by Crystal Caudill | Jan 20, 2026 | Sung in the Shadows, Writer's Life
Have you ever had a book just absolutely wreck you? Me too . . . only it was the book I was writing. However, it didn’t just wreck me. It broke me–and God used the writing of it to restore me.
The theme of Sung in Shadows, the book that broke me, is mental illness and the struggle of those who support others with mental illness. Why that topic? It’s actually a topic near and dear to my heart. While mental health has become less of a taboo topic, there is still a huge gap in support and understanding of those who struggle with mental illness and the people who support them. I’ve been on both sides of the aisle now, and my wrestle with mental illness actually came to a head during the writing of Sung in the Shadows.
Don’t Be Like Jonah . . . or Me
You see, even though I knew God wanted me to write a book with a mental health thread, I wanted to make it as small as I possibly could. But God wasn’t satisfied with a “side-note” of what He called me to write. With only three months before my book was due, God orchestrated events so that my editor read the first chapter of my draft-in-progress. With firm, but loving kindness, she told me what I turned in was not the story that needed to be told. That mental health thread I was trying to hide under many other layers of plot? That was were the real story was. That was the one that needed to be told.
I should have known that fighting God wasn’t going to end with me winning.
So everything got tossed out and rewritten in 1/3 of the time that I usually write a book–and it wasn’t because it came easy. Every word was a fight, every page a wrestle with the struggles I’d endured as a supporter of those with mental illnesses and the realization that I myself had reached a mental breakdown. I needed help, but those I supported still needed me. I should have gotten professional help, and I regret that I didn’t. However, God was good enough to minister to me through the writing of the story, those who ended up being my support, and the soundtrack to Sung in the Shadows below.
A release is coming, but it’s so much more . . .
Between now and release, I plan to create several blog posts, not just about the history like I usually do, but also about mental health, my journey to write this story, and some things God taught me about Christians and mental health. Unfortunately, the Church has, by-and-large (but not everyone), ignored mental illness, shamed those who struggled, and/or failed to support those with mental illness and the loved ones who support them.
Sung in the Shadows is specifically written for anyone who has ever struggled to support someone with mental illness or has ever struggled themselves. As hard as this book was for me, it’s become as much a book of my heart as Counterfeit Hope is. It’s so important to me that both groups feel seen, understood, supported, and loved by God despite the struggles.
Today, I’m sharing with you what I’m calling the “Sung in the Shadows Soundtrack.” These are the songs I listened to over and over and over and over (and still listen to on hard days) as I wrote Sung in the Shadows. May it encourage you and help you as you walk through your own struggles.
READER QUESTION: What songs would you add to a list for encouragement and hard days?
When past darkness prowls, will stepping into the light lead to a brighter future?
In nineteenth-century Cincinnati, fear keeps Nora Davis caged with secrets and lies. Her true identity as the daughter of a famous opera singer is too dangerous to reveal with her former captors still on the loose. But weekly singing lessons at Longview Asylum—her paranoid mother’s permanent residence—light a flame in Nora, and it’s one she can avoid fanning for only so long.
With his suicidal ma in the asylum, Ezekiel Beaumont’s soul is weary, but Nora’s presence at the asylum intrigues him. As a Pike’s Opera House employee, Ezekiel thinks Nora might be cut out for the stage. He also begins to wonder if Nora’s ma is really the famed Constanza Brisbane, who went missing mid-performance. He’s determined to find out.
Though Ezekiel brings the performance world a little too close for comfort, Nora is drawn to his warm personality all the same. The two of them steadily grow closer, but then Nora begins to fear she’s being watched, and her own paranoia blooms.
As the line between what’s real and false grows fainter, will Ezekiel’s and Nora’s faith and love overcome?
“From the haunting halls of Longview Asylum to the dangerous secrets of Nora’s past, Sung in the Shadows delivers a riveting blend of romance, mystery, and redemption.”
—Misty M. Beller, USA TODAY best-selling author of the Sisters of the Rockies series
Learn More Here
by Crystal Caudill | Jan 13, 2026 | Character Interview
*One thing you’re going to notice this year is fewer posts. I’ve decided to only do one interview and the reading challenge post per month. I might have some months where more pop up, but in order to provide myself more time for writing and other pursuits, I’m reducing the amount that goes up. Thanks for understanding, and I hope you still enjoy the interviews and reading challenge!*
Now onto THIS month’s character interview.
I had the privilege of being introduced to Heather Taber’s writing through her debut novel, Their Burden to Bear. It was such a wonderful read that I am eagerly looking forward to getting my hands on her newest book, In Books & Battlefields. Today, I am blessed to interview the heroine, Isabella Ruth Pearson. In addition to that treat, Heather is graciously giving away one e-book copy of In Books & Battlefields. Regardless of if you win a copy, Heather has a free short story for anyone who signs up for her newsletter. You can find all the details for that and the giveaway at the end of the post. Before then, we have an interview!
Before we dive into our interview, let me introduce you to the story that Isabella takes part in.
In Books & Battlefields by Heather Tabers
Genre: Historical Romance
In 1917, spirited librarian Isabella Pearson leaves her comfortable life in Denver to serve at Camp Sheridan, Alabama, determined to bring hope to weary soldiers—not fall in love. But her plans for independence are tested when she finds herself pursued by Major Byron McDaniel, a brooding Army surgeon haunted by loss, and Nathaniel Steele, her brother’s loyal best friend who followed her across the country with hopes of winning her heart. As mysterious accidents and whispers of sabotage plague the camp, Isabella must decide who to trust—with her heart and with her life.
Purchase Links:
Amazon
Now it’s time to jump into our interview with Isabella!
CC: CHARACTER, would you please introduce yourself to my readers? How would you describe yourself?
Isabella: Thank you so much for taking a break from your busy day to read this. My name is Isabella Pearson. I’m a volunteer librarian serving the brave men at Camp Sheridan who will soon be sent overseas. Originally from Philadelphia, Denver has been my home for the past few years, and I miss my family there terribly. But, I love when I can put my love of literature to good use. As the main female character in this story, I’ve had to navigate a new way of life in a new part of the country, surrounded by a sea of men (which is, ironically, the last thing I’d ever want.) My personality is a bit paradoxical–I’m equal parts outgoing and reserved, brave and scared, headstrong and… okay, well, I’m always headstrong.
CC: LOL. I’m beginning to wonder if all we women are headstrong. LOL So tell us a little more. If you don’t want to be around a sea of men,
What DO you want? What’s standing in your way?
Isabella: What I want is to avoid marriage and to use my love of books and my skills as a librarian to serve our nation. Unfortunately, all these lovesick men keep getting in my way.
CC: I imagine you are quite the attention getter for these men who have left every female they know behind and are facing a deadly war overseas. I bet it is impossible NOT to be flirted with.
If you had time to read a book, what would you pick up and why?
Isabella: I love Anne of Green Gables, but Anne of the Island is my favorite in the series. I’m a romantic at heart, even if I don’t want a marriage of my own. Hmm.. that’s not entirely accurate. I should say I’m a romantic at heart, even if marriage is off the table for me. I’ve also recently read a manuscript by a young soldier who writes under the name F. Scott Fitzgerald. His work is fascinating!
CC: Oh, I’ve not read that series, but I can vaguely remember sitting in my grandma’s living room and watching all the Anne of Green Gables movies with her. And to read F. Scott Fitzgerald’s work must have been amazing. I would love to see how his stories started versus how they ended.
What was your childhood like?
Isabella: I have been blessed more than I deserve with loving parents and an adoring big brother who is also my best friend in the world. I’ve been afforded every luxury, from a carefully cultivated education to the finest dresses in Philadelphia, but my mother’s humility and compassion have taught me that these things do not matter nearly as much as a winsome personality, the ability to be a blessing to others, hard work, and making others feel valued. I aspire to be more like her every day.
CC: She sounds like an amazing woman.
Who or what scares you the most?
Isabella: Men scare me, which makes it ironic that I fought so hard to work among them at Camp Sheridan. God certainly has a sense of humor! I had a…difficult…encounter with a man in my past that has taught me that other than my father and brother, men cannot be trusted, no matter their upbringing.
CC: It sounds as if you have good cause to be wary of men. It’s always wise to evaluate a person and their character before giving them your trust, but at some point you do have to take that leap of faith that they are worth trusting.
How do you feel about this journey you are on?
Isabella: Some days, I still cannot believe I was brave enough to get on that train and devote myself to working here at Camp Sheridan, Alabama. I’m worried that I will hurt one of the men who have made their intentions toward me known. I cannot be who they want me to be. I cannot give them what they want most of all, and I worry that I will hurt them in the process of being their friend. But I do enjoy my work here. I especially love teaching the soldiers to read and helping many of them send letters home.
CC: It’s hard to be that balance of friend with guys without indicating you want more or encouraging them. I’m glad you love your job and what you’re doing to support the war effort.
If you had to choose a difference career path, what would you choose?
Isabella: I’d love to be an author. It sounds silly, but I’ve read so many books, I think it would be fun to try my hand at writing a love story of my own. Maybe then I could live out the life I dream of but will never have.
CC: Should I warn you to not do it? LOL Writing is so much fun, it’s just all the other parts of being an author that maybe aren’t AS fun. Of course, in your day, authors weren’t expected to market, so that was definitely the golden era to write, at least in that respect.
Unfortunately, it’s time to wrap up, so here’s our last question, and it’s always a fun one. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Isabella: I’ve done a great deal of international travel, and I have to say that, given the opportunity, I’d return to Paris in a heartbeat. In fact, I wanted to serve at the American Library in Paris, but Mother nearly fainted at the thought. I speak French fluently and feel like Paris is my home away from home. I would love to return there someday soon.
CC: Knowing what I do of history, maybe not TOO soon . . .
That’s it for now. If you liked getting to know Isabella, I highly recommend you go check out Heather Taber’s In Books & Battlefields.
Heather Tabers writes Historical Romance, Children’s Fiction, and encouragement for weary souls. Although she can’t always recall the dates of famous battles or list the world’s great leaders, Heather treasures history for something far more meaningful—the way stories from the past stir our hearts today. She’s a hope-filled romantic who believes in second chances and redemptive love. Her own love story proves that life can be messy and beautiful at the same time, which is why she enjoys writing stories that show the goodness of God’s grace.
Heather resides in sunny Central Florida with her husband and hero, Robert, whom many of her MMCs are inspired by. She’s also a veteran homeschooling mama of five (mostly) grown kiddos whom she loves with her whole heart, a dog mom, clay jewelry designer, virtual author assistant, digital product designer, and a pursuer of whatever new idea strikes her fancy.
You can connect with her at: Website | Newsletter | Instagram
In the Shadow of Sacrifice
With World War II brimming in the background, Louise leaves everything she’s ever known in Colorado to support her family by working in her brother’s diner in St. Louis. Harboring secret pain from her past, Louise meets Dude and her “I don’t need a man” mentality begins to shift. Together they uncover danger, heartbreak, and sacrificial love.
Get your free copy of In the Shadows from Heather here.
Giveaway Details
Here’s your chance to win an e-book of In Books & Battlefields. Comment on the blog and enter use the Google form below for your chance to win! Entries close at 11:59 p.m. EST on 1/20. Open to legal U.S. residents. See Giveaway Policies for more details.
by Crystal Caudill | Dec 31, 2025 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
It’s the LAST month of our challenge: Tackle Your TBR Pile. (HAPPY NEW YEAR, by the way!!!! So go dig through that stack taller than you of books you’ve been meaning to read and start reading away.
Reading Challenge 2025: Tackle the TBR Pile
If you’re anything like me, you have a TBR pile that is bigger than you can hope to read in a lifetime. This is the year we’re going to try an tackle at least twelve of those books. Head to your shelves and find books that fit each month’s challenge.
This Month: December – Oldest book on your TBR pile
January – Genre you don’t usually read
The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today
by Mark Twain and Charles Warner
I’ve been wanting to read this one for research purposes for a long time, but the audiobook was dauntingly long when I didn’t have much time. I’m honestly still not finished, but I’m getting close. The Gilded Age definitely has all the Mark Twain I’ve come to expect, and the intro by Mark Twain makes it clear this is a satirical piece about the times, written with a co-author. It had lots of “main” characters and storylines that all converged. It was an intriguing listen, with much of the story focusing on the con of speculation, the poverty of the time, and the pursuit of the American dream of getting rich quickly. It was a clear view of the haves and have-nots. It was a good read for one time, but it’s definitely not one of my favorite Mark Twain books. I doubt I’ll revisit it, but I’m glad I read it at least once.
Genre: Satire (Contemporary at the time, historical now)
Plot Overview:
A satirical masterpiece that named an era—and still defines our own.
First published in 1873, The Gilded Age is a bold and biting political satire co-authored by legendary American writer Mark Twain and journalist Charles Dudley Warner. Set in post–Civil War America, the novel follows the Hawkins family and a parade of lobbyists, land speculators, and corrupt politicians chasing wealth and influence in Washington, D.C. and the frontier.
More than just a historical novel, The Gilded Age offers a scathing critique of greed, government corruption, and the illusion of progress—issues that remain deeply relevant in today’s political and economic landscape. Its themes of speculative capitalism, moral compromise, and institutional decay echo powerfully in the 21st century.
Giveaway – Marti was December’s Winner!
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on the 7th of each month at midnight EST, and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced on the Rafflecopter widget. *Giveaway Policies can be found here.
What did you read for the challenge? What were your thoughts on it? Would you recommend it?
by Crystal Caudill | Dec 23, 2025 | Reading Challenge
It’s time to announce the 2026 reading challenge, and I’m sticking with the TBR pile. Who knows? Maybe that will be the overarching theme from now on. I don’t know about you, but I have a TBR pile that will outlive me. Without further ado (and thank you for your help):
2026 Reading Challenge: Tackle the TBR Pile
If you’re anything like me, you have a TBR pile that is bigger than you can hope to read in a lifetime. This is the year we’re going to try an tackle at least twelve of those books. Head to your shelves and find books that fit each month’s challenge.
January – Genre you don’t usually read
February – Title or Cover with: heart, love, or couple
March – Title or Author Name begins with the first letter of YOUR first or last name
April – Funny Book
May – Indie Author
June – Has a setting of somewhere you want to visit
July – Patriotic theme, time period, or character profession
August – Classic title
September – Animal on the Cover
October – Unusual Occupation
November – Favorite Season is on the Cover
December – Read what you want!
What are some books you’re hoping to knock off your TBR pile next year?
by Crystal Caudill | Dec 16, 2025 | Character Interview
‘Tis the season for character interviews! LOL This week, I get to introduce you to action thriller heroine, Alexandra Romanova, from Taylor Newport’s Line of Fire, book one of the Dauntless Defenders. Taylor is generously giving away an e-book to one person (U.S. resident OR International). All the details are at the bottom of the post.
Before we dive into our interview, let me introduce you to the story that Alexandra Romanova takes part in.
Line of Fire by Taylor Newport
Genre: Action Thriller
The enemy is relentless, but they made one fatal mistake: they underestimated him.
Australian mercenary Tyler Reid, known as “The Ghost of OZ,” has a talent for evading detection, a skill that has caught the eye of multiple government agencies. When a shadowy group targets a CIA asset and her revolutionary drug ND1, the Deputy Director calls in Tyler. Eager for action, Tyler takes the job. He soon realizes that the enemy is not only after the drug, but also out for his blood. Then the mission goes south, and he is forced to seek an unlikely ally.
For covert foreign operative Alexandra Romanova, freedom is a distant dream. Escaping one prison only led her to a more dangerous one. Her deadly skills are at her boss’s disposal, but she’ll use them only to escape. Her final chance hinges on retrieving ND1, but the elusive Ghost of Oz complicates things. Tyler Reid isn’t an easy mark, and the better she gets to know him, the more she questions the mission she’s tasked with. Soon she faces a dire choice: kill a man she is convinced is good, or pay with her own life.
As Tyler and Alex venture beyond their orders, the line between enemy and ally blurs. On the edge of failure, trust becomes a dangerous gamble with every decision dragging them deeper into the line of fire. As enemies close in and alliances shift, they are ensnared in a ruthless battle where survival depends on split-second choices. In this high-stakes fight, time is running out, and the margin for error is zero.
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Taylor’s Website
Now it’s time to jump into our interview with Alexandra!
CC: Alexandra, would you please introduce yourself to my readers? How would you describe yourself?
Alexandra: Hello, my name is Alexandra Romanova. I am a prisoner, forced to fight for a cause I don’t believe in. My task is taking down a man for my evil boss, but my target doesn’t seem to be what I’ve been told.
CC: Intriguing. A prisoner and warrior for a cause you don’t agree with. While I think I can guess . . .
What is it that you want? What’s standing in your way?
Alexandra: I want freedom, but I am a prisoner to a rogue CIA agent. It has never seemed in reach since I am always monitored by agents and am never given an opportunity to go out alone.
CC: That sounds incredibly tough. I can’t imagine not having the freedom to go out alone. I’m rooting for you to find that freedom.
If you had time to read a book, what would you pick up and why?
Alexandra: I’d love to read a book about the Romanov Family since everyone seems to think that I am related to them.
CC: Ha! Ha! I understand getting all those type of questions. We have a common last name for our area, but we have no connection (that we know of) to anyone with the same last name.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Did that happen?
Alexandra: As a child, I wanted to be a world traveler. In a way, that did happen. But not as I expected.
CC: Yeah, being told where to go and when isn’t how I’d expect to travel either.
Who is the most confounding character for you to interact with in the story?
Alexandra: My target, Tyler Reid. Everyone tells me he’s dangerous, but for whatever reason, he keeps protecting me.
CC: Oh, how intriguing. Maybe there is something more than we know.
Who is the most difficult character for you to interact with in the story?
Alexandra: My boss, Slade Nixon. He is ruthless and threatens his operatives to get what he wants. He’s not afraid to shed innocent blood either.
CC: He sounds like a very dangerous guy.
How would you describe your relationship with God?
Alexandra: I was raised as a Christian, but I’m afraid my faith wavered some during my various struggles. I know that God is the only reason I am still alive though.
CC: Praise the Lord for that. I hope that your faith will grow and you feel steadier in it as the story progresses.
If there is one thing you could tell the reader, what would it be?
Alexandra: Things are never quite as they seem. Dig for the truth, even when the lies are more popular.
CC: Digging for the truth in today’s world is SOOOOO hard, but so necessary.
Unfortunately, it’s time to wrap up, so here’s our last question, and it’s always a fun one. What are your phobias?
Alexandria: Heights. I can’t stand tall balconies, and I hate flying.
CC: The older I get, the more queasy heights make me.
That’s it for now. If you liked getting to know Alexandra, I highly recommend you go check out Taylor Newport’s Line of Fire.
Taylor S Newport is an up-and-coming Christian author. Four years of research have brought her to release her first high-octane novel to the world. In 2024, she placed as a Finalist in the ACFW Genesis Contest. Currently, she resides in the beautiful state of Texas with her family and Dire Wolf, Timber, probably writing her next novel.
You can connect with them at: Website & Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram | GoodReads | BookBub
Giveaway Details
Here’s your chance to win an e-copy of Line of Fire. Comment on the blog and enter using the Google Form for your chance to win! Entries close at 11:59 p.m. EST on 12/23. Open to legal U.S. residents. See Giveaway Policies for more details.
