Announcing the long-awaited arrival of Two Lights of Hope, the middle book in A Cold War Trilogy! Like any parent with a middle child, I feared this middle one might be overlooked. Sequels often are. The newness of the firstborn has worn off, replaced by sheer exhaustion.
But it’s here. It’s a good story. And I want to celebrate its arrival!
It’s nothing short of amazing that this book exists. Last August, I had two books that I’d finished writing—during the pandemic—but hadn’t published, They nagged at me. These books collectively formed a cloud that weighed heavily on my goal-oriented self.
I’d interrupted Two Lights of Hope, my sequel novel that I love, a story I’ve poured my heart into, to write Sentenced to Life when asked by our prisoner friend. With both books, I felt that God had put it in my heart to write them. He gave me the vision. He called me to this work.
I’d completed both books and hidden them away on my computer, but I was too tired to do anything more with them. How could I when I was and am so busy caregiving; when my life feels consumed at times by this sacred and difficult duty?
But dementia is a long, cruel disease. And I’m no spring chicken. I couldn’t keep waiting and putting things on hold that I believe God had put in my heart to do.
When I first heard the double dementia diagnosis, my heart sank. That was in the beginning of the pandemic. I’m three years into this journey which started with caring for two parents; now it’s one parent. I didn’t know how I’d survive, if I’d be any good to them, if impatient me would have any patience at all.
But somehow, I did survive and I am surviving.
One of my life verses is I Thess. 5:24: “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” I believe God called me to be both a caregiver and a writer. So far, he has enabled me to do what he’s called me to do. I trust that he’ll keep on giving me the strength and grace that I need. He always has.
Somehow, Sentenced to Life got published last October. That took a lot out of me, and since then my mom’s health began to decline steadily. How could I possibly drum up the energy to do that grueling process all over again?
I honestly can’t explain it, but it happened. God provided professionals to help me shape up my book, friends to serve as beta readers, and motivation and drive to get it done. We turned out a quality product that I am proud of: Two Lights of Hope. I couldn’t be more excited!
Today, this week, I celebrate the arrival of Two Lights of Hope. Welcome to the world, little one!
Congrats Taryn! And thank God you did write and publish it. I, for one, am very happy and you have every right to be proud of this baby. It is truly a delightful read and a masterful work of art. I praise God for good books like this one. I pray God will use it for His purposes.
Thank you so much for the encouraging words! I pray the same thing for this book.
Middle children are the best .They remind us of the best in the first born and make us eager to meet the next one. Your care for your family while producing this book is a true labor of love . Please hear me and many say,”Well done.”
Aw, thank you, Marian. You brought tears to my eyes.