LiteraryScape 2026 Kickoff: New Books, New Studio, and Exciting Changes Ahead!

Welcome to 2026, book lovers! We’re thrilled to kick off another year of reading, discussing, and celebrating great Christian fiction with you. This year brings some exciting changes to LiteraryScape, and we can’t wait to share what’s in store.

Hosts

Melissa LaShure

Jessica

Tiffanie

Mom

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About This Episide

What’s New at LiteraryScape?

A Brand New Recording Space

Get ready for an upgraded viewing experience! Most of our 2026 episodes will be recorded in our new studio space, complete with better cameras and improved picture quality. We’re also bringing back some fan favorites like trivia and adding unique segments beyond our traditional book discussions.

LiteraryScape Book Club Membership

We’ve migrated to a new website and launched our official LiteraryScape Book Club membership for just $7/month or $70/year! Here’s what members get:

• Free e-book with every new release
• Exclusive “Coffee and Books” author events (members only!)
• Free shipping on all LiteraryScape store purchases
• Access to live book club sessions with us throughout the year

Visit our Book Club page to join!

Expanded Store Offerings

Our online store is growing! In addition to our Unwavering Faith totes and t-shirts, Bounty Brothers shirts, and remaining Unwavering Faith mugs, we’re launching an exciting new Circle Seven Ranch t-shirt designed by Nikki, who also creates our book covers. Keep an eye out for the official ranch logo and brand too!

Our 2026 Reading List

Ready to read along with us? Here are the series and books we’ll be featuring this year:

Series Lineup

• Hope of Cheyenne by Tracie Peterson
• Minnesota Kingstons by Susan May Warren (new author for us!)
• Pepper Basham’s Rom-Com Collection: Loyally, Luke, Some Like It Scott, and Positively, Penelope
• Convenient Risk Series (finishing up) by Sara R.Turnquist
• Lake City Heroes by Lynette Eason (new romantic suspense series!)
• Texas Promise Series by Naomi Rawlings (another new author!)
• Plus our traditional Christmas stories and wrap-ups

We’ll also be revisiting some favorites like Gossamer Falls (book three releases in March!), continuing the Lynn Shannon series, and catching up with Crystal Caudill’s new releases.

How We Chose This Year’s Books

This year, we expanded our horizons! After featuring backlist titles and new releases from past interview guests in 2025, we decided to bring in fresh voices. That’s why you’ll see several new-to-us authors on the list, including our first foray into Christian rom-com with Pepper Basham’s books.

We’re also maintaining our balance of historical romance and contemporary suspense while adding that lighter rom-com element for variety. Susan May Warren’s Minnesota Kingstons series brings a different flavor of suspense—think Knight and Day (the Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz movie) or James Bond style action with military backgrounds and romance, rather than straight murder mysteries.

Our Predictions

Tiffany’s Picks

• Favorite series: Either Hope of Cheyenne by Tracie Peterson or Pepper Basham’s books
• Favorite single book: Positively, Penelope (love that title!)

Jessica’s Prediction

• Favorite: Pepper Basham’s books (both as a series and individual favorites)

Melissa’s Predictions

• Favorite series: Torn between Hope of Cheyenne and Minnesota Kingstons (already loving Susan May Warren’s work!)
• Favorite book: Loyally, Luke

Our Reading Goals

We’re committing to better tracking on Goodreads this year! Here are our goals:

• Tiffany: 50 books (all the podcast books plus 10 more)
• Host: 50 books
• Jessica: 75 books (we’re setting the bar high for our library-working friend!)

What’s your reading goal for 2026? We’d love to hear it!

Looking Ahead

With milestone birthdays to celebrate (hello, 40s!), a busy first half of the year, and all these wonderful books to read, 2026 is shaping up to be our best year yet. We’ll be bringing back some of our classic challenges and fun activities during the warm months, so stay tuned for those announcements.

Thank you for being part of the LiteraryScape community. Whether you’re watching on video or listening to the podcast, reading along with us or just enjoying the discussions, we’re so grateful you’re here.

Here’s to 2026 and many great books ahead! ✨

Don’t forget to visit our Book Club page to join, check out our store, and see the complete reading list for the year!

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Merry Christmas from LiteraryScape 2025 Wrap-Up

Celebrate a year of romance, drama, and great reads with LiteraryScape’s 2025 wrap-up. Plus: exciting 2026 book club news! Listen now and join the fun.

Hosts

Melissa LaShure

Jessica

Tiffanie

Mom

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About This Episide

As we close out 2025, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on an incredible year of reading together. From wedding debacles to family drama, from cowboy ranchers to heartfelt romance, we’ve journeyed through so many wonderful stories with all of you.

This year brought us deeper into the world of historical romance, where we explored complex family dynamics, forbidden crushes, and the ever-important “bro code” that sometimes needs breaking. We laughed together, swooned over sweet proposals, debated romance levels (latte versus mocha, anyone?), and maybe even shed a few tears when unexpected accidents struck our favorite characters.

We’ve loved discussing everything from the drama that hooks us on page one to those inspirational moments that make us pause and reflect. Whether a book earned an espresso, mocha, or full latte rating from us, each story brought something special to our reading lives. And let’s be honest—we’ve had some spirited debates about just how much romance is too much romance (spoiler: we don’t always agree, and that’s what makes it fun!).

Looking Ahead to 2026

We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We will be back on January 30, 2026 to kick off the 2026 reading season with fresh books, new discussions, and plenty of coffee-themed ratings to go around.

But that’s not all! We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll also be launching the LiteraryScape Book Club where you can join in on the book club fun. Read along with us, share your thoughts, and be part of our community as we discover new authors and revisit beloved favorites together.

We can’t wait to read through 2026 with you!

Thank you for being part of the LiteraryScape community this year. Your support, your comments, and your shared love of books means the world to us. Here’s to another year of turning pages, rating drama levels, and getting hogtied by stories we can’t put down.

Happy reading, and we’ll see you in the new year!

— The LiteraryScape Team

P.S. Don’t forget to grab your coffee (espresso, mocha, or latte—your choice!) and get cozy with a good book this holiday season. We’ll have plenty of recommendations waiting for you when we return!

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From Enemies to Lovers: Our Discussion of Wishing for the Rancher’s Love

Welcome back to the LiteraryScape blog! Today we’re diving into book five of Jody Hedlund’s High Country Ranch series, Wishing for the Rancher’s Love. If you’ve been following along with us, you’ll remember meeting Grady in book two when he had that memorable interaction with Clementine. Now it’s finally time for their story!

Hosts

Melissa LaShure

Jessica

Tiffanie

Mom

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The Setup

Clementine Oakley is the only one of her siblings who hasn’t married, and she’s feeling left behind. But she’s determined to focus on her candy-making business, dreaming of one day having her own shop instead of just a small counter in Worth’s General Store. She’s friendly and outgoing with everyone in town—except for one person: Grady Worth, the store owner’s son.

The tension between these two? It all boils down to a classic case of childhood friends who suddenly see each other as attractive adults and have no idea how to handle it. So naturally, they just bicker constantly!

The Conflict Intensifies

Things get complicated when Grady’s widowed father proposes a contest to encourage Grady to find love. Clementine is the last person Grady considers as an option—especially after he hurts one of her friends by taking her to a dance. But when a stalker begins making dangerous threats against Clementine, the two are forced into a fake engagement to lure the stalker out.

We have to mention that McClintock moment when Grady literally picks Clementine up and carries her out over his shoulder after she comes to his workplace flirting with one of his employees. Talk about dramatic!

The Mystery Element

Without giving too much away, we had mixed reactions to the stalker’s identity. Some of us saw it coming, while others were completely shocked. The creepy factor was definitely high—watching someone while they sleep, leaving flowers on the bed—all very unsettling. Grady’s protective instincts kicked into high gear, and honestly? We were swooning over his determination to keep Clementine safe.

Our Ratings

Here’s how we rated Wishing for the Rancher’s Love on our Literary Scape scale:

• Drama Level: Latte
• Mystery Level: Latte
• Suspense Level: Mocha (This one had significantly more suspense than the previous books in the series due to the stalker element)
• Inspirational Level: Espresso
• Romance Level: Latte (They take a while to get on the same page, but when they finally kiss, it explodes on the page!)

Overall Rating: 3 out of 3 Lassos

Final Thoughts

One thing we found interesting: the title is a bit misleading since Grady isn’t actually a rancher—he runs the livery in town. But we loved what he does for Clementine at the end, fulfilling her dream in the sweetest way possible.

And can we talk about that scene with her older brother catching them kissing, taking a few steps, then catching them kissing again? Classic!

What’s Next?

We’re excited to announce that Jody Hedlund is returning to Summit County with the Noble Ranch series! Remember Sterling Noble from Maverick and Hazel’s story in book one? After his bride, Violet Berkley, ran away on their wedding day, Sterling swore off love and marriage. But of course, when Violet comes back into his life, he can’t keep his feelings buried—even though he tries very hard.

Books one and two of the Noble Ranch series released in October, and we can’t wait to see how Jody makes us fall in love with Violet after what she did to Sterling!

Want to learn more about Jody Hedlund and her books? Visit her website at https://jodyhedlund.com/

Have you read Wishing for the Rancher’s Love? What did you think of Grady and Clementine’s enemies-to-lovers romance? Let us know in the comments!

Don’t forget to sign up for our free newsletter at LiteraryScape.com/newsletter for updates on reader and author events, plus news about upcoming books!

Listen to the full episode discussion on the LiteraryScape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

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Wrangling the Wandering Rancher

Welcome back to LiteraryScape! This week we’re diving into Wrangling the Wandering Rancher by Jody Hedlund, the fourth book in the High Country Ranch series. This historical romance set in the Colorado Rockies delivers all the drama, suspense, and tender moments we’ve come to expect from this series.

Hosts

Melissa LaShure

Jessica

Tiffanie

Mom

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The Story

Maisie Merritt has made herself a promise: she’ll never marry a mountain man. Despite her love for the Colorado Rockies and the wild creatures she helps, she’s witnessed firsthand how her father’s wandering ways destroyed her family and led to her mother’s death from loneliness. She’s ready for a normal life with a normal man.

Gaetano “Tanner” Oakley lives the wandering life of a trapper and trail guide. Having seen how hard his lifestyle is on Maisie and her sister when their father disappears for long stretches, Tanner has convinced himself he’s not husband material for any woman. He’s restless and unsettled, having long ago given up hope of finding the family he lost.

When Tanner returns to the mountains and finds Maisie in serious trouble, his attempt to help only makes matters worse. With Maisie injured and her reputation in tatters, he’s forced to do the right thing and marry her. But can two people who’ve sworn off this kind of life find happiness together?

Our Discussion Highlights

The Mystery Continues

One of the most satisfying aspects of this book is the continuation of Tanner’s search for his lost family. Without spoiling anything, we can say that Hedlund wraps up this storyline in unexpected and interesting ways. It made us think about how many people in history had similar experiences—losing family during Indian attacks, wagon train journeys, or other tragedies—and never finding answers about their origins.

Edge-of-Your-Seat Moments

The book opens with Maisie in a truly precarious situation, literally hanging from a cliff edge. (Thank goodness for her pet wolf!) The tension had us on edge. We recently saw a YouTube video of a real-life mother-daughter hiking accident with a similar scenario, which made this scene hit even harder. The mountains are beautiful but unforgiving.

Family Drama

Maisie’s father might be one of the most frustrating characters in the series. His complete disregard for his daughters—even after losing his wife, one daughter, and a grandchild—is heartbreaking. The way he forces Maisie and Tanner into marriage just so he can continue trapping without worrying about her made us furious. At least the situation ultimately works in Maisie’s favor, freeing her from that difficult life.

The Standoff

We can’t give away too many details, but there’s an intense standoff involving Maisie’s neighbors that had us glued to the pages. And the moment when Tanner considers shooting Maisie’s pet wolf to save her? One of us literally said, “If that wolf dies, I’m done reading this book!” The turn of events that follows is something you’ll have to discover for yourself.

A Tender Romance

Despite their vows to never be together, Maisie and Tanner share an undeniable attraction. She’s been in love with him for years, though he initially saw her as a little sister. Watching them navigate their forced marriage while trying to hold back their feelings creates a beautifully tender romance.

Our Ratings

Here’s how we rated the different elements of this book (using our coffee scale):

• Drama Level: Latte (this is a theme throughout the series!)
• Suspense: Espresso (the cliff scene, the standoff, plenty of tense moments)
• Mystery: Espresso (mainly the continuation of Tanner’s family mystery)
• Inspirational Level: Espresso
• Romance Level: Latte (lots of tender moments and restrained passion)
• Overall Lasso Rating: 3/3 for all of us

Final Thoughts

Wrangling the Wandering Rancher is a book you won’t want to put down. It’s got great twists, intense scenes, and satisfying character development. If you love historical romance with mountain settings, complex family dynamics, and characters who grow through adversity, this one’s for you.

Be sure to check out more of Jody Hedlund’s work at her website: https://jodyhedlund.com/

Next week, we’ll be discussing the final book in the High Country Ranch series: Wishing for the Rancher’s Love. We can’t wait to see how Hedlund wraps up this wonderful series!

Pro tip: If you’re ever in northern Indiana in October, grab some pumpkin donuts from Fashion Farm. They’re amazing and may or may not have been consumed during this podcast recording!

Have you read Wrangling the Wandering Rancher? What did you think of Tanner and Maisie’s story? Let us know in the comments!

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When Historical Romance Meets Modern Realities

Welcome back to the LiteraryScape podcast! This week we’re diving into book three of Jody Hedlund’s High Country Ranch series, A Wife for the Rancher, and let us tell you—this one had us hooked from start to finish.

Hosts

Melissa LaShure

Jessica

Tiffanie

Mom

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The Story

Millionaire heiress Genevieve Hollis has everything money can buy, except the one thing she desperately wants: freedom. With her controlling stepmother overseeing her every move, Genevieve feels trapped in her gilded cage. When she spots a newspaper advertisement from rancher Ryder Oakley seeking a mother for his newborn baby, she sees her chance to escape—even if it means hiding her true identity.

Ryder has experienced more than his share of loss and heartbreak. Now a single father fighting to keep his son, he’s looking for a practical solution: a marriage of convenience without the messy complications of real feelings. But as Genevieve and Ryder navigate their new arrangement, attraction begins to bloom—just as the secrets of their pasts threaten to tear them apart.

Read more about A Wife for the Rancher

What We Loved

One of the standout elements of this book is how Hedlund brings contemporary issues into a historical setting. The custody battle storyline felt surprisingly modern and relevant, tackling themes that many historical romances shy away from. As we discussed in the episode, Ryder’s situation—dealing with a birth mother who abandoned their child and then wants to reclaim him—isn’t your typical historical romance scenario.

We appreciated how Hedlund handles this sensitive topic with care, showing both the struggle and the hope that exists even in difficult situations. It’s intense and emotional, but there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.

The Characters That Stole Our Hearts

While we loved Genevieve and Ryder’s journey, we have to give a shout-out to some of the supporting characters. That young lawyer who shows up from Denver? We all fell a little in love with him. He comes in, completely unruffled by Genevieve’s doubts about his abilities, and proceeds to save the day in the custody battle. Seriously, Jody—we need a love story for this guy!

And then there’s the ongoing mystery with Ryder and his brother Tanner. Those vivid flashback dreams that start revealing Ryder’s forgotten past? Fascinating. Watching Ryder naturally slip into business dealings in New York, discovering talents he didn’t know he had—it all adds another compelling layer to the story.

The Villains

Let’s talk about Genevieve’s stepmother and the corrupt family lawyer. Talk about dirty dealings! The stepmother doesn’t care about Genevieve at all—she’s only after the fortune. And discovering that the family lawyer is in cahoots with her? That betrayal hit hard.

On a lighter note, the saloon owner villain made us think of Hank from Doctor Quinn, Medicine Woman—you know, that tall, lanky, sleazy character you just want to punch? (Okay, we may have gotten a bit sidetracked reminiscing about that show, but that’s what happens when you record a whole series in one sitting on a Saturday morning!)

Our Rating System

Here’s how A Wife for the Rancher measures up on our coffee-themed scale:

• Drama: Latte (this book is FULL of drama!)
• Mystery: Espresso to Mocha (it’s there with Ryder’s past, but not the main focus)
• Suspense: Espresso (some tense moments, especially with people coming to take Genevieve back)
• Inspirational: Espresso (subtle but present)
• Romance: Latte (they’re married, so Hedlund can develop their relationship more deeply while keeping it clean)

Final Lasso Rating: 3 out of 3 lassos all around!

This was the book we couldn’t put down. It had us turning pages late into the night, desperate to know what happened next.

Looking Ahead

The mystery of Ryder’s past doesn’t fully resolve in this book—you’ll have to wait for the next installment to get all the answers. Speaking of which, next week we’ll be discussing book four in the series, Wrangling the Wandering Rancher, which tells Tanner’s story. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it!

Have you read A Wife for the Rancher? What did you think of the custody battle storyline? Let us know in the comments! And if you haven’t checked out the High Country Ranch series yet, what are you waiting for?

Happy reading!

The LiteraryScape Team

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Can You Say No?

Welcome back to the LiteraryScape Podcast! In this episode, we dive into Book 2 of Jody Hedlund’s High Country Ranch series, Willing to Wed the Rancher. Join us as we discuss strong characters, family rifts, unexpected romance, and one very important lesson about learning to say no.

Hosts

Melissa LaShure

Jessica

Tiffanie

Mom

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About the Book

Assistant schoolteacher Claribel Oakley struggles with saying no to people—a trait that gets her into serious trouble when Eric Meyer, the widowed father of two of her students, proposes marriage. When Claribel fumbles her attempt to decline, explaining she wants to marry for love rather than convenience, Eric misunderstands completely. Then tragedy strikes, and Claribel suddenly finds herself responsible for Eric’s children and his farm.

Enter Professor Franz Meyer, who arrives in Summit County, Colorado, hoping to reconcile with his estranged brother Eric. Instead, he discovers Eric is gone, leaving behind unanswered questions and two young children. One thing Franz knows immediately: he’s fallen for Claribel at first sight and is determined to win her heart.

But there’s a complication—Claribel’s flirtatious twin sister Clementine has set her sights on Franz. As Franz investigates what happened to his brother and danger closes in, Claribel must decide whether to say yes to love before it’s too late.

Get your copy here!

Our Discussion Highlights

The Struggle to Say No

We connected deeply with Claribel’s inability to refuse people’s requests. As one host admitted, “I got told this week, ‘It’s okay to say no, Tiff.'” Claribel’s challenge resonated with us—she wanted to keep the children happy and ensure they grew up properly, showing her genuine heart for them. However, we agreed she needed to buck up and be firm, especially when facing an unwanted marriage proposal!

The Brother Backstory

The rift between Franz and Eric created compelling drama. Eric had run off with Franz’s fiancée after she became pregnant with Eric’s child—leaving behind both his brother and a vast fortune. We couldn’t blame Franz for not wanting to talk to his brother after such a betrayal. This backstory added depth and emotional weight to Franz’s journey.

Twin Sister Drama

The mix-up between Claribel and her twin Clementine provided some of our favorite moments. When Franz mistakes Clementine for Claribel at the mercantile and wraps his arms around her from behind, it sets off a chain reaction. Clementine, described as a big flirt (just like her older brother Maverick!), assumes Franz is interested in her.

We thought Franz should have been more direct in letting Clementine down gently, but we also understood the complications. When Clementine asked Claribel if she had feelings for Franz, Claribel couldn’t bring herself to tell the truth. While we didn’t care for Clementine’s dramatic reaction when Franz chose Claribel, we acknowledged that part of the blame fell on Claribel for not being honest.

That Adorable (and Confusing) “Wedding” Scene

One of the most entertaining moments involved the children reenacting the story of the troll under the bridge with the three goats. The kids, who desperately wanted Franz and Claribel to marry, took matters into their own hands. When they went to town and announced their teacher and uncle were married, it created quite the scandal!

This led to an interesting discussion about marriage customs in historical times, including common law marriage and the tradition of “jumping the broom.” We were fascinated to learn that couples could be considered married simply by saying vows in front of witnesses, even without a preacher present—which was necessary when preachers only came through every six months or so.

An Unexpected Ending

Rather than the typical ending where Franz might become a teacher and they’d settle down locally, Hedlund surprised us. The family’s move far away left us wondering if they’d ever see their loved ones again, though we appreciated that Claribel got her fairy tale ending—complete with a castle and more than she ever could have dreamed of.

The unresolved rift between Franz and Eric was heartbreaking, but we recognized it as an important reminder that sometimes we don’t get those resolutions in life. It’s a powerful lesson about making amends while you still can.

Our Ratings

• Drama Level: Latte (lots of drama between brothers and sisters!)
• Mystery Level: Espresso to Mocha (something’s definitely going on)
• Inspirational Level: Espresso (more historical romance than inspirational)
• Suspense Level: Espresso (present but not overwhelming)
• Romance Level: Latte to Mocha (opinions varied on the romance intensity)
• Overall Lasso Rating: 3 out of 3 Lassos

Final Thoughts

Willing to Wed the Rancher kept us engaged with its character-driven plot, family dynamics, and sweet romance. While it may not be Hedlund’s most inspirational series, it delivers an enjoyable historical romance with heart. The book also opens possibilities for a future series following the family in their new home.

We recommend this for fans of historical Christian romance who enjoy stories about second chances, blended families, and characters learning to stand up for themselves.

Have you read Willing to Wed the Rancher? We’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you enjoyed this episode, please share our podcast—every share helps us reach more readers and authors like you.

Until next time, happy and blessed reading and writing!

Listen to the full episode on the LiteraryScape Podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts!

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When Best Friends and Brothers Collide

Welcome back to LiteraryScape! This week we’re diving into Waiting For the Rancher by Jody Hedlund, the first book in her High Country Ranch series. If you love a good brother’s best friend romance with plenty of drama and heart, this one’s for you!

Hosts

Melissa LaShure

Jessica

Tiffanie

Mom

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The Story

Hazel Noble loves her job managing the mares at High Country Ranch, where she gets to work alongside her secret crush, Maverick Oakley—who just happens to be the ranch owner and her brother Sterling’s best friend. Everything changes when Maverick accidentally ruins Sterling’s wedding, turning best friends into worst enemies. With a family rift threatening everything, Maverick must finally admit his feelings for Hazel while navigating the complicated waters of the “bro code” and a promise he made to Sterling years ago.

When tragedy strikes, Maverick is forced to choose: his loyalty to his best friend or his love for Hazel. But after pushing her away, will he be too late to win her heart?

Learn more about the book on Jody Hedlund’s website

What We Loved

That Opening Scene! The wedding debacle hooked us immediately. We couldn’t stop talking about how Maverick calling everyone “darlin” created such chaos. Sometimes being a charming flirt can backfire!

The Family Dynamics were beautifully done. The Oakley family includes Maverick, his two sisters, two adopted brothers, and an older brother. What impressed us most was how seamlessly the adopted brothers were woven into the family—you’d never know they weren’t biological siblings if it wasn’t mentioned. The way this family rallies around each other when someone needs help really showcases what found family is all about.

The Foaling Scenes gave us those late-night moments where Hazel and Maverick couldn’t avoid their feelings anymore. There’s something about working side-by-side caring for animals that brings people together!

The Bro Code Debate

We had quite the discussion about Sterling’s insistence that Maverick stay away from Hazel. Wouldn’t you want your sister with someone you know and trust? Sure, you know all their flaws, but you also know their character. We agreed the bro code might need some revising!

Unexpected Twists

Maverick’s accident threw us for a loop! We genuinely worried the story might take a much darker turn based on what the doctor was saying. The recovery felt a bit rushed to us, but it fit Maverick’s determined, stubborn character.

We also loved the unique proposal tradition Maverick and Sterling had planned for each other—helping set up the perfect proposal spots. Sweet as it was, Maverick never ended up using his! Hazel figured it out anyway and took matters into her own hands, leading to a spontaneous elopement that was perfectly them.

A Note on Sterling

Don’t worry if you’re invested in Sterling’s story—Jody Hedlund has announced a spinoff Noble Ranch series that will feature him! We were so relieved to hear this because he kind of disappears from the story after the dramatic opening.

Our Ratings ☕

Drama Level: Latte (lots of drama from page one!)
Mystery Level: Espresso (minimal mystery)
Suspense Level: Espresso (not much suspense)
Inspirational Level: Espresso (this isn’t part of her inspirational series)
Romance Level: Mocha to Latte (depending on your tolerance—it’s definitely present but clean)
Lasso Rating: 2-3 Lassos (we were hooked enough to keep reading the series!)

Final Thoughts

Waiting For the Rancher is a solid start to the High Country Ranch series. While none of the couples in this series have traditional weddings with all their family and friends (they all just elope!), the romance and family bonds make up for it. If you enjoy sweet, clean Western romance with great family dynamics and a brother’s best friend trope, this series is worth picking up.

The best part? Jody always leaves a teaser for the next couple, so you’ll find yourself immediately reaching for the next book. We certainly did!

Up Next: Join us next week as we discuss book two in the series, Willing to Wed the Rancher!

Have you read Waiting For the Rancher? What did you think about the wedding disaster opening? Let us know in the comments!

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Breaking Barriers in Bloomers

Welcome back to another LiteraryScape Book Club Friday! We’re thrilled to bring you our latest podcast episode featuring the talented Abbey Downey, author of the captivating Adventurous Hearts series. This marks Abbey’s return to our show—she holds the special distinction of being our very first podcast guest, and we couldn’t be happier to have her back.

Hosts & Guests

Melissa LaShure

Jessica

Mom

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About This Episide

About the Adventurous Hearts Series

The Adventurous Hearts series consists of three standalone novels connected by an inspiring theme: women breaking barriers in the early 1900s. Set between 1905 and 1910, each book features a heroine pursuing an unconventional career path for her time.

The Remarkable Women

Abbey’s inspiration came from real historical figures who defied expectations:

An Uncertain Road features a female race car driver competing in the 1905 Glidden Tour, a grueling 10-day endurance race. The character is based on an actual woman who not only raced but became a passionate advocate for teaching women to drive.

An Unexpected Catch introduces us to a female baseball umpire inspired by Amanda Clement, who remarkably began umpiring semi-professional baseball games at just 16 years old. Abbey shared that this was her favorite book to write, thanks to a special research assistant—her 13-year-old son, who is passionate about baseball history and statistics.

Uncharted Dreams follows a woman starting an explorers club, inspired by a group of women who actually founded their own explorers club in the 1920s. Abbey admits this was the most challenging book to write, requiring multiple rewrites, but it became the most spiritually resonant of the three.

Fascinating Research Discoveries

Abbey uncovered some delightful historical oddities during her research. The most memorable? A room at Coney Island that allegedly had cheese growing on the walls that visitors could sample. While she only found one mention of this bizarre attraction, the detail was too intriguing not to include.

For An Unexpected Catch, Abbey incorporated actual stories about Amanda Clement, including a throwing contest where she out-threw male players. When a reader questioned the distance, Abbey confirmed it was historically accurate—she had used the exact measurement credited to Amanda.

The research for Uncharted Dreams revealed fascinating camping equipment from the era, including ingenious tents that attached to automobiles, creating a combined shelter that incorporated the vehicle.

Reader Favorites

Our book club had passionate responses to all three novels. An Unexpected Catch resonated deeply with baseball fans, while Uncharted Dreams earned top marks for its inspirational elements. One reader wanted to give it “four or five lassoes” instead of our standard three-lasso rating scale! The mystery elements kept readers guessing, with the anonymous letters subplot earning particular praise for its unexpected resolution.

What’s Next?

Abbey is currently finishing the first book in a new three-book series set to debut in September 2026. Staying in the early 1900s, this series will focus on women in entertainment:

• Book one features an archery demonstrator
• Book two will incorporate ice skating and vaudeville
• Book three centers on early airplane exhibition shows

Connect with Abbey

Want to keep up with Abbey’s writing and upcoming releases? Visit her website at https://abbeydowney.com/ where you can sign up for her monthly newsletter. She’s also active on Facebook and Instagram as Abbey Downey.

Newsletter subscribers can participate in Abbey’s popular antique identification game, where she posts photos of mysterious vintage items and challenges readers to guess their purpose. Be quick—you need to be one of the first responders to win!

Meet Abbey in Person

Abbey will be attending the Just Read Rendezvous in St. Louis on November 7-8, 2025, along with over 40 other authors. Registration is still open if you’d like to meet Abbey and connect with fellow book lovers.

We’re already counting down to Abbey’s next series release and looking forward to having her back on the podcast when it debuts. Until then, if you haven’t discovered the Adventurous Hearts series yet, now is the perfect time to meet these remarkable women who dared to dream differently.

Listen to the full podcast episode to hear more details about Abbey’s writing process, her research adventures, and the historical women who inspired these unforgettable stories.

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An Uncharted Dream by Abbey Downey

Welcome back to LiteraryScape! This week, we’re wrapping up our discussion of the Adventurous Hearts series with An Uncharted Dream by Abbey Downey, and let me tell you—this one is a real page-turner!

Hosts & Guests

Melissa LaShure

Jessica

Mom

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The Story

An Uncharted Dream follows Lenora, who dreams of following in her father’s footsteps as an explorer but has been held back by debilitating fear since his tragic death. When a mysterious explorer named Mr. Fleming promises to take her on an expedition to the very place where her father died, she sees her chance for answers and adventure.

Enter Marcus Turner, Lenora’s longtime best friend who secretly loves her. Having spent years hiding his family’s financial struggles, Marcus knows a con man when he sees one—and Mr. Fleming raises all his red flags. Determined to protect Lenora, Marcus joins the expedition, setting the stage for adventure, betrayal, and ultimately, a journey of faith and love.

Our Discussion Highlights

Jessica loved this book so much it became her favorite in the series! She was hooked from the very beginning, constantly wondering: Is Mr. Fleming a con man? Will Lenora actually go to Peru? The mystery kept her turning pages late into the night.

We discussed several compelling elements:

The Suspicion Around Mr. Fleming: From the very first scene at the library, Marcus’s suspicions are aroused, and we agreed—something was definitely off! The way Fleming couldn’t answer basic questions about the expedition was a major red flag that Lenora unfortunately missed.

The Anonymous Letters: The mysterious letters encouraging Lenora to take the trip added an intriguing layer to the story. Discovering who was really behind them was one of those great “aha!” moments.

Family Contrasts: We loved the stark difference between Lenora’s warm, inviting family and Marcus’s cold, distant one. Marcus doesn’t even enjoy going home, and his family situation, while frustrating, added real depth to his character.

The Big Betrayal: When the group gets stranded in a foreign country where they can’t speak the language, the tension really ramps up. It’s one of those moments where you’re yelling at the characters, “Don’t give him the money!”

Communication Issues: This is definitely one of those stories where if the main characters had just talked to each other, a lot of problems could have been avoided! But watching them finally realize their feelings for each other after years of friendship was worth the wait.

Adventure and Romance

The book beautifully weaves together themes of exploration, archeology, and surveying. The ending, where Marcus pursues his passion for surveying while Lenora does excavation work, was particularly satisfying. We both admitted to being fascinated by archeology—there’s something magical about uncovering history!

We also discussed some of the more challenging aspects of historical travel: the boat journey (would we be able to handle the seasickness and fear of water?), the preparation trips and camping, and the sheer adventure of it all.

Our Ratings

Using our coffee-themed rating system:

• Drama Level: Latte
• Suspense Level: Espresso (gentle but definitely there)
• Mystery Level: Mocha
• Inspirational Level: Mocha (this one had more faith elements than the previous books)
• Romance Level: Espresso (sweet and clean)

The Final Verdict: Lasso Ratings

Jessica gives this book her highest rating: 4 Lassos! She couldn’t put it down and would even go as high as 3.5 to 4 if we allowed half ratings. As for me, I gave it a solid 2 Lassos—still excellent, but my personal reading preference leans toward books with a bit more suspense and romance.

Overall, Abbey Downey has created an excellent series that’s perfect for readers who love cozy mysteries with sweet romance and historical adventure. The pacing is wonderful, and the stories are engaging without being too intense.

What’s Next?

Be sure to tune in next week when we’ll have a special interview with author Abbey Downey herself! We’ll get all the behind-the-scenes information about this incredible Adventurous Hearts series.

Want to learn more about Abbey and her books? Visit her website at www.abbeydowney.com.

Thanks for joining us on LiteraryScape, where we explore the landscape of great literature, one book at a time!

Have you read An Uncharted Dream? What did you think of Mr. Fleming? Let us know in the comments!

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An Unexpected Catch by Abbey Downey

Welcome back to LiteraryScape! This week, we’re diving into An Unexpected Catch by Abbey Downey, the second book in the Adventurous Hearts series. This historical romance set in Chicago’s semiprofessional baseball league offers a compelling blend of sports drama, social expectations, and hard-won love.

Hosts & Guests

Melissa LaShure

Jessica

Mom

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The Story

An Unexpected Catch follows Bea Corinne, a pioneering woman who has carved out a career as an umpire in Chicago’s semiprofessional baseball league. With her sights set on leading the women’s athletic department at Western College, the last complication she needs is a romance with Emmett Worland, a talented pitcher with a questionable reputation.

But when Bea’s women’s baseball team desperately needs help, Emmett is the only one who can save them. As they work together, an undeniable attraction develops—complicated by Emmett’s painful secret that could end his baseball career and the undeserved bad reputation that haunts him.

What We Loved

The Undeserved Reputation Theme: One of the most compelling aspects of this novel is how Emmett’s reputation was destroyed through no real fault of his own. The sensationalist newspapers of the era seized on rumors and blew situations out of proportion, while his demanding, high-society grandmother gave him an ultimatum rather than seeking the truth. It’s a poignant reminder of how quickly reputations can be ruined and how difficult they are to rebuild.

Bea’s Character: Bea is a strong, determined woman navigating the incredibly narrow path available to women in her era. She knows what she wants professionally, but she also understands the precarious position she’s in. One wrong move, one perceived impropriety, could cost her everything she’s worked for. Her strength on the baseball field—holding her own even when challenged by angry players—makes her a memorable protagonist.

Historical Details: The book offers fascinating glimpses into baseball history, including the fact that umpires in that era stood behind the pitcher’s mound rather than behind home plate as they do today. These authentic period details add richness to the story.

The Heart of the Story

What really resonated with us was how the book explores the constant scrutiny both characters face. They can’t go to dinner together without people making assumptions. They can’t show too much concern for each other without accusations of favoritism flying. Everything tells a story—where you go, who you’re with, how you present yourself—and both Bea and Emmett must be constantly vigilant.

This theme reminded us of the timeless wisdom: people are always watching, whether we realize it or not. While the social pressures in the book may seem extreme to modern readers, they highlight an important truth about living with integrity and being mindful of how our actions appear to others.

The romance develops slowly and realistically against this backdrop. Both characters must learn to trust each other despite reputations, secrets, and societal pressure. The proposal scene was particularly memorable—a perfect culmination of their journey together.

Our Ratings

• Drama Level: Mocha—There’s constant tension from external pressures: Emmett’s grandmother, the press, university politics, and social expectations
• Suspense Level: Minimal—This is primarily a character-driven romance
• Mystery Level: Espresso—There’s some mystery around Emmett’s secret, though it’s revealed fairly early for readers
• Inspirational Level: Espresso to Mocha—The faith elements are woven throughout without being heavy-handed
• Romance Level: Espresso to Mocha—The love is there, but both characters are understandably cautious about showing it

Overall Rating: 2.5 to 3 lassos

This was actually our favorite in the series! If you enjoy historical romance with sports elements, strong heroines, and themes about reputation and redemption, An Unexpected Catch is definitely worth picking up.

Want to learn more about Abbey Downey and her books? Visit her website at https://abbeydowney.com/

Next week, we’ll be discussing the third and final book in the Adventurous Hearts series, An Uncharted Dream. See you then!

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An Uncertain Road by Abbey Downey

Welcome back to LiteraryScape! This week, we’re diving into the first book of Abby Downey’s Adventurous Heart series, An Uncertain Road, a delightful historical Christian romance set in the world of early automobile racing.

Hosts & Guests

Melissa LaShure

Jessica

Mom

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The Story

Set in 1905, An Uncertain Road follows Flora Montfort, a young widow who returns to America with her French mother-in-law. Determined to use her auto racing training to support herself—despite female drivers being rare in that era—Flora seizes the opportunity to drive in the Glidden Tour, a 10-day race through New England.

Joining her is Jensen Gable, a reluctant mechanic who has sworn off racing after losing his best friend in a tragic accident. His promise to protect his friend’s younger brother becomes the only reason compelling enough to get him back on the racing circuit.

As Flora and Jensen navigate hazardous road conditions, meddling locals, and ruthless competitors, they discover an undeniable connection. But can their budding romance survive the dangers of the race and the ghosts of their pasts?

What We Loved

The Historical Setting: One of the highlights of this novel is how it’s loosely based on real events. The Glidden Tour was a real race started by the Triple A, and there actually was a woman who competed in it. While Abby takes creative liberties with the story, that grounding in history adds authenticity and charm.

Coney Island Adventure: The scenes at Coney Island were fascinating, with attractions that felt surprisingly modern for the time period. The infamous “cheese” attraction particularly stood out (and grossed us out!), along with the space-themed and water-themed rides.

Tense Racing Scenes: Abby writes compelling action sequences. The mountain climb scene where Jensen has to jerk the wheel, the moment with cows blocking the race route, and the nerve-wracking curves where one wrong move could send them off the side—these scenes had us on the edge of our seats. The river crossing via ferry was another memorable moment that reminded us how different travel was in 1905.

Character Depth: Both Flora and Jensen carry emotional baggage that makes them hesitant to open their hearts. Flora fears being controlled again after her experiences with her domineering brother and late husband. Jensen struggles with grief and fear after his friend’s death. Their slow-burn romance feels earned and authentic.

Supporting Characters: The newlywed couple riding along in the backseat added a fun dynamic to the story. Using the race as part of their honeymoon was an interesting choice—the groom was training to be a minister and knew he wouldn’t have money for an elaborate honeymoon, so this was his way of giving his bride an adventure.

The Redemption Arc: When a terrible driver has an accident, Flora shows remarkable sportsmanship by stopping to help, even though she could have kept going. This moment of grace leads to a powerful redemption story that we both appreciated.

The Romance & Faith Elements

The relationship between Flora and Jensen develops naturally as they face challenges together. Their feelings are evident, but both are afraid to express them for their own reasons. The faith element is woven throughout the story in a gentle, non-preachy way that enhances rather than overwhelms the narrative.

One particularly poignant scene occurs when Archie (the owner’s youngest son) makes comments about Gregory’s death, leading to tension. Eventually, Jensen takes the time to sit down and talk through the tragedy, providing much-needed closure. We wished this conversation had happened sooner, as avoiding difficult topics is never healthy.

Our Ratings

Using our signature coffee scale (Espresso = a little, Mocha = medium, Latte = a lot):

• Suspense: Espresso
• Drama: Espresso to Mocha
• Mystery: Espresso
• Inspirational: Mocha
• Romance: Espresso to Mocha (we disagreed slightly on this one!)

Lasso Rating: We gave it a 2.5 out of 3 lassos. This means we were hooked and thoroughly enjoyed it, though it wasn’t quite a “can’t put it down” read. It’s an excellent book that we could pause when needed, but we definitely wanted to keep coming back to it.

Who Should Read This?

An Uncertain Road is perfect for readers who enjoy:

• Sweet, cozy historical romances
• Stories grounded in real historical events
• Faith-based fiction with a light touch
• Early 20th-century settings
• Adventure and travel narratives

Abby Downey has crafted a charming series opener that balances romance, adventure, and faith. While it may not have the intense suspense or mystery of some novels, it excels at creating a warm, engaging story with characters you’ll root for.

What’s Next?

Join us next week as we discuss the second book in the Adventurous Heart series, An Unexpected Catch. We’re excited to continue this journey through Abby’s delightful historical romances!

Want to learn more about Abby Downey and her books? Visit her website at https://abbeydowney.com/

Have you read An Uncertain Road? What did you think of Flora and Jensen’s story? Let us know in the comments!

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Behind the Scenes of Lynn H. Blackburn’s Defend and Protect Series

Welcome to another LiteraryScape podcast recap! This week, host Melissa LaShure sat down with romantic suspense author Lynn H. Blackburn to discuss her thrilling Defend and Protect series, which takes readers deep into the world of the Secret Service.

Hosts & Guests

Melissa LaShure

Lynn H. Blackburn

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About This Episide

Welcome to another LiteraryScape podcast recap! This week, host Melissa LaShure sat down with romantic suspense author Lynn H. Blackburn to discuss her thrilling Defend and Protect series, which takes readers deep into the world of the Secret Service.

Research That Brings Authenticity to Life

One of the standout features of the Defend and Protect series is its realistic portrayal of Secret Service operations. Lynn revealed that she had a secret weapon when it came to research: a friend who had actually served on President Trump’s first protective detail. This insider perspective helped her understand the phases agents go through and the all-consuming nature of protective detail work.

“It’s very time consuming. It’s not a family friendly job,” Lynn explained. “You’re on the go all the time, you’re constantly traveling. And then it’s also a lot of you’re sitting in a hotel room just waiting.”

The research extended beyond just protective details. Lynn discovered that the Secret Service handles far more than most people realize, including financial crimes, identity crimes, and even ransomware cases. This breadth of responsibility helped shape the entire series structure.

Writing Challenges and Creative Solutions

Lynn shared a fascinating behind-the-scenes story about writing the third book, Under Fire. She found herself in a predicament: she needed to create tension and danger while still portraying her Secret Service agents as highly competent professionals. After struggling with the problem, she reached out to her Secret Service contact for help.

“There’s nothing more embarrassing than trying to explain a story that is in process to the expert in this field,” Lynn admitted with a laugh. But that conversation led to the drone subplot in Under Fire—a solution that perfectly balanced the story’s needs.

When Life Inspires Fiction

Several scenes in the series were inspired by real-life events. The memorable closet scene in Unknown Threat, where Hope gets trapped under fallen shelving, came from Lynn’s own experience when her closet shelf collapsed. “I was like, I can use this. I think I was writing unknown threat at the time and I was like, guess Hope’s about to get squashed.”

Lynn also incorporated her awareness of disability representation through Hope’s character, who uses a wheelchair. Drawing on her experience as a mother to a daughter with disabilities, she worked to portray Hope’s independence and agency authentically, including consulting with people who use wheelchairs to ensure respectful and accurate representation.

Reader Favorites and Third Book Magic

Interestingly, Lynn has noticed a pattern across her series: the third books tend to be reader favorites. She attributes this to the buildup of anticipation for those characters throughout the previous books. For the Defend and Protect series, that honor went to Under Fire, featuring Zane and Tessa’s long-awaited romance.

Gil from Malicious Intent also emerged as a fan favorite, with his love of cooking winning hearts. Lynn even had wooden spoons made with Gil and Ivy’s names for her launch team—though she’s never been able to bring herself to use her own copies!

About Those Snakes…

When asked about the snake scene in Under Fire (which had some book club members ready to burn the car along with Tessa), Lynn confessed: “I hate them.” While she acknowledges that black snakes serve a purpose in keeping rodents away, she prefers to keep her distance. The scene sparked great debate during her writing process about whether it would send readers running, but it proved relatable to many who share Tessa’s phobia.

What’s Next

Lynn is currently working on the final book in her Gossamer Falls series, set to release in March. Readers are eagerly awaiting Mo’s story, which will complete that trilogy. She’ll also be appearing at Reader Rendezvous in St. Louis this November and teaching at Seaside Scribes in January.

The best way to keep up with Lynn’s releases and get exclusive content (including deleted scenes and backlist giveaways) is through her newsletter at lynnhblackburn.com. She’s also active on Facebook and Instagram @LynnHBlackburn.

Lynn H. Blackburn’s Defend and Protect series includes Unknown Threat, Malicious Intent, and Under Fire, with two novellas featuring Hope and Luke’s story. Her books combine heart-pounding suspense with compelling romance and thoroughly researched procedural details that bring authenticity to every page.

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The Story We’ve Been Waiting For

If you’ve been following this series, you know that Zane Thacker and Tessa Reed’s romance has been building for books. Zane has landed his dream assignment protecting the President of the United States, but when a presidential fundraiser brings him back to Raleigh, he’s thrilled to work alongside Tessa again—his best friend and the woman he’s been falling for all along.

But Tessa is battling demons from her past. As the liaison between the Raleigh office and the president’s protective detail, she’s forced to confront her greatest failure—one that threatens to come to light at the worst possible time. Can Zane stand by the woman he loves while protecting the president from a mounting threat?

A Shocking Opening

Let’s talk about that first chapter. We did NOT see that coming! Blackburn masterfully reveals something about Tessa’s past that suddenly makes all the tension from previous books make perfect sense. It’s the kind of revelation that has you frantically texting your book club friends because you need to process it with someone immediately.

Complex Characters Facing Real Struggles

What we loved most about this book was how Blackburn handled Zane’s internal conflict. With his mother’s history, he has to fight against his own perceptions and reservations. But he handles it with such gentleness and compassion—even when Tessa pushes back with her fierce independence. Their dynamic feels authentic, with both characters working through legitimate concerns while supporting each other.

The way Tessa’s past connects to the present threat is brilliantly woven throughout the story. When she finally has to share what happened with the team, Blackburn makes a wise choice: Zane tells the guys, and Tessa tells the women. The different reactions ring true—the women’s nurturing response versus the men’s protective anger—and it shows Blackburn’s understanding of how people process trauma differently.

Romance, Suspense, and Plenty of Drama

This book delivers on multiple levels:

The attacks keep escalating: From car accidents to an assault at the donut shop (where Tessa’s boots become the real MVPs), to creepy incidents in her apartment and car—including a truly unsettling snake scene

The romance is swoon-worthy: Zane rushing to every scene, being the only one who can calm Tessa down, those longing looks… their chemistry has been building for the entire series

The mystery keeps you guessing: The identity of “the fixer” remains hidden until the very end, and when it’s finally revealed, it’s genuinely surprising

Supporting characters shine: From Graham the butler to Bruce the homeless man who knows more than he can articulate, the cast is rich and memorable

A Few Standout Moments

We have to mention the donut shop scene where Tessa takes out an attacker with one kick, then threatens Rodriguez with those same boots. And the snake incident? Tessa’s response says it all: “Burn the car.” Girl has her priorities straight.

Also, can we talk about how these Secret Service agents stay supermodel-thin while constantly eating donuts, muffins, and candy? Asking for a friend.

The Ending We Deserved

Without spoiling anything, Blackburn finds a beautiful way to resolve the career complications that could have kept Zane and Tessa apart. Yes, it’s bittersweet that the team is splitting up, but it also reflects real life—sometimes God calls us to new places, and we have to trust that journey even when it means leaving people we love.

Make sure you read the epilogue! (Not the sneak peek—the actual epilogue that’s still part of Under Fire.) There’s a Gossamer Falls connection that’s absolutely delightful.

Our Ratings

Drama Level: Latte ☕☕☕

Inspiration Level: Mocha ☕☕ (We loved how often Zane suggests praying before taking action)

Mystery Level: Latte ☕☕☕

Romance Level: Mocha ☕☕

Suspense Level: Boiling Hot Latte ☕☕☕ (Each attack gets more intense and personal)

Overall Lasso Rating: 3 Lassos

This might be our favorite book in the entire series. It’s the perfect conclusion to a fantastic romantic suspense collection.

Final Thoughts

Lynn H. Blackburn has crafted a series that balances faith, romance, and heart-pounding suspense beautifully. Under Fire delivers everything we hoped for and more. If you haven’t started the Defender Protect series yet, what are you waiting for?

Want to learn more about Lynn and her other books? Visit her website at https://www.lynnhblackburn.com/

Stay tuned for next week’s episode when we’ll be interviewing Lynn H. Blackburn herself!

Have you read Under Fire? What did you think of Zane and Tessa’s story? Let us know in the comments!

www.literaryscape.com/podcast/169

This week on LiteraryScape, we took a slightly different approach and dove into not one, but two captivating novellas by acclaimed author Lynn H. Blackburn. These fast-paced romantic suspense stories—”Deadly Objective” and “Out of Time”—serve as perfect bridge stories in Blackburn’s beloved series, giving readers deeper glimpses into beloved characters’ lives.

Deadly Objective: When Professional Lines Must Be Crossed

The Setup: Physical therapist Emily Dixon and Secret Service agent Liam Harper have been maintaining strictly professional boundaries—until the Vice President’s son becomes a killer’s target. Sometimes keeping someone safe means crossing every line you’ve drawn.

Emily, who readers will recognize as Gil’s sister from earlier books, finds herself thrust into a world of constant danger alongside Liam, who’s on protection detail for the Vice President’s family. What makes this pairing so compelling is how these complete opposites complement each other. While Liam is the ultimate outdoorsman, Emily freely admits she prefers her nails done and doesn’t enjoy sweating—limiting her outdoor time to just five hours each in spring and fall!

Standout Moments That Stuck With Us:

The podcast hosts were particularly moved by two scenes that showcase Blackburn’s talent for blending romance with heart-pounding action. The first involves an initial attack where Liam protectively covers Emily, whispering “I need you to breathe, baby” even though they weren’t officially together yet. The second features Emily with a bow and arrow in a tent, with Liam calling out “Don’t shoot me, baby, it’s me” as danger closes in around them.

One of the most satisfying character arcs involves the Vice President’s son himself, who transforms from a seemingly spoiled teenager into a protective, understanding young man once the truth about his situation emerges. His character development adds unexpected depth to what could have been a straightforward protection detail story.

Out of Time: Second Chances and Stubborn Hearts

The Setup: Attorney Hope Malone has built a successful law practice in Raleigh, North Carolina, but when an old friend reaches out for help, Hope finds herself pulled into a dangerous world of organized crime—and back into the path of FBI Special Agent Charles Romero, the one man she’s determined to avoid.

Hope, Faith’s younger sister, carries the burden of believing her disability makes her unworthy of love. Despite Charles’s clear interest—which has apparently existed since he first served as her protective detail—she’s convinced she’d only be a burden to someone so physically capable.

The Battle of Wills:

What makes this romance particularly engaging is how Charles turns Hope’s own arguments against her. When she insists on making decisions for him based on assumptions about what he should want, he brilliantly points out her hypocrisy: “You don’t like people assuming you need help because you’re in a wheelchair, yet you’re assuming and making decisions for me.”

The restaurant scene where Hope surprises a flirtatious Spanish-speaking waitress by responding in fluent Spanish had our hosts laughing, especially Charles’s understated response: “That wasn’t very nice, Hope.”

Our Ratings Breakdown:

Deadly Objective:

Drama Level: Latte ☕☕☕

Inspiration Level: Espresso ☕

Romance Level: Espresso ☕

Mystery Level: Latte ☕☕☕

Suspense Level: Espresso ☕

Out of Time:

Drama Level: Latte ☕☕☕

Inspiration Level: Mocha ☕☕

Romance Level: Espresso to Mocha ☕-☕☕

Mystery Level: Latte ☕☕☕

Suspense Level: Steaming Hot Latte ☕☕☕

Overall Lasso Rating: 3/5

Why These Novellas Matter

While these are quick reads, they’re far from throwaway stories. Both novellas enrich the larger series by developing relationships we’ve been watching build over multiple books. They’re perfectly paced for readers who want their romance with a side of adrenaline, and Blackburn’s skill at creating authentic chemistry under extreme circumstances shines through.

These stories serve as excellent stepping stones to book three, where readers will finally get Zane and Tessa’s long-awaited story. If you’ve been following this series, you know exactly why that’s exciting news!

Ready for more romantic suspense? Check out Lynn H. Blackburn’s complete works and upcoming releases at her official website.

Join us next week as we dive into the series finale and finally uncover what’s been brewing between Zane and Tessa—a story our hosts are calling their absolute favorite of the entire series!

Subscribe to LiteraryScape for more book reviews, author interviews, and literary discussions that celebrate the stories that keep us turning pages late into the night.

About the Book

Malicious Intent follows Dr. Ivy Collins, founder and CEO of Hedera, as she prepares to launch clinical trials for her company’s cutting-edge prosthetic technology. Her groundbreaking work has earned praise from government agencies, medical professionals, and advocacy groups alike. However, not everyone wants to see Ivy succeed—someone is actively trying to sabotage Hedera and its revolutionary launch.

Enter Secret Service agent Gil Dixon, who can’t believe he’s finally been reunited with Ivy, his childhood best friend. After years of separation, Gil is determined to mend their broken relationship. But first, he must use all his skills to uncover the truth behind the attacks on Ivy and save not only her life but also her life’s work and the innocent lives caught in the crossfire.

Our Thoughts on the Story

The opening scene immediately grips readers when Gil and his team walk in on Ivy being tortured—what a reunion! The timing couldn’t have been more crucial, as Gil’s arrival literally saves Ivy’s life. The torture scenes were particularly difficult to read, with the methodical breaking of fingers and burning that showcased the villain’s malicious intent.

We loved the tender nickname “Buttercup” that Gil uses for Ivy, which connects beautifully to The Princess Bride theme of separation and reunion. These small touches of endearment really enhance the romantic elements of the story.

Multiple Mysteries Unfold

Malicious Intent weaves together several compelling mysteries. There’s the counterfeit money investigation that initially brings the team to Ivy’s location, and then the escalating attacks against her personally. Without giving away spoilers, we’ll just say that our initial guesses about the villain were completely wrong! Blackburn does an excellent job of planting clues that point in multiple directions.

Sabrina, the genius tech specialist, plays a significant role in this book and brings her expertise to help solve the case. For readers new to Blackburn’s work, we recommend starting with the Dive Team Investigators series to fully appreciate Sabrina’s character development.

Character Development and Family History

Ivy’s character really impressed us—despite her traumatic upbringing and complicated family history, she’s built an incredible life and career. The guilt and shame she carried from her past created a believable barrier between her and Gil for fifteen years. Both characters were dealing with their own struggles when they were younger, making their eventual reunion even more meaningful.

Gil’s sister Emily makes a wonderful addition to the story, and we’re excited that she gets her own novella between books two and three.

The Romance Factor

Gil absolutely stole our hearts with the way he takes care of Ivy—knowing exactly how she likes her coffee, cooking for her, and spoiling her in the sweetest ways. Ivy even admits she could become “addicted” to his care and attention. These tender moments provide perfect balance to the high-stakes suspense.

We also appreciated Detective Morris from the Raleigh police department. While he starts out as a bit of a grump, he grows on you and becomes surprisingly protective of Ivy. His character development throughout the story was well done.

Our LiteraryScape Ratings

Using our signature coffee-themed rating system:

Drama Level: Latte (plenty of high-stakes drama!)

Inspiration Level: Mocha (Gil’s character particularly shines)

Romance Level: Mocha (Lynn Blackburn consistently delivers at this level)

Mystery Level: Latte (multiple mysteries keep you guessing)

Suspense Level: Latte (edge-of-your-seat tension throughout)

Final Verdict

We’re giving Malicious Intent three lassos out of three—you’ll definitely be hooked and hogtied by this thrilling story! If you enjoy contemporary Christian suspense romance, this book is an excellent choice.

What’s Next?

Between books two and three of the Defend and Protect series, there are two novellas that we’ll be discussing in our next episode. Stay tuned for more Literary adventures!

Ready to dive into Malicious Intent?

Get the book here

Visit Lynn H. Blackburn’s website

Have you read Malicious Intent? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your reviews and join the conversation on our social media channels.

www.literaryscape.com/podcast/167

The Story That Hooked Us from Chapter One

Unknown Threat follows Secret Service agent Luke Powell, who’s devastated after losing three fellow agents in unusual circumstances over just 10 weeks. When FBI Special Agent Faith Malone is assigned to investigate these unprecedented attacks, Luke finds himself torn between his attraction to Faith and his distrust of the FBI. With more agents being targeted, they must learn to work together to bring a killer to justice.

As one of our hosts noted, “By the end of chapter one, every book of hers that I’ve read, it’s like you’re hooked. There is something big that you’re like, whoa, I gotta keep reading.” Blackburn’s talent for crafting irresistible chapter hooks makes this a true page-turner.

Characters We Loved (And One We Didn’t)

Faith Malone won us over with her determination and integrity. We loved her unique hobby of rowing and how she consistently proved herself trustworthy through her actions rather than just her words. Her relationship with her sister Hope provided some of our favorite moments—the classic sister dynamic and Hope’s blunt question about Luke being a good kisser had us laughing.

The Secret Service Team felt like a real family unit. The bonds between Luke, Gil, Zane, Tessa, and their boss Jacob created authentic workplace relationships that drew us in. When Gil gets shot and insists Faith stay in the room because he wants to talk to her, it perfectly showed how she’d earned their respect.

Janice, however, was a character we all wanted to shake. Her extreme bias and arrogance made her insufferable, though we recognized her importance in highlighting how prejudices can affect judgment and helping Luke see that not all FBI agents are the same.

A Mystery That Kept Us Guessing

The complex family history behind the murders created a web of connections we didn’t see coming. Even our host who was re-reading the book found herself wondering “Wait, who is it?” because Blackburn masterfully keeps the killer’s identity hidden until the very end.

What struck us most was feeling sympathy for the killer by the story’s conclusion—something that rarely happens in thrillers. The revelation and explanation felt organic, not like an information dump, making us part of the investigation rather than passive observers.

Our LiteraryScape Ratings

Drama Level: Mocha ☕☕ (lots of familial complexity throughout)

Mystery Level: Latte ☕☕☕ (couldn’t figure it out until the end!)

Inspiration Level: Mocha ☕☕ (faith lived out quietly through actions)

Romance Level: Mocha ☕☕ (just the right amount woven in)

Suspense Level: Latte ☕☕☕ (kept us on the edge of our seats)

Overall Lasso Rating: 2.5 to 3 out of 3

While we all agreed this is a solid three-lasso book that will hook readers from the start, we noted that other books in this series might edge it out slightly. But that’s the beauty of a strong series—each book brings something special to the table.

Why You Should Read This Series

Lynn H. Blackburn has become a favorite on our podcast for good reason. Her writing style combines relentless pacing with character development that makes you genuinely care about the outcome. She wraps up loose ends satisfyingly while building relationships that carry through the series.

If you’re looking for a suspense novel that balances action with heart, complex mysteries with authentic relationships, Unknown Threat delivers on all fronts. Just be warned—you might find yourself saying “just one more chapter” well past your bedtime.

Next week, we’ll be discussing book two in the series, Malicious Intent. Join us as we continue following this team of Secret Service agents and the FBI agent who’s become one of their own.

Listen to our full discussion of Unknown Threat on the LiteraryScape Podcast. Don’t forget to grab some chocolate before diving into this series—you’ll need the comfort food for the intense moments ahead!

www.literaryscape.com/podcast/166

There’s something captivating about authors who can seamlessly weave heart-pounding suspense with compelling romance, and Lynette Eason has mastered this art form across nearly 70 published novels. In our latest LiteraryScape podcast episode, host Melissa LaShure sat down with this beloved romantic suspense author to discuss her newest release, Final Approach, the fourth and final book in her Lake City Heroes series.

The Lake City Heroes Series: Where Past Meets Present

What makes the Lake City Heroes series particularly compelling is how each standalone novel connects through the fictional town of Lake City, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories. “Each of my heroines has some kind of occupation, whether in medicine or law enforcement,” Eason explains, noting that all the male protagonists work in law enforcement as well.

The series, which began in January 2024 with Double Take, has been releasing steadily over two years, with each book exploring how a character’s past shapes their present circumstances. This theme reaches its crescendo in Final Approach, where the heroine works as an air marshal—a career choice directly influenced by her mother’s death in a plane hijacking.

“There’s something about the characters’ past that leads them to what they are doing in present day,” Eason notes, highlighting the psychological depth that elevates her work beyond typical action-adventure romance.

Research: The Foundation of Authentic Storytelling

With nearly seven decades of published works behind her, Eason has become something of an expert on law enforcement procedures across multiple agencies. For the Lake City Heroes series alone, she researched roles spanning from physician assistants and police detectives to FBI agents, fire marshals, and air marshals.

“I do have an FBI agent—I have two FBI agent buddies who read all of my stuff,” she shares, explaining how these professional connections help ensure accuracy. When she needed information about fire marshal procedures for Serial Burn (book three), her FBI contacts connected her with specialists in that field.

Her research process is refreshingly practical: “As I’m writing, I’ve come to a spot where I was like, I really need to know how this would be handled. And so then I just send a text and say, hey, I need to know how this will be handled.”

The Evolution of a Writer

Eason’s writing journey began in eighth grade with an abandoned novel attempt, but the desire never truly left. She seriously began writing in the late 1990s while home with a baby and a frequently traveling husband. “I just decided to talk to the voices in my head,” she jokes, using the familiar writer’s refrain.

Her process has evolved significantly over the decades. “I used to be a huge pantser. Like I would just sit down and start writing and let the story take me. And now that my brain is a lot older, I don’t have that… I can’t hold as much in my brain anymore.”

Now she describes herself as a “plantser”—someone who plots the major story beats but allows for organic development, especially in the final 20,000 words. She always knows her ending scene from the beginning, working steadily toward that climactic moment.

Favorite Characters and Memorable Scenes

When asked about her favorite character from the series, Eason immediately mentions Kinsey King from Target Acquired (book two). “She was part of an all-male SWAT team on the police department. And I just had a really good time researching that because you would think in this day and age, there wouldn’t be a whole lot of… it’s a boys club kind of thing, but actually it still exists a lot.”

For Final Approach, Eason particularly enjoyed writing the climactic scene where her air marshal heroine must land an airplane. “It was a very intense scene and there was a lot going on… I had a really good time writing it,” though she acknowledges the technical research required was substantial.

Giving Back: The Seaside Scribes Conference

Beyond her writing, Eason is passionate about nurturing new talent through the Seaside Scribes writers conference and retreat. This intimate gathering, limited to around 40 attendees, takes place annually in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (January 14-17, 2026, at the Hilton).

“We just hang out with writers that we teach during the day, and then we go eat. We have meals, we have meetings, and then we just hang,” she describes. “People that come have made lifelong friends there, found their critique partners.”

The conference focuses on craft techniques applicable to any genre, though the 2026 event will feature Darlene Turner teaching specifically about Love Inspired Suspense writing due to popular demand.

Reading Recommendations and Inspiration

For readers new to her work, Eason recommends the Elite Guardians series, featuring female bodyguards. The concept emerged from her research into a unique training school in Athens, Greece, that exclusively trains female bodyguards, with a branch in Dallas, Texas.

As for her own reading habits, Eason reads widely across genres, from romantic suspense colleagues like Lynn Blackburn, Colleen Coble, and Jessica Patch, to historical mysteries and speculative fiction. “I just like dead bodies, I guess,” she laughs when explaining her preference for suspenseful plots.

Connecting with Readers

Eason maintains an active presence across social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and X as @LynetteEason), but she particularly recommends her monthly newsletter available at LynetteEason.com. Subscribers receive a free short story upon signup and additional free reads in each monthly issue, along with recommendations for other authors’ works.

“If you sign up for my newsletter, there is a free read in every one of my newsletters,” she promises, making it clear that her newsletter provides substantial value for romantic suspense fans.

Final Thoughts

With Final Approach marking the end of the Lake City Heroes series, readers can look forward to Eason’s next literary adventure. Her commitment to authentic storytelling, combined with her generous spirit toward emerging writers, solidifies her position as not just a prolific author, but a valuable voice in the romantic suspense community.

Final Approach releases soon, and while each book in the Lake City Heroes series stands alone, reading them in order provides the richest experience of watching these interconnected characters navigate their dangerous, romantic worlds.

Don’t miss future episodes of the LiteraryScape podcast, and be sure to check back next year when we’ll be featuring more of Lynette Eason’s extensive backlist. Subscribe to our podcast for more author interviews and book discussions.

www.literaryscape.com/podcast/165

When Classic Tales Meet Cowboy Country

Karen Witemeyer has masterfully reimagined beloved fairy tales in the rugged landscape of 1800s Texas, creating the Texas Ever After series published by Bethany House. These aren’t your typical fairy tale retellings—they’re grounded in historical reality while maintaining the magic and heart of the original stories.

The Series Breakdown

Book 1: Fairest of Heart – A Snow-White retelling featuring retired cowboys instead of seven dwarfs

Book 2: If the Boot Fits – A gender-swapped Cinderella story (think “Cinderfella”)
Book 3: Cloaked in Beauty – A unique blend of Sleeping Beauty and Little Red Riding Hood

The Magic Behind the Stories

Fairest of Heart: Cowboys Over Dwarfs

Perhaps the most creative adaptation in the series, Witemeyer transformed Snow White’s seven dwarfs into retired cowboys living at the Diamond D Ranch. Led by Doc (a retired doctor who opened his home to cowboys with nowhere else to go), each “drover” pays homage to the Disney characters while maintaining their cowboy strength.

Some of our favorite name adaptations:

Coy (Bashful) – a clever synonym that perfectly captures the shy character

Dusty (Sneezy) – always battling hay fever with his trusty handkerchief

Jeb (Grumpy) – the gruff exterior hiding a heart of gold

Rowdy (Dopey) – reimagined as a cowboy dealing with brain trauma, but still finding his heroic moments

The villain receives a brilliant update too—instead of just vanity driving the evil queen, Witemeyer created an aging actress with a calculated retirement plan involving theft and dreams of reinventing herself among European royalty.

If the Boot Fits: Redeeming the Stepmother

This Cinderella retelling features one of Witemeyer’s most important character decisions: redeeming the stepmother. “In all the fairy tales, the stepmother is always evil,” Witemeyer explained, “and there are some wonderful, loving stepmothers in this world that need to be honored.”

The result is Asher Ellis (see what she did there with “Cinder-Asher”?), a down-on-his-luck cowboy working to support his beloved stepmother after his father’s death. When she’s evicted from her home, Asher returns to help—only to clash with the property owner’s daughter, our heroine who comes from money this time around.

Cloaked in Beauty: A Fairy Tale Mashup

The most complex adaptation combines Sleeping Beauty’s backstory with Little Red Riding Hood’s journey narrative. Witemeyer solved the age-old parenting plot hole: “As a mother, there is no way that I would send my child away like that.” Her solution? The only person a mother would trust with her child—her own mother, creating the grandmother in the woods scenario.

The story cleverly plays with dragon and wolf imagery from both tales, with the wolf becoming a loyal companion rather than a threat, while the dragon represents greed and ambition in the human villains.

Beyond Texas Ever After

Witemeyer’s passion for fairy tale retellings didn’t end with the trilogy. Her latest release, To Love a Beast, kicks off a new independent series called “Once Upon a Time in Texas.” This Beauty and the Beast retelling holds special significance as her favorite Disney story and features a bookbinding heroine—perfect for fellow book lovers!

Coming next: A Little Mermaid story set in Galveston, Texas, which holds personal meaning as the movie played a role in her own love story with her husband.

Future possibilities include a Tangled adaptation (inspired by her son’s wedding theme) and even a Goldilocks and the Three Bears story featuring three brothers.

What Makes These Retellings Special

Witemeyer’s genius lies in asking the right questions: How do you make these fantastical elements work in 1800s Texas? How do you honor the original stories while creating something entirely new? Her solutions feel both logical and creative, grounding magical elements in emotional truth and historical reality.

The author’s background growing up in the country (complete with a snake-catching younger brother) brings authenticity to her Western settings, while her deep love for the source material ensures each retelling captures what made us fall in love with these stories in the first place.

Connect with Karen Witemeyer

Want to dive deeper into Karen’s fairy tale world? You can connect with her at karenwitemeyer.com, where you’ll find:

Direct contact options

Links to her Facebook group “The Posse” (where she’s most active)

Newsletter signup with monthly book giveaways

Information about upcoming releases

Karen genuinely loves connecting with readers, so don’t hesitate to reach out and share your thoughts on her fairy tale retellings!

Final Thoughts

The Texas Ever After series proves that the best retellings don’t just change the setting—they reimagine the heart of the story for a new time and place. Whether you’re a fairy tale fanatic, Western romance lover, or just someone who appreciates creative storytelling, these books offer something magical.

Have you read Karen Witemeyer’s fairy tale series? Which retelling sounds most intriguing to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Don’t forget to subscribe to LiteraryScape for more author interviews and book discussions. Happy reading!

www.literaryscape.com/podcast/164

The Story That Captivated Us

Set in the atmospheric Piney Woods of East Texas, Cloaked in Beauty follows Lady Hood (Letty), who has spent 15 years hidden away with her grandmother to escape a deadly uncle who wants her dead. As her 21st birthday approaches, she must return to Houston with Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael to claim her birthright—if she can survive long enough to inherit it.

What starts as a protective escort mission becomes something much deeper as Philip discovers that Letty is far from the spoiled heiress he expected. Instead, he finds a woman of rare strength, kindness, and wit who challenges his hardened cynicism at every turn.

Which Fairy Tale Is It Really?

One of the most fascinating aspects of our discussion was trying to pin down exactly which fairy tale Witemeyer was retelling. Initially, some of us caught hints of Beauty and the Beast (especially with a character named Mrs. Pots!), while others picked up on Sleeping Beauty elements with the “dragon man” references.

But as the story unfolded, Red Riding Hood became the most obvious influence—Letty lives in the woods with her grandmother, wears a red cloak, and has a loyal wolf companion. We even detected echoes of Anastasia with the “hidden heiress” storyline.

The genius of Witemeyer’s approach is that she weaves these different fairy tale elements together without making any single one feel heavy-handed. It’s a masterful blend that keeps readers guessing and engaged.

Characters That Stole Our Hearts

Letty: The Fearless Heiress

We absolutely loved Letty’s character development. While she was admittedly naive and sheltered, she was never truly fearful. Her bravery shone through, especially in her declaration: “I don’t need a protector. I need a warrior who has my back… someone who’s gonna fight the battles with me.” This wasn’t a damsel waiting to be saved—this was a woman ready to fight side by side with her partner.

Philip: The Transformed Protector

Philip quickly became a favorite among our group. His character arc from cynical agent to devoted protector was beautifully crafted. We appreciated how his primary concern was always Letty’s safety, and his willingness to walk away for six months so she could discover her true identity showed remarkable selflessness.

The Wolf: Our Unexpected Favorite

Perhaps no character captured our hearts quite like Letty’s loyal wolf companion. This wasn’t the “big bad wolf” of traditional tales—this was a faithful friend who followed directions, kept secrets, and even served as a protective barrier between Letty and Philip when they had to share close quarters. The bridge crossing scene had us all on the edge of our seats, fearing for this beloved character’s safety.

Our Ratings Breakdown

Suspense Level: Mocha ☕☕
Strong at the beginning and end, with constant tension throughout their journey.

Mystery Level: Espresso to Mocha ☕-☕☕
We knew the villain from the start, so few surprises, but the tension remained high.

Inspirational Level: Mocha ☕☕
Solid themes without being heavy-handed.

Drama Level: Mocha ☕☕
Plenty of family backstory drama, though Letty and Philip themselves weren’t dramatic.

Romance Level: Espresso ☕
Classic fairy tale romance—worth the wait until the end!

What’s Next from Karen Witemeyer?

For those who can’t get enough of Witemeyer’s fairy tale retellings, she has a second indie-published series beginning with To Love a Beast. One of our members has already read it and gives it the highest recommendation!

Looking Ahead

Next week, we’re thrilled to bring you our interview with Karen Witemeyer herself, where we’ll dive deeper into her fairy tale series and hopefully uncover some of the secrets behind her masterful storytelling.

Join the Conversation

Have you read Cloaked in Beauty? Which fairy tale elements did you pick up on? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Don’t forget to subscribe to LiteraryScape Book Club for more in-depth discussions of the books that capture our hearts and imaginations.

www.literaryscape.com/podcast/163

When Prince Charming Loses His Boot

What happens when you flip the classic Cinderella story and give the glass slipper to a wealthy woman instead? Karen Witemeyer delivers a delightful answer in If the Boot Fits, and our LiteraryScape Book Club couldn’t put it down!

Hosts

Melissa LaShure

Jessica

Tiffanie

Jamie

 Share Episode

About This Episide

The Story That Hooked Us From Page One

In this clever reimagining of the beloved fairy tale, we meet Asher Ellis, a man convinced his stepmother and half-brothers have been wrongfully evicted by cattle king Eli Daring. Using an extravagant ball as cover, Asher breaks into the ranch house searching for proof. When discovery threatens, he flees—but a boy’s cry compels him to make a daring rescue.

Enter Samantha Deering, the spunky and independent daughter who’s less than thrilled about her father’s matrimonial ambush disguised as a ball. When she spots the mysterious thief fleeing her home, everything changes. After the stranger saves her brother’s life, Samantha hides the only clue to his identity—his boot—and resolves to find him herself.

Why We Loved This Gender-Flipped Fairy Tale

The Fresh Perspective: Witemeyer’s decision to make the woman the wealthy one while the man comes from humble circumstances kept the familiar story feeling fresh and engaging. As one of our hosts noted, “It kept my attention right away—I had to finish it.”

Family Values: We were particularly drawn to Asher’s character and his devotion to family over wealth. Unlike traditional Cinderella retellings with wicked stepfamilies, Asher has a wonderful stepmother and loving half-brothers—a twist that added depth to the familiar framework.

The Clever Details: Witemeyer weaves in delightful nods to the original tale. Asher’s half-brother Fergus (nicknamed “Gus” like the plump mouse!) is a writer, and even the farm animals get fairy tale treatment with Mrs. Merriweather the cow playing a supporting role.

Biblical Themes That Resonated

One of the most powerful aspects of If the Boot Fits is how it explores what happens when we take matters out of God’s hands and into our own. The story includes a significant twist that mirrors a biblical narrative, delivering a meaningful lesson about trusting God’s timing versus our own impatience.

As our discussion revealed, this theme hit close to home: “We all do it—we think He’s not working on our timetable, so we just take care of it ourselves.” The book beautifully illustrates how God can turn even our mistakes around for His good and glory.

Character Development Done Right

Samantha’s growth throughout the story impressed us all. She begins as somewhat of a “spoiled brat” but matures beautifully, especially in her relationship with her father. We loved watching her step back, gain perspective, and have honest conversations about their strained relationship after her mother’s death.

The supporting characters—from Samantha’s aunt and uncle to Mrs. Stewart the cook—all played meaningful roles in bringing this story to life.

Our Ratings Breakdown

Romance Level: ☕ Mocha – The fairy tale setting lends itself perfectly to romantic tension

Suspense Level: ☕ Mocha to Latte – Multiple intense events keep you guessing, especially toward the climax

Inspiration Level: ☕ Espresso to Mocha – Strong biblical themes that grow more powerful as the story progresses

Drama Level: ☕ Latte – It’s Cinderella, so drama is expected and delivered!

Mystery Level: ☕ Mocha to Latte – The big twist at the end will leave you stunned

Overall Lasso Rating: Three Lassos – This one had us “hooked and hogtied from the beginning!”

A Word of Caution (For Our Snake-Phobic Readers!)

Fair warning: there’s a particularly intense scene involving a snake that had one of our hosts skipping pages entirely. If you’re squeamish about serpents, you might want to flip ahead when a masked rider appears with a mysterious bag!

The Verdict

If the Boot Fits proves that there’s always room for a fresh take on a classic story. Witemeyer’s skill at weaving biblical themes into an engaging romance, combined with her clever fairy tale elements, creates something special. Whether you’re a Cinderella fanatic or just love a good inspirational romance, this book deserves a spot on your reading list.

If the Boot Fits is part of Karen Witemeyer’s Fairy Tale series. While we haven’t covered the other books yet, To Love a Beast and Cloaked in Beauty are also available for those ready to dive deeper into these reimagined classics.

Have you read If the Boot Fits? We’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you’re looking for your next great read, check out our other LiteraryScape Book Club reviews and discussions.

Related Episodes

The Story That Hooked Us From Page One

In this clever reimagining of the beloved fairy tale, we meet Asher Ellis, a man convinced his stepmother and half-brothers have been wrongfully evicted by cattle king Eli Daring. Using an extravagant ball as cover, Asher breaks into the ranch house searching for proof. When discovery threatens, he flees—but a boy’s cry compels him to make a daring rescue.

Enter Samantha Deering, the spunky and independent daughter who’s less than thrilled about her father’s matrimonial ambush disguised as a ball. When she spots the mysterious thief fleeing her home, everything changes. After the stranger saves her brother’s life, Samantha hides the only clue to his identity—his boot—and resolves to find him herself.

Why We Loved This Gender-Flipped Fairy Tale

The Fresh Perspective: Witemeyer’s decision to make the woman the wealthy one while the man comes from humble circumstances kept the familiar story feeling fresh and engaging. As one of our hosts noted, “It kept my attention right away—I had to finish it.”

Family Values: We were particularly drawn to Asher’s character and his devotion to family over wealth. Unlike traditional Cinderella retellings with wicked stepfamilies, Asher has a wonderful stepmother and loving half-brothers—a twist that added depth to the familiar framework.

The Clever Details: Witemeyer weaves in delightful nods to the original tale. Asher’s half-brother Fergus (nicknamed “Gus” like the plump mouse!) is a writer, and even the farm animals get fairy tale treatment with Mrs. Merriweather the cow playing a supporting role.

Biblical Themes That Resonated

One of the most powerful aspects of If the Boot Fits is how it explores what happens when we take matters out of God’s hands and into our own. The story includes a significant twist that mirrors a biblical narrative, delivering a meaningful lesson about trusting God’s timing versus our own impatience.

As our discussion revealed, this theme hit close to home: “We all do it—we think He’s not working on our timetable, so we just take care of it ourselves.” The book beautifully illustrates how God can turn even our mistakes around for His good and glory.

Character Development Done Right

Samantha’s growth throughout the story impressed us all. She begins as somewhat of a “spoiled brat” but matures beautifully, especially in her relationship with her father. We loved watching her step back, gain perspective, and have honest conversations about their strained relationship after her mother’s death.

The supporting characters—from Samantha’s aunt and uncle to Mrs. Stewart the cook—all played meaningful roles in bringing this story to life.

Our Ratings Breakdown

Romance Level: ☕ Mocha – The fairy tale setting lends itself perfectly to romantic tension

Suspense Level: ☕ Mocha to Latte – Multiple intense events keep you guessing, especially toward the climax

Inspiration Level: ☕ Espresso to Mocha – Strong biblical themes that grow more powerful as the story progresses

Drama Level: ☕ Latte – It’s Cinderella, so drama is expected and delivered!

Mystery Level: ☕ Mocha to Latte – The big twist at the end will leave you stunned

Overall Lasso Rating: Three Lassos – This one had us “hooked and hogtied from the beginning!”

A Word of Caution (For Our Snake-Phobic Readers!)

Fair warning: there’s a particularly intense scene involving a snake that had one of our hosts skipping pages entirely. If you’re squeamish about serpents, you might want to flip ahead when a masked rider appears with a mysterious bag!

The Verdict

If the Boot Fits proves that there’s always room for a fresh take on a classic story. Witemeyer’s skill at weaving biblical themes into an engaging romance, combined with her clever fairy tale elements, creates something special. Whether you’re a Cinderella fanatic or just love a good inspirational romance, this book deserves a spot on your reading list.

If the Boot Fits is part of Karen Witemeyer’s Fairy Tale series. While we haven’t covered the other books yet, To Love a Beast and Cloaked in Beauty are also available for those ready to dive deeper into these reimagined classics.

Have you read If the Boot Fits? We’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you’re looking for your next great read, check out our other LiteraryScape Book Club reviews and discussions.

The Story

Fairest of Heart follows Penelope Snow, a young woman whose beauty has been nothing but trouble. Working as a personal maid for a famous actress touring the West, she tries to hide her appearance beneath shapeless dresses. But when circumstances leave her stranded at a ranch with seven old rovers, she catches the attention of Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley—a man who’s learned to distrust women after his brother’s tragic death.

When Titus is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope’s acting troupe, all evidence points to her guilt. But perhaps this fairest woman of all truly does have a heart as pure as her last name.

Matching the Seven Rovers to the Dwarfs

One of the most delightful aspects of this retelling is how skillfully the author matched each rover to his fairy tale counterpart:

Sleepy = Angus (always snoring!)

Sneezy = Dusty

Grumpy = Jeb (a fan favorite!)

Doc = The Doctor (Titus’s grandfather.)

Dopey = Rowdy (another fan favorite!)

Happy = Ike

Bashful = Coy (the name says it all!)

And let’s not forget Rowdy, who filled a special role in the story with his wandering that proved so crucial to finding Penelope.

What We Loved

The hosts were impressed by how faithfully the author stuck to the original Snow White story while seamlessly weaving it into a Western setting. From Penelope cleaning and cooking for the rovers to the way Narcissa (the evil queen figure) treated Cecil as her huntsman, every element felt both familiar and fresh.

Favorite Characters:

Jeb (Grumpy) stole hearts with his gruff exterior that softened around Penelope—especially in that memorable knife scene where he teaches her proper self-defense!

Rowdy was universally beloved for his childlike innocence and crucial role in the story

The rovers as a group brought warmth and humor throughout

The Romance & Faith Elements

True to the fairy tale source, this is a sweet, innocent romance. The romantic tension builds beautifully, but the physical romance stays at an espresso level—just a hint, with the payoff coming at the very end.

The inspirational elements shine through Penelope’s unwavering faith during impossible circumstances, constantly reminding herself that “God brought me this far, He’s not going to abandon me now.” This persevering faith earned the book a mocha to latte rating for inspirational content.

Our Ratings Breakdown

Using our signature coffee scale (espresso = a little, mocha = medium, latte = a lot):

Romance Level: Espresso (sweet and innocent)

Suspense Level: Mocha (plenty of “what happens next?” moments)

Mystery Level: Mocha (surprising how much mystery fit into a familiar story!)

Inspirational Level: Mocha to Latte (strong faith themes throughout)

Drama Level: Espresso (kept drama light, true to fairy tale style)

Overall Lasso Rating: 2 to 2.5 out of 3

Final Thoughts

Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer proves that familiar stories can find new life in skilled hands. While knowing the Snow White story might make some plot points predictable, the Western setting and well-developed characters keep readers engaged. This is a solid, enjoyable read that successfully bridges the gap between beloved fairy tale and historical Christian romance.

Karen Witemeyer’s ability to transform these classic stories into cowboy romances is truly impressive—and we can’t wait to discuss next week’s episode featuring If the Boot Fits, a Cinderella retelling!

Have you read Fairest of Heart? We’d love to hear your thoughts! And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter at literaryscape.com/newsletter for updates on upcoming episodes and events for both readers and authors.

Coming Up Next Week: If the Boot Fits – A Cinderella Western Romance

Until next time, happy and blessed reading and writing!

www.literaryscape.com/podcast/161

A Volcano, A Trucker, and A Baby: The Perfect Storm

Dana Mentink’s latest novel, Fire Mountain, combines several compelling elements that immediately grab your attention. The story follows a female long-distance trucker who finds herself trapped in a volcanic eruption zone after a mysterious accident. But the real twist? She wakes up to discover a baby in her truck—a baby that isn’t hers.

“I follow a number of female independent truckers on social media,” Dana explained during the podcast. “It’s just really fascinating to me how they have carved out a niche for themselves in a primarily male-dominated business and just made it their own.” This admiration for the profession led her to create a protagonist whose career choice is as intriguing as her predicament.

Inspired by Mount St. Helens

The volcanic setting isn’t arbitrary—it stems from Dana’s personal experience witnessing one of America’s most significant natural disasters. “I was 12 when Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980,” she shared. “That was really unprecedented… just watching that unfold in the news and just looking at how it started out as almost an entertaining thing. And then it turned into just a catastrophe in May. So that just made a deep impression on me.”

This childhood memory evolved into a fascinating “what if” scenario: What would it be like to be trapped in an eruption zone where “you cannot predict the behavior of the earth under your feet”? The result is a suspense novel set in the fictional Mount Ember in Skamania County, Washington—real adjacent, as Dana puts it.

Meet Cullen Landry: The Hero with a Secret Fear

The male protagonist, Cullen Landry, is a retired SWAT cop who should have evacuated but stayed behind to help friends secure their properties. When he witnesses the trucker’s accident, his instinct to help draws him into an extraordinary survival situation.

What makes Cullen particularly endearing is his vulnerability. Despite his tough exterior and professional background, he harbors an amusing fear of a certain type of rodent that the characters encounter during their ordeal. “He wants to be manly, but he’s really, he doesn’t like this rodent,” Dana laughed. “He doesn’t come off well in that scene.”

The Ultimate Challenge: Surviving with a Baby

Perhaps the most ingenious aspect of Fire Mountain is the inclusion of the mysterious baby. Dana explained her thought process: “I was thinking about if you’re alone in the wilderness and you have no help and no technology and you have no shelter, what would be the most difficult thing? And I think it would be if you were responsible for another life and particularly a very fragile life like a baby and particularly if you have zero maternal skills.”

This scenario creates the perfect storm of obstacles for character development—exactly what every compelling story needs.

From Classroom to Full-Time Writing

Dana’s journey to full-time writing is inspiring. After years of balancing elementary school teaching with part-time writing, she made the leap to full-time authorship five years ago. Her experience teaching primarily third grade clearly influences her storytelling approach, particularly her belief that “you are a writer if you have a story to tell”—regardless of spelling skills or semicolon knowledge.

With 25 years of writing experience under her belt, Dana has mastered both suspense and cozy mystery genres. Her ice cream shop mystery series, starting with Pint of No Return, offers a lighter contrast to her suspense novels, showcasing her versatility as a storyteller.

What’s Next: Raging Waters

Fire Mountain is the first book in what Dana hopes will be a three-book series focusing on natural disasters. The second book, Raging Waters, is scheduled for March 2026 and will feature a catastrophic flood scenario involving a failing dam. While the books share some characters, they can be read as standalones.

Dana’s research-driven approach to these disaster scenarios reflects both her respect for real-world tragedies and her commitment to authenticity. As she noted regarding the flood theme, “I never would want to make light of that or trivialize that in fiction.”

A Perfect Balance of Romance and Suspense

When asked about the romance element, Dana estimated the balance at about 60% suspense and 40% romance—though she admitted she’d be curious to hear what readers think. The wilderness survival setting naturally emphasizes the plot-driven suspense, but as any good romance reader knows, facing trials together creates perfect opportunities for emotional connection.

Connect with Dana

Readers can find Dana at her website, damentink.com, and follow her entertaining adventures on Instagram, where she shares her personality and “silliness” along with connecting with other Christian authors. Her monthly newsletter promises “lots of goodies and always a video report on how things are going at Menting Manor”—including tales of reptile shows and other exciting shenanigans.

Final Thoughts

Fire Mountain promises to be a unique addition to the Christian suspense romance genre, combining meticulous research with heart-pounding action and genuine character development. Dana Mentink has created a story that not only entertains but explores themes of responsibility, survival, and unexpected heroism in the face of nature’s most powerful forces.

Whether you’re drawn to the unique volcanic setting, the compelling mystery of the abandoned baby, or the unlikely romance blooming amid chaos, Fire Mountain offers something for every suspense romance reader looking for their next page-turner.

Listen to the full LiteraryScape podcast episode to hear more about Dana’s writing process, her favorite current reads (including her recent return to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe), and her thoughts on the craft of balancing mystery and suspense in fiction.

A Shocking Beginning

Designed with Love doesn’t ease readers into the story—it plunges them headfirst into drama. Set in the late 1880s, the novel opens in Texas at what should be a joyful wedding. Emma Johnson, our spirited protagonist, is about to marry Tommy Benton when tragedy strikes. A young woman bursts in, kills Emma’s fiancé, and accidentally shoots Emma in the process before taking her own life.

“It’s not typical to have a gunfight at a wedding opening your book,” Peterson acknowledges, “but it was necessary for my characters.”

This traumatic event becomes the catalyst for Emma’s spiritual journey. Lying in a hospital bed, terrified of dying, Emma—who once told her mother she didn’t want to be a Christian because “they didn’t have fun”—finally opens her heart to faith through the loving intervention of her stepmother.

Characters That Capture Hearts

While Emma’s transformation from fun-loving rebel to woman of faith forms the emotional core of the story, Peterson reveals that one of her favorite characters is Rosie, the sister of Tommy’s older brother Colton. Rosie has learning disabilities and has been hidden away by her family, told she’s incapable of learning anything.

“Rosie has no filters,” Peterson explains with obvious affection. “She just says things that the rest of us would filter… sometimes I wish I could perform without filters. I think we all have those moments.”

Emma becomes Rosie’s advocate and teacher, helping her discover abilities no one believed she possessed. “She starts learning how to sew and then she wants to cook and then she wants to ride a horse and then she sees a piano and wants to learn,” Peterson shares. “It’s everything at once.”

This character was inspired by Peterson’s own family member who was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around their neck and told doctors not to bother trying to teach them. “She’s kind of a culmination of the spirit of, ‘I’m gonna get this done. You watch me’ that I find in my family.”

The Art of Forgiveness

Throughout our conversation, Peterson emphasized one of the central themes woven through all her novels: forgiveness. “Forgiving is always a key issue in my books because I’ve had to be forgiven a lot and I’ve had to forgive a lot,” she reflects. “I think everybody has. And I think it’s something that universally we can all relate to.”

This theme proves especially relevant as Emma navigates her new life in Cheyenne, Wyoming, supported by Colton, who has loved her from afar but never spoke up while she was engaged to his brother.

Rich Historical Details

Peterson’s research into 1880s Cheyenne brings authentic historical texture to the story. She consulted with members of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association about ranching and spoke with railroad experts about the Union Pacific’s expansion through the territory. The novel incorporates real historical elements, including the construction of Cheyenne’s beautiful red sandstone depot during this pivotal period when Wyoming was achieving statehood.

“Cheyenne is just a fascinating place. Wyoming has a lot of really neat occurrences,” Peterson notes, explaining how she draws from both the early formation period of the late 1860s in her Heart of Cheyenne series and the later development era of the 1880s-90s in the Hope of Cheyenne books.

What’s Next

Readers won’t have to wait long to continue the journey—all three books in the Hope of Cheyenne series are releasing in 2025, with A Constant Love having debuted in March and Designed with Love arriving in July.

Peterson is already working on her next series, set in 1870s Minneapolis, which will follow three generations of women united by their heart for helping the homeless, displaced, and orphaned. “It’s going to be a generational story,” she explains, spanning from grandmother to granddaughter across the three books, all scheduled for release in 2026.

Connect with Tracie Peterson

Readers can find Peterson at tracypeterson.com, where they can sign up for her newsletter and send messages. She’s also active on Facebook as Author Tracie Peterson and can be reached through Bethany House Publishers.

Designed with Love promises to be a perfect summer read—a story that combines historical authenticity, compelling characters, and timeless themes of redemption and second chances. Sometimes the most beautiful love stories begin in the most unexpected ways, even with a gunfight at a wedding.

Designed with Love releases in July 2025 as part of the Hope of Cheyenne series from Bethany House Publishers.

The LiteraryScape Book Club is here! You can now become a member for just $7 a month or $70 for the year. Just head on over to www.literaryscape.com and click on Book Club in the menu to join.

Our next Coffee and Books event will be on Tuesday June 24th from 2:00-3:00pm EST. Join authors Lynn Shannon, Crystal Caudill, and myself for an hour of book talk! Be sure to sign-up for this free event at www.literaryscape.com/events to receive a link to join in.

I am thrilled to announce the cover reveal and pre-order launch for my brand-new Wild West romance that’s going to capture your heart and keep you on the edge of your seat.

Introducing Uncharted Trials book two of the Bounty Brothers series—a gripping tale where murder, faith, and forbidden love collide in the untamed American West.

Picture this: Dr. James McPherson, a bounty hunter with a healer’s heart, never expected his latest patient would steal his soul. But when he meets Madeline Flynn—a fierce protector of her deaf brother and survivor of unspeakable tragedy—everything changes. As James tends to her wounds, he vows to shield her from the murderer stalking her family.

But here’s where it gets intense, listeners. As their attraction deepens, dark secrets from both their pasts threaten to destroy everything they hold dear. When their pasts violently collide and Madeline is torn from James’s grasp, both must trust in God’s plan to find their way back to each other.

With a killer’s shadow looming and their faith tested to its limits, Madeline and James face an impossible choice: Is love worth the risk? And is God’s grace enough to overcome the demons that haunt them?

This is more than just a romance, friends. This is a heart-pounding tale of faith, healing, sacrifice, and second chances set against the backdrop of the untamed American frontier. It is a story that will have you questioning whether faith and love can truly outrun the shadows of the past—or if the killer hunting Madeline will destroy their chance at happiness forever.

Uncharted Trials is now available for pre-order at www.literaryscape.com/shop only.

Head over to www.literaryscape.com to secure your copy today and be among the first to experience this unforgettable journey of love, faith, and redemption in the Wild West.

That’s all for today’s announcement, but we’ll be back with more incredible books and authors. Until then, keep reading, keep believing, and remember—the best stories are the ones that touch both your heart and your soul.

Episode Notes:

Behind the Scenes with Tracie Peterson: Second Chances and Montana’s Hidden Gems

We had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with bestselling author Tracie Peterson to discuss her latest collaboration with Kimberly Woodhouse, An Unexpected Grace, the third book in the captivating Jewels of Kalispell series. What unfolded was a conversation filled with insights about faith, second chances, and the magic that happens when authors bring history to life.

A Series Born from Montana’s Beauty

The Jewels of Kalispell series holds a special place in Peterson’s heart, and for good reason. Each book in the trilogy centers around a specific historical building in Kalispell, Montana, near Glacier National Park. An Unexpected Grace features the Macintosh Opera House, a fascinating piece of local history that came alive through Peterson and Woodhouse’s research.

“We chose the Kalispell area because it’s so gorgeous up there,” Peterson explained. “You’ve got the Glacier National Park and just beautiful, beautiful lakes and mountains, and we thought that would be a lot of fun.”

What makes this collaboration even more special is the serendipitous timing—for the first time in their writing partnership, Peterson and Woodhouse lived just two miles apart in Montana, allowing them to plot and plan together in person.

Characters Wrestling with God’s Calling

An Unexpected Grace tells the story of two people who fell in love in their youth but were separated when their individual callings seemed to pull them in different directions. Now, years later, they’re given a second chance at love—but not without wrestling with questions that many of us face.

Our hero begins the story having thought he was called to be a pastor, only to feel God directing him toward acting—a profession looked down upon by many Christians in the early 1900s. “Here’s a young man who loves the Lord and felt that he could use his acting career to spread the gospel and to speak to people who might not otherwise hear it,” Peterson shared.

Meanwhile, Johanna, now widowed with a child, creates elaborate hats (perfect for the fashion-forward early 1900s) while caring for her injured father and questioning her own path forward.

Themes That Resonate Today

What struck us most about our conversation with Peterson was how deeply personal these themes are for her—and likely for many readers. The question of whether we’re following God’s calling, and what happens when that calling seems to change, is one that transcends time periods.

“I think we just need to give ourselves permission to trust God and to know that if it’s the right thing, He will take us forward into that and things will fall into place,” Peterson reflected. “And you know, it might not be easy for sure, but He will take us through and He always is faithful to be with us in those things.”

The Joy of Research Adventures

One of the most delightful parts of our interview was hearing about Peterson and Woodhouse’s research trips. From touring the Carnegie Library featured in book one to exploring railroad depots for book two, their adventures brought the settings to vivid life.

The Macintosh Opera House research proved particularly memorable. While Peterson stayed upstairs due to knee troubles, Woodhouse ventured into the spooky basement of the old railroad depot and climbed the stairs to the shuttered opera house above a store. There, she could envision the crowds that once packed the venue—including a performance of Uncle Tom’s Cabin that drew so many people they were reportedly “standing in the window ledges and hanging from the chandeliers.”

Beloved Characters and Villainous Fun

Peterson lights up when discussing Marvella, the feisty older woman who appears throughout the series alongside her husband, the Judge. “She knows what she wants out of life. She loves passionately. She’s solid in the Lord and she just grabs life by the horns and goes for it,” Peterson said with obvious affection.

The duo is even considering a prequel series featuring these beloved characters—music to the ears of fans who’ve fallen in love with them.

As for writing villains, Peterson admits there’s a certain freedom in crafting characters without the restrictions that come with heroes and heroines. Though she jokes that Woodhouse has the real talent for creating “amazing villains,” Peterson finds joy in the liberty to make antagonists as complex and unpredictable as needed.

A Message of Hope

Ultimately, Peterson hopes readers will walk away from An Unexpected Grace with a renewed understanding that “God is a God of second chances.” Whether it’s love, career, relationships, or any other aspect of life where we think we’ve “blown it,” Peterson believes God can “come behind and gently clean us up and take us forward.”

An Unexpected Grace released on May 20th and is available now, along with the first two books in the series: Heart’s Choice and Out of the Ashes.

You can connect with Tracie Peterson at tracypeterson.com and Kimberly Woodhouse at kimberlywoodhouse.com, where you can also sign up for their newsletters. Both authors are active on Facebook under Author Tracie Peterson and Author Kimberly Woodhouse.

Whether you’re drawn to historical fiction, stories of second chances, or simply beautiful writing set against Montana’s stunning backdrop, the Jewels of Kalispell series offers something truly special. As Peterson’s own journey shows, sometimes the most beautiful stories come from the unexpected turns life takes—and the grace we find along the way.

Episode Link: https://www.literaryscape.com/podcast/behind-the-scenes-with-tracie-peterson-second-chances-and-montanas-hidden-gems

The LiteraryScape Book Club is here! You can now become a member for just $7 a month or $70 for the year. Just head on over to www.literaryscape.com and click on Book Club in the menu to join.

So what exactly is the LiteraryScape Book Club? It’s an exclusive community where readers who appreciate passionate-but-pure Christian romance can come together in a more intimate setting.

When you join the Book Club, you’ll receive:

First, exclusive online author events where we can chat directly about books, writing, and all things historical and contemporary suspense romance. I’m talking Q&A sessions, behind-the-scenes peeks at my writing process, and special guest appearances from other authors in these genres

Second, free ebooks of ALL my new releases. That’s right—as a member, you’ll automatically receive an ebook copy of every new novel I publish, delivered straight to your inbox.

Third, early access to signed paperbacks and merchandise before they’re available to the general public. You’ll be first in line for signed copies, special editions, and any bookish merchandise we create.

Fourth, regular door prize drawings exclusively for members. Throughout the year, we’ll be giving away signed books, exclusive merchandise, and other special surprises.

And finally, a community of readers who appreciate the same kind of stories you do—a place where we can discuss the books we love.

So come join us in the LiteraryScape Book Club today!

In other news. . .

Our next Coffee and Books event will be on Tuesday June 24th from 2:00-3:00pm EST. Join authors Lynn Shannon, Crystal Caudill, and myself for an hour of book talk! Be sure to sign-up for this free event at www.literaryscape.com/events to receive a link to join in.

The Kickstarter campaign for my novel, Uncharted Trials, is complete. Thank you to everyone who purchased a limited-edition cover. Your purchase helps cover publication costs. Stay tuned as Uncharted Trials releases this month, which means a cover reveal is coming soon along with pre-orders!

And now, let’s dive into today’s bonus episode, where we’ll be talking with author Elizabeth Goddard.

Episode Notes

Welcome to another Friday Literacy Book Club podcast recap! This week, host Melissa LaShure sat down with author Elizabeth Goddard to discuss her captivating Hidden Bay series and the upcoming release of book two, “Perilous Tides,” hitting shelves in July 2025.

A Writer’s Journey: From Dream to Reality

Elizabeth Goddard’s path to publication is a testament to persistence and passion. Like many of our featured authors, her story began with a simple love of reading that eventually blossomed into a writing career. “I was just an avid reader growing up and it was just always in the back of my mind to pursue writing,” Goddard shared.

Her journey officially began in 2001 when she joined ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), submitting a chapter a week to critique groups and attending conferences for five years before landing her first book deal. Her debut novel was published in 2007 with Heart Song Presents, followed by a successful run with Love Inspired Suspense, and now with Ravel, the publisher of her current Hidden Bay series.

What makes Goddard’s story particularly inspiring is how she balanced her writing dreams with raising children and homeschooling—a reminder that pursuing our passions often requires sacrifice and dedication from the whole family.

The Hidden Bay Series: Where Gothic Romance Meets Pacific Northwest Beauty

Set on the rugged Washington coast along the Olympic Peninsula, the Hidden Bay series centers around Cedar Trails Lodge—a storm-watching lodge where guests come to witness the spectacular winter storms crashing against the rocky cliffs. Goddard describes the setting as having “rocky, cold, rough waters, crashing waves” that create the perfect backdrop for suspense.

The series follows different characters who come to the lodge to hide from their pasts, facilitated by the mysterious Evelyn Monroe, a character who has grown increasingly important throughout the series. As Goddard explains, “I have all these different characters come in that have come to the lodge to hide… and then danger finds them there.”

The inspiration for this atmospheric setting comes from Goddard’s love of classic gothic romances by authors like Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney. “The image of a mansion on top of a cliff overlooking these crashing waves is just kind of in my mind,” she said, and she’s modeled the lodge after the real Claylock Lodge on the West Coast.

Perilous Tides: A Forensic Artist’s Deadly Encounter

Book two, Perilous Tides, follows forensic artist Joe Cattrall, who has been hiding at the lodge after her mother’s murder in Michigan. When she receives a cryptic message from the father she never knew, Joe leaves her safe haven to search for him. Her journey takes a deadly turn when she witnesses a murder on a ferry crossing Puget Sound, leading to an attempt on her own life.

The story becomes a reunion romance when the hero from book one arrives to rescue her, and together they must uncover the truth about her father’s disappearance, her mother’s murder, and the new threats surrounding them.

For readers wondering about the suspense level, Goddard rates it as “pretty intense” (what we’d call a “latte” level), but emphasizes that her books avoid gratuitous violence or overly graphic content. “My books are not scary or bloody,” she assures us, focusing instead on high-stakes tension that gives readers moments to catch their breath.

The Art of Organic Writing

One of the most fascinating aspects of Goddard’s writing process is her organic approach—she doesn’t always know who the villain is when she starts writing. “What surprises me will also surprise the reader,” she explains. This method, while more challenging (“every day is pretty much brutal”), creates more authentic twists and turns.

Her extensive research process is equally impressive. For Perilous Tides, she dove deep into forensic artistry, learning about a mother-daughter team from Michigan known for their remarkably accurate sketches. “In the world of forensic art, it’s still really a gift,” Goddard notes. “When you really can bring justice… you really require that God-inspired gift.”

A Message of Peace in the Storm

Beyond the suspense and romance, Goddard weaves spiritual themes throughout her work. In Perilous Tides, she shares a particularly meaningful moment where her character stands on a stormy veranda and sees a plaque reading “He leads me by still waters” from Psalm 23. Despite the violent waves below, the message is clear: “No matter what is going on around us, inside we can still be calm.”

This theme of finding peace amid chaos resonates throughout Goddard’s work and reflects her own faith journey. As she puts it, “All of this chaos and the perilous tides and still God is there holding us and can keep us calm.”

Looking Ahead

Book three, Deadly Currents, is scheduled for release in February 2026 and will finally tell Evelyn Monroe’s story—the mysterious woman who facilitates the hideaway at Cedar Trails Lodge. Goddard describes her as “the foundation of the whole series” and her most fascinating character to date.

Connect with Elizabeth Goddard

Ready to dive into the Hidden Bay series? You can find Elizabeth Goddard at:

Website: elizabethgoddard.com (featuring live crashing waves on the homepage!)

Newsletter subscribers receive a free ebook: “Collision Course”

Social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads

Final Thoughts

Elizabeth Goddard’s Hidden Bay series offers the perfect blend of atmospheric suspense, compelling romance, and spiritual depth. With her authentic Pacific Northwest setting, organic writing style, and meaningful themes, she’s created a series that promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats while touching their hearts.

Perilous Tides releases in July 2025, and if this interview is any indication, readers are in for a thrilling ride through the storm-swept coastlines of Hidden Bay.

Have you read book one of the Hidden Bay series? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop us a comment below or connect with us on social media.

Our next Coffee and Books event will be on Tuesday June 24th from 2:00-3:00pm EST. Join authors Lynn Shannon, Crystal Caudill, and myself for an hour of book talk! Be sure to sign-up for this free event at www.literaryscape.com/events to receive a link to join in.

The Kickstarter campaign for my novel, Uncharted Trials, only has 15 days left and I’d love your support in bringing this story to life.

Uncharted Trials is a gripping Wild West romance where murder, faith, and forbidden love collide. It follows James McPherson, a physician and Bounty Brother who never expected his latest patient would steal his heart. But Madeline Flynn, a survivor of unspeakable tragedy, awakens something in his soul. As he tends to her wounds, James vows to shield her from the murderer stalking her family.

As their attraction deepens, dark secrets threaten everything they hold dear. When their pasts violently collide and Madeline is torn from his grasp, both must trust in God’s plan to find their way back to each other.

The funds raised through this Kickstarter will go directly toward professional publishing costs, ensuring Uncharted Trials receives the quality presentation it deserves. And as a special incentive for backers, I’m offering an exclusive limited-edition cover that won’t be available anywhere else once the campaign ends on June 1st.

Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction, faith-based stories, or just love a good romantic suspense, I think you’ll find something to enjoy in Uncharted Trials.

To support the campaign and secure your copy, just visit www.literaryscape.com/campaign or follow the link in this episode’s show notes. Even if you can’t back the project financially, sharing it with friends who might enjoy this kind of story would mean the world to me.

And finally, I’m thrilled to officially announce the launch of the LiteraryScape Book Club is coming May 23rd!

Now, if you’ve been listening to this podcast for a while, you know that my journey as an author began when I couldn’t find enough historical Christian romance novels that balanced faith with the kind of passion described in Song of Solomon—you know, books that are “packing the heat and riding the line,” as I like to say.

That’s why I started writing my own adventures set in the wild west, featuring cowboys who tame the frontier while honoring both God and the women they love.

What I didn’t expect was how many of you would reach out saying you’ve been searching for the exact same thing—and how many of you wanted more ways to connect beyond just reading the books or listening to this podcast.

That’s where the LiteraryScape Book Club comes in.

So what exactly is the LiteraryScape Book Club? It’s an exclusive community where readers who appreciate passionate-but-pure Christian romance can come together in a more intimate setting.

When you join the Book Club, you’ll receive:

First, exclusive online author events where we can chat directly about books, writing, and all things historical and contemporary suspense romance. I’m talking Q&A sessions, behind-the-scenes peeks at my writing process, and special guest appearances from other authors in these genres

Second, free ebooks of ALL my new releases. That’s right—as a member, you’ll automatically receive an ebook copy of every new novel I publish, delivered straight to your inbox.

Third, early access to signed paperbacks and merchandise before they’re available to the general public. You’ll be first in line for signed copies, special editions, and any bookish merchandise we create.

Fourth, regular door prize drawings exclusively for members. Throughout the year, we’ll be giving away signed books, exclusive merchandise, and other special surprises.

And finally, a community of readers who appreciate the same kind of stories you do—a place where we can openly discuss the balance of faith and passion in romance without feeling like we have to apologize for wanting both.

Now, I know many of you are wondering how this relates to the podcast. Don’t worry—the LiteraryScape podcast isn’t going anywhere! In fact, the book club will enhance your podcast experience.

As a book club member, you’ll get:

Input on which books we review next

The chance to submit questions for author interviews

The podcast and book club work together to create what I’ve always envisioned: a one-stop shop for both readers and writers of historical Christian romance and contemporary Christian suspense romance to connect, learn, and grow together.

Get ready to join us on May 23rd as we launch the LiteraryScape Book Club!

And now, let’s dive into today’s regular episode where we’ll be discussing Break My Fall by Lynn H. Blackburn.

Episode Notes

On this week’s episode of LiteraryScape, our hosts dive deep into Lynn H. Blackburn’s romantic suspense novel Break My Fall, the second installment in the Gossamer Falls series. This small-town romantic suspense had our hosts captivated with its blend of dental clinics, drug trafficking, and developing romance.

The Story

Break My Fall follows Dr. Meredith Quinn, who has returned to her hometown of Gossamer Falls to practice dentistry. With a heart for service, she offers free dental clinics to underserved communities in nearby Neeson County—an area known for harboring drug traffickers. Police Chief Grayson Ward suspects local law enforcement there is turning a blind eye to criminal activity.

While Meredith and Gray dance around their attraction to each other, danger lurks as her work in Neeson County puts her directly in harm’s way. Gray, scarred by past losses, struggles to keep his emotional walls up while protecting Meredith from escalating threats.

Character Dynamics

Our hosts were particularly drawn to the emotional complexity of Gray’s character:

“He is really sad,” one host noted. “I can understand why you wouldn’t want to get into a relationship, but it shouldn’t stop him either.”

The group agreed that Gray’s inability to communicate his feelings created unnecessary tension: “If he would’ve just opened up from the beginning and shared that, it would explain it.”

Meredith’s strength shone through despite her frustrations with Gray’s hot-and-cold behavior. Her work as a mandated reporter and determination to help the underserved communities showcased her as “kind of a baddie” in the best way possible.

Favorite Moments

Several scenes stood out to our hosts:

·       The first kiss scene and Gray’s confusing reaction afterward

·       Meredith’s embarrassment about her car being bugged (and her private singing sessions!)

·       The klutzy moment when Meredith fell into the creek while photographing flowers

·       Gray’s romantic gestures of bringing Chick-fil-A from afar and surprising Meredith with the flowers she had tried to photograph

One host particularly loved the family dynamics: “I loved that family part of it,” noting the protective yet loving way the Quinn family interacted with Gray.

The Romance Rating

The hosts rated the romance level as “mocha” on their coffee-themed scale, with one host commenting, “I’m really liking Gray here. I like the Chick-fil-A and making dinner.”

Other ratings included:

·       Drama level: Latte

·       Mystery level: Mocha to Latte

·       Suspense level: Latte (especially toward the end)

·       Inspirational level: Espresso (“It’s always there, but it’s light”)

Final Thoughts

Break My Fall earned a unanimous three lassos (out of three) from our hosts, with one declaring it her favorite of the series so far. The intense ending and teaser for book three has the group eagerly anticipating the next installment featuring Mo and Bronwyn’s story—though they’ll have to wait until March 2026!

“Something tells me Mo and Beep’s story is gonna be my favorite,” one host predicted. “I can’t wait to figure out what went down there.”

LiteraryScape is a weekly podcast where friends gather to discuss their latest reads, rating books on their coffee-themed scale from espresso (weakest) to latte (strongest). Join us next week as we discuss Crystal Caudell’s latest release!

Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform or visit literaryscape.com for more book recommendations and discussions.

Link to Book: https://www.lynnhblackburn.com/books/break-my-fall/

Link to Podcast: https://www.literaryscape.com/podcast/159

From Kitchen to Kidnapping

Welcome back to the Literary Scape Podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn, a fast-paced romantic suspense novella that reunites us with chef Cassie Quinn and Officer Donovan Bledsoe.

Hosts

Melissa LaShure

Jessica

Tiffanie

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About This Episide

The Story

Chef Cassie Quinn receives an irresistible opportunity to work at an exclusive mountain resort. But when the kitchen is destroyed and it becomes clear someone is targeting her, Cassie must accept help from the last person she wants to see—her ex-boyfriend, Officer Donovan Bledsoe. As danger escalates and secrets from Cassie’s past emerge, the two must navigate unresolved feelings while staying one step ahead of whoever wants to harm her.

Our Discussion Highlights

The Reunion Romance

We first met Cassie in book one of the Gossamer Falls series, where she was helping with a community chicken dinner and mentioned going on a date with Donovan. Imagine our surprise when this novella picks up three months after their breakup! The story explores their reconciliation while danger swirls around them.

One of our favorite (and most frustrating) aspects was Donovan’s lack of communication. Why do these leading men make major decisions without talking to their partners first? We appreciated how the Quinn family closed ranks to protect Cassie after the breakup, though their eavesdropping on a private reconciliation conversation would have been mortifying!

The Suspense Elements

Without spoiling anything, we found the mystery compelling with multiple suspects to consider. The kidnapping scene felt a bit too easy—how does someone just disappear in a crowded room?—but the tension ramped up significantly once Cassie was taken. The scene where she slowly wakes up and pretends to still be unconscious had us on the edge of our seats.

We were also shocked by the revelations about Cassie’s past in the culinary world. The darker side of high-pressure kitchens was eye-opening, and we’re curious whether Lynn Blackburn discovered this through research or personal experience.

Our Ratings

Using our signature Literary Scape rating system:

• Romance Level: Espresso – Since this reunites two people already in love, the romantic development is more subtle
• Drama Level: Mocha Latte – Plenty of emotional intensity packed into this short story
• Mystery Level: Mocha Latte – Multiple suspects kept us guessing
• Suspense Level: Latte – Especially intense during the kidnapping sequences
• Inspirational Level: Espresso – Faith elements are present but not overwhelming
• Overall Lasso Rating: 3 Lassos

Why You Should Read It

This novella is perfect if you’re looking for:

• A quick, one-sitting read with high stakes
• Reunion romance with genuine chemistry
• Insights into the Gossamer Falls series characters
• A balance of suspense and romance

Fair warning: This novella bridges books one and two, so if you want to avoid spoilers for the main series, read it in order!

Get Your Copy

Ready to dive into Cassie and Donovan’s story? You can find Downfall in the Cornered romantic suspense novella collection: https://www.lynnhblackburn.com/books/cornered-romantic-suspense-novella-collection/

What’s Next?

Next week, we’ll be discussing Break My Fall, the second book in the Gossamer Falls series. We’re already frustrated that we have to wait until March 2026 for the final book!

Join the Conversation

Have you read Downfall? Did you guess who was behind the attacks? Were you as frustrated as we were by the kidnapping scene? Let us know your thoughts!

And don’t forget—the Literary Scape Book Club launches May 23rd! As a member, you’ll receive exclusive online author events, free ebooks of all my new releases, early access to signed paperbacks, door prize drawings, and a community of readers who appreciate passionate, faith-filled romance. Stay tuned for more details!

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this review, please consider signing up for our free newsletter at LiteraryScape.com/newsletter for weekly updates on events, books, and more.

Until next time, happy and blessed reading and writing!

Related Episodes

The limited edition covers of Unwavering Faith and Uncharted Trials are now available for pre-orders. We sell paperback and hardback limited edition covers to help cover publishing costs. It costs anywhere between $8,000 and $10,000 to cover all the costs associated with publishing a book along with the audiobook. Your purchase of a limited-edition cover allows us to continue to independently publish high quality novels. Plus, you get a collector’s item in return. Our goal is to sell 100 hardback and 200 paperback copies.

These limited-edition covers will only be available until June 1st. After June 1st they will go into the vault and will not be coming back out. Now is the time to get in on the ground level and start your collection of The Bounty Brothers series.

Since we are fully independent you can only find these books at www.literaryscape.com/shop. You can visit www.literaryscape.com/campaign to learn more about this book funding campaign and thank you for your support!

We will have an exciting announcement next week that you will not want to miss. For now let’s jump into our discussion of Never Fall Again by Lynn Blackburn.

Episode Notes

In this week’s episode, our book club dives into Lynn Blackburn’s romantic suspense novel set in the picturesque town of Gossamer Falls, North Carolina.

Book Synopsis

“Never Fall Again” introduces us to Landry Hutton, an artist who has spent three years rebuilding her life behind the secure gates of the Haven, an exclusive resort on the outskirts of Gossamer Falls. Finally ready to settle permanently and provide her daughter Eliza with a safe home, Landry’s path crosses with former Marine Callum Shaw.

Cal has returned to his hometown to join his family’s construction business and dreams of starting a family of his own—something he’s nearly given up on. When he meets Landry, she’s everything he could want in a partner, but he vows to keep his distance, having loved and lost someone like her before.

When Landry’s pottery studio is destroyed in a suspicious fire, it becomes clear that she and Eliza are in grave danger. Cal must risk his heart again if he has any hope of protecting them.

Character Discussions

Landry Hutton

Our book club found Landry to be incredibly strong considering her backstory. Her past relationship with an abusive husband who maintained a “good boy” façade resonated deeply with several members. The group discussed how frightening it was that Landry’s ex-husband had presented himself as the perfect partner, only to reveal his true nature after marriage.

The group was particularly affected by how the church community refused to believe Landry when she tried to speak out about the abuse. As one member pointed out, “No one would believe her… they’re like, ‘No, you’re just not being a good wife.'” This aspect of the story highlighted the challenging dynamics that can exist when an abuser is well-established in a tight-knit community.

Callum Shaw

Cal’s character received much praise from our book club, particularly regarding his relationship with Eliza. Members were touched by his natural ability to connect with Landry’s daughter.

Cal’s backstory—having been abandoned by his previous girlfriend through what amounted to a “Dear John” situation while he was deployed—struck a chord with the group. One member expressed, “When I read it, I was like, oh my gosh, that was terrible… she just disappeared.”

Supporting Characters

Maisie the Dog: The group unanimously loved Cal’s intuitive dog who always seemed to know who needed comfort. There was some discussion about a plot thread involving Maisie’s puppies that wasn’t fully resolved, with one member noting, “They talked about her having puppies, but then… we didn’t hear more about it.”

The Shaw and Quinn Families: Members appreciated the tight-knit family dynamics portrayed in the book. Cal’s family, along with their cousins the Quinns, create a supportive network that “takes everybody in.” The group was particularly fond of Granny Quinn, and Minnie, Cal’s mentally disabled aunt who the family lovingly cares for.

Mystery & Suspense Elements

The mysterious attacks on Landry kept our book club guessing. Initially, many suspected her ex-husband’s family might be behind the threats, but as one member pointed out, “I didn’t think that was at all plausible… there wasn’t enough motive there.”

The playground attack scene was highlighted as particularly unsettling: “That one scared me… it was creepy.” Members were disturbed by the masked assailant asking children their names.

The discovery of a secret door in Landry’s art studio added another layer of mystery that captivated the group.

Romance Development

The group enjoyed watching Cal and Landry’s relationship unfold, particularly how they tried to be discreet about their attraction—checking in at the construction site and trying “not to be obvious”—while everyone around them could see their connection developing. As one member put it, “Everybody knew it before they did.”

The LiteraryScape Rating System

Using our signature “coffee” rating system:

Romance Level: Espresso to Mocha (moderate)

Mystery Level: Latte (high)

Suspense Level: Latte (high)

Drama Level: Mocha (moderate to high)

Inspirational Level: Espresso (light)

Overall Rating: 3 Lassos (out of 3)

Members described it as a “quick read” that kept them engaged until the end.

What’s Next?

Join us next week as we discuss “Downfall,” the novella that bridges books one and two in Lynn Blackburn’s Gossamer Falls series.

Have you read “Never Fall Again”? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

About the Book

The Bandit’s Redemption carries the intriguing tagline: “A holdup gone wrong, a reluctant outlaw, and the captive she’s sworn to guard.” What makes this western romance unique is its female protagonist—Lorraine is the outlaw, not the hero Jesse. This twist on traditional western narratives was inspired by KyLee’s research into real-life dangerous women from history.

The novel features an engaging blend of historical romance with a pinch of suspense and adventure. Set primarily between Idaho and Salt Lake City in the 1800s, the story includes authentic historical locations like Soda Springs, with its natural carbonated springs, along with plenty of western staples: train rides, bank robberies, and high-stakes adventure.

A Long Journey to Publication

KyLee’s path to becoming a published author wasn’t an overnight success story. Despite being a teacher by profession and having a reading disability, she persevered through approximately 11 years of daily writing practice before signing with Wild Heart Books last year.

“I’m a born teacher, I’m not a born writer,” KyLee shared. “I’m like the last person that God should have called to be a writer.”

Her dedication included joining critique groups through ACFW, writing short stories and nonfiction pieces, studying the market, reading craft books, and attending conferences. After her first query in 2018, it took another six years of pitching, querying, and interacting with industry professionals before securing her publishing contract.

Characters That Come to Life

When discussing her characters, KyLee expressed particular fondness for both Jesse and Lorraine. Jesse, kidnapped just as he was meant to start working in his father’s business, proves to be surprisingly adaptable, strong, and wise when faced with his challenging circumstances.

Lorraine’s character journey centers around moving past tragedy. As an immigrant who left France following personal losses, she’s been emotionally stuck for years, unable to put down roots in America. Her spiritual journey begins when she questions her involvement with the outlaw gang and her decision to kidnap Jesse.

The villain, Pierre, presented the biggest writing challenge. As a gang member vying for control and clashing with Lorraine, Pierre required KyLee to understand his selfish motivations. She occasionally journaled from his perspective to better capture his character, describing him as someone who “doesn’t really have [a moral code], not much at all… he mocks because he just doesn’t care about anything.”

Research and Inspiration

Historical research played a significant role in KyLee’s writing process. She explored Lorraine’s French backstory, including the Franco-Prussian War, which connected with her own German ancestry. The geographic locations in the novel, particularly Soda Springs in Idaho with its natural carbonated wells and coral-like formations, came from personal travel experiences.

A Message of Hope

While KyLee doesn’t deliberately start with a spiritual theme, her faith naturally informs her writing. As she works on her stories, elements from her Bible study, devotions, and her pastor’s messages find their way into the characters’ journeys.

For readers of The Bandit’s Redemption, KyLee hopes they’ll be encouraged to “look around at the people that God has put in our life” and recognize that “everything that we do, we do for God.”

Through Lorraine’s character arc, readers witness someone learning to move forward despite past losses, embracing new people and places rather than clinging to what’s comfortable or familiar. “God really fulfills the dreams of her heart,” KyLee shares, “but at the same time, she has to take a firm stand for what’s right.”

For the Romance Readers

In LiteraryScape’s coffee-themed rating system, KyLee places the romance level in her book as a “mocha” (medium amount). The novel is clean with only two kisses, aligning with Wild Heart Books’ focus on clean inspirational fiction. However, she ensures that the romantic element remains strong through the characters’ chemistry and their significant page time together.

Advice for Aspiring Authors

For those dreaming of publication, KyLee offers both encouragement and realism:

Don’t give up – “It’s a really long road and I love our Christian fiction market right now, but it’s saturated.”

Be wise with your time – Balance writing with family responsibilities and life seasons.

Listen for God’s calling – “Be willing to accept it no matter how big or how small.”

Support others – “Give to others as you would have them give to you.”

Connect with KyLee

Readers can find KyLee on Instagram and through her podcast with co-host Darcy Fournier. She especially invites readers to connect through her newsletter at KyleeWoodley.com, where subscribers receive a beautiful short story connected to the Outlaw Hearts series.

The Bandit’s Redemption is available now from Wild Heart Books, joining works by other notable authors like Misty Beller, Gabrielle Meyer, and Abby Downey.

In a recent podcast interview, historical fiction author Crystal Caudill shared insights about her newest release, “Written in Secret,” the first book in her “The Art of Love and Danger” series. As a fan of her work, I was intrigued by the fascinating premise and thoughtful themes woven throughout this historical romantic suspense.

A Novelist Writing About a Novelist

One of the most interesting aspects of “Written in Secret” is that the protagonist, Lydia, is herself a novelist—specifically a dime novelist who writes crime stories based on real crimes under a pseudonym. Crystal shared that writing a character who’s an author was “a lot of fun and also scary because you see into my brain a little bit how I view things.”

The premise takes a dark turn when a vigilante begins murdering the criminals who escaped justice in the real crimes Lydia fictionalized in her novels. This puts Lydia in a terrible position, wondering if her writing somehow inspired these murders.

The Central Moral Question

At the heart of the novel is a profound question: How responsible is an author for how their work might influence others? Lydia grapples with guilt over the vigilante murders while maintaining that “it’s not literature that corrupts man, it’s sin.”

Crystal mentioned this reflects some of her own wrestling as an author who writes suspense: “We have to show the darkness of the world for God’s light to shine… it helps us to process the world we’re in because our world is a dark world.”

Rather than offering easy answers, Crystal aimed to create a story that makes readers think. When asked if there’s a clean resolution to this moral dilemma, she responded that it’s “not as cut and dry as everyone would like.”

The Hero: Abraham

The love interest, Abraham, is a Cincinnati police officer who hopes to make detective. He represents the opposite perspective from Lydia—he believes dime novels corrupt impressionable people and should be banned. This creates immediate tension between the characters.

Abraham is described as “black and white” in his thinking, stubborn, but ultimately a good man who sees the underbelly of society through his police work. Adding to his complexity, his sister is a bookworm who loves the very dime novels he despises.

Historical Research

Crystal’s research for the book included visits to the Greater Cincinnati Police Museum and interviews with a retired police chief and current officers. She discovered fascinating historical context about corruption in Cincinnati’s police department in the era, where political connections determined hiring and firing.

This creates additional tension for Abraham, as Lydia is the daughter of the city’s coroner and a friend of the mayor—making her both a suspect in his investigation and someone with political connections that could impact his career.

Contemporary Parallels

When asked about parallels to current events, Crystal acknowledged writing the book partly in response to the social unrest of 2020-2021, exploring “how do we handle when the judicial system doesn’t act in the way we think it should? And what is our responsibility as Christians?”

Crystal believes the book raises important questions about how we should respond “when the world is losing their mind” and reminds readers that “God is sovereign regardless of who’s in control.”

The Series Ahead

“The Art of Love and Danger” will be a three-book series with each focusing on a different art form:

Book 1: “Written in Secret” centers on writing and authorship

Book 2 (releasing March 2026) will focus on music, featuring an aspiring opera singer and composer

Book 3 (releasing March 2027) will revolve around pottery, specifically Cincinnati’s famous Rookwood pottery tradition

The heroines across all three books are part of a friend group called “the Guardians,” and readers will see how their friendships evolve as they mature and marry.

“Written in Secret” offers a perfect blend of historical detail, suspense, humor, and thought-provoking themes. For readers interested in connecting with Crystal Caudill, you can find her at crystalcaudill.com where newsletter subscribers receive a free copy of “Counterfeit Truth,” or on Facebook at Crystal Caudill Author.

Blog Post Link: www.literaryscape.com/podcast/156

Our next Coffee and Books event will take place on Tuesday April 15th from 7:00-8:00pm EST. Join Lynn Blackburn and myself for an hour of book talk. Sign up for this free event at www.literaryscape.com/events to get the link to join.

I have another book giveaway for April through Book Funnel. Use the link in the blog post for this episode to claim these free reads.

April Historical Romance Giveaway

The limited-edition covers for book two of The Bounty Brothers series, Uncharted Trials, are now available for pre-order. We are also bringing back a second printing of the limited-edition cover for book one, Unwavering Faith, in case you missed it. Limited-edition covers will no longer be available after Uncharted Trials releases in June so, head over to www.literaryscape.com/campaign to order your copies today. Your pre-orders help fund the publication of the next novel in The Bounty Brothers series, so thank you!

That is, it for announcements. Let’s jump into this week’s discussion of Crystal Caudill’s newest book, Written in Secret.

Episode Notes

Are you looking for your next page-turner that combines romance, mystery, and faith? In our latest podcast episode, we dive into Crystal Caudill’s “Written in Secret,” the first book in her new series set in Cincinnati. This compelling story follows Lydia Pelton, an author who writes crime novels under the pseudonym E.A. Dupin to bring justice to criminals who escaped legal consequences.

The Story

“Written in Secret” introduces us to Lydia Pelton, a woman who refuses to stay silent about injustice. She crafts crime novels based on real cases where the guilty were set free, writing her own version of justice. But when a serial killer begins recreating the deaths from her books, Lydia finds herself blamed for the murders sweeping Cincinnati.

Officer Abraham Halls’ only lead is Lydia’s fiction, forcing him to work with the woman the city has dubbed the “Killer Queen of Romance.” Despite his initial misgivings, Abraham realizes he needs her help to catch the murderer. Their unexpected attraction complicates an already complex investigation as they race to solve the mystery and protect both the citizens of Cincinnati and their own hearts.

Memorable Moments

Our book club particularly enjoyed the hilarious opening scene where Lydia and friends are caught trying to rescue a three-legged goat from the circus. Dressed as clowns (which happens to terrify one of the officers), Lydia gets stuck under a tent flap and accidentally trips an officer who’s chasing another criminal. The scene escalates with a monkey getting tangled in her hair and face paint giving her hives!

The contrast between Lydia’s proper upbringing (her father is a prominent figure in Cincinnati society) and her adventurous spirit creates many amusing situations. In one particularly funny scene at the police station, Lydia attempts to flirt with Abraham by channeling one of her fictional characters, resulting in an awkward but endearing exchange.

The Mystery

We praised Crystal’s ability to keep readers guessing about the killer’s identity throughout the novel. With multiple suspects including:

A money-hungry publisher

An obsessed editor

A reporter who mysteriously appears at every crime scene

The revelation of the killer comes as a genuine surprise, with one of us mentioning they didn’t figure it out until the very end.

Themes and Character Growth

A major theme in the book is Lydia’s struggle with the ethics of her writing. Both her father and Abraham challenge her approach, questioning whether she has the right to determine guilt and punishment in her novels. As the story progresses, Lydia begins to question if her words have been used inappropriately and whether she bears some responsibility for inspiring the killer.

Our Ratings

The book club rated different aspects of the novel on their signature coffee-themed scale:

Romance level: Espresso (present but not overwhelming)

Drama level: Latte (quite high with city-wide protests and family tensions)

Mystery level: Moca de Latte (complex and engaging)

Suspense level: Latte to Mocha (depending on personal comparison to other thrillers)

Inspirational level: Mocha (meaningful spiritual elements with good advice from characters)

Overall rating: Three Lassos (our highest rating), making this an excellent read that delivers exactly what fans expect from Crystal Caudill.

Series Connection

An interesting tidbit shared during the discussion is that “Written in Secret” ties into Caudill’s “Counterfeit” series, but is set chronologically earlier. Mrs. Hawkins, a strict maid who appears in this book, is also featured in “Counterfeit Love,” connecting the two series.

Tune in next week for our exclusive interview with Crystal Caudill, where she’ll discuss this new series and reveal when readers can expect the next two books!

Link to Book: https://crystalcaudill.com/books2/

Link to Podcast: www.literaryscape.com/podcast/155

Our next Coffee and Books event will take place on Tuesday April 15th from 7:00-8:00pm EST. Join Lynn Blackburn and myself for an hour of book talk. Sign up for this free event at www.literaryscape.com/events to get the link to join.

I have another book giveaway for April through Book Funnel. Use the link in the blog post for this episode to claim these free reads.

April Historical Romance Giveaway

On Saturday April 19th I will be at the Branch Coffee Shop in Fairmount, Indiana from 9:30-11:30 am EST with author Abbey Downey. We will have BINGO and Door Prizes. We hope to meet some of you there!

If you have read Unwavering Faith, I would love to hear your thoughts. Send me an email at literaryscape@literaryscape.com. Also, help spread the word and send your friends to www.literaryscape.com/shop to get their copy of the book.

The limited-edition covers for book two of The Bounty Brothers series, Uncharted Trials, are now available for pre-order. We are also bringing back a second printing of the limited-edition cover for book one, Unwavering Faith, in case you missed it. Limited-edition covers will no longer be available after Uncharted Trials releases in June so, head over to www.literaryscape.com/campaign to order your copies today.

That is, it for announcements. Let’s jump into this week’s author interview with Misty M. Beller.

Episode Notes

In this engaging conversation, author Misty M. Beller discusses her Sapphire Ranch series, sharing insights into her inspiration, character development, and the challenges she faced while writing. She highlights the importance of collaboration with fellow authors and her deep connection to the Rocky Mountains, which serves as a backdrop for her stories. Misty also delves into the historical context of her work and the research that informs her writing, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of her creative process. In this engaging conversation, Misty M. Beller discusses her approach to writing Christian fiction, the importance of character development, and the journey of aspiring authors. She shares her hopes for readers, emphasizing the desire to inspire and connect with them through her stories. The discussion also touches on the significance of community among writers and the joy of receiving feedback from readers. Misty highlights her favorite characters and the creative process behind her novels, providing valuable insights for both readers and writers alike.

Takeaways

Misty’s inspiration for the Sapphire Ranch series came from a brainstorming session with writer friends.

The series is set in Montana, focusing on sapphires instead of gold.

Character development is a significant part of Misty’s writing process, often leading to unexpected challenges.

Misty emphasizes the importance of giving her characters happy endings.

The character Jonah faced many challenges, making his story particularly meaningful to Misty.

Misty’s writer friends play a crucial role in her creative process, providing support and ideas.

Researching historical contexts adds depth to her stories, including the gambling culture of the time.

Misty’s love for the Rockies influences her writing and character settings.

She enjoys writing adventure and suspense into her stories to keep readers engaged.

Misty acknowledges the collaborative nature of her writing process with other authors. I want my novels to show people who are Christians just working to live out their faith every day.

My prayer with them would be that God uses it as one of the tools to draw them closer to Him.

I love getting emails from readers.

You have to keep taking the next step because it’s so easy to be stagnant.

It’s super important to have that core of people around you that are doing it together.

I just love Two Stones; he’s just the coolest guy.

Each character is their own person with their own story.

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/K4xgZKvh8aA

Rumble Link: https://rumble.com/v6rqsjr-episode-154-the-inspiration-behind-the-brothers-of-sapphire-ranch-with-mist.html

Blog Post Link: https://www.literaryscape.com/podcast/154

Misty M. Beller’s Website: https://mistymbeller.com/

Our next Coffee and Books event will take place on Tuesday April 15th from 7:00-8:00pm EST. Join Lynn Blackburn and myself for an hour of book talk. Sign up for this free event at www.literaryscape.com/events to get the link to join.

I have another book giveaway for April through Book Funnel. Use the link in the blog post for this episode to claim these free reads.

April Historical Romance Giveaway

On Saturday April 19th I will be at the Branch Coffee Shop in Fairmount, Indiana from 9:30-11:30 am EST with author Abbey Downey. We will have BINGO and Door Prizes. We hope to meet some of you there!

If you have read Unwavering Faith, I would love to hear your thoughts. Send me an email at literaryscape@literaryscape.com. Also, help spread the word and send your friends to www.literaryscape.com/shop to get their copy of the book.

For those of you on my email list, I will have an early release email coming to you soon. Be sure to be on the lookout!

That is, it for announcements. Let’s jump into this week’s book discussion of Pretending to be the Mountain Man’s Wife, by Misty M. Beller.

Episode Notes

Embark on a journey through the rugged wilderness of Montana with the Coulter family in the latest installment of the Sapphire Ranch Series, Pretending to be the Mountain Man’s Wife by Misty M. Beller. This gripping saga of suspense and romance keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With the backdrop of the wild Montana territory, the series weaves a tale of family, mystery, and the pursuit of justice.

Uncovering Secrets in the Montana Wilderness

The saga begins with Gil Coulter’s relentless pursuit to uncover the truth behind his brother’s disappearance and a massive family theft. His journey takes him to a remote town rumored to be the hideout of a notorious mastermind. As Gil scours the wilderness, the story takes a twist with the introduction of Jess McFarland, a woman trapped by her father’s illicit mining operations. Her desire for freedom ensnares Gil in a web of deceit and unexpected attraction.

Gil and Jess: A Race Against Time

As Gil and Jess navigate the treacherous landscape, both literal and metaphorical, the stakes rise. Jess, with the knowledge of Gil’s brother’s whereabouts, strikes a precarious deal with Gil to masquerade as her husband to escape her dire circumstances. Their journey is fraught with danger and deception as they navigate the criminal underworld led by Jess’s father.

Engaging Characters and Plot Twists

The rich tapestry of characters adds depth to the story, with Gil’s family playing a pivotal role. The narrative tension is heightened by the constant threat from Jess’s father and his menacing operations. Readers are pulled into the saga as they learn about the family dynamics.

Suspense and Drama: A Page Turner

The “Sapphire Ranch Series” masterfully balances suspense and romance, making it a compelling read. Every chapter leaves you wondering, “What’s going to happen next?” This palpable tension keeps the pages turning late into the night. The protagonists’ bravery and wit shine through as they tackle myriad challenges along their journey.

LiteraryScape gave the following element ratings:

Mystery – Espresso

Drama – Mocha/Latte

Inspiration – Espresso/Mocha

Suspense – Mocha/Latte

Romance – Espresso/Mocha

(Espresso = light, Mocha = medium, Latte = a lot)

LiteraryScape gives Pretending to be the Mountain Man’s Wife, 3 lassos as we are sure it will have you hooked and hog-tied.

The “Sapphire Ranch Series” continues to captivate with its blend of heart-stopping suspense and deeply woven storylines. Look out for the next release, which promises to deliver yet another page-turning experience. In the meantime, revel in the unraveling mysteries of the Coulter family, and prepare for more thrilling adventures in the rugged Montana wilderness.

Book Link: https://mistymbeller.com/pretending-to-be-the-mountain-mans-wife/

Blog Link: https://www.literaryscape.com/podcast/153

Last Saturday we enjoyed a relaxing and fun conversation with authors Crystal Caudill, Lynn Shannon, and Sarah Sundin for an hour of book talk. Our next Coffee and Books event will take place on Tuesday April 15th from 7:00-8:00pm EST. Join Lynn Blackburn and myself for an hour of book talk. Sign up for this free event at www.literaryscape.com/events to get the link to join.

I have joined three book giveaways for March through Book Funnel. Use the links in the blog post for this episode to claim these free reads. Please note that these books are not all part of the Christian romance genre. I did join one titled steamy romances with the hope of getting Unwavering Faith in the hands of readers who may not have otherwise found my novel.

March Historical Romance

March Free Historical Romance

March Steamy Historical Romance

For those of you who can make it to an in-person event in Indiana, I have two coming up in April. First on Saturday April 5th I will be at the Warsaw Public library from 11:00-1:00 pm EST. Then on Saturday April 19th I will be at the Branch Coffee Shop in Fairmount, Indiana from 9:30-11:30 am EST with author Abbey Downey. I hope to meet some of you there!

If you have read Unwavering Faith, I would love to hear your thoughts. Send me an email at literaryscape@literaryscape.com. Also, help spread the word and send your friends to www.literaryscape.com/shop to get their copy of the book along with a t-shirt and coffee mug.

That is, it for announcements. Let’s jump into this week’s book discussion of Winning the Mountain Man’s Love, by Misty M. Beller.

Episode Notes

When you think of romance and drama set in the rugged Montana territory, Winning the Mountain Man’s Love, by Misty M. Beller may be just the story that captivates your heart. This latest installment in the popular Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series unfolds a tale of second chances, hidden fortunes, and lost love rekindled amidst the majestic and untamed landscapes of 19th-century America.

Summary of the Story

Winning the Mountain Man’s Love transports readers to the Coulter Ranch, a place steeped in familial bonds and rich with narratives of redemption. Jonah Coulter, the second child of six, has always found himself the second choice when it comes to love. As fate would have it, his former fiancée finds happiness with another, leaving Jonah seeking solace and purpose elsewhere. His quest leads him to a young girl, Anna, who needs to be reunited with her only living relative, Patience Whitman.

Patience, grappling with her past and the shadow of a violent former husband, has carved out an independent life in the Montana territory through her gambling prowess. Her aspirations for a new life are turned upside down when Jonah arrives with news of her niece, Anna. Together, amidst the challenges of trust and confrontation of their own fears, Jonah and Patience weave a narrative of vulnerability and love, challenged by lurking dangers.

Characters and Challenges

The intricate dynamics of the story are fleshed out through its robust cast of characters. Jonah’s journey from heartbreak to slowly trusting love again with Patience is one of the story’s core arcs. Patience herself is a complex character, one who has had to make hard, life-defining choices to survive. Her transformation and eventual acceptance of a family with Jonah is as much a fight within her as against the external peril they face.

Themes and Elements

Layered with themes of survival, trust, and familial loyalty, the book explores what it means to forge a family out of both tradition and necessity. While the plot involves a high stakes gamble with their lives and happiness, the real triumph lies in the deep emotional reconciliations the characters undergo.

The narrative is peppered with elements of suspense and romance. Drama unfolds between Jonah and Patience as they navigate their unresolved pasts – making the story both a heartwarming and heart-wrenching journey.

LiteraryScape gave the following element ratings:

Mystery – Espresso

Drama – Espresso

Inspiration – Espresso/Mocha

Suspense – Mocha

Romance – Espresso/Mocha

(Espresso = light, Mocha = medium, Latte = a lot)

Conclusion

Winning the Mountain Man’s Love by Misty M. Beller is a testament to the power of narrative to transform heartbreak and trials into a narrative of union and hope. It’s a story for anyone who roots for the underdog, who believes in new beginnings, and who champions the idea that family is about love beyond blood.

LiteraryScape gives Winning the Mountain Man’s love 3 lassos as we are sure it will have you hooked and hog-tied.

Join us next week as we discuss “Pretending to be the Mountain Man’s Wife,” a favorite for many and a continued exploration of life and love in the Montana territory. Stay tuned!

Link to Book: https://mistymbeller.com/winning-the-mountain-mans-love/

Link to Blog Post: https://www.literaryscape.com/podcast/152

We have Coffee and Books on Saturday March 22nd from 1:00-2:00 pm EST. Join authors Crystal Caudill, Lynn Shannon, and Sarah Sundin for an hour of book talk. Sign up for this free event at www.literaryscape.com/events to get the link to join.

I have joined three book giveaways for March through Book Funnel. Use the links in the blog post for this episode to peruse and claim these free reads. Please note that these books are not all part of the Christian romance genre. I did join one titled steamy romances with the hope of getting Unwavering Faith in the hands of readers who may not have otherwise found my novel.

March Historical Romance

March Free Historical Romance

March Steamy Historical Romance

For those of you who can make it to an in-person event in Indiana, I have two coming up in April. First on Saturday April 5th I will be at the Warsaw Public library from 11:00-1:00 pm EST. Then on Saturday April 19th I will be at the Branch Coffee Shop in Fairmount, Indiana from 9:30-11:30 am EST. I hope to meet some of you there!

That is, it for announcements. Let’s jump into this week’s book discussion of Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust, by Misty M. Beller.

Episode Notes

In this episode Jessica and Melissa discuss the plot and themes of the book ‘Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust,’ focusing on characters Naomi Wyatt, Jonah Coulter, and Eric LaGrange. Naomi, left alone with a baby after Eric’s disappearance, moves west and considers Jonah for marriage. Eric’s sudden return creates a love triangle, leading to conflicts and a journey of redemption and second chances. We share our reactions to plot twists, character development, and the book’s inspirational and dramatic aspects.

We dive into the world of Naomi Wyatt and her incredible journey through heartache, romance, and redemption. “Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust” is set against the backdrop of the Colter Ranch—a place of family, second chances, and a hidden fortune.

Naomi’s Journey of Love and Loss

The story begins as Naomi, who has endured the heartache of a vanished lover, finds herself alone with a child in need of provision. Her daughter, with her vibrant red hair, serves as a constant reminder of the man she loved and lost. As she moves west with her sister, new hopes arise in the form of Jonah Coulter. Jonah, a trusted friend through Naomi’s toughest days, offers her stability and love, leading her to consider his proposal of marriage.

But then, Eric LaGrange, Naomi’s former love, re-enters the picture. His surprise arrival brings turmoil to Naomi’s neatly planned future. Naomi is torn between Eric—who claims he’s been kept in the dark about their daughter—and Jonah, the steadfast man offering a happy future together.

Twists and Conflicts

Eric’s sudden appearance upheaves Naomi’s life. His fierce desire to reconnect with his daughter leads to conflicts, including a fight with Jonah when Eric questions Jonah’s ability to protect his child. This unexpected confrontation challenges the dynamics at play and sets the stage for emotional unraveling.

As the plot thickens, misunderstandings unravel, offering new insights into the miscommunication that kept Eric away. Their letters lost, intentions misunderstood, resulting in a passionate and tangled web of emotions.

A Deeper Meaning

Misty M. Beller delivers a story rich with unexpected twists and a captivating second-chance romance. With themes of regret, forgiveness, and divine timing, the narrative explores how both Eric and Naomi come to terms with past mistakes. Together, they navigate the possibility of rebuilding a life once torn apart by circumstances beyond their control.

Review and Ratings

The robust storytelling and deep characterizations left a lasting impact, even with early doubts about character arcs. The narrative was suspenseful and filled with dramatic and mysterious turns—keeping readers engaged. It blended raw emotion, unpredictable twists, and touching resolutions—a hallmark of well-crafted fiction.

-Inspiration Level: Mocha

– Drama Level: Latte

– Mystery Level: Mocha

– Suspense Level: Espresso to Mocha

– Romance Level: Mocha

(Espresso = light, Mocha = medium, Latte = a lot)

“Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust” is a rewarding read that should not be abandoned at the early moments of doubt. The series continues to deliver compelling developments, with each character contributing to a richly woven storyline. Through unexpected turns and heartfelt revelations, readers experience a genuine exploration of redemption and the courage to embrace second chances.

Our overall lasso rating of Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust by Misty M. Beller was a 3. We are sure this book will have you hooked, and most of you will be hog-tied.

Stay tuned for our next discussion as we continue to explore mountain man themes with “Winning the Mountain Man’s Love.”

Link to Book: https://mistymbeller.com/earning-the-mountain-mans-trust/

Link to Blog Post: https://www.literaryscape.com/podcast/151

We have Coffee and Books on Saturday March 22nd from 1:00-2:00 pm EST. Join authors Crystal Caudill, Lynn Shannon, and Sarah Sundin for an hour of book talk. Sign up for this free event at www.literaryscape.com/events to get the link to join.

I have joined three book giveaways for March through Book Funnel. Use the links in the blog post for this episode to pursue and claim these free reads. Please note that these books are not all part of the Christian romance genre. I did join one titled steamy romances with the hope of getting Unwavering Faith in the hands of readers who may not have otherwise found my novel. So please, peruse with caution.

March Historical Romance

March Free Historical Romance

March Steamy Historical Romance

For those of you who can make it to an in-person event in Indiana, I have two coming up in April. First on Saturday April 5th I will be at the Warsaw Public library from 11:00-1:00 pm EST. Then on Saturday April 19th I will be at the Branch Coffee Shop in Fairmount, Indiana from 9:30-11:30 am EST. I hope to meet some of you there!

That is, it for announcements. Let’s jump into this week’s book discussion of Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure, by Misty M. Beller.

Episode Notes

In this episode, Jessica and Melissa discuss Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure by Misty M. Beller. This is an action-packed romance that starts with a lie and ends in love.

Jessica and Melissa share why it took them a while to like the leading lady Angela. They also discuss their love for Judah’s deep faith and reliance on God.

We gave the following elements in Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure these ratings:

Drama – espresso/mocha

Mystery – mocha

Suspense – mocha/latte

Inspiration – mocha/latte

Romance – mocha

(Espresso = light, Mocha = medium, Latte = a lot)

Our overall lasso rating of Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure by Misty M. Beller was a 3. We are sure this book will have you hooked, and most of you will be hog-tied.

Link to book: https://mistymbeller.com/protecting-the-mountain-mans-treasure/

Link to blog post: www.literaryscape.com/podcast/150

Here is what’s happening in March.

We have Coffee and Books on Saturday March 22nd from 1:00-2:00 pm EST. Join authors Crystal Caudill, Lynn Shannon, and Sarah Sundin for an hour of book talk. Sign up for this free event at www.literaryscape.com/events to get the link to join.

I have joined three book giveaways for March through Book Funnel. Use the links in the blog post for this episode to pursue and claim these free reads. Please note that these books are not all part of the Christian romance genre. I did join one titled steamy romances with the hope of getting Unwavering Faith in the hands of readers who may not have otherwise found my novel. So please, peruse with caution.

March Historical Romance

March Free Historical Romance

March Steamy Historical Romance

For those of you who can make it to an in-person event in Indiana, I have two coming up in April. First on Saturday April 5th I will be at the Warsaw Public library from 11:00-1:00 pm EST. Then on Saturday April 19th I will be at the Branch Coffee Shop in Fairmount, Indiana from 9:30-11:30 am EST. I hope to meet some of you there!

That is, it for announcements. Let’s jump into this week’s book discussion of Marrying the Mountain Man’s Best Friend, by Misty M. Beller.

Episode Notes

In this episode, Jessica and Melissa discuss Marrying the Mountain Man’s Best Friend by Misty M. Beller. This is a sweet novella featuring Two Stones who is our book club’s favorite hero in Misty’s Sapphire Ranch series.

Jessica and Melissa share what they love about Two Stones. He is a fierce warrior, with a tender heart for his lady love, Heidi. This is a sweet marriage of convenience that will have you swooning.

We gave the following elements in Marrying the Mountain Man’s Best Friend these ratings:

Drama – mocha

Mystery – espresso

Suspense – mocha

Inspiration – mocha

Romance – mocha

(Espresso = light, Mocha = medium, Latte = a lot)

Our overall lasso rating of Marrying the Mountain Man’s Best Friend by Misty M. Beller was a 3. We are sure this book will have you hooked, and most of you will be hog-tied.

Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRVXGLJK/?bestFormat=true&k=marrying%20the%20mountain%20man%27s%20best%20friend&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_de_k0_1_17&crid=36GC4VK8UP1YT&sprefix=marrying%20the%20moun

Link to blog post: www.literaryscape.com/podcast/149

Link to Rumble: https://rumble.com/v6q95yi-episode-149-the-intriguing-two-stones.html

Link to YouTube: https://youtu.be/fVS0aoN-R24

We kick of this series with Healing the Mountain Man’s Heart. Misty’s twist on the mail order bride trope will have you hooked and hog-tied.

Join us as we dive into this intriguing series!

Last week I announced a goal of selling 134 paperbacks or audiobooks or 286 eBooks in order to enter a writing contest by March 15th. Thanks to many of you, we are making our way to the goal! We now only need to sell 80 more paperbacks or audiobooks. Send your friends over to www.literaryscape.com/shop to get their copy today! With your help, we make this happen!

Tomorrow, I will host the online book club extravaganza from 1:00-2:00pm EST. We will chat and play BINGO. It is not too late to sign-up. If you plan to attend the online event, please complete the RSVP form so that I can send you the link to join.

Finally, when you visit www.literaryscape.com/events you will find all our Coffee and Books events for 2025. We have some incredible authors coming to chat with you this year. These are free events, just RSVP to get the link to join each chat. Our first event is on Tuesday, February 25th from 7:00-8:00pm EST. Join authors Liz Tolsma, Lynn Blackburn, Sarah Sundin, and Sara Turnquist for an hour of book talk.

That’s it for announcements. In today’s episode, we talk with author Beth White about her Gulf Coast Chronicles series. Beth grew up in the South, specifically North Mississippi, which has a rich tradition of fostering writers, storytellers, and musicians. She is fond of both music and literature, she has recently retired from teaching chorus and piano in an inner-city public high school. Making her secret life as a romance writer, not so secret anymore. You can learn more about Beth and her books at www.bethwhite.net.

Now let’s dive into this exciting author chat!

Episode Notes

In this engaging conversation, author Beth White discusses her series, the Gulf Coast Chronicles, exploring the complexities of character development, historical context, and the challenges of writing. She shares insights into her creative process, the importance of truth in storytelling, and offers valuable advice for aspiring authors. The discussion also touches on the dynamics of family relationships within her narratives and the significance of historical events in shaping her characters’ journeys.

Takeaways

Read good books by authors that you admire.

Be kind and humble in the writing community.

Characters should be relatable and fun.

Historical accuracy is crucial in historical fiction.

Explore all sides of an issue in storytelling.

Develop complex family trees for depth.

Use real historical events to inspire plots.

Engage readers with cliffhangers and multiple viewpoints.

Always strive for a balance between fun and truth.

Blog Link: www.literaryscape.com/podcast/147

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/AWsQ16RFTug

Rumble Link: https://rumble.com/v6msgv6-episode-147-author-chat-with-beth-white.html

Last week I announced a goal of selling 134 paperbacks or audiobooks or 286 eBooks in order to enter a writing contest by March 15th. Thanks to many of you, we are making our way to the goal! We now only need to sell 83 more paperbacks or audiobooks. Send your friends over to www.literaryscape.com/shop to get their copy today! With your help, we make this happen!

Unfortunately, because of weather conditions, we had to postpone our Book Club Extravaganza at the Branch Coffee Shop tomorrow. We will have a new date soon, so stay tuned. Sign-up for our newsletter at www.literaryscape.com/newsletter or follow LiteraryScape on Facebook to stay in the know.

For those of you who do not live close, I will host the online book club extravaganza on February 22nd  from 1:00-2:00pm EST. We will chat and play BINGO. You can learn more about these events at www.literaryscape.com/events. If you plan to attend the online event, please complete the RSVP form so that I can send you the link to join.

Finally, when you visit www.literaryscape.com/events you will find all our Coffee and Books events for 2025. We have some incredible authors coming to chat with you this year. These are free events, just RSVP to get the link to join each chat. Our first event is on Tuesday, February 25th from 7:00-8:00pm EST. Join authors Liz Toslma, Lynn Blackburn, Sarah Sundin, and Sara Turnquist for an hour of book talk.

That’s it for announcements. In today’s episode, we discuss The Magnolia Duchess by Beth White. This is the third and final book in her Gulf Coast Chronicles series.

Now let’s dive into this exciting book discussion!

Episode Notes

In this episode, Jessica, Linda aka Mom, and Melissa discuss the third and final book in Beth White’s Gulf Coast Chronicles series, The Magnolia Duchess. This book centers on the War of 1812. Although former friends find love, their conflicting loyalties divide them.

Topics We Discuss:

The rich history woven into the story.

Family dynamics.

Living in war times.

Thinking before acting.

We gave the following elements in The Magnolia Duchess these ratings:

Drama – mocha/latte

Mystery – espresso

Suspense – mocha/latte

Inspiration – mocha

Romance – mocha/latte

(Espresso = light, Mocha = medium, Latte = a lot)

Our overall lasso rating of The Magnolia Duchess by Beth White was a 2.8. We are sure this book will have you hooked, and most of you will be hog-tied.

Link to book: https://www.bethwhite.net/the-magnolia-duchess

Link to blog post: https://www.literaryscape.com/podcast/146

Unwavering Faith is now available. Many readers have already finished the book and have shared how much they enjoyed it. Thank you all for your compliments and encouragement.

Many have encouraged me to enter Unwavering Faith into some writing contests. I especially want to try one, but entry requires $2,000 in sales. This is equivalent to 134 paperbacks or audiobooks or 286 eBooks. Any combination of these will get me to the $2,000 mark needed to enter the contest. Can you help me reach this goal? If you have not already purchased your copy head on over to www.literaryscape.com/shop to get yours today. If you have already purchased your copy, then please share the link to purchase with your friends. Let’s see if we can meet this goal by March 15th. Entries for the contest are due by March 31st. With your help, we make this happen!

We have two free book club extravaganza events coming up for you as we celebrate the release of Unwavering Faith. The first event will take place next Saturday on February 15th at the Branch Coffee Shop in Fairmount, Indiana at 9:30am EST. Author Abbey Downey will join me, along with the talented cover designer Nikki Boetger. This is an incredible opportunity to meet the authors, enjoy a cup of coffee, chat about books and play BINGO. We hope to see you there.

For those of you who do not live close, I will host the online book club extravaganza on February 22nd  from 1:00-2:00pm EST. We will chat and play BINGO. You can learn more about these events at www.literaryscape.com/events. If you plan to attend the online event, please complete the RSVP form so that I can send you the link to join.

Finally, when you visit www.literaryscape.com/events you will find all our Coffee and Books events for 2025. We have some incredible authors coming to chat with you this year. These are free events, just RSVP to get the link to join each chat.

That is it for announcements. In today’s episode, we discuss The Creole Princess by Beth White. This is the second book in her Gulf Coast Chronicles series.

Now let’s dive into this exciting book discussion!

Episode Notes

In this episode, Jessica, Jamie, Mom, and Melissa discuss the Creole Princess by Beth White. Our conversation delves into the themes of family dynamics, love, loyalty, and the historical context of the American Revolutionary War as depicted in the book ‘Creole Princess.’ We discuss character development, focusing on Lise and her relationships, while also reflecting on the impact of faith and resilience in challenging times.

Takeaways

The story highlights the struggle between personal loyalty and familial obligations.

Character development is crucial in understanding the dynamics of the family.

Lise’s character is central to the narrative, showcasing her growth and resilience.

The historical context adds depth to the characters’ relationships and decisions.

Faith plays a significant role in the characters’ responses to adversity.

The portrayal of love is complex, influenced by societal expectations and personal desires.

The family tree can be confusing, but is essential for understanding character connections.

Bitterness can lead to negative consequences, as seen in Madame Dussey’s character.

The book provides a nuanced view of the American Revolutionary War’s impact on personal lives.

We gave the following elements in the Creole Princess these ratings:

Drama – mocha/latte

Mystery – espresso

Suspense – mocha/latte

Inspiration – mocha/latte

Romance – mocha

(Espresso = light, Mocha = medium, Latte = a lot)

Our overall lasso rating of The Creole Princess by Beth White was a 2.5. We are sure this book will have you hooked, and some of you may even be hog-tied.

Link to book: https://www.bethwhite.net/the-creole-princess

YouTube: https://youtu.be/zUH1sY4LEkw

Rumble: https://rumble.com/v6huy5j-episode-145-love-and-loyalty-in-the-american-revolutionary-war.html

We are just one day away from the launch of Unwavering Faith. Tomorrow we will release the paperback and eBook of Unwavering Faith. It has been an exciting journey, and I cannot wait for you to enjoy Brody and Claire’s adventurous love story. For my friends who enjoy audiobooks, we hope to have that ready for launch mid-February.

If you are on my newsletter list, then you have seen the many unboxings we’ve enjoyed over the past few weeks as books, t-shirts, mugs, and totes have arrived. You can check out all we offer at www.literaryscape.com/shop.

We have two free book club extravaganza events coming up for you as we celebrate the release of Unwavering Faith. The first event will take place on February 15th at the Branch Coffee Shop in Fairmount, Indiana. Author Abbey Downey will join me. This is an incredible opportunity to meet the authors, enjoy a cup of coffee, sit, chat about books and play BINGO. We hope to see you there.

For those of you who do not live close, I will host the online book club extravaganza on February 22nd. We will chat and play BINGO. You can learn more about these events at www.literaryscape.com/events.

Finally, when you visit www.literaryscape.com/events you will find all our Coffee and Books events for 2025. We have some incredible authors coming to chat with you this year. These are free events, just RSVP to get the link to join each chat.

That is it for announcements. In today’s episode, we discuss The Pelican Bride by Beth White. This is the first book in her Gulf Coast Chronicles series.

Now let’s dive into this exciting book discussion!

Episode Notes

In this conversation, the hosts discuss the book ‘The Pelican Bride’ by Beth White, exploring its themes, characters, and plot twists. They delve into the living conditions faced by the characters, the dynamics among the Pelican Brides, and the contrasting personalities of the Lanier brothers. The discussion also touches on the societal expectations of women during the time period and the various relationships depicted in the story. The hosts share their thoughts on the book’s rating and its overall impact, highlighting the complexity of the narrative and the depth of the characters.

Takeaways

The Pelican Bride explores themes of bravery and survival.

Character dynamics play a crucial role in the narrative.

The living conditions at the fort reflect historical realities.

The personalities of the Pelican Brides vary significantly.

Choices made by the characters have lasting consequences.

Tristan and Mark Antoine represent different approaches to life.

The men at the fort display a lack of respect for women.

Nikka’s story highlights the struggles of women in oppressive marriages.

Twists in the plot keep readers engaged and surprised.

The book’s rating reflects its complexity and character depth.

The Pelican Bride

View more at www.literaryscape.com/podcast/144

Welcome back to the 2025 book club season. We are so glad to have you join us. Here are a few announcements before we jump into today’s kickoff episode.

We are just eight days away from the launch of Unwavering Faith. On February 1st, we will release the paperback and eBook of Unwavering Faith. It has been an exciting journey, and I cannot wait for you to enjoy Brody and Claire’s adventurous love story. For my friends who enjoy audiobooks, we hope to have that ready for launch mid-February. Originally, I was going to just narrate the entire book. However, when I went back through the recordings, I realized I would rather have different voices for each character. So, thanks to many family members and friends, we will bring you a dynamic audiobook that I hope you will enjoy.

If you are on my newsletter list, then you have seen the many unboxings we’ve enjoyed over the past few weeks as books, t-shirts, mugs, and totes have arrived. You can check out all we offer at www.literaryscape.com/shop. Then to stay up to date with all the happenings at LiteraryScape, you can sign up for our newsletter at www.literaryscape.com/newsletter.

We have two book club extravaganza events coming up for you as we celebrate the release of Unwavering Faith. The first event will take place on February 15th at the Branch Coffee Shop in Fairmount, Indiana. Author Abbey Downey will join me. This is an incredible opportunity to meet authors, enjoy a cup of coffee, sit and chat about books and play BINGO. We hope to see you there.

For those of you who do not live close to Indiana, I will host the online book club extravaganza on February 22nd. We will chat and play BINGO. You can learn more about these events and get your tickets at www.literaryscape.com/events.

Finally, when you visit www.literaryscape.com/events you will find all our Coffee and Books events for 2025. We have some incredible authors coming to chat with you this year. These are free events, just RSVP to get the link to join each chat.

That is, it for announcements. In today’s episode, we will share our 2025 reading list and make predictions for the year. You will notice that we have updated our podcast cover art. I think we finally found the perfect design for us.

Now let’s dive into this exciting episode!

Episode Notes

In this episode Tiffanie, Jessica, Mom, and Melissa introduce the 2025 reading list and make predictions. How will the 2025 reading season go? Which authors will be joining us? Find out in this energetic conversation.

Topics:

Reading Goals

GoodReads

Top 3 Novels Prediction

Top 3 Series Prediction

Reading List

Gulf Coast Chronicles by Beth White

Brothers of Sapphire Ranch by Misty M. Beller

The Art of Love and Danger by Crystal Caudill

Gossamer Falls by Lynn Blackburn

Texas Ever After by Karen Witemeyer

Defend and Protect by Lynn Blackburn

Adventurous Hearts by Abbey Downey

High Country Ranch by Jody Hedlund

Badge of Honor by Lynn Shannon

Convenient Risk by Sara R. Turnquist

https://youtu.be/Chsmtq7KVzw

https://rumble.com/v6bvqdj-episode-143-2025-reading-season-kickoff.html

Welcome to a bonus episode featuring author Sandee Taylor’s debut novel, More Than An Attractive Face. But first a few announcements before we chat with Sandee.

We are just ten days away from the launch of Unwavering Faith. On February 1st, we will release the paperback and eBook of Unwavering Faith. It has been an exciting journey, and I cannot wait for you to enjoy Brody and Claire’s adventurous love story. For my friends who enjoy audiobooks, we hope to have that ready for launch mid-February. Originally, I was going to just narrate the entire book. However, when I went back through the recordings, I realized I would rather have different voices for each character. So, thanks to many family members and friends, we will bring you a dynamic audiobook that I hope you will enjoy.

If you are on my newsletter list, then you have seen the many unboxings we’ve enjoyed over the past few weeks as books, t-shirts, mugs, and totes have arrived. You can check out all we offer at www.literaryscape.com/shop. Then to stay up to date with all the happenings at LiteraryScape, you can sign up for our newsletter at www.literaryscape.com/newsletter.

We have two book club extravaganza events coming up for you as we celebrate the release of Unwavering Faith. The first event will take place on February 15th at the Branch Coffee Shop in Fairmount, Indiana. Author Abbey Downey will join me. This is an incredible opportunity to meet authors, enjoy a cup of coffee, sit and chat about books and play BINGO. We hope to see you there.

For those of you who do not live close to Indiana, I will host the online book club extravaganza on February 22nd. We will chat and play BINGO. You can learn more about these events and get your tickets at www.literaryscape.com/events.

Finally, when you visit www.literaryscape.com/events you will find all our Coffee and Books events for 2025. We have some incredible authors coming to chat with you this year. These are free events, just RSVP to get the link to join each chat.

Now, for this special bonus episode, I am thrilled to introduce you to author Sandee Taylor. She is a member of HCRW, our historical Christian romance writers’ group. Sandee just releases her first indie published novel. It has been a joy to be part of her writing journey and watch her incredible story come to life. Sandee is also an active member of the Kansas Authors Club and enjoys working with fellow writers. Enjoy this chat with Sandee Taylor.

Episode Notes

Summary

In this engaging conversation, author Sandee Taylor shares her journey into writing, sparked by personal experiences and a newfound passion for Kansas history. She discusses the challenges of character development, the intricacies of writing about violence and passion, and the importance of historical accuracy in her novels. Themes of family, integrity, and faith are woven throughout her work, reflecting her values and beliefs. Sandy also shares insights into her upcoming book launch and ways for readers to connect with her.

Takeaways

Sandy began writing after retiring and caring for her mother-in-law.

Her interest in Kansas history inspired her first published book.

Characters can evolve in unexpected ways during the writing process.

Writing scenes with passion and violence can be particularly challenging.

Research is crucial for maintaining historical accuracy in fiction.

Sandy’s main character embodies strength and integrity.

The importance of family and community is a central theme in her writing.

Sandy’s book launch includes both physical and virtual events.

Engaging with readers through book clubs is a goal for Sandy.

Sandy’s audiobook is set to be released soon.

https://youtu.be/05rnf2-ZHPI

https://rumble.com/v6bvmqp-bonus-episode-interview-with-author-sandee-taylor.html

We hope that you have found our book discussions to be entertaining and inspiring. Our schedule for next year is full of great novels and authors. We hope you can join us for another year of adventurous reading!

Topics We Discuss:

Our favorite series

Our favorite author interviews

Our favorite podcast moments

Historical Christian Romance v. Contemporary Christian Suspense Romance

Psst… we would also love to connect with you, be sure to sign up for our newsletter here. Every Friday you will get an email with our latest episode and lots of fun goodies along the way. Can’t wait to read with you in 2025!

Please note this will be our last episode until late January as we take a short break before kicking off the new year.

Pre-orders for Unwavering Faith are now open along with lots of fun merchandise. Visit www.literaryscape.com/shop to place your order today.

Tickets for the Book Club Extravaganza events are now on sale! We have three in person events on January 25th, February 1st, and February 15th. On February 22nd, there will be an online event. We will have BINGO, Door Prizes, and all kinds of book club fun. For our February 15th event, author Abbey Downey will be co-hosting with me. We will also announce another exciting book event coming in the spring of 2025. You can get all the details and purchase your ticket at www.literaryscape.com/events. Please note that each event has a limited number of tickets, so don’t delay and get your seat today!

Let’s jump into this week’s Christmas novella discussion of The Best Gift of All by Julie Lessman.

Episode Notes

In this episode Tiffanie, Jessica, Mom and I discuss Julie Lessman’s Christmas novella, The Best Gift of all. This novella is part of the many O’Connor family stories. John Brady and Lizzie from A Passion Redeemed are featured is this incredible Christmas novella.

Topics We Discuss:

The balance between spouse and children.

God’s design for the family structure.

Redeeming  broken relationships.

We gave the following ratings to each of the story elements listed below.

(Espresso = an expression, Mocha = Medium amount, Latte = A lot)

Mystery – Espresso

Drama – Latte

Suspense – Espresso

Romance – Latte

Inspiration – Latte

LiteraryScape gave The Best Give of All by Julie Lessman 3 lassos!

(1 lasso – throw and a miss, 2 lassos – hooked, 3 lassos – hooked and hog tied)

Book Link

www.literaryscape.com/podcast/141

https://youtu.be/U9C9jnrW-tg

https://rumble.com/v60zjr8-episode-141-the-best-gift-of-all-by-julie-lessman.html

Pre-orders for Unwavering Faith are now open along with lots of fun merchandise. Visit www.literaryscape.com/shop to place your order today.

Tickets for the Book Club Extravaganza events are now on sale! We have three in person events on January 25th, February 1st, and February 15th. On February 22nd, there will be an online event. We will have BINGO, Door Prizes, and all kinds of book club fun. For our February 15th event, author Abbey Downey will be co-hosting with me. We will also announce another exciting book event coming in the spring of 2025. You can get all the details and purchase your ticket at www.literaryscape.com/events. Please note that each event has a limited number of tickets, so don’t delay and get your seat today!

The proof copies of Unwavering Faith came this week! This is my first time seeing it in print, and you get to enjoy unboxing it with me. I’ve included a link to the video in this week’s newsletter; be sure to open it and scroll down.

Let’s jump into this week’s Christmas novella discussion of A Whisper of Hope by Julie Lessman.

Episode Notes

In this episode Tiffanie, Jessica, Mom, and I discuss A Whisper of Hope by Julie Lessman. This novella features one of the infamous O’Connor couples, Mitch and Charity. Being a big Julie Lessman fan, I of course love this novella. However, I also love all of the characters in the O’Connor family and highly recommend every book in the series.

Topics we discuss:

Age differences in couples

The joy of children

The never-ending weight battle.

We gave the following ratings to each of the story elements listed below.

(Espresso = an expression, Mocha = Medium amount, Latte = A lot)

Mystery – Espresso

Drama – Mocha

Suspense – Espresso

Romance – Latte

Inspiration – Latte

LiteraryScape gave A Whisper of Hope by Julie Lessman 3 lassos!

(1 lasso – throw and a miss, 2 lassos – hooked, 3 lassos – hooked and hog tied)

Link to podcast.

Link to book.

Tomorrow is our last Coffee and Books event for 2024. Join us from 1:00-2:00 pm EST for an hour of entertaining book discussion with authors Abbey Downey, Jodi Basye, and Karen Witemeyer. Sign-up for the is free event at www.literaryscape.com/events.

Pre-orders for Unwavering Faith are now open along with lots of fun merchandise. Head on over to www.literaryscape.com/shop to pre-order your items today.

We have several fun announcements coming your way over the next few weeks. Be sure to sign-up for our newsletter at www.literaryscape.com/newsletter to stay in the know.

Let’s jump into this week’s Christmas novella discussion of I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Sarah Sundin.

Episode Notes

In this episode Tiffanie, Jessica, Mom, and I discuss Sarah Sundin’s novella, I’ll Be Home for Christmas. We loved reading this novella as it takes place in our home state and features our favorite university. It was also interesting to find out that the candy store featured in the story still exists today. Taking a trip there will be in our future!

Topics we Discuss:

Redeeming a bully

Kids

Candy Shops

We gave the following ratings to each of the story elements listed below.

(Espresso = an expression, Mocha = Medium amount, Latte = A lot)

Mystery – Espresso

Drama – Mocha

Suspense – Espresso

Romance – Mocha

Inspiration – Mocha

LiteraryScape gave I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Sarah Sundin 3 lassos!

(1 lasso – throw and a miss, 2 lassos – hooked, 3 lassos – hooked and hog tied)

Link to episode.

Link to book.

December 7th is our last Coffee and Books event for 2024. Join us from 1:00-2:00 pm EST for an hour of entertaining book discussion with authors Abbey Downey, Jodi Basye, and Karen Witemeyer. Sign-up for the is free event at www.literaryscape.com/events.

Pre-orders for Unwavering Faith are now open along with lots of fun merchandise. Head on over to www.literaryscape.com/shop to pre-order your items today.

We have several fun announcements coming your way over the next few weeks. Be sure to sign-up for our newsletter at www.literaryscape.com/newsletter to stay in the know.

I hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Let’s jump into this week’s Christmas novella discussion of Christmas Threat by Lynn Shannon.

Episode Notes

In this episode Tiffanie, Jessica, my mother, and I discuss the novella Christmas Threat by Lynn Shannon. This is the second novella in her Christmas novella collection. You can read all of three for free on Kindle Unlimited. Most, if not all her books are available on KU. As always Lynn delivers an action-packed romance you cannot put down.

Topics we discuss:

Evil laughs

Mom’s amazing date bars

Flying coats

Suspicious gifts

Scary feet

We gave the following ratings to each of the story elements listed below.

(Espresso = an expression, Mocha = Medium amount, Latte = A lot)

Mystery – Latte

Suspense – Latte

Romance – Mocha

Inspiration – Mocha

LiteraryScape gave Christmas Threat by Lynn Shannon 3 lassos!

(1 lasso – throw and a miss, 2 lassos – hooked, 3 lassos – hooked and hog tied)

Link to episode.

Link to book.

December 7th is our last Coffee and Books event for 2024. Join us from 1:00-2:00 pm EST for an hour of entertaining book discussion with authors Abbey Downy, Jodi Basye, and Karen Witemeyer. Sign-up for the is free event at www.literaryscape.com/events.

The Unwavering Faith pre-orders opened last Friday. If you’ve followed along for a while you know that I am only selling my books on our LiteraryScape website. I want to have a direct connection with my readers and ensure that my book sales do not support companies that put funds into organizations that do not align with God’s word.

So, to get my books and any merchandise we have you will need to head on over to www.literaryscape.com/shop. Now, I want to explain a couple of things real quick. If you are watching the video for this episode, then you will be able to see this part. The paperback books and merchandise are housed on our online store at www.literaryscape.com/shop. The eBook and audiobook are housed on our ThriveCart store. You can visit our home page or click on the Unwavering Faith link under Author Melissa LaShure in the context menu to access the buy links for these two books. Just click on the eBook button or the audiobook button. This will take you to our Thrivecart checkout where you can complete your purchase.

This is not as smooth of a purchasing flow as we want, but it is our current solution for directly selling the eBook and audiobook versions of Unwavering Faith. Currently, BookFunnel who delivers these books for us and Squarespace who hosts our website, do not connect for these sales. I am hoping that one day soon they will. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work towards an easier checkout process for you.

I also want to point out that we have some merchandise on pre-order in our store. We have the men’s T-shirt featuring the Bounty Brothers logo and the women’s T-shirt featuring the Unwavering Faith logo. This week we added four different mugs and two totes, so be sure to head on over to www.literaryscape.com/shop and check them out. All items in the shop are on pre-order and will ship out on February 1, 2025.

You may ask why do I need to pre-order? Well, this is our first round of selling each of these items. Pre-orders help us determine how much of the product we need to order so that we do not end up with products no one wants. So, any item that does not sell during pre-orders will not remain in our shop. If you see something you like and want, then go ahead and pre-order today.

Episode Notes

In this episode we discuss Lynn Shannon’s Christmas novella, Christmas Danger. It is packed with suspense and makes for quick holiday romance read. We also discuss the Clark Griswolds in our families and share one our favorite Christmas treats.

Takeaways:

Who is a Clark Griswold when it comes to Christmas

Jessica is discussing the wrong book

Papaw was the ultimate Chex-mix maker

The library can’t keep Lynn’s books on the shelf

We gave the following ratings to each of the story elements listed below.

(Espresso = an expression, Mocha = Medium amount, Latte = A lot)

Mystery – Latte

Suspense – Latte

Romance – Mocha

Inspiration – Mocha

LiteraryScape gave Christmas Danger by Lynn Shannon 3 lassos!

(1 lasso – throw and a miss, 2 lassos – hooked, 3 lassos – hooked and hog tied)

Link to book.

Link for the blog post for this episode: www.literaryscape.com/podcast/137

In this episode, Melissa celebrates the upcoming launch of her first historical romance novel, ‘Unwavering Faith,’ and shares insights about the Bounty Brothers series. She discusses the creative process behind the book cover, character dynamics, and the unique approach to self-publishing. Additionally, she highlights upcoming events and community engagement opportunities for readers and writers.

Takeaways

The final cover of ‘Unwavering Faith’ has been revealed.

‘Unwavering Faith’ is the first book in the Bounty Brothers series.

The series is inspired by historical heroes and the Civil War era.

Each book in the series will feature a unique bounty hunter’s story.

The main character, Claire, undergoes a significant faith journey.

Melissa emphasizes the importance of direct connection with readers.

The book will only be available for purchase on Melissa’s website.

Future plans include helping other Christian authors publish their works.

Community events will be held to engage with readers and promote the book.

The newsletter is the best way to stay updated on events and releases.

https://www.literaryscape.com/podcast/136

We have another incredible line up for our final Coffee and Books event this year on Saturday December 7th from 1:00-2:00pm EST. Join authors Karen Witemyer, Jodi Basye, and Abbey Downey for an hour of book talk. Visit www.literaryscape.com/events to sign up for this free event today!

Authors we have KyLee Woodley joining us tomorrow Saturday November 9th from 12:00-1:00pm EST to talk about book proposals. Getting your creative works in front of professionals in the Christian Book Market can be challenging. You need to showcase your best writing and understand what industry professionals are looking for. This class teaches you to polish a query letter, proposal, and writing sample. Additionally, we will preview resources for improving writing and where to find agents and editors. Finally, this class provides three templates to get you started. Visit www.literaryscape.com/events to sign-up for this training today.

Today I am excited to bring author Abbey Downey back on the podcast. She is the author of the Adventurous Hearts series featuring when who make a splash in sports and exploring in the early 1900’s. If you enjoy a sweet romance with spunky characters, then be sure to check out her books.

I also want to mention that Abbey and I will be hosting a couple of adventurous reader events in 2025, so stay tuned for those announcements!

Now let’s hop into today’s author interview with Abbey Downey!

Episode Notes

In this episode of the Literary Escape podcast, host Melissa welcomes author Abbey Downey to discuss her latest release, ‘An Unexpected Catch.’ Set in 1907, the novel features a female umpire and a pitcher navigating their unexpected romance amidst the challenges of their time. Abbey shares insights into her characters, the historical context of the story, and the research that informed her writing. The conversation also touches on the dynamics between characters, the role of supporting figures, and the challenges of writing compelling antagonists. Abbey hints at her future projects, including a new book that breaks away from the sports theme.

Takeaways

‘An Unexpected Catch’ is set in 1907 and features a female umpire.

The story is inspired by real-life umpire Amanda Clement.

Emmett, the male lead, is a confident pitcher with hidden depths.

Character dynamics play a crucial role in the story.

Supporting characters significantly impact the main characters’ arcs.

Villains in stories should be complex and not caricatures.

Research on historical sports adds depth to the narrative.

The book balances romance with historical context.

Future projects may explore themes beyond sports.

Abbey’s newsletter includes fun trivia and games for readers.

Connect with Abbey at: https://abbeydowney.com/

Get your copy of An Unexpected Catch here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5BQ28TF

View the show notes for this episode here: https://www.literaryscape.com/podcast/135

We have another incredible line up for our final Coffee and Books event this year on Saturday December 7th from 1:00-2:00pm EST. Join authors Karen Witemyer, Jodi Basye, Misty M. Beller, and Abbey Downey for an hour of book talk. Visit www.literaryscape.com/events to sign up for this free event today!

The Unwavering Faith crowdfunding campaign ends today. Head on over to www.literaryscape.com/campaign to get your limited-edition copy of Unwavering Faith today!

Authors we have KyLee Woodley joining us on Saturday November 9th from 12:00-1:00pm EST to talk about book proposals. Getting your creative works in front of professionals in the Christian Book Market can be challenging. You need to showcase your best writing and understand what industry professionals are looking for. This class teaches you to polish a query letter, proposal, and writing sample. Additionally, we will preview resources for improving writing and where to find agents and editors. Finally, this class provides three templates to get you started. Visit www.literaryscape.com/events to sign-up for this training today.

Let me introduce you to today’s special guest, author Lynn Shannon. It took an international move from Texas to Greece before Lynn turned her love of reading into a passion for writing. Now she spends her days penning fast-paced inspirational romantic suspense. Her novels combine intriguing mysteries with heartfelt romance.

Lynn lives with her husband, two children, an extremely spoiled dog, and a turtle who hibernates half of the year. The experience of a different country has provided amazing new foods—like Yemista and Kourabiedes—to accompany pecans and Blue Bell ice cream on her favorites list. She also never passes up coffee, chocolate, or the chance to watch cute animal videos.

We all crowded in on my couch to talk to author Lynn Shannon. If you’ve been listening over the past month, then you’ve heard us raving about her Triumph Over Adversity series. We are excited to feature her Badge of Honor series next year. Enjoy this fun conversation with author Lynn Shannon and be sure to click the link in the blog post for this episode to connect with her!

Episode Notes

Author Lynn Shannon discusses her journey from being a lawyer to becoming a self-published author. She talks about her Triumph Over Adversity series and how it came to be based on reader requests. Lynn shares her writing process and how she develops suspenseful storylines. She also mentions some of her favorite authors and books in the Christian romantic suspense genre. Lynn discusses her favorite Bible verse and what readers can expect from her next. The conversation ends with a discussion on her Christmas novellas and how listeners can connect with her.

Takeaways

Lynn Shannon transitioned from being a lawyer to becoming a self-published author.

Her Triumph Over Adversity series was born out of reader requests for a story about a character from a previous book.

Lynn’s writing process involves a combination of plotting and pantsing, and she often doesn’t know who the killer is until the end of the book.

She enjoys reading Christian romantic suspense and recommends authors like Lenora Worth, Christy Barritt, Jessica R. Patch, Laura Scott, and Melinda Leigh.

Lynn’s favorite Bible verse is 1 Corinthians 13:13, and she also finds inspiration in Hebrews 11:1.

Readers can expect the first book in Lynn’s new Badge of Honor series, set in the same town as the Triumph Over Adversity series, to be released soon.

Lynn has also written standalone Christmas novellas that provide a quick and festive reading experience.

Listeners can connect with Lynn Shannon through her website, newsletter, Facebook, and Instagram.

We have another incredible line up for our final Coffee and Books event this year on Saturday December 7th from 1:00-2:00pm EST. Join authors Karen Witemyer, Jodi Basye, Misty M. Beller, and Abbey Downey for an hour of book talk. Visit www.literaryscape.com/events to sign up for this free event today!

The Unwavering Faith crowdfunding campaign will end on November 1, 2024. Which means you have one week to order your limited-edition book. These special edition covers will only be printed once, so head on over to www.literaryscape.com/campaign to get your limited-edition copy of Unwavering Faith today!

Authors we have KyLee Woodley joining us on Saturday November 9th from 12:00-1:00pm EST to talk about book proposals. Getting your creative works in front of professionals in the Christian Book Market can be challenging. You need to showcase your best writing and understand what industry professionals are looking for. This class teaches you to polish a query letter, proposal, and writing sample. Additionally, we will preview resources for improving writing and where to find agents and editors. Finally, this class provides three templates to get you started. Visit www.literaryscape.com/events to sign-up for this training today.

That’s it for announcements. Let’s jump into this week’s book discussion. We had a few technical difficulties when we recorded the episodes for this series, so please excuse any audio blips. Enjoy our discussion of Tactical Force by Lynn Shannon.

Episode Notes

In this episode Tiffanie, Jessica, and Melissa discuss Tactical Force by Lynn Shannon. This is the final book in her Triumph Over Adversity series. It was the perfect ending to this edge of your seat suspenseful romance series.

Nuggets of Truth/Wisdom:

·      God brings goodness into our lives even in the darkest of times

·      Listening to God and trusting where He’s leading you

We gave the following ratings to each of the story elements listed below.

(Espresso = an expression, Mocha = Medium amount, Latte = A lot)

Mystery – Latte

Drama – Latte

Suspense – Latte

Romance – Espresso

Inspiration – Mocha

This entire series is a must read and we know you will be hooked and hog-tied which is why LiteraryScape gave Strategic Plan by Lynn Shannon 2.75 lassos! The just under 3 lassos comes from Tiffanie’s rating. She is not a fan of suspense but agreed that Lynn wrote the book so well she couldn’t put it down.

Our local library cannot keep these books on the shelf, so click the button below to get your very own Triumph Over Adversity books.

(1 lasso – throw and a miss, 2 lassos – hooked, 3 lassos – hooked and hog tied)

Link for the blog post for this episode: www.literaryscape.com/podcast/133

Series Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Y99YBCN?binding=kindle_edition&searchxofy=true&ref_=dbs_s_aps_series_rwt_tkin&qid=1726788121&sr=8-1

Connect with Lynn: https://www.lynnshannon.com/

We have another incredible line up for our final Coffee and Books event this year on Saturday December 7th from 1:00-2:00pm EST. Join authors Karen Witemyer, Jodi Basye, Misty M. Beller, and Abbey Downey for an hour of book talk. Visit www.literaryscape.com/events to sign up for this free event today!

The Unwavering Faith crowdfunding campaign will end on November 1, 2024. Head on over to www.literaryscape.com/campaign to get your limited-edition copy of Unwavering Faith today!

Authors we have KyLee Woodley joining us on Saturday November 9th from 12:00-1:00pm EST to talk about book proposals. Getting your creative works in front of professionals in the Christian Book Market can be challenging. You need to showcase your best writing and understand what industry professionals are looking for. This class teaches you to polish a query letter, proposal, and writing sample. Additionally, we will preview resources for improving writing and where to find agents and editors. Finally, this class provides three templates to get you started. Visit www.literaryscape.com/events to sign-up for this training today.

That’s it for announcements. Let’s jump into this week’s book discussion. We had a few technical difficulties when we recorded the episodes for this series, so please excuse any audio blips. Enjoy our discussion of Covert Mission by Lynn Shannon.

Episode Notes

In this episode Tiffanie, Jessica, and Melissa discuss the novel Covert Mission by Lynn Shannon. This book is part of her Triumph Over Adversity series. Lynn writes incredible contemporary Christian suspense romance novels that our local libraries cannot keep on their shelves. We hope you enjoy our discussion of this amazing story!

Nuggets of truth/wisdom:

·      Praying your way through grief

·      God is always there

·      Death can come at any moment

We gave the following ratings to each of the story elements listed below.

(Espresso = an expression, Mocha = Medium amount, Latte = A lot)

Mystery – Latte

Drama – Latte

Suspense – Latte

Romance – Espresso/Mocha

Inspiration – Mocha

This whole series is a must read and we know you will be hooked and hog-tied which is why LiteraryScape gave Strategic Plan by Lynn Shannon 2.75 lassos! The just under 3 lassos comes from Tiffanie’s rating. She is not a fan of suspense but agreed that Lynn wrote the book so well she couldn’t put it down.

(1 lasso – throw and a miss, 2 lassos – hooked, 3 lassos – hooked and hog tied)

Link for the blog post for this episode: www.literaryscape.com/podcast/132

Series Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Y99YBCN?binding=kindle_edition&searchxofy=true&ref_=dbs_s_aps_series_rwt_tkin&qid=1726788121&sr=8-1

Connect with Lynn: https://www.lynnshannon.com/

https://youtu.be/kH_UF-TUTSs

https://rumble.com/v5j2619-episode-132-covert-mission-by-lynn-shannon.html

Takeaways

Editing is a collaborative process that enhances an author’s work.

Developmental editing focuses on the big picture elements of a story.

Copy editing ensures grammatical accuracy and consistency in formatting.

Authors should be open to feedback and willing to make changes.

Professional editing is crucial for making a strong first impression.

Networking and putting oneself out there is essential for authors.

The editing process can be a learning journey for both authors and editors.

Helping new authors grow is a rewarding experience for editors.

Authors should seek professional help to improve their manuscripts.

The editing journey is a team effort, involving multiple professionals.

Episode Link: www.literaryscape.com/podcast/ww13

Our Coffee and Books event last Saturday with authors Julie Lessman, and Lynn Shannon was wonderful. If you missed it, you can catch the replay with the link provided for this episode. Our conversation was enlightening and inspiring for both readers and writers. I hope you can catch the replay.

We have another incredible line up for our final Coffee and Books event this year on Saturday December 7th from 1:00-2:00pm EST. Join authors Karen Witemyer, Jodi Basye, Misty M. Beller, and Abbey Downey for an hour of book talk. Visit www.literaryscape.com/events to sign up for this free event today!

The Unwavering Faith crowdfunding campaign will end on November 1, 2024. Head on over to www.literaryscape.com/campaign to get your limited-edition copy of Unwavering Faith today!

Authors we have KyLee Woodley joining us on Saturday November 9th from 12:00-1:00pm EST to talk about book proposals. Getting your creative works in front of professionals in the Christian Book Market can be challenging. You need to showcase your best writing and understand what industry professionals are looking for. This class teaches you to polish a query letter, proposal, and writing sample. Additionally, we will preview resources for improving writing and where to find agents and editors. Finally, this class provides three templates to get you started. Visit www.literaryscape.com/events to sign-up for this training today.

That’s it for announcements. Let’s jump into this week’s book discussion. We had a few technical difficulties when we recorded the episodes for this series, so please excuse any audio blips. Enjoy our discussion of Strategic Plan by Lynn Shannon.

Episode Notes

In this episode Jessica, Tiffanie, and Melissa discuss the fourth book in Lynn Shannon’s Triumph Over Adversity series, Strategic plan. Due to the stalker wearing a pig mask, Tiffanie and Melissa were reminded of their visit to a haunted hog house when they were teenagers, something they would never do again!

Enjoy this entertaining conversation.

Nuggets of truth/wisdom in Strategic Plan:

·      Giving your worries to God

·      Listening to God and following his leading

·      How faith in God impacts your marriage

·      God walks with us through the pain

We gave the following ratings to each of the story elements listed below.

(Espresso = an expression, Mocha = Medium amount, Latte = A lot)

Mystery – Latte

Drama – Latte

Suspense – Latte

Romance – Espresso

Inspiration – Mocha

This whole series is a must read and we know you will be hooked and hog-tied which is why LiteraryScape gave Strategic Plan by Lynn Shannon 2.75 lassos! The just under 3 lassos comes from Tiffanie’s rating. She is not a fan of suspense but agreed that Lynn wrote the book so well she couldn’t put it down.

(1 lasso – throw and a miss, 2 lassos – hooked, 3 lassos – hooked and hog tied)

Link for the blog post for this episode: www.literaryscape.com/podcast/131

Series Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Y99YBCN?binding=kindle_edition&searchxofy=true&ref_=dbs_s_aps_series_rwt_tkin&qid=1726788121&sr=8-1

Connect with Lynn: https://www.lynnshannon.com/

Our next Coffee and Books event is this Saturday October 5th from 9:00-10:00am EST. Enjoy an hour of book talk with authors Julie Lessman, and Lynn Shannon. This is a free event, but you do need to register to save your spot. Head on over to www.literaryscape.com/events to register today. We look forward to seeing you on October 5th!

The Unwavering Faith crowdfunding campaign will end on November 1, 2024. At the time of this recording, we are just 24 books away from unlocking the first bonus item which is a 12×18 signed poster of the cover. You now can get a copy of either a paperback or hardback or both of the limited-edition cover. Head on over to www.literaryscape.com/campaign to see the updates. The link will also be in the show notes. Please consider sharing this campaign with others as we work toward the goal of publishing Unwavering Faith.

A huge thank you to Colin LaShure and Sarah Mason for purchasing a limited-edition copy of Unwavering Faith!

That’s it for announcements. Let’s jump into this week’s book discussion. We had a few technical difficulties when we recorded the episodes for this series, so please excuse any audio blips. Enjoy our discussion of Necessary Peril by Lynn Shannon.

Episode Notes

In this episode Jessica, Jamie, Tiffanie, and Melissa discuss Necessary Peril by Lynn Shannon. This is the third book in her Triumph Over Adversity series and is a contemporary Christian suspense romance story.

A verse that is highlighted in this story is Joshua 1:9. Given the miracles and devastation surrounding hurricane Helene it is such a sweet reminder that God is with us always.

Joshua 1:9 (NKJV) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

We gave the following ratings to each of the story elements listed below.

(Espresso = an expression, Mocha = Medium amount, Latte = A lot)

Mystery – Mocha/Latte

Drama – Latte

Suspense – Latte

Romance – Espresso

Inspiration – Mocha/Latte

This whole series is a must read and we know you will be hooked and hog-tied which is why LiteraryScape gave Necessary Peril by Lynn Shannon 2.75 lassos! The just under 3 lassos comes from Tiffanie’s rating. She is not a fan of suspense but agreed that Lynn wrote the book so well she couldn’t put it down.

(1 lasso – throw and a miss, 2 lassos – hooked, 3 lassos – hooked and hog tied)

Link for the blog post for this episode: www.literaryscape.com/podcast/130

Series Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Y99YBCN?binding=kindle_edition&searchxofy=true&ref_=dbs_s_aps_series_rwt_tkin&qid=1726788121&sr=8-1

Connect with Lynn: https://www.lynnshannon.com/

Our next Coffee and Books event will be next Saturday October 5th from 9:00-10:00am EST. Enjoy an hour of book talk with authors Julie Lessman, and Lynn Shannon. This is a free event, but you do need to register to save your spot. Head on over to www.literaryscape.com/events to register today. We look forward to seeing you on October 5th!

We are also running a survey during the month of September where readers can help us schedule our 2025 Coffee and Books events. Vote for the best day and time that works for you to attend. Then tell us which authors you would like to meet. Monday is the last day to vote.

The Unwavering Faith crowdfunding campaign continues but will end on November 1, 2024. At the time of this recording, we are just 28 books away from unlocking the first bonus item which is a 12×18 signed poster of the cover. You now can get a copy of either a paperback or hardback or both of the limited-edition cover. Head on over to www.literaryscape.com/campaign to see the updates. The link will also be in the show notes. Please consider sharing this campaign with others as we work toward the goal of publishing Unwavering Faith.

A huge thank you to Lori LaShure and Linda Messer for purchasing a limited-edition copy of Unwavering Faith!

That’s it for announcements. Let’s jump into this week’s book discussion. We had a few technical difficulties when we recorded the episodes for this series, so please excuse any audio blips. Enjoy our discussion of Critical Error by Lynn Shannon.

Episode Notes

In this episode Jamie, Jessica, Tiff, and Melissa discuss Critical Error by Lynn Shannon. This is the second book in her Triumph Over Adversity series. Her contemporary Christion suspense romance series will keep you turning the page! We discuss the book, haunted hog houses, and situational awareness. Enjoy this laughter filled conversation.

One of the nuggets of truth we discuss is the fact the God never leaves us. For us we find we know this, but in the midst of a trial we easily forget this. Lynn weaving this truth into her story was a great reminder. If you find yourself forgetting this truth, like us, here are a few verses to remind you that God is with you.

Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) ‘Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NKJV) And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.

Joshua 1:9 (NKJV) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your god is with you wherever you go.”

Link for the blog post for this episode: www.literaryscape.com/podcast/129

If you follow our podcast and have listened to Julie Lessman’s most recent interview with us, then you know all about her ‘novotional’. It is a devotional unlike any other. I have linked Julie’s interview in the show notes for this episode.

Before we jump into my review of What’s the Story Morning Glory by Julie Lessman I want to make you aware that I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I want to explain the format of What’s the Story Morning Glory and then I’ll dive into the meat of it. She starts each chapter with the real story. This is a story from her life that serves as an example for the chapter’s topic. This is followed by a scene from one of her novels that highlights the chapter’s topic/lesson. Julie follows the scene with several scripture verses that address the topic. After the scripture she provides three to six steps for how to put the scripture into action. Finally, she ends with a prayer her readers can pray. Full details and the back cover blurb can be found at the bottom of the blog post for this episode.

Julie is one of the most genuine people you will ever meet. Her heart is on fire for God and she will always speak the truth. Her heart for God and her desire to share him with others is so evident in the stories she shares from her life, that you will be moved to tears and closer to God.

Here is an example of one of her personal stories she shares.

“God’s will is for you to be holy,

so stay away from all sexual sin.

Then each of you will control his own body

and live in holiness and honor—

not in lustful passion like the pagans

who do not know God and his ways.”

~1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 NLT

Chapter Eight

From Promiscuity to Purity: Being Single in an Amoral World

1.) The Real Story:

“What do you mean, ‘it’s different with me?’” I skidded to a stop in my boyfriend’s driveway on the way to his Corvette, rooted to the asphalt like the lamppost by the steps to his house. He’d just had the audacity to brag about how proud he was of his little sister because “she was still a virgin.” 

“Come on, Julie, she’s my sister, so of course it’s different.”

Yeah, it was different all right. She was the one he admired and respected because she was moral while I was merely the girlfriend who gave him whatever he wanted free of charge.

No morals.

No respect.

No peace.

Being a product of the “Free Love” era of the 60’s and 70’s, I wasn’t a Christian back then and bore a major grudge against God, but even I could see the disparity between the two, something that literally rocked me to the core.

I think that was the beginning of a seed of understanding for me that God’s precepts—His morality instead of the world’s amorality—was the way of life instead of death, like Deuteronomy 30:15-16 NIV so succinctly states:

“See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.”

The “understanding” ramped up to a whole new level after Joy brought me to the Lord and told me sleeping with my boyfriend was sin. 

“God never shows me that in the Bible,” I argued, chin thrust high as I defended my version of “Bible roulette”—a haphazard method of opening the Bible to read just anywhere, somehow never coming upon passages on sexual sin. Which obviously meant they weren’t for me, right? 

Head drops in hand.

And, yes, I really was that stupid. But then the world’s amorality makes you stupid, blinding you to the blessings of God. 

The courage Julie had to share her deepest struggles could only have come from God. As I read the devotional my heart was splayed open. I had to face what she calls little foxes that were keeping a barrier between me and God. It hasn’t been pretty but so freeing as I fall on my knees before God and He gathers me in His loving arms.

Hearing someone’s personal testimony always relights our fire for God and spurs us on. Julie’s ‘novotional’ is packed with her personal testimonies. I have yet to read a devotional that has moved me and drawn me closer to God like hers has.

I cannot thank Julie enough for following God’s prompting as this devotional she co-authored with Him has been life changing. If you are looking for an inspirational and practical guide to deepen your relationship with God, then I highly recommend Julie Lessman’s devotional, What’s the Story Morning Glory. There are links in the show notes where you can pre-order the devotional. It will launch on October 1, 2024, which is just around the corner.

If you are listening to the podcast for this blog post, be sure to visit the post at www.literaryscape.com/podcast/devotional. Julie has a blog tour giveaway where (1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, a character named after them in Julie’s next book & a signed paperback copy of that book, plus a signed paperback copy of What’s the Story, Morning Glory! Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post so you can enter for a chance to win the blog tour giveaway.

Until next time happy and blessed reading!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 24, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 1, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for print copies. Gift card open to all locales. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Our next Coffee and Books event will be on October 5th from 9:00-10:00am EST. Enjoy an hour of book talk with authors Julie Lessman, and Lynn Shannon. This is a free event, but you do need to register to save your spot. Head over to www.literaryscape.com/events to register today. We look forward to seeing you on October 5th!

We are also running a survey during the month of September where readers can help us schedule our 2025 Coffee and Books events. Vote for the best day and time that works for you to attend. Then tell us which authors you would like to meet. The survey goes out each Friday in our newsletter. If you are not signed up, head on over to www.literaryscape.com/newsletter and sign-up today.

The Unwavering Faith crowdfunding campaign is off to a great start. I am thankful for everyone who has purchased a book. At the time of this recording, we are just 33 books away from unlocking the first bonus item which is a leather bookmark with Unwavering Faith burnished into it. You can see what it looks like on our campaign page which is www.literaryscape.com/campaign. The link will also be in the show notes. Please consider sharing this campaign with others as we work toward the goal of publishing Unwavering Faith.

A huge thank you to Brenna Cook and Jamie Benya for purchasing a limited-edition copy of Unwavering Faith!

That’s it for announcements. Let’s jump into this week’s book discussion. I must warn you we had a discussion filled with laughter due to some technical difficulties. There are a few spots where the sound will have a slight echo. I apologize and hope you can enjoy the show despite the tech glitches. I highly recommend watching the video to see our reactions. Enjoy our discussion of Calculated Risk by Lynn Shannon.

Episode Notes

In this episode Jamie, Tiffanie, Jessica, and Melissa discuss the first book in Lynn Shannon’s Triumph Over Adversity series titled Calculated Risk. This is the second contemporary Christian suspense romance series we have featured this year. Typically, we stick with historical Christian romance, but we do enjoy this sub-genre as well.

We all fell in love with Connor our hero’s dog. He stole our hearts and the show. If you get the opportunity to read this series, we can guarantee you will fall in love with this war hero.

This series centers around a group of veterans who are good friends. This of course leads to some laughter filled discussions between the members of our group. We hope you have a group of friends you can laugh and have fun with as well because laughter truly is the best medicine.

We gave the following ratings to each of the story elements listed below.

(Espresso = an expression, Mocha = Medium amount, Latte = A lot)

Mystery – Latte

Drama – Mocha/Latte

Suspense – Latte

Romance – Mocha

Inspiration – Mocha

This whole series is a must read and we know you will be hooked and hog-tied which is why LiteraryScape gave Calculated Risk by Lynn Shannon 2.75 lassos! The just under 3 lassos comes from Tiffanie’s rating. She is not a fan of suspense but agreed that Lynn wrote the book so well she couldn’t put it down.

(1 lasso – throw and a miss, 2 lassos – hooked, 3 lassos – hooked and hog tied)

Series Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Y99YBCN?binding=kindle_edition&searchxofy=true&ref_=dbs_s_aps_series_rwt_tkin&qid=1726788121&sr=8-1

https://youtu.be/BhwHqbJS_R4

https://rumble.com/v5fmecs-episode-128-calculated-risk-by-lynn-shannon.html

Takeaways:

·      A book proposal is essential for authors, serving as a business plan that outlines the book’s target audience, marketing plan, and competitive analysis.

·      Authors should focus on practical and creative marketing ideas, such as selling books in bulk to corporations, to stand out and succeed in the publishing industry.

·      The title of a book is crucial, and authors should provide tested and alternative titles in their proposals to increase the likelihood of their preferred title being chosen by the publisher.

·      Authors should seek endorsements for their books and use a gentle follow-up approach to increase the chances of their proposal being accepted by agents and editors.

·      Terry Whalin’s passion for books stems from his personal experience of how books can change lives, and he is dedicated to helping authors succeed in the publishing world.

Links for this episode:

Get 10 Publishing Myths for only $10:
https://bit.ly/marketing4books 

Follow Terry On Twitter:
http://twitter.com/terrywhalin

Terry’s blog, The Writing Life (over 1,700 entries):
http://www.thewritinglife.ws

Get a FREE copy of Book Proposals That Sell:

https://bit.ly/bpts-free 

Free book proposal checklist at: https://terrylinks.com/checklist 

Terry Whalin’s blog post he references in the show: https://izea.com/resources/top-blog-content-writers/ 

Terry Whalin’s testimony he shared at the end of the episode: Two Words That Changed My Life: https://terrylinks.com/twowords  

LiteraryScape Events: www.literaryscape.com/events

Unwavering Faith Campaign: www.literaryscape.com/campaign

LiteraryScape’s Newsletter: www.literaryscape.com/newsletter

Three things to help us:

1.        Share our podcast with a friend.

2.        Follow us on your favorite podcast platform.

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Thanks for tuning in today!

Links from the show:

LiteraryScape Events for Readers and Authors

Sign-Up for the LiteraryScape Newsletter

The Unwavering Faith Campaign

Author Links:

Julie Lessman

Sarah Sundin

Linda Sammaritan

Hannah Linder

Misty M.Beller

Carrie Hachadurian

Lynn Blackburn

The Heart of San Francisco Series by Julie Lessman

Topics we discuss:

Working with children with special needs.

How our sin hurts the ones we love.

The power of prayer.

God’s grace.

Takeaways

Writing books set in the 1960s and 70s can be challenging to find a publisher for, as it is often considered a ‘no man’s land’ in the publishing industry.

Indie publishing provides the freedom to write from the heart and express what is truly on the author’s mind, even if it doesn’t fit into the current market trends.

Trusting in the Lord and following His guidance is crucial in the writing process, especially when facing obstacles and uncertainties.

Marlene’s upcoming book, ‘All Men Are Liars,’ is part of the Jesus Revolution Romance series and explores the conflict between staying true to oneself and finding true love.

Readers can connect with Marlene and stay updated on her book releases through her website, MarleneWilliams.com.

Plus, we finally get to see how things end with Cait and Logan. It is a wild ride with many unexpected twists!

Oh, and Bram and Megan face death while on the sea!

Topics We Discuss:

Waiting and being particular about who you kiss.

How destructive hate is.

Acceptance versus resignation.

Forgiveness.

You will love the supporting characters in this novel, especially little Miss La Di Da. She is the cutest little girl who captures everyone’s heart.

Cait and Logan’s relationship progresses before taking an unexpected turn.

If you enjoy the sparks and humor in McClintock then you’ll Dare to Love Again.

Of course, there are always supporting characters, and Julie has created a cast of fun loving friends and family you will fall in love with. We enjoyed their banter, games, outings, and family dinners.

And in typical Julie style, she has a secondary love story between Caitlyn and Logan. This couple has a long history and a second chance at love. We enjoyed watching them reunite over the course of this series.

The surprising twists in this novel with keep you turning the page, and the inspiration will leave you filled with peace and hope.

We gave the following ratings to each of the story elements listed below.

(Espresso = an expression, Mocha = Medium amount, Latte = A lot)

Mystery – Espresso

Drama – Mocha/Latte

Suspense – Espresso

Romance – Mocha/Latte

Inspiration – Latte

LiteraryScape’s overall lasso rating of Love at Any Cost by Julie Lessman is 3. We are sure you will be hooked and hog-tied with this romance story.

Our rating scale:

1 lasso = a throw and a miss

2 lassos = hooked

3 lassos = hooked and hog-tied

https://www.literaryscape.com/podcast/123

Takeaways

·      Pitching is about selling, not telling. It’s important to tell people just enough to make them interested and want to know more.

·      Before pitching our projects, we should pitch ourselves effectively. Introduce ourselves with confidence, make eye contact, and be specific about the kind of books we write.

·      Finding our people is crucial. Be specific about the genre, tropes, and time period of our books to attract the right audience.

·      Include the spiciness level of our books in pitches and book descriptions to ensure readers know what to expect.

·      Receiving a ‘no’ is not a failure. It’s an opportunity to find the right audience and focus on those who are genuinely interested in our stories.

Topics We Discuss:

·      Letting past dictate your future

·      Praise God in the dark times

·      Love letters

·      The Prodigal Son

·      Thanking God for the trials

Topics We Discuss:

·      How God gets our attention.

·      God’s forgiveness.

·      We each have a role in building God’s kingdom.

·      The consequences of sin.

And much more!

Discussion Topics:

·      How God is the perfect father.

·      You cannot escape God.

·      When you lean on God, He won’t give way.

·      Changing yourself to please someone else.

·      All or nothing. No crumbs, the whole loaf.

·      Our loved ones are in God’s hands.

Topics we discuss:

·      Living in fear.

·      Dealing with tyrants and their cronies.

·      The power of friendship.

·      The battle between your personal life and professional life.

Takeaways

·      Start by building a website to establish an online presence and secure your domain name.

·      Create an email newsletter to grow your subscriber base and engage with readers.

·      Write short stories to improve your writing skills and provide reader magnets.

·      Avoid relying on social media for platform building and focus on social media advertising instead.

·      Prioritize writing quality to create a buzz and generate word-of-mouth marketing.

Topics:

·      Taking care of someone’s heart.

·      The laws of the time.

·      The unbelievable evil of some people.

·      What we love about Tansy and Andrew.

·      A tender love story.

LiteraryScape gives the following ratings to each of these story elements:

·      Action – Mocha

·      Romance – Mocha

·      Suspense – Mocha

·      Mystery – Mocha

·      Inspiration – Espresso

·      Drama – Mocha

LiteraryScape gives Healing Hearts by Sarah M. Eden 3 lassos. We are sur this love story will have you hooked and hog-tied!

                  We read this book a year or two ago and we brought it back because the final book in the series released in 2023. This was the book the drew Jamie and I into the historical romance genre. We highly recommend it.

Topics we discuss:

·      This is not inspirational, but a clean historical romance.

·      Sarah writes both inspirational and clean romance.

·      We love how tough and flirtatious Cade is.

·      Paisley is tough and witty.

·      Paisley’s character arc is very enjoyable.

·      The enemy is closer than you think.

·      The ending is perfect for this dynamic couple.

LiteraryScape gives Sheriffs of Savage Wells by Sarah M. Eden 3 lassos. We are sure it will have you hooked and hog-tied.

Takeaways

·      A good cover design is visually appealing, consistent with the genre, has legible text, is not too busy, and accurately depicts the story or message.

·      While some authors may have the skills to make their own covers, it is generally recommended to work with a professional cover designer to ensure a professional and standout design.

·      When looking for stock photos for historical Christian romance, sources like Shutterstock, Period Image, and Archangel can be helpful.

·      Hannah Linder Designs offers a range of services, including pre-made and custom cover designs, ebook and print packages, promotional graphics, and formatting services.

·      Collaborating with an interior formatter can provide the final touches to a manuscript, ensuring a professional and polished book.

Authors we are in our last week before our mini conference kicks off on May 7th with Crystal Caudill’s session on how to plot an attention grabbing magnet reader. Followed by my session on how to use Canva as on author on May 9th. Then ending with Misty M. Beller’s session on May 11th on how to build an email list full of avid readers.

The trainer follows each session with a one-hour work session. Ask questions and get feedback on your own writing project. These sessions have a limited number of slots. Currently, we have 7 seats left for each of these work sessions.

The training sessions are $17, and the work sessions are $47. Your $17 ticket will grant you access to the recording for 3 months after the training. So, even if you cannot join us live, you can access the valuable training information on your own time.

You can learn more and register at www.literaryscape.com/events.

Our next Coffee & Books event will be on June 8th from 9:00-10:00am EST. Join us for a live Q&A with authors Julie Lessman, Lynn Shannon, and Misty M. Beller. These events are always fun as we connect, share stories, and ask questions. I hope to see you on June 8th. Subscribers to our newsletter can click on the link included in this week’s newsletter or you can visit www.literaryscape.com/events to register today.

Episode Notes

Beth White discusses her inspiration for the Daughtry House series, which was a combination of personal experiences, publisher suggestions, and historical research. She wanted to explore the Reconstruction period and the complexities of racial and cultural interactions during that time. The series follows three sisters with different personalities and perspectives as they navigate the challenges of post-Civil War Mississippi. Beth based some of the characters on real historical figures and wove in elements of truth and history throughout the books. She also shares her favorite characters and her current project, a World War II series.

Takeaways

·      Beth White drew inspiration for the Daughtry House series from personal experiences, publisher suggestions, and historical research.

·      She wanted to explore the Reconstruction period and the complexities of racial and cultural interactions during that time.

·      The series follows three sisters with different personalities and perspectives as they navigate the challenges of post-Civil War Mississippi.

·      Beth based some of the characters on real historical figures and incorporated elements of truth and history throughout the books.

·      She is currently working on a World War II series.

Topics we discuss:

·      Clothing choices for women.

·      Finding a man of God.

·      We have but one reputation.

·      Redemption

LiteraryScape gives the following rates for each story element.

(Espresso = an expression, Mocha = Medium amount, Latte = A lot)

·      Romance – Mocha

·      Suspense – Mocha

·      Action – Mocha

·      Mystery – Mocha

·      Drama – Espresso

·      Inspiration – Mocha

LiteraryScape gives A Reckless love by Beth White 3 lassos!

1 lasso = a throw and a miss, 2 lassos = hooked, 3 lassos = hooked and hog-tied)

Tune into our interview with Beth White next week!

In this episode of the Literary Scape podcast, host Melissa interviews author Robin Lee Hatcher. She shares her marketing strategies, lessons learned in the writing industry, and top resources for writing. Finally, Robin offers advice for aspiring authors, emphasizing the importance of reading, writing consistently, and not rushing to publish.

Takeaways

·      Authors should aim to entertain and inspire readers with their books.

·      Building a connection with readers through social media and email newsletters is important for marketing.

·      Editing is crucial for producing high-quality books.

·      Aspiring authors should read widely, write consistently, and not rush to publish.

·      Research books, writing software like Scrivener, and emotion thesauruses are valuable resources for authors.

Topics we discuss:

·      The Golden Rule

·      Grandmama is growing on us.

·      We reap what we sow.

·      A crazy court scene.

·      God’s miraculously saves Schuyler.

Next Saturday April 20th we will have another Coffee and Books event. Join authors Sarah Sundin, Jodi Basye, and Karen Witemeyer from 1:00-2:00pm EST for a live Q&A. Enjoy a lively conversation with your favorite coffee!

Authors registration for the HCRW online mini conference opens today! We have 3 trainings over three days geared to help you build your author platform. Author Crystal Caudill will kick off the conference on May 7th with her session on how to plot a magnet reader. Learn how to leverage the power of Canva to create images for your website, social media, newsletter and more on May 9th with me. Then on May 11th join author Misty M. Beller for a session building your email list. Each of these sessions are $17 for non-members and free for current HCRW members. (You have to have been a member on or before April 3rd.)

Following each 1-hour live training session will be a small group session where you can work the presenter. Spend an hour with Crystal plotting your magnet reader. Create a plan for building your email list with Misty M. Beller. Then create your Canva images with me. Each of these small group sessions are 1-hour and are limited to 10 people, so be sure to sign-up today. The cost is $47 for non-members and free for current HCRW members. (You must have been a member on or before April 3rd.)

Learn more and register today at www.literaryscape.com/events.

Now let’s dive into this week’s book discussion!

Episode Notes:

In this episode Tiffanie and Melissa discuss A Rebel Heart by Beth White.

Topics we cover:

·      The kind of man women want.

·      Turning to God in everything.

·      Telling the devil to take a hike.

·      The perplexing character Grandmama.

·      The importance of knowing our history.

·      What we love about Levi.

·      Sweet love stories.

We gave the following elements of A Rebel Heart, these ratings.

(Espresso = an expression, Mocha = Medium amount, Latte = A lot)

·      Romance – Mocha

·      Suspense – Mocha

·      Action – Mocha

·      Mystery – Mocha

·      Drama – Mocha

·      Inspiration – Mocha

LiteraryScape gives A Rebel Heart by Beth White 2.5 lassos.

(1 lasso = a throw and a miss, 2 lassos = hooked, 3 lassos = hooked and hog-tied)

Takeaways

·      Christian fiction offers hope and a sense of purpose even in the midst of dark and challenging situations.

·      Secondary characters can add depth and enjoyment to a story.

·      Writing banter and kissing scenes can be fun and engaging for both the author and readers.

·      Creating an ensemble cast allows for continuity and a sense of familiarity throughout a series.

·      Real-life experiences and research can provide inspiration and authenticity to the plot. Unintentional foreshadowing can add depth and surprise to a story.

·      Wise and godly characters can bring perspective and wisdom to a narrative.

·      Changing the formula in a series can be a risk, but it can also lead to new and exciting storytelling opportunities.

·      Newsletters are a great way for authors to connect with readers and provide exclusive content.

Topics we discuss:

·      Holding conversations with God.

·      Being a witness instead of judge and juror.

·      Embarrassing hospital gowns.

·      Projecting our fears.

·      The importance of God’s calling on our lives.

·      Not putting our big God in a small box.

LiteraryScape gives the following ratings for each story element:

·      Romance = mocha/espresso

·      Suspense = latte

·      Action = latte

·      Mystery = latte/mocha

·      Drama = latte

·      Inspiration = mocha/latte

One Last Breath by Lynn H. Blackburn earns 3 lassos from LiteraryScape. This book will have you hooked and hog-tied!

Connect with Lynn here: https://www.lynnhblackburn.com/

By the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Final-Breath-Dive-Team-Investigations/dp/0800729307/