Sermons from a Soapbox Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Sermons from a Soapbox, Messages of Hope and Encouragement

Author: Ladonna Shanks

Genre: Devotional, based on personal experience; Memoir; Adult Nonfiction; “Life Lesson Essays”

Release Date: April 8, 2025

“What is God like?

Does He even exist, other than as a figment of the imagination?

Or is He real, a part of daily life and our world?

In Sermons from a Soapbox, Ladonna Shanks shares her personal spiritual journey of more than seventy-five years. “I cannot write what I have not experienced,” serves as the base of her easy-to-read, anecdotal essays. The short “sermons” challenge the reader to think, question, search, and consider living where God is . . . in the spiritual, long-term, instead of humankind’s physical, short-term.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Ladonna Shanks was born and raised in Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley. During her several decades of life, she has been an entrepreneur, a small business owner, and, most recently, a writer. Her first book, Tidbits and Pearls, A Book of Essays on Living Everyday Life with God was published in 2019. Ladonna’s family, including five grandgirls, and her commitment to God serve as her priorities.

 

 

 

 

More from Ladonna

The desire and passion to share God’s quest for friendship with humankind has driven me to write of my personal experiences with Him. “I cannot write what I have not experienced” is my mantra.

The easy-to-read anecdotal essays make up both of my books: Tidbits and Pearls, A Book of Essays on Living Everyday Life with God and my newly published Sermons from a Soapbox, Messages of Hope and Encouragement. (My editor calls them “Life’s Lessons Essays.)

I never preach, but I share my life. My desire is to challenge the reader to consider life in the long-term, eternal instead of the short-term, physical. I want them to think.

I am open, honest, and transparent as I present my weaknesses, failures, and inadequacies in contrast to God’s faithfulness, care, and love.

Interview with the Author

1)What does success as an author look like to you?

I don’t view success in the number of books sold. When I wrote my first book “Tidbits and Pearls, A Book of Essays on Living Everyday Life with God,” God gave me the charge “for the sake of one . . .” If my writing encourages only one reader to turn to God or to consider Him in a new and better way, that is success to me—making an eternal difference.

2)What inspired this book?

The inspiration for this book is a “who,” not “what.” A lovely woman in Ohio contacted me after reading “Tidbits and Pearls.” She wanted to know how many books I had sold. I told her of God’s charge “for the sake of one,” and that I honestly didn’t track the sales. She responded, “I am that one.” She began encouraging me to write another one. She provided motivation and encouragement, often when I was stuck in a rut. In fact, I dedicated this book to her.

3)What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

I’m not sure I would call this my favorite, but it is one I’m reminded of often. 😊

“You are not your own. You were bought with a price.“  I Cor. 6: 19, 20

4)What would you like your readers to get out of this book?

I would like my readers to know and understand I am cut from the same cloth as they are and, in honesty and transparency I, too, struggle in my faith walk with God. But God is faithful. And He is worth it.

5)Why write nonfiction?

I can do no other. I could not make up a story if my life depended on it. I cannot write what I have not experienced, so I am a nonfiction writer. I’m eighty-one years old. I’ve only been writing for ten years or so. God gives me the opening thought or sentence, typically based on a recent experience. And so the essay begins. I guess you could say I write nonfiction, because that is what God has called me to do. Yes. That is why I write nonfiction. It’s real and personal, as I lay out my life before God and the world.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 13

Simple Harvest Reads, November 14 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 15

Artistic Nobody, November 16 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, November 17 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 17

The Sacred Line, November 18

Lots of Helpers, November 19

Fiction Book Lover, November 20 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 21

Vicky Sluiter, November 22 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 23

For the Love of Literature, November 24 (Author Interview)

Because I said So, November 24

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 25 (Author Interview)

Girls in White Dresses, November 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Ladonna is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, copy of my book, and a set of 6 blank note cards created by myself using floral photos!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/3d5a0/sermons-from-a-soapbox-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle

Author: Daniel Petronelli

Genre: Childrens Christian, Religion & Spirituality, Holiday Celebration, Children’s Chapter Book, Inspirational, Action & Adventure

Release Date: October , 2021

In the small foothill village of Shiloh on a stormy Christmas Eve, a group of children find themselves lost in a powerful storm. When a chance encounter with a kind stranger presents itself, their faith is put to the test as they discover the true meaning of Christmas, learn valuable life lessons, and experience the transformative power of just one tiny seed: The Seed of Faith.

This unforgettable, multi-award-winning story will inspire readers of all ages to believe in miracles and the enduring presence of God in their lives.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Dan Petronelli was born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts. He currently divides his time with his wife between West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and Stuart, Florida.

He is a strong member of his local community and has served as a Christian worship leader.

Dan Petronelli participated in Smith Magazine’s Six-Word Memoir contest, and his memoir was selected and later published by HarperCollins.

When not with his family and friends, he can be found on the first tee … asking for another mulligan.

Dan found a message in a bottle when he was a young boy tinkering on a rocky shoreline. It was a profound spiritual message that he has kept and still treasures today.

This inspired story was written as a cherished Christmas gift for his family, and it is his hope that the SEED OF FAITH will also bring joy and continue to grow in the hearts of readers around the world.

More from Daniel

The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle is an inspired story about the power of faith. I initially wrote this inspirational story for my family as a Christmas gift. The story emphasizes that even a “ tiny seed “ planted with faith can bring miracles.  It is my hope that the Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle will continue to grow in the hearts of readers around the world.

Interview with the Author

1)What does success as an author look like to you?
Success as an author, to me, means touching hearts and inspiring others to believe in the power of faith, love, and hope—knowing that even one reader’s life was changed for the better through my story.

2)Which character did you connect to best in this book?
I connected most with Yankee because his faith, courage, and kindness reflect the strength we all need when facing life’s challenges. Through him, I was able to express the power of hope and the beauty of believing in something greater than ourselves.

3)What inspired this book?
I wrote this book during a challenging time in my life when I chose to place all my trust in the Lord. It became a story about the power of holding on to faith and hope, even in the face of adversity.

4)Which author influenced the you most?
    R.C. Sproul has influenced me the most. His clear, heartfelt way of explaining deep spiritual truths helped shape my own faith and writing. I admire how he made theology personal and accessible, inspiring me to share God’s message through storytelling in a way that touches everyday lives.

 

5)What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?
     Joshua 1-9 “ Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

6)Describe your view as you’re sitting in your writing chair.
As I sit at the kitchen table, sunlight often pours through the window, filling the room with warmth and peace. It’s a simple, familiar space—the kind of place where faith feels close and inspiration seems to flow naturally.

7)If you could have one book or piece of art or music on a deserted island, what would it be and why?

I would bring The Bible, because its words offer comfort, guidance, and hope in every situation. No matter how alone I might feel, it would remind me that God is always with me.

Blog Stops

The Sacred Line, November 12

Simple Harvest Reads, November 13 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 14

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, November 15 (Author Interview)

The Mommies Reviews , November 15

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 16

Artistic Nobody, November 17 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 18

Guild Master, November 19 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 20

Fiction Book Lover, November 21 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 22

Books Less Travelled, November 23 (Author Interview)

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, November 24 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, November 25 (Author Interview)

The Bookish Pilgrim, November 25

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Daniel is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Visa Gift Certificate and a signed hardcover copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/3dc71/the-seed-of-faith-a-christmas-miracle-celebration-tour-giveaway

Gazing into Darkness Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Gazing into Darkness

Author: Heidi Glick

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: August 12, 2025

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

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

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

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

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

More from Heidi

My interest in science probably began at an early age with my love of animals. When I was younger, I rode horses. In high school, I became interested in science and learning more about God’s creation. When I attended college, I majored in biology and became active in Cedarville Christian University’s Earth Stewardship Organization—aimed at promoting stewardship of God’s creation from a Christian perspective. Years later, I worked for a government contractor onsite at the Cincinnati EPA. After a serious conversation with coworkers, I developed an idea for a story involving EPA CID agents. I wanted a story that contained a branch of law enforcement not typically featured in Christian suspense stories. Also, I wanted a series with the same characters throughout, sort of like Castle or Bones. Additionally, I wanted the theme of redemption throughout. While the story involves the environment, the book is not meant to be political. I hope readers enjoy the novel and benefit from the message. Something fun about the book is the artwork. Like the covers for Terri Blackstock’s If I Run series, the covers for Queen City Heroes form one larger image when side by side.

 

By the way, I still love animals, and my elderly cat Daisy was the inspiration for the heroine’s feline.

Interview with the Author

1)What does success as an author look like to you?

To me, success as an author is following the calling to write. I have felt as long as God calls me to write Christian fiction, then I am to be obedient to that call and put forth my best writing effort. At the same time, I must put forth my best effort at marketing to get the story out there in the hands of readers. In the end, all of this is accomplished by God’s grace. I do my best, and then I pray and ask God to get the books to the readers who need to read the story.

2)What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

I have several favorite verses. One is Isaiah 26:3-4: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”

Even today, I need this reminder. God will grant us peace, but we need to stay focused on Him and trust Him. In a busy world, it’s easy to be overwhelmed or feel downhearted, but we have to focus on God and not our circumstances. He will give us peace.

3)What is your vacation spot?

My favorite vacation spot is Orlando, Florida. I usually go there once a year. However, this year, the summer in Ohio was so hot, I almost didn’t want to go to Florida. I grew up in Southern California, and I enjoy warm weather and swimming. I really like floating on inner tubes on lazy rivers.

4)What are you reading right now?

Right now, I am reading Hidden Legacy by Christina Rost. I had the privilege of being the line editor on Book 1. My schedule didn’t work out for me to work on Book 2, but I’m reading it now. I enjoy Christina’s books, and the H & G series is unique. I would recommend the series to fans of Christian romantic suspense and mystery.

5)If you could have one book or piece of art or music on a deserted island, what would it be and why?

I would choose the Bible. On a deserted island, I’m bound to feel afraid and alone, and I would draw strength and comfort from reading God’s Word.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 8

Simple Harvest Reads, November 9 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 10

Artistic Nobody, November 11 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, November 11

Texas Book-aholic, November 12

Guild Master, November 13 (Author Interview)

Betti Mace, November 14

Fiction Book Lover, November 15 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 16

Books Less Travelled, November 17 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 18

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, November 19 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, November 20

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, November 21 (Author Interview)

Alyssa Madjeski, November 21

Giveaway

 To celebrate her tour, Heidi is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/3d093/gazing-into-darkness-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Daughter of Shiloh Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Daughter of Shiloh (Enduring Hope Book Three)

Author: Terri J. Haynes

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical Fiction

Release Date: October 1, 2025

A Stampede Tramples Hopes

Collect a series of six historical romances. When life seems weighed down by challenges, there are always pillars of enduring hope and love to be discovered.

Lealie Bevard, a determined Tuskegee Institute student, attends the Shiloh Baptist Church convention in Birmingham on September 19, 1902, to request a scholarship for continued education at Harvard. But a beautiful gathering turns tragic when a stampede breaks out and Lealie is injured. While convalescing at the home of fellow Tuskegee student Milton Rafferty, Lealie’s concerns for her future are set aside to help Milton uncover a mystery revolving around missing church funds and a possible murder. Perhaps a pause in Lealie’s well-laid plans can be used for good and lead to love.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:

The Daughter of Shiloh by Terri J. Haynes is a Christian Historical Fiction. This book is set in Birmingham, Alabama in September of 1902. This book follows Tuskegee Institute students Lealie Bevard and Milton Rafferty as they attend the Baptist Convention at Shiloh Baptist Church. This book is part of the Enduring Hope Series, but can be read as a standalone as these stories are not connected.
What you might need to know:
Lealie and Milton are caught in the stampede at Shiloh and have both physical and mental injuries as a result.
What I think about this book:
I was enraptured with Lealie and Milton, both had such different attitudes about returning to Shiloh. Lealie had nothing but fond memories and affection for her home church, while Milton was left with anger and bitterness towards the church he grew up in. It was very interesting to see Shiloh through both of their eyes. I also enjoyed learning about Tuskegee and Mr. Booker T Washington. I had learned about it from a professor when I was in college, however I didn’t realize that it was such a controversial school during that time. I loved reading about the mystery surrounding the donations. I love all of the history that the author brought into the story. Bravo!! The author did a magnificent job of bringing history to life. I will definitely look for more of her works.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Terri J. Haynes, a native Baltimorean, is a homeschool mom, writer, prolific knitter, freelance graphic artist and former Army wife (left the Army, not the husband). She loves to read, so much that when she was in elementary school, she masterminded a plan to be locked in a public library armed with only a flashlight to read all the books and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. As she grew, her love for writing grew as she tried her hand at poetry, articles, speeches and fiction. She is storyteller at heart. Her passion is to draw readers in the story world she has created and to bring laughter and joy to their lives.

Terri is a 2010 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis contest finalist, and a 2012 semi-finalist. She is also a 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarterfinalist. Her publishing credits include: Cup of Comfort for Military Families, Crosswalk.com, the Secret Place Devotional, Urbanfaith.com, Vista Devotional, and Publisher’s Weekly.

Terri holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology, a Master’s degree in Theological Studies and a certificate in creative writing and graphic design, meeting the minimal requirements of being a geek. She and her husband pastor a church where she serves as executive pastor and worship leader. Terri lives in Maryland with her three wonderful children and her husband, who often beg her not to kill off their favorite characters.

More from Terri

Growing up in inner-city Baltimore as the fourth daughter of five, money was always tight. Each school year, my mother paid for one field trip because that was all she could afford. With only one shot, I had to pick wisely.

I choose museums every year.

Some years, it was the Walter’s Art Gallery. Others, The Baltimore Museum of Art. I passed up the amusement parks and sports games to go walk through history. My history walking hasn’t changed now that I’m an adult. If I’m traveling, I’m always checking to see what museums are nearby.

History, for me, isn’t just about learning about old things. It’s about learning about old struggles, victories, and modern applications of those things. When I first learned about the Shiloh Baptist Church disaster, it struck me as horrifying and hopeless. As I began to research, however, I saw that this moment in history had a lesson to teach.

The Shiloh Baptist Church stampede is a story of resilience. It gives a snapshot of people, in the worst moment of their lives, figuring out how to move forward. I was moved by the community coming together to care for the victims, many of them total strangers. How local business owners donated to the care of strangers or to cover funeral costs.

History walking informs. It showed me, from a young age, strength and hope. It taught me lessons from ancient texts that helped me through the dark days I encountered in my personal life while writing this book. I wrote this book informed by history that I could face hard times because others did decades ago.

So if you are feeling like there are hard days ahead for you, do a little history walking. Hit the museums or the books. Learn history’s lessons. They are rich and priceless.

Blog Stops

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 30

Texas Book-aholic, October 31

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 3

For Him and My Family, November 4

Devoted To Hope, November 5

Stories By Gina, November 6 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, November 6

Simple Harvest Reads, November 7 (Guest Review from Donna)

Holly’s Book Corner, November 8

Book Butterfly in Dreamland , November 9

Cover Lover Book Review, November 9

Pause for Tales, November 10

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 12 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terri is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/3d288/the-daughter-of-shiloh-celebration-tour-giveaway

Lily and the Lawman Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Lily and the Lawman

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: October 13, 2025

A desperate aunt and a duty-bound sheriff—thrown into marriage by necessity, driven by danger, and risking everything to rescue a child…and their hearts.

All Lily Whitman wants is to open her bakery and provide a good life for her sister and infant niece. But when her niece is kidnapped by a ruthless gang, Lily is frantic to get her back. The only one who can help is the new acting sheriff, Trace McConnell. Though she’s sworn never to trust a man again, she finds herself forced to rely on this quiet lawman—worse, she’s forced to marry him to protect her reputation during the search.

Trace McConnell, a man who sees the world in black and white, does everything by the book, and keeps his feelings to himself. He’s dreamed of being a real lawman his whole life, not just a temporary replacement. When a U.S. Marshal arrives with news of a child kidnapping ring, Trace sees his chance to prove himself worthy of the badge. But his new “wife” keeps throwing his carefully laid plans into chaos with her determination to help—and his growing feelings for her threaten to compromise his focus on justice.

Can two people burned by past betrayals learn to trust again in time to save an innocent child? Or will their fears cost them not only their chance at love, but the life of the baby they’re desperate to rescue?

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Mindy

I am loving these McConnell brothers. Trace, the quiet and serious middle brother, was intriguing in the first book. Now we get to see him fully in this book, brimming with love for Lily but unsure how to express himself. His tender heart that has lacked a woman’s softer touch is also revealed. His passion for justice, integrity, and loyalty make him a fantastic hero and temporary sheriff of Money Creek, Idaho. Lily is stubborn and persistent and has trouble trusting God and men. I didn’t connect with her as much as I did with Clara in the first book. Trace has trust issues with his heart as well and, together, they make a fine mess of things before they realize trust and love go hand in hand. Their marriage of convenience thread was fun. I was surprised to see a familiar villain from the last book appear in this one and now I’m suspecting he will show up again.
If you enjoy fun historical romance, you’ll definitely enjoy this one. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of the publisher via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum.

 

 

 

 

More from Erica

Lily and the Lawman has one of my favorite opening lines that I’ve ever written.

No man should have to arrest his own father—at least not more than once a month.

And so begins Trace McConnell’s adventure to lasting happiness. Trace is a lawman, and his father is the town drunk. He heads out on the trail of some bad men who have kidnapped a baby girl. He doesn’t go alone, the child’s aunt goes with him. Mayhem, danger, and love along the way happen, hopefully leading to a satisfying conclusion for everyone but the bad guy.

But I wanted to talk about first lines in fiction. First lines have to do some heavy lifting! So much responsibility! If you are a writer, you have to consider so many things when writing that first line. Does it set the tone of the book? Does it reveal something up front about the character? Does it make the reader ask a question? Does it make the reader want to continue on to see what happens next?

When I’m writing a new story, I often put in all capital letters in the first draft: WRITE A GREAT FIRST LINE HERE. Then I go on with the opening scene.

You see, there is something intimidating in starting a new story, seeing all the blank, white space where words need to go. And it’s worse when you know how important a first line can be. So I put in a place holder. Often I don’t know what the first line should be until I’m into the story a ways. Only rarely do I know what the first line will be, and even then I often change it later.

When I need inspiration, I peruse my bookshelves to read first lines. Here are two of my favorites, both from the late secular writer, Dick Francis

From To the Hilt: I don’t think my stepfather much minded dying. That he almost took me with him wasn’t really his fault.

From Longshot: I accepted a commission that had been turned down by four other writers, but I was hungry at the time.

Do you have a favorite first line?

Blog Stops

Pens Pages & Pulses, October 28

Texas Book-aholic, October 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 29

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 30

For Him and My Family, October 30

Vicky Sluiter, October 31

Sydney Schmied Books, October 31

lakesidelivingsite, November 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 2

Alyssa Madjeski, November 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 4

Book Looks by Lisa, November 4

Devoted Steps, November 5

Devoted To Hope, November 5

Simple Harvest Reads, November 6 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 6

Melissa’s Bookshelf, November 7

The Mommies Reviews, November 7

Books Less Travelled, November 8

Mary Hake, November 8

Blossoms and Blessings, November 9

Holly’s Book Corner, November 9

Pause for Tales, November 10

Bizwings Blog, November 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Erica is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/3d287/lily-and-the-lawman-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Lesson in Love Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: A Lesson in Love

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 8, 2025

He thinks he’s too old. She thinks she’s too young. Can these teachers learn that love defies all boundaries?

Born and raised in London, Isobel Turvine knows nothing about farming, but after most of the students in her school evacuate during Operation Pied Piper, she’s left with little to do. Then her friend Margery talks her into joining the Women’s Land Army, and she finds herself working the land at a manor home in Yorkshire that’s been converted to a boys’ school. A teacher at heart, she is drawn to the lads, but the handsome yet stiff-necked headmaster wants her to stick to farming.

Left with an arm that barely works from the last “war to end all wars,” Gavin Emerson agrees to take on the job of headmaster when his school moves from London to Yorkshire, but he’s saddled with the quirky manor owner, bickering among his teachers, and a gaggle of Land Army girls who have turned the grounds into a farm. When the group’s blue-eyed, raven-haired leader nearly runs him down in a car, he admonishes her to stay in the fields, but they are thrown together at every turn. Can he trust her not to break his heart?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

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.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a former trustee for her local public library. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she explores the history of this great state and immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

 

More from Linda

The Women’s Land Army was originally formed in 1917, during The Great War to help Britain with its food production. After the men returned home, the group was disbanded. Once again at war in 1939, the WLA was reestablished, and over the course of the conflict, more than 200,000 women served all over the United Kingdom. Many came from cities and towns and knew very little about working on a farm. Most had to be taught how to drive, milk cows, collect eggs, sow, and reap the harvest in addition to the many other tasks associated with farms.

Among the largest crops to be produced were potatoes. They were cheap, and several varieties matured quickly providing food to citizens, troops, and refugees. Rationing was a necessary part of wartime life to ensure everyone had enough to eat. The government issued pamphlets and cookbooks with easy-to-follow recipes made with readily available food (tinned and fresh).

Lord Woolton Pie, a vegetarian potpie named after the Minister of Food, is one of those recipes. By all reports it was not well-received, however, I’ve made it on several occasions and find it quite tasty.

Pie

1lb cauliflower
1lb rutabaga (I use parsnips)
1lb carrots
1lb potatoes
Bunch of spring onions chopped
2 teaspoons of Marmite (yeast extract – or you can use a stock cube)
Tablespoon of rolled oats
Salt and pepper to taste once cooked.
Parsley (fresh or dried)

Pastry

8oz wholemeal/wholewheat flour
4oz mashed potato
3oz margarine or lard
2 tsp of baking powder
couple large pinches of salt
Dash of water if needed.

Procedure

  • Chop up the vegetables into chunks with those that take longest to cook into smaller pieces.
  • Place in pot and bring to simmer with just enough water to reach 3/4 of the way up the veg in the pot.
  • Add in Marmite and rolled oats, salt and pepper and cook until tender and most of the water has been absorbed.
  • Place mixture in deep pie dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley (or add dry parsley to mixture and mix in)
  • Make the pastry by mixing the flour with the baking powder and salt and then rubbing in the margarine.
  • Mix the mashed potato in to form a dough and knead (add a little water to the mixture if too dry)
  • Roll out to form pie crust and place on top and decorate then brush with milk.
  • Place in oven at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or so until top is form and browned.

Photo credits:

Newspaper recipe: Bromley & District Times, February 1941

Lord Woolton Pie: By autumnroseuk – Woolton pie, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46161211

Interview with the Author

  • Which character did you connect to best in this book?

I related to Gavin. Like him I don’t “change gears” quickly. Because of the bombing in London, he relocated with the school to northern England, had to set up everything, juggle curriculums, referee teachers, and support homesick students. Then the Women’s Land Army arrives, and his plans are turned upside down.

 

  • Which part of the book was the most difficult to write?

Because I’m a “happily ever after” kind of gal, the scenes that contain conflict are challenging for me to write. I want everyone to get along, but that makes for a boring story! It’s also important for the conflict to be realistic. If a writer goes too far, the situation may become unbelieveable for the reader.

 

  • What is your favorite vacation spot?

Anywhere that has a lake and/or mountains which is why living in New Hampshire is so perfect. We live in the lakes region but are surrounded by mountains and can see them from just about everywhere. We’re an hour from the White Mountains and visit the town of Lincoln regularly. It’s small enough to be cozy and friendly but large enough to have things to do, places to eat, and a grocery store.

 

  • What are you reading right now?

I typically have a non-fiction/research book going at the same time as a novel. I’m just starting Scarlett by Teresa Slack and am part way through Writing and Market Systems for Authors by Elana M. Johnson. I’m also making my way through The Resistance as research for the book I’m currently writing about the Dutch Resistance during WWII.

 

  • Describe your view as you’re sitting in your writing chair.

My office overlooks our backyard which is heavily treed. I get glimpses of sky, but not a lot. The view is what prompted us to purchase the house when we were downsizing several years ago and needed a smaller place. Sometimes, I see deer pass through, and every now and then an owl hangs out in the tree closest to my window. Currently, the foliage is green and lush, but in a few weeks, the leaves will turn to gold, orange, and red because we have lots of maple trees. In the winter, the skeletal branches are stark against the snow, and I can watch spring appear as the buds begin to appear on the branches. It’s the best of views.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 4

She Lives to Read, November 5

Simple Harvest Reads, November 6 (Author Interview)

Patti Wolf – Scribbling Spiritual Sand, November 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 7

Texas Book-aholic, November 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 9

Guild Master, November 10 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 11

For Him and My Family, November 12

Pause for Tales, November 13

Mary Hake, November 14

Fiction Book Lover, November 15 (Author Interview)

The Mommies Reviews, November 15

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 16

Leslie’s Library Escape, November 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Visa Gift Card & copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

ttps://promosimple.com/ps/3d001/a-lesson-in-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

Chasing the Blue Boat: A Novel of Longing Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Chasing the Blue Boat: A Novel of Longing

Author: Connie Kallback

Genre: Historical Coming of Age

Release Date: November 26, 2024

Nine-year-old Dana Foster will follow her older brother, Luke, wherever he goes. From climbing on ledges, jumping in a fish pond, and causing general mischief, Luke is fearless. But when tragedy strikes the Foster family, everything that Dana has ever known is suddenly turned upside down. When the storms of life come, will the Foster family stand firm in their faith? Or will they shatter under the pressure? Suddenly, a blue boat that Dana and Luke received from their uncle leads Dana on a journey of faith, hope, and love that she will not soon forget.

In this coming-of-age story, discover the truths of God’s grace in suffering, the blessing of forgiveness, and how to hold on to your faith when all hope seems lost.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Connie Kallback grew up on the plains of Cheyenne, Wyoming, attended the University of Wyoming, and graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle. She transitioned from English teacher to publishing in New Jersey with CCMI/McGraw-Hill, Prentice Hall, and CPP, Inc, in positions from writer to acquisitions and managing editor. Her early writing, penned while teaching, appeared in magazines, newspapers and literary journals. No longer wearing the hats of Mary Poppins or Sherlock Holmes, necessities of raising six children in two separate families, she writes in South Carolina where she lives with her husband.

 

 

More from Connie

The idea for Chasing the Blue Boat began with the memory of a dangerous escapade from my early childhood years. The thought of it scares me to this day.

I grew up in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and lived one block from the Wyoming State Capitol Building. One day I followed my older brother there, up nearly 20 steps from the ground to the grand side entrance with giant doors flanked by a waist-high wall and soaring support columns. We scaled the wall close to the building and placed our feet on an architectural ledge that circled the entire structure. Hoping to follow it all the way around, we began to sidle sideways, hugging the stone.

I remember being scared, but my unrealistic stage of thinking made me hope the grass would break my fall!

We made it around the first corner – I don’t know how – and continued along the front until a woman in an office inside spotted me. Knowing we shouldn’t be there, we reversed our steps and ran home.

That’s how the fictional coming-of-age story begins. Dana, the young girl, joins her brother in many adventures before a tragedy changes her whole family and sends each of them on separate journeys of suffering, accompanied by hope and forgiveness.

Interview with the Author

  1. Which character did you connect with best in Chasing the Blue Boat?

Dana Foster, main character in this coming-of-age novel, endures many of my own emotional experiences in growing up. You might think I’d connect with her most for that reason, but my favorite character is teenager Seth Morgan who appears later in the book. His devotion to God along with his sense of humor and light-hearted way of approaching life appeals to me. Along with his grandmother, he reminds Dana that God has turned up for her in ways she hadn’t realized. And yet, he seems unable to stay in a serious mode for long. I have no idea where he came from in my creative imagination, but I just love that kid.

  1. Which author influenced you the most?

It may seem strange to name Richard Wilbur as an influencer of my work. Rather than a novelist, he was a poet, translator, essayist, lyricist, and author of children’s books. Words, the connecting points of them all, became the first love of my life and remain so to this day. His poems help me appreciate the wonder and power of words and sounds produced by rhythm, rhyme, and other techniques. An example of a line from an early poem demonstrates onomatopoeia, imitating the sound of what is being described. The slip, slip of the paddlewheel, emulates the water’s sound as it slips through a boat’s paddlewheel.

His poetry is masterful but understandable to most readers. One of my favorite poems, The Writer, describes his daughter writing a story. She types quickly, pauses, and types again.

            I pause in the stairwell, hearing

            From her shut door a commotion of typewriter-keys

            Like a chain hauled over a gunwale.

The next stanzas detail the struggle of a starling once caught in that room. It tries to find a way out, but bloodied from hitting the window glass, it rests until the poet and daughter steal in to open a window. They watch the bird lifting from a chair, Beating a smooth course for the right window/And clearing the sill of the world.

The final stanza ties the bird’s struggle to that of the daughter, struggling to create. The journey is hard but worth it.

 

  1. What are you reading right now?

The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White. A recommendation from a friend, it’s the first of her books I’ve chosen. It was a no-brainer for me because World War II is one of my favorite historical periods of all time. This is why: I was a preschooler when WWII endeda clue to my ancient state of being. I knew a war was going on even though I was too young to understand it all. My brother and I enthusiastically stomped empty tin cans to flatten them for the war recycling effort and added thin aluminum we stripped from our chewing gum wrappers. I also remember being at my grandparents’ house one night when the town practiced a blackout. Grandpa, a block captain with a smoked-lens flashlight, checked neighboring houses to make sure all lights stayed off. My aunt told me it was to make sure strange airplanes flying over couldn’t see our town. Again, what did I know? I put it all together in retrospect.

Another memory: On August 14, 1945, I rode in the back seat of our family car in Cheyenne, Wyoming, when all the church bells in town rang in competition with deep-throated train whistles from the Union Pacific Railroad and people whooped it up in the streets. From a nearby sidewalk, a paper boy yelled, “Extra, Extra! Read all about it,” like a scene from the movies, and Dad stopped the car to buy a paper from him. It was Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day) that marked the end of WWII. I’ve never witnessed anything like it since. It’s still amazing for me to realize what that day meant.

  1. Describe your view as you’re sitting in your writing chair.

It’s the best writing room I’ve ever had with three walls of glass to let me take in how our back yard slopes toward neighbors’ yards of rolling wooded acres. Activities of rabbits, squirrels, and birds occasionally distract me from writing. I once wrote about a rabbit standing erect as a guard while his mate casually ate the grass, but I cut the scene when the book became too long.

  1. If you could have one book or piece of art or music on a deserted island, what would it be and why? It would be the Holy Bible because it reveals not only the history of life after Adam, but the emotional responses of human behavior ranging from grief, hatred, jealousy, and greed to joy, love, kindness, and forgiveness, to list a few. The characters in Chasing the Blue Boat slip into many of these modes. And selfishly, I wouldn’t run out of reading material. Not only does it contain the greatest story ever told, it presents numerous stories to be read again and again.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 1

Texas Book-aholic, November 2

Simple Harvest Reads, November 3 (Author Interview)

Inspired by Fiction, November 4

lakesidelivingsiste, November 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 5

Artistic Nobody, November 6 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, November 6

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, November 7

Devoted To Hope, November 8

Guild Master, November 9 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 10

Fiction Book Lover, November 11 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, November 12 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, November 13

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 14 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Connie is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/3dc6b/chasing-the-blue-boat-a-novel-of-longing-celebration-tour-giveaway

Lovelight Gleams Spotlight and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Lovelight Gleams: The Christmas Lights Collection 2025

Authors: Laina Turner, Cathe Swanson, Jaycee Weaver, Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian Christmas Romance

Release Date: October 7, 2025

Being selected to enter into The Christmas Lights Showcase is an honor—and a commitment! Entrants pay a hefty fee and spend months designing and executing a Christmas display to knock all others out of the running.  With only four competitors selected out of thousands of entrants, competition is stiff!  Cozy up and join us as one judge, four locales, a few million lights, and more than a little Christmas romance bring it all together.

A Christmas Glow-Up by Cathe Swanson

One small town, two big dreams… and a spark that could change everything.

When determined conference center manager Gwen Smith enters a national Christmas decorating contest, she’s betting her career on turning Golden Valley into a holiday showstopper—complete with a ghost town glow-up and a Wild West reenactment. But her carefully laid plans are upended by Seth Morgan, a sharp but skeptical marketing consultant who’s just inherited a stake in the center—and isn’t afraid to challenge Gwen every step of the way.

Faith, Food, and Festive Lights by Laina Turner

Mariah Butters is determined to put her beloved Cottontail Junction on the culinary map—even if it’s just a tiny Montana town. When a Christmas lights contest offers a shot at a national ad campaign, Pearl rallies the local restaurant owners for a festive showdown that could change everything. Enter Tom Roarke—a steady, kind-hearted rancher who offers his time, his tools, and maybe even his heart. As they string lights and spark ideas, Pearl and Tom find their friendship heating up. Can they light up the town, win the contest, and discover that the best kind of love is the one that shines brightest at Christmas?

Just One More Christmas by Jaycee Weaver

Who says insta-love never lasts?

When Cole and Amy met forty-one years ago and married a month later, who could have imagined the beautiful life that would follow? This Christmas obsessed Christian couple has made it their life’s mission to spread the love of Christ and all Christmas represents to others who need it most. And this year, the lights contest that brought them together has the potential to share their love of Christmas with even more people if they can only take their Christmas décor to the next level.

The Sparkle of New Cheltenham by Chautona Havig

Her dream job just became her worst nightmare.

Kindra Hatheway walked off her graduation platform and into the perfect position with the perfect advertising company. That’s where her perfect life ended. Now one of her supervisors has put her in for a fluff job (a Christmas decorating contest? Really?) to get her out of the way. Add to that all the travel, the pressure from one of her colleagues to pick New Cheltenham as the winner, and the fact that she keeps flirting with her supervisor, and this Christmas is looking… complicated.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Laina Turner:  Laina Turner writes sweet, feel-good romances that always have a HEA. When she’s not writing she’s a college professor teaching business and English. Through all her career choices, she has continued to have a passion for writing stemming from childhood, where, as an only child, she developed a vivid imagination.

 

 

 

 

Cathe Swanson: Cathe writes books with creative plots and engaging characters of all ages, to glorify God and entertain and bless readers. Her heartwarming stories will make you laugh and make you cry—and then make you laugh again.

 

 

 

 

Jaycee Weaver: When New Mexico resident and USA Today bestselling author Jaycee Weaver isn’t reading or writing, she enjoys dates with her brainiac hubby, crafting, pretending she’s a nature photographer, and making her daughters cringe. She appreciates humorous books with banter, characters who overcome adversity, and guaranteed happy endings, so that’s what she writes.

 

 

 

Chautona Havig: Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours, and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

 

 

 

 

More from Chautona

Ten years ago, Cathe Swanson and I started chatting about maybe doing a “Christmas collection” with a couple of other authors. Never did we imagine that this Christmas Lights Collection would still be going strong!  Over the years we’ve had many authors as part of our collection—Sarah Monzon, Kari  Trumbo, Vikki Kestell (year one!), Toni Shiloh, Teresa Tysinger, and… well, you get the gist!  Lots of authors. Jaycee Weaver has been a part of the collection for… five now?  Where has the time gone and all those cliches?

For the tenth annual collection, we decided to mix things up a bit.  In this year’s collection, one character is going to visit all the locations in the other books for a semi-interconnected experience.  The idea I for each book to stand alone as usual, but if you read them in the order they appear in the collection, your experience will be a bit like our “judge,” Kindra Hatheway.

Kindra is the “judge” (shocker, right?) for a Christmas lights & decorating contest that four towns/businesses are entering. She’s young, out of her depth, and has a lot of pressure on her for something she thinks of as a “fluff job.”  Follow her from Rockland to Hawaii (or… well, that’d be spoilers), to Montana, over to  New Mexico… and more!

This year’s authors bring their unique perspectives to the story. You’ll get more of Jaycee Weaver’s Sinclair family, but this time we get to see the parents’ romance unfold both in past and present. Insta-love sometimes lasts a lifetime!  Cathe Swanson always brings quirky characters, humor, and all in a delightful community. Meet Pearl and Tom as Laina Turner brings faith and love into the lights of Cottontail Junction. And yep. Chautona (that’s me!) is taking you back to see the sparkle the residents of New Cheltenham has added to their town just for the contest.

In each book, you’ll find characters full of faith, hope, and of course, love.  Thank you from all of the Lovelight Gleams authors. We wish you a very merry and peace-filled Christmas.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 22

Texas Book-aholic, October 23

Vicky Sluiter, October 24

For Him and My Family, October 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 26

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, October 27

She Lives to Read, October 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 29

Stories By Gina, October 30 (Author Interview)

The Mommies Reviews, October 30

Blossoms and Blessings, October 31

Simple Harvest Reads, November 1 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, November 2

Artistic Nobody, November 3 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, November 3

Fiction Book Lover, November 4 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

 To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/3d282/lovelight-gleams-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Bible Companion Book 6 Psalms Book Spotlight!

About the Book

Book: The Bible Companion Book 6 Psalms

Author: Karen Westbrook Moderow

Genre: Bible Study

Can you tell God how you feel? The Bible Companion Book 6 helps you approach God with both honesty and respect. A simple one-chapter-a-day format lets you engage with Scriptures without the pressure of schedules, homework, or heavy reading loads. Short daily readings and thought-provoking questions connect your story to God’s Word. For personal and group study.

 

In the Books of Wisdom (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs), God speaks to us in poetry—the language of the heart. In Psalms we mourn, celebrate, and worship with people who run to God in the best and worst seasons of life. Their experiences give us hope. If you feel alone, if you are hurting, if you need grace, join the psalmists who find forgiveness and strength in God’s presence.

 

Excerpt from the Book

THE PSALMS ARE A COLLECTION of poems written over centuries. King David wrote 73 of the 150 psalms, and his presence shapes the book spiritually and symbolically. In 1 and 2 Samuel, David was revealed as a flawed man who was saved by his heart for God. In Chronicles David was presented as a good king who fore­shadows Jesus, the perfect King. The book of Psalms unites these two perspectives. David-as-man speaks to our humanity. David-as-king points to Jesus, a coming Messiah who offers eternal salvation, a personal rela­tionship with our Creator, and a kingdom where love, mercy, and justice reign.

The Psalms (like Job, Proverbs, Song of Songs, and Ecclesiastes) are considered Wisdom Literature. This genre, prized in the ancient Near East, teaches the principles needed to be successful in life.  However, wisdom in the Bible is always rooted in “the fear of the Lord.” Biblical wisdom teaches us how to live our lives in ways that honor God, ourselves, and others. Wisdom Literature (much of which is poetry) uses

striking imagery to both convey the precepts and to inspire us to obey them.

The Psalms encourages us to look to God for help when we are hurt and overwhelmed.

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here

Excerpt One: https://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/the-bible-companion-book-6-psalms-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Two: https://www.fictionbooklover.com/posts/the-bible-companion-book-6-psalms-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Three: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/the-bible-companion-book-6-psalms-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Four: https://www.deniselbarela.com/posts/the-bible-companion-book-6-psalms-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Five: https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-bible-companion-book-6-psalms-epic.html
Excerpt Six: https://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/2025/10/celebrate-lit-presents-epic-book-launch.html
Excerpt Seven: https://nannie3.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-bible-companion-book-6.html

 

About the Author

KAREN WESTBROOK MODEROW is a Bible teacher and author who brings a storyteller’s perspective to Scripture. She holds master’s degrees in theology and creative writing and loves introducing others to Jesus through the stories told in God’s Word.

 

Unauthorized Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Unauthorized, a prequel novella

Author: Sherri Wilson Johnson

Genre: Faith-Based Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 7, 2025

Daisy Blackwood has always played by the rules. As a meticulous budget analyst in Nashville, she’s built a life of quiet routines and steady work—until one discovery shatters everything. She uncovers evidence of embezzlement at her firm and sets off a chain of events that leaves Daisy framed, frightened, and fighting to clear her name.

With her career—and freedom—on the line, Daisy finds an unexpected ally in Owen Mackenzie, a sharp-witted IT auditor who’s more comfortable behind a screen than in the middle of corporate chaos. As danger closes in, Owen steps out of the shadows to protect her, and a slow-burning connection sparks into something deeper.

Set against the soulful backdrop of Nashville, this heartwarming romantic suspense blends “wrongfully accused,” “slow burn romance,” and “protective hero” tropes into a story of courage, trust, and unexpected love.

As Daisy and Owen dig deeper into a dangerous conspiracy, they’ll have to risk everything—including their hearts—to uncover the truth.

* Unauthorized is the prequel novella to book one in Sherri’s The Silas Holcomb Legacy series, coming out in the fall of 2025.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Sherri Wilson Johnson writes romantic suspense from her home in Georgia where she lives with her husband, their two dogs and spoiled Bombay cat. Sherri loves spending time with family, vacationing at the beach, reading or working on her current work-in-progress. She dreams of a second home on some beach somewhere some day, where she can plot romantically suspenseful novels around the clock.

 

 

 

More from Sherri

When I started dreaming up the Silas Holcomb Legacy series, I knew I didn’t want to write about traditional heroes and heroines. You know the type—confident, charismatic, effortlessly brave. Instead, I wanted to explore the quieter, quirkier people we often overlook. The dependable coworker. The quiet thinker in the back of the meeting room. The ones who aren’t flashy or bold or naturally brave. The ones who doubt themselves more than they should. The ones who never imagined they’d find themselves at the center of a high-stakes mystery… or a love story.

That’s the heart of The Silas Holcomb Legacy series, and specifically the vibe you’ll feel in Unauthorized, the prequel novella. Daisy and Owen are the kinds of people who don’t usually get the spotlight—but should.

Daisy is a sharp-minded budget analyst working in the competitive corporate world of Nashville. She’s smart, driven, and meticulous—but doesn’t exactly stand out in a room. (Well, to Owen—the quiet, nerdy guy from IT—she does, but she doesn’t know that!) After the recent death of her estranged grandfather, she’s emotionally raw and not at all ready to play detective. But when she stumbles across an embezzlement scheme and someone tries to frame her for it, she’s forced to step into a role she never imagined: the one who solves the mystery.

And she doesn’t do it alone.

Owen is not your typical romantic lead—he knows more about server logs than small talk. He’s not suave, he’s not smooth, but he’s steady and loyal and brilliant in all the ways that matter. Together, they dig into the company’s secrets, unravel a trail of deception, and prove that you don’t need to be the loudest person in the room to change the story.

This story is about rising to the occasion, even when you don’t feel like the kind of person who’s supposed to save the day. It’s about finding strength when you’d rather hide. About realizing you were never a side character—you were just waiting for your moment to lead.

And yes, it’s about love that grows not from charm or swagger, but from courage and kindness. Daisy and Owen prove that sometimes, the least likely heroes are exactly the ones we need. Their journey is close to my heart, and I hope their story encourages readers to believe in their own quiet kind of brave.

And the most exciting part? This is the first book in a thrilling and mysterious new series that brings an estranged family back together. Will they stay together? Well, you’ll have to stay tuned for the rest of the series to find out!

I can’t wait to show you what’s next.

Sherri

Interview with the author

1)What does success as an author look like to you?

Finishing a story and being happy with it, but also hearing from a reader who tells me my book either blessed them or captivated them feels like success to me.

2)Which character did you connect to best in this book?

Daisy. I’m analytical like she is, and I can’t stop until I find answers, just like her.

 

3)Which part of the book was the most difficult to write?

There really wasn’t a difficult part to this book. I wrote it pretty quickly.

4)What inspired this book?

A trip to Nashville. I couldn’t wait to write something set in a city. Most of my previous books have been in rural settings.

5)Which author influenced you the most?

On a personal level, it would be Sandra Robbins, who used to write for Love Inspired Suspense before she went home to be with the Lord. She was a mentor and great friend and always had an encouraging word for me.

6)What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

John 14:1-3

7)What is your vacation spot?

Any beach, but specifically Gulf Shores, Alabama, the setting of my Jeopardized Reunions series.

 

8)What are you reading right now?

Where the Crawdads Sing

9)Describe your view as you’re sitting in your writing chair.

Out my window, a 15-foot-tall blooming crepe myrtle bush houses my favorite bird, the Cardinal.

10) If you could have one book or piece of art or music on a deserted island, what would it be and why?

Besides my Bible, I would have a Hans Zimmer movie soundtrack.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 21

Stories By Gina, October 22 (Author Interview)

The Mommies Reviews, October 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 23

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, October 24 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool , October 25

Simple Harvest Reads, October 26 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, October 27

Artistic Nobody, October 28 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 29

Guild Master, October 30 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, October 31 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, November 1

Fiction Book Lover, November 2 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 3 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Corner, November 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sherri giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/3d281/unauthorized-celebration-tour-giveaway