Lynn H. Blackburn

Where Fear and Faith Collide

“Lynn Blackburn’s done it again. She made me read way past my bedtime and owes me several hours of sleep! What a fabulous story with characters who will live in your head—and heart—long after the last word. I’m eagerly awaiting the second book so I can return to Gossamer Falls and catch up with all of my new besties!”Lynette Easonaward-winning, bestselling author of the Lake City Heroes series
“With an exceptional gift for writing relatable characters who touch deep places of the heart, Lynn Blackburn’s voice is unrivaled! I quickly fell in love with Landry, Cal, Eliza, and, in fact, the entire compelling cast of characters in this brand-new romantic suspense series. A must-read, Never Fall Again delivers the emotionally gripping romance, riveting suspense, and captivating characters readers love!”Elizabeth Goddardbestselling author of Cold Light of Day
“Lynn Blackburn is a rising voice in romantic suspense! This book had it all—a delicious romance, obsession, found family, redemption and reconciliation, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and the kind of ending we all root for! Don’t miss this first book in what I believe will be a fantastic series.”Susan May WarrenUSA Today bestselling and RITA Award–winning author
Malicious Intent has an addictive plot that delves into the dangerous underworld of digital crime, and the protagonists’ chemistry, brewed during a lifetime of friendship and romantic longing, positively sizzles.Booklist
This book will grab you from the beginning and keep you captivated until the end.Interviews & Reviews
Blackburn's Defend and Protect series is off with a bang in Unknown Threat. This heart-racing romantic suspense is one for the keeper shelf! Don your tactical vests and get ready to engage a compelling story that will forbid you from abandoning its pages. Do. Not. Miss. This. One! Ronie Kendig Bestselling, award-winning author of The Tox Files
Unknown Threat is a fantastic read! An action-packed opening and sharply drawn characters drew me right in and held me captive. Blackburn has an exceptional gift for weaving twisting plots with characters that walk right off the page. I absolutely adore Faith, the bright and stalwart FBI special agent. I love the attention to detail regarding Secret Service operations. The swoon-worthy romance between Faith and Luke is the perfect slow burn. Unknown Threat is an exciting start to a thrilling new romantic-suspense series!Elizabeth GoddardAward-winning author of the Uncommon Justice series
In Unknown Threat, Lynn Blackburn has created a page-turning novel with all the elements I've come to love in her books. The hero and heroine are unique and compelling, while surrounded by a rich cast that adds depth to the story. The suspense thread is intense and pulses with energy and pressure. And the romance? It's perfection, with tension to keep me rooting for the characters. It's a perfect read for those who love engaging stories that are threaded with hope.Cara PutmanAward-wining author of Flight Risk and Imperfect Justice
Lynn Blackburn has skyrocketed to the top of my favorite romantic suspense authors list! In Too Deep was much anticipated and it did not disappoint! I literally devoured this book in one sitting! Filled with suspense, action, and danger, this book kept me anxiously wondering what would happen next! I love the balance between suspense and romance! And this gang of characters, the dive team, is everything! BringingUpBooks
Leigh’s ability to rescue herself, Ryan’s respect and support, and a terrific cast of law-enforcement and hospital personnel make this vivid start of Blackburn’s Dive Team Investigations series a real page-turner.Booklist
Fans of Dani Pettrey’s “Alaskan Courage” thrillers will enjoy this nail-biter of a series opener, which will also be appreciated by romantic and psychological suspense fans.Library Journal
The author balances the personal relationships and the mystery well. Her descriptions are so vivid and accurate that you can see the scenes playing out before you . . . Lynn is definitely going to be a great new author to follow.More Than A Review
Watch out readers. Lynn H. Blackburn is a new voice on the scene of Christian Fiction and has a bright future as a successful author.Lynette EasonAuthor
Kept me on the edge of my seat...Mary GoodwinAmazon Reviewer

Sometimes God asks you to skip Bible study.

I know. Not really what you’d expect is it? Bible study is good. Fellowship with other believers is good. Showing up when you’ve committed to something is good.

All good.

But not always best.

I will fully admit that when I skipped Bible study, I didn’t expect God to do anything super special. In fact, I didn’t fully realize He was the one behind it.

I was tired, not quite recovered from a week of doctors visits, sore throats, swollen ears and fevers. Looking at the week ahead and the items on the calendar, I sensed that something needed to give. Something had to go.

I prayed about my day, about my week, for insight into how to get it all in. Were there things I could give up? Maybe I could run my errands in the evening? Or push back a few of my self-imposed deadlines? Maybe I could move a few things from this week to next week?

I could have done all of those things, but I had a nagging sense that I needed to skip Bible study.

I fought it.

For one thing, I co-lead our group. Leaders are supposed to show up.

For another, I’m the kind of person who, once committed to something, sees it through. I wasn’t running a fever. I wasn’t contagious. All the kids went to school. Sure, I was running on fumes and still had a nasty cough, but there was no good reason not to go.

And, most annoying, not showing up would make me look bad. I expend a lot of energy trying to avoid that. (I’d like to tell you that I’m a recovering people pleaser and that I used to seek approval from the people I interact with. But that would indicate that I’ve somehow gotten over those traits. The truth is I fight them. Hourly).

There’s nothing wrong with being conscientious. There’s nothing wrong with having a strong work ethic, with following through on what you say you’ll do, on showing up.

Except when God’s nudging you to do something different.

It would be easier if God would write this stuff on my calendar. If, when I opened to today’s date, I found “Bible study” crossed out and “Divine Appt. – Target – 10:30 a.m.” written in. Then I would know what to do and I wouldn’t suffer any angst about it. (Is it sacrilegious to wish God had a red Sharpie?)

Maybe as I continue to seek God’s will, to lean into the Spirit throughout the day, maybe someday I’ll recognize these nudges for what they are.

As it was, when the opportunity presented itself—one that started safely in my comfort zone and quickly spiraled out of it—I was stunned for a moment. Then it all started to come into focus I should have been a little scared, but I wasn’t, because that same sense that had nudged me to skip Bible study made it clear.

This was why.

It wasn’t a big thing, but it was.

It would be easy to chalk it up to coincidence, but it wasn’t.

A few weeks ago, one of my sons asked me why I go to Bible study. We talked for a long time about how big God is. About how He wants us to know Him, but He is so huge, we can study Him our entire lives, and we won’t even come close to knowing all there is to know about Him. How He will always have more to reveal about Himself to us, if we are paying attention.

Today, He got my attention.

He asked me to skip Bible study.

And then He took me on an adventure with Him.

I can’t help but wonder….how many adventures have I missed?

“I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it’s very difficult to find anyone.”

“I should think so—in these parts! We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner!” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

Comments

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7 Comments

Sandra says:

February 9, 2015 at 9:16 pm

You can't stop there!! What was the adventure??? Also, is that Bilbo's house in the picture??

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Beth says:

February 9, 2015 at 9:40 pm

So good and just you saying no and walking out of your comfort zone and coming to the realization that the Holy Spirit was at work sooner than your norm is evidence of growth…incredible growth that you are seeking to walk in step with the Spirit! Beautiful to watch my friend!

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Susie says:

February 9, 2015 at 10:04 pm

I'm with Sandra. I want to hear the rest of the story!

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admin says:

February 9, 2015 at 10:45 pm

Sandra & Mom – we can talk about it later. 🙂 I'm not going to post it here because that wasn't the point. If I spell it out, then it becomes about that specific situation instead of being applicable to multiple situations. And besides, it *really* wasn't a big deal. The big deal was what God is teaching me. 🙂

And no – it's not Bilbo's house, but isn't it cool!?

Beth – thanks – and thank for encouraging me to write about it. 🙂

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Vonda Skelton says:

February 11, 2015 at 3:05 am

Beautiful reminder that God isn't interested in our checklist. Thanks, sweet friend.

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Rick Nowlin says:

February 11, 2015 at 5:58 pm

Years ago I was involved in a men's Bible study that met on Mondays but got a call to join a big band. I had for years wanted to play big-band jazz again, so I went with it — and not only am I becoming more proficient as an instrumentalist but have even had the opportunities to flex my muscle as an arranger, gifts that God has given me.

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Wendie says:

February 19, 2015 at 5:20 pm

Hi Lynn- Just found your blog through Write Life Workshop. I can relate to everything in this post. I, too, am a study leader/lover. I am annoyingly nagged by "looking good" and am conscientious about commitment. (Can I just add that I'm worn out typing those comments?) Recently, I decided to sign up for a women's study while wintering in FL. I'd participated elsewhere years ago, but wanted to make some new friends and have a disciplined study while here. Went the first night and fidgeted the whole time internally. On the prayerful drive home, I realized God was telling me "I don't want you there right now." Yep – I know where he does want me (not divulging) and I need stop running to my Nineva and step up! Thanks for this post and the affirmation it provides. I'll be checking back.

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