About the Book

Book: Dreams on the Horizon

Author:Penny Zeller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: June 25, 2024

Can love overcome all obstacles?

Mae Shepherdson’s dream of a school for the deaf has finally come to fruition. All is going well until she receives devastating news: the railroad wants to build a spur through the property where the Horizon School for the Deaf is located. What will become of the children who attend the school and the employees who so tirelessly commit their time and resources? Mae questions why God would allow the closing of a school that has been the lifeline for so many young pupils. And what of her dream that no child should endure being ostracized as she once was?

Landon Bennick is accustomed to obeying his father’s orders. He’s observed and even assisted with the building of many railroad spurs, and the newest in Horizon should be no exception. However, things grow complicated when he begins to fall in love with Mae, a soft-spoken teacher at the Horizon School for the Deaf—the same school blocking the railroad’s progress. Will Landon heed his father’s strict demands or is there another way to build the spur and save the school?

When a nefarious character with vengeful intent threatens Mae, will Landon intervene before it’s too late and save the woman who has claimed his heart?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith, love, and humor and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.

Today Penny is a multi-published author of over two dozen books and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. She is also a fitness instructor, loves the outdoors, and is a flower gardening addict.

In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, reading, running, and playing volleyball. Penny resides with her husband and two daughters in small-town America and loves to connect with her readers.

More from Penny

Enjoy this peek inside the first chapter of Dreams on the Horizon:

Sometimes the Lord answered multiple prayers all at once.

Mae Shepherdson faced her pupils and, using sign language, dismissed them from class and promised to see them early tomorrow morning.

The students signed back to her and Mae thought her heart would explode.

Her charges were learning.

And she was making a difference.

Each student had a different story. From the ones who came from a supportive and caring home; to the ones who’d been mistreated or were orphans; from those who struggled to learn to those who eagerly embraced every lesson; from the youngest to the oldest, and all those in between…all were thriving under the dedicated tutelage of Mr. and Mrs. Eddington and the Horizon School for the Deaf.

Mae’s heart warmed as she watched as the children bounded from their desks, waved, and one by one, left the classroom. All except Polly, whom Mae had asked to stay after class.

Polly remained at her desk, smiling as she drummed her fingers on the worn-out wood, causing a tap-tapping vibration.

Mae reached inside her own desk and retrieved a wrapped parcel before walking to Polly’s desk. “For you,” she signed.

Polly’s brown eyes lit and she reached for the parcel, opening it with all the enthusiasm a six-year-old could muster. Pulling out the dress, she stood and held it against herself for size.

The dress Mama made would fit perfectly.

Polly wrapped her thin arms around Mae’s neck. She then stepped back, brought her hand to just below her mouth, and signed, “Thank you.” Before allowing Mae a chance to respond, Polly scuttled from the classroom, and Mae knew the little girl would barely reach her room before trying on the dress.

God had answered Mae’s prayers in so many ways. He’d blessed her with a family who loved her; He’d led her to teach at the Horizon School for the Deaf; and He’d allowed her to do something big for the least of these.

Interview with Penny

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

At seven years old, I was bitten by the writing bug and began penning stories about a dog’s adventures. For a writing assignment, I wrote my own second-grade Bible story commentary of sorts for “kids.” In fourth grade, I “published” my fictional stories in homemade wallpaper-covered cardboard books. A poem published in a national magazine and a Young Author’s Award sealed the deal and thus began my dream of becoming an author.

What is your real-life work schedule like when writing? 

My real-life work schedule when writing is a little chaotic. I write full-time, but am also a wife and mom, and work part-time as a certified fitness instructor. One of the biggest struggles as a writer—and especially as one who works from a home office—is setting goals and boundaries. Without both of those, a book would only be an idea and never come to fruition. On the days I’m home all day, I spend time in the Bible, then morning stretches, followed by a quick check of emails and social media before breakfast. Then it’s time to write, write, write with a large dose of research as historical (my main genre) demands plentiful research. Sometimes I get sidetracked because history is so fascinating! On days when I work outside the home, I do my writing in the afternoons and evenings after exercise and dinner. While it can be demanding at times, I wouldn’t trade the writing life for anything as it is truly my passion.

What are your favorite books to read?

I read the Bible daily and would consider it my favorite book. As far as fiction goes, my favorite genres are Christian historical romance and Christian romantic suspense.

Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

One of my favorite things about being an author is connecting with readers. I have a vibrant social media presence and love to connect with readers at the following:

Website: www.pennyzeller.com

Blog: www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/penny-zeller

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PennyZeller

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennyzeller/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2190765.Penny_Zeller

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/pennyzeller

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/zellerpenny/

Any current or upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

I have some super exciting upcoming projects. In November, Beyond the Horizon, the third book in the Horizon Series releases. In December, Love in Store, Book #2 in the Hollow Creek Series releases. In March of 2025, Heart of Courage, a standalone book in a series of books by numerous authors, releases. And finally, in May of 2025, Recipe for Love, Book #2 in the Small Town Shenanigans Contemporary Romance Series releases.

Thank you so much for having me as your guest today, Gina. It has been a pleasure being here. Have a wonderful week!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 13

Madi’s Musings, August 13

She Lives to Read, August 14

lakesidelivingsite, August 15

Lighthouse Academy Blog, August 15 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 17

Devoted To Hope, August 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 19

Stories by Gina, August 20  (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 20

Holly’s Book Corner, August 21

Book Looks by Lisa, August 22

Pause for Tales, August 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 24

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 25

Cover Lover Book Review, August 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Penny is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2dbe6/dreams-on-the-horizon-celebration-tour-giveaway