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 Oddly enough, this is a genre that a lot of my (unpublished) stories that I have written over the years ended up being set in.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

 

Author Interview with Samantha Seidel

 Today I'm thrilled to share a recent interview I did with 

YA Fantasy and Sci-fi Author, Samantha Seidel.

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

The challenge to find something interesting. Most of my work features explosions, sword fights, harrowing journeys, and the like. Romance and drama aren’t my usual genres, but I’ve learned a lot of important lessons from diving into them. My greatest lesson was the importance and fun of developing caste systems, politics, and the drama between all of it, which is something I avoided writing. Now I can dive into a couple of book ideas with some experience in my pocket.

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

This is as difficult as picking a favorite author. I’ll go with J. R. R. Tolkien; I’ve gained a greater appreciation for the effort he put into writing the Lord of the Rings when it comes to world building. I have a fantasy novel I’ve been working on for years and was recently inspired by him to add language barriers and significant cultural differences within people groups. I’d love to pick his brain about world building… or perhaps borrow his brain.

I have to agree, learning world building from Tolkien would be an unforgettable experience.

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

Pinterest. I have a board just for inspiration filled with forests and cottages and cobblestone streets. Also the world around me, especially nature. I’ll drive back roads and be inspired by how the trees are stacked against each other and the way the water glistens in the afternoon light. Hence why most of my stories aren’t in cities; they’re just so boring.

I love using Pinterest as a repository for ideas! And back roads are the best especially this time of year.

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

Richard Grayson, aka Nightwing… you said anyone.

Hear me out: he’s the son of a bajillionaire, could do anything with his life, and he spends his nights getting battered by villains with superhuman abilities. All for the sake of protecting people. That’s a level of selflessness and honorability that’s mind-boggling. I’ll transport myself into a comic book and buy him a buffet just to find out how he ticks.

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

The unabridged Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Unabridged is vital; the abridged removes entire chapters and plot points, throwing off part of the revenge scheme.

Count of Monte Cristo is well-woven when it comes to connecting dots and building tension. And unlike many stories today where revenge doesn’t change the person, Count of Monte Cristo reveals the true risk of vengeance and how it steals your soul in the process.

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

Prince Percival. I don’t know why, but my male characters tend to be my favorites.

Looking at all the characters I’ve created over the years, Percival’s loyalty and compassion are unmatched. He’s the main reason I decided to try retelling The Goose Girl. His banter with Princess Analise and tension with his older brother are some of my favorite moments to read… and were my favorite moments to write.

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

I can name two, one behind the scenes and one you may write off.

The first is actually the title, “Princess of Mine.” Originally I’d intended to start the story with a poem that Analise’s father would sing to her: “Princess of mine, finer than wine…” I’m not a poet though and it made more sense to start with Percival’s POV, so the whole idea was scrapped (if you subscribe to my email newsletter before January 2026, you can read the poem and original first chapter). An inkling of this remains in the final line of the book and is my secret pleasure: Analise was loved deeply by her father and has now met a man who loves her just as deeply.

The second is a line of dialogue from Percival: “With or without title, a life is a life.” This went through several variations but is the intended theme of the story, that everyone has a purpose and value whether they recognize it or not. I feel like it got lost in the later parts of the story, but this is the heart behind why I chose The Goose Girl and wrote every line the way I did. If only one person is encouraged by this hidden message, then it was worth the work.

Thank you, Samantha, for taking time out of your schedule and giving us glimpse of you and your writing.

More about Samantha:

Samantha Seidel devotes her time to discovering unique vocabulary, designing whimsical websites, and writing thought-provoking fantasies. While she works to get her first book published, she spends her time writing stories that explore complex characters and intriguing plots. Samantha can’t say no to a good book and gets inspired by the world around her. There’s a new experience around every corner if you look with an open mind.

You can find Samantha online at:

• Blog: https://samanthatypes.com 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthatypes/ 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samanthatypes 

• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/samanthatypes/ 

• GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/52012559.Samantha_Seidel 

• Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/samantha-seidel-srsinkfeather

Author Interview with Megan Charlie

Today I'm pleased to welcome author Megan Charlie to share a few thoughts with us.

1) Who is your favorite comfort read author?

My favorite comfort read author is either K.M. Shea or W.R. Gingell. It just depends on what flavor of comfort I need. Kitty’s books cover fairy tale retellings, urban fantasy, and original fantasy, so I can pretty much always find something to fit the bill. Wendee’s books also have a good spread and when I need something a bit more offbeat or a little grittier, she’s my gal. I have read everything from both those authors at least three times. Some of the books have been read ten or more times. (Melanie Cellier is a very close third!)

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

So far, my writing all falls under the fantasy heading, whether it’s retellings, romantasy, cozy, or a mix. My favorite part of writing fantasy might be the utter lack of concern for “real life”. When creating a story set in a unique world of my own devising, I don’t need to worry about how current events would affect my characters or if the slang I use or technology I reference is going to be obsolete and confusing to readers in a few short years. My focus can be purely on worldbuilding and character development. And dragons, of course.

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

Settings are an important aspect of storytelling. But that doesn’t mean I can explain how I develop them! My process seems pretty straightforward to me. My characters need to have specific things happen to or around them, so I stare into space until an appropriate environment takes shape in my head. Sometimes a particularly interesting location or photograph will inspire me to write something that will fit there, but that’s kind of rare.

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

If and when someone asks me for an author recommendation, I check what genres they read, then overload them with several options. The following is a list of the first authors to come to mind for each genre. I’m sure several of my favorites have been accidentally omitted because I love so many.

Fairy tale retellings: K.M. Shea; Melanie Cellier; Deborah Grace White; W.R. Gingell

General fantasy: K.M. Shea; Patricia C. Wrede; David Eddings; Megan Whalen Turner; Kate Stradling; W.R. Gingell

“Younger than Adult” fantasy: John Flanagan; Brandon Mull; Eoin Colfer; Shannon Messenger

Historic fiction (with or without magic): K.M. Shea; Patricia C. Wrede; Sarah M. Eden; Jane Austen; Georgette Heyer

Rom Com: Melanie Jacobson; Jennifer Peel

Mystery: Elizabeth Peters; Lillian Braun; Agatha Christie

Urban fantasy: K.M. Shea; W.R. Gingell; Kenley Davidson

Sci-fi: W.R. Gingell; Kaci Linden/Kenley Davidson

5) Who is your favorite character in your book?

My favorite character always seems to be from my current writing project, or the most recent one. Consequently, my current favorite character is Bernie from Dust Cloths and Dumbbells (part of the Evermore anthology).

Bernie is an undermaid serving in the Beast’s castle. Since none of the other curse breaking candidates have been able to save the prince, she takes it upon herself to uncover the solution. Through meticulous recordkeeping! Bernie has notebooks absolutely filled with details about each woman’s attempt to fall in love with the prince. I may or may not have an affinity for notebooks (and I definitely have a pen addiction), so that was fun to include.

Sweet Bernie is also fairly oblivious during social interactions. It was soothing to write her into a found family situation where the tight knit castle staff make allowances for her quirks and honestly enjoy her company.

Megan recently released a story in one of the Fairy Tale Frenzy series collections. 

Her newest story, "Dust Clothes and Dumbbells," can be found in Evermore. 

The link to purchase the book on Amazon is http://amazon.com/Evermore-Collection-Fantasy-Retellings-Frenzy-ebook/dp/B0F78NBPXR/

You can find Megan Charlie online at the following links:
Website: https://www.megancharlieauthor.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/megancharlie86
Facebook reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099075884487810
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megancharlieauthor/

Author Interview with Brianna Campbell

 Today, I'm featuring author Brianna Campbell. Thank you for joining me as we get to know more about this newish author.

1) Who is your favorite comfort read author? 

Allison Tebo, her fantasy retellings are so sweet and fun. Very light, comforting, family-friendly reads. Definitely my go-to for that kind of read. 

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

I am/will be a multi-genre author. However, I generally write stories led by social issues and emotions, which could make most of my writing literary fiction (but I've never read enough to understand it as a genre lol, but I've been told my stories sound like literary fiction and that focusing on social issues and emotion more so than plot is a large part of it) 

I most specifically enjoy simply writing any story that allows me to understand people more. I love the opportunity to write in whatever genre my imagination gravitates to at the time, through stories that let me explore the world through someone else's perspective. I like grappling with how their beliefs influence them, how their struggles may end up mirroring my own, but from such different roots, and how the truth changes people. I love to go through the whole ride of emotions and come out loving more and growing in grace toward people. 

My published book, Moments Late, I generally say is contemporary (ish...it starts over 30 yrs ago...), and my WIP to be published October 2026 is non-magical fantasy. 

I enjoyed writing Moments Late in a normal modern setting, as it made it familiar and easy to navigate the world while I explored many heavy and difficult topics. The truth was simple to implement as it is the truth that already exists in our world. As I write my current WIP, though, I have to explore how this other world works and how God may reveal Himself in this fantasy realm, and what truth this world highlights and how the setting and atmosphere can affect that theme, which are things I didn't consider as much with my contemporary book. 

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

In Moments Late, it wasn't given as much thought as my current WIP. Most of it just takes place in each characters' home, with a few outings where I just went with the first thought that fit. Most of the homes are roughly modeled after different houses I lived in throughout my childhood which I didn't even notice till I was done writing lol. 

For my WIP, I knew from the start I wanted to pay more attention to setting, especially with it being non-magical fantasy, the world itself has to have something about it that sets it apart. I knew I loved flowers and generally wanted a landscape filled with life. I saw a picture of a glowing flower on Pinterest, and that started my worldbuilding inspiration. A world where, at night, instead of stars, the fauna and wildlife glow. I wanted it to be part of the rhythm of my world, where this light comes after a period of total darkness that draws people into prayer and rest as they await the light. Then I had to consider if they get light from plants, how might they use that to naturally illuminate their homes rather than use fire (they still use fire for cooking and when necessary, but it's far from a preferred means) so it influenced the way I designed their homes—hobbit like, built into the landscape, and inside the roots are trained into patterns, around or between the stonework and other plants may be planted inside, skylights and windows for daytime illumination, with lots of flowers at the sill. It's been very fun to design.

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

I have way too many favorite authors...but I'll go with Brian McBride. I love his books. His contemporary works specifically, Every Bright and Broken Thing and Song and the Sea and Everything in Between, helped shape how I handled difficult topics in my own works. 

5) Who is your favorite character in your book? 

That is so hard...cause there are a LOT of characters in Moments Late (being a series of short stories and all lol) and I love them all... but I especially loved writing the characters that grew up throughout the series. There's a few kids that appear and have their own stories. Kathie first appears at 5 years old in her father's story, and she is so sweet. She has her own story when she is 15, and appears in the background of at least one other story in the series as an adult. There's just something more moving about seeing how much one story impacts the other, and loving her through every moment of it, rather than just the moment of her own struggles, and how her life and choices go on to change others. Michael and Milli were also a lot of fun, their banter as kids is adorable, and is part of my favorite scene in the entire series. 

In my WIP, though, it is Deklan. The main character. Who, for the first through drafts, I struggled so much to understand and was really frustrated with, but as he has begun to come to life, and I finally understand what he wants and fears and believes, he makes for a very fascinating combination. He is so kind and gentle, yet fierce. He fights for what he believes, even if that belief seems to destroy him. He has strong ideals, specifically about marriage, which is also one of his greatest fears. He wants nothing to do with it...because of what he believes. At first glance you would wonder, why wouldn't he want to pursue those things if thats what he believes? But as I understood his true fear: that he is incapable of living in the way he believes and that God will reject him when he fails, it makes sense why he would try to run as far away as he can from the idea...and yet when pushed into it, he tries so, so hard to do it right (and constantly finds himself broken by his own inability to live up to it...in his own strength.) 

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

A lot of Moments Late is caught up in the small moments that change everything. It hinges on what appears to be tragedy. And in most cases...none of the series could exist if just one small detail changed. It's hard to actually list any of them cause most would be spoilers lol Their actions tend to have multiple generations of impact. 

So I don't think there is a specific line or scene in Moments Late that in and of itself changed everything (Though I suppose the central story "Before my Eyes" is the story that without it, the second half of the series wouldn't make as much sense. It is what poses the question, and ushers in the second half of the stories.) 

But, there was one significant thing that caused the whole chain of stories in Moments Late to come to life, and it would have been...very, very different without it. Moments Late started with a short story called Dandelion. Dandelion is a tragedy I initially was required to write for a high school literature class. So many people loved that story. But I hated it...cause it was tragic. I loved Clay, and I wanted him to have hope, the hope his daughter had, the hope that would be ripped from him before he could even consider it. 
Then I was told by a friend (now my husband lol), "You're the author, write a different ending." 

So I did. And as I wrote it, other characters that appeared in the story started whispering their own.

And that is how all of Moments Late tumbled into being.

We almost had a single hopeless story...now it is 17 stories all intertwined to tell one truth: there is always hope. Even if it isn't the way we expect it. Even if it doesn't take away the pain or struggle. Even if nothing is changed and the world remains broken...there is a hope stronger than all of that. 

7) What one question would you like to be asked, and how would you answer it?  What is a moment in your writing journey that has been impactful? (or something like that idk how to word it? lol)

I'm not the type of writer that adheres to the old saying about writing, "Write what you know." I tend to believe more so, "Write what you are willing to take the time to understand." this often takes me places that are uncomfortable and frustrating at times. 

While writing Moments Late, many of the stories pushed me to learn a lot. But A Future of Lost Lullabies, was especially challenging. Each draft I wrote, I struggled to understand the characters (who had two very different personalities from my own) and to rightly capture the issue they were struggling with. Each time I finished a draft, I prayed for permission to skip the story. I had so many other stories in Moments Late. I didn't need this one. It was very far outside my sphere of knowledge (I didn't have any relatives who struggled with this, and I was unmarried at the time I was writing it. Many people kept saying, why write that? just wait till you're older, and I very much wanted to agree with them.) but every. single. time. God said keep going. In very obvious ways. 

First time I tried to give up, and prayed that He would let me lay it aside for now, all my friends spontaneously started telling me and sharing on social media about their struggles with miscarriage or infant loss. So I drafted again with this new knowledge...and asked again to just let the story go. Then it was National Miscarriage Awareness Month. I drafted again...and was still stuck, so I again prayed to just let me put the story on hold. Then I very randomly stumbled across all these different websites that explained how certain personalities worked together and showed the dynamics of my couple, and just...made them finally make sense...so I drafted again. Things started to actually add up and make sense. And I kept going and getting feedback, until it is now probably my favorite story in the series. If I'd given up on them, the series would be so different. If they didn't exist. One character would have died, and if he died he wouldn't have spoken the truth that another character needed to live. There wouldn't have been help for a different character...and as a result one character would remain in a terrible situation, and another character wouldn't exist and wouldn't impact the two characters she impacts. All the stories intertwine. Even if small. And their story probably has one of the largest ripple effects on the series, affecting nearly every story. And I wanted to give up on it. 

Writing has frequently pushed me to rely more on God, and trust His lead. To grapple with my own beliefs and lies, and go outside of my comfort, and rely on His understanding and faithfulness to bring each thing into completion. Even in things I do understand...there's so much I don't know. Small things can make a situation so different from my own experiences. Even now, as I write my current story, I have to grapple again with the feelings of being incapable of expressing the heart and meaning of this story. I sometimes want to give up on it. But I know that this story is the one I am supposed to be writing right now. Just like I knew it with Lullabies and the rest of Moments Late. Even if I don't understand yet, I know that God will provide the tools and wisdom needed to write the story with the grace and truth and love that it deserves, and make it into something beautiful. 


Thanks for allowing us a chance to get to know you, Brianna.

Thanks for the interview opportunity! 

About the Author:

Brianna Lynn Campbell is an author and artist with a heart that is easily broken by the world around her. Brianna finds she cannot shy away from subjects that are painful and often ignored. Like many, she has wondered how there can be hope when evil and pain run rampant, and she strives to face this darkness with truth.

Brianna lives in Arizona with her husband, Scott Campbell. She enjoys playing board games and cards with her husband and siblings.

Follow her on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BHC22SQR/?ccs_id=30e52d41-4f1c-44a7-8f2a-6f4853b0e77f

Interview with Author Connilyn Cossette

 Enjoy this short Q and A with Connilyn Cossette author of the upcoming Splendor of the Land.

1) As a biblical fiction author, how do you approach filling in historical gaps while staying true to Scripture? 

 My goal is always to lay down a foundation of the biblical narrative before I begin my plotting and then to weave my stories around that skeleton in a way that keeps the historical facts at the center while using the “blank spaces” in the Word to imagine “what if . . . ?” when it comes to what the witnesses of the stories in the Bible might have experienced. There are a lot of gaps in the historical record, especially when it comes to the everyday lives of those who lived during the biblical period, since so much of the organic evidence has disappeared over time. But I do my best to dig deep into the archeological record, align that with what I know about the Late Bronze/Early Iron ages with Scripture, and then let my imagination fill in the missing pieces. 

2) Tell us about your research process for accurately depicting ancient metalworking and goldsmithing.

 

  Honestly, I am the least organized when it comes to my research. I really just love to follow my curiosity, and since I discovered that the Kenites in the Bible were known to be metalworkers, this led me to seek out where the majority of mining took place in the land of Israel and surrounding areas, which in turn led me to Punon, or what is now known as Wadi Feynan. There is evidence of copper mining for thousands of years in this place, so it was the perfect setting for Zahava’s family. I also learned about the ancient art of lost-wax casting, which is a complicated method of creating wax patterns for molding metal, and I watched lots of videos of how this method was achieved with simple tools. The internet is a wealth of information, so I usually just follow whatever rabbit trail pops up along the way and let my curiosity lead me along.

3) Your books often explore the intersection of faith and craft. How does this theme develop in Splendor of the Land?

 As a creative myself, I am drawn to stories that highlight the rich tapestry of ancient craftsmanship and how artisans find deeper purpose in their creative work, whether through developing perfumes, crafting stories, or molding and shaping metalwork. Since I believe that all creativity is a reflection of Yahweh’s own imagination in us, I enjoy exploring different ways my characters can learn about His nature through their own creative talents and experience His presence more fully. My hope is that readers will be inspired to value their own capacity for creativity in whatever avenue they’ve been gifted and use those talents to bless others and worship the Creator.

4) What are you working on next?

 I am juggling two projects at the moment. I am working on another prequel novella, The Hidden Warrior, which will be available for free for those who preorder Splendor of the Land. This novella will revisit the king’s men long before they run off to fight for King Saul. I am also just beginning work on book four of the KING’S MEN series. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I am excited to explore a different setting, meet new characters, and maybe give my faithful readers a few answers to the mystery surrounding a certain lost cousin.

About the Book:

Splendor of the Land by Connilyn Cossette is releasing on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025.

It is currently available to preorder from Baker Book House at the following link: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/618518

There is also a Goodreads giveaway of 10 paperback copies from July 5 to August 4, 2025, for U.S. readers. Enter here → https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/410214-splendor-of-the-land

Gavriel, a soldier in the elite company of Yonatan--son of King Saul--dreams of forging his destiny through crafting weapons with his own hands. Despite earning his place among Israel's finest, he is haunted by a dark past that no distraction can dispel. When his reckless behavior crosses a line, Yonatan gives him one last mission to prove his worth: help persuade a distant Kenite tribe to sever their ties with the Amalekites.

Zahava, a gifted goldsmith hidden behind her father's legacy, lives in the shadows due to her physical affliction. Her unmatched and unrecognized talent is a closely guarded secret within her family. Disheartened by a future that seems unattainable, she resigns herself to a life of obscurity. However, when Gavriel arrives in her village, they're tangled together in ways neither could have imagined. As they navigate unforeseen dangers and enemy threats, Gavriel must confront his past and either bend his knee to the One True King or lose the woman he loves forever.

Set against the backdrop of ancient Israel, this exhilarating Old Testament-era tale is threaded with themes of redemption, courage, and sacrifice. This Iron Age story will appeal to readers of biblical fiction, Francine Rivers, Tessa Afshar, and Angela Hunt.

Interview with Jessica A Tanner

Today, I am sharing a fun interview with Jessica A. Turner, the author of the recently released Peaflower. 

Jessica, thank you for taking the time to give us a glimpse into you and your writing.

1) Who is your favorite comfort read author?

Hmm. Clive Cussler. He’s not a fantasy author – more an adventure one. I really like his Isaac Bell adventures—solving crimes, catching bad guys, traveling the US or the world during the 1920s, ‘30s, and ‘40s.


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

The genre I am writing in allows me to take old ideas and turn them on their heads. To help people see life from a new perspective. To sprinkle a little magic on the everyday. To inspire. And maybe share a laugh or two!


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

I’d like one more sit-down session with my friend and mentor, Linda Farmer Harris. She wrote many stories—one of my favorites is a novella, The Lye Water Bride, in The California Gold Rush: Romance Collection from Barbour Publishing. And she wrote with heart—drawing readers into a memorable tale while sharing her faith.



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

I just start writing and let the world unfurl as the characters interacts with it. Once I have the basic idea, I fill in a few details so readers can better get a feel of what I see in my imagination.


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

I’d like to share a cup or two of hot cocoa with my grandparents. It was super fun when we’d make up mugs of hot cocoa and squirt whip cream on each other’s cups. I miss them.



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

I have more than one. Jaime Jo Wright—her time split novels keep me turning the pages and her ability to describe a scene or a mood is stellar, but sometimes they feel a bit dark even though I know the light will win. Clive Cussler—especially his Isaac Bell adventures. Debbie Macomber—her stories featuring the angels and their antics around Christmas time are heartwarming and hilarious!


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

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackey.


8) Who is your favorite character in your book?

Depends on which book. With Sonji, it’s Sonji. With Peaflower, it’s Princess Marion’s pet rat Cleevy.


9) Should I read Peaflower in conjunction with any of your other books, or is it a standalone title?

Peaflower is a standalone. I’m hoping to tell a few more stories in the same story world, but plan for them too to be standalones.


10) What did you most enjoy when writing Peaflower?

Cleevy’s opinion on everything and everybody.


11) Is there a specific line or scene from Peaflower that you feel directed the story in a specific direction? If it had not been in the story, would everything have changed?

This may sound silly—but if Prince Rupert hadn’t thrown Princess Marion into a pond when they were kids, it could have changed the story. She needed to be able to be mad at someone, EVEN if that someone wasn’t the real root of her current troubles.


12) Did you learn anything about peaflowers while writing this book?

I did. Peaflowers often stand for delicate beauty.



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

Here’s the question: So many of your reading suggestions and favorite authors are not part of the fantasy or fairytale genre or even YA fiction, how did you get into writing what you do?

And here is the answer: I enjoyed fantasy and fairytales as a kid, but what I found in the YA department turned me off. I jumped into the adult section, but those genres for adults often took dark turns that scared me. I wanted something that gave me the feels of a middle-grade fantasy, but starred people my own age—people who weren’t sucked into evil or caught up in some sort of love triangle. I wanted adventure and healthy relationships (not just romantic ones!) and good triumphing over evil. So, I started writing it.

Again, thank you, Jessica, for allowing us a glimpse into your book life!


About the Book:

Her kingdom is under attack. His brother is her betrothed.

Princess Marion Thornhill and her lady-in-waiting Emma flee their kingdom of Brecker with the hope of reaching the princess’s betrothed and garnering help against attacking forces. But along the way, Emma reveals her true loyalties. Left stranded in the woods during a spring storm, Marion crosses paths with her betrothed’s brother Rupert, a prince cursed by an angered fairy. Rupert helps Marion - but can they get help for Brecker before it’s too late? And what about their entangled hearts?

Spring has sprung with these seven swoony-sweet retellings. Each novella finds its happily ever after amidst themes of rebirth, hope, and new life. Each book is fully independent, and they can be read in any order. Peaflower is a retelling of The Princess and the Pea featuring tropes such as an evil lady-in-waiting and a princess with an animal sidekick.

Check out my review of Peaflower at the following link: https://bloomingwithbooks.blogspot.com/2025/05/peaflower-review.html