Wednesday, August 6, 2025

An Uncharted Dream by Abbey Downey

Lenora and Marcus had known each other and had been friends for years. They both belonged to the Explorers Club. An opportunity came up for the group and they decided to go on an exploration trip. Secrets on both sides and things withheld from others make for quite a journey for them all. But in the end their faith showed them that what was bad was used for good and they grew from the experience. Lovely story.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#AnUnchartedDream #AbbeyDowney #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #WildHeartBooks #GildedAgeHistoricalRomance

About the Book

Book: An Uncharted Dream

Author: Abbey Downey

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 1, 2025

An explorer in search of answers, a determined protector, and an expedition that could cost them everything…

Leonora Thornton always envisioned following in her father’s footsteps—exploring the world and chasing adventure. But after his tragic death, she can’t get past the debilitating fear…until she meets an explorer who promises to take her on his expedition to the very place where her father died.

Marcus Turner knows a con man when he sees one, and after years of hiding his family’s shameful financial situation, he won’t let anyone he cares about be swindled again. Especially not Leonora, his longtime best friend and the woman he secretly loves. Joining the expedition, Marcus embarks on a mission to protect Leonora from the swindler, no matter the cost.

When betrayal leaves them stranded far from their destination, Leonora and Marcus must determine if they can rely on God—or each other.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Abbey Downey started writing inspirational romance stories during naptime when her kids were babies and found she couldn’t stop. She previously published two books with Love Inspired Historical under the pen name Mollie Campbell. She also works with Spark Flash Fiction producing a quarterly digital magazine that contains love stories under 1000 words.

A life-long Midwestern girl, Abbey lives in central Indiana with her husband, two kids, and one rather enthusiastic beagle. She loves watching her kids play sports and fixing up a 1900 farmhouse with her husband.

More from Abbey

Have you ever doubted God’s faithfulness toward you? That He could take a tough circumstance and make anything good come out of it?

As with all my books, An Uncharted Dream is filled with romance and fascinating real history. I had the best time writing the love story between lifelong friends Marcus and Leonora. And the research into archeology, exploration, and surveying in the early 1900s was so interesting. You can get a peek into that in my author’s note.

However, I also wrote An Uncharted Dream while struggling with the kind of doubts I mentioned above in my own life. I was fighting to understand how God’s loving plan for me could include so much heartache that quite honestly still seems to have no end in sight. I know I’m not alone. Many of us grapple with questions like this every day and it’s so tough.

Leonora also faces these questions. Just when there might be a chance for romance with her best friend and her dream of going on an archeological expedition is within her grasp, she faces an obstacle that makes her doubt God’s goodness in her life. Like us, she has to come to grips with the reality that following Christ doesn’t mean things automatically go smoothly. Even for His faithful followers, God doesn’t always work out a difficult situation with a tidy happy ending. Often, we’re left to learn to lean on Him as we go straight through the worst of that situation, instead.

It’s not easy, I know that just as well as many of you. And while I don’t know why it has to be that way, I can tell you that God’s faithfulness is constant. He doesn’t love us any less when He lets us remain in a struggle. This story is just that—a work of fiction. But I hope you’ll go through this journey with Marcus and Leonora and be encouraged. I hope you’ll see the unwavering truth of God’s Word and His character. And I hope you’ll be uplifted by the moments of joy and success these characters find in their hardship and see those same kinds of blessings in your life.

Happy reading!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 25
Inspired by Fiction, July 26
Simple Harvest Reads, July 26 (Guest Review from Donna)
Book Looks by Lisa, July 27
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 28
lakesidelivingsite, July 29
Mary Hake, July 29
Texas Book-aholic, July 30
Leslie’s Library Escape, July 31
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 1
Blossoms and Blessings, August 1
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 2
Cover Look Review, August 3
For Him and My Family, August 4
Holly’s Book Corner, August 4
Bizwings Book Blog, August 5
Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, August 5
Books You Can Feel Good About, August 6
Lily’s Corner, August 7
Pause for Tales, August 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Abbey 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/00adcf54258

My reviews

An Ancient Worship Movement by Greg Gordon, St. Thomas Church

About the Book

Book: An Ancient Worship Movement

Author: Greg Gordon, St. Thomas Church

Genre: Christianity

Release Date: December 1, 2025

Find an Ancient Faith that will Transform Your Life.

Beyond the noise of a busy western world lies the need to worship God for Himself alone. So many different denominational ideologies and techniques of Church growth exist but what did the early Apostles and believers do? There is a need for “An Ancient Worship Movement” where we rediscover and implement older Biblical Church practices that were pre-denominational.

This book will help you:

- Rediscover Ancient practices lost to many evangelicals

- Renew your intimate personal walk with God

- Renew A passion for lost souls

- Experience personal spiritual revival

- Be equipped to start an [Mission] House Church

”The Ancient Worship Movement is not just a book but literally an invitation to a vibrant movement of God’s Spirit in our day. This book is a clarion call to the Western Church to point back to Jesus as the centre of the gathering of His people.” – Steve M.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Greg Gordon is the founder of SermonIndex.net, which was established in 2002. Millions of audio sermons have been distributed through this world-wide ministry. He is also the author of “The Following of Christ” and other books. Greg has traveled to many countries and across North America to thousands of churches and ministries bringing a message of radical Christian discipleship. He has also been involved in organizing over 12 international historic revival conference events where thousands of lives were impacted

More from the Authors

Why An Ancient Worship Movement? 10 Reasons from the Early Church Fathers

As the author of An Ancient Worship Movement, and founder of St. Thomas Church I’ve spent years reflecting on the wisdom of the early Church Fathers—those giants of faith like Ignatius, Justin Martyr, and Augustine who shaped Christianity in its purest days. Their writings reveal a worship so vibrant and real that it pierces through the noise of our modern age. Here are 10 reasons, drawn from their own words, why we desperately need a new ancient expression of worship today.

To Reclaim Worship as a Way of Life

Clement of Rome taught us, “Let us cleave to righteousness, for our whole life is a sacrifice to God.” The Fathers didn’t see worship as a Sunday event but as a constant offering. Today, we’ve boxed it into schedules and stages—don’t we need to live it again, every moment?

To Restore the Power of Prayer

Ignatius of Antioch wrote, “Pray without ceasing, for it is the breath of the Church.” Prayer wasn’t optional for the early believers; it was their lifeline to God. Our distracted, prayerless culture needs this ancient pattern to reconnect with the triune God.

To Center on the Eucharist’s Mystery

Justin Martyr said, “This food we call Eucharist, of which no one is allowed to partake except one who believes.” The Fathers revered the Lord’s Supper as a sacred encounter, not a ritual. Shouldn’t we strip away our casualness and rediscover its awe?

To Embrace Simplicity Over Spectacle

Tertullian observed, “We assemble in homes.” The early church thrived without megachurches or light shows. Today’s obsession with production values begs for a return to that humble, uncluttered faith.

To Rekindle Evangelistic Zeal

Irenaeus declared, “We proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to some, but to us the power of God.” For the Fathers, sharing the gospel was worship itself. In a world numb to truth, don’t we need their bold witness to awaken souls?

To Foster True Community

The Didache instructs, “Share all things with your brother, for you are one in Christ.” The Fathers lived as a family, not a crowd. Our isolated, individualistic churches need this ancient bond in the unity of the Church.

To Confront Modern Drift

Cyprian warned, “He who departs from the unity of the Church departs from Christ.” The Fathers fought heresy and complacency with fierce clarity. Today’s watered-down faith needs their courage to call us back to the real Jesus.

To Ignite Personal Revival

Basil the Great prayed, “Kindle in us the fire of Your love, O Lord.” The Fathers knew revival starts in one heart. In our spiritually tepid age, don’t we need their passion to set us ablaze again?

To Ground Us in Practical Faith

Polycarp urged, “Stand firm in the faith, doing all things in love.” The Fathers gave us hands-on ways to live worship—prayers, fasting, service. Shouldn’t we trade theory for their tangible practices to anchor our restless lives?

To Dream of a Renewed Church

Augustine envisioned, “A people praising You, O God, from every corner of the earth.” The Fathers saw worship as a movement that could transform the world. Today, with faith fading, don’t we need their ancient hope to spark a new awakening?

These voices from the past aren’t relics—they’re a roadmap. The early Church Fathers show us worship that’s raw, relational, and rooted in Christ. As you consider to explore the book, An Ancient Worship Movement, I pray something of the genuine early faith of the Apostles illuminates your heart afresh to truth and reality. Jesus the Son of God is coming back soon may we be found doing His will, working with His Church and loving Him with First Love devotion.

Here are some summarized points from current reviews from the book:

”Thoughtfully explores Christian theology, delving into worship’s multifaceted nature—actions, evangelism, prayer, and communion.”

”Guides readers toward emulating the authentic roots of early Christian faith with a balanced, constructive critique.”

”Sets a spiritual tone from the start with an opening prayer that centers on Christ, not the author.”

”Offers fascinating insights into early church communion practices, making history vivid and relevant.”

”Strikes a compelling balance between theological depth and accessibility, especially in its practical prayer section.”

”Inspires personal spiritual revival with actionable guidance for deepening faith.”

”Critiques modern church drift thoughtfully, avoiding harsh judgment, and invites reflection.”

”Valuable for house church enthusiasts and believers seeking intimate worship renewal.”

”Provides a profound invitation to rediscover authentic worship through early church lenses.”

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, August 6 (Author Interview)
Girls in White Dresses, August 6
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 7
Stories By Gina, August 8 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, August 9 (Spotlight)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 9
A Reader’s Brain, August 10 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, August 11
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 12 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 13
Simple Harvest Reads, August 14 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 15
Guild Master, August 16 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, August 17
Fiction Book Lover, August 18 (Author Interview)
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, August 19 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Greg and St. Thomas Church are giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of An Ancient Worship Movement and An Ancient Move of God: Book of Acts!!

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/00adcf54269

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

More than Conquerors (Planting Faith Series Book 2) by Carole Towriss

About the Book

Book: How to Sell 1000 Books a Month

Author: Susan U. Neal RN, MBA, MHS

Genre: Book Marketing

Release Date: May 15, 2025

Do you dream of being a bestselling author?

Have you written a book but have no idea how to sell it?

Can you envision your message in the hands of thousands of readers?

Unlock the secrets to epic book sales with Susan Neal’s book How to Sell 1,000 Books a Month. Whether you’re a new writer or an experienced author looking to elevate your marketing tactics, this book offers a treasure of insights to significantly boost your sales and increase the effective outreach of your unique message.

Susan Neal, an award-winning author and seasoned marketer, condenses years of successful sales and marketing strategies into practical steps that can turn your book into an award-winning bestseller. Learn how to:

create a focused and polished manuscript
captivate and grow your audience
master the art of online marketing
leverage the power of social media to create a compelling author brand
discover the potential of keywords to increase your book’s visibility
use the influence of reviews and blogs to increase sales

This guide doesn’t just tell you what to do—it shows you how to do it, with detailed action plans tailored for both new and veteran authors. From building a robust marketing plan to planning a book launch to navigating the complexities of Amazon ads, Susan covers everything you need to know to reach—and surpass—your book sales goals.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Susan Neal is an award-winning, bestselling author and certified writer coach with an MBA and MHS. She empowers Christian authors to publish and market their God-given messages. She has authored nine healthy living books. As the CEO of the Christian Indie Publishing Association (CIPA), Christian Authors Network (CAN), Christian Indie Awards, and director of the Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference, Susan’s leadership extends across multiple platforms.

More from Susan

Why I Wrote How to Sell 1,000 Books a Month
By Susan U. Neal, RN, MBA, MHS

When I first became an author, I had no idea how much marketing it would take to get my book into readers’ hands. Like many writers, I thought my job ended when I typed “The End.” But I quickly realized that if I truly wanted to reach people with the message God gave me, I needed to learn how to market that message effectively.

Over the years, I discovered what actually works. My book 7 Steps to Get Off Sugar and Carbohydrates has sold over 30,000 copies. In 2022, I reached a personal milestone: my overall Amazon author rank was 4,400. That placed me in the top 1 percent of all Amazon authors. As an award-winning, best-selling author and certified writer coach, I’ve gained a great deal of insight into what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to book marketing. And I wanted to share those marketing secrets with you.

That’s why I wrote How to Sell 1,000 Books a Month. I want to equip Christian authors with the tools and strategies they need—not only to sell more books but to fulfill their divine calling. This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about spreading the message God gave you and watching Him multiply its impact.

Blog Stops

Holly’s Book Corner, August 5
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 6
She Lives To Read, August 6
Devoted Steps, August 7
Texas Book-aholic, August 8
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 9
Pause for Tales, August 9
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 10
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 11
For Him and My Family, August 12
Devoted To Hope, August 13
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 14
Stories By Gina, August 15 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, August 15
Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, August 16
Life on Chickadee Lane, August 17
The Bookish Pilgrim, August 17
Lily’s Corner, August 18
Cover Lover Book Review, August 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan 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://forms.gle/GcSniHtKhG1LmwcQ8

Saturday, August 2, 2025

Love’s True Measure by Lori DeJong

About the Book

Book: Love’s True Measure

Author: Lori DeJong

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: June 10, 2025

Shannon Trent has dedicated her life to ministering to teens, even as she hides secrets that haunt her past. Born into privilege, she’s built a simpler life away from the expectations of her influential family. She’s content on her own, believing that to open her heart would mean unearthing her deepest shame. But when her charming neighbor stirs feelings she’s never allowed herself to entertain, his lack of faith provides the perfect excuse to keep her distance.

Hunter Kavanaugh has spent years chasing his dream career. But when his mother’s sudden death leaves him the sole guardian of his teenage sister, his carefully curated world begins to crumble. Struggling with grief, anger at God, and the demands of his job, Hunter is surprised when Shannon’s unwavering faith begins to resonate with him—and her ability to connect with his sister draws him closer.

As Hunter and Shannon navigate their growing bond, unexpected challenges force them to confront their fears and priorities. Both must either choose to trust God’s plan is far greater than their own, or risk losing the love of a lifetime.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lori DeJong (pronounced DeeYung) is an award-winning contemporary Christian romance author who enjoys penning stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance, find joy in the moment, and grow in their faith.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Lori arrived in Texas in 2005 and dug those roots right in. She currently resides in beautiful Georgetown, north of Austin, with her husband of thirty-plus years. Other than their two fur-babies, their nest is empty, as their daughter graduated from college and settled in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area with her husband, and the sweetest grand-dog ever.

Lori loves to write about love and romance and all that fun stuff, with a firm foundation of faith. Clean but sassy, sparkly, and even goose-bumpy romance, with God in the middle and characters seeking and learning and changing, couldn’t be more heartwarming or spine-tingly.

Lori’s debut novel, “Love’s True Calling”, Book One of her True Calling Series, was the 2020 winner of the Scrivenings Press Novel Starts Contest, winner of the 2022 ACFW Genesis Award for Romance, 2023 Scrivenings Press Contemporary Book of the Year, and a doubl-finalist in the 2024 Selah Awards. “Love’s True Home” was released in 2024 and is a 2025 Selah Awards finalist.

More from Lori

As soon as Shannon Trent showed up in chapter one of my debut novel, Love’s True Calling, I knew she had a story. That there was something underneath all that joy and spunk that haunted her. That she felt she had to hide.

Although born to a life of privilege, she doesn’t want her name to be the measure of her worth. Determined to live a simpler life, she dials in to her faith, only wanting to be and do whatever God says she should be and do.

Hunter Kavanaugh, on the other hand, has overcome the instability of his teenage years to forge his own path. He’s made something of himself by his own grit and determination, and he measures his worth in terms of his success and the things it provides him.

When these two literally run into each other outside their building, his grumpy disposition, and obvious high-powered job, leave Shannon unimpressed. No matter how handsome he might be, she has no intention of getting to know this neighbor any better.

But God …

When these two meet up again, a friendship blossoms. Her heart threatens to take her somewhere she’s never been before, but his unbelief gives her the perfect reason to keep her emotional distance.

When God gave me this story concept, I was a little intimidated. Would I be able to convey the heart of a good man who didn’t have faith? Would I be able to flesh out a woman who had an abundance of faith yet still harbored shame from her past?

But as I started writing this story, I fell in love with these two and their journey to discover the true measure of their worth … and the true measure of love.

Blog Stops

Stories By Gina, August 2 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, August 3 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, August 4
Artistic Nobody, August 5 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 6
Guild Master, August 7 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 8
Fiction Book Lover, August 9 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, August 10
Vicky Sluiter, August 11 (Author Interview)
Where Crisis & Christ Collide, August 11
Texas Book-aholic, August 12
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 12
For the Love of Literature, August 13 (Author Interview)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 14 (Author Interview)
Blossoms and Blessings, August 15 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lori 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54274

Friday, August 1, 2025

The Puzzle Within

About the Book

Book: The Puzzle Within

Author: Gina Holder

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: June 13, 2025

FBI agent Arizona Powers is haunted by nightmares—fragments of a childhood kidnapping no one believes ever happened. Still recovering from a nervous breakdown, she accepts a protection assignment for Bridgette Van Sloan, the strong-willed teenage daughter of a U.S. ambassador who’s been receiving threats signed: Enigma.

Nick Trueheart, a former escape artist known as “Nick of Time” turned diplomatic risk analyst, is grieving the loss of his beloved wife—and obsessed with finding her killer. When assigned to Bridgette’s security detail, his biggest concern isn’t the threats—it’s the unstable agent with a vendetta against kidnappers.

When Bridgette disappears from an escape room, Nick and Arizona become entangled in a high-stakes puzzlehunt and a race against time. They must confront their own failures and unravel the secrets hidden within themselves to rescue Bridgette … and survive a madman’s twisted game. Because one thing becomes clear: Enigma’s real target is much bigger — and far more personal.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Gina Holder is an indie author and stay-at-home mom. She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.

More from Gina

The story of The Puzzle Within began four years ago with the seed of an idea based on my enjoyment of Escape Rooms. I imagined a villain that moved an escape room into the “real world” and an FBI agent with nightmares that no one could or would explain.

In 2023, I entered the first five chapters into Scrivening Press’s “NovelStarts” contest and won first place in the Mystery/Suspense category. In the last three months of 2023, I wrote the entire novel, then spent the next couple of months in editing mode. My beta readers gave me feedback, and I incorporated their thoughts. In June of 2024, I entered The Puzzle Within into Scrivening Press’s “GetPubbed” contest and won the grand prize, a publishing contract.

It’s been my dream since a young age to be a traditionally published author, but it’s God who gets all the glory. I write for Him and His glory, and it’s my prayer that The Puzzle Within will touch lives as well as entertain readers.

A large focus in The Puzzle Within are the riddles, puzzles, and ciphers Enigma leaves for Arizona and Nick in their pursuit of a kidnapped teenager and the truth behind Arizona’s nightmares.

This message below is coded in Caesar Cipher. To solve, take each letter and shift it by four letters, wrapping around from Z to A. So, A=D, B=E, C=F… and so on. (Traditionally, the Caesar Cipher shifts by thirteen letters, but I didn’t want to make it that difficult.)

Once you solve the code, leave a comment below with an emoji if you’ve figured it out—but no spoilers!

Somewhere in the story, a truth waits to be uncovered.
It’s simple. It’s powerful. It’s hidden.
Can you crack the code?

Ksh mw Ksh—erh xlex’w kssh irrsxl jsv qi.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 1

For Him and My Family, August 2

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 3

Texas Book-aholic, August 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 6

Cover Lover Book Review, August 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 7

Leslie’s Library Escape, August 8

Life, Love, Writing,, August 9

Bizwings Book Blog, August 10

Holly’s Book Corner, August 11

Pause for Tales, August 12

Just Your Average reviews, August 13

For the Love of Literature, August 14 (Author Interview)

Mornings at Character Cafe, August 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Gina is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of books 1 and 2 of the series, Handmade Mayhem and Home Baked Bribery!!

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

https://forms.gle/hTy8dhky9hhCwJWw7

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

The Highland Heist

About the Book

Book: The Highland Heist (A Freddie and Grace Mystery Book 4)

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical Fiction

Release Date: July, 2025

Grace Storms a Scottish Castle to Save her Sister

Lord Astley surprises his wife with a trip to America to see her family before they end their honeymoon adventures. But just as they arrive, they find Grace’s sister, Lillias, is the prime suspect in her husband’s murder. To add to the confusion a solicitor arrives to tell the sister’s they are needed in Scotland immediately to claim their mother’s inheritance.

The clock is ticking to clear Lillias of suspicion, but someone is determined to keep the sisters from reaching the Scottish Highlands. When Lillias disappears, Freddie and Grace race to Scotland, sure the answers will be found in a long-forgotten castle.

With a ghost from Frederick’s past leaving threatening clues along the way, the mysterious Mr. Kane waiting in the wings to grab the inheritance for himself, and an apparition haunting the infamous castle, Lord and Lady Astley must capture the castle, save Lillias, and not die in the process.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

Excerpt

June 23, 1914

Perfect husbands were rare, except perhaps in fiction, but Grace Percy, Countess of Astley, had married the real-life equivalent, she was certain.

“I still cannot believe this surprise, Frederick!” Grace’s shock had continued all the way from the harbor, where her dear husband had announced that they’d arrived in America instead of England. “I thought the terrain looked different than England, but I never suspected we’d go anywhere else except your beloved Havensbrooke.”

“Our beloved Havensbrooke, I hope?” he corrected, turning from his place in the front seat of the hired touring, next to a rather somber driver.

Her smile immediately responded. At nearly seven months married, Grace still found her thoughts paused on occasion at the idea of his English estate being her home. But how could she help it? They’d only lived in the estate a few months before they’d taken off on their honeymoon tour. But oh, what a delightful introduction to her new home, complete with a murder mystery and a ghost hunt.

She sighed. Married life certainly kept proving to be wonderfully exciting.

She sent him another grin before tipping her head out the window just enough to take in the familiar lane leading to her father’s house. “How did you even know where to go? Harrington is such a small place outside of Richmond, and I know I’ve never given you exact directions.”

His low chuckle warmed the already heated June air, skittering a familiar welcome of tickles up her bare neck. “I’ve written my own letters to your father, darling.” His voice, so smooth and English, carried such delicious tenderness that Grace turned to find him shooting a wink to their adopted daughter, Zahra.

Zahra’s lips tipped. She rarely showed great affection, but who could blame her? After losing her family and living on the streets of Cairo, the little girl still had plenty of healing to do. So every smile came extra special.

Poor Miss Cox, the young English maid Frederick had hired in Italy to accompany them through the remainder of their trip, blushed at Frederick’s wink and smile. After all the overt affection Grace lathered on her darling husband, it was a wonder Miss Cox hadn’t gotten used to it yet, but perhaps the trouble lay more in how very handsome her husband was.

Grace thought about that idea for a moment. She supposed if she wasn’t married to this wonderful man, she’d find herself a little awestruck too.

Truth be told, he was so handsome, he might fit the description of a dime-novel villain, but she was very glad fiction didn’t get it right on that score either.

“Besides, it may be a while before we can travel again.” He continued, turning back to face the front of the car. “I know it’s a few months earlier than we’d originally planned, but it seemed a waste not to take advantage of being at sea. And I know you’d love to see your family.”

Grace would have kissed his cheek if she hadn’t been sitting in the back seat of the touring with Zahra between her and Miss Cox. “You are the most wonderful man.” She turned to Zahra and Miss Cox. “Don’t you think so?”

Miss Cox’s eyes widened, and she quickly looked away, but Zahra’s grin stretched enough to show off her teeth. The simple white dress she wore brought out the depths of those endless gray-green eyes. Grace still couldn’t stop smiling at the very idea that the little girl belonged to her and Frederick now.

“He has all his hair and teeth.” Zahra nodded, the tiniest twinkle in her eyes alerted Grace that the little girl might be finding her humor. “That is a help.”

Frederick’s laugh burst out. “Indeed it is, Zahra. And I’m glad to still possess both of them.”

Grace studied his thick dark hair for a second longer, her fingers twitching to push through his locks, but the very idea could send poor Miss Cox through the car window. Grace drew in a deep breath to keep her show of admiration to a more appropriate public display and leaned toward Zahra. “The gardens at Rutledge House are lovely, Zahra. They were my mother’s gardens, and I’d often spend time with her there. Hopefully, when we return to our dear Havensbrooke”—she emphasized, sending her dear husband a look to ensure her noted her correction—“you and I and, perhaps even Lily, can work to restore those gardens together. Then we can make our own special place too. Gardens are very creative places in stories as well as in real life.”