Shannon here: R.F Whong shares insight into her latest book, a glimpse of her Mystery Suspense Thriller, Allure of Elegance, plus a chance to win my Sept Book Bundle #1 which includes 4 titles. Comment or answer the question in any post dated Sept 2 – 20th to enter the drawing. Deadline: Sept 27th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s R.F.:
The Book Title, Zen of Tea
After publishing ten fiction books and being named a 2025 Featured Author by the Minnesota Anoka County Library, I still struggle to find a suitable title for my next book. As a novella in the Apron Strings Tea Tales series, the plot needs to encompass tea houses, fairy tales, and an old cookbook.
Tea is nothing new for someone Chinese like me. In fact, tea is part of my heritage and has shaped the world’s cultural landscape for millennia. Legend credits its accidental discovery to Chinese Emperor Shen Nong in 2737 BCE, when leaves from a wild tea plant drifted into his boiling water. Over centuries, tea blossomed in China, weaving itself into spiritual ceremonies, medicinal practices, daily rituals, and poetry. From China, monks and traders carried tea’s fragrant influence across Asia, making stops in Japan, Korea, and beyond. By the 17th century, tea had sailed westward, sparking social revolutions in Europe and creating marvelous stories wherever the leaves unfurled. This swirl of history, full of myth, migration, and meaning that seeps into every cup, stands at the heart of the story I long to tell.
From the history of tea, it’s easy to understand that tea is often viewed as a gateway to Zen—a way of presence, simplicity, and quiet joy. The Japanese tea ceremony, chanoyu, finds its roots in Zen Buddhism, where every measured gesture reflects harmony, respect, and mindfulness. In many ways, Christian meditation practice reflects these principles. Sitting in stillness, I can focus on my prayer and appreciate the presence of God. Both Eastern and Western traditions invite us to return to the present, to savor the moment, and to cultivate a heart of gratitude and openness. In this sense, tea becomes a bridge between the sacred and the daily routine, and a gentle reminder that peace can be found in the simplest of acts.
Perhaps it’s fitting that my next book bears the title Zen of Tea—even though it’ll be a Christian novella. My books have never been simple “feel-good” tales, and this new project will be no exception. I hope to craft a narrative that blends the symbolism of tea, the haunting beauty of the nightingale fairy tale, and the unusual recipes found in Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book.
Set against the gritty backdrop of the 1920s, Zen of Tea will follow characters grappling with the harsh realities of prejudice and discrimination. During this turbulent period, they become unlikely heroes, dedicated to rescuing young Chinese girls who have been sold into slavery and trafficked across the ocean to Canada. Through their struggles, themes of faith, courage, and compassion will be woven together, offering readers a glimpse of light in a dark chapter of history. I intend not only to honor the resilience and dignity of these characters, but also to remind readers of the enduring power of the gospel, even in the face of injustice.
Question for Readers: Do you think Zen of Tea is a good book title? Does it intrique you, why or why not?
Sept Book Bundle #1 Giveaway:
A Texas Bond by Shannon Taylor Vannatter, print, Contemporary Romance
Sharktooth Island by Susan Page Davis, Linda Fulkerson, Elena Hill, and Deborah Sprinkle, print, Romantic Suspense Novella Collection
Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge: A Biography for Children by Susan Braun, ebook
A Very Bavarian Summer by Katie M. Reid, US only, Contemporary Romance
About R.F.: Dr. Ruth Wuwong (PhD in biochemistry, MBA in finance) has published 120+ scientific books and papers (under her legal name) and a few Christian fiction books under R. F. Whong. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, a retired pastor. They served together at three churches from 1987 to 2020. Her grown son works in a nearby city.
She currently runs a small biotech company (www.vidasym.com) and has raised more than twenty million US dollars during the past few years for Vidasym.
In addition to her weekly newsletter and the platform (www.ruthforchrist.com), she’s active in several writers’ groups, including ACFW, Word Weavers, Facebook, and Goodreads. Through these connections, she plans newsletter/promotion swaps with others and has writers endorse her books, write forewords, and host her on guest blogs.
The Minnesota Anoka County Library has chosen her as a 2025 Featured Author. One of her books, Echoes over Stormy Sea, won several awards, including being chosen by readers as a winner in the HOLT Medallion Contest. Learn more & connect:
Ruth’s Facebook Ruth’s Twitter Ruth’s Website
Ruth’s Linkedin Ruth’s Instagram Ruth’s Goodreads
Allure of Elegance (Paradise PA Mystery Book 3):
Atypical mystery tale in Amish Country by Whong, named a 2025 Featured Author by the Minnesota Anoka County Library.
Luxury, lies, and danger in the unexpected places…
In tribute to Agatha Christie, this modern mystery series weaves together atypical tales set in the idyllic Amish country of Paradise, PA.
Two years ago, still haunted by the tragic events of September 11, Tina Sheng reluctantly served as a Christian summer camp counselor in Paradise. Now, she works as an insurance fraud investigator in nearby Lancaster and is pulled into a web of lies and luxury when a bold theft targets expensive designer items. Despite her training, she struggles with self-doubt and is swayed by the allure of the opulent world.
Tina’s company assigns her to look into the insurance claim. While she navigates the treacherous path between justice and desire, temptations taunt her. After a tragedy strikes a friend with whom she tries to share the gospel, her intensified search traps her in a secret network involving the mysterious Baroness Hermès, who specializes in procuring Birkin bags for wealthy clients.
Facing tough choices, can Tina break into a dangerous underground operation and emerge as a beacon of resilience?
Interested in Allure of Elegance or Ruth’s other titles?
Get your copy/copies now!
Allure of Elegance Ruth’s Books
Come back Sept 4th for Christine Suntz!
Yes, It sounds interesting.
The title makes me curious what it’s about.
Kelly V. won the drawing for my Sept Book Bundle #1. I appreciate Ruth for being my guest and everyone else who stopped by.