what brings us joy | excerpt + giveaway

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about the book

1895: After losing their Georgia home, eighteen-year-old Delia Truitt and her family move to Blooming Grove, Texas, to work for a relative on a ramshackle farm. Set on helping her family dig out of their impoverished circumstances, she plans to open a dressmaker’s shop, combining her sewing skills and her keen fashion sense. But owning a business takes money she doesn’t have.

Unless she can finish her quilt in time to enter the county fair. The prize money would be just enough to open her shop. Determined and resourceful, Delia sets her sights on success—until her heart takes an unexpected detour when she meets handsome Clarence Parker.

Bent on respectability, Clarence refuses to let his past get in the way of his future happiness, especially after falling for spirited Delia Truitt. But his hopes shatter when headlines declare members of his former gang have broken out of jail and are heading his way, set on revenge. Though Clarence doesn’t regret testifying against the outlaws, he fears his future with Delia is in jeopardy. Clarence will protect her from the killers, even if it means risking their future together.

Can Clarence keep her safe? And will Delia love him after she finds out about his past?

publisher: scrivenings press llc

release date: july 15, 2025

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excerpt

Now they were getting deep. She wasn’t ready to bare her soul. “Independence appeals to me.” That was true enough. She ruffled the soft grass with the palm of her hand.

Slowly, he sat upright. “Independence is a powerful drug, Delia. It can be life-giving, and it can be lethal.”

“I don’t understand.” If he didn’t look so somber, she would have thought he teased her.

“Someday you will.” Those gray-green eyes reflected an emotion she couldn’t pin down. She had a feeling even if she knew the circumstances behind his wisdom, he would still be a mystery.

He took the lemonade glass and drank until it was empty. When he spoke, his tone was light. “My sister said you are entering the fair this fall.”

“I think it’s a good way for people to see my work. After all, I’ll have to drum up interest before I can start my business.”

“Why not enter a dress you’ve sewn?”

“Most women can make a dress. But crazy quilts? It takes time and skill, and many don’t finish.” She snapped her mouth shut. She’d already told him all this. “I could go on and on when it comes to crazy quilts. Let’s talk about you.”

He shifted, his arms circling a knee. “Don’t believe anything Sallie says.”

about the author

A former teacher and librarian, Teresa Wells treasures a story threaded with redemption and hope. She loves people, history, and studying the Bible. Teresa is a member of Novel Academy and American Christian Fiction Writers Association, where she volunteers behind the scenes. She lives with her family outside of Dallas, Texas. What Brings Us Joy is her first novel.

Connect with Teresa by visiting teresawells.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon gift card, a print copy of What Brings Us Joy, and items related to the book!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 14, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 21, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

tour schedule

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