Penny Frost McGinnis: Spotlight on Home at Last & a Giveaway
This week, Penny Frost McGinnis is shining a spotlight on book three in her Abbott Island series, Home at Last. She’s giving away US winner’s choice of book one, two, or three in paperback format. To enter, simply scroll to the comments section and leave your comment by August 20.
Welcome, Penny!
God-given Passion
The main character in Home at Last, Lucy Grayson, has been working at the island’s General Store since she was fifteen. She loved the work and eventually purchased the store, but now in her thirties she’s worn out and wondering what more there is to life. She eventually finds her passion for something God planted in her long ago. I hope readers relate to Lucy’s story as she discovers her next role in life.
Discovering your passion, the one God has encompassed in your heart, at times, proves difficult. As I look back over my sixty-plus years, and the places where I struggled with my purpose in life, I realize others may have similar struggles and would relate to Lucy’s story.
When my children graduated from high school and moved into adult status, my purpose as mom of dependents shifted to figuring out how to be a mom to adults and gave me more time to spend with my husband and focus on some of my hobbies. That’s when one of the passions God had placed on my heart years before surfaced. I had penned poetry in high school and played with writing when my kids were young, but like many things, I had set my pen aside for parenthood.
The desire to write rose in me once more, and I realized I could use the written word to encourage others and bring glory to God. As a librarian, I lived in the world of books already and knew the road authors traveled to get a book on the shelf.
I prayed to God to lead me, and over the course of twenty-five years he guided me through writing classes, workshops, conferences, completion of a bachelor’s degree in communication—at forty-eight—and finally getting a book traditionally published at sixty-four, plus meeting lots of great people. My passion has turned into a ministry and a retirement career. Thanks to my supportive husband and family, I’ve stayed the path and followed God’s lead. Did I get discouraged? Yes. Did I give up? No. God fueled the fire in my heart to share his words, as I chose to be obedient.
No matter what God calls us to do, He injects everything with his hope. A verse that brings me motivation is Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
I love writing fiction and hope the words I pen fill my readers with hope.
You know I’m all about hope, and Romans 15:13 is my Hope-filled Fiction blog theme verse. What an inspiring journey you’ve had, Penny. Thanks so much for sharing.
Comment on Penny Frost McGinnis’s spotlight post by August 20 for a chance to win your choice of book 1, 2, or 3 of her #AbbottIslandSeries. US winner only. #giveaway
TweetJoin the conversation. Have you read any of Penny’s books? Do you enjoy Contemporary Romance novels? What are you passionate about? Have you pursued any long-held dreams later in life?
Comment below by August 20 for a chance to win a paperback copy of book one, two, or three of Penny’s Abbott Island series! (US only)
Home at Last by Penny Frost McGinnis
Click the book cover for purchase link
Lucy Grayson grew up on Abbott Island. At fifteen she worked at the General Store then bought the business at age twenty-four. Now nearing thirty, she finds herself at a crossroads. Tired of the grind at work and missing her free time, she considers selling the store, but what then?
Owen Miller moved to the island after his short-lived professional baseball career ended. Now he wants to embrace his uncle’s farm and create a landscaping business. Bitter after his ex-girlfriend ditched him for someone with more money, he buries himself in his work.
When mysterious holes are discovered on Abbott Island, Lucy Grayson wants answers. She also longs for a special someone in her life.
Local farmer, Owen Miller finds himself helping Lucy solve the mystery. As they dig into the island’s history and gather clues, will they find more than hidden treasure? Perhaps they’ll discover love?
Abbott Island book 3 takes the reader on an adventure and digs into the island’s history, as Lucy and Owen discover their future.
Penny Frost McGinnis, author of the Abbott Island series and picture book, Betsy and Bailey: No One Will be Just Like You, has lived in the world of books most of her life. She retired from the library life, then launched her writing journey. She and her husband live in southwest Ohio with their golden retriever, Rosie. She enjoys her family, fiber arts, and baseball. Her life’s goal is to encourage and uplift through her writing.
Connect with Penny: Website / Facebook / Newsletter / Instagram
Please share Penny’s spotlight on social media to help spread the word about her new release!
If you missed Amanda Cox’s Zoom interview last week, find it here.
Deena Adams
As a Jesus girl for more than thirty years, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true to life stories. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and is a multi-award-winning writer, an active ACFW member, and ACFW Virginia president. Connect with Deena through her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
29 Comments
Deena Adams
Thanks to all who commented, and congrats to Faith Cox, the winner of Penny’s giveaway! Check your email for details.
Beverly
This sounds like a fun read. Thanks for sharing your writing journey with us. It’s encouraging to hear you stayed the course and trusted that it would happen in His time and that He gives us hope.
Deena Adams
Hi, Beverly. Penny’s post encouraged me too. Thanks for reading and commenting!
SARAH TAYLOR
Thanks for sharing This is so amazing
Penny McGinnis
Thank you, Sarah. I appreciate you stopping by and commenting.
Deena Adams
Thanks for chiming in, Sarah!
Penny McGinnis
Jeanette, what a fantastic ministry. Praying God blesses you and the ladies you help, and that he renews your energy every day.
Jeanette Davis
Penny this book sounds good and I love your story. It is hard to start new in later years. A retirement job is great but also unexpected. God placed in my heart a desire to open a home for expectant moms who need some support….in my 60’s! I felt like this is too much, too late, how?? Then I spoke with someone who said this is the perfect age, your kids are grown and you are retired so you can spend the time needed on this . So I am chugging along in that direction! And God has been so faithful. It has taken a long time but I feel we (board and I) are close to finding property and opening—-scary/excitement!
Penny McGinnis
Jeanette, what a fantastic ministry. Praying God blesses you and the ladies you help, and that he renews your energy every day.
Deena Adams
I’ve had you on my prayer list, Jeanette, so I loved reading your update! That’s amazing! God bless you in your ministry.
Chris Manion
This story sounds fascinating. I’ve always been intrigued by the ancient civilzation twrrestrial markings, stones placements, etc. and would love to explore the mystery of the holes your character discovers.
Penny McGinnis
Thank you, Chris. The island also has glacial grooves. Abbott Island is modeled after Kelleys Island, Ohio-it’s a beautiful place.
Deena Adams
Thanks for joining the conversation, Chris!
Faith D. Cox
Deena, I enjoyed the post!
I enjoy contemporary romance novels, and Home at Last is one I look forward to reading!
Penny, congratulations on your series, and I wish you the best with your ministry and writing career. I, too, am pursuing my writing career later in life to spread God’s love to encourage, inspire, and entertain. I have a short story coming out in Novelists in November anthology in November. I also have other works in progress, as most writers do.:)
Penny McGinnis
Congrats on your short story! I wish you well on your writing journey. Thanks for stopping by.
Deena Adams
I’m so glad you enjoyed Penny’s post, Faith. I’m looking forward to hosting you on my blog in November!
Christina Sinisi
What colorful covers–thanks for sharing!
Deena Adams
Thanks for chiming in, Christina!
Penny McGinnis
Thank you, Christina, I love the tulips on the cover.
Vickie Waters
Oh, I love how you didn’t let your age define you. New adventures and dreams can happen at any time! I’m excited for you, Penny, on your official writing career, even though you’ve been writing your whole life. Congrats!
Deena Adams
I love that too, Vickie! As a writer who didn’t start the journey until age 55, it’s an encouragement to me.
Penny McGinnis
Thank you, Vickie! I’m thankful God gave me the opportunity to keep writing.
Priscilla Bettis
I enjoyed “meeting” Penny and learning about her faith-filled writing journey. Home at Last sounds good!
Deena Adams
Thanks for reading and engaging with us, Priscilla. Always appreciated!
Penny McGinnis
Hi Priscilla-It’s nice to meet you too. Thanks for stopping by.
Lori R
I love contemporary romance novels. This is a new author to me and her book sounds like something I would enjoy reading.
Deena Adams
Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Lori! I hope you get to read Penny’s books.
Penny McGinnis
Hi Deena-Thanks so much for hosting me on your blog. I enjoy meeting new people online and encouraging folks with hope.
Penny McGinnis
Hi Lori-I’m happy to hear you enjoy the genre. I love stories set in contemporary settings.