Julie Arduini's Blog

Promise Me Tomorrow by Donna Jo Stone

Promise Me Tomorrow, a Fictional Look at Grief, Love, and Growth  by Donna Jo Stone

Grief is universal, yet isolating. Novels and stories about loss allow us to confront difficult emotions from a distance, by stepping into another person’s life, even if that person is fictional. It’s comforting to recognize that someone else (whether the characters, the author, or fellow readers) has felt something similar, and has survived.

Promise Me Tomorrow is a story about a family dealing with grief, but besides dealing with an impending loss, the main character, Nina, must handle the typical teen issues. She has the day to day of keeping up her grades, occasional fights with her best friend, and navigating first love.

My hands ached to cup his cheeks. I felt like a hundred-million hues. He was my deep violet and stormy blue, my calm forest green and happy yellow sunshine. I’d missed him.

She does all this while hoping to make an impact with her art (with the help of a rag-tag group of classmates who grow close as they work on the school mural project). She longs to make her mom proud. Typical teen stuff.

But Nina is not typical.

She struggles with communicating her feelings, and when her mother decides to forego further cancer treatments, Nina does not handle that decision well. At all. Processing this kind of tragedy is tough for anyone, let alone a teen on the autism spectrum.

At one point, she skips school to go—on her own—to her mother’s oncologist with the idea she can demand an audience with the doctor, even though skipping is “against the rules” and not something she would normally do. Predictably, Nina’s plan doesn’t work out. The doctor can’t tell her anything, and when Nina returns to school she’s caught.

The next morning at school, I marched straight to the office and turned in my signed note to the bored-looking student helper, a goth girl I hadn’t seen before. The receptionist, Mrs. Lily, was there, but withheld her usual friendly greeting. Instead, she ignored me and peered at a computer screen through her purple-framed glasses, her pinched mouth telegraphing disapproval. 

She shot me a sour look. “I didn’t expect to see you here. At least not for skipping.”

Before the skipping incident, I’d never, ever been sent to the principal’s office for breaking a rule. The opposite, in fact. I was the kind of girl trusted to bring notices and messages to the office staff. But that didn’t seem to matter. Pretty sure Mrs. Lily wouldn’t be sneaking me a package of gummy dots today.

I liked being an office pet better than a troublemaker.

Grief makes people act out, sometimes in unexpected ways.

The news of Mom’s terminal cancer affects the thoughts and behaviors of all the other people touched by the impending loss: Nina’s twin brother Will, who is also on the spectrum. Her dad, friends, family. And Nina’s mom.

There’s a lot at stake when time is ticking by.

Each character in Nina’s story deals with their overwhelming emotions in their own way, some with actions easily understood, and others with a response or behaviors that are puzzling. For example, Nina’s brother, Will, often does things that make no sense to those around him. But in a specific instance, the motivation behind his actions become clear to Nina, and she comes to understand it as his way of dealing with his mother’s illness.

We all process differently, and grief never fully disappears, but it does change over time, and it changes those who experience it. People (whether real people or characters, whether typical or non-typical) who go through great loss emerge from their trials changed. When we, as readers, travel with characters and read about how they do this, it gives us hope that we too can come out of the valley, survive the hardest things, and find healing.

I hope Nina’s story fosters compassion for those who process and express themselves a little differently, and I hope it helps grieving teens (and others) understand they are not alone in their pain, even when it seems no one understands.

About Promise Me Tomorrow

All sixteen-year-old autistic artist Nina thought about before was earning the privilege to paint the school mural, and possibly untangling her emotions about a certain boy. But then she found out about her mom’s terminal cancer. After that, nothing mattered except finding a miracle cure for Mom.

Small Town Contemporary YA with Sweet Romance

Available in ebook, print, and on Kindle Unlimited

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F3TSVZGF

ACFW 2025 Carol Award Winner Donna Jo Stone writes southern-flavored fiction for the inspirational market. Her stories are often about people facing tough times, but she strives to write novels that leave the reader with a sense of hope. When she’s not writing, reading, or talking about writing or reading, she loves spending time with her family and friends or creating art. You can read her thoughts on books at her blog, or find writing advice at Almost an Author, where she writes the YA column.

Invite Donna Jo to speak with your group via zoom! Visit her website at donnajostone.com to find out how.

Social Media Links

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Book Review: Restoring Love by Dawn Kinzer

Sometimes it takes more than hard work and determination to fix matters of the heart. When Hannah Bloom moves to Dogwood Creek, Tennessee, she’s determined to bring a fresh perspective to Candlescents, her Aunt Vicki’s struggling candle shop. Her happy childhood summers there fostered her deep love of creating pleasant, healing scents that evoke warm emotions and memories for others. Since she has no viable backup plan, Hannah prays her ideas breathe new life into the shop.

If Wyatt Stone can’t live up to his father’s expectations of joining the family legacy of professional, classical musicians, maybe he can earn the stubborn man’s respect. Skilled as a carpenter and passionate about working with his hands, Wyatt moves to Dogwood Creek to train with a master luthier who restores valuable stringed instruments. First, he must prove he has the patience and talent to perform the job well.

As shop neighbors, Hannah and Wyatt frequently cross paths. When he agrees to help with an important project in her store, spending time together is inevitable. Drawn to one another, their feelings begin to blossom amid unexpected challenges. Doing what’s right can sometimes be costly. Will they be able to overcome the daunting obstacles that stand in the way of their happily ever after?

Small-town charm and rediscovered dreams are always in season in Dogwood Creek, Tennessee.

This is the fifth installment of the Dogwood Creek Matchmakers series, and Dawn Kinzer’s first visit to the fictional town as the author. Hopefully, you have read the series, featuring Lori Soard, JoAnn Durgin, and Lisa Prysock. My novella is up next in November, Clean Sweep. You can read these as standalones, but I hope you don’t. Every author and book has brought Dogwood Creek and their lovely residents to brilliant, small-town life.

Dawn Kinzer and Restoring Love is no exception. This time we meet Hannah, a sweet woman about to turn thirty. She helps her Aunt Vicki run Candlescents, and Hannah has great ideas to make the most of the store, candles, and space. Hannah is simply adorable, and I love the friendship she shares with Lauren, a matchmaker who runs the flower shop.

Wyatt Stone is a presence right off the bat. He’s new to Dogwood Creek as an apprentice for the town luthier, and their store is next to Candlescents. Although Wyatt is a gifted musician, his passion is more about restoring precious instruments, something that disappoints his demanding father to no end.

As the commercial neighbors interact, sparks of affection fly between Wyatt and Hannah. Hannah notes he keeps his distance when any talk about his family happens. As Wyatt agrees to help Hannah with Candlescents, an emergency sends him back to his hometown. Can Wyatt overcome the past and nail together a future with Hannah?

I turned the pages fast to find out, I was engrossed in this story. Dawn evoked tears when Wyatt faced his dad and a chance at reconciliation. The romance between Wyatt and Hannah was a sweet build, the kind that when the book is done makes you want to lay the book against your chest and sigh. It’s a well-done story with strong secondary characters like Aunt Vicki, Lauren, Aaron, and Merritt Stone.

My hope is you light a candle, shut off the world around you, and enjoy Restoring Love. I sure did.

Fiction Friday September 2025 New Releases

September 2025 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Biblical: Survival Secrets by Lana Christian — The Wise Men’s flight from Herod forces them to flee to the Wilderness of Paran to reach Egypt’s safety. But the trek will test their fledgling faith in ways they couldn’t have imagined. How much will they endure to protect their secrets, including what they know of Yeshua? (Biblical/Historical from Scrivenings Press)

Contemporary Romance: Building Hearts by Julie Arduini — Evan Hart has always felt the odd one out in a family of thriving siblings. When his reality show pitch is greenlit and he’s named co-producer, Evan sees a chance to finally belong within his family and the world watching them. Building with the Harts promises new beginnings and second chances until the network adds a wildcard: Shea Madden, a brooding co-producer with secrets of her own. (Contemporary Romance from Surrendered Scribe Media)

Old Town Symphony by Milla Holt — Kezia Blair believes true talent shouldn’t need shortcuts. But after years of singing backup and recording anonymous jingles, her shot at a real music career is slipping away. When a last-ditch audition lands her on Starbound, TV’s biggest reality show, Kezia faces a painful choice: chase stardom on someone else’s terms—or walk away for good. Zach Falconer created Starbound to launch fresh talent—not get tangled up with it. Burned by a fame-hungry ex, he’s determined to protect his show from scandal and his heart from pain. In an industry where image is everything, can they hold onto what matters most… or will success cost them the truth—and each other? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Restoring Love by Dawn Kinzer — A woman trying to revitalize a struggling candle shop and an apprentice learning to restore priceless instruments learn that sometimes it takes more than hard work and determination to fix matters of the heart. (Contemporary Romance Novella, Independently Published)

Heart and Soul by Nancy Lavo — Big city pastor makes an unwanted trip to small town Texas for a lesson in humility and finds an unexpected chance for love. (Contemporary Romance from Iron Stream Media)

An Irish Kiss by Carolyn Miller — Aurora Fairall—Rory to her friends—loves her jobs working at the village bookshop and the family castle-turned-boutique hotel, even if she sometimes wonders if this is all God has for her life. She knows she has much to be grateful for, but she wonders if the special Fairall legacy that sees its members struck by Cupid’s arrow has passed her by. Until she meets Aidan Quinn—not the actor, but an Australian guest on a genealogical mission to discover his ancestry—and sparks fly. Aidan never thought his visit to Ireland’s west coast would result in meeting a redheaded firecracker with a bewitching smile and pixie-like laughter. But obviously God knew better. And his quest to find his kin brings him into the warm embrace of this loud and loving family has helped heal his heart and gives hope that his future might be different to what he’d imagined. Until a secret from the past threatens everything he holds dear… (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Their Texas Christmas Redemption by Mindy Obenhaus — Back home at her family’s Texas ranch for the holidays, the last thing Audrey Caldwell expects to see is her ex-husband, Tyler, on her doorstep—with his orphaned niece. The sweet baby in his arms brings up painful memories that she’d rather forget, but when little Willow gets sick, Audrey can’t turn them away. She offers to care for the baby if Tyler agrees to do some construction projects on the ranch. As they work together on a community Christmas event, neither can deny their growing connection. Can they heal their deepest wounds and find their way back to the family they always wanted? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Framed with Love by Rebecca Reed — Photographing people gives Olivia Perez the jitters, but she’s determined to prove her friends’ loyalty isn’t unfounded. This secret celebrity wedding is do or die for their business. When her videographer quits, Olivia needs a replacement––fast. The diving instructor is the last person she expects will fit the bill. If only she’d curbed her tongue at their first meeting. Stirling “Mac” MacAllister isn’t ready to come out of hiding––or is he? When his Labrador’s antics bring him face to face with a dark-haired spitfire and her pet rabbit, sparks fly, and he begins to wonder if he wants more than his solitary, beach bum lifestyle. When Olivia invites Mac to be her videographer for an upcoming wedding, he dusts off his equipment, but soon discovers she needs more than his technical skills. A flooded yard forces the wedding indoors, and Olivia’s insecurities undermine her confidence. With everything––including their hearts––on the line, Mac and Olivia must trust God and each other if they’re to frame a future together. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Rumors of Grace by Rena Bell Yeager — Tyler Grant is the cowboy everyone likes to talk about. The Tall Black Hat Guy has a mysterious past and a scandalous present. He likes the ladies, the bars, and fun. Georgia Duncan is everyone’s favorite eighth grade teacher. Cute, girl next door, sings in her church choir. When Tyler asks Georgia out on a date, it is disastrous. As is the next. And the next. They should give up. But when a terrible wreck puts Tyler into the hospital, Georgia offers to let him stay in her spare room while he recuperates. Neighbors talk. Rumors fly. What is the truth? And what do they both learn as they navigate their strange relationship and the rumors surrounding them? Will they find their happily ever after? Do they even want to? (Contemporary Romance from Pixley Knob Press)

Dual/Split Time: The Broken Weathervane by Laura DeNooyer — Two co-workers seek the same information. One wants to publish it; the other has good reasons to keep it hidden. As Leslie Wickersham, Raymond University grants officer, seeks information to unravel a family mystery, English professor Gregory Stafford seeks an elusive interview with one more Buckwalter relative for his upcoming author biography. While Greg and Leslie guard coveted details from each other, her goals are further complicated by letters of blackmail threatening to reveal all she has worked hard to hide. In this dual timeline novel alternating between 2015 and the 1950s, loyalty is tested and secrets abound when family honor collides with truth. Leslie grapples with the trade-off: How far will a person go to help a loved one thrive? (Dual/Split Time from Scrivenings Press)

General Historical: Kate’s Crucible by Elmer Fuller — Kate Collins never imagined her journey to the Kansas Territory in 1855 would be filled with such obstacles and challenges. As she arrives to teach at a New England Emigrant Aid Company settlement, she is met with constant problems—from nature’s wrath to the pain of loss. But it’s not just external forces that challenge Kate, who left a suitor and damaged relationships in Boston. She must confront the question: if God wants her to teach in Kansas, then why does he allow her to face such obstacles? (General Historical, Independently Published)

The Women of Oak Ridge by Michelle Shocklee — 1944. Maebelle Willett arrives in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, eager to begin her new government job and send money home to her impoverished family. She knows little about the work she will be doing, but she’s told it will help America win the war. Not all is what it seems, however. Though Oak Ridge employees are forbidden from discussing their jobs, Mae’s roommate begins sharing disturbing information, then disappears without a trace. Mae desperately attempts to find her but instead comes face-to-face with a life-altering revelation―one that comes at significant cost. 1979. Laurel Willett is a graduate student in Boston when she learns about the history of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where thousands unknowingly worked on the atomic bomb. Intrigued because she knows her Aunt Mae was employed there, Laurel decides to spend the summer with her aunt, hoping to add a family connection to her thesis research. But Mae adamantly refuses to talk about her time in the Secret City. Mae’s friends, however, offer to share their experiences, propelling Laurel on her path to uncovering the truth about a missing woman. As Laurel works to put the pieces together, the hidden pain and guilt Mae has tried so hard to bury comes to light . . . with potentially disastrous consequences. (General Historical from Tyndale House)

Historical Romance: As Far As the West by Barbara A. Curtis — Revenge against Eliza and Caleb Morgan has been smoldering over twenty years in Benton Calloway’s heart. Now the perfect plan to exact payment lands on the threshold of his tailor shop-in the arrival of their daughter, adventurous seamstress Lizzie Morgan. And what could play into his hands better than her interest in his worthless son, Josiah? Lizzie and Josiah struggle to overcome the obstacles hurled at them. Can Lizzie’s love survive, though, when Josiah is accused of being a thief like his father? Is he her redeemed, wounded war hero-or a man following his father’s past? Josiah’s dream of ranching is as shattered as his leg. Even in the bustling city, working as an accountant, his memories from World War I hound him.Past legacies of bitterness are about to be resurrected. Will Lizzie and Josiah follow that path, or will they discover that God’s accounting of grace and forgiveness is boundless-as far as the east is from the west? (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

The Recluse’s Vindication by Danielle Grandinetti — The Loch Ness Monster isn’t the only recluse seeking a Scottish haven. Bieldfell. Scotland, 1933—Falsely accused of murder sixteen years ago, American cowboy Benjamin Ford has chosen to hide out in the Scottish Highlands. Reclusive and not afraid to die, he rescues children out of an increasingly dangerous Germany. When his childhood best friend appears at his door, he’s not the boy she remembers. Eleanor Finch’s life ended sixteen years ago. In one horrible day, she lost her dreams, her reputation, and her heart. However, she never gives up the hope of finding her friend, so when she learns of Ben’s whereabouts, she leaves all that is familiar to convince him to return home. But Eleanor isn’t the only person searching for Ben. Hunters follow her trail. The thin veil of gossip and rumor may be their only chance of a future … unless the Loch Ness Monster is real after all. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Discerning God’s Best Series Collection by Heidi Gray McGill — Four faith-filled stories of love, hope, and healing set in 1800s America, featuring a marriage of convenience, slow-burn romance, found family, and an exclusive bonus story available only in this bundle. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Risking it All by Jeri Stockdale — On the run and out of options, Rebecca takes the place of a mail-order bride and marries Jesse, a rancher grieving his wife and raising two children alone—neither of them ready for love, and both estranged from God, until their unexpected union sparks a journey toward redemption neither dared hope for. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Christmas Mail Order Brides by Carrie Turansky, Susan Page Davis, Vickie McDonough — Marriage arrives by mail-order—and just in time for Christmas. In these touching stories of faith and romance in the American West, three women seeking new beginnings find love in unexpected places. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Cozy Mystery:

The Last Owners by Jean Rezab — When Courtney purchases a quaint house in the countryside, her dreams of transforming it into a cozy, inviting inn appear within reach. But beneath the charming exterior lurks a tangle of dark secrets. The previous owners vanished without a trace—eight years ago. Driven by curiosity and a sense of justice, Courtney and her husband Alex team up with Gary, the son of the missing couple, to unravel the mystery. The clock is ticking. The promise of treasure draws fortune hunters to dig up the tranquil backyard. When a fresh murder shatters the peace, Courtney realizes that the truth might be buried even deeper than she feared. As the stakes rise and the body count grows, Courtney must decide how much she’s willing to risk to bring the truth to light—and whether some dreams are worth dying for. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense: Girl Lost by Kate Angelo — A LOST BABY – Luna Rosati found acceptance and comfort with her childhood foster family, but when she became pregnant at sixteen, she gave the baby up for adoption and left without a word. Now a CIA counterintelligence officer, Luna wants to reconcile her fractured sense of self by finding the only blood family she has–the teenage daughter she’s never met. As Luna closes in on learning the girl’s identity with the help of her mentor, Stryker, she prepares to meet him in her old neighborhood–the last place she wants to be. Then Stryker is captured. AN INESCAPABLE PAST – Special Agent Corbin King changed his last name to escape the shadow of his convicted father serving a life sentence. When he runs into Luna, the object of his failed teenage romance, the two must put their pasts aside and work together to expose a secret that someone’s willing to kill for. A DEADLY THREAT – But when they encounter a kidnapping, missing bodies, and murder, the secrets Corbin and Luna are keeping from one another are only the beginning of the threat they face with more than their own lives at stake. (Romantic Suspense from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills — A survival expert and a Texas Ranger trek into an off-the-grid desolate area to free a seven-year-old little girl who’s held hostage to silence her Russian father from revealing terrorist information. (Romantic Suspense from Tyndale House)

Unexpected Danger by Penny Zeller — Londyn Siegler never imagined her attempt at a fresh start would include a stalker intent on watching her every move. Nor did she imagine her unidentified stalker would follow her back to the very place she was running from–and now the only place that can offer even a semblance of protection. Now, as danger grows and the stalker remains at large, Londyn finds herself seeking refuge with Sheriff Brodie Brenneman, the man whose heart she broke. When the stalker’s attacks increase in severity, Londyn and Brodie find themselves fighting for their lives…and their rekindled love. Can justice be served before it’s too late? (Romantic Suspense from Maplebrook Publishing)

Speculative Fiction/Fantasy: The Stolen Destinies by Demi Griffin — Wren was accustomed to guiding others in shaping their fates in the grand tapestry of Everlasting’s history. However, the weight of the destinies resting solely on his shoulders was a novel sensation for him. As the Bookshelf of the Ages was desecrated by theft, the air thickened with tension, disrupting Wren’s peaceful repose. Tasked with safeguarding the Divine Territory and rescuing the stolen destinies, he embarked on a quest filled with mysterious clues and the palpable sense of urgency. Would his failure thwart the King’s plan toward The Illumination? (This interlude should be read after book five and before book six of the Illumination Chronicles) (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy, Independently Published)

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Kage: The 6th Commandment by Charlene Amsden — When wounded journalist Trina Vaughn’s life collides with that of ex-con pastor Kage Kincade, the two must trust each other with their lives—and their hearts—as they confront a conspiracy that tests the limits of faith, courage, and the commandment ‘Thou shalt not kill.’ (Romantic Suspense)

This Isn’t Shakespeare by Stephanie Cardel — When her dreams fall apart, Madison believes it’s a sign from God she should commit to her atheist boyfriend and make a new dream, but once she realizes God would never send her a sign that would cause her to sin, how can she forgive herself for believing the lies of the world? (Young Adult)

Surviving the Deal by Seralynn Lewis — She’s not looking for love. He’s not looking for a wife. But a deal with eternal consequences is about to change everything. (Contemporary Romance)

Her Secret Amish Admirer by Beth Wiseman — Sadie Miller is content with her job as a schoolteacher in a small Amish community located in southern Indiana. She loves children, but her past keeps her from pursuing marriage and having a family of her own. (General Contemporary)

The Day Sarah Ran Away by Janell Goodrich York — When her daughter’s return sparks unexpected change, Sarah leaves routine behind for a cross-country journey-full of surprises, self-discovery, and a future she never imagined. (General Contemporary)

The Covenant: Messiah Brigade Book 1 by Terry Overton

The Covenant: Messiah Brigade Book 1

The Covenant: Mystery. Faith. Courage. It all begins with a box.

What motivated you to write The Covenant: Messiah Brigade Book 1?

As parents, teachers, and homeschoolers begin a new school year, I can’t help but feel a bit of excitement, being a former teacher myself. A new school year offers opportunities to introduce students to characters similar to themselves or people they know, and to teach them how the past is relevant to current times. What better way to hook kids than to have a character find a box full of secrets from years past?

In The Covenant, the main character, Zeke, is an awkward geek with few friends. The discovery of the box and the secrets inside serves as a tool of engagement for his middle school peers. Little do these kids know, this box changes everything. A bully gang has taken over their school, and Zeke and his new friends use the items in the box to figure out what to do.

Inside the box, Zeke finds a treasure trove of history and a Bible. He and his friends figure out that a veteran of WWII left the clues. The group determines similarities in the history of the takeover of Europe by the Nazis, and the takeover of their school by bullies. The clues lead the group to Bible verses that are particularly meaningful in their current situation and the challenges faced by soldiers during World War II.

This book weaves the problems of their school with biblical beliefs that guide the group to make a difference in their school.

The series continues with the group making more friends, figuring out more clues, and having a greater influence on their school.

Link to Book 1: https://a.co/d/as8HmWT

Link to Book 2: https://a.co/d/7gky3un

Just a few taglines to tickle the interest of your middle-grade readers:

Sometimes the smallest clue leads to the biggest truth.

A forgotten box. A hidden mystery. A life about to change.

One box. Countless questions. A truth that can’t be ignored.

And taglines for parents and teachers:

He opened a box and found more than trinkets—he found faith.

The Bible was just a book… until it became Zeke’s guide.

God’s truth can’t be bullied into silence.

Books 1 and 2 are available now. Book 3 coming soon!

Visit my webpage for books, student activities, and devotionals. Sign up to stay in touch.

https://www.authorterryoverton.com

https://linktr.ee/overtont

Direct email to sign up for newsletters in your email: overtont@mac.com

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean. She has two children, seven grandchildren, one great granddaughter. She seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals. Her books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Christian Indie Award, Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Pencraft Award, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her writing examines real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.  

Showcasing Northeast Ohio Authors

When I hear from others that they “have a book in them,” I love to check in. More often than not, that book stays an idea. Sometimes the person hopes I’ll write it for them. Unless God says so, it’s a no. I want to watch that person run with it.

This year or so, I’ve watched three friends take ideas and transform their ideas to a finished manuscript, and then to a published book. I want to showcase them all.

I’ve known Genna Pellin since her youth group days. She’s married and a mom of two boys. A few months ago, she mentioned her youngest son had written a book with her. That book’s available on Amazon and I can’t wait to get my copy.

BJ’s Brain Boxes, Unlocking ADHD by Genna Pellin and Carson Pellin

CJ’s Brain Boxes is for everyone who has ever felt like their brain is playing tricks on them. If you have ever felt out of control or different. You are not alone, and your brain is NOT wrong. Jump into CJ’s story. Help him find his keys and understand his ADHD. See if any of those keys will help unlock your boxes too.

Safe and Sound by Valerie Flanigan

I haven’t known Valerie as long as Genna, but we connected quickly. We share a lot of the same interests and gifts. She shared her desire to write a book to help those in domestic violence, and that book is here.

IS THIS NORMAL? AM I OVERREACTING? IS IT ABUSE EVEN IF HE’S NEVER HIT ME?

If you’ve asked these questions, you’re not alone. One in four women will face intimate partner violence in their lifetime, yet many never recognize it as abuse.

Abuse doesn’t always come with bruises. It often starts with charm and affection, then twists into control—subtle looks that make you second-guess yourself, stinging comments, or pressure to distance yourself from friends and family who could offer perspective. Control deepens, as your choices, finances, and stability becomes entangled with theirs. Before you know it, your autonomy has been erased, and you no longer recognize the vibrant person you once were.
In Safe and Sound, advocate Valerie Flanigan highlights the hidden reality of coercive control, and the tactics abusers use to dominate their partners. Drawing on over 30 years of experience with survivors, this book offers clarity, validation, and tools for victims to reclaim their lives.

You’ll learn to:
• Recognize the signs of all forms of abuse
• Understand the mindset of abusers
• Create safety plans for you and your children
• Navigate the legal system with confidence

Whether you’re just starting to sort things out or are ready to take steps towards freedom, Safe and Sound is a roadmap for reclaiming the life you deserve.

You are not crazy. You are not too sensitive. You are not the problem.

Your journey to healing, safety, and freedom starts here.

Tracie Corll has walked with me through hard times, and it has been an honor to watch God use her. She is now Pastor Tracie, and last year she added pastor to her list of accomplishments. In fact, I didn’t even know about her writing goals until the manuscript was finished. She not only wrote one book, but two. AND she has a podcast.

Tracie’s heart is to make the gospel and church life accessible to people with disabilities. As a missionary associate, she trains pastors on making the church disability friendly. As an author, she shares her personal story.

The Indispensable Kid: Absolutely necessary, essential; incapable of being disregarded

No one ever claims that raising children will be easy. Women go through some of the most challenging pain in childbirth. Moments after birth, the mother changes all focus to the life on her chest. People often say that women are so focused on their babies after childbirth that they are rarely overcome with pain when the afterbirth is born. The pain is no longer the focus. Why? I suspect that they’ve figured out the same thing I did. The pain was worth it. The reward outweighed the cost. The focus shifts to the reward, the gift of life, and the promise of what will come.

With each child, we had so much excitement. It seemed that nothing could go wrong, and hope for the future was neverending. We were excited about what God had planned for each little one. The years ahead were only thought of with hope and excitement. The possibilities of problems ahead were not on anyone’s mind—not then, not at that moment. Everything was just right, just as it should be.

Just a few short years after our son Noah was born we found ourselves asking questions, even while we were still in denial. Then, the diagnoses came. Life as we thought it would be, was not, and we were embarking on a new journey. Our son, Noah was given a laundry list of diagnoses. Special needs, disabilities, and differently-abled were terms that would become familiar to us. Although we accepted those diagnoses, we knew that God was the one who ultimately defined Noah. And God says, Noah is indispensable!

Join us on our journey with Noah, disabilities, and the purpose that God has set out before us. We’re not alone in this journey and neither are you.

Tracie’s second book, Gospel Accessibility and Indispensable People: Disability Ministry, Foundations, Relationships, Programs, Strategies, and Co-laboring in Christ, is the ultimate guide in how any church can create a disability friendly church. I watched Tracie start from scratch, so her wisdom and knowledge will save you time and money.

I wrote the foreword, and it was an honor to do so.

Tracie celebrated the 100th episode of her Indispensable People podcast. This podcast is such an encouragement. Tune in today!

Gazing into Darkness by Heidi Glick

I was born in Pennsylvania, spent six months in Canada as an MK, moved back to Pennsylvania, moved to California, attended college in Ohio, lived in Indiana briefly, and then after graduation, moved back to California, got married, moved to Florida, and then finally, returned to Ohio again, where I have resided since 2005. All of my novels are either set in Ohio or have some mention of Ohio. My latest release (August 12th) from Scrivenings Press is no different.

Gazing into Darkness is the first book in the three-book romantic suspense series, Queen City Heroes. While solving cases, federal agents Chance McPherson and Stacey Sanderson must also investigate their feelings for each other. In Book 1, Chance must overcome his anger toward God and his fear of working with a female agent to protect his partner, Stacey, from a madman who wants revenge.

For ten years my husband and I lived in Cincinnati, Ohio, the setting for the series. And for several of those years, I worked for a government contractor to the Cincinnati EPA. While there, I learned about EPA Criminal Investigation Division agents and later decided to write a story involving EPA CID agents for NaNoWriMo. For several years after my children were born, I put the manuscript aside. Instead I wrote other stories, but I still thought about the manuscript, which contained the characters I’d enjoyed writing about the most. I revised the manuscript and revised and finished two sequels. On December 18, 2024, I signed a contract for the series. I look forward to sharing the series with readers.

Bio:

Heidi Glick writes romantic suspense and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers. She has an eye for detail and includes law enforcement particulars in her stories, grounding the reader in scenes. She’s attended Writers’ Police Academy and the Hancock County (Ohio) Sheriff Citizen’s Academy to ensure accuracy of story details. Though she grew up in Southern California, Heidi now considers rural Northwest Ohio her home. Readers can learn more about Heidi on her Website, https://authorheidiglick.com/

Blurb:

Instead of moving closer to his girlfriend, Chance McPherson gets dumped and relocated to Cincinnati—farther from his dreams and closer to his shameful past. Stacey Sanderson is excited to finally secure a role in law enforcement, like the rest of her family, especially as an EPA CID agent, where she can protect God’s creation.

On the job, Stacey’s perfectionism and faith rub Chance the wrong way, while his antics and wisecracks irritate Stacey. When federal employees who worked an old case with Stacey start dying, Chance becomes concerned, and not just because Stacey is his partner. Stacey senses a closeness between them but has vowed not to get involved with men in law enforcement and especially not someone who doesn’t share her faith.

The anniversary of the case is creeping closer. Time is running out. Can Chance and Stacey stop the person who is out to kill her before it’s too late?

Safe and Sound by Valerie Flanigan

JULIE’S NOTE:

When I meet someone who says they are writing a book, I love to learn more. I can discern quickly if they truly mean business, if they are hoping I do it for them, or if it’s a dream most likely to stay there.

I’ve known Valerie for a few years, and she has greatly encouraged me and my writing. When she said she was writing a book, I knew she had it in her. She carries a lot of experience from her career and a lot of wisdom. Of all the women I’ve connected with and kept an eye on, she’s the first to be able to say she’s published.

I’m excited for her, and I’m excited for the reader. Sadly, the statistics show we most likely know someone going through domestic violence, DV. It might even be you who is reading this. Please know you are a treasure, you have purpose, and Valerie’s words can give you the courage to break free.

Abusive partners use deliberate tactics to instill fear, confusion, dependence. They may lie threatened, belittle, isolate, or sabotage in ways that are subtle. And when confronted they typically shift blame, deny wrongdoing, or escalate their behavior.”

“Physical abuse can be so infrequently and inconsistently peppered throughout the relationship that she might not even consider herself abused or afraid of her abuser.”

Instead of wondering why she stays we should be asking why does he do this?

The process she must go through to fully break free starts with recognizing there is a problem and that she is not the cause of it nor in control of it.


Grooming is the bait, isolation is the hook and dependence is the anchor that traps a victim in the abuser’s  snare.


Dependency makes him appear to be the anchor in the storm until she realizes he is the weight that is drowning her.

Valerie Flanigan has devoted her career to advocating for safety, healing, and justice for survivors of domestic violence. Her work spans crisis response, program development, court advocacy, and community education. She has trained churches, counseling agencies, and law enforcement and developed innovative support programs for incarcerated women and vulnerable families.

A certified Christian life coach, Valerie brings a unique blend of professional expertise, spiritual sensitivity, and lived compassion to her work. She is the creator of Redeeming Your Resiliency, a support group curriculum for women of faith healing from childhood adversity, and the founder of LIFT Life Coaching, where she continues to help women reclaim peace, power, and purpose.

Her book, Safe and Sound, is the culmination of years spent listening deeply to the voices of survivors. With clarity and empathy, she offers practical tools, emotional insight, and a safe space for anyone seeking to understand, escape, or heal from abuse.

Learn more about Safe and Sound here.

Fiction Finder August 2025 New Releases

August 2025 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Children’s Middle Grade:

Jack and the Red Giant by Amanda Cleary Eastep — Snowball wars are being waged against the Tree Street Kids, and Jack Finch is building his greatest invention yet–the Abominable Snowman-ator. But his biggest battle will be against his distrust of Buzz Rublatz, the neighborhood bully. (Children’s Middle Grade from Moody Publishers)

 

Children’s Picture Book:

Otto and Ollie by Penny Frost McGinnis and Hannah L Wickline — Otto and Ollie are best buddies. They live next door to each other and spend their days playing and pretending what they’ll be someday. When they have a disagreement, they discover it’s not what they’ll be, but who they’ll be that counts. (Children’s Picture Book from Mt. Zion Ridge Press)

Contemporary:

What the River Keeps by Cheryl Grey Bostrom — In the beautiful Pacific Northwest, a young woman’s discovery of her hidden past illuminates her present in this new novel from the award-winning author of Sugar Birds, “an engrossing tale” (Kirkus Reviews), and Leaning on Air, “an exquisitely nuanced love story” (BookTrib). (Contemporary General from Tyndale House)

Contemporary Romance:

A Montana-Sized Secret by Allie Pleiter — Returning to High Mountain pregnant is not the fresh start Carly Davis imagined—nor is telling Jack Peters he’s the father. And with Jack in the early stages of addiction recovery, she questions if he can handle being a parent. But Jack is determined to show that he’s changed, and a chance to prove himself arises when they must care for a litter of rescued baby bunnies. Trust slowly builds between them again, but as unexpected news threatens their fragile bond, can they overcome the uncertainties to be the family they both need? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Meant For Me by Betsy St Amant — He was her best friend. Still is. But when her beloved beignet shop burns down, he’ll have to be more if she hopes to start over. But will friendship survive the dangers of a marriage of convenience? (Contemporary Romance from Sunrise Publishing)

A Matter of Trust by Rena Bell Yeager — Rachel Wilson is a divorcee who has devoted her life to her daughter and her career. But when her employer is shut down by the FBI for fraud, she is encouraged by her daughter to take a long-overdue vacation to Texas. Randall Hudson is a widowed resort ranch owner and corporate tycoon, as at home in his blue denim shirts as he is in the boardroom. When he meets Rachel, he is smitten. But when he begins manipulating things in her life to make her want to stay in Texas, her mistrust of men grows. When Rachel’s ex shows up demanding money, she has no choice but to turn to Randall for help. But can she trust him? Will they find a way to overcome their obstacles and forge a new path together? (Contemporary Romance from Pixley Knob Press)

Historical Romance:

A Lady Divided by Sandra Ardoin — A bitter and unconventional southern widow joins forces with a former enemy to battle accusations of murder . . . twelve years after taking lives in the War Between the States. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

The Undercover Heiress of Brockton by Kelly J. Goshorn — Henrietta “Etta” Maxwell, heiress to the Maxwell fortune, is a hard-hitting investigative reporter for The Enterprise Daily. The catch? Etta must pen her columns under the nom de plume, Henry Mason—a fact that routinely puts a knot in her knickerbockers. Leo Eriksson is a second-generation firefighter with a passion for rendering aid to those in need. When Leo discovers that Henry Mason is really Henrietta Maxwell, the fire department’s wealthy benefactress, he agrees to keep her identity secret. After a sudden blast rocks the Grover Shoe Factory, Leo and Etta team up to determine if the explosion is related to a series of suspicious fires in the area. When an unnamed source reveals Etta’s secret identity to a rival reporter, she falsely accuses Leo of being the informant. As the truth comes to light, Etta must persuade Leo to give her a second chance or lose the only man she’s ever loved. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Crime Suspense:

Martha’s Veil by Urcelia Teixeira — In the fog-shrouded coastal town of Weyport, head baker Martha Porter lives a life of quiet control—perfect cakes, polite smiles, and a heart safely tucked behind emotional walls. But when a charming man begins messaging her through an online Christian forum, Martha dares to hope again… until she vanishes on the very night she agrees to meet him. The missing-person case falls to Sheriff Angus Reid, whose investigation takes a dark turn when another woman’s body washes ashore—another victim who’d been speaking to a mysterious online suitor. As Angus uncovers a chilling network of digital manipulation, stolen identities, and religious deceit, the race to find Martha becomes more urgent. Can Angus unmask the predator before Martha becomes his next victim? Or will the fog that shrouds Weyport’s coast hide another tragedy forever? (Crime Suspense, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:

Gazing into Darkness by Heidi Glick — Instead of moving closer to his girlfriend, Chance McPherson gets dumped and relocated to Cincinnati—farther from his dreams and closer to his shameful past. Stacey Sanderson is excited to finally secure a role in law enforcement, like the rest of her family, especially as an EPA CID agent, where she can protect God’s creation. On the job, Stacey’s perfectionism and faith rub Chance the wrong way, while his antics and wisecracks irritate Stacey. When federal employees who worked an old case with Stacey start dying, Chance becomes concerned, and not just because Stacey is his partner. Can Chance and Stacey stop the person who is out to kill her before it’s too late? (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press)

Danger in the Wilderness by Darlene L Turner — Park warden Dekker Hoyt’s father-son camping trip turns into a nightmare when a serial killer abducts his father. With just seventy-two hours to find him, Dekker turns to criminal investigative analyst Blaire Tremblay to identify the Park Campfire Killer. As they follow his taunting clues and face increasingly violent threats, Dekker and Blaire know that one wrong step could be fatal. With the ruthless criminal following their every move, can they stop a killer in hiding…waiting to complete his deadly plan? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Protecting the Texas Witness by Virginia Vaughan — Deputy Drake Shaw rescues single mom Isabelle Morris from an assailant’s attack, only to be mistaken for her late husband. After exposing the corruption at her health-care company, Isabelle fears danger has followed her and her daughter all the way to their remote cabin. Now Drake must keep them safe long enough for Isabelle to testify against her former boss. But when her child is taken, the stakes are raised. Can they survive to unravel the truth about the present…and the past? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Speculative Fiction/Fantasy:

Dawn of the Elding by Demi Griffin — The new Age unfolds with the sight of crumbling foundations in Everlasting, echoing with the deafening sounds of conflict and upheaval. The air thickens with the smell of tension and fear as history is misunderstood and old grudges resurface, disintegrating the bond holding the Realms together. Only the Realm Keeper possesses the power to unite them once more and bring back harmony to Everlasting. However, he cannot accomplish this task single-handedly. His alliance with the Timebender grants them both access to the only weapon that can combat death. Restoring balance, ending the perpetual chill, and returning the Elding to Everlasting all depend on each fulfilling their destinies. (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy, Independently Published)

 

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Chasing Time by Pamela G Baker — After embracing life in the 21st century, Lydia is catapulted to the 1870s of her youth to prevent unscrupulous scientists from disrupting the timeline—again. (Speculative Fiction/Time Travel)

On the Brink by Michael E Cafferky — A life-threatening illness leads corporate executive Gabriel Oliver to an epiphany about his faith; he adjusts the priorities of his life, but the change he makes increases his vulnerability by endangering his career and upsetting his relationship with his wife Sandra (Contemporary General)

Morning on the Mesa by Jenny Fulton — Navajo princess sisters Lillian and Zoe learn about God and Creation while herding sheep on their family’s mesa. (Children’s Picture Book)

Take The Sea by Jenny Powell — Follow modern-day Hope Gerard & 18th-century Anglican priest John Wesley as they battle their fears through their faith. (Contemporary General)

Forged by Fire by Melanie D Snitker — Firefighter Leslie Granger and Police Officer Clint Baker stumble upon a motive that will test their courage and force them to confront not only the danger, but also the unexpected attraction growing between them (Romantic Suspense)

BondKeeper by Colleen K Snyder — Canna and Gentry are running for their lives from dragon hunters, slave traders, renegade dragons, and the Widow Swansworth who wants Gentry as a bride for her son Brody. Can Gentry learn to trust the Master? Or will she go her own way, and lose the best friend she’ll ever have? (Young Adult)

What Brings Us Joy by Teresa Wells — Though Clarence Parker doesn’t regret testifying against the outlaws in his former gang, he fears his future with Delia Truitt is in jeopardy. Clarence will protect her from the killers, even if it means risking their future together. Can Clarence keep her safe? And will Delia love him after she finds out about his past? (Historical Romance)

Waitin’ On Paige by Mary Pat Johns

The Story Behind Waitin’ On Paige

Waitin’ On Paige is a second chance love story about a couple who never really fell out of love. Tavo had a crush on Paige in middle school, and they fell in love in high school. But when Paige graduated and left for college a year before Tavo, it broke both their hearts.

Since Paige wasn’t there to hold him steady, Tavo left town shortly after his high school graduation because of issues with his dad about his career path. When Paige returned and Tavo wasn’t there, she concluded he didn’t love her anymore.

After years of being apart, Tavo returns to Valiant for two reasons. He wants to reconcile with his dad and reclaim Paige’s love. She’s the one he never got over. However, Paige is busy with a new business startup and just wants to be friends. Love has let her down, and she only wants to preserve the good memories she had with Tavo. The truth is, she’s vulnerable. She’s afraid if they date again, and it doesn’t work out, she’ll lose everything.

Their road to reconciliation proves thorny as they learn to trust each other again. True love is always about trust.

It’s also crucial to look past the surface to find genuine love. It’s not about the one who is the best looking or says romantic things. Love is about the heart. In the story, a Hollywood celebrity who appears to have it all pursues Paige. He’s gorgeous, says lovely things, and takes her to expensive places. But his heart isn’t right. She doesn’t feel safe with him. And sure enough, when it matters the most, he pushes her into terrible danger.

On the other hand, Tavo keeps her riled up, says the wrong things, and blows it at a critical juncture. But he’s also contrite and doesn’t hesitate to step up even when it changes his life. His heart is in the right place. His insensitive actions hurt Paige, but he’s the one she calls when she’s in over her head. Deep down, she knows she can trust him. Despite his mistakes, he’s supportive in all the ways that matter. Her heart is safe with him.

The title, Waitin’ On Paige, is a fun play on words. In the story, Tavo tells a crowd of people at a karaoke event that he’s been waitin’ on Paige for a long time. At the end of the story, however, she turns the tables on him. The timing was finally right for both of them. Another expression of how authentic love works—it waits until both parties are on board.

I had fun writing Waitin’ On Paige, but it evoked emotion too. My prayer while writing was to finish the series, Romance in Valiant, on a strong note. My hope is that Waitin’ On Paige leaves the reader with a happy blend of satisfaction and looking forward to more.   

Mary Pat Johns’ writing career began once she retired from teaching speech and writing. She has written devotions for an online publication, had short stories published by Chicken Soup for the Soul, and wrote a column for the Victoria Advocate, a local newspaper.

Countin’ On Jesse, her first novel debuted in 2023. Books 2 & 3 of the Valiant series, Lovin’ On Red and Glitter and the Grouch released in 2024. God put it in her heart to tell stories of brave veterans and their reintegration into civilian life after suffering the traumas of war.

She writes Christian romance because when we view life through the hope of Christ’s sacrifice, we find that happily ever after is God’s idea.       

Mary Pat lives in South Texas with her husband and their two dapple dachshunds. Her grown children and five grandchildren are useful sorts who keep her grounded with her reading/writing obsession. You can find her at the gym, at her computer, or reading a good book.

Links: To purchase Waitin’ On Paige: https://scrivenings.link/waitinonpaige 

Romance in Valiant series: https://bit.ly/4hhJvLj 

FB link: https://www.facebook.com/marypatjohnsauthor/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/marypatjohnsauthor/

Website: https://www.marypatjohns.com

Newsletter signup and Longin’ for Valiant download: https://prnt.sc/P_ZMgoPwSSYd 

     

Book Review: Dandelion Serenade by Lori Soard

Julie’s Note: If you are on Facebook, it’s my custom to share my posts and tag the book author to promote their work. I’m currently not able to access Facebook. I filed an appeal and am waiting. It would be amazing if you could share this post. Thank you!

Dandelion Serenade is the latest installment in the Dogwoord Creek Matchmakers series. They are small-town romances based in Tennesee, and they release every other month through 2026. Lori Soard started it off with Chasing Snowflakes. Joann Durgin followed up with An Early Spring. Lisa Prysock released Love in Bloom, and now Lori is back. Other authors include Leah Atwood, Robin Bayne, Dawn Kinzer, and me. My first release, Clean Sweep, will be available November 1.

About Dandelion Serenade:

Lauren Juniper and Nathan Brickner were once inseparable. Summers by the creek, winters sledding, and dandelion wishes made from childhood dreams. He wanted to chase the world. She chose the gentle allure of the town that had always known her.

Eight years ago, Nathan left Dogwood Creek chasing after adventure. Lauren stayed behind, building a life rooted in her vintage flower shop. Suddenly, he’s back—no longer the boy who once brought her dandelions to wish on, but a successful bridge engineer leading the town’s project to replace the old stone bridge that has always been the heart of their community.

To the town, it’s progress.
To Lauren, it’s personal. Her grandparents got engaged on that bridge!

As she fights to keep the charm the bridge has always had, she finds herself face-to-face with the man who broke her heart—and still knows exactly how to make it skip a beat. Nathan sees safety and innovation. Lauren sees memory and meaning. But somewhere in the clash of old and new, the spark between them flickers to life once more.

Like dandelion wishes caught on the wind, can they gather the scattered seeds of love and rebuild the trust they lost, or are some hearts too withered to open again?

A heartfelt story of second chances, small-town charm, and the wishes we never stop making.

Julie’s Review:

I confess, when I learned Lauren was going to have her own story, the reader in me rejoiced. She’s one of the Dogwood Creek Matchmakers, so she knows the “Pray-book,” so to speak. But when Nathan returns, it seems like everyone in town wants Lauren and Nathan together. Except for Lauren.

I’m a sucker for second-chance romance, and Lori did a tremendous job building their past without dwelling on it. We understand Lauren’s heartbreak and Nathan’s efforts to win her back. The bridge is a fragile character just as Lauren is. It’s Dogwood Creek history. It’s part of Lauren’s family. It’s part of her and Nathan’s past. And now it’s Nathan’s job. I loved the conflict the bridge brought to them both.

This story is as fresh as a summer bouquet. It’s full of colorful characters, moments, and of course, dandelions. The matchmakers are a delight and truly want God’s best for Lauren. I enjoyed Dandelion Serenade so much I read it in one sitting.

I highly recommend Dandelion Serenade by Lori Soard.