Writing novellas is just plain fun for yours truly. Setting two people up to fall in love—well, if I were God, that might be my favorite part of the job. It’s delightful to imagine romantic scenes and I really enjoy digging into the character arcs of my heroes and heroines, trying to understand what makes them tick.
Usually there is some lie the characters believe about themselves, and it’s wonderful watching the one they are falling in love with help them discover the truth. But what may be my very favorite experience of creating these stories is that moment when a “takeaway” value unfolds. Often, even if I’ve planned a rough outline of the character’s spiritual journeys, there is something unexpected, and I find myself tearing up and thanking the Holy Spirit.
The creation of At Home with Daffodils, my novella in A Bouquet of Brides, is no exception.
Instead of sharing about the specific spiritual journey of my hero and heroine, I’ll tell you about one of those moments, the kind I’ve come to recognize as “God-moments” when something unplanned but extremely meaningful jumps out at me as the author.
I’ll resist describing the scene where it happened. I think it is beautiful and tender, and I don’t want to rob my readers of discovery. But I’ll tell you what I took away from how the story unfolded. I wept as I understood, at a deeper level, this truth: The community of God—the church—has the power to do great good in the lives its people. The church has the opportunity to act as God’s loving arms, embracing people, demonstrating God’s grace, and seeing the good in each of us that we often can’t see in ourselves. I think you’ll see what I mean when you read my story, At Home with Daffodils.
In the collection, A Bouquet of Brides, you’ll meet seven American women who were named for various flowers but struggle to bloom where God planted them. Watch how love helps them grow to their full potential!
To celebrate the release of A Bouquet of Brides, I’m giving away a copy of the book. Enter the drawing by signing-up for my newsletter or leaving a comment on my blog during the month of January (USA readers only). Check out my website, where I have free resources and information about the Free to Flourish writing and speaking ministry.
Author, speaker, and mom of four, Paula Moldenhauer encourages others to live free to flourish. She shares this message when speaking at women’s events, and it permeates her written work. Paula has published over 300 times in non-fiction markets and has a devotional book series, Soul Scents. Her first published novella, You’re a Charmer Mr. Grinch, was a finalist in the ACFW Carol Awards, and she now has six published works of fiction. Paula and her husband, Jerry, are adjusting to a sometimes-empty nest in Colorado. They treasure time with their growing family of adult children, spouses, and spouses-to-be. Paula loves peppermint ice cream, going barefoot, and adventuring with friends. Visit her at www.paulamoldenhauer.com
Until Next Time,
Tagged: A Bouquet of Brides, At Home with Daffodils, christian historical romance, christian romance, romance
Paula's Blog 
I absolutely love daffodils. I have wonderful memories of the beautiful yellow flowers growing in the yard. As a little girl, I would pick the daffodils to give to my parents. 🙂
I think I like them so much because to me they are the color of “happy” and they are resilient. Early bloomers. Survive spring snows. Push through cold, hard ground giving hope! I’m glad I’ve found a fellow daffodil lover!
I loved reading about your new release. It sounds simply divine. Congratulations on such a beautiful work of art.
What a lovely comment! Thank you for your encouragement.
I was looking forward to visiting here today to see what you were sharing. My daughter absolutely loves daffodils. She says they are such a “friendly flower.” I am so amazed at all the wonderful flowers God made, and all their differences! I LOVE that you find writing delightful! I think what makes a book truly delightful or powerful, is when the author enjoys writing it. I am so looking forward to reading your story, as well as this whole collection! Thank you for a fun post to read!
You just made my day to think you were looking forward to see what you’d find here today. Yay!! Your daughter and I must have some similar wiring. They’re just such happy flowers. I’m curious. What’s YOUR favorite flower?
My favorite flower is lilacs. I love their smell and their color. We always pick a bouquet of daffodils when they bloom, and take them to our daughter. It’s the highlight of spring for her.
I love that you take daffodils to your daughter! I don’t really know what my favorite flower is because I like so many, but I agree with you that lilacs are beautiful and smell amazing. For sure one of my favorite fragrances.
I love daffodils. I remember picking them and having a big bouquet and taking a picture when my daughter was born! That was in Wisconsin. We had a flowerbed of iris, daffodils and tulips. I miss them. My favorite flower is lilac and lily of the valley.
Now my daughter lives In Pryor, in Northeastern Oklahoma! She’s about to become a mama for the fourth time. Her hubby is going to be taking some new school classes.
This book looks so interesting! The cover is soooo pretty. Thanks for the post.
I know Pryor! They were our rivals in high school! And congratulations to her (and you!) on the coming baby. Do you live in OK now? I hope you can plant some bulbs. They don’t seem to take much work once they are in the ground. I couldn’t remember what a lily of the valley looks like, so I looked them up. lovely!! Pretty much what I thought they were.
And thank you for the kind words about our book. I love the cover, too. And they edges of the pages are really cool. Gives it a more historic feel. Barbour really did a nice job on this series of historical books.