Introducting Nicola Beaumont

Before I get started, I guess the first thing you should know about me is that I really don't like talking about me. I am nobody special. Oh, special to God--because we all are--but not "special" to the world...Or, that's what I thought until a few years ago when I attended a conference in Tucson, Ariz. Here's an excerpt of an article I wrote about that just after the conference's conclusion...

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I was privileged to listen to a concert given by Eric Genuis, who many know as a part of the popular RADIX. My husband and I were so impressed by the music that we had to purchase a CD (well, two), and it was on the drive home that I was reminded of the most important lesson of all: We are called to be a blessing to others and to recognize when God has used others to bless us. Obviously, this was a lession that had been subtly hammering me all week, first at our conference, then at the conference in Tucson. [Our scheduled keynote speaker got off the plane in a wheelchair and ended up in the hospital--thankfully, he was fine. But, it left a gap in the conference schedule.] The compassion and understanding of our conference attendees was a blessing to me; the dynamism of our speakers, as well as their message, was also a blessing. And again, in Tucson, just being able to be there to listen, learn, and fellowship, was a God-given gift.

But, as my husband and I were driving home Sunday evening, listening to the CD entitled Eternity, which features full orchestra classical music composed completely by this man, Eric Genuis, my soul was stirred to a greater understanding of the human purpose: We are called to be a blessing to others and to recognized when God has used others to bless us.

It had rained earlier, and the sky's clarity wore a newness. God's greatness as Creator was displayed beautifully in the charcoal gray sky, streaked with a few silver-lined, low-flung clouds, and confettied with stars--all emboldened by the brightness of an almost-full moon. As I gazed at the night sky and listenend to Eric's music, pondering the absolute talent and grace it took for this 21st Century Beethoven to create such lyrical beauty, I began to grieve over just how little I have personally contributed to the advancement of God's kingdom. I found myself wishing I had been blessed with some great talent--like Eric's--that could inspire people, stir their souls to an appreciation and lasting love of Our Lord. If I had, perhaps my contribution could be greater.

And, as [my husband] and I crossed the Navajo reservation, and I realized the awesomeness of God's creation, and the beauty of Eric's music--not only that he can create it, but that he uses it for Our Lord--I realized just how blessed I am. I may not have any great talent, but thank God Eric does, because if he didn't, I would never have been able to experience this music that captures the essence and beauty that resides in the Trinity.

Many of us may feel we don't have any significant talent--and maybe we don't. But, we do have a significant something. It's a different something for each of us, and we must always remember that God created us exactly as we are--to know Him, to love Him, to be with Him in Eternity, and to serve Him--and we serve Him best by understanding whatever our something may be, and using it to bless others. Eric's "something" is his music--in a huge, explosive, and rarely-matched talent that he offers back to God. My something and your something may not be as explosive or so unforgettable, but if we do it well and for the greater glory of God, it will always be soul-catching. And when we're given the opportunity to experience others, both those whose graces penetrate and uplift the soul like Eric's music, as well as those who might just open a door for us when our hands are full, or offer a smile whether we need it, or not, if we only recognize that we are blessed by these things, we will surely grow in holiness each day...

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So, that is one way in which I learned to appreciate the "smallness" of my talents. I still don't like talking about me, but I have come to accept that writing is one of my talents. There may be others whose talent is greater, but that's OK. I'm a pretty good storyteller. :) It is a joy to create stories--stories that hopefully entertain, but also leave readers with a little something to think about when they get to "the end." My high school English teacher wrote in my yearbook the year I graduated that I was a romantic (I think it had something to do with Romeo & Juliet being my fav. love story). I didn't realize at the time, that years later, I would create my own romances. But I do. And what a blessing it is! For me, writing a wholesome romance is to share a reflection of God. His life, death and resurrection is the ultimate romance. Love is why we are here. Romance is what keeps love alive.

While it may not seem like it by reading this blog post, I am truly not preachy in my stories. <promise!> I am blessed to have received great reviews--and I want to thank all the readers who have taken the time to email me their lovely comments about my stories. If you'd like to know more about my available works, here's some info about them.

The Lighthouse (Contemporary: Novella) and Reviewer's Top Pick from Night Owl Romance.


DANGEROUS LIAISON…

Rachel is in love with her best friend, but when Malachi doesn’t seem interested, she turns to an international stranger whom she meets on the internet. At first, conversation is just a pastime, but soon, romantic fantasies form in her mind. Why not consider a man who travels across an ocean to meet her—a man who makes her feel wanted? After all, Malachi might as well be a world away—even if his concern does seem genuine when he warns her about the intriguing Frenchman.

RESCUE ON THE WAY…

Malachi has sworn not to interfere in Rachel’s relationship, but he’s in love with the head-strong woman who is determined to continue her budding romance…Yet, Malachi senses something isn’t right about the playboy who has suddenly consumed Rachel’s time, so he vows to save her from the stranger—and herself—even if it means losing her forever.

The Resurrection of Lady Somerset (Regency) Four stars from Romantic Times

An age-old mystery, a risky assignment,
a marriage devised to suppress a secret…

Ethereal Lark Blackwell has been hidden within Somerset Manor most of her young life. Few guessed her existence. With the death of her mentor comes the command to marry the new Lord Somerset. He is to protect her, to introduce her to Society, and to keep hidden the mystery of her beginnings. Ha! After his shocked tirade and obvious disdain of the arrangement, she would not marry him even if he were the last man on God’s green earth.

Jonathon Rexley, Lord Somerset, cannot help falling in love with the mute beauty who talks with her hands. Without this marriage, the estate falls to his wastrel brother, who already seems to have charmed the lady. Gad, but he is torn. Despite his love, the possibility exists that in her fire-blackened past, she could be his half-sister. Marry her, yes. Touch her, never.

THE RESURRECTION OF LADY SOMERSET
may just be the death of the Jonathan Rexley

If you'd like to read a free "prologue" of The Resurrection of Lady Somerset that is not published in the book, here's the link.

Forever from Paris (Contemporary: short story) Five Angels from Fallen Angel Reviews

The Desire of her heart…

Finally, a man who doesn’t think Marie is a bumbling fool for not being able to articulate her thoughts. Kind, thoughtful, attentive…handsome: He’s definitely the answer to her prayer for a devoted husband.

A promise of forever…

Observant, funny, shy…gorgeous: Martin is tempted by the thought of a lifetime with Marie, but he must put aside his desire, for his heart is not free to love another woman.

Can the prayer for a husband and the prayer of a wife, heal hearts and craft a happily-ever-after for two unsuspecting strangers?

Happy reading! And remember, you have a special "something" that someone can't do without!

Nicola Beaumont