Worthy of Our Trust

Hi Reader,

If you’re reading an ARC copy of Sons from Afar, you know Penny’s biggest challenge is her lack of trust in God. Witnessing a loved one’s murder will do that to a girl.

Restored trust in God’s goodness undergirds Penny’s journey from fear to courageous faith. Along with the fallout of her self-protective choices, she discovers grace and a way forward.

She learns that God will never let her go.

Did you know most novels are at least partly autobiographical? My faith took a serious hit when my first marriage failed and I left an abusive church.

I tried to protect my children by tightly controlling every aspect of our single-parent home. As a result, I got all tangled up in codependency and a knot of negative emotions. And I was driving my poor kids crazy! (If you know, you know…)

Through a Christ-centered recovery program, I recalled God’s goodness. I discovered that turning my life and will over to His care was the wise, secure choice. I experienced His faithfulness as, one by one, I surrendered my fears and shortcomings to Him. I calmed down and watched Him heal my life.

Has God restored your trust after one of life’s disappointments? Reply to this email and tell me about it. I love to hear from readers!

By the way, if you read By His Grace and you’re hurting over a family estrangement, check out Tania Khazaal's courses. God has gifted her with deep insights into family relationships and how the cultural moment fosters division.

Life Lately

I got the inspiration for “Life Lately” from the amazing Ivanka Trump’s X page. She posts photos from her life lately. You know—sitting at an exquisite desk in an elegant, high-ceiling office. Strolling the beach like a supermodel. Gazing at a natural setting while wearing a dress that looks like it drifted down from the heavens. Everyday stuff like that.

Paul and I are moving my parents to the family home in town, while we move to the mountains nearby. My Life Lately involves heaps of moving boxes, trips to the dump, a messy kitchen, and lots of dust.

Not material for an unforgettable photo gallery. But there are a few things...

Paul knocked down this ancient fence:

We had the tires replaced on the truck. Then, this happened:

It wouldn't start after our dance lesson. This isn't the first time. I have officially launched a campaign for a new truck, lol!

In pleasanter news, we saw a fine sunset on our way to the mountain house recently:

And that’s my life lately. No supermodel shots, but I'm never bored!

What have you been doing? Send me a photo? I might feature it in my next newsletter!

Writing News

We’re one step closer to getting the message out. I’m thrilled to report I signed a contract for Sons from Afar with Winged Publications!

Head Acquisitions Editor Cynthia published my first novel, Wonders in the Deep, which she has had translated into several languages. I’m looking forward to seeing what she does with Sons from Afar.

If you’re reading an ARC review copy, thank you! I really appreciate your interest in the book, and I pray it’s a blessing to you. For ARC readers, here is the book’s Goodreads page, where you may leave your honest review.

​Tara Rodas is a federal whistleblower who exposed the child trafficking connected to illegal immigration. Her work was invaluable to my research for Sons from Afar.

She posted a song she created recently. It makes a pretty good anthem for Sons from Afar. Check it out here!​

Let's Pray

While ICE and others have rescued many, tens of thousands of the unaccompanied children who crossed the border remain missing and at risk of trafficking.

Dear Father,

Please protect and rescue each one of the vulnerable missing kids in America. Please guide the federal forces to their locations and give them aid to safely rescue these innocent minors.

Most of all, we ask You to reveal Your love and power to them. Show them that they can trust You. Draw them to Yourself, and to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

In His Name we pray, amen.

Life-Changing Fiction

​Our Fallen Woman is Irish historical fiction. The story follows the life of a young girl who must navigate poverty and heartbreak after Ireland's Great Hunger years. What remains when survival demands everything you have?

​Coasts and Coworkers, by Amanda Tero Matthews, is a complex and fun beach read about a girl who falls in love with her sister's ex-fiancé. Set on a billionaire retreat island, the story explores family dynamics from a biblical perspective.

​Here's a sweet collection of clean romance and other fiction for your summer. A desert setting, a beach read, historical romance, even a grumpy childhood crush. What's not to love!

These free books all have something in common: God's unconditional love. Get an uplifting summer read here!​

​More free books here! This promo includes a wide variety of clean Christian reads, including encouragement for your faith, entertaining stories, and devotionals.

More from Columba... ​Join my team to spread the word about Sons from Afar! Get a free pre-published copy of Sons from Afar. Your review on Amazon or Goodreads would help on launch day. Thanks, and God bless you! Did you get the freebie I'm offering, By His Grace? Click the button below to download it! Once you've downloaded the EPUB file, follow these easy instructions to pop it on your device and start reading! When you've downloaded the EPUB file, make sure it's in your Downloads folder. Go to https://amazon.com/sendtokindle (You'll have to type it in. I couldn't find this page by clicking around Amazon.) Are you on Amazon's "Send to Kindle" page? Great! Click the button that says, "Select files from device." In the popup window, navigate to your Downloads folder. You should see the By His Grace EPUB file. Click on it and use the "Send" button to upload your short story to your Amazon library. Now, you can access By His Grace from anywhere you have the Kindle app installed. Have fun! Yes! Please send me the download of By His Grace! ​​Wonders in the Deep​ has seventy-five ratings and 4.5 stars on Amazon! ​Subscribe to this newsletter here.​ Thank you for your support! It really does mean the world to me. Please reach out if you want prayer or encouragement. God bless you! with love, Columba

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