Guest Author, Sherry Shindelar

 

I have been reading Sherry’s stories for several years, and I always look forward to more. Thank you for joining us, Sherry.

 

 

I have been in love with stories since I was a child. I’d swing for hours on my swing set, pumping my legs back and forth, dreaming up stories in my head. Even then, I had a flair for romance, creating new love interests and episodes for Star Trek’s Captain Kirk.

My favorite possession at age nine was a set of author playing cards (a matching game with photos of famous authors). I wanted to be an author when I grew up and bring stories to life on the written page, stories that would impact my readers.

A visit to a historic home in the Shenandoah Valley, when my husband and I were newly married, spurred my love for history and planted the seed for a story. A few years later, I wrote the novel, then buried it in a box in my closet when it didn’t get published right away (I had a lot to learn about the writing life and dealing with rejection). I returned to college to earn a degree in creative writing and eventually a PhD in literature, wondering if I’d ever reconnect with the stories in my head, the ones buried deep in my heart.

Then in 2019, I attended a Christian women’s conference in Rochester, Minnesota, and I picked my first Laura Frantz novel, The Colonel’s Lady, at the bookstore there. I loved it! Next, I read Laura’s Courting Morrow Little. Suddenly, I realized that this is what I wanted to do. I wanted to write Christian historical romance, and I knew I could. That summer, the Lord opened my heart to fall in love with writing all over again. And it has been my daily passion ever since. I pulled out the box and unburied the past. My new writing life was born.

I’ve written almost every day since. I rewrote my first novel from scratch, then I wrote another novel, Texas Forsaken, as I waited for a YES from an agent or editor/publisher. After no’s from several of the biggest publishers (no’s because it wasn’t the right timing for a Civil War story or an Indian captive story), I felt like I was moving toward my goals at turtle speed.

 

  

But God had a plan. In His perfect timing, He threw open the doors for me to receive my first book contract in June 2023, four years after I fell in love with writing again. And when it finally happened, the Lord answered my prayers beyond my expectations! The publisher offered a three-book contract!

A few weeks ago, my publisher released the second book in my Lone Star Redemption series, Texas Divided, and I’m working on book three, Texas Reclaimed. I’m so thankful for the Lord’s calling upon my life to write stories for Him.

 

Originally from Tennessee, Sherry loves to take her readers into the past. A romantic at heart, she is an avid student of the Civil War and the Old West. When she isn’t busy writing, she is an English professor, working to pass on her love of writing to her students. Sherry is an award-winning writer: 2023 ACFW Genesis finalist, 2021 & 2023 Maggie finalist, and 2022 Crown finalist. She currently resides in Minnesota with her husband of forty years. She has three grown children and three grandchildren.

 

Website: https://sherryshindelar.com/

Newsletter sign-up:https://sherryshindelar.com/launch 

Sherryshindelarauthor https://www.instagram.com/sherryshindelarauthor/

 FB Author: https://www.facebook.com/historylitgirl/ Sherry Shindelar Author

Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47340890.Sherry_Shindelar 

Bookbub author page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sherry-shindelar

Buy links: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBM4WMRN  

Fudge Brownies From Kathy's Kitchen

 

I got this recipe from my friend Sherri from college, and I haven’t used it in years. I discovered it again recently, and it is becoming a new favorite.

 

Ingredients:

1 cup margarine

 2 cups sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

4 eggs

¼ cup cocoa

1 cup flour

 

Directions:

Mix all ingredients and pour into greased 9 by 13 inch pan.  Bake at 325 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

 

From Kathy’s Kitchen: The first time I made this again a few months ago, it turned out very thin. I confess that easily could have been a Kathy problem in preparation. But, I’ve changed it a little, and it’s worked out great.

 

First I baked it in a square pan instead, and it was nice and thick. Next, I wanted more brownies, so I increased the recipe ingredients by half and baked it in a 9 by 13 inch pan again. Wonderful, and more             brownies.:) You may have to play with the baking time a little. Thank you, Sherri.

  

Guest Author, Interview with Heidi Gray McGill

 I have read many of Heidi’s stories, over a number of years. Heidi is an excellent writer, from the description to the characters, to the faith throughout. I appreciate her sharing stories about people of different races, with a number of struggles and health issues/disabilities.

 

Guest Author Interview: Heidi Gray McGill on Faith, Fiction, and Finding God’s Best

An honest, heartfelt conversation between two blind authors, friends, and sisters in Christ

Kathy: Welcome, Heidi! It’s always a joy to chat with you—especially since I usually get a sneak peek at your books before the rest of the world does. Thanks for joining me today.

Heidi: Thanks for having me, Kathy. You’ve been a gift to me in more ways than one—friend, encourager, editor… and unofficial typo catcher-in-chief. I’m still laughing about the time you caught that I wrote “shuttered” instead of “shuddered.” Apparently, my heroine was closing windows in fear instead of trembling. That’s what happens when autocorrect and a tired brain join forces!

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Kathy: Would you give our readers a brief bio? What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?

 

Heidi: Absolutely. I’m a Christian historical and contemporary fiction author who writes with a touch of humor and a whole lot of heart. I live just south of Charlotte, North Carolina, with my husband of over thirty years. I’m also a proud Grammie—which might be my favorite role yet. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me cooking comfort food, playing board games with friends, or soaking up time with my grandsons.

Like you, Kathy, I’m legally blind. Writing with less than 5% of my vision remaining brings unique challenges, but God has been faithful through every one of them. I rely heavily on assistive technology—and the encouragement of friends like you!

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Kathy: Can you share a little about your writing journey? Any stories that still make you smile?

Heidi: I started writing in March 2020 after retiring from directing an ESL program. I thought I’d write one book. Eight books later, here I am—still loving every moment.

Early on, I had three characters with names starting with the same letter. Even I couldn’t keep them straight. That’s when I learned the importance of naming—and of trusted editors! The learning curve was steep, but the joy of seeing God use these stories to touch hearts? That’s what keeps me writing.

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Kathy: Do you have a writing schedule that works for you?

Heidi: I’m more of a “rhythms over routines” kind of girl. Mornings are for business—editing, emails, marketing, and keeping the house running. My creative brain wakes up later. I usually find myself brimming with ideas in the evening, after a day filled with real-life inspiration. That’s when I settle in and let the words flow. I’ve learned to give myself grace and trust God’s timing—it’s never failed me yet.

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Kathy: Where do you find your story ideas?

Heidi: Real life is my best inspiration. Whether it’s stories shared by ESL students, something I overhear at the store, or family history, I keep my ears and heart open. I ask God to guide my imagination—and He never runs out of ideas. Sometimes a simple question becomes the seed of an entire novel.

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Kathy: Tell us about one of your favorite authors.

Heidi: I love Karen Witemeyer. Her stories are full of heart and faith, and she blends romance and humor beautifully. Her characters feel real—flawed yet rooted in truth. I aim for that same balance: writing authentic, faith-driven stories with a sprinkle of joy.

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Kathy: I’m loving your Discerning God’s Best series, especially since it’s set mostly in Missouri—my home state! Can you give readers a glimpse into the heart of the series?

Heidi: I’m so glad you’re enjoying it! The setting of the series is mainly the fictional town of Shumard Oak Bend, Missouri, just after the Civil War. But it actually begins earlier with the free prequel, Deep in My Heart, set in Edgefield, South Carolina in 1857. Readers can get that story by signing up for my newsletter. The series spans through 1878, ending with book five, Written on My Heart. The overarching theme of learning to trust God’s best—even when it doesn’t match our plans—connects each independent book.

Here’s what I hope readers take from each one:

• In Deep in My Heart (prequel), readers are introduced to the roots of several key characters and the themes of faithfulness and freedom that carry through the series.
• In Desire of My Heart (Book 1), siblings Rachel and Charlie, along with Melvin Trexler, must learn what it means to wait on the Lord. Not passively—but faithfully. I hope readers are encouraged to listen for God’s voice, even when it’s quiet.
• In With All My Heart (Book 2), Robin and Pete must surrender what they thought they wanted. It’s a story about letting go of control and allowing God to lead, even when the path forward is unclear.
• In Stitched on My Heart (Book 2.5), Delphina’s journey reminds us that small, faithful acts—done in obedience—can lead to unexpected healing. Sometimes God stitches together a life of purpose from the scraps we thought were useless.
• In Matters of the Heart (Book 3), Katie and Hans wrestle with finding their identity in Christ rather than performance or people-pleasing. I hope readers see that our worth is never earned—it’s already given.
• In Healing of the Heart (Book 4), Thomas and Teddy must face their pasts and learn how grace and love can mend the deepest wounds. It’s about how God uses even broken pieces to make something beautiful.
• In Written on My Heart (Book 5), Deputy Gabe Manning and schoolteacher Betsy Smith both struggle with belonging—each in their own way. Their story is about discovering that home isn’t always a place—it’s a Person. And God’s love is big enough to write His truth on every heart, no matter how bruised or burdened. 
  

 

More than anything, I want readers to close each book feeling seen, encouraged, and reminded that God is still at work—still writing beautiful stories, even during our mess.

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Want to start the journey?

You can grab Deep in My Heart, the prequel to the Discerning God’s Best series, for free when you sign up for my newsletter. Just visit heidigraymcgill.com to begin.

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Title: Author Interview with Heidi Gray McGill: Trusting God’s Best Through Fiction
Meta Description: Christian author Heidi Gray McGill shares her writing journey, the heart behind her Discerning God’s Best series, and why faith, trust, and God’s timing matter most.
Keywords: Christian historical fiction, Heidi Gray McGill, Discerning God’s Best series, Christian romance Missouri, Christian author interview, post-Civil War fiction, faith-based fiction, Missouri Christian historical romance

Psalm 27, Gifts From God

A song of ascents. Of Solomon.

 

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—

    for he grants sleep to those he loves.

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.

Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.

They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.

 

Father God, teach us to labor for the things you want. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of our children. We love you, Lord.