A Little History About Chocolate

                       Seeds in the pod                                                                Cocoa Tree       

                                                                             

             Chocolate is one of my favorite sweet things to eat. In the third book of my Heart’s Desire series, Heart’s Promise, my characters go to San Francisco on vacation. One of the things they experience is Ghirardelli chocolate, so I decided to take a look back at the beginnings of this treat. Cocoa beans, which are needed to make chocolate, grow in long pods on cocoa trees. The beans are small, bitter seeds. The trees require hot temperatures, high humidity, consistent rainfall and protective shade. You can find them ten to twenty degrees north and south of the equator in Central America and Central Mexico. That means I have no hope of growing a cocoa tree in my backyard in Ohio.

                                    Aztecs                                         Mayans

The articles I read took me back over 4,000 years to the Mayo-Chinchipe people, then the ancient Olmecs around 1,800 BC, who historians believe used cocoa beans to brew warm, flavored drinks. It was too bitter to drink alone. Around the 8^th century, the Mayans began using cocoa beans for money, as well as a drink. They mixed the ground beans with maize in water and added allspice and vanilla. In the 1500s AD, the Aztecs in central Mexico also put a high value on cocoa beans. The people groups seemed to believe the drink had health benefits. Some thought it was “food from the gods.” The drinks were used in religious ceremonies and as a beverage for royalty.  

In 1519, a Spanish explorer named Heran Cortes spent some time with the Aztecs. In 1528, he took the drink to Spain. It didn’t take the Spanish long to add sugar. Hot chocolate made its way to other European countries and to America. By the 1600s and 1700s, chocolate houses, similar to today’s coffee shops, sprang up as popular places for the well-to-do to meet over a cup of hot chocolate. During the Revolutionary War, wounded soldiers sipped the hot drink to warm up and get an energy boost. Thomas Jefferson predicted hot chocolate would become as famous as tea and coffee.

                                                                    

                                                                                                                      

In 1847, a company called J.S. Fry & Sons in England added extra cocoa butter to liquid chocolate, turning it solid and creating the first mass-produced chocolate bars. The Cadbury Chocolate Company is one of their biggest competitors. Over the next several decades, chocolate makers added milk powder to recipes to make milk chocolate. In 1879, Rodolph S. Lindt of Switzerland designed a machine that stirred the chocolate until it was smooth and velvety. Dozens of other companies followed his example.

                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Most chocolate makers started out selling chocolate powder as a product to mix with water or milk for a beverage. Improvements made it possible to make chocolate bars and so much more. Milton Hershey established his company in 1894. James Baker of Baker’s Chocolate started his business in 1764. KraftHines owns Baker's Chocolate now, but kept James Baker's name on the baking bars.

                                                                                                       

                                                                          

Domenico Ghirardelli was born in Italy in 1817. He apprenticed with a candy and confectionary maker, spent some time in Peru, then went to Stockton, CA during the gold rush. He opened a general store selling supplies and confections to miners, then he opened another store in San Francisco. After trying to sell spices, coffee, mustard and liquor along with chocolate, he settled on mustard and chocolate only. In 1893, needing more space, he and his sons bought the Pioneer Woolen Building on San Francisco’s northern waterfront. That location became Ghirardelli Square. Today, the company is owned by Lindt and Sprungli, but we can still see Ghirardelli chocolates everywhere candy is sold. 

I hope you'll enjoy this recipe for chocolate chip cookies using Ghirardelli chips.

Ghirardelli's Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Welcome back to Jacob and Julia's Iowa farm.

In 1893, their son Justin is eleven. and daughter Annaliese is ten. When Jacob and Julia adopted Annaliese as an infant, they were told God had a special plan for her. As Annaliese grows up, she wonders if her purpose will be world-changing.

Julia's old friend, Edward Harrington, comes to visit from England, along with his wife and son, Robbie. Their time at the farm is the beginning of a like/hate relationship and later something more between Robbie and Annaliese. When the families travel to San Francisco in 1900, a shocking revelation from Edward's wife could change everything, beginning with taking Annaliese to England. 

If this is God's plan, Annaliese is disappointed. It's nothing like she imagined, and her heart's desire is to go to veterinary college. This could mean a very different future for her.

Heart's Promise

About the Author

Linda, a retired librarian, lives in west central Ohio with her husband and grandson. An avid reader and writer since childhood, she began her publishing career writing columns and a middle-grade serial for the South Charleston Spectator. Her desire is to entertain, but more importantly, to encourage readers with God’s faithfulness.

Visit Linda at her website.    Linda Hoover Books

 Stay in touch when you sign up for her newsletter. You’ll receive a free novella as a thank you.

  

 

Matchmaker, Make Me a Match

I read The Irish Matchmaker by Jennifer Deible not long ago, and it made me curious about matchmakers in history.                                                                                                                                                                                                              

One definition I found: Matchmaking is the process of pairing two people together, usually for the purpose of marriage, in which case the intermediary or matchmaker is also known as a marriage broker. Matchmaking may be done as a profession for a fee or it may be done by clergy.

This also makes me think of the Jewish matchmaker, or shadchan, who was responsible for finding suitable matches for young men and women and also acted as mediator in the negotiation of the marriage contract.

One article I read said God was the FIRST matchmaker. I can't argue with that. A lot of matchmaking has gone on throughout history. Monarchs made decisions for their subjects based on what was best for their kingdom. Queen Elizabeth I was noted for that. 

                                                                 Queen Elizabeth I

Parents looked for connections that would raise their social, political and

economic status as well as increase land holdings. This was true all around the world. Here are a few example from the the ancient world.      

           

                                                           Watercolor Painting of Chinese Wedding Ceremony

In ancient China, arranged marriages were deeply traditional. The matchmaker, usually a woman, was considered sacred. Her success was tied to the reputation and prosperity of the families she served. Her job was to bring good fortune by aligning families based on social status, compatibility and astrology. The Hindu culture also employed the use of astrology.

Roman Wedding

In ancient Rome, marriages were arranged to form alliances between powerful families giving them both political and economic advantages. These matchmakers understood the importance of lineage, wealth and influence. Their job was to secure a union that benefited not only individuals, but whole bloodlines.

                                                                   Greece Wedding

 Ancient Greece also used matchmakers, always women, who were essentially go-betweens. When parents hired a matchmaker, she approached the family of interest, then carried messages back and forth as well as sharing her opinion on the worth of the prospective mates. It could be a risky position if things didn’t go well.

                                                             Aztec Wedding Ceremony

The Aztecs also had matchmakers. One article described her as being involved from start to wedding night. After making the match she preformed the ceremony which included tying an article of the man's and woman's clothing together. At the end of the day she put them to bed.

                                                                 

                                                                Late 19th Century Couple

The book that started me on this search for information is set in a village in 1900, Ireland. There were a lot of reasons why a man or woman would hire a matchmaker. A farmer might want a wife to help him on his farm. A man might need a mother for his children. A woman might be in need of a husband for the first time or need someone to provide for her and her children. A man or woman might hire a matchmaker because they needed to broaden the number of people they had to choose from. 

A matchmaker would organize dances, picnics and walks to provide a place for people to meet. That would be especially important for young people living isolated on a farm with no way to meet anyone other than sitting in church for an hour or two once a week. As in the past, the matchmaker was mediator and negotiator until everyone was happy.


If you're interested, you can still find a matchmake many places in the world including the United States. For a large sum of money they will find you the perfect mate.

In my book, Heart’s Desire, Julia’s father betroths her to a man to cover a secret. Arranged marriages weren't typical in 1880 Boston. She is left to figure out a way to marry a man she loves rather than the one her father has chosen.

About Linda Hoover

 

Linda, a retired librarian, lives in west central Ohio with her husband and grandson. An avid reader and writer since childhood, she began her publishing career writing columns and a middle-grade serial for the South Charleston Spectator. Her desire is to entertain, but more importantly, to encourage readers with God’s faithfulness.

You’re invited to visit her website. Browse the pages to learn more about her and her books. Stay in touch when you sign up for her newsletter and you’ll receive a free novella as a thank you.

https://lindahooverbooks.com

                                                                                                                    

Boston Gilded Age Department Stores by Linda Hoover

Downtown Crossing is at the intersection of Washington, Winter and Summer Streets in Boston. In the Gilded Age, that’s where you’d find the Big Three department stores, Jordan Marsh, Filene’s and Gilchrist’s. Today, it’s a pedestrian shopping zone.

Jordan Marsh 1891 Public Domain

In 1861, Eben Dyer Jordan and Benjamin L. Marsh opened the first departmentalized store in Boston, MA. They called it Jordan Marsh, then later Jordan Marsh & Co. No longer did shoppers have to travel from one specialty shop to the next. Almost everything they could want was for sale in one place. The two men initially focused on dry goods, ready-made clothing, and household goods. As they grew, they added more departments until they had a dazzling array of stock that included men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, furs, carpets and rugs, furniture, silverware, jewelry, hats, shoes, books, toys, stationary and more. If it could be sold, it was offered. Jordan Jr. became known for searching the world for merchandise to fill the eight floors of the store.

Shoppers at Jordan Marsh, 1910
thedepartmentstoremuseum.org/store-eh-ma-bos-jordon-marsh

Jordan and Marsh combined an elegant atmosphere with excellent personal service. They pioneered services such as offering credit accounts and money-back guarantees. “The Customer is Always Right” policy originated there. As time went on, Jordan Marsh was one of the first to have electric lights, glass showcases and elevators in their store. They also offered fashion shows, art exhibitions, and afternoon concerts. A café and bakery were available, where you could purchase their famous blueberry muffins.

Filene's Department Store 1912 Public Domain

Edward Filene opened his first store a year later than Jordan Marsh. By 1881, he and his sons had a wide variety of merchandise, while also offering personal services. They had three barber shops, hairdressing, manicuring and shoe shine departments. All with a No Tipping policy. You could even buy theater and travel tickets. Filene's is most famous for its Bargain Basement

Gilchrist Department Store Public Domain

Gilchrist, while having a wide variety of merchandise in its multi-level store, wasn’t considered as high-end as its neighbors. It did just as well, though. While people went to Jordan Marsh for blueberry muffins, they went to Gilchrist’s for almond macaroons. Kennedy’s and Raymond’s were also in Boston. Each store had a signature dish or dessert that people would go to their restaurant for. Between 1880 and 1900, the stores began using their street-level windows to entice people to come inside. It must have been especially beautiful at Christmas.

commonswikimedia.org

People used different modes of transportation to get to downtown Boston. Besides walking, horse-drawn trams with their clanging bells brought people from inner neighborhoods and nearby towns. Electric streetcars started becoming available in the 1880s, but horses were still used until 1900. The “EL”, elevated railway, started taking passengers over congested streets in the 1870s. It was noisy, but connected more distant neighborhoods. The Tremont Street subway opened in 1897. It was the first subway in America.

The department stores served shopping and entertainment needs for people of all economic levels. They were also an employment opportunity. The heroine in my novella set in 1881 Boston, Joel & Ella, finds work at a department store based on Jordan Marsh. If you’d like to read Ella’s story, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Joel & Ella is my gift to subscribers. Link is with the blurb.

Follow this link to get the recipe: https://newengland.com/food/breads/jordan-marsh-blueberry-muffins/

JOEL & ELLA

1881 Boston. It’s been a year since Ella's fiancé left town on the eve of their wedding, and she still can’t bring herself to go to church or see her friends. To help her move past her hurt, her parents insist she get a job. In the process, she gets reacquainted with Joel, a neighbor who accompanies her on the trolley to and from the large department store where she finds work. They enjoy each other’s company, and Joel begins to think they might share a future.

 

Then, Ella’s ex-fiancé returns, asking for a second chance. He’s already broken her heart once. Can she trust him? Does she still love him? Her feelings for Joel pull her in another direction. Or maybe she should stay away from any man so she won’t get hurt again. Mama advises her to pray. Will Ella look to God for her answer or turn away from both men to avoid heartache?

https://lindahooverbooks.com

Linda, a retired librarian, lives in west central Ohio with her husband and grandson. An avid reader and writer since childhood, she began her publishing career writing columns and a middle-grade serial for the South Charleston Spectator. Her desire is to entertain, but more importantly, to encourage readers with God’s faithfulness.

References, Further Reading, & External Links for Jordan Marsh: wikipedia.org/wiki/jordan_marsh

Soda Fountains – An American Icon by Linda Hoover

                                                     

When you think of a soda fountain, you might also think of the TV show Happy Days. The fifties were actually the end of the soda fountain golden age. My novella, Heart of Grace, is set in 1890, which, according to one source I read, is considered the beginning of the golden age. At that time, you’d find them in drug stores because the pharmacists promoted the drinks as medicinal. I took a deep dive into the history to see when it became a good idea to drink carbonated water, and was surprised to learn that as far back as 43 AD, people were going to Bath in England to drink or immerse themselves in the mineral waters there.


Fast forward to 1621, and you learn that the British are credited with being the first to bottle water and sell it. A resurgence in visiting spas and undergoing water therapy emerged among Europeans and American colonists in the 17th and 18th centuries. As early as 1767, Americans could purchase bottled water at a spa in Boston. In 1807, Henry Thompson received a patent for a method of infusing water with carbon dioxide. It was commonly called soda water even though it had no sodium carbonate in it.

Soda fountains began in Europe but had their biggest success in the U.S., where a Yale chemistry professor, among others, introduced Americans to soda water. He did such a brisk business in New Haven, CT, that he made bigger fountains and hired help. It didn’t take long for more businessmen to open shops in cities like New York and Philadelphia. Over time, fountains improved, and flavor was added to the water. In the beginning, soda fountains were found primarily in drug stores because pharmacists promoted the drinks as a medicinal. Later, they could be found in ice cream parlors, candy stores, and other locations where people gathered.

Root beer was the first syrup-based soda invented by a pharmacist, with Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper, and Pepsi coming along later. Different fruit syrups were added to the carbonated water, which made them more popular, but when chemists discovered that the addition of acid phosphates gave the drinks a tangy taste that was what people wanted. A few of the flavors they used were cherry, lemon, orange, pineapple, and chocolate. The drink was even better with a scoop of ice cream.

Even in the late 1800s and early 1900s, businessmen were keeping statistics and making marketing plans. They deduced that the phosphate drinks appealed more to the masculine population, while the feminine side preferred dairy-based drinks. My heroine in Heart of Grace introduces the hero to his first ice cream float, and he’s hooked. Something that appealed to both of them. An interesting side note is their take on a milkshake. To begin with, they put ice cream and milk in a container and shook it. That defines a milkshake, but I have to say I prefer the way it’s done now.

Linda lives in west central Ohio with her husband and grandson. She earned a degree in psychology from Anderson University, where she learned that the voices in her head were actually characters from stories waiting to be told.

Linda has been writing since childhood, but her publishing career started with writing columns and a middle-grade serial for the South Charleston Spectator. A retired librarian, she now enjoys being a full-time author in her home office. She writes not only to entertain but to encourage readers with God’s faithfulness.


Please visit her website, Linda Hoover Books, to learn more about her and her books. You can stay in touch when you subscribe to her newsletter, and as a thank you, you’ll receive a novella, Joel & Ella.

https://www.lindahooverbooks.com

This link will take you to all the places you can find Linda on the web: https://linktr.ee/lindahooverbooks

As children, Adam Johnson wanted nothing to do with Lydia Bailey. When they meet again as adults, Adam’s opinion hasn’t changed. In the years apart, circumstances have caused Lydia’s faith to waver. It will take a touch from God to heal their hearts and open their eyes to see each other for who they are.



Heart of Grace can be purchased here: http://amazon.com/dp/B0DDJ59BD8

 

Grilled Sow's Womb for Dinner, Anyone?

By Liisa Eyerly

In my book Obedient Unto Death, describing meals eaten two thousand years ago proved enlightening. The womb of a sow was a favorite dish among the ancients and was considered a great delicacy.

I will share some of the more curious recipes in another blog, but if you believe the Roman banquet is about food, you couldn’t be more wrong.

In my previous blog, I discussed the seating chart at a dinner party—the host assigned places based on the order of a guest’s importance or popularity. The menu reinforced the pervasive veneration of social class in Roman society. A high-ranking government official or wealthy patron required more elaborate displays of deference, including painstakingly prepared foreign sauces and spiced meats, like ostrich and flamingo. The more the host tried to impress, the fancier and more expensive the food. Inferior wine was served to the lesser guests, who may also have noticed being served more commonplace courses during the meal.

Robert Smirke - Study of a Roman Banquet scene - Wikimedia.org - Yale Center for British Art

While honoring specific guests, the banquet also highlighted the host’s pedigree, family wealth, education, and, most importantly, status. The slaves laid out the best silver and, if the family was extremely wealthy, crystal goblets. One and two-handled cups made from carved onyx, blown glass, and gem-encrusted bronze, silver, and gold were all in use. However, the more affordable and abundant tableware for those of us reclining on the right-side couch was terracotta pottery.

British Museum London 

The evening was a production of exotic dishes, imported wines, and entertainment. Triclinia (dining rooms) were designed—you guessed it—to show off the family money, education, travel, sophistication, and oratory skills. Walls were painted, floors displayed mosaics, and statues adorned the room, all featuring ancient myths, battles, heroes, heroines, famous poets, politicians, emperors, gods, and goddesses. Like today's media, these cultured decorations inspired thought-provoking debates and stimulating conversation. 

                                                        Triton, aquatic deity

Arno river deity 

Guest recitations of poetry, prose, or song were encouraged as part of the evening's enjoyment and were often accompanied by hired musicians playing the flute, lyre, or pipes. Depending on the guest list, dancing girls or acrobats might be swirling and tumbling to the audience's approval. Mime was a favorite entertainment choice, as were the more expensive gladiatorial contests and wild animal acts. The following jug depicts a female acrobat shooting an arrow with her feet.

Marcus Cyron, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Attractive servers and slaves contributed to a delightful dining experience, with the smallest details calculated to underscore the host family’s prominence, wealth, and, most importantly, their status.

Even after two millennia, some customs have not changed.

Liisa Eyerly’s Secrets of Ephesus series adds a Christian twist to first-century Roman Empire mysteries. Her debut novel, Obedient Unto Death (2022), won the Eric Hoffer First Horizon Award and first place in Spiritual Fiction. The second book, Fortunes of Death, launches on October 15th. A lifelong mystery lover, Liisa was inspired by the Apostle Paul’s depiction of early Christians. After careers in teaching, librarianship, and stained glass, she began writing full-time at fifty. Liisa lives in northern Wisconsin with her husband and enjoys pickleball, kayaking, Bible study, and visiting Ancient Roman sites.

Did You Know.... Bible Trivia

by Naomi Craig

I love random trivia . In many forms like behind the scenes info about movies (Did you know in the musical Singin' In The Rain where Kathy Seldon does voice overs for the star, Lina Lamont, only the actual movie people thought Debbie Reynolds' (Kathy) voice wasn't mature enough so Jean Hagen (Lina) sang the movie song "Would you?" ----Ending up being Lina covering for Kathy who was covering for Lina)

Singin' in the Rain trailer 5.jpg, wikimedia

Historical tidbits---why I love this blog

And Random Bible Trivia.

I don't know why.

There is a sense of pride when I know the most answers in the American Trivia board game.

So let's get into some interesting Bible trivia.

Did you know the Bible is not only the best-selling book in the world (100 million per year ) but also the most shoplifted.

Wicked Bible - wicked passage.jpg, Wikimedia

Did you know in 1631, a publishing company accidentally omitted the word "not" from the 7th commandment? Around 1,000 copies were distributed before "thou shall commit adultery" was noticed. This version is known as the Sinner's Bible or the Wicked Bible.

How's your trivia inside the Bible?

Did you know about the left-handed assassin and the obese king?

The dead man comes to life at Elisha's sepulchre.jpg, Wikimedia

Did you know a man came back to life after his dead body touched the (very dead) bones of a prophet?

What about an Iron ax head floating in water?

Did you know there is a woman credited with building three cities?

Donkeys talking? Sounds like a cartoon or fantasy movie, but it's actually in the Bible first

Og's Bed (crop).jpg, Wikimedia

Did you know a man had a bed 13 1/2 feet long and 6 feet wide. (I'll give you a hint, it wasn't Goliath)

Or how about the man whose hair weighed 6 1/4 lbs. when it was cut annually.?


Did you know all these? What other random tidbits should be included?

Author of Biblical fiction, avid reader, and pastor's wife, Naomi loves reading the Bible and imagining how things were at the time. When she’s not serving in various areas at church or trying to stay on top of mountains of dishes, you'll most likely find her enjoying a good book and a cup of coffee. Naomi is the founder of Biblical Fiction Aficionados Community on Facebook and co-hosts #BehindTheStory on YouTube. When not writing or trying to wrangle social media, Naomi attempts to get her rescue dogs to be cute on command for the many pics she takes throughout the day.

What was your favorite Biblical Fiction you read that released in 2023?

Come on over to Biblical Fiction Aficionados and vote for the 2023 Readers' Choice Award

Christmas at the Castle PLUS GIVEAWAY!

by Naomi Craig

                    

What's a better way to get in the Christmas mood than with a collection of stories? The common thread?
All take place at a castle😍🏰🏯



In castles far and near, long ago and yesterday, find happily-ever-afters wrapped in love and tied with Christmas joy.

The Lights of Castlebourne (by Cathe Swanson and Chautona Havig):
                             
Out of this collection, I loved that two of my favorite authors, Chautona Havig and Cathe Swanson teamed up to create a memorable book set around Sydney, a landscape designer, who wishes only to create memorable landscape designs at a castle. When you add in a skunk, an electrician, a cousin, a dog, and a grumpy owner of the castle, and The Lights of Castlebourne grabbed my attention, and would not let me put the book down. Both of these authors create books I love reading and this story definitely lived up to my expectations.~ Patti P, Amazon Reviewer



The Girl From Dalarna (by Olivia Talbott):
                                  

The Girl From Dalarna by Olivia Talbott is a historical fiction set in 1833 Sweden. It was a very emotional story, Linnea had to leave her family and home and go to a larger city to try to provide for her mother and sisters after her father’s death. Despite her exceptional beauty she was shy with a stutter and just wanted to be left alone to do her job. It was very interesting to read the story and see how her life changed. I really appreciated Rane and think that everyone should have a Rane in their life.~Donna C, Amazon Reviewer


The Cross at Morioka Castle (by Kathleen J. Robison):


                                
This one was my favorite in the collection, but I have a huge interest in the Japanese culture. This little novella was like visiting with friends of mine who have returned to their home country, one I would dearly love to visit someday. The romance was sweet, and I loved how it illustrated how God puts the exact people in our path that we need at just the time when we need them. The author also did an amazing job of portraying the struggle of Japanese Christians, caught between cultural tradition and faith. ~eLynda, Amazon Reviewer




The Ghost of Christmas... (by Denise L. Barela):
                              
I will admit I am a huge fan of Neuschwanstein Castle so I automatically geeked when I found out that it was the setting for this story. Abbi jumps at a chance to spend Christmas at Neuschwanstein and is swept into the magic of the Castle.This is the second book that I have read by Barela and I can’t wait to see what she writes next. I would love to see a series based on the characters who live and work in the castle.~Donna, Amazon Reviewer


Crystal Clear (by Marguerite Martin Gray):

                              

Probably the closest to what I expected from the collection, this novella has a real focus on Christmas and the miracle Jesus brings to all of us, regardless of the season. I loved the setting, the characters, and the storyline. I could smell the pine in the air, so vivid were the descriptions, and I felt like I was right there with the characters, experiencing the joy of the season, even in a difficult time.~eLynda, Amazon Reviewer



The Weary World Rejoices (by Naomi Craig):

                                 
You may think you’ve heard the Christmas story a million times, but until you see it through Amal’s eyes, you are missing something! My heart rejoiced along with Amal’s by the conclusion of this novella. The Weary World Rejoices by Naomi Craig is Biblical fiction that will make you shiver, review Scripture, cry, cheer, evaluate how you treat Scripture (all while being an unputdownable story)!~ Babbling Becky L, Amazon Reviewer


                     

Grab a mug of something hot and delicious and curl up somewhere comfy. Your literary chariots await to take you on a journey from an early twentieth-century castle overlooking the Mississippi all the way back to the Holy Land at the time of Jesus' birth. These six novellas, all set in castles real and fictional, celebrate the heart and joy of Christmas.




I'm hosting a giveaway! Let me know in the comments which Christmas novella looks most intriguing to you! (if you are still reading in your email, you will need to go online. Also, sometimes our platform doesn't like browsers--Chrome or firefox seem to work better)


All commenters will be entered in a random draw for an ebook of Keeping Christmas vol. 1

Merry Christmas! May the Prince of Peace be with you this season!

                                                  

Author of Biblical fiction, avid reader, pastor's wife, Naomi loves reading the Bible and imagining how things were at the time. When she’s not serving in various areas at church or trying to stay on top of mountains of dishes, you'll most likely find her enjoying a good book and a cup of coffee. Naomi co-hosts #BehindTheStory on YouTube and helps facilitate Biblical Fiction Aficionados Community on Facebook. When not writing or trying to wrangle social media, Naomi attempts to get her rescue dog to be cute on command for the many pics she takes throughout the day.


Keeping Christmas vol 1 is also available on Kindle Unlimited