Bøger af Laura Hodges Poole

Distraught that she and her husband are facing another childless Christmas, bakery owner Maddie Oliver tries to rescue every needy child who crosses her path. As the couple jumps each hurdle to adopt or become foster parents, they're always disappointed. Then eight-year-old Chance Simmons comes into Oliver's Bakery with his elderly grandmother, and Maddie is immediately smitten. Chance's impish personality draws her in. Determined to stop focusing on her own problems, Maddie sets out to make this the best Christmas ever for the little boy and his ailing grandmother. What she doesn't count on is him capturing her heart in the process. Will God orchestrate an even bigger Christmas gift than Maddie could imagine, or will she lose Chance for good when the Simmons family suffers a setback? God's timing is perfect, even if it doesn't feel like it while waiting on something you desperately want. His grace is sufficient to fill any emptiness. He sees all of our needs and cares when we hurt. God provides what's best for everyone involved in a situation. Ephesians 3:20 is an underlying theme, that God "is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine." We have to trust Him to get it right. "Laura Hodges Poole is a master storyteller who deftly captures the heart and yearnings of women. Readers will connect with the characters of A Christmas Chance as they strive to find God's will for their lives." Laura V. Hilton - author of The Snow Globe, and the popular series The Amish of Seymour, Amish of Webster County, and Amish of Jamesport, all published by Whitaker House. "Growing a Family by Trusting in God - Laura Hodges Poole delivers a delightful and warm affirmation of love for the Christmas season, and a reminder that God can build a family in the most unusual ways." Therese Travis - author of Annabelle's Angel, A Fistful of God, Everybody Loves Mickey, and Keeper of My Heart.

While I'm Waiting is adapted from some of the author's blog devotions, appearing for the first time as a collection. This 31-day devotional will inspire readers to wait on God patiently and reverently to answer their prayers, according to His perfect timing. The author shares her struggles and shortcomings in a relatable way that encourages and conveys hope, even in the most difficult circumstances. It is possible to walk through the valley and not despair, while praising God and choosing contentment. As missionary Jim Elliot once said, "God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him."

College student and equestrian Jasmine Gray's life has been turned upside down. She's still reeling from the loss of her father, successful rancher Hamilton Gray, when her newly discovered sister, Carly Shepherd arrives at the ranch to visit and plan her wedding. With the spring horse competition ahead, Jasmine's in a funk and looking for a distraction. Ranch hand Zach Crawford tries to ignore his growing feelings for Jasmine because he knows he wouldn't measure up to Hamilton Gray or his wife's standards. Jasmine's daily quest to snag him only adds to his frustration. If he could get her to focus on the upcoming horse show and not on him, then maybe he'd have time to figure out his own future. Grieving the loss of his little brother who had Down's syndrome, Zach finds it difficult not to be drawn to Jasmine in her grief. Memories of the past and the promise of the future collide with the horse competition and wedding both at hand. Can Jasmine pull herself together to win? If so, does she have the courage to walk away afterwards and pursue a future outside the ranch, if it means leaving Zach behind?

From the time she was a child, Carly Shepherd has gazed at the silent stars in the night sky of her home in Bethlehem, North Carolina. With her childhood overshadowed by her father's abandonment and mother's alcoholism, she wonders how anyone can believe in an equally silent God. After all, she's not felt his presence any more than her earthly father. Though she remembers Christmas pageants and attending church as a child, she no longer has any use for what she considers fairy tales. Drew Middleton is seeking shelter from a rain storm when he walks into Carly's vendor tent at a fall festival, but he's quickly taken with the talented artist and her creations. Feeling an instant connection, Carly is confused by her feelings, especially when she discovers his spiritual commitment. Carly's past and their chance of future together collide when she's snared into refurbishing sets for a Christmas pageant with Drew's help. Will their shared experience bring about a spiritual awakening in Carly this Christmas? Or will time run out as the stars continue to shine silently over Bethlehem?

After her abusive husband's death, Misty Stephens returns to her job as a nurse and volunteer at a women's shelter. She intends to put her life back together and has no intention of ever being vulnerable to a man again. But when an abuse victim dies in her care, Misty finds herself consoling the girl's brother ... and fighting attraction.Adam Jenkins sees Misty's heart for the oppressed and implores her to help build Hope House, a women's shelter, in honor of his sister. Though grieving, Adam is drawn to Misty. But he approaches romance the way he does ranching-quick and decisive-an almost disastrous mistake. While dealing with family fallout and troubles at work, this new project and Misty become a light shining into Adam's grief.A common purpose binds them together, and Misty's heart starts to open to Adam. But she finds it much harder to lower her defenses than she imagined. Can any man be fully trusted-especially a powerful, wealthy rancher? When the past rears its ugly head and her reality starts to crumble, Misty's trust in God and hope for a bright future are put to the test. Will hope's gentle touch finally bring the love Misty's heart needs to heal?

When financier Penny Ruskin returns to Walhalla, South Carolina, she has one purpose-to settle her grandmother's estate and sell the Victorian house she grew up in. Not an easy task with the downturned economy. When she loses her job in the state capital, what other choice does she have but to stay in Walhalla until she finds work? She can only hope it won't take long.Walhalla is Tommy McAllister's life. Between his family's feed-and-seed store and the bank he's vice president of, he's stretched thin trying to survive the recession. But when a girl he hasn't seen since high school breezes back into town, he's ready to push himself even further to help her feel at home and convince her to stay. He reaches out to Penny, but the last thing she wants is to be trapped in a small town that holds painful memories-one dark secret in particular.The town matchmaker and bank manager, Miss Betty, a motherless teen Emma who lives down the lane from Penny, and the church ladies of Walhalla's First Baptist add both heartwarming and challenging moments to Penny's life.With the past dogging Penny's steps, dredging up painful memories she's tried to outrun, relatives threaten the future she has begun to hope for...But somewhere deep inside her, a spark of hope remains. Tommy isn't the only one praying for a miracle.