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 99cents 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.
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.
Thanks so much for taking the time to share this post. I appreciate you!
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.
Thanks so much for taking the time to share this post. I appreciate you!
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.
Thanks so much for taking the time to share this post. I appreciate you!
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?
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:
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 toForgotten 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.
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.
Thanks so much for taking the time to share this post. I appreciate you!
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).
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 byChat with Veraand 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 singleword.”
“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.
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.
It’s already day three of the Forgotten Memories blog tour. Today we’re meeting the characters and I’m sharing some of my favorite quotes. Oh, and there are chances to win a copy of the book as well!
Don’t forget to stop by all of the fantastic blogs and instagram accounts for author interviews, guest posts, and book graphics. And starting today, you have a chance to win one of two copies of Forgotten Memories! (Paperback for U.S. residents; ebooks for international winners). All of the details are below.
Enjoy!
Meet the Characters
Creating characters is one of the most exciting things for an author. We give them personalities, struggles, hopes, and dreams. Many of us find photos of our characters on Pinterest. Some of us, myself included, have the characters from my current work-in-progress taped to the computer monitor. As a visual person, that helps greatly in helping me form a well-rounded character.
Caleb Eliason, in my mind, looked exactly like a much-younger Brad Pitt… (image courtesy of Pinterest).
Annie Ledbetter, on the other hand, looked exactly like the model on the book cover. However, one of my readers also pointed out that she thought Annie resembled a much younger Nicole Kidman. (Image courtesy of Pinterest).
I rarely watch the typical Hollywood movie fare and almost never have seen the movies I find my characters from; however, I do watch (and occasionally review) clean movies, so sometimes I do find a character or two in those movies as well.
My Pinterest board includes some other characters such as Cain and Louie and other fun items such as Reverend Solomon and Lydie’s house, the school where Annie teaches, the church the characters attend, and the wagon Annie’s family traveled in during their journey to the Wyoming Territory.
The time for the Forgotten Memories blog tour has finally arrived!
Are you ready for book spotlights, author interviews, guest posts, bookstagrams, reviews of the book, quotables, and giveaways?
There are three signed paperback copies up for grabs for three U.S. residents!
All the details in a minute, but first, is Forgotten Memories the book for you?
Do you love…
To read love stories
Stories set in the late 1800s
Stories in the West
Sweet romance
Plentiful humor
Character-driven plots
Strong faith element
Scenes that tug at the heartstrings
Mid-length novels
Tender love stories
Tear-jerking scenes
Hilarious antidotes tucked within the pages of a novel
To curl up and escape in the lives of book characters
Settings in small Western towns
Realistic plot lines
Close-knit families
Memorable characters who stay with you long after the last page
Clean and wholesome reads
If you answered “yes” to the above, Forgotten Memories is, indeed, the book for you!
Below is the “official” blurb:
Some memories are best forgotten… The Wyoming Territory is rife with lawlessness and disorder, something Annie Ledbetter and her parents discover when their wagon train is robbed. Seven years later, Annie settles into her lifelong dream as a teacher in the small town of Willow Falls. When she meets handsome rancher Caleb Eliason through a humorous misunderstanding, she is quickly drawn to his kind heart and charming smile.
Former outlaw Caleb Eliason embraces his chance at a fresh start. Gone are the days of robbing stagecoaches and wagon trains. When he falls in love with the new Willow Falls teacher, he doesn’t realize they’ve met before—under much different circumstances. When his past comes to light, will it put the growing love between them at risk?
Can forgiveness and redemption heal two broken hearts or will the past keep them from sharing a future?
Forgotten Memories is available wherever books are sold, including the following places:
One last detail…below is the first page of the book:
Wyoming Territory, 1877
A fleeting movement caught twelve-year-old Annie Ledbetter’s attention. She squinted at the grove of trees on a distant hill and willed her eyes to focus. A quick flash of something—or someone—appeared. Annie tipped her head to the left and stood on tiptoe, anticipating a better view.
The vacant prairie previously held nothing but miles and miles of grasslands, sagebrush, and the occasional rolling hill.
Until now.
Annie’s feet stalled in the soft dirt as if rooted. Could it be? A man, or maybe more than one man, watched and scrutinized Annie and the rest of the travelers.
But as quickly as the figure appeared, he vanished.
A shiver of fear traveled up her spine.
Don’t forget to stop by the blogs on the tour on their blog stop days and leave a comment for your chance to win one of four copies!
And join me next week for my regularly-scheduled encouraging blog posts!
Penny Zeller 