Talkshow Thursday: Unintended Hero The Story Behind the Story

Unintended Hero: The Story Behind the Story

By Becky Van Vleet

A kitchen table, a father, a daughter, and a cassette recorder. What’s so special about this? As a baby boomer, I’d always been fascinated with my father’s WWII stories he shared occasionally about the USS Denver, the light cruiser he was assigned to as a teenage gunner in the South Pacific. Fearing his firsthand accounts might perish in oblivion, I whipped out my dated cassette recorder on March 19, 1990, and corralled my father, Walter Troyan, to our kitchen table. I asked him to recount his WWII adventures, experiences, and battles so I could save his stories for our children. For the next two hours he spoke with vivid pride, and I tucked those tapes away, intending only to keep them as family keepsakes.

Fast forward thirty years, during the COVID lockdown, I replayed those recordings and realized they deserved a wider audience. Could I write a book? Preserve my father’s recollections for others to read outside of the family?

Google and other search engines became my friends. I had a big puzzle on my hands to fit all the pieces

together—my father’s stories, ship deck logs, research of the Pacific Theater, for ammunition and guns, the battles, hundreds of other Navy ships, and . . . well, I had a lot of pieces to fit together to formulate a narrative. A well-written one. This was a story, after all, about my father. He was no longer living, and my book must honor not only him, but the other sixteen million Americans who answered the call of duty to fight for our country. They sacrificed school, jobs, families, homes, personal aspirations, and sometimes their very lives. My book must also represent them.

Tap, tap, tap. My fingers flew over my keyboard faster than armor piercing shells firing from battleships for more than a year as a manuscript emerged. Help came from everywhere--my husband, editors, veterans, and friends. Family cheered me on. I took a couple of research trips to tour WWII ships, and I walked on Preble Field at the San Diego Naval Training Facility where my father marched for his boot camp training in 1942. And certainly, God held my hand each step of the way.

Unintended Hero, my debut historical novel, finally made an inaugural appearance on Amazon in August 2022. More than sales, my goal has always been to preserve my father’s firsthand account and honor the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation. Since publication, I’ve been invited into numerous schools to share lessons of sacrifice, teamwork, and patriotism—values my father and his fellow veterans exemplified. It's truly rewarding to witness the enthusiasm of students as they eagerly raise their hands with questions and engage in group discussions about applying these values in their lives. What an honor to pay tribute to my father and the Greatest Generation through today’s youth.

If you would like to book Becky for her interactive presentation, grades seven and up, for a school classroom, homeschool group, or youth group, you may contact her at beckyvanvleet9@gmail.com. She donates her time and is available in person or by zoom.

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About Unintended Hero

When the first bomb drops on Pearl Harbor, December 7th, 1941, Walter Troyan is a skinny seventeen-year-old California kid chock full of fear. But down deep he knows he must join the fight, so he drops out of high school and enlists.

Almost overnight, Walter is submerged into a brutal training regime and schedule. He’s homesick. Outmatched by all the other newbies. Knows he’ll never live up to his heroic brothers. And his soul shudders every time an officer shouts, “What are you made of!” Because Walter knows.

But then? Hope. He performs well on an aptitude test which sends him to Gunner’s Mate School. Upon graduation, Walter is sent to the USS Denver, docked in Philadelphia. He makes friends, gains a shred of courage.

Then his ship enters the Pacific Theater and Walter enters the crucible of his life. His body, spirit, and soul are forced to fight against emotions and circumstances he’s never encountered, and he’s faced with choices that will bring life or death to men he’s come to love as brothers.

Don’t miss this epic tale—inspired by a true story—of a boy facing head on, the courage it takes to become a man.

Purchase link: https://amzn.to/3HxiA1s

Social Media Links
Website: https://www.beckyvanvleet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbeckyvanvleet/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becky_van_vleet_author/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-van-vleet-0388982a6/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/125841473-becky-van-vleet
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/becky-van-vleet
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/beckyvanvleet/

Photo credits:

Author and book image: Becky VanVleet

Ship: Pexels/John Wolf

San Diego Training Center: Courtesy of https://www.bracpmo.navy.mil/

Movie Monday: Mildred Pierce

Movie Monday: Mildred Pierce

Initially released in New York in September 1945, Mildred Pierce, was released nationwide the following month. The film is based on James M. Cain’s 1941 novel of the same name. Cain is often referred to as “progenitor of the hard-boiled school of American crime fiction. According to one source, the book is described as a “psychological work with little violence,” and the adaptation was designed as a thriller, so a murder was added to the plot. Apparently, Hollywood felt the country was ready for something other than the lightweight, rom-coms that were prevalent during the war.

Joan Crawford plays the title role, her first since leaving Warner Bros. for MGM. She ultimately won an Academy Award for her performance. Eve Arden and Ann Blythe also appear in supporting roles. The murder victim is Mildred’s second husband, Monte, played by Zachary Scott, an actor who frequently played villains, and the suspect is her first husband, Bert, played by former Olympian shot-put champion, Bruce Bennett whose career spanned over forty years.

The plot told mostly in flashback is a little convoluted, and I wonder if that’s because of the changes

made from the novel’s original storyline. After Bert is charged with the crime Mildred insists that he is “too kind to commit murder.” Bert splits with his business partner, resulting in Mildred needing to find some way to support her family. She settles on selling backed goods. As time passes, Bert accuses her of favoring their daughters over him, and they argue, eventually separating. The girls remain with Mildred: sixteen-year-old, “bratty social climber” Veda, and ten-year-old tomboy, Kay.

Most of the movie is Mildred trying to provide the material possession and social status Veda craves. Veda’s behavior toward her mother is reprehensible, and she pulls one “stunt” after another, getting deeper and deeper into trouble. Their relationship deteriorates, but Mildred continues to try to fix the consequences of Veda’s actions. I won’t spoil the ending.

As mentioned, there are differences between the book and movie:

• The novel spans nine years (1931-1940), whereas the movie takes place between 1939 and 1943.
• Mildred is referred to as “more of a tycoon” in the movie by one source.
• Mildred’s restaurants are more glamorous, and she owns a chain rather than three.
• There are no references to the Depression or Prohibition in the movie.

A huge box office success, Mildred Pierce was met with mixed reviews from critics. Joan Crawford’s performance was praised, but some aspects of the storyline were panned. In 1996, the movie was deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” and chosen for preservation in the United States Library of Congress National Film Registry.

Have you seen this classic?

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The American World War II Home Front in 29 Objects

Unlike Europe the American mainland escaped physical devastation during World War II as it was not subjected to full-scale invasions. However, that didn’t mean the United States wasn’t impacted by the war. The ramifications of large economic, cultural, and societal changes forced Americans to reconsider entrenched beliefs and traditions.

Artifacts collected from across the nation tell the stories of the American people whose lives were shaped by this second “war to end all wars,” World War II.

Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/47pLxR

Photo Credits:

Movie Poster: By "Copyright Warner Bros. Distributing Corporation" - Scan via Heritage Auctions. Public Domain.

Movie Still: By Trailer screenshot - Mildred Pierce trailer, Public Domain.

Novel Cover: By http://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=4511267781, Fair use.

Fiction Friday: New Releases in Christian Fiction

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

Biblical:Survival Secrets by Lana Christian -- The Wise Men’s flight from Herod forces them to flee to the Wilderness of Paran to reach Egypt’s safety. But the trek will test their fledgling faith in ways they couldn’t have imagined. How much will they endure to protect their secrets, including what they know of Yeshua? (Biblical/Historical from Scrivenings Press)

Contemporary Romance: Building Hearts by Julie Arduini -- Evan Hart has always felt the odd one out in a family of thriving siblings. When his reality show pitch is greenlit and he's named co-producer, Evan sees a chance to finally belong within his family and the world watching them. Building with the Harts promises new beginnings and second chances until the network adds a wildcard: Shea Madden, a brooding co-producer with secrets of her own. (Contemporary Romance from Surrendered Scribe Media)

Old Town Symphony by Milla Holt -- Kezia Blair believes true talent shouldn’t need shortcuts. But after years of singing backup and recording anonymous jingles, her shot at a real music career is slipping away. When a last-ditch audition lands her on Starbound, TV’s biggest reality show, Kezia faces a painful choice: chase stardom on someone else’s terms—or walk away for good. Zach Falconer created Starbound to launch fresh talent—not get tangled up with it. Burned by a fame-hungry ex, he’s determined to protect his show from scandal and his heart from pain. In an industry where image is everything, can they hold onto what matters most… or will success cost them the truth—and each other? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Restoring Love by Dawn Kinzer -- A woman trying to revitalize a struggling candle shop and an apprentice learning to restore priceless instruments learn that sometimes it takes more than hard work and determination to fix matters of the heart. (Contemporary Romance Novella, Independently Published)

Heart and Soul by Nancy Lavo -- Big city pastor makes an unwanted trip to small town Texas for a lesson in humility and finds an unexpected chance for love. (Contemporary Romance from Iron Stream Media)

An Irish Kiss by Carolyn Miller -- Aurora Fairall—Rory to her friends—loves her jobs working at the village bookshop and the family castle-turned-boutique hotel, even if she sometimes wonders if this is all God has for her life. She knows she has much to be grateful for, but she wonders if the special Fairall legacy that sees its members struck by Cupid’s arrow has passed her by. Until she meets Aidan Quinn—not the actor, but an Australian guest on a genealogical mission to discover his ancestry—and sparks fly. Aidan never thought his visit to Ireland’s west coast would result in meeting a redheaded firecracker with a bewitching smile and pixie-like laughter. But obviously God knew better. And his quest to find his kin brings him into the warm embrace of this loud and loving family has helped heal his heart and gives hope that his future might be different to what he’d imagined. Until a secret from the past threatens everything he holds dear… (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Their Texas Christmas Redemption by Mindy Obenhaus -- Back home at her family’s Texas ranch for the holidays, the last thing Audrey Caldwell expects to see is her ex-husband, Tyler, on her doorstep—with his orphaned niece. The sweet baby in his arms brings up painful memories that she’d rather forget, but when little Willow gets sick, Audrey can’t turn them away. She offers to care for the baby if Tyler agrees to do some construction projects on the ranch. As they work together on a community Christmas event, neither can deny their growing connection. Can they heal their deepest wounds and find their way back to the family they always wanted? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Framed with Love by Rebecca Reed -- Photographing people gives Olivia Perez the jitters, but she’s determined to prove her friends’ loyalty isn’t unfounded. This secret celebrity wedding is do or die for their business. When her videographer quits, Olivia needs a replacement––fast. The diving instructor is the last person she expects will fit the bill. If only she’d curbed her tongue at their first meeting. Stirling “Mac” MacAllister isn’t ready to come out of hiding––or is he? When his Labrador’s antics bring him face to face with a dark-haired spitfire and her pet rabbit, sparks fly, and he begins to wonder if he wants more than his solitary, beach bum lifestyle. When Olivia invites Mac to be her videographer for an upcoming wedding, he dusts off his equipment, but soon discovers she needs more than his technical skills. A flooded yard forces the wedding indoors, and Olivia’s insecurities undermine her confidence. With everything––including their hearts––on the line, Mac and Olivia must trust God and each other if they’re to frame a future together. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Rumors of Grace by Rena Bell Yeager -- Tyler Grant is the cowboy everyone likes to talk about. The Tall Black Hat Guy has a mysterious past and a scandalous present. He likes the ladies, the bars, and fun. Georgia Duncan is everyone’s favorite eighth grade teacher. Cute, girl next door, sings in her church choir. When Tyler asks Georgia out on a date, it is disastrous. As is the next. And the next. They should give up. But when a terrible wreck puts Tyler into the hospital, Georgia offers to let him stay in her spare room while he recuperates. Neighbors talk. Rumors fly. What is the truth? And what do they both learn as they navigate their strange relationship and the rumors surrounding them? Will they find their happily ever after? Do they even want to? (Contemporary Romance from Pixley Knob Press)

Dual/Split Time: The Broken Weathervane by Laura DeNooyer -- Two co-workers seek the same information. One wants to publish it; the other has good reasons to keep it hidden. As Leslie Wickersham, Raymond University grants officer, seeks information to unravel a family mystery, English professor Gregory Stafford seeks an elusive interview with one more Buckwalter relative for his upcoming author biography. While Greg and Leslie guard coveted details from each other, her goals are further complicated by letters of blackmail threatening to reveal all she has worked hard to hide. In this dual timeline novel alternating between 2015 and the 1950s, loyalty is tested and secrets abound when family honor collides with truth. Leslie grapples with the trade-off: How far will a person go to help a loved one thrive? (Dual/Split Time from Scrivenings Press)

General Historical: Kate’s Crucible by Elmer Fuller -- Kate Collins never imagined her journey to the Kansas Territory in 1855 would be filled with such obstacles and challenges. As she arrives to teach at a New England Emigrant Aid Company settlement, she is met with constant problems—from nature's wrath to the pain of loss. But it's not just external forces that challenge Kate, who left a suitor and damaged relationships in Boston. She must confront the question: if God wants her to teach in Kansas, then why does he allow her to face such obstacles? (General Historical, Independently Published)

The Women of Oak Ridge by Michelle Shocklee -- 1944. Maebelle Willett arrives in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, eager to begin her new government job and send money home to her impoverished family. She knows little about the work she will be doing, but she’s told it will help America win the war. Not all is what it seems, however. Though Oak Ridge employees are forbidden from discussing their jobs, Mae’s roommate begins sharing disturbing information, then disappears without a trace. Mae desperately attempts to find her but instead comes face-to-face with a life-altering revelation―one that comes at significant cost. 1979. Laurel Willett is a graduate student in Boston when she learns about the history of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where thousands unknowingly worked on the atomic bomb. Intrigued because she knows her Aunt Mae was employed there, Laurel decides to spend the summer with her aunt, hoping to add a family connection to her thesis research. But Mae adamantly refuses to talk about her time in the Secret City. Mae’s friends, however, offer to share their experiences, propelling Laurel on her path to uncovering the truth about a missing woman. As Laurel works to put the pieces together, the hidden pain and guilt Mae has tried so hard to bury comes to light . . . with potentially disastrous consequences. (General Historical from Tyndale House)

Historical Romance: As Far As the West by Barbara A. Curtis -- Revenge against Eliza and Caleb Morgan has been smoldering over twenty years in Benton Calloway's heart. Now the perfect plan to exact payment lands on the threshold of his tailor shop-in the arrival of their daughter, adventurous seamstress Lizzie Morgan. And what could play into his hands better than her interest in his worthless son, Josiah? Lizzie and Josiah struggle to overcome the obstacles hurled at them. Can Lizzie's love survive, though, when Josiah is accused of being a thief like his father? Is he her redeemed, wounded war hero-or a man following his father's past? Josiah's dream of ranching is as shattered as his leg. Even in the bustling city, working as an accountant, his memories from World War I hound him.Past legacies of bitterness are about to be resurrected. Will Lizzie and Josiah follow that path, or will they discover that God's accounting of grace and forgiveness is boundless-as far as the east is from the west? (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

The Recluse’s Vindication by Danielle Grandinetti -- The Loch Ness Monster isn’t the only recluse seeking a Scottish haven. Bieldfell. Scotland, 1933—Falsely accused of murder sixteen years ago, American cowboy Benjamin Ford has chosen to hide out in the Scottish Highlands. Reclusive and not afraid to die, he rescues children out of an increasingly dangerous Germany. When his childhood best friend appears at his door, he’s not the boy she remembers. Eleanor Finch’s life ended sixteen years ago. In one horrible day, she lost her dreams, her reputation, and her heart. However, she never gives up the hope of finding her friend, so when she learns of Ben’s whereabouts, she leaves all that is familiar to convince him to return home. But Eleanor isn’t the only person searching for Ben. Hunters follow her trail. The thin veil of gossip and rumor may be their only chance of a future … unless the Loch Ness Monster is real after all. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Discerning God’s Best Series Collection by Heidi Gray McGill -- Four faith-filled stories of love, hope, and healing set in 1800s America, featuring a marriage of convenience, slow-burn romance, found family, and an exclusive bonus story available only in this bundle. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Risking it All by Jeri Stockdale -- On the run and out of options, Rebecca takes the place of a mail-order bride and marries Jesse, a rancher grieving his wife and raising two children alone—neither of them ready for love, and both estranged from God, until their unexpected union sparks a journey toward redemption neither dared hope for. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Christmas Mail Order Brides by Carrie Turansky, Susan Page Davis, Vickie McDonough -- Marriage arrives by mail-order—and just in time for Christmas. In these touching stories of faith and romance in the American West, three women seeking new beginnings find love in unexpected places. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Cozy Mystery:

The Last Owners by Jean Rezab -- When Courtney purchases a quaint house in the countryside, her dreams of transforming it into a cozy, inviting inn appear within reach. But beneath the charming exterior lurks a tangle of dark secrets. The previous owners vanished without a trace—eight years ago. Driven by curiosity and a sense of justice, Courtney and her husband Alex team up with Gary, the son of the missing couple, to unravel the mystery. The clock is ticking. The promise of treasure draws fortune hunters to dig up the tranquil backyard. When a fresh murder shatters the peace, Courtney realizes that the truth might be buried even deeper than she feared. As the stakes rise and the body count grows, Courtney must decide how much she’s willing to risk to bring the truth to light—and whether some dreams are worth dying for. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:
Girl Lost by Kate Angelo -- A LOST BABY - Luna Rosati found acceptance and comfort with her childhood foster family, but when she became pregnant at sixteen, she gave the baby up for adoption and left without a word. Now a CIA counterintelligence officer, Luna wants to reconcile her fractured sense of self by finding the only blood family she has--the teenage daughter she's never met. As Luna closes in on learning the girl's identity with the help of her mentor, Stryker, she prepares to meet him in her old neighborhood--the last place she wants to be. Then Stryker is captured. AN INESCAPABLE PAST - Special Agent Corbin King changed his last name to escape the shadow of his convicted father serving a life sentence. When he runs into Luna, the object of his failed teenage romance, the two must put their pasts aside and work together to expose a secret that someone's willing to kill for. A DEADLY THREAT - But when they encounter a kidnapping, missing bodies, and murder, the secrets Corbin and Luna are keeping from one another are only the beginning of the threat they face with more than their own lives at stake. (Romantic Suspense from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills -- A survival expert and a Texas Ranger trek into an off-the-grid desolate area to free a seven-year-old little girl who’s held hostage to silence her Russian father from revealing terrorist information. (Romantic Suspense from Tyndale House)

Unexpected Danger by Penny Zeller -- Londyn Siegler never imagined her attempt at a fresh start would include a stalker intent on watching her every move. Nor did she imagine her unidentified stalker would follow her back to the very place she was running from--and now the only place that can offer even a semblance of protection. Now, as danger grows and the stalker remains at large, Londyn finds herself seeking refuge with Sheriff Brodie Brenneman, the man whose heart she broke. When the stalker's attacks increase in severity, Londyn and Brodie find themselves fighting for their lives...and their rekindled love. Can justice be served before it's too late? (Romantic Suspense from Maplebrook Publishing)

Speculative Fiction/Fantasy:
The Stolen Destinies by Demi Griffin -- Wren was accustomed to guiding others in shaping their fates in the grand tapestry of Everlasting’s history. However, the weight of the destinies resting solely on his shoulders was a novel sensation for him. As the Bookshelf of the Ages was desecrated by theft, the air thickened with tension, disrupting Wren’s peaceful repose. Tasked with safeguarding the Divine Territory and rescuing the stolen destinies, he embarked on a quest filled with mysterious clues and the palpable sense of urgency. Would his failure thwart the King’s plan toward The Illumination? (This interlude should be read after book five and before book six of the Illumination Chronicles) (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy, Independently Published)

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

Kage: The 6th Commandment by Charlene Amsden -- When wounded journalist Trina Vaughn’s life collides with that of ex-con pastor Kage Kincade, the two must trust each other with their lives—and their hearts—as they confront a conspiracy that tests the limits of faith, courage, and the commandment ‘Thou shalt not kill.’ (Romantic Suspense)

This Isn’t Shakespeare by Stephanie Cardel -- When her dreams fall apart, Madison believes it’s a sign from God she should commit to her atheist boyfriend and make a new dream, but once she realizes God would never send her a sign that would cause her to sin, how can she forgive herself for believing the lies of the world? (Young Adult)

Surviving the Deal by Seralynn Lewis -- She’s not looking for love. He’s not looking for a wife. But a deal with eternal consequences is about to change everything. (Contemporary Romance)

Her Secret Amish Admirer by Beth Wiseman -- Sadie Miller is content with her job as a schoolteacher in a small Amish community located in southern Indiana. She loves children, but her past keeps her from pursuing marriage and having a family of her own. (General Contemporary)

The Day Sarah Ran Away by Janell Goodrich York -- When her daughter's return sparks unexpected change, Sarah leaves routine behind for a cross-country journey-full of surprises, self-discovery, and a future she never imagined. (General Contemporary)

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Sally Jo Pitts!

FROM REAL-LIFE ROMANCE TO STORYTELLING

While plotting a romantic suspense, I was inspired to hear about the blind date, love-at-first-sight marriage proposal of my friend. After interviewing the couple whose marriage is still going strong after 55 years, I learned they each had prayed, in their own way, for God’s help in revealing the best spouse for them.

Ask God! Makes sense.

This inspired me to explore how someone might pray specifically ahead of time for their future spouse. (Of course, parents and grandparents might also lift up these prayers for the spouse of their child or grandchild.)

FOUR PRAYERS FOR A FUTURE SPOUSE

• Pray for Their Relationship with God: May this future spouse prioritize God and seek a deep and personal relationship with Him. Let him/her lead a Christ-centered life, shine the light of Jesus, pursue God’s heart, and remain strong both spiritually and mentally.
• Pray for Their Relationships with Family and Friends: Since healthy, loving connections are vital, pray this future spouse has a supportive relationship with his/her parents. Pray their extended family becomes a valued part of the future family. May he/she have godly friends who encourage and challenge him/her positively. May negative influences be removed so he/she will be able to reach his/her full potential.
• Pray for Their Character and Attitude Toward Love: May he/she develop a moral code rooted in integrity, honor, and humility. When he/she speaks the words, “I love you,” may they reflect the elements of godly love—patient and kind, not envious, boastful, proud, rude, self-seeking, or easily angered.
• Pray for Their Purpose: As God prepares the best spouse for him/her, may that person step boldly into God’s plan and purpose for him/her.

BLENDING ROMANCE AND SUSPENSE

This true God revealed, love-at-first-sight spark became the foundation of my hero and heroine’s

romance. Coupled with a sinister plot, the result was Sweet Double Cross, book #2 in my Secrets of Sweet County series. Here is the back cover copy:

A scientific mission turns into a harrowing day of death and destruction.

Dedicated biologist Trudy Fields is passionate about her invasive plant species research in northwest Florida. When real estate developer Kirt Mayfair arrives in Sweet County to learn how to eradicate a kudzu infestation on property he plans to purchase, Trudy is assigned to assist him. Their instant connection surprises them both—especially when Kirt impulsively proposes marriage.

But research and romantic interest takes a deadly turn when a colleague of Trudy’s is shot and killed on the way to the isolated kudzu experimental island. On the run from a ruthless killer with precision sniper training, Trudy and Kirt must navigate treacherous terrain, dangerous wildlife, and a shocking conspiracy.

As bullets fly and bodies pile up, Trudy discovers Kirt is hiding his own secret. Amidst unexpected attraction and lethal betrayal, can the two survive this double-cross?

About Sally Jo Pitts

Sally Jo Pitts is an award-winning author who brings experience as a private investigator, licensed lie detection examiner, high school guidance counselor and home economics teacher to the fiction page. Having worked thirty years alongside her late law enforcement husband in his private investigations agency, she learned to teach by day and snoop by night. Currently, she draws on real-life experiences to pen faith-based stories of romance and mystery. Her works include the Hamilton Harbor Legacy romance series, the Seasons of Mystery detective series, and the romantic suspense series—Secrets of Sweet County. Connect with her at https://sallyjopitts.com