You’re in for a treat today as I’ve invited Shelia Stovall over to tell us about her books. Shelia is a librarian here in Kentucky but she also writes some great stories with engaging characters and fun settings. I met her a few years ago and can tell you I’ve rarely met anyone with a sweeter heart for people. You’ll see that in her stories. But that’s enough from me. I’m turning the page over to Shelia. I know you’ll end up loving her and wanting to read her stories set in the fictional little town of Weldon, Kentucky.
Take it away, Shelia.
Thank you, Ann, for inviting me over to talk to your reading friends today. It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since Elk Lak Publishing released my first novel, Every Window Filled with Light. I never imagined it would be a finalist for a Selah award in two categories, First Novel and Contemporary Women’s fiction. My second Weldon novel, Every Day Filled with Hope, will release on Friday, April 1, 2022.
If you love small town stories of hope, with meddlers and match-makers and a bit of a travel adventure, I think you’ll enjoy my new novel. I take my readers from Weldon, Kentucky, all the way to Niger, Africa, and back to Weldon.
I wouldn’t have believed them if anyone had told me ten years ago that I’d be a published author and have logged seven mission trips to Africa. God has led me on difficult journeys outside my comfort zone, both on the mission field and on the writing journey. I am so thankful I met people like Ann to encourage me, and that I didn’t allow fear to stop me.
I don’t want to spoil the story for you readers. Still, in my new novel, Every Day Filled with Hope, many of the situations in Niger that the main character Casey experiences, I drew from my work on the mission field. Through the years, we’ve worked with children and shared Bible stories. We always take a rainbow-colored parachute because the children love it. They can also sit on it while we tell Bible stories. Oral story-telling is a part of their culture, so the children and adults listen to us with an intensity that astounds me.
One year, we visited an orphanage, so I had Casey and her team visit an orphanage in the novel. There was a sign on the wall that I included in my book. You’ll just have to read my book to find out what the sign says. 
The news media paints West Africa as a hostile place for Westerners. However, I’ve always been treated as an honored guest. It’s always difficult for me to take the best seat. However, I’ve been trained that in a country so poor, sometimes the best seat they have is all they can offer a guest, and it would be an insult if you don’t accept their hospitality. The people I’ve met in Niger are poor yet filled with joy and laughter. Sadly, since I last visited Niger four years ago, travel for Westerners in Niger is limited to the capital city of Niamey due to terrorist activity. I continue to pray for the people we’ve met in the villages.
The Niger River is beautiful, and I’ve traveled on the ferry to cross it many times and hired a fisherman to take me across in a small boat to avoid the ferry’s diesel fumes. Casey experiences all of these things in the book. 
Each of my novels stands alone, but if readers have read the first Weldon novel or any of my novellas, they will be happy to catch up with Emma, Luke, and Harley. Also, Mayor Willoughby and Ms. Dot from the Triple D are busy taking care of everyone in Weldon. The main characters in Every Day Filled with Hope are Casey and Luke. They love each other, yet they have secrets. Do you think love without trust is enough to hold a relationship together?
As in my first novel, the theme of Every Day Filled with Hope is forgiveness. I hope readers will visit my make-believe town of Weldon and fall in love with the locals. They are far from perfect, but they try to take care of each other, and they love their neighbors.
You can download three free novellas from my website www.sheliastovall.com under the media tab to make some brief visits to get to know the people in Weldon. All you have to do is subscribe to my blog. Of course, you are free to unsubscribe at any time.
Thank you all so much for reading about my books and my mission adventures. Here’s a little more about Every Day Filled with Hope.
Back Cover Copy for Every Day Filled with Hope
Nineteen years ago, a powerful and influential man assaulted former runway model Casey Bledsoe, resulting in an unwanted pregnancy. Casey’s biggest regret is allowing fear to influence her to give up her baby for adoption.
It’s mere days before Casey and Daniel are scheduled to leave Weldon, Kentucky on a mission trip to Africa when Casey receives a letter from Madison, her eighteen-year-old daughter. Hope for healing begins.
Still, Casey grapples with telling those closest to her what really happened. That includes Daniel, the man she loves. Daniel’s a cop, and Casey is afraid of how he’ll react. Little does she know, Daniel has his own secret he’s keeping. As each day passes and they face more trials in the African wilderness, their hidden truths tear them further apart.
If Casey and Daniel don’t learn to trust each other and forgive, there’s no hope their love will hold them together.
Thanks so much, Shelia, for sharing about your new book and about your missions experiences. What a blessing you surely were on that trip and now sharing your stories with all of us. I think you all will really love getting to know the people in Weldon. Shelia’s book is already available on internet sites like Amazon. Plus next week, April 1st through the 7th, look for a great ebook deal on her first novel, Every Window Filled with Light. The special price of $1.99 may not be live until April 1, so always check the price before you hit the buy button to be sure you’re getting the deal you expect.
Book Giveaway Opportunity
Shelia is offering a giveaway of a copy of her new book, Every Day Filled with Hope, to one of you. Just leave a comment for Shelia and your name will go in a drawing for the book. Deadline to enter is April 5, 2022 at 12 midnight, EST. You must be at least 18 years old to enter and have a USA mailing address.
Have you ever been on a mission trip overseas or here in the states?
Meet Shelia
Shelia Stovall is the director of a small-town library in southern Kentucky and it tickles her to see shocked expressions when folks learn she’s traveling to Africa—again. She’s the worst missionary ever, but God continues to send her to the ends of the earth.
Shelia and her husband Michael live on a farm with their two dogs. Spending time with family, especially her grandchildren, is her all-time favorite thing. The only hobby Shelia loves more than reading uplifting stories of hope is writing them.
Comments 90
Loved the first Novel. Seen somuch of our hometown and neighboring towns in it. Looking forward to reading more about the small town of Weldon KY to see if I can recognize any other placed I have been! Sheila does a great job!
Hi Kirsty,
Thanks so much. I hope you enjoy the next book as much as the first. It’s hard to believe your kids are all almost grown and they were in the library every week. Time flies.
Take care,
Shelia
Sheila,
I have enjoyed reading several of your novellas. They are beautifully written with such interesting characters. I look forward to your new book.
Love and prayers.
Hi Amy,
Thank you! I love that you’ve read my novellas. Miss Ovaleta from a Sassy Creek Christmas is my favorite character. When I finish the Weldon series, I might start a Sassy Creek series.
Take care,
Shelia.
Looking forward to reading your new book – thank you for being a witness and showing us how forgiveness is important.
Author
Forgiveness is something most of us need to work on, Linda. It’s good if you can forget injuries as well. Shelia’s characters had to work through some of that in her story.
Hi Linda,
Thank you so much and thank you and Dale for your life of service for the Lord.
I hope you love the book.
Hugs,
Shelia
Thanks for sharing about your many mission trips, what an awesome outreach that you did.
Author
Shelia does have some wonderful experiences to share with everyone, Jan. I enjoyed seeing her pictures and hearing her stories.
Hi Jan,
It was a blessing to be able to go. I’m probably the worst missionary ever, (like Casey in the story), however God has been able to use me, just like he uses Casey’s talents in the stories, she doesn’t have medical expertise, like Sparky, and she can’t quote scripture like Eleanor, but she can hold a child, clean his or her face, and tell simple Bible stories.
Thanks for stopping by.
Warm regards,
Shelia
Thank you for sharing your story, Shelia. I have been looking forward to reading “Every Day Filled with Hope” ever since I read “Every Window Filled with Light”, an excellent story.
Blessings.
Author
While Shelia’s story is a stand-alone story, it was great fun to catch up with some of the characters in her first book, Every Window Filled with Light. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the read, Ann.
No never been on a mission trip but used t be a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, Vacation Bible School helper & even had Bible School teachings in my yard
Book looks like a great read
Would love to read and review book in print format
Author
Sunday school and Bible school are great ways to do missions right in your own back yard, Crystal.
Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to win Shelia’s book.
Hi Crystal,
We used some of our VBS materials in Africa. I love that you did a Bible school in your yard. I live out in the country so I don’t think I’d have many kids at a backyard Bible school. Although, my neighbor who lives about half a mile down the road has five kids.
I hope you get to read my book. Good luck in the drawing. Perhaps you could ask your public library to order a copy. I’m a librarian and I try to honor all patron requests.
Thanks for commenting!
Warm regards,
Shelia
Shelia’s book was great. Our book club enjoyed having her come and discuss it with us. Now we look forward to reading her second book! It sounds wonderful!
Hi Jackie,
I can’t wait to catch up with you and the other members of your book club. It was such a good time. When I retire, perhaps your group will let me join your book club.
Blessings and hugs,
Shelia
Author
I love book clubs and I’m always happy when club members pick one of my books to read, Jackie. I’m sure Shelia felt the same when you picked her book.
Shelia, Your travels and your writings are such a blessing. It’s amazing what God can do if we just let go and let God.
Bless you in all your endeavors to be an instrument for Him.
Vicki
Author
Thanks for stopping by, Vicki. Shelia is a blessing to all who know her and those who read her work too. Weldon is such a fun place filled with some remarkable characters, no doubt partially molded from all the people Shelia has met along the way.
Hi Vicki,
So good to hear from you. I hope you are enjoying your retirement. Thank you for your sweet comments and may God bless you and those you love.
Hugs,
Shelia
Without HOPE. we have NOTHING!
Hi Linda,
So true. Thanks to Jesus, I always have hope.
Good luck with the drawing.
Warm regards,
Shelia
So true. I Love d the first book and looking forward to the second
Debbie Livengood
Author
You are so right, Linda. I like to put a Scripture reference when I sign one of my books for a reader. I try to match the verse to the story or title when I can. For my Hollyhill book, Orchard of Hope, I always put the Scripture reference, Romans 15:13. Here’s the NIV version.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
I loved your first book and can’t wait to read Everyday Filled With Hope! Good luck on future writings!
Hi Mary,
Thank you! I appreciate your kind words. I hope you and your family are doing well.
Hugs,
Shelia
Author
You’re going to love it, Mary.
I enjoyed reading about your book and trips to Africa. The book sounds wonderful. Congratulations on the Selah finals!
I’ve been on several mission trips- twice to Moldova (in the former Soviet Union), twice to Chad, Africa, once to Guatemala, and once to Honduras. Life- changing trips! I look forward to reading your book!
Hi Deena,
My pastor is looking into planning a trip to Moldova next year. If it takes shape, I’ll have to get with you so you can share you insight.
Thank you for the kind comments about my book and for the congratulations! I still can’t believe my book is a Selah finalist.
Hugs,
Shelia
Author
You sound like a Mission Trip veteran too, Deena. I’m sure you’ve sown seeds that will produce harvest in those places. Shelia’s book does take you along with her characters on that mission trip and shows the doubts and fears we all face when doing something that takes courage and trust in the Lord’s direction.
Thanks , Shelia, for sharing your insights. I look forward to reading your new book.
Hi Peggy,
Thank you so much. I hope you enjoy your return trip to Weldon and on to Africa.
Take care and may Glod bless you and those you love.
Warm regards,
Shelia
Author
Glad you stopped by to read about Shelia’s new book and her mission trips. The Lord is blessing us and many more through her faithfulness.
So excited for Every Day Filled with Hope to be published. Praying that many lives will be touched, Shelia. Looking forward to a new adventure in Weldon!
I loved reading your first book and the novelettes. Your have a special way with words. I thank God for giving you such a heart for missions and your writing talent. I can’t wait to read your new book and catch up with people in Weldon!
Hi Pam,
Thank you for your kind words. If there is anything good in my writing, it’s from Him. Those sketchy parts are where I got in the way.
To God be the glory!
Hugs,
Shelia
Author
Going to Weldon is fun, Pam. The romance is there. The complications are there, but most of all, people you can recognize and love are there. Thanks for stopping by here at my place to talk to Shelia.
Hi Pam,
I missed walking with you this morning. Thank you for your support and encouragement. I hope you enjoy traveling to Africa with Casey.
Hugs,
Shelia
Author
Thanks for stopping by, Pam. I’m so glad to be able to host Shelia here. She knows how to reach readers in her job as a librarian and in her writing too.
I loved reading about your writing and about your missionary work in Niger, Shelia. I’ve been on four mission trips–one to Honduras to teach the Institute for Excellence in Writing to missionary wives and their children and three times to the Czech Republic to teach at an English camp. There’s a lot of benefit in returning to the same place multiple times to build relationships with the people of that location. I’m looking forward to reading your books!
Author
Thanks for sharing about your mission work, Suzanne. I’m sure your classes were a blessing and help to the missionaries in those places. I think you will like Shelia’s books. She likes to write about small town life. So do I. There is just something about the relationships in a small town.
Hi Suzanne,
I love returning to Niger, but to be honest, God does more work on me and helps change me than anything I accomplish in Africa. With each trip, he removes more scales from my eyes.
I’d love to visit Honduras too. Thank you for serving the missionary wives. They are my heroes.
Take care and I hope you enjoy your visit to Weldon and then on to Niger.
Warm regards,
Shelia
Hi Sheila! I loved reading Every Window Filled with Light and can’t wait to read Every Day Filled with Hope. You are so talented!! Blessings!! 😊
Author
She is, Lindsay. I’m sure you’re going to like getting to know the Weldon people she’s highlighting in this new book too. Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Lindsey,
Thank you, but speaking of talent, you have an entire family of talented people serving the Lord with your musical gifts. Tell Owen and Avery congratulations on their success in the play. Ann’s husband Darrell also sings in a quartet. I love listening to all of you.
Hugs,
Shelia
Hi Paula,
You are a hero. A true warrior for Christ. My mission trips usually last from 7 to 10 days. I can’t imagine living in such conditions for a long-term stay. What a blessing to be able to work with children. I’d love to hear your story. Thank you, for your sacrifice.
I have never been on a mission trip.
Author
I haven’t either, Deborah, but I do admire those who do, as Shelia says, step out of their comfort zone and go to help others. But actually all of us have mission field all around us wherever we live. The Lord opens up opportunities for us to help others in need.
Hi Deborah,
I never expected to travel on the mission field, especially to a third-world country, but I’m so glad I yielded. It all started with a prayer. “God, if you want me to go to Niger, you’re going to have to remove my fear.” And guess what? He did.
I enjoyed getting to know a little about Sheila. It was very interesting.
Author
Glad you enjoyed “meeting” Shelia, Lucy. She had some adventures on her mission trips and she used it for inspiration for her new book.
Hi Lelia,
Thanks for stopping by. I’m a librarian and love books. Other than Ann, who are some of your favorite authors? I’m a small town girl and love my small community. Some of my readers have compared my Weldon, to Jan Karon’s Mitford, however, there’s only one Mitford and only one Weldon. I hope you check out my free novellas from my website. Just click on the media tab. Have a great day!
We lived on Guam for four years while my husband was in the Navy. We stayed for a year after he was discharged to be missionaries. We ran a rehab center associated with our Church. The government leased us four termite ridden houses out in the boonies for our center. ( for $1) Our house, the girl’s dorm, the boy’s dorm and one so badly damaged we used it to make candles in and other crafts. We also had a quonset hut on the highway where we had a gathering place for counseling and meetings and fellowship and outreach. We left just before the boat people from Vietnam were scrambling to leave in February 1975.
Author
That’s interesting, Paula. So glad you shared about your missionary service. I’m sure you were a blessing to the people there.
Hi Paula,
You are a hero. A true warrior for Christ. My mission trips usually last from 7 to 10 days. I can’t imagine living in such conditions for a long-term stay. What a blessing to be able to save with children. I’d love to hear your story. Thank you, for your sacrifice.
Hi Sheila,I loved seeing you on the forum at the SOKY book fest.I now have your book on my to read list.Maybe my name will be chosen.It was good reading this blog and learning more about your background .
Author
I think you’ll really enjoy her stories when you get a chance to read them, Lisa. She knows her small town characters.
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for your kind comments. It was my first book festival and we had a great time. Good luck in the drawing. Be sure to stop by my website and download the free novellas. Just click on the media tab. I hope you fall in love with Weldon.