A Gift of Joy: Trophies of Grace Series Book 4

By Betty J Hassler

Holly Hamilton faces her last semester of college with no firm plans for the future. She’s just broken up with her boyfriend, Blake Chandler, who seems to know for certain he’s her forever partner. Not one to give up easily, he plans to take a job in a law firm near her in Washington, D.C. As Holly struggles to disentangle herself from the relationship, a young Marine thinks he can help her with her Blake problem.
A tragic accident threatens to draw Holly back into Blake’s arms. Will Holly trust God to achieve His purposes without her takeover tendencies? How God works to fulfill her deepest desires demonstrates His faithfulness when she surrenders her plans for His.
If you’ve followed the Brooks-Hamilton families through the previous three books in the Trophies of Grace series, you’ll enjoy this stand-alone tale of grown-up Holly, along with her best friend, Hannah Harper, as they both find new career paths and love interests.
Set in Nashville, Tennessee, the books feature intergenerational families whose lives intertwine over more than forty years. Through hardships and blessings, the families build faith muscles as they collect trophies of grace—character qualities that remind us that God’s always up to something in our lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Apr 10, 2024
• ISBN: 9798385020461

Betty J Hassler

BETTY J HASSLER is an author, speaker, dramatist, and Bible study leader. Alongside her retired pastor husband, she loves mentoring young believers and discipling Christians. An editor for a major Christian publisher for seventeen years, she’s published numerous articles and short stories for magazines and devotional publications. A Gift of Joy is her fourth book in the Trophies of Grace series. She lives close by her children and grandchildren near Pensacola, Florida.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

December, 2022

In a quiet cul-de-sac off Hillsboro Road in Nashville, Tennessee, a drama unfolded at the home of Layton and Amy Brooks. Jan Meme Dyer sat in her favorite chair in the Brooks’ living room studying the crossword puzzle in front of her. Amy Nana Brooks entered the living room and looked with exasperation at her mother. Meme, you’ve got to go to bed. It’s almost midnight.

Do I have a curfew? her mother groused. "Why can’t you just go to your bed?"

Mother is in a mood, Nana decided. Very unlike the normally sweet woman who’d spent years ministering in Ecuador and then in Florida with her church’s Spanish-speaking members. In fact, it was so unlike her mother to be grouchy that Nana moved to her side and put a hand on her forehead.

Meme brushed it aside. Her daughter sat down on the sofa beside her chair, dust cloth in hand, and began wiping the polished coffee table. I’d like to get this room picked up before we call it a night. She motioned toward the candy wrappers and soda can on the side table near Meme’s favorite chair.

Your house has never been messy in its entire life, the older woman contended. "It looks like something out of a Southern Living magazine and you know it. After all, you’re a retired interior decorator and home stylist." Meme emphasized the word retired.

Once upon a time. Nana sighed. Now this place looks like a grandma’s house. I’m afraid I haven’t kept up with the latest styles.

Oh, pooh, who cares? Here let me help with that. She took the dust cloth and began wiping the table. Meme definitely had a mind of her own, Nana observed. Even into her nineties, she liked her independence. She had moved in with her daughter and son-in-law after her husband Phil passed away.

Just then Grandpa Layton Brooks, clad in warm pajamas, walked in and surveyed the scene. Dusting at this hour? What’s up? Two sets of eyes stared him down.

Grandpa crossed his arms. I think I’m detecting a bit of anxiety about what’s going on with Holly about now. She’s due back in town tomorrow. He looked at his watch, which he still wore on his wrist. California is a couple of hours behind Central Standard Time in Nashville. Let’s see, it would be about ten o’clock Thursday on Holly’s last night at Blake’s house ... hum.

Neither woman contradicted him. Finally, his wife spoke up. Well, I suppose our granddaughter and her boyfriend are having ‘the talk’ about their future. Nana made quote marks with her fingers to emphasize Holly’s promised confrontation. Isn’t that something to be anxious about?

Knowing Holly, we’ll hear all about it soon enough. How about instead of cleaning—he reached for the dust rag—we pray. The threesome grabbed hands as Layton led a prayer for his granddaughter Holly Hamilton and her boyfriend, Blake Chandler.

When he finished, Meme added, Lord God, I know You have this well in hand. I just can’t wait to see what You’re up to!

54144.jpg

1

Holly Brianne Hamilton sat on a rocky beach in southern California. Sand covered her wetsuit. In fact, her face, hands, and feet felt gritty to the touch. She watched the beachcombers up and down the coast on a Thursday afternoon. How do these people stand the blowing wind? she asked to no one in particular.

Billowy clouds separated the ocean from the December sky. In the distance, she picked out Blake’s surfboard riding a high wave toward shore. She ran her fingers through her long, tangled hair as he carried his board up the hillside toward her. His patterned wetsuit matched his surfboard. She supposed the combo was meant to impress her. She had to admit the picture perfect effect.

That’s the problem, Lord. Holly easily lapsed into conversations with Jesus, and this one had her nose wrinkled and her lips in a downward spiral. Is this relationship mostly about external stuff? Is it ever going to be about You, Blake, and me in the same sentence?

In her heart of hearts, Holly knew Blake probably wasn’t her forever partner. Yet, he was so convinced he was. Sometimes she felt overpowered by his confidence, as though he spoke for both of them. Did she really have a mind of her own? Was it too easy to go along with him when he dreamed aloud about their life together?

She reflected on how Blake had been pursuing her since her freshman year at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where they were students. She’d tried many times to pull away, to date others, to have her independence. Blake would wait her out, appearing just often enough to keep him at the top of her mind, doing endearing things and offering a listening ear. She simply didn’t know how to say no to Blake Chandler’s charm.

When she began having doubts about dating Blake, Holly had confided in her best friend from high school. What’s not to like? Hannah Harper had asked. Sandy hair and green eyes? Muscular California beach boy physique? Political science major? He interns at your Uncle Parker’s Sloan Foundation lobbying firm in Washington, D.C. Must be a good guy.

Hannah had been right of course. Nothing about Blake was hard to like. Except that one thing.

She recalled their first meeting at the lobbying firm where they had both worked. The Sloan Foundation supported numerous halfway houses, drug rehabilitation centers, and a lobbying firm on behalf of prison reform. Blake worked as a staff intern to earn credit for his political science major. He had quickly noticed her. Was it because she was the niece of the founder? He claimed it was her outgoing personality—and maybe a little about her very attractive appearance.

Now a graduate of Georgetown University and Columbia Law School, Blake had taken an entry-level job at a prestigious law firm in New York. He’d recently passed the bar exam and hoped to join a practice in Washington, D.C. Holly knew her graduation from Georgetown next May—conveniently in the same city—would present new challenges for their relationship. What then? Her business degree would prepare her for many opportunities but nothing too specialized.

Blake seemed to know the answer to the question of her future, but Holly didn’t have the same assurance. That’s why she came here. To Blake’s home in Long Beach for the beginning of Christmas break. To have the talk.

51567.jpg

Thursday evening Holly and Blake sat outside on his parents’ porch bench sipping from mugs of hot tea. Holly gazed at the row of clapboard houses across the street. Blake certainly hadn’t come from a moneyed family. His parents were the second generation to live here. With the beach a few blocks away, the modest ranch style three-bedroom home sat in a perfect location. Because of its location, the house would sell for far more than it was worth; however, she guessed it would be in the family for years to come. An only child, Blake would want to keep his childhood home—plus the convenient access to the beach.

You’re quiet this evening, Blake observed. Care to share what you’re thinking?

Not really, she mused. Tonight’s the night. If she could just get her heart and her head in the same place, she felt reasonably sure this feeling of dread would go away. But the two weren’t even close.

Blake tried again. Do I have to order a cat scan to see if there’s brain activity in that gorgeous head of yours? He ran his fingers through her brunette curls.

You can’t. You’re a lawyer, not a doctor. But thanks for the compliment.

Now that we’ve established contact between us, what’s going on? The last time you were this quiet, you were sick with the flu.

Holly guessed he was right. She had a bit of a reputation as one who over-talked any issue. She could usually talk her way out of troublesome conversations. She glanced his way, smitten as usual by his handsome face, memories of him in his wetsuit filling her mind with all the wrong images. Why couldn’t she just break Blake’s heart and be done with it? Tomorrow she would fly to Nashville to be with her family for the rest of her Christmas holiday.

She took a deep breath. Blake, we’ve been together, on and off, for almost four years. I know you want to plan the next steps in our relationship, and you’ve been pretty clear as to what they should be.

Hold on. He sat up straighter. Until I get a job in Washington, I don’t have much to offer you. We can postpone this conversation for a few more months.

No, we can’t. Holly swallowed. I need to be as clear with you as you have been with me. Honestly, I’m at a loss for words.

Blake grabbed an imaginary microphone. Hear that, ladies and gentlemen. A first in the life of Holly Hamilton—

She batted his hand away. Seriously, I’ve got to explain my feelings. I’ve tried before—many times, in fact. So let me try again.

For the next half hour Holly talked and Blake listened. When she bowed her head and wept, she struggled to resist leaning on his shoulder for comfort. But from what she’d said tonight, that wouldn’t be an appropriate response.

54144.jpg

2

Hannah Michelle Harper applied her lip color, the last step in her makeup routine. Eager to begin this particular Friday, she grabbed a jacket and joined her parents in the kitchen. Ready at last? her dad teased. Ken Harper quickly grabbed his ball cap and keys. His wife Lisa led the way to the garage and ducked her blonde curls into the front passenger seat of the family car.

Hannah climbed into the back seat. Her dad backed out of the driveway and headed to the Nashville airport. Her big brother Hal should be landing soon, coming home on leave from military service. Best of all, he would be stationed stateside now. No more going to another hot spot around the world.

Hannah couldn’t wait to jump into his arms, have him lift her off her feet, and twirl her around until she felt dizzy. Then he’d kiss her cheek and turn to his parents. Of course, they would have tried to get to him first. No way would that happen.

Sergeant Halton James Harper would be dressed in his Marine uniform, a boyish dimpled grin plastered across his face. She’d miss seeing his blonde curls, shaved close for his military haircut. In terms of looks and personality, Hal was Lisa’s child, outgoing and compassionate. Brown-haired Ken and daughter were strong and silent—at least on first meeting.

Hannah thought about Hal’s long absence from the family and what that might mean for their present relationship. She hoped he hadn’t changed too much. She’d adored him from her first day of birth. Her hazel eyes met his brown ones, and she’d cooed up at him. Smitten from day one, he proudly told his friends, If you do anything to hurt her, I’ll smack you all the way to China.

Now, years later, China didn’t seem that far away. Her Peabody College classmates from China regularly flew home with no regard for the distance. My mind is wandering, she thought. Okay, I’m nervous.

Mom, she shouted to the front passenger seat. How did you talk Denny into going to school today? She pictured her younger brother, Hayden Harper, putting up a fuss as his mother sent him off to Meadville High School, where Hannah and her best friend, Holly Hamilton, had graduated three-and-a-half years before. An Oops! baby, Denny loved carving his own path in the world. He’d decided there were too many siblings whose names contained the double H, so he’d dubbed himself Denny.

Her mom replied to Hannah’s question. It’s the last day of their tests before winter break, and you know he wouldn’t want to miss those. She grinned and then looked thoughtful. Hal and Denny haven’t spent much time together in the last few years, and Denny has changed so much. I want to give him his own special time with Hal. You be sure to let go of your big brother when Denny gets home from school.

I’ll try, she pouted, then brightened as she thought about the whole family being together for dinner. What are we having to eat tonight?

Hal’s favorites, she smiled. At least, I hope they’re still his favorites.

51569.jpg

Hannah sat in the basement recreation room watching with delight as Hal and Denny played pool. Hal sank a ball. You forget, little brother, that I played at this table when you were burping on Mom’s shoulder.

Then why does it look like you’ve forgotten everything you knew? Back and forth the taunting went until Denny sank the eight ball in the far corner pocket and did a happy dance.

They started a video game, which Hannah surmised Hal would again let Denny win. She sighed with contentment. Thus far, Denny appeared to be a happy combination of his two parents, very much his own person, only with braces, as Hannah often teased. Hal seemed just like the brother who’d left for Marine boot camp after graduating from college. She’d caught him up on her life in general before Denny got home from school. Then she’d enjoyed seeing the easy rapport between the two brothers. Hal appeared to seamlessly step into Denny’s world.

She let her mind review the evening. Dinner had been full of conversation and roast beef. Her mom’s concern over the meal proved unfounded. Hal had wolfed it down as though he hadn’t eaten for a month. He talked about his Marine buddies, who apparently liked to play practical jokes. His stories had the family in stitches. Nothing came up in conversation about the war zones or injuries or their primitive living conditions. No one wanted to go there, and apparently Hal wasn’t eager to talk about it either.

Back in the present, she heard her dad coming down the basement stairs to the rec room. Denny, I know tomorrow is Saturday, but you still have to get up early. Hal lifted his eyebrows. Dad explained, He volunteers at an animal shelter on Saturdays.

I’m going to be a veterinarian, Denny added as he put away the video controls. Colleges want you to have a bunch of service hours on your application. By the time I graduate high school, I’ll have a ton of them.

That’s cool, Dr. Harper. Hal slapped him on the back. Denny grinned as he hugged his brother and sister goodnight and headed upstairs.

Just then Hannah’s phone rang. Recognizing the number, she mouthed her goodnight and followed Denny upstairs. Clicking on her phone, she asked, Holly, where are you? What’s all that noise?

I’m at the Los Angeles airport. I don’t board for another twenty minutes.

Wow, you won’t get here until the wee hours. Did your flight get delayed?

Well, yes! Holly grumbled. Mechanical problems. Had to go back to the gate and wait on another plane. Uncle Parker is going to pick me up. He’s an insomniac and never minds being up in the middle of the night.

How sweet of him.

Really? After I’ve worked in his D.C. office for three-and-a-half years? He owes me.

Hannah laughed. Parker Hamilton had a way of getting his whole family involved in The Sloan Foundation. Holly’s mother Brianne was his first and only administrative assistant and her father Gavin, Parker’s younger brother, served as The Sloan Foundation’s chief attorney. So when will I see you?

Probably Sunday at church. … So did Hal make it home today?

I’ll say. He’s been quite the entertainer. You should hear his stories. How about you? Did you and Blake have ‘the talk’?

Hannah heard sniffing in the background. Holly, are you OK?

Now Holly could be heard weeping openly. Although she had long been known as an experienced drama queen, this time Hannah knew her tears were genuine. Holly sounded obviously shaken. We’ll talk about it when you get home, Hannah promised. Don’t miss your flight. Love you.

Love you, too.

Hannah clicked off her phone and said a quick prayer for her best friend. She guessed Holly had broken off her relationship with Blake. Again. She’d been around this bush before. Maybe this time Holly’s resolve would stick.

54144.jpg

3

When his siblings left for upstairs, Hal moved to sit on the couch next to his dad. They sat silently, enjoying each other’s company. Finally, Ken spoke up. So, son, what’s going on inside that razor-cut head of yours?

Thanks for not asking in front of the others. I’d hoped to be able to run some things by you first. Just the two of us.

Sure thing. Now that you’ve been moved stateside, I imagine you’re wondering what’s next.

Actually, I’ve been wondering that for a long time. Probably before I joined the Marine Corps right out of college. His dad looked puzzled. He continued, I know I said I wanted to be in the military, and my engineering degree made that seem like a good choice. But I didn’t tell the whole story. We’ll get to that. He paused, carefully choosing his next words. You know in five months, I’ll either need to re-up or take an early out. My four-year contract will be up.

His dad simply nodded.

I guess I’m rethinking the military as a career. Not because of the wars. Actually, they gave me cover. I didn’t want to answer a higher call.

At this, Ken Harper sat up straighter. You mean …

Yes. God has called me into some form of ministry. A long time ago. I knew it as a junior in college. You might say I pretended the call was a wrong number. Hal laughed nervously. "I’d been involved in a campus ministry group and really enjoyed being in a dorm Bible study. One night the lesson was about taking up your cross and following Jesus. Some folks turned away from Jesus with silly excuses. God clearly said to me, ‘You’re one of them.’

I knew immediately what He said was true. The idea of feeling responsible for the spiritual development of someone—anyone—spooked me. I felt scared, so I ran. The military seemed about the farthest place I could think of to hide out. It almost worked.

What happened?

A chaplain got hold of me and wouldn’t let go. Hal smiled at the memory. It’s a long story, but basically, he sensed God was dealing with me. We plan to keep in touch.

Ken crossed his legs and drummed his fingers on the arm of the couch. Well, I must say I’m surprised. I wish I’d been as perceptive as that chaplain. I feel like I’ve let you down.

No, Dad. I never shared this with anyone. Hal put his arm around his dad’s shoulder. You’ve been the greatest father ever. I couldn’t have wanted for a godlier role model.

I couldn’t be happier with your decision, the older man affirmed.

Now I’ve got to plan my next steps.

The men talked the night away and prayed for God’s wisdom in coming days. As they made their way upstairs, Hal paused. "Dad, let’s just keep this between us for now. I’m not ready to go public with this information yet.

You’ve got it, Ken replied. His finger formed a zipper across his mouth. Lips sealed.

All the way upstairs Ken wondered how he would keep this good news from his wife. Surely, she’d notice the change in his demeanor over the next few days.

51571.jpg

On Saturday Holly awoke in her own bed at home to the late morning sun pouring in through her window. She picked up her phone and noted the time. Her stomach growled. Do I have breakfast or lunch? she wondered. Then it dawned on her she hadn’t seen her mom or dad or her brother Tyler. She jumped out of bed and threw on a terrycloth robe.

I’m home, she shouted to the empty hallway. Ty appeared in his doorway, clad in sweaty running clothes. Morning, sleepy head. What woke you?

Your smell. She held her nose.

Give me five minutes, and I’ll be a new man. With that he closed his door just as her dad and mom appeared around the corner. The three joined in a group hug. Her mom wiped wet cheeks of joy as she surveyed her look-alike daughter. Except for the dark hair and eyes, Holly resembled her mom’s petite self. She got her coloring from her tall handsome father.

Brianne, let’s get this poor child fed, and she can tell us all about her trip. Gavin guided his daughter toward the breakfast nook while her mother poured coffee for all of them. Holly took the offered cup and sipped slowly. Usually ready to talk, she dreaded this particular conversation.

So? her mom questioned.

I don’t want to talk about Blake. Not right now. Her pleading eyes said it all. I’ve got some serious thinking to do. But I’ll tell you about the rest.

Oh, please do, her dad exclaimed, and don’t leave out a single detail.

You know I would never do that! Holly brightened, feeling the weight of the other conversation lifting off her shoulders.

How were his parents, the Chandlers? Her mom placed a bagel with cream cheese and some fruit in front of her daughter.

Lovely people. Rather low key. Roland is an accountant, and Carla is a receptionist for a doctor’s office. Very proud of Blake. Long Beach is so different from Nashville. We spent a lot of time walking on the beach and pier. Honestly? I prefer the Tennessee hills.

Ty ambled in, picking up his own bagel before joining them at the table. Did I miss anything?

I miss your smelly clothes. Holly breathed in the air around her, a satisfied smile on her face. You clean up nicely. Now