It’s release day!

I am thrilled to announce the Release Day for Henry and Evaline! (Ebook releases today; paperback releases later this week).

And just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Release Day is always an exciting day for authors. It’s the day our characters finally come alive through hours of writing—many times long hours far into the night when we should be sleeping.

Readying a book to send off into the masses is not for the faint of heart. It involves hours of pounding on the keyboard, back-and-forth chat sessions with our editor, and reading the manuscript over a thousand times until we have it memorized. But it is so worth it to see the finished product and to share it with our readers.

Henry and Evaline is available in ebook format on Amazon by clicking here.

Below is the official blurb and some fun quotables. I hope you enjoy reading Henry and Evaline as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Blurb:

What happens when an entire town becomes involved in a matchmaking scheme?

Evaline doesn’t know what to think when her mother volunteers her for the Bible club helper position. What she does know, however, is that she is most unimpressed when Henry Gregory, the Bible club leader, mistakes her for one of the participants. Who knew a quiet man of faith could have such an ornery streak?

Henry never met anyone quite like Evaline Browning. The petite librarian volunteering as a Bible club helper is a lot of spunk in a small package. But the more he’s around her, the more he fears he’ll lose his heart. Could this be the woman God has planned for him?

Soon, Evaline and Henry find themselves caught in a matchmaking endeavor. Polls, well-meaning gossips, and more shenanigans ensue as the residents of Chokecherry Heights do their best to convince Evaline and Henry they’d make the perfect couple.

Travel back in time for a peek into the life of one of Chokecherry Heights’ most beloved characters.

Readers of sweet Christian romance will enjoy this faith-based novella with heartwarming and memorable characters. Can be read as a stand-alone or in conjunction with Love Under Construction.

the top 10 blog posts of 2021

I can’t believe it’s already almost February! Is it just me or has time flown by faster than ever this past year?

Last year, I posted 47 posts on a variety of topics including faith, humor, parenting and motherhood, writing, movie reviews, blog tours, recipes, songs, devotionals, and how-to posts. Below, I’ve listed the ten most popular of those 47 in order of popularity.

1. The most popular post last year was how to build close bonds with your kids. The inspiration for this post came from a mom who recently posted a question in a Facebook group. She needed encouragement in her parenting journey.

2. The number two spot was another parenting post titled tools to help your child succeed in life. Our culture bases success on many things. But what truly makes a person successful? And what if we, as parents, pulled the following tools from our parenting toolboxes to help our child succeed in life?

3. This post was my very last post of the year posted on the very last day of 2021: tips for keeping your New Year’s resolutions. Each year, New Year’s resolutions are made, and each year, New Year’s resolutions are broken, some within a month or two of making them. Below are some suggestions for keeping your New Year’s resolutions.

4. One of the highlights in my personal life last year was the release of my contemporary romance novel Love Under Construction. A tender and uplifting story with plenty of humor, its main theme is relying on God in all circumstances. I was so grateful to all of the bloggers who joined me in the Love Under Construction blog tour, the fourth most popular post of the year.

5. One of my personal favorite posts made the number five spot. 28 verses for uncertain times, one of the several posts in the Scripture Series. Amidst the anxiety and fear that grips us during these uncertain times, we must keep our focus on the only One who can give us peace and comfort when all things seem lost. These verses are the Lord’s promises that we are never alone, that He goes before us, and that He is our shield and comfort.

6. One of my humor posts made the number six slot, Momlife, part 1 “The Big Truck A fun post in the momlife series based on real life. In it, I reach back into the past and dig into the archives for a story about what happened when an innocent mom of two with a serious depth perception problem has to drive the big truck while her SUV is being repaired.

7. In the number seven slot is my post you might be a writer if… (10 ways to know). Some of my favorite people are fellow writers. We live in a world all our own, full of crazy characters, plot twists, and made-up settings. Here are ten clues you might be a writer.

8. I posted Thankful for the small things… as a reminder that we sometimes overlook the seemingly “small” things.

9. the importance of avoiding false teaching came in number nine. Sometimes it’s not easy to discern false teaching when it is plopped in the center of an otherwise Biblical-sounding sermon or podcast. Sometimes otherwise good teaching is interspersed with falsehoods or even heresy. That’s when we need to be on guard the most. So how do we spot false teaching?

10. And finally, rounding out the top ten most popular blog posts is 31 awesome movies for your must-watch list. I am always on the lookout for movies for the entire family. Here, I list 31 of my favorites to add to your next family night.

To my readers, thank you so much for taking the time to read my posts this past year. Have a blessed 2022!

Love Under Construction Blog Tour: Kickoff + Sneak Peak + Meet the Characters

I’m super excited to announce the Love Under Construction mini blog tour! **

First, a bit about the book…

She builds websites. He builds houses. Together, can they build a family for two orphans?

Irelynn agreed two years ago to help raise her best friend’s twins should anything happen. When she is called upon to fulfill that agreement, there is only one problem—Irelynn must share the responsibility with the arrogant but handsome Quinton Gregory.

Quinton takes the role of raising his niece and nephew with all seriousness. He will do anything for the twins, even if it means putting up with the beautiful but stubborn Irelynn Brady.

When forced to be in each other’s presence far more often than is comfortable, things slowly begin to change. Will the unexpected attraction between Irelynn and Quinton become a love under construction?

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Available for purchase:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

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Scroll down for the following:

1. A sneak peek from Chapter One.
2. Meet four of the characters from Love Under Construction.
3. A glimpse into who inspired me on my “Love Under Construction“ Pinterest board.
4. Bio and links. Be sure to follow for updates on future books.
5. A list and links of some awesome bloggers who have agreed to host me each day with interviews, book spotlights, giveaways, reviews, and guest posts.

Thanks for stopping by and helping me celebrate this momentous occasion of Love Under Construction going from an idea, to my computer screen, and finally to an ebook and paperback.

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Sneak peek into Chapter One

Tears pricked Irelynn Brady’s eyes. “Please help me,” she whispered. Not her first prayer for this situation, and likely far from being her last.

Because God’s help was the only way she had any hope of handling the insurmountable task set before her.

Irelynn gripped the steering wheel and glanced in the rearview mirror. The children in the back seat had fallen asleep, exhausted from their hectic day. Their precious round faces weren’t the only thing that reminded her she must succeed.

It was also the promise she’d made to their mother, Nicole.

Raindrops splattered on the windshield, and Irelynn flipped on the switch for the windshield wipers. If only the noise of the wipers, combined with the pattering rain, could drown out the emotions that warred within her.

The death of her best friend.

Suddenly becoming a single mom to twin three-year-olds.

A house too small for the unanticipated addition to her family.

And that pesky nemesis, Quinton Gregory, thrown into the mix for good measure.

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Meet the Characters

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A glimpse into who inspired me on my “Love Under Construction” Pinterest board.

Pinterest is an author’s dream come true when it comes to creating characters, settings, and even clothing choices, houses, and vehicles for characters. This is especially true for those of us who are visual writers. When you visit my Love Under Construction Pinterest board, you’ll find, of course, Irelynn and Quinton, as well as, secondary characters Mia and Max, Cynthia (Mom), Gram, Mrs. Caruthers, and Mr. and Mrs. Potter, along with Irelynn’s house (the top house picture).

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My Bio:

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics. Today Penny is a multi-published author of several inspirational books. She is also a homeschool mom and a fitness instructor.

When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, camping, hiking, canoeing, reading, running, cycling, gardening, and playing volleyball.

She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her www. pennyzeller.com and her blog, random thoughts from a day in the life of a wife, mom, and author, at http://www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com.

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Let’s connect!

Website: https://pennyzeller.com/

Blog: www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PennyZeller

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/zellerpenny/

Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/author/pennyzeller

MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/pennyzeller

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Love Under Construction Mini Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, December 6:

Blog Tour Kickoff/Sneak Peek/Meet the Characters | Penny Zeller

Author Interview | Kristina Hall

Book Spotlight and Giveaway| Chat with Vera

Tuesday. December 7:

Book Spotlight | Joy Hannabass

Book Spotlight | Penny McGinnis

Wednesday, December 8:

Author Interview | Vanessa Hall

Thursday, December 9:

Book Spotlight and Guest Post| June Foster

Friday, December 10:

Book Spotlight and Review | Madi’s Musings

Book Spotlight and Guest Post | Kathy McKinsey

Saturday, December 11:

Book Spotlight/Ebook Giveaway | Patti’s Porch

Blog Tour Wrap-up/Love Under Construction Quotables and a signed copy giveaway | Penny Zeller

** Regularly-scheduled posts will return next week.

It’s release day!

Finally, the big day for my latest contemporary Christian romance has arrived. As an author, it always seems like the release date for a new book is far, far into the future. While we never want to wish time away, waiting for our characters to come to life in the form of a book can sometimes feel out of reach.

Today is the big day for Love Under Construction. A tender and uplifting Christian contemporary romance, the main theme I chose to wove throughout its pages is relying on God in all circumstances.

Be sure to return next Monday, as I’ll be listing all of the exciting details about my mini blog tour, taking place from December 6-11. I’m joining with fellow authors and hosting a few giveaways of Love Under Construction, offering some insights into the book, and answering some fun interview questions.

Also, I’m thrilled to announce that I’m a guest today on Author Julie Arduini’s blog at http://juliearduini.com/2021/11/30/love-under-construction-by-penny-zeller/ where I’m talking about the inspiration behind the character, Cynthia Brady.

Without further ado, below is the blurb for Love Under Construction. It is available in both paperback and ebook format and can be found here.

Thank you for joining me in celebrating my new release!

She builds websites. He builds houses. Together, can they build a family for two orphans?

Irelynn agreed two years ago to help raise her best friend’s twins should anything happen. When she is called upon to fulfill that agreement, there is only one problem—Irelynn must share the responsibility with the arrogant but handsome Quinton Gregory. Quinton takes the role of raising his niece and nephew with all seriousness. He will do anything for the twins, even if it means putting up with the beautiful but stubborn Irelynn Brady.

When forced to be in each other’s presence far more often than is comfortable, things slowly begin to change. Will the unexpected attraction between Irelynn and Quinton become a love under construction?