Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back Ruth Wuwong

And-linked Phrases and 

Repetitive Words in Fiction: 

A Guest Post by Ruth Wuwong

It’s hard to believe that after publishing nine fiction books and being named a 2025 Featured Author by the Minnesota Anoka County Library, I still struggle with the problematic habit of overusing “and”-linked phrases and repeating words.

My editor has repeatedly pointed out issues with my problematic habit.

• Slow down the pacing: The narrative feels sluggish due to too many and-linked phrases and repetitive words (e.g., “but”, “could”, “know”, “feel”, “think”).
• Weaken the writing: Unnecessary repetition makes the prose less powerful.
• Distract the readers: Redundancies often disrupt immersion, making readers notice the writing itself rather than the story.

Consider the following example: “She was tired, exhausted, and weary.” All three words convey nearly the same idea. The redundancy makes the narrative awkward.

Why do writers fall into this trap? Personally, I use redundant phrases when I want to heighten the

emotional impact. Others might do it to imitate the patterns of spoken language. Whatever the reason, it’s a habit that can be difficult to break.

Here are a few strategies to help eliminate redundancy:

1. Choose the strongest word. For example: “She was exhausted.”
2. Use specific details. Instead of telling, show what tiredness looks like. For example: “She slumped in her chair.”
3. Vary sentence structures: Use different sentence structures to replace “and” lists with imagery or action.
4. Use intentional repetition. Sometimes repetition is effective, but it should be purposeful, not just wordy. For example: “She was tired. So very tired.”
5. Read aloud. Reading the work aloud helps catch problems with awkward repetition or rhythm.
6. Identify words we frequently repeat and remove unnecessary occurrences from each chapter.

As a writer, we never stop learning. Every author rewrites, refines, and relearns with each project. Be patient. The quest for clearer, more powerful prose is proof that we care about our readers—and about our art.

About Thunders over Idle Land :

Experience adventure and romance in distant lands, a mesmerizing tale by Whong, named a 2025 Featured Author by the Minnesota Anoka County Library.

Two eras, one troubled land, two men bound by parallel existences across centuries. Book 2 in this dual-time odyssey series showcases the enduring resilience of the human spirit. Jason Guan, an assistant director dedicated to environmental conservation in pandemic-stricken Hong Kong, is worried about job-related pressures and petty quarrels threatening his marriage to Debra. Amidst the chaos, they discover an unpublished manuscript by Debra’s late father, a celebrated writer, about a wronged man in nineteenth-century China. While Jason grapples with corruption and lax regulations in wetland preservation, he is thrust into dangerous waters.

In 1834, systemic corruption cripples China and ruins lives. Two weeks before Wang Jun is to marry his beloved fiancée, he is thrown into a maximum-security prison on a remote island without a trial. His only ally? A kung fu master and medical doctor imprisoned because of a riddle linked to the buried treasure of the pirate chief, Cheng Po-Tsai. When greed and exploitation overshadow justice, these men must navigate their respective perils. With a suspenseful connection between the past and present, how do they fight against the insurmountable tides?

Author bio:

Dr. Ruth Wuwong (PhD in biochemistry, MBA in finance) has published 120+ scientific books and papers (under her legal name) and a few Christian fiction books under R. F. Whong. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, a retired pastor. They served together at three churches from 1987 to 2020. Her grown son works in a nearby city. She currently runs a small biotech company (http://www.vidasym.com) and has raised more than twenty million US dollars during the past few years for Vidasym. In addition to her weekly newsletter and the platform (http://www.ruthforchrist.com), she’s active in several writers’ groups, including ACFW, Word Weavers, Facebook, and Goodreads. Through these connections, she plans newsletter/promotion swaps with others and has writers endorse her books, write forewords, and host her on guest blogs.

Follow me on social media:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/love.respect.grace
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/42632055.R_F_Whong
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/r-f-whong
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/RWuwong
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To connect with me, please go to http://www.ruthforchrist.com.

Wartime Wednesday: The Potsdam Conference

Wartime Wednesday: 

The Potsdam Conference

Who knew there was so much administration involved in a war? The Potsdam Conference, so named because it took place in the city of Potsdam outside of Berlin, Germany, was held between July 17 and August 2, 1945. The “Big Three:” the leaders of the United States, United Kingdom, and Soviet Union and their entourages met to with three main agenda items:

• How to handle Germany’s defeat;
• To determine Poland fate;
• To pressure Japan to end the war.

In attendance were US President Harry S. Truman, in place for only three months since President Roosevelt’s death; Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who as one source put it, “was abruptly replaced on July 26 by his successor Clement Attlee after result of the British election were announced.”

Tensions were high and gave a hint of the Cold War to come.

Prior to the conference Truman toured the conquered city of Berlin where he witnessed thousands of

homeless civilians, many of them children, living among the bombed-out ruins. He would later describe the city as a “ghost city” during a radio address.

During the sixteen day forum, details that were encapsulated in the Potsdam Agreement, and included plans to disarm and demilitarized German; divide the country into four Allied occupation zones controlled by the US, UK, France, and the Soviet Union; an edict for Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary to expel the ethnic German population within their borders in “an orderly and humane manner;” and the non-negotiable terms for peace with Japan (unconditional surrender). A major part of the discussions involved the heavy postwar reparations demanded by Stalin and agreed to by Roosevelt.

Additionally, the group repealed laws passed by the Nazi regime, removed Nazis from the German education and court systems, and made arrangements for the arrest and trying of Germans who had committed war crimes. Borders were redrawn, and the Council of Foreign Ministers was formed to draft peace treaties with Germany’s former allies.

An intriguing aside is that before the conference Truman received news that the Trinity test of the atomic bomb by the Manhattan Project scientists was successful, and he hoped to use the information as a bargaining chip with Stalin. However, the Soviet leader didn’t seem interested, and Truman would later recall, “He was glad to hear it, and ‘hoped we would make good use of it against the Japanese.’” Unbeknownst to the president the project had at least two Soviet spies within its ranks.

__________________________

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, raven-haired leader nearly runs him down in a car, he admonishes her to stay in the fields, but they are thrown together at every turn. Can he trust her not to break his heart?

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

Photo credits:
Table of Delegates: “Scene of Potsdam Conference,” July 19, 1945, National Archives and Records Administration, Office of Presidential Libraries, Harry S. Truman Library.
Trio: “The new Big Three meet for the first time at the Potsdam Conference,” July 29, 1945, National Archives and Records Administration, Office of Presidential Libraries, Harry S. Truman Library.
Map: Google maps, accessed July 7, 2025

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Mary Hamilton

For What It’s Worth: 

A Guest Post by Mary L. Hamilton

“Worth isn’t always measured in dollars and cents. Sometimes it’s measured in the heart.”

That statement came to me one night just before I fell asleep contemplating a plot for my book Worthless Treasures. I “heard” one of the characters speak it with a Southern accent, and while I didn’t quite know how it fit into the story, I knew it would form the theme, the foundation on which I’d build my novel.

So, what value would you place on a vintage Raggedy Ann doll whose arm has fallen off? One of her legs is hanging on by a thread, and she’s missing half of her faded orange hair. I doubt many of us would give her a second look. But in the novel, great worth is bestowed on her by a little girl living on borrowed time because of a genetic heart defect.

At four years old, Paisley is waiting for a heart transplant. She has an amusing habit of undressing all her dolls. She finds Raggedy Ann in a house her mother is helping clean out. Her mother, Lyndee Rae, takes the doll home intending to reattach the arm and leg. But when she tries to return the doll, Paisley has become so attached to her that she throws a royal tantrum. Let’s find out why by tapping into a conversation between her mother and Di whose late mother owned the doll and wanted it passed on to someone who would treasure it as she had.

Lyndee Rae slid into the car’s seat and waited until they were on their way. “Remember how she undresses all her dolls? When she found this one in the basket of toys, the first thing she did was take the clothes off.”

Di chuckled, imagining the scene.

Lyndee Rae continued. “When she did, she noticed the embroidered heart on the doll’s chest. Several of the threads are frayed and torn apart. She showed it to me and said—” her voice caught “—she said, ‘She needs a new heart just like me.’”

Di’s breath stalled. Tingles spread down her back. “Oh, my.”

“I would’ve fixed the threads while I had it, but she wouldn’t let me. She barely let go of it long enough for me to fix the arm and the leg. I thought I’d have to do it while she slept. But she especially wanted the heart to stay the same. ‘Just like me,’ she said.”

Paisley gives Di her first lesson on finding worth where there is no apparent value. But there are more lessons to come when you read Worthless Treasures. Hint: Discussion questions included at the back make this short novel a great choice for book clubs.

About Worthless Treasures

Professional organizer Diamond Lange helps clients declutter their homes and let go of what no longer serves them. But when her mother, Eva, suddenly passes away, Diamond is left with a house overflowing with junk and a promise she regrets making.

Although Diamond considers everything in her mother's house trash, Eva left behind a specific list of five seemingly worthless objects—a piano, a rag doll, a ceramic vase, a vintage necklace, and a star painting. Eva requested these items be passed on to others who will cherish them as much as she did.

At a time when Diamond questions her own self-worth, she sees little value in the items on the list. Who in the world would accept--much less treasure--a piano that will always be out of tune, a doll that’s lost half its hair, or any of the other worthless items on Eva’s list? But to assuage her guilt, and Eva's perceived disappointment in her, Diamond determines to honor her mother’s last wishes, commencing an emotional journey through dusty memories and buried regrets.

The unexpected arrival of an old flame, the threat of her childhood home being demolished, and a child’s urgent health problem force Diamond to consider what truly matters.

Purchase Links: 
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4497KMT
Other retailers: https://books2read.com/u/b5GggO

About Mary L. Hamilton

Award-winning Texas author Mary L. Hamilton writes contemporary novels rippled with faith. She finds inspiration for her stories in everyday life and includes characters who wrestle with various aspects of faith. When not writing, Mary enjoys reading, knitting, and quiet evenings at home with her husband. They have three grown children and three amazing grandsons.

Website: https://maryhamiltonbooks.com/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/maryhamiltonbooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryhamiltonbooks/

Photo credits: All courtesy of Mary L. Hamilton

Release Day: A Lesson in Love

Release Day: 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, raven-haired leader nearly runs him down in a car, he admonishes her to stay in the fields, but they are thrown together at every turn. 

Can he trust her not to break his heart?

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

Fiction Friday: New Releases in Christian Fiction

 

July 2025 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Amish Romance:

Caleb’s Choice by Z Peabody -- Caleb Jacobson, rancher, farmer, and a first-generation veterinarian, has always loved to care for animals. When he was given his choice to either stay in the small community and become a full-time farmer or have his “way about,” Caleb chooses the university, and in doing so, experiences a whole other world outside of his small community. Wanting to start his own practice in his hometown, he returns to the very small community that now shuns him and to the father who hates him. It’s true—sometimes you should never return home. When a college friend asks a favor, that he hire a new head cook, Caleb immediately agrees. But when Caleb walks out of his barn to meet the new employee, he quickly regrets the decision to hire the most beautiful woman he has ever laid eyes on. (Amish Romance from Z Peabody Publishing LLC)

Contemporary Romance:

Rendersella by Amy R Anguish -- Ella dreams of her artwork on display in the famous Prince Gallery, but working for her stepmother leaves her eking out sporadic minutes to draw or paint. When her stepsister steals her drawing and claims it as her own, Ella fears she’s lost her chance. Chaz Prince wants more responsibility at his family’s gallery, but first he must prove he can handle it. Chaz talks his dad into a contest to bring in some new artists, sure this will be exactly what the gallery needs. When he stumbles across Ella’s piece, he not only wants the artwork, but wishes to know the artist too. At the gala to celebrate the contest winners, Ella is determined to let them know the artwork is hers, but time is against her. And where did her shoe end up? (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)

A Family on His Doorstep by Alena Auguste -- Unwed, unemployed and pregnant, Rebecca Young is in desperate need of a job. But finding work seems impossible. So when her late ex-boyfriend’s cousin Walker Greystone offers her room and board, and help getting a part-time job at the library he’s renovating in Eden, Texas, she eagerly accepts. But as they work together on a project that could change both of their lives, their feelings for one another deepen. Can Rebecca and Walk (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

If I Fall for You by Myra Johnson -- She’s a grieving widow. He’s a rancher with too much on his shoulders. Neither expected to fall in love—until God weaves their broken stories together. But when the past resurfaces, will they choose healing or walk away? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Meet Me on Blueberry Hill by Lisa Jordan -- On an island where everyone knows everyone, Asher Quinn is a mystery Sadie Hudson never meant to solve. Once a hopeful songwriter, Sadie's dreams faded after her sister's tragic death five years ago. Now jobless and adrift, she returns to Jonathon Island to care for her beloved grandma, Henrietta. Just as she begins to find solace in the island's charm, a fallen tree damages her grandmother's home, forcing Sadie to accept help from the gruff yet intriguing neighbor, Asher Quinn. Though he seems kind, Sadie can't shake the feeling that he's hiding something. Asher has his own demons, seeking solitude on the island to escape a past that haunts him-especially when he discovers he's responsible for Sadie's sister's death. As they navigate their shared pain, can these two wounded souls find the courage to be honest and embrace love, or will their pasts keep them apart? (Contemporary Romance from Sunrise Publishing)

Plays By the Book by Carolyn Miller -- Britta Johnson knows she’s ordinary, and she’s totally okay with that. She’s secure in God, in her purposes on the planet, and romance is something she finds between the pages of a book. She doesn’t need that in real life. So when a hockey player asks for advice on how to woo his long-distance girlfriend, she knows her heart is safe. Until it’s not. Mitchell Reilly might be feared on the ice-rink, but even he’s intimidated by this little ninja librarian who can whip teenagers into line with a single look. She knows her books too, and seems the perfect candidate to help him find some romantic fictional heroes he can impress his girlfriend with. Until she’s not. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Cozy Mystery:

Down in the Dumpster by Susan Page Davis and Page M Davis -- You never know what you’ll find in a Dumpster. If Cassie had known the misadventures she’d get into on her stopgap job, she would have kept checking the help-wanted ads. With her crabby dispatcher hounding her, she collects the rubbish from a senior citizens’ complex in her garbage truck. When she empties the dumpster, a witness sees a body fall into her compactor. How will she explain this to Mac? And just as important, can rubbish and romance mix? (Cozy Mystery from Scrivenings Press)

Historical Romance:

An Uncharted Dream by Abbey Downey -- Leonora Thornton always envisioned following in her father's footsteps-exploring the world and chasing adventure. But after his tragic death, she can't get past the debilitating fear...until she meets an explorer who promises to take her on his expedition to the very place where her father died. Marcus Turner knows a con man when he sees one, and after years of hiding his family's shameful financial situation, he won't let anyone he cares about be swindled again. Especially not Leonora, his longtime best friend and the woman he secretly loves. Joining the expedition, Marcus embarks on a mission to protect Leonora from the swindler, no matter the cost. When betrayal leaves them stranded far from their destination, Leonora and Marcus must determine if they can rely on God-or each other. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

The Neighbor and the Gifts by Danielle Grandinetti -- When Manitowish Waters librarian Olivia “Ollie” Larson finds a package on the library steps, she expects the children’s books she ordered, not a taxidermied partridge. By the fourth gift from her unknown and unwelcome True Love, disappearing to her grandfather’s isolated cabin in the Northwoods is the only way she can escape him. Deputy Titus Wilburn is happy to escort the lovely librarian to her grandfather’s house on his way to the neighboring Yarwood cabin. After all, he’s been smitten with her since they attended school together, and she needs his protection. However, the plan fails when Ollie’s uninvited suitor discovers her new location. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Uncharted Joy by Keely Brooke Keith -- Daydreaming of running a restaurant sparks joy in Anna Cotter’s solemn heart while she works in her mother’s bakery with her two sisters. Her dream seems impossible until she inherits a charming cottage in the heart of Good Springs. Determined to make her restaurant a blessing to the village, Anna faces challenges from the elder council and a group of rebels who gather at her tables. New-in-town schoolteacher Caleb McIntosh spends his evenings researching the outsiders who have come to the Land in recent years. He uses the village’s new restaurant to work on his manuscript and is struck to the core by the proprietor’s confidence, beauty, and uncrackable demeanor. Anna can handle demanding customers and the council’s edicts, but when the village’s new know-it-all schoolteacher spreads his papers across her corner table every day, her resolve is tested. Yet, as Caleb introduces her to new ideas about the world, faith, and love, her carefully constructed walls begin to crumble. (Historical Romance from Edenbrooke Press)

A Lesson in Love by Linda Shenton Matchett -- Born and raised in London, Isobel Turvine knows nothing about farming, but after most of the students in her school evacuate during Operation Pied Piper, she’s left with little to do. Then her friend Margery talks her into joining the Women’s Land Army, and she finds herself working the land at a manor home in Yorkshire that’s been converted to a boys’ school. A teacher at heart, she is drawn to the lads, but the handsome yet stiff-necked headmaster wants her to stick to farming. Left with an arm that barely works from the last “war to end all wars,” Gavin Emerson agrees to take on the job of headmaster when his school moves from London to Yorkshire, but he’s saddled with the quirky manor owner, bickering among his teachers, and a gaggle of Land Army girls who have turned the grounds into a farm. When the group’s blue-eyed, raven-haired leader nearly runs him down in a car, he admonishes her to stay in the fields, but they are thrown together at every turn. Can he trust her not to break his heart? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Unending Hope by Cindy Kay Stewart -- April 1940. Nazi Germany carries out a devastating invasion, trapping Americans David Jensen and Natalie Thompson in Norway. Determined to use their medical skills to aid the Norwegians, David and Natalie embark on a harrowing journey to treat the injured and evade the Nazis. Natalie, a dedicated Red Cross worker, values deep relationships. Fearful of settling for a shallow marriage, she broke off her engagement to David several years before. But she never stopped loving him and spending time working together in Norway plays havoc with her heart. David, a charismatic and confident doctor with the Red Cross, desires to advance his career and rekindle his relationship with Natalie. Even though she once rejected him, he believes she is the only woman for him. But years of keeping others at arms’ length guarantees that winning Natalie back will be the biggest challenge he’s ever faced. (Historical Romance from Hope Springs Press)

Hannah’s Quest by Jodie Wolfe -- Hannah Moore escapes the overbearing grip of her relatives and forges her own way in Shippensburg, PA, far away from their clutches. Despite Hannah’s sheer determination, she finds life on her own daunting as she loses job after job. Unsure where she fits in, Hannah wonders if she’ll ever be good enough. She feels as if God has forsaken her and questions if she will ever find a place to belong. The last thing she needs is an ignorant shop keeper constantly questioning her abilities and standing in her way. Hannah will take almost any position available so as not to return to the place of her upbringing. Luke Weiser has one goal in mind—finding a way to save his grandmother and restore her health. Only trouble is, she has other ideas about what is best for her. Gran longs to see Luke’s return to faith in the Lord, but he blames God for his grandmother’s sickness and the tragic events of his childhood. After the death of his mother, followed by his father’s abandonment, Luke refuses to trust his heart to anyone, and certainly not a wife. When Hannah keeps popping up in the hardware shop where he works, Luke is forced to think twice about his convictions. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Western Romance:

A Secret Heart by Wendy Klopfenstein -- The last thing middle brother Ed McGraw wants is to be tangled up in a scheme to find a mail-order bride for his black-sheep brother. But that’s right where Ed finds himself…writing love letters and not signing his own name. Intrigued by the woman who writes back. Rebekah Edwards keeps her dreams to herself and finds contentment working for the local newspaper running matrimonial advertisements. Until the day a new ad appears—one written by the very rancher Rebekah has pined for her entire life. But just as she strikes up a correspondence, Rebekah finds herself drawn inexplicably to Ed McGraw—the wrong McGraw brother for her. What will happen when she finds out the author’s true identity? (Western Romance from Sunrise Publishing)

Crime Suspense:

Five Alive by Luana Ehrlich -- Silas faces the most challenging case of his career at Discreet Corporate Security Services. He has seven days to rescue five oil workers kidnapped in a remote area of Saudi Arabia, and the future of the mission is in the hands of someone who betrayed him in the past. Can he trust her? (Crime Suspense, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:

Perilous Tides by Elizabeth Goddard -- Three years after her mother's suspicious death, forensic artist Jo Cattrel is in hiding, working at a storm-watching lodge along the Washington coast. When her father sends her a disturbing and cryptic message, Jo leaves the safety of the lodge to find him. But during the ferry crossing, Jo witnesses a murder--and becomes a target. More surprising to Jo than being in danger is the identity of the person who steps in to protect her--none other than her ex, former Green Beret Cole Mercer. Now a private investigator, Cole has been looking into her mother's death. If he can just uncover the truth, maybe Jo can end her self-imposed captivity and the two of them can pick up the pieces and build a future together. As Cole and Jo search for answers, the past rushes in like a dangerous tide before the truth can be revealed. (Romantic Suspense from Revell)

Alaskan Police Protector by Megan Short -- When a minivan slides off the road into an icy lake, Officer Samuel Miller narrowly rescues a woman and child from certain death. Only, Rachel Harding insists the crash is no accident—it’s eerily similar to how her sister and brother-in-law recently died. As the unexplained attacks escalate, Samuel is determined to protect Rachel and her orphaned niece at all costs. But when they make a shocking discovery, their investigation becomes even more dangerous, and survival may be impossible. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])

Burning Truth by Kelly Underwood -- Dani Barlow, disgraced journalist, has been given one last chance to redeem herself—follow a tip about a secret militia compound in the Alaskan wilderness and get the scoop that will put her back on top. But when her investigation takes a dangerous turn, she finds herself running for her life. Dani's only hope is the rugged hotshot firefighter who comes to her rescue. As danger closes in, she'll have to trust this mountain man with her life... He'd risk everything to protect his home… Grizz has one goal: fight fires and protect the Alaskan forests he calls home. But when a reckless, albeit beautiful, reporter trespasses on his territory, he finds himself in the middle of a terrorist plot bent on destroying everything he’s got left to care for. It seems he’ll have to do the very thing he swore he’d never do again: trust. (Romantic Suspense from Sunrise Publishing)

Supernatural Suspense:

Maranatha the Victory Battle by Blossom Turner -- What if the greatest battle you’ll ever fight is the one you cannot see? Mara has faced the unthinkable—abuse, betrayal, and loss—but nothing can prepare her for the final battle ahead. As demons scheme in the shadows and angels stand guard, she must confront her deepest fears. With her marriage hanging by a thread, an abandoned child thrust into her arms, and a relentless enemy determined to destroy all she holds dear, Mara must decide: will she trust in God’s sovereignty, or will fear consume her? (Supernatural Suspense, Independently Published)

Speculative Fiction/Fantasy:

Timebender by Demi Griffin -- A girl born in the Age of Augury but raised in the Age of Mythic, Everwyn grew up in the tranquil seclusion of Everlasting’s Ruins without fully understanding her identity. Time was irrelevant. Growing up in a secure and predictable environment, she enjoyed a warm family life that allowed her to mature peacefully. To her, her parents were just that - parents. Everwyn had no idea about her true lineage as the daughter of the Realm Caster and Librarian. Building an unexpected friendship with a tracker, Everwyn's limited world broadened. At the tender age of twelve epochs, she discovers she is a girl without a homeland, evading Time. Her once simple life took a complicated turn as destiny revealed itself. Betrayed and facing shattered dreams, Everwyn embarks on a winding path that leads her to unexpected places. (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy, Independently Published)

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

Cassia’s Calling by Rachel Blanchard -- King Peter seems like a man who cannot be changed. With her otherworldly ability shadowed by uncontrollable hurt, how will Cassia answer her heart’s call? (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy)

Love’s True Measure by Lori DeJong -- As Hunter and Shannon navigate their growing bond, unexpected challenges force them to confront their fears and priorities. Both must either choose to trust God’s plan is far greater than their own, or risk losing the love of a lifetime. (Contemporary Romance)

Revealed Courage: A Journey Forged Through Fire by Eve M Harrell -- The ruthlessness of the new world order is unlike anything he has ever seen. Can he protect his family from an apocalypse he has no control over? Will they have the courage to stand when the forging begins? (Young Adult)

Mothers of a Nation by Carlene Havel and Sharon Faucheux-- Rachel, Leah, Bilhah, and Zilpah reveal their hearts as each tells her own story of joy and sorrow. Never realizing the historical significance of their roles, these four ordinary women became the mothers of a nation. (Historical Biblical)

The Puzzle Within by Gina Holder -- They must confront their own failures and unravel the secrets hidden within themselves to rescue Bridgette … and survive a madman's twisted game. Because one thing becomes clear: Enigma’s real target is much bigger — and far more personal. (Romantic Suspense)

The Garden down the Beach: A Novelette by Annette M Irby -- Online followers, and Gramps, want to see Kamber and Shiloh spend time together, but each is focused on building their careers. Is there room for a relationship in all their planning? (Contemporary Romance)

Project Sentinel by Elle E. Kay -- With lethal agents on her trail, Faith must unlock buried memories, rescue her kidnapped son and outwit Project Sentinel’s surveillance before the conspiracy that murdered her husband silences her for good. (Romantic Suspense)

Golden Horizon by Darlene Panzera -- When a jealous miner blackmails Maggie and uses dynamite to trap Ben inside a collapsed river cave, Maggie is faced with an impossible choice. As the town rallies for a rescue, both Maggie and Ben must decide—what is truly more valuable, gold or love? (Historical Romance)

The Final Word by Laura Thomas -- When aspiring author, Sophie Brooks, trades the vibrancy of Paris for the tranquility of the English countryside, she doesn’t expect her fairy tale romance to turn into a fight for her life as she’s pursued by the relentless darkness of her past. (Romantic Suspense)

Talkshow Thursday: A Guest Post by Donna Schlachter

Cooking Up Trouble – 

Kitchen Utensils of the 1830s

By Donna Schlachter

In the process of writing Cooking Up Trouble, I researched about kitchen utensils through history, and specifically items used for baking and cooking around 1834. Honestly, when I thought of kitchen utensils, I envisioned iron frying pans, wooden spoons, spatulas to flip eggs and flapjacks, and ladles for spooning soups, stews, and gravies. Did you know that waffle irons were the in thing by 1834? Not me. I thought that was relatively recent.

And, the potato peeler—which I rarely use anymore—was considered a time-saver worth its weight in—well, in potatoes.

As for the story itself, the first documented baking contest in the United States was held less than sixty years ago, although there were plenty of county fair competitions prior to that. However, in my story, I invented the on-site baking contest at the local county fair.

In my story, a cooking contest features. It seems to me that cooking or baking contests would be the

ultimate marketplace for a man to find a wife—although I never actually found any stories about that happy ending. Perhaps for the contestants, there was already enough pressure to win that they didn’t want to let down their guard and fall in love.

Do not worry, though, as this story has a happy ending…

_________________

About “Cooking Up Trouble”

An unsuitable match to satisfy a debt. Can Holly find another solution?

An unsuitable calling--a man in the kitchen. Practically unheard of. Can Adam find the strength to step into his purpose in life?

Or will they both resist God and make their own way?

Purchase Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cooking-Up-Trouble-Contest-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CGKFS338
Series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGM7Q2GM

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: http://www.DonnaSchlachter.com
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Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back Z Peabody

Talkshow Thursday: 

Welcome Back, Z Peabody

I'm very pleased to welcome Z Peabody back to my blog so she can talk about her writing journey and her latest release. It sounds fantastic!

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

“I knew that I wanted to write a romance novel after I read my first romance novel, ‘Adora’, written by Beatrice Small. At that time, I had no idea what I was reading at 14 years-old, but I liked the cover and the historical time the story took place in.”

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

“I enjoy everything about being an Indie-Writer. I have the final say-so over the design of my book covers. I set the release dates. I enjoy maintaining the website. I enjoy promoting and marketing my books, and it’s my publishing name that is on the copyrights.”

How many books have you written, and which is your favorite?

In total, I have written and published twenty books. The first nine are no longer out for sale. I enjoy writing historical romance as a favorite, because of the amount research I have to do for a historical romance and the knowledge I learn from that research.”

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

“That I really enjoy writing Scriptural Inspirational romance. I enjoy the entire process of Indie-publishing; from the writing, formatting, creating the cover, promoting, and even editing.”

Who is your favorite author and what is it that strikes you about their work?

“One of my favorite romance authors, is Beatrice Small. The first historical romance I read was her

book, Adora. I have read, re-read and enjoy Mrs. Small novels to this day. Back in the day, and coming from a small community, her novels seemed so imaginary to me. I enjoy the dialogue between her characters and her plots and scenery description. Her historical romances take place in places far from the southside of Chicago.”

How did publishing your first book change your writing?

“In the beginning of my writing career, in my mind, I was just writing a romance novel, because, that’s what I wanted to do, no big deal. After I became a published author, I felt that I have legitimately became a writer of romance. With that first book I got some good reviews with helpful criticism. After that first book, my writing became more descriptive and I began to write the main characters being more engaging with the secondary characters.”

If your book is part of a series: Did you set out to write a series? Why did you decide to write a series?

“Caleb’s Choice isn’t part of a series, and that is because I didn’t want that particular book to be a part of a series. When I start out writing a new manuscript, I look at the storyline outline, and then see how the next book in the series will pick up the ongoing plot or, spinoff the other books from that storyline. Also, I like to build up my secondary characters in the first book of a series, to help build up the series and the next book in the series. In Caleb’s Choice; my focus was mainly placed on the two main characters, and not so much on the rest of the characters.”
 
What draws you to the time period about which you write?

“I appreciate contemporary romance. I live in the time of here and now. I appreciate the happenings of what’s going on around me, so I write contemporary romance. I appreciate history too, so I write historical romance. I like to create my own worlds in a historical romance, and my worlds are always in a time and place believable to that time and place I’m writing about. For example, my seventh book, The Highlander’s Charity took place in Scotland and in my fictional world of Adebowale.”

What is your process for writing? (do you outline, have a special place or time of day you write, etc.) What is your favorite part of the process? 

“First I write out a description of the main characters. I actually have a binder filled with loose leaf, college ruled paper in it, which I write on using only a black pen. Then, I write out all the chapter outlines, with the storyline, and plot. After all of that, I sit down to write out three pages a day, which adds up to a full chapter at the end of my work week on Friday. Lastly, I sit down, Friday and Saturday to type out that chapter.”

What is your next project?

“My next project is a new series; Riding with the Bulls, MC’s. The first book from that series is titled, Ezekiel, and it is due out next year.”

_______________________

About Caleb's Choice

Caleb Jacobson, rancher, farmer, and a first-generation veterinarian, has always loved to care for animals. When he was given his choice to either stay in his small community; where he was raised, and become a full-time farmer or have his “way about,” Caleb chooses the university, and in doing so, experiences a whole other world outside of his small community. Wanting to start his own practice in his hometown, he returns to the very small community that now shuns him and to the father who hates him. It’s true—sometimes you should never return home.

When a college friend asks a favor, Caleb can’t refuse. But when Caleb walks out of his barn to meet the new employee, he quickly regrets the decision to hire the most beautiful woman he has ever laid eyes on.

Lola Charles loves to create delicious dishes that are tastebud sensations. Attending culinary school was her dream. One of Lola’s life greatest accomplishments was graduating from one of the most prestigious culinary schools in the country, only to end up working the evening shift at a one-and-a-half-star diner.

Lola, at the wrong place at the wrong hour, witnesses something she shouldn’t have. Now, she has to trade in the concrete streets for grass beneath her feet. Forced to hide out in the last place she thought she would ever be, in an Amish community with a not-so-Amish vet for a boss while running her own kitchen, she is unaware that the enemy is closing in. Some things that are done in the darkness don’t always come to light. Those things that are now trying to pull her into that darkness.

Together, both she and her new boss will learn, they both have evil lurking in the shadows.

Purchase Link: https://zpeabodypublishing.com/calebs-choice/  

Photo credits:

Beatrice Small: Courtesy New York Times

Three Ring Binder: Pixabay/warrenrandallcarr