Monday, July 13, 2026

Spotlight and Giveaway: Freed by the Frontier by Sherry Shindelar, Denise Farnsworth, Susan F. Craft



About the Book



Book: Freed by the Frontier

Authors: Sherry Shindelar, Denise Farnsworth, Susan F. Craft

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: June 30, 2026

Three remarkable women find themselves caught between two worlds on the American frontier. A captive of the Comanche must choose between escaping to white society or her growing feelings for a rising war chief in 1850s Texas. A Georgia judge’s daughter flees an unwanted betrothal during the War of 1812, only to be captured by Creek warriors but protected by a mysterious brave. And in 1754, an English lady traveling the Great Wagon Road to become a music teacher discovers her carefully planned future may not survive her attraction to a protective frontiersman.

From quaint civilized towns to treacherous mountain passes and wilderness villages, three couples navigate cultural divisions, overcome past wounds, and face deadly dangers to discover that love knows no boundaries. But as war clouds gather and ancient tribal alliances shift, will their newfound relationships survive the coming storm? Or will the clash of worlds tear them apart?

Three unforgettable romances prove that God’s greatest blessings often come disguised as our greatest challenges, and that true love can bridge any divide.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Authors

Originally from Tennessee, Sherry loves to take her readers into the past. A romantic at heart, she is an avid student of the Civil War and the Old West. When she is not busy writing, she is an English professor working to pass on her love of writing to her students. Sherry is an award-winning writer: 2025 Maggie winner, 2023 Genesis finalist, Maggie finalist, and Crown finalist. She currently resides in Minnesota with her husband of forty-one years. She has three grown children and three grandchildren. Connect with Sherry at sherryshindelar.com.

 

 



 

North Georgia native Denise Farnsworth, formerly Denise Weimer, has authored over twenty traditionally published novels and novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two adult daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

 

 





Nationally acclaimed writer of inspirational historical romance, Susan F. Craft retired after a 45-year career in communications. A widow who was married 48 years to her high school sweetheart, she has two adult children, one granddaughter, and a granddog. A history nerd, she enjoys painting, singing, and sitting on her porch watching chipmunks dine from her bird feeder. She recently learned how to play the ukulele. Soli Deo Gloria

 

 

 




More from the Authors

Imagine a time when the U.S. not far from the coast was unsettled wilderness. Where brave settlers faced the challenges of isolation and nature as they established a toehold of civilization. Where multiple nations clashed in battle as they vied for control of land and waterways.

This setting seeded with inherent danger and wild beauty calls to those of us who write frontier historical romances from the 1700s and 1800s. Three of us from Wild Heart Books—Sherry Shindelar, Denise Farnsworth, and Susan Craft—came together to pen a trio of novellas, Freed by the Frontier. Each of our stories connects to one of our previous series, but each novella can be read independently. We invite you to journey with us back to rugged mountains, wagon roads, and frontier settlements.

 

Wichita Path Sacrifice by Sherry Shindelar

The frontier has always captured my imagination. It is a place of hope and hardship, new beginnings and trials, dreams and risk, and in my stories, a place where love is forged. My novella is the prequel to Texas Forsaken, Book One in my Lone Star Redemption series. Wichita Path Sacrifice tells the love story of captive Maggie Logan (Eyes-Like-Sky) and Dancing Eagle, a renowned Comanche warrior. The story is set in Comancheria in the 1850’s when the Comanches ruled the southern Plains and settlers entered the Texas frontier at their own risk. Years ago, the real-life story of Cynthia Ann Parker broke my heart. Cynthia was captured by Comanches at age nine, and lived with them for twenty-four years, married, and had children. When she was eventually recaptured by cavalry and Texas Rangers, she wanted nothing to do with the settlers’ world. Her heart belonged to the Comanche and her husband and children who were lost to her. Cynthia’s story had a sad ending that haunted me. I wanted to write a captive story with a happier ending, and that desire led to Texas Forsaken. The prequel, Wichita Path Sacrifice, inspired by the real-life stories of Cynthia Ann Parker and her cousin Rachel Plummer, is an enemy-to-lovers story of love blossoming in the midst of trials, when it seems all hope is gone. It’s a story of choices between paths. Love requires sacrifice. Eyes-Like-Sky and Dancing Eagle must decide how much they’re willing to let go of and risk if they are to claim the dreams of their heart.

 

 

Ofuskee Trail Surrender by Denise Farnsworth

Keturah Caldwell disappeared from A Counterfeit Betrothal, the first book of my Scouts of the Georgia Frontier series. Pledged to wed the hero of that novel, the daughter of a Georgia judge  was abducted by thieves and sold to a war party of Creek braves. One of them, known as Wildcat, quietly protects her on the journey to his village in present-day Alabama. Keturah soon learns she has more in common with the adopted son of the micco than she would ever have guessed. When his cruel stepbrother turns his sights on Keturah and her younger sister, Keturah is forced to trust Wildcat in a marriage of convenience, though she vows to convince him to help them escape. They grow from enemies to lovers amid the War of 1812, as she learns that sometimes, greater blessings can come from abiding than from escaping.

Keturah also meets another captive, Susannah Moore, heroine of A Contrary Betrothal (formerly released as Bent Tree Bride), coming August 18 of this year.

 

Wagon Road Serenade by Susan F. Craft

An enemies-to-lovers historical romance, this novella is set in1754 on the Great Wagon Road spanning from Philadelphia, PA, to Augusta, GA. I wrote this novella as a complement to my three-novel Great Wagon Road series.

Elizabeth Stanton, her reputation marred from an injustice in London, seeks a second chance as a music teacher for a women’s academy in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She joins a wagon train, but scarred from her past, she vows never to rely on a man again. James Morgan, a widowed trapper, hears a vile rumor about Elizabeth and regrets agreeing to drive one of the academy’s wagons. To Elizabeth, James is another charming scoundrel. To James, Elizabeth is a tainted woman to be avoided. Both resist a growing attraction. James admires her willingness to help others. Her soft soprano voice fills the nights with a melancholy sweetness. Had he received false information and misjudged? Elizabeth tries to remain indifferent, but when he saves her and an orphan girl after Indians kidnap them, her heart softens.

Will his gentle treatment erase her misgivings? Can she trust him? Will their hearts reject discord and blend into a serenade of love?

Blog Stops

Giveaway



To celebrate their tour, the Wild Heart Authors aare giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/7zZDM/freed-by-the-frontier-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, July 10, 2026

Spotlight and Giveaway: For This Very Purpose by E J Ashmore



About the Book



Book: FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE

Author: EJ Ashmore

Genre: Biblical Fiction/young adult

Release Date: October 15, 2025

Sixteen-year-old Eliza has accepted life as a Hebrew slave in Egypt, never to be seen, heard, or loved. After all, she has it good, working alongside her sister for the wealthy Ameneten family. Though unworthy of love, she is free to love others, and she loves her master’s oldest son, Seti (unbeknownst to him).

Only when Moses returns to the land of Egypt to free his people is she emboldened to pray to the ancient God her mother used to speak of, and she prays for the love of Seti, but only if he first rejects his gods and falls for the Hebrew God.

As the God of gods hardens Pharaoh’s heart, He softens Seti’s and pursues him with a love Seti has never known, while also shining His face on Eliza who learns she is indeed worthy of love.

This is the Exodus as told from both Eliza and Seti as a love story between God and His people, God and Seti, and Seti and Eliza.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

EJ Ashmore, a mother, wife, and a nurse, only wrote for fun as a teenager. Once babies and college got in the way, she stopped, but she also no longer wanted to write unless it was for God. When her son was 15 and trying to grapple with why God would harden Pharaoh’s heart, then punish him, she took to writing again. Best to show him rather than explain it. But then Joel Richardson’s SINAI TO ZION came out, and she fell in love with how the whole exodus and wilderness scenario was God’s love story- from pursuit, winning the love of the people, to betrothal, complete with a wedding supper which has yet to happen. It’s a literal play-by-play of the ancient Jewish wedding customs, but so is Christianity. Not only that, but human marriage was designed to reflect God’s desired relationship with His people.

This became EJ’s passion: to demonstrate this in a story for young people, as is to reach the average teenager who feels unworthy of God’s (or anybody’s) love.

FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE comes from Exodus 9:16 and is EJ’s debut novel.

 

More from EJ

When Lisa Phillip’s son was 15 and trying to grapple with why God would harden Pharaoh’s heart, then punish him for it, she took to writing. Best to show him rather than explain it. But then Joel Richardson’s SINAI TO ZION came out, and she fell in love with how the whole exodus and wilderness scenario was God’s love story—from pursuit, winning the love of the people, to betrothal, complete with a wedding supper which has yet to happen. It’s a literal play-by-play of the ancient Jewish wedding customs, but so is Christianity. Not only that, but human marriage was designed to reflect God’s desired relationship with His people.

This became Lisa’s passion: to demonstrate this in a story for young people, as is to reach the average teenager who feels unworthy of God’s (or anybody’s) love.

FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE comes from Exodus 9:16 and is Lisa’s debut novel. Since there is already a well-known author by the name of Lisa Phillips, a pen name was chosen.

Blog Stops


Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 8

Simple Harvest Reads, July 9 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, July 10

Artistic Nobody, July 11 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 12

Guild Master, July 13 (Author Interview)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 14

Fiction Book Lover, July 15 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, July 16

The Bookish Ledger, July 17 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, July 17

The Bookish Pilgrim, July 18

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 19 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, July 20

Books Less Travelled, July 21 (Author Interview)


Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, EJ is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/tMHcl/for-this-very-purpose-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, July 9, 2026

Book Tour and Giveaway: Stolen: The Orion Sessions by Cheryl DaVeiga


 


Book Details:

Book Title:  Best Friends: The Orion Sessions by Cheryl DaVeiga
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 9-13), 144 pages
Genre:  Contemporary Middle-Grade Fiction
Publisher:  Waterhole Productions LLC
Release date:   April 12, 2026
Content Rating:  G. Written for middle-grade audience.

Book Description:

At thirteen, Orion Casey has stopped singing—and it’s not because she stopped loving it. After the girls everyone follows start talking about her instead of to her, she’s finished performing for anyone.

Then the messages start.

Anonymous. Encouraging. A little too perfectly timed.

Someone’s been watching her—really seeing her—and part of Orion can’t help hoping it’s the one person she wishes would notice her back. The texts give Orion confidence she didn’t know she had—enough to discover songwriting and a new way back to her music.

But as friendships shift and secrets surface, Orion begins to wonder: when the way you see yourself keeps changing based on who’s looking at you, how do you figure out who you really are?

Best Friends launches The Orion Sessions, a contemporary middle-grade series about friendship, self-confidence, and learning what it means to sing—and live—for yourself.
Buy the Book
Amazon
B&N ~ BAM
add to goodreads

Coming Next in the Orion Sessions Series:


Book Details:

Book Title:  Stolen: The Orion Sessions by Cheryl DaVeiga
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 9-13), 
Genre:  Contemporary Middle-Grade Fiction
Publisher:  Waterhole Productions LLC
Release date:   July 15, 2026
Format available for review:  ebook (PDF)
Tour dates: June 22 to July 10, 2026
Content Rating:  G. Written for middle-grade audience.

Book Description:

She finally found her voice. Now someone's stolen it.

Thirteen-year-old Orion Casey arrives at songwriting camp ready to write, perform, and finally belong. Then she meets Ava Rae: TikTok-famous, confident, and exactly the kind of songwriter Orion hopes to be someday. When Ava Rae asks Orion to co-write a song for a real music producer, it feels like the universe finally has her back.

It doesn't.

The morning after their late-night session under the stars, Orion wakes up to a post blowing up on social media. Ava Rae has uploaded their song — every chord, every lyric, every melody that was more Orion's than hers — and claimed it as her own. Orion's name? Nowhere. And the notebook with all the proof? Gone.

Now Orion is up against something she never saw coming. She's been written out of her own story. And in a camp full of kids who worship Ava Rae, who's going to believe her?


Stolen is Book 2 of The Orion Sessions — a fast-paced trilogy for music lovers and anyone who's ever trusted the wrong person or had to fight to be believed.
Pre-Order the Book
Amazon
B&N ~ BAM
add to goodreads
Meet the Author:

Cheryl DaVeiga grew up loving music—singing, writing, and dreaming in melodies. Following that passion was never framed as a real option, so she chose a path that felt defined and practical, building a career in accounting and eventually becoming a partner at a national firm.

Years later, she found her way back to the music she had set aside, becoming an award-winning songwriter recognized by ASCAP and ultimately discovering the joy of writing children’s books. Across her seven picture books—stories infused with music, humor, and sing-along joy—her work has received award recognition from the Eric Hoffer Book Awards, Mom’s Choice Awards (Gold), Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, and Literary Titan.

But even as she wrote those playful stories, she knew there was another one waiting—one rooted in the girl she used to be and the voice she had tucked away. That story became The Orion Sessions, a middle-grade trilogy for kids growing up in the real world—with music, of course. The Orion Sessions is the series Cheryl wishes she'd had when she was twelve: full of music, friendship, mistakes, courage, and the journey of reclaiming the voice she’d hidden to fit in.

Cheryl lives in Tucson with her partner, Doug, and they spend summers in New Jersey. She still sings… like all the time.

connect with the author:  website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

Author's Giveaway:
Click on the Link below:

My Review:

I have enjoyed the first book from Cheryl DaVeiga's The Orion Sessions called, Best Friends: The Orion Session. It was an honor to have the chance to read the second installment Stolen: The Orion Sessions. It is a delight to once again a joy to going to 13 years old Orion Casey's world and catching up with her and her friends. I think of her of being a good role model for others her age. Her adventure begins at a camp for young songwriters and her life is turned upside down when a popular tiktoker, Ava Rae, is in attendance, as well. Orion finds herself disappointed, doubting herself, feeling betrayed, and learning who to trust. She has to figure out a way to speak up for herself. She teaches more life lessons that readers - young and old - can learn from.

I am going to give Stolen: The Orion Sessions a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who are between the ages of eight and twelve years old. Particularly, if they are music lovers like my own children and their peers. I believe ti would be great placement on classroom shelves. I would love to continue The Orion Sessions series with the third installment, Viral: The Orion Sessions. I look forward for when it releases this coming fall.

I received a paperback copy of Cheryl DaVeiga's Stolen: The Orion Sessions from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Book Tour and Giveaway: Best Friends: The Orion Sessions by Cheryl DaVeiga

 


 


Book Details:

Book Title:  Best Friends: The Orion Sessions by Cheryl DaVeiga
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 9-13), 144 pages
Genre:  Contemporary Middle-Grade Fiction
Publisher:  Waterhole Productions LLC
Release date:   April 12, 2026
Content Rating:  G. Written for middle-grade audience.

Book Description:

At thirteen, Orion Casey has stopped singing—and it’s not because she stopped loving it. After the girls everyone follows start talking about her instead of to her, she’s finished performing for anyone.

Then the messages start.

Anonymous. Encouraging. A little too perfectly timed.

Someone’s been watching her—really seeing her—and part of Orion can’t help hoping it’s the one person she wishes would notice her back. The texts give Orion confidence she didn’t know she had—enough to discover songwriting and a new way back to her music.

But as friendships shift and secrets surface, Orion begins to wonder: when the way you see yourself keeps changing based on who’s looking at you, how do you figure out who you really are?

Best Friends launches The Orion Sessions, a contemporary middle-grade series about friendship, self-confidence, and learning what it means to sing—and live—for yourself.
Buy the Book
Amazon
B&N ~ BAM
add to goodreads

Coming Next in the Orion Sessions Series:


Book Details:

Book Title:  Stolen: The Orion Sessions by Cheryl DaVeiga
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 9-13), 
Genre:  Contemporary Middle-Grade Fiction
Publisher:  Waterhole Productions LLC
Release date:   July 15, 2026
Format available for review:  ebook (PDF)
Tour dates: June 22 to July 10, 2026
Content Rating:  G. Written for middle-grade audience.

Book Description:

She finally found her voice. Now someone's stolen it.

Thirteen-year-old Orion Casey arrives at songwriting camp ready to write, perform, and finally belong. Then she meets Ava Rae: TikTok-famous, confident, and exactly the kind of songwriter Orion hopes to be someday. When Ava Rae asks Orion to co-write a song for a real music producer, it feels like the universe finally has her back.

It doesn't.

The morning after their late-night session under the stars, Orion wakes up to a post blowing up on social media. Ava Rae has uploaded their song — every chord, every lyric, every melody that was more Orion's than hers — and claimed it as her own. Orion's name? Nowhere. And the notebook with all the proof? Gone.

Now Orion is up against something she never saw coming. She's been written out of her own story. And in a camp full of kids who worship Ava Rae, who's going to believe her?


Stolen is Book 2 of The Orion Sessions — a fast-paced trilogy for music lovers and anyone who's ever trusted the wrong person or had to fight to be believed.
Pre-Order the Book
Amazon
B&N ~ BAM
add to goodreads
Meet the Author:

Cheryl DaVeiga grew up loving music—singing, writing, and dreaming in melodies. Following that passion was never framed as a real option, so she chose a path that felt defined and practical, building a career in accounting and eventually becoming a partner at a national firm.

Years later, she found her way back to the music she had set aside, becoming an award-winning songwriter recognized by ASCAP and ultimately discovering the joy of writing children’s books. Across her seven picture books—stories infused with music, humor, and sing-along joy—her work has received award recognition from the Eric Hoffer Book Awards, Mom’s Choice Awards (Gold), Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, and Literary Titan.

But even as she wrote those playful stories, she knew there was another one waiting—one rooted in the girl she used to be and the voice she had tucked away. That story became The Orion Sessions, a middle-grade trilogy for kids growing up in the real world—with music, of course. The Orion Sessions is the series Cheryl wishes she'd had when she was twelve: full of music, friendship, mistakes, courage, and the journey of reclaiming the voice she’d hidden to fit in.

Cheryl lives in Tucson with her partner, Doug, and they spend summers in New Jersey. She still sings… like all the time.

connect with the author:  website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

Author's Giveaway:
Click on the Link below:

My Review:

I have enjoyed previous books from the talented children's author, Cheryl DaVeiga and was excited to read her newest middle grade series, The Orion Sessions. It was a delight to start it off with Best Friends: The Orion Sessions. It was a delight to meet thirteen year old, Orion Casey. As her story unfolds, she learns some valuable life lessons of friendships, self awareness, and finding yourself. As a parent of a middle schooler myself, I thought the author did a great job in realistically relatable for pre teens and young teenagers. I loved getting to know Orion and seeing how this journey of hers would end for her and her friends. Even though the book is not marketed for someone my age, I still enjoyed it very much and was easy to read in one sitting.

I believe Best Friends: The Orion Sessions deserves a five star rating. I highly recommend it for readers who are between the ages of eight and twelve years old. Particularly, if they are music lovers like my own kids. It would be a great addition on the shelves at public libraries. I look forward to reading the next book from The Orion Sessions series, Stolen: The Orion Sessions, to see what author, Cheryl DaVeiga, has in store for her young readers. 

I received a paperback copy of Cheryl DaVeiga's Best Friends: The Orion Sessions from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.



Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Blog Tour and Review: The Below by Scott T Mller


 

Book Details:

​Book Title:  The Below by Scott T. Miller
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  352 pages
Genre: Sci-fi; Dystopian, Cyberpunk
Publisher: Amplify Publishing (Mascot Books)
Release date:  January 1, 2026
Content Rating: R: Curse words, MC visits a sex club (descriptions are in detail although MC does not engage in sexual actions), character deaths, drug use. 

Book Description:

Humankind rose from the carcass of a dead world. Lifetimes later, billions of people live in superstructures constructed atop the only habitable lands left, the Hawaiian Islands. Kilohana “Kilo” Ressler lives in Hawai'i City (known to the people as Big City) along with his illegal Digital Psychological Manifestation (DPM), EO, a pseudo-twin only perceptible to the host, designed during the rebuilding years to provide companionship in a world of horrors.

Kilo has managed to keep EO a secret for most of his life, but when his skills are required for a diplomatic mission in Kaua'i City, Kilo and EO find themselves embroiled in a conspiracy that threatens to expose EO’s existence and endanger the fragile balance of power between the island cities. The only place left for answers is in the depths of the superstructure the Below. As the walls close in, Kilo must undertake the impossible task of protecting his friend, facing his past, and holding a crumbling city together.​

BUY THE BOOK:
​add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

​Scott T. Miller is an author, researcher, and educator. He comes from a long line of teachers and didn’t stand much of a chance of doing anything but working in education. He received his PhD in Global and International Education from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and his MEd in counseling from Northern Arizona University. Scott grew up in San Diego and has lived in South Dakota, Arizona, California, and Hawaiʻi. He recently moved from Oahu back to California with his wife, Bell, and dogs Hiro and Pebble. Scott adores science fiction and, at every opportunity, is writing, reading, and watching science fiction stories. Scott has authored several academic works on identity, globalism, and socio-political stratification. The themes and theories explored in his publications have influenced his fiction as he’s worked to craft relevant and immersive stories that speak to the heart of societal and human experiences. Scott has a deep reverence for dystopian stories that explore the outer reaches of human capabilities and dysfunction and has been influenced by the immense wake of authors such as Phillip K. Dick and Richard K. Morgan.

Connect with the Author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ tiktok ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

My Review:

The Below is an exciting debut from the talented author, Scott T Miller. I am not one that will instantly go to the genre of fantasy or science fiction. I honestly usually stay away from it. However, I thought this was a pretty good book to read. After a few chapters in, I caught on what was happening with the characters, I was fascinated and hooked. It was full of action, adventure, and intrigue. It was fun taking this journey with Kilo and finding out what was to come from chapter to chapter. It was not a predictable story for me, so I never knew what to expect.  I thought the author's descriptions of the setting and plot made it seem to be believable. Their writing style is unique and was refreshing to read something new and different for me. A wonderful way to spend while staying inside during these hot summer days.

I am going to give The Below four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who love to read Science Fiction, Dystopian, and / or Cyberpunk novels. I would be interested in reading more by Scott T Miller in the near future. I am curious to see where his imagination will take his characters and fans to next. I believe this one should not be missed and definitely worth diving into. 

I received a paperback copy of Scott T Miller's The Below from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Spotlight and Giveaway: The Broken Weathervane by Laura DeNooyer



About the Book



Book: The Broken Weathervane

Author: Laura DeNooyer

Genre: Women’s fiction, dual timeline fiction, literary fiction, book club fiction

Release Date: September 2, 2025

Two co-workers seek the same information. One wants to publish it; the other has good reasons to keep it hidden.

As Leslie Wickersham, Raymond University grants officer, seeks information to unravel a family mystery, English professor Gregory Stafford seeks an elusive interview with one more Buckwalter relative for his upcoming author biography. While Greg and Leslie guard coveted details from each other, her goals are further complicated by letters of blackmail threatening to reveal all she has worked hard to hide.

In this dual timeline novel alternating between 2015 and the 1950s, loyalty is tested and secrets abound when family honor collides with truth. Leslie grapples with the trade-off: how far will a person go to help a loved one thrive?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Laura DeNooyer thrives on creativity and encouraging it in others. A Calvin College graduate, she is a teacher, wife, parent of four adult children, and an award-winning author of heart-warming historical and contemporary fiction. Her novels are perfect for fans of Patti Callahan Henry, Erin Bartels, or Amanda Cox. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading, walking, drinking tea with friends, or taking a road trip.

 

 

 



More from Laura

The Shame of Silence

In the 1950s, nobody talked openly about mental illness. We think it’s stigmatized today; it was worse then.

When a family member is physically ill or in an accident, folks will line up outside your door to bring comfort or casseroles. It’s an easily shared prayer request. But when a family member has an episode related to mental illness, it’s shrouded in secrecy and shame. Thus, the people most needing prayers and support don’t get them.

That’s the experience of Fritz, Eddie, and Klara Buckwalter in the 1950s timeline of The Broken Weathervane.

Leave It to Beaver

Television in the 1950s became a household word with its daily entertainment. Sitcoms included Danny Thomas’s Make Room for Daddy, I Love Lucy, Our Miss Brooks, and Father Knows Best. Variety shows like The Ed Sullivan Show along with comedy shows featuring George Burns, Jack Benny, and Red Skelton had viewers laughing in living rooms across America.

But those shows illuminated the lighter side of life. Today, we fondly embrace the innocence and nostalgia of Leave It to Beaver. But that’s far-fetched from everyday realities. Especially for those plagued by mental illness.

Old Dog, New Tricks

In the 2015 timeline, two co-workers are at cross purposes—both seeking the same information for different reasons.

When my protagonist Leslie Wickersham is hired as the grants officer at Raymond University, she doesn’t count on having to teach an old dog new tricks. By dog, I mean the brassy, pretentious English professor, Dr. Gregory Stafford—who isn’t all that old, but is behind the times.

The dean expects Leslie to drag Greg into the 21st century via social media, something Greg has relegated to the annals of Hogwash and Absurdity.

Their proximity becomes her chance to pick his brain for nuggets from his upcoming biography of local author Linus Fritz Buckwalter.

But she can’t let him know that Fritz is her great-uncle. Or that the one last interview Greg is holding out for—Klara Buckwalter—is Leslie’s grandmother.

Due to Klara’s silence, Leslie hopes Greg holds the key to knowledge about the family rift.

Answers start appearing when Klara gives Leslie her 1950s diary. The answers are shocking—but also contradict Greg’s research.

If you appreciate stories with:

  • small town family secrets
  • family drama
  • dual timelines (2015 and 1950s)
  • moral dilemmas
  • family loyalty vs. honesty
  • an honest, tender treatment of mental illness

. . . then this story will touch your heart.

My hope is that book club discussions will help increase understanding, transparency, and empathy for those who suffer. Open dialogue about mental illness is that important first step toward reducing the stigma associated with it. The Broken Weathervane is the perfect catalyst for that.

Blogs Stops


Simple Harvest Reads, July 7 (Author Interview)

She Lives To Read, July 8

Artistic Nobody, July 9 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, July 10 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 10

Fiction Book Lover, July 11 (Author Interview)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 12

The Bookish Ledger, July 13 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 14 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 14

Books Less Travelled, July 15 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, July 16

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, July 17 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Corner, July 18

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, July 19 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, July 20 (Author Interview)


Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Janis is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/0jxOq/the-broken-weathervane-celebration-tour-giveaway