Winners!!

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

Ariel - The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson
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Cara Putman - On This Day by Dianne Neal Matthews
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Nicholle - The One Year Women of the Bible by Dianne Neal Matthews
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earlymorn23 - Drawing Closer to God by Dianne Neal Matthews
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Cindy W. - Love Finds You in Silver City, Idaho by Janelle Mowery
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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, Melanie Dickerson, Dianne Neal Matthews, and Janelle Mowery for your generosity in providing books!

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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 FIVE great books:

The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson ~ In author Melanie Dickerson's new historical romance, a young healer's apprentice named Rose believes she will never marry ... until she meets Lord Hamlin, the future ruler of her region. Hamlin is everything she could ever want---kind, understanding, and a man of faith---but her low station and the fact he's already betrothed to a mysterious woman makes their romance impossible. As Lord Hamlin seeks to find the sorcerer who cursed his future bride, Rose's life spins toward confusion. A creative retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty tale.

On This Day by Dianne Neal Matthews ~ Discover daily spiritual truth and application gleaned each day from current events and historic happenings. Each devotional relates something signifi cant that happened on that day and then connects the reader with a devotional takeaway from that event. Readers will experience spiritual truths and connection with God through lessons from the past.

The One Year Women of the Bible by Dianne Neal Matthews ~Each devotional in The One Year Women of the Bible focuses on a woman in the Bible and a woman today. You'll hear the perspective of faithful women like Sarah, Elizabeth, and Abigail along with the less faithful women, such as Jezebel. You'll also read about everyday contemporary women struggling with busyness and commitment to God. Dianne Matthews masterfully transitions to the scriptural account of a woman in the Bible who faced a similar story or issue and brings readers the spiritual lessons and direction to apply to our own lives.

Drawing Closer to God by Dianne Neal Matthews ~ The Bible is full of questions asked by God, Jesus, ordinary people, Satan, and even a donkey. Some are questions that we've wrestled with but have been reluctant to voice. Others are asked to comfort, to convict, or to reinforce spiritual principles. Drawing Closer to God examines 365 of these questions to uncover biblical truth readers can apply personally to their lives. Each devotional concludes with a question designed to encourage reflection and prayer, leaving readers with practical takeaway and a renewed appreciation for God's Word.

Love Finds You in Silver City, Idaho by Janelle Mowery ~ It’s 1869, and chaos rules Silver City. As Rebekah Weaver recovers from an accident that has left her badly burned, she worries that her father’s handsome new assistant won’t see past her scarred exterior. Deputy Marshal Nathaniel Kirkland is working undercover to investigate a series of explosions in the mines and businesses of Silver City. When ominous notes begin appearing on townspeople’s doors, Nate needs Rebekah’s help to uncover the identity of the perpetrator. As they work together, Nate begins to speculate that Rebekah’s "accident" was really a case of intentional sabotage - and that she might still be in danger.

Winners will be announced on Saturday, 10/09/10.

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Reader Excerpt ~ Love Finds You in Silver City, Idaho by Janelle Mowery

CHAPTER ONE

“The next time I get my hands on him…”

Whump.

“…he won’t stand a chance.”

Rebekah Weaver took careful aim at the dark green oval in the center of the rug, then swung the beater with all her strength.

Whack! That was better. Right on target and sure to be felt. She struck the rug two more times for good measure, then stood back and observed her handiwork with a satisfied smile.

“You keep hitting the rug that way, Rebekah, and there won’t be much of a pattern left.”

At her mother’s voice, Rebekah’s smile dissolved. She turned and lifted her apron to wipe the perspiration from her forehead and neck. “I didn’t hear you get back.” She must look a sight—what with all the dust she’d removed from the rug reattaching itself to her skin. “Do you need help unloading the supplies?”

“If it keeps you from stripping my favorite rug of every thread, yes.” After setting one large basket on the porch, her mom headed back for another. “What’s got you riled? I know that poor carpet is innocent.”

Rebekah leaned the rug beater against the house and emulated her mother’s regal walk as she followed her to the buggy. “Your son...” She blew out a breath that could start a windstorm.

Laughing, her mother handed her a sack of flour before grabbing the sugar and a package wrapped in brown paper. “Well, let’s see. Since Michael is studying law in St. Louis, I guess you must be talking about Andrew.”

“Who else? Mama, trouble sticks to him like stink on a pig.”

“Now, Rebekah, he’s only ten.”

“I’m serious.” They plunked their loads beside the basket on the porch and returned for the last of the supplies. “Andrew doesn’t have to go looking for trouble—it stays with him like they’re best friends.”

Janelle is giving away a copy of her book, Love Finds You in Silver City, Idaho. Be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Friday for your chance to win!

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Author Interview ~ Janelle Mowery

Beginning in 1998, Janelle Mowery coordinated and wrote for the Children’s Ministry of a Christian website called The Invisible Connection. When the holder of that site discontinued the ministry and website in the year 2000, she began writing inspirational fiction romance novels.

Janelle became a member of American Christian Fiction Writers in the year 2002. In 2003, she entered her first novel in the Noble Theme contest and was named one of the top ten finalists in the historical category. In 2004, she had a short story titled ‘A Fair Chance’ published in the e-magazine, Romancing the Christian Heart. In 2005, her third novel, entered in the San Gabriel Writers’ League ‘Writing Smarter’ Contest, won first place. Also, Janelle’s fifth novel made it to the top ten finalists in the Noble Theme contest.

In 2006, she signed her first contract with Barbour Publishing in their Heartsong Presents Mysteries line. The novel, Where the Truth Lies, which she co-authored with Elizabeth Ludwig, released in spring of 2008. The second and third mysteries of the series, Died in the Wool and Inn Plain Sight, is set for release in 2011.

Janelle has signed with Harvest House for a historical series set in Colorado. Release of the first book is set for early 2011. She has also signed with Summerside Press. Her novel, Love Finds You in Silver City, Idaho, released October 2010.

Janelle has been married twenty-one years and is the mother of two sons. She is a member of Sandy Point Bible Church and serves as Treasurer. She also assists in the church’s teen program.

Hi, Janelle! Welcome to The Borrowed Book. You know you're one of my favorite writers. I can't wait for readers to learn all about you! Let's start by telling readers when did you decided to be a writer:

In the late 1990’s, I had been asked to write children’s devotions for a website. During that time, my sister told me I needed to read a book by Lori Wick. I loved it and continued reading almost everything she had written. At some point while going through her books, I felt in my heart I could write a story of my own. I carried a story in my head for almost a year before I sat down in January 2001 and began putting it to paper. That story has been contracted by Harvest House and will release February, 2011.

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

I haven’t. I still run to my friends for suggestions and critiques. There are just some scenes or ideas that need to be bounced off fellow writers. I don’t think we ever stop learning about proper writing techniques, especially from others.

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

I try to be disciplined but it rarely seems to stick. Too many things tend to pop up throughout any given day that demand my attention. It’s not until I have a deadline looming too close for comfort that I become extremely disciplined.

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

I’ve never stopped loving to read. Most times, that relaxes me. My other great love is being outdoors. There is a place near our home that is so quiet, one rarely hears anything except the sounds of nature. Very soothing. I can’t get enough of that place.

What is your favorite novel and what made it special?

Oh goodness. I didn’t realize how hard this question would be until I had to answer it. I’m going to have to say it’s a toss-up between Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, and The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner. Not only are both books incredibly well-written, the stories are life-changing as they grab hold of the heart and teach readers about love, grace, and mercy. They’ll stay with me forever.

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

There is something to be learned from every book read. If it makes you laugh or cry, find out why. If it makes you not want to reach ‘the end’, learn to write your book in a way that a reader wants more when they finish. Not only can each book be enjoyed, but if studied, it can teach.

Tell us a little about your latest release:

Love Finds You in Silver City, Idaho is about a young lady who was burned in an accident and with her father’s help learns to turn to the Lord for healing, both inside and out, while taking a stand for those she feels are being unfairly judged by their outward appearance instead of their heart. She also finds herself helping to solve the mystery of who is causing all the chaos in the thriving mining town. The story is set in what is now a living ghost town, meaning Silver City receives thousands of visitors each year. Many of the buildings have been restored. The Idaho Hotel allows visitors to reserve rooms so they can get a taste of life back when the town was booming, with a few modern conveniences added.

Where did you get your inspiration for Love Finds You in Silver City, Idaho?

My inspiration for this story came from two different things. One was when I learned that many women in the 19th century, and earlier, died from being burned when their skirts caught on fire while working over open flames to cook or heat water for laundry or various other reasons in order to keep their homes from getting too hot in the summer. Another thing that inspired this story came from a personal experience…when I accidently burned my son with hot water and feared he’d be scarred.

Which character is most like you?

LOL. Amazingly enough, the young brother Andrew is much like me. I was very much a tomboy growing up, and except for touching snakes, I was always outdoors and getting into things, even pestering my siblings.

Who is your favorite character and why?

I would have to say Rebekah is my favorite because of how strong she was through such great adversity. She learned to be content in her circumstances and with the way she looked and tried to help others do the same.

Did you know how Love Finds You in Silver City, Idaho would turn out? Were you surprised by any of the plot twists or characters?

I used to be a seat-of-the-pants writer, letting the flow of the story take me where it would. After several rewrites, I decided to do a detailed timeline and plot for each story. But this story still took me in directions I didn’t see coming until it came time to write the scene.

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

I hope readers will remember that what your eyes see may deceive you. Look at others the way God looks on us. Get to know a person by what’s in their heart.

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

I’ve mailed out countless postcards. I’ve also been interviewed on several blogs such as this one and give away a book each time. I’ve contacted local papers. Facebook has probably been one of the most efficient means of getting the word out about the release of each book.

Tell us what new projects you’re working on.

I am doing final edits on the book I mentioned earlier, the very first book I wrote, When All My Dreams Come True, to be released by Harvest House February 1, 2011. I’m also working on book three of that series, Colorado Runaways, this one titled, When Two Hearts Meet, not to mention getting started on a Christmas anthology that will be released next September, titled Christmas at Barncastle Inn.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

I know it’s been said many times by many other authors…read, read, read, and write, write, write, but don’t forget to network, network, network. I can’t stress enough how important it is to make contacts at writers conferences such as ACFW. And don’t forget to pray. Pray for the author of each book you read, pray over the story you’re working on, and pray for those who will one day read your book.

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Author Interview ~ Dianne Neal Matthews

Dianne Neal Matthews has written numerous devotionals, magazine articles, and newspaper features. Her work has appeared in Focus on the Family, The Quiet Hour, LIVE, The Christian Communicator, and on websites including CBN.com. She is the author of The One Year On This Day (which won her the 2006 Writer of the Year Award at the Write-to-Publish Conference), and The One Year Women of the Bible, both published by Tyndale House. She has also contributed stories to several compilation books. Dianne is a 2006 CLASS graduate and a member of Advanced Writers & Speakers, Christian Authors Network, and Toastmasters International. She and her husband, Richard, have three grown children and two adorable grandchildren.

Welcome to The Borrowed Book, Dianne! When did you decide to be a writer?

As a little girl, I loved to make up stories and share them. Writing assignments were always my favorite part of school. But as an adult, I didn’t have the confidence or courage to pursue creative writing. It was just something I fantasized about until my mid-forties when I began writing occasional articles for my church’s newsletter. Urged by a friend, I attended a writers’ conference asking God to show me if writing was His will for me or my own self-centered dream. He answered clearly that week and I’ve never doubted my calling since then.

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

I suppose I trust my instincts in certain areas after working at this for so long. But I don’t think I’ll ever reach the point where I fully trust my opinion in my own writing. When I’m working hard on a project, I often don’t have a sense if what I’ve written is good or junk. For me personally, I value other people’s objective opinions but I filter them through prayer and my own instincts.

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

After attending years of writing conference classes, I know that serious writers are the ones who write whether they feel like it or not. I understand the importance of a daily schedule but still struggle with the discipline required unless I’m working under contract. Deadlines are my best motivation—I need to learn to set them for myself.

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

Listening to music, seeing a movie, getting outside to enjoy the beauty of nature, and of course, reading for pleasure, not research.

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

There’s no way I could ever pick out one novel as my favorite, but as a lover of classic literature I’ve always felt that Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities is one of the best books I ever read. It gives the reader a dose of history, philosophy, sociology, economics, and more. The story also gives us a picture of selfless, unconditional love, unlike many shallow romance stories.

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

It exercises my brain and helps me develop my imagination and increase my vocabulary. The creativity of others inspires me to use my own. And of course, it’s a great way to relax and wind down from the pressure of always carrying my work around in my head.

Tell us a little about your latest release:

This month Baker Books released my new one-year devotional book, Drawing Closer to God: 365 Daily Meditations on Questions from Scripture. Each devotional is based on a question asked by someone in the Bible—God, Jesus, Satan, an Old Testament character, or a New Testament writer. The meditation explores the setting, ties it into a spiritual principle or practical application, and includes a verse that relates back to the question or its answer. The day’s entry closes with either a question for readers to ask God (prayer focus) or a question to ask themselves (reflection).

Where did you get your inspiration for Drawing Closer to God?

I began noticing how much of Scripture is in the form of questions and how relevant these still are today. Old Testament characters voiced honest questions that we’ve all probably felt at some point. But we may have been reluctant to pray as David did, “Why are you so distant, Lord? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1) New Testament writers used questions to explain spiritual principles, especially Paul. Jesus asked questions as a powerful teaching tool, sometimes gently: “Can any of you add an hour to your life by worrying?” (Luke 12:25), and sometimes with a stronger tone: "Why do you see the piece of sawdust in another believer’s eye and not notice the wooden beam in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3)

Many questions in the Bible can be matched with a verse that answers it. Before Pilate asked the universal question, “What is truth?” (John 18:38), Jesus had already answered it as he prayed: “Your words are truth.” (John 17:17) As we go through trials and hardships, we may wonder as Gideon did, “If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?” (Judges 6:13) Then we read in John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble.”

Each daily devotional in this book focuses on a question from the Bible, examines its context, draws out the spiritual truth or practical application, pairs it with a relevant verse, and ends with either a question for the reader to ask themselves for reflection, or a question to ask God in prayer.

What is the main thing you hope readers take away from this book?

My prayer is that the book will renew readers’ appreciation for the relevance of Scripture to everyday life. If we approach the Bible with a teachable spirit, then God’s Spirit will use the questions written so long ago to comfort us, convict us, and transform us. I also hope that the devotionals will encourage readers to feel comfortable examining their own questions through meditation and prayer.

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

Since I’m in the middle of a cross-country move and some other life changes, my main focus for now will be on using the Internet for promotion: social networking sites, blog and online radio interviews. I’ve been advised to start using Twitter, but I’m not sure I’m ready for that.

With my last book, I emailed one devotional a day for a month and then held a drawing from among those who signed up. I may do that again with this book.

Tell us about your past books.

My first two books were both published by Tyndale House. The One Year On This Day uses holiday origins, historical events and anniversaries, and pop culture trivia to illustrate spiritual truths. The One Year Women of the Bible blends the accounts of biblical women with stories of contemporary women, gleaning spiritual lessons that we can apply to our lives today.

Are you working on a new project?

I’m currently writing another daily devotional for Baker. This one is still untitled but it has a theme of a one-year “journey” through the Bible. I’m going through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation combining basic information on each book, the major stories and events, and the core teachings with practical application. The book will release in October 2012.

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Thank you so much for stopping by, Dianne. And to our readers, Dianne is giving away a copy of EACH OF HER 3 BOOKS!! Be sure to stop by on Friday for your chance to win!

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Debut Author ~ Melanie Dickerson

Melanie Dickerson is an award-winning author who earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from The University of Alabama. She has taught in Georgia, Tennessee, Germany and the Eastern European country of Ukraine. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA), she now spends her time writing and taking care of her husband and two daughters near Huntsville, Alabama.

When did you decide to be a writer?

I wanted to be a writer when I was a kid. I planned on being a popular novelist who lived as a recluse and was adored by millions. LOL! I wrote two novels when I was still in high school, but then I quit when I started submitting manuscripts and realized how hard it was to get published.

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

I wrote two novels when I was in high school, but I generally don’t count that, since I then took a fifteen-year hiatus. Then I wrote for almost seven years before I got “the call” last November.

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. Keep praying. Ask God for direction, and if you need to know if this is what He wants for you, then ask him and expect an answer. He is faithful. Secondly, write the best books you can write. Don’t stop with one or two or three novels. Keep writing until you find your niche, until you write the book everybody is clamoring to buy, the book no publisher can resist. Study the craft of writing. Enter contests for the feedback. Win contests to get an agent or editor’s attention. Work hard and never give up.

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

I never expected it to be as hard as it was. A lot of tears and prayers went into those years of struggle.

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

I’m pretty disciplined. I try to write something every day, or edit something every day. But my discipline breaks down when it comes to checking email. I’m a compulsive email checker. :-)

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

I used to scrapbook, but when I started writing, that hobby fell by the wayside. I like to watch movies with my husband, and I like to cook, to make a recipe I’ve never tried before. I like to go to the gym (okay, I don’t LIKE to go, but I like that I’ve BEEN) and I like taking my kids places they love, like skating or the zoo or a museum. I love the Ladies Bible studies I do at my church. We have some wonderful ladies.

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

This is definitely a hard one! I love so many of the classics, like Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. That book has so much heart! Another favorite is Kate DiCamillo’s Because of Winn Dixie. Her style of writing is phenomenal and really pulls at my emotions. I also love A Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibbotson because the characters are so real and it’s such a sweet love story.

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

It’s relaxing and is a great way to see what others have come up with, the stories, the characters, the themes.

Tell us a little about your latest release:

The Healer’s Apprentice is a Young Adult Historical Romance loosely based on the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. There’s a wonderful trailer that the people at Zondervan created here: http://www.melaniedickerson.com/books.html. I was so impressed, since it looks like a movie trailer, starring the model from the book cover.

Here’s a teaser:

When destiny sleeps, it can only be awakened by true love’s kiss.

In this historical romance loosely based on the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale, a woodcutter’s daughter becomes the town healer’s apprentice. Rose is determined to overcome her weakness and prove herself a competent healer, or she faces marrying a disgusting old merchant her mother has picked out for her.

Lord Hamlin, the future ruler of the region, is injured and Rose must overcome her squeamishness to save him. He is everything that is noble and good, but loving him is forbidden. He is already betrothed to a mysterious woman in hiding.

With two noble-born brothers vying for her affections, Rose learns that the people of Hagenheim are not always who they seem.

Where did you get your inspiration for The Healer’s Apprentice?

I’m glad you asked, Lisa, because I love to tell this. :-) I’ve always loved fairy tales, and when I started getting the idea for The Healer’s Apprentice, my two girls were very young and they watched a lot of the Disney princess movies and Barbie movies which were based on fairy tales. One day they were watching Sleeping Beauty and I started thinking how unrealistic it was that a prince, who was betrothed from childhood to a princess, would meet a peasant girl in the woods and decide on the spot to marry her. I started thinking, what would this story be like if it was realistic? If it actually happened? And I thought, if this guy was betrothed and fell in love with someone else, he would feel a lot of inner conflict. He would want the respect of his family and his people, so he’d fight his attraction to this girl he’d fallen in love with. So that’s how the idea started.

I was also inspired by my time in Hildesheim, Germany. I spent six weeks in that town, which dates back from the 1100’s. Many medieval buildings are still there, including the entire town square, or Marktplatz. You can see this beautiful medieval square here: http://www.panorama-cities.net/hildesheim/market_place_5c.html

Which character is most like you?

The heroine, of course. :-)

Who is your favorite character and why?

I really love both the hero, Lord Hamlin, and the heroine, Rose. They are very real to me. I was actually shocked at how attached I became to them. When I watched the movie, Stranger Than Fiction, I remember wishing, really wishing I could meet them the same way the author in that movie was meeting her character. I made the mistake of telling my husband that, and he looked at me like I was off my rocker. :-)

Did you know how The Healer’s Apprentice would turn out? Were you surprised by any of the plot twists or characters?

I always knew the ending, but there were several plot twists that surprised me! One was the subplot involving Gunther and Hildy. When I started the story, I had no idea any of that was going to happen! The climax of their story came directly from research, from an actual law from medieval times.

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

That God had a good plan for Rose all along, and she only needed to trust God.

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

I’ve done the usual things, I guess—try to get the word out on Facebook, on my blog, and hired someone to create a website for me. Zondervan has made an unbelievably awesome trailer for my book, which you can see on my website, http://www.melaniedickerson.com/books.html and they’ve also sent me some wonderful bookmarks and postcards, and I’ve been giving those out wherever I get an opportunity, such as at my local RWA chapter’s annual Reader’s Luncheon. I’m very blessed to have an excellent marketing team at Zondervan, and I’m blessed by the talented creative team that created the book cover, which should appeal to the target audience—especially since I’m not sure how good I’m going to be at marketing!

Tell us what new projects you’re working on.

I have written a second medieval romance based on a fairy tale, The Beholder, which is a Beauty and the Beast story. I have a third that I’m working on now, based on Snow White. I also have another romance series set in the late 1800’s in my home state of Alabama. I’m hoping my agent will find a home for it soon.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

Don’t let anyone convince you to give up on your dreams. God is the God of the impossible. You can do anything He strengthens you to do.

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To learn more about Melanie and her work, visit her on the web at:

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Website

Facebook

Goodreads

CBD.com

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Also, Melanie is giving away a copy of her book The Healer's Apprentice. Be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Friday for your chance to win!

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Sunday Devotional

“Max’s water dish is empty!”

My voice echoed back to me through the suddenly silent house. Funny how fast kids can disappear when there are chores to be done.

Heaving a sigh, I grabbed his dish, gave it a good scrub, and replenished the water. Max watched me the whole time, his eyes fastened to the bowl and his tongue darting out to wet his lips.

“Poor puppy,” I crooned. “You were thirsty, huh?” I set down the dish and watched as he lapped at the cool water.

“Good grief, Max,” I said, picking up the bowl when he’d finished and filling it again so I wouldn’t have to do it in the morning. “You were thirsty.”

Eyes fixed on me adoringly, his tail thumped against the tile floor—his way of showing appreciation. All of this reminded me of another story, and of living water which Jesus said once a person partook of, would cause them never to thirst again. Suddenly, I realized what a gift it is that Jesus recognized my condition and took care to see to my need. And I’ll be careful. . .that Max’s bowl is never dry.

John 4:1-13 (New International Version)

Jesus Talks With a Samaritan Woman

1The Pharisees heard that Jesus was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John, 2although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3When the Lord learned of this, he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.

4Now he had to go through Samaria. 5So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

7When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8(His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

9The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a])

10Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

11"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"

13Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,

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