I’m thrilled to have my friend and fellow Scrivenings Press author, Liana George with us today, sharing about her debut novel, Perfectly Arranged. She offering a great Giveaway so be sure to stick around!
TRAVELING LIGHT
By Liana George
“For my yoke is easy and my burden light.” ~ Matthew 11:30
When I travel, I tend to overpack. Not because I want all the comforts of home with me while I’m away, but because I like to be prepared. Stained top? Muddy pants? Shoes that hurt my feet? I don’t have to worry about these situations because I always fill up my suitcase with more than enough and have back-ups on the ready.
But that’s not necessarily a good thing. In fact, when I do bring along more than I should, I usually have to check in my bags (which means $$), and I don’t have space for all the wonderful souvenirs I’d like to purchase at my destination.
Weighing the options, I find that traveling light is the best way to go. That’s because when we carry more than we’re supposed to, it can become a burden that’s tough to lug around (yet another negative for overpacking). And even though we know we need to pack as little as possible, we often refuse to lighten our loads.
PERFECTLY ARRANGED
Things aren’t any different for my main character Nicki Mayfield in my debut novel, Perfectly Arranged. A professional organizer by trade, Nicki teams up with her client, Katherine O’Connor, to uncover an O’Connor family secret. To learn the truth, the pair embark on an adventure to China.
When Nicki first heads out on the journey, she’s carrying a lot of baggage. She’s worried about her mom’s hoarding issues, anxious about finding a job once she’s finished in China, and concerned about Ms. O’Connor and what they might find when they arrive in the Land of Dragons and Tea Leaves. Clearly, Nicki’s suitcase is bursting at the seams, and that doesn’t include all the trinkets her mom has asked her to bring home!
With her back aching from all the weight, Nicki discovers she can no longer carry the load alone. Gleaning wisdom from an unlikely source, she eventually reaches out to God for guidance and strength. By studying the Bible and prayer-journaling her heart, Nicki finds the answers she needs not only to save herself and her client, but also to help those who can’t help themselves.
In the end, Nicki discovers the benefits of traveling light.
JESUS UNDERSTANDS
Jesus understood the importance of this as well. That’s why in Matthew 11 He encourages those who are tired and burdened with too much to come to Him. He’s more than equipped to handle whatever baggage you’re carrying and promises rest when you allow Him to do the heavy lifting.
Whether it’s in a fictional story or reality, traveling light is the best to journey through life (and on your next vacation). The question is, will we?
Liana George is a sought-after speaker, blogger, and author. Before pursuing a career in writing, she was a professional organizer and the former owner of By George Organizing Solutions in Houston, Texas. Her debut novel, Perfectly Arranged, was inspired by one of her eccentric clients and Liana’s love for China, where she lived for two and a half years. When she’s not putting things in order or scribbling away, you can find her reading, traveling, or playing tennis.
Connect with Liana:
https://www.facebook.com/LianaGWriter/
https://www.instagram.com/lianaygeorge/
https://www.pinterest.com/liana2404/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB8n4ov17hQo9LN9fRRTTgQ or https://bit.ly/BGOSYTchannel (organizing videos) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf9yjXiFnOS_wTe3dVDKCkw or https://bit.ly/LGWriterYT (writer videos)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liana-george/
MORE INSPIRATIONAL FICTION
Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie
Inspirational Historical Romance
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.
THE GIVEAWAY
Liana is generously offering to give away a print copy of Perfectly Arranged along with a Travel Kit including a $10 gift card. Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway below for a chance to win! (U.S. addresses only)
Good morning, I enjoyed reading this blog, and it really makes sense to me. Thank you for sharing it. Your book sounds like a great and a Must read for everyone. Have a great day and rest of the week. My favorite place I have traveled to and stayed at is in the mountains os NM and stayed in a cabin, where I can be surrounded by the beauty of nature.
That’s my type of getaway! Thanks for stopping by to enter, Alicia. You’ll enjoy reading Liana’s novel.
Alicia sounds wonderful and very serene! Thanks for reading the post and I hope you’ll have the opportunity to read the book as well.
We love to travel, have yet to travel abroad but myrtle Beach has to have been my favorite so far.
I’ve not traveled abroad either, Kelsey. Myrtle Beach sounds beautiful!
Wow, just one favorite place I’ve gone?? I’d have to say either Savannah or St Augustine!! However, that will probably change in December when I visit TX for the first time!
LOL! Sounds like you enjoy traveling, Trudy. Enjoy your trip to TX and don’t forget to travel light! =)
This is definitely something I need to learn. I will have my suitcases perfectly packed the night before leaving for vacation. The next morning it’s “Wait! I might need those loafers…or another top…pair of pants. And…did I pack enough moisturizer? The list goes on. I would love to read this book. landtbeth@yahoo.com
So true, Laurean! Thanks. Hope you enjoy reading it.
I loved traveling to San Diego, Calif.
Thanks for stopping by, Darlene. I’ve not been to San Diego. Will have to put it on my list. =)
My favorite place I traveled to is Erie, PA.
Sounds like a pretty place. Thanks, Sara!
Wonderful post! My favorite travel adventures have been my cruise trips. You get to visit multiple places in a week and learn about the culture and interesting facts about that area.
I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise. Sounds fun. Thanks, Cherie!
I’ve never really traveled except to visit family. Maybe someday.
We don’t travel a lot either, Lucy. A day trip now and then is about it. Hope you have the opportunity some day. Seeing family counts though. That’s a blessing.
I have not traveled much, but I did enjoy a visit to a small, picturesque town on the coast of Nova Scotia.
Sounds nice, Roxanne! Thanks for stopping by to enter.
The food & people of Jamaica were lovely for the few days that I spent there.
How fun! Thanks, Nancy!
Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Cynthia.
Thank you so much, Debra! You are a blessing!
I love the Smokey Mountains in TN!
Oh, yes! The Smokey Mountains are wonderful! Thanks, Shelia!
Hawaii’s beaches
I’ve not been to Hawaii, but I know it would be beautiful! =)
We travel CONSTANTLY since my husband works for embassies overseas. It’s a struggle to keep the family on the right track. We’re so good at packing, but we often forget what’s really important, the intangible things. It’s a good reminder for us to keep working at it.
It sure is! Thanks, Athena! The best to you in the giveaway.
Would love to win the exciting package, especially a print copy of the book! One place I really enjoy traveling to (besides to Baptist conferences where my husband gets to preach, and I play my Paraguayan harp as special music), is a nature walk south of our town, where there’s about a 2-mile walk along the Clark Fork River, where we hand-feed wild Black-capped Chickadees, plus see ducks, deer, etc.
It sounds wonderful, Lual! How neat that you play the harp! Thanks for sharing.
I haven’t traveled to too many places, but I really enjoyed Door County, Wisconsin.
Hi Les,
My husband and I traveled to Wisconsin on our honeymoon! Pretty country up that way. Thanks for stopping by.
I really enjoyed New York it was a fun city with people out day or night.
Hi Jenny! I’ve not been to NY, but I’m sure it’s an exciting place to visit. Thanks so much for stopping by!
My favorite place was when I visited Canada. Would love to go back.
Hi, Lisa! Yes. I’ve been to Vancouver, Canada. Very pretty indeed. Thanks for stopping by!
Miami, New York, I like the city.
Hi Alan. You and I are opposites then. LOL! I’m all about country living and wide open spaces. Though I do like the look of a city lit up at night. Very pretty. Thanks for stopping by to enter.
I love Destin, Florida. It is beautiful there. Thank you
Oh, yes! My youngest son went to Destin on his Senior trip. It looked beautiful! Thanks, Kelly!
My favorite place I’ve traveled is Jamaica. It was beautiful and so much fun !!!
Oh wow! Sounds like a fun place to visit, Pamela! Thanks for sharing!
I really enjoyed Hawaii. I like the Luaus and the amazing views.
Ooh! Hawaii! Sounds very nice about now. We just dipped below freezing here last night. Thanks, Cassandra!