Sherri Stewart's Blog
July 14, 2024
Field Trips, Food, and Fiction
July 2024 Newsletter
Have you ever been on a cruise?
How many of you have been on a cruise? What was your favorite one? Share your memory by dropping me a short message at stewartwriting.com, and I’ll send my latest book to the first three who do so.
Pictures tell a better story than words can. My son and I went on a 13-day transatlantic cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona, stopping at four places along the way. BeforeI left, I thought I’d be bored silly staying on a ship for 8 days before reaching the Azores, our first destination, but I was wrong.
The trip was delightful. If you ever get the chance to take a r
epositioning cruise, which means the boat doesn’t take you back to where you started, takeit! Repositioning cruises are cheaper, and you get more time to relax, not having to stand in line or unpack and pack up again.
Along the way, we saw the Rock of Gibraltar, enjoyed tapas in Spain, and walked the narrow streets of Lisbon. We even saw the coast of Africa. I could write a book about all that I experienced, and I will. Stay tuned.
Secrets Dark and Deep
TV anchor, Maddie Caldecott, has a secret so deeply buried within that she doesn’t remember it. But the man called Absalom knows her secret, and his threats to exact his revenge are becoming more and more intrusive. As an investigative reporter, Maddie can dig out the truth of any story, but she can’t unearth the secret she’s blocked until it’s too late.
Police Detective, Brody Messner, is at his wits end. How can he protect Maddie if she resists his every suggestion? His need to protect her has become personal. From Orlando to Zürich, he follows her, trying to stay one step ahead of her assailant—all of his notes to her, and the song.
https://bit.ly/3Lkph5f
Brenda Cox
Fashionable Goodness: Christianity in Jane Austen's England
Jane Austen, beloved author of Pride and Prejudice and other wonderful novels, was also a committed Christian. Her clergy characters range from foolish Mr. Collins to earnest Edmund Bertram. What was she saying about the church in her world?
During her time, the church was changing rapidly. Hymn-singing, evangelicalism, education of the poor, abolition of slavery, modern missions: all these began in her era. Christians in Austen's England challenged their immoral society and transformed their world. How did they “make goodness fashionable”?
Fashionable Goodness: Christianity in Jane Austen’s England explores faith and the church in Jane Austen’s life, novels, and world.
Colleen SnyderVerdict at the River's Edge
What terrifies you?
In the dark recess of your soul, what is it that you’ve managed to avoid, to hide, to bury deep, never to be faced? And what if the Lord asked you to face that fear for no other reason than, “Because I’m asking?” What would you do?
Welcome to Collin Walker’s world.
Collin Walker, a social worker from the inner city of Oakton, Ohio comes to Camp Grace for what is billed as “an extreme sports camp.” Her single purpose: to show her ward, Rob Sider, that there is more to life than the streets “…show you can be strong and still love, win without cheating, and succeed in life without all the bells and whistles…” Collin has no way of knowing that God has other plans for her week: facing a lifelong terror of rushing rivers, and perhaps her greatest fear of all, the possibility of real love.
Jeff Farrell is the camp “go-to” man: janitor, tour guide, paramedic... Collin finds his easy banter, gentle humor, and quick wit intriguing. As their paths cross over and over—and over and over—Collin finds herself drawn to him. When Rob picks whitewater rafting as his challenge and asks Collin to come along, Collin must muster all her rigid self-control and her faith to face her fear. But when a killer makes her his next target, which will she rely on to see her through? Her strength or her faith? Can she “walk the talk” when the events of the week spiral out of her control?
March 25, 2024
March 2024 Newsletter
Theme Parks: Which is the best?
Disney World is ten miles from my house. I go there at least fifty times a year just to walk. From exciting rides to food festivals to amazing theming, Disney spares no expense. It sets a high standard for all other parks to meet.
Universal is growing by leaps and bounds—its new park opening in 2025. It’s safe to say Universal appeals more to teenagers than Disney does. Harry Potter is definitely worth visiting.
Disneyland Paris is smaller than its US counterpart, but it has its own charm. With fewer main streets and more paths that branch off, it’s nice to get away from the crowds and just enjoy the surroundings.
Europa Park in Rust, Germany, is an unexpected delight. Similar to Disney but less manicured, there’s so much to see. Each of Europe’s eighteen countries has their own areas with their own rides, restaurants, and beautiful theming. Unlike Disney, there are numerous areas for children to play in, and picnic tables in shaded areas for people to sit and chat.
Secrets Dark and Deep
TV anchor, Maddie Caldecott, has a secret so deeply buried within that she doesn’t remember it. But the man called Absalom knows her secret, and his threats to exact his revenge are becoming more and more intrusive. As an investigative reporter, Maddie can dig out the truth of any story, but she can’t unearth the secret she’s blocked until it’s too late.
Police Detective, Brody Messner, is at his wits end. How can he protect Maddie if she resists his every suggestion? His need to protect her has become personal. From Orlando to Zürich, he follows her, trying to stay one step ahead of her assailant—all of Absalom’s notes to her, and the song. https://bit.ly/49eD6we
Meet Carol Nemeth
Selah Finalist for The Chemist, https://bit.ly/3wQEfMf Carol Nemeth is a native North Carolinian, who has always loved reading and making up stories since childhood. She began writing in junior high school. As a young adult, she worked in the National Park Service and served in the US Army where she was stationed in Pisa, Italy. While there she met the love of her life, Mark Nemeth, who also served in the Army. They’ve lived in various locations including North Yorkshire, England. Now living in West Virginia, they enjoy RVing and traveling to do research for her books. They have two grown children, Matt and Jennifer, a son-in-law, Flint, a daughter-in-law, Holly, and three amazing grandchildren, Martin, Ava, and Gage.
A multi-published author of fourteen books and multiple short stories, Carol is blessed to be an Amazon #1 bestselling author and an ACFW Carol Award Semi-finalist as well as an American Bookfest finalist. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers. She writes romantic suspense, both historical and contemporary. Her goal is to write stories that will be entertaining and enjoyable while at the same time uplifting and faith-building. May Christ always be glorified. https://www.jcarolnemeth.com/
New Release!!! Discovering Elena
A little wooden chest
A tiny baby’s hat, old faded photos and a half of a metal medallion.
Kate Cigler’s grandmother just passed leaving her the family bakery. On the day of the funeral, her two great-aunts handed her the little chest and an address in Wyoming. “You must go, Katarina. Discover your mother’s past secrets.” Secrets? Mother had secrets? But Mother had been a simple baker in small-town Ohio. Before she had died years ago, why hadn’t she told Kate her secrets? Why now? What would Kate find in Wyoming to shed light on her mother’s past? What did the clues in the chest mean? Who were the military men with her mother in the faded photos? And why did she look so happy with one and so unhappy with the other?
Dread filled her as she stared at the second one. That uniform. Why was Mother standing next to him?
https://bit.ly/3PfMKXk
Let's Go on a Field Trip!
November 2022 Newsletter
Theme Parks: Which is the best?
Disney World is ten miles from my house. I go there at least fifty times a year just to walk. From exciting rides to food festivals to amazing theming, Disney spares no expense. It sets a high standard for all other parks to meet.
Universal is growing by leaps and bounds—its new park opening in 2025. It’s safe to say Universal appeals more to teenagers than Disney does. Harry Potter is definitely worth visiting.
Disneyland Paris is smaller than its US counterpart, but it has its own charm. With fewer main streets and more paths that branch off, it’s nice to get away from the crowds and just enjoy the surroundings.
Europa Park in Rust, Germany, is an unexpected delight. Similar to Disney but less manicured, there’s so much to see. Each of Europe’s eighteen countries has their own areas with their own rides, restaurants, and beautiful theming. Unlike Disney, there are numerous areas for children to play in, and picnic tables in shaded areas for people to sit and chat.
Secrets Dark and Deep
TV anchor, Maddie Caldecott, has a secret so deeply buried within that she doesn’t remember it. But the man called Absalom knows her secret, and his threats to exact his revenge are becoming more and more intrusive. As an investigative reporter, Maddie can dig out the truth of any story, but she can’t unearth the secret she’s blocked until it’s too late.
Police Detective, Brody Messner, is at his wits end. How can he protect Maddie if she resists his every suggestion? His need to protect her has become personal. From Orlando to Zürich, he follows her, trying to stay one step ahead of her assailant—all of Absalom’s notes to her, and the song. https://bit.ly/49eD6we
Meet Carol Nemeth
Selah Finalist for The Chemist, https://bit.ly/3wQEfMf Carol Nemeth is a native North Carolinian, who has always loved reading and making up stories since childhood. She began writing in junior high school. As a young adult, she worked in the National Park Service and served in the US Army where she was stationed in Pisa, Italy. While there she met the love of her life, Mark Nemeth, who also served in the Army. They’ve lived in various locations including North Yorkshire, England. Now living in West Virginia, they enjoy RVing and traveling to do research for her books. They have two grown children, Matt and Jennifer, a son-in-law, Flint, a daughter-in-law, Holly, and three amazing grandchildren, Martin, Ava, and Gage.
A multi-published author of fourteen books and multiple short stories, Carol is blessed to be an Amazon #1 bestselling author and an ACFW Carol Award Semi-finalist as well as an American Bookfest finalist. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers. She writes romantic suspense, both historical and contemporary. Her goal is to write stories that will be entertaining and enjoyable while at the same time uplifting and faith-building. May Christ always be glorified. https://www.jcarolnemeth.com/
New Release!!! Discovering Elena
A little wooden chest
A tiny baby’s hat, old faded photos and a half of a metal medallion.
Kate Cigler’s grandmother just passed leaving her the family bakery. On the day of the funeral, her two great-aunts handed her the little chest and an address in Wyoming. “You must go, Katarina. Discover your mother’s past secrets.” Secrets? Mother had secrets? But Mother had been a simple baker in small-town Ohio. Before she had died years ago, why hadn’t she told Kate her secrets? Why now? What would Kate find in Wyoming to shed light on her mother’s past? What did the clues in the chest mean? Who were the military men with her mother in the faded photos? And why did she look so happy with one and so unhappy with the other?
Dread filled her as she stared at the second one. That uniform. Why was Mother standing next to him?
https://bit.ly/3PfMKXk
Let's Go on a Field Trip!
November 25, 2022
November 2022 Newsletter
Sherri Stewart
www.stewartwriting.com
Let’s take a field trip to Bethlehem!
By far the most visited town in the Palestinian Territories, Bethlehem, is famous for being the place of Jesus Christ's birth and has been celebrated in Christmas carols and hymns through the centuries. The major tourist attraction here is the Church of the Nativity, and for anyone who has ever celebrated Christmas, it is the top place to visit.
The Church of the Nativity is one of the oldest working churches in existence today. The first Church was built by the Roman Emperor Constantine in the 4th century AD, over the grotto where Mary gave birth to Jesus.
Wondering where those shepherds watched their flocks by night? The fields around the village of Beit Sahour are widely recognized by Christian believers as the site of the Shepherd's Field in which the birth of Jesus was announced by the angels.
Check out my new book, What Hides behind the Walls.
https://amzn.to/3AzGLFB
If the Nazis stole your house, wouldn’t you be justified in stealing it back now that the war is over?
When Tamar Feldman admits to her husband, Daniel, and mentor, Neelie Visser, that she broke into her former home, they scold her for taking such a risk. Tamar is tired of being careful. She’s tired of living in the present, as if the past doesn’t matter. But the painting of the violin girl in her former bedroom draws her back again and again. She finally steals the painting to return it to its former owner. Now maybe this small act of justice will help Tamar to start to heal.
When Neelie sees the painting, she reveals a secret about it that will take the three of them on a quest to Amsterdam and Paris to find justice, forgiveness, and new beginnings.
What Tamar doesn’t realize is the past isn’t finished with her yet; in fact, it’s as close as the walls in her house and even follows her to Paris.
Enter to win a boatload of novels!
Meet Faye Roberts
Consider for a moment - What book touched you so deeply it changed your life?
Mine would have to be the third book in a series I wrote for The Silver Cross Ranch Legacy Series. The main character, Mavis McCall, is adapted from my own mother’s experiences while serving during World War II, and the battles that continued long after she returned home and attempted to settle into the life of wife and mother.
When working on The Legacy of Mavis McCall, I was taken back to memories of my childhood. My mother served as a sergeant in the Women’s Army Corp during World War II, and still fought battles in her head. In doing research for the book, I was drawn into the lives of other women who, like Mom, carried hard-fought and hard-won memories while the war still raged in the recesses of their minds. With the assistance of the research, I was able to look at Mom’s difficult struggles in a new light. It helped me to understand her, and I was able to finally come to peace with our relationship.
The Legacy of Mavis McCall
https://amazon.com/author/fayelroberts
Faye Roberts on Goodreads
The Silver Cross Legacy Series - Imagine opening a long-forgotten trunk to find diaries written by your foremothers. Four generations of thoughts, heartaches, challenges, and triumphs. What lessons did they write inside the yellowed pages? What lessons could they give you now?
The Silver Cross Ranch Legacy weaves the lessons of history into the lives of four mothers and daughters who fight the odds, and sometimes each other, to defend their way of life. With stubborn tenacity and hard-won faith, the women learn the beauty in their differences and the power of forgiveness. Together they create hope for the future with the reassurance that each step taken during life’s rugged journey leads to a bright coming home.
As a writer, I bring the lessons of history to the modern world searching for true heroes. It’s said that the more things change, the more they remain the same. We all have the same desires, hopes and dreams as those who came before us. We want a better life for ourselves and our children. We want to belong, to matter, and to make a difference. No matter the era or the circumstances we are born into, we want strength, acceptance, and peace. The intention of my books is to bring that kind of hope to my readers.
Meet Dana Mentick
Dana Mentink is a USA TODAY and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author. She's written more than forty mystery and suspense novels for Love Inspired Suspense, Harvest House, and Poisoned Pen Press. She is honored to have received two ACFW Carol Awards, a Holt Medallion Award, and a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award. Please visit her on the web at www.danamentink.com to sign up for her newsletter, or find her on Twitter, Facebook and Bookbub.
Dana Mentink
USA Today & Publishers Weekly bestselling author
Christmas Crime Cover-UP:
When I visited Death Valley, I was enchanted by the wild donkeys living there! It turns out they are non-natives, and they require care and sometimes relocation. I thought it’d be great fun to write a suspense novel involving these cagey critters and the people who work to rescue them. Voilà, A novel was born! I hope you enjoy it! https://amzn.to/3TRg4mO
A violent attack isn’t the homecoming she expected.
When an ATV tries to run her down in Death Valley, animal rescuer Nora Duke knows it’s a sign she never should have returned. Now she’s stuck on Seth Castillo’s ranch until Christmas with a pregnant donkey—and a criminal desperate to silence her. Facing her past is as terrifying as uncovering a killer’s twisted plan. But can Seth convince her to stay…if they live through the holidays?
From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
Desert Justice
Book 1: Framed in Death Valley
Book 2: Missing in the Desert
Book 3: Death Valley Double Cross
Book 4: Death Valley Hideout
Book 5: Christmas Crime Cover-Up
Book 6: Targeted in the Desert
September 27, 2022
September 2022 Newsletter
Sherri Stewart
www.stewartwriting.com
Let’s take a field trip to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania!
Five things that might surprise
you about this Amish county
1) Lancaster County is the home of the largest buffet in the US!
Shady Maple Smorgasbord features 200 feet of buffet laden with the finest in PA Dutch cooking. Check out the gift store in the basement.
2) USA Today rates Cherry Crest corn maze as one of the best in the US!
It’s not easy. It took us over four hours to finish. Of course, we’re not the brightest candles on the cake.
3) It looks like a bike, but it’s not. Notice there’s no seat. The bikes outside the schoolhouse in this picture are more akin to scooters.
4) Did you know that you can fly to Lancaster on a bus (not an airbus). American Airlines Flight 6359 offers nonstop transportation from Philadelphia International Airport to Lancaster Airport. But you don’t leave the ground!
One of Lancaster County’s most lucrative crops is tobacco! “Among the Amish, taking a government handout is frowned upon and smoking cigarettes is considered too worldly, but growing tobacco is fine.” Baltimore Sun.
If you liked A Song for Her Enemies , its sequel, What Hides behind the Walls , is available for preorder on October 1st on Amazon.
Here’s a bit about it:
If the Nazis stole your house, wouldn’t you be justified in stealing it back ?
When Tamar Feldman admits to her husband, Daniel, and mentor, Neelie Visser, that she broke into her former home, they scold her for taking such a risk. Tamar is tired of being careful. She’s tired of living in the present, as if the past doesn’t matter. But the painting of the violin girl in her former bedroom draws her back again and again. She finally steals the painting to return it to its former owner. Now maybe this small act of justice will help Tamar to start to heal. When Neelie sees the painting, she reveals a secret about it that will take the three of them on a quest to Amsterdam and Paris to find justice, forgiveness, and new beginnings. What Tamar doesn’t realize is the past isn’t finished with her yet; in fact, it’s as close as the walls in her house and even follows her to Paris.
Meet Award-winning author, June Foster.
An award-winning author, June Foster is a retired teacher with a BA in Education and a MA in counseling. June began writing Christian romance in 2010 as she and her husband traveled the US in their RV. Her adventures provide a rich source of information for her novels. She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her next book.
To date, June has written over thirty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels and novellas. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who encounter real-life difficulties yet live victorious lives. She's published with Winged Publications. Visit June at www.junefoster.com to see a complete list of her books.
Her novel, The Inn at Cranberry Cove , won the 2021 Selah award for Romantic Suspense. It is available on Amazon in paperback, hardback, and eBook format
Website
https://www.facebook.com/authorjunefoster
https://amzn.to/3ymlGOb
Tell us about your book, A Home at Cranberry Cove.
Madison Mitchell will never trust a man again. The love of her life broke her heart and married a French chef. Now she throws herself into her work at The Inn at Cranberry Cove. When she accidentally tangles with the manager of a nearby fishing supply store, she suspects the handsome guy is hiding something.
Micah Collins flees Sacramento seeking solace in the seaside village in Washington state. But he discovers an enemy has followed him to Cranberry Cove. He must endure frightful threats at the same time keeping his previous life secret. When Madison finds herself in danger, Micah blames himself.
Madison and Micah are haunted by someone from Micah's past, but is the culprit the real enemy or should they look elsewhere? Will they find a future together? https://amzn.to/3OMkk4X
June, what part of you is in this book?
I see some of myself in the heroine, Madison Mitchell, before she became a Christian. She walked away from a failed marriage which mirrors my experience as well. She is reluctant to trust men and isn’t sure how to relate to them which described me for a portion of my life. But like Madison, when I found the Lord, He set me free from fear and distrust.
Meet Award-Winning Finalist, Erin Stevenson
Erin Stevenson is a former elementary, secondary, and collegiate educator. Writing for the past decade, her longtime faith and experiences of living across America come alive in her books. Erin is recently retired, traveling the country with her dog in a camper looking for inspiration for her next novels. She currently has ten books out, all of which can be found on her website, https://www.esqwrites.com/ She also has a Christmas book coming in December 2022.
2021 Carol Award Finalist
Twitter: @ESQwrites
Instagram: esqwrites
Website: https://www.esqwrites.com/
Tell us about Meet Me on the Porch:
Brynne Lockwood has come home to Brattleboro, Vermont, after a humiliating job loss. She’s weary and broken, and still hasn’t truly forgiven herself for a former unhealthy relationship with long-lasting consequences. She doesn’t believe that she deserves anything good and can’t imagine that God could ever use her.
After recovering from a shattering loss, Pastor Adam Johnston is on his way to a new assignment. A mix-up takes him and his baby daughter to beautiful southern Vermont. If he stays, he’ll face opposition, but God has prepared his heart for ministry, and he’s committed to serving there.
Adam and Brynne connect quickly and unexpectedly, but circumstances demand that they be cautious.
Now, you are invited to join Adam and Brynne on the porch at her grandparents’ home—a special place where you'll experience their joy as Adam and Brynne build a friendship rooted in Biblical principles, find healing for their wounds, and discover God’s plan for their lives. PBG
Amazon
Is there any of you in this book?
I’m not sure. I probably identify with Adam more than any other character. He’s desperately holding on to God during this period of great change and upheaval in his life, and I’d like to think that I do the same. In my recent daily devotionals, I’ve seen a theme of claiming God’s strength during trials. A life walking with Christ isn’t free from problems, but His power and strength to weather the storms of life is available to us if we only reach out.
July 24, 2022
July 2022 Newsletter
Sherri Stewart
www.stewartwriting.com
Five things that might
surprise you about Maine
1. The author who lives in this house in Bangor was a teacher before he penned America’s greatest horror novels.
2. Maine is the single largest producer of blueberries in the United States. In fact 99% come from this state.
3. In the early years, lobster was inexpensive and nutritional. So, it was often served to servants and prisoners. Today Maine produces almost 90% of the country’s lobster.
4. Maine has over 3,166 islands and if you visited one a day, it would take you almost 9 years to see them all!
5. Acadia is one of the most-visited U.S. National Parks, with over two million annual visitors. It was the first national park east of the Mississippi and the only national park in the northeast.
Deer Eyes
By Sherri Stewart
Her eyes reflect fear, but looks can be deceiving.
From the moment high-school principal, Judd Trudeau, sees the fear-filled eyes of the beautiful woman in Acadia Park, he knows he must tread lightly. If he wants to get close, Judd must gain her trust. But those deer-in-the-headlights eyes remain, and his need to protect her trumps his better judgment. She’s running from something. The more he learns about Selah Brighton, the more he realizes looks can be deceiving.
Selah Brighton has reason to be wary, which is why she chose to hide in Bar Harbor, Maine. The fewer people who know her story, the less danger she’ll bring to their lives. It’s not wise to stay in any place for long, but something about Judd Trudeau makes it hard to maintain her resolve. https://amzn.to/3xYfXwy
As an author, my own life is all through my books, especially this one. I was a principal and an attorney. I spent almost a year studying the law case in this book, and the part about my father and me is true.
Meet Linda Knowles
Tell us about yourself, and what part of you is in your book?
I’m originally from Saraland/Satsuma, Alabama. I wrote my first novel in 2013, and since then I have written fourteen. Who would have ever thought that I would write so many love stories? After completing a story, I’m always joyful and sad at the same time because my characters are like family and wonderful friends. God has blessed me by allowing me to share my stories with my readers. I believe the part of me in my newest book is the main character. She is a strong-will young lady who loves everyone, no matter what their background, their race or ethnicity, or their social status. I personally love people, young, old, rich or poor.
http://www.lindasealyknowlesauthor.com/.
From the time she arrived in Yellowstone as a new widow, she was doomed to a life of unending toil… until Cole James offers her a job in the town’s mercantile. Unfortunately, her troubles follow her, and Cole’s mother sends her packing, and she ends up back on the streets.
https://amzn.to/3z1qeJ7
Meet Cynthia Hickey
Tell us about yourself.
I am a multi-published and best-selling author of cozy mysteries and romantic suspense. I have taught writing at many conferences and small writing retreats. My husband and I run the publishing press, Winged Publications, which includes some of the CBA's best well-known authors. We live in Arizona and Arkansas, becoming snowbirds with two dogs and one cat. We have ten grandchildren who keep us busy and tell everyone they know that "Nana is a writer." Connect with me on www.cynthiahickey.com
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Secrets of Misty Hollow: A small town romantic suspense
She's reeling from a shocking revelation.
He's sworn to protect her.
As their passion grows, will they find love or death?
★★★★★This romantic suspense has more twists and turns than a windy road. Great story that kept me wanting to read more. It wasn't hard to root for Karlie and Heath and service dog, Shadow.
Karlie Marshall's biological father is not who she thought. When she learns he's a vicious crime boss, her life in witness protection is revealed. Now he wants to get to know his daughter, but it may cost her everything.
Heath Westbrook’s career is in jeopardy. Keeping Karlie safe will lead to the ultimate promotion. But when this by-the-books Agent’s heart gets involved, intrigue may win out over duty.
As Karlie's mob boss father closes in, she'll have to put her trust in the dashing sheriff. But Heath has secrets that could tear them apart. Can they work together to see justice done, or will love lead to death?
Find out in this first in the series, action-packed romantic suspense that can be read as a standalone. https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Misty-Hollow-Romantic-Suspense-ebook/dp/B08F4CLYBK
Meet Patti Smith Hall
I am a multi-published author, and I live in the North Georgia mountains with my husband of 39 years, Danny. When I’m not writing at my kitchen table, I’m playing with my grandsons, visiting my family, or serving in my church.
Tell us about yourself, and what part of you is in the book?
Most of my heroines have some part of my character, but with Essie, I share two major similarities. First, both of us have a physical disability. When I was a younger woman, I was beaten up by a patient and left with nerve damage and pain in my right leg. At times the pain was so bad that I couldn’t sit or stand and wrote lying down. But God had a plan—only with Him could I have survived the last 30+ years, and two years ago, He took away the pain I’d lived with for so long! Secondly, Essie and I share the same need for a purpose in our lives. Without purpose, I’m like a rudder-less boat, just floating around going nowhere. I’m a very goal-oriented person so doing nothing throws me for a loop. So I spend a lot of time in prayer asking God for direction.
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpattysmithhall
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorpattysmithhall
Link to Book: https://www.amazon.com/Five-Dime-Christmas-Susanne-Dietze/dp/1636093655/ref=sr_1_1?crid=36QPW58NCXB4P&keywords=five+and+dime+christmas&qid=1658491115&sprefix=Five+and+Dime+Christmas%2Caps%2C70&sr=8-1
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Amazon
Christmas Is a Time for Romance at an 1880s Department Store.
Christmas Romances in One Collection Woolworth's Five and Dime is a magical place to work at Christmastime, but will it also be a place to fall in love in 1881? Maggie Larson works the lunch counter where she befriends a girl who's lonely father delivers milk each Friday. Hattie Scott learns her favorite customer is Englishman Timothy Branson and a threat to her brother's job. Essie Hensley doesn't need money but welcomes the challenges of working a job where she meets a minister and six little boys who inspire Christmas wishes. A job is the only thing independent orphan Lizzie Miller needs, but she can't pass up an invite to a bookkeeper's family Christmas https://amzn.to/3ztqTV3
www.stewartwriting.com
Five things that might
surprise you about Maine
1. The author who lives in this house in Bangor was a teacher before he penned America’s greatest horror novels.
2. Maine is the single largest producer of blueberries in the United States. In fact 99% come from this state.
3. In the early years, lobster was inexpensive and nutritional. So, it was often served to servants and prisoners. Today Maine produces almost 90% of the country’s lobster.
4. Maine has over 3,166 islands and if you visited one a day, it would take you almost 9 years to see them all!
5. Acadia is one of the most-visited U.S. National Parks, with over two million annual visitors. It was the first national park east of the Mississippi and the only national park in the northeast.
Deer Eyes
By Sherri Stewart
Her eyes reflect fear, but looks can be deceiving.
From the moment high-school principal, Judd Trudeau, sees the fear-filled eyes of the beautiful woman in Acadia Park, he knows he must tread lightly. If he wants to get close, Judd must gain her trust. But those deer-in-the-headlights eyes remain, and his need to protect her trumps his better judgment. She’s running from something. The more he learns about Selah Brighton, the more he realizes looks can be deceiving.
Selah Brighton has reason to be wary, which is why she chose to hide in Bar Harbor, Maine. The fewer people who know her story, the less danger she’ll bring to their lives. It’s not wise to stay in any place for long, but something about Judd Trudeau makes it hard to maintain her resolve. https://amzn.to/3xYfXwy
As an author, my own life is all through my books, especially this one. I was a principal and an attorney. I spent almost a year studying the law case in this book, and the part about my father and me is true.
Meet Linda Knowles
Tell us about yourself, and what part of you is in your book?
I’m originally from Saraland/Satsuma, Alabama. I wrote my first novel in 2013, and since then I have written fourteen. Who would have ever thought that I would write so many love stories? After completing a story, I’m always joyful and sad at the same time because my characters are like family and wonderful friends. God has blessed me by allowing me to share my stories with my readers. I believe the part of me in my newest book is the main character. She is a strong-will young lady who loves everyone, no matter what their background, their race or ethnicity, or their social status. I personally love people, young, old, rich or poor.
http://www.lindasealyknowlesauthor.com/.
From the time she arrived in Yellowstone as a new widow, she was doomed to a life of unending toil… until Cole James offers her a job in the town’s mercantile. Unfortunately, her troubles follow her, and Cole’s mother sends her packing, and she ends up back on the streets.
https://amzn.to/3z1qeJ7
Meet Cynthia Hickey
Tell us about yourself.
I am a multi-published and best-selling author of cozy mysteries and romantic suspense. I have taught writing at many conferences and small writing retreats. My husband and I run the publishing press, Winged Publications, which includes some of the CBA's best well-known authors. We live in Arizona and Arkansas, becoming snowbirds with two dogs and one cat. We have ten grandchildren who keep us busy and tell everyone they know that "Nana is a writer." Connect with me on www.cynthiahickey.com
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Secrets of Misty Hollow: A small town romantic suspense
She's reeling from a shocking revelation.
He's sworn to protect her.
As their passion grows, will they find love or death?
★★★★★This romantic suspense has more twists and turns than a windy road. Great story that kept me wanting to read more. It wasn't hard to root for Karlie and Heath and service dog, Shadow.
Karlie Marshall's biological father is not who she thought. When she learns he's a vicious crime boss, her life in witness protection is revealed. Now he wants to get to know his daughter, but it may cost her everything.
Heath Westbrook’s career is in jeopardy. Keeping Karlie safe will lead to the ultimate promotion. But when this by-the-books Agent’s heart gets involved, intrigue may win out over duty.
As Karlie's mob boss father closes in, she'll have to put her trust in the dashing sheriff. But Heath has secrets that could tear them apart. Can they work together to see justice done, or will love lead to death?
Find out in this first in the series, action-packed romantic suspense that can be read as a standalone. https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Misty-Hollow-Romantic-Suspense-ebook/dp/B08F4CLYBK
Meet Patti Smith Hall
I am a multi-published author, and I live in the North Georgia mountains with my husband of 39 years, Danny. When I’m not writing at my kitchen table, I’m playing with my grandsons, visiting my family, or serving in my church.
Tell us about yourself, and what part of you is in the book?
Most of my heroines have some part of my character, but with Essie, I share two major similarities. First, both of us have a physical disability. When I was a younger woman, I was beaten up by a patient and left with nerve damage and pain in my right leg. At times the pain was so bad that I couldn’t sit or stand and wrote lying down. But God had a plan—only with Him could I have survived the last 30+ years, and two years ago, He took away the pain I’d lived with for so long! Secondly, Essie and I share the same need for a purpose in our lives. Without purpose, I’m like a rudder-less boat, just floating around going nowhere. I’m a very goal-oriented person so doing nothing throws me for a loop. So I spend a lot of time in prayer asking God for direction.
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpattysmithhall
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorpattysmithhall
Link to Book: https://www.amazon.com/Five-Dime-Christmas-Susanne-Dietze/dp/1636093655/ref=sr_1_1?crid=36QPW58NCXB4P&keywords=five+and+dime+christmas&qid=1658491115&sprefix=Five+and+Dime+Christmas%2Caps%2C70&sr=8-1
Website
Amazon
Christmas Is a Time for Romance at an 1880s Department Store.
Christmas Romances in One Collection Woolworth's Five and Dime is a magical place to work at Christmastime, but will it also be a place to fall in love in 1881? Maggie Larson works the lunch counter where she befriends a girl who's lonely father delivers milk each Friday. Hattie Scott learns her favorite customer is Englishman Timothy Branson and a threat to her brother's job. Essie Hensley doesn't need money but welcomes the challenges of working a job where she meets a minister and six little boys who inspire Christmas wishes. A job is the only thing independent orphan Lizzie Miller needs, but she can't pass up an invite to a bookkeeper's family Christmas https://amzn.to/3ztqTV3
May 26, 2022
May 2022 Newsletter
Let’s go on a ‘Feed’ Trip to Paris!
Sherri Stewart
www.stewartwriting.com
Five things that might surprise
you about meals in France
1. Breakfasts are usually a tartine (bread served with butter and jam) and a hot drink. Croissants are for the weekend.
2. The entrée is the appetizer, not the main meal. It’s usually soup or pâté with bread.
3. French people rarely snack. They eat almost everything with a knife and fork, including a hamburger and a piece of fruit.
4. Dinners in France usually start at eight or later (yawn).
5. Salads are often eaten after the main course, and a cheese board and bread serve as dessert.
Très Chic
by Sherri Stewart
Nicole has her eye on the passenger in 3B on her weekly New York-to-Paris flights. He doesn’t know it yet, but she’s going to marry him. That is, if he can satisfy her list of the ten attributes of a perfect husband. Her friend Sal sets out to prove to her that lists don’t work when it comes to love, and he’s willing to help her win over the elusive passenger in order to prove his point. When push comes to shove, will the list prevail or fail?
https://amzn.to/3LwLjPJ
Meet Author, Diane Tatum!
The Disappearing Diaspora is Book #5 in Diane E. Tatum’s Main Street Mysteries series and her fifteenth book with Winged Publications. Like Dorie, Diane grew up in St. Louis County. She began writing in elementary school. Her first published book Gold Earrings began as a short story in a high school creative writing class. Diane taught middle school for eleven years. She retired from teaching public school when her husband told her to “come home and write your stories,” and bought her a laptop. Diane writes her stories and has been an adjunct professor of English at the local community college. She is supported by her family: husband Ken, two sons and daughters-in-law, and four young grandsons. Diane’s home in Tullahoma, Tennessee, includes a 6-year-old retired racing greyhound named Iggy.
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B008LUGM4Y
Diane E. Tatum’s Recent Release:
The Disappearing Diaspora
Daelin High School alumni are returning to Daelin for a mega-reunion involving five graduating classes. Those grads who left Daelin for better opportunities than were available in their small Georgia town are often called the diaspora, the scattered ones. The first alum to disappear is Captain Riley McDonough’s high school crush, Lucy Hendrickson. Riley and Daelin PD’s finest are on the case, including Dorie MacAvoy, former reporter turned liaison officer. However, Dorie’s and Ross’s pregnancy teeters precariously on viability. Will their child survive? Which alum will be abducted next? Why are they being taken? How will the police find the disappearing diaspora?
https://amzn.to/3FgOIkn
Meet Dr. Jill Boyce!!
Jill writes inspirational romantic fiction with a medical theme. Her Royal Medicine Series Book One and Two, Royally Confused , and Royally Engaged, were named as Selah Award finalists in 2022. She has also received Firebird Book Awards for several of her titles.
Her debut novels are part of the A Dose of Love series. Each story can stand alone, but all feature strong female leads facing challenging life circumstances while finding love along the way. Jill’s love of romance and her experience of losing her mother on the same day as her daughter’s birth inspired the first novel, Harte Broken . It raises the question, “What happens when the best day is also the worst one?”
Royally Confused , Book One in the Royal Medicine Series introduces Claire Thomson, the heroine physician who must discover her worth by finding out who she is and where she comes from. Jill wanted to create a contemporary world filled with classic fairy-tale characters—a knight in shining armor, an evil queen, and yes, a princess. Of course, Claire slays her own dragons and learns she comes from the one true King, her heavenly Father, who declares her worthy and loved. This series will follow the characters forward in the fictional royal world of Amorley.
Jill is a physician and mom, who loves coffee, travel, and anything glittered. She treasures spending time with her husband and children, who are her heart and greatest joy.
www.jillboyceauthor.com
A bit about Royally Married :
Dr. Claire Thomson, queen of Amorley, has banished all the dragons in her life—or so she hopes. Her wedding to Ethan Kane, the love of her life, looms on the horizon, yet unwelcome houseguests of her stepmother, Lord Chicanery of Maltenstein and his son, Hans, threaten her upcoming wedding with new obstacles.
New questions abound about the integrity of the crown and the necessity of its future. If Claire cannot prove her loyalty to Amorley and disavow her involvement in a nefarious plot to defraud the country’s coffers for personal gain, then she may have to postpone more than just her wedding. She may have to leave the life she’s come to love in her father’s homeland as Parliament calls the monarchy into question.
Dangers lurk in the castle, and if Claire’s not careful, she will lose more than her crown; she will lose her life. Will Claire and Ethan finally make it to the altar and solidify her position as queen? Can she protect the monarchy and those she loves from the evil plans of her enemies? Has time finally run out for Claire on her quest for her happily ever after?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09YDFZFZX?notRedirectToSDP=1&ref_=dbs_mng_calw_2&storeType=ebooks
February 22, 2022
February 2022 Field Trip
February 2022 Newsletter
What do you think about when you see this place?
Join me on a trip to the hotels that became the movie!
Sherri Stewart
www.stewartwriting.com
1. Most of you may not recognize the Timberline Lodge in Oregon, but you may recognize it by the name of the Overlook Hotel. Heeere’s Johnnie!
2. The Ambassador Hotel took on historical significance as the place where Robert F. Kennedy was shot, but moviegoers will recognize it as the setting of the Beverly Wilshire. Big mistake!
3. A boy’s best friend is his mother. The house behind the motel can still be visited on Universal’s back lot tour.
4. Hotel del Coronado in San Diego is the setting of Billy Wilder’s 1958 comedy, Some Like It Hot , although in the movie the hotel was supposed to be in Miami.
5. The Plaza Hotel is featured in a lot of movies, but who can forget Kevin’s room service fare? Former President Donald Trump owned the hotel at the time of filming and had a cameo in the movie.
Check out my book,
What She Saw in Room 223 ,
which took place in a famous hotel in Colorado.
https://amzn.to/3I7SLjg
Meet Author LuAnn K. Edwards
LuAnn writes Christian contemporary romance for women who enjoy a wholesome love story that inspires faith and hope. She grew up in Ohio, lived in New Mexico for several years, but calls Tennessee home. Seven years ago, she attended her first writers conference. There, a spark she’d pushed aside for over forty years to write fiction reignited. When she’s not writing, you’ll often find her flirting with her husband, who after forty-six years, doesn’t mind. LuAnn is Mom to three children and Nana to three grandchildren. She’s a former mathematics teacher and administrative professional who enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
Would you like a gift? When you sign up for her newsletter and monthly blog posts, you’ll receive a free short story: www.luannkedwards.com.
New Release!
An Odd Request :
https://amzn.to/3rXpySM
Becca Hill receives a random proposal from Ben Peterson, a man she’s not heard from in twelve years, who offers her what she desires but cannot accept.
Becca Hill longs to serve the Lord in a deeper capacity. She’s felt unfulfilled in her ministry since the death of her husband, the pastor of the small Pleasant Springs Community Church. Despite a desire to return to ministry, Becca rejects a marriage proposal she receives in the mail from a pastor friend she’s long admired but hasn’t seen in twelve years.
Ben Peterson needs a wife. He’s convinced the megachurch in Orlando where he serves as the mission’s pastor will terminate him if he doesn’t remarry soon. He’s battling grief over the loss of his wife two years earlier and believes Becca is the woman God has called him to marry. But he doesn’t want to date, and time is against him. He must persuade her that they must marry soon, and more importantly, this arrangement could benefit them both.
Will Becca leave the warmth and love of her small, close-knit community to marry a man she hasn’t seen in twelve years and someone who may never love her?
To read a conversation with Pastor Ben Peterson, please check out my recent blog post.
Why I wrote An Odd Request.
I’ve known many pastors’ wives who are called to serve alongside their husbands. Not an easy ministry, but a rewarding one for most. Often, wives help their husbands in counseling sessions when meeting with couples or women. And sometimes, the only person a pastor can confide in is their spouse. They share successes and failures as they do ministry together and support one another in prayer.
But what happens when a pastor loses his wife and support partner? Is he quick to remarry, or does he choose to do ministry alone or until he feels pressured to remarry for whatever reason? My pondering about this question caused me to write, An Odd Request. A story of building trust and love as Pastor Ben and Becca enter a modern-day marriage of convenience.
What do you think about when you see this place?
Join me on a trip to the hotels that became the movie!
Sherri Stewart
www.stewartwriting.com
1. Most of you may not recognize the Timberline Lodge in Oregon, but you may recognize it by the name of the Overlook Hotel. Heeere’s Johnnie!
2. The Ambassador Hotel took on historical significance as the place where Robert F. Kennedy was shot, but moviegoers will recognize it as the setting of the Beverly Wilshire. Big mistake!
3. A boy’s best friend is his mother. The house behind the motel can still be visited on Universal’s back lot tour.
4. Hotel del Coronado in San Diego is the setting of Billy Wilder’s 1958 comedy, Some Like It Hot , although in the movie the hotel was supposed to be in Miami.
5. The Plaza Hotel is featured in a lot of movies, but who can forget Kevin’s room service fare? Former President Donald Trump owned the hotel at the time of filming and had a cameo in the movie.
Check out my book,
What She Saw in Room 223 ,
which took place in a famous hotel in Colorado.
https://amzn.to/3I7SLjg
Meet Author LuAnn K. Edwards
LuAnn writes Christian contemporary romance for women who enjoy a wholesome love story that inspires faith and hope. She grew up in Ohio, lived in New Mexico for several years, but calls Tennessee home. Seven years ago, she attended her first writers conference. There, a spark she’d pushed aside for over forty years to write fiction reignited. When she’s not writing, you’ll often find her flirting with her husband, who after forty-six years, doesn’t mind. LuAnn is Mom to three children and Nana to three grandchildren. She’s a former mathematics teacher and administrative professional who enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
Would you like a gift? When you sign up for her newsletter and monthly blog posts, you’ll receive a free short story: www.luannkedwards.com.
New Release!
An Odd Request :
https://amzn.to/3rXpySM
Becca Hill receives a random proposal from Ben Peterson, a man she’s not heard from in twelve years, who offers her what she desires but cannot accept.
Becca Hill longs to serve the Lord in a deeper capacity. She’s felt unfulfilled in her ministry since the death of her husband, the pastor of the small Pleasant Springs Community Church. Despite a desire to return to ministry, Becca rejects a marriage proposal she receives in the mail from a pastor friend she’s long admired but hasn’t seen in twelve years.
Ben Peterson needs a wife. He’s convinced the megachurch in Orlando where he serves as the mission’s pastor will terminate him if he doesn’t remarry soon. He’s battling grief over the loss of his wife two years earlier and believes Becca is the woman God has called him to marry. But he doesn’t want to date, and time is against him. He must persuade her that they must marry soon, and more importantly, this arrangement could benefit them both.
Will Becca leave the warmth and love of her small, close-knit community to marry a man she hasn’t seen in twelve years and someone who may never love her?
To read a conversation with Pastor Ben Peterson, please check out my recent blog post.
Why I wrote An Odd Request.
I’ve known many pastors’ wives who are called to serve alongside their husbands. Not an easy ministry, but a rewarding one for most. Often, wives help their husbands in counseling sessions when meeting with couples or women. And sometimes, the only person a pastor can confide in is their spouse. They share successes and failures as they do ministry together and support one another in prayer.
But what happens when a pastor loses his wife and support partner? Is he quick to remarry, or does he choose to do ministry alone or until he feels pressured to remarry for whatever reason? My pondering about this question caused me to write, An Odd Request. A story of building trust and love as Pastor Ben and Becca enter a modern-day marriage of convenience.
Februart 2022 Field Trip
February 2022 Newsletter
What do you think about when you see this place?
Join me on a trip to the hotels that became the movie!
Sherri Stewart
www.stewartwriting.com
1. Most of you may not recognize the Timberline Lodge in Oregon, but you may recognize it by the name of the Overlook Hotel. Heeere’s Johnnie!
2. The Ambassador Hotel took on historical significance as the place where Robert F. Kennedy was shot, but moviegoers will recognize it as the setting of the Beverly Wilshire. Big mistake!
3. A boy’s best friend is his mother. The house behind the motel can still be visited on Universal’s back lot tour.
4. Hotel del Coronado in San Diego is the setting of Billy Wilder’s 1958 comedy, Some Like It Hot , although in the movie the hotel was supposed to be in Miami.
5. The Plaza Hotel is featured in a lot of movies, but who can forget Kevin’s room service fare? Former President Donald Trump owned the hotel at the time of filming and had a cameo in the movie.
Check out my book,
What She Saw in Room 223 ,
which took place in a famous hotel in Colorado.
https://amzn.to/3I7SLjg
Meet Author LuAnn K. Edwards
LuAnn writes Christian contemporary romance for women who enjoy a wholesome love story that inspires faith and hope. She grew up in Ohio, lived in New Mexico for several years, but calls Tennessee home. Seven years ago, she attended her first writers conference. There, a spark she’d pushed aside for over forty years to write fiction reignited. When she’s not writing, you’ll often find her flirting with her husband, who after forty-six years, doesn’t mind. LuAnn is Mom to three children and Nana to three grandchildren. She’s a former mathematics teacher and administrative professional who enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
Would you like a gift? When you sign up for her newsletter and monthly blog posts, you’ll receive a free short story: www.luannkedwards.com.
New Release!
An Odd Request :
https://amzn.to/3rXpySM
Becca Hill receives a random proposal from Ben Peterson, a man she’s not heard from in twelve years, who offers her what she desires but cannot accept.
Becca Hill longs to serve the Lord in a deeper capacity. She’s felt unfulfilled in her ministry since the death of her husband, the pastor of the small Pleasant Springs Community Church. Despite a desire to return to ministry, Becca rejects a marriage proposal she receives in the mail from a pastor friend she’s long admired but hasn’t seen in twelve years.
Ben Peterson needs a wife. He’s convinced the megachurch in Orlando where he serves as the mission’s pastor will terminate him if he doesn’t remarry soon. He’s battling grief over the loss of his wife two years earlier and believes Becca is the woman God has called him to marry. But he doesn’t want to date, and time is against him. He must persuade her that they must marry soon, and more importantly, this arrangement could benefit them both.
Will Becca leave the warmth and love of her small, close-knit community to marry a man she hasn’t seen in twelve years and someone who may never love her?
To read a conversation with Pastor Ben Peterson, please check out my recent blog post.
Why I wrote An Odd Request.
I’ve known many pastors’ wives who are called to serve alongside their husbands. Not an easy ministry, but a rewarding one for most. Often, wives help their husbands in counseling sessions when meeting with couples or women. And sometimes, the only person a pastor can confide in is their spouse. They share successes and failures as they do ministry together and support one another in prayer.
But what happens when a pastor loses his wife and support partner? Is he quick to remarry, or does he choose to do ministry alone or until he feels pressured to remarry for whatever reason? My pondering about this question caused me to write, An Odd Request. A story of building trust and love as Pastor Ben and Becca enter a modern-day marriage of convenience.
What do you think about when you see this place?
Join me on a trip to the hotels that became the movie!
Sherri Stewart
www.stewartwriting.com
1. Most of you may not recognize the Timberline Lodge in Oregon, but you may recognize it by the name of the Overlook Hotel. Heeere’s Johnnie!
2. The Ambassador Hotel took on historical significance as the place where Robert F. Kennedy was shot, but moviegoers will recognize it as the setting of the Beverly Wilshire. Big mistake!
3. A boy’s best friend is his mother. The house behind the motel can still be visited on Universal’s back lot tour.
4. Hotel del Coronado in San Diego is the setting of Billy Wilder’s 1958 comedy, Some Like It Hot , although in the movie the hotel was supposed to be in Miami.
5. The Plaza Hotel is featured in a lot of movies, but who can forget Kevin’s room service fare? Former President Donald Trump owned the hotel at the time of filming and had a cameo in the movie.
Check out my book,
What She Saw in Room 223 ,
which took place in a famous hotel in Colorado.
https://amzn.to/3I7SLjg
Meet Author LuAnn K. Edwards
LuAnn writes Christian contemporary romance for women who enjoy a wholesome love story that inspires faith and hope. She grew up in Ohio, lived in New Mexico for several years, but calls Tennessee home. Seven years ago, she attended her first writers conference. There, a spark she’d pushed aside for over forty years to write fiction reignited. When she’s not writing, you’ll often find her flirting with her husband, who after forty-six years, doesn’t mind. LuAnn is Mom to three children and Nana to three grandchildren. She’s a former mathematics teacher and administrative professional who enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
Would you like a gift? When you sign up for her newsletter and monthly blog posts, you’ll receive a free short story: www.luannkedwards.com.
New Release!
An Odd Request :
https://amzn.to/3rXpySM
Becca Hill receives a random proposal from Ben Peterson, a man she’s not heard from in twelve years, who offers her what she desires but cannot accept.
Becca Hill longs to serve the Lord in a deeper capacity. She’s felt unfulfilled in her ministry since the death of her husband, the pastor of the small Pleasant Springs Community Church. Despite a desire to return to ministry, Becca rejects a marriage proposal she receives in the mail from a pastor friend she’s long admired but hasn’t seen in twelve years.
Ben Peterson needs a wife. He’s convinced the megachurch in Orlando where he serves as the mission’s pastor will terminate him if he doesn’t remarry soon. He’s battling grief over the loss of his wife two years earlier and believes Becca is the woman God has called him to marry. But he doesn’t want to date, and time is against him. He must persuade her that they must marry soon, and more importantly, this arrangement could benefit them both.
Will Becca leave the warmth and love of her small, close-knit community to marry a man she hasn’t seen in twelve years and someone who may never love her?
To read a conversation with Pastor Ben Peterson, please check out my recent blog post.
Why I wrote An Odd Request.
I’ve known many pastors’ wives who are called to serve alongside their husbands. Not an easy ministry, but a rewarding one for most. Often, wives help their husbands in counseling sessions when meeting with couples or women. And sometimes, the only person a pastor can confide in is their spouse. They share successes and failures as they do ministry together and support one another in prayer.
But what happens when a pastor loses his wife and support partner? Is he quick to remarry, or does he choose to do ministry alone or until he feels pressured to remarry for whatever reason? My pondering about this question caused me to write, An Odd Request. A story of building trust and love as Pastor Ben and Becca enter a modern-day marriage of convenience.
September 19, 2021
September Field Trip to Paris
September 2021
Let’s take a Fall field trip to Paris where cafés abound!
Sherri Stewart
www.stewartwriting.com
Although the castles and famous sites were awesome and I completed my research for the sequel I’m writing, what I and my tired feet will remember the most are the cafés.
Life happens in cafés. For the price of a coffee, the table is yours for as long you want. Mostly outdoors, you’ll find them on every block, on every corner. Sometimes the chairs all face outward so patrons can people watch. The atmosphere is all French, the price is minimal, and chatter and laughter abound.
Stop for breakfast and have a pain au chocolat, a café au lait, and a jus d’orange. For lunch try a croque monsieur. For dinner, choices include soupe à l’oignon, pizza or steak frites. Contrary to popular belief, I found the waiters friendly and attentive.
Vanilla Crème Brûlée
https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/9...
Yield 4 servings
Time 1 hour
Ingredients
2 cups heavy or light cream, or half-and-half
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon salt
5 egg yolks
½ cup sugar, more for topping
Heat oven to 325 degrees. In a saucepan, combine cream, vanilla bean and salt and cook over low heat just until hot. Let sit for a few minutes, then discard vanilla bean. (If using vanilla extract, add it now.)
In a bowl, beat yolks and sugar together until light. Stir about a quarter of the cream into this mixture, then pour sugar-egg mixture into cream and stir. Pour into four 6-ounce ramekins and place ramekins in a baking dish; fill dish with boiling water halfway up the sides of the dishes. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until centers are barely set. Cool completely. Refrigerate for several hours and up to a couple of days.
When ready to serve, top each custard with about a teaspoon of sugar in a thin layer. Place ramekins in a broiler 2 to 3 inches from heat source. Turn on broiler. Cook until sugar melts and browns or even blackens a bit, about 5 minutes. Serve within two hours.
A Song for Her Enemies
https://amzn.to/3tPLjmR
She has the voice of an angel, but the devil is listening.
OCTOBER 12th- Hot Off the Presses, USA Today Best-selling authors’ Collection, including the suspenseful offering of Mary Alford: Dangerous Pursuits.
Crisp Days. Cold Nights. Dangerous Pursuits.
The chill of fall brings with it a hint of peril in Dangerous Pursuits , a clean and Christian suspense anthology featuring some of today’s most popular female authors.
Start your fall off right with 15 gripping tales of Clean and Christian suspense from today's most popular ladies of mystery and suspense. Join Mary Alford Lisa Harris, Therese Heckenkamp, Cynthia Hickey, Gina Holder, Ronie Kendig, Loree Lough, Dana R Lynn, Shirlee McCoy, Dana Mentink, J. Carol Nemeth, Cara Putman, Sharee Stover, Terri Reed, Lenora Worth, and featuring a special bonus book by author Ann Malley, as we take you on a dangerous journey filled with mystery and suspense that will keep you turning pages until the very. Last. one.
Just .99 cents until October 12th.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3hBqkA3
Barnes and Noble: https://bit.ly/3hCJUvH
Apple: https://apple.co/3v1Pw6C
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3d2uDRO
Meet Mary Alford
Mary is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than fifty novels. Her books have been finalists in the Selah Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award, and the HOLT Medallion Contest. As a writer, Mary is an avid reader. She loves to cook and can’t face the day without coffee. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two very spoiled cats and one adorable rescue dog. Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook and Twitter or any social platforms listed at www.maryalford.net.
Meet author Michael DeCamp
I’m a life-long resident of Indiana. I began my writing career by writing short stories (check out Cutters Notch Interludes), but eventually wrote my first novel, Abandon Hope, introducing the world to the strange, small town of Cutters Notch. In 2020, I published my first nonfiction work, Loving Out Loud: Learning to Love in a Hate-Filled World. I enjoy cycling, traveling, reading, and podcasting (Cutters Notch Podcast).
I’m married to my best friend, Nancy. We have two grown daughters and a ferocious miniature Australian shepherd. You can reach me through my website (www.authormichaeldecamp.com) or my email (michael@authormichaeldecamp.com).
Tell us about your Nozomi’s Battle.
Hope Spencer, still recovering from her own ordeal (Abandon Hope), is desperate when her best friends, Josh Gillis and Danny Flannery, are abducted from their beds in the middle of the night.
While Josh and Danny struggle to escape, Hope is in despair, unable to assist them the way they assisted her. She seeks the aid of her elfin friends from the Arboreal Realm where she meets Queen Agahpey Hesed, the mother of her three new, odd friends, Gavin, Gronek, and Smakal.
Meanwhile, another seemingly unrelated drama is unfolding at the Notch Inn Motel and the Robbins Stone Limestone Mine, both owned by Mabel Robbins.
Rick Anders, the new interim sheriff, is tracking down leads and juggling emergencies. Danny Flannery looks manhood square in the eyes. Josh Gillis is faced with a desperate choice. And Hope Spencer finally comes face-to-face with her disturbed father. Through it all, the evil specter laughs and slurps up the flavors of human pain in the tiny town of Cutters Notch, Indiana.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Nozomis-Battle...
Tell us about where you live.
Indianapolis is a moderately-sized city that sits smack dab in the center of the State of Indiana. Once dubbed “India-no-place” by a prominent politician, it is anything but that. Called the “Crossroads of America” because so many interstates intersect there, Indianapolis is one cool town.
Here are some of the highlights you should experience during a visit:
Drive west on 16th Street to see the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indianapolis 500. While there, visit the IMS Museum to see the racecars from decades past to current day and get a ride around the track. If you’re really lucky, you might even meet a driver.
Downtown, you have your choices. Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts is on the south edge. Both Bankers Life Fieldhouse, where the Indiana Pacers play and Victory Field, home of the AAA Indianapolis Indians, are also nearby.
Just west of downtown is White River State Park, flanking the banks of its namesake river. There you’ll find the NCAA headquarters, the Indianapolis Zoo, and the Indiana State Museum, and the Eiteljorg Museum all along the downtown canal. The Eiteljorg is focused on Native American and Western Art.
Just to the northeast side, you’ll find Mass Ave and the brand new Bottleworks District with its boutique hotel and a myriad of shopping, dining, and entertainment venues.
Plus, don’t forget that Indianapolis has one of the premier children’s museums in the country. Look for the dinosaur attacking the building at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum.
Mike’s Big Wacky Cake Recipe
NOTE: Double the following recipe for a 9x13 cake pan
1 ½ cups flour
3 Tbsp. cocoa
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
1 tsp. white vinegar
1 tsp. vanilla
5 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 cup water
Mix dry ingredients in an 8” square pan. Make 3 holes in the mixture and put vinegar in one, vanilla in one, vegetable oil in one.
Pour water over all and mix. Bake at 350° for 35 minutes.
Our family has two preferred icing flavors for the Big Wacky Cake: Peanut Butter or Caramel. The Caramel you can buy in the icing aisle at the store, but here is my wife’s simple recipe for the peanut butter icing: Combine a jar of your favorite peanut butter with a jar of vanilla icing from the store. Mix to your taste and preferred consistency.
Meet Carol Nameth
A native North Carolinian, Carol always loved reading and making up stories since childhood, and she began writing in junior high school. She worked in the National Park Service and served in the US Army where she was stationed in Italy. That’s where she met the love of her life, Mark Nemeth, also an Army veteran. They’ve lived in various locations including North Yorkshire, England. They now live in West Virginia, where in their spare time, they enjoy RVing and traveling to research for Carol’s books. She also enjoys reading and crocheting. They have two grown children, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and three amazing grandchildren as well as a lab fur baby named Holly. Carol is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and is an Amazon Bestselling author. She writes Christian romantic suspense, both historical and contemporary. Filled with suspense, drama, faith and romance, Carol’s stories will keep you turning pages until the very end
You can find Carol on her webpage https://www.jcarolnemeth.com/ where you can sign up for her monthly newsletter.
So what happens in Charles Town, West Virginia?
I live just outside where a lot of history has taken place. Charles Town was named after and founded by Charles Washington, the youngest brother of George Washington. There are five Washington home properties within Jefferson County, the county where Charles Town is the country seat. Happy Retreat, Charles’s home still stands and is occupied as a private residence today. Harewood Home is also a private residence and was owned by Samuel Washington, another of George’s brothers. George had a cabin near Summit Point which is now enclosed within beautiful Hillbrook Inn.
The abolitionist John Brown and his band of raiders were captured in nearby Harpers Ferry in 1859. They were tried in the Jefferson County Courthouse in Charles Town and found guilty of treason, murder and fomenting of slave insurrection. Brown and his six raiders were hung on the land where the Gibson-Todd House was later built in 1891. Charles Town was occupied by both Northern and Southern troops during the Civil War at alternating times.
The Spirit of Jefferson newspaper was first issued in 1844 in Charles Town by James W. Beller. It’s the oldest newspaper in West Virginia still being published.
The prime income in this part of West Virginia other than Civil War tourism is farming. There are apple orchards everywhere. Corn, wheat and soybean are the primary crops.
Our town has a ghost walk that’s quite popular. My daughter went on it and she says she won’t go on it again.
I highly recommend a visit to the nearby town of Harpers Ferry (7 miles away) where the National Park Service maintain and showcase historical buildings in their original Civil War state and make them available to the public. There are museums and a visitors’ center where rangers can answer questions.
This is just a small taste of our historic town. If you’re ever in the area, stop by. We’re near so many old towns and historic battlefields such as Antietam at Sharpsburg and Gettysburg which is about an hour and a half away.
Tell us about your new book, The Peaceful Valley Wounded Soldiers’ Anthology.
Welcome to Peaceful Valley Rehab Center where wounded soldiers come to rehabilitate. Dr. Alex Hunter, a disabled veteran himself, returns home after years away serving in the military. Turning his family inheritance into a rehabilitation center, he gives these war-weary men and women the help they need to heal. Along the way, not only does Alex find love, but love comes calling for others too. This faith-filled short story series will keep you turning pages to find out what happens next. https://amzn.to/2Kb6QRa
What food is reflective of West Virginia will whet our appetites?
Apple Butter
Apple butter is a staple food in this area and is enjoyed on toast in the morning. With all the orchards in the area, apple recipes are the thing. In the fall, semi-truck loads stacked with crates of apples can be seen headed to the warehouses.
6 pounds tart cooking apples, cored and quartered (18 cups)
5 cups apple cider or apple juice
1 cup cider vinegar
4 cups sugar
2 tsps ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp ground allspice
Preparing:
In a kettle or Dutch oven combine apples, cider or juice, and vinegar. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover; simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Press through a food mill or sieve. Measure 16 cups pulp. Return pulp to kettle. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 1 ½ to 2 hours or till very thick, stirring often.
Water-Bath Canning:
Prepare butter a above. Spoon hot butter into hot, clean jars, leaving a ½ inch headspace. Wipe rims; adjust lids. Process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes for half-pints or pints (start timing when water boils). Makes 8 to 9 half-pints.
