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 earlyÂ
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.Â
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.Â
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 ; )Â
CC: Speaking of A Worthy Risk, let’s dive into talking about it!
Purchase your copy at Amazon Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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 . . .Â
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. Â
Reader, what was your childhood history classes like?Â
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 | May 24, 2022 | Book Reviews
Shadows in the Mind’s Eye
by Janyre Tromp
This story is one of those that sticks with you for a while. It’s not for the faint of heart either, as it delves into PTSD, a soldier’s homecoming that is nothing like anyone wanted, and a corrupt town that infiltrates all aspects of life. There were times when Sam (the hero) wondered if he was losing his mind, overreacting, or really seeing something he needed to act upon, and boy do I identify with that one when it comes to caregiving. I also understood Annie’s struggle of not getting “the same husband” back that she sent off to war. They both had struggles that pushed them apart and together. Their commitment to each other and their struggles other were realistic. The voice of this story was masterfully created. You really felt like you were in the south with all the word choices and beautiful imagery.
I listened to the audiobook and just want to say that I really appreciated the change of female and male narrators depending on whose POV you were listening to. One thing that disappointed me in the audio is that part of the surprise ending was spoiled sooner than desired. To the careful listener, the narrator used the voice of the character who was supposed to be a mysterious voice. But none of that is the author’s fault. That’s just a review of the audio.
This story was fantastically done and would recommend it to anyone who likes real portrayals of family struggles, soldiers coming home from war, and those who generally just like to see real-life interwoven with an intriguing and engaging story.
Genre: Historial, 1945, Arkansas
Plot Overview:
Charlotte Anne Mattas longs to turn back the clock. Before her husband, Sam, went to serve his country in the war, he was the man everyone could rely on–responsible, intelligent, and loving. But the person who’s come back to their family farm is very different from the protector Annie remembers. Sam’s experience in the Pacific theater has left him broken in ways no one can understand–but that everyone is learning to fear.
Tongues start wagging after Sam nearly kills his own brother. Now when he claims to have seen men on the mountain when no one else has seen them, Annie isn’t the only one questioning his sanity and her safety. If there were criminals haunting the hills, there should be evidence beyond his claims. Is he really seeing what he says, or is his war-tortured mind conjuring ghosts?
Annie desperately wants to believe her husband. But between his irrational choices and his nightmares leaking into the daytime, she’s terrified he’s going mad. Can she trust God to heal Sam’s mental wounds–or will sticking by him mean keeping her marriage at the cost of her own life?
Debut novelist Janyre Tromp delivers a deliciously eerie, Hitchcockian story filled with love and suspense. Readers of psychological thrillers and historical fiction by Jaime Jo Wright and Sarah Sundin will add Tromp to their favorite authors list.
What I loved:Â The realistic struggle of not only Sam’s PTSD, but also the struggle of Annie as they navigated their marriage during a time when Sam wasn’t the same man she married.
Favorite Character and Why: Lots of people have been saying Dovie May, but honestly, Sam is my favorite. Maybe it’s because I can relate to him and his staunch decision to protect his family no matter what they think of him. I really love him and his fight to overcome his own personal mental challenges while being there for his family–even when he feels like a failure.
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon | Baker Book House | Barnes & Noble |  Books-A-Million | Bookshop |  Book Depository | Christianbook Distributors | IndieBound
Have you read it? What were your thoughts? If not, what about this story appeals to you?
by Crystal Caudill | Apr 30, 2021 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
It’s time for my April review of the Unlocking the Past 2021 Reading Challenge. This month focused on the Civil War and Reconstruction Period. . . and I’ll be 100% honest. I didn’t get around to reading this month’s book! Between reading some unpublished books for critique partners, finishing edits, and trying to make progress on a 96,000 word rough draft, I just never made it.
By God’s blessing, one of the challenge participants in our Facebook HAD read the book and was willing to allow me to use her review for this month. I hope you weren’t like me and was able to get your book read. Don’t forget to comment on this post with what YOU read for the challenge. Would you recommend it? Details for the connected giveaway are below.
Without further ado, here is this month’s review of The Sentinels of Andersonville by Tracy Groot.
*Want more interaction and/or suggestions each month? Join the Facebook Group. Want a bookmark with the monthly themes? Fill out this Google Form.*
The Sentinels of Andersonville
by Tracy Groot
Today’s review is provided by Staci, who can be found on Instagram @genreadblog. THANK YOU, STACI FOR SAVING THIS MONTH’S POST FROM DISASTER!!!
This is a very well-done novel about Andersonville and the citizens of nearby Americus.
The main female character, Violet, demonstrates what it is like to be fervent for a cause with blinders on. It’s something easy to do. Watching her blinders be removed was one of the many bright spots. Violet didn’t become any less a Southern supporter but did become more human.
There was quite a bit of dry humor throughout which very much appealed to me. I also enjoyed the way characters spoke to each other in literary ways. Meanings had to be discerned rather than given freely. This is definitely a novel that could be read a second time with much more picked up with each read.
The entire novel was thought-provoking. What amount of care and concern should be shown to prisoners? There is a whole lot of gray between none and Four Seasons treatment. Finding one’s own answer to that may be more difficult than you’d first think.
This is my second Tracy Groot novel and I look forward to reading others. I recommend The Sentinels of Andersonville for those that enjoy historical fiction.
Genre:Â Historical Fiction, Civil War, Andersonville
Plot Overview:
Near the end of the Civil War, inhumane conditions at Andersonville Prison caused the deaths of 13,000 Union soldiers in only one year. In this gripping and affecting novel, three young Confederates and an entire town come face-to-face with the prison’s atrocities and will learn the cost of compassion, when withheld and when given.
Sentry Dance Pickett has watched, helpless, for months as conditions in the camp worsen by the day. He knows any mercy will be seen as treason. Southern belle Violet Stiles cannot believe the good folk of Americus would knowingly condone such barbarism, despite the losses they’ve suffered. When her goodwill campaign stirs up accusations of Union sympathies and endangers her family, however, she realizes she must tread carefully. Confederate corporal Emery Jones didn’t expect to find camaraderie with the Union prisoner he escorted to Andersonville. But the soldier’s wit and integrity strike a chord in Emery. How could this man be an enemy? Emery vows that their unlikely friendship will survive the war―little knowing what that promise will cost him.
As these three young Rebels cross paths, Emery leads Dance and Violet to a daring act that could hang them for treason. Wrestling with God’s harsh truth, they must decide, once and for all, Who is my neighbor?
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon    Barnes & Noble    Books-a-Million    Book Depository    Christianbook.com
Unlocking the Past Giveaway
Comment with what you ready by May 7th, 11:59 pm to be entered to win a print copy of The Sentinels of Andersonville by Tracy Groot. Open to all US and International residents, where allowed. 🙂 Fill out the Rafflecopter for extra entries.
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by Crystal Caudill | Aug 11, 2020 | Book Reviews
The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch
Fans of Regency and Marriage of Convenience stories will be delighted by this tale of a hero — who can’t remember the event that made him a hero — and a woman with her own secrets united by the Prince Regent’s wishes. I have been eyeing this book for months but other reading commitments kept it sitting on my TBR pile. I have finally settled into a routine of evening reading, and this book was my first pick.
Guys, I really enjoyed this one even more than I expected, and I had high expectations. I loved the mystery, the complex connections, and oh my goodness, the relationship development between Evan and Diana. They both had so much to learn in those early days, and Erica Vetsch handled it so well. This was the type of story that shows marriage as it can really be, not all rainbows and butterflies. Watching these two learn each other’s strengths and to play off of them was so heart-warming. I loved this story so much, I went ahead and bought the second book and read it as soon as it arrived in the mail. (So guess which one will come as my next review. Tee hee hee.)
I highly recommend this book to readers of the Regency era, marriages of convenience, and complex plots mixed with danger and intrigue.
Genre:Â Historical Romance, Regency, 1813
Plot Overview:
He’s doing what he can to save the Prince Regent’s life . . . but can he save his new marriage as well?
Evan Eldridge never meant to be a war hero–he just wanted to fight Napoleon for the future of his country. And he certainly didn’t think that saving the life of a peer would mean being made the Earl of Whitelock. But when the life you save is dear to the Prince Regent, things can change in a hurry.
Now Evan has a new title, a manor house in shambles, and a stranger for a bride, all thrust upon him by a grateful ruler. What he doesn’t have are all his memories. Traumatized as a result of his wounds and bravery on the battlefield, Evan knows there’s something he can’t quite remember. It’s important, dangerous–and if he doesn’t recall it in time, will jeopardize not only his marriage but someone’s very life.
What I loved:Â The relationship development between Evan and Diana is so fascinating. I love the push and pull to learn to trust each other with their darkest secrets. It was probably one of the best romances I have read to really depict those struggles realistically and in a way that also makes you fall in love with the characters.
Favorite Character and Why: I have to say I really loved Evan and Diana equally. In fact, they almost seem one character–just like any husband and wife are one in Christ–and it wasn’t because they seemed the character. They just belong together so well that I can’t separate them in my head as liking one more than the other.
Rating and Why: Five Stars. This is a story I will reread over and over. If it isn’t obvious yet, this is a story I will be gushing over for a while.
Amazon.com    Baker Bookhouse     Barnes and Noble      Book Depository    Christianbook.com
by Crystal Caudill | Jul 21, 2020 | Book Reviews
Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green
This book was chosen for my online Christian Historical Romance Book Club, and I just finished listening to the audiobook this weekend. First, I highly recommend the audiobook as the narrator did a wonderful job changing voices to match the characters. As for the story, I enjoyed it as well, although perhaps not in the same manner as I would a light-hearted novel. This story was ripe with emotions, family drama, and a touch of romance. If you have a family member who is dealing with PTSD or dementia, it can be a hard read or an enlightening read. It just depends on where you are in your personal life. For me, I loved the depth of character development and a glimpse into the challenges others face in their lives. The details of living through the fire were so gripping it felt as if I were there experiencing it with the characters. The mystery entwined with the story was well done and complex. While the ending was happy, it didn’t pretend the life-long effects of PTSD go away. You left the family knowing they would continue to face challenges but face them together with fortitude and faith.
I recommend this story for anyone who enjoys deep characters, tough issues, family drama, and a romance that stands true.
Genre:Â Historical Romance, Chicago Fire, 1871
Plot Overview:
Meg and Sylvie Townsend manage the family bookshop and care for their father, Stephen, a veteran still suffering in mind and spirit from his time as a POW during the Civil War. But when the Great Fire sweeps through Chicago’s business district, they lose much more than just their store.
The sisters become separated from their father and make a harrowing escape from the flames with the help of Chicago Tribune reporter Nate Pierce. Once the smoke clears away, they reunite with Stephen, only to learn soon after that their family friend was murdered on the night of the fire. Even more shocking, Stephen is charged with the crime and committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum.
Though homeless and suddenly unemployed, Meg must not only gather the pieces of her shattered life, but prove her father’s innocence before the asylum truly drives him mad.
What I loved:Â I think my favorite part was experiencing the fire with the characters. It brought to light a historical event I’d read about in ways which I’d never considered. It helped me to better relate to friends who have had to evacuate due to wildfires. The details were just so real I’ll never view that tragedy the same way again.
Favorite Character and Why:Â Stephen was a complex character who I loved and sympathized with. The poor man had endured so much during the Civil War and Andersonville, and yet he was forced to continually face it through PTSD. His grow arch was complex, believable, and heart-wrenching. Parts of his thought patterns reminded me of a dearly loved one and helped me to understand them just a bit better.
Rating and Why: Four and a half stars. The story was heavy, in a good way, but also in a way I’m not sure I am likely able to read again. I would recommend it to everyone, but it was an emotionally hard read for me.
Amazon.com    Baker Bookhouse     Barnes and Noble      Book Depository    Christianbook.com
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—
