The Mosaic Collection is an international group of authors dedicated to sharing stories that feature diverse God-designed families. Our contemporary novels include mystery and suspense, comedy, romance, and women’s fiction.

I’m excited to be part of this amazing group of talented authors. And thrilled to introduce you to Eleanor Bertin, the author of Pall of Silence: My Journey from Tragedy to Trust (memoir) and Lifelines (novel).

Eleanor’s dream of writing was crowded out by homeschooling a houseful of children for 25 years. But now, she and her husband live with their youngest son, who has Down syndrome, amidst the ongoing renovation of a century-home in central Alberta. 

Do you have a life verse?

I love the magnificence of God revealed in Deuteronomy 32:4: “Ascribe greatness to our God. He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.”

Do you have personal experiences with any of the events in your stories? 

I find people endlessly fascinating, so I never have to spin characters out of nothing; I only have to alter and disguise them from real life. In fact, there’s a little of me in each of my characters, including the villains! (Not proud of that, but it’s the truth.)

In my first novel, Lifelines, the young woman regretting her abortion is largely taken from my experience listening to a friend. Of course, almost every scene about Jesse, the character with Down syndrome, is borrowed from my experiences with my son, Timothy, or other families with a member who has DS.

From my upcoming novel, Unbound, the experience of grief closely reflects the loss of my son Paul in 2012, while the setting is the beloved Alberta ranch lands where I live.

How has God come through for you in difficult circumstances? 

Raising seven children, all girls except six, meant I was often thrown at the foot of the cross, begging for wisdom and patience and grace. The two most painful seasons of my life have been times of a child’s rebellion and the death of one son. But the way God revealed His love and mercy and the wonder of His grace through scripture during those times has been my anchor.

What hobbies do you enjoy? 

Since I learned to read, I’ve loved being transported to another world through books. I also love colour and design, so interior decorating, quilting, and flower and landscape gardening give me great satisfaction. Also, chocolate.

Have you experienced any setbacks in your walk with Christ? 

A couple of years ago, I discovered my heart was growing cold to things of the Lord. Doubts and cynicism, like barnacles, were hardening my soul. Surprisingly, it was reading through a 500-year-old, thousand-page theology text that drew my heart back to a deeper love and devotion to Christ. So, I’m a big proponent of essential theology – it’s practical and faith-building!

Have you ever had a prayer go (seemingly?) unanswered this side of heaven? 

Yes. There is a prayer I know for certain will never be answered until glory: ‘Lord, please save my son!’ Yet despite the uncertainty surrounding his life and death, God has given me enough of Himself through scripture, that I (the queen of doubt) am able to fully trust in His mercy and power to bring sinners to repentance. I believe Paul is with Jesus, because I trust in the Almighty’s power to save.

To learn more about Eleanor and her books, please visit her website.

You’re also invited to join the Mosaic Collection Readers Group on Facebook where you’ll find amazing graphics plus free downloads, including these bookmarks and a Happy Birthday banner, and a community of delightful women whose hearts embrace God’s timeless truths.