Meet Wolf from Future Published Author, Linnae Klutchko

Meet Wolf from Future Published Author, Linnae Klutchko

Not too long ago, I had the privilege of meeting YA fantasy writer Linnae Klutchko at a writing conference. Linnae does character interviews at her blog Fable Features, where she interviewed Lydia Pelton earlier this year. Fable Features interviews authors from all types of genres and backgrounds, including secular and Christian. It provides an excellent opportunity to reach readers who wouldn’t usually even be aware of Written in Secret. Now it is my joy to return the favor and share with you about an author on her way to publication and her YA Fantasy book called Flight through the eyes of one of her characters, Wolf. Before we dive into meeting Wolf and learning about Linnae, let’s have a quick discussion about Christian fantasy and her book.

I love that Christian Fantasy has become a growing genre and is reaching new readers who might not otherwise pick up a Christian story. It’s been interesting to watch these stories develop and see young readers being pulled out of the dark YA material and drawn toward the Light in a way they didn’t expect. Linnae’s work-in-progress, Flight, is one of those stories where Christian elements are subdued in the background but clearly there for God to work with.

Flight pulls on the Israelites’ slavery and exodus. There is a promised land that the characters are trying to get to called the Land of Green and Gold. In this world, God is referred to as the Great Elder. Then there’s also the battle of good versus evil, or light versus dark. I know there can be mixed feelings about fantasy and magic in Christian-themed books, but I encourage you to consider it through the lens of reaching readers that blatant Christian fiction may not appeal to. Remember, we are all parts of the same body, but each of us has a different part and role in this body.


About Linnae:

Linnae is an editor by day and a fantasy writer by night. She wrote a serialized middle grade fantasy story for Hudsonville Living Magazine and is now working on finding a publishing home for her debut novel, a YA fantasy book called Flight. When Linnae’s not writing or editing, she likes to play soccer and paint.

Connect with Linnae: Website  |  X  |  Instagram  |  Newsletter & Freebies!


Not an Official Cover

Flight by Linnae Klutchko (Book 1 of The Shadow Weaver Trilogy)

Escape. That had been Max’s goal since the day he and his little sister, Lucy, had been torn from their mother and sold to a new master. One day magic—something humans had stifled long ago—returns, and all Elder are given the mysterious command to travel to the unheard-of Land of Green and Gold. Max and Lucy plan their escape as well.

Night comes, and everything goes wrong. To Max’s horror, Lucy is randomly selected to be beaten by the humans—a warning to those Elders considering flight. Max is forced to leave Lucy behind and escapes with his friend, Mary. They embark on a journey to learn their magic and find their way back to family–to Lucy.

Unfortunately, lack of magical knowledge is not Max’s only obstacle; a cold-raking fear of the taskmaster hunts him. The taskmaster’s hunt creeps into his nightmares and disconnects him from the shadows he should be able to control. And no magic means no way to save Lucy. As the nightmares grow worse and the arrival of a serial killer further complicates things, Max fights to grow in his powers and overcome the hunting fear. He will save Lucy. Even if it costs him his life.


Now for our interview with Wolf.

CC: I’m excited to introduce you to my readers, Wolf. Would you mind telling them a little bit about yourself?

W: Hey there! My name’s Wolf. I’m a sylph–got gray feathery wings and magic that’s compatible with the element of wind and all that. I lead a group of fugitives called Moonlight Band and mentor the newbies on how to use their magic.

CC: Leaders have great power in stories, especially when they become mentors to others. So what is it that you want as a leader? Is there anything standing in your way?

W: I…I made a mistake a couple years ago. It sounds kinda stupid now that I’m saying it out loud, but I’ve been looking for books on resurrection magic. Which probably doesn’t even exist, but so much was lost since the Great War, so maybe it’s possible? I guess I’ve also taken up the task of teaching the new fugitives how to use their magic. The biggest obstacle to that, other than them knowing next to nothing, is that a dangerous serial killer has been seen in the area. I’m worried he’ll target us specifically.

CC: Oh, a leader who is looking and searching for answers to things lost long ago . . . and a leader who also has to worry about a dangerous serial killer getting in the way. Books on resurrection magic have me wondering . . .

How would you describe your relationship with God? 

W: God? I assume you mean the Great Elder. I don’t know. It’s complicated, I guess. That teacher I mentioned–Kenami? Yeah, she hated him. My mom did too. Something about him being the reason we lost the war. Haze gave me some different insights not too long ago, though. Haze follows him–says the Great Elder even guided him to find me, if you can believe it. I think I’m starting to believe it too.

CC: That’s hard when you have people in your life who hate someone or something and try to pass that hate onto you, then you learn there is a different perspective. It challenges you in ways you never thought possible. Your whole world gets turned upside down. I imagine through the course of this series you may find out a great deal about this Great Elder . . . and maybe his plan for you.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

W: My childhood was very different from most people’s, including Elder (my own people). Instead of a typical enslavement after the war, my family was forced to fight other Elder for the sake of entertainment. I was young and didn’t really understand all that, but I liked the recognition and really wanted to become the sole Champion of the ring. And it did happen. But I wish it didn’t. I’d…rather not elaborate if that’s cool.

CC: We all have our secrets and things we feel ashamed of. No need to continue on with that now, but I’m sure readers will find out eventually. Speaking of childhood:

If you had time to read a book, what would you pick up and why? 

W: Most of my reading has been grammar lessons with my teacher, Kenami, but she did let me read a few books she’d hidden during the war. I think I would like to read Ankgïr uun la Sanji-Garha again. Or in the common tongue, Ankgïr and the Violet Cave. It’s about this warrior who stumbles across a strange cave that houses a different kind of magic–one that is wild and unpredictable. I’ve always liked the main character and how brave he is.

CC: Those brave characters can really be an inspiration to us during our hardest times. And sometimes those hard times are created by difficult characters. 

Who is the most difficult character for you to interact with in the story?

W: Ah, that would be Haze. Another sylph like me–but with red wings. And double my age. He’s a great guy, but he makes me face a lot of hard truths. And I hate that he’s always right.

CC: Ha! Those people in our lives that speak the hard truths are both amazing and awful at the same time. They are critical for helping us grow, but growing can be so painful.

What do you think about love and marriage? Do you have a particular love interest in mind? 

W: You know, I’ve never actually thought much about it. I think it would be nice to have a girlfriend. Right now I’m kinda living vicariously through this couple who just joined my band. They claim they’re not dating but they seem close. Veeery close. And I saw the look of jealousy on the guy’s face when Spark made the girl laugh. I’m calling it now–they’re gonna end up together.

CC: Oh, sounds like there might be a bit of a romance in this challenging world you live in. I hope it turns out well in the end.

If there is one thing you could tell the reader, what would it be?

W: Power is a dangerous thing. Certainly helpful, yes, like needing to stop a serial killer or finding the confidence to face your fears. But just as easily as it can help, it can also corrupt. So be careful and make sure you have good people in your life to keep you accountable.

CC: Those are wise words. No wonder you are a leader. Now before wrap up completely, I have one last question for you.

Which part of the roller coaster would you ride in: the front, middle or back? Why?

W: Hah, this is a fun question. I think I’d be right up front screaming my head off. I’ve never been on a roller coaster before, but it sounds amazing.


CC:
I’ll let you set up front while I watch from the ground! LOL I used to love them, but motion sickness has made it a less-than-pleasurable experience over the years. 

Readers, thanks for tagging along in learning about this new YA Fantasy world coming to you one day in the future. If you were interested in Wolf’s and Linnae’s story, follow her on social media and be sure to sign up for her newsletter, where you can also grab some freebies, like a collection of exclusive character interviews from the novel.


Readers: If you read fantasy, what elements do you enjoy most? 

RCR: Jun 25

RCR: Jun 25

It’s another month of our challenge: Tackle Your TBR Pile. So go dig through that stack taller than you of books you’ve been meaning to read and start reading away. Since this year is based on your TBR pile, I will not have a recommendations page, but I’m leaving the link here so it’s easier for me to set up NEXT year’s blog posts.

Find recommendations at Reading Challenge Recommendations, Crystal Caudill’s Reading Friends Facebook group, Avid Readers of Christian Fiction, or Inspirational Historical Fiction Index.

Don’t forget to comment at the bottom of the post for your chance to win a book off my prize shelf. *The list of prizes from my shelf can be found here.*

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: June – Recommended by friend/family

Next Month: July – Book outside your normal genre

A Steadfast Heart

by Martha Hutchins

Review by: Crystal Caudill

Not only is Martha a friend, but her book was recommended by other friends who work with Sunrise Publishing. A Steadfast Heart is Martha’s debut novel, and it was a wonderful, unique working of a marriage of convenience/mail-order bride story. There wasn’t a focus on sexual tension at all, which was refreshing for this trope. There was a wonderful blend of adventure, romance, and characters who you could admire and root for. The children were adorable–and a bit of a handful for our heroine, Kaitlyn. This is probably my favorite mail-order bride story to read yet. I adored the characters, the struggles they had to overcome, and especially the blending of a family who had to learn to trust one another. I definitely recommend you check out A Steadfast Heart by Martha Hutchens.


Genre: Historical Romance, American Western

Plot Overview:

When his family legacy is on the line, rancher Drew McGraw becomes desperate for someone to tame and tutor his three children. Desperate enough to seek a mail-order bride. But when the wrong woman arrives on his doorstep, Drew balks.

Heiress Kaitlyn Montgomery runs straight from the scandal chasing her toward a fresh start on a secluded ranch. She strikes a bargain with Drew—a marriage convenient for both of them.

But the more Kaitlyn adapts to ranch life and forms a bond with Drew’s children and their enigmatic father, she realizes that this ranch is where she is meant to be. And then her past catches up with her…

This sweet historical romance is perfect for fans of the following tropes:

*ready-made family
*nanny/tutor
*single dad
*fish out of water

Purchase Links:

Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Sunrise Publishing


Giveaway

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.

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What did you read for the challenge? What were your thoughts on it? Would you recommend it?

Meet Emily Windsor from Hearts Aweigh by Shannon Sue Dunlap

Meet Emily Windsor from Hearts Aweigh by Shannon Sue Dunlap

Shannon Sue Dunlap is a fellow Kregel author, and it’s always fun to have my fellow authors stop by for a visit . . .  especially when it’s their characters that come to visit. I’m looking forward to introducing you to Emily Windsor from Shannon’s newest release, Hearts Away. In fact, before we meet Emily, let me share about the book. Oh! And don’t forget to check out the bottom of this post where Shannon is offering a chance to win a signed copy of Hearts Aweigh to one contiguous U.S. resident.

Hearts Aweigh by Shannon Sue Dunlap

Cheeky septuagenarian matchmakers, the “Shippers” are on a mission to secure a dreamy Mr. Right for Abby O’Brien, a sunny, optimistic childcare worker for Monarch Cruises. She loves her job looking after the children of vacationing parents, but harbors one unfulfilled desire: to be a wife and a mother.

With his shy five-year-old daughter in tow, divorced elitist lawyer Spencer Randolph Masterson has anything but romance in mind. His goal on the MS Buckingham is to persuade his mother, Daisy, to leave her ridiculous cruise ship lifestyle and return to New Orleans. But Daisy isn’t interested in life on land. Besides, she and her matchmaking posse have a marriage to arrange.

When a secret from Daisy’s past surfaces and threats of blackmail start flying, the Shippers must protect their own while attempting to convince Spencer’s scarred heart to weigh anchor and boldly set sail for a future with Abby.

Purchase Links: Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Books-a-Million Parable Book Store

Now for our interview with Emily Windsor.

CC: I’m so excited to get to introduce you to my readers, Emily. Would you mind telling them a little bit about yourself?

EW: Hello, dear. My name is Emily Windsor. At seventy-eight years old, some of you might expect me to stay home and knit, but I’ve got no time for that. God assigned me a special mission for this latter part of my life. If you’ve had trouble finding love, I can help. Come aboard the MS Buckingham cruise ship, where I live with my three friends Daisy, Althea, and Gerry. We’ll give you a thorough interview and track down just the right special someone.

CC: Oh my! That sounds like hoot with lots of potential for trouble. Sounds just lovely. So now to hit you with our questions.

What is it that you want, and what is standing in your way?

EW: I want to help everyone find a love as sweet as my own. Not every story has to have white horses and fancy balls. Sometimes it’s just looking out from the church choir loft and spying a handsome sailor walking in the back doors. God writes the love stories, but I want to be the pen He’s holding. Unfortunately, the main characters don’t always cooperate. Our current hero is a bit of a stick-in-the-mud. Poor Spencer hasn’t experienced a lot of love in his life. I guess that’s why he struggles to show it, even to his own adorable little daughter. But he keeps trying, God bless him.

CC: Oh that poor man. And you must have had a beautiful marriage for you to want to share that sort of love with so many. I’m sure Spencer won’t know what hit him once you’re through with him. Are you still married? Is he on this ship with you?

EW: My husband’s name is Bill, and he’s the one who showed me how good married life can be. Fifty-one years just wasn’t long enough. We’re living apart for a while, but I’ll see him again someday. I imagine he’s helping the Good Lord get my room ready. He always was handy with a toolbox.

CC: Aww. That can be so hard. He sounds like a handy man with a big heart of love.

If you had time to read a book, what would you pick up?

EW: I’ll leave the reading to my friend Gerry. No matter how convoluted the match or dangerous the situation, she makes room in the schedule for her TBR pile. I’m too busy drafting battleplans, compiling candidate profiles, and ensuring our pairs are working out. But I always start my mornings with the Good Book, no matter how chaotic life gets.

CC: That is definitely one book everyone should make time for.

Who do you interact with that confounds you the most?

EW: My dear friend Daisy is making life quite difficult these days. I suppose it’s because I want to set her son Spencer up with one of the Buckingham’s childcare workers. He and Abby O’Brien would be amazing together, but Daisy claims she’s reluctant for Abby’s own sake. If you ask me, Daisy and Spencer could use a little family counseling. She’s one of our matchmaking crew, but her heart isn’t in it lately. It probably doesn’t help that someone is blackmailing her. When I get my hands on that wretch, I’ll make him wish he’d never left dry land.

CC: Oh dear! That makes me wonder what Daisy did worthy of blackmail . . .

Who is the most difficult person for you to interact with?

EW: You might expect me to say Spencer or Abby since their romance is giving us such trouble. Or Daisy because she’s against the match. Or even the blackmailer who’s wrecking our peace of mind. But perhaps the most difficult character to manage is the fourth member of our Shipper posse, Althea. I could set an alarm on every clock on the ship, and she would still be late. Especially if there’s a Bingo game going on anywhere.

CC: LOL I can identify with being late . . .  and I know how that can annoy others.

How do you feel about this journey you’re going on this time?

EW: As the spouse of a Navy captain, almost my entire life has been a journey. I’ve lost track of how many places we were stationed, but I loved the adventure of it all. A few years ago, a little health scare left me in a nursing facility for two months while I recovered. The moment I was healthy enough to stand on my own two feet, I walked out the doors and never returned. My greatest fear is that they’ll put me back in one of those prisons. I pray every morning that God will allow me to drop in the harness. I want to keep sailing the world and making matches until the day I see Bill again.

CC: Awww. I don’t blame you. As a caregiver, I pray fervently that I’ll never have to be so confined and cared for.

Let’s wrap up with one more question, but just for fun.

Do you have a criminal record?

EW: Of course not! One night in the brig doesn’t count, does it? Technically, it wasn’t even a full night. Mr. Everson, the ship’s head security guard, is something of a stickler, and he didn’t appreciate us snooping around the staff offices. Someone should find him a wife.

Oh dear. I would totally have been in that brig with you.

Readers, if you like a story with a good laugh, matchmaking little old ladies, and romance, be sure to check out Hearts Aweigh. And don’t forget to check out Shannon’s giveaway.

About Shannon Sue Dunlap

Shannon Sue Dunlap lives in hot and humid Houston, Texas where she writes books with a dose of laughter and a spoonful of love. One of the greatest compliments you can give her is saying her stories made you laugh-out-loud. She likes traveling around the world, singing tunes from classic musicals, and drinking Dr. Pepper. Shannon is a die-hard fan of happy endings and believes God has designed one for each of us.:

Connect with Shannon: Website  |  Amazon  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  GoodReads  |  BookBub

 


Reader Question: If you could go on cruise anywhere, where would you like to go?

Giveaway Info

Here’s your chance to win a copy of Hearts Aweigh. Comment on the blog and enter the Rafflecopter for your chance to win! Entries close at 11:59 p.m. EST on 7/1. Open to legal U.S. residents. See Giveaway Policies for more details.

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Christmas in July Reader Extravaganza Signup

Hi all! I’m hoping you’re not like me and STILL have your Christmas decorations up, but I DO hope you are ready for the second annual July Reader Extravaganza put on by Sarah Hamaker. Let me know in the comments if you’ll be participating and feel free to share this post and let others know about this great summer “Christmas” fun.

This year, more than 70 Christian authors (including me!) of fiction and nonfiction Christmas books have joined with Sarah to bring you some holiday cheer in July.

It’s a simple concept–sign up and receive daily emails each day in July featuring Christian authors and their Christmas books. There’s nothing else you need to do to enter the contest!

SIGN UP HERE

Each day during the celebration, readers will get an email promoting that day’s Christmas books by Christian authors. Each evening, we will draw the names for the winners of that day’s featured authors. (Winners will be notified via the email they signed up with.) On July 31, we will also draw the names for our 12 grand prize winners, including one grand prize winner from our international readers.

The 2025 Christmas in July Reader Extravaganza will hand out more than $2,000 worth of grand prizes to 12 overall prize winners, plus 74 daily winners.

NEW this year—we have some special love for our international readers, with an international grand prize and several days of giveaways exclusively for international readers!

 

US Grand Prize (Total value: $600)

  • Copy (ebook or print) of each participating author’s Christmas book
  • $500 Amazon gift card
  • Faux leather journal
  • Themed tote bag
  • Themed pillow
  • Themed fleece
  • Themed bistro mug
  • Hand strap for Kindle
  • Themed bookmark, sticker

International Grand Prize (Total value: $513)

  • Ebook copy of more than 25 participating authors’ Christmas books
  • $500 Amazon gift card (or equivalent in winner’s country or origin)
  • Themed bookmark, sticker
  • Hand strap for Kindle

 

First Prize (Total value: $312)

  • $250 Amazon gift card
  • Themed spiral bound notebook
  • Themed tote bag
  • Themed bistro mug
  • Hand strap for Kindle
  • Themed pen, bookmark, sticker

Second Prize (Total value: $138)

  • $100 Amazon gift card
  • Themed spiral bound notebook
  • Themed bistro mug
  • Themed pen, bookmark, sticker

 

Third – Fifth Prize (Valued at $67)

  • $50 Amazon gift card
  • Themed spiral bound notebook
  • Themed pen, bookmark, sticker

 

Sixth – 10th  Prize (Total value: $42)

  • $25 Amazon gift card
  • Themed spiral bound notebook
  • Themed pen, bookmark, sticker

 

Here is the list of authors and the dates they will be featured in the contest newsletter. Each day, we will pull daily winners from the subscriber list–you’re entered in the contest when you sign up for the emails. For the dates marked “international,” we will be drawing from the readers with international addresses only. For the dates marked “US,” we will be drawing from the readers with US addresses only.

July 1, shipping to US addresses only

  • Jerusha Agen/Midnight Clear
  • Tanya Agler/The Triplets’ Holiday Miracle
  • Mary Alford/In Past Tense

July 2, shipping to US addresses only

  • Hannah Alexander/Dandelion Moon
  • Amy R. Anguish/Mama Dated Santa
  • Narelle Atkins/Romance in the land down under

July 3, shipping to US addresses only

  • Laura Ashwood/One Sweet Christmas
  • Barbara M. Britton/Christmas at Whispering Creek
  • Crystal Caudill/We Three Kings

July 4, shipping to US addresses only

  • Malissa Chapin/Hope for Christmas
  • Naomi Craig/The Weary World Rejoices
  • Susanne Dietze/A Small-Town Christmas Challenge

July 5, shipping internationally

  • Jacqueline Adam/Targeted Witness
  • Evelyn Grace/Mistletoe and Miracles at the Three Cats Cafe
  • Kendall Hoxsey/An Imminent Christmas Threat

July 6, shipping to US addresses only

  • MaryAnn Diorio/A Daddy for Christmas
  • Loretta Eidson/The Marine’s Deadly Reunion

July 7, shipping to US addresses only

  • Camille Elliot/The Spinster’s Christmas
  • Eva Marie Everson/God Bless Us Every One

July 8, shipping to US addresses only

  • Nancy J. Farrier/The Driftwood Cove Collection
  • Mary A. Felkins/One Starry Christmas

July 9, shipping internationally

  • Izzy James/Garrett
  • Debby Lee/Peppermint Christmas
  • Helena Smrcek/Love Across Time

July 10, shipping to US addresses only

  • Tama Fortner/Simply Christmas
  • Rachel J. Good/The Christmas Gathering

July 11, shipping to US addresses only

  • Kelly J. Goshorn/Chiseled on the Heart
  • Danielle Grandinetti/Escape with the Prodigal

July 12, shipping to US addresses only

  • Pam Green/The Old Fool
  • Anne Greene/A Williamsburg Christmas

July 13, shipping to US addresses only

  • Erin Greneaux/Mary’s Treasure
  • Winnie Griggs/Hear Harold’s Angel Sing

July 14, shipping to US addresses only

  • Sarah Hamaker/Mistletoe & Murder
  • Robin Lee Hatcher/Wishing for Mistletoe

July 15, shipping to US addresses only

  • Annette M. Irby/A Christmas Duet
  • Rebecca Price Janney/Easton at Christmastide

July 16, shipping to US addresses only

  • Elle E. Kay/Healing the Hero
  • Jill Kemerer/The Cowboy’s Christmas Treasures

July 17, shipping to US addresses only

  • Rebecca Lake/Deception At Christmas
  • Katy Lee/Christmas K-9 Guardians

July 18, shipping internationally

  • Melanie D. Snitker/Marrying Noel
  • Darlene L. Turner/Explosive Christmas Showdown

July 19, shipping to US addresses only

  • Tracey J. Lyons/Heart of Faith
  • Elizabeth Maddrey/Hope for Christmas

July 20, shipping to US addresses only

  • Diana Leagh Matthews/Carol of the Rooms
  • Susan G. Mathis/Madison’s Mission

July 21, shipping to US addresses only

  • Cathy McDavid/Merry’s Christmas Cowboy
  • Dana Mentink/Spoon to Be Dead

July 22, shipping to US addresses only

  • Jordan Millsaps/The Holiday Exchange
  • Mindy Obenhaus/Rediscovering Christmas

July 23, shipping internationally

  • Jessica Wakefield/It Shouldn’t Be You
  • Lynn U. Watson/The Essence of Joy

July 24, shipping to US addresses only

  • Robin Patchen/Christmas in Nutfield
  • Paula Peckman/Texas Heirloom Ornament

July 25, shipping to US addresses only

  • Sally Jo Pitts/The Lost Box
  • Terri Reed/Christmas Protection Detail

July 26, shipping to US addresses only

  • Kathleen J. Robison/The Cross at Morioka Castle
  • Donna Schlachter/Sleigh Ride for Ruby
  • Laura Scott/Shielding His Christmas Witness

July 27, shipping internationally

  • Wade Webster/The Extra Ordinary Christmas
  • Ronda Wells/The Christmas Cherub
  • James Yarbrough/Jingle Belles and Christmas Beaus

July 28, shipping to US addresses only

  • Beverly J. Schweigert/Faith Unwrapped
  • Toni Shiloh/The Christmas Catch
  • Patti Stockdale/His Unforgettable Bride

July 29, shipping to US addresses only

  • Tanya Stowe/Christmas Bells are Ringing
  • Cheri Swalwell/Seasons of Green Pines
  • Ann Swindell/Christmas in the Castle Library

July 30, shipping to US addresses only

  • Virginia Vaughan/Peril at Christmas
  • Suzie Waltner/Ever Green
  • Meghann Whistler/The Baby’s Christmas Blessing

July 31, shipping to US addresses only

  • A.C. Williams/A Cowboy for Christmas
  • Virginia Wise/An Amish Christmas Inheritance
  • Penny Zeller/Love’s New Beginnings
Meet Kaitlyn Montgomery from A Steadfast Heart by Martha Hutchens

Meet Kaitlyn Montgomery from A Steadfast Heart by Martha Hutchens

I always love a good character interview. Today I have the treat of introducing you to the heroine of my friend’s debut novel, A Steadfast Heart. Before we dive in though, let’s learn about the story.

A Steadfast Heart by Martha Hutchens

When his family legacy is on the line, rancher Drew McGraw becomes desperate for someone to tame and tutor his three children. Desperate enough to seek a mail-order bride. But when the wrong woman arrives on his doorstep, Drew balks.

Heiress Kaitlyn Montgomery runs straight from the scandal chasing her toward a fresh start on a secluded ranch. She strikes a bargain with Drew—a marriage convenient for both of them.

But the more Kaitlyn adapts to ranch life and forms a bond with Drew’s children and their enigmatic father, she realizes that this ranch is where she is meant to be. And then her past catches up with her…

This sweet historical romance is perfect for fans of the following tropes:

*ready-made family
*nanny/tutor
*single dad
*fish out of water

Purchase Links: Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Sunrise Publishing

Now for our interview with Kaitlyn.

CC: I’m so excited to get to introduce you to my readers, Kaitlyn. Would you mind telling them a little bit about yourself?

KM: My name is Kaitlyn Montgomery. Yes, that Kaitlyn. The one all the newspapers have as a topic of gossip. But I didn’t do any of things they say. My brother made them all up, so that no decent man would look at me, and I would marry his vile friend. But I’ll do anything to avoid that fate, even take a train west to marry a stranger.

CC: The manipulations of others on our lives is never a good and almost always a recipe for danger and adventure. I have a pretty good guess from what you said above, but what is it you want and what, or rather who, is standing in your way?

KM: My half-brother, Michael, is my greatest enemy. To the world, he shows the image of a caring brother, while at home, he manipulates people and situations to his own advantage.  I want to get away from his control, because he only cares about finding a way to get my inheritance. Unfortunately, my father made my brother my guardian until I am twenty-five, and that is still two years away.

CC: Two years is a long time to try and evade your brother’s machinations. How has that affected your relationship with God?

KM: I don’t understand why God would put me in a family that considers me easily discarded. Does He think I have no value? That isn’t what the Bible says, but it sure has been my experience. At least so far.

CC: It’s so hard to see God and feel loved when all we feel is attacked by others and ignored by Him. I know you took things in your own hands and ran off only to end up in a marriage of convenience with Drew McGraw. What is it that confounds you the most about him? 

KM: I just don’t understand it. Drew loves his family so much but doesn’t know how to tell them that.

CC: Oh that can be so hard, especially on his children. Speaking of children, who’s the hardest one for you to interact with?

KM: Jo, Drew’s middle daughter, is very difficult. She doesn’t want me here, and I don’t know why. All I know is that she does everything she can think of to make things difficult enough for me to leave. Still, she may be stubborn, but I am more so, and I’m going to prove it to her.

CC: Two stubborn mules butting heads? Oh that is sure to make for an interesting read even if it isn’t pleasant for you. Speaking of children, when you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

KM: I wanted to be a scientist because I wanted to learn how the world worked. I became a teacher because I needed a job that would allow me to support myself until I was old enough to access my inheritance. 

CC: At least with teaching you can use your interest in science to spark the interest of others, even if it hurts to have that lost dream. Since you’re a teacher, I bet you like to read. On the off chance you actually get to sit down, what would you read?

KM: I love anything written by Mark Twain because I love his sense of humor. The world can be a dark place, but laughter brings light.

CC: I’m definitely a fan of his satire and humor. Sometimes the only way to face life is with humor. In fact, let’s end this interview with a fun questions. Which part of the rollercoaster would you ride in: the front, middle, or back? Why?

KM: Front, because I like to see where I am going.

CC: It’s definitely a relief to see what’s in front of us. Well, at least most of the time. Sometimes when I see those really big loopty-loops coming, my stomach roils even before we reach them.

Readers, I highly recommend picking up Martha’s book. You’ll be able to read my review of A Steadfast Heart at the end of this month’s reading challenge. I’m looking forward to reading Kaitlyn’s story this weekend. Happy reading, y’all!

About Martha Hutchens:

Martha Hutchens writes faith-filled Historical Romance with heart, hope, and a touch of small-town charm. A Golden Heart® Award winner and retired homeschool mom, she draws on her love of history and storytelling to craft rich, inspiring tales set on the American frontier and during World War II. She lives in the Ozarks with her husband and a bossy miniature poodle.

Connect with Martha: Website  |  Free Book with Newsletter Signup  |  BookBub

 

 

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