Davalynn Spencer

Welcome to the CAN blog. Davalynn Spencer here, visiting with author Molly Jebber about authorship and her featured book for today, Hannah’s Courage.

Molly, please give us a quick overview of your book.

Hannah’s Courage is the third book in my Amish Charm Bakery Series. Hannah Lapp fears she may have waited too long to tell Timothy Barkman she’s ready for courtship. Charlene Shetler intends to become Timothy’s fraa. But is the newcomer all that she seems? Hannah learns Charlene’s hiding something from Timothy he should know. Will Hannah run from this, or will she have the courage to tell Timothy the truth?

Molly Jebber

What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

That when your situation may seem impossible, God is powerful in all things. He can move mountains, and He cares about every little thing in our lives if we love and trust in Him. This story also shows no matter how big mistakes are, He’s a forgiving God.

These are such key things for people to understand. Has God used the message of this book in your own life?

As I write about my character’s flaws and mistakes, I’m reminded I tend to hold onto worries and not give it all to Him. I’m trying to fix things instead of letting Him truly have it. It’s such a relief when I do let go and let Him take charge. As in Hannah’s story, she finds it hard to muster the courage to do what the Lord is asking her to do.

Hannah’s Courage by Molly Jebber

Have you found that you return to certain themes in your writing?

That Jesus Christ never changes. He doesn’t leave or forsake us.

Such a great truth to share with readers. In your writing for others, has your own relationship with Christ been impacted?

Writing has given me a way to tell others about how important and wonderful Jesus Christ is in my life. Jesus Christ has made a way for me to speak about Him through my personal story to women across the U.S. and also through my books.

Tell us a little about your personal writing space.

I live in Ohio and Florida, and I have offices at both places. But my favorite places are at the pool or beach with pen and paper. Being outside in the fresh warm air clears my mind, and I’m ready to go. I love being around water.

Pen and paper – wow. Today we hear that mentioned so rarely, but there is something about the physical connection that often triggers that “ready to go” reaction you mention.

Why do you love writing?

I have stories to tell, and they must come out! LOL

Well, along the line of stories, do you have a funny moment with a reader that you can tell us about?

At a speaking event, a woman approached with a scowl on her face. She told me she couldn’t have cared less about hearing about the Amish, and her friend dragged her to the event. She expected to dislike being there. Then she smiled and told me she loved my talk about the Amish, and she bought one of my books, Liza’s Second Chance. She was really glad she came. Then she hugged me, and we had a good laugh.

What about a particularly touching moment with a reader?

An Old Order Amish woman came to one of my Women’s Christian Connection meetings to hear me speak. She hugged me and thanked me for writing Change of Heart, my first book. I wasn’t sure if the Amish would read my books. I’ll never forget her, her kind words, and that hug. Made my day!

What ministries besides writing have you chose to become involved in, and why are they dear to you?

Women’s Christian Connection – This organization has groups of women meeting monthly across the U.S. I love meeting these women and telling them my personal story of what Jesus Christ means to me and how He works in my life.

Tell us about your favorite library memory.

I spoke at a Books & Company in our town, and I had just heard the author who wrote the Longmire series on television talk about how he got into writing and how much he loved meeting and talking with the cast. He was inspiring. It was my first speaking engagement, and the entire staff where I’d worked previously all came to hear me, and classmates I hadn’t seen in years came too. So many people had seen the advertisements, and I was amazed and so glad to see them.

Do you pursue hobbies or activities outside of writing?

Church activities, golf, reading, swimming, fitness, crocheting, and being with family and friends.

You sound like a busy woman with an active life, yet I know that as an author, you have another project brewing. Can you give us a teaser about your next book?

Maryann’s Hope is the fourth book in my Amish Charm Bakery Series: Maryann Harding, a widow and mother, has had her share of heartache and made her mistakes. She’s thrilled to meet and fall in love with Andrew Wittmer, but their obligations to take care of loved ones in different towns separate them. Andrew shares a secret that further complicates their relationship. Maryann prays to God for guidance. What does the future hold for Maryann and Andrew?

Thank you, Molly, for visiting with us today and giving us a look into your busy author’s life.

To learn more about Molly, connect with her at Molly’s website.

Davalynn Spencer

Davalynn’s website

May all that you read be uplifting.