By Shannon Taylor Vannatter
Early last year, all of our warranties ended at the same time. We’d had to buy a new washer and refrigerator while the car was in the shop. When my husband became a full-time pastor, he lost about twelve hundred dollars a month. I’m not a big name Christian author and Heartsong Presents had just ended leaving four contracted books in limbo, which meant I didn’t get paid. Our resources were stretched thin.
This is when our Keurig coffee maker, a gift from a family member, decided to quit too. My husband and I are coffee drinkers. We love it so much that our kitchen is decorated in a coffee theme. We usually each drink two or three cups a day. It’s like dessert to us. Our favorite time to share a cup is in the evening when we wind down. We’re immune to the caffeine effects and are able to go right to bed afterward.
When the Keurig died, I did what people do these days—grieved it’s demise on Facebook. Dan, a wonderful church member, commented, What kind do you want? Knowing him, I didn’t want him buying us a hundred dollar gift, so I said we’d just get something cheap because the pods were too expensive anyway. Which was true.
The next day, Dan stopped by the church with a Bunn.
It makes the best coffee ever. And it’s fast. From that day on, when we share our evening coffee together, we say, “Thanks Dan.” We told him that once and he said his wife, Sandy gave him the money. So then we started thanking her too while savoring our evening cup.
A year ago yesterday, we lost Dan to cancer. We miss him. A lot.
Not to take away from his awesome wife Sandy, but when we have our evening coffee, we say. “Thanks Dan.”
The Cowboy Next Door
A charming cowboy moving in next door shouldn’t be bad 
news. But veterinarian Ally Curtis knows Cody Warren—she’d never forget the boy who left her when she needed him most. Cody is doing everything he can to show his beautiful neighbor he’s not the wild bull rider he once was, from helping her find homes for her beloved strays, to protecting her when her business is threatened. But Cody has a secret that keeps him from fully reaching out. Yet as they continue to work together to promote her shelter, he can’t keep himself from hoping that Ally might have a home for him…in her heart.
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Giveaway details: Comment to enter the drawing for a copy of Reuniting with the Cowboy. Ten copies will be split among names drawn during the blog tour from Sept 1 – 27. One winner will receive a Noah’s Ark themed memory board personally crafted by the author. Winners will be revealed on the author’s blog on Oct 8th.
Follow the tour: Sept 1: http://rosemccauley.com/
Sept 3 & 7: https://writingpromptsthoughtsideas.wordpress.com/
Sept 5: http://jenniferhallmark.com/blog/
Sept 5 –http://www.gailkittleson.com/blog/
Sept 12 & 15 – http://www.shannonvannatter.com/blog
Sept 13: https://jenpheobus.com/
Sept 16: http://www.jamesrcallan.com/blog/
Sept 21: http://www.faithfriendschocolate.com/
Sept 27th: http://brendaandersonbooks.com/blog/
Award winning, central Arkansas author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter is a stay-at-home mom/pastor’s wife. She once climbed a mountain wearing gold wedge-heeled sandals which became known as her hiking boots.
She has twelve published titles and is contracted for three more. Her books are available at christianbook.com, barnesandnoble.com, amazon.com, harlequin.com, and barbourbooks.com. Learn more about Shannon and her books at http://shannonvannatter.com and check out her real life romance blog at http://shannonvannatter.com/blog/ with weekly book giveaways.
Connect with her: Shannon’s Facebook, Shannon’s Goodreads, Shannon’s Pinterest, Shannon’s Twitter, and Shannon’s Amazon Author Page.
That sounds like something that happens to me. When all the warranties run out and everything starts breaking down. Thankfully my husband is excellent at fixing a lot of things. We did have to get a new washer last year along with a new television. Reuniting with a Cowboy sounds like a wonderful read.
CherylB1987 AT hotmail DOT com
Cheryl, I remember a long ago Garfield cartoon where all the appliances had smoke rising above them. The caption said, All the warranties ran out on the same day. You Tube is great. My husband fixed a washer, a dryer, my car and his truck by watching You Tube.
I love this story. Think how much pleasure it gave Dan and Sandy to present you with this gift. Each cup of coffee repeats the blessing. God is so good.
They were definitely a blessing to us. She’s moving closer to her daughter, so we’ll soon miss her too.
What a sweet story of kindness, caring and friendship. Dan and his wife Sandy sounded like a wonderful couple. Reminds us all to do things in His love.
Dan took our son fishing and taught him to fly fish too. We all miss him.
We also miss Dan. He was such a joy to be around. We are blessed beyond words of acts of kindness every day from church members to friends and most of all Jesus Christ. Keep up the fabulous writing!
Hey Jackie, we still have some great church members though – like you and Bill.
Sometimes it seems like viruses run thru the house or neighborhood!!!!!! Love Shannon’s books!!!!! Thanx for the giveaway!!!!!
True Jennifer. Sometimes it seems like somebody tipped the first domino. Thanks for the compliment. Hope you like this book as well.
True Jennifer. Sometimes it seems like somebody tipped the first domino. Thanks for the compliment. Hope you like this book as well.
What a sweet tribute to a thoughtful friend! I’m so sorry for your loss but I’m sure you’re thankful that you will see him again in heaven.
Great story. Nice tribute to a friend.
Thanks Kim. I was hoping it would be more about Dan than about me. I wanted to share his picture, but wasn’t sure how his family would feel about it. I did send them a link to this post and his daughter thanked me for sharing it.
Thanks Littlemama. Knowing where Dan is makes it easier.
Dan Saves The Day! Sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing the story with us and for the chance to win a copy of your book. My email is iamabho (at) gmail (dot) com
Hey Linda,
Dan did save the day. On more than one occasion. Some of our members called him Dan the Man.
That’s Very Cool
how nice
bn100candg at hotmail dot com
Hi bn,
Dan was very nice. I wish there were more in the world like him. Thanks for stopping by.
Awesome post, and the kind I love to read. God still lives, and there are still people who are caring and sharing. I hope God allows Dan has a little more bounce in his step in heaven today. This post made me smile!
That thought makes me smile, Carole. Dan with no pain, two good knees, and singing. He had a wonderful voice.
There are still good people in this world who will help you when you need it! RIP Dan!
True Shelia. I’m very thankful for Dan and the others like him in my life.