by Crystal Caudill | Aug 19, 2025 | Author Interviews
I’ve had the blessing of knowing T. Elizabeth Renich for several years now–or maybe it’s more. Time is slipping by faster than I want to admit. Either way, It’s been a blessing to get to know T.E. who wrote a fantastic Civil War series called the Shadow Creek Chronicles, and now she has jumped periods and is working on an intriguing Revolutionary War series, the Sovereign Liberty Series,. The first book, A Worthy Risk, is already out and ready for you to dive into. T.E. is graciously giving away a print copy to one U.S. Resident. Check out the end of this post for the details on how to have your chance. Before we go much deeper, allow me to give you a proper introduction to T.Elizabeth Renich.
T. Elizabeth Renich has written five historical novels, worked for two NFL teams, and visited all fifty United States of America. International travels have found her in Germany, Japan, Ireland, Israel, Scotland, and England. She hunts historical markers and shares hope as an ovarian cancer survivor. Her love of photography is evident as she documents research trips and life, giving glory to God for the great things He has done.
You can connect with her through: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Gorgeous Georgians Facebook Group hosted with Laura Frantz
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit T. E. with rapid-fire.

CC: Rain or snow?
TE: Snow
CC: Makeup or no makeup?
TE: Makeup
CC: Personal maid or personal chef?
TE: Personal maid
CC: Arrive early, just on time, or late?
TE: Arrive early
CC: Food fight or water balloon fight?
TE: Water balloon fight
You people who arrive early never cease to amaze me. LOL So let’s dive into the nitty gritty.
What kind of stories are your favorite to write?
TE: Historical – because I have some readers who grew up not liking history and I’ve been able to change their minds… learning can be fun, and setting fiction in historical places helps dates and places come alive.
CC: It’s always broken my heart that so many history teachers have done a disservice to the next generation. I was blessed to have AMAZING middle school history teachers who brought history to life and inspired a love of history in almost all their students.
Do you read fiction while you are writing your own stories?
TE: Sometimes, if I have time — depends how close the approaching deadline is looming! I have investigated some fiction set in the same time period to see how other authors may have handled similar events — it makes a difference when trying to attain a fresh perspective on a “famous” historical event or being true to the nature of an actual historical person who lived in my time period, based on letters and diaries.
CC: Time is such a limited commodity! And all the research that goes into writing a good story really detracts from what reading time we get. I definitely don’t read as much as I used to, and it’s sad in a way.
What is your favorite part about writing?
TE: Favorite part about writing is the research because it helps shape the story. Least favorite is the research because I get waylaid from writing by far too many rabbit trails…
CC: Ha! Ha! Boy do I feel this one, especially when you’re at a part of a story that you don’t want to write. Research is the perfect legitimate excuse to get no writing done. LOL
Why do you write Christian Fiction?
T.E.: I believe writing Christian fiction is the mission field the LORD has called me to, amid the pages, to reach people I may never get to meet this side of heaven. The words He provides carry impact and influence, to be used wisely and for His glory.
CC: Amen. It’s definitely a challenging ministry to be called to, but what a blessing it is.
If someone has never read any of your books before, where should they start?
T.E.: A Worthy Risk is the first installment of my new Sovereign Liberty Series, so it’s a great place to start. (If readers enjoy that, they can find my Shadowcreek Chronicles series to tide them over until the second in the new series is released ; )
CC: Speaking of A Worthy Risk, let’s dive into talking about it!
Purchase your copy at Amazon
CC: Why did you write A Worthy Risk?
T.E.: I wrote this story because after spending time in Williamsburg, a friend challenged me to “do something” about the history in my own backyard — I live in Virginia — which would make it easy access for research. Williamsburg emphasizes the American Revolution, but I needed to back the story up so that I had an understanding of how the American colonies got to the point of declaring their independence from England. I knew very little about the French & Indian War and had never heard of Fort Michilimackinac. Learning about the years prior to the American Revolution served as a reminder that we were all British until 1776.
CC: How fun that a friend’s dare led you on an adventure in your own backyard. I’m looking forward to seeing what your research has brought up for us.
What is a fun fact readers might not know?
T.E.: In A Worthy Risk, I make mention of the defined boundary between Maryland and Pennsylvania as established by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon in 1767 — but it wasn’t called the Mason-Dixon Line until 1820 when it became known as the divide between northern and southern states, as referenced in my Shadowcreek books.
CC: Oh that’s funny! I love close enough to the Mason-Dixon line that we’ve called it that many many times, but I had no idea that is what it actually referenced (the first part, I knew the second).
How did this story affect you as you wrote it?
T.E.: I had to do a lot of research, and I’m thankful for the provision of time and travel to places where things happened in my story. Being able to see the places first hand helps me see and convey the story to readers better.
CC: That truly is such a blessing. I don’t get to travel much these days, and thus my current series is set in my backyard.
What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
T.E.: I hope readers will learn one thing new to them that they didn’t know (or don’t remember learning in school) that might spark an interest in history.
CC: I love that. Historical fiction really is a blessing in helping others to become interested in history.
I always like to end with a fun question so . . .
You are in the back of a police car on your way to jail. What did you do, and is anyone with you?
T.E.: Maybe parking or flipping a U-Turn where it’s not allowed — to find a historical marker. Whoever is my current research assistant is likely in my passenger seat because they volunteered to ride along — ha!
CC: LOL! Those historical markers are in the most AWFUL places to stop. It’s always so annoying.
Readers, I hope you’ll check out A Worthy Risk and then leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or BookBub. You wouldn’t believe how important that is to an author.
Reader, what was your childhood history classes like?
Giveaway
Here’s your chance to win a copy of A Worthy Risk. Comment on the blog and enter the Rafflecopter for your chance to win! Entries close at 11:59 p.m. EST on 8/26. Open to legal U.S. residents. See Giveaway Policies for more details.a Rafflecopter giveaway
by Crystal Caudill | Jul 31, 2025 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
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: July – Book outside your normal genre
Next Month: August – Book published before 2020

Surge
by Voni Harris
Review by: Crystal Caudill
This military romance was certainly outside of my normal reads and genre. With all the mega-long names–ranks, call signs, and real names–and military jargon and acronyms, it was a little harder to follow than I’m used to. However, it was fun to get to know Delany, Garrett “Bear”, and, of course, the MWD (military working dog) Surge. From what I gather from normal military books, this was pretty standard in that there was a group of terrorists threatening to do massive damage (through poison) to the US population. A group of four with the MWD are pulled in to save the US, all while trying to overcome past personal hurdles and a distinct distrust and dislike of the two main characters. I can say military fiction probably isn’t something I’ll be reading much of, but I enjoyed reading my friend’s debut novel.
Genre: Military Romance
Plot Overview:
Love and Betrayal in a Race Against Time
Delaney Thompson isn’t just a dog trainer—she’s the key to preventing a disaster. With loyal Military Working Dog, Surge, by her side, she’s ready to prove herself on her first mission…even without military training. Her goal? Help the intense Belgian Malinois track down a specific chemical linked to a dangerous terrorist group before it reaches American soil. But to succeed, she must navigate unfamiliar terrain and an even more unpredictable partner.
Garrett Walker is a seasoned military operator, driven by duty and haunted by tragic losses. Reluctantly, he teams up with Delaney, whose lack of tactical experience makes her a liability as he leads them across Southeast Asia. Yet Garrett knows that mission success and the safety of countless lives back home hinge on his leadership, the Malinois’s special scent training, and Delaney’s unique skills.
The stakes couldn’t be higher: if Delaney and Garrett fail to locate and secure the toxic chemical, hundreds of thousands of Americans could die. As they hunt down the terrorists, their objectives are clear—find the stash, neutralize the threat, and try not to get killed. But with mutual distrust simmering between them, their greatest challenge may be learning to rely on each other.
A gripping tale of suspense, betrayal, and unexpected romance. Dive into this high-stakes adventure where every moment counts…and falling in love might just be the most perilous move of all.
Purchase Links:
Amazon
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?
by Crystal Caudill | Jul 22, 2025 | Author Interviews
It’s always a blessing to get to introduce you to a new author. I think I’ve known Teresa for quite a while, and I’m so excited for her to release her debut novel. Teresa is graciously giving one U.S. resident a signed copy of her book and a bookmark. You’ll find the information for all that at the end of this post. For now, let’s get to know Teresa.
A former teacher and librarian, Teresa Wells treasures a story threaded with redemption and hope. She loves people, history, and studying the Bible. Teresa is a member of Novel Academy and American Christian Fiction Writers Association, where she volunteers behind the scenes. She lives with her family outside of Dallas, Texas. What Brings Us Joy is her first novel.
You can connect with her through: Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Teresa with rapid-fire.

CC: Rain or snow?
TW: Rain–it’s temporary!
CC: Makeup or no makeup?
TW: Makeup! Really. Like, every day, morning to midnight. I have too much compassion for my fellow humans to go without it!
CC: Personal maid or personal chef?
TW: Personal maid! I’d be totally okay with a full-time, live-in maid.
CC: Arrive early, just on time, or late?
TW: Early! I hope my kids’ teachers aren’t reading this … I COULD have been that mom whose kids are perpetually late! Let’s just say life is better with time to spare!
CC: Food fight or water balloon fight?
TW: Since I can’t stand having dirty, gooey, sticky hands, I’m gonna go for the water balloon fight. At least you’re clean at the end of it!
I get the want to be early, but having kids means being perpetually late! LOL And good point about food fights!
Do you read fiction while you are writing your own stories? Why or why not?
TW: Absolutely! More specifically, I listen to fiction. Not while I’m in the act of writing, of course, but I have an audiobook going during the time I’m plotting, drafting, revising, or editing my own book. Why? Because I can’t live without fiction! Plus, laundry is totally okay if my mind is in another time and place. What do I listen to on audio? It depends. If I’m really digging into my own storyworld, I’ll choose a contemporary romance or romantic suspense. And every once in awhile I’ll listen to a podcast–but it better be good, or I’m switching back to my fictitious world.
CC: Fictitious worlds really are so much better!
What is your favorite part about writing? Why? What is your least favorite? Why?
TW: I love discovering the characters. I fill out a detailed questionnaire for each one, using a spiral notebook and taking my time to really think about what makes them laugh, what they feel is an injustice, what their weaknesses and strengths are. At the end of that process, I feel like these characters are friends of mine. If I know my characters, the storytelling goes much quicker.
My least favorite? Writing the first draft. My perfectionist side dukes it out with my hurry-up-and-tell-the-story side.
CC: Drafting is SO hard. Perfectionism can be a real problem during that part of the process!
Do you have a general writing process you follow or does it change all the time? What does your process look like from beginning to end?
TW: I’ve found that planning the story ahead of the writing gives me a sense of comfort. But I also allow myself flexibility to vary from the plan if it makes the story better.
When I’m writing, I need to feel like I’m right there alongside my heroine. I’ve found that taping up Sanborn maps of my town shows me the businesses that existed at the time of my story. I’ve printed photos of people who remind me of my characters and tacked them to the closet door in my office. And this might seem a little extreme, but sometimes I need to physically act out a scene. In What Brings Us Joy, Delia is an expert needlewoman. To place myself in her shoes, I did cross stitch. Doing that reminded me of all the stray threads that land on your clothes when you’re sewing, and of how tedious it is to thread a needle. In book two of this series, my heroine loves gardening. I might have to put aside my fear of wasps and bees and plant a little garden in my backyard!
CC: I also dive into trying to do as much as I can of my characters. The more hands-on you can be about learning your characters, the more authentic they can be.
How have you seen God work in your writing journey?
TW: He’s allowed me to feel more dependent on Him, especially when insecurity rears its ugly head. When I give those feelings to Him and ask for His guidance, I feel stronger, more sure of His purpose in my life. The situation doesn’t change, but my ability to cope with it does, with His help.
CC: There is nothing like writing to teach you how dependent you are on Him.
Why do you write Christian fiction?
TW: I’ve tried writing clean, no mention of the Lord, but I just can’t do it. To me, a world with no mention of the Lord feels empty.
CC: I understand that. I love that God has called different writers to reach different audiences and none is better than another, just all serving His purpose.
Do you have any advice for those who want to write their own stories?
TW: My biggest advice is to know your end goal. If it’s to get your thoughts on paper, then go for it! Write in a journal to your heart’s content. If you want to write for publication, whether short stories or full length novels, then devote yourself to learning the craft at least six months before you try to get a publishing contract.
CC: Those are all good things to keep in mind.
Now I’m excited to talk about What Brings Us Joy.
Unless she can finish her quilt in time to enter the county fair. The prize money would be just enough to open her shop. Determined and resourceful, Delia sets her sights on success—until her heart takes an unexpected detour when she meets handsome Clarence Parker.Bent on respectability, Clarence refuses to let his past get in the way of his future happiness, especially after falling for spirited Delia Truitt. But his hopes shatter when headlines declare members of his former gang have broken out of jail and are heading his way, set on revenge. Though Clarence doesn’t regret testifying against the outlaws, he fears his future with Delia is in jeopardy. Clarence will protect her from the killers, even if it means risking their future together.
Can Clarence keep her safe? And will Delia love him after she finds out about his past?
Purchase your copy at Amazon | Barnes & Noble
CC: What will fans of What Brings Us Joy love about your story and characters?
TW: I hope they can relate to the struggles and dilemmas Delia and Clarence go through.
CC: I definitely love how you have the storyline of Clarence’s past standing in the way. So many people struggle with the question of if people can really change.
How did this story develop and change from spark to finished book?
TW: At first, it was going to be a dual-timeline story, but before long, the contemporary story hit a dead-end, and the historical side went full speed ahead. So I dropped the modern story and focused on the 1895 time period. But I kinda went overboard! I ended up with two stories within one book, which doesn’t work! I had to decide which story spoke to me more, and said goodbye to the other half. I didn’t toss it out, though! Pieces of that version will show up in the next two books in the series.
CC: It’s so easy to make our first books have too much in them. I’m guilty of doing that even now! LOL
What is the most fascinating piece of research that shaped your story?
TW: I was captivated by all the snide jokes in newspapers toward women who spent time crazy quilting. It gave a good representation of 1890’s cultural view of women, for one thing. The condescension in those “jokes” made me cringe!
CC: Yeah. It was a tough season for women’s respectability.
Who was your favorite character to write? Why? Who was your least favorite? Why?
TW: Delia and Rabb were my favorites to write. I loved their banter. Writing that was very natural. Clarence was a little harder to write. I didn’t want him to come off too self-righteous, though he certainly is that. I also didn’t want his past to overshadow his current effort to live an ethical and honest way of life.
CC: That is definitely a hard balance.
What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
TW: I hope readers walk away knowing that people can change, with the help of the Lord.
CC: Amen.
I always like to end with a fun question so . . .
Which part of the roller coaster would you ride in: the front, middle or back? Why?
TW: The front! I need the full view of what lies ahead!
CC: LOL Sometimes I’m afraid to see what’s coming so kudos to you!
Readers, I hope you’ll check out What Brings Us Joy and then leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or BookBub. You wouldn’t believe how important that is to an author.
Reader, have you ever quilted or sewn anything? Are you any good or was it a disaster?
Giveaway
Here’s your chance to win a copy of What Brings Us Joy. Comment on the blog and enter the Rafflecopter for your chance to win! Entries close at 11:59 p.m. EST on 7/29/2025. Open to legal U.S. residents. See Giveaway Policies for more details.
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by Crystal Caudill | Jul 8, 2025 | Character Interview
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?
by Crystal Caudill | Jun 30, 2025 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
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.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What did you read for the challenge? What were your thoughts on it? Would you recommend it?