Showing posts with label #christianfiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #christianfiction. Show all posts

Thursday, October 22, 2026

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back, Sherry Shindelar

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back, Sherry Shindelar

I’m pleased to welcome Sherry Shindelar back to my blog today where she shares about her writing journey, latest release, the inspiration behind her stories, and more.

How many books have you written, and which is your favorite? I’ve written seven books. Four of the books have been published, and two will be published in 2027. I’m currently writing my eighth book. My first book, a Civil War novel, which I rewrote three times, is set to be published in 2028. My two favorites are Texas Forsaken, the first book in my Lone Star Redemption series, and my Civil War story coming out in 2028.

Can you share a real life event that inspired your writing? The story of Cynthia Anne Parker captured my heart a couple decades ago, and she still haunts my imagination. Her story inspired my
novel, Texas Forsaken, and my newly released prequel, Wichita Path Sacrifice, which is part of the Freed by the Frontier novella collection.

Cynthia was taken captive by the Comanche at age nine during an attack on her family’s fort on the Texas frontier in 1836. She became Comanche and an integral part of the tribe for over twenty-four years, married an influential war chief, and had three children. In December 1860, Texas Rangers attacked her village and captured her and her baby girl, Prairie Flower. Eventually, one of Cynthia’s settler relatives claimed her and took her to live with his family, but she refused to accept this new life that was being forced upon her. Several times, she tried to run away to the open plains, desperate to find her husband and her sons to no avail.

Tell us about your road to publication. A visit to a historic home in the Shenandoah Valley, when my husband and I were newly married, spurred my love for history and planted the seed for a story. A few years later, I wrote the novel, then buried it in a box in my closet when it didn’t get published right away. I returned to college to earn a degree in creative writing and eventually a PhD in literature, wondering if I’d ever reconnect with the stories in my head, the ones buried deep in my heart.

Then, in the summer of 2019, the Lord opened my heart to fall in love with writing all over again. And it has been my daily passion ever since. I pulled out the box and unburied the past. My new writing life was born.

I rewrote my first novel from scratch, then I wrote another novel, Texas Forsaken, as I waited for a YES from an agent or editor/publisher. After no’s from several of the biggest publishers (no’s because it wasn’t the right timing for a Civil War story or an Indian captive story), I felt like I was moving toward my goals at turtle speed.
 
But God had a plan. In His perfect timing, He threw open the doors for me to receive my first book contract in June 2023, four years from the time I fell in love with writing all over again. And when it finally happened, the Lord answered my prayers beyond my expectations!

If your book is part of a series: Did you set out to write a series? Why did you decide to write a series?
My novella Wichita Path Sacrifice, which is included in Freed by the Frontier, is part of my Lone Star Redemption series. Even though it is the fourth book that I’ve published in the series, it is actually the prequel to Book One, Texas Forsaken. (It’s fine to read it out of order though.) My publisher asked me to write a series, and I’m thankful that they did. I love being able to write stories with interconnected characters and being able to show bits of my characters’ lives years down the road after they initially fell in love.

How do you come up with story lines? I love to draw my stories from real historical events and situations. Wichita Path Sacrifice (part of Freed by the Frontier) and Texas Forsaken are both inspired by real life captive stories.

Why do you write in your particular genre? I cherish history, and I love romance. And I desire to share my faith in my writing, so Christian historical romance is the perfect genre for me.

How do you celebrate when you finish a manuscript? My husband and I usually go out for a nice dinner, and I usually take a couple day off from writing before I begin editing.

What is your advice to fledgling writers? Don’t give up. Writing is a marathon. Sometimes you have
no clue how far away the finish line is. You have to pace yourself and keep running. You may trip, you may fall to your knees, but get up and keep going. Turn your race over to the Lord, and trust Him to see you through to the finish. Rejection is part of the career. Rejection is a chance to learn, and grow, and build your perseverance. Write, write, write, and join organizations like ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers, etc.). They offer loads of support. Writing can be a lonely business. I’ve been part of a ACFW critique group for the last five years, and they played a significant role in helping me to eventually get published. Finally, attend conferences and study the craft.

What writers or books have influenced you? Laura Frantz: Her books inspired me to fall in love with writing again and to start writing Christian historical romance. Lori Benton: Her Mountain Laurel and Shiloh books inspired me to write a story of redemption, second chances, and great love. In regards to craft, Susan May Warren’s The Story Equation is my go-to source.

What books are on your nightstand right now? Jamie Ogle’s Daughter of the Rebellion and Gabrielle Meyer’s The Lady of the Red River Valley.

What is your next project? This summer, I finished writing Texas Redeemed, the next story in my Lone Stare Redemption series. This book tells the story of Abigail McKenzie, a newspaper reporter, who writes a news story that gets a man killed. When the man’s brother, Indian agent Jake Cooper, shows up in her office to tell her that her story was based upon lies, she is determined to investigate and make amends. The last thing Jake needs is a city girl following him into Indian Country, putting herself and him in danger. Meanwhile, I’ve started writing the final book in the series, the love story of Little Star and Charlie.

About Freed by the Frontier:

Three remarkable women find themselves caught between two worlds on the American frontier. A captive of the Comanche must choose between escaping to white society or her growing feelings for a rising war chief in 1850s Texas. A Georgia judge’s daughter flees an unwanted betrothal during the War of 1812, only to be captured by Creek warriors but protected by a mysterious brave. And in 1754, an English lady traveling the Great Wagon Road to become a music teacher discovers her carefully planned future may not survive her attraction to a protective frontiersman.

From quaint civilized towns to treacherous mountain passes and wilderness villages, three couples navigate cultural divisions, overcome past wounds, and face deadly dangers to discover that love knows no boundaries. But as war clouds gather and ancient tribal alliances shift, will their newfound relationships survive the coming storm? Or will the clash of worlds tear them apart?

Three unforgettable romances prove that God's greatest blessings often come disguised as our greatest challenges, and that true love can bridge any divide.

Social Media Links: 
Website: https://sherryshindelar.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherryshindelarauthor/
FB Author: https://www.facebook.com/historylitgirl/
Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/134972322-sherry-shindelar
Bookbub author page: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/527022753

Author Bio:

Originally from Tennessee, Sherry Shindelar loves to take her readers into the past. She is an avid student of the Civil War and the Old West. When she is not busy writing, she is an English professor working to pass on her love of writing to her students. Sherry is an award-winning writer: 2023 Genesis finalist, Maggie finalist, and Crown finalist. She currently resides in Minnesota with her husband of over forty years. She has three grown children and three grandchildren. Connect with Sherry at http://www.sherryshindelar.com.

Photo credits:
Author photo and book images: Courtesy Sherry Shindelar
Writing: Pixabay/Pexels
Woman Running: Pixabay/Pexels

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome, Karen Ferguson

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome, Karen Ferguson!

I’m pleased to welcome Karen Ferguson to my blog today. A podcaster and children’s book authors, the next book in her Questions for Kids series will release next year.

Did you set out to write a series? Why did you decide to write a series? I did not set out to write a series. The inspiration behind my first children’s book, Guess How Much God Loves You, was my favorite book to read to my girls when they were young, Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney. I wanted kids to know how much God loves them, and I had a desire for some time to write a book that would point them to Jesus. This first book was the result of that. But as I was preparing my manuscript to send to publishers, I kept coming back to the need for biblical literacy in our culture, and how this book only scratched the surface of God’s plans, power, and love. So, with feedback from family and other writers, I mapped out what would become the Questions for Kids picture book series. A seven-book series that takes young readers on exciting adventures into the Bible to discover God’s never-changing, never-failing, and never-ending love.

If you were to write a spin-off book about one of your secondary characters, which one would you
choose and why?
It would have to be Lucy’s puppy, Miss Rosie, who showed up in Book 3, Guess Why God Made the Rainbow. I’ve grown fond of animal stories lately, and had the privilege of writing one about my oldest daughter's Aussie Shepherd (something exciting coming soon on this!). I would love to see Miss Rosie, who is my youngest daughter’s rambunctious, lovable, and often-goofy Golden Retriever, have an adventure of her own.

What draws you to the time period about which you write? My life changed when I discovered the power of God’s Word. When I discovered I could stand on His Promises. Even though I grew up in the church, I went through a season of significant rebellion, which I believe was due in part to not understanding the truth and power of God’s Word. I learned some great lessons in Sunday School but was never encouraged to read the Bible. And there weren’t many lessons I remember that made the Bible relevant to what I was experiencing. I want to be a small part in helping children grow a love, trust, and deeper understanding of God’s Word to guide, help, and equip them throughout their lives. I want them to know God’s truth, so they can easily spot counterfeits. I feel this is especially important in the times we live in.

What is one thing you wish you could do? Well, I have no desire to be a screenwriter or TV producer, but I would imagine the entire process of producing a successful series fascinating. And I’m a big When Calls the Heart fan, so I would love to be on site and see a season rolled out from start to finish.

How do you celebrate when you finish a manuscript?
So far, my celebration has been submitting each manuscript to my publisher! But I have been blessed with some fun ways of celebrating new books. Thanks in large part to my oldest daughter who loves celebrations! The one that stands out most to me, was an intimate gathering filled with themed cookies, decorations, games and special trinkets commemorating my new book!

What writers or books have influenced you?
Ted Dekker and Frank Perretti were my favorite Christian fiction authors for a long time and inspired my desire to write. I did not read Christian fiction until I was an adult, and I was captivated by these author’s stories - ones of high-energy, edge of your seat suspense! More recently I’ve come to love Tamera Alexander, who writes historical fiction set close to where I live. And I must go back to one of my favorites from the beginning, Francine Rivers, who I had the privilege of meeting at a writer’s conference years ago!

What books are on your nightstand right now?
I am one of those people who read multiple books at a time. I’ve questioned if this is the best way of reading, but I can’t seem to limit myself when it comes to books :) Right now, I have The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls series by M.J. Thomas on my nightstand. My daughter introduced me to this series, because my grandson loves it. I’m also working through Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell, Dream More by Dolly Parton, and an advance copy of So Much Better by Kaci Nicole Harlow.

What is your next project? This is an exciting question! I am currently working with an amazingly talented illustrator on a special new book coming soon through my daughter’s new publishing company, Glory Era Publishers. This book introduces the cutest, bravest animal hero for young readers and I will have much more to tell before Christmas. So be sure to sign up for my newsletter and be the first to know!

About the Questions for Kids Series:
Through conversations between a little girl named Lucy and her grandfather, Ferguson tackles topics in her series, Questions for Kids, that make most children wonder.

Purchase Link: https://link.amazon/B0duZuOU5

About Karen:
Karen Ferguson is a writer, host of the 5-Minute Parenting podcast, and the author of the Questions for Kids picture book series. A lover of words, family, animals, and Jesus, Karen is a passionate advocate for truth that transforms lives. Her faith in God and background in K-8 education inspires her mission to share God’s unchangeable truths and unchanging love with the next generation. She wants every child to know their life matters. Karen is pleased to announce that Book 4 in the Questions for Kids series is scheduled to release in 2027 through Ambassador International. She also has a special book coming soon about an adorable and brave animal hero young readers will love. Be sure to follow Karen on social media and sign up for her newsletter to hear about special events, offers, and exciting book news.

Social Media: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenfergusonauthor/

Photo credits:
Author photo and book images: Courtesy Karen Ferguson
Stack of books: Pixabay/Wolfgang Eckert

Thursday, October 8, 2026

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome David Mathews!

 

FUGITIVE OF FAITH
by David Mathews

I’m pleased to welcome David Mathews back to my blog. His upcoming release sounds fabulous and I’m anxious to start reading it. Grab a “cuppa” and learn more about David and Fugitive of Faith.

What was your motivation behind this project? In my nearly seven decades of living in the United States, I've witnessed the exponential erosion of religious freedoms. Government authority, according to Romans 13, is supposed to be a force ordained by God for good and a terror and deterrent to evil. However, it is rapidly becoming a means of silencing the voice of truth in our society. The question, “What should be the Christian's response to an authority that no longer protects good but promotes evil?” is at the heart of this novel.

What do you hope readers will gain from this story? By exploring what many believe are the legitimate options available, I hope to steer the reader toward the biblical response to corrupt legislation and governmental control. God has a lot to say about the Christian's responsibility as well as response to those in authority who make demands that often contradict the truths of Scripture and the believer's personal convictions. Our attitudes and responses to such authority say a lot about what we really believe. They also impact our effectiveness as salt and light in this corrupt world as we seek to point people to Christ.

How were you personally impacted by working on this book? The idea came to me as I was
contemplating the life of the Apostle Peter and his reactions to Jesus' arrest in the garden—fighting back and denying he knew the Lord—and I began to wonder what a modern day Simon Peter might look like. I wrote the manuscript in the pandemic months leading up to the contentious 2020 presidential election. During that time, I was challenged to review and evaluate my own attitudes and reactions to the God-given civil authorities in my life, especially when that leadership contradicts God's authority. Do I speak up or remain silent? Do I get involved, and if so, how? Am I only criticizing those in authority, or am I praying for them as commanded by God? I think this will be an on-going work of grace in my life!

Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors/artists? Some of my greatest influences and sources of inspiration are:
  • Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, and the other 3 missionaries who lost their lives trying to reach a violent people group with the gospel of Christ;
  • Corrie and Betsy ten Boom, who remained confident in their Savior's love even while in a Nazi concentration camp;
  • Randy Alcorn, whose books Safely Home, If God is Good, and Heaven continue to challenge me to remain faithful to my Lord, no matter what;
  • Ron Hamilton, whose songs "Rejoice in the Lord" and "How Can I Fear With Jesus?" speak to my heart each time I hear them.
What else would you like readers to know:
Set in contemporary post-modern California, and witnessed through the eyes of a San Francisco pastor, this novel explores the Christian's reaction and responsibility to bad legislation and ungodly authority as defined by the eternal truths of God's Word. Hang on to your seats! Once you begin reading, you're in for the roller coaster action-packed adventure of a lifetime. Follow Pastor Pete Holloway as he explores different ways of responding to the crisis, some with near-fatal results, but all with lasting consequences. You'll find yourself saying, “Just one more chapter!”

___________________________  


BOOK BLURB:
What happens when speaking the truth becomes illegal?

EXCERPT FROM FUGITIVE OF FAITH:
“Suddenly, from somewhere behind him, the faint sound of a helicopter assaulted his ears. He instinctively turned and looked up-stream. The police were apparently conducting an air search as well as a ground search. And here he was fully exposed in the middle of the river!

Swimming with all his might, he made for the bank and dragged himself out of the water. He sprinted across the rocks and threw himself into the undergrowth just as the bird rounded the bend above the distant tree line. As the chuka-chuka-chuka-chuka of the blades grew louder, Pete looked around, desperate for a hiding place. His military training told him there was probably a thermal-imaging camera on board, so he needed some deep cover fast. Scrambling up the slope, he spied a large, standing sequoia about forty feet away with a small gap at the base. He raced toward the tree and squeezed through the opening. The space inside was barely large enough for his six-foot frame. Lord, You once made blind eyes see. Now would You please make seeing eyes blind?”


Photo Credits:
Author and book cover images: Courtesy David Mathews
Ballot Box: Pixabay/Planet Fox
San Francisco Houses: Pixabay

Friday, October 2, 2026

Fiction Friday: New Releases in Christian Fiction

October 2026 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Children’s/Middle-Grade Chapter Books:


Charly’s Volcano by Lorisa D. Wiedenheft -- It’s the fall of 1993 in small-town North Carolina. Twelve-year-old Charly is in seventh grade and excited to be in junior high. But then her best friends start trying new things. Wya joins the basketball team, and June decides to be a cheerleader. Charly feels left out and can’t shake the anger simmering inside her. One minute she’s fine, and the next she’s blowing up at the people she cares about most. (Children’s/Middle Grade, Independently Published)

Contemporary Romance:


Falling into Us by Denise Hunter -- When a reluctant woman travels to Gibson, NC to deliver her late mother’s final letter to the grandmother she’s never known, she strikes a deal with a widowed journalist seeking a career-making story—only to discover that healing old wounds might require risking their hearts. (Contemporary Romance from Thomas Nelson Fiction [HarperCollins])

The Baker of Christmas Wishes by Georgia Curtis Ling -- Sarah Baker is about to find out if her grandmother’s folklore is really just a recipe—or something more. They say Christmas Wishing Cookies carry prayers straight to heaven, but for Sarah, they reveal a secret she never saw coming. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Not So Very Sensible by Carolyn Miller -- Elinor and Katie Bennett are as opposite as sisters can be: Elinor loves structure, planning and design, while Katie’s head is in the clouds as she chases fanciful, romantic dreams. A college graduation trip to the Blue Mountains sees them staying at the Hydro Grand hotel for a murder mystery weekend. There, they end up meeting two men who just might hold the keys to their hearts—taking the sensible Elinor Bennett by surprise while crushing the romantic Katie’s hopes. . .and proving that the path of love doesn’t always follow one's plans or dreams. (Contemporary Romance from Barbour Publishing)

The Pastor’s Christmas Prayer by Mindy Obenhaus -- Returning to Legacy Ranch with his two young daughters, widowed youth pastor Jonathon Bauer is delighted to find his first love, Meredith Hunt, is one of the owners. When Jonathon and Meredith are thrown together to oversee the annual Christmas Under the Stars event at the ranch, past affections stir between them. But Meredith has been keeping a secret since they were teens—one that she must reveal if she and Jonathon are ever to have a future together. Will the truth tear them apart…or give them everything they’ve always dreamed of? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

More Than Enough by Krystina Renae Rankin -- Teacher and former foster care youth Isabelle and pastor and single father Dustin learn to heal and love again. (Contemporary Romance from Quirky Bullpen Press)

The Sweetest Thing About You by Alyssa Schwarz -- She’s been looking for somewhere to belong for ten years. He’s been running away from the only place he ever had. Two plane tickets. One month. And one Maple Lake bakery about to remind them both what home actually feels like. (Contemporary Romance from Sunrise Publishing)

Crazy for Christmas by Penny Zeller -- It’s Christmas in Cloverdale Falls! Take a trip to the town you’ll want to become a resident of in this hilarious installment, perfect for the Christmas season and beyond. She’s an extrovert who loves Christmas. He’s an officer who loves law and order. And there’s a Corgi. (Contemporary Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

Contemporary Suspense:


The Glades by Angela Hunt -- A dual-time novel about the consequences of man's hubris in the Everglades. Billionaire’s wife Katherine Armstrong is planning a quiet birthday weekend on her private island in the Everglades—just her children and her two closest friends, far from the cameras, her husband, and the noise of her public life. Then the storm comes. By morning, the power is gone. The water is off. The mainland is unreachable. And in the mangrove shadows beyond her mansion in the mangroves, an apex predator circles. What was meant to be a retreat becomes a trap. (Contemporary Suspense from Hunt Haven Press)

Cozy Mystery:


Fatal Impulse by Janet Sketchley -- When a newly-discovered corpse could be a neighbouring teen's runaway mom, can Landon prove the secretive woman is still alive? Landon Smith doesn’t dare investigate. Juggling intense university courses, a fledgling romance, and an empty bed and breakfast, the twenty-four-year-old trauma survivor is fighting for her dreams. Yet her heart breaks for the hurting teen who’s convinced his mother is the body in the woods. For his sake, she’ll dig into the secretive woman’s abrupt flight. But when the missing persons case ties into the murder, Landon fears she’s placed herself on the villain’s hit list. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

General Contemporary:


Letting Go of Perfect by Janell Goodrich York -- When Olivia moves with her two children to a small town, she hopes to find her footing, finish her degree, and give her family the fresh start they need, but what she doesn't expect is a community determined to make her one of their own. (General Contemporary from Scrivenings Press)

A Bookshop for Christmas by Heidi Chiavaroli -- When Brooke’s beloved grandparents die unexpectedly, their final wish brings her scattered family back to Hope Creek, including Jeremiah, the boy she once loved—the same boy who abandoned them when the Chilton clan disintegrated years ago. Despite the long-held grudges and awkward secrets that kept them all apart, Brooke and Jeremiah convince the Chilton cousins to help honor their grandparents’ last request: to take the old church they saved from destruction and turn it into a bookshop that will serve their beloved community. And to do it all before Christmas. But repurposing the church building may be easier than healing the deep wounds that tore their family apart. (General Contemporary from Hope Creek Publishers LLC)

Mercy’s Rose by Delores Topliff -- Mercy’s Rose invites readers to join a young Amish woman’s journey as she struggles to help her family through a medical crisis while respecting the confines of her community’s faith. This is a sweet coming of age story that allows Mercy to grow into the right love and the right role for her through discernment and faith. (General Contemporary from TrueNorth)

Historical Biblical:


Unwavering Heart: The Story of Rebekah by Angela Hunt -- When Rebekah is offered a marriage to Isaac--heir to wealthy and well-respected Abraham--she leaves behind the only world she has known and ventures into the sunbaked lands of Canaan. (Historcial/Biblical from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Historical Romance:


Mail-Order Lady by Misty M. Beller -- Five sons of an English duke, all raised in the Rocky Mountains… She agreed to a safe, sensible marriage. He agreed because she already holds his heart. From a USA Today bestselling author comes a royal family saga featuring a marriage of convenience, unrequited love, and a family mystery that spans continents…all set in the rugged Montana Territory. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Loyalty’s Pursuit by Shannon McNear -- August 1780. After the Battle of Camden leaves British camp follower Bess Eaton widowed, expecting a child, and stranded in enemy territory, she faces two impossible choices: a return to an England that offers her nothing...or marriage to a stranger before the army marches on without her. Backcountry loyalist Rob MacFarlane has already buried a wife and son and has no intention of risking his heart again. But he can't ignore the vulnerable widow in his path. What begins as an act of duty quickly becomes something far more complicated when he offers Bess protection—and a name. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Romantic Suspense:


Coordinates of Death by Darlene L. Turner A police officer will do anything to catch the serial killer that got away—even if it means playing a deadly game in the icy wilderness. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Deadly Charade by Lynette Eason and Kelly Underwood -- One wrong move and their cover is blown. So their charade sparking real feelings is the last twist they can afford. Special Agent Kira Miller's new career at the FBI has started--in translations. It's not the opportunity she was hoping for to show off her skills, until she detects a lead in some paperwork. Now assigned an undercover role, she's in her element as she gathers intel on an art smuggling ring. She's daunted not by the mission but by her cover--posing as a married woman to the fake husband she met less than twenty-four hours earlier. Special Agent Bryce Lambert's assignment to go undercover as a newlywed couple with Kira has the two of them moving next door to the prime suspects, and a relationship is the last thing he wants, fake or real. With secret auctions and hidden treasures, there's plenty to keep them busy--if only they can play the part their lives and careers depend upon while keeping their own hearts in check. (Romantic Suspense from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])

Speculative: Soft Science Fiction and Romantic Fantasy:


The Prodigy and the Telepath by Kenneth Bliss -- After burying his adoptive mother, thirteen-year-old psionic prodigy Eric D'Tra'val discovers that the voices of rage and despair filling his mind are something far more dangerous than grief. (Speculative/Soft Science Fiction, Independently Published)

Violet Fly by Demi Griffin -- Rescued by a Mystic with no memory of his life prior to the event that should have ended it, Siaran becomes the ward of Prince Enris. He matures into a young man with all the privilege and protection of the Emerald Palace while the kingdom is ravaged by enemies. Life in the palace on the mountain should have been peaceful. The disappearance of the king’s firstborn child haunts the corridors and hearts of the royal family. With the Cerulean Rose wilting, the kingdom’s divine protection falters. Siaran is desperate to do something to help. An unsanctioned departure from the palace takes him on an adventure that brings the legend of the Violet Fly to life, making him the hero the kingdom needs. Wrestling with the unknowns of his past, Siaran’s restless soul leads to his captivity. Only one thing can save him - the woman he mistook for an enemy. (Speculative/Romantic Fantasy, Independently Published)

Western Historical Romance:


The Heart’s Most Wanted by Mary Connealy -- When a mysterious threat follows their every step, can two wounded hearts find refuge and love? With outlaws, a rugged hero, and a spirited heroine, Mary Connealy presents another action-packed Old West historical romance. For fans of second chance romance, frontier journeys, and hijinks in the Colorado wilderness. (Western Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Young Adult:
Into the Crashing Waves by Stephanie Cardel -- After Dante Edmonds is torn from his foster dad and the girl he loves and sent to juvie for a crime he didn’t commit, he is forced to escape and assume a new identity. But he doesn’t want a life on the run. HE WANTS REVENGE. (Young Adult from WordCrafts Press)

Edges & Other Hard Things by Lauren Thell -- A teen artist with a sensory disorder and a high-strung boy photographer hiding a dangerous secret collide in this sweet, faith-based YA romance. (Young Adult, Independently Published)


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

Murder at Crayfish Cove by Suzie Peace Pybus -- Hester receives an empty envelope in the post, follows it to Crayfish Cove and finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. (Cozy Mystery)

Just Grace by Kimberly Banet -- Two families. One long-held secret. Only God’s grace can heal them when they collide. (General Contemporary)

The Seafaring Women of the Faithful by Susan Page Davis and James S. Davis -- Captain Alice Packard and her all-female crew face danger, uncertainty, and a fight for their future when the Vera B reaches England, forcing them to rely on faith, courage, and one another both on land and at sea. (General Historical)

Moonshine River by Marie Wells Coutu -- She'll break the law to save her mother. He'll uphold it to save her soul. (Historical Romance)

Vision of My Heart by Heidi Gray McGill -- Blinded by smallpox and guarded against pity, Serafina Shankel never expects a steady Irish horseman named Connor Finnegan to unlock a love built on trust, patience, and a way of seeing that has nothing to do with sight. (Historical Romance)

The Lost Warrior of Noridge by Demi Griffin -- His life was a mistake. Her love had to remain hidden. Would their united faith shine bright enough to save their world? (Speculative/Romantic Fantasy)

As the World Burns by Aaron Ryan -- For the Earth to survive, one father must sacrifice his only son. (Speculative/Science Fiction)

Thursday, October 1, 2026

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back, Thomas Goodman

 

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome back, Thomas Goodman!

I’m excited to welcome Thomas Goodman back to my blog. His second historical novel comes out TODAY(!), October 1. Set amid the sawmills, logging camps, saloons, churches, and pine forests of turn-of-the-century East Texas, Through Many Dangers combines historical crime and suspense with questions of courage, faith, marriage, and the limits of lawful resistance. You can find out more about his book and where to buy it at www.ThomasGoodmanWrites.com. In this interview, we’ll learn a bit about the book and the author behind it.

What was your inspiration for the story? I was astonished no one had turned the true story into a novel before. The story is based on a real-life Methodist minister who moves his young family to the timber boomtown of Groveton in East Texas in the opening years of the 1900s. He expects to lead a church, not a war, but he finds a town where bootleggers operate with impunity and powerful men have little interest in enforcing the law. A corrupt sheriff, an indebted lumber baron, and a cold-blooded enforcer help keep the criminal operation intact. As threats turn to violence, the preacher begins carrying a Colt revolver and eventually places the loaded pistol on his pulpit each Sunday. He must decide how far a man of faith can go when the law refuses to act and the people he loves are in danger.

What sort of research did you do for your story, and was there an exceptionally interesting tidbit
you knew you had to include?
There is little remaining history about this minister. Aside from a few passing references to his name in turn-of-the-century newspapers and Methodist church reports, we have two reliable records of his life: Flora Bowles’ 1966 history of Trinity County and Patricia Hensley’s 1995 application to the Texas Historical Commission for a historical marker in front of the Groveton Methodist Church. The pastor's remarkable story appears in only a few paragraphs of each account. But I was able to do extensive research on early twentieth-century law enforcement and attitudes toward saloons and early prohibitionists, and that helped me build a three-dimensional world in which to tell his story.

Tell us about your road to publication. When I was unable to find an agent for my debut novel, I researched all I could about independent publishing. The book won a 2024 Spur Award from the Western Writers of America as well as a 2024 Will Rogers Medallion, and it is selling well. With that reception, I decided to stay on the indie route for the second novel.

This is the second book in a series. Did you set out to write a series? Why did you decide to write a series? While researching independent publishing, over and over I ran across advice to write in series. Since my first book was based on a true crime, there was no way to turn it into the kind of series where a protagonist or an ensemble of characters returns in later books. But I decided that turn-of-the-century Texas had enough material to create a series of standalone novels based on true stories. So, the series I’m developing is called “Texas Tales.”

If you were to write a spin-off book about one of your secondary characters, which one would you choose and why? I had a fictional character in the closing chapters of my first novel I enjoyed creating. Vivy is a widowed boarding house operator in her 70s who shows tremendous grace to the main character. After the book was published, I got curious about what her young adult life would have been like in the late 1870s, early 1880s. I actually wrote a few chapters of a novel entirely about her and her tragic life, but I decided to file it away and work on this other story that became Through Many Dangers.

Why do you write in your particular genre? When I spoke to a Rotary Club about the true crime my first novel was based on, a man was just incredulous as to why a pastor would have any interest in writing about true crime. I said, “Well, our faith is based upon a true crime, isn’t it? Christianity is based upon the greatest injustice in human history, so why wouldn’t a pastor be attracted to true crime stories?” He seemed to appreciate that answer. It’s true that crime fiction portrays some bad people, but it’s against that dark backdrop that good qualities like heroism and repentance and grace shine even brighter.

What is your process for writing?
I’m a pastor with a full week of responsibilities, so I write early in the morning before the church office opens. It’s hard to figure out what a pastor’s “own time” is, but our church’s leadership agreed with me that writing novels the 90-120 minutes before the church office opened counted as my “own time” for trying my hand at being a novelist.

How does/did your job prepare you for being a novelist? A big part of being a lead pastor, of course, involves writing—especially sermon preparation. Of course, there’s a huge difference between a sermon and novel, but through 40 years of sermon prep, I have honed the ability to stick to the keyboard and write on a deadline.

What is your advice to fledgling writers? It’s vital to learn all you can not only about the craft of writing but the business of writing. The more you learn about how to publish and market your books, the more confident you’ll feel that all your hard work of producing the book has an actual outlet at the end. And, though I highly recommend that new authors in the 2020s seriously consider the independent route as I have, you need to know as much as you can about the business of writing even if you’re hoping an agent and publisher will pick you. The hard truth is, most publishers will not provide the marketing your book deserves—and publishers are even cutting back on the editing services they once promised authors. More and more of the success of your book falls on you, so you had better learn some strategies for success.

What is your next project?
The third novel in my “Texas Tales” series is also based on a true story.
This one, however, is not inspired by a true crime: not a single pistol shows up on a page! It’s about a Baptist pastor in northeast Texas who, two years before the Wright Brothers flew, became convinced that the opening vision from the book of Ezekiel would be his guide for creating a flying machine. He was a tinkerer with a few patents to his name, and he called his new invention the Ezekiel Airship, and he planned to fly it at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1903. Did he beat the Wright Brothers into the air? You’ll have to wait for the new book to find out!

_________________________

About Thomas: Tom Goodman was born in 1961, and has lived in Alabama, the Philippines, Virginia, Maine, Louisiana, the Cayman Islands, and Texas. He is a graduate of Baylor University in Waco, Texas (BA ‘82), Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas (MDiv ‘86), and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana (DMin ‘92). He has been the lead pastor of Baptist churches in Louisiana, the Cayman Islands, and Texas, for over forty years. He currently serves as the pastor of Hillcrest Church in Austin, Texas, where he has served since 2003 (https://hillcrest.church/). Tom is the author of Broadman & Holman nonfiction books and he is the contributor to a Broadman & Holman Study Bible. He has written hundreds of articles for Lifeway publications, and he is the author of several independently-published nonfiction books. Lately, he has begun to write a series of novels called “Texas Tales,” all based on true stories from turn-of-the-century Texas. Tom has been married to Diane, his high school sweetheart, since 1980. They have two adult sons. Tom enjoys fly fishing, scuba diving, and puttering around his woodworking shop.

Photo Credits:
Author Image and book cover: Courtesy Thomas Goodman
Keyboard: Pixabay/Simon
BiPlane: Pixabay/ArtsyBee

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

On Tour! Return of the Guardian-King



About the Book


Book: Return of the Guardian-King

Author: Karen Hancock

Genre: Adult Fantasy

Release Date: September 22, 2026

Special Hardcover Edition of a Classic Christian Fantasy

Believed dead by all but the handful of supporters who rescued him from his Mataian enemies, Abramm Kalladorne has fled his homeland to the high mountains of northern Chesedh. Traveling under a new name with a group of bitter and increasingly desperate fellow exiles, Abramm hopes to reunite with his wife, Maddie, where he will offer his services to her father in fighting the invading armies of the Black Moon.

But with every step, he is thwarted from the direction he wants to take, and it soon becomes clear Eidon has other plans for him.

In the royal city of Fannath Rill, Maddie alone believes Abramm still lives. But since she has no proof, her friends, family, and public opinion press her to remarry. With its neighboring realms now under enemy control, Chesedh has become the last bastion of Eidon’s Light. Desperately overmatched, it cannot survive on its own. Yet an eastern warlord has a vast fleet of galley ships that could turn the tide in their favor if Maddie agrees to his offer.

As war, betrayal, and shifting alliances close in, both Maddie and Abramm have their faith tested beyond what either of them could ever imagine.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author



Karen Hancock has won Christy Awards for each of her first four novels —Arena and the first three books in the Legends of the Guardian-King series. She graduated from the University of Arizona with bachelor’s degrees in biology and wildlife biology. Along with writing, she is a semi- professional watercolorist and has exhibited her work in a number of national juried shows. She and her family reside in Arizona.

 

Excerpt from the Book

THE BELL-TONED VOICE DREW ABRAMM KALLADORNE

into the sunlight of the open meadow, a yellow butterfly zigzagging ahead of him above a patch of purple lupine. He pressed through the bloom-laden stalks into rippling grass, following the plucked notes of a lirret and a voice as familiar as his own. She must be just beyond that primrose at the meadow’s far edge.

Children’s laughter echoed in counterpoint to her sweet voice, and his pace quickened. Ian would be over two by now, walking well, maybe even talking in phrases and sentences, while Simon would have left all his toddlerhood behind, a real little boy at last. Then there was Maddie.

Abramm ached for her so badly sometimes he could hardly bear it. Now finally, that was behind him. All the worrying about threading the high passes before winter closed them had been for naught. In a moment he would step around that bush and there she’d be, her gray-blue eyes widening with surprise at the sight of him an instant before she’d cast her lirret aside and fling herself into his—

His foot slipped, and he lurched to regain his balance, gripping his walking staff hard as he drove it into the snow. The misstep jolted his entire body as the vision winked out and the dark, icy reality of the blizzard-swept heights filled his senses again. She wasn’t here. His boys weren’t here. There was no meadow. The passes were not behind him, and winter was very definitely closing in . . .

Realization slammed him so hard he reeled to a stop, struggling to breathe as he felt again the cold and the exhaustion and the misery.

Wind screamed around him, pelting his heavy woolen cloak with slivers of snow and flapping its snow-caked hem about his legs. For a moment, the desire to give up was so strong he nearly collapsed.

But he couldn’t. Maddie was waiting for him. His boys needed him. And so he drew a deep breath and reached up to dash away the ice that continually froze onto his beard and mustache. Chunks of it clung also to the long hair dangling beside his face, some of them rasping against the inside edge of his cowl, others frozen to his beard. He no longer felt his feet, and his fingers, numb beneath a double layer of glove and mitten, could hardly grip his walking staff.

He squinted down the rocky hill to where a shin-deep trough of footprints angled across the slope through the rapidly accumulating snow. At the end of his pocket of visibility, the last of his companions were starting down the next switchback, obscured by the shifting veils of snow. Shuddering, he started after them, placing steps and stick carefully to avoid any more almost-falls.

Neither he nor anyone else in his party had any real idea where they were going, only that having come through the Kolki Pass they must descend the barren slopes beyond to an ancient Terstan monastery just below the tree line. “The way will be obvious,” the men back at Highmount Holding had assured them. Maybe it would be if clouds hadn’t swallowed the world and driving snow hadn’t made it hard to open one’s eyes and the rock cairns that were supposed to be their guides weren’t fast disappearing beneath the drifting snow.

It was typical, though, of the bad luck that had plagued them since leaving Kiriath, transforming what should have been a three-week journey through the pass into a six-week trial of endurance. They’d run out of food two days ago and burned the last of their dung-pats in last night’s fire. Water had been in short supply for over a week, and they had an old man, a pregnant woman, and a number of children with them. Thinking they’d be in Caerna’tha tonight, they’d left much of their bedding and tents with the wagon when it had irreparably broken down in the pass that morning. Now, with the day three-quarters gone, and the tree line still who knew how far below them, their situation was growing desperate.

For not the first time he sent up a prayer for guidance and protection.

Blog Stops



Simple Harvest Reads, September 25 (Spotlight)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 26 (Spotlight)

Artistic Nobody, September 27 (Spotlight)

The Lofty Pages, September 28

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, September 29 (Spotlight)


Guild Master, September 30 (Spotlight)

Lily’s Corner, October 1

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, October 2 (Spotlight)

Fiction Book Lover, October 3 (Spotlight)

Vicky Sluiter, October 4 (Spotlight)


For the Love of Literature, October 6 (Spotlight)


The Bookish Ledger, October 7 (Spotlight)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 8 (Spotlight)

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/n17Pb/return-of-the-guardian-king-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, September 28, 2026

On Tour! The Missing Captive

 


About the Book

Book: The Missing Captive

Author: George Lapin

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: February 28, 2025

An unforgettable journey of faith, courage, and personal transformation

Swept into the treacherous French-allied territories of eighteenth-century Canada, a young English translator embarks on a dangerous quest through the wilderness to uncover the fate of his captive sister in this tale of survival, faith, and self-discovery.

Gideon Bates must confront his deepest fears, navigate complex tribal politics, and forge unlikely alliances as he searches for his sister seized during a devastating raid. Torn between his father’s missionary ambitions and his own yearning for freedom, Gideon’s journey will test his courage, challenge his faith, and lead to an unexpected reckoning with his past.

Rich in historical detail, The Missing Captive is a tale of love, loss, and the indomitable power of the human spirit. Don’t miss this saga of courage, self-discovery, and the transformative journey of one man in a time of colonial upheaval. It is a historical adventure that will captivate fans of colonial American history and transport you to a bygone era.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

George Lapin is a beginning writer with a focus on Christian Historical Fiction. His first book titled The Missing Captive is set in early colonial America in a tumultuous period decades prior to the French and Indian War. The story explores the struggles, faith and resilience of the individuals in this time period. With a passion for history and Christian values, George’s writing offers a unique perspective on the lives of early Americans and the spiritual challenges they faced.

George retired as a construction executive and discovered that he had a desire to write fiction. He possesses a vivid imagination and believes that he can use that gift to write an intricate plot.

 George realized that most of the historical fiction novels he read centered on the French and Indian War or later. It seemed that there was such a rich history in early colonial America that was being overlooked, so George decided to write about that time period with all of its political and religious conflicts. The changes in North America during this era could help produce an interesting story.

More from George

I tried to make the story protagonist, Gideon Bates, unique in a different sort of humorous way. Born into a Puritan Missionary Family in early America, Gideon’s mother raised him to aide others when they were in need.

Gideon had no desire to be a missionary but desired to be in the military. He learned many fighting moves from his uncle who was currently a ranger in the New England Militia. He also participated in village wrestling matches and usually won.

However, whenever he got into a fight and the foe was vanquished, Gideon’s mother’s teaching kicked in. He would attempt to help his foe recover by giving him a helping hand or leaving a little money for lunch.

An Interview with George

What is your favorite thing about being a writer? Creating the plot. Telling the story.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
How incredibly hard it is to be a successful writer.

What questions do you ask yourself when preparing to write a new book? I attempt to write something that I would enjoy reading. If I like the story, others probably would like the story also.

What was the best money you spent as a writer? Getting some coaching.

Why do you write in your particular genre? I like adventure stories with a Christian theme.

Blog Stops


Simple Harvest Reads, September 18 (Author Interview)


Devoted To Hope, September 19

Artistic Nobody, September 20 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, September 21 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 22

Fiction Book Lover, September 23 (Author Interview)

The Bookish Ledger, September 24 (Author Interview)

Books Less Travelled, September 25 (Author Interview)



History, Hope & Happily Ever After, September 28 (Author Interview)

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, September 29 (Author Interview)


Vicky Sluiter, September 30 (Author Interview)

Giveaway


To celebrate his tour, George is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/p5Nek/the-missing-captive-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back Laura DeNooyer

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back, Laura DeNooyer

I'm a big fan of Laura's work, so I'm thrilled to have her visit today. Her books are fabulous. Read on to learn more about her and her stories. 

How many books have you written, and which is your favorite? I have four published books. House of Wind, my fourth, just released on September 8. Additionally, I have 10+ Unpublished novel manuscripts in different stages of revision! Keep in mind that I’ve been writing since 2nd grade. 😀

It’s tough to pick a favorite because I’m emotionally invested in each one and love them all for different reasons. Many authors say their favorite is the one they’re working on, and I could probably say that too. But maybe that’s a copout.

If I have to choose, I’ll pick A Hundred Magical Reasons because learning about The Wizard of Oz author, L. Frank Baum, was fascinating and I would love to have met him and spent time with him on his Lake Michigan porch in the early 1900s. I get to do that vicariously through my character Charlotte.

That book is a dual timeline story, rather epic in proportion, and most definitely literary with a lot of Americana and my own family history woven in.

What was your inspiration for the story? The inspiration for my newest release, House of Wind, came from walking alongside my friend as she was unraveling from a destructive marriage. She went through a horrific seventeen years of emotional abuse from her narcissist husband.

After she sought help and healing, she started sharing her story with others. Women started coming out of the woodwork with their own horrific tales. Sadly, some of these situations took place in Christian families with “Christian” husbands who were active in church ministry. Some women were hearing about emotional abuse for the first time—even though they’d been victims of it for years.

I wanted to write a story that would reflect this phenomenon and show readers what emotional abuse looks like and how to break free. It’s a tough book, but it’s also hopeful and encouraging.

How do you develop your characters? (e.g. decide on their vocation, names, etc.)? My characters need to suit my purposes, but they also take on minds of their own—which can prove both exasperating and fun.

In House of Wind, I shaped Wendi according to her various roles as wife, mother, and pastor’s wife, but I also had to consider how the emotional abuse would have impacted her over the years. I knew I wanted to show her emotional roadblocks as well as her growth, so I started with that framework, then fleshed out the story events to accommodate that.

What sort of research did you do for your story, and was there an exceptionally interesting tidbit
you knew you had to include?
After learning a lot from my friend’s and other women’s experiences, I read more about narcissism and emotional abuse. Though no one woman’s experience is exactly the same, I was amazed to discover all the similarities. Saddened by so much darkness, I was also encouraged to find great resources for women who face these situations. There is help! No woman needs to walk this road alone.

I list resources in the back of the book, but I’ll mention two here: Lysa TerKeurst’s podcast Therapy and Theology, and Leslie Vernick’s podcast Relationship Truth: Unfiltered. Their scripture-based ministries seek to bolster women through relationship trauma and destructive marriages in order to heal spiritually and emotionally.

How are your characters like you? Different? Wendi, the protagonist in House of Wind, was trained as a teacher, but was denied the opportunity to teach elementary school as she so wanted. I was a teacher who taught for decades.

Wendi’s a natural as a pastor’s wife in regard to hospitality and cooking for guests. Though I enjoy having people over, that is definitely not my gift!

I’ve also never had to go through what she went through in this story. I really put her through the wringer.

How has your book changed since your first draft? After several revisions, I gave the manuscript to some beta readers, some who had gone through similar experiences to Wendi’s as victims of emotional abuse. My tale is fiction, but I needed to know if the story rang true. The readers were able to identify what worked and what needed to change. I was very grateful, and revised accordingly.

What was the best money you spent as a writer? In my younger years, I spent a lot of money on books—learning the craft of novel writing. I studied them, taking profuse notes. They definitely helped me improve my craft. But another great investment was writers’ conferences for in-person training and networking with other authors.

How does/did your job prepare you for being a novelist?
My occupation as a teacher was vital in becoming a novelist. Since I (mostly) taught high school art and creative writing, I loved inspiring students’ creativity and stretching them to improve their problem-solving skills as they developed their stories, poems, drawings, and paintings.

One thing I emphasized was that the creative process is more important than the product. It’s more about what we learn along the way. The first solution to a problem isn’t always the best one, so learning to brainstorm and follow the necessary steps as part of the process was vital—no shortcuts allowed.

That’s a lesson I’ve taken to heart many times as I compose my own stories. In fact, numerous times I promised myself I was done, done, done with a particular manuscript. No matter what, I wasn’t going to change anything more. Nada. Never. Not one more word. I’d done everything I could.

And then … I’d get feedback that actually made good sense. After some metaphorical screaming and hair pulling, I’d jump back in for another rewrite. And voila! I had a better, stronger story. So I learned to never say never … and to embrace the journey!

What is your next project? My next novel is Rain in the Wilderness, due to launch on January 26, 2027 by Scrivenings Press. This one is Biblical fiction set in the time of Christ.

I’ve never been good about staying in my literary lane! I’ve published Southern historical fiction, dual timeline fiction (2x), and contemporary women’s fiction. Why not throw Biblical fiction in the mix?

I write the story of my heart. I starting writing Rain in the Wilderness almost thirty years ago. It was inspired by the tragic tale of the Bethlehem massacre in Matthew 2. After becoming a mother, I viewed that catastrophe in a new light. I got to thinking . . . what if a mother who lost her baby that night later found out that the event was connected to Jesus of Nazareth—the one baby who got away? That got the ball rolling . . .

Blurb for House of Wind:

Wendi Burkham lives in an emotional prison she unwittingly walked into. Nobody understands, and her captor holds the keys.


Married to a respected pastor, Wendi lives a life others admire—with two children and a home that reflects faith, stability, and love. But behind closed doors, Wendi is trapped in a cycle of control, manipulation, and emotional abuse no one else can see—and no one would believe. How do you escape when no one thinks you need to?

For sixteen years, she has stayed silent. Stayed faithful. Stayed afraid. Until one night forces her to choose between the life she has built … and the truth she can no longer ignore. Her husband's warning echoes: "Planting wind only reaps a harvest of tornadoes.” But what if the storm is the only way out?

This powerful novel exposes the reality of emotional abuse—and the courage it takes to break free. Readers who enjoy thoughtful fiction with emotional depth will appreciate this novel in the vein of Amanda Cox, Katie Powner, Susie Finkbeiner, and Erin Bartels.
 
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/45Zx5nj

Website: http://www.lauradenooyer-author.com
Monthly newsletter signup: https://www.subscribepage.com/standoutstoriesnewslettersignup
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/256325187-house-of-wind

About Laura:

Laura DeNooyer thrives on creativity and encouraging it in others. A Calvin College graduate, she is a teacher, wife, parent of four adult children, and a multi-award-winning author of heartwarming historical and contemporary fiction. She’s an active member in her church and American Christian Fiction Writers. When not writing, you’ll find her reading, walking, drinking tea with friends, or taking a road trip.

Photo Credits:
Author photo and book cover: Courtesy Laura DeNooyer
Podcast Logo: Courtesy Therapy and Theology
Classroom: Pixabay/DeltaWorks