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Angela Ruth Strong | Second Chance Romance
January 8, 2016
My first book sale was practically a fluke. I’d spent years writing two
manuscripts that I loved with a passion. I found an agent. I had interested
publishers. And while I waited for editors to make their final decision, I
noticed a new publisher was looking for Christian romance stories set in small
towns with cute names. To submit, all I had to do was write three chapters and a
synopsis. I did it in a day, sent it to my agent, and forgot about it. My agent called with good news. I was so excited. Except the good news wasn’t
about the manuscripts I’d spent years on. It was for a book I hadn’t even
written yet. A sale was a sale. I’d take it. I pulled out my synopsis to remind
myself what I’d be writing about. Ha! It included a chubby, unicycle-riding
twelve-year-old named after Superman’s father. Writing that story was going to
be fun. Except before I finished writing the book, my husband of ten years left me. And
I had to write a romance novel while my own marriage fell apart. I never wanted
to write romance again. And besides the Costco book-signing in 2010 when LOVE FINDS YOU IN SUN VALLEY,
IDAHO released, I didn’t have the energy to do any promotion. But this is where my story gets good. As every writer knows, the darker the
black moment of a story, the more powerful the resolution. My moments were
pretty black. So I shook my fist at heaven and said, “I’m onto you, Lord. You’re
the author of life. And you’re making it feel like all hope is lost so that when
I overcome this, I’ll have a great story to tell.” A hero came into my life then. The kind fairytales are made of. It seemed too
good to be true. But sometimes real life is better than fiction. And now that
I’ve been remarried four years, there’s nothing I want to write about more than
love. Love changes lives. I have a new romance novel coming out with Love Inspired Suspense in 2017. But
that’s not all. I have a second chance to promote my first book. See, when I sold LOVE FINDS
YOU IN SUN VALLEY, I had no idea the line of books was so huge that I’d be
in Walmart and on the Choice Books rack in grocery stores. I had no idea it
would be printed in hardback and sold as a book club read. And I especially had
no idea it would be considered for a movie. None of this may ever happen in my career again. And I’m okay with that. I’m
going to thank God for the gift it was. And I’m going to keep enjoying it. Next month, my first book will rerelease as FINDING LOVE IN SUN VALLEY,
IDAHO. And as requested by many readers (I adore you girls—and guys), I’ll
be writing love stories for the main character’s little brothers in a new series
titled Resort to
Love. This wasn’t what I planned for my writing career. It’s better. Just like my own
second chance at romance. Giveaway
Win an autographed hardback copy of the original book by answering the
following question:
When have you been given a second chance?
Angela Ruth Strong sold her first article to a national magazine while still
in high school and went on to study journalism at the University of Oregon.
She's won the Idaho Top Author Award as well as The Cascade Award for her
children's series. To help out other writers, Angela founded IDAhope Writers in
the Boise area, where she currently lives with her husband and three kids.
Actress Emily Van Arsdale has returned to her Idaho hometown - with an entire
film crew in tow! With its stunning scenery and reputation for hosting
celebrities, Sun Valley is the perfect setting for Emily’s newest romantic
comedy. Tracen Lake is happy to work as a stunt consultant for the movie
but not as thrilled to deal with a bunch of high-maintenance Hollywood types.
But Tracen is surprised to discover in Emily a down-to-earth Idaho girl who does
all her own stunts and loves the outdoors. As filming wraps up and Emily heads
off to her next gig, will she be able to leave Sun Valley - and Tracen - behind?
Comments
30 comments posted.
Re: Angela Ruth Strong | Second Chance Romance
Who doesn't love a good romance? And especially a REAL
life one. Awesome that you met your Prince Charming and
are truly loving life now. So happy for you! And I'm
excited about the three book series being kicked off by
Finding Love in Sun Valley. How cool is that! Thanks for
sharing your story. It brought a smile to my lips.
(Miralee Ferrell 1:22am January 8, 2016)
Congrats on your "second chance" love story. Knowing that
the Lord has a purpose for those "dark times" in our lives
gives us a reason to glorify Him in EVERYTHING.
(Terrill Rosado 3:39am January 8, 2016)
When I was born I almost died.
(Marissa Yip-Young 6:22am January 8, 2016)
When I married for the second time to a wonderful and loving husband.
(Bonnie Capuano 7:57am January 8, 2016)
no hoping to get a second change with my bff she mad at me.
(Emily Stemp 8:56am January 8, 2016)
I am happy for you and I love the topics of your books. I did
not know it at the time but God gave us a second chance with
my husband. He had heart surgery, we almost lost him but God
gave us another year with him before he was taken with
cancer. I think of that often.
(Leona Olson 9:21am January 8, 2016)
Wow, Marissa. There must be a huge purpose for your life.
Congrats, Bonnie. It's such a gift, isn't it? Best
wishes, Emily. Fights don't end healthy friendships. Oh,
Leona, I'm sure that year was very precious. And I'm glad
you can focus on the joy rather than the pain. Yes
Terrill, I'm stronger because of the challenges God
allowed in my life. And I have more compassion for
others, as well. Thanks, Miralee. I am blessed.
(Angela Strong 11:26am January 8, 2016)
Congratulations and best wishes on the captivating books. Your
happiness is so wonderful. Second chances was when I was
diagnosed in 2012 with breast cancer and survived.
(Sharon Berger 12:15pm January 8, 2016)
At a job I got fired for something stupid, that the manager over reacted about, and his top boss rehired me when I ask him if he ever done anything stupid and got a second chance
(Jeri Dickinson 3:36pm January 8, 2016)
Hmmm. I did some thinking about this, and the only second
chance I can recall getting was on my driver's test.
(Deb Philippon 4:12pm January 8, 2016)
I was given a second chance after my cancer surgery. There
were complications and the dr told my husband I might not
live. I was in a coma and he sat by my bed and held my hand
for two days. God is so good and I am here today. I also
have the best husband ever!
(Maryann Skaritka 5:51pm January 8, 2016)
I've had so many second chances, I've lost count. For starters, surviving a fever of 107 for 10 days and not being mentally deficient as a result. I did have to learn how to walk and talk again and spend a year with my grandparents because my nervous system was pretty bizarre. Still is. None of my nerves are located quite where they are supposed to be because so much damage was done, they had to reroute themselves :)
(Kathleen Bylsma 6:36pm January 8, 2016)
I am given a second chance every day I wake up!
(Richard Burr 7:10pm January 8, 2016)
Hopefully get a second chance with my BFF she mad at me.
(Emily Stemp 8:40pm January 8, 2016)
My second chance came after my first husband walked out on me a few days before Christmas. A close friendship changed into so much more. This year, my husband and I will celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary.
(Amy Kincade 12:32pm January 9, 2016)
I have been given many second and third and fourth....chances in life, as I
imagine we all have if we really think about it. Never the dramatic kind like
divorce and new love, but a couple of accidents where I really, probably
could have died, but pulled through without to much fanfare. God really is
watching over each of us, and loves us, and wants us to be happy.
(Teresa Williams 3:05am January 9, 2016)
So many but mostly being married to my second husband!!
(Bonnie Capuano 8:53am January 9, 2016)
I've had lots of 'second chances' in my life everyday . If you think about it we all get a second chance each day that we wake up . I'm so glad that some have the chance for a new and happy life with someone that loves them forever . I would love to read your book and so very happy for you.
(Joan Thrasher 12:38pm January 9, 2016)
I was given a second chance, so to speak, when my good friend
ran into the person that I carried a torch for a long time,
and the first thing he asked him, was for my phone number.
We got together, and although he enjoyed his bachelor life,
it didn't take him long before he asked me to marry him, and
I was over the moon!! We've been married almost 34 years
now, and I'm a true believer in second chances!!
Congratulations on yours as well!! You look like an Angel!!
I'm looking forward to reading your book. It sounds like a
fun read!!
(Peggy Roberson 8:13pm January 9, 2016)
I used to fight a lot with my boyfriend because i thrive on
fighting and I had insecurity issues however it came to a
point whereby he couldn't take the fighting anymore and the
only way we were gonna work out is if I stop fighting over
trivial things so I started over a new leaf and now he's my
hussy and I'm at my happiest
(Natasha Persaud 8:48pm January 9, 2016)
I haven't gone through a second chance so I really can't commit.
(Kai Wong 12:42pm January 10, 2016)
I can't think of any since I took advantage of my first chances.
(Joy Isley 11:05am January 10, 2016)
If one knew of all the chances taken daily that were, in reality, second chances, one would be truly humbled.
(Kathleen Bylsma 12:39pm January 10, 2016)
want to have a second with my bff.
(Emily Stemp 4:23pm January 10, 2016)
My first husband & I divorced after years of marriage. 26 years later he found me because of a letter I had written him in basic training 20 years earlier. 16 years later I have never been happier. Second chances are wonderful!
(Angee Bartlett 9:57pm January 10, 2016)
I left a job for greener pastures which turned out to not be as green as I
thought it would be LOL Thankfully the original company took me back
after about a year away.
(Laurie Bergh 1:46pm January 11, 2016)
Fantastic Love story!!! I guess, I was given a second chance at life as well; 15 years ago my marriage crumbled and I lost everything, including my 2 children. I met a friend, through friends and we fell in love and moved to start over. I am almost a preschool teacher, (1 math class short of a education degree). Children are my passion, along with reading. I hope this will be a great new year. I hope to read your books. Good luck. Cindy
(Cindy Davenport 5:13pm January 11, 2016)
Every day is a second chance for me...given to me by the grace of God to try to make a difference in the world with kindness.
(Kathleen Bylsma 11:04pm January 11, 2016)
Hello Mrs Strong and Happy New Year! I hope you have a lovely year and I look forward to reading your books.
(Nicole Johnson 12:36pm January 12, 2016)
I found your blog very interesting. Thankfully, I haven't had to go through the experiences you had, but second chances can be wonderful.
(Anna Speed 11:45am January 12, 2016)
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