The CWC (Christian Writers Collective, LLC) is open for new members! What is the CWC? It is the brainchild of Stephanie K. Reynolds. Her dream has been to assemble writers’ Christian stories into a volume allowing the authors to behold their name in print in a book that glorifies God and will be used to bring others into God’s family. Her ultimate goal is 100 authors per book!
If you have a salvation testimony to share, we would be honored to include it in our upcoming book. No need to worry if you are not a polished author. We have writers available to assist you if you need help composing your story. Did you ever dream of having your name in a book as a contributing author? Here is your chance.
Best of all, your testimony or experience with Jesus might be the catalyst needed to turn someone’s heart to the Lord. Your family would have a record of your salvation story to read to future generations. That, my friend, is a priceless gift. Sometimes the words are difficult to say, but handing someone a book is by far easier.
Book Four will be published in 2025. It will include testimonies by authors that have never written their salvation story for the Jesus Can series. Also included will be articles from returning authors using the theme Jesus Can Show You the Truth. Do you have a story about an experience with Jesus that will help move someone to accept Jesus into their heart or strengthen their walk? We need you!
Please prayerfully consider joining us in this mission to spread the word of what Jesus has done in the lives of ordinary people. We are hopeful the testimonies in this heartfelt book will bring many people to invite Him into their hearts. Let’s start with our own families.
Books 1 and 2 are already out and available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Watch for Book 3 around Thanksgiving, just in time for Christmas gift giving! All three books have different, unique, true stories. You will want the entire collection! We appreciate your prayers and support for us on this project.
“DEAR LORD, JULIE … OUR WHOLE LIFE IS IN THIS BOOK!”
My heart went out to my sweet husband as he walked into our kitchen one day with a noticeable gulp, ashen-faced after reading my latest novel.“Yes, I know, babe,” I said with a repentant smile and a conciliatory hug, “but nobody really knows that.” Ahem. Until now …
Trust me, “What’s the Story, Morning Glory? A Memoir Devotional with a ‘Novel’ Approach to Practical Christianity” is not a book I wanted to write. As a novelist, I have never been partial to nonfiction, either reading it or writing it, but I had little choice when God convinced me otherwise through a number of point-blank arm-twistings I couldn’t deny and not-so-gentle proddings from family and friends.
Despite all the encouragement, I wasn’t really sure where to begin. “It will be fiction and nonfiction combined,” the Holy Spirit whispered within, and just like that, the idea for this book took flight. First, I would tell my “real” and very personal story behind the life-lesson stories in my novels, then I would follow it up with the excerpt from my books where I teach that same life lesson to my characters, finally culminating in corresponding Scriptures, a bulleted “Takeaway” list, and a related prayer.
Thus, What’s the Story, Morning Glory: A Memoir Devotional with a “Novel” Approach to Practical Christianity was born. A memoir devotional that when combined with scenes from my novels, becomes a “novotional” where I relate the life lessons God personally taught me through His Word. I am simply a child of God who applied these lessons and Biblical precepts to every situation in my life and consequently, saw nonstop answers to prayer and blessings galore. It is my profound hope and prayer that through my own very simple and personal stories and examples, I can do the same for others. Therefore, the format for each chapter of this book will be as
1. The Real Story (How I learned and applied the spiritual lesson in my own life) 2. The Novel Story (The scene where I teach the spiritual lesson to my characters) 3. The Scripture Story (Scriptures applicable to the spiritual lesson) 4. The Takeaway Story (Bulletized points for spiritual lesson in easy-to-read/apply format) 5. The Prayer Story (Specific prayer related to the spiritual lesson)
I pray this bottom-line, albeit somewhat quirky, 1-2-3 devotional blesses you as much as God’s spiritual life lessons have blessed me!
Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. A lover of all things Irish, she enjoys writing close-knit Irish family sagas that evolve into 3-D love stories: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together.
Author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, Heart of San Francisco, Isle of Hope, Silver Lining Ranch, and The Cousins O’Connor series, Julie was American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has garnered over 21 Romance Writers of America and other awards. Voted #1 Romance Author in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie’s novels also made Family Fiction magazine’s Best of 2014, Best of 2015, and “Essential Christian Romance Authors” 2017-20, as well as Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction. Her independent novel A Light in the Window was an International Digital Awards winner, a 2013 Readers’ Crown Award winner, and a 2013 Book Buyers Best Award winner.
Julie has also written a self-help workbook for writers entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets.
Connect with Julie by visiting julielessman.com to follow her on social media, read both romantic and spiritual excerpts from her books, or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, a character named after you in Julie’s next book & a signed paperback copy of that book, plus a signed paperback copy of What’s the Story, Morning Glory!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 24, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 1, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for print copies. Gift card open to all locales. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
MY REVIEW
I love devotionals and read at least one everyday. For years I have one for mornings and one for evenings. Author Julie Lessman’s What’s the Story, Morning Glory?: A Memoir Devotional with a “Novel” Approach to Practical Christianity is one of the most unique that I have ever picked up. It is part fiction mixed in with a devotional and memoir. The result of that combo is an inspirational masterpiece.
Julie Lessman is transparent as she shares stories from her life along with excerpts from some of her beloved novels. Bible verses are abundant throughout the daily readings. These scripture verses address different topics to coincide with the lessons. Each section of the chapter is broken down into different parts, (1) The Real Story (2) The Novel Story (3) The Scripture Story (4) The Takeaway Story (5) The Prayer Story. Devotions are lengthy and provide for in-depth study.
A plethora of topics are covered. All chapters have a true story from Julie Lessman’s life, a novel story of a scene from one of her books dealing with that same topic, and then scriptures to affirm what God’s Word says about that topic. This is a different type of devotional than I have ever done or seen, but I loved it. It would make a great small group or readers club selection. There is a lot to discuss. It would make a thoughtful gift for anyone. I will definitely be revisiting it from time to time. It receives a 5 star rating from this reader.
A complimentary copy of the book was provided from Just Read, but these are my honest words.
Brave is the first book in talented author Mesu Andrews’ King David’s Wives series. This book is Biblical Fiction at its finest. I was totally captivated throughout the entire story and gleaned a better understanding of David, Ahinoam, and Abigail as well as the time they lived.
Author Andrews has a brilliant mind and produced a plausible fictional tale for King David and his second wife, Ahinoam. Scripture barely mentions her, leaving much to the imagination. It is obvious that much research and thought went into the writing of this phenomenal novel and the development of characters. King David was such an interesting person. The author has given him depth, emotion, and strength. Her ideas on his family relationships, physical appearance, and Walk with God is very reasonable. In fact, it is very different from most that I have read.
I learned a lot just by reading this enlightening book. It sent me to my Bible to compare what scripture said. The information in Brave was aligned with verses in the Bible. I love it when a fiction book teaches me things, also. This one brought ancient Israel to life as I was on the run from Saul with King David and his men.
The ending came quickly for me. I was ready to continue the story for many more chapters! It was hard to say good-bye to my book friends. The author’s notes at the end hold important information and should not be skipped. There are discussion questions for personal or group study after the notes.
I highly recommend this remarkable novel. It has made an impact on my impression of King David. When I read the Psalms now, they seem to make more sense to me. This would be a beautiful choice for a reading group. There are so many topics to discuss. I was deeply moved and loved this book. It will make a welcome gift for your reader friends.
This gets a 5 star rating from me. Yes, it is that excellent! An advanced reader copy was provided, but these are my honest words.
Favorite Quotes:
“You know us before birth, Lord!”
“The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1”
“The love of a husband and wife, whether it produces a child or not, is unlike any other.”
Weaving Roots is the first book in A Gathering of Mercies series by author Heather Wood. This is a Christian Historical Romance Fiction novel set in 1828. It is a poignant book about people, their relationships, and choices. I became easily invested in the characters and story.
This is the story of Betha, her nephew Henry, and Colm. Betha has taken on the mothering of her nephew and tries to shield him from unkind talk about her family. His father has not been very involved in Henry’s life. It has been very difficult for him.
Betha works hard taking care of her nephew and spinning flax into thread for her brother. She is a loving, caring woman that worships God. Her desire is that Henry will follow God, too. Colm is a schoolteacher and loves instructing the boys. He has ideas about new ways to teach, but is unsure of how they will be met.
The characters are believable and relatable. Some are so lovable while a few I did not care for at all. I enjoyed the author’s style of writing. It was engaging and kept my interest throughout the book. One of the things I loved was learning about the history of camp meetings, the start of Sunday Schools, and even the Lancaster method of education. Books that entertain and educate are my favorites, especially when the Christian message is mixed in like this one. At the end of the story be sure to read the author notes for more information.
I thoroughly enjoyed this heartwarming family story and romance. It has a lot of substance and provides food for thought. This would make a fabulous book club choice. I highly recommend it and give it a four star rating.
About the Book
Book: Weaving Roots
Author: Heather Wood
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction with Romance
Release date: June 25, 2024
Baltimore, 1828
Spinning. Turning flax to fine linen thread for her family’s weaving business keeps Betha’s hands occupied all day, but it’s the concerns spinning in her heart that never truly rest. How can she give her nephew Henry a secure, loving home when his father remains indifferent? How can she guide the boy who calls her “Ma” to know and follow the Lord for himself? And when past secrets and future changes collide, will she lose Henry altogether?
Colm Gallagher is passionate about teaching boys using innovative educational methods. But is his kind and thorough instruction enough if he is not allowed to give his students the ultimate truth of God’s Word? Confronted by his student Henry Young and the boy’s lovely but determined aunt, Colm considers if he has allowed practical considerations to outweigh his deepest-held beliefs.
Even as Betha and Colm are drawn to each other, family loyalties, financial pressures, and personal uncertainties push them further apart. Will the threads of their lives unravel or become knit together into something stronger?
Weaving linen is her family’s legacy. Weaving roots of truth and grace is her calling.
Heather Wood grew up in the Chicago suburbs, loving history, classic literature, writing stories, and Civil War reenacting. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in Bible/Theology from Appalachian Bible College, she settled in Virginia with her husband David. Her early passions fuel her writing today, although she spends most of her days now working to infuse her love for God and good literature into the hearts of her four children.
More from Heather
I’ve gone through a lot of phases in my life. I’ve been involved in different hobbies and activities, only to have them fizzle out after a few years. So when I started writing, I thought it was the same thing—that it was another short-lived hobby and soon I would get back to my regular life.
My third book was about to be released when one day, it felt like God turned a light bulb on in my mind: This is what I’ve been preparing you to do all along. When I look back at my parents, my education, and the experiences of my life, I realized that God had specially equipped me to do exactly what I was doing: write Christian historical fiction about real American church history.
The epiphany was more scary than exciting. I’m a “one idea at a time” kind of author. I don’t have multiple projects going at once. I had no idea, as I went to publish my third book, if I would even be able to come up with a plot and characters for a fourth. Would I announce to my friends that this writing thing was here to stay only to find I never got another story idea? What about the sacrifices it would require of my husband and kids?
That was just in 2022. Releasing this summer is Weaving Roots, my fifth book and the first in a whole new series with entirely new characters. I’m looking forward to seeing how the rest of the series unfolds from the idea seeds God has planted! I regularly offer my writing up to God, willing to walk away if He were ever to ask me to do so. Until then, I will work diligently and trustingly at the work He has given me to do.
You see, while each book does start with an idea seed, it’s watered by real history. As I take my spark of inspiration to the history books, I delight in finding out what God was doing in the time and place I’m writing about. My plots grow up around the real people He used and the work He was doing (although I usually make people who really lived into minor characters at best. Most often, I merely refer to them off the page while using what I do know about them to inspire my characters). I always try to drop vivid characters into the world as it really existed and watch and see how they respond. I dig into Scriptures and the theologians and Christian thinkers of their era or the one before to round out my themes and take the book’s message deeper. As a result, I am always the first one who is convicted and challenged by the message God brings to my stories.
Weaving Roots introduces us to the father of the siblings in my Finding Home series when he was just ten years old in 1827. He’s a second-generation Irish immigrant in a family of linen weavers in Baltimore, more than a decade before the Irish Great Famine. To the best of my knowledge, no one in either Christian or general market fiction has written about this time, place, and people group. Not everything on the page will be what you expect, as this generation between Colonial and Civil War/ Victorian Americans was very unique in their beliefs, struggles, and priorities. Henry Young is brought to Baltimore by his father, who is looking for a fresh start for his son and himself. Henry soon finds that his new schoolmaster is not what he expects and his father has more major changes coming into his life.
I can’t wait to share Weaving Roots with you and see how God uses His words to bless and encourage you!
To celebrate her tour, Heather is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback of Weaving Roots, a special handstitched bookmark and a sticker designed especially for Weaving Roots, a copy of The Virginia Housewife, an 1820s cookbook referenced in Weaving Roots, and a $15 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
A Little Christian’s Animals is a Christian Children’s book by gifted author Lila Noffsinger. Lucy Shin expertly illustrates the charming animals and scripture scenes to coincide with the accompanying words. Children will delight in the rhyming prose as they hear about animals from the Bible.
Author Noffsinger offers a unique, entertaining, and educating book for children to learn the Bible beginning at a young age. With poetic phrases it will be easy for littles to memorize the verses and read along. Some of the animals include lions, dove, sheep, and even the snake from Genesis. The pictures are endearing and the short lesson engaging. This is a brilliant way to teach children about the Bible in a fun way.
This is a lovely book for children and works perfectly together with a child’s Bible to further explore the lessons. After the stories, there are a couple of pages of scripture references to expand on the lessons entitled Let’s Read More In Your Bible. References for The Jesus Storybook Bible and The Beginners Bible give the page number in each for the same stories.
I highly recommend this educational, entertaining, and enlightening book for children. This would make a great gift for any child aged one to five. Sunday School and Children’s Church teachers would benefit from having this in their classrooms. Church libraries will definitely want a copy or two. It would be great for a baby shower gift, also. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by the author and Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.
About the Book
Book: A Little Christian’s Animals (The Little Christian Learning Collection Book 2)
Author: Lila Noffsinger
Genre: Christian Children’s Picture Book
Release Date: February 20, 2024
A Little Christian’s Animals is the newest installment of the Little Christian Learning Collection, which teaches preschool level learning concepts with Bible stories! In A Little Christian’s Animals, children journey with sing-songy rhymes through ten animal-centered Bible stories. Children will be captured by Lucy Shin’s adorable illustrations, and parents will enjoy nourishing their kids’ hearts and minds. Big Biblical truths are packed into this bite-sized book, the perfect length for little attention spans. Little animal enthusiasts will love Jonah’s whale, Daniel’s lions, Egypt’s frogs, and many more animals! A Little Christian’s Animals is sure to become a family favorite of kids and parents alike!
Lila Noffsinger is a Christian, wife, and mama to three. Her kids are her inspiration for writing, and she loves creating for them books that are cute, fun to read, educational, and biblically enriching. When she isn’t writing or playing with her family, she loves to read, craft, and hike. Lila lives with her family in San Jose, CA.
More from Lila
I don’t need to look far to find inspiration for my books. Literally. My little inspirations are usually physically touching me. My three kids (ages 3 and under) bring joy, laughter, and a lot of books into my life. As a mom, I want books for them that are fun for me to read, engaging for them to look at, and enriching for their hearts and minds. What sprung up from that desire was The Little Christian Learning Collection, now including A Little Christian’s 123s, A Little Christian’s Animals, and the accompanying coloring & activity books.
It continues to fill me with joy when my kids pick these books off the shelf to read. My youngest daughter will toddle through the house with A Little Christian’s Animals in her hand, yelling “Am-mi-mals!” as a request to read it. If I accidentally skip the frog on the first page, she will turn back to it so she can point it out. Frogs have become her favorite animals, and, based on Lucy Shin’s adorable portrayal of them, I can’t blame her.
I’ve been so honored by the reports of these books being similarly loved in other households. It brings me so much joy to know that kids are asking to read these Bible stories over and over again.
I love the work that goes into constructing these books. The rhymes are fun to ponder over as I rock babies or cook dinner. I love the research that goes into making the illustrations historically and geographically accurate. Illustrator Lucy Shin is a joy to work with, and the way she turns my notes and scribbles into something adorable seems like magic to me.
I’ve also really enjoyed putting together the coloring and activity books. It’s yet another way to let kids engage with Bible stories, learn something new, and have fun doing it! I’ve been surprised by what a hit they’ve become, and I’m so glad that kiddos around the country are enjoying them. If you want a taste, ALL of the coloring pages are available for free here: https://www.seedlingsbooks.com/color
Overall, writing these books has been a huge blessing, and I’m continually honored to hear how they’re being enjoyed by little readers. Keep your eyes open for more in the Little Christian Learning Collection! There’s more to come.
Beyond Ivy Walls by extraordinary author Rachel Fordham is a Christian historical romance. It reminded me of an interpretation of Beauty and the Beast. This is such a beautiful story and drew me in quickly.
Set in early 1900s Monticello, Iowa this is the story of Sadie West. Due to a family tragedy, she has left her home and gone to work in a feather duster factory. It is also the story of Otis Taylor. He is returning home to handle the family estate after the death of his brother. The way the two meet is so imaginative.
The author has such an inviting style of writing. I became invested in the lives of the characters as well as the book. The characters were crafted with great care. They had depth, issues, and were believable. Some of them were absolutely lovable while others were despicable. The secondary characters were lovely, too. There were a few twists, a sweet romance, and history that provided knowledge on feather dusters. What do you know about feather dusters? After reading this lovely novel, you will know much more.
I highly recommend this exquisite tale. It will give you all kinds of feels. This would make a nice choice for a reading group to dissect. There is so much to discuss and many life lessons as well as faith ones to glean. I plan on buying a few copies as gifts. It gets a 5 star rating from this reader. I absolutely loved it! A copy was provided by NetGalley but these are my honest thoughts.
About the Book
Iowa, 1903. All of Monticello believes Otis Taylor has been away fostering his musical genius. But the truth is that his father exiled him long ago, rejecting Otis’s appearance and the scars that came with it. Now that he is the last living Taylor, Otis has covertly returned to settle his family’s affairs and rid himself of his past for good. However, he soon discovers that he may not have been the only abandoned Taylor and begins a tireless search for his missing toddler niece.
At twenty-three years old, Sadie West left her family farm and found employment at the Hoag feather duster factory. It isn’t a romantic job, but she’s hardly had a glimmer of romance since her beau went off to college, leaving her with no promise of a future together. Desperate to save money and help her family make ends meet, she trespasses and finds shelter in an abandoned building–and is thrown in the path of the town’s mysterious bachelor.
Otis’s wounds are deep, but as Sadie’s friendship with him grows, she begins to fall for the man beneath the mask. Locating his long-lost niece, however, is more difficult than either could have imagined, and Sadie West may be the key to Otis Taylor finally finding his way home.
About the Author
Rachel Fordham is the author of Where the Road Bends, A Lady in Attendance, A Life Once Dreamed, The Hope of Azure Springs, and Yours Truly, Thomas. Fans expect stories with heart and she delivers, diving deep into the human experience and tugging at reader emotions. She loves connecting with people, traveling to new places, and daydreaming about future projects that will have sigh-worthy endings and memorable characters. She is a busy mom, raising both biological and foster children (a cause she feels passionate about). She lives with her husband and children on an island in the state of Washington. Learn more at rachelfordham.com; Instagram: @rachel_fordham; Facebook: @rachelfordhamfans.
Are you a lover of Amish books? How about mysteries? The Protector is Book One in award winning, best selling author Wanda E. Brunstetter’s new A Mifflin County Mystery series. It is a Christian contemporary Amish novel set in Belleville, Pennsylvania. Author Brunstetter is definitely an expert on all things Amish, and her writing displays it.
This is the story of the Petersheim family. Norman is the oldest son. His sister, Rosa, has disappeared. Their family is suffering from worry and stress wondering where she might be. Norman has made it his mission to find her or at the very least get information about her. Unfortunately this has created issues in his relationships and his faith.
The characters are believable from the worried mother to the whiny sister. I was invested in each one as well as the story. It had me reading until the wee hours of the night when I finally finished it. There is light romance, mystery, Christian messages, and more in this new book from Wanda Brunstetter. I am eagerly awaiting Book Two!
I highly recommend this to fans of Amish mysteries. This would make a nice Book Club selection. It receives a 4 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by the publisher, but these are my honest words.
About the Book
In book one of A Mifflin County Mystery series, after a night out with her boyfriend, Rosa Petersheim has disappeared from the Big Valley without a trace. Norman Petersheim always considered himself his sister’s protector, and he can’t believe she would have left home of her own accord. Clearly, he must have failed her. He throws all he has into helping the authorities search for Rosa, while trying to support his parents and siblings–who are struggling both mentally and physically. Salina Swarey loves Norman and hopes they are headed toward marriage, but his obsession with Rosa’s whereabouts is driving them apart. Can Norman find peace and contentment, even if he never learns where Rosa has gone?
About the Author
Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 100 books with more than 12 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.
Wanda’s fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda’s desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.
All of Wanda’s novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
Wanda’s primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern “Englishers.” Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: http://www.WandaBrunstetter.com
Today I have another five star book for you. It wraps up a trilogy written by the extraordinary wordsmith, Amanda Cabot. I would recommend reading the other two books first, but this could be read as a stand along with little trouble.
Into the Starlight by author Amanda Cabot is a Christian historical romance novel. This three-hundred-and-forty-three-page paperback is the third book in the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series. It concludes the series showcasing the three Vaughn sisters. At the beginning of the book is a map of the town to help readers.
This is a sweet family book with no vulgarity or profanity, but it does contain a mystery and some twists. There are many surprises hidden within the pages of this novel. This is the story of Joanne, the middle sister. She returns to Sweetwater Crossing from Europe a widow after having a serious illness. It is also the story of Doctor Burke Finley. He and Joanne are determined to solve the mystery of his uncle.
This novel took me to 1880’s small town Texas and gave me all of the feels. The characters were expertly crafted with a depth that made them believable. Through the author’s smooth writing, I felt at home in Sweetwater Crossing and found many friends. The story was fabulous. It tugged at my emotions and kept me invested. There were many twists and turns to keep me on my toes. A deeply buried secret had me turning pages into the wee hours of the night. This is an exciting story.
I appreciated the faith element and message. It was woven throughout the book. Scripture, prayers, sermons, and trust in God were all included. I did not like that they talked about praying for dead people or that when referring to God the pronouns were in lower case.
The writing is wonderful, the storyline is amazing, and the twists are surprising. There is so much to like in this excellent book. I highly recommend it. It receives a 5 star rating from this reader. A copy was provided by the publisher, but these are my honest words.
Today’s selection just might be my favorite book that I have read so far this year. High praise, I know, but it is well deserved. Let me tell you why . . .
Saved by the Matchmaker is Book Two in the A Shanahan Match series by author extraordinaire Jody Hedlund. It is a Christian historical romance series. While each book may be read as a standalone, characters are shared within the first two books.
I was intrigued with the cover and title of this phenomenal book that is set in 1849 St. Louis, Missouri. Enya Shanahan’s story continues as her father and oldest brother seek an annulment and then arranged marriage for her. Matchmaker Bellamy is back and endearing as ever.
There are so many facets to this captivating story. I was quickly engaged with the story and characters. Enya is a beautiful red-headed spitfire. Captain Sullivan O’Brien is large in stature and respected by others. He is a bit of a mystery. The characters are exquisitely crafted. Each one has many layers that unfold as the story does. I enjoyed the Irish brogue in the dialogue.
This story was filled with twists and turns, danger, adventure, and romance. It had me on the edge of my seat at times and giggling or tearing up at others. The beautiful writing took me to 1800s Missouri and Louisiana by way of the Mississippi River. I loved it and the Shanahan family.
I highly recommend this fabulous marriage of convenience novel. It gets the highest rating possible from me, 5 stars. Pick up a copy and put dinner in the crock pot before you start reading. This book will grab your attention immediately and refuse to let go! An advanced copy was provided by the author, but these are my honest words.
“To Speak His Name” by author Tara Johnson is a Christian historical romance novel and Book One in The Wings of the Morning series. I was captivated from the very beginning of this riveting book. It pulled on my heartstrings and emotions.
I tend to shy away from books on slavery, which this one is. It is hard for me to understand the abhorrent way most slaves were treated. While the story did not gloss over the horrific things that were done, it did not go into excruciating detail. This book grabbed my attention from page one and absolutely refused to let me go.
Avalina was a wee child when she was stolen from her home in Ireland. Tragic circumstances turned her into a mute. She is a beautiful young girl with a sweet, kind spirit. However, she is stranded and marked as a slave on the island of Barbados.
Josiah Holland is the son of a South Carolina plantation owner. His father deals in crops and the sale of slaves. Josiah has been away at school and no longer agrees with his father on many things, especially the treatment or sale of slaves. He and Avalina meet when he travels to Barbados with his father for business with Avalina’s master. The connection they make is immediate and powerful. They are drawn to each other.
Tara Johnson has a fabulous style of writing. Her story flows like a river taking readers on a ride to a time and place faraway. There are many twists, turns, surprises, bumps, and smooth patches in this saga. Characters are finely crafted, believable, and engaging. They grow and mature in body and spirit. The Christian message is present even throughout trials and perilous times. Life lessons abound in this tale that will make readers ponder it long after they have finished the book.
I highly recommend this phenomenal book. It would be great for a book club to delve into. There is so much to discuss. Any historical romance fiction lover will devour it. I gladly rate it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.
About the Book
Book: To Speak His Name
Author: Tara Johnson
Genre: Historical Romance
Release date: March 4, 2024
Avalina is a woman trapped in silence. Stolen from her home in Ireland and sold as a slave to a Barbados plantation owner, the trauma of her past has left her mute, wrapped in a prison of loneliness and isolation amid an island of beauty. Though she longs to be free from the cruelty of her overseer, her heart yearns for a greater freedom…something just beyond her grasp.
Josiah Holland has been born into a South Carolina slave-holding family but all it takes is one trip to the island of Barbados to open his eyes to the ugly cruelty that abounds beyond the confines of his plantation. With the aid of fiery abolitionist Benjamin McGee, Josiah forges a new future, fighting the very ideals he was once a part of.
When Avalina and Josiah’s lives entwine, will their spark engulf them in destruction, or ignite a revolution?
Tara Johnson is an author and speaker, and loves to write stories that help people break free from the lies they believe about themselves.
Tara’s debut novel Engraved on the Heart (Tyndale) earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly, and was a finalist in the Carol and Christy awards. Tara has been published by Tyndale House, Annie’s, and Guideposts. In addition to being published in a variety of digital and print magazines, she is a certified body language expert and has been on radio, television and podcasts. She is a history nerd, especially the Civil War, and adores making people laugh. She, her husband, and children live in Arkansas.
More from Tara
Barbados Sweet Bread Recipe
INGREDIENTS
3⁄4cup brown sugar
1⁄3cup shortening (or coconut oil)
1⁄3cup butter
2cups flour
1pinch salt
2 1⁄4cups grated coconut
1⁄4cup raisins, chopped
1⁄4cup dried cherries, chopped
1tablespoon grated nutmeg
1tablespoon almond extract
1 1⁄3cups evaporated milk
3tablespoons water
1tablespoon butter (for pan)
2tablespoons turbinado sugar
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350*F and lightly grease a bread pan. The original recipe calls for 2 bread pans, but the bread doesn’t rise at all so it bakes nicely in one pan.
In a mixer cream together the brown sugar, shortening and butter.
Stir in almond extract, evaporated milk, and water, until a firm dough is formed. (You may need to add additional water.).
Split the dough evenly between the two pans, and use a knife to cut a diagonal criss-cross pattern on the top of each loaf. Sprinkle 1 tbsp turbinado sugar over the top of each loaf.
Bake for about 1 hour, until a skewer inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean (Or a digital thermometer reads 190*F.) Cool completely in the pans before removing.
The Story Behind To Speak His Name
By Tara Johnson
Who doesn’t love a toe-curling romance? I confess, when I began writing my upcoming story To Speak His Name, romance was the farthest thing from my mind.
This novel was prompted by two unique nuggets. First, I have always been fascinated with how those who have never heard of Jesus come to a saving knowledge of Him. How does the Holy Spirit reveal such marvelous truths to a soul who knows nothing of the spiritual world?
I began meditating on Psalm 19: 1-3: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.” At the same time, I picked up a small nonfiction book about the Irish slave trade, and what I learned was astonishing.
The Irish slave trade began when King James II sold 30,000 Irish prisoners as slaves to the New World. From 1641 to 1652, over 500,000 Irish were killed by the English and another 300,000 were sold as slaves. Ireland’s population fell from about 1,500,000 to 600,000 in one single decade. Families were ripped apart and 52,000 Irish (mostly women and children) were sold to Barbados and neighboring islands.
My imagination quickly took flight. I pictured a young Irish girl named Avalina, stolen away from her home, shipwrecked and found wandering on a sandy beach in Barbados.
Oh, one other thing…Avalina is mute.
She is taken in by a cruel man and forced to work as a slave on his plantation, surrounded by strange people in a strange world who are steeped in polytheism and superstition. The years pass and, with her voice locked away in silence, she wonders if there isn’t something more to life than mere existence.
Enter Josiah Holland.
I never conceived having the son of a slave trader as my hero, but once I wrote the first scene with Josiah, I knew he would be the one to set Avalina’s heart on a path toward freedom. Just as the famed hymnist and former slave trader John Newton found redemption in the arms of Jesus, so Josiah turns away from the world he knows to embrace a broken woman and an uncertain future.
Is Josiah perfect? No. He struggles to please his demanding family. He grapples with his motives and his stained past, yet he is beautifully vulnerable.
When I finished penning the final scene, it hit me: Josiah is a picture of Christ. He redeems Avalina and carries her from the Land of Darkness into a kingdom of Light. He shows her kindness and compassion when all others treat her with disdain. What a lovely picture of grace.
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 