Let Me Introduce... by Christina Rich

Shortly after I joined the Crafty Ladies, the Love Inspired Historical authors received word that the line was closing. That was about a year ago, and I just realized that I've never really introduced myself or my books. Outside of my call story I don't think I've talked about my Love Inspired books at all. Partly because when I signed on as a blogger I fully expected to be writing about upcoming historical releases. Unfortunately, that never happened. Maybe one day (yes, I pray the market will scream for historicals once again) until then I intend on working toward submitting to the suspense line.

Anyway, here are my Love Inspired Historical releases.

2014

A Kingdom in Jeopardy

An evil queen and her royal guards will stop at nothing to find—and kill—the rightful heir to the throne of Judah. When their pursuit leads them to Mira’s village, only her father’s bond servant, Ari, a man shrouded in secrets, can keep Mira safe.

Abandoning his life as a temple guard and becoming an indentured servant was the only way Ari could protect young Joash, the true King of Judah, from Queen Athaliah. But his sacred duty prevents him from confessing his feelings for his master’s daughter. With the future of their nation on the line, Ari and Mira will risk everything to save their people.

2014

He Was Hers to Command

Swept away from her home and into the desert, Abigail is as much a prisoner as she is a princess. A ruthlessly ambitious captain of the palace guard intends to force her into marriage and rule Judah through her. Yet the badly beaten soldier Abigail rescues offers another choice—if she dares trust him.

She is royalty, yet Jesse is surprised by the gentle compassion Abigail shows him as he heals. In return, he will help her escape to Jerusalem, protecting her life with his own. But Abigail’s rank and Jesse’s deadly past makes any future impossible, unless forgiveness forged by love can triumph over all.

2015

 Captain of Her Heart

 
Sold into slavery by her jealous sisters, Ada finds herself captive on the ship of a Greek merchant. Expecting a harsh new master, she’s surprised to find the captain compassionate—and attractive. Yet she can’t fall for the man who owns her—not when she watched her enslaved mother pine after her unyielding father.

Nicolaus only wants to rescue the beautiful, mistreated woman from the auction block. He plans to free Ada, just as soon as he secures his inheritance. Which means racing the ship back to his homeland to best his brother. If he loses, all his cargo will be forfeited—including Ada. But as perilous storms reveal her courage and grace, the question becomes, can his heart stand to let her go?

2016

A Business Arrangement 

When the railroad pushes to buy her land, orphaned Cameron Sims will do anything to keep the only home she and her sisters have ever known. Even if she must marry a stranger. But she’s determined her agreement with the mysterious, dashing man—who’s unlike anything the Kansas railroad town has ever seen—will remain simply business.

Duncan Murray doesn’t want a wife. He wants Sims Creek, a sanctuary that can help him forget a troubled childhood. But his reluctant, and captivating, bride-to-be is key to making his dreams a reality. And despite their business arrangement, Camy and Duncan might be signing on the dotted line for true love…

 My first three books are set in Ancient Judah. The last is set in a fictional town based off a little community a few miles from my home. After having written in different eras I find that I love them all. However, I think Ancient Judah owns the bigger piece of my heart.

For you historical readers, what is your favorite era?

When Life Hands you Lemons

by Christina Rich

Make Lemonade.

It's no huge secret that my husband was diagnosed with cancer a little over a year ago, and it's no secret that come Father's Day and June 19th, it'll be his first anniversary in heaven. I think we're kind of special, because we get two days to celebrate and remember such a wonderful man of God instead of one. :)

So, when news came in my inbox about the closing of Love Inspired's historical line, I brushed it off. Even though I had been working on a revised proposal. Even though I had hopes of contracting another book. Even though I could have used my advance to pay past due bills on utilities. Even though I could have used the advance to replace our broken down vehicles. Even though I could have used the advance to buy some sort of furniture for my empty living room. Even though 95% of my income had been ripped from my hands...

Even though I was told by professionals in the industry that historicals were pretty much dead and don't bother sending any historical proposals, I smiled. I'd heard that before at a writer's conference in 2009. And it did not stop me from writing historicals. I'd been told that nobody would buy my historical romances set in ancient Judah, but that didn't stop me from sending them out into the publishing world, where they sold to LIH.

I'm not saying the closing of the line isn't a big deal. It is, and not just for me. What I'm saying is, there could be worse news, there could be worse days. There have been worse days. Let's face it, I feel like I've walked on the stormy seas safely embrace in my savior's arms and came out unscathed. After the last year, I've learned to not allow my circumstances, minor and major, throw me for a bipolar emotional roller coaster. I've learned, that in the grand scheme of things, the only things I'm in control of is how much I truly trust God and how I react to any given situation.

I've learned that I don't have to get out of bed every morning. I don't have to move forward. I don't have to trudge through the day. I choose to get out of bed. I choose to run forward with my head high and a smile on my face. I choose to skip through the day, with child like trust. And I try to absolutely choose to walk in the Spirit, rather than in my flesh.

My choices dictate whether I choose chaos or peace. My choices dictate whether I see the lemons handed me as a curses or a blessings.

 By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:
 Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; being girded with power:
Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.

Psalm 65:5-7

My writing opportunities are wide open and my foot is hard on the gas pedal. I know God has my back. He knows my heart and He knows why I write. To honor and glorify Him. If a contract comes out of it, Praise, God. If it doesn't, I'm going to praise Him anyway. The success of my writing career isn't dependent on a publisher and their success and my happiness isn't dependent on a contract, if it is, I feel as if I'm writing for the wrong reasons.  I pray my entire being, my every breath exists to glorify Him, and if I trust Him to keep this world spinning on it's axis and hold the oceans in place, then I better well trust Him with the call He's placed on my life. I'm just sayin'.

As for what I'm currently doing, I'm writing. More than I ever have. I've released one full length and one novella with Forget Me Not Romances in the last few weeks (you can find those on Amazon), and I have another one coming out in the next few days. AND, I fully intend on submitting to Love Inspired in the near future.

Many blessing to you,

Christina