The Heart Changer Returns

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It's been a while since I've posted about my middle-grade biblical fiction, The Heart Changer. But February is the perfect month to mention it. I have 50 reviews now (if you are one of my reviewers, thank you!) and have had quite a few interviews both video and written. What an honor!

The Heart Changer Q&A

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Here are a few questions from a Q&A a couple of years back. It gives you a good sense of the book and my reason for writing it:

What inspired you to write The Heart Changer?

I have a soft spot for kids in the Bible who have no name and backstory, but have made a huge impact on the people around them. With The Heart Changer, Naaman’s wife’s servant girl came to mind from 2 Kings 5. So, I gave Miriam a name AND a feasible backstory! I try to stay as close to the historical account as possible. Since my passion is to ‘breathe new life into the pages of history’ I delight in the ‘what-ifs’ and bring the story to life so children can relate to the Bible characters in a fresh way.
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Tell us about the themes found in the book.

There are many: Hope in the face of despair — The power of forgiveness —  God uses our trials to grow us into His likeness — He works all things together for good — Our lives are like a tapestry: we see the tangled underside, but God views it from the top, beautifully woven with purpose and depth. 

How can this book equip parents to guide their children into a love of God and the Bible?
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Not only is it a Biblical event found in 2 Kings 5, but its main character is a middle-grader, whose life was full of sorrow and angst, but her heart was changed by God so she could partner with Him on a very important mission that is even named in the NT in Luke 4:27. Kids can see that biblical characters go though struggles just as they do. They can know He loves them, and will use them to make a difference in people’s lives. Kids can be on mission with God! It makes the Bible real to them.

Do you know of a middle-grader who seeks to be on mission with God? The Heart Changer will inspire them!

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What Would My Main Character Say?

Here are a few questions from Novel Pastimes Blog that I "asked" my  main character, Miriam. What kind of girl was she? In a way, she was very much like me, and looked like my daughter, above. To read the entire set of questions, click on Olivia's image above.

What is your heart’s deepest desire, Miriam?   

I know I can be selfish and hard-hearted at times, especially when it comes to chores. Obedience isn't easy, especially when I have to put aside MY wants and do the things my Ima has assigned to me. Although I love my baby brother, taking care of him is a full-time job. I can't go out and play on the hills with Jonas and my other friends when I’m responsible for him. 

I wished—no—I prayed I’d learn to be unselfish, not always wanting my own way. But that meant Jehovah God had to discipline me because He loves me. But I wasn't ready for what the future held—how it came about. I wanted my light to shine for Jehovah, no matter where I was, so when I was captured and sold to Naaman, the captain of the Syrian army, I learned the hard way. But, in the end, I made a difference in my master’s household. They now believe in the one true God!

What are you most afraid of? 

Losing my family and my home has been my greatest fear. They meant more to me than anything —well, except for our Abba Father in Heaven! But I held onto hope in those dark days of captivity. I discovered if you have hope, you have everything you need!

Do you know of a middle-grader who needs a dose of Hope?  It's a perfect gift for Valentine's Day!

Here are a few images relating to The Heart Changer and my book launch in 2019. . .

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The Heart Changer Trailer

Have you seen the trailer for The Heart Changer? If not, click on the arrow below:

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The Heart Changer is Now On Audible!

Click on the image below to find the audiobook. It's well narrated and captures the story beautifully!

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The Heart Changer Reviews

Testimonies like these (above and below) make the challenging journey to authorship well worth it!

Why Do I Write?

Well, it's surely not for fame and fortune. I would be sorely disappointed! No, it's for the opportunity to encourage and inspire young minds with historic and biblical characters who, because they had courage to do what was right, can be heroic examples to follow. Even the most ordinary kid can make a difference in the world with the help of God.

An Inspiring Book for the Middle-grader in Your Life

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Valentine's Day is a good excuse to get a good book in the hands of a middle-grader who loves history, adventure and an inspiring story that will stick with them for a long time. The Heart Changer will help them to see the account of Naaman's wife's servant girl from 2 Kings 5 in a whole new light! Click on the image above to order The Heart Changer.

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Question: Which book did you find inspiring as a young reader? Or how about now? Read any books lately that have inspired you to live a more faith-filled life? Let me know in the comments below, or reply to this email.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!