I am so incredibly excited to share with you the cover reveal for Over the Horizon! This is such a fun book with a great message about trusting God. It kicks off my newest series set in the Idaho Territory in the 1870s. Can’t wait for you to meet Paisley and Tyler!
The release day is July 18, but you can preorder the ebook for 99 cents for a limited time.Go here for the details.
Below is the blurb:
A most unusual proposal…
Alone in 1870s Idaho Territory, Paisley Abbott has nowhere to turn. With no other options, she finds herself consenting to an unconventional, but mutually beneficial agreement.
During an unplanned return to his family’s farm, prodigal Tyler Shepherdson inherits three orphans. When Tyler finds a woman hiding in the back of his wagon, an idea begins to form and he makes a rash decision that results in perhaps one of the most spontaneous marriages of convenience ever.
Despite an unorthodox beginning to their marriage, will Paisley and Tyler trust God as they forge ahead to create a home for three children? Will love arise from a desperate situation?
In the first book in the Horizon Series, travel to the late 1800s to the town of Horizon in the Idaho Territory with a cast of unforgettable characters, journeys of faith, and abundant humor.
Coming soon, the newest series by the author of the Wyoming Sunrise, Love Letters from Ellis Creek, and Montana Skies Christian Historical Romance Series.
Thank you so much for celebrating with me! Next week, we’ll return to our regularly scheduled blog posts. Until then, have a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend!
Thanks so much for taking the time to share this post. I appreciate you!
Back in 2009, I started this WordPress blog on the heels of my third book, 77 Ways Your Family Can Make a Difference.My first blog post was titled “Preparing for a Writer’s Conference”. I followed that post with a humorous one about why I wasn’t a cowgirl due to my adventures on a persnickety horse in the Montana wilds.
It soon became clear my blog wouldn’t have just one topic. Rather, as a person with a million tabs open at any given time, my blog would advance forward in a direction that included a plethora of both fun and serious topics. Encouraging posts, devotionals, movie reviews, writing posts, recipes, humor posts, book news, and how-tos have all been included in the lineup over the years.
When God redirected my path to write fiction, I excitedly embarked on creating faith-filled love stories. Christian historical romance is my first love to write, followed closely by Christian contemporary romance. I don’t think I’ll ever return to nonfiction.
However, nonfiction still runs through my veins, and my blog has, and continues to, feature mainly nonfiction posts. I love to encourage others to join me as we grow in the Lord together.
So, in celebration of this monumental milestone, I am hosting a giveaway. The first place winner will receive their choice of any of my available books in paperback or ebook (see below for choices) plus a $25 Amazon gift card. The second place winner will receive a copy of an ebook of their choice from my available books.Enteringis super easy.
The logistics:
First place: choice of any of the books below in either paperback or ebook form and a $25 Amazon gift card.
Second place: choice of any of the books below in ebook form.
The winners will have ten days to respond to my email indicating they have won. If I do not hear back, an alternate winner via a random choice by Rafflecopter will be chosen.
Limited to U.S. residents only.
Giveaway ends May 17, 2023.
With the entry options, you can potentially earn up to 21 points for your entry, thereby increasing your chances of winning. One of the entries includes signing up to receive my newsletter. Please be sure to respond to the confirmation email after you’ve signed up for it to count. 🙂
Check out these other two giveaways currently going on right now here and here.
So it is to you, my blog readers, that I extend a heartfelt thank you. Without you stopping by and taking the time to read my posts, there would be no blog. Thank you for sticking with me all these years and for the privilege of your time as you read my posts.
I am super excited to announce the release of Dreams of the Heart!
As I penned the last words of this book, I found myself already missing the characters.
Creating multi-dimensional characters is exciting for a writer, even when those characters sometimes take on minds of their own, as some of the characters in this book did from time to time.
Below is the blurb:
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?
A handsome deputy sheriff. A woman in search of freedom. An unconventional situation.
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.
Some places on the web sharing about Dreams of the Heart:
Madi’s Musings – I’m honored to have my book reviewed on this blog that features a host of different Christian reviews and highlights the journey of writing by Christian fantasy author, Madisyn Carlin.
Australian Christian Writers – Check out the book review in this awesome blog that spotlights Christian books and has fun interactive Book Chat questions.
FaithBooks Romance – I am beyond thrilled to be featured in the March 8 issue. If you are an avid fan of Christian romance, I highly recommend you sign up for their free newsletter.
Sheep Gate Publishing Digital Magazine – I’m excited to be featured in their latest issue on March 10. This is an absolutely gorgeous magazine that highlights new releases in Christian fiction. It’s free to sign up and definitely worth it.
Inspirational Historical Fiction Index – I’m a guest on this wonderful blog and am giving one winner a chance at a paperback or ebook copy of Dreams of the Heart. Check out this wonderful blog that features some of your favorite Christian historical fiction authors.
A year ago this month,my historical romance, Love in Disguise, officially 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.
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!
Super excited today to do a book spotlight for Madisyn Carlin’s latest book, Iron. I’ve read this new release and I can honestly say it’s an amazing book. Carlin has a gift of taking readers into the story and creating a memorable and page-turning plot. You will definitely want to add this to your TBR pile.
Read on to find out all the details. And be sure to check out the blog tour information and enter to win a signed copy of Iron!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Enforcing justice comes with a price.
Detective Redwyn “Red” Deathan will stop at nothing to uncover those behind the ruthless kidnappings of multiple children. But things are not as they seem, and Red’s efforts are thwarted at every turn. With each discovery the danger grows, putting Red and the lives of those she cares about at risk. Can she reveal the mastermind’s identity before she herself becomes a target?
IRON is a Christian, New Adult, Fantasy Fairytale Retelling
Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious bookdragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales of redemption, faith, and action.
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 