Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Sally Jo Pitts!

FROM REAL-LIFE ROMANCE TO STORYTELLING

While plotting a romantic suspense, I was inspired to hear about the blind date, love-at-first-sight marriage proposal of my friend. After interviewing the couple whose marriage is still going strong after 55 years, I learned they each had prayed, in their own way, for God’s help in revealing the best spouse for them.

Ask God! Makes sense.

This inspired me to explore how someone might pray specifically ahead of time for their future spouse. (Of course, parents and grandparents might also lift up these prayers for the spouse of their child or grandchild.)

FOUR PRAYERS FOR A FUTURE SPOUSE

• Pray for Their Relationship with God: May this future spouse prioritize God and seek a deep and personal relationship with Him. Let him/her lead a Christ-centered life, shine the light of Jesus, pursue God’s heart, and remain strong both spiritually and mentally.
• Pray for Their Relationships with Family and Friends: Since healthy, loving connections are vital, pray this future spouse has a supportive relationship with his/her parents. Pray their extended family becomes a valued part of the future family. May he/she have godly friends who encourage and challenge him/her positively. May negative influences be removed so he/she will be able to reach his/her full potential.
• Pray for Their Character and Attitude Toward Love: May he/she develop a moral code rooted in integrity, honor, and humility. When he/she speaks the words, “I love you,” may they reflect the elements of godly love—patient and kind, not envious, boastful, proud, rude, self-seeking, or easily angered.
• Pray for Their Purpose: As God prepares the best spouse for him/her, may that person step boldly into God’s plan and purpose for him/her.

BLENDING ROMANCE AND SUSPENSE

This true God revealed, love-at-first-sight spark became the foundation of my hero and heroine’s

romance. Coupled with a sinister plot, the result was Sweet Double Cross, book #2 in my Secrets of Sweet County series. Here is the back cover copy:

A scientific mission turns into a harrowing day of death and destruction.

Dedicated biologist Trudy Fields is passionate about her invasive plant species research in northwest Florida. When real estate developer Kirt Mayfair arrives in Sweet County to learn how to eradicate a kudzu infestation on property he plans to purchase, Trudy is assigned to assist him. Their instant connection surprises them both—especially when Kirt impulsively proposes marriage.

But research and romantic interest takes a deadly turn when a colleague of Trudy’s is shot and killed on the way to the isolated kudzu experimental island. On the run from a ruthless killer with precision sniper training, Trudy and Kirt must navigate treacherous terrain, dangerous wildlife, and a shocking conspiracy.

As bullets fly and bodies pile up, Trudy discovers Kirt is hiding his own secret. Amidst unexpected attraction and lethal betrayal, can the two survive this double-cross?

About Sally Jo Pitts

Sally Jo Pitts is an award-winning author who brings experience as a private investigator, licensed lie detection examiner, high school guidance counselor and home economics teacher to the fiction page. Having worked thirty years alongside her late law enforcement husband in his private investigations agency, she learned to teach by day and snoop by night. Currently, she draws on real-life experiences to pen faith-based stories of romance and mystery. Her works include the Hamilton Harbor Legacy romance series, the Seasons of Mystery detective series, and the romantic suspense series—Secrets of Sweet County. Connect with her at https://sallyjopitts.com