May 2026 Book Scavenger Hunt Stop Eight: Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling by EV Sparrow

Excerpt from the Book

The afternoon sun flirted with the forest and gray clouds, dancing behind the tallest trees, then shimmering with the wind through the sparkling leaves and needles. Here’s a fine moment to get me a drink. Mick poured water from his canteen into Danny’s cup, then rummaged inside his wooden chest at the rear of the wagon for a fresh bottle of whiskey.

“Such a sweet one you are,” lilted a husky, tender voice. “And where did you come from?”

Mick spun around, hunting for that mesmerizing sound.

The sultry voice murmured, “Such mournful eyes you have. You’ve melted my heart, haven’t you?”

From behind the wagon’s bed, Mick scurried around its side toward the horses and the wagon seat.

A petite, curvy, woman wrapped in shawls and a scarf stood beside Danny, stroking his ears.

The dog’s eyes were closed with her caresses. As me own would be. Mick took two steps toward the beauty, when he caught a movement in his side vision, and stopped.

An older version of the beauty hurried to the younger. “Shauna, what are you ’bout? Where are your wits? Never be touching a strange dog. I can smell him.” She kept her distance with her scrutiny glued on Danny. “Come away at once.”

“I wonder who he belongs to, Mother. He’s friendly and well-fed. Not a wild dog at all, if that’s what you’re thinking. He must belong to the owner of this wagon.” Shauna turned as her mother tugged on her arm, and caught sight of Mick, frozen next to the horses. “You, there. Are you this dog’s owner?” Large, dark-fringed pools of liquid brown doe eyes twinkled at him from beneath moist raven tendrils trapped against her forehead. Her unblemished skin was milky white.

A selkie. The legend is flesh and blood. Mick grew light-headed and dizzy until he remembered to breathe. He blinked, while Shauna approached him and stood five feet away, waiting for his answer. He yanked off his cap, then shook his head. Dirty hair. He stuffed his cap back on. Then he yanked it off. Heat rose to his face.

She grinned at his discomfort, then giggled.

He whispered, “Holy heavens, a sweet angel face with the sound of heaven coming from those rosy lips.”

“Shauna Eileen McGann, mind your manners.” Her mother lifted her chin and sniffed the air, impaling Mick with her stare. “Who are you, sir? What business are you on? For we are a small community, and we recognize strangers.” She said it with a definite warning tone. Like when Mother scolded us for misbehaving, and he hadn’t done a thing… yet.

McGann. McGann’s wife? Mick cleared his throat. He tried to speak, but his voice squeaked. He tried again, without luck.

Want to know more about the book?

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A heartsore widower with hidden fears and little faith…
The naïve daughter of a farmer guarding a repulsive secret…
A township unaware of the hidden menace amongst them…

New York City, 1867
Heartbroken from losing his family and his farm, Mick Muldoon is hopeful as he emigrates to America with his siblings. All he finds is despair and no work. Were America’s rumored promises of plenty all lies? Would God ever hear and answer his prayers?
Minnesota, 1867
Seventeen-year-old Shauna McGann is determined to marry Mick Muldoon despite her mother’s objections. His past and his limp might repulse others, but not her. What burdens Shauna is her terrible secret—a secret she promised her friends she would keep. Now Shauna needs help and protection. Could she trust Mick, or will she lose everything by telling him?

Will Mick finally be free of loss and find success in America? Will Shauna overcome her fears and finally feel safe?

In this Muldoon’s Misfortunes prelude novella, author E.V. Sparrow creates a provoking tale of flickering faith and enduring hope through an emigrant’s efforts to adapt, and a young woman’s unprejudiced love.

Get your copy here!

About the Author

Author E. V. Sparrow served on mission trips, a worship team, and as a prayer ministry leader. She volunteered with Global Media Outreach, at Serna Village Housing for homeless families, and led small groups in Single’s, and Divorce Care ministries. All Sparrow’s stories guide readers to From Darkness Into Light.

Scavenger Hunt Word Eight: and

Find the other stops here!

Giveaway!

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for your chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card!

https://www.celebratelit.com/2026-may-scavenger-hunt/

Just Another Home Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Just Another Home

Author: Kimberly Banet

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction, Women’s Christian Fiction

Release Date: May 7, 2024

Sixteen-year-old Sam Keller has lived in foster homes and group homes most of his life and has long ago given up on the dream of a stable, forever family. Adults have always let him down, and so has God, and he has no use for either.

John and Abbie Grayson are a respected, successful couple in their fifties with two grown children. They live in their dream home in Franklin, TN, an idyllic suburb of Nashville, where John is a successful college basketball coach, and Abbie works part-time at their local church. But Abbie feels something is missing from her life and convinces John they should become foster parents.

Their worlds collide when Sam is placed in the Grayson home for a few days. Days turn into months, and Sam thrives with the Graysons and allows himself to dream of a forever family, while John and Abbie realize the teen has found his way into their hearts.

As the Graysons begin to investigate the possibility of adopting Sam, an evil agenda emerges, and a secret past is revealed. Nothing short of a miracle can save Sam from a harrowing ordeal and keep the Grayson family together.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kimberly Banet received her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University. She started writing in 2020. Her debut novel, Just Another Home, was a 2023 ACFW Genesis Finalist.

Kimberly was married to the love of her life, Jeff, from 1988 until his passing in December, 2024. Together they raised two children, Nicole and Brandon.

Kimberly lives in beautiful Starlight, Indiana, with her two fur babies, Daisy and Winnie.

More from Kimberly

My debut novel, Just Another Home, was released in 2024. It’s about a teen in the foster care system, Sam, who is placed with a couple in their fifties, John and Abbie. Something most people don’t know about Just Another Home is that the setting of the story, Franklin, Tennessee, was not just some random town I chose for the backdrop of Sam’s story. Franklin is a place I’ve visited many times and is near and dear to my heart.

In 2015, our daughter and son-in-law moved to Franklin, a little over three hours from our home in Indiana where my husband and I have lived all our lives. We visited frequently. We loved the small-town, rural feel of Franklin, with its rolling fields and farms and the scenic beauty of the nearby Natchez Trace Parkway. It also satisfied everything we wanted in a small city with its unique shops, boutiques and locally-owned restaurants on Main Street and nearby Cool Springs.

My favorite things about Franklin, though, were the great family weekends we spent there. The memories of one weekend in particular always makes me smile. We attended the Dickens of a Christmas Festival on the square in downtown Franklin. It was just one of the many festivals they have there, but the one I love the most.

It was a blustery, cold day for Middle Tennessee. The high was only 30 degrees and snow flurries were flying. With coffee in hand, we braved the downtown streets and met all our favorite Dickens characters—Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, and Tiny Tim, among others. There were vendor booths, and a giant, beautifully lit Christmas tree in the square. It was a beautiful, Christmas-like day with our whole family together in the same place at the same time. When we got too cold to walk anymore, we ducked into a pizzeria to have lunch and warm up. Then we finished the day at our favorite local bookstore there, Landmark. This mother’s heart was full.

Does all of this sound familiar? If you’ve read Just Another Home, it does, because this exact story is played out as Sam attends the Dickens Festival with his foster family. It’s the first time he is genuinely happy since he can remember. He can enjoy the day with them without having to fight for survival or worry about what tomorrow brings. For once he is free and his heart is not troubled.

Kind of like this momma’s heart, having her whole family in the same place at the same time.

Interview with the Author

What does success as an author look like to you?

Success to me is when someone reads one of my stories and is shown the light of Jesus. My goal is to not be preachy but to show how faith and hope manifest in real-life situations. Even better, if someone discovers who Jesus is for the first time.

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

The “all is lost” portion. In Just Another Home, it’s when Sam has to go back to live with his birth father. After being shown faith, hope, love and attention by the Grayson family, he faces hopelessness and pain with his father. These scenes were difficult to write because I had to strip away all the goodness Sam had been shown and place him face to face with evil. I knew what these scenes were to be but put them off for a long time before I actual wrote them.

What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

My favorite verse is one that I based the Family Forever series on. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

What are you reading right now?

Right now, I’m reading A Match Made at Christmas. It’s a novella collection by Amy Anguish, Sarah Anne Crouch, Lori Dejong and Heather Greer. It’s a little late to be reading Christmas stories I know, but I’m currently writing book 4 in my Family Forever series which happens to be a Christmas story, so reading this is helping to set the mood.

Describe your view as you’re sitting in your writing chair. My view is of my wirehaired dachshund, Daisy, and my yorkiepoo, Winnie, sleeping next to my desk. And Daisy is snoring loudly. They are my constant companions. Daisy is even featured in Books 2 and 3 of the Family Forever Series.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 25

Stories By Gina, April 26 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, April 27 (Author Interview)

Fruitfully Planted, April 27

Artistic Nobody, April 28 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 29

The Bookish Ledger, April 30 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, May 1 (Author Interview)

Books Less Travelled, May 2 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 3

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, May 4 (Author Interview)

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, May 5 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, May 5

Vicky Sluiter, May 6 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 7

For the Love of Literature, May 8 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kimberly is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a signed 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://gleam.io/HlylC/just-another-home-celebration-tour-giveaway

Chautona Havig Scavenger Hunt Stop One: CrossWords

Want to know more about the book?

Two believers and one skeptic walk into a Christian bookstore. Words ensue—including cross ones.

CrossWords has thrived for over fifty years, and Shiloh Scott runs it with equal parts Scripture, encouragement, and wholehearted hugs. So when she moves the store to a new location, she expects shelving chaos.

She does not expect to learn her nephew is done with Jesus.

Judah Hensley isn’t rebelling. He isn’t doubting. He’s never really believed. The last thing he needs is a spring break spent hauling Bibles—or a summer of cheerful “blessed days.”

Unfortunately for him, Panda Marie—sunshine with a beta fish named Sushi—has questions. And opinions. And a stubborn refusal to let him hide behind sarcasm. Their banter crackles. Their arguments dig deeper. And somewhere between cinnamon roll diplomacy and alphabetizing devotionals, Judah’s certainty begins to wobble.

Meanwhile, Milton Coleridge heads to Maine to wrangle an injured, sharp-tongued aunt with strong opinions about everything—including him. But he won’t stay away long. Even successful CrossWords might just need his help after all.

Especially since his parrotlet, Atticus (not Finch), has decided he’s hopelessly devoted to a fish.

It may take love, laughter, and a little holy nudge to steady CrossWords again.

Because sometimes faith isn’t something you lose.

It’s something you discover when you finally stop winging it alone.

Don’t miss Milton’s and Atticus’s next bookish adventure in Greeneville, Tennessee!

Get your copy here!

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling author 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.

Scavenger Hunt Word One: I

Giveaway!

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for your chance to win a bookish prize box including a couple of paperbacks, bookish stickers, and more!!

https://www.celebratelit.com/chautona-havigs-april-scavenger-hunt-giveaway/

Hannah’s Quest Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Hannah’s Quest

Author: Jodie Wolfe

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 13, 2025

Hannah Moore escapes the overbearing grip of her relatives and forges her own way in Shippensburg, PA, far away from their clutches. Despite Hannah’s sheer determination, she finds life on her own daunting as she loses job after job. Unsure where she fits in, Hannah wonders if she’ll ever be good enough. She feels as if God has forsaken her and questions if she will ever find a place to belong. The last thing she needs is an ignorant shop keeper constantly questioning her abilities and standing in her way. Hannah will take almost any position available so as not to return to the place of her upbringing.

Luke Weiser has one goal in mind—finding a way to save his grandmother and restore her health. Only trouble is, she has other ideas about what is best for her. Gran longs to see Luke’s return to faith in the Lord, but he blames God for his grandmother’s sickness and the tragic events of his childhood. After the death of his mother, followed by his father’s abandonment, Luke refuses to trust his heart to anyone, and certainly not a wife. When Hannah keeps popping up in the hardware shop where he works, Luke is forced to think twice about his convictions.

Can two bruised hearts follow their personal quests and discover healing in the process?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

JODIE WOLFE loves writing historical fiction after years as a homeschooling mom. She creates novels where hope and quirky meet. Jodie is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHLCW). She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. Jodie enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, knitting, and walking.

More from Jodie

It’s been such a joy to set a series in the town where I graduated from college almost 40 years ago. I’m so thankful my husband suggested it, as it’s been a lot of fun digging into the history of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding area during the 19^th century. Before this series, all my other books had settings in the Mid-west—Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas.

When I started writing the first book, Abigail’s Pursuit, quite a number of years ago, I never intended to create a series about prodigals, let alone experience the pain of it in my life… but God knew what the future held. While each of the books in this Time to Come Home Series revolves around the common theme of a prodigal, each of the tales is a stand-alone. My prayer is for those who have children who have wandered away, or perhaps were once prodigals themselves, or even others who enjoy Christian historical romance with strong spiritual themes—that each of these groups find encouragement through reading this series.

Hannah’s Quest was exciting to write as I incorporated information about one of the oldest continually run hardware stores in PA that is still operating to this day, even though it’s changed names various times through the years. I hope you’ll enjoy stepping back in time to a small town in south-central PA where faith and family are celebrated.I

Interview with the Author

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

When I set out to write a series set in Shippensburg, PA and surrounding area, I never figured it would have a common theme of prodigals. But then, three years ago, my husband and I were faced with having an adult prodigal son of our own. So, when I’m writing scenes about the prodigal returning home, it’s hard to not get emotional when we haven’t experienced it ourselves yet.

Which author influenced the you most?

I would have to say Laura Ingalls Wilder. It was through reading her Little House on the Prairie series as a young girl, that I decided I wanted to be a writer too.

What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

I have a number of favorite Bible verses, depending upon whatever I’m facing in my life at the time. But the one I always include when I sign a book for a reader is Hebrews 11:1. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (NIV)

What are you reading right now?

Right now, I’m reading a book totally different than my normal Christian historical romance genre. I’m reading Dr. David Jeremiah’s novel, Vanished. I also picked up a copy of Jody Hedlund’s Marrying the Matchmaker which is next on my to-be-read pile. 😊

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

In front of me, just beyond my computer screen is my story board for my next novel, Sarah’s Search. All my characters, their homes, churches, etc. are easy to reference. To my left, is all my research files for this current story.

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, April 18

Stories By Gina, April 19 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, April 20 (Author Interview)

Fruitfully Planted, April 20

Artistic Nobody, April 21 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 22

Guild Master, April 23 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, April 24 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, April 25 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, April 26

For the Love of Literature, April 27 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 28 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, April 28

Blossoms and Blessings, April 29 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, April 30

The Bookish Ledger, May 1 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jodie is giving away the grand prize of a Kindle!!

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

https://gleam.io/NokHu/hannahs-quest-celebration-tour-giveaway

Mail-Order Baroness Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Mail-Order Baroness

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 10, 2026

Five sons of an English duke, all raised in the Rocky Mountains…

James Balfour, the charming middle son of an English duke, is determined to prove he’s capable of taking leadership of his family’s Montana ranch as the next deadly winter approaches. With the household stretched to its limits, James crafts a clever plan to hire Rose Prescott—his childhood best friend—and to right an old wrong.

Rose’s remarkable singing voice was meant to be her gift, but in Virginia City, it’s become her curse. Forced by her stepfather to perform nightly shows, she dreams of escape and a life free from his control. When a newspaper ad for a housekeeper offers her a way out, she risks everything and flees, hoping her stepfather can’t find her. She never expected to return to the Balfour ranch, nor to see James again, whose charm now reminds her too much of the men who’ve betrayed her before.

James’s desire to protect Rose is shaken when his old friend treats him like an enemy. Winning her trust becomes his greatest challenge yet. As tensions rise on the ranch, old secrets and new dangers threaten everything James and his family have built.

With enemies closing in, Rose must decide whom she can trust—and whether she’s willing to fight for the freedom and love she’s always longed for.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a royal family saga featuring a mail-order bride, a second chance romance, and an aristocratic marriage of convenience…all set in the rugged Montana Territory.

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Marilyn

This was a pleasant Christian historical fiction set in Montana. The Balfour sons loved the life they had established in Montana but sure missed their mother and others who had first arrived in Montana. James never forgot Rose and wanted to bring her back. but how will he accomplished that when she was so young when she left?

The plot, events, characters, and a shady villain kept the story flowing till the end. I enjoyed how their father could be a part with his connections to respectable men in the area, that could assist with the issues that arose with James and Rose. Mrs. Wang is a beautiful soul and sure loved her position on the Balfour ranch, the young men and despondent Rose. As Misty Beller is known for she interweaves God’s unconditional love for all no matter their life choices or what they were forced to do.

I received an early copy of this book from Wild Heart Books and the author as part of the book tour. I have expressed my own thoughts.

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is an ECPA and USA Today bestselling author with over 1 million books sold. She writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

More from Misty

Hello Reader Friends!

I’m so excited to be back with you in the Lords of the Rockies world—where Regency roots and Montana grit collide in the best kind of way.

When I first dreamed up this series, I couldn’t stop thinking about what would happen if five sons of an English duke were raised far from ballrooms and titled expectations…out in the wide-open wilderness instead. No polished drawing rooms. No London Season. Just rugged mountains, hard work, and the kind of faith that’s tested (and strengthened) when survival itself requires perseverance.

And now I’m thrilled to share the newest installment with you…

Welcome to Mail-Order Baroness!

One of my favorite things about writing romance is getting to explore the truth that God is always in the business of redemption—of taking what’s been broken and offering something new. That’s one reason I especially love the second-chance romance trope.

There’s just something so moving about two people who have already been hurt—by life, by circumstances, sometimes even by each other—and yet are given an unexpected opportunity to try again. Not because everything is suddenly easy, but because they’re different now. Wiser. Humbled. More aware of what truly matters.

In Mail-Order Baroness, you’ll find a love story rooted in that kind of hope—the kind that doesn’t ignore the past, but doesn’t let the past have the final word either.

If you enjoy stories with:

old wounds that still ache
hard-earned forgiveness
trust rebuilt one choice at a time
and the gentle reminder that God can restore what feels beyond saving

…then I think this one will tug at your heart.

At its core, this book is about a fresh start that doesn’t come from pretending yesterday didn’t happen—but from bravely stepping forward anyway, learning to hope again, and discovering that the Lord can write something beautiful even after disappointment.

I pray you love Mail-Order Baroness! J

Blessings!

Misty

Blog Stops

Sydney Schmied Books, March 14

Madi’s Musings, March 14

Pause for Tales, March 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 15

Holly’s Book Corner, March 15

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 16

Simple Harvest Reads, March 16 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 17

Texas Book-aholic, March 17

Slyvan Musings, March 18

Devoted To Hope, March 18

Melissa’s Bookshelf, March 18

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 20

She Lives To Read, March 21

For Him and My Family, March 21

Life on Chickadee Lane, March 22

Book Looks by Lisa, March 22

Cover Lover Book Review, March 22

lakesidelivingsite, March 23

Lyssa Loves Books, March 23

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 24

Fruitfully Planted, March 24

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 25

Connie’s History Classroom, March 26

Artistic Nobody, March 26 (Guest Review from Donna)

Blossoms and Blessings, March 27

Mary Hake, March 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty 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://gleam.io/F0qYE/mail-order-baroness-celebration-tour-giveaway

Fear, Faith, & Freedom Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Fear, Faith, & Freedom, Breaking Through Life’s Challenges with God’s Help

Author: Jenn Dafoe-Turner

Genre: Christian Memoir/Devotional

Release Date: November 25, 2025

Fear, Faith, and Freedom: Breaking Through Life’s Battles with God’s Help is a raw, redemptive journey from despair to deliverance. With deep vulnerability and spiritual clarity, author Jenn Dafoe-Turner invites readers into her story of pain, trauma, addiction, and ultimately, transformation through the power of Jesus Christ. Blending compelling personal narrative with creative retellings of Scripture, this book offers readers more than a testimony—it offers a path toward healing and wholeness.

Each chapter explores a different “battle” of life—fear, addiction, shame, identity, self-sabotage, church hurt, and more—and how God’s truth can bring lasting victory. Through heartfelt storytelling, biblical wisdom, and practical reflection, Jenn shows that freedom isn’t found in fixing ourselves but in surrendering completely to the One who sets captives free.

Structured as a spiritual memoir with devotional elements, each chapter concludes with a “gentle challenge,” reflection questions, a Scripture memory verse, and a heartfelt prayer. This format makes the book ideal for personal study, recovery groups, or women’s ministry settings.

Whether you are struggling with your own dark night of the soul or mentoring others through theirs, Fear, Faith, and Freedom will remind you that no battle is too great for God. His love meets us in the most broken places—and leads us, one step at a time, into a life marked by courage, hope, and the certainty of His grace.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jenn Dafoe-Turner is a pastor, author, and spiritual midwife who helps birth purpose and nurture hope in the lives of others. Drawing from her own journey of brokenness, healing, and faith, Jenn walks alongside people in seasons of transition—guiding them to hear God’s voice, embrace their identity, and step boldly into their calling.

With decades of ministry experience, Jenn combines biblical wisdom with practical coaching to create safe spaces for transformation. Through her writing, speaking, and coaching, she equips others to trade fear for faith, move from confusion to clarity, and discover the joy of living out their God-given purpose.

As the Spiritual Midwife, Jenn’s heartbeat is simple: “Where truth is formed, purpose is born.”

More from Jenn

Fear, Faith & Freedom: Why This Book Had to Be Written

There are moments in life when fear speaks louder than faith.

Moments when freedom feels distant.

Moments when we wonder if God is still working—even here.

Fear, Faith & Freedom: Breaking Through Life’s Challenges with God’s Help was written for those moments.

I didn’t write this book because I had life figured out. I wrote it because I didn’t.

Why I Wrote Fear, Faith & Freedom

This book was born out of lived experience—through seasons of uncertainty, surrender, recovery, and deep wrestling with God. I have walked through fear that felt paralyzing, faith that felt fragile, and freedom that came one step at a time.

For years, I carried the quiet question many believers hold close to their hearts: Why, God? Why this path? Why this pain? Why me?

What I discovered is that God often does His deepest work not in the absence of fear, but in the midst of it. Faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about learning to trust the One who does. And freedom isn’t a single moment; it’s a journey of daily choosing truth over lies.

This book is my offering to those who feel stuck between where they are and where they long to be.

What’s Inside the Book

Fear, Faith & Freedom is part devotional, part reflection, and part invitation.

Inside these pages, readers will find:

Honest stories of struggle, surrender, and spiritual growth
Biblical insights that meet real-life challenges head-on
Reflective prompts that invite readers to pause, pray, and engage personally
Encouragement without platitudes—because healing doesn’t happen through clichés
A clear message of hope: God is present, purposeful, and faithful, even in the mess

Rather than offering quick fixes, this book walks alongside readers, reminding them that God’s help is not distant or delayed—He is near, attentive, and deeply compassionate.

What Readers Can Expect

This is not a book that talks at you.

It’s a book that sits with you.

Readers can expect to feel:

Seen in their questions
Understood in their struggles
Gently challenged to release fear
Invited to trust God more deeply
Encouraged to step into lasting freedom

Whether someone is navigating grief, addiction recovery, burnout, faith fatigue, or simply longing for deeper peace, this book offers space to breathe and room for God to work.

Who This Book Is For

Fear, Faith & Freedom is for:

The believer who feels weary but the seeker who wants faith that feels real, not rehearsed
The reader who needs reassurance that God still shows up
Anyone ready to move forward—even if they’re taking small steps

If you’ve ever wondered whether God can bring beauty out of broken places, this book is for you.

Because fear does not get the final word.

Faith is still alive.

And freedom—true, God-given freedom—is possible.

Interview with the Author

1)Which chapter was the most difficult to write?

The biblical narrative. I did not want to take anything away from the text, but there were gaps in the telling of the Holy Week events. So, taking the creative liberty to imagine what it might be like, while remaining true.

2)Which author influenced the you most?

Different authors have influenced different areas of my life, but Beth Moore’s book Get Out of That Pit gave me permission to recognize where I was and that I didn’t have to stay there.

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

Psalm 51:6 ESV Behold, You delight in truth in the inward being, and You teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

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

I would like them to know it’s okay to grapple with the hard questions about who we are, and when we do it on the foundation of Scripture, it transforms us.

5)What is your vacation spot?

Anywhere my family is.

6)What is your most well-loved and well-used house appliance?

Airfyer

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, March 4 (Author Interview)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 5

Artistic Nobody, March 6 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 7

Guild Master, March 8 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, March 9 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 10 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 11

Books Less Travelled, March 12 (Author Interview)

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, March 13 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 13

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, March 14 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 15

Vicky Sluiter, March 16 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, March 17 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jenn is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a signed 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://gleam.io/P9bMt/fear-faith-freedom-breaking-through-lifes-challenges-with-gods-help-celebration-tour-giveaway

Masa Chronicles: The Copper Scroll Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Masa Chronicles: The Copper Scroll

Author: Nicholas Teeguarden

Genre: Christian Fiction Action/Suspense

Release Date: October 7, 2025

When American grad student and Veteran Joshua Bennett lands in Amman, Jordan, he thinks he’s chasing academic glory. What he finds instead is a centuries-old mystery that’s been waiting for someone reckless or desperate enough to uncover it.

At the center of it all is the Copper Scroll, a cryptic Dead Sea artifact rumored to hold clues to an ancient treasure buried deep in the Judean desert. But Joshua soon learns it’s no ordinary scroll.

Hidden symbols, coded phrases, and whispers of a “shepherd’s path” point to something far more significant and far more dangerous.

As the clues mount, so do the warnings. A silent observer in the library. A cryptic priest with a knowing smile. A message slipped into Joshua’s backpack: The shepherd’s path is not for the faint-hearted.

A cryptic priest and a rabbi jump in to help understand uncovered information. As Mossad agents, Templar knights, and ISIS operatives close in, Joshua and his allies race to unravel the truth. But who seeks to unearth it, and who will kill to keep it buried?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Nicholas Teeguarden writes faith-fueled thrillers that explore the intersection of history, belief, and discovery. His debut, The Copper Scroll: Masa Chronicles, follows archaeologist Joshua “Masa” Bennett across the Middle East in a race to uncover one of history’s most enigmatic biblical relics. Praised for its vivid realism and clean storytelling, the novel has been honored with a ChristLit Award, a Readers’ Favorite 5-star review, and recognition at the Paris Book Festival.

A veteran whose global service inspires his storytelling, Teeguarden aims to create cinematic fiction that uplifts while it thrills. He is currently developing the next installment in The Masa Chronicles alongside The Teeguarden Writing Room, a growing creative community where readers and writers explore faith, art, and story together.

More from Nicholas

Whenever I think of telling a story, I have Indiana Jones swapping the bag of sand with the golden idol. The spirits swirling around the Nazis and the uncanny escapes from the clutches of death.

I spent my early adult years stomping through biblical lands with the military, experiencing life that seemed to represent many stages of evolution. Seeing the differences in how people value life, faith, and each other.

I experienced the heart-pounding adrenaline of adventure, the edge of life moments, and the strange stillness that follows them. The sights, sounds, and smells of those places stay with you forever.

When I finally retired, I walked to the altar, a different kind of battlefield, and realized that all those years of chasing survival were really leading me to understand purpose.

That moment changed how I responded to almost everything that came after, and it’s what shaped The Copper Scroll.

Like me, Joshua “Masa” Bennett isn’t just searching for an ancient artifact; he’s looking for proof that faith still matters, that truth can survive the centuries, and that even when everything feels lost, redemption can still be found buried beneath the dust.

Writing this book was my way of reconnecting with those memories, with the lands I once marched through, and with the faith that anchored me through it all.
It’s a story of mystery, courage, and belief. The kind of adventure that begins in the desert but ends in the heart.

Interview with the Author

1) What does success as an author look like to you?
Success has been a moving target. At first, it looked like simply finishing a manuscript and having even a
few readers who genuinely enjoyed the story. As Masa Chronicles: The Copper Scroll began reaching
more readers and landed on Christlit Book of the Year finalist lists, success started to look more like
sustained excellence: crafting stories that both entertain and spiritually challenge readers, while building a
body of work that outlives the initial hype and continues to point people toward hope in Christ.

2) Which character did you connect to best in this book?
The character connected with most deeply is Masa, because his mixture of stubbornness, woundedness,
and longing for something true mirrors a lot of real-world wrestling with faith and purpose. His drive to
chase the secrets of the Copper Scroll—sometimes at great personal cost—reflects how easily calling and
obsession can blur, and how God has to realign both.

3) Which part of the book was the most difficult to write?
The hardest sections to write were the moments where faith meets failure—scenes where characters face
the consequences of their own compromises under pressure. Balancing historical detail, thriller pacing,
and honest spiritual struggle without turning any of them into clichés required a lot of revising and
prayerful reflection.

4) What inspired this book?
The story grew out of a fascination with the real Copper Scroll, one of the Dead Sea Scrolls that actually
reads like a treasure inventory, and the question, “What if someone took it seriously enough to risk
everything?” From there, the First Jewish–Roman War, the tension between empire and faith, and modern
archaeological intrigue all converged into a single narrative about treasure, loyalty, and the cost of belief.

5) Which author influenced you most?
From the time I was a kid, my imagination was shaped by a mix of storytellers: watching George Lucas
films, reading Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer, and then meeting Oklahoma author Bill Wallace, who told the
story Danger on Panther Peak about a boy named Tom facing down a blizzard, an injured grandfather,
and a panther-haunted ride for help through the mountains. Those kinds of adventure stories, where a
young person finds courage and identity through real danger and struggle, have stayed with me and still shape the way I write character, risk, and redemption today.

6) What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?
My favorite passage is in Acts 9, where the Lord calls Ananias to go to the house on Straight Street and
lay hands on Saul so he can regain his sight. Ananias hesitates because of Saul’s violent reputation, but
God not only corrects him, calling Saul a ‘chosen instrument.’ He also gives Ananias the grace and
courage to go anyway, which is a powerful reminder that God’s call often stretches past fear and prejudice
into obedience and unexpected redemption.

7) What is your vacation spot?
Italy is the one place outside the U.S. where it truly feels like I made more than the “vacation”
connection. A decade ago, there was a six‑month stretch living in Rozzano, just outside Milan, where the
locals were understandably a bit standoffish toward “the American” at first, but that slowly changed as
real effort went into learning the language, the customs, and the neighborhood rhythm. Once the nearby
shops—and especially Snoopy’s Pizza on Via Aspromonte, which still serves some of the best pizza you
can find—saw that the goal was to learn from them rather than act like a passing tourist, they opened up
and pulled this outsider into the fold in a way that made Italy feel like family.

8) What are you reading right now?
I just finished Churchill’s Secret Messenger by Alan Hlad, which follows Rose Teasdale, a British typist
turned SOE agent who risks everything alongside the French Resistance. I loved how it wove real
operations like the bombing of Amiens Prison into a personal story of sacrifice and courage, which is
exactly the kind of historically grounded, emotionally intense fiction that fuels my own writing in Masa
Chronicles.

9) Describe your view as you’re sitting in your writing chair.
From the writing chair, I’m basically sitting in my wife’s old school office, surrounded by all of her decor
and personality. The only thing I’ve really added is the worn leather chair behind me, which my dogs
have completely claimed as their spot, so most writing sessions happen with at least one dog snoring over
my shoulder.

10) If you could have one book or piece of art or music on a deserted
island, what would it be and why?
If only one thing could be chosen, it would be Scripture, because it holds not just stories and wisdom but
the living center of hope, identity, and direction. On a deserted island, more than cleverness or
entertainment would be needed; there would be a need for the kind of truth that can sustain the heart when
there is no audience, no platform, and no plan but God’s.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 10

Simple Harvest Reads, February 11 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, February 12 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 12

Guild Master, February 13 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 14

Fiction Book Lover, February 15 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 16

Vicky Sluiter, February 17 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Corner, February 18

For the Love of Literature, February 19 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 20

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 21 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, February 22 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, February 23 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, February 23

Giveaway

Masa Chronicles: The Copper Scroll Celebration Tour Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Nicholas is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card, a copy of the book, bookmarks, and stickers!!

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

https://gleam.io/XuOgC/masa-chronicles-the-copper-scroll-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Reverend’s Second Chance Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Reverend’s Second Chance

Author: Lauralyn Keller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 15, 2025

A buried secret in Harmony Springs could cost a pastor and a teacher their careers—and their second chance at love.

Lydia Jefferson buried her dreams long before the death of her husband. Now she’s locked her heart to men for good. In Harmony Springs, she’s finally found freedom from the shameful failure and loss of her past—until her childhood sweetheart arrives to be the new pastor.

Samuel Allen never thought he’d love again, not after his fiancée walked out of his life. But when his first church assignment sends him to Harmony Springs, he finds himself face to face with the woman who disappeared from his life seven years before. Could this be a second chance at love? Unfortunately, she wants nothing to do with him.

When an orphaned child brings Lydia and Samuel together again, can they face the pain of their past and learn to trust each other enough to build a home?

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Marilyn

This is a story that brought tears and smiles as the story unfolded in an even flow. The characters lives were not pretty with the variety of flaws known to mankind, but nothing is impossible in God’s timing. Lydia’s and Samuel’s compassion for others gave way to letting go and caring for the less fortunate during some of the most difficult times Harmony Springs experienced. The story is filled with a beautiful message about forgiveness, healing from betrayal, second chances and God’s love shining bright as He is allowed to mend broken lives.

I received an early copy of this book from Wild Heart Books and Celebrate Lit for the book tour. I have expressed my own thoughts.

About the Author

Lauralyn Keller loves to combine history and romance in stories that touch the heart. She lives in beautiful Colorado and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and reading.

More from Lauralyn

Baking is one of my favorite activities. I find it relaxing, and it’s so fun trying new recipes. You might have noticed that there are generally some kind of dish or treat in my stories that characters really like. For Lydia Jefferson in The Reverend’s Second Chance, that treat is a cookie called cinnamon jumbles. It plays a part in her love story with Samuel Allen, the new pastor for Harmony Springs.

I asked ChatGPT how to make the best cinnamon jumbles. Here’s what it came up with.

Cinnamon jumbles are such a cozy, nostalgic treat! They’re chewy cookies with the perfect balance of cinnamon sugar, and they’re pretty easy to make. Here’s a recipe that will give you soft, chewy cinnamon jumbles with a nice little crunch on the outside.

Best Cinnamon Jumbles Recipe

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for rolling)

Directions:

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined. Don’t overmix—this will keep your cookies tender.
Roll the Dough: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon for rolling. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

Softness: For softer cookies, don’t overbake them. The cookies will continue to cook a little as they cool on the baking sheet.
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They should stay soft for about 3-4 days.

I (Lauralyn) hope you enjoy this cookie recipe. Maybe you can even make them and enjoy a few with a nice cup of coffee or tea while reading The Reverend’s Second Chance. Lydia would approve. 🙂

God bless,

Lauralyn

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 21

lakesidelivingsite, July 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 23

Guild Master, July 24 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 24

Texas Book-aholic, July 25

Simple Harvest Reads, July 26 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , July 27

For Him and My Family, July 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 29

Fiction Book Lover, July 30 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, July 30

Vicky Sluiter, July 31

Cover Lover Book Review, August 1

Holly’s Book Corner, August 2

Pause for Tales, August 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lauralyn 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54254

With Mercy’s Eyes Book Spotlight!

About the Book

Book: With Mercy’s Eyes

Author: D.T. Powell

Genre: Christian Contemporary Fiction

He turned his back on God a long time ago. But God never forgot him.

Six months after struggling actor Lane Harris lost his husband in a tragic accident, he lands a movie role guaranteed to put him on the Hollywood map. But one producer holds the power to shut down his shot at stardom—and she’s a Christian. If she finds out he’s gay, it’s over. Lane is careful not to say too much around her.

When an alcohol-fueled tryst with his co-star ends in humiliation, and his landlord hands him an eviction notice, Lane looks for someone to talk to. He finds a confidant in the Christian producer. After a night of too little sleep and not enough coffee, he lets slip his sexual orientation. Instead of a verbal flogging, the woman recounts recently losing her own husband.

The only Christians Lane knows condemn him upon learning he’s gay. But this one is different. She doesn’t embrace his sexuality, but instead of treating him with disdain, she offers compassion. Christians are supposed to hate people like him. So, why doesn’t she?

– – – – – – –

With Mercy’s Eyes by D. T. Powell is an issue-facing Contemporary novel for adult churched Christians. It addresses homosexuality and same-sex attraction from a Biblical perspective without falling into the trap of the extreme responses we too often see from modern churches. It holds similar views to Jackie Hill Perry, Becket Cook, Rosaria Butterfield, and Christopher Yuan.

Book Excerpt

Fall leaves rained onto the canopy, and two dozen empty folding chairs topped a roll of Woodstock grass. Behind him, the coffin waited to be lowered.

Lane touched the lid. Filigreed roses textured its edge.

No more late-night talks over coffee and gas station pizza. No more running lines while Stephen did horrible voices for his scene partners. No more burning Thanksgiving casseroles or watching Stacey’s cat Huddles together.

“I don’t want to do this without you.” Lane sank to his knees. “You’re what got me out of bed these past six years. You promised you wouldn’t leave me.” He hid his face. “You promised.”

2

Studio 73-C, Hollywood

Thursday, January 31^st

Lane sat in his gray ’17 Versa. Rain spattered his windshield.

Tina said this was a good opportunity. Movies based on bestselling books sometimes promised more press, and press meant opportunities to showcase his talent.

He opened his umbrella and tromped through the wet parking lot to the studio. The guy at the security gate had given him good directions. Inside, he took a seat with over thirty men. Some he recognized, but none of them seemed to notice his arrival.

Signs posted on each wall read, “Please email your resume, headshot, and contact information for yourself and your agent to the address at the top of the provided sides.”

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here

Excerpt One: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/with-mercys-eyes-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Two: https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/2025/07/01/with-mercys-eyes-by-d-t-powell-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Three: https://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews/epic-book-launch-with-mercys-eyes-by-dt-powell
Excerpt Four: https://nannie3.blogspot.com/2025/07/with-mercys-eyes.html
Excerpt Five: https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot.com/2025/06/with-mercys-eyes-launch.html
Excerpt Six: https://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/with-mercys-eyes-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Seven: https://www.guildmaster97.com/posts/with-mercys-eyes-epic-book-launch-excerpt/

About the Author

D. T. Powell has loved stories since before she can remember, and it was one of those stories that God used to change her life and prompt her to start writing. In addition to writing book reviews for a magazine as well as original contemporary and speculative fiction, she has actively contributed to the fanfiction community since 2013. Her original work has been published by
Writers Digest, Clean Fiction Magazine, Twenty Hills Publishing, The Order of the Pen Press, Wolrdsmyths, and Cadence Writing. She enjoys reading, playing pickleball, and playing an
occasional video game. You can find her online as dtill359.

Her favorite verse is Psalm 126:5, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”

Seven Brides for Seven Texans Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Seven Brides for Seven Texans

Authors: Gabrielle Meyer, Erica Vetsch, Amanda Barratt, Lorna Steilstad, Keli Gwyn, and Vickie McDonough

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: April 29, 2025

Seven brothers, seven heiresses, and one meddling grandfather—can mismatched matchmaking pave the way for true love?

Abraham Kennebrae, a powerful Minnesota tycoon, hatches a bold matchmaking scheme to secure his grandsons’ futures by pairing them with the wealthiest heiresses in town. But the brothers have no intention of complying, and their prospective brides harbor plans of their own. Jonathan battles to protect his fortune from slipping through his fingers, while Melissa guards the secret that could shatter her world—and her heart. Noah seeks refuge on Sutton Island, where fate throws him into the path of his destined bride, Anastasia. Meanwhile, Eli resigns himself to an engagement with Clarice Zahn, though his heart stirs at the sight of her younger sister, Josie.

With emotions running high and loyalties tested, Abraham’s carefully crafted plan spirals into chaos. Can love triumph when hearts rebel against expectations, or will the grandfather’s meddling prove too great a challenge for even the most determined romantics?

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:

Seven Brides for Seven Texans : Lonestar Brothers is a collection of novellas about The Hart Brothers. The following authors are part of the collection: Erica Vetsch, Gabrielle Meyer, Amanda Barratt , Lorna Steilstad, Keli Gwyn, Vickie Donough and Susan Page Davis. Set in Texas in 1874 the Hart Brothers find their lives turned upside down when their father George Washington Hart demands they marry by the end of the year or lose their inheritance.

What I think about this book:

First Comes Love by Gabrielle Meyer is story of the youngest of the Hart brothers, John Coffee Hays Hart . Hays has always felt left behind by his brothers and is not going to let it happen now. In his determination to get married he advertises for a wife and gets off on the wrong foot with Emma Longley, the new pastor’s daughter. Emma was determined to dislike everything about Texas. I enjoyed seeing Hays try to open her eyes to the beauty of Texas.

The Heart of Texas by Lorna Seilstad features Texas Ranger Chisholm Hart and the spunky Caro Cardova. When a cattle rustling investigation puts the two at odds, how can they fall in love? Caro is such a fun character, but Chisholm proved he could hold his own. This story held a fun mystery to solve.

The Truest Heart by Amanda Barratt features Doctor Travis Hart and Midwife Annie Lawrence. Travis and Annie were in love, but Annie married another . This was a great story of forgiveness.

A Love Returned by Keli Gwyn features Sam Houston Hart who left home 12 years ago also leaving his sweetheart Coralee. Sam and Coralee both had secrets as to the choices they made 12 years ago. I enjoyed watching them get to know the adult version of each other.

For Love or Money by Susan Page Davis features Crockett Hart and Jane Haymaker. This was such a sweet story. Jane lived in poverty trying to care for her brother . I appreciated Crockett’s tender care of Jane.

Mail Order Mayhem by Vicki McDonough was such a fun mail order bride story. I really enjoyed Austin’s Story

Love at Last by Erica Vetsch is Bowie’s story. Bowie was a POW in a Union prison and still bares the scares physically and mentally . Elise was his ray of light in the middle of Darkness. Bowie returns North and marries Elise, but offers a marriage of convenience only. I appreciate how Elise wasn’t willing to give up on Bowie!

Each of the authors involved in this collection have done a great job of coordinating details for their individual stories. I loved each one and looked forward to meeting the next Brother and the woman who would become his wife. I highly recommend this collection!

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 Authors

Gabrielle Meyer, a Minnesota native, draws inspiration for her historical fiction from the rich stories and landscapes of her home state, where she lives on the banks of the upper Mississippi River with her husband and four children. A former employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, Gabrielle loves weaving real people, places, and events into her captivating tales.

Best-selling, award-winning author Erica Vetsch weaves her love for Jesus, history, romance, and sports into her stories, including The Debutante’s Code, the first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series. When she’s not crafting fiction or planning her next trip to a history museum.

Bestselling author Amanda Barratt brings to life overlooked moments in history through her award-winning novels, including The Warsaw Sisters, Within These Walls of Sorrow, and The White Rose Resists. Based in Michigan, she’s often immersed in research, tackling her ever-growing TBR stack, or savoring a slice of lemon cake.

Carol Award finalist Lorna Seilstad explores life’s complexities with humor in her nine novels, including the Lake Manawa Summers and Gregory Sisters series, as well as several novella collections. When she’s not writing, she teaches women’s Bible classes, runs a toy store, plans weddings, or spends time with her Pyredoodle, Honey Bea.

Keli Gwyn crafts inspirational historical romances that she loves to read. A California native, she now lives in the greater Sacramento area with her husband and their sweet orange tabby, enjoying life close to family.

Vickie McDonough, a CBA, EPCA, and Amazon best-selling author of 54 books and novellas, brings the Old West to life in her award-winning romances featuring ranchers, cowboys, and lawmen. Though married to a computer geek who fears horses, she lives out her ranching dreams through her stories—and when she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, gardening, making cards, and traveling.

More from Erica

Hi, I’m Erica Vetsch, and I loved collaborating on the stories for the 7 Brides for 7 Texans collection. It was fun writing stories that were so intertwined, and working closely with the other authors in the collection to bring the whole concept together.

Initially, I was approached by a publisher, asking if I would be interested in heading up a novella collection loosely based on the idea of 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, the classic musical. The parameters were that the stories must be no longer than 25K words, be historical in setting, and that I could choose the overall concept, as well as my team of authors.

I, of course, jumped at the chance. Before I contacted anyone, I worked up a rough idea of the premise of the stories. A wealthy Texas rancher with seven strapping sons is tired of waiting for them to get married and provide him with grandchildren, so he issues an ultimatum. Get married by the end of the calendar year, or you’re disinherited.

I named all the sons after famous Texans, and gave them a birth order, then I began contacting writing friends to see if they were interested in joining the project. Everyone I asked said yes! 😊

Then the real fun began. We formed a private Facebook group, and as the characters were chosen by the various authors, the order of the stories in the collection formed, and as ideas for storylines poured in, I began creating what we came to call The Master Document.

In the MD we tracked main characters’ names and appearances, secondary characters, a map of the fictional town of Hartsville, TX, and more. It eventually ran to more than 20 pages of information. We named the town newspaper, the general store, and kept track of the layout of the Harts’ massive ranch house. Keeping these details all in one place made it easy for the authors to flesh out their story world in a way that was consistent with everyone else’s stories.

Because the stories are so closely tied and on such a tight timeline, each of the authors’ characters would appear in another author’s novella. We needed to respect each other’s visions for the characters and treat them with respect, while also having the freedom to write our own stories.

Early on, as the project coordinator, it was established that if a dispute arose between two authors on how something should go, it would be myself who would cast the final vote. However, that contingency never came into play, as all the authors worked so well together.

One of the most challenging aspects of the project was, that as the project lead, and the one writing the final story in the collection, I needed to know the most about all the stories. Just before the deadline to turn our stories into the publisher, each author sent their story along to me to read for continuity. I spent a long weekend at author Gabrielle Meyer’s house, and we read every novella aloud, making notes for consistency and continuity throughout. These notes were turned in to the project editor, and she used them in her editing process to make sure seven separate stories felt cohesive.

It truly was a fun—and to me—unique, project, and when the publisher asked if I would like to head up a follow up collection, I was eager to say yes, and thus 7 Brides for 7 Texas Rangers was born.

Both of these intertwined collections went out of print, but they are now being released once more, this time through Wild Heart Books. I’m thrilled that we can tell our stories to new readers and prolong the lives of these characters.