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

Aug. 14th, 2012 Where Do You Live?

Where do you live?

I don’t mean geographically. I mean day-to-day. Hour-by-hour. Minute-by-minute.

I’ve been thinking about this a lot, and I’ve come to this conclusion.

I live in that murky place where fear and faith collide.

You might not realize this, but I know a few things about fear. I’m not afraid of heights, spiders, small spaces, or long bridges.

I’m afraid of people.

People like you.

I’m not afraid of being in crowds and I don’t have panic attacks at the thought of going to a party. But I do spend a ridiculous amount of time worrying about what people think about me. Did they like the last blog post? (Maybe). Did I talk too much at that party? (Probably). Are my clothes so boring that I’m a good candidate for What Not to Wear? (Likely). Am I the butt of many a joke when I’m not around? (Hard to say).

Of course, the most important question is, Why do I care?

I know who I am. I’m a child of the King. I was created in the image of the Most High. Designed by my Maker for a unique purpose in His Kingdom. My personality, likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses are all a part of His master plan.

I know this. In my head.

But my heart struggles to live where faith trumps fear. Every day is a battle between my desire to stay in the boat and the call to step out in faith and walk on the water.

That world out there—out of the boat—is a wild place. There are rip-currents of confusion and tsunamis of criticism. Staying on the water requires faith in and focus on the One who calls.

Sometimes I jump out and run for it before my mind can stop me. Some days I hang onto the sides, heart racing, unable to move.

Most days, I’m right there where my fear and faith collide. I’m out of the boat, but I’m not necessarily on the water. I start strong, but then I waver. I get wet—a lot. I sink, cry out, fall into grace, and time and time again, my Savior steadies my steps and mercifully allows me to try again.

Every blog post, every word of fiction, and every devotion you read that has my name on it is a little piece of me. A visible souvenir of the war between my desire to live hidden and my desire to live obedient.

I don’t know where you live. I don’t know what God’s asking you to do. I don’t know what risks you need to take.

I do know that it’s worth it. And if you’d like to share what God is calling you to do in the comments, I’d love to pray with you as we step out in faith together.

Psalm 119:133-135 ~ Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. Redeem me from man’s oppression that I may keep your precepts. Make your face shine upon your servant , and teach me your statutes. (ESV)

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9 Comments

Tammy says:

August 14, 2012 at 11:18 am

Thank you for the encouragement to trust Him and step out of the boat. Not sure how I missed your blog in the past but now I am hooked:)
Tammy Aul

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Susie says:

August 14, 2012 at 11:22 am

I just deleted my first comment because I was afraid someone might misunderstand,lol. If I can't even comment on a blog without fear, how will I ever handle the big things?
Only in His strength, by His grace.

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admin says:

August 14, 2012 at 11:38 am

Tammy – Hi! Thanks so much for that kind comment! I'm trying to remember…I think I was probably blogging when we were in Bible study together, but I didn't talk about it much. The whole fear thing :-). I'm so glad what you found here was encouraging!
Mom – that is the ONLY way! I love you!

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Sandra says:

August 14, 2012 at 1:01 pm

I just want you to know your posts always make me think, cry and most of the time laugh. Today's was a bit on the deeper side of thinking. Truly I need to depend more on Him and less on me. Pray that I will follow His will not mine, and just depend completely on him…In Christ alone. Love you!

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Debra Koontz Traverso says:

August 15, 2012 at 12:58 pm

"I do know that it's worth it." Love this. Yes, the risk is worth it. Thanks for reminder.

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admin says:

August 16, 2012 at 5:35 pm

Oh Sandra – Thanks! Love you too!
Debra – Sometimes I forget what I know is true…but I do know!!

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Sharon R Hoover says:

August 16, 2012 at 6:00 pm

I loved reading your post, Lynn! Well, actually my heart raced as I read and so closely related to your description of the rip-currents and tsunamis of life and relationships. Thanks for your honesty and for taking time to write it down!
Blessings to you!

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Anonymous says:

August 16, 2012 at 9:13 pm

Thanks for posting, Lynn! I have those fears also. I have to say though that I have fear at night. When John is out of town, you wouldn't believe the things I do to help calm the fear. It's ludicrous, but I still do it. I have a childhood of experiences that constantly remind me of why I fear. I've read books and so many verses on fear. It's still so hard to overcome.
Thank you for your honesty! Press on!
Suzanne Hopper

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admin says:

August 17, 2012 at 12:50 pm

Sharon – Thanks for stopping by! Your blog looks great – looking forward to reading more!

Suzanne – I struggle when Brian is gone – which fortunately is rare. Hearing every little sound and squeak. Let me know next time John is heading out and I'll be praying!

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