But whatever the story means to you, whether it’s a tale of redemption despite personal failures, or an encouragement to trust God with your prodigal children, I hope that it has encouraged you to reread the biblical account as found in the book of Judges in the Bible. Read it, and let the Lord draw new conclusions for you.
And I’d love to hear them, anytime.
Until we meet,
Ginger Garrett
1 Karim Khan, “Athletes may shave without ending like Samson,” BMJ Group Blogs, December 11, 2009, http://blogs.bmj.com/bjsm/2009/12/11/athletes-may-shave-without-ending-like-samson.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I am so eternally grateful to those who made this book possible and those who made this book better. My friend and fellow novelist, India Edghill, offered encouragement and a few important corrections at just the right moment. My editor, Nicci Jordan Hubert, was just brilliant in her criticisms and coaching. I just cannot express my thanks to you, Nic, heartily enough. I also am grateful for the entire team at David C Cook, including Don Pape, Terry Behimer, Marilyn Largent, Ingrid Beck, Karen Stoller, Caitlyn York, Amy Konyndyk, and everyone who helps my books shine. Caitlyn in particular put the spit-shine on the project, challenging my pronouns and attributions. I owe her nothing but thanks. Kirk DouPonce of DogEared Designs designed the cover. Isn’t it gorgeous? Thank you, Kirk! And of course my agent, Chip MacGregor, who listened to my endless worries about meeting my deadlines despite another ankle surgery and the holidays.
As always, I relied on the love and support of a few other writers who understand this business so well: Siri Mitchell, Cecil Murphey, Nancy McGuirk, Sandra Byrd, Shelley Hendrix, Kimberly Stuart, Johnna Stein, and my Silver Arrow friends. I am so blessed to know each of you. My friends offered a lot of support and love as well, especially Louise Reinoehl, Gidget Johnson, Susie Hale, Lisa Marzullo, Tinsley Spessard, Shannon Holthaus, and Sherrill McCracken.
And of course, my family. My dad gave me my storytelling DNA, although his stories are generally true, except the ones about aliens. (I think.) My mom is a painter who creates such gorgeous work that I can only try and write as well as she paints. God even saw fit to give me a great husband and three amazing kids, all who know that “deadline” means “take-out.” My in-laws, including Priss Waldie, Elaine Arias, Andi Arias, and Meghan Arias: I love you. Sorry you are stuck with me.
But lastly, I want to acknowledge you, my readers. I am so honored and humbled when I hear your stories. May every one of you find your own happy ending.
What people are saying about …
DESIRED
“Everyone who likes historical fiction will enjoy Desired. Vivid and compelling—I loved it!”
India Edghill, author of Wisdom’s Daughter and Delilah: A Novel
“To be a woman in the ancient world was a fearsome thing. In this sweeping story of the clash of pagan and God-fearing cultures, Garrett takes us into the lives and hearts of three women who loved Samson, and in the process, she shows us the longing for freedom and purpose in our own hearts as well.”
T. L. Higley, author of Pompeii: City on Fire
“In Desired, novelist Ginger Garrett takes readers on a journey of Samson’s life as seen through the eyes of the women who loved him, giving a fresh look at this often confusing hero of Scripture. You will never see Samson quite the same way again.
Jill Eileen Smith, best-selling author of The Wives of King David series
Praise for …
CHOSEN
“An exciting novel from a talented new author.”
Karen Kingsbury, best-selling author of the Redemption series
“A story that is sure to be a classic! Exciting, dramatic, and filled with truth. A great read from the first page!”
Brock and Bodie Thoene, best-selling authors of the Zion Covenant Series and the A. D. Chronicles
“This book defies normal boundaries … a truly astonishing first novel.”
T. Davis Bunn, best-selling author of Gold of Kings
“Chosen is a richly detailed retelling of Queen Esther’s story. A gem of a read.”
Carol Umberger, author of the award-winning Scottish Crown Series
“Ginger sweeps the sands of time from this figure of ancient history, giving her voice once again—and what a compelling voice it is! To revisit this ancient story is to gain a vision for the contemporary world.”
Siri Mitchell, author of Kissing Adrien and Chateau of Echoes
Photo by Don Sparks Photography
Ginger Garrett is the critically acclaimed, award-winning author of fiction and nonfiction books that explore the lives of historical women—including Wolves Among Us, Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther, and the Chronicles of the Scribe series. A popular radio and television guest, Ginger resides in Georgia with her husband and three children.
www.DavidCCook.com
www.GingerGarrett.com
Desired: The Untold Story of Samson and Delilah (Lost Loves of the Bible) Page 27