SUSPENSE SISTERS: APRIL GIVEAWAY

Suspense Sisters: April Giveaway

History of Easter Traditions

Hi all! Melissa here. With Easter approaching, I’m reading about Easter traditions. I love understanding from where traditions came and the meaning behind them.

Lent

The 325 Council of Nicaea set the official date for both Christmas and Easter celebrations, and they also emphasized a 40-day fast leading up to Easter. Why 40? To emulate Christ’s 40 days of fasting during his temptation by Satan in the wilderness. Additionally, Moses fasted for 40 days after receiving the Ten Commandments, Elijah once fasted for 40 days and 40 nights, Noah was on the boat for 40 days, and the people of Israel wandered the wilderness for 40 years.

Sunrise Service

“…as time passed and Christianity became well established, some churches began to gather early in Easter to retrace the steps of the two Marys [who first discovered Jesus’ empty tomb].” Stories Behind the Traditions and Songs of Easter by Ace Collins

Easter Egg

“Many ancient civilizations, including the Persians, Phoenicians, Hindus, and Egyptians, believed the world began as an egg.” (Ace Collins)

While the egg was a symbol for many pagan cultures, it is also perfect for Christianity. The egg has always symbolized the beginning of life, and Christ’s sacrifice for us was the true beginning of life for humanity, a chance to be redeemed, a chance to be saved. Before a person is saved, it’s as if they are living inside a shell—darkness, muted, in many ways blind. Then we accept Christ as our savior, and we are born again.

The name “Easter”

The name “Easter” may have come from the name Oestre. Oestre was a pagan goddess with a rabbit head. A rabbit because rabbits symbolize fertility. “Many European tribes thought that she actually drove winter away and reawakened the world for its annual rebirth in spring.” (Ace Collins)

Just as Christ drives away evil and reawakens us to be reborn in Christ.

Easter Bunny

“A legend told of Oestre giving an audience to a bird. The bird looked into Oestre’s face and was overcome with the beauty it saw in the goddess’s rabbit-like features. Sensing the special nature of the rabbit, the bird asked the goddess to transform him into a rabbit… When the bird became a rabbit, it forgot everything about its former life except how to lay eggs. This bird’s eggs were then gathered by Oestre and presented to the world’s best children.” (Ace Collins)

Another association with a new life…being reborn. If we allow him, God can transform us into something entirely new.

 

But why is so much pagan tradition included in Christian holidays? I believe part of the reason is that God “set eternity in the human heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). We recognize deep truth. Ancient people didn’t know enough to understand the details. They didn’t know anything about Jesus, and many had no knowledge of the one true God. But they recognized deeper truths. And so certain traditions have always resonated across humanity.

Happy Easter, everyone.

SUSPENSE SISTERS: MARCH GIVEAWAY

Suspense Sisters: March Giveaway

WHAT'S NEW IN INSPIRATIONAL FICTION

Wondering what's HOT in inspirational suspense and mystery? Angela Carlisle has a brand new suspense, Shadowed Witness, next in The Secrets of Kincaid series, recently released from Bethany House.

Here's a little bit about the story: A haunting attack. A killer in the shadows. A protective love. Murder--that's what photographer Allye Jessup knows she witnessed as she departed her studio one evening. Waking with bruises on her neck and a foggy memory, she believes she survived an attack, but everyone seems to think she simply sustained a head injury from falling down the stairs outside her studio. Plagued by an undiagnosed health condition, she is torn between the haunting reality of what she may have seen and the possibility that her mind is playing tricks on her.Without proof the other victim ever existed, Detective Eric Thornton can hardly declare the area a murder scene. Still, he adds Allye's report to his already full caseload. But when new evidence surfaces to support her claims, Eric must stay one step ahead of a ruthless killer and uncover the truth before the suspect closes in on Allye again.

"Fans of romantic suspense, add Angela Carlisle to your must-read list!"--Lynn H. Blackburn, bestselling and award-winning author.

"Make room on your shelves--this is a keeper!"--Jaime Jo Wright, bestselling author on Secondary Target

"Surprising twists and unfolding mysteries kept me turning pages until the end."--Jerusha Agen author of the Guardians Unleashed series on Secondary Target

Pick up this thrilling ride of romantic suspense with themes of danger, psychological intrigue, friends to more, and a small-town investigation. Readers of Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon, and Dani Pettrey will love this twisty road.

You can buy Shadowed Witness by Angela Carlisle HERE from Christianbook.com

Have a great week of reading, lovers of inspirational suspense and mystery.

~ Mary Ellis, Suspense Sisters

THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS

We have exciting things planned for you this week on the Suspense Sisters!

On Tuesday, Suspense Sister Mary Ellis will tell us what’s hot in inspirational suspense and mystery.

Wednesday, we’ll hear from author Melissa Koslin. She’s sharing about the history of Easter

traditions. You’ll find her column very interesting. It’s a perfect introduction to this week as we approach Easter.

Friday. Suspense Sister Marj Laine talks about the book TRANSACTIONS WE EXPOSE. Here’s something about this intriguing book.

A shocking fire. A hidden murder. And an innocent man accused.

When a devastating house fire claims the life of local contractor Morris Cummings, the community immediately starts gossiping. While no one got along with Morris, the immediate suspect is Michelle Watson's business partner—a kind-hearted elderly man who also happens to be Morris’s brother. Despite his gentle nature, the mounting evidence points squarely at Harv.

Unwilling to let an innocent man take the fall, Michelle investigates behind her police ex-boyfriend’s back. She enlists the help of her reluctant twin sister, Chelsea, whose position at Maple Springs Community Bank gives her important access to money trails.

As they track down leads and interview suspects, loyalties are overturned and faith is tested in a way that Chelsea and Michelle have never faced before.

Transactions we Expose is a Christian cozy mystery filled with faith, humor, romance, and family. Buy today to find out if they solve the murder in time ... or if the twist of deceit throws them off course.

ORDER IT HERE 

Don’t forget to enter our monthly contest!

THE SUSPENSE SISTERS

WE LOVE BOOKS

The Difference Friendship Makes

 This week has been a difficult one. I lost a friend of twenty years and life has just continued moving on as if nothing really happened. Anne was a friend of many. She was kind, thoughtful, bubbly, and full of faith even in the throes of her battle with cancer. It doesn't seem fair or right that the world didn't pause or even stop for those of us who loved her to catch our breath. One of the things this sad week has given me the desire to do is stop and reflect on the difference friends have made in my life, especially as a writer. 

In so many ways, my books would never have existed if it wasn't for my friends. They are my first readers and have given me feedback that strengthens plots and sentences. Some have been sounding boards I can discuss my ideas with and see if I have the makings of a real story or just the skeleton of a failure. 

My friend, Anne, was my biggest encourager. She believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. At least weekly, she would send me online articles or documentary clips of bizarre crimes she thought I could shape into a story. Many times during my writing journey I've considered quitting. I've written for years and have only one published work to show for it, so oftentimes it feels like I'm using up loads of time on a dream without the legs to become reality. But Anne never stopped believing that my stories mattered. She read all of my books, including the ones that have received rejection after rejection and told me how much she loved reading them. As much as I'll miss the story ideas and writing prompts she sent me, I will miss her unwavering joy and encouragement so much more. 

Looking back, I'm afraid I took her encouragement, her belief in me, for granted. I guess it's true that a person never really realizes the treasure they have until it's gone. I just thought Anne would always be there. That we could be iron sharpening iron for decades, but God had a different plan. And even though I'm grieving one of the deepest, most rewarding friendships I've had the privilege of experiencing, I'm thankful for hope. Thankful that she isn't hurting anymore, and that I will see her smiling face again.  

Friendship is such a gift from God. I'm not sure we fully comprehend just how impactful it is. If you're the friend of a writer, I want you to know how special you are and how much your encouragement and support means. Your friendship makes a difference!

What do you value most in a friendship? Let me know in the comments and you will have a chance to win an ebook copy of The Purple Nightgown.