I know what you're looking for this summer, dear reader. You want stories that are full of vintage vibes, sweet romance, a splash of mystery, a dash of diversity. You want something you can read in a sitting but that truly lasts. You want themes that touch your heart, characters that you love, and premises that engage you.
You're looking for something very special, and you've come to just the right place.
Allow me to introduce you to Springtime in Surrey. Yes, the very same anthology you've seen floating around blogs and Instagram for the last couple months. Right now, I'm sure you're thinking, “That's great and all, Grace, and I know you're happy you're part of this collection. But I need something to read now. I can't wait for its release."
Well, you're in luck, because TODAY IS RELEASE DAY!!!
Cheesy post intros aside, this collection is actually a minefield of pure gold. It's got the vintage feel-good vibes and the pleasing mix of romance and women's fiction and the variety of eras. I mean...it's basically perfect, and I'm not just saying that.
And it really is release day!! After eight months of being in the works, Springtime in Surrey is finally out in the world! No more waiting around for a taste of these delightful stories. Nope, you can snag your copy RIGHT NOW!!!
So enough chit-chat on my part. Let's get into the good stuff—details on the stories, where you can purchase it, and (best of all!) the EPIC giveaway!!!
~ the book ~
This collection of novellas, set in County Surrey, England, features both historical and contemporary stories by new and old authors!
Springtime in Surrey contains the follow eight novellas:
Jesus, I Am Resting by Faith Blum
Elinor Chapman, an orphaned laundry woman, must fight to survive after WWI breaks out. She prays her beau doesn’t die on a foreign battlefield like her father did 14 years ago. She is forced to take on nursing, but her passion for helping other orphans distracts her from this job, leaving her little time for rest. Will she run herself into the ground … or will she learn to rest in Jesus?
The Cottage on the Hill by Andrea Renee Cox
During every teatime at her cottage hideaway, Moira struggles to discover hope amongst her lost ballerina dreams. Unsettled by elusive goals of his own, sheep farmer Adrian observes his uncle’s neighbor crying into her tea and wonders why… and what he can do to cheer her up. While facing their regrets, can Moira and Adrian trust that God has a good plan despite crushed dreams and far-off hopes?
If I Knew You Were Coming by Bailey Gaines
With her husband off to war and two evacuee children staying in her home, Joan feels duty-bound to contribute to the war effort via her participation in the Women’s Land Army. She is thrilled to learn that her husband has leave. But when the London Blitz ruins her plans to see him, Joan must decide what is most important in her life: her contribution to the war effort or her calling as a mother?
Her Heart’s Home by Grace A. Johnson
Forced from her childhood home after her father was killed in action, Meredith Tate is forced to seek employment at the Deepdene Hotel until she discovers the next step. Which most certainly does not include the brooding Captain Trevor Seaton, a guest who always manages to catch her at her worst. Despite his gentle magnetism, Meredith is determined not to fall for a military man—but God may have other plans.
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté
Caitrìona is determined to rescue her family from poverty by making a brilliant match. She is on the verge of success when her brother is arrested for a sensational crime. Banished to the country, she meets Ewart, a fearful recluse with a younger sister in need of aid. Ewart and Caitrìona grow together through shared goals—but as mysteries are uncovered and characters tested, what truth will be revealed?
The Odd Duck Society by Rachel Leitch
Jessamy Aubertine is too much for her university classmates, too little for her overstressed mum, and nothing in between. Then a mysterious letter signed by Jane Austen brings her back to her family’s fading tea shop and a pair of unlikely comrades. Will they find the letter writer—and perhaps discover themselves along the way? Or will their friendship fade with The Muses?
Fear Not Tomorrows by Erika Mathews
Hardworking Margaret Enfield is thrilled with her engagement to her lifelong best friend Lester. When his brother’s sudden illness forces Lester’s prolonged and indefinite absence, every tomorrow feels bleak to Margaret as lonely drudgery overtakes the once-rosy springtime. As she throws herself into her tasks, can she learn to trust her tomorrows with Jesus—one day at a time?
Courage to Stay by Kellyn Roth
Rosalind finds herself engaged to Matthias after her former fiancé, his brother, perishes in battle. Determined to forge a connection, she embarks on a risky mission. When Matthias retreats into his own turmoil on a hunting trip, Rosalind disguises herself as a man and follows him to the forest, vowing to fight for their love. Will Matthias summon the courage to stay, or will his fractured mind drive them apart forever?
~ the giveaway ~
The authors of Springtime in Surrey are hosting a huge giveaway with not one but two winners—a US winner and an international winner—over the course of the blog tour!
From July 25th to July 31st, follow the tour, commenting on posts, and subscribe to the authors’ newsletters and blogs! The winners will be announced on August 1st and contacted by email!
ONE US winner will receive...a print copy of Springtime in Surrey, two bookmarks and a quote sticker, a spring-themed mug, a bookish ornament, a spring-themed candle, an inspirational journal, and tea.
ONE international winner will receive...an ebook copy of Springtime in Surrey, two bookmarks and a quote sticker, a gift card, an ebook of choice by Erika Mathews, an ebook from the winner’s Amazon wishlist, an exclusive epilogue of The Tussie-Mussie, and a phone wallpaper.
Entrants must be 18+ or have parental permission to enter. Two winners—one US and one international—will be randomly selected at the end of the giveaway and contacted by email. The winners must be comfortable sharing their shipping addresses. Any and all information provided through the giveaway will be used only for the purposes stated.
Make sure you follow Wild Blue Wonder Press on Instagram (@wildbluewonderpress) for more information, anthology updates, and exclusive posts from the authors themselves! If you're interested in getting more giveaway entries, discovering more about Springtime in Surrey, and learn more about the authors, make sure you follow the rest of the blog tour!
~ the tour ~
Monday, July 24th
Kickoff Post at Lilacs & Reveries
Interview with Katja H. Labonté at Sheep Among Wolves
Interview with Faith Blum at Library Lady’s Kid Lit
Launch Announcement at Writing to Inspire
Interview with Rachel Leitch at Words & Wildflowers
Three-Novella Review at Miraculous Homeschool
Tuesday, July 25th (LAUNCH DAY)
Collection Spotlight at Of Blades and Thorns
Collection Spotlight & Single-Novella Review at Review from the Stacks
Collection Review at Emily Yager
Collection Review at The Book Dragon’s Alcove
Collection Review at Story of a Christian Girl
Wednesday, July 26th
Two-Novella Review at H.S. Kylian
Collection Review at Abbigail B.
“Tips from Editing 7 Novellas in a Month,” a Guest Post by Kellyn at Joyfully Natasha
Collection Review at Imperial Scribis
Thursday, July 27th
“Why We Wrote Stories Set in Surrey,” a Guest Post from Kellyn at A Handful of Quietness
Collection Review at Library Lady’s Kid Lit
Collection Spotlight at Kelsey’s Notebook
Single-Novella Review at Vanessa Hall
Interview with Andrea Renee Cox at Story of a Christian Girl
Friday, July 28th
Two-Novella Review at Read Review Rejoice
Collection Spotlight at Writing to Inspire
Collection Review at Graceful Reflections
“Why I Love Writing Women’s Fiction,” a Guest Post from Kellyn at Abbigail B.
Saturday, July 29th
Collection Review at Saraina Whitney
Collection Review & Collection Spotlight at Little Blossoms for Jesus
“Children’s Books I Drew Inspiration From,” a Guest Post from Kellyn at Library Lady’s Kid Lit
Wrapup Post at Lilacs & Reveries
Thank you all for your support in bringing this collection to life! Make sure you snag your copy on release day, folks, and don't forget to comment below for an entry in the blog tour giveaway! 🥳
yours in spirit, script, & springtime,
grace
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(Pst! My Amazon links are affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission off of any purchases made through the link I share, at no extra cost to you!)
I know I'm like suuuper late, but I just had to jump over here and say AAAAAHHHH I AM SO EXCITED IT IS RELEASED!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to grab my copy!!! CONGRATS to all the authors and to Wild Blue Wonder Press!!! *shoots out confetti and passes around cookies and sweet tea* I CAN'T BELIEVE HER HEART'S HOME IS IN PRINT. *SQUEALS*
(Also, I loved your cheesy intro. ;P)
So exciting!! I can't wait to grab my copy!! 🥰
Yay! How exciting! Congratulations again Grace on getting published in this! It all sounds so lovely, and what a beautiful cover! Looking forward to hopefully reading it soon!
CONGRATULATIONS, GRACE!!!! Yep, it really is basically perfect! 😍 This is the kind of anthology I never knew I wanted so much all along - I just love everything about it!!