Sandra Merville Hart's Blog

by Sandra Merville Hart

My mother made the best pumpkin pie when I was a little girl. Thankfully, she shared her recipe—and her secrets—with me.

I make the pie every year, usually for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year, baking the pie again brought back many childhood memories of cooking the festive meal with my mother, grandmother, and sisters. It’s just as delicious now as it was back then!

Ingredients

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1 ½ cups canned pumpkin

¾ cup sugar

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon ginger

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

1 2/3 cup (13 oz.) Evaporated Milk

1 9-inch unbaked pie shell

Mix eggs, pumpkin, and spices in the order given. I’m never stingy with the cinnamon in this recipe, making it a heaping teaspoon or almost doubling the amount required, just as my mother did.

Another secret she had was adding a teaspoon of Pumpkin Pie Spice. This is a blend of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. Though this is completely optional, it rounds out the flavor of the pie.

Stir together and mix the pumpkin with all the spices before adding the last ingredient, a can of evaporated milk. Stir this together until blended and pour into an unbaked pie shell.

Bake in a preheated 425-degree oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees and continue baking 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the pie comes out clean. Let it cool before slicing.

May garnish with whipped cream. Most guests prefer a dollop whipped cream with their pie. My husband covers the pie with the sweet topping.

Doubling this recipe makes three 9-inch pies.

My daughter now makes “Grandma’s” pumpkin pie recipe. The torch has been passed!

Hope your family enjoys this pie as much as mine does.

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Darcy’s mother wants to arrange for her daughter to marry a widower near her home, but Darcy has no intention of giving up her teaching position to move back home. Her demanding mother had controlled her during childhood. She won’t put herself in that position again.

Reuben, the pastor at Darcy’s church, is determined to remain a bachelor, yet he can’t deny his attraction to her. The couple is thrown together when a tornado threatens their community.

Characters I cared about drew me into the story. They had believable hurdles to overcome. I couldn’t put the book down. However, I didn’t understand why Darcy, as a protective sister, seemingly left her adopted younger sister alone with their controlling mother. The answer might be in an upcoming book.

Another quick edit would have helped minor errors. All in all, I enjoyed the story.

I will look for more books by this author.

Amazon  

by Sandra Merville Hart

I hosted a party this fall where I served hot apple cider. I searched for my old recipe in vain. I hadn’t made one in several years, so I created a new one.

Simmering the cider on low heat in a crock pot allows the spicy aroma to seep into the home. The aroma welcomes guests and creates an inviting atmosphere.

Ingredients

64 ounces apple cider

¼ cup maple syrup

5 cinnamon sticks

1 teaspoon whole cloves

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 orange, sliced

Combine the cider and syrup in a crockpot. Add in the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir.

To add a splash of citrus flavor, arrange 6 orange slices over the top. Simmer on low for 2 – 3 hours.

Just before serving, remove the oranges and cinnamon sticks. Strain out the cloves.

The syrup gives a hint of maple while adding a bit of smoothness to the drink.

This comforting, delicious drink brings a warm welcome to family and friends on cold afternoons and evenings.

If you like a little extra cinnamon flavor—as I do!—add another cinnamon stick from the beginning.

I will make this again for gatherings. Enjoy!

by Sandra Merville Hart

William Lewis was born on a plantation in Winchester, Tennessee. Sources disagree on the year of his birth, but it seems to have been either 1810 or 1815. Colonel James Lewis, a Revolutionary Soldier, was his father, yet his son remained enslaved.

Bill learned blacksmithing skills at an early age, becoming so skilled that he earned money for both the colonel and himself. Bill saved his own money toward his freedom.

Emboldened by his success, Bill asked the Colonel’s permission to move to Ross’s Landing—later known as Chattanooga—to start a blacksmith shop, which was granted. He had to pay $350 annually because he was still enslaved. He worked hard and paid installments toward his freedom.

He married Jane in the early 1840s. A son, Eldridge, was born. Both of them were enslaved. Since all of Jane’s children would be enslaved, Bill’s priority was to buy her freedom before they had any other children. Sources disagree whether Bill purchased his own freedom or his wife’s first. He paid $1,000 in installments for himself, which was paid in full soon after he moved to Chattanooga. He also paid $1,000 for Jane’s freedom, ensuring their future children were born free.

Bill’s hard work earned him respect in the community. His focus was on saving enough to free the rest of his family. Eldridge was six when Bill paid the $400 for his freedom. His mother and aunt were freed for $150 each. He purchased both of his brothers’ freedom for $1,000 each and, later, his sister’s for $400.

The townspeople respected Bill as an honest, intelligent man. They began to call him “Uncle Bill”.

After Bill’s family was safely with him in Chattanooga, he bought a large house. His business expanded. He rightly foresaw the fall of the Confederacy. He bought tobacco and sold it for a profit to provide for his family.

By the time of the Civil War, he had hired a crew for the heavy work he was no longer able to do and supervised them.

The war brought hard times. Hugh, Bill’s son, fought bravely with a U.S. Colored Troops regiment beginning in 1864. Unfortunately, in 1865, he died of a fever in Wilmington, North Carolina.

The South suffered many economic losses during the war, which also affected Bill. Union soldiers seized his blacksmith shop when they took over Chattanooga. His holdings that had been worth $7,000 in the 1860 census had dropped to $300 during the next decade.

Bill and Jane accomplished all this without being able to read or write. They encouraged their children’s education—several of their children were sent to northern schools.

Bill’s entrepreneurial spirit was a legacy to his children. His daughter Marion graduated from Oberlin College and later taught there.

Two of Bill’s sons were blacksmiths. One worked as a mail carrier. Another daughter was a teacher. A third daughter worked as a milliner.

Bill’s spirit and hard work through many difficulties are an inspiration to this day.  

Sources

Hubbard, Rita Lorraine. Hammering For Freedom, Lee & Low Books Inc., 2018.

Lorraine, Rita. “The Entrepreneur Who Bought…Himself, Part I,”  The Black History Channel, 2025/10/26 https://theblackhistorychannel.com/2021/the-entrepreneur-who-boughthimself-part-i/.  

Lorraine, Rita. “The Entrepreneur Who Bought…Himself, Part II,”  The Black History Channel, 2025/10/26 https://theblackhistorychannel.com/2021/the-entrepreneur-who-boughthimself-part-ii/.  

Lorraine, Rita. “The Entrepreneur Who Bought…Himself, Part III,”  The Black History Channel, 2025/10/26   https://theblackhistorychannel.com/2021/the-entrepreneur-who-boughthimself-part-iii/.

Lorraine, Rita. “The Entrepreneur Who Bought…Himself, Part IV,”  The Black History Channel, 2025/10/26   https://theblackhistorychannel.com/2021/the-entrepreneur-who-boughthimself-part-iv/.

“William T. ‘Bill’ Lewis: Chattanooga’s Blacksmith,” National Park Service, 2025/10/26 https://www.nps.gov/chch/learn/news/lewisprogram2021.htm.

Wilson, John. “William Lewis, Blacksmith Who Bought His Family Out Of Slavery, Lived on the West Side,” Chattanoogan.com, May 25, 2022, 2025/10/26 https://www.chattanoogan.com/2022/5/25/441637/William-Lewis-Blacksmith-Who-Bought.aspx.

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Golden State Treasure, Book 2

Tilda Muirhead came to the Two Harts Ranch in the first book in this series, when she followed the MacKenzie brothers. The teenagers had been in pursuit of their grandfather’s buried treasure and still had found only a portion of it. Tilda’s love of history lands her a job at the California ranch’s orphanage. She’s spent most of her childhood as an orphan, and her deepest desire is to help them. She has never dreamed of marriage—Josh Hart might change her mind.

Josh is part-owner of the large ranch. He took the reins to run it while his brother, Zane, was away. Now that Zane is back, Josh’s struggles to find his way are thwarted by his feelings for Tilda.

When someone claiming to be her family member comes to the ranch, Tilda is fearful. Can she trust Josh to protect her?

Unexpected danger escalates in this historical romance. The story is told through multiple viewpoints, including through characters in the first book with unresolved issues. The author leaves us with reasons to anticipate the next book.

Readers see characters they’ve learned to love in an earlier series.

The author does a good job summarizing what the reader needs to know from earlier stories. Even so, the story builds as a saga. I believe that readers of the earlier series will receive a deeper impact from the stories.

This was a page-turner for me! I will look for more books by this author.

Amazon

I’m happy to welcome fellow author and friend, Susan G. Mathis, back to Historical Nibbles! Today, she is sharing about her newest release and a stew recipe just in time for the fall/winter season. Welcome back, Susan!

by Susan G Mathis

For thousands of Irish immigrants, and for many children of those families, tragedy came early, from disease, accidents, or poverty, leaving the children alone in cities like New York that could be both cruel and full of compassion. Out of this struggle grew the orphanages, institutions that housed destitute and abandoned children—many of them Irish. The Irish community built its own faith-based orphan asylums, places where children could grow up within their faith and culture. Girls were trained in sewing, cooking, and housekeeping—skills that would prepare them for domestic service in upper-class homes.

For many Irish girls, this was their only path to survival and respectability. They entered the Gilded Age world as maids, governesses, or kitchen staff—serving the very families whose wealth defined the era. Yet within that service, they carried the quiet pride and resilience of their heritage.

In the third book of my upcoming series, Fiona King never meant to step into her mother’s shoes—let alone fill them. She arrives at the grand Westminster Park Hotel on Wells Island carrying nothing but her late mother’s tarnished legacy and a box of handwritten Irish recipes, including her Gran’s Irish Beef Stew (below).

She’s given command of the kitchen—a position for the seasoned chef, not an insecure orphan. Overwhelmed by expectations and haunted by whispers of inadequacy, Fiona is desperate to prove herself worthy. But self-doubt is a ruthless enemy, and the pressures of perfection threaten to consume her. Then a surprise ally enters her world.

Irish Beef Stew

Ingredients

1 1/4 pounds well-marbled chuck beef stew meat, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks

4 cups of beef stock  

2 cups water

2 teaspoons salt

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

6 minced garlic cloves

1 cup Guinness

1 cup hearty red wine

2 tablespoons tomato ketsup

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 bay leaves

1 tablespoon dried thyme

2 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon of black pepper

2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 6 cups)

1 large onion, chopped

3 to 4 carrots cut into 1/2-inch pieces (2 cups)

Brown the beef: Sprinkle about a teaspoon of salt over the beef pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.Pat dry the beef with paper towels, add the beef and brown well on both sidesAdd garlic, beef stock, water, Guinness, red wine, tomato paste, sugar, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.Bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to the lowest setting, then cover and cook at a bare simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.Sauté the onions and carrots in melted the butterAdd the vegetables to the beef stew and simmer uncovered until vegetables and beef are very tender, about 40 minutes.Discard the bay leaves. Remove fat if needed.Serve hot.

About Irish Rose Orphans’ Christmas:

Get ready to fall in love with seven girls and their unforgettable stories! This heartwarming prequel sets the stage for the upcoming Irish Rose Orphans: A Thousand Islands Gilded Age Series, where seven spirited young women serve the islands’ elite!—author Donna Schlachter

Brooklyn, 1876
At the Irish Rose Orphan Asylum for Girls, seven young women are about to experience a Christmas that will change everything—their last one together before stepping into lives of service among strangers in the Gilded Age. United by trials and an unbreakable bond, they’ve pledged to remain “forever sisters.” But as the season of parting approaches, buried wounds rise to the surface.

Twin sisters Annie and Taryn remain divided by a silent rift. Fiona grapples with the ache of abandonment. Vivian hides her fear of being left behind beneath a cheerful façade. Cassie, ever the want-to-be teacher, tries to steady the group as Isabel and Gloria struggle with the agony of separation.

When Sister Rose invites the girls to prepare their hearts during Advent for a deeper calling, each young woman must face the truth of her past and the hope of her future. A final gift—tin lockets adorned with the Irish Rose—become tokens of hope, courage, and an everlasting sisterhood. This Christmas, seven orphans will discover that no matter where life leads them, love and faith will go with them.

Buy link: Amazon  

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has sixteen in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Peyton’s Promise, Rachel’s Reunion, Mary’s Moment, A Summer at Thousand Island House, Libby’s Lighthouse, Julia’s Joy, Emma’s Engagement, Madison’s Mission, and Irish Rose Orphans’ Christmas. She is also a winner of more than two dozen book awards, and she’s a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, a dozen stories in compilation books, and hundreds of published articles. Find out more at www.SusanGMathis.com.

November 2025 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Amish Romance:
A Daughter’s Choice by Kelly S. Irvin — Henrietta Miller loves animals—especially her goats. She wants to marry and have children someday, but right now her goal is to have her own business selling snacks made from goat’s milk and goat’s soaps. Against her the wishes of her father–who’s also the bishop—she applies for a job as a veterinary assistant to earn money. Then newcomer Nicholas Byler snatches the job out from under her—or so it seems to Hen. Now Nicholas is treating Hen’s beloved animals as if he knows more than her. Hen turns her frustrations toward expanding her business to include wool-producing goats, even while her aunt hatches matchmaking plans—with Nicholas Byler, no less. (Amish Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Biblical:
Loss and Loyalty – Moabites by Christine Dillon — What makes someone family—blood, love, or something more? Arielle believed she was an Israelite—until her brother confessed the truth: she was found as an infant on their doorstep in Moab. After tragedy strikes and the men of her household are snatched away, Arielle must leave the only land she’s ever known and any hope of finding her birth family to follow her adopted family to Bethlehem. (Biblical Fiction, Independently Published)

Contemporary Romance:
Clean Sweep by Julie Arduini — Sometimes the messiest moments lead to the most miraculous grace. A tender story of grace, second chances, and the kind of love that only grows when hearts surrender. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Royal Runaway’s Holiday by Mandy Boerma — Can the princess and the reporter overcome the ancient laws and royal protocol standing between them, or is heartbreak the only outcome? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

A Christmas in Shady Springs by Sarah Anne Crouch — Set in the heart of small-town Arkansas, A Christmas in Shady Springs is a sweet Christian romance about love that holds fast, plans that fall apart, and grace that shines even brighter when everything else goes wrong. (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)

Clearing the Cowboy’s Name by Elle E. Kay — Accused of stealing her first edition Austen. Guilty of stealing her heart. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Logan’s Legacy by Susan Anne Mason — He ran from commitment for years – until he met the one woman who made him want to stay. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

A Home for the Ranger by Audrey Wick — Texas park ranger Shane Hutton must choose his future: the opportunity he’s always wanted or the family he’s always needed. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Under the Mistletoe by Penny Zeller — A small-town adventure, unexpected romance, and Christmas cheer. He’s a nerdy tourist needing a vacation. She’s a bed and breakfast employee with a broken heart. Love is the last thing they expect to find this Christmas. (Contemporary Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

Crime Mystery:
Eight Days Anxious by Luana Ehrlich — When ex-con Jason Brennan takes a senator hostage, Mylas Grey has eight days to find Brennan’s missing wife and daughter. If Mylas fails, the senator will lose his life. But things are much more complicated than that. As the clock ticks down, Mylas must navigate his way through a maze of political ambition, moral corruption, and judicial misconduct, challenging his investigative skills and newfound faith, but ultimately drawing him closer to Whitney. (Crime/Mystery, Independently Published)

General Contemporary:
Nearly Beloved by Kendra Broekhuis — Dylan Turner’s quiet life unravels on the day of her dad’s funeral—when she finds out he’s not her biological father. Determined to uncover the truth, she embarks on a cross-country journey, confronting family secrets and her own identity. (General Contemporary from Waterbrook/Multnomah [Penguin Random House])

Every Captive Freed by B.D. Lawrence, Shannon McNear, and Angela D. Shelton — Three Novellas about human trafficking. This collection is one of three dealing with “brave” topics Christians often face in the world today. (General Contemporary [Novella Collection], Independently Published)

General Historical:
Even If I Perish by Terrie Todd — Music teacher Mary Cornish volunteers to escort a group of 15 girls from England to Canada as part of Britain’s World War II child evacuation program. All is well aboard the SS City of Benares until September 17, 1940. With a storm brewing in the North Atlantic, a German U-boat releases its torpedo and breaches the ship’s hull. Do the Nazis know ninety children are on board? Based on a miraculous true story of courage in the face of impossible odds. (Historical from Mountain Brook Ink)

Historical Romance:
No Plan At All by Denise M. Colby — Two strangers. One journey. A love neither expected. Sometimes the best life is the one we never planned. A tender tale of courage, redemption, and love strong enough to change the course of two hearts forever. (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)

To Reveal a Reckless Love by Robin Lee Hatcher — When love feels reckless, faith can lead the way. A story of second chances, steadfast love, and the courage to follow where God leads. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:
On the Edge of Trust by Patricia Bradley — Sometimes the closer you get to justice, the deadlier it becomes. (Romantic Suspense from Revell)

Midnight Masquerade by Elle E. Kay — Two federal agents with trust issues must infiltrate a charity masquerade ball to stop a human trafficking operation that funds terrorism. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Mac by Melanie D. Snitker — Fame has its price—and someone’s ready to collect. As danger closes in and secrets come to light, Mac must rely on every skill, instinct, and ounce of resolve he has to protect the woman he’s realizing he can’t live without. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Trail of Mountain Secrets by Darlene L. Turner — Park archaeologist Violet Hoyt’s wilderness search for a missing family’s remains takes a deadly turn when a gunman mistakes her for someone else. The discovery of a grave of skulls reopens a cold case, and someone is determined to keep the truth hidden. With the help of K-9 handler Maverick Shaw and his human-remains-detector dog, Wolf, Violet must find the final family member—and evade the masked man who has targeted her. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Speculative Fiction/Fantasy:
First Glow of Illumination by Demi Griffin — Every ending leads to a beginning. All hope seems lost when darkness pushes against the light and the Realms are in danger of being swallowed up by the Shadow Realm. Will the Realm Warriors and Realm Binders wake up from their cultural stupor to defend what has been given them? What will it take for them to recognize their King, trust in his plan, and crown him victorious in the end? (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy, Independently Published)

Young Adult:
The One You See by Melissa Knight — Seventeen-year-old Miranda’s world involves wealth and Paris vacations while Zac comes with a past she will never understand, yet in a single lapse of judgement their worlds collide, leading Miranda to faith in the God who truly sees her. (Young Adult, Independently Published)

 

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Christmas Rodeo Killer by Sami A. Abrams — To catch a murderer…he’ll make himself a target. (Romantic Suspense)

Wasted by Jerusha Agen — She always follows the rules. But what are the rules for murder? (Romantic Suspense)

A Riddle in the Lonesome October (A Rae Riley Mystery) by JPC Allen — How do you survive a season of fear? (Cozy Mystery)

Curveball on the Dance Floor by Karin Beery — Chris can handle a curveball at the diamond. Can she handle one on the dance floor? (Contemporary Romance)

The Accident by Kenneth Bliss — A psi EMT responds to an accident which he discovers an “impossible” psi child and the dark agent sent to recover him. (Speculative Fiction)

To Have and to Hold by Deb L. Brown — When life doesn’t go according to plan, perfectionist Amelia must trade control for faith—and find joy in the beautiful mess of becoming a mother. (General Contemporary)

Riches Beyond Measure by Mary Connealy — When they leave the ranch in search of stolen treasure, will the spark between them survive the perils ahead? (Western Romance)

My Heart’s for You by Jan Rae Johnson — Kaitlyn Monroe is driven by two desires—find a job and find a soul mate. (Contemporary Romance)

That Was Me by Rick Tester — When you look back on your life, realize it was God… then suddenly discover why. (Mystery)

Pretzels & Pirouettes: The Baby is the Gift by Lynn U. Watson — Meet Clara’s great-great-great-granddaughter, motorcycle-riding, ballet-dancing Lyydi Jager. She’ll pirouette straight into your heart, and you’ll ride right into this Christmas pageant at Our Savior Church. (Contemporary Romance)

I’m excited to announce a chance to win all these novels through Celebrate Lit’s Thankful for Our Readers Giveaway!

My book in the giveaway is A Not So Convenient Marriage, Second Chances, Book 1—and there are over 25 other books you could win!

We all wanted to take a minute to let you know how thankful we are for each one of you. To celebrate, I have partnered with Celebrate Lit for a giveaway just for you to build up your TBR pile.

Here is your chance to win over 25 ebooks and a $50 Amazon card to buy a ton of books for yourself in Celebrate Lit’s giveaway.

Going on now through November 16.

Click on the link to enter. Good luck!

https://promosimple.com/ps/3cdf3/2025-thankful-for-our-readers

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

As part of her grandfather’s dying wish, Amanda Cotton found a small Montana to hide away and write her mother’s life story. Her stepfather has raised her to trust no one. Still, she can’t understand why strangers are trying to kill her.

Boone McGregor witnesses an attack on Amanda and comes to her rescue. But he receives more danger than he bargained for when men start shooting at him too.

Danger escalates at every turn in this adventurous suspense. Wounded characters quickly drew me into their plight. I couldn’t put the book down.

This was a page-turner for me! I will look for more books by this author.

 Amazon

At their annual festival, the Faith & Fellowship Book Festival announced the Angel Book Award Winners for 2025!

Nonfiction

First place – Stitching Your Story Piece by Peace: A 13 Week Devotional Pursuing the Peace of God   by Naomi Fata

Second place – Reclaimed: A Course to Guide You Through Betrayal & Infidelity Trauma by Stephanie Broersma

Third place – 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus–A Devotional by Annie Yorty

Honorable Mention – A Trustworthy Anchor: God’s Hope & Encouragement in the Storms of Life     by Shirley Quiring Mozena

Children’s Ages 2 – 8

First place – When I Talk to God, I Talk about Feelings      

by Chrissy Metz & Bradley Collins, Illustrated by Lisa Fields

Second place – I Don’t Like Kindness (Picking the Fruit (of the Spirit)) Book #3  by Dawn Caldwell De Wulf, Illustrated by Jen Grafton

Third place – Phooey Kerflooey vs. The Fancy, Fancy Teacup: Phooey Tales, Spring #1  by Kristin Joy Wilks

Honorable Mention – Little Sprout Says Yes! by Jennifer E. Terrell, Illustrated by Lissette Blanco

Children’s Ages 8-12

First Place – Paws-itive Inspirations: 90 Devotions for Kids and Dog Lovers by Michelle Medlock Adams & Wendy Hinote Lanier, Illustrated by William H. Hinote

Second Place – Road Trip Redemption, Book 3 in Road Trip Rescue,   by Becca Wierwille    

Third Place – Disaster! Around the Bend by P. Lynn Halliday

Honorable Mention – Just a Piece of Stone    by Mary Ann Hake    

Young Adult  

First Place – The Revelation of Emery Audubon                                by Ann Roecker

Second Place – Ride a Summer Wind     by Ann Cavera

Third Place – The Painted Fairytale         by Lara d’Entremont, Illustrated by Ellie Tran       

Historical Fiction category

First place – What I Left For You, Echoes of the Past, Book 3

by Liz Tolsma

Second place – A Song of Deliverance, The Singing Silver Mine, Book 1       by Donna Wichelman

Third place – Whatever it Takes, A Split-Time Sisters in Arms Novel           by Sarah Hanks

Honorable Mention – Heidi’s Faith, Rugged Cross Ranch, Book 4                   by Jill Dewhurst

Mystery/Suspense

First place – Lethal Standoff       by DiAnn Mills

Second place – Death Under the Ice, Trouble in Pleasant Valley, Book 4                by Deborah Sprinkle

Third place – Waterfall, The Waterfall Mysteries                                                     by Linda K. Rodante

Honorable Mention – Inheritance, The Seekers Series, Book 2              by J.A. Webb

Contemporary

First place – New Creations                   by Sarah Hanks

Second place – Love’s True Measure, True Calling, Book 3

by Lori DeJong

Third place – Escape to Whispering Creek              

by Barbara M. Britton

Honorable Mention – Every Life Filled with Purpose, A Weldon Novel, Book 3       by Shelia Stovall

Honorable Mention – Take My Hand       by Ane Mulligan

Honorable Mention – Love’s True Home, True Calling, Book 2     by Lori DeJong

Speculative

First place – The Root of the Matter, The American Puritans, Book 1       by Lynne Basham Tagawa

Second place – Starry Starry Night, Time Passengers Novel             by D.K. Till

Third place – Bronze Circle         by Becky A. Little

Novella

First place – Jingle Bell Matchmakers, from A Match Made at Christmas       by Lori DeJong

Second place – Nazar’s Journey, Time Passengers Novel             by Paul T. Mascia

Third place – Heart of Honor, Hearts of the West, Book 3                         by Patience O’Brien

Congratulations to all!