My Thoughts and More on A Lesson in Love by Linda Shenton Matchett

 

About the Book

Book: A Lesson in Love

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 8, 2025

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

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

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

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

The war is changing so many peoples plans and futures. Children are being shipped off to the country to keep them safe and young men are being shipped off to the battlefields. The country still has to eat and be taken care of. That is what this historical is about. It gives us a glimpse into the home war efforts and how large estates and farms, with women workers, kept Great Britain fed.

Isobel Turvine is a teacher not a farmer. However, with no students and needing a job, she signs up with the Women's Land Army, and she will learn a lot. She and the other women will be sharing an estate with a private boy's school who also has been relocated. This is where the headmaster, Gavin Emerson steps in.

Gavin was a soldier in WW1, which left him with a severe injury to his arm. But he is willing to do his part as headmaster, and he takes keeping these boys in check seriously. What he didn't count on was meeting Isobel, the very first time she nearly ran him over with a tractor. Love can bloom even in hard times.

I found this historical interesting as it looked at a different part of WW2. The people who still had to live and keep the country going even while the war was going on around them and taking their loved ones to fight. Very interesting.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own. 

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about second chances and women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves.

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

 

More from Linda

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

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

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

Pie

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

Pastry

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

Procedure

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

Photo credits:

Newspaper recipe: Bromley & District Times, February 1941

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 4

She Lives to Read, November 5

Simple Harvest Reads, November 6 (Author Interview)

Patti Wolf – Scribbling Spiritual Sand, November 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 7

Texas Book-aholic, November 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 9

Guild Master, November 10 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 11

For Him and My Family, November 12

Pause for Tales, November 13

Mary Hake, November 14

Fiction Book Lover, November 15 (Author Interview)

The Mommies Reviews, November 15

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 16

Leslie’s Library Escape, November 17

Giveaway

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

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

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

My Thoughts and More on Gazing into the Darkness by Heidi Glick

 

 

About the Book

Book: Gazing into Darkness

Author: Heidi Glick

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: August 12, 2025

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

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

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

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This was the first time that I have read a mystery suspense novel, or any novel that focused on EPA agents. Not just any EPA agents, but CID ones that investigate crimes having to deal with the environment. Environmental misdeeds. It was really interesting and again made this story unique from other suspense romances I have read before.

Stacey and Chance are moved from Cleveland, Ohio to Cincinnati, Ohio and are assigned to each other as partners. But before they move, Stacey's home catches on fire. It is believed to be arson, but before she can get to the bottom of everything, she is sent to Cinci. Was it her stalker or something even more heinous? That is what Chance would like to get to the bottom of since it seems there are way too many crimes related incidents that center around Stacey.

Chance and Stacey get to really know one another as they become partners. Stacey's faith is very important to her, not something that Chance shares, but he tries hard to respect. They both have pasts that slip into their present lives and issues they need to deal with. This is a slow burn romance and the beginning of a trilogy focused on these two.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own. 

About the Author

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

More from Heidi

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

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 8

Simple Harvest Reads, November 9 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 10

Artistic Nobody, November 11 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, November 11

Texas Book-aholic, November 12

Guild Master, November 13 (Author Interview)

Betti Mace, November 14

Fiction Book Lover, November 15 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 16

Books Less Travelled, November 17 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 18

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

For Him and My Family, November 20

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

Alyssa Madjeski, November 21

Giveaway

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

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

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

My Thoughts and More on Defending You by Robin Patchen

 

About the Book

Book: Defending You

Author: Robin Patchen

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 14, 2025

She stumbled onto a deadly secret. The man she once wronged is the only one who can keep her alive.

Cecilia “Cici” Wright has built a life she loves as a jewelry appraiser. But when her latest find—a priceless ruby necklace—links to decades-old murders in her hometown of Shadow Cove, Cici becomes the target of ruthless killers. Forced to flee for her life, she must rely on the man she humiliated in the most shameful moment of her life.

Asher Rhodes puts his Navy SEAL training to good use as a bodyguard for high-paying clients. Keeping his emotions locked away is the secret to his strength. But Cici Wright isn’t just a client—she’s the girl who scorned him, the last woman in the world he ever wanted to see again. Having her close churns up all the reasons he once loved her. Protecting her means facing not just the killers chasing them but the wounds she left behind.

Cici and Asher find themselves in a deadly game of cat and mouse, where trust is their only weapon and attraction their greatest vulnerability. With time running out, they must overcome their painful history and work together to defeat their enemies—before it’s too late.

Don’t miss Defending You, book 7 in Robin Patchen’s Wright Heroes of Maine series. Packed with heart-pounding suspense, sizzling romance, and unforgettable characters, you won’t be able to put this one down.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

I have really been enjoying this series of high stakes suspense and romance. This is CiCi Wright's story. She unfortunately gets caught up in danger by doing no less than her job. As a jewelry appraiser, she happens to come across a long lost and highly valuable jeweled necklace that was last seen right before a murder took place. This necklace belongs to her sister's boyfriend's family, and it was his mother who was wearing it before his parents were murdered.

Things go from bad to worse rather quickly. Whatever CiCi does, the murderers are one step ahead of her and are always right behind her or show up where she is going. She needs help and fast. Her help comes in the form of a former high school classmate, Asher Rhodes, who is all grown up now.

Asher, a geek in high school has always had a crush on CiCi. However, she made it clear back then when she turned him down. Now Asher, former Navy Seal is brought on to bring CiCi and the necklace safely back home. He is carrying around a big chip on his shoulder when it comes to her. Unfortunately, the danger is only heightening their strong attraction to one another. Can these two work things out and stop bickering enough to make it out of this alive and hopefully help bring an important clue to a long-ago murder case? The tension was high in this one and their feelings for one another, both good and bad, were palpable.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own. 

About the Author

Robin Patchen is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Christian romantic suspense. She grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, the setting of her Coventry Saga books, and then headed to Boston to earn a journalism degree. Working in marketing, she discovered how much she loathed the nine-to-five ball and chain. After relocating to the Southwest, she started writing her first novel while homeschooling her three children. The novel was dreadful, but her passion for storytelling didn’t wane. Thankfully, as her children grew, so did her writing ability. Now that her kids are adults, she has more time to play with the lives of fictional heroes and heroines, wreaking havoc and working magic to give her characters happy endings. When she’s not writing, she’s editing or reading, proving that most of her life revolves around the twenty-six letters of the alphabet.

More from Robin

Meet Cici Wright: The Relatable Heroine of Defending You

There’s nothing I love more than crafting a heroine who feels like a friend—someone to root for, cry with, and cheer on as she faces impossible odds. In Defending You, the seventh book in my Wright Heroes of Maine series, that heroine is Cici Wright. She’s a jewelry appraiser with a sharp eye for gems, a heart full of courage, and a quiet struggle that I think many of us can relate to: the need to prove she matters.

A Woman on a Mission

Cici Wright is the middle daughter of five girls, and if you’ve read the earlier books in the series, you know her older sisters, Alyssa and Brooklynn, have come through some difficult times—and proved themselves not just capable but heroic.

When we meet Cici in Defending You, she’s doing what she loves: traveling from city to city and gazing into some of the world’s most precious gems. But beneath her confident exterior lies a woman who feels the weight of her sisters’ accomplishments and wonders if she’ll ever measure up.

Who hasn’t felt the pressure to prove themselves—whether to family, friends, or even their own inner critic? Cici’s journey begins when she discovers a long-lost necklace tied to a decades-old crime. Her decision to protect it sets off a chain of events that thrusts her into danger, forcing her to confront not just external threats but her own insecurities.

Strength in Vulnerability

What I love most about Cici is how her strength shines through her vulnerability. She’s a woman who loves beauty, who finds joy in the sparkle of a well-cut diamond, and who’s suddenly caught in a deadly game with rules she’s never learned. Despite her lack of training, Cici manages to keep herself alive long enough to get help.

Cici’s resourcefulness proves that heroism doesn’t always come from training or experience; sometimes, it’s born from sheer determination and a refusal to give up.

Enter Asher Rhodes, the bodyguard tasked with keeping her safe. Their history—his high school crush was crushed by the most humiliating moment of his life—adds layers to their dynamic. I loved writing their reunion, which is filled with tension, a little humor, and a slow-burn romance that I hope will leave you swooning.

Cici’s not afraid to call Asher out when he’s being overbearing—which she thinks is pretty much all the time. But she learns to trust him…for the most part.

A Journey We All Understand

For Cici, the story is about more than surviving danger; it’s about discovering her own worth. She starts desperate to distinguish herself, to be seen as more than the other Wright sister. By the end, she’s learned that her value doesn’t come from outshining others but from embracing who she is—flaws, fears, and all. It’s a journey I think many of us can relate to, whether we’re chasing a career goal, navigating family expectations, or simply trying to find our place in the world.

As I wrote Cici’s story, I thought about the readers who’ve told me they see themselves in my heroines. Cici’s not perfect—she’s stubborn, a little impulsive, and sometimes lets her pride get in the way. But she’s also fiercely loyal, quick-thinking, and willing to risk everything for what’s right. She’s the kind of heroine who reminds us that courage doesn’t mean being fearless but acting despite the fear.

Join Cici’s Adventure

Defending You is a story of heart-pounding suspense, a romance that sparks amidst danger, and a heroine who discovers her own strength when it matters most. If you’ve ever felt the need to prove yourself or wondered if you’re enough, Cici Wright’s journey will resonate with you. And if you love a good mix of action, mystery, and a love story that grows through trust and second chances, I think you’ll fall for Cici and Asher as much as I did.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 30

Pens Pages & Pulses, October 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 31

Texas Book-aholic, November 1

The Mommies Reviews, November 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 2

For Him and My Family, November 3

Mary Hake, November 3

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 5

Stories By Gina, November 5

lakesidelivingsite, November 6

Blogging With Carol, November 7

Holly’s Book Corner, November 8

Book Looks by Lisa, November 9

Cover Lover Book Review, November 9

Blossoms and Blessings, November 10

Pause for Tales, November 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 12

Bizwings Blog, November 12

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/3d28b/defending-you-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts and More on Lily and the Lawman by Erica Vetsch

 

About the Book

Book: Lily and the Lawman

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: October 13, 2025

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

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

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

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

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This story deals with a stolen baby, actually a case that involves several stolen children throughout the west. When a US Marshall, sick as can be stumbles into Money Creek, Idaho, Trace, the temporary sheriff is tasked with taking up the case. It becomes even more urgent when Lily Whitman's niece is stolen from her own sick sister's room.

Travis is trying to work on his and his family reputation. Lily is not about to let the Travis and his brother not take her to look for her niece. Lily already has a healthy dose of distrust for men. However, to save her reputation, she and Travis must marry into a marriage of convenience. Boy do the fireworks erupt. 

Filled with romance and tension and running out of time stakes, this is a quick read to take you out of the ordinary of day to day. A fun and enjoyable read all around. I look forward to more of the McConnell brothers' stories.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own. 

About the Author

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

 

 

 

 

More from Erica

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you have a favorite first line?

Blog Stops

Pens Pages & Pulses, October 28

Texas Book-aholic, October 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 29

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 30

For Him and My Family, October 30

Vicky Sluiter, October 31

Sydney Schmied Books, October 31

lakesidelivingsite, November 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 2

Alyssa Madjeski, November 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 4

Book Looks by Lisa, November 4

Devoted Steps, November 5

Devoted To Hope, November 5

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

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 6

Melissa’s Bookshelf, November 7

The Mommies Reviews, November 7

Books Less Travelled, November 8

Mary Hake, November 8

Blossoms and Blessings, November 9

Holly’s Book Corner, November 9

Pause for Tales, November 10

Bizwings Blog, November 10

Giveaway

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

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

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

My Thoughts and More on The Daughter of Shiloh by Terri J. Haynes

 

About the Book

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

Author: Terri J. Haynes

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical Fiction

Release Date: October 1, 2025

A Stampede Tramples Hopes

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

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

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This is the first time I have read a historical with guest appearance by Booker T. Washington. Also learning about the disaster of the Shiloh Baptist Church disaster, that according to the notes is the largest manmade disaster of all time. That is crazy how much trouble we cause our own selves.

As we go through the story about these young people trying to better their lives and compete with the rest of the country, both are injured in the stampede. So, they must now not only wrestle with race relations, but with pain, grief, and body limitations that were not present to begin with.

There is also a mystery introduced and we get to watch these two fall in love, where originally they did not even care for one another.

I was provided a copy of this novel by the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

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

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

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

More from Terri

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

I choose museums every year.

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

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

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

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

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

Blog Stops

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 30

Texas Book-aholic, October 31

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 3

For Him and My Family, November 4

Devoted To Hope, November 5

Stories By Gina, November 6 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, November 6

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

Holly’s Book Corner, November 8

Book Butterfly in Dreamland , November 9

Cover Lover Book Review, November 9

Pause for Tales, November 10

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

 

Giveaway

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

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

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

My Thoughts and More on The Hidden Legacy by June Foster

 

 

About the Book

Book: The Hidden Legacy (A Ford Family Rach: Book Two)

Author: June Foster

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 7, 2025

Austin Ford has inherited the weight of his family’s legacy, overseeing the sprawling Ford Ranch as his father steps back and his siblings forge their own paths. But when his beloved horse, Jack, falls gravely ill, Austin calls upon the new veterinarian in town, igniting a chain of events that will change everything.

Dr. Willow Lawson, a skilled veterinarian, is stunned when she first lays eyes on Austin Ford. The young, handsome rancher is the spitting image of her deceased husband, a shock that causes her to faint right in the horse barn. Determined to overcome the haunting memories, Willow throws herself into her work, even as her heart begins to stir for the charismatic rancher.

As Austin grapples with the strange, unexplained holes appearing on the North Pasture, he is drawn into a deeper mystery. Night flights over the ranch reveal flashing lights in the darkness, suggesting the holes are no mere animal burrows.

Amidst this growing unease, Austin and Willow’s budding relationship is tested when her clinic is vandalized, leaving her devastated and out of work. The attacks seem to be more than random acts of violence, especially when Austin’s father recounts tales of buried gold hidden on the ranch by their ancestor, Great Grandfather Jeremiah, during the Great Depression.

With prowlers encroaching on his land and his desire to protect Willow intensifying, Austin must navigate the treacherous waters of old family secrets and new-found love. Together, can Austin and Willow unravel the mystery threatening their lives and find solace in each other’s arms? Or will the shadows of the past and present prove too formidable to overcome?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Opening up this book and reading the first chapter, I knew I was in for a good mystery. Not only one, but there are a few mysteries this book uncovers for us. This is book two in the Ford family saga, and the first one I have read. This is Austin Ford's story.

The author portrays ranch life and its work and troubles well. However, something mysterious is going on with the Ford ranch. Mysterious deep holes keep appearing. Also, the pretty new vet, Willow, has a first shocking meeting with Austin. He looks exactly like her late husband. I must admit, that was the mystery I was most interested in. More drama unfolds as not everyone is welcoming of Willow's vet services. There was a lot going on in the story. It moved at a good pace, and it did keep me interested as I wanted to uncover all these secrets along with Austin and Willow.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

An award-winning author, June Foster is a retired teacher with a BA in Education and a MA in counseling. June began writing Christian romance in 2010 as she and her husband traveled the US in their RV. Her adventures provide a rich source of information for her novels. She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her next book.

To date, June has written over thirty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels and novellas. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who encounter real-life difficulties yet live victorious lives. She’s published with Winged Publications.

June is active in her church and her ladies’ fellowship group. She enjoys writing devotionals as well as fiction. She frequently attends writers’ conferences such as Blue Lake Writers’ Conference and Florida Christian Writers Conference.

Her novel, The Inn at Cranberry Cove, won the 2021 Selah award for Romantic Suspense. It is available on Amazon in paperback, hardback, and eBook format. In 2023, June won the Ames Award for her book Christmas at Cranberry Cove, book three in the same series.

More from June

If you love fields of Texas bluebonnets, rolling hills dotted with woolly sheep, and good-looking cowboys, you won’t want to miss The Hidden Heritage.

Veterinarian Willow Lawson never expected to faint the first time she laid eyes on Austin Ford—the ruggedly handsome owner of the Ford Ranch. But their unexpected meeting is only the beginning.

When strange holes appear in the Back Pasture, Willow and Austin join forces to uncover who—or what—is behind the digging. As danger closes in and their lives are threatened, a bond forms between them, stronger than either expected.

But just as love begins to bloom, a shocking revelation from the past threatens to tear them apart. What secret lies buried at the Ford Ranch—and can love survive its unearthing?

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 23

Stories By Gina, October 24 (Author Interview)

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, October 25

Patti Wolf, October 25

Texas Book-aholic, October 26

Guild Master, October 27 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 28

For Him and My Family, October 29

Fiction Book Lover, October 30 (Author Interview)

She Lives To Read, October 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 1

Bizwings Blog, November 2

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 3 (Author Interview)

The Mommies Reviews, November 3

Cover Lover Book Review, November 4

Pause for Tales, November 5

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/3d284/the-hidden-legacy-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts on Girl Lost by Kate Angelo

 

About:

Luna Rosati found acceptance and comfort with her childhood foster family, but when she became pregnant at sixteen, she gave the baby up for adoption and left without a word. Now a CIA counterintelligence officer, Luna wants to reconcile her fractured sense of self by finding the only blood family she has--the teenage daughter she's never met. As Luna closes in on learning the girl's identity with the help of her mentor, Stryker, she prepares to meet him in her old neighborhood--the last place she wants to be. Then Stryker is captured.   

AN INESCAPABLE PAST

Special Agent Corbin King changed his last name to escape the shadow of his convicted father serving a life sentence. When he runs into Luna, the object of his failed teenage romance, the two must put their pasts aside and work together to expose a secret that someone's willing to kill for.

A DEADLY THREAT

But when they encounter a kidnapping, missing bodies, and murder, the secrets Corbin and Luna are keeping from one another are only the beginning of the threat they face with more than their own lives at stake.

My Thoughts:

Girl Lost was such a captive thriller full of suspense and emotional relationships that it kept me coming back to this story. This was a story I looked forward too since I first heard about it, by new to me author Angelo, and I was not disappointed.

From the very beginning we have a story that starts off with a bang. Not only emotionally but with an abduction as well. Why? That is what special agent Corbin King and CIA agent Luna Rosati need to find out. Not only that, but these two have quite a past, one that has left deep scars emotionally on both. A relationship in which they share a daughter, whom Luna is looking for.

There is a family group dynamic here. Kids brought together from troubled backgrounds, and helped out by their shared mentor, Stryker King. Bringing all these once upon a time troubled teens together as adults opens this up to a very interesting series. They were a great set of supporting characters. This one was Luna and Corbin’s story, a story of forgiveness, redemption, and of second chances. I look forward to more in this series and more from this author.

I was provided a copy of this novel by Revell Publishing through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.