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The Timeless Love Blog and Newsletter — for Christian fiction lovers!
- sandykayslawsonWriter
- Jul 14
- 12 min read
This month on The Timeless Love Blog and Newsletter—Three Book Reviews and Author Q&As by Authors Carolyn Jacobs, Jodie Wolfe, and Pamela G. Baker! I can't wait for you to meet these outstanding talents! And stay to the end and see the exciting things happening in my writer's life!
Book Reviews and Author Q&As: Timeless Love Blog and Newsletter
Book Review of The Pride of Babylon by Author Carolyn Jacobs Timeless Love Blog and Newsletter
The Pride of Babylon, a historical romance, is set in 1917 Mesopotamia. Ana Brown, the daughter of a renowned archeologist, and trained at her father’s side, is denied the pleasure of receiving a formal education. Despite her love of archeological finds and the study of ancient writings, she is expected to marry a man who wants only an ornament on his arm for reasons she is ashamed to share. This is a waste of her whimsical brilliance and an offence to her moral sensibilities. Though meek and mild by nature, this is one time she won’t be bullied into compliance.
When her parents refuse to listen to her qualms and plan the wedding without her consent, Ana is forced to take drastic measures that put her near the banks of the Euphrates River in Mesopotamia at an excavation site located by the remains of the ancient city Babylon. Will her choices change her life for the better and draw her closer to the Lord or send her into a downward spiral back into her parents' cold and calculated designs?
Dr. Joe Sorenson, working at a Babylonian excavation site, is miffed when he is put in charge of a young woman’s safety. A young woman with secrets. However, at every turn, he is pleasantly surprised by her fanciful imagination, compassion for the orphan child, Hamid, he has taken under his wings, and knowledge of Biblical history. Will this confirmed bachelor find the home and belonging he’s always wanted in her or will his heart be shattered when her secrets come to light?
The struggles of the characters in The Pride of Babylon are raw and heart-wrenching at times, but there is an equal measure of romance, whimsy, compassion, and forgiveness. I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful story, so full of bravery in the face of fear and romance in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. I highly recommend this rich and faith-filled novel!
Author Q&A with Author Carolyn Jacobs Timeless Love Blog and Newsletter
Sandy: What does your writing and research schedule look like?
Carolyn: "Frailty, thy name is procrastination." No, that's not what Shakespeare said, but it is what I struggle with. When I first started writing, that's all I wanted to do. I'd wake up at 4:30 AM and head to the laptop to get my ideas down. Five years down the road, finding a balance in juggling writing, editing, marketing, and honing the craft along with my walk with the Lord, housework, and maintaining relationships is a challenge. Can you even remember the last time you were bored?
When I'm writing from scratch, my goal is 700 words a day. If I'm editing, it's 1-2 chapters a day. Research? I weave it in while I'm writing. If a question comes up, I can't focus on anything else until I get the answer. Case in point: I've got a timeline issue with my next project, and I can't write a word until I figure it out.
Sandy: Tell us something about yourself that is non-writing related.
Carolyn: I have an awesome family. Both of my kids got married in the last 3 months, and I couldn't be more blessed. My husband and I are happy empty nesters (although I wish my daughter and her husband lived within a day's drive, at least.)
Sandy: Why did you decide to write for the Christian fiction market?
Carolyn: The story that's been burning a hole in my brain for the last five years is the story of Daniel and the events leading up to the Babylonian exile. The faith element in my writing is strong enough it would need a "content warning" for a general market book.
Sandy: What else have you written?
Carolyn:The Pride of Babylon is my debut novel. All previous attempts to tell the story are safely tucked away in the confines of my hard drive. Besides writing books, I've got a blog at carolynjacobswrites.com where I do a lot of brain dumping. Last year, I did a series on the names of God inspired by Ann Spangler's book Praying the Names of God for 52 Weeks. What I learned in my deep dive was life changing.
At the moment, I'm putting the finishing touches on a supernatural fantasy inspired by King Josiah's reign and planning its sequel.
Sandy: Where is your favorite place to write?
Carolyn: My daughter redid our guest bedroom to be my office. I love the soft, sage green trim and the view of our big backyard with its bird feeders and oak trees. I've got reference books close at hand, a chalkboard wall for planning and mapping, and a comfy couch where my cats can curl up and watch me work.
Sandy: What do you like to read?
Carolyn: In fiction, my favorite genre is Biblical fiction. Janette Oke and Davis Bunn hooked me almost 20 years ago with The Centurion's Wife. Now, Connilyn Cossette is my favorite author. I'm so happy for the popular groundswell among fans of the genre. So many good books! In nonfiction, besides the Bible, I read a lot of apologetics and theology. There's always something to learn.
Sandy: What was the inspiration for the The Pride of Babylon?
Carolyn: I love the story elements of the Old Testament, and I'm always left wanting to know more. My writer brain wants to fill in the blanks. For The Pride of Babylon, specifically, I wanted to know about Nebuchadnezzar's faith journey. He's a brutal dictator who worshipped Marduk, destroyed Jerusalem, and slaughtered many Jews. Yet he authored a chapter in the Bible and exalted the name of the God Most High. What? How did that happen?
Sandy: What was the hardest part of writing The Pride of Babylon?
Carolyn: Self-doubt. I made so many rookie mistakes, and the temptation to throw in the towel was strong. But I steeped the project in prayer and reached out to DiAnn Mills to edit it. True to her nature, she was kind and gracious and spot on in helping me see the mess it was and fix it.
Sandy: Who is your favorite and least favorite character in the story?
Carolyn: I love Ana, of course. She's quirky and ridiculous and determined, and she makes connections others miss in the Bible. Aside from the main characters, I love Hamid. What a sassy little cutie, the perfect foil for Joe. Ana's mother, Mrs. Brown, is my least favorite. Domineering, grasping, and critical, she's loosely based on a distant relative. She scared me to death when I was little.
Sandy: Where can readers find you?
Carolyn: My website is carolynjacobswrites.com , and my FB is Carolyn Jacobs Author Page. I have a FB Group, Digging into Truth with Carolyn Jacobs, where I share book news and all sorts of geeky creation science news.
Book Review of Hannah’s Quest by Author Jodie Wolfe Timeless Love Blog and Newsletter
The novel, Hannah’s Quest, set in 1877 Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, is a Christian Historical Romance. This story begins with the struggle of a young woman who is trying to make it in the world alone, and failing. With years of being less than enough in the eyes of her guardians, overcoming feelings of inadequacy is a daily battle. While looking at job advertisements on the billboard at the local hardware store, Hannah Moore wonders if there’s anything she can do well. Anything at all.
When Hannah has a run-in with the hardware clerk, Luke Weisner, an embittered bachelor, she is less than impressed. But when she unknowingly meets his grandmother at church, she has no idea how the trajectory of her life will change. And when her past catches up with her, she might lose everything. Will Hannah finally come to believe she is worthy of love? And will she be able to accept that she doesn’t have to earn God’s love because it’s freely given?
Luke Weisner is not on speaking terms with the Lord. When his grandmother became ill, it’s the last straw. Hadn’t he endured enough? Would God take everyone away from him? Though his grandmother, a faith-filled, encouraging believer, wants him to find someone to love and to love him in return, his heart is too cold to let anyone in. But when a young woman, new to town, disrupts his life with her compassionate ways despite the hardships she’s survived, he finds himself falling and falling hard. However, his focus has to be on his grandmother before he can let himself consider a future with Hannah or anyone else. When disaster strikes, Luke worries that he’s waited too long to make things right. Will his grandmother’s prayers be answered? Will any decent woman have him when he is so far from God?
This story is a tearjerker, but the beauty of God’s love and forgiveness shines through so wonderfully. I can definitely recommend Hannah’s Quest without reserve.
Author Q&A with Author Jodie Wolfe Timeless Love Blog and Newsletter
Sandy: What does your writing and research schedule look like?
Jodie: I’m currently working on a historical novella collection called, Courting Love. Two of the stories have been previously published, and I’m working on the third story to include. They’re about three sisters, so I’m working on coming up with a story line for the final novella, which means doing a little more research about Kansas.
As soon as I have Courting Love underway, I’ll also start researching for my next book in my Time to Come Home Series, Sarah’s Search. I have a rough idea for the story line, but need to research Shippensburg history to find an old house, church, businesses, etc. that I’ll feature throughout the story as well.
Sandy: Tell us something about yourself that is non-writing related.
Jodie: I really enjoy walking and seeing God’s creation. When I walk each morning, I typically count how many rabbits I see and record them in my daily notebook/planner.
Sandy: Why did you decide to write for the Christian fiction market?
Jodie: I always knew I would write Christian novels, and my love for writing starting in elementary school. Being a writer was something I always have wanted to do… or at least can remember desiring to do.
Sandy: What else have you written?
Jodie: Not everything is published, but I’ve written Bible studies, a nonfiction book on the Proverbs 31-woman, devotions, articles, a unit study for an audio drama, short stories, plays, poems, etc. I also was a columnist for a national homeschooling magazine for well over seven years. Hannah’s Quest is my 11th published story.
Sandy: Where is your favorite place to write?
Jodie: In my office, in front of my story board so I can easily see my characters.
Sandy: What do you like to read?
Jodie: Other than my Bible (and devotions), I predominantly read Christian historical romance. Every once in a while, I’ll pick up a contemporary or nonfiction book.
Sandy: What was the inspiration for Hannah’s Quest?
Jodie: This book was actually started a number of years ago and has changed a little bit since then. The first theme was finding a place to belong, but my Time to Come Home Series also deals with prodigals, so I interwove that theme as well.
Sandy: What was the hardest part of writing Hannah’s Quest?
Jodie: When I first started out to write the original story, I never imagined it would be part of a prodigal series. Or that I’d ever write on that topic… but sadly, it’s one my husband and I have been dealing with over the past couple years.
Sandy: Who is your favorite and least favorite character in the story?
Jodie: It’s always hard to pick a favorite… But if I had to choose, probably Anna Burkholder, the grandmother of my hero. She’s at the age where she isn’t afraid to say what she’s thinking or feeling. As for least favorite, I don’t have one.
Sandy: Where can readers find you?
Jodie: Here are my social media links:
Website: https://www.jodiewolfe.com
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jodie-Wolfe/e/B01EAWOHXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Review of Chasing Time by Author Pamela G. Baker Timeless Love Blog and Newsletter
The novel Chasing Time, a Christian Speculative Fiction, is the second book in a trilogy on time travel between the 19th and 21st centuries. Ten years after Lydia Gardner had been catapulted from 1870 to 2010 after sustaining injuries in a fire, she is finding life in the 21st century crumbling around her. After making her way to a B&B, the renovated home of her time traveling friend, Cassie, who stayed in the 19th century, she is greeted with open arms by Chantal and Todd, the inventor who brought her to the future to save her life. The B&B is a welcome haven while she figures out what to do next. To her surprise, Lydia finds Cassie’s journals and a newspaper from the past that makes her believe she is needed . . . back in the 1870s. But that is the last place she wants to be. When a group of visitors arrive with too many questions about time travel, and then disappear, she is forced to decide. Use the time machine to return and protect the timeline from irreparable harm, or stay put and deal with the mess of her life in 2020? And if she goes home, will she be able to leave her family and friends again for the modern life where she truly belongs?
Lydia faces an impossible choice. Thankfully, there are enough believers in her circle of friends and family that she has many prayers for wisdom and protection rising to Heaven, though she resists faith herself. When Lucas, an unconventional family friend, becomes her confidant and protector, will his faith lead to her own? Will she recognize the good man he is and accept him as a potential suitor despite the many obstacles?
This novel has it all—Intrigue. Romance. Mystery. Suspense! And its setting is contemporary and historical! The best of both worlds. I recommend this story with two thumbs up and I’m sure you’ll love it, too!
Author Q&A with Author Pamela G. Baker Timeless Love Blog and Newsletter
Sandy: What does your writing and research schedule look like?
Pamela: My research schedule is a bit haphazard. I do a lot of it online, but I visit museums and take pictures. The description of one of the houses in Message Sent Through Time is of one on Jarell Plantation, outside Macon, GA. I try to write in the mornings on weekdays and do correspondence and social media in the afternoon, as I concentrate best in the morning. By late afternoon, I’m done. Lol. I take off most weekends.
Sandy: Tell us something about yourself that is non-writing related.
Pamela: I’ve been married to my best friend and love, Gary, for 38 years, and together we raised two daughters. I’m a retired software engineer who can’t get through a day without chocolate and coffee. I sing in my church choir and enjoy performing in community theater. One of my favorite roles was Laura in The Glass Menagerie, probably because she’s the daughter (mid-twenties), and I was fifty when I was cast in the role. I’ve also had fun roles in two farces, Don’t Dress for Dinner and Noises Off.
Sandy: Why did you decide to write for the Christian fiction market?
Pamela: I began writing when I joined a drama team at my church. I wrote skits and plays for my church for at least a decade. When I decided to write novels, I naturally wrote my characters with a faith journey.
Sandy: What else have you written?
Pamela: My first published novel was Message Sent Through Time. I’ve written several short stories published in Spark Flash Fiction Magazine, print anthologies, and lead magnets. I also participated in National Novel Writing Month every November from 2005 to 2023, writing at least 50k words of a rough draft each of those years. I have plenty of novels to polish up for publication. The problem is, it takes me much longer to revise than it does to write the draft.
Sandy: Where is your favorite place to write?
Pamela: I’m boring. I write in my office.
Sandy: What do you like to read?
Pamela: I read mysteries, thrillers, suspense, romantic suspense, and some fantasy, both Christian and secular, but I’ve been reading more Christian lately. At the moment, I’m rereading the Harry Potter series, which I do during the summer every five years.
Sandy: What was the inspiration for Chasing Time?
Pamela: When I pitched Message Sent Through Time to the agent, Julie Gwinn, she encouraged me to write at least two sequels. I prayed about it, and ideas for Lydia’s story and book 3 in the series popped into my head.
Sandy: What was the hardest part of writing Chasing Time?
Pamela: Revising. Always revising.
Sandy: Who is your favorite and least favorite character in the story?
Pamela: Of course, Lucas is my favorite. He’s such a good guy, and he was a surprise to me. My original idea didn’t involve a love interest for Lydia. My least favorite is Allison, not only because she’s the villain, but because she won’t reveal her true motivation. I’m hoping she tells me in book 3. 😊
Sandy: Where can readers find you?
Pamela:
Find Book 1, Message Sent Through Time, here!
Are you as excited about these books as I am? If you read any of them, I would love to know. I appreciate each of these authors for their interviews. It added so much to this month's Timeless Love Blog and Newsletter! It was great learning more about them, their writing journeys, and stories.
Works in Progress (WIPs): Timeless Love Blog and Newsletter
💗 My devotional, Wonderful Words of Life, for the MomQ blog published today! Read it here!
💗A Lady of Hope novel series: One of the three publishing houses requested my full Hope for Charity manuscript for review by their acquisitions committee last week.
💗A Love Worth More Than Gold novel series: Revising the first book and querying.
💗Button Day and A Bright Yellow Dress (non-fiction short stories): Editing before submitting to Chicken Soup for the Soul
💗 Preparing to enter a BookFunnel Group Promotion by the end of this month. This will be my first and will hopefully be a way to introduce a wider audience to my short stories.
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You're a busy woman! Your Mom blog brought to mind a hymn I've loved since childhood, but haven't heard or sung in many years. Our church younger generations prefer contemporary praise songs, like the ones we hear at the conference. They truly don't know what they're missing! If you're not familiar with it, look up the lyrics of Wonderful Words of Life. I just refreshed my memory by reading it.