Fiction Friday: New Releases in Christian Fiction

Fiction Friday: New Releases in Christian Fiction
January 2026 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Action/Adventure:

Fire Between Two Skies by R.F. Whong -- Two eras. One relentless quest for truth amid desires and temptation. Across the centuries, two men are bound by parallel destinies that echo through time. Book 3 of this dual-time odyssey delves deep into the passions and struggles that connect their worlds. (Action/Adventure, Independently Published)
Amish (Contemporary and Romance):

Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer by Anne Blackburne -- Jane must overcome her disappointment upon discovering that the man she's loved since childhood is the same person who gave her a hated nickname in their school days; can she and Sam overcome her distrust and his guilt and shyness and find their way to a shared future? (Amish Romance from Barbour Publishing)

An Amish Second Chance by Beth Wiseman -- Can Hope and Rueben share the secrets that they've held close to their hearts and have the second chance they long for? (Amish Contemporary, Independently Published)

Children’s Middle Grade /Chapter:

The Case of the Four-Legged Friend by Becca Wierwille -- In this Christian mystery for kids, a girl must find a dog's home before he's sent to the animal shelter. (Children’s/Middle Grade, Independently Published)

General Historical:

What Loyalty Demands by Carol Ashby -- When rebellion breaks out in Roman Britain, the protective British cousin of a Christian woman and the Roman tribune who wants a future with her discover how enmity born of conflicting loyalties can be overcome when believers serve as the peacemakers Jesus commanded them to be. (General Historical from Cerrillo Press)

Historical Romance:

Far Grander Than Paradise by Barbara Blythe -- She needs to find her father. He needs to atone for his dead brother’s sins. Can they find what they seek on a voyage that takes them halfway around the world? (Historical Romance from Elk Lake Publishing)

Whispers in the Valley by Amanda Cabot -- A woman whose life is in shambles. A man who's fighting for his future. A decades-old mystery. Carr Valley will never be the same. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Love Under Construction by Linda Shenton Matchett -- Nadine Krause took in boarders to help her family climb out of debt after her father’s death. Business has gone well, and she’s earned enough to expand the house. When her brother’s friend agrees to take the job - the only man in town willing to work for a woman - sparks fly. But not the good kind. Or are they? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Romantic Suspense:

Hidden Talent by Bettie Boswell -- When author Leah Beach is threated because of a new rescue mule she's modeled one of her comic characters after, she seeks help from a reluctant body guard, Carlton Marsh, who soon discovers the threat is real. (Romantic Suspense from Mt. Zion Ridge Press)

Fighting for You by Robin Patchen -- She's running from her past. He's protecting his future. Together, they must fight for what matters most. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Trapped on the Alaskan Glacier by Megan Short -- Forced into hiding after witnessing a double murder by an organized-crime gang, Beth Ryder’s identity is suddenly leaked online and a kill order is placed on her head. Her survival is now in the hands of US Marshal Jake Cruz, who is determined to keep her alive. But when it becomes clear that more than one group is targeting Beth, the stakes are higher than ever. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Deadly Secrets by Penny Zeller -- Betrayal has consequences... Harper Amerson loves her job as a real estate agent. That is, until it becomes clear that someone is watching her. What happens when she attempts to sell the land someone doesn't want sold? (Romantic Suspense from Maplebrook Publishing)

Speculative Fiction:

Cerulean Rose by Demi Griffin -- A mysterious, in-depth re-telling of Cinderella. (Speculative/Romantic Fantasy, Independently Published)

Braving Fiery Waters by Sarah Hanks -- Her husband died in a fire. Now she’s heading straight into one. Marina Stone planned an ideal family vacation, perfect for reconnecting with her two teenagers after their father's death. But those plans go drastically away when she time sails to the White Cloud in the year 1849. Now she must face her greatest fears and complete a mystery mission before she can return to her life and children. (Speculative/Time Travel, Independently Published)

  Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Death on Wolfe Mountain by Lynne Waite chapman -- Who was the man found dead on Wolfe Mountain and how did his body get there? (Cozy Mystery)

Love & Cheer – Holidays in Hallbrook by Elsie Davis -- Talia Hunter’s promotion is riding on one flawless New Year’s Eve company gala. But when her caterer cancels at the eleventh hour, her career is on the line. And with her six-year-old daughter, Nicole, on a holiday school break, everything is more complicated as Talia tries to juggle life. She needs a miracle, except the only chef available on such a big party night is a man from her past…one she would rather avoid. (Contemporary Romance)

Eye of the Mind by Sara Davison -- After witnessing a murder, firefighter Jules Adler must work with police sketch artist Dante de Marco to come up with a likeness of the killer before he tracks her down and silences her forever. (Romantic Suspense)

A Certain Mercy by Linda Dindzans MD -- From the opulent danger of Herod’s court to the quiet refuge of Bethany, from the shadow of the Cross to the glory of the Resurrection, A Certain Mercy weaves a powerful story of forbidden love, devastating betrayal, and the transforming grace of Christ. (General Historical)

Colors of the Ocean by Cheryl Fitzgerald -- A multi-generational story that follows thirteen-year-old Roxi on a transformative journey as she sails across the Pacific Ocean with grandparents she barely knows. Along the way she must navigate stormy conflicts in several relationships and within herself. (General Contemporary/Young Adult)

Feuding with the Cowboy by Louise M. Gouge -- He once defied his family for love; can he risk it again? (Contemporary Romance)

Into the Promised Land by Sarah Heatwole -- Into the Promised Land is a tale of courage to forge a new path, as Andy and Sylvia navigate the balance between Amish tradition and the compelling call of forgiveness and freedom in Jesus, until their Amish community demands a choice between faith and belonging. (General Historical)

Teatime Tuesday: Cooking with Tea

Teatime Tuesday: Cooking with Tea

Tea isn’t just for drinking! Like other herbs, tea is a leaf, and as such can be used like you would an herb either in cooking or baking. A current trend is the use of matcha tea as a baking ingredient. A mint-green powder made by grinding the leaves, it is often used in cakes and pastries adding an aromatic “punch” as well as antioxidants. More baking ideas include Earl Grey or chai tea in pound cakes or shortbreads. Peppermint tea adds zip to your brownies in time for the holidays.

You can bake with any tea, however, as one site says, “that doesn’t mean every recipe will taste great when you use any type of tea (think of pizza – you wouldn’t top it with just any cheese.) As such, you’ll want to choose the type of tea with care. The flavor should blend or complement the other flavors in the recipe.

There are many ways bake with tea:

• Tea-infused liquids
• Ground tea leaves
• Tea-infused sugar
• Tea simple syrup
• Tea ganache (yep, you read that correctly. Instead of using milk, try brewed tea)
• Tea glaze

So, how about cooking with tea?

Adding tea leaves to soups, stews, and broths like any herb creates a complex flavor combination sure to please. Green tea goes well with onion, garlic, and ginger. Try your favorite tea as a marinade or rub. Black and oolong tea work well with chicken, turkey or pork, and play well with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and other spices. Tea-smoke duck is a classic Szechuan dish.

Dips, sauces, and dressings can also be “taken up a notch,” to quote a certain TV celebrity chef. Black tea goes well with hoisin sauce for your next stir fry. Or brewed sweet tea blends with sweet and sour sauce as a delicious dip for fried chicken, tempura vegetables, or other deep-fried goodies.

What your favorite not-so-usual way of cooking or baking with tea?

___________________

Legacy of Love, Part of A Cheerful Heart Anthology

Will their love come at a cost?

Escaping Boston to avoid a marriage of convenience aimed at garnering society’s respect for her family name in the shadow of her father’s war profiteering, Meg Underwood settles in Oregon. Despite leaving behind the comforts of wealth, she’s happy. Then the handsome Pinkerton agent, Reuben Jessop, arrives with news that she’s inherited her aunt’s significant estate, and she must return home to claim the bequest. Meg refuses to make the trip. Unwilling to fail at his mission, Reuben gives her until Christmas to prove why she should remain in Oregon and give up the opportunity to become a woman of means. When he seems to want more than friendship, she wonders if her new-found wealth is the basis of his attraction.

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4pO3PrZ 

Photo Credits:

Matcha Tea: Pixabay/Asana Kalumpaburt

Tea Leaves: Pixabay/DandelionL

On Tour! Sadie's Gift: The Christmas Cabin

About the Book

Book: Sadie’s Gift: The Christmas Cabin

Author: Erma M. Ullrey

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release Date: November, 2025

BlIn the snowy embrace of McCall, Idaho, Sadie’s Gift weaves a tale of an unexpected reunion and slow-to-thaw hearts. Grief-stricken Brooke Radcliffe and frustrated author Jack Chance are brought together by fate in Aunt Sadie’s cabin. An early blizzard forces the former childhood friends to confront their differences and work together to survive. Can Brooke and Jack set aside their painful pasts and let love melt their frozen hearts? Discover a story of healing, resilience, and the transformative power of forgiveness in this heartwarming tale of love in the unlikeliest of places.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Erma Ullrey is a follower of Jesus Christ. Married for forty-four years she enjoys four wonderful children, three outlaws, and four precious grandchildren. She worked in the medical field for over twenty-five years. After completing her B.S.H.S., she became a health educator and received international credentials in childbirth education (I.C.E.A.) and lactation consulting (I.B.C.L.C.). She’s served as a women’s Bible study leader, and participates in a local book club as well as local and national writer’s groups.

She posts encouraging blogs and enjoys chatting with her Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram friends. And she keeps chickens.

Interview with Erma

What is your favorite thing about being a writer? My favorite things about being a writer are hearing the Lord’s voice in my head and the creative process. If I get stuck on a word or thought, I pray and ask the Lord to direct what I should say/what comes next. It may take a minute or days, but He has the perfect answer to my dilemma.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? One of the most surprising things I’ve learned in creating my books is the use of humor. I tend to be lighthearted. Most books I read are not. So I’ve had to learn to incorporate funny situations or thoughts in my writing.

Can you share a real-life event that inspired your writing? A real-life event inspired my first novel, “Journaled With Love.” We had just finished watching the movie “You’ve Got Mail,” a Christmas staple in our home. I wondered why no one had ever written a book like it. From that thought, I plowed upstairs and began penning “Journaled With Love.” Thirty days of laughter and calamities later, the novel went to my editor.

What questions do you ask yourself when preparing to write a new book? While preparing to write a new book, I write what the characters have already talked to me about. I let them tell me who they are, what’s going on in their lives, and the goals they have/what they want to accomplish. I feel like I’m a passenger watching, listening, experiencing the story they’re telling.

What was the best money you spent as a writer? Tough question! Writing groups, conferences, editors, and craft books means opening your wallet. Worthwhile? YES! If time is money, I spend a lot of it. And I enjoy way more than I spend. Once you self-pub a book, be prepared to open your wallet wider to purchase ads/promote your book.

How are your characters like you? Different?  My characters in “Journaled With Love” are like me in that they prayed and laughed a lot. Their circumstances and ways of handling difficulties are different than mine. In “SADIE’S GIFT: The Christmas Cabin,” the characters reminded me of the time I chose to trust God with my life. They had a different way of seeking to walk with Him than me, but their stubbornness might be the same.

How do you come up with story lines/book topic? I came up with the story for “Journaled With Love” from watching You’ve Got Mail. “SADIE’S GIFT: The Christmas Cabin” came from praying about sharing the Christmas gift God gave us in a romantic novel.

Why do you write in your particular genre? I accidentally became a romance writer! The story that’s been on my heart for years is actually a suspense novel. But the more I read romance novels, the more I wanted to know what made each couple “click.” Why were they hopeless, what would solve their conflict, how would they end up together? Each book was a puzzle I wanted to finish before the final page. I love romance!

What is one thing you wish you could do? I have two things I wish I could do, one silly and one serious. I’ve always wanted to fly. I have vivid dreams about leaping in the air, staying airborne, and seeing the world from that perspective. But, seriously, I long for a closer relationship with the Lord. His love and compassion, His ability to give or withhold an answer – His character. I want to be more like Him.

What was your favorite childhood book and why? I have two favorite childhood books. The Bible is the first. At a young age, I’d grab a flashlight, hop under the covers, and read instead of going to sleep. I didn’t understand much but I knew God loved me. Little Women is my second favorite childhood book. I loved the depth Louisa May Alcott gave to her characters. Because I grew up on the east coast, the setting appealed to me also.

 More from Erma

Enter to win a free copy of SADIE’S GIFT: The Christmas Cabin. A love story set in beautiful McCall, Idaho, during a surprise blizzard that ultimately melts a couple of frozen hearts.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, December 19 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, December 19

She Lives To Read, December 20

Artistic Nobody, December 21 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 22

Guild Master, December 23 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, December 24 (Author Interview)

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, December 25 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 26

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, December 27 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, December 28

Vicky Sluiter, December 29 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 30

For the Love of Literature, December 31 (Author Interview)

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s book and movie reviews, December 31

Life on Chickadee Lane, January 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Erma is giving away the grand prize of an eBook 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/3f27c/sadie-s-gift-the-christmas-cabin-celebration-tour-giveaway 

Movie Monday: A Walk in the Sun

Movie Monday: A Walk in the Sun

Released on December 3, 1945, A Walk in the Sun is based on a novel of the same name by Portland, Maine native, Harry Brown, a writer for Yank magazine. The story was serialized in October 1944 in Liberty Magazine. Robert Rossen wrote the screenplay which closely followed the novel. Rossen would later recommend Brown as a screenwriter which led to an award-winning career.

The film which takes place in 1943 and tells the story of a platoon that lands in Salerno, Italy with a mission to blow up a bridge, was initially produced by Samuel Bronston at the request of his friend, actor Burgess Meredith. Unfortunately, there were financial issues, and production closed down for a period of time before being taken over by Superior Productions. Bronston later sued and was awarded a portion of the film’s profits.

Because it was a war film, a technical advisor was brought in to ensure accuracy. The man selected was Colonel Thomas Drake who’d risen in the ranks from private to sergeant during the first world war, then commanded an infantry division at the Battle of Kasserine Pass. He was captured during the battle and eventually returned to the US as part of a prisoner exchange with the Germans.

Hollywood had to “make do,” and experts will notice an American half-track painted as a German half-

track and P-51s standing in for German aircraft among other “discrepancies.” Once complete, the film had to be shown to the Army for approval. Authorities requested two changes which I found quite interesting:

• The addition of a briefing scene that explained the platoon’s mission. According to Wikipedia, the army “believed the film gave the impression the platoon meandered about without an objective.” Ultimately, the platoon sergeant reminds his men about the briefing while in the landing craft.
• The addition of a remark in the beginning of the film explaining why the bazooka was not used during the attack on the farmhouse. Would the general public really have noticed that?

The movie stars Dana Andrews who is perhaps most well-known for his part as the detective in the 1944 noir film, Laura. A Walk in the Sun was his twentieth picture, and over the course of his career he appeared in over fifty as well as dozens of television shows. Additional cast members include Richard Conte, John Ireland, Lloyd Bridges, and Sterling Holloway. Burgess Meredith narrated the film.

Have you seen this classic?

____________________

The American World War II Home Front in 29 Objects:

Unlike Europe the American mainland escaped physical devastation during World War II as it was not subjected to full-scale invasions. However, that didn’t mean the United States wasn’t impacted by the war. The ramifications of large economic, cultural, and societal changes forced Americans to reconsider entrenched beliefs and traditions.

Artifacts collected from across the nation tell the stories of the American people whose lives were shaped by this second “war to end all wars,” World War II.

Purchase link: https://books2read.com/u/47pLxR

Photo Credits:

Movie Poster: By Illustrator unknown. "Copyright 1945 Twentieth Century–Fox Film Corp." - Scan via Heritage Auctions.  Public Domain.

Movie Stills: Twentieth Century Fox

Wartime Wednesday: Holiday Meals During Wartime

Holiday Meals During Wartime

Tires were the first item rationed in the US after the attack at Pearl Harbor when authorities realized rubber was going to be a crucial war materiel. It would be another four months before various foodstuff found its way onto the list, with sugar being first in May 1942. Coffee followed in November that year, then meats, fats, canned fish and canned milk, and cheese.

People integrated meatless meals in their weekly menus as well as learned how to cook “variety meats,” a euphemism for organ meats. My parents had very different experiences during the war. Mom lived on a large farm, as did many of her nearby relatives, so her family already raised most of their food. They were more impacted by gas rationing because of living so far from town. Dad lived in Baltimore City in a row house that had very little yard, so their space was limited for inputting a Victory Garden. They ate lots of canned vegetables and went without.

In the early years of our marriage when money was tight (paying off student loan, car payments, etc.) we tried our hand at gardening. We were marginally successful, but we constantly fought the deer, rabbits, and birds for our produce. And I hated weeding! We probably would have been more like Dad’s family and stuck with canned food.

During my growing up years, we went to my maternal grandparent’s house for Thanksgiving where

aunts, uncles, and cousins joined us for a feast that included turkey, ham, and meatloaf plus three kinds of potatoes, and every vegetable you can think of. For Christmas my paternal grandparents visited us (probably because the thought of loading the car with four kids and their gifts, then schlepping five hours was not my parent’s idea of a good time). Mom spent most of the morning in the kitchen, and we typically had a turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and the iconic green bean casserole. We could count on leftovers.

During the war with meat at a premium, stews, soups, and casseroles were often served for the holidays. Desserts were limited and were often composed of fruit rather than sugar (although corn syrup and maple syrup were popular substitutes).

Here are recipes from the Victory Cookbook for a yummy and cost-effective wartime meal sure to please you and your family:

Chicken Pie with Sweet Potato Crust
3 Cups diced cooked chicken
1 Cup diced cooked carrots
6 cooked small white onions
1 Tablespoon parsley
1 Cup milk
1 Cup Chicken Broth
2 Tablespoons flour
1 Teaspoon salt
1/8 Teaspoon pepper

Crust:
1 Cup sifted flour
1 Teaspoon baking powder
½ Teaspoon salt
1 Cup cold mashed sweet potatoes
½ Cup melted butter
1 egg, well beaten

To make crust: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt. Work in mashed potatoes, melted butter, and egg. Roll ¼ inch thick.

For casserole: Arrange chicken, carrots, onions, and parsley in layers in casserole dish. Combine milk and chicken broth. Add slowly to flour, blending well. Cook until thickened, stirring constantly. Season and pour over chicken and vegetables in casserole. Cover with sweet potato crust. Bake in 350-degree oven for about 40 minutes.

Dessert: Baked Stuffed Apples

6 large, red apples (your choice)
1 Cup chopped bananas
1 Cup chopped cranberries
1 Cup sugar
1 Teaspoon cinnamon
Chopped nuts (your choice)

Cup off stem end of apples, but do not peel them. Remove core and a portion of the pulp, leaving the walls about ¾ inch thick. Mix bananas, cranberries, sugar, and cinnamon. Fill the cavities in the apples with the mixture, cover with chopped nuts, and bake in 350-degreee oven until tender, about 30 minutes.

____________________

The American World War II Home Front in 29 Objects:

Unlike Europe the American mainland escaped physical devastation during World War II as it was not subjected to full-scale invasions. However, that didn’t mean the United States wasn’t impacted by the war. The ramifications of large economic, cultural, and societal changes forced Americans to reconsider entrenched beliefs and traditions.

Artifacts collected from across the nation tell the stories of the American people whose lives were shaped by this second “war to end all wars,” World War II.

Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/47pLxR

Photo credit:

Tires: Pixabay/Florian Berger

Turkey dinner: Pixabay/Linda Rosium

Apples: Pixabay/Rita E.

Talkshow Thursday: Christmas Under the Stars

Talkshow Thursday: Donna Schlachter 

shares Christmas Under the Stars

This romantic suspense is set in Utah Territory in 1858 at the height of the westward expansion and wagon trains. It recalls a time in our country of great excitement as folks from the east set out to settle the land beyond the Kansas Territory. Tens of thousands of people headed west to find gold, claim land, escape their past, recreate themselves, or simply for the adventure.

Unfortunately, few went well-prepared. Numerous books were written purporting to give advice on how to pack light and travel safely, but in fact, most of the authors had never themselves made the trip, and the information in their books wasn’t only wrong or misleading, but in some cases, downright dangerous.

My heroine Edie is traveling west with her brother to meet up with another brother and his family who went ahead of them. Edie’s father was an itinerant preacher who barely managed to keep his family together. My hero Tom is heading to California to hopefully start a church. Already we can see problems, at least as far as Edie is concerned. And although Tom is attracted to Edie, once he’s introduced to her and hears she shares the same name as the man traveling with her, he assumes they are husband and wife.

Although he didn’t ask for it, Tom is soon appointed as head of their wagon train, and a series of accidents and unfortunate circumstances threaten to sabotage their journey. But are these incidents more than that? Or is someone determined to prevent them from reaching their destination?

Through miscommunication and unasked questions, Edie and Tom muddle through as best they know how, which is true of many of the emigrants. And the good news is that just like the travelers of the time, they do make it, although a little the worse for wear.

Here’s an excerpt:
Tom Aitken strode beside the lead wagon in the train, encouraging on the two lumbering oxen he could

hear but not see. “Git on Blue, git on. Brick.” The beasts lowered their heads at the sound of his voice and strained into the traces. Tom grit his teeth against another blast of cold air blowing from the Canadian Rockies.

What had he been thinking, taking a wagon train to Echo at this time of year? He’d focused on the offer of free passage to California. Free, indeed. Might not have cost him any money, but the two-month journey was surely grinding years off his life.

Digging his hands into his armpits, seeking some warmth, no matter how small, he trudged along, head down, wishing for a heavier coat. Echo was just a few more miles up this canyon. In good weather, a half day’s travel.

In this storm, forever.

As he debated whether to pull the wagon train off the trail and set up camp for the night, a faint cry echoed off the rock walls behind him. He slowed his step, allowing the oxen to pass him, waiting to hear the sound again. Nothing. He pivoted on one foot to trace his steps back, straining to see who was calling and whether they were friend or foe. Having spotted Indians several times over the past week or so, he was determined to stay alert.

Nothing but swirling, blinding snow. Lots of it.

He must have been hearing things. Probably just the wind echoing down off the canyon walls. No doubt where Echo got its name. He turned to face forward and felt someone – or something – press on his shoulder. His right hand on the knife in a sheath at his waist, he whirled around, ready to fight.

The man in the second-to-last wagon stood before him, face white with cold – or fear – and hands raised in surrender. His rough Irish brogue bespoke his heritage, and his coarse woolen coat and muffler his financial status. “I can’t find the Meredith woman.”

“What do you mean, man? Speak up.”

“I saw her maybe a ‘alf hour ago, when the wind stopped blowin’ long enough to see me ‘and in front of me face. Me missus remarked then that the lass was looking peaked.”

Tom grit his teeth against the sharp retort rising. Must he be like a mother hen to these travelers? No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than he repented of his hardness of heart. Lord, forgive me. Help her. Please. For her husband’s sake.

His silent prayer done, Tom gestured to his wagon. “Take my place as lead. Keep them straight on the trail. We’ve got just about twelve miles to go.”

The man nodded and Tom stopped, allowing the rest of the train to pass him. Although the rule was that only the very young, very old, and very sick got to ride in the wagons, sometimes folks hitched a ride when they were exhausted.

He sighed, his breath escaping like a puff of smoke from a chimney, carried off on the northerly gale. He’d have to check every wagon that passed to see if she’d climbed aboard.

If she hadn’t – well, he’d pray she was curled up in a pile of quilts rather than consider the alternative.

Tom plowed through a snowdrift nearly up to his chest. Edie Meredith wasn’t in any of the wagons. Her husband, Mark, as leader of the final wagon in the train, had been walking at the head of his team to keep them on the trail and hadn’t noticed when she’d gone missing. Tom stopped the train, and word passed up and down the line until all of the wagons paused. Women-folk and children climbed aboard their wagons to warm up, and the men divided into several groups to go in search of Miss Meredith.

The man accompanying Tom heaved along behind him, his breath sounding labored in the cold air. Harnesses jingled as the huge oxen shook themselves and got comfortable as they waited, and questions chased him as he traveled the length of the train.

“Found her yet?”

“What was she wearing?”

“Prob’ly find her froze to death.”

Tom shook off this last comment and pressed on. No, he would find her before that happened. He’d noticed the pretty young woman the instant he joined the wagon train, her red hair lighting up into a thousand pinpoints of gold in the afternoon sun. Freckles dotted across the bridge of her nose as she stared at him, a smile creeping across her face.

But that was as far as their relationship was likely to go. The broad-shouldered hulk standing next to her, laying claim to her with his protective attitude and gruff voice was enough to keep any sensible man in his place. No siree, her husband was not to be trifled with. Mark and Edie Meredith. That’s how they were introduced to him. That plus Meredith’s, “She’s spoken for” when she’d smiled and bobbed her head at him, was enough to keep any sane man a sensible distance away. No matter how he might wish the situation could be otherwise.

For now, he would look for her because that was his job.

And he was good at his job. Rather, his two jobs. Drover by day and preacher by night. Such a strange combination of occupations, he was certain. Still, the good Lord knew what He was doing, and drovering was just until he got to California. Then he would start his own church at the first town that needed him.

Tom peered into the storm, the faint outline of a shadow forming ahead of him, to the side of the trail. As he neared, he could have sworn he heard singing. A soft, lilting melody, like a lullaby.

A few more steps, and he paused over the form on the ground. Already snow gathered on her cheeks, filling in the concave hollows of her eyes, testifying to how cold her skin was that the particles didn’t melt.

He knelt beside her, fearing the worst. In a neat pile beside her, a pair of gloves and a shawl. Her coat unbuttoned, she looked dead.

But there, a slight flare of her nostrils confirmed there was life in her yet. He turned back to the man

following him. “Over here. Over here.”

The man came running, and together they lifted the unconscious woman and carried her to the nearest wagon. She needed warming up, and soon.

He called to the man he’d put in the lead. “Pull the train over toward the palisades. There should be some caves around here that we can overnight in.”

The men hastened to do his bidding, and the wagon beneath him lurched, throwing him off balance. He landed in a tangle against Miss Meredith and stared into her green eyes, wide open in surprise.

No doubt about it. She was beautiful. Tendrils of damp hair at her temples decorated her pale skin. But he couldn’t sit here admiring her. She was nearly frozen to death. Her blue lips and white complexion scared him.

He was alone in a wagon with a desirable woman who needed his help.

He had no choice.

He unbuttoned his jacket and pulled her to his chest. The sudden chill took his breath away, but he persisted in his ministrations. As the heat flowed from him, he was gratified to note color returning to her lips.

Her hands pressed against his chest, and he increased his grip on her. She needed warmth now. He’d heard of folks dying in the snow who’d stripped down to their underclothing.

He glanced at the woman now resting quietly in his arms, wishing he was holding her so close, so intimately, for a different reason.

But she belonged to another.

________________________________

About Christmas Under the Stars:

November 1858, Utah Territory
Edie Meredith strives to keep her temper and her tongue under control as she heads west with her brother to California. Raised in an itinerant preacher family, she promises she will never marry a man of the cloth.

Tom Aiken, drover of the wagon train, longs to answer his true calling: to preach, and while he realizes not every woman would choose a preacher for a husband, he hopes to soon find his help-meet.

Suspicious ‘accidents’ plague their journey. Is someone trying to keep them from reaching their destination? Or will misunderstanding and circumstances keep them apart?

Check out the book here: https://amzn.to/4pWipNM Available in print, ebook, and Audiobook!

About Donna:

A hybrid author, Donna writes squeaky clean historical and contemporary suspense. She has been published more than 60 times in books; is a member of several writers' groups; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both, and is an avid oil painter. She is taking all the information she’s learned along the way about the writing and publishing process, and is coaching committed writers eager to tell their story. Learn more at https://www.donnaschlachter.com/the-purpose-full-writer-coaching-programs Check out her coaching group on FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/604220861766651 

Website: www.DonnaSchlachter.com

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Teatime Tuesday: Traditions Around the World

Teatime Tuesday: 

Traditions Around the World

Tea began in China and slowly made its way around the globe. As each country has embraced the fragrant drink, cultures and traditions arose. Here are just a few:

China: Originally used as for medicinal purposes, tea was eventually enjoyed by the monks for its calming effects. There are several tea ceremonies in China, the most well-known being Gongfu Cha (“making tea with skills”). Oolong is the tea of choice for this ceremony during which guests are served over the course of twenty-five minutes, and at the end the tea is imbibed. Guests hold the cup in both hands and take three sips.

India: Over 70% of the tea produced in India is consumed by the country’s residents. Darjeeling and

Assam are popular, but Chai far outweighs consumption. The Chinese word for tea is cha, and chai is derived from that. Black tea is infused with a number of spices including cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. Served to guests, the tea is brewed in two steps: first with the spices, then with milk and sugar.

Japan: The tea ceremony chanoyu (“hot water for tea”) uses Matcha, a powdered green tea, and as with
the other traditions, is used for guests. The ceremony is complex with many utensils and planned over several weeks. There is a specific vocabulary associated with the ceremony that can last up to four hours!

Russia: Traditional drunk in the afternoons, the Russian ceremony can last for hours. Brewing is done in a small ceramic pot called a samovar creating a concentrated liquid. In the early days, charcoal was used as the heat source. Each person pours a portion into their own cup and mixes it with hot water. The ceremony includes sweets and pastries.

Great Britain: It’s a well-known fact, the British people love their tea, and with it, their tea traditions. High tea originated with the wealthy and the peerage who normally only ate two meals each day: a late breakfast and a late dinner. Developed as a way to assuage hunger between the two meals, high tea takes place in the afternoon and includes three “courses:” finger sandwiches, jam and cream, and small cakes or other treats. The tea of choice is unflavored black tea with milk.

What your favorite way to enjoy tea?

_______________

A Lesson in Love:
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 the students in her school evacuate during Operation Pied Piper, she’s left with little to do. Her friend 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, blonde 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?

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3YHgUb0

Photo credits:

Tea crop: Pixabay/Mikhail Mamontov

Japanese Matcha Tea: Pixabay/Teechan

Samovar: Pixabay/Katya36