I’m sharing this for my amazing author friend Emerald Barnes to honor the release of her short story, Before We Say I Do! Read on for more information on this lovely tale!
ABOUT Before We Say I Do: Following the best-selling first book of the series, Entertaining Angels, comes Before We Say I Do, An Entertaining Angels Short Story. Chase Sanders and Madison Andrews are about to declare their love for one another in the most sacred of ways. Everything has been going perfectly, especially when an old friend returns to town to stand by Chase’s side on their big day. But is Zach there to see their union, or was he sent by God on another mission? Chase has lived perfectly fine without his father around, but now that his father is divorcing again, his dad is seeking forgiveness. Chase can’t look at his father, let alone forgive him. Chase must learn to let go of the past before the demon that haunts him ruins his wedding.
FROM EMERALD BARNES – Why did you write Before We Say I Do?:
Before We Say I Do was written because I wanted to give the fans of Entertaining Angels a continuation of Mads and Chase’s story, but keeping true to the whole theme of the Entertaining Angels series, I wanted to write about something that would help each of us grow. With Entertaining Angels, I had already broached the topic of learning to love yourself, so with Before We Say I Do, I wanted to continue with that but in a different way.
Part of learning to love yourself is also being willing to forgive yourself and others as well. Since I had dealt with Madison’s issues, I wanted to focus on Chase. Chase had a rocky relationship with his father, and I briefly mentioned that in Entertaining Angels. I thought that along with giving fans a sweet addition to Mads and Chase’s relationship, I needed to show that Chase was actually not exactly as perfect as he seemed. (I know. I wasn’t happy with that. To me, my Chase is absolutely perfect!) Chase had to learn how to deal with his issues with his father and finally forgive him.
As Chase struggles with learning to forgive, Zach comes to help him through the process, but Chase is too stubborn to listen. As we see the change in Mads, we also see how she helps Chase through this, just as he helped her through her issues. (Seriously, they’re the cutest couple!) They complement each other, but they also learn valuable life lessons. That’s the whole point behind my series.
As I wrote Before We Say I Do, I wanted to show others how they, too, could learn to forgive. Forgiveness doesn’t always mean that it’s for the other person. Forgiveness is for you. People don’t realize what unforgiveness can do to them. It can make you bitter, resentful, and hate others. I struggled with forgiving someone who had hurt me so badly, and even now, trusting them is difficult. But, when I finally forgave them, I didn’t do it for them. I did it so I could heal. And anyone can do it. Is it easy? No. Chase can prove that to you, but it’s really the best thing to do. Let go of unforgiveness and truly live.
As the reader enjoys the union of Mads and Chase, I really hope that the message of forgiveness will reach them. I hope they can find it in their hearts to forgive others, just as God forgives us.
ABOUT Emerald Barnes: Emerald Barnes graduated with a B.A. in English with an emphasis on Creative Writing at Mississippi University for Women. She resides in a small town in Mississippi and has the accent to prove it. She’s an auntie to three beautiful nieces and two handsome nephews. She’s a Whovian, a little bit of a nerd, a reader, a writer, and a familyoriented person. God is number one in her life, and she thanks Him continuously for His love and favor.
She Writes With Love 
Awesome!
Sounds like a good book!
Love this!
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