Amy R. Anguish's Blog, page 6
February 20, 2025
Behind the Story: Antiquing
Have you ever read a romance set in an antique shop? I've read a few, and I loved them all. But especially this new story by my friend Heather Greer, part of our Pets Amore collection. The shop in her story comes from personal experience, but not from actually owning a shop herself. See what I mean. 
It doesn’t matter how different a character’s personality is from mine, there is usually a little bit of me in every story I write. Usually, that means someone bakes at some point in the story. Doesn’t matter if it’s cupcakes or cookies or a pie. Treats will be baked.
For Pegboards, Parrots, and Pickup Lines, my story in the Pets Amore novella collection, I decided to go a different direction. I do have more I enjoy doing than baking, and I thought it was time to work some of those things into my stories too. As I considered Charlotte and what her new business venture should be, inspiration struck. Antiques and vintage collectibles. While I’ve never run an antiques store, they comprise a large portion of my favorite dates with my husband.
When opportunity arises for us to spend the day together, we often drive to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, about an hour from our home. The city has a wonderful riverfront district with many independently owned small businesses. At least four of those are antique and collectibles stores.
Andy and I each have our favorite things to peruse. He likes old knives and swords, especially if they are martial arts related. And he loves really old books. While it isn’t our favorite of the stores, there is one with a large selection of books organized by year. He loves going through the shelves to find new ones to add to his collection.
I tend to be less specific in my likes. If it catches my eye, that’s what I enjoy that day. But there are a few things I always walk away with. First printing Little Golden Books are a must. So are vintage Monopoly sets. And though I have enough to curb my desire to buy more, I’ve also been known to buy those vintage snack trays from the fifties. You know the ones. Little glass trays with a special divot for the matching teacup to sit in. Now I only buy those if it’s a design I just can’t pass up.
Some days we come back from antiquing empty-handed, but that’s okay. While we both enjoy our treasures from times gone by, and I enjoyed adding a bit of that element to Pegboards, Parrots, and Pickup Lines, that’s not really what those days spent on the riverfront are about. Andy and I don’t share a lot of interests or hobbies. Our days spent antiquing are a way for us to spend time together as a couple doing something we both enjoy and making memories along the way.
“Pegboards, Parrots, and Pickup Lines” by Heather Greer—Charlotte Herring wants one thing—to prove she can succeed on her own. But to avoid failure, she needs the people of Brookview to accept her and her antique store. For years, Tyson Abbott’s only goal was to realize his father’s dreams for the family hardware store. After meeting the town’s newest resident, he adds a new goal—helping Charlotte find her place in Brookview. With a parrot named Cracker Jack paving the way for their partnership to become a romance, Charlotte and Tyson see more than the dreams for their stores coming true. But when their plans conflict and past hurts resurface, will they lose their dreams and each other?
Born and raised in rural southern Illinois as a preacher’s kid, Heather was well acquainted with ministry life before her husband became a pastor fifteen years ago. She started serving in youth and children’s ministries when her daughter was still a child. Now, those ministries and wrangling the schedules of her three teenage boys takes a lot of her time and energy, but Heather still tries to carve out a little time for herself. Like many of you, her favorite way to relieve the stress of the day is spending time with a good book. Of course, if she wants the time to be really special, Heather will add a warm blanket and a mug of hot cocoa to her reading time. If she isn’t reading to relax, you can either find her baking in the kitchen or binge-watching her favorite television shows.
Heather has been active in youth ministry for several years. She has led children’s and youth groups for many years. She also directs a Christian youth camp for teenagers every summer. While most of her ministry work has involved children and teenagers, Heather has a heart to see women of faith encouraged and growing in their relationships with God. As believers grow closer to God and begin living out His truths in everyday life, others will see their need for the Savior and long for relationship with Him. It is Heather’s prayer that God will use her love of writing to foster this encouragement and growth in the lives of Christian women.
Heather’s book Grasping Hope is a 2020 Selah Awards finalist in the Women’s Contemporary category. Cake That! is the third place finalist in the 2022 Selah Awards in the Contemporary Romance category. Her Historical Romance, Window of Opportunity, is a 2024 Selah Awards finalist.
You can learn more about Heather by visiting her website: https://heathergreer.com/
You can also connect with Heather on social media here:Social Media Links
It doesn’t matter how different a character’s personality is from mine, there is usually a little bit of me in every story I write. Usually, that means someone bakes at some point in the story. Doesn’t matter if it’s cupcakes or cookies or a pie. Treats will be baked.For Pegboards, Parrots, and Pickup Lines, my story in the Pets Amore novella collection, I decided to go a different direction. I do have more I enjoy doing than baking, and I thought it was time to work some of those things into my stories too. As I considered Charlotte and what her new business venture should be, inspiration struck. Antiques and vintage collectibles. While I’ve never run an antiques store, they comprise a large portion of my favorite dates with my husband.
When opportunity arises for us to spend the day together, we often drive to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, about an hour from our home. The city has a wonderful riverfront district with many independently owned small businesses. At least four of those are antique and collectibles stores.
Andy and I each have our favorite things to peruse. He likes old knives and swords, especially if they are martial arts related. And he loves really old books. While it isn’t our favorite of the stores, there is one with a large selection of books organized by year. He loves going through the shelves to find new ones to add to his collection.
I tend to be less specific in my likes. If it catches my eye, that’s what I enjoy that day. But there are a few things I always walk away with. First printing Little Golden Books are a must. So are vintage Monopoly sets. And though I have enough to curb my desire to buy more, I’ve also been known to buy those vintage snack trays from the fifties. You know the ones. Little glass trays with a special divot for the matching teacup to sit in. Now I only buy those if it’s a design I just can’t pass up.
Some days we come back from antiquing empty-handed, but that’s okay. While we both enjoy our treasures from times gone by, and I enjoyed adding a bit of that element to Pegboards, Parrots, and Pickup Lines, that’s not really what those days spent on the riverfront are about. Andy and I don’t share a lot of interests or hobbies. Our days spent antiquing are a way for us to spend time together as a couple doing something we both enjoy and making memories along the way.
“Pegboards, Parrots, and Pickup Lines” by Heather Greer—Charlotte Herring wants one thing—to prove she can succeed on her own. But to avoid failure, she needs the people of Brookview to accept her and her antique store. For years, Tyson Abbott’s only goal was to realize his father’s dreams for the family hardware store. After meeting the town’s newest resident, he adds a new goal—helping Charlotte find her place in Brookview. With a parrot named Cracker Jack paving the way for their partnership to become a romance, Charlotte and Tyson see more than the dreams for their stores coming true. But when their plans conflict and past hurts resurface, will they lose their dreams and each other?
Born and raised in rural southern Illinois as a preacher’s kid, Heather was well acquainted with ministry life before her husband became a pastor fifteen years ago. She started serving in youth and children’s ministries when her daughter was still a child. Now, those ministries and wrangling the schedules of her three teenage boys takes a lot of her time and energy, but Heather still tries to carve out a little time for herself. Like many of you, her favorite way to relieve the stress of the day is spending time with a good book. Of course, if she wants the time to be really special, Heather will add a warm blanket and a mug of hot cocoa to her reading time. If she isn’t reading to relax, you can either find her baking in the kitchen or binge-watching her favorite television shows.Heather has been active in youth ministry for several years. She has led children’s and youth groups for many years. She also directs a Christian youth camp for teenagers every summer. While most of her ministry work has involved children and teenagers, Heather has a heart to see women of faith encouraged and growing in their relationships with God. As believers grow closer to God and begin living out His truths in everyday life, others will see their need for the Savior and long for relationship with Him. It is Heather’s prayer that God will use her love of writing to foster this encouragement and growth in the lives of Christian women.
Heather’s book Grasping Hope is a 2020 Selah Awards finalist in the Women’s Contemporary category. Cake That! is the third place finalist in the 2022 Selah Awards in the Contemporary Romance category. Her Historical Romance, Window of Opportunity, is a 2024 Selah Awards finalist.
You can learn more about Heather by visiting her website: https://heathergreer.com/
You can also connect with Heather on social media here:Social Media Links
February 17, 2025
Author Interview: Sarah Anne Crouch
I don't know if you believe God puts certain people in your life or not, but to me, Sarah Anne Crouch is living proof. She and I became fast friends when my family moved to TN, and we've stayed close despite her family moving to Arkansas a few years ago. Now, not only are we good friends, we're co-authors in several novella collections. And, just recently I blessed to become her content editor. Needless to say, she's pretty special, and I'm thrilled to share her with you today in this author interview. 
Sarah, congratulations on a new release coming soon. I know your series was hung up in some red tape for a while. How does it feel to finally have more books coming out in this series?
It's such a relief! I have a few kind friends who ask me almost every time they see me “When is your next novel coming out?” For the longest time I didn’t have a good answer to that question. And then, for a few months, I had no novels out because the first one was out of print. Now I can tell everyone to hop on over to Amazon!
Shady Springs is a town you've made up to base these stories in. Did you base it on any real towns? What inspired you to make it how you did?
Growing up in Arkansas, I always felt the state was underrepresented in fiction. I don’t know if that’s true or just my personal bias. From the time I was 12 until I graduated college and got married, my hometown was Prairie Grove, Arkansas. It’s a growing community now, but had fewer than 3,000 residents when we first moved there. Shady Springs is very much the Prairie Grove of my childhood with a few tweaks.
I loved my hometown so much—I still do. It was my first experience with living in a tiny place where everyone knew each other. That dynamic makes for really interesting fiction, I think. Plus, Northwest Arkansas is a beautiful setting.
Are any of your characters more like you than another? In what way?
The character most like me in all the stories I’ve ever written is Isaac from “A Sweet Dream Come True,” part of our Love in Any Season novella collection. I gave him an intense fear of confrontation and a strong desire to please people (just like me!). But every character I write has something about them I can relate to.
I think Madeleine Mullins (from A Summer in Shady Springs) behaves how I would if I had all of her same life experiences.
As we move forward with this series, can you give us a sneak peek on what to expect? What are you working on next?
Yes! This first book, A Summer in Shady Springs, is a republication and focuses on Madeleine’s faith journey. A Homecoming in Shady Springs is all about her parents, Henry and Catherine—their story of falling in love for the first time and reconnecting in the present day.
Right now, I’m finishing A Christmas in Shady Springs, all about a wedding. I’m really working to make it difficult for my main characters which leads to a fun, festive, and slightly chaotic story!
Your book that releases in March goes between present day and the nineties. How crazy was it to have your characters college students back then? Was there anything you discovered about the 90s that you had misremembered from your own childhood?
I had so much fun researching this book! My alma mater, Harding University, has done a great job of preserving back issues of the campus newspaper (shout out to librarians!). I also interviewed friends who were on campus in the early nineties.
I like to think I have a pretty decent memory of the nineties, but I hadn’t realized how important the campus newspaper was to social life at a university. We didn’t have social media back then, and people would get most of their information about what was happening and what had happened from the paper. So instead of checking Facebook the next day, students were checking the newsstands for pictures of themselves and their friends.
Any real-life experiences from your own life that you've woven into your stories? In what way?
Sure! We used to kayak and canoe occasionally growing up, so I threw some of that into the first book. And a lot of the college experiences I had, borrowing cars from friends to go on dates or participating in goofy campus activities, I put in the second book. I have Henry and Catherine form a strong bond with a professor and his wife, which is based on many relationships I cherish with my own college professors.
It's been a while since your first book in this series first released and now when it's re-releasing right before the release of the new book. Do you think you've changed a lot between then and now? How?
Not a whole lot. I’m still completely blown away by the fact that God led me here. I never thought I’d get one book published, let alone five (soon to be seven!). And I still have a hard time self-promoting my books. So thank you for helping me out!
Last but not least, can you leave us with one fact about yourself that very few people already know?
I have seen every Oscar Best Picture winning movie. My husband and I spent quite a bit of time hunting down old VHS tapes of films from the 20s and 30s while we lived in Southern California. Now we just have to watch one movie a year to keep up!
That sounds like a lot of movies! Wow. Thanks so much for sharing with us today, Sarah.
Readers, keep going because you're going to love this sweet series she's writing!
A Summer in Shady Springs
The last place Madeleine Mullins wants to be is back in Shady Springs, Arkansas—the town where her whole world fell apart. But when her beloved Aunt Clara begs her for help, Madeleine reluctantly takes a job painting a mural at her aunt's church. Her plan is to finish quickly and leave her bad memories behind. But the more time she spends with the handsome youth minister and the more she reads her Bible, the more she wonders if she has been wrong about God and the Church all along.
Three years out of college, and A.J. Young still doesn't know what he wants to be when he grows up. He knows he wants to settle down and build a family but hasn't found the wife he'd like to share his life with. Then Madeleine comes to town. Their friendship buds quickly, although it can never be anything more as long as she isn't a Christian.
An undeniable attraction grows between A.J. and Madeleine, but she's only in town for a few weeks, and he can't date someone who doesn't share his beliefs. How can Madeleine help A.J. discover a passion for the career he's always wanted? And how can A.J. convince Madeleine to give God and Shady Springs a second chance?
Sarah Anne Crouch lives in Arkansas with her husband, three children, and thousands of books. She always wanted to be an author, but spent some time as a teacher, earned a degree in library science, and makes feeble attempts to corral her small children as a stay-at-home mom. Sarah loves reading books, recipes, piano music, and emails from readers.
Newsletter- https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/694879/111814952436630870/share
Website- www.SarahAnneCrouch.com
Facebook- http://Facebook.com/SarahAnneCrouch
Instragram- http://Instagram.com/SarahAnneCrouch
Sarah, congratulations on a new release coming soon. I know your series was hung up in some red tape for a while. How does it feel to finally have more books coming out in this series?It's such a relief! I have a few kind friends who ask me almost every time they see me “When is your next novel coming out?” For the longest time I didn’t have a good answer to that question. And then, for a few months, I had no novels out because the first one was out of print. Now I can tell everyone to hop on over to Amazon!
Shady Springs is a town you've made up to base these stories in. Did you base it on any real towns? What inspired you to make it how you did?
Growing up in Arkansas, I always felt the state was underrepresented in fiction. I don’t know if that’s true or just my personal bias. From the time I was 12 until I graduated college and got married, my hometown was Prairie Grove, Arkansas. It’s a growing community now, but had fewer than 3,000 residents when we first moved there. Shady Springs is very much the Prairie Grove of my childhood with a few tweaks.
I loved my hometown so much—I still do. It was my first experience with living in a tiny place where everyone knew each other. That dynamic makes for really interesting fiction, I think. Plus, Northwest Arkansas is a beautiful setting.
Are any of your characters more like you than another? In what way?
The character most like me in all the stories I’ve ever written is Isaac from “A Sweet Dream Come True,” part of our Love in Any Season novella collection. I gave him an intense fear of confrontation and a strong desire to please people (just like me!). But every character I write has something about them I can relate to.
I think Madeleine Mullins (from A Summer in Shady Springs) behaves how I would if I had all of her same life experiences.
As we move forward with this series, can you give us a sneak peek on what to expect? What are you working on next?
Yes! This first book, A Summer in Shady Springs, is a republication and focuses on Madeleine’s faith journey. A Homecoming in Shady Springs is all about her parents, Henry and Catherine—their story of falling in love for the first time and reconnecting in the present day.
Right now, I’m finishing A Christmas in Shady Springs, all about a wedding. I’m really working to make it difficult for my main characters which leads to a fun, festive, and slightly chaotic story!
Your book that releases in March goes between present day and the nineties. How crazy was it to have your characters college students back then? Was there anything you discovered about the 90s that you had misremembered from your own childhood?
I had so much fun researching this book! My alma mater, Harding University, has done a great job of preserving back issues of the campus newspaper (shout out to librarians!). I also interviewed friends who were on campus in the early nineties.
I like to think I have a pretty decent memory of the nineties, but I hadn’t realized how important the campus newspaper was to social life at a university. We didn’t have social media back then, and people would get most of their information about what was happening and what had happened from the paper. So instead of checking Facebook the next day, students were checking the newsstands for pictures of themselves and their friends.
Any real-life experiences from your own life that you've woven into your stories? In what way?
Sure! We used to kayak and canoe occasionally growing up, so I threw some of that into the first book. And a lot of the college experiences I had, borrowing cars from friends to go on dates or participating in goofy campus activities, I put in the second book. I have Henry and Catherine form a strong bond with a professor and his wife, which is based on many relationships I cherish with my own college professors.
It's been a while since your first book in this series first released and now when it's re-releasing right before the release of the new book. Do you think you've changed a lot between then and now? How?
Not a whole lot. I’m still completely blown away by the fact that God led me here. I never thought I’d get one book published, let alone five (soon to be seven!). And I still have a hard time self-promoting my books. So thank you for helping me out!
Last but not least, can you leave us with one fact about yourself that very few people already know?
I have seen every Oscar Best Picture winning movie. My husband and I spent quite a bit of time hunting down old VHS tapes of films from the 20s and 30s while we lived in Southern California. Now we just have to watch one movie a year to keep up!
That sounds like a lot of movies! Wow. Thanks so much for sharing with us today, Sarah.
Readers, keep going because you're going to love this sweet series she's writing!
A Summer in Shady SpringsThe last place Madeleine Mullins wants to be is back in Shady Springs, Arkansas—the town where her whole world fell apart. But when her beloved Aunt Clara begs her for help, Madeleine reluctantly takes a job painting a mural at her aunt's church. Her plan is to finish quickly and leave her bad memories behind. But the more time she spends with the handsome youth minister and the more she reads her Bible, the more she wonders if she has been wrong about God and the Church all along.
Three years out of college, and A.J. Young still doesn't know what he wants to be when he grows up. He knows he wants to settle down and build a family but hasn't found the wife he'd like to share his life with. Then Madeleine comes to town. Their friendship buds quickly, although it can never be anything more as long as she isn't a Christian.
An undeniable attraction grows between A.J. and Madeleine, but she's only in town for a few weeks, and he can't date someone who doesn't share his beliefs. How can Madeleine help A.J. discover a passion for the career he's always wanted? And how can A.J. convince Madeleine to give God and Shady Springs a second chance?
Sarah Anne Crouch lives in Arkansas with her husband, three children, and thousands of books. She always wanted to be an author, but spent some time as a teacher, earned a degree in library science, and makes feeble attempts to corral her small children as a stay-at-home mom. Sarah loves reading books, recipes, piano music, and emails from readers.
Newsletter- https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/694879/111814952436630870/share
Website- www.SarahAnneCrouch.com
Facebook- http://Facebook.com/SarahAnneCrouch
Instragram- http://Instagram.com/SarahAnneCrouch
February 13, 2025
Behind the Story: Books, Small Towns, Puppies, & Children
Do you ever wonder how much of an author's real life actually ends up in her stories? Well, Beth Westcott, one of my fellow authors from the Pets Amore collection, is here to chat about just that today. Her story is delightful and I can't wait for you to learn more about it (and her). 
At one time, I thought I’d become a schoolteacher but didn’t. Perhaps, if I lived my life over, I’d earn my teaching degree. I taught one year in a Christian school, homeschooled for twelve years, and substituted as a teacher’s aide for a couple of years in public school. I also taught Sunday school classes and Bible clubs.
Brianna Kinney loves teaching her third-grade students. However, when her school downsizes, she loses her job. Twenty-seven years old, a widow, and now without employment, Brianna desires change. She moves to Juniper Falls and becomes a bookstore clerk. Although she enjoys her new job, she misses her students. Maybe one day she’ll teach again. Brianna and I share a love for books. I worked in a library to help pay my way through college. I never worked in a bookstore. Working briefly as a clerk in a gift shop discouraged me from seeking further retail jobs.
Snowflakes and Puppy Love is my first attempt at creating romantic comedy and a novella. Although my contemporary romance novels have light-hearted moments, none of them can be considered comedies. My stories are for grown-ups, but I like to include children as characters. Children create humor just by being themselves. Innocent, naïve, they are without pretense, not always aware of what’s going on and how they affect adults. (Sometimes, they know exactly what they’re doing.)
Brianna loves children, yet she has none of her own. She hasn’t thought a lot about remarrying, but she’s open to considering it. To the right person. Living alone in an apartment, she adopts a puppy to keep her company. Puppies can be sweet and funny, like children.
I’m not saying Brianna couldn’t connect with Cooper Stiles without the children and the puppy. However, their assistance adds interest.
Cooper is a carpenter by trade, and he volunteers as a fireman. Closing in on his thirtieth birthday, he’s been the focus of several match-making schemes by concerned women in Juniper Falls. Right now, his three- and-four-year-old niece and nephew, Lexie and Noah, are Uncle Cooper’s priority. He’s their guardian. They provide a reason (excuse) for him to set aside dating and romantic relationships, although the right woman might change his mind. When he meets Brianna in the bookstore—well, he’s interested but not ready to commit. When Noah and Lexie meet Brianna with her puppy, Cricket, in the park, Uncle Coop’s days as a bachelor may be numbered.
I believe a little of me appears in all my stories. Juniper Falls is an imaginary town based on my experiences living in small towns. I think it would be a delightful place to live. Friendly people, the annual Snowflake Festival, and Valentine’s Day activities give ample opportunity for a romance to develop between Brianna and Cooper.
The park is a boon to the town, an inviting place for families or individuals. Will you join me for a hike up to the falls and enjoy the outdoors and nature? How about sledding, skating, or building a snowman? Maybe you’d like to participate in the snow sculpture contest or perform in the community talent show. What about sampling the jack wax or enjoying one of Brianna’s snowflake sugar cookies?
I had fun creating the characters, setting, and plot of Snowflakes and Puppy Love, and I hope you’ll read it and enjoy it along with the other novellas in Pets Amore.
“Snowflakes and Puppy Love” by Beth E. Westcott—When Cooper Stiles walks in the door of Archer Books, his stunning blue eyes and friendly smile pull at Brianna Kinney’s heart. He’s the first man she’s attracted to since becoming a widow. The new clerk in Robin Archer’s bookstore catches Cooper’s eye. Brianna’s love for children and her cute puppy are captivating, but he doesn’t have time for dating. His current priority is caring for his nephew and niece while their mother, his dead brother’s wife, fulfills a work commitment overseas. And he’s not going to get caught up in any more match-making.
A life-long lover of books and reading, Beth’s first Christian romance novel, Meadow Song, debuted in 2018 with Mantle Rock Publishing, republished by Scrivenings Press in 2020. Scrivenings also published her Three Sisters Series, Heart’s Desire, A Heart’s Journey, and Her Heart’s Longing. Lillenas Drama published some of her church holiday manuscripts in their Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving Program Builders. Several devotions appeared in Penned for the Heart and one in The Secret Place. Her short story “Sadie and the Princess” is included in Heart-warming Horse Stories on Amazon.
Beth and her husband have three adult children and five granddaughters. Their grandson is in heaven. She enjoys reading, music, gardening, sewing, and photography.
With Child Evangelism Fellowship and in pastoral ministry in several churches, Beth worked alongside Frank for 38 years. She taught Bible classes to children, teens, and women, and participated in church music ministry. A 4-H member for nine years, she became a 4-H leader when her children belonged to 4-H, and she home schooled her children for twelve years. She now resides with her husband in Otego, New York.
Snowflakes and Puppy Love is Beth’s first novella.
Social Media Links
www.bethewestcott.com
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/beth-e-westcott
https://www.facebook.com/bethewestcott
https://x.com/BethWAuthor
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/29201094-beth-westcott
At one time, I thought I’d become a schoolteacher but didn’t. Perhaps, if I lived my life over, I’d earn my teaching degree. I taught one year in a Christian school, homeschooled for twelve years, and substituted as a teacher’s aide for a couple of years in public school. I also taught Sunday school classes and Bible clubs.Brianna Kinney loves teaching her third-grade students. However, when her school downsizes, she loses her job. Twenty-seven years old, a widow, and now without employment, Brianna desires change. She moves to Juniper Falls and becomes a bookstore clerk. Although she enjoys her new job, she misses her students. Maybe one day she’ll teach again. Brianna and I share a love for books. I worked in a library to help pay my way through college. I never worked in a bookstore. Working briefly as a clerk in a gift shop discouraged me from seeking further retail jobs.
Snowflakes and Puppy Love is my first attempt at creating romantic comedy and a novella. Although my contemporary romance novels have light-hearted moments, none of them can be considered comedies. My stories are for grown-ups, but I like to include children as characters. Children create humor just by being themselves. Innocent, naïve, they are without pretense, not always aware of what’s going on and how they affect adults. (Sometimes, they know exactly what they’re doing.)
Brianna loves children, yet she has none of her own. She hasn’t thought a lot about remarrying, but she’s open to considering it. To the right person. Living alone in an apartment, she adopts a puppy to keep her company. Puppies can be sweet and funny, like children.
I’m not saying Brianna couldn’t connect with Cooper Stiles without the children and the puppy. However, their assistance adds interest.
Cooper is a carpenter by trade, and he volunteers as a fireman. Closing in on his thirtieth birthday, he’s been the focus of several match-making schemes by concerned women in Juniper Falls. Right now, his three- and-four-year-old niece and nephew, Lexie and Noah, are Uncle Cooper’s priority. He’s their guardian. They provide a reason (excuse) for him to set aside dating and romantic relationships, although the right woman might change his mind. When he meets Brianna in the bookstore—well, he’s interested but not ready to commit. When Noah and Lexie meet Brianna with her puppy, Cricket, in the park, Uncle Coop’s days as a bachelor may be numbered.
I believe a little of me appears in all my stories. Juniper Falls is an imaginary town based on my experiences living in small towns. I think it would be a delightful place to live. Friendly people, the annual Snowflake Festival, and Valentine’s Day activities give ample opportunity for a romance to develop between Brianna and Cooper.
The park is a boon to the town, an inviting place for families or individuals. Will you join me for a hike up to the falls and enjoy the outdoors and nature? How about sledding, skating, or building a snowman? Maybe you’d like to participate in the snow sculpture contest or perform in the community talent show. What about sampling the jack wax or enjoying one of Brianna’s snowflake sugar cookies?
I had fun creating the characters, setting, and plot of Snowflakes and Puppy Love, and I hope you’ll read it and enjoy it along with the other novellas in Pets Amore.
“Snowflakes and Puppy Love” by Beth E. Westcott—When Cooper Stiles walks in the door of Archer Books, his stunning blue eyes and friendly smile pull at Brianna Kinney’s heart. He’s the first man she’s attracted to since becoming a widow. The new clerk in Robin Archer’s bookstore catches Cooper’s eye. Brianna’s love for children and her cute puppy are captivating, but he doesn’t have time for dating. His current priority is caring for his nephew and niece while their mother, his dead brother’s wife, fulfills a work commitment overseas. And he’s not going to get caught up in any more match-making.
A life-long lover of books and reading, Beth’s first Christian romance novel, Meadow Song, debuted in 2018 with Mantle Rock Publishing, republished by Scrivenings Press in 2020. Scrivenings also published her Three Sisters Series, Heart’s Desire, A Heart’s Journey, and Her Heart’s Longing. Lillenas Drama published some of her church holiday manuscripts in their Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving Program Builders. Several devotions appeared in Penned for the Heart and one in The Secret Place. Her short story “Sadie and the Princess” is included in Heart-warming Horse Stories on Amazon.Beth and her husband have three adult children and five granddaughters. Their grandson is in heaven. She enjoys reading, music, gardening, sewing, and photography.
With Child Evangelism Fellowship and in pastoral ministry in several churches, Beth worked alongside Frank for 38 years. She taught Bible classes to children, teens, and women, and participated in church music ministry. A 4-H member for nine years, she became a 4-H leader when her children belonged to 4-H, and she home schooled her children for twelve years. She now resides with her husband in Otego, New York.
Snowflakes and Puppy Love is Beth’s first novella.
Social Media Links
www.bethewestcott.com
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/beth-e-westcott
https://www.facebook.com/bethewestcott
https://x.com/BethWAuthor
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/29201094-beth-westcott
February 10, 2025
Behind the Story: A Hamster
When trying to figure out what pet would be the other character in my novella (because I had to have a pet in a pet-themed collection), I originally thought of cat. After all, I live with one. Cats have great personalities and I know what to do with them. But I've written cats before. And a dog too. I wanted something different.Thinking about various pets I was familiar with, my mind went back to the hamsters I had growing up. And I knew that was exactly who my pet would be. Enter: Houdini.
Houdini is a little tan hamster who goes to school with Rylan on Valentine's Day. I was in sixth grade when I got my first hamster. Rylan is six. Quite a bit of difference. I don't think I would've wanted to take my pet to school.
Here's a picture of one of my cats staring up at the hamster cage, as if just willing it to escape. Because hamsters can be escape artists, nibbling holes in plastic, and squeezing through tiny spots you wouldn't think they'd fit through. We found ours in the air vents more than once.
Houdini may not be quite that good of an escape artist, but he didn't get his name without good reason. I'll leave the rest up to your imagination ... for now.
Tomorrow! Pets Amore releases tomorrow! This is the absolute last day you can pre-order and save $1. I really think you're going to love this collection with a hamster, goats, a parrot, and a puppy.
February 6, 2025
Behind the Story: Rylan
Children in a Valentine's story? When said story is set mostly in a Kindergarten classroom, you betcha! The main child is Trey's nephew Rylan. Who happens to want to be like his Uncle Trey.
Rylan hated being sick, especially on Show and Tell day. But it's okay. Because he can just bring his hamster Houdini to school when he goes back. Ms. Winters will be excited to see him even if it isn't the normal day for Show and Tell.
Kindergarten has been the best year of Rylan's life. He loves Ms. Winters. He loves his friends. He loves the french fries at lunch. He loves PE.
Ms. Winters always makes the holidays extra fun. And even better, his Uncle Trey is going to stay the whole day with him and see how amazing kindergarten is!
When I mentioned to several of my kindergarten-teaching friends that I was setting my story in a kindergarten classroom on Valentine's day, they looked at me like I'd lost my mind. That setting has its own special kind of chaos. But it also has its own special kind of amazingness too.
I love kids. I have my own and teach others. There's something wonderful about the way children view the world, the way they process things. And their innocence. It makes adults stop and remember or see things in a new light. And sometimes, as adults, that's exactly what we need.
Needless to say, Rylan and his hamster definitely bring fun to the story. I hope you can enjoy their Valentine's Day just as much as they do.
Eek! We're getting so close! Less than a week until you can read this story for yourself. Have you pre-ordered your copy? If you do, you could save a $1.
Pets Amore
“Out-of-the-box Valentines” by Amy R. Anguish—Kimberly Winters loves being a kindergarten teacher on Valentine’s Day. But she never expects one of her students to show up with his hamster … or his uncle. Trey Jones doesn’t mind helping out his sick sister by dropping off Rylan at school. Staying to take his sister’s place as “room mom” is a whole different deal, but how can he turn down the adorable teacher? It’s a day full of unexpected surprises for both of them, including each learning to think out of the box when it comes to romance.
Rylan hated being sick, especially on Show and Tell day. But it's okay. Because he can just bring his hamster Houdini to school when he goes back. Ms. Winters will be excited to see him even if it isn't the normal day for Show and Tell.
Kindergarten has been the best year of Rylan's life. He loves Ms. Winters. He loves his friends. He loves the french fries at lunch. He loves PE.
Ms. Winters always makes the holidays extra fun. And even better, his Uncle Trey is going to stay the whole day with him and see how amazing kindergarten is!
When I mentioned to several of my kindergarten-teaching friends that I was setting my story in a kindergarten classroom on Valentine's day, they looked at me like I'd lost my mind. That setting has its own special kind of chaos. But it also has its own special kind of amazingness too.I love kids. I have my own and teach others. There's something wonderful about the way children view the world, the way they process things. And their innocence. It makes adults stop and remember or see things in a new light. And sometimes, as adults, that's exactly what we need.
Needless to say, Rylan and his hamster definitely bring fun to the story. I hope you can enjoy their Valentine's Day just as much as they do.
Eek! We're getting so close! Less than a week until you can read this story for yourself. Have you pre-ordered your copy? If you do, you could save a $1.
Pets Amore“Out-of-the-box Valentines” by Amy R. Anguish—Kimberly Winters loves being a kindergarten teacher on Valentine’s Day. But she never expects one of her students to show up with his hamster … or his uncle. Trey Jones doesn’t mind helping out his sick sister by dropping off Rylan at school. Staying to take his sister’s place as “room mom” is a whole different deal, but how can he turn down the adorable teacher? It’s a day full of unexpected surprises for both of them, including each learning to think out of the box when it comes to romance.
February 3, 2025
Behind the Scenes: Trey
Today, we're meeting the her of my story, "Out-of-the-box Valentine's." Trey Jones is a firefighter. He knows how to handle emergencies, and has recently moved into the garage apartment on his sister's property to help her not have any while her husband is deployed. Needless to say, when his sis catches the flu Rylan had, he offers to take Rylan to school. If only he'd asked a few more questions before agreeing to take Houdini the hamster too. Or happened to remember what day it was. Trey is fine around the guys. He can hang out and play basketball and even cook up a few meals. But a roomful of kindergarteners is a bit beyond his know-how. He hates being the center of attention. And while he loves his nephew, being around 20 people that size is overwhelming.Add in all the heart balloons, flowers, candy, and pink, and he isn't really sure what he's gotten himself into. But when Ms. Winters looks so lost and uncertain about not having a room mom, how can he not volunteer to save the day? It's what he does.
What do you think? Ready to see how things go for Trey? We're just over a week away from release day! If you pre-order your copy now, you can save a $1. Price goes up on 2/11.
Pets Amore
“Out-of-the-box Valentines” by Amy R. Anguish—Kimberly Winters loves being a kindergarten teacher on Valentine’s Day. But she never expects one of her students to show up with his hamster … or his uncle. Trey Jones doesn’t mind helping out his sick sister by dropping off Rylan at school. Staying to take his sister’s place as “room mom” is a whole different deal, but how can he turn down the adorable teacher? It’s a day full of unexpected surprises for both of them, including each learning to think out of the box when it comes to romance.
“No Butts About It” by Linda Fulkerson—When real estate consultant and confirmed bachelor Charles Sterling’s brother and sister-in-law are killed in a car crash, they leave him a surprise in their will—their five-year-old daughter. Enamored by a character in a popular children’s book, the girl has one request for her uncle-turned-father: a pet goat. As Blossom Clarke struggles to fulfill her deceased father’s dream of developing her family’s property into a goat rescue center, she has no time for city dwellers. But when Charles Sterling shows up to buy a goat, that dream borders on becoming a nightmare. Especially when his company discovers her property checks off all the boxes requested by a high-power client.
“Pegboards, Parrots, and Pickup Lines” by Heather Greer—Charlotte Herring wants one thing—to prove she can succeed on her own. But to avoid failure, she needs the people of Brookview to accept her and her antique store. For years, Tyson Abbott’s only goal was to realize his father’s dreams for the family hardware store. After meeting the town’s newest resident, he adds a new goal—helping Charlotte find her place in Brookview. With a parrot named Cracker Jack paving the way for their partnership to become a romance, Charlotte and Tyson see more than the dreams for their stores coming true. But when their plans conflict and past hurts resurface, will they lose their dreams and each other?
“Snowflakes and Puppy Love” by Beth E. Westcott—When Cooper Stiles walks in the door of Archer Books, his stunning blue eyes and friendly smile pull at Brianna Kinney’s heart. He’s the first man she’s attracted to since becoming a widow. The new clerk in Robin Archer’s bookstore catches Cooper’s eye. Brianna’s love for children and her cute puppy are captivating, but he doesn’t have time for dating. His current priority is caring for his nephew and niece while their mother, his dead brother’s wife, fulfills a work commitment overseas. And he’s not going to get caught up in any more match-making.
January 30, 2025
Behind the Story: Kimberly
Ready to start meeting my new characters?
Today, I'm introducing you to Kimberly Winters, Kindergarten teacher extraordinaire. She goes over-the-top for every holiday, making sure her outfits match the theme, from her pink overalls and heart headband all the way down to her socks.
But she can't stop there, of course. Her lesson plans have to get in line too. So, conversation hearts and red glasses join the fun for sight words and math and science. Then, heart-shaped games for the party at the end.
There's only one thing that might put a damper on Ms. Winters's holiday.
Well, make that two things. Like when one of her students brings a hamster for show and tell, even though that was supposed to be last week when he was sick.
And when her room mom for the day is that student's mom--and is now sick too. Kimberly is wary when the mom's brother volunteers to take her place. How will this really work? Will he be able to roll with the punches thrown at them through the chaos of the day?
And will she be able to keep her focus with such a handsome man in the room? She's trying not to think about the rodent he brought with him.
Doesn't she sound like a fun kindergarten teacher? Less than two weeks until you can read her story, "Out-of-the-box Valentine's." Pets Amore is up for pre-order now and you can save $1 if you order it before 2/11.
Pets Amore
“Out-of-the-box Valentines” by Amy R. Anguish—Kimberly Winters loves being a kindergarten teacher on Valentine’s Day. But she never expects one of her students to show up with his hamster … or his uncle. Trey Jones doesn’t mind helping out his sick sister by dropping off Rylan at school. Staying to take his sister’s place as “room mom” is a whole different deal, but how can he turn down the adorable teacher? It’s a day full of unexpected surprises for both of them, including each learning to think out of the box when it comes to romance.
“No Butts About It” by Linda Fulkerson—When real estate consultant and confirmed bachelor Charles Sterling’s brother and sister-in-law are killed in a car crash, they leave him a surprise in their will—their five-year-old daughter. Enamored by a character in a popular children’s book, the girl has one request for her uncle-turned-father: a pet goat. As Blossom Clarke struggles to fulfill her deceased father’s dream of developing her family’s property into a goat rescue center, she has no time for city dwellers. But when Charles Sterling shows up to buy a goat, that dream borders on becoming a nightmare. Especially when his company discovers her property checks off all the boxes requested by a high-power client.
“Pegboards, Parrots, and Pickup Lines” by Heather Greer—Charlotte Herring wants one thing—to prove she can succeed on her own. But to avoid failure, she needs the people of Brookview to accept her and her antique store. For years, Tyson Abbott’s only goal was to realize his father’s dreams for the family hardware store. After meeting the town’s newest resident, he adds a new goal—helping Charlotte find her place in Brookview. With a parrot named Cracker Jack paving the way for their partnership to become a romance, Charlotte and Tyson see more than the dreams for their stores coming true. But when their plans conflict and past hurts resurface, will they lose their dreams and each other?
“Snowflakes and Puppy Love” by Beth E. Westcott—When Cooper Stiles walks in the door of Archer Books, his stunning blue eyes and friendly smile pull at Brianna Kinney’s heart. He’s the first man she’s attracted to since becoming a widow. The new clerk in Robin Archer’s bookstore catches Cooper’s eye. Brianna’s love for children and her cute puppy are captivating, but he doesn’t have time for dating. His current priority is caring for his nephew and niece while their mother, his dead brother’s wife, fulfills a work commitment overseas. And he’s not going to get caught up in any more match-making.
Today, I'm introducing you to Kimberly Winters, Kindergarten teacher extraordinaire. She goes over-the-top for every holiday, making sure her outfits match the theme, from her pink overalls and heart headband all the way down to her socks.
But she can't stop there, of course. Her lesson plans have to get in line too. So, conversation hearts and red glasses join the fun for sight words and math and science. Then, heart-shaped games for the party at the end.
There's only one thing that might put a damper on Ms. Winters's holiday.
Well, make that two things. Like when one of her students brings a hamster for show and tell, even though that was supposed to be last week when he was sick.And when her room mom for the day is that student's mom--and is now sick too. Kimberly is wary when the mom's brother volunteers to take her place. How will this really work? Will he be able to roll with the punches thrown at them through the chaos of the day?
And will she be able to keep her focus with such a handsome man in the room? She's trying not to think about the rodent he brought with him.
Doesn't she sound like a fun kindergarten teacher? Less than two weeks until you can read her story, "Out-of-the-box Valentine's." Pets Amore is up for pre-order now and you can save $1 if you order it before 2/11.
Pets Amore“Out-of-the-box Valentines” by Amy R. Anguish—Kimberly Winters loves being a kindergarten teacher on Valentine’s Day. But she never expects one of her students to show up with his hamster … or his uncle. Trey Jones doesn’t mind helping out his sick sister by dropping off Rylan at school. Staying to take his sister’s place as “room mom” is a whole different deal, but how can he turn down the adorable teacher? It’s a day full of unexpected surprises for both of them, including each learning to think out of the box when it comes to romance.
“No Butts About It” by Linda Fulkerson—When real estate consultant and confirmed bachelor Charles Sterling’s brother and sister-in-law are killed in a car crash, they leave him a surprise in their will—their five-year-old daughter. Enamored by a character in a popular children’s book, the girl has one request for her uncle-turned-father: a pet goat. As Blossom Clarke struggles to fulfill her deceased father’s dream of developing her family’s property into a goat rescue center, she has no time for city dwellers. But when Charles Sterling shows up to buy a goat, that dream borders on becoming a nightmare. Especially when his company discovers her property checks off all the boxes requested by a high-power client.
“Pegboards, Parrots, and Pickup Lines” by Heather Greer—Charlotte Herring wants one thing—to prove she can succeed on her own. But to avoid failure, she needs the people of Brookview to accept her and her antique store. For years, Tyson Abbott’s only goal was to realize his father’s dreams for the family hardware store. After meeting the town’s newest resident, he adds a new goal—helping Charlotte find her place in Brookview. With a parrot named Cracker Jack paving the way for their partnership to become a romance, Charlotte and Tyson see more than the dreams for their stores coming true. But when their plans conflict and past hurts resurface, will they lose their dreams and each other?
“Snowflakes and Puppy Love” by Beth E. Westcott—When Cooper Stiles walks in the door of Archer Books, his stunning blue eyes and friendly smile pull at Brianna Kinney’s heart. He’s the first man she’s attracted to since becoming a widow. The new clerk in Robin Archer’s bookstore catches Cooper’s eye. Brianna’s love for children and her cute puppy are captivating, but he doesn’t have time for dating. His current priority is caring for his nephew and niece while their mother, his dead brother’s wife, fulfills a work commitment overseas. And he’s not going to get caught up in any more match-making.
January 20, 2025
Book Spotlight: Freefalling
It's very true that authors incorporate real-world problems into their stories. My friend J. L. Burrows had a book release last week that is a Dystopian thriller. In it, her main character is a teacher, just like her. She's here today to tell us how she used some real-life experiences in her classroom to strengthen her story. See what you think. 
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”—John 8:32 (NIV)
As a public school teacher, I work with students who struggle with very real-world problems, but in that capacity, I can’t share with students the real solution and Truth that God loves them and has a plan for their lives—that they matter and are loved more than they’ll ever know. I can’t tell them about the scriptures that hold me together in my worst moments and drive me to do better in my best moments. So, I write.
Serenity, a teacher and the main character of FreeFalling, isn’t a Christian and under the dome religions and history do not exist, so weaving in scriptures as the backbone of this story had to be done carefully through a still small whisper that speaks to Serenity, guiding and teaching her just as the Holy Spirit guides and teaches me. After a terrible fight between two girls, Serenity risks everything to try and save her favorite students from reconditioning–a chemical brain washing procedure that rectifies the argumentative part of the brain. By stepping out and fighting for these two girls, Serenity risks everything: her future potential, her place in society, even her sense of self if she gets reconditioned.
About four years ago, at the end of a tough school year at a school I wasn’t returning to, a student of mine brought a gun to school, and we were in code red, lockdown.
I turned the lights off, and the students cowered in the least visible corner of the room with textbooks covering their chest, and we waited. Would my student round the corner and fire on us?
My nerves were on fire.
I didn’t want to leave my family motherless.
But no matter what, I knew I wasn’t going to let any of the students in my room get hurt if I had the power to stop it.
If the shooter came through that door, I chose to stand between him and the students.
Training didn’t touch the truth at that moment.
Nothing hits like knowing the kid carrying the gun.
What if I’d done something to trigger him?
Swallowing back fear and choosing to stand in a courage that simply wasn’t there.
Time slowed.
It felt like hours passed. I don’t know how long it took for them to apprehend the student, but I know I learned something about myself that day.
In the soul-searching, mettle-testing darkness of that classroom, I imagined myself between a bullet and my students.
I’ve thought about shootings, especially after those that happen close to home. I still held the firm belief that it would never happen to me, my classroom, or my students.
After that situation, I learned I’d fight for the students under my responsibility.
Since moving schools, I’ve had the honor of teaching Advanced Honors and Honors English II to sophomores at our local magnet school. So, God has blessed me to spend the daylight hours teaching others to write and explore the writing of great authors, and then I come home in the evenings, and tell the stories God writes on my heart.
The students love to have a teacher who's actively using what she teaches. They are so curious about what I write and about how to become writers. I’m the Creative Writing Club Sponsor at the high school, and I’m mentor to a couple of aspiring writers that are doing great. One of my students, Lynnea Mileusnich published her first middle-grade, Christian Fantasy book, Heir of Promise. I’m so proud of her and excited to see where God takes her next.
God gave me a gift, and it is my responsibility as a member of God’s kingdom to give that gift back to God. For every book I write, I pray it reaches the readers that will be most impacted, edified, and encouraged by it. I pray readers feel seen and inspired to keep hoping when it seems all hope is lost, to keep walking when it seems all is futile, to keep loving when it seems the world is full of hate and loss.
There is a beautiful hope and joy despite the difficult world we live in, and we have a heavenly father that loves us more than we will ever be able to understand. I want to help others remain focused on God’s love for them. God has a great plan for the books he gives us, and I’m thrilled to be writing the next part of The Reconditioned Series journey.
FreeFalling
Under the Dome, peace reigns ... forcefully.
One hundred and eighty years in the future, the U.S. government eradicates warfare and violence.
Serenity should feel safe, but she doesn’t.
Serenity Knowles knows two things for certain. Finishing her government assigned community service as a teacher is mandatory in order to start her adult life. And stopping those in power from reconditioning two of her favorite students will ruin her chances at a future and a life.
Everything she thought she once knew to be true, suddenly is now in question after her typically peaceful girls fight in plain view of everyone at school. The Federal Bureau of Acceptance storms in and collects them both for reconditioning—chemical brain washing. With no one to help, Serenity is driven into a wild rescue and escape plan. The girls can’t be made into shadow children, brainwashed and limited to a menial future.
All that stands between the overreaching government and her girls is Serenity’s budding faith, a furry beast companion, her modified illegal AI, and a ragtag group of men and women set against the use of cutting edge technology and genetically modified bio-weapons on citizens under the Dome. If any of them get caught, they will be reconditioned. If they don’t move fast enough, the girls will be lost. If she doesn’t become a hero, any hope of a real future will be forfeit.
In her transformation from a teacher with a broken family to a radical defector leading a team of rebels, Sere discovers America’s deadliest threat—its own government.
Jennifer Burrows has a message in her heart about God’s love, and she’s shared that when she was a musician in her father’s church, as a missionary to underprivileged children in a third world country, and as a wife who stood by her husband through terminal brain cancer that God miraculously healed.
Now, she’s sharing God’s powerful love through the art of fiction, pouring herself into edifying and helping other writers, and teaching others how to use faith in the face of adversity. Jennifer teaches in the greater Nashville area where she lives with her husband and their two children. Get to know Jennifer better at jlburrows.com, or connect with her on social media.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferlynnburrows
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferlynnburrows
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlburrowsauthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jenniferlynnburrows/freefalling-book-1-in-the-reconditioned-series/ (This is the board for FreeFalling and it includes the inspiration photos for the world and the key characters in the story.)
Website: www.jlburrows.com
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/freefalling-the-reconditioned-book-1-by-j-l-burrows
LINK FOR JOINING J. L. BURROWS NEWSLETTER :
https://BookHip.com/TTZQCBA - Includes a freebie Prequel Anthology - Invading Darkness the origin stories to my Balance Keepers main characters.
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”—John 8:32 (NIV)
As a public school teacher, I work with students who struggle with very real-world problems, but in that capacity, I can’t share with students the real solution and Truth that God loves them and has a plan for their lives—that they matter and are loved more than they’ll ever know. I can’t tell them about the scriptures that hold me together in my worst moments and drive me to do better in my best moments. So, I write.
Serenity, a teacher and the main character of FreeFalling, isn’t a Christian and under the dome religions and history do not exist, so weaving in scriptures as the backbone of this story had to be done carefully through a still small whisper that speaks to Serenity, guiding and teaching her just as the Holy Spirit guides and teaches me. After a terrible fight between two girls, Serenity risks everything to try and save her favorite students from reconditioning–a chemical brain washing procedure that rectifies the argumentative part of the brain. By stepping out and fighting for these two girls, Serenity risks everything: her future potential, her place in society, even her sense of self if she gets reconditioned.
About four years ago, at the end of a tough school year at a school I wasn’t returning to, a student of mine brought a gun to school, and we were in code red, lockdown.
I turned the lights off, and the students cowered in the least visible corner of the room with textbooks covering their chest, and we waited. Would my student round the corner and fire on us?
My nerves were on fire.
I didn’t want to leave my family motherless.
But no matter what, I knew I wasn’t going to let any of the students in my room get hurt if I had the power to stop it.
If the shooter came through that door, I chose to stand between him and the students.
Training didn’t touch the truth at that moment.
Nothing hits like knowing the kid carrying the gun.
What if I’d done something to trigger him?
Swallowing back fear and choosing to stand in a courage that simply wasn’t there.
Time slowed.
It felt like hours passed. I don’t know how long it took for them to apprehend the student, but I know I learned something about myself that day.
In the soul-searching, mettle-testing darkness of that classroom, I imagined myself between a bullet and my students.
I’ve thought about shootings, especially after those that happen close to home. I still held the firm belief that it would never happen to me, my classroom, or my students.
After that situation, I learned I’d fight for the students under my responsibility.
Since moving schools, I’ve had the honor of teaching Advanced Honors and Honors English II to sophomores at our local magnet school. So, God has blessed me to spend the daylight hours teaching others to write and explore the writing of great authors, and then I come home in the evenings, and tell the stories God writes on my heart.
The students love to have a teacher who's actively using what she teaches. They are so curious about what I write and about how to become writers. I’m the Creative Writing Club Sponsor at the high school, and I’m mentor to a couple of aspiring writers that are doing great. One of my students, Lynnea Mileusnich published her first middle-grade, Christian Fantasy book, Heir of Promise. I’m so proud of her and excited to see where God takes her next.
God gave me a gift, and it is my responsibility as a member of God’s kingdom to give that gift back to God. For every book I write, I pray it reaches the readers that will be most impacted, edified, and encouraged by it. I pray readers feel seen and inspired to keep hoping when it seems all hope is lost, to keep walking when it seems all is futile, to keep loving when it seems the world is full of hate and loss.
There is a beautiful hope and joy despite the difficult world we live in, and we have a heavenly father that loves us more than we will ever be able to understand. I want to help others remain focused on God’s love for them. God has a great plan for the books he gives us, and I’m thrilled to be writing the next part of The Reconditioned Series journey.
FreeFallingUnder the Dome, peace reigns ... forcefully.
One hundred and eighty years in the future, the U.S. government eradicates warfare and violence.
Serenity should feel safe, but she doesn’t.
Serenity Knowles knows two things for certain. Finishing her government assigned community service as a teacher is mandatory in order to start her adult life. And stopping those in power from reconditioning two of her favorite students will ruin her chances at a future and a life.
Everything she thought she once knew to be true, suddenly is now in question after her typically peaceful girls fight in plain view of everyone at school. The Federal Bureau of Acceptance storms in and collects them both for reconditioning—chemical brain washing. With no one to help, Serenity is driven into a wild rescue and escape plan. The girls can’t be made into shadow children, brainwashed and limited to a menial future.
All that stands between the overreaching government and her girls is Serenity’s budding faith, a furry beast companion, her modified illegal AI, and a ragtag group of men and women set against the use of cutting edge technology and genetically modified bio-weapons on citizens under the Dome. If any of them get caught, they will be reconditioned. If they don’t move fast enough, the girls will be lost. If she doesn’t become a hero, any hope of a real future will be forfeit.
In her transformation from a teacher with a broken family to a radical defector leading a team of rebels, Sere discovers America’s deadliest threat—its own government.
Jennifer Burrows has a message in her heart about God’s love, and she’s shared that when she was a musician in her father’s church, as a missionary to underprivileged children in a third world country, and as a wife who stood by her husband through terminal brain cancer that God miraculously healed.Now, she’s sharing God’s powerful love through the art of fiction, pouring herself into edifying and helping other writers, and teaching others how to use faith in the face of adversity. Jennifer teaches in the greater Nashville area where she lives with her husband and their two children. Get to know Jennifer better at jlburrows.com, or connect with her on social media.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferlynnburrows
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferlynnburrows
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlburrowsauthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jenniferlynnburrows/freefalling-book-1-in-the-reconditioned-series/ (This is the board for FreeFalling and it includes the inspiration photos for the world and the key characters in the story.)
Website: www.jlburrows.com
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/freefalling-the-reconditioned-book-1-by-j-l-burrows
LINK FOR JOINING J. L. BURROWS NEWSLETTER :
https://BookHip.com/TTZQCBA - Includes a freebie Prequel Anthology - Invading Darkness the origin stories to my Balance Keepers main characters.
January 13, 2025
My Plans for 2025
How is your 2025 going so far? Mine is off to a fairly good start.Over Christmas break, I was able to add about 20,000 words to my story, Fairest Inn All. It's my Snow White retelling and my goal is to finish it by April so I can get it on the calendar for early 2026.
Between now and then, though, I have a fun novella collection releasing in a month. Wow! February isn't very far away, is it? Where did the rest of January go?
Pets Amore is four rom-coms and each has their own pet involved in the romance. My story is "Out-of-the-box Valentine's." It has a hamster named Houdini, a kindergarten teacher, and a firefighter. So much fun! I'm also working with three other authors on a proposal for a Christmas novella collection to release in 2026. Each story would have something to do with Christmas lights. Fun, right? we'll see if we can pull it all together. I'm pretty excited about the idea I have for my story, though.
In July, my first fairy-tale retelling will release. Rendersella is set to come out July 22nd, and I am so excited for this series to start getting out to you. I adore fairy-tale retellings and I hope you'll like my modern take on them.
If I can get my act together, I would also love to write the third in my fairy-tale series before the end of the year. The title for that one is Beauty School and the Beast. And I can already picture several of the scenes for it, so my fingers are itching to get finished with Snow White so I can move on to the next "princess."
Somewhere in the midst of all of those stories I'm working on for me, I'm also editing seven books (a couple are already done). And hoping to re-release my book Writing Home, which ended up unpublished last year when that publishing company went out of business.
And then, of course, we have all the regular chaos too. Like two kids in school, all the things we're involved with at church, the trip we want to take this summer to see the places where Laura Ingalls lived. You get the idea.
How is your 2025 looking? Do you have your goals set? Let's hold each other accountable so we can achieve as many as possible!
January 9, 2025
2024 Reading Recap
When I ended 2023, I had not reached the goal I set myself in the Goodreads yearly reading challenge. And while it doesn't really matter, it still frustrated me. So, I lowered the goal for 2024 by five books. This is me, trying to learn how to live this life I've given myself with two kids, four jobs, etc. I figured that was attainable because I ALMOST read that many back in 2023.Y'all. This year I read 125 of 120 books. I kid you not. I could have just left my goal the same as it has been for the last however many years. Life is crazy.
Anyway, want to know a little more about what I read?
Book club has been hit or miss. I still don't love all the choices we're getting each year. Especially if the books have bad language. If I knew going in that a book would have bad language, I wouldn't read it. So, I did skip a book or two. But I did end up reading a couple with bad language too. And the stories were good. But the language drove me crazy.
Several of the books I read this year were because I was reading along (or ahead of) my daughter. She'd been reading the Anne of Green Gables books and I couldn't remember how some of the ones near the end of the series went (I knew there was a baby lost. And a few other sad parts.) and I wanted to be able to caution her or let her talk to me about it. Those were rereads and enjoyed just as much as the last time I read them.
She also got into a series called Keeper of the Lost Cities. When she read the first one and told me it was "intense," I decided to read them with her so she could talk about it. It's an interesting series and we've only made it through about the first six books. But I heard the author included some agenda I don't approve of in the most recent release, so I'm not sure how much farther we'll go with that one.
Of course, the last month of the year, I read almost only Christmas stories. Why not? They were quick and easy and perfect for my tired brain.
I included all my books that I edited. And all the ones I wrote. Because, I DID read them. ;)
Was it a great year for reading? It definitely included some great stories, including some books from series I had started previously. But nothing really stands out as, "Oh my goodness! You have to read this book!" either.
Want to know more about what I read and the rankings I gave them? You can see the full list here.
How did your 2024 reading year go? Did you read anything amazing?
