About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Beside the Dead by Mary Alford

Beside the Dead
ABOUT THE BOOK

Harrison Troyer has been a ghost for over a decade. . . His future silenced by the threat of prison. But now, the secrets that haunted him can no longer remain buried.

Now living in the shadows as a private investigator in Alaska, Harrison is sent to Evergreen Falls, Maine to find a desperate mother’s missing daughter.

But when a terrified woman stumbles into his remote hideaway in the North Woods of Maine, pleading for his help to escape a killer, his fragile anonymity shatters.

Eden’s story of survival is harrowing—and eerily connected to a case Harrison is chasing. As they team up to unravel her abduction, Harrison realizes Eden may hold not only the key to exposing a dangerous predator but also answers to his missing persons.

Deputy Sheriff Samantha Baker is relentless in her search for answers about her sister Mae’s disappearance twenty-three years ago. When Eden’s escape mirrors Mae’s case and another missing woman, Sam suspects the same monster has returned to prey on Evergreen Falls.

Forced into an uneasy alliance with law enforcement, Harrison and Eden plunge into a chilling web of lies, secrets, and deadly truths. With each step closer to justice, the lines between their hunt for the killer and their fight for survival blur. And as their growing bond threatens to thaw hearts long frozen by grief, they must face a final can they stop a killer before the past destroys them both?

Beside the Dead is a gripping tale of love, redemption, and the unrelenting pursuit of truth. Packed with pulse-pounding suspense and heart-stopping twists, this romantic thriller will keep you guessing until the final page.

Grab your copy of the long-anticipated follow up book to Among the Innocent today and find out what happened to Harrison!






MY THOUGHTS.....

So many questions emerged in the first few chapters of this book, and the answers didn't come easily. At least not for me! It took me a while to grasp who was evil enough to hold young women in an underground prison and methodically eliminate them. Author Mary Alford took me through a gamut of emotions while reading Beside the Dead. I was terrified, shocked, and often repulsed, but I couldn't stop reading! I had to learn more about the intriguing characters, mystifying setting, and good-versus-evil theme that plays such a strong role in this story.

I read the book that introduced Harrison Troyer several years ago, but don't worry if you haven't read Among the Innocent. Alford does an excellent job establishing the background so that you're immediately caught up in the mysteries surrounding a young woman who disappeared several years ago and another young woman caught up in a present-day nightmare. Could there be a connection?

Beside the Dead is a compelling thriller, and the scenes that relay the villain's point of view are absolutely chilling! I recommend this book to all who enjoy romantic suspense novels, and I hope there will be more books with these characters!

I voluntarily read a digital copy that I received from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Alford is a USA Today bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can't put down. Her titles have been finalists for several awards, including the Daphne Du Maurier, the Beverly, the Maggie, and the Selah. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two cats and one dog. 

Learn more by visiting her Website   Facebook  Twitter     Instagram     Pinterest



Beside the Dead

Monday, February 24, 2025

Trained to Protect by Terri Reed

Trained to Protect
ABOUT THE BOOK

Protecting a witness could be

a deadly mission for this K-9 team.

K-9 officer Tarren McGregor never imagined that a cartel would find its way to Texas’s South Padre Island—or target his best friend’s sister. But when Julia Hamilton witnesses and prevents the kidnapping of a teen girl, Tarren knows that trouble is soon to follow. Because Julia didn’t just protect the girl—she saw the abductor’s face. Now she’s marked for murder, and it’s up to Tarren and his K-9 partner to keep Julia safe from the human traffickers in pursuit…even if it means putting themselves in the line of fire.


AMAZON     




MY THOUGHTS.....

I've needed a break from the cold, wintry weather so this book has been a pleasure in more ways than one. It is set on Texas's South Padre Island, so I loved being transported to sandy beaches and gulf breezes! But wait...I was also immediately engaged in a kidnapping attempt, a killer's efforts to silence a witness, and a dangerous mission to stay alive! Did Julia Hamilton prevent more than a random kidnapping? Was there a sinister threat to all young women in the area?

I loved the characters, the setting, and the non-stop action in this pulse-altering adventure from author Terri Reed! Tarren McGregor was determined to protect Julia but when did she become more than his best friend's little sister? They'd both suffered disappointments and neither was expecting more...but sometimes God has other plans!

Suspense, intrigue, and sweet romance are woven with threads of faith into a wonderful tapestry! I recommend Trained to Protect to all who enjoy romantic Christian suspense.

I received a copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 





ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Terri Reed's awarding winning romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly top 5 Romance Bestsellers and Publishers Weekly top 5 Religion Fiction Bestsellers, Publishers Weekly top 5 Mass Market Paperback Bestsellers, Nielsen's Bookscan top 25 Bestsellers and featured in USA Today and have been #1 Amazon Bestsellers, as well as Fresh Picks at FreshFiction.com. Her novel A Family Under the Christmas Tree was adapted into a Hallmark movie and retitled Picture a Perfect Christmas. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and agility training with her dog.

Learn more by visiting Terri's      Website     Facebook     Instagram

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Storm Warning (Hidden Bay #1) by Elizabeth Goddard

Storm Warning
ABOUT THE BOOK

Haunted by a half-forgotten past, former army photographer Remi Grant is working at an isolated storm-watching lodge on the rocky Washington coast when she receives a mysterious puzzle piece. The puzzle piece may be the catalyst to unlock a disturbing incident she struggles to remember--the event that sent her into hiding. But with heavy storms rolling in, she has to focus on the present, not get caught up in the past.

When a mysterious man at the lodge saves her life--twice--Remi becomes suspicious and confronts him. After a catastrophic event in his own life, former military pilot Hawk Beckett is trying to get some perspective at the suggestion of his former commanding officer. Faced with the fiercest storm to hit the coast in a decade, Remi and Hawk are forced into survival mode. But they're not alone at the lodge.

Someone doesn't want Remi to remember what happened--and they will stop at nothing to see her dead.






MY THOUGHTS.....

"The storm system of the decade" is about to hit the Washington coast, but Mother Nature isn't the only threat in this captivating novel. Remi Grant can't remember part of her past and someone wants to keep it that way! What follows is a thrilling, chilling story of danger and survival!

Elizabeth Goddard is known for her riveting suspense and this novel epitomizes this tagline! Storm Warning is a fast-paced story from the beginning pages to its satisfying end, with twists, turns, and terrifying moments that kept me on the edge of my seat! Her descriptive powers have never been stronger, and the faith element has never been more powerful! I loved learning about the past experiences that still held Remi and Hawk captive and watching their relationship evolve from suspicion to acceptance to total trust was especially gratifying. And I can't forget the sweet romance!!

Storm Warning is a must-read for all who enjoy romantic Christian suspense and a wonderful introduction to the Hidden Bay series.

I received a copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.


My rating: 5 of 5 stars




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of 60 novels and novellas, including Cold Light of Day, Shadows at Dusk, and the Rocky Mountain Courage and Uncommon Justice series. Her books have sold nearly 1.5 million copies. She is a Christy Award, Carol Award and Reader’s Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier and HOLT Medallion Award finalist. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry.

Learn more by visiting her Website    


HIDDEN BAY
Storm Warning
Perilous Tides


View all my reviews

Saturday, February 22, 2025

Searching for Justice (K-9 Search and Rescue, 15) by Connie Queen

Searching for Justice (K-9 Search and Rescue, 15)
ABOUT THE BOOK

A cold case reopened.

A K-9 in pursuit of the truth.

When a teen goes missing from the same place where her own foster sister disappeared, K-9 handler Brynne Taylor is on the case…until she’s caught in a lethal trap. Someone doesn’t want her or her Saint Bernard, Fergie, snooping around, and they’re willing to kill to keep their secrets. Saved by rancher Jace Jackson, Brynne reluctantly accepts the single father’s help solving both cases. But they’re under fire every dangerous step of the way—and eluding this killer may be as impossible as outrunning Brynne’s past…



MY THOUGHTS.....

Author Connie Queen is a master at sharing red herrings! I thought I had this mystery figured out but was I ever wrong! Searching for Justice is a fast-paced story with multi-faceted characters, a 16-year-old cold case, and the best K-9 partner ever. You don't often read about a Saint Bernard being a valued part of a Search and Rescue Unit but Fergie is a perfect partner for K-9 handler Brynne Taylor.

I loved the human element that's so important in this story. Brynne and Jase Jackson once dreamed of a future together and Brynne still experiences guilt over her foster sister's death. Searching for Justice is a thrilling story with danger, romance, and the reminder that the past doesn't have to define your future. There are also several surprises and a fantastic epilogue!  I recommend this book to all who enjoy romantic Christian suspense.

I received a copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 






 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Connie Queen spent her life in Texas where she met and married her high-school sweetheart. Together they’ve raised eight children and are enjoying their grandchildren. As a child, Connie remembers her mom and sisters reading, but she preferred to be outside. It wasn't until later, she found the joy of being whisked away into another world. Today she resides in Nebraska with her husband, and Nash, her Great Dane, where she’s working on her next suspense.

Visit her Website or follow her on   Facebook     Twitter   Instagram



OTHER BOOKS BY CONNIE QUEEN

Searching for Justice

View all my reviews

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

His Perfect Bride (Bride Ships: New Voyages #3) by Jody Hedlund

His Perfect Bride (Bride Ships: New Voyages Book 3)
ABOUT THE BOOK

Sage Rhodes is eager to escape Manchester, England, and leave behind the pain of a broken engagement. When she’s offered the job as a lady’s maid to Augusta Lennox, who is traveling to Vancouver Island to visit her brother, Sage happily accepts the position.

Not so long ago, brilliant engineer Jackson Lennox faced a terrible tragedy during the building of a suspension bridge in the Fraser River Valley and becomes a recluse in his fine home in Victoria. When his sister and her beautiful lady’s maid arrive on his doorstep, he’s reluctant to welcome the visitors.

Organized and efficient, Sage starts to bring order not only to Jackson’s home but also to his life. Even though at first they clash, the attraction between the beauty and the beast is undeniable. Still, they do their best to ignore it. But when Augusta goes missing and they’re thrust into a dangerous adventure together, circumstances require them to pretend they’re married.

Will the charade—and their forced proximity—change their hearts…or ruin them both forever?






MY THOUGHTS.....

Opposites attract. I've heard this many times and this new book by Jody Hedlund proves its truth. How could two complete opposites become such a dream couple? Sage Rhode's desire for perfection balances the somewhat messy existence of Jackson Lennox and the chemistry between them is off the charts. Oh, don't worry, this is a clean romance but believe me, there's no doubt about their attraction to each other!

I admired Sage's willingness to help her family by traveling as a maid's companion. One hundred twenty days of being on a ship, suffering from seasickness, couldn't have been fun but Sage survived it, only to meet someone she could only describe as a 'pirate, minus a bandana, eye patch, and sword'! What follows is a romantic adventure filled with deepening awareness, a few swoon-worthy kisses, and Sage's realization that she didn't want to be a spinster after all!

His Perfect Bride captivated me from the beginning. Past hurts, a fake marriage, and two people from very different social classes appear to have found their perfect match but is it possible? I also loved the historical details surrounding the Bride Ships voyages and Vancouver Island as it was in 1863!

I recommend His Perfect Bride to all who enjoy clean historical romance. It is a fantastic addition to the Bride Ships New Voyages series.

I received an eBook from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
  




ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. She lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy teens, and five spoiled cats.


When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

Learn more at Jody's Website     

Goodreads    Facebook

Twitter     Pinterest     Instagram     BookBub


Bride Ships: New Voyages
Book 3: His Perfect Bride
Book 4: His Unforgettable Bride

Bride Ships by Jody Hedlund

View all my reviews

Monday, February 17, 2025

Sabotage at Cedar Creek (Red Truck Mysteries #2) by Janice Thompson

Sabotage at Cedar Creek (Red Truck Mysteries #2)
ABOUT THE BOOK

Who Would Set the New B&B Ablaze?
 
Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red truck in book two of this cozy mystery series.
 
In Mabank, Texas, the Hadley family’s new antique business is open and running well with Tilly, the red antique truck, as its mascot. RaeLyn Hadley enjoys driving Grandpa’s truck around as she seeks out antiques for her family’s store.
 
RaeLyn is excited that her friend, Tasha, will soon open a new bed-and-breakfast inn to accommodate the area’s growing tourism, but a fire threatens to spoil all Tasha has worked for.
 
RaeLyn immediately gets to work sleuthing out who could be behind such an act of sabotage. Could it be the nearby resort owner, the daughter of the house’s former owner; a neighbor, or a squatter who had been living in the house before renovations? RaeLyn is determined to solve the mystery for her friend.


MY THOUGHTS.....

Reading this story was like returning home to catch up with family and friends! Author Janice Thompson takes us back to Mabank, Texas for another adventure with RaeLyn Hadley and Tilly, the little red truck. The Hadley family antique store is doing well, tourism is on the rise, and RaeLyn's friend is about to open a bed and breakfast to accommodate the visitors to Mabank. Until...someone tries to stop it from happening!

Sabotage at Cedar Creek
is book two in The Little Red Truck Mysteries series. It's a delightful story filled with intriguing characters, plausible motives, and clues that kept me guessing until the end. There's also sweet romance between not one, but two special couples! I recommend this book to all who enjoy romantic cozy mysteries. There's also a bonus of two recipes from Aunt Bessie Mae!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.


My rating: 4 of 5 stars 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Janice Thompsonwho 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.

Learn more by visiting her Website or following her on  Facebook     Twitter     Pinterest



The Little Red Truck Mysteries
Sabotage at Cedar Creek

View all my reviews

Dawn of Grace by Jill Eileen Smith

Dawn of Grace
ABOUT THE BOOK

From her earliest days, Mary Magdalene has known fear and loss at a level so deep she has no hope of surfacing. Bound to the demons within her and incapable of freeing herself, Mary walks in shadow--until one day she encounters a healer, a rabbi who is radically different from the religious leaders and family members who could do nothing to help her. One touch from Jesus and Mary is never the same.

Now Mary's one mission in life is to serve the one who freed her. She is determined never to leave his side, fearing that if she loses him, she'll return to her former bondage. Even when the unthinkable happens and her savior is arrested and sentenced to execution, she cannot abandon him as so many others did. Let her be buried in his tomb, for she cannot live without him.

On the brink of despair, Mary is about to discover that while the life of faith is never perfect, perfect love casts out fear--and Jesus makes all things new.




MY THOUGHTS.....

"Dawn of Grace" shares the story of Mary Magdalene, a woman possessed by demons until she met a man named Jesus. The first part of this book offers a look at a woman who lost her mother at an early age, never felt loved by her father, and endured the torture of being possessed by demons. I found these accounts especially difficult to read! And then, she was rescued by a Rabbi who knew her inner thoughts and successfully drove the demons away. Was it any wonder that Mary Magdalene would become such a devoted follower? Why wouldn't she idolize the person who rescued her from a life of pain and misery?

Author Jill Eileen Smith normally writes biblical fiction set in Old Testament times but this book has a New Testament setting. Smith admits that she relied heavily on the four Gospels to help her weave facts into fiction into a story that covered Jesus's ministry and the events that led to His death and Resurrection. I enjoyed reading about the other women who became followers and I was especially moved by Mary Magdalene's grief and devotion after His death. She was determined to care for Jesus's body, bewildered when she found his empty tomb and overjoyed by the assurance that He would return! I love biblical fiction that sends me back to the source and this was the case as I read this engaging story. I recommend "Dawn of Grace: Mary Magdalene's Story" to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling, award-winning author of the Wives of King David series, the Wives of the Patriarchs, Daughters of the Promised Land, Heart of a King, Star of Persia, Miriam's Song, and The Prince and the Prodigal. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times.

When she isn’t writing, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, read stories that take her away, ride her bike, snag date nights with her hubby, try out new restaurants, or hug her lovable cats Kody and Kaelee. She lives with her family in southeast Michigan. 

Learn more at Jill's  Website     Facebook     Twitter     Instagram

Sunday, February 16, 2025

NIV Adventure Bible and Adventure Bible Guide



The NIV Adventure Bible

The bestselling NIV Adventure Bible® will get kids excited about reading the Scriptures! Your kids will be captivated with the full-color features that make it fun and engaging to read the Bible and memorize their favorite verses. Along the way they will meet all types of people, see all sorts of places, and learn all kinds of things about the Bible. Most importantly, they will grow closer in their relationship with God.

The Adventure Bible is recommended by more Christian schools and churches than any other Bible for kids, and the Adventure Bible brand has impacted more than 10 million individuals and families to date!

Explore the Bible like never before! This companion to the bestselling Adventure Bible gives young readers the key details of every book of the Bible at their fingertips. With kid-friendly overviews of Genesis through Revelation and full-color infographics, maps, and images, children will strengthen their faith and gain a deeper understanding of the most important story ever told.

The Adventure Bible Guide takes readers 8–12 on a fun-filled, informative journey toward truly understanding God’s Word. This immersive reference guide gives clear, crisp insights into the Bible book by book, including:

  • key details and events that are clearly laid out, in words kids can easily understand
  • colorful infographics that include historical information, significant events and details, and important biblical characters
  • callouts with fun facts and key takeaways
  • maps that help readers understand where each part of the Bible occurred
  • images of artifacts and important places that help bring the Bible to life

This book is made to be used alongside the Bible to help readers better comprehend the context and background of God’s Word, condensing the most important information in a highly visual, easy-to-understand format, which in turn helps kids connect with the Bible text in new and deeper ways.

The Adventure Bible Guide is:

  • perfect for kids 8–12 learning to explore the Bible on their own
  • a great resource for teachers, parents, and homeschoolers to use to engage students in the Bible and biblical history
  • part of the wider Adventure Bible line, which includes NIV Adventure Bible, Adventure Bible Book of Devotions,?and The Adventure Bible Book of Daring Deeds and Epic Creations




MY THOUGHTS.....
 
The NIV Adventure Bible is a wonderful way to introduce children to God's Word! The fun safari theme captures their attention, and colorful illustrations make it come alive. There are different sections to make learning fun, including Life in Bible Times, People in Bible Times, Did You Know?, and Live It! Bonuses include a dictionary/concordance, color maps, and special full-page inserts for special topics.




Love Passage for Kids

1 Corinthians 13 is a famous passage and I love that it's explored in this special full-page insert!








How to Pray

Prayer is such an important part of our walk with God and children need to be encouraged to talk with their Heavenly Father!







The Adventure Bible Guide is a great companion to the NIV Adventure Bible. It may be compact in size but the content of the Adventure Bible Guide exceeds all expectations. The two pages devoted to each book of the Bible are filled with key details to help young people develop a deeper understanding of God's Word.






I've always loved the story of a brave young woman named Esther.  She and her cousin Mordecai were able to save her people from annihilation! 








 
I may be a seasoned Christian but The Adventure Guide shares information that's new to even me!

How have I missed knowing that the Jewish holiday Purim is a tribute to Esther and Mordcai's actions?







The NIV Adventure Bible and Adventure Bible Guide are wonderful resources for young people, and they would be a perfect addition to a home or church library!

I received complimentary copies from the publisher via FrontGate Women's Blogger Network. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


#adventurebible #adventurebibleguide #zonderkidz #niv #ad #sponsored @Zonderkidz @adventurebible 






Friday, February 14, 2025

Love Blooms on Valentines: A Contemporary Romance Collection by Chautona Havig, Katy Lee, Helena Smrcek, GIna Conroy

Love Blooms on Valentines: A Contemporary Romance Collection
ABOUT THE BOOK

Four Heart-Warming Christian Contemporary Romance Novels. One Exciting Valentines Collection.

Be My Inspiration - 
Chautona Havig

Award-winning songwriter Tanner Lawson believes avoiding romantic relationships is the secret to his success. But when writer’s block hits, he uses his church’s modified “Yankee Swap” gift exchange to set himself up on dates with one of the women for "inspiration."
Of course, Dana Lyles has noticed Linus Stenson. You’d have to be stupid not to. And when he obviously rigs the gift exchange? That means he must have noticed her, too, right?
His secret identity is sure to cause problems (if she ever finds out), but he just needs a few dates to prime the romance pump.

Two Wrongs to Right Katy Lee
Rubi Stone is a single mom who is navigating her recent widowhood as she keeps her charter boat business afloat in Royal Bay. Grady Andrews is only interested in taking down the billionaire tycoon who runs the seaside town and figures the locals will thank him for it in the end, even if they don’t realize it yet. With his plan set to destroy the beach club from the inside, all that’s stopping him is his growing concern for Captain Rubi and her little girl. His actions could send them both adrift in the storm he’s creating. But could Rubi’s love be the lifesaver he needs to set him on the right path…and into her arms forever?

Be Mine, Again - Gina Conroy
Rosie Santini, a cynical NYC obituary writer, lost faith in love after high school sweetheart, Rocco DeLuca, left for culinary school in Italy and never returned. Now stuck in a dead-end job, she’s given the chance to write a career-changing Valentine's feature but struggles to write about a subject she doesn’t believe in. When past flames reappear, Rosie confronts unresolved heartaches and trauma surrounding Valentine’s Day. As she considers which ex to give a second chance, she realizes forgiveness might unlock both a future in love and her career, opening doors to possibilities with an ex or perhaps someone new.

Million Likes - Helena Smrcek
Amber’s Valentine’s Day earn one million likes to win her dream job as a show host. But returning to her Colorado hometown to create viral content brings more than she bargained for—especially when her ex, Lucas, is there.
To boost her chances, Amber enlists Lucas to play her “perfect boyfriend” in a series of romantic videos. Amid laughter, heartfelt moments, and reconciling her complicated past, Amber begins to rediscover her faith, confront her insecurities, and realize she’s more than her scars.
As love blossoms, Amber must fleeting fame or a life rooted in faith, love, and true happiness?


MY THOUGHTS.....

Longing for a heartwarming romance but short on reading time? Love Blooms on Valentines is a collection of four short stories with romance and faith as their central themes. The focus of this review is A Million Likes by Helena Smrcek. Social media influencers are an important part of today's society so this story immediately captured my interest. I must admit that I was often irritated by social influencer Amber's deception and the methods she used to achieve her goal but isn't this what a good author does? They place realistic characters in intriguing situations that pique your interest and trigger your emotions!

Smrcek shows Amber's personal growth by weaving a strong thread of faith into the story and introducing a wonderful male character to help Amber discover the true meaning of beauty and success! A Million Likes is an enjoyable contemporary romance and I look forward to reading the other three stories in this collection, Love Blooms on Valentines.

I received a complimentary eBook but there was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHORS


Using story to connect readers with the Master Storyteller. Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours, and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.





#1 Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author Katy Lee has published more than 40 novels, including her Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense books. She writes inspiring stories filled with high speed suspense and sweet romance.

Katy has multiple awards and nominations, including Romance Writers of America’s RITA® Awards, the Daphne du Maurier Mystery Awards, the Faith, Hope, & Love's Inspirational Reader’s Choice Awards, and Selah Awards.

Katy also teaches and coaches new and seasoned writers online and at her week-long writing retreats. She runs a non-profit organization for guiding people to heal through writing called Story Haven Writers, Inc. Katy lives in the rugged mountains of Utah and is a special education teacher when she's not plotting her next story. See her Website for details on her books, story consulting, and ways you can support healing through Story Haven Writers, Inc.



Helena Smrcek'
s
 grandparents gifted her with the wonder of storytelling. She grew up surrounded by their unconditional love, endless patience, and captivating tales. The most cherished moments came at twilight. Her Grandpa would settle into his wing chair, a cat purring on his lap, while Helena and her grandmother snuggled on the sofa, ready for storytime.

Learn more at her Website     Facebook     X      Instagram 


Gina Conroy

From the moment I received my first diary in the second grade, I've been in love with the written word and the power it has to touch, stir, and reach from the depths of one soul to another. That passion for storytelling has been the thread weaving through my life ever since. Whether writing fiction or real life stories, I infuse faith, vulnerability, laughter, and hope in my stories where characters come alive, mysteries unfold, and redemption shines.

When I’m not writing, I’m teaching and mentoring others to pursue their passions and embrace their creativity. Born and raised in New York but now living in the Midwest, I’ve built a balanced life where writing, teaching, and adventure collide. Whether it’s developing engaging writing classes for writers of all ages, writing mystery novels or rom coms, or encouraging writers at all stages to chase their dreams, I love helping others uncover their stories.

An empty nester turned caregiver, I dream of traveling the world, dancing my way through every country, and penning stories full of adventure, faith, and hope. You can learn more about my books and my coaching on my website. It’s easy to find because it's simply my name dot com. Let’s connect—I’d love to hear from you!