Julie Arduini's Blog, page 25

A Twisted Strand by Lynne Tagawa

A Twisted Strand

I’m a historical fiction writer. But I didn’t start out that way.

Actually, if you go back far enough, I wasn’t a writer at all. I was a science teacher. And so, for my first foray into fiction, I decided to stick with what I knew.

Biology. Check. The place I live, South Texas. Check.

Plus, as a Christian, my writing (then and now) was infused with gospel truth. I wouldn’t know how to tame that part. It is who I am.

A Twisted Strand was the result, a sort of bioterrorism-thriller-romance lite. With a generous helping of theology, believe it or not.

The cast is eclectic. A nurse, her ex-husband a doctor, an eccentric epidemiologist, a homeschooling family, a vet, a heifer, and Brownie the pony.

Yes, there’s some blood. And biblical discussion of the Law of Moses, forgiveness, and reconciliation. And snacks.

And lots of coffee.

Excerpt:

What color bow tie would Dr. Stuart be wearing today? Light colors were always a good sign. White was celebratory, something she had only seen on his anniversary. Dark tartan or brown meant he was grumpy. Rachel tapped on his half-open office door.

“Come in.” Dr. Stuart gesticulated with a sheet of paper in his hand, deep in conversation with Dr. Boyd, whose rumpled lime green polo contrasted with her boss’s pressed shirt and tie. A western bolo. Rachel had never seen her boss wear this style of tie before and didn’t know what to make of it.

“Rachel, look at this. Just came in from the CDC.”

The tie was quickly forgotten as she examined what appeared to be an image taken by an electron microscope. It was grainy, but she could make out a twisted thread running up and down the middle. It looked like a Christmas tree ornament, with a fuzzy area on the bottom and a stem and hook near the top. The hook reminded her of something, but she couldn’t place it. Frowning, she looked up at her boss . . .

“Here.” Dr. Stuart shoved the open book in Rachel’s direction. Her glance took in a fuzzy string-like object with a hook.

It was the same hook. She searched for the label underneath the photograph.

Ebola.

 A strange new virus . . .

Is it terrorism?

After dragging her heart through a divorce, Rachel Davis is ready to settle down on their South Texas country home, raise her kids, and find some peace. Can she find the secret to making her heart whole again?

William Davis, MD, would do anything to take back his horrible mistake, but infidelity is more than his wife can forgive. He goes home to an empty house in Austin every night, trying his best to be a good dad to his kids from afar.

When Rachel discovers their Jersey heifer dead from a hemorrhagic fever, she quickly realizes that the danger may spread to humans. Working for an epidemiologist, she joins the investigation. Is it natural? Or terrorism?

The family vet sickens, and Will enters the fray. Could this become an epidemic? Why was their family targeted?  

Estranged from God and from each other, both Rachel and Will encounter the truth of the gospel and struggle to make sense of it all. Is there hope? And is there hope for their relationship?

Lynne Tagawa is married with four grown sons and five marvelous grandbabies. A biology teacher by trade, she teaches part-time, writes, and edits. She’s written a Texas history curriculum in narrative form, Sam Houston’s Republic, and several novels, including A Twisted Strand and The Shenandoah Road. Lynne lives with her husband in South Texas.

Website:

www.lynnetagawa.com

Love in Disguise by Penny Zeller

Interview with Almira “Emilie” Crawford Wheeler from Love in Disguise

Hello, Emilie. It is great to have you here today. Tell us a little bit about yourself, e.g., parents, siblings, and where you live.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guest. I am 28-years-old and am the only child of Cecelia and Ernest Crawford. I am originally from New York City, but when I married my husband, Newt, we moved to Hollow Creek, Montana, where Newt inherited a sizeable cattle ranch, which included a lovely home with all of the latest amenities.

You go by the name “Emilie”, although your given name is “Almira”. Why is that?

I was named Almira after a relative, and I’ve never been particularly fond of it. Hence my reason for choosing to go by my middle name, much to Mother’s disturbance.

What are your favorite hobbies?

That is an easy one. Gardening, tending to my flower gardens, and driving my 1911 Model T.

Do you have any pet peeves?

Yes. One of my pet peeves is having rogue cattle traipsing through my gardens. The neighbor’s rogue cattle, to be exact. Another pet peeve is that the Montana summers are so dreadfully short. It barely gives me enough time to enjoy my flowers.

Can you share with us a particularly embarrassing moment in your life?

Yes. It happened not long ago while I was visiting Missoula, a few hours from my Hollow Creek home. I just finished shopping for items for the children at the orphanage, as well as, purchasing some of the latest fashions and a new hat at Miss Julia Mathilda’s Fine Dresses. Lo and behold, as I attempted to juggle the towering stack of parcels while walking down Mateer Avenue, the most devastating event occurred. A handsome stranger with the bluest of blue eyes bumped into me, my parcels went flying, and I landed in an unladylike heap on the ground. Not only a huge disaster, but also in an unfortunate turn of events, my new hat was crushed in the catastrophe.

Sounds extremely embarrassing! Let’s change topics for a moment. If you could collect only one thing, what would it be?

I have a fondness for hats, especially those of the wide-brimmed variety with many decorations and ornaments. As the saying goes, a woman can never have too many hats!

Indeed. Do you have a favorite food?

Yes, I have three. Pie à la mode, snickerdoodle cookies, and pancakes.

Any foods you strongly dislike?

Plain cinnamon.

What are some causes close to your heart?

I have three that come to mind. The first is spending time reading to the children at the orphanage. The second is the women’s suffragette movement. The third is, with my dear friends, Joy, Carlotta, and Rhoda, arranging and supporting charity events for missions.

Would you consider yourself conventional or unconventional?

Definitely unconventional!

Are you generally organized or messy?

Organized.

What are four words friends would use to describe you?

I would have to say strong-willed, determined, generous, and classy.

The Wheeler Ranch is an extensive operation. Can you tell us about your employees?

Yes, the Wheeler Ranch is quite extensive, and as such, we have numerous employees, mostly ranch hands. Some of my most cherished employees, whom I also consider friends, are Vera, my housekeeper; Morris, my butler; Hattie, my maid; and Jep, one of my ranch hands. Vera and Morris are an elderly couple, have been married forever, and are my closest confidants. Hattie is a delightful young girl with a dramatic flair. She is fond of Jep, a tall and lanky young man with vibrant orange hair.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

With the exception of my close friends, Vera and Morris, no one else knows I have developed a fondness for a rancher I met in Missoula named Thad Evanson.

Sounds intriguing. Do you plan to see more of him?

Yes, absolutely. I look forward to meeting him soon for a noonday meal at the Bellarose Restaurant in Missoula.

Thank you for joining us today, Emilie. I

It was my pleasure. Thank you for having me!

Who knew concealing one’s true identity could be so disastrous? 

Who knew asserting one’s independence would cause such embarrassment? If only Almira “Emilie” Crawford Wheeler hadn’t insisted upon carrying her own stack of parcels, she wouldn’t have landed in an unladylike heap on the boardwalk. And what about the half-truth she told the handsome stranger who came to her aid? The stranger she never expected to see again?  

Thad Alexander Evanson should have been paying closer attention to the boardwalk, rather than the newfangled automobile motoring down the street. Had he been more astute, a collision with the beautiful parcel-laden stranger might never have happened. And if it never had happened, he wouldn’t have told a partial-truth he figured wouldn’t matter. 

Before long, Emilie and Thad are arranging to meet for a noonday meal each weekend in Missoula under the guise of different names. But what happens when their true identities are revealed? When half-truths are exposed? Could God have a plan even in the midst of a tangled web of lies? 

Where to Purchase:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3sxGgXV

Coming soon: available on Barnes & Noble

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics. Today Penny is a multi-published author of several inspirational books. She is also a homeschool mom and a fitness instructor.

When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, camping, hiking, canoeing, reading, running, cycling, gardening, and playing volleyball.

She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her website www.pennyzeller.com and her blog, random thoughts from a day in the life of a wife, mom, and author, at www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com.

Find Penny at:

Website: https://pennyzeller.com/

Blog: www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com

Book Review: It’s All About Love by John Murray +#giveaway

It’s All About Love is the true story of a husband lovingly caring for his wife through her many years of suffering with Parkinson’s disease. If you are a caregiver, you will quickly identify with the struggles and difficulties they face. If you are dealing with such issues, then this book will give you great encouragement.

What people are saying…

“It’s All About Love is a raw, honest, and breathtaking glimpse into the realities of life as a caregiver. John offers a fresh perspective through the lens of love …. If you are a caregiver or know someone who is, this book will be a healing balm to those with a hurting heart.” – Holly Guy, Coach and Writer at Wholeness Haven, VA, USA.

“John Murray, who in his own words is, “just an ordinary 82-year-old husband taking care of his 78-year-old wife” Rita, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2008. I appreciate the author’s occasional flashes of humour and his commitment to respecting Rita’s dignity. Every action she undertakes, even putting on her glasses, takes a long time. But he says, “we soon learned that time is not of the essence.” He cares for Rita because he loves her.” – Elma Schermenauer, Author

“This book is a wisdom book for lovers. Lovers whose own lives are owned by devotion to the daily care of the ones whom they love. This is a book of purest prose, easy to read because of John’s winsome writing style and hard to read because care is an indispensable and demanding gift of love. Read it and you will be thankful for John’s evident honesty. The book needed to be written.” – Dr. Ron Unruh, Author and Artist

“John describes the many facets of caring for a loved one with a progressive and debilitating illness. The author aptly conveys the feelings of overwhelm and helplessness in wanting to protect his loved one from the ravages of the disease. As you read, you will find the encouragement you need to “keep on keeping on” and know that there are others who see your heart and understand the complexities that you are dealing with.” – Deborah Harrison, MSW (retired)

“John openly acknowledges his fears, discouragements, and frustrations, but his reflections are always undergirded by a resolute trust in God’s loving and providential care. It’s All About Love is a beautiful story of marital love and faithfulness expressed in sickness and in health, for better or for worse. Canada’s aging population ensures that the Murray’s story will be experienced in many families. John’s realistic yet hope-filled study not only helps us understand the unique challenges of caregiving but will encourage those already involved to persevere, as well as help prepare those who will one day find themselves caregivers.” – David Daniels, Pastor & Freelance Writer

“John is a new friend, met on-line in connection with our shared experience of caring for a spouse with Parkinson’s. And what a friend, so sympathetic and encouraging! His courage and stickability in the face of Rita’s extreme physical disabilities will surely encourage many out of self-pity, defeat, even despair into true love and high achievement.” – Priscilla Diana Maryon Turner, MA, DPhil Oxon., ODNW, Author

“I was moved by the book, so many emotions arose. As a former 24/7 caregiver to my wife, I can readily identify with all that is written here. I believe the author’s strong faith has helped sustain him through this part of their journey together. This book will be a blessing to many, particularly those who are spousal caregivers.” – David North, M.Ed. Retired Principal

“John’s positive attitude shines through in everything he writes. His book will inspire other caregivers that their service is never meaningless or in vain, or that they are alone.” – Jennifer Friesen, Pastor to Seniors

JULIE’s REVIEW:

It’s All About Love is a small book, but don’t let that fool you. The author packs it not only with his journey as a caregiver to his beloved Rita, but with practical information all caregivers should memorize and use. Everything from planning ahead, when to know it’s time for more help, maintaining dignity for your loved one, there is so much here.

Beyond the caregiving information I wish I’d had in 2020 when that was my role, the love story the author pours out is one of the most beautiful I’ve read. This is a husband living out his vows, and I was so moved by both John and Rita. He even wrote a poem for her, and it brought me to tears. I loved, loved, loved this book.

If you aren’t a caregiver, chances are you know one or you will be. It’s All About Love is a must have for your caregiving resources. It’s also a beautiful love story to read. I can’t recommend this book enough.

There’s even a giveaway!

I was provided with an extra copy to give away. Because the author resides in Canada, I’m opening this giveaway up to anyone in NORTH AMERICA. Please leave a comment below why you would like a copy, and I’ll choose a random winner February 26.

I was provided a copy of It’s All About Love for review. I was not compensated, and all opinions are my own.

You can also purchase It’s All About Love on John Murray’s website.

Fiction Finder: February 2022 New Releases

February 2022 New Releases

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

Amish Romance:

Strength in the Storm by Laurel M. Blount — After the murder of both her parents, Emma Hochstedler returns to the small community of Johns Mill, hoping to resume her quiet existence. Reclaiming her place proves harder than expected—especially now that a movie is being made about her family’s loss. But then, an old friend offers her a lifeline that gives her new purpose. Amish builder Samuel Christner is the biggest—and the strongest—man in town. In fact, the gentle giant has only one weakness—Emma. Even though she broke his heart, he won’t let his childhood sweetheart face her troubles alone. He hires Emma as a nurse for his elderly aunt…and finds himself falling for her all over again. (Amish Romance from Berkley Penguin Random House)

Biblical:

Defending David by Barbara M. Britton — When a quiet journey to Jerusalem turns tragic, newly orphaned Rimona must flee a kinsman set on selling her as a slave. Racing into the rocky hills outside of Hebron, Rimona is rescued by a Philistine commander journeying to Jerusalem with six-hundred warriors. Exiled commander, Ittai the Gittite, is seeking refuge in the City of David. Protecting a frantic Hebrew woman is not in his leadership plan. Although, having a nobleman’s niece in his caravan might prove useful for finding shelter in a foreign land. Rimona and Ittai arrive in Jerusalem on the eve of a rebellion. In the chaos of an heir’s betrayal, will they be separated forever, or can they defend King David and help the aging monarch control his rebellious son? (Biblical from Harbourlight Books (Pelican))

Contemporary Romance:

Checked Impressions by Carolyn Miller — parks fly when a hometown hockey hero meets a classy art-loving museum guide hiding a secret…Jai Mullins is used to being the fastest man on ice. Trouble is, his ability to find a genuine woman is tracking at glacial melt levels. He’s trusting God she’s out there, but he’s wary of getting trapped by a superfan, when all he wants is someone with whom he can be real. Allie Davis has two great loves: impressionist art and hockey. More specifically, a certain hockey player. But between her shyness and her family, she’s convinced she’ll never meet him, let alone connect with him in a non-embarrassing way.
Until she does. And they connect. And romance sparks. But she is hiding a big secret, and he’s about to find that first impressions sometimes need a reality check. Will they learn to trust and find a way forward, or will half-truths lead to further hurt on opposite sides of the country and lonely lives? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Her Tycoon Hero by Narelle Atkins — Cassie Beaumont believes in second chances. Cassie is set on proving she’s no longer a party girl, instead focusing on her career as an event planner. Ryan Mitchell, her dad’s top executive, proves to be a handsome distraction, especially when someone from Cassie’s wild past tries to draw her back into the life she has worked hard to escape. Ryan is taken with his boss’s beautiful daughter. But he is slow to trust, having been burned by a brother who ran in the same circles. When Cassie’s newfound faith works its way into his heart, Ryan wants to claim both Cassie and her faith as his own. Can they forgive past mistakes and navigate a future together? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh — Brielle Adebayo is fully content teaching at a New York City public school and taking annual summer vacations with her mother to Martha’s Vineyard. But everything changes when her mom drops the mother of all bombshells–Brielle is a princess in the kingdom of Oloro Ilé, Africa, and she must immediately assume her royal position, since the health of her grandfather, King Tiwa Jimoh Adebayo, is failing. 
Distraught by her mother’s betrayal, Brielle is further left spinning when the Oloro Ilé Royal Council brings up an old edict that states she must marry before assuming the throne or the crown will be passed to another. Uncertain who to choose from the council’s list of bachelors, she struggles with the decision along with the weight of her new role in a new country. With her world totally shaken, she must take a chance on love and brave the perils a wrong decision may bring. (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House (Baker) Publishing)

Secrets of Their Past by Allie Pleiter — Facing the past could change his future. Veterinarian Neal Rodgers is in Wander Canyon seeking the truth about his past—not to rescue a litter of kittens under his next-door neighbor’s porch. But persistent single-mom Tessa Kennedy is impossible to ignore—especially when she uncovers a family secret of her own. Discovering the hidden facts of their histories could be the key to unlocking everything in this small town. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired (Harlequin))

The Valentine Proposal by Beth Pugh — Can Love Be 10 Years in the Making? Award-winning photographer Mason Montgomery is back in Pine Valley, Kentucky. Hopefully, for good, if his business proposal is accepted. On paper, he’s the perfect buyer for Forget-Me-Not Photography. Too bad the seller, Ol’ Man Rowe, doesn’t see it that way. He’s looking for a family man to take over, and Mason’s bachelor status doesn’t fit the bill.For shy Lily Anne Dawson, life has not turned out the way she’d hoped. Working at her mother’s bakery and editing for the local newspaper is a far cry from her journalistic dream. She’s a failure. A lonely failure worrying about infertility with no romantic prospects in sight. That all changes when a decade-old promise to marry on Valentine’s Day pushes the two together at their high school reunion. The impromptu proposal offers a solution to their problems. But marriage requires honesty―and both have secrets. Secrets that could make or break their budding love. (Contemporary Romance from Candlelight (an imprint of Iron Stream Media))

To Belong Together by Emily Conrad — Fame and money have a way of complicating love. Drummer John Kennedy can keep a beat, but he can’t hold a conversation, so he relies on actions to show he cares. Unfortunately, when he’s instantly intrigued by a spunky female mechanic, he can’t seem to convey the sincerity of his intentions. And the rejections don’t stop there. His own sister is pushing him away just when he could help her most. Erin Hirsh’s life would be easier if God hadn’t given her a love for cars. Only her father understood her, and she’s losing him to dementia. Her brief romances have always backfired worse than a mistuned engine, and she refuses to give John the chance to wreck her heart. A rock star with a supermodel ex can’t possibly see anything in her. At least that’s what she thinks until they find common ground in faith and their worsening family situations leave them each longing for a place to belong. Could God intend for this pair of opposites to belong together? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Historical:

Avenue of Betrayal by Sandra Merville Hart — Betrayed by her brother and the man she loves…whom can she trust when tragedy strikes? Soldiers are pouring into Washington City every day and have begun drilling in preparation for a battle with the Confederacy. Annie Swanson worries for her brother, whom she’s just discovered is a Confederate officer in his new home state of North Carolina. Even as Annie battles feelings of betrayal toward the big brother she’s always adored, her wealthy banker father swears her and her sister to secrecy about their brother’s actions. How could he forsake their mother’s abolitionist teachings?Sergeant-Major John Finn camps within a mile of the Swansons’ mansion where his West Point pal once lived. Sweet Annie captured his heart at Will’s wedding last year and he looks forward to reestablishing their relationship—until he’s asked to spy on her father.To prove her father’s loyalty to the Union, John agrees to spy on the Swanson family, though Annie must never know. Then the war strikes a blow that threatens to destroy them all—including the love that’s grown between them against all odds. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Gold Rush Bride Tegan by Linda Shenton Matchett — Tegan Llewellyn has always been different than her adopted family, except Grandmother Hannah, a prospector during the 1829 Georgia gold rush. Now, seventy years later there are reports of gold in Nome, and the opportunity is too good to pass up. But Tegan doesn’t count on the dangers that strike from the moment she steps off the steamer, including the threat of losing her heart. Elijah Hunter has prospected for gold all over the US and Canada and likes being on the move. The last thing he expects to find on his latest search is a lady miner who proves to be nothing but trouble. Can he convince her that leaving is for her own good before it’s too late…for both of them? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Lumberjacks and Ladies by Jennifer Lamont Leo, et. al — Lumberjacks and Ladies Work Together to Build America…Struggling to remain independent in the 1800s, four women reluctantly open up to help from lumberjacks—and love. All That Glitters by Candice Sue Patterson, 1851—Maine. Winifred finds herself running the family lobstering business when her father and brothers join the California gold rush. Will she stubbornly reject help from a local lumberjack? Winter Roses by Pegg Thomas, 1865—Michigan. Elizabeth cooks for a logging crew, spurning the men’s advances, until reoccurring gifts capture her attention. Will she heed her mother’s warning about “shanty boys”? Not for Love by Naomi Musch, 1881—Wisconsin. Widowed, Maggie seeks a husband—in name only—from the logging camps, but the man who answers her letter is a surprise. Can she open her heart to love again? Undercover Logger by Jennifer Lamont Leo, 1890—Idaho. Carrie will not sell her timberland and allows the banker’s nephew to sign onto her logging crew to ferret out the reason she is losing money at an alarming rate. Will truth be revealed to her forlorn heart? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War by Mary Eileen Davis — A WASP Goes Above the Call of Duty to Free Captive American Soldiers. Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes–the heroines of WWII. Peggy Witherspoon, a widow, mother, and pilot flying for the Women Airforce Service Pilots in 1944 clashes with her new reporting officer. Army Air Corp Major Howie Berg was injured in combat and is now stationed at Bolling Field in Washington D.C. Most of Peggy’s jobs are safe, predictable, and she can be home each night with her two daughters–until a cargo run to Cuba alerts her to American soldiers being held captive there, despite Cuba being an “ally.” Will Peggy go against orders to help the men–even risk her own life? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin — As the Nazis march toward Paris in 1940, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English-language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. Lucie struggles to run Green Leaf Books due to oppressive German laws and harsh conditions, but she finds a way to aid the resistance by passing secret messages between the pages of her books. Widower Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running and obtain military information from his German customers. As the war rages on, Paul offers his own resistance by sabotaging his product and hiding British airmen in his factory. After they meet in the bookstore, Paul and Lucie are drawn to each other, but she rejects him when she discovers he sells to the Germans. And for Paul to win her trust would mean betraying his mission. (Historical Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Wilderness Wife by Delores Topliff — arguerite Wadin MacKay believes her 17-year marriage to explorer, Alex MacKay, is strong—until sudden fame makes him announce their frontier marriage is void in Montréal where he now goes to choose a society wife—not one with native blood. Taking their son, MacKay sends Marguerite and their three daughters to a trading post where she lived as a child. Deeply shamed, she arrives in time to assist young visiting Doctor John McLoughlin with a medical emergency. Marguerite now lives only for her girls. When Fort William on Lake Superior opens a school, Marguerite moves there for her daughters’ sake. Newly assigned there, Doctor McLoughlin’s friendship with Marguerite grows. When he declares his love, she dissuades him from a match harmful to his career. She’s mixed blood and nine years older. He will have no one else. After abandonment, can a woman love again and fulfill the key role in North American History that is her destiny? (General Historical from Scrivenings Press)

With a Trusting Heart by Dawn Kinzer — Will trust be the winning ticket to mending two wounded hearts? The 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition is taking place in Seattle with participants from all over the world when Lizzie Clark accepts a position at an orphanage in the city. After suffering heartbreak and loss, she is determined to make a life for herself independently. Jack Butler’s mother abandoned their family when he was a young boy. Loyalty to his father cost him fulfilling his own aspirations, so Jack strives to take their family farm in a new direction. A newborn is left at the orphanage with a note asking Lizzie to take care of him. Why did the woman abandon her child? And why is Jack, a handsome local farmer so interested in helping Lizzie search for the infant’s mother?
When shocking revelations disrupt their plans, Lizzie and Jack are faced with life-changing decisions. Will they open their hearts to trusting again? (Historical Romance from Morningview Publishing)

Mystery: Cozy:

Cliffhanger by Susan Page Davis — The Novel Inn’s reopening goes smoothly until a guest vanishes. The new owners prepare for their first large group—a former squad of cheerleaders meeting for a reunion. Things go awry when the head cheerleader fails to show up. Sisters Kate and Jillian, the innkeepers, enlist the help of their brother Rick, a local police officer. They’re confident the missing woman will be found, but they soon learn to expect the unexpected, even during a walk on the beach. (Mystery: Cozy from Scrivenings Press)

Mystery: Romance:

The Prediction by Jean Rezab — Thea deals with the limits her father places on her when she has a vision of his death. He has never accepted her ability, and he also deals with his own depression regarding his past. (Mystery: Romance, Independently Published)

Thriller/Suspense/Romance:

Safe House Exposed by Darlene L. Turner — Witness protection should have kept them safe. Instead, it left them completely exposed…Canadian border patrol officer Emma James has only one concern after putting a crime boss behind bars: keeping her daughter safe. But witness protection has a leak, and Emma’s enemies know exactly where to find her. Now on the run with no safe haven, trusting her estranged former brother-in-law, police constable Mason James, to shield them is her only hope… (Thriller/Suspence/Romance from Love Inspired (Harlequin))

That Scott Woman by Carlene Havel — Maggie Scott returns home in 1966 after serving four years in prison. She has only one goal in mind, to create a secure and stable life for herself. Then Maggie meets Blake Hamilton, ex-rodeo cowboy turned preacher. The chemistry between this unlikely pair is undeniable, but there are problems. Blake is sure his calling is to serve God. Maggie is convinced she is beyond redemption.
Common sense tells Maggie her attraction to Blake will end in heartbreak. (Thriller/Suspense/Romance, Independently Published)

Touch of Innocence by Robin Patchen — How can she protect the child if nobody believes her? Grace used to try to save people, but that was before she realized how powerless she is. Now, she avoids emotional ties, working from her secluded cabin, content with her aloneness. When eight-year-old Lily starts hanging around, Grace enjoys her company but carefully keeps her distance—until she discovers the girl is being exploited. Little though she wants to, she must get involved, even if it means risking her own safety to secure Lily’s. Andrew can’t help but be drawn to his new neighbor and her beautiful foster child. When he learns about Lily’s disturbing history, he offers to help Grace prove her suspicions about the girl’s father. But the more they learn, the more puzzling Lily’s history seems. They work together to unravel the mystery, determined to ensure Lily ends up with a family who loves her. But Lily’s father isn’t giving up his muse—or his obsession—that easily. He believes Lily is rightfully his, and he’ll do anything to get her back. (Thrilled/Suspense/Romance, Independently Published)

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

 

  Boundary Waters Search and Rescue: Beyond Imagination by Joy Harding, An old foe, unimaginable twists, and deep disappointments challenge both Jack’s and Liz’s faith and their young marriage. (Contemporary Romance)

 

 

  Dear Beth by Alyssa Schwartz, Might it finally be time for her to risk her heart again? (Romance – Novella)

 

 

  Recaptured from Oblivion by Cindy M. Amos, In the heat of pursuit, ordination slips toward a far-off horizon—
or can Karch safeguard Lolo and recapture his dreams from oblivion? (Contemporary Romance)

 

 

  Sleep Deprived by Therese Heckenkamp, An odd encounter in a cemetery. A baby in need.
Every mom’s worst nightmare. (Thriller/Suspense/Romance)

 

 

  Still the One by Rachel D. Russel, It’s never too late to finish a love story… (Contemporary Romance)

 

 

  The Winter Rose by Melanie Dobson, In this gripping WWII time-slip novel from the author whose books have been called “propulsive” and a “must-read” (Publishers Weekly), Grace Tonquin is an American Quaker who works tirelessly in Vichy France to rescue Jewish children from the Nazis. (Historical Romance)

 

 

  Though Darkness Descend by Janet Joanou Weiner, With persecution of the Huguenots intensifying in 17th century France, what will be the cost of her unbelief? (General Historical)

 

A Woodland Tale by Joseph C. Posner

A Woodland Tale: Concerning How National Parks Came to Be

A Woodland Tale is a unique novel which combines the Christian faith with a love for the outdoors. Throughout, biblical verses and concepts are interwoven into the captivating adventure, which espouses a love for creation and its creator. Come and visit the national parks, the settings in which A Woodland Tale takes place…

Visit Glacier!

Witness the opaque lakes with their shimmering stones and rippling waters. Traverse along the continental divide and be stunned by the endless mountaintops and majestic valleys.

Glacier is the abode of the Huckleberry King and his clan of living warrior berries, the Huckles. Whilst they have lived in relative peace and harmony amidst their tranquil surroundings, they would soon have need to embark on a quest that changes their existence forever.

Visit Redwood!

Be awestruck by one of nature’s grandest spectacles – the colossal coastal redwood trees. Amidst the giants, there is one who stands alone, above all…

Redwood is home to Hyperion, the world’s tallest tree; and his advising counsel. In A Woodland Tale he finds himself at odds with the Huckleberry King – as their sentiments towards the lands which they inhabit, and the Ancient Manuscripts – are in direct opposition.

Come and see Yellowstone!

Be entranced by rolling plains, fair hills and meadows. Be captivated and overcome by the lustrous river and its colorful banks. Majestic bison and bald eagles, howling wolves and rapacious bears. Yellowstone has it all.

Along their journey, the huckles’ path is illuminated when they encounter Yellowstone. It is here that they meet Oxan – leader of the wanderers, a herd of ancient marauding bison.

Endure stark Death Valley!

Beauty in its own right; not much can survive in this harshest of places. Death Valley is a sprawling stretch of land which is inhabited by the hardiest of creatures. Scorching sands and unforgiving rock cover the park as far as the eye can see.

It is here, on the edge of California, that the huckles learn of the dangers and challenges that nature brings forth…

Firstly, I am a Christian and follower of the Lord Jesus!  Beyond that I am a husband, father and Youth and Young Adults Pastor from North London. I hold a BA in Theology and am currently working toward my MTH in Theological and Biblical Studies. I have always loved reading and expressing my creativity through writing – both in prose and poetry. One of my favorite aspects of life is experiencing God’s creation. Wildlife captivates me – as does landscape and natural beauty, and my admiration for both of these things is what I often reflect in my written works. Lastly, I am a keen active person and have completed several marathons, long distance swims, and a 130-mile bike ride!

All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name. –  Psalm 66:4

Website: www.josephcposner.com

The Bible Blueprint by Rose Spiller & Christine Paxson

The Bible Blueprint – A Guide to Better Understanding the Bible from Genesis to Revelation

Today, Christians are bombarded with people, books, blogs, and videos telling us what we should think, how we should behave, and what God wants for us. We are given a single lines of scripture, and then paragraphs of interpretation on that one line (which is very often taken out of context and interpreted from an eisegetic perspective and not an exegetical perspective) Some even go so far as to say that Jesus has told them what He wants you to know! My dear friends, at the very least this condescension is insulting to your intelligence. At the very worst, it is heresy! 

          Have you ever thought about the Bible as a book written by God? The Bible is God’s Word without error. God literally breathed out His Word using human authors who were guided by the Holy Spirit as they wrote. The Bible is our final authority and is a trustworthy source of absolute truth. The Bible is God’s story of redemptive history. It answers the fundamental questions all humans have: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? What is my purpose? Given all that, the Bible deserves and demands our correct study of it.

With some basic knowledge about the big picture and the structure of the Bible, almost anyone can begin to get an understanding of what God has told us about Himself, ourselves, and the world around us. Whether you’re a new Christian or have been one for many years, reading the entire Bible can seem like a daunting task. Not only is it a rather large book to read, but it’s also made up of several different genres and uses both literal and symbolic texts that can be confusing and complex.

The idea for The Bible in Six is to equip you to start reading and studying your Bible in its entirety. This book is not meant to take the place of Bible. Instead, it is an overview to help you see the big picture of what God has been and is doing throughout history. As we go through each of the sixty-six books, we summarize the themes and main ideas of each book, help unlock some of the more complex passages, decode some of the symbolism, and, ultimately, show how every word in Scripture points to Jesus!

Good commentaries and supplemental books are an excellent resource when you are studying your Bible, but there is nothing that compares to reading the actual pages of what God divinely inspired the writers to write! No other book has the saving, life-giving, life-transforming message of the Bible. It is our prayer that you will soon find yourself immersed in His Word daily. You will find that no matter how many times you read a passage, there is always another truth to unlock in it. The Bible never gets boring, no matter how many times you read it!

The Bible Blueprint is not a replacement for the Bible, but it will whet your appetite to dig deep into God’s Book for yourself while giving you the confidence to do so!

Chris & Rose Bio

Chris & Rose are co-founders of Proverbs 9:10 Ministries and co-hosts of the No Trash, Just Truth Podcast. They have been teaching Bible Studies for over 20 years. They also speak at conferences and retreats. Both have graduated from the “Dimensions of the Faith” Program from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary; and continue their studies through Reformed Theological Seminary and through Biblical Training’s “Institute” Program.

Chris and her husband, John, have been married over 32 years and have twin sons in the USAF. Rose and her husband, Ed, live in Bloomsburg, PA. They have 4 children and 8 grandchildren.

Besides their first book, No Half-Truths Allowed – Understanding the Complete Gospel Message, Chris and Rose have a second book, “The Bible Blueprint – A Guide to Better Understanding the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, is due out in spring of 2021. They are in the process of writing their third book.

Please visit the Proverbs 9:10 ministries website at www.proverbs910ministries.com for information on our podcast, books, and posts. No Trash, Just Truth is available on all major podcast platforms as well as on the Proverbs 9:10 ministries channel on Rumble and YouTube.

Lavender Fields Inn by June Foster

Behind the Scenes – Lavender Fields Inn

Writing’s never work when the story’s fun to create. Lavender Fields Inn—one of those novels. I hope readers will agree.

Wren Tabor is taking a well-earned vacation at an inn and spa nestled high in the Rocky Mountains. Perhaps her broken heart will heal after her so-called boyfriend betrayed her.

The hero, Graham Maier, wants to prove to his father that he’s as capable as his brother Greg. So, Graham enters a local fishing tournament. Surrounded by lavender fields and stately mountain peaks, Graham and Wren find an attraction to each other, but when Wren sees Graham kissing another woman, she figures all men are alike.

Like many of my stories, this one was inspired by a real-life happening. About twelve years ago before I retired from my teaching profession—and before God called me to write stories, I taught seventh and eighth grade at a Christian school in Olympia, Washington. One of the teachers was a pretty young lady, young enough to be my daughter, and we enjoyed chatting in the teachers’ lounge.

My friend told me a funny story that I never forgot. She dated and married an identical twin. Even her husband’s mother had to look twice to tell these two brothers apart. Once, she went to a family dinner. She and her husband planned to drive separately as they both came from work. When she walked into her mother-in-law’s living room, she saw her husband sitting on the couch watching a football game on TV.

She leaned over the couch from behind him and kissed his prickly cheek then gave him a hug. Only thing, he wore a new aftershave. He turned around and stared at her with wide eyes. She still didn’t get it until he told her she’d kissed the wrong guy. The man was her husband’s brother.

My friend enjoyed laughing about the incident at the time she told me, but the night of the family gathering, she felt like crawling under the table.

Don’t want to give too much away, but this true-to-life event sparked the story idea. Hope you enjoy it.

An award-winning author, June Foster is also a retired teacher with a BA in Education and a MA in counseling. She is the mother of two and grandmother of ten. June began writing Christian romance in 2010. She penned her first novel on her Toshiba laptop 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 twenty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels and novellas. She loves to compose stories about characters who overcome the circumstances in their lives by the power of God and His Word. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who find freedom to live godly 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.

June’s website: junefoster.com

Here’s the purchase link: https://amzn.to/3uAvpMd

Reclaiming the House

Pixabay image

Earlier this week I shared that my word for 2022 is reclaim. 2020 was rough and 2021 just about broke me. I feel like I’m slowly crawling out of that deep pit, clutching the edges with my weary, filthy fingers, and ready to rise up and fight.

First up: the house.

I love the Christmas season but I struggle in one area, the clutter. By the time Christmas comes, I want to trash bag the house. Collect all the rogue ribbons, wrapping paper snippets, and box everything up. This year was extra hard because not long after we decorated the house, we had a leak that ruined our dining room ceiling. That meant the dining room table had to go into the hall. Fans ran for days. Extra chairs filled the living room.

Then our real Christmas tree fell. Time and time again. That fir would not take my adjustments and finally I propped it up against the wall and the couch. It made me hate the change of tree we made this year and the decoration process.

In the past my need to take down the decorations and deep clean the house has dominated my thoughts to the point the real point of Christmas would get lost. This season I made peace with the calendar. I breathed through the chaos and knew once it was New Year’s Eve day, the house was mine.

The dining room is still missing a ceiling and that means the table remains in the hall. And it’s okay. The live tree is gone. The decorations labeled and boxed. Tile waxed. Carpets steam cleaned. Furniture rearranged.

I reclaimed the house, but better than that, my thoughts. I didn’t let the clutter ruin me.

Victory!

The Fire of Eden by Antony Barone Kolenc

Trumpet Tuesday: The Fire of Eden (Book 3 in The Harwood Mysteries)

Antony Barone Kolenc

My award-winning inspirational historical fiction series, The Harwood Mysteries, tells the ongoing story of Alexander (“Xan”), a peasant boy in twelfth-century England who—along with his friends, Lucy and Christina—must solve spooky mysteries and go on adventures even as historical events unfold around them. Shadow in the Dark (Book 1) was released in July 2020; The Haunted Cathedral (Book 2) was released in February 2021; and The Fire of Eden (Book 3) was released in July 2021. In this blog post, I give a behind-the-story glimpse at the history behind the novels.

Shadow in the Dark takes place at a fictional Benedictine monastery set in Yorkshire, England, in 1184 A.D. The novel begins as bandits attack Xan’s manor, and he winds up at Harwood Abbey being cared for by the “black monks”—named because of the black robes that the Benedictines wore. The novel explores the historical manorial/feudal system in place during this medieval period, which students learn about in their middle-grade social studies curriculum. Seen through the eyes of a boy who is a “serf”—essentially an indentured servant to the lord of the manor where his family lives—the reader gets an in-depth view of how aristocratic landlords met their obligations to King Henry II by having peasants work their land and pay for the right to live in the village by paying rents of crops and livestock. The book also provides extensive insight into the role of the monasteries and monks in preserving, not only the texts of the Sacred Scriptures, but also the great classic works of Western Civilization. Some of the few literate persons in the middle ages, monks spent their time praying seven times a day and copying these great works of literature.

In The Haunted Cathedral, the action moves to Lincoln, England, in 1185 A.D. The setting of the novel mostly involves the two great historical landmarks of Lincolnshire: Lincoln Castle and Lincoln Cathedral. The history of both structures is explored as Xan, Lucy, and Christina investigate whether the ghost of a little girl haunts the cathedral. In particular, the amazing true story of Lincoln Cathedral is revealed, along with the many tragedies and mysteries that occurred within the church through the ages. The climax of the book tracks a major historical event that takes place within Lincoln Cathedral itself during Holy Week in April 1185, with the main characters experiencing one of the most incredible events ever to take place in Lincoln (which reveals the solution to the ghost mystery, too!).

In The Fire of Eden, also set in 1185, Xan and Lucy spend much of the book at a smaller abbey that is suffering under the type of corruption that was too rampant in the Benedictine order at that time. Indeed, in the century leading up to the novel, there were major reforms going on in monastic life, with new orders and reformers attempting to weed out some of the corruption that had rotted away at the beauties of monastic life up to that time. In the process, readers are introduced to some of the history behind the First and Second Crusades, which took place in 1095 and 1147. The novels build upon the ongoing period of Christian influence in the Holy Land, and are leading up to major events in the Third Crusade, already unfolding as the protagonists journey through their teenage years.

The series is both entertaining and educational, with readers learning much about the life and times of twelfth-century England, one of the most fascinating and consequential periods in medieval history. The books have won praise from critics, along with a growing list of accolades: 2021 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards, Gold Medal: Young Adult Fiction – Religion/Spirituality; 2021 Illumination Book Awards, Gold Medal: Juvenile/Young Adult Fiction; 2021 International Book Awards, 1st Place: Religious Fiction; 2020 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards, Gold Medal: Young Adult Fiction – Mystery; 2021 Independent Publisher Book Awards, Bronze Medal: Religious Fiction; 2021 Catholic Media Association Book Awards, 3rd Place: Escapism; 2021 ACP Excellence in Publishing Awards, 3rd Place: Young Readers.

Read, learn, and enjoy!

Tony is the author of The Harwood Mysteries, an award-winning medieval historical fiction series for youth published by Loyola Press. He is also the host of The Shepherd’s Pie, a radio show and podcast that focuses on youth issues. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps after 21 years of military service, and he now teaches law and writes a regular column in Practical Homeschooling Magazine. He also authors legal casebooks, book chapters, and journal articles on matters of constitutional law, homeschooling law, and military policy. He and his wife, Alisa, homeschooled their five children.

https://www.theharwoodmysteries.com/

http://www.antonykolenc.com/

Word for 2022: Reclaim

Merriam-Webster defines reclaim as follows:

Definition of reclaim

transitive verb1a: to recall from wrong or improper conduct : REFORM

b: TAME, SUBDUE

2a: to rescue from an undesirable state also: to restore to a previous natural state reclaim mining sites

b: to make available for human use by changing natural conditions reclaim swampland

3: to obtain from a waste product or by-product : RECOVER reclaimed plastic

4a: to demand or obtain the return of

b: to regain possession of

Reclaim is the word God gave me for 2022. It’s not just for me to focus on, but I believe it’s a promise and proclamation. It’s also for you.

The last two years have been hard at the very least and devastating for most. There has been loss of life, jobs, finances, peace, relationships, and more.

During Christmas break, we were in New York State. The mandates there are stronger there than most states, and whether I agree with that or not isn’t my point. My husband was in the state less than three hours when he pulled in to greet me. One of his first comments was he couldn’t wait to get out. When I probed why, I actually knew, because I could feel it.

His answer? He could feel the fear and oppression. It was spiritually choking both of us. Even with masks on, you could see and feel the fear, even in the most faithful people.

Do we take the events seriously? Absolutely. But to live with that fear? No.

It’s time to reclaim.

If Jesus is Savior to you, we have every right to proclaim His promises. We are promised peace beyond all understanding. We have the authority under the blood of Christ to cast out infirmity and demons. And after feeling absolutely paralyzed by grief and trauma last year, I am ready to reclaim.

There’s an old song I remember teaching kids when I first taught Sunday School. It’s about going to the enemy’s camp and taking back everything he stole from us. I’m a visual person and I can picture the enemy with his fancy tent, mocking me, mocking you, with his accumulated spoils.

Here’s the thing. He is the defeated one. Not us. Not you. Not me. Even if nothing changes around us, and I think in 2022 we are going to see a LOT of change, we aren’t defeated. Never forget that. Picture yourself, Jesus marching ahead with purpose, yet also in the back as your rearguard, literally surrounding you, as you make your way to the defeated one’s territory. I don’t make a habit of addressing the defeated one, but I do believe in the power of proclamation.

I see myself gathering up the joy, peace, health, and lost opportunities and placing them in the arms of Jesus. I envision walking over to the defeated one and placing my foot in such a way he falls to the ground and my feet rest on his broken self. “By the blood of Jesus, I reclaim all that has been stolen and place the defeated one under my feet. The enemy has no authority over me or my family. I reclaim that promise by the power of Christ for the glory of His name.”

And Jesus and I skip back home.

Sure, my picturing it is a form of story-telling, but the proclamation and promises of Jesus are real. Use them. Reclaim what has been lost. This is the year.

***

I created a short story, Unwrapping Hearts, as a prequel to my 2022 release, Anchored Hearts. This FREE contemporary romance is the origin story of patriarch Paul Hart and how after years as a widower, saw his neighbor, Shelly Hoffman, in a new way. Look for Anchored Hearts, the first book in the Surrendering Hearts series about the Hart sextuplets, by spring.

Unwrapping He arts

This post first appeared on Christians Read