Happy Wednesday!
Hi friend,
Joe and I visited Worlds End State Park (the setting for Grave Consequences—book three in my Pennsylvania Parks trilogy) this past Saturday and hiked a trail we will definitely not be taking again. I expected a moderate hike, but it was a difficult one. There was one point where we had to climb across what I can only describe as a rock face. Never again. The only thing that kept us from turning around instead of continuing on was that we weren't sure we could make it back down without tumbling down the side of the mountain, so it seemed like it might be easier to keep climbing than to try to traverse back down the way we'd come.
It was an adventure for sure, and I'm glad we had it even though it isn't something I'd choose to repeat. The loop did end on a much easier downhill experience, and it was thankfully far safer on the backside of the loop. Here's a picture Joe took of me near the top of the mountain in front of a giant rock.
Then, the following morning, I sang a special at church and chose "How Great Thou Art." There's something about that hymn that I can't quite put my finger on. People sought me out after service to tell me they appreciated it, and I can't help but think God used it to touch hearts. If we’ll get out of His way, He'll use us to reach others. I think most of the time, I focus so much on trying to hit the right notes, stay on pitch, remember the words, etc., that I forget to be present and feel His presence.
Please reply and share your prayer requests, I consider it a blessing to pray for you.
FROM MY WRITING DESK
Hunted But Not Alone released yesterday!
It's an honor to collaborate with Robin Patchen, Susan May Warren, Susan Sleeman, Hallee Bridgeman, Jennifer Youngblood, Cami Checketts, and Taylor Hart on this exciting collection of stories.
 Hunted But Not Alone (affiliate link) Hunted But Not Alone
Faith sprinted along the beach trail, her silver hair pulled back in a high ponytail. The pungent scent of sea and decay hung in the air.
Something flickered along the rocky coast—a flash from a camera? Maybe. But this wasn’t a popular area for sightseers.
She slowed to a walk, the air shifting subtly. Someone was nearby.
She pivoted, scanning the horizon. No one was there.
A shudder flew up her spine. The hairs on the back of her neck stood at attention.
She’d felt a presence yesterday, too.
Was she losing it, or was there someone out there just beyond the dunes?
— an excerpt from Project Sentinel, Elle E. Kay's contribution to Hunted But Not Alone
For release week fun, Robin Patchen is hosting a one-question contest. The question is a random fact about something that can be found in the first 50 pages of the first book in the collection. Answer correctly to be entered in the drawing to win a $50 Amazon gift card. The contest ends Sunday, August 30, 2026.
FARM NEWS
Joe cut down some branches and tossed them over the fence for the goats. Only Darci saw him at first, so she was determined to eat her fill before she picked a few friends to join her for some fresh leafy greens.
Cassie Cat disappeared for a full day, leaving me worried sick, but then she showed back up and acted like nothing had happened. This isn't the first time she's done this (I think this might be the fourth time). She did it last year while I was at the conference, and I broke down in tears in the dining room, thinking something terrible had happened to the little rascal.
Links may be affiliate links for Amazon or other retailers
SARAH HAMAKER
Christmas novellas from three award-winning suspense authors
The Last Noel is a riveting Christmas novella collection with suspense, intrigue, and second-chance romance.
"Do You See What I See?" by Sarah Hamaker
Oakleigh Wright's estranged foster sister reappears late one night, desperate to hand off her children. Oakleigh agrees to bring them to their aunt out of state, but her travels are intercepted by a ruthless gang. She turns to her ex, Joseph, for help. Will they rekindle their love as they uncover what the gang seeks?
"Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Jayna Breigh
Trial lawyer Elise Sinclair resigns herself to a lonely Christmas reviewing legal documents—until her renegade fiancé, Jack, reappears. He is jobless, broken, and seeking forgiveness. Can two battered hearts overcome secrets and restore their love?
"Do You Know What I Know?" by Kimberley Woodhouse
When Faith Thibodeaux returns to her Cajun-style food truck in Alaska after an accident, the last thing she expects is to find out that her ex-boyfriend is the executive chef of a new restaurant. When they return to their hometown over the holidays to fundraise, will the "friendly" competition restore their love or rip them apart forever?
CHECK OUT THESE CLEAN READS ⬇️
Browse this month's clean reads
Did you know you can purchase paperbacks direct from my bookshop? Shipping is free in the USA.
Browse the bookstore at https://elleekay.com/bookstore/
Happy reading!
Blessings,
Elle E. Kay
📧 [ElleEKay@ElleEKay.com](mailto:ElleEKay@ElleEKay.com)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| 
