The Swindler's Daughter by Stephenia H. McGee ~ Book Review

May 25, 2023

About the Book

Book: The Swindler's Daughter

Author: Stephenia H. McGee

Genre: Christina Historical Romance

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: May 2, 2023

A surprise inheritance. A cache of family secrets. A choice that will change her life forever.

Lillian Doyle has lived her entire high-society life with her widowed mother, believing her father died long ago. But when news arrives that her estranged father only recently passed away--in jail--Lillian is startled to find that the man has left a business and all of his possessions to her, making her a rather unusual heiress.

When she goes to take possession of her father's house in a backwoods Georgia town, the dilapidated structure is already occupied by another woman who claims it was promised to her son, Jonah. In her attempts to untangle the mess, Lillian will discover not only a family she never knew she had but a family business that is more than meets the eye--and has put a target on her back.

To discover the truth and take hold of the independence she's always dreamed of, she'll have to make friends with adversaries and strangers--especially Jonah, the dusty and unrefined cowboy who has secret aspirations of his own.

My Thoughts

This was my second book by Stephenia and I really enjoyed it. The Swindler's Daughter definitely had me captivated and I wanted to know more about Lillian and the predicament she finds herself in. We immediately meet her and her mother as she is being read the will from her estranged father. As soon as you meet the mother you will dislike her. She is something else! Goodness I was so glad when Lillian left to find what her father had left her. She definitely needed that time to "grow" up into her own person.

All the characters in this story were entertaining but Jonah's mother was definitely the glue that held the storyline together. Despite her getting on my nerves at times I truly enjoyed her. The love interest Jonah was great but beware this romance is a slow burn. The story truly is about Lillian finding out who she is and what she wants to be.

There is mystery and action throughout the story which keeps you turning those pages! If you enjoy Christian Historical fiction set in Georgia then you will definitely enjoy this one.

My Rating: 4 Stars/ Really Liked it

I received a copy of this book through the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Stephenia H. McGee is a multi-published author of stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. She lives in Mississippi, where she is a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Her novel The Cedar Key was a 2021 Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award winner. A member of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), she loves all things books and history. Stephenia also loves connecting with readers and can often be found having fun with her Faithful Readers Team on Facebook. For more on books and upcoming events and to connect with Stephenia, visit her at www.StepheniaMcGee.com.

read article

Super Doople by K.A. Cummins ~ Book Review

About the Book

Book: Super Doople
Author:K.A. Cummins
Genre:Picture Book
Release date: May 4, 2023

You’ve heard the legend of Humpty Dumpty, but do you know the legend of Super Doople? He’s faster than a chicken. He flies higher than an ostrich. No fall can break his shell! And he was once Little Doople, a small and fragile egg like all the other dooples, until his bad habit of not listening caught up to him.

Engaging text with expressive illustrations, Super Doople is a lighthearted tale about resilience and learning to listen. This funny picture book for ages 3-8 is perfect for reading aloud in the classroom or at home.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

This was a very cute book very reminiscent of Humpty Dumpty. My daughter thought it was funny seeing Doople all opened up. The illustrations were definitely fun. It somewhat teaches a lesson of not giving up on your dreams. Overall it is a fun read aloud for younger kiddos!

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion

About the Author

K.A. Cummins is an author and an artist. She explores storytelling in a variety of mediums, blending the wonders of science with the possibilities of what if. When not crafting stories, Cummins loves spending time with her family, collecting fun socks, and venturing outside her comfort zone to try new things—at least once!

Connect with her through her website at https://authorkacummins.com, where you can sign up for emails about upcoming releases.

More from K.A. Cummins

“Super Doople” started with a comic sketch and the idea of what if a scientist put Humpty Dumpty back together again? At first, it was more for fun and to explore creating comics. In fact, in the first version, he bounced like a ball when he hit the ground.

But the idea stuck! I continued to gravitate back to it, enjoying the exploration of telling a story with words and drawings. Many sketches and several versions later, the character became Little Doople, a hopeful and determined boy with a dream of flying who, through a series of events, transforms into Super Doople.

It’s been so much fun working with Little Doople, especially having our youngest son engaged with the story. Our youngest is sixteen now and has a talented eye for design. He’s one of the first people I ask for art critiques (the other being my husband). He even helped me come up with the name doople, for both the character and the egg-people in the story. We brainstormed in the car on a two-hour drive home.

The joy of creating this story, and from the story itself, has become its own source of inspiration. I haven’t stopped brainstorming more story ideas for Little Doople. I’ve even started plotting some of them, but those are under wraps for now.

However, being a homeschool mom and former educator in other forms, I wanted to share a free educational resource to go along with “Super Doople.” So I’ve put together a few science egg-periments, activities, and coloring pages suitable for younger children that’s available for FREE on my TpT store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Doople-Science-Hands-on-Learning-Activities-9145443.

Hope you and your children enjoy reading “Super Doople.”

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, May 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 15

Texas Book-aholic, May 16

Blossoms and Blessings, May 17 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 17

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 19

Lily’s Book Reviews, May 20

Cover Lover Book Review, May 21

Beauty in the Binding, May 22 (Author Interview)

The Life We Build, May 22

debs book review, May 23

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 24

A Reader’s Brain, May 25 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, May 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, K.A. is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/25f5f/super-doople-celebration-tour-giveaway

read article

The Shifting Current by Dani Pettrey ~ Book Review

May 13, 2023

About the Book

Book: The Shifting Current

Author: Dani Pettrey

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Series: Coastal Guardian, Book 3.5

Publisher: Gracie & Johnny

Release Date: May 1, 2023

An elusive killer. A false identity. A deadly maze of lies.

When Coast Guard Investigative Service Special Agent LOGAN PERRY’s beloved grandfather is murdered, Logan races to his hometown of Cauldron Creek, New Mexico to investigate the murder. His teammate and friend, EMMY THORTON, insists on joining him. Not a good idea—not when he loves her, but carries a secret that he knows will tear them apart.

Emmy knows Logan will pursue the investigation no matter the cost, and she won’t let the man she loves plunge into a dangerous situation alone. She needs to be at his side, even if he believes friendship is her only reason for joining him.

What looks like a robbery gone wrong rapidly shifts, drawing Emmy and Logan into a dizzying maze where nothing is as it appears. Every lead slips through their fingers as threats against them grow deadlier at each turn. Having only each other to rely on, their love for one another deepens, but will they live long enough to admit their attraction to each other?

They’re in the killer’s sights. One wrong move puts their future together and their lives on the line.

My Thoughts

You know when you read a series and some characters just stick out to you and you need to know more?! That is what is like reading the Coastal Guardian series. I loved every moment of it but the characters of Emmy and Logan just stuck out to me and I wanted more. I somewhat patiently waited until finally this book came out. While it is a novella and not a full length novel it is pretty mighty and jam packed with suspense.

This is a fast paced book. I mean once it starts there is no putting it down. Immediately we encounter Logan dealing with the tragedy of his grandfather's murder and Emmy is right there not only to help him investigate but she is also there for support. They head out to New Mexico where she learns about Logan's life. I can't tell you too much about this book without giving it away so know that this book and the investigation is almost like a puzzle that you have to slowly decipher. It isn't one of those books that you can tell right away the person who is the villain.

Overall Dani Pettrey finished the series off with a bang. However, I will be the first to admit that I was kind of bummed out that Em and Logan didn't get their own full length book but if you have read the previous stories then you will see their character arcs develop throughout them. That being said I was super excited to see that her next series will be set in New Mexico so perhaps we will see Em and Logan again!! (Fingers crossed we will lol!)

If you enjoy suspense and mystery then this is the series for you. That being said, you definitely have to read this series from the beginning in order to capture the essence of not only the story but also the characters.

My Rating: 4 Stars

I received a copy of this book from Just Read. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than half a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today).

Her Alaskan Courage series and Chesapeake Valor series have received praise from readers and critics alike and spent multiple months topping the CBA bestseller lists. Dani has also been honored with multiple awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award, two HOLT Medallions, a Christy Award finalist, two National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award.

From her early years eagerly reading Nancy Drew mysteries, to paging through Agatha Christie novels or watching on-the-edge-of-her-seat adventure movies, Dani has always enjoyed mystery and suspense. She considers herself blessed to be able to write the kind of stories she loves—full of plot twists and peril, love, and longing for hope and redemption. Her greatest joy as an author is sharing the stories God lays on her heart. She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband. Their two daughters, a son-in-law, and two adorable grandsons also reside in Maryland. For more information about her novels, visit danipettrey.com.

read article

Murmur in the Mudcaves by Kathleen Denly ~ Book Review

May 12, 2023

About the Book

Book: Murmur in the Mudcaves

Author: Kathleen Denly

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Series: Chaparral Hearts, Book 4

Publisher: Wild Heart Books

Release Date: May 16, 2023

Gideon Swift, a visually impaired Civil War Veteran, responds to an ad for a ranch cook in the Southern California desert mountains. He wants nothing more than to forget his past and stay in the kitchen where he can do no harm. But when he arrives to find his employer murdered, the ranch turned to ashes, and three young women struggling to survive in the unforgiving Borrego Desert, he must decide whether his presence protects them or places them in greater danger.

Bridget “Biddie” Davidson finally receives word from her older sister who disappeared with their brother and pa eighteen years prior, but the news is not good. Determined to help her family, Biddie sets out for a remote desert ranch with her adopted father and best friend. Nothing she finds there is as she expected, including the man who came to cook for the shambles of a ranch.

When tragedy strikes, the danger threatens not only her plans to help her sister, but her own dreams for the future—with the man who’s stolen her heart.

My Thoughts

Murmur in the Mud Caves is Book 4 of the Chaparral Hearts series and while it's great to read the other books in the series this one could be read as a stand alone as the characters from other books don't all make an appearance and those that do it is very minimal. This story is definitely all about Biddie.

Once again Kathleen has developed a story that is rich in California history. I had no clue about mud caves and her descriptions really brought it to reality for me as I could picture them in my mind. Not sure I would ever want to be in them after reading this book though! LOL!!

In this story we follow Biddie as she reconnects with her siblings that she hasn't seen since she was younger. Her sister writes a letter to her requesting monetary help but instead she treks it out to where she is. While doing this trouble arises during the trip and while with her sister. Lucky for us Gideon appears in the scene. He makes the perfect hero in this story but he is definitely not your typical one. He battles with some ailments that have him wondering if he is truly good enough to have a future with Biddie.

The plot of the story is great. It is full of adventure and some mystery. My favorite part of Kathleen's books though is how she weaves faith throughout them. In this one the main point of us being created uniquely by God is what stayed with me. These characters were all different but their one thing that connected them was that God had created them different for purpose and I really enjoyed seeing their growth throughout the story.

Overall I really enjoyed this story and if you enjoy Christian Historical fiction then you will more than likely enjoy this one as well.

I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion

About the Author

Kathleen Denly writes historical romance to entertain, encourage, and inspire readers toward a better understanding of our amazing God and how He sees us. She enjoys finding the lesser-known pockets of history and bringing them to life through the joys and struggles of her characters.

Sunny California, a favorite setting in her stories, is also her home. She lives there with her loving husband, four young children, two dogs, and ten cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories.

When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, she spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.

Kathleen is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the award-winning author of the Chaparral Hearts series.

Always happy to hear from her readers, you can direct message or email Kathleen and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

read article

When Tomorrow Came by Hannah Linder ~Book Review

May 8, 2023

About the Book

Book: When Tomorrow Came
Author: Hannah Linder
Genre:Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance
Release Date: April, 2023

They Waited Their Whole Lives for Their Papa to Return

Nan and Heath Duncan, siblings abandoned by their papa and abused by their guardian, have no choice but to survive on the London streets. When a kind gentleman rescues Nan from such a life, the siblings are separated and raised in two vastly different social worlds. Just when both are beginning to flourish and years have healed some of their wounds, their long-awaited papa returns and reunites them—bringing demands with him. Nan is expected to marry a rich suitor she’s never liked, and Heath is expected to forsake his gentle spirit and become the hardened man his father always was.

Dangers unfold, secret love develops, fights ensue, and murder upsets the worlds Heath and Nan have built for themselves.

They’ve waited their whole lives for their papa to return, for tomorrow to come—but now that it has, will they be able to see through to the truth and end this whirlwind of a nightmare before it costs one of their lives?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

This was my first read by Hannah Linder and I was truly captivated and engaged in the story from the very beginning. This definitely is a Regency era storyline with a gothic feel. Immediately we are introduced to the two main characters Nan and Heath. We meet them as children as they have been abandoned by their father and are left to fend for themselves. While on the streets Nan is rescued by a proper wealthy gentleman and to give her a better life Heath doesn't come for her but rather tries to find his own way with the rector that watched over him while they were in the abusive caregivers home.

They both grow apart but are never forgotten in each other's mind. Nan grows up in this family and becomes a daughter to them. One day their father returns and even though their lives are back to being intertwined everything is all about to change.

This story is told by four different point of views that jump around quite a bit but I definitely didn't have a hard time following it. There are lot of elements happening int this story. There is a range of emotions you will also feel while reading it. There is definitely some mystery I was not expecting at all. I will not divulge as you will have to read to find out for yourself. There is a faith thread to the storyline and although I found it a bit light it was present and there was definitely some swoon worthy moments between Gil and Nan.

Overall I thought this was a good story the author definitely has a gift for writing Gothic-Style Regency. If you enjoy this genre then you will enjoy this story. I can't wait to see what her next book will be!

My Rating: 4 Stars

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels. She is a double 2021 Selah Award winner, a 2022 Selah Award finalist, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Hannah is a Graphic Design Associates Degree graduate who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and International bestsellers. She is also a local photographer and a self-portrait photographer. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, and ukulele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. To follow her journey, visit hannahlinderbooks.com.

More from Hannah

Love interests me. Not just in the romantic sense, but in every sense, because love is the driving emotion behind so much of what we do. It’s the heartbeat of everything. What do we have but love? Yet isn’t it the very essence of our greatest pain?

Sometimes it doesn’t make sense. Sometimes love has no reason. Like a tumultuous wind or a wet branch that sways in different directions, love is often petulant and aimless and powerful. But sometimes it’s soft, like a flower lifting dewy petals to the sunshine. The epitome of everything good, sweet, and true.

What makes love change? What makes two friends who have always been fraternal one day confess romantic affection? How much wrong, how much affliction, does it take for sweet love to sizzle into hatred? Even then, is it really hatred? Or merely the charred crust of the adoration still throbbing beneath? And how strong are the cords of new love? Will they break at every pull and tug, or are they more unfaltering than anyone might think?

Maybe those are silly questions. Maybe, like snowflakes, every heart knows a different answer. But if I explored anything in When Tomorrow Came, it was this. I glided through the story and felt love shift from brotherly to intimate, from hopeful to disappointed, from untested to proven, from safe to betrayed.

Just as love is the heartbeat of life, it is also the heartbeat of this story. I hope you will find yourself falling in love with the characters and their journey as much as I did.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, April 28

To Everything There Is A Season, April 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 29

Connie’s History Classroom, April 30

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, April 30

Lily’s Book Reviews, May 1

Genesis 5020, May 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 2

Betti Mace, May 3

Book Looks by Lisa, May 3

Labor Not in Vain, May 4

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, May 4

Cover Lover Book Review, May 5

Blogging With Carol, May 6

For Him and My Family, May 6

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 7

Where Faith and Books Meet, May 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 8

Holly’s Book Corner, May 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 10

Splashes of Joy, May 10

Pause for Tales, May 11

Books I’ve Read, May 11

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/25adf/when-tomorrow-came-celebration-tour-giveaway

read article

Windswept Way by Irene Hannon ~ Book Review

April 30, 2023

About the Book

Book: Windswept Way

Author: Irene Hannon

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Series: Hope Harbor, Book 9

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: April 4, 2023

Buying a haunted house was never in Ashley Scott's plans, but when an intriguing opportunity drops into her lap after a major setback, she finds herself trekking cross-country to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast to launch a new life.

Wounded warrior Jonathan Gray isn't sure what to make of the attractive woman on his reclusive older neighbor's isolated property, but her presence is none of his business--until she enlists his help with an ambitious project. When Jonathan finds his interest in the new arrival becoming more personal than professional, however, his defenses go up. There's no room in his life--or his heart--for romance.

Yet, as these three hurting people join forces to restore life, laughter, and love to a historic estate that has known too much sadness, they may also find healing, hope, and happiness for themselves.

Bestselling author Irene Hannon invites you back to Hope Harbor, where hearts heal and love blooms.

My Thoughts

Although I have other books in this series on my TBR shelf this is my first Hope Harbor book and I loved it. This also is my first Irene Hannon book ever. I know what is wrong with me?! Apparently I have been living under a rock. I have heard great things about this author, hence why I own several of her books but sadly I haven't gotten to any of them but I definitely will be changing that!

This book takes us back to Hope Harbor and I can say that they can definitely read it as a stand alone. I didn't feel like I was missing anything but I will definitely be reading them in order so that I can meet the different characters that popped in throughout this story.

In this story we meet Ashley and John. Two very different people, from different backgrounds but both carried with them scars from the past. Some visible and others not so much. The story definitely reminded me of Phantom of the Opera/ Beauty and the Beast and I loved that this was incorporated towards the end of the story ( you will love that part!!) We also meet Rose who is the owner of the house in which Ashley wants to restore and repurpose. Rose was probably my favorite character of all. I loved that she came out of her shell throughout the story and welcomed herself into society. She also had a bit of a mystery going on with her and I must admit it took me the whole story and I did not have it figured out but I loved how this older lady just had a zest for life.

Overall I really enjoyed this story. I really liked how Irene weaved God's faith throughout the story and how some of the characters were used as the vessels to portray God's infinite love to the characters. If you enjoy Christian contemporary novels I definitely recommend this one. I for one can't wait to return to Hope Harbor!

My Rating: 4 Stars/Really liked it

I received a copy of this book through the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Irene Hannon, who writes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 60 novels. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romance fiction) and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Other awards for individual books include National Readers' Choice, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers' Best, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist.

A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.

read article

A Summer at Sagamore by Lisa M. Prysock ~ Book Review

April 25, 2023

About the Book

Book: A Summer at Sagamore
Author: Lisa M. Prysock
Genre: Historical Christian Romance
Release date: March 14, 2023

Can summer love survive amid mystery and mayhem?

When Abigail Greenwood and her cousins settle in for their annual summer retreat at the stunning and impressive Sagamore Resort in the Adirondacks, all she wants is to spend as much time as possible plunking out stories on her typewriter. But when her cousins insist she join them in the tradition of choosing a beau to adore from a distance during their stay, she reluctantly plays along, setting her sights on a mysteriously quiet and aloof guest. What started as harmless fun soon changes as Abby finds herself captivated by debonair—and handsome—Jackson Gable. Who is he, and why does his arrogant amused smile exasperate her so much?

When a series of events causing mayhem and mischief begin to occur at Sagamore, journalist Jackson Gable is determined to get to the bottom of it, since his father is an investor of the resort. Jack has a nose for mysteries, but he may have to use his recently earned law degree and some of his posh family connections to sleuth out the culprit. Are the events connected? Why are they happening? And why can’t he get the beautiful Abby off his mind?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

This was a good story with a great setting. I enjoyed visiting the Sagamore Resort in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains in 1907. Just when you think this is going to be a sweet romance the author throws you a twist with a mystery.

I really enjoyed that this author had the storyline filled with lessons from the Bible and it is mixed in a way that truly flows with the story. It never feels forced or preachy which is a gift for authors to capture.

The main characters of Abby and Jack were great in the story and kept you smiling as you saw their growth throughout the story.

Overall I thought this was a great story and despite it being part of a series I felt like it read great a stand alone. If you enjoy Christian Historical Fiction I definitely recommend you grab these books!

My Rating: 4 Stars/Very good!

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Lisa M. Prysock is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes both Christian Historical Romance and Contemporary Christian Romance books—”Romance with a Dash of Food, Fashion, Faith, & Fun.” She writes both traditionally and indie published novels.

Kentucky inspires her writing and is home. Happily married to her husband of more than 24 years, she homeschooled two of their five children, now grown. When she isn’t writing, she likes to cross stitch, crochet, sew, scrapbook, read, swim, dance, take walks, travel, explore historical homes, garden, cook for her family, learn to play the piano and violin, and read great books.

More from Lisa

Behind the scenes at A Summer at Sagamore

When a dear writing friend approached me about writing a contribution for Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts, my heart leapt. The Gilded Age is my favorite time to write. Ask me to write anything from 1870 to 1910, and I’m hooked. I love the way traditions are colliding with progress and changing the world in this era.

An exciting time for women, I knew the heroine, Abigail, would be a writer, enthralled with her new, clunky, heavy manual typewriter. Independent, set to inherit her grandmother’s wealth, she would not be looking for romance. I wanted Abby’s grandmother, cousin, and sister to give us plenty of humor and fun along the way. Meanwhile, Abby, would portray a young woman on the brink of writing about her faith, inspired by a few pioneer writers and a previous experience to join the endeavor to pave the way for others to do the same.

Along comes our hero, Jackson. Jack has this Clark Gable kind of vibe, only younger, more handsome. He has strong faith, but it’s quiet, stifled by his position in society. Abby brings out the best in him. I loved watching their romance blossom and their trust in God grow amid the mystery of all the happenings at the Sagamore. More themes came out of the book than I expected. I can’t wait to share it with you.