Review: The Unexpected Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray

On July 15, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review4 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-139780800747268

Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Publication Date: 07/07/2026

Series: The Amish Widows Club

Pages:288 pages

Synopsis (from the author’s website)

She finds sisterhood in the Amish Widows Club–but will she risk loving again?

Leanna Mast never imagined she’d be a widow at forty-one, but it seems God had other plans. After mourning her husband for a year, she realizes it’s time to start living again. But her community expects her to remarry, and after living on her own, she’s not eager to start cooking and cleaning in another man’s home.

When she’s invited to join the Amish Widows Club, she discovers a place of belonging she didn’t even know she needed. In this group of women who support each other through sharing books, stories, and companionship, Leanna immediately feels welcome. She’s sure her life as a widow will bring her the fulfillment she craves . . . until handsome, kind Evan Keim comes calling. As their relationship deepens, her heart becomes involved. But how could she possibly leave the widows club for a dream that might be too good to be true?

My Thoughts

The story of sweet Leanna Mast discovering independence and finding her way in a world without her controlling husband was at times heart-wrenching as well as refreshing. After an invitation that is almost clandestine and definitely enticing, Leanna decides to attend a meeting of the Amish Widows Club. There she makes good friends and opens her heart and life to new possibilities that she had never considered before. Shortly after attending her first meeting, though, widower Evan Keim comes to call on her. Treating her with respect and deference, Evan is kind of courting her in the background, seeing needs and meeting them without fanfare or expectation of anything in return. Meanwhile, Leanna is getting more enmeshed in the AWC and enjoying the camaraderie that she has never had before. With gentle spirits and understanding hearts, the other widows accept Leanna just as she is and listen to her, something that is new to her since her husband thought control was the way to treat her instead of with kindness and love. Leanna’s dilemma is obvious, whether to encourage Evan or to continue with the women who have become her confidants and trusted friends. I loved the characters and the way the plot unrolled so methodically, capturing my heart and imagination as I wondered what I would do in the same circumstances. The characters were all believable and relatable and the plot was well-crafted, a delightful tale of finding oneself as well as a satisfying love story. I am so glad that this is the first book in a series because it was totally enjoyable so I am already looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray writes Amish and Inspirational romances for Simon & Schuster, and Kensington, Harlequin, and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing. With over a million books in print, and translated into more than a dozen languages, her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists.

Shelley has been featured in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations. Publishers Weekly calls her Walnut Creek series “A slow-burning, enjoyable romance… Embedded in this quaint story is a poignant message about the importance of community, compassion, and doing what’s right rather than what’s easy.”

Shelley has hosted several well-attended ‘Girlfriend Getaways’ for Amish reading fans. Her most recent Girlfriend Getaway, hosted with bestselling novelists Amy Clipston and Suzanne Woods Fisher in Sugarcreek, Ohio, was filmed by BuzzFeed and highlighted on NetFlix’s Follow This episode on the popularity of Amish fiction.

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She now lives in southern Colorado near her grown children, walks her dachshunds, bakes too much, and writes full time. Website: https://shelleyshepardgray.com/

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Review: Overdrive by Taylor S. Newport

On July 9, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-139798295815508

Publisher: Taylor S Newport

Publication Date: 07/02/2026

Pages: 386

Synopsis (from the author’s website)

Tyler Reid needs a break, but trouble finds him first. A call from London pulls him into a missing-person case linked to a powerful surveillance project that’s suddenly worth killing for. The deeper he digs, the more bodies he finds—and the more obvious it becomes that someone wants the entire system for themselves.

Alexandra “Alex” Romanova is looking for an escape from Veritek and the weight waiting for her back home. A trip with Tyler should’ve been the break they both needed. But when the case escalates and puts her company in the crosshairs, she goes with him—trying to keep him grounded even as the danger forces him to speed up.

The investigation spirals into a breakneck pursuit, ambushes snapping at their heels as their unknown enemy stays one move ahead. Someone is erasing anyone tied to the project, leaving bodies instead of answers. With the elusive threat closing fast, Tyler and Alex are fighting to get ahead long enough to expose who’s hunting them.

My Thoughts

The latest novel in the Dauntless Defenders series is intense suspense at its best, with multiple layers, dynamic characters and one of the most engaging and entertaining reads that I have ever experienced. In order to fully understand the relationships between the characters as well as how individual each mission they embark on is, I strongly recommend that book lovers read the series in order. That being said, this book was one of the best of the series, with Tyler and Alexandra pitted against evil incarnate while they try desperately to safeguard a twelve-year-old innocent girl named Mackenzie. The danger is escalated because the team has to follow clues to find out why Mackenzie is being targeted and the best way to keep her safe from an unknown assailant. The plot is fast-paced at a breakneck speed from the beginning to the end. The twists come along fast and furiously, becoming a fun guessing game about motives and who can be trusted in this high stakes cat and mouse game. The stakes seem to be world domination and wealth, but that isn’t all. There is so much going on that my head was spinning and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. With characters that came alive, changes in Tyler that I had never expected and the constant faith shown by Alex, this novel has everything I love about Christian fiction: a believable story, relatable characters and a satisfying conclusion after a lot of hair-raising escapes from what appears to be certain death.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I also purchased my own copy of the book as I am collecting the series. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Rated PG for Intense Suspense and Child in Danger

About the Author

Taylor S Newport is an up and coming Christian author. Four years of research has brought her to release her first high-octane novel to the world in 2024. That year, she placed as a Finalist in the ACFW Genesis Contest. Currently, she resides in the beautiful state of Texas with her family probably writing her next novel. Visit her on Instagram, Facebook, and her website at https://www.taylorsnewport.com/

Purchase Links

Amazon

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Author’s Shop

The Dauntless Defenders Series

Review: Conspiracy by Colleen Coble

On July 7, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-139780840714671

Publisher:Nelson, Thomas, Inc.

Publication Date: 07/07/2026

Series: A Sanctuary Novel

Pages: 336 pages

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

Just as wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden begins to envision a future with Blake Lawson, the ghosts of her past return with a vengeance. The murder of her parents has shadowed her for fifteen years, but a new threat brings the cold case into the terrifying present. A trained leoparda chilling embodiment of Paradise’s deepest fearsis now stalking her.

Haunted by resurfacing memories, Paradise, Blake, and her newfound brother, Drew, follow a trail of clues that leads them into a web of dark family secrets. The deeper they dig, the more shocking the connections become, linking their families to a dangerous conspiracy that someone is still willing to kill to protect.

With every step closer to the truth, the killer becomes more desperate. Paradise, Blake, and Drew must race to expose a murderer who has remained hidden for fifteen years, but this time, they are the ones being stalked. If they can’t unmask the killer, the past will destroy both the fragile future Paradise and Blake are trying to build and the family she has finally found with her brother.

A conspiracy of lemurs is a family. But a conspiracy of people can be deadly.

My Thoughts

This book is the perfect conclusion to this awesome series set in a wildlife park. Paradise Alden is looking towards a happy future with Blake Lawson, but first she is committed to finding out who killed her parents. Assisted by her newly discovered brother Drew, a police detective, Paradise and Blake get closer to the truth and also to danger by the one who wants the truth to remain hidden. The writing is sharp, the action is addictive and the rich, descriptive details of the setting drew me immediately into the story. I was completely immersed in the drama of the story and thoroughly entertained by trying to piece the clues together before the killer was revealed. I was hooked by the twists and found many of them surprising. The author did a great job of balancing the action with the suspense and mystery, using a lot of escalating tension as wild animals were unleashed against Paradise and her quest for the truth. The story is compelling, the characters are dynamic and believable and the killer is diabolically clever and masked well until the big reveal. This book is a deftly crafted novel with a propulsive pace that was hard to put down and a definite must-read for fans of romantic suspense with jaw-dropping twists.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Publishers Weekly and USAToday best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over six million books in print. When she’s not writing, Colleen is playing Pokemon Go! with the family or traveling to the locales where she sets her novels. She’s a perpetual learner and a natural health nut. Colleen was the CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers for nineteen years and still serves on the Executive Board. She lives with her husband Dave in Arizona so she can spoil her small grandsons. She’s praying her granddaughter chooses Arizona for college to keep her close too.

Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/colleencoblebooks
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@cobleacker
Instagram: www.instagram.com/colleencoble

Purchase Links

The Sanctuary Novels

Review: D Is for Daisy by Shelley Shepard Gray

On July 6, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

ISBN-139781496758835

Publisher:Kensington

Publication Date:06/30/2026

Series: Amish ABCs

Pages: 288 pages

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

Early retirement never sounded so good to Mervin and Ruthie Miller. After a lifetime in Millersburg, where Mervin worked at a furniture and shed factory and Ruthie helped out at a fabric store, they have exciting plans: They’re going to become “Amish Gentlemen Farmers.” That means buying a 30-acre, ramshackle farm, and all that comes with it—no matter what their grown children, friends, and aching muscles think . . .

Aaron Miller is worried about his parents, but there’s little he can do now that he lives in Kentucky and has a baby on the way. Then his childhood best friend, Kyle Burkholder, makes a heaven-sent offer: he’ll move in with Aaron’s parents to teach them about raising cows and chickens, and even give weekly reports to Aaron.

The arrangement is going well—until Kyle stumbles upon Daisy Lapp who’s just been in a bicycle accident. When he visits her in the hospital, he knows there’s something special between them. So does Daisy. But her something special is the fact that Kyle lives on the farm she’d always dreamed of buying one day. She knows it’s wrong, but she’s jealous. She wants nothing to do with Kyle and politely tells him so.

Still, like the Millers, Kyle’s not one to give up easily. Not on himself, not on the farm, and certainly not on Daisy. With dedication and a leap of faith, the lives they envisioned just might come true . . .

My Thoughts

This story tugged on my heartstrings and stirred my imagination as I was mesmerized by the story of perceptive Kyle and low-esteem Daisy. Kyle leaves home and moves in with Ruthie and Mervin Miller, wannabe farmers who have no idea what they are doing so Kyle is a godsend. Kyle is a willing worker and is also a good friend to neighbor Daisy. Daisy has a broken leg after a bicycle accident and Kyle attentively brings her flowers and checks on her. The progression of their relationship seems natural and even when there are bumps on the road, like another young Amish woman to whom Kyle is attracted, their friendship continues. I enjoyed the well-written plot with the addition of the drama and the discovery by Daisy that she is talented and worthy of loving. The characters were realistic, the plot moved along at a good pace and kept me engaged in the story. My favorite character was Velvet the cow…yes, the cow! Velvet didn’t say anything with words but her actions said a lot and she contributed to the choices that the characters made along the way. Velvet was kind of like Lucy in the Peanuts cartoons, offering advice that the people already knew but they had to talk to her to know that they knew it. Velvet was a humorous and welcome addition to the story, and I hope she will be in future alphabet books in this series.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

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Review: The Eyes of River by Cindy K. Sproles

On June 23, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review3 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-139780825453168

PublisherKregel Publications

Publication Date06/23/2026

Pages: 280

Synopsis

She’s been falsely accused of murder and is desperate to reunite with her brother, River, whose unforgettable green eyes haunt her. The secret in her past is a stinging wound, but it motivates her toward her goal: freedom.

But nine-year-old River, sent through the US Post Office to his late mother’s friend in Knoxville, never arrived. Lizzy’s dream of finding him and starting a new life away from their alcoholic and abusive father is ripped away.

Her hope rekindles as she finds an unexpected confidant to help her dodge the law and save the missing youngin’. As she finds herself trusting him, she discovers the truth of the old adage her momma repeated: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

My Thoughts

This book filled my heart with longing to help out the children and just to step in and be their advocates. Lizzy Haney has always been a responsible girl, always taking care of her little brother River while her parents are abusive, mentally and emotionally in unimaginable ways. Once her mamma dies, Lizzy is keenly feeling that River needs to escape from their dad so she mails him to a friend. I was totally unaware that this was even a possibility, but the author’s sharp attention to details and research assured me that it was done at one time, so that was very informative. Anyway, the book is layered, with methodical revelations of what has really been happening behind the scenes in Lizzy’s life and the hardship that she has suffered. This is a character-based story, but it is also plot driven. The characters are relatable and so well-developed that they came to life into my heart. The plot is fast-moving and heart-breaking at times. There are so many problems that Lizzy has had to face alone in her young life. The themes of learning to trust God and how to forgive are prevalent as well as the hope for a bright future once the past is overcome. This Appalachian novel is memorable and exceptionally well-crafted by a master storyteller. The writing is crisp and the story is startling and at times breathtaking-stopping. I loved the book and got totally invested in the story and was engaged in it from beginning to end.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I also purchased my own Audible copy of this book.

Christian Fiction, Rated PG: child trafficking

About the Author

Cindy Sproles is an author and speaker. She is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries and the cowriter of the popular He Said, She Said Devotions written with her cofounder, Eddie Jones. She is a novelist and best-selling author. Cindy’s devotions and articles are published in Christian newspapers across the eastern seaboard, including having been used to represent legislature for the protection of the elderly. She is a speaker to women’s conferences addressing not only the heart of women but also their biblical responsibilities to their families. As a teacher and speaker for Christian Writers Conferences, Cindy teaches writing skills and how to write placing God in the forefront. She is a contributing author to CBN.com and is the Executive Editor for www.christiandevotions.us and a freelance editor for Ironstream Media. Cindy has served in the past as an acquisitions editor and also a managing editor for publishers and she now uses that experience to mentor and coach new writers through her mentoring service, WRAMS (Write Right Author Mentoring Service) she shares with Lori Marett. She is the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference, held each February at the Cove, the Billy Graham Training Center, Asheville, NC. She is a certified life coach and mentor, an eldercare specialist, and a special needs advocate. Cindy is an Appalachian-born and raised mountain girl, and her novels strive to show life in the mountains during the1800’s. Cindy is a best-selling, award-winning novelist with her books having been named Novel of the Year multiple times. She is the mother of four adult sons and lives in the mountains of East Tennessee with her husband. Cindy can be contacted at www.cindysproles.com or by emailing cindyksproles@gmail.com.

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Review of Shattered by Dr. David Jeremiah with Sam O’Neal

On June 16, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review4 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-139781400350773

PublisherNelson, Thomas, Inc.

Publication Date06/16/2026

SeriesThe Vanished Series

Pages: 368

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

Two years have passed since millions across the globe disappeared in a heartbeat including John “Haggs” Haggerty’s own family. Haggs, a military expert in pandemics, warned his agency of growing patterns in deadly epidemics and other threats to security. Then the “Great Disappearance” and the nuclear destruction of the US changed everything. Now he is invited to join the powerful Trident Group, led by the wealthy Matthias Vilks.

Inside Trident, Haggs sees patterns that suggest a coordinated plan to control economies and governments. He is not alone. Israeli tech expert, Saul Katz, saw his colleague disappear before his eyes. Now the Israeli government confiscates his life’s work, a defense system for Israel. Li Fan, monitoring seismic anomalies, sees terrifying signals in the earth’s activity, but no one will listen to her warnings.

As the disturbing pieces fall in place, governments fall, and John and his best friend’s daughter, Abigail, begin to see those prophecies from scripture come to lifeIsrael is in danger, natural disasters rake the planet, and world leaders bow to one powerful man. The signs are clear: the end times are no longer approachingthey have begun.

My Thoughts

This hard-hitting apocalyptic novel begins the story where the first book in the series Vanished ended, so I highly recommend that you read the series on order. In this book John Haggerty and Abigail take center stage as the opposition to the appearance of the Antichrist and the destruction that he and his minions want to reap on the earth. The story is not totally Biblical but it is definitely Biblically based, with fiction interspersed with scriptural truths. If you have read Matthew 24 and Revelation, you will notice that the events of the end times are well and mostly accurately portrayed. The characters are realistic and relatable as the ones left behind after the Rapture. The action is fast-paced and mostly centered around Israel. There is a great deal of use of technology to spread the word about the “rebels” and this rang true to me even though it isn’t specifically in the Bible because technology is rampant these days already so I can see how it could be used for both good and evil during the time of the Antichrist. The book is intense but a completely clean read and a must-read for those who enjoy stories about what will happen before the end of this age.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Rated PG due to intensity and End Times subject matter, Christian Fiction

About the Author

Founder and host of Turning Point for God and senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church, David Paul Jeremiah, was born February 13, 1941, in Toledo, Ohio. He is one of four children born to James and Ruby Jeremiah. During his childhood, his family moved to Dayton, Ohio, where his father, James T. Jeremiah, served as Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church. In 1953, the Jeremiah family moved to Cedarville, Ohio, when his father became the President of Cedarville College—which is now Cedarville University.

Growing up in a pastor’s home, David was immersed in ministry from an early age. During his senior year at Cedarville College, he felt God’s calling to enter full-time ministry. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1963, and that same year he married his college sweetheart, Donna Thompson. After graduation, they moved to Dallas, Texas, where David attended Dallas Theological Seminary. He received his Master’s degree in Theology in 1967. Completing additional graduate work at Grace Seminary, he was granted the Doctor of Divinity degree from Cedarville College in 1981.

In 1969, David and Donna began a church plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with seven families in attendance. He served as pastor at Blackhawk Baptist Church for twelve years. During that time the church grew to 1,300 members, Blackhawk Christian School was founded, and The Bible Hour television program was launched.

In 1981, the Jeremiah family, which now included four children, followed God’s call and moved to California when Dr. Jeremiah became the senior pastor of Scott Memorial Baptist Church, which is now Shadow Mountain Community Church. Today Shadow Mountain Community Church is one of the largest churches in San Diego county with eight satellite locations including Hispanic and Arabic congregations. The main campus of the church, located in El Cajon, California, is also the home to Southern California Seminary and Christian Unified Schools, a multiple site kindergarten through twelfth-grade Christian school district. Website: Dr. David Jeremiah

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Review and Interview: Danger in the Rockies by Terri Reed

On May 29, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

I have a special for you today, so I will start with my surprise video interview with author Terri Reed. She offered, I accepted, sent her the questions and this is the result. You will see when you watch the video that Terri is personable, relatable and entertaining. She is a very talented author, so watch the interview, read my review and get your copy of Danger in the Rockies.

Terri’s Message

Now, on to fun facts about the book and how you can get your copy!

About the Book

ISBN-139781335957757

PublisherHarlequin

Publication Date05/26/2026

SeriesColorado K-9 Unit

Pages:208

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

K-9 officer Maren Anderson is shocked when she catches a glimpse of her presumed-dead twin sister—moments before a shooter opens fire. DEA agent Colt Dawson rescues her and helps secure the crime scene, but before Maren can find her sister, Opal vanishes again. Maren has questions and so does Colt—especially since Opal may be the key to exposing a drug kingpin’s identity. But now the cartel leader’s henchmen think Maren is her sister and she has a target on her back. Forced to work together to unravel the deadly mystery, Maren and Colt must track down her twin before the criminals closing in claim their lives…

My Thoughts

This is a skillfully plotted love inspired suspense novel with characters that are relatable and believable. The story of K-9 officer Maren Anderson’s quest to find her missing sister Opal, even while she is engaged in her main assignment of breaking up a baby trafficking ring, is emotionally gut-wrenching at times. The equally important task of DEA agent Colt Dawson to identify and capture the drug kingpin known only as Shadow dovetails perfectly with Maren’s assignment and in some unexpected ways. Maren looks identical to Opal since they are twins and that makes for escalating danger for her since Shadow thinks she is Opal and can possibly identify him. This book led me on an entertaining and enjoyable chase to follow the clues as I tried to figure out who Shadow was and whether Opal was still alive or not. There are plenty of fake trails that misled me and the deliberate misdirection was part of what made the plot so engaging. There is good chemistry between Maren and Colt, but I most enjoyed their interactions with their well-trained and heroic canines, Haven and Rusk. I was impressed with the obedience and the natural intuition of both dogs who were intent on the task of protecting their owners and finding the villains. The realistic details throughout the book had me absorbed in the story and lent themselves to the suspense and the propulsive pace of this fascinating tale of characters facing constant danger together as they ferret out the lies and separate the deception from the truth. This book is compelling with a dramatic climax in an addictive and immersive story.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Clean, Love Inspired Suspense, Rated PG for Intense Suspense

About the Author

Terri Reed is a New York Times and USA Today Featuredbestselling author specializing in action-packed Christian romantic suspense. She has published over 60 novels with major houses like Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense, Simon & Schuster, and Tule Publishing. Her work consistently appears on the Publishers Weekly, Amazon, and Nielsen BookScan bestseller lists.

What type of books does Terri Reed write?

Terri Reed writes faith-rooted stories that blend high-stakes adventure, danger, and emotional depth with heartwarming character connections. Her novels are characterized as inspirational romantic suspense, often featuring professional protectors like K-9 units, US Marshals, and military personnel. Like authors Lynette Eason and Colleen Coble, her stories emphasize characters who rely on their Christian faith to overcome life-threatening adversity.

What are Terri Reed’s most famous books?

Terri Reed’s notable works include the Alaska K-9 Unitseries, the US Marshals series, and the standalone novel A Family Under the Christmas Tree. In 2019, A Family Under the Christmas Tree was adapted into the Hallmark Channelmovie titled Picture a Perfect Christmas. Other popular series include the Military K-9 Unit and Love Inspired Suspense collections.

What awards has Terri Reed won?

Terri Reed is an award-winning author whose accolades include NEW YORK TIMES as well as being a multi-time finalist for the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, and the National Readers’ Choice Award. She is a recognized member of the Romance Writers of America Honor Roll. Her novels have achieved #1 Bestseller status on Amazon in multiple categories, including Religion Fiction and Romance.

Where does Terri Reed live and how can readers connect?

Terri Reed resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and enjoys agility training with her Australian Shepherd. She maintains an active community of readers through her official website and Linktree, offering inspiration and “moments of escape” through her storytelling. Check out her website for a printable list of her books and more information: terrireed.com