Tell Tale Book Reviews

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Lethal Design by S.F. Baumgartner (Give.away)

8/11/2026

Some deaths are designed.

The death looks routine — no foul play, no reason to dig. But KC knows this building and what happened here a year ago. And the pattern spreading across the city is no coincidence.

Professionals with no addiction history are dying along eerily similar paths. Someone patient and invisible is engineering these outcomes. As the Orlando Prime task force chases separate leads across the city, the threads begin pointing to the same dark center.

The closer they get, the more dangerous the truth becomes. Some designs were never meant to be uncovered — and the cost of exposing this one may be more than any of them are prepared to pay.

Perfect for fans of Terri Blackstock and Lynette Eason who love fast-paced, clean crime thrillers with the intensity of Criminal Minds and the grit of NCIS.

Follow Kylie “KC” Cassidy and the Orlando Prime task force as they take on the cases no one else can crack, starting with Lethal Design.

Genre: Crime Thriller with Christian elements
Release Date: August 4, 2026

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with S.F.

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
Believe it or not, St. Joseph partly inspired the prologue. The parallel is more in the main character’s actions than in the plot itself, so readers may not immediately notice it. Charlie is initially reluctant and uncertain, but after receiving what feels like a quiet nudge, he accepts the “mission” placed before him. In a way, it mirrors St. Joseph’s story — he intended to quietly walk away from Mary, but after receiving a message from an angel, he chose to trust and embrace the path set before him.

#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
This book took about three months to write from start to finish.

#3. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I’ve always loved crime shows and crime thrillers, so writing suspense and crime fiction felt like a natural fit for me. I enjoy the mystery, the tension, and the fast-paced storytelling that come with the genre.

#4. How did you name your characters?
I’m terrible with names. At one point, my editor pointed out that I’d accidentally used the same name three or four times across different characters.

#5. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
We have four grown children and one grandbaby who keeps life fun and busy. I’m definitely an introvert, and if I could choose, I’d avoid both extreme cold and extreme heat.

More from S.F.

Lethal Design, Book 2 in the KC & Orlando Prime series, shifts the spotlight in a powerful way. While Fatal Invitation centered on Detective Kylie Cassidy, this installment dives deep into the elite Prime Task Force, especially its leader, Commander Frank Travers.

A year ago, Travers lost his wife to a brutal, unsolved murder. The case went cold. The killer vanished. But in Lethal Design, that past refuses to stay buried.

As KC and the Prime team investigate a new wave of suspicious deaths, threads begin to surface, threads that may finally lead Travers to the truth he’s been chasing. And this time, it’s personal.

What makes this story especially layered is how it connects back to the larger conspiracy introduced in Stolen Secrets. Pieces are moving. Secrets are colliding. And everything must align as the story builds toward a confrontation that’s been a long time coming.

Expect high-stakes action, tight investigative work, and emotional tension as justice and revenge blur into something far more dangerous.

Because when Travers comes face-to-face with his wife’s killer… there’s no guarantee he walks away.

And KC may be the only one who can keep him from crossing a line he can’t come back from.

S.F. Baumgartner

S.F. Baumgartner crafts fast-paced Christian suspense thrillers, weaving tales of complex characters, secretive operatives, and relentless agents. Her gripping storytelling has earned acclaim, with Living Secrets and Forgotten Secret—Books 1 & 2 of her Mirror Estate series—named Top Picks in the thriller & suspense categories, respectively, at Killer Nashville, and Tangled Secrets—Book 3 of Mirror Estate series—won couple of awards in the Christian Indie Awards and the Incipere Awards. When she’s not plotting her next twist, she’s binge-watching crime TV shows, like NCIS or playing with her cats. Fans of James Patterson’s style, especially those who appreciate short, punchy chapters, will find much to love in her work.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, S.F. is giving away the grand prize of
a $50 Amazon Gift Card and an eBook copy of the book!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://gleam.io/uhz7K/lethal-design-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 31
The Lofty Pages, July 31
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 1
Vicky Sluiter, August 2 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, August 3
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 4
Texas Book-aholic, August 5
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 6
For the Love of Literature, August 7 (Author Interview)
Blogging with Carol, August 8
Because I said so, August 9
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 10
Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 11 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, August 12
Betti Mace, August 13
Leslie’s Library Escape, August 13

6 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Worlds Collide by Clint Hall (Give.away)

8/8/2026

5 Comments

Five worlds at war. Only one can survive.
Ten thousand years ago, five cosmic beings―a dragon, a phoenix, a serpent, a lion, and a wolf―set their worlds on an inevitable collision course. Each civilization was given one command: destroy the rival worlds, or crash into them and die.
As the planets draw near to each other, the moment of final reckoning is at hand. In a galaxy filled with starfighters and superweapons, magic and manipulation, planet-killing devices and mechanized legions, five heroes must defend their homeworlds against overwhelming odds.
But when prophecy and destiny collide, a far greater power begins to stir―one that challenges everything they’ve been told.
Oaths will be broken. Chains will be shattered. Champions will rise. The fate of the universe hangs in the balance as these heroes discover whether any world deserves to survive.
The War of the Creators has begun.
Perfect for fans of Red Rising, The Expanse, and mythic sci-fi epics, Worlds Collide blends high-stakes interplanetary war with a legendary, fate-driven mystery―where the final battle may not be what it seems.

Genre: Adult Science Fiction
Release Date: July 14, 2026

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

The point of impact will soon be at hand....

Sci-fi is still a genre that I haven't read a lot of over the years. But it's fun to run into a new one every so once in awhile that sounds interesting. Worlds Collide is surprisingly different from pretty much any other sci-fi novel that I've read. Instead of the usual evil empire taking over the solar system or the adventures of a starship and its crew, the first book in the Worlds Collide Trilogy focuses on five different characters from five different planets. Planets, that, thanks to an ancient prophecy, are fighting each other tooth and nail to become the only one left standing.

I found Clint Hall's worldbuilding to be very imaginative in this book. Each of the planets is very different as are the races that inhabit them. From, I think, Nordic-inspired culture to essentially robots with artificial intelligence. From a culture that worships their dragon creator with singular devotion to one that despises their snake god. From slaves to royalty. But they all share a common goal, to destroy the other four planets before the prophesied moment of collision.

It is so easy for humanity to fall into a kill-or-be-killed mentality and the portrayal of that in Worlds Collide was almost a little too truthful for comfort. But, on the other hand, readers also get to see how the single decision of one person can change an entire world.

If sci-fi is your thing, this first book in the Worlds Collide Trilogy was an entertaining read for the most part. Clint Hall has a good start to a unique series that I think will prove to be even more interesting in the next novel....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Worlds Collide by Clint Hall a 3.5 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

More from Clint

The battle lines we cannot see
By Clint Hall

The enemy seeks to divide us. And while there are wars to be fought, the battle lines often aren’t in the places that we think.

This is not the reason I started writing Worlds Collide. But in the more than ten years that I’ve been working on this trilogy, it has become the reason this story is the thing I most want to say to the world.

I started writing Worlds Collide because of a few ideas that came together at once. I had been reading a book that discussed five types of heroes: the selfless hero, the hero with a code, the charming hero, the cunning hero, and the sympathetic hero. I challenged myself to write a story featuring each type of hero as a way of better learning the archetypes.

Around the same time, I came up with the concept of different worlds being set on a collision course by their respective creators—cosmic beings in the forms of dragon, phoenix, lion, serpent, and wolf—as a “contest of the gods.” This idea came out of nowhere. At the time, I was working on a completely different story (that still has not been published). That evening, I took my wife on a walk, told her the concept, and she said, “This has to be the next thing you write.”

But as I wrote the story, these characters from different worlds started coming together in interesting ways. Each believed that they were doing the things they had to do to survive, to protect their own kind. The distance between them and the rival planets served to create a sense of “otherness” about the people inhabiting those worlds. It was easier to hate them when they were so far removed. And like most (if not all) instances of hate, it was rooted in fear.

The danger of division is a central theme in scripture. In Matthew 12:25 and Mark 3:24-25, Jesus states, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.” The Greek word for the devil, diabolos, is derived from a verb that means “to throw apart” or “to scatter,” directly identifying his nature as a divider.

We see this division every day, much of it sparked by what we read online. Humans are designed to be in connection with each other, so the most deceptive way to subvert that innate design is to present the façade of increased connection that is actually voluntary isolation and polarization.

I’m not against the internet and social media, but it must be stated that the technologies that were supposed to bring more people together have achieved the opposite. They constantly present us with groups of people who—at a distance—appear to be dangerously opposed to everything we hold dear.

When we engage with so much of this content, we believe we’re learning more about people. But in truth, we’re only presented with algorithmically curated experiences that are incented to spark fear and outrage, emotions that lead to clicking and engaging. We are told that they are the enemy, that they are to blame, and that they will destroy our way of life. Then we’re told, “click here to read more.”

I wasn’t raised in church; I came to my faith during my teenage years. As a result, and due to a handful of other personal experiences, I’m comfortable in environments where I’m surrounded by people whose beliefs are very different than my own.

But here’s what has surprised me: I never feel like I need to hide my faith in these situations. When I engage such people in conversations from a place of love, respect, and genuine curiosity, they are almost always receptive. We find common ground. How could we not? Regardless of their beliefs, these people are created in the image of God, just like me. Through these interactions, I have created real friendships with people that might have never walked through the doors of my church (but that doesn’t mean I won’t try).

I’m not saying that I’m without my biases. I’m far from perfect. But when I manage to push past my perceived boundaries, I’m often amazed at what I discover on the other side.

As believers, we affirm that every person is made in the image of God. But we must ask ourselves—do our words, our posts, and our attitudes reflect that truth? Or have we, too, begun to see those who are unlike us primarily as enemies?

That tension is at the heart of Worlds Collide. As these characters begin to interact, they discover aspects of each other that they never would have expected. They start asking questions they were never meant to ask, and the answers challenge everything they have ever known.

We may not be on warring planets, but we are constantly being told where the battle lines are in our world, and that anybody on the other side of those lines is our enemy.

And when that happens, will we accept that as the truth? Or will we dare to step across those lines in love, courage, and faith to reach out our hands, as the Savior did for us?

Clint Hall

Clint Hall is an author, speaker, and podcaster who has been writing stories since middle school, where he spent most of his time in English class creating comic books. (Fortunately, his teacher not only allowed it, she bought every issue.)
Known for stories of hope, wonder, and adventure, Clint is the author of Steal Fire from the Gods and Echo Nova. You can find him hosting panels at conventions, online at ClintHall.com, or at The Experience: Conversations with Creatives podcast, available on all major platforms.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate his tour, Clint is giving away the grand prize of
a $50 Amazon Gift Card and signed hardcover copy of the book!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://gleam.io/vmT2g/worlds-collide-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 29
Books, Books, & More Books, July 30 (Spotlight)
Texas Book-aholic, July 31
Artistic Nobody, August 1 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 1
Simple Harvest Reads, August 2 (Guest Review from Susan)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 3 (Spotlight)
The Lofty Pages, August 4
Guild Master, August 5 (Author Interview)
Blogging With Carol, August 6
Fiction Book Lover, August 7 (Author Interview)
The Bookish Ledger, August 8 (Author Interview)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 8
Vicky Sluiter, August 9 (Spotlight)
Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, August 10
For the Love of Literature, August 11 (Author Interview)

5 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Logan vs. The Pouty Paw Paw by Allen Brokken (Give.away)

8/8/2026

4 Comments

Logan has a lip so pouty his Pa is
sure a bird is going to poop on it.

Shoveling coal as a furnace feeder at the foundry is hot, sweaty work, but Logan is determined to pay off his debt for a broken spyglass—even if his lower lip sticks out the whole time. But when a “Pouty Paw Paw” tree begins growing in the soot of the foundry’s smokestack, the town of Blooming Glen starts catching a bad case of the “pouts”. When Gran’s legendary joyful jam is stolen and replaced with a “darkness jam” that makes everyone hateful, Logan must trade his gloom for the fruit of joy. With his pet raccoon Rascal by his side, Logan is about to prove that a joyful heart is the best weapon against a stinky, pouting plot!

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Allen

#1. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I started writing the Towers of Light series in what I call Prairie Punk because the 1860’s frontier in the Midwest was something I knew pretty well, and I hadn’t seen fantasy done there. Growing up in southeast Iowa, there was history from that period everywhere, and my Grandfather helped start a thing called the Midwest Old Threshers, which was an annual celebration of historical farming in Iowa. Logan vs. the Pouty Paw Paw is in that same world and characters with a twist that it’s focused on a single character with a Huck Finn / Tom Sawyer kind of feel.

#2. How did you name your characters?
Aiden, Ethan, Logan, and Jesse are all named for my sons and their best friends. Gramps was just kind of a natural name for the character when I first made him up, but the Sewer Boys were a bit of inspiration from the rainy-day scene they show up in. Finally, I had to ask my now-grown-up kids for a name for the bad guy, and they just kind of blurted out Nebuchadnezzar.

#3. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
A year ago, my mom was in the end stages of cancer, and I was staying with her and my stepdad. At the time, I was running a Kickstarter for my picture book, Meow Meow Milks the Cow. And my stepdad supported it to the point that he could influence a future project. I shared the ideas behind Logan vs. the Pouty Paw Paw, and he said he’d like to contribute to that. So, we worked on it over the past year, after my mom passed away, and in many ways it’s a tribute to her.

#4. If you could change one thing in your life, past or present, what would it be?
The only real regret I have is that in 1991 I was at basic and advanced training at Fort Benning, Georgia and I was told I should work with my recruiter to have training extended by 2 weeks to do Airborne school. I didn’t take that opportunity, and to this day have never jumped out of a perfectly good airplane.

#5. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
If you feel like you have a book to write, write it. You won’t regret it.

More from Allen

“Logan vs. the Pouty Paw Paw” is a special book in the series “Logan’s search for the Fruits of the Spirit” because it was written with the support of my stepdad, John Beghtol. In the spring of 2025, we were working through the death of my Mom from a long battle with cancer. He found out my kids were running a Kickstarter for one of my picture books, Meow Meow Milks the Cow, and decided to support it. As a supporter, he earned the option to share some creative direction on one of my upcoming projects.

Over the summer of 2025, I was doing some research for my next Logan book, looking for a native Midwestern fruit that would be good for representing sadness, to contrast with the spiritual fruit of joy. I learned that Paw Paws were a rare native fruit that would have been used to make jam in the 1860’s. So, they seemed like a good fit, especially if they were Pouty Paw Paws. It also kind of fit what was going on with us, both of us were sad at the loss of my mom, and many people use the name Paw Paw as another name for a Grandfather. So, it spawned the idea that Gramps from the Towers of Light series could be a key character in this adventure.

I shared an early flight plan for the story with him, and he liked it in principle, but then provided an idea around a mysterious stranger entering the town. I like the idea, but I felt a little stuck because this story takes place after the Towers of Light series, where all the bad guys had been defeated, so who was this mysterious stranger? Eventually, I just wrote a mini story about the stranger to place him in the city, and I was off with a solid story to tell.

The story ended up being a good cross-section of dealing with sadness of different forms, from being upset over chores that feel to hard, to the loss of a loved one. At the same time, I kept the fun and hijinks that only a boy and his pet raccoon can get into. I hope your child enjoys it as much as I did while writing it with my Bonus Dad.

Allen Brokken

Allen Brokken is a teacher at heart, a husband and father most of all. He’s a joyful writer by the abundant grace of God. He began writing the Towers of Light series for his own children to help him illustrate the deep truths of the Bible in an engaging and age-appropriate way. He’s dedicated 15 years of his life to volunteer roles in children’s ministry and youth development. Now that his own children are off to college he’s telling stories and sharing clean humor on social media.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate his tour, Allen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://gleam.io/tMg4L/logan-vs-the-pouty-paw-paw-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 6
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 7 (Author Interview)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 8 (Author Interview)
Blossoms and Blessings, August 9 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, August 10
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 11
Books, Books, & More Books, August 12 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, August 13 (Author Interview)
Fiction Book Lover, August 14 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, August 14
Vicky Sluiter, August 15
Labor Not in Vain , August 16
The Bookish Ledger, August 17 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, August 18 (Author Interview)
Guild Master, August 18
Stories By Gina, August 19 (Author Interview)

4 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - The Husband Tree by Mary Connealy (Give.away)

8/3/2026

9 Comments

From bestselling author Mary Connealy comes a spirited Western romance filled with danger, determination, and unexpected love—a tale of a fierce widow rancher, a hardworking cowboy, and the family that brings them together. Perfect for fans of historical romance and strong heroines.
Belle Tanner has buried three husbands under the “Husband Tree” and managed her Montana ranch alone while raising four daughters. When she needs help with a dangerous cattle drive, she hires Silas Harden—a man who actually knows his way around cattle and horses. Unlike her previous husbands, Silas isn’t afraid of hard work, but Belle’s not about to let another man take charge of her ranch or her heart.
Silas never planned on falling for a widow with four daughters, especially one as independent as Belle. But as they face treacherous mountain passes, wolf attacks, and winter storms together, he discovers that what he thought was just another job might be his chance at a real family—if he can convince Belle to trust in love one more time.
With winter closing in and dangers mounting, Belle and Silas must learn to work together and trust in God’s plan. But can Belle let go of her iron control and let love lead? And can Silas prove he’s different from the husbands who came before?

A heartwarming story of faith, family, and finding love in the rugged Montana Territory.

Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: July 21, 2026

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Will there be a 4th husband under the tree...?

I've been looking forward to this book since my first introduction to Belle Tanner. That was a couple of stories back in the Petticoats And Cowboys series from Mary Connealy. I've finally gotten my hands on The Husband Tree, what an intriguing title that is, and I've satisfied my curiosity about Belle, her tough and ready daughters, and the man who just might show them all that not all men are mean no-accounts. But first they have to survive a cattle drive. In Montana. With winter right on their heels....

The Husband Tree proved to be every bit as entertaining as I knew it would be. Belle's daughters in particular, made me laugh with their casual comments about burying husbands under a specific tree on the ranch as well as their determination to protect their mother from yet another worthless husband. Then there is the reader's first introduction to Silas – at the end of a shotgun. But this fifth book in the Petticoats And Cowboys series also packs a bit of punch to it. I found myself doing a lot of thinking while reading Belle and Silas's story. Thinking about how past trauma can color and discolor the present, how it takes deliberate decisions to step out of bitterness and change your entire way of thinking, and how a little patience and gentleness – and communication can go a long way.

I haven't fully decided yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if this turns out to be my favorite book in the series. I mean, it has all of the elements needed for a good western plus some of the best cowhands in skirts that you could hope for. Mary Connealy did a really good job with this one and I am definitely looking forward to book six....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Husband Tree by Mary Connealy a 4 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

More from Mary

The Husband Tree remains the book I am asked about the most when I talk to readers.

Or, if I get asked, which is your favorite character…someone inevitably says Belle Tanner.

There’s something about that woman.

The title of the book is based on the tree where she’s buried three worthless husbands. After Anthony died falling off the roof…where he was hiding from work as usual, she’s tossing dirt on his face while vowing to God and her children to never marry again.

She’s taught her girls to work hard at her side, but her main lesson is to teach them to avoid men at all costs. A warning that doesn’t survive, but not for lack of effort on Belle’s part.

She’s the meanest good guy I’ve ever written, the most enduring ‘fiesty lady rancher’. Yet somehow, her REASONS for being mean are so well tuned, that she gets away with being a very hostile-to-men woman.

Not that I haven’t written plenty of feisty lady ranchers…in fact I love the type so much I have to fight putting one as the heroine in every book. But Belle is in a league of her own.

Silas Harden is also NOT interested in a woman. He’s been burned bad TWICE by women. One woman a betrayer, another a sneaking liar who stages a ‘compromising situation’ to force a marriage. He’s lost two ranches because of it. He wants a place of his own and he’s not risking letting a woman ruin things for him. It’s cost him too much.

But, much as she hates to admit she needs a man’s help, Belle’s going to lose her herd if she doesn’t get the cattle to market and there’s no one else to help but the wandering cowpoke, Silas.

Belle and her four daughters, including a diaper-wearing baby, need to punch one thousand head of cattle over the roughest trail in the whole world…not that Belle’s familiar with the whole world, but it’s a brutally hard stretch.

Off they go, both bristling, but soon enough they’re working so hard they’re too TIRED to hate each other.

And then here comes love. A man Belle can’t help but respect. A woman Silas can’t help but trust.

If they all survive this drive…both of them might just take a chance again, on love.

Mary Connealy

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedies with cowboys and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 75 books and novellas. She has over a million and a half books in print. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Visit her website or find her at Petticoats & Pistols!

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://gleam.io/GRmzP/the-husband-tree-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 28
Texas Book-aholic, July 29
For Him and My Family, July 30
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 31
Guild Master, August 1 (Author Interview)
Book Holds and Jello Molds, August 1
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 2
Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 3
She Lives To Read, August 4
Simple Harvest Reads, August 5 (Guest Review from Donna)
Fiction Book Lover, August 6 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, August 6
Book Looks by Lisa, August 7
Cover Lover Book Review, August 8
Labor Not in Vain, August 9
Holly’s Book Corner, August 10

9 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Quest Of Fire: The Unending Light by Brett Armstrong (Give.away)

7/20/2026

6 Comments

War has consumed the Lowlands in both Jason and Anargen’s eras. Each teen struggles to keep true to the Quest as the armies led by the dark powers of the Lowlands edge closer to victory.

A secret buried in Ordumair can guarantee that evil Monarch Ilyron destroys the Tower of Light Anargen has striven to defend. And Jason’s brother, Dorian, has found an equally powerful weapon in the mysterious land of Jhi. The ancient threat of dragons returning to the Lowlands threatens to plunge the Lowlands into ruin.

Losses that leave both teens grieving deeply and an ever-diminishing list of allies means they must be willing to give everything to rescue their world from the looming desolation. But they must face the truth that it is still far too little to win, unless they can hold on till the King’s Day arrives.

Genre: Christian, High Fantasy
Release Date: December 30, 2025

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Brett

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
Since this is book seven and completed the series it’s really a culmination of all the things that came before. Overall, my chief inspiration comes from the Lord through Scripture and hopefully that shines through in the symbolic elements: the High King, the Spiritsword and armor of the Knights of Light, etc. In terms of other stories that have impacted me there are the Arthurian legends, Shakespeare’s plays, The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, Star Wars, and a whole host of other stories I’ve imbibed throughout my life that shape my storytelling and imagination and thereby the Quest of Fire series. I will say one thing that might be an odd pick for a fantasy is All Quiet on the Western Front. Ever since I read it for a college course on modern German history it’s sat quietly within my imagination. The bleakness and inevitability of the First World War it depicts felt like the right fit for the tone and setting of Jason’s story in The Unending Light. There’s a tension there between fatalism and hope and on the surface they can seem similar but produce such different perceptions of events and purpose.

#2. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
I really came to love just about all of the characters in this series and feel a lot of pity and empathy even for those villainous ones who do dark and terrible things. Which I think came through in how the protagonists saw the villains at certain points. I will say that writing Jason’s character has been an unexpected pleasure. When I started the series with The Gathering Dark, I didn’t really know how to feel about this guy running from his past, skeptical of anything good—much less the Great High King of All Realms who is inherently good and just. From the start he was scrappy and though self-interested had a glimmer of care and concern for others (which is how he gets to where he’s at in the opening pages of The Gathering Dark). But seeing him become so much more than a street-wise hustler and watching that unfold to a degree beyond my intents and plans was really rewarding. I think Jason’s story is more accessible to most people so I’m glad he came to life so fully in the story. Especially since Quest of Fire is to a degree a story of how storytelling and the legacy of others being faithful to God’s calling shapes us, Jason represents that and his character arc is a chronicle of that taking place. And seeing the fruits of it in The Unending Light was so good.

#3. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
Hopefully a sense of wonder and resilience within themselves. The real world is a dark place and those seeking to follow Christ in it are constantly bombarded by one volley after another. I hope that in the perseverance of the protagonists in the face of great evil—evil they don’t feel equipped to defeat—readers will find the same perseverance to face the darkness around them and hold fast to Christ and trust that whatever challenges and hardships He may bring us to He will ultimately work out for good even if the fullness of that good isn’t something we’ll see in our lifetimes. And the hope of that unending light on His day, that that will shape how the readers face every day ahead, recalling that there is an indescribable good waiting that our souls long for all our lives. It’s more than we can express and imagine, more than we deserve, and more than we will ever fully discover in all the ages to come.

#4. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
There are so many that it’s difficult to choose one. But one that has been important to me lately and that very much fits with The Unending Light is 2 Chronicles 20:12:

“O our God, will You not execute judgment on them? For we are
powerless against this great horde that is coming against us.
We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”

In the passage, King Jehoshaphat of Judah is watching as an enormous army of enemies—Ammonites, Moabites, and Meunites—were surrounding Jerusalem. From the perspective we have that would look bleak. There was no way Judah could win the battle conventionally and the lives of so many were at stake. It would have been easy for a king in the Davidic line that was promised to never end to doubt that promise and despair. Likewise, the characters of The Unending Light have a promised hope (which mirrors our own) that the High King will set all aright. That he loves those in his service and will triumph over the evil of the Lowlands. And in the face of the hardships and easy path of hopelessness, King Jehoshaphat and the protagonists of The Unending Light and all of us, I hope, chose to look beyond circumstances and personal limitations to seek the limitless Creator and Savior for guidance and ultimately deliverance. There’s no knowing how long or what form the Lord will answer that prayer, but He is faithful and the hope and promises He gives are real and completely reliable.

More from Brett

Quest of Fire is a story told across seven books that took twenty years of dreaming and drafting. A story about the High King, who is a reflection of the King of Kings and the great story He has composed in which we are all taking part. Our God is described as “a consuming fire”*, a fire that also refines us and is shaping us into His likeness. My hope with the Quest of Fire series is that after reading it that fire has caught and blazes in the reader’s heart and gives them the courage to stand firm. Because Quest of Fire is filled with moments in which a vast, terrible darkness seems certain to crush a small group bravely bearing up that light, and they must choose to stand firm no matter the cost. The final entry in the series, The Unending Light, picks up that theme and sees it to its harrowing end with epic battles fought across a world built with rich, immersive detail. Heart warming and rending moments take place that just as much as the dramatic and sweeping conflicts force the protagonists to face the dark and choose whether they will remain in the light and see the Quest of Fire to the end or turn back and flee like so many others around them. So my hope is that others will read and join in the Quest of Fire, because even though it is fraught and hope is fragile, there is one truth that both the protagonists of The Unending Light and we need cling to: “the darkness has not overcome the Light.”** This story, like the great story, is about Him.

* Hebrews 12:29
** John 1:5

Brett Armstrong

Brett Armstrong has been exploring other worlds as a writer since age nine. Years later, he still writes, but now invites others along on his excursions. He’s shown readers haunting, deep historical fiction (Destitutio Quod Remissio), scary-real dystopian sci-fi (Tomorrow’s Edge series), and dark, sweeping epic fantasy (Quest of Fire saga). Every story is a journey of discovery and an attempt to be a brush in the Master Artist’s hand. Through dark, despair, light, joy, and everything in between, the end is always meant to leave his fellow literary explorers with wonder and hope. Always busy with a new story, he also enjoys drawing, gardening, and spending time with his wife and son.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate his tour, Brett is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, an
eBook copy of The Unending Light, exclusive digital map poster, and series theme music!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://gleam.io/EgmVf/quest-of-fire-the-unending-light-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Stories By Gina, July 9 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, July 10 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, July 11 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, July 12
Fiction Book Lover, July 13 (Author Interview)
The Bookish Ledger, July 14 (Author Interview)
The Lofty Pages, July 15
Vicky Sluiter, July 16 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 17 (Spotlight)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 17
For the Love of Literature, July 18 (Author Interview)
Lily’s Corner, July 19
Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 20 (Author Interview)
Blossoms and Blessings, July 21 (Author Interview)
Guild Master, July 22
Locks, Hooks and Books, July 22

6 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Freed By The Frontier by Sherry Shindelar, Denise Farnsworth, Susan F. Craft (Give.away)

7/16/2026

10 Comments

Three remarkable women find themselves caught between two worlds on the American frontier. A captive of the Comanche must choose between escaping to white society or her growing feelings for a rising war chief in 1850s Texas. A Georgia judge’s daughter flees an unwanted betrothal during the War of 1812, only to be captured by Creek warriors but protected by a mysterious brave. And in 1754, an English lady traveling the Great Wagon Road to become a music teacher discovers her carefully planned future may not survive her attraction to a protective frontiersman.
From quaint civilized towns to treacherous mountain passes and wilderness villages, three couples navigate cultural divisions, overcome past wounds, and face deadly dangers to discover that love knows no boundaries. But as war clouds gather and ancient tribal alliances shift, will their newfound relationships survive the coming storm? Or will the clash of worlds tear them apart?
Three unforgettable romances prove that God’s greatest blessings often come disguised as our greatest challenges, and that true love can bridge any divide.

Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: June 30, 2026

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Take a trip to the frontier past....

Denise (Weimer) Farnsworth and Susan F. Craft are two names that I've come to trust when reading historical fiction – especially Colonial, Revolutionary, and War of 1812 eras. I was pretty excited to see that they had teamed up with a new-to-me author, Sherry Shindelar, to bring three frontier novellas onto a single book, Freed By The Frontier.

All three stories are set in different, but fascinating, time periods that span a century of United States history. As a history buff from early childhood, I loved the variety in settings as well as the attention to historical detail. OK, there was a mention of grams before they were invented but only a nitpicker like me would notice it. I do like the timing of this release as it is perfect for the semiquincentennial of the United States this year – though it can and should be read any year, during any time of the year.

The novellas in Freed By The Frontier are nice, short, bite-sized tales that you can read each in a sitting. They are entertaining, interesting, and they make you wonder how you might react in such a situation. Would you be tough? Fall apart? I also appreciate getting to learn some more regional type history as well through the eyes of these lead fictional characters.

Freed By The Frontier was a good read. I enjoyed each one of the novellas and, once I got to know them, I liked Maggie and Dancing Eagle, Keturah and Wildcat, and Elizabeth and James. Each of the authors brought their own style of storytelling but the stories from Sherry Shindelar, Denise Farnsworth, and Susan F. Craft are also surprisingly cohesive. They are a group of talented authors that I will definitely continue reading together or individually...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Freed By The Frontier by Sherry Shindelar, Denise Farnsworth, and Susan F. Craft a 4 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

More from the Authors

Imagine a time when the U.S. not far from the coast was unsettled wilderness. Where brave settlers faced the challenges of isolation and nature as they established a toehold of civilization. Where multiple nations clashed in battle as they vied for control of land and waterways.

This setting seeded with inherent danger and wild beauty calls to those of us who write frontier historical romances from the 1700s and 1800s. Three of us from Wild Heart Books—Sherry Shindelar, Denise Farnsworth, and Susan Craft—came together to pen a trio of novellas, Freed by the Frontier. Each of our stories connects to one of our previous series, but each novella can be read independently. We invite you to journey with us back to rugged mountains, wagon roads, and frontier settlements.

Wichita Path Sacrifice by Sherry Shindelar
The frontier has always captured my imagination. It is a place of hope and hardship, new beginnings and trials, dreams and risk, and in my stories, a place where love is forged. My novella is the prequel to Texas Forsaken, Book One in my Lone Star Redemption series. Wichita Path Sacrifice tells the love story of captive Maggie Logan (Eyes-Like-Sky) and Dancing Eagle, a renowned Comanche warrior. The story is set in Comancheria in the 1850’s when the Comanches ruled the southern Plains and settlers entered the Texas frontier at their own risk. Years ago, the real-life story of Cynthia Ann Parker broke my heart. Cynthia was captured by Comanches at age nine, and lived with them for twenty-four years, married, and had children. When she was eventually recaptured by cavalry and Texas Rangers, she wanted nothing to do with the settlers’ world. Her heart belonged to the Comanche and her husband and children who were lost to her. Cynthia’s story had a sad ending that haunted me. I wanted to write a captive story with a happier ending, and that desire led to Texas Forsaken. The prequel, Wichita Path Sacrifice, inspired by the real-life stories of Cynthia Ann Parker and her cousin Rachel Plummer, is an enemy-to-lovers story of love blossoming in the midst of trials, when it seems all hope is gone. It’s a story of choices between paths. Love requires sacrifice. Eyes-Like-Sky and Dancing Eagle must decide how much they’re willing to let go of and risk if they are to claim the dreams of their heart.

Ofuskee Trail Surrender by Denise Farnsworth
Keturah Caldwell disappeared from A Counterfeit Betrothal, the first book of my Scouts of the Georgia Frontier series. Pledged to wed the hero of that novel, the daughter of a Georgia judge was abducted by thieves and sold to a war party of Creek braves. One of them, known as Wildcat, quietly protects her on the journey to his village in present-day Alabama. Keturah soon learns she has more in common with the adopted son of the micco than she would ever have guessed. When his cruel stepbrother turns his sights on Keturah and her younger sister, Keturah is forced to trust Wildcat in a marriage of convenience, though she vows to convince him to help them escape. They grow from enemies to lovers amid the War of 1812, as she learns that sometimes, greater blessings can come from abiding than from escaping.

Keturah also meets another captive, Susannah Moore, heroine of A Contrary Betrothal (formerly released as Bent Tree Bride), coming August 18 of this year.

Wagon Road Serenade by Susan F. Craft
An enemies-to-lovers historical romance, this novella is set in1754 on the Great Wagon Road spanning from Philadelphia, PA, to Augusta, GA. I wrote this novella as a complement to my three-novel Great Wagon Road series.

Elizabeth Stanton, her reputation marred from an injustice in London, seeks a second chance as a music teacher for a women’s academy in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She joins a wagon train, but scarred from her past, she vows never to rely on a man again. James Morgan, a widowed trapper, hears a vile rumor about Elizabeth and regrets agreeing to drive one of the academy’s wagons. To Elizabeth, James is another charming scoundrel. To James, Elizabeth is a tainted woman to be avoided. Both resist a growing attraction. James admires her willingness to help others. Her soft soprano voice fills the nights with a melancholy sweetness. Had he received false information and misjudged? Elizabeth tries to remain indifferent, but when he saves her and an orphan girl after Indians kidnap them, her heart softens.

Will his gentle treatment erase her misgivings? Can she trust him? Will their hearts reject discord and blend into a serenade of love?

Sherry Shindelar

Originally from Tennessee, Sherry loves to take her readers into the past. A romantic at heart, she is an avid student of the Civil War and the Old West. When she is not busy writing, she is an English professor working to pass on her love of writing to her students. Sherry is an award-winning writer: 2025 Maggie winner, 2023 Genesis finalist, Maggie finalist, and Crown finalist. She currently resides in Minnesota with her husband of forty-one years. She has three grown children and three grandchildren. Connect with Sherry at sherryshindelar.com.

North Georgia native Denise Farnsworth, formerly Denise Weimer, has authored over twenty traditionally published novels and novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two adult daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

Denise Farnsworth

Susan F. Craft

Nationally acclaimed writer of inspirational historical romance, Susan F. Craft retired after a 45-year career in communications. A widow who was married 48 years to her high school sweetheart, she has two adult children, one granddaughter, and a granddog. A history nerd, she enjoys painting, singing, and sitting on her porch watching chipmunks dine from her bird feeder. She recently learned how to play the ukulele. Soli Deo Gloria.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate their tour, the Wild Heart Authors are giving
away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://gleam.io/7zZDM/freed-by-the-frontier-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 11
Artistic Nobody, July 12 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 13
Texas Book-aholic, July 14
Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 15
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 16
Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 16
Lyssa Loves Books, July 17
lakesidelivingsite, July 17
Guild Master, July 18 (Author Interview)
Books You Can Feel Good About, July 19
Cover Lover Book Review, July 20
Simple Harvest Reads, July 21 (Guest Review from Donna)
Holly’s Book Corner, July 22
Fiction Book Lover, July 23 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, July 24

10 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Montana Rose by Mary Connealy (Give.away)

7/9/2026

9 Comments

From bestselling author Mary Connealy comes a poignant Western romance about second chances, redemption, and the healing power of faith—a moving tale of a heartbroken young widow, a compassionate rancher, and the love that helps them both find their way home.
When Cassie Griffin’s abusive husband dies, leaving her pregnant and destitute, she’s forced to marry a stranger to survive. Red Dawson, a hardworking rancher and part-time preacher, steps forward to save her from a worse fate. Though Red fears marrying a non-believer goes against his principles, he can’t stand by and watch Cassie be claimed by the ruthless Sawyer clan.
Living in Red’s rustic cave home is a far cry from Cassie’s former life of luxury. But as she learns to work alongside him, she discovers strength she never knew she possessed. Red’s gentle patience and unwavering faith begin to crack the protective shell she’s built around her heart. When a dangerous enemy threatens their newfound happiness, Cassie and Red must trust in God’s plan—and each other—to survive.
Can a marriage of convenience bloom into true love? And can a woman who’s known only submission find the courage to stand tall? A tender story of healing, hope and the transformative power of unconditional love. Perfect for fans of Janette Oke and Karen Witemeyer.

Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: June 23, 2026

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

A funeral and a wedding all in about 5 minutes....

And it's on to book 4 in the Petticoats And Cowboys series from Mary Connealy. What an interesting story it was, too. In the tradition of the book that started my love of Christian historical fiction, Love Comes Softly, Montana Rose starts off with a funeral for one husband and a wedding to another with only a breath in between....

After reading Petticoat Ranch and particularly Calico Canyon, Petticoats And Cowboys books 1 and 2, I rather enjoyed the less rambunctious pace of much of the story and the time spent getting to know Cassie and Red. The book definitely has the feel of Red's easygoing nature and Cassie's sweetness to it. Don't get me wrong, Montana Rose still has all of Mary Connealy's trademark additions of danger and suspenseful moments – and humorous as well.

I also enjoyed the ranch/farm flavor of the story. A couple of scenes in particular, involving a flock of wayward chickens and a terrifying mama pig, had me laughing out loud. Seriously, the whole chicken thing was so real.

That humor really balances out this tale as the characters have to deal with tough issues like past abuse and the struggle to forgive unpleasant, even frightening, people in the present. But with some faith Red and Cassie do their best to pull it off.

Montana Rose was an enjoyable read and I finished it more quickly than I expected. Now, I am looking forward to reading the next Petticoats And Cowboys novel as Mary Connealy introduced a very interesting character in this one and I can't wait to find out more....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Montana Rose by Mary Connealy a 4 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

More from Mary

Montana Rose was one of the first books I wrote. Very early on, though it took a while to get it published. And I ended up rewriting it to make it part of a three book series.

My basic goals with Montana Rose were two fold.

One, I seem almost addicted to writing feisty lady ranchers. I do it so much that I decided I needed to challenge myself. Write a quiet, shy heroine.

Cassie Dawson was born. And the thing with Cassie was, she was so used to being controlled by her much older husband, it was very hard for her new husband to convince her of her own worth.

Drawing Cassie out, finding the inner woman, making her believe she had worth, was such an interesting challenge for me as an author.

For a woman who writes in the same genre all the time, I really do try and mix things up. I PROMISE I DO!

Not sure how often I succeed but making my characters be three dimensional is always my goal. And I try and do different things in my books. A fist fight on a moving train. A fire in a blizzard. Diving off a galloping horse to stop a runaway bad guy. I try different careers and different locations. Always, I am trying something new. In Montana Rose, I picked a quiet, frightened mouse of a woman.

At least that was how it started out. By the end, Cassie finds herself.

So that was the fundamental goal.

And the second aim I had was Love Comes Softly, Janette Oke’s classic, beautiful Christian romance. I just loved that book. The pregnant widow, the husband who’s trying to help and needs help himself. Shove them together into a marriage and try to find love.

Of course, my book has more comedy and more gunfire than Love Comes Softly. I call it love comes softly, with mayhem. I pitched the title Love Comes Loudly. Or maybe Love Comes Hardly. We went with Montana Rose. Probably for the best.

Cassie remains a beloved sweetheart. Red, the best hero I’ve ever written…except he was probably too nice. The hero needs to have some challenges too. But Cassie just needed Red Dawson to be so kind and strong and wise. Yes, he has red hair and he has a temper that rarely erupts…though sometimes. But most Red is the best.

Those are the creative forces that forged Montana Rose.

Mary Connealy

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://gleam.io/iDuaH/montana-rose-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 30
Texas Book-aholic, July 1
Devoted To Hope, July 2
Books You Can Feel Good About, July 3
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 3
For Him and My Family, July 4
Simple Harvest Reads, July 5 (Author Interview)
Vicky Sluiter, July 6
Sydney Schmied Books, July 7
Labor Not in Vain, July 8
Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 9
The Bookish Pilgrim, July 10
She Lives To Read, July 11
Cover Lover Book Review, July 11
Artistic Nobody, July 12 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, July 13

9 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Thalia In Exile by Allen Brokken & Thalia Schertzer (Give.away)

7/5/2026

7 Comments

Thalia never expected to be taken. But the Darkness has plans of its own.
When the dreaded Steele Brothers and their Giant allies raid her home at midnight, Thalia and her friends are forced on a harrowing journey to the mysterious academy at Emohnomed. Like the young men of Judah chosen for the King of Babylon’s service, they are dragged towards a land of shadowed luxury to learn the language and literature of a culture that serves the Darkness.
Thalia finds brief respite aboard a luxurious train. But when Headmistress Imogen adds a “gift from the bishop” to the students’ punch, Thalia’s keen senses catch the putrescent smell of a counterfeit light. Clinging to the Good Book she smuggled into her bag, she refuses the smoke-laced food that turns friends into unthinking foes. In a world of beautiful lies, Thalia must stand firm against false accusations and prove that the only true strength comes from the Light that cannot be tainted.
Because this isn’t just about escaping her captors. It’s about saving the people who no longer know they need to be saved.

Genre: Middlegrade Christian Fantasy
Release Date: June 26, 2026

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
After the Towers of Light series completed, I wanted to explore more of the world I’d created. I had opened the idea that there was an evil school out east and thought it might be interesting to explore the idea of having children taken off to that school to become disciples of the darkness. In many ways it felt like a way to retell the stories from the book of Daniel, so that’s the approach I took when sketching it out, but then shelved it for lack of time. Then my biggest fan from Canada reached out and asked if I wanted help writing something. So I pulled it off the shelf and we worked on it together.

#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
It took us about 18 months to put the whole thing together then another 6 to work things out with the publisher.

#3. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
I hate to admit it but I had the most fun watching the three Steele Brothers evolve in the story. They remind me of the old timey western bad guys, kind of stupid and bumbling with a leader who’s sly and actually really competent despite being a bad guy.

#4. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
I feel like Christian kids these days are regularly finding themselves exiled in a world that doesn’t align to their values. So I hope this story gives them courage to hold the line and stick with their conscience like Thalia does.

#5. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
I’ve been married to my best friend for 31 years. We are enjoying the empty nest, while now caring for her parents. I have the great blessing to get to work with my children regularly. My daughter Lauren and her husband work for me at Towers of Light. My son Aiden helps with an occasional engineering task, and my son Ethan and his wife Reace contract with us to provide marketing and graphic design services. It’s great to still get to have Sunday dinner with them all from time to time.

More from Allen

Two years ago, I was overwhelmed with the production schedule I’d made for myself after the Towers of Light series was completed. I had a vision for three new series. First, I was trying my hand at writing a picture book with everyone’s favorite kitten, Meow Meow, as the hero. I also had a mind for an early chapter book series that was classic frontier boy hijinks, think Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn, but was an exploration of the fruits of the spirit that boys could relate to. Finally, I had a series that had the classic Victorian elements of a boarding school for girls, but set in the war-torn landscape of the Heathlands. I wanted to retell the story of Daniel’s exile to Babylon and the lessons we learn about following our conscience and persevering in a world with ungodly values.For the first two, I had a collaborator who helped make the story real, but I just didn’t seem to have the time for the third. I had an outline and overall concept that tied the story in nicely to Spring Fields from the Towers of Light series, but there was no way I could really sit down and write it as well as everything else.
Then an email landed in my inbox written by Thalia Shertzer, an 11-year-old homeschooler from Canada. She had been a fan from the beginning, and her family was a huge supporter of my work. Thalia asked me if I needed any help writing for the Towers of Light world. I immediately knew that this was a match made in heaven. I wanted to write a story about a girl around her age, and now I had a girl who wanted to write a story. We met on a video call a few days later, and I laid out the “flight plan” for what would become Thalia in Exile. I’m really looking forward to this tour, where we’re being interviewed together to talk about our adventure in writing!

Allen Brokken

Allen Brokken is a teacher at heart, a husband and father most of all. He’s a joyful writer by the abundant grace of God. He began writing the Towers of Light series for his own children to help him illustrate the deep truths of the Bible in an engaging and age-appropriate way. He’s dedicated 15 years of his life to volunteer roles in children’s ministry and youth development. Now that his own children are off on their own adventures, he’s telling stories and sharing clean humor on social media.

Thalia Shertzerr

Thalia Shertzerr is a dedicated writer whose Christian faith is the central part of her life and the heart of her storytelling. Outside of writing, she has a strong interest in science and hopes to pursue a future career in clinical medicine. Thalia balances her time between her academic goals, her faith, and her love for reading and capturing moments through the lens of her camera.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate their tour, Allen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://gleam.io/DMYZO/thalia-in-exile-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, July 3 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, July 4 (Author Interview)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 5 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, July 6
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 7
Blossoms and Blessings, July 8 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 8
Stories By Gina, July 9 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, July 10 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, July 11
Guild Master, July 12
Fiction Book Lover, July 13 (Author Interview)
The Bookish Ledger, July 14 (Author Interview)
Books, Books, & More Books, July 15 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, July 16
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 17 (Author Interview)

7 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Mail-Order Viscountess by Misty M. Beller (Gve.away)

7/2/2026

6 Comments

Five sons of an English duke, all raised in the Rocky Mountains…
When a Montana blizzard strands two strangers in a cave, honor demands a vow neither of them want.
Nobody knows the truth about newly knighted Lord Thomas Balfour. He doesn’t deserve the being honor showered on him, so after this last trip with his brother and sister-in-law to Butte for supplies, he’ll leave this territory behind completely. But once he reaches town, he’s blindsided to discover his brothers have ordered him a bride by post. A woman complicates everything. And even worse—the bride has brought her sister.
Kate McKinney masterminded this journey west to rescue her younger sister from their controlling mother’s plans. Yet one look at the intended groom’s scowl, and Kate’s doubts bloom. Maybe this mail-order marriage scheme will be far worse for her beloved sister than the wealthy brute their ambitious mother arranged.
Thomas has no choice but to help escort the sisters back to the Balfour ranch. On the trail, a blizzard changes everything, tearing Thomas and Kate away from the others—straight into danger…
From a USA Today bestselling author comes a royal family saga featuring a mail-order bride, snowed-in peril, and an aristocratic marriage of convenience…all set in the rugged Montana Territory.

Genre: Christian historical romance
Release Date: June 9, 2026

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

What could go wrong during a Montana storm....

The Balfour family is back for another adventure in the wilds of Montana and I am most definitely here for it. Mail-Order Viscountess is the third book in the Lords Of The Rockies and features youngest Balfour brother, Thomas, and his absolutely unexpected mail-order bride. As I've come to expect from a Misty M. Beller novel, this book was a nice blend of sweet historical romance and wilderness adventure with an additional dash of suspense tossed in to keep those pages turning.

Mail-Order Viscountess was an easy and fairly quick read for me, coming in at around 260+ pages. The characters were interesting and I really found myself rooting for Thomas and Kate to work out their baggage and allow romance to bloom – even in a nippy Montana winter. Kate and Thomas both have a desire to be seen for themselves, something that I think resonates with a lot of readers. I know that their need to have options and make their own choices rather tugged at me too.

I found this third Lords Of The Rockies book to be an entertaining read that I enjoyed. I've liked every Misty M. Beller series that I've read so far, and this one has been no exception. I love the relatively small cast of characters that allows you to get to know each one – and I am particularly curious about what happens next to a particular young lady.

Anyway, if you love historical romance with a dash of danger and dramatic landscape that almost becomes a character of its own, I definitely recommend this book and the rest of the series....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Mail-Order Viscountess by Misty M. Beller a 4 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

More from Misty

His Brothers Did What?! Meet the Hero of Mail-Order Viscountess

Every family has that one person who needs a little…nudging in the right direction.

For the Balfour brothers, that person is Thomas.

Lord Thomas Balfour is many things—newly knighted, fiercely capable, and absolutely convinced he doesn’t deserve any of it. He carries a secret that weighs on him heavier than the Montana snow, and he’s made up his mind: after one last supply run to Butte with his brother and sister-in-law, he’s leaving the territory for good. No fuss, no goodbyes. Just gone.

His brothers, of course, had other plans.

Because while Thomas was busy planning his quiet disappearance, his brothers were busy placing an ad—for a mail-order bride. For him. Without telling him a single word about it.

So imagine Thomas’s face when he arrives in Butte and discovers a woman waiting there to become his wife.
Actually, not one woman. Two.

Because the bride—Kate McKinney—has brought her sister along.

To say Thomas is less than thrilled would be an understatement. The scowl he greets them with says everything. A woman complicates his carefully laid plans. Two women? That’s a catastrophe.

But here’s what Thomas doesn’t know yet: Kate didn’t come west to trap a reluctant lord into marriage. She came to rescue her sister. And one look at Thomas’s stormy expression has her wondering if she’s made a terrible mistake—whether the Balfour brothers’ well-meaning scheme has landed her beloved sister somewhere far worse than the life they left behind.

Two people who don’t want to be there. One scheme cooked up by meddling brothers who love Thomas too much to let him walk away. And a Montana blizzard that’s about to strand them all together with no way out.

I pray you love Mail-Order Viscountess! J

Blessings!
Misty

Misty M. Beller

Misty M. Beller is an ECPA and USA Today bestselling author with over 1 million books sold. She writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.
Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://gleam.io/NbqMu/mail-order-viscountess-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Book Looks by Lisa, June 24
Sydney Schmied Books, June 24
Devoted Steps, June 25
Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 25
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 26
Lyssa Loves Books, June 26
lakesidelivingsite, June 27
Artistic Nobody, June 27 (Guest Review from Marilyn)
Texas Book-aholic, June 28
Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 28
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 29
For Him and My Family, June 29
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 30
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 30
Book Holds and Jello Molds, July 1
Sylvan Musings, July 1
Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 2
She Lives To Read, July 2
Life on Chickadee Lane, July 3
Books You Can Feel Good About, July 3
Connie’s History Classroom, July 4
Simple Harvest Reads, July 4 (Guest Review from Donna)
Cover Lover Book Review, July 5
Mary Hake, July 5
Holly’s Book Corner, July 6
Locks, Hooks and Books, July 6
Devoted To Hope, July 7
Pause for Tales, July 7

6 Comments

E-Book Review - Calico Canyon by Mary Conneally

6/19/2026

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From beloved author Mary Connealy comes a delightful Western adventure brimming with danger, laughter, and unexpected romance—a tale of a runaway teacher, a bewildered widower, and five rambunctious boys who need a mother whether they want one or not. Perfect for fans of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer.
Grace Calhoun never imagined teaching school in Texas would lead to marriage—especially not to the infuriating Daniel Reeves.
When Grace flees her adoptive father's cruelty by hiding in a stranger's wagon, the town parson insists on an immediate wedding, leaving Grace trapped in marriage to a stubborn widower with five unruly sons—the very boys who made her teaching job impossible.
Daniel Reeves has no intention of risking his heart—or another wife—to childbirth.
Still grieving the loss of his first wife, Daniel wants nothing to do with the prim schoolmarm forced into his family. He'll build her a house and provide for her needs, but he'll keep his distance. His sons need a mother, but he refuses to fall in love again.
Snowed in together for a long Texas winter, walls begin to crumble.
As Grace discovers the courage she thought she'd lost, she transforms from a frightened woman on the run to a fierce protector of her new family. The boys who once tormented her become the children of her heart. And the husband who swore to keep his distance? He's finding it harder each day to resist his spirited wife.
But when Grace's dangerous past catches up to her, she must choose between running again or standing firm in the faith that brought her to Calico Canyon—even if it costs her everything.
A tender tale of found family, healing love, and the faithfulness of God in the midst of life's unexpected turns.

ASIN: ‎ B0FWS14HQ1
Publisher: ‎ Wild Heart Books
Publication date: ‎ April 28, 2026

My Review

They'll either kill each other or fall in love....

I must admit that I was predisposed to dislike both Grace and Daniel after turning the very last page of Petticoats And Cowboys book 1. So, when I picked up the second book, Calico Canyon, I wondered how in the world Mary Connealy could possibly get me to change my mind about them. But, by golly, she did it. She actually did it.

Oh sure, they still frustrated me at times, as the characters in the Petticoats And Cowboys series seem to do, but when I found out the 'why' behind everything, well, that started to change things. And then, as Grace warms up to the Reeves boys, finally earning their respect, plus Daniel's acceptance, and growing protectiveness, of his wife. Those pieces of the story convinced me.

Calico Canyon is a wild ride of a story. From a stowaway to a forced marriage, the intense winter elements to the untamed Texas landscape, toss in five boisterous little boys and add an unpleasant villain, Mary Connealy takes her readers on a real adventure. I definitely enjoyed the read, especially the showdown with the villain, and I am looking forward to more in the series....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy a 4 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Metamorphosis by Kayla E. Green (Give.away)

6/13/2026

7 Comments

Are you searching for something more in your life? Metamorphosis is a personal testimony of how God can transform lives. Covering topics of depression, anxiety, and searching for something more, the poetry serves as a vessel for God’s light. The words provide hope for the future and insight on how to be strong through Jesus Christ. Anyone yearning for something more will find renewal in this poetry.

Genre: Poetry (religious/inspirational)
Release Date: May, 2020

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Kayla

#1. What was the inspiration behind this book?
My own experiences with anxiety and depression as well as my own testimony of being a Child of God inspired the poems in Metamorphosis.

#2. What part of the writing process do you like the least?
Marketing! I love connecting with readers and talking with them; however, there’s a lot of pressure that comes with marketing. Especially in the age of social media, marketing in a space ruled by algorithms and chances, and as someone who is not the best with the ever-changing landscape that is technology, marketing is quite daunting for me. Readers can help me (and other authors) by leaving honest reviews online and sharing about the books they love!

#3. What drew you to take on this topic through non-fiction versus fiction?
Poetry has always been a means for me to process life and express thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Writing poems inspired by or paired with Bible verses to share my experience with the transformative power of Jesus was laid on my heart. I’m so grateful for that and being able to share this collection with others because it points us back to God.

#4. What do you hope your readers will remember after finishing this book?
Metamorphosis is a collection of poetry that touches on hard yet relatable topics including anxiety and depression. Still, no matter how overwhelming the waves of such stormy waters, the grace and unyielding love of Christ offers life-saving passage. Each poem is paired with a Bible verse to encourage readers to seek God’s word and the rescue we all desperately need. I hope readers walk away from the poems with feelings of renewal and hope because through God we are transformed.

#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but
be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then
you will be able to test and approve what God’s will
is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” Romans 12:2 (NIV).

More from Kayla

Have you ever been in the car and heard just the right song at just the right moment? Or heard just the message you needed at a specific point in your life on Sunday morning like the pastor is speaking directly to you?

Throughout crafting the poems that now make-up the contents of Metamorphosis, I realized that my testimony navigating depression and anxiety is incomplete without my faith. It is the love of God that allows transformation. As such, each poem within the collection is paired with a Bible verse. No matter what we are facing in life, we can find strength in our Lord and through His Word.

Visit this slideshow and see what Bible verse awaits you today. Share how the verse resonates with you and/or suggest a worship song that it reminds you of on social media and be sure to tag me (@author.kayla.e.green on Instagram) so I can reply! https://www.canva.com/design/DAHAUXF0oAI/kU3r4XgiHh-uOUWZUHQrPA/view?utm_content=DAHAUXF0oAI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hb6054e54cf

Kayla E. Green

Kayla E. Green is an award-winning author and poet who writes to remind others—and herself—that light always prevails over darkness. When she isn’t writing, reading, or spending time with her family, she loves singing loudly and off-key to KLove Radio and pretending she’s a unicorn. Fittingly, her YA debut fantasy novel is titled The Goodness of Unicorns.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Kayla is giving away the grand prize of
a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://gleam.io/XwQCl/metamorphosis-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, June 5 (Author Interview)
Guild Master, June 6 (Author Interview)
Life on Chickadee Lane, June 7
Fiction Book Lover, June 8 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, June 8
The Bookish Ledger, June 9 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 10
Vicky Sluiter, June 11 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, June 12 (Author Interview)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 13 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, June 14
Blossoms and Blessings, June 15 (Author Interview)
Stories By Gina, June 16 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, June 16
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 17 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 18

7 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Gingham Mountain by Mary Connealy (Give.away)

6/12/2026

7 Comments

From beloved author Mary Connealy comes a
heartwarming Western romance about faith,
family, and finding love in unexpected places—a
touching tale of a devoted bachelor rancher, a
determined schoolteacher, and the orphaned
children who bring them together. Perfect for
fans of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer.

Grant Cooper has dedicated his life to taking in orphaned children others have overlooked, building a loving family on his rugged Texas ranch. When a new schoolteacher arrives in Sour Springs with strong opinions about his unconventional household, he finds himself drawn to her fierce spirit—even as she challenges everything about his carefully ordered world.
Hannah Cartwright’s own painful past as an orphan makes her wary of the bachelor rancher raising children alone. But as she gets to know Grant’s extraordinary family, she discovers there’s more to him than meets the eye. When dangerous enemies threaten both their futures, Hannah and Grant must learn to trust in God’s plan—and each other.
Can a man who’s sworn never to marry risk his heart for love? And can a woman who’s known only betrayal find the faith to build a true home at last? A touching story of healing, hope and the family bonds that transcend blood.

Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: May 26, 2026

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

It's dislike at first sight...or is it?

What a fun story! I think Gingham Mountain is my favorite book so far in the Petticoats And Cowboys series from Mary Connealy – I even finished reading it in a single day.

The antics of Grant's kids, his ridiculously young age to have adult children, Hannah's determination to rescue the kids she is stubbornly convinced are being mistreated, all of it blended together into a story I didn't really feel like putting down. Of course, the dash of danger that stalks these characters didn't hinder my attention span either.

I'm a longtime fan of Mary Connealy's historical romance westerns so the Petticoats And Cowboys series was an obvious choice for me. I've enjoyed how each story is different with its own individual characters and storyline. I've read series before, where it seemed like the only difference was a change in the lead characters' names. Not so with this series, not at all. Sure, we get some fun cameos and full scenes with previous characters, but Grant and Hannah have their own quirks and experiences.

So, Gingham Mountain was a good read that I enjoyed. And, since this is book three, I am good and committed to the series. Needless to say, I am looking forward to reading the next book too....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Gingham Mountain by Mary Connealy a 4 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

More from Mary

Gingham Mountain is the third book in this series. The first books I got published…though there were other things sprinkled in after Petticoat Ranch, the first in the series.

I think of Petticoat Ranch as my husband’s story. A mountain man who’d never been around women, finds himself married to a widow with four daughters.

Then Calico Canyon is my husband’s story growing up. He is one of seven sons. I tried to imagine how that would be.

Now comes Gingham Mountain and that’s my story. I grew up in a tiny farm house with eight brothers and sisters. We had two bedrooms until my sixth sibling was born. And two is a bit of an exaggeration because my folks slept on a couch in the living room that folded out into a bed. And the only ‘real’ bedroom was an upstairs, the kind that has sloped roofs and, well, it was just tiny.

Then my folks bought another tiny home and moved it to our home and stuck it on the end. Now our ‘two’ bedroom house had (drumroll!!!) three bedrooms. Mom and dad retired the living room couch. Huge family, tiny home, the thing was, everyone back then had a huge family. Hey, it was the baby boom, these things happened. No such thing as a kid having their own room. I remember being excited that I had my own DRAWER!

So, Gingham Mountain, all those kids in a house that really only had three bedrooms was completely believable to me. And it was hot inside and no room for nothin’ so we went outside to play all the time. And that’s how Grant’s kids had to function.

Grant with his little house and loneliness and the knowledge of how hard it was to be an orphan.

Hannah with her lioness heart for protecting children. And her utter poverty. Getting the job as school marm when she’d never been to school herself. With zero ‘womanly’ skills. The woman can’t cook or sew or do anything expected of a woman. But, because she had an abusive adoptive father who pressed her and a scad of sisters, into work at a carpet mill, she can thread a weaving look like lightning. Now she’d trying to save children from such a fate.

She and Grant are in perfect accord…if they just had a rational conversation. Instead, Hannah sees a man trying to make off with orphans, just like her abusive father. She sets out to save the children from Grant and chaos ensues.

Then set it in Texas and there’s trouble with oil, still a very underused natural resource and Grant doesn’t know he’s sitting on a gusher of wealth. But there are villains who know what he’s got and they want it.

Gingham Mountain, when I wrote it, was one of my favorite books ever. Helping those two find each other, well, I can’t even tell people about it without smiling. Grant and Hannah’s first kiss is one for the ages and, of course they are both horrified. And then they kiss again. What could be more fun?

Mary Connealy

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://gleam.io/cy4lg/gingham-mountain-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

She Lives To Read, June 2
Book Looks by Lisa, June 3
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 4
Texas Book-aholic, June 5
For Him and My Family, June 6
Devoted To Hope, June 7
Holly’s Book Corner, June 8
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 8
Books You Can Feel Good About, June 9
Vicky Sluiter, June 10
Simple Harvest Reads, June 11 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, June 11
Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 12
Cover Lover Book Review, June 13
Sydney Schmied Books, June 14
Labor Not in Vain, June 15

7 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Someone To Lean On by Carrie Walker (Give.away)

6/12/2026

4 Comments

They’re seeking a peace they can’t seem to find. . .
Aged out of the foster care system and struggling to raise her young daughter, Lucia Roberts loses her only source of income. When she’s offered a position caring for a four-year-old foster child, Timothy, it feels like the answer to a prayer-except for one catch. She must work in the home of Jordan Nowak, Timothy’s overly vigilant foster father who scrutinizes her every move.
Jordan has built his life around one promise: protect a foster child until they can find a happily ever after. But while Jordan fights to keep Timmy safe, his own world spirals out of control. The music store he co-owns with his brother is on the brink of bankruptcy after months of mismanagement. Torn between protecting Timmy, saving the store, and guarding his heart, Jordan grasps for any possibility to fix it all.
Mason Hughes is in his final year of medical school, on rotation under a difficult neurologist, and doubting his call to be a doctor. As the walls between Lucia and Jordan soften, Timmy starts displaying puzzling symptoms. Soon Mason must choose whether he trusts his medical instincts enough to fight an ethical battle.
As three adults seek control in their lives, a young child with no guarantees teaches them to trust.

Genre: Romantic Women’s Fiction
Release Date: May 5, 2026

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Carrie

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
It was a combination of things. Firstly, the underscoring theme in this series is the impact of each human life. So I always envisioned, a story that showed in a small way how the baby from book one of the series, Emma’s Hero, was still touching lives years later. For this story, specifically, I really connected with Lucia as a foster teen in the second book and I see in her what I’ve seen in so many teens and adults. A good person, trying hard to do the right things, but being dealt a rough hand and struggling. So I really wanted to walk in her shoes, and watch her grow and find her happily ever after.

#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
This book’s first draft took me a few months to draft, but then it sat in a drawer for quite some time. Being book 3 in a series, I wasn’t sure it would ever see the light of day. I am so thankful it is because I love this story! When I pulled it out for editing it took another month or so before I was ready to turn it over to my publisher.

#3. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
It’s my favorite genre to write. Karen Kingsbury’s stories were my first introduction to Christian Fiction, and I loved the way she wove romance with meaningful character arcs. So, when I ventured into writing, I wanted to write something similar.

#4. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
That even though sometimes life is hard, and things don’t go the way you would want, that God is always working in the mess. Also, follow the peace.

#5. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
I live in Michigan and have been married to my high school sweetheart for 25 years. We have seven children. We love to vacation, play board games, play pickleball and just hang out with the family. My husband and I also work as youth ministers for middle school and high school teens. We are blessed to have a number of friends that have been in our lives for years, and are like family.

More from Carrie

Where did you get the idea for “Someone to Lean On”

I’m asked this for every story, and this one I can definitely say the characters gave me no choice, I had to write it. When I envisioned this series, I always envisioned a three-book series where we would meet a “special” little boy in the first book and follow the lives he touched, and by the end of the series see the far-reaching effects of his life. When I finished writing “Right Before Their Eyes” we left Lucia as a pregnant foster teen. She’d found an amazing foster mom to support her, but what happened to her and her baby? In talking with social workers I learned so many foster teens age out and while there are some programs to help support them, they aren’t easy. So of course, Lucia’s story wasn’t over. And the story, as many of ours are, wasn’t all easy, but it also was filled with blessing. Many of her struggles, she gave to me (yeah… the characters talk to me lol, and many times just take over their stories), I didn’t have to dream them up. I’m sure many of us pray, read Scripture, and want to trust God. But then … life. Sometimes life sure makes those desires difficult to live out. And to watch this young woman grow through tough times, still have a heart, and eventually find the strength to step out in faith . . . I’m so glad she made me write this story I pray you enjoy Lucia and Jordan’s story, and also step back and reflect on the far reaching effect of each human life.

Carrie Walker

Winner of the 2025 Faith Hope and Love Reader’s Choice Award, Carrie Walker lives in Michigan with her husband and seven children. From her ten years serving as a high school youth minister, adventures around the globe, and raising a family, many stories have been knit within her heart. As an avid reader she pens what she loves to read, contemporary stories that bring hope to a hurting world. Weaving romance among story lines of characters in struggle, she aims to show God working in all situations. When she’s not playing board games with her husband, shuttling kids in the Walker bus or wishing for snow, Carrie can be found at the keyboard bringing those stories to life.

Carrie’s writing has been recognized in many contests. Her debut novel, Emma’s Hero, won the silver medal in the
Selah Awards, won the IAN Book of the Year for Christian Fiction, was a double finalist in the International Book Awards.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Carrie is giving away the grand prize of
a $40 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://gleam.io/pZs43/someone-to-lean-on-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, June 6 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, June 7 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 7
Guild Master, June 8 (Author Interview)
Inspired by Fiction, June 9
Fiction Book Lover, June 10 (Author Interview)
The Bookish Ledger, June 11 (Author Interview)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 12 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 13
Life on Chickadee Lane, June 14
Blossoms and Blessings, June 15 (Author Interview)
Stories By Gina, June 16 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 16
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 17 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, June 18
For Him and My Family, June 19

4 Comments

Movie Review - Just One More (Give.away)

6/12/2026

4 Comments

A deeply moving story that resonates across generations.

Just One More follows Jess, a recovering addict struggling with shame, doubt, and the weight of her past, whose life unexpectedly collides with Charles, a dying man praying that God would use him “just one more” time. As their stories intertwine, Jess begins to discover forgiveness, healing, and the hope to fight for a future beyond addiction.

This is an emotional, character-driven story about redemption, perseverance, and the life-changing impact one person can have on another.

At its heart, Just One More is about choosing hope one more time, even when life feels impossible. This is the kind of movie that stays with audiences long after the credits roll.

Stream Just One More now on Angel
and support stories that actually inspire.

WATCH

My Review

I just finished watching this film a little while ago, and wow! Just One More was impressive on several different levels. Sure, it features decent acting, good filming techniques, and a reasonable script, but there is a lot more to it than simply those surface things. It's a movie that I don't think I will soon forget.

The story of Jess, and also Charles, is by turns emotionally moving, heartbreaking, and full of hope. And sometimes those turns repeat themselves in a steps forward and steps backward way. However, I think THAT is what impressed me the most about Just One More. This film doesn't just depict a girl's journey from addiction to Jesus, it shows how messy and raw that journey can be.

Over the years I've watched a lot of Christian and faith-inspired movies/shows and often I am frustrated by how unrealistic they are as they show the come-to-Jesus moment as being the end with things flowing smoothly immediately after. But that just isn't real life and it especially isn't how recovery from addiction goes. Just One More doesn't make those empty promises. No, it shows the struggles and many choices made every day to hang onto hope, onto faith, and to stand against temptation. As someone who has not struggled with addiction, some of the scenes that really moved me in particular included Charles's willingness to pray for anyone who stopped by his yard and one that involved a character that was hurt by Jess's choices realizing that they needed to forgive her just as they had been forgiven by Jesus. To me, that message is equally as important as the one of each person, no matter their mistakes, having value in the eyes of God.

In the face of the opioid epidemic and other addictions running rampant, this film couldn't be more timely or relevant. So, watch the film yourself, and, if you have middle to older teens this movie is for them as well. Talk about it, this is the stuff kids are dealing with in school every day. But most importantly, be Charles. Be the one who will pray no matter what. Be the one used by God Just One More time....

Disclosure: Many thanks to Angel for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

$10 Amazon giftcard

(USA ONLY)

#JustOneMoreMovieMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

4 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Mesmerize by Darlene Corbett (Give.away)

6/9/2026

0 Comments

Set against the backdrop of Las Vegas, Boston, and Dubai, a dazzling romance comes to life.
Can a storyteller win back the love of her life through tales sprinkled with faith and love.
Boston-based Delphina Tulasi, a therapeutic storyteller, has shunned men.
A year after a major betrayal, she accompanies her mother Lucia, a matchmaker, to Las Vegas to help her run an exclusive speed-dating event.
Alexander O’Hara, a CFO with secrets of his own, accepts Lucia’s invitation to attend. He meets Delphina and becomes mesmerized. They go out on a date in Las Vegas and return to Boston, where their love blossoms.
All goes well until Alex goes on a long business trip to Dubai. A visit from someone in her past confuses Delphina and lures her back to a previous relationship, prompting her to break up with Alex.
After a few dates with her ex, Delphina recognizes the mistake she’s made and becomes determined to win Alex back. She uses her creativity, spins stories based on truth, and sends them in videos across the internet.
Will it work?

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 18, 2026

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Darlene

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
As a therapist who hears many stories about the world of dating, I wanted to write something incorporating therapy, storytelling, and tradition. We live in a world where anything goes, and I wanted something that acknowledges betrayal and wounds but honors the sacred.

#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
Excluding the final editing with my editor, less than a year.

#3. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
Again, I hear stories which are most disturbing about the dating world, so I wanted to write something clean that leads to a developing romance based on faith, honor, and personal responsibility.

#4. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
I love them all, but Delphina because she must use her wits to win back her love. A turned her into a modern-day, Christian-themed Scheherazade.

#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.

In the beginning was the word, and the word
was with God, and the word was God.
John 1:1

More from Darlene

For all my life, I’ve been in love with the oral and written word.

And I imagine the same for you.

How many people do not enjoy reading or hearing a good tale?

And doesn’t it make sense?

Each of us has a story, our own book of life. How it unfold lays between God and us.

Although every novel involves a story, I decided to highlight a therapeutic storyteller.

Why therapeutic?

Because I’m a therapist and have listened to stories throughout my life. Also, I remember the story of Scheherazade, and with faith and modernity, I wove it into my novel. The protagonist spins tales to… Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out.

I hope you become mesmerized by Mesmerize.

Darlene Corbett

Darlene Corbett has been serving others as a licensed psychotherapist for over thirty years. With her wealth of experience in human behavior, she decided to write down her thoughts to inspire a larger audience. This set the stage for her book, Stop Depriving The World of You, published by Sound Wisdom in 2018. She continued writing nonfiction until she heard God whisper again. And his call prompted her to take a risk and dip her toes into fiction. Visible, a women’s fiction about second chances, was published by WordCrafts Press in the spring of 2024, and in August, she won the 2024 Storytrade Book Awards for Christian Fiction in the Contemporary category. And right now?

Her contemporary romance, Mesmerize, will be published in February of 2026 which has themes of a modern-day,
Christian Scheherazade story. Her writing continues with two romantic suspense novels. Enthralled, which takes
place in Mykenos, has been completed but needs editing. A Midnight Call, located in a small fictional town in
central Massachusetts, has almost reached the finishing line. When not writing or seeing clients, Darlene immerses
herself in a variety of novels and tries to support other authors of faith. In addition, she loves animals with dogs
being number one. Taking care of her beloved Shih Tzu, Stevie, puts a smile on her face. Being a life-long learner,
she’s attempting a second language and remains a nerd at heart. Staying fit, traveling, and connecting with her
inner circle also take priority. Darlene belongs to many organizations, including the ACFW, FHL-CW, and WFWA.
She lives in Central Massachusetts with Stevie, and remains excited about the next chapter of her life.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Darlene is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon gift card!!

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https://gleam.io/Ap5Fn/mesmerize-celebration-tour-giveaway

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A deeply moving story that resonates across generations.

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Interview with Darlene

In the beginning was the word, and the word​was with God, and the word was God. ​John 1:1

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It's Time For A Giveaway!

It's Time For A Giveaway!

It's Time For A Giveaway!

“O our God, will You not execute judgment on them? For we are
powerless against this great horde that is coming against us.
We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”

It's Time For A Giveaway!

It's Time For A Giveaway!

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but
be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then
you will be able to test and approve what God’s will
is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” Romans 12:2 (NIV).

Stream Just One More now on Angel
and support stories that actually inspire.

In the beginning was the word, and the word
was with God, and the word was God.
John 1:1