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Step Into The Light Podcast introduces listeners to people who have found their way out of the dark shadows of life and those who lead others on their journey from darkness.

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Available archived episodes currently are EP #230 – #272

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PATTI’S BLOGS

The Over Fifty Writer (1^st and 3^rd Friday)

Patti’s Porch (2^nd and 4^th Tuesday)

Meet seasoned authors, learn about new books and find inspiration to help you along your journey. No matter how far you’ve come or where you are going, I’d be honored to travel with you. If you like what you see, please subscribe to avoid missing updates.

Step Into the Light Blog Talk Radio Show

Latest Show

12/26/2024
Episode #272 - Featuring Antony Kolenc

Antony has won several book awards, is a columnist for Practical Homeschooling Magazine, and hosts The Shepherdâ€™s Pie radio show and podcast. A previous guest on Step Into the Light, Antony returns today to discuss the sixth book in his teen historical fiction Harwood Mysteries series titled The Devilâ€™s Ransom. Join us as Antony discusses The Harwood Mystery series, it's message for teens, and his plans for an innovative and intriguing adult series due to release next year.

Recent Shows

12/12/2024
Episode #271 - Featuring Pastor Joseph Misiaszek

11/28/2024
Episode #270 - Featuring TonyaAnn Pember

11/14/2024
Episode #269 - Featuring Gayle Irwin

11/4/2024
Episode #268 - Featuring Liisa Eyerly

Recent Posts

BEFORE LETTERS WITH LOVE by ERMA ULLREY
6/19/2026 8:00:00 AM BY Patti Shene

FEATURED BOOK: Letters With Love

AUTHOR: Erma M. Ullrey

PUBLISHER: MerryHeartInk.com

GENRE: Historical Romance

SERIES OR STAND ALONE: With Love Series

TARGET AGE: 16-116

IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR ERMA ULLREY TO THE OVER FIFTY WRITER. ERMA TALKS ABOUT HOW DEEPLY HER MAIN CHARACTER IN HER LATEST NOVEL TOUCHED HER HEART.

BEFORE LETTERS WITH LOVE

Erma M. Ullrey

Have you ever met someone whose impact so greatly affected your life that it continues on today?

When Lila Concord first came to life in my imagination, her love for the Lord and her wisdom inspired me. From the moment she uttered her first words, I knew she’d change me. How, exactly, I didn’t know. After all, she began as a minor character in my rom-com, Journaled With Love. But she hinted at something larger, igniting her scenes with her undeniable presence. Lila had heart and grit and a stick-to-it strength that commanded a story beyond her sub-character role.

As a writer, you pray and hope your character(s) will share their stories with you. …thankfully, Lila opened up like a beautiful, fragrant flower.

She and I talked throughout the dreary Winter of 2025. By the Spring of 2026, I understood the passion and pain that pumped through Lila James Lane Concord’s veins enough to flood the pages of Letters With Love.

While Lila joyously remained conversant, she put me to work, demanding I do my research. I learned, for example, that 1940s car radiators forbade distance driving. Painted gray, the retired Queen Mary safely crossed the Atlantic 1001 times during WWII, transporting people and soldiers back and forth between N.Y. and England. Mixed race couples could legally marry only in a handful of states in the early 1940s. Black pilots were used as decoys for fighter planes piloted by whites. Inhumane experiments were performed on base in Tuskegee, Alabama.

On a happier note, Mrs. Spinnler* became the catalyst for good in Lila’s life, encouraging her to learn Latin, which opened the door for her WWII codebreaker position. These behind-the-scenes heroes translated intercepted messages, giving the Allies an incredible edge over the Third Reich.

Much like her parents, Lila’s life didn’t begin as one of ease. But even when she didn’t see it, she trusted the Lord, choosing to walk beside Him come what may. As a young Negro woman, she experienced merciless prejudice, moments of joy, heartbreaking disappointments, and victorious miracles. Her darkest nights eventually yielded to brightest, golden days.

As only the Lord can, He placed other inspirational people in Lila’s life. Her best friend Dotty revealed the heart of a true friend. Joseph Lane believed love was colorless and proved that in undeniable ways. Anna Lane and Thurston Bunkard III taught Lila to fight for herself. The risks Bessie Smith and Dannetta Applegate took pushed Lila to find God’s purpose for her life. Duncan healed her heart with the love God meant for her to enjoy.

I’m not sure what more the Lord will say through Lila to me, but I know the adventure He began hasn’t come to an end. He reminded me of that through His word in Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (NKJV)

Lila, you, and me … we’ve still got more races to run. And thanks to people the Lord brings into our lives, we’ll find His purpose.

By the way, Mrs. Spinnler taught eighth grade history at Memorial School, West Paterson, N.J. From 1926 to 1970, she took the stage daily, delivering unforgettable scenes from the Civil War. But it was what she did beyond the classroom—giving up her lunch hour to help struggling students—that brought her and Lila together in this WWII historical romance.

Letters With Love

Available on Amazon June 25, 2026.

Back cover blurb for Letters With Love:

An encrypted message shatters Lila James’ forbidden marriage, but a twist of fate reveals the only love that can heal her.

Lila James wants the world to see her, not her skin color. She marries Army Aircorps Flyboy Joe Lane, believing his promise that together they can change the world. An encrypted message shatters her marriage. Crushed, pregnant, and alone, Lila retreats home to Boise carrying wounds she never asked for. There, she discovers her wartime pen pal’s identity. The only love meant to heal her was never lost but simply waiting for acceptance.

Amazon buy link

Erma Ullrey is a follower of Jesus Christ. Married for forty-five years she enjoys four wonderful children, three outlaws, and five precious grandchildren. She worked in the medical field for over twenty-five years. After completing her B.S.H.S., she became a health educator and received international credentials in childbirth education (I.C.E.A.) and lactation consulting (I.B.C.L.C.). She serves as a women’s Bible study leader, and participates in a local book club as well as local and national writer’s groups.

Erma posts encouraging blogs at https://merryheartink.substack.com/ and https://onceuponaromance.substack.com and enjoys chatting with her Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram friends.

Connect with Erma

https://merryheartink.substack.com/
https://onceuponaromance.substack.com/

GOD MUST LOVE by TORI HIGA
6/8/2026 11:45:00 PM BY Patti Shene

FEATURED BOOK: God Must Love

AUTHOR: Tori Higa

PUBLISHER: Fusion Hybrid Publishing, an Imprint of End Game Press

GENRE: Children’s Picture Book

SERIES OR STAND ALONE: Stand Alone

TARGET AGE: 0-5

IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR TORI HIGA TO PATTI’S PORCH. TORI TALKS ABOUT SHARING THE WONDERS OF GOD’S CREATION AND HOW IT INSPIRES HER CRAFTING OF CHILDREN’S BOOKS.

GOD MUST LOVE

Tori Higa

My two kids are now teenagers, but especially when they were little, God was always giving me ideas for faith-based children’s books. Sometimes in Costco, sometimes playing with my toddler in the afternoon, and sometimes while sitting in a church service.

One time in particular, I was driving with my two little ones quietly sitting in the back seat and had Christian talk radio playing in the background. The host shared inspiration from a Puritan writer. He shared that the writer was noticing how the same God who created the huge and vast universe also took the time to create the tiniest of insects. Picture the same God who made the sun and the moon, also making the ant and ladybug. At that moment, I was struck by the thought and believed it was a children’s book in the making.

To stop and think that the all-powerful Creator God created such different things in size, color, shape, species, and so on, was awe inspiring. And if He created all these things, surely He must love them. He even made His greatest creation, human beings, to all be completely different and unique from one another. Even identical twins have their own personality and unique finger prints – completely one of a kind.

Noticing God’s vast and intricate creation is something that draws me closer to Him. I believe that we as parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers should point these things out to young children so they can hopefully have a lifetime of experiencing God’s creativity, love, and goodness. After all, God’s creation is wrapped in love. He didn’t create anything that He doesn’t love, especially every single person He ever made.

And that goes for you, too, dear reader. God created you on purpose and with a purpose and He loves you more than you can ever understand.

“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased” – Revelation 4:11 (NLT)

“God has two textbooks - Scripture and Creation - we would do well to listen to both.”

– Francis Bacon

Book Blurb for God Must Love:

Have you ever marveled at God’s creation and wondered why he created the things He did?

God Must Love has the answer to that question – if God created it, He must love it.

From the vast universe to the tiniest insects to colorful flowers and more, God Must Love explores all of God’s creation and the love He has for the things He makes. He especially loves what He has created in His own image – the very child for whom this book is intended!

God Must Love is a delightful rhyming book with original illustrations for children ages 0-5.

Amazon buy link

Tori Higa is inspired by God’s creation, family & friends, coffee shops, people-watching, and all things vintage. She has always loved making art and recently began pairing her art with the stories she writes to share with young kids. She considers it a high honor to make books to inspire kids and encourage their faith journey. She currently lives in Southern California with her husband, two teenage kids, and a playful little mutt named Edie.

Links:

ToriHiga.com

Instagram

GETTING OLDER by JUNE FOSTER
6/4/2026 11:45:00 PM BY Patti Shene

FEATURED BOOK: The Hidden Legacy

AUTHOR: June Foster

PUBLISHER: Winged Publications

GENRE: Romantic suspense

SERIES OR STAND ALONE: Series

TARGET AGE: 18-85

IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR JUNE FOSTER TO THE OVER 50 WRITER. JUNE TALKS ABOUT OUR ATTITUDE AS WE AGE AND WHAT REALLY COUNTS IN RECOGNIZING OUR IDENTITY.

GETTING OLDER

June Foster

A decade ago, my husband and I worked in an independent living facility for seniors who didn't care to live on their own. I met a lot of remarkable people during our short stint there, and I discovered some thought-provoking information.

Some of the residents wore a scowl on their face most of the time, griping and complaining about almost everything. They demanded the managers perform extra services other people didn't receive, especially in the dining room. If they didn't like an entree, they insisted the cook make something else especially for them. Frown lines etched their faces, and they appeared to be miserable. Very few smiles were evident.

Other residents seemed happy, always taking an interest in others. They thoughtfully sent cards on birthdays, gave a compliment, and smiled. I remember one couple who'd been married seventy-five years who were still in love.

I realize people's personalities vary, but I became curious about the obvious differences in attitudes. The married couple as well as others who appeared contented with their life circumstances, I soon discovered, were Christians. They were filled with peace and spoke of where they were going after leaving this earth. To spend eternity with their Lord and Savior. What an amazing difference!

I believe that many people derive their identity from their profession or accomplishments. But unfortunately, that's never enough. There will always be regrets about goals not achieved and missed opportunities along the way. If we have nothing else but our own triumphs, at the end of our lives, we have nothing. No wonder some of those residents scowled and were bitter.

Nothing in my life has brought me a sense of self-worth or pride. The only truth that sustains me is my relationship with the Lord. Jesus alone declares me significant and upright, and nothing in this world can accomplish that.

Oh, and in case you think I don't have the right to say these things, I do because I'm at that age and know from experience.

Let's not spend all our energy pursing goals but allow time to get to know the Savior, the only One who can give us purpose and declare at the end of our lives, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

"Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day" – 11Corinthians 4:6

Dear Lord, help me to keep my eye on the goal—a glorious eternity with You. Amen.

Blurb for The Hidden Legacy

Austin Ford has inherited the weight of his family's legacy, overseeing the sprawling Ford Ranch as his father steps back and his siblings forge their own paths. But when his beloved horse, Jack, falls gravely ill, Austin calls upon the new veterinarian in town, igniting a chain of events that will change everything.

Dr. Willow Lawson, a skilled veterinarian, is stunned when she first lays eyes on Austin Ford. The young, handsome rancher is the spitting image of her deceased husband, a shock that causes her to faint right in the horse barn. Determined to overcome the haunting memories, Willow throws herself into her work, even as her heart begins to stir for the charismatic rancher.

As Austin grapples with the strange, unexplained holes appearing on the North Pasture, he is drawn into a deeper mystery. Night flights over the ranch reveal flashing lights in the darkness, suggesting the holes are no mere animal burrows.

Amidst this growing unease, Austin and Willow's budding relationship is tested when her clinic is vandalized, leaving her devastated and out of work. The attacks seem to be more than random acts of violence, especially when Austin's father recounts tales of buried gold hidden on the ranch by their ancestor, Great Grandfather Jeremiah, during the Great Depression.

With prowlers encroaching on his land and his desire to protect Willow intensifying, Austin must navigate the treacherous waters of old family secrets and new-found love. Together, can Austin and Willow unravel the mystery threatening their lives and find solace in each other’s arms? Or will the shadows of the past and present prove too formidable to overcome?

Buy Link

An award-winning author, June Foster is a retired teacher with a BA in Education and a MA in counseling. June began writing Christian romance in 2010 as she and her husband traveled the US in their RV. Her adventures provide a rich source of information for her novels. She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her next book.

To date, June has written over thirty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels and novellas. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who encounter real-life difficulties yet live victorious lives. She's published with Winged Publications.

June is active in her church and her ladies' fellowship group. She enjoys writing devotionals as well as fiction. She frequently attends writers' conferences such as Blue Lake Writers' Conference and Florida Christian Writers Conference.

Her novel, The Inn at Cranberry Cove, won the 2021 Selah award for Romantic Suspense. It is available on Amazon in paperback, hardback, and eBook format. In 2023, June won the Ames Award for her book Christmas at Cranberry Cove, book three in the same series.

Visit June at www.junefoster.com to see a complete list of her books.