Hi, dear readers! Anne Mateer, a wonderful historical fiction author, shares a lovely Sunday Psalm each week on her blog and Facebook page. She recently offered a “newsletter subscriber only” contest in which participants were asked to create a Sunday Psalm graphic. I chose to create a graphic using Psalm 51:10.
If you would like to vote for my graphic, visit this post on Anne’s Facebook page and click Like below my graphic. Thanks so much!
Playing By Heart by Anne Mateer
Lula Bowman has finally achieved her dream: a teaching position and a scholarship to continue her college education in mathematics. But when she receives a shocking telephone call from her sister, Jewel, everything she’s worked for begins to crumble.
After the sudden death of Jewel’s husband, Jewel needs Lula’s help. With a heavy heart, Lula returns to her Oklahoma hometown to do right by her sister. But the only teaching job available in Dunn is combination music instructor/basketball coach. Neither subject belongs anywhere near the halls of academia, according to Lula!
Lula commits to covering the job for the rest of the school year, determined to do well and prove herself to the town. Reluctantly, she turns to the boys’ coach, Chet, to learn the game of basketball. Chet is handsome and single, but Lula has no plans to fall for a local boy. She’s returning to college as soon as she gets Jewel back on her feet.
However, the more time she spends in Dunn, the more Lula realizes God is working on her heart–and her future is beginning to look a lot different than she’d expected.
Thoughts:
Playing by Heart is a charming tale, rich in history! Written from dual points of view, Anne Mateer expertly shares this story through both Lula’s and Chet’s perspective. I really enjoyed these endearing characters and this unique way of storytelling.
I always love finding interesting facts in fiction and adored the history of this story, especially the bits from Anne’s own family. With her beautiful writing voice, Anne Mateer plucked my heartstrings and struck a perfect chord with Playing by Heart!
Bethany House Publishers is sponsoring a fun giveaway to celebrate the release of Playing by Heart. Click the graphic to be taken to the official entry page. Good luck!
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Wings of a Dream by Anne Mateer is free, TODAY ONLY!
Available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Christianbook.com.
Thank you to all who commented on Anne Mateer’s first Portrait of a Reader feature. I know there were several who commented but did not enter the giveaway. Thank you again for helping us celebrate!
Author Anne Mateer is starting a new weekly blog feature titled, Portrait of a Reader. She is kicking off this feature today with a reader very dear to my heart, my mother, Melanie Backus.
I would love for you to hop over to Anne’s website and say hello to these two special ladies. After you do, come back here and let me know you commented and you will be entered to win a copy of the Gooseberry Patch Quick & Easy Autumn cookbook.
I love Anne’s new feature and look forward to getting to know others who love to read!
The rules for this giveaway are as follows:
1) You must be a follower of this blog to win.
2) You must leave a comment on Anne’s post and this post.
3) You must live within the United States, for shipping purposes.
The giveaway is open until Thursday, October 10 at midnight, Central Standard Time. The winner will be emailed and announced here on the blog next Friday, October 11. Good luck!
Visit My Book Addiction and More for an author interview with Anne Mateer. Be sure and comment to win a copy of her latest novel, A Home for My Heart!
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