Pamela S Thibodeaux Blog

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Christine Bailey & 2 of her Aly the Alligator Books!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Good Morning and Welcome Back to another edition of Saturday Spotlight.

Last week I mentioned being in NY. I returned exhaused but happy and will share posts from my trip on Bathroom Blues travel blog over the next few weeks, but today, PLEASE welcome local author and friend, Christine Bailey as she shares with us 2 of her Aly the Gator books!

Welcome, Christine. Please tell us more about these books...

THANKS, Pam. Here is the full scoop...

Aly the Alligator first came to life in 2002 as Christine softly sang to her baby. The sweet little character stayed tucked away in her heart for more than two decades. Then, 23 years later, while praying and asking God to give her a dream, Aly came swimming back into her imagination—and the Aly the Alligator book series was born.

Illustrated y Erika Hollier and created for children ages 2-6, the Aly the Alligator series uses engaging stories, lovable characters, and gentle lessons to help young readers develop timeless values such as Smiling, Loving, Helping and Sharing.

Christine's hope is that every child who opens an Aly the Alligator book will not only enjoy the adventure but also discover the joy of being a good person, one story at a time. Whether it’s bedtime, story time or cuddle time, Aly's adventures create meaningful moments for families while helping little hearts grow in character.

Join Aly and her 3 best friends as they discover that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Aly the Alligator Smiles is my first.

Blurb: Aly the Alligator is always looking at the bright side of life. Aly wants to make her family and her friends happy and believes that a SMILE can do that!

2nd in the series is Aly the Alligator LOVES...

The beloved Aly the Alligator is back for her second adventure! This time she explores the neighborhood park with her family and friends.

Aly learns that LOVE is always near, everywhere she goes.

You can purchase books at christinejoybooks@yahoo.com, at Christine Bailey State Farm agency in Moss Bluff and Lake Charles, Bux Kajun Korner in downtown Lake Charles, Wise Publications in Sulphur, Mia's in the Mall, Sway Boutique in Moss Bluff, The Children's Museum on the lake front and at The Charmed Page Book Store in Lake Charles.

BIO: The Aly the Alligator series is Christine's first literary project. She is married, has 3 children and is a local business woman. This has been an exciting project using the creative side of her brain instead of the business side.

Thank you SO much Christine!

If you have children and/or grandchildren, I hope you'll get Christine's Aly the Alligator books for them, Friends.

Books 3 and 4 will be spotlighted next month so be sure to check back weekly for more great authors and books on Saturday Spoltight!

Until next time, take care, God Bless and Read Happy.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Nathaniel and Sophia Hawthorne: Our Destined Bond by Diana Rubino!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Good Morning from New York!

My friend Nona and I flew up on Tuesday and we have a fun-filled day with Penny & Keuka Roots™ so I'm going to turn the blog over to Diana - who has visited numerous times before. Take it away, Diana and tell us all about your new release, Nathaniel and Sophia Hawthorne: Our Destined Bond...

Thanks, Pam, I'm happy to share my new book with your viewers!

Nathaniel and Sophia Hawthorne called themselves Adam and Eve as he suffered the shame of his family’s connection to the Salem Witch Trials.

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s courtship of Sophia Peabody lasted for three years, because he insisted on keeping it secret. He had his reasons, none of which Sophia agreed with.

After Nathaniel met Sophia Peabody, an artist in her own right, she changed his life forever. Sparks flew. Knowing the shame and guilt of the past that haunted him, she made it her quest to save him.

Even though they faced many complications from both sides of their families, Sophia and Nathaniel triumphed - and triumphed well.

Diana Rubino's NATHANIEL AND SOPHIA HAWTHORNE: OUR DESTINED BOND is an intimate look into Sophia and Nathaniel Hawthorne's love story.

Why I wrote Nathaniel and Sophia Hawthorne: Our Destined Bond...

I live near Salem and have been to all the Hawthorne landmarks there, and in Concord. The House of the Seven Gables has been my favorite house in the world since I'm a kid. I've always felt a strong spiritual connection to Salem, and always wanted to write one of my books set there, including the witch trials. I read several of his books and stories, to get a better background on him. Nathaniel wrote from the heart, about his true beliefs, and his loathing of how the witch victims were treated. He did consider it disgraceful, and it certainly was. He added the 'w' to his last name to distance himself from the judge. That tormented him and his family all his life. It must have been cathartic to him to have his writing as his outlet.

I was fortunate to get a private tour of the House of the Seven Gables when I was writing the book; two of the guides, Ryan Conary and David Moffat, showed me around, and it was fabulous.

An excerpt from NATHANIEL AND SOPHIA HAWTHORNE (their visit to his cousin Susan Ingersoll at The House of the Seven Gables):

I went over to a curio cabinet and swept my eyes over the items on the shelves—a china doll wearing a calico dress, a stack of gold cups and saucers, a red and blue glass checkerboard propped up to display its surface…and a wooden hammer on the top shelf. Upon closer inspection, I saw it was a gavel that judges use in trials. Out of curiosity I picked it up and a shock ran through me as if electrified. Dear God, was it that gavel?

I dropped it to the rug. It landed with a thump. I bent to retrieve it. Somehow I knew it wouldn’t shock me this time—that was only an initial warning. “Something about it made me want to touch it, to pick it up and hold it.”

Nathaniel approached me. He stared at the gavel in my hand, horror darkening his eyes. His lips parted but no words emerged. I knew what he was thinking—the curse. He turned to his cousin, pointing at the gavel, his arm trembling.

Susan hurried over to us, took it from me and placed it back on the shelf. “Yes, it’s Judge Hathorne’s. What happened, Sophie? Are you all right?”

I looked down at my open hands, palms up. They burned as if I’d touched a hot poker. “That gavel—it carries something evil. Has anything happened to you with this, Susie?”

Nathaniel backed away and before Susan could answer me, he grasped her arm. “I begged you to get rid of that accursed thing! You know it shouldn’t be here!”

She looked from him to me, heaving a deep sigh. “I’m not inclined to dispose of it, Natty. It’s a family heirloom, notwithstanding its past.”

He gripped the chair, his face drained of color. “It’s downright evil. You know what he used that thing for.”

She held her hands up in surrender. “Very well, I’ll conceal it.” She took it off the shelf and slid it behind the checkerboard.

“That should not be in this house!” He stood his ground, his eyes fixed on the checkerboard as if it would melt in such close proximity to that horrid object.

“It’s fine there, Natty. It’s concealed from sight now.” She looked at me and gestured for me to sit again. I sat and gulped my sherry.

“Nathaniel’s always overcome with distress at the witch trials.” Susan explained what I already knew.

“And so should you be,” he cut in.

“If I must speak for Judge Hathorne, I heard stories of him from my grandfather.” Susan looked from Nathaniel to me. “The whole hysteria that caught up the judge was started by unscrupulous men to further their own riches. But spectral evidence was still admissible. No sane person could believe that blithery.”

My passion for history and travel has taken me to every locale of my books and short stories, set in Medieval and Renaissance England, Paris, Egypt, the Mediterranean, colonial Virginia, New England, Washington D.C., Tombstone, Arizona, San Diego, California and New York. My urban fantasy romance, FAKIN’ IT, won a Top Pick award from Romantic Times. I’m a member of the Richard III Society and the Aaron Burr Association. My husband Chris and I own CostPro, an engineering firm based in Boston. In my spare time, I bicycle, golf, play my piano, devour books of any genre, and spend as much time as possible living the dream on my beloved Cape Cod.

Connect with me through my Website and/or Blog, Facebook and X.

Read more about Nathaniel and Sophia's story HERE and HERE.

Check out my previous visits to Pam's blog HERE.

Get your copy of Nathaniel and Sophia Hawthorne at Amazon and Other Online Retailers.

THANKS, Diana! We wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with this and your other books.

Hope you enjoyed Diana's post today, Friends and that you'll check back every week for another episode of Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care and God bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Steve Osborne, Phd & Beyond Chance From the Big Bang to the Empty Tomb

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Good Morning and Welcome back to Saturday Spotlight,

Lot's going on this weekend. I'm packing to go to upstate New York (Finger Lakes Region) the 27th - Aug. 6th. I've got a housewarming party this afternoon and a memorial service tomorrow afternoon. So, I'm not going to lollygag around anymore but turn the blog over to Dr. Osborne and let him share his book with you...

Thanks, Pamela.

Find the answers in Beyond Chance

Where did the universe come from?

How did life begin?

What makes humans so different?

What explains the empty tomb?

From the birth of the universe to the rise of life, from the mystery of human uniqueness to the empty tomb of Jesus, the evidence tells a story—one that challenges the idea that everything we see is the result of blind chance and instead reveals the radiant majesty of its Creator.

In Beyond Chance, scientist and former atheist Steve R. Osborne, PhD, invites readers to examine the clues woven into the fabric of reality itself. Why did the universe begin at all? Why are the laws of physics so precisely tuned for life? How did the first living cell arise with astonishing complexity already in place? And why does the historical evidence for Jesus’ resurrection refuse to fade?

Rather than asking readers to abandon science, Beyond Chance follows the evidence. Drawing from modern cosmology, molecular biology, human origins, and historical analysis, Osborne presents a clear and accessible case that design—not unguided nature—offers the best explanation for life, humanity, reason, and meaning. Science does not erase God—it reveals Him.

Written for thoughtful skeptics, curious believers, and anyone asking life’s biggest questions, Beyond Chance challenges a culture told the universe is silent. It argues instead that the cosmos is speaking—and that its message points beyond chance to purpose.

EXCERPT: The Universe: A Beginning and a Mind

Our journey began with the universe itself. Modern cosmology has revealed that the cosmos had a definite beginning a moment when space, matter, energy, and even the laws of physics themselves came into existence. The Big Bang was not chaos but the birth of order, governed by finely tuned constants so precise that even minute variations would make life impossible.

Gravity, electromagnetism, and nuclear forces are balanced as though calibrated by an intelligent hand.

The universe behaves like a system built for life, not an accident of physics.

Natural explanations stop short. The universe cannot explain its own origin, nor can nothing produce something. The evidence points beyond space and time to a transcendent cause a powerful, purposeful, and personal Creator. Genesis states it plainly: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

The heavens, vast and orderly, reveal not only God’s existence but His glory. The beauty and mathematical precision of the cosmos are not random they are expressions of divine craftsmanship.

Why I Wrote Beyond Chance: When I was challenged to examine the evidence for Christianity, I was stunned.

I didn't grow up doubting God—I grew up not thinking about Him at all. For three decades, I had dismissed Christianity without truly examining it. When someone finally challenged me to look at the actual evidence—not the caricatures I'd constructed in my mind—everything shifted.

I discovered that my arguments against God were built on false assumptions. I had believed that:

-Faith requires checking your brain at the door (It doesn't)

-Science has disproven God (It hasn't)

-Evolution explains everything (It can't)

-The resurrection is a fairy tale (The evidence says otherwise)

Part of my journey to faith was learning that true faith is not the absence of evidence but the courage to follow it to its ultimate conclusion.

When we do, we discover that reason and revelation are not enemies but companions, pointing to the same truth—that we are the work of an intelligent and loving Creator.

Writing “Beyond Chance: From the Big Bang to the Empty Tomb,” has been more than an exploration of science. It has been a journey of faith, reason, and wonder.

My goal was not merely to argue that God exists, but to show that the world itself bears witness to His presence. The evidence for design, purpose, and intelligence surrounds us—from the birth of the cosmos to the intricacies of DNA, from the emergence of humankind to the resurrection of Christ.

The deeper I investigated science, the more I saw the face of God behind it.

Sharing that passion—especially with Christians who are intimidated by science—is part of the driving force behind the book.

Steve Osborne, PhD, is an experimental psychologist who has published peer-reviewed research. Once a skeptic himself, he began a personal and intellectual journey that led him to embrace Christianity as both rational and true. He served as a grant reviewer for the National Science Foundation and a guest reviewer for two peer-reviewed scientific journals. He received his PhD in Experimental Psychology from Arizona State University and his undergraduate degree from UC San Diego, where he graduated with highest honors. His book, “Beyond Chance: From the Big Bang to the Empty Tomb,” integrates discoveries in cosmology, biology, and archaeology with biblical theology. He lives in Northern California and continues to write, teach, and speak on issues of faith and reason. Find out more by visiting his Website.

Get your copy of Beyond Chance at Amazon. Read a Q&A with me HERE.

Thanks Again, Pamela. I hope your readers enjoyed finding out about Beyond Chance and will enjoy the book.

I'm sure they will, Dr. Osborne. We appreciate you sharing with us today and wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with this and all your other works!

THANKS to YOU, Friends for visiting Saturday Spotlight again. I pray you'll continue to drop by weekly for another great author and book.

Until next time take care, God bless and Happy Reading,

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Jenelle Hovde & The Light of the Stars!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Good Morning and Welcome to another edition of Saturday Spotlight,

Back in March I introduced you to Jenelle Hovde and I am so pleased to have her back in the spotlight with her brand new release, The Light of the Stars.

Thanks for joining us again, Jenelle! Please tell us why you wrote this particular book.

Thanks for having me back, Pam. I appreciate the opportunity to tell your viewership about my new release.

I wrote The Light of Stars after learning about Katherine “Kitty” Kirkpatrick, a real girl of British and Indian heritage who was taken from her mother in Hyderabad under East India Company policies and carried to England to be raised as a British gentleman’s daughter. Her story opened my eyes to how Company rules—and the choices of British fathers and guardians—could tear families apart, especially when children of mixed heritage were removed from their Indian mothers, given new names, and brought up with little knowledge of their first home. The real Kitty never saw her mother again and was never allowed to return to India. I wanted to explore the human cost of those decisions through the lens of an arranged marriage: a woman searching for the mother she lost and a man tied to the very institution that helped take her away. By placing my characters, Katherine Grenville and Sebastian Sinclair at the crossroads of love, duty, and faith, I hoped to shed light on the real families who endured such hardships and to offer a story where courage, forgiveness, and God’s guiding hand bring healing even in the most complicated circumstances.

What a wonderful concept! Give us more please...

Sure...

An arranged marriage. A powerful company tainted with corruption. Two souls caught between obligation and a longing to find their true calling in this Regency romance set in glittering London ballrooms and Calcutta street markets.

When Kitty Grenville’s grandfather announces her engagement to Sebastian Sinclair, she’s appalled. She barely remembers the boy she met once as a child―and now he’s a man tied to the East India Company, the very organization that tore Kitty and her brother from their mother and home in Hyderabad years ago. Unwilling to relinquish her dream of a love match or her passion for astronomy, Kitty is determined to refuse the marriage and find freedom in her own way.

Sebastian Sinclair carries the weight of duty and regret. To atone for past sins, he complies with his grandfather’s orders to return to England, fulfill a long-standing betrothal, and defend the maligned East India Company before Parliament. Though Kitty makes her disinterest clear, Sebastian is drawn to her intellect and spirit.

As Kitty navigates her first London season, her opinion of Sebastian begins to shift, especially when he shields her from scandal. When he’s abruptly called back to India, Kitty stuns everyone by marrying him and going with him, hoping to escape her grandfather’s control―and to find her mother.

But the challenges that await in India are greater than imagined. Together, Kitty and Sebastian must confront the legacy of family and empire―and discover if a marriage born of obligation can grow into a love strong enough to endure.

Enjoy this Excerpt...

Torchlight flickered across the marble arches and carved lattice screens, sending shadows skittering along the palace courtyard. I clutched Ghulam's hand so tightly my nails must have bitten into his skin, but my older brother did not flinch. His other arm wrapped around my sleeve, tugging me close to the shelter of the wall, as if he alone could drag me out of the open expanse and back into the safety of the harem. Somewhere beyond the colonnade, voices shouted, sharp and urgent.

"Stay with me, Noor," Ghulam whispered as a clash of boots echoed against the pavement.

Britishsoldiers and sepoys burst through the arched gateway, red coats blazing in the torchlight.

Perfect! Now tell us more about yourself...

Of course! Here is my "official" bio...

Jenelle Hovde writes regency romance, cozy mysteries, and Biblical era fiction. She especially loves antique stores and vintage books. Often found writing at the Florida beach, she navigates homeschooling with her family and manages two saucy cats who insist on interrupting her creative endeavors.

Stay updated with her latest works and musings by subscribing to her newsletter at jenellehovdeauthor.com.

The Light of the Stars can be found at Amazon in eBook, paperback, hardcover and audio book as well as wherever you get your favorite books.

Thanks, Jenelle! We appreciate your taking the time to drop by to our blog and wish you the best of luck and God's blessings on your endeavors.

Hope you enjoyed Jenelle's visit as much as I did, Friends and that you'll check back each week for another episode of Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care and God Bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on April Paige & April Paige Fine Art!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 05:25:00 +0000

Good Morning and Welcome to Another Edition of Saturday Spotlight!

It's been one of those weeks where the to-do list multiplies faster than I can cross things off, so I'm grateful to hand the blog over to someone whose work reminds me to slow down and actually feel something.

Today's spotlight is on April Paige of April Paige Fine Art — a painter, brand builder, and the host of a YouTube/Apple/Spotify show where she talks to creatives about creativity, 'Artist Antics with April'.

I had the joy of sitting down with her on the show, and it was a conversation I'm still thinking about. We are spiritual sisters. Take it away, April...

Thanks, Pam!

Where it started for me

I spent years in corporate marketing, boardrooms, brand decks, campaigns for companies most people would recognize. It was good work. But somewhere along the way, I realized I was building everyone else's vision and none of my own. Painting has always been that quite voice inside me wanting to be heard but no time to accomplish it.

My work as April Paige Fine Art lives at the intersection of two things people don't usually put in the same sentence: spiritual depth and sharp strategy. I paint in oil and acrylic, and every piece is less decoration and more frequency, an attempt to hold something true long enough for someone else to feel it too.

The shop: originals, prints, and design

The originals are where the heartbeat lives. Each one starts as a feeling and the canvas is where I go to express it. They range in price, but most fall between $800 and $2,500. They are accessible enough to bring home, but never treated as disposable.

For people who fall for a piece but want something more attainable, or for designers and stagers furnishing a space, I also offer prints. Same image, same intention, just a different way in.

And then there's the design side, which is newer but close to my heart. I've been building out trade-friendly offerings for interior designers, realtors, and home stagers because art shouldn't be the last thing someone thinks about when they're creating a space. It should be the thing the whole room is built around.

You can find all of it at AprilPaigeFineArt.com, and through Saatchi Art.

Artist Antics with April

If the shop is where the work lives, the show is where the why lives. 'Artist Antics with April' is my YouTube channel and podcast where I sit down with working creatives across every discipline and ask them the questions I'm always asking myself: Where does the work actually come from? What does it cost to make it? What is the process of making it and how has it changed over time? What happens when you stop performing creativity and start telling the truth about it?

Having Pam on the show was one of those conversations that reminded me why I started this in the first place. We talked about story, about faith woven into fiction, about what it means to write, or paint, from a place that's honest rather than tidy. That's the thread running through every episode: creativity as something lived, not just produced.

Whether you find me through a painting, a print, or a conversation on the show, I hope what you walk away with is the same thing, a little more permission to make the thing that's actually yours to make. No matter if you are the only one seeing it. It's important to express it.

You can find me at AprilPaigeFineArt.com, and catch 'Artist Antics with April' on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify Be sure to connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok and LinkedIn. but most of all...

KEEP CREATING,

April!

Thank You, SO Much April for joining us today. We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings on your endeavors.

I hope you've enjoyed April's visit as much as I have, Friends. I'll let you know when my conversation with her airs. Meanwhile I hope you'll check back next - and every - week for another episode of Saturday Spoltight.

Until next time, take care, God bless and, whether through Books, Art or Dance... Express Yourself!

PamT

Happy Independence Day, America!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 11:14:05 +0000

Good Morning Friends,

My Saturday Spotlight guest was unable to visit today so, as it is a National Holiday for us here in America, I'm taking the day to wish everyone a Blessed, Safe and HAPPY July 4th!

And...

To wish blessings upon this country and the world.

If you're a meditating person like I am, here are 2 wonderful compositions by my favorite meditation guru, Dr. Joe Dispenza...

AND

I have both of these and practice the first one, Global Heart Meditation which takes only a few minutes to complete but is really beautiful.

That's all for now. Drop by next week when I'll be spotlighting an ARTIST instead of an author.

Looking forward to seeing you then!

Meanwhile, if you're looking for a sweet romance to enjoy on this holiday weekend, check out....

Detained for Love part of A Hint of Holiday Romance short story collection...

On SALE through July through Smashwords, D2D & Amazon!

Until next time, take care, God Bless and Be Safe in your celebrations.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Nikki & Nisa's Travel Adventures by Dr. Nicole J. Moncrief

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Good Morning and Welcome to the LAST Saturday Spotlight of June 2026!

Whew... The year is half over. Can you believe it? I guess it is true that time flies when you're having fun because I'm having a blast! Reminds me of the old Milwaukee beer commercial where folks are sitting around a campfire and someone says, "It just can't get no better than this."

I know, I'm aging myself but hey, age is just a number. Enough babbling though. Let's get on with our spotlight.

Today's guest is brand new to this blog so please welcome Dr. Nicole J. Moncrief with her beautiful children's book, Nikki & Nisa's Travel Adventures!

Thanks for joining us, Dr. Moncrief. Please tell us why you wrote this book and what makes it special to you.

My pleasure, Pam, and Thank YOU for hosting me, Nikki & Nisa today.

Nikki and Nisa’s Travel Adventure is deeply personal.

The book is dedicated to my late mother, LouAnna Guillory Jean, who consistently emphasized the importance of education and literacy. She instilled in me the belief that reading could take you anywhere, even if your circumstances could not.

It is also a tribute to my dear friend Dinisa Hardley Folmar, affectionately known as “Nisa.” She and I shared a dream of traveling the world together. We even set a “50 by 50” goal to visit 50 countries by the time we turned 50. Although she lost her battle with breast cancer in 2020, her spirit of adventure and love for exploration live on through this book.

This story is special because it reflects friendship, faith, and fulfillment of a childhood declaration. In the third grade, I boldly told my classmates I would become a children’s book author and travel the world. This book represents that promise kept.

It reminds children and adults that dreams spoken with conviction can become reality.

Oh My Goodness, how sweet! I'm sure "Nisa" is with you and Nikki every trip you take. Now please share with us more about the book and yourself.

Sure.

Nikki and Nisa’s Travel Adventure (South Africa) is a heartwarming children’s book that introduces young readers ages 5–11 to the excitement of travel, friendship, culture, and imagination. Through vibrant storytelling and engaging illustrations, Nikki and Nisa explore the beauty of South Africa while learning about language, customs, and the joy of discovering the world beyond their own backyard.

More than a travel story, this book encourages children to dream boldly, read confidently, and understand that books can be passports to places they have never been. It is a celebration of curiosity, courage, and connection.

Excerpt: Join best friends Nikki and Nisa as they embark on an unforgettable journey to South Africa! Inspired by their new friend Solomon, the girls learn about passports, packing for summer in December, and exploring a new culture.

From a traditional braai to a thrilling game drive, their adventure is filled with exciting discoveries, lifelong memories, and the joy of friendship.

Perfect for young readers, this story celebrates curiosity, cultural appreciation, and dreaming big!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Nicole J. Moncrief is a children’s book author, literacy advocate, and global traveler who believes that reading opens doors to the world. She has been passionate about writing since declaring in her third-grade classroom that she would one day travel the world and become an author. Today, she inspires children to dream big, embrace culture, and explore new horizons through storytelling.

Her work focuses on travel literacy, imagination, leadership, and faith-centered encouragement for young readers.

Ready to inspire your little one? Visit our website or Facebook page. Sign up for our email list and receive Nikki and Nisa's Travel Adventures coloring pages free.

Beautiful. We certainly wish you, Nikki & Nisa the best of luck and God's blessings in your travels.

I hope you enjoyed today's guest, Friends, and that you'll consider purchasing Nikki and Nissa's Travel Adventures for the children in your life. Dr. Moncrief shared more about her book along with a short spiritual reflection on my travel blog in May. Read the post HERE.

See you next week for another episode of Saturday Spotlight.

Until then, take care and God bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on D.V. Stone & Red Gate Farm!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 06:30:00 +0000

Good Morning and Welcome to Another Edition of Saturday Spotlight,

I've been down in the back this week so I'm not going to spend a lot of time lollygagging around. I'm just going to turn the blog over to D.V. Stone to share with us her latest release, Red Gate Farm. Take it away, Donna...

Thanks, Pam!

Where I found Red Gate Farm

I'd been in a bit of writer quicksand. Several books that are works in progress got stuck in the messy middle. I needed a palette cleanser. What to do? Agent Carters are always fun to write, and I often drive past an old, abandoned abbey outside of a town near me. When I put my fingers to the keyboard to do research, something didn't sit right with me. After mulling over the problem, I realized what was bothering me. I was taking something that had been dedicated to God and turning it into a paranormal ghost story. Now I love paranormal. I love a ghost story. But this building needed more from me.

I sank myself into research. The original place was called Red Gate Farm in the 1800s, and was owned by a man who also owned two local newspapers. My imagination took off.

There's been a lot of tongue wagging about several topics I touch on in the story. Eminent domain is one of them. Is your property really your property? News. When does it cross over from relaying information to being a commentary? Political influence and how it shapes our lives and community, and the people it hurts.

I'm not promoting any side. Truly. Both sides are guilty of influence peddling, in my opinion.

What I want to express is what happens to regular people when these things converge upon them. My writing is relational, not out to prove a side. About how we can make a difference in the lives of others. How faith can comfort and guide us.

There are a lot of experiences from my past that I've folded into the story. Life on the farm. Having horses. Being involved in animal rescue with dogs and cats. I also added one of my favorite animals, goats.

If you've been following me, you know that I've utilized my local farmers' market to a great extent this year. I've canned and frozen a lot of fresh produce. It also brought to mind things that I'd nearly forgotten from my years living on a farm.

Here's a little more about the book...

Tagline: A heartwarming tale of second chances and the healing power of coming home.

Logline: A spirited rancher and a country boy returning home find themselves tangled in horses, government notices, and a little lakeside magic—where second chances bloom and love trots in on four hooves.

Blurb

Nestled in the countryside on the outskirts of Lake Unami, Little Flower Ranch is more than just a patch of land—it’s Addie Martin’s whole world. Her dogs, goats, and horses, both rescued and boarded, know her better than most people do. A life built with grit and rooted in compassion. Until Addie’s peaceful life is thrown into turmoil by a man from her past, with a government notice that threatens to take it all away.

Henry Price never planned to come back to Red Gate Farm, but after losing his job and his sense of purpose, the old homestead near Lake Unami calls him back to the place where he grew up surrounded by love and family. But the simpler life may not be so simple when your family introduces you to a woman who has troubles of her own.

Lake Unami has its own quiet magic, the kind that works through neighbors, animals, and special guardians. As Addie and Henry navigate old wounds and new beginnings, they’ll discover that sometimes the smallest towns hold the biggest miracles… especially when it comes to matters of the heart.

Excerpt: Henry rolled onto his back. Great. He winced, climbed back to his feet, and wandered down the hallway where circa 1960s wallpaper was peeling in places.

His great-grandmother had hung the vibrant orange and yellow flowers well before he’d been born, and his grandparents never took the time to change it. Saying it was enough work to keep the house and farm running, decorating was a luxury.

The practicality of his grands made Henry smile on the way to the kitchen, the heart of the home.

He leaned against the archway, gazing into the room where the old chrome and Formica table sat, surrounded by red vinyl chairs. Frozen in time, but for the dust, it looked the same. Grandma Price never saw the need to upgrade, even after her mother passed. Even after Cooper, Henry’s father, gave her a dishwasher for Christmas the year before he died. She never used it. No, the farmhouse sink was all she needed.

“It’s a perfectly fine and workable kitchen,” She told all the grand and great-grandkids when they’d come to visit. “Washing dishes by hand teaches you to be patient and mindful.”

Henry was never a visitor like his cousins; he lived here, it’s where he’d grown up. Dad was a single father after Henry’s mother left. Farm life wasn’t for her. She never even contacted Henry when his father passed.

But for his father, it was a way of life. He and his grandparents raised Henry here. They taught him everything he needed to know about the land. How to keep things going. Dad tried to pass the love of farm life down to Henry. But back then, he thought he was more like his mother, that farming life wasn’t for him.

After high school, he left the farm to study journalism. Luck was on his side, and he scored a position in the newsroom at a national paper.

What a laugh. He should have been born a hundred years ago. The rapid decline of the industry, especially after the pandemic, then the final blow last month had left him without a job.

When Grandma passed in her late nineties, she’d left Red Gate Farm to him. His cousins were great. No one questioned the fact that he was the primary beneficiary. Luckily, with his small inheritance, including this house and property, and some savvy investments, he’d been able to build a respectable nest egg.

They say you can’t go home, but yep, you could when your career folds and all that’s left of your life is a broken-down farm in nowhere New Jersey. He walked over and slumped into his usual spot at the table. “What am I going to do with this place?”

He didn’t know where to begin. Then his pity party was interrupted by a memory.

“Henry George Price.” Great-grandma Thérèse wiped her hands on the ruffled apron she always wore. “The Good Lord gave you a brain and two hands. Trust in Him. He’ll set you on the right path.”

Well, he’d wandered off that path for sure. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d thought about God, much less listened to Him. Henry buried his face in his hands and, for the first time since he was a boy, he cried.

D. V. Stone is an award‑winning author and speaker known for crafting stories filled with heart, hope, and a touch of the extraordinary. Writing across middle‑grade paranormal mysteries, fantasy, and romance, she blends emotional depth with imaginative adventure. Drawing on her background in human and animal medical fields, she brings empathy and authenticity to every character. Based in Northern, New Jersey, she finds inspiration in travel, nature, and seasonal traditions. Through her popular blog and community outreach, she champions creativity and connection, inviting readers and writers alike to celebrate the power of story. You can find out more at: https://www.dvstoneauthor.com/ AND https://linktr.ee/d.v.stone

Get your copy of Red Gate Farm at: Amazon, B&N, GoodReads, & Other Online Retailers HERE.

THANKS, Donna!

You can check out DV's other spotlights HERE.

Until next week, Happy Reading!

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Randy Overbeck & Abigail Trench!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Good Morning and Welcome Back to Another Edition of Saturday Spotlight!

Today's guest is not new to our blog but he's bringing us his brand new book, Abigail Trench.

Good to have you back, Randy. Your book sounds amazing. Please tell us why you wrote it.

Thanks for the opportunity to share Abigail with your visitors, Pam.

I’ve been interested in the Revolutionary War for years, reading numerous books, fiction and nonfiction and watching movies and shows about the era. More recently, I started learning about the Culper Ring, the secret spy organization created by George Washington. The more I learned, the more fascinated I became, especially since this part of our history was new to me. I don’t think my teachers even mentioned the Culper Ring in my American History classes.

I discovered the Ring consisted primarily of six men and one woman who took the role of secrecy to heart. Most never revealed even to family and friends that they had been spies during to revolution and beyond. This code of secrecy was so well protected that historians took years and sometimes centuries to uncover the identities of the operatives of the ring. In fact, the true identity of the sixth and final man was not confirmed by historians until the 1930’s, a hundred and fifty years after. And historians have never been able to agree on the identity of the lone female operative.

I was so intrigued by this mystery I seized it. ABIGAIL TRENCH is my fictional version of that female member of Washington’s spy ring, and I created a character to step into those shoes. It was great fun digging the historical sources for crumbs I could weave into my Revolutionary War thriller. I’m anxious to see what readers think of my ABIGAIL.

OH WOW, Randy, I did not like any form of History so I'm impressed. That said, I remember reading Celia Garth while in highschool (many, many moons ago) and she was a Patriot spy!

Give us more please...

Sure... Here is the Blurb...

A vivid, propulsive Revolutionary-era thriller with the spy-craft verve of the streaming hit TURN: Washington’s Spies and the electricity of 1776’s New York that Hamilton lovers will recognize, this story is inspired by the lone female operative in Washington’s spy ring.

In occupied New York, a schoolteacher with everything to lose turns information into a weapon, threading between Redcoats and rebels as plots against Washington gather steam.

After rogue Redcoats assault her and strip her family’s Long Island farm, Abigail Trench fights to survive in New York City—tutoring in a high-ranking British officer’s Water Street household by day, navigating taverns, informants, and soldiers by night. Through Abigail’s keen eyes—and a counter-narrative following a principled British major—the novel renders the moral gray zones of occupation with gritty intimacy. As rumors swirl of a strike at General Washington, Abigail’s vantage inside upper-crust parlors and rough waterfront rooms makes her an ideal courier—and a target.

This historical thriller delivers high tension, textured world-building, and a captivating heroine who put it all on the line for freedom.

And an Excerpt...

As Abigail’s feet clattered on the boards, she thought the whole thing through. If the British started printing fake currency and circulating it, the Continental bills of credit would be worth…nothing. Such a move would infuriate all the businessmen. Even Loyalist merchants would suffer, because they depend on customers, both rebel and Tory. The entire economy of the colonies would collapse.

She stopped and glanced around her at the businesses up and down the street. The furrier, the blacksmith, the dry goods store, inns and taverns—they would all suffer. They wouldn’t be able to feed their families. In the harbor, three merchant ships bobbed in the waves. Who would have money to pay for goods transported across the ocean?

Sweeping her gaze across the workers scurrying in and out of warehouses, on and off the ships, another thought came to her. Without Continental currency, there would be no way to fund the war. The only currency anyone anywhere would accept would be British pounds.

So caught up in her thoughts, Abigail almost missed the turn onto Crown to get to Williams. The wind, which so often blew off the East River, seemed to die down today, making the city streets still. She’d taken a few quick steps down the walkway when she heard a voice from the alley ahead, a voice she recognized. Too well. She froze.

“My money’s as good as anyone else, ya little dollywop!” It was Reeves. Here.

Molly called, “I don’t hafta. Get your hands off me.” Then, “Lemme go. That hurts.”

There, at the foot of the alley she saw Molly squirming in the arms of a much larger man in uniform. The soldier stood with his back to her, but Abigail didn’t need him to turn around. The ugly orange scarf around his neck gave him away. She pounded down the dirt alley and called ahead, “Just let her go, Reeves. Go find yourself another jack.”

Reeves turned at the words, releasing one arm. When he saw Abigail striding toward him, he grinned, a lecherous smirk revealing the ugly broken teeth she remembered from Long Island. “Abigail, er I should say, the fine Miss Trench.”

Uh, Oh, sounds like trouble for sure! How about you give us the lowdown on yourself and tell us where we can get a copy of Abigail Trench, please...

Of course, as you mentioned, folks can find out more about me on my Featured Author Page here on the blog, or on my Website, but I'll share my official bio with you all...

Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author, speaker and podcaster. As an educator, he served children for more than three decades and has mined that experience to create captivating fiction, authoring two series, the bestselling series, “The Haunted Shores Mysteries,” and the award-winning series, “Lessons in Peril.” His novels have won critical acclaim and garnered national awards including Mystery of the Year (ReaderViews) Best Book Award (Chanticleer Books and Reviews) and the Gold Award (Literary Titan) and amassed hundreds of 5-star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

Dr. Overbeck also hosts the popular podcast, “Great Stories about Great Storytellers,” which reveals the unusual and sometimes strange backstories of famous authors, directors and poets and can be heard wherever listeners get their podcasts. He is a speaker in considerable demand, sharing his popular presentations about ghosts and the world of book publishing with hundreds of audiences all over the U.S.

As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences such as Killer Nashville and the Midwest Writers Workshop.

When he’s not researching, writing, speaking or podcasting, Randy enjoys traveling with his wife Cathy and visiting both his far-flung family and the scenic locations around this country, often in search of inspiration for his next great story.

Contact him at: randyoverbeck@authorrandyoverbeck.com and connect with him on Facebook, Amazon, Instagram, BookBub and GoodReads.

Abigail Trench can be found at Amazon and other online retailers HERE.

THANK You, so much, Randy for joining us today. We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with your new release AND...

Thank You, Friends, for stopping by and cheering Randy on! You can heck out Randy's prevous post Here and of course, find his Featured Author Page Here.

Until next week, take care, God bless and remember to take time and escape in a great story.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Susan Howell & The Spirit of Vanderlaan!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Good Morning and Welcome Back to Another Edition of Saturday Spotlight,

I've been home a full week now and still playing catch-up but I 💖💖💖 my life! And, I love bringing back a previous guest with another of his or her great books.

Thanks for coming back, Susan. Please tell us about The Spirit of Vanderlaan...

SO grateful and happy to be back, Pam!

The inspiration for this novel came from one of my students before I retired as a psychology professor. We had just learned that he lived in a dorm room that I had lived in as a student. He and I agreed that a novel in which all the students who hang out in their favorite professor’s office mysteriously live in her former rooms would be great fun as they unravel how and why this “coincidence” happened. Since that student was an excellent writer, I suggested he write the story. He said he didn’t have the time and that I should write it. I dismissed the idea as nonsense – Me? A fiction writer? But when I couldn’t shake the idea, I wrote it.

I am now retired from teaching and working on the sequel!

Oh how fun! Give us more please...

Sure, here is the Blurb: When Samantha and her students uncover a campus death, they must draw on everything from science to seances to learn what happened before Samantha gets fired for “dabbling in the paranormal.”

And an Excerpt: Samantha reached out to hold Chess's shaking hand only to immediately regret it. The stickiness of dried blood would have made her recoil, but she refused to desert Chess, who squeezed her hand like a frightened child. So while Allie returned Chess’s skates and answered the questions of concerned friends, Samantha stayed put. She only hoped the pounding of her own heart would not attract attention and require an explanation.

After Chess’s wound was cleaned and bandaged, Allie stated that she would drive Chess to the ER. "I can't ride in your new car. My clothes are all -" She grimaced at her blood-stained shirt.

"The blood's dry. It'll be fine. Besides, think how fast my car will get us there." She directed Chess's attention away from the injury.

Samantha pointed to Allie. "Keep it under the limit, missy." Samantha disliked conceding the role of caregiver to someone else, but Allie had things under control. Besides, it couldn't be helped.

Samantha quickly walked toward the women’s restroom, which, thankfully, was empty, went in, and locked the door. With deep, shaky breaths, and no longer fighting the tears, Samantha moved immediately to the sink where she scrubbed her hands vigorously, several times. She reached into her purse for her cell phone, scrolled quickly through her contacts, and tapped her thumb on the one she sought.

She took a deep breath when instructed to leave a message. “Debra, this is Samantha Hayes. Could you give me a call please? I need to talk to you.” She waited a moment, decided she had said all she needed to for now, then added, “Thanks,” before ending the call.

She continued to hold her cell, however, as she paced, all the while trying her best to take even, measured breaths. Think of something else. You’ve washed your hands. You’re safe. You'll talk to Debra when she calls back. Breathe. She was surprised that her reaction was this intense. The sight of blood had not frightened her this much in a long time.

As she debated whether to stay or go home to await Debra’s call, her cell rang, making her jump. With another shaky breath and a sigh of relief, she answered. “Debra? Thanks for calling… Okay… actually, no I’m not okay. I hate to bother you, but something just happened.”

Cool! Now how about the lowdown on you and where we can get a copy of The Spirit of Vanderlaan...

Of course 😊, here is my bio and links for readers to connect with me...

Susan Harris Howell is an author, speaker, psychologist, and retired university professor. Susan and her husband, Dwayne, have two grown children, a daughter-in-law, one adorable grandson, and an incorrigible beagle named Doc. While Doc doesn’t understand a word she says, he fully supports her books and their message.

Website: https://susanharrishowell.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/susan_h_howell/

Email List & Monthly Blog: https://susanharrishowell.substack.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/susanhowellwriter

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22175282.Susan_Harris_Howell

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/susan-harris-howell

The Spirit of Vanderlaan can be purchased at Amazon, and B&N. Links to other online retailers can be found at The Wild Rose Press.

Wow, OK! Thanks for visiting and sharing your book with us, Susan. We certainly wish you great success with this and your other works.

Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight, Friends, and that you'll drop by again next week.

Until then, take care, God bless and take time for yourself and read a good book.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Karina Bartow & Undeveloped Memories!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 30 May 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Whew, it is good to be home with no expected travel in the next several weeks!

If you've followed me for long you know I love to travel. I even started a travel blog called Bathroom Blues to share my adventures with you. But sometimes it's just good to be home for a while. 😊

Today's guest is brand-new-to-our-blog so please give Karina Bartow a huge SWLA W-E-L-C-O-M-E!

Please share your book and the inspiration behind it, Karina.

Thanks, Pam. It is lovely to be your guest. When I was a young girl, my mom misplaced—frankly, lost!—a roll of film from a special occasion. The pictures on it, of course, captured that one day, frozen in time, including the people and activities that created the story of those memories. Some of those shots featured loved ones we lost soon thereafter and moments we couldn’t recreate.

A few years ago, I had to sort through photos for a presentation. The tub I sorted through had an assortment of negatives and original envelopes from the developing counter, so I kept hoping to come across that lost roll. Unfortunately, I never did, but my quest made me consider what would happen if another generation discovered it and developed the pictures. Most of those subjects from long ago would be completely foreign to them, perhaps piquing their curiosity about the past. Thus, Undeveloped Memories began to materialize in my brain.

I hope your readers enjoy this blurb...

We assume we know everything there is to know about those who raised us…until we discover that we don’t!

Lorelei Carmichael returns home to check up on her aging uncle, but another investigation awaits her. An undeveloped roll of film, abandoned by her photographer uncle, beckons her attention. Also a photographer, she develops the images and discovers an Alaskan journey he never disclosed, alongside a woman and child.

When an opportunity provides her the chance to peek into the past, she retraces his footsteps through the Alaskan countryside. Will she figure out the whole picture of this unfinished love story? And might the trail of breadcrumbs lead her to capture a love of her own?

And Excerpt...

While she proceeded dipping the pictures into the developing solutions, her thoughts wandered around the reasons Uncle Reed didn’t discuss the adventure. In his years of covering stories, he’d witnessed various tragedies, including several wildfires, but nothing this profound in loss. She could only imagine how the prevailing sorrow affected the sensitive man. With it occurring just before her mom and dad died, his despair over everything he beheld would’ve been compounded by the grief their family endured. Perhaps he always associated the two events together.

Having just three negatives to go, she peered at the next rendering through the enlarger and recognized the same little boy but without his mother. With a campfire in the background behind him, he wore a smile, and although it didn’t showcase her uncle’s artistic talent like the rest, it conveyed a powerful message about a child’s resilience. His mom joined him again in front of the fire, her face brightened with more joy, as well. Lorelei surmised Uncle Reed befriended them, but she didn’t ascribe much value to it until she secured the final shot under the enlarger.

Projected onto the wall above her, the boy and his expectant mother beamed back at her, with her uncle beside them. Even at first glance, she perceived his adoration, his countenance brimming with the same pride and gentleness he had in many of their family photos. The longer she studied it, though, the more signs she gleaned of this being a man in love.

* * * *

Sounds Wonderful, Karina! Now please share your bio and links for you and how to get a copy of Undeveloped Memories with us.

Sure, Pam, here you go...

Karina Bartow grew up and still lives in Northern Ohio. Though born with Cerebral Palsy, she’s never allowed her disability to define her. Rather, she’s used her experiences to breathe life into characters who have physical limitations, but like her, are determined not to let them stand in the way of the life they want.

Her debut novel, "Husband in Hiding," came out in 2015, followed by "Forgetting My Way Back to You," in 2018 and "Brother of Interest" in 2022. She may only be able to type with one hand, but she writes with her whole heart!

Find out more about Karina by visiting her Website or Amazon Author Page, and connecting with her on Facebook, Instagram, X (@KarinaBartow), and Goodreads.

Get your copy of Undeveloped Memories a clean romantic mystery at Amazon, B&N, Walmart or directly from The Wild Rose Press.

Thank You, so much for visiting with us today, Karina. We wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with this, and all of your books!

Well, friends, I hope you enjoyed today's spotlight and that you'll check back weekly for another great author and book.

Until next time, escape in a good book.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Monique DeVere & Guarded by the Sheriff!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 23 May 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Good Morning from Santee, South Carolina!

We started our drive up on Tuesday and arrived Thursday afternoon to spend a long weekend with my Sweetheart's bonus children and grandchildren. Today we're watching his youngest granddaughter graduate high school. Although we don't visit these loved ones often, it is always a pleasure when we do.

Speaking of pleasures, it is my extreme pleasure to have Monique DeVere back on our blog, this time with her debut Love Inspired Romantic Suspense novel, Guarded by the Sheriff. Welcome back, Monique, please share with us the story behind this book and give us a sneak peek into it!

It's wonderful to be back, Pam, THANKS!

2024 and 2025 were huge years for me. I live my life by faith, so even during the hardest moments, I believed there was a reason for everything that was happening.

First, I was made redundant from my office manager job about two months before we discovered that my dad—who lived 165 miles away—was seriously ill. Because of the distance, he’d been able to hide just how sick he was during our regular phone calls. By the time we discovered the truth, he was already very unwell. It took another four months to finally convince him to come live with us.

Looking back now, I truly believe my Heavenly Father had been preparing me for that season of my life.

Dad passed away in February 2025, and I took it very hard.

The following month, my critique partner sent me a link to the Harlequin Love Inspired Great Author Search 2025. While Dad had been living with us, every morning I’d sit in his room with my coffee and tell him the plans for the day. He always asked if I’d managed to get any writing done, and I had to admit I hadn’t. Caring for him had become my full-time focus between his needs and the constant stream of medical staff coming through the house.

So, when my critique partner mentioned the contest, I decided to enter it for Dad.

The problem was, I only had two weeks before the closing date. I’d spent years writing romantic comedy and category contemporary romance. I’d targeted several Harlequin lines over the years but never Love Inspired Suspense because everyone said it was one of the hardest lines to break into.

I came up with an idea titled Deadly Mother’s Day. I wrote the premise, first chapter, and synopsis, and submitted it just a few days before the deadline.

Honestly, I expected a rejection. After all, that had pretty much been my experience for the past thirty-odd years.

So, imagine my utter shock when Harlequin requested the full manuscript!

It honestly took me a while to process the fact that Harlequin…HARLEQUIN!...wanted to read my story. I wrote the full manuscript in two months and submitted it. One week later, my editor emailed asking when a good time for her to call me would be. It was a Friday, and she wanted to call on Monday if I was available.

If I was available? Of course I was available!

I ran around the house to find my husband and daughter to tell them that I thought I might finally be getting “The Call.” The call I’d dreamed about for years! I won’t lie; I hyperventilated.

And on that Monday, my editor offered me a contract.

Now I get to see my book in print with my name on the cover. Harlequin didn’t feel the original title suited the line, so they asked me to send more ideas. Thankfully, they liked Guarded by the Sheriff. I am so thrilled the book will be published in eBook, mass market paperback, large-print and…get this…audiobook! I’m so excited to hear these characters brought to life by a human narrator!

This has been an amazing journey, all thanks to Jesus, my Lord and Savior!

And that’s why this book will always be so special to me. No matter how many books I write for Harlequin in the future, this one will always hold a special place in my heart because I know Abba Father guided me every step of the way.

Now my dream of writing for Harlequin has finally come true—and with a line that is perfect for me. I get to share my faith through my stories while writing the kind of suspense I love. Looking back now, I can see God’s hand in every part of the journey.

Who knew life could come together so perfectly when you put your faith in Jesus?

A child in need of protection…

and a lawman keeping watch.

It’s a shock to Sheriff Ethan Callahan to see his ex-fiancée, Sienna Blake, again—especially with a child in tow…and a gunman on her heels.

Witnessing a shooting has made Sienna a criminal’s next target. And when Ethan realizes that he’s the father of her son, he is determined to keep them both safe…no matter the cost. With trust hanging in the balance and their enemy closing in, Ethan and Sienna must stand together to survive.

Except the hit man knows their every move…and trusting the wrong person could get them killed.

*Excerpt: “Sienna, don’t come any closer. It’s a bomb.”

She gasped, confusion knitting her expression. “A what?”

He knew she’d heard him, so he didn’t repeat himself. “Take Nathan and get as far away from the truck as you can.”

Without delay, she scooped Nathan into her arms and ran for the side of the house.

Ethan moved with them, positioning himself between them and the truck.

They had just reached the corner of the house when an explosion ripped through the truck behind them. They hit the ground hard, Ethan shielding Sienna and Nathan with his body.

Sienna screamed his name.

Nathan’s petrified sobs tore at his heart.

“Are you hurt?” Ethan asked.

Sierra shook her head, still wide-eyed. “We’re…” She ran a hand over Nathan, relief whooshing her breath from her lungs. “We’re okay.”

He got up, helping Sienna to her feet with Nathan clutched in her arms. “Take him inside. I’ll call this in.”

She nodded. Without hesitation, she turned and hurried with Nathan into the house.

Ethan reached for his phone, his gaze drifting back to the inferno blazing on the drive.

Something told him this was only the beginning…

Guarded by the Sheriff releases June 30th but is available for pre-order now at Amazon, Harlequin, B&N, Kobo, GooglePlay and Apple Books.

About Monique

Monique DeVere writes heart-pounding romantic suspense and funny, feel-good romances with heart, hope, and a dash of sass. Her stories are filled with faith, emotional depth, and unforgettable characters. Originally from Barbados, she lives in the UK with her real-life hero, their four children, five grandchildren, and an adorable Yorkshire Terrier. When she isn’t writing, Monique enjoys family time, shell collecting, boating, being near the sea, and learning something new.

Monique loves to hear from her readers. You can email her at monique@moniquedevere.com

Get a free suspense novella when you subscribe to her romantic suspense newsletter: https://shorturl.at/ZaUjC

Get a free story when you subscribe to her romance newsletter: https://shorturl.at/57c2Z

Monique’s Social Links: Harlequin, Website, X, Bsky, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Linkedin, TikTok, Goodreads, Amazon Store.

* * * * *

Oh, My Goodness, Monique! So very sorry to hear about your dad but SO Happy this book was accepted. Maybe he had a hand in that. 😉

Either way, we wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with this - and many more - Love Inspired books!

Hope you enjoyed Monique's visit as much as I did. I've read Guarded by the Sheriff and as soon as I'm able, I will be leaving a review. Check out some of Monique's other books in her previous Spotlight appearances HERE. I hope you take her story as incentive to never give up on your dreams because with faith and perserverance they just might come true in God's time.

Until later, happy reading!

PamT

*Excerpt is copyrighted material used with permission from Harlequin.

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Jana Richards & I'll be Seeing You!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 16 May 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Good Morning and Welcome to Another Episode of Saturday Spotlight!

It's graduation season and I was blessed to watch my great-nephew get his diploma last night. Next weekend I'll be in SC for my Sweetheart's granddaughter's ceremony. This time next year it'll be my youngest grandson. Between now and then, my granddaughter will graduate nursing school in December. WHERE does time go?!

Alas, this is what life is all about, but enough pondering, let's get on to our spotlight 😉

Today's guest is not brand new to our blog, but she has a brand new book for you to enjoy so...

Take it away, Jana...Please tell us about your book, why you wrote it OR what makes it special to you, where we can find it and all about yourself!

Thank You, Pam, for offering to help me launch my new book, I'll be Seeing You, a time travel, second chance romance set partially during World War Two.

This is the third story I’ve written set around the events of the Second World War. I’ve always had an interest in stories about World War Two, and in particular, anything relating to the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944.

My father was WW2 veteran and participated in D-Day. In 1942 he signed up with the Regina Rifles in the Canadian Army. The nickname for members of the Regina Rifles was the Farmer Johns, because so many of them were farmers named John. My dad fit right in since his first name was John, and he was indeed a farmer.

He spent almost two years training, first in Canada, and then in Scotland, before being shipped to the south of England in anticipation of the invasion. On June 6, Canadian troops, including my dad, landed on Juno Beach in Normandy. By June 9, he was captured and spent the rest of the war as a POW.

I’d known since childhood that he’d been a POW, but I didn’t realize until a few years ago when we requested my father’s army records that his family didn’t know for months whether he was alive or dead. His army records included copies of telegraphs sent to his father. The first one arrived June 23, 1944, informing my grandfather that his son was missing in action, with a promise to provide more information as it became available. The next telegraph didn’t arrive until November 10, 1944. This one stated that the army had learned through “indirect channels” that Dad was a prisoner of war. The third, and last, telegraph arrived May 2, 1945 to tell my grandparents that Dad was “now safe in United Kingdom twentyninth April 1945”.

I find those three telegraphs so poignant. I can’t imagine what those months were like for his family, not knowing if he’d return. If my child, or brother, was missing I know I’d be devastated. And yet my grandmother never spoke of it when I was growing up.

I can’t imagine what the experience was like for my father either. He didn’t talk much about his experiences during the war either, at least not to me. I wish I’d asked him more questions. I’m left to imagine.

And, so I write. 😊

Here's the Tagline and Blurb for I'll be Seeing You: When apprentice angel Gabriel takes Frank back in time for a second chance at love, they both learn lessons about trust.

Apprentice angel Gabriel Daniel’s first assignment in his quest to become a full-fledged angel is to give WW2 veteran, Frank Brennan, a second chance at love. With help from his mentor, senior angel Thomas, Gabriel takes Frank back to 1944 to Plymouth, England. There, Frank made his biggest mistake with love. He fell in love with Claire Cartwright, but when he found her kissing another man, he ended their relationship, despite Claire’s insistence that things weren’t as they appeared. This time around, Gabriel’s task is to convince Frank to trust in Claire’s love and fidelity, despite the evidence against her.

At the same time, Thomas takes Gabriel on a journey through his relationship with Sloane, the love of his mortal life. For the first time, Gabriel sees how his jealousy and distrust tainted their love.

Unless Gabriel persuades Frank to trust Claire, his goal of becoming a citizen of Heaven is doomed, along with his desire to watch over his mother and brother back on Earth. Frank has a complicated history that Gabriel must help him confront before either of them gets what they need.

And an Excerpt: “There you are, walking across the dance floor toward Claire.”

“We’re so young,” Frank whispered. “And she’s so beautiful.”

“Yes, she is,” Gabriel agreed. “You look very handsome in your uniform, too. See how all the young women stare at you as you walk across the dance floor? But you don’t seem to notice any of them. You only have eyes for Claire.”

Frank sagged against his pillow. “Yes.”

“Do you remember what you said to her that night?”

“No.”

“Listen.”

“Do you have a boyfriend?” Frank’s younger self asked as they danced.

Claire smiled up at him, her eyes shining with amusement. “No, I don’t have a boyfriend.”

“You do now,” young Frank said with a cocky grin.

Claire laughed. “You’ve decided that, have you? All on your own? Do I get any say in the matter?”

Frank gazed into Claire’s eyes. “No, none at all.”

“You dated a lot of girls before the war, didn’t you, Frank?” Visions of Frank with a succession of young women raced through Gabriel’s mind. “You were a good-looking kid and girls gravitated to you. But you’d never experienced anything like this before, did you? Like you’d die if you couldn’t hold her in your arms and kiss her. Like you’d cease to exist if she turned you away.”

On the screen, Claire shook her head. “What an arrogant Yank you are.” But she continued to dance with Frank, smiling up into his eyes.

“You fell in love with Claire that night on the dance floor, and your world changed forever.”

I'll be Seeing You can be found at Amazon.com (FREE in KU), Amazon.CA, Amazon.UK, GoodReads and BookBub.

As for a little about myself, here's my "official" bio LOL...

When Jana Richards read her first romance novel, she immediately knew two things: she had to commit the stories running through her head to paper, and they had to end with a happily ever after. She also knew she’d found what she was meant to do. Since then she’s never met a romance genre she didn’t like. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical romance set in World War Two, in lengths ranging from short story to full length novel. Just for fun, she throws in generous helpings of humor, and the occasional dash of the paranormal.

When not writing up a storm or dealing with dust bunnies, Jana can be found pursuing hobbies such as golf (which she plays very badly) or reading (which she does much better).

Jana lives in Western Canada with her husband Warren and a senior calico cat named Layla. You can reach her through her Website, Blog, Facebook, X, Instagram, Amazon Author Page, Amazon UK Author Page, GoodReads, Bluesky, and BookBub. Stay in touch and receive updates by signing up to receive her Newsletter!

Wow, what a story about your dad! SO glad he made it home safely after all that and it's wonderful people can find you all over the place, Jana.

You can check out Jana's previous visit to our blog HERE, Friends and be sure to check back next week for another great author and book on, Saturday Spotlight!

Until next time, take care and God Bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Susan Howell & Buried Talents!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 09 May 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Good Morning,

Before I announce our guest today, I'd like to take a moment and THANK Each and Every One of YOU who visit regularly - Your love and support of me and my guests is appreciated more than words can express. Becuase of YOU, this blog had over 200K visits in April! I am SO VERY grateful...Thank YOU from the depths of my heart and soul!! 💓💓

Now, on to our spotlight.

Today's guest is brand new but I promise this won't be her only visit. Welcome, Susan! Please tell us about your book and yourself...

Thanks for having me on your blog, Pam. In the college gender studies course I taught for about 20 years, I showed how - without even realizing it - we tend to hold gendered stereotypes and expectations that harm us all – male and female. I knew I was succeeding when students would scurry to my office with the latest thing they’d heard in the dorm, at church, or around the dinner table with extended family. They were observing life through a new lens and surprised at the “aha” moments they were having because of it. They would never again look at the world the same way and were excited to live out their newfound knowledge.

Much of what I taught those students I included in Buried Talents. My hope is that you the reader will try on those lenses for yourself, experience your own “aha” moments, and determine to make life more equitable for yourself, your children, and the world.

Buried Talents uncovers the subtle and unintentional socialization that works against women – and men – reaching their potential.

Excerpt: When my husband and I were newlyweds, we lived in the city where he attended seminary. Although I looked forward to graduate training, I hadn’t yet determined where to go nor which program to pursue. It made sense, I told myself, for him to go first. He would study while I worked to support us and took time to choose a school and program for myself.

I had several friends in the same situation and spoke with them occasionally about my plans to attend school when my husband finished. I assumed they would do the same. After all, we had spent our college days studying and planning for the careers we would pursue. Why not follow through? More than one of them told me we couldn’t make plans yet since we didn’t know where God would call our husbands. We would have to wait and see.

My students will find it hard to imagine that, at first, I believed those words: I would have to wait and see. But it bothered me. I couldn’t let it go. I had studied hard and prayed for years about my professional plans. I read everything about psychology I could get my hands on. I pored over graduate school catalogs while I dreamed of the classes I would take, the skills I would hone, the clients I would treat. Was I supposed to wait and hope my husband would find a church close to a school with a graduate program in psychology?

While I believe God could work through that situation, that wasn’t at all the way we had approached my husband’s education. For his, we trusted that what he believed was a call was just that. We took that call seriously and moved to the place where he could get the education to live it out. We didn’t wait and hope I would find a job in a town with a graduate program for ministers. We didn’t wait to see what God had in store for me first. We didn’t even read a book that encouraged him to uncover buried talents.

We did none of that. We simply trusted and took action.

I am happy to report that since I couldn’t let it go, I didn’t. One night I broached the topic with my husband. I told him that we had taken three years to invest in his life’s work and that before he took a church that would require a move, I wanted to get my master’s degree. I admit I felt a bit heretical. If he had asked me to defend my position, I’m not sure I could have. I just knew it felt right and needed to be said.

Imagine my surprise when he said, “Sure.”

Of course I should pursue my calling. And what would he do while I studied? We didn’t know. Just do what I had done for him, we supposed. Work in a job, either in his area or not depending on what he could find and put off better options until we could both relocate.

I was pleasantly surprised and, I admit, relieved. His commitment to my call equaled my commitment to his.

AMAZING, Susan! Now please tell us more about you and where we can find Buried Talents.

Sure, I am an author, speaker, psychologist, and retired university professor. My husband, Dwayne, and I have two grown children, a daughter-in-law, one adorable grandson, and an incorrigible beagle named Doc. While Doc doesn’t understand a word I say, he fully supports my book and its message. 😀

Connect with me through my Website, Instagram, Facebook, Goodreads and Bookbub. Sign up for my email list and monthly blog posts HERE.

Buried Talents can be found at Amazon and B&N.

Sounds like a fascinating read. Thank you for sharing!

Hope you enjoyed Susan's visit today folks, and that you'll check back each week for another edition of Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care and God bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Carol J Post & Witness Safeguard Mission

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 02 May 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Good Morning and Welcome from Bandera, TX!

Yep, I drove up to my soul's happy place / home away from home on Wednesday and let me tell you it is SO nice to be here. I've talked many times about the peace and serenity I feel in this place. If you ever need a quaint place to get away, you should visit. Anyway...

Today's guest is not brand new to us as she was our featured author for the month of April, but please give Carol a great big SWLA/SETX... H-E-L-L-O!

So, Carol, I know we're featuring Witness Safeguard Mission, book 4 in your Canine Defense Series. Share your heart for this book/series with us...

Thank you, Pam, for featuring me on your Saturday Spotlight. I’m so happy to be here. My stories feature characters who are pretty broken in some way. In Witness Safeguard Mission, Nicole is struggling with guilt over the fact that she never had the opportunity to reconcile with her impossible-to-please father, and Braydon has never been able to let himself off the hook for what he feels was his part in a buddy’s death.

This theme is close to my heart, because I’ve heard so many people say that they have no problem forgiving others but can’t forgive themselves. At one point, Braydon tells Nicole, “Guilt will eat a hole right through your soul if you let it,” but then later has to admit that he is horrible at taking his own advice. When Nicole tells him that once he accepts God’s forgiveness, it might be easier to forgive himself, he questions whether some things are unforgivable. The answer, of course, is no. We can’t out-sin God’s grace. And if He has forgiven us, who are we to hold onto that guilt? That’s like saying Christ’s blood isn’t enough.

Blurb: A family in a killer’s crosshairs.

A K-9 determined to defend.

When Nicole Woodard and her young sister witness their father’s murder by an unknown assailant, Nicole knows they’re next on the killer’s hit list. Now they must rely on Officer Braydon Feldman and his K-9 partner, Caesar, for protection. The killer will stop at nothing to silence the sisters and keep the crime hidden. But what could their father have been involved in that got him killed? With attacks coming from all sides and dangerous family secrets being exposed, can Braydon and Nicole stay alive long enough to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again?

Excerpt:

Maddy began to sing softly, some silly, happy children’s song about a fat cat. Nicole envied that childish lightheartedness, the being blissfully unaware of adult-size problems. Their parents had probably sugarcoated the details about their mom’s cancer, keeping the worst of it from seven-year-old Maddy.

Nicole smiled down at her little sister. She wouldn’t do anything to destroy that innocence.

From somewhere ahead, a male voice drifted to them on the gentle breeze. It didn’t belong to her father, and it was too deep to be her uncle’s. Nicole stiffened, a wave of uneasiness sweeping through her. She drew to a sudden stop and shushed her little sister. The fat cat song died mid-phrase.

The bass voice came again, followed by her father’s.

Her breath released in a rush, and she glanced at Maddy. “Come on, Dad’s back.”

They’d just started to move when her dad spoke again. This time his voice was raised, anger lacing his tone. She stood stock-still, every sense on high alert. Something was wrong. Her father was always in control. Even during the frequent scoldings she’d received when she’d failed to live up to his expectations, he’d never raised his voice. Someone had ticked him off.

The man he was with spoke again, his voice low and controlled. Her father’s response was immediate. “I won’t be any part of this!”

Suddenly someone was crashing through the woods toward them. Nicole slipped behind a tree and ducked into the undergrowth there, pulling Maddy down with her and praying they weren’t sharing their hiding place with anything that slithered.

“What’s going on?” Maddy’s voice was thin, filled with fear.

Nicole put a finger over her sister’s lips and leaned close. “Let’s play a game and see how quiet we can be.”

Maddy nodded, brown eyes wide.

Moments later, someone fell to the ground a short distance away. There were some rustles and grunts and then the thud of fists against flesh. Someone was being beaten up. If Nicole had to guess, it was her father.

She pressed a hand over her sister’s mouth and held a finger in front of her own lips. Once sure her sister would remain quiet, she lifted her head to peer through the top of the undergrowth.

A man was squatting with his back to her, her father lying on the ground in front of him. As she watched, he pulled something from his pocket and pressed a button. A blade extended from the end, glistening in a beam of sunlight that pierced the canopy overhead.

A soft gasp slipped between her lips. The man was going to hurt her father. She had to do something. She rose from her crouch as the stranger lifted his arm.

“I’ll make sure you keep your mouth shut.” His tone held a cold steeliness. The arm holding the knife swung in a downward arc, and her father released an agonized scream. Nicole pressed a hand over her mouth to keep her own from escaping.

She should have thought of her sister. Maddy screamed, loud and long, as the man plunged the knife into their father’s torso three more times.

Nicole grabbed her sister’s arm and broke into a full run. Her heart twisted as she left her father lying on the ground, bleeding. But trying to help him would get both her and Maddy killed. Soon heavy footsteps pounded behind them.

“Faster.” She hissed the word, even though her sister’s little legs were moving as fast as they could. Tears streamed down the child’s face, and her breath came in sobbing gasps. They would never be able to outrun the man pursuing them. God, help us!

Nicole glanced around them. The downed tree she’d coaxed Maddy from earlier lay ahead and to the left. Barely slowing her pace, she leaned toward her sister.

“There’s our secret fort. Get in as far as you can and don’t make a sound.”

“What about you?”

“I’ll be there in a few minutes. Go, and don’t come out till I say so.”

She slowed just enough to watch Maddy weave her way between the roots and then shot away at a full run, taking a sharp right. Her path was leading the man away from Maddy, but she needed more of a plan than that.

OH My Goodness, reading this excerpt brought back the entire book! Excellent. Now please tell us about yourself, how we can reach you and where we can find Witness Safeguard Misssion.

Sure. Here ya go...

Carol J. Post writes fun and fast-paced Christian romance and Christian romantic suspense stories. She is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author whose books have won several awards and been nominated for two RITA® awards and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award. She is also a popular speaker, presenting workshops on a variety of craft topics.

Carol especially enjoys research trips, which usually involve camping, with some hiking, kayaking and bonfires thrown in when possible. She also loves playing the piano and writing songs with her musical husband. Her two grown daughters and grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all that nurturing into taking care of three sassy cats—Ziggy, Zorro and Ziva—who also love camping and are known to occasionally take over her blog with their “It’s Zaturday!” posts.

Find out more and connect with Carol via her Website, Facebook, Instagram or X. Be sure and sign up to receive her newsletter!

Witness Safeguard Mission can be found at Amazon, B&N, Christian Book Distributors, and Harlequin.

WONDERFUL!

Thanks for visiting with us today, Carol. We wish you the best of luck and God's blessings on ALL of your books!

Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight friends and that you'll check back weekly for another edition of Saturday Spotlight. You can read my review of Witness Safeguard Mission HERE.

Until next week, Read Happy!

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Terri Wangard & Listen for the Chickadees

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Good Morning and Welcome to our last Saturday Spotlight for April 2026.

Spring has sprung here in SW Louisiana. As much of a "spring" as we get LOL! But this past week we've had cooler mornings and mild days and I've been able to open the windows in my house and let the fresh air and sunshine (and yes, humidity) flow through - which I LOVE.

Almost as much as I love sharing another brand-new-to-me-and-our-blog author as today's guest is.

Thanks for joining us, Terri, please tell us about your book, Listen for the Chickadees...

Thanks, Pam!

Listen For the Chickadees is Book 3 of Unsung Stories of World War II. My goal was to set these stories in unusual places. Most WWII novels are set in Europe. I looked elsewhere: Brazil, Iceland, and the Pacific. I originally planned on setting Chickadees in Australia, but that story fell apart before I even began to write. Since John is referred to as a fighter pilot in the Pacific in Books 1 and 2, his story developed out of Pearl Harbor and became a best friend’s cousin romance.

I wish I could have visited Pearl while writing this book. I was there twice many years ago before I knew I would one day write novels. Much has changed since then, including the battleship Missouri opening for visitors and a bridge to Ford Island. Instead of actually setting foot on the island again, I visited vicariously with John and Gloria.

Here's the blurb and an excerpt...

She’s loved him forever.

He’s never seen her as more than a memory from home.

Then Pearl Harbor changes everything.

December 7, 1941 shatters the illusion that anyone is safe.

Navy nurse Gloria Bloch wakes to the thunder of enemy planes over Pearl Harbor, certain of only one thing: John Walsh, the boy she has loved since childhood, is far from danger aboard an aircraft carrier. Or so she believes.

When panicked American gunfire brings John down over the harbor, their reunion is brief and breathtaking, forged in chaos neither can escape.

As the Second World War drives the United States into the Pacific conflict, Gloria and John are swept onto separate paths of duty. Gloria serves aboard the hospital ship USS Serenity, tending shattered bodies and wounded souls. John flies combat missions as a Navy fighter pilot and combat photographer, risking everything to document a war that refuses to leave him untouched.

Their paths cross again and again in fleeting moments between air raids and surgeries, courage and fear, longing and loss. With every meeting, the feelings they have buried deepen. But war demands more than love. It demands sacrifice, tests faith, and steals time without warning.

When separation stretches into silence, Gloria must face the terrifying possibility that hope itself has become another casualty of war.

Excerpt: Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii

Saturday, December 6, 1941

The music throbbed deep within Ensign Gloria Bloch. The USS Pennsylvania band was good. Really good. She tapped her toes, snapped her fingers, and swayed to the beat of “There’ll Be Some Changes Made.”

She needed this after a long day of assisting in surgery at Pearl Harbor’s Naval Hospital.

A sailor stepped up and offered his hand. “Wanna dance?”

She agreed, and they swung around the dance floor, Gloria’s skirt twirling about her legs. Her partner proved to be the better dancer, and she found herself breathless trying to keep up. When the tempo slowed, she could finally speak without gasping. “This is my first attendance at one of these competitions. Do you think the Pennsylvania band will advance to the finals?”

The man tilted his head. “Yes, I suppose so. Too bad you missed the semifinal two weeks ago. That’s when we qualified.”

“We?”

He grew taller. “I’m in the Arizona band.” A grin creased his face. “We’re the band to beat. Tonight, we’re here to check out the competition. Don’t miss the final in two more weeks.”

When the song ended, Gloria joined the applauding crowd.

“Don’t clap too loud,” her partner joked. “The winner is determined by audience applause.”

The contest and dance ended before midnight. Gloria twirled out of the arena with the music still playing in her mind. She joined her friend Lucy at the launch queue. “Wasn’t that great?”

“It would have been perfect if I hadn’t worn new shoes. I think I broke at least three toes.”

Gloria took a deep breath. “Smell the pineapple on the breeze?”

Lucy sniffed the air. “I think you’re smelling your breath. You’ve been guzzling that pineapple juice. I saw you at the refreshment stand.”

“Killjoy.” The launch pulled up. “Are you sure it’s okay for me to stay on the Solace? Maybe I should go back to my quarters.”

“My bunkmate’s on Maui for the weekend. You can sleep in her berth. Come on. It’ll be fun.” Lucy tugged her along. “Pretend you’re on a cruise. Tomorrow we’ll enjoy a lazy Sunday and eat pineapple and mangoes on the deck.”

Gloria glanced around the harbor filled with warships. The hospital ship stood out in its bright white attire. “Do they allow overnight guests?”

“You have your nurse’s ID, right? They won’t know you work at the Naval Hospital instead of onboard the Solace. Come on. We have the day off tomorrow. It’ll be great.”

Gloria had been aboard the USS Solace before. While she enjoyed the freedom of dashing off to Honolulu’s stores or strolling on the beach, living on a ship whet her curiosity. The hospital ships offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience life at sea. She should request a transfer.

“Okay. Slumber party.” Gloria grinned as the launch pulled up to the Solace. “I haven’t done this in years.”

In Lucy’s room and clad in Lucy’s spare nightgown, Gloria hung her party dress on a hook beside the sink. “The Battle of Music was the perfect entertainment after the day I had in the operating room.”

“Bad, was it?” Lucy spared her a glance in the mirror as she pin-curled her hair.

“Two sailors took a jeep for a joyride. They careened around a curve and rolled, and the driver suffered massive internal injuries. He’s now minus thirty-six inches of intestines.”

Lucy winced. “And the other guy?”

“He was thrown out, landed face-first, and skidded across the pavement. He’ll never be the same again.”

Patty and Marcail, two nurses who shared Lucy’s room, entered. Patty stared at Gloria, then at her dress. “I watched you at the music competition. You almost won the jitterbug contest.”

“Emphasis on almost.” Gloria started tapping her toes as the music filled her mind.

Marcail spoke up. “I’m surprised you didn’t win. Charlie Snead’s a great dancer.”

“Snead? He never told me his last name. All I know is he’s in the Arizona band.”

The nurse stared into the distance. “I danced with him two weeks ago.” She wilted onto her bed with a deep sigh. “He didn’t appreciate me stepping on his feet. Like about five times.”

Gloria climbed into the top bunk and smiled in the dark. Charlie Snead. She couldn’t wait to meet him again at the final competition in two weeks, if not before. How long would the Arizona be in port? Would he be interested in her if they weren’t dancing? Would he like to walk along the shore, or share a pineapple, or even have Sunday brunch at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel?

Who was she kidding? He hadn’t even asked where she lived.

It wasn’t like she desired to go steady with him. Her heart belonged to another man, even if he didn’t want it.

OH My Goodness what an intriguing blurb and excerpt! Now, how about giving us the low down on you and where we can get a copy of Listen for the Chickadees.

Sure, LOL! Here is my "official" bio...

Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer.

Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she is back in Wisconsin after several years in Michigan, Utah, and California. Her WWII research included going for a ride in a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber.

She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and serves as the Carol contest coordinator and is secretary of the Wisconsin Southeast ACFW chapter.

Listen for the Chickadees can be purchased from Amazon (FREE in KU!) and in paperback.

Wonderful, Terri. Thank YOU So Much for visiting with us today. We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with this - and all - of your books.

Well friends that wraps up another edition (and month) of Saturday Spotlight. Until next time, take care, God Bless and Happy Reading!

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Linda J. White & All My Bones Shook

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Good Morning and Welcome!

Now, please allow me the pleasure of introducing you to another brand-new-to-me-and-our-blog author, Linda J. White who is sharing her book, All My Bones Shook with us today. Take it away, Linda...

Thank You, Pam, it is SUCH a pleasure to visit your blog today. All My Bones Shook is the 8th in my K-9 Search and Rescue series and releases May 1st but is available for pre-order NOW.

She might survive the river. First, she must survive them.

K-9 search and rescue handler and PI Jessica Cooper puts the dangerous days behind her, rebuilding her life on her Virginia farm with her FBI-agent husband Scott, their toddler son, and her beloved German shepherd, Luke. Then a lawyer asks for help with a custody case, and everything begins to unravel.

The job looks simple: Follow the ex-wife. Document neglect. Protect the children. But the ex-wife is not just unstable, she’s entangled with a trafficking ring in Northern Virginia. When Jess’s client, is found shot dead, what Jess knows makes her the most inconvenient loose end of all.

In broad daylight the gang rips Jess from her world. Soon she finds herself locked in a room with two terrified little girls who will be sold before sunrise if Jess cannot find a way out. She has no weapon, no phone, and no guarantee Scott will find her in time.

What she does have is a faith forged in fire—and family and friends who will never give up.

On a dark night on the Potomac River shore, hands bound, guns at her back, Jess will find out if the God she trusts in the daylight will be faithful in deep water.

All My Bones Shook, is a story of what it means to belong to God when the river is rising and the only way out is through. It’s the eighth book in my popular (and bestselling) K-9 search and rescue series. Like the other books, it can be read alone, but readers who begin at book one, All That I Dread, will find a richly layered world populated by characters who grow, grieve, fall apart, and find their way back to something true.

Wonderful, Linda! Now Please tell us a little more about yourself and why you wrote this book...

I am the author of multiple award-winning mystery/suspense books including HOLT Medallion winners Seeds of Evidence and A Great and Terrible Darkness, and Selah finalist The Fear That Chases Me.

Mylate husband was a video producer/director at the FBI Academy. I live in Yorktown, Virginia and my tagline/brand is "White-Knuckle Fiction."

Folks can connect with me through my website, Facebook, Instagram and X.

When I started writing this K-9 series I thought I was writing one book about a subject I love—dogs. But no, the characters stuck with me and the storylines kept popping up in my head. Near the end of writing each time, I would pray, asking God to show me if he wanted me to keep going. So far, the doors keep opening and the stories keep coming. In All My Bones Shook, I wanted to explore faith in the “thin places,” when your life is on the line and heaven seems particularly near. Jessica Cooper is brought to the end of herself. Now the question is, will her faith hold fast?

Wow, I Love your tagline! Isn't it amazing how that happens? I remember my Tempered series was supposed to be 2 books and is now 6 with a companion novella LOL!

THANKS for sharing your book with us today.

I hope you enjoyed Linda's visit as much as I did, Friends and that you'll check back every week for another episode of Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, Read Happy!

PamT

PS: I mentioned last week that I went to Daytona Beach, FL for NDA National Dance competition and that I would post results on my travel blog, Bathroom-Blues - and I did! Check it out 😊

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Heidi Gray McGill and her Discerning God's Best series Book Bundle - Collection One

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Good Morning from Daytona Beach, Florida!

My daughter and I drove up Tuesday/Wednesday for NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance National Competition to watch my son's teams from Stephen F. Austin State University! I'll be sharing the results of the competition on my travel blog, Bathroom Blues next week. I hope you'll drop by there and see who won what.

Prayers appreciated for safe travels home to us and ALL the teams. - THANKS!

Now, on to our spotlight...

If you've followed me for long, you know that I LOVE hosting authors and their books in hopes that you, Dear Reader Friend, will find some new favs. Sharing a brand-new-to-me author is always the most exciting for me and today's guest is one!

Welcome Heidi, please tell us about your Discerning God's Best series and why you wrote it...

My heartfelt thanks, Pam for welcoming me to your blog and giving me the opportunity to introduce my stories to your readers!

It’s a joy to share the heart behind my Discerning God’s Best – Collection One bundle, and I’m grateful for spaces like this where faith and fiction meet to inspire and encourage.

When my world shifted—first through vision loss from retinitis pigmentosa, then through the sudden closing of the ESL program I founded and directed—I lost the platform I had used to share Christ. The ministry I loved was gone, my daily rhythms were upended, and I couldn’t see what God was doing next.

But God did.

In the quiet, He gave me stories. Stories of resilient women and steadfast men in the 1800s who, much like us today, faced detours they didn’t choose and seasons they didn’t understand. Each character wrestled with questions I knew well: Can I trust God’s timing? Does He truly see me? Is His plan still good when mine has fallen apart?

Those stories became my Discerning God’s Best series. And now, I’ve gathered the first works into one seamless collection so readers can experience them back-to-back, walking through the characters’ intertwined journeys without missing a beat.

In the collection, you’ll find Desire of My Heart, where a marriage of convenience forces two people to lean on God’s provision when their own resources fall short.

With All My Heart is a story of forgiveness and second chances, where hearts once closed slowly begin to heal.

In the tender Christmas novella Stitched on My Heart, a woman discovers resilience and love after loss in a land where both are hard won.

And in the bonus short story Where Hearts Belong, a snowbound encounter changes the course of two lonely lives forever.

Read together, these stories offer more than individual adventures; they weave into a larger tapestry of hope, healing, and faith’s quiet triumph. You’ll step from one character’s world into another’s, experiencing a frontier community where lives touch, paths cross, and God’s fingerprints are everywhere.

This bundle is perfect for readers who love to binge-read without losing the thread of the journey. By the last page, my prayer is that you’ll feel as if you’ve lived alongside these characters—sharing their trials, rejoicing in their victories, and seeing your own faith strengthened.

If you’re ready for a reading experience that blends historical romance with timeless truth, I invite you to begin with the Discerning God’s Best – Collection One. Let’s walk this path together… and see where God’s best might be waiting for you.

The entire Discerning God’s Best – Collection One bundle is just $9.99—a savings of over $3.00 compared to purchasing the books individually, or you can enjoy it at no extra cost with your Kindle Unlimited subscription.

Although I am spotlighting this Collection One Bundle, the Discerning God's Best series consists of 6 books with #7 on the way! So, if you decide you love the Collection One Bundle, be sure to check out, Matters of the Heart, Healing of the Heart, Written on My Heart and Keeper of My Heart.

Book 7, Vision of My Heart Releases September 15th but is available for Pre-Order now!

Heidi Gray McGill is an award-winning Christian fiction author who blends historical romance with timeless faith. Legally blind from retinitis pigmentosa, she writes stories that reflect God’s grace and the beauty of His perfect timing. Her Discerning God’s Best series invites readers into richly drawn 1800s settings where love and faith triumph over life’s challenges.

Heidi lives near Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband of over thirty years and treasures time with her grandsons, a well-cooked meal, and a competitive game night. Learn more and download her free prequel at HeidiGrayMcGill.com.

THANK You, So Much, Heidi for sharing your wonderful books with us! We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings on all of your endeavors!

Hope you enjoyed meeting Heidi as much as I did, Friends, and that you'll check back each week for another episode of Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care, God Bless and Read Happy!

PamT

Happy Easter!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 05:30:00 +0000

I love this photo as, (for me), it depicts the beauty of the Resurrection beautifully.

I am taking this weekend off so there is no Saturday Spotlight but be sure to check back next week when Heidi Gray McGill shares her Discerning God's Best series!

I want to take a moment and THANK Each and Every one of YOU, Dear Friends, who visit on a regular basis and make this blog and our Saturday Spotlight so popular.

I APPRECIATE You more than words can express!

Until next time, be sure and check out our Featured Author, Carol J Post and all the great books she has to offer.

Oh one more thing...

Tempered Hearts is on sale through Kobo for the entire month of April!

In case you're new to the blog here are the deets...

An innocent veterinarian. A jaded cowboy. Will they get burned under a Texas sun or find the heat that leads to happily ever after?

Craig Harris has sworn off relationships. He’s been burned and betrayed too many times to count. But when he crosses paths with the hot-tempered veterinarian his grandfather hired for the summer will he let go of hurt and mistrust to find the true love he’s always longed for?

Tamera Collins is in no mood to put up with an arrogant jerk cowboy even if he is her boss. Grieving too-recent losses leaves her wary of the strong attraction between her and Craig. Can she overcome heartache and shattered faith and open up to their blossoming love?

Tempered Hearts is the first installment of a 6-part family saga where love crosses the lines of age and strengthens the bonds of friendship, and where faith is passed down through the generations proving the sovereignty of God.

How about an excerpt...

Tamera awoke in a mild state of panic and confusion. Glancing around, she realized where she was and who was beside her. A blush warmed her cheeks as she struggled to sit up. She released the filly and fumbled with the front of her gown.

“I couldn’t sleep.” she explained, glancing into the steel gray eyes. His gaze, soft and warm like liquid metal, made her blush harder as he brushed strands of hay out of her hair with a gentleness that seemed out of character.

Craig knew he was treading on dangerous ground, that people were expecting them, but couldn’t seem to get past the moment at hand. “I guess a kiss is out of the question,” he queried, his voice tender, gaze unwavering.

Emotions, raw and unfamiliar, shivered through her. Tamera attempted to scoot away from him, emitted a shaky little laugh and tried to quench the feelings escalating to frightening proportions. “A kiss? Why would you want a kiss? I didn’t think you even liked me.”

Craig wound his hand in her thick hair, stopping her movements. “Like has nothing to do with desire,” he moaned and crushed her to him as his mouth covered hers in a thorough kiss. “Absolutely nothing,” he assured as she clung to his shirt and trembled in his arms.

Tempered Hearts can be found at Amazon and other Online Retailers at the normal price.

Guess that's all for now, Friends.

Until next week, take care, God Bless and enjoy a safe and Happy Easter!

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Jenelle Hovde & No Stone Unturned!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 06:30:00 +0000

Good Morning and Welcome to the last Saturday Spotlight for March 2026!

My how time flies when you're having fun and 'fun' is what this blog is all about. After all, what can be more joyous than finding a brand new author/book?

Jenelle Hovde is just that! Brand-new-to-me and our blog and I'm delighted to introduce her to you! Thanks for visiting us, Jenelle, tell us about your book, No Stone Unturned, and why you wrote it...

Awww, Thanks Pam!

I wrote No Stone Unturned because I’ve always been drawn to the idea that the past still speaks—through broken tiles, buried stories, and the forgotten places that shape a community. When I learned about the real Roman mosaics discovered in the English countryside, I was captivated by what it would mean for a young woman like Bridget Littleton to uncover history in a world that rarely took her ambitions seriously. At the same time, Rafe’s journey grew out of my desire to write about a wounded hero determined to restore something—his home, his family legacy, and his own sense of worth. Placing these two strong-willed characters at odds over the same patch of earth let me explore themes of healing, courage, and calling. More than anything, it allowed me to write a fun enemies-to-lovers story within my Regency Bluestocking series—with The Light of Stars to follow.

Here's the Blurb: She wants to uncover the past. He wishes to build a future. In this Regency romance set in rolling hills of West Sussex, two opposing wills discover their fate may lie in the common ground.

Miss Bridget Littleton’s passion for history and antiquities defies most social conventions, even in her small village nestled in the beautiful English countryside. When a local farmer discovers an elaborate mosaic buried in his field, Bridget dreams of making a name and future for herself by excavating the Roman ruins. Unfortunately, her quest puts her at odds with the ambitious new lord who recently inherited the title and Hawthorn Abbey from his estranged uncle.

Recovering from wounds of both body and spirit, Captain Rafe Hawthorn is intent on restoring his long-neglected ancestral home. His plans to rebuild the abbey’s once thriving orchards require a road that will pass straight through Bridget’s potential trove of artifacts. He will not―cannot―fail again, even if he is moved by Bridget and her passion.

Yet this impasse might not be their greatest obstacle. A natural disaster and a series of suspicious accidents threaten both their plans, along with the livelihood of the nearby villagers dependent on their success. With their dreams in the balance, Bridget and Rafe must work together to fend off an unexpected enemy that may prove more dangerous than either could have imagined.

And a couple of teasers...

No Stone Unturned can be purchased at Amazon for Kindle, in Paperback, Hardcover and Audio, at B&N and through Tyndale.

Wonderful! Now give us the lowdown on you...

😂 Here you go...

Stay updated with her latest works and musings by subscribing to her newsletter at jenellehovdeauthor.com.

THANKS, Jenelle! We certainly wish you the best of luch and God's blessings with your writing and life.

Hope you enjoyed meeting Jenelle as much as I did friends, and that you'll check back weekly for another edition of Saturday Spotlight.

Jenelle is giving away 1 paperback copy of No Stone Unturned to a lucky person so leave a comment to get your name in the drawing!

Until next time, take care, God bless and Happy Reading!

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Lilies for Sandi; Part of A Hint of Holiday Romance

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Good Morning Friends,

My scheduled guest is having computer issues and not able to make it today and we've rescheduled her. So, I thought I would share the blurb and an excerpt from my Easter story, Lilies for Sandi which is part of A Hint of Holiday Romance collection.

Can two hearts broken by unfulfilled dreams find healing, wholeness, and restoration?

Sandi and Brett did everything backwards. They got pregnant before the wedding and had a baby instead of a honeymoon. Since, Brett has resented the fact that his dreams of a football career have been cut short and wonders how long it’ll take God to forgive him for his mistakes.

Sandi has played second fiddle to Brett’s dreams and desires to the point of not knowing herself any longer and fears her marriage will never be a true one because of their failures

Excerpt: Without stopping to second-guess himself, he picked up the spray of Easter lilies he’d brought in case he got up the nerve to approach her and opened his car door while calling her name.

She turned, and an assortment of emotions flitted across her features. The door opened behind her, and Karla stepped out.

“Everything all right out here?”

“I’d like to talk to Sandi, if it’s OK with her.”

Sandi eyed the flowers in his hand then gave Karla the bags and murmured something to her. Karla acknowledged the words with a nod, took the packages, and went back inside.

Brett held the bouquet toward her. “I know these are your favorites. Hope you don’t mind that I picked them up.”

She buried her nose in the fragrant blooms then raised her gaze to his once more. “What are you doing here, Brett? I haven’t seen or heard from you in weeks.”

“I’d hoped we could go to church together Sunday.”

“I thought your games were Friday, Saturday and Sunday.”

“They normally are, just not on Easter Sunday. I know we haven’t gone to church much through the years of our marriage, but I’ve been attending a Bible study with the coach and some of the team members. I figured this was a good time to start going again. I’d like to take you and Candie with me then maybe out to lunch so we can talk. Karla is welcome to come along if you and she want it that way.”

“I’m sorry, Brett, but we’ve already made plans with our families to have lunch and an Easter egg hunt for the little ones. You’re welcome to join us though.”

Brett bit back his disappointment. The last thing he wanted was a family outing when he hadn’t been part of the familial unit for months. “How about an early breakfast, then church? I promise to get you back in plenty of time for the festivities you’ve planned. I’d really like to talk to you, Sandi, to apologize for the way I’ve treated you and to see if there’s a chance of you coming home.”

He reached for her, and she stiffened. Hope and despair collided on her face, churned into anger. Color exploded in her cheeks. She jerked away. “You think it’s that easy, Brett? Just bring a bunch of flowers and sweet talk your way back into our good graces after all this time? You’ve a lot of nerve thinking that.”

“I don’t think that at all, Sandi. Easter’s a time of resurrection, reconciliation, and restoration. I’d hoped we could at least start to work out our differences, most of which, I know are my fault. Have you hardened your heart so much that I don’t even stand a chance?”

A Hint of Holiday Romance can be found at Amazon for Kindle, in Paperback and at other online retailers HERE.

I hope you enjoyed today's spotlight and that you'll check back weekly for another episode of Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care, God Bless and Happy Reading!

PamT

*Image by ALESSA ABRAMOFF from Pixabay

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Dana Gautreaux & Whispers in the Storm: A Journey Through Grief

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Good Morning and Welcome to another edition of Saturday Spotlight. Today's guest has not been in the spotlight before but her book was featured in the sidebar back in November. Now, Dana is giving us a full look into Whispers in the Storm: A Journey Through Grief.

Thanks for joining us, Dana. Please tell us why you wrote this book and share with us the blurb and an excerpt...

Thank you, Pam. This book was written in purpose and calling—to do something real enough to touch the deepest pain a person can ever feel.

My goal was to be real, raw, and honest—to say what so many of us feel but are afraid to speak out loud. I didn’t write Whispers in the Storm to explain grief or to make sense of it, because some pain has no explanation. I wrote it to show that even when life breaks us apart, God still meets us there.

Every page was written from the middle of the storm, not from the other side of healing. It was obedience—a way to show that faith can tremble, hearts can shatter, and God can still be good.

This story is proof that He can take what nearly destroys us and use it to help someone else survive. Because hope doesn’t erase pain—it anchors us through it.

Here is the Blurb: Whispers in the Storm: A Journey Through Grief is my story of losing my son, Logan, and wrestling with God in the hollow ache that followed. There were days I could barely breathe and nights I begged for answers that never came—but even there, He met me. Not with explanations, but with presence.

As grief reshaped my world, God began weaving women into my life—souls who held space when I couldn’t stand on my own. He wove us together through heartbreak, and I walked beside them through their own storms.

This book is for anyone who has ever whispered, “Where are You, God?” and still found hope breathing softly through the brokenness.

And an Excerpt: This tribe didn’t just offer me comfort; it offered me communion and a divine sisterhood that whispered, “You are not forgotten. You are not walking alone.”

We prayed together, cried together, and sat in silence together. We bore witness to each other’s pain, but more than that, we carried each other’s hope when it felt too heavy to hold alone.

We didn’t try to fix each other, rush the pain, or silence the ache. Instead, we sat with it, held space for it, and honored the weight of what we carried without trying to make it smaller. Sometimes healing begins not with answers, but with someone simply saying, “Me too.”

These women taught me that healing isn’t a straight line; it’s a winding, sometimes stumbling path, covered in prayer, paved with tears, and lit by the flickering flame of hope.

Some days, that flame barely flickers, but it never goes out.

Sometimes, your storm is like a hurricane—violent, loud, and devastating. It knocks the wind out of you and leaves behind wreckage that takes years to rebuild.

Sometimes, it’s a violent thunderstorm—sharp, sudden, and cruel. The skies crack open, hail pounds down without warning, and it feels like everything around you is breaking. You’re soaked in grief before you even know what hit you.

Sometimes, the turmoil inside you is a firestorm—hot, consuming, and relentless. It scorches everything in its path, leaving only ashes behind. And when the flames die down, you’re left staring at a landscape you no longer recognize, wondering how anything can grow again.

Other times, that turmoil is more like a barren wasteland, like a sandstorm in the desert. It doesn’t roar; it whispers. It’s dry, quiet, and disorienting. You can’t see where you came from, and you’re blinded to the path ahead. It feels like the call of God has gone silent.

But even there—especially there—God meets you. Even in the wilderness, silence, and chaos, He’s there. And in His love, He sends others to walk beside you and to be the light when your world goes dim.

If we listen closely enough, there are always whispers in the storm—whispers of grace, mercy, and courage. These whispers are from God, gently reminding us, “I am still here.”

Love often shows up in the smallest of ways. Sometimes, a hand on your back when you can’t breathe, a card that arrives just when you’re unraveling, a friend who says, “You don’t have to be strong today.” This was the kind of love these women gave me. It wasn’t just support, but a fierce, tender compassion that wrapped around my grief like a holy covering.

How Beautiful, Dana! It is so important to have a support system in the middle of grief. I'm sure your book will bless many people. Please tell us where we can find it and how we can find out more about you!

Thanks again, Pam. Whispers in the Storm can be found at Amazon for Kindle, in Hardcover and in Paperback.

You can find out more about me by visiting my Website or connecting with me on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @danagautreauxauthor.

Wonderful! Wishing you the best of luck and God's blessings in all things, Dana. Friends, if you know of someone who could benefit from Dana's book or from connecting with her, PLEASE get them a copy or have them contact her through her website.

Until next week, take care and God bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Katherine Willson & The Price of Power

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 13:23:00 +0000

Good Morning and Welcome to the first edition of Saturday Spotlight of March 2026! Where has time gone?! I mean, seriously, wasn't Christmas just the other day? 😆

As I mentioned last week, one of my greatest pleasures with this blog is hosting brand-new-to-me authors and we have another one today.

Kathrine Willson, author of The Darington Files and the Phantom of the Opera-based series A Tale from the Darkness, writes character‑driven historical fiction that combines realism with believable and relatable characters.

Welcome, Katherine! Please tell us about The Price of Power...

Thanks, Pam. I'm excited to share with you, The Price of Power, a slow‑burn romantic suspense set in 1960s Los Angeles, blending police procedural grit with emotional depth, where loyalty can be lethal and the truth always comes at a cost.

Here's the Blurb: Katherine Butler buried her fiancé three years ago—and with him, the future she thought she’d have.

When she’s asked to reopen Jack Tierney’s death, Katherine expects answers. What she doesn’t expect is betrayal, corruption, and the unsettling realization that Jack may have been killed by his own brothers in blue.

Assigned to oversee the investigation is Captain Justin Darington—Jack’s closest friend and the one man Katherine never allowed herself to think about. As the case exposes a deadly conspiracy within the LAPD, Katherine and Justin are forced into an uneasy partnership where trust is fragile, attraction is dangerous, and the truth carries a body count.

With her career, her safety, and her heart on the line, Katherine must decide how far she’s willing to go for justice—and whether she can risk loving again in a world where power wears a badge.

And an Excerpt: She looked up again. “Seven different bullets submitted for testing, four different weapons submitted including Jack’s. Four bullets extracted from victim… match none of the weapons surrendered for testing. And three do.”

“Okay,” Dare said, setting his cup on the desk. “So, whose weapons do we have a match for?”

She frowned as she glanced up. “Beecher, apparently.”

“Does it say if it was the fatal—?”

“It was… not. It says here that it was extracted from the left scapular region.”

“So… Beecher could have been behind Jack when things hit the fan. A shot goes wild in the panic and confusion and he hits Jack in the shoulder.”

“The other bullets extracted from the victim,” she continued, “were right thigh, left knee, one in his abdomen, and…”

“And?” Dare prompted.

She looked up again. “The other two rounds were extracted… from center mass. His heart.”

“His heart?” Dare grabbed the autopsy report and flipped pages. “Heart… ruptured. Catastrophic damage.”

She swallowed. “The shots exploded his heart.”

Dare leaned back. “He was ambushed.”

She shook her head. “He was set up.”

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES ARE...

Shadow of Suspicion Murder on Mulholland Murder at the Museum

Wonderful, Katherine! Now please tell us a little more about yourself and where we can find you and your books.

Thanks again for having me Pam. Here is my official bio and links...

Kathrine Willson, author of The Darington Files and the Phantom of the Opera-based series A Tale from the Darkness, writes character‑driven historical fiction that combines realism with believable and relatable characters. In The Darington Files, her work focuses on flawed institutions, moral ambiguity, and the personal cost of pursuing justice, their work explores what happens when loyalty collides with truth—and when the past refuses to stay buried.

Drawing inspiration from mid‑century Los Angeles, classic noir, and deeply researched investigative detail, the series centers on complex protagonists navigating power, corruption, and connection in a world where doing the right thing is rarely simple.

When not writing, the author can usually be found researching obscure historical details, chasing chickens with her grandson, or mapping out plot points with her partner in crime (solving), her mom.

Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram or GoodReads.

OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR:

A Tale from the Darkness Series (Based on Phantom of the Opera/Phantom reimagined)

A Tale from the Darkness; Raising Gustave; Son of the Phantom; Phantom of Normand; and

Angel of Music

All books can be found at Amazon for Kindle (FREE in KU) and in paperback.

Wow, THANK You, Katherine! We are so glad you joined us today and wish you the best of luck and God's blessings on all of your work.

Hope you enjoyed today's guest, friends and that you'll join us weekly for another edition of Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care, God bless and Happy Reading.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Dakota McGraw & Testing the Waters!

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 06:30:00 +0000

Good Morning and Welcome,

One of my greatest pleasures in hosting Saturday Spotlight on this blog is to introduce to you a brand-new-to-me author and our guest today is one of those! Thanks for joining us, Dakota, please tell us about your book, Testing the Waters...

Thank You for having me, Pam. Testing the Waters is an Espionage/Spy/Multicultural/Suspense Romance with an action rating of 5+ here is the blurb...

Brenda Jackson is no stranger to danger—but when her boss offers her the chance to go international as a spy, it’s a whole new world. Tasked with taking down an opium and human trafficking ring, Brenda steps into the shadowy underworld of espionage with a new partner—Terrance Blaine, a grizzled MI5 operative with a reputation for cold precision.

As they chase leads across multiple countries, sparks fly between Brenda’s fierce determination and Blaine’s brooding authority. They’ll have to navigate deadly threats, uncover a web of international corruption, and survive each other’s temperaments. But when betrayal hits too close to home, Brenda’s skills and resolve will be tested like never before.

Fast-paced, sharp, and filled with tension, Testing the Waters is a thrilling ride of action, espionage, and a partnership that could either save them—or tear them apart.

AND an Excerpt: Later, in the training hall, things escalated. Blaine wasn’t about to let the pistol stunt slide.

“Gunplay’s one thing,” he said, tossing her a judo gi. “But let’s see what you do when someone’s trying to choke the life out of you.”

Brenda smirked, catching it. “Careful, old man. You might not get back up.”

They squared off on the mat. Blaine came at her hard and fast, fists precise, his military training ingrained in every strike. But Brenda wasn’t just holding her ground—she was countering with uncanny timing, sliding into the space between his punches, anticipating the arc of his elbow before he even swung.

She’s reading me, Blaine realized, tightening his jaw and clenching his fists a little too hard. Every feint, every shift of his weight, she was already there. Not reacting—predicting. No civilian cop should’ve been able to do that, yet here she was, moving like she’d been in his head long before the fight began.

He pushed harder, throwing combinations sharp enough to break down most opponents, but she slipped past them, like she knew where he’d be before he did. This isn’t just training—it’s instinct. God help me, it’s beautiful.

Oh my goodness, sounds amazing! Now please tell us why you wrote Testing the Waters, where we can purchase it and find out more about you...

Sure!

I wanted to create a series that features over-the-top characters—imperfect, flawed, yet able to rise to the occasion when it matters most. My goal was to keep readers guessing about who the real "bad guy" is and challenge the typical hero's journey. I wanted to explore the complexities of Blaine, the ultimate alpha male character who, despite being the brooding, chauvinistic, "tough guy," has deep vulnerabilities and cracks in his character. And the twist? He meets a heroine who not only brings these vulnerabilities to the surface but is the only one he trusts enough to show that side of himself. This makes their dynamic unique—a push and pull where strength and vulnerability coexist, creating tension, excitement, and, of course, a deeper emotional connection.

Testing the Waters is the first book in the series, and I have never had more fun writing than with this one. I’m already in love with Terrance Blaine, the main character. He’s everything I wanted in a hero—strong, complicated, and with enough cracks in his armor to make him real. I can also relate to Brenda. She’s the strong woman who can hold her own against Blaine (and he hates it at times, but at that same time he loves it), but knows how to use her feminine charms to knock him off balance when the time is right. It’s the perfect blend of power and subtlety, and I’m really enjoying how their dynamic plays out.

On top of the character dynamics, my personal travels around the world have been a major influence in shaping these stories, and I’ve always wanted to write about my travel in some form and fashion, and this series is perfect for that. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit some truly exotic locales. These travels allow me to incorporate vivid settings into the book, bringing an authentic atmosphere to the narrative. The diversity of cultures, landscapes, and challenges I’ve encountered have helped create rich, adventurous environments that feel both real and thrilling, adding an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to the plot.

The Blaine and Brenda series promises to have twists and turns, action, a bit of romance, and never a dull moment. I love going wild with these characters, putting them in crazy, dangerous situations and seeing how they get themselves out of them. Each book is an adventure—one I can’t wait to share with readers!

You can purchase Testing the Waters at Amazon, Apple, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, OR directly from my website, where you can find more about me and my books, and see what’s Coming Soon! Be sure and follow me via the social media links there!

Wonderful, Dakota!

We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with this new series.

Hope you enjoyed Dakota's visit with us friends and that you'll check back each week for another Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time read happy!

PamT

Saturday Spotlight is on ME & My New Journal: Giving on Purpose How 30 Days of Conscious Giving can Chang Your Life

noreply@blogger.com (Pamela S Thibodeaux) — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 06:30:00 +0000

Good Morning and Welcome!

My scheduled guest could not make it today so I thought I'd tell you about my brand new upcoming release: Giving on Purpose How 30 Days of Conscious Giving can Chang Your Life.

Here's the Blurb: What if the key to abundance isn’t giving more—but giving in balance?

We’ve been taught that it’s more blessed to give than to receive. But what if receiving is just as sacred as giving? And what if the two were never meant to exist apart?

The Giving on Purpose journal invites you to explore the powerful, often misunderstood connection between giving and receiving. If you’ve ever felt like you give endlessly—your time, love, energy, or resources—yet struggle to receive in return, this journal was created for you.

Through guided reflection and intentional prompts, Giving on Purpose gently opens your heart and mind to conscious giving—helping you recognize where imbalance may be blocking blessings and how aligning giving with receiving can transform your spiritual and emotional well-being.

✨ Inside, you’ll discover how to:

• Release guilt around receiving

• Recognize your worthiness to receive from God

• Cultivate deeper gratitude in everyday life

• Restore balance between generosity and abundance

By the final page, readers experience a renewed sense of self-worth, a deeper belief in their God-given worthiness to receive, and a lasting attitude of gratitude.

Give freely. Receive boldly. Live abundantly.

Giving on Purpose: How 30 Days of Conscious Giving can Change Your Life is your invitation to do all three—without guilt, fear, or limitation.

And an Excerpt: There is Always Something to Give

Before I received the revelation that inspired this journal, I, like many, feared giving. Especially money. For much of my life, my intentions to obey and/or give were overruled by all the reasons why I couldn’t. Not always, but when there was more month at the end of my money or when I felt prompted to give but questioned whether that was truly God or guilt or just me. But as I’ve grown and matured and come to realize the truth of how powerful giving is, I do my best to act immediately when the urge hits.

Another misconception we have around giving is that money is the only commodity that truly counts. Not so!

Do you own a garden and give fruit and vegetables to your family, friends, and neighbors? Are you a hunter who shares the meat you harvest with food banks or needy families?

When he was alive, my husband loved satsumas, so we planted two trees in our yard. Every year he’d gather bags and bags of these sweet citrus fruits and give them away.

Once he went to get a haircut and a lady was talking about her husband’s diabetes and how much he loved satsumas but how expensive a small bag was. My husband went home and brought back two plastic bags full for her! He didn’t know this woman or her husband. He just enjoyed giving whatever and whenever he could.

He also loved to make jelly…you guessed it, to give away. No matter the cost, time or energy that went into making pint jars of gooey goodness, he was always willing to share the joy he experienced in doing this.

Why I Wrote Giving on Purpose How 30 Days of Conscious Giving can Chang Your Life: Many people give automatically, it's just part of our nature. But then, at some point, some folks get frustrated or resentful because you feel like you're giving and giving and getting nothing in return. But the truth is we are always receiving! Scripture and the Universal Law of Divine Compensation tell us that when we give, it shall be given unto us good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over! I really believe this project will revolutionize the way we think about giving and receiving / sowing and reaping.

The Kindle version is up for preorder but the paperback and hardcover editions release March 22nd - I know that's a Sunday! - but it's the date God gave me 😇

I am also running a Kickstarter campaign. Similar to GoFundMe, Kickstarter is for creative projects. I'm hoping to raise enough funds to do some REAL advertising and promotion and get this book out into the world.

Please consider supporting me in this endeavor. You can do so HERE.

THANKS!

Guess that's all for now. Tune in next week for another edition of Saturday Spotlight where I feature another great author and his or her book(s)!

Until then, take care and God Bless.

PamT