knew in my heart that we would marry one day. We were fortunate to have a whole year of weekends to spend together while he attended college, coming home to his Mother's home in Flint each weekend. When he was to go on to Midshipman School in Fort Schuyler,N.Y., we couldn't bear being apart and eloped one night. I managed to follow him to New York six weeks later, working for the Western Union main office in New York City.

When he received his commission in June ,he was assigned to the USS Essex Aircraft Carrier. We travelled out to San Francisco on a train and waited for him to take his assignment. Fortunately, the war ended in August before he had to go overseas again. He was sent instead to Bremerton, Washington to await the ship as it came back to the states to be put into "mouthballs". He stayed in the navy an extra six months until the following April, when we returned to Michigan to await the birth of our first of four daughters.

We moved to Ann Arbor in August and he continued his education at the University to receive his Bachelor's and Master Degrees in History. He decided to look for a job then and began his career with the New York Life Insurance Company, which spanned thirty three years. He and I both had "Born Again" experiences in 1968 which changed the direction of our lives. In 1983 He retired early from his position in the New York Home office after a very successful career, to speak, teach and evangelize. We traveled to many places in the world, met wonderful people and many were touched by the Lord through his ministry. He gave of himself until his heart gave out, and he passed away three years ago at the age of 83. I have a wealth of wonderful memories of a loving marriage, a wonderful loving family and countless friends and experiences.

I believe we were part of the"Greatest Generation" as it was coined. We went through the "great depression", experienced times of hardship, war, separation and came through it stronger because of it. I am 83, still in good health, but lonely without the love of my life, though I have children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who are very loving to me. I am blessed.

LORRAINE L.

I'm sure I won't win this contest after reading all the other stories but there is something I'd like to share about my Dad. Dad passed on almost three years ago at 92 years old and he never had a credit card or borrowed money from anyone.

I remember him working an eight hour shift in one mill then cross the street to another mill and work another eight hours and sometimes some overtime.

This probably won't mean much to a lot of people but I was always so proud of him for that. Sad to say, I didn't follow in his footsteps. It still amazes me because we were a family of six and we certainly were not wealthy. God Bless Him.

Anna J.

"The story of a gentleman and a lady"

I have a pretty fine set of Southern roots, and every once in a while, a family event just brings that fact home with a hearty flourish. Take, for instance, a recent celebration . . .. When my grandmother turned 77, we celebrated with a meal and a gathering she hosted at their house. She didn't want anyone to know, before coming, that it was a birthday party and to feel the need to bring gifts as a result, so she just invited her friends for Sunday dinner.

Once everyone was full with a good meal and good Southern fellowship, my grandfather explained to everyone that it was, in fact, an occasion we had gathered for. And then he proceeded to delightfully shock us all, my GramBea and I included.

Now, a couple of things should probably be explained for anyone who does not know my grandparents. They are, by all accounts, adorable. As silly as that may sound, it is the honest truth. I have grown quite accustomed to comments like, "Ooohhh---are you one of Bea & Charley's grandkids? I just love your grandparents!" . . . "Your PaCharley, he is one special gentleman . . . have I ever told you what he did for my family and I? Oh, we just think the world of he and your grandma both" . . . "How do they ever manage to do all that? You'd think they were spring chickens or something!" . . . You get the picture.

So imagine a group of seasoned folks, gathered in a cozy Southern living room, celebrating this ever-generous and kind couple. My grandfather clears his throat in that soft-spoken manner of his, indicating that he is going to say something important--a man of few words, they are always well-chosen and important, so that ears perk up when he begins to speak . . . "It's so good to have you all here . . . we are honoured to have such good friends here to celebrate Bea's birthday with us. I thought I might use this occasion to tell you all how I first met Bea. You see, I actually met her first when she was hitchhiking one day, and I gave her a ride . . ."

PaCharley then proceeded to hold up a 9" x 13" photo he had blown up, proudly displaying this black and white print of GramBea by the side of the highway, looking all glamorous--as she always did--in short shorts and a tied-front blouse, one hand on her hip, and one up in the air, with a come-hither look on her face. PaCharley had printed up a caption on the bottom that said, "Goin' my way?"

GramBea gasped and stammered, "Charley, now that's not the way it happened at all!!" And the rest of us gasped, and then roared with laughter. After we had time to gather ourselves again, PaCharley passed the photo around, and then did concede that he had perhaps embellished their meeting tale slightly. Now, I just happened to know the real story behind the photo, though no one else did. The truth is they were married at the time, and on a road trip shortly after Mom was born--and they were just goofing off. But, no one ever did get around to asking that, because Pa Charley then told the true story, which is just as interesting, it turns out . . .

PaCharley was working in a friend's workshop at the time, though officially in the Army, I believe, as he was drafted during the War. At any rate, he had a factory job during which, one day he noticed this "beautiful brunette" walking across the street. After that, he began to see her regularly, as she would walk around running errands during her work day. After a bit, he asked a friend if he knew who she was--he did: "Well, that's Beatrice Fox!"--who was being courted at the time by one of her suitors, of which I think there were many . . .

Well, after that, PaCharley continued to watch for her--sure enough, he kept seeing her, and he simply could not get her out of his mind. But, he just knew that she was too good for him . . . He kept working, and kept being distracted. So finally one day, he decided he had better just get it over with and ask her on a date, seeing as how he was rather impaired in getting his work done as it was. So, he knew her name, found her number, and called her up. "Uhh . . . Beatrice?" Yes, this is. "My name is Charley Hicks. I work at . . ."

Yes, I know who you are.

At this point Pa Charley paused in his story-telling, to explain to us all that he was shocked that she knew who he was. I mean, he had already gotten to 1st base! We laughed. And he continued his story: Then, still on the phone, he asked if she would like to go somewhere sometime. She said yes. And now, he suddenly realized he had a bit of a dilemma. You see, he hadn't anticipated an acceptance at this point--he thought she would turn him down. So now, Pa Charley was faced with the small issue that, well, he didn't have a car to take her "somewhere."

So, Beatrice gave Charley a ride. And the rest is . . . well, it's history. My history, eventually . . .

Michelle L.

My great-great grandfather's family immigrated to Minnesota from Germany. When he gave his heart to Christ he was disowned by his family. He became a lumberjack preacher in the Northern Minnesota lumber camps. He'd walk into camp and challenge the toughest man to a fight. If he won the whole camp would have to sit down and listen to him preach. If he lost, then he would leave the same day. Apparently,he was quite a boxer. His story is featured in "The Last of the Giants." In International Falls a few years back there was still a hamburger named after him on the menu called the Sornberger. It just goes to show you that God can use our talents in amazing ways that we have never even considered.

blackroze37

There are five generations of us- me, my granny, my mom, my daughter, and I'm expecting a 2nd granchild. So 5 generations now of us women and the granchild who is coming is a boy. My great granny just died about 7 yrs ago (2yrs before my grandaughter was born) or would have been 6 generations. We outlive the men LOL so we are still making memories.

Jon M.

My great aunt was the first woman to go over the side of Niagara Falls in a wooden barrel. She's a family hero.

Natasha

My great-uncle joined the military because his friends were. It was the end of WWII and the things that he would see and experience would scar him for the rest of his life. Part of a team that traveled and released prisoners from concentration camps, he was given the joy of setting them free while battling with the horrors of their imprisonment. Piles of bodies, some still twitching. Horrible smells. Fear so thick you could slice it.

It took him years to be able to speak about it all. Now, as he ages, the desire to tell his story is coming out. And I've been overwhelmed with the knowledge that he is a hero. He would shake his head and deny it but I know. Because a hero isn't someone who does something great. A hero is someone who does something crushingly hard, horrifyingly dangerous or painfully trying... and is able to keep living life after wards.

Kerry W.

I have been recently trying to dig into my family a little more.I don't have much info yet, but I'll share what I do have. It has been hard! I found out that there is a very famous park in Ireland named after my great grandfather called Croke Park. Another grandfather, who I never met, has a very strange story. He was part Native American. All I know about him is one afternoon, he was on the phone with my Aunt. The doorbell rang, and he abruptly said he had to go, and would call her later. He was never seen or heard from again. It has been very painful for our family, and to this day, we still have nothing. That was 45 years ago.

Connie B.

My grandfather Agee Cary was in World War II over in Burma. He took a lot of pictures of the area. Many were rundown temples with the buddha statues inside. I got to hear some of his stories from over there and wrote them down on paper before he died. He said Burma was a really bad place to be...lots of rebels and you could get malaria real easy. He told me of one story that involved shooting on his troops. Many people were injured trying to flee the area. The cook was killed and it was on Valentine's Day. My grandpa couldn't wait to come back to the United States to be with my grandma...eventually my mother was born 10 years after Pearl Harbor. My grandpa was a good solider.

Wendy K.

My grandfather served in the Army during the Korean War, he was actually to young to join but lied about his age. He can be seen in the shots of MacArthur returning to the Philippines. He would never tell many stories from his days in the Army, but during that time is when he met my grandmother. According to the story, he and his buddy were going out that night with Grandma and her best friend who was the buddy's girlfriend. Grandaddy saw my grandmother and told his friend,that's the woman I'll marry. And he did. They were wed in CA. Now Grandma wasn't a small woman in fact she weighed in around 500 lbs and grandaddy was maybe 150 lbs or so. But he loved her until and beyond his death. His legacy? His love for family, God and country. My cousin serves in the Air Force now and has been in the military since 1985, and my Great Uncle served two tours in 'Nam. I have other cousins who served in the military or are still in the military.

But I love the story of how Grandma and Grandaddy met. They were in CA at the time. I have other stories I could tell, like how Grandaddy told the story of a buddy getting shot in the butt while driving a jeep. He would say it wasn't funny at the time, heck they were running for their lives, but after wards...........well it was hilarious. He won medals during his time in the war but to my knowledge no one knows what he did to win them, he would never tell, and last time I tried I couldn't get his records.

Verlina A.

I have an uncle who was in Vietnam who at the time had decided that his faith in God was not worth the effort. He grew up with a sold-out-on-fire-for-God mother and in the knowledge of what Christ had done, but walked away from his personal relationship.

While "MIA" he was treading through the jungles of Vietnam he was in single file line when the soldier behind him asked to trade places with him. He didn't really understand but traded places with the solider of his equal rank.

A few more minutes into their travels, the soldier who had just traded places with my uncle stepped on a landmine and lost his life. My uncle cried himself to sleep for months after that thanking God for his grace and that His protecting hand was over him.

He later returned home with minor wounds, but as most warrior vets, suffered for many years with nightmares.

Jenn P.

My grandfather, who was one of the greatest men I have ever known, lived through and during the depression. While his family worked hard to make ends meet, life was extremely challenging then. He never got to finish school as work on the farm was more important to most living through this time period. Due to extreme hardship, his parents couldn't afford to provide for the entire family. Therefore, my grandfather and another one of his siblings, had to leave the house. As a teenager, my "papap' (as I called him), was forced to be on his own. Therefore, before he was even of age, he enlisted in the army. He fought during WWII, and from then to now, he is still a hero to me.

He met my grandmother when he was home at the roller skating rink. He claims that it was love at first sight. They continued to write letters back and forth, and were soon married. During the war, he missed their anniversary. I am lucky enough to have the letter he wrote to her for this special day. "...I guess by now you have an idea that I am in the Philippine Islands and enjoying it very much. It is sure exciting here seeing jet planes shot down and etc. I have me a nice fox hole with outside exposures, and believe me, it is something nice to have......Honey, don't think I forgot about our wedding anniversary. I sent a man a ring to send to you when I left New Guinea." The letter goes on to say that he loves her.

After retiring from the military, by grandfather continued to work at various jobs. He and my grandmother had 3 children and a total of 4 grandchildren. My papap was a man of dedication, courage, strength, and honour. He passed away my junior year of highschool. I am now 26 years old and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss him. I recently had my first child, and I can't wait to tell him stories about his great grandfather. Mark Twain once said that "wrinkles are merely an indicator of where the smiles once were." The memories made with my papap were priceless. I now understand where all "the wrinkles" came from. His story will live on as I pass it down to my children.

Pearl

A man who I will always admire for his strength, fortitude, determination and perseverance is my late father. He had a great deal of adversity throughout his life and through the trials and tribulations managed to become successful, raise a family and endure and manage major health problems. He did not indulge his regrets nor pamper himself but continued to seek fulfilment through his business.

After the war he taught himself various trades, was innovative and constantly pondered life. His harsh upbringing and being the sole support of 5 siblings and a mother taught him early in life the realities. Unfortunately a young and early death occurred due to the stress and bad genes. My husband has continued his legacy and his work ethic.

Michelle S.

My great great great, etc grandparents (Sutton) have been here since the 1600s and arrived Massachusettes just down the way from Plymouth Rock. I can't remember the name but it's also in Boston. On my mom's side they were French Canadian and went to Vermont, then moved to Michigan when the automobile industry began. On my grandmother (Sutton's) side her mother was Cherokee and great grandmother was on the Trail of Tears. So I am 1/8 Indian. That is where those cheekbones come from.

Edna T.
(The first picture is of my Mother Virginia Schultz Deaton and her sister Elizabeth Schultz Burke. The second picture is of my great-grandmother Mattie Fagan Schultz Huskamp. All are deceased)

I am part German, my grandfather was full blooded. His parents came from Germany in the 1800s, I did the genelogy but could never find for sure when they came over. They were in Charleston, SC and when John Wagner came up country a lot of the Germans came with him. They settled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains which is now called Walhalla, SC.

My great-grandmother worked in a hotel and my great-grandfather worked in a mine. He went into the civil war in a GA troup.

He stayed there 6 months and mustered out, came home (And this is where we assume my great-grandmother got pregant with my grandfather). Their names were Schultz and both were name Johann.
Johanne senior went back into the corps of enginers and the last that he was heard of was around Charleston, SC. He never got to see his son that became my maternal grandfather.

My great-grandmother remarried another German and had more children, she and the rest of her family are buried in the oldest church in upstate, St John Luthern Church in Walhalla, SC. They had a part that is just for the Germans. John Wagner himself was buried here but they moved his body back to Charleston and there is a memorial for him where he was buried.

Ellie

My father came over from Europe when he was a young boy and could not speak English. His father died young and he was the sole provider for his mother and his 5 siblings. He left school at 14 and worked his entire life and died young. He was a self taught man who read voraciously, founded a manufacturing company and was successful. His siblings bickered and took advantage of his good nature and were always demanding and constantly wanted more from him. With his generous nature he gave and gave until his health gave out. I did appreciate his hard working and selfless character which is evident in my own husband.

Anna L.

My parents never talked about grandparents, and I hardly know anything about them. Also, my father is not in my life for a very long time. I only remember that my father's side had some kind of relation to maybe French and other nationalities. Someone from my father's side way back for generations was from the rich elite and had their herb on the coin. My father's mother was a nurse during the World War II. That is pretty much that I know about my grandparents.

My husband's mother's uncle was killed in KATYN, a massacre committed by Russians who committed genocide on Polish intelligentsia and people who served in the war.

Debbie W.

Lots of stories in my family. We do happen to be descended from some European royalty, but I'd have to look it up to remember which ones.

Through another branch of the family tree, we have a diary of a ancestor that was fighting in the Civil War. There's an entry about him receiving punishment because he deserted briefly to go check on his family who lived in the area.

Peri L.T.

16 years ago, I started my cabaret singing career at a club in NYC, that was located in an 1845 building on Cooper Square. Round that time, I was I was reading some NY City history to my mother in her kitchen, and the book mentioned that Cooper Square was where the Fighting Irish Brigade,the New York City Civil War troop, drilled,before going off to war.

"Wait a minute...that's the brigade your great great great grandfather was in! Did I ever tell you that story?" she asked.

Over huge cups of strong tea, I sat enthralled as she told me the story. Edward Knox was the son of Charles Knox, an Irish immigrant who fled Limerick during the potato famine, a 14 year old orphan. Upon arriving in NYC,Charles Knox found work sweeping a hat shop, became an apprentice,and founded Knox Hats.This was, for 100 years after, the world's most successful hat line. Charles even made hats for President Lincoln to wear at his inaugurations! He had a pretty feisty son,Edward Knox, and when the Civil War started, although it was very common for wealthy families (as the Knoxes had become) to pay a poor man to fight in place of their son(s), Edward Knox refused...and joined the famous Fighting Irish Brigade instead.

His first big battle was at Gettysburg. Although his fellow soldiers were agog at his bravery--he saved 14 of his brigade in a spectacular feat of heroism--he disappeared after the battle. His father came to Gettysburg to look for him, and for two months, poor papa Charles trudged around Pennsylvania, stooping at every farmhouse and inn, to see if they had seen his boy.

At last, he found Edward. He had been grievously wounded--but not fatally--and had arrived at the doorstep of a family's farmhouse. They took him in and nursed him back to health. Legend (and my mom) insist that he fell in love with the youngest daughter of the house-she was 16--but before they could be betrothed (and before his father found him) she died of tuberculosis. Or so the story goes!

Edward was taken back to New York City, and nursed back to full health. He also found that he had been awarded the Congressional Medal of honor for his exploits at Gettysburg! He became a successful businessman and philanthropist, and even ran for Mayor of New York City, and when he died, left behind an extraordinary art collection (sadly, sold in 1910. Darn it.) There is a picture of him on the Congressional Medal of Honor sight. His picture makes me think he was a dashingly handsome man in his day...this is supported by the fact that his son,Edward junior, was extraordinarily handsome...but he alas, died young, testing a prototype WW1 plane in 1914. Another hero, but this one gone too soon.

I have a picture of my mother and my nephew Noah,standing in front of the statue of the Irish Brigade/Edward KNox commemorative statue in Gettysburg. It's very moving to contemplate, for me.

My brand new grandniece, whose first and middle names pay tribute to her ancestors (Charlotte Knox) was born three weeks ago-on Edward's birthday!

And to cap it off, the club in which I sang, is located directly across from another Cooper Square landmark...the offices of the Village Voice newspaper, that my fiance's father co-founded almost fifty years ago!

Pepper

Ooo, stories.

First, I'm fourth cousins with Andy Griffith - he and my granny grew up side by side in Mt. Airy (Mayberry) NC I'm a descendent of William Tyndal the Bible translator and William the Conqueror (the warrior). I visited my ancestors castle remains two years ago...VERY COOL!

My granny is my hero. She is fourth generation Appalachian, French, Native American, British, Scotch-Irish. When she was widowed at 29, she raised 6 kids by herself before there was social security benefits. All of her kids are Christians because of the legacy she passed on to them. There are SOOO many stories she passes down by oral history, because in Appalachia almost everything is past down by oral history. :-) We like to 'spin a good yarn".

My great great grandmother stowed away on a ship from Ireland to the states. Once she got here, she had nothing. so she sold herself for money. AFter bearing two children and saving enough money, she left that life and moved to Appalachia from New York.

Another great, great grandmother (also from Ireland) met her husband while he traveled in Europe. They married and moved to Appalachia. I have her dishes ;-) Lovely.

Elizabeth N.

Something unique and special to my family was the lineage of foster parenting and adoption. I was adopted at birth and found out when I was about 6 years old. Many years later I discovered my Mother had been adopted by Grandma F. After I was married I was working in a nursing home when a substitute aide came on shift. She and I were talking when she suddenly ask who my parents were. (she knew the church we attended which gave her the first clue) Then she wanted to know my Mother's maiden name. And the story came out about her Mother dying when she was very young and my Great-Grandmother (Grandma F's Mother) had taken her in and raised her for many years!! As of now, my husband and I have fostered many children over the years and adopted 7 of them; the fourth generation of foster/adoptive parenting.

Anna K.

My grandmother was born in Holland in 1913. She had 2 older brothers and a twin sister (who, interestingly enough was born just before midnight one October night, and she was born just after midnight, so the girls actually had different birthdays. I don't remember how many younger children there were in the family by the time their parents brought the children to the United States to live. My grandmother was 7 in 1920, and she remembered to her dying day seeing the Statue of Liberty and going through Ellis Island. Her Dutch name was Anneke, (pronounced as Annika, and named in the Dutch tradition of the 2nd daughter being named after maternal grandmother) but they changed it to Annie at Ellis Island. Her twin sister was named Jenneke (pronounced "Yen-a-kah", and changed to Jennie at Ellis Island. My mother was named Anna after her mother (and grandmother), and I was named after them also. We named our oldest child Annaka after my grandmother, using the Dutch pronunciation, but "Americanizing" the spelling. My grandmother died in 1990, just before my daughter's 7th birthday, seventy years after emigrating to America.

Annette H.

My great uncle Fred was a supply officer. He stormed the beach at Normandy, and was able to help his men w/ just about anything they needed. See, he spoke German and English. He was able to get free supplies from Germans b/c the German soldiers believed he was a spy for them. So, America used him very much. He wrote home often especially to his then girlfriend and later-to-be Scottish wife, Edna. He was wounded in Germany once and a family nursed him back to health over 6 months. He also was so good at getting supplies that the Germans gave him a box of canned goods at a train station. He went on the other side of the train and gave them to the prisoners in the train. Fred also made it through the Battle of the Bulge.

He was also really good at playing football in high school and was called “golden toe” for his abilities to kick so well. He helped win this big game between his town, Silsbee, Texas vs. their rivals.

My grandfather, well, he was the best example I can think of for the Prodigal Son. He did become a Merchant Marine and they still were impacted by the war. They were attacked a few times. How did he get over it? Well, by writing a few girls to see which one he would marry when he returned. One letter put it this way, “Dear Sis, Stopped into the port in Cuba. Great cigars, and the women are nice too.” He was most definitely not too shy. He did marry, had a child, divorced, married again, they had my dad and divorced later when my dad was 9 years old. Many in town would tell their children not to play w/ my dad because of this and because of the screaming and fighting. My grandfather and grandmother were not exactly kind people. He died not knowing Christ. He drove passenger trains and the engine hit a stalled-out truck, and blew up. The passengers were saved. My dad was 14 years old at the time.

My great-uncle is the hero. He lived into his 90’s, was a father to 3 daughters, and was so inspirational. He was definitely the kind of man that I would have loved for a grandfather. My grandfather… well, I so hope that at the very last minute he came to know the Lord. Glad that God saw fit to have me become a little of both by being a Christian who loves to travel and worked in Russia helping orphans.

Anna W.

My paternal grandfather was a cook in the army. One time, the soldiers were complaining about his cooking, so he threw them all out of the mess tent. He threw away all the food, then he heated and served stewed tomatoes and saltine crackers. He said they never complained about his cooking again! :)

Barb S.

My maternal grandfather came to the USA from Cyprus in 1919, he wanted to become an American and an Episcopal priest. He became an American citizen and was a chaplain in the Army for over 30 years before he retired!

FORM CLOSED! WINNER ANNOUNCED APRIL 2ND!

Contact

2007-12-18T15:43:00.001-06:00

Please contact Amy Lathrop with any questions, problems or concerns!

amy@susanmaywarren.com

Thank you for participating!

For more information about Susan May Warren, please visit her website, www.susanmaywarren.com!

You can also find Susan at Facebook and on twitter!

2007-12-18T15:42:00.068-06:00

Welcome to the contest for the NIGHTINGALE blog tour!

LETTERS FROM HOME

Congratulations to the runner's up winners:

Amber
Honeybee
Sarah B.
Debbie
Kelly

And the grand prize winner is:

TINA!!!

Nightingale is about letters, the power of written correspondence to convey thoughts and emotions to those far away. And sometimes near. Letters are forever, they are something we savor and pull out to read again and again. They are often cherished and kept in a special place.

Thanks to everyone who submitted a letter, both public and private, during the contest. The grand prize winner will receive a Flip HD Camcorder. The 5 runner's up winners won a signed copy of Nightingale.

CONTEST CLOSED. WINNER ANNOUNCED DECEMBER 6TH!

1. Doreen: I'd like to write a letter to my Mom stating that I'm grateful for the many things that she's done for me.

Thank you for the everyday things that you do for me, have done for me and continue to do. I don't really tell you that I'm grateful for you. I'm grateful for your life! Thank you so much for being there always when I need you. Love Doreen

2. Edna: To Lyland Tollison

Lyland, we really miss you and are so proud of you serving our country and knowing that even through you are away from Janie we know she is proud also. Take care while you are in Iraq and please let God be your guide so that He may help you. We love you

3. Casey: To Fellow blogger and new friend Amber Stokes as she struggles through exams and time crunching projects.

Dear Amber, Your name just keeps ringing in the halls of my mind when I saw the opportunity Susan was giving to send a letter to someone. I just want to encourage you in your studies. I know deadlines and time crunches are a part of life, but knuckle and down and don't look up and you will get it all done. Focus on one thing at a time and let all the other worries of life pass you by. Nothing is as important as what God puts in front of you to do at that exact moment, so ask Him what He wants you to do today and chase after that with all your mind, heart and soul.

It becomes so easy to get distracted from our walk with Christ when we have so many things pulling at our time. I want to just encourage you to take a deep breath and focus on Him first of all. Let the exam paper sit for a moment because in the end you will be better prepared to finish it. It never hurts to give little rewards either to yourself. ;) Sometimes a chapter in that favorite novel is just what keeps me going.

Can I pray for you?

Dear Heavenly Father,
Please be with Amber this week. Give me strength to finish any project and let all the other worries that always seem to crowd in demanding our time be pushed to the side and silenced. Give her grace and peace to step out in faith and know You will be right beside her, whispering wisdom and encouragement to her soul. May she have great peace and the determination to not quit until it is all done. Thank You for her sweet love and witness for You. Bless her this week, God. In Jesus' Name, Amen. I'm always an email away Amber!! Love, Casey.

4. Virginia R: To any soldier who doesn't receive a letter, or to any soldier that just needs to read one. We all need a connection to home.
To the Loneliest Soldier,

I don't know your name, where you are from, or your age. I just know that you are what feels like millions of miles from home and sometimes asking yourself, why am I here? I know that night after night, if you are able to see them, you count stars in the sky or watch

Now you are in a foreign land fighting enemies that you sometimes can't see. The nights are either too hot or too cold, the days the same. And though you are surrounded with friends going through the same thing, you all share the same alonenesselse's

5. Leah: I like to write a letter to a soldier. Because my brother is In Iraq right now and I know how hard it is for him to be over there, so I'd like to say thank you to some soldier.
I'd like to tell you thank you for serving. I know it is hard to be away from family and friends, so I just want you to know that I am thinking of you and praying for you. Thank you again! And may God bless you and keep you safe. Love,Leah~

6. Barbara: I've written the letter to my mother who I'm visiting in Portland, OR for Thanksgiving and her 92nd birthday.
What are you doing Thanksgiving? I'm excited!! I'm flying to Portland, Oregon to spend Thanksgiving with my mother and brother . We will be joining my step-brother Bill and sister-in-law Linda for dinner. The day after Thanksgiving we will be celebrating mother's 92nd birthday. We are so thankful to still have her with us.

My mother is the most special woman in the world to me. She is still very agile and astute. Mother puts me to shame when she gets down on her hands and knees to look inside a cupboard for something she needs. She has been through a quadruple heart bypass and wears a pacemaker. She takes all that with a "matter of fact" attitude. Never complains and still prepares the meals for herself and my brother. I'm so thankful that he lives with her and can watch over her. She is a woman of remarkable patience and wisdom. Mother has been widowed twice and still lives in her own home and that's where she intends to stay until God moves her to her heavenly home with him. Mother is an avid reader and makes weekly trips to the library for a fresh stack of books. She does have a touch of arthritis and a pinched nerve in her spine that is painful, but she doesn't complain. She has lost most of her hearing and is helped to hear with the most up to date computerized hearing aids. We are all so proud of her.

Mother is responsible for bringing me up in the faith. Many Mother's Day ago I came across this poem, prettily framed, in a little gift store and thought it very appropriate to honor her on Mother's Day. At that time I was directing choirs in churches, I set the words to the music of "Sunrise, Sunset" from Fiddler on the Roof. I was able to visit her that Mother's Day and was always invited to sing in her church. That Sunday I sang this song to her and the other mothers in the congregation. The words go like this......
MOTHER
My first thoughts of God
Came to my childish mind,
Through songs you sang to me
So long ago in time.
My first desire to meet
My Father God above
Was inspired by your life
Of gladness mixed with love.
My first attempt to trust
My Lord and Savior, Christ,
Was due to wells of joy
I saw spring from your life.
Had it not been for you,
Mother, I often say,
I may have missed the Life
And never found the Way
(Penny Tanksley)

I've always been thankful that God chose this remarkable lady to be my mom. I just wanted to share about her with my friends and family on Facebook. As long as she is still healthy and happy, I pray she lives far past the age of 92. Mama, I cherish you, appreciate you, admire you, and love you.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND A VERY HAPPY 92ND BIRTHDAY

7. Kate: To a soldier who is serving our country and not with their family at Christmas
To a Soldier whom I admire, I just want to say a quick thank you. Thank you for being willing to serve our country, to fight for it, and to also fight for others freedom. Thank you for being away from your family at anytime but especially at Christmas time when all families should be together. See I 'm in high school and I live on a farm in the Midwest where it snows almost every year for Christmas. I don't know what its like being away from the ones I love the most, especially on the holidays, but you have my utmost respect for fighting for freedom, for loving our country, for loving your family enough to be in a foreign country even at Christmas time. I don't know where you're at, who you are with, what you believe, where you're from, how old you are, what you like but I do know that you are willing to put your life down for humans that you have no idea who they are. You put yourself in danger for people, you sacrifice your time, money, freedom, family, job and many other things that I don't even have any idea about just so others can live better, safer, happier lives. So thank you, Soldier, wherever you are at in the world on this day at Christmas time - or anytime of the year-know that you have my respect for life and know that God loves you and will always be there for you no matter what, in any situation. Thank you again and keep safe.

8. Barbara L: This letter is written to a soldier who is serving at the front of the war action.
Dear Sir: You are brave to be where you are. Even though you may not have had a choice to be there; nonetheless you are brave, indeed. I cannot imagine the circumstances you are living and working under. I hope you have the strength of spirit to continue and buddies to be there for you when you need them. You have the courage to keep going and I admire you so much for all that you are and do. Being in another culture and language is hard enough. I hope that the Iraq people near you are not hostile. We read much about that aspect and I don't understand the hostility when you are there to help them.

We see photos in TIME magazine and TV news of soldiers "being there", doing what is needed whatever it is. You are applauded for your strength and ability to continue in spite of the ugly things you see around you. I congratulate you for all the everyday duties you perform that put you in harm's way. Thank you for being you. I hope you are safe and unharmed.

Best wishes to you and your buddies. You do an incredible job! We support you and thank you so much for your courage and intelligence to keep going.

You are supporting America and Freedom. Take care, stay safe and come home soon. All the best, Sincerely, Barbara.

9. Christine: To my daughter to let her know how proud I am of her for being the strong, sweet girl that she is.
Dear Joelle, I am so proud of you for all of the hard work that you put in to school, dance and learning at church. You are such a special girl. I am so happy that you are a part of our family. Thank you for everything that you do. Love, Mom

10. Tina: I want my letter sent to my in-laws. I feel guilty for calling them "in-laws". They practically raised me and I married their only son. We have been married for over 30 years. We have suffered many illnesses and deaths...our children's deaths, and yet my in-laws are there to help financially, spiritually and emotionally. I will never be able to pay them back, but at least this letter will be something they can keep...to know how much they are loved.
Jessie and Dot,

It feels funny to call you by your given name instead of the usual "Mom and Dad" that I always use. You both have been a true parent to me in all ways. While I am not a child of you marriage union, I am a child that you looked after. You taught me the Bible and gave me your love since I was 13 years old. At that time you had no idea that I would marry your son when I turned 16...you only saw a child that was abused, neglected and battered. Such a site was uncomfortable for you to acknowledge. You both had a hard time believing that such evil existed. It did.

When I married your son, Tony, I had no idea what life had in store for us. Unlike most teenagers, we got married because we loved each other, but we didn't know what true love was. It was something that we would learn as we grew toward each other as years and hardships passed. Tony was almost 20 with a 16 year old bride, not so uncommon 32 years ago.

You have been there for us through every trial sent our way. When we had our first child, three years after we were married, it was discovered that Tony had a brain tumor. He underwent surgery, but his pituitary gland was removed. This caused some 100 hospitalizations over the next 15 years.

You both were always there. We never went hungry or without. You made sure we always had a home to live in. I can see how so many people become homeless in this old world, but you made sure that we were not a statistic. You bought us a home, and helped us furnish it. You never thought about how much it was costing you, although you admitted that you sometimes grow angry that things seemed to happen time after time. God understood that anger. He knew that the anger came with love in the center. When the anger went away, the love was there for all to see.

Through the years we almost lost Tony twice. Once in an explosion at work and secondly when he died 5 times in twenty-four hours. We didn't expect this with a "minor" surgery, but we didn't know that he had a blood clotting disorder. We lost our home and everything else, but you were there to help us, to love us and to always keep us grounded in what was important.

Throughout our married lives we have suffered 9 miscarriages. We lost our daughter when she was only 3 days old and you were there for us. Mom, you were the one holding Whittney when she died. I am so happy that you were with her when I couldn't be. As you know we never left her alone. Someone was always by her incubator. Thank you for being with her when she went to be with God.

More recently, Tony recovered from his near death experiences, and I became ill. Fibromyalgia, blood clots and asthma forced me to quit work and file for disability. Again...you both are always there for us. It was hard for me in the beginning. I was the one who was always trying to help anyone else, the one always working to make sure that with your help we survived. Depression clouded my thinking, it separated me from everyone. I couldnt' take anymore. I was tired, sick and home sick for Heaven. I was soooo ready to go be with my daughter. However, I had a son, and his family...two beautiful grandchildren. When push came to shove I put one foot in front of the other and carried on. I couldn't have done this without your help.

I look at you today, you both are over 80 years old, and you never stop loving or supporting us. I have been blessed to have known you and I am even more blessed by the love you have shown me over the past 35 years. If being a Christian is being "Christ like" then you certainly are a Christian. It isn't a status...it's a way of life.

I know that God has something special for you when it is your time to be with him. I will miss you, but I know you both will be where you most want to be...with you Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

11. Kelly: Wendy - an old friend to remind her of God's love and thank her for her service to her country
Wendy: My dear friend, I want to thank you for serving your country to provide my freedom to believe in God and raise my son in a land built on freedom and opportunities. Know that I am proud of the woman you have become. And, one day, we will sit down together to catch up over a cup of coffee. Always remember that God loves you and is holding you in the palm of His hand no matter where you are and no matter what trials you are going through. He will always be there waiting for you, my friend. Hugs & Blessings, dear one, Kelly

12. Phyllis: I would like to write a letter to my Mom to let her know how much she was loved and appreciated because I took her for granted. I will write it for myself because you can't mail it for me since she is in Heaven. I just want to say the things I didn't say when I had the chance.
Dear Mom, I want to let you know how much you mean to me, and how much I loved being your daughter. You never fussed when I woke you up in the middle of the night when I had a bad dream. You were willing to guide me back to bed when I went 'sleepwalking' as a child. You were willing to spend time with me, making cookies or a cake. I got my love of cooking from you. Mom, you cooked and cleaned everyday without so much as a thank you, but you never seemed to mind. You wiped away tears, kissed boo boos and sent me out into the world with a sense of my worth. I always knew that I was loved. I grew up in a home where faith was important, and I never heard a cuss word until I went to school. You taught me to love books as much as you loved books, and encouraged me to read. You never seemed to mind how many hours I spent under the tree reading a book, or how I got lost in a book and forgot to do a chore. You taught me that imagination was a good thing, and that stories can transport us anywhere in the world. You listened to me tell you my dreams and encouraged me to go to school and get my education, telling me that I could do anything I wanted, and being a girl wouldn't hold me back. You taught me to dream and you taught me to reach for the stars, and to trust in God to meet my needs. When you died of cancer, a piece of my heart died too. I'm sorry that I took you for granted all those years. After you died, I found I no longer had that shoulder to cry on when I was hurting, I couldn't call you up anymore and say, "Mom, I want to come home, and you would always say, "Come home". I wasn't always the best daughter, but one thing I can say with certainly, you were the best Mother!! I look forward to seeing you in Heaven, and knowing that I can say "I love you so very much, and I am so grateful to God for putting me in your care". Until we meet again in Heaven, take care and know that I love you.

12. Barb D: my cousin Sue Y
Dear Sue! When I was at the Deaf Conference in Indianapolis this summer, a lady shared a whole stack of books with me! In the stack was a book by Susan May Warren! The setting was in Minnesota-my state! (& was so intriguing that I couldn't put it down!) I signed up for Susan's e-mails & she has recently released a new book, which takes place in Wisconsin-your state! I'd like to win Susan's latest book, & she has this contest going where we can write letters to anyone we chose, & they will deliver it! So, here's my letter to you!

13. Jodi: I would like to write this letter to my mother because she always prayed I would have a little girl just like me. Her prayers were answered and I have a lot of apologizing to do!
Dear Mom, Your prayers for me have been answered. I am a mature woman with a great husband, beautiful house close to home, a close relationship with the Lord, and a little girl just like me! After only six years my little Miriam has me wondering daily how it is possible to love someone so much while at the same time wanting to wring her little neck! I can't express enough how thankful I am for a mother who loved me through the back talk, outright disobedience, and total disregard for everything you wanted for me. Your unconditional love and prayers it what made me the person I am today. Now you are a trusted friend who cries with me when my own beautiful daughter looks through me with eyes that can only be saying, "I don't care. Punish me. Is that all ya got?" You laugh with me when you remind me of my own silly disrespectful antics. My prayer is that I can raise the kind of daughter you did and that some day I have a granddaughter just like her! I love you, Mom! Thank you! Your strong willed daughter, Jo

14. Penny: A Soldier; to say thank you for all the sacrifices they have made to secure our freedoms.
I want you to know that I often think of the great sacrifice you made when you chose to enter the military. I think about the family you've left behind and how much they miss you. Of the comforts you left behind to keep us comfortable here in the USA. During this time of Thanksgiving I want to give you a big THANK YOU. Sincerely, I hope and pray for you to be safe and healthy. And know there are people thinking about you. Penny A.

15. Terry mood, my father. His sacrifices went unnoticed when I was child. I took them for granted. Now I want to thank him.
Dad - I'm writing you this letter because I was prompted by a contest to write a letter to someone I had something to say to. This was on my heart.

I just wanted to thank you for all the sacrifices you paid for us kids. My brothers and I really didn't appreciate it when we were younger, but now that I'm grown and have a child of my own, I understand more fully the many things you had to give up so we could have the latest and greatest.

In particular, I'm reminded of how you took out a bank loan just so I could pledge with a sorority. I wasn't thinking about the financial hardship this would be for you...I only thought about myself. You were always doing things like this for me (and all of us). I remember my new oboe I just had to have....and all the payments that went with it. Or my piano. Or my car. it was always something .

It might have taken me a few years to get up to speed on telling you how much I appreciate everything you've done, but here I am. If I give my daughter just half of the commitment and love you gave me...and she'll be the luckiest girl in the world. I love you so much. Jeannie

16. Robin S: To an unknown soldier from Milwaukee, WI. This man caught up to me outside the cemetery after my cousin's graveside service and handed me the shell casing from the rounds fired. He has no idea what it meant to me.

My cousin Jay Peters had a military funeral in Milwaukee, WI quite a few years ago. You were there; tall, strong, quiet and dignified in your dress uniform.

I sang for the funeral, so I held in my grief until after the graveside ceremony. I think I was the last civilian to leave the site. I hadn't gotten far when I heard you running after me. "Ma'am?" you said.

I turned around and waited for you to catch up. You had something in your hand and held it out to me. "Would you like this, Ma'am?" You put an empty shell casing in my palm. Your eyes were so solemn and earnest.

What would I do with an empty casing? I stared at it as I walked back to the chapel. Empty. Just a shell. The Spirit of God spoke to my heart, "In the casket is the empty shell that used to house your cousin Jay. He's not there. He has come to Me, you'll see him again. Don't be troubled."

Comfort. I laid the casing in my purse and carried it with me for years. Many times it offered me an opportunity to share the certainty we have of eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus.

I wonder; do you know Him? Did you know what it might mean to me to have that casing? Do you have that same hope?

I have many questions about you, your life, your faith, your family, and where you have served your country. I'd like to thank you. Maybe you knew Jay. Maybe there is a record of the honor guard detail from the day of his funeral, and somehow this letter might reach you. If not, I'll thank you in eternity. Bless you, dear Soldier, and God keep you. Robin J. Steinweg

17. Danielle G: I am writing to the family of a young Marine from our area who was laid to rest today. He left behind a wife and 3 young children. I want his family to know they are loved and that Javier did not die in vain.

To the family of Staff Sargeant Javier Ortiz-Rivera:
I thank you for the ultimate sacrifice that you have given. I am so sorry that we have lost such a wonderful young man, but my heart truly aches for those of you that have been left behind. I pray that you may find comfort in knowing that Javier's sacrifice is deeply appreciated and that his family is in our hearts and prayers.

18. Abbi: Thank You to a soldier!

Thank you doesn't seem to be a great enough response for all that you have done and are continuing to do for this country. Without you we would have to live lives of fear and constant worry. The tragic thing is we often don't take the time to appreciate all that you are doing for us. We don't acknowledge all the sacrifices you have had to make: a life of safety and security, time with your family and friends, the comforts of home, and many other things. So even though thank you is inadequate, they are the only words I have so, Thank You! Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

19. Sita H: My parents, Rudolph and Bindya Ramcharan, to let them know how grateful I am that they had the courage to stand as the first-generation Christians in a Brahmin family.

Dearest Mom and Dad, You are my heroes. Because of you and the stand that you took to proclaim Jesus as The Way, the Truth and The life, I can now watch my sons learning and growing in faith growing slowly in intimacy with the One true God. I know the sacrifices you made but I am so grateful that you will be more than compensated when you see your Saviour. Thank you for all the perseverance in prayer for your children, for persisting in faith and leaving me a legacy to carry on. You are amazing and it hurts that you are so far away. I wish you were closer so that my boys could benefit from your wisdom and faith first-hand. With all my love, thoughts and gratitude, Sita

20. Debbie: I would like to write a letter to my mom and dad. The two neatest people in the world. My parents have stood by me through many surgeries and many loses.
Dear Mom and Dad,
I wanted to write you to let you know how special you are. You have been there for me when life has gone well and when life has been tough. I know that it was not easy to be there every time I had surgery, but you were. You have excepted every foster child we have ever had as if they were your own grandchildren. You were there when Duane broke his back. I felt so alone and then there you were. You were there when our Crystal was in the hospital and you were even there the evening when she died. I don't know how I would have ever gotten threw any of these things especially the loss of our daughter Crystal.

Mom from little on you showed me how to be strong and how to persevere even when times were tough. You taught me to trust the Lord and to let him help in good times and in tough times. You are the strongest and sweetest women I have ever met. When people say how do you it, I reply that I can do it because my mom showed me how. I love to tell them about my mom. You are truly wonderful!

Dad you took us in as if we were your own. I just don't know how you did it. We were not the easiest kids to live with. I had a father who brought me into this world but I had you to be my dad. You have always been there when I needed you. You hate hospitals and yet you always come. If we need anything there you are to help or support us. I truly could not have asked for a better dad. Your the best! Thank you so much for all that you have done for me!! God bless you and keep you in his loving arms. I Love Lots, Debbie

21. April: I would like to share this letter with any soldier that you can send it to. I think that it is so very important to give our soldiers support (whether you agree with the war or not) because they are fighting for our freedom!
I just wanted to let you know that I greatly appreciate your willingness and desire to fight for this country; to fight to keep us safe; to fight to keep us free. You hold a very special place in my heart. During this holiday season, I know that it is hard on you because you miss your family and friends so very much, but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you; that you are not alone. You are thought of, you are cared for, and you are loved. Thanks for all you do! April

22. Sarah P: This letter is to my friend. It's to tell her how much I do love and appreciate her even though we are going through a rough time.
Dear J,
It seems like we've known each other forever. I have memories of us that go back to when we were just kids. I have gone through some amazing times with you and the memories make me smile. I always thought I was the one who had to teach the lesson or be the example, but I think you've helped me more than even I know. I've learned to let go and have fun, to stand up for myself, to be outgoing, and where to draw the line. I know I've been holding back with our friendship, I've said I've forgiven you but I'm still hurt. What I realize now is that you deserve an explanation. I feel I have done all the work and you just reaped my benefits. But now I realize that you've taught me to be strong. I have failed to realize that you are going through things of your own, you are learning and growing just like me and God has a plan for the both of us. In times of anger I forget all our good times and just meditate on the bad ones. I forget that you have been one of the best friends I have ever had. Thank you for sticking with me when I have been the one to be cold, and thank you for teaching me how to be a friend. No one is perfect, neither of us are but I thank God that we can forgive each other and move on. You’re my forever friend. Love always, Sarah

23. Alexandra: To a Soldier, thank you for doing what you do
As a child my mom was in the Army Reserve. I spent one or two weekends a month going to the Reserve Base with her and watching her do her thing as a Drill Sergent. I thought it was a fun game; meeting for BBQ's at the end of the weekend, having holiday parties and birthday parties. And when she asked me to write letters to her friends who didn't have kids--men and women I knew, who played puzzles with me or read me stories or just let me climb all over them--I didn't think anything of it.

And when those people stopped responding, or mentioning their name made my mother cry, it was also something I didn't think much about. I was young and no one explained to me about War (the first Gulf War in this case).

As an adult now I try to write letters to soldiers when I can. I have never met you, but that doesn't factor into things for me. Maybe you know a little girl who likes to tag after new recruits and badger them about if they like cartoons, like I used to. Whatever the reason this letter reached you and I hope that you can feel how appreciative I am.

The military isn't for everybody, lord knows I could never do it. Too argumentative is what they say about me and I guess that's true. I like doing things my way after all.

But I want to express how grateful I am that you're there at the front lines. That you're fighting to retain my right to argue as loudly and as often as I can. I want you to think of home and of things that you love to do, or things that annoy you. Smile and remain strong and remember--regardless of anything else, you are protecting us all and that is something that is darn fine.

You're Big Darn Heroes, something that too few people remember and something I will never forget.

24. Annette: A soldier serving our countryDear Hero, You are my hero! I want to thank you so much for your service to our country. I am so thankful for the freedom that we enjoy as Americans and I appreciate your sacrifices in protecting that freedom. I am sure that it is very difficult being away from your friends and family, especially this time of year with the holidays approaching. I just want you to know that you are loved and appreciated. Thank you so much and I will keep you in my prayers for a safe return to your loved ones.

25. Robin: Penny Todhunter - For always being there for me during my grief, she is the perfect example of what a true best friend is about.
Penny, So many times we fail to take the time to let someone know how we feel about them. I wanted to take this time to say thanks for standing beside me through the past 8 months. Saying goodbye to a spouse is one of the hardest things we ever have to face. Your support, love and friendship throughout Tony's illness and death means more to me than you will ever know. You knew just when I needed a hug, a prayer, a shoulder to cry on... sometimes just knowing you were there without having to say a word made me feel better. Sometimes God gives us friends for a reason or season and sometimes they are here to stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. You have left footprints on my heart and I am thankful to you for all that you do for me, all that you make me and for the friendship you give to me! God knew what I needed when He sent you into my life, I am glad to call you my best friend and only hope that I can give you back as much of the love, support and friendship that you have blessed me with. I love you!

26. Jeannine: I'd like to write a letter to a soldier because he/she is fighting for our freedom. I don't have a name or address of a soldier; however, I'm sure it can be sent to any one of the many courageous soldiers out there!
I just wanted to thank you for making me truly proud to be a Canadian. Your hard work and courage has not gone unrecognized. You, and the rest of the troops, are in my prayers.

All of you out there make our country great and as long as there are people like you that are willing to make sacrifices, not only our freedom but the feedom of others around the world. I know there is hope for humanity. Thank you for serving your country and protecting our most precious gift: freedom!

27. Joelyn: I would like to write a letter to my daughter that passed away 13 years ago this year. I miss her so very much and I want her to know all that she has missed in some ways, but been a part of in others and to share my love for her and how special she is to me even if she is not on this earth every day. I do not have an address to send this to her, but feel better having the opportunity to write her this letter.Dear Theresa Marie, My dearest daughter, 13 years ago on August 22nd, you came into this world so unexpectedly. Your dad and I weren't expecting you until December and there you were, weighing in at 1 lb. 7 oz. and already capturing my heart.

The four months that I was able to spend with you were wonderful. Even though I was never able to take you home, I was able to cradle you in my arms, kiss your forehead, change your diaper and share you with those that mattered the most in our life.

You were able to meet Grandpa Lubich ( Grandpa Billy. Both of those men are with you now in heaven along with your namesake, Grandma Lubich and Grandma Billy, who passed away when I was just a toddler. You have amazing God-Parents as well, Uncle Jeff and my friend Maria are wonderful Catholic individuals and they came and saw you every chance they got.

Your Grandparents love you dearly, there isn't a year that goes by that they don't speak of you with such warmth and love. They miss you just as much as I do and they want nothing more to have you here with us.

Since you left this earth, I had another daughter, her name is Samantha and just like you she was born early and she spent a lot of time in the hospital. She came home so very tiny and fragile I was scared to death to even hold her sometimes.

She is now 12 and when I look at her I wonder about you. What you would like, dislike, what your talents would be and if you would be musically inclined or if you would like sports. I wonder how you would do in school and what kind of friends you would have.

In a way I am sad that your dad and I are no longer together, but know that he loves you just as much as I do and wishes that you were here to be a part of our lives as much as I do.

There is so much that has happened in my life since you were born and so many things that I wish I could have shared with you on a personal level. Don't ge me wrong, you are with me in my heart each day, and I know you are in a good place as God's angel. He must have needed you up in heaven and you needed a place to go to heal and become whole.

Each year at Christmas I grieve your death however I also celebrate in the fact that you are not hurting and you are looking down upon me and your family each day smiling at all of us and each day I look up into the sky and I see your smiling face in the clouds and the sun. I miss you terribly and love you so very much. Love always, Mom

28. Katherine: My daughter because I love herI want to thank you so much for all the love and time you devote to me and your daddy. We love you with all our hearts and can't wait to spend eternity with you.

29. Dominic: My good friend Joey who enlisted in the Navy two years ago. He felt trapped by debt, alcoholism and one dead-end job after another. He took a step to change his life but still isn't taking his life seriously. As my friend, I'm taking a stand for him.
Let me first acknowledge you for taking your life into your own hands, for the strength and courage to leave your mom, your brother and your friends to seek a better life for yourself.

Allow me to speak directly. You're like my brother. I don't have many acquaintances, only old friends whom I'm loyal to. I might be wrong about some of this stuff, but we've been friends because we deal with some of the same shit. And besides, I'd rather go too far or be wrong than not make a stand.

I believe in you. I’m here for you. I’m on a quest to be something, to make a difference, to bring honor to my people, before it's too late. I'm asking you to realize your power and rise up with me. Your friend for life, Dominic (condensed)

30. Deidre: To all U.S. Soldiers
To all the soldiers who are giving of themselves to serve our country. Thank you for all that you do. Blessings to your families who worry about you and miss you. May they be filled with the warmest of feelings even though you are not home to share the holidays with them. Peace and joy to you all.

31.Samantha: To a Soldier needing a friend.I just want to start off by saying I am not gonna say I know how it feels. Because unless you were there, you will never truly know. Many of us wonder what it's like but we are too afraid to ask. It takes alot to be a a soldier: pride, courage, strength, and above all faith. Faith is what keeps alot of people going in this world these days and without we would just have chaos because no one would believe in anything. I remember when the Twin Towers were hit. I was in 5th grade and outside playing. We were all rushed in and watched the news all day in awe. People were scared and alot of people died that day for someone elses god. I wonder all the time what the world would be like if that never happened. Would there be a different war??? Would there be no soldiers in Iraq. We will never know. We never got the chance to know. But on a last night I wanna say thank you for what you are doing. You may think that if you were to die in combat that only your family and friends would be in grief. But you should know that the whole world cries when one of our own dies. Thats why we are called the United States. Sincerely, Samantha

32. Samantha: To my Grandpa Richard, who was like a father to me.

Dear Grandpa, How is it up there? Is it everything like they say it is. I am glad knowing that you feel better now and no longer have to suffer. I really don't think you deserved to die so soon. No one deserves to die of cancer.

I remember when you first got sick and mom and I came to take care of your for a little while in August. You were the same old joke making old fart. It made me sad to see you on oxygen. We had to make sure you took your pills because you would forget and mom helped you take baths. Remember how mom left a few days before I did, and my boyfriend came and picked me up so he could meet you. He drove 5 hours just to do that. He also got a flat tire half way through the trip. The doctors said it could have been something linked to the stuff they sprayed during Vietnam that killed alot of soldiers since it was a Blood Cancer but they never were able to figure it out.

I remember they day before you passed away. I was at home and I was watching my boyfriends disabled sister while his parents were in town. My dad called and told me that you were put back in the hospital on December 1st. I wanted to go really bad and when I got off the phone with him I started to cry. At 9:15 a.m. I got another call from my dad letting me know that you passed away that morning. I talked to my mom later that day and she told me that last thing you said to her was, "I am trying and I love you."

Well grandpa I had my daughter 2 months ago and I really wish that you could have met her. She is really beautiful and I know she would have loved you as much as I do.

I am gonna go. Silly me im crying thinking about you. I think about you alot. I hope your having a great time and please watch over me and Bethany. Love Always, Your Granddaughter Samantha

33. Erin E: Anyone serving in the Armed ForcesEveryone back home is so proud of you and think of you ever day. We wish you a safe and happy holiday. Thank you so much for all that you do for us back home.

34. Honeybee: My letter would be to my late husband who died on Feb. 22, 2001.

Honey, I miss you so much. we had 36 wonderful years together. You gave me so many thoughtful words, hugs, love, and treated me like a queen. I have so many memories to keep me company until we meet again and be together forever. The special dinners and dances just for us to snuggle and tell each other what we mean to each other. Since you've been gone, I still feel your presence at night giving me comfort. Thanks for all those amazing years together and for the many more we will have when I come to you in heaven. I love you!
Love,Honeybee

35. Laura: Daddy because I miss him so and there are so many things I wish I had said before he passed.
Daddy, You are my hero. You embody all that a man, husband and father should be. I looked for those qualities in my husband and found them.

Thank you for all of your sacrifices for our country and for our family. Please know that they never went unnoticed.

I love you and am so very proud of you always. During your battle with colon cancer, you taught me how to face adversity with bravery and diginity. I admire your strength and courage. While I am thankful that you are not suffering, I miss you so much and wish you were here for just one more hug, kiss and "I love you". Much love ALWAYS! Sissy

36. Amanda: Enemy. Because I still have faith in them.

Dear Enemy, You've done many things which are not right. You have gossiped, lied, and told secrets. There are things that you've said that have hurt people. You have done some low down things.You aren't where you need to be. You aren't far from where you need to be. It's a constant journey with many ups, downs, hills, and mountains. You have to press on and never stop. You determine your future.What do you want to do for this world? How do you want to be remembered?

37. Sarah B: I'd like to send a letter to a soldier. I live near a military base and have had my eyes opened to the struggles and triumphs of the men and women willing to serve and protect their country.

It's so easy for me to take things for granted. A safe home. Freedom to worship and make my own choices. The opportunity for my children to get a good education. I know that none of these things happen by accident. I want to thank you. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Thank you for your willingness to spend time away from your family in order to protect mine. What you do is invaluable. So, on the days when you feel homesick, and you wonder if anyone back home appreciates what you're doing - we do. Thanks. May God Bless you richly and bring you home again safe and soon.

38. Susan S: i would like to write a letter to my husband, because i miss himDear Tony, I love you! I miss you! Love, Susan

39. Suzanne L: I'd like to write a letter to an anonymous soldier.

Dear Soldier, Thank you for doing the tough job that many of us Americans don't have the courage to do. Thank you for putting your life on the line each day, so I can have freedom in mine. Thank you for being far away from your family, so I can be at home with mine. Thank you for all that you sacrifice for me, an individual you don't even know. Suzanne

40. Amber: My husband. We own our own contracting business, and today I saw him in a different light than ever before (we work together as well). He has worked so hard, sun-up to sun-down for myself and our three kids. And the job we are on now is very dangerous. I'm the coward, and he was so brave. He does it for us, not because he likes to. But because he is willing to do whatever it takes to provide for us, and it means more to me now than it ever did before.Dear Michael, We get so caught up so often in the daily routine, in the "I love you's", and I forget how much you sacrifice and have sacrificed for us. I am so blessed to have you in my life and have taken you for granted more than I wish to admit. Please know that I am absolutely grateful for everything you do, everyday. I have my prince charming. What better man, then one who would sacrafice himself in everyway for you. And that, as I realize now, is what you have done for me and our sweet kids. Just a thank you....and I love you. From me to you.. All my love, Amber

41. Jacob: All American Soldiers Past & PresentThank you kindly for all of your service and sacrifice. Through this holiday season I just want you to know that you are not alone and you are in the thoughts and prayers of the hearts of Americans. We could not do ANYTHING in our daily lives without your dedication and your work is not in vain. You are preserving a nation and tradition for generations to come. Thank you.

Please visit the Sons of Thunder contest page to read the amazing and touching family history stories submitted during the Sons of Thunder (book 1 in the Brothers in Arms Collection) contest. It was an honor to read them. Enjoy.

Novels

2007-12-18T15:42:00.052-06:00

Nightingale

Esther Lange doesn’t love her fiancé—she’s trapped in an engagement after a mistaken night of passion.

Still, she grieves him when he’s lost in battle, the letters sent to her by the medic at his side giving her a strange comfort, so much that she strikes up a correspondence with Peter Hess, an Iowa farmboy. Or is he? Peter Hess is not who he seems. Indeed, he’s hiding a secret, something that could cost them both their lives, especially when the past comes back to life. A bittersweet love song of the home front war between duty and the heart...a battle where only one will survive.
Purchase a copy here.

Read the reviews here.

A note from Susan ...
Did you know that, in 1945, Wisconsin and Minnesota hosted German POWs in over 140 POW camps throughout the state? In fact, America held over 200,000 German POWs from 1942-1946.What’s most interesting is that these POWs worked on farms and in canneries throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, (and other states), right next to first generation German immigrants who, ten years earlier, might have been their neighbors. Indeed, some of the German immigrants had family fighting for Germany, and relatives in the very POW camps nearby. I read a newspaper account about a woman who was moved because she heard hymn, sung in German (her native language) coming from inside the camp which was housed just across the street from her home.It made me realize that beneath the stamp of enemy just might be a fellow Christian, pressed into serving their country.

An even bigger theme in Nightingale was, just because someone made a mistake once, did he or she deserve to be imprisoned inside that mistake forever? I applied this theme broadly to both Peter and Esther. Esther might be healer, but she’s trapped inside her sins, unable to see God’s grace setting her free. And I wanted Peter to see that his service in the war might be to fight the demons that held her captive. His story is a Daniel story of sorts, a prisoner sent into a forgiven land to do good and hold onto faith. Esther’s story is that of the woman caught in sin…and set free to sin no more. Both of them have to surrender themselves into God’s hands, to let Him set them free and mold them into who he wants them to be.

If you have made a mistake, don’t let it mold your life. Let God set you free with his grace, his forgiveness and discover who you are when you let God take over. Be found in Him.

Thank you for reading Esther and Peter’s story.

In His Grace,
Susan May Warren

A German Hymn you might already know…may the words minister…

A mighty fortress is our God,
    a bulwark never failing;
    our helper he amid the flood
    of mortal ills prevaling.
    For still our ancient foe
    doth seek to work us woe;
    his craft and power are great,
    and armed with cruel hate,
    on earth is not his equal.

2.    Did we in our own strength confide,
    our striving would be losing,
    were not the right man on our side,
    the man of God's own choosing.
    Dost ask who that may be?
    Christ Jesus, it is he;
    Lord Sabaoth, his name,
    from age to age the same,
    and he must win the battle.

3.    And though this world, with devils filled,
    should threaten to undo us,
    we will not fear, for God hath willed
    his truth to triumph through us.
    The Prince of Darkness grim,
    we tremble not for him;
    his rage we can endure,
    for lo, his doom is sure;
    one little word shall fell him.

4.    That word above all earthly powers,
    no thanks to them, abideth;
    the Spirit and the gifts are ours,
    thru him who with us sideth.
    Let goods and kindred go,
    this mortal life also;
    the body they may kill;
    God's truth abideth still;
    his kingdom is forever.

Sons of Thunder

Sophie Frangos is torn between the love of two men and the promise that binds them all together. Markos Stavros loves Sophie from afar while battling his thirst for vengeance and his hunger for honor. Dino, his quiet and intelligent brother, simply wants to forget the horror that drove them from their Greek island home to start a new life in America. One of these “sons of thunder” offers a future she longs for, the other—the past she lost.

From the sultry Chicago jazz clubs of the roaring twenties to the World War II battlefields of Europe to a final showdown in a Greek island village, they’ll discover betrayal, sacrifice, and finally redemption. Most of all, when Sophie is forced to make her choice, she’ll learn that God honors the promises made by the Sons of Thunder.

Excerpt – Chapter 2: Sons of Thunder
Sofia Frangos could save the world with her song. At least Markos’s world, because that’s what always seemed to occur whenever he happened upon her in time to catch the harmonies issuing from her as she worked.

More of a humming than a song, really, and he longed for the words, feeling they’d be plucked from some garden inside her. Someday, perhaps.

Yes, he felt a voyeur, but he couldn’t stop the lure of her voice. Probably, she knew her power—felt his hypnotized presence, although her blue eyes never
appeared to notice him.

Someday, he hoped, she would see the ruddy fisherman’s son.

The sun spilled into the sea by the time Markos moored his boat and retrieved his catch. He nodded to the other fishermen repairing their nets along the wharf, others simply smoking away the twilight.

“What is your catch?” Alexio Mizrahi

Surely, he’d earned his father’s toast at tomorrow’s feast.

“Someday you will be a fisherman such as your father, Markos.”

He let Alexio’s words buoy his step, despite the late hour.

Sofia’s song lured him as she stood, elbow deep in flour, kneading the dough for tomorrow’s wedding bread. Her dark hair whisked back into a lanyard, tiny unheeded curls dripped around her face.

For a moment, he imagined that he wasn’t the son of a fisherman, wasn’t marked with the scratches from squid barbs, his hands hoofed from tying the nets, his face darkened with the fury of the sun. No, he fancied himself a merchant, a man of means, who might be worthy of such a girl as Sofia.
Read the rest here!

Look for book three, Part the Waters in 2011!

About

2007-12-18T15:41:00.006-06:00

Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia, Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota’s beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church.

Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!) A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at: www.susanmaywarren.com.