Live By The Word -- News & Blog

Join me today on my final guest blogger...of this season. Yes, it's true, but I also believe that the Lord leads us through seasons and times. Who knows? I may reinstate the blog again...waiting to hear from Him. In the meantime, if you aren't subscribed to my monthly News You Can Use that features books, events, and sales, hop onto www.donnaschlachter.com and sign up. AND if you aren't a member of my Facebook group "The Purpose-Full Writer" (and you don't need to be a writer to be a member), hop on over to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/604220861766651 And finally, if you'd like to join my FREE webinar on learning how to tell, share, and save family stories for future generations, register here and get a complimentary download that shares how to tell your story in 3 to 5 minutes: www.thepurposefullwriter.com/leavealegacy As Donna’s blog winds down this month, I want to express my thanks for her willingness to extend space over the years for other authors. It’s hard to generate reader awareness, so I appreciate her, and each of you. My goal was to present to you Building Hearts, #3 in my small-town romance series Surrendering Hearts. This is a six-book series where the Hart sextuplets discover their identity and try to find a love like their parents shared. Each sibling has their own story to tell, and Building Hearts is Evan’s journey. Evan is the middle child and known for projects and schemes that keep the family in the national spotlight. This time he landed a reality show that features his siblings and their efforts to restore brother Ryan’s dilapidated home. It’s Evan’s chance to highlight his skills and prove he isn’t a fraud but a talent. Shea Madden is the other co-producer and her reality show background has scars. Building with the Harts is her second chance and she doesn’t want anything---not Evan’s newbie ideas or corporate suits with no compassion to ruin this. As Evan and Shea navigate the land mines behind the scenes, they realize they have a lot more in common than they thought. Can the two surrender their pain and create a family friendly show that will bring the Hart family closer and not tear them apart? Unfortunately Building Hearts is not ready to release. Besides writing, I also am active in ministry. 2024 was full of serving in that area, and I have no regrets. Although the release is delayed, things are coming together in 2025 that I believe Building Hearts will be available later this year. After that, James, Kelly, and Paige still have their stories. I can’t wait to present this family series to you. The good news is I have a release to share with you. Last fall I was invited to join a small-town romance series called Dogwood Creek Matchmakers. Every other month through 2026 there will be a new release in the series. The contributing authors are Leah Atwood, Robin Bayne, Joann Durgin, Dawn Kinzer, Lori Soard and me. My first title, Clean Sweep, will be available November 1. Lori kicked the series off with Chasing Snowflakes. I read it and I fell in love with Charlie and Lydia. Lori crafted a beautiful intro to Dogwood Creek, Tennessee. If you enjoy small-town romances, I highly recommend you read Chasing Snowflakes . I’m blessed to have two projects in the works that I can offer you in 2025. To be sure you’re in the loop, find me on Link Tree and follow me across book sites and social media. I love to connect with readers. Be sure to say hello! Chasing Snowflakes : https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Snowflakes-Contemporary-Christian-Matchmakers-ebook/dp/B0DS1GT32Y About Julie and Connecting Online: Julie Arduini writes small-town romances featuring Christian surrender themes and chocolate mentions. She’s the author of the series SURRENDERING HEARTS (Anchored Hearts, Repairing Hearts, +four more). Her other romance series is SURRENDERING TIME (Entrusted, Entangled, Engaged). She also co-wrote a YA/Women’s Fiction series with her daughter, SURRENDERING STINKIN’ THINKIN’ (You’re Beautiful, You’re Amazing, You’re Brilliant). Her stand-alone romances include MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN and RESTORING CHRISTMAS. In 2025 she joins Leah Atwood, Robin Bayne, JoAnn Durgin, and Dawn Kinzer with the small-town romance series Dogwood Creek Matchmakers. Julie maintains a blog at juliearduini.com and Substack. She resides in Ohio with her husband and daughter. Learn more by visiting her at http://linktr.ee/JulieArduini

Help me welcome author and blogger Susan G. Mathis as she shares another excerpt from her most recent release. I don’t need a stepmother! —an excerpt from Emma’s Engagement, book three of the Love at a Lighthouse series Ada shrugged away from his touch, her resentment palpable. “I don’t want her here, and I don’t want you to marry.” Her voice was tinged with frustration. “She’s just going to ruin everything, and I don’t need a stepmother.” His heart sank at her words, his own pain mingling with hers. He had hoped this would be easier. “Ada, sweetheart, Emma is not trying to replace your mom. She just wants to be a part of our lives.” But Ada wasn’t listening. Her shoulders slumped, and she turned away, her steps heavy as she retreated to her room leaving him standing alone, his heart aching with the weight of her rejection. What was he going to do? He wanted to go after her, to comfort her, to reassure her that everything would be okay. But she was so much like him, and he knew she needed time to process her feelings, to come to terms with the changes in their lives. With a heavy sigh, he made his way toward the lighthouse, the beacon of light that seemed to guide his path through the darkness of uncertainty. He’d show Emma its inner workings—and the incredible view. But even as he waited to show her the light for the first time and see her face light up with wonder, his thoughts were of Ada, his beloved daughter whose pain he couldn’t bear to see. His child’s words echoed in his mind, her anguished plea replaying like a broken record. Her resistance to Emma’s presence and her fear of change, haunted him. He understood Ada’s apprehension, her angst over losing the life they had built together, just the two of them against the world. Ever since his wife passed away, they had formed a bond that was unbreakable even with distance, a bond born out of shared grief and unwavering love. But he also couldn’t deny the love he felt for Emma, the way she had brought light back into his life after years of darkness. Emma understood his pain, his loss, in a way that no one else had, and no matter how much Ada objected, he couldn’t let Emma go. Was he being selfish, putting his own happiness above his daughter’s? Was he asking too much of her, expecting her to accept Emma into their lives without question? About Emma’s Engagement: Emma Row embarks on a journey that will test her resilience and love. She marries Michael Diepolder, the Rock Island Lightkeeper and widower, a man who seeks a companion for both himself and his eleven-year-old daughter, Ada. But as she steps into the role of lightkeeper’s wife with a heart full of hope, little does she know that the idyllic setting conceals challenges that will shake the foundation of her happiness. Isolation creeps in, compounded by Ada’s determination to keep her father all to herself. As a storm looms, Emma must grapple with the difficulties of being a stepmother and lightkeeper’s wife. Will she find her place, or will the tumultuous waves of doubt and isolation tear them apart? For Michael, Emma is not just a wife but the hope for his future. But the lighthouse life and being a stepmother proves harder for Emma than he ever imagined, and Ada’s animosity only intensifies it. When the lighthouse inspector questions Emma’s place due to her Canadian heritage and Ada become deathly ill, the very foundation of their family is shaken. Can their family find solace and unity on this tiny island? Amid the swirling tempest of challenges, Emma, Michael, and Ada must discover the strength within themselves and each other to weather the storm. Emma’s Engagement is a poignant tale of love, resilience, and the enduring bonds that can form in the most unexpected places. This fictional story is based on the actual lives of Michael and Emma Diepolder. About Susan: Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has thirteen in her Thousand Islands fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Peyton’s Promise, Rachel’s Reunion, Mary’s Moment, A Summer at Thousand Island House, Libby’s Lighthouse , and Julia’s Joy , and Emma’s Engagement . Find out more at www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction . Where can people find her online? Susan’s website: https://www.susangmathis.com/fiction-books Buy links: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Wild Heart Books Social media links: Website | Author Central | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Instagram | Goodreads l Book Bub | Pinterest

Help me welcome author Lisa Pelissier as she shares about her most recent release. About The New Kid The new kid is weird. He's skinny. He's short. He doesn't even like pizza. And he pokes people. That's when the real weirdness starts, along with Grayson's suspicions that this new kid is not what he seems. Will the second graders be able to figure out what's going on before anything scary happens? Getting to know Lisa: Lisa Pelissier lives in Oregon where she is a homeschool mother of four and self-published author of six middle-grade fiction novels, as well as two early-readers' chapter books and two YA fantasy novels. Lisa owns SneakerBlossom Books, offering Christian, classical homeschool study guides and curriculum. She also works as a freelance copy editor, copy writer, and virtual assistant. She blogs at Eleventh Willow (at the SneakerBlossom website), a site she and two friends started for Christians parenting the mentally ill. In her spare time Lisa enjoys making art, playing the piano, and singing. Connecting Online: Website: https://www.sneakerblossom.com/ Email: sneakerblossom (at) yahoo.com Blog: https://www.sneakerblossom.com/eleventhwillow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.pelissier.author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisaedkela/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/edkela/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lisa-Pelissier/author/B08794GCR1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SneakerBlossom TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisapelissier1   “You have to write another Monsters book!” She was insistent. And she had ideas. That’s how book 3 of the Monsters at My School series, The New Kid, came about. My consultant was a demanding, creative eleven-year-old who loves the Monsters series. Sometimes inspiration comes naturally. Sometimes you have to look for it. And sometimes it’s forced upon you. The New Kid sees Grayson, Kinsley, and the other second graders facing the hideous unknown—a new kid in the second grade. He’s not just new, he’s weird. He’s skinny. He’s short. He doesn’t even like pizza! And worse than that, he pokes people. When Grayson complains about Bruno at dinner, his parents tell him to be nice. “If you’re nice to him, he will be nice to you.” Grayson doesn’t think it works that way, but he’s willing to give it a try. That’s when the real weirdness starts. Bruno only eats meat. He can jump higher than Grayson’s head. And (gulp) the second graders start to suspect he might be . . . a monster. When Mila finds a mysterious golden object on the playground, the kids are determined to figure out what’s going on. Together with their slimy, furry, googly-eyed monster friends, a little kidnapping, a little danger, and a whole lot of heart, the second graders solve the mystery and, once again, save the day. This series is lighthearted and quirky. The characters are usually nice kids who sometimes do the wrong thing—like bullying Bruno, stealing glue, and, well, kidnapping. This series strives to see the world from a second-grade perspective. While my characters do experience remorse over their misdeeds, I strive to avoid a preachy tone. What kid doesn’t understand that bullying, stealing, and kidnapping are wrong? The thing they need to hear is that they can get past the ways they’ve offended others. They can be granted grace. And they can forgive others. Everyone has their own gifts they bring to the group—from Kinsley’s love of baking to Riley’s ability to spit and Ollie’s nerdy brain. No one’s gifts are less valuable than anyone else’s. I guess a prominent theme might be something like this: Life will surprise you. You’re going to mess up, but if you keep trying to do the right thing, it’s going to turn out okay. Like Marcus Aurelius said in his Meditations, (and I’m paraphrasing), no one can harm you if you stay true to doing right. The New Kid will be released on January 16, 2025. At the same time—from January 16 to 18—the e-book version of the first book in the series will be free. The Monsters at My School (Book 1): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C51XDJ5D/ Monsters in Trouble (Book 2): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLH6PWYS/ The New Kid (Book 3): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSDX9FFX/

Join me today as author and blogger Susan G. Mathis shares about her upcoming release. Join the Row-family women, Libby, Julia, and Emma, as they navigate the isolation, danger, and hope for lasting love at three different Thousand Island lighthouses in the St. Lawrence River. [Note: These can be read in any order.] Emma’s Engagement (book three) Emma Row embarks on a journey that will test her resilience and love. She marries Michael Diepolder, the Rock Island Lightkeeper and widower, a man who seeks a companion for both himself and his eleven-year-old daughter, Ada. But as she steps into the role of lightkeeper’s wife with a heart full of hope, little does she know that the idyllic setting conceals challenges that will shake the foundation of her happiness. Isolation creeps in, compounded by Ada’s determination to keep her father all to herself. As a storm looms, Emma must grapple with the difficulties of being a stepmother and lightkeeper’s wife. Will she find her place, or will the tumultuous waves of doubt and isolation tear them apart? For Michael, Emma is not just a wife but the hope for his future. But the lighthouse life and being a stepmother proves harder for Emma than he ever imagined, and Ada’s animosity only intensifies it. When the lighthouse inspector questions Emma’s place due to her Canadian heritage and Ada become deathly ill, the very foundation of their family is shaken. Can their family find solace and unity on this tiny island? Amid the swirling tempest of challenges, Emma, Michael, and Ada must discover the strength within themselves and each other to weather the storm. Emma’s Engagement is a poignant tale of love, resilience, and the enduring bonds that can form in the most unexpected places. This fictional story is based on the actual lives of Michael and Emma Diepolder. Julia’s Joy (book two) When Julia Collins reluctantly sets foot on Sister Island, compelled by her grandmother’s will, she is intent on claiming her inheritance and moving on. But when she experiences the peaceful, faith-filled island life and connects with the handsome lightkeeper, William, Julia finds herself confronting her open wounds from her parents’ deaths. William Dodge, lightkeeper of Sister Island, harbors a heart hardened by a past betrayal. Between that and his chronic pleurisy, he wants nothing to do with love. But when Julia arrives on the island bursting with vitality and unconventional notions, William’s world is turned upside down. As she chips away at the walls William has built for himself, he finds his reluctance waning. But just as love begins to blossom between them, Julia is faced with a tempting proposal from a prominent Brockville family. Will she succumb to societal expectations or choose the richness of her island life and the love of the steadfast lightkeeper? Libby’s Lighthouse (book one) Elizabeth Montonna, daughter of the Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse keeper, thought she’d love the lighthouse life forever—until her mother, on her deathbed, reveals a long-buried secret. Now Elizabeth’s world has been turned upside down, making her question if she’ll ever truly belong and be loved. But when a dashing young sailor appears on her shore, wounded and disoriented, she finds purpose in helping him recover. Although the man knows nothing about his past or identity, his kindness and character steal a little more of her heart each day. If only she knew his full name. When Owen awakes on the shore of Lake Ontario with no knowledge of who he is, or where he was headed when his ship wrecked, he has no choice but to accept the hospitality of the lighthouse keeper and his lovely daughter. But as Owen works to repay their kindness, and his relationship with Libby turns into something more, he knows their budding romance can go no further until he uncovers his past. With each passing day, Owen inches closer to discovering the secrets of his identity, but will the revelations bring him closer to Libby or tear them apart forever? An Excerpt from Emma’s Engagement (coming Jan 21): “Well, young lady, I’ve been thinking about that. Your father and I will miss you terribly, but we know you need a good education. To celebrate your return to academic endeavors and to acknowledge you are indeed growing up fast, how about I make you a new hat, a real grownup bonnet? You see, until I took the post as librarian at Thousand Island Park, I was a skilled milliner. I worked at it for years.” With the last button closed, Ada turned to look at her, her eyes wide. “Then, why do you wear that old hat?” As soon as the words came out of her mouth, she clamped both hands over her lips as if to keep any more words from coming out. She just as quickly released her hands and took a deep breath. “Sorry. That was mean.” Instead of being upset, Emma chuckled. “Thank you for the apology. That old hat is a treasured heirloom from my mother. She wore it for her wedding to my father. I know it’s old and unfashionable, but somehow it gives me comfort.” Ada frowned. “It’s not so bad, really. I was just in a bad mood that day I made fun of it.” Emma waved off her concern. “It’s okay, but remember to always use your words to be kind, Ada. I see you’ve been working hard on that, and I commend you for it. Keep up the good work, darling.” Ada nodded. “I will, Emma.” Emma took Ada’s hand and tugged her to her room. “And now, let me show you my secret treasure trove of fabrics and trimmings that I have hidden in one of my steamer trunks. You can pick the fabric, lace, ribbons, and I’ll make you a bonnet or a fascinator you can wear on your first day back to school.” Ada scrunched up her nose. “What’s the difference?” Emma smiled. “Well, fascinators are smaller, more decorative hats that don’t have a brim or a crown, and you know what bonnets are.” “Then I definitely would like a decorative bonnet, please. Those fancy fascinators are for older girls.” Emma chuckled. One minute she wanted to be a lady and the next stay a little girl. “Sounds good to me, sweetheart.” Gently lifting the lid of her largest truck, Emma revealed a stunning assortment of fabrics in a rainbow of colors and textures. She showed Ada her soft silks in delicate pastels, shimmering organzas, and luxurious satins. And of course, she kept wools, cottons, linens, duck, and seersuckers for everyday wear that lay at the bottom of the trunk. Ada’s eyes widened with wonder as she ran her fingers over the materials. “Such an array, Emma. How shall I ever choose?” About Susan: Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has thirteen in her Thousand Islands fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Peyton’s Promise, Rachel’s Reunion, Mary’s Moment, A Summer at Thousand Island House, Libby’s Lighthouse , and Julia’s Joy , and Emma’s Engagement . Find out more at www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction . Where can people find her online? Susan’s website: https://www.susangmathis.com/fiction-books Buy links: Amazon Barnes&Noble | Wild Heart Books Social media links: Website | Author Central | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Instagram | Goodreads l Book Bub | Pinterest |

Help me welcome author Lauralee Bliss as she shares her latest release and generously offers a choice of of free ebook to one lucky winner. About Lauralee: Lauralee is an avid adventurer as well as an author of over thirty novels with When the Avalanche Roared being her 31st. When not writing she can be found on her favorite hiking trail, having logged over 12,000 hiking miles. Find out about all her adventures in books and hiking at https://lauraleebliss.com A Peek Inside the Book: Chapter 1 SEPTEMBER 1909 EVERETT, WASHINGTON The hand shook in a voiceless plea for help. She strained, trying in vain to grasp the hand, reaching ever closer, nearly there. A cry rose up in her throat for heavenly grace and strength. Please, oh please. Help me reach. Just a little bit more. Oh God, I must help. Help me! Again came a rumble in her throat, the effort causing every part of her to cry out. “Help!” “Lillian!” Lillian Hartwick awoke with a start, the vision quickly disappearing into the realm of reality with the worried eyes of Mother standing over her. She drew herself to a sitting position. Only a moment ago she had lain back on the settee to think. “I must have fallen asleep.” She wiped her damp forehead with her hand. “What a terrible dream.” “I heard you cry for help from the other room. Do you want to talk about it?” Lillian shook her head, inhaled a deep breath…. Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/When-Avalanche-Roared-Day-Remember/dp/B0CYDDKV98 Connecting Online: Website: https://lauraleebliss.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraleeBliss Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blissfulhiking/ Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lauralee-bliss The Thief in the Night Barbour Publishing has stepped into a new series called A Day to Remember that focuses on specific disasters in history. When the Avalanche Roared delves into a little known but significant tragedy deep in the heart of the Cascade Mountains of Washington State, when trains are swept off the rail tracks in a terrific avalanche one fateful night. The loss of ninety-three souls makes it the worst avalanche in US history. What makes it more difficult to grasp is how close the trains were to being rescued before the snows hit. The force of the tragedy where young and old perished in their sleep is a difficult story to relate when one balances sudden loss with faith and hope. In these times the author must let go of preconceived notions and let God take control of the storytelling. The Bible itself is filled with tragedy and loss as well. But measured in the equation of eternal significance, the loss can be seen in a different way, and that is through the eyes of eternity. In this, everything changes. Our flesh changes, our spirits are set free from sin and death. There is no crying or sadness or despair. But the fact that we leave this earthly dwelling, measured in eternity by what we have built up here on earth (I Corinthians 3:12-14) makes it all the more urgent that we live for each day, not knowing when eternity will arrive and our lives here will come to an end. As we begin a New Year, let us then evaluate priorities. Are we doing the best we can with the gifts God has given us? Are there relationships that could use some uplifting intervention on our part? Are there goals we should try to attain in the New Year while the time is now? Are there things we should do that mean more in the sense of eternity rather than the here and now? A book such as When the Avalanche Roared obliges us to examine priorities. And makes us realize that like a thief in the night, one can be taken away. But by the grace of God, if we have another day to accomplish what God wants from our lives, then let us go forth in it and give it your all. Giveaway: Leave a comment to enter a random giveaway for winner's choice of one of Lauralee's books in digital format. Don't forget to include your cleverly disguised email address so we can reach you but the bots can't. For example, donna AT livebytheword DOT com

Today I share Susan Mathis and her final installment in our series of three blog posts about Julia's Joy. About Julia’s Joy: When Julia Collins reluctantly sets foot on Sister Island, compelled by her wealthy grandmother's will, she is intent on claiming her inheritance and moving on. But when she experiences the peaceful, faith-filled island life, and connects with the handsome lightkeeper, William, Julia finds herself confronting her open wounds from her parents' deaths. William Dodge, lightkeeper of Sister Island, harbors a heart hardened by a past betrayal. Between that and his chronic pleurisy, he wants nothing to do with love. But when Julia arrives on the island bursting with vitality and unconventional notions, William's world is turned upside down. As she chips away at the walls William has built for himself, he finds his reluctance waning. But just as love begins to blossom between them, Julia is faced with a tempting proposal from a prominent Brockville family. Will she succumb to societal expectations or choose the richness of her island life and the love of the steadfast lightkeeper? Here’s an excerpt from Julia’s Joy : As William scanned the lamp room, it smelled of dampness and kerosene, scents ingrained in the very fabric of the lighthouse. The rain continued to patter incessantly on the ten-sided glass room, a staccato call to be at attention, though he doubted many would traverse the river in such weather, save the oceangoing salties or perhaps a laker or two already en route to port. Still, after the recent crash on that foggy night, he had to remain vigilant. He approached the massive lamp, that giant sentinel in the center of the room, and lit it. The wick flickered, a dim flame yearning for attention. He sighed. Much like the lamp, there were aspects of his heart that also needed tending. He carefully fine-tuned the wick, coaxing it to life with a gentle adjustment. The flame responded, dancing with renewed vigor. William polished the brass components of the lamp until they gleamed, each stroke a subtle swish of reflection. The windows of the lamp room also caught his attention. With a determined resolve, he set about cleaning them, but the view beyond the glass was obscured, much like the uncertainty that clouded his tomorrows. As he wiped away the residue, he appraised Julia’s inner storm and the book that held the answers to her battle. Though she hadn’t mentioned the many notes and comments his father and mother had added to their family heirloom, he knew many of them by heart. Indeed, he had added a few of his own over the years. He wouldn’t force Julia to share her revelations. No, he had to let her come to him when she was ready. In the meantime, he would pray for her. He set about puttering, as he often did when deep in thought. The clang of metal against metal resounded through the lamp room as he tinkered with the brass workings of the massive apparatus. He smiled as the beam of light from the lighthouse swept across the stormy river, cutting through the thick mist that clung to the island and beyond, just as it should. About Susan: Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has thirteen in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Peyton’s Promise, Rachel’s Reunion, Mary’s Moment, A Summer at Thousand Island House, Libby’s Lighthouse, and Julia’s Joy, the second in her three-book lighthouse series. Her book awards include three Illumination Book Awards, four American Fiction Awards, three Indie Excellence Book Awards, five Literary Titan Book Awards, two Golden Scroll Awards, and a Selah Award. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Northern Virginia and enjoys traveling around the world but returns each summer to enjoy the Thousand Islands. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more. Where can people find you online? Susan’s website: https://www.susangmathis.com/fiction-books Buy links: Amazon | Barnes&Nobles | Wild Heart Books Social media links: Website | Author Central | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Instagram | Goodreads l Book Bub | Pinterest | Julia’s Joy book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rq7XLUohjrA

Help me welcome author Lisa Pelissier as she shares about a subject near and dear to her heart -- literacy and comprehension. After all, what is the benefit in knowing how to read if we don't understand what the author is trying to convey? The neighbor boy was over at our house, playing with my daughters. They were working puzzles on the living room floor—wooden puzzles that my grandmother used when she was a kindergarten teacher from 1950 to 1970. Suddenly this ten-year-old boy cried, “Miss Lisa! I think something terrible’s happening in this puzzle! I think it’s slavery!” I didn’t remember having a slavery puzzle, so I looked over to see what he was talking about. It was Hansel and Gretel. You know, the scene where the witch has Hansel locked in a cage while she tries to fatten him up as a precursor to eating him. The neighbor boy had never heard the story of Hansel and Gretel. After remedying the situation, I sat back to ponder. I was raised on Grimm’s fairy tales. I had a big book of fairy tales—still have it, in fact. Classic fairy tales were everywhere—in children’s books, in chapter books, and on TV. Everyone knew the stories of Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin, Rapunzel, and more. Those tales are being lost. My solution was to create a reading comprehension book for children containing 22 Grimm’s fairy tales told in 26 short lessons. The stories were taken right out of the fairy tales, and the comprehension questions from the stories. I was working as a long-term substitute teacher for a second-grade class at the time, and I created the stories with them in mind. The kids loved them. Reclaim: Reading Comprehension for Cultural Literacy based on Grimm’s Fairy Tales is appropriate for students with a reading level between second and third grade. It’s an easy way for homeschool parents or classroom teachers to introduce Grimm’s fairy tales to their students in a way that takes ten to fifteen minutes per lesson. I know this blog is usually about newly released fiction. It’s intended to let you all—the readers—know what is up and coming. But it’s good also to take a moment to look back on the varied stories that made us who we are as individuals, as a nation, and as a culture. From that foundation, we can press forward in our own creative journeys and in making beautiful choices about what we choose to read.  Link to Reclaim : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CC7C36SR/ About Lisa: Lisa Pelissier lives in Oregon where she is a homeschool mother of four and self-published author of six middle-grade fiction novels, as well as two early-readers' chapter books and two YA fantasy novels. Lisa owns SneakerBlossom Books, offering Christian, classical homeschool study guides and curriculum. She also works as a freelance copy editor, copy writer, and virtual assistant. She blogs at Eleventh Willow, a site she and two friends started for Christians parenting the mentally ill. In her spare time Lisa enjoys making art, playing the piano, and singing. Connecting Online: Website: https://www.sneakerblossom.com/ Email: sneakerblossom (at) yahoo.com Blog: https://www.eleventhwillow.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.pelissier.author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisaedkela/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/edkela/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lisa-Pelissier/author/B08794GCR1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SneakerBlossom TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisapelissier1

Help me welcome Dienece Darling today as she shares about a recent release. There’s a running joke in my family which comes from the 1995 Sense and Sensibility movie starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. The youngest daughter, Margaret had a habit of always saying the wrong thing when guests came to visit. After several ‘mistakes,’ her mother and sisters inform Margaret that one should speak of the weather if they don’t know what to say. Lo and behold, there’s a very awkward scene at the end of the movie. No one has any idea what to say, and Margaret—finally remembering her etiquette lessons—pipes up, ‘We’ve been enjoying very fine weather.’ And what does Margaret get for all her troubles? Her mother and sisters shush her. Poor Margaret, she’d done what they told her to do! Talk about the weather to fill an awkward pause. And somehow it still wasn’t right. My family loved this quote back when I was a teenager. We probably wore it out, but years later, it still makes me smile. And occasionally, I dare to tell my family that the weather has been ‘very fine’ lately. But weather isn’t always a safe topic. In fact, weather can be devastating. Floods, snowstorms, drought, and dare I mention hurricanes? There are times when speaking of the weather is the last thing anyone wants. Just such an occasion happens in my book Hearts Unknown. In 1763, London suffered one of the worst winters anyone could remember. It was so bad that not only did the Thames freeze over, but the very ground itself. Gardeners were unable to work and took to the streets dressed in mourning clothes. Can you imagine what it would look like to see gardeners marching through the streets like a funeral procession because they couldn’t work? Things got so bad the East India Company gave 10 guineas to several parishes for the relief of the poor. In today’s terms, this is roughly worth around $1,400. Not exactly a drop in the bucket. According to https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/currency-converter/ 10 guineas equalled around 100 days of wages. On top of that, a poor lady got lost on her way home from buying bread, wandered into a fen, and froze to death. All these distressing scenes pile up on my heroine Edith Howard in Hearts Unknown. She wants to do something for the poor. She wants to help, but it’s not like she’s got $1,000 dollars lying around. What can one lady do in the face of such great need? Have you ever felt overwhelmed? Like there wasn’t anything you could do to fix things, to help? In Hearts Unknown Edith learns the value of two mites given to God. And of course, since this is a romance, she manages to fall in love while she’s at it! 😉 Buy link: https://www.books2read.com/heartsunknown Connecting Online: http://www.dienecedarling.com https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063748350005 https://www.instagram.com/dienecedarling/ https://x.com/DieneceDarling About Dienece : Inspirational historical romance author Dienece Darling was born in American but now calls Australia home. Her stories find love and faith in history, and her first name is a variant spelling of Denise.