Julie Arduini's Blog, page 3
May 4, 2025
Book Review: Live in Bloom by Lisa Prysock
Love in Bloom is the third release in the Dogwood Creek Matchmakers series. This can be a standalone, but I highly recommend you also read Chasing Snowflakes by Lori Soard and An Early Spring by Joann Durgin.
Other authors include Leah Atwell, Robin Bayne, Dawn Kinzer, and me. Clean Sweep will be my first release in the series on November 1.
Here’s what Live in Bloom is about:
Hensley Fitzwilliam inherited a wedding boutique from her grandmother. And she’s resolute about making Hensley’s Wedding Creations successful with her designs, hard work, and determination. But she also daydreams about the day she’ll find a husband and be able to have a family of her own. With four unwed sisters, and none of them married, and several broken relationships behind her, she struggles with doubts about her dreams ever coming true. Along comes Blake Sterling, who infuriates her at nearly every turn with his aloof manners and judgmental words. Why does he remind her of Jane Austen’s stern Mr. Darcy from her favorite novel?
Blake Sterling, the son of an elite Manhattan billionaire, purchases property in Dogwood Creek to build a log cabin getaway and resort in the heart of beautiful Tennessee. His new investment paves the way to escape his father’s corporate aspirations, trading them for his own dreams and pursuits. But when he’s unexpectedly thrown together with the beautiful Hensley to work on a community project, why does his past seem to impact the way he interacts and engages with her? Will he forever be opening his mouth only to stick his foot in it?
Is there any hope for these two who seem at odds with each other right from the start? When someone sabotages their project, will figuring out that mystery bring them closer together, or widen the divide?
Get your copy of this sweet, clean, faith-inspired, Contemporary Christian Romance novella today and be swept away to the beautiful mountains of Tennessee where love is always in bloom.
Julie’s Review:
I love a read where I feel like I live in the town and watch everything unfold. Lisa Prysock gave me just that with Love in Bloom. She placed me in Dogwood Creek and gave a grand tour of the town with beautiful interactions and plot points.
Romance? Yes, please! Hensley is a romantic, after all she owns a wedding boutique. There is a lot of Jane Austen influence in Love in Bloom and I love how Hensley’s story unfolded. Blake is reserved, and Hensley isn’t too sure of him at first. As they work together on a project they both learn the person in their present isn’t what hurt them in the past.
Secondary characters? I loved this about Love in Bloom. Lisa created strong characters like Hensley’s family and Blake’s inner circle. They were a nice touch to the story without overshadowing Hensley and Blake. There is even a socialite who shakes things up. And don’t forget those Dogwood Creek Matchmakers because they are busy at work in Love in Bloom.
There is even a bonus. Lisa has a bonus chapter you can download after subscribing to her newsletter. What a perk. I loved that, and I look forward to receiving her newsletter.
I’ve loved each book in the series, and Love in Bloom seamlessly fits. I highly recommend Love in Bloom. If you read and enjoy any of them, please leave a review on Amazon/Goodreads/Bookbub. It really helps. It doesn’t have to be as long as mine. I wanted to give you all the reasons I loved this so.
See you in Dogwood Creek!
May 1, 2025
May 2025 New Releases ACFW Fiction Finder
Julie’s Note:
I’m adding a new release because I’m part of ACFW/Fiction Finder, and I’m part of the Dogwood Creek Matchmakers series. Lisa Prysock has a new release in this multi-author project called Love in Bloom.
Hensley Fitzwilliam inherited a wedding boutique from her grandmother. And she’s resolute about making Hensley’s Wedding Creations successful with her designs, hard work, and determination. But she also daydreams about the day she’ll find a husband and be able to have a family of her own. With four unwed sisters, and none of them married, and several broken relationships behind her, she struggles with doubts about her dreams ever coming true. Along comes Blake Sterling, who infuriates her at nearly every turn with his aloof manners and judgmental words. Why does he remind her of Jane Austen’s stern Mr. Darcy from her favorite novel?
Blake Sterling, the son of an elite Manhattan billionaire, purchases property in Dogwood Creek to build a log cabin getaway and resort in the heart of beautiful Tennessee. His new investment paves the way to escape his father’s corporate aspirations, trading them for his own dreams and pursuits. But when he’s unexpectedly thrown together with the beautiful Hensley to work on a community project, why does his past seem to impact the way he interacts and engages with her? Will he forever be opening his mouth only to stick his foot in it?
Is there any hope for these two who seem at odds with each other right from the start? When someone sabotages their project, will figuring out that mystery bring them closer together, or widen the divide?
Get your copy of this sweet, clean, faith-inspired, Contemporary Christian Romance novella today and be swept away to the beautiful mountains of Tennessee where love is always in bloom.
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website
Biblical Romance:
Mantle by Dana McNeely — Faith. Redemption. The cost of leadership. Will the next generation rise to the challenge and uphold the legacy of Elijah, or will they falter under the weight of the mantle? (Biblical Romance from Mountain Brook Ink)
Dixie Randolph and the Mystery of Willow Creek by MaryAnn Diorio — A twelve-year-old girl learns of a plot to kill her father and risks her life to save his.(Children’s Middle-grade/Chapter book from TopNotch Press)
Meet Me on Lilac Lane by Andrea Christenson — He was her late husband’s best friend, but for him she’d always been the one. (Contemporary Romance from Sunrise Publishing)
Anxious For Love by Gina Conroy — She’s anxious about love. He’s built a career on it— what could possibly go wrong? Fans of witty banter, reluctant allies, and slow-burn tension with a splash of reality TV romance will swoon over this feel-good romcom with heart, humor, and a happily ever after. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Mountain Homecoming by Susanne Dietze — After months away, architect Wyatt Teague returns home only to find himself named a guardian to his late friends’ orphaned twins…alongside his ex-fiancée, Natalie Dalton. But caring for them together proves to be a challenge: Wyatt’s job is in the city, and Natalie can’t leave her family’s apple orchard. As they vow to make this new partnership work, old feelings between them quickly resurface. But when Natalie finds out the true reason behind Wyatt’s abandonment, can she trust him with the babies…and her heart? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Hearts Aweigh by Shannon Sue Dunlap — Cheeky septuagenarian matchmakers, the “Shippers” are on a mission to secure a dreamy Mr. Right for Abby O’Brien, a sunny, optimistic childcare worker for Monarch Cruises. She loves her job looking after the children of vacationing parents, but harbors one unfulfilled desire: to be a wife and a mother. With his shy five-year-old daughter in tow, divorced elitist lawyer Spencer Randolph Masterson has anything but romance in mind. His goal on the MS Buckingham is to persuade his mother, Daisy, to leave her ridiculous cruise ship lifestyle and return to New Orleans. But Daisy isn’t interested in life on land. Besides, she and her matchmaking posse have a marriage to arrange. (Contemporary Romance from Kregel Publications)
Sometimes You Stay by Liz Johnson For digital content creator Cretia Martin, home is wherever her carry-on suitcase lands. She’s never been interested in settling in one spot—after all, houses are just places that collect junk and tie you down. But when she literally bumps into local dog breeder Finn Chaffey on Prince Edward Island and all of the tools of her trade end up in the harbor, she can’t exactly leave until she gets things sorted out. Finn is horrified by the part he played in the accident and offers to help, arranging for Cretia to stay with a friend at the beautiful Red Door Inn. The longer Cretia is forced to remain in one place, the more she discovers what she’s been missing with life on the road—and the more she wants to see Finn and his business succeed. But helping him means staying put, the one thing she always swore she wouldn’t do, and risking the only thing she’s never put on the line—her heart. (Contemporary Romance from Revell – a division of Baker Publishing Group)
A Valentine for a Vet by Carolyn Miller Veterinarian Jessie James loves her dog, loves her work, loves her family. She’s got a lot on her plate, which means there’s no time for a certain dishy teammate of her pro hockey-player brother, despite what others may think. Tom Chavez knows he’s in the friend zone, but isn’t one to give up too easily, especially when he’s concerned that this hardworking vet might be working herself into an early grave. When tragedy strikes the vet practice, he’s going to do all he can to show her he’s more than just a shoulder to cry on, and that he cares about more than her skills with his dog.
(Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
No Place Like Home by Betsy St. Amant — Magnolia Bay’s development director, Cade Landry, would do anything for his town—and his family. So when the mayor—who also happens to be his father—decides to retire, he talks Cade into running for his seat. But Cade is already up to his dimpled cheeks in the town’s post-hurricane revitalization fundraiser—Magnolia Days, featuring a flashy Cajun Circus. If Cade can’t put the bay back on the map as a tourist town, he’ll let the whole community down…and worse yet, his father. Rosalyn Dupree is a famous aerialist with a secret—actually, quite a few of them. Much to Cade’s relief, she agrees to return to Magnolia Bay for the first time in years as a headliner for the Cajun Circus. But neither her charming former school rival Cade nor her parents know she’s broke, in debt, and nursing a back injury…among other things. Despite her best efforts at resisting, sparks fly between Cade and Rosalyn as they work together on the circus fundraiser. But when everyone’s secrets are revealed and worlds collide, will Rosalyn find forgiveness and restoration in a town being rebuilt? Or will there never be anywhere to truly call home? (Contemporary Romance from Sunrise Publishing)
Recipe for Love by Penny Zeller — Rumors started flying when all of the businesses on Main Street in Cloverdale Falls sold last month. Bakery owner Maisie Carpenter finds herself appointed to uncover the mysterious new owner’s identity, and in the process hopefully allay some of the residents’ fears. What happens when she solves the mystery and discovers the man in charge of purchasing the businesses is the very man she has recently fallen in love with? (Contemporary Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)
Worthless Treasures by Mary L Hamilton — Professional organizer Diamond Lange helps clients declutter their homes and let go of what no longer serves them. But when her mother, Eva, suddenly passes away, Diamond is left with a house overflowing with junk and a promise she regrets making. Although Diamond considers everything in her mother’s house trash, Eva left behind a very specific list of five seemingly worthless objects. Eva requested these items be passed on to others who will cherish them as much as she did. In fulfilling a promise to her late mother, Diamond learns that worth isn’t always measured in dollars and cents; sometimes it’s measured in the heart. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Independently Published)
The Way Home by Heidi Chiavaroli — Two lost souls, one lighthouse journey . . . and an unforgettable search for the way home. The Way Home is the second book in the Lights of Acadia series by two-time Carol award-winning author Heidi Chiavaroli. If you like romantic Women’s Fiction, you’ll love this thoughtful novel steeped in family secrets, second chances, and boundless compassion. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)
BirdSong: Stories of Promise and Hope by Sara Davison, Deb Elkink, Stacy Monson, Chautona Havig, Cathe Swanson, Milla Holt and Eleanor Bertin– From unexpected journeys into the future and the past to a life-changing weekend, a spontaneous road trip, family trauma, the birth of a bookstore, and a potentially disastrous wedding, the men and women in these stories must deal with everything life is throwing at them. Which is a lot. The turmoil and craziness challenge each of them to believe the promise of God’s timing—that every winter, no matter how dark and cold, will be followed by a season of birdsong. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)
Gideon’s Book by Maureen Miller — This powerful time-split contemporary novel explores race, faith, love, and self-discovery, and touches on themes of adoption and abortion as well as the beauty of marital love. (General Contemporary (split-time) from Redemption Press)
Salome by Jenifer Jennings — Salome, the youngest of Jesus’siblings, learns to find her voice under Jesus’ guidance, but her bold defiance against the Pharisees leads her into the hands of Roman persecution. Explore the passion, conflict, and sacrifice of the early church in Salome, Book 7 of the Servant Siblings series. (General Historical, Independently Published)
Show Me Skulduggery by Ellen E Withers — Death comes knocking once again in Show Me Skulduggery, the captivating third book in the award-winning Show Me Mysteries series. These mysteries involve two eras, early 1900s, and contemporary times, featuring a famous Saddlebred horse stable in Mexico, Missouri. Intrigue, deception, underhanded behavior, and murder will keep you turning pages. (Historical Mystery from Scrivenings Press)
A Slight Change of Plans by Denise M. Colby — She believes she doesn’t matter. His scars have made him an unlovable outcast. As Jenny settles into the welcoming, but small, town of Washton, she can’t help but come across Ren, especially since his daily constitutional takes him along the same path. It doesn’t take long for them to form a connection that breaks down the walls erected by years of hurt. But when strange occurrences unsettle the townspeople, it seems their chance at happiness might be at risk. Will Jenny and Ren discover that they’re enough—for God, and each other? (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)
Perfect by Kimberly Keagan — When the perfect life unravels, can love turn the page to a new beginning? In the glittering era of the Gilded Age, the heirs of Philadelphia’s Denwall Department Stores navigate family expectations, relentless ambition, and unexpected love. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Sporting For Love by Candice Sue Patterson — When a Boston socialite on the run gets entangled with a Maine outdoorsman, things get wild. When their weekend outing in the woods with the Appalachian Mountain Club goes terribly wrong, Ford and Juniper must decide if the lives they’ve been seeking are what they truly want or if they’re willing to risk a little adventure. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
An Unexpected Grace by Kimberley Woodhouse and Tracie Peterson — After a decade away, Parker Bennett returns home with a traveling troupe to perform a play based on Uncle Tom’s Cabin at the Kalispell Opera House. Parker has relished his life on the road, but being home awakens long-buried emotions when he encounters his first love, Johanna St. John. Widowed for three years, Johanna devotes all her time to a demanding toddler, an injured father, and a successful millinery business. After the loss of her husband, she desires to move on, but reconnecting with her past love leaves her unsure of what lies ahead. Both committed to God’s distinct calling on their lives, Johanna and Parker struggle to see how their futures can unite, and when strange things start happening around town, their second chance at a life together seems more unlikely than ever. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)
A Troubling Suggestion by Betty Woods — Clarisse Matthews still grieves the tragic loss of her fiancé and doubts she’ll ever love anyone again. Particularly if she has to divulge the secret abolitionist ideas she keeps hidden deep inside that only her beloved knew. After the lady Luke Williams loved spurned him and married another man, he will never risk giving his heart to another woman. But when Luke’s cousin is deceived by a rogue, who only Luke and Clarisse know the whole truth about, they form a reluctant alliance to protect his cousin. Their feigned attraction grows into genuine love. But will the differences between them become a wall too tall to climb or can they find a way around? (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)
No Time to Die by Taylor S Newport — Australian mercenary Tyler Reid, known as “The Ghost of OZ,” has a talent for evading detection, a skill that has caught the eye of multiple government agencies. When a shadowy group targets a CIA asset and her revolutionary drug ND1, the Deputy Director calls in Tyler. Eager for action, Tyler takes the job. For covert foreign operative Alexandra Romanova, freedom is a distant dream. Her deadly skills are at her boss’s disposal, but she’ll use them only to escape. Her final chance hinges on retrieving ND1, but the elusive Ghost of Oz complicates things. Tyler Reid isn’t an easy mark, and the better she gets to know him, the more she questions the mission she’s tasked with. Soon she faces a dire choice: kill a man she is convinced is good, or pay with her own life. In this high-stakes fight, time is running out, and the margin for error is zero. (Military Suspense from Whitewater River Publishing)
Rescued Heart: A Last Chance County Novel by Megan Besing — Actress Bianca “Bia” Pearl has finally landed the headlining role that could help leave her scandalous past behind—a role that may even earn back her parents’ respect. All she has to do is stick to the script, both on and off camera. Bianca is determined to prove to the press that she’s not who they say she is…an overrated gold digger.
Firefighter and former foster child Eddie Rice has always drawn the short straw in life. Now, he’s determined to help kids in need have a better future than he did. And when Eddie is selected to represent the fire station at Last Chance County’s masquerade ball, he realizes it’s the perfect opportunity to secure the mayor’s signature on a grant for a much-needed rec center. But when a case of mistaken identity and a bribe lead to Eddie and Bia being trapped together in a fire, the pair must team up to escape—and protect their futures in the process. (Romantic Suspense from Sunrise Publishing)
Midnight Offensive by Elle E Kay — ER nurse Sadie Kline can’t shake the feeling that something is off about the man who comes into her ER late one night. But she brushes it off—until a blind date with her brother’s best friend, Craig Malone, leads to something far more complicated than old feelings and second chances. Craig, now a Homeland Security agent, is tracking a stolen biological weapon when Sadie’s unsettling experience places her on his radar. She may hold the key to identifying a dangerous suspect, and when her family is targeted, protecting her becomes more than just part of the job. As danger escalates and secrets unravel, Craig and Sadie must work together to stop a biological attack. But in a world of shifting loyalties and silent threats, trusting each other might be the most dangerous move of all. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Missing in Texas by Virginia Vaughan — The moment FBI agent Christy Williams arrives in Mercy, Texas, determined to solve her friend’s disappearance twelve years ago, she becomes a killer’s number one target. Ignoring the threats on her life, she partners with Deputy Mike Tyner, the cousin of one of the chief suspects…and the last person to see her friend alive. As they work to investigate this cold case together, it becomes clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the past hidden. With time running out, can Mike keep Christy alive long enough to find justice for her friend…before a murderer strikes again? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Inheritance by J.A. Webb — Father Curtis has forsaken his vows. He has left the Order and joined the Seekers, a hidden rebellion dedicated to uncovering the truth long buried by the global church. But walking away from the Order does not mean escaping its reach. When word spreads that a copy of the True Text — the original thirty-nine books of the Creator — has surfaced on the far side of the world, Curtis, Professor Reuel, and Phillip embark on a desperate mission. If they can retrieve the artifact, it could change everything. If they fail, the truth will be lost forever. The war for truth has begun. And the Order will not suffer heretics to live. (Suspense, Independently Published)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
Just a Piece of Stone by Mary Ann Hake — A Jewish boy receives a special stone passed on through the generations, clear back to Bible times, and learns its history via family stories. (Children’s Middle-grade/Chapter Books)
Frazzled Moms vs Wild by Stephanie Paige King — Two moms, one campsite, zero survival skills. Nothing’s more frazzling than a family camping trip, except bringing along the neighbors and their trio of toddlers. (General Contemporary)
Forever Changed by Diana Leagh Matthews — What would you do if you had to raise someone else’s family and step into their lives? Can Caleb and Danielle let go of their painful pasts, forgive, and move forward into an uncertain future? (Contemporary/Women’s Fiction)
Mouse in Your Pocket by Janetta Fudge Messmer — How can Jessica handle inheriting a junkyard, her common sense going out the window, and Jimmy Barnes? She doesn’t, without the Lord. (Contemporary Romance)
Frayed Promises by Lynn U. Watson — If you enjoy stories of faith in the face of society’s pressures and trusting God in times of struggle, you’ll love this closed-door romance that will keep you guessing until the end. (Historical Romance)
Road Trip Redemption by Becca Wierwille — Jada talks her two older sisters into a trip to Pennsylvania to reunite Kimmy with her furry friend. But as new questions about their canine companion unravel Jada’s plans, she wonders how she’ll face Kimmy after all these years. The road ahead may be more complicated than Jada imagined. (Children’s Middle-grade/Chapter Books)
April 21, 2025
Whatever It Takes by Sarah Hanks
Whatever It Takes
My new release Whatever It Takes is the 3rd split-time novel in the Sisters in Arms collection featuring secret female Civil War soldiers in the historical storyline. Each book can be read as a standalone.
The modern-day storyline features two sisters, Everly and Ivy. When cancer steals Ivy’s womb, Everly steps up to be her surrogate. To do so, she must face past trauma and lean on the Lord to walk in freedom.
Each book in the Sisters in Arms collection is personal to me for different reasons. This time around, I found myself going through much of the process Everly went through. Not because I’m a surrogate, but because my husband and I adopted an embryo.
As I wrote about Everly undergoing painful progesterone shots to prepare her womb, I was giving myself those same shots. As I wrote about Everly experiencing the embryo transfer, I had an embryo transferred to my womb. As I wrote about the sisters eagerly waiting to see if the pregnancy “stuck”, I was undergoing that excruciating ten-day wait. Talk about research!
I’m now over half-way through this pregnancy. This baby will not have our genes, but she will have our love. Unlike Everly, we will get to keep her and raise her in our family, loving her all the days of her life.
In my *book* research of surrogates, I found it fascinating how different women deal with the process of handing a baby they’ve carried for nine months over to the genetic mother. It seems excruciatingly hard to me. Nearly impossible. And yet, women do this for many reasons. The inspiration for Everly and Ivy’s story came from two sisters in New Zealand who had a similar situation. (You can read their story in Amazing Grace: A story of surrogacy and the love of two New Zealand sisters.) One sister offered her womb to the other. What a beautiful sacrifice. What love!
Yet this was far from picture perfect. Pregnancy hormones are no joke. Pair that with the emotions of someone who has undergone cancer and no longer has a womb and it’s a prime situation for conflict. Having been on both sides of the natural health spectrum, I thought it would be interesting to incorporate those differing opinions and world views.
Ultimately, my hope is that Whatever It Takes points the reader to the One who made the ultimate sacrifice to bring us into His family. There is truly no greater love.
You can purchase Whatever It Takes here. It’s also free on KU.
About the Book:
At the brink of the Civil War, Henrietta Frontenac is a fierce protector of her five younger sisters. As poverty and despair threaten their survival, Henrietta takes a bold step to protect her family. She disguises herself as a man to find work at the docks and is soon swept into the ranks of the Confederate army. Facing unimaginable risks, will she maintain her secret identity, or will unexpected love unravel all she’s worked for?
In the present, Everly Moore, a former wild spirit turned compassionate chiropractor, has spent fifteen years trying to redeem her past. When her beloved sister Ivy faces the heart-wrenching challenge of infertility, Everly finds herself at a crossroads, unsure if she can confront her own trauma and step up as Ivy’s surrogate. After Everly and Ivy stumble upon the story of their brave relative Henrietta, they are inspired to confront their own fears. But will they make the difficult choices that could change their lives forever?
Dive deep into this intertwined narrative where past and present collide, showcasing the unyielding strength of sisterhood. A story of love, resilience, and the battles that unite us across generations.
About the Author:
Sarah Hanks is an award-winning author of Christian fiction in both the contemporary and historical genres. After spending over a decade mostly writing and teaching Sunday school curricula for churches in her community, she jumped into writing fiction full-time with her split-time novel Mercy Will Follow Me. She and her husband have nine children, a couple of whom seem to have inherited their mother’s love for playing with words and crafting stories. Though Sarah dreams of a cabin by the beach, the family lives jammed together in beautiful chaos near St. Louis, Missouri. She buys earplugs in bulk.
You can follow her on Facebook or Instagram @authorsarahhanks.
April 16, 2025
Legends of the Donut Shop by Terry Overton
The Power of Intergenerational Wisdom in Legends of the Donut Shop by Terry Overton
What is the purpose of the book?
Here is a bit about the book and my reason for writing it. Our world feels increasingly chaotic and uncertain. Legends of the Donut Shop offers a heartfelt story full of nostalgia, faith, and second chances and reminds us of simpler times.
The story centers on seventeen-year-old Wes Williams, who suffers a near-fatal car accident. What follows is a profound, near-death experience that sends Wes back to his childhood memories at his grandfather’s donut shop. During this out-of-body journey, Wes returns to the familiar and comforting donut shop his grandfather frequently visited. But this is no ordinary coffee-and-donut stop—it’s a place where life lessons were once shared over jelly-filled pastries and where old-timers gathered not just to eat but to connect, reflect, and guide. There, surrounded by the warmth of old friendships and the comforting scent of fresh-baked pastries, Wes reexamines his life, choices, and future.
Legends of the Donut Shop is a blend of fiction and spiritual insight. My goal was to weave together moments of laughter, sorrow, and joy to create a story that resonates with readers of all ages. Readers will see reminders of past times and meaningful relationships throughout the pages. The donut shop setting is more than a backdrop. It’s a symbol of community, a place where generational wisdom is passed down and where stories from the past help shape the future of the characters’ lives.
How did you come up with the idea?
The idea for this story was suggested to me when I accompanied my dad to his local donut shop, where he met weekly with his buddies. There were several veterans, one retired law officer, and a rancher. I visited this group every time I was in town to see my parents and each time, I heard more stories. On a particular visit, one of the buddies said, “Terry, your next book should be about a group like this to tell young people what we do and believe. The younger kids have no idea about what happened in years past.” I didn’t know that would be my last face-to-face visit with my dad. He died a few months later from Covid. At the time of his journey to Heaven, he had seen the book’s cover but did not get a chance to hold the book in his hands and read the story. The book is dedicated to my dad, mom, and the guys at the donut shop.
What will readers take away from the book?
One of the most impactful aspects of the book is its emphasis on grace and redemption. Wes doesn’t just relive the past—he begins to understand it and, in doing so, finds the courage to forgive and move forward. Through his grandfather’s gentle yet powerful guidance and the “legends” who once gathered in the donut shop, he begins to grasp the deeper meaning of life, purpose, and faith. I hope that after reading the book, readers will understand grace shows up in the most unexpected places—like a donut shop filled with love, laughter, and a few heavenly reminders.
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. Her writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. 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 Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her books examine real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels. She and her husband live in the southern tip of Texas where they enjoy semi-tropical weather and spending time with their friends and family.
April 9, 2025
Book Review: Heart of Grace by Linda Hoover
St. Louis
1890
Lydia Bailey grew up with parents who provided housing for missionaries on leave. One summer a young boy named Adam Johnson and his parents stayed with them. Every bug and worm she showed him outside scared him to tears. Lydia had wondered what was wrong with him.
Years later, when Lydia’s father passed away and her mother fell ill for a year, it seemed God had abandoned them, so she signed up to get a teaching certificate to help cover household expenses. When she came home, her mother had cleaned the guest room. The boy who had come ten years ago needed a place to recover from malaria. Would Lydia have to put off getting her certificate to care for him?
Adam finds himself delivered to the home his parents had arranged for him to recover. To his horror, all he can see is the skinny girl with red braids who tormented him when the family stayed here years ago.
Will Lydia open her heart to God’s healing? Can Adam find it in his heart to forgive Lydia? Will both seek God’s plan for their lives?
Julie’s Review:
Linda Hoover and I have critiqued each other’s work for years. I look forward to hearing she has something new because I love reading a good historical, and Linda Hoover delivers. It’s not easy to write that genre, but she makes it look easy.
Heart of Grace is a beautiful historical that is a page-turner. The author transported me to the setting and era, and I was immediately drawn to the story. Heart of Grace is exactly as the title says. It’s full of heart and grace as two characters learn about themselves and each other. I highly recommend!
April 7, 2025
Liabetes by Shanna M. Heath
Thank you for welcoming me as a guest on your blog! I appreciate the opportunity to share my recently released YA contemporary Christian novel, Liabetes, with your readers.
My inspiration for writing Liabetes came from a mix of real-life chaos, some questionable decision-making (not mine, I swear!), and an admittedly odd fascination with moral dilemmas. Olivia’s journey wasn’t born from a single moment, but rather from an ongoing curiosity about the choices we make and how they align with faith and integrity. I found inspiration from my past, my children, and my students. (Thanks, guys!)
The Heath family is currently in the thick of all things college–it’s Spring Break here, and we’re spending our week touring colleges with our oldest, a high school junior. The harsh reality is, college is expensive. Scholarships, grants, and financial aid can only stretch so far. Liabetes explores the desperation that financial limitations can create—how far someone might go when they’re thisclose to making their dream come true. Olivia’s family is not well off, and Vanderbilt University costs a pretty penny. She’s forced to discover what it’s like to chase a dream and hit a monetary brick wall at full speed. Unfortunately, when she tries to take control by bending the truth, she steps outside of God’s plan for her. (Spoiler alert, God’s got her back…)
In Liabetes, my protagonist makes a morally questionable choice and then has to deal with the consequences. Olivia’s decision to fake diabetes for a scholarship is outrageous, sure, but it’s also rooted in the deeply human desires for survival, ambition, and fear of failure. As Christians, we know that God calls us to honesty and trust in His provision. But what happens when someone steps away from truth to secure their future? And what happens when that deception leads to unexpected relationships and a realization of God’s grace and redemption?
One of my favorite parts of writing Olivia’s story was developing the relationships she forms—especially her dynamic with the Core Four (her closest three friends) and the Sugar Shatterers, a diabetes support group she attends in her effort to learn more about the disease, and one very smug (but very cute) diabetes support group member, Paul. Olivia is placed in multiple situations where she’s forced to confront her moral compass. She learns that deception has consequences and that God often places people in our lives to guide us back to truth.
Olivia needs a whole lot of divine intervention to dig herself out of the mess she makes. Fortunately, she finds that God’s plan was bigger than her own, no sugar-coating necessary. (See what I did there?!)
Liabetes isn’t just a about mistakes—it’s more so about grace. We all mess up. Sometimes spectacularly. But God’s grace is bigger than our worst decisions, and His plans are always better than the ones we try to force into existence. Writing Olivia’s story was a blast, even if it challenged me to think about faith in the midst of struggle. I hope it does the same for readers.
Blessings,
Shanna M. Heath
Back cover blurb:
She’s got a dream school, a nightmare budget, and she’s headed for a doozy of a rude awakening…
Olivia’s goal is within reach. She’s been accepted to her dream school, Vanderbilt University, alma mater of famed comic illustrator Paige O’Donnell. Despite gaining multiple scholarships and grants, Olivia’s just shy of tuition. Desperate, she applies for a $15,000 scholarship offered by the Wonderbrink Foundation, to be awarded to a high-achieving and athletic senior with diabetes. One little problem… Olivia doesn’t have diabetes.
In her quest to pull off a whopper of a lie, Olivia attends a diabetes support group meeting, where she meets and befriends Paul Roberts, a smug yet handsome member of the Sugar Shatterers. Her best friends Xavier and Amber aren’t thrilled about Olivia’s new mysterious, one-sided friendship with superstitious, entitled Paul. Xavier may secretly be a *little* jealous, and the scholarship application deadline rapidly approaches.
If you’d like to read more, or know someone who might, Liabetes is available for purchase at HERE (Amazon) and HERE (IngramSpark).
Thank you again for allowing me to write as a guest on your blog, and I appreciate your kind readers for taking the time to read my post.
Blessings,
Shanna M. Heath
About the Author: Shanna M. Heath resides in central Kentucky with her sweet family, two dogs, and a ball python. When she isn’t writing young adult Christian fiction, she enjoys teaching middle school social studies or taking Sunday afternoon naps. A sucker for teen rom-coms, her stories have a knack for weaving together the awkward and the flirtatious, with a healthy dose of real-life complications to boot.
March 31, 2025
April 2025 Fiction Finder New Releases
April 2025 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website
Contemporary Romance:
Earning the Veteran’s Trust by Lisa Jordan — After leaving the navy, Mallory Stone plans to buy her best friend’s fruit farm, a safe place to raise her son and adopt senior dogs like her dear Rosie. Until her ex-husband, Jonah Hayes, drops a bombshell: he wants the same farm…and they’re still legally married. A trial partnership running the farm means the former marine can get to know the son he just met—and prove to Mallory he’s changed. As old feelings resurface, can Mallory open her heart for a chance at the future she’s always wanted? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
First Love, Second Draft by Becca Kinzer — She’s a romance writer burned out on love. He’s her famous baseball star ex-husband. The last man she wants to be forced to work with is the one who broke her heart. (Contemporary Romance from Tyndale House)
The Pastor’s Hope by Meghann Whistler — When pastor Nate Anderson says yes to being his father’s best man, he certainly doesn’t expect to be matched up with the maid of honor. The widowed single dad has been alone a long time but has never wanted to give his heart to anyone. Thankfully, recent widow Amanda Kobayashi feels the same way. But when Nate and Amanda are forced to take dance lessons before the wedding, there’s an undeniable connection between them. Can they ever overcome their losses and give love a second chance? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Her Amish Refuge by Pamela Desmond Wright — Caught in a blizzard pregnant and alone, former Amish woman Florene Schroder stumbles upon an unexpected sanctuary on an Amish farm. She never expects her rescuer to be Gil Kestler, a gentle giant from the community she left behind years ago. Forced together as they brave the storm, their wounded hearts slowly begin to warm toward one another. But as the snow starts to melt, can they conquer their fears to embrace love…or will the secrets they harbor keep them apart? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
This Little Nowhere, Nothing Town by Sara Davison — Welcome to the little town of Elora, where everyone knows your name. And your business. Through the stories in this collection, you will meet the charming, eccentric, fumbling, flawed, wonderful people who live here. Journey with them as they experience grief and betrayal, watch their dreams crumble into dust, become hopelessly lost (literally and figuratively), and struggle to believe they can ever be forgiven—by those they love or by God—for their past actions.(General Contemporary, Independently Published)
Muskoka Miracle by Carolyn Miller — When tragedy strikes, the lessons learned in Muskoka several years ago are put to the test again, as the struggle to trust God proves only too real, putting strain on a relationship already tested by busyness and health challenges. Then, when family circumstances lead to a separation on the opposite side of the world, the depth of Sarah and Dan’s love for God and each other forces them to face the fire once more. God can do miracles anywhere, but there’s always been something special about Muskoka.(General Contemporary, Independently Published)
The Victory Party by Emma Donovan — When the Great War ends, former cryptographer Lady Jill Morgan has only two things remaining: to host a house party for her brother and to decide her future. That changes when she receives a warning from her one-time employer that her guests may not be all they seem.
Captain Richard Darnaway comes to Huntingtower with his own plans – plans that don’t involve tracking traitors like he did during the war. But he finds he’ll need all his old skills when a perhaps not-so-former agent is murdered.
Now Richard and Jill have to navigate a guest list of war heroes and supposedly retired spies to find out which one is a murderer … and a traitor. (Historical Mystery, Independently Published)
Love and Order: A Three-Part Old West Romantic Mystery by Jennifer Uhlarik — Separated as children when they were adopted out to different families from an orphan train, the Braddock siblings have each grown up and taken on various jobs within law enforcement and criminal justice. Pinkertons Callie Wilson and Joe Trenamen come to Cambria Springs to stop a killer. But when evidence points to a ghost from Callie’s childhood, she must choose between two men she loves. Falsely accused, bounty hunter Rion Braddock vows to prove his innocence. Former flame Maya Fellows and dime novelist Lucinda Peters both offer help, but is either beauty truly on his side? In her first solo case, attorney Andi McGovern defends Rion, but the infuriating prosecutor, Daniel Littrick, outwits her. Following a hunch could win her case—or leave Andi dead. Can these couples stop the true culprit and right the greatest injustice of Callie, Andi, and Rion’s lives? (Historical Mystery from Barbour Publishing)
Saving the Mountain Man’s Legacy by Misty M Beller — In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune. In the gripping finale of the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series, Sampson Coulter is deeply embedded in the mining empire of the ruthless Mick McPharland. After months of undercover work, he’s on the brink of dismantling the entire operation from within. But his plan is jeopardized when he encounters Jewel and her newborn baby, the family of McPharland’s right-hand man. As Sampson prepares to bring down the empire, he must choose between justice and the lives of innocent souls caught in the crossfire. Will he risk everything to protect them, or will his mission of redemption consume them all? From a USA Today bestselling author comes a mountain saga filled with high-stakes adventure, a secret identity, an instant family, and love that heals wounded hearts. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Relinquishing the Agent by Lorri Dudley — Bluestocking Rebecca Leah Prestcote would prefer to hide in a library, searching for a cure to her sister’s ailment, over participating in London’s Season. But when her wealthy cousin demands Rebecca attend a house party as her, Rebecca cannot refuse. Her cousin intends to win the affection of the Marquis of Wolston and Rebecca is, after all, a charity case. When the Marquis unexpectedly arrives at the wrong party, Rebecca must uphold the ruse or be caught in her cousin’s lie. Daniel Elmsley, Marquis of Wolston, cannot let another target escape, not if he plans to catch the band of body snatchers and prove his worth as a spy. But when people at Lady Coburn’s house party go missing, his mission escalates to stopping a murderer. When he intercepts a letter meant to blackmail Lady Prestcote, he begins to wonder if the beguiling beauty may be involved in the conspiracy. Singled out for Lord Wolston’s affections, Rebecca must maintain her web of deception and evade the investigation of the captivating marquis even while he ensnares her heart.(Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)
Heart of Grace by Linda Hoover — As children, Adam Johnson wanted nothing to do with Lydia Bailey. When they meet again as adults, Adam’s opinion hasn’t changed. In the years apart, circumstances have caused Lydia’s faith to waver. It will take a touch from God to heal their hearts and open their eyes to see each other for who they are. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Ivy’s Inheritance by Linda Shenton Matchett — Ivy Cregg’s father is a gambler, but this time he’s gone too far. He loses his mining fortune and her along with it in a high-stakes poker game. Unwilling to go along with the deal, she hides out with a friend who tells her about the owner of the Westward Home & Hearts Mail-Order Bride Agency, who is in town. The prospective groom is a wealthy man which seems like an answer to prayer until Ivy discovers he made his fortune in mining. Is he as untrustworthy as her father? Slade Pendleton moved West while working on the railroad, then headed to the plains of Nebraska to seek his fortune. He was one of the lucky ones and now has everything he could ever want. Except a wife. With the few women in the town already married, he sends for a mail-order bride. The woman arrives carrying the telegram that explains her need to flee, but now that she’s safe, she seems to have no interest in going through with the ceremony. Should he send her packing or try to convince her to stay? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)
The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House by Joanna Davidson Politano — It is 1901 when clockmaker and brilliant tinker Sydney Forrester inherits Blakely House, the eclectic estate of an estranged uncle she’s never met. The well-known but mysterious industrialist has left behind a stunning array of peculiar inventions–and a couple of nephews intent on removing this interloper from the estate. Convinced that Sydney has something to do with their uncle’s death, the late master’s nephews contest the will and work against their cousin at every turn. Sydney finds a sometimes-ally in the estate’s butler, an ex-adventurer who ran aground on the island years ago. But when a mysterious man washes ashore with a stunning surprise that upsets everything, Sydney must prove she has inherited the late master’s brilliance as well as his property–or someone else will. (Historical Romance from Revell – a division of Baker Publishing Group)
Embers of Truth by Avrie Swan — With her family nearing destitution and her home on the brink of foreclosure, Carina Clarke has little left to lose. Yet in one fateful evening, the 1871 Peshtigo Fire destroys the last of all she holds dear and separates her from her sister and friend. Carina vows to find them-even if it means moving to a different city and taking up work at a textile mill while she searches. Oliver Ramhurst is determined to make his father proud of his work as a Pinkerton detective. His assignment to capture a thief at a textile mill in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, could be the opportunity he needs-if the feisty Miss Clarke will stay out of his way. When the clever woman offers to help him ferret out the culprit, Oliver reluctantly agrees. But does she want more from him than she’s saying? As the danger grows and they draw closer to discovering the true identity of the thief, Carina and Oliver realize that nobody is who they seem. Carina must decide who can be trusted and who may be a villain in disguise-for when the hour grows dark, trust may be the only thing that can save her. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)
From This Moment On by Robin Lee Hatcher — Return to Kings Meadow in this heartfelt two-novella collection. Originally published in 2015, I Hope You Dance introduced readers to Skye Foster. Now, in Bible and a .44, a brand-new story, Robin Lee Hatcher takes you back to 1932 to meet two of Skye’s ancestors. Experience love, faith, and resilience across generations in these captivating tales. (Historical Romance from RobinSong, Inc)
Martin’s Miracle Match: A Wild Rose Ridge Novella by Alyssa Schwarz — She needs a hero. He longs for purpose. Neither expects more than a charade. Angela Tambo can’t escape the meddling matchmakers of Wild Rose Ridge. All the journalist wants is to embrace her fresh start in the sleepy town after a rocky past. She never imagined her short-term solution would be ambushing a handsome stranger to pose as her fake boyfriend. Medically discharged after a Navy career-ending accident, Martin Watney has found contentment in simple acts of service. But playing pretend with a beautiful woman brings an unexpected ray of joy to his predictable life. After all, God does work in mysterious ways. As the boundaries between their make-believe bond and true connection blur, Angela and Martin’s past scars begin to heal. But when one of her ghosts threatens to resurface, their faith and fledgling relationship are put to the ultimate test. Can they overcome their own insecurities? Or will the very deception meant to make their lives easier become the thing that drives them apart? (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Whatever It Takes by Sarah Hanks — At the brink of the Civil War, Henrietta Frontenac is a fierce protector of her five younger sisters. As poverty and despair threaten their survival, Henrietta takes a bold step to protect her family. She disguises herself as a man to find work at the docks and is soon swept into the ranks of the Confederate army. Facing unimaginable risks, will she maintain her secret identity, or will unexpected love unravel all she’s worked for?
In the present, Everly Moore, a former wild spirit turned compassionate chiropractor, has spent fifteen years trying to redeem her past. When her beloved sister Ivy faces the heart-wrenching challenge of infertility, Everly finds herself at a crossroads, unsure if she can confront her own trauma and step up as Ivy’s surrogate. After Everly and Ivy stumble upon the story of their brave relative Henrietta, they are inspired to confront their own fears. But will they make the difficult choices that could change their lives forever?
Dive deep into this intertwined narrative where past and present collide, showcasing the unyielding strength of sisterhood. (General Split-Time, Independently Published)
Legend of the Light Blade by Demi Griffin — The Age of Mythic has arrived in Everlasting, and everything is far from normal. The citizens find themselves burdened by oppressive rules and regulations, which only serve to widen the gap between the noble class and the commoners. Trapped within the Hollows, the Enchantress’s dark power continues to grow. She lures unsuspecting victims into her web, aiming to create an army of umbrian, the unborn, made of shadows. Amidst the political unrest sparked by an unfair trial involving the much-admired and popular Librarian, a sinister plot unfolds to establish a regency in Everlasting. As the forces of evil gather to bring an end to the Age of Mythic, there exists only one savior who can protect the future of Everlasting from a grim destiny. The Light Blade, a legendary and prophetic artifact, was feared by many and doubted by few. Among those who disregarded it the most was Vandis, a humble orphan. Plagued by unanswered questions from his past, Vandis had lost faith in everything, especially himself. It seemed impossible for a man who believed in nothing to become something extraordinary. What would it take for the Realm Caster to realize his destiny? Who would help him transform into the man who could ultimately wield the Light Blade and defeat the Enchantress? (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy, Independently Published)
Illuminary by Chawna Schroeder — Yosarai Patican dreams of becoming an illuminator in a country that values art above all else. A lofty goal that finally seems within reach when she earns a position at the prestigious Academy of the Seven Arts. Although Yosarai loathes to leave behind her quiet country life, she travels to the capital, determined to live up to her mother’s fame as one of Indel’s greatest artists. Prince Xander never planned to become king. Indeed, he never wanted to become king. But when his father dies suddenly, he is thrust into the middle of coronation preparations—and assassination attempts. With everyone around him in increasing danger, Xander decides to hide in neighboring Indel until the time for him to be crowned king arrives. Posing as an inventor struggling with aesthetics, Xander enlists Yosarai’s aid as part of his cover, but soon he suspects she knows more than she should. But when danger threatens and secrets are exposed, entering a competition reputed as cutthroat may be the only way for them to protect everything they hold dear. (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy from Enclave Publishing [Oasis Family Media])
The Other Sister by Jessica R Patch — Charlotte Kane has always dreamed of a different life, one where she isn’t living paycheck to paycheck. An existence worlds away from the chaos of her own. Then her estranged mother dies, and Charlotte makes a stunning discovery—she has an identical twin who was given up for adoption. Acelynn Benedict is polished, successful and seems to have everything Charlotte yearns for—a wealthy, doting family in Savannah, a handsome boyfriend, a great career. She’s just as surprised as Charlotte to learn she has a sister. But when tragedy hits and Charlotte is forced to assume Acelynn’s identity in a desperate moment, she uncovers something altogether darker…No one in her sister’s life is quite who they seem to be. And every discovery leads Charlotte deeper into a web of deadly secrets. Charlotte may have wanted Acelynn’s life, yet now that she’s living it, she wants out. But if she reveals the truth about herself, it will mean returning to her old life—and she’s already a dead woman there. (Psychological Suspense from Love Inspired [Halequin])
Echo by Jessica Ashley — Elliot “Echo” Hunt carries the weight of his past, haunted by the one person he couldn’t save. When he finds an injured woman on his ranch, he rescues her without hesitation—only to realize she looks eerily like the one he couldn’t protect. “Jane Doe” wakes with no memory, no identity—just an overwhelming sense of connection to the man who saved her. The attraction between them is undeniable, yet Elliot, scarred by his past, keeps her at arm’s length, terrified of what a second chance at love could cost. As the danger surrounding Jane intensifies, so does their bond. With every passing day, their hearts grow closer, but secrets from her past threaten to tear them apart. As Elliot faces his greatest fears, he must decide if he’s willing to trust in God’s plan for a love that might heal them both—or risk losing it forever. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
The Accused by Cara C Putman — When a popular college student is murdered, her international roommate, Anneliese, becomes a prime suspect. But law professor Margeaux Robbins doesn’t believe that the quiet, lonely German girl in her class is the killer. Chase Crandall is a burned-out defense attorney ready to extricate himself from the grind of criminal law. After he loses a client to tragedy, he’s ready for an in-house corporate position. When Chase is assigned to Anneliese’s case, Margeaux is horrified. She doesn’t want him to provide legal counsel—not after what happened to his past client. And not with the evidence incriminating Anneliese. Despite their mutual misgivings, the lawyer and professor pair up to find the killer and prove Anneliese’s innocence. Will they be able to untangle the mystery—and navigate their growing interest in one another—before the wrong person is charged with murder? (Romantic Suspense from Kregel Publications)
Mara in the Face of Battle by Blossom Turner — Despite scars both seen and unseen from her unimaginable past, Mara returns to the home that once imprisoned her in secrets, lies, and abuse. She escaped the darkness once, but when the past resurfaces to threaten everything she loves, Mara must fight—with faith, love, and unshakable resilience—to survive it again. Can she trust God is good when life is not? Or will the shadows of her past pull her under once more? (Supernatural Suspense, Independently Published)
Proclaimer by Megan Schaulis — After winning her place as Chief Protector, Novalise is in more danger than ever. King Zadien seeks to destroy the Alphanites, and the only way Novalise can stop him is by winning a Request—one undeniable favor offered only to those who save the king from a deadly threat. With no imminent danger at hand, Novalise will have to commit treason to save her people. Zadien is finally stepping into his role as king. With his courageous new Chief Protector by his side, he’s determined to annihilate the traitors responsible for his father’s death. His romantic feelings for “Astra” haven’t faded but pursuing her could leave his kingdom without a monarch. Is their fledgling relationship worth violating the law and risking his crown? As the clock counts down for her people, Novalise must choose between manipulating the king’s affection and trusting the voice in her heart to lead her. When all her plans crumble, will she hide behind her new identity as a Protector or find a way to rise in such a time as this? (Young Adult Fiction from WhiteCrown Publishing)
Echoes of the Imperium by Angela D Shelton — In a world teetering on the edge of chaos, Lexi finds herself at the heart of the ultimate struggle—between peace and war, loyalty and betrayal. The Imperium, a totalitarian regime, has its talons sunk deep into society, and everyone must pick a side. But for Lexi, the choices aren’t so clear-cut. Is her mother a savior, or a power-hungry zealot? Is her arranged marriage to Reeves real, or is it just another chain to break? As alliances within the rebellion are forged and betrayals revealed, everyone around Lexi must decide if they are fighting for the city’s freedom or their own self-interest. But even among the rebels, not everyone is as they seem. Someone harbors secrets that could alter the course of the rebellion forever. In a battle between the might of the Imperium and the hope of the rebels, where does Lexi’s allegiance lie? (Young Adult Fiction, Independently Published)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
A Homecoming in Shady Spring by Sarah Anne Crouch — Follow Henry and Catherine as they journey through love over the years and discover that life is better with someone by your side. (Contemporary Romance)
The Bloodstone Key (2nd Edition) by Demi Griffin — He was not prepared for the truth the adventure would reveal about him and his relationship with the King of Everlasting. What he thought was a simple adventure to achieve his desires proves to be so much more (Speculative Fiction Fantasy)
Death in Earthen Vessels by Shaen Layle — Retired police officer, John Hollingsworth, came to Mirror Basin to recover from a stroke, not to dig up buried secrets. But when a chance discovery pulls him into a decades-old cold case, recovery takes a backseat. Because in Mirror Basin, blood isn’t just thicker than water—it might be the only thing keeping him alive (Psychological Thriller)
Ghost of Christmas Past by Shaen Layle — On a snowy Christmas Eve, Lila Warden’s world shatters. Her son is missing, and all signs point to kidnapping by her dangerous ex-husband. Forced into a chilling scavenger hunt through the ghosts of her past, Lila must outwit a man who knows her every weakness before he disappears with their son forever. As time winds down, Lila will have to face not only the darkness of her past but the strength she never knew she had (Psychological Thriller)
Northargyle Abbie by Janelle Leonard — In this modern reimagining of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey, the line between imagination and reality blurs, and every clue discovered could be the key to unlocking a royal legacy (Contemporary Romance)
Being Goldie (In a “just right” world) by Michele Olson — Can fresh eyes from new Mackinac Island friends steer them to truth and beauty, or are they part of a bigger plan to force continued servitude to Granny’s devious intentions? (Cozy Mystery)
Andromache by Laura Richmond — An infertile girl is chosen to go and bear children as the wife of a human lord in a robot-dominated society. (Speculative/Soft Science Fiction)
The Favored by Mikayla Robbins — Margaret unexpectedly becomes heiress of her estranged grandfather’s fortune and must be married before her 21st birthday, which is four weeks away. (Historical Romance)
March 24, 2025
More Insights from Starry Starry Night by D.K. Till
Interview with Tree, time-traveling heroine from Starry Starry Night, Book I in the new series Time Passengers.
Hello, Tree. I understand you hail from the year 2120 and the newly formed nation of Normerica.
Hello, friends. Yes, Normerica was formed in 2070 and combined the US, Canada, and Mexico into one big nation.
And you live in the state of Cascadia.
Yes, my state used to be split between Oregon and Washington. Now it’s one big mega-state, as you can see from the map below.
So tell us about your travels through time. What was your most memorable trip?
I’ll never forget my trip back to 1995 Portland, when I finally learned who’d been responsible for the notorious murder at Falling Star Inn. Wow, I could not believe my eyes when I saw…
Spoiler alert! Spoiler alert!
You’re right, sorry. I almost gave away the big reveal. I’ll let you read it for yourself.
Where else have you traveled?
I’ve traveled to the future and to the past. And as you might suspect, life is better in many ways in the future. However, I can’t say the same for people. Human nature isn’t getting any better. 
That’s unfortunate. What are some ways life is better for you in 2120 than it is for us in 2025?
We have desalinated ocean water to drink so we’ll never run out of water. And we have supertrees, “engineered to grow faster, taller, wider than natural trees.” They keep us cool during our hot, hot summer months, and shelter us from winter storms.
How far back in time are you able to go? For instance, could you travel back to the time of Christ?
Our time machine will not let us go further back than October of 1969. Why, you ask? It’s all explained in the book!
I understand cars are obsolete in your world. How do people transport themselves?
In autopods that fly on remote control technology and solar power! “The autopod lifts into the air like a twenty-first-century helicopter.”
Let me introduce you to my story! You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Starry-Night-Time-Passengers-ebook/dp/B0DC756CYN/
Learn more by signing up for D. K. Till’s newsletter here: www.dktill.com. New subscribers will get a special epilogue that begins where Starry Starry Night ends.
Starry Starry Night: Time Passengers, Book I
2019 – Paige Ferguson and her husband, Kyler, are enjoying life as newlyweds when they learn she is pregnant with twins. Her new friend, Katrice, offers a fun diversion when she asks Paige to read her time-traveling story. When Katrice disappears, Paige’s search for answers cause her to question everything she thought she knew about her friend. Who was Katrice? A dabbler in the dark side of life, or an ordinary girl who fell victim to a dangerous villain? A serious pregnancy complication threatens Paige’s future with Kyler and her babies. Will she survive childbirth, and will she ever see Katrice again?
2120 – The USA has disappeared, security robots roam everywhere, and cars are a thing of the past. Tree and her boyfriend, Glim, like all citizens of the new nation of Normerica, live in dorms and travel in flying autopods. Glim has perfected the science of time travel, and they set out to explore the future and the past. Curious about an ancient murder that impacted Tree’s family, they travel back in time in hopes of altering history. But Tree suspects there’s more to the story when Glim starts behaving oddly. So she follows him into the past. What she finds there flips her world upside down. If she returns to her home year, her very life could be at risk. Will she stay trapped in the past, or will she find a way to escape the peril awaiting her?
Welcome to the world of D. K. Till, where The Future and The Present collide.
D.K. Till writes Split-Time Fiction With A Twist, a blend of the dual timeline fiction she enjoys mixed with a big helping of the sci-fi she loved as a child. The indie author from the land of microbrews and coffee snobs fell in love with reading in kindergarten when her older sister taught her to read. She used to impress her parents’ friends by reading aloud the entire short story The One Hundred Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins. In first grade, she knew she wanted to write stories, too. Throughout her childhood and teens, she either had her nose in a book or was attempting to write one.
But life got in the way, marriage and children set her dreams aside for higher purposes. Today, with children grown and retirement pending, she’s reopened that dream package and is now living the life she had only imagined.
The author is a huge fan of the Back to the Future trilogy, inspiring her to write time travel, too. Thus the Time Passengers series was born. A classic rock lover, she plans to name her titles after hit rock songs of the 70s. After the release of Starry Starry Night, be on the lookout for books #2 and #3, Midnight Rider and Nights in White Satin. Learn more at https://dktill.com.
March 19, 2025
Trusting for Tomorrow by Jennifer Arrington
On the spectacular coast of Jupiter, Florida, Katherine Douglas has finally established a stable environment for her family following the devasting loss of her husband. Together with her young girls, she is gaining confidence and finding snatches of joy in the carefully planned routines of their altered lives.
When Katherine develops an unexpected friendship with Michael, a widowed pediatrician new to the area, she lets down her guard and seeks his advice as Alyssa, her youngest, experiences chronic health problems. To complicate matters, Katherine is attracted to Michael despite his stubbornness in getting to the root of Alyssa’s problem. Suddenly, her life is no longer predictable, her emotions are in turmoil, and Alyssa’s health issues must be resolved.
Can a single mother face her child’s illness alone? Can she relinquish her fear of loving again? Only if she learns to trust God can she step into the bright tomorrow He has planned for her.
Trusting for Tomorrow, originally published in 2009, is now available in print again! It has a brand-new cover, updated front and back matter, and some modifications to the story. It is also available on Kindle and KU for those who love ebooks.
March 10, 2025
No Leaves in Autumn by Terri Wangard
No Leaves in Autumn by Terri Wangard
What’s on your bucket list?
Where in the world would you like to go? Paris? Tahiti? Monaco? How about Iceland?
I like to set my World War II stories in unlikely places. Book One of my series, Seashells in My Pocket, is set in Brazil. Did you know Brazil played a role in the war? Brazil wasn’t completely foreign to me. I’d spent a day in Rio de Janeiro at the end of a South American cruise. Of course, the book was set farther north in Natal, but that’s beside the point.
For Book Two, No Leaves in Autumn (which releases today!), Iceland won the honor. While researching my first series about B-17s based in England, I frequently found references to refueling stops in Iceland. Much more occurred there than the busy gas stations.
At the beginning of the war, Britain grabbed Iceland before the Germans got the idea, much to the Icelanders’ displeasure. When the English found themselves fighting for their lives all over the world, they plopped Iceland in the Americans’ lap.
The US Navy established bases in Iceland to provide air cover for merchant shipping traveling across the submarine-infested Atlantic. PBY seaplanes flew over the convoys, watching for subs. My main character, Stefan Dabrowski, is a PBY pilot.
The Icelanders were unhappy about the invaders and loathed to associate with the men. Morale plummeted among the servicemen stuck on the island with little to do but work.
Enter the Red Cross. A contingent of young women offered recreational activities. Among them is main character Marie Foubert, who worked with hospitalized wounded. While the women helped the men cope with life on military bases, Iceland has much more to offer.
What is the first thing you think of regarding Iceland? Land of the midnight sun in summer or, in winter, a land with no sun? Excellent views of the northern lights? Or how about the recent news―erupting volcanoes?
Iceland is a land of dramatic scenery, and I sent my characters on sightseeing opportunities. Geothermal pools, glaciers, lava fields, waterfalls, mountains, hot springs, black-sand beaches. Wildlife from puffins to whales. Ready to pack your bags?
I haven’t visited Iceland. The closest I came was flying from Europe back to the US. I caught a glimpse of land that more likely belonged to Greenland. All my knowledge came from travel books and DVDs, all of which were quite recent. A lot has changed since the war in the 1940s.
In the story, Stefan and Marie toured the Golden Circle, which includes the waterfall Gullfoss, the geothermal Geysir, and a historic national park. They also relaxed in the heated waters of the Blue Lagoon.
Jenny Erlingsson, author of Milk & Honey in the Land of Fire & Ice and Her Part to Play, served as a beta reader for me. She lived in Iceland for several years and informed me that the names “Golden Circle” and “Blue Lagoon” were not in use in the 40s. In the final version of No Leaves in Autumn, those places are generic.
A cousin visited Iceland years ago and brought back some horses. Strange souvenir? Icelandic horses are small, sturdy creatures known for their unique gait and strength. They arrived in Iceland with the first Norse Vikings one thousand years ago. They remain pure. No horses are allowed into Iceland and horses that leave are not welcome back.
Look through photos of Icelandic scenery and you will notice the lack of trees. There are none. The Vikings may have deforested the island to build houses and ships. Volcanic activity may have destroyed trees and covers the soil with lava and ash. Sheep contributed to soil erosion. The harsh weather and short growing season are factors. Today in Reykjavik, you will find trees. The Icelanders have been planting them.
The landscape of Iceland was especially of interest to Stefan, who in civilian life was a geologist. I had fun introducing him to Iceland’s jewel box of geological delights.
Have you visited Iceland? What made the biggest impression on you?
Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Her WWII research included going for a ride in a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor. She also serves on the Genesis and First Impressions contest teams and as secretary of the Wisconsin Southeast chapter.
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