Welcome to May! Month of Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, Armed Forces Day, Victoria Day, and Memorial Day!

Here in the Virginia mountains, we’re sowing vegetable seeds and tender seedlings in gardens while reveling in the burst of dogwood, iris, and peonies. Colorful new winged tenants take up residence in bird houses, singing their praises.

I love the early morning hours. With cup of coffee and Bible in hand my pup, Maggie, and I enjoy cool, fresh air and birdsong, topping our devotional time with a stroll through the gardens intent on discovering the new day’s blooms. I hope your mornings are just as lovely.

Rereleased at Last! I’m so excited to share that William Henry is a Fine Name, my first novel and the recipient of my first Christy Award is once again available in Kindle, and in paperback on Amazon and through Ingram Spark—which means that any bookstore can order if for you if you don’t find it already on their shelves. William Henry is a Fine Name was the book of my heart for many years, the only book I had imagined I would write. Little did I know that God’s plans were so much bigger than mine.

Here is the write up that appears on Amazon:

THE SHADOW OF A FACE IN THE WINDOW, THE QUILT ON THE LINE. HOWLING DOGS. THREATENING INTRUDERS AND A RAILROAD THAT RUNS UNDERGROUND.

Thirteen-year-old Robert had known little of these things growing up. His southern adolescence consisted of his mother, who viewed slavery as a natural part of life, and his father, whose late-night disappearances were becoming more frequent and disruptive.

Then there is William Henry, Robert’s best friend. They did everything together—until the summer of 1859. That’s when Robert realizes William Henry knows more about these late-night mysteries than he does. It’s also when Robert is told that William Henry is less than human . . . because he is black.

Now Robert must decide for himself where he stands on slavery. With his loved ones pitted against each other, he struggles to understand justice and wonders how high a price he is willing to pay for it.

And then he gets the chance to find out.

William Henry is a Fine Name is read by adults but also makes a great addition to public, private, homeschool curriculums and summer reading programs for teens 12-18 years. It’s been used in schools since its original publication, which was the driving force behind its republication. I’m looking forward to a virtual visit later this month with classes of eighth graders who are reading William Henry is a Fine Name .

When she ran away as a young war bride, she was cut off from her family forever . . . or so she believed. Decades later, maybe the only way to move on is to go home.

Thank you, thank you for your enthusiastic reception of This Promised Land—my newest Tyndale novel! It’s been absolute joy to share this modern-day retelling of Jesus’ parable of The Prodigal Son and Running Father with you. A special thank you to all the book clubs that have embraced this story for upcoming reads. You’ll find a great This Promised Land Book Club Kit here. Know that I’m happy to schedule virtual book club or reading group visits with you for this or any of my books. Reach out to me through the Connect Page on my website (www.authorcathygohlke.com) and we’ll work together to find a date and time that works.

Book News:

I’ve loved meeting with book groups lately, in person and virtually. Here is a snapshot from The Inspired Readers Book Club where we enjoyed a robust and meaningful discussion of their reading of The Medallion.

Writing News:

My next manuscript was due to my Tyndale House editors May 1 and is now in their hands! I’m eager to learn what they think of this new story when they’ve had a chance to read it.

Thank you so much for your prayers for this endeavor. It’s another book dear to my heart and important in the life of my family. I’ll be eager to share it with you in the fall of 2026!

What I’m Reading:

Lucinda Secrest McDowell (1953-2023) was passionate about embracing life—both through deep soul care in Christ and living courageously to touch a needy world. A storyteller who engaged both heart and mind, she was passionate about helping others choose a life of serenity and strength. Lucinda graduated from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and is the award-winning author of 15 books.

Lucinda (Cindy) was also a wonderful mentor and dear friend to me. 52 Prayers of Blessing for Women (available on Amazon HERE ) was her last book. Lucinda’s passing was a great loss for all who knew her, but surely Heaven’s gain. I treasure my copy of this book and know that it will bring a great blessing to readers. It would make the perfect Mother’s Day gift.

I hope your Mother’s Day, your Memorial Day and all your celebrations this month will be joyful and blessed.

Until next time, happy reading, and God’s rich blessings for you,

Cathy