Welcome to my Fan Girling with Narelle podcast and YouTube show.
In this episode, I’m talking about why I recommend A BREWED AWAKENING by PEPPER BASHAM to contemporary romance readers who like Christian romance novels.
Here are the links to my recommendations for Pepper Basham’s books that I mention in the episode.
I’m delighted to share author interviews with Terri Reed, Susanne Dietze and Tanya Stowe who have kindly contributed signed-by-the-author paperbacks for our LOVE INSPIRED GIVEAWAY EXTRAVAGANZA for AUSTRALIAN READERS (readers with an Australian mailing address).
Can you tell us a little about yourself, and can you tell us what genres you write?
Hello I’m Terri Reed. I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I would immerse myself in books and make up stories with my stuffed animals and dolls. In college, my creative writing professor told me I should think about writing for Harlequin. A little over ten years later, I sold to Harlequin’s Christian fiction line.I write stories for readers who love fast-paced romantic suspense with heart, strong faith elements, and emotionally grounded love stories. My stories have high-stakes danger, protective heroes, resilient heroines, and stories where hope and justice triumph.
How would you describe your writing process, and do you have a furry, feathered or other companion who helps?
My writing process involves pen and paper to sketch out the characters and the plot. Then I take hot baths and dictate the first draft of the story. I clean up that draft on the computer. I have a beautiful, needy Australian shepherd who lies next to me wherever I am. She’s my constant companion.
What impact do you hope your book has on readers?
Community is deeply important to me, and I’m endlessly grateful for my readers. I write in the hope that my stories provide moments of escape, encouragement, and inspiration. My heartfelt wish is that every reader finds peace, joy, and love within the pages of my books.
Can you tell us a little about yourself, and can you tell us what genres you write?
Hi! I’m Susanne, and I live in California, USA, with my pastor husband. We are the empty-nest parents of two young adults. I have been writing contemporary books for Love Inspired for the past several years, but before that, I wrote historicals. I love both genres!
How would you describe your writing process, and do you have a furry, feathered or other companion who helps?
Before I start writing a book, I decide on the main tropes and I do a lot of brainstorming. I write it down on paper, and I include what the characters want, what emotional wounds they carry, how old they are, etc. Then I work on an outline, which guides me, but I deviate from it when the characters want to take over. I know it’s not the characters, though. It’s the Lord helping me out! Anything good in my stories comes from Him!
I did indeed have a fluffy companion who helped me write, but our darling cat Ruby passed about a year ago. I miss her so much. While we have been open to the “cat distribution system” bringing a new kitty to us, we realized the other day that it is ultimately a good thing that we haven’t yet adopted a new fur baby. My mom was diagnosed with cancer in 2024, and I spent a lot of time out of town at my parents’ house–sometimes for weeks at a time, especially in the months before my mother passed away in December. Our pet would have been alone a lot. Also, without pet care to consider, my husband was freer to be with me when needed. But pets are such blessings! One of these days…
What impact do you hope your book has on readers?
I have always been a voracious reader, appreciating the entertainment, escape, and education I found in books. But I also found connection when I recognized myself in something a character would feel or think. The common saying is that books are both windows and mirrors, but to me, they are also like a message in a bottle in that they can make me feel less alone in the universe. There’s a CS Lewis quote: “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” That happens to me when I read books!
So, my prayer is always that with God’s help, something I put in a book will be meaningful to at least one person. I don’t claim to be insightful, eloquent, or have all the answers, but my hope is that there’s a sense of connection for someone so they don’t think they’re “the only one” experiencing something.
Message for our readers
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this interview and thank you for your support of Christian fiction! May God bless and keep you.
Can you tell us a little about yourself, and can you tell us what genres you write?
Ten years ago, my husband retired. We sold our home, bought a 44-foot motorhome, and hit the road as full-time RVers. Our RV has 2 bathrooms, a king-size bed, a queen size pull out couch for the grandkids when they come to visit, and a washer and a dryer. The only thing I don’t have is a dishwasher, and that’s because I said we’ll be using paper plates. We’ve been to almost all fifty states with a few exceptions. Alaska is one we’ve not visited, but we’ll be cruising there next year. I don’t miss my stick and brick home, and the stories I discover keep me very busy at my little desk tucked under the counter! I write Christian romantic suspense, but I also write contemporary and historical stories.
How would you describe your writing process, and do you have a furry, feathered or other companion who helps?
Travel inspires me. Every time we enter a new place, I want to know the stories. Who are the people, and where do they come from? It’s the little undiscovered tidbits that fire me up! Because we travel so much, we don’t have any furry companions. But I do have 22 grandchildren, and they travel with us frequently!
What impact do you hope your book has on readers?
I came to my faith as an adult. Handing my life over to God created an adventure I never expected. We have a large family, and the Lord has brought us through so many scary situations. I hope my stories show how the Lord is always with you, and no trouble is too big for Him.
Daphne dreams of Mr. Darcy. Finn serves up pints and rock music. Can opposites attract when a tea shop princess meets her pub-owning rival?
In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings to tradition like cream to a scone. She’s built her life–and her late grandmother’s tearoom, Tea Thyme–around all things English: delicate china, Jane Austen novels, and the comforting predictability of routine. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit opening a pub next door.
After his ex-wife broke his heart and his business partner nearly destroyed his career, Finn Dashwood packed up his six-year-old daughter and left England behind. He’s looking for a fresh start, and the last thing he needs is a fussy, tea-obsessed neighbor criticizing his every pint and playlist. It doesn’t matter that she’s ridiculously kind (to everyone else) and that his daughter is utterly fascinated by her. Finn’s heart is not open to being broken again.
But disagreements turn into prank wars and then a competition when a high-profile wedding needs a last-minute caterer. The townsfolk are thrilled–Wisteria hasn’t seen this much excitement since the county fair lost a goat.
When the wedding demands both sweet and savory fare, Daphne and Finn are forced to put down their swords and pick up their serving trays. Between burnt pastries, brewing tempers, trending hashtags (#SipsAndSpats, anyone?), and one very adorable little girl, rivalry soon gives way to reluctant friendship–and maybe something that feels suspiciously like chemistry.
Can a tea shop princess and a pub owner with a past mix their lives as seamlessly as clotted cream and jam . . . or will their differences keep them steeped in rivalry forever?
Fall headfirst into a romance that’s as sweet as scones and as lively as a pub singalong. Early readers are raving about the laugh-out-loud humor, irresistible chemistry, and swoony, kisses-only romance that makes A Brewed Awakening impossible to put down. Grab your copy today and discover a charming enemies-to-lovers story brewed with heart, humor, and small-town magic.
Narelle’s Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading A Brewed Awakening, a foodie romcom set in a small North Carolina mountain town. Daphne is obsessed with all things Austen and British. She recently inherited her grandmother’s old world tea shop on Main Street and lives in the apartment upstairs. Daphne needs to grow the tea shop’s customer base to pay for essential building maintenance.
Finn is a single dad from England who’s new to town and looking for a fresh start with his adorable six-year-old daughter. He purchases the building next door to Daphne with a plan to refurbish and open an English pub serving hearty meals.
Finn and Daphne’s meet cute is awkward, embarrassing, and full of misunderstandings that set up their business rivalry relationship dynamics. Their romance is cute and sweet with all the feels. They’re both struggling with grief and loss and have emotional baggage to deal with, including trust and abandonment issues. During the story their relationship moves from enemies to friends to more-than-friends, and I loved how Daphne bonds with Finn’s daughter.
The town is like a character and the ensemble cast of side characters are LOL hilarious. While the romcom story elements are lighthearted, a natural disaster challenges the townsfolk to pull together and help each other.
I recommend A Brewed Awakening to contemporary romance readers who like small town foodie romcoms with the enemies to love trope, business rivals, matchmakers, and relevant faith elements in the story.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy.
Happy Friday! I’m sharing a selection of books that are on preorder in a weekly post.
Please check the price before preordering. Amazon will always give you the lowest preorder price and bill your payment method on release day.
Click on the book cover to preorder the ebook at Amazon USA. Direct Sales Links (if listed under the book category) will take you to the author or publisher’s website, a retailer, or a universal link to multiple book retailers.
Thanks for stopping by. Please leave a comment if there’s a book in my post that’s on your TBR (to be read) list. Or, if you’ve already had the pleasure of reading an advanced reader copy. I’m always looking for book recommendations.
Shannon’s Book Bargains Roundup – Visit my friend Shannon Taylor Vannatter’s blog, check out her SATURDAY weekly book bargains posts, and discover book giveaways, sales, and more.
Disclaimer: Book information is provided by third parties. Book prices are subject to change. The inclusion of a book in this post is not necessarily an endorsement.
Authors and Publishers: If you’d like to submit a book for consideration for a future post, please fill out the Google form here.
Welcome to my Fan Girling with Narelle podcast and YouTube show.
In this episode, I’m talking about why I recommend THE GIRL UPSTAIRS by JESSICA R. PATCH to suspense readers who like Christian psychological thriller novels.
Here is the link to my recommendation for Jessica R. Patch’s book.
I’m delighted to share a wonderful paperback giveaway for Aussie readers. FIVE Paperback bundles for FIVE winners with an AUSTRALIAN mailing address. Total Prize Value: AUD $390.
A lovely group of Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense authors have kindly contributed autographed paperbacks plus promo merch for the giveaway.
Grand Prize – 8 paperbacks plus promo merch (Value AUD $120)
His Amish Marriage Offer by Christina Rich
Guarding the Child Witness by Sharee Stover – includes a purple bag, coaster, nail file, door hanger, sticker
Amish Country Hideout by Meghan Carver
Her Pretend Holiday Beau by Susanne Dietze – includes a sticker and bookmark
A Home for the Ranger by Audrey Wick – includes a brass bookmark
Vanished in the Mountains by Tanya Stowe – includes a bookmark
Trapped on the Alaskan Glacier by Megan Short – includes a bookmark and Bible tract
The Rancher’s Stolen Past by Tabitha Bouldin
First Prize – 6 paperbacks plus promo merch (Value AUD $90)
His Amish Marriage Offer by Christina Rich
The Cowboy’s Forgotten Love by Tina Radcliffe (gift wrapped book) – includes a pen, magnet, and postcard
The Veteran Rancher’s Return by Nancy J. Farrier
Alaskan Abduction Target by Megan Short – includes a bookmark
A Need to Protect by Susanne Dietze – includes a sticker and bookmark
Pursued on the Run by Terri Reed – includes a bookmark
Second Prize – 5 paperbacks plus promo merch (Value AUD $75)
His Amish Marriage Offer by Christina Rich
The Rancher’s Stolen Past by Tabitha Bouldin
Guarding the Child Witness by Sharee Stover – includes a purple bag, coaster, nail file, door hanger, sticker
Alaskan Abduction Target by Megan Short – includes a bookmark
Rescue on the Farm by Allie Pleiter – includes a bookmark
Third Prize – 4 paperbacks plus promo merch (Value AUD $60)
His Amish Marriage Offer by Christina Rich
The Cowboy’s Forgotten Love by Tina Radcliffe (gift wrapped book) – includes a pen, magnet, and postcard
The Veteran Rancher’s Return by Nancy J. Farrier
A Montana-Sized Secret by Allie Pleiter – includes a bookmark
She bought this house to save her marriage. Unearthing its secrets might just claim her life.
Gwen McDaniel’s life is broken. But she knows the perfect place to fix it. Cold Harbor, Maine, an idyllic small town with views of Acadia National Park, is where she used to vacation with her parents as a child. Here, she and Steven can start over, renovating their cliff-side fixer-upper while patching up their marriage. Soon, everything will be better.
Except from the moment they arrive, Gwen sees and hears things, and it’s more than just the drafts and shadows that are part of any old house. Steven downplays her fears, warning her not to fixate on problems as she has in the past. But Gwen spent years as a homicide detective, and her instincts don’t lie. Something happened here. Proof comes when she rips up the attic’s carpet to discover a chilling message carved into the wood underneath.
As Gwen delves into the history of the house and the Cold Harbor community, she begins to piece the fragments together. And gradually, a terrifying picture emerges: A missing girl. A house of horrors. And a dark, decades-old nightmare that is more haunting than Gwen ever imagined…
Narelle’s Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading The Girl Upstairs, a brilliant standalone suspense and gothic psychological thriller novel set in Maine. Gwen is a former homicide detective from Baltimore who moves with her husband to Cold Harbor for a fresh start. They purchase, sight unseen, a nineteenth century secluded house on a cliff that borders a national park.
Gwen is drawn to the house and Cold Harbor location because her family previously vacationed in the area. Her marriage is in trouble, her doctor husband is taking a career demotion by moving to a small town, and a number of things went wrong in Baltimore that have forced them to move.
Gwen struggles with anxiety and she’s uncomfortable in their new home. It’s Halloween season and their house has a reputation for being haunted. Mysterious things happen in the house and Gwen uncovers disturbing evidence connected to previous residents.
The town is like a character in the story and the ensemble cast of characters are all keeping secrets. Gwen’s life is in danger and multiple mysteries connected to her house and past events in the town, including missing children, need to be solved.
Dark themes are addressed in the story. We see the worst of human nature and how unspeakable evil can flourish in hidden places. It was heartbreaking to read the scary and distressing situations that are handled with sensitivity and grace.
The story explores trust issues, redemption and forgiveness themes. The search for truth and justice is important for multiple characters who are dealing with emotional baggage and past trauma.
I loved the excellent plot twists and how the puzzle pieces in the story fitted together to solve the mysteries in a satisfying and hopeful story ending.
I recommend The Girl Upstairs to suspense readers who like gothic psychological thrillers with multiple mysteries, missing children, a haunted house, town secrets, fantastic plot twists, dark themes, and relevant faith elements in the story.
Many thanks to Love Inspired Trade and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
Murder, dimples that should be illegal, and a cockatoo with no filter. What could possibly go wrong?
Ruth Smythe is still getting used to small-town life when she stumbles on a body at Pelican Bay’s annual Easter egg hunt.
Two bodies in just a few weeks is bad enough—but it gets worse when Dan Rivers is arrested for murder.
Sure, Dan’s a little guarded and hard to read sometimes. But a killer? No way. He’s kind. Loyal. Brave. And possibly her almost-boyfriend. (Not that she’s admitting it.)
As the case against him builds—and her reputation as Ruthless-the-Killer roars back to life—Ruth throws herself into the investigation.
Narelle’s Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading Mostly Dead, the second book in Susan J Bruce’s Ruthless-The-Killer romcom animal cozy mystery series set in a small coastal town in South Australia. The story opens a few weeks after book 1, Dead Ahead, finishes with Ruth and half the town heading to church for a christening. Easter is a few weeks away and the town is planning a big Easter Egg Hunt event.
Ruth and Dan’s relationship status is the talk of the town. When Ruth is involved in the discovery of a dead body, her undeserved reputation as a jinx resurfaces. Dan becomes the prime suspect in the murder investigation and Ruth is convinced he’s innocent.
A wild ride ensues for Ruth and Dan as they work to solve the mystery and clear his name. A series mystery deepens and leaves Ruth with more questions than answers. Doug the cockatoo is LOL funny in how he mimics various characters and he epitomises the irreverent Aussie larrikin sense of humour.
Ruth and Dan’s cute and hilarious romance heats up and fits the category two ‘fade to black’ romance spice level.
I recommend Mostly Dead to readers who like animal cozy mystery romcoms with an amateur sleuth, a murder to solve, a charming ensemble cast of quirky characters, Easter themes, and a mouthy cockatoo.
Many thanks to the author for the advanced reader copy.
Happy Friday! I’m sharing a selection of books that are on preorder in a weekly post.
Please check the price before preordering. Amazon will always give you the lowest preorder price and bill your payment method on release day.
Click on the book cover to preorder the ebook at Amazon USA. Direct Sales Links (if listed under the book category) will take you to the author or publisher’s website or a universal link to multiple book retailers.
Thanks for stopping by. Please leave a comment if there’s a book in my post that’s on your TBR (to be read) list. Or, if you’ve already had the pleasure of reading an advanced reader copy. I’m always looking for book recommendations.
3.99
May 5
Romantic Womens Fiction
Christian
4.99
April 21
Romantic Suspense
Christian
9.99
April 21
Contemporary Rom-Com
Christian
11.99
April 21
Historical Women’s Fiction
Christian
12.99
April 21
Historical Rom-Com
Christian
4.99
April 28
Contemporary Romance
Christian
1.99
April 28
Historical Romance
Christian
3.99
April 28
Historical Romance
Christian
Shannon’s Book Bargains Roundup – Visit my friend Shannon Taylor Vannatter’s blog, check out her SATURDAY weekly book bargains posts, and discover book giveaways, sales, and more.
Disclaimer: Book information is provided by third parties. Book prices are subject to change. The inclusion of a book in this post is not necessarily an endorsement.
Authors and Publishers: If you’d like to submit a book for consideration for a future post, please fill out the Google form here.
