A perfect time of the year to see you! We will
PENS OF PRAISE CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP MEETING -- MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2025
Monday, October
20, 2025
1:30
– 3:00 p.m.
4Given Coffee
Shop
MPM Center (Entrance and parking on South 19th
Street)
1034 S 18th St, Manitowoc, WI 54220 info@4givencoffee.com
So very convenient for us, we can grab a coffee or tea at 4Given
Coffee shop before enjoying our August Pen’s writing lesson! We will meet in
the elegant coffee shop space.
CHARACTERS – SETTING AND ANTAGONISTS facilitated by Susan Marlene!
Can the setting of your story emulate strength and influence in your story?
Like a character? Absolutely! Let’s talk about it. Bring your own examples and
I’ll bring mine. How about you share some qualities you adore in an
antagonistic character. I’ll bring mine!
Also, future plans
for book signings and marketing will be discussed. Until then, write with joy!
Come and visit us,
and make the most of your writing time.
PROMPT: Your FAVORITE
ANTAGONIST and why?
Inspired readers given
excellent take-away = return readers!
We are a safe place to share, and Pens Meetings are free.
As
always, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Susan Marlene@ susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com
A FIERCE DEVOTION by Bestselling & Award-winning Author, Laura Frantz
Bleu Galant, an exile from Acadie, travels to Virginia’s Rivanna River settlement. But along the way, an unexpected twist, danger, and a woman he can’t forget, intrude upon his life.
Beautiful in appearance and spirit, Brielle Farrow, confined to servitude, survives a tragic attack at the Rose and Crown. Confronted by devastating loss and danger, there is one who may risk all to rescue her.
The crossroads in Bleu and Brielle’s paths take them on a journey neither of them had considered or dreamed of before. What will Brielle’s future bring, and what of Bleu’s heart?
This novella is an exciting continuation of Laura’s novel THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE. Bleu is Sylvie Galant’s handsome, adventuresome, and courageous brother. If you love thrilling and inspiring fiction gleaned from actual historical events, I encourage you to read THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE. It is especially pleasurable to read the novel and then the novella—in that order!
Oh, if I could be a fly on the wall and watch your excited turning of these pages!
You may find Laura Frantz and information about her books on her website.
https://laurafrantz.net/
THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE by Best Selling and Award-Winning Author, Laura Frantz
How to begin to share such a rich story inspired by actual
historical events . . .
Who could do the Acadian's justice but Laura? When you take a thriving
and hardworking people whose nature is to seek peace and be left out of
conflict, but toss in power-hungry people with harsh methods for obeying their
commands, THE
SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE is birthed in the mind of an accomplished,
award-winning author.
I absolutely love the short historical notation (one paragraph long) before the
story. A reader may skip past it, but my natural curiosity will not allow me to
ignore such a nugget applicable for a richer reading experience. That, dear
reader, is totally your choice. Read or pass. Also, there is an excellent
prologue that I refuse to pass by and that kick-starts the story with a
gripping scene! I'm ever so glad that I devour anything offered for the story
set-up! Even the glossary is fun to skim over, though my excitement to delve
into THE
SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE tugs at my attention. Laura does have some
French references, but she is expert at not overloading or weighing down the
dialogue. She sprinkles French words like seasoning, which makes the offering
perfect and alluring. Now, onto the story . . .
1754 Tensions increase between the French and English in present-day Nova
Scotia, Canada
1755 The Great Upheaval
Seamstress Sylvie Galant lives with her family located between two rival forts.
Neutral Arcadians are not trusted by the English. No matter their actions and
obviously peaceful, diligent lives. William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger,
has been extremely useful to the English in causing chaos with the French,
Arcadians, and the Indian tribe, Mi'kmaq, among others. But Blackburn's heart
isn't in this greedy power-grab by the English. Before he leaves, he warns
Silvie. What happens next tosses the reader into a heartbreaking tale, and yes,
I'll use the cliché, gripping. There is much to overcome for both Silvie and
William Blackburn, and so many linked to their lives. I will not give spoilers,
but this is a tale that you will not wish to pass up.
The characters' inner struggles are realistic and compelling, and I yearned for
their ability to overcome despite their huge losses and difficulties. Even my
beloved Colonial Williamsburg is included in this polished story of struggle,
cultural differences, and the discovery of what is truly important in the face
of tragic events that would utterly destroy persons without the willingness to
fight and believe.
Laura, I'm thankful you discovered this facet of history that may have gotten
lost in the sands of time. Your novel gives the reader much to contemplate,
historically, culturally, and personally. Thank you, dear one, for continuing
to write and for sharing your heart on the pages so that others can benefit
from it and expand their horizons.
I preordered not one, but three THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE novels. Every year
I look for the next Laura Frantz novel! To learn more about Laura and sign up
for her newsletter, visit her at . . .
https://laurafrantz.net/
WHAT'S NEW!
BOOK SIGNING EVENTS!
|
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18TH 2025 Center Court Books & Craft Event 1614 Center St. Kewaunee, WI 54216 1:00 – 4:00 PM Local authors Mary Jo Blahnik (MY ABC’S WITH JESUS) and Susan Marlene (SISTERS & FRIENDS, Hearts Forever Faithful) & Illustrator and crafter Dona Fischer offer Seasonal crafts and or author-signed books that can entertain you or help you gift friends and family! We look forward to seeing you there! |
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24TH 2025 AUTHORS AMONG US, A LOCAL AUTHORS’ BOOK
FAIR 1018 Ceda St. De Pere, WI 2 – 6 PM Cedar Creek Event
Center Event contact – Becky
Couch/ Cedar Creek Event Center/ (920) 857-5831 (text
or call) Author Susan Fink https://www.facebook.com/susan.l.fink & I will personally sign our books for you and loved ones with purchases! We look forward to seeing you there! |
NOVEMBER 30TH 2025 RENDEZVOUS OF LUXEMBURG CRAFTS & BOOKS E. 896 County Rd. N. LUXEMURG, WI
54217 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
PENS OF PRAISE CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP Monday, September 22nd 2025
Monday, September 22, 2025
1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
4Given Coffee Shop
MPM Center (Entrance and parking on South 19th Street)
1034 S 18th St, Manitowoc, WI 54220 info@4givencoffee.com
So very convenient for us, we can grab a coffee or tea at 4Given Coffee shop
before enjoying our August Pen’s writing lesson! We will meet in the elegant
coffee shop space.
WRITING BOOKS THAT STAND THE TEST OF TIME facilitated by Susan
Marlene!
Classics, those favorite stories that make you smile or experience a whiff of
emotion—how did those authors do it—capture your heart and devotion? And not
let go? Let’s talk it over and consider some ideas that may ignite your
imagination and goals. Memorable stories and non-fiction move hearts,
encourage, and have the power to change lives.
Come and visit us, and make the most of your writing time.
PROMPT: September blessings.
Inspired readers given excellent takeaways = return readers!
We are a safe place to share, and Pens Meetings are free.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to
contact Susan Marlene@ susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com
CANYON OF DECEIT by Award-winning, Bestselling Author, DiAnn Mills
This standalone novel, CANYON OF DECEIT, is a
well-plotted romantic suspense. Could it be that this is DiAnn’s best suspense?
Her novels grip me as I’m reading them, so that each of her stories feels like
the best romantic suspense fiction ever. This is such an excellently researched
and thrilling story.
When Threse Palmer, a wilderness survival expert, and Texas Ranger, Blane
Gardner, work together to find a kidnapped child, sparks and hope fly! Each of
the characters—good and bad—holds exacting presence on the pages. The scenes
are vivid and realistic. All this made me turn pages quickly!
I’ve been given a free copy of CANYON OF DECEIT, so that I can offer an
honest impression of DiAnn’s soon-to-be-published novel. EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT,
EXCELLENT. I am so impressed with the depth of each personality, rich
description, and dangerous people and situations that the characters face—well,
I couldn’t put the book down. All I can say is bravo.
Yes, I highly recommend this novel and this author!
You may find DiAnn at: diannmills.com
PENS OF PRAISE CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP
Monday, August 18, 2025
1:30 –
3:00 p.m.
4Given Coffee Shop
MPM Center (Entrance and parking on South 19th
Street)
1034 S 18th St, Manitowoc, WI 54220 info@4givencoffee.com
So very convenient for us, we can grab a coffee or tea at 4Given Coffee shop before enjoying our August Pen’s writing lesson! We will meet in the elegant coffee shop space.
4Given Coffee Shop
MPM Center (Entrance and parking on South 19th
Street)
1034 S 18th St, Manitowoc, WI 54220 info@4givencoffee.com
So very convenient for us, we can grab a coffee or tea at 4Given Coffee shop before enjoying our August Pen’s writing lesson! We will meet in the elegant coffee shop space.
Seven Roadblocks
that Prevent Writing facilitated by our very own Susan Fink! Have you wondered why you have not made progress on your
Work in Progress
(WIP?) Do you want to understand how to reboot your focus and skill? 😉
Come and visit us,
and make the most of your writing time.
PROMPT: August
memory.
Inspired readers given
excellent take-away = return readers!
We are a safe place to share, and Pens Meetings are free.
As
always, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Susan Marlene@ susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com
Uncertanty Yet Forward Motion
Uncertainty can halt the bravest individual, cause them to stumble, and veer off the path.
However, my need for change and a definite goal inspired me to take purposeful and exciting steps. This fresh blog is one of those goals.
My "WORD" for the year is
INTENTIONAL
Too many desires and goals have slipped through my fingers, yet await on the sidelines for my attention. My focus.
So now, I've decided to be intentional about my choices
and the time I have to accomplish my dreams.
To arrive at my destinations with lightness of heart and joy spilling off my tongue!
I know, this sounds like a New Year's Eve resolution. So be it. This first post marks my turning the page onto my new intentional path. I'm feeling exceptionally good. And I'm looking forward to the journey!
I wish you the same thrill of the hunt to find your
INTENTIONAL JOY!
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PENS OF PRAISE CHRISTIAN WRITERS Monday, January 26, 2025 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. 4Given Coffee Shop MPM Center (Entrance ... -
How to begin to share such a rich story inspired by actual historical events . . . Who could do the Acadian's justice but Laura? Whe... -
BOOK SIGNING EVENTS! SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 TH 2025 Center Court Books & Craft Event 1614 Center St. Kewaunee, WI 54216 ...