Many friends and relatives have told us that they love our novels. But we returned with some trepidation to a Christmas market where last year we’d sold books to strangers. How would those customers react? To our joy, perhaps a dozen strangers came to tell us how much they had enjoyed our stories. One lady stood in front of our booth telling others to try our books.

This Thanksgiving we are most grateful for the strangers who encouraged us. And we’re overjoyed that each book we can get into circulation carries a positive message. Even our novels written for young adults are selling well, especially as Christmas gifts.

Lord, help me recognize opportunities to encourage strangers.

Drew Coons