Main Character Monday: Darcy Emerson Sloan
Welcome back to another Main Character Monday. Today’s guest is Darcy Emerson Sloan from Rebuilding Joy by Regina Rudd Merrick. Let’s get started.
If you could choose only one thing to buy without money being an issue, what would you buy?
One thing? Hmmm. I’m a single mom with preschool twins who runs her own business and lives over said business. Probably either a nanny or vacation on a deserted island for a week!
I can imagine the silence would be welcome! The New Testament tells the story of two sisters who react to Jesus visiting in very different ways. Mary chooses to spend her time with him, while Martha chooses to see to the physical details of his visit. Are you more a Mary or Martha?
Yeah, I’ve heard that one. In fact, I was raised on all that. If I had to choose—and since I’m having a hard time even BELIEVING these days—I’d have to choose Martha. Somebody’s gotta get things done, right?
“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27 – Do you think this verse, lived out would have made a difference in your life? If so, how?
That’s tough, because I AM a widow, and if it weren’t for me, my kids would be orphans. I agree, though. Even as I struggle to believe in God the way I used to, I admire those who go out of their way to show me kindness and acceptance. The Reno family, especially since Mom married into it, have certainly shown me what it’s like to be in a family. And then there’s Del … my kids sure do love him.
I appreciate your honesty. Your answer can give those of us who haven’t experienced that a different perspective, a face to go with the description, if you will. I know you said you were raised around faith but currently struggle to find your own. In what you remember from your youth, is there one verse that sticks out to you, that maybe speaks to you even now?
I tend to internalize hurt and anger, and then, eventually, explode. I know, it’s not a great way to face the trials of life. I try to do better. I want, so badly, to be able to believe like my mom, and if I had to pick a verse now, it would be James 1:19 – Here’s part of it: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” It’s for sure I’m talking to myself here. When I am around people who exemplify this, like my mom, Del, and a few others I could mention, I find myself edging over to believing. Maybe I’ll give it a shot.
If there was one message you could give those reading this interview, what would that be?
This may be cliché, but it’s the old saying, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch,” which goes right along with “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” (Hey, I run a café that depends heavily on the breakfast shift. Don’t judge my use of chicken-related cliches! LOL) Things don’t usually turn out the way you think they will, for better or worse. In my case, I never expected to be a pregnant widow in my twenties. Right now, I’d love to say my life is great, but I’d have to remember all the stuff that I’ve gone through that made me feel deserted. It is nice, though, when people do things for me when I don’t expect it. Just the other day, Del Reno offered to take care of my kids so I could go with his sister, Lisa, on a wedding-dress fitting. I needed the break, that’s for sure.
I hope the shopping went well. A lot of people enjoy shopping, almost like a hobby. What one hobby/interest would you keep if you had to give every other hobby up?
Baking. No question. I overheard someone (Was it Del? And am I talking about Del too much? Boy is my face red …) say my bread and pastries were every bit as good as my mom’s, and that’s the highest compliment I can get!
Just for Fun:
Indoors or outdoors: Indoors. It’s where my kitchen is!
Reading or writing: Reading. It’s a good way to relax.
Apples or pears: Apples, definitely. You can do so many things with them! Pie, crisp, etc. All available on the Clementville Café menu, I might add!
Early bird or night owl: Early Bird. It’s a good thing, isn’t it? The café opens for breakfast at seven, so I have to be “up and at ‘em” to be ready for some major coffee-drinkers! In the evening, I will fall asleep as soon as I sit down!
One last question. In three words, how would you describe Regina Rudd Merrick?
If you ask me, Regina is way too nice. I mean, I’m a lot, but she keeps pulling me along, letting me know that I am loved by God and the others in my life that want to help me. Sorry. I didn’t mean to roll my eyes quite so hard!
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Regina, and I can agree with part of your description. She’s always been nice. She’s a friendly and wonderful woman. I hope you give her and her message a chance.
Thank you, Darcy for taking time to chat with me today. I hope you’ve had a good time and that the readers found their interest in you and your story piqued. Everyone can keep reading to find out more about Regina Rudd Merrick and where they can get Rebuilding Joy to get to know Darcy a bit better.
About Regina:
Regina Rudd Merrick is a multi-published writer, church musician, wife, mother, former 
librarian, lover of all things beachy and chocolate, and grateful follower of Jesus Christ. Married to her husband of 35-plus years, she is the mother of two grown daughters, and the keeper of a 100-year-old house where she lives in the small town of Marion, KY. Connect with Regina on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or on her website at https://www.reginaruddmerrick.com .
Social Media:
Website: https://www.reginaruddmerrick.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Regina-R-Merrick-512257938964888/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
Twitter: https://twitter.com/trmerrick64
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reginamerrick/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rmerrick/
Mosaic Collection: https://www.mosaiccollectionbooks.com/
Scrivenings Press, LLC: https://scriveningspress.com/
About Rebuilding Joy:
A waitress, a contractor, and an FBI agent walk into a café …
Single mom Darcy Emerson Sloan has enough to do raising twins and running a restaurant. She’s doing fine on her own and doesn’t need the complications of a man in her life. But when her café turns into a crime scene, putting her and her children in danger, she begins to take interest in the handsome young FBI agent that comes on the scene.
Contractor Del Reno is as even-keeled as they come, but even he has his limits. And Darcy Sloan has pushed him too far. Every time he tries to help, it backfires. But now that Darcy and her kids are in trouble, he has no choice but to come to her aid and to protect her. She’s just going to have to deal with it.
Secret tunnels, organized crime, adorable children, and a wedding.
Just another day in Clementville.
Where to purchase Rebuilding Joy:
And the first book in the series:
Heart Restoration: https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Restoration-Mosaic-Collection-RenoVations-ebook/dp/B089MFHYPJ/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=heart+restoration+merrick&qid=1594842249&sr=8-1
The Conversation
I’m reading this one right now! Darcy, I love your spunk and determination, girl!
Hi Jenny! Darcy’s been busy all day – you know, cafe stuff, twins, Del. You get it! She said to tell you thanks, and that she wishes spunk would come and wait tables for her! Ha!!!