The Books of Nancy Moser

Hello readers!

When I dove into the task of giving a voice to Martha Washington's life in Washington's Lady, I didn't expect to be so... impressed. I admit to originally knowing only the basics: she was short, plump, had the odd name "Custis" attached, and was the wife of the first president of the United States. End of story.

Beginning of story. Or rather, a tiny part of the story. Because during the first half of her life there was no United States. The thirteen colonies were populated by loyal British subjects, and Martha's life was more about being a wife and mother than caring about politics. Like most of us today, Martha went about her business without thinking too much beyond the small scope of her world.

But then everything changed and she was thrust into a rebellion that-if not for the determination and courage of its participants, and the divine intercession of the Almighty—could have turned out far differently. Although I'd learned the fundamentals of this Revolutionary War period in school, I was embarrassingly ignorant in regard to the depth and breadth of the story. Now, although I am more knowledgeable, I feel unworthy. For what have I ever done to deserve the sacrifice of these patriots? I live the life they planted for me, enjoy the fruits of their initial labor, and breathe free through the gasps and groans of their courageous risk. What risk have I ever taken that comes close to theirs? What gives me the right to live as I do?

They gave me the right. All my rights as a free woman were ignited through their vision, struggle, and resolve. I've taken so much for granted...

I often think of the life Martha and George could have enjoyed if there had been no Glorious Cause. Eight years of war and eight years of the presidency could have been sixteen years of peaceful bliss shared at Mount Vernon, under their own "vine and fig tree." Yet without their sacrifice, I could not live now, in peaceful bliss, under my own vine and fig tree.

None of us could.

In the process of discovering this country's roots, I discovered my own. In the 1970's my mother put together a family history. She noted that one of my ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War: Jonathan Tyler. And so, on a trip to New England last year, through an amazing stream of non-coincidences, I found his grave and discovered that his family—my family—was one of the founding families of Piermont, New Hampshire. I left that tiny town girded by a profound sense of belonging, as if a foundation had been erected beneath me. My relatives have been in America since 1638, a fact that strengthens me-and makes me proud.

That's what I wish for you, dear reader. I hope Martha's story will nudge you toward finding your roots and your purpose, reignite your gratitude to God for all his gifts and blessings, and open your eyes to his work in the world beyond your own front door.

And then...I want you to go out and do something amazing and courageous. Under God.

"I just this moment finished Just Jane. I am astounded and deeply moved! How wonderfully you captured the essence of this beautiful woman!... This is one of the most powerful books I've read in a long time! I absolutely loved it!"

LaFayette, AL

"Just Jane was wonderful from start to finish. I felt as though you caught Jane Austen's personality perfectly…I wanted to tell you most of all that Just Jane encouraged me as a writer. I never imagined that Jane Austen had gone through so many of the same things I'm going through. I just assumed it was easy for her, that anyone who read a single page of her books would instantly recognize her genius. I felt blessed to know that she persevered and God finally made it happen for her. Thanks so much for writing this book. It was wonderful."

Alabama

"Just 10 minutes ago I finished reading Mozart's Sister. Fantastic, wonderful, brilliant do not adequately convey how great your book was. You deserve hearty huzzahs for such writing a compelling and moving portrait of dear Nannerl."

Washington D.C.

"The Good Nearby moved me to tears...of joy…It's the best illustration I've seen of how God takes our pain and makes beauty from the ashes of our lives." Arizona

Arizona

"I just finished your book Crossroads and got totally intrigued by the contents. In fact, I did not get any work done today as planned. I couldn't leave the book alone."

Grand Forks, ND

"I read The Invitation with more open-mindedness than I have ever read a book…after completing it my whole body felt numb…that's when I gave my heart, body, and soul to the Lord…that book changed my life."

Ocala, FL

For Time Lottery: "Too bad there's not a way to double rate this book, but suffice to say it should be a 10+. Nancy Moser hits another home run for me!"

Neenah, WI

For The Seat Beside Me: "WOW!! This book yanked me in and kept me spellbound until the very end. It took me through the whole gambit of emotions. Another great book Nancy!!"

Fergus Falls, MN

"I just finished The Invitation. It is one of those books you hate to put down. It makes you leave the dishes dirty, keeps the broom hanging, the clothes stay in the dryer, and who need to sleep anyway?"

Dayton, TX

"I have just finished all of your novels. I am sad to find out that this is all you are writing on the Sister Circle series. Please, please, please write some more. Peerbaugh Place has come to be a real place for me and the things I have learned about myself is astronomical. I just can't imagine not having anything else to read about things happening in this place and town. I started reading them in a time when I needed help and spiritual guidance. Thank you so much for these books."

Orlando, FL

"I just completed both A Steadfast Surrender and Ultimatum. I read them one right after the other. I feel as if I know the characters intimately because they seem so real."

Southern USA

"One of Nancy Moser's strengths is her creative ability to come up with some very thought provoking plots! I've read all of her books. Regarding her plots you first say, "That would never happen", but after reading for a while you say, "I wonder how people would react if it did happen that way." Crossroads may take you on a trip to Weaver, KS that you will never forget."

Liberty, MO

"I just finished reading Second Time Around and wanted to thank you for the inspiration your books have been to me. I started Time Lottery thinking this would be a fun, entertaining, and fluffy read and was surprised to find that the principle of choice found in the book has had a huge impact in the way I live my life - knowing that every choice I make has its consequences - and also choosing not to live with regrets but to take life as it is today and make the most of it."

Oregon