Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

My Top Ten Books of 2020

Hi friends! I'm a little late in posting my top ten books this month, but I still wanted to let you know what books I read this past year, so I could recommend some stories to add to your reading list. I hope you are all doing well, and I hope you were able to read tons of novels this past year!

I wasn't able to fulfill my reading goal for 2020, but I did discover many wonderful stories along the way, and I was able to meet and interview several incredible authors this past year, including Elizabeth Craig and Kathleen Denly.

Have fun reading the texts below and please share your favorite book finds in the comments below. Happy reading friends! And Happy New Year!

The Earl's Winning Wager

by Jen Geigle Johnson

Lord Morley's life will change forever when he wins a game of cards and a family of sisters to go along with it.

Miss Standish in none too pleased to have become the responsibility of yet another Lord, even if he is full of charm and goodness. Her responsibilities are to her sisters first.

With the repairs on the castle moving forward nicely and concerted efforts in a season in Bath made to find suitors for them all, Miss Standish and Lord Morley must determine where duty stops and matters of the heart take over.

Read this warm tale of family, sisters, loyalty and love to get a huge dose of the best part of a regency romance fans of Jane Austen or Georgette Heyer would enjoy.

Line by Line

by Jennifer Delamere

Alice McNeil resolved at a young age to travel through life unencumbered by love or marriage, free to make her own decisions. A seasoned telegrapher, she's recently acquired a coveted position at an important trading firm, but when the company's ambitious junior director returns to London, things begin to change in ways Alice could never have imagined.

For Douglas Shaw, years of hard work and ingenuity enabled him to escape a life of grinding poverty. He's also determined to marry into high society--a step that will ensure he never returns to the conditions of his past.

He and Alice form a friendly relationship based on mutual respect, but anything deeper is not in their plans. However, when Alice accidentally raises the ire of a jealous and vindictive coworker who's intent on ruining her life, Alice and Douglas are forced to confront what is truly important in their lives. Will their growing bond give them the courage to risk finding a better way?

Pressed for Time

by Elizabeth Craig

As Beatrice’s wedding day approaches, murder finds a way to make her pressed for time.

Beatrice and Wyatt’s days are spent planning their cozy, chapel wedding. Both widowed, they mean to keep their wedding an intimate, family affair.

But everyone in Dappled Hills still wants to celebrate the happy couple. Beatrice and Wyatt find themselves at dinners, picnics, and barbeques in their honor.

When one of the festivities goes deadly wrong, Beatrice must try to unveil the killer before making her vows.

Deadly Pearls

by Miranda Atchley

She knew coming to America would be an adventure. But she didn't know it would involve murder.

Intelligent and inquisitive Irish immigrant Fiona Clery has always longed for a life of excitement away from her family’s farm. Yet living in New York City isn’t as glamorous as she’d always dreamed. When her neighbor is murdered, she wonders how wise her decision to come to the United States is. While the police turn a blind eye to Gabriel Morelli’s murder, Fiona knows she must do all that she can to find the killer. Under the tutelage of her favorite fictional sleuths Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot, she just might crack the case–if a certain man will ever stop infringing on her investigation.

Max Gillespie is good at putting on an act. A Great War veteran, he struggles with regret from his past, though refuses to let it show. Perfectly content to spend his days working as an accountant and evenings tucked in his apartment away from the excitement of the city, he shuns anything that could lead to unwanted surprises. Yet when his cousin Rose’s beau is murdered, he finds himself pulled into the investigation alongside a smart and pretty amateur sleuth who he can’t help but clash with. Exposed to the underbelly of the city he loves, Max wonders if he was mistaken to involve himself in a murder investigation. Yet when Rose’s invaluable pearl necklace is stolen and in its place is left a threatening note, he vows to do all that he can to keep those he loves safe.

In Jazz Age New York, Fiona and Max will have to navigate this roaring new decade while learning the truth about those around them–as well as themselves.

Her Silent Knight

by Ashtyn Newbold

When Sir Edmund catches Miss Selina in a forbidden courtship at the frost fair, she asks for his silence. But he has a request to make in exchange, and it may cost Selina her carefully guarded heart.

Sweet, Regency Christmas Romances

Five Christmas romances and the Frost Fair that started them all.

Her Silent Knight is the first book in the clean and sweet Regency romance Belles of Christmas: Frost Fair series.
Although this is a stand-alone novel, the books are best enjoyed when read in order.

Order the entire series today!

Book 1: Her Silent Knight by Ashtyn Newbold
Book 2: All is Mary and Bright by Kasey Stockton
Book 3: Thawing the Viscount's Heart by Mindy Burbidge Strunk
Book 4: On the Second Day of Christmas by Deborah M. Hathaway
Book 5: The Christmas Foundling by Martha Keyes

Discoveriing Grace

by Sally Britton

To avoid being sent across an ocean, Grace switches places with her sister. The only man aware of their deception? A dear friend, and her secret love.

Grace Everly has no desire to set sail for the Caribbean, unlike her adventurous twin sister, Hope. Thanks to her sister’s irresponsible behavior and subsequent banning from the journey, Grace’s father decides to send her in Hope’s place. Desperate to remain where things are familiar, Grace proposes an unthinkable plan: that she and sister switch places. They only have to keep up the act long enough for Hope to board a ship in London. When the man who has stolen Grace’s heart learns of their secret, things get more complicated.

Jacob Barnes, soon to be ordained a vicar, has known Grace and Hope his whole life. Though close to both sisters, he’s dreamed of courting Hope for months. When he realizes his friends have switched places, putting the woman he admires out of his reach, he agrees to help with the subterfuge despite his bruised heart. As he watches Grace stumble in her acting abilities, attempting to change who she is, he realizes how much she means to him. But how does he tell her, without risking their friendship?

The deception puts their relationship to the test. As Grace hides her heart and her identity, Jacob examines his feelings, and no one in their community will be happy when the truth is discovered.

Lakeshire Park

by Megan Walker

Brighton, England 1820

Amelia Moore wants only one thing—to secure the future happiness of her younger sister, Clara. With their stepfather’s looming death, the two sisters will soon be on their own—without family, a home, or a penny to their names. When an invitation arrives to join a house party at Lakeshire Park, Amelia grasps at the chance. If she can encourage a match between Clara and their host, Sir Ronald, then at least her sister will be taken care of.

Little does she know that another guest, the arrogant and overconfident Mr. Peter Wood, is after the same goal for his own sister. Amelia and Peter begin a rivalry that Amelia has no choice but to win. But competing against Peter—and eventually playing by his rules—makes Amelia vulnerable to losing the only thing she has left to claim: her heart.

A Christmas Match

by Rose Pearson

Lady Charity loves the Christmas season. But can she convince the Lord Benedict of the joys of the Christmas season? And perhaps find love along the way?

Lady Charity is a little disappointed. With her older sisters now wed, it is her turn to experience London society but, unfortunately, she must attend during the winter, when it is quiet and a little less exciting. However, determined to do her best, she steps into a wintery London and into society.

Guided by Lady Hayward, Charity finds herself rather delighted with society—all save for one particular gentleman who, for whatever reason, has never a kind word to say to anyone. Despite knowing she should step away, Charity finds herself quite intrigued by him, wondering what it might be that troubles him so and soon finds herself quite determined to improve his demeanour.

Benedict, the Marquess of Hosmer, has always despised the festive season, ever since his betrothed cried off. Now, for whatever reason, he has met the most frustrating young lady who is more than eager to convince him of the happiness that can be found at Christmas time. The more he pushes her away, the more determined she becomes.

Will he ever be able to free himself from her? Or will her gentle sweetness bring him closer to her than ever before?

This is the fourth book in the Landon House series, where Lady Hayward and the Duke of Landon form an alliance to assist each other with difficulties of their family life.

His Forever Valentine

by Kit Morgan

Enjoy this third installment of the Holiday Mail Order Brides as Kit Morgan delivers another delightful romp of sweet romance in the old west!

What happens when meddling mother's order their sons mail order brides and not tell them? It happened to Clayton Riley, it happened to his brother Spencer, and now it was Matthew Quinn's turn. There was just one, little, problem. He was already in love ...

Rose Smith didn't know what to expect when she signed on the dotted line at the Ridgley Mail Order Bride Service, all she knew was that adventure awaited her in the wild west! And what an adventure she got when she showed up in the town of Nowhere!

Sense and Sesibility

by Jane Austen

'The more I know of the world, the more am I convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!'

Marianne Dashwood wears her heart on her sleeve, and when she falls in love with the dashing but unsuitable John Willoughby she ignores her sister Elinor's warning that her impulsive behaviour leaves her open to gossip and innuendo. Meanwhile Elinor, always sensitive to social convention, is struggling to conceal her own romantic disappointment, even from those closest to her. Through their parallel experience of love—and its threatened loss—the sisters learn that sense must mix with sensibility if they are to find personal happiness in a society where status and money govern the rules of love.

Here are the links to my previous Top Ten List of Books:

My Top Ten Books of 2016
My Top Ten Books of 2017
My Top Ten Books of 2018

My Top Ten Books of 2019

Happy reading!

Monday, January 11, 2021

Chaparral Hearts Book 3 Cover Reveal!

Welcome to the cover reveal tour for Harmony on the Horizon, book three in the Chaparral Hearts series! Collect all the passwords and enter for a chance to win the grand prize!!!

Harmony on the Horizon

Chaparral Hearts series book 3

Her calling to change the world may be his downfall.

On the heels of the Great Rebellion, Margaret Foster, an abolitionist northerner, takes a teaching position in 1865 San Diego—a town dominated by Southern sympathizers. At thirty-seven years of age, Margaret has accepted spinsterhood and embraced her role as teacher. So, when Everett Thompson, the handsomest member of the School Board, reveals his interest in her, it’s a dream come true. Until her passionate ideals drive a wedge between them.

After two decades of hard work, Everett Thompson is on the verge of having everything he’s dreamed of. Even the beautiful new teacher has agreed to his courtship. Then two investments go south and a blackmailer threatens everything Everett has and dreams of.

As Everett scrambles to shore up the crumbling pieces of his life, Margaret unwittingly sets off a scandal that divides the small community and threatens her position as teacher. With the blackmailer still whispering threats, Everett must decide if he’s willing to risk everything for the woman still keeping him at arm’s length.

Now available for preorder! CLICK to grab your copy!

Releases January 2022!

Meet Margaret Foster

Do you know anyone with a good heart but a big mouth? That’s the heroine of Harmony on the Horizon in a nutshell. Born in Massachusetts, Margaret lost her parents at a young age. She’s had a hard life and is still struggling to find security, but if she sees someone in need, a hurricane couldn’t stop her from trying to help. Her heart is in the right place but too often her words and actions cause offense instead of the change she intends. So when her affections land on a man whose primary focus has been climbing his way to the top while earning the respect and admiration of those around him, she’s in for a bumpy ride to love.

Click HERE to view a sneak peek of the cover and collect the password for this stop!

Remember to write your passwords down so you can enter the giveaway on the final cover reveal page!!!

To find the next stop on the tour, visit the Scavenger Hunt Home Page!

Saturday, January 9, 2021

Sing in the Sunlight - Spotlight Book Tour and Interview

Title: Sing in the Sunlight Series: Chaparral Hearts Genre: Historical Christian Romance Length: 402 pages Publisher: Wild Heart Books Release Date: March 2, 2021

Richard Stevens isn’t who he thinks he is. Neither is the woman who now claims his last name.

Disfiguring scars stole Clarinda Humphrey’s singing career, her home, and her family, but she refuses to let her appearance steal her future. While attending The Young Ladies Seminary in 1858 Benicia, California, she finds a man who promises to love and cherish her. Instead he betrays her, leaving her with child, and Clarinda must take drastic measures to ensure her child doesn’t suffer for her foolishness.

Richard Stevens’s life hasn’t turned out as he expected, and when a shocking letter turns even his past into a mystery, he travels to San Francisco in search of guidance. On the way, he encounters a mysterious young woman hiding beneath

a veil. That night he experiences a dream that sends him on a quest to find the bride God has chosen for him. He never imagines she’s already told everyone they’re married.

Unwilling to lie, nor accept a marriage of mere convenience, Richard wants the real thing. Yet Clarinda’s not interested in love, only a chance to save her child. Can he help her rise above the pain that runs deeper than her scars to accept a love worth every risk?

Purchase Links (note: Sing in the Sunlight is currently on preorder):

Order links: Amazon | Apple Books | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Kathleen Denly writes historical romance stories to entertain, encourage, and inspire readers toward a better understanding of our amazing God and how He sees us. Award winning author of the Chaparral Hearts series, she also shares history tidbits, thoughts on writing, books reviews and more at KathleenDenly.com.

1. As writers, we tend to write from our own life experiences–who or what would you say is your greatest inspiration?

In regard to Sing in the Sunlight, I would have to say the biggest inspiration for the story was my daughter. She experienced a major trauma before we adopted her which left her with scars she’ll carry all her life. As a historical fiction author, her situation inspired me to wonder what life might have been like for her if she’d been born in the nineteenth century. Researching how those considered “other” were treated at that time inspired my heroine, Clarinda Humphrey. Besides their birthdates, another key difference between my daughter and my heroine is that Clarinda is much older when she receives her scars and she receives them in a different manner. This, combined with society’s reaction to her new appearance, leaves Clarinda with a lot of issues to struggle through. While Clarinda is not meant to be a representation of my daughter in any way, Clarinda was definitely inspired by her.

2. When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?

I always find this to be difficult question to answer, but I was inspired with the idea for my first novel in the wee hours of the morning when I was a freshman in high school. I’d never even considered attempting anything so long, but out of the blue, I awoke from sleep and immediately began jotting down the idea for a plot in a journal I had nearby. I worked on that story off and on for several years before finally putting it where it belonged—in the trash. A lot of people gasp when I say that. Especially when I include that I have zero copies of that first work. But I have no regrets. I needed to do a lot of maturing as a person and a writer before I was ready to write anything worthy of others reading it.

3. Baking is one of my favorite things to do–I love giving baked good as gifts at Christmas time. Outside of writing, what other activities do you enjoy?

Crafting! I have always been a crafter. It started with smelly markers, moved on to puffy paints, then wall paints, then knitting and sewing, and most recently I’ve gotten into the paper crafting world. I still sew when I can, but with four kids in the house, leaving a mid-process project lying out isn’t an option. I find paper crafting much more kid friendly. The projects are usually quicker and when I do need to come back to finish something, it’s much easier to put it away and get it out again.

4. Who are some of your favorite authors, and what genres do you enjoy reading the most?

Well, I could fill a blog with the answer to this question. That’s one of the reasons I started book blogging. I love chatting about the books I love and helping to spread the word about talented authors. My favorite genre, of course, is historical Christian romance. After that, come contemporary Christian romance, sci-fi, dystopian, and a little fantasy, too. To name just a few, here are some of my favorite authors in no particular order: Sondra Kraak, Tara Johnson, Pepper Basham, Rachel Fordham, Mary Connealy, Karen Witemeyer, and Regina Jennings.

5. What current projects are you working on? Please share if you can!

I’m currently working on the third book in my Chaparral Hearts series, Harmony on the Horizon. Here’s the official description for that book:

Her calling to change the world may be his downfall.

6. Creativity comes with its share of ups and down–what advice would you give to other writers who are feeling discouraged?

If you’re feeling discouraged, I would say two things:

First, if you’re discouraged because certain people don’t love your work, remember that writing is an art form and not everyone will enjoy your particular style. That’s okay. We’re all different and different isn’t bad. You just need to find the people who do enjoy your style.

Second, I would say to take a step back. Give yourself permission to take a small break and take the pressure off. Try to remember why you started writing in the first place. Find the fun in the process again. And as always, spend time in prayer. Ask God if you’re pursuing the path He wants you to. Sometimes the road is tough but you need to persevere. Other times the road is tough because it’s time to make a turn. Only God can help you discern which applies to your situation.

7. The literary journey holds so many memories! Are there any funny stories you would like to share with our readers?

Long before I was published or even had a contract, I entered the opening scene from Waltz in the Wilderness into a contest called, First Impressions. I didn’t honestly expect to place at all but was looking forward to getting some feedback from the judges. Well, one day I was just leaving the dental office with my kids when my phone rang. It was someone from the contest letting me know that I was a finalist in the contest! I tried to act all calm and mature until I hung up, but as soon as the call was over, I started squealing and seat dancing so much that my minivan was bouncing and my kids were like, “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” LOL Of course, once I told them, they were so happy for me, they started bouncing around too. For several minutes the whole van was bouncing in its parking space with lots of cheering and squealing going on. We must have been quite a sight.

8. What led you to writing your first book? Were there any specific moments you remember regarding the ideas for you Chaparral Hearts series?

Well, I already shared about my very first attempt at a novel, but my first historical novel began as a result of a failed attempt to crash a community college creative writing course. For those who don’t know there is a system that allows those who missed getting into a course (usually because it filled up before they were able to register) to attend the first class. If anyone who did register fails to attend the first class, the teacher has the option of

bumping them and inserting one of students “crashing” that day. Unfortunately, all of the officially registered students did show up, so I didn’t get into the class. BUT there was an assignment given that day which I decided to do anyway. That assignment lead to my first historical Christian romance novel, which is currently sitting on a shelf awaiting a major rewrite. It begins in Louisiana in the early 1840s, travels into Texas, and has a planned sequel that follows the Oregon Trail to (of course) California. I’ve learned a lot since then and look forward to someday making it worthy of publication.

9. Blogging is fun, but it can be a lot of work! Do you have any tips for new and experienced bloggers on how to make the most of your time when it comes to creating posts?

For new bloggers, my best advice is to under-commit yourself. If you think you can post five days a week, start with one. Burnout is real and it’s much easier to slowly ramp up than to scale back. You want to be reliable for your readers and the best way to do that is to not bite off more than you can chew right from the start. It’s a lesson I learned the hard way.

For experienced bloggers…I guess I would say that if you haven’t yet reached out to other bloggers to form connections, get on that! Bloggers are a wonderful bunch who generally love to support one another and you won’t regret the lasting friendships you’ll form.

10. How do you stay focused on the writing process? Especially when it comes to the year we have had—it can be so difficult to find the time or energy to be creative.

I’m not gonna lie, it’s tough sometimes. There are days when the last thing I want to do is park my behind in the chair at my desk and stare at a screen. However, there are four things that get me into that chair even on those days:

1) I’ve made a commitment to my readers. They’re having a tough year, too, and they’re waiting on my story that just might encourage them and brighten their dark day.

2) I’ve made a commitment to my publisher who has taken a chance on this new author and invested in me. The least I can do is honor my promise to deliver the best story that I can in as timely a manner as I can manage.

3) My kids are watching. They’re learning what it takes to make a dream a reality by observing what I’m willing to do and sacrifice to make it happen. They’re learning when it’s okay to take a break to invest in self-care, and when it’s time push through and do the hard thing. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, I’m a role model. It’s what I signed up for when I decided to have kids.

4) This is my calling. Deeper than the breath in my lungs, than the beat of my heart, I know that writing these stories is what God has called me to in this time and in this

place. I may have been clueless that the world would turn upside down this year, but He knew it. And He’ll carry me through it. Writing is as much a creative exercise as a time of communion for me. It’s difficult to explain, but because writing requires me to spend time with Him, I come away from it both exhausted and fulfilled.

11. What Bible verses give you comfort and peace? This is so important for life, but I know delving into God’s Word gives us so much, which in turn helps us to become better writers.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

12. As a published author, what advice would you give to beginning writers?

Learn your craft. If you think you’re ready to publish, ask three other published authors/agents/experienced editors, if they agree. The biggest mistake I see authors make is indie-publishing before they’re ready.

YouTube link to audio recording of Kathleen reading the first scene from Sing in the Sunlight:

To celebrate her upcoming release of Sing in the Sunlight, book two in her Chaparral Hearts series, Kathleen is offering a giveaway. One winner will receive:

· 1 signed, print copy of Waltz in the Wilderness (Chaparral Hearts book 1)

· 1 bookmark made and signed by Kathleen Denly

· 1 Chaparral Hearts pen

Open to U.S. winners, void where prohibited. Entries open until midnight on (seventh day after this post goes live). Winner will be announced on Kathleen’s Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram accounts and must contact Kathleen with your mailing address within seven days of announcement.

Enter here:

Book Giveaway