Author Guest Post
Inspiration for The Strength of Love
by G.L. Ross
Have you ever wished for a second chance at love or ever felt God misunderstood your prayer? Perhaps you’ve said to yourself, “Exactly how strong do you think I am, God?” Do you appreciate and thank your family and friends daily for being a part of your life? These thoughts inspired me to write The Strength of Love — a suspense filled, inspirational love story.
Throughout life we all have conversations with God. Have you ever prayed for something and years later realized your prayer was answered BUT not as you intended? I have, so I incorporated this experience into my heroine’s life. Rachel has many highs and lows, but don’t we all? Many romance books have weak heroines who need a man to validate them, but not Rachel. Rachel is a strong, resilient female. A person stronger than she ever imagined. Rachel discovers her strength through her faith, family, and friends. I’m a firm believer God doesn’t give us more than we can handle. Granted there are times I wonder if he feels I’m made of steel, but he never fails to give me the determination and perseverance required.
As a single parent I have a new appreciation for the role my family and friends play in my life. I used to be an “I am Woman, Hear me Roar” type who felt I didn’t need anyone—boy, was I wrong. Without my family and friends’ support, guidance, and love I would never have succeeded in rearing my son.
But as a single mom I also recognize how difficult it is to date! I continue to dream of a second chance at everlasting, soulmate love. Sitting at home last New Year’s eve, without a date, I decided to write a story about a second chance at love. A love story I would be proud to experience. An always and forever love. Now you’re probably thinking to yourself—how sad…but wait! A person has to learn to laugh at their triumphs and tragedies. While writing this love story I laughed and cried. I have a feeling you will too! Especially when Rachel’s crazy cat Ebony is involved, which is often.
The Strength of Love is an inspiring, suspenseful, second chance at love story. As I was selecting a cover I searched for something that exuded strength, yet with a delicate nature. When I came across the delicate rose petals creating a heart atop the strength of wood I knew I had found my cover. I am absolutely crazy about this cover and the paperback wrap-around version is gorgeous…if I do say so myself! LOL. I also love the title page. The heart on the title page is made up of smaller hearts which exemplifies Rachel’s life and love. Rachel and Brooks’ love story will fill you with hope for 2016.
About The Author
G.L. Ross is a proud, sixth generation, native Texan. As a true Southern Belle, G.L. has always dreamt of the “happily ever after,” the prince riding in on the white horse sweeping her off her feet. She hasn’t found “Prince Charming” – yet (always an optimist) – but finds him every time she writes about her characters’ “happily ever after” endings.
Her motto in life is to “always find the good” in every person and situation. Whether through laughter, prayer, music, or a glass of wine or vodka, G.L. finds the good in life and shares her sense of humor, love, faith, and adventure in her stories. Experience family, faith, and love in The Strength of Love. Take a steamy flight with Lance & Lisa in Turbulent Passion, and continue their sexy journey in Burning Desire. Crosswind, book three, in the Flyboy Trilogy will release in 2016. You must also meet hunky rancher, Graham Gaskin, in A Rose Has Thorns…He’s smokin’ hot!
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The Strength of Love by G.L. Ross
Publisher: Independent Self Publishing
Publication Date: December 13, 2015
Format: Paperback - 302 pages
Kindle - 2233 KB
Nook - 431 KB
ISBN: 978-1518643743
ASIN: B017WLD5GUBNID: 2940152409307
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Bewitching Book Tours.
Book Description:
Thankfully, some love stories are so strong they never die. The Strength of Love is a tale of love, loss, and second chances. This inspiring love story shares how several men influenced one woman’s life and showered her with love in different ways. Experience love, friendship, faith, suspense, tragedy, humor, and a super-natural element...always and forever.
A tale of love, loss, and second chances. This inspiring love story shares how several men influenced one woman’s life and showered her with love in different ways. Experience love, friendship, faith, suspense, tragedy, humor, and a supernatural element…always and forever.
Always the bridesmaid, but never the bride, Rachel Thompson is ready to give up on love, before rodeo cowboy Brooks Reynolds rides into the arena and lassos her heart. His smoldering looks and strong yet tender nature sweep her off her feet.
Life is pinch-worthy and picture-book perfect, except on the eve of her wedding Rachel’s love story is ripped from the pages. After two months of grieving, she discovers her nightmare is never-ending. In order to escape her heartbreaking past, the middle-school counselor relocates to a new city for a fresh start and a second chance at happiness and perhaps even love. Through her faith and the support of her family and friends she discovers sought after answers during an unexpected journey.
Book Excerpt:
More teams compete, until finally team ten enters the starting box.
“This is them, Rachel. Oh, my gosh, aren’t they smokin’?”
Rachel’s eyes shoot in the direction of the commanding man sitting tall in the saddle. His jet-black hair curls slightly against the collar of his royal blue western-style shirt. The short sleeves are rolled to fit snugly against his massive, bulging biceps. It’s obvious where he spends his free time, from the fine-tuned muscles and the dark tan encompassing his fit frame. Oh my, she mumbles as he sits his buck-colored hat firmly on his head. He secures his boots in his stirrups. His long fingers toy with the coiled rope. Sam acknowledges him with a nod and the steer is released. They’re off. Like bullets the three of them skillfully dart one after another. The steer runs for its’ life as Sam’s rope lunges into action. He twirls his lasso with the style and grace of a ballerina demonstrating pirouettes. As if he has mind reading skills, Brooks instinctively releases his rope. The twisted twine skims perfectly under the steer’s hooves and is brilliantly tightened to prevent the two hundred plus pound animal from moving forward. The two riders face each other backing their horses until the steer is air born. Everything is magically timed and over-the-top exhilarating. The ladies are on their feet screaming as the announcer exclaims team number ten has the best time of eight and a half seconds, with only one more team left to compete.
Sam waves his hat at Courtney who shouts and blows him a kiss. Brooks’ eyes dart toward the high-pitched squeal. Even from the distance, Rachel notices the brilliant blue eyes aimed her direction. Her chest heaves as though she ran a half-marathon. She catches her breath and continues applauding the skilled ride. How could a sporting event be so exhilarating and sexually satisfying? Brooks tips his hat toward her, with a crooked grin, and follows Sam to the exit.
With bated breath, Rachel and Courtney watch the next ride. The team is quite skilled, but can’t beat team ten’s ride. The guys are victorious. All eleven teams enter the arena. Team ten smiles proudly as they are awarded their trophy and belt buckles. Sam hurdles the wall and makes his way into Courtney’s welcoming arms. Brooks laughs at his exuberant teammate and hollers for him to get his ass back to the stables. Once again the announcer broadcasts congratulations to team ten the new Smith County team-roping champions. Rachel enjoys the view of the faded jean clad butts exiting the arena. She’s savoring one fine set of firm ass cheeks when the beholder glances back over his shoulder catching her in the act. He winks. She blushes, prior to catching her breath and smiling. Brooks relishes catching her in the act. He turns and tosses an arm over his partner’s shoulders. Sam lifts the trophy into the air. They turn the corner and disappear. Courtney proudly exclaims, “Team ten wins!”
Rachel smiles and says, “A ten—yes, he definitely is a ten.
“This is them, Rachel. Oh, my gosh, aren’t they smokin’?”
Rachel’s eyes shoot in the direction of the commanding man sitting tall in the saddle. His jet-black hair curls slightly against the collar of his royal blue western-style shirt. The short sleeves are rolled to fit snugly against his massive, bulging biceps. It’s obvious where he spends his free time, from the fine-tuned muscles and the dark tan encompassing his fit frame. Oh my, she mumbles as he sits his buck-colored hat firmly on his head. He secures his boots in his stirrups. His long fingers toy with the coiled rope. Sam acknowledges him with a nod and the steer is released. They’re off. Like bullets the three of them skillfully dart one after another. The steer runs for its’ life as Sam’s rope lunges into action. He twirls his lasso with the style and grace of a ballerina demonstrating pirouettes. As if he has mind reading skills, Brooks instinctively releases his rope. The twisted twine skims perfectly under the steer’s hooves and is brilliantly tightened to prevent the two hundred plus pound animal from moving forward. The two riders face each other backing their horses until the steer is air born. Everything is magically timed and over-the-top exhilarating. The ladies are on their feet screaming as the announcer exclaims team number ten has the best time of eight and a half seconds, with only one more team left to compete.
Sam waves his hat at Courtney who shouts and blows him a kiss. Brooks’ eyes dart toward the high-pitched squeal. Even from the distance, Rachel notices the brilliant blue eyes aimed her direction. Her chest heaves as though she ran a half-marathon. She catches her breath and continues applauding the skilled ride. How could a sporting event be so exhilarating and sexually satisfying? Brooks tips his hat toward her, with a crooked grin, and follows Sam to the exit.
With bated breath, Rachel and Courtney watch the next ride. The team is quite skilled, but can’t beat team ten’s ride. The guys are victorious. All eleven teams enter the arena. Team ten smiles proudly as they are awarded their trophy and belt buckles. Sam hurdles the wall and makes his way into Courtney’s welcoming arms. Brooks laughs at his exuberant teammate and hollers for him to get his ass back to the stables. Once again the announcer broadcasts congratulations to team ten the new Smith County team-roping champions. Rachel enjoys the view of the faded jean clad butts exiting the arena. She’s savoring one fine set of firm ass cheeks when the beholder glances back over his shoulder catching her in the act. He winks. She blushes, prior to catching her breath and smiling. Brooks relishes catching her in the act. He turns and tosses an arm over his partner’s shoulders. Sam lifts the trophy into the air. They turn the corner and disappear. Courtney proudly exclaims, “Team ten wins!”
Rachel smiles and says, “A ten—yes, he definitely is a ten.
My Book Review:
Every once in a while a book comes along that takes the reader on an emotional journey, for me that book is The Strength of Love.
In The Strength of Love, author G.L. Ross weaves a poignant and inspirational tale of love, loss, and second chances. Set in Texas, the reader is easily drawn into the story of twenty-six year old middle school counselor Rachel Thompson. Rachel is always the bridesmaid, but never the bride. With all of her friends falling in love, getting married, and having babies, Rachel dreams of having her own happily ever after. When Rachel is given a chance at true love, her life becomes picture perfect, that is until the eve of her wedding when tragedy strikes, and her life is suddenly turned upside down. As Rachel struggles with her grief and trying to move forward, she embarks on an emotional journey to start her life anew, one filled with trials and tribulations that will test her strength and faith, and unexpectedly give her a second chance at love and happiness.
Oh my goodness, The Strength of Love is a compelling and beautifully written story that simply tugged at my heartstrings and stirred my soul. I was easily drawn into Rachel's emotional journey as she learned to deal with the trials and tribulations in her life with faith, hope, strength, and the wonderful support of her family and friends. This is a realistic story that anyone can relate to, it will make you sit up and ponder what you would do if you were Rachel's shoes. As the reader follows Rachel on her journey, they will experience the full gamut of emotions, you can't help but cheer her on as she grieves, heals, and receives a second chance at love and happiness.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention how lovely the book cover is, and how symbolic the rose petals and piece of wood perfectly describes Rachel's mixture of delicacy and strength.
The Strength of Love is an amazing and timeless story of love that will resonate with you for a very long time.
RATING: 5 STARS
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Thank you for the beautiful and flattering review! You made my week. The best Valentine I will receive without a doubt. I hope your readers will take advantage of my Valentine treat for them-the ebook is only .99 cents this week! Save $2. Plus please enter the giveaway. Happy Valentine's Day...always and forever. (Read the story and you will understand the tag line) XO
ReplyDeleteHi G.L.! Thank you for the opportunity to host your virtual book tour event. The Strength of Love is a stunning story to read, thank you writing it. :)
DeleteInteresting. I think many of us realize that some of our unanswered prayer is really a blessing after all. :)
ReplyDelete@dino0726 from
FictionZeal - Impartial, Straightforward Fiction Book Reviews
Hi Diane! I thought exactly the same thing. As I was reading, I couldn't help but think of Garth Brooks' song, Unanswered Prayers. :)
DeleteExactly, Diane! Kathleen, I have always loved that song and it did cross my mind as I was writing the story. I hope you will both buy the book while it is on sale this weekend. I think you will love the hope and inspiration it will fill you with for 2016. Happy Valentine's Day!
DeleteG.L. I forgot to mention in my review how excited I was that you included my favorite NFL team, the Dallas Cowboys. 2 thumbs up!! :)
Delete