Weekly Drawing

Entering our weekly drawing is easy:

1. Leave a comment on Fridays or...

2. Sign up to follow The Borrowed Book. Followers will automatically be entered for a chance to win that week's drawing!

This week, The Borrowed Book is giving away three great books:

Highland Blessings by Jennifer Hudson Taylor ~ Highland Blessings is the story of a highland warrior who kidnaps the daughter of his greatest enemy and clan chief to honor a promise he made to his dying father. Bryce MacPhearson, a highland warrior, kidnaps Akira MacKenzie on her wedding day to honor a promise he made to his dying father. While Akira s strength in the Lord becomes a witness to Bryce, she struggles to overcome her anger and resentment when he forces her to wed him, hoping to end a half-century-old feud between their clans. While Akira begins to forgive, and Bryce learns to trust, a series of murders leaves a trail of unanswered questions, confusion, and a legacy of hate that once again rises between their families. Clearly, a traitor is in their midst. Now the one man Akira loves no longer trusts her, and her own life is in danger. Can Bryce look beyond his pain and seek the truth? Will Akira discover the threat against her before it s too late? How will God turn a simple promise into bountiful Highland blessings?


Life, In Spite of Me by Tricia Goyer ~ She wanted to die. God had other plans.

Why does my life have to be so painful?
What’s wrong with me?
It’s not going to get better.
It could all be over soon, and then I won’t hurt anymore.

Kristen Anderson thought she had the picture-perfect life until strokes of gray dimmed her outlook: three friends and her grandmother died within two years. Still reeling from these losses, she was raped by a friend she thought she could trust. She soon spiraled into a seemingly bottomless depression.

One January night, the seventeen-year-old decided she no longer wanted to deal with the emotional pain that smothered her. She lay down on a set of cold railroad tracks and waited for a freight train to send her to heaven…and peace.

But Kristen's story doesn’t end there.

In Life, In Spite of Me this remarkably joyful young woman shares the miracle of her survival, the agonizing aftermath of her failed suicide attempt, and the hope that has completely transformed her life, giving her a powerful purpose for living.

Her gripping story of finding joy against all odds provides a vivid and unforgettable reminder that life is a gift to be treasured.

Includes notes of encouragement Kristen wishes she had received when she was struggling most.

Emmy's Equal by Marcia Gruver ~ Get ready for a suspenseful romantic adventure deep in the heart of Texas. Emmy Dane doesn’t want to give up her petticoats and frills for boots and spurs when her family decides to learn ranching in South Texas. Diego Marcelo’s mother tells him God will soon deliver him from his loneliness—but he assures her he has no need of deliverance. . .that is, until Emmy disrupts the entire way of life at the ranch. Can Diego put his jealousy aside before time runs out? And will Emmy admit she’s found her match in the stubborn foreman?

Winners will be announced on Saturday, 05/22/10.

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Reader Excerpt ~ Emmy's Equal by Marcia Gruver

Before another thing could keep him from Emmy, Diego fumbled Faron’s leads free from a young mesquite tree and led him a little farther down the road. Obviously sensing the storm ahead, Faron resisted, bobbing his head and dragging his feet. Giving in, Diego left him secured behind a larger tree and hurried toward the campsite.

The lightning, now constant and intense, lit the ground so brightly Diego wove among the scrub brush and cactus to prevent being spotted. He didn’t stop until he came alongside the camp on the left and slid into the high grass a few yards away.

Crawling closer, he spotted the two men Bertha Bloom had seen tied together in front of the fire. With no protection from the storm, they watched the erupting sky with terror on their faces.

Thunder crashed directly overhead with a noise like the heavens had split asunder. Diego ducked from the resulting explosion of light, the brightest he’d ever seen in his life, but not before the flash illuminated Cuddy tied to a wagon wheel.

Instinctively, Diego came up on his knees, then dropped again when a young man scurried past Cuddy and bailed into the covered wagon.

As Diego tried to decide what to do, the rumbling started again, this time moving the earth beneath him. Realizing the sound was roaring toward him from the left, he glanced up in time to roll out of the path of a madly dashing cow.

Two more sailed past, running right through the middle of the camp, dodging the fire so they missed the two wild-eyed men.

A scream rang out, coming from the direction of the charging herd. Diego flew to his feet and ran. He roared for Emmy, but she couldn’t have heard. The unending crash of thunder colliding with pounding hooves and frightened bellows was deafening.

The scene before him was the essence of a man’s nightmares. An endless sea of red cattle charged his direction, appearing then disappearing as jagged spikes of light exploded around them. Bodies of downed cattle scattered the ground, tripping the others, creating a mad game of falling dominoes.

Emmy, her hair unpinned and her dress torn from one shoulder, darted in front of the driving wall of terror. Her mouth opened in another scream as she ran blindly into the path of certain death. Without a moment’s hesitation, Diego hurtled toward her.
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Marcia is giving away a copy of her book Emmy's Equal. Be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Friday for your chance to win!

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Author Interview ~ Marcia Gruver

Marcia Gruver is the author of the Texas Fortunes series and the upcoming Backwoods Buccaneers series, as well as numerous articles, short stories, and poems. Marcia’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW); the Christian Authors Network (CAN); Faith, Hope, & Love (FHL)-the Inspirational Outreach Chapter of the Romance Writers of America; Fellowship of Christian Writers (FCW); and The Writers View. Lifelong Texans, Marcia and her husband, Lee, have one daughter and four sons.

When did you decide to be a writer?

I owe it all to my fifth-grade teacher. As a gawky, insecure ten-year-old, I wrote a story then shyly slipped the pages, scribbled in jagged lines with a lead pencil, to Mrs. Garcia to read. After class, she squatted to eye level, took my hands, and said, “Honey, your story is really good. You should write more often.” What power lay in those simple words! How amazing the depth of influence she held over my life with her gift of encouragement. I’m convinced that she sprinkled seeds of possibility into my heart, a crop that many years later came to fruition. I decided to write a book because no one said I couldn’t. On the contrary, Mrs. Garcia seemed thoroughly convinced that I could.

At what point did you stop juggling suggestions and critiques and trust yourself (as a writer)?

Hmm, has that ever happened? By nature, writers seem the most insecure of professionals. I suppose it’s because we’re never satisfied with our finished product. We press on to higher and higher degrees of perfection. If I crack the cover of any of my published novels, I find myself still editing, wishing I’d written a line a different way or twisted the plot in a different direction. No matter how comfortable I become as an author, I don’t see that part changing.

Are you a disciplined writer or do you just write when you feel like it?

Deadlines force discipline. I’ve learned what it takes to turn in a well-written manuscript, so I have a choice—I can start early and work diligently to give myself plenty of breathing room, or put off and procrastinate and wind up pulling grueling write-a-thons. The latter method is no fun, so I’m learning to pace myself and get it done.

What kind of activities do you like to do that help you relax and step away from your deadlines for a bit?

We travel so often that I’ve developed a love for being at home playing amateur chef and couch potato. Hearth and home has become my new favorite place to be. I still love watching movies and playing games on my PS3. I’ve recently added a Wii and the Wii Fit software to my list of toys, which helps to alleviate the damage caused by too many hours playing PS3, amateur chef, and couch potato.

How do you think reading the work of others helps you as a writer?

Nothing lifts my writer spirits or gets my creative juices flowing quicker than a well-turned phrase or a winsome line of prose. On the flip side, nothing drives me to strive for greater perfection than to read a pretty good novel that could’ve been great with a little more effort on the part of the author.

Tell us a little about your latest release:

Emmy’s Equal, book three of the Texas Fortunes series, jumps to the year 1907. When a high-spirited girl lands in country thick with cattle, cactus, and cowboys, the South Texas border may never be the same. Emmy’s finding obedience to God a bother, and sure won’t take orders from a hardheaded wrangler. But as hard as she pushes God and the cowboy away, they continue to pursue her with equal fervor.

Diamond Duo, book one in the Texas Fortunes trilogy, opened in 1877 with the rousing adventures and humorous exploits of young Bertha Maye Biddie and Magdalena Hayes. Chasing Charity hops forward a generation to follow the life of Bertha’s daughter, Charity Bloom. Emmy’s Equal, the closing chapter of the series, delves into the life of Magdalena’s spitfire daughter, Emily Dane. Readers following the series and those reading about the family for the first time will love watching Emmy meet her match in the handsome vaquero, Diego Isi Marcelo.

Where did you get your inspiration for EMMY’S EQUAL?

My husband’s job landed us in Carrizo Springs, Texas, for many months. While there, I fell in love with the locals and the region. Before long, I knew my next book would be set amid cactus, cattle, and a rich Hispanic culture. As I plotted the book, a poignant thread of broken parent/child relationships emerged alongside a theme of reconciling ourselves to God, and I realized I’d wound up in South Texas for a reason.

Which character is most like you?

I want to say the beautiful Melatha Rhona Flynn in Emmy’s Equal is patterned after me. Melatha is Diego Marcelo’s gentle, insightful, and deeply spiritual Choctaw Indian mother. Unfortunately, I’m more of a Bertha Bloom, the bungling, snaggletooth, country girl who blurts inappropriate comments and detests wearing shoes.

Did you know how EMMY’S EQUAL would turn out? Were you surprised by any of the plot twists or characters?

I’ve learned how important it is to plot my novels carefully. It saves time in the end and keeps me on the right track. That said, I’ve also learned the value of allowing the characters to surprise me along the way. I know how strange that sounds (except to other writers), but there’s a logical explanation. As the characters grow and develop during the writing process, they bring along with them interesting quirks and personality traits that demand further exploration. Sometimes the characters know more than we do about what needs to happen next. In Emmy’s Equal, Diego Marcelo surprised me the most. I intended him to be a hard-shelled, disillusioned cowhand, but he finally convinced me of his true nature—that of a gentle, softhearted ranch foreman who loves two things with all of his heart: Melatha, his little Choctaw mama, and Carrizo Springs, Texas, the rugged land he has adopted as his own.

What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

I’m touched and humbled to consider that God set up parent/child relationships on the earth and then established the same dynamic between Himself and his creation. Since this earthly bond is intended to be the picture of God’s deep desire to love and protect us, it’s a tragedy when things go awry. I pray parents reading Emmy’s Equal will put their own needs aside and remember to model God’s love to their children every day.

What kinds of things have you done to market this book? Have you found anything that works particularly well?

I tend to set my books around real people in real places, so the best marketing tool I’ve found is to draw the locals into the process by letting them know I’m writing a book set in their hometown, usually a tale woven around the exploits of one of their heroes or legends. I use them for research and send them signed copies after publication. I make sure to get them talking about the book in the local library and in the cafes and coffee shops in town.

Tell us what new projects you’re working on.

Barbour Publishing recently granted me another three-book contract. The series title is Backwoods Buccaneers, and it’s the story of three generations of land pirates--a quirky band of crooks who make their living by raiding and stealing in the aftermath of the civil war. The story begins in Scuffletown, North Carolina, and makes its way down the Natchez Trace to Uncertain, Texas. In some ways, it’s quite different from Texas Fortunes, but I love these new characters, and I think my readers will too.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

I’m not sure I’m wise enough to offer advice, except for the following, which I’ve learned to rely on through first-hand experience:

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Proverbs 3:5-8 (KJV)

Readers may contact me through my website, http://www.marciagruver.com/ or my blog at http://www.yieldedquill.blogspot.com/. I’d love to hear from them. They can also find me on Facebook and Shoutlife. For an autographed copy of any of my books, they can go to http://www.signedbytheauthor.com/ and search for me by name or title.

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Want more? Be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Thursday for an excerpt from Emmy's Equal by Marcia Gruver.

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Author Interview ~ Tricia Goyer

Tricia is the author of 20+ books and has published over 300 articles for national publications such as Guideposts for Kids, Focus on the Family, Christian Parenting Today, Today’s Christian Woman and HomeLife Magazine. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from American Christian Fiction Writers, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion Book Award in 2005. Her novel The Swiss Courier was recently nominated for a Christy award.

When did you decide to be a writer?

I first thought about writing in 1993. A friend from church, Cindy Martinusen told me
about her aspirations to become a novelist. My first thought was . . . real people do that?

She invited me to attend Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference with her. I was new as new can be. I was also 22-years-old and pregnant with my third child, but I learned enough at that conference to start off on the right track. And I’ve been actively working at my writing ever since.

At what point did you stop juggling suggestions and critiques and trust yourself (as a writer)?

Oh, that's a good question. The best thing that happened to me was getting my first book contract ... and I didn't have the novel written yet. I had a deadline, and I had to write the complete novel. I didn't have time to keep getting suggestions or critiques. I didn't have time to second guess myself. I just had to write the story. I recommend every author does that. Just write the story.

Are you a disciplined writer or do you just write when you feel like it?

I'm a very discipline writer. I wrote five books last year and I have to give myself daily word counts (sometimes big word counts) other wise I'll never get it done. There are many days I don't feel like writing—for sure—but with prayer and trust that the story is there it's amazing what shows up on the page.

What kind of activities to you like to do that help you relax and step away from your deadlines for a bit?

I have a newborn baby. Alyssa is almost two months old, and she is so fun and relaxing. I love when she wakes up from her nap and I get to feed her and hold her. She's my biggest non-writing activity right now.

Aww...congratulations, Tricia!

What is your favorite novel (not written by you) and what made it special?

I would have to say Love Comes Softly by Jeanette Oke. It was the first Christian novel I read, and I've read it many times since. It's a story that sticks with you.

How do you think reading the work of others helps you as a writer?

Reading books by others help me to see what works and what doesn't work. I've also tried different styles of writing because I've thought, “If he/she can do that I want to try!”

Tell us a little about your latest release:

Life, In Spite of Me is a true story of Kristen Anderson and her suicide attempt.

Kristen Anderson thought she had the picture-perfect life until strokes of gray dimmed her outlook: three friends and her grandmother died within two years. Still reeling from these losses, she was raped by a friend she thought she could trust. She soon spiraled into a seemingly bottomless depression.

One January night, the seventeen-year-old decided she no longer wanted to deal with the emotional pain that smothered her. She lay down on a set of cold railroad tracks and waited for a freight train to send her to heaven…and peace.

But Kristen's story doesn’t end there.

In Life, In Spite of Me this remarkably joyful young woman shares the miracle of her survival, the agonizing aftermath of her failed suicide attempt, and the hope that has completely transformed her life, giving her a powerful purpose for living.

Her gripping story of finding joy against all odds provides a vivid and unforgettable reminder that life is a gift to be treasured.

Where did you get your inspiration for Life, In Spite of Me?

I have a friend, Margaret McSweeny who connected Kristen and I. I hadn't heard of her story until Margaret connected us, but once I heard Kristen's story I knew I wanted to write it! I was so amazed by the joy and hope Kristen had I knew that many could be blessed by her story.

Your book deals with some pretty intense issues: loss, grief, suicide. Considering the content, what is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

The number one thing I hope people walk away with is the truth that with Christ we can find joy and peace in even the most difficult circumstances. Kristen has told me that she wouldn't want her legs back if it meant loosing Jesus. That really touched me.

Was there ever a time in your life when you wish someone would have shared the tips found in this book with you? Can you tell us about it?

I had a very difficult time in high school. My senior year I got pregnant and dropped out of school. I was very depressed during that time. My boyfriend dumped me and my friends went on with my senior year. I felt very lost, but thankfully some women from my grandma's church reached out to me. I found Christ during that dark time and He transformed my life!

What kinds of things have you done to market this book? Have you found anything that works particularly well?

I've done very little to market this book. Kristen's story just catches the attention of readers. My assistant Amy did help with the blog tour … and I think that's important. Each blog has it's own readership and I think of bloggers love a book then that can go so far.

Tell us what new projects you’re working on.

I'm working on a three-book Amish series for B&H Publishing. The first will be out Spring 2011. I also have a new book coming out in July … Love Finds You in Victory Heights, written with my friend and co-writer Ocieanna Fleiss.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

If you're interest in writing consider what you are passionate about. I get lots of ideas, but I only write the ones that won't leave me.

Thank you!
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And thank you, Tricia, for your open and honest interview!

Bloggers, Tricia is giving away a copy of her fabulous book Life, In Spite of Me. Be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Friday for your chance to win! Below is word from Kristen Jane Anderson...

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Debut Author ~ Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Jennifer Hudson Taylor writes historical Christian fiction set in Europe and the Carolinas. Her fiction has won awards in the American Christian Fiction Writers' Genesis Contest, and her work has appeared in national publications, such as Guideposts, Heritage Quest Magazine, Everton’s Genealogical Publishers, and The Military Trader. Jennifer graduated from Elon University with a B.A. in Journalism. When she isn't writing, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, genealogy, and reading. She resides with her husband and daughter in the Charlotte area of NC. Highland Blessings is her debut novel. Learn more about Jennifer at www.jenniferhudsontaylor.com.

When did you decide to be a writer?

I was 12 when I decided I wanted to write the next Gone with the Wind.

How long did you write before you sold your first book?

I wrote seriously for publication for 13 years before I received my first contract on my debut novel, Highland Blessings.

Everyone’s journey to publication is different. Now that you’ve walked that road, what tips can you give to authors still hoping for that first contract?

Never give up. If you keep working at it, learning, and being persistent, something is bound to happen for you. Things began changing for me when I switched from writing secular novels to Christian fiction. I felt God calling me to write for Him, but I was stubborn and wanted to write for me. Now I’m ashamed at how long it took me to make that decision for Him. I don’t think my road would have been quite as long if I hadn’t tried to be a Jonas.

Was there something about the experience of getting published that was a surprise to you?

Not really. I had been hanging around the industry and learning all I could about publication that I haven’t experienced many surprises.

Are you a disciplined writer or do you just write when you feel like it?

I have to be disciplined or I would never get anything done. My full-time job outside the home is a time consumer and an energy drainer, so discipline is a must for me. Plus, I struggle quite a bit not to complain. I think complaining is one of my weaknesses—although I’ve been praying about it and trying to do better. I’m a work in progress! :-)

What kind of activities to you like to do that help you relax and step away from your deadlines for a bit?

To my husband’s frustration, I love to watch historical movies, especially in the time period I’m writing about. He can’t understand how Pride & Prejudice still appeals to me after watching each version twenty times. I like to go for walks, ice skating, visit historical places.

What is your favorite novel (not written by you) and what made it special?

This is a hard question because I have so many, but I would have to say, Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.

How do you think reading the work of others helps you as a writer?

It inspires me. Sometimes God will speak to me through their work and give me hope for my work. I’ll think to myself, “I wish I could write like that.” It ignites that flame inside me to rise to the challenge and try to write better.

Tell us a little about your latest release:

Highland Blessings, 1473 Scotland ~ Highland warrior Bryce MacPhearson kidnaps Akira MacKenzie on her wedding day to honor a promise he made to his dying father. When he forces Akira to wed him, hoping to end a half-century feud between their clans, she struggles to overcome her anger and resentment. . .Yet her strength in the Lord becomes a witness to Bryce. But there is a traitor in their midst . . . and murder is the ultimate weapon.

Where did you get your inspiration for Highland Blessings?

From other secular historical romance novels set in Medieval Scotland. I had read them in the early 90’s. Highland Blessings started out in 1998 as a secular novel, Promised Betrayal. I converted it to Christian fiction in 2006.

Which character is most like you?

Akira MacKenzie has my Scots-Irish temper. She also has my compassion. I struggle not to cry when I see others cry. It doesn’t matter if I know them or not. If there is a problem, I want to solve it. She’s also loyal and dependable like me. My husband says I’m there when it really matters. I don’t fold or crumble. I pull on my boots, roll up my sleeves, and work to get through what must be done.

Who is your favorite character and why?

I think my favorite character is Serena Boyd, the heroine in the sequel, Highland Sanctuary. I modeled her after my daughter, Celina. My daughter was born with a life-threatening seizure disorder. She would stop breathing and require CPR. My husband performed CPR on her eight times during her first year of life. I’m so thankful for modern technology, the seizure meds she had, the fact that we understand it is a medical issue. I created a character in 1477 Scotland that has a seizure disorder in a time when the word seizure wasn’t widely used. Modern technology wasn’t available, and people’s reactions would have been much different.

Like my daughter, Serena isn’t a dominant personality. She’s quiet, serene, but strong in her faith. She’s a wonderful mystery to people, but she’d rather hide her gifts and talents than be exposed. She wants to please people and would rather go out of her way to keep peace, even if she isn’t comfortable in what she must do to maintain that peace. Yet, she has dreams and desires hidden deep in her heart, but she would sacrifice them for a loved one’s happiness.

Did you know how Highland Blessings would turn out? Were you surprised by any of the plot twists or characters?

Not really, as I didn’t write it with an outline in mind. I created it as I went. Yes, several plot twists surprised me, especially the mystery part of it.

What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

Regardless of past wrongs and long-held grudges, God can mend any relationship, even clans of people—whole nations.

What kinds of things have you done to market this book? Have you found anything that works particularly well?

Of all the social networking sites, I think Facebook is the most useful for building a community of friends and readers who share common interests with you and get to see more into an author’s life, than a static website. Second, I believe a blog is very helpful in finding blog readers who are interested in similar things. For instance, my blog targets readers of historical fiction, people who love history, historical trivia, etc. I’m also working on the traditional blog tours, mail outs to bookstores and churches, giving influencers ARC copies for reviews. I’ve purchased a couple of ads in newsletters, and I’m setting up book signings wherever possible.

Tell us what new projects you’re working on.

Highland Sanctuary, 1477 Caithness, Scotland ~ Gavin MacKenzie is hired to restore the ancient Castle of Braigh. He discovers a hidden village of outcasts that have created their own private sanctuary from the world. Among them is Serena Boyd, a mysterious and comely lass who captures Gavin’s heart. The villagers have an intriguing secret, while Serena harbors a deadly past that could destroy her future. When a fierce enemy launches an attack against them, greed leads to bitter betrayal. As Gavin prepares a defense, the villagers unite in a bold act of faith, showing how God’s love is more powerful than any human force on earth.

A Season of Atonement, 1808 England ~ Regina Westfall has run out of options and soon will be considered upon the shelf. When Marcus Silverstone returns from South Africa alive, Regina believes her prayers have been answered. But he’s no longer the humble, caring missionary she fell in love with years ago. Marcus believes her brother betrayed him in South Africa, and he wants revenge. She must discover who really betrayed Marcus and left him for dead before he ruins their future. She prays one season will be enough to slip through the thorns in his heart and convince him of her and God's love as atonement for seven years of injustice.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

I’d like to reiterate that if you really want to be published, don’t give up. Keep writing and praying to understand where your writing journey should lead. Everyone’s journey is different. Don’t compare yourself with others.

Jennifer is giving away a copy of her book, Highland Blessings. Be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Friday for your chance to win!

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Sunday Devotional

Hurricane Rita.

Those two words stir powerful emotions. The storm of 2005 battered our state, our house, even our spirits as we watched and worried what the day would bring. For only the second time in my life, I was forced to flee with my husband, my children, anything we could fit in the car. Oh, and Max, of course!

We sheltered in a small town in north Texas, five hours away from where we live. Already, evacuees from Hurricane Katrina occupied closer hotels. Huddled in a tiny, one room cottage, we listened to news reports that warned of coming disaster. Our eyes were glued to the T.V. screen as radar images showed the storm’s path directly over our area. Outside, rain battered the windows from this massive hurricane. And Max?

Max slept peacefully on one corner of the bed.

His heart was not troubled by the reports. His eyes did not watch with fear as the storm clouds rolled in. He simply trusted that all would be well. And he slept. . .while all around us, the storm raged.

Surely, that is the lesson God wanted His disciples to learn when He sent them out in a boat with the rain clouds brewing. He is present. He is able. And He wants us to learn to depend on Him, even in our most trying times.

Teach me, oh Lord, how to find rest…even in the midst of the storm.

Matthew 14:22-33 (New International Version)

22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but the boat was already a considerable distance[a] from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. 27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." 29"Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" 32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

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Winners!!

It's always so much fun to give away great books!! Congratulations to this week's lucky winners:

angelbuffer15 – Seeds of Summer by Deborah Vogts

suzluvsjesus - Latter-day Cipher by Latayne C. Scott

Linore Burkard - The Mormon Mirage by Latayne Scott

rebecca191 - A Daughter's Legacy by Virginia Smith

Winners of this week's books, please use the button in the upper right side of this page to email me with your mailing address so I can forward your information to the authors. Then, sit back and wait for your book to arrive.

Thank you all so much for stopping by The Borrowed Book, and thank you Deborah Vogts, Latayne C. Scott and Virginia Smith for your generosity in providing books!

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