“I travel the way of truth, even if I’m the only one. I travel the path of light, even if I’m the only one. I travel the path of hope, even if I’m the only one. One giving truth and hope and light to those who think there is no truth and hope and light left to hang onto.”
-James L. Rubart
Southern Fiction Author
Jennifer Hallmark
Jennifer Hallmark writes Southern fiction with a twist. Her website and newsletter focus on her books, love of the South, and favorite fiction. She creates stories with unforgettable characters—her stories are a little eerie and otherworldly but with a positive turn.
Jessie’s Hope, her first novel, was a Selah Award nominee for First Novel. Her latest novel, Smoking Flax, will be released on January 16th, 2024.
When she isn’t babysitting, gardening, or exploring the beautiful state of Alabama, you can find her at her desk penning fiction or studying the craft of writing. She also loves reading and streaming fantasy, supernatural stories, and detective fiction from the Golden Age or her favorite subject—time travel.
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A Smidgen of Hope: Compassion
"Our culture says that ruthless competition is the key to success. Jesus says that ruthless compassion is the purpose of our journey." Brennan Manning Our next quote from the book, Ruthless Trust, is probably the best. Instead of the ruthless competition of the world,...
Friday Fiction: Caligo by J. J. Fischer (The Nightingale Trilogy #4)
I could not be more excited to share this review of Caligo by J. J. Fischer. (If you haven't read The Nightingale Trilogy, read with caution, because I couldn't avoid some vague spoilers of the last book.) Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE a series like The Nightingale...
A Smidgen of Hope: Lack of Trust
This quote from Brennan Manning's book, Ruthless Trust, floored me. "--why reproach myself for my lack of trust? Why waste time beating myself up for something I cannot affect? What does lie within my power is paying attention to the faithfulness of Jesus. That's what...
A Smidgen of Hope: Ruthless Trust
I read numerous books each year, both fiction and nonfiction. I love engaging my emotions and mind while reading. Ruthless Trust by Brennan Manning does both. Over the coming weeks, I'm going to share quotes from this thought-provoking book. I hope you'll enjoy them....
Friday Fiction: The Wretched of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler
Hello, Friday Fiction Fans! I've just read the best fantasy book, my first of 2026, and I wanted to share all the cool details with you. Jeff Wheeler is a new-to-me author, but with over thirty books to his name, he's obviously been around for a while. Here's the back...
A Smidgen of Hope: Decisions
Sometimes, I think the hardest part of life is making decisions. They can be as simple as deciding where to stop and buy a cup of coffee, or as difficult as: Should I sell my home? Go to college? Which book should I work on? Market more? Pitch to publishers? How do I...
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