Linda Shenton Matchett's Blog, page 23
November 20, 2023
Traveling Tuesday: Medical Treatment During WWII
Traveling Tuesday: Medical Treatment During WWII
With war comes the need for medical facilities. The main character in War’s Unexpected Gift, is Gwen Milford, a nurse in an Evacuation Hospital that starts out in Belgium, then moves into Germany as the Allies gain ground in Europe (loosely based on the 96th Evac Hospital). During my research, I learned about the U.S. system of care and the intricate logistics that ensured efficient and effective patient treatment.
Casualties were given emergency treatment at a series of medical installations. Clearing Stations, Field Hospitals, Evacuation Hospitals, Convalescent Hospitals, and Surgical Hospitals were established in combat zones. General Hospitals, Station Hospitals, Hospital Centers, and Convalescent Camps and Centers were set up in what was referred to as the Zone of Interior and the Communication Zones.
Clearing Stations (AKA Dressing Stations) are located just beyond the front lines and perform triage and immediate care to stabilize the individual.
Field Hospitals: are usually located from three to eight miles from the front line, depending upon enemy range of fire, the roads, fuel, water, the presence of buildings, and the location of Evacuation Hospitals. Whenever possible, they were grouped in a village or at an intersection of roads for the convenience of ambulances and movement of patients.
Evacuation Hospitals: are mobile units designed to provide facilities for major medical and surgical
treatments as well as the beginning of a definite treatment for the individual, the sorting of casualties, the return of men fit for duty sooner rather than later, and for extended evacuation of certain patients to General Hospitals. There were two types of evac hospitals: 400-bed semi-mobile and 750-bed mobile.
Surgical Hospitals: were also mobile units as far forward as practicable that provided major surgical procedures for serious injury cases. They occasionally served as substitutes for evac hospitals in the case of emergency.
General Hospitals: were facilities located in the rear of the theatre with a capacity of up to 2,000 patients, although half that was the norm. Once situated, a General Hospital remained in that location and performed the most difficult and specialized procedures.
Station Hospitals: were typically located at posts, camps, and stations for hospitalization of local personnel. Housed in buildings their bed capacities ranged from 25-900.
Drawn by Pfc. Don J. Anders in 1945
Map of the route taken by the 96th EvacHospital Centers: were comprised of a headquarters and service company, central laboratory, and convalescent camp. All were housed in permanent or temporary buildings if in the Zone of Interior, and in tents with concrete floors in Communication Zones.
During the early months of 1942, many hospital units were sent overseas from Australia to the Central Pacific and from Northern Ireland and England to Iceland. By March of 1943, 140 stations, 27 general hospitals, 14 field hospitals, 2 convalescent hospitals, 3 surgical hospitals, and 23 evacuation hospitals were overseas. By 1945, there were and additional 189 general hospitals, 74 field hospitals, 61 station hospitals, 35 field hospitals, and 8 station hospitals creating a peak of 335,000 foxed beds and about 87,000 mobile beds in all theaters.
______________
War’s Unexpected Gift (Part of A Merry Heart Anthology)
Love and war don’t mix. Or do they?
Eager to do even more for the war effort, nurse Gwen Milford puts in for a transfer from a convalescent hospital outside of London to an evac hospital headed across Europe. Leap-frogging from one location to the next, nothing goes as expected from stolen supplies to overwhelming numbers of casualties. Then, there’s the handsome doctor who seems to be assigned to her every shift. As another Christmas approaches without the war’s end, can she find room in her heart for love?
Experience the magic of Christmas in this heartwarming anthology featuring ten talented authors, as they weave enchanting tales of clean and Christian romance. Delight in the spirit of the season, where love, faith, and miracles come together to create unforgettable holiday moments.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3QJjlF8
With war comes the need for medical facilities. The main character in War’s Unexpected Gift, is Gwen Milford, a nurse in an Evacuation Hospital that starts out in Belgium, then moves into Germany as the Allies gain ground in Europe (loosely based on the 96th Evac Hospital). During my research, I learned about the U.S. system of care and the intricate logistics that ensured efficient and effective patient treatment. Casualties were given emergency treatment at a series of medical installations. Clearing Stations, Field Hospitals, Evacuation Hospitals, Convalescent Hospitals, and Surgical Hospitals were established in combat zones. General Hospitals, Station Hospitals, Hospital Centers, and Convalescent Camps and Centers were set up in what was referred to as the Zone of Interior and the Communication Zones.
Clearing Stations (AKA Dressing Stations) are located just beyond the front lines and perform triage and immediate care to stabilize the individual.
Field Hospitals: are usually located from three to eight miles from the front line, depending upon enemy range of fire, the roads, fuel, water, the presence of buildings, and the location of Evacuation Hospitals. Whenever possible, they were grouped in a village or at an intersection of roads for the convenience of ambulances and movement of patients.
Evacuation Hospitals: are mobile units designed to provide facilities for major medical and surgical
treatments as well as the beginning of a definite treatment for the individual, the sorting of casualties, the return of men fit for duty sooner rather than later, and for extended evacuation of certain patients to General Hospitals. There were two types of evac hospitals: 400-bed semi-mobile and 750-bed mobile.Surgical Hospitals: were also mobile units as far forward as practicable that provided major surgical procedures for serious injury cases. They occasionally served as substitutes for evac hospitals in the case of emergency.
General Hospitals: were facilities located in the rear of the theatre with a capacity of up to 2,000 patients, although half that was the norm. Once situated, a General Hospital remained in that location and performed the most difficult and specialized procedures.
Station Hospitals: were typically located at posts, camps, and stations for hospitalization of local personnel. Housed in buildings their bed capacities ranged from 25-900.
Drawn by Pfc. Don J. Anders in 1945Map of the route taken by the 96th EvacHospital Centers: were comprised of a headquarters and service company, central laboratory, and convalescent camp. All were housed in permanent or temporary buildings if in the Zone of Interior, and in tents with concrete floors in Communication Zones.
During the early months of 1942, many hospital units were sent overseas from Australia to the Central Pacific and from Northern Ireland and England to Iceland. By March of 1943, 140 stations, 27 general hospitals, 14 field hospitals, 2 convalescent hospitals, 3 surgical hospitals, and 23 evacuation hospitals were overseas. By 1945, there were and additional 189 general hospitals, 74 field hospitals, 61 station hospitals, 35 field hospitals, and 8 station hospitals creating a peak of 335,000 foxed beds and about 87,000 mobile beds in all theaters.
______________
War’s Unexpected Gift (Part of A Merry Heart Anthology)
Love and war don’t mix. Or do they?Eager to do even more for the war effort, nurse Gwen Milford puts in for a transfer from a convalescent hospital outside of London to an evac hospital headed across Europe. Leap-frogging from one location to the next, nothing goes as expected from stolen supplies to overwhelming numbers of casualties. Then, there’s the handsome doctor who seems to be assigned to her every shift. As another Christmas approaches without the war’s end, can she find room in her heart for love?
Experience the magic of Christmas in this heartwarming anthology featuring ten talented authors, as they weave enchanting tales of clean and Christian romance. Delight in the spirit of the season, where love, faith, and miracles come together to create unforgettable holiday moments.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3QJjlF8
November 15, 2023
Talkshow Thursday with Donna Schlachter
Recipe for DisasterBy Donna Schlachter
Equal measures of love and mutual trust are always the best foundation on which to build a marriage. One without the other will dissolve even the most passionate of love or the deepest trust.
So what happens when a woman finds herself falling in love with a man who can’t even remember his own name? Or when a man has feelings for a woman he senses is lying to him?
Sounds like a recipe for disaster.
Hope, the heroine of the story, feels like she’s been set on a shelf and forgotten. When a man practically falls into her lap—okay, into her stream—she doesn’t even stop to think. He needs help. So she takes him in, tends his wounds…then learns he has amnesia. Worse yet, he thinks she is his wife Julia. And that the three orphans she’s caring for are his children. She doesn’t want to lie to him, and doesn’t want the children trying to keep up pretenses—but how can she not startle his memory, since the doctor says he should remember naturally. Besides, she doesn’t want to build any possible relationship on lies.
Walter remembers his first name, and his wife’s, and his children’s—but what are those pecan trees
doing over there? Why doesn’t the house look familiar? And why won’t his wife let him even touch her? Having fought in the Civil War and then wandering the country looking for his family, he isn’t certain what is true anymore. If this woman isn’t Julia, then who is she? And who is he? And if he has feelings for her, what does that say about him? About his marriage?
This book is set in 1784, a time I wasn’t familiar with prior to writing the story. So I had to do some research. Online, in books, reading other blogs. This time following the War for Independence left a lot of families broken, separated, and confused. In much the same way as the Civil War would eighty years later, this war required individuals to assess what they believed about this country and the community of states who called themselves Americans.
Change is never easy, and this sort of monumental change that redefined who we were and what this country stood for ripped at the very fabric of our country. In some ways, things haven’t changed much. We look at what’s happening now, and we think we are facing unprecedented division, but in reality, that’s how this country was born, how it redefined itself, and how it continues into the future.
Recipe for Disaster, book 1 of The Recipe Box Series: 1784:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMGFKVKN
Check out the series page: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMM1CTLJ
About Donna:
A hybrid author, Donna writes squeaky-clean historical and contemporary suspense. She has been published more than 60 times in books; is a member of several writers' groups; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; ghostwrites; edits; and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both, and is an avid oil painter.
Connect online:
www.DonnaSchlachter.com Stay connected so you learn about new releases, preorders, and presales, as well as check out featured authors, book reviews, and a little corner of peace. Plus: Receive 2 free ebooks simply for signing up for our free newsletter!
www.DonnaSchlachter.com/blog
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DonnaschlachterAuthor
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/DonnaSchlachter
Books: Amazon: http://amzn.to/2ci5Xqq
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donna-schlachter
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C&query=donna+schlachter
The Purpose-Full Writer: https://www.facebook.com/groups/604220861766651
Need a writing coach? https://www.donnaschlachter.com/the-purpose-full-writer-coaching-programs
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Equal measures of love and mutual trust are always the best foundation on which to build a marriage. One without the other will dissolve even the most passionate of love or the deepest trust.So what happens when a woman finds herself falling in love with a man who can’t even remember his own name? Or when a man has feelings for a woman he senses is lying to him?
Sounds like a recipe for disaster.
Hope, the heroine of the story, feels like she’s been set on a shelf and forgotten. When a man practically falls into her lap—okay, into her stream—she doesn’t even stop to think. He needs help. So she takes him in, tends his wounds…then learns he has amnesia. Worse yet, he thinks she is his wife Julia. And that the three orphans she’s caring for are his children. She doesn’t want to lie to him, and doesn’t want the children trying to keep up pretenses—but how can she not startle his memory, since the doctor says he should remember naturally. Besides, she doesn’t want to build any possible relationship on lies.
Walter remembers his first name, and his wife’s, and his children’s—but what are those pecan trees
doing over there? Why doesn’t the house look familiar? And why won’t his wife let him even touch her? Having fought in the Civil War and then wandering the country looking for his family, he isn’t certain what is true anymore. If this woman isn’t Julia, then who is she? And who is he? And if he has feelings for her, what does that say about him? About his marriage?This book is set in 1784, a time I wasn’t familiar with prior to writing the story. So I had to do some research. Online, in books, reading other blogs. This time following the War for Independence left a lot of families broken, separated, and confused. In much the same way as the Civil War would eighty years later, this war required individuals to assess what they believed about this country and the community of states who called themselves Americans.
Change is never easy, and this sort of monumental change that redefined who we were and what this country stood for ripped at the very fabric of our country. In some ways, things haven’t changed much. We look at what’s happening now, and we think we are facing unprecedented division, but in reality, that’s how this country was born, how it redefined itself, and how it continues into the future.
Recipe for Disaster, book 1 of The Recipe Box Series: 1784:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMGFKVKN
Check out the series page: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMM1CTLJ
About Donna:
A hybrid author, Donna writes squeaky-clean historical and contemporary suspense. She has been published more than 60 times in books; is a member of several writers' groups; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; ghostwrites; edits; and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both, and is an avid oil painter.
Connect online:
www.DonnaSchlachter.com Stay connected so you learn about new releases, preorders, and presales, as well as check out featured authors, book reviews, and a little corner of peace. Plus: Receive 2 free ebooks simply for signing up for our free newsletter!
www.DonnaSchlachter.com/blog
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DonnaschlachterAuthor
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/DonnaSchlachter
Books: Amazon: http://amzn.to/2ci5Xqq
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donna-schlachter
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C&query=donna+schlachter
The Purpose-Full Writer: https://www.facebook.com/groups/604220861766651
Need a writing coach? https://www.donnaschlachter.com/the-purpose-full-writer-coaching-programs
November 8, 2023
Talkshow Thursday: Welcome back, Jodie Wolfe!
Talkshow Thursday: Welcome back, Jodie Wolfe!
What was your inspiration for the story?
Thanks for having me today, Linda. My heroine for Wooing Gertrude is Gertrude Miller. She made a few cameo appearances in book one of the series, Taming Julia. Then in the second book, Protecting Annie, she befriends the heroine of that story. After getting to know Gertrude better through writing book two, I wanted her to have a happily ever after as well.
What sort of research did you do for your story, and was there an exceptionally interesting tidbit you knew you had to include?
When my sons knew I was writing a book with the character name of Gertrude, they encouraged me to include guinea pigs. This stems back to a family story about a fictitious ‘Aunt Gertrude’ and her love of guinea pigs. I started researching to see if it was feasible historically to have these critters as part of the story. I learned guinea pigs came to America as early as the 1600s and even Queen Elizabeth I, had one as a pet. I had fun sprinkling some of the antics from guinea pigs our family has had through the years.
If your book is part of a series: Did you set out to write a series? Why did you decide to write a series?
Wooing Gertrude is part of my Burrton Springs Brides Series set in Kansas in the 1870s. When I wrote the first book, I knew it could easily lend itself to being part of a series.
Why do you write in your particular genre?
I fell in love with the 19th century as a kid reading the Little House on the Prairie Series. I opted for
writing romance as a means of conveying the way God pursues us – of His incredible love for us.
What writers or books have influenced you?
Some of my favorite authors are Jen Turano, Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, and Jody Hedlund. They all typically write close to the time period that I write, so it helps me to stay current in my genre.
What is your next project?
The final book of the series, Convincing Lou, is currently at my publisher being considered. Since the completion of it, I’ve started a new series set in Shippensburg, PA. The first book, tentatively titled Abigail’s Pursuit takes place during the Civil War. I opted for this time period after receiving two personal diaries from 1864 that stated the daily weather and what was happening in town.
About Wooing Gertrude
The seamstress with a knack for trouble wasn't who the deputy envisioned.
Enoch Valentine has given up finding peace for his past mistakes. He throws everything he has into being the new part-time deputy in Burrton Springs, Kansas while maintaining the foreman position at a local horse ranch. But when trouble stirs on the ranch, he questions whether he's the right man for either job.
Peace has been elusive for most of Gertrude Miller's life, especially under the oppressiveness of an overbearing mother. She takes matters into her own hands and sends for a potential husband, while also opening her own dress shop. Gertrude hopes to build a future where she'll find peace and happiness.
Will either of them ever be able to find peace?
Social Media Links
Website: https://www.jodiewolfe.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jodie-Wolfe-553400191384913
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jodie-wolfe
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15220520.Jodie_Wolfe
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jodie-Wolfe/e/B01EAWOHXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Amazon: https://amzn.to/49muwfA
Ebook: https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1635
Print:
https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1636
First Page Peek
BURRTON SPRINGS, KANSAS
AUGUST 4, 1877
Gertrude Miller’s life couldn’t get any better. She grinned, patting her pocket. Her fingers traced the two skeleton keys. After months of planning and preparing she finally had moved into her own place a week ago, away from the overbearing reach of her mother. In two days, she’d be opening the clothing shop beneath her apartment.
She studied the trail leading into town hoping for a wisp of dust indicating the stagecoach was on its way, but saw none. Smoothing the light blue flowered fabric of her skirt, Gertrude’s hand settled against her churning stomach. What would George Witt think of her when he arrived? Would he see past her faults and still find her loveable? Would he like the place she picked for them to live?The many letters he’d written to her crinkled in her reticule, as she clutched it close to her heart. His last missive declared he planned to marry her shortly after arriving. Mama would have a conniption, which was why Gertrude hadn’t breathed a word to her mother that she’d marry tomorrow after the church service. Mama would try to do everything in her power to prevent it. Gertrude didn’t plan to say anything to her until they were sitting side by side in the church. No use creating a stir ahead of time.
Her dress hung from a hook in her new place waiting for the blessed event. She’d spent hours sewing it and adding yards of intricate lace she’d crocheted.
About Jodie
Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHLCW). She's been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.
What was your inspiration for the story?Thanks for having me today, Linda. My heroine for Wooing Gertrude is Gertrude Miller. She made a few cameo appearances in book one of the series, Taming Julia. Then in the second book, Protecting Annie, she befriends the heroine of that story. After getting to know Gertrude better through writing book two, I wanted her to have a happily ever after as well.
What sort of research did you do for your story, and was there an exceptionally interesting tidbit you knew you had to include?
When my sons knew I was writing a book with the character name of Gertrude, they encouraged me to include guinea pigs. This stems back to a family story about a fictitious ‘Aunt Gertrude’ and her love of guinea pigs. I started researching to see if it was feasible historically to have these critters as part of the story. I learned guinea pigs came to America as early as the 1600s and even Queen Elizabeth I, had one as a pet. I had fun sprinkling some of the antics from guinea pigs our family has had through the years.
If your book is part of a series: Did you set out to write a series? Why did you decide to write a series?
Wooing Gertrude is part of my Burrton Springs Brides Series set in Kansas in the 1870s. When I wrote the first book, I knew it could easily lend itself to being part of a series.
Why do you write in your particular genre?
I fell in love with the 19th century as a kid reading the Little House on the Prairie Series. I opted for
writing romance as a means of conveying the way God pursues us – of His incredible love for us.What writers or books have influenced you?
Some of my favorite authors are Jen Turano, Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, and Jody Hedlund. They all typically write close to the time period that I write, so it helps me to stay current in my genre.
What is your next project?
The final book of the series, Convincing Lou, is currently at my publisher being considered. Since the completion of it, I’ve started a new series set in Shippensburg, PA. The first book, tentatively titled Abigail’s Pursuit takes place during the Civil War. I opted for this time period after receiving two personal diaries from 1864 that stated the daily weather and what was happening in town.
About Wooing Gertrude
The seamstress with a knack for trouble wasn't who the deputy envisioned.Enoch Valentine has given up finding peace for his past mistakes. He throws everything he has into being the new part-time deputy in Burrton Springs, Kansas while maintaining the foreman position at a local horse ranch. But when trouble stirs on the ranch, he questions whether he's the right man for either job.
Peace has been elusive for most of Gertrude Miller's life, especially under the oppressiveness of an overbearing mother. She takes matters into her own hands and sends for a potential husband, while also opening her own dress shop. Gertrude hopes to build a future where she'll find peace and happiness.
Will either of them ever be able to find peace?
Social Media Links
Website: https://www.jodiewolfe.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jodie-Wolfe-553400191384913
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jodie-wolfe
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15220520.Jodie_Wolfe
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jodie-Wolfe/e/B01EAWOHXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Amazon: https://amzn.to/49muwfA
Ebook: https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1635
Print:
https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1636
First Page Peek
BURRTON SPRINGS, KANSAS
AUGUST 4, 1877
Gertrude Miller’s life couldn’t get any better. She grinned, patting her pocket. Her fingers traced the two skeleton keys. After months of planning and preparing she finally had moved into her own place a week ago, away from the overbearing reach of her mother. In two days, she’d be opening the clothing shop beneath her apartment.
She studied the trail leading into town hoping for a wisp of dust indicating the stagecoach was on its way, but saw none. Smoothing the light blue flowered fabric of her skirt, Gertrude’s hand settled against her churning stomach. What would George Witt think of her when he arrived? Would he see past her faults and still find her loveable? Would he like the place she picked for them to live?The many letters he’d written to her crinkled in her reticule, as she clutched it close to her heart. His last missive declared he planned to marry her shortly after arriving. Mama would have a conniption, which was why Gertrude hadn’t breathed a word to her mother that she’d marry tomorrow after the church service. Mama would try to do everything in her power to prevent it. Gertrude didn’t plan to say anything to her until they were sitting side by side in the church. No use creating a stir ahead of time.
Her dress hung from a hook in her new place waiting for the blessed event. She’d spent hours sewing it and adding yards of intricate lace she’d crocheted.
About Jodie
Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHLCW). She's been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.
November 6, 2023
Release Day: A Merry Heart!
Release Day: A Merry Heart!
Grab your copy today! https://amzn.to/3QGocrQ
I'm honored to be part of this anthology with nine other authors. Available for a limited time (11/7/23-1/31/24), the collection features clean and Christian holiday stories of happily ever after. All proceeds from the sale of the anthology will benefit the True Care Women's Resource Center in Wyoming.
Here is the blurb to my contribution War's Unexpected Gift:
Love and war don’t mix. Or do they?
Eager to do even more for the war effort, nurse Gwen Milford puts in for a transfer from a convalescent hospital outside of London to an evac hospital headed across Europe. Leap-frogging from one location to the next, nothing goes as expected from stolen supplies to overwhelming numbers of casualties. Then, there’s the handsome doctor who seems to be assigned to her every shift. As another Christmas approaches without the war’s end, can she find room in her heart for love?
November 2, 2023
Fiction Friday: New Releases in Christian Fiction
November 2023 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website
Contemporary Romance:
12 Days of Mandy Reno by Regina Rudd Merrick -- Law student Amanda Reno is stuck in her tiny hometown in Kentucky for Christmas and work part-time at the Clementville Café. Her parents are stuck in Brazil, leaving Mandy to celebrate Christmas without them. Young Sheriff Clay Lacey takes matters into his own hands, devising a plan to take Mandy’s mind off her crushed expectations. She is no longer his classmate’s tagalong kid sister, but a young woman he is increasingly attracted to. How will Mandy react when she finds out Clay is the one working to make sure she has a memorable Christmas? Will she be pleased? Or will she cringe as she thanks the man who may be falling in love with her? (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)
A Family for the Orphans by Heidi Main -- Three little hearts have been broken. Now they must find a way to heal them…Tragedy turned Walker McCaw from bachelor cowboy to guardian of his late best friend’s three children. Now they’re living on a new horse farm—and it’s a disaster. Trisha Campbell’s arrival couldn’t come at a better time. Together, they’ll need to work to save the struggling farm. But it takes more than hard work to make a family. It takes courage and love… (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin)
Muskoka Holiday Morsels by Carolyn Miller -- Muskoka Christmas Morsels is a collection of short romance stories with holiday and Christmas themes, perfect for a cozy read. Meet some new friends and catch up with some Muskoka favorites, and discover romance in the holiday season in this collection of bite-sized stories filled with hope, heart, humor, and all the feels. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Repairing Hearts by Julie Arduini -- Ryan, the independent, brooding second oldest of the Hart sextuplets, can’t enjoy the solitude he craves when he agrees to star on a reality show. The plan is to discover a project manager to renovate his hole of a property. The show reveals that it's more about Ryan’s dating life. Can he keep his guard up when everything around him is falling apart faster than the shingles on his roof? BJ Wallace loves her quiet life in Wisconsin that she’s created far from her traumatic childhood. Everything changes when she learns she's competing on Repairing Ryan's Heart. As the show focuses more on Ryan than the house, BJ falls for him. Will she win the show and destroy Ryan with her secret, or sacrifice her heart to protect Ryan? (Contemporary Romance from Surrendered Scribe Media)
The Cowgirl’s Last Rodeo by Tabitha Bouldin -- She left home to chase her dreams. Now she’s back seeking a second chance…When Callie Wade’s horse goes blind, there's only one man who can save her barrel racing career. Brody Jacobs is the best horse trainer she knows—if he’s willing to help. She broke his heart when she left him behind to go after rodeo stardom. This time, will they put their hearts on the line to reach the championship…and a future together? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin)
Wooing the Widower by Elle E. Kay -- Margie, a successful Colorado realtor, finds herself looking for a change of scenery and a dash of adventure after her only daughter embarks on a missionary journey, so she heads to Redemption Ranch to fulfill a long-held dream: learning to ride horses. Meanwhile, Chaz, having swapped his tailored suits and executive boardrooms for the 'aromatic' allure of horse manure, relishes his new life at Redemption Ranch. The retired businessman and former CEO of Freedom Mountaineering now assists his brother on the ranch, his days filled with hard work, peaceful solitude, and bittersweet memories. When Margie arrives at Redemption Ranch, their lives intersect in the most unexpected of ways. Amid horse rides and starlit conversations, they discover companionship and the tender buds of love in their twilight years. As Margie explores this unexpected turn of her adventure, will she find a love she hadn't planned for? And can Chaz see Margie as a vibrant woman with shared passions and dreams rather than simply his son's mother-in-law? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
General Contemporary:
Carol of the Rooms by Diana Leagh Matthews -- Driven. Divisive. Dissonant. Terri Neely is propelled by greed and ambition. She refuses to let anyone—except for her beloved Gramps—past her hard exterior. Long ago, her faith waivered, and her love of music turned to hate. That is until an accident forces her to view the soundtrack of her life as she visits her past, present, and future. Can the songs in Terri’s life change her heart and restore her faith before it’s too late? (General Contemporary from Elk Lake Publishing)
General Historical:
Crushed Hopes and Hopeful Beginnings by Carol Ashby -- Can God work all things for good if you don’t even think he’s real?Lusario was content in Cyrene as part of the Philandros household. After he returns from serving the youngest son, Diokles, while he studies in Alexandria, Lusario expects to become a paid tutor for his master, earning the money to buy his freedom. But when Diokles uses him to pay a gambling debt, he must go to Carthago as the slave of a man who hates him. His once-bright future is gone forever. So why does his Christian friend Timon insist things will turn out so much better than he expects? But Carthago brings new people, like Caelus Martinus, and new possibilities into Lusario’s hopeless world. Could Timon be right? When Lusario sees a chance to escape his fate, will going for it give him a future again, or only hasten his death? (General Historical from Cerillo Press)
Historical Romance:
The Lamp by Edwina Kiernan -- Beatrice Beckwith is an orphaned young lady living with her aunt. On the brink of her deepest wish coming true, her plans unexpectedly collapse. Then, a startling discovery and an outbreak of cholera set in motion a series of catastrophic events, plunging her into even bleaker darkness. Isaac Taylor is forced to leave Miss Beckwith just as he's arranged a meeting to propose. His deceased great-uncle's derelict house needs restoration. But dust is not his only enemy, and a web of secrets soon entangles him. Kept apart against their wills, Beatrice and Isaac must navigate deadly illness, family deception, and scheming neighbors, yearning for the time they’ll be reunited. But as they each face their darkest moments, they’ll endure more devastation than ever before. Can joy once again be found, or will dangerous circumstances extinguish its light—and their very lives? (Historical Romance from Moliant Publishing)
Mystery:
Six Days Spent by Luana Ehrlich -- When private investigator Mylas Gray gets a call from the wife of a high-powered Pentagon official, he assumes it’s about her appointment to discuss a possible stalker. It’s not. It’s about her husband – he’s just been murdered. Mylas agrees to investigate the murder, even though he's supposed to help Whitney find a place to live in the next six days. Can he do both? As it turns out, finding a murderer and finding a house have a lot in common. (Mystery, Independently Published)
True Blue Christmas by Susan Page Davis -- New neighbors, cryptic Christmas cards, and jury duty. What next? Campbell McBride is juggling her new role as a private investigator with her slightly wacky personal life. Can she and her dad figure out who stashed a valuable painting in their client’s attic? And is the murder of an egocentric landlord somehow connected? (Mystery from Scrivening’s Press)
Romance:
[image error] Gifts of the Season by Deborah Raney -- THEN: Inspired by a family Christmas tradition of the author’s family, "Circle of Blessings" is set in Dakota Territory in 1864. Stella Bradford is determined to win the love of James Collingwood, her English professor at the university where Stella is studying to be an architect. But the object of Stella’s affection hides a dark secret from his past. And even if Stella could capture James's attention, she is certain her father would not approve of the match. But neither James nor Stella has an inkling that his secret is woven into her own past in a way that will ultimately bring blessing to them both—if only he dares to reveal it. NOW: “Measured with Love” is a contemporary tale set in a Mississippi River town in Southeast Missouri. Benjie Gabriel believes the chef’s position she’s just taken at an award-winning bed and breakfast is temporary—only a stepping stone to greater things. The B&B’s owner, Trevor Keye, thinks the same and—given the haughty attitude of his new chef—that’s fine with him. Will five months be long enough for them to figure out that what they’ve each been longing for, praying for, is right beneath their noses? (Romance, Independently Published)
The Hope of Christmasa> by Carol James -- Cameron Blake has everything a man could want. Or so it appears. But in the dark of night, the contents of an old manila envelope remind him that the one thing he truly wants is beyond his reach. Kristin Hansen returns home after a messy break-up. While her parents think she' s returned to recuperate after surgery on a broken arm, she' s actually escaping from an abusive relationship.When the pastor of a local church recruits Kristin and Cameron to supervise the building of the church' s float for the upcoming Christmas parade, their hidden secrets are exposed. Cam sees in Kristin what he truly desires... but knows he can never have. As Christmas nears, can Kristin help him find the thing that' s eluded him all these years? The one thing his heart truly desires? Hope (Romance from White Rose Publishing/Pelican)
Thriller/Suspense/Romantic:
12 Days by Heidi Glick -- Scott Newton retires from the sheriff's office after a fellow officer is killed. Wracked by sorrow and the need for justice, Scott grows distant from his girlfriend, aspiring crime writer, Lindsay Billings. But, when Lindsay goes missing, and Scott discovers her research on the missing person cases thought to be the work of a serial murderer known as the Christmas Killer, Scott vows to find her at all costs. Police have never found the bodies of the people who went missing many Christmases ago, and Lindsay won't become just another statistic. Then, someone kills again in Blanchardville. Police locate a corpse atop one of seven inflatable swans on a pond, and another body in a pear tree. Scott receives odd texts from Lindsay's phone and deduces they're from the killer.In order to save Lindsay, Scott agrees to meet the madman and play his game. As time runs out, Scott must learn to trust in God again, no matter what. (Thriller/Suspense/Romantic from Harbourlight Books/Pelican)
Beneath the Surface by Melanie D. Snicker -- As the county's chief medical examiner, many of the bodies coming into the morgue hold a mystery that Genevieve "Eve" Marks is determined to solve. In discovering what happened to the victims in her care, she can be their voice when they are no longer able to speak for themselves. Until one particular body includes a message challenging her to examine the past and solve a puzzle before the killer strikes again. Detective John Paris is leading a murder investigation that's going nowhere. What he desperately needs is a break in the case. Unfortunately, that break comes in the form of another body that is obviously tied to the first. Even more disturbing than the idea that he may have a serial killer on his hands is the fact that the beautiful Eve Marks seems to be a target. (Thriller/Suspense/Romantic, Independently Published)
Deadly Sabotage by Elizabeth Goddard -- A fatal explosion hides a lethal conspiracy.After barely escaping a lab explosion that kills her boss, microbiologist Kinsley Langell discovers that the blast was no accident—someone intentionally set off a bomb. With a target on her back and the police compromised, Kinsley must rely on her ex, protection specialist Brett Honor, to help investigate the crime. But someone won’t stop until she’s silenced—this time permanently. Can Kinsley and Brett uncover the culprit before hired killers finish the job? (Thriller/Suspense/Romantic from Love Inspired Suspense/Harlequin)
K-9 National Park Defenders by Sheree Stover and Katy Lee -- Peril at Christmas awaits… in these gripping Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit novellas. A Christmas skiing retreat turns treacherous when Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit officer Veronica Eastwood’s sister is kidnapped—and only rival officer Parker Walsh can help her in Katy Lee’s Yuletide Ransom. And in Sharee Stover’s explosive Holiday Rescue Countdown, K-9 officers Dylan Jeong and Brandie Weller must race against the clock when they face a Christmas parade bomb threat…and a killer from Dylan’s past. (Thriller/Suspense/Romantic from Love Inspired Suspense/Harlequin)
Young Adult:
Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton -- In a world on the brink of revolution, where the iron fist of the Imperium orchestrates every destiny...Seventeen-year-old Lexi refuses to bow to a future with an assigned spouse and a dictated profession. A fiery spirit of defiance burns within her, ready to ignite a revolt. But destiny has other plans. When tragedy unveils a hidden diary—a legacy of secrets and rebellion—Lexi is thrust into the perilous shadows of the elusive rebel group Y. In a whirlpool of danger, deceit, and forbidden alliances, every revelation blurs the lines between friend and foe, making trust the ultimate weapon in a battle for truth. Caught between duty and a yearning for freedom, Lexi navigates a treacherous path where love and loyalty are tested at every turn. Who can she trust in a world where betrayal lurks in the shadows? As the foundations of the Imperium tremble, Lexi battles not only for her world but for the person she is destined to become. (Young Adult, Two Oaks Publishing)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
A Country Christmas Lisa Carter, When a series of disasters threaten to derail their grandparents’ big day, will these two opposites put aside their differences…and find their own happily-ever-after? (Contemporary Romance)
A Mistletoe Christmas Davalynn Spencer, When writer Georgia Andrew’s handsome, widowed pastor takes more than a passing interest in her, she wonders if there is hope in her real life for a second-chance romance. (Contemporary Romance)
A Morgan Family Christmas Ruth Kyser, A Morgan Family Christmas is a peek into the past of Samuel Clemens Morgan, Jackson and Mary Byrd, and the rest of the Morgan family. (General Contemporary)
Beneath a Michigan Moon Candice Sue Patterson , Will they open their hearts and give in to the stormy attraction brewing between them, or will illuminated secrets tear them apart? (Historical Romance)
Hashtag Hitched at Christmas Cathe Swanson, Who knew that meeting of their minds would spark a meeting of the lips? (Contemporary Romance)
Holiday Menace Sarah Hamaker, et. al., Lives are in danger when menacing pressures threaten to derail Christmas in this heart-pounding suspense—plus a little romance—collection of 10 brand-new novellas from some of the genre's most popular Christian romantic suspense authors! (Thriller/Suspense/Romantic)
Julia Monroe Begins Againa> Rebekash Millet, It seems inevitable that the man who was hard to forget might just be impossible to resist. (Contemporary Romance)
Offsides Lori Z. Scott, When an older man seems to be grooming Dani's neighbor, Dani determines to do whatever she can to keep the girl safe. But she must watch her back, or she could become the next victim. (Young Adult)
The Kidnapped Groom Susan Page Davis, Can Sam help the Piner family? And might God have a future planned for him that is far different from what he imagined? (General Historical)
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website
Contemporary Romance:
12 Days of Mandy Reno by Regina Rudd Merrick -- Law student Amanda Reno is stuck in her tiny hometown in Kentucky for Christmas and work part-time at the Clementville Café. Her parents are stuck in Brazil, leaving Mandy to celebrate Christmas without them. Young Sheriff Clay Lacey takes matters into his own hands, devising a plan to take Mandy’s mind off her crushed expectations. She is no longer his classmate’s tagalong kid sister, but a young woman he is increasingly attracted to. How will Mandy react when she finds out Clay is the one working to make sure she has a memorable Christmas? Will she be pleased? Or will she cringe as she thanks the man who may be falling in love with her? (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)
A Family for the Orphans by Heidi Main -- Three little hearts have been broken. Now they must find a way to heal them…Tragedy turned Walker McCaw from bachelor cowboy to guardian of his late best friend’s three children. Now they’re living on a new horse farm—and it’s a disaster. Trisha Campbell’s arrival couldn’t come at a better time. Together, they’ll need to work to save the struggling farm. But it takes more than hard work to make a family. It takes courage and love… (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin)
Muskoka Holiday Morsels by Carolyn Miller -- Muskoka Christmas Morsels is a collection of short romance stories with holiday and Christmas themes, perfect for a cozy read. Meet some new friends and catch up with some Muskoka favorites, and discover romance in the holiday season in this collection of bite-sized stories filled with hope, heart, humor, and all the feels. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Repairing Hearts by Julie Arduini -- Ryan, the independent, brooding second oldest of the Hart sextuplets, can’t enjoy the solitude he craves when he agrees to star on a reality show. The plan is to discover a project manager to renovate his hole of a property. The show reveals that it's more about Ryan’s dating life. Can he keep his guard up when everything around him is falling apart faster than the shingles on his roof? BJ Wallace loves her quiet life in Wisconsin that she’s created far from her traumatic childhood. Everything changes when she learns she's competing on Repairing Ryan's Heart. As the show focuses more on Ryan than the house, BJ falls for him. Will she win the show and destroy Ryan with her secret, or sacrifice her heart to protect Ryan? (Contemporary Romance from Surrendered Scribe Media)
The Cowgirl’s Last Rodeo by Tabitha Bouldin -- She left home to chase her dreams. Now she’s back seeking a second chance…When Callie Wade’s horse goes blind, there's only one man who can save her barrel racing career. Brody Jacobs is the best horse trainer she knows—if he’s willing to help. She broke his heart when she left him behind to go after rodeo stardom. This time, will they put their hearts on the line to reach the championship…and a future together? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin)
Wooing the Widower by Elle E. Kay -- Margie, a successful Colorado realtor, finds herself looking for a change of scenery and a dash of adventure after her only daughter embarks on a missionary journey, so she heads to Redemption Ranch to fulfill a long-held dream: learning to ride horses. Meanwhile, Chaz, having swapped his tailored suits and executive boardrooms for the 'aromatic' allure of horse manure, relishes his new life at Redemption Ranch. The retired businessman and former CEO of Freedom Mountaineering now assists his brother on the ranch, his days filled with hard work, peaceful solitude, and bittersweet memories. When Margie arrives at Redemption Ranch, their lives intersect in the most unexpected of ways. Amid horse rides and starlit conversations, they discover companionship and the tender buds of love in their twilight years. As Margie explores this unexpected turn of her adventure, will she find a love she hadn't planned for? And can Chaz see Margie as a vibrant woman with shared passions and dreams rather than simply his son's mother-in-law? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
General Contemporary:
Carol of the Rooms by Diana Leagh Matthews -- Driven. Divisive. Dissonant. Terri Neely is propelled by greed and ambition. She refuses to let anyone—except for her beloved Gramps—past her hard exterior. Long ago, her faith waivered, and her love of music turned to hate. That is until an accident forces her to view the soundtrack of her life as she visits her past, present, and future. Can the songs in Terri’s life change her heart and restore her faith before it’s too late? (General Contemporary from Elk Lake Publishing) General Historical:
Crushed Hopes and Hopeful Beginnings by Carol Ashby -- Can God work all things for good if you don’t even think he’s real?Lusario was content in Cyrene as part of the Philandros household. After he returns from serving the youngest son, Diokles, while he studies in Alexandria, Lusario expects to become a paid tutor for his master, earning the money to buy his freedom. But when Diokles uses him to pay a gambling debt, he must go to Carthago as the slave of a man who hates him. His once-bright future is gone forever. So why does his Christian friend Timon insist things will turn out so much better than he expects? But Carthago brings new people, like Caelus Martinus, and new possibilities into Lusario’s hopeless world. Could Timon be right? When Lusario sees a chance to escape his fate, will going for it give him a future again, or only hasten his death? (General Historical from Cerillo Press)Historical Romance:
The Lamp by Edwina Kiernan -- Beatrice Beckwith is an orphaned young lady living with her aunt. On the brink of her deepest wish coming true, her plans unexpectedly collapse. Then, a startling discovery and an outbreak of cholera set in motion a series of catastrophic events, plunging her into even bleaker darkness. Isaac Taylor is forced to leave Miss Beckwith just as he's arranged a meeting to propose. His deceased great-uncle's derelict house needs restoration. But dust is not his only enemy, and a web of secrets soon entangles him. Kept apart against their wills, Beatrice and Isaac must navigate deadly illness, family deception, and scheming neighbors, yearning for the time they’ll be reunited. But as they each face their darkest moments, they’ll endure more devastation than ever before. Can joy once again be found, or will dangerous circumstances extinguish its light—and their very lives? (Historical Romance from Moliant Publishing)Mystery:
Six Days Spent by Luana Ehrlich -- When private investigator Mylas Gray gets a call from the wife of a high-powered Pentagon official, he assumes it’s about her appointment to discuss a possible stalker. It’s not. It’s about her husband – he’s just been murdered. Mylas agrees to investigate the murder, even though he's supposed to help Whitney find a place to live in the next six days. Can he do both? As it turns out, finding a murderer and finding a house have a lot in common. (Mystery, Independently Published)
True Blue Christmas by Susan Page Davis -- New neighbors, cryptic Christmas cards, and jury duty. What next? Campbell McBride is juggling her new role as a private investigator with her slightly wacky personal life. Can she and her dad figure out who stashed a valuable painting in their client’s attic? And is the murder of an egocentric landlord somehow connected? (Mystery from Scrivening’s Press) Romance:
[image error] Gifts of the Season by Deborah Raney -- THEN: Inspired by a family Christmas tradition of the author’s family, "Circle of Blessings" is set in Dakota Territory in 1864. Stella Bradford is determined to win the love of James Collingwood, her English professor at the university where Stella is studying to be an architect. But the object of Stella’s affection hides a dark secret from his past. And even if Stella could capture James's attention, she is certain her father would not approve of the match. But neither James nor Stella has an inkling that his secret is woven into her own past in a way that will ultimately bring blessing to them both—if only he dares to reveal it. NOW: “Measured with Love” is a contemporary tale set in a Mississippi River town in Southeast Missouri. Benjie Gabriel believes the chef’s position she’s just taken at an award-winning bed and breakfast is temporary—only a stepping stone to greater things. The B&B’s owner, Trevor Keye, thinks the same and—given the haughty attitude of his new chef—that’s fine with him. Will five months be long enough for them to figure out that what they’ve each been longing for, praying for, is right beneath their noses? (Romance, Independently Published)
The Hope of Christmasa> by Carol James -- Cameron Blake has everything a man could want. Or so it appears. But in the dark of night, the contents of an old manila envelope remind him that the one thing he truly wants is beyond his reach. Kristin Hansen returns home after a messy break-up. While her parents think she' s returned to recuperate after surgery on a broken arm, she' s actually escaping from an abusive relationship.When the pastor of a local church recruits Kristin and Cameron to supervise the building of the church' s float for the upcoming Christmas parade, their hidden secrets are exposed. Cam sees in Kristin what he truly desires... but knows he can never have. As Christmas nears, can Kristin help him find the thing that' s eluded him all these years? The one thing his heart truly desires? Hope (Romance from White Rose Publishing/Pelican) Thriller/Suspense/Romantic:
12 Days by Heidi Glick -- Scott Newton retires from the sheriff's office after a fellow officer is killed. Wracked by sorrow and the need for justice, Scott grows distant from his girlfriend, aspiring crime writer, Lindsay Billings. But, when Lindsay goes missing, and Scott discovers her research on the missing person cases thought to be the work of a serial murderer known as the Christmas Killer, Scott vows to find her at all costs. Police have never found the bodies of the people who went missing many Christmases ago, and Lindsay won't become just another statistic. Then, someone kills again in Blanchardville. Police locate a corpse atop one of seven inflatable swans on a pond, and another body in a pear tree. Scott receives odd texts from Lindsay's phone and deduces they're from the killer.In order to save Lindsay, Scott agrees to meet the madman and play his game. As time runs out, Scott must learn to trust in God again, no matter what. (Thriller/Suspense/Romantic from Harbourlight Books/Pelican)
Beneath the Surface by Melanie D. Snicker -- As the county's chief medical examiner, many of the bodies coming into the morgue hold a mystery that Genevieve "Eve" Marks is determined to solve. In discovering what happened to the victims in her care, she can be their voice when they are no longer able to speak for themselves. Until one particular body includes a message challenging her to examine the past and solve a puzzle before the killer strikes again. Detective John Paris is leading a murder investigation that's going nowhere. What he desperately needs is a break in the case. Unfortunately, that break comes in the form of another body that is obviously tied to the first. Even more disturbing than the idea that he may have a serial killer on his hands is the fact that the beautiful Eve Marks seems to be a target. (Thriller/Suspense/Romantic, Independently Published)
Deadly Sabotage by Elizabeth Goddard -- A fatal explosion hides a lethal conspiracy.After barely escaping a lab explosion that kills her boss, microbiologist Kinsley Langell discovers that the blast was no accident—someone intentionally set off a bomb. With a target on her back and the police compromised, Kinsley must rely on her ex, protection specialist Brett Honor, to help investigate the crime. But someone won’t stop until she’s silenced—this time permanently. Can Kinsley and Brett uncover the culprit before hired killers finish the job? (Thriller/Suspense/Romantic from Love Inspired Suspense/Harlequin)
K-9 National Park Defenders by Sheree Stover and Katy Lee -- Peril at Christmas awaits… in these gripping Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit novellas. A Christmas skiing retreat turns treacherous when Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit officer Veronica Eastwood’s sister is kidnapped—and only rival officer Parker Walsh can help her in Katy Lee’s Yuletide Ransom. And in Sharee Stover’s explosive Holiday Rescue Countdown, K-9 officers Dylan Jeong and Brandie Weller must race against the clock when they face a Christmas parade bomb threat…and a killer from Dylan’s past. (Thriller/Suspense/Romantic from Love Inspired Suspense/Harlequin)Young Adult:
Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton -- In a world on the brink of revolution, where the iron fist of the Imperium orchestrates every destiny...Seventeen-year-old Lexi refuses to bow to a future with an assigned spouse and a dictated profession. A fiery spirit of defiance burns within her, ready to ignite a revolt. But destiny has other plans. When tragedy unveils a hidden diary—a legacy of secrets and rebellion—Lexi is thrust into the perilous shadows of the elusive rebel group Y. In a whirlpool of danger, deceit, and forbidden alliances, every revelation blurs the lines between friend and foe, making trust the ultimate weapon in a battle for truth. Caught between duty and a yearning for freedom, Lexi navigates a treacherous path where love and loyalty are tested at every turn. Who can she trust in a world where betrayal lurks in the shadows? As the foundations of the Imperium tremble, Lexi battles not only for her world but for the person she is destined to become. (Young Adult, Two Oaks Publishing)Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
A Country Christmas Lisa Carter, When a series of disasters threaten to derail their grandparents’ big day, will these two opposites put aside their differences…and find their own happily-ever-after? (Contemporary Romance)
A Mistletoe Christmas Davalynn Spencer, When writer Georgia Andrew’s handsome, widowed pastor takes more than a passing interest in her, she wonders if there is hope in her real life for a second-chance romance. (Contemporary Romance)
A Morgan Family Christmas Ruth Kyser, A Morgan Family Christmas is a peek into the past of Samuel Clemens Morgan, Jackson and Mary Byrd, and the rest of the Morgan family. (General Contemporary)
Beneath a Michigan Moon Candice Sue Patterson , Will they open their hearts and give in to the stormy attraction brewing between them, or will illuminated secrets tear them apart? (Historical Romance)
Hashtag Hitched at Christmas Cathe Swanson, Who knew that meeting of their minds would spark a meeting of the lips? (Contemporary Romance)
Holiday Menace Sarah Hamaker, et. al., Lives are in danger when menacing pressures threaten to derail Christmas in this heart-pounding suspense—plus a little romance—collection of 10 brand-new novellas from some of the genre's most popular Christian romantic suspense authors! (Thriller/Suspense/Romantic)
Julia Monroe Begins Againa> Rebekash Millet, It seems inevitable that the man who was hard to forget might just be impossible to resist. (Contemporary Romance)
Offsides Lori Z. Scott, When an older man seems to be grooming Dani's neighbor, Dani determines to do whatever she can to keep the girl safe. But she must watch her back, or she could become the next victim. (Young Adult)
The Kidnapped Groom Susan Page Davis, Can Sam help the Piner family? And might God have a future planned for him that is far different from what he imagined? (General Historical)
November 1, 2023
Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Edwina Kiernan!
Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Edwina Kiernan!
What was your inspiration for the story?
The main theme of this novel is joy.
So, as I reflected on that, I realized that the best way to tell the story of Beatrice and Isaac would be to make sure the lamp of joy would shine brightly amidst the darkness of sorrow. In 1849, England was experiencing another outbreak of cholera, so it all seemed to tie together well, and from there, I plotted each character’s circumstances, trials and triumphs.
If your book is part of a series: Did you set out to write a series? Why did you decide to write a series?
Yes, I planned out the series overview before I started writing the books. For this series, Victorian Virtues, each novel has as its central theme one of the aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
I decided to write a series so that I could explore each of these themes in the context of the overarching theme, and because I, as well as most of the readers I know, enjoy spending time in multiple books featuring shared settings and characters.
Through this series, readers can visit a large cast of characters (a lot of whom recur in each book), in the fictional setting of Lindenfell, England, in the late 1840s and early 1850s. Even though the reading experience will be richer for those who read the whole series, each book can also be read as a standalone.
What draws you to the time period about which you write?
I love the fortitude and milieu of the mid-Victorian era. It was a time filled with great innovation and
Pixabay/Anna Veronikainvention, yet it did not have all the bells and whistles -- and downright distractions -- that our world has today.
Whether it be clothing, art, architecture, or indeed most aspects of life at the time, more care was taken to do things well, and to communicate the beauty and sincerity that reflects how society ought to be.
Why do you write in your particular genre?
I’ve always been a fan of period dramas, historical literature and happily-ever-afters, so it was quite a natural fit. But the main reason I write Christian historical romance is because I believe that the true hero of all our stories is Jesus, and there is much scope both in historical fiction and romance in which to explore the big questions of life, love and loss, and to discuss and display the truth of God’s word and the atonement which only Jesus can offer.
What is your process for writing? (do you outline, have a special place or time of day you write, etc.) What is your favorite part of the process?
Once I have an idea for a story, I work out the characters first: who they are now, what happened to them in the past, where they want to be in the future. Once I’ve answered those questions, I’ll plot out the major plot points and then the minor plot points, then start writing. Sometimes, events and characters change a little as I write, but I usually stick relatively closely to the plot work I’ve done, and I spend a fair bit of time working the story out before writing anything, which allows me to write the drafts quite quickly. I homeschool in the mornings, so after lunch I head up to my office and write until it’s time for dinner. I’m not sure if I have one particular favorite part of the process — I really enjoy each stage!
What is your advice to fledgling writers?
Pixabay/Valerio ErraniFigure out your ‘why’ — why do you want to write at all? Why do you want to write in your genre? Why do you want to tell a particular story? If you can answer those questions, you will be more likely to endure the inevitable doubt and disillusionment that can creep in when things get tough. Also, practice makes perfect — keep writing. Get feedback from someone who knows what they’re talking about and who understands all the ins and outs. Take their advice on board. Never think that you can do it all alone — you can’t, and you don’t have to. The writing community is a friendly place, and those of us a little farther along are always happy to advise and encourage those who are just starting out. And, if you’re certain that writing is what you’re supposed to do — do it, and never give up.
What writers or books have influenced you?
Too many to list! But some of the big ones are Anne Bronte, C. S. Lewis, Charles Dickens, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Anthony Hope — each of their stories are masterclasses in plot, characters and prose!
What is your next project?
I am currently working on a top secret novella which is part of a multi-author series (details to be revealed soon), and am also working on Book 3 of the Victorian Virtues series, The Library. The best way to keep up to date with my projects is to sign up for my weekly newsletter, which also features book recommendations, giveaways, fun stuff, freebies, encouragement and a free book! Sign up at: https://edwinakiernan.com/freebook
BOOK BLURB:
Will God hear their cries and grant them a future together, or will deadly occurrences tear them apart forever?
England, 1849. Beatrice Beckwith is an orphaned young lady living with her aunt. On the brink of her deepest wish coming true, her plans unexpectedly collapse. Then, a startling discovery and an outbreak of cholera set in motion a series of catastrophic events, plunging her into even bleaker darkness.
Isaac Taylor is forced to leave Miss Beckwith just as he's arranged a meeting to propose. His deceased great-uncle's derelict house needs restoration. But dust is not his only enemy, and a web of secrets soon entangles him.
Kept apart against their wills, Beatrice and Isaac must navigate deadly illness, family deception, and scheming neighbours, yearning for the time they’ll be reunited. But as they each face their darkest moments, they’ll endure more devastation than ever before.
Can joy once again be found, or will dangerous circumstances extinguish its light—and their very lives?
Brimming with faith and intrigue, this Christian Victorian romance from award-winning author Edwina Kiernan will encourage and delight you long after you turn the last page.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3FA4FmE
AUTHOR BIO:
Edwina Kiernan is the Christian author of six novels, four of which are award-winning. An enthusiast of classic novels and history, Edwina combines her faith, imagination and research in hope-infused tales set in times past. A lifelong word admirer, with Welsh and Irish heritage, she started writing stories early in childhood. She is a committed follower of Jesus (the Living Word), and endeavors to use her pen to point others to Him. When she’s not writing, Edwina loves spending time with her dashing husband and lively little son, reading and studying the Bible, getting lost in a captivating novel and drinking more types of tea than most people realize even exist.
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Instagram: https://instagram.com/edwinakiernan
What was your inspiration for the story?The main theme of this novel is joy.
So, as I reflected on that, I realized that the best way to tell the story of Beatrice and Isaac would be to make sure the lamp of joy would shine brightly amidst the darkness of sorrow. In 1849, England was experiencing another outbreak of cholera, so it all seemed to tie together well, and from there, I plotted each character’s circumstances, trials and triumphs.
If your book is part of a series: Did you set out to write a series? Why did you decide to write a series?
Yes, I planned out the series overview before I started writing the books. For this series, Victorian Virtues, each novel has as its central theme one of the aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
I decided to write a series so that I could explore each of these themes in the context of the overarching theme, and because I, as well as most of the readers I know, enjoy spending time in multiple books featuring shared settings and characters.
Through this series, readers can visit a large cast of characters (a lot of whom recur in each book), in the fictional setting of Lindenfell, England, in the late 1840s and early 1850s. Even though the reading experience will be richer for those who read the whole series, each book can also be read as a standalone.
What draws you to the time period about which you write?
I love the fortitude and milieu of the mid-Victorian era. It was a time filled with great innovation and
Pixabay/Anna Veronikainvention, yet it did not have all the bells and whistles -- and downright distractions -- that our world has today. Whether it be clothing, art, architecture, or indeed most aspects of life at the time, more care was taken to do things well, and to communicate the beauty and sincerity that reflects how society ought to be.
Why do you write in your particular genre?
I’ve always been a fan of period dramas, historical literature and happily-ever-afters, so it was quite a natural fit. But the main reason I write Christian historical romance is because I believe that the true hero of all our stories is Jesus, and there is much scope both in historical fiction and romance in which to explore the big questions of life, love and loss, and to discuss and display the truth of God’s word and the atonement which only Jesus can offer.
What is your process for writing? (do you outline, have a special place or time of day you write, etc.) What is your favorite part of the process?
Once I have an idea for a story, I work out the characters first: who they are now, what happened to them in the past, where they want to be in the future. Once I’ve answered those questions, I’ll plot out the major plot points and then the minor plot points, then start writing. Sometimes, events and characters change a little as I write, but I usually stick relatively closely to the plot work I’ve done, and I spend a fair bit of time working the story out before writing anything, which allows me to write the drafts quite quickly. I homeschool in the mornings, so after lunch I head up to my office and write until it’s time for dinner. I’m not sure if I have one particular favorite part of the process — I really enjoy each stage!
What is your advice to fledgling writers?
Pixabay/Valerio ErraniFigure out your ‘why’ — why do you want to write at all? Why do you want to write in your genre? Why do you want to tell a particular story? If you can answer those questions, you will be more likely to endure the inevitable doubt and disillusionment that can creep in when things get tough. Also, practice makes perfect — keep writing. Get feedback from someone who knows what they’re talking about and who understands all the ins and outs. Take their advice on board. Never think that you can do it all alone — you can’t, and you don’t have to. The writing community is a friendly place, and those of us a little farther along are always happy to advise and encourage those who are just starting out. And, if you’re certain that writing is what you’re supposed to do — do it, and never give up.What writers or books have influenced you?
Too many to list! But some of the big ones are Anne Bronte, C. S. Lewis, Charles Dickens, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Anthony Hope — each of their stories are masterclasses in plot, characters and prose!
What is your next project?
I am currently working on a top secret novella which is part of a multi-author series (details to be revealed soon), and am also working on Book 3 of the Victorian Virtues series, The Library. The best way to keep up to date with my projects is to sign up for my weekly newsletter, which also features book recommendations, giveaways, fun stuff, freebies, encouragement and a free book! Sign up at: https://edwinakiernan.com/freebook
BOOK BLURB:
Will God hear their cries and grant them a future together, or will deadly occurrences tear them apart forever?England, 1849. Beatrice Beckwith is an orphaned young lady living with her aunt. On the brink of her deepest wish coming true, her plans unexpectedly collapse. Then, a startling discovery and an outbreak of cholera set in motion a series of catastrophic events, plunging her into even bleaker darkness.
Isaac Taylor is forced to leave Miss Beckwith just as he's arranged a meeting to propose. His deceased great-uncle's derelict house needs restoration. But dust is not his only enemy, and a web of secrets soon entangles him.
Kept apart against their wills, Beatrice and Isaac must navigate deadly illness, family deception, and scheming neighbours, yearning for the time they’ll be reunited. But as they each face their darkest moments, they’ll endure more devastation than ever before.
Can joy once again be found, or will dangerous circumstances extinguish its light—and their very lives?
Brimming with faith and intrigue, this Christian Victorian romance from award-winning author Edwina Kiernan will encourage and delight you long after you turn the last page.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3FA4FmE
AUTHOR BIO:
Edwina Kiernan is the Christian author of six novels, four of which are award-winning. An enthusiast of classic novels and history, Edwina combines her faith, imagination and research in hope-infused tales set in times past. A lifelong word admirer, with Welsh and Irish heritage, she started writing stories early in childhood. She is a committed follower of Jesus (the Living Word), and endeavors to use her pen to point others to Him. When she’s not writing, Edwina loves spending time with her dashing husband and lively little son, reading and studying the Bible, getting lost in a captivating novel and drinking more types of tea than most people realize even exist.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
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Twitter / X: https://x.com/EdwinaKiernanHQ
Facebook: https://facebook.com/edwinakiernan
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October 25, 2023
Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Sarah Hanks!
Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Sarah Hanks!
What was your inspiration for the story?
Fall Back and Find Me is a split-time novel that deals with chronic illness, namely POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). I personally suffered from POTS for about seven years before the Lord healed me. In this dark night of my soul, when I was so sick I couldn’t even get out of bed, it felt like everything was being stripped away from me. I couldn’t envision a future for myself, nor did I conceive how my broken life was worth living. But there in the shadows, the Lord showed Himself faithful. Before He healed my body, He did a great work in my heart. He’d been asking me to write about it for a while, and I finally did.
The historical storyline follows another secret female Civil War solider (like my last book A Battle Worth Fighting) only this time the setting is Missouri, and the soldier suffers from what they used to call “irritable heart” or “DaCosta’s Syndrome”, which has many similarities to POTS today. I remembered hearing about irritable heart when I was first diagnosed with POTS, and I was eager to dive into learning more. The fact that many soldiers came down with it during the Civil War intrigued me and fit perfectly into my story.
What sort of research did you do for your story, and was there an exceptionally interesting tidbit you knew you had to include?
I read a lot about female Civil War soldiers for both A Battle Worth Fighting and Fall Back and Find Me. Their tales fascinate me. For Fall Back and Find Me I also did much research on guerillas and guerilla hunters in the Civil War as well as the war in Missouri specifically. I’m a Missouri girl, yet I’d never researched what happened in my own state. I actually lived right down the street from the Missouri Civil War Museum and yet had never been until I went when researching for the book. There is so much rich history that many don’t know about in my state. I was excited to share it with the world.
Have you ever considered writing under a pseudonym? Why or why not?
I never have. I’m rather transparent. Hello, this is me. Take me or leave me, but I’m not hiding.
How are your characters like you? Different?
Fall Back and Find Me is different than my other novels in that it is basically my story in fictionalized form. As such, I drew heavily from my own experience when writing Amber’s POV. However, Amber has a different wound than I and she was shaped by different life experiences. Her personality isn’t an exact replica of mine. I had to take all of this into account as I wrote, which meant quite a lot of sifting through thoughts and feelings. The part that flowed easily from me was Amber’s reaction to her diagnosis and illness and the feelings of loneliness and powerlessness that accompanied it. That came straight from my history, a tender yet mostly healed place.
Lily is another modern-day POV character in the novel. Although I didn’t base this character off of myself, I do relate to her in a few ways. Her life experience with a large family, as well as with children with special needs, more closely mirrors my own day-to-day.
If you were to write a spin-off book about one of your secondary characters, which one would you choose and why?
I’ve had requests to write a spin-off about Lily. Readers have found her to be relatable and interesting. They want to know what happens next! I’m not sure if I ever will do so, but I’ll keep it in mind.
Why do you write in your particular genre?
I love writing split-time. It’s my favorite genre to read and write. History fascinates me, but it’s the implications the past has on the present that intrigue me the most. How has what happened back then impacted what’s happening right now? What’s the cause and effect? How do the choices we make matter and ripple throughout time? There’s something about the concept of legacy and heritage that pulls at me. We are interconnected in a way we can’t comprehend. The Lord, in His wisdom, sets our times and boundaries and intersects our lives with each other in such a magnificent tapestry. Writing split-time allows me to explore that aspect of His nature, which I find delightful.
How does/did your job prepare you for being a novelist?
Before I was a writer, I was a teacher. I taught children of all ages in children’s ministry. Before that I
Pixabay/12019taught preschool. I love learning information and then passing it on to others. That’s exactly what I do with writing. I research fascinating information, figure out how to weave it into story, and then pass it on. It’s basically the same skill set, only less overt.
What is one thing you wish you could do?
Eat unlimited chips and salsa and ice cream (not together) and not gain weight.
How do you celebrate when you finish a manuscript?
When I finish a manuscript, I take the family out to ice cream. I may have been the one who wrote the words, but my husband and children were the ones to give me the time and space to do so. They put up with me talking through story ideas, complaining when my characters went rogue, sneaking away to write, and going to writing meetings and conferences. They all deserve a treat.
What books are on your nightstand right now?
An Appalachian Song by Michelle Shocklee is on my nightstand. I mostly listen to audiobooks, though, so a fairer question would be what’s in my audiobook queue. That would include Charles Martin’s The Letter Keeper, Bethany Turner’s Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other, and Rachel Scott McDaniel’s Undercurrent of Secrets.
What is your next project?
My next project is a novel honoring my grandfather called New Creations. My grandpa had a barber shop most of his life by that name. Almost everyone who knows him will attest that he’s the most entertaining person they know. This novel centers around the shop and the man behind the chair.
About Fall Back and Find Me
Two resilient women separated by over 150 years are linked forever by their challenges, values, and determination.
Amber Prichard is thriving in her role as pastor’s wife, mom, and indispensable church volunteer—until chronic illness threatens to upend everything. Now unable to prove her value, she is forced to reevaluate how she defines herself. Inspired by an ancestor’s faded journal and heirlooms, she must work with her arch-nemesis if she wants to accomplish what is now impossible on her own.
Faced with the turmoil of the Civil War, Willow Forrester didn’t intend to illegally enlist in the Union Army as a secret female soldier. She only wanted to escape her father’s tyranny and follow her brother into the throes of adventure. When she comes face to face with the leader of a guerilla army, her health and insecurities threaten to shatter her heroism and render her powerless.
As their opposition threatens to overtake them, these two women must find their strength and identity to defeat impossible odds.
Website: www.sarah-hanks.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/authorsarahhanks
Instagram: http://instagram.com/authorsarahhanks
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sarah-Hanks/author/B08SC2GPF7
Bookbub:https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sarah-hanksGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/836309.Sarah_Hanks
What was your inspiration for the story?Fall Back and Find Me is a split-time novel that deals with chronic illness, namely POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). I personally suffered from POTS for about seven years before the Lord healed me. In this dark night of my soul, when I was so sick I couldn’t even get out of bed, it felt like everything was being stripped away from me. I couldn’t envision a future for myself, nor did I conceive how my broken life was worth living. But there in the shadows, the Lord showed Himself faithful. Before He healed my body, He did a great work in my heart. He’d been asking me to write about it for a while, and I finally did.
The historical storyline follows another secret female Civil War solider (like my last book A Battle Worth Fighting) only this time the setting is Missouri, and the soldier suffers from what they used to call “irritable heart” or “DaCosta’s Syndrome”, which has many similarities to POTS today. I remembered hearing about irritable heart when I was first diagnosed with POTS, and I was eager to dive into learning more. The fact that many soldiers came down with it during the Civil War intrigued me and fit perfectly into my story.
What sort of research did you do for your story, and was there an exceptionally interesting tidbit you knew you had to include?
I read a lot about female Civil War soldiers for both A Battle Worth Fighting and Fall Back and Find Me. Their tales fascinate me. For Fall Back and Find Me I also did much research on guerillas and guerilla hunters in the Civil War as well as the war in Missouri specifically. I’m a Missouri girl, yet I’d never researched what happened in my own state. I actually lived right down the street from the Missouri Civil War Museum and yet had never been until I went when researching for the book. There is so much rich history that many don’t know about in my state. I was excited to share it with the world.
Have you ever considered writing under a pseudonym? Why or why not?
I never have. I’m rather transparent. Hello, this is me. Take me or leave me, but I’m not hiding.
How are your characters like you? Different?
Fall Back and Find Me is different than my other novels in that it is basically my story in fictionalized form. As such, I drew heavily from my own experience when writing Amber’s POV. However, Amber has a different wound than I and she was shaped by different life experiences. Her personality isn’t an exact replica of mine. I had to take all of this into account as I wrote, which meant quite a lot of sifting through thoughts and feelings. The part that flowed easily from me was Amber’s reaction to her diagnosis and illness and the feelings of loneliness and powerlessness that accompanied it. That came straight from my history, a tender yet mostly healed place.
Lily is another modern-day POV character in the novel. Although I didn’t base this character off of myself, I do relate to her in a few ways. Her life experience with a large family, as well as with children with special needs, more closely mirrors my own day-to-day.
If you were to write a spin-off book about one of your secondary characters, which one would you choose and why?
I’ve had requests to write a spin-off about Lily. Readers have found her to be relatable and interesting. They want to know what happens next! I’m not sure if I ever will do so, but I’ll keep it in mind.
Why do you write in your particular genre?
I love writing split-time. It’s my favorite genre to read and write. History fascinates me, but it’s the implications the past has on the present that intrigue me the most. How has what happened back then impacted what’s happening right now? What’s the cause and effect? How do the choices we make matter and ripple throughout time? There’s something about the concept of legacy and heritage that pulls at me. We are interconnected in a way we can’t comprehend. The Lord, in His wisdom, sets our times and boundaries and intersects our lives with each other in such a magnificent tapestry. Writing split-time allows me to explore that aspect of His nature, which I find delightful.
How does/did your job prepare you for being a novelist?
Before I was a writer, I was a teacher. I taught children of all ages in children’s ministry. Before that I
Pixabay/12019taught preschool. I love learning information and then passing it on to others. That’s exactly what I do with writing. I research fascinating information, figure out how to weave it into story, and then pass it on. It’s basically the same skill set, only less overt. What is one thing you wish you could do?
Eat unlimited chips and salsa and ice cream (not together) and not gain weight.
How do you celebrate when you finish a manuscript?
When I finish a manuscript, I take the family out to ice cream. I may have been the one who wrote the words, but my husband and children were the ones to give me the time and space to do so. They put up with me talking through story ideas, complaining when my characters went rogue, sneaking away to write, and going to writing meetings and conferences. They all deserve a treat.
What books are on your nightstand right now?
An Appalachian Song by Michelle Shocklee is on my nightstand. I mostly listen to audiobooks, though, so a fairer question would be what’s in my audiobook queue. That would include Charles Martin’s The Letter Keeper, Bethany Turner’s Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other, and Rachel Scott McDaniel’s Undercurrent of Secrets.
What is your next project?
My next project is a novel honoring my grandfather called New Creations. My grandpa had a barber shop most of his life by that name. Almost everyone who knows him will attest that he’s the most entertaining person they know. This novel centers around the shop and the man behind the chair.
About Fall Back and Find Me
Two resilient women separated by over 150 years are linked forever by their challenges, values, and determination.Amber Prichard is thriving in her role as pastor’s wife, mom, and indispensable church volunteer—until chronic illness threatens to upend everything. Now unable to prove her value, she is forced to reevaluate how she defines herself. Inspired by an ancestor’s faded journal and heirlooms, she must work with her arch-nemesis if she wants to accomplish what is now impossible on her own.
Faced with the turmoil of the Civil War, Willow Forrester didn’t intend to illegally enlist in the Union Army as a secret female soldier. She only wanted to escape her father’s tyranny and follow her brother into the throes of adventure. When she comes face to face with the leader of a guerilla army, her health and insecurities threaten to shatter her heroism and render her powerless.
As their opposition threatens to overtake them, these two women must find their strength and identity to defeat impossible odds.
Website: www.sarah-hanks.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/authorsarahhanks
Instagram: http://instagram.com/authorsarahhanks
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sarah-Hanks/author/B08SC2GPF7
Bookbub:https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sarah-hanksGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/836309.Sarah_Hanks
October 24, 2023
Wartime Wednesday: WWII Gingerbread People Cookies
Wartime Wednesday: Gingerbread People Cookies
Pixabay/artistlike
Even though it's still October, Christmas wrap, decorations, and other associated items are in the shops and Christmas-themed books are being released by many authors. Because we go away each year for Christmas, I do very little decorating in our home, BUT I do love to bake. I love sweets and would have found it challenging to go without desserts during World War II when sugar and other ingredients used for making goodies were rationed and/or difficult to obtain.
One of the desserts I think of when Christmas comes to mind is cookies. Snickerdoodles, chocolate chip, pumpkin cookies, and GINGERBREAD MEN, although I guess nowadays, it's more correct to say Gingerbread People. So without further ado, here is a fun and easy WWII recipe for this yummy treat:
Mix the flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of hot water. Mix well and set aside to thicken.Melt butter, sugar and golden syrup in a pan on a low heat stirring slowly until all runny and melted. Set this aside in a mixing bowl to cool down a bit.Stir in the flaxseed mixture thoroughly.Add in the sieved flour, bicarbonate of soda, pinch of salt and all the spices and mix until a smooth dough is formed.Wrap or place in container and chill in fridge for 30 minutes.Heat oven to 350 degrees (180C for non-U.S. bakers)Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface to about 0.5cm and start stamping out the gingerbread.Place on parchment paper on a baking tray.Cook for about 15 minutes (slightly more or less according to your oven)Remove from oven when cooked. Leave on sheet to cool down for 15 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack. Once fully cold then you can keep in an airtight container for about a week or so.Decorate with icing sugar when fully cold. If no icing sugar is available dent the dough before cooking to form eyes, mouth and buttons! Or just decorate with anything you’ve got!Makes about 12 large gingerbread people.
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A Merry Heart: An Anthology - coming November 7, 2023
Experience the magic of Christmas in this heartwarming anthology featuring ten talented authors, as they weave enchanting tales of clean and Christian romance. Delight in the spirit of the season, where love, faith, and miracles come together to create unforgettable holiday moments.All proceeds from this anthology will be donated to a life pregnancy center to be announced soon!
My novella, War's Unexpected Gift features Nurse Gwen Milford from A Doctor in the House. I thought she deserved her own story.
Pre-order link (only $0.99!): https://amzn.to/3Q166iG
October 23, 2023
Traveling Tuesday: Alderney During WWII
Traveling Tuesday: Alderney and WWII
WikiImageContinuing in my series about the German occupation of the Channel Islands, today we’re going to visit Alderney, the northernmost of the inhabited islands. With an area of three square miles, it is the third largest of the Channel Islands. The origin of the island’s name is obscure with several theories associated with it.
Led by the bailiff, Judge French, almost the entire population of Alderney evacuated when the notification came about the invasion. One report indicates that eighteen people refused to leave the island, but boats from Guernsey came and retrieved the majority of them. The Germans arrived on a nearly deserted island.
The island was used to grow food to supply the troops and islanders, but the main use of the troops and
Pixabay/herb1979subsequent labor force was to fortify the island as part of Hitler’s “Atlantic Wall.” By 1942, four camps (two labor, and two concentration) had been built to house POWs and Jewish slave laborers. According to multiple sources, several hundred of the approximately 6,000 prisoners died before the rest were moved to France in 1944, however, others claim there were significantly more inmates and a higher death count. Most of the records were destroyed therefore, exact numbers are unavailable. The camps are not preserved or commemorated.
During the war, primarily after Normandy, the island was occasionally blockaded by the Royal Navy resulting in hunger and privation. Negotiations enabled some Red Cross humanitarian aid, but indications are that the German troops were near starvation.
Courtesy: visitalderney.comAlderney was surrendered by the Germans on May 16, 1945, eight days after the Allies received the formal unconditional surrender of the German High Command, however, the remaining two thousand prisoners were not removed until four days later. Under British military supervision, the remaining five hundred German soldiers cleaned up the island, including the removal of more than 30,000 mines.
When the Alderney citizens returned in December 1945, they were dismayed to find many houses in disrepair, the Germans having burned anything wooden for fuel. Having evacuated, the islanders were saved, but it was months before their homes and businesses would recover from the devastation.
___________________
Francine’s Foibles
She's given up hope. He never had any. Will they find it together?
World War II is finally over, and America is extra grateful as the country approaches this year’s Thanksgiving. But for Francine life hasn’t changed. Despite working at Fort Meade processing the paperwork for the thousands of men who have returned home, she’s still lonely and very single. Is she destined for spinsterhood?
Grateful that his parents anglicized the family surname after emigrating to the United States after the Great War, first-generation German-American Ray Fisher has done all he can to hide his heritage. He managed to make it through this second “war to end all wars,” but what American woman would want to marry into a German family. Must he leave the country to find wedded bliss?
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3LrRasj
WikiImageContinuing in my series about the German occupation of the Channel Islands, today we’re going to visit Alderney, the northernmost of the inhabited islands. With an area of three square miles, it is the third largest of the Channel Islands. The origin of the island’s name is obscure with several theories associated with it.Led by the bailiff, Judge French, almost the entire population of Alderney evacuated when the notification came about the invasion. One report indicates that eighteen people refused to leave the island, but boats from Guernsey came and retrieved the majority of them. The Germans arrived on a nearly deserted island.
The island was used to grow food to supply the troops and islanders, but the main use of the troops and
Pixabay/herb1979subsequent labor force was to fortify the island as part of Hitler’s “Atlantic Wall.” By 1942, four camps (two labor, and two concentration) had been built to house POWs and Jewish slave laborers. According to multiple sources, several hundred of the approximately 6,000 prisoners died before the rest were moved to France in 1944, however, others claim there were significantly more inmates and a higher death count. Most of the records were destroyed therefore, exact numbers are unavailable. The camps are not preserved or commemorated.During the war, primarily after Normandy, the island was occasionally blockaded by the Royal Navy resulting in hunger and privation. Negotiations enabled some Red Cross humanitarian aid, but indications are that the German troops were near starvation.
Courtesy: visitalderney.comAlderney was surrendered by the Germans on May 16, 1945, eight days after the Allies received the formal unconditional surrender of the German High Command, however, the remaining two thousand prisoners were not removed until four days later. Under British military supervision, the remaining five hundred German soldiers cleaned up the island, including the removal of more than 30,000 mines. When the Alderney citizens returned in December 1945, they were dismayed to find many houses in disrepair, the Germans having burned anything wooden for fuel. Having evacuated, the islanders were saved, but it was months before their homes and businesses would recover from the devastation.
___________________
Francine’s Foibles
She's given up hope. He never had any. Will they find it together?World War II is finally over, and America is extra grateful as the country approaches this year’s Thanksgiving. But for Francine life hasn’t changed. Despite working at Fort Meade processing the paperwork for the thousands of men who have returned home, she’s still lonely and very single. Is she destined for spinsterhood?
Grateful that his parents anglicized the family surname after emigrating to the United States after the Great War, first-generation German-American Ray Fisher has done all he can to hide his heritage. He managed to make it through this second “war to end all wars,” but what American woman would want to marry into a German family. Must he leave the country to find wedded bliss?
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3LrRasj
October 18, 2023
Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Leslie L. McKee
Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Leslie L. McKee!
1. What was your inspiration for your book?
My book is a devotional journal for those with chronic pain and illness. Sadly, this is something I know all too well, as I have lived with chronic pain and illness for over twenty-five years. I wanted my book to serve as a reminder to others that they’re not alone. It’s called Hope Amid the Pain. There is always hope, no matter the circumstance, when we have Jesus by our side.
2. How did you start writing in your particular genre?
Years ago, when I was in elementary school, I wrote a few short stories, but then I moved on to poetry. I then went on to reviews and devotions, which really aren’t that different from the poetry I used to write.
3. Tell us about your road to publication.
I won a few contests with my poetry, and had some published. I continued writing poetry for many years before I started writing reviews for a magazine (RT Bookreviews Magazine). That led me into editing. An editing contact asked if I’d be interested in writing some devotions to possibly be included in a compilation by Ellie Claire/Worthy Publishing called Just Breathe. I immediately said, “Yes!” Then I realized I’d never written a devotion! God provided the words. I was given a contract to be part of that project, and I’ve been writing them ever since. Hope Amid the Pain is my debut solo book.
4. How did your life prepare you for being an author?
As I mentioned, I’m a chronic pain/illness warrior. I have always been hesitant to share my journey and struggles with others. I had many friends tell me I should, but I always pushed the thought aside. A few years ago, I felt a nudge from God telling me that He wanted me to share my story. I wrote the devotions and book to encourage and comfort others while reminding them that they’re not alone in their pain. God is with them through it all, and He still has a purpose for their lives.
5. What is your process for writing? (do you outline, have a special place or time of day you write, etc.)
I guess, thus far, I’d be a pantser. For my devotional book, I didn’t do any sort of outline, just a list of
Pixabay/Giani Prileaverses that have been important and encouraging to me in my journey. In addition to writing devotions, I have written some flash fiction stories. For those, as they have always been a bit out of my comfort zone, I’ve prayed, and God has given me the ideas and guidance to write the stories. While I’m an editor in my “day job,” and I love it, when it comes to my own writing, I prefer the writing to the editing, which does seem a bit strange!
As for when I write, I largely wrote my book in the evenings. Now, it varies, based on when inspiration hits.
6. How do you celebrate when you finish a manuscript?
When I finished my manuscript, I believe we celebrated with a meal from Olive Garden. To celebrate my book release, we actually had a cake with my book cover on it, which was pretty cool.
7. What books are on your nightstand right now?
My husband wishes I only had books on my nightstand! 😊 I have books all over the place, including multiple TBR piles. I review books for various publishers and authors, so most of my current reads are advance copies (ARCs). I enjoy a number of genres.
8. What is your next project?
I have a number of projects in mind, and I’ve started a few of them. They include a children’s book, another devotional book, and some flash fiction stories. However, life has thrown me a few curveballs this year, so my writing has been put on hold. I do hope to get back to my ideas soon.
9. What is your advice to fledgling writers?
Write what you feel God is telling you to write! With my book, I had some people in the publishing industry tell me that I should make it more general and not share so much of my personal story. I admit I was hesitant to be open and transparent about the struggles and realities of living with chronic pain and illness, yet it was what I felt God telling me to do. And I’m glad I listened. Some of the things readers mention when they contact me is how much they appreciate me being open and honest because they know that I truly understand what they’re going through. That’s exactly what I hoped for when writing Hope Amid the Pain. I know how much it means to me when I find someone who “gets it,” and I thought others would feel the same way. Thus far, it’s been apparent that they do.
Thanks so much for having me on your blog, Linda. I enjoyed speaking with you, and I appreciate you letting your readers know about Hope Amid the Pain, which will be celebrating it’s second birthday on October 26, 2023!
Leslie's book Hope Amid the Pain is available from all your favorite online retailers: https://books2read.com/u/4Xe8p9
1. What was your inspiration for your book?My book is a devotional journal for those with chronic pain and illness. Sadly, this is something I know all too well, as I have lived with chronic pain and illness for over twenty-five years. I wanted my book to serve as a reminder to others that they’re not alone. It’s called Hope Amid the Pain. There is always hope, no matter the circumstance, when we have Jesus by our side.
2. How did you start writing in your particular genre?
Years ago, when I was in elementary school, I wrote a few short stories, but then I moved on to poetry. I then went on to reviews and devotions, which really aren’t that different from the poetry I used to write.
3. Tell us about your road to publication.
I won a few contests with my poetry, and had some published. I continued writing poetry for many years before I started writing reviews for a magazine (RT Bookreviews Magazine). That led me into editing. An editing contact asked if I’d be interested in writing some devotions to possibly be included in a compilation by Ellie Claire/Worthy Publishing called Just Breathe. I immediately said, “Yes!” Then I realized I’d never written a devotion! God provided the words. I was given a contract to be part of that project, and I’ve been writing them ever since. Hope Amid the Pain is my debut solo book.
4. How did your life prepare you for being an author?
As I mentioned, I’m a chronic pain/illness warrior. I have always been hesitant to share my journey and struggles with others. I had many friends tell me I should, but I always pushed the thought aside. A few years ago, I felt a nudge from God telling me that He wanted me to share my story. I wrote the devotions and book to encourage and comfort others while reminding them that they’re not alone in their pain. God is with them through it all, and He still has a purpose for their lives.
5. What is your process for writing? (do you outline, have a special place or time of day you write, etc.)
I guess, thus far, I’d be a pantser. For my devotional book, I didn’t do any sort of outline, just a list of
Pixabay/Giani Prileaverses that have been important and encouraging to me in my journey. In addition to writing devotions, I have written some flash fiction stories. For those, as they have always been a bit out of my comfort zone, I’ve prayed, and God has given me the ideas and guidance to write the stories. While I’m an editor in my “day job,” and I love it, when it comes to my own writing, I prefer the writing to the editing, which does seem a bit strange! As for when I write, I largely wrote my book in the evenings. Now, it varies, based on when inspiration hits.
6. How do you celebrate when you finish a manuscript?
When I finished my manuscript, I believe we celebrated with a meal from Olive Garden. To celebrate my book release, we actually had a cake with my book cover on it, which was pretty cool.
7. What books are on your nightstand right now?
My husband wishes I only had books on my nightstand! 😊 I have books all over the place, including multiple TBR piles. I review books for various publishers and authors, so most of my current reads are advance copies (ARCs). I enjoy a number of genres.
8. What is your next project?
I have a number of projects in mind, and I’ve started a few of them. They include a children’s book, another devotional book, and some flash fiction stories. However, life has thrown me a few curveballs this year, so my writing has been put on hold. I do hope to get back to my ideas soon.
9. What is your advice to fledgling writers?
Write what you feel God is telling you to write! With my book, I had some people in the publishing industry tell me that I should make it more general and not share so much of my personal story. I admit I was hesitant to be open and transparent about the struggles and realities of living with chronic pain and illness, yet it was what I felt God telling me to do. And I’m glad I listened. Some of the things readers mention when they contact me is how much they appreciate me being open and honest because they know that I truly understand what they’re going through. That’s exactly what I hoped for when writing Hope Amid the Pain. I know how much it means to me when I find someone who “gets it,” and I thought others would feel the same way. Thus far, it’s been apparent that they do.Thanks so much for having me on your blog, Linda. I enjoyed speaking with you, and I appreciate you letting your readers know about Hope Amid the Pain, which will be celebrating it’s second birthday on October 26, 2023!
Leslie's book Hope Amid the Pain is available from all your favorite online retailers: https://books2read.com/u/4Xe8p9
