Welcome to Inside Scoop!
On Inside Scoop, you get to read the back story and inspiration behind an author's published romance novel.
Today, we have Ann Marie Johnson-Bryan, the amazing writer from Jamaica who now resides in Tallahassee, Florida. Ann Marie is sharing the back story of her Encounters of the Heart Series with us and to let you know she has a great discount going on.
1. How did the Encounters of the Heart series come about?
I am a member of the Tallahassee Authors Network (TAN) Christian Sub-group and we decided to write an anthology about the consequences of sin. As I wrote my short story for the anthology, the story took on legs of its own, and became the first book in the Encounters of the Heart series. The series is based on Proverbs 4:23 (KJV) –“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
Book 1 - Shades of the Heart is a novel about the courage to love in the midst of broken promises, and ultimately about the healing power of forgiveness.
Book 2 - Mirrored Hearts: Sealed by Fire details the story of Larry and Rozene Kanate. This stirring and deeply satisfying new addition in the series tells of the struggles of two broken hearts, mended by enduring love and sealed by fire.
Although the books are in a series, they are also stand-alone novels.
2. Who is your most liked character in the series?
I admire Blake Montgomery, Gabrielle’s husband in Shades of the Heart. Although Blake is a man of God, he was not afraid to be transparent with his feeling. He was deeply in love with his wife and when she told him about her moment of weakness, he did not take it well. The path to forgiving himself and his wife was grueling but he was determined to succeed.
3. What do you hope that readers will take out of reading the series?
I hope that readers will understand that all our actions and choices are driven by the desires of our hearts. In light of that, we need to stay connected to God through prayer, meditating on His Word and then applying His Word in our daily living.
Love is a beautiful emotion and it’s okay to love passionately, very passionately. However, loving someone is never as easy as we would like it to be. Keep in mind that, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;” (1 Corinthians 13:4-6).
Remember that God is all powerful and there is nothing that will happen in our lives that will surprise Him. We will be victorious in all our situations if we continue to rely on God and seek help to overcome difficult situations.
4. Share excerpts and quotes from the series.
Here’s an excerpt: Meet Gabrielle and Blake Montgomery in Book 1- Shades of the Heart
“Amen,” he agreed, opening his eyes to find her staring into his. Before he could move, she cupped his face between her hands and did what she’d always done, kissed one cheek then the next, then pecked softly at his lips before kissing him as if there was no tomorrow. He grabbed handfuls of the bedcover on either side of him, then gave up and drew her tightly against him as his temperature soared.
“I am mad at you,” he protested through an inaudible moaned, returning her kiss with matching passion and wanting more.
She came up for air and wrapped her arms around his head, burying his head between her breasts.
A tug-of-war took place within him. He really needed to have his fix that was cut short last night.
“I love you,” she whispered, aching with longing. When no response came, she released him. “Have a great trip.”
He could barely move, didn’t want to.”
A quote from Shades of the Heart:
“Every struggle you have survived strengthens your endurance. Every setback you have faced is an opportunity for new beginnings…for trusting God will produce new beginnings far beyond your imagination, and a future well worth striving towards.”Here’s an excerpt: Meet Larry & Rozene Kanate in Book 2- Mirrored Hearts: Sealed by Fire
“He walked over to her, smiling. “What’s up? Was wondering where you were.”
Unconsciously, a sigh danced from her lips, as she slowly regained her wits. She glanced at him and found a pair of startlingly warm brown eyes assessing her in return.
An exhilarating, yet familiar sensation passed between them and he leaned down and placed his hands on either side of her while flashing his pearly whites. “What are you so spellbound about?”
She blinked rapidly and her mouth twitched as she gazed at him wondering how to respond. She licked her lips nervously, and then broke their stare to catch a closer glimpse of his gorgeous physique. He was magnificent.”
A quote from Mirrored Hearts: Sealed by Fire:
“This is what God’s strength looks like. I’m surprised I can even smile.”
Perhaps for the first time since their soul crushing take down of each other, she was filled with renewed hope, and something ignited in her heart. He was still the man of her dreams, the man to whom she had pledged until death do we part. And he was hers to keep.”
SALE
The books in the Encounters
of the Heart series are on sale for $0.99 each. Kick
back with this great series. Love and faith in the face of crushing secrets.
Shades of the Heart -Blurb
When past and present secrets are
revealed, one thing is sure - things will never be the same. All was well in Blake Montgomery’s magnificent world. He was actively involved in ministry at church, employed by a great company, and to top it all off, he was happily married to Gabrielle, and awaiting the new addition to his family.
Gabrielle found the love of her life. From the moment they met, their chemistry was undeniable. But, Blake had to work tirelessly to tear down the wall she had built up against ever loving again, and she was glad he did. They shared a love they attributed only to the grace of God on their lives…a love so rare.
When a dramatic turn of events disclosed shocking secrets, everything changed. As their marriage explodes and their lives shift in unexpected directions, both must learn to relinquish control and trust God in order to embrace the future.
Life-altering struggles can be the pathway to new beginnings. Will they find the courage to forgive and create a love for all times?
Buy on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T512KQ2
Mirrored Hearts: Sealed by Fire - Blurb
When life
takes unexpected twists and secrets are laid bare - remember to breathe.
Larry
Kanate and his wife, Rozene, would be considered a modern day power couple.
Years in the making, they have managed to keep love alive while supporting each
other’s dreams.
Their
undeniable love connection is unshakeable… seemingly unbreakable, until Larry
discovers his wife’s crushing secret. As their picture-perfect world falls
apart, she does everything in her power to get away from her past sin, but he
is bent on never letting her forget it, all the while keeping his “little
secret” close to his heart.
When
Larry’s day of reckoning comes, will fear hold him hostage or will he be
completely honest with himself and God? Will their marriage be strong enough to
survive mirrored secrets? Will their faith help them to handle the ultimate
solution – a marriage sealed by fire?
(FREE on Kindle Unlimited)
About
the Author
Ann Marie Bryan is a dedicated, graceful, multi-talented leader
with a passion for
excellence. She is the CEO & Founder of Victorious By
Design, an organization committed to providing professional writing services,
personal and professional development programs and performing arts services.
A Christian Fiction author, Ann Marie writes to educate, inspire and empower others. She desires to tell great stories with fascinating characters to show the awesome power of God in the lives of people and places. Her most recent novel, Shades of the Heart, an Amazon #1 Best Seller, started her Encounters of the Heart series. Book 2, Mirrored Hearts: Sealed By Fire, was released February 2016.
Ann Marie's greatest passion is to empower others to succeed by tapping into their God-given potential. She enjoys writing, reading, dancing, teaching, meeting people and traveling. Visit Ann Marie at www.victoriousbydesign.com.
A Christian Fiction author, Ann Marie writes to educate, inspire and empower others. She desires to tell great stories with fascinating characters to show the awesome power of God in the lives of people and places. Her most recent novel, Shades of the Heart, an Amazon #1 Best Seller, started her Encounters of the Heart series. Book 2, Mirrored Hearts: Sealed By Fire, was released February 2016.
Ann Marie's greatest passion is to empower others to succeed by tapping into their God-given potential. She enjoys writing, reading, dancing, teaching, meeting people and traveling. Visit Ann Marie at www.victoriousbydesign.com.
Connect with Ann
Marie:
Website:
http://victoriousbydesign.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/victoriousbydes
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/victoriousbydes
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/victoriousbydes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriousbydes
Amazon
Page: http://www.amazon.com/Ann-Marie-Bryan/e/B008VTK62O
Goodreads
Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6448888.Ann_Marie_Bryan
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You remain unforgettable,
Love
Stella
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