Once Upon a Pen Book Awards 2025

 

The Once Upon a Pen Fairy Tale Book Awards celebrate the best in fairy tale, myth, legend, and classic literature retellings, published in 2025.

This is a reader’s choice award, where books are nominated and voted on by readers.

Books are eligible for several categories, including Best Book of the Year, and must meet  specific content guidelines to ensure suitability for a wide audience, including teens.

Learn more and vote at https://fairytaleauthors.com/awards

Now if you are inclined to nominate Golden Lotus, I won't object. But there were so many great books published this year, so be sure to nominate your favorites before December 31, 2025!

The Mistress of Wyndham Hall ~ Review

The Mistress of Wyndham Hall

The Widows of Lavender Cottage #3

By Jen Geigle Johnson

Eliza Tyndale is enjoying the unexpected freedom that widowhood has afforded her. Unfortunately, her sisters feel she needs to reintroduce herself to society and remarry as soon as possible. But when the Secret Society of Young Widows reaches out to her, Eliza is introduced to a whole new way of looking at marriage. love, and widowhood.

I found Eliza's sisters totally annoying when they decided to help her. They were like a runaway train and weren't about to stop for anyone. Loved how they were worried that others would try to take advantage of her situation. (Hello, sisters dear, have you looked in a mirror recently?) But her sisters really did care about Eliza and her future.

This was another enjoyable and interesting addition to the Widows of Lavender Cottage series. Eliza's steward Julian Brooks encourages her in finding herself and establishing a place that is of her choosing. But he has secrets that he is keeping; secrets that come as a shock to Eliza. And the truth could change everything between them.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

A young widow not looking for love and a man who is not who he seems.

When widow Eliza Tyndale inherits her aunt's Somerset estate, she expects solitude and simple country life. Instead, she finds herself drawn to the charming steward who seems to understand her better than anyone ever has. Julian Brooks is everything she didn't know she wanted—intelligent, compassionate, and unafraid of her independence.

But Julian is harboring a secret that could change everything between them. As their friendship deepens into something more meaningful, Eliza begins to suspect there's more to the quiet steward than meets the eye. When the truth finally emerges at a public assembly, she feels betrayed by the man she thought she knew.

Fleeing to the sanctuary of Lavender Cottage and the Secret Society of Young Widows, Eliza must decide whether love is worth the risk of trusting again. Can she forgive the deception that brought them together, or will Julian's secret destroy any chance of a future?

As Christmas approaches and the local foundling home needs their help, Eliza and Julian are thrown together in service to others. Working side by side, they rediscover the connection that drew them together—but can they build a future when trust has been shattered?

In this charming tale of second chances and chosen family, one woman must learn that sometimes the greatest risk is opening your heart to love again.

Interview with author Heather Flynn

 Today, I'm thrilled to share a recent interview I had with author Heather Flynn.

1) Who is your favorite comfort read author?

Oh, that's a really good question! My favorite comfort read author... my mind immediately went to Melanie Dickerson. I especially love her historical set fairytale retellings. Those books are always ones that tend to get me out of a reading slump and take my mind on a wonderful adventure! A few other authors that are go-to ones for me would have to be Robin Jones Gunn and Melody Carlson, because those were the first two Christian authors that I came across after I became a Christian in high school. I'm going to stop myself before I keep naming more names.

I love Melanie Dickerson's books, but I know the feeling, there are so many great authors, I could go on-and-on too. 

2) What do you most like about this genre that you are writing in? 

My most current story, a novella titled Beauty in the Shadows (featured in Evermore from Beyond the Bookery), is a fantasy, specifically leaning towards what I would consider a "kingdom fantasy". Oddly enough, this is a genre that a lot of my (unpublished) stories that I have written over the years ended up being set in. Currently, I have short stories published in a contemporary small town setting, with several historical projects in the works behind the scenes, but fantasy seems to be a comfort spot for me that I can really lose myself in.

I think that what I like most about this genre is that in a fantasy setting, it's very much "what you say goes" as the author. It is literally your world to create and make it how you want it to be. I enjoyed creating the kingdom of Enulmoor in this story, as well as mentioning the neighboring lands. I even at one point started playing around with creating a map for this area, which is probably something I just try to get back to, because it was a lot of fun. So to summarize, I suppose that what I like most about this genre that I'm currently writing in is that I enjoy bringing a whole new world into existence, and that I get to share this with readers.

I love that creating a new world and sharing it is what you enjoy about fantasy. 

3) Who, past or present, is one author you would like to mentor you? 

If I go for my gut response, I would have to say C.S. Lewis. I was given a copy of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe at a young age by a friend of my mom's and I immediately fell in love with it. I believe he has inspired my dream to write and what has led to fantasy being a comfort spot for me in writing.

I love C.S. Lewis's writing. His writing definitely opens a new world to readers. 

4) How do you develop your setting (a photo, a trip, a random comment)? 

For me, this really seems to vary from story to story. Sometimes I'm inspired by a photo, and others it could be anything. I've had all sorts of "story sparks" while at work, because my day job allows me to see the stories of a lot of interesting people.

5) If you could share a cup of tea (or coffee) with anyone, who would it be? 

I'd love the chance to share a cup of tea or coffee with some of the friends I've made along the way in my author journey. There are so many lovely people that I wouldn't have met if it hadn't been for writing and taking a chance on my words. I'm so pleased that I did, because I've made some truly remarkable friendships along the way. So long story, a bit shorter, I would love to settle in for a cup of tea or coffee with my writer friends.

 

6) Do you have a favorite author that you would recommend? 

A go-to for me for a lot of years has been Melanie Dickerson, I love her historically set fairytale retellings. However, I have so many favorites that I don't know that I could possibly choose just one, but I'm currently enjoying listening to some of Rebekah Morris' stories on Audible (as I get the chance). A lot of these are short and very entertaining reads that make for a nice little wind-down treat.

 

7) What one book would you recommend that everyone read? 

The Bible! Truly it is a book filled with all manner of stories, all that can help guide us in all that we say and do.

 8) Who is your favorite character in your book/story?

The answer that I want to give regarding my favorite character in this book/story is ALL of them. *glances at Tiburon* Well, almost all of them. However, if I have to choose one favorite it would probably have to be Lewis. Throughout the writing process I continued to find myself just adoring this character, and what he said and did (even though I was writing him lol). I felt very much like a proud momma hen sitting upon my nest watching my offspring encounter the world!

9) Is there a specific line or scene from Beauty in the Shadows that you feel directed the entire story in a specific direction? That is, if it were not in the story, everything would have changed?

My mind is whirling through the story thinking about the best way to answer this question. I feel like a very pivotal scene takes place with Lewis and Jacaranda in the garden. It's a big moment, which I won't spoil, but it really impacts the future direction of the story in a lot of ways for both characters! Ooh, and the library scene directly after! Afterall, it's a Beauty and the Beast retelling, I had to have a library scene of some sort.

 10) What one question would you like to be asked, and how would you answer it?

Would you mind if I shared two questions?

No, that would be fine. 

Do your stories ever surprise you in the direction they take?

Absolutely! I feel like each of my stories at some point in time takes on a life of its own, and I feel as if I'm just along for the ride. In Embracing Joy, for instance, I had a pretty good idea for how the story would go. However, as I continued writing the story there was almost a still whisper inside me that said we needed to do something different than what I originally had planned.

What do you hope readers feel after finishing your work?

I hope that readers go away feeling as if I have given them something, whether that be a smile, a new perspective on something, or even a few tears shed. Whatever it might be, I want my stories to have an impact on people's hearts and in their lives.

Thank you, Heather, for taking time to give us a chance to get to know you!

You can find Heather's books on Amazon Heather Flynn on Amazon

Connect with Heather via her website https://heatherflynnauthor.weebly.com/

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heather_flynn_author/

On Facebeook https://www.facebook.com Heather Flynn author

 

Abducted in the Woods ~ Review with IG Giveaway

Abducted in the Woods

Forest Ranger Rescuers #2
By Kerry Johnson
Published by Harlequin/Love Inspired

Sarah Brindley thought she was safe. But the men who killed her husband have found her and her seven-year-old son. But why these men are so intent on finding her is beyond her understanding. 

Now she her only hope of rescuing her son lies with the help of her brother-in-law and his K-9 partner. But when she discovers the secrets her husband held, she knows that the men after her won't be satisfied until she is permanently silenced. This Christmas season is anything but jolly!

Abducted in the Woods jumps right into the action from the beginning. As the story unfolds, secrets are slowly unveiled and they don't paint Sarah's just murdered husband in a good light. This is a story of forgiveness, redemption, and second chances. And for kitty lovers there is a cat in addition to the dogs.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Pursued by criminals—with a child’s life on the line.

Just when Sarah Brindley believes she and her son, Liam, are safe from the men who murdered her husband, they are attacked—and Liam is taken. Her only hope is to team up with her brother-in-law, forest ranger Tucker Brindley, to uncover who is targeting her family. When they discover her late husband’s ties to an underground medical black-market ring, it’s clear the trail of danger runs deeper than they realized. With assaults on them ramping up, they must race against the clock to recover young Liam…before they become the next victims.

Be sure to enter the Instagram Giveaway - You must go to Instagram to enter!

To enter the giveaway go to the following link https://www.instagram.com/p/DRye54TCsVU/

⇒ Giveaway – (1) winner will receive a $30 Amazon gift card!

⇒ VISIT each hosted post of this tour for more entries. Schedule at @justreadtours. (US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Instagram is not affiliated with nor responsible for this giveaway. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on December 10, 2025.)

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Links –

https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335957436_abducted-in-the-woods.html

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228126590-abducted-in-the-woods 

Whoops! I forgot to end my Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale

 

You have one more day to enjoy the $0.99 Sale on 

Golden Lotus and Arabella's Song!

It's my Giving Tuesday gift to you. 

Save $3.00 off the price of the eBook on Amazon.

Purchase Link for Arabella's Song 

Purchase Link for Golden Lotus

Happy Thanksgiving

 Wish all a lovely Thanksgiving Day!

I'm thankful for a day spent with family.

That I made it home safely after yesterday's snow and ice.

And books.

Black Friday Book Deals are coming

Five of my books on Amazon will be on sale or free for
Black Friday and Cyber Monday!

True Love's Wish & Other Short Stories will be $0.99

Golden Lotus will be $0.99

Arabella's Song will be $0.99

Tales of Wonder & Delight will be $0.00

Gossamers and Wisps will be $0.00

Find more Black Friday sales at the following link Black Friday Book Sale  

sales will run through Cyber Monday!

Cover Reveal for Michelle Emmanuelli's Of Might and Mettle

 Get ready for Of Might and Mettle, book one in the Toymaker's Chronicles!

• A tin ballerina 

• A brass soldier 

• A porcelain princess 

What defines you: what you're made of or who you are?

Will you look beyond what is easily seen?

Preorder now and discover the truth!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXT3Y6G2 

Coming August 2026...

Out of Time ~ Review

Out of Time

Undaunted Courage #3

By Irene Hannon

Cara Tucker has the opportunity of a lifetime: to study a dying language with one of its last speakers. Natalie Boyer has journals from her late great aunt Marie describing life in the Old Mines community. But there is a mystery surrounding Marie's death that Natalie hopes going through the old journals might shed some light on the nearly hundred-year-old mystery.

But as Cara and Natalie work together, oddities begin occurring on the Boyer estate. Are they just a coincidence or something darker? Sheriff Brad Mitchell doesn't believe in coincidences, but with little evidence that anything else is happening, there isn't much he can do. And the body found could have been a tragic accident... 

Out of Time really grabbed my attention. It was so hard to know who the true villian was. There were several possible suspects, and oh my, the slow reveal was well worth the reading. The suspense was at the perfect level of intrigue, but not over the top. The following statement came to mind as I read: "Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive." The motivation behind the evil deeds is just so sad, and secrets and hidden truths were at the heart of it all. My thought at the end was, "What if so-and-so had just explained and asked for what they needed instead?" This was an excellent look at the human heart and its motivations. Excellent reading.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

A century-old mystery, a hidden treasure, 

and an isolated estate where danger lurks in every shadow.

For historical anthropologist Cara Tucker, the chance to spend a sabbatical semester on a remote country estate--with full access to its vast library and century-old journals--is a dream come true . . . until a series of strange incidents begins to turn her dream into a nightmare. Someone, it seems, does not want anyone diving into the past and unearthing old ghosts.

Sheriff Brad Mitchell has seen his share of suspicious activities during his law enforcement career, but what's happening at the isolated estate is out-of-pattern in his quiet, rural Missouri county. Beset by danger, Cara and Brad work together to try to untangle the clues.

But when the peril turns lethal, the situation takes on a new urgency, and their mission is clear: Find out who is behind the string of menacing incidents before the perpetrator strikes another deadly blow.  

The Queen of Romantic Suspense presents another page-turning, clean thriller in her Undaunted Courage series. Fans of Colleen Coble, Patricia Bradley, and Terri Blackstock will find this shadowy tale electrifying.

And the Mountains in Reply ~ Review

And the Mountains in Reply

The Carols of Christmas

By Sienna Peake

Sarah Gibson is about to become Prescott, Arizona's first teacher. She left behind the life of luxury she was used to living in Philadelphia. Here she's determined that all children will be able to attend her school, and with the help of local carpenter Elijah Phelps she extends the invitation to the children some deem unfit for school.  

Elijah isn't the most sociable of men, nope he has scars both visible and of the soul. For him, his work in Prescott is a temporary stop on his way further west. Helping Sarah with various school related tasks gives him a glimpse into what could be, but he knows if she learns the truth about his past, she'll turn her back on him.

And the Mountains in Reply is a story of grace, second chances, and seeing worth in others. A lovely and sweet romance, perfect for teens and older who want a clean read.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.  

About the Book:

The music of Christmas mends hearts in frontier Arizona

When Sarah Gibson arrives in Arizona, she has nothing to her name but the clothes on her back and a set of lesson plans to start her life as Prescott's first teacher. From the start, complications arise, and they all seem to bring her in contact with the same taciturn carpenter: Elijah Phelps. When Sarah's school plans begin to fall apart, she'll need to work with Elijah to prepare a Christmas concert powerful enough to bring the town together and maybe the two of them as well.

And the Mountains in Reply is a stand-alone novella in the Carols of Christmas series of Christian romances inspired by classic Christmas hymns.

His Boss's Little Sister ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for His Boss's Little Sister 

by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

His Boss's Little Sister 
Apron Strings Tea Tales 

By Danielle Grandinetti

When Kyle Docherty left Crow's Nest, Wisconsin, behind, he did so without saying goodbye to Samantha Martens. Sam's heart was bruised by Kyle's departure. But when Kyle didn't return home, Sam was left as the odd Marten out as her brothers found love, 

Determined to not be an additional burden on her brothers, Sam finds a job and lodging elsewhere. But when an illegal substance is found in the Teahouse where she works, Sam wants to find out where the margarine came from. Is someone cutting costs? Or targeting the German Tea House? 

When Kyle walks back into her life, they work together to find answers and to decide if they have a future together.

This was a quick and easy read and an enjoyable spinoff of the Crow Nest series. I found myself rooting for Sam and Kyle to get a chance at having a second chance. The historical aspects surrounding margarine and the dairy industry in Wisconsin were interesting. Who knew that margarine was smuggled over state lines? I sure didn't. I knew that it was illegal but not the full extent. Fun and enjoyable. 

I was provided a complimentary copy with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

If you are interested in reading Wisconsin's oleomargarine laws, here is a link to the law - 

Wisconsin Legislature: 97.18. 

Yes, this is a thing.

About the Book

Title: His Boss's Little Sister 
Series: Apron Strings Tea Tales 
Author: Danielle Grandinetti 
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press 
Release Date: November 18, 2025 
Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense

Broken hearts, underground smuggling, and a meddling family ... one Wisconsin Teehaus offers a love of more than sweet treats. 

November 1931---Needing a new start, Samantha Martins escapes the happily-ever-afters of her hometown to take a waitressing position at a German Tea House. But all is not as it appears beneath the pretty trappings. When she discovers illegal oleomargarine on the premises, which could shut down the cafe, and thus cost her job, she goes searching for the source. 

Samantha's old beau, Kyle Docherty, returns to Crow's Nest a changed man, both inside and out. An apology burning in his heart, he finds she's left home. However, with trouble on her trail, Samantha's brother hires Kyle to be her bodyguard. But will she even speak to him? And if not, will she at least allow him to protect her, even without the arm he lost in a logging accident? 

When the breadcrumbs lead them into a trap, putting Kyle's life in danger, Samantha faces an impossible choice: listen to Kyle and run for help, or stay a captive and outwit a criminal. If only the ticking bomb were on their side.  

A touch of fairy tale, a spoonful of history, and a teacup of hope. 

His Boss's Little Sister is a stand-alone novella in the Apron Strings Tea Tale multi-author series, and a 1930s historical romance retelling of Hansel and Gretel. 

Fans of the Harbored in Crow’s Nest series will enjoy revisiting familiar characters and discovering the HEA of the hero's little sister from Confessions to a Stranger.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | DanielleGrandinetti.com | Amazon | BookBub

Also Available

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About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti is an award-winning inspirational romance author fueled by tea, books, and the creative beauty of nature. Her stories combine romance, mystery, and suspense against the backdrop of the 1930s to tell the tale of finding home and hope in hard times. With a master’s in communication and culture and a passion for intercultural communication, storytelling has been her heartbeat for as long as she can remember. Married to her hero, Danielle is a second-generation Italian-American, a dairy farmer’s granddaughter, and a boy mom from Chicagoland who now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline.

Connect with Danielle by visiting daniellegrandinetti.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a paperback copy of 

Confessions to a Stranger and Escape with the Prodigal!

Full tour schedule linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight on November 10, 2025, 

and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 17, 2025. 

The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway and given 

48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. 

US only. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

On the Edge of Trust ~ Review

On the Edge of Trust

A Logan Point Novel

By Patricia Bradley

Tori Mitchell has avoided home and her father for years. She can't get past the part he played in her mother's death. But when her teenage nephew finds himself on the wrong side of a murder investigation, Tori returns to Logan Point.

Tori is dedicated to finding justice for those she feels were wrongly charged with a crime and found guilty. Over the years, she's ruffled a few feathers. Now she finds the occasional threat has actually become a reality. In addition to helping her nephew, she will also hide out from the person who seems intent on stopping her current investigation. And if her current investigation leads her back home to Logan Point, so much the better.

What she didn't expect was for danger to follow her home and endanger her family. Nor did she expect to reconnect with Scott Sinclair. With her life in danger, Scott is unofficially asked to help protect her, but with an injury that has him unable to use his right hand, Tori is skeptical of his usefulness. But to keep her family safe she agrees to the plan. 

On the Edge of Trust is a page turning read. Yes, this was a late night/early morning read that had me guessing up until the reveal as to the identity of the guilty party. The old adage about webs of lies leading to problems is so true. Adding to this is Tori's unforgiveness and her belief that people cannot change, which has damaged her relationship with her family. Overall this was an engaging and action-filled book. Reading the previous books in the Logan Point series is not necessary to enjoy this book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own. 

About the Book:

Sometimes the closer you get to justice, 

the deadlier it becomes

When decorated FBI undercover agent Scott Sinclair suffers a gunshot wound in his right arm, the injury threatens his future career in the field. He is determined to regain his former job by training himself to use his left hand, and failure is not an option--especially when he's unofficially pulled into an investigation.

Tori Mitchell is a passionate crime reporter and podcaster who has dedicated her life to seeking justice. Her relentless pursuit of the truth has freed a wrongfully convicted man from prison, making Tori an enemy of the true killer. When her nephew is accused of a different murder, nothing can stop her from getting involved and clearing his name.

Soon after Tori and Scott reconnect on the case, shots are fired, leaving them to wonder which of them has been targeted. As the investigation intensifies, so do the threats and the sparks between them, but Tori's doubtful if she can extend grace and trust to Scott. They'll have to combine their skills and rely on their growing relationship to outsmart the killer.

Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, Elizabeth Goddard, and readers who love faith-based fiction and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, this riveting, clean romantic suspense delivers heart-pounding danger and forced-proximity romance.

About the Author:

Patricia Bradley is the author of multiple romantic suspense novels including the popular Pearl River and Logan Point series. She is the winner of an Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, a Selah Award, and a Daphne du Maurier Award. Bradley was selected as a Carol Award finalist, and three of her books were included in anthologies that debuted on the USA Today bestseller list. She makes her home in Mississippi. 

Learn more at PTBradley.com.

Love in the Castle Library ~ Review

Love in the Castle Library

In the Castle Library #2

By Ann Swindell

This is the second book in the In the Castle Library series, in which a small European country attempts to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of its lost queen. Queen Alma disappeared in the night during World War 1, and no one knows just where she disappeared to. For more than 100 years, the people of Lethersby have felt her abandonment as a personal shame. But with word that she may have made her way to England, there is hope that the truth of her life may finally be known. 

In this search for the answers they seek, the Lethersby research team needs access to British records. But to access them, they need a British researcher on their team. In steps Castle Stewardess Delphine DuVert to find their perfect candidate. For the first time ever, Delphine makes a quick decision; she offers the position to Jack Worthington.

Something about Jack just feels right for this position, and she feels a connection she hasn't had with any of the previous candidates. 

This was a lovely story in which both Jack and Delphine delve into the past with it secrets both for the Lethersby people and their own pasts. I loved how the story unfolded with moments where the answers seemed just within reach and moments where failure seemed imminent. Of course, there has to be a villain, and Max is the perfect cringe-when-he walks-into-the-room character. Nasty doesn't do him justice. But through it all faith plays a vital role as Jack and Delphine navigate the complexities of life, love, and traditions.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Predictability and efficiency have marked Delphine DuVert’s orderly life as Castle Stewardess in the small European country of Lethersby—until she is tasked by the monarchy to hire a British researcher. Lethersby needs help solving the 100-year-old mystery of their Lost Queen, a young royal who disappeared into the night during World War I.

Delphine’s split-second decision to hire Jack Worthington, a doctoral student at the University of Oxford, has long-lasting consequences when he steps in to protect her from an angry colleague determined to ruin her life. The only catch? That protection looks like Jack posing as her beau.

Jack Worthington believes that his instinct to protect Delphine was the right one, but he’s determined to stay focused on his research for Lethersby—and keep his emotional distance after reeling from a broken heart. Yet as the clues to discovering the Lost Queen’s story unravel and the Delphine’s future hangs in the balance, both Jack and Delphine must step out in faith, choosing to trust that what God has ahead for them is worth any risk.

Purchase Links

READ | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Ann Swindell is the owner of Writing with Grace, where she teaches Christ-centered writing courses for women across the globe. She lives in West Michigan with her family and writes for many ministries, including Well-Watered Women, Risen Motherhood, and The Gospel Coalition. She has authored The Path to Peace and Still Waiting, and her first novel, Christmas in the Castle Library, released with WhiteCrown in 2024.

You can connect with her at AnnSwindell.com.

Author Links

Instagram | Facebook | Website