Hey everyone! Why shouldn’t we have a cover reveal!?!? The truth is … WE SHOULD. So let’s.

And I do not know what to say about that other than the fact that I’m going to be writing my five-star reviews for each novella in this collection below the blurbs, so be sure to scroll down for that. 😛

But you know, before we get to that, let’s show off the cover for Springtime in Surrey, the first-ever Wild Blue Wonder Press anthology!

Springtime in Surrey

Springtime in Surrey, the first collection releasing with Wild Blue Wonder Press, is a Christian anthology featuring eight lovely stories. With a mix of historical and contemporary, romance and women’s fiction, a dash of mystery here and there, real-life themes presented in a loving way, and a vintage feel, this story is sure to charm lovers of Christian women’s fiction.

Amazon Preorder Link: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5QG75DK

Goodreads Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/157492074-springtime-in-surrey

Website Link:

https://wildbluewonderpress.com/springtime-in-surrey/

Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth

Rosalind finds herself married to Matthias Emmet after her intended groom, his older brother, tragically perishes in battle. Despite her childhood infatuation with Matthias, they are now near-strangers. Determined to forge a connection, Rosalind sets out to bridge the gap.

Haunted by nightmares of his brother’s death, Matthias distances himself from his new bride to protect her from his inner turmoil. Seizing an opportunity for solitude, he embarks on a spontaneous hunting trip with his old friends.

Unwilling to let Matthias slip away, Rosalind disguises herself in men’s attire and tracks him to the forest. Although Matthias recognizes her, she refuses to retreat, vowing to fight for their marriage. However, Matthias fears the consequences of letting Rosalind into his heart and mind. Can he summon the courage to stay, or will his fractured mind drive him far away from the woman he loves?

My Five-Star Review

This is my novella, so obviously I’m totally unbiased. (Not that I’m unbiased about any of these, tbh.) That said, I admit I had so much fun with the dynamics between Rosalind and Matthias. It took me a while to get both of them. Rosalind is spunky and stubborn; Matthias is a cinnamon roll who just doesn’t want her to get hurt (and maybe has forgotten, just a little, that she is one tough cookie!) Plus, it was just fun for me to write an arranged marriage romance, given that I’m currently in the outline stages of a much longer arranged marriage romance novel. Also, I had fun with Matthias’s friends and with Matthias’s friend’s wife and little boy because why shouldn’t I put a baby in just for fun? Anywho, I’ll stop here, but basically, I’m so excited to share this with you!

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Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews

Hardworking Margaret Enfield is finally beginning to see her dreams come true with an engagement to her lifelong best friend, Lester. But when his twin brother falls ill, Lester must travel across England to care for Sidney’s business and his young daughter Emily.

Left behind in Surrey, Margaret tends her own ailing mother and seven younger siblings. When business complications prove serious and the same sickness ravages both Lester and Emily, every tomorrow feels bleak as lonely drudgery overtakes the once-rosy springtime. If Lester does return to her, will he ever recover enough to live their dreams?

When faced with unknowns too big for them to handle, how can Margaret and Lester place their uncertain tomorrows into the hands of Jesus without reservation?

Erika Mathews’s Bio & Links:

Erika Mathews is an author and editor who writes family-friendly Christian living books, both fiction and non-fiction, that demonstrate the power of God through ordinary people, transforming daily life into His resting life. Her works include Truth from Taerna, a kingdom adventure fiction series with deep spiritual themes, Resting Life, a Christian living nonfiction book about finding rest in Jesus in modern life, and a variety of historical fiction and poetry.
Erika lives in the farm country of Minnesota with her husband and children. She’s a homeschool graduate with a Bachelor’s in Communications, a Master’s in Biblical Ministries, and a passion for sharing Jesus Christ and His truth. When she’s not working with books, she enjoys reading, outdoor activities, piano and violin, organizing, and using the Oxford comma.

Website: https://restinglife.com

Newsletter: https://restinglife.com/signup

Facebook: https://facebook.com/erikamathewsauthor

Instagram: https://instagram.com/erikamathewsauthor

Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/erikamathews

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/erikamathews

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/erikamathewsauthor

My Five-Star Review

There’s something so peaceful about Margaret’s story. It totally gives you that vintage, soft charm while also giving you the emotions of … well, my favorite kind of book. A thought-heavy women’s fiction story! I also loved seeing little glimpses of Margaret’s big family, and her romance with Lester was super sweet. I mean, can you get more precious? Though not usually my type of story in every way, they totally won me over. Also, the messages Margaret learned … gah, I totally relate, in my own small way. *shudders at the tomorrows* I’m looking forward to my reread when I can just savor the message!

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Her Heart’s Home by Grace A. Johnson

Three years after her father died in the Great War, Meredith Tate has been forced from her home. With nary a friend in the world, she swallows her pride and takes a position at Deepdene House, a mansion turned hotel, as she seeks the Lord on what to do next.

What she doesn’t expect is to meet Captain Trevor Seaton, a quiet military man who manages to catch her at her worst moments.

Since the war, Trevor has drifted throughout southern England, until he’s drawn to Deepdene House. There, he encounters a woman with the hands of a servant, the bearing of a lady, and a heart of gold. Miss Tate ignites within him a yearning to settle down with a family, but convincing her to court him proves a struggle.

Will Trevor’s determined wooing and God’s gentle persuasion win Meredith over? Or will she forever be searching for a new home?

Grace A. Johnson’s Bio & Links:

Grace A. Johnson is a Christian fiction authoress, book reviewer, and avid reader. She lives in beautiful (but humid) South Georgia, surrounded by farmland and forestry, with her parents and six younger siblings. She has indie-published the first three novels in a Christian historical romance series, the Daughters of the Seven Seas, and a smattering of short stories and novellas, as well as a devotional. She’s also a marketer and editor who loves helping young authors through her editing business S&J Editors and her small publishing company Sky’s the Limit Press. You can find her on Instagram and Facebook @graceajohnsonauthor or blogging on her website at www.graceajohnson.com. Join her for a virtual cup of tea and a free preview of her debut novel when you sign up for her e-newsletter!

Website: www.graceajohnson.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/graceajohnsonauthor

Newsletter: www.graceajohnson.com/newsletter

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/graceajohnsonauthor

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/19003396.Grace_A_Johnson

BookBub: www.bookbub.com/profile/grace-a-johnson

Facebook: www.facebook.com/graceajohnsonauthor

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/graceajohnsonauthor

My Five-Star Review

Remind me to actually pick up the rest of Grace’s indie published series, because this was so good! We all know I’m a fan of Grace’s THOUGHTS on romance … so it makes sense that I’d also be a fan of, you know, the romances she writes. Margaret is a super vivid character (I mean, “vivid” is not the word you’d use to describe her personality, but you can vividly pick up on her kind of frumpy, “has sort of given up but needs to NOT” vibe), and Trevor was such a good take on that curmudgeonly sea captain in that he totally won me over into “ooh, yes, you should be a romance hero” lane because … nope. Not a curmudgeon. At all. The ending should’ve been obvious but somehow it took me by surprise (my brain is awful), and I was so delighted! What a perfect conclusion! Also, Grace did a great job with the details about the hotel, the descriptions, and the prose!

The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch

Jessamy Aubertine is too much for her university classmates, too little for her overstressed mum, and nothing in between. In an attempt to make herself useful, she takes on a spring holiday at her childhood home in Box Hill to sell her family’s fading tea shop and somehow work out how to tell her mum she’s switching study plans.

When letters from famous authors turn up, can Jessamy and a pair of unlikely comrades find the writer behind them—and perhaps discover themselves as well? Or will their friendship fade with The Muses at the end of spring holiday?

Rachel Leitch’s Bio and Links:

Rachel Leitch discovered the book of writing when she was seven. She’s been turning pages ever since! She lives her own adventure in northern Indiana, with her parents, three sisters, two brothers, and a dog who thinks he’s the hero of her story. She writes young adult historical fiction with a dash of adventure or a spark of magic. When she’s not hidden away writing, she’s trying to fit all her reads on her shelf in a somewhat organized manner, obsessing over character arcs, drinking chai, daydreaming at the piano, or teaching students to be just as bookish as she is. In all her adventures, she learns how to shine brighter for the Father of Lights. For more bookish ramblings (and a free digital short story involving a magical violin) follow her adventure journal at https://racheljleitch.com/!

Website: https://www.racheljleitch.com/

Newsletter: https://www.racheljleitch.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/racheljleitchauthor

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rachel-Leitch/author/B0C69WXJQV?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/37037221.Rachel_Leitch

My Five-Star Review

Ah, the story that totally won us over just from the pitch! Yeah, if you know anything about this concept (see above!), it is so fun that Faith and I were instantly like, “We want this novella.” And it did not disappoint! It was such a fun mix of references to awesome classic novels, unique/quirky characters, and some fantastic themes. It was really easy to emphasize with Jessamy’s struggles with people-pleasing, and I loved the way everything worked out. Plus, am I the only one who is super excited about healthy friendships with women in Christian novels? Yeah. That was an exciting one for me. 

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If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines

Joan Masterson feels like she can never contribute enough to the war effort. Even though she is part of the Women’s Land Army and has taken in two evacuee children from London, it never seems like enough. Her exhaustion turns to excitement when her soldier husband Leo phones her to say he’s coming home. Joan knows Leo’s leave will probably be short, so she makes plans to travel by train to meet him so they can spend time together.

But when the effects of the London Blitz hit close to home and ruin her plans, Joan realizes that motherly love transcends blood and that her calling as a mother is the most important thing in her life. But is it important enough to pass up the chance to meet Leo?

Bailey Gaines’s Bio & Links:

Bailey Gaines is a Georgia girl who loves history. Through her writing, she hopes to show how God works in all periods of history, bringing healing and helping people know they have value because of their identity as a human created in God’s image. Her stories range from King Richard the Lionheart’s England to 1930s Appalachia to 18th century England to 19th century America.

Bailey is a student of the Author Conservatory, and has a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. When she’s not writing, she’s helping homeschoolers with their writing or working at an escape room. Her hobbies include playing the piano, sewing, and exploring the world of vintage fashion.

Website: https://baileygaines.com/

Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/cf13616f41ce/fountain-pen-letters

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baileygainesauthor/

My Five-Star Review

WWII fiction is totally my thing, and WWII fiction that includes small children? Yeah. I was there for this! Also, Joan was really such a great character. She was so determined to do what was right, even when it was a real struggle to make the right choice. I love her dedication to mothering the children in her care, even the ones that aren’t technically “hers.” There were some really sweet, awesome moments in this story that I loved reading during my edit pass.

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Jesus, I Am Resting by Faith Blum

Elinor Chapman lost her mother on the day she earned enough to pay for a doctor. Now, alone at seventeen, she takes over her mother’s laundry business to survive. Her only consolation is the son of one of her clients has taken an interest in her, and she has begun to return his feelings.

When the archduke of Austria is assassinated and war is declared, her beau enlists, triggering traumatic memories. As many of her clients ship overseas, Elinor is forced to take on nursing to survive, but her passion for helping other orphans distracts her from this job, leaving her little time for rest. Exhausted, Elinor pushes herself harder and harder to catch up.

Will she run herself into the ground … or will she learn to rest in Jesus?

Faith Blum’s Bio & Links:

Faith Blum is a wife, mom, author, and entrepreneur. She’s published over 30 books, most of them in the Christian Historical Fiction genre. She loves stories because they can teach history, but in a fun way. It is also her way to have a creative outlet while taking care of a household and toddler.

She’s been a proud small town resident her whole life and wouldn’t have it any other way. She lives in Central Wisconsin with her husband, son, and cat, Smokey. She’s blessed to write as a part time career. You can find her books on books on most eBook retailers.

When not writing, you can find her cooking from scratch, reading, figuring out social media content, or spending time with her family. She also loves playing piano for church and being part of the Author Conservatory.

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Blum/e/B00GSPBHW6

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/faith-blum

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7361997.Faith_Blum

Instagram: http://instagram.com/faithblumauthor

Website: http://faithblum.com

My Five-Star Review

Elinor is one of those characters who has an issue that, you know, I have. 😛 She struggles with resting, and I definitely struggle with resting. Now, do I think I would’ve picked up on my desperate need for rest sooner than Elinor? Of course I do! But obviously, that’s not true, given how continually burnt out I am. I also loved seeing a WWI novel because honestly, we do not have enough WWI novels. Further, I loved the little community Elinor established … and all her hard work over the years really made me treasure the ending!

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The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté

Miss Caitrìona Roylett is determined to rescue her family from poverty by making a brilliant match. She is on the verge of success when her brother is arrested for a sensational crime. Despised and shunned, Caitrìona is forced to return home to the country, helpless to save her loved ones.

Mr. Ewart Alinac has spent twenty years as a recluse. With his confidence stolen by his parents’ cruelty, he raises his younger sister away from the rush of society. When a letter from his estranged mother forces him towards a path he despises, Ewart struggles with crippling fears as he attempts to protect his sister.

After a chance meeting, Ewart and Caitrìona find aid in each other. Soon they spend their days side by side, working for their respective families. But as mysteries are uncovered and characters tested, what truth will be revealed? Can wounds be healed and true love bloom during springtime in Surrey?

Katja H. Labonté’s Bio & Links:

Katja H. Labonté is a Christian, an extreme bibliophile who devours over 365 books in a year, and an exuberant writer with a talent for starting short stories that explode into book series. She is a bilingual French-Canadian and has about a dozen topics she’s excessively passionate about (hint: that’s why she writes). Katja writes both contemporary and historical fiction, as well as non-magical historical and contemporary kingdom fiction, and covers themes of worth, love, peace, and Christian growth. She spends her days enjoying little things, growing in faith, learning life, and loving people. You can follow her life journey, find free books, browse her services, and more on her website and blog.

Website/Blog: littleblossomsforjesus.wordpress.com

Bookstagram: instagram.com/oldfashionedbooklove

Goodreads: goodreads.com/oldfashionedbooklove

Podcast: https://www.gibsongirlreview.com/

Tumblr: https://tumblr.com/blog/oldfashionedbooklove

Pinterest: pinterest.ca/oldfashionedbooklove

Amazon Author account: http://amzn.to/3WE7D15

Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/katjahlabonte

My Five-Star Review

Written in an adorable vintage style that’s reminiscent of so many Turn-of-the-Century novels like it, this is a story that can’t fail to charm you with its prose alone! That said, I did love getting to know Cat and Ewart over the course of the story. Cat was a sweet soul who, despite her imperfections, truly did wish the best for her family and eventually for Ewart and her sister, and Ewart’s bookishness and his devotion to his sister were both super adorable. Plus there was a little bit of a mystery that kept some suspense in the story!

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The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox

Moira Wood lost her ballerina dreams when she suffered an unfortunate accident. During every teatime at her cottage hideaway, it hits her afresh what she won’t again be able to obtain.

Helping out on his uncle’s farm, Adrian Davis worries he’ll never earn a place of his own. While sent on a bevy of errands, he observes a woman crying into her tea and wonders why … and what he could do to cheer her up.

When forced to confront their own regrets, will Moira and Adrian trust that God has a good plan even through crushed dreams and far-off hopes?

Andrea Renee Cox’s Bio & Links:

Born and raised in north Texas, Andrea Renee Cox is a born-again child of God who enjoys writing stories that inspire, copyediting fiction manuscripts, tutoring middle school students, and going on road trips with her family. Whether she’s working on historical or contemporary, women’s fiction or romance, she uses her skills in research and writing techniques—as well as a large dose of prayer and guidance from God—at every turn in the journey to produce the best story of her ability every single time. Her books may be found on her website, and readers are welcome to follow her blog for the latest updates in her journey.

Website: https://andreareneecox.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/andreacox
Twitter: https://twitter.com/screenwriter87
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/andreareneecoxauthor/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/andreareneecox
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/andrea-renee-cox

My Five-Star Review

This was another soft, sweet story that was entirely delightful. Moira and Adrian were both really vivid characters with deep emotional lives that I loved diving into, and there were so many fun moments as their characters grew and changed and got to know each other! The descriptions of Moira’s cottage and the surrounding countryside were super springy, which was epic. I especially loved Adrian, who was such a bright, cheerful, pleasant, masculine man.

Thank you to everyone for your help with the cover reveal!

TTFN!

~Kell~

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