What was your favorite picture book as a kid?

My favorite picture book as a child was Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel. I loved the idea of him shoveling out a huge basement. Funny thing? The house I live in now (my husband’s great-great grandparents built this house) was the first house in the area to have a dug-out basement!

What was the first “real” book (with chapters and without pictures) you remember reading?

All of a Kind Family was the first chapter book series that I fell in love with. I believe they had a few pictures here and there, but overall, I had to use my imagination to envision the family and their antics. I still remember the different adventures that family had.

What was your most favorite book in high school?

I was never without a book in high school. I was reading whenever I had a free moment, but as much as a try, I can’t remember a favorite from that season in my life.

What was your least favorite book in high school?

Probably Romeo and Juliet. I have always had a hard time understanding Shakespeare, although I absolutely loved A Midsummer Night’s Dream when I saw the play.

What was the last novel you read?

Yesterday’s Gone by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall.  It was different from books the I usually read, but wow! I’m glad I read it. It’s stayed with me since I turned the last page.

What was the last nonfiction book you read?

Good Boundaries & Goodbyes by Lysa Terkeurst. What an amazing book. I will be reading this one over and over and recommend it to anyone who will listen to me.

Which book lived up to the hype (from the past 1-2 years)?

The Medallion by Cathy Gohlke. I don’t usually like to read books about WWII because the topic is so depressing, but wow! This one was so true-to-life and has stuck with me for years.

Which book do you love that needs more hype?

Paper Dolls and Paper Dolls: Kite, the first two books in the series by Kara Hunt. There will be seven total and I’m anxiously awaiting Book 3, Paper Dolls: Priscilla.

Also, M. Liz Boyle’s YA Off the Itinerary series: Avalanche; Chased; Ablaze.

What’s the next novel on your TBR pile (up to three).

Any book by these authors:
Mary Alford
Christina Suzann Nelson
Kara Hunt

Next nonfiction on your TBR (up to three).

I love reading true stories and relationship/marriage/parenting/Christian living nonfiction. There isn’t a title that I’m anxiously awaiting to read but I’m sure I’ll find it soon.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity to meet your readers.  What’s one thing you look forward to doing in the spring? I love the smell of lilacs, the warm sun after a cold winter, and opening our windows after what feels like a very long winter!

Tell us about your newest release/upcoming release.

I had two books, (one nonfiction/one fiction) release in 2022.

Sisters in Christ: Defeat the Enemy One Powerful Prayer at a Time was released in the summer of 2022.  Do you want to find a prayer partner/sister in Christ to share life with? Join me as I share my journey with my prayer partner/Sister in Christ, but even more important, learn how to find yours!

Path to Grace, Book 5 of The Redemption of Green Pines series released in October 2022.  Do you like reading fiction about real-life issues from a biblical perspective? Do you like to laugh, cry and everything in between? Do you want to feel the emotions right along with the characters you’re reading about? Then The Redemption of Green Pines is for you.

Both of these books can be found on Amazon and if you’re part of Kindle Unlimited, you can read ALL my books for free there as part of your membership!


Cheri Swalwell is a Christ follower who thoroughly enjoys her calling to be a wife, mother, writer, podcaster, and speaker, in that order. Cheri loves to encourage people through her fiction series and many nonfiction books including devotionals, Bible studies, and compilation books. Interested in receiving encouragement 365 days a year right in your inbox? Then the JESUS in the EVERYDAY monthly membership is for you! For a full list of books visit www.cheriswalwell.com. Do you like YouTube? Head to JESUS in the EVERYDAY for 5 to 7 minutes of encouragement weekly.

Join host Kara Hunt, and co-host Cheri at the Cheer UP Podcast, where they offer encouragement and hope amidst a lot of laughter. They don’t pretend to have all the answers, but they will point you to the One who does!

Facebook (JESUS in the EVERYDAY): https://www.facebook.com/groups/1620561391696317
Website: www.cheriswalwell.com (sign up for newsletter on website)
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cheri-swalwell
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ3d2rms8U1VXk69m2wLu6w
Cheer UP Podcast: https://cheeruppodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CheriSwalwell
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swalwellcheri/