The Mystery of the Midnight Trespasser
"Rosy growled, and I knew she was pacing the porch. I sensed her uneasiness. Something was wrong. Rosy never barked at cars; why would she choose this one?"
13 year-old Emily Kessler believes in God, but when she discovers someone trespassing in the middle of the night, can she learn to trust in Him completely? Will she have the courage to solve the mystery with her friends? And when everything falls apart, will Emily be able to keep those she loves safe?
Published August 6, 2015
"The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?"
- Psalm 27:1
Behind
"The Mystery of the Midnight Trespasser,"
by the author
The Mystery of the Midnight Trespasser was the first book I wrote and published as a young teen. In middle school, God had shown me the power of words and given me a desire to see them used to encourage readers to discover truth as well as to display something beautiful.
But shortly after completing the manuscript, publishing errors made me give up the book. It was too difficult, and I shrugged away the idea of publishing. Yet God put the exact people in my life to urge me to press on.
It turned into this novella: a middle-grade mystery featuring themes of strong sibling dynamics, friendship, country-side life, cute animals, and threatening secrets.
It’s a story for young readers, encouraging them to lean into Jesus when facing difficulties. The tale shows examples of siblings who love and care for one another, willing to risk themselves for the other person.
For me personally, this book was a declaration that I didn’t have to wait until adulthood to live a life of radical obedience to Jesus; I could serve God in my teen years. There was no reason why I should wait until I “had things together as an adult”, which was good because now, as an adult, I can still feel incapable! The difference is Jesus. He equipped me as a teen to write my first book, and His Spirit equips me for everything I face today. He is my Strength and Provider.
Fun fact: although my later books have grown and developed as I have as a writer, multiple readers say this is their favorite of my books—that it’s realistic and from my heart.
The Tale of Honey-Water Farm
In a stinky, grumpy land, the Farmer makes a happy farm and invites everyone into his animal family! From a horse full of jokes to a toad in the Pond Patrol, the animals have all the fruit and Honey-Water they could dream of. But the Farmer leaves to prepare for a Huge Farm Party. The friends face danger and strange animals who try to steal them from the farm. Can the animals hold onto the promise in their Honey-Water home? Will the Huge Farm Party ever come true?
Meet twelve huggable animals full of laughter and adventures and read why a goat tries to hide on a ceiling fan, what happens when a duck’s feet are too big, and how a possum celebrates her birthday.
And discover the secret of how every heart—young and old—can be radically faithful to their Farmer and receive a forever treasure.
Published December 14, 2022
Galatians 5:22-23
"The fruit of the Spirit... is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control..."
Behind
"The Tale of Honey-Water Farm,"
by the author
My family moved in 2016, and even before then, God was slipping ideas to a local artist, Debbie Green. She illustrated a dozen adorable, animal characters and set them aside.
Then, God had my family “happen” to move next door. We built relationships with our neighbors, and one Christmas, Ms. Debbie mentioned God was urging her to do something with the characters and asked if I would write a story for them.
I told her I’d pray about it, but I only write when God clearly guides me.
And He did!
I fell in love with the animals, and God overflowed me with stories for them. It turned into The Tale of Honey-Water Farm, a middle-grade, allegorical story of hilarious, lovable characters who live on a farm while their Farmer is away, and they must be loyal until the Day he returns.
It’s a story for young readers, encouraging them to live for Jesus’ return faithfully (and excitedly!), and in the meantime, every chapter features a fruit of the Spirit that is completely accessible for readers of all ages, showing how each animal character learns to live them out practically.
It’s a story of jokes and fun but also of deep truth and a yearning for the Huge Farm Party (aka, the Wedding Day when Jesus returns)!
I hope kids color all over the pages while learning that Jesus invites them to follow Him today, they’re never too young, and that He will return to reward the faithful and punish all evil.
Ms. Debbie hand-illustrated every picture, and I’m grateful God merged our giftings to create this beautiful story!