Authors J-L

~Jenelle Leanne Schmidt, ~Jennifer Slattery, ~Jessica Scachetti, ~Jonah S. White, ~Joy Avery Melville, ~June Foster, ~K. A. Thomsen, K. A. Wypych, ~Kathy Joy, ~Kristen Terrette, ~Kristine Clancy, ~Laura Bartnick, ~Laura Mendenhall, ~Laura Ranger, ~Laurie Glass, ~Linda Brooks Davis, ~Lindsay A. Franklin, ~Lucy Goncalves, ~Lynn Byk

Jenelle Leanne Schmidt

Fantasy author Jenelle Schmidt shares about the truth behind fantasy on heart-soul-mind.org

Genre: Fantasy

Article: Finding Spiritual Truth Through Fantasy

Books

About the Author

Jenelle first fell in love with stories through her father’s voice reading books aloud each night. A relentless opener-of-doors in hopes of someday finding a passage to Narnia, it was only natural that she soon began making up fantastical realms of her own. Jenelle currently resides in the wintry tundra of Wisconsin —which she maintains is almost as good as Narnia — with her knight-in-shining armor and their four hobbits. When she is not writing, she homeschools said hobbits and helps them along on their daily adventures… which she says makes her a wizard.

You can connect with Jenelle online in the following locations:

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Jennifer Slattery

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Books: Sweet Freedom a la mode compilation, Beyond I Do, Intertwined, When Dawn Breaks, Breaking Free, Restoring Love, Healing Love, Dancing in the Rain, Restoring Her Faith, Hometown Healing, Building a Family

Heart-Soul-Mind Article: Joyful Storytelling with Jennifer Slattery

About the Author

Jennifer Slattery is a writer and speaker who hosts the Faith Over Fear podcast. She’s addressed women’s groups, Bible studies, and writers across the nation. She’s the author of Building a Family and numerous other titles and maintains a devotional blog at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com. As the founder of Wholly Loved Ministries, she’s passionate about helping women discover, embrace, and live out who they are in Christ. Visit her online to learn more about her speaking or to book her for your next women’s event  and sign up for her free quarterly newsletter HERE.

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Jessica Scachetti

Genre: Gritty Christian Fiction

Books: Wonder of Light, From Dark to Light, Back to Light, Out of the Shadows

Heart-Soul-Mind Article: The Perspective of a Controversial “Gritty Christian” Fiction Writer

About the Author

Jessica Scachetti is an independently published author of Christian Romances with a Twist. They are gritty fictional romance stories containing sinful characters who make or have made poor choices. These characters do use profanity and inflict violence. There are fairly mild depictions of abuse, assault (non-sexual), threats, revenge plotting, illness, gun violence, knife violence and death. Despite each book’s use of flawed characters, violence and profanity, each gritty representation showcases the immorality of those sinful actions and displays an overall message of redemption and salvation through Jesus Christ.

Each of her books is part of a series of interconnected standalone novels/novellas.

Jessica is a proud child of God, wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She was born and raised in the Midwest but moved to the East Coast when she was 18, where she has been ever since. She has adored writing stories since she was 10 years old but only decided to publish her first book when she came up with the idea for Wonder of Light.

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Jonah S. White

Apocalyptic author Jonah S. White

Genre: Apocalyptic Thriller

Book: Shadows of Darkness

Heart-Soul-Mind Article: The Development of an Apocalyptic Thriller

About the Author

Jonah White is a Christian Science Fiction & Apocalyptic author. He has had a passion for writing novels, short stories, and a variety of literary works. He pursued a writing major at Marquette University, exploring and learning to write multiple genres of writing. This coming summer of 2020 will mark the release of his debut apocalyptic novel.

​In Jonah’s free time, he enjoys spending time with family, drawing, biking, recreation, playing the piano, and taking care of egg laying chickens. 

​To learn more about Jonah, visit his website to get access to blogs offering writing tips and information regarding upcoming novels. Follow him on Instagram and Facebook.

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Purchase the Book

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Joy Avery Melville

Genre: Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance

Books: Sown in Peace, Meant for Her

Heart-Soul-Mind Article: In Honor of Veterans

About the Author

Award winning author, Joy Avery Melville’s heart’s desire is to be the author God has called her to be by sharing Him with readers in such a way they long to have a deeply committed personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord.

Fully intending to write Historical Romance—had in fact— she had no plans to deviate from that. God had something else in mind for that ‘call’ He’d made on her life back in 1967. A mere eighth grader at the time, she had no clue about the topics she’d be drawn to write about.

Surrendering to the genre God placed on her heart has given Joy new insight into the hearts and lives of those who too often hurt in silence.

The settings of Joy’s books are near where she lives in Schoolcraft, Michigan with her husband of nearly 48 years and their 3-year-old Yorkie, Is-A-Bella Bindi, (Is-a-beautiful little girl) who thinks she’s a much larger breed with tomboy tendencies.

Connect with Joy

Joy loves to hear from readers and will respond!

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June Foster

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Historical Fiction

Book: Dreams Deferred

Heart Soul Mind article: A Story Behind the Story

About the Author

June Foster is an award-winning author who began her writing career in an RV roaming around the USA with her husband, Joe. She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her next contemporary romance or romantic suspense. June’s characters find themselves in precarious circumstances where only God can offer redemption and ultimately freedom. To date June has seen publication of 19 novels and 1 devotional.

Find June at https://junefoster.com/

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K. A. Thomsen

Author K. A. Thomsen shares about her latest YA fantasy book, Orphan and Sorcerer on Heart-Soul-Mind.org

Genre: YAFantasy and Middle Grade Fiction

Books: The Hidden Valley, Valley Unveiled, The Recipe, Orphan and Sorcerer (to be released September 2020)

Heart-Soul-Mind Article: Finding Connections with K. A. Thomsen

About K. A. Thomsen

K. A. Thomsen is an author, actor and model in Vancouver, BC. She self-published The Hidden Valley series, a ranch kids meets ice age story. Her latest project is The Griffin’s Egg trilogy, a  Tolkeinesque Young Adult Fantasy. Orphan and Sorcerer is the first book, set to be released by September 2020. Thomsen has also published travel stories, arts articles, short stories and poems in various publications. In all of her writing, nature imagery is strongly featured.

On Instagam, K. A. Thomsens posts about creativity, emotional/spiritual health, and includes acting/model photos and other random snapshots of her life.

She also has @fash1pash1 where she posts almost exclusively about fashion, designers, beauty, makeup and some animal/environmental/social issues.

Connect with K. A. Thomsen

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K. A. Wypych

Memoir author and speaker K. A. Wypych shares about her book, Ten Iron Principles, on Heart-Soul-Mind.org

Genre: Memoir

Book: Ten Iron Principles

Heart-Soul-Mind Article: K. A. Wypych Presents How Physical Lessons Can Translate to Spiritual Gains

About the Author

K.A. Wypych is a Christian writer, speaker, and athlete inspiring people to courageously persevere through challenges to reach their big dreams and better their lives. She has published multiple articles and devotionals. Her book, Ten Iron Principles, was published by Ambassador International in September 2019, and she is a contributor in the book, The Power to Make a Difference, published in January 2020 by Lighthouse Bible Studies.

K.A. Wypych is a graduate of the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) and works as a surgical physician assistant in Baltimore.

Connect with K. A. Wypych

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Kathy Joy

Inspirational Writer, Kathy Joy

Genre: Devotionals

Books: A Breath of Joy series: Winter Whispers, Singing Spring, Simply Summer, Ah, Autumn

Heart-Soul-Mind Article: Joy Out From Grief

About the Author

During her decades-long radio career in the Denver, Colorado area, Kathy Joy was an often-sought-after speaker for women’s events.  In the trenches herself with mothers of young children, Kathy brought a gritty and funny, uncut approach to the daily realities – including, Who Are These People in the Back Seat and Why Do They Keep Calling Me Mom?

After relocating to her home area of rural Pennsylvania with her family, Kathy endured the sudden loss of her husband, Roger.  To cope with her grief, Kathy began collecting three beautiful moments each day; these collections became seasonal coffee table books, each singing home the passageways of the heart.

Now, equipped with the reluctant wisdom of widowhood and having raised two children on her own, Kathy brings a new depth to her talks, encouraging those in bereavement.

A favorite topic she presents is Harbor Pilots I Have Known – a vibrant and faithful testimony to the Encouragers who help us feel safe with as we navigate the hidden sandbars and undercurrents of our grief journey.

Kathy Joy’s debut book, Breath of Joy! Simply Summer is a collection of captured moments and images to surprise and sustain us. Since her pilot book, Kathy has published three others: Breath of Joy! Ah, Autumn,  Breath of Joy! Singing Spring and Breath of Joy! Winter Whispers.

Kathy resides in NW Pennsylvania along the shores of Lake Erie and considers Colorado her home too.

Connect with Kathy Joy

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Kristen Terrette

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Devotionals

Heart Soul Mind article: Forgiveness

About the Author

Kristen Terrette holds a Master’s degree in Theological Studies and served as a Children’s Ministry Director for five years. She cherishes her Southern roots and currently lives 45 minutes outside of Atlanta, GA. She’s following her dream by writing Christian during the day and being a wife and mom come early afternoon when the family starts to arrive home. She’s serves on the Wholly Loved Ministries team, serves at her local church on the women’s leadership and teaching team, and writes for Crosswalk.com. To see her blog and novels, check out her website at www.kristenterrette.com.

Kristen is one of the writers in the newly released book, 90 Day Devotional.

About the book, 90 Day Devotional

Each day, God beckons us to Himself, calling us to rest in His love and grace. As we do, He heals our hurts, overpowers our fears with love, and restores us to the women He created us to be. This 90-day devotional, written by women who are learning themselves to live anchored in God’s grace, will help you deepen your faith and grow your relationship with Christ.

Buy it on the Wholly Loved website HERE or on Amazon HERE.

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Kristine Clancy

Genre: YA Fantasy

Book: Wings of Valhalla

Heart-Soul-Mind Article: The Secret Life of a Published Teen Author

About the Author

Kristine Clancy is a Christian college student with a love of writing and reading. During 2020, writing became a real passion of hers. She struggled to find clean young adult fiction.

Kristine: “Nowadays, most YA and NA fiction have swearing, smut, and push agendas in both directions. I just wanted a book with cool world-building, fun characters, and felt like my childhood books such as Hunger Games, Harry Potter, and Percy Jackson & The Olympians, so I wrote it. I hope you like my books as much as I do!”

Connect with Kristine

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Laura Bartnick

Author and Capture Books Manager, Laura Bartnick

Genre: Christian Living

Book: Welcome to the Shivoo!

Heart-Soul-Mind Article: Honoring God-Given Creativity

About the Author

Since 2015, Laura Bartnick has managed Capture Books, a boutique publishing and marketing hybrid group for new authors. She graduated with a degree in Bible and Music from Montana Bible College and then earned a B.A. in Contemporary Composition at Colorado Christian University. She finished her education in paralegal studies at Denver Paralegal Institute. Her book, Welcome to the Shivoo is the beating of her heart, fostering a place of belonging and empowerment to other creatives, makers, and authors. In every storyline, this author has proven to be a Five-Star Readers’ Favorite Author!

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Laura Mendenhall

*Also Nick and Laura Mendenhall

Authors Nick and Laura Mendenhall share about their latest book, Love Fast Live Slow, on Heart-Soul-Mind.org

Genre: Christian Living

Books:

Heart-Soul-Mind Article: Love Fast Live Slow with Nick and Laura

About Nick and Laura

Nick and Laura Mendenhall are obsessed with pursuing a simple life that revolves around raising their family and loving their community. Having worked in ministry for nearly two decades, they know how easy it is to become distracted doing good things yet missing the point of living like Jesus. That is why they’ve founded Love Fast Live Slow, a ministry that helps others step back, slow down and serve others.

Connect with Nick and Laura

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Laura Ranger

Genres: Clean Christian Fiction: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller

Books: Rogue, Deception, Royalty, Taken: The Complete Carl Higdon Story, Made for Me

Heart-Soul-Mind Article: Faith, Suspense, and Lessons

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laura Ranger is a natural storyteller who has been turning life’s moments into tales since childhood. A mother of one and grandmother of four, Laura began writing down her fictional stories to the delight of family and friends. With over sixty years of storytelling experience, her passion for writing has only grown stronger over the past thirty years.

Her publishing journey began with a short story featured in the Christmas anthology Eight ‘Til Christmas, a project supporting the fight against child hunger. Seeing her story in print lit a creative fire she describes as unstoppable.

Laura is the author of Deception and Royalty, and she co-authored the novel Rogue. In 2025, she will release two new titles: Made for Me, and Taken: The Complete Carl Higdon Story, a non-fiction work. Her novel Royalty has blossomed into a four-book series, with Heirs (Book Two), Chosen (Book Three), and United (Book Four) all slated for release in 2026.

She is also developing a thoughtful new series called Lessons, which she envisions as a shared reading experience between parents and children. While originally written for young readers, Laura discovered that the meaningful themes resonate with readers of all ages.

A prolific writer with countless ideas in the works, Laura continues to bring her stories to life, one book at a time. “God blessed me with a natural gift of storytelling,” she says. “It’s up to me to use that gift to the best of my ability.”

Beyond her work as an author, Laura is also the owner of Foundations Book Publishing Company, where she helps others share their stories with the world.

CONNECT WITH LAURA

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Laurie Glass

Genre: Biography and Memoir, Self-Help

Books: A Picture of His Grace – My Anorexia Recovery Story, Journey to Freedom from Eating Disorders, Bible Verses for Eating Disorder Recovery, Quotes for Eating Disorder Recovery, Journaling in Eating Disorder Recovery, Inspiration for Eating Disorder Recovery

Course: Christian Eating Disorder Recovery Course

Heart-Soul-Mind Article: Addressing Eating Disorders with Laurie Glass

About the Author

Laurie Glass is a recovered anorexic who has used her past experience to encourage others who are going through similar struggles. She has a Masters Degree in Christian Counseling and a gift for touching people with her words. Laurie has worked in various fields over the years, including ministry, working with the elderly and disabled, and working for an attorney. A chronic illness has since taken her out of the workforce. She is grateful that she wrote so much about eating disorders when she was able and that these writings can remain available and continue to encourage and inspire others.

Connect with Laurie

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Linda Brooks Davis

Genre: Historical Fiction

Book: The Awakening of Miss Adelaide

Heart Soul Mind article: Guest Post: The Awakening of Miss Adelaide–and Me

About the Author

Linda Brooks Davis was born and reared on a farm in Raymondville, a small Rio Grande Valley community in the southernmost tip of Texas. Linda earned a bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology from Abilene Christian University and a master’s degree from Houston Baptist University. She retired in 2008 after forty years as a special educator and administrator. Linda and her beloved husband Al worship and minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio and dote on six grandchildren, three of whom are triplets. Readers may contact Linda through her website, http://www.lindabrooksdavis.com.

Linda’s debut novel, best-selling The Calling of Ella McFarland (Book 1 in The Women of Rock Creek series), is set in 1905 Indian Territory prior to Oklahoma statehood. It won the 2014 Jerry Jenkins Operation First Novel Award and subsequently won the ACFW Carol Award for Debut Novel 2016. The sequel novella, A Christmas to Remember, is set in 1908 Oklahoma and released in December 2016. A second novella, A Christmas Measure of Love, is set in 1910. It released in 2017 as a prequel to Linda’s second full-length novel, best-selling The Mending of Lillian Cathleen (Book 2 in the series), which is set in 1914 and released in October 2018. Book 3 in the series, The Awakening of Miss Adelaide, released in July 2019.

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Lindsay A. Franklin

Author Lindsay A. Franklin shares about her latest book and how she finds healing through fantasy on heart-soul-mind.org

Genre: Christian YA Fantasy

Books: The Story Peddler, The Story Raider

New Release: The Story Hunter (The Weaver Trilogy #3, Released May 19, 2020)

Heart-Soul-Mind Article: The Healing Nature of Fiction/Fantasy

About the Author

Lindsay A. Franklin is a Carol Award–winning author, freelance editor, and homeschooling mom of three. She would wear pajama pants all the time if it were socially acceptable. Lindsay lives in her native San Diego with her scruffy-looking nerf-herder husband, their precious geeklings, three demanding thunder pillows (a.k.a. cats), and a stuffed marsupial named Wombatman.

Connect with Lindsay

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Lucy Goncalves

Author and Speaker Lucy Goncalves shares about her memoir, Able Soul, on Heart-Soul-Mind.org

Genre: Memoir

Book: Able Soul: Empowering God’s Spirit Within

Interview: From Vulnerability to Strength

All About Lucy

Lucy Goncalves began her writing career by penning a sought-after blog, ‘Able Soul’ where she shares her life experiences of living with a disability. Due to a lack of oxygen at birth, Lucy acquired Cerebral Palsy. With a deep faith and a strong will to persevere, she has learned to thrive despite her circumstances.

Lucy is the daughter of Portuguese Canadian immigrants from Northern Portugal. She was raised in Kitimat, British Columbia and has been living independently in North Vancouver for the past few decades. Some of Lucy’s achievements are earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, chairing several nonprofit boards and advocating for disability-related issues. She loves outdoor recreational activities: sky diving, rock climbing and sailing – an adventure enthusiast.

Speaking and Interviews: Lucy is available for interviews and speaking engagements, with or without an interpreter. Contact her at binspired@ablesoul.ca for more information.

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Lynn Byk

Genre: Memoir

Book: Mister B: Living with a 98-Year-Old Rocket Scientist

Heart-Soul-Mind Article: A Caregiver’s Saga

About the Authors

Mister B was a retired WWII, and a cold war stress physicist for Martin Company, Lockheed Martin, NASA, and the Department of Defense.

Co-Author, Lynn Byk is a pen name. Her past writing resume includes being a Denver music critic, a paralegal, and a poet. Writing with an edge of cynicism with a soft middle of one part sadness, two-parts curiosity, she chronicles how it came to be that Mister B’s power to entice by goodwill, facts, and figures becomes a love language. BYK is honored to be the Readers’ Favorite Silver Medalist recipient in the category of Christian Living (2018). She is a compassionate and entertaining storyteller as well as a diligent investigator.

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