Saturday Spotlight is on W.D. Kilpack III & Crown Prince: Book One of New Blood

Good Morning, 

I'm about as worn out as a football loving granmother can get so without any further ado, please welcome new-to-me author, W.D. Kilpack III with his book, Crown Prince: Book One of New Blood!

Take it away Sir...

Thank You, Pamela.

When I decided to start writing what would later become the New Blood Saga, it was because I was having a recurring dream that would have me in tears when I woke. It persisted for months, and I finally realized that I needed to write it. The problem was that the dream didn't tell me enough about characters. I was in the dream, taking direct part in it, so one character was me — literally — which was not helpful. So, I had to go elsewhere to flesh out the characters. When I was an undergrad studying philosophy, I was fascinated by Socrates. One of the things that really got me was when he would go into a trancelike state, then emerge with new answers to questions, something profound. He called it being seized by the Daemon of Philosophy. I decided then that I would one day have a character in a book that somehow embodied some facet of Socrates, if not many facets. That character became Natharr. He has something similar in his makeup, when he is seized by the Daemon of Sight, coming out of his trancelike states with visions of the future. Also like Socrates, he is a soldier of great renown, and has some other very Socratic qualities. So that gave me another aspect of a starting point: a character and an event for the story to head toward. It needed a setting. Again, the dream did not tell me enough. The dream was all about the emotions involved, the relationships involved, the tangled skeins of fate. As it turns out, about that time, I had been experimenting with drawing maps on my computer, rather than by hand (I love maps, I collect them and I've drawn hundreds of them), and I have one that I felt good about. So that became the third piece to the puzzle, and it was enough for me to start writing, because there was enough history in creating the map for me to start.

Pretty quickly, I realized that I wouldn't be able to achieve the same level of emotional impact, the relationships, the tangled skeins of fate, in just one book, so I thought I would write a trilogy. That gave me more freedom and I got writing, reading to my wife every night (she called them her bedtime stories), leaving her mad at me every night when I had to say, "And that's where I'm at," or "And that's all I've got." And that's also when she started telling me that I rushed things in certain situations (she has a degree in psychology), or that she didn't think that a particular character would react the way I wrote it (particularly if it was a woman), and I would make revisions until she thought it was more realistic. Through that process and just writing and making use of my supplemental research to create a rich world full of history and mythology and pantheons of Gods and mysteries, I realized that even three books would not be enough to do all that and build to the point in the dream where the same gravitas would be present enough to have the same punch … and I do mean punch. So I gave myself permission to make it six books, but no more! The writing continued, the research, the bedtime stories, then I was in book six, and my wife asked me, "Why does it feel like you're rushing?" I answered, "Because this is book six." She said, "So?" I said, "It has to end in book six." She asked, "Why?" I answered, "Because I only gave myself permission for this to be six books." She asked, "What if I gave you permission for it to be longer than six books?" So it’s an eight-book series … if I don’t pull a Tadd Williams (he wrote a four-book trilogy).

BLURB: The future of Mankind relies on the Guardian of Maarihk.

Will his Sight be true? Or will his impure Firstblood prove the ruin of us all?

 Natharr is Guardian of Maarihk, one of a long line of protectors dating back to the Firstborn Age, before the Aa Conquest. Natharr's is an ancient role, rooted in his Firstblood, giving him Sight to see what is yet to be. He adheres to his sacred duties even in the centuries since the Firstborn were forced to the brink of extinction by the Aa.

Natharr still stands guard over all men, Aa or Firstborn, Seeing what will come to pass, deciding what is unavoidable and what is not. He spends decades planning how to save the life of the newborn Crown Prince Vikari so he may one day reclaim the throne of the land where Mankind was created, back in the time when the Olde Gods still walked.

EXCERPT: "You!" Neils gasped, incredulous, his voice breaking. "Anyone but you!"

"Your disappointment will not last long." Natharr struck, sword starting high, then altering course to slash almost straight down, each motion mechanical, automatic from years of training. Neils made to parry the high stroke, then followed the downstroke, partially blocking it. Natharr's point sliced through the edge of the captain's thigh, pushing down the metal plate that had been intended to protect it, spilling bright red on the hardwood floor. The captain's eyes widened as his leg sagged, no longer able to support his weight. Natharr's sword whipped back up, then stabbed straight toward the other's throat, efficient as a striking adder. Neils twisted at the shoulders and snatched at the blade with his free hand while he fell, his leg buckling under him. His grip on Natharr's sword blade held, his arm trembling while his skin paled. Red ran in a thick rivulet from his hand down the blood gutters on either side of the blade.

"Why …?" Neils scarcely whispered, staring up at Natharr. A tendril of bloody blond hair peeled away from his brow and fell away. "Gods have mercy on you, Guardian. Your Sight is true — I hope you have read it rightly."

Natharr did not so much as blink as he yanked back on his sword, and two of the blond man's fingers fell to the floor, blood spurting into the air. At the same moment, Neils lunged forward, yelling, "Valane!" Natharr twisted at the waist, evading the stab meant for his heart, and sunk his own sword point into the side of the captain's neck. There was a pained cry — a woman's voice — from behind him. Neils toppled toward the ground, sword clanging as his dead fingers released it. The fresh corpse's weight pulled at the Guardian's sword until he lifted the pommel and the body thumped heavily to the hardwood.

Natharr lifted his newly bloodied blade, face neutral, then he blinked, cold expression melting away as he turned. Darshelle was there, back bowed forward and arms clenched protectively over the baby. A wide slash across her back ran from one shoulder blade to the other. Red already rolled down from the cut in thick rivulets, brightly soaking her white shirt. Had she not turned to the side to cover the baby with her body, she and Vikari both probably would have been run through.

"Natharr …" she said, voice weak, and stumbled forward a step. "Natharr …?" 

Voices rose all around them. He was not sure if all had gone silent to watch the Guardian of Maarihk fight the captain of the guard to the death, or if he simply had not heard them when enveloped in the melee. "Demons of Chaos!" he roared, catching her elbow and dragging her forward. "Stupid woman! I told you to go!"

"I — I tried —"

"You did not try!" he yelled, kicking the door to the kitchens so hard that it came free of its hinges — then he understood. Two bearded men were there with bloodied axes. Two of Valane's soldiers were there, as well, on their knees. Their bowed heads rose as Natharr entered and the axemen lifted their weapons.

"Lord Natharr!" the two men gasped, seeing the blood on his sword. The relief in their voices was a physical blow.

"I tried," Darshelle repeated, but her voice was weak.

Natharr glanced at her. Her skin, normally dusky to the point of being the color of copper, was much more pale. His emerald gaze returned to the men he had surprised. The axemen were afraid, both stepping backward. Valane's men were smiling, despite blood soaking one's sleeve and smearing half the other's face.

Natharr crossed the kitchen in two steps, dragging Darshelle with him, threw open the door to the cellar and was through. He bolted the door and headed down the stairs before anyone even raised a cry of alarm. He wanted to take the steps two or three at a time, but Darshelle was fighting him, both because she could not see, and because she was weakening. He could tell by the way her resistance declined with each step.

"You killed him — her — them both!" she finally managed, then lost her footing. She screamed, but Natharr kept her on her feet with his free hand.

As if in response, he heard a cry of pain above and a wild voice crying, "Nathaaaaar!"

Get Your Copy of Crown Prince: Book One of New Blood at AMAZON.

W.D. Kilpack III, MPC, PSMC, is an award-winning author specializing in epic fantasy and military science fiction, renowned for his emotionally intense storytelling and richly detailed mythic worlds. His acclaimed New Blood Saga, Native American sci-fi novella Pale Face, and Battle Calm Cycle trilogy have garnered 68 international awards, including prestigious honors such as Book of the Year and the International Impact Book Award. Kilpack’s writing is characterized by vivid world-building, complex characters, and themes that explore duty, fate, and sacrifice. His work seamlessly blends mythic depth with gripping military sci-fi action, appealing to readers who crave both emotional resonance and thrilling narratives

Beyond his literary achievements, Kilpack brings a diverse professional background that enriches his storytelling, including being a former college professor, writing coach, world-ranked athlete, and editor with a background in journalism, philosophy and communication. He has experience in screenwriting, film production, and professional media work. All of this contributes to the cinematic quality of his narratives.

Readers praise Kilpack for his ability to create unforgettable characters and immersive worlds that stay with them long after the last page. His stories have been endorsed by critics and fans alike, cementing his reputation as a leading voice in contemporary speculative fiction. For those new to his work, the New Blood Saga offers a compelling entry point, weaving together epic battles, intricate politics, and profound emotional stakes.

Kilpack holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Westminster University, where he double-majored in communication and philosophy and completed the Honors Program. He later earned a Master of Professional Communication with a writing emphasis. As a high-performing athlete, he qualified to represent the USA in Greco-Roman wrestling. He is happily married to his high-school sweetheart and helped raise five children and five step-children.

Find and Follow Kilpack via the following links...

Official Web Site: http://www.kilpack.net

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/W.D.-Kilpack-III/e/B07TT3RQYT

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19339956.W__Kilpack_III

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/w-d-kilpack-iii

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdkilpack/

TwitterX: https://twitter.com/WDKilpack

Pinterist: https://www.pinterest.com/WDKilpackIII/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@wdkilpack

Discord: https://discordapp.com/users/wdkilpackiii/

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/WDKilpackIII

Thank YOU, So much WD! We wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with your books!

Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight, Friends and that you'll check back weekly - in fact you'll WANT to check back next week as I have something special for you!

Until then, Happy Reading.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Old Flame, New Love from A Hint of Holiday Romance

Well, this week's guest couldn't be here either so you're getting another peek into my collection of short stories, A Hint of Holiday Romance.

Old Flame, New Love is a second chance romance story set on Thanksgiving....

Blurb: Interior Designer Lyndsay Jones has managed to make her business thrive despite the death of her husband. When her childhood sweetheart’s mother and sister invite her to spend Thanksgiving with them, she wonders if her old flame Stephen (who’s in the middle of a divorce) will be her new chance at love.

Excerpt: On Thanksgiving eve, Lindsay sat on the edge of her bed. Forecasts of freezing rain, sleet, ice, and snow had put the quietus on any thought she had of travelling to her cabin. Gayle and Mrs. West’s invitation rang in her ears. She picked up her husband’s picture, pressing it against her heart. What should I do? 

She saw his face, heard his voice, and felt his arms around her. Live, love, be happy. The warm glow that had always accompanied his smile filled her heart. Her decision made, she put the picture down and slid beneath the covers.

The next day dawned bright and clear. Lindsay breathed in the crisp air. Leaves crunched underfoot as she walked the two blocks to her destination. Standing on Mrs. West’s porch, she juggled the huge centerpiece she’d put together and rang the bell. Stephen opened the door. His eyes widened. Pleasure lit his gaze.

“Lindsay! What a surprise! Come in, come in!”

Before she could untangle the knots in her tongue, he’d pulled her into the house, kissed both cheeks and ushered her into the kitchen where the family had gathered around the island. “Look who’s here.” 

A Hint of Holiday Romance is available at Amazon in eBook, Paperback and Audio, Other Online/eBook Retailers HERE, AND can be ordered through your favorite bookstore by title or ISBN#: 979-8-9895650-4-7.

Hope you enjoyed another peek into A Hint of Holiday Romance and that you'll check back next week - where I PROMISE - you'll get a new book from a brand new guest!

Until next time, take care, God Bless and Happy Reading, AND...

Happy Thanksgiving!

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Kaylyn's Flowers from A Hint of Holiday Romance!

Good Morning Friends,

My scheduled guest could not make it today so I'm going to share with you one of my favorite stories -- can I say that when I really love them all? 😅... Anyway... Enjoy this excerpt from Kaylyn's Flowers a Halloween story from my collection of holiday romances, A Hint of Holiday Romance...

Will a storm on All Hallows Eve give Kaylyn and Jake a chance at love?

As Kaylyn gathered the things she needed for breakfast, her phone rang.

“Good morning!” Butterflies danced in her core when Coach Jake Simpson’s voice sounded over the line “Heard the wind fairies paid you a visit.”

The thought of her demolished flower beds made her heart weep. She swallowed the lump that rose to choke her and dodged the grief with an attempt at humor. “More like wind witches if my yard’s any indication.”

His chuckle upped the butterflies’ waltz to a frenzied Mambo.

“We’ll be there within the hour to clean up.”

“We?”

“I sent a group text after Connor called, canceled practice and asked for a few volunteers to help with cleanup. Our assistant coach and a couple of team dads are doing the same elsewhere across town. It’s the least we can do for the way this community supports our boys.”

“That’s wonderful, Jake! Teaches them the importance of service too. I’ll make breakfast.”

“No, we want to get right to work, but refreshments after would be appreciated.”

“Done.” Kaylyn disconnected and danced a little jig across the kitchen floor.

Widowed seven years, she’d doubted her ability to get over the grief and conquer her innate shyness enough to date or fall in love again. Besides, she’d been too busy building her floristry business, finishing her degrees in Botany and Horticulture, and raising her son to consider romance.

A Hint of Holiday Romance is available at Amazon in eBook, Paperback and Audio, Other Online/eBook Retailers HERE, AND can be ordered through your favorite bookstore by title or ISBN#: 979-8-9895650-4-7.

I hope you enjoyed this peek into Kaylyn's Flowers and that you'll check back weekly for another edition of Saturday Spotlight.

Meanwhile, take care, God Bless and Read Happy and...

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Lilies for Sandi; Part of A Hint of Holiday Romance

Good Morning Friends,

My scheduled guest is having computer issues and not able to make it today and we've rescheduled her. So, I thought I would share the blurb and an excerpt from my Easter story, Lilies for Sandi which is part of A Hint of Holiday Romance collection.

Can two hearts broken by unfulfilled dreams find healing, wholeness, and restoration? 

Sandi and Brett did everything backwards. They got pregnant before the wedding and had a baby instead of a honeymoon. Since, Brett has resented the fact that his dreams of a football career have been cut short and wonders how long it’ll take God to forgive him for his mistakes. 

Sandi has played second fiddle to Brett’s dreams and desires to the point of not knowing herself any longer and fears her marriage will never be a true one because of their failures

Excerpt: Without stopping to second-guess himself, he picked up the spray of Easter lilies he’d brought in case he got up the nerve to approach her and opened his car door while calling her name.

She turned, and an assortment of emotions flitted across her features. The door opened behind her, and Karla stepped out.

“Everything all right out here?”

“I’d like to talk to Sandi, if it’s OK with her.”

Sandi eyed the flowers in his hand then gave Karla the bags and murmured something to her. Karla acknowledged the words with a nod, took the packages, and went back inside.

Brett held the bouquet toward her. “I know these are your favorites. Hope you don’t mind that I picked them up.”

She buried her nose in the fragrant blooms then raised her gaze to his once more. “What are you doing here, Brett? I haven’t seen or heard from you in weeks.”

“I’d hoped we could go to church together Sunday.”

“I thought your games were Friday, Saturday and Sunday.”

 “They normally are, just not on Easter Sunday. I know we haven’t gone to church much through the years of our marriage, but I’ve been attending a Bible study with the coach and some of the team members. I figured this was a good time to start going again. I’d like to take you and Candie with me then maybe out to lunch so we can talk. Karla is welcome to come along if you and she want it that way.”

“I’m sorry, Brett, but we’ve already made plans with our families to have lunch and an Easter egg hunt for the little ones. You’re welcome to join us though.”

Brett bit back his disappointment. The last thing he wanted was a family outing when he hadn’t been part of the familial unit for months. “How about an early breakfast, then church? I promise to get you back in plenty of time for the festivities you’ve planned. I’d really like to talk to you, Sandi, to apologize for the way I’ve treated you and to see if there’s a chance of you coming home.”

He reached for her, and she stiffened. Hope and despair collided on her face, churned into anger. Color exploded in her cheeks. She jerked away. “You think it’s that easy, Brett? Just bring a bunch of flowers and sweet talk your way back into our good graces after all this time? You’ve a lot of nerve thinking that.”

“I don’t think that at all, Sandi. Easter’s a time of resurrection, reconciliation, and restoration. I’d hoped we could at least start to work out our differences, most of which, I know are my fault. Have you hardened your heart so much that I don’t even stand a chance?”

A Hint of Holiday Romance can be found at Amazon for Kindle, in Paperback and at other online retailers HERE.

I hope you enjoyed today's spotlight and that you'll check back weekly for another episode of Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care, God Bless and Happy Reading!

PamT

*Image by ALESSA ABRAMOFF from Pixabay

Saturday Spotlight is on ME & My New Journal: Giving on Purpose How 30 Days of Conscious Giving can Chang Your Life

Good Morning and Welcome!

My scheduled guest could not make it today so I thought I'd tell you about my brand new upcoming release: Giving on Purpose How 30 Days of Conscious Giving can Chang Your Life.

Here's the Blurb: What if the key to abundance isn’t giving more—but giving in balance?

We’ve been taught that it’s more blessed to give than to receive. But what if receiving is just as sacred as giving? And what if the two were never meant to exist apart?

The Giving on Purpose journal invites you to explore the powerful, often misunderstood connection between giving and receiving. If you’ve ever felt like you give endlessly—your time, love, energy, or resources—yet struggle to receive in return, this journal was created for you.

Through guided reflection and intentional prompts, Giving on Purpose gently opens your heart and mind to conscious giving—helping you recognize where imbalance may be blocking blessings and how aligning giving with receiving can transform your spiritual and emotional well-being.

✨ Inside, you’ll discover how to:

• Release guilt around receiving

• Recognize your worthiness to receive from God

• Cultivate deeper gratitude in everyday life

• Restore balance between generosity and abundance

By the final page, readers experience a renewed sense of self-worth, a deeper belief in their God-given worthiness to receive, and a lasting attitude of gratitude.

Give freely. Receive boldly. Live abundantly.

Giving on Purpose: How 30 Days of Conscious Giving can Change Your Life is your invitation to do all three—without guilt, fear, or limitation.

And an Excerpt: There is Always Something to Give

Before I received the revelation that inspired this journal, I, like many, feared giving. Especially money. For much of my life, my intentions to obey and/or give were overruled by all the reasons why I couldn’t. Not always, but when there was more month at the end of my money or when I felt prompted to give but questioned whether that was truly God or guilt or just me. But as I’ve grown and matured and come to realize the truth of how powerful giving is, I do my best to act immediately when the urge hits.

Another misconception we have around giving is that money is the only commodity that truly counts. Not so!

Do you own a garden and give fruit and vegetables to your family, friends, and neighbors? Are you a hunter who shares the meat you harvest with food banks or needy families?

When he was alive, my husband loved satsumas, so we planted two trees in our yard. Every year he’d gather bags and bags of these sweet citrus fruits and give them away.

Once he went to get a haircut and a lady was talking about her husband’s diabetes and how much he loved satsumas but how expensive a small bag was. My husband went home and brought back two plastic bags full for her! He didn’t know this woman or her husband. He just enjoyed giving whatever and whenever he could. 

He also loved to make jelly…you guessed it, to give away. No matter the cost, time or energy that went into making pint jars of gooey goodness, he was always willing to share the joy he experienced in doing this.

Why I Wrote Giving on Purpose  How 30 Days of Conscious Giving can Chang Your Life: Many people give automatically, it's just part of our nature. But then, at some point, some folks get frustrated or resentful because you feel like you're giving and giving and getting nothing in return. But the truth is we are always receiving! Scripture and the Universal Law of Divine Compensation tell us that when we give, it shall be given unto us good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over! I really believe this project will revolutionize the way we think about giving and receiving / sowing and reaping.

The Kindle version is up for preorder but the paperback and hardcover editions release March 22nd - I know that's a Sunday! - but it's the date God gave me 😇

I am also running a Kickstarter campaign. Similar to GoFundMe, Kickstarter is for creative projects. I'm hoping to raise enough funds to do some REAL advertising and promotion and get this book out into the world. 

Please consider supporting me in this endeavor. You can do so HERE.

THANKS!

Guess that's all for now. Tune in next week for another edition of Saturday Spotlight where I feature another great author and his or her book(s)!

Until then, take care and God Bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is in Karen McCullough @kgmccullough & Playing at Murder!

Good Morning Friends,

It's been quite a while since Karen visited our blog but today we get a peek into her latest release, Playing at Murder, one of her Market Center Mysteries series! Welcome, Karen....

Dolls, constructions sets, stuffed animals, craft kits, and more are the featured displays in the annual Games and Playthings Trade Show at the Washington D.C. Commerce and Market Center, where vendors seek to convince retail buyers to stock their products. Murder and destruction aren’t supposed to be on the program.

The hit-and-run death of an exhibitor overshadows what should be a fun few days of giveaways, games, and demos. A gun hidden in a bin of stuffed animals, a damaged show car, and a drone knocking over the PlayBlox displays are the opening salvos of chaos created by a clever but unhinged vandal.

Settling disputes and fielding complaints are all in a day’s work for Heather McNeil, assistant to the director of the Market Center. Sussing out murder suspects to help the police is way beyond her job description, especially while trying to corner a vandal before the damage gets worse. Keeping the show running despite the mayhem will pit her and her allies, particularly Scott Brandon, the Center’s handsome but enigmatic security officer, against someone playing a deadly game.

Playing at Murder, the newest in my Market Center Mysteries series, released on October 19th. Like the other books in the series, it’s set at a trade show, this time the Games & Playthings Exhibition.

What does that mean?  Toys! Lots of toys!  Of course, some of the toys are subject to not-so-nice treatment, since the book includes not just a murder, but vandalism as well. A gun gets dropped into a bin of stuffed animals, play-block towers are knocked over by a drone, and the dolls – well, let’s just say, it’s unfortunate.

But the giant dragon that needs repair is just too adorable and the large cowboy critter is…different, anyway.

Here’s how the book starts:

Armies of super-heroes stood guard to the left of me, while lions, tigers, and bears gathered on the right. They all watched with silent concern as I zigged around an arsenal of armaments fueled by hydrogen dioxide and various mixtures of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. I faced my goal, Dougal the Dragon, head-on and stalked toward him. In my arms I cradled the all-important emergency medical supplies for his injured representative at this gathering. Heaven help us all if he couldn’t be saved.

Ding dong. That was a bit of wild fantasy, but I enjoyed letting my imagination loose on this mission. The touch of whimsy provided some diversion from the noise and chaos of setting up the Games and Playthings Exhibition at the Washington D.C. Commerce and Market Center. G&P, which was due to start the next day, was one of the largest trade shows for toys and games in the industry, and it brought the usual supply of problems and conflicts inherent in large events.

I tried to avoid being on the show floor as much as possible on set-up days. The constant banging of hammers, clanging of metal on metal, buzzing of electric screwdrivers, squeaking of dolly and cartwheels, warning chirps of the forklifts, and people shouting always induced a headache if I had to spend much time there. Not to mention having to pick my way around the pallets, crates, and boxes stacked everywhere and dodging those squeaking dollies and chirping forklifts.

I still ended up spending more time on the floor than I would’ve liked. Territorial disputes and arguments over arrangements broke out with sadly human regularity, and a large part of my job involved keeping the peace. Trying to, anyway.

This assignment was different. I let go of the fantasy illusion as I got to the Donneywell Enterprises booth, identified myself, and explained my mission.

“Heather McNeil,” I said to the person behind the only table set up in the booth space. “Assistant to the director of the Market Center. I was told you needed a sewing kit to repair one of your displays.” I set the box down on the table where a young woman with long brown hair scraped back from her face and tied in a messy braid at the back looked up from collating and stapling pages.

She stared at me with a blank expression, glanced down at my badge, but said nothing. Her expression went from vacant to wary. 

“Can I speak to the person in charge of the booth?” I asked when the silence stretched out too long.

A voice spoke from the back. “That would be me.”

A woman in her late forties or early fifties stepped out from behind a pyramid of boxes at least a foot taller than she was. My first, none-too-kind impression of her was “overcooked.” Her blonde hair had the straw-like texture resulting from too much chemical treatment for too long a time, and the spray-tanned skin of her face had been lifted once too often already. Tight jeans and a fashionably shoulder-slit top showed off a slim figure that seemed to vibrate with contained energy. Good bones under the tight skin and lively green eyes made her attractive.

“Lorene Donneywell,” she said, holding out a hand. “I heard you say you were with the Market Center staff.” She had a strong New York accent.

“I’m the assistant to the director,” I repeated. “I handle a lot of trouble-shooting issues for her. I’ve brought the sewing supplies you requested.”

“Great. How long do you think it will take you?”

“Take me? To do what?”

“Fix the tear in Dougal.” She pointed to the eight-foot-tall display dragon I’d used to identify their booth. The creature, which must’ve been as long as it was tall, occupied nearly a third of their allotted double space. Along the side of his back, a seam had opened and leaked stuffing. Bits of cotton fluff clung to the green, plush fabric.

I hesitated, taken aback. “You requested a sewing kit, not a seamstress. I’m afraid I don’t know the first thing about sewing. Not even sure how the thread gets through the needle.”

Lorene rolled her eyes. “Why did they send you, then?”

“Because you asked for sewing equipment in a hurry. We got it as quickly as we could. We assumed you had someone on your staff who knew how to use it.”

The woman’s penciled-in eyebrows rose. “We all know what happens when you assume things.”

I kept my smile in place, despite the irritation roiling inside. I had so much experience keeping my emotions under control, I could maintain a pleasant façade with barely a thought. “Misunderstandings happen when people aren’t specific about what they need. Give me a minute and I’ll see if I can find someone to come and make the repairs.” I pulled out my phone but before I could press the button to turn it on, the girl I’d first met piped up.

“I can do it.”

We both turned toward her, but Lorene spoke first. “Why didn’t you say something sooner?”

The girl frowned at both of us. “No one asked.”

Karen McCullough is the author of almost two dozen published novels and novellas in the mystery, romance, suspense, and fantasy genres, including the Market Center Mysteries Series and three books in the No Brides Club series of romance novels. A member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and the Piedmont Authors Network, she is also a past president of the Southeast chapter of Mystery Writers of America and member of the MWA national board. Karen has won numerous awards, including an Eppie Award for fantasy, and has also been a finalist in the Daphne, Prism, Dream Realm, Rising Star, Lories, and Vixen Award contests. Her short fiction has appeared in a wide variety of anthologies. She lives in Greensboro, NC, with her husband of many years.

Find out more about Karen and her work by visiting her Website, Blog, FB Page or on Twitter  @kgmccullough!  See Karen's previous visits to our blog HERE.

Get your copy of Playing at Murder at Amazon on Kindle and in Print and other online retailers HERE.

Wow, Karen we certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with your new release!

Hope you enjoyed Karen's visit friends and that you'll check back each week for another edition Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight!

Until next time, take care and God Bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Barbara Britton @BarbaraMBritton & Christmas at Whispering Creek!

Good Morning,

It's a rainy day here in SW Louisiana. A line of storms moved in during the night and we've had lot's of wind and rain. What better to do on a gloomy day than relax with a good book and this time of year, a Christmas romance! Please welcome Barbara Britton back as she shares her new relase with us....

Thank you for having me back on the blog, Pam. I am thrilled to share about my first contemporary romance novel. It’s a Christmas novel, too. I’m known for writing Biblical Fiction, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to write about something I lived through—breast cancer. It would be difficult to write cancer into a storyline in Bible Times.

My young heroine, Samantha, is a breast cancer survivor. I’ve had breast cancer in my rear-view mirror for 6 years. Praise the Lord! I added a brief account of my journey at the end of “Christmas at Whispering Creek.” I hope you enjoy my story which is two stories—one fiction and one real.

All Samantha Williams wants to do is to use her teaching degree to instruct a classroom of second graders. But, after a breast cancer diagnosis at the age of twenty-three, and failed reconstruction surgery, Sam finds herself without a job and temporarily living with her parents. This isn't the life Sam expected. When a family friend dies and leaves Sam a house and land in Whispering Creek, Tennessee, Sam must decide if leaving Wisconsin for Southern living is in her lesson plans.

Nashville native, Cole Donoven, left his family' s electrical business to write country music. When Cole' s song-writing partner and girlfriend dumps him for a country music star, Cole abandons Nashville to hole up in Whispering Creek and compose one more song. The last thing Cole expects to find in the sleepy small town is a deceased friend, estate squabbles, and a Northern beauty. Will the chaos in Whispering Creek help create a bestselling song for Cole and possibly help him find a life-long collaborator?

Excerpt: Samantha eased away from Cole’s warmth not wanting to seem too needy. She was the queen of log throwing after all. But had she shared too much? Cole’s arm remained at her back, firm and comforting. 

     He picked up the string cheese. “How about some spoiled mozzarella.” 

     Sniffling, she laughed at his ploy to lighten the mood. “They’re expired. But totally edible.”  

 

     “How long have you been boyfriend‐free?” Cole’s comforting arm slid away as he stripped plastic from their second course of dinner. She missed the kindness in his touch. 

     Not long. “Since Thursday at lunchtime.” Would Cole think she was on the rebound? 

     “Three days?” He handed her the first roll of cheese. “I think you need this more than me. After three days, I was laying around in bed.” His leg jiggled as if he readied to run from this topic. “I didn’t get a good‐bye. I got a note on my kitchen table. Had to figure out what I had done to get left for another man. I’m not sure I ever will know the answer.” His gaze glanced over her head and out into the tree‐lined moonlight. 

     This wasn’t Christian of her, but in Sam’s book, Jillie Lynn became lower than a nightcrawler. How did you ghost someone as sweet as Cole? 

     “If I’m honest.” She swallowed a hunk of cheese, nearly choking. “Our relationship had been strained for months. Karlton traveled to cement a law firm offer—” 

     “Your ex was an attorney named Karlton?” Cole stroked his chin while a grin played with his mouth. “I don’t know whether to laugh or to punch the guy.” Cole’s protective streak had her sitting tall on the wooden bench. 

     “A week ago, I would have said laugh, but today, I’m OK with a punch. Nothing too bloody.”

     “Man, your boyfriend leaves, and then you find out about Ted?” 

     “A half‐hour later.” She jabbed an unwrapped cheese stick his direction. “And while I was on the phone with Chester, I saw Karlton and his neighbor holding hands as they walked across his apartment complex.” Rehashing Karlton’s betrayal to a handsome friend didn’t seem so bad. Cole had more emotional awareness in his thumb than her ex did in his entire designer‐suited body. “How’s that for a neat, tidy bow?”

Barbara M. Britton lives in Southeast, Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She writes Christian Fiction from Bible Times to present day USA. Her Tribes of Israel series brings little-known Bible characters to light. Her novel “Christmas at Whispering Creek,” is a compelling, yet fun story, shining a light on breast cancer. Barbara has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. You can find out more about Barbara and her books on her website www.barbarambritton.com.

You can buy Christmas at Whispering Creek at Amazon, B&N or wherever books are sold. And you can check out Barbara's previous visits HERE.

Oh, Wow, Barbara, I am SO excited for you with your debut contemporary romance and a Christmas one at that! Good luck and God's blessings with it!

Hope you enjoyed Barbara's post friends and that you'll check back weekly for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time take care and God bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Cindy & Erin Woodsmall & Yesterday's Gone!

Good Morning and Welcome to the Final Edition of Saturday Spotlight for October 2022!

Today's gues, Cindy Woodsmall has shared treasures with us before but this time shares the spotlight with her daughter-in-law, Erin! Together they give us a peek into their novel, Yesterday's Gone. Take it away ladies....

Eliza Bontrager and Jesse Ebersol have fallen in love and are determined to marry, despite the belief of their Amish community and respective families that there’s a hidden curse—one that only shows up when an Ebersol and Bontrager marry.

Before the ceremony on the day of the wedding, Eliza’s great-aunt Rose gives her a family heirloom quilt and tells her that she may use it to change one event in the past. Eliza appreciates the woman’s heart, but she dismisses the strange conversation while keeping the beautiful quilt.

Several years later, mourning the loss of their third child, Eliza discovers her inability to deliver a healthy baby is genetic. Remembering her great-aunt’s strange words, she decides that if she can go back in time and reject Jesse’s proposal, she can save him the heartache of a childless marriage. Her sacrifice will allow him to marry someone else and raise a family. But once she puts her plan into action, she discovers the true impact of her decision—on Jesse and so many others within their community.

Excerpt: Jesse’s nerves danced across his shoulders, tightening the muscles. Hard conversations weren’t for the faint of heart, but for better or worse, it was time he came clean with Eliza. He fidgeted with the rock in his pocket as he watched her wade into the creek.

She’d reached into the shallow, clear water and picked up a palm-size stone. She bounced it in her hand. Jesse peeled out of his shoes and socks. He eased into the water.

They’d been neighbors all of their lives and friends for more than a decade. She was the ideal friend, the best one anyone could have. But he wanted more, far more. His gut said she did too, but even so, it wouldn’t solve all that was stacked against them. As much as her parents liked and appreciated who he was, and his parents felt the same about her, they would be dead set against them dating. To them, a union between the Ebersol and Bontrager families was offensive and unthinkable. . . .

He studied Eliza, his heart pounding. She was the only one for him. He knew that, but he also knew the history that was stacked against them.

CINDY WOODSMALL is a New York Times and CBA bestselling author of twenty-five works of fiction and one nonfiction book. Coverage of Cindy’s writing has been featured on ABC’s Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal. She lives in the foothills of the north Georgia mountains with her husband, just a short distance from two of her three sons and her six grandchildren.

Find out more about Cindy and her work by visiting her Website.

 

ERIN WOODSMALL is a writer, musician, wife, and mom of four. She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade. More recently she and Cindy have coauthored five books, one of which was a winner of the prestigious Christy Award.

 Get your copy of Yesterday's Gone directly from Tyndale Publishing or at your favorite Christian bookstore!

Thank you, Ladies for sharing your novel with us today! We certainly wish you both the best of luck and God's blessings with it.

That's it for this week and month, friends. I hope you have a blessed, happy & safe Halloween!

Until next time take care and God bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Katie Clark @KatieClarkBooks & A Dim Hope!

Good Morning!

It's been a while since Katie has visited us so please welcome her back with her YA Christian Fantasy A Dim Hope!

Amber is in trouble. Her sister is dying—and so is her homeland. The Lifeforce stones that power their world are waning, and no one knows why. When the rulers of the land prepare a scientific expedition to study the place where the veins of the Lifeforce run deep, Amber is forced to travel as a servant with the expedition. Though Amber has longed for adventure, her dream always included her sister. Now her only wish is to return home with a cure before it's too late.

Crops are wilting, food is scarce, and sandstorms, avalanches, and earthquakes threaten to doom the expedition. Besides this, there are more sinister forces at work. Quiet arguments and missing supplies lead Amber to believe their efforts are being sabotaged. She uncovers clues, but the real source of their trouble—and hope—lies in places she never expected.

KATIE CLARK started reading fantastical stories in grade school and her love for books never died. Today she reads in all genres; her only requirement is an awesome story! She writes young adult speculative fiction, including her romantic fantasy novel, The Rejected Princess, her Beguiled Series, and her dystopian Enslaved Series. You can connect with her at her website, or on social media @KatieClarkBooks.

Get your copy of A Dim Hope at Amazon.

THANKS Katie for sharing your book with us!

We appreciate you and wish you the best of luck and God's blessings.

PamT

#WednesdayWordswithFriends Welcomes Jennifer L Wright @JennWright18!

Good Morning Friends,

Today's guest visited our spotlight last year with her novel, If it Rains. Today Jennifer shares with us her new book, Come Down Somewhere. Welcome back, Jennifer!

Jennifer L. Wright has been writing since middle school, eventually earning a master’s degree in journalism at Indiana University. However, it took only a few short months of covering the local news for her to realize that writing fiction is much better for the soul and definitely way more fun. A born and bred Hoosier, she was plucked from the Heartland after being swept off her feet by an Air Force pilot and has spent the past decade traveling the world and, every few years, attempting to make old curtains fit in the windows of a new home.

She currently resides in New Mexico with her husband, two children, one grumpy old dachshund, and her newest obsession—a guinea pig named Peanut Butter Cup.

Find/Follow Jennifer through her Website, FaceBook, Twitter @JennWright18, GoodReads and Instagram.

1. What is it that you enjoy about coming-of-age stories?

The transition from childhood to adulthood is paramount in our own personal stories. I think all of us can point back to specific instances from that time period in our lives that still, to this day, define certain aspects of our personalities. So much is changing within us at that age—not just physically but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually—that any outward changes, be they in personal circumstances or the world at large, have a profound impact on our development. For instance, I was an eighteen-year-old college freshman living away from home for the first time when the September 11 attacks happened. It was an event that absolutely changed our world but for me, because of the age I was, really seemed to mark a distinct end to my childhood. I find it a fascinating topic to explore in the realm of historical fiction—taking real-life history and coupling that with such a vulnerable time in my characters’ lives.

2. Similar to your last book, your protagonist Olive is a spunky young woman. What draws you to this type of character? 

I have such admiration for women who aren’t afraid to be who they are. There is oftentimes an expectation for women to be a certain way: to close their mouths, hide their flaws, and cater to who others want them to be. This was true back in the time periods in which I write, and it’s still true today to an extent. I even sometimes find myself kowtowing to pressure. Writing characters like Olive (or Kathryn from If It Rains) is a bit freeing; while neither of them is perfect, their audacity is a trait to which I aspire.

3. What about the Trinity nuclear bomb test led you to write a novel about it?

My family and I moved to southern New Mexico in 2014, and we actually live less than a hundred miles from the Trinity test site. It’s a fascinating part of history I don’t believe is talked about enough, especially when you factor in the human side effects that are still being felt over seventy-five years later. This isn’t just history; where I live, it’s present in many people’s everyday lives, and a great deal of them feel forgotten. I wanted to bring this story to the forefront and draw attention to the overlooked and underappreciated sacrifice of the people of southern New Mexico during World War II.

4. What sort of research did you do in preparation for this novel?

I read everything I could get my hands on about the Trinity test. Ferenc Morton Szasz’s The Day the Sun Rose Twice was an especially compelling read. The plethora of knowledge offered to me by the wonderful people at the Tularosa Basin Museum of History was invaluable. The most incredible part of my research, though, was actually traveling to the Trinity site and standing in the place where the world’s first A-bomb exploded back in July 1945.

5. How did you incorporate faith in God into this story?

While everyone has their own opinion about atomic weapons and their role in warfare, what I found most compelling during my research was this fear the scientists had about how they were “playing God.” Most of us will never create a weapon capable of destroying the earth, but we all have instances in which we, too, make ourselves “gods” by choosing our own wants and our own desires over Him. In doing so, we almost always hurt those around us. I tried to explore this theme on both a large scale (Trinity) and small scale (the relationships between various characters) throughout the book.

6. What was the most challenging part of writing this book?

I have been to Hiroshima and seen the remnants of the bomb dropped there. Now I live in southern New Mexico, as part of a military family but also part of a community that is still feeling the effects of the test. Because of this, my own personal feelings about Trinity are very complicated. I don’t think it was all bad, but I definitely don’t think it was all good either. Attempting to honor both those who worked on the bomb, believing they were doing something that would win the war and save lives, as well as those living here who were affected in monumental ways through the choices of others, was an extremely difficult balancing act.

7. What do you hope readers walk away with after learning more about this moment in history through your story?

I hope readers have more of an awareness about what happened in the New Mexico desert in July 1945—about the unsung sacrifices of the people of this region and the sacrifices that are continuing to be made. But as always, more than anything, I hope readers walk away with a greater appreciation for the renewing and restoring power of Jesus. He is always and forever the answer to any question we have or circumstance in which we find ourselves.

8. How did the writing process for this book compare to your debut novel, If It Rains?

I’d always heard that writing a second book is harder than the first. And I am here to say that is 100 percent true! Granted, Come Down Somewhere was written during the first and most intense weeks of the pandemic, though, so I’ll chalk up my difficulties to that, if only to make myself feel better. The general premise for If It Rains stayed pretty much the same through all stages of editing. If you were to read the first draft of Come Down Somewhere, you probably wouldn’t even recognize it as the same story. It changed a lot during various drafts, but I’m ultimately happy with the way it turned out, and I hope readers are too.

9. What do you enjoy reading when you aren’t working on your own novels? Is here anything you read recently that you particularly enjoyed?

I’m a voracious reader across all genres, though I tend to gravitate toward historical fiction (naturally). I loved Sarah Sundin’s Until Leaves Fall in Paris and Melanie Dobson’s The Winter Rose. Outside of that genre, I thought Jaime Jo Wright’s The Souls of Lost Lake and Morgan L. Busse’s Secrets in the Mist were both really fantastic.

10. Are there any other historical moments you’d be interested in exploring through fiction?

I ventured into World War II with this book, but I find myself constantly drawn back to the 1920s and 1930s, which is where my writer’s heart truly lies. I’m currently working on a book inspired less by a historical moment and more by historical people—a certain pair of Prohibition-era lovers with a penchant for robbing banks and stealing cars. After that, only time (and my wandering imagination) will tell.

For fans of WWII fiction comes a powerful novel by Jennifer L. Wright about two young women coming of age during the Trinity nuclear bomb test in 1945.

Sixteen-year-old Olive Alexander has lived on a ranch in the Jornada del Muerto region of southern New Mexico her entire life. But when World War II begins, the government seizes her family’s land for the construction of a new, top secret Army post.

While her mother remains behind, Olive is forced to live in nearby Alamogordo with her grandmother and find a place in a new school. When Jo Hawthorne crosses her path, Olive sees a chance for friendship—until she learns that Jo’s father is the Army sergeant who now occupies her beloved ranch. Already angry about her new reality, Olive pushes Jo away. But as she struggles to make sense of her grandmother’s lapses into the past and increasingly unsettling hints about what’s happening at the ranch, she slowly warms to Jo’s winsome faith and steady attempts at friendship . . . until one devastating day when the sky explodes around them and their lives are torn apart.

Seven years later, Jo returns to Alamogordo, still angry and wounded by the betrayals of that fateful day. Determined to put the past behind her once and for all, Jo hunts for answers and begins to realize the truth may be far more complicated than she believed, leading her on a desperate search to find her friend before it’s too late.

Get your copy of Come Down Somewhere at Amazon and other retailers where great Christian fiction is sold.

Hope you enoyed today's post, friends and that you'll drop by weekly for another edition of Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care and God Bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Kathy Bailey & Redemptions Hope!

Good Morning!

Welcome to the first Saturday spotlight of September 2022! 

WOW this year is really flying by, but it's ALL Good!

Today's guest is not new but her book is. Tell us a little about Redemptions Hope before we get the official blurb, Kathy....

“Redemption’s Hope” is the third and last installment of my “Western Dreams” series, following “Westward Hope” and “Settler’s Hope.” The novel takes Janny Thatcher, a secondary character in the first two books on the ride of her life, from the Oregon Country to New Mexico to San Antonio to New Orleans and back, as she looks for her dream and finds herself in the bargain. 

White Bear, the Cheyenne brave, has a foot in two worlds but feels at home in neither. He longs to reconnect with the spirited white woman who had sought refuge with his family three years before. Is his true home with “Blue Eyes,” the woman he knew for only three days?

Only if he finds her.

Wonderful! Now let's get the official blurb....

Two distinct sets of villains. Two orphaned children. A man without a country and a woman with too much past...All in a rambunctious young country where anything goes, especially in the West. Seriously. What can go wrong?

In this latest installment of the best-selling series, "Western Dreams", join Jenny and White Bear as they cross the historic West in an epic story peppered with grit, guns, and glory that award-winning author Kelly Goshorn calls "a sweeping tale of faith, dedication, and perseverance set in the American west."

"...masterful wordsmithing!" says Clarice G. James, author of "The Least of These," "Party of One," "Double Header" and "Manhattan Grace."

Read an excerpt of Redemptions Hope and get your copy at Amazon.

Kathleen Bailey is a journalist and novelist with 40 years’ experience in the nonfiction, newspaper and inspirational fields. Born in 1951, she was a child in the 50s, a teen in the 60s, a young adult in the 70s and a young mom in the 80s. It’s been a turbulent, colorful time to grow up, and she’s enjoyed every minute of it and written about most of it. 

Bailey is the author of the Western Dreams series. “Redemption’s Hope” joins “Westward Hope" and “Settler’s Hope” to tell the story of people who settled out West. The books are published by Pelican/White Rose Publishing, a small firm out of New Mexico. In addition, she has published two related Western Dreams novellas with Pelican’s Christmas Extravaganza series. 

While Bailey has always dreamed of publishing fiction, her two Arcadia Publishing projects, “Past and Present Exeter” and “New Hampshire War Monuments,” made her fall in love with nonfiction and telling real people’s stories. She lives in Raymond, New Hampshire.

Thank you, SO Much, Kathy for sharing your new book with us! Wishing you the best of luck and God's blessings with it and all the rest!

Friends, if you'd like to know more about Kathy's other two books in this series as well as other works, check out her previous posts HERE.

Until next time, take care and God bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Chris Fabry & Lifemark!

Hello Again Friends,

Please help me welcome author, Chris Fabry back with a peek at his latest book, Lifemark.

For eighteen years, she tried to believe she had made the right decision—for him.

But if she never saw him again, how could she ever be sure?

Melissa had clung to the thin thread of hope given by the adoption agency that someday her newborn son might want to connect with her. When his eighteenth birthday arrived, she called the agency to simply update her contact information, not expecting a response.

Susan and Jimmy Colton had raised their boy with openness about his adoption. After the heartbreaking loss of two infant sons that marked their early years of marriage, they promised themselves they would try not to hold too tightly to David or hold back any information he wanted about his birth. And so they waited on him.

David was hesitant to talk about the questions and curiosities about his birth story that often haunted him. But as he neared adulthood, his need to know the full story of his life became something he couldn’t shake. Until the call came to the Coltons from the adoption agency, and the first tentative bits of communication and connection set in motion a story that would change all their lives forever.

From the team that brought you the movies Courageous and War Room comes Lifemark, the novelization of the new film inspired by a true story of adoption, redemption, and hope.

 In Lifemark, Chris Fabry explores:

Crafting the novelization of the new Kendrick brothers' movie Lifemark; inspired by a true story of adoption, redemption, and hope.

The storyline of a young man, adopted at birth, on a journey to find the birth parents he's never known.

The counter-cultural behaviors of unselfishness and loving well, as demonstrated by his characters in Lifemark.

How the decision to “choose life” presents opportunities for healing and reconciliation.

How adoptive parents must push through great loss and persevere in the adoption process.

Excerpt:

He looked at her, then back at the object in his hand. “You think you might be pregnant?”

“I’ve been sick to my stomach every morning for the past week.”

“What does it say?”

“Says you’re going to be a father.”

The air seemed to leave the room for both of them.

“Whoa.”

“Is that all you can think to say?”

He looked at her again. “I didn’t . . . I mean . . . I don’t know what to say. What do you want me to say?”

She saw him all blurry now, like in one of those hall-­of-­mirrors rooms at the county fair. She wiped her eyes and tried to stay in control, but her chin quivered and she couldn’t stop it, and she hated that. She’d sat in the bathroom for a half hour after the test turned positive while a wave of emotion and fear swept over her. What she hadn’t prepared for in all of that was the unexpected feeling that crept up on her. Something she couldn’t tell Brian.

“What are you going to do?” he said.

Melissa pulled her head back, then looked away. Her face felt hot all of a sudden and she clenched her fists. She’d had fights with Brian, but she’d never felt this way before. “What am I going to do? Is that your question?”

“Yeah, I mean, what do you want me to ask you?”

“How about, what are we going to do? You’re part of this, you know.”

“I know that.” His eyes got soft and he reached out to touch her shoulder, but she moved away. The couch cushions sagged. She grabbed the edge and pulled herself up, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed.

“We’re not ready, Melissa. I don’t have a job. I’m behind on the rent. There’s no food. I’m not going to my mom for help and I know you don’t want to go to your dad.”

He was right about all of that. And there were more reasons they weren’t ready and shouldn’t be having a baby. But Melissa couldn’t shake the feeling she’d had in the bathroom. Mixed in with all the fear and shame and feeling stupid for not being more careful and a hundred other bad thoughts was a single word that rose to the surface like a rainbow trout in her heart.

Mother.

She was going to be a mother. And there was something about that word, something about the concept, that made her feel alive. That tingle inside surprised her. On one hand, she felt like a million bricks had collapsed on top of her. She couldn’t breathe. And there was nobody she could tell because she knew what they’d think, what they’d say.

At the same ­time—­and it was the strangest thing to feel this ­way—­she sensed there was something good growing inside her. But every time she thought of that, another brick would fall and snap her back to reality.

“What do you think we should do, then?” Brian said.

“I don’t know.”

Adapted from Lifemark by Chris Fabry Copyright © 2022. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries.  All rights reserved.

Chris Fabry is an award-winning author and radio personality who hosts the daily program Chris Fabry Live on Moody Radio. He is also heard on Love Worth Finding, Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, and other radio programs. In 2020, he was inducted into the Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications Hall of Fame. A native of West Virginia, Chris and his wife, Andrea, now live in Arizona and are the parents of nine children.

Chris's novels, which include Dogwood, June Bug, Almost Heaven, and The Promise of Jesse Woods, have won five Christy Awards, an ECPA Christian Book Award, and two Awards of Merit from Christianity Today. He was inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame in 2018. His books include movie novelizations, such as War Room and Overcomer, and novels for children and young adults. He coauthored the Left Behind: The Kids series with Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, as well as the Red Rock Mysteries and the Wormling series with Jerry B. Jenkins. He encourages those who dream of writing with his website heyyoucanwrite.com. Find out more about his books at chrisfabry.com.

Get your copy of Lifemark at Amazon or ChristianBook(dot)com. Check out the movie and check out Chris's previous visits to our blog HERE.

 

Wow, wow, wow....what an excerpt! Thanks for sharing Chris, sounds like an amazing book. Wishing you the best of luck and God's blessings with it.

Until next time, friends, be sure to check back weekly for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight.

Take care and God Bless.

PamT

#WednesdayWordswithFriends Me Catching up with YOU!

Good Morning Friends

Well, looks like we get two spots in a row on the blog to catch up. I spotlighted The Visionary on Saturday because my scheduled guest could not be here. Today I'm SO excited to tell you that I FINALLY finished Kyleigh's Cowboy!

The novella is off to 2 editors for final read-through. The cover is nearly perfected (I'll share it with you soon) and I'm in the process of putting it up for pre-order. I'll keep you apprised on that too!

Meanwhile, here is the blurb and a placeholder cover I created just for kicks....

She’s attempting to start a new life. He’s roamed for more than a decade. Can they let go of the past and grab hold of the future?

Seven years after the death of her husband, Kyleigh Winters turned their old vacation home into a brand new guest ranch. Not willing to join the ranks of lonely women trolling the bars or online in search of a man, Kyleigh is sure if God wishes her to have another husband, He’ll send the perfect someone in His own time. But will she be open to the possibility of new love when He does?

Searching for a place that calls to his soul, Lance Stevens has been a roaming cowboy for ten years since retiring from the Marines. He finds that sanctuary the moment he drives through the Silver Star’s gate and meeting the lovely owner speaks to more than his soul. Will he open to the healing power of love?

Get Pamela Thibodeaux's second chance romance novella today and see how love and faith conquers all.

Hope you enjoyed this peek at what very well may be my last book for a while.

Until next time, take care and God bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on The Visionary

Good Morning,

My scheduled guest was not able to be here today so, since I spoke with my narrator yesterday and went over some of those Cajun names she'll need to know to record The Visionary for audio book, I thought I'd do a spotlight on the novel.

Will the ugly secret haunting the twins keep them from finding true love?

While most visionaries see into the future, Taylor sees the past. but only as it pertains to her work. Hailed by her peers as “a visionary with an instinct for beauty and an eye for the unique” Taylor is undoubtedly a brilliant architect and gifted designer. But she and twin brother Trevor, share more than a successful business. The two share a childhood wrought with lies and deceit and the kind of abuse that’s disturbingly prevalent in today’s society. 

Can the love of God and the awesome healing power of His grace and mercy free the twins from their past and open their hearts to the good plan and the future He has for their lives?

Fans of Redeeming Love will appreciate this contemporary story of the awesome power of God to heal the most wounded of souls.

Excerpt: Pam giggled. “And how are things with you and Alex?” she asked her eyebrow arched with interest.

Taylor chuckled. “He’s very sweet and very good with kids.”

“And sexy?”

Taylor flushed. “Not exactly the tall, dark, and handsome type is he? When you consider he’s not more than five foot eight or nine inches tall and a little generous around the middle.”

“Maybe not,” Pam remarked. “But there’s a lot to be said for short and sexy.”

Taylor smiled at the analogy. Her mind returned to the man in question. He wasn’t really overweight or sloppy, but neither did he sport washboard abs. Probably due to his profession and the fact he preferred rice and gravy to lettuce and tomatoes, she thought with another smile.

“There is something about him,” she ventured. “Those bright hazel eyes that laugh and mock and never miss a thing. Have you noticed they alternate between golden brown or light green?”

Pam shook her head. “Not really. What else have you noticed about him?”

Taylor flushed with a tiny laugh. “Everything. The trim, neat mustache; the curve of lips that smile easily and often; that meticulously groomed, sandy-colored hair makes my fingers itch to run through it. He possesses oodles and oodles of charm and charisma by the case. And his voice, soft and husky and...” She shivered at the thought of the throaty lilt. “He always sounds as though he’s just rolled out of bed.”

Pam laughed. “Yeah, but he always seems so together. Even yesterday, when everyone else dressed in baggy sweats, ragged jeans, and tattered T’s, his casual slacks were well pressed, and his shoes polished to a spit shine.”

Taylor sighed, her lips curved. “I know. I’m not sure exactly what it is about him that’s so attractive, but when I figure it out, I’ll let you know. 

The Visionary can be purchased in Ebook and Print from your favorite online retailer HERE and will be available in Audio late October/early November.

Hope you enjoyed this excerpt and that you'll check back each week for Wednesday Words with Friends and another Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time take care and God bless.

PamT