Family is at the top of my mind because recently, my husband and I made a huge life change. We moved from Oregon to Montana to help out my parents. As beautiful as Montana is, moving here was not on my bucket list. That being said, when the Lord tells us to do something, listening is a good idea no matter how difficult.
Families come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small, others are large, some might be a group of close friends rather than blood relatives, but regardless, they are family. As such, they play a big role in our lives.
Sometimes family can annoy us beyond words or simply be a thorn in our sides. Other times, we feel like we are the most blessed person in the world to have the family we have.
I co-wrote Finding Love in San Antonio with Miralee Ferrell, and the importance of family is one of the integral themes in the story.
My character, Sandra, knows a thing or two about difficult family members. She lives with her grandmother who is determined to find Sandra true love. No matter how many times Sandra tells her she doesn’t want to be set up on any more blind dates, her grandmother won’t listen.
Can you relate to having a family member who thinks they know what is best for you? Maybe they do, maybe they don’t but that’s beside the point. What would we do without those who care so much about us that they insert their wisdom or opinions into our lives?
Sandra wants to please her grandmother, yet she also sets boundaries and insists her grandmother stay within those boundaries. Though Sandra is far from perfect, one of the things I like best about her is the love and respect she has for her grandmother. Somehow, she manages to navigate a tricky relationship and prove that love conquers all.
I don’t have all the answers to the many family dynamics we all experience, but one thing I do know is that the Lord loves us and always wants the best for us. I pray whatever you are facing today you will find his grace and peace at the forefront.
Do you have a favorite family-related memory you like to share? Or perhaps you could recommend a book you’ve enjoyed, fiction or non-fiction, that also has family as a theme.
Award-winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart, and they recently moved to Montana after a lifetime in the Pacific Northwest.
From a young age, Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance. romantic mystery, and suspense with a heart.
Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
You can sign up for Kimberly’s newsletter via her website at: https://kimberlyrjohnson.com
For TV chef Adela Romero, the lights of LA have lost their luster. The grief of her husband’s death three years ago still hangs heavy over her and her daughter, Fabi.
When Adela returns to San Antonio for a summer break with her daughter, she learns her mother-in-law’s Mexican diner is struggling. Adela wants to help, but her career is tugging her in another direction.
Local food critic David Agraponte has a history with Adela. A history he’d like to rekindle. When he interviews Adela, sparks fly—both good and bad. In Adela’s struggle to put her past behind her, she’s tentative about a new relationship, but David hopes she’ll stay at Romero’s long enough to give him a chance.
Sandra always dreamed of managing Romero’s one day, but her chances of proving herself to her aunt are slim with her famous TV-chef cousin taking all the attention. Can’t her aunt see that Adela’s just passing through on her way to her next big gig? Still, as much as she resents it, Sandra may need Adela’s help if there is going to be a Romero’s left for her to manage.
When Adela gets a TV offer that’s sure to shoot her career to the stars, her choice may hold more than just her future in the balance. Can David and Adela find a way to save Romero’s and hold onto their own dreams, or will Adela’s opportunity push them apart?
