Returning to Life Again after Widowhood

Daisies on whiteMy life has changed. I am married to Steve, a gentle and compassionate man. He lives in Arizona, and I have moved from Dallas into his home. He helped me move. Now that is kindness. What a project!

Another astonishing blessing has come my way. I finished my novel and found a traditional publisher, a small company that releases about 25 titles in a year. The title of my novel may change, so I won’t try to tell you much about it until it is in print.

My name has changed, but I may use the name Carol Ann Hoel, as it appears on my blog, as my author-name. My husband’s name is wonderful, but few can pronounce it, and fewer yet know how to spell it. He suggested that I retain the name for my book that is familiar and easy to remember. What do you think? I’d love to have your opinion. I’ve never had this problem before, and it’s a good one to have. I just need to solve it.

I plan to post on a regular basis. My computer is up and running, and my heart is full of the promise of good times ahead.

Thank you all that have prayed for me and encouraged me during the many months when my heart was full of sorrow. God has given me beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Praises to Jesus, my Savior and Lord.

Carol Ann

About Carol Ann Ritchey

Life is good because God is good.
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21 Responses to Returning to Life Again after Widowhood

  1. What wondrous news, all of it! I’m so happy for you, and for all the amazing things God has brought into your life — again! My congratulations, best wishes, and continuing prayers (always!) 🙂

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    • Thank you, Jennifer. I wish I could have continued to post all along the way. It seemed like a long walk under clouded skies, but the sun is shining in my life now. Thank you for stopping by. Blessings to you…

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  2. Patricia says:

    How wonderful! Prayers never go unanswered and sometimes they are answered beyond our imagining. Looking forward to your posts. And the book!

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    • Thank you, Patricia. You are right about the faithfulness of God in hearing our prayers and answering them. I am overwhelmed by the grace of God, and very grateful. Blessings to you…

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  3. pattisj says:

    I’m encouraged to see a post from you! I was thinking just this morning how much I missed you. Hope you had a great trip.

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    • We returned a few days ago from Colorado Springs. The mountains were beautiful! The weather was awesome, too. We had a great time with our friends from Arizona and Colorado. Thank you for your kind comment, Patti. Blessings to you…

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  4. Lilian says:

    So pleased for you 🙂

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  5. We have many roles: daughter, sister, breadwinner, client, consumer, homeowner, parent , husband, wife. But author – that’s your name.

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  6. jannatwrites says:

    I’m so happy you are finding your way! You’ve gone through lots of big changes, so I hope you’re getting settled (but not too settled to enjoy the great things that are coming – congrats on the upcoming book release!) Monsoon season isn’t the greatest time in AZ, but the winter weather makes up for it.

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    • I’ve been told by many that the winter weather makes up for the summer heat. I know I’ll enjoy the good weather when it comes. Thank you for your kind comment. I am excited and grateful for the good events that have happened in my life. Blessings to you, Janna…

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  7. elizabeth says:

    Congratulations Carol Ann. Our God is an awesome God, beauty for ashes, joy, and songs of praise. It’s a glorious morning. Whoo-hoo! I’m absolutely overjoyed for all your good news. Sending best wishes for your new marriage and your upcoming Best-Seller. Please keep us posted on when the book will be released.

    Doing a wee happy dance for you. Love and hugs, Elizabeth 🙂

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    • Thank you, Elizabeth. I’ll let everyone know when the book is in print. Authors must participate in the marketing of their books these days. This is a challenge that I will take seriously, and I am praying for the blessing of God on this endeavor. Thank you for your encouraging comment. Blessings to you…

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  8. Carol says:

    There is joy in the morning! It was wonderful hearing from you, and equally wonderful to find this post with its good news. An author’s name is part of their brand and if your new husband’s name will be difficult for readers to say and/or remember it makes sense to retain the name you have already established as a writer. It also allows you to put a bit of distance between your private and public lives… never a bad thing in my books.

    You sound content, and I am so happy for you and your new-found happiness. The faith you’ve always freely shared here has been such a blessing to me, and my heart wishes you an abundance of much deserved blessings in return.

    “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

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    • Thank you for your encouraging comment. I am content indeed. My husband is a kind, compassionate man, and I don’t have to work. I am free to spend time writing and promoting the sale of my novel. Thank you for helping me out when I needed it. Thank you for the advice on the name issue. I plan to keep Carol Ann Hoel the name on my book. Blessings to you, Carol…

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  9. Laura Best says:

    Oh Carol Ann, what wonderful news to read this evening. I’m so happy for you. I’m smiling so big right now. I hope you can feel it. 🙂

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  10. Linda says:

    You are such an inspiration, you just keep praising and praising,,,, so refreshing Carol Ann.

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