Category: Betty Thomason Owens

Fall into Romance

On By Betty OwensIn #amreading, Betty Thomason Owens, historical, RomanceLeave a comment

It’s that time of year, when I love to curl up beneath a blanket and read a really good book. What am I reading right now? The Heir’s Beloved, by Rhonda Dragomir. I highly recommend this book, which releases today. My full review of the book is coming soon. But for now, let me just say if you love action, adventure, and strong characters you will love this story. Rhonda Dragomir has a gift for infusing bleak situations with hope. Light penetrates the darkest moments.

Congratulations, Rhonda!

For twenty years, the wrong man has ruled Ravenwood. Now its rightful heir has come home.

Spirited across the English border as a child, Liam believes he is a true son of Scotland. But his birthright tells a different story. He is the Duke of Ravenwood, whose father’s steward murdered Liam’s family and stole his inheritance.

Now Liam has returned to England in disguise, determined to reclaim Ravenwood and avenge his family.

Ella is devoted to rescuing a ragged band of orphaned children. Believing their future is worth more than her own, she agrees to a marriage of convenience with the steward despite his vile reputation. If they wed, the steward’s hold on Ravenwood could become unbreakable.

Liam cannot reclaim his inheritance without confronting the man who destroyed his family. But rescuing Ella may cost him everything he came home to recover.

Only when Liam and Ella surrender their futures to God can He mend wounds that neither revenge nor sacrifice can heal.

Will rescuing Ella cost Liam the inheritance he vowed to reclaim—or will God redeem far more than Ravenwood?

Buy the Book

Rhonda Dragomir is a multimedia creative who treasures her fairy-tale life in Central Kentucky, and she insists her home is her castle, even if her prince refuses to dig a moat. She has published works in several anthologies and periodicals, and her debut novel, “When the Flames Ravaged,” was released by Barbour Publishing in March of 2024. In 2026, “The Heir’s Beloved,” her second novel, was published under her own imprint, Dragomir Group Publishing.

Rhonda has garnered numerous writing awards for both fiction and nonfiction, including her selection as 2019 Writer of the Year by Serious Writer, Inc. In 2020 and 2022, she was also a finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest in the historical romance category.

In all her writing, Rhonda answers the question most of us ask at one time or another: “Does God really love me?” Circumstances of life sometimes make us doubt His love or power. When her characters are forced into the crucible of decision, Rhonda allows them to wrestle with questions everyone asks in a crisis. Her ultimate goal—and joy—is to help readers strengthen their faith that God will never leave or forsake them.

On Hiatus From Social Media

On By Betty OwensIn Betty Thomason Owens, Writing

Approximately six weeks ago, I decided to take a short hiatus from social media. Life is short–too short to waste precious moments staring at a screen (including this one). If you are reading this, thank you for your precious time. As soon as you finish, consider taking a walk outside, weather permitting. Sit on the porch or plant your bare feet in the grass and wiggle your toes. Feel the wind on your face. Listen to the birds. Breathe. Relax. Repeat.

I have discovered a vast [sizable] [imposing] block of time.

At first, I didn’t know what to do with it. Then, one day, I realized something. Oh, the places I can go and the things I can do.

  • I finished projects I had once started and never finished.
  • I read books.
  • I talked to friends and family.
  • I spent time studying the Bible.
  • I listened to podcasts.
  • I weeded my flower beds and planted annuals. Re-potted and rearranged perennials.
  • I cleaned my house.

When I stopped wasting hours on the phone checking this and that, I had time to do the things that really matter.

No more excuses.  

Yes, I’m retired. I have taken some time off between writing projects to rest and recover. I realize not everyone has that luxury. I am thankful for every moment.

So, for a time, you will not find me on social media. I’m not sure whether this may become a permanent departure. Time will tell. I’m praying about it.

Though I miss seeing your posts, your pics, and your lovely faces, I do not miss the interjected posts and comments of those who wished only to debate and push hatred. “Disturbers of my peace.” I tried to block them, but that didn’t work. So, I had to make a difficult choice. I started with a short fast from certain accounts. When it ended, I had no desire to go back.

If you need me, I’m here. You can reach me through my blog, email, or on Messenger. Family and friends, feel free to text or call.

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:5 ESV

The End – A Series Finale

On By Betty OwensIn Betty Thomason Owens, Release

Not long ago, I wrote “the end” on the final chapter of the Home Found Suspense series. After all the work ended, the book went into production and then came Release Day!

Revelations Can Kill . . .

Lisa has spent her entire life hiding, on the run. She didn’t know anything different until Jake entered the picture. Now, he and his family give her a yearning for . . . home. Something she would never have because of the secrets she’d only recently learned about.

Jake is convinced that learning the truth about Lisa’s parents will release her to a new life. A life with him. But when he finds a body near his office – a man that he knows and has fought with before – Jake himself is on the run. From the authorities.

No place is safe. Lisa travels across the country, but she is still certain that she’s being followed, hunted. Even changing her name doesn’t seem to make a difference. And the closer Jake gets to finding answers, the more danger he thrusts upon them both.

Will the answers come at a price too high to pay in this thrilling conclusion to the Home Found Suspense series?

Jake – November 22, 1972

Asheville, North Carolina–

A muffled gunshot?

My pulse rate quickened. Adrenaline surged through my veins. I pressed myself against the side of the bank building at the corner of Patton and Coxe. Turned my head toward the direction of the sound.

Not much happening at five thirty in the morning. Streetlights cast eerie shadows against the buildings. A traffic light changed from red to green. Only a couple of cars passed beneath it. In front of the newspaper office, movement caught my attention. . .

Lisa aka Elyce- November 22, 1972

The phone rang. I reached for it, but Alex grabbed it first.

“Hello?… No, ma’am, he left early this morning.”

When Alex turned his back to me, I rose and stepped in front of him. I didn’t care for the serious expression of his face. “What is it?”

He ignored me, speaking into the phone. “Oh. I’m sorry to hear that. Yes. Yes, ma’am, I will. And ma’am, if he shows up there, will you ask him to call us, please? Thank you.”

I gripped his arm as he set the receiver down. “Alex, what is it?” His muscles flexed beneath my fingers.

“That was the editor’s secretary. Greta, I think?” His chair scraped against the vinyl floor as he stood.

“What did she say?”

“Someone found a body in the parking lot, so police have the entire area cordoned off. She was hoping to catch Jake before he left—to let him know.”

I sucked in a breath. “He should already be there. Ages ago. Unless…” It was Jake’s body? I couldn’t say the words aloud. That might make them true.

Dark Water

Home Found Suspense #3

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Buy the Book on Amazon

Midsummer Dreams

On By Betty OwensIn Betty Thomason Owens2 Comments

Inspiration comes, and in that moment, a story starts.

And so it was, on a long ago summer’s day, a dream came true for me. Throughout my life, I had longed to return to my birthplace. Seattle always beckoned, but it seemed too far away. And then my brother-in-law moved there. A few years later, my youngest son moved there as well. My bucket-list item became a reality.

My son asked if there was anything I really wanted to see while I was in the Seattle area. There was a place I’d heard about, and longed to go–Orcas Island, in the Puget Sound. So, we drove to Anacortes and took a ferry to the San Juan Islands.

We found a small cabin in Leiber Haven, arrived late and sat out on the shore beneath a canopy of stars. I’d never seen so many! The guys planned to get up early and go fishing.

We awoke to the most amazing sight! A sunrise that surrounded us with vivid color. This photo doesn’t do it justice. The glow was sensational.

As the sun rose, I was completely enthralled. And in those quiet moments, inspiration came. A story started that would continue to grow and change over the next few years. About a girl like me in some ways, who had been uprooted over and over, crisscrossing the country and moving every few months. Never in any place for very long. Always the new kid. Never really having a place to call home.

The scene in the above photo would become Still Water Cove in the story. The first book, titled “Still Water” would lay the groundwork for a young woman named Lisa Oliver. After her parents die in a tragic car accident, she is caught up in a dangerous mystery. Her parents weren’t who she believed they were. Who were they, and why were they always running?

The story continues in “Open Water” (book two), and finishes in “Dark Water” – releasing this fall.

Still Water
Open Water
Dark Water

Homemade Bread Day 2

On By Betty OwensIn Betty Thomason Owens, Cooking3 Comments

I love experimenting with recipes! In my last post, I wrote about two recipes for some wonderful homemade bread. These are artisan-type loaves that produce a wonderful, chewy, toast-worthy bread. Especially the cranberry-nut loaf.

My husband loves a softer product for his sandwiches, so I set about researching and testing a few more recipes. I finally found one that is truly easy and makes a beautiful loaf of truly tasty bread. I will put a link down below for the original website. I couldn’t download and print the recipe, so I hand wrote a shortened version for my use. There was a link to print on the site, but it looked sketchy, so I didn’t click on it. However, the author does have a cookbook available that you may want to look at.

What I liked about the bread:

  • Few ingredients
  • Easy to put together
  • Knead or No-knead instructions included
  • Done in a few hours
  • Wonderful taste
  • Dense crumb
  • Easy to slice

I made one or two substitutions. Mainly with the oil. I use half olive oil, and half ghee. I think the ghee enhances the flavor slightly. I used the no-knead, but if you have a stand mixer or you just love to knead dough, this is a good recipe for that. It will be even quicker if you do all the kneading up front.

I suggest that you read through all of the baker’s instructions (she provides photos as well) before trying this bread. Then refer back to her website as needed. But once you get the hang of it, this is a super-easy recipe that comes together quickly. The bulk of the time is spent waiting for the dough to rise. I do the stretch-and-fold every 30 minutes through four repeats. If I’m writing, this gives me ample opportunities to get up and move around every few minutes.

I would like to thank Emma Fontanella for this excellent recipe. I’ve baked this bread four times now, and it is consistently good.

So, without further ado, here is my finished product:

Yes, I bought a breadbox (on Amazon*) to keep my freshly baked bread nice and fresh for several days.

*I don’t make any money off the referrals here

As you can see, the slice is beautiful! It is dense, but soft and the crust is kept soft by applying melted butter immediately following the baking. So, I suppose you could call it “butter crust” bread.

In conclusion: This bread makes wonderful sandwiches. I like to toast it slightly for mine. And it passed the grilled cheese test! It held together very nicely and came out golden brown, just the way I like it. 🙂

Note: I allow the loaf to cool completely – a couple of hours at least – before I slice it with an electric knife. It’s easier to slice that way, and my slices are more consistent.

Happy Baking!