ANNIE'S TRUTH - Beth Shriver - Free Book

I've known Beth for many years, and now we write for the same publishing company. Welcome, Beth. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

I have been incredibly blessed with my writing. It took awhile to get here, but I don’t take one minute of it for granted. Do I still get discouraged, yes, but all I have to do is look back and see how far I’ve come and The Discourager slips away.

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband sells anti-shoplifting equipment, you know those pedestals you walk through or tags you forgot to clip off that squeal throughout the store until you turn red with embarrassment, thoseJ

My son, Cale, will be moving from College Station to Austin this coming year, majoring in art/graphic design.

My daughter, Madison, will be finishing her last year in criminal justice, hopefully!! 

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Yes, but not in a good way. I don’t read nearly as much as I used to and I miss it. I always feel like I should be writing, but I’ve found I write better if I’m reading.

What are you working on right now?

I just finished the fourth book in the six book series, Season of the Spirit. It’s the first book in the second series. I’m so glad my editor changed the series into two, three book series. It was nice to start over with new characters and a different setting.

What outside interests do you have?

I’m a social worker by trade so I find opportunities to fulfill that part of me that I miss. My favorite organization is a place called “The SoupMobile.” I have a passion to help the homeless and enjoy going to downtown Dallas for a change of pace.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Funny you should ask. I’ve changed the setting three times according to my experiences. I went from Virginia to Texas to Pennslyvania. Because I write about pastoral living I make the setting into a character in a roundabout way. Spending time at my grandfather’s ranch as a kid made me appreciate the country life and the land.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?

That is not a fair question…I’d say Jesus but that’s too obvious, so I’d like to have a sit down with the apostle Peter. I can relate to asking questions and messing things up, so he would probably make me feel better, or worseL. More modern day…C.S. Lewis comes to mind and Mother Teresa, talk about a social worker!

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

That what you write might surprise you. What you think is good or marketable might not be, and in turn you may find your niche in something different from what you thought you would. To be grateful for what you have and keep forging ahead. I’ve had ups and downs, but what it comes down to is that I love to write and hope I always have the opportunity to do so.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

Humbleness, I recently went to a women’s retreat at my church and was awakened to the reason I write. Because I write Christian based stories I have the opportunity to share and encourage my faith with others.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Learn the trade

Connect with other writers

Write and write some more

Tell us about the featured book.

After learning the truth about who she really is, can this prodigal daughter be accepted back into the safety and security of home?

Annie Beiler seems to have it all—a loving family in a tight-knit Amish community and the affections of an attractive and respected young man. But when she learns that she was adopted after being found as an abandoned newborn, she sets out on a journey to find out who she is.

Her father is strongly against her decision to leave, as it could mean Meidung, or excommunication from the community and even her family. But Annie knows she must find “the path that has her heart.”

As Annie’s search brings her into the fast-paced world of modern life, she is confronted with all of the temptations she was warned of. Her quest for self keeps her from returning, but when she finds out the truth, she becomes so broken Annie reaches a point of no return, and has to make a choice. Can she make her way back to the order and security of her family? Or will she remain an outsider—torn between her two worlds?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Prologue

The bright moon illuminated the velvet sky. Shafts of corn swayed in the soft, warm breeze as if alive, dancing a waltz in the huge ten-acre field. The cries from a pack of coyotes erupted through the nearby hills surrounding the Shenandoah Valley.

Amos Beiler made his way through the rows of ripe corn as the pups howled an off-kilter tune along with the group. Amos followed a different cry—that of a human babe, the sobs weak and intermittent, nearly drowned out by the louder moan of the coyotes.

He used his shotgun to slash his way through the six-foot stalks in a maze of never ending rows until a small whimper close by made him stop. He turned to his right and looked down a stretch of dirt that led to his farmhouse a good mile away. He’d come to protect his livestock from the coyotes, but finding their source of interest was his new goal.

Another sputter from the next line over caught his attention. He moved quickly, not wanting to lose sight of the area where the sound came from. Cornstalks shadowed the dirt path that led him closer to the child. Now in bouts of darkness, he listened with an attentive ear to any tiny sound. A frog croaked. The wind rustled through the corn leaves. Another curt howl sounded. All made him pause, listen, and discern.

Another wail from the babe made him step quickly, running through the dark aisle of soil. Finally, he caught a glimpse of movement; something white flashed from the ground. As he neared, he saw a colorless blanket with a newborn wrapped inside. He reached down, lifting the small bundle to his chest. The urgent need for protection set him into action.

The coyotes’ song ended. They were on the hunt now, looking for the prize he’d found. They were downwind of him, sure to have his scent and that of the child.

Carrying the gun with one hand and the babe close to his shoulder, he cradled its head in his palm and hurried toward the house. He looked behind him only once, and saw motion out of the corner of his eye. The wind played tricks on him that he dared not allow to fool him. The faster he walked, the farther away the house seemed.

When Amos finally reached a window on the side of the house, he lifted the gun and banged one time, hard. He dropped to his knee and scanned the field. One, two, four pairs of yellow eyes fell upon him. He set the crying babe on the ground behind him. Then, he steadied his gun.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

BETHSHRIVERWRITER.COM

Thank you for having me, Lena! It’s always nice to work with youJ


And thank you for sharing your new book with us, Beth.


Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Annie's Truth (Touch of Grace)


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