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 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 | Apr 8, 2025 | Author Interviews
It’s my pleasure to bring back Linda MacKillop to the blog. With all these new and updated questions, I’m looking forward to getting to know her better. Linda is also graciously giving away a copy of each of her books, The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon and Hotel Oscar Mike Echo to one U.S. resident. Check out the details below. If you missed the last time she was here, here is a bit about her before we dive in.
Linda MacKillop is the author of the Christy-Award winning novel, The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon, and the middle-grade novel Hotel Oscar Mike Echo, a finalist for the Christianity Today Book Awards for Young Adult. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and is a member of the Redbud Writers Guild. Her articles and essays have appeared in magazines and literary journals. Linda makes her home in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Discover more on lindamackillop.com.
You can connect with her through: Website | Newsletter | Instagram | Substack
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Linda with rapid-fire.
CC: Rain or snow?
LM: Snow. I’m a Northern girl.
CC: Makeup or no makeup?
LM: A modicum of makeup.
CC: Personal maid or personal chef?
LM: Oh, definitely a personal chef!! One who cooks paleo.
CC: Arrive early, just on time, or late?
LM: My husband calls me “the on-time airline” if that answers the question.
CC: Food fight or water balloon fight?
LM: Water balloon fight–on a warm summer day.
I love that your husband has a nick-name for you. I think if mine gave me a nick-name for my tardiness, I’d be the Better Late Than Never gal. LOL
What kind of stories are your favorite to write?
LM: I write about broken people trying to make their way in life. This comes from my own background with troubled, broken parents who divorced. I have experienced God as healer, and I hope that I convey that truth and experience in my writing.
CC: I love that. We are essentially a world of broken people, and we all need the truth, hope, and healing of Christ in our lives.
Do you read fiction while you are writing your own stories?
LM: I read lots of fiction while I’m writing my own. I’m looking for a sense of strong voice and presence in the story, and I’m inspired by these kinds of books. They push me to work on my own story’s voice. And I like to be inspired by other writers.
CC: I love that. It’s definitely important to be reading the fiction you want to by inspired by as you write.
What is your favorite part about writing?
LM: Definitely the revision part is my favorite. Getting words down on a blank page for me is torturous and my least favorite part. But rewriting–or polishing–is so fun as you begin to see the story shine. This is also the part where I’m surprised by what appears on the page.
CC: That is wonderful. I haven’t decided if I love it or hate it yet.
Do you have a general writing process you follow or does it change all the time?
LM: I have a general process I follow. I pray before I write, usually on my knees, and then often, I read a little poetry to get my head around thoughtful, artful words. I write for about half a day, and then go off and do other things, like take care of my home, go for a walk, make dinner. The joy of the writing process for me is that when I step away from the desk, I still see the story developing in my brain, often answering questions that had me stumped while I sat at my desk.
CC: I love that. I definitely need to get better about getting away from my computer and just living life.
Do you have any advice for those who want to write their own stories?
LM: Start writing and don’t be afraid to write badly at first. Find a great critique group with experience writing and who will give you kind but truthful feedback. Read everything you can find in your preferred genre.
CC: Those are all great tips!
Now I’m excited to talk about The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon and Hotel Oscar Mike Echo.
Hotel Oscar Mike Echo
Home isn’t always what we dream it will be.
Eleven-year-old Sierra just wants a normal life. After her military mother returns from the war overseas, the two hop from home to homelessness while Sierra tries to help her mom through the throes of PTSD.
When they end up at a shelter for women and children, Sierra is even more aware of what her life is not. The kind couple who run the shelter, Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin, attempt to show her parental love as she faces the uncertainties of her mom’s emotional health and the challenges of being the brand-new poor kid in middle school. The longer she stays at the shelter, the more Sierra realizes she may have to face an impossible choice as she redefines home.
This middle-grade novel offers a compassionate look at poverty, homelessness, and hope. Readers walk alongside brave Sierra as she holds on to a promise she believes God gave her: that one day she will have a real home. But what if that promise looks far different than she has ever dreamed?
Purchase your copy at The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon | Hotel Oscar Mike Echo
CC: What will fans of your books love about your story and characters?
LM: I write quirky and unusual people and situations.
CC: Those are some of the most interesting books to read.
Why did The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon develop and change from spark to finished book?
LM: I originally wrote Eva Gordon in the first-person point of view of a person with increasing dementia. It was too difficult to write that close to a confused brain. It limited my storytelling, so I switched to a close third-person point of view.
CC: I can imagine how difficult that would be. I tried to write a first-person POV with a character in an asylum and I just couldn’t do it.
Why did you write this story?
LM: I was pondering a nagging question: If you have extremely difficult people in your life, why and how do you still find them loveable?
CC: That is a hard question and one I’m sure most of us deal with.
Who was your favorite character to write?
LM: In the Eva Gordon story, it was Mabel. She popped into the novel unexpectedly and added such a great dimension to the writing.
CC: I love it when characters add unexpected dimensions to the story!
What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
LM: Repair what you can in life before it’s too late.
CC: So easy to say, and so hard to do, but rarely is the right and good thing to do the easy thing to do.
I always like to end with a fun question so . . .
What would you be if you had to wear one Halloween Costume every day for the rest of your life?
LM: I would be a book because I could change the title on it each year while still wearing the same costume, and it would be easy to make from a cardboard box. My favorite costume as a child was when I made myself a Christmas package.
CC: Oh, that is such a fantastic idea!!! I love it! Thanks for hanging with us today!
Readers, I hope you’ll check out The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon and Hotel Oscar Mike Echo 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 read a book where a character was facing dementia, Alzheimer’s, or something of the such? What was it?
Giveaway
Here’s your chance to win a copy of The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon and Hotel Oscar Mike Echo. Comment on the blog and enter the Rafflecopter for your chance to win! Entries close at 11:59 p.m. EST on 4/15. Open to legal U.S. residents. See Giveaway Policies for more details.
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by Crystal Caudill | Mar 25, 2025 | Author Interviews
Written in Secret has been out in the world for an entire week and I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful outpouring of support, encouragement, and reviews! If you’ve already read Written in Secret, I’ve created a Facebook Discussion group where you can talk all about it with others who have read it too! I hope to see you there!
While you’ve met a few of the characters–Lydia, Abraham, and Billy Poe (on Reading is My Superpower), I thought it might be fun to share an interview with myself about the book. 🙂 There are the usual giveaways at the end of the post, but you’ll also have the chance to ask me YOUR questions. It might take me a few days to get back to them, but I’ll be responding to each one. Who knows, maybe I’ll post a few on social media too!
Can you tell us a little bit about your new novel, Written in Secret?
Lydia Pelton is a dime novelist who writes romances under her own name but secretly writes crime novels under the pseudonym E.A. Dupin. However, someone is murdering the exonerated criminals whose cases she based her novels on. The police suspect Dupin, but how can a man who doesn’t exist commit murder? Some poor decisions have left her at odds with Officer Abraham Hall, but she’ll never prove Dupin’s innocence without him or find the vigilante who’s determined to prove his love for her through murder.
What sparked the idea for Written in Secret?
I’ve always enjoyed movies, television episodes, and novels where the concept of a book is brought to life. As a historical romantic suspense author, I was excited to toy with the idea of someone bringing a mystery author’s books to life for nefarious purposes. I’m also a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fan, and the vigilante character Casey Jones inspired the idea of including a villain with noble intentions executed in a very vile way.
What themes present themselves throughout the novel? Which ones speak most to readers today?
When this story began percolating in my imagination, the country wrestled with “What is justice?” and “How should injustice be handled when we feel our justice system has failed us?” There was lots of rioting, talk of vigilante justice, and discourse on how things should be handled within the constraints of the law. I’m not sure society ever agreed on what those answers should be. I never aimed to answer those questions for my readers but to spark discussion and thought on our response to injustice as Christ-following believers.
Why did you choose 1880 Cincinnati as your setting?
During this period, Cincinnati had a reputation for corruption. Criminals often walked away with lesser sentences or no conviction if they had the right political connections or financial ability to grease palms. Juries, judges, and officers could be and were bought. Elections were known to be rigged, and the citizens felt helpless to change anything. On top of that, the restructuring of police management through a board of police commissioners failed in early 1880. After that, the running of the police department fell under the mayor’s responsibilities. The mayor appointed or fired officers. Sometimes, they were fired for something as simple as having a differing political view. It was a volatile time that actually led to a major riot in 1884 that killed 58 and injured far more. It was the perfect storm for the setting of my novel.
What will fans of romance love about your story and characters?
I hope readers will love the banter between Lydia and Abraham and how they help each other grow as Christians and individuals. I also hope readers will spy all my little pokes of fun at romance novels and how I purposely twist expectations.
What was the most fascinating thing you found during your research that shaped your story?
I’ll try to keep this brief because I could talk about this for hours. Bottom line: Dime novels revolutionized reading and were met with significant opposition. Before the invention of dime novels, books cost $1 to $3 each, putting them firmly out of reach for the average worker who only made $5 to $8 a week. Dime novels were 100-page paper leaflets that sold for between a nickel and twenty-five cents and made reading material available to the common man, woman, and child. However, the middle and upper classes generally opposed their existence. Many viewed dime novels as soul-corrupting and leading to an increase in crime from the lower class. Many lobbied to ban them, even though members of all classes read them. This societal dissonance shaped the direction of my story, my heroine’s reasoning for hiding behind a pseudonym, and Cincinnati’s response to discovering my heroine not only wrote romance novels but also mystery novels that dove into the underbelly of the criminal world.
If readers have read Counterfeit Love, they have already met Lydia and Abraham as side characters. What new things will readers learn and love about them in this new story?
Written in Secret takes place four years before Counterfeit Love and tells the romance story of Theresa’s best friend. While Lydia was firmly rooted in Christ by Counterfeit Love, Written in Secret shows Lydia’s growth in her faith walk. Like many Christians, Lydia feels her relationship with Jesus is good enough. However, when a vigilante uses her stories to commit murder, she’s confronted with the lies she’s used to get published, obtain research, and hide her identity from even her family. Readers will get a front-row seat to her growth, wild imagination, and humor.
Abraham is the sensibility to her madness, although Lydia is a puzzle to him. He first met her when he arrested her and Theresa for attempting to “rescue” a three-legged goat from the circus. She’s a temptation to figure out, but he wants no future with a criminal dime novelist who can’t take responsibility for her decisions. Still, their banter and the need to protect her from the vigilante her books created bring him into constant contact with her. The road to becoming a detective is difficult, but with Lydia in the way, it’s nearly impossible.
The villain is unique. Can you tell us a little about him?
Lydia’s crime novels featured a detective hero named Billy Poe. In her stories, Billy Poe investigated crimes that exactly matched the cases that inspired the story. However, in each book, before they could be arrested, the criminals met similar fates to the crimes for which they’d escaped punishment. In her fictional world, Billy Poe is the hero, but someone in the real world has taken on Billy Poe’s identity and is murdering the criminals from the original cases exactly how they die in the books Lydia wrote. He leaves quotes from the book on the bodies and claims the deed. However, no one knows who he is. At first, people believe him to be the author, E.A. Dupin, but when it’s discovered Dupin is Lydia’s pseudonym, the police (and hopefully the reader) are left with no idea who the true villain is.
Written in Secret is the first book in the The Art of Love and Danger series. Please tell us about the series.
The series contains three books that follow four friends who each have a talent or career related to one of the arts. Theresa paints and engraves, Lydia is a dime novelist, Nora secretly sings and writes songs, and Flossie creates and paints pottery. Each woman’s art plays a significant role in the plots and how they face the problems around them. And, of course, love and danger will pursue them through each page. Only three of the four friends have books in this series, but you can read Counterfeit Love for Theresa’s story. While each book can be read as a stand-alone, the series will best be enjoyed by reading them in order.
What do you hope readers take away from reading Written in Secret?
My biggest hope is that they’ll walk away having read a story that excited and entertained them. On the “deeper” side of things, I hope readers will walk away knowing that God is still just and able even when there is injustice in the world. Sometimes, God will use injustice to change a person’s heart toward Him, and sometimes, we never get a reason or explanation. But we can act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
What is a fun fact about this book that readers might not know?
The four friends who call themselves “the Guardians” are inspired by my core critique group and friends, “the Mayhemmers.” We came together as mostly unpublished writers and have now all walked through the published author door supporting each other in our careers, personal lives, and spiritual walks. And that is what each of “the Guardians” does. Each character has qualities loosely based on each of these ladies. I tend to behave like Theresa, Liz Bradford like Lydia, Angela Carlisle like Nora, and Voni Harris and Flossie share some of the same characteristics. It’s been fun tucking in qualities of my best friends into a fictional world.
What kind of research did you do for this book?
There was an eclectic range of topics I needed to study. I spent the most time researching dime novels, from their history to the publication culture surrounding getting published, then to the societal reaction to dime novels. Of course, I read a few to gain an understanding of their style and content. I also did a massive amount of research on the history of the Cincinnati police department. It was actually a pretty complicated history where dates were incredibly important to make sure I knew who was over the department (a board or the mayor), what resources they had or didn’t have available (telephones before police wagons), how they were structured, where the stations were, and so much more. I adored every minute of it. A special treat was visiting the Greater Cincinnati Police Museum and getting a personal tour from a former chief of police and historian for the museum.
Written in Secret by Crystal Caudill
In the heart of nineteenth-century Cincinnati one woman holds the power to rewrite history.
What happens when fiction becomes reality? In the corruption-infested Queen City, danger lurks in every shadow, but Lydia Pelton refuses to stay silent. She writes under a pseudonym, E. A. Dupin, crafting crime novels to exact justice and right the wrongs she sees in society. When a serial killer decides to be the sword to her pen, Lydia is confronted with the consequences of her words. Four men are dead, and the city blames her.
With murders on the rise, Officer Abraham Hall’s only lead is Lydia’s fiction, and he is thrust into an investigation with the “Killer Queen of Romance.” Despite his misgivings about the woman, he realizes that even with his reputation for catching elusive criminals, he needs her help. But his unexpected attraction to Lydia proves as difficult to manage as the woman herself.
As the mystery unfolds, Abraham and Lydia race to rewrite the ending, not only for Cincinnati’s citizens, but for their own hearts too.
Purchase Links: Amazon | Apple Books | Baker Book House | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Christianbook | IndieBound | Kobo
Month-Long Blog Giveaway
Help me celebrate the release of Written in Secret and get the word out about the new series. From March 4 to April 1, this giveaway will be open to those legally allowed to enter both domestically and internationally. International winners will be given a prize of equal value as shipping costs are prohibitive. See my giveaway policies for more details.
Prize: homemade book cozy, fuzzy socks, journal, reader mug mat, bookmarks, stickers, tea, and chapstick.
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Month-Long Giveaway #2
Already have the book?? This giveaway is for you. Somewhere in the first fifty pages of Written in Secret is the answer to “What attacked Lydia and Abraham inside the circus tent?” Fill out the below Google Form to be entered for your chance to win a $25 gift card to Amazon or Baker Book House. The giveaway runs until April 11, 2024. The winner will be selected the week of April 12 and notified by email.
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What questions do YOU have for me?
by Crystal Caudill | Feb 11, 2025 | Author Interviews
It is my pleasure to introduce to you a new-to-me author, Susan G. Mathis.
Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has thirteen in her Thousand Islands fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Peyton’s Promise, Rachel’s Reunion, Mary’s Moment, A Summer at Thousand Island House, Libby’s Lighthouse, and Julia’s Joy, and Emma’s Engagement. Find out more at www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction.
You can connect with her through: Website | Amazon | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads | BookBub
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Susan with rapid-fire.
CC: Pineapple pizza or candy corn?
SGM: Pineapple pizza (with Canadian bacon please)
CC: Test the waters or dive in the deep end?
SGM: Test the waters
CC: Guacamole or salsa?
SGM: Guacamole
CC: Silly hats or silly socks?
SGM: Silly socks
CC: Passwords or secret handshakes?
SGM: passwords
I’m such a silly socks person too. In fact, many of our answers would match!
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
SGM: I taught Language Arts to middle schoolers for nine years, wrote curriculum for ACSI for five years, then became editor/editorial director at Focus on the Family for nearly a dozen years. So, I’ve had over 1,000 articles and fifteen non-fiction books published. I guess I’ve always had that desire, but when I started writing fiction, I was hooked!
CC: Holy moly! That is a LOT of writing.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
SGM: Well, I had thumb reconstruction surgery in December on my primary writing hand so that’s been a challenge. But generally, I stick to my schedule and work through any obstacles that come my way.
CC: Youch! I bet that is not a fun recovery!
What has been the biggest challenge for you on your writing journey?
SGM: Marketing. It’s an endless task but oh so necessary. If only I could jump into my story world and hang out with my characters all the time, it’d be heavenly. But…as we know…heaven comes later.
CC: I think marketing is the bane of every writer’s existence. LOL
Now I’m excited to talk about Emma’s Engagement.
Emma Row embarks on a journey that will test her resilience and love. She marries Michael Diepolder, the Rock Island Lightkeeper and widower, a man who seeks a companion for both himself and his eleven-year-old daughter, Ada. But as she steps into the role of lightkeeper’s wife with a heart full of hope, little does she know that the idyllic setting conceals challenges that will shake the foundation of her happiness. Isolation creeps in, compounded by Ada’s determination to keep her father all to herself. As a storm looms, Emma must grapple with the difficulties of being a stepmother and lightkeeper’s wife. Will she find her place, or will the tumultuous waves of doubt and isolation tear them apart?
Purchase your copy at Amazon | Barnes & Noble
CC: Which readers will be the ones who most love your book?
SGM: Because I write about real places and people, I want to be as accurate as possible, so I have a Thousand Islands historian who read my story for accuracy. I also like to incorporate as many historic details to make sure my details were correct, and this one took a lot of research since it’s now a privately owned island and lighthouse. Though it’s extra work, it always helps to check with the experts. My readers love that they can depend on the factual history of the story.
CC: Historical accuracy is so important to so many readers!
Who was the most challenging character to create?
SGM: It’s always hard to inflict pain on the characters you’ve grown to love, so having Emma in so much pain from Ada’s rejection and the adjustment to a new marriage and stepparenting was difficult. As readers journey with her, they witness the challenges and the adjustments necessary. Her trials not only reveal Emma’s character but also influences her decisions and relationships throughout the story.
CC: That would be difficult to write!
What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
SGM: All fourteen of my Thousand Islands’ stories have hope as the central theme. Hope for a better future. Hope for love. Hope for healing. Emma’s Engagement also focuses on a stepfamily family, healing broken hearts, forgiving those who hurt you, and embracing God’s redemption.
CC: Hope is such a beautiful thing to display and share in our stories.
I always like to end with a fun question so . . .
If you were stuck on an island, what three items would you have with you?
SGM: My Bible, my computer, and a solar charger. That way, I can keep on writing and reading the word of God.
CC: No rest for the weary when it comes to writing, right?
Readers, I hope you’ll check out Emma’s Engagement and then leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or BookBub. You wouldn’t believe how important that is to an author.
Reader, what stories have you read that include stepfamilies?
by Crystal Caudill | Feb 4, 2025 | Author Interviews
I’ve been blessed to know and work with Melissa LaShure for the last couple of years. After working so hard to support other historical fiction authors, Melissa has now published her debut novel. I’m so excited for her and proud of her diligence. Melissa is hosting two book club extravaganzas on February 15th (in person in Fairmount, IN) and online on February 22nd with prizes and all sorts of fun. You can find out all the details at https://www.literaryscape.com/events. She is also generously giving away one copy of Unwavering Faith. Scroll to the bottom for details.
Welcome to the world of romance. Author Melissa LaShure writes steamy, adventure-packed, inspirational historical Christian romance novels that feature cowboys taming the Wild West and rescuing damsels in distress. She likes to say she’s packing the heat and riding the line.
Melissa’s writing adventure into the romance genre all started with a book club at her local library. They read an 1800s Wild West cowboy romance that had her hooked and hog-tied. After devouring all the available books in this genre at the library, she quickly recognized their scarcity. By scarce, she means there are very few historical Christian romance novels set in the Wild West that possess the passion and romance depicted in Song of Solomon. So, she wrote her own.
Melissa likes to think of her books as bridging the gap between your typical Christian romance and secular romance. She loves the passion found in secular romances, but as a believer, she is not comfortable with the bedroom scenes. So, Melissa writes books that are packed with passion but leave the bedroom door shut with the goal of pointing readers to Christ. Outside of being an author, Melissa currently works in education as a curriculum director for an amazing school corporation. In addition to that, she hosts the LiteraryScape and Educational Awareness podcasts. When she’s not working, writing, or podcasting, you can find her hanging with her husband or reading a book. Of course, she is always up for exploring new places and enjoying great coffee!
You can connect with her through: Website | Newsletter | YouTube | Rumble | Goodreads | LiteraryScape Podcast
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Melissa with rapid-fire.
CC: Pineapple pizza or candy corn?
ML: Pineapple pizza. I cannot stand candy corn!
CC: Test the waters or dive in the deep end?
ML: Test the waters
CC: Guacamole or salsa?
ML: Guacamole! I love avocados!
CC: Silly hats or silly socks?
ML: Silly socks, especially if they are fuzzy and warm!
CC: Passwords or secret handshakes?
ML: passwords
Fuzzy socks are THE best. So let’s hop into learning a bit about you.
What fiction book has most impacted you?
ML: A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman has impacted me the most for two reasons. First, she packs a punch with her nuggets of truth. Which are the biblical lessons her characters learn. This was the first fiction book that had me reflecting on my relationship with God and drawing closer to Him.
Second, Julie’s writing inspired mine and helped me fine-tune my why for writing. I love romance novels, but I don’t always feel great after reading steamy secular romance. Julie writes steamy, clean romance held within the bounds of matrimony. Her tagline is passion with a purpose. Her goal is to reach readers who are stuck on secular romance. I was so inspired that I made it my purpose for writing as well.
CC: That is definitely a special calling that I know needs answered. A bridge from Secular to Christian is definitely a hard find, but much needed for those looking for that more secular feel.
What is one book you think everyone should read?
ML: What’s the Story Morning Glory is a memoir devotional. Never have I read a devotional that drew me closer to God, like hers. I highly recommend it!
CC: I’ve not heard of that one. I’ll have to look it up.
How have you seen God work through your writing journey?
ML: When I started writing I just dove in and ran on my own. The first book I published fell flat on its face and I learned a lot of hard lessons. Since then God has become the captain of my writing ship. He has brought so many author friends into my life and experts in the industry who have shared their knowledge with me. I am grateful for His guidance and work to make sure I stay in step with Him!
CC: I love how He directs our writing paths, and no one path looks the same as another.
Do you have any advice for those who want to write their own stories?
ML: Just start writing. As you write, join a writing group and go to conferences. God will bring people into your life that will help you make your writing dreams a reality.
Here’s a bit about Unwavering Faith by Melissa LaShure.
In a lawless land, Brody Young and his Bounty Brothers stare down the face of evil to protect the innocent. They’re known for forcing outlaws to confront justice. Until Brody takes on his first female bounty. Wrongfully accused of murder, Claire Belonge flees Fifth Avenue, New York, in search of her brother in Dodge City. She soon finds herself in over her head in this wild west town. In utter desperation, she turns to the one man who has the ability to save her.
Brody navigates uncharted territory with Claire, his beautiful bounty. She stirs a deep-seated desire to protect her at all costs. As truths are revealed, he’ll have to make a commitment he’s unsure he can honor. Claire’s faith is set to be exposed as she confronts assassins and outlaws. Will Brody’s unwavering faith in God point her to Christ? Is it possible for Brody to safeguard Claire from her enemies and his? Does the happiness they’ve found in each other’s arms have a chance of surviving?
This heart-pounding romance is guaranteed have you gripping the edge of your seat and swooning for our hero.
Purchase your copy at LiteraryScape Shop
CC: Which readers will be the ones who most love your book?
ML: Readers who enjoy historical Christian romance centered around marriages of convenience and suspense will enjoy Unwavering Faith. I do want to note that there is high level of romance as well, all clean, but a little on the steamy side.
CC: I appreciate the warning. Everyone has different preference levels of romance.
Who was the most fun character to create?
ML: I fell in love with Junior. Every time I wrote a scene with him I would tell my husband how much I love that little boy. I think readers will enjoy how Junior brings love and joy into tense situations.
CC: Kids really do add joy to stories and are so much fun to write.
What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
ML: There are many things I hope readers will take away from Unwavering Faith, but two stand out the most. First, is the importance of being equally yoked. Who we marry is the second most important decision in our life. The first being to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Brody learns that although he entered into this marriage of convenience with noble intentions, he cannot maintain it as long as he and Claire are unequally yoked. The second would be head knowledge versus heart knowledge of Christ. Claire knows all about God and Jesus. She grew up in church and said the prayer of salvation many times, yet she never had a genuine faith and relationship with God. It was not until Brody confronts her fake faith that she realizes she doesn’t really know God at all.
CC: Those are two (and dare I say) three very important things that I know readers will appreciate.
I always like to end with a fun question so . . .
If you were a pirate, what would be your nickname? Why?
ML: If I were a pirate, my nickname would be Missy Teacher of Men. This is because I am a teacher and always find myself teaching others.
CC: How fun! I like the play on Fisher of Men.
Readers, I hope you’ll check out Unwavering Faith and then leave a review on Goodreads. You wouldn’t believe how important that is to an author.
Reader, what marriage of convenience stories have you read and liked?
Giveaway
Here’s your chance to win a copy of Unwavering Faith. Comment on the blog and enter the Rafflecopter for your chance to win! Entries close at 11:59 p.m. EST on January 21,2025. Open to legal U.S. residents. See Giveaway Policies for more details.
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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.
One for the land and one for the war—
The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon