Main Character Monday: Haleigh Abbott

Today on Main Character Monday, I have the pleasure of interviewing Haleigh Abbott. Hallee is from Beth E. Westcott’s newest book, A Heart’s Journey. Before we begin, I need to let you know, I love this cover. Now that we have that taken care of, I’d like to get to know you a little better, Haleigh. Tell me a bit about yourself.

I’m twenty-one and a college graduate, but I don’t know what I want to do with the rest of my life. My grandmother told me God has a plan for me, but if He does, I’m still waiting for Him to show me. I have college bills to pay, so I have to work.

I love my family. Jeremy and Jason are my older twin brothers, the J brothers. I’m the youngest and only girl. My grandmother, a wonderful woman and my mentor, encouraged me in my faith, and helped me find and train my dog, Sunshine. She taught me to love nature, and I enjoyed working with her in her flower gardens. When she died, it left a hole in my heart.

Sunshine, my therapy dog and companion for eight years, visited hospitals and nursing homes with me to cheer up the patients and residents. She knew just how to comfort me when I became depressed or troubled.

As a girl I had two best friends: Aubrey White and Katie Mann. We were known as the Three Sisters because we did almost everything together, until middle school, when Aubrey got into sports and Katie got into drama. I had no talent in either one, and I didn’t feel accepted in their circles of friends. I’m an introvert, so making new friends has never been easy for me.

By the end of tenth grade, an awful year for various reasons, I went into an emotional and spiritual tailspin. My family moved away from Greenlawn, and I always found reasons not to go back. Until now, six years later.

I decided to return to Greenlawn when the Sousas asked me to house sit while they went on sabbatical for a year, although that’s not the only reason I’m back. This is the beginning of a journey for me, but I don’t know where it will lead.

Family and friends make such a difference in our lives, as does the loss of either one. Sounds like you’ve experienced both the blessings and the pain. Tell me something about you that readers may find surprising?

After my family moved to Wellsburg, I planned to run away. I was a mess emotionally and spiritually. I packed my bag and laid my plans, but I think God sent an angel to block my path, you know, like in the story of Balaam and the donkey. Sunshine refused to go with me, and I wouldn’t leave without her.

There are times when I think we all want to run away, though not always literally. It’s wonderful that you had Sunshine to help you through that time. What is your favorite book of the Old Testament?

I enjoy history, and although Genesis is considered a book of the Law, it’s also a book of history, a book of beginnings. How beautiful the world must have been at creation! All the major doctrines of the Bible begin in Genesis, and it’s filled with biographies of imperfect people to whom God showed His mercy, grace, and love.

That is a great way to look at Genesis. Is there a book of the Bible you have trouble getting through?

Not a single book, but the sections of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy that give long lists of names, places, and explanations of laws: I try hard to focus on the details, but it’s easier to skim the lists.

I’m right there with you on the skimming part. I know I should read all those little details, but I’d much rather get to the stories. If you could meet anyone from scripture, excluding Jesus, who would it be?

King Saul’s son Jonathan. He wasn’t afraid to stand up for what was right, even if it meant confronting his father, he had courage as a warrior, and he understood the true meaning of friendship. I think David must have missed him terribly after he died in battle.

What a great choice! He was a great friend to David, and we don’t consider him often enough. Jesus had twelve disciples. Which one are you most like?

I’m not sure. We don’t know much about some of the 12. I’m definitely not a leader like Peter, James, or John.  I’m more of a behind-the-scenes worker. Nathanael brought Philip to meet Jesus. I want to do that, introduce people to Jesus so they can be saved.

So many would rush to say they’re one of the more known disciples. I find it refreshing that you chose someone not as up front and center and for the reason of simply bringing people to Jesus. We are to be Jesus’ light in the world. What does this mean to you?

When we receive Jesus as Savior and Lord, we have the Holy Spirit in us to make us more like Jesus, the Light of the World (John 8:12). As Jesus’ follower, I want others to see Jesus through what I say and how I live so that they will want to believe in Him, be saved, and have eternal life.

Well put. If you could leave readers with one message, what would it be?

If you’re a Christian, no matter how difficult life becomes, God is always with you. He has a purpose and a plan for you. Trust Him.

Great message. Now, before we finish the interview, I’d like to ask you some just for fun questions. Nothing too hard. Just a way to get to know you better. If you could have a superpower, what one would you choose?

A superpower? Hmm. War, poverty, and misuse have left much of the world stripped of its beauty and usefulness. I’d make it possible for everyone to experience the beauty and bounty of nature and of the earth God created.

Very unique answer. If offered the opportunity, would you choose to travel in space?

I think not. I’m not that adventuresome. I’d rather travel on earth.

I can understand that. Now some rapid fire, this or that questions. 

Dark or Milk Chocolate? Dark

Roses or Daisies? Roses

Salad or Soup? Salad in hot weather, soup in cold weather.

And our final question. If you could describe Beth E. Westcott using only three words, what would those words be?

Introvert, Gentle, Encourager

Knowing what I know of Beth, I’d have to say I agree wholeheartedly. She’s a great lady and a wonderful author. I want to thank her and you for taking the time to speak with me today. I’ve enjoyed this Main Character Monday Interview, Haleigh Abbott, and I look forward to reading your story. And for the readers, don’t leave just yet. Keep going for more about Haleigh’s story, A Heart’s Journey, and about the author, Beth E. Westcott. 

More about Beth:

Beth began her writing career in second grade when a poem she wrote about her lamb appeared in the school newspaper. She wrote puppet plays that she performed with her brother for elementary school talent shows, and later wrote ventriloquist routines for her husband to perform with his dummies.

A life-long lover of books and reading, A Heart’s Journey is Beth’s third contemporary Christian romance novel.  Meadow Song and Heart’s Desire are her other two. Lillenas Drama accepted some of her church holiday manuscripts for publication in their Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving Program Builders. Several devotions appeared in Penned from the Heart and The Secret Place.  Her short story for preteens, “Sadie and the Princess” is included in Heartwarming Horse Stories, available from Amazon.

A Heart’s Journey is the second book in the Three Sisters Series, following Heart’s Desire. The third of the Three Sisters books, Her Heart’s Longing, is scheduled to be released in July 2023.

www.bethewestcott.com

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/beth-e-westcott

https://www.facebook.com/bethewestcott

https://twitter.com/BethWAuthor

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/29201094-beth-westcott

Where to buy A Heart’s Journey:

https://scrivenings.link/aheartsjourney