AUTHOR BIO: As a young girl, Janet Perez Eckles packed dreams and expectations when she left Bolivia to come to America. She found not only wonder and beauty in her new life, but also the challenge to overcome trials—physical blindness, marital infidelity, financial devastation, the loss of her son and the acquittal of the man responsible. But rather than despair, Christ’s love ushered victory for each battle, giving her wisdom to overcome adversity, rekindling her zeal for life and ushering peace for each moment. These victories sparked her mission to inspire and encourage others. As a bilingual Spanish inspirational speaker, she ignites in her audiences the same passion to triumph, to find purpose in life and achieve professional and personal success. Janet earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Southeast Missouri State University. After graduation, she met Gene, her husband of 35 years. They live in Orlando, FL where they enjoy their sons, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.Janet serves as a women’s Sunday school teacher and a ministry leader at South Orlando Baptist Church. Janet, what prompted you to write this book?  That dear woman who anguishes about life, its burdens, deep heartache and needs someone to point her to Christ and show her the other side of adversity. You share a great deal from your personal journey in the pages of Simply Salsa. How did you develop this type of transparency? Years of hearing my audience’s feedback such as: “After what you shared, I’ll look at my problems differently from now on.”  The more I pour my soul on the pages, the more their heart is stirred to seek victory in Christ. You are one of many authors and speakers who also has a “day job.” Can you tell us a little about that? I serve as an Spanish interpreter. I’m on the phone interpreting between judge and defendant, between doctor and mom in labor, between bank and home owner. Each require a high level of skill, concentration and memory skills. All blessings  to me because for 20 years :I’ve been  performing this work. Unable to take notes, I retain lots of information in my memory–a testimony to God’s provision. I believe your physical blindness has helped bring you to a place of greater spiritual vision. Do you agree? How would you say God has “worked all things together for good” through your lack of physical sight? When my physical eyesight ended, God’s grace gave me insight to see the best of life. When I could see, I focused on the  things around me, now I focus on things above—trust me, the view has more depth and beauty. I can now appreciate what the eyes don’t see. If you could...

Picture yourself seated in a comfortable chair, talking and laughing with a friend. Her smile embraces you like a warm hug. Her openness encourages you to share your heart. And her words of wisdom challenge you to walk more closely with the God who loves you so much. A luscious Latin melody plays in the background, adding both sweetness and spice to a golden afternoon. This experience mirrors the joy of reading Janet Perez Eckle’s new book Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta. The book takes a refreshing look at the Christ-life—with a uniquely Latina flair. Authenticity drives this project, whose author shares her wisdom through real-life stories with a sprinkling of Spanish (translations provided). The choices and challenges Eckles has faced include everything from life in a new land and language at the vulnerable age of twelve to the crushing loss of an adult son to the heartbreaking news of her own impending blindness. Reader-focused questions and challenges enhance the book’s conversational feel.  Gentle humor combines with transparency to allow readers to learn and laugh, no finger-pointing or lectures in sight. I received an advance reader copy of Eckles’ August 9 release but was not required to post a positive review. The author has found her sweet spot in this expression of her journey and its application to each reader’s walk with Christ. Thanks for sharing your heart and this book with us, chica. Dios te bendiga! When you order her book TODAY August 9, Janet is offering more than $100 worth of bonus gifts and a chance to win some amazing prices. Go here to find out more!Also. Janet is physically blind, I believe she sees more than most people. Do you know someone with a handicap whose life reveals similar strengths? Leave a comment below for the opportunity to win a copy of Simply Salsa. I’ll post the winner after I return from teaching at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference next week!I’ve missed my blog family while serving on the mission field in Ecuador and Panama this summer and would love to hear your thoughts. Please watch for a READ interview with Janet, coming this...