It’s another month of our Tackle Your TBR Pile reading challenge. So dig through that stack of books you’ve been meaning to read that’s taller than you and start reading!

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.*

This Month: June – Somewhere you want to travel

Next Month: July – Patriotic theme, time period, or occupation

Flying across the pond and having tea in England is HIGH on my dream list, so it wasn’t hard to choose a Michelle Griep book. I’ve fallen behind on her books, so I used this month as a chance to get caught up on at least one of her books. 

I loved the second-chance, friends-to-more romance between Bram and Eva. Overcoming the past hurts felt realistic, and of course, the swoon factor was up. Bram was a man of integrity, faith, sacrifice, and insecurities that made him lovable. Eva’s own past guilt, financial struggles, and the struggle to know what was best for her sister had me invested in her and Penny’s future right from the beginning. It’s always a palate cleanser to read one of Michelle’s books, and I have no idea why I waited so long to catch up with this one. It has all the things I love, mystery, history, adventure, and a romance that is sweet, enjoyable, and swoony. 

Giveaway Details

Here’s your chance to win a book off my prize shelf. Comment with what YOU read for your chance to win! Entries close on 7th of each month. Open to legal U.S. residents and international residents. *International winners will receive a $10 Amazon gift card in lieu of a book from the prize shelf due to shipping costs.* See Giveaway Policies for more details.

Tea Time with

Author Deena Adams

I’m so glad you’ve joined me today for a special afternoon tea. I’ve got a cup of no-caff chai (a rooibos blend), a tray full of shortbread cookies, cucumber sandwiches, and scones with the requisite clotted cream and jam. Help yourself to anything you like and whatever beverage makes the day perfect.

Today, it is my personal joy to introduce you to Deena Adams. Deena writes hope-filled fiction, and her newest release, Stronger than the Storm, is available for you to enjoy now.

I’ve been blessed to know Deena since almost the beginning of my writing journey. We met (and continue to meet) at a yearly writing retreat, and I’ve had the privilege of Deena write, edit, and shape Stronger than the Storm into what you read now. I am so proud of her and so excited to introduce you to her.

Before we dive into the interview, allow me to formally introduce you to Deena.

As a Jesus girl for over thirty years, and a pastor’s wife for most of those, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life. This belief fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true-life stories.

She is a Certified Mental Health Coach, a multi-award-winning author, an active ACFW member, founder of the Marathon online writers group, and a six-year ACFW Virginia board member.

Deena lives with her husband near the coast in beautiful Virginia. When she’s not writing, reading, or serving in her church, you’ll find her hanging out with family and friends, playing board games, and doting on her seven grandchildren. 

*For those who sign up for Deena’s newsletter, she’s offering an e-copy of her novellette, Behind the Scenes*

Connect with the author:

Website  |  Newsletter  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |   LinkedIn  |  X  |  Amazon  |  BookBub  |  GoodReads

Let’s dive into our Speedy Six

CC: Be invisible or read minds?

Deena: Be invisible

CC: Road trip or airplane?

Deena: road trip

CC: Fancy restaurant or home-cooked meal?

Deena: Home-cooked meal

Tea Sandwiches and Savories

CC: I love getting to see how God works in each author’s life.

How have you seen God work in your writing journey?

DEENA: When I first launched into the writing world in 2018, I had no clue how to write a novel, nor about everything else that goes along with publishing a book. With my limited knowledge and lack of confidence, I needed God to walk beside me every step of the way on this journey, and He has.

I can’t tell you how many times I considered quitting, but when I asked God to let me know if He wanted me to continue, He always gave me some encouragement through a scripture, a friend, a contest recognition, or other means to nudge me forward.

Through every rejection along the way, God lifted me up and reminded me that I’m doing this for Him. My only responsibility is to obey, and then leave the results up to Him.

I can’t imagine doing this without the Lord. In fact, I would never attempt to do this without Him. I am nothing on my own, and He deserves ALL the credit for anything good that comes from me.

CC: That is such a good reminder for myself as well. This journey is definitely an act of submission to God. I feel like I might know the next answer, but . . .

Why do you write Christian Fiction?

DEENA: Because my faith is the most important aspect of my life, and I desire to share God’s amazing grace, mercy, and love with readers through writing stories that point to Jesus and the wonderful hope we have in Him.

As an avid reader as far back as I can remember, and a believer for over thirty years, Christian Fiction is what I love to read, so it makes sense that’s what I would write. I especially enjoy reading and writing stories with deep themes and strong faith threads, and I know there are others out there who enjoy that, too, so I hope to provide stories for them that will challenge their faith and help them connect more deeply with God.

CC: I love how you desire to share your love of Christ and encourage others through your writing.

Scones with Cream and Jam

This is always my favorite part of high tea … and of book talks! Who doesn’t like to learn about a new story? Before I start asking Deena questions about her book, allow me to whet your appetite with the book description!

CC: I’m so looking forward to diving into learning more about this story.

So what will fans of Stronger than the Storm love about your story and characters?

DEENA: Readers who enjoy gritty, real-life fiction that doesn’t shy away from messy situations will appreciate the portrayal of authentic struggles people face, even Christians in the church, including those in ministry positions. The fact that the book was inspired by my experience as a ministry wife and mom of a prodigal child brings another layer of emotion and depth to the story.

Those who love strong spiritual content will especially appreciate the characters’ faith journey as they grow to lean more on the Lord in their trials and accept that He’s working in the hard places, even when it hurts.

Redemption, forgiveness, and a God Who can heal every wounded heart and relationship is another theme in Stronger than the Storm, and what’s not to love about that?

CC: Definitely! Those are all things to savor in a story.

Who was your favorite character to write? Your least favorite?

DEENA: I absolutely adore Leesa’s friend, Jackson. Since I don’t outline before I write a book, he was a surprise character who showed up, and he’s the kind of young man every mother would love for her daughter to bring home. He’s sweet, godly, respectful, and an all-around great guy. I also had fun writing Meddling Mitzi, the church gossip.

My least favorite to write was Isaac, Leesa’s so-called boyfriend. The polar opposite of Jackson, he’s a guy no mother ever dreamed of for her child. It was difficult to write someone so icky, especially the scenes where he hurts Leesa.

I didn’t plan to have two men in Leesa’s life who would contrast one another so perfectly, but in hindsight, they are the perfect dichotomy to show how important it is to surround ourselves with people who point us to the Lord instead of those who pull us away.

CC: I love how, when writing, God will bring out details that just completely take the story to the next level.

What do you hope readers will take away from your story?

DEENA: With so many deep themes included in the story, there are multiple takeaways, but one I’ll mention here is for parents of prodigals. I hope they are encouraged to never give up on their child who has wandered away from God and from them. To keep praying, believing, and loving their prodigal until God brings them home.

CC: As my sons are either young adults or about to break into young adulthood, my heart feels this so much. Yes, sweet readers, don’t stop praying.

A Sweet Finish

CC: Unfortunately, it is time to wrap up our interview. I always love finishing with a fun question.

You are in the back of a police car on your way to jail. What did you do? and is anyone with you? 

DEENA: If I’m going to jail, it’s probably because I broke the rules and mentioned Jesus and my faith in a setting where it’s forbidden. I can think of several friends who would be in the police car with me, including Teresa, Traci, and Lynn to name a few.

CC: What a great reason to be in a police car!

That’s it for now. If you enjoyed getting to know Deena Adams and are curious about their book, I highly recommend you check out Stronger than the Storm. Before we clear the table and pack away the tea stuff, I have a question for you.

What aspect of Deena’s book intrigues you most?

Leave your comment below and join the teatime fun. Until next time, may your days be filled with good books and cups of tea (or your favorite beverage)!

It’s another month of our Tackle Your TBR Pile reading challenge. So dig through that stack of books you’ve been meaning to read that’s taller than you and start reading! 

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.*

This Month: May – Indie Author

Next Month: June – Somewhere you want to visit

My Review

There is always something fun about a friend to more story, and that is just what you get in this sweet Regency romance. Not only is it a friends-to-more story, but it’s also a best-friend’s-sister story, which is even more fun.

 Tristan and Caroline have a history where Caroline was always the one enamored with Tristan, while Tristan was oblivious and wouldn’t consider her as a potential wife. Of course, the roles flip, and it’s delightful to watch Tristan pursue Caroline while Caroline tries to keep her former attraction firmly in the past.

This sweet read was just what I needed for happy sighs and nearly stress-free reading. I’m saying nearly, because there are always things in a good story that have you waiting with eager anticipation to see what will happen next and how things will be resolved. I put it firmly in the sweet and fluffy category because everything does tie up with a neat little bow, but that sometimes is just what I’m looking for in a read.

I’ve already read the first three books in the Gentlemen’s Gamble series, and I look forward to reading the rest.

Giveaway Details – Winner: Michaela

Here’s your chance to win a book off my prize shelf. Comment with what YOU read for your chance to win! Entries close on 7th of each month. Open to legal U.S. residents and international residents. *International winners will receive a $10 Amazon gift card in lieu of a book from the prize shelf due to shipping costs.* See Giveaway Policies for more details.

It’s another month of our Tackle Your TBR Pile reading challenge. So dig through that stack of books you’ve been meaning to read that’s taller than you and start reading! 

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.*

This Month: April – Funny Book

Next Month: May – Indie Author

Review

For the most part, the only straight romances I enjoy are the ones with depth to them. Not only does Hearts in Circulation have that beautiful depth, but it’s also funny and has representation for those with sensory processing disorders and organ transplants. Seriously. Sarah Monzon knows how to make you laugh while also twisting your heart, making you swoon, and helping you understand life from someone else’s perspective. I may not have SPD like the hero, Levi, does, but I resonate with being overstimulated by too many sensory inputs for too long or at too loud a volume. And reading about the fear and survivor’s guilt of being a liver transplant recipient was really thought-provoking. I won’t give spoilers away, but the way Levi loved on her and helped her confront those buried feelings gave me ALL the feels. They were both so protective and considerate of one another that it was truly a blessing to read… and so swoony. It did get a little more touchy-feely than I generally prefer, but it stayed well within the boundaries of Christian Fiction. 

I recommend this book for those who love romcoms that make you laugh out loud while plunging you to new depths of understanding for those around you. Oh, and those who love a good swoon with a hero who struggles but is oh so sweet to and protective of the heroine.

Giveaway Details – Winner – Claygirlsings

Here’s your chance to win a book off my prize shelf. Comment with what YOU read for your chance to win! Entries close on 7th of each month. Open to legal U.S. residents and international residents. *International winners will receive a $10 Amazon gift card in lieu of a book from the prize shelf due to shipping costs.* See Giveaway Policies for more details.

I’ve always been a fan of KyLee’s books, and today I’m excited to interview one of her characters, Clara Alexander. I just love a good story about a reformed convict. There is something about overcoming the past and living in a new life that Christ gives that makes me give a happy sigh.

KyLee is graciously giving EVERYONE who signs up for her newsletter, she has a free ecopy of her short story, The Debutante’s Revenge.

Before we dive into our interview, let me introduce you to the story that Clara takes part in.

Now it’s time to jump into our interview with Clara!

CC: Clara, would you please introduce yourself to my readers? How would you describe yourself?

Clara: I would describe myself as intelligent, attuned to the needs of others, and—if I’m being honest—a tad bit impulsive. As for my role in the story, I suppose I am the star—well, with dear Beau, of course. You see, I came west to Virginia City to live with my father and his new family after finishing school. By then, I believe that happily ever afters were about as realistic as Tommy knockers and Father Christmas, so I determined that rather than catch an eligible husband—like many of my friends—I would rely on my God-given intelligence.

I love to write, and in the West, there seems to be a certain bending of social norms, so I hoped I might begin my career as a journalist there. Then I ran into Beau in the mine, and one thing led to another. The next thing I know, we are trouncing around Virginia City, reporting on shootings—and did I mention there was a murder?

CC: The West is definitely a good place to escape when you don’t fit the social norms. It sounds like it’s been an exciting time.

What is it that you want? What’s standing in your way?

Clara: I want to make a difference—to prove myself worthy of love because I am clever, not merely beautiful, as my mother was. So, as I mentioned, I pursued journalism. I also long to be part of my father’s family again, though that may be even more challenging than establishing my career. You see, my stepmother was once his mistress before my mother passed away, and I struggle with what I believed were well‑deserved feelings of bitterness.

As for my writing, the obstacles are many: the editor at the Territorial Enterprise, other journalists, and those who insist upon protecting me. The world is not a gentle place, and people—Father among them—wish to shield me from its uglier corners.

CC: It’s hard when people want to protect us, but we don’t want or feel we need their protection. And what a hard family dynamic!

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

Clara: I used to read Emma with my mother! Honestly, she and Emma have some similarities. I love all manner of writing, though—including poetry. Poe’s melancholy and moral tension speak to something in me—the grief I still carry, the bitterness. His shadows feel familiar. But then there is Wordsworth, whose stillness and spiritual quiet remind me of the peace I keep chasing. Between the two of them, I suppose you could chart the whole map of my heart.

And of course, I love my hymns. Wycliffe gives me the ancient, doctrinal backbone I cling to when the world feels unsteady. Fanny Crosby offers the tender devotion of my own century—simple, heartfelt truths that settle into my soul. Those hymns remind me of who I long to be, not who I fear I am becoming. 

Then there is the Bible—my compass. When life feels muddled and gray, Scripture allows me to test the black and white of things, especially within myself.

Little Women is another sort of scripture to me. I long for the closeness the March sisters share—something I lost when Mother died and Father remarried. That book feels like the home I wish I had known.

I suppose I read to understand myself—and to imagine who I might yet become.

CC: Oh! I love that. You read to understand yourself and who you might yet become. That is truly beautiful.

What was your childhood like? How has that influenced who you are today?

Clara: My childhood was happy—mostly. I spent a great deal of time with my mother back East. Father fought in the Civil War, and it was during that time that my mother developed tuberculosis. I began to feel as though our roles had reversed. I became the caregiver, the strong one, and she was the one in need. We never truly switched back.

My family followed my Uncle Titus and Aunt Melanie out West, and in the drier climate my mother’s condition improved. We were happy for a time. Then everything fell apart. My mother became very ill again, my father was unfaithful, and our family unraveled. Mother died, Father married his mistress, and a few months later my little brother was born. I thought matters might improve then, but instead Father sent me away to a finishing school back East.

Suffice it to say, that was the end of my childhood.

[sighs softly] It is a sorrowful tale, I know. But do not trouble yourself. By the end of my book, Beau and I have our happily‑ever‑after, and my family finds healing as well.

CC: Finding that healing must have been quite the journey!

If you could ask God a question and have it answered, what would it be?

Clara: Honestly, I didn’t consider questioning God until the end of the book. He is sovereign and allows both good and bad things to happen. It is His good and perfect will. I suppose I believed in the sovereignty of God to such a degree that I never thought to question Him.

At one point, though, I believed that while God was good, He did not necessarily protect His children from harm or hurt. I rather felt as though He were far away in His Heaven and did not need—or truly mind—me, so long as I didn’t do anything too terribly wrong. If I could just stay out of His bad graces, I thought I would be safe. But there came a moment in my story, when I realized I loved Beau—but that there was no possible way we could be together—when I finally asked God why He had brought him into my life. And what I discovered was that God meant to show me not only the truth of His love, but that He is real and active in my life, even when I cannot see it.

CC: That is definitely hard to wrestle with. Sometimes He feels so far away and like He doesn’t specifically care about us as long as we stay out of trouble. Praise the Lord, that is not an accurate view of him.

You risked your reputation, your safety, and your father’s goodwill to write for a newspaper under a false name. Was it worth it?

Clara: [a soft laugh, then she straightens her posture]

“Worth it.” That is a most curious phrase. Worth, as I understand it, speaks to value—what something costs, or what one is willing to pay. And that, I suppose, was precisely the matter at hand: my value. What I was worth in the eyes of the world.

Everyone seemed to have an opinion on that subject. Mr. Goodwin believed my worth extended no further than a society column and perhaps a recipe or two. Theo valued me only so long as my words bore his name. Even Father—dear as he is—thought it more worthwhile to send me to finishing school than to allow me to remain and grieve my mother properly.

[her voice softens]

But here is what I learned while crawling through a mine shaft with nothing but a rat for company: one’s worth is not determined by what others assign. It is what God Himself placed within you before your first breath.

So yes—every muddy hem, every false mustache glued to my face, every argument with Beau about the dangers of trousers—worth it. Not because my name appeared in print, but because Mr. Rankin was freed. Because Mr. Peterson’s murderer was brought to justice. Because Maudy Jane McCready found a good man and a clean life.

[she touches the red scarf at her neck, smiling]

Scripture tells us that wisdom cries aloud in the streets. I believe the Lord intends truth to be spoken boldly, even—perhaps especially—by those whom society least expects to speak it. I am merely attempting to be obedient.

And if Beau happens to think the result is magnificent… well, that is a blessing I shall not pretend to mind.

CC: It sounds like you lived quite a life, and I look forward to diving into the details as I read the book.

Unfortunately, it’s time to wrap up, so here’s our last question, and it’s always a fun one. What is the weirdest thing on your bucket list?

Clara: [she blushes, then laughs softly]

Well, I suppose that depends upon what one considers “weird.” I have no desire to jump from cliffs or ride in hot‑air balloons or any such nonsense. But I *do* have one ambition that most ladies of my acquaintance would find quite shocking.

I should like to ride the Virginia & Truckee locomotive — not in the passenger car, mind you, but up front with the engineer. I want to see the firebox, feel the heat of the boiler, and watch the great wheels catch the rails beneath us. There is something thrilling about all that power harnessed for purpose. It reminds me of what words can do when set in motion.

I suppose it is an odd wish for a lady. But then, I have never been particularly good at being only what a lady is expected to be.

[she smiles, a little sheepishly]

Besides, Beau says he will arrange it someday — provided I promise not to leap off the engine in pursuit of a story.

CC: Oh! That does sound like fun!

That’s it for now. If you liked getting to know Clara, I highly recommend you go check out Kylee Woodley’s The Convict’s Courtship. 

KyLee Woodley writes inspirational historical romance with a pinch of adventure. A cheery romantic, she loves to evoke bygone days and heartwarming love stories. KyLee teaches preschool at a lab school in Texas, where she lives with her husband and their three teenage children. Historical Bookworm Show—a steadily growing podcast for history lovers and fans of historical fiction. Raised in the Pacific Northwest and now rooted in Texas, KyLee carries a deep respect for American values and the power of redemption. She began ministering to the homeless and addicted as a teenager, and that compassion continues to shape her stories—loving the unlovely is a timeless theme.

In her spare time, she cares for a rescue dog named Lucky, a feisty feline named Hazel, and two adorable Boston Terrier puppies. She listens to contemporary Christian, country, and early‑2000s rock, visits bookstores and coffee shops with her teens, and watches adventure movies with her husband, who might resemble Superman.

You can connect with her at:  Website  |  Newsletter  |  Facebook  |  X  |  Amazon 

If you’ve read Sung in the Shadows, then have I got a treat for you! (And if not, you can still read this and enjoy it, and it might even make your reading of Sung in the Shadows a little richer!)

Remember how Ezekiel was commissioned to write the music for an opera? The storyline was vaguely referenced, and so I decided that what could be more fun than to have the actual playbill from the final production? So without further ado, settle in for a peek at Ezekiel’s opera. (Unfortunately, I have no music. How sad.)

*I do confess, I did use AI to help create the story, then I edited it to make it fit what I wanted it to be. There are only so many hours in a day and only so much creativity in the midst of life. Plus, writing an opera plot is WAY out of my wheelhouse. So I pray you will give me grace for using AI to help me create a bonus material item. The playbill is my design.*

The Grand Opera House 
Presents
A Graham Linville Production
Composed by Ezekiel Beaumont

On Tuesday, February 28, 1882
and following evenings at 8

The Insurrectionist’s Masquerade

A gripping journey into a world of secrets and masquerades

Featuring Eleonora Beaumont
as Princess Seraphina

A New Operetta in 3 Acts

The Insurrectionist’s Masquerade

Libretto Written by Graham Linville
Score Composed by Ezekiel Beaumont

King Leontius (corrupt leader) . . .  Alessio Marelli
Severin (king’s spy) . . .  Matthias Draegor
Princess Seraphina (king’s betrothed) . . . Eleonora Beaumont
Anneliese (princess’s maid) . . . Lucinda Veralli
Captain Alaric (insurrection leader) . . . Ottavio Vescari
Valenin (Alaric’s second in command) . . . Vicktor Torien

New Scenery by Ms. Theresa Plane

The Setting
A lavish masquerade ball at King Leonitius’s countryside palace. It’s the eve of a royal wedding between the king and Princess Seraphina. The ball is filled with noble guests, all masked to preserve their identities and add to the air of mystery.

Act I . . . A Masquerade Begins

Act II . . . A Dangerous Attraction

Act III . . . The Unmasking

Summary

ACT 1: THE MASQUERADE BEGINS

The grand ballroom of the palace is alive with music and revelry. King Leontius is celebrating his victory in unifying two kingdoms and subduing an enemy. Princess Seraphina, however, is troubled. She feels no passion for King Leontius. Her heart already belongs to another dashing and mysterious man in a dark mask, whom she met at a previous ball under a false identity. Little does she know that this mysterious man is Captain Alaric, the rebellious leader of a resistance group plotting to overthrow King Leontius’s corrupt rule.

Unbeknownst to the princess, the masquerade is not just a celebration, but a secret meeting point for conspirators. Two factions are vying for power: Severin’s spies seek to protect the monarchy while Captain Alraic and his men seek revolution. Tensions bubble beneath the festive atmosphere, and a dangerous game of deception begins.

ACT II: A DANGEROUS ATTRACTION

Seraphina and Alaric share a passionate duet, “Whispers in the Dark,” where they confess their love for each other, though neither knows the true identity of the other. As they grow closer, the danger mounts. Severin’s spies have uncovered the plot to assassinate the king and are seeking to capture the conspirators.

Meanwhile, King Leontius grows suspicious of the princess’s behavior, noticing her distancing herself from him and her mysterious conversations. He’s not as naive as he appears and is determined to uncover the truth, even if it means exposing the conspirators and ruining his wedding.

Summary

ACT III: THE UNMASKING

The night reaches its climax as the clock strikes midnight. The guests are urged to unmask themselves, and chaos erupts. King Leonitus confronts the princess, demanding an explanation, while Alaric is exposed as the leader of the rebel group. King Leonitus orders Captain Alaric’s immediate execution.

In a dramatic confrontation, Seraphina must choose between her duty to the crown and her love for Alaric. The rebel forces break into the ballroom, leading to a violent stand-off.

In the final moments, Seraphina chooses to join Alaric and the fight for revolution. King Leonitus is fatally wounded, and the rebels escape with guards chasing them. Seraphina and Alaric escape singing the final duet, “Freedom’s Kiss.”

MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS

“Whispers in the Dark” . . . a soaring love aria for Seraphina and Alaric

“The Prince’s Command” . . . a duet of conflict between Seraphina and Leonitus

“Revolutions Cry” . . . a rousing ensemble number as rebel forces make their move

“Freedom’s Kiss” . . . a dramatic, bittersweet finale duet as Seraphina and Alaric escape

If you haven’t read Sung in the Shadows yet, you can learn more about it here. 

My question for YOU:

What did you think of the operetta? 

I modeled the design after playbills of the time, so I hope it felt like a night at the theater for you. I loved how there were parallels to The Insurrectionist’s Masquerade and Sung in the Shadows. (Yes, I purposely built those in and tweaked AI’s story to do what I wanted for the operetta.)

ABOUT CRYSTAL CAUDILL

Crystal Caudill is the author of “dangerously good historical romance.” Her debut novel, Counterfeit Love, was a 2023 Carol Award finalist, and her novella, “Star of Wonder,” won the 2024 Christy Award for short form. She loves history, hot tea, all things bookish, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. She is a stay-at-home mom, caregiver, and chaos organizer. When she isn’t writing, Crystal can be found hanging with her family and playing board games at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Find out more at crystalcaudill.com.

Connect with the author:

Website  |  Newsletter  |  Facebook  |  Facebook Group  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  Amazon  |  BookBub  |  GoodReads

It’s another month of our Tackle Your TBR Pile reading challenge. So dig through that stack of books you’ve been meaning to read that’s taller than you and start reading! 

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.*

This Month: March – Title/Author with Same First Letter of Your Name

Next Month: Funny Book

My Review

I don’t often read contemporary romance, but Angela Ruth Strong’s romcoms will always be an autobuy for me. Just like in her other books, Claire Halloway is Winging It is full of comedy, real life, deep character growth, and healthy relationships. I adored getting to see the behind-the-scenes of being a flight attendant and pilot, living vicariously through Claire’s travels and experiences, and witnessing two adults making the hard decisions in order to pursue a healthy relationship and future. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, and will definitely rereading this one!

Giveaway Details – Winner: Dana M.

Here’s your chance to win a book off my prize shelf. Comment with what YOU read for your chance to win! Entries close on 7th of each month. Open to legal U.S. residents and international residents. *International winners will receive a $10 Amazon gift card in lieu of a book from the prize shelf due to shipping costs.* See Giveaway Policies for more details.

Continuing in my series of post about Sung in the Shadows, I want to introduce the characters. If you’ve seen the social media posts, you’ll recongize some of the information, but blog posts allow for a little more space to add more information. For each character I’ve shared a bit about their creation, a favorite quote from them or scene in Tristan’s case, and the pictures I used for inspiration while writing. 

Ezekiel Beaumont

Inspiration: A bit of my husband shows up in every hero, but especially his steadiness when Nora’s sanity was in question. My husband and I have been through some serious family stuff where I thought I would lose my mind. He was the steady rock I needed to remind me of THE ROCK when I was drowning and fearful.

A bit about him:

• composer & stage manager at Pike’s Opera House
• Visits his mother at Longview Asylum every week
• Determined to win Nora over with his wit and steadiness
• Protective and faithful
• Believes Nora’s mother is the famed opera singer who disappeared mid-performance

Favorite Quote from him:

“God never promised to remove the burdens of our lives, but to bear that burden with us and to help guide and direct us through it. Maybe Jesus has paired us under the same yoke so we can share each other’s burdens as He guides us through this mess of life.”

Tristan Beaumont

Inspiration: Tristan was actually suggested by my friend’s daughters, and then I took inspiration from the ONE cat I had who lived to be 18. His thing was shrimp. You couldn’t say or spell the word without him attacking you until he got his piece. He was also an indoor/outdoor cat who would catch the mockingbirds that divebombed him and eat them until all that was left were their beaks and feet.

A bit about him:

• Wrestled with a dog and lost his eye and had his ear torn
• Cat with a bad attitude
• Views Ezekiel as the enemy
• loves F-I-S-H
• Brings Nora and Ezekiel together
• Causes LOTS of trouble and mayhem

Favorite Scene with Tristan:

Don’t believe the worst. That’s thinking too much like Mum. Tristan must have gotten away. Look around and think like a cat.

Nora widened her search. There were plenty of leafless trees and bushes scattered along the road. He could be hiding in the brush, or maybe he’d climbed a tree. She didn’t see any gray balls of fur, but everything about the day was gray and brown.

“Tristan! Here, kitty, kitty!”

“You’re much more likely to get his attention by calling out ‘fish,'” Mr. Beaumont said. “It’s even better if you spell it because then he thinks you’re trying to not share, and he’ll have none of that.”

“Do you have any fish to give him?”

“No, but he already hates me. If it brings him back, I’ll gladly face his displeasure.” He raised his voice. “I say, Miss Davis, would you care for a bite of f-i-s-h?”

Nora held her breath as they waited for any indication Tristan was coming. The only rustling came from the rain hitting the bushes.

Mr. Beaumont tried again. “This fish is so good. I’m glad Tristan isn’t here to have any.”

If she weren’t so worried about Tristan, she’d find it amusing that Mr. Beaumont spoke of and treated the cat more like an unruly toddler than an animal.

Mrs. Beaumont

Inspiration: Mrs. Beaumont’s faith and struggles largely came from Sara Turnquist, an author who graciously shared about her battle with depression. The battle of darkness and light, and not believing God’s promises for herself came from her experiences. 

A bit about her:

• Suffers from depression and attempted suicide (off-page)
• Is a Christian and did everything everyone told her, but she’s still not healed
• Speaks truth to Constanza even when she struggles to believe them herself
• Doesn’t want to be a burden to the son she loves

Favorite Quote from Her:

“It’s not about what you confess, but to whom you confess.”

Even in the midst of her own depression and struggles, Mrs. Beaumont spoke the truth of the Gospel to others. It was a beautiful thing to watch and know that two things can be true at once: 1) You can share about the Gospel and believe it’s true, 2) but you can wrestle with believing it applies to you. 

Bonus: Mrs. Jerden

I have no images for her, or even inspiration. She sort of developed as her own character that I absolutely adored. She was a wonderful neighbor and calculating chaperone. I couldn’t end this post without sharing this quote from her:

“Ah, young love. It is as wild as it is beautiful. I’m happy to be the chaperone who’s tardy enough to allow the kiss but timely enough to keep it short.”

If you haven’t checked out Sung in the Shadows yet, I encourage you to do so. This book didn’t start out as the book of my heart, but it has certainly ended up becoming one. 

When past darkness prowls, will stepping into the light lead to a brighter future?

~ Composer Hero
~ Opera Singer Heroine
~ Family Secrets
~ Secret Identity
~ Opera / Theater Life
~ Asylum
~ Mental Illness Representation
~ Suspense / Mystery
~ Love that Overcomes
~ Forbidden Love
~ Hope in the Darkness
~ Strong Female Friends

My question for YOU:

Which character is YOUR favorite? Or even, which character are you most glad makes an appearance in the story?

ABOUT CRYSTAL CAUDILL

Crystal Caudill is the author of “dangerously good historical romance.” Her debut novel, Counterfeit Love, was a 2023 Carol Award finalist, and her novella, “Star of Wonder,” won the 2024 Christy Award for short form. She loves history, hot tea, all things bookish, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. She is a stay-at-home mom, caregiver, and chaos organizer. When she isn’t writing, Crystal can be found hanging with her family and playing board games at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Find out more at crystalcaudill.com.

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