Heather Greer's Blog

The Bookshop of 99 Doors – Book Review

First, the details. The Bookshop of 99 Doors by Jaime Jo Wright released on April 7, 2026 from Bethany House. It’s a 350 page (roughly) dual time line, gothic mystery/suspense. This book is available in paperback, audiobook, ebook, and hardback editions. You can find it here.

If you’d like to know more about Jaime Jo Wright, you can find her on social media and on her website.

The Bookshop of 99 Doors – My Thoughts

I am a relative newcomer to the world of Jaime Jo Wright’s stories. I don’t do creepy or scary. I’m not a fan of suspense and mystery. And yet, I keep reaching for books by this author. However, due to my sensitivities I reserve the stories for days when I can start and finish the story in one sitting. With the way Wright tells a story, this isn’t a problem. You don’t want to put the book down until the end.

I love the cover of this one. And the premise. I’m drawn to any story revolving around books and bookshops. The title is intriguing and the cover draws you in. It’s inviting and mysterious all at the same time.

Being a dual timeline story, the past and the present collide in unexpected ways. The author does a great job allowing us to see both stories and feel the impact the past has on the present. With a full cast of past and present characters, it would be easy to leave some underdeveloped. The author takes great care in making sure this doesn’t happen. I felt like I knew or discovered the characters of the past just as clearly as I did the ones in the present. She even delves into the history of the historical portion of the story.

The author retains this level of attention to detail in not only the characters and plot but also the setting. The descriptions are clear and easily pictured in my mind. The feelings different situations evoke in the characters don’t stay on the page. The author does an amazing job of drawing the reader into the story to the point that they can feel the same hesitations, doubts, fears, and wonders that the characters are feeling.

I don’t want to get into the story itself, because spoilers. But I will say I enjoy the way the author presents darkness and light. And I love the main character’s wrestling with the life she knew and the life she’s come to understand. And that she doesn’t have all the answers and isn’t perfect, but she’s trying to free herself of darkness to live in the light.

Whether it’s your usual genre or not, I encourage you to give this five star story a try. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy The Bookshop of 99 Doors. 

The post The Bookshop of 99 Doors – Book Review appeared first on Heather Greer.

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Love & Baseball by Jaime Jo Wright (with Chloe Joanne) AND The Cinderella Plot by Pepper Basham, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Books

Title: Love and Baseball
Author: Jaime Jo Wright with Chloe JoAnne
Publisher: MadLit Publishing
Release Date: February 10, 2026
Genre: Young Adult Romantic Comedy

She needed a boyfriend. AI came to her rescue. But then her fake boyfriend showed up at school.

Brielle has never wanted a boyfriend. She’s happy with her book boyfriends–purely fictional, right? Easy to maintain. She’s also not a huge fan of sports, except baseball. Not playing it. No. Again, books and cozy afternoons are her thing. But Brielle can get into baseball with the best of them when it comes to watching, repeating stats, and wearing her favorite jerseys. But apparently, that’s not enough in life. At least according to her four nosy aunts, who all think she needs a boyfriend, people at school who are convinced Brielle is a closet serial killer because she’s happier with her books, and yeah. Valentine’s Day is on the calendar.

There is a purpose for AI, and Brielle decides the genius thing to do is make a fake boyfriend. Complete with deepfake photos, Brielle creates the perfect boyfriend, and no one needs to know he’s entirely fictional. They just need to believe she met him over summer vacation, and he lives somewhere in North Carolina. Only he doesn’t. When baseball catcher, Brooks Mason shows up at high school, a lookalike to Brielle’s AI boyfriend, her entire world becomes a dog-eared, bent pages book nightmare.

Brooks is getting sick of all the girls at school wanting to date him. He wants to play ball and hang out. So, yeah. It makes sense to help Brielle out. Fake date? Why not? But once together, dating for show becomes an act that both Brielle and Brooks aren’t quite prepared for, and dealing with unexpected attraction, complicated situations, and interfering aunts and bffs?

It’s a grand slam of problems just waiting to happen, plus a game-changing shot at a championship home run at love.

** CLEAN YA Rom-Com Fiction you can read without skipping a page **

My Review of Love & Baseball: This book is so cute! It takes the fake girlfriend/boyfriend idea from someone editing photos to try to convince others they’re in a relationship and moves it into today’s times. Creating a significant other through AI. And then, the hilarity of having that person “come to life” and invade your life. It seems far-fetched and completely believable all at the same time. The way things snowball out of control would make a perfect movie. The chemistry between Brielle and Brooks is great, and it is entirely appropriate for the age group the books are meant for. No worries about things going too far or becoming too intense. Several times, I had to groan as the next trial hit because even though I’ve never dated in the time of AI, I could relate to the “if anything can go wrong, it will” type of life Brielle seems to lead. And like Brielle, I have to realize it’s sometimes that way because of my own choices. Even as someone who doesn’t like sports, I enjoyed this story very much. It’s perfect for the YA reader who wants a bit of fun, a bit of baseball, and a really great YA romance. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Title: The Cinderella Plot
Author: Pepper Basham
Publisher: independently published
Release Date: March 19, 2026
Genre: Young Adult Romantic Comedy

Paisley Harper is invisible.

Not in a superpower way. More like the people-look-right-through-you-in-the-hallway kind of way.

She’s the girl with the oversized cardigan, random book knowledge, and the uncanny ability to tutor the school’s star quarterback without actually being seen as anything more than helpful. Meanwhile, her aunt and uncle’s beloved small-town bookstore is under threat from a shiny corporate chain, her best friend keeps giving her looks that feel suspiciously loaded, and Homecoming is looming like a glittery reminder that senior year is running out…and she’s never been kissed.

Enter The Cinderella Plot—a wildly popular self-help book promising total transformation in five easy steps. New hair. New confidence. New life. Maybe even… a date.

With nothing to lose (except her dignity), Paisley decides to follow the plan. Because if fairy tales have taught her anything, it’s that invisible girls don’t get happy endings unless they change something first.

But as Paisley starts stepping into the spotlight, she has to ask herself an important question:

What if being seen comes at the cost of being herself?

Full of heart, humor, bookish charm, and small-town magic, The Cinderella Plot is a romcom about friendship, first love, faith, and discovering that sometimes the greatest transformation isn’t becoming someone new—it’s realizing you were worthy all along.

** CLEAN YA Rom-Com Fiction you can read without skipping a page **

My Review of The Cinderella Plot: There is so much to enjoy crammed in this one fun story. Anyone who’s been the invisible one can relate to Paisley. That wish to be more than they feel they are isn’t exclusive to the YA audience, though most adults may not admit it. The book takes all the hallmarks of the rags to riches/nobody to somebody story and gives the readers something with heart and meaning. You can almost see the makeover montage playing out like a movie as you read. Paisley’s struggle, failures and triumphs will touch readers who have been there. And they may even open the eyes of some who haven’t experienced it to some truths about the dangers of image at all costs. Wow. The on-line community Paisley gets involved with in this is spot on. And while the book deals with the downsides of navigating the teen years in the social media age, there is a lot of high school fun and age-appropriate romance to give readers the feels. A great book with a solid message for any YA reader. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

About the Authors

Jaime Jo Wright is a multi-award-winning author of gothic historical mystery novels that weave suspense through dual timelines. Her debut novel, The House on Foster Hill (2017), won both the prestigious Christy Award and the Daphne du Maurier Award, establishing her as a compelling voice in inspirational fiction. An ECPA and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author, Wright specializes in chilling mysteries stained with history’s secrets, drawing readers into haunting tales set primarily in turn-of-the-century Wisconsin. Her work has earned praise from Publishers Weekly for skillfully wrapping intricate mysteries around dual timelines with enough surprises to captivate lovers of gothic fiction. When she isn’t writing mysteries, she co-authors YA RomCom with her teenage daughter, Chloe JoAnne, with a passion to provide sweet and witty romance for teenagers with no apologies needed. Residing in Wisconsin’s rural woodlands with her husband and their two children, Wright is a self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast and lover of all of her rescued felines.

Connect with Jaime Jo by visiting jaimewrightbooks.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of southwestern VA, where she is the wife, mom to five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

Connect with Pepper by visiting pepperdbasham.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a prize pack of Brielle’s Faves (an signed copy of Love & Baseball, a copy of Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen, a Milwaukee Brewers lanyard, and a Brewers Christian Yelich baseball card) and Paisley’s Faves (a signed copy of The Cinderella Plot, a Cinderella carriage jewelry holder, and a beautiful copy of Emma by Jane Austen)!

The post Review of Love & Baseball and The Cinderella Plot: JustRead Publicity Tour appeared first on Heather Greer.

Hope Even After releases today, February 17, 2026. I can’t begin to explain how excited I am for everyone to finally read Daisy and Luke’s story.

I love writing stories full of faith. Many of my stories (mostly the novellas) tend to stay on the lighter side of life. While my characters face obstacles and grow in their faith, the romance is usually front and center. But Hope Even After is a different story.

There is love. And the faith is strong in this one. But the story is romantic women’s fiction. While there is a love story mixed in, Daisy and Luke’s journeys are the focus of the story. They have to be. These two life-long friends are facing an issue we don’t see in the fairy tale love stories.

Luke is an alcoholic.

Friendship, faith, and love all look a bit different when seen through the lens of addiction. But like the title says, there is Hope Even After. And that is what I pray readers find in Daisy and Luke’s story. And maybe they’ll even see themselves on the page and come away with a greater sense of mercy and grace for those who struggle with addictions. Maybe believers everywhere will start acknowledging that addiction has been seated next to them in the pews all along and it’s time we talked about it and supported those dealing with addictions and recovery.

But while Hope Even After deals with a tough subject, don’t worry. There’s still a great story in the pages, faith being lived (imperfectly) in everyday life, and characters who feel like they could be your next door neighbor or newest friends.

Check out some of the early reviews here.

And purchase your copy here.

The post Hope Even After – A Different Story appeared first on Heather Greer.

Interview with Jenny Carlisle: Meet the Author Monday

Welcome to Meet the Author Monday and today’s interview with Jenny Carlisle. Jenny is a Christian fiction author with a contemporary trilogy and one novella collection available with another releasing in 2026. Stick around after the interview for more information on how to connect with Jenny and where to find her books.

Interview with Jenny Carlisle

Jenny, thank you for being here today. Let’s kick off this interview by learning a little more about you. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I have always enjoyed books. First, being read to by my daddy on our front porch swing,
then reading by myself before I entered kindergarten, and soon creating my own stories. If you had asked five-year-old Jenny Sue what she wanted to do when she grew up, she would have said “Write Books.” English and writing were my best subjects all through school, but my path to publication was delayed by a more important goal, helping my husband raise our three children. I learned the craft by participating in conferences and contests. Finally, Scrivenings Press published my first work of fiction, Hope Takes the Reins in 2022. I wasn’t quite the Grandma Moses of Christian Fiction, but at age 64 years old, I wasn’t far behind.

You write fiction, but what is the last nonfiction book (Bible not included) that you’ve
read?

“When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor and Yourself”
by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert. This taught me a valuable lesson that defined my role
as a journey partner for Women Equipped, a Christian Women’s Job Corp. For the past
two years, this local organization has defined my role for reflecting God’s glory to benefit
others. I can’t wait to get started again after the first of the year.

Sounds like that book was a big inspiration for you.  Can you tell us one fiction book that has impacted your life and why it’s done so?

Christy by Catherine Marshall surprised me. I was so pleased when I read this book in
my twenties to discover a fictional story that featured every facet of the heroine’s life,
physical, emotional and spiritual. From that point forward I knew that my writing could
bring out a complete picture of a Christian girl’s journey through life and love.

I love the way your reading impacted your writing. While it was a different book, I had a similar experience. It’s wonderful when God works like that. What was your favorite book you read last year and why?

My favorite this year was another surprise. A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer was longer than my typical reads, but I didn’t notice. A dual time novel, the two stories were so interconnected that they meshed easily into one. Like many others of my generation, I have a fascination for all things Oz. Learning about the true story of L. Frank Baum and his family intrigued me. What surprised me most was how this story affected my own writing. I realized that I could draw from both happy and difficult times in my childhood to make my stories more realistic, more personal. Like Ms. Marshall did with Christy, using all aspects of my own experience will reach my readers on a deeper level.

Small world. I loved that story too. We’ve talked about books that have inspired you in your writing. But I’d like to know why do you write the stories you write?

Writing fiction is like constantly straddling the line between genius and insanity. More
than voices live inside my head. There are fully developed characters, with stories
clamoring to be told. I write out of self-preservation. In the process, I have discovered
that I feel a burden relate to young people on the cusp of adult-hood. Navigating the
transition between childhood and independence is never easy. I hope that my stories
demonstrate turning the battle over to God is the only way to claim victory. My stories
always include two or three generations. Ironically, most of my readers have children and
grandchildren. Maybe remembering previous struggles helps them in their current stage
of life. Trusting in Jesus is always the best plan.

What can readers expect when they pick up one of your books?

I love writing about love. All of my stories feature awakening romance. I try to build
more into the story, showing the character’s journey from all aspects. This creates
subplots and supporting characters that add excitement, and often humor to the story. As
the plot develops, the minor characters often threaten to take over. So far, I have been
able to control them, and I am grateful that their adventures often inspire another book.

What are the most fun, most feared, and most tedious parts of being an author?

I am sure every author’s answer to this would be slightly different. For me, the creating,
the actual writing, is definitely the most fun. I love allowing the story to pour onto the page,
taking me in unexpected directions at times.

The most feared part is marketing. The word implies a massive effort, and seems
impossible. I am gradually learning though, that every time I talk about my books, every time I promote another author’s work, every time I relate to a reader either in person or through social media, I am actually marketing. My learning curve on this topic is steep, but I am not as fearful as I once was.

Editing wins the title of most tedious. Reading through a manuscript again and again after
I type THE END is a chore that threatens to steal the fun. The rewarding part of this is noticing that my editors understand where I am headed with my story. Their suggestions make my work stronger. As my favorite editor ( and two-time Scrivenings Press editor of the year ) Amy Anguish says: “We are taking your story from good to great.” Tedious, but well worth it!

You’ve reserved a table for three at a cute little coffee shop. You take one spot. Which authors, dead or alive, fill the remaining two spots?

This is super easy. Definitely my co-authors for the novella collection, A Gift for All Time. Ellen Erdel Withers and Tonya B. Ashley live nearby. In fact, we used our common telephone area code to name our collaboration “501 Fictioneers”. We write in three different genres, but these friends buy in to my stories immediately, and brainstorming is our favorite activity. We had so much fun with this Christmas story that we decided to join again. This time, we added a new Fictioneer from a different area code, Delores Topliff. Watch for Romancing the Elements to be released by Scrivenings Press for Valentines’ Day 2026!

Jenny, I want to thank you for joining me today. It’s been great getting to know you better and learn about your inspiration and writing process. Readers, thank you for joining me for this interview with Jenny Carlisle. If you’d like to connect with Jenny, check out her bio and social media links below.

More About Jenny Carlisle

Jenny Carlisle retired from a career in state government to pursue her dream of writing fiction.

She was a long-time columnist with Ouachita Life magazine. She published two non-fiction books before Scrivenings Press picked up her first fiction project, Hope Takes the Reins in 2022. Two more contemporary romance novels Faith Moves Mountains and Love Never fails complete the Crossroads series.  A Christmas novella collection called A Gift for All Time,  written  with co-authors Tonya Ashley and Ellen Withers includes Jenny’s story, Rejoicing with Joy. This contemporary tale caps the saga of a handmade nativity scene that brings the spirit of the Christ Child to many different families.

She is a past president of American Christian Fiction Writers-Arkansas Chapter.  Because of her fascination with old buildings and old towns, there is undoubtedly a book about the past in her future.

She and her husband, James live in Benton, Arkansas, where they worship with the Church of Christ. Three married children have blessed them with eight busy grands. Recently, she took on the role of journey partner for Women Equipped, a Christian Women’s Job Corp.

https://www.facebook.com/jennymccarlislehttps://www.facebook.com/jennycarlisleauthorJenny’s BooksYou can find Jenny’s books in paperback and eBook formats on Amazon. Her series is now available as an eBook collection on Amazon as well. Don’t forget to follow her on Amazon for regular updates about new releases.

The post Interview with Jenny Carlisle: Meet the Author Monday appeared first on Heather Greer.

Christmas Wishes Review: JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Christmas Wishes by Carmen Peone, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Christmas Wishes
Series: Seven Tine Ranch Romance
Author: Carmen Peone
Publisher: Iron Stream Media
Release Date: December 2, 2025
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Western Romance

One dream wedding. Two uncertain futures. A season of decisions that could change everything….

At Seven Tine Guest Ranch, Mandie Sellars serves guests as a cook, but her aspiration is to be the ranch’s event planner. When a surprise Christmas Eve wedding lands in her lap, Mandie sees this as her chance to shine—if she can handle the pressure.

Her fiancé, Hudson Piccolo, just took the call of his his dream legal job. There’s just one catch—the job is in Seattle, clear across the state. Accepting it means leaving the ranch and upending Mandie’s and her daughter’s lives.

Can their love withstand the tension between their ambitions and their commitment?

MY CHRISTMAS WISHES REVIEW

I love Christmas stories. And this one combines Christmas with weddings and beautiful decorations. The cover is inviting, and the story is one of trusting God and choosing love. Though we don’t see her in the story a lot, the main character has a daughter who plays an important role in shaping Mandie’s ideas of what her life should be like. And she’s found a man who not only wants to love her but also be a father to her little girl. However, the life he was raised in is very different from theirs. These provide the main conflict for the story.

The conflict is a very realistic one. Differences in life goals provide bumps in the road for many couples in love. Add to this the stress of both parties in trying to find the path God has for their professional lives and the stresses of days gone wrong, and you’ve got a lot these two characters must work through.

This is the fourth in a series, which I haven’t read. Though you don’t have to read the others to understand this one, there are references to things that happened in previous stories. I feel like as a reader you will enjoy the story more and connect with it in a deeper way if you take the time to read the others first.

While the characters were likable and grounded in their motivations, I did feel at times both came back to their default thinking without delving deeper into the why’s even after determining to let God lead. “But I want this because of that”, where the want and motivation remained surface level, seemed to be a repeated idea for both and it left me feeling like they both needed to mature a little bit. I do like the fact that the author allowed both characters to struggle with their decisions to trust God, because this is true to life.

The other thing I really enjoyed about this book is the way it includes and revolves around Native people. Other than historical fiction, I’ve not read a lot of stories that involve Native people either on or off reservations. I think this may be the first one, but I’d love to find more.

I give Christmas Wishes three and a half stars raised to four because there were a few things I wasn’t as happy with, but overall it was a good story I’d recommend for an easy Christmas read. And I can’t help thinking that if I’d read the others first, I might have been more connected to the story.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Iron Stream Media | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

About the Author

Carmen Peone is an award-winning author of Young Adult and Inspirational Western Romantic Suspense. With the love of history and the Western woman’s lifestyle, she weaves healing, hope, and horses into her stories. With a thread of romance. She lives with her husband in Northeast Washington on the Colville Confederated Indian Reservation.

Connect with Carmen by visiting carmenpeone.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Christmas Wishes and some other Christmas-related goodies!

(3) additional winners will each receive a signed copy of Christmas Wishes!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 8, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 15, 2025. 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. 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!

The post Christmas Wishes Review: JustRead Blog Tour appeared first on Heather Greer.

Interview with Denise Colby: Meet the Author Monday

Welcome to Meet the Author Monday and my interview with Denise Colby. Denise writes historical romance, and her Best Laid Plans series currently includes three titles (though more are on the way). When Plans Go Awry, A Slight Change of Plans, and No Plan at All can each be purchased in paperback and eBook form.

Stick with me after the interview to find out more about where you can connect with Denise and more about  No Plan at All.  For now, let’s welcome Denise M. Colby to Meet the Author Monday.

The Interview

Denise, let’s start off easy. Tell us a little about yourself.

I write historical romance that is sweetened with faith, hope, & love. I love chatting with God daily in my head and writing prayers in a prayer journal. I’m an avid reader of historical romance, Disney fan, wife of thirty years, tap-dancing mom of three boys (now men), one married to the sweetest daughter-in-law. I love getting excited over the little things and sharing all of it with my family. I’m very thankful for the opportunity to write stories that includes faith arcs.

I don’t think I’ve ever known anyone that tap-dances. At least, not that I’m aware of. What a unique hobby. Your faith-sweetened stories are all part of a series. What prompted you to write these stories?

 I would finish reading a really great story and the desire to write one would pop up. It would happen over and over, but I ignored it for a long time. The idea for my first series came to me while visiting Sacramento’s one-room schoolhouse for my oldest son’s fourth grade field trip. I didn’t start writing anything until two years later while on that same trip with my middle son. God was persistent with nudging me to do this. I’m so thankful I listened to his nudging.

Do you give readers glimpses of yourself in the books you write? If so, I’m sure we’d all love to know which parts are more you.

This is an interesting question. I think when I’m writing emotions, I tap into past hurts to help me identify the feelings so I can write them authentically. There’s not anything specific, just an overall understanding of what my characters feel when frustrated, lost, and trying to control things all on their own. Like in my latest book, No Plan at All, Sarah doesn’t want to be a burden. I think I’ve felt that way myself at times. Jenny, the heroine in A Slight Change of Plans, wants to matter. I definitely have felt those fears at some point in my life.

What are the most fun, most feared, and most tedious parts of being an author?

Most fun is when I write a scene that clicks, that ties together a bigger message than I had originally planned to portray. I know then that God is in the midst with me helping me write. I love it when it comes together that way. Hearing from readers about what touched them in my stories is another aspect I love.

For me, what I fear the most would be missing the mark with the story. That it makes no sense and it’s not cohesive and no one likes it. Which is why I love my publisher and my editors who partner with me to make sure it makes sense and is the best it can be.

The most tedious is removing the weasel words which causes me to question my phrasing. There are multiple ways to write a sentence. Figuring out the grammar, the prose, the timing, and it still make sense, but not use the common words we are not supposed to, can sometimes drive me batty. This is why I have a critique group (some of my favorite people) and editors, to give me honest feedback. I need an outsider’s perspective to make sure what I’m trying to say works.

Ah, weasel words. The bane of every writer’s existence. So from what you don’t like to the things you do. Other than writing, what creative pursuits do you enjoy?

I love musicals. I love tap-dancing and choreography. I’ve been a choreographer for local shows and really enjoyed it (even though my body took a beating). I also love photos, scrapbooking, journaling (I have so many different ones), and coloring. Sometimes I need to step away from my desk (day job + writing) and do something tactical.

I think we all need that from time to time. Creativity in a different direction. But in your writing, what resources would you recommend to someone just starting their writing journey?

I highly recommend joining a local writing group and attending conferences. I prefer ones in my genre. Online ones can be the most inexpensive. If you don’t know of any, do an online search for writing groups in your area or email your favorite author (that’s what I did and found a group close by). Finding writers who write in the same genre has been the most helpful for me.

Think of learning the writing craft is like an onion. There are many layers. You can’t absorb everything all at once, so attending sessions continuously helps you build layers on top of what you already know. And we can always learn something new. I took classes where there were assignments. These were helpful because I could apply the lessons to my own writing, then submit it for feedback. Concepts are great, but you must learn how to do them.

My most used book is the Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi. Another one I use is The Complete Guide to Heroes and Heroines by Cowden, LaFever, Viders (I found this first at my library and loved it so much I bought one). The library can be a great place to find writing craft books first before investing in something you are not sure about.

I think the first book you mentioned is on the shelves of many writers. That complete series is great. I’ve not read the other one. I’ll have to check it out. Now that we’ve covered some of your favorite helps, let’s talk discouragement. Have you ever faced discouragement as an author? If so, how did you deal with it?

It took me twelve years to publish my first book. I faced a lot of discouragement. I wanted to quit multiple times. Asked myself ‘why am I doing this?’ just as many times.

I couldn’t of gotten through those moments without a lot of prayer and encouragement from God and from other writers to keep going. Every time I hit a low point, I’d pray. And I would feel God nudging me to keep going. It wasn’t easy at times. When I’d receive not-so-stellar feedback from a contest, I would read through everything and then have to take forty-eight hours (sometimes longer) to digest it all and come back ready to move forward somehow. I found the most helpful feedback was when a judge would provide the concept I was not understanding, then I would find a workshop or class to take on that skill to help me understand and do it better. I wanted instant fixes, but it took a lot of work.

Now I see the payoff. It was worth going through all of that to write better stories, but there were times when I couldn’t see the end of the tunnel to know when things would change. One of my most motivating factors were my kids. I wanted to show them that hard work pays off. To not give up on your dreams. So I encourage all writers out there. Keep going, keep writing. Don’t give up.

I love that you took contest feedback and found the tools to help address those specific issues in your writing. Most writers are also readers. What would your perfect reading nook look like?

By a window, with a comfy chaise lounge and lots of pillows and blankets. Maybe a bookshelf with filled with books I enjoy (although I’d be too conflicted which book to pick next).

On last question about writing preferences, a fun one. Would you rather have to hand-write all your manuscripts or speak them into a recorder?

I think I would handwrite over speaking. At first. But I write slower than my brain, so I might amend that over time.

Connect with Denise

Thank you for joining me today, Denise. I’ve enjoyed this opportunity to get to know you a bit better. Readers, I hope you’ve enjoyed this interview with Denise Colby as well. If you’d like to connect with Denise, here’s where you can do that. Also, feel free to leave questions for Denise in the comments.

LinkTree – https://linktr.ee/denisemcolby

My website – https://denisemcolby.com

Newsletter sign up – https://denisemcolby.com/sign-up-for-my-newsletter/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/denisemcolbywrites

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/denisem.colby/

Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/denisemcolby

GoodReads – https://www.goodreads.com/denisemcolby

BookBub Author Page – https://www.bookbub.com/authors/denise-m-colby

Twitter – https://x.com/denisemcolby

AllAuthor Page – https://allauthor.com/author/denisemcolby/

More About the Book

Sometimes the best life is the one we never planned.

Sarah Anne Baker never wanted to be anyone’s burden. But hours after losing the Godmother who raised her, she faces an impossible choice: marry her late fiancé’s brother—or flee into the unknown. With fear as her only companion, she places her trust in the one man leaving town that night—the enigmatic traveling peddler known only as Mr. Smith.

Alexander Sinclair walked away from his noble title in Scotland to live a quiet, hidden life. Peddling wares from town to town has given him peace, free from the weight of expectation. Until a desperate young woman crosses his path. He can’t turn her away… no matter the cost.

Together, Sarah and Alex set out on a journey through loss, healing, and a bond neither expected to find. But as secrets surface and choices demand to be made, both must decide: cling to the lives they planned—or risk everything to embrace the future God has written for them.

A tender tale of courage, redemption, and love strong enough to change the course of two hearts forever.

Purchase No Plan at All

 

The post Interview with Denise Colby: Meet the Author Monday appeared first on Heather Greer.

Interview with Rebecca Hogue: Main Character Monday-ish

Welcome to Main Character Monday. Yes, I am aware it is Tuesday. However, our main character’s book releases today, and I don’t think there’s a better day to interview her.

The Details

Rebecca joins us from Fireflies in Sacred Shadows (don’t you love that title?) by Tonya B. Ashley. This is the second book in the Lost and Found series published by Scrivenings Press. I’m currently reading the first in the series, Of Faith and Dreams, and I can’t wait to finish it and start this one. Both books are available in paperback and eBook formats. Stick with me after the interview for more information on Fireflies in Sacred Shadows.

Now, let’s meet Rebecca Hogue.

Interview with Rebecca Hogue

Welcome to Main Character Monday, Rebecca. Let’s begin getting to know you. Tell us about yourself

My name is Rebecca Hogue. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I run my family’s boardinghouse in Van Buren, Arkansas. Some days it feels a bit like managing a small town under one roof, but the Lord provides strength for every task. I have six siblings still living at home, each with their own personalities and needs, and much of these last five years I’ve spent holding them together since Mama passed. I don’t mind the work, though I won’t pretend I never grow tired. I do miss the days when I had the freedom to wander down to the creek on an autumn afternoon, before responsibility settled in so firmly.

Responsibilities do have a way of stealing time for relaxation. Tell me something about you that readers may find surprising?

Most people think I’m the sensible, steady-handed one who keeps the household in order. But when I was younger, I was far less… contained. I used to climb the tallest oak behind our house and sit higher than any girl had good sense to. I loved the view, the feeling that the world stretched farther than I could see.

And once—just once—when Justin teased me relentlessly about a boy saying hello to me after church, I slipped a frog into his bed to settle the matter. He hollered so loud he startled the hens. I should probably feel guilty about it, but truth be told… I don’t. Not even a little.

I suppose there’s still a part of me that wonders what lies beyond our little corner of Arkansas. I doubt I’ll ever see it for myself, but some days, when the chores settle and the evening grows quiet, I think about that oak tree and how it felt to climb so high the town disappeared and only possibility remained.

A beautiful memory, beautifully stated. What is your favorite book of the Old Testament?

If I’m speaking truthfully, the book I’m most drawn to is Esther. I admire her courage more than I can say. The way she stepped into danger with only the faintest assurance that her obedience might truly make a difference.

But I’ll admit something else: her story scares me a little. Esther was asked to risk everything for her people. To speak when silence would have been safer. To stand in a moment she didn’t choose.

I suppose that’s why I return to her again and again. She reminds me that God places us where we are for reasons we may not understand and gives strength we don’t always feel. Esther’s story makes me braver… even when I’d rather stay small and hidden.

Is there a book of the Bible you have trouble getting through?

Leviticus. I know it’s important… but mercy, it does test a person’s determination. I tend to read it in small portions with extra coffee.

I can understand that. If you could meet anyone from scripture, excluding Jesus, who would it be?

Naomi. She knew loss deeply, yet she kept going. I want to sit with a woman like that. Someone who understands grief, but also the stubborn hope it takes to go on.

Great choice. Jesus had twelve disciples. Which one are you most like?

Probably Andrew. Quiet, steady, more comfortable bringing people to Jesus than standing center stage. There’s a gentleness about him that I admire.

Gentle can be good. Jesus says we are to be His light in the world. What does this mean to you?

Light isn’t loud. It doesn’t demand attention. It simply shows the way. To me, being His light means tending to the small, faithful things—kindness, service, mercy—so others can find their bearings when life feels like nightfall.

If you could leave readers with one message, what would it be?

You don’t have to be unbroken to be useful. God meets us in the places we’d rather keep hidden.

Before I let you go, I have a few more questions, just for fun. Nothing stressful. If you could have a superpower, what one would you choose?

Well… I’m not entirely sure I understand this notion of extraordinary abilities. Something about people doing impossible feats as if it were everyday business? If I had to choose, I suppose I’d ask for the ability to pause time long enough to finish all the chores before another mess crops up. Though truth be told, I’d settle for everyone putting their boots where they belong.

If offered the opportunity, would you choose to travel in space?

In space? You mean among the stars themselves? Goodness, no. The Lord placed me on solid ground for a reason. I prefer my feet where I can feel the earth beneath them—and where there’s a clear path home if I need it.

Dark or Milk Chocolate? I… don’t rightly know the difference. In my day, chocolate was mostly for drinking, and only if someone had a sweet tooth strong enough to counter the bitterness.

Roses or Daisies? Daisies.

Salad or Soup? Soup.

One final question. If you had three words to describe your author, Tonya B. Ashley, what words would you choose?

Hope in shadows.

That’s what I’d say. She seems to understand life isn’t without its dark corners, but she keeps her lamp trimmed just the same. She looks for light where others might give up searching, and somehow, she finds it—then writes it down so the rest of us can see it too .

Beautiful. You really do have a way with words. Thank you Rebecca, for joining me today.

Readers, thank you for joining me for this interview with Rebecca Hogue. Stick around for more about Tonya B. Ashley and Fireflies in Sacred Shadows. And don’t forget to leave questions for Rebecca or Tonya in the comments.

More About the Autho

Tonya B. Ashley is an award-winning writer who enjoys a thread of adventure, whether in story or in life. Fascinated with people, places, and nature, she loves to explore through writing, reading, creating art, and hiking. One of her favorite hiking destinations is Fuzzy Butt Falls, which exudes quite the Narnia experience despite its humorous name.

She and her firefighter/paramedic husband are the parents of an adult son, also a firefighter, and a school-aged son. Though she has past experience as a 911 dispatcher and volunteer firefighter, life with boys is her most incredible adventure. She has learned so much from them, including how to hike ten miles in 90-degree weather with 90 percent humidity, the easiest way to set up a hammock, the quickest way to the emergency room, and how to play a tenor saxophone. Sadly, attempts to teach her to play the trumpet only sounded like dying baby elephants.

A few things from Tonya’s adventure to-do list include the wild cave tour at Blanchard Springs, a hot air balloon ride, and hiking on a remote island searching for a rare kind of coffee. (Don’t tell anyone she hasn’t taken that coffee hike, though. That’s the story she uses when people ask how she split the tendon in her ankle. It’s much better than, “I was walking to the coffee machine in the kitchen.”)

When she is not writing, hiking, or enjoying time with family, she substitutes for the local schools. She loves to help students make connections through story and find their voices through writing. Her most treasured moments with students come when they have room to explore topics, situations, or emotions, and they wander into deeply profound or deeply humorous places.

Her favorite writer is C.S. Lewis, who offers enchanting worlds and flawed characters to explore in his fiction and no-nonsense, hard-hitting wisdom in his nonfiction. While she adores Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia series, her favorite book is the Bible, which she loves for its artistry, messy people, practicality, and ability to deepen her relationship with God. She often reminds herself that “the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love (Galatians 5:6).”

Tonya writes stories of resilience featuring messy characters and a thread of adventure. Like a good treasure hunt, great stories ought to offer a gem the reader can keep. Along with her publication credits as a devotional and article writer, she received first place in an ACFW First Impressions contest.

More About the Book

A hidden message. A broken past. A chance to begin again.

Van Buren, Arkansas, 1853.

Rebecca Hogue is doing everything she can to hold her family—and their boardinghouse—together. But when a mysterious spyglass surfaces and her reputation is called into question, the danger becomes far more personal.

Dr. Benjamin Ewing returned to Van Buren with nothing but regrets and a heart still tethered to the woman he left behind. When the spyglass reveals a coded message and Rebecca finds herself in harm’s way, Ben must face the ghosts of California and the emotional wounds he still carries.

Can Rebecca and Ben unravel a tangled scheme, navigate fragile trust, and learn to appreciate walking through hard places together?

Purchase Fireflies in Sacred Shadows

 

The post Interview with Rebecca Hogue: Main Character Monday-ish appeared first on Heather Greer.

Interview with Yonah: Main Character Monday

Welcome to Main Character Monday and my interview with Yonah. Unlike many of my interviews, Yonah isn’t the main character in the series where she lives. Instead, she is a side character that lives in book one and book two of the A Certain Future series by Linda Dindzans. This is wonderful as she has a great understanding of the happenings in the lives of everyone in the series.

A Certain Man, the first book in the series released in 2024. Linda’s newest release, A Certain Mercy, releases on December 9, 2025. Both are published by Scrivenings Press, and A Certain Mercy is available for pre-order in eBook format. It will also be available in paperback starting on release day.

Interview with Yonah

Welcome to Main Character Monday, Yonah. Let’s start with something interesting I’ve heard about you. Your name is Yonah, but that isn’t the name you were given at birth. Who gave you this name and why was it chosen for you?

I was sent in secret to Shechem to serve as Dovekeeper for the High Priest of Samaria. My mother chose the name Yonah, meaning Dove. She said it was fitting for my new life.

It’s a beautiful name. Thank you for sharing. Now, I’d like to ask you to tell me and the readers a little more about yourself.

Though I am not the heroine in either A Certain Man or A Certain Mercy, my obedience to my mother—rather than refusing her evil schemes—proved pivotal in Mara’s reunion with Samuel after seven years of separation. Mara says the One God’s ways are not our ways. He can turn what was meant for evil to good.

That is very true. Now, you said you were sent to Shechem. Will you tell us why?

My mother lost favor with King Herod, who was known to plot the deaths of kinsmen and even wives. When she failed to regain his attention, she commanded me to dance for him—to dance for her life and mine. I obeyed, and it cost me dearly. After one night with Herod, I was left a raving madwoman, speaking all manner of treason.

I see you are dressed as a common Samaritan woman. However, you still carry yourself with dignity that isn’t often attributed by certain people to Samaritan commoners.

I am neither common nor Samaritan, but I am content in my new life. A Dovekeeper must be trustworthy and steadfast. Messages of great import pass through my hands. Those who cannot read come to me to read or write messages on their behalf

I’ve heard Shechem is a small village full of  “rumor ravens”. You are an outsider. Are you content with your life?

When I first came to Shechem, only caring for her husband Samuel’s infant daughter, Lyra, kept me from madness. At first Mara assumed I was Samuel’s wife, yet she showed me kindness. Now she knows Lyra’s mother died in childbirth. She married Samuel and treats me as a sister, though she does not know who I once was.

Madness? You seem stable and sane to me. What happened?

Yes. Both Mara and Samuel, each in their own time, met Yeshua of Nazareth and came to believe He was the Promised One. Their testimonies brought many in Shechem to faith. I was one— and my reason returned.

When was this?

Before Yeshua set the religious and  political world aflame—and before all three of us were immortalized in the gospels.

Tell me something about you that readers may find surprising?

 Despite my scarlet past, I have repented and been blessed with friends. I have also found a good man—Ozri, Samuel’s apprentice. I hope one day as the story of A Certain Mercy unfolds, Ozri finds the courage to ask my mother for my hand.

Surely, you can share your birth name with us. Our readers pose no threat.

It is not safe. If I am found, those who sheltered me could suffer. Yet my true identity can be gleaned from history outside Scripture. Some believe I married Philip the Tetrarch—but that, too, was my mother’s cunning deceit. In A Certain Mercy, another famous Jew hiding in Shechem threatens to expose me.

What is your favorite part of  the writings of Moses, the prophets, or the psalms?

As a Herodian Jew and a young woman, I knew little of the holy writings, but I heard the Baptizer many times when he stood before Herod. His cry—“I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness”— a promise of the coming Messiah— filled me with dread and hope. Now, I long to hear Yeshua’s voice myself and see His miracles— perhaps I shall in A Certain Mercy.

God called Gideon to lead his army. Gideon didn’t believe he could, but he trusted and did as God asked. Like Gideon, have you ever felt unworthy of God’s call?

Often. Satan taunts me with the memory that I caused the Baptizer’s death. The Evil One wants to pull me back toward madness. But Mara and Samuel pray with me and remind me that the Lord’s mercy is certain for those with a penitent heart

Micah 6:8 says to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. Which is easiest—or hardest—for you?

Samuel, Mara, and Ozri have shown me how to love kindness. Each day I seek to walk the path of mercy and show kindness to others, even those who remain suspicious of a stranger.

If you could leave readers with one message, what would it be?

The Messiah walks the earth, lives among us. He says His kingdom is come. One day we will have eyes that see and ears that hear. One day we will understand the mysteries He teaches. 

Just for Fun Questions

Wow. I feel like you’ve lived a full life in your few years. And you’ve learned so much. Thank you for sharing with us. I do have a few fun questions for you, since everything to this point has been so serious.

If you could have one exotic pet, what would it be?

 I am content with my messenger doves, but I do have a favorite white one I have named Metuka, my sweetie.

If you could travel through time, would you?

No. I have come to believe that the times of our birth and death and the days of our lives are appointed by the Lord. I only hope my story lives on to reach those who have never heard of Yeshua’s mercy and miracles.

Sunrise or sunset?

  Sunset— the beginning of the Jewish day ,moving from darkness toward the light.

Chocolate or vanilla?

I do not know chocolate, but vanilla is an exotic flavor that Judean kings infuse into wine. It is a favorite of mine. In the House of Herod Antipas, this special treat was offered to certain guests as a sign of the king’s favor.

No electricity or no plumbing?

I do not know this electricity of which you speak, but I do miss the aqueducts, cisterns, and elaborate bathhouses in Herod’s palaces. We always had fresh water for drinking, gardening, and bathing. Here in Shechem we must go to Jacob’s well and draw water each day.

One last question for you before we say farewell. If you could describe Linda Dindzans using only three words, what would those words be?

Lively. Truth-seeker. Persistent.

Thank you for being with us today, Yonah. I hope you’ve enjoyed your time here as much as I’m sure our readers have enjoyed the opportunity to get to know you better.

Readers, stick around for more information on Linda Dindzans and her soon-to-release book, A Certain Mercy.

More About the Author

Linda Dindzans, M.D. is a writer with the heart of a healer who offers readers stories of redemption and restoration. Though her compelling characters inhabit the treacherous times of the Bible, Linda believes there is nothing new under the sun. The struggles of her characters still speak to hearts today. Only a profound encounter with the Son transforms her characters from victims to victors.

Connect with Linda

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Newsletter Signup

More About the Book

A mysterious Judean prophet forgave her sin––now she must learn to walk the path of mercy.

Zara is trapped in a lonely, loveless marriage with an obsessed gambler. She secretly longs for freedom and love. Her only solace comes in stolen moments with Auriga Maximus, famed charioteer and her husband’s slave. She finally surrenders to Auriga and is captured and cast at the feet of Yeshua of Nazareth. Accused, condemned, facing death––He offers her mercy.

Zara must now face the cruel schemes of her husband, a husband who wants her dead. What begins as a desperate fight for survival and a chance at a new life, becomes a journey of faith, freedom, and mercy. A journey following Yeshua of Nazareth to His suffering on the Cross.

Set in Jerusalem under the ruthless rule of Rome, A Certain Mercy blends romance, suspense, and biblical truths. This is a powerful story of redemption and forgiveness–– forgiveness of others and forgiveness of self.

A story of hope, a story of trust.

A story of the path to eternal love and eternal life.

Pre-order A Certain Mercy

Haven’t read A Certain Man yet. Purchase it here.

 

The post Interview with Yonah: Main Character Monday appeared first on Heather Greer.

Interview with Riley Hudson: Main Character Monday

Welcome and Book Details

Welcome to my interview with Riley Hudson on this week’s Main Character Monday. Before we begin, let me tell you a bit about Riley’s book. Mistletoe and Malice is a new release from author, Lori DeJong. This romantic suspense is published by Scrivenings Press and became available on October 21, 2025. Mistletoe and Malice is available in paperback, eBook, and also using your subscription to Kindle Unlimited. There’s more about the book below, as well as a purchase link.

Interview with Riley Hudson

Now, it’s time to welcome today’s guest, Riley Hudson. Riley, please, start us off by telling us a little about yourself.

I’m not usually comfortable talking about myself, but I guess a little is easy enough. (chuckles) I’m thirty years old, still single, but at least I live in my own place. I’m the youngest of three and very close to my family—my mom, dad, my grandpa Kevin who lives in the guesthouse at my parents’ estate, my two brothers, their wives, and my nieces and nephews. Our family has a strong legacy of faith, and we’ve been very blessed to be in a position to support several missions and non-profits not only financially, but with time and prayer.

I’m also a defense attorney who specializes in cases of wrongful conviction. It’s completely pro bono because when I’m convinced someone is doing someone else’s time, I’ll do everything in my power to remedy it. For my down time, I love hanging with my three best friends. We’ve been joined at the hip since fifth grade, and I don’t know what my life would be like without them.

Wow. I love that you have such a strong network of family and friends. And being a defense attorney. You must not be afraid of hard work Tell me something about you that readers may find surprising?

I have a weakness for clothes. I know. Sounds materialistic, but I find clothes to be fun and versatile. Even mood-altering, if that makes any sense. The way I feel in a formal gown is different than I might wearing jeans, tennis shoes and casual top for a Houston Texans football game. But for every penny I spend on clothes, I send the same amount to one of the non-profits I work with. And every year, I send all of that year’s formal gowns and business suits to a charity that provides gowns to underprivileged girls for prom, their quinceanera, and so on, and suits to women trying to find jobs or starting new jobs.

That sounds like a beautiful way to enjoy the thing you love while not neglecting those who are less fortunate. What is your favorite book in the New Testament and why?

Ephesians. It tells us who we are in Christ. Not who we are in our own strength, but who He created us to be. Then chapter four is a little user manual, if you will, giving us guidelines for how we should walk with the Lord after committing ourselves to the Him. I love that book.

It’s one I enjoy reading again and again, too. God called Gideon to lead his army. Gideon didn’t believe he could, but he trusted and did as God asked. Have you ever felt like you weren’t equipped to do what God asked you to do? What did you do?

 Oh, wow. Yes, on a regular basis, really. The brother of one of my best friends was wrongfully convicted of murder while we were in college. By the time I was in law school, he was fighting his way through appeals and had tens of thousands in legal costs he still owed. I changed my track from corporate law to criminal specifically to help him without requiring any payment.

From the beginning, I was in way over my head and worked myself into physical collapse. I had to lean hard on my faith for wisdom and guidance in getting him a new trial. He was exonerated, but every case I take, I feel like David going up against the Goliath of the judicial system. Juries are good and necessary. But they do get it wrong sometimes, and when someone loses their life to the prison system when they’re innocent of the crime, it’s truly tragic.

I love that you donated your time to your friend. I agree, there are downsides to our legal system, but I find there are strengths and weaknesses in any system people develop. I’m glad your friend didn’t have to suffer the weaknesses with you on his team. Micah 6:8 says, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Is there one of these you find easier to accomplish? Is one harder?

I love every part of that verse, but if I had to pick one, the justice part specifically speaks to me because that’s my vocation – to find justice for those who need it so badly. Not just my client, but the victim, or the victim’s family – they all need justice.

Very well said. If you could leave readers with one message, what would it be?

God loves you and wants only to walk closely with you. Don’t get so lost trying to find your purpose when your ultimate purpose is to simply follow Him. He’ll lead you to the work He wants you to do.

A Few Questions for Fun

We’ve talked about a lot of serious things today. For just a moment, I’d like to dive into the lighter side. If you could have one exotic pet, what would it be?

Does a koala bear count? I love koalas!

Koalas definitely count. If you could travel through time, would you?

That is an excellent question to ponder. Of course there are things I’d love to go back and do differently. And I wish I could go back and save my friend Caitlyn, who was murdered. But I can’t help but wonder how changing the past would change the present. Or the future. It’s an interesting thought.

I love that you think about far-reaching consequences. Must be a side-effect of being a lawyer. Sunrise or sunset?   Sunset

Chocolate or Vanilla?  Chocolate all day

No electricity or no plumbing?  No electricity

Riley’s Final Word

Riley, using only three words (which I realize may be difficult for a lawyer), please describe your author, Lori DeJong.

Faithful, sensitive, caring

Having met Lori on a few occasions, I have to say that I agree. Thank you, Riley, for joining me today. This has been a great interview, and I feel like my readers and I have gotten a great taste of who you are. I think we’ve all probably found several things we want to know more about as well and will be picking up your story.

Readers, before you go, take a moment to learn a little more about Lori DeJong and Mistletoe and Malice.

More About the Author

Award-winning author Lori DeJong enjoys penning contemporary stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance. She resides in Georgetown, Texas, with her husband and two fur-babies, with a daughter and son-in-law in DFW. Lori’s debut novel, Love’s True Calling, was the 2022 winner of the ACFW Genesis Award for Romance, a double finalist in the 2024 Selah Awards, and tied for the 2023 Scrivenings Press Contemporary Book of the Year. Love’s True Home, Book 2 of the True Calling Series, was a 2025 Selah finalist. Love’s True Measure released in June. Lori’s Christmas novella, Jingle Bell Matchmakers, a part of A Match Made at Christmas novella collection, was named a 2025 ACFW Carol Award finalist.

Connect with Lori

Website:  https://loridejongwrites.com/

Newsletter:   https://bit.ly/LoriDeJongCommunity

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

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

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

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/author/loridejongwrites

GoodReads:   https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/38460845.Lori_DeJong

Bookbub:   https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lori-dejong

More About Mistletoe and Malice

After barely escaping an attempted abduction, Houston attorney Riley Hudson is forced to accept her wealthy father’s demand for private security. The last thing she wants is a bodyguard—especially one as maddeningly arrogant, bossy … and handsome as Colton Blankenship. Yet as the threat against her escalates, she begins to rely not only on his skills, but his steadfast presence.

Colton isn’t thrilled about giving up his hard-earned holiday vacation to protect a spoiled heiress. But he soon learns Riley is nothing like he expected. Fierce, independent, and unwavering in her faith, she’s everything he thought he’d left behind after tragedy shattered his own beliefs. As the unknown threat circles closer, the tension between them ignites into something deeper … and far more perilous.

When a second attempt on Riley’s life nearly succeeds, Colton faces a terrifying truth. Protecting her means risking more than just his life. Haunted by a past he can’t outrun, and a faith he’s all but lost, he must decide if he can trust God again … before he loses Riley—and his heart—for good.

Purchase Mistletoe and Malice for a great romantic suspense Christmas read!

 

 

The post Interview with Riley Hudson: Main Character Monday appeared first on Heather Greer.

Still Holding Out for You Review: JustRead Blog Tour
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Still Holding Out for You by Jennifer Carr, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Still Holding Out for You
Series: Real American Country #4
Author: Jennifer Carr
Publisher: JCarr Writes, LLC
Release Date: October 21, 2025
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Romance

They met chasing dreams on national TV.

What they found was something bigger than fame.

Austin Blake always thought ranch life was his future—until a chance encounter at a dusty Montana bar lands him a spot on Real American Country, a televised music competition that could change everything. When he meets Willow Gracin, a fiercely talented singer from Savannah with a heart full of lyrics and something to prove, sparks fly—on and off the stage.

As the cameras roll and the music plays, Austin and Willow find a connection deeper than either expected. But when the spotlight fades, life has its own rhythm—one that tests their strength, their love, and everything they thought they knew about purpose and passion.

When a tragic diagnosis threatens to silence their love song, country music stars Austin and Willow must fight for a future together in a way they never imagined. Spanning a decade of soaring highs and devastating lows, this is a story about the love you hold onto, the legacy you leave behind, and the music that carries you home, even after the last note has faded.

MY STILL HOLDING OUT FOR YOU REVIEW

Before I give my review, I do want to point out for my readers who are used to me reading Christian fiction only, that this book falls more into clean fiction than Christian fiction. As such, there are a couple reference to an unmarried couple sharing a bed, but there is not even a reference to sex in those instances, keeping it a very clean read. This did not affect my rating at all.

I’ve never read a book by Jennifer Carr before, and I didn’t know what to expect from this one. While I usually don’t enjoy books that open at the end and then go back and fill in the blanks for the majority of the book, the writing of this one was done in a way that it didn’t bother me. And I like the back and forth from one POV to the other in each chapter, though there are a few chapters in a row for each POV at times.

The love story set against the backdrop of a musical television reality show was a joy to read. Their fears of moving from friends to more was realistic and kept me rooting for them to take that next step beyond their fears. It is a sweet love story.

As wonderful as the love story is the portrayal of the friendships developed through the reality show where all reason would say they should be against each other instead of fostering a feeling of family. It was sweet and added depth to the story after the show ended.

I love some of the phrasing the author uses. In a story about musicians, there was a rhythm and use of description that was almost lyrical in itself. It paired perfectly with the story. And the story itself was not only sweet and beautiful but heartbreaking too. And so wonderfully written I found myself moved to tears at various points.

For my Still Holding Out for You review I give the story five stars.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | JCarrWrites.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

About the Author

 

Married to her best friend–the boy she met at just thirteen–she’s also a homeschooling mom to one teenage daughter, an artist who is the spitting image of her dad. Jennifer Carr is a self-diagnosed social media addict, aka the Queen of the Doomscroll, and she’ll read just about anything she can get her hands on.

Her passions are wide and deep: coffee, music, learning, animals, and above all, writing. She holds a degree in Psychology, a Master’s in Marriage & Family Counseling, certifications in Life Coaching and Health & Wellness Coaching, and is a certified Brain Health Professional. But despite all that, books are where her heart truly belongs. The day she published her first book, everything shifted.

Now, several books later, Jennifer is living the dream with a career she once thought impossible.

Connect with Jennifer by visiting jcarrwrites.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive 6 Months of Kindle Unlimited and an ebook copy of Still holding Out for You!

The post Still Holding Out for You Review: JustRead Blog Tour appeared first on Heather Greer.