Pictures from December 2023 Book Signing

 

 

Thanks to everyone who came out to my book signing! It was a success, and I had the best time. It was great to see so many familiar faces. I feel blessed to have so many kind friends and loyal readers. Now, onto the next novel, Never Gone!

Be the hands and feet of Jesus

 

This is a picture of our dog, Zoey, seven years ago when we first saw her at a pet store.  She was the only dog there, and she was a rescue.  As my husband and my young daughter, who was six at the time, stood beside me, we listened to how she and her brother were found in a ditch on the side of the road a few weeks previously.  Her brother had been adopted the day before, and now here she was so sad, lonely, and forlorn.  She wouldn't even look at us through her glass display. I couldn't imagine how anyone with a heart could leave her there, and so, we didn't.   

We are very thankful for her.  She is a sweet girl, has much more energy now, and we've decided she must have PTSD from some stressful event she experienced as a puppy.  Whenever a hot air balloon flies over our house, she becomes Houdini and escapes out of our fenced-in backyard.  We tried to escape-proof the yard, but she still gets out. We still haven't figured out how she does it.  Fortunately, we've been able to get her back each time. She has brought us much joy.

After I adopted a third puppy, my husband wouldn't let me go near any kind of farm with puppies or pet shop or dog breeder anymore.  I guess I can't blame him.  Those puppy eyes get me every time. I have to admit, I'm not even a dog person, or, well, I wasn't, and I'm still tempted to bring home another one.

During this time of the year, it's a good time to pause and be thankful for all that we are blessed with.  I'm thankful for my family, friends, health, home, job, food, ability to have fun (social events), freedom, that I live in the U.S.A., and that I can worship God freely.  I'm thankful for God's great love for me.  

Just like sad, lonely puppies who need love, warmth, shelter, food, and someone to care for them, there are a lot of people in our world who don't have these basic things that we take for granted. Yesterday, I was reminded of just how blessed I am to not have to think about my next meal.  My daughter and I have started an after-school drive-thru Starbuck's thing.  We get our favorite drink and listen to Taylor Swift as we drive home.  It's our bonding time.  Yesterday, I had some extra time before I had to pick her up, so I went to Starbucks first and ordered our drinks through the drive-thru.  As I rounded the corner after paying for the drinks, a teenage boy about the age of 15 stood in the parking lot and hesitantly started to flag me down to stop for a minute.  He was in jeans and a hoodie sweatshirt and boots and had his hood pulled up over his head.  He didn't look menacing, but my first reaction was one of fear and uncertainty.  What does he want? Is he going to hurt me? What if I stop?

I actually passed him because of my uncertainty.  As I passed him, he made no move toward me and in my rearview mirror, I saw his head drop down as tears streamed down his face.  I stopped.  I feel certain that God tugged at my heart in that moment and told me to help him.  I rolled my window down and motioned for him to come to the car.  He approached hesitantly.  I looked at his face.  His nose was running and there were two streams of tears rolling down his cheeks.  My heart ached for him.  In my motherly voice, I asked, "How can I help you, babes?"  For context, I always use a term of endearment for all kids, "babes, dear, sweet girl, sweet boy, etc."  He seemed embarrassed and wouldn't look up at me, but he answered, "Do you have a couple dollars I could have?"  I replied, "Sure." Then I asked, "What's wrong?"  He replied, "I'm hungry."  I was stunned and felt heartache for him. People in our neighborhoods, kids, really do go hungry.

I happily handed him some money, and I told him that God hasn't forgotten about him.  I just wasn't sure what else to say.  He thanked me and walked directly to the pizza joint that was across the parking lot we were in.  I was still reeling with a little fear from stopping to talk to him. This kind of thing just doesn't happen to me.  I went home last night and couldn't stop thinking about him.  I wondered, How long had it been since he'd eaten?  Is he homeless?  Did he sleep outside last night--it rained and it was cold? Where are his parents?  The one question still plaguing me now is: Should I have done more?

Maybe yes and maybe no.  I do believe that God presents us with opportunities to be His hands and feet in this world.  If I had been Jesus, I would have walked up to this boy and met his needs and made sure he knew he was loved for who he was.  It can be scary in this world to do good things for others sometimes.  Evil lurks around us, and sometimes our good deeds are rewarded with people turning on us.  

What I have learned from this is that I will continually pray for God to show me how to help people.  I ask him daily to present me with people who need my help and need to be reminded of His love for them.  I tell God that I trust Him to keep me safe in my endeavors to care for others because there are SO MANY people out there who need our help, even if it's just a little money for food, or a little food, or help finding shelter, or an invitation to church, or just a reminder that God hasn't forgotten them.

I'm going to keep my eye out for that young man over by Starbucks from now on.  If I see him again, I'm going to ask more questions and see how I can help him more.  This Thanksgiving, give thanks for the basic things you have because they really are BIG things.  If you can send a turkey or a ham or a turkey dinner to a family that needs help, do it.  Be the hands and feet of Jesus.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones!

Book signing!

 

COME MEET AUTHOR

DENISE JANETTE BRUNEAU!

 

I’m a writer, doctor, wife, mom, daughter, sister, dog mom, breast cancer survivor, and child of God. I write novels in the genre of sweet, cozy romance with Christian themes that will touch your heart and reach your soul. 

 

I’m a medical doctor, trained in Obstetrics and Gynecology. I work full-time as an OB Hospitalist. My professional affiliations are mostly in the medical realm, but as an author, I claim to be a member of the Bluegrass Writers’ Coalition and Author Ready, which is a group orchestrated and run by wonderful author, Richard Paul Evans. 

 

There are three published novels to my name: Lavender Sky, Finding Home, and Heart Chimes. I’m working on a fourth novel called, Never Gone.

 

Being a compassionate doctor is what I want to be known for. It matters to me that I show God’s love to others through what I do. The same goes for the novels I write.  

 

 THERE WILL BE GIVEAWAYS!!!

 

WHEN? Friday, November 3, 2023 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm

 

WHERE? Layton Hills Mall, 1201 N. Hill Field Road, Layton, Utah 84041

 

At: FOR THE LOVE OF

 

QUESTIONS: (385) 888-0881, https://www.4theloveofgood.com

https://www.denisejbruneau.blogspot.com

https://www.denisejbruneauauthor.Storiad.com

Fall again

It’s that time of year again. Can you believe fall is here? It’s at this time each year, I find myself a little weary from all of the summer activities. I want to slow down a bit, sit on the front porch, and take in the brilliant colors of the season. 

I welcome the coolness of the air, and it reminds me that this is a new season. If you’re weary, like I am, take some time to rest and enjoy the beauty God put into this season. Maybe, He’s calling you to take some quiet time for yourself and to be with Him.

And don’t forget to be festive and decorate!

Writing buddies

 I sat out on my back deck tonight as I worked on my newest novel, Never Gone. This story is slowly unfolding in my mind as one of choices removed, regrets, loss, and then connection and forgiveness.  I’ve thrown a little mystery in there as well to add to the storyline. I can’t say more now, but maybe these two can. They are my writing buddies❤️

If Charlie and Gracie won’t tell you anything, I look forward to sharing more with you soon about Never Gone.  You’ll love this story!

The Kindle Book Review

 

Check it out! Lavender Sky has been featured on the Kindle Book Review!

https://www.thekindlebookreview.net/

Lavender Sky trivia! Play to enter for a chance to win!

 

     

Play Lavender Sky trivia now. Answer all five questions right, and you’ll be entered to win one of the two prizes above. There will be two winners. Send your answers to me through the contact form here on my blog site or you can PM me on FB/Instagram. I will let you know if you answered all five questions right after you send me your answers. Contest ends September 30. Winners will be chosen then. Choose wisely!

1. What nickname did Delaney give to the hot ER doctor?

A) Doc Hollywood

B) Doc Hottie

C) Doc Sapphire

D) Doc Smokin’

2. Ben is particular about which drink?

A) Mountain Dew

B) Coke

C) Iced tea

D) French press coffee

3. Which agency got involved with Finn’s case?

A) FBI

B) DEA

C) IRS

D) Immigration

4. Ben saves Delaney from what?

A) Drowning

B) Fire

C) Car accident

D) A fall

5. Delaney fails at installing something because she is too emotionally distraught to focus. Ben comes along and comforts her by taking her into his arms. Then he completes the installation for her. What does he install?

A) Fuse

B) Vacuum filter

C) Car seat 

D) Refrigerator light

Small faith

 

The mustard seed is very tiny. In fact, it measures only 1 to 2 millimeters.  Here it is pictured in a child’s hand:

In Matthew 17:20b, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

I always thought I needed big faith to accomplish God’s will and His plans for my life. But really, what He’s telling us here is that we just need a little faith, even the faith the size of a mustard seed, and nothing will be impossible for us. However, our faith is not in our faith, but in our God. God wants to do limitless great things through us. We are not adequate in ourselves, but our adequacy is in God.

God wants to do great things through you. All you need is faith in Him—even small faith.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20

Have a great day!😊

Reunion

 

Every year, my girlfriends, Jen and Katy, that I went to medical school with, meet me in Florida, and we spend at least four days together reminiscing and catching up. Some years, we bring our families, but this year, it was just the girls. We met recently and had a blast!

From our welcome to the hotel, to our spa services, to our pool time, to nature walks, and to dinners, we had a wonderful time together. 

 

                                                                                                      

 

We were able to spend needed quality time together away from our busy medical schedules, just resting, talking, and hanging out. It was sheer joy! Not only that, but I was able to see friends in Florida I enjoy catching up with at the hotel. I’m so blessed with such wonderful friendships. Can’t wait for next year! I truly have the best friends, and I thank God for them all!