Winner of Mother's Day Giveaway

We have a winner for a free copy of my book, Deeply Devoted! Wendy was selected! Yay! I want to thank you all for taking a moment to post me a comment. I loved hearing about your moms. I hope your Mother's Day was special as we reflected on what our moms meant to us now that we're adults--some with our own children.

I'm working hard on my deadline for the 3rd book in The Blue Willow Brides. My title is Timeless Perfection. Of course, the publisher may have other ideas. Lol! Twice Promised will be out this fall, which I just finished galleys then page proofs for. So I've not had a lot of time to blog with my different deadlines. After I turn in book 3, I'm hoping for a break and a little bit of free time.

I appreciate all of my readers and the great feedback that you send me. It keeps me working hard to write the next best story....

School's out and summer has arrived, and I hope to spend  a little more time with my family. I planted a small herb garden and flowers which allows me time to enjoy our beautiful outdoors. I may post a picture of the herb patch once it's established. The flowers are a different story. We have a rabbit problem and they love to eat the tender flower buds. :( We did spray offensive smelling stuff, so I'll have to see how that goes. 

Have a wonderful week, and get out and enjoy God's beautiful handiwork everywhere that he left for us so that no one is without excuse.

Maggie

MAMA-SWEETEST NAME I KNOW

MAGGIE O'NEAL (my mom)

Mother. There's no other word quite like it or carries the same weight as the word Mother. Whether you call yours, Mama, Mother, or Mom, or whether you're mom is not your natural mother but raised you, she still counts as Mother. Mothers love us despite our many faults or any disagreements we may have had, unconditionally, just like the Father's love for us. :) Most pray for us, were present to place a cool cloth on your brow when you were sick growing up, made you cookies and pressed your school clothes, praised you when it was worthy, and worried over you when she knew something was wrong. My mother told great stories and made us kids laugh. She loved country and western music, gospel and ELVIS! Sometimes I think she liked Elvis more than us kids. Lol! She danced a gig around the living room or kitchen to the music from her Hi-Fi (that'll date you!) and danced with my children as well. She made the best dumplings and cornbread you ever put in your mouth! She lived on social security for many years in a tiny apartment, but never complained about it. She watched every nickel she had just like it was sill the depression she went through, but somehow managed to have a good hot meal on her table always when anyone dropped by or was sick in her complex. She had so many grandchildren and great grandchildren that I've lost track of the total.

My mama was tough! A true Steel Magnolia. She grew up on a farm in Mississippi in a large family. She worked hard in her life in years my dad wasn't present in our family, taking on all kinds of odd jobs to keep us from going under and she wasn't too proud to work at any job if it meant putting food on the table or paying the bills. From doing other people's laundry, ironing, shucking oysters, working at a chicken plant, plucking chickens, picking cotton, waitressing, working on a dairy farm, picking up pecans, and as housekeeper at the local motels on the Gulf coast, she gave it her all her best. I'm sure I've left one, out but these are the ones that I was aware of. You hardly see that kind of dedication any more these days because people now feel they are entitled to "everything" when they're just starting out in life.

 Mama kept her Bible always opened on her coffee table as far back as I can remember at whatever passage she was studying that given day. Many of the those verses I can still hear her quote in my head, and are a big part of my life today. She instructed us in the way we should go, and danged if we didn't. We all wanted to make her proud because she was proud of us.

She lost a baby girl at eight months old and a daughter who was nearly 59 and her husband at 62, but yet she toughed it out when life seem to hold no joy. I'm glad she wasn't here to see my other three brothers pass on. She loved being outdoors, and worked in her flower bed until she fell at 87 and never fully recovered.

There's so much more I could say about my mama. She never owned a home, or drove a car, but she  filled our home with love and laughter and most of all her Faith. I'm eternally grateful for her telling me who Jesus Christ is. It's been 14 years since her passing, but the loss is just as fresh on my mind, especially on Mother's Day, as it ever was. I'd like to be able to say I have some of her strength in me.

I want to honor her by giving you a chance to receive a copy of my latest book, Deeply Devoted. All you have to do is leave me a comment--short one please, about your mother. I'll randomly draw a name next week. Leave you email address,--put symbols in parenthesis, etc...you know the drill 

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

MAGGIE

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S!!

Kiss me, I’m Irish. Yes, I’m part Irish, English and Creek Indian, but on this day if you are a little or a lot Irish, it doesn’t matter if you want to celebrate. My maiden name was O’Neal, so I feel Irish today. St. Patrick used the shamrock to represent the Holy Trinity and placed the Irish symbol of the sun onto the Christian cross. You can see it on my bible in the picture. He was a missionary to Ireland where most of the Irish worshiped nature based pagan Gods. He shared the “good news” of Christ and converted many to Christianity.

My father was buried on this day, 37 years ago. Unfortunately, I was not there for the funeral, due to unfortunate circumstances. I did see him about 6 weeks before he died, and it was a very tough visit with a small toddler on my skinny hip (at the time, Okay, lol!)

One good thing that came out of this visit was that he and I knelt one evening in his bedroom, and he prayed to receive Christ as his savior. This still brings fresh tears to my eyes now. I don’t credit myself for this. I was merely the instrument God chose to use. I feel like that was the purpose of my visit, because I knew that I would not be able to come back. At the time I was okay with that. But after a few years, I came to realize that I did not get closure—if there can be any—because I wasn’t able to be there, to grieve with my family or to say a final goodbye.

Now 37 years later, I still wish I could have been there because I needed my family’s support in loosing a father that I loved so much, even though for the most part he was an absentee father.

Today, as I have my coffee, I set an extra cup for the absent father as a tribute to his memory. He gave me my first taste of coffee, while sitting on the back porch steps in his undershirt after work. He would pour me a sip in the saucer and I would eagerly devour it before mama would catch us! Pretty much the same way that I have done with my own grandchildren. My father was a kind, gentle soul. He never raised his voice that I can remember. He called me Baby, never Brenda. I can understand why my mother loved him in spite of all his flaws. He was handsome and sweet and well likes by everyone. The two of them must’ve celebrated his birthday this past Thursday in Heaven. Someday I’ll be joining them as well. What a day of rejoicing that will be.

Enough of all this blarney…So here’s to you, John Samuel O’Neal…I miss you still.

Maggie

TWICED PROMISED-BOOK 2 IN THE BLUE WILLOW BRIDES

Here's the brand new cover just approved for Twiced Promise. It's such a beautiful cover! Of course I didn't expect anything less from the art department at Revell.

You'll have a few months to wait for it. It releases in October, but I'm hoping you will think it's well worth the wait. Here's a brief description:

Seeing how successful her older sister's "mail order marriage" has been and longing to strike out on her own, Greta Olsen answers an ad for a mail order bride in Central City, Colorado. But when she meets Jess Gifford, owner of a thriving mercantile, she begins to harbor doubts. He didn't place the ad to begin with and his business in a busy mining town leaves him little time or energy for love. To compound her troubles, she was not the only bride to answer the ad! Will either bride strike the match she hopes for?

Filled with amusing and awkward situations that will keep the reader interested and guessing, Twice Promised is another sweet romance from Maggie Brendan.

I've been staying busy working on the last book in this series and working up a new proposal for a new series. More on that series as it developes later. These things can take a while to iron out. Along with that, life has thrown me a few curve balls to dodge, but then I know that things arise in everyone's life to take our focus away from what's important. I do hang out on my Facebook author page when time allows, so I hope you'll check that out and you can also connect with me at Twitter. It scrolls on the right hand bar on my page here.

Spring is just teasing us here in Georgia presently, and I hope you're staying healthy and warm whever you live and you're reading a good book by a crackling fire and something hot to drink.

God bless,

MAGGIE

WE HAVE A WINNER!

Today is the day! My DEEPLY DEVOTED promotion ended last night at Midnight, and the marketing team has just selected the winners. Are you on the list? Find out here! http://maggiebrendan.com/ .

Many thanks to all of you for entering and liking my author page on Facebook, and I want to congratulate the winners and here's hoping you enjoy your prizes. It was fun coming up with the idea that I thought you'd all enjoy. :)

As Christmas draws near, I hope you're not too frazzled with shopping, cooking and family to enjoy--the true meaning of Christmas--Christ's birth.

Merry Christmas!!

MAGGIE

BIG NEWS!!

I promised you a Christmas Giveaway that you just couldn't refuse!!

I’m excited to announce the launch of an incredible promotion from my publisher, Revell, in celebration of Deeply Devoted.The prizes are amazing: A $250 Bed & Breakfast Date Night, a 21-piece Blue Willow china set, or a gourmet Italian feast fit for a king (or queen!) Wouldn’t one of these prizes be the perfect way to start the New Year?To enter the giveaway, go here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maggie-Brendan/209545385783344?sk=app_28134323652. The link is also on the sidebar on the left of my facebook author page as well.

Don't forget to savor the meaning of Christmas admist the shopping, decorating, etc. Slow down and take time to enjoy the free gift of God's incredible gift--the reason for our celebration.

Blessings,

MAGGIE

THE BOOKCLUB NETWORK

I've been Christmas decorating and squeezing in writing in between but I wanted to share something fun with you.

I know many of you are in bookclubs so I wanted to let you know about The Book Club Network with you in case you hadn't heard of it. My friend, Nora, set up this wonderful site where readers and authors can interact. Starting today, a Christmas party kicks off with a chance to win free books, including my Deeply Devoted and Dan Walsh's book, Remembering Christmas, another dear writing friend of mine.

Here's the link. It's fun and easy to join in all the fun. You may find some of your favorite authors online. :)

Maggie Brendanhttp://psalm516.blogspot.com/2011/12/day-1-christmas-party-book-club-network.html. Check out The Book Club Network Christmas party for giveaways.

Finding Hope Through Fiction: DAY 1 - CHRISTMAS PARTY @ THE BOOK CLUB NETWORK psalm516.blogspot.com.

I have something really spectacular that I'm working on for my own personal giveaway that will include much more than just a copy of my book so keep checking the blog and I hope you will click the 'Like' button on my Facebook Author page Maggie Brendan then follow me on twitter@MaggieBrendan. More on my big giveaway later. Have an awesome week! Now back to my story set in Denver. :)

MAGGIE

THANKFUL THOUGHTS & LIFEWAY BLOG

With Thanksgiving tomorrow, I have many things to be grateful for, especially in lieu of our nation's obvious financial and unemployment crisis. Today, the pleasureable smell of my pies I baked last night linger as I tick off my list the things still left to do. I'm so thankful that I live in American where we are free to worship as we choose, (although I have great concerns about how many references to God are reduced or eliminated in our institutions). I'm grateful for a roof over my head, food to consume, family, fairly good health, and friendships that matter most. I'm grateful to be able to do what I love the most. Write! I can't begin to list eveything here.

Today, I'm sharing what I'm thankful for on LifeWay's blog with some other wonderful writers. Click here to check it out. I'm on LifeWay's blog this morning. :) check it out. http://tiny.cc/l9h40. Then come back here and let me know what you're grateful for.

MAGGIE

OVERCOMING THROUGH TIME & CONTEST

I met a wonderful lady, Carrie Pagels, while I was at the St. Louis ACFW conference in September. Carrie was a counselor for 25 years before starting a career in writing. She interviewed me for her blog, Overcoming Through Time. For those of you just getting to know me, I wrote about the circumstances that overshadowed my world while trying to meet my book deadlines.

I will be giving away a copy of Deeply Devoted and later Carrie will draw a winner when you post a comment.

Click her for the interview. http://www.cfpagels.blogspot.com/ to enter the contest.

Hope your fall is spectacular one as we move into Thanksgiving season soon. Can you believe it's almost time for Christmas?? It puts me in a panic :) So I'll focus instead on the blowing wind sending the colorful leaves about, creatinging its beautiful array of foliage outside my office window. It's a beautiful time of year, one for inward reflection and gratefulness.

MAGGIE

WINNER AND LIFEWAY BOOK SIGNING

Thanks so much to all of you that posted your favorite soup recipe! They look delicious and I want to try them all!! We drew a name and Sheryl, you have won the recipe box and an autorgraphed copy of Deeply Devoted! I hope you enjoy the set and jot down some of the ones posted here on your new recipe cards. I'll contact you for your snail mail address and get that out to you.

I'll be book signing at LifeWay Christian Bookstore at Town Center in Kennesaw, GA this coming Friday, October 21st from 5-7 pm. for their National Fiction Event Day. I hope you'll stop by if you live in the area. It's a great store and wonderful staff with many other great books to choose from as well as mine and gifts galore. Then on Saturday, October 22nd, I'll be at the LifeWay store in Buford, GA next to the Mall of GA. from 11-1 pm. I hope to see you there. :)

Maggie

SOUP'S ON! AND A CHANCE TO WIN

Fall is the perfect time for sharing your favorite soup with family or friends on the backdrop of a chilly day. This pumpkin and black bean soup has always been a nice change from my homemade beef soup, my all time favorite. It's so delicious with crusty bread or rolls. I'll post the recipe at the end of the blog. If you haven't bought your copy Deeply Devoted, here's your chance. Write and tell me what your favorite soup recipe is and I'll draw a winner Sunday night for a copy of my new book, Deeply Devoted AND the pretty recipe box pictured here, complete with recipe cards. (Blue Willow Teapot not included). Now what can be easier than that? Deeply Devoted is receiving great reviews and I feel sure you'll enjoy the story. Why not give a copy to your best friend or mother?

I was away for five days at the end of September at the ACFW conference in St. Louis and some family illness has kept me extremely busy. But I'm happy to report that I turned in book #2 of The Blue Willow Brides and this past week got my edits back to my editor. You can be looking for that book next Aug/Sept. 2012. My working title is Three Little Words-but I never know if they'll keep my title. I had a wonderful time at the conference meeting with my agent and editor and oh so many of my great writer friends that a love of you read. One of my favorite book so far this year is Rooms by James Rubart, a contemporary novel. Quite different from the historicals I usually read. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.

I have a few things I'm pondering for a Christmas contest that I think you'll like later, so stay tuned. :)

PUMPKIN AND BLACK BEAN SOUP

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil,
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 C canned or packaged vegetable stock
1 can (14 ½ oz) diced tomatoes in juice
1 can (15 ½ oz) black beans, drained
2 cans (15 oz) pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin
1 C of heavy cream
1 Tbsp curry powder,
1½ tsp ground cumin,
½ tsp cayenne pepper or less depending on your taste
Coarse salt
20 blades fresh chives, chopped or snipped for garnish
Heat a soup pot over medium heat. Add oil. When oil is hot, add onion. Sauté onions 5 minutes. Add broth, tomatoes, black beans & pumpkin. Stir to combine ingredients & bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and stir in cream, curry cumin, cayenne and salt, to taste. Simmer 5 minutes, adjust seasonings and serve garnished with chopped chives.

God bless,

Maggie