But I Don’t Even Like Jigsaw Puzzles! — Terrie Todd ( + Giveaway )

Today I’m happy to welcome author Terrie Todd as she talks about what inspired her writing a novel. Read through to the end to find out how you can enter her giveaway.

Ironically, I’ve never been a fan of jigsaw puzzles. In a wild moment of reckless abandon in 2017, I opened a thousand-piece puzzle on our dining table—a European castle with lots of blue sky. With no idea how difficult a puzzle it would be, I thought my husband and I could complete it over the Christmas break and share a little bonding time in the process. A year later, the unfinished puzzle still sat on that table. We’d covered it with a tablecloth on several occasions when we needed the space. Finally, in defeat, I returned the pieces to their box.

Around the same time, I became rather hooked on a TV series called Touch, with Kiefer Sutherland. I was fascinated by the way each episode covered several seemingly unrelated stories that all converged in the end. Wow, would I love to be able to write a story like that, I thought. So I gave it a try. The Last Piece is the result.

My own feelings about jigsaw puzzles are reflected in the thoughts of one of my characters, Leesha, who hunts down valuable items at thrift shops and sells them for a profit. Here’s an excerpt:

Leesha had little appreciation for puzzles and usually ignored them. What was the point? They take a perfectly good picture and cut it into pieces. You put them back together, pat yourself on the back, then take it apart and put it back in the box with nothing to show for your time. How utterly inefficient. If you’re going to have a hobby, you should have something to show for it when you’re done—like a knitted sweater or some art to proudly display. She’d seen people hang assembled puzzles on their walls, stuck together with some kind of clear overcoat. It made her roll her eyes every time. So tacky.

With an attitude like that, who’d have ever thought I’d write an entire novel where an antique jigsaw puzzle is practically one of the characters? I’ll be hosting a book signing event at my hometown library at the end of November where the door prizes will be jigsaw puzzles—used ones, most of them purchased at my local thrift shop. And yes, the 1000-piece puzzle of the castle with all the blue sky will be up for grabs as well.

Author/Book Spotlight:

The book blurb:

The Last Piece releases November 16, 2021.

Ray Matthews’ dream is to be an artist. But his father’s death during the Great Depression forces him to drop out of art school and support his mother and sister by selling his paintings to a jigsaw puzzle maker. 

However, there’s one personal masterpiece Ray vows never to sell: a portrait of his beloved sweetheart, Sarah. When compelled to break his oath, Ray speaks a prophecy over the puzzle— that no one will be able to finish it before he and the love of his life are reunited. 

During the next 80 years, the puzzle passes through four different households. Though all are profoundly affected by Ray’s girl at the wishing well, none are aware of the connection between them—until one decision unleashes a peculiar chain of events. When all five journeys converge in visible and invisible ways, each life is strengthened and forever shaped by the lessons offered through one extraordinary puzzle.

Question 1: What genre do you write in and why?

The first time I sat down to see if I could write a novel, I decided to place the story in the 1940’s for one lazy reason: it’s easier to get your characters into trouble when they don’t have modern technology to bail them out. Turns out writing historical fiction is not for the lazy by any stretch, but I’ve come to love it.

Question 2: What is your least favorite part of writing?

For me, it’s hammering out that first draft. I’m a pantser, so often just getting down that next scene feels like pulling teeth. Once I’ve got that done and can go back and start editing, I love it.

Question 3: Tell us about your next book…

The Last Piece is a split-time novel releasing in November.

GIVEAWAY:

Readers, answer the following question to be entered in the giveaway.

What topic or historical event would you love to see covered in a novel?

Giveaway: Link to a free e-copy of Rose Among Thornes (can be sent anywhere)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Terrie Todd is an award-winning author of historical and split-time novels, playwright, newspaper columnist, blogger, and recipient of ICFW’s 2018 Janette Oke Award. Terrie and her husband Jon live on the Canadian prairies where her novels are set. They are the parents of three and grandparents of five. Terrie’s idea of embracing the harsh Canadian winters it to curl up with a good book and hot tea in front of her fake fireplace.

Links:

Blog: www.terrietodd.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terrie.todd.author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tjtodd2

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrie.todd.31/?hl=en

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12530691.Terrie_Todd

CHAPTER 1 of “The Last Piece”

Ray Matthews stared at the prairie landscape as the wheels made their hypnotic chug on the railway tracks below. For the next hour at least, he could allow the gentle rocking motion to lull him into a sort of oblivion. Into an alternate reality where the events of the last twenty-four hours were fairy tales and not truth. Where he was still in art school, scheduled to graduate in nine months. Where Dad was still the muscular, energetic man he’d always been—slinging hay bales from the dusty field onto the hay rack with the same ease required to swat a fly in his mother’s farm kitchen.

Ray had never imagined for a moment that the formidable, faith-filled Nate Matthews could be here one day and gone the next. The larger-than-life man had been the center of everything, not just the Matthews family but the entire community of Wishing Well and all its three hundred and twenty-nine inhabitants. They must be reeling. Dad had been a rock, the glue that held the community together through the leanest, driest years they’d ever known. And though drought and depression still raged, Nate Matthews had defied all odds by finding a way for Ray to enroll in the University of Manitoba’s art program and pursue his dreams.

Ray closed his eyes and tried to forget the brief telegram he’d read at least ten times before the words even began to sank in. Had it really been just yesterday? If only the telephone lines had been strung to Wishing Well—or anywhere in rural Manitoba, for that matter. He’d be able to reach Mum and get the details. Clearly, she’d taken great pains to use as few words as possible. RETURN HOME ASAP. DAD DIED. HARVEST.

Whatever happened to Dad must have been both sudden and accidental. That Mum had found it necessary to include the word “harvest” could mean only one thing. Ray was expected to stay home, at least until the harvest was in.

Only three weeks had passed since he’d said goodbye to his parents and sister and returned to university for his final year. The guilt of leaving his family to finish the harvest without him had reared its head then. But Dad’s parting words, like always, lifted the load. “Go make us proud, son.”

Ray had barely had time to learn the names of his new professors when Mum’s telegram arrived. He’d carried it with him into Professor Robertson’s office and explained. The man was a good course counselor, but had no understanding of annual farming cycles or how bringing in the harvest was a life and death matter. He hailed from Toronto, where both a theater and a gallery bore his family name. In Professor Robertson’s prestigious home, the arts were revered above all else.

Closing his eyes, Ray recalled the conversation as perfectly as if he still stood before the man’s desk.

“I’m truly sorry for the loss of your father.” Professor Robertson looked at Ray over the top of his wire-rimmed spectacles. “Take as long as you need to settle his affairs. I should think two weeks will be sufficient. Ask one of your classmates to stay in touch by telephone with your assignments. William Spencer would be a good choice.”

“Sir … respectfully, there are no telephones in my area of the province.”

November 2021 New Releases!

November 2021 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website
Contemporary Romance:

An Awestruck Christmas Medley by Emily Conrad — The members of the rock band Awestruck battle a snowstorm and relationship difficulties in hopes of spending a joyful Christmas with their loved ones in this novella, which continues the story begun in the first novel in the Rhythms of Redemption Romances, To Bring You Back. (Contemporary Romance from Hope Anchor LLC)

A Small-Town Christmas Challenge by Susanne Dietze — Will reviving an old tradition be the start of something new? When she inherits a beautiful historic house, nurse Leah Dean knows selling it could solve all her problems. But there’s just one catch—she and co-owner Pastor Benton Hunt must cohost the Gingerbread Gala in the home first. As Christmas approaches, Leah and Benton grow closer, and parting with the house—and each other—is not as easy as they thought… (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired (Harlequin))

Never Too Late by Susan L. Tuttle — Widowed homemaker Rachael Stark isn’t quite sure what comes after her only child leaves for college. To fill her suddenly quiet hours and scrawny bank account, she needs a job. But painful memories prevent her from resurrecting her former art career, and motherhood isn’t much of a résumé. When her best friend needs help recovering from a gunshot wound that occurred in the line of duty, she is there. Finally, someone to take care of. Evan Wayne won’t let his injury keep him from being a police officer. His dedication to protect the innocent stems from the guilt he carries over having failed his childhood friend. What he needs now is to recover and get back on the streets. Instead, he’s handed a myriad of light-duty tasks by his captain―one of which involves heading up the department’s entry into the town’s annual mural contest. He’s not an artist, but he definitely knows one. And he’ll take any excuse to spend more time with her. (Contemporary Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

You and Me by Becky Wade — Easy-going, artistic Connor Bryant fell hard for his friend Shay Seaver when they were both in the seventh grade. Sixteen years later, he’s returned to Misty River. She’s finally between boyfriends. And his crush on her hasn’t wavered. Now’s his chance. He tells Shay that he’s found someone he wants to date and is in need of a makeover when it comes to his appearance and dating strategies. He asks if she’ll serve as his consultant — in hopes that he’ll learn how he can become her ideal man. What he doesn’t tell her? That she’s the one he wants to date. Sporty stationery shop owner Shay immediately agrees to Connor’s request because he’s one of the best guys she knows. However, she quickly realizes she’s in over her head. She’s pledged to help him win the affection of another woman — even though she dearly wants to claim his heart. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Historical:

The Corporal’s Codebook by Susan Page Davis — Jack Miller stumbles through the Civil War, winding up a telegrapher and cryptographer for the army. In the field with General Sherman in Georgia, he is captured along with his precious cipher key. His captor, Hamilton Buckley, thinks he should have been president of the Confederacy, not Jefferson Davis. Jack doubts Buckley’s sanity and longs to escape. Buckley’s kindhearted niece, Marilla, might help him-but only if Jack helps her achieve her own goal. (Historical from Scrivenings Press LLC)

Magi Journey: Assyria by Terry Phillip Garner — The first in a three-book series that follows a Family of Chaldean Magi from the court of Tiglath—Pileser III, King of Assyria in 734 BC, to Bethlehem in -0- BC. Through the eyes of the Magi, we see the history of prophecy, judgment, and redemption unfold. In book one, the Magi recount: meeting Isaiah, King Ahaz, and King Hezekiah of Judah; campaigning with King Tiglath-Pileser III and King Sennacherib as they subdue the Levantine States and deport the people of Israel to Assyria, and creating the Magi school that will survive the Assyrian, Babylonian, and Persian Empires and serve as the foundation of the Magi Family of faith. (Historical from Bookbaby)

The Last Piece by Terrie Todd — When his father dies during the Great Depression, Ray Matthews is forced to drop out of art school to support his mother and sister as a jigsaw puzzle artist. Ray has only one painting he vows never to sell: the portrait of his beloved sweetheart. When pressured to break his oath, Ray sends the painting off with a promise and a prophecy. Through eight decades, the puzzle of the beautiful girl at the wishing well passes through four households, deeply affecting each without ever being fully completed. When Leesha Pennington’s weekly treasure hunt at her local thrift shop produces an old jigsaw puzzle that might be worth something, she adds it to her shopping cart despite the old man’s mysterious warning: “Be careful with that one. Some puzzles don’t like to be solved.” Her decision sets in motion a chain of events that causes all five stories to converge. (Historical, Independently Published)

Historical Romance:

Honor in the Mountain Refuge by Misty M. Beller — This epic journey is his last chance to start a new life. After being cast out of his Blackfoot village for his kindness to the Nez Perce captives, Chogan travels west in search of meaning for his life. Meaning that doesn’t require killing or torturing innocent people. Though the lovely face of Telípe, a Nez Perce woman, is imprinted on his heart, he avoids her village. She deserves a happy life with her husband and coming child. With her husband dead and the birth of her babe imminent, Telípe’s reality looks nothing like she planned. She’s been forced to return to the village where she grew up and the chaos of her family’s lodge—with all her boisterous younger brothers. She desperately desires to start a new life for herself and the babe growing within her, but she can’t seem to climb above the mire of her past. When she stumbles into the brave who’d shown her kindness during her captivity, something ignites within her—a new hope. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Protecting Annie by Jodie Wolfe — After twenty years living along the trail as a deputy U.S. Marshal, Joshua Walker takes a job as sheriff in Burrton Springs, Kansas so he can be closer to his sister. Only problem is, she no longer requires his protecting. After the death of her father, Annie McPherson needs a change. She accepts a position as schoolmarm hoping her past won’t catch up with her. Life is good, except for the pesky lawman who creates confrontations at every turn and continually questions her ability to adjust to life in the west. When the irritating schoolteacher’s past and present collide, dragging Josh into the turmoil, he has to decide who he’s willing to defend. (Historical Romance from White Rose Publishing (Pelican))

Mystery:

Circumvent by SK Derban — French-born, Nikki Sabine Moueix travels to Hawaii for a special work assignment, but the job of writing an article about a famous Swiss pastry chef generates more than a magazine piece. They fall in love, get married, and Nikki Moueix becomes Mrs. Ruggiero Delémont. When another assignment calls for Nikki to spend three weeks in France, Ruggiero’s schedule prevents him from joining her. She travels alone, advancing straight into danger. After a threatening confrontation, Nikki wakes up in a French hospital with no knowledge of her past. After she fails to check in, Ruggiero panics and pushes for an immediate investigation. But as he closes in, Nikki’s new found friend moves her to another city. It becomes a game of hide and seek with Nikki as the prize. (Mystery from TouchPoint Press)

Merry Murder and Small Town Santas by KC Hart — Katy’s husband John discovers Santa dead in the bakery, but in Katy’s effort to find the killer, she is making her husband look more and more guilty. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

Speculative Fiction:

All That’s Fair by Amanda G. Stevens — Unable for the last century to grow old or succumb to injury, Cady Schuster has lost a lot of people, some more recently than others. She’s trying to find new belonging in Harbor Vale, Michigan, among a welcoming little group of fellow ageless folk. Then she meets Paige, a mortal woman who needs a friend-and might need help. Paige’s husband rules their church with an authority unquestioned by his congregation. When Paige suddenly severs all communication, Cady determines to find her. Churchgoers warn her off, and the behavior of Paige’s husband proves a still bigger warning. Is this friend lost too, or can Cady help her? And how far should an ageless woman involve herself in the conflicts of mortals? (Speculative Fiction, Independently Published)

Thriller/Suspense/Romance:

Uncharted Courage by Keely Brooke Keith — When Bailey accepts John Colburn’s offer for her to visit Good Springs, she leaves the Inn at Falls Creek expecting to spend the autumn relaxing in her favorite seaside village. Upon her arrival, Connor asks her to cover a shift of guard duty on the equinox, and her quiet vacation takes a shocking turn. Revel Roberts works hard to keep his life commitment-free, making it easy to leave community decisions to men like Connor and John. But when the Land is threatened, Revel sees his chance to prove he is a man worthy of Bailey’s love. Amid the chaos in Good Springs, his unrequited feelings for her preoccupy him. One wrong choice could ruin everything. As Bailey’s new life in the Land unravels and threats from the outside world loom, a yearning she can’t define surges within her. It distracts her from defending the hidden world she loves, and a tragedy reinforces her need for independence. With the survival of the Land at stake and their hearts on the line, Bailey and Revel will need more courage than fighting ever required. They will need to find the courage to love. (Thriller/Suspense/Romance from Edenbrooke Press)

Women’s Fiction:

Unpacking Christmas by Beth K. Vogt — As Johanna, Jillian, and Payton look forward to celebrating the Christmas holidays with their families, they’re not prepared for an announcement that changes everything they’ve grown to love and cherish. Their parents are selling their long-time family home. One change seems to lead to another, with Payton and Zach announcing their own decision to move, while Jillian and Geoff tackle the challenge of starting a family. The only ones maintaining the status quo are Johanna and Beckett—but romantic limbo is no place to be. Then their dad’s sudden health crisis spins life further out of control. Instead of putting up holiday lights and decorating the family Christmas tree, the Thatcher sisters are helping pack up their childhood home. Along the way, they share treasured memories, try to hold onto valued traditions, discovering the struggles they’ve endured pale in comparison to the love they share with each other. (Women’s Fiction from Never Door Press)

Where Memories Await by Heidi Chiavaroli — Can memories of old restore a forgotten love?

Camden, Maine ~ Present Day: Spunky octogenarian Priscilla Martin is a woman with many Christmas secrets. When a beloved niece tempts her to bare her wounded soul, Priscilla must decide whether to share the secret of her sister’s demise—and the reason she abandoned the man she loved in favor of a loveless marriage.

Camden, Maine ~ December, 1957: The only person Priscilla loves more than Ed Colton is her younger sister, Hazel. But when Ed is drafted and Hazel runs away to New York to be with a man she believes will make her famous, Priscilla’s plans crumble around her. Ed’s silence and Hazel’s tragic return leads Priscilla to make a choice she will forever regret. Can revisiting long-ago memories give Priscilla what she’s longed for all these years? (Women’s Fiction, Independently Published)

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

Historical Fiction — Michelle Dragalin

Today I’m happy to welcome author Michelle Dragalin to the blog as she discusses the Historical Fiction genre.

“Historical fiction is a literary genre where the story takes place in the past. Historical novels capture the details of the period as accurately as possible for authenticity, including social norms, manners, customs, and traditions.( Google Aug 20, 2021)”

This is one of my favorite genres. I have been reading this genre for as long as I can remember. I started off with Louis L’Amour. He was my favorite author, and to a degree, still is a favorite. He is certainly the pole in which I measure other authors who write this type of fiction. Louis L’Amour was born in North Dakota. His writing is rich in detail and historical accurate copy fiction. Many of his books follow the same theme. I really enjoyed reading his books. In addition, he also wrote hardboiled mysteries which seem to be based in the forty’s and fifty’s.

Another author I like to read are T.E. Kinsey’s Lardy Hardcastle Mystery books. While they may not be quiet in the same era as Louis L’Amour, they are relatively accurate and his main protagonist in this series are two women.

I enjoy them because the authors provide a perspective of this time and view the people as equal. In addition, their characters are so varied, just like in real life. They tend to make it very believable and use and relate to the period of the time. Not to mention I really like history. I have always believed that adage

“Irish statesman Edmund Burke is often misquoted as having said, “Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it.” Spanish philosopher George Santayana is credited with the aphorism, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” while British statesman Winston Churchill wrote, “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. (Https://liberalarts.vt.edu>magazine>history-repeating, 2021 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University)”

I am an enthusiastic fan of this adage, although I have to admit, I don’t always follow it.

As a result, I choose books that are part of the historical genre or are in some way scholarly. I am also its biggest critic, as I will often look up facts to determine how accurate their material and information are with regard to the period.

That is where readers may get misled. Because they think that it’s historical fiction, they often believe that a) this really happened and b) since it was written, it is correct. NO! It is a fictionalized account of a period. No more, no less. The reader needs to remember this when they are reading the story. It’s simply an enjoyable story based on a period in history.

When a person reviews or reads historical fiction, it is just as import to know it is a FICTIONALIZED account of a time period. Enjoy the story, look up the period!!

Disclosure:

I am a book reviewer who really receives ARC (advance review copy) to review from a variety of websites and publications.  I wrote an honest review for a copy of the book. T.E. Kinsey’s books were all provided by NetGalley.

Author Spotlight & GIVEAWAY — Angela Breidenbach

Today I’m happy to welcome author Angela Breidenbach for an author spotlight, giveaway, and more. Read through to the end to find out how you can enter her giveaway.

As a 5-year-old little girl, I loved watching the glory days of Hollywood kind of movies, especially if they featured water ballet (now called synchro) with Esther Williams. My mor mor (Swedish for mother’s mother, grandma) was 65 and also loved water ballet. She watched the movies with me and belonged to a water ballet club at the local swimming pool.

I followed in her footsteps. I swam for years. But as life changes, time demands happen, I stopped. Then in my 40s, I went back to it. Swimming synchro is a lot harder when you’re away from it for thirty years! But sculling, diving, and spinning in the water has such a free feeling that it relaxes me.

Now in my late 50s, I can’t belong to a local synchro club any longer. It disbanded a few years ago when the coach had some intense family medical needs to handle. I transferred that love of dancing in the water to private ballet sessions on dry land. The strength, stamina, and hard work are much the same. I don’t dance for others as I didn’t swim for others. I feel pure joy in the music and movement. The dance, whether underwater or across a wooden floor, takes me away from my worries to focus on the sheer beauty of the immediate moment. You couldn’t even consider me amateur level. But it’s not about performance for me. I don’t desire to perform for anyone but me and God. Dancing in or out of water is about letting the young girl in me play. Everyone needs that break for creative play.

Creative play lets your mind release stress as much as it brings physical, mental, and spiritual pleasure. So many benefits! One other benefit for me is revisiting the hobbies I couldn’t do while raising children. Moms are so busy taking children to their activities that adding hobbies are often way down the to-do list. As an empty-nester after raising our six, my daily life is still busy with writing, genealogy, and grandchildren. But I make time a few days a week to dance my little heart out. I really need to do it more!

What about you? What’s your joyful, creative play outlet? If you don’t have one, what would you like to do?

In Heart of the Rockies, I had to research what swimming costumes looked like in the 1890s. That era is right on the end of the Victorian, Gilded, and the entrance of the Edwardian eras. Imagine the huge societal changes happening as one era ushers in another! There was a huge change in “respectable” attire for ladies and I had fun writing about it in this story as Delphina battles for safe swimming costumes for her students in ornamental swimming classes. Even the name of the sport evolved! The original name of ornamental swimming morphed to water ballet and then to synchronized swimming that shortened to synchro in recent years.

I’ll share photos of some of the swimming costumes on my Pinterest board for the Queen of the Rockies series and on my blog. Come join me for a “deep dive” into swimming costumes of the Gilded Age. Such fun!

• Where you got the idea for the book, character, or series (if applicable)

The idea came from my love of synchronized swimming originally. Then I found out about the Broadwater Natatorium in Helena MT. When public swimming pools were installed during the Victorian Era, they were called plunges. Those plunges could be quite elaborate including islands made of varying heights of boulders, special lighting, and exquisite design in the architecture. I could just see Esther Williams jumping off those boulders in graceful swan dives into the deep plunges. The story developed from there! Wait till you read the scene of the recital! I think you’ll understand.

• Why did you choose this setting and time period?

The entire Queen of the Rockies series, including Heart of the Rockies, is written to share some little-known early Montana history. This is book 3 in that series. I kept finding more and more tidbits of completely lost history that I wanted to preserve. Each book in this six-book series captures those special moments that are threatened with extinction. I hope you won’t let that happen. Preserving history and genealogy are really important to our world. The people who carved out the new state of Montana were courageous, creative, and brilliant! These entrepreneurs still inspire me today. I hope they’ll inspire you, too. And, you never know, you might find your ancestor in one of my books! Though my main characters are fictional, most of the rest are real historical figures found in newspapers, history books, and documents. I write them and hope that their descendants will get to know them, too.

• Pick two celebrities to be your parents. Who would they be and why?

Hmm, this one is hard. I’ll base it off of this book, Heart of the Rockies. I think Esther Williams would be a really interesting mom. I’d be interested to get to know William A. Clark, one of the Montana copper kings that I researched for this series. I stayed in his mansion in Butte, MT (Copper King Mansion) that houses a museum and B&B. I highly recommend a night or two there!

• Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?

Flower of the Rockies is the 4^th book in the Queen of the Rockies series also set in picturesque Helena MT at the end of the Gilded Age. No one knows the real Emmalee Warren, or the sacrifices she’s made for love. She the infamous prostitute, a soiled dove of no consequence, turned miner’s widow. Men are coming out of the woodwork to stake their claim on her and the mine she inherited. They wanted her body before. Now they want her money, and they’ll do anything to take it. But love and acceptance seem out of the question for Emmalee. 

Society wants nothing to do with her regardless of her changed ways. Who can she turn to when her inheritance and chance at a future is at risk? Will she be forced back into the brothel to survive? Hiring a lawyer, Richard Lewis, to save her from financial ruin might let her start over somewhere else — if he can save a little of her finances from her husband’s partner. She’ll go anyplace else where no one knows Miss Ellie’s name. Anywhere to leave the scorn behind. Becoming an unknown is the only way to freedom…or is it? Can she leave her past and build a new future?

• Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I love preserving history and the genealogy through story of the people whose shoulders we stand on today.

GIVEAWAY:

Readers, answer the question below to be entered in the giveaway for an ebook of Flower of the Rockies via a Bookfunnel link. Angela also said she’d send bookplates and bookmarks to any reader that sends her a request through her contact page on her website.

What about you? What’s your joyful, creative play outlet? If you don’t have one, what would you like to do?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Angela Breidenbach is a professional genealogist, media personality, bestselling author, and screenwriter. She’s also the Christian Authors Network president. Angie lives in Montana with her hubby and Muse, a trained fe-lion, who shakes hands, rolls over, and jumps through a hoop. Surprisingly, Angie can also. Catch her show and podcast, Genealogy Publishing Coach!

http://AngelaBreidenbach.com

Social Media: @AngBreidenbach

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Angela-Breidenbach/e/B00460W4F4

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/angela-breidenbach

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3370320.Angela_Breidenbach

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AngelaBreidenbach

October 2021 New Releases!

October 2021 New Releases More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary:
Perfectly Arranged by Liana George — Can Nicki risk letting go of her well-ordered life plans and embrace what God has perfectly arranged? (General Contemporary from Scrivenings Press LLC)

Contemporary Romance:
Tacos for Two by Bestsy St. Amant — Rory Perez, a food truck owner who can’t cook, is struggling to keep the business she inherited from her aunt out of the red–and an upcoming contest during Modest’s annual food truck festival seems the best way to do it. Then maybe Rory will have enough time to meet the man she’s been talking to via an anonymous online dating site. Complications arise when Rory’s chef gets mono and she realizes she has to cook after all. Then Jude discovers that his stiffest competition is the same woman he’s been falling for online the past month. Will these unlikely chefs sacrifice it all for the sake of love? Or will there only ever be tacos for one? (Contemporary Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Riverbend Gap by Denise Hunter — She came in search of the family she’d always wanted—and found the kind of love she’d never dared to imagine. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan))

Worthy of Redemption by Krystina Renae Rankina — Ten years ago, tragedy sent her running… can friendship and maybe even love prove him worthy of redemption? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Home for Christmas by Cathe Swanson, et. al. — The 6th annual Christmas Lights Collection features active duty and veteran military members. (Contemporary Romance from Havilah Press Publications)

A Harvest Heart by Denise Weimer — Hope Richardson is good at just that—hoping. Problem is, she’s often disappointed—by fathers who die, boyfriends who ghost her, and lack of promotion at her event planning firm. It’s her twin sister, Faith, for whom things work out. When Faith’s fiancé lands an out-of-town job, Hope is called home to plan a wedding in the Georgia foothills … and jumpstart the tea room Faith was supposed to run with their mother. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

The Billionaire’s Secret by Meghann Whistler — He’s a billionaire hiding a devastating diagnosis. She’ll do whatever it takes to help her sick, matchmaking mom. A freak accident throws them together, but will his big secret tear them apart? Inspired by 2 Corinthians 12:9, The Billionaire’s Secret is a sweet inspirational romance with a swoony hero, LOTS of entertaining banter, and a strong Christian message. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Historical Mystery:

Murder at the Empire by Cathe Swanson — They call him the Emperor. John Starek fills his theater with fine artwork and treasures. He’s particularly pleased to have one of the country’s first female organists – and he thinks Gayle Wells is the bee’s knees. Despite pressure from her social crusader mother, Gayle isn’t interested in changing the world. She just wants a car of her own – and a career playing the organ at the Empire movie palace would be especially ducky. Then the Empire’s treasures start disappearing and employees start dying. Are a few pieces of art really enough motive for the string of murders? Will Gayle be next? (Historical Mystery from Celebrate Lit Publishing)
Historical Romance:

To Stand in the Breach by Danielle Grandinetti — 1933, Wisconsin – Large animal veterinarian Katy Wells takes her patients’ welfare personally, so it’s no surprise when she stands up to angry farmers planning a milk strike or takes in an injured draft horse to save its life. But after a visitor from the past discovers her location and reveals a threat, she must choose between her work and her freedom, and whether to trust a man to keep her safe. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

The Petticoat Spy by Elva Cobb Martin — A feisty Southern belle and a blockade runner ignite romance, faith, and fireworks to save Charleston during the American Revolution. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

A Family for Hazel by Linda Shenton Matchett — After the Civil War takes Hazel Markham’s father, and her mother dies of a broken heart, a friend of her parents hires Hazel as a companion. All is well until the woman’s lecherous son takes an interest in his mother’s assistant. When Hazel spurns his advances one too many times, the man frames her for theft, and she is fired. As a last resort she applies to be a mail-order bride, and to her dismay, her groom-to-be is a preacher. Will he believe her claims of innocence or reject her as unacceptable? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

In Pieces by Rhonda Ortiz — Boston, 1793—Beautiful and artistic, the only daughter of a prominent merchant, Molly Chase cannot help but attract the notice of Federalist Boston—especially its men. But she carries a painful secret: her father committed suicide and she found his body. Now nightmares plague her day and night, addling her mind and rendering her senseless. Molly needs a home, a nurse, and time to grieve and to find new purpose in life. But when she moves in with her friends the Robbs, spiteful society gossips assume the worst. And when an imprudent decision leads to public scandal, Molly is tempted to take the easy way out: a marriage of convenience. In the wake of tragedy, these longtime friends discover a new intimacy. But slander, confusion, absence, and a wealthy, conniving bully stand between them. And with French spies on the loose, they not only have to rescue their reputations—they have to protect their lives. (Historical Romance from WhiteFire Publishing)

The Wrangler’s Woman by Davalynn Spencer — Corra Jameson doesn’t think of herself as a spinster and is content to spend quiet evenings with her books. Paper beaus, her sister calls them, teasing her about the stories Corra reads. But when a rugged widower asks her to come to his ranch for the summer to help him with his tomboy daughter, she sees opportunity to earn a side of beef for her sister’s family. Besides, she has nothing to lose in the arrangement. Except perhaps her heart. Re-released from the 2016 ECPA bestselling Barbour collection, The Cowboy’s Bride. (Historical Romance from Wilson Creek Publishing)

Christmas Tree Wars by Delores Topliff — Kris Lundquist, am ambitious New York City financial planner, comes home to Wisconsin for two weeks to help his Swedish-American Christmas tree grower dad meet a financial crisis. While there, he gets re-acquainted with Marcie Halvorsen, the idealistic forestry-major niece of their cranky Norwegian neighbor who is also home to solve a financial shortfall. Both enter contests to provide national Christmas tree to build their businesses and sales. Despite their relationship seeming as star-crossed as Romeo and Juliet’s, they fall in love and help their families and town rediscover the reason for the season. (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press LLC)

A Heart for the Sailor by Terri Wangard — Working as a Winnie the Welder during World War II, Evelyn builds submarines. She’s good at her job, but men begrudge women taking jobs in heavy industry. She dreams of the day her sailor comes home and the life they’ll have, but does Jerry dream about her? When a typhoon threatens the US Fleet in the Pacific, Jerry and his shipmates aboard the Tabberer rush to the aid of their fellow sailors. The typhoon prompts a greater awareness of what he wants in life. First, though, they have to survive. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

A Deep Divide by Kimberley Woodhouse — After being kidnapped as a child, heiress Emma Grace McMurray has seen firsthand the devastation that greed causes in the world, and she wants nothing to do with it. When she discovers her father has offered her up as a bargaining chip to expand his empire, she disappears into the night. Determined to stay hidden, even if it means always looking over her shoulder, she finds herself working as a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar Hotel. When the son’s owner, Ray Watkins arrives at the hotel on business, he immediately admires Emma Grace, and though an attraction begins to form, she can’t let go of the deep-rooted fear that he’s just like every other wealthy man she’s known. When suspicious activity follows Emma Grace and Ray to the El Tovar, they are pulled into a mystery that stirs up their worst fears. And as shocking revelations come to light, they are left to question all they thought to be true. (Historical Romance from Bethany House (Baker) Publishing)

Romantic Suspense:

Deadly Connection by Kathy Harris — After fending off a would-be abductor, 27-year-old singer-songwriter Hannah Cassidy hides behind a car in the half-empty parking lot behind Pancake Pantry in Nashville. From there, she watches in horror as her attacker grabs another woman and pushes her into a nearby car. Within seconds, the vehicle speeds away. TBI Special Agent Jake Matheson may have planned a quiet day off and a date with Shannon―the only name her online profile revealed―for an introductory lunch, but after pulling into a parking space on 21st Avenue South, he hears a scream. He races to the back of the building and finds a frightened young woman bent forward and gasping for breath. Thrown together by uncanny circumstances and driven by the whys and what-ifs of secrets yet to be revealed, Hannah and Jake set out to find the connection between them before it becomes deadly. (Romantic Suspense/Thriller from Iron Stream Fiction (an imprint of Iron Stream Media))

Yuletide Cold Case Cover-Up by Jessica R. Patch — The mystery of her sister’s death is about to reveal some deadly answers…When her sister’s remains are found just before Christmas, cold case agent Poppy Holliday is determined to solve the years-old murder—even if it turns the killer’s sights on her. But her investigation with her straitlaced partner, Rhett Wallace, is stirring up the town’s old memories—and bitter grudges. And this killer will do anything to keep secrets buried. (Romantic Suspense/Thriller from Love Inspired (Harlequin))

Traces of Virtue by Robin Patchen — From her deathbed, Carly Garcia’s mother asked Carly to look after left her stepfather and her sisters. Carly is doing everything in her power to keep that promise, but now she has a new life to protect, this one innocent and vulnerable. She visits her ex to tell him a truth he doesn’t deserve to know… and witnesses his murder. Now, Carly’s on the run from killers whose faces she never saw. Braden Reilly is building a career in Coventry, New Hampshire, happy to put the drama of his crime-ridden Boston neighborhood behind him. When a woman he’s spent years trying to forget shows up on his doorstep, his first instinct is to turn her away. But the bruises on her arms and the fear in her eyes have him offering her sanctuary. The story she tells him makes his blood curdle. Together, they must discover who’s behind a murder nobody believes occurred before the killers catch up to Carly and her unborn child. (Romantic Suspense/Thriller, Independently Published)

Literary:
A Flicker of Light by Katie Powner — For generations, the Jensens have raised their families in the small Montana town of Moose Creek, where gossip spreads faster than the wind. Yet some secrets need to be told. When twenty-one-year-old Bea discovers she’s pregnant on the heels of her husband losing his job, she’s forced to admit she needs help and asks her dad for a place to stay. But past resentments keep her from telling him all that’s going on. Grandma June is good at spinning stories, but there’s one she’s never told. Now that her mind is starting to fade, her time to tell it is running out. But if she reveals the truth before her memories are gone forever, the Jensen family will never be the same. (Literary from Bethany House (Baker) Publishing)

Mystery:
Memories, Murder and Small Town Money by KC Hart — When Katy Cross finds one of Skeeterville’s supposedly upstanding citizens dead in the dumpster behind the grocery store, she has to work hard to find the killer before any more of the town’s colorful citizens are harmed. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

Speculative Fiction:
Book Title by Amanda G. Stevens — Unable for the last century to grow old or succumb to injury, Cady Schuster has lost a lot of people, some more recently than others. She’s trying to find new belonging in Harbor Vale, Michigan, among a welcoming little group of fellow ageless folk. Then she meets Paige, a mortal woman who needs a friend-and might need help.Paige’s husband rules their church with an authority unquestioned by his congregation. When Paige suddenly severs all communication, Cady determines to find her. Churchgoers warn her off, and the behavior of Paige’s husband proves a still bigger warning. Is this friend lost too, or can Cady help her? And how far should an ageless woman involve herself in the conflicts of mortals? (Speculative Fiction, Independently Published)

Thriller/Suspense:

Ice Cold Blue by Susan Page Davis — Campbell McBride is now working for her father Bill as a private investigator in Murray, Kentucky. Xina Harrison wants them to find out what is going on with her aunt, Katherine Taylor. Katherine is a rich, reclusive author, and she has resisted letting Xina visit her for several years. Xina arrived unannounced, and Katherine was upset and didn’t want to let her in. When Xina did gain entry, she learned Katherine fired her longtime housekeeper. She noticed that a few family heirlooms previously on display have disappeared. (Thriller/Suspense from Scrivenings Press LLC)

Western:
Love on the Range by Mary Connealy — While his brothers and their new wives search for who shot him, Wyatt Hunt is temporarily bedridden and completely miserable. Somehow Molly Garner’s limited skills have made her the most qualified in their circle to care for Wyatt. But by the time he’s healed, she’s fed up with him and the whole ungrateful family. For even worse than his grumpiness were the few unguarded moments when he pulled at her heartstrings, and she has been long determined to never repeat her mother’s mistakes. But when another Pinkerton agent gets shot, they realize Hawkins isn’t the only danger. The Hunt brothers will have to band together to face all the troubles of life and love that suddenly surround them. (Western from Bethany House (Baker) Publishing)

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

Elizabeth Van Lew, Female Spy — Cynthia L. Simmons ( + GIVEAWAY )

Today I’m happy to welcome author Cynthia L Simmons to the blog for a devotional post and giveaway. Read through to the end to find out how you can enter.

In 1818, Elizabeth Van Lew was born in Virginia. Both parents came from the North and joined the social elite of Richmond. Her father worked as a hardware merchant and earned a vast fortune. Her mother, Eliza, served as the perfect wife to John and obliging hostess to their guests. They purchased slaves to manage their mansion in Church Hill, an exclusive Richmond neighborhood. Both John and Eliza considered Elizabeth to be the most stubborn of their three children.

Elizabeth attended a Quaker school in Philadelphia and while there she embraced anti-slavery views. After she graduated, her family presented her as a Southern Belle to Richmond’s high society. Despite her activities among wealthy citizens, she didn’t marry and never characterized herself as an abolitionist. She said abolitionists were fanatics, and that term did not define her actions.

She begged her father to free his slaves, but he refused. However, when he died in 1843, she convinced her mother to release their slaves and used her own money to educate them. She even tried to keep Virginia from leaving the Union.

After the war began, Elizabeth couldn’t fight but she determined she would help. When Confederates opened Libby Prison, a converted a tobacco factory, to house Union soldiers, she saw her chance. She made friends with the superintendent and gained permission to visit the prisoners. She brought food and clothing to them and assisted several to escape. When the soldiers overheard vital information, she passed that along to the Union. A couple men she helped getaway told Union General Butler about her actions. He asked her to spy for the Union, and she agreed. She gathered twelve people to assist her.

A man on Butler’s staff taught her to use a cipher, and she devised creative ways to hide information. Her servants concealed messages in their shoes, and Elizabeth often buried notes in empty eggshells. Further, Elizabeth mumbled to herself in public and walked erratically to divert suspicion. As a result, people nicknamed her Crazy Beth.

She also placed a former slave, Mary Browser, in the Davis household as a servant. Jefferson Davis didn’t realize Mary had earned her education. He spoke freely around her, and he left out government documents which she scrutinized. Of course, Mary sent facts she unearthed to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth lived in difficult era, but she chose to use her money and energies to help others. After the war, Grant hired her to work for the postal service, but that job ended when he left the White House. She died penniless, but a grateful Union soldier paid for her funeral.

We live in tough times too. However, like Elizabeth we can rise to the challenge of Phil 2:4, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” When we do that, we can reflect the love of God who gave His only son to die for our sins.

GIVEAWAY

Leave a comment below to enter for a chance to win a free book. (Paperback for US winner / Ebook for international winner)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cynthia L Simmons is the mother of five grown children. Down-to-earth and practical, she uses her experience to model grace for all. Fond of times past, she writes both fiction and nonfiction combining history and scripture to minister to moms of all ages. However, she has a special place in her heart for young moms and homeschool moms. She’s a huge fan of sugar, tea, orchids, purple, re-enactments, friends, and ballroom dancing with her husband. https://clsimmons.com

Downloadable link for the first Chapter: https://clsimmons.com/product/reflecting-gold-first-chapter/

Website: https://clsimmons.com/

Radio/podcast: https://clsimmons.com/blog/

Purchase link: https://clsimmons.com/product/reflecting-gold/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hoopedskirtsandfaith

Twitter: @cynthialsimmons

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

FIRST SCENE FROM “REFLECTING GOLD”

Chapter One

Chattanooga

June 19, 1863

Mary Beth Chandler squinted against the morning sun as she and her husband trotted along the wooden sidewalk to C&R Bank. Her brow grew damp as she tried to match Peter’s pace. She brushed her hand across her forehead and peered down the street. The sun prevented clear focus, but—was the front door ajar? A thief? Not another attack on the bank. They had survived a couple in the past two years.

Surely not! Chattanooga had almost no crime, but she must believe what she saw. After her father’s recent death, she had inherited half the bank and felt the heavy responsibility. “Peter, look at the door—”

“No!” Peter released her arm and broke into a run, stirring up dust as he hurried across the street.

As he bolted away, Mary Beth almost lost her balance, but she lifted her skirt and followed, trying to ignore the dirt coating her dress. Breathless, she reached the bank just after her husband. Scratch marks covered the door, and the burglar had hacked off the doorknob.

Her husband’s face was tight and hard. “I hear someone inside. Stay here and don’t allow anyone in, not even employees.”

“Be careful.” Her stomach tightened as he headed into the bank to face unknown danger. If she’d had a weapon, she would have followed, but Peter carried a pistol inside his jacket. He’d told her he wanted to be prepared when the Union Army came marching in, as rumors of their movements increased. However, she had no desire to lose a loved one again. Her father’s recent death had sunk her into depression and left her without family nearby except for Peter’s kin. However, she adored Peter.

Wearing a floppy hat complete with flowers, Mrs. Phipps arrived, swishing her voluminous skirt. Peter had hired her as an assistant bookkeeper after her husband died, but she made numerous mistakes. While other employees struggled to train her, he considered changing her to bank receptionist. In spite of having grown thinner, Mrs. Phipps looked as if she were ready to visit President Davis rather than work in a bank. She fingered the cameo at her throat. “Is something amiss?”

Mary Beth held back a groan of disgust and nodded toward the bank where the damaged door stood ajar. If someone had emptied the safe, Mary Beth and Peter might end up on the street. However, Mrs. Phipps, too, would suffer since they paid her salary. Patience.

“I fear a burglary.”

Bang! Boom!

Mary Beth jumped and shrieked. That had to have been a gun, and the shots came from the basement—where the bank kept money. She started forward into the bank. God help us!

“Peter? Peter!”

“You can’t go in there,” Mrs. Phipps screamed, grabbing Mary Beth’s shoulders and shoving her backward onto the wooden sidewalk just beyond the door. As Mary Beth landed, her gaze fell on a planter full of purple cornflowers decorating the bank entry. How ridiculous their beauty seemed at such a moment. Her husband might be dead.

Author Spotlight — Angela Breidenbach ( + GIVEAWAY)

Today I’m happy to welcome author Angela Breidenbach to the blog for an author spotlight and giveaway. Read through to the end to find out how you can enter her giveaway.

• What are you reading right now?
  • Currently I’m reading a lot, and I mean a lot, of business documents. I don’t have time for leisure reading, but when I do get back to reading I have a book by Diana LeSire Brandmeyer pending.
    
• What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?
  • I’m learning how to play harp, albeit very slowly because I don’t have a lot of time to devote to it. But I really do love it.
    
• What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
  • I started taking ballet in beginning pointe this year. Seriously! I adore ballet. I get to do it about 2-3 times a week. Finding the right shoes for me at my age and slightly overweight body was quite a challenge. I’ve lost a lot of flexibility, but I hope to gain back muscle tone and flexibility over time. It’s the long game I’m after, not performance. I have no desire to perform. This is about the joy of dance for me and using it as a form of exercise even as I’m limited from not being in shape to start out. Nobody else has to see me. But I feel great practicing something I always wanted to do. Being en pointe is really hard! I’m challenged physically way out of my comfort zone.
    
• Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
  • I read all over the board! For my writing, I love historical fiction to historical non-fiction which often includes antique books. I also tend to read a lot of physical/health books, genealogical research, and psychology/sociology books. I read the Bible on my phone before I get out of bed, but I also love the Tree of Life version of the Bible in paperback. I also read screenwriting and writing craft books, business, and leadership non-fiction. Oddly, my favorite genre is time travel. I just haven’t had a lot of time for recreational reading lately.
    
• How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
  • Muse, my fe-lion personal assistant, is a beautiful Somali cat who is soft and entertaining. I take a few breaks each day to connect with him. I also try to take a ballet class or practice harp when I’m feeling overwhelmed with work/writing/research/marketing. And I’ll call a “lifeline”, a friend just to catch up and feel human connection.

GIVEAWAY:

READERS, Angela is giving away an ebook copy of “Song of the Rockies” to one winner, as well as a bookmark and bookplate to anyone who sends her their mailing address.

In honor of Mirielle, the heroine in Song of the Rockies, being a music teacher. If you could learn to play any instrument, what would it be? Could you go ahead and start learning?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Angela Breidenbach is a professional genealogist, media personality, bestselling author, and screenwriter. She’s also the Christian Authors Network president. Angie lives in Montana with her hubby and Muse, a trained fe-lion, who shakes hands, rolls over, and jumps through a hoop. Surprisingly, Angie can also. Don’t miss her show and podcast, Genealogy Publishing Coach!

http://AngelaBreidenbach.com

       Social Media: @AngBreidenbach

Amazon Author Page:

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/angela-breidenbach

FIRST SCENE

Helena, Montana — Winter, 1890

Mirielle spun from the schoolroom door. “What do you mean you’ll send them to military school or indenture them?” As cold as the Montana winter wind blew against the new glass windows, the heat in her blood boiled. “The newsies don’t need slavery. And they certainly don’t deserve the misery of military life when they haven’t even had a childhood!”

“Miss Sheehan,” the superintendent spoke softly. “All the town council asks is for you to help round up the boys. You’re not going to —”

“Betray them?” Mirielle balled her hands at her sides. “Those boys work hard. They trust me.”

He sighed. “Those boys are going to freeze to death if they don’t land in more trouble first.”

“They’ve been fine in the Shanahan stables. Albert and Calista have created spaces with cots in the stalls. I want a better home for each of them, we all do. But they outright refuse. At least they’re warm and safe.”

“You made my point for me, warm or not. Refusal to meet the norm means those boys can’t fit into society. They’re an unruly bunch and uncivilized. That madhouse they created during the Miss Snowflake Pageant was just the beginning. Running amuck like that in a ballroom.”

“They were just trying to catch the kitten when —”

“It all worked out that time, but cat or no cat, it just can’t continue.” He swiped a handkerchief against his brow.

“Remember those boys set up the ballroom in the first place. That has to say something about their character. Store owners are hiring them for message boys and—”

“They must become productive citizens, not gutter snipes.”

Mirielle shivered. Cold, yes, but confrontation always brought out a sweat in her superior.

His eyes softened, “As industrious as the newsies are at getting odd jobs to supplement their newspaper sales, the lot of them will not make it as adults without some form of discipline and an education.”

“Of course. That’s why Calista and I’ve been meeting the boys with food each day and reading lessons twice a week.” What did these people think — eleven young street boys would miraculously become model citizens? They needed love and people to teach them manners, not some convenient solution to rid the streets of orphans. “For pity’s sake, these are the same boys no one adopted from the Orphan Train—to rid cities back East of miscreants. All well meant then, too. Meant to rid them of a problem and dump it on other people.”

“Truly, I’m not here to argue.” Mr. Randolph straightened his back and dabbed his neck. “Either you help the merchants manage the mayhem or the sheriff will.”

“You’d do that?” Mirielle shook her head as her eyes misted. “After all our work, gaining their trust and friendship. Isn’t the goal to help those boys become solid citizens? They’ll be like caged animals. Education is the answer, not punishment.”

“Miss Sheehan, they’re already lacking social manners. Most folks feel the newsies are living like animals. It hurts hearts to see children scavenging like that little Joey boy even if he has the leader for a brother.” Mr. Randolph rolled back onto his heels. “Frankie is barely old enough to be on his own, if he’s truthful about his age. How is it right that he’s trying to provide for a six-year-old?”

She closed her eyes. “Of course it isn’t.” Mirielle opened her eyes and plead, “Can’t you see separating them would devastate not only those boys, but shatter the group? Frankie has managed to keep a ragtag bunch productive. They deserve a chance with our help.”

“I think they’re out of chances after that last incident.” He shook his head. “Boys can’t be running amuck in and out of stores and hopping trollies like leap frog. Poor Mrs. Broadwater nearly lost her shopping bags and her wits when one of those boys landed in her lap the other day.”

Mirielle almost laughed, but caught herself. The inconsistent trolley schedule irritated workers already. They’d be further annoyed by boys playing pranks, fun-loving or not. “Please ask the council for a little more time to educate them.”

She looked around the room as Mr. Randolph deliberated. Education. Yes! Why couldn’t the newsies come here? “I’ll talk to the priests and the school board about getting the newsies into a classroom.”

“I can’t see how that would work.”

“The church believes in charity. What better place for young boys to learn discipline and the social graces than an exclusive boys’ school?” But how would they manage eleven new students? Even a church has limits to their resources.

“Excuse me.”

Mirielle and Mr. Randolph startled at the baritone voice.

The intruder cleared his throat and looked at Mr. Randolph. “I apologize for interrupting, but I understand you’re the one to talk to about some boys placed here as boarders.”

Mirielle stepped back, the attractive man ducked to get into her classroom. She wasn’t a short woman. But goodness was he a tall man — with sand-colored straight hair and light blue eyes and… She swallowed back a gasp at the sight of his strong physique. What in the world? She’d seen attractive men before. Mirielle puckered her brows at the heat searing into her cheeks despite her efforts to quell it. What a goose reacting like that!

“Miss Sheehan, I’ll expect an answer by end of the week. The boys are in school and settled,” he held up his hand to ward off her interruption, “or they’re shipped off for a more disciplined education.”

Three days. She had three days to convince Frankie to convince ten other boys to start school. She already knew the argument. How would they earn enough income if they sat in a schoolroom all day? But they wouldn’t have to scrounge for meals if they’d agree to boarding school. It was all-inclusive.

Mirielle swallowed a groan. Where would she get the additional funds to convince the priests and the headmaster the new school could support eleven more boarding students?

Mr. Randolph turned to the visitor. “And you, sir, are?”

The handsome man extended a hand to the school’s headmaster. “Evan Russell, sir.” They shook. His eyes flicked up to Mirielle’s as he also offered a polite handshake to her. “Ma’am.”

A tingle raced from fingertip to elbow to shoulder to heart. Mirielle’s eyes grew wide at the ripple. She couldn’t look away from his similarly stunned eyes. And that ripple hadn’t stopped racing through her arm like a sudden flash flood rushing into her heart.

“Miss Sheehan?” Mr. Randolph broke into her silence. “I believe your duties call.”

“Um, yes.” She snatched her hand back. Flustered? The teacher who could manage the toughest child and go toe-to-toe with the most demanding parent? She never flustered. What did he do to her? “My—uh—pleasure to meet you, Mr. Russell.” Mirielle forced herself to back away.

His gaze stayed connected to hers as Mirielle bumped into her desk and then felt her way around it like a miner in a blackout. A flush rushed boot to root. She jerked her chin away and plopped into her seat. Better to concentrate on grading than on being graded by a strange man. She swallowed. Such a man, for certain, with strong, wide shoulders filling out the heavy wool coat.

He seemed to hear Mirielle’s thoughts as his gaze still heating her skin. Electricity passed between them as strong as the gusts against the glass.

Did you enjoy the opening scene?

Get your copy: https://AngelaBreidenbach.com/song-of-the-rockies

Murder at Buckskin Joe — J.v.L. Bell ( + GIVEAWAY)

Today I’m happy to welcome author J.v.L. Bell to the blog as she shares about her new book, Murder at Buckskin Joe. Read through to the end to find out how you can enter the giveaway.

Colorado’s vibrant history is filled with colorful characters and hard-to-believe stories, many of which are so funny it’s hard to imagine they were true. For example, on February 8, 1860, the Rocky Mountain News published details of the “Turkey War” of 1860. In this war, never-do-gooders—nicknamed Bummers—made off with a wagonload of turkeys, proving as ‘59er Uncle Dick Wootton once said, “Stealing is the only occupation of a considerable proportion of the population.” During the Turkey War, excitement ran high as witnesses identified the criminals, including my personal favorite, “Chuck-a-luck” William Todd.

Author J.v.L. Bell loves to incorporate these humerous historical characters and lore into her Colorado Historical Mysteries. In her latest release, Murder at Bucskin Joe, she explores 1865 South Park, giving her readers an exciting cozy murder mystery intertwined with dancehall girls and the story of Silverheels, a Ute scalp dance, the Odd Fellows Society inition ceremony, and hard-to-forget, loveable characters.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Murder at Buckskin Joe

Territory of Colorado, 1865

Millie knows the raucous mining town of Buckskin Joe is no place for children, but when Dom’s Uncle George shows up needing help, Millie and Dom reluctantly head to South Park. George has been accused of murdering his mining partner, Wandering Will, and Millie soon questions his innocence, although there are many suspects who wanted Will dead.

 There’s fancy-girl Queeny, Will’s ex-wife, and dancehall-girl Kate, who wanted to be Will’s next wife—until he dumped her. Mountain man Kootenay despised Will enough to have dispatched him and the Odd Fellows have seized George and Will’s mine, claiming the gold inside is theirs. Even the local lawman might not be trustworthy, although he bakes pies so tasty Millie might kill for them.

Millie’s investigation heats up when Dom volunteers to visit the local saloon for some hands-on investigating of Queeny and Kate. Interruptions from hostile Utes, the children’s devilment, and the local schoolmistress chasing after Dom make this Millie’s most difficult investigation—especially when the killer decides she is getting too close.

Murder at Buckskin Joe weaves a cozy murder mystery with fascinating South Park mining history and lovable, unforgettable historic characters.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

or order Murder at Buckskin Joe at your local bookstore.

GIVEAWAY:

Readers, leave a comment below to enter for a chance to win a free copy of MURDER AT BUCKSKIN JOE. *US audiences only, please.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author J.v.L. Bell is a Colorado native who grew up climbing 14,000 foot mountains, exploring old ghost towns, and hiking in the deserts of Utah. She loves reading and researching frontier history and incorporating these facts into her novels.  Her historic mysteries are interwoven with amusing historical stories and lore, interesting characters, and historic events. 

Contact: Julie@JvLBell.com

Website: http://jvlbell.com/

First Page of Book:

“I swear, the tomfoolery of those children will drive me to murder,” Millie said, her Southern accent rolling her a’s and stretching tomfoolery into five syllables. Her husband, Dom, mumbled a nonverbal response as he used her dish rag to wipe off a white and black speckled rock with small blue crystals, something he’d called Fluorite and Sphalerite. He sat at their rough wooden table, his back to Millie, his tools neatly laid out as he prepared to do a fire assay. Millie shook her head knowing Dom hadn’t heard a word she’d said.

Sighing, she turned her attention to the slab of bloody flesh laying on her prized Charter Oak cookstove. None of her beloved cookbooks offered advice on porcupine, but Millie had seen the pride in the eyes of their adopted son, Hosa, when he presented his kill. He’d even offered Millie the raw heart—a cherished morsel in his Arapaho culture. Millie had politely accepted the kill but refused the morsel, looking away as he eagerly devoured it.

To Millie, the porcupine heart was just one more example of the difficulty of raising an Arapaho son. Last November, she’d saved Hosa’s life after Colorado soldiers massacred his mother, along with most of his peaceful tribe. Millie brought the eleven-year-old boy home, but she often wondered if her skills as a mother—or lack thereof—were adequate to raise the boy, no matter how much she loved him. The thought brought another and she turned back to Dom. “Has Hosa talked to you about wanting a horse?”

Queen of the Rockies — Angela Breidenbach ( + GIVEAWAY )

Today I’m happy to welcome author Angela Breidenbach to the blog for an author spotlight and more. Read through to the end to find out how you can enter to win her giveaway.

Sometimes the most surprising discoveries don’t seem possible. In researching Queen of the Rockies, and the entire series, I fell in love with the history of Montana. Most of the series is set in Helena, the state capitol. But a couple of things caught my attention. One of those things was how difficult two of the major players were in Montana concerning transportation.

The two men were so competitive that no one could get to work on time in the 1880s because one man owned a trolley system that went one direction, and the other man owned the system that crossed in the other direction. These two fellows refused to compromise and match up the schedules for people to transfer between the trollies. Understanding who these men were helps me to understand people haven’t changed much over the centuries! And, this historical tidbit was a one-liner found in a newspaper article written in frustration by someone who was tired of being late to work!

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT:

What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?
I love this question! You made me laugh because my car time is very eclectic like my writing. My brain is really all over the place. When I’m alone in my car I run through anything that strikes me including story ideas. I wrote an entire story in my head in the car once. Sometimes it’s a great time to pray. When the worries of the world are pressing in on me, the car on long drives is a great place to have long talks with God. Then other times I’m singing at the top of my lungs or listening to my favorite podcasts.

Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?
Queen of the Rockies is followed by book 2, Song of the Rockies in the 6-book Queen of the Rockies series with monthly debuts from Sep 1, 2021 through Feb. 1, 2022. Song of the Rockies is the story of a sweet music teacher given one chance or else! Evan Russell lost everything-his ranch, his wife, and now after trusting relatives with his young son, even his little boy is gone. How can a beautiful symphony of the heart come from chaos?
Song of the Rockies is the October release followed by Heart of the Rockies in November and Flower of the Rockies in December.

Why do you write the kind of books you do?
I love genealogy, history, and finding an unusual story hidden in long forgotten documents, books, and newspapers. Writing historical fiction with elements of romance and genealogy lets me explore those hidden nuggets fully. I get to imagine what the people would have said and done. When I walk into a castle ruin or a historical home, it’s like time travel to me. When I write, I want to create that sense of traveling back in time for my reader, too. Sharing the truth of history, even through fictional characters who interact with real historical people, is important for the integrity of the story, time, and place. You never know, you might find your ancestor in one of my books!

How has being published changed your life?
Being published gave me the confidence that I could be me the way that God designed me to be. Now I’m fearless in going after the goals I believe God put inside me from before I was born.

GIVEAWAY:

I have beautiful full color bookplates for each book in the series. If anyone would like me to sign a set and mail it to you for free, I’d be delighted to do that for you. Send me your address via the contact page on my website (AngelaBreidenbach.com) and I’ll send you a bookplate for each book in the series.

QUESTION FOR READERS:

I included Montana travel tips in the back of Queen of the Rockies for people who’d like to visit. What do you think of when you imagine visiting Montana?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Angela Breidenbach is a professional genealogist, media personality, bestselling author, and screenwriter. She’s also the Christian Authors Network president. Angie lives in Montana with her hubby and Muse, a trained fe-lion, who shakes hands, rolls over, and jumps through a hoop. Surprisingly, Angie can also. Don’t miss her show and podcast, Genealogy Publishing Coach!

http://AngelaBreidenbach.com

Find Angie on any social media: @AngBreidenbach

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/angelabreidenbach

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/angela-breidenbach

EXCERPT:

Queen of the Rockies

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7: 12, KJV

 Helena, Montana Territory—November 7, 1889

Stop that!” Calista Blythe wrestled her skirts free from the insistent waif. “What are you doing?” She twisted around in a circle as she collapsed the umbrella, dodging packages as they tumbled. Calista waited for her carriage to circle back down Main Street, the newly erected Power Building’s massive stone walls seemed a good idea to keep her out of the sharp wind. But Calista hadn’t counted on a street urchin to mug her. They were getting too brazen — and desperate —with winter descending on Montana. What could she do about dozens of orphans dumped off of trains? Something had to be done for the abandoned children no one adopted when they reached the last stop on the Orphan Train route. No one did. Calista’s heart squeezed a little.

The child twisted her hands into Calista’s blue velvet coat and held on like a bedraggled kitten clawed into a tree trunk. “Please miss, don’t let ‘im whip me no more.” The little girl whimpered in a heavy Irish brogue as tears ran muddy rivers on her reddened cheeks, and she trembled in the cold.

“Who?” Calista craned to see around the corner of the grayish pink battered stone of the business building that served Helena, Montana’s Last Chance Gulch. She caught sight of Albert Shanahan’s handsome, stunned face as he endured confrontation with an angry manservant. The thin switch whistled through the air and slapped against the butler’s gloved palm.

Calista’s body rattled with an involuntary shudder. “Oh my!” Calista ducked back

before she drew attention as the manservant entered a nearby shop. Had the little bumpkin been whacked with that weapon? “Why are you in trouble?”

Get your copy of Queen of the Rockies: https://angelabreidenbach.com/angelas-books/

September 2021 New Releases

September 2021 New Releases More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Contemporary/Women’s Fiction:

The Gathering Table by Kathryn Springer — Winsome Lake, Wisconsin, is postcard pretty, but for personal chef Jessica Keaton it’s also a last resort. Fired from her dream job, Jess is starting over as a live-in cook and housekeeper. When she arrives, she finds her new employer is in rehab after having a stroke, and Jess expects she’ll be all alone in Elaine Haviland’s quaint house. A chef with no one to cook for. Instead, she encounters a constant stream of colorful visitors who draw her back into the world. (Contemporary/Women’s Fiction from Love Inspired (Harlequin))
Contemporary Romance:
The Heart of Splendid Lake by Amy Clipston — When Brianna Porter’s father unexpectedly dies, Brianna is steeped in grief and guilt—then left alone to clean up the mess. To make matters worse, a constant stream of real estate brokers begins marching through her property, offering to buy the family land. In particular, she keeps running into handsome real estate mogul Scott Gibson. As Brianna struggles to keep it all together, Scott finds his way into her heart. And as the two fight against their feelings, they just might find themselves forging a surprising and exciting new love at Splendid Lake. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan))

A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano — All theater romances are tragedies. Ella Blythe knows this. Still, she cannot help but hope her own story may turn out different than most–and certainly different than the tragic story of the Ghost of Craven Street Theater. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan))

Historical Romance:
Brides of the Old West by Amanda Cabot — Four unlikely couples. Four unexpected chances at happiness. Four unforgettable stories of love and faith in the Old West. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Daria’s Duke by Linda Shenton Matchett — After the death of her father, Daria Burke is thrust into the role of a servant by her stepmother. Locked in her room one night, Daria watches as the woman and her daughters sashay from the house wearing her mother’s gowns and jewelry. Realizing she’ll never be accepted as family, she flees the house and applies to be a mail-order bride. Then the sheriff arrives on the eve of her wedding with an arrest warrant. Can she prove her innocence or will she go to jail and lose her one chance at happiness? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Hers to Love by Sherrinda Ketchersid — Fiona McGowan, a beautiful Scottish widow without hope for a family of her own, travels to St. Mary’s Convent to become a nun. In route she is kidnapped by handsome Highlander Adam MacIntosh in a case of mistaken identity. Adam, laird of the MacIntosh clan, is attempting to free his brother held captive by the rival Fergus clan. The failure of his plan leaves him reeling with betrayal, death, and a wee babe in sore need of a healer. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Mystery:
The Notorious Noel Caper by Sally Carpenter — A former teen idol investigates murders at a Christmas theme park while he tries to figure out his relationship with his girlfriend. (Mystery/Cozy from Cozy Cat Press)

The Secret of Emerald Cottage by Julie Lessman — Twenty-five-year-old Molly Stewart—ex-Navy nurse and former evidence technician for the Charleston Police Department—has been burned by love. So when her friend, Pastor Chase Griffin, begs her to move to scenic Lake Loon to be a nurse and companion for Miss Lilly, his elderly landlady, she jumps at the chance. The secluded and cozy cottage on a clear mountain lake seems the perfect place to heal from her fiancé’s betrayal as well as indulge in one of her greatest passions—cozy romance. First with reading them by the bookcase and then hopefully, if dreams come true, writing and solving them one day as an author and detective. But when Miss Lilly’s estranged great nephew shows up, it’s no mystery as to why he and Molly butt heads. Because it only takes one stolen kiss—while she’s sleeping, no less—to discover he’s an even bigger player than the ex-fiancé who broke her heart. (Romance/Mystery, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:
Home Run by Cathe Swanson — Phoebe Schenstrom’s always been a bit bossy. After all, she’s the oldest of ten children, has worked as a nanny and run the children’s ministry at the Unity Plenkiss Community Center for three years. But when a clash – or two – with clients leads to her suspension, she needs to prove that she’s more than a babysitter. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Personal Threat by Kimberly Rose Johnson — Christmas is supposed to be the happiest time of the year, but when Sally’s young daughter, Emma, becomes the target of child traffickers, and the little girl’s biological father wants Sally dead, the Christmas season takes a dark turn. Police officer, Dillon Brady, responds to a call for help at the home of his friend and Protection Inc. bodyguard, Sally Wilson. When their relationship tips beyond friendship, Dillon is determined no one will hurt Sally or her daughter again. Will his resolve be enough? (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Speculative Fiction:
The Next Fithian: An Ordinary Teen on a Strange, New World by Rick Barry — Was this a new life – or a death sentence? When Rankin Johnson boards a flight to Israel, he expects an adventure in archeology. But the airplane comes under attack and explodes in midair. Rankin shouts, “God, I’m yours!” Instantly, he’s in some other place. An angel informs Rankin the Lord is pleased to accept his offer. He dubs Rankin “the next Fithian” – a messenger from God, not to Earth, but to planet Zemna in the alternate dimension. What happened to the previous Fithian? “He was killed,” the angel says before vanishing. (Speculative Fiction/Soft Science Fiction, Independently Published)

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