The Surprising History of the Tussie-Mussie

by Sandra Merville Hart

As an author of historical novels, I’m always looking for traditions from bygone eras. When I ran across tussie-mussies while researching the meaning of flowers, I dug deeper to learn the surprising history that has changed over the centuries.

Tussie-mussies are small, round bouquets with the stems bound together, a traditional bridal bouquet in the Victorian era. A knot of flowers is the “tussie” while the “mussie” is the soil that keeps them vibrant. Handheld bouquets, also called a posy or nosegay, were tied with a ribbon. Or they might be worn at the waist or in the hair by using a posy holder, a decorative cone-shaped holder often made of silver.

Posies were seen as a more modest accessory than jewelry. Women sometimes secured the bouquet with a brooch. Men wore them by placing them in buttonholes in their coats. It didn’t have to be a festive occasion.

These fragrant bouquets were popular during the Middle Ages for a different reason. People wore or carried nosegays of rosemary, rue, and thyme during the plague in Europe, believing specific herbs and flowers were a protective measure against the disease.

Rosemary has several health benefits recognized today. It can boost moods, enhance concentration and memory, offer neurological protection, and relieve pain. There are studies that suggest the herb may aid in the prevention and treatment of cancer. The herb added a woodsy, herbaceous aroma to the bouquet.

Rue has a pungent, bitter smell that is slightly citrusy. Sephardic Jews traditionally used it for healing purposes. Inhaling it is believed to help with shock. It is sometimes used in synagogues during Yom Kippur to rejuvenate those who have been fasting. William Shakespeare mentions rue in Hamlet, All’s Well That End Well, Richard II, and The Winter’s Tale. John Milton’s Paradise Lost and Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels also mention the herb.

Thyme has an earthy fragrance. It can destroy harmful organisms and may reduce high blood pressure. Thyme oil can prevent foodborne bacterial infections.Thyme was used as embalming fluid by ancient Egyptians. Ancient Greeks burned it as incense. The Romans brought it to the British Isles, so the herb has a long history in Europe.

The aromatic and health benefits of rosemary, thyme, and rue seem to suggest the wisdom of those Middle Ages men and women who kept them handy during the plagues.

Tussie-mussies have a long history that endures today. Guests at modern weddings may still spot tussie-mussie-style bouquets carried by brides. For instance, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle carried them at their own weddings.

These are fun facts that I, as an author of inspirational historical romances, love to incorporate into my novels!

Sources:

Boeckmann, Catherine. “What Does Each Flower Symbolize?” Almanac, 2025/04/21 https://www.almanac.com/flower-meanings-language-flowers.

Felman, Adam. “What are the benefits of thyme?” Medical News Today, 2025/06/20 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266016.

Havenga, Sudre. “The Victorian Tussie-Mussie: from warding off the plague to declaring your undying love,” National Museum Publications, 2025/06/09 https://nationalmuseumpublications.co.za/the-victorian-tussie-mussie-from-warding-off-the-plague-to-declaring-your-undying-love/.

Hawkins, Linda J. The Unspoken Language of Fans & Flowers, Heart to Heart Publishing, 2007.

Nordqvist, Joseph. “Everything you need to know about rosemary,” Medical News Today, 2025/06/20 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266370#benefits.

“Nosegay,” Wikipedia, 2025/06/09 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nosegay.

“Ruta Gravolens,” Wikipedia, 2025/06/20 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruta_graveolens.

Withrow, Danielle. “Tussie Mussies and the Victorian Language of Flowers,” Biltmore, 2025/06/09 https://www.biltmore.com/blog/tussie-mussies-and-the-victorian-language-of-flowers/.

ACFW New Releases July 2025

July 2025 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Amish Romance:


Caleb’s Choice by Z Peabody — Caleb Jacobson, rancher, farmer, and a first-generation veterinarian, has always loved to care for animals. When he was given his choice to either stay in the small community and become a full-time farmer or have his “way about,” Caleb chooses the university, and in doing so, experiences a whole other world outside of his small community. Wanting to start his own practice in his hometown, he returns to the very small community that now shuns him and to the father who hates him. It’s true—sometimes you should never return home. When a college friend asks a favor, that he hire a new head cook, Caleb immediately agrees. But when Caleb walks out of his barn to meet the new employee, he quickly regrets the decision to hire the most beautiful woman he has ever laid eyes on. (Amish Romance from Z Peabody Publishing LLC)

Contemporary Romance:


Rendersella by Amy R Anguish — Ella dreams of her artwork on display in the famous Prince Gallery, but working for her stepmother leaves her eking out sporadic minutes to draw or paint. When her stepsister steals her drawing and claims it as her own, Ella fears she’s lost her chance. Chaz Prince wants more responsibility at his family’s gallery, but first he must prove he can handle it. Chaz talks his dad into a contest to bring in some new artists, sure this will be exactly what the gallery needs. When he stumbles across Ella’s piece, he not only wants the artwork, but wishes to know the artist too. At the gala to celebrate the contest winners, Ella is determined to let them know the artwork is hers, but time is against her. And where did her shoe end up? (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)


A Family on His Doorstep by Alena Auguste — Unwed, unemployed and pregnant, Rebecca Young is in desperate need of a job. But finding work seems impossible. So when her late ex-boyfriend’s cousin Walker Greystone offers her room and board, and help getting a part-time job at the library he’s renovating in Eden, Texas, she eagerly accepts. But as they work together on a project that could change both of their lives, their feelings for one another deepen. Can Rebecca and Walk (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])


If I Fall for You by Myra Johnson — She’s a grieving widow. He’s a rancher with too much on his shoulders. Neither expected to fall in love—until God weaves their broken stories together. But when the past resurfaces, will they choose healing or walk away? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)


Meet Me on Blueberry Hill by Lisa Jordan — On an island where everyone knows everyone, Asher Quinn is a mystery Sadie Hudson never meant to solve. Once a hopeful songwriter, Sadie’s dreams faded after her sister’s tragic death five years ago. Now jobless and adrift, she returns to Jonathon Island to care for her beloved grandma, Henrietta. Just as she begins to find solace in the island’s charm, a fallen tree damages her grandmother’s home, forcing Sadie to accept help from the gruff yet intriguing neighbor, Asher Quinn. Though he seems kind, Sadie can’t shake the feeling that he’s hiding something. Asher has his own demons, seeking solitude on the island to escape a past that haunts him-especially when he discovers he’s responsible for Sadie’s sister’s death. As they navigate their shared pain, can these two wounded souls find the courage to be honest and embrace love, or will their pasts keep them apart? (Contemporary Romance from Sunrise Publishing)


Plays By the Book by Carolyn Miller — Britta Johnson knows she’s ordinary, and she’s totally okay with that. She’s secure in God, in her purposes on the planet, and romance is something she finds between the pages of a book. She doesn’t need that in real life. So when a hockey player asks for advice on how to woo his long-distance girlfriend, she knows her heart is safe. Until it’s not. Mitchell Reilly might be feared on the ice-rink, but even he’s intimidated by this little ninja librarian who can whip teenagers into line with a single look. She knows her books too, and seems the perfect candidate to help him find some romantic fictional heroes he can impress his girlfriend with. Until she’s not. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Cozy Mystery:


Down in the Dumpster by Susan Page Davis and Page M Davis — You never know what you’ll find in a Dumpster. If Cassie had known the misadventures she’d get into on her stopgap job, she would have kept checking the help-wanted ads. With her crabby dispatcher hounding her, she collects the rubbish from a senior citizens’ complex in her garbage truck. When she empties the dumpster, a witness sees a body fall into her compactor. How will she explain this to Mac? And just as important, can rubbish and romance mix? (Cozy Mystery from Scrivenings Press)

Historical Romance:


An Uncharted Dream by Abbey Downey — Leonora Thornton always envisioned following in her father’s footsteps-exploring the world and chasing adventure. But after his tragic death, she can’t get past the debilitating fear…until she meets an explorer who promises to take her on his expedition to the very place where her father died. Marcus Turner knows a con man when he sees one, and after years of hiding his family’s shameful financial situation, he won’t let anyone he cares about be swindled again. Especially not Leonora, his longtime best friend and the woman he secretly loves. Joining the expedition, Marcus embarks on a mission to protect Leonora from the swindler, no matter the cost. When betrayal leaves them stranded far from their destination, Leonora and Marcus must determine if they can rely on God-or each other. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)


The Neighbor and the Gifts by Danielle Grandinetti — When Manitowish Waters librarian Olivia “Ollie” Larson finds a package on the library steps, she expects the children’s books she ordered, not a taxidermied partridge. By the fourth gift from her unknown and unwelcome True Love, disappearing to her grandfather’s isolated cabin in the Northwoods is the only way she can escape him. Deputy Titus Wilburn is happy to escort the lovely librarian to her grandfather’s house on his way to the neighboring Yarwood cabin. After all, he’s been smitten with her since they attended school together, and she needs his protection. However, the plan fails when Ollie’s uninvited suitor discovers her new location. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)


Uncharted Joy by Keely Brooke Keith — Daydreaming of running a restaurant sparks joy in Anna Cotter’s solemn heart while she works in her mother’s bakery with her two sisters. Her dream seems impossible until she inherits a charming cottage in the heart of Good Springs. Determined to make her restaurant a blessing to the village, Anna faces challenges from the elder council and a group of rebels who gather at her tables. New-in-town schoolteacher Caleb McIntosh spends his evenings researching the outsiders who have come to the Land in recent years. He uses the village’s new restaurant to work on his manuscript and is struck to the core by the proprietor’s confidence, beauty, and uncrackable demeanor. Anna can handle demanding customers and the council’s edicts, but when the village’s new know-it-all schoolteacher spreads his papers across her corner table every day, her resolve is tested. Yet, as Caleb introduces her to new ideas about the world, faith, and love, her carefully constructed walls begin to crumble. (Historical Romance from Edenbrooke Press)


A Lesson in Love by Linda Shenton Matchett — Born and raised in London, Isobel Turvine knows nothing about farming, but after most of the students in her school evacuate during Operation Pied Piper, she’s left with little to do. Then her friend Margery talks her into joining the Women’s Land Army, and she finds herself working the land at a manor home in Yorkshire that’s been converted to a boys’ school. A teacher at heart, she is drawn to the lads, but the handsome yet stiff-necked headmaster wants her to stick to farming. Left with an arm that barely works from the last “war to end all wars,” Gavin Emerson agrees to take on the job of headmaster when his school moves from London to Yorkshire, but he’s saddled with the quirky manor owner, bickering among his teachers, and a gaggle of Land Army girls who have turned the grounds into a farm. When the group’s blue-eyed, raven-haired leader nearly runs him down in a car, he admonishes her to stay in the fields, but they are thrown together at every turn. Can he trust her not to break his heart? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)


Unending Hope by Cindy Kay Stewart — April 1940. Nazi Germany carries out a devastating invasion, trapping Americans David Jensen and Natalie Thompson in Norway. Determined to use their medical skills to aid the Norwegians, David and Natalie embark on a harrowing journey to treat the injured and evade the Nazis. Natalie, a dedicated Red Cross worker, values deep relationships. Fearful of settling for a shallow marriage, she broke off her engagement to David several years before. But she never stopped loving him and spending time working together in Norway plays havoc with her heart. David, a charismatic and confident doctor with the Red Cross, desires to advance his career and rekindle his relationship with Natalie. Even though she once rejected him, he believes she is the only woman for him. But years of keeping others at arms’ length guarantees that winning Natalie back will be the biggest challenge he’s ever faced. (Historical Romance from Hope Springs Press)


Hannah’s Quest by Jodie Wolfe — Hannah Moore escapes the overbearing grip of her relatives and forges her own way in Shippensburg, PA, far away from their clutches. Despite Hannah’s sheer determination, she finds life on her own daunting as she loses job after job. Unsure where she fits in, Hannah wonders if she’ll ever be good enough. She feels as if God has forsaken her and questions if she will ever find a place to belong. The last thing she needs is an ignorant shop keeper constantly questioning her abilities and standing in her way. Hannah will take almost any position available so as not to return to the place of her upbringing. Luke Weiser has one goal in mind—finding a way to save his grandmother and restore her health. Only trouble is, she has other ideas about what is best for her. Gran longs to see Luke’s return to faith in the Lord, but he blames God for his grandmother’s sickness and the tragic events of his childhood. After the death of his mother, followed by his father’s abandonment, Luke refuses to trust his heart to anyone, and certainly not a wife. When Hannah keeps popping up in the hardware shop where he works, Luke is forced to think twice about his convictions. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Western Romance:


A Secret Heart by Wendy Klopfenstein — The last thing middle brother Ed McGraw wants is to be tangled up in a scheme to find a mail-order bride for his black-sheep brother. But that’s right where Ed finds himself…writing love letters and not signing his own name. Intrigued by the woman who writes back. Rebekah Edwards keeps her dreams to herself and finds contentment working for the local newspaper running matrimonial advertisements. Until the day a new ad appears—one written by the very rancher Rebekah has pined for her entire life. But just as she strikes up a correspondence, Rebekah finds herself drawn inexplicably to Ed McGraw—the wrong McGraw brother for her. What will happen when she finds out the author’s true identity? (Western Romance from Sunrise Publishing)

Crime Suspense:


Five Alive by Luana Ehrlich — Silas faces the most challenging case of his career at Discreet Corporate Security Services. He has seven days to rescue five oil workers kidnapped in a remote area of Saudi Arabia, and the future of the mission is in the hands of someone who betrayed him in the past. Can he trust her? (Crime Suspense, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:


Perilous Tides by Elizabeth Goddard — Three years after her mother’s suspicious death, forensic artist Jo Cattrel is in hiding, working at a storm-watching lodge along the Washington coast. When her father sends her a disturbing and cryptic message, Jo leaves the safety of the lodge to find him. But during the ferry crossing, Jo witnesses a murder–and becomes a target. More surprising to Jo than being in danger is the identity of the person who steps in to protect her–none other than her ex, former Green Beret Cole Mercer. Now a private investigator, Cole has been looking into her mother’s death. If he can just uncover the truth, maybe Jo can end her self-imposed captivity and the two of them can pick up the pieces and build a future together. As Cole and Jo search for answers, the past rushes in like a dangerous tide before the truth can be revealed. (Romantic Suspense from Revell)


Alaskan Police Protector by Megan Short — When a minivan slides off the road into an icy lake, Officer Samuel Miller narrowly rescues a woman and child from certain death. Only, Rachel Harding insists the crash is no accident—it’s eerily similar to how her sister and brother-in-law recently died. As the unexplained attacks escalate, Samuel is determined to protect Rachel and her orphaned niece at all costs. But when they make a shocking discovery, their investigation becomes even more dangerous, and survival may be impossible. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])


Burning Truth by Kelly Underwood — Dani Barlow, disgraced journalist, has been given one last chance to redeem herself—follow a tip about a secret militia compound in the Alaskan wilderness and get the scoop that will put her back on top. But when her investigation takes a dangerous turn, she finds herself running for her life. Dani’s only hope is the rugged hotshot firefighter who comes to her rescue. As danger closes in, she’ll have to trust this mountain man with her life… He’d risk everything to protect his home… Grizz has one goal: fight fires and protect the Alaskan forests he calls home. But when a reckless, albeit beautiful, reporter trespasses on his territory, he finds himself in the middle of a terrorist plot bent on destroying everything he’s got left to care for. It seems he’ll have to do the very thing he swore he’d never do again: trust. (Romantic Suspense from Sunrise Publishing)

Supernatural Suspense:


Maranatha the Victory Battle by Blossom Turner — What if the greatest battle you’ll ever fight is the one you cannot see? Mara has faced the unthinkable—abuse, betrayal, and loss—but nothing can prepare her for the final battle ahead. As demons scheme in the shadows and angels stand guard, she must confront her deepest fears. With her marriage hanging by a thread, an abandoned child thrust into her arms, and a relentless enemy determined to destroy all she holds dear, Mara must decide: will she trust in God’s sovereignty, or will fear consume her? (Supernatural Suspense, Independently Published)

Speculative Fiction/Fantasy:


Timebender by Demi Griffin — A girl born in the Age of Augury but raised in the Age of Mythic, Everwyn grew up in the tranquil seclusion of Everlasting’s Ruins without fully understanding her identity. Time was irrelevant. Growing up in a secure and predictable environment, she enjoyed a warm family life that allowed her to mature peacefully. To her, her parents were just that – parents. Everwyn had no idea about her true lineage as the daughter of the Realm Caster and Librarian. Building an unexpected friendship with a tracker, Everwyn’s limited world broadened. At the tender age of twelve epochs, she discovers she is a girl without a homeland, evading Time. Her once simple life took a complicated turn as destiny revealed itself. Betrayed and facing shattered dreams, Everwyn embarks on a winding path that leads her to unexpected places. (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy, Independently Published)

 

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Cassia’s Calling by Rachel Blanchard — King Peter seems like a man who cannot be changed. With her otherworldly ability shadowed by uncontrollable hurt, how will Cassia answer her heart’s call? (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy)

Love’s True Measure by Lori DeJong — As Hunter and Shannon navigate their growing bond, unexpected challenges force them to confront their fears and priorities. Both must either choose to trust God’s plan is far greater than their own, or risk losing the love of a lifetime. (Contemporary Romance)

Revealed Courage: A Journey Forged Through Fire by Eve M Harrell — The ruthlessness of the new world order is unlike anything he has ever seen. Can he protect his family from an apocalypse he has no control over? Will they have the courage to stand when the forging begins? (Young Adult)

Mothers of a Nation by Carlene Havel and Sharon Faucheux– Rachel, Leah, Bilhah, and Zilpah reveal their hearts as each tells her own story of joy and sorrow. Never realizing the historical significance of their roles, these four ordinary women became the mothers of a nation. (Historical Biblical)

The Puzzle Within by Gina Holder — They must confront their own failures and unravel the secrets hidden within themselves to rescue Bridgette … and survive a madman’s twisted game. Because one thing becomes clear: Enigma’s real target is much bigger — and far more personal. (Romantic Suspense)

The Garden down the Beach: A Novelette by Annette M Irby — Online followers, and Gramps, want to see Kamber and Shiloh spend time together, but each is focused on building their careers. Is there room for a relationship in all their planning? (Contemporary Romance)

Project Sentinel by Elle E. Kay — With lethal agents on her trail, Faith must unlock buried memories, rescue her kidnapped son and outwit Project Sentinel’s surveillance before the conspiracy that murdered her husband silences her for good. (Romantic Suspense)

Golden Horizon by Darlene Panzera — When a jealous miner blackmails Maggie and uses dynamite to trap Ben inside a collapsed river cave, Maggie is faced with an impossible choice. As the town rallies for a rescue, both Maggie and Ben must decide—what is truly more valuable, gold or love? (Historical Romance)

The Final Word by Laura Thomas — When aspiring author, Sophie Brooks, trades the vibrancy of Paris for the tranquility of the English countryside, she doesn’t expect her fairy tale romance to turn into a fight for her life as she’s pursued by the relentless darkness of her past. (Romantic Suspense)

Multiple Flowers with Multiple Meanings

by Sandra Merville Hart

Floral bouquets are heartwarming gifts, as welcome today as in previous eras. Yet deeper thought was put into both the color and flower choices in the nineteenth century because both held meaning.

Even different shades of the same flower varied in meaning. Both the giver and receiver understood these nuances in bygone centuries.

Various shades of carnations, chrysanthemums, hyacinths, jasmine, lilies, and roses altered the hidden message of the bouquet.

Carnation, light red—Admiration

Carnation, pink—I’ll never forget you, a mother’s undying love, beauty, pride

Carnation, purple—Capriciousness

Carnation, red—Deep love

Carnation, striped—Refusal of love

Carnation, yellow—Rejection, Disdain, Disappointment

Carnation, white—Symbol of democracy, pure love, good luck, innocence, sweet love

Chrysanthemum, red—Love

Chrysanthemum, yellow—Slighted love

Chrysanthemum, white—Truthfulness

Hyacinth, blue—Constancy

Hyacinth, purple—Sorrow

Hyacinth, yellow—Jealousy

Hyacinth, white—Loveliness, prayers for someone

Jasmine, yellow—Grace, elegance

Jasmine, white—Sweet love, amiability

Lily, orange—Hatred

Lily, tiger—Wealth, pride

Lily, yellow—Happy

Lily, white—Purity, virginity

Rose, amethyst—I will love you forever

Rose, blue—Mystery, uniqueness

Rose, coral—Admiration, desire, longevity

Rose, cream—Perfection

Rose, golden—Jealousy

Rose, green—Growth, abundance

Rose, ivory—Grace, charm

Rose, lavender—Love at first sight, rarity, wonder, enchantment

Rose, orange—Energy, desire, enthusiasm, fascination

Rose, peach—Sincerity, modesty, gratitude

Rose, pink—Grace, beauty, youth, innocent love, elegance, sweetness

Rose, red—Love, passion

Rose, rose—Pride, shyness

Rose, white—Innocence, young love, birth, beauty and respect, silence, keep my secret

Rose, yellow—Joy, friendship, I love another, jealousy

Rose, white/pink—Unity, commitment

It’s fun to learn the hidden meaning of flowers. These are fun facts that I, as an author of inspirational historical romances, love to incorporate into my novels!

Sources:

Boeckmann, Catherine. “What Does Each Flower Symbolize?” Almanac, 2025/04/21 https://www.almanac.com/flower-meanings-language-flowers.

“Rose Color Meanings,” Fifty Colors, 2025/04/22 https://fiftyflowers.com/blogs/flowers/rose-color-meanings.

Hawkins, Linda J. The Unspoken Language of Fans & Flowers, Heart to Heart Publishing, 2007.

The Hidden Meaning of Flowers

by Sandra Merville Hart

While researching the secret language of the fan, I discovered some fascinating facts about the hidden meaning of flowers. As a writer of inspirational historical romance novels, I’m always searching for fun facts lost in time.

My grandmother wore a plain silver wedding band. The painted orange blossoms that originally decorated it had long since faded by the time I was born. A century ago, orange blossoms were often part of wedding decorations. Blossoms might have been worn in the bride’s hair or included in the bouquet. Orange blossoms symbolized fidelity, chastity, and loving thoughts.

The gift of flowers held deeper meaning in bygone eras. The type of flower and its shade varied in meaning.

Even the way they were given held hidden meaning. If the giver extended the flowers in the right hand, it meant “yes” while the left hand meant “no.”

There are a myriad of floral meanings—and not all of them are good. Here is a list of popular flowers with their own language:

Amaryllis—Pride

Azalea—Temperance, womanhood

Baby’s Breath—Pure heart, everlasting love

Begonia—Beware

Bluebell—Humility

Borage—Bravery, bluntness

Calla Lily, white—Sophistication, seduction

Carnation, pink—I’ll never forget you, a mother’s undying love, beauty, pride

Carnation, red—Deep love

Carnation, striped—Refusal of love

Carnation, yellow—Rejection, Disdain, Disappointment

Chamomile—Wisdom, patience

Chrysanthemum, red—Love

Chrysanthemum, yellow—Slighted love

Cornflower—Delicacy, felicity, unity

Dahlia—Good taste

Daisy—Innocence, simplicity, gentleness, loyal love

Dandelion—Wishes come true

Eucalyptus—Protection

Forget-me-not—Remembrance, true love, good memories

Gardenia—Secret love, ecstasy

Geranium, red—Comfort, beauty without virtue

Goldenrod—Encouragement, precaution

Hyacinth, blue—Constancy

Hyacinth, purple—Sorrow

Hyacinth, yellow—Jealousy

Hyacinth, white—Loveliness, prayers for someone

Hydrangea—Thanks for understanding, boastfulness

Iris—Faith, wisdom, valor, hope, trust

Jasmine, yellow—Grace, elegance

Larkspur—An open heart

Lavender—Devotion, luck, success

Linden branches—Romance

Lily, orange—Hatred

Lily, tiger—Wealth, pride

Magnolia—Perseverance, sweetness, love of nature

Marigold—Remembrance, grief

Mint—Warmth of feeling, protection from illness

Mistletoe—Fertility

Morning Glory—Affection

Peach blossom—Captive heart

Peony—Wedded bliss, aphrodisiac

Petunia—Don’t despair

Phlox—Proposal of love, agreement

Rose, golden—Jealousy

Rose, lavender—Love at first sight, rarity, wonder, enchantment

Rose, orange—Energy, desire, enthusiasm, fascination

Rose, peach—Sincerity, modesty, gratitude

Rose, pink—Grace, beauty, youth, innocent love, elegance, sweetness

Rose, red—Love, passion

Rose, yellow—Joy, friendship, I love another, jealousy

Sweet Basil—Best wishes

Sweet Pea—Delicate pleasures, birth, goodbye

Thistle—Sternness

Tuberose—Dangerous pleasures

Tulip, white—Lost love

Tulip, yellow—Hopeless love

Verbena—May you get your wish

Zinnia—Thoughts of an absent friend

Those who gave and received floral bouquets would have been aware of the hidden meanings behind the gift two hundred years ago. It’s fun to learn—or perhaps re-learn—about the hidden meaning of flowers.

Sources:

Boeckmann, Catherine. “What Does Each Flower Symbolize?” Almanac, 2025/04/21 https://www.almanac.com/flower-meanings-language-flowers.

“Rose Color Meanings,” Fifty Colors, 2025/04/22 https://fiftyflowers.com/blogs/flowers/rose-color-meanings.

Hawkins, Linda J. The Unspoken Language of Fans & Flowers, Heart to Heart Publishing, 2007.

ACFW New Releases June 2025

June 2025 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Children’s/ Picture Book:


If Jesus Came To My School by April Graney — A young girl learns how Jesus’s love can shine at school through her compassion, kindness, and inclusion. (Children’s Picture Book from Waterbrook/Multnomah [Penguin Random House])


Phooey Kerflooey vs the Battle Squirrel by Kristen Joy Wilks — Phooey Kerflooey has finally found a home of her own.
Too bad a raging squirrel found it first! (Children’s, Independently Published)

Cozy Mystery:


Something Wicked This Way Hums by Jennifer Lamont Leo — Return to charming Timber Coulee, Idaho, where amateur sleuth Amanda Parrish is about to discover that murder can strike a sour note even in the most harmonious of places. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

Historical Romance:


Angel from the East by Barbara A. Curtis — Caleb Morgan has had everything stolen from him-his strength, the job he loved, even his good name. He’s determined to even the score with the man responsible, until he meets the captivating new owner of the Double E Ranch. Though he’s drawn to her compassion, he fears she may never see beyond his supposed wrongdoings, unless he can prove his innocence and reclaim his honor. Eliza Roberts is a teacher, not a rancher. But if she has any hope of selling the ranch she inherited from her grandfather and continuing on to her new life in California, she needs to restore it to some semblance of order. If only the man her grandfather advised her to trust wasn’t refusing to help her. When an offer of courtship arises from the current foreman, Eliza sees the practicality in the offer. So why does her heart keep wandering back to Caleb? And why can’t she shake the feeling that something’s not right at the Double E Ranch? Will she have the courage to follow the clues behind the strange mishaps at the Double E-and possibly embrace a different life than she imagined? (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)


Of Silver and Secrets by Michelle Griep — Buried underneath are truths bent on keeping them apart. . . . In 1889 Victorian England, Eva Inman is haunted by guilt over her parents’ deaths while struggling to care for her blind sister and manage her family’s crumbling estate. With the tax deadline looming, Eva’s situation looks dire until an ancient silver ring is unearthed on the property. Despite superstitions warning against disturbing the supposedly cursed acres, Eva’s need for funds ignites her curiosity about the potential of finding more buried relics. Cambridge professor Bram Webb must prove a legendary Christian Roman settlement exists, or he’ll risk exposing his uncle’s deteriorating memory and they’ll both lose their positions. Then Eva steps into his office with the prospect of an archaeological dig that might lead to the very evidence Bram requires–provided he and Eva can set aside painful memories of a time they would rather forget. As the dig forces the two to confront their pasts, the work becomes fraught with challenges that threaten Eva’s and Bram’s hopes, as well as the growing attraction between them. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])


Heart’s Promise Heart’s Desire by Linda Hoover — Welcome back to Jacob and Julia’s Iowa farm. The year is 1893. Their son Justin is now eleven. and daughter Annaliese is ten. When Jacob and Julia adopted Annaliese as an infant, they were told God had a special plan for her. As Annaliese grows up, she can’t help but wonder if her purpose will be world-changing. Julia’s old friend, Edward Harrington, comes to visit from England, along with his wife and son, Robbie. Their time at the farm is the beginning of a like/hate relationship and later something more between Robbie and Annaliese. When the families travel to San Francisco in 1900, a shocking revelation from Edward’s wife could change everything, beginning with taking Annaliese back to England with them. If this is God’s plan, Annaliese is disappointed. It’s nothing like she imagined, and her heart’s desire is to go to veterinary college. She must consider if this is truly God’s calling for her because her decision could mean a very different future. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)


Heart of Hope by Kimberly Keagan — One Philadelphia socialite, one man who broke her heart, and a town called Victory that might live up to its name. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)


Madison’s Mission by Susan G. Mathis — Madison Murray, the devoted maid to the legendary Louise Boldt, harbors a singular mission—to care for her ailing mistress while hiding her own painful past. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Emmett O’Connor, the distinguished foreman overseeing Boldt Castle’s extravagant construction. Their connection sparks with promise, yet the chasm of class difference and hidden secrets loom large. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)


Secrets of the Revolution by Megan Soja — Hannah Pierce is determined to keep her father‘s apothecary shop running, despite his failing health, the heavy burden of her mother’s recent death, and the mysterious disappearance of her brother. She’ll do whatever it takes to preserve her family’s legacy, including joining a dangerous ring of patriot spies…and falling for a revolutionary printer with a brave heart. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)


The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz — Canada, 1837. In a British colony on the brink of rebellion, widower and lawyer James Kinney bands together with laundress Sara O’Connor to save the life of his lonely little girl. (Historical Romance from Tyndale House)


To Love a Beast by Karen Witemeyer — Once known among New York’s elite as the American Adonis, Everett Griffin now lives as a recluse in the wilds of Texas. Locals whisper of the beastly man who lives in the gloomy manor outside of town and his tendency to attack anyone who dares approach. Everett relishes his fearsome reputation and uses it as a shield to guard his privacy. Until a young woman as stubborn as she is beautiful infiltrates his sanctum and lays siege to his defenses. Beauty & the Beast story in 1800’s Texas. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:


Rescued by Jerusha Agen — As the nanny of twin two-year-olds who lost their mother, Valena Greer wants to create a happy and safe home for the children. The kids must know they’re loved and protected—the opposite of her own unstable childhood. But when danger comes to her door, the illusion of safety is shattered. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)


Romeo by Jessica Ashley — A deadly secret, an unexpected love that could cost everything. Riley “Romeo” Hunt is an expert at finding those who don’t want to be found. When he’s hired to catch a notorious jewel thief responsible for a brutal murder, he never expects to find a beautiful woman caught in the middle. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)


Reframing Trust by Regina Rudd Merrick — FBI Special Agent Julia Rossi returns to Clementville to investigate signs of criminal activity linked to a case she’s struggling to leave behind. After losing her fiancé to infidelity and her partner to prison, trust has become a foreign concept. Can she trust her job, her instincts, or even her faith? Carpenter Eli Reno isn’t thrilled when his exploration of the tunnels underneath Clementville not only uncovers evidence of recent criminal activity but also forces him to work alongside the woman who broke his friend’s heart. As the two explore the dark tunnels, Eli battles his anger over his friend’s betrayal, while Julia fights to regain her footing in a world full of broken trust. But in the depths below, can they learn to rely on one another—and on God—to uncover the truth and find healing in each other’s hearts? (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press)


Capturing You by Robin Patchen — In a town shrouded by secrets, a photographer and the reclusive heir of the Ballentine fortune join forces to unravel a deadly conspiracy. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)


Trinity Sands Beach Club by Deborah Sprinkle, Jen Dodrill, and Sharon H. Carpenter — What do a widow, a newly divorced woman, and a retired professor of art history have in common? They all came to Trinity Sands Island to find a simple life without any entanglements. But instead, they are each confronted with a mystery and another chance at romance. Will they be brave enough to face the possible dangers of solving a mystery and losing their hearts? This collection includes three novellas. (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press)


Echoes of Darkness by Darlene L. Turner — The sleepy community of Kenorapeake Falls in northern Ontario seems like somewhere Constable Oaklynn Brock can finally outrun her violent past. That is, until she’s assigned to investigate a series of suspicious deaths. She can’t reveal that she knows how serial killers think because she grew up with one. Yet the eerie similarities between these murders and those committed by her father, known as the Suicide Slayer, hint at a copycat in their midst. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Speculative Fiction/Fantasy:


Haunting of Time by Demi Griffin — In the Age of Augury, Kairos, also known as Time, had grown weary of her role in playing both sides. With the departure of the Enchantress, she saw an opportunity to strengthen her alliance with Mortality. Possessing the ability to manipulate time, she would haunt Everlasting, siphoning time by stealing it from the citizens. As Kairos pieced together her plan, the King summoned his chosen Harbingers. This group of eleven seemingly unrelated individuals had been brought together by a divine entity known as Portent. They accepted the calling under one condition. They were explicitly instructed not to engage directly with Time. Their sole objective was to deliver the King’s message. If they succeeded in doing so, the Age of Augury would reach its anticipated conclusion. (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy, Independently Published)

 

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Felling Fury by F.D. Adkins — As Ray vows to protect the woman he is falling for, it may be Ray who is in danger. Will he allow his anger and resentment to destroy him, or will he heed God’s voice calling to him from the light of Sandy’s faith? (General Suspense)

The Memory Garden by Jessica Brodie — In the small Southern town she vowed to escape forever, a shattered journalist discovers that protecting a boy with secrets as haunting as her own might be her last chance at redemption. (General Contemporary)

Keepsake by Susan Page Davis — Stanna Waverly is cleaning out her grandmother’s attic when she finds an old love letter. It’s to Emma, her grandma, all right, and the writer is urging her to elope with him. But at the end of the letter, she stares at the signature. That’s not her grandfather’s name. (Contemporary Romance)

The Ties That Loose by Felicia Ferguson — Can you really trust God when life plummets out of your control? As she searches for a way to bring Chris home and he strives to stay alive, they each battle their family histories desperate to find God’s future for them both. (Military Suspense)

Portent by Demi Griffin — Short interactions that led to beautiful moments captured more than Traveler’s heart. They were the bridge to the discovery of his name. Once he found that, he realized his decision to be a part of the King’s plan or not had already been made for him. (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy)

Across the Crying Sands by Jane Kirkpatrick — Based on a true story of the life of Mary Gerritse, wife, mother of four and the first woman to deliver the mail on the treacherous Oregon Coast in the late 1890s. (General Historical)

Judging Athena by Perrin Lovett — Judging Athena is an exciting foray into innocent, pure, and productive love. It is also a clarion call to return to the traditions of marriage, large families, and genteel society. (General Romance)

Sweet Double-Cross by Sally Jo Pitts — As bullets fly and bodies pile up, Trudy discovers Kirt is hiding his own secret. Amidst unexpected attraction and lethal betrayal, can the two survive this double-cross? (Romantic Suspense)

Surviving the Storm by Melanie D. Snitker — At an accident scene, Paramedic Curtis Whitman and EMT Aurora “Rory” Graham discover a gunshot victim and an absent driver. Rory’s unease intensifies when she spots a man watching her from the woods, followed by a barrage of gunfire. Now, a sinister stalker lurks, convinced Rory has witnessed too much. (Romantic Suspense)

His Liberating Flame by Ashley Thompson — She grew up in church and has never been in a relationship, he’s a prestigious model with a scarlet past in search of redemption. (Contemporary Romance)

The Oasis by Lorisa D. Wiedenheft — Ten-year-old Charly Harding has had a rough life. Her parents died in a car accident when she was five. She and her younger brother Matty moved three hours away to live with Granny, who is always strapped for cash. Then the unthinkable happens. One night, their double-wide trailer catches on fire and burns to the ground. (Children’s)

Shattered Peace by Julie McDonald Zander — A forgotten diary. A century-old secret. A town still haunted by its past when a peaceful parade turned deadly. A gripping time-slip novel inspired by true events. (Dual Time)

The True Story Behind Thousand Islands’ Boldt Castle

by Susan G. Mathis

Susan G. Mathis, fellow author and friend, gives some historical background for her new release, Madison’s Mission. It’s a great read! Welcome back to Historical Nibbles, Susan!

Amid the sparkling waters of the St. Lawrence River, nestled within the enchanting Thousand Islands, stands one of North America’s most romantic landmarks—Boldt Castle. For many, it is a fairytale fortress. But behind its towering spires and elegant stonework lies a story both beautiful and bittersweet—a testament to love, loss, and the legacy of dreams left unfinished.

At the turn of the 20th century, George C. Boldt—hotel magnate and proprietor of New York’s famed Waldorf-Astoria—set out to build something extraordinary: a summer home that would express his deep affection for his beloved wife, Louise.

Boldt had already fallen in love with the Thousand Islands, a lush archipelago straddling the U.S.-Canada border. In 1900, he purchased Heart Island as the canvas for his romantic vision—and even reshaped the island itself into the form of a heart. This was no ordinary construction project. It was a love letter in stone.

George Boldt commissioned hundreds of workers to build a Rhineland-style castle featuring 120 rooms, grand staircases, balconies, and ornate towers. The castle was only one part of an ambitious estate. The plans included a powerhouse to supply electricity, Italian-style gardens, a dove cote, a children’s playhouse known as Alster Tower, and a stately yacht house on nearby Wellesley Island. Every detail reflected George Boldt’s desire to create a haven of luxury and love—a private paradise for Louise and their family.

But in 1904, just four years into construction, tragedy struck. Louise Boldt died suddenly at the age of 41. Heartbroken, George Boldt called an immediate halt to all work on the island. The laborers put down their tools and walked away. Boldt never returned.

For the next 73 years, Boldt Castle stood silent—weathered by time, vandalized by visitors, and abandoned to the elements. What had begun as a dream became a haunting monument to grief. And yet, even in ruin, the castle captivated the imagination. Passing boaters gazed at its crumbling silhouette and wondered about the love story it represented.

Then, in 1977, hope was reborn. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property for the symbolic price of one dollar, pledging to preserve and restore the estate for public enjoyment. What followed was one of the most significant preservation efforts in the region’s history. Craftsmen and restoration experts worked tirelessly to revive the castle—not only repairing its damage but finishing what George Boldt had begun.

Today, visitors arrive by boat to explore this magnificent site. They wander through ornately decorated rooms, stroll along the restored gardens, and marvel at the castle’s transformation. The once-abandoned estate now tells a story not just of sorrow, but of enduring love and visionary beauty.

To my knowledge, no accident ever occurred during the construction of Boldt Castle. Its abandonment came not from disaster, but from a broken heart. In many ways, the story of Boldt Castle mirrors the emotional journey of Madison, the heroine in my novel Madison’s Mission. Like George Boldt, she carries the weight of loss—afraid to love again, afraid of what the future might bring. But just as Boldt’s dream was eventually redeemed, so too is Madison’s journey one of restoration, hope, and the healing power of love.

Boldt Castle now stands not as a symbol of what was lost, but of what can be reclaimed. It reminds us that even in our most fragile moments, beauty can rise from brokenness—and that love, though it may grieve, can leave a lasting legacy.

About Madison’s Mission:

Step into the captivating world of Boldt Castle in 1903, where dreams are forged in the fires of adversity and love.

Madison Murray, the devoted maid to the legendary Louise Boldt, harbors a singular mission—to care for her ailing mistress while hiding her own painful past. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Emmett O’Connor, the distinguished foreman overseeing Boldt Castle’s extravagant construction. Their connection sparks with promise, yet the chasm of class difference and hidden secrets loom large.

Just as their budding romance begins to flourish, tragedy strikes, shattering their world. A deadly accident leaves Emmett wrestling with guilt and at the center of an investigation that could unravel everything he holds dear. Then Madison finds herself ensnared in a dangerous coverup that threatens her very life.

When Mrs. Boldt passes away, Madison is left reeling—jobless and burdened by the weight of her perceived failures. In a world filled with uncertainty, can she summon the strength to move forward and confront her past? Will Emmett rise above his challenges to forge a future alongside the woman who has captured his heart?

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has fifteen in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Peyton’s Promise, Rachel’s Reunion, Mary’s Moment, A Summer at Thousand Island House, Libby’s Lighthouse, Julia’s Joy, Emma’s Engagement and Madison’s Mission. Her book awards include four Illumination Book Awards, four American Fiction Awards, three Indie Excellence Book Awards, five Literary Titan Book Awards, two Golden Scroll Awards, a Living Now Book Award, and a Selah Award. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Northern Virginia and enjoys traveling around the world but returns each summer to enjoy the Thousand Islands. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.

Buy links: Amazon | Barnes&Nobles |

Madison’s Mission book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viMY4EJLRZc

A Sale! Love Stitched in Blue and Gray Discounted for a Limited Time!

by Sandra Merville Hart

Exciting news!

Last month, my publisher, Wild Heart Books, released a five novel-length Kindle collection called Love Stitched in Blue and Gray. Avenue of Betrayal, Book 1 in my Spies of the Civil War Series, is part of the collection along with talented authors Tamera Alexander, Misty M. Beller, Susan Pope Sloan, and Sherry Shindelar.

The book is on sale for 99 cents! This deep discount will only last a limited time!

Here’s a bit more about each novel in the collection:

5 Full-Length Civil War Romance Novels Where Love Bridges Every Divide!

From Texas ranches to Washington’s political circles, and from Georgia cotton mills to Comanche territory, experience the transformative power of love during America’s most turbulent era in these five captivating Christian historical romances.

The Rancher Takes a Cook by Misty M. Beller

When their South Carolina home burns to the ground, Anna Stewart’s only choice is to move with her younger brother to the wilds of a Texas ranch. Their prospects are beginning to look better, until the rancher’s son, Jacob O’Brien, shows up with his alarmingly blue eyes to put a kink in Anna’s well-controlled plans.

Colors of Truth by Tamera Alexander

Irish immigrant Catriona O’Toole arrives in Franklin, Tennessee in 1866, searching for her twin brother Ryan, a conscripted Confederate soldier. With only her spitfire little sister and Ryan’s last cash gift in tow, she catches the attention of Wade Cunningham—a former Federal soldier now secretly investigating counterfeit rings for the U.S. Secret Service. When the money in Catriona’s possession proves counterfeit, Wade must choose between his duty and his growing feelings for the woman he’s supposed to prosecute.

Rescuing Rose by Susan Pope Sloan

When the Union Army marches into Roswell, Georgia, and burns down the cotton mill where Rose Carrigan worked, not only is her livelihood destroyed but she’s also taken prisoner and shipped northward with the other workers. Only the unlikely kindness of one of her guards makes the trip bearable.

Union Captain Noah Griffin hates the part of his job that requires him to destroy the lives of innocent civilians, but at least he’s able to protect these women he’s been ordered to transport to Louisville, Kentucky.

But when two fugitives arrive and complicate matters between Rose and Noah, only faith can help them find love in the midst of so much tragedy.

Avenue of Betrayal by Sandra Merville Hart

As the Civil War looms over Washington City, Annie Swanson discovers her beloved brother has joined the Confederate cause, betraying their mother’s abolitionist beliefs. When Sergeant-Major John Finn—who fell for Annie at her brother’s wedding—is tasked with spying on her banker father’s loyalty to the Union, their budding romance becomes entangled in a web of family secrets and divided loyalties that could destroy them both.

Texas Forsaken by Sherry Shindelar

Seven years ago, Maggie Logan (Eyes-Like-Sky) lost everything she knew when a raid on a wagon train tore her from her family. As the memories of her past faded to nothing more than vague shadows, Maggie adapted—marrying a Comanche warrior, having a baby, and rebuilding her life. But in one terrible battle, the U.S. Cavalry destroys that life, and she is taken captive again, this time by those who call themselves her people. Forced into a world she wants nothing to do with, Eyes-Like-Sky’s only hope of protecting her child may be an engagement to the man who killed her husband.

Five compelling stories of faith, courage, and love that prove God’s power to heal even the deepest wounds of war.

This Kindle book is on sale for just 99 cents! Pick up your copy today because the sale won’t last long.

Amazon  

Announcing the Release of Love Stitched in Blue and Gray

by Sandra Merville Hart

Exciting news!

This month, my publisher, Wild Heart Books, surprised me with the news that my book, Avenue of Betrayal, is part of a newly-released a five novel-length Kindle collection called Love Stitched in Blue and Gray!Books by talented authors Tamera Alexander, Misty M. Beller, Susan Pope Sloan, Sherry Shindelar are also in the collection.

The eBook was released on May 27th.

Here’s a bit more about each novel in the collection:

5 Full-Length Civil War Romance Novels Where Love Bridges Every Divide!

From Texas ranches to Washington’s political circles, and from Georgia cotton mills to Comanche territory, experience the transformative power of love during America’s most turbulent era in these five captivating Christian historical romances.

The Rancher Takes a Cook by Misty M. Beller

When their South Carolina home burns to the ground, Anna Stewart’s only choice is to move with her younger brother to the wilds of a Texas ranch. Their prospects are beginning to look better, until the rancher’s son, Jacob O’Brien, shows up with his alarmingly blue eyes to put a kink in Anna’s well-controlled plans.

Colors of Truth by Tamera Alexander

Irish immigrant Catriona O’Toole arrives in Franklin, Tennessee in 1866, searching for her twin brother Ryan, a conscripted Confederate soldier. With only her spitfire little sister and Ryan’s last cash gift in tow, she catches the attention of Wade Cunningham—a former Federal soldier now secretly investigating counterfeit rings for the U.S. Secret Service. When the money in Catriona’s possession proves counterfeit, Wade must choose between his duty and his growing feelings for the woman he’s supposed to prosecute.

Rescuing Rose by Susan Pope Sloan

When the Union Army marches into Roswell, Georgia, and burns down the cotton mill where Rose Carrigan worked, not only is her livelihood destroyed but she’s also taken prisoner and shipped northward with the other workers. Only the unlikely kindness of one of her guards makes the trip bearable.

Union Captain Noah Griffin hates the part of his job that requires him to destroy the lives of innocent civilians, but at least he’s able to protect these women he’s been ordered to transport to Louisville, Kentucky.

But when two fugitives arrive and complicate matters between Rose and Noah, only faith can help them find love in the midst of so much tragedy.

Avenue of Betrayal by Sandra Merville Hart

As the Civil War looms over Washington City, Annie Swanson discovers her beloved brother has joined the Confederate cause, betraying their mother’s abolitionist beliefs. When Sergeant-Major John Finn—who fell for Annie at her brother’s wedding—is tasked with spying on her banker father’s loyalty to the Union, their budding romance becomes entangled in a web of family secrets and divided loyalties that could destroy them both.

Texas Forsaken by Sherry Shindelar

Seven years ago, Maggie Logan (Eyes-Like-Sky) lost everything she knew when a raid on a wagon train tore her from her family. As the memories of her past faded to nothing more than vague shadows, Maggie adapted—marrying a Comanche warrior, having a baby, and rebuilding her life. But in one terrible battle, the U.S. Cavalry destroys that life, and she is taken captive again, this time by those who call themselves her people. Forced into a world she wants nothing to do with, Eyes-Like-Sky’s only hope of protecting her child may be an engagement to the man who killed her husband.

Five compelling stories of faith, courage, and love that prove God’s power to heal even the deepest wounds of war.

I’m thrilled that Avenue of Betrayal, Book 1 in my Spies of the Civil War Series, is part of this eBook collection with four other talented authors.

I hope you enjoy all the stories!

Amazon  

The Symbolism of the Color of Flowers

by Sandra Merville Hart

I learned as a child that the color of flowers was significant when it came to giving a bouquet. My mother knew what some colors meant—my grandmother knew more. It mattered more to her.

When it comes to gifts, the color of the bouquet was more important a century or two ago in the United States. The significance of the type of flower and its color dates back to ancient Greece and Egypt.

Colors can help create a mood and stimulate or calm our spirits. My parents painted their bedroom red to darken the room when I was a little girl. He worked nights and hoped that the dark room would enable him to sleep during the day. I believe it did help him to sleep. Unfortunately, that room was dark and depressing for the whole family. No one liked it. My mom repainted it to a pale peach, and it brightened not only that room but the entire home.

On the other hand, red is a beautiful choice for flowers. In the nineteenth century, a woman receiving a red bouquet recognized the silent declaration of love. It also could mean passion, strength, respect, and courage. The same young lady might have been disappointed at a gift of yellow flowers because they signified friendship, joy, and health.

A gift of purple flowers signified admiration, success, and tradition while green flowers suggest new life, rebirth, youthfulness, good fortune, and good health.

Blue flowers, representing relaxation, intimacy, and openness, always capture my attention because other colors are more common. A patch of blue morning glories was visible from my grandmother’s window, making them my favorite as a little girl.

A gift of pink flowers would have pleased most recipients because they symbolized happiness, grace, gentleness, and innocence for centuries.

Orange flowers add a splash of color to any room. They stand for warmth, enthusiasm, and joy.

White flowers signify honesty and purity.

In the Victorian era, young ladies would have known the meaning of the different floral colors. As an author of inspirational historical romances, I love discovering tidbits like these for my novels!

Sources:

Boeckmann, Catherine. “What Does Each Flower Symbolize?” Almanac, 2025/04/21 https://www.almanac.com/flower-meanings-language-flowers.

Ellis, Mary Ellen. “Flower Color Symbolism: What do Flower Colors Mean?” Gardening Know How, 2025/04/22 https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/flower-color-symbolism.htm.

“Rose Color Meanings,” Fifty Colors, 2025/04/22 https://fiftyflowers.com/blogs/flowers/rose-color-meanings.

Hawkins, Linda J. The Unspoken Language of Fans & Flowers, Heart to Heart Publishing, 2007.

ACFW New Releases May 2025

May 2025 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Biblical Romance:


Mantle by Dana McNeely — Faith. Redemption. The cost of leadership. Will the next generation rise to the challenge and uphold the legacy of Elijah, or will they falter under the weight of the mantle? (Biblical Romance from Mountain Brook Ink)

Children’s Middle-grade/Chapter book:


Dixie Randolph and the Mystery of Willow Creek by MaryAnn Diorio — A twelve-year-old girl learns of a plot to kill her father and risks her life to save his.(Children’s Middle-grade/Chapter book from TopNotch Press)

Contemporary Romance:


Meet Me on Lilac Lane by Andrea Christenson — He was her late husband’s best friend, but for him she’d always been the one. (Contemporary Romance from Sunrise Publishing)


Anxious For Love by Gina Conroy — She’s anxious about love. He’s built a career on it— what could possibly go wrong? Fans of witty banter, reluctant allies, and slow-burn tension with a splash of reality TV romance will swoon over this feel-good romcom with heart, humor, and a happily ever after. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)


Mountain Homecoming by Susanne Dietze — After months away, architect Wyatt Teague returns home only to find himself named a guardian to his late friends’ orphaned twins…alongside his ex-fiancée, Natalie Dalton. But caring for them together proves to be a challenge: Wyatt’s job is in the city, and Natalie can’t leave her family’s apple orchard. As they vow to make this new partnership work, old feelings between them quickly resurface. But when Natalie finds out the true reason behind Wyatt’s abandonment, can she trust him with the babies…and her heart? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])


Hearts Aweigh by Shannon Sue Dunlap — Cheeky septuagenarian matchmakers, the “Shippers” are on a mission to secure a dreamy Mr. Right for Abby O’Brien, a sunny, optimistic childcare worker for Monarch Cruises. She loves her job looking after the children of vacationing parents, but harbors one unfulfilled desire: to be a wife and a mother. With his shy five-year-old daughter in tow, divorced elitist lawyer Spencer Randolph Masterson has anything but romance in mind. His goal on the MS Buckingham is to persuade his mother, Daisy, to leave her ridiculous cruise ship lifestyle and return to New Orleans. But Daisy isn’t interested in life on land. Besides, she and her matchmaking posse have a marriage to arrange. (Contemporary Romance from Kregel Publications)


Sometimes You Stay by Liz Johnson For digital content creator Cretia Martin, home is wherever her carry-on suitcase lands. She’s never been interested in settling in one spot—after all, houses are just places that collect junk and tie you down. But when she literally bumps into local dog breeder Finn Chaffey on Prince Edward Island and all of the tools of her trade end up in the harbor, she can’t exactly leave until she gets things sorted out. Finn is horrified by the part he played in the accident and offers to help, arranging for Cretia to stay with a friend at the beautiful Red Door Inn. The longer Cretia is forced to remain in one place, the more she discovers what she’s been missing with life on the road—and the more she wants to see Finn and his business succeed. But helping him means staying put, the one thing she always swore she wouldn’t do, and risking the only thing she’s never put on the line—her heart. (Contemporary Romance from Revell – a division of Baker Publishing Group)


A Valentine for a Vet by Carolyn Miller Veterinarian Jessie James loves her dog, loves her work, loves her family. She’s got a lot on her plate, which means there’s no time for a certain dishy teammate of her pro hockey-player brother, despite what others may think. Tom Chavez knows he’s in the friend zone, but isn’t one to give up too easily, especially when he’s concerned that this hardworking vet might be working herself into an early grave. When tragedy strikes the vet practice, he’s going to do all he can to show her he’s more than just a shoulder to cry on, and that he cares about more than her skills with his dog.
(Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)


No Place Like Home by Betsy St. Amant — Magnolia Bay’s development director, Cade Landry, would do anything for his town—and his family. So when the mayor—who also happens to be his father—decides to retire, he talks Cade into running for his seat. But Cade is already up to his dimpled cheeks in the town’s post-hurricane revitalization fundraiser—Magnolia Days, featuring a flashy Cajun Circus. If Cade can’t put the bay back on the map as a tourist town, he’ll let the whole community down…and worse yet, his father. Rosalyn Dupree is a famous aerialist with a secret—actually, quite a few of them. Much to Cade’s relief, she agrees to return to Magnolia Bay for the first time in years as a headliner for the Cajun Circus. But neither her charming former school rival Cade nor her parents know she’s broke, in debt, and nursing a back injury…among other things. Despite her best efforts at resisting, sparks fly between Cade and Rosalyn as they work together on the circus fundraiser. But when everyone’s secrets are revealed and worlds collide, will Rosalyn find forgiveness and restoration in a town being rebuilt? Or will there never be anywhere to truly call home? (Contemporary Romance from Sunrise Publishing)


Recipe for Love by Penny Zeller — Rumors started flying when all of the businesses on Main Street in Cloverdale Falls sold last month. Bakery owner Maisie Carpenter finds herself appointed to uncover the mysterious new owner’s identity, and in the process hopefully allay some of the residents’ fears. What happens when she solves the mystery and discovers the man in charge of purchasing the businesses is the very man she has recently fallen in love with? (Contemporary Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

Contemporary/Women’s Fiction:


Worthless Treasures by Mary L Hamilton — Professional organizer Diamond Lange helps clients declutter their homes and let go of what no longer serves them. But when her mother, Eva, suddenly passes away, Diamond is left with a house overflowing with junk and a promise she regrets making. Although Diamond considers everything in her mother’s house trash, Eva left behind a very specific list of five seemingly worthless objects. Eva requested these items be passed on to others who will cherish them as much as she did. In fulfilling a promise to her late mother, Diamond learns that worth isn’t always measured in dollars and cents; sometimes it’s measured in the heart. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Independently Published)

General Contemporary:


The Way Home by Heidi Chiavaroli — Two lost souls, one lighthouse journey . . . and an unforgettable search for the way home. The Way Home is the second book in the Lights of Acadia series by two-time Carol award-winning author Heidi Chiavaroli. If you like romantic Women’s Fiction, you’ll love this thoughtful novel steeped in family secrets, second chances, and boundless compassion. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)


BirdSong: Stories of Promise and Hope by Sara Davison, Deb Elkink, Stacy Monson, Chautona Havig, Cathe Swanson, Milla Holt and Eleanor Bertin– From unexpected journeys into the future and the past to a life-changing weekend, a spontaneous road trip, family trauma, the birth of a bookstore, and a potentially disastrous wedding, the men and women in these stories must deal with everything life is throwing at them. Which is a lot. The turmoil and craziness challenge each of them to believe the promise of God’s timing—that every winter, no matter how dark and cold, will be followed by a season of birdsong. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)

General Contemporary/Split-Time:


Gideon’s Book by Maureen Miller — This powerful time-split contemporary novel explores race, faith, love, and self-discovery, and touches on themes of adoption and abortion as well as the beauty of marital love. (General Contemporary (split-time) from Redemption Press)

General Historical:


Salome by Jenifer Jennings — Salome, the youngest of Jesus’siblings, learns to find her voice under Jesus’ guidance, but her bold defiance against the Pharisees leads her into the hands of Roman persecution. Explore the passion, conflict, and sacrifice of the early church in Salome, Book 7 of the Servant Siblings series. (General Historical, Independently Published)

Historical Mystery:


Show Me Skulduggery by Ellen E Withers — Death comes knocking once again in Show Me Skulduggery, the captivating third book in the award-winning Show Me Mysteries series. These mysteries involve two eras, early 1900s, and contemporary times, featuring a famous Saddlebred horse stable in Mexico, Missouri. Intrigue, deception, underhanded behavior, and murder will keep you turning pages. (Historical Mystery from Scrivenings Press)

Historical Romance:


A Slight Change of Plans by Denise M. Colby — She believes she doesn’t matter. His scars have made him an unlovable outcast. As Jenny settles into the welcoming, but small, town of Washton, she can’t help but come across Ren, especially since his daily constitutional takes him along the same path. It doesn’t take long for them to form a connection that breaks down the walls erected by years of hurt. But when strange occurrences unsettle the townspeople, it seems their chance at happiness might be at risk. Will Jenny and Ren discover that they’re enough—for God, and each other? (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)


Perfect by Kimberly Keagan — When the perfect life unravels, can love turn the page to a new beginning? In the glittering era of the Gilded Age, the heirs of Philadelphia’s Denwall Department Stores navigate family expectations, relentless ambition, and unexpected love. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)


Sporting For Love by Candice Sue Patterson — When a Boston socialite on the run gets entangled with a Maine outdoorsman, things get wild. When their weekend outing in the woods with the Appalachian Mountain Club goes terribly wrong, Ford and Juniper must decide if the lives they’ve been seeking are what they truly want or if they’re willing to risk a little adventure. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)


An Unexpected Grace by Kimberley Woodhouse and Tracie Peterson — After a decade away, Parker Bennett returns home with a traveling troupe to perform a play based on Uncle Tom’s Cabin at the Kalispell Opera House. Parker has relished his life on the road, but being home awakens long-buried emotions when he encounters his first love, Johanna St. John. Widowed for three years, Johanna devotes all her time to a demanding toddler, an injured father, and a successful millinery business. After the loss of her husband, she desires to move on, but reconnecting with her past love leaves her unsure of what lies ahead. Both committed to God’s distinct calling on their lives, Johanna and Parker struggle to see how their futures can unite, and when strange things start happening around town, their second chance at a life together seems more unlikely than ever. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)


A Troubling Suggestion by Betty Woods — Clarisse Matthews still grieves the tragic loss of her fiancé and doubts she’ll ever love anyone again. Particularly if she has to divulge the secret abolitionist ideas she keeps hidden deep inside that only her beloved knew. After the lady Luke Williams loved spurned him and married another man, he will never risk giving his heart to another woman. But when Luke’s cousin is deceived by a rogue, who only Luke and Clarisse know the whole truth about, they form a reluctant alliance to protect his cousin. Their feigned attraction grows into genuine love. But will the differences between them become a wall too tall to climb or can they find a way around? (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)

Military Suspense:


No Time to Die by Taylor S Newport — Australian mercenary Tyler Reid, known as “The Ghost of OZ,” has a talent for evading detection, a skill that has caught the eye of multiple government agencies. When a shadowy group targets a CIA asset and her revolutionary drug ND1, the Deputy Director calls in Tyler. Eager for action, Tyler takes the job. For covert foreign operative Alexandra Romanova, freedom is a distant dream. Her deadly skills are at her boss’s disposal, but she’ll use them only to escape. Her final chance hinges on retrieving ND1, but the elusive Ghost of Oz complicates things. Tyler Reid isn’t an easy mark, and the better she gets to know him, the more she questions the mission she’s tasked with. Soon she faces a dire choice: kill a man she is convinced is good, or pay with her own life. In this high-stakes fight, time is running out, and the margin for error is zero. (Military Suspense from Whitewater River Publishing)

Romantic Suspense:


Rescued Heart: A Last Chance County Novel by Megan Besing — Actress Bianca “Bia” Pearl has finally landed the headlining role that could help leave her scandalous past behind—a role that may even earn back her parents’ respect. All she has to do is stick to the script, both on and off camera. Bianca is determined to prove to the press that she’s not who they say she is…an overrated gold digger.
Firefighter and former foster child Eddie Rice has always drawn the short straw in life. Now, he’s determined to help kids in need have a better future than he did. And when Eddie is selected to represent the fire station at Last Chance County’s masquerade ball, he realizes it’s the perfect opportunity to secure the mayor’s signature on a grant for a much-needed rec center. But when a case of mistaken identity and a bribe lead to Eddie and Bia being trapped together in a fire, the pair must team up to escape—and protect their futures in the process. (Romantic Suspense from Sunrise Publishing)


Midnight Offensive by Elle E Kay — ER nurse Sadie Kline can’t shake the feeling that something is off about the man who comes into her ER late one night. But she brushes it off—until a blind date with her brother’s best friend, Craig Malone, leads to something far more complicated than old feelings and second chances. Craig, now a Homeland Security agent, is tracking a stolen biological weapon when Sadie’s unsettling experience places her on his radar. She may hold the key to identifying a dangerous suspect, and when her family is targeted, protecting her becomes more than just part of the job. As danger escalates and secrets unravel, Craig and Sadie must work together to stop a biological attack. But in a world of shifting loyalties and silent threats, trusting each other might be the most dangerous move of all. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)


Missing in Texas by Virginia Vaughan — The moment FBI agent Christy Williams arrives in Mercy, Texas, determined to solve her friend’s disappearance twelve years ago, she becomes a killer’s number one target. Ignoring the threats on her life, she partners with Deputy Mike Tyner, the cousin of one of the chief suspects…and the last person to see her friend alive. As they work to investigate this cold case together, it becomes clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the past hidden. With time running out, can Mike keep Christy alive long enough to find justice for her friend…before a murderer strikes again? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Suspense:


Inheritance by J.A. Webb — Father Curtis has forsaken his vows. He has left the Order and joined the Seekers, a hidden rebellion dedicated to uncovering the truth long buried by the global church. But walking away from the Order does not mean escaping its reach. When word spreads that a copy of the True Text — the original thirty-nine books of the Creator — has surfaced on the far side of the world, Curtis, Professor Reuel, and Phillip embark on a desperate mission. If they can retrieve the artifact, it could change everything. If they fail, the truth will be lost forever. The war for truth has begun. And the Order will not suffer heretics to live. (Suspense, Independently Published)

 

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Just a Piece of Stone by Mary Ann Hake — A Jewish boy receives a special stone passed on through the generations, clear back to Bible times, and learns its history via family stories. (Children’s Middle-grade/Chapter Books)

Frazzled Moms vs Wild by Stephanie Paige King — Two moms, one campsite, zero survival skills. Nothing’s more frazzling than a family camping trip, except bringing along the neighbors and their trio of toddlers. (General Contemporary)

Forever Changed by Diana Leagh Matthews — What would you do if you had to raise someone else’s family and step into their lives? Can Caleb and Danielle let go of their painful pasts, forgive, and move forward into an uncertain future? (Contemporary/Women’s Fiction)

Mouse in Your Pocket by Janetta Fudge Messmer — How can Jessica handle inheriting a junkyard, her common sense going out the window, and Jimmy Barnes? She doesn’t, without the Lord. (Contemporary Romance)

Frayed Promises by Lynn U. Watson — If you enjoy stories of faith in the face of society’s pressures and trusting God in times of struggle, you’ll love this closed-door romance that will keep you guessing until the end. (Historical Romance)

Road Trip Redemption by Becca Wierwille — Jada talks her two older sisters into a trip to Pennsylvania to reunite Kimmy with her furry friend. But as new questions about their canine companion unravel Jada’s plans, she wonders how she’ll face Kimmy after all these years. The road ahead may be more complicated than Jada imagined. (Children’s Middle-grade/Chapter Books)