Tuesday, August 2, 2022

Meet Me on the Porch Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: Meet Me on the Porch

Author: Erin Stevenson

Genre: Christian fiction

Release date: May 13, 2022

Brynne Lockwood has come home to Brattleboro, Vermont after a humiliating job loss. She’s weary and broken, and still hasn’t truly forgiven herself for a former unhealthy relationship with long-lasting consequences. She doesn’t believe that she deserves anything good and can’t imagine that God could ever use her.

After recovering from a shattering loss, Pastor Adam Johnston is on his way to a new assignment. A mix-up takes him and his baby daughter to beautiful southern Vermont. If he stays, he’ll face opposition, but God has prepared his heart for ministry, and he’s committed to serving there.

Adam and Brynne connect quickly and unexpectedly, but circumstances demand that they be cautious.

Now, you are invited to join Adam and Brynne on the porch at her grandparents’ home—a special place where you’ll experience their joy as Adam and Brynne build a friendship rooted in Biblical principles, find healing for their wounds, and discover God’s plan for their lives.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Erin has been writing fiction since 2014 and is published independently and with Pelican Book Group and Winged Publications. She is a 2021 American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award Finalist.

Erin was raised in Illinois and has lived in many places in the U.S., including on both coasts, but is a Midwest girl at heart. She spent many years as an educator from pre-school through college levels, and currently works in communications for a global corporation.

When she’s not writing, Erin loves spending time with her children and grandchildren, and playing in the garden (which equates to mostly pulling weeds) at her central Iowa home. Her secret indulgence is plain M&Ms.

More from Erin

This book is part of Pelican Book Group’s Destination Romance collection, one set in each of the 50 US states. There were three random objects required to be worked into the plot: lace, shampoo, and a shovel. The twist was that they had to be presented in an interesting way—not, for instance, “Brynne was disappointed to discover that her favorite shampoo was out of stock.”

Here’s an excerpt of how I incorporated shampoo into this story:

Adam led her to the swing. After she sat, he set the mug on the table, then picked up a bulky case and placed it on top.

“What’s that?”

Adam smiled. “This is my sample case. Allow me to show you my display of shampoos.”

“Shampoos?”

“Yes. I have orange blossom, lemon verbena, strawberry vanilla.” He lifted out each bottle and lined them up. At least six more followed, each a different scent. “And this one is—um, oh, sorry, that’s for lice.” He grimaced.

Brynne nearly spewed her drink. “Adam Johnston, what are you doing?”

“I’m a shampoo salesman.” He lifted a shoulder. “Last night you said you would date me if I was a pilot or a shampoo salesman.” He sighed. “I’m terrified of flying.”

She had to hold her laughter as she put her hand over her heart. “You are beyond cute. Where did you get all this stuff?” A giggle escaped.

He let out a sigh. “It wasn’t easy, believe me,” he muttered.

MY REVIEW

What caught my attention right away was reading about the beautiful setting of Vermont . You can feel the small town atmosphere and how friendly people are. Going to the home where she was raised, Brynne feels at peace. Her grandparents are so nurturing and adore their granddaughter. They raised her and are thrilled to have her home. I loved how comfy I felt as I read the book. The title reminds me of when I was at my granddad’s farm every summer. We would sit on the front porch and talk for hours. I never tired of his stories and thought he was a remarkable man. This story gave me such good memories and I enjoyed getting to know everyone in the book.

Brynne is a sweet character who is looking for a direction for her life from God. Coming back to her grandparents place gives her a place to rest and be surrounded by people who love her. The author slowly has Brynne open up about something from her past. It lets us see the hurt and shame she has carried.

Adam and his beautiful one year old daughter Lace have come to the town to start a new life. After a tragedy he is ready to take on the new Pastor’s job at the church. I did laugh at the mix-up of how he got there but God had a plan for why Adam was sent to this particular place. His daughter steals the scenes at times with her bright smile.

The story is a nice look at two people who are searching for a place to belong. I loved the talks that Adam and Brynne share on the porch. It is a special time as they open up to each other and allow themselves to be vulnerable. One of the things that stand out in the book is how mindful Adam is about being respectful and following God’s Word in his personal life.

We witness two people that each have a past that holds then back at times. As the author unveils their secrets, we see God’s footprint on their lives. I loved the sweet message of forgiveness and finding grace. I wasn’t prepared for the ending to be so emotional so make sure you have tissues handy when you read this beautiful story.

“Grace is when God gives us what we don’t deserve. Mercy is when He doesn’t give us what we do deserve.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.