Shannon here: Barbara M. Britton shares how her faith infuses her fiction, plus a chance to win a copy of her Contemporary Romance, Escape to Whispering Creek. Cmment or answer the question in any post dated Sept 1st – 29th to enter the drawing for a print copy plus 4 other titles. Deadline: Oct 10th, 11:59 pm central. Here’s Barbara:
The Ultimate Love Story
Writing stories where two people fall in love is exciting. Especially when the courtship is filled with conflict and tension. I enjoy reading and writing romance because I know that after all the drama there will be a happy ending. Unfortunately, in the real world when we go through trials, the satisfying ending might not occur in the span of 300 pages.
In Escape to Whispering Creek, I had fun turning Emma’s life upside down. Spunky Emma is standing at the tennis net, and I am hurling balls at her racket. How will she respond? In Christian Fiction, we add a faith thread, so our characters turn to God for strength and wisdom. Emma has a life verse that grounds her in the chaos– Psalm 18:2a:
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; (KJV)
Jesus is our rock and He should be the first person we turn to in times of trouble or doubt. I’ve had to practice what I preach. Lately, I’ve been going through a season where I don’t understand what God is doing. Everything seems to be going sideways. I remind myself that if I truly believe that God is in control and I trust God completely, I might not understand His ways. One day I will see the big picture when I’m in heaven, but now I must trust God. Proverbs 3:5-6 remind us to trust in the Lord and not lean on our limited understanding.
What can you do when life gets difficult?
Keep the lines of communication open with God. Pray and pray some more. Do not suffer in silence. Place your requests on a church prayer chain or text a few close friends that you need prayer. When I’m talking to someone on the phone or in person, I will pray with the person before leaving. Your church should be a body of support and encouragement too.
Read the Bible for comfort, wisdom, and strength. The Word of God is alive!
Make sure to commune with fellow believers. If you can’t make an in-person service, watch online. It helps to stay connected to others and see that you are not alone. I enjoy seeing my friends at church when I watch the livestream if I am away from home.
Take care of your health. Several times recently, I have heard the airplane gas mask analogy of putting on your mask before helping others. Maintain your health so you can be there for loved ones in their time of need.
When Emma gets overwhelmed by her circumstances, she has a conversation with her best friend Samantha.
Excerpt from Escape to Whispering Creek by Barbara M. Britton:
Sam linked her arm. “Jesus is our rock. He’ll give us wisdom and protection.”
“I know.” Emma forced a smile. “It’s just that with this scandal, it seems there are a few pebbles between my feet and the rock. I get an unsteady feeling. Like I’m reaching for God and He’s backing away.”
“Those pebbles are in your imagination. God knows every detail of what is happening in your life. Satan might be pitching fast balls, but God’s got an enormous glove and perfect reflexes.”
“Emma laughed. “Spoken by a teacher who pulled recess duty.”
Barbara again:
I hope you are having an ocean of happy moments in your life. When hard times arrive, remember who our rock is—Jesus. He truly is our rock, fortress and deliverer.
With Jesus as our Savior, Christians will enjoy a happily-ever-after.
Reader Question: What do you do when life gets difficult?
September 2026 Book Bundle
Braving Red Waters by Sarah Hanks, Time-Travel Science Fiction, e-book
Treading Water: Barely Above Water by Gail Pallotta, Contemporary Romance, Kindle e-book
One Last Stand by Melanie Campbell, Contemporary Women’s Fiction, print.
Escape to Whispering Creek by Barbara M. Britton, Contemporary Romance, print
Waterfall by Linda Rodante, Romantic Mystery Suspense, print
Barbara and Mike Britton at Mt. Rushmore
About Barbara: Barbara M. Britton is a multi-published author of Christian Fiction. Her Tribes of Israel series brings little-known Bible characters to light. You can also travel to Whispering Creek, Tennessee with her sweet romance duology. Recently, she launched a Biblical Fiction Bible study that shines a light on Jesus’s ministry. Barbara has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. You can find out more about Barbara and her books on her website. Learn more and connect:
Barbara’s Facebook Barbara’s Instagram
About the book – Escape to Whispering Creek: 
Emma Uranova enjoys her office job until her boss disappears with the investors’ money. To avoid the media storm and false accusations, Emma flees to Whispering Creek, Tennessee to live on her best friend’ s secluded property. When a temporary position opens up in Nashville, Emma leaves small-town anonymity to pad her depleted bank account. With a handsome new boss and a steady income, Emma believes life is looking up… until she discovers she has transported the scandal in her backpack. Where is God when her life is falling apart?
Wade Donoven is recuperating from a crash that sidelined him from the family electrical business. Worse yet, his prodigal younger brother is getting the glory for Wade’ s accomplishments. Desperation, and physical setbacks, have him agreeing to let Emma help him manage the business office. But when trouble follows her to his doorstep, Wade must make some difficult choices. Sending Emma back to Whispering Creek may unknowingly place the woman he’s come to love in danger.
Escape to Whispering Creek Barbara’s Books
Come back Sept 25th for Shannon’s Book Bargains Roundup!
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