Time to be honest- have you grown weary of day to day life in today’s world? Here’s a solution for you- a romantic story set in pre Civil War Arkansas. Like her first book Of Faith and Dreams, Tonya B. Ashley’s second one, Fireflies in Sacred Shadows features characters with complicated pasts and real emotions that will draw you in and keep you involved until the end.
Today, the main male character, Ben Ewing drops by to tell us more. This new book will be available November 18, but read all the way to the end of this post to find out how you can get a free sneak peek at this fantastic Christian Historical novel.
Jenny: Hello, I’m so glad you came by to visit with our readers. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Ben: My name is Ben Ewing. I’m a doctor—or at least I used to be.
I’m on my way back to Van Buren, Arkansas, after several years in California. Folks went west for gold. I went west to help where I could. It didn’t turn out the way any of us expected.
I’m headed home now. I’ve been gone long enough that “home” feels more like a question than a place, but I suppose that’s part of why I’m returning.
Jenny: I’m sorry to hear that your trip out west didn’t turn out well. What has been the best thing that has happened to you lately?
Ben: “Best” is a relative word these days, but I’d say the best thing that’s happened to me lately is a couple of quiet miles before heading into town.
Hills, open sky, a few birds calling through the brush. No shouts, no gunfire, no men begging me to save them.
It’s the first time in a long while my mind has had room to breathe. It was almost too much time alone with my thoughts, but I’ll take quiet over the alternative.
Jenny: That does sound like a refreshing change for you. What are you most looking forward to now?
Ben: A warm bed and a roof over my head.
A door that locks.
A night without waking to every noise.
Maybe—though I’ve some difficult unfinished business in Van Buren—I’m looking forward to seeing familiar faces again. The Hogue family has always been good to me. Justin was kind enough to arrange a room at the boardinghouse.
I look forward to seeing him.
I’m not so sure all the Hogues will be as welcoming as him, though.
Jenny: Hmm. There must be more to that story. Is there anyone new in your life? What intrigues you most about this person?
Ben: No one new. Just someone I once knew.
Rebecca. Rebecca Hogue.
It’s been five years, but it feels like ages. Brings its own share of nerves.
She always had a way of seeing more than a man intends to show—maybe because she has three brothers. She’s steady, capable, compassionate. I’ve seen her hold her composure when some of the toughest men I know were shaken.
What intrigues me is her openness, her willingness to minister to people. I hope she hasn’t lost that.
But it complicates things. I don’t know how I’ll keep the cracks in my armor hidden from her. I’m just trying to keep them from widening.
She deserves stronger company than the man riding into town today. But I’ve never forgotten her kindness. I’m not sure anyone could.
Jenny: Speaking for everyone reading this, I can’t wait to see how this all plays out! Now, just for fun, tell us about your favorites.
Time of Day: Early dawn.
The world feels most hopeful then—when the light breaks soft and quiet on the horizon. Before it casts long, stark shadows you can’t outrun. For a brief moment, it seems the day might go better than the last.
Activity: Used to be medicine. I don’t know if I can claim that anymore.
These days, I’m looking for work to steady my hands and occupy my mind. Small tasks require little but give my mind something safe to hold onto.
Place to visit: There is an old oak grove behind Hogue House. I have fond memories of it. Haven’t seen it in years, but I’d like to think it’s still waiting.
Hero: Anyone who keeps showing up when life gives them every reason not to. I’ve met a few like that. They don’t call themselves heroes—but they are.
Jenny: Those are some really thoughtful answers. Do you have any parting words for our readers?
Ben: If you’re carrying something heavy, if you’ve come out of a season that changed you so profoundly you barely recognize your reflection—heavy sigh—know you’re not alone.
Sometimes the bravest thing a person can do is turn toward home again…and watch for glimmers of hope on the horizon.
Note from Jenny: Are you hooked yet? Trust me, the heroine of this story will be equally as fascinating.
Here’s a little bit about the author, and then, don’t forget there’s a special announcement about accessing the beginning of the story before it releases!
Tonya B. Ashley writes stories that speak to the weary and the wandering—faith-filled fiction rooted in family, redemption, and the sacredness of suffering. Whether she’s unraveling a love story beneath flickering fireflies or tracing grace through grief, Tonya’s writing leans into the belief that hope still flickers in the darkest places.
She is the author of Of Faith and Dreams, Book One in the Lost and Found Series, and Once Lost, Now Found, a prequel novella featured in the collection A Gift for All Time. Her newest novel, Fireflies in Sacred Shadows, can be read as a standalone or as part of the Lost and Found series.
When she’s not writing, Tonya enjoys time with her family, connecting with students, reading in a hammock, and junk journaling with a creative cup of coffee.
Here’s more about Fireflies in Sacred Shadows
A hidden message. A broken past. A chance to begin again.
Van Buren, Arkansas, 1853.
Rebecca Hogue is doing everything she can to hold her family—and their boardinghouse—together. But when a mysterious spyglass surfaces and her reputation is called into question, the danger becomes far more personal.
Dr. Benjamin Ewing returned to Van Buren with nothing but regrets and a heart still tethered to the woman he left behind. When the spyglass reveals a coded message and Rebecca finds herself in harm’s way, Ben must face the ghosts of California and the emotional wounds he still carries.
Can Rebecca and Ben unravel a tangled scheme, navigate fragile trust, and learn to appreciate walking through hard places together?
This great novel releases on November 18, but you can get a sneak peak of the first chapters- free!
Here’s how:
Jenny, thank you so much for featuring Fireflies in Sacred Shadows. It’s always a joy to share with you and your readers!