When the call for submissions for the Hot Apple Cider with Cinnamon anthology came out last year, four of us from a local writers’ group sent submissions. When the acceptances started coming back, we were nervous. What if some of us got in, and some didn’t? There’d been a lot of entries, and the pieces had to be not only good quality but a good blend with the others.

Out of the 61 Canadian authors whose work is included in this Christian anthology, we four are the Nova Scotian contingent. We’ve been holding a few local launches, since we don’t all live in the same location. And what makes it extra special for me is that one of the other contributors is my mom. We’ve never been published together before.

Today, I’d like to introduce the four of us. For simplicity, I’ll go alphabetically.

Ruth Ann Adams is a high school English teacher, Sunday School superintendent, mother of five, and pastor’s wife. One of her most recent publications is a story entitled “Charles Holloway: Man of Mystery,” in Promises of Home, Stories of Canada’s British Home Children by Rose McCormick Brandon. Ruth Ann is addicted to cats and British history. Her passion is to bring God’s love and encouragement to others. Ruth Ann has a blog named 5 X Mama. Originally from Owen Sound, ON, Ruth Ann now lives in Dartmouth, NS. Her website is ruthannadams.com.

Ruth Ann’s true story in the anthology: “The Cat We Didn’t Need” (p. 199)

One evening I discovered an entirely unwanted guest in my bathtub! This nonfiction narrative intertwines the tale of the undesirable visitor with the story of a dark time in the life of our family. It contains both humour and pain, and illustrates the redemptive power of Christ.

Laura Aliese Miedema loves the Word and works in two storehouses of words, Colchester – East Hants Public Library and Immanuel Baptist Church Library in Truro, Nova Scotia. She studied English words at Crandall University and Colchester Christian Academy. Her words won first place in The Word Guild’s God Uses Ink Contest 2012. You can find her at the Metro Christian Writers Group, the Word Nerds Teen Writing Group, or on Pinterest (pinterest.com/lauraaliese/) and on Twitter (@LauraAliese).

Laura’s historical fiction piece: “Twice, For Good Measure” (p. 231)

This short story is set in Halifax during the 1910s, and follows Mary Jean Parsons, a housekeeper with attitude, who can’t stand the carpenter who has sauntered out from her painful past, right into her sacred kitchen.

Janet Sketchley (that’s me!) lives in Nova Scotia, where she writes Christian suspense novels and blogs about faith and books. She loves Jesus and her family, and enjoys adventure stories, worship music, and tea.

My poem: “Reconciliation” (p. 254)

Personality conflicts can divide a relationship. Is there a way to heal it again?

Beverlee Wamboldt, of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia is “Mom” to two adult children [including Janet!] and “Nana” to five young adults. She starts each day seeking God’s peace and guidance. Since retirement, along with her husband she has travelled throughout Canada and the United States and visited Great Britain and Europe. Her short story “The Memory Tree” was published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: O Canada The Wonders of Winter.

Beverlee’s nonfiction story: “The Handshake” (p. 255)

In rural Nova Scotia, the early 1930s were an era of hard work and integrity, where a gentleman’s agreement was enough to finalize most deals. My father grew up in such an era – a time when boys as young as 10 or 11 left school and went into the workforce. This true story tugs on the heart strings and evokes a sense of nostalgia for days gone by.

Hot Apple Cider with Cinnamon is available in print and ebook format from the usual locations.