Windsowers by Lori Lehman Marett

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

The movie script based on the novel, In Shady Groves by Yvonne Lehman.

I’ve been intrigued with the idea of writing movie scripts for a while. A decade ago, I spent several months digging into how to write scripts. I read scripts for popular movies as part of my study.

So when I discovered Lori Marett’s script for Yvonne Lehman’s, I couldn’t wait to read it. Marett is a talented screenwriter, and I loved that she wrote a script for one of her mother’s novels.

This script did not disappoint. Rather, it kept me turning pages from start to finish.

Windsowers is a story about the Biblical prophet Hosea and his wife, Gomer. I couldn’t put it down. Yvonne Lehman wove a masterful tale of tragedy, betrayal, and brokenness that Marett has captured into a script.

How I hope to see this one day at the movies! Well-done to this talented mother and daughter team. Recommended!

Amazon

Down Home Wisdom by Andy Hollifield

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Faith, Freedom, and the Front Porch Way of Life

This wonderful book is filled with stories of hope and reflection.

It is divided into sections by topic. The author includes his own reflections written in first person to introduce each new topic. Each section contains several stories written in third person.

Topics covered include honesty, friendship, hope, judging others, and overcoming adversity.

The author’s conversational style reminded me of sitting around the dinner table as a child, listening as my dad told story after story. We sat long after the meal had been cleared from the table as my dad enthralled us with events from his past. These reflective thoughts took me back to those days.

What a wonderful read. Recommended!

Amazon
 

ACFW New Releases August 2026

August 2026 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Contemporary Romance:
Not My Hero by Michelle Bolanger — She lost everything… except the chance to begin again. He has everything… except the freedom to follow his heart. “Not My Hero” is a modern retelling of the Biblical Book of Ruth. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

What About the Song? by Rebecca Reed — What About the Song? is a kisses-only, faith-forward, contemporary Christian romance set in Nashville, perfect for readers who love equine therapy, wounded-hero, and music-driven slow-burn love stories. (Contemporary Romance from Moonsong Publishing)

Her Reluctant Amish Heart by Pamela Desmond Wright — When a reckless street race injures her brother, Anika Glick wants nothing to do with the man responsible—especially when he’s sentenced to help her family. But Elam Muller is desperate to prove he’s changed. As they work together on her family farm, Anika finds herself drawn to Elam’s remorse and kindness. But when they’re presented with one last risky race that could secure their future or destroy it all, everything they’ve built is put to the test. Will their growing love survive the pull of the past—or will it all come crashing down? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

General Historical:
Keeping Thessalonica by Jenifer Jennings — In the port city of Thessalonica, Persis, a daughter of Persia and bondservant of Aristarchus, is forever changed when she encounters the teachings of Jesus and learns of His imminent return. (General Historical, Independently Published)

Sibella’s Stand by Naomi Musch — A woman on the New York frontier, whose husband has gone to fight, must use her wits to protect herself and a young girl when enemy forces arrive at her door. (General Historical, Independently Published)

Historical Romance:

A Lady Unveiled by Sandra Ardoin — Frustrated with her present life, Issy Krueger seeks to reclaim the independence that defined her as the black sheep in her family. Then secret, romantic notes arrive to lift her spirits—until the words escalate into veiled threats. As tragedy strikes and fear mounts, Issy’s best chance of survival could come from the man who once broke her heart. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)


A Contrary Betrothal by Denise Farnsworth — A Cherokee lieutenant, a colonel’s daughter, and a desperate fight to protect both land and love. (Formerly published as Bent Tree Bride). (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)


The Darling’s Daughter by Sydney Schmied — In 1912, Chillicothe, Ohio, a painter lands a job at a local theater in hopes of discovering the truth behind her stage actress mother’s murder, while enlisting the help of an architect battling his own secrets. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)


The Heiress and the Woodsman by Christine Hill Suntz — She’s a city-bred heiress chasing a brother in trouble. He’s a rugged settler with everything to lose. What begins as a desperate bargain becomes a journey of hope, healing, and a love neither saw coming. (Historical Romance from Tyndale House)

Military Action/Adventure:


Stars and Stripes for Freedom by Delores Topliff, Jennie Atkins, Ellen E. Withers, Shirley Gould, and Cindy Bonds — With admiration for the women in all five branches of our military, these high action stories present five intelligent seasoned warriors who risk everything to protect the land of the free and the home of the brave. (Military Action/Adventure from TrueNorth Publishing)

Romantic Suspense:


Mad Dog by Sara Davison — Nothing was worth what it had cost him to walk away. In the next eight seconds, he will achieve everything he ever thought he wanted. Or he will die. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)


When the Silence Breaks by Elizabeth Goddard — A deathbed confession. A decades-old secret. A mountain that holds the answers–and danger closing in. (Romantic Suspense from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])


The Last Noel by Sarah Hamaker, Kimberley Woodhouse, and Jayna Breigh — The Last Noel is a riveting Christmas novella collection with suspense, intrigue, and second-chance romance. The stories are “Do you see What I see?,” (Hamaker) “Do You Hear What I Hear?” (Breigh) and “Do You Know What I Know?” (Woodhouse). (Romantic Suspense Novella Collection from Kregel Publications)

Speculative/Time Travel:

Braving Red Waters by Sarah Hanks — Phoebe Bristow has spent a decade guarding her heart after her father walked out and shattered her family. When she touches a mysterious antique mailbox aboard a whale-watching cruise in Baja California and wakes up in Civil War St. Louis, she must learn to trust again, first the quick-witted man who greets her on shore, then the God who placed her there for reasons she cannot yet understand. Back on the cruise, her mother Erica clings to the mailbox as the only thread connecting her to her missing daughter, while a thoughtful marine biologist, Rodney Duncan, steadily dismantles the walls around her wounded heart. Together and apart, mother and daughter discover that the courage to love again may be the most dangerous mission of all. (Speculative/Time Travel, Independently Published)


Jezebel’s Children by Lynne Basham Tagawa — Historian Geneva Fielding and physicist Peter Donatelli travel back in time to document the trial of Anne Hutchinson, but they find themselves caught in a web of politics, doctrinal disputes, and colonial intrigue. A dystopian time travel story where faith, gentle romance, and even humor overwhelm the dark elements. (Speculative/Time Travel from Blue Rock Press)

 

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

Disguised Love by Marie E. Bast — Disguised Love: An Inspirational Victorian-Era Sweet Marriage of Convenience Romance Set on the Western Frontier During the Cholera Epidemic. (Historical Romance)

The Robber and the Witness by Danielle Grandinetti — Wisconsin, 1931—When Gideon Lundgren agrees to escort his best friend’s sister to Manitowish Waters, plans go awry when she witnesses a robbery. (Historical Romance)

Passionate Pursuit by Pamela Jo Harstad — Difficult backgrounds in the midst of threatening life challenges make having a relationship and safety almost impossible. (Romantic Suspense)

Sweet Dare by Sally Jo Pitts — A research biologist and curious youngsters are accused of unleashing a curse when a honeymooning couple is unearthed in an Indian burial mound. (Romantic Suspense)

Sunset Pointe: The Baby Between Us by Brenda Poulos — On the day before her Senior Prom, Karla finds out that her boyfriend, Jonathan, has fathered a baby with her best friend, Missy. (General Contemporary)

Ribbons of Guilt by Laura Thomas — In the charming English village of Bramble Downs, threads of betrayal unravel the sickening truth as a ballerina’s family is stalked by a delusional murderer… (Romantic Suspense)

God Stories by Courtney Dailey

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Renewing Your Faith in the One Who Hears Every Prayer

Hurricane Helene struck Florida on September 27, 2024, and then moved inland to Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and East Tennessee. The storm caused tragic loss of life and terrible devastation. In a recent conversation with friends living in hard-hit North Carolina and Tennessee, I was heartbroken to learn that about four hundred people are still missing.

Dailey’s nonfiction account of the months following the hurricane was a book I couldn’t wait to read. While her home wasn’t affected, she quickly learned that flooding had rendered a friend’s home unlivable.

What could she do to help? The author prayed with her husband for guidance. That was the beginning.

This account of how God used one woman and her family—and hundreds of volunteers—to care for those devastated by Hurricane Helene inspired me.

My heart is full. Page after page is filled with miracles, examples of how God provided for needs before they knew they needed it.

What a wonderful read. Recommended!

Amazon  
 

Apple Bread Recipe

by Sandra Merville Hart

When I had the opportunity to bake a breakfast dish for a gathering at church, I decided to play around with a recipe for apple bread. This one received lots of compliments!  

Ingredients

2 cups peeled apples, thinly sliced and then halved

2/3 cup + 1 tablespoon sugar, divided

3 teaspoons cinnamon, divided

2 cups sifted bread flour (or all-purpose flour)

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

¼ cup (4 tablespoons) butter

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 tablespoons milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a bread baking pan with cooking spray.

Sift the flour into a medium mixing bowl. Add baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and stir. Set aside.

After peeling the apples (3 small apples provide about 2 cups,) slice thinly and then halve the slices. I did this to more evenly spread the fruit throughout the loaf.

Place sliced apples in a small saucepan. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of sugar over the apples. Cook over medium heat, stirring often to coat the slices with cinnamon sugar. Cook the fruit for 7 minutes until it just begins to soften. Remove from heat and set aside to cool about 5 minutes.

In a separate mixing bowl, thoroughly blend 2/3 cup sugar with the butter until all the sugar is incorporated into the butter. Pastry blenders work well for this. Beat 2 eggs and stir into the creamed mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Gently fold the cooked apples into the batter. Stir in 4 tablespoons of milk.  

Stir the reserved dry ingredients into the batter. If it’s too dry, add another tablespoon of milk. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Try to tuck the apples poking out on top into the batter.

Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes.

Many people prefer to eat a slice of this delicious bread with cream cheese. It’s also good without it.

I love the combination of cinnamon and apples. I might even add a smidge more cinnamon next time. 😊

This bread takes about 20 minutes to prepare, including slicing and cooking the apples.  

Enjoy!  

Cake That! by Heather Greer

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Livvy Miller’s dreams of winning the Cake That baking competition will cover her debt on The Sugar Cube, her cupcake food truck, and bring in new customers. The business she’ll lose by shutting down her truck for the show’s duration is a concern. After praying about her decision, she decides to trust God.

Evan Jones wants to win the baking competition so he can give his parents a dream vacation, who have sacrificed so much for their family.

I love to watch cooking competitions, so I was excited to discover one as a novel setting. This book met the marks for culinary lovers and contemporary romance lovers. I loved the unique setting!

Lovable characters—and some not quite so lovable—stole my heart and had me rooting for them. I enjoyed the story.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Amazon

Waylaid on Whidbey Island by Laurie Herlich

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

A Merry Irving Cozy Mystery

Merry Irving, an itinerant pet-sitter, is glad that her current job has taken her far from the scene of a terrible murder. She knows that she was the intended target. Her job involves three rambunctious dogs to try to distract her worry. When a dead body is found next door, she fears that she has been followed.

Semi-retired police detective Dave Brady has befriended her. He’s among the police officers working the scene. Is she innocent? Why do so many people end up dead when she’s around?

This cozy mystery grabbed my attention. Real, believable characters. The heroine seemed too trusting at times. Sometimes the author allowed scenes with the dogs to release too much rising tension.

Even so, this book was a page turner for me. Surprising twists bring real danger. I was worried for the heroine’s safety and read quickly.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Amazon

ACFW New Releases July 2026

July 2026 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Contemporary Romance:
New Beginnings in Shady Springs by Sarah Anne Crouch — When the storm passes, can two guarded hearts believe in love again? Perfect for fans of heartwarming Christian romance, this tender small-town story weaves together friendship, faith, grief, and healing as two guarded hearts must decide whether love is worth trusting again. (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)

Second Shot at Love by Carolyn Miller — Ten years ago Genevieve Rivas made a mistake that changed her entire family. Since that, she’s done all she can to make up for it and make them proud and is now working as a junior doctor in one of Seattle’s leading hospitals. Everything is finally tracking as it should be, until one day a blast from the past re-enters her life. Ten years ago, Kyle Tinkler thought he had it all. Until a night of celebration went too far and he lost the person he held most dear as he chased his NHL dream. Now he might be Seattle’s top player, but his hard shot and skills on the ice aren’t enough to dodge the guilt now he’s returned to his old stomping ground. When injury reunites these two, regrets soar and secrets become increasingly hard to hide, threatening to fracture two families. And while God is a healer and redeemer of broken pasts, can they learn the power of forgiveness to find a way forward? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Trusting the Single Dad by Meghann Whistler — Former bad boy Devin Spencer never thought his past would follow him back to Cape Cod—but neither did Cassie Reed. Tasked with reopening her family’s beloved summer camp, Cassie is determined to keep her distance from the man. But Devin’s dedication to giving his young daughter a stable life starts to break down her walls. As they grow closer, Cassie’s heartbreaking secret and Devin’s troubled history threaten to keep them apart. Can they find the courage to face the past and create the family they’ve both been searching for? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Cozy Mystery: Dumpsters and Dragons by Susan Page Davis and Page M. Davis — They threw it away, and now they’ll kill to get it back. When garbage collector Cassie Willis finds coded documents in a dumpster, her routine route turns deadly. Chased by a sinister biker and pulled into a murder investigation, Cassie must follow hidden clues tied to an online game before the killer strikes again. Dumpsters and Dragons is a small-town suspense novel where faith, danger, and mystery collide. (Cozy Mystery from Scrivenings Press)

Crime Thriller/Suspense: When Daylight is Gone by Georgia Curtis Ling — The Pastors’ Wives Club is back! From #1 Amazon bestselling author Georgia Curtis Ling comes When Daylight Is Gone a new standalone novel in the Pastors’ Wives Club Suspense series. When a child is left for dead in the Appalachian wilderness, four pastors’ wives hunt a monstrous predator through a dark forest of buried sins. These unlikely warriors, armed with unshakable faith and a refusal to yield, are determined stop him before another child vanishes into the darkness. (Crime Thriller/Suspense, Independently Published)

General Historical:
The Amazing Crab Alley Revival by Sharon Wilharm — The year is 1897 and wealthy widow Lydia Culpepper is evaluating her mundane existence. For sixty-three years, she’s faithfully gone through the motions of fulfilling everyone else’s expectations for her life, but nothing she does is ever enough. She longs for something more. When a young boy comes to her house in search of his missing coon dog, she gets her wish. She meets Emily Reed, a young finishing school instructor, and Opal Jackson, an Irish single mother, and the three women join together on a mission that turns the First Baptist Church on its head. Suddenly, the town is in an uproar as lives are being changed. When Yellow Fever hits, it looks like their efforts may have been in vain, but the epidemic isn’t enough to thwart the fruits of the Crab Alley Revival. (General Historical from Elk Lake Publishing)

Historical Romance:

Beyond the Melody by Amanda Cabot — By the spring of 1946, life in Sweetwater Crossing is almost back to normal after the war. Not Anna Finley’s. She lost her chance at happily-ever-after when the man she loved was killed in France. Anna does her best to hide her sorrow and a secret that haunts her as she works on the jukeboxes she inherited when her brother died in combat. There’s no point in dreaming about what might have been. Jim Smythe is also grieving a shattered life. His fiancee broke their engagement, reminding him that a respected magazine said it should take no more than three weeks for a veteran to forget the war. But Jim cannot forget the men in his platoon who didn’t return home, and he’s made it his mission to visit each of the fallen soldiers’ families, hoping to give them some small measure of comfort. Sweetwater Crossing is his final stop. After that, he’ll have to return to Boston and the life that holds no appeal. If only he could find an alternative, one where people saw him for himself, not his family’s name. He’s given up hope that anyone will understand what his parents and fiancee did not, but everything changes when he enters a small cafe and sees a woman whose eyes reflect his own pain standing next to a jukebox. Jim knows he’ll never see her again, yet it somehow feels right to extend his hand and say, “May I have this dance?” It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment for two wounded people unless they can overcome their fears and find the courage to love again. (Historical Romance from ByDand Publishing)


To Fall in Love at Christmas by Robin Lee Hatcher — Alice MacPherson came to Idaho with nothing but her nursing skills, her Bible, and a lifetime of rules that have left her weary in both body and soul. Color, beauty, and celebration feel frivolous to her, a distraction from the seriousness of faith and her nursing profession. She expects nothing more for her future than work and solitude. Reverend Truman Blankenship has spent five years tending his small flock in Gibeon. Shy by nature, but strong in faith, he delights in the joy of Christ—especially at Christmastime, when he fills the church and parsonage with greenery, candles, and celebration. Thrown together in the homes of the sick, in the bustle of the town’s Christmas preparations, and in the laughter of children rehearsing a nativity play, Truman and Alice discover unexpected attraction. Her rigid beliefs may clash with his merry faith, but in the glow of Christmas, both will find that God’s love can heal the past—and open their hearts to a future filled with hope and joy. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

To Chase the Stars by Tara Johnson — A sailor hiding a dark past, and a woman on the run… Will they find what their hearts are looking for? Isabelle Holland is trapped in a life she never wanted. When her tyrannical aunt plans her marriage to an odious man, and with no word from her family in Charleston, she feels her life is over…until she meets a sea captain who can offer her a way to flee Savannah and unravel the mystery of her family’s secrets. Captain Henry Kincaid is running from the demons of his past. His only solace? (Historical Romance, Independently Published)


A Mess of Dreams by Jessie Mattis — In spring of 1943, seventeen-year-old Lorene Stewart isn’t looking for complications. She’s content on her parents’ Illinois farm, longing for the day she might travel beyond the cornfields of Potomac. But when Amos Alexander chooses her angel food cake at the town cakewalk, everything changes. For the first time since tragedy struck her family long ago, Lorene’s heart stirs with hope. Yet as quickly as their romance sparks, a world torn apart by war threatens to extinguish it. When Lorene befriends Dietrich, a German POW whose kindness and mysterious past captivate her, she begins to question everything. How can someone deemed “the enemy” side with all that’s right and good? And what if Amos has inherited his father’s deep prejudice, which he swore to resist? Amos seems to know what he wants, but when his father forbids him to court Lorene, it’s unclear if he will honor his parents’ wishes or pursue true love no matter the cost. Lorene must discern who she can trust if her dreams are to become reality. Her hope of a future spent changing the world with the right man at her side depends on it. (Historical Romance from Ashberry Lane)

Romantic Suspense:

Trapped by Jerusha Agen — Her lies keep her safe. Until the truth shows up. And it’s carrying a gun. Kristen Grant will do anything to protect her adopted teen daughter from the dangers of their past. No matter how many secrets it requires, Kristen will ensure Rosalia enjoys a happy life and promising future Kristen didn’t have. His childhood friend may have a different name, but that doesn’t change the way he feels. Security specialist Sean Kingston never expected to meet his childhood buddy in sleepy little Leben Falls. She’s changed, shrouded in mystery and secrets she doesn’t want to share. But when a shooter wakes up the small town, it seems those secrets are going to get Kristen killed. Freedom has a price, and the enemy of Kristen’s past has come to collect. Will Kristen have to pay with her life, or can Sean and his God set her free? (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)


Overdrive by Taylor S. Newport — The mission looked simple. But the enemy is closer, faster, and deadlier than they imagined. Tyler Reid needs a break, but trouble finds him first. A call from London pulls him into a missing-person case linked to a powerful surveillance project that’s suddenly worth killing for. The deeper he digs, the more bodies he finds—and the more obvious it becomes that someone wants the entire system for themselves. Alexandra “Alex” Romanova is looking for an escape from Veritek and the weight waiting for her back home. A trip with Tyler should’ve been the break they both needed. But when the case escalates and puts her company in the crosshairs, she goes with him—trying to keep him grounded even as the danger forces him to speed up. The investigation spirals into a breakneck pursuit, ambushes snapping at their heels as their unknown enemy stays one move ahead. Someone is erasing anyone tied to the project, leaving bodies instead of answers. With the elusive threat closing fast, Tyler and Alex are fighting to get ahead long enough to expose who’s hunting them. (Romantic Suspense from Whitewater River Publishing)

Western/Historical:


Seeds of Hope by Teresa Wells — Blooming Grove, Texas, 1896- Deputy Rabb Truitt has sworn to protect Blooming Grove. But when a clerical error sets a criminal free, Rabb blames himself. He should’ve admitted he can’t read, and now he must resign. If he failed the town once, he could fail it again. A recent survivor of a devastating fire, Sallie Parker refuses to let Rabb give up the job he loves. She helps him make sense of letters on the page, and as his knowledge grows, so do their feelings for each other. When a series of mysterious events surround Sallie’s school, Rabb fears a connection to cattle rustlers he’s pursuing. Each day without arrest, the demands for mob justice increase. Rabb races to protect the town and the woman he loves. But is he too late? (Western Historical from Scrivenings Press)

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

Burns and Beauty – Philistines by Christine Dillon — Saphi has spent her life despising the mother who scarred her face and condemned her to obscurity as a temple sweeper in the house of Dagon. Scorned and friendless, she expects nothing from the Philistine gods except silence. Then the Philistines capture the ark of the God of Israel. (Contemporary Romance)

Dotty Makes a Difference by Jeni Jennings — What if what makes you different makes all the difference? Set against the stunning backdrop of gorgeous African landscapes, this heartwarming story of faith, courage, and friendship for readers 3-8 will inspire children to embrace their differences and see the beauty in all God’s creations. (Children’s/Picture Books)

Praying for Mr. Wright by Kimberly Kirkland Absher — A worship leader, a matchmaking scheme, and an unexpected love story. Praying for Mr. Wright is a warm, faith-filled contemporary Christian Romance about surrendering expectations, trusting God with your heart, and discovering that sometimes the answer to prayer looks nothing like the plan you imagined. (Contemporary Romance)

Diamonds & Dynamite by Jane Daly — When a stolen diamond, a deadly cartel, and a secretive mine collide, love might be the most explosive force of all. (Romantic Suspense)

Rainbow Valley by Cathe Swanson — The life they built is changing. The past they buried is calling. Rainbow Valley is a heartfelt story of marriage, faith, identity, and the courage to rediscover each other after a lifetime of becoming someone new. (Historical Romance)

Something New by Cathe Swanson — Coming home is the last thing Charlea wants—but it may be the beginning of everything she’s been searching for. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction)

America250: The Continental Congress Adopts the Declaration of Independence

by Sandra Merville Hart

On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence at the Pennsylvania State House (now called Independence Hall) in Philadelphia—but it wasn’t unanimous.

There were many discussions among delegates in the weeks leading up to the adoption. All thirteen colonies sent delegates, but not all were ready to commit treason and risk their lives by voting for independence in May and June of 1776.

In May, the colonies that did not support independence were New York, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, where the Continental Congress met.

Richard Henry Lee, a delegate from Virginia, proposed that Congress declare independence from Great Britain, and prepare a possible plan of confederation.

Lee’s resolution was debated. The five colonies still weren’t authorized to vote in favor of independence. Some delegates were so against the resolution in early June that they threatened to leave the Continental Congress if it passed. On June 10th, in light of this opposition, Congress postponed discussions for three weeks.

Yet they continued forward in the meantime. A Committee of Five—John Adams of Massachusetts, Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, and Robert R. Livingston of New York—were tasked with drafting a declaration on June 11, 1776. Thomas Jefferson wrote the document from June 11th to June 28th. The committee revised it for him to rewrite, and it was given to Congress on June 28th. The delegates edited the declaration for the next two days.

Delegates from Connecticut, New Hampshire, Delaware, and Pennsylvania received authorization from their colonies to vote for independence in mid-June.

That left New York and Maryland.

Samuel Chase, a Maryland delegate, went to the Annapolis Convention to persuade them in favor of independence. It worked. Maryland now supported separating from Great Britain.

Unfortunately, the approach of British troops convinced the New York Provincial Congress’s to evacuate on June 30th, without first authorizing New York’s delegates to vote for independence.

The New York Provincial Congress didn’t meet again until after the Continental Congress voted on July 2, 1776, when twelve colonies voted for independence and one colony, New York, abstained.

Even though the vote was cast on July 2nd, the Continental Congress continued to tweak the declaration’s wording.

Congress was finally satisfied with the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, and it was approved.

As President of the Second Continental Congress, John Hancock signed his name in bold letters on July 4th, to ratify the document. He was the only delegate to sign the Declaration of Independence that day.

The heading of the original July 4th document sent to the printer read: “In Congress, July 4, 1776, A DECLARATION BY THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN GENERAL CONGRESS ASSEMBLED.”

The New York delegates weren’t authorized to declare independence until July 10th. Their vote changed from abstention to approval.

On July 19, 1776, the Continental Congress voted to insert the word “unanimous” into the heading. It now reads: “In Congress, July 4, 1776, The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,” because of New York’s changed vote.

John Adams, future second President of the United States and Signer of the Declaration, wrote to his wife after the vote for independence passed on July 2, 1776. He predicted that July 2nd would be celebrated by future generations as a great holiday to commemorate our country’s independence.

He envisioned it as a day that would be celebrated with parades, games, shows, bells, sports events, bonfires, guns, and illuminations all across the country.

Adams was right about the celebrations and the holiday. He just got the date wrong.

 Happy 250th birthday, America!

Sources

“An Overview of the Declaration of Independence,” National Park Service, 2026/06/24 https://www.nps.gov/inde/learn/education/classrooms/resources-declarationoverview.htm.

Biography.com writers. “John Hancock,” Biography.com, 2026/06/24 https://www.biography.com/political-figures/john-hancock.

“Declaration of Independence: A Transcription,” National Archives America’s Founding Documents, 2026/06/24 https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript.

“John Hancock,” Constitution Center, 2026/06/24 https://constitutioncenter.org/signers/john-hancock.

“John Hancock,” National Park Service, 2026/06/24 https://www.nps.gov/people/john-hancock.htm.

“John Hancock,” Wikipedia, 2026/06/24 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hancock.

“John Hancock and His Signature,” National Archives Pieces of History, 2026/06/24 https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2019/09/12/john-hancock-and-his-signature/.

“United States Declaration of Independence,” Wikipedia, 2026/06/24 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Declaration_of_Independence.

Average Boy’s Above-Average Summer by Bob Smiley and Jesse Florea

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Adventure of Average Boy

This book is about a boy named Bob. He calls himself Average Boy, or AB for short. He gets into one scrape after another. Often his attention is elsewhere, which gets him into trouble. He maintains a positive attitude no matter what happens, which makes him very appealing.

The story begins on the last day of school before summer break and goes throughout an adventurous summer. His best friend Billy is often with him on his adventures, but he has some fun family occasions too.

He has several goals for the summer. One is to build a treehouse with Billy. Another is to invite everyone in his small town to church.

The author doesn’t mention Bob’s age, but he seems to be in upper elementary. It’s an engaging story that will captivate boys 8-12.

Amazon