#SaturdaySpotlight is on D.V. Stone & Red Gate Farm!

Good Morning and Welcome to Another Edition of Saturday Spotlight,

I've been down in the back this week so I'm not going to spend a lot of time lollygagging around. I'm just going to turn the blog over to D.V. Stone to share with us her latest release, Red Gate Farm. Take it away, Donna...

Thanks, Pam!

Where I found Red Gate Farm

I'd been in a bit of writer quicksand. Several books that are works in progress got stuck in the messy middle. I needed a palette cleanser. What to do? Agent Carters are always fun to write, and I often drive past an old, abandoned abbey outside of a town near me. When I put my fingers to the keyboard to do research, something didn't sit right with me. After mulling over the problem, I realized what was bothering me. I was taking something that had been dedicated to God and turning it into a paranormal ghost story. Now I love paranormal. I love a ghost story. But this building needed more from me.

I sank myself into research. The original place was called Red Gate Farm in the 1800s, and was owned by a man who also owned two local newspapers. My imagination took off. 

There's been a lot of tongue wagging about several topics I touch on in the story. Eminent domain is one of them. Is your property really your property? News. When does it cross over from relaying information to being a commentary? Political influence and how it shapes our lives and community, and the people it hurts.

I'm not promoting any side. Truly. Both sides are guilty of influence peddling, in my opinion. 

What I want to express is what happens to regular people when these things converge upon them. My writing is relational, not out to prove a side. About how we can make a difference in the lives of others. How faith can comfort and guide us. 

There are a lot of experiences from my past that I've folded into the story. Life on the farm. Having horses. Being involved in animal rescue with dogs and cats. I also added one of my favorite animals, goats. 

If you've been following me, you know that I've utilized my local farmers' market to a great extent this year. I've canned and frozen a lot of fresh produce. It also brought to mind things that I'd nearly forgotten from my years living on a farm.

Here's a little more about the book...

Tagline: A heartwarming tale of second chances and the healing power of coming home.

Logline: A spirited rancher and a country boy returning home find themselves tangled in horses, government notices, and a little lakeside magic—where second chances bloom and love trots in on four hooves.

Blurb

Nestled in the countryside on the outskirts of Lake Unami, Little Flower Ranch is more than just a patch of land—it’s Addie Martin’s whole world. Her dogs, goats, and horses, both rescued and boarded, know her better than most people do. A life built with grit and rooted in compassion. Until Addie’s peaceful life is thrown into turmoil by a man from her past, with a government notice that threatens to take it all away. 

Henry Price never planned to come back to Red Gate Farm, but after losing his job and his sense of purpose, the old homestead near Lake Unami calls him back to the place where he grew up surrounded by love and family. But the simpler life may not be so simple when your family introduces you to a woman who has troubles of her own. 

 

Lake Unami has its own quiet magic, the kind that works through neighbors, animals, and special guardians. As Addie and Henry navigate old wounds and new beginnings, they’ll discover that sometimes the smallest towns hold the biggest miracles… especially when it comes to matters of the heart.

Excerpt: Henry rolled onto his back. Great. He winced, climbed back to his feet, and wandered down the hallway where circa 1960s wallpaper was peeling in places. 

His great-grandmother had hung the vibrant orange and yellow flowers well before he’d been born, and his grandparents never took the time to change it. Saying it was enough work to keep the house and farm running, decorating was a luxury.

The practicality of his grands made Henry smile on the way to the kitchen, the heart of the home. 

He leaned against the archway, gazing into the room where the old chrome and Formica table sat, surrounded by red vinyl chairs. Frozen in time, but for the dust, it looked the same. Grandma Price never saw the need to upgrade, even after her mother passed. Even after Cooper, Henry’s father, gave her a dishwasher for Christmas the year before he died. She never used it. No, the farmhouse sink was all she needed. 

“It’s a perfectly fine and workable kitchen,” She told all the grand and great-grandkids when they’d come to visit. “Washing dishes by hand teaches you to be patient and mindful.”

Henry was never a visitor like his cousins; he lived here, it’s where he’d grown up. Dad was a single father after Henry’s mother left. Farm life wasn’t for her. She never even contacted Henry when his father passed. 

But for his father, it was a way of life. He and his grandparents raised Henry here. They taught him everything he needed to know about the land. How to keep things going. Dad tried to pass the love of farm life down to Henry. But back then, he thought he was more like his mother, that farming life wasn’t for him. 

After high school, he left the farm to study journalism. Luck was on his side, and he scored a position in the newsroom at a national paper. 

What a laugh. He should have been born a hundred years ago. The rapid decline of the industry, especially after the pandemic, then the final blow last month had left him without a job. 

When Grandma passed in her late nineties, she’d left Red Gate Farm to him. His cousins were great. No one questioned the fact that he was the primary beneficiary. Luckily, with his small inheritance, including this house and property, and some savvy investments, he’d been able to build a respectable nest egg. 

They say you can’t go home, but yep, you could when your career folds and all that’s left of your life is a broken-down farm in nowhere New Jersey. He walked over and slumped into his usual spot at the table. “What am I going to do with this place?” 

He didn’t know where to begin. Then his pity party was interrupted by a memory.

“Henry George Price.” Great-grandma Thérèse wiped her hands on the ruffled apron she always wore. “The Good Lord gave you a brain and two hands. Trust in Him. He’ll set you on the right path.”

Well, he’d wandered off that path for sure. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d thought about God, much less listened to Him. Henry buried his face in his hands and, for the first time since he was a boy, he cried.

D. V. Stone is an award‑winning author and speaker known for crafting stories filled with heart, hope, and a touch of the extraordinary. Writing across middle‑grade paranormal mysteries, fantasy, and romance, she blends emotional depth with imaginative adventure. Drawing on her background in human and animal medical fields, she brings empathy and authenticity to every character. Based in Northern, New Jersey, she finds inspiration in travel, nature, and seasonal traditions. Through her popular blog and community outreach, she champions creativity and connection, inviting readers and writers alike to celebrate the power of story. You can find out more at:  https://www.dvstoneauthor.com/ AND https://linktr.ee/d.v.stone

Get your copy of Red Gate Farm at: Amazon, B&N, GoodReads, & Other Online Retailers HERE.

THANKS, Donna!

You can check out DV's other spotlights HERE.

Until next week, Happy Reading!

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Randy Overbeck & Abigail Trench!

Good Morning and Welcome Back to Another Edition of Saturday Spotlight!

Today's guest is not new to our blog but he's bringing us his brand new book, Abigail Trench.

Good to have you back, Randy. Your book sounds amazing. Please tell us why you wrote it.

Thanks for the opportunity to share Abigail with your visitors, Pam.

I’ve been interested in the Revolutionary War for years, reading numerous books, fiction and nonfiction and watching movies and shows about the era. More recently, I started learning about the Culper Ring, the secret spy organization created by George Washington. The more I learned, the more fascinated I became, especially since this part of our history was new to me. I don’t think my teachers even mentioned the Culper Ring in my American History classes.

I discovered the Ring consisted primarily of six men and one woman who took the role of secrecy to heart. Most never revealed even to family and friends that they had been spies during to revolution and beyond. This code of secrecy was so well protected that historians took years and sometimes centuries to uncover the identities of the operatives of the ring. In fact, the true identity of the sixth and final man was not confirmed by historians until the 1930’s, a hundred and fifty years after. And historians have never been able to agree on the identity of the lone female operative.

I was so intrigued by this mystery I seized it. ABIGAIL TRENCH is my fictional version of that female member of Washington’s spy ring, and I created a character to step into those shoes. It was great fun digging the historical sources for crumbs I could weave into my Revolutionary War thriller. I’m anxious to see what readers think of my ABIGAIL.

OH WOW, Randy, I did not like any form of History so I'm impressed. That said, I remember reading Celia Garth while in highschool (many, many moons ago) and she was a Patriot spy!

Give us more please...

Sure... Here is the Blurb...

 A vivid, propulsive Revolutionary-era thriller with the spy-craft verve of the streaming hit TURN: Washington’s Spies and the electricity of 1776’s New York that Hamilton lovers will recognize, this story is inspired by the lone female operative in Washington’s spy ring.

In occupied New York, a schoolteacher with everything to lose turns information into a weapon, threading between Redcoats and rebels as plots against Washington gather steam.

After rogue Redcoats assault her and strip her family’s Long Island farm, Abigail Trench fights to survive in New York City—tutoring in a high-ranking British officer’s Water Street household by day, navigating taverns, informants, and soldiers by night. Through Abigail’s keen eyes—and a counter-narrative following a principled British major—the novel renders the moral gray zones of occupation with gritty intimacy. As rumors swirl of a strike at General Washington, Abigail’s vantage inside upper-crust parlors and rough waterfront rooms makes her an ideal courier—and a target. 

This historical thriller delivers high tension, textured world-building, and a captivating heroine who put it all on the line for freedom.

And an Excerpt...

As Abigail’s feet clattered on the boards, she thought the whole thing through. If the British started printing fake currency and circulating it, the Continental bills of credit would be worth…nothing. Such a move would infuriate all the businessmen. Even Loyalist merchants would suffer, because they depend on customers, both rebel and Tory. The entire economy of the colonies would collapse.

She stopped and glanced around her at the businesses up and down the street. The furrier, the blacksmith, the dry goods store, inns and taverns—they would all suffer. They wouldn’t be able to feed their families. In the harbor, three merchant ships bobbed in the waves. Who would have money to pay for goods transported across the ocean?  

Sweeping her gaze across the workers scurrying in and out of warehouses, on and off the ships, another thought came to her. Without Continental currency, there would be no way to fund the war. The only currency anyone anywhere would accept would be British pounds. 

So caught up in her thoughts, Abigail almost missed the turn onto Crown to get to Williams. The wind, which so often blew off the East River, seemed to die down today, making the city streets still. She’d taken a few quick steps down the walkway when she heard a voice from the alley ahead, a voice she recognized. Too well. She froze.

“My money’s as good as anyone else, ya little dollywop!” It was Reeves. Here.

Molly called, “I don’t hafta. Get your hands off me.” Then, “Lemme go. That hurts.”

There, at the foot of the alley she saw Molly squirming in the arms of a much larger man in uniform. The soldier stood with his back to her, but Abigail didn’t need him to turn around. The ugly orange scarf around his neck gave him away. She pounded down the dirt alley and called ahead, “Just let her go, Reeves. Go find yourself another jack.”

Reeves turned at the words, releasing one arm. When he saw Abigail striding toward him, he grinned, a lecherous smirk revealing the ugly broken teeth she remembered from Long Island. “Abigail, er I should say, the fine Miss Trench.”

Uh, Oh, sounds like trouble for sure! How about you give us the lowdown on yourself and tell us where we can get a copy of Abigail Trench, please...

Of course, as you mentioned, folks can find out more about me on my Featured Author Page here on the blog, or on my Website, but I'll share my official bio with you all...

Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author, speaker and podcaster. As an educator, he served children for more than three decades and has mined that experience to create captivating fiction, authoring two series, the bestselling series, “The Haunted Shores Mysteries,” and the award-winning series, “Lessons in Peril.” His novels have won critical acclaim and garnered national awards including Mystery of the Year (ReaderViews) Best Book Award (Chanticleer Books and Reviews) and the Gold Award (Literary Titan) and amassed hundreds of 5-star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. 

Dr. Overbeck also hosts the popular podcast, “Great Stories about Great Storytellers,” which reveals the unusual and sometimes strange backstories of famous authors, directors and poets and can be heard wherever listeners get their podcasts. He is a speaker in considerable demand, sharing his popular presentations about ghosts and the world of book publishing with hundreds of audiences all over the U.S. 

As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences such as Killer Nashville and the Midwest Writers Workshop.

When he’s not researching, writing, speaking or podcasting, Randy enjoys traveling with his wife Cathy and visiting both his far-flung family and the scenic locations around this country, often in search of inspiration for his next great story.

Contact him at: randyoverbeck@authorrandyoverbeck.com and connect with him on Facebook,  Amazon, Instagram, BookBub and GoodReads.

Abigail Trench can be found at Amazon and other online retailers HERE.

THANK You, so much, Randy for joining us today. We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with your new release AND...

Thank You, Friends, for stopping by and cheering Randy on! You can heck out Randy's prevous post Here and of course, find his Featured Author Page Here.

Until next week, take care, God bless and remember to take time and escape in a great story.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Susan Howell & The Spirit of Vanderlaan!

Good Morning and Welcome Back to Another Edition of Saturday Spotlight,

I've been home a full week now and still playing catch-up but I 💖💖💖 my life! And, I love bringing back a previous guest with another of his or her great books.

Thanks for coming back, Susan. Please tell us about The Spirit of Vanderlaan...

SO grateful and happy to be back, Pam! 

The inspiration for this novel came from one of my students before I retired as a psychology professor. We had just learned that he lived in a dorm room that I had lived in as a student. He and I agreed that a novel in which all the students who hang out in their favorite professor’s office mysteriously live in her former rooms would be great fun as they unravel how and why this “coincidence” happened. Since that student was an excellent writer, I suggested he write the story. He said he didn’t have the time and that I should write it. I dismissed the idea as nonsense – Me? A fiction writer? But when I couldn’t shake the idea, I wrote it. 

I am now retired from teaching and working on the sequel! 

Oh how fun! Give us more please...

Sure, here is the Blurb: When Samantha and her students uncover a campus death, they must draw on everything from science to seances to learn what happened before Samantha gets fired for “dabbling in the paranormal.” 

And an Excerpt: Samantha reached out to hold Chess's shaking hand only to immediately regret it. The stickiness of dried blood would have made her recoil, but she refused to desert Chess, who squeezed her hand like a frightened child. So while Allie returned Chess’s skates and answered the questions of concerned friends, Samantha stayed put. She only hoped the pounding of her own heart would not attract attention and require an explanation.

After Chess’s wound was cleaned and bandaged, Allie stated that she would drive Chess to the ER. "I can't ride in your new car. My clothes are all -" She grimaced at her blood-stained shirt.  

"The blood's dry. It'll be fine. Besides, think how fast my car will get us there." She directed Chess's attention away from the injury.

Samantha pointed to Allie. "Keep it under the limit, missy." Samantha disliked conceding the role of caregiver to someone else, but Allie had things under control. Besides, it couldn't be helped.

Samantha quickly walked toward the women’s restroom, which, thankfully, was empty, went in, and locked the door. With deep, shaky breaths, and no longer fighting the tears, Samantha moved immediately to the sink where she scrubbed her hands vigorously, several times. She reached into her purse for her cell phone, scrolled quickly through her contacts, and tapped her thumb on the one she sought.

She took a deep breath when instructed to leave a message. “Debra, this is Samantha Hayes. Could you give me a call please? I need to talk to you.” She waited a moment, decided she had said all she needed to for now, then added, “Thanks,” before ending the call.

She continued to hold her cell, however, as she paced, all the while trying her best to take even, measured breaths. Think of something else. You’ve washed your hands. You’re safe. You'll talk to Debra when she calls back. Breathe. She was surprised that her reaction was this intense. The sight of blood had not frightened her this much in a long time.

As she debated whether to stay or go home to await Debra’s call, her cell rang, making her jump. With another shaky breath and a sigh of relief, she answered. “Debra? Thanks for calling… Okay… actually, no I’m not okay. I hate to bother you, but something just happened.”

Cool! Now how about the lowdown on you and where we can get a copy of The Spirit of Vanderlaan...

Of course 😊, here is my bio and links for readers to connect with me...

Susan Harris Howell is an author, speaker, psychologist, and retired university professor. Susan and her husband, Dwayne, have two grown children, a daughter-in-law, one adorable grandson, and an incorrigible beagle named Doc. While Doc doesn’t understand a word she says, he fully supports her books and their message. 

Website: https://susanharrishowell.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/susan_h_howell/

Email List & Monthly Blog: https://susanharrishowell.substack.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/susanhowellwriter

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22175282.Susan_Harris_Howell

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/susan-harris-howell

The Spirit of Vanderlaan can be purchased at Amazon, and B&N. Links to other online retailers can be found at The Wild Rose Press.

Wow, OK! Thanks for visiting and sharing your book with us, Susan. We certainly wish you great success with this and your other works.

Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight, Friends, and that you'll drop by again next week.

Until then, take care, God bless and take time for yourself and read a good book.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Karina Bartow & Undeveloped Memories!

Whew, it is good to be home with no expected travel in the next several weeks!

If you've followed me for long you know I love to travel. I even started a travel blog called Bathroom Blues to share my adventures with you. But sometimes it's just good to be home for a while. 😊

Today's guest is brand-new-to-our-blog so please give Karina Bartow a huge SWLA W-E-L-C-O-M-E!

Please share your book and the inspiration behind it, Karina.

Thanks, Pam. It is lovely to be your guest. When I was a young girl, my mom misplaced—frankly, lost!—a roll of film from a special occasion. The pictures on it, of course, captured that one day, frozen in time, including the people and activities that created the story of those memories. Some of those shots featured loved ones we lost soon thereafter and moments we couldn’t recreate.

A few years ago, I had to sort through photos for a presentation. The tub I sorted through had an assortment of negatives and original envelopes from the developing counter, so I kept hoping to come across that lost roll. Unfortunately, I never did, but my quest made me consider what would happen if another generation discovered it and developed the pictures. Most of those subjects from long ago would be completely foreign to them, perhaps piquing their curiosity about the past. Thus, Undeveloped Memories began to materialize in my brain.

I hope your readers enjoy this blurb...

We assume we know everything there is to know about those who raised us…until we discover that we don’t!

Lorelei Carmichael returns home to check up on her aging uncle, but another investigation awaits her. An undeveloped roll of film, abandoned by her photographer uncle, beckons her attention. Also a photographer, she develops the images and discovers an Alaskan journey he never disclosed, alongside a woman and child.

When an opportunity provides her the chance to peek into the past, she retraces his footsteps through the Alaskan countryside. Will she figure out the whole picture of this unfinished love story? And might the trail of breadcrumbs lead her to capture a love of her own?   

And Excerpt...

While she proceeded dipping the pictures into the developing solutions, her thoughts wandered around the reasons Uncle Reed didn’t discuss the adventure. In his years of covering stories, he’d witnessed various tragedies, including several wildfires, but nothing this profound in loss. She could only imagine how the prevailing sorrow affected the sensitive man. With it occurring just before her mom and dad died, his despair over everything he beheld would’ve been compounded by the grief their family endured. Perhaps he always associated the two events together. 

Having just three negatives to go, she peered at the next rendering through the enlarger and recognized the same little boy but without his mother. With a campfire in the background behind him, he wore a smile, and although it didn’t showcase her uncle’s artistic talent like the rest, it conveyed a powerful message about a child’s resilience. His mom joined him again in front of the fire, her face brightened with more joy, as well. Lorelei surmised Uncle Reed befriended them, but she didn’t ascribe much value to it until she secured the final shot under the enlarger. 

Projected onto the wall above her, the boy and his expectant mother beamed back at her, with her uncle beside them. Even at first glance, she perceived his adoration, his countenance brimming with the same pride and gentleness he had in many of their family photos. The longer she studied it, though, the more signs she gleaned of this being a man in love.

* * * *

Sounds Wonderful, Karina! Now please share your bio and links for you and how to get a copy of Undeveloped Memories with us.

Sure, Pam, here you go...

Karina Bartow grew up and still lives in Northern Ohio. Though born with Cerebral Palsy, she’s never allowed her disability to define her. Rather, she’s used her experiences to breathe life into characters who have physical limitations, but like her, are determined not to let them stand in the way of the life they want. 

Her debut novel, "Husband in Hiding," came out in 2015, followed by "Forgetting My Way Back to You," in 2018 and "Brother of Interest" in 2022. She may only be able to type with one hand, but she writes with her whole heart!

Find out more about Karina by visiting her Website  or Amazon Author Page, and connecting with her on Facebook, Instagram, X (@KarinaBartow), and Goodreads.

Get your copy of Undeveloped Memories a clean romantic mystery at Amazon, B&N, Walmart or directly from The Wild Rose Press.

Thank You, so much for visiting with us today, Karina. We wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with this, and all of your books!

Well, friends, I hope you enjoyed today's spotlight and that you'll check back weekly for another great author and book.

Until next time, escape in a good book.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Monique DeVere & Guarded by the Sheriff!

Good Morning from Santee, South Carolina!

We started our drive up on Tuesday and arrived Thursday afternoon to spend a long weekend with my Sweetheart's bonus children and grandchildren. Today we're watching his youngest granddaughter graduate high school. Although we don't visit these loved ones often, it is always a pleasure when we do.

Speaking of pleasures, it is my extreme pleasure to have Monique DeVere back on our blog, this time with her debut Love Inspired Romantic Suspense novel, Guarded by the Sheriff. Welcome back, Monique, please share with us the story behind this book and give us a sneak peek into it!

It's wonderful to be back, Pam, THANKS!

2024 and 2025 were huge years for me. I live my life by faith, so even during the hardest moments, I believed there was a reason for everything that was happening.

First, I was made redundant from my office manager job about two months before we discovered that my dad—who lived 165 miles away—was seriously ill. Because of the distance, he’d been able to hide just how sick he was during our regular phone calls. By the time we discovered the truth, he was already very unwell. It took another four months to finally convince him to come live with us. 

Looking back now, I truly believe my Heavenly Father had been preparing me for that season of my life.

Dad passed away in February 2025, and I took it very hard.

The following month, my critique partner sent me a link to the Harlequin Love Inspired Great Author Search 2025. While Dad had been living with us, every morning I’d sit in his room with my coffee and tell him the plans for the day. He always asked if I’d managed to get any writing done, and I had to admit I hadn’t. Caring for him had become my full-time focus between his needs and the constant stream of medical staff coming through the house.

So, when my critique partner mentioned the contest, I decided to enter it for Dad.

The problem was, I only had two weeks before the closing date. I’d spent years writing romantic comedy and category contemporary romance. I’d targeted several Harlequin lines over the years but never Love Inspired Suspense because everyone said it was one of the hardest lines to break into.

I came up with an idea titled Deadly Mother’s Day. I wrote the premise, first chapter, and synopsis, and submitted it just a few days before the deadline.

Honestly, I expected a rejection. After all, that had pretty much been my experience for the past thirty-odd years.

So, imagine my utter shock when Harlequin requested the full manuscript!

It honestly took me a while to process the fact that Harlequin…HARLEQUIN!...wanted to read my story. I wrote the full manuscript in two months and submitted it. One week later, my editor emailed asking when a good time for her to call me would be. It was a Friday, and she wanted to call on Monday if I was available.

If I was available? Of course I was available!

I ran around the house to find my husband and daughter to tell them that I thought I might finally be getting “The Call.” The call I’d dreamed about for years! I won’t lie; I hyperventilated.

And on that Monday, my editor offered me a contract.

Now I get to see my book in print with my name on the cover. Harlequin didn’t feel the original title suited the line, so they asked me to send more ideas. Thankfully, they liked Guarded by the Sheriff. I am so thrilled the book will be published in eBook, mass market paperback, large-print and…get this…audiobook! I’m so excited to hear these characters brought to life by a human narrator!

This has been an amazing journey, all thanks to Jesus, my Lord and Savior!

And that’s why this book will always be so special to me. No matter how many books I write for Harlequin in the future, this one will always hold a special place in my heart because I know Abba Father guided me every step of the way.

Now my dream of writing for Harlequin has finally come true—and with a line that is perfect for me. I get to share my faith through my stories while writing the kind of suspense I love. Looking back now, I can see God’s hand in every part of the journey.

Who knew life could come together so perfectly when you put your faith in Jesus?

A child in need of protection…

and a lawman keeping watch.

It’s a shock to Sheriff Ethan Callahan to see his ex-fiancée, Sienna Blake, again—especially with a child in tow…and a gunman on her heels. 

Witnessing a shooting has made Sienna a criminal’s next target. And when Ethan realizes that he’s the father of her son, he is determined to keep them both safe…no matter the cost. With trust hanging in the balance and their enemy closing in, Ethan and Sienna must stand together to survive. 

Except the hit man knows their every move…and trusting the wrong person could get them killed.

*Excerpt: “Sienna, don’t come any closer. It’s a bomb.”

She gasped, confusion knitting her expression. “A what?”

He knew she’d heard him, so he didn’t repeat himself. “Take Nathan and get as far away from the truck as you can.”

Without delay, she scooped Nathan into her arms and ran for the side of the house.

Ethan moved with them, positioning himself between them and the truck.

They had just reached the corner of the house when an explosion ripped through the truck behind them. They hit the ground hard, Ethan shielding Sienna and Nathan with his body.

Sienna screamed his name.

Nathan’s petrified sobs tore at his heart.

“Are you hurt?” Ethan asked.

Sierra shook her head, still wide-eyed. “We’re…” She ran a hand over Nathan, relief whooshing her breath from her lungs. “We’re okay.”

He got up, helping Sienna to her feet with Nathan clutched in her arms. “Take him inside. I’ll call this in.”

She nodded. Without hesitation, she turned and hurried with Nathan into the house.

Ethan reached for his phone, his gaze drifting back to the inferno blazing on the drive.

Something told him this was only the beginning…

Guarded by the Sheriff releases June 30th but is available for pre-order now at Amazon, Harlequin, B&N, Kobo, GooglePlay and Apple Books.

About Monique

Monique DeVere writes heart-pounding romantic suspense and funny, feel-good romances with heart, hope, and a dash of sass. Her stories are filled with faith, emotional depth, and unforgettable characters. Originally from Barbados, she lives in the UK with her real-life hero, their four children, five grandchildren, and an adorable Yorkshire Terrier. When she isn’t writing, Monique enjoys family time, shell collecting, boating, being near the sea, and learning something new.

Monique loves to hear from her readers. You can email her at monique@moniquedevere.com

Get a free suspense novella when you subscribe to her romantic suspense newsletter: https://shorturl.at/ZaUjC

Get a free story when you subscribe to her romance newsletter: https://shorturl.at/57c2Z

Monique’s Social Links: Harlequin, Website, X, Bsky, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Linkedin, TikTok, Goodreads, Amazon Store.

* * * * *

Oh, My Goodness, Monique! So very sorry to hear about your dad but SO Happy this book was accepted. Maybe he had a hand in that. 😉

Either way, we wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with this - and many more - Love Inspired books!

Hope you enjoyed Monique's visit as much as I did. I've read Guarded by the Sheriff and as soon as I'm able, I will be leaving a review. Check out some of Monique's other books in her previous Spotlight appearances HERE. I hope you take her story as incentive to never give up on your dreams because with faith and perserverance they just might come true in God's time.

Until later, happy reading!

PamT

*Excerpt is copyrighted material used with permission from Harlequin.

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Jana Richards & I'll be Seeing You!

Good Morning and Welcome to Another Episode of Saturday Spotlight!

It's graduation season and I was blessed to watch my great-nephew get his diploma last night. Next weekend I'll be in SC for my Sweetheart's granddaughter's ceremony. This time next year it'll be my youngest grandson. Between now and then, my granddaughter will graduate nursing school in December. WHERE does time go?!

Alas, this is what life is all about, but enough pondering, let's get on to our spotlight 😉

Today's guest is not brand new to our blog, but she has a brand new book for you to enjoy so...

Take it away, Jana...Please tell us about your book, why you wrote it OR what makes it special to you, where we can find it and all about yourself!

Thank You, Pam, for offering to help me launch my new book, I'll be Seeing You, a time travel, second chance romance set partially during World War Two. 

This is the third story I’ve written set around the events of the Second World War. I’ve always had an interest in stories about World War Two, and in particular, anything relating to the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. 

My father was WW2 veteran and participated in D-Day. In 1942 he signed up with the Regina Rifles in the Canadian Army. The nickname for members of the Regina Rifles was the Farmer Johns, because so many of them were farmers named John. My dad fit right in since his first name was John, and he was indeed a farmer.

He spent almost two years training, first in Canada, and then in Scotland, before being shipped to the south of England in anticipation of the invasion. On June 6, Canadian troops, including my dad, landed on Juno Beach in Normandy. By June 9, he was captured and spent the rest of the war as a POW.  

I’d known since childhood that he’d been a POW, but I didn’t realize until a few years ago when we requested my father’s army records that his family didn’t know for months whether he was alive or dead. His army records included copies of telegraphs sent to his father. The first one arrived June 23, 1944, informing my grandfather that his son was missing in action, with a promise to provide more information as it became available. The next telegraph didn’t arrive until November 10, 1944. This one stated that the army had learned through “indirect channels” that Dad was a prisoner of war. The third, and last, telegraph arrived May 2, 1945 to tell my grandparents that Dad was “now safe in United Kingdom twentyninth April 1945”. 

I find those three telegraphs so poignant. I can’t imagine what those months were like for his family, not knowing if he’d return. If my child, or brother, was missing I know I’d be devastated. And yet my grandmother never spoke of it when I was growing up. 

I can’t imagine what the experience was like for my father either. He didn’t talk much about his experiences during the war either, at least not to me. I wish I’d asked him more questions. I’m left to imagine.

And, so I write. 😊

Here's the Tagline and Blurb for I'll be Seeing You: When apprentice angel Gabriel takes Frank back in time for a second chance at love, they both learn lessons about trust.

Apprentice angel Gabriel Daniel’s first assignment in his quest to become a full-fledged angel is to give WW2 veteran, Frank Brennan, a second chance at love. With help from his mentor, senior angel Thomas, Gabriel takes Frank back to 1944 to Plymouth, England. There, Frank made his biggest mistake with love. He fell in love with Claire Cartwright, but when he found her kissing another man, he ended their relationship, despite Claire’s insistence that things weren’t as they appeared. This time around, Gabriel’s task is to convince Frank to trust in Claire’s love and fidelity, despite the evidence against her.

At the same time, Thomas takes Gabriel on a journey through his relationship with Sloane, the love of his mortal life. For the first time, Gabriel sees how his jealousy and distrust tainted their love.

Unless Gabriel persuades Frank to trust Claire, his goal of becoming a citizen of Heaven is doomed, along with his desire to watch over his mother and brother back on Earth. Frank has a complicated history that Gabriel must help him confront before either of them gets what they need.

And an Excerpt: “There you are, walking across the dance floor toward Claire.”

“We’re so young,” Frank whispered. “And she’s so beautiful.”

“Yes, she is,” Gabriel agreed. “You look very handsome in your uniform, too. See how all the young women stare at you as you walk across the dance floor? But you don’t seem to notice any of them. You only have eyes for Claire.”

Frank sagged against his pillow. “Yes.”

“Do you remember what you said to her that night?”

“No.”

“Listen.”

“Do you have a boyfriend?” Frank’s younger self asked as they danced.

Claire smiled up at him, her eyes shining with amusement. “No, I don’t have a boyfriend.”

“You do now,” young Frank said with a cocky grin.

Claire laughed. “You’ve decided that, have you? All on your own? Do I get any say in the matter?”

Frank gazed into Claire’s eyes. “No, none at all.”

“You dated a lot of girls before the war, didn’t you, Frank?” Visions of Frank with a succession of young women raced through Gabriel’s mind. “You were a good-looking kid and girls gravitated to you. But you’d never experienced anything like this before, did you? Like you’d die if you couldn’t hold her in your arms and kiss her. Like you’d cease to exist if she turned you away.”

On the screen, Claire shook her head. “What an arrogant Yank you are.” But she continued to dance with Frank, smiling up into his eyes.

“You fell in love with Claire that night on the dance floor, and your world changed forever.”

I'll be Seeing You can be found at Amazon.com (FREE in KU), Amazon.CA, Amazon.UK, GoodReads and BookBub.

As for a little about myself, here's my "official" bio LOL...

When Jana Richards read her first romance novel, she immediately knew two things: she had to commit the stories running through her head to paper, and they had to end with a happily ever after. She also knew she’d found what she was meant to do. Since then she’s never met a romance genre she didn’t like. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical romance set in World War Two, in lengths ranging from short story to full length novel. Just for fun, she throws in generous helpings of humor, and the occasional dash of the paranormal. 

When not writing up a storm or dealing with dust bunnies, Jana can be found pursuing hobbies such as golf (which she plays very badly) or reading (which she does much better). 

Jana lives in Western Canada with her husband Warren and a senior calico cat named Layla. You can reach her through her Website, Blog, Facebook, X, Instagram, Amazon Author Page, Amazon UK Author Page, GoodReads, Bluesky, and BookBub. Stay in touch and receive updates by signing up to receive her Newsletter!

Wow, what a story about your dad! SO glad he made it home safely after all that and it's wonderful people can find you all over the place, Jana. 

You can check out Jana's previous visit to our blog HERE, Friends and be sure to check back next week for another great author and book on, Saturday Spotlight!

Until next time, take care and God Bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Susan Howell & Buried Talents!

Good Morning,

Before I announce our guest today, I'd like to take a moment and THANK Each and Every One of YOU who visit regularly - Your love and support of me and my guests is appreciated more than words can express. Becuase of YOU, this blog had over 200K visits in April! I am SO VERY grateful...Thank YOU from the depths of my heart and soul!! 💓💓

Now, on to our spotlight.

Today's guest is brand new but I promise this won't be her only visit. Welcome, Susan! Please tell us about your book and yourself...

Thanks for having me on your blog, Pam. In the college gender studies course I taught for about 20 years, I showed how - without even realizing it - we tend to hold gendered stereotypes and expectations that harm us all – male and female. I knew I was succeeding when students would scurry to my office with the latest thing they’d heard in the dorm, at church, or around the dinner table with extended family. They were observing life through a new lens and surprised at the “aha” moments they were having because of it. They would never again look at the world the same way and were excited to live out their newfound knowledge. 

Much of what I taught those students I included in Buried Talents. My hope is that you the reader will try on those lenses for yourself, experience your own “aha” moments, and determine to make life more equitable for yourself, your children, and the world. 

Buried Talents uncovers the subtle and unintentional socialization that works against women – and men – reaching their potential.

Excerpt: When my husband and I were newlyweds, we lived in the city where he attended seminary. Although I looked forward to graduate training, I hadn’t yet determined where to go nor which program to pursue. It made sense, I told myself, for him to go first. He would study while I worked to support us and took time to choose a school and program for myself. 

I had several friends in the same situation and spoke with them occasionally about my plans to attend school when my husband finished. I assumed they would do the same. After all, we had spent our college days studying and planning for the careers we would pursue. Why not follow through? More than one of them told me we couldn’t make plans yet since we didn’t know where God would call our husbands. We would have to wait and see. 

My students will find it hard to imagine that, at first, I believed those words: I would have to wait and see. But it bothered me. I couldn’t let it go. I had studied hard and prayed for years about my professional plans. I read everything about psychology I could get my hands on. I pored over graduate school catalogs while I dreamed of the classes I would take, the skills I would hone, the clients I would treat. Was I supposed to wait and hope my husband would find a church close to a school with a graduate program in psychology?

While I believe God could work through that situation, that wasn’t at all the way we had approached my husband’s education. For his, we trusted that what he believed was a call was just that. We took that call seriously and moved to the place where he could get the education to live it out. We didn’t wait and hope I would find a job in a town with a graduate program for ministers. We didn’t wait to see what God had in store for me first. We didn’t even read a book that encouraged him to uncover buried talents. 

We did none of that. We simply trusted and took action.

I am happy to report that since I couldn’t let it go, I didn’t. One night I broached the topic with my husband. I told him that we had taken three years to invest in his life’s work and that before he took a church that would require a move, I wanted to get my master’s degree. I admit I felt a bit heretical. If he had asked me to defend my position, I’m not sure I could have. I just knew it felt right and needed to be said. 

Imagine my surprise when he said, “Sure.”

Of course I should pursue my calling. And what would he do while I studied? We didn’t know. Just do what I had done for him, we supposed. Work in a job, either in his area or not depending on what he could find and put off better options until we could both relocate. 

I was pleasantly surprised and, I admit, relieved. His commitment to my call equaled my commitment to his. 

AMAZING, Susan! Now please tell us more about you and where we can find Buried Talents.

Sure, I am an author, speaker, psychologist, and retired university professor. My husband, Dwayne, and I have two grown children, a daughter-in-law, one adorable grandson, and an incorrigible beagle named Doc. While Doc doesn’t understand a word I say, he fully supports my book and its message. 😀

Connect with me through my Website, Instagram, Facebook, Goodreads and Bookbub. Sign up for my email list and monthly blog posts HERE.

Buried Talents can be found at Amazon and B&N.

Sounds like a fascinating read. Thank you for sharing!

Hope you enjoyed Susan's visit today folks, and that you'll check back each week for another edition of Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care and God bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Carol J Post & Witness Safeguard Mission

Good Morning and Welcome from Bandera, TX!

Yep, I drove up to my soul's happy place / home away from home on Wednesday and let me tell you it is SO nice to be here. I've talked many times about the peace and serenity I feel in this place. If you ever need a quaint place to get away, you should visit. Anyway...

Today's guest is not brand new to us as she was our featured author for the month of April, but please give Carol a great big SWLA/SETX... H-E-L-L-O!

So, Carol, I know we're featuring Witness Safeguard Mission, book 4 in your Canine Defense Series. Share your heart for this book/series with us...

Thank you, Pam, for featuring me on your Saturday Spotlight. I’m so happy to be here. My stories feature characters who are pretty broken in some way. In Witness Safeguard Mission, Nicole is struggling with guilt over the fact that she never had the opportunity to reconcile with her impossible-to-please father, and Braydon has never been able to let himself off the hook for what he feels was his part in a buddy’s death. 

This theme is close to my heart, because I’ve heard so many people say that they have no problem forgiving others but can’t forgive themselves. At one point, Braydon tells Nicole, “Guilt will eat a hole right through your soul if you let it,” but then later has to admit that he is horrible at taking his own advice. When Nicole tells him that once he accepts God’s forgiveness, it might be easier to forgive himself, he questions whether some things are unforgivable. The answer, of course, is no. We can’t out-sin God’s grace. And if He has forgiven us, who are we to hold onto that guilt? That’s like saying Christ’s blood isn’t enough.

Blurb: A family in a killer’s crosshairs.

A K-9 determined to defend.

When Nicole Woodard and her young sister witness their father’s murder by an unknown assailant, Nicole knows they’re next on the killer’s hit list. Now they must rely on Officer Braydon Feldman and his K-9 partner, Caesar, for protection. The killer will stop at nothing to silence the sisters and keep the crime hidden. But what could their father have been involved in that got him killed? With attacks coming from all sides and dangerous family secrets being exposed, can Braydon and Nicole stay alive long enough to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again?

Excerpt:

Maddy began to sing softly, some silly, happy children’s song about a fat cat. Nicole envied that childish lightheartedness, the being blissfully unaware of adult-size problems. Their parents had probably sugarcoated the details about their mom’s cancer, keeping the worst of it from seven-year-old Maddy.

Nicole smiled down at her little sister. She wouldn’t do anything to destroy that innocence.

From somewhere ahead, a male voice drifted to them on the gentle breeze. It didn’t belong to her father, and it was too deep to be her uncle’s. Nicole stiffened, a wave of uneasiness sweeping through her. She drew to a sudden stop and shushed her little sister. The fat cat song died mid-phrase.

The bass voice came again, followed by her father’s. 

Her breath released in a rush, and she glanced at Maddy. “Come on, Dad’s back.”

They’d just started to move when her dad spoke again. This time his voice was raised, anger lacing his tone. She stood stock-still, every sense on high alert. Something was wrong. Her father was always in control. Even during the frequent scoldings she’d received when she’d failed to live up to his expectations, he’d never raised his voice. Someone had ticked him off.

The man he was with spoke again, his voice low and controlled. Her father’s response was immediate. “I won’t be any part of this!”

Suddenly someone was crashing through the woods toward them. Nicole slipped behind a tree and ducked into the undergrowth there, pulling Maddy down with her and praying they weren’t sharing their hiding place with anything that slithered.

“What’s going on?” Maddy’s voice was thin, filled with fear.

Nicole put a finger over her sister’s lips and leaned close. “Let’s play a game and see how quiet we can be.”

Maddy nodded, brown eyes wide.

Moments later, someone fell to the ground a short distance away. There were some rustles and grunts and then the thud of fists against flesh. Someone was being beaten up. If Nicole had to guess, it was her father.

She pressed a hand over her sister’s mouth and held a finger in front of her own lips. Once sure her sister would remain quiet, she lifted her head to peer through the top of the undergrowth.

A man was squatting with his back to her, her father lying on the ground in front of him. As she watched, he pulled something from his pocket and pressed a button. A blade extended from the end, glistening in a beam of sunlight that pierced the canopy overhead.

A soft gasp slipped between her lips. The man was going to hurt her father. She had to do something. She rose from her crouch as the stranger lifted his arm.

“I’ll make sure you keep your mouth shut.” His tone held a cold steeliness. The arm holding the knife swung in a downward arc, and her father released an agonized scream. Nicole pressed a hand over her mouth to keep her own from escaping.

She should have thought of her sister. Maddy screamed, loud and long, as the man plunged the knife into their father’s torso three more times.

Nicole grabbed her sister’s arm and broke into a full run. Her heart twisted as she left her father lying on the ground, bleeding. But trying to help him would get both her and Maddy killed. Soon heavy footsteps pounded behind them.

“Faster.” She hissed the word, even though her sister’s little legs were moving as fast as they could. Tears streamed down the child’s face, and her breath came in sobbing gasps. They would never be able to outrun the man pursuing them. God, help us!

Nicole glanced around them. The downed tree she’d coaxed Maddy from earlier lay ahead and to the left. Barely slowing her pace, she leaned toward her sister.

“There’s our secret fort. Get in as far as you can and don’t make a sound.”

“What about you?”

“I’ll be there in a few minutes. Go, and don’t come out till I say so.”

She slowed just enough to watch Maddy weave her way between the roots and then shot away at a full run, taking a sharp right. Her path was leading the man away from Maddy, but she needed more of a plan than that.

OH My Goodness, reading this excerpt brought back the entire book! Excellent. Now please tell us about yourself, how we can reach you and where we can find Witness Safeguard Misssion.

Sure. Here ya go...

Carol J. Post writes fun and fast-paced Christian romance and Christian romantic suspense stories. She is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author whose books have won several awards and been nominated for two RITA® awards and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award. She is also a popular speaker, presenting workshops on a variety of craft topics. 

Carol especially enjoys research trips, which usually involve camping, with some hiking, kayaking and bonfires thrown in when possible. She also loves playing the piano and writing songs with her musical husband. Her two grown daughters and grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all that nurturing into taking care of three sassy cats—Ziggy, Zorro and Ziva—who also love camping and are known to occasionally take over her blog with their “It’s Zaturday!” posts.

Find out more and connect with Carol via her Website, Facebook, Instagram or X. Be sure and sign up to receive her newsletter!

Witness Safeguard Mission can be found at Amazon, B&N, Christian Book Distributors, and Harlequin.

WONDERFUL! 

Thanks for visiting with us today, Carol. We wish you the best of luck and God's blessings on ALL of your books!

Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight friends and that you'll check back weekly for another edition of Saturday Spotlight. You can read my review of Witness Safeguard Mission HERE.

Until next week, Read Happy!

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Terri Wangard & Listen for the Chickadees

Good Morning and Welcome to our last Saturday Spotlight for April 2026. 

Spring has sprung here in SW Louisiana. As much of a "spring" as we get LOL! But this past week we've had cooler mornings and mild days and I've been able to open the windows in my house and let the fresh air and sunshine (and yes, humidity) flow through - which I LOVE.

Almost as much as I love sharing another brand-new-to-me-and-our-blog author as today's guest is.

Thanks for joining us, Terri, please tell us about your book, Listen for the Chickadees...

Thanks, Pam!

Listen For the Chickadees is Book 3 of Unsung Stories of World War II. My goal was to set these stories in unusual places. Most WWII novels are set in Europe. I looked elsewhere: Brazil, Iceland, and the Pacific. I originally planned on setting Chickadees in Australia, but that story fell apart before I even began to write. Since John is referred to as a fighter pilot in the Pacific in Books 1 and 2, his story developed out of Pearl Harbor and became a best friend’s cousin romance.

I wish I could have visited Pearl while writing this book. I was there twice many years ago before I knew I would one day write novels. Much has changed since then, including the battleship Missouri opening for visitors and a bridge to Ford Island. Instead of actually setting foot on the island again, I visited vicariously with John and Gloria.

Here's the blurb and an excerpt...

She’s loved him forever.

He’s never seen her as more than a memory from home.

Then Pearl Harbor changes everything.

December 7, 1941 shatters the illusion that anyone is safe.

Navy nurse Gloria Bloch wakes to the thunder of enemy planes over Pearl Harbor, certain of only one thing: John Walsh, the boy she has loved since childhood, is far from danger aboard an aircraft carrier. Or so she believes.

When panicked American gunfire brings John down over the harbor, their reunion is brief and breathtaking, forged in chaos neither can escape.

As the Second World War drives the United States into the Pacific conflict, Gloria and John are swept onto separate paths of duty. Gloria serves aboard the hospital ship USS Serenity, tending shattered bodies and wounded souls. John flies combat missions as a Navy fighter pilot and combat photographer, risking everything to document a war that refuses to leave him untouched.

Their paths cross again and again in fleeting moments between air raids and surgeries, courage and fear, longing and loss. With every meeting, the feelings they have buried deepen. But war demands more than love. It demands sacrifice, tests faith, and steals time without warning.

When separation stretches into silence, Gloria must face the terrifying possibility that hope itself has become another casualty of war.

Excerpt: Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii

Saturday, December 6, 1941

The music throbbed deep within Ensign Gloria Bloch. The USS Pennsylvania band was good. Really good. She tapped her toes, snapped her fingers, and swayed to the beat of “There’ll Be Some Changes Made.” 

She needed this after a long day of assisting in surgery at Pearl Harbor’s Naval Hospital.

A sailor stepped up and offered his hand. “Wanna dance?”

She agreed, and they swung around the dance floor, Gloria’s skirt twirling about her legs. Her partner proved to be the better dancer, and she found herself breathless trying to keep up. When the tempo slowed, she could finally speak without gasping. “This is my first attendance at one of these competitions. Do you think the Pennsylvania band will advance to the finals?”

The man tilted his head. “Yes, I suppose so. Too bad you missed the semifinal two weeks ago. That’s when we qualified.”

“We?”

He grew taller. “I’m in the Arizona band.” A grin creased his face. “We’re the band to beat. Tonight, we’re here to check out the competition. Don’t miss the final in two more weeks.”

When the song ended, Gloria joined the applauding crowd.

“Don’t clap too loud,” her partner joked. “The winner is determined by audience applause.”

The contest and dance ended before midnight. Gloria twirled out of the arena with the music still playing in her mind. She joined her friend Lucy at the launch queue. “Wasn’t that great?”

“It would have been perfect if I hadn’t worn new shoes. I think I broke at least three toes.”

Gloria took a deep breath. “Smell the pineapple on the breeze?”

Lucy sniffed the air. “I think you’re smelling your breath. You’ve been guzzling that pineapple juice. I saw you at the refreshment stand.”

“Killjoy.” The launch pulled up. “Are you sure it’s okay for me to stay on the Solace? Maybe I should go back to my quarters.”

“My bunkmate’s on Maui for the weekend. You can sleep in her berth. Come on. It’ll be fun.” Lucy tugged her along. “Pretend you’re on a cruise. Tomorrow we’ll enjoy a lazy Sunday and eat pineapple and mangoes on the deck.”

Gloria glanced around the harbor filled with warships. The hospital ship stood out in its bright white attire. “Do they allow overnight guests?”

“You have your nurse’s ID, right? They won’t know you work at the Naval Hospital instead of onboard the Solace. Come on. We have the day off tomorrow. It’ll be great.”

Gloria had been aboard the USS Solace before. While she enjoyed the freedom of dashing off to Honolulu’s stores or strolling on the beach, living on a ship whet her curiosity. The hospital ships offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience life at sea. She should request a transfer.

“Okay. Slumber party.” Gloria grinned as the launch pulled up to the Solace. “I haven’t done this in years.”

In Lucy’s room and clad in Lucy’s spare nightgown, Gloria hung her party dress on a hook beside the sink. “The Battle of Music was the perfect entertainment after the day I had in the operating room.”

“Bad, was it?” Lucy spared her a glance in the mirror as she pin-curled her hair.

“Two sailors took a jeep for a joyride. They careened around a curve and rolled, and the driver suffered massive internal injuries. He’s now minus thirty-six inches of intestines.”

Lucy winced. “And the other guy?”

“He was thrown out, landed face-first, and skidded across the pavement. He’ll never be the same again.”

Patty and Marcail, two nurses who shared Lucy’s room, entered. Patty stared at Gloria, then at her dress. “I watched you at the music competition. You almost won the jitterbug contest.”

“Emphasis on almost.” Gloria started tapping her toes as the music filled her mind.

Marcail spoke up. “I’m surprised you didn’t win. Charlie Snead’s a great dancer.”

“Snead? He never told me his last name. All I know is he’s in the Arizona band.”

The nurse stared into the distance. “I danced with him two weeks ago.” She wilted onto her bed with a deep sigh. “He didn’t appreciate me stepping on his feet. Like about five times.”

Gloria climbed into the top bunk and smiled in the dark. Charlie Snead. She couldn’t wait to meet him again at the final competition in two weeks, if not before. How long would the Arizona be in port? Would he be interested in her if they weren’t dancing? Would he like to walk along the shore, or share a pineapple, or even have Sunday brunch at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel?

Who was she kidding? He hadn’t even asked where she lived.

It wasn’t like she desired to go steady with him. Her heart belonged to another man, even if he didn’t want it.

OH My Goodness what an intriguing blurb and excerpt! Now, how about giving us the low down on you and where we can get a copy of Listen for the Chickadees.

Sure, LOL! Here is my "official" bio...

Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. 

Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she is back in Wisconsin after several years in Michigan, Utah, and California. Her WWII research included going for a ride in a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. 

She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and serves as the Carol contest coordinator and is secretary of the Wisconsin Southeast ACFW chapter. 

Sign up to receive her Newsletter and follow her on Facebook.

Listen for the Chickadees can be purchased from Amazon (FREE in KU!) and in paperback.

Wonderful, Terri. Thank YOU So Much for visiting with us today. We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with this - and all - of your books.

Well friends that wraps up another edition (and month) of Saturday Spotlight. Until next time, take care, God Bless and Happy Reading!

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Linda J. White & All My Bones Shook

Good Morning and Welcome!

Before I announce our guest today, I'd like to take a moment and THANK Each and Every One of YOU who visit regularly - Your love and support of me and my guests is appreciated more than words can express. TRULY! Thank YOU!! 💓💓

Now, please allow me the pleasure of introducing you to another brand-new-to-me-and-our-blog author, Linda J. White who is sharing her book, All My Bones Shook with us today. Take it away, Linda...

Thank You, Pam, it is SUCH a pleasure to visit your blog today. All My Bones Shook is the 8th in my K-9 Search and Rescue series and releases May 1st but is available for pre-order NOW. 

She might survive the river. First, she must survive them.

K-9 search and rescue handler and PI Jessica Cooper puts the dangerous days behind her, rebuilding her life on her Virginia farm with her FBI-agent husband Scott, their toddler son, and her beloved German shepherd, Luke. Then a lawyer asks for help with a custody case, and everything begins to unravel.

The job looks simple: Follow the ex-wife. Document neglect. Protect the children. But the ex-wife is not just unstable, she’s entangled with a trafficking ring in Northern Virginia. When Jess’s client, is found shot dead, what Jess knows makes her the most inconvenient loose end of all.

In broad daylight the gang rips Jess from her world. Soon she finds herself locked in a room with two terrified little girls who will be sold before sunrise if Jess cannot find a way out. She has no weapon, no phone, and no guarantee Scott will find her in time.

What she does have is a faith forged in fire—and family and friends who will never give up.

On a dark night on the Potomac River shore, hands bound, guns at her back, Jess will find out if the God she trusts in the daylight will be faithful in deep water.

All My Bones Shook, is a story of what it means to belong to God when the river is rising and the only way out is through. It’s the eighth book in my popular (and bestselling) K-9 search and rescue series. Like the other books, it can be read alone, but readers who begin at book one, All That I Dread, will find a richly layered world populated by characters who grow, grieve, fall apart, and find their way back to something true. 

Wonderful, Linda! Now Please tell us a little more about yourself and why you wrote this book...

I am the author of multiple award-winning mystery/suspense books including HOLT Medallion winners Seeds of Evidence and A Great and Terrible Darkness, and Selah finalist The Fear That Chases Me. 

Mylate husband was a video producer/director at the FBI Academy. I live in Yorktown, Virginia and my tagline/brand is "White-Knuckle Fiction."

Folks can connect with me through my website, Facebook, Instagram and X. 

When I started writing this K-9 series I thought I was writing one book about a subject I love—dogs. But no, the characters stuck with me and the storylines kept popping up in my head. Near the end of writing each time, I would pray, asking God to show me if he wanted me to keep going. So far, the doors keep opening and the stories keep coming. In All My Bones Shook, I wanted to explore faith in the “thin places,” when your life is on the line and heaven seems particularly near. Jessica Cooper is brought to the end of herself. Now the question is, will her faith hold fast?

Wow, I Love your tagline! Isn't it amazing how that happens? I remember my Tempered series was supposed to be 2 books and is now 6 with a companion novella LOL! 

THANKS for sharing your book with us today.

I hope you enjoyed Linda's visit as much as I did, Friends and that you'll check back every week for another episode of Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, Read Happy!

PamT

PS: I mentioned last week that I went to Daytona Beach, FL for NDA National Dance competition and that I would post results on my travel blog, Bathroom-Blues - and I did! Check it out 😊