WHAT GOD KNEW - June Foster - One Free Book

Welcome back, June. How did you come up with the idea for this story?

What God Knew is book three in the Almond Tree Series. I've always wanted to write a mixed racial romance. At first, Dr. Michael Clark was to be a Chinese doctor, but with the recent racial unrest, I decided to make him African American. It seemed to fit the current issues we're facing here in the US. I must admit, I'm an issue writer. I love to delve into problems from a Christian worldview.

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

I have tons of Christian writer friends and would love to invite all of them. But for just selfish reasons, there are some I'd love to have the opportunity to ask questions. How do you come up with your story ideas? How do you write such compelling stories? What's the key to your success? Among a jillion others. So, I'd have to say: Ted Dekker, Beverly Lewis, Jerry Jenkins, Karen Kingsbury, Randy Alcorn, and of course I'd love to invite Lena Nelson Dooley, though she writes mostly historical!

I do have several contemporary releases as well. Thank you for including me. I’d love to visit with those people, too. Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Well, I already said Lena Nelson Dooley, so I'll name some others for the same reason as above. To pick their brains. And maybe some of their creativity would rub off on me! (Ha) Janette Oke, Davis Bunn, Julie Pollitt, Mildred Colvin, Amanda Cabot, and Darlene Franklin.

A very good list, June. Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?

I write about subject matter that many other Christian authors don't address. That is in no way a criticism. I believe we all must write the stories the Lord places on our hearts. My themes are not readily accepted by publishers and agents and I have to fight rejection frequently. But in the end, I give it over to the Lord, do the best job I can on honing my craft, and pray, pray, pray.

Tell us about the featured book.

Let me share my backcover blurb for What God Knew.

Neonatal specialist Dr. Michael Clark is passionate about saving the lives of premature babies. But the pediatrics department at El Camino General can't provide the care many of his preemies require. Now he wants to build a specialty hospital where he can better offer medical treatment for his young patients.

Tammy Crawford is an accomplished geriatrics RN who wants nothing to do with her sister Joella's religious beliefs. She's independent and doesn't need anyone, including God in pursuing a new job as a nurse practitioner.

When she falls in love with the intriguing Michael Clark, she must reconsider her resolve to devote herself completely to her career and not become distracted by a romantic relationship. Now the obstacles are insurmountable. She's in love with a man from another culture and a different race.

Michael acknowledges his growing affection for the beautiful nurse yet can't ignore his brother's deep racial prejudices.

Can two people who are as different as night and day find a life together?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Michael straightened the name tag on his lab jacket identifying him as a neonatal team member at El Camino General and tapped on the hospital room door. He opened his mouth to announce his presence but snapped it shut. Dave Reyes, father of the preemie baby girl, bent over his wife's bed. Closed eyes and clasped hands relayed the message. The couple was praying.

Only one thing to do. Stand quietly inside the threshold and wait. Prayer. We needed more of that.

"And, Lord, we ask you to allow little Abby to develop and grow strong. We know You cherish this new life, and we offer her up to You. Even her name means Joy to the Father. Her mother and I pray that our daughter will bring You joy all the days of her life. In Jesus' Name."

Mrs. Reyes opened tear-filled eyes and whisked the moisture from her cheek.

"Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Reyes." Michael stepped closer to the bed. "How are you today?" He trained his gaze on the pretty blonde still clutching the hand of her dark-haired husband.

"We're doing well, thank you. And please call us Betty Ann and Dave," Mrs. Reyes said.

Dave left his wife's side and walked toward Michael with an extended hand. "Thanks for coming in, Dr. Clark. We're both anxious to hear about our daughter."

Though Michael had treated cases of preemies who were born as early as twenty-six weeks, little Abby stood a better chance of survival at thirty-two weeks. "Your baby has indications of jaundice, but we're treating her with phototherapy. She'll be fed with a feeding tube for a while, but I'd encourage you to supply breast milk if you're planning to nurse her."

Betty Ann nodded. "Yes, I definitely want to provide her milk."

"Excellent. At present we're keeping her in an incubator. The good news is there are no signs of apnea and bradycardia. I anticipate you'll be able to take her home in about four weeks." Though Michael felt confident that this child would thrive, he never viewed any case as routine. Every child was unique, God's precious gift to parents.

"Thank you, Lord." Dave glanced at the ceiling and back to Michael.

"Dr. Clark, when will we be able to see her?" Betty Ann wiped another tear from her eye.

Michael smiled. "As soon as you feel up to making the trip to the NIC unit. I'm sure you'll be encouraged by our caring staff."

Betty Ann turned to Dave and squeezed his arm. "I'd like to go this afternoon."

Casting a loving glance at his wife, Dave patted her hand. "We'll go over there together." He looked up to Michael. "Doctor, we've placed our baby in God's hands, and we're praying for you and the entire staff in the NIC unit."

"That's the best thing you can do." Dave sounded like Michael's mother, telling others how prayer works. Since early childhood, he'd listened to her Bible stories and constant prayers.

Though, as a doctor, he trusted in science and modern medicine, Michael believed God's power transcended any healing a medical professional might offer. "Well, nice chatting with you both." He handed his card to Dave. "Here's my private cell number if you need to call me. Please feel free."

"Thank you, Doctor. We appreciate your availability and medical care for our baby girl." Dave cleared his throat, as if stifling an emotion.

This sounds like a very interesting book. I am eager for my book to arrive. How can readers find you on the Internet?

I have a new web site now - http://junefoster.com

Here's some others:

https://www.amazon.com/author/junefoster

https://twitter.com/vjifoster

https://www.facebook.com/authorjunefoster

Thank you, June, for sharing this book with us. I know my readers are as eager as I am to read it.

Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
What God Knew (The Almond Tree Series Book 3)

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