Unraveled, a book review

Secrets intertwined with relationships begin to unravel in Heidi McCahan's riveting debut novel Unraveled. McCahan takes readers inside the close-knit community of Emerald Cove, Alaska; a port town similar to her childhood hometown and parent's bed & breakfast. McCahan weaves a realistic tale of love, friendship and choices. When heroine Lauren Carter returns to her hometown to plan her wedding, she is faced with the people she has left behind- her parents and their struggling business, an aging grandparent, and a past love. Lauren must choose between keeping her secrets hidden or coming clean to those she loves.

My favorite story elements included a family-run bed & breakfast, a relay race, a kayaking adventure, a second chance with a past love, and most-importantly God's abundant grace. I had a chance to talk with the author and ask her a few questions about writing her first book.

Author Heidi McCahan

Rachel: Is there an inspiration behind the book? 

Heidi: "The concept of a reunion romance appeals to a lot of readers. Who hasn't wondered about “the one that got away” ?

Rachel: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Heidi: "I hope my readers will hear a message of hope and that the Lord can redeem anything, even the huge messes and seemingly unforgivable things we've done."

Rachel: Do you have any advice for other writers? 

Heidi: "Two things come to mind. First, join a group of other writers. Whether it’s online or in person, find people who are writing consistently and figure out a way to read and comment on one another’s work. You’ll stop feeling like you are going at this alone, you’ll experience tremendous growth as a writer, and you’ll learn to accept constructive criticism. Secondly, I follow a blogger named Jeff Goins and he once said, “stop waiting to be picked”. To me, this means start writing and don’t worry about when or how or if you’ll publish it. Write something every day and if this is your dream, never, ever give up."

Start reading Unraveled today and escape to Alaska.

More than Candy...A Lesson in Love

It was another week of snow that paralyzed our community for 3 days. Three days of no school and closed stores. Big, white fluffy flakes began falling around lunch time on Tuesday, and by 2 o'clock, nearly 5 inches had accumulated. People rushed home from work while others got stuck in the slow that only snow in the South can bring. Our family was prepared with an ample supply of the necessities-milk, bread and wine.

Ice followed the snow and left many without power. Thankfully, our home was spared and we remained warm and toasty. With school being closed and roads being icy, gym time and the class Valentine's Day party was out of the question.

Each day the boys and I started our morning either exercising with the Time Warner Cable On Demand Fitness Channel. We found kids Pilates and Yoga plus a high-impact Cardio Kickboxing dance and Cardio Combat workouts. I also worked off my calories by sledding, push-ups in the snow, walking in the snow and the most intense-- shoveling the driveway which was covered in ice.

Friday was Valentine's Day, and since the time-honored tradition of passing out cards and candy had been postponed, I used this day to teach love rather than getting high on chocolate (that happened too, but on a much smaller scale).

We created snow art. Chalk and snow. The icy covering made a perfect medium for the chalk.

We colored hearts on envelopes and enclosed free Krispy Kreme doughnut coupons and put them in our neighbor's mailboxes.

We surprised Daddy with chocolate covered strawberries.

We talked about Christ's love, and how much He loves us despite our mistakes. It was a good reminder when handing out cards even to the kids that have been mean to us. Teaching them the true meaning of love and watching their faces light up when they understood that Valentine's Day is more than chocolate and cards, but genuinely showing someone you care-- priceless!

We ended the evening with a family date night at one of our favorite restaurants BK (before kids). Lubrano's is a lovely locally-owned Italian restaurant, but space is limited and a crying kid could ruin everyone's evening. However, the kids (5 & 2) are becoming better behaved while dining out, so we gave it a try. Complimentary garlic knots arrived before the meal and coloring sheets for the kids plus wine for mom and dad made for a relaxing dinner and wonderful evening.

Simply Stated #week4kindness

It's probably no coincidence that Random Act of Kindness week happens in February, a month known for candy hearts, chocolates and Valentine's Day. I wonder though what if it was more than just a day to tell someone you love them, but an everyday occurrence of appreciation of those around us.

I've been wracking my brain trying to think of the ultimate act of kindness that I could share with those around me. Paying it forward at Starbucks, baking cookies for the town fire fighters or giving out gifts cards to the homeless--all good things, but I was seeking something with a lasting significance. Ironically, I found the ultimate act at the grocery store in the middle of the check-out line the clerk turns to me and instead of saying "have a nice day" or "thank you" she just said, "God Bless You." It was so simple, yet it spoke volumes. In the midst of my hustle and bustle of grocery shopping and reigning in a wandering 2-year-old this woman blessed me with her words. Her kindness was free and beyond measure. My spirits were lifted, and what had started as a mom frazzled day turned into one smiles and sunshine.

You don't have to spend a lot of money or bake lots of food to be kind. Kindness comes from within. May your week of Random of Acts of Kindness be a kick-off for a year of kind words, thoughts and deeds.