On the Fence About You by Emily Conrad — If good fences make good neighbors, these former childhood sweethearts are doomed to stay enemies. Combat veteran Hale Bastian and veterinarian Morgan Reynolds were best friends in childhood, but since a falling out twenty years ago, they’ve become strangers to each other. So much so that they don’t realize Hale bought the house next door to Morgan upon his return to small-town Chimney Creek, Wisconsin. He recognizes his mistake—and her—as soon as his dog jumps her ridiculous little fence and absconds with her dinner. Morgan doesn’t recognize him as anything but an inconvenience. All but sworn enemies, they’d avoid each other if not for their devotion to the local animal shelter, where Morgan’s animal-loving aunt used to take them as children. If they hope to raise enough funds to save the shelter, the animals in its care, and her aunt’s legacy, Morgan and Hale will need to work together, and that means confronting their painful past. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

His Unexpected Joy by Elaine M Hunter — When Atlanta attorney Grant Edison returns to his hometown in coastal Georgia, he never expects to see ex-girlfriend Pier Parker. Now a devoted single mom to five-year old Olive, Pier is surprised that she and Grant are paired up to help plan the town’s Labor Day festival. As they spend time together, Grant grows more and more connected to her and her little girl. What began as a reluctant reunion may become the start of something lasting – as long as the secret Pier is keeping doesn’t get in the way… (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Rescuing the Hero by Dawn Kinzer — Sydney Swan’s dream goes up in flames when a devastating fire destroys her art gallery and studio. The fiercely independent artist is determined to rebuild Creative Express without relying on anyone, especially after past heartbreak taught her that accepting help may come at a cost. Firefighter Landon Price, Dogwood Creek’s golden boy, returns carrying the guilt of a tragedy he couldn’t prevent, desperate to prove he’s still worthy of the faith others place in him. With the gentle nudging of a wise and determined matchmaker, Sydney and Landon discover that healing often comes in unexpected ways—and that love may be waiting where they least expect it. But can Sydney find the courage to trust again? And will Landon realize that sometimes even heroes need rescuing? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Not Precisely Mr Knightley by Carolyn Miller — Emma-Jane (EJ) Bennett and Jordan Knight are longtime best friends who codesigned the immensely successful dating app, Dream Match. Success starts to go to EJ’s head when she gets caught up in the famous and money-hungry social circles and starts dating the son of a TV mogul. But Jordan’s feelings have grown from friendship to more. He determines to protect her by exposing Eric Churchill for the two-timer he is, finally agreeing to attend a function with her at the Sydney Opera House. But his best intentions go awry when EJ is embarrassed and runs for the security of home, small-town roots, and The Silver Teapot Café, feeling like Jane Austen’s chastised Emma—only without her Mr. Knightley. (Contemporary Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Blueprint for Love by Penny Zeller — He’s a grumpy contractor. She’s a bubbly interior designer. Will an unexpected alliance be the blueprint for love? Can a group of geriatric investigators, a series of competitions, and an old building in desperate need of an update be enough to draw these two opposites together? (Contemporary Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

Off the Beaten Path by Sara Davison, Stacy Monson, Eleanor Bertin, Deb Elkink, and Johnnie Alexander — If only the journey of life came with a compass . . . As the people in these stories struggle to find their way, they must navigate wedding plans overshadowed by family drama, witty banter culminating in a motorcycle ride through the mountains, a job loss that opens the door to a sweet future, language barriers complicating an emergency delivery, and a small-town festival tainted by betrayal. Off the Beaten Path is a collection of five short stories that sweep the reader off on tales of adventures. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Independently Published)

Home No Matter Where by Nancy Naigle — Nina is at her wit’s end with her teenage daughter, Kendra. Still dealing with her own wounds of divorce, Nina hopes a change of scenery will help. She and Kendra head to the serene coastal town of Whelk’s Island to spend a restorative summer with Nina’s mother, Rosemary—bringing three generations under one roof for the first time in years. Amid the island’s charm, old wounds begin to heal, and as new friendships bloom—especially with the steady and enigmatic Fisher—light begins to break through the cracks of Nina’s tightly controlled life. Kendra’s reckless behavior continues but Fisher’s intervention during a critical moment for Kendra sparks a sense of hope in Nina that she thought was lost. Still, change is never easy. As the women navigate the tides of forgiveness, growing up, and letting go, healing begins and new love brings surprises. While Whelk’s Island may not hold all the answers, it has a way of reminding people that moving forward doesn’t follow a set path—it requires the bravery to start anew. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction from Waterbrook/Multnomah [Penguin Random House])

Something I Haven’t Told You by Pearl Ada Pridham — Alison, now a happy mother of two, recalls her teen years when a mistake of love led to unfathomable distress. Faced with pregnancy at the age of fourteen, she deals with shame, her father’s rage, choices, and decisions that jerk her into adulthood. But, leaning into her faith, with her sister as her biggest supporter, along with her mother, friends, a counselor, and a school program for pregnant teens, she finds what is truly important in life to her and succeeds in fulfilling her dreams. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Independently Published)

The Schoolmarm and the Miner by Denise Farnsworth — Adelaide Duncan’s dream of teaching is within reach until her father’s drinking and gambling force her to start over. Taking a position in the rough-and-tumble gold rush town of Dahlonega, she’s determined to prove herself. But unruly students, strict rules against teachers courting, and her growing feelings for a certain widowed father threaten the independence she’s fought so hard to claim. Wade Coulter walked away from the law after he lost his wife and unborn son. Raising his daughter alone is safer than letting anyone else in. But Lotty’s beautiful new teacher makes him question everything. Just as he begins to trust again, a dangerous man from Wade’s past threatens both the women he loves. A gold strike on Wade’s property promises security…but also revives old dangers. Scarred by her father’s choices, Addie fears any man who might put selfish desires before love. As deadly threats close in and the past refuses to stay buried, Wade must prove he’s changed or risk losing his chance at happiness forever. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Dutch Dawn by Linda Shenton Matchett — Isak Westgard is only six missions short to be rotated stateside. Then the unthinkable happens, and he crashes in the occupied Netherlands where the chances of him making it back to England are slim to none. A beautiful and tough-as-nails resistance courier begs to differ and claims she hasn’t lost anyone yet. The problem is the longer they’re together, the less he wants to escape. Annaliese Claasen has escorted her fair share of refugees and downed Allied pilots to safety – too numerous to remember. Until now. There’s something different about the Norwegian-American lieutenant, and it’s more than his good looks. Can she get him out of the country before losing her heart? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Daughter of the Rebellion by Jamie Ogle — Rome, AD 403. As a loyal daughter of the Visigoth tribe, Adelgard followed her father to war, hoping to win back her family’s approval. But after a clash with the Roman army, Adel is captured and sold to a gladiator school. Now she is the most famous gladiatrix in Rome, determined to keep the fickle love of the crowd and never again rely on anyone but herself for her own security. But beneath the fame lies a darkness and pain that holds her captive. Felix despises Rome’s fascination with violence. But after returning from medical training to discover his father missing and his family desperate, he had little choice but to accept a position at the gladiator school managed by his uncle. He finds a kindred spirit in Adel and does what he can to preserve the humanity of the rebel fighters, but when he receives orders that further compromise his beliefs, he arrives at a crossroads. Then Telemachus, a Christian leader, approaches Felix with an urgent message: if the Visigoth captives are not released, their army will invade Rome. Despite the risk, the emperor is bent on proving his power through a stunning, deadly day of gladiatorial games. As Telemachus seeks to save the Visigoth fighters, Felix and Adel join forces in a desperate rebellion that may define not only their own lives but also the course of history. (Historical Romance from Tyndale House)

Della’s Song by Donna Jo Stone — North Louisiana 1934 – In the wake of a devastating train accident, Della Swan’s world is shattered. Her father and brother are forever changed, and the Swan Family Gospel Singers have no choice but to depend on the charity of formidable Aunt Leticia, proprietor of the Hotel Fairwood. Of Della’s six brothers, only two remain with her at the hotel: Quiet Max, the youngest, and Frank, the pianist who lost his arm—and his heart for music. The rest are sent away to school or work. Aunt Leticia believes the children must learn to make their way in the world, effectively banishing them. During Father’s recovery, the repercussions of his head injury make one thing clear. Life as the Swans knew it, traveling the south and sharing gospel music, may never return. Yet Della clings to the belief that God isn’t finished with her family or their calling and sets a plan in motion to bring them together again. When she develops an unexpected bond with Clayton Miller, the hotel’s reserved, long-time employee, his steady presence reminds her there is often more to people—and situations—than meets the eye. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Vinny by MaryAnn Diorio — Vinny Morello is on track for a promising career in the fine arts. But when tragedy suddenly hurls him headlong into a life-altering crisis, he faces a frightening fork in the road. Which one will he take? The road that leads to life or the road that leads to death? (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

The Escape Game by Gina Holder — Twenty years ago, the world’s leading enigmatologist disappeared, leaving behind a cipher no one could solve… not without his journal. Puzzle shop owner Demi Kayne has spent twenty years hoping her father would return home. When she discovers his hidden journal tucked inside the walls of her family home, she finally uncovers the clue she’s been waiting for—but it leads somewhere far more dangerous than she imagined. Liam Shepherd, a missionary and escape-room enthusiast, is searching for answers of his own. His sister has vanished without a trace, and the trail of clues leads him straight to Demi—and the secrets hidden in her father’s journal. Their search brings them to the eerie Ives Mansion, where its brilliant and reclusive owner has designed a deadly challenge. Once inside, Demi and Liam realize they’re no longer guests. They’re players. Trapped inside a twisted real-life mystery game based on a stolen puzzle design, they must solve a series of lethal riddles before time runs out. (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press)

Survival in the Mountains by Carrie Stuart Parks — Rescuing a woman from a burning car crash near his mountain cabin immerses undercover Fish and Game officer Joshua McGregor in a dangerous plot. But all Bethany can remember is being deliberately run off the road. Soon killers are hunting both of them through the unforgiving Idaho wilderness, and the discovery that Bethany’s identity has been erased has them grasping for answers. Now they must avoid treacherous traps and unexpected enemies…while trying to trust each other. But when the truth about Bethany’s past proves even more dangerous than they imagined, can she and Joshua protect innocent lives—and save their own? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Alaskan Abduction Target by Megan Short — When Phoebe Tait suspects her husband’s death was no accident, she heads to Alaska searching for answers—only for her young son to narrowly escape a kidnapping. Officer Jock O’Halloran intervenes just in time, but it soon becomes clear that Phoebe’s investigation has made them a target. Now, with danger closing in, Jock must protect Phoebe and her son while they race to uncover a deadly truth. But can he keep them safe from a threat that will stop at nothing to bury the past—no matter the cost?(Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])

Scent of Peril by Darlene L Turner — Dispatched with her K-9 partner, Shadow, to locate an abducted boy, Constable Taylor Grant finds herself ambushed in the wilderness along with Wyatt Hoyt, the child’s father. As Taylor and Wyatt relentlessly pursue the kidnappers and follow the little boy’s cryptic clues through treacherous terrain, they face persistent attacks and lethal traps. Each step closer to rescuing young Levi uncovers a deadly conspiracy tied to Wyatt’s past and a weapons-smuggling ring. With time running out, can they outwit a ruthless mastermind to save Levi before it’s too late? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

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

Stronger Than Shifting Sands by Barbara Blythe — A new job. A promotion denied. And a hurricane threatening the tracks and their attraction. (Historical Romance)

The Sugarplum Inn by Jenna Hendricks — Because sometimes, the greatest Christmas gift is a second chance at love. (Contemporary Romance)

Keeper of My Heart by Heidi Gray McGill — What happens when the very traits that kept you alive are the ones God asks you to lay down? (Historical Romance)

Weighing a Miracle by Steven A Nimocks — What do you do when the world you trusted no longer adds up? (General Historical)

Perplexity by Chawna Schroeder — As old rivalries escalate and hidden threats emerge, both Xander and Yosi must choose their paths wisely, before evil eliminates everyone in its way. (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy)

Awakening the Light by Natasha Woodcraft — Will Shay embrace the light, or lose everyone he loves to the shadows? (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy)

The One-Dollar Violin

The Story Behind the Story of Vinny, the Traveling Violin

A violin can hold more than music. It can hold memories and the voices of people who are no longer here. In our family, a violin has traveled from state to state, through nearly a century of history, carrying with it a story that began during the Great Depression and continues today.

My grandfather, Taras Troyan, bought the violin for one dollar from an alcoholic musician down on his luck on the streets of San Francisco almost a hundred years ago. For only a buck, it was a small purchase at a difficult time, but it became one of the most meaningful bargains in our family’s history. What may have looked like a simple transaction was really the beginning of a legacy.

Grandpa Taras passed the violin to his son Walter, who poured his soul into that violin, rising to concertmaster of Santa Rosa High School. Then, like so many young men of his generation, Walter dropped out of high school to serve in World War II, placing patriotism and duty above personal ambition during a time when American students and families were deeply shaped by the global war.

When the war ended, Walter married, returned to family life, and kept the music alive in Indiana by playing the violin for his four daughters. As he did, the instrument became more than a possession. It became a bridge between the life he left behind and the one he built afterward. Music remained a part of his home, not just a memory of his youth.

Years later, Walter passed the violin to me, his third daughter. I played it in my Indianapolis high school orchestra and later in a community orchestra, continuing the tradition in my own generation. I carried my father’s love of music forward as the keeper of the flame.

Eventually, I passed the violin to my daughter, Elizabeth, who played in the Colorado Springs Youth Symphany. The violin moved from a family keepsake into a living instrument once again, still making its way through rehearsals, performances, and the ordinary work of musicianship.

This beautiful violin’s journey exemplifies how one object can gather meaning over time where it has been loved and played by family members across generations. Today, the violin’s varnish still shines, and it’s a family treasure. Its value is not measured by what it cost, but by what it has witnessed—depression-era hardship, wartime sacrifice, postwar devotion, and the steady inheritance of music from parent to child. Nearly one hundred years later, it still sings with the history of our family. That crumpled dollar bill bought a century of family music.

I’ve often thought about the nameless poor man who first sold the violin to my grandfather. He could never have imagined how his violin would weave melodies through four generations of family members and still counting.

To preserve our family story, I wrote a children’s picture book, Vinny, the Traveling Violin, a first-place BookFest Award winner. Dedicated to my Grandpa Taras, this fun tale of music, love, and connection resonates with readers of all ages.

Becky Van Vleet is a retired teacher and principal turned award-winning multi-genre author. Her books are the recipients of the BookFest, Purple Dragonfly, Excellence in Editing, Christlit, and Angel Book awards. A contributing writer to Guideposts, The Country Register, Inkspirations Online, and other publications, Becky brings both heart and history to her work. When she isn’t writing, Becky enjoys speaking to school groups and senior centers about the Greatest Generation’s values, reminding audiences that stories—especially family stories—are one of the greatest gifts we can share. Through her website and monthly blog, she dedicates herself to helping families preserve their memories and celebrate the ties that bind past to present, one story at a time.

Links to connect with Becky:

Website: https://www.beckyvanvleet.com

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/becky-van-vleet

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-van-vleet-0388982a6/

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

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

Amazon Central Author Page: https://amzn.to/3INHIPB 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/125841473-becky-van-vleet

If you want a touching story of love, the heartache of loss, yet the positive aspect found in eternal hope, then this is that story. Losing the love of your life after sixty-three years of a happy marriage is devastating. However, as the caregiver to his wife Rita, who suffered nearly 18 years with Parkinson’s, John reflects on the privilege it was to love and care for her. Grief is real and painful, but happy memories are forever. This is their story – a story of just two ordinary people who trusted God and were not disappointed.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING…

“A Kaleidoscope of Life is a tender and courageous book. John writes with unflinching honesty about love, loss, and the long journey of caregiving. His words carry the authenticity of a man who has lived what he describes—sixty-three years of marriage, the long shadow of Parkinson’s, and the valley of grief…”
Dr. Ron Unruh. Author and Artist.

“John Murray shows us what true love is all about…. He is a great storyteller. I value John’s writing gift, his honesty and faithfulness. I commend this book to anyone who is bereaved and wants to experience hope in their grieving…”
Rev. Ed. Hird. Author and Conference Speaker.

“A Kaleidoscope of Life offers a deeply personal glimpse into the shattering finality of death. It tells the moving story of John Murray’s struggle to cope with the loss of Rita, his wife of 63 years. John reflects on a journey of steadfast love made even more profound by the many years he spent as Rita’s primary caregiver during her 18-year debilitating battle with Parkinson’s…”
David Daniels, Freelance Writer & Reviewer

“A Kaleidoscope of Life is a compelling story which genuinely captures the entire spectrum of the realities and emotions of life. Both the good and the hard times are openly shared without downplaying the significance of each respective situation…”
Dr. Norman W. Ickert

“In the midst of the pain of losing one’s Life Partner for whom you have been a full time Caregiver; how do you find new meaning and purpose in life? John shares his journey with Rita, from the caregiving years to her last moments, and the enduring love they shared…”
Deborah Harrison, MSW (Retired)

Julie’s Review

Four years ago, I reviewed John Murray’s book It’s All About Love, his honest account of caregiving for his wife, Rita, as she lived with Parkinson’s. Rita passed away last June, and now John has opened the door even wider. In his new release, A Kaleidoscope of Life: A True Story of Love, Loss, and Eternal Hope, he reflects on their marriage, their journey with disability, and the sacred terrain of grief.

As I read, I found myself pausing often, closing the book just to sit with the moment. The experience felt almost sacred. And more than once, a comment I saw on TikTok echoed in my mind: “We made the right person famous.”

John and Rita Murray were not celebrities. They weren’t wealthy or influential in the worldly sense. But Kaleidoscope of Life is a gift—one that honors Rita beautifully and, perhaps unintentionally, reveals John as a master teacher. His lessons come through story, humility, and a life lived faithfully.

This book should be required reading in high school, then again in college, and again in pre‑marital counseling. It is the marriage covenant lived out in real time. John and Rita embodied the promise we make when we say “I do.”

Til death.

For that, I pray this book goes far and wide and makes them “famous.”

John shares stories from their early years, their parenting, and the eighteen years Rita lived with Parkinson’s. Then he gives even more of himself by inviting readers into life after her passing, including the tender letters he wrote to her in the months that followed. Every word is raw, honest, and crafted with a depth that feels like art.

When I finished, I cried. I’m not an overly emotional person, if anything, I get teased for being an “emotional robot.” But their love story, and John’s transition into this new season, moved me deeply. At 86, he is humble, wise, and someone we would all do well to listen to.

The book isn’t long, but it is beautiful. It’s one you’ll want to take slowly.

And then, in honor of John and in memory of Rita, live a life that honors God and embraces each day you’re given.

I highly, highly recommend A Kaleidoscope of Life.