Interview for new book

My interview is still on this website, but you must go to older blogs to read it. My next book will be published December 15, 2011. It will be titled "The Landlord" and it's a fast, romantic Christian novel. All my novels promote abstinance before marriage and could be read by teens as well as adult women.

http://www.desertbreezepublishing.blogspot.com

A Book about moving on after a difficult divorce

MOVING ON

This Christian Romance e-book is now available. May be purchased through Desert Breeze Publishers, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and many other book stores.

Here is the first review:

5.0 out of 5 stars Moving on is sometimes hard to do., September 14, 2011

By

Fran Fernandez (Seaford, NY, US) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Moving On (Kindle Edition)

Moving On, by June Bryan Belfie is a good read. She brings her characters to life with her words, and by their reactions to the hard places that come to all of us. You'll fall in love Laura, and feel her heartache at being deceived, and then heartlessly dumped for the perpetual younger woman. The book shows the reality that being a Christian doesn't exempt you from the trials of life, but that you have God's resources of grace, strength, peace and wisdom in the midst of them. You will see and understand how divorce not only tears the heart apart, but family too. In the midst of attempting to begin anew, other people, and situations arise to challenge Laura and her teenage daughter, that moving on can be a mountain to climb. Throughout--June subtly paints the beautiful restoring hand of God to the places of bruising. I won't tell much more. You'll have to read for youself and be blessed.

2nd review:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sensitive and thought provoking, October 14, 2011

By

Jill Poyerd - See all my reviews

This review is from: Moving On (Kindle Edition)

I really loved this book! The author does a great job of weaving the storyline together, and she handles the character's situations with sensitivity as well as a touch of humor. I'm not divorced, but the way Ms. Belfie conveys the pain and struggles of going through such a change in life is powerful and gives me a new appreciation for those who do. It's a book that catches you, puts you through the ringer, but leaves you with hope. It was hard to put down...I highly recommend it!

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This is the story of a Christian woman with a teen-age daughter trying to find her way after her husband divorces her. It's the story of her personal struggle as she leans on God for answers.

She meets her friend's cousin, Len, a widower unable to let go of his past. An illness brings her ex-husband, who is a doctor at a local hospital, back into her life. But will she ever trust him again? Does he even want her back? Or will an event take place in Len's life to change his future?


The first few pages: 

His death would have been easier. Laura Barron avoided looking at the burgundy leather armchair as she slipped her mother's crocheted afghan off her shoulders and placed another log on the fire. Laura glanced out the front window as the snow swirled against the window panes and inched its way up the stone steps, already covering the front porch of her nineteenth century Chester County farmhouse outside of Philadelphia. With a sigh, she returned to the sofa vaguely aware of Vivaldi playing softly in the background and opened the editorial section of the Sunday paper. It was already history since it was now Tuesday evening, but between working and caring for her teenage daughter, Kim, she usually found herself behind on reading. It still felt strange to be sitting there alone.

She pictured Dave across from her in his chair reading his latest medical journal. Funny, she thought they were happy -- at least as happy as most of her friends after a marriage of nearly twenty years.

Laura looked up as Kim came down the stairs two at a time. Everything her daughter did and said was quick. Her tongue was as agile as her one hundred-and-ten pound body. She had inherited Dave's dark brown hair and expressive eyes and Laura's fair complexion and slender curves. It was no wonder boys called her all the time. Sixteen was an exciting age, the transition from child to woman.

"Mom, the hem's coming out of my slacks, and I have to wear them tomorrow. Would you be a sweetheart and fix them for me?"

"Mmm, I suppose so, but why can't you wear something else?"

"I have to wear these. They go the best with my new sweater, and I told Lisa I was wearing red so she's planning to wear her red sweater, too." Kim's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Logical explanation. Laura smiled at her daughter. "I'll do it this time, but I've warned you that you should learn to sew. I'm not always going to be around to do it for you."

"You have to be around, at least till you're ancient. Who else will teach me how to take care of kids and all that stuff?"

Laura laughed and went over to the dry sink where she kept her sewing box. Kim went on chatting about her friends and the upcoming weekend. She told of her plans to go to an indoor skating rink on Saturday with her best friend, Lisa, plus five other girls from school. Lisa was in her class, and they attended the same small non-denominational church in West Chester, where Lisa's father was the pastor.

Kim and Laura had joined the church after the separation, since Dave had remained at their old church as part of the missions committee. Seeing him every week was too much of a strain, and people seemed to treat her differently once they were separated.

Laura watched as her daughter exclaimed over the all-night skate, expressing herself with her hands. She was entertaining and exuberant. That's what kept Laura going after Dave left.

Kim ran upstairs to answer her phone, and Laura's mind wandered again to the past. Why hadn't she seen it coming? Certainly the signs were all there. Perhaps she couldn't admit to herself that she had failed. Failed as a wife, anyhow. Her job was going well, and she'd been

promoted two months before they broke up to assistant vice president. It was a small local bank, but it pleased her that she was rewarded for her efforts.

She should have seen it coming. Dave had joined the gym and went religiously every other morning to work out before heading for the hospital. Then there were the new suits and casual designer clothes. In the past she had to beg him to buy clothes for himself. He even changed from his childhood barber to a 'hair stylist.' She had figured it to be a midlife crisis though he was only forty-four.

Laura first saw Dave during her sophomore year in high school when she and her friends went to the football games. Dave Barron was the star running back, and all the girls had crushes on him. It was five years later that she and Dave officially met. She was home between semesters from Penn State, and he was on his break as a first year medical student at the University of Pennsylvania. They were introduced at a Christmas party of a mutual friend. During school breaks they dated frequently, but their relationship did not develop into romance until her senior year of college.

She recalled the Christmas Eve when he promised to love her forever and placed a solitaire diamond on her hand. Not wanting to be apart any longer, they married the following December during his final year of medical school.

Dave was the only man she ever loved. She'd had crushes, but never knew the real thing until he came into her life. He also became her best friend.

As she hemmed the slacks, she thought back to the months before he left. He began staying late at the hospital, sometimes not arriving home until midnight. She never questioned him because there had always been trust between them

Kim called down the stairs and shook Laura from her thoughts.

"No emergency on those slacks, Mom. School's going to be closed tomorrow because of the storm. I'm so mad."

"I'll finish them anyway, so you'll have them when you need them. How much snow do they predict?"

Kim came back down and plopped herself on the sofa across from Laura, folding her arms. "They thought it might be a foot or more by morning."

"It's nearly a foot already. It's so beautiful. Have you looked out?

"Yeah." Kim frowned and shook her head. "I had my whole day planned, and Lisa and I wanted to go shopping after school. Nothing ever works out."

"It will probably be over by Thursday. Maybe you can go shopping then."

"The sales are only for tomorrow, and I desperately need new jeans."

"Honey, you have at least five pairs in your drawer."

"They're way too big for me. You know I lost five pounds on my diet."

"I know and you're way too thin now. I wish you hadn't done that."

"Thin is in, Mom. You know that. Maybe that's one reason..." Her voice trailed off, and she looked away from her mother. "I have to call Lisa and tell her about school."

Laura knotted the thread and handed the finished slacks over to her daughter without a

word.

I've been writing (off and on) a humorous book of letters written by a lady in her autumn years - totally fiction, but scattered with truths. I've decided to post them, chapter at a time, for your amusement. I'd love to hear your comments. Some may hit home! Enjoy.

 

Community Church

Director of Music
Dear Dan,

Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the duet last Sunday. They could go on American Idolatry - or Idol? I forget what it's called, but you know what I mean.

There are a couple other things I wanted to tell you. I was just wondering if you could put the sound down a trifle. It's hard to get rid of my head-ache when I come out of church and Tylenol doesn't seem to be effective. Perhaps if you cut it back to one drummer and only two trumpets it would help a wee bit. Poor Mr. Trumbley had trouble getting his walker through all those wires.

One other suggestion. Have you ever checked out the Hymnals in the library? You'd be surprised at some of the songs in them. They might notwork since each verse has meaning, but you never know. I've been told repetition helps one remember, but after singing "God is good" eighteen times, I'm afraid my mind wandered a trifle, though I certainly don't disagree. He is indeed good!

I really do appreciate the work you put into the service. I know the rap songs may attract some new people, but perhaps you could try diversifying. Thanks for considering my suggestions. See you next week.

---------------------------------------

To my dear daughter Cherry,

I tried to do that e-mail thing, but I think the computer is broken. It kept saying something about an internet connection not being on, whatever that means. Anyway, I have a lot of stationery and I know once I pass on it will just be used for grocery lists and things, so I may as well use it up first.

I'm delighted that you and Clark will be spending the week-end with me in April. Mercy, I don't expect you to spend the whole week-end working. I just mentioned the storm windows in passing. And turning over the soil? I can do it at my leisure. I'll just pray the good Lord keeps my back from slipping out this time. We can probably wait another year to finish painting the fence. Let's see, we started it in the year of the century change, wasn't it? My mind forgets dates, but there's no rush.

How nice that you got a promotion. Now maybe you can afford to put some furniture in the other rooms in your house. It must be expensive to fill seven bedrooms as well as a forty-foot family room. You're managing well with the sofa I gave you, though, aren't you? Speaking of all those bedrooms, don't forget your next birthday - you'll be nearly forty. Certainly not over the hill, but if you ever want to fill up those bedrooms, you may want to think about having a baby. I remember you and Clark when you were first married - how much you wanted a family. Or was that your sister, Emmy?

Well, bring your work clothes - just in case - and yes, a loaf of bread from Panera's would be super. Have to run - my ceramic class starts in half an hour.

Love, Mom

                                                       _________________
"Dear Angie,

So you've just turned twelve. What a wonderful age, isn't it? Your mother told me about your party. Did you really hike up MountDreary? Amazing! She mentioned that a boy named Tommy tried to drown his sister. What a naughty thing to do. I'm glad the bucket had a hole.

Please write and tell me about the presents the kids gave you. Your mom said she got you an I-phone, (whatever that is,) a new flat screen TV for your room, and a Kindle. I remember turning twelve. My parents gave me the book Heidi and a new pair of pajamas.

Did you have a cake? Oh, wait, your mother did tell me. Apparently it was in the shape of a castle. I heard it took four people to carry it in. That's big! But I guess you needed it for two hundred kids. Wow! I didn't even know two hundred children at your age. I guess that face-book thing is really cool. Your mom said there were people you'd never met yet. Fun!

I didn't realize you were into Russian food. Your mom said you ran out of caviar the first half hour. That's a shame. I recall running out of M & M's at one of my birthday parties and it was very embarrassing.

How did you like riding camels before your hike? I've been on a pony - but that was many years ago.
I hope you like the pink sweater I sent you. You can take off the emblem of the mouse, if you want. Your mom mentioned you're going to a rock concert next week and I thought if it was chilly, the sweater would come in handy.
Call me when you have a chance, honey. I know you're busy between homework, cheer-leading, piano, ballet, soccer, gymnastics and guitar, but I'd love to hear from you.
Just don't text. I have no idea what those letters mean.
                                      Love, Gramma

                                                          _______________

            Representative Crawling
State Capitol

 Dear Representative Crawling,

Your presence at the bridge opening last week was certainly appreciated. We did need that bridge. Absolutely. You were right. But just because traffic was slower twice a day and people were sometimes delayed all of five minutes, do you think it needed to be added across the river when the bridge two miles south gets no one at those hours?

I guess eighteen million dollars doesn't sound like much in the scheme of things, but I just have to wonder if we might have been able to put it off a while and fix those crooked sidewalks and pot-holes first. I had to have my tires realigned twice last month, and my friends in wheelchairs have a difficult time maneuvering the sidewalks in town.

Maybe you can find some leftover money to help in these areas. Just a thought.

Wasn't it nice that your brother-in-law got the contract to build the bridge though. Quite a coincidence. Family first, I always say.

 Best wishes,

                        Mrs. Tardy

P.S. Hope your trip to Europe was enjoyable. Yes, it's important to check out bridges all across the world. Glad they had room for you at the Ritz-Carlton.

          

                                                       

Family Times

Just settling down with my second cup of java as the last of my family returned home after a fun-filled, food-filled, week-end.
Our grand-daughter, Krista arrived with her husband Joshua and her brother, our oldest grand-child, Paul after a grueling nearly non-stop drive from Missouri. Paul traveled from Colorado the day before to help them with the drive. That's devotion!
Then the rest of the family began to pour in -- from Philadelphia, Weatherly and Pottsville, PA, Virginia, and our son from Colorado. We had fifteen family members here, missing only four - but truly they were missed.
Laughter, multiple conversations at once, constant meals and snacks, tripping over toys, sorting towels and running the marvelous dish-washer -- what stands out?

Love. We are blessed. Christ is the head of our home.

Grace - a book about life

Finished the first draft of a new book called, Grace. It was a year in my mind - constantly altering, but when I put it into my computer, I found myself absolutely driven to write it. I believe the Holy Spirit gave me the determination to complete it, as well as the message. It took only three-plus weeks to write it. Of course, nothing else got done. My patient husband cooked and washed the clothes, (the dust waited) until I put the final words down.

Grace is about a young woman who finds herself pregnant. She expects to terminate the pregnancy until a friend from law school introduces her to his family and speaks to her of Christ. It's a difficult journey and the book is written in the first person. There's humor mixed with tears.

I want to see this in paper and I will personally give copies to Pregnancy Care Centers in our area - and beyond. If it saves one life...   Praise be to God!

Publication date for JoAnn Carter's new book is May 16th. PARADOX

Visit with JoAnn as she has a "blog party" on the 16th. A strong Christian gal with a strong message! Visit her at home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site/

Spring Thoughts

In less than a week we will leave our little home in Florida and head back to the real world. For most of the winter we have escaped the frigid temperatures and icy roads and exchanged them for sand and ocean. It is the best of two worlds, but we miss the first crocus as it rears its colorful head through the awakening soil and the smiling daffodils as they lift their faces to the sun. We're too late for the arrival of the first robin to our yard and the joy of that fresh smell of spring alludes us. It's a trade-off and we'll continue our annual escape, but sometimes I yearn to be snowed in, settled by a snapping fire with a freshly baked muffin and hot coffee waiting to be devoured.

With the Resurrection Sunday approaching, it is time to reflect on a more important decision. What an opportunity to give our lives over to Christ. Spring speaks of newness of life and when we turn our hearts to God, we become new - clean - acceptable to our Lord.

Life itself is a trade-off. When we depart this planet we will not share in the next generation's joys and achievements, but we will be with our maker, and that - dear friends is a far better deal. God's blessing on your life.