Gina, I know you were drawn to writing stories from an early age. What made you choose to focus on mysteries and suspense? 

I never set out to write mysteries and romantic suspense. I always thought I would write historical romance or women's fiction. My debut novel is even a historical one. The shift happened when I wrote my second novel, No Greater Love. The hero is a police officer, so I decided he should try to solve some crimes in the book. And then, someone started threatening the mayor ... and the rest is history, as they say. I love the twists, the unexpected turns, the clues, red herrings ... creating a story that keeps readers guessing makes me happy.

In your new book, you've written about two characters who basically end up in an escape room that could kill them if they don't figure it out. What inspired this idea?

The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California. My husband had read an article about it, and I immediately thought, "I'm going to use that in a book." It’s this sprawling Victorian mansion built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of the man behind the Winchester rifle fortune. After her husband’s death, she became convinced she was being haunted by the spirits of those killed by the rifle—and that the only way to keep them at bay was to keep building.

​So… she did. For nearly forty years.
​
The result is a house that feels like a real-life puzzle—staircases that lead to nowhere, doors that open into walls, windows in the floor, and hallways that twist and turn with no obvious logic. It’s chaotic, eerie, and strangely fascinating.

What is one of the most interesting things you've learned while researching for your novels?

The Voynich Manuscript. It’s this mysterious, centuries-old book written in a language no one has ever deciphered. Cryptographers, linguists—even code breakers from World War II—have tried to crack it, and no one can agree on whether it’s a real coded text, a lost language, or an elaborate hoax. What makes it even more intriguing are the illustrations—strange plants that don’t exist, astronomical diagrams, and pages filled with what look like recipes or scientific notes. It feels like it should make sense, but it doesn’t.

Can you give us a sneak peek of what's coming next?

I'm currently writing book 3 of The Game Masters series, The Missing Piece. When Ginny Clarke’s best friend disappears under suspicious circumstances, she refuses to believe it’s coincidence. The deeper she digs, the more she realizes she’s stepped into something far bigger—and far more dangerous—than she ever imagined.
​
As cryptic clues begin to surface, Ginny and Detective Freddie Hood find themselves racing to make sense of a pattern no one else seems to see. But in a game where every move is calculated and every message means something, missing even one piece could prove deadly.

It’s a story about loyalty, truth, and the risks we take when we refuse to look away—where nothing is as simple as it seems, and every answer comes at a cost.

I know your earlier books were indie and you've recently switched to being published by Scrivenings Press. What inspired that change?

I entered my manuscript, "The Puzzle Within," to Scrivenings Press's "GetPubbed" writing contest, and it won the grand prize -- a publishing contract! 

Nice! Last but not least, what is one random fact about yourself that very few people already know? 

I love animals that look like they're wearing a mask-- red pandas, sloths, pandas, raccoons ... these are my favorites. Hmm, makes you wonder ...

The Escape Game

Demi Kayne, owner of a popular puzzle shop, has spent years searching for her father, who vanished without a trace. When she cracks the code he left behind, the trail leads her to a secluded mansion—and straight into danger.
Liam Shepherd, a missionary with a passion for puzzles, is desperate to find his missing sister. His investigation brings him to Silver Falls, where his path collides with Demi’s in ways neither of them expects.
Drawn into a deadly escape game designed by a brilliant and vengeful mind, Demi and Liam must unravel twisted riddles and confront buried secrets before time runs out. Losing could cost them everything. Their faith and each other may be their only means of escape.

Gina Holder is a Christian award-winning author of romantic suspense and cozy mysteries filled with faith, intrigue, danger, romance, and epic twists you'll never see coming.
She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.        

​I recently made the switch from writing cozy mysteries to publishing women’s fiction. In my cozies, I get to be an amateur sleuth (don’t all authors live vicariously through their characters?). Women’s fiction is a whole new ball game.
Some basic differences in cozies and women’s fiction:

• Cozies – light and often humorous, even though people die; women’s fiction – more in-depth in relationship aspects and often covers deeper, harder subjects
• Cozies are more plot-driven, while women’s fiction is more character-driven
• The main focus of a cozy mystery is: Who did it? The main focus in women’s fiction is: How will she change?

​For instance, in a cozy, I might be figuring out which culprit had the motive and opportunity. In women’s fiction, I dig into why a woman walked away or made that choice, etc.
Both genres offer differences and similarities. I like to write about women ages 45+. Women who have lived enough life to carry both regret and wisdom, who are still growing, still becoming, still asking, “What now? What’s next?” Those questions look different for every woman. For some, it comes after loss. For others, it shows up in the middle of an ordinary day when they realize they want more or something different. Those are the stories I’m drawn to telling, because they reflect real life in a way that feels honest and hopeful.
At the end of the day, both genres remind us of something important: no matter our age or our past, there’s always more to uncover and more growth ahead.
To my cozy mystery lovers, don’t worry. I still love a good mystery, and I have another series in my back pocket. These days, though, the clues are a little more emotional than criminal.
I include a bit of romance in my cozies, but it’s not much. Same for my women’s fiction. There might be the possibility, but the focus is more on my main character and where she’s headed both physically and emotionally.
I love exploring how my character will change. Our lives are never static (can I get an Amen!). Seasons shift, relationships evolve, and sometimes the life we thought we’d have looks nothing like the one we’re living. That’s where we find the richest stories—in the middle of the mess, the waiting, the unexpected turns.
There’s no reason my characters’ lives should be any different. Things happen – good, bad, and in between. Sometimes it’s actually those boring times that characters do their best pondering.
So, why did I make the switch to a different genre? Experience, mostly. There came a point where solving a mystery wasn’t quite enough for me as a writer. I found myself lingering on the quieter moments, the conversations, the regrets, the things left unsaid. I wanted to explore what happens after the big events, when a woman is left to pick up the pieces and decide who she wants to be.
Plus, the opportunity and desire to share hope in the hard times. I wanted to spend more time with my characters and understand what shaped them, what hurt them, and what healing might look like for them.
As a woman well past 45, I’ve lived through some pretty tough life experiences, seen second chances (and offered them), and found resilience and strength. Writing women’s fiction provides me with the chance to offer real, concrete ideas to help people grow and find support. I don’t usually read nonfiction, but I will pick up a women’s fiction book and dive headfirst into the wonderful, crazy world of real life.
And that’s what I hope my readers will find in my books, stories that remind them they’re not alone, and that even in the hardest seasons, change and hope are still possible.

​Jen Dodrill brings inspiration and hope to life through the pages of her books, telling heartfelt stories that shine in both good and challenging times. A mother of five and a proud grandma, she writes cozy mysteries, romantic suspense, and women’s fiction—fueled by her love of reading and all things coffee. Learn more at jendodrillwrites.com.
Connect with Jen on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest @jendodrillwrites.

Last weekend, I was blessed to be able to speak at a ladies' day in Arkansas. The theme was "God is the author of our lives." The ladies who were decorating outdid themselves.
Have you ever seen such pretty centerpieces? Obviously, my book-loving heart was thrilled. Though I was a little sad that I didn't get to take one home with me (despite the fact that I have no idea where I'd display such a thing). There were fifteen tables, so I obviously didn't get pictures of all the centerpieces (like the gorgeous miniature paintings of various book scenes), but I think this will give you an idea.

Each book had different pages folded and secured, decorated with different flowers and trinkets. Every single one was different. Although part of me bemoans making those books where they can't be read again, I've done something similar in the past. I was given a few books the library was discarding, and I turned some of the pages into roses for a wreath to gift the librarian who was retiring. 
Still, how do you feel about this? Do you love decorations like this or does it break your heart? Have you ever created something out of an old book? What book do you think is okay to turn into art like this?

When Love Hurts: Hope for Healing in Mother-Daughter Relationships

All of us have relationships in our lives—some that feel like a gift and others that are incredibly hard. And sometimes, the same person can be both at different moments.
That’s especially true in mother-daughter relationships.

The Beauty and Strain of Mother-Daughter Bonds

There were seasons between my mother and me that were extremely difficult. At one point, we even stopped talking altogether. But there were also seasons I treasure—times when she was my biggest cheerleader, someone whose advice I valued and sought.
Now, as a mom of two grown daughters, I see both sides more clearly.
Relationships this close are rarely simple. They stretch us, challenge us, and sometimes wound us. But they also hold the potential for deep connection, growth, and lasting love.

Why Love Always Calls Us Back

No matter how strained a relationship becomes, love doesn’t disappear.
Love nudges us toward reconciliation.
Love softens our hearts enough to forgive.
Love bridges the gap when disagreement or hurt pulls us apart.
As believers, we don’t love or forgive in our own strength. Because of God’s unconditional love for us—and His willingness to pardon every sin—we’re able to extend that same grace to others.
Even when it’s hard.
Even when it feels undeserved.

How This Theme Shaped Stronger than the Storm

This tension between hurt and healing is at the heart of my debut novel, Stronger than the Storm.
Beth Holbrook, the heroine, struggles with strained relationships on two fronts—both with her mother and with her teenage daughter, Leesa. When Leesa runs away, Beth is blindsided. At first, she places the blame on her daughter.
But God’s work in Beth’s heart forces her to confront her own failures—especially a long-buried secret that, once revealed, devastates her family.
She realizes something humbling:
She needs as much grace as her daughter does.
Through faith, honesty, and love, both Beth and Leesa begin the difficult but beautiful journey toward forgiveness and reconciliation.

A Personal Story of Love and Loss

This theme isn’t merely fictional for me—it’s deeply personal.
My mother’s doctor diagnosed her with ovarian cancer in March 2020, and she passed away in July 2021, three days before her seventy-seventh birthday. During those sixteen months, I spent as much time with her as possible.
We made memories I now hold onto tightly.
And I’m so grateful that love—not past hurt—defined our final season together.

Holding Onto Hope for Restoration

That’s why writing about mother-daughter connections with honesty and hope mattered so much to me.
Because hurt in these relationships is almost universal. But so is the longing for healing.
Beth and Leesa’s story moves toward restoration—and I pray their journey reminds readers of this truth:
As long as there is love, there is hope.
With Mother’s Day approaching, if you still have your mother or your daughter in your life and your relationship isn’t as strong as you’d like, hold on to that hope. Lean into grace. Choose forgiveness.
Because it’s never too late for healing.

Stronger Than the Storm

A runaway teen. A wife’s devastating secret. A family’s reckoning.
Nineteen years after surviving a rocky season in her marriage, Beth Holbrook has built a life defined by strong faith, a committed marriage, and a thriving parenting ministry. On the brink of publishing her first book and expanding her influence, her world unravels when her daughter, Leesa, runs away without a word. 
Eighteen-year-old Leesa is furious over her parents’ strict rules—especially their refusal to let her attend a beach party, where the only boy who’s ever noticed her will be. When her best friend suggests escaping to Myrtle Beach, Leesa makes a reckless choice. Six weeks later, she returns home with life-altering news.
While grappling with a volatile blend of failure and anger, Beth’s identity as a pastor’s wife, mother, and respected parenting coach crumbles. Tension rises in her marriage, criticism from her mother intensifies, and her relationships with her children fracture. When Beth reveals a long-buried secret, she risks shattering her family for good.
A hurricane closes in, but the storm inside the Holbrook home may prove even more destructive. Will their family hold together—or has Beth’s confession come too late?

As a Jesus girl for over thirty years, and a pastor’s wife for most of those, Deena Adams has a wealth of experience counseling women who’ve navigated unimaginable adversity. Through these interactions she’s gained great insight into topics women relate to, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true-life stories.
Three-and-a-half years as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer and completion of the Certified Mental Health Coach program through Light University have equipped her to write stories that address deep family-related themes with authenticity, wisdom, and compassion.
She is an active ACFW member, a six-year ACFW Virginia board member, and founder of the Marathon online writers group. Her writing awards include: 2019 Foundations Award finalist, 2019 ACFW First Impressions double finalist and winner, 2021 ACFW Genesis finalist and ACFW Virginia Crown Award winner, 2022 Cascade Award finalist, 2023 ACFW First Impressions finalist, 2024 ACFW Genesis double semi-finalist and winner, 2024 Foundations Award finalist, and 2025 ACFW Genesis finalist. She also enjoys promoting hope-filled fiction authors on her blog.
Deena lives with her husband near the coast in beautiful Virginia. When she’s not writing, reading, or serving in her church, you’ll find her hanging out with family and friends, playing board games, and doting on her seven grandchildren. 
Connect with Deena through her website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.

In my historical romance novel, The Wayfaring Widow, widow Victoria Clarke is on an ill-fated trip through some of America’s largest cities in 1854 with declared bachelor, Harrison Wright. Only the third member of their party, mutual friend (and real-life English explorer) Isabella Bird, keeps the two from constantly being at each other’s throats.
After visiting Boston, Chicago, and Detroit, with each destination presenting its own excitements (and terrors), the trio next travels aboard the Mayflower steamship across Lake Erie to Buffalo, New York.

​I weave much of Isabella’s first-hand account of the steamer into The Wayfaring Widow, including the ship’s opulent Gothic design, numerous spittoons, and culinary delights (vanilla ice cream, anyone?) Also included is the truly treacherous crossing of Lake Erie that night.
Turbulent though the overnight journey was in real life, it did much in my fictional tale to bring Harrison and Victoria closer. I won’t share any major spoilers, but I will give you a brief snippet of how a competing female, a grizzled old sea captain, and a waltz have much to do with this pivotal moment in Harrison and Victoria’s romance.
“Harrison’s gaze connected with hers from across the room, and she startled, dropping her gaze. He’d caught her staring. She’d only met his eyes briefly, too short a time to decipher how he felt about having a woman such as Miss Jameson in his arms.
Her whole body flushed hot. Whether from embarrassment at being caught gawking, or from the crush of bodies in the room, or from the lingering heat of Captain Delany’s liquid courage, she needed cool air. Immediately.
She stood and exited through the double glass doors of the saloon and into the refreshing early October air, heaving a sigh of relief that the deck was empty. She made her way to the railing. The water churned and splashed below in a constant clash with the Mayflower’s wooden hull.
“Victoria, are you all right?”
She’d know that voice anywhere. Slowly, she pivoted.
Harrison stood several feet away as if he knew she wanted space. He tried to catch her gaze, but she won out this time, averting her eyes to the wooden planks of the Mayflower’s deck. She didn’t need to remind him of her blemishes when he had just been looking upon the youthful, flawless face of Miss Jameson.
“Quite all right, Harrison.” Her voice quavered only slightly. “I thank you for your concern, but as you can see,” she gestured with her hands, “I’m all in one piece. You may return to dancing with Miss Jameson now.”
…
She made to turn around, but stopped when Harrison cleared his throat and said, “A woman with a keen mind is far more attractive to me.”
She all but scoffed. Yes, just the way to make herself more becoming in his eyes.
Harrison stepped closer and continued, “and one with courage and pluck.”
Another step closer and her traitorous heart thumped harder. He was within arm’s reach now. “And one who cares deeply for others. And helps them selflessly.”
A final step and they were toe to toe. Her breath came in deep, uneven puffs, her heart all but hammering out of her chest now.
His scent hung in the air, heady and far more intoxicating than the liquid in Captain Delaney’s flask.”
I should probably stop here before too much is revealed, but hopefully this teaser piques your interest in The Wayfaring Widow and the real woman from history—Isabella Bird—who is captured within its pages. Oh, and if you want to see what the Mayflower looked like and learn how it met its (untimely) demise shortly after Isabella’s visit, you can read more about it here.

The Wayfaring Widow

To escape her grievous past and avoid her bleak future, twenty-eight-year-old widow Victoria Clarke joins her friend, Isabella Bird, on a once-in-a-lifetime journey from England to America in 1854. But Harrison Wright, the man acting as escort to the women on their journey, is cold and gruff, and his mannerisms conjure up the pains of Victoria’s past, especially her former husband’s mistreatment. Victoria doubles the defenses of her already fragile heart, but will it be enough to endure what she now feels is an ill-fated expedition?

Twenty-nine-year-old New York lawyer, Harrison Wright, has made a promise to his friend, Isabella Bird, to escort her around his home country. And unlike his father, Harrison keeps his promises. Since Harrison has sworn off women due to his own troubled past, he is not pleased Victoria will be joining the trip. But as a declared bachelor, he’s built an impenetrable safeguard around his own heart that should withstand a few weeks in this other woman’s company.

As the trio explores Boston, Detroit, Chicago, Niagara Falls, and New York City, surviving fires, disreputable innkeepers, sickness, and storms, Victoria and Harrison are loathe to find that they cannot avoid each other’s company. But in such close proximity, will Victoria and Harrison’s initial flared tempers lead to even stronger and more unavoidable feelings about each other? Feelings that have them questioning whether their journey will have the most unlikely of destinations: love and healing—and happily ever after—with each other?

 Casey Cline collects hobbies and pursuits as quickly as she reads books. She likes to believe her degrees and licenses in business, law, and real estate aren’t entirely incongruous with writing historical stories about the ultimate adventure in life—love. Casey lives in Nebraska with her husband, two daughters, and three cats. You can connect with Casey on her website, Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, Bookbub, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Tiktok. ​

My book released a few weeks ago. It should've been a day full of elation and joy. A week of happiness. But I let comparison steal some of that.
In a world where the market is inundated with books, it's hard to not look at how many reviews you have versus someone else or how high your ranking is compared to another. It's hard to not see posts about other authors' books, but not see as many shared regarding yours. Or at least think you see less. Who knows what the algorithms really show us?
Still, it wears a person thin to always be wondering if your book is as good as someone else's. Or your anything, for that matter. My eleven-year-old has been learning this lesson along with me.

Over Easter weekend, we participate in a program called Lads to Leaders. It's a yearly convention where hundreds of churches gather and let their kids participate in song leading, scripture reading, speeches, debates, puppets, and Bible bowl, among other events. It's uplifting and fun (and exhausting). But it can also lead to disappointment.
My daughter worked hard on her speech this year and she did a great job. She ended up being a finalist in the group she was in. But she didn't win gold, silver, or bronze. It was hard for her to not wonder what she did worse than the other girls or how she could have done better. And in some ways, that's good. Because it means she's going to stretch herself next year to do even better.
But in other ways, it made the achievement of being in the top six a bit less enjoyable.
That same week, I found out I wasn't accepted for a reader event I'd applied to be at. They only had 30 slots and hundreds of authors had applied. Even though the event is super close to where I live, I knew it would be a stretch to see if I was accepted. Seeing the names of other authors who have already been announced as being there, my mind quickly slipped into, "Well, of course I wasn't accepted. I'm not [insert amazing author's name here]. And I had to remind myself not to do that.
That author may be amazing, but that doesn't mean I'm not. She may have thousands more followers and reviews than I do, but that doesn't lessen my story. Another author may be better known, but that doesn't mean she's better. It simply means God has given her a different path than He's given me.
Every book is different. Every author has a different purpose, a different goal, and a different path to walk. Just because mine is different from someone else's doesn't mean it's bad. And it's hard to remember.
Comparing myself to others can be good if it helps me stretch and improve. But if I let it discourage me or allow it to steal the joys in my successes, I've let it win.
Don't let comparison steal your joy. Remember that your path looks different than anyone else's and God know exactly what yours needs to look like. And I'll strive to remember the same.
Have you ever let someone else's success dim your own? Ever thought yourself less than because you were different than another person?

Perplexity

Assemble the clues, dismantle the danger.
Yosarai Patican never wanted to finish her schooling in the Indeli capital, but after several months, she is finally finding her footing . . . until her world is shattered by the unthinkable. Facing loss after loss, she struggles to adjust to a new position and new responsibilities, including the repayment of a massive debt. A debt more easily managed if she can qualify for the elite politico sphere on the upcoming placement exam. Some, however, would do anything to prevent Yosarai from earning one of the coveted positions.
Meanwhile, in the northern realm of Egdon, Crown Prince Xander faces an increasingly hostile Parliament. Not only are they questioning the necessity of the monarchy, but they are also demanding an accounting of some mysterious expenditures by the former king. Unless Xander can unearth a reasonable explanation, his coronation may be more than postponed. It may be cancelled—permanently.
As old rivalries escalate and hidden threats emerge, both Xander and Yosi must choose their paths wisely, before evil eliminates everyone in its way.

Chawna Schroeder loves exploring the wonder of God through the intersection of imagination and faith. When she isn’t reading or writing, she may be found practicing piano, reading biblical Greek or Hebrew, preparing for the Bible study she teaches, or working on one of her handwork projects while enjoying a movie. 
 
Links:
www.facebook.com/ChawnaSchroederAuthor
www.chawnaschroeder.com

Snow White has to have an apple, right? That's the way we've all known the story as we grew up. And yet, as I started writing my version of the tale, I wanted something different. Since my books don't have magic, I couldn't really have a poisoned apple as the way my character gets tricked by the evil queen and has to be rescued. So, I worked out a different twist, still with an apple recipe, but maybe not what you're expecting. And I won't tell more for fear of ruining the surprise.
That being said, there are still a lot of apple elements in my retelling.

1. The uncles all have the last name Apple. And all of their first names are a flavor of apple, MacIntosh, Everard, Pendragon, Spencer, Jazz, Crispin, and Braeburn. Their sister's name was Opal, another type of apple.
2. They run the Apple Inn. Obviously, it's named after them, but Kari incorporates the name into the theme as she redecorates. Apple wallpaper, apple colors on the wall, apple decorations.
3. And apple pastries. When Kari and Jake start using Rosie to make the pastries and goodies they serve for breakfast, she willingly comes up with some new apple recipes to go with their inn. It's a win-win.
So, while there may not be any apples in the classic sense in my story, there are still plenty to pick from. What do you think? Is it enough to still give of Snow White vibes? What other ways could you think of to incorporate apples into a non-magical fairy tale retelling?

Only one problem. The Apple brothers don't want to sell to her. Their inn is old enough, she sends an inspector over and has it condemned. Now they'll have to sale. But she wasn't counting on them reaching out to their niece and nephew, Kari and Jake White.
The younger generation comes in, hammers and tools and ideas at the ready, turning around the old inn and saving it from destruction. What can she do now? Can she beat them another way? Maybe through this new contest, the one The Mirror announced--The Fairest Inn All Contest. There's got to be a way for her to get her hands on that inn!
Think I had some fun writing Queenie? She definitely pushed and stretched me in ways I wasn't expecting, but it was so much fun imagining her as she strutted around in her high heels. Have you met Queenie yet? Think she's a villain you can love to hate?

In case you can't tell from the above description, Rosie is my nod to Little Red Riding Hood. She was a fun character who popped up and was perfect for my hunter. It was also a blast to weave in some references to that fairy tale in the middle of all the Snow White mentions and nods. 
Do you love it when fairy tale characters cross over into other stories? Are you ready to look for all these nods and hints?

Fairest Inn All releases tomorrow! Today is the last day to save $1 on the e-book. Want a sneak peek? The first three chapters are free on my publisher's website.