Friday, February 10, 2023

My Thoughts on Everything is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels

About:

It was just one of those nights. One of those crazy, impossible nights that change your life. Forever.

When guitarist Michael Sullivan gets kicked out of his band (and his apartment), landing a record deal seems an impossible dream. And nothing about Michael's prospects points toward a better future. Until the invitation for a swanky New Year's Eve party shows up in the mailbox. It's addressed to his uncle, with whom he shares both name and living space, but his uncle is going out of town . . .

On the effervescent night of December 31, 1989--as the Berlin Wall is coming down, the Soviet Union is falling apart, and anything seems possible--Michael will cross paths with the accomplished and enigmatic young heir to a fading musical dynasty, forever altering both of their futures.

My Thoughts:

This was a fun trip back to the end of 1989 and the beginning of 1990. One decade ending and a new one beginning. And if you like music, this story is all about that.

Michael Sullivan is living with his uncle who lives across the street from the who's who of the music business. In an unconventional way, Michael invites himself to their New Year's Eve party and surprisingly is accepted. Out of this comes a friendship with Natalie the daughter and a chance to see what a nuclear family is like. I liked how this family gave him what he needed, while still being firm about his relationship with Natalie.

Natalie is a special person and really surprises Michael in many ways with her whit and openness and the way she deals with her trials even though she comes from abundance. I liked their friendship and even though we really only get Michael's viewpoint, this story had a way of pulling me in and making me want to keep reading. This really wasn't my usual read.

For a guy who can write lyrics and is starved for attention, comes a girl who can write music and understands him in ways no one else does.

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:

Erin Bartels is the award-winning author of We Hope for Better Things, The Words between Us, All That We Carried, and The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water. A two-time Christy finalist and winner of two 2020 WFWA Star Awards and the 2020 Michigan Notable Book Award, Erin has been a publishing professional for twenty years. She lives in Lansing, Michigan, with her husband, Zachary, and their son. Find her online at www.erinbartels.com.

Thursday, February 9, 2023

My Thoughts and More on What I Would Tell You by Liz Tolsma

About the Book

Book:What I Would Tell You

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical Fiction

Release date: January 1, 2023

DNA Test Unlocks a Family Mystery

Sephardic Jew Mathilda Nissim watches in horror as the Germans invade her beloved city of Salonika, Greece. What angers her most is the lack of resistance her people put up to their captors. In secret and at great risk to her life, she continues to publish her newspaper, calling her people to action. She doesn’t trust God to help them. When she and her husband find out they are expecting a child, Mathilda may have to resort to desperate measures to ensure her daughter’s survival.

Three generations later, college student Riley Payson and her cousin take a popular DNA test only to discover they don’t share any common ancestors. In fact, the test shows Riley is a Sephardic Jew from Greece. This revelation shakes Riley’s tenuous faith and sends her on a journey to discover what happened to her great-grandmother and how all this relates to her faith and her life today.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This was a story that was at times hard to read but needed to be told. We are given two timelines, one during World War Two and the occupation of Greece and the other the present. Two women from different times and worlds.

In 1941 Mathilda lives with her husband Asher in Salonika as their country falls to the Germans. Their lives will now be in danger as they are Jewish. Mathilda writes a little newspaper and continues to do so at risk of her life to try and get her people to stand up and fight. To not let what happened in Poland happen to them. But it is an uphill battle that will take everything Mathilda has.

In present times, college student Tessa Payton has just had a DNA test done and the results are not at all what she expected. Amongst family turmoil, Tessa decides to travel to Greece and find out about her Jewish heritage that she never knew existed. This will change everything that Tessa thought she knew of her past.

This was a heart wrenching read. Especially Mathilda's story and what she went through. She showed great love and loyalty when all else was falling apart. It is a story that will stick with me for some time.

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

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her website at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.

More from Liz

Take a Trip to Greece with Me

I was privileged to travel to Greece last year to research my upcoming WWII novel, What I Would Tell You. God orchestrated it so beautifully. Because of Covid, we weren’t sure my daughter would be able to travel there for the summer internship she had applied for. Eight weeks before her scheduled departure, Greece reopened to foreign visitors. Around that same time, I sold What I Would Tell You, which is set in Thessaloniki, Greece, to Barbour Publishing. I had to go and visit!

Greece is a beautiful country. The pictures you see don’t do it justice. And to someone like me, the history is one of the best parts. My daughter and I explored the old city wall, built in the 1400s, many churches that predated the Ottoman Empire, and many excavated Roman ruins that have been dug up in the city’s process of putting in a subway system.

Because this is a WWII book, we also spent a great deal of time learning about the history of the Jews in the city. The Kapani Market, just down the street from our apartment, was a vibrant mix of colorful fruits, fragrant spices, and a cacophony of languages. I could well imagine what this old Jewish market was like prior to the war with people hawking olives, fish, and oregano.

We wasted no time in visiting the Jewish museum. I was shocked by the heavy security presence with armed guards outside of the building. Once inside, we had to show our IDs and were required to turn in our phones. Antisemitism is alive and well in Greece. But what a place. There were displays after displays tracing the history of the Jewish people in Thessaloniki from 1492 until WWII. The most breathtaking was the room with stone-covered walls, the names of all 48,000 Salonikan Jews killed in the Holocaust carved into the marble. There’s an entire scene in the book that deals with this room.

What saddened me most was what we saw when we visited the trainyard where the Jews were herded into cattle cars and shipped to Auschwitz. Before we got to where the station once stood, there was a wall on which someone had pained a mural covered with black-and-white figures in their striped uniforms, their eyes and mouths wide in horror. As if that weren’t difficult enough to view, what sickened me was the blue swastikas someone had painted over them.

We also trekked to the other side of the city to visit what had once been the Jewish cemetery, now the grounds of Aristotle University. All that remains to testify that half a million people were once buried here is a small, ill-kept memorial. There were two dead Christmas wreaths placed there. We visited in August.

In addition to a moving and thought-provoking story, I hope to also introduce you to the amazing city of Thessaloniki and give you a peek into the people and the culture of this amazing place. If you ever find yourself in Greece, plan some time in Thessaloniki. Many Americans miss this gem, but it’s packed with charm and history.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 28

Texas Book-aholic, January 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 29

Blogging With Carol, January 29

Genesis 5020, January 30

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 30

Where Faith and Books Meet, January 30

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 31

For Him and My Family, January 31

Cover Lover Book Review, February 1

Lily’s Book Reviews, February 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 2

deb’s Book Review, February 2

Betti Mace, February 3

Connie’s History Classroom, February 3

Paula’s Pad of Inspriation, February 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 5

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 6

Holly’s Book Corner, February 6

Bigreadersite, February 7

Blossoms and Blessings, February 7

Mary Hake, February 7

Labor Not in Vain, February 8

Pause for Tales, February 9

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 9

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 10

Southern Gal Loves to Read, February 10

Lights in a Dark World, February 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and 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/23ccb/what-i-would-tell-you-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

My Thoughts and More on Love is in the Air by Karen M. Bobos Illustrated by Jazinel Libranda

Book Details:

Book Title:  Love is In the Air (Adventures in Harmony series) by Karen M. Bobos
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 44 pages
Genre:  Valentine's Day Fairy Tale
Publisher: Bobos Babes, Ltd.
Release date:   Jan 2023
Content Rating: G for children ages 3 to 10

Book Description:

It's Valentine's Day, and the magical sisters and their favorite babysitter accidentally put a love spell on the kingdom. They must stop the enchantment before it's too late!

It's Valentine's Day in the enchanted land of Harmony and the kingdom and all its magical creatures are abuzz celebrating. When the King and Queen leave their three daughters-Angel Scarlet, Princess Daphne, and Fairy Cora-with Ali the Alligator, so they can spend a romantic dinner together, the sisters are excited for a fun night with their favorite babysitter.

Ali and the girls decide to make a love perfume in the castle's garden. But when Angel Scarlett wants to use her wand to help stir the ingredients, an enchantment of love mistakenly wafts over the kingdom and all its inhabitants. Can the girls stop the enchantment before it's too late? Or maybe it is just what the creatures needed, after all.

Buy the Book:
Amazon

My Thoughts:

The Bobos Babes sisters live in a happy little kingdom where their mom and dad rule as king and queen and all animals live together happily. This is a magical and a happy land. The sisters themselves are special as well. One is an angel, another a fairy, and the other is a princess.

Valentine's Day is upon them, and the king and queen are going out on a date. So, they have called their favorite babysitter, Ali the alligator, to come watch them. Ali always comes prepared with treats and fun. This craft with the girls is going to be extra special. But what happens when a little magic is accidentally used? Well, this loving town already may just become more loving to the extreme.

This was a cute and fun story of a silly little mishap and an easy way to fix it. This is a story to read to your little one that is filled with color and innocence.

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

Meet the Author:

Karen M. Bobos is the multi-award-winning author of the Adventures in Harmony series, which was created in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. While living in a city of unrest, her family left Chicago to stay with her mother in Northwest Indiana for several months. She and her husband were determined to keep life filled with wonder and magic for their three daughters, Scarlett (6), Daphne (5), and Cora (3). The Adventures in Harmony series was created to entertain her daughters during their stay at Gigi’s home and is filled with characters from the sisters’ world. Everyone deserves to escape to a land filled with love and adventure where creatures co-exist and happiness awaits.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Enter the Giveaway:

Sunday, February 5, 2023

My Thoughts on Yesterday's Tides by Roseanna M. White

About:

In two world wars, intelligence and counterintelligence, prejudice, and self-sacrifice collide across two generations

In 1942, Evie Farrow is used to life on Ocracoke Island, where every day is the same--until the German U-boats haunting their waters begin to wreak havoc. And when special agent Sterling Bertrand is washed ashore at Evie's inn, her life is turned upside down. While Sterling's injuries keep him inn-bound for weeks, making him even more anxious about the SS officer he's tracking, he becomes increasingly intrigued by Evie, who seems to be hiding secrets of her own.

Decades earlier, in 1914, Englishman Remington Culbreth arrives at the Ocracoke Inn for the summer, never expecting to fall in love with Louisa Adair, the innkeeper's daughter. But when war breaks out in Europe, their relationship is put in jeopardy and may not survive what lies ahead for them.

As the ripples from the Great War rock Evie and Sterling's lives in World War II, it seems yesterday's tides may sweep them all into danger again today.

My Thoughts:

This book was so heart wrenching good, that I felt like my emotions were on a roller coaster. The story is about two different timelines, one taking place in the years around the World War One, and the other World War two. The main location is Ocracoke Island, North Carolina. Though the timelines take us on a journey to many important places, especially concerning the wars. The story is very intricate, and the author did such a good job of putting all the pieces together. In fact, if you have read other author White's stories and her series, you the reader are in for a real treat. I will not say more than that, but I was amazed at her detail. If you have not, you will still enjoy this story immensely.

When we switched the timelines, you knew which one you were in by the titling of Yesterday or Today. This story is chock full of family, friends, romance, and political intrigue. Not only that but the first timeline seamlessly runs into the other with a few twists and turns that took me by surprise. So much so I had to read a couple of parts over again just to let the dynamics sink in.

The characters, I loved them. Both eras. There was a bit of mystery that only deepened the story more. This is also the second book I have read this year that deals with some islands in North Carolina and the outer banks that played an important role during World War Two. The historical facts and the atmosphere of impending war or war brought this story to life. And the romantic journey of the couples, priceless, though I was worried about them at times.

I do believe this is now my favorite author White book.

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

About the Author:

Roseanna M. White (www.roseannamwhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. She pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of numerous novels, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to Edwardian British series. Roseanna lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.roseannamwhite.com.

Saturday, February 4, 2023

My Thoughts on The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz

About:

In 1715, Lady Blythe Hedley's father is declared an enemy of the British crown because of his Jacobite sympathies, forcing her to flee her home in northern England. Secreted to the tower of Wedderburn Castle in Scotland, Blythe quietly awaits the crowning of a new king. But in a house with seven sons and numerous servants, her presence soon becomes known.

No sooner has Everard Hume lost his father, Lord Wedderburn, than Lady Hedley arrives with her maid in tow. He has his own problems--a volatile brother with dangerous political leanings, an estate to manage, and a very young brother in need of comfort and direction. It would be best for everyone if he could send this misfit heiress on her way as soon as possible.

In this whirlwind of intrigue, ambitions, and shifting alliances, Blythe yearns for someone she can trust. But the same forces that draw her and Everard together also threaten to tear them apart.

My Thoughts:

During 1715, the Jacobite risings were of real concern to England and their new German king. Being caught on the wrong side could have you branded a traitor and not only losing all your land, but possibly your head too.

Lady Blythe Hedley has a father who has Jacobite leanings, and he has put a plan into place for her protection. She is sent to Scotland, to Wedderburn Castle. When she arrives, she is secreted away to the tower. She has come at a time of mourning for the new Lord Wedderburn, Everard.

Everard has a lot on his shoulders especially taking the place of his late father as he is the oldest of his brothers. In fact, most of his brothers still live at home except for the one who is causing problems. He also wants to bring the estate up to date so it can be profitable for generations to come. He does not want to be responsible for Blythe.

As their tenuous relationship develops under circumstances neither can control, both realize the qualities that each other possess. Their romance is a slow burning one, but one that shows the traits of true love. If only there was not a war brewing that threatens to tear them apart.

This is another epic historical romance by author Frantz that takes the reader from France, England, and to Scotland. It is not a story that I will soon forget as Everard shows his very romantic and sacrificial love for Blythe.

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

About the Author:

Laura Frantz is a Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of more than a dozen novels, including The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Lacemaker, and A Heart Adrift. She is a proud mom of an American soldier and a career firefighter. A direct descendent of George Hume of Wedderburn Castle, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion, Laura lives with her husband in Washington State. Learn more at www.laurafrantz.net.

My Thoughts and More on Barking Up the Wrong Tree by Janice Thompson

About the Book

Book: Barking Up the Wrong Tree

Author: Janice Thompson

Genre:Christian Fiction / Mystery / Romance

Release date: January 1, 2023

Inquisitive, detail-oriented, Veterinarian Kristin Keller prides herself on winning over any dog. But has this self-proclaimed dog whisperer finally met her match in a Sheltie named Remington who has just won the Texas state agility course competition? The champion pooch is acting out of sorts—almost as if he is not the same dog. Has he, by chance, been switched out with another dog just before the next big competition? Kristin and the other Lone Star employees will do anything to help the Atkinson family figure out this mystery surrounding their beloved Remington.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed being back with my favorite veterinarian team and all their employees. This one is Kristin's story; she's been working at the Lone Star Vet Clinic for about a year now. She is still in love with her boss Tyler, and she's pretty sure he is in love with her too. They just have not done anything about it yet.

What starts out as a normal day quickly becomes abnormal. Kristen becomes alarmed at the health of prize winning Shelty by the name of Remington. Remington's owners are equally dismayed and already have a lot on their plate, including a new baby on the way. What they don't understand is why Remington has changed so, even how he acts. Well, it just so happens that Remington is not Remington. Someone switched out dogs. Why and who? So now they have a sick dog and a missing dog.

Well, the whole team gets behind this. Along with this mystery there is a big wedding happening and Kristen and Tyler begin to get closer. And then there are her parents, whom she loves dearly, but they are a lot to take in. What will Tyler think?

I like this group of people. Their comradery and family like atmosphere are heartwarming. Their love of animals and their care for them is astounding and their mystery solving skills are not so bad either. I look forward to more of these fun down to earth mysteries.

I received 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

Janice Thompson, who lives in the Houston area, writes romantic comedies, cozy mysteries, nonfiction devotionals, and musical comedies for the stage. She is the mother of four daughters and nine feisty grandchildren. When she’s not writing books or taking care of foster dogs you’ll find her in the kitchen, baking up specialty cakes and cookies.

More from Janice

Barking up the Tree is book three in the Gone to the Dog series. Kathleen Y’Barbo and I are writing six books, in total, and we’re very excited about this series. I happen to be in the dog rescue business. I’ve worked with multiple Houston-based dog rescues over the past five years and have been blessed to care for over fifty dogs in nearly every shape, size, and breed. I am always interested in dog-themed stories.

As a Texan I wanted to place this series in my neck of the woods. Kathleen and I settled on Brenham, Texas, a town not far from where we both live. It’s the home of Blue Bell ice cream (yum!) a favorite here in the Lone Star state. We created a large fictional cast of characters and placed them in a town we know and love.

Along with writing books I’m also a baker and run a baking blog (www.outoftheboxbaking.com). With that in mind I would love to share a recipe from the book. Enjoy!

Nanny’s Coconut Pecan Cake (aka Italian Cream Cake)

Ingredients

FOR THE CAKE:

1 white cake mix
1 yellow cake mix
6 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 stick butter
1 cup water
1 cup milk
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup sweetened coconut (flakes)
2 tsp vanilla
1 small box instant vanilla pudding (powder)

FOR THE FILLING/TOPPING:

Toasted coconut
Toasted chopped pecans

FOR THE FROSTING:

1 cup (two sticks) salted butter (softened)
1 block cream cheese (softened)
1 rectangle Crisco (can omit if you prefer traditional cream cheese frosting)
1 bag (7-8 cups) powdered sugar
Clear vanilla extract

Instructions

MAKING THE CAKE:

Combine all ingredients except nuts and coconut. Mix well.
Work in the nuts and coconut.
Grease and flour three 9” pans.
Divide batter between the three pans and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes (approximately) until cake springs back to the touch.

MAKING THE ICING:

Bring ingredients to room temperature.
Mix butter and cream cheese until soft and creamy.
Add Crisco and continue to beat until incorporated. (You can leave out the Crisco if you prefer traditional cream cheese frosting.)
Add extract and then lower the speed of your mixer to add powdered sugar (more or less to desired consistency).

FILLING AND ICING THE CAKE

Level all three cakes.
Put one cake on your cake board and add a layer of cream cheese frosting.
Pipe a ring around the edge of the cake and add some toasted pecans and coconut.
Continue to stack and fill.
Turn the top cake upside down, so that it’s bottom up.
Ice the cake with a crumb coat and chill.
Once chilled, ice liberally with frosting.
Add chopped (toasted) pecans and coconut to the sides and top then pipe trim or rosettes to add further décor.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 26

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 26

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 27

Remembrancy, January 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 28

For Him and My Family, January 28

Texas Book-aholic, January 29

deb’s Book Review, January 30

Mary Hake, January 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 31

Cover Lover Book Review, February 1

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 1

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 3

Pause for Tales, February 4

The Book Club Network, February 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 5

Blogging With Carol, February 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 7

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 7

Labor Not in Vain, February 8

Divine Perspective, February 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Janice is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a 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/23cc8/barking-up-the-wrong-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, February 3, 2023

My Thoughts and More on The Master's Inn by Deb Gorman

About the Book

Book: The Master’s Inn

Author: Deb Gorman

Genre:Christian Fiction

Release date: October 15, 2022

A novel of human brokenness and God’s still-unfolding drama of redemption.

When two dysfunctional and wounded families wind up unexpectedly at the remote Master’s Inn during a December snowstorm, it’s up to owners Tom and Barb Masters to help—except they’re dealing with their own bitter issues. As the winter snowfall confines them, the three families find themselves coping with their crippled relationships and hard emotions . . . and sometimes tearing one another down in the process.

But when a secret is inadvertently revealed and a rebellious teenage girl takes off into the storm, chaos descends. Will they be tossed into more heartbreak, or will the crisis draw them together against a common enemy?

With a forest in Washington State as the backdrop, join the Masters’ at their B&B as they strive to show Christ’s love to all who cross their threshold . . . even when it threatens their own sanity and safety.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

In The Master's Inn we have a very honest look at human dilemmas and familial issues. We also have a look at when our plans do not play out as we would like them to, sometimes the alternative is more beneficial. But it takes us getting outside of our stinking thinking and looking for the blessings instead.

Tom and Barb Masters own a remote bread and breakfast that they have poured their lives in. Recently they were expecting their nephew and his family for a stay and to help them through some issues. However, the weather had other plans and they were not able to come. In their place were two other families whose plans had also changed, and both were in dire need help.

This was a story that dealt with some emotional drama as each family had lived through some heartbreaking times. All were dealing with broken hearts, anger, selfishness, you name it. Often, they were short with each other, strangers all of them. Until the storm forces them to help one another. None of this was any of their plans, but in time they saw that this was orchestrated by a God who truly loved them and knew the help they could be to each other.

Some of these characters needed a good talking to or worse, especially a certain teenager. However, I think the author wanted to show what the brokenness in her family was doing to her. The others were in ways not much better at times. We should all take some moments to check our attitudes towards our loved ones and strangers in our words and actions. Good life lessons.

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

Deb Gorman, owner of Debo Publishing, was born and reared in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She still lives in her hometown with her husband, Alan, and their very smart German Shepherd, Hoka.

Deb is a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, cleverly disguised as a wife, mom, grandmom, and author.

Her purpose is to connect with God’s most beautiful and clever creation, the human family, using the literary talent and imagination God gave her.

Her prayer is that as she journeys together with you, we will discover encouragement and redemption in our most important relationships.

Connect with Deb at https://debggorman.com where you will find her blog posts and information about her books, both published and forthcoming.

More from Deb

One Sunday morning in 2012, I listened to our pastor give one of his excellent sermons.

I don’t remember what he said to spark this idea, but I grabbed my church bulletin and began scribbling furiously. By the time the service ended I had a rough outline, character sketches, and the opening scene written. And the title—The Master’s Inn. Some details, of course, changed over the years, but the title stayed the same.

The Master’s Inn was first birthed as a ninety minute play, which my church produced over one weekend in December of 2013. I wrote the play and directed it. I had an excellent cast of characters, plenty of folks lending a hand from technical details to the dinner we hosted for our guests. It was truly a team effort.

The Master’s Inn play was the first serious effort I’d ever made at writing. After it’s success, I began thinking about writing a book. Now, ten years later, I’ve written three creative non-fiction, devotional-style books and contributed to a Chicken Soup for the Soul volume.

During the process of publishing those first three books, the characters from The Master’s Inn pestered me day and night to put them in a novel. Who was I to argue?

And so, those characters got what they wanted. They are no longer confined to ninety minutes and one weekend of publicity. They’re now out there for the whole world to see.

The Master’s Inn is a novel of human brokenness and God’s still-unfolding drama of redemption . . .

When two dysfunctional and wounded families wind up unexpectedly at the remote Master’s Inn during a December snowstorm, it’s up to owners Tom and Barb Masters to help—except they’re dealing with their bitter issues. As the winter snowfall confines them, the three families find themselves coping with their crippled relationships and hard emotions . . . and sometimes tearing one another down in the process.

With a forest in Washington State as the backdrop, join the Masters at their B&B as they strive to show Christ’s love to all who cross their threshold—even when it threatens their own sanity and safety.