Lost in NashVegas (36 page)

“Many of y'all remember the Lukeman Sisters.” Applause ricochets around the room. “For the first time in twenty-six years, they're going to sing one of their favorite hymns together.”

I start “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.” At first, the Lukeman sisters are spread across the stage, stiff as doorknobs. But their voices are sleek and blended, their harmonies perfect.

When they belt, “Grant it Jesus is my plea,” Momma walks over and slips her arm around Carol who then gathers in Lynette. When the song is done, so is the healing.

Momma is warmed up now and in the groove. She gives me the signal, and I start the song she wrote for Daddy. He whips out his hanky when Momma's velvet voice sings, “You're the melody of my life.”

The place goes nuts when she finishes, and Momma is still the darling of the stage.

When the applause dies down, I start my latest song, “Midnight Blue.”

“I wrote this with a friend of mine, Marc Lewis. We almost got a cut on a CD by new artist Mallory Clark, but . . .” I peer at Jim, “better luck next time.”

Momma sings backup while Aunt Carol and Aunt Lynette sway in the corner just out of the spotlight.

My voice soars above the thousand pairs of watching eyes. God's pleasure washes down. I know beyond all doubt He's my strength and song.

And this, I will do for the rest of my life.

Acknowledgments

My motto would be “Lost in Palm Bay” if it hadn't been
for the amazing support and advice of so many people.
Every ounce of me screams thank you, thank you,
thank you to everyone who encouraged me with this
manuscript . . .

Jesus, my Friend—Your love delivered me from all my fears.

My husband and best friend, Tony—you travel the journey of each book with me. Blessings upon you for not caring about piddly stuff like food and wrinkled laundry. I love you very much.

My agent, Karen Solem—you called me one day with an idea, and lo these many months later, here it is. This book began with you.

Christine Lynxwiler—you read one version after another. Thank you for your critique and loving this manuscript once we got it off the ground.

Tracey Bateman, Susie Warren, and Susan Downs—thank you for the encouragement. Susie, the “three things” are dedicated to you.

Colleen Coble—thank you for helping to open doors. May the Lord return to you a hundredfold what you pour out.

Allison Wilson—Thank you for brainstorming and lunching at Atlanta Bread.

My editor, Ami McConnell—your stellar reputation precedes you. I'm so honored to work with you. Thank you for your friendship.

My other editor, Leslie Peterson—thank you for your encouragement, insights, and edits.

Lisa Young—my songwriting soulmate. Your company made my nights at the Bluebird and learning the songwriting business a blast.

Vicky Beeching—thank you for the chat at Starbucks. And hugs to Cassie Campbell for introducing us.

Chris Oglesby of Oglesby Writer Management—thank you for taking the time to help me understand the music business. It was fun!

Ree Guyer Buchanan of Wrensong Publishing—thank you for sharing your expertise and insight on the journey of a songwriter.

All the songwriters who aided me—Jeff Pearson, Sheryl Olquin, Karen Staley, Barry Dean, Craig Monday, Lorna Flowers, James Dean Hicks, and the songwriters who played at the Bluebird Café—I knew nothing about this business until you guys shined your light. Also, thanks to Dave Petrelli at NSAI for pointing me in the right direction.

Ted Travers—thank you for funding my research trip.

Eric Exley, my “son”—thank you for making me write my own lyrics.

Kaye Dacus and Rebecca Seitz—for showing me Nashville.

READING GROUP GUIDE QUESTIONS

1. Robin is a dedicated employee at Willaby's even though she knows she should be doing something else. Have there been times in your life where you struggled between being comfortable and being ambitious enough to go after your dreams? (p. 16)

2. Reverend Eli mentions that he had to pray hard to love his captors in South America. Do you grapple with loving your enemies? (p. 35)

4. Robin made many outward changes (haircut, manicure, pedicure), but remained the same person on the inside. When have you tried to mask the inside by recreating your outward appearance? (p. 112)

5. Robin wonders if Blaire is “for or against her”. “If I overcome, does she have to overcome?” Are there times in your life when you felt like you had to be the example to help someone else stay on track? (p. 137)

6. Robin knows she is still terrified to sing in front of people, but decides “to let God's love be my strength.” When have you taken a stand and made a true leap of faith? (p. 170)

7. There is a passage where Robin has an epiphany about why she moved to Nashville. Have you had times in your life when you realized there was a greater purpose to the things you were doing? (p. 171)

8. After meeting Robin and seeing how she faced her fears, Marty decides to face her own fear and go to college. When have your actions had an impact on the life of someone else? How did that make you feel? (p. 250)