This was a wonderful opportunity, so I sent her an e-mail full of questions—after thanking her, of course. Not only did she answer my questions and offer me encouragement, her comments helped me strengthen my writing. In fact, when I tweaked a scene based on her advice, it sent my mind in an entirely new direction and I ended up with three new scenes and a much stronger opening. Oh, and I like my book again. For a while I was beginning to have my doubts. Now I’m happily working on it once more, with a goal of finishing the book before the year is over.
But enough about me.
This is about my superjudge, Mae Nunn.
I'm ashamed to say this, but at the time she signed her name on my score sheet, I hadn’t read any of her books. Then after her kind words and constructive input, I decided to watch for the next one. A couple of weeks ago, while out shopping, I was delighted to come across her September inspirational romance release from Steeple Hill's Love Inspired: A Texas Ranger’s Family. I didn’t waste any time grabbing it off the shelf, and since it was a nice sunny Saturday, I took it with me to the beach where I spent a wonderful afternoon reading and soaking up the sunshine.
Injured in a bomb blast in Iraq, photojournalist Erin Gray is brought back to the United States to recover. After three weeks in a medically induced coma, she wakes to the sound of a familiar voice: her one-time husband, Daniel Stabler—the man she ran out on when she found herself unable to deal with the nightmares of her past. Daniel isn’t alone at the hospital, though. At his side is his—their—sixteen year old daughter, Dana. But when the bandages are removed from Erin’s eyes and she finally sees the daughter she abandoned, Erin realizes she must still face the pain of her past.
In A Texas Ranger’s Family, readers will find an unpredictable story with layers of depth—a truly inspirational story of love and the many ways it can heal the human heart.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was excited to find out it’s the first of a three-book series. The next one is due out in April. I may have missed the first several of Mae’s books, but you can be sure I won’t miss another one.
To learn more about Mae Nunn and her inspirational romance novels, check out her website at: http://www.maenunn.com/
Great review. This is one of my favorites of Mae's books. Of course, they're all good! Try Mom in the Middle, it's my other favorite of Mae's!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debbie. I'll look for Mom in the Middle. I plan to track down as much of her backlist as possible.
ReplyDeleteOoh, I've never read any of her stories, but this sounds wonderful. I'm always encouraged to hear about judges like her: helpful and constructive. That's a blessing. And I'm glad you like your story again! I know the feeling.
ReplyDeleteOh Suzie,
ReplyDeleteMae's one of my best friends ever. She writes wonderful novels and my husband loves her books too. How often do you find a guy reading these books? Probably more than I realize. Mae's been my earthly angel more than once.:) Thanks for reviewing this book, I haven't read this one yet.
Jillie, thanks for visiting. Too cool on your hubby reading her books. You'll really like her book.
ReplyDeleteSusie D, yes, there are some wonderful judges out there. I've had some pretty good luck with judges, but Mae was extra special. I don't want to jinx myself, but I've never been a "victim" of some of the harshness I've read about on the e-loops.