Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Spotlight and Giveaway: Loving the Lawman Collection



About the Book



Book: Loving the Lawman Collection

Authors: Erica Vetsch, Kathleen Denly, Rachel Scott McDaniel, KyLee Woodley, Renae Brumbaugh Green, Avrie Swan

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: March 17, 2026

When danger closes in and secrets refuse to stay buried, love becomes the boldest risk of all.

Six gripping historical romances sweep from rugged Western frontiers to the shadowed streets of Prohibition-era Pittsburgh, pairing wary hearts with unexpected partners in journeys of justice, redemption, and slow-burn devotion.

Collection includes:
Maggie and the Maverick by Erica Vetsch
Call in the Canyons by Kathleen Denly
The Red Canary by Rachel Scott McDaniel
The Bounty Hunter’s Surrender by KyLee Woodley
Lone Star Ranger by Renae Brumbaugh Green
Embers of Truth by Avrie Swan

Six full-length romances. Countless dangers. One enduring truth: when everything is on the line, love is the greatest act of courage.

Individual book blurbs, if you need them:

Maggie and the Maverick by Erica Vetsch
Undercover U.S. Marshal Maggie Davis is determined to stop a string of stage robberies—no matter the cost. Posing as a traveling saleswoman, she finds herself drawn to Cal McConnell, a reformed stage driver with a troubled past who may be her best ally…or her prime suspect. As danger escalates and murder enters the picture, Maggie and Cal must decide whether to cling to suspicion or risk trusting each other with both the truth—and their hearts.

Call in the Canyons by Kathleen Denly
Sheriff Heath Monroe is desperate to redeem his reputation after a costly mistake, but taking down California’s most dangerous bandit gang could destroy what little he has left. Virginia Baker has sworn never to trust a lawman, especially after bandits murdered her father. Yet when the outlaws return, she joins Heath’s posse in pursuit of justice. As old wounds resurface and new feelings stir, they must decide if redemption—and love—are worth the risk.

The Red Canary by Rachel Scott McDaniel
In 1928 Pittsburgh, nightclub singer Vera Pembroke becomes the only witness to a deadly crime and is forced into hiding under the protection of Sergeant Mick Dinelo, a man who despises the underworld she inhabits. Sparks fly as they clash in the Allegheny Forest, but when the killer closes in, Vera and Mick must unravel a web of secrets stretching through the Steel City—before the music fades and their chance at love disappears with it.

The Bounty Hunter’s Surrender by KyLee Woodley
Widowed and expecting, Aubrey Willot discovers her late husband left behind more than debts—he left dangerous enemies. To survive, she must rely on Nathan Reed, a bounty hunter determined to recover stolen documents for the reward money he desperately needs. Drawn together by necessity and shadowed by deception, Aubrey and Nathan face rising peril—and a choice between self-protection and a future neither dared to hope for.

Lone Star Ranger by Renae Brumbaugh Green
Elizabeth Covington has one week to prove her brother’s innocence, even if it means chasing down the Texas Ranger determined to arrest him. Rett Smith won’t let emotion sway justice—but Elizabeth’s courage and conviction challenge everything he thought he knew. As they race across Texas to find the real killer, danger forces them into an uneasy partnership that may cost them their guarded hearts.

Embers of Truth by Avrie Swan
After the devastating Peshtigo Fire destroys her home, Carina Clarke travels to Milwaukee in search of her missing sister—only to become entangled in a hunt for a cunning thief. Pinkerton detective Oliver Ramhurst intends to solve the case alone, but Carina’s fierce determination draws them into a reluctant alliance. As suspicion deepens and danger grows, they must learn that trust may be the only thing powerful enough to carry them through the flames.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About Rachel Scott McDaniel

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance with heart, mystery, and humor. When she’s not dreaming up swoony heroes or happily ever afters, you can find her chasing adventures in Ohio with her husband, two amazing kids, and an endless supply of chocolate. Rachel loves hiking trails almost as much as plot twists and is always on the hunt for the next great story … or snack. Connect with her at RachelScottMcDaniel.com or at your favorite social media platforms!

 

 



 

More from Rachel

The Red Canary and The Allegheny National Forest

As a historical romance author, research has always been part of my writing process. My nerdy heart enjoys poring over thick tomes filled with information about bygone eras. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone down cyber rabbit trails on my internet searches, discovering historical nuggets that I can drop into my stories. The more information I got, the more empowered I felt. (Though I won’t go into the time I had borrowed every book on botanical poison from my local library. You can imagine the looks I got!) However, for The Red Canary, my own life experiences became my greatest source of information.

Let me explain.

The majority of the story takes place in the Allegheny National Forest, where I grew up. My family had a cabin there, and I knew those woods like the back of my hand. Every Friday night throughout the summer, my parents loaded us kids (my sister, brother, and me) into the family car and would drive three hours to the cabin. We’d reach the place by nightfall, and even though I’d no doubt fallen asleep in the car, I’d race through the dew-laden grass to the front porch to claim the top bunk in the bedroom I shared with my sister.

I remember that the sky always looked different out there, my youthful self surely thinking the chunky stars only lit over this specific forest.  My forest. Memories of swimming in the spring-fed creek, catching brown-spotted newts, and climbing rocks taller than a house are ones that filled my heart and spilled onto the pages of the story.

The Red Canary is a historical romance with a dash of mystery, but it’s also a love letter to the Allegheny National Forest. It was easy to imagine my characters walking along fern-lined paths or picking teaberry leaves at sunset because those settings are pulled from my memories.

Of course, I also incorporated external research to enrich the story. The Allegheny National Forest was purchased by the government in 1923. The forest is 513,175 acres in Northwestern Pennsylvania and is the only national forest in the state. Before the government’s procurement, the forest was charred from ravaging wildfires or bare from industrial logging. In the 1920s and 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) planted millions of trees to jumpstart reforestation. Another fun fact is that an abandoned CCC camp was only a stone’s throw from my family cabin, and I would often ride my bike to see the amazingly preserved buildings.

My goal in writing this book is to transport you to an era marked by dramatic shifts in fashion, music, politics, and culture. Yet when my characters enter the forest, they encounter a Creator who paints beautiful sunsets, carves rivers in dry land, and makes all things new. I hope you love it!

Blog Stops


Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Rachel is 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/Xwg9P/loving-the-lawman-collection-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Review: Wooing the Rival (Frontier Vows Book Five) by Melissa Jagears

 


Wooing the Rival (Frontier Vows Book 5) 
by Melissa Jagears


Blurb: 

The mercantile owner’s eccentric daughter is known for being bad at everything, so how could she possibly win enough votes to become mayor?

When Raven Owens volunteers at the school, she makes the mistake of telling the girls they can do anything they put their minds to. When a student challenges that assertion by daring her to run for mayor, what choice does she have? Running for office will likely get her laughed clean out of the territory, but when has ridicule ever stopped her before?

Panicked over Raven running for mayor, the town council nominates Bowen McGill to run against her. Bo has no interest in becoming a politician like his disgraced father, but Raven cares more about the town than the men queuing up to run against her. If Bo stays on the ballot to keep worse men from running, she might have a chance to be heard. However, she’d never forgive him if he won—and for some reason, that thought bothers him far more than the possibility of ending up with a job he doesn’t want.

Long-held grudges, unexpected attraction, and a scheming town council make it difficult for these two to decide if they’d prefer to win the race—or each other’s hearts.


My Review: 

It has a few years since I have seen a new book from Melissa Jagears. She has been among my favorite authors and I was so very excited to hear she finally had an upcoming release, Wooing the Rival. It was an honor to have the chance to read it. It is the fifth installment from her Frontier Vows series. Even though it is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand alone. I loved going back in time and meeting up with Raven and Bo. I felt an instant connection to Raven and could see myself in her. It was fun and entertaining to be thrown into this adventure that was full of suspense, humor, love, and some important life lessons. I loved every single page of it and could not put it down until the very end. A perfect way to spend on a beautiful fall day on my back deck. 

I am going to give Wooing the Rival a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean historical romance. I hope to read Melissa Jagears will be releasing more in the nearest future. I can never get enough of her books. 

I received a digital copy of Melissa Jagears' Wooing the Rival from the author, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive one. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

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Review: Cracking Monsters (The Uncrackables Book 2) by David Meyer

 


Cracking Monsters (The Uncrackables Book 2)
by David Meyer


Blurb:

WELCOME TO LAKE GRIMTON. DON'T FALL IN!

Andy Wagner is afraid he's already peaked-and he's only thirteen. Months ago, he and his friends solved one of Infinity Point's greatest mysteries and became local heroes. Now life is ordinary again ... until his tour boat lurches, flinging him into Lake Grimton. Something shoots beneath him.

Something far too big to be a fish.

Grimmy, the town's legendary lake monster, hasn't been seen in over a century. He's celebrated as a gentle giant whose song brings inner peace. But as Andy and his friends investigate his return, the old stories stop adding up.

Grimmy is no gentle giant.He's dangerous. So is his gift.

Someone else wants that gift. If he gets it, countless lives could be ruined. To stop him, Andy must unravel a mystery that has fooled generations ... and survive a monster that should have never been set free.

Andy wanted a bigger adventure. Now he's in way over his head.

Packed with humor, puzzles, supernatural danger, and unexpected twists, Cracking Monsters continues The Uncrackables, a fast-paced middle-grade mystery-adventure series for fans of Gordon Korman's Masterminds, James Ponti's The Sherlock Society, and The 39 Clues.


My Review: 

Cracking Monsters is the second installment from The Uncrackables series. It is, also, my first introduction to books by David Meyer. I enjoyed this middle grade fiction that was full of adventure, action, and mystery. I loved getting to know the characters and taking this journey with them. Even though the book is marketed for younger readers, I still liked the story and was curious as to how it would end for them. 

I am going to give Cracking Monsters five stars. I recommend it for readers who are between the ages of eight and fourteen. I beleive it would be a great addition on public library and school room shelves. I would love to read the previous book from The Uncrackables, Cracking Time to see what happened previously. 

I received a digital copy of David Meyer's Cracking Monsters from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

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Monday, November 9, 2026

Spotlight and Giveaway: Suspicious Delivery: Finley Burke Mysteries Book 2 by Terry Overton



About the Book



Book: Suspicious Delivery: Finley Burke Mysteries Book 2

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Release Date: May 9, 2026

When an unclaimed express delivery vanishes from Cozy’s Coffee Shop in Sunset Cove, Finley Burke expects a simple explanation. What she gets instead is a mystery stitched together with rare books, resurfacing secrets, and people who aren’t who they claim to be. As Finley follows the trail, she realizes the missing package is connected to a past that refuses to stay buried—and to a crime that may have been planned long before the delivery ever arrived.

Old relationships resurface with new motives, and long-awaited reunions reveal fractures that run deeper than blood. With each clue, Finley edges closer to the truth, closer to danger, and closer to someone determined to keep secrets hidden.

In Sunset Cove, what’s been buried longest often carries the highest price.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology.

Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean.

She has two children, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.

Her previous writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She now seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals.

Over the years, Terry’s books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Christian Indie Award, Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Pencraft Award, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her writing examines real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

More from Terry

The setting for this cozy mystery setting is a place called Sunset Cove. About two years ago, I relocated to the actual place! A small cove on Eagle Mountain Lake in Northwest section of Fort Worth Texas.

For more than twenty-years, I lived on the coast of Texas. Moving inland I knew I had to live near water, and Sunset Cove is the perfect place! My house (which is Finley’s lakeside cottage) is next to the cove, woods, and a creek that runs down into the cove.

After a few weeks in this new setting, the characters of Finley Burke, Birdie, Amelia, and Lynn just came into my writer’s mind and the series began!

I happen to live within the city limits of Fort Worth but this tiny patch near the cove is another small world with a handful of neighbors I have come to know. Not only is this setting “off the beaten path,” but we have foxes, alligators, herons, large barred-owls, racoons, armadillos, coyotes, and a host of birds and insects.  Some of these animals make appearances in the plot of the Finley Burke Mysteries,




The main character, Finley Burke, is a retired university psychology professor who specialized in forensic psychology. Following her move to Sunset Cove, she earns the reputation for being an amateur sleuth who can assist police and detectives in solving local crimes. Each of her sidekicks have unique and often quirky personalities and they all contribute to solving the mysteries of Sunset Cove.

Blog Stops


Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Terry is 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/AvOJc/suspicious-delivery-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Thursday, November 5, 2026

Spotlight and Giveaway: The Wolfschild and the King by Saraiah Dunmar



About the Book



Book: The Wolfschild and the King

Author: Saraiah Dunmar

Genre: Christian Fantasy

Release Date: January, 2026

By the time Zaera reaches her sixteenth spring, she is longing for the end of her rite of passage. Having survived eight long years among wolves in the wild, she is finally worthy to marry whatever young man is sent to find her and bring her back to her tribe. So when an injury results in rejection by both the suitors and her wolves, she is left crushed, alone, and hopeless—and bitter at the so-called Author-King, the tyrant god who cares nothing for mortals, who has either completely ignored her or deliberately ruined her life.

Then a young foreigner finds her and offers her a place among his people, and Zaera seizes the opportunity to find acceptance and love. But new problems arise. How long will it be before someone she loves is killed or captured in the minotaur raids that take place every summer? Why won’t their king do anything to protect them? What is behind the strange natural phenomena that have begun to erode the balance of nature? And most importantly, will Zaera’s new family reject her when they discover she hates their beloved Author-King?

With a growing rift between her and those she holds dear, and secrets pointing to a crisis greater than anyone could have imagined, Zaera is faced with a choice: take matters into her own hands by fleeing back to the lonely freedom of the wilderness, or follow the path laid out for her by the unseen hand writing the story of her life.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Saraiah Dunmar didn’t set out to be a writer. But the stories in her head had other plans. Inspired by tales that weave faith and fantasy together, she seeks to write stories that serve as a mirror of the truth, rather than merely an escape.

She currently writes books set in the world she made up as a teenager. Like Peter and Susan, she got too old to visit that world herself, but writing about it is the next best thing. Or possibly even better.

Her love of the outdoors, the ocean, animals, music, and other languages and cultures means that there will probably be a fair mix of all of the above in her stories. And she also loves her Lord Jesus Christ, and the great Story He authored as the Creator and Savior of the world. She hopes her stories honor Him and point others to truth.

More from Saraiah

It’s a little daunting to share a story and a world with strangers, especially when that world has been such a part of me for so long!

I began worldbuilding in middle school, and the world of this story took on its present shape when I was probably in high school. Three of the characters in this book—Zaera, Davead, and Aiedelvais—have been around for nearly as long. In the nearly two decades since then, there have been so many changes. The world has changed, the characters have changed (even their names are different)—and I myself have changed!

In the early days, God was not a direct part of the world. He was part of my life of course, but it seemed sacrilegious to have a god figure in my made-up world. Perhaps that was why none of the early story attempts never really stuck. But then I was introduced to several excellent Christian fantasy series, and I was completely captivated at how the blend of faith and fantasy could be used to illustrate Biblical truths and provide a mirror in which to look at our own lives. I wanted to do that, too.

Stories of redemption, surrender, and sacrifice have always moved me. And then one day a concept of this book’s conclusion came to mind. Like a tiny, dormant seed, it stayed with me for several years. That seed eventually became Chapter 28. And when that seed finally sprouted and I realized I had what looked like a viable story concept, I pulled out K. M. Weiland’s guide to outlining novels and decided to give it a shot. Three years later, the book was finished.

I hope you enjoy Zaera’s story! Wherever you are in your journey, I hope it encourages you to look for God’s unseen hand in your own life. For He is truly the best Author of the best stories!

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, November 5

Simple Harvest Reads, November 6 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, November 7 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, November 8 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, November 9 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 9

The Bookish Ledger, November 10 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, November 11 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, November 12 (Author Interview)

By the Book, November 13

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 14 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, November 15 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, November 16 (Author Interview)

Books, Books, & More Books, November 17 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 17

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 18 (Author Interview)


Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Saraiah is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/t2cTN/the-wolfschild-and-the-king-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Blog Tour and Giveaway: One Day Gone: A Mylas Grey Mystery by Luana Ehrlich



About the Book



Book: One Day Gone:  A Mylas Grey Mystery

Author: Luana Ehrlich

Genre: Christian Mystery

Release Date: October 29, 2019

Mylas Grey is a private investigator but don’t call him a private detective.

That title belongs to his father—not to him.

Mylas is the Chief Investigator for Senator Davis Allen, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. His job is to run background investigations of the President’s judicial nominees.

But then Lizzie, the Senator’s daughter, goes missing from her apartment.

And just like that, Mylas finds himself back in his hometown of Columbia, Missouri.

Discovering why she disappeared isn’t easy . . .

Lizzie has a reputation for doing the unexpected, so it’s possible she left town to be alone for a while, or to conduct research for her college newspaper, or simply to visit with friends.

Staying focused on the investigation isn’t easy . . .

Mylas finds himself getting distracted from the investigation when he meets a beautiful photographer who makes him question his rejection of Christianity.

Identifying a suspect isn’t easy . . .

Did Lizzie’s boyfriend play a role? Is a judge connected to Lizzie’s disappearance? What about Lizzie’s roommate?

So many suspects. So little time.

One Day Gone, Book I in the Mylas Grey Mystery Series, is a clean, suspenseful, fast-paced mystery, involving complex relationships, a fledgling romance, and a man’s search for happiness in all the wrong places.

If you enjoy an engaging, multilayered mystery with a vulnerable, endearing hero, someone who will make you cry one minute and laugh the next, you’ll love this book!

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author


Luana is a USA Today bestselling author, Carol Award finalist, and former missionary to Costa Rica and Venezuela. She developed her passion for mystery novels at an early age, but she didn’t write her own mystery/suspense/thrillers until her husband retired from the ministry.

 

Now, she writes from an undisclosed location to escape the torture of mundane housework, grocery shopping, and golf stories. However, she’s been known to come out of hiding to visit with her two grandsons or to enjoy a Starbucks caramel macchiato. She and her husband, James, are long‑time residents of Norman, Oklahoma.

More from Luana

Here’s a peek into how an author develops a protagonist for a new series. WARNING: This might be scary to some people.

When I decided to write a mystery series, I knew I wanted the protagonist, Mylas Grey, to be an investigator, but I wasn’t sure what kind. Private? Police? Corporate? All I knew was that I wanted him to be unique in some way. But what way?

At the same time, I was trying to decide where he would work—big city, small town, rural area. Washington, D.C., immediately came to mind, because I could just imagine all the mysteries Mylas might encounter there.

Once I started thinking about Washington, I naturally thought about Congress, congressional aides, journalists, lobbyists, and all the people who move in and out of that world. That led me to wonder if Mylas could work for a senator. After doing some research, I discovered that some senators—particularly those serving on the Judiciary Committee—have investigators on their staffs.

And just like that, the idea was born: Mylas Grey would be the chief investigator for Senator Davis Allen, where one of his responsibilities would be investigating the backgrounds of the President’s judicial nominees.

But that only answered one question.

Who was Mylas Grey? How did he become an investigator? Where was he born? Who were his parents? Was he married? Was he a Christian?

There isn’t enough room here to explain how I answered all those questions—and you should be thankful for that—but I promise the answers are revealed in One Day Gone.

Here’s one hint: Senator Allen sends Mylas back to his hometown to find his missing daughter. While he’s there, Mylas reconnects with his sometimes overbearing but loving family and meets Whitney Engel, a woman who not only helps him solve the case but also helps him discover the One who’s been missing from his life.

Blog Stops


Book Reviews From An Avid Reader, November 4

Simple Harvest Reads, November 5 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, November 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 6

Texas Book-aholic, November 7

Artistic Nobody, November 8 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 10

Guild Master, November 11 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, November 12

Betti Mace, November 13

Fiction Book Lover, November 14 (Author Interview)

The Bookish Ledger, November 15 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, November 15

Cover Lover Book Review, November 16

Lily’s Corner, November 17

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Luana is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed 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/Y9Q1I/one-day-gone-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Spotlight and Giveaway: The Teacher's Mending Heart by Lauralyn Keller



About the Book



Book: The Teacher’s Mending Heart

Author: Lauralyn Keller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 22, 2026

In the quiet hollows of a dying Appalachian town, a guarded nurse and a grieving teacher must decide if a second chance at love is worth the risk.

After losing her fiancé in the Great War, nurse Bethany Astor swore she’d never risk her heart again. But when the Red Cross sends her to the struggling mountain town of Laurel Ridge, Tennessee, she meets a schoolteacher whose pain mirrors her own. As she uses her skills to heal his injured leg, Bethany discovers that keeping her walls intact might be harder than she ever imagined.

Dylan Harper’s leg injury kept him from the battlefield, but his emotional wounds run deeper. Haunted by a tragic accident that claimed a young student’s life, he’s learned that loving someone means risking devastating loss. When Bethany arrives in town with her gentle spirit and healing touch, she awakens feelings he thought long buried—and terrifies him with their intensity.

As Laurel Ridge fights for survival, Bethany and Dylan must confront the ghosts of their past before they can embrace a future together. With both their hearts scarred by loss, will they find the courage to choose love over fear before time runs out?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Lauralyn Keller loves to combine history and romance in stories that touch the heart. She lives in beautiful Colorado and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and reading.

 

 

 

 

 

More from Lauralyn

This story started as fanfiction.

I love the show When Calls the Heart. Janette Oke was one of my favorite authors as a teenager, so I was thrilled when Hallmark turned her books into a series. Back in season 6, I hardcore shipped Nathan with Elizabeth almost as soon as he joined the cast. The potential for a relationship between them sparked my creativity, and soon I was writing fanfiction for them. At first, it was all a continuation of the show itself—where I hoped it would go, how I could see the characters behaving, what situations they might find themselves in. Then 2020 hit, and the pandemic shut everything down. My fanfiction became more hypothetical, taking characters from the show and placing them in completely different times and places. I wrote three or four full-length novels that bore very little resemblance to the show—some historical, some contemporary—driven by my love of those characters and, more importantly, my love of storytelling.

Healing Hearts was one of those stories.

I wondered what would happen if I took Nathan, Elizabeth, and a few other characters and put them in a small French town immediately after World War II. Their jobs changed. Their motivations changed. Their circumstances changed. Before I knew it, the only things When Calls the Heart and Healing Hearts really had in common were the names of the characters.

Sure, some themes remained—love after loss, rising above difficult circumstances, and finding hope in the midst of hardship. But those are themes that belong to historical fiction as much as they belong to any particular story.

Several years later, I remembered that fanfic and how much fun it had been to write. I wondered if I could tinker with it and turn it into a real novel. I started changing names, places, and circumstances, expecting to end up with essentially a fanfiction rewrite. Instead, I ended up with a completely different story.

That story became The Teacher’s Mending Heart—the story of Bethany and Dylan, a nurse and a teacher in small-town Appalachia in the aftermath of the Great War.

And then things took a personal turn.

I’m a teacher, so my own job was the inspiration for Dylan’s. And the heartbreak he experiences is the same heartbreak I experienced: the loss of a student. Writing Dylan’s journey to healing became a form of healing for me.

I didn’t set out to write through my own feelings of pain and all the what-ifs that come with loss. But as Dylan’s story progressed, those feelings flowed out through him. Grief is hard. It’s something most of us have wrestled with in one form or another, and I think stories can sometimes help us process the things we don’t have words for ourselves. My prayer is that by reading Dylan and Bethany’s stories of healing after loss, some readers might find the same comfort I found in writing them

On a lighter note, Bethany’s character was inspired in part by my sister. Bethany is a nurse, but her specialty is massage therapy, which happens to be my sister’s specialty as well. A lot of Bethany’s phrases or actions as a masseuse came directly from my sister. That was fun to write, and I might have chuckled a time or two mimicking my sister’s mannerisms. I don’t know a whole lot about massage personally, but having a research aide close by and in person was very helpful!

This story ended up being the most personal I’ve written yet. It certainly wasn’t intended that way—after all, it started as fanfiction! But perhaps that’s part of the beauty of writing. Sometimes a story takes you somewhere you never expected to go. The Teacher’s Mending Heart is close to my heart because of that journey, and I hope Dylan and Bethany’s story blesses you in some way.

Blog Stops



Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Lauralyn is 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/HdqGY/the-teachers-mending-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

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