In this heartwarming episode, Kelly chats with author Linda Jo Reed, who shares how faith and fiction intertwine in her writing journey. From launching a devotional blog to co-authoring the beloved Wild Rose Ridge series, Linda takes us behind the scenes of her newest historical romance, Marianne—a mail-order bride story that blends biblical principles with unexpected twists. With a vulnerable hero, rich historical research, and a community of fellow authors collaborating in faith, this episode celebrates legacy, grace, and love that endures.

Listen to the episode here.

Meet Linda Jo Reed

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Linda Jo Reed believes in encouragement. She writes a weekly devotional blog, Upheld By His Hand, found at www.lindajoreed.com. After three inspirational non-fiction books, Cruising Claire’s Dream, part of the Wild Rose Ridge series of books written with six other authors, was her first published fiction book. Wild Rose Ridge has expanded into five contemporary small town romance series, all written together by six authors. This Christmas, the Wild Rose Ridge series will feature mail order brides in an historical setting, showcasing the fictional town’s beginnings. A new book will be available every week in October and November.

Linda Jo lives in the great Pacific Northwest, the first of God’s countries, and chases bees off her wrap around porch during the good weather. Her daughter and son have provided her with nine grandsons that she calls her baseball team and she still has the diamond earrings for the first granddaughter in her possession. She lives with two active kitties.

Follow Linda

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Bible Verse for Encouragement

Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Linda Jo Reed’s New Book: Marianne

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A mail order bride who changed her mind
A groom that stood firm
Will she honor her contract?

Marianne Foster becomes a mail order bride when her society mother remarries. She needs a new life and in a hurry. She joins a company of mail order brides and arrives in Wild Rose Ridge in time for Christmas. Only she has changed her mind about being married and wants to open a millinery shop instead.
Jeremy Stafford wants a legacy. A logging accident permanently injures his knees. He recovers from the accident and starts a carpentry business. But his life is incomplete without a family. He orders a mail order bride and eagerly anticipates her arrival. When they meet and she reveals her intent, he insists they marry immediately. She signed a contract.
If only Jeremy’s past would stay in the past. It keeps showing up and causing havoc.

💞 Tropes in Marianne

• 📜 Mail-Order Bride


• 🤝 Marriage of Convenience


• 🪵 Grumpy & Sunshine (he’s gruff and guarded, she’s spirited and spunky!)


• 🏡 Small Town Found Family


• 💌 Epistolary/Letter Writing


• 🛠️ Wounded Hero (both physically and emotionally)


• 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Enemies-to-Lovers (they clash at first!)


• 💕 Faith-Centered Romance

Get your copy today!

Amazon

See the full Wild Rose Ridge Mail Order Bride Series: Click Here

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Kelly’s Personal Update

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me during the Kickstarter! I’m so grateful for you!

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Finding Forevermore is available today!

Her family secrets. His guilt. One road trip that changes everything.

Raven Cunningham has built a quiet life between the shelves of a small-town bookshop, ghostwriting stories for others while hiding her own. She’s long believed her father