Thursday Book Spotlight: The Copper Scroll by Nicholas Teeguarden

 

 

A lost scroll. A deadly secret. A race across the Middle East—where every clue could be fatal…

The Copper Scroll follows historian Joshua “Masa” Bennett as he journeys into the heart of the Middle East in an attempt to unlock the secrets hidden within the legendary Copper Scroll. Just as he begins making progress, disturbing warnings and shadowy sightings reveal that other powerful forces are also closing in: Templars, ISIS operatives, and government intelligence groups, each hiding their own motives for uncovering what the scroll may reveal.

Drawn deeper into a world of danger, deception, and spiritual tension, Masa must navigate hostile territory, shifting alliances, and a truth far more explosive than he ever imagined. As past and present violently intersect, he realizes the stakes extend far beyond archaeology, the secrets of the Copper Scroll could alter geopolitical power and shake the foundations of faith itself.

A blend of international suspense, ancient mystery, and truths long buried beneath history, The Copper Scroll delivers a gripping thriller for fans of Joel Rosenberg, Dan Brown, and archaeological adventure stories rooted in real-world intrigue.

*****

• Genre: Archaeological Thriller/Suspense/Action Adventure
• Sub-genre: International Mystery & Crime
• Pages: 230
• Paperback ISBN: ‎ 978-1509264681 
• Kindle ISBN: 979-8999106025
• Publisher: Independent
• Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook & Kindle Unlimited

⤷Read sample here.

⤷The Copper Scroll is available at Amazon.

*****

╰┈➤Here’s What Readers Have To Say!

“The Copper Scroll: Masa Chronicles, authored by Nicholas Teeguarden, is extraordinary piece of literature that has made a significant impact on me. The last time I felt this level of excitement about a book was while reading the Bible for the first time, a bold comparison, but one that underscores the author’s exceptional God given talent!” – Louise Jane, CEO The Christlit Book Award

“The Copper Scroll is more of a quest for truth than a treasure hunt. I recommend this book to lovers of historical books with a bit of danger, and it put me in the mood to find out about Qumran myself.” – Mary Clarke for Readers Favorite

I’d recommend The Copper Scroll to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries wrapped in modern storytelling. If you like a blend of Indiana Jones energy with a more thoughtful, personal core, this book will hit the right notes. It would appeal to readers curious about archaeology, faith, or just a good chase story where the stakes feel both grand and intimate. It left me thoughtful, a little breathless, and eager to see where Masa’s journey goes next. -Literary Titan

*****

╰┈➤Read if you love…

Ancient Secrets

Modern Thrills

Intriguing Historical Details

Secrets That Connect the Past With the Present

High-Stakes Quest

Keeps You Guessing

Excerpt: 

Joshua “Masa” Bennett hummed the Villines Trio’s familiar refrain, “I’m going all the way, I made up my mind…” as he drove toward the University of Arkansas. The song, a staple from his Lincoln church, bookended his commute, its quiet grace a lifeline since his Army days tromping biblical lands. No atheists in foxholes, they say, and Masa carried that faith into civilian life, fueling his master’s in archaeology. Today felt routine, just another class, but a spark flickered beneath it, a path to mysteries buried for centuries, secrets that could shake faith’s foundations. The lecture hall buzzed with late-afternoon chaos. High ceilings arched overhead, intricate moldings catching golden light through tall, narrow windows. Dust motes danced in the beams, stirred by restless students shifting in tiered rows of scarred desks with etched initials, coffee rings, and doodles of bored minds. Chalk dust bit the air, mingling with the musty scent of old books and the hum of flickering fluorescents. At the front, Professor Thaddeus Luke commanded the room, his wiry frame dwarfed by a blackboard scrawled with frantic chalk lines and gray hair flaring like a storm cloud as his voice boomed with passion. 

Joshua sat near the back, his lean frame hunched over a desk that creaked under his weight. His leather backpack, a frayed relic from his grandfather’s desert-wandering days, slumped against his leg like a loyal dog. Dark hair fell into his eyes as he scribbled furiously in a notebook already thick with ink: sketches of jagged cave mouths, snatches of Hebrew script, arrows darting between wild theories. Around him, classmates slumped in their seats, some doodling aimlessly, others sneaking glances at their phones beneath the desks. A girl two rows ahead twisted a strand of blonde hair around her finger, whispering to her neighbor with a smirk. Joshua barely noticed. His world was the blackboard, the professor’s words, the tantalizing riddle unfolding before him. 

Professor Luke’s chalk scratched against the board as he recited from the Copper Scroll, his tone reverent yet edged with excitement. “Item four: ‘In the cave of the pillar that is in the valley of Achor, which is near the house of the washer, dig three cubits: there are twenty-two talents of silver.’” He paused, turning to face the room, his eyes glinting behind wire-rimmed glasses. “Discovered in cave three at Qumran in 1952, this scroll stands apart from the Dead Sea manuscripts. Sixty-four locations, each a cryptic promise of treasure, not scripture, not prophecy, but a map. A cipher waiting to be cracked.” 

– Excerpted from The Copper Scroll, 2025. Reprinted with permission.

About the Author

Nicholas Teeguarden is the award-winning author of Masa Chronicles: The Copper Scroll, a biblical-archaeological thriller blending international suspense, ancient mystery, and faith-driven storytelling. His debut novel is a ChristLit Book of the Year Finalist, a Titan Gold Medal Winner, and has earned praise from readers for its gripping pace and moral depth. Nicholas hosts Teeguarden’s Writing Room, a weekly series chronicling his creative process and the ongoing development of the Masa Chronicles. He resides in Oklahoma and is currently working on the next book.

Visit Nick’s website at www.nickteeguarden.com. 

Connect with him at the following social networks:

X: https://twitter.com/nickteeguarden 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579248636306 

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

BookBub: The Copper Scroll: Masa Chronicles (The Masa Chronicles Book 1) by Nicholas Teeguarden – BookBub

Goodreads: Masa Chronicles: The Copper Scroll by Nicholas Teeguarden | Goodreads

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF_TUwTK0lQI0eu6_6QEyYQ/

 

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❤Author Interview: New YA Fantasy Author Barbara Jean Weber: The Welcome Sign #authorinterview

 

Barbara Jean Weber lives in Skagit County with her husband and two daughters, where she works as a speech and language therapist. Her novel, The Welcome Sign, was inspired when she was gifted a mermaid welcome sign. The more she studied the sign, the more her story evolved. She is currently an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

Visit her website at https://www.barbarajeanweber.com/. 

Can you tell us a little about yourself? Are you a full time author?

Sure, my (writers) name is Barbara Jean Weber. I’m 55 years old and love writing. I’m married, this year will be 29 years with my wonderful husband. We met in college and currently live in beautiful Skagit County, Washington with our two lovely daughters, a cat and 2 grand cats. I’m a full time Speech Language Pathologist since 2001 and enjoy writing in my spare time. Some of my hobbies include spending time with friends and family, reading, writing and being a pen-pal. I enjoy water aerobics, rubberstamping and any craft that involves a glue gun. We LOVE THE SEA and try to get to the Oregon or Washington coast at least once a year. When I was young my family lived in New Zealand. We lived there for six years and that’s where I gained a great love for mermaids and seashells. I am the youngest of three kids, having an older brother and older sister.

Can you tell us about The Welcome Sign?

 

The Welcome Sign’s creation began when I received a beautiful Mermaid Welcome Sign as a gift. I love mermaids and my parents had found a lovely sign with a Mermaid on it. The store was going out of business so they purchased the sign for me. After I received it as a gift, I had a series of incredible dreams that became the basis for the story “The Welcome Sign.” The Welcome Sign was written as the first book in a series of three. The second book is written but not published and the third book is still being developed and is in outline form.

The Welcome Sign begins when Molly Parmell’s grandmother mysteriously disappears. She and her mother travel to Cape Cod to take ownership of the house they inherited and begin to discover unusual things about the grandmother’s sudden disappearance. What they discover is more dangerous and life changing than they ever imaged. When Molly and her mother find a beautiful mermaid Welcome Sign in the attic and place it on the front door strange events start to happen and they are flooded with visitors who claim they knew the grandmother. They soon find out that the mysterious Welcome Sign comes with powerful magic and secrets are slowly revealed as Molly learns about her grandmothers involvement with a secret organization working to keep balance between the magical realm and the real world. The magical realms placed an invisible veil of secrecy over the world to hide their true identities from the human world allowing them to live among the humans in secret. An angry rebel group of magical beings, tired of living in hiding is tearing down and destroying the magical cloaking fabric between the two worlds. If they are not stopped the magical realm will be revealed and will no longer be safe from the rest of the world. As Molly and her mom embark on a dangerous and magical adventure throughout the magical realms to help stop the rebels, she learns of her own unique powers and her strong family heritage connected to the Welcome Sign. Along the way, she teams up with new magical friends helping to keep the realm of magic safe from the eyes of the world and discovers that her grandmother was right all along. The world she thought she knew no longer exists, but an amazing world of magic woven into their world has always been hiding in plain sight.

Can you tell us a little about the characters?

Margaret Ellen: Molly’s grandmother who disappears-In her 60’s. Descendent of the special bloodline of the first union of merfolk and humans. Molly and Angela do not know about her magical past. Margaret is a special friend to the magical beings. Worked undercover for the Rebels to find out their secrets. She has been hidden away due to the dangers increasing with the rebels. She has been working with the magical community for many years. Her husband was killed early on in their marriage in a battle with rebels.

Angela Parmell: Mom to Molly- In her late 30’s. Single/widowed mom, reserved, not adventurous at all. Very close to her daughter, very skeptical of the unknown. Angela enjoys a calm, peaceful lifestyle, nothing wild or adventurous. She also has some magical powers but doesn’t know about them. She is a very kind and generous lady. Very likable and encourages Molly to have a relationship with her grandmother.

Molly Parmell : Angela’s 10 year old daughter- adventurous, brown haired girl, always exploring, owns a cat: Cuddles. Dad left when she was 2. Very close to her mom and grandmother. Similar personality to her grandmother. She is always seeking adventure, action. Has powerful magic like her grandmother but doesn’t know it initially.

Michael Parmell (Merman)-had to leave the family due to danger of the rebels hurting them. Angela and Molly don’t know that he’s a merman. He was killed. Michael was a Protector sent to watch over Angela and Molly. Fell in love, asked to be reassigned as Angela’s guardian. When Molly was born, he knew he couldn’t reveal his true identity to them because it could potentially put them both in too much danger. Michael had just made the decision to tell Angela and Molly everything. He had even decided to stop working for the magical realm so they could finally be a real family. Died in a car accident.

Garreth Simmons: Protector of Molly and her mom. Molly and Angela’s landlord, mid 60’s, Owns the rundown house. More like a father figure to Molly and her mom. He has some history with Margaret and was asked to protect and watch over the Parmells.

Trista Deevins: One of the main Magical Guardians to Molly and Angela. She is a mermaid but now lives on land as a guardian. She is one of their neighbors-sent to keep an eye on the Parmells and keep them out of danger. Trista is stunningly beautiful and she has the same piercing green eyes as her son, Taran. Her long black hair is pulled to the side and braided over one shoulder.

Taran Deevins –Trista’s son. One of the magical guardians. He befriends Molly. Taran is very adventurous. He has long, black hair, eyes are green as the grass. He is about 11 years old.

Crystal Perkins — Investigative reporter-works for Warren Tracer. She has short, black curly hair. Crystal is tall and slender. In her early thirties.

Warren Tracer — He is investigating strange and unusual events happening in the city. He is in his mid-late 60’s. Beard, dark brown hair, handsome, rugged, in good shape.

Valis Tar — He becomes the leader of the rebel group. Tall, muscular, long dark hair. Dressed completely in black. He wears a long faded black overcoat that comes to his knees. He wears long, black boots worn and dusty, black, leather gloves.

THE CONCLAVE: Is the main council of the three magical realms (water, sky and land) .

Caylius Aquarus-Empress, Ruler of the Water Realm — Beautiful mermaid but can change to look human. Accompanied by 2 guards on each side of her. Long golden hair with highlights of light brown. Wears strands of pearls draped over her shoulders and entwined in her hair. As a human: Wears a tight fitted bodice shimmering with blue and green with a long flowing skirt of aquamarine. Attached to the back of the dress is a lightweight cape of iridescent, aquamarine colored fabric that trails elegantly behind her. She wears a small pearl covered crown, her hair swept up into a loose bun. The bun is entwined with pearls and seaweed like strands. Ringlets of hair hanging down, giving the Empress a soft, warm look. She wears a clear strand of beads like bubbles around her neck. Kind and elegant.

Atamos Nimbus — Rulers of the Sky Realm (MAN-husband to Cumular Stratus) Fairy (Ethereal figure. Graceful, exquisite and refined. His delicate iridescent wings are barely visible. Dressed in white and silver clothing, almost as if it was made from the very clouds they were traveling in and moved as if carried by the very wind itself. He wears a vest of silver against his white billowy shirt. He wears shimmery white pants and white, knee-high boots complete his royal outfit. Wears a delicate crown of silver and diamonds. He has wisps of airy clouds around them.)

Cumular Stratus Rulers of the Sky Realm — (WOMAN-wife of Atamos Nimbus) Fairy (Ethereal figure. Graceful, exquisite and refined. Her delicate iridescent wings are barely visible. Dressed in white and shimmering, flowing gossamer gown, almost as if it was made from clouds.

ProAsis Geofirma — Ruler of the Land Realm-Centaur (A regal looking centaur clad in a leather vest). heroic figure. An intricately woven crown of vines and twigs intertwined with emerald stones sits lightly on his head. Covering his back is a deep red cape and he carries a longbow over one shoulder with a quiver of red tipped arrows. Around his neck and chest hangs a necklace made from a single piece of curved wood, intricately carved with various charms. He carries a long staff of twisted wood and vines in his hands. He has long dark brown hair.

Where is this book set and why did you choose that location?

At the beginning of the story Molly and her mom are living in Popular Bluff, Missouri but as the story unfolds the location changes to the town of Barnstable, Massachusetts on Cape Cod where the grandmother lives. As I was researching good locations for the book I read about Popular Bluff, Missouri and really liked the description of it being among the Ozark foothills, filled with spring-fed streams, having a national forest, peaceful lakes and lots of farmland. Just seemed like a nice, peaceful location for Molly and Angela’s home. For the main part of the story, I knew I wanted a coastal location since the basis of the story involved mermaids. Also, Ken and I both love the coast and try to visit our Oregon and Washington coasts at least once a year. I visited Cape Cod years ago and loved the area. I had never been to Barnstable, Massachusetts but as I was researching the Cape Cod area, Barnstable sounded like the perfect small town, coastal feel for the grandmother’s beachfront lifestyle.

How can people benefit from reading The Welcome Sign?

The Welcome Sign is a fun, magical story for young-mid teen readers who enjoy realms of magic, magical powers, interesting characters, strong friendships and adventure. The Welcome Sign is full of good versus evil, intrigue and action. This book will delight and entertain readers who enjoy unique and magical characters, secrets to be revealed and discovering amazing new places.

Is The Welcome Sign your only book?

The Welcome Sign is my first book but is written as the 1st book in a series of three. The second book is written but not published and the third book is still being developed and is currently in outline form.

Thank you so much for this interview, Barbara. What’s next for you?

I am continuing to work on and develop the 3rd book in the Welcome Sign series. I am also working on finishing a book I started co-writing with my mom before she passed away. I also have an outline I am working on for another book (not related to The Welcome Sign) called “The Cinderella Effect”

Where to purchase the book:

· Amazon — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F67CL7XZ

· BookBaby — https://store.bookbaby.com/book/the-welcome-sign

· Barnes & Noble — https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-welcome-sign-barbara-jean-weber/1147362361?ean=9798350987294

Where to find Barbara:

For now, you can keep up with me at: https://www.barbarajeanweber.com/

Here you will learn about new books as they come out as well as other ways to keep up with me.

❤Author Interview: New Children's Book Author Karen Charles: Evan's Gift #authorinterview

 

Karen Charles grew up in West Africa and traveled to countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Her rich background and lifetime experiences are reflected in the depth of her writing. In her stories, she transforms real-life narratives into gripping fiction thrillers. Her novels intricately weave the threads of truth into a tapestry of suspense, intrigue, and riveting storytelling. She is the author of two children’s books, “Freeman Earns a Bike” and “Evan’s Gifts,” and three thrillers based on true stories. “Fateful Connections” takes place in the aftermath of 9/11, and “Blazing Upheaval” takes place during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles and the Northridge earthquake. “A Glimpse Too Far” offers all the mystery and heart-pounding suspense of a psychological thriller and is based on a true story.

Karen Charles has two businesses—a global company that trains international teachers to teach American English and an Airbnb on a beautiful bay in Washington State, where she currently resides with her husband. 

Visit her website at www.weaveofsuspense.com. 

Connect with her on X, Facebook and LinkedIn.

I am so excited about your book, Evan's Gift. Why did you choose this particular story to write?

What I enjoy most is the immediacy. With children’s stories, especially, every word matters. You’re speaking directly to a child’s heart and imagination, often in just a few pages. I love knowing that a

short story can be read in one sitting and still linger, sparking conversations, comfort, or a moment of reflection long after the book is closed.

Can you give us a blurb so others will know what it’s about?

 

Evan’s Gift is a story about a young boy who faces a simple yet powerful choice. Evan dreams of getting a new bike, but when he sees a greater need, he makes a decision that changes not only someone else’s life, but his own. The story gently shows children that kindness, compassion, and generosity often come at a cost, but the rewards are far greater than anything we can buy.

Can you tell us about the main characters? 

Evan is a thoughtful, kind-hearted boy who represents the best of what children can be when they listen to their hearts. The supporting characters, his family, dorm parents, roommates, classmates, and friends, help shape his understanding of empathy and responsibility. Each character plays a role in showing that even small actions can create meaningful change.

Where and when does your book take place?

The story is set in Africa, which is very close to my heart. I grew up at an American boarding school in Nigeria, and those early experiences deeply shaped how I see the world. I wanted the setting to reflect a place where community, generosity, and human connection are essential to daily life. Africa felt like the perfect backdrop for a story about compassion, awareness, and seeing beyond oneself.

Does your book carry a message?

Children learn that kindness matters and that their choices, even small ones, can make a difference. For parents and educators, the book opens the door to meaningful conversations about empathy, gratitude, and social responsibility. It’s especially useful in classrooms and homes as a gentle introduction to social-emotional learning.

Where can we pick up copies of Evan's Gift?

https://store.bookbaby.com/book/evans-gift

Is there anything you’d like to tell your readers and fans?

I truly believe stories matter, especially the ones we share with children. Evan’s Gift is an invitation to slow down, notice one another, and remember that kindness doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that stay with us the longest.

 

❤Author Interview: New Adult Romantic Suspense Author S.D. Lettie: The Arrangement #authorinterview

Before she ever had “author” next to her name, S.D. Lettie was—and still is—an avid reader first; the kind who would finish a book in a day and beg her parents to take her back to the bookstore. Reading started as a hobby and, as she got older, became her source of entertainment, escape, and comfort. Over the years, she found herself wanting to write the kind of worlds readers could get excited about—a world that could grow into a fandom of its own. 

Today, Lettie writes slow-burn romances—stories about characters who are imperfectly perfect, the hard moments that shape them, and the plot twists that leave readers reeling. Outside her writing life, she’s a wife and mom of two, roles that influence both her time and perspective. She’s also a dedicated soccer fan, the kind who will plan her day around a match and openly admit she’ll yell at the TV when things get heated.

Through all of it, her goal as an author is simple: she wants her characters to stay with readers long after the book ends. 

Her latest book is the new adult romantic suspense, The Arrangement (Bancroft University Chronicles Book 1).

Visit her website at www.sdlettieauthor.com. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, BookBub and Goodreads.

I am so excited about your book, The Arrangement. Why did you choose this particular story to write?

I love a good redemption arc, and I knew early on that at least one of my characters - maybe more - would get one. As a writer, you always have a hundred story ideas bouncing around in your head, and it’s hard to know which one will actually stick. Luckily, this one did, and for good reason.

I’m a huge fan of mafia romance. It’s one of my favorite tropes, especially when the MMC has that “touch her and die” energy and lives firmly in the morally gray. In real life? Hard pass. In fiction? Absolutely.

With The Arrangement, I wanted to put a twist on the classic “forced to marry the mafia heir” setup. My FMC isn’t poor, she didn’t grow up struggling, and she’s not a damsel in distress. Emilia is a rich, political trust-fund kid who is exhausted by a life she never chose. Then you throw in a mafia heir - someone who also didn’t choose his life—and suddenly you’ve got two characters who can and will go toe-to-toe.

Can you give us a blurb so others will know what it’s about?

 

Emilia expected senior year to be predictable: classes, charity events, and pretending she isn't suffocating under the spotlight of D.C. politics. What she didn't expect was an arranged engagement... to the boy - now man - she told her secrets to in letters.

Nikolai, the ghost from her past. The boy she bared her soul to through letters - right up until the day they stopped coming.

Now he's back. In her city. In her life. And, somehow, her fiancé.

But the engagement is just the beginning. Everything Emilia thought she understood - about her past, her family, even herself - starts to shift the moment he returns. 

Some reunions are sweet, theirs is something else entirely.

Book one in a slow-burn duet that has political intrigue, a forced engagement, elite university drama, betrayals, and men who will bring you to your knees. 

 

Can you tell us about the main characters? 

Emilia Langford is the main female character. She’s the Vice President of the United States’ eldest daughter and the president of Bancroft University’s Chi Omega chapter. She's ambitious, composed, resourceful, and charming, but beneath that polish is someone driven by a deep desire for freedom. After years of living under her parents’ control, she’s desperate to claim a life that actually feels like her own.

Nikolai Volkov is the main male character. He’s thoughtful and strategic, with deep-seated trust issues shaped by his upbringing. He’s intensely focused and capable of fierce loyalty and love, but that same background also makes him ruthless at times, with a moral compass that doesn’t always point north.

 

Where and when does your book take place?

It takes place in modern-day Washington, D.C. and the surrounding area during Emilia’s senior year at Bancroft University.

 

They say all books have at least one pivotal point where the reader just can’t put the book down. What is one of the pivotal points in The Arrangement?

The forced engagement is the clear moment - it’s hard to put the book down once that happens. But if I had to pick another pivotal point, it would be when Max enters the story. He isn’t a main character, but he’s incredibly important to the overall plot and to Emilia’s personal journey.

 

Does your book carry a message?

Yes - At its core, the story explores how privilege doesn’t always equal freedom, and how some of the most confining cages are the ones you can’t see from the outside.

 

What's your next project?

Next up is Book 2 of the Bancroft University Chronicles duet, The Unraveling. After that, some of the side characters will get their own stories. I’m also outlining another book in a different romance genre, so we’ll see where that goes.

 

Where can we pick up copies of The Arrangement?

The ebook of The Arrangement is exclusive to Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. The paperback is available on Amazon, other major online retailers, and directly through me.

Link: https://books2read.com/thearrangement-sdlettie

Is there anything you’d like to tell your readers and fans?

I couldn’t do this without you. Your support and excitement mean more than I can put into words, and it’s what keeps me going. And I’ll just say this - book two is going to be big. Like, scream-into-your-pillow big. I’m having way too much fun writing it, and I can’t wait for you to read it.