Julie Arduini's Blog, page 9
April 10, 2024
Spies & Sweethearts by Linda Shenton Matchett
Spies & Sweethearts: The Story Behind the Story
By Linda Shenton Matchett
One of my favorite aspects of being associated with the Wright Museum is the opportunity to meet men and women who lived during World War II. I love our displays, and I’ve learned a lot about the famous and infamous, but there is nothing like sitting down and talking with those “ordinary” people who did extraordinary things simply because their country asked them.
Five years ago, I was considering what to write next. I had released a couple of WWII mysteries as well as finished my Wartime Bride series, retellings of biblical stories set during WWII. Having read Sarah Sundin’s Sunrise at Normandy which features three brothers, I decided that a series about sisters would be fun to tackle. But how should they serve? What sort of jobs should they hold?
I wandered the museum and studied the exhibits about the various ways women “did their bit” for the war effort. Much has been written about Rosie the Riveter, so I decided to stay away from factories. I still hadn’t decided when one Saturday morning during my shift, I met a woman who worked for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor to the CIA. With bright, sparkling eyes and a broad smile she regaled me with some of her exploits. At one point, she winked and whispered that she couldn’t tell me everything or she’d have to kill me.
Heart pounding, I knew I had my story. I had to tell her story and that of the other brave women who risked their lives and reputations (“nice girls weren’t spies”) to help put an end to the evil that was stalking the globe. I read numerous memoirs and autobiographies and watched dozens of YouTube interviews. I even managed to get my hands on the training manual for Britain’s Special Operations Executive, on which the organization of the OSS is based. Some of the areas of research entailed the recruitment and selection process and training as well as locations where individuals served (just about everywhere!).
Spies & Sweethearts is book 1 in the Sisters in Service series and features Emily Strealer, the youngest of three sisters. The book is four years old this month, and is still one of my favorite books to have written. Emily’s sister Doris is a Red Cross mechanic featured in The Mechanic & The MD, and their eldest sister Cora is a war correspondent in The Widow & The War Correspondent. It is my hope that each of these books shines the light on the tenacious and often overlooked women of WWII.
Spies & Sweethearts
She wants to do her part. He’s just trying to stay out of the stockade. Will two agents deep behind enemy lines find capture… or love?
1942. Emily Strealer is tired of being told what she can’t do. Wanting to prove herself to her older sisters and do her part for the war effort, the high school French teacher joins the OSS and trains to become a covert operative. And when she completes her training, she finds herself parachuting into occupied France with her instructor to send radio signals to the Resistance.
Major Gerard Lucas has always been a rogue. Transferring to the so-called “Office of Dirty Tricks” to escape a court-martial, he poses as a husband to one of his trainees on a dangerous secret mission. But when their cover is blown after only three weeks, he has to flee with the young schoolteacher to avoid Nazi arrest.
Running for their lives, Emily clings to her mentor’s military experience during the harrowing three-hundred-mile trek to neutral Switzerland. And while Gerard can’t bear the thought of his partner falling into German hands, their forged papers might not be enough to get them over the border.
Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/m0Od9l
Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about second chances and women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves. Whether you choose my books set in the Old West or across the globe during WWII, you will be immersed in the past through rich detail. Follow the journeys of relatable characters whose faith is sorely tested, yet in the end, emerge triumphant. Be encouraged in your own faith-walk through stories of history and hope. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Linda was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII.
April 9, 2024
Curtains for Maggie by Karen H. Richardson
Rediscover who God made you to be
Karen H. Richardson
The haircut was a mistake. That is the first line of my novel, Curtains for Maggie. As females, we are created with great capacity for relationship and nurturing. We play many roles, and we do so without holding back – friends, wives, aunts, sisters, mothers, volunteer, employee, or employer. All these roles use our God-given talents. But what happens when we start feeling lost in our roles? What happens when we’ve played all the roles, and we look in the mirror? We ask, who am I apart from all the things I do for others? As we seek to find ourselves again, we try new things like haircuts or a new outfit.
In Curtains for Maggie, Maggie Nelson is feeling lost and a little restless. The new haircut didn’t work. Neither did new outfits, or make-overs. Maggie Nelson has two great children, a loving husband and enjoys giving her time to her children’s school, Anchor Academy. Maggie’s identity crisis leads her to rediscover who she is and what she loves to do as an individual; to rediscover her personal passions God laid on her heart.
The plot for Curtains for Maggie came from observing three women during carpool at my son’s elementary school who stood by their parked cars, drank coffee, and talked several mornings a week. What are they talking about? What would three female friends talk about – their children, their husbands or relationships, work, recent activities, life.
In Curtains for Maggie, you will meet two of Maggie’s friends, Jen Stephens, and Nora St. Claire. Five years ago, Nora lost her husband, Seth, a police officer, when he was shot while on duty. Their marriage had been riddled with infertility, she found herself a widow in her early forties with no children from the love of her life, asking what now? How will she rediscover a life without Seth?
Jen is married to Mark, and they have one son. She works part time as a personal trainer at a locally owned gym. She’s offered a position in gym management. The job requires her to work full-time but offers the opportunity to teach healthy living classes, which is a personal passion of hers. What will Jen discover about herself and abilities?
Proverbs 31 describes the virtuous woman. She works, cares for her family, takes care of her home. She is respected by those in the community and valued by her family. She runs her household with wisdom. Much like Maggie, Jen, and Nora. Much like you and me.
Curtains for Maggie is a contemporary women’s fiction novel that can be found at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Follow the author @KHRAuthor on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Karen H. Richardson is a self-proclaimed lifelong learner. She observes the world and the people she encounters as fodder for story. Developing her writing was the best way to bring both together. While in college, she wrote for the newspaper and yearbook. More recently, she has had several magazine articles published. Her blog, KK’s Candor, boasts short slice of life articles meant to encourage others. Karen and her family live in Louisville, Kentucky.
April 2, 2024
Surrender Issues & Chocolate on Substack
God is really stretching me into new situations and one is Substack. It’s not a blog, it’s not really a newsletter, but it’s a place I plan to share all kinds of surrender posts that of course include chocolate mentions. It’s not replacing this blog, it’s giving you another layer of who I am and what I do. It will be more personalized but I don’t think I’ll go viral for my controversial posts, so don’t worry.
It would mean a lot if you would take the journey with me. It’s free to subscribe and I don’t plan to write too often, so I won’t crowd your mailbox.
Interested? The box is here fo you to do so. Thanks, and I’ll see you on Substack!
April 1, 2024
April 2024 Fiction Finder New Releases
April 2024 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder websiteContemporary Romance:
Love in Tandem by Becca Kinzer — She’s perfectly content leading a quiet life in her small hometown. He’s an adventurer with unquenchable wanderlust. The two couldn’t be any more opposite if they tried. But a tandem bicycle and a 500-mile road trip just might change all that. (Contemporary Romance from Tyndale House)
Playing For Keeps by Deborah Raney — The love story of Art and Maddie continues in Playing for Keeps. But their fledgling marriage faces challenges when expectations collide. When Maddie is offered a chance to take a research trip to Paris, it appears a short separation might help them both figure out what happily-ever-after looks like for them. Yet even the beautiful City of Lights is lonely without the man she loves with all her heart. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])
Safe Haven Ranch by Louise M Gouge — It should be easy for widow Olivia Ortiz to despise Will Mattson, the man keeping her from buying the ranchland she needs for herself and her daughter, Emily. But when Emily becomes instant friends with Will’s nephew, Jemmy, Olivia and Will find themselves growing closer as well. And as Olivia’s feelings for the handsome cowboy shift, competing for the property could be the start of something more… (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
General Contemporary and Women’s Fiction:
Cookies & Eggnog from Welcombe Bay by Kate Darroch — The prequel to the first novel in the Sweets By the Sea series, “Thanksgiving in Welcombe Bay.” In this Christmas novella we learn that Lily met her former husband Gary on her 18th birthday, and we see how Gary establishes his ascendancy over her. We watch God’s love operating in her life through the actions of her grandparents and her vicar’s wife, and learn why that ultimately leads Lily to a moment of truth when she must seek to reclaim her wavering faith. (General Contemporary, Independently Published [Ad Astra Press, Inc.])
Always Think of Me by Lori Keesey — Tyrus Cal, TC for short, had no plans to leave his party boy life, but when he met Ginny at an outdoor music festival, he fell. Hard. When their budding relationship ends abruptly, TC moves on, assuming he won’t get a second chance with the captivating Ginny. But then he does. Just not in the way he expected. (General Contemporary, Mascot Books)
Why the Mountains Stand by Ashlyn McKayla Ohm — When skating coach Addisyn Miles becomes responsible for Kenzie, a turbulent new student, she’s blindsided by the girl’s troubling link to her own past. But when Kenzie rediscovers a local legend, more is at stake than either of them realized. Now, Addisyn must choose between allowing the secrets to destroy them both…or finally finding the purpose behind their shared pain. (Contemporary, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])
General Historical:
Secrets of the Wildflowers by Sarah Talbert — After a tragic event involving the sacrifice of her brother, Miu escapes the stifling gods and patriarchal norms of ancient Ur, embarking on a transformative quest for freedom, like wildflowers in bloom; she grapples with control issues and learns to trust in Abraham’s personal god, Yahweh, finding a community where she can live as she was created to be. (General Historical, Eternal Threads Publishing)
Historical Romance:
Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust by Misty M Beller — Naomi Wyatt has finally given up on the man who once promised to love her for the rest of his life—then disappeared with no way to contact him. She’s now a single mother with a beautiful baby girl to provide for. When Jonah Coulter asks for her hand in marriage, she knows she would be hard-pressed to find a better husband and father. But when her first love rides onto the ranch property saying he’d been searching for her for months, her heart is shredded once again. Before she has time to catch her breath though, a new threat appears on the horizon. This time she has far more at stake than her heart, and only a Divine hand can turn this disaster for their good. (Historical Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])
The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep — As co-owner of The Blackfriars Lane Enquiry Agency, Kit Forge fearlessly takes on a missing child case, only to find herself and her husband, Chief Inspector Jackson Forge, risking everything to save their own baby from the dangerous criminals involved. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)
A Spring at The Greenbrier by Sandra Merville Hart — Marilla has resigned herself to spinsterhood in order to help care for her sister but more than that obstacle stands in the way of courting the wealthy brother of her sister’s best friend. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)
Dreams for Courage by Shanna Hatfield — When a private investigator’s trail leads her to an aloof rancher, will love give them the courage they need to face his past and dream of a future together? (Historical Romance from Wholesome Hearts Publishing)
Even in Death by Rebecca Hemlock — Private Detective Trix Fredson wants her husband’s murder solved, and the couple responsible live in her old home. Her husband’s best friend, Ted Mcallister pulled some strings to get Trix the job at the detective agency. He promised to help her solve Ron’s murder, which would be difficult. But how can he do that and keep himself from revealing his true feelings for her? That was going to be even harder. (Historical Romance from Bluecap Publishing)
The Garden Girls by Jessica R Patch — On a remote Outer Banks island, a serial killer collects his prized specimens. And to stop him, an FBI agent must confront his own twisted past. (Contemporary Psychological Suspense Thriller from Love Inspired [Harlequin])Romantic Suspense:
Lethal Danger by Jerusha Agen — This K-9 team is trained to eliminate threats. This threat could eliminate them. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])
One Good Time by Luana Ehrlich — CIA covert operative Titus Ray is asked to do the unthinkable and allow a terrorist to enter the country illegally in order to stop an attack on the U. S., but as he tracks the terrorist to his destination, he suffers a devastating loss that threatens to derail the mission. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])
Grave Consequences by Elle E. Kay — Cate Garrison is working as a wildlife biologist for the Pennsylvania Game Commission and crosses paths with a mysterious park ranger whose dangerous past has caught up with him. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])
Yukon Wilderness Evidence by Darlene L. Turner — When skeletal remains are uncovered in the Yukon forest, forensic botanist Keeley Ash is called to the crime scene—and ends up abducted. She never expects her ex, paramedic Brett Ryerson, to come to her rescue, or her gathered evidence to be linked to a cold case. And when their son—who Brett never knew existed—is kidnapped, they’ll stop at nothing to save him and outrun the hunters determined to silence Keeley. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Speculative Fiction:
Never Forget the Truth by F.D. Adkins — When the forces of darkness masquerade in the light, is your sword sharpened in TRUTH and wielded to fight? (Speculative Fiction, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])
Split-Time:
Braving Strange Waters by Sarah Hanks — Stella Lindy is supposed to be soaking up the sunshine with her bridesmaids on a bachelorette cruise to Hawaii. But when she hits the wrong button on the elevator, the glamorous luxury of the modern ship is replaced with the Missouri River steamboat Arabia filled with strangers—and a mysterious doctor informs her it is 1856. Communicating through an antique mailbox, her friends on the cruise try to guide her back home before the steamboat sinks, but Stella finds herself caught in a tangled web between pro-slavery Border Ruffians and anti-slavery Jayhawkers. Standing up for what’s right in the face of peril and uncertainty might mean never making it home. (General/Split-Time, Independently Published [SonFlower Books])
Young Adult:
Protector by Megan Schaulis — Nanotech, royal romance, and biblical themes combine in this YA dystopian retelling of Esther—perfect for fans of The Selection or The Hunger Games. (Young Adult from WhiteCrown Publishing)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
Deep Trouble by Mary Connealy — When an aimless wanderer and fearless female determined to find a city of gold are forced to work together and set out to find the treasure, trouble is hot on their trail. (Historical (Western) Romance)
His Unexpected Grandchild by Myra Johnson — This toddler will steal his heart…Just in time to open it… (Contemporary Romance)
An Unlikely Arrangement by Cindy Patterson — Abigail stands to lose all if Garrett Barringer sees past her physical beauty and uncovers the ugliness of her imperfect past. Will Abigail continue on the condemned path she’s fashioned for herself, or trust that God wants a future for her she never believed possible? (Historical Romance)
Phooey Kerflooey by Kristen Joy Wilks — Through a raucous tornado of personal growth, the boys and Phooey work together to save the day. But when the dust (and squirrel poo) settles, can they convince Dad and Mom to let them keep their puppy princess? (Middle-grade Chapter book)
March 31, 2024
April 2024 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of thes...
April 2024 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder websiteContemporary Romance:
Love in Tandem by Becca Kinzer — She’s perfectly content leading a quiet life in her small hometown. He’s an adventurer with unquenchable wanderlust. The two couldn’t be any more opposite if they tried. But a tandem bicycle and a 500-mile road trip just might change all that. (Contemporary Romance from Tyndale House)
Playing For Keeps by Deborah Raney — The love story of Art and Maddie continues in Playing for Keeps. But their fledgling marriage faces challenges when expectations collide. When Maddie is offered a chance to take a research trip to Paris, it appears a short separation might help them both figure out what happily-ever-after looks like for them. Yet even the beautiful City of Lights is lonely without the man she loves with all her heart. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])
Safe Haven Ranch by Louise M Gouge — It should be easy for widow Olivia Ortiz to despise Will Mattson, the man keeping her from buying the ranchland she needs for herself and her daughter, Emily. But when Emily becomes instant friends with Will’s nephew, Jemmy, Olivia and Will find themselves growing closer as well. And as Olivia’s feelings for the handsome cowboy shift, competing for the property could be the start of something more… (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
General Contemporary and Women’s Fiction:
Cookies & Eggnog from Welcombe Bay by Kate Darroch — The prequel to the first novel in the Sweets By the Sea series, “Thanksgiving in Welcombe Bay.” In this Christmas novella we learn that Lily met her former husband Gary on her 18th birthday, and we see how Gary establishes his ascendancy over her. We watch God’s love operating in her life through the actions of her grandparents and her vicar’s wife, and learn why that ultimately leads Lily to a moment of truth when she must seek to reclaim her wavering faith. (General Contemporary, Independently Published [Ad Astra Press, Inc.])
Always Think of Me by Lori Keesey — Tyrus Cal, TC for short, had no plans to leave his party boy life, but when he met Ginny at an outdoor music festival, he fell. Hard. When their budding relationship ends abruptly, TC moves on, assuming he won’t get a second chance with the captivating Ginny. But then he does. Just not in the way he expected. (General Contemporary, Mascot Books)
Why the Mountains Stand by Ashlyn McKayla Ohm — When skating coach Addisyn Miles becomes responsible for Kenzie, a turbulent new student, she’s blindsided by the girl’s troubling link to her own past. But when Kenzie rediscovers a local legend, more is at stake than either of them realized. Now, Addisyn must choose between allowing the secrets to destroy them both…or finally finding the purpose behind their shared pain. (Contemporary, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])
General Historical:
Secrets of the Wildflowers by Sarah Talbert — After a tragic event involving the sacrifice of her brother, Miu escapes the stifling gods and patriarchal norms of ancient Ur, embarking on a transformative quest for freedom, like wildflowers in bloom; she grapples with control issues and learns to trust in Abraham’s personal god, Yahweh, finding a community where she can live as she was created to be. (General Historical, Eternal Threads Publishing)
Historical Romance:
Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust by Misty M Beller — Naomi Wyatt has finally given up on the man who once promised to love her for the rest of his life—then disappeared with no way to contact him. She’s now a single mother with a beautiful baby girl to provide for. When Jonah Coulter asks for her hand in marriage, she knows she would be hard-pressed to find a better husband and father. But when her first love rides onto the ranch property saying he’d been searching for her for months, her heart is shredded once again. Before she has time to catch her breath though, a new threat appears on the horizon. This time she has far more at stake than her heart, and only a Divine hand can turn this disaster for their good. (Historical Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])
The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep — As co-owner of The Blackfriars Lane Enquiry Agency, Kit Forge fearlessly takes on a missing child case, only to find herself and her husband, Chief Inspector Jackson Forge, risking everything to save their own baby from the dangerous criminals involved. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)
A Spring at The Greenbrier by Sandra Merville Hart — Marilla has resigned herself to spinsterhood in order to help care for her sister but more than that obstacle stands in the way of courting the wealthy brother of her sister’s best friend. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)
Dreams for Courage by Shanna Hatfield — When a private investigator’s trail leads her to an aloof rancher, will love give them the courage they need to face his past and dream of a future together? (Historical Romance from Wholesome Hearts Publishing)
Even in Death by Rebecca Hemlock — Private Detective Trix Fredson wants her husband’s murder solved, and the couple responsible live in her old home. Her husband’s best friend, Ted Mcallister pulled some strings to get Trix the job at the detective agency. He promised to help her solve Ron’s murder, which would be difficult. But how can he do that and keep himself from revealing his true feelings for her? That was going to be even harder. (Historical Romance from Bluecap Publishing)
The Garden Girls by Jessica R Patch — On a remote Outer Banks island, a serial killer collects his prized specimens. And to stop him, an FBI agent must confront his own twisted past. (Contemporary Psychological Suspense Thriller from Love Inspired [Harlequin])Romantic Suspense:
Lethal Danger by Jerusha Agen — This K-9 team is trained to eliminate threats. This threat could eliminate them. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])
One Good Time by Luana Ehrlich — CIA covert operative Titus Ray is asked to do the unthinkable and allow a terrorist to enter the country illegally in order to stop an attack on the U. S., but as he tracks the terrorist to his destination, he suffers a devastating loss that threatens to derail the mission. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])
Grave Consequences by Elle E. Kay — Cate Garrison is working as a wildlife biologist for the Pennsylvania Game Commission and crosses paths with a mysterious park ranger whose dangerous past has caught up with him. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])
Yukon Wilderness Evidence by Darlene L. Turner — When skeletal remains are uncovered in the Yukon forest, forensic botanist Keeley Ash is called to the crime scene—and ends up abducted. She never expects her ex, paramedic Brett Ryerson, to come to her rescue, or her gathered evidence to be linked to a cold case. And when their son—who Brett never knew existed—is kidnapped, they’ll stop at nothing to save him and outrun the hunters determined to silence Keeley. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Speculative Fiction:
Never Forget the Truth by F.D. Adkins — When the forces of darkness masquerade in the light, is your sword sharpened in TRUTH and wielded to fight? (Speculative Fiction, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])
Split-Time:
Braving Strange Waters by Sarah Hanks — Stella Lindy is supposed to be soaking up the sunshine with her bridesmaids on a bachelorette cruise to Hawaii. But when she hits the wrong button on the elevator, the glamorous luxury of the modern ship is replaced with the Missouri River steamboat Arabia filled with strangers—and a mysterious doctor informs her it is 1856. Communicating through an antique mailbox, her friends on the cruise try to guide her back home before the steamboat sinks, but Stella finds herself caught in a tangled web between pro-slavery Border Ruffians and anti-slavery Jayhawkers. Standing up for what’s right in the face of peril and uncertainty might mean never making it home. (General/Split-Time, Independently Published [SonFlower Books])
Young Adult:
Protector by Megan Schaulis — Nanotech, royal romance, and biblical themes combine in this YA dystopian retelling of Esther—perfect for fans of The Selection or The Hunger Games. (Young Adult from WhiteCrown Publishing)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
Deep Trouble by Mary Connealy — When an aimless wanderer and fearless female determined to find a city of gold are forced to work together and set out to find the treasure, trouble is hot on their trail. (Historical (Western) Romance)
His Unexpected Grandchild by Myra Johnson — This toddler will steal his heart…Just in time to open it… (Contemporary Romance)
An Unlikely Arrangement by Cindy Patterson — Abigail stands to lose all if Garrett Barringer sees past her physical beauty and uncovers the ugliness of her imperfect past. Will Abigail continue on the condemned path she’s fashioned for herself, or trust that God wants a future for her she never believed possible? (Historical Romance)
Phooey Kerflooey by Kristen Joy Wilks — Through a raucous tornado of personal growth, the boys and Phooey work together to save the day. But when the dust (and squirrel poo) settles, can they convince Dad and Mom to let them keep their puppy princess? (Middle-grade Chapter book)
March 26, 2024
This is 54
Every year since I’ve had this domain I have shared a birthday post. Yes, today is my 54th birthday. Earlier this month I had an author marketing event with my birthday theme, but that wasn’t the actual day.
Wow. 54.
I still remember high school highlights and college fun. The fact those things were over 30 years ago messes with me a bit. But to turn back? No way.
This picture sums up a lot about my life right now. It’s a screenshot from a video, and I pressed on the screenshot and it made a new picture. It makes my hair look super poofy but guess what? When you’re 54, you don’t care.
Because it’s from a video, I was clearly talking. Guess what? I have things to say. As I age there are wrongs I see and if they aren’t dealt with, it hurts to see corruption/sin/injustice stay front and center when justice appears neglected. But I’ve been around long enough and know God’s Word enough to know justice prevails. So although there are times I have to hold my tongue, I’m not afraid to speak out if I have to. We all have to stand before God and explain our choices. I don’t want to say I kept quiet, especially when something wrong was happening. I was always that girl, but I was that girl who needed a lot of time to speak up. Not so much anymore.
Here’s what else 54 brings:
—I’m still writing. Surrendered Hearts is an active project and I’m writing the third of six books. The first two have been very well received. I know there is purpose in telling the Hart sextuplets stories. I’m very humbled God lets me continue.
—I’m stretching my faith! My heart has been for teens as long as I can remember, and still is. But there has always been this passion to unite and encourage women, I didn’t know what to do with it. The opportunity came last year to partner with my friend and pastor to re-launch the women’s ministry at our church. This is a huge faith step. I get overstimulated fast, and this introvert wants to head home and back to the dogs. But each month I’ve met some amazing ladies and formed eternal connections.
This summer our family is stepping out in faith together! We will be serving at Special Touch Camp Ohio for people who have a disability. I will be a chapel speaker and Tom is handling all tech aspects. It’s new for us, but we have longed to serve kind of together since we moved to Ohio nearly 20 years ago.
—I’m finding out I can feel pretty good again. Last fall I took a huge hit with a sinus infection and bronchitis. Looking back, I realized that happened to me quite a bit. I learned I have a lot of allergies, but only two are severe. I implemented some of the suggestions and I notice improvement.
Then my endocrinologist retired and I decided it was time for my daughter and I to find one together. She has rare issues with her thyroid and endocrine system and few know what to do. We found a specialist and he looked at my labs and could tell I wasn’t in a good place. I had not felt right in quite some time. He suggested something fairly new on the market that has been a game changer. something I can’t remember experiencing in years is finally a normal thing for me. I’m exercising and eating salads more than anything else—and I want to. I feel human. I feel good. It’s been a long time.
On the menopause front, I have felt hot since I was pregnant with our now 25 year old son. When menopause hit, I became volcanic. I had no idea how it affected my life until my gyn suggested Veozah. This is also new and I am not a medicine is the answer to all person. I will say I am not hot all the time. There is such a difference. I still need to work with insurnace on this, but I’m ready to fight. I have my life back.
—I’ll leave home if I have to, but most of the time, I don’t want to. 2024 started with us cruising the Bahamas. Not too shabby, I know. But to not have a big summer vacation? I’m excited. I don’t want to be around lots of people. I have a quiet home with space to move and find a place to create. I have a deck to write on and listen to birds. A yard to look into the woods and see deer. I crave these things. When my husband wants to camp or go here or there he has to make a great pitch for why we’d want to spend money and leave home. Because this place has everything I need.
I have no idea what 54 will bring but I know this, if nothing changes, I’d be content. God is good, and He has been good to me. I believe the best is yet to come.
March 25, 2024
Meet Me Where the Windrush Flows by Valerie Massey Goree
Thank you for hosting me, Julie.
The inspiration for my new release: Meet Me Where the Windrush Flows
This is the first time the setting for a story has been my inspiration. In February last year, I was visiting with the woman who does my income taxes. She knows about my novels and my love of traveling. I mentioned that I’d like to return to England and stay in a cottage in a little village, something my husband and I didn’t do when we visited in 2019.
She replied, “Good idea. You can do research for a book you set there, and then use some expenses as a deduction on your taxes next year.”
Aha! That started the wheels turning. I immediately checked out villages online and found so many cute places. I chose Bourton-on-the-Water and then located a cottage that fit our needs. (A friend traveled with me.)
We also wanted to attend the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland which is only performed in August. Now, the month was set.
During the plotting stage of the story, I researched the history of the village and its location online. I had to have a reason for my hero and heroine, both Americans, to be in Bourton for more than a few days. The research provided the perfect reason for my heroine, and then I created one for my hero.
I began writing with the knowledge I’d have to make revisions after I stayed in the village. We spent eight wonderful days in the cottage and also enjoyed trips to other villages in the Cotswolds. Although Bourton-on-the-Water was inundated with tourists, it was still a magical place. I loved researching locations to use in my story while I absorbed the peaceful idyllic atmosphere after the crowds left for the day.
The owner of the cottage agreed for me to use it in my story. My hero stayed there for a week. But he left Bourton briefly and when he returned, he had to find a different cottage. So did I. The owner of the second cottage also agreed I could use the real place in my story. She asked for a signed copy of the book to keep in the cottage for her guests. Both cottages are great places to stay.
I did use some deductions on my income taxes, but the benefit I derived from living in my cottage in my village far outweighs any monetary benefit. The Windrush River runs through the village, and I love that name. Before I ever left Texas, I’d decided to title the novel, Where the Windrush Flows. However, while doing research in the village library, I found a non-fiction book with that title. I didn’t want to risk alienating the local population by using the same title. Hence my title: Meet Me Where the Windrush Flows.
Blurb:
She’s an anthropologist working as a visiting professor in England. He’s a pediatric surgeon taking his ill mother on her bucket list trip to England.
Grace and Logan are instantly attracted when they meet in a small village in the Cotswolds. But will the threat to her life and accusations of malpractice against him encourage their romance or keep them apart?
Bio:
American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award winner Valerie Massey Goree resides in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, northwest of San Antonio, Texas.
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.
Her writing journey only began when their children were in high school. Attending workshops, and ACFW conferences helped propel her toward publication. She has nine romantic suspense novels published.
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.
Check out this great review of the novel from BookViral.
https://bookviralreviews.com/book-reviews/christian-mystery-suspense-romance/
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March 22, 2024
That Familiar Rut: 2014 Pinterest Pt2
I’ve been married nearly 28 years. We’ve had two kids together, and of course two that were from his first marriage. They weren’t local, so I’ll focus on the local two in this scenario.
You’ll soon see why.
Twenty-eight years. A traditional work week is five days. I have been making dinners a good five nights a week on average.
That’s so many meals.
My mom’s lament was dad grew up a farmer. He wanted simple meals. Give him a meat, potato and vegetable. It drove her crazy. She wanted desperately to make a different meal.
Chicken? No. He ate that too much in the army.
Seafood? Unless it was fish sticks or a Fish Fry at their favorite restaurant, no to that too.
My family isn’t that picky, but each week I create a menu with my grocery list. It seems like it’s often the same ingredients.
That’s why when I took a look back at my 2014 Pinterest board, I wasn’t surprised that there were quite a few recipes. I can see my 44 year old self craving something new, easy and different. This must have really tempted me because it’s on my board twice.
Guess how many times I made it?
Zero.
I will say I found a recipe on Instagram by actress Courtney Cox for chicken parm that I have made time and time again.
But whether chicken parm, slow cooker beef and broccoli, or Asian Lemon Chicken, I was hoping to create some kitchen magic.
I wish I could say I have a stockpile of go-to meals. But like my dad, the fam seems to ahve a few tried and true favorites. Every great once in awhile I can squeeze in a new recipe that gets rave reviews.
So that’s what I noticed about my 2014 board. Lots of recipes that most likely stayed pinned and unused.
Anyone relate?
March 19, 2024
Giveaway Winners!
When I invite readers like you to follow me around the World Wide Web, my reasons aren’t only in hopes you will find my books worth checking out. It’s actually because there are opportunities where you can meet other authors, see new releases, and—-maybe win some things.
Recently I had three giveaways. That’s right. THREE. I love that!
Two were associated with my own 54 Minutes with Julie Arduini birthday celebration. That was so much fun. Nine other authors joined me, and there ended up being over ten giveaways. It was so much fun I plan on doing this again later in the year when I celebrate my 10th anniversary as a published author. You don’t want to miss that, so you’re invited to join my Reader Group Page.
I had two winners at that event.
Renee S. won a paperback copy of Anchored Hearts AND Repairing Hearts.
Joannie S. won a Kindle copy of Anchored Hearts AND Repairing Hearts.
I’m not done!
Last week I reviewed right here on this blog God’s Goodness for The Chosen. I had a giveaway for that and DEBRA P. won that.
I’m excited to present things like this. If you aren’t following me across social media and book sites, please do. You can also subscribe to this blog so you don’t miss a post. It’s on the the right sidebar, or click here.
March 17, 2024
Throwback Pinterest 2014
I can’t believe Pinerest has been around over a decade. This is a piece of social media that sits quietly in the back while the big names like Facebook and Tik Tok make constant noise. Pinterest isn’t fancy or flashy, it’s just there.
And I take it for granted.
As an author, I use it to post my work. I also create boards to help me visualize characters, and have a central place to track my research.
As Julie who is looking for recipes to talk me out of the dinner rut, PInterest is my go=to. It’s also where I used to find fun and motivational sayings as well as hair inspiration.
I thought I’d share my findings as I looked back to my Board, 2014 Likes and Loves. If you follow me, I have a board for each year since I joined Pinterest. Oh, the nostalgia!
I’m going to break my findings down into different caregories.
Today, it’s those funny and motivational sayings. The quote above still grabs me. I love a strong woman quote. What’s a bit odd is the source of the image comes from—Megan Fox’s first instagram post. This pin traces back to Daily Mail, and they noted actress Megan Fox was now on Instagram. Well, she’s sure been busy the last decade. But, I digress.
As I scrolled my ten-year old board, the quotes and sayings aren’t the majority of my board. When they are, these are more serious in tone. We moved in 2014, so I have a feeling I was feeling more stressed than funny, and those pins most likely encouraged me. Good news. They still do.
Why not take a look? What about my 2014 pins grabs you? Is there a 2014 board you have? Any memories from then?
