Posted in about my books, about the books, book giveaways, Book News, Book Spotlight

Happy Bookaversary, a Giveaway, and an Interview with Emilie Crawford Wheeler

A year ago this month,my historical romance, Love in Disguiseofficially made its way from my imagination into book form. Almira “Emilie” Crawford Wheeler was truly one of my favorite female characters to write and I loved her spunk. As with all historicals, research was a necessity. This time, I had the pleasure of researching Aviator Eugene Ely. 

In celebration of the Bookaversary, I’m interviewing Emilie on my blog this week where she discusses pet peeves, embarrassing moments, and a handsome rancher she just met named Thad Evanson. I’m also giving away a signed paperback to one lucky winner and an ebook (gifted via Kindle) to another lucky winner. Go here to enter. And to check out the other giveaways this month, including a chance to win ten books, check out the Book News and Giveaways Page.

Below is the blurb. Scroll for a fun interview with Emilie!

Who knew concealing one’s true identity could be so disastrous?

Who knew asserting one’s independence would cause such embarrassment? If only Almira “Emilie” Crawford Wheeler hadn’t insisted upon carrying her own stack of parcels, she wouldn’t have landed in an unladylike heap on the boardwalk. And what about the half-truth she told the handsome stranger who came to her aid? The stranger she never expected to see again?

Thad Alexander Evanson should have been paying closer attention to the boardwalk, rather than the newfangled automobile motoring down the street. Had he been more astute, a collision with the beautiful parcel-laden stranger might never have happened. And if it never had happened, he wouldn’t have told a partial-truth he figured wouldn’t matter.

Before long, Emilie and Thad are arranging to meet for a noonday meal each weekend in Missoula under the guise of different names. But what happens when their true identities are revealed? When half-truths are exposed? Could God have a plan even in the midst of a tangled web of lies?


Interview with Almira “Emilie” Crawford Wheeler from Love in Disguise

Hello, Emilie. It is great to have you here today. Tell us a little bit about yourself, e.g., parents, siblings, and where you live.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guest. I am 28-years-old and am the only child of Cecelia and Ernest Crawford. I am originally from New York City, but when I married my husband, Newt, we moved to Hollow Creek, Montana, where Newt inherited a sizeable cattle ranch, which included a lovely home with all of the latest amenities.

You go by the name “Emilie”, although your given name is “Almira”. Why is that?

I was named Almira after a relative, and I’ve never been particularly fond of it. Hence my reason for choosing to go by my middle name, much to Mother’s disturbance.

What are your favorite hobbies?

That is an easy one. Gardening, tending to my flower gardens, and driving my 1911 Model T.

Do you have any pet peeves?

Yes. One of my pet peeves is having rogue cattle traipsing through my gardens. The neighbor’s rogue cattle, to be exact. Another pet peeve is that the Montana summers are so dreadfully short. It barely gives me enough time to enjoy my flowers.

Can you share with us a particularly embarrassing moment in your life?

Yes. It happened not long ago while I was visiting Missoula, a few hours from my Hollow Creek home. I just finished shopping for items for the children at the orphanage, as well as, purchasing some of the latest fashions and a new hat at Miss Julia Mathilda’s Fine Dresses. Lo and behold, as I attempted to juggle the towering stack of parcels while walking down Mateer Avenue, the most devastating event occurred. A handsome stranger with the bluest of blue eyes bumped into me, my parcels went flying, and I landed in an unladylike heap on the ground. Not only a huge disaster, but also in an unfortunate turn of events, my new hat was crushed in the catastrophe.

Sounds extremely embarrassing! Let’s change topics for a moment. If you could collect only one thing, what would it be?

I have a fondness for hats, especially those of the wide-brimmed variety with many decorations and ornaments. As the saying goes, a woman can never have too many hats!

Indeed. Do you have a favorite food?

Yes, I have three. Pie à la mode, snickerdoodle cookies, and pancakes.

Any foods you strongly dislike?

Plain cinnamon.

What are some causes close to your heart?

I have three that come to mind. The first is spending time reading to the children at the orphanage. The second is the women’s suffragette movement. The third is, with my dear friends, Joy, Carlotta, and Rhoda, arranging and supporting charity events for missions.

Would you consider yourself conventional or unconventional?

Definitely unconventional!

Are you generally organized or messy?

Organized.

What are four words friends would use to describe you?

I would have to say strong-willed, determined, generous, and classy.

The Wheeler Ranch is an extensive operation. Can you tell us about your employees?

Yes, the Wheeler Ranch is quite extensive, and as such, we have numerous employees, mostly ranch hands. Some of my most cherished employees, whom I also consider friends, are Vera, my housekeeper; Morris, my butler; Hattie, my maid; and Jep, one of my ranch hands. Vera and Morris are an elderly couple, have been married forever, and are my closest confidants. Hattie is a delightful young girl with a dramatic flair. She is fond of Jep, a tall and lanky young man with vibrant orange hair.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

With the exception of my close friends, Vera and Morris, no one else knows I have developed a fondness for a rancher I met in Missoula named Thad Evanson.

Sounds intriguing. Do you plan to see more of him?

Yes, absolutely. I look forward to meeting him soon for a noonday meal at the Bellarose Restaurant in Missoula.

Thank you for joining us today, Emilie. I

It was my pleasure. Thank you for having me!

This interview originally appeared at http://juliearduini.com/blog/

I’ll return next week with my regularly-scheduled blog posts of encouragement. Stay tuned!

Posted in about my books, about the books, miscellaneous, Other authors' books, Penny's Book News

Love Christian Romance? 52 Books for Free One Day Only!

I rarely post two blog posts two days in a row, but this was just too exciting not to share! An event with 52 Christian romance novels (some pictured below) up for grabs for free doesn’t come around very often.

For you avid readers, there are freebies galore to be loaded onto your Kindle on one day only—today, January 12. You can find all the details here, so be sure to snag some copies of some of the most awesome books by your favorite Christian authors in both historical and contemporary genres!

Check out Faithbooks website for monthly book recommendations.

Posted in about my books, about the books, book giveaways, Book News, Penny's Book News

Dreams of the Heart Cover Reveal and a Chance to Win!

I am super excited to announce the cover reveal for Dreams of the Heart! Isn’t it absolutely gorgeous? Mountain Peak Edits & Design is responsible for this beautiful cover and I can’t wait to share John Mark and Hannah’s story in this second book in the Wyoming Sunrise Series set for release on March 7, 2023.

Read on for the blurb and for a chance to win!

Sometimes the hardest battles take place in the heart.

Poverty and abuse at the hands of her drunkard father leaves Hannah Bane trapped and alone. Without hope, she prays for a miracle just on the off-chance God will hear her. Will the handsome new deputy, who seems to be watching her every move, be Hannah’s one chance to escape the only life she’s ever known?

For as long as he can remember, John Mark Eliason has wanted to be a deputy sheriff. When a job opens in the nearby town of Poplar Springs, he eagerly accepts, but finds his greatest mission won’t be tracking down criminals and bringing justice to the ruthless Wyoming town, but saving a beautiful young woman he barely knows.

Will an unexpected answer to a difficult situation show how love can endure—and even thrive—in an unconventional situation? Or will fear and uncertainty keep two hesitant hearts apart?

In the sequel to Forgotten Memories, author Penny Zeller weaves a tender tale of faith, romance, and humor in a memorable story that reminds us God hears every prayer and has a plan for every life.

Wyoming Sunrise Series
Prequel: Love’s New Beginnings (Lydie and Solomon’s story)
Book One: Forgotten Memories
Book Two: Dreams of the Heart
Book Three: When Love Comes (Late 2023)


The Kindle version of Dreams of the Heart is available for preorder for 99 cents for a limited time.

I’m also giving away a Kindle ebook copy on the day it releases to one lucky winner! Entering is super duper quadruple easy and requires only a few easy steps. Open to U.S. residents only.

Thank you for celebrating with me!

Join me next week for my regularly-scheduled encouraging blog posts.

Posted in about my books, about the books, Book News

Happy Release Day to Love’s New Beginnings!

I am super excited to announce that today is the release day for Love’s New Beginnings and just in time for Christmas!

When I wrote Forgotten Memories, I never imagined it would have a prequel. Lydie and Solomon were delightful secondary characters who will also make appearances in Dreams of the Heart and When Love Comes.

But soon, I heard from readers asking if I would write a book about Lydie and Solomon and how it all began in the Wyoming Sunrise Series.

Before I could ponder whether or not to write a prequel, my characters began to take on a life of their own. Lydie and Solomon were soon joined by a host of secondary characters, including Lydie’s hilarious (and extremely ornery) aunts, Myrtle and Fern.

What began as a short story soon blossomed into a book.

I’m thrilled to have you meet Lydie and Solomon when they first ventured to Willow Falls in the Wyoming Territory all those years ago. Read on for the blurb:

Where it all began…

Lydie Beauchamp recently moved with her aunts—sisters Myrtle and Fern—to the untamed Wyoming Territory. When a teaching position in nearby Willow Falls captures her attention, can she leave her aunts, one of whom just suffered a broken heart, and embark on this new adventure? Will she find the courage to persevere in the midst of challenges, one being a handsome challenge named Solomon Eliason?

Reverend Solomon Eliason has the goal of making a difference. Hired as the pastor of Willow Falls, he must convince the congregation that he is able to undertake the role of a reverend. When he’s nominated to be the adult in charge of the annual prank tradition at the school, he embraces the idea, thinking the new teacher will be an elderly crotchety woman like his former teacher. What he doesn’t realize until it’s too late is that the teacher is far from crotchety and elderly.

When Lydie’s and Solomon’s paths cross in an unexpected way during the prank tradition at the Willow Falls school, can Solomon redeem himself in the eyes of the lovely new teacher?

Take a glimpse into where it all began with Lydie and Solomon’s story in this tender tale that reminds us that God can and does use willing hearts for His purposes.

For a limited time, Love’s New Beginnings is on sale for 99 cents. And to continue you through to Forgotten Memories, it is also on sale for 99 cents. Both books are also available in paperback.

And now, a fun excerpt from Love’s New Beginnings

CHAPTER ONE

Wyoming Territory, 1869

Lydie Beauchamp stalked down the dusty streets of Prune Creek, her skirt swishing against her      ankles.

Usually she was a calm and mild-mannered young woman.

Usually.

But not today.

Today, decorum was the last thing on her mind.

Both Aunt Fern and Aunt Myrtle would have her hide and then some if they knew what she was about to do. “So uncharacteristic of you, child,” Aunt Fern would say. 

“You really ought to remember the proper way to handle disputes,” Aunt Myrtle would admonish.

Even with the thoughts of how her aunts might respond if they found out, Lydie’s fury was about to spring to life.

Lydie passed the barber shop, livery, blacksmith, and the church that doubled as a schoolhouse. She marched past the bank, saloon, and post office. Until she reached the mercantile where he stood loading items into his saddle bag.

She wished she was spunky like Aunt Myrtle, rather than quiet and reserved.

Although…quiet and reserved might not be the words he would use to describe her once she unleashed her thoughts about the whole ordeal.

“Miss Beauchamp, of what do I owe the pleasure?” The man in his forties with a black handlebar mustache removed his hat, revealing a large balding spot in his otherwise graying black hair.

“You know exactly why I’m here, Mr. Wilkins.” Lydie did her best to raise her voice, but it still came out squeaky like that of a young child’s. She would need to work on that if she was ever going to be a teacher and deal with wayward pupils.

Mr. Wilkins smirked. “Now, now, young lady. You know full well it wasn’t ever going to work between your aunt and me.”

“But Aunt Fern moved here to the Wyoming Territory just so the two of you could marry. And now you have called off the wedding two days before the event.” She placed her hands on her hips and did her best to glower.

Apparently it was not very convincing, because Mr. Wilkins only laughed.

“South Pass City is calling me.” He held a hand to his right ear. “That precious thing called gold is calling me. Prune Creek and being married and settling down with Fern are not.”

Lydie had heard of South Pass City and the gold that was to be found in the town a great distance from Prune Creek. But she’d never anticipated Aunt Fern’s intended would be drawn into the lure of hunting for it.

Not that she knew Mr. Wilkins well. To the contrary, she’d only met him a month ago when she and her aunts moved from Minnesota to the wilds of the Wyoming Territory.

“You made a vow to marry Aunt Fern. An honorableman never goes back on his word.” Why did her voice sound so tinny? She cleared her throat and tried again. “You promised to marry her, settle down with her, and make a life with her in Prune Creek.”

Mr. Wilkins shook his head. “She may have misunderstood. Look, Miss Beauchamp, I have a lot of riding ahead of me if I want to make some headway before nightfall. Sorry you’re upset and all about Fern, but this is the way it is. She’ll find someone else.”

But Lydie had an inkling Aunt Fern would never find someone else, for her heart was broken beyond repair.

“But, Mr. Wilkins…”

“No two ways about it, Miss Beauchamp. I’m not staying in Prune Creek and I’m not marrying Fern.” He swung a leg over the horse and settled into his saddle.

And then that despicable man rode off heading south.

Her eyes smarted with tears. Not because she had failed at convincing Mr. Wilkins to stay and marry Aunt Fern, but because he had hurt someone Lydie cared about more than life itself.

The thundering sound of the stagecoach rumbling down the road toward town shifted Lydie’s focus and she stepped up onto the boardwalk. She closed her eyes as a plume of dust engulfed the air.

Lord, please help Aunt Fern. Help her heart to heal.

Lydie sighed and began her walk toward home before the aunts realized she’d disappeared.

Home.

They’d left behind all they had in Minnesota to chase Aunt Fern’s lovelorn dreams. While they hadn’t many possessions at their former residence, they did have a home in which to reside and the aunts had taken in mending and washing to support themselves. Now here in the Wild West, where outlaws perched on every corner, horse thieves and cattle rustlers were the norm, and nothing refined or cultured existed in the dusty town, their futures appeared bleak.

So much for new beginnings.


Books in the Wyoming Sunrise Series:

Love’s New Beginnings – Prequel

Forgotten Memories – Book #1

Dreams of the Heart – Book #2 (scheduled for release March 7, 2023 and available for preorder).

When Love Comes – Book #3 (scheduled for release December 5, 2023 and available for preorder).


Thank you for celebrating with me! Please join me later this week for my regularly-scheduled Christmas post.

Posted in about my books, about the books, Book News, Growing in the Lord, miscellaneous

Writing Update: When One Door Closes

In Love’s New Beginnings, one of the main characters, Solomon Eliason, struggles with whether or not he’s where God has called him to be.

Have you ever wondered the same thing?

Yesterday I received an adorable gift from one of my awesome readers, Beth. She’d read my book, Hollyhocks, and found a stuffed animal that was an exact replica of Aunt RudyBee, one of the characters.

I started thinking about God’s plan for my writing career and how He has been with me every step of the way, even in times of doubt, and there were many.

In 2004, when I published Hollyhocks, I thought for sure God was planning to have me write children’s books. And continue as a photojournalist, a career I’d undertaken after I quit my career in social services to stay home with my young daughters.

But God had other plans.

In 2005, He redirected my path when a small publisher picked up a nonfiction book I’d written. Later, in 2008, when my second nonfiction book, 77 Ways Your Family Can Make a Difference: Ideas and Activities for Serving Others, was released by Beacon Hill Press, I figured God was leading me along the path of nonfiction. After a flurry of TV appearances, speaking engagements, and numerous radio interviews, it was all but confirmed. Plus, I was still writing nonfiction articles for my photojournalist job. Surely nonfiction would become the gig God wanted me to follow, right?

But God had other plans.

After a door closed on the next nonfiction book, I wondered where God was leading me. Did He even still want me to write?

My family was involved in a serious car accident that, only by His hand, we walked away from it with minor injuries. While I was recovering from those injuries and back-to-back bacterial infections, God redirected my path.

Toward Christian romance.

As I recovered from the injuries and infections, I began to write a historical romance novel, and soon McKenzie became more than just an idea in my mind. After much prayer, I reached out to a publisher. Whitaker House accepted McKenzie and contracted me, not for one, but for three books in the Montana Skies Series. Kaydie and Hailee soon followed.

But then there was a lull for a while after the series. Was God still leading me to write historical romance?

In 2013, I secured an agent, and in 2017 and 2018, I was blessed to be a part of two Barbour Publishing novella collections.

But then there was another lull. What were God’s plans for my writing? During this time, our family had been through a lot. I almost lost my husband after open heart surgery for a hereditary heart condition. The hospital who operated erred and my husband ended up with only one functioning lung. There were also a plethora of other health-related issues, including covid and shingles. My husband also lost his job of nearly two decades.

God is faithful and He brought us through that extremely stressful time in our lives. I’d given Him my writing to do with as He wished when I penned my first book.

But what were His plans?

The wait was hard.

In late 2021, the most exciting thing happened. After an extensive amount of time, Love Under Construction, my contemporary Christian romance novel was released and was the springboard for a barrage of books published in 2022. Historical romance has always been my first love, with a side of Christian contemporary romance, of course.

I recently entertained the thought that God might be calling me to write Christian romantic suspense in addition to historical and contemporary, and two novels were born. But after a couple of very obvious closures on big projects, I again wondered where He would redirect me.

I have those two suspense novels, and I do believe they will see publication someday, but for now, God has kept me on the path of historical romance with a side of contemporary romance.

And I’m fine with that. One hundred percent.

I seek to do what He calls me to and impact lives for Him through my writing. Historical romance is my favorite to write and favorite to read. I pray it’s His will for me to hang-out in the late 1800s (and early 1900s, as is the case for Love in Disguise).

The Lord has closed doors and He has opened them. I’ve received numerous rejections, but He blessed me with the opportunity to release six books in 2022.

And through it all, I pray that I glorify Him with every word written. My prayer is that readers see Him through the words I write.

And speaking of readers, none of this is possible without you.

So what’s next on the agenda? Lord willing, Love’s New Beginnings (Wyoming Sunrise Prequel) will be released on December 13 and Dreams of the Heart (Wyoming Sunrise Series#2) will be released March 7.

When I look back on the past several years of writing, God’s fingerprints on this journey have been evident.

No matter where He leads me in my writing, I pray I heed His direction.

Posted in about my books, about the books, Book News

It’s release day for Freedom’s Flight!

Happy book birthday to Freedom’s Flight!

Below is the blurb:

Annalise Van Houten knows what it’s like to live in an oppressive situation. Sent to live with her conniving aunt and uncle in Ridge Gap, Tennessee, after her parents die, she dreads the plans they have for her future. When she discovers the handsome Reverend Matthias Sorenson assisting runaway slaves, can Annalise convince him to allow her to help?

Reverend Matthias Sorenson has a heart for serving others—and freeing them. An integral part of the Faith Train, he helps free slaves. When a beautiful newcomer to his church wishes to partake in the organization, can he trust her not to endanger their lives?

Lives in jeopardy. A race against time. Will mistrust prove fatal for all involved?

Readers of Christian historical romance will enjoy this exciting tale set in 1850s Tennessee.

You can purchase Freedom’s Flight both in ebook (on sale for 99 cents) and paperback ($5.99) formats. Click on the buttons below for more information or to purchase.


This novella was inspired by the Underground Railroad. From the second I launched into a trip back in time, I was humbled by all of the people who put their lives at jeopardy to free those in slavery.

From harboring them, to moving them along the network, to forming rescue operations, to feeding and clothing them, these brave men and woman made a difference for countless individuals. Many of those involved in freeing slaves were pastors, hence my inspiration for one of the main characters, Matthias Sorenson.

Below are some quotes from readers:

Thank you for joining me for this exciting occasion! Please join me next time for my regularly-scheduled encouragement posts.


Posted in about the books, author interviews, Book News, guest posts, Saturday Spotlight

Saturday Spotlight: Christmas at Cotswolds

I am honored to host Author Stacy Simmons on my blog today for this week’s Saturday Spotlight. She is joining with five other authors to bring readers a fabulous Christmas collection titled Keeping Christmas Volume II set for release in just a few days (but available for preorder now!)

Read on for all the details about Stacy’s book Christmas at Cotswolds, the entire collection, and a bit about Stacy.

A peek behind Christmas in the Cotswolds

England has held a special place in my heart for many years. My husband and I went to London on our first anniversary, he’d worked hard in his job and won a contest which included a trip to London to attend Wimbledon and other great experiences. It was a beautiful time for us.

Walking around the historic city and seeing many years old artifacts in London’s Museum of Natural History clung to my memories all these thirty-four years of our marriage as well.

When the idea was proposed by my publisher to do a castle-centered Christmas novella collection, plucky archaeologist Victoria Yates was created. She was a lover of both science and all things Jane Austen. Her romantic counterpart, Duke Oliver Griffith of Wintershold, is an architect and owner of his family’s castle. Thus, my love of historic things, romance, and the gorgeous English countryside came to life on paper.

I’m thankful that the Lord let me write such a story and relive the wonderful memories that I hold dear about my trip to London with my husband.

About the Book

She’s a paleontologist and ardent Jane Austen fan. He’s enmeshed in the exactitude of mathematics, can they find common ground? Do opposites attract, will the romantic castle, and dashing duke be the undoing of Victoria’s plans?

About the Author

Stacy T. Simmons writes uplifting fiction that delights the reader’s romantic sensibilities. Many years of marital bliss are a great contributor. By day she is a Special Education inclusion Paraprofessional. By night, she is happily working on her next manuscript and corraling her and her family’s menagerie of pets she likes to call “Noah’s Ark.”

Before you go, check out these other book-related posts:

Saturday Spotlight: Iron by Madisyn Carlin

Is Forgotten Memories the book for you?

Saturday Spotlight: Anchored Hearts by Julie Arduini

Love Under Construction: Meet the Characters

Saturday Spotlight: Fled for Refuge by Kristina Hall

Saturday Spotlight: Unworthy by Vanessa Hall

Saturday Spotlight: A Heart to Cherish by Judith McNees

Posted in about my books, about the books, book giveaways, Book News, Book Spotlight

Cover reveal for Love’s New Beginnings and a chance to win!

I am super excited to announce the cover reveal for Love’s New Beginnings! Isn’t it absolutely gorgeous? Mountain Peak Edits & Design is responsible for this beautiful cover and I couldn’t be more thrilled about this prequel to Forgotten Memories. And I’m giving away an ebook download (see below for more details)!

Blurb:

Where it all began…

Lydie Beauchamp recently moved with her aunts—sisters Myrtle and Fern—to the untamed Wyoming Territory. When a teaching position in nearby Willow Falls captures her attention, can she leave her aunts, one of whom just suffered a broken heart, and embark on this new adventure? Will she find the courage to persevere in the midst of challenges, one being a handsome challenge named Solomon Eliason?

Reverend Solomon Eliason has the goal of making a difference. Hired as the pastor of Willow Falls, he must convince the congregation that he is able to undertake the role of a reverend. When he’s nominated to be the adult in charge of the annual prank tradition at the school, he embraces the idea, thinking the new teacher will be an elderly crotchety woman like his former teacher. What he doesn’t realize until it’s too late is that the teacher is far from crotchety and elderly.  When Lydie and Solomon’s paths cross in an unexpected way during the prank tradition at the Willow Falls school, can Solomon redeem himself in the eyes of the lovely new teacher?

Take a glimpse into where it all began with Lydie and Solomon’s story in this tender tale that reminds us that God can and does use willing hearts for His purposes. 

Love’s New Beginnings is part of the Wyoming Sunrise Series, which includes Forgotten Memories and Dreams of the Heart.

It’s available for preorder for 99 cents and releases just in time for Christmas!

And I’m giving away an ebook download on Kindle to a lucky winner on the day of release. Entering is easy, peasy, quadruple easy and fast as in, all you have to do is add it to your Goodreads TBR to be entered! Go here to enter. (Open to U.S. residents only).

Thank you for celebrating with me!

Join me next week for our regularly-scheduled encouraging blog posts.

Posted in about my books, about the books, Book News, Book Spotlight, Penny's Book News

Happy Cover Reveal Day for Freedom’s Flight!

We interrupt this blog for the cover reveal for my novella, Freedom’s Flight.

Freedom’s Flight is set for release on October 25, 2022, and is available for preorder for 99 cents.

About the Book

Annalise Van Houten knows what it’s like to live in an oppressive situation. Sent to live with her conniving aunt and uncle in Ridge Gap, Tennessee, after her parents die, she dreads the plans they have for her future. When she discovers the handsome Reverend Matthias Sorenson assisting runaway slaves, can Annalise convince him to allow her to help?

Reverend Matthias Sorenson has a heart for serving others—and freeing them. An integral part of the Faith Train, he helps free slaves. When a beautiful newcomer to his church wishes to partake in the organization, can he trust her not to endanger their lives?

Lives in jeopardy. A race against time. Will mistrust prove fatal for all involved?


(This novella originally appeared as part of the Underground Railroad Brides Collection).

Join me next week for our regularly-scheduled encouraging blog posts!

Before you go, check out these other posts:

seeing the potential

10 ways to persevere through these challenging times

Movie Monday: Fearless Faith

Happy Cover Reveal Day for Forgotten Memories

for such a time as this: finding stability in an unstable world

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Posted in about my books, about the books, blog tour, book giveaways, Book News, Book Spotlight, Penny's Book News

Forgotten Memories Blog Tour Wrap-up+An Excerpt+Which Character are You?+Giveaways

The week went quickly and today is the last day for the Forgotten Memories blog tour.

Today we’re wrapping up the tour, having a fun quiz to find out which character we are, and taking a fun glimpse into an excerpt of the book.

A reminder: there are two chances to win two books during the tour. Pit stop by Chat with Vera and Patti’s Porch for those opportunities. (U.S. Residents only). I’ve included the entire blog tour stops below, including guest posts, book reviews, and book spotlights. I’m so grateful for the bloggers/instagramers who joined with me to bring you the excitement of Forgotten Memories becoming a reality.

And now, without further ado, which character are you?

Keep track of your answers (manually) and move to the second graphic for the answer!


And an excerpt from the book:

“Miss Ledbetter!” Charlotte’s panicked tone and waving right hand interrupted Annie’s thoughts.

Annie jerked her head up from the task at hand. “What is it, Charlotte?” Surely an emergency had occurred for Charlotte to have overreacted in such a way.

“Miss Ledbetter, I’ve been trying in vain to capture your attention for the past ten minutes. It’s Tobias Hallman. He’s being a bother again.”

Tobias snorted. “The past ten minutes? More like the past ten seconds.”

“Is this true that you are being a bother, Tobias?” Annie stood for a better view of the conflict between her students.

“It’s possible, ma’am.”

“But, Miss Ledbetter, it is true. Tobias just tied my braids together!” Charlotte reached back behind her and pulled a mass of tangled blonde braids above her head. “See?”

“Tobias…” Annie began.

“Miss Ledbetter, you must do something. My braids are wound together in a jumbled clump. I shall absolutely faint away into a hodgepodge of nothingness if something isn’t done to relieve this knotted mess!”

Tobias rolled his eyes. “Charlotte, you exaggerate like no one I’ve ever known. You’ll no more faint away into a lodge of nothingness than I’ll be on the next stage to California.”

Charlotte spun around in her chair and glared at Tobias. “Not a lodge of nothingness, Tobias Hallman. A hodgepodge of nothingness. You are such an ill-mannered and impertinent boor!”

“You and your big vocabulary. You sling them fancy words around like you’re smart or something. Even you don’t know what they mean.”

Several snickers followed Tobias’s insinuation.

“You take that back, Tobias! I do know what every single word I use means. Every single word.”

“I’ll not take it back. It’s your own fault about your braids. If they weren’t so long, they wouldn’t find themselves on my desk. Keep them in your own space or next time I’ll bring my ma’s sewing scissors.”


Finally, here’s the complete tour in case you missed any stops.

TUESDAY, 9/6

Penny Zeller | Is Forgotten Memories the Book for You?

Penny McGinnis | Book Spotlight

Charity’s Book Escapes | Book Review (Instagram)

Madi’s Musings | Book Review

Julie Arduini | Guest Post

Lee-Ann Brodeur | Book Spotlight

WEDNESDAY, 9/7

Vanessa Hall | Book Review

Saraina | Author Interview

Christian Books and Coffee | Book Spotlight (Instagram)

Quilling in the Pines |Book Review

Suite T | Guest Post (Writing as a Ministry)

Mary | Review (Facebook)

THURSDAY, 9/8

Penny Zeller | Forgotten Memories Blog Tour + Quotables + Meet the Characters

Cover Lover | Book Spotlight

Christian Books and Coffee | Author Interview (Instagram)

Reading and Flowers | Book Spotlight photo reel/trailer (Instagram)

t.r.b.e. | Book Review

Chat with Vera | Book Review, Giveaway

Donna Schlachter | Guest Post “The Time I lived in Two Centuries”

FRIDAY, 9/9

Saraina | Book Spotlight

Cover Lover | Book Review

Christian Books and Coffee | Book Review (Instagram)

2friendstalkbooks | Book Spotlight (Instagram)

Abbigail | Book Review (Facebook)

Penny McGinnis | Book Review

Cindy’s Book Corner | Book Review*

SATURDAY, 9/10

Penny Zeller | Tour Wrap-up (Which Character are You, an excerpt, etc.)

Kristina Hall | Book Review

Madi’s Musings | Book Spotlight

2friendstalkbooks | Book Review

Patti’s Porch | Guest Post, Giveaway

A little reminder: Forgotten Memories is on sale for 99 cents for Kindle download throughout the blog tours. As a fun addition, Love in Disguise is also on sale for 99 cents for the next couple of days.

One other thing…Dreams of the Heart, the second in the Wyoming Sunrise Series is also available for preorder. (Can’t wait to share John Mark’s story with you!)

Thank you for joining me. We’ll be returning to our regularly-scheduled program of encouraging blog posts next week.


Before you go, check out these other posts:

The power of prayer: surviving Papa’s driving

a huge thank you to readers

leaving a Godly legacy

Forgotten Memories Blog Tour Kickoff: Is Forgotten Memories the book for you?

are you an encourager or a discourager?

11 types of people you meet at the gym