christian romance

From Dreams to Reality: Embracing Life’s Unexpected Journeys

/ Carol Underhill / Leave a comment

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. (Proverbs 13:12)

This morning I opened a new package of coffee flavored “Campfire Dreams.”

While the coffee brewed, I thought about dreams I’ve had that are coming true. I have a beautiful family. Three adult kids whom I very proud of. I just had lunch with two of them at Applebee’s yesterday and really enjoyed spending time with them. In a couple of weeks I’ll have all three of my kids together as we share a meal in memory of their dad.

My husband was the man of my dreams. In my junior high diary, I wrote about the perfect man. He had to have dark hair and eyes, and I can’t remember what else, but when I met Pat, I knew for certain that he was the one for me. We went about dating in a roundabout way, but we knew within a few weeks that we wanted to be married and raise a family together.

Why did God allow my husband, who was my dream guy, to die at the age of 46?

At first I questioned why. I cried out to God in my grief. As time went on, I found comfort in the Scriptures and words of Hymns. I came to an understanding that I would never know the reason why, not while I am living on this earth. How could I, a finite human, understand God’s eternal will?

What I do understand, is that one day, when I reach Heaven and meet my Savior face to face, the answers to that question will be made clear.

And at some point in my journey through grief, I quit asking the question, “Why?”

I now see how asking that question of God is like a child who asks why they can’t have, let’s say for example, ice cream before dinner. A parent answers, because we need to eat a healthy meal first. The child questions, “Why?” The parent responds with a different version of the same answer, and again the child questions, “Why?”
Finally the parent, tired of the back-and-forth, states, “Because I said so.”
Why does the child keep questioning? Because he or she doesn’t like the answer given. In their young minds, it isn’t a good enough reason for them not to have their favorite treat.

And I know, if I ask God, “Why did Pat have to die?” He could give me an answer. Some thoughts have been suggested by others. However, like the child, none of those answers are good enough for me. Because God is God, and He could have accomplished His will in any other way. Instead, He allowed an accident that ended Pat’s life tragically and unexpectedly. For a reason or reasons that I will never comprehend in my human intellect.

Does that mean I doubt God’s love for me? His love for Pat? For my kids?

No, I know God love us.

I cherish the 21 years I had with Pat, as his wife for 20 of those years. I am so thankful that God brought him into my life when he did and gave me a fairy tale romance. I am thankful for the good days, the bad days, and all the days in between. The part of our marriage that remains are the three kids we gave life to, whom I know still mourn the loss of their Dad.

God is a God of Love, even when we don’t understand His ways. He is Faithful to keep His promises which are set forth in the Bible.

My dreams of a love for a lifetime were broken. My marriage ended too soon. My hope was deferred, and for a long time my heart was sick with grief.

I had other dreams before I met my husband.

I wanted to be a journalist. I went to college and studied “Communications with a commercial writing emphasis,” a new program at Spring Arbor. I worked on the college newspaper. I didn’t finish college, quitting after two years.

I took Spanish classes and ended up going to Mexico to study not just once, but twice. That led to a dream of becoming a missionary. For a short time, in my early twenties, I thought that dream would be realized, but I had false expectations and a stubborn will that led me make poor choices. I returned home, heartsick over the loss of that dream, but met Pat soon after. And I felt like when I met him, I was in the will of God for my life.
Perhaps in some measure I have been a missionary to the lost in my life through my writing or personal witness, but being in the foreign mission field was not the dream that God had for me.

As a teenager, I dreamed of becoming a published author. I wrote romances, but didn’t finish very many of them. A few years later I tossed them all in the garbage.

I picked up the pen, or rather, sat down at the computer, after my second child was born, and wrote a full length novel, then another. Later I would write several more books. I tried to get my books published but was unsuccessful, so I published some of them myself. Then I received a contract for a Christmas novella, and was published by a traditional, albeit small, Christian company. I had three books published by them, and a fourth in progress, before they closed their doors.

For a short time, I was upset when I lost that dream. Then I realized that with publishing the books myself, I would have full control over what is in the books, although wise editors have helped me to delete scenes and concepts that don’t fit into the overall theme of the book.

In summary:

I dreamed of being a missionary, and found out through trial and error that it wasn’t God’s will for me.

I dreamed of a man with dark hair and eyes, and God sent him to me. But our time together was cut short, my hope deferred and heart sick. Yet with God’s love and comfort I made it through the grief.

I became a traditionally published author but that dream fell through.

Am I unhappy with the way my life has turned out?

No.

I miss my husband still, but I have learned to love life, anyway.

My three adult kids are my greatest blessings and joy. My dream is for them to know God’s love and see the fulfillment of their own dreams, in accordance with the will of the Heavenly Father.

I’m happy with my life the way it is now. I love being in my home with my favorite things surrounding me, in spite of the need for major repairs and remodeling.

I love sharing my books with people at the author events and talking about my writing (With anyone who’ll listen. lol).

I enjoy spending time with my family. They bring shared memories and much-needed laughter.

So this morning, as I drink my “Campfire Dreams” coffee, I thank God for the dreams He has fulfilled in my life. And I know one day I will understand why other dreams were broken.

I look forward to seeing what else He has in store for me.

Here’s an image of my newest book, soon to be released and available for purchase:

Interview with Author Katy Eeten: A Stalker to Die For

/ Carol Underhill / 1 Comment

Good morning. Today I’m interviewing author Katy Eeten.

I became acquainted with Katy a few years ago. She is one of my favorite Christian authors.

Katy, thank you for joining me on my blog. I’m really excited to talk about your new release, A Stalker to Die For.

But first, tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’ve lived in southeast Wisconsin most of my life, which is where I currently reside with my husband and our two teenage sons. I work full time as a Senior Office Administrator at a large corporation, but I do my best to squeeze in writing off hours. A Stalker to Die For is my sixth published book and my first attempt at suspense. My other books are all contemporary Christian romances, including three Christmas novellas. When I’m not working or writing, I enjoy playing board games, baking, taking walks, and spending time with my family.

Your new book, A Stalker to Die for, releases today.

What is the book about?

Ashley Morris thought the worst part of online dating was awkward small talk. She was wrong.After one disastrous date, a man named Nick won’t take no for an answer. His calls and texts escalate into threats, break-ins, and a terror that shadows her every move. Desperate for safety, Ashley hires Jackson Russo—a talented painter with a kind heart and a protective streak—to renovate her home. But as their friendship deepens into something more, Nick’s obsession turns deadly.Caught between a stalker’s rage and a love she never expected, Ashley must trust God’s protection and her own instincts to survive. With Jackson by her side, she’ll fight for her life—and for a future worth living.A faith-filled romantic suspense with a slow-burn, closed-door romance and a guaranteed happily ever after. No graphic content. Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, and Dee Henderson.

I love how you weave your faith into the fabric of your stories. I can’t wait to read this one!

Now let’s do a Q&A so our readers can find out more about you and your writing style:

Are you a night owl or morning person?

Sadly, I don’t consider myself either. Maybe I’m more of an afternoon person? Ha! I typically fall asleep on the couch before 10 PM while watching TV with my husband. And on the weekends, I love to sleep in—although to me, that means 8 AM. I don’t often sleep later than that, and during the week I’m up by 6 AM to get ready for work, so maybe that makes me a morning person? I guess it depends on what you consider early.

Who was your favorite character to create?

Although she’s a very minor character, I very much enjoyed Ashley’s friend Stacie. She’s the comedic sidekick that eases the mood when things get too tense, but she’s also a faithful friend that truly wants the best for Ashley.

How did you come up with the names of your hero and/or heroine?

Jackson is the name of one of my sons. I had already used my other son’s name (Lincoln) in my novella Christmas in Meadow Creek, so I thought I might as well make it fair, lol. And the name Ashley is just one of those names I’ve always wanted to use in a story but haven’t yet. I think the names pair together quite nicely

Are you a plotter or a panster?

I would say I’m a mix of the two! I definitely don’t have the entire story mapped out, outlined and neatly tied together before I start writing, but I do try to have the broad strokes in place before I start fleshing out the details. But the plot often takes a twist or turn I didn’t originally intend as I proceed with writing the detailed scenes. I would love to see what happens in the mind of a true plotter and a true panster as they work through their process!

If you didn’t write books, what would you do for a living?

I feel that I have incredible attention to detail. So, if I could make enough money doing it, I would love to be a proofreader. That way, I’d get to read all sorts of books for a living while making minor edits and helping other authors put their best foot forward.

Do you experience writer’s block? What do you do to get through it?

All the time! I wish I had a surefire method for working through it, but I usually just walk away until I’m feeling inspired again. Since writing is just a side hobby for me and not my full-time job, I can afford to go long bouts without writing. Eventually, the creative muse returns and then I try to cram as much writing in as possible.

How can readers find your new book?

And last question, tell us what’s next for you as an author?

I am working on a Women’s Fiction that’s told in first person present tense from the alternating points of view of four former college friends navigating life, careers, and relationships. It’s been a long time in the making, but I’m excited at how it’s shaping up and hope to get it out in the world someday (and someday soon would be even better).

It was great chatting with you, Katy. Before we go, where can readers find you online?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatyEeten/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KatyEeten/

X: https://x.com/KatyEeten

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-eeten-71041844/

Website: http://www.katyeeten.wordpress.com

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Katy-Eeten/e/B0796L1CVK

Meet Sara Beth Williams: Author Insights and New Releases

/ Carol Underhill / Leave a comment

Good morning. Today I am interviewing Christian author Sara Beth Williams.

Sara Beth, thank you for being my guest today.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I live in the Sacramento area, in Northern California, and am married with two girls and three cats. I love being creative in many facets, including playing music, writing, gardening and so on. 

What is your newest book about?

My latest book is an outdoorsy adventure about Jesse, an avid rock climber and trained EMT and firefighter with a bit of a hero complex, who is seriously injured and begins questioning his purpose in life. When he reunites with an old childhood friend, he begins to find some hope and light again and begins to heal both inwardly and outwardly.

Childhood friend Renee has grown up with a growth hormone deficiency disorder and has a hard time with not being taken seriously. She also loves the outdoors and has pursued a degree in education. 

What is the inspiration behind your story?

I think there are several things that inspired this story. I love the outdoors, and I always love writing characters who love the outdoors. But Renee was influenced by several different people I’ve met in my life, and even partially, by myself. While I don’t suffer from growth hormone deficiency, I am quite short. Also I think the deep need to be validated, and taken seriously, is universal, and sometimes women who are very short and look very young can find that extremely difficult.

What was the catalyst for your interest in writing?

I think that I love to both consume, and to tell, really good stories. I have written many copycat stories from around 5th grade and onward, and I’ve always loved deeply thought-provoking and emotional stories. Sometimes the best stories serve to both answer questions, and leave you with more questions. I have loved creating characters that represent facets of everyday people, influenced by people I know, or people I’ve met or experienced life with in some way, shape, or form. 

Do you have a day job?

I am currently a small-time reporter, and so finding time to write fiction is very difficult right now, but I have several projects already written that I am revising and hope to publish this year. 

Are you a plotter or a panster?

I started out as a pantser, but I really do not have time anymore to do that so I have morphed into more of a plotter. I kind of enjoy a hybrid blend of both though, when time actually allows, because I have learned over the last 10 years that pantsing for me takes a lot of time (at least 4-hour blocks of time) but it is the most rewarding and exciting experience. 

For the time being, when I come up with a story idea, I usually create a plot outline in paragraph form. The only time I don’t plot is if I’m starting a completely brand new series, because pantsing for me is a very exploratory method of basically writing as much as I can as fast as I can to explore the merits of the storyline, to see if it’s viable, and to see if more will come forth. If a story truly wants to be told, I’ve found it will build upon itself the longer I sit and write consecutively (that’s why I need at least 2 to 4 hours of uninterrupted writing time).

Who was the first person you allowed to read your completed book?

I can’t exactly remember, but I’m almost certain it was my Mom who first read most of my first manuscript. I’m not entirely certain I gave her the entire manuscript, but either way, she was the first person to read through most of my early writings.

If you didn’t write books, what would you do for a living?

That’s hard to say, as I have a lot of different pursuits I really enjoy. I love music, theater, journalism, and education, and also worked as a children’ s entertainer for several years. Writing is woven into so much of my life, including my day job and writing fiction, but if I wasn’t writing, I’d probably be teaching preschool or kindergarten, or music. 

Do you experience writer’s block? What do you do to get through it?

When I experience writer’s block, which happened a LOT last year, the first thing I do is wait it out. You need to fill your creativity well in order to produce creative writing. – so I do something else fun or energizing, like gardening, walking, playing music. Advice from many people online suggest to find and write to random creative writing prompts, but I find taking time away from writing helps me more. For me, it’s about digesting the work in progress while it’s away from me.

The second thing I do is purposefully schedule or orchestrate blocks of time to write uninterrupted. And I really do need 2 or more hours to get into the groove. It also helps if I’m somewhere extremely quiet. Though I used to be able to write with noise around me, it’s harder now, not sure why. It helps to set a timer or participate in what people call writing sprints. Sometimes an hour and a half will do but anything less and I feel like I’m stopping just when i’m getting started ‘sigh’

The third thing I do is focus on technical aspects of writing, instead of purely relying on just ‘inspiration’ or ‘feelings’ to guide me. There is a time and a place for both – writing with total inspiration is a beautiful exhilarating feeling! But that is not the norm and if you want to finish and succeed in this thing called authoring —- you have to pick apart your work and apply proper tried and true writing techniques and knowledge to your work in progress. To do this, I start by reading/rereading/studying writing books. My go-to absolute favorite is The Plot Thickens by Noah Lukeman. I also like the Rock your Plot series which is relatively inexpensive and found on Amazon. 

Lastly, I would like to add that every writer approaches writing, editing, revising, and addressing writer’s block differently and it’s okay if only some or none of these things work for you and some things may work at one point in your life, and not work at another point in your writing journey. I have been experiencing a lot of writer’s block lately, as the last year and a half hasn’t been the greatest. Though going into 2026, I have a strangely peaceful and positive outlook on the new year.

You have shared some fascinating insights into your writing methods, Sara Beth.

So tell us, what’s next for you as an author?

I am hoping to publish a box set of the first three books I published and then republished last year – When Hearts Collide, A Worthy Heart, and Anchor My Heart. So if you like box sets, sign up for my newsletter and keep an eye out for that.

I”m also hoping to revise and possibly publish another first in a series, this is a beachy romance that I have been working for several years but it is long and needs a good revising and edit. If you love beachy romances and rock star heroes, subscribe or follow me on socials to find out what my next series is all about.

Where can readers find you online?

Visit my website, sarabethwilliams.com

I am on Instagram, X and Bluesky.

I’m on Facebook but I detest my Facebook business page. More likely you’ll find updates on Instagram, and my personal Facebook account.

It’s Always Been You: A Trinity Lakes Romance – Buy Link – 

She’d always been the still mountain beneath his changing skies.

He was a fool for thinking he could stay away.

After suffering severe burns, avid outdoorsman Jesse Hernandez faces a long recovery, and the longer it takes, the more he questions his purpose in life. Seeking solace, he returns to the hills above Trinity Lakes to settle his late grandfather’s property, but soon finds himself torn between family pressure to sell and his longing to hold on to the only place that felt like home.

Renee Somers has spent her life fighting to be seen. As a master’s student and after-school program director living with a growth hormone deficiency, she’s used to being underestimated. But she finds rejection stings most when it comes from those she highly respected.

When a sudden blizzard traps Renee and her friends on a lonely mountain road, she never expects her rescuer to be the childhood friend who once promised he’d always look out for her. As they reconnect and unexpected attraction surfaces, both must confront past wounds and buried secrets that threaten to pull them apart.

With family tensions rising and harbored secrets revealed, Jesse must decide whether to cling to the past, or embrace the future God has been preparing all along.

A friends to more, small town, contemporary Christian Romance, part of the Trinity Lakes Romance multi-author series, set in the charming, fictional town of Trinity Lakes, Washington State.

Balancing Writing and Life: Tips from Allison Pearl

/ Carol Underhill / Leave a comment

Good morning, today I’m interviewing author Allison Pearl.

Allison, thank you for being a guest on my blog.

Let’s start with you telling us a little bit about yourself.

Hi! I’m Allison Pearl, a Romantic Suspense and Cozy Mystery writer. I love writing about close-knit worlds in both small towns and big cities inspired by the many different locations in which I’ve lived. When not plotting fictional crimes, I run an online book club (https://allison-pearl.com/allisons-book-club/) and regularly release a newsletter (https://allison-pearl.com/home/newsletter-signup/) with bookish blog posts, giveaways, and reading updates.

What is your book about?

Battered & Torn centers on Nora, a woman hiding from a murderous family while working at a billionaire’s estate, and Archie, the guarded heir who can’t ignore his growing attraction or the secrets surrounding her. As their connection deepens and danger closes in, trusting each other could lead them to the truth or cost them everything, including their lives.

Do you have a day job? If so, how do you find time in your day to write?

During my non-fiction writing hours, I write executive resumes and social media content for professionals looking to transition to a new role. Finding time to write fiction is not easy, and based on my progress balancing both, I only have bad advice 😉 I’ve tried better scheduling, getting up earlier, and more, with unpredictable success. What works today often doesn’t work tomorrow. At the end of the day, I just try to write when I can.

Are you a night owl or morning person?

Definitely not a morning person, but not the most successful night owl either given how much I love an early bedtime. I have some concentration and attention issues that make consistency a challenge which means everyday seems like a new game plan. The older I get, the more I realize that the harder I try to put myself in a box or rigid schedule, the quicker I fail. Ultimately, I’ve learned to give myself permission to adapt day by day.

That’s great advice for all of us.

Are you a plotter or a panster?

Definitely a pantser. I have so much respect for writers who plan and wish I could be them when I grow up, but I just end up turning story plotting into procrastination and avoidance. The only reason my books get finished is because I sit down, start writing, and see what happens. Honestly, my plot twists shock me as much as they shock my readers.

Do you experience writer’s block? What do you do to get through it?

All the time. How I get through it changes case by case, but one strategy I always try when I’m really stuck is good old pen and paper. I close my laptop, sit down with a notebook, and just start writing something. I don’t know why it works for me, but something about writing that way always helps me find my way out of whatever maze I’ve trapped myself in.

Another great tip!

Do you reward yourself when a book is finished? If so, what is your favorite treat?

Sometimes, I reward myself for finishing a chapter 😉 Some days the words come easily, while other days you have to fight for every one of them, so rewards feel like a necessity. I’ll usually go grab a treat or a coffee, or sometimes even take a walk around the store.

What does your family think of your writing?

I think their reactions usually fall somewhere between pride and confusion. Let’s just say a snarky, sailor-mouthed woman revealing a career writing faith-based romantic suspense may have seemed a little inexplicable, but despite the confusion, my family has been incredibly supportive and the best marketing team a person could have.

Allison, it was really great chatting with you.

What’s next for you as an author?

Right now, I’m working on the start of a cozy mystery series about a Pittsburgh-based mobile bookstore owner who has a knack for continually finding herself in trouble.

And before we go, where can readers find you online?

Readers can find me online at allison-pearl.com, where I share book updates, blog posts, giveaways, and newsletter sign-ups, as well as on social media under my author name, Allison Pearl.

From Hiatus to Inspiration: A Novelist’s Revival

/ Carol Underhill / Leave a comment

In 2018, I began a story about a hometown football player and the valedictorian meeting up at their 15-year class reunion. Then I wrote a sequel to it. I went on to rewrite two contemporary novels from the past. In 2019 I signed a contract for my first holiday novella, then for the Reluctant Billionaire. In 2021 I signed a contract for the sequel holiday novella. I wrote another full-length contemporary that my editor rejected. I understood, it wasn’t ready for publication yet.

I didn’t write any fiction for a few years.

During that hiatus from fiction writing, I volunteered in children’s ministry at my local church. I created and wrote the curriculum we used for about 2 1/2 years. Then I couldn’t do it anymore. I lost my focus. I loved the children but I couldn’t keep up.

In 2024 I wrote my Thanksgiving novella and signed a contract for it. However, the publisher closed its doors before it could be published.

Last year, in 2025, I published that book, and no others. I had covers updated for the Courage series and the Billionaire story. I made a few sales, which equaled new readers. I had also taken a break from posting on my blog.

A few weeks ago I felt myself drifting into depression. Post holiday blues, cold weather, “stuck” at home. Then a couple of weeks ago I had spent two days with my sisters. We ate together, thrift shopped, laughed and I think there might have been a few tears. It was a welcome break in the middle of a hard month.

Last week I felt the weight of the month of February with all of its memorial dates: Pat’s birthday, Valentine’s Day, our anniversary all coming up in the first half of the month. So many memories of times spent together, the love we shared and the years after my loss.

So I made an appointment to see my counselor. I will go in this afternoon. I’ll talk to her about the hard days coming up, how I’ve been feeling the blues. She doesn’t tell me what to do, but she helps me see clearly so I know what I need to do to make things better.

Then on Sunday, maybe Saturday?

Inspiration hit.

First, I finished up the edits on that story about the quarterback and valedictorian. I hope to publish it this month and have printed copies available in March.

I hired a local editor to work on the second book about the quarterback’s brother.

I also hired the cover design for the second book.

I hope to have that book published and available in April.

I pulled up a book that I wrote years ago. At the time, we had received a used computer from a friend. I wrote 72 pages in three days. Then several years passed before I finished it.

Creative writing in the 21st century is very different from the 1900s. I’ve learned many things through the editing process with my previous publisher and editor. I am so thankful for those opportunities and what I’ve been able to put into practice.

I started editing the story, The Love We Knew, yesterday and woke up this morning excited to work on it again. It is on the schedule for publication in May.

I also dusted off the beach romance that was rejected to see if I could make it better.

I’m writing a sequel to the Lessons from Garage Sales book which will be called, Contentment at Home. Something I struggled with most of my married life and child-raising years.

Life has its twists and turns, its storms and quiet times, seasons of grief and mountaintops of joy. I am thankful that God has brought me through each moment. His grace has made living my life to the fullest possible.

I’m especially grateful that the inspiration to write has come to me again, even out of the gray and depressing month that I just passed through, and knowing the difficult days that lie ahead.

Here’s a look at the cover for the story about the high school reunion: