GUEST POST BY MOLLY NOBLE BULL: “Gatehaven,” First Stop on Blog Tour

Check out the first reviews on Goodreads

Gatehaven by Molly Noble Bull is a Christian Gothic historical novel set in a haunting mansion in the north of England where Ian Colquhoun and Shannon Aimee battle a Frenchman with dark secrets—spiritual warfare vs. the occult. Will they learn enough about God’s words to defend themselves and others or will evil overcome them? 

Here is  short interview with Mary Noble Bull

QUESTION:  I understand that Gatehaven is a Christian Gothic historical novel. What exactly is that?  

MOLLY:  A Gothic might be described as a novel or movie set in a castle or a scary mansion, and there is often a young woman in the story who is in great danger—a damsel in distress. Some older works which many consider secular Gothic novels are Jane Eyre, Rebecca and Withering Heights. Gatehaven is set in a scary mansion in the north of England in 1784, and it is Gothic novel in the true sense but with a strong Christian message. I call Gatehaven a Christian Gothic.

QUESTION:  Interesting. Scary horror books and movies are very popular now, especially with the young, and some are set in scary mansions. Are the bad guys in Gatehaven otherworldly characters like vampires, werewolves, zombies, ghosts, or monsters from outer space? 

MOLLY:  No. There are no monsters in Gatehaven. All the bad guys are human.

QUESTION:  The Bible says that whatever is lovely and of good report are topics we should think on. So why would a Christian write a scary novel like Gatehaven?

MOLLY:  Good question. I asked myself that same thing before, during, and after writing Gatehaven, and here is my answer. Everything will be lovely and of good report in the New Jerusalem, but it has not arrived from Heaven yet. Christians live in an evil world filled with people who don’t know Christ, and as you said above, scary books and movies are popular now. So what should Christians do? Should they be willing to go where non-believers live—even into bars—in order to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ? Or should they simply preach to the choir? Each Christian writer must answer those questions for themselves. My answer is found in the pages of my newest novel, Gatehaven.

QUESTION:  The cover of the novel says that Gatehaven has a strong Christian message. What is that message? 

MOLLY:  There are many Christian messages and themes within the pages of the book. Some are hidden while others are easy to find. Maybe the most important theme is Spiritual Warfare vs. the occult. The Bible has a lot to say about the danger of occult practices which I believe go hand in hand with Idolatry. It was my hope that all who found the cover and first pages of Gatehaven intriguing would pick up a copy and read it to the end, especially those who need to read it the most.

Occult beliefs and practices, also called the New Age, are found in books and movies everywhere, including cartoons for young children. If parents and teachers know nothing about these evil practices, how can they warn others about them, including their children? Spiritual Warfare vs. the New Age/Occult is the main theme of Gatehaven. However, there are others.

QUESTION:  Molly Noble Bull is known for her sweet romance novels. Is Gatehaven a romance novel? 

MOLLY:  No. I would describe it as a Christian Suspense novel. But there is a romance woven into the plot.

QUESTION:  What about damsels in distress? 

MOLLY:  Yes. Shannon, the main female character in the book, is in great danger, and she is not the only girl in peril. There are several.

QUESTION: Tell us about the bad guy or guys.

MOLLY:  There are several bad guys in Gatehaven. But the main bad guy is a Frenchman with dark secrets and evil motives.

QUESTION:  I saw a round symbol on the cover of the book. What is that all about? 

MOLLY:  Gatehaven won the 2014 Creation House Fiction Writing Contest while it was still a manuscript, and that was a national contest. Part of my prize for winning was publication of Gatehaven in trade paperback and as an e-book. After several unavoidable delays, Gatehaven was published on March 4, 2014.

Enjoy an excerpt from Gatehaven by Molly Noble Bull.

*~*~*~*

 Chapter One

A country estate in Northern England

Early January 1784

Monsieur Etienne Gabeau wasn’t his real name. 

His name was Leon Picard. But Etienne Gabeau was the only name he’d answered to since making England his home.

He stood at a window in his sitting room, smiling inwardly as he looked out. “The haunting presence that surrounds your mansion always amazes me, my lord.”

The young earl made no reply.

“Christians who read the Bible might say the atmosphere at Gatehaven is quite the devil’s doing. We both know why.” Leon/Etienne’s laugh had mocking overtones. He pulled his dark cape closer to his thin, shriveled body. “It’s a bit chilly tonight. Surely you must have noticed.”

“Of course I noticed.” The earl laughed from across the room. “An icy rain was coming down when I arrived. You might have to put me in a spare bedroom for the night, Monsieur. And why did you mention the Bible? Who among our circle of friends pay any mind to it?”

“A point is well taken.” The Frenchman pushed back a curl from his eyes.      

His thick mass of dark curly hair had more white strands than black, making Leon look older than his forty-five years. But twenty years ago, he was called handsome.

“Still,” Leon continued, “to the local villagers your estate is quite mysterious. It reminds me of structures I saw in France, while growing up. And who can forget the red gate which gave Gatehaven its name?”

“When did you learn of the red gate, Monsieur Gabeau?”

“I learned the secret when your late father was the earl. You were but a boy then.”

Lightning cracked the night sky. Thunder boomed. 

“I saw it again, my lord.”

“Really?” The earl’s weak smile indicated that he was mildly interested. “What did you see?”

“Gatehaven…during that flash of lightning.”

Someday I will have Rachel and own Gatehaven as well, Leon vowed mentally.

The earl cleared his throat. “I’ve decided not to go to Scotland after all, Monsieur.”

“Not go?” Leon turned around in order to face him. “You must go.” 

Leon Picard limped to his high-backed leather chair near the fireplace, tapping his cane on the pine floor as he went. “You will go.”

“I beg your pardon.”

“I said that you will go.” Leon hooked his cane on the arm of his chair. Then he sat down and reached for the portrait on the small table beside him. “I demand it.” Leon’s words, spoken with his usual French accent, hung heavy in the air.

The earl didn’t answer.

Leon thought that Edward Wellesley, the Earl of Northon, looked stiff—as if he’d suddenly turned to stone. At last, the earl gazed at Leon from a chair facing his.

“Demand?” The muscles around the young earl’s mouth slowly relaxed. “You have crossed the line, sir. Besides, I cannot go to Scotland. I have pressing business here. However, a French gentleman like you should enjoy such a journey.” His smile was edged in sarcasm. “Why not go yourself?”

“On these crippled legs? I think not. Besides, she would never receive me.”

“I am sorry. But it would be impossible for me to leave the country at this time.”

Leon turned, gazing at the fire flickering and popping in the hearth. 
“You want the money, do you not?” He looked back at the earl like a hungry cat that cornered a mouse.

“But of course. You know I need money to pay my gambling debts.”

“Precisely.” Leon didn’t miss the fleeting expression of fear that crossed the younger man’s face. “I recently bought all your debts. I will destroy them all, but only if you do exactly what I say. At dawn on the morrow, you will set out for Scotland. And do dress warmly, my young friend. It will be cold out.”

The earl’s forehead wrinkled. “You say her last name is Aimee, and she lives in the village of Luss. But how would an English earl meet a Frenchwoman living in Scotland?”

“I believe your family owns a hunting lodge near Luss, does it not?”

The earl shrugged. “Even if I saw her on the street or near the Loch, I would never recognize her. What is she called?”

Leon’s quick laugh held a trace of mockery. “In France, she was called Rachel. I see no reason why that would not be her name today.” Leon grabbed the pearl handle of his cane with his left hand, leaned forward, and handed the portrait to Edward. “Look at this portrait carefully. Burn it into your brain. When you have brought her to me, your debts will be paid in full—and not a moment sooner.”

“But how can I convince her to come to England? I don’t even know the woman.”

“You are a fine-looking young man with your gold-colored locks and blue eyes. I am sure you will find a way.” Leon rubbed his aching knee. “Romance her. That should meet with success. Tell her you love her and plan to marry her. Women like that. And my spies tell me that she is not wedded at the moment.”

“You have known me long enough to know, sir, that I am not the marrying kind.”

“Have you no wits about you?” Leon sent the earl a harsh glance. “I don’t want you to actually marry her—only promise that you will.”

“I cannot see how…”

“Tell her you want her to come to England to meet your family before the engagement is formally announced.” He smiled. “Yes, that would be the thing. She is a peasant woman, but well educated.
Apparently, at one time her father was a teacher and a historian of sorts; she will understand that you must have your mother and grandmother school her in the ways of the quality before she becomes a part of it. And do smile a lot, Lord Northon. Let her see those sparkling teeth of yours.”

“I will do as you say. But I doubt it can possibly work.”

“It will work. Or you could find yourself in debtor’s prison.” Leon sent the earl another smile—long and slow and filled with hidden meanings that only Leon and Lord Northon could know. “And on your way back to England, stop by the chapel near Edinburgh your grandmother told you about. Do you know the one I mean?”

“Of course.”

*~*~*~*

Book Length: 99,000 words

ISBN: 1621364003

AMAZON KINDLE $2.51 SALES PRICE LIMITED TIME

Gatehaven, Molly Noble Bull's Christian gothic set in Europe in 1784, won the 2013 Creation House Fiction Writing Contest while still a manuscript, and Gatehaven is the novel being featured today. However, Molly’ first two published novels were published by Zondervan. Her Zondervan novels were later reprinted and published as Promise Romances from Guideposts. Molly also sold novels to Love Inspired and Tsaba House. Westbow Press published The Overcomers: Christian Authors Who Conquered Learning Disabilities, a non-fiction book she wrote with four other Christian authors. Molly owns the rights to her Zondervan romance novels now, and she will soon self- publish The Rogue’s Daughter as an e-book. Rogue is a western set on a South Texas cattle ranch in 1890.

HOW FAR IS TOO FAR? SEX, DATING AND TEENS: Devotional from "Am I Okay, God? by Lorilyn Roberts

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

—I Corinthians 10:13

How far is too far when it comes to relationships between young men and women? What does the Bible say about purity?

*~*~*~*~*~*

From Seventh Dimension – The Door, a Young Adult Christian Fantasy:

“Word is out about you. I’d hate to see your splattered body sprawled out on the road. It would destroy your father’s reputation; cost him his job, and my inheritance—unless Judd gets it first. If I have my way that won’t happen. I need to protect you. From now on, you’ll stay where I can see you.”

“Judd gets what?”

She didn’t answer me.

I had no idea what she was talking about. So Judd convinced her I was a tramp though Daniel had never once been alone with me. Even in the cave, he always insisted the door be open—probably why Judd overheard too much.

—Shale Snyder and Scylla, chapter twenty

*~*~*~*~*~*

In Seventh Dimension – the Door, Shale was falsely accused. The fact that she had never been alone with Daniel made her statement she had done nothing wrong more credible.

The most precious gift you can give your future husband or wife on your wedding day is your virginity.

If you are a young lady, make that gift even more special by not allowing yourself to be touched by a man—not even kissed—before you marry him.

If you are a young man, when you see young ladies at the beach or in the store or at church, guard your heart. Be a gentleman in thought and in deed. Treat young girls as if they were your sisters. Treat older women as if they were your mother or grandmother. They are somebody’s sister, or daughter, or niece, or grandmother. They are a daughter of the king—and you are a son of the king. Act like one.

Jesus had the utmost respect for women in a society that gave few rights to women. Even the woman caught in adultery, Jesus did not condemn. He sent her accusers away and told her to sin no more (Matthew 12:31).

 Young men, if you want a Christian wife, you need to be a Christian man to attract that kind of young lady. The woman you marry will be the mother to your children. Set an example before you get married by treating all women, young and old, with respect.

If you didn’t grow up in a Christian home, visit some Christian families and eat dinner with them. Pray with them. God’s love for his church is beautifully expressed in a marriage between a Christian man who loves his wife and a Christian woman who loves her husband.

This is a high standard, but it can be done. I recently went to a wedding where the bride and groom shared their first kiss on their wedding day. I marveled that a young couple could have that much self‑control and remain pure until they married.

I recently told my younger daughter, and I have told her this many times, a simple expression that goes like this: Clothes on, hands off. One night, however, I made a silly mistake and said, “Clothes off, hands on.” She gave me a wry smile, catching my mistake before I did. We both laughed, but she knew exactly what I meant.

Society will tell you it’s okay to kiss, touch, and do things that are contradictory to the teachings of the Bible. Don’t do it. When you become like the world and see love and sex through the eyes of Hollywood movies, tabloids, and gossip magazines, you’re cheapened. You have bought into Satan’s lies that these perversions will make you happy. They won’t.

You cheat yourself out of what God meant for good between a couple after they become one through marriage. Besides, do you really want those images in your mind on your honeymoon?

If you are a young lady, how would you like your new husband to think about other women he has intimately known when he has just wed you? If you are a young man, do you want to marry a young lady who has cheapened herself with other men?

It’s very difficult to keep yourself clean in a world that is inundated with sex and skin and beauty. I recently went on Twitter to find some categories for hashtags for my book. I looked up a common, everyday word and was presented with pornographic pictures of young girls. I was stunned.

If you’re normal, you will find these temptations difficult to resist. You’re curious, you have hormones, and you’re human. But every time you give in to these temptations, the lust of the flesh, you’re cheapening your view of something beautiful. God made sex sacred to be shared between a husband and a wife.

Your preoccupation before marriage with lustful thoughts will affect your relationship with the opposite sex. Raw images from the web or pictures from magazines will become imprinted in your mind. You will remember them at inappropriate times. The best way to avoid the temptation is not to allow yourself to be tempted. The Bible says in I Timothy 6:11, “But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.”

Daniel showed great respect for Shale. By opening the door so as not to be alone with her, Daniel respected her. He did not want to put himself into a compromising position with her, that there could ever be rumors spread about their relationship.

Someday you will probably meet a young man if you’re a young lady, or if you’re a young man, you’ll meet a girl to whom you’re attracted. If that significant other tells you things like, “If you love me, you will do this,” or some other ridiculous statement, have the guts to say “No.” Believe in yourself, your value, and your self-worth.

Let me tell you something else. You might be tempted because you want it. Sexual sin doesn’t feel bad, it doesn’t look horrid, and Satan won’t show up with pointed ears and a pitchfork and lounge beside you on the sofa with your date. Unless you have blue blood, you will enjoy romantic relationships. That is normal. Wanting to engage in sexual activity is not what gets you into trouble. Compromising is.

What greater gift can you give your future husband or wife than to be able to tell him or her that you have never shared yourself with anyone else? You have not kissed, you have not fondled, you have not slept, and you have not revealed your unclothed body to someone you have previously dated. Once you have given away that first kiss, you can’t get it back. Once a man has touched you, you have given away that part of your body. And once you have been intimate, you’re no longer a virgin.

I advise young men and women when they are dating not to even kiss. Once the juices start flowing, it’s difficult to turn off the passion. Avoid the situation in the first place.

What Hollywood presents is a sordid picture of reality. I cringe when I see those glamorous pictures of movie stars plastered on the covers of gossip magazines and newspapers—in my heart, I believe them to be the most miserable people on the planet.

Perhaps the saddest tale is that of Lindsay Lohan. What a beautiful, young, talented girl she was in the Disney movie The Parent Trap released in 1998. I wondered how long it would be before she posed for a girlie magazine. She is the epitome of someone who had so much to gain and so much to lose. With great talent comes great responsibility and temptation to misuse it. What a waste.

On the other hand, I look at a young man, Tim Tebow, who has used his fame as a way to share his faith. I have watched him from the sidelines for many years because I live in Gainesville, Florida. He was the star quarterback for the Gators, a Heisman Trophy winner in 2007, and took the University of Florida football team to the national championship. He was drafted into the NFL and played a couple of seasons for the Denver Broncos and then a year for the New York Jets before being released on waivers. He was on his way to becoming a distant memory until he was picked up by the New England Patriots. Before the football season started, he was released again. What will people remember him for?

With great faith and opportunity to share in the public arena comes great controversy. People have hated Tebow for no reason except that he is a Christian. Others have looked for opportunities to destroy him. I doubt that history will paint him as a spectacular football player, but there’s no doubt in my mind he will take the accolades of his Lord and Savior in heaven over any applause at a football stadium full of cheering crowds and sports pundits.

Any six-foot-four athlete who openly admits he is a virgin and touches the lives of cancer-stricken children in the hospital is a hero. He financially supports a foundation to help orphans in the Philippines where his family once served as missionaries.

I have no idea what else he does, but I know he is not filling the pages of those gossip magazines with unseemly stories. If he were living that kind of life, the whole world would know. Tim Tebow’s road has not been easy. He has been scoffed and ridiculed, but through it all, as of this writing, he has walked the straight and narrow path of his convictions.

My point is this:  You can do it. You can be like Tim Tebow or you can be like Lindsay Lohan, or somewhere in between. Be careful, however, about the “somewhere in between.” God doesn’t have good things to say about lukewarm people. In Revelation 3:16, Jesus said, “So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”

You must be sold-out to Jesus Christ. You will not have the strength and endurance to overcome the temptations that your sinful nature will crave if you don’t. Satan and his demons are relentless. You can’t win this battle without becoming a follower of Jesus Christ. Being a fan of his is not sufficient. You will lose every time. My mother used to say, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Good intentions aren’t good enough. You need the power of the Holy Spirit to win the battle of sex and purity.

If you have messed up in this area, there’s healing. There is forgiveness, redemption, and restoration; but there’s also pain that comes with all of that work to fix things.

Fortunately, God is in the business of healing broken lives and offers forgiveness. But he doesn’t always remove the consequences of your poor choices. If you get a venereal disease, you will suffer. Herpes is ugly. Aids kills. What about if you get pregnant?

Do you want to put yourself in that situation? Do you want to have to explain to your future husband or wife about your sins from the past?

I find relief knowing God will always provide a way to escape temptation. Do everything you can to flee from evil. Don’t go to questionable Internet sites. Don’t tempt yourself. Don’t put yourself into a situation that you might regret later.

Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

–II Timothy 2:22

You belong to God. Keep yourself pure for your future husband or wife, and, above all, for yourself. Stolen fruit may taste good for a moment, but later, it leaves a sour taste in your mouth. Someone once said to me, “A moment of pleasure is not worth a lifetime of regret.” That person should have heeded his own advice. It was my ex-husband who told me that before he got his girlfriend pregnant—seven years into our marriage. His foolish mistake shattered me and destroyed our marriage.

Sexual sin affects others—often tragically. Walk away—actually, flee. Ask, what would Jesus want me to do in this situation? And then just do it.

Thank you, Jesus, that you made me the way I am. Help me to remember I am created in your image. Help me to remain pure and save myself for my future husband or wife. Help me to flee from temptation.

My ability to remain pure is impossible without you. I am weak in the flesh but strong in the spirit. Restore the joy of my salvation so that my joy comes from you and not from places where I should not go.

I will remember that my love for you is greater than my love for the world and all that it offers.

Help me to keep my eyes on you. Thank you that you alone are sufficient to flee from immorality in all situations.

http://bit.ly/Piper_On_Sexual_Sin

To read more devotionals from "Am I Okay, God? Devotionals from the Seventh Dimension"on Kindle, go to:   "Am I Okay, God?" on Amazon

BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD: Devotional from "Am I Okay, God?" by Lorilyn Roberts

May his name endure forever; may his name increase as long as the sun shines; and let men bless themselves by him; let all nations call him blessed. Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone works wonders.
—Psalm 72:17-18


God has existed since before the beginning of time. He created time. He created the universe. He created you, but he is not a created being.

From Seventh Dimension – the Door, a Young Adult Christian Fantasy:

Rachel stood and recited a Jewish prayer. “Blessed is the name of his glorious kingdom forever and ever.”
—Rachel Franco, chapter one

💛💛💛

In Revelation 1:8, God says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, who is and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

The God of the Bible goes by many names that describe his character. The Jews and the Christians share the same God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Christians believe God is three in one—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God is not Mohammad, Buddha, or Karma.

God is all-powerful and all-knowing. Cling to that when life seems out of control, before chaos takes over and leads to frayed nerves, discouragement, and even depression.

God has promised to give you a special name that only he knows when you get to heaven. Think about what name God might give you. Who are you when no one is looking?

God wants to bless you. He knows how to turn hardships into “blessings.” These “blessings” will help you to grow in your dependency on him and make you mature.

If everything were easy, you wouldn’t need God and you would remain untested. Then when hard times come—and hard times always come—you would fall.

Satan will call you all sorts of names. Don’t listen to him. Remember how much God loves you and the name he will someday give you. Honor God above all else and put him first. Experience his presence throughout the day. Read the Bible and pray unceasingly.

Thank you, Jesus, that through you I am blessed. If you were all I had, you would be sufficient. There is no one else like you. Thank you for loving me even when I am unlovable.

For beautiful music and photographs witnessing the glory of God, go to: http://bit.ly/names_Kadosh

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