Julie Arduini's Blog, page 4

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.

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!

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

www.shannamheath.com

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.

April 2025 Fiction Finder New Releases

April 2025 New Releases

More 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])

General Contemporary:

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)

Historical Mystery:

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)

Historical Romance:

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)

Romantic Novella:

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)

General Split-time:

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)

Speculative Fiction Fantasy:

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])

Psychological Suspense:

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])

Romantic Suspense:

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)

Supernatural Suspense:

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)

Young Adult Fiction/Allegory:

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)

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.

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.

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.

Social Media Links/Website:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorTerriWangard

Instagram:  @terriwangard

Website: http://www.terriwangard.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DXLD4VVC

Changing Tides by Sue A. Fairchild

Changing Tides by Sue A. Fairchild

As I come up on the one-year anniversary of the release of my first traditionally published book Changing Tides, I remember how the story all came about.

First, as my hubby and I walked one morning during our vacation in the Outer Banks, we noticed local people—kids got on school buses, and people opened their businesses for the day. I had never thought much about the people who live in vacation spots—how they work and relate just as I do in my normal setting. I guess when you’re on vacation, you just think everyone is on vacation! Soon, my mind started to wonder what it would be like to live at the beach. Would the allure of the fun stuff like soaking up the sun on the beach, strolling along the sand with your loved one, and visiting new and exciting spots fade over time? Or would those moments be little bits of refuge from the drudgery of everyday life?

Second, the main plot from Changing Tides stemmed from conversations my husband and I often have about who will die first. I know, I know … morbid. But we’ve talked about how I will die first because my family has a history of dying young (late seventies) while his ancestors tend to live well past their eighties. My husband has always asserted that if I did, indeed, die first he’d become a hermit and live out his life alone—go to work, eat, sleep, repeat. I doubt he would, however (he has all that living family!), but the thought of his assertion combined with this idea of living at the beach soon combined.

My two main characters quickly became me and my husband. Ellie dies at a very young age in her fifties and her husband Gabe is forced to decide how he will live out the rest of his life. I’ve always wanted to live at or near the beach so that became Ellie’s dream too. It becomes Gabe’s goal after she dies as he wrestles with his grief, wondering if he had been a good enough husband for her.

I also wanted to dig into the way grief affects people differently—not just my main character. We have several widows/widowers in our church, my father included, and I’ve noticed the differences in how they each cope. As I wrote, I noticed my other characters were also grieving and how a community emerged, like often happens in real life as friends, church family, and others surround a person during loss.

When I think about losing my husband—God forbid—I think I wouldn’t likely recover easily. He and I are so entwined that it would be hard to find a new way forward. But I pray I would have a community surround me like Gabe finds despite his best efforts to live that hermit lifestyle.

As we come to the one-year book anniversary for Changing Tides (it was released on my 50th birthday, March 13, 2024) I pray my imagined story helps others to work through their grief or to encourage them to find a community that might help them in some way too.

Back Cover Blurb:

The tide will come in no matter what you do. Eventually it’ll swallow you up if you don’t move with it.

Gabriel Pechman has finally fulfilled his wife’s greatest dream—he’s quit his finance job and moved to the Outer Banks to live out a life of peace and joy in the sun. Too bad his wife never lived to see it happen.

After Ellie’s untimely death at the age of fifty-two, Gabe seeks to fulfill her wishes. Doing so does not erase his grief, however, but sometimes increases his loneliness as he struggles to create a new life without his beloved wife. The more he tries to fight the overwhelming grief he feels, the more it seems to haunt him. He soon discovers grief has no set end date and no set location—it follows you everywhere you go.

Living in paradise also doesn’t protect Gabe from fresh sorrow. When a new friend suffers a fatal heart attack and Gabe has the urge to run away from his pain, can he overcome the constantly changing tides of grief to be the friend the new widow needs or will he succumb to the waves?

Sue A. Fairchild is an editor, writer, and speaker. In 2024, Sue traditionally published two Christian Contemporary novels, one of which, Changing Tides, won honorable mention in the AWSA Golden Scrolls awards. When she is not writing her own books for God’s kingdom, Sue loves working with clients who are working toward the greater good of sharing God’s message in this world. Learn more about Sue on her website sueafairchild.wordpress.com
or on Instagram
@suefairchildedits
or email her to talk about working together sueafairchild74@gmail.com.

To Be Honest…

To Be Honest…blogging as we knew it back in 2007 isn’t the same. That’s approximately how old this site is, minus server changes.

I have about 3k posts through those years.

When I started blogging, my pre-schooler was overcoming many health issues and challenging us as she became verbal.

She’s 21 and a college student.

My son is 26 and is a teacher at the school he started at the day after we moved to Ohio.

Crazy.

In those years lots of trends have come and go, and more have stayed. Social media isn’t going anywhere. Facebook might not be the giant it used to be, but Tik Tok? It was vocabulary used throughout the election and beyond. We have podcasts for everything possible. If my dad were alive he’d say a stream is where you throw rocks. Ask my kids and it’s how they binge shows.

I could go on and on.

As the years go, my life has changed. The kids are grown. Blogging went to the back burner as I transitioned to author. I recently celebrated my 10th year and 10th book. Even that endeavor has a short-team backseat as I fulfill a role in ministry.

That’s where we land today.

It’s been a minute since I’ve personally posted here. The space has been held really well by author friends I’ve invited to share their latest releases. It’s time to officially make this blog about that.

This space will feature guest authors from here until further notice. Maybe blogging will come back and I’ll return to post. However, my writing life has a new address.

You can find my writing, like the old blogging days, on Substack. I recently rebranded it, and it is TBH—To Be Honest. It is a free, weekly newsletter where I bring truth-telling back to a fake world. Whatever God gives me to share, I’ll write it. Last week, it was about Vitamins, Blake Lively, and Keyboard Christians.

Honestly? It feels so good to be back on a platform like that.

If you love fiction, don’t stop visiting here. I am blessed to cross internet paths with many talented authors who need to reach readers. Buy our books. Write kind reviews. Tell others about our work. I plan to share my own “guest” posts when I have a review to share or to promote my own release.

If you love as my teen friend shared, “Yapping” from a girlfriend who loves chocolate and surrender issues, you must join me at TBH. I will not stop being Kingdom-minded, although maybe some of my topics might seem superficial. Still, my posts are a safe place to stay.

Thank you for everything you’ve done for me then, now, and in the years to come.

I still have my monthly newsletter with giveaways, reader news, and my updates. I’m still across social media and love to connect. Find it all at Link Tree.

Subscribe for free to my Substack.

Meet Me in the Yorkshire Dales by Valerie Massey Goree

Valerie Massey Goree: Meet Me in the Yorkshire Dales

Location, Location, Location

Do you like to read stories set in countries other than the USA? I do. If the author uses real locations, I love to scout out the places online to see where the street is, or the building, or the river, etc. If the place is fictional but the author provides a map, well then, I’ll refer back to it throughout the story. (I love maps—have done since I studied Geography in high school.)

Book 1 of my series: From England with Love and…Treachery, is Meet Me Where the Windrush Flows. It is set in the village of Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds area of England. I visited the Village and stayed for ten days in the cottage featured in the book.

One reader said I described the location too much. Hmm. I only used what I thought related to the story and the characters and spread it throughout the story.

Here comes Book 2: Meet Me In the Yorkshire Dales. Yes, I spent two weeks in the villages featured in the story. The locations described play a vital role in the plot. That part of England is absolutely beautiful. Miles and miles of soft rolling green hills, crisscrossed by stone walls and dotted with white sheep. Many of the cottages were built in the 17th century. Most have been updated inside, but if they are Grade 2 listed, meaning they are of historical significance, the outside cannot be altered without written permission from the local planning authority.

Book 3 in the series will be set in the City of Bath, another place I visited. Each title begins with—Meet me…

My main characters are Americans who happen to meet in England in the location mentioned in the title. If you haven’t visited the Cotswolds, or Yorkshire, or the City of Bath, then I hope the amount of description I’ve included will help you visualize the world my characters live in for the duration of the story. Or maybe they’ll return for their honeymoon.

Purchase link:

Valerie Goree Bio

American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award winner Valerie Massey Goree resides in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, northwest of San Antonio, Texas.

Her writing journey only began when her children were in high school. Attending workshops, and ACFW conferences helped propel her toward publication. She has ten romantic suspense novels published.

She was born in South Africa and grew up in Rhodesia—now Zimbabwe. Valerie met her husband, Glenn, at a Christian university in the USA. After they married, they served as missionaries in Rhodesia. When the family returned to Texas, Valerie began her teaching career. She served 25 years in the public school arena, focusing on children with special needs.

Valerie and her family traveled extensively throughout North America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Now retired and widowed, she spends her time writing, reading, traveling, and spoiling her grandchildren.

Valerie loves to hear from her readers.

Website:

www.valeriegoreeauthor.com

Newsletter signup:

https://bit.ly/VGJoinMyCommunity

Amazon Author Page:

https://www.amazon.com/author/valeriegoreeauthor7523