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29 July 2012

Carrie Fancett Pagels Interviews Regina Jennings

Regina Jennings

REGINA JENNINGS is the author of Sixty Acres and a Bride. Her 2013 book, Love in the Balance is available as a pre-order through Amazon!

Regina, welcome to Overcoming Through Time – With God’s Help.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers.  Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help?
Thank you for inviting me and thank you for the opportunity to share my testimony over my daughter’s struggle. First off, I’d say she’s really the one doing the overcoming with God’s help, but a Momma can’t stand by when her child is hurting without joining in the fight.

Our daughter was our first child—a delight and a joy, but by the time she was three years old we realized that she had some unique challenges. She suffered from migraines, slurred speech and walked on her toes. As she reached school age her physical and learning delays became more pronounced leading us to choose homeschooling in order to personalize her education. This year she is a senior, but I think I’ve received as much of an education as she has. She is now a lovely seventeen-year-old who is starting training as a nurse assistant this year at the local vocational training center, and we couldn’t be more proud. She has worked very hard to get where she is. Watching her struggle has taught me the meaning of overcoming. It’s made me realize how God can use those who rely on Him instead of relying on themselves.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?
I Corinthians 1:27-29 - But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. (NKJV)

God is interested in His glory, not ours. He will use the humble before the proud. This is a comfort when I’m afraid that I can’t do something. When I doubt that I can write another book, when I’m afraid I won’t be able to balance my responsibilities, I can rest in His strength. The inspiration and the ability come from God.

Sixty Acres and a Bride


Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print? 
Sixty Acres and a Bride has recently been purchased by Thorndike Press to be printed in a large print format. It is also available from DoubleDay Book Club in large print.
Sixty Acres and a Bride is also available on several ebook formats where you can enable the text-to-speech option and adjust the font size.


As a side note, because of my daughter’s learning disabilities we have been greatly blessed by our local library for the blind. If you have connections with a library for the blind, please request a recording of Sixty Acres and a Bride and perhaps they’ll make one.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?
First off, I hope they will be entertained. I want them to be drawn into the story, love the characters and be satisfied with the ending. Secondly, I hope my stories add something to the way they view God’s world. Whether a character helps them understand a family member better or a description makes them look at the world in a new light, I hope that some time, years from now, someone might think, “That reminds me of this book I read…”

As you researched your book, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?
I knew from the beginning that I wanted to explore the themes of the Ruth and Boaz story from the Bible, but I needed to find a historically accurate setting.

While researching I stumbled  upon a tiny town in Texas named Prairie Lea. I also found a snippet reporting that many families left Prairie Lea after the Civil War to live in Mexico because of the violence and lawlessness of Reconstruction. This was the perfect set-up for a “Naomi” to return to her homeland with her foreign daughter-in-law, but it also showed the desperation of the times. They must have believed that Mexico offered more of a chance for prosperity and safety than the United States. Unfortunately, many of them gave up on property which the cattle drives would make profitable within a decade if they would’ve stuck it out.

Do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation? 
I hope that readers will finish Sixty Acres and a Bride with an increased understanding and patience for immigrants and other cultures. I’ve traveled outside the U.S. on mission trips, traveled away from the tourist spots and resorts, and have made my share of social blunders and broken taboos. If you ever spend a full day with no one else who speaks your language, you’ll soon find yourself reduced to caveman grunts and gestures. Not exactly sophisticated.
Viewing 1878 American culture through Rosa’s eyes was very fun for me. Although she could speak English I still had a blast coming up with her mishaps in Victorian-era Texas. I hope to write another non-Anglo heroine someday.

Thank you REGINA for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!

Thank you, Carrie, for inviting me! It’s been a blessing and an honor to visit!

Regina's books can be purchased through CBDAmazon, Barnes and Noble, and other book stores.  

GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Regina's debut book in your choice of format* or her upcoming 2013 release as a paperback pre-order. Void where prohibited by law. (*International winners will only receive the debut book in ebook format not as a paperback and are not eligible for the 2013 book.)

68 comments:

  1. A lovely interview! I've seen this book around the web, and I find the cover attractive and the concept intruiguing. I would love to win a copy, but if I don't, I'm sure I will be buying it sooner or later. May the Lord bless your writing for His glory!
    My name is Jill Stengl, and my email is jpopcorn@charter.net

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  2. Thanks JILL! I keep hearing great things about this book. I am so glad REGINA shared her testimony of overcoming with us, too!

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  3. Loved her book!! Hope for Mrs.Regina to write many more in the near future!! This is a very nice and informative interview!!!
    Diana Liggett
    Liggetts7@yahoo.com

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  4. Thanks for stopping in, JILL. I love the cover, too. ;)

    Nice to see you here, DIANA. We're seven months away from the release of the next book, Love in the Balance. It seems so far away!

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  5. Thanks, DIANA! We really appreciate REGINA sharing her heart with us!

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  6. REGINA thank you for sharing with us about your daughter, I am so touched by your story. I am sure she will be a blessing to others as a Nurse Assistant. :)

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  7. TERESA, I was touched by REGINA's story, too. Am about to get offline to check on Sweetie Boy. He has some tummy issues.

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  8. REGINA, thank you so much for being with us this week on OTT, and for your wonderful interview with CARRIE! I really admire you for the mission work that you do, and totally enjoyed your first book!

    Blessings on all your future endeavors, and God bless your precious daughter. May she touch many lives in her career as a nurse assistant!

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  9. What a great interview! REGINA thanks for sharing with us!
    I've loved the cover of your book from first sight. I have the book, but haven't had the time to read it yet. Soon, I hope!

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  10. I love history and the interview with Regina really brings out the research she did about the period after the Civil War in Texas that I did not know. Love that cover too. Thank you for allowing me to enter this giveaway. Hope I win!!
    Darlene

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  11. Wonderful interview. I'm always very excited to discover a new author. Anxious to read. Thank you for the opportunity.
    Blessings,
    Annette
    aldrn40@aol.com

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  12. MARIAN, since Teresa and Diana loved it, I am betting you will too! I haven't read yet, but I have very limited reading I do especially if not available on audio.

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  13. DARLENE, I think this was a pretty hard time after the Civil War out west and a lot of southerners moved that way, too. Thanks for coming by!

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  14. ANNETTE, I love your nickname. My MIL said the one thing she didn't want my kids to call her was "granny" lol!

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  15. TERESA - She has the most tender heart and will be a blessing in her field. I can't wait to see what God has in store for her.

    DIANA - We are privileged to have the opportunities available to go and serve. If you haven't been on a mission trip, I recommend it.

    MARIAN - I think it's the prettiest cover I've ever seen, but I might be a wee bit biased. :) Thanks for your work here.

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  16. DARLENE - Thanks for entering and good luck!

    ANNETTE - I agree with Carrie, I like your handle. It's spunky. God bless.

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  17. I love Regina's writing! Great interview with a great author!

    Erin Shepherd
    erinshepherd623@hotmail.com

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  18. Thanks, ERIN. I can't believe Carrie is offering to give either Sixty Acres or Love in the Balance. This is my first Love in the Balance giveaway! I can't wait to share it with y'all.

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  19. would love to win. Thanks for doing this.
    pat cowans
    p_cowans@yahoo.com

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  20. Thank you for this interview Carrie. It's always interesting to hear some background behind the story AND the author! It was the cover also that drew me to this story initially and I absolutely LOVED the story. Good to hear there's another on the way Regina! I'll be looking out for it!

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  21. Candice valdez. Valdezc_1@sbcglobal.netJuly 29, 2012 at 7:36 PM

    Loved 60 acres and a bride! Can't wait to read her next book!

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  22. Regina,

    Thank you for sharing this story. I knew you were a HSer because I found your cover on the Sonlight forums, but didn't know about your daughter's story. Wonderful interview and I love the colorful cover.

    julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

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  23. I still need to read Sixty Acres! I bought it the day it came out and still have not read it. I need to fix that! The next book looks great and I love the cover. Bethany House has the BEST covers!!

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  24. OOPS My e-mail is

    abbiesreadingcorner(at)gmail(dot)com

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  25. Carrie-- another great review!!

    I bought Sixty Acres and a Bride in March and have not had the chance to read it yet-- the COVER is beautiful!

    About the interview, this stuck out to me: "I hope that readers will finish Sixty Acres and a Bride with an increased understanding and patience for immigrants and other cultures." Gosh, I really think that's something that people in the churches here in America need to really consider and look at anew. Honestly, what did you or I do to get here? I was born here.... but our ancestors came here from somewhere else... they were IMMIGRANTS!! Sure, I believe we need laws and regulations, but I believe we as Christians are called to compassion and mercy and grace.

    Thanks for this interview and a look inside Regina's heart!

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  26. NOELLA, we are always looking for people willing to share their testimonies of God's power in their life to help in overcoming difficulties. So we were pleased when Regina was willing to share her story. This blog is all about God's goodness and in facing the trials of life. We're all in this thing called life together! blessings!

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  27. LADETTE!!! Always love to see you here! you are such an encouragement to all of us! I thought exactly that, which is one reason I have Regina's book on my Kindle. So glad she has a heart full of compassion! Thanks so much for coming by and I know your words will encourage Regina!

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  28. April aprillynnbrown@gmail.comJuly 29, 2012 at 8:27 PM

    I absolutely loved Sixty Acres and a Bride! Regina is a very talented writer.

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  29. PAT you will be entered.

    CANDICE and JULIA --I guess that means you want to be entered for the pre-release. The cover on the new book looks awesome, too. Dave Long, the editor at Bethany did a post on how they chose to do that cover for 60 acres... and it was really interesting how he wanted movement in it!

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  30. ABBIE and APRIL, thanks for coming to visit with us! We'll enter you for the pre-release drawing!

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  31. Great interview! It's always interesting to hear more about an author and their life. I have a copy of Sixty Acres and haven't had a chance to read it yet,but it sounds like I need to move it to the top of my TBR pile! Please enter me for the pre-release!

    ecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com

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  32. What wonderful interview, ladies! Thank you! I have Sixty Acres and a Bride, and I hope to read it very soon -- I've heard so many wonderful things about it! :)

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    Michelle
    Scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

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  33. Thank you for sharing the Lord's work and help in the lives of you and your daughter. It truly is His strength alone.
    bskaggs(at)zoominternet(dot)net

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  34. I WANT A PRINT COPY OF "Sixty Acres and a Bride"!!!!!!!!!!! DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG IT'S BEEN ON MY "NEED TO READ ASAP" LIST?!??!??!?!!?

    Anyway, I'm entering. (Surprised? I thought not.) THANK YOU FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN, AND I LOVED THE INTERVIEW!!!!!!!!

    katelynmwhitley@yahoo.com

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  35. Thank you for the great Interview, always love reading about new Authors, I never read any Books by Regina Jennings but that will change (smile)
    Please ad me to your Giveaway.
    Blessings to all

    ingrids62448(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  36. PAT - Thanks & good luck.

    NOELA, CANDICE and APRIL - I'm glad you liked Sixty Acres. Thanks for the encouragement. A good report goes a long ways.

    JULIA - A fellow Sonlighter! Nice to meet you. I hope your school year gets off to a wonderful start.

    ABBIE & LADETTE - I love the cover, too. Have you seen the new cover for "Love in the Balance"? Bethany House's art department rocks!

    LIZ & MICHELLE - Thanks for picking up a copy and good luck in the drawing.

    KATE - Thank you so much for the encouragement.

    TEDDY - Amen! Sometimes it seems that there's no progress, then suddenly we look back and see how far God has brought us. He is faithful.

    KATELYN & INGRID - Good luck on the drawing and blessings to you. :)

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  37. Thanks for the great interview ladies! I read this book on my Kindle, but would love a PB copy for my bookshelf or to pass on to one of my reading buddies! Or maybe I would just hold out for the new release=)

    Patty
    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  38. I loved Sixty Acres and a Bride. It was really good! I can't wait for Regina's new release next year!
    Amy C
    Campbellamyd at gmail dot com

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  39. Great interview! I can sense how proud you are of your daughter, Regina. It was very touching story. Ladies, I have read 60 Acres and a Bride and I highly recommend this book!

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  40. Great interview. Would love a chance to win and read this book. Sounds very interesting.
    Karen
    kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

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  41. REGINA, I can just tell you are someone who takes the cake, lol! So glad you have been right here with us. Me and Sweetie boy overslept. Great to see so many friends here visiting today.

    LISA N if you RX it I know this has to be an awesome read. Most authors don't have time to read many other author's books, so that says something! Thanks for coming by!

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  42. AMY, isn't it fun when you find a new author to love?

    KAREN, will put your name in the virtual hat!

    PATTY, if I were you I'd go for the pre-release version but make sure you mark somewhere that you won it. I have done pre-releases for us on the blog (preordered) and then forgot!!!

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  43. So good to see Regina here. I've not met her but think this will do quite nicely here! I've heard wonderful things about her book and am so happy her debut is in reader's hands. Love the insights about her life, her daughter, and her writing. Thanks so much, Carrie - and Regina! Please don't enter me in the drawing as I have this book coming:)

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  44. I can't wait to read Regina's book, and I hope I win it! She has also been working on a book with a male character based on Tim Tebow! Can't wait for that one either! :)

    amada_chavze@yahoo.com

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  45. LAURA, thanks for coming by! Will miss not going to conf this year but since you'll not be there, it wouldn't be the same anyway! Thanks for your kind words!

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  46. AMADA, you have such a pretty name. Of course all the writers who see it want to use it for a heroine! Oh, I didn't know REGINA's upcoming book is inspired by him. Maybe she'll comment on that!

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  47. AMADA is correct, I have a hero that I fashioned after Tim Tebow. The story isn't based on his life, but I've been asked before in interviews what celebrity most resembles my characters so I decided to pick a celebrity beforehand. That book is still in the planning stage. We had a lively discussion on my FB author page to pick a heroine who would be a good match for him and we came up with Taylor Swift. I've got 50 pages of that book and can't wait to get back to it.

    PATTY & AMY - I'm glad you enjoyed Sixty Acres. Thank you for giving it your recommendation.

    LISA - It's so kind of you to stop by and give a good report. I can say the same about your book, Prize of my Heart. I can't wait to see what you have coming next.

    KAREN - Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!

    LAURA - Another author I admire. Your words are very encouraging. Thanks for commenting and I hope to meet you soon.

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  48. I've been wanting to read this one for awhile now! I just love the story of Ruth and Boaz.

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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  49. would love to read this story...thanks for the chance

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  50. MARISSA, I love that story, too, and how Jesus's parent's earthly lineage was through them.

    KAREN, great to see you here!

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  51. MARISSA - Ruth and Boaz have always been one of my favorite stories. Of course, this isn't a strict retelling, but Sixty Acres was inspired by their lives.

    KAREN - Good luck in the drawing and thanks for stopping by.

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  52. I just read Ruth to my boys the other night. I know, they're a little old for mom to be reading to them, but they ask me every night so I do. There's so much packed into that book of the Bible!

    I must confess I've had Sixty Acres and a Bride on my Kindle for awhile and just haven't gotten around to reading it yet. But after reading this interview, I do believe it just got bumped up on the list :)

    Thanks for sharing about your daughter, Regina. I know how difficult it is when one of our children has a challenge with their health or learning. A mom plays an integral part in their overcoming!

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  53. ANNE - No one is too old to be read to. :) I hope the little I shared is helpful to someone. If nothing else I want to praise God for what He's done for us.

    Thanks for stopping in.

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  54. ANNE, I read to our daughter, at night, until she was well into sixth grade. With Sweetie boy it will probably be until he is twenty!!! :)

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  55. Hi Regina, Carrie!
    I enjoyed this post, thanks for visiting Regina! Everythig you've said is just lovely and I LOVE the verse you chose.
    God bless your daughter! How sweet ...
    If I want to be included in the giveaway?... Oh YES, PLEASE!
    :-)

    Ganise

    ganise_4life (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  56. Please enter me...I would love to read this book.Thanks..jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com

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  57. Thank you, GANISE! My daughter is a sweetheart, although her little brother would probably disagree. :)

    JACKIE - Thanks for entering. I wish you luck.

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  58. CARRIE, my boys are almost 18 & 15, so 20 isn't looking too far away ;)

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  59. Looks Great!!! Thanks for the chance to win! God Bless!
    richmond.abigail@gmail.com

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  60. ANNE too funny! 10 more yrs for sweetie boy!

    ABIGAIL u r welcome! Blessings!

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  61. ABIGAIL - God bless you, too and good luck.

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  62. I would like to win a paperback copy of Regina's new book, Love in the Balance. Pick me; pick me, please. Patience, patience~!
    Nice! I saw the cover and read the intro over at goodreads. I hope your new heroine, Molly, will make wise choices, looking forward! I will encourage her along.
    I agree. My ancestry is also across Ellis Island! I am half-Irish and a fourth Norwegian and German. I look at Lady Liberty and think of what they must have seen and endured. My maternal grandmother came from Norway with her family when she was sixteen. She met my German grandfather, who passed away before I was born. My father was a musician and married one of their debutant daughters. My mother died when I was five, a month before my sixth birthday. How I would love to have a memory of her. How blessed each of us are to be part of an immigrant heritage. Families are so important. Laughter, love, and growing together. I worked in public schools with vision-impaired students for seven years and autistic students for five years, before retiring. Such good times and a good sense of humor helped over the humps we each have. I enjoyed your interview today. How small is our world and how big is our God. Cherish each moment. Kathleen
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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  63. Thank you for the lovely review! I really enjoyed getting to know more about Ms. Jennings.

    I really liked Sixty Acres and a Bride, especially the dance :)

    crazi.swans at gmail dot com

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  64. KATHLEEN - One thing about heaven that I'm looking forward to is talking to believers from all eras - especially family members whom I never got to meet. And thanks for your work with special needs kids. That is an important job. God bless you!

    FAYE - The dance scene was my favorite, too.

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  65. This sounds like a wonderful book to read. Thanks for a chance at winning it.
    Juanita Cook
    seraphinangel7@aol.com

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  66. Great interview! I've really been wanting to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway!

    writer_weaverATyahooDOTcom

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  67. JUANITA - Thanks for coming by to comment.

    ANNA - I hope you get a chance to read it. Good luck and God bless.

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  68. Great interview Regina and Carrie. You had great problems but you overcame them with God's grace. I do love your book based on Ruth and Namoi's story from the Bible.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    BC

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