Category: Interview

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

6/13/2026

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

6 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

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Operations Psalms From The Sea, Vol. IV by David Reid Brown (Give.away)

6/6/2026

3 Comments

DID YOU KNOW? YOUR CHRISTIAN WALK HAS A LOT IN COMMON WITH THE LIFE OF A NAVY SAILOR!
Yes! It seems too hard to believe but it is true. Sailors experience hardship, trust, fatigue, worry, disappointment, joy–and so do you! A sailor’s life is filled with the common experiences you have every day of your Christian walk.
OPERATIONS is a compilation of over fifty devotional stories composed by DAVID REID BROWN while he served at sea. These stories present the life of sailors in a way that touches on topics that mirror your daily Christian walk. Each story concludes with a practical application section, relevant scripture, and prayer.
DAVID REID BROWN has first-hand knowledge in understanding the life of a Sailor because he lived it. As former Navy Chaplain, he also understands Biblical truth and how to identify spiritual principles and experiences that Christians and sailors share.
In this book, readers will be:

Surprised to learn the daily lives of Christians and Sailors are quite similar.
Inspired by sea stories that connect with Biblical truths.
Amazed by the selfless sacrifice of Sailors, Marines, and their families.

Still curious? Read this book and find out how God will meet your curiosity with a stronger faith in Him and a deeper admiration for the service of military members and their families.

Genre: Christian Devotional
Release Date: October, 2025

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with David

1. What was the inspiration behind this book?
First, thank you for allowing me to share my insights on your blog.
The inspiration behind Operations was the sailors and families with whom I had the privilege of serving as an active duty U.S. Navy Chaplain. My career in the Navy lasted over twenty-one years. During that time, I have been the “shepherd” of thousands of military members and their families, many whose devoted service went unrecognized. Operations was my way of telling them, “I SEE YOU!” Even though this book is the fourth volume in a series (“Psalms From the Sea”), it is the only one specifically dedicated to sailors and their families.

2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
Operations took about one year to write, from start to finish. However, I have had the book's title and outline since the summer of 2023.
The best way to describe my writing process is that of an accordion. It’s a bit asymmetric. Being a schoolteacher, my writing time is restricted to early mornings before classes start and weekends during the school year. Summer is my “sweet spot”, when I have the unobligated opportunity to write freely.

3. What new or interesting things did you learn while researching for this book?
So, most of the research for this book was front-loaded through my deployment experience right after the terrorist attacks on 9/11. The book chronicles my ministry aboard ship to fifteen hundred sailors and Marines from September 19, 2001, until April 20, 2002. In short, I lived the experiences (research) that went into writing this book. The one interesting thing I added to the book is that each chapter doesn’t have a number, but a name: I used the phonetic alphabet seafarers use to communicate at sea. For example, the first three chapters of the book are “ALPHA”, “BRAVO”, and “CHARLIE”.

4. Did you have a specific demographic in mind while writing this book?
As I mentioned earlier, the target audience was the sailors and families with whom I have served. However, the book is a Christian devotional, which means that anyone interested in a good faith story should be able to read and follow it with ease.

5. What do you hope your readers will remember after finishing this book?
I hope that readers will have a stronger relationship with God after reading this book and come away with a greater understanding of and appreciation for the devotion and tremendous sacrifice that military members and their families make to guard our freedoms and way of life.

More from David

Did you know? The art on the front cover of my book, OPERATIONS, was designed and created by one of my Ninth Grade Art Students. Yes, it’s true. I recognized that this young artist had the technical skill and artistic flair to create the unique cover art required for this book when he was just in the sixth grade!

FOR OVER TWENTY-ONE YEARS, I have had the distinct privilege of serving thousands of sailors, Marines, and their families across the nation, upon every major ocean, as well as overseas. I am most proud to have shared a common bond of service, sacrifice, and devotion. OPERATIONS is my patriotic tribute to them.

David Reid Brown

David Reid Brown is a retired Navy Chaplain and currently serves as a high school Government, Bible, and Art teacher at Grace Christian School in Mechanicsville, VA. He has authored nine books: Spirit Soundings: A Chaplain’s Journal of Life at Sea (three volumes), Lost Summer, and Psalms from The Sea (four volumes), and a book of poetry, Sophia’s Songs. These inspirational stories were born out of his global seafaring experiences, spanning twenty-one years of peace, war, and three overseas deployments as well as his service as a Christian educator.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate his tour, David 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/UBDhA/psalms-from-the-sea-volume-iv-operations-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, May 29 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, May 30 (Author Interview)
Guild Master, May 31 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 31
Fiction Book Lover, June 1 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, June 2
The Bookish Ledger, June 3 (Author Interview)
Vicky Sluiter, June 4 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, June 5 (Author Interview)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 6 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 7
Blossoms and Blessings, June 8 (Author Interview)
Stories By Gina, June 9 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, June 9
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 10 (Author Interview)
Books, Books, & More Books, June 11 (Author Interview)

3 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Blaze Of Honor by D.M. Griffin (Give.away)

5/30/2026

3 Comments

A BLAZE OF HONOR WOULD EITHER CONSUME
HIM OR ILLUMINATE THE PATH TO LOVE!

Joram couldn’t pinpoint the burning conviction in his heart, the reason honoring his father felt like the only path to a life that pleased God. He remembered the unheard prayers of a five-year-old whose mother betrayed the sanctity of family and knew well the bitterness in his father’s heart. Whatever the reason, Joram, a man of few words, lived an obedient life. He adopted his father’s wishes and desires as if they were born from his own heart, and with that came his father’s simmering bitterness and ingrained distrust of women.
Driven by a desire for Joram to achieve more than a shepherd’s humble existence, his father pressured him to excel academically, tirelessly seeking the approval of powerful figures. Joram’s life took a dramatic turn when he captured the attention of Parthia’s notorious bandit leaders.
Caught in a dizzying storm of politics and family vendettas, Joram reluctantly accepts a fake marriage, meant to bring a young woman to Jerusalem so she could marry another man. Knowing how his father felt about women, a view he adopted as his own, Joram wasn’t prepared for the transformation that would take place once he began playing the role of a husband for all the wrong reasons.

The treacherous journey, marked by near-death experiences, culminated with them arriving in Jerusalem amidst the vibrant Feast of Weeks. With his knowledge of God ringing hollow as a mere religious duty, Joram divorced his wife and surrendered her to another man, determined to honor his word. But when he stumbles upon the truth and feels the burning intensity of the Holy Spirit descend in a blaze of honor that illuminates far more than he could have ever imagined, Joram has to decide if he is willing to walk the path of love.

Genre: Biblical Fiction
Release Date: May 12, 2026

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with D.M.

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
This book was inspired by the scene in Acts when Peter is delivering a sermon to the crowd after the tongues of fire appeared over the disciples’ heads. I had been reading through that section of scripture when I began wondering what it might have been like for the people in the crowd. Usually, when I read through that passage, my focus had been on the disciples, not the crowd. The more I thought about it, how the people were from different areas, the more inspired I became.

#2. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I have always enjoyed Biblical Fiction for the simple fact that it brings some of the best parts of Scripture to life. In ways unique to the genre, it takes the imagination and keeps it within the boundaries of inspired text, drawing out spiritual nuances that one might not linger on when reading through the Bible. It also adds historical details that emphasize the cultural differences we might not pick up on unless studying the Bible in depth. I like thinking of the people as three-dimensional, with emotions and feelings we can relate to while also remaining within the sacred boundaries of God’s Word.

#3. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
One of the takeaways I hope readers have after journeying with Joram in Blaze of Honor is that God’s grace is so all-encompassing that He can weave our mistakes into His overall plan for our future. Honoring Him is as much about trust as it is about duty. There is a delicate balance between both religious obligations and walking in the Spirit.

#4. How did you name your characters?
It was fun naming Joram because I did something a little different with his character. I posted a profile about him on Facebook’s Biblical Fiction Aficionados page (a great community for those who enjoy the genre). I got some interesting feedback on the name choices I originally selected. I found out one of them was a main character in Game of Thrones, so I went back to the drawing board and tried again. Joram came out the winner by a landslide.

#5. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
I have been writing all my life, but publishing for a decade. I am a wife of many years and a mother of three adult kids. My two grandchildren are in the toddler stages, which is so much fun. Currently, I have no pets. Though I miss my beloved beagle, who was a big part of our lives for fourteen years. (I really need to put more dogs into my stories)

More from D.M.

My inspiration for writing Blaze of Honor came from a simple lyric in a song. “Be careful, little eyes, what you see.” I had the idea of writing the Spirit Ignited Series rattling around in my head for five years. During my regular Bible reading plan, inspiration sucked me into the scene in Acts 2 when Peter preaches to a crowd on the day of Pentecost. I found myself wondering about the people described as coming from all over the empire. I wondered what had brought them there, and what they had heard. How could I not be fascinated when the church grew exponentially that day? So, the idea for Spirit Ignited grew. I wanted to write four novels about four men who had been in the crowd that day.

As excited as I was to begin writing those stories, other books crept into the queue before I fully developed the characters for Spirit Ignited. I was excited when the first ideas came back to me after five long years of waiting for these men to speak up and inspire me. What was even more challenging was that the stories were begging to be written in first-person from a single perspective. That was a daunting task since I had only written dual-perspective stories up until that point. And, truth be told, first-person isn’t my favorite.

But I obliged and found myself completely captivated by these men. Surprisingly enough, I did not write Blaze of Honor first. Though it is the first to be released in the series, it was the third book I wrote in the Spirit Ignited series.

After hearing the song lyric, I started to wonder about how parents, most specifically troubled marriages, affected children. Joram, a shy character, finally found his voice in my head, and together, we explored a life of unintended scars and how they shape a boy as he becomes a man.

The story’s themes of redemption, forgiveness, and grace underscore the main takeaway: honoring God through loving others. I yearn for readers to grasp this central truth, to feel the depth in the main character’s plight. The narrative delves into the heart of devotion, exploring how easily the concept of honoring God can become contorted in the labyrinth of the mind. After completing the first draft, the realization that this story, with its raw vulnerability, could only be told in the intimate voice of the first person hit me.

I truly hope readers will get as much out of it as I did when I wrote it. Stories that transform as well as entertain are my favorite kind of stories.

D.M. Griffin

D.M. (Demi) Griffin is the author of several novels and has won multiple literary awards. Her novels in The Encounter Series won various Independent Author awards in the category of Religious Fiction.
She writes Christian Fantasy, Biblical, and Historical Fiction. She currently resides in Northern California with her husband of over thirty years. She truly believes that a book that sits on a shelf unread is like a planted seed that never blossoms. Nothing delights her more than sharing a story.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, D.M. is giving away the grand prize of
a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed 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/1iGOX/blaze-of-honor-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, May 19 (Author Interview)
Lots of Helpers, May 20
Artistic Nobody, May 21 (Author Interview)
Guild Master, May 22 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, May 23
Fiction Book Lover, May 24 (Author Interview)
The Bookish Ledger, May 25 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 25
Vicky Sluiter, May 26 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 27
For the Love of Literature, May 28 (Author Interview)
Leslie’s Library Escape, May 29
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 30 (Author Interview)
Blossoms and Blessings, May 31 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 31
Stories By Gina, June 1 (Author Interview)

3 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Hadley The Hippo Is What She Eats by Kayla E. Green (Give.away)

5/29/2026

5 Comments

Hadley the Hippo is hungry, and she won’t rest until she finds something to eat. But as she walks through her jungle home, she finds that the snacks in the jungle have an odd effect on her-they change her color! Still, Hadley munch, munch, munches her way through the greens, blue, purples, oranges, reds, and yellows of the jungle, hoping to finally satisfy the rumbling in her tummy. Along the way, she finds that it really does matter what you consume.

Genre: Children’s Illustrated Book
Release Date: February 10, 2026

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Kayla

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
God has called me to create and share stories as a means of both worship and testimony, and, sometimes, inspiration strikes me seemingly out of nowhere. However, Hadley the Hippo’s story was first planted as a seed within my heart through the lessons on consumption found in 1 John 2:16. After my first appearance on the 5-Minute Parenting Podcast, the seed was watered as I talked more about the concept of “we are what we eat.” Then, when my little girl was born, I lovingly called her my “hungry hippo.” I wanted to write books that she could enjoy sooner rather than later, and the first draft of Hadley the Hippo is What She Eats was soon after written!

#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
Once I started to write down Hadley the Hippo’s story, it only took a couple of hours for me to have a draft I was happy with. But, with querying, professional editing, and illustrating, it took well over a year for the book to be “finished.”

#3. How did you name your characters?
I wanted the hippo to have an “H” name.” I played around with a few and then gave my husband three options. He voted for Hadley, and the name stuck. 😊

#4. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
When I’m not writing or reading, I can be found with my family either singing loudly and off-key to K-LOVE Radio or Ms. Rachel with my little. I can easily get lost in the library and any bookstore if not carefully supervised, and one of my favorite dates I have been on with my husband included browsing bookshelves. I love pink and sparkles and daydreaming about being a unicorn. Fittingly, my Young Adult debut fantasy novel is titled The Goodness of Unicorns. I have more books for teens, tweens, and children planned for the future.

#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 be able to test and approve
what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” –Romans 12:2

More from Kayla

I wrote Hadley the Hippo is What She Eats to provide a fun story to engage small learners. Through the hippo’s journey through the jungle where her color changes based on what she eats, pre-K and primary students can learn about both fruits and colors. But, what’s more, the back of the book contains a note to parents/teachers with activities to discuss the importance of consumption—what we listen to on the radio, watch on TV and online, and read impacts our minds and hearts. Approaching this lesson in an age-appropriate way is important for providing a foundational framework for discernment later in life.

As a former elementary school librarian and classroom teacher turned full-time mother, I know firsthand how play and learning go hand in hand. This principle applies to foundational skills for understanding biblical teachings, character development, math, literacy, and, well, a lot of things! Playing games with your learners can help reinforce that learning is fun–not only is there a game involved, but your learner will get to spend time with YOU!

As a part of the book tour, I’m so excited to share 3 learning games with you! These games are designed with minimal materials but maximum fun. PLUS, they can be modified for various age groups. Find these 3 learning games to play with littles at home here in this online slideshow:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGL0GUW9TM/zHX6mL4Sp2gt06-apfjdMA/view?utm_content=DAGL0GUW9TM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h3c4b129030

Kayla E. Green

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Kayla is giving away the grand prize of
a copy of the book, the companion coloring book, a special cookie
mix from Story Crumbs inspired by Hadley, and a $20 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/efZJQ/hadley-the-hippo-is-what-she-eats-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 19
Simple Harvest Reads, May 20 (Author Interview)
The Bookish Ledger, May 21 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, May 21
Guild Master, May 22 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, May 23
Fiction Book Lover, May 24 (Author Interview)
History, Hope & Happily Ever After, May 25 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, May 26 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, May 27
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 28 (Author Interview)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 29 (Author Interview)
Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, May 29
Blossoms and Blessings, May 30 (Author Interview)
Vicky Sluiter, May 31
Artistic Nobody, June 1

5 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Frogman Puck Origins: The Rising Tides by Joel Chanaca (Give.away)

5/28/2026

5 Comments

Frogman Puck Origins: The Rising Tides
The Legends Awaken: A Hero’s Dream Quest

Embark on an exhilarating journey beneath the waves—where dreams awaken, faith is tested, and a new kind of hero begins to rise.
Frogman Puck Origins introduces readers to Puck, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary dream: to explore the hidden world beneath the surface. What begins as curiosity about mysterious scuba gear in a neighbor’s shed becomes a life-changing adventure—one that carries him from the dreamlike stillness of lily pad ponds into the awe-inspiring reality of deep underwater exploration.
As Puck learns to scuba dive, he uncovers hidden strengths, long-buried secrets, and a mission far greater than he ever imagined. With each descent, the boundary between dream and destiny blurs, drawing him into a world of courage, stewardship, teamwork, and biblical truth.
Told through a unique blend of immersive prose and cinematic illustrations, the story visually mirrors Puck’s growth—shifting from the hazy wonder of childhood imagination to vivid, hyper-realistic underwater missions that place readers right beside him.

Perfect for fans of discovery, mystery, faith-based adventure, and clean action storytelling, Frogman Puck Origins: The Rising Tides is the beginning of an illustrated hero’s journey where imagination meets purpose—and the depths hold more than secrets.

Genre: Christian Sci-Fi / Action & Adventure (Teen & Young Adult)
Release Date: September, 2025

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Joel

1. What was the inspiration for this book?
The inspiration came from a combination of family encouragement and a need I saw in the world. My parents pushed me to try writing fiction, and I realized there was a lack of clean, safe, epic action-adventure stories that families could trust.
I wanted to create a Christian action-adventure universe with superheroes designed for a purpose, grounded in Biblical truth. These stories give young readers, both boys and girls, a chance to dive into imagination, character development, teamwork, and problem-solving, while glorifying God.
The world needed better heroes, ones who were not born perfect but grew into their design through study, discipline, and courage. Frogman Puck was born from that idea, a character whose growth mirrors the journey readers can experience themselves.

2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
Frogman Puck Origins took several years to complete. From the initial concept to the finished manuscript, the process involved writing, revising, and integrating illustrations alongside the text.
Because the series is fully illustrated with cinematic, page-by-page visual storytelling, pacing, and emotional beats require careful attention. I wanted every scene to feel immersive, almost like stepping into a movie. For reluctant readers, the visuals help maintain momentum while the narrative layers in faith-based themes, adventure, and problem-solving.

3. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I was drawn to Christian action-adventure and faith-based sci-fi because it allows me to combine epic storytelling with Biblical worldview fiction.
Adventure, artifact hunts, superheroes, and underwater missions give readers excitement. Embedding moral decision-making, discipline, leadership, and teamwork gives the story lasting value.
I also wanted to reach both the well-read and reluctant readers. Many kids and teens struggle to engage with traditional novels. Having illustrations alongside the text, a flowing narrative, and cinematic action creates a unique experience that engages imagination while teaching principles of design, purpose, and faith.

4. Do you have a favorite character(s) in this book?
Puck is the character I connect with most. His journey mirrors my own: learning, growing, applying discipline, and following the design God has laid out for him.
The other characters are also meaningful. Strong men, strong women, and teenagers, each with their own roles, problem-solving skills, and unique personalities, balance the story. Sometimes the boys do not have the upper hand. Sometimes humor or clever thinking comes from unexpected places. That dynamic makes the world feel real, relatable, and fun.

5. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
I hope readers will walk away with a sense of purpose, courage, and the understanding that they are designed by God for a reason.
I also want families to enjoy reading together. These stories provide safe, clean, epic adventures, layered with faith-based lessons about truth, integrity, teamwork, and stewardship.
Ultimately, I want readers to see that mistakes happen, consequences matter, and following God’s design leads to real growth and transformation, whether in the story or in their own lives.

6. How did you name your characters?
Character names are a combination of real-life inspiration, historical meaning, and symbolism. Many main characters are based on people I have known or worked with, while others reflect spiritual traits or narrative themes.
For example, Team TIDES represents teamwork, integrity, dedication, excellence, and service. RIPTIDE, their opposition, reflects selfish ambition, instability, and deception. Other names echo Biblical symbolism or design traits. The naming process itself often hides subtle layers for observant readers to discover.

7. Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up active, curious, and adventurous. SCUBA diving, surfing, Christian martial arts, camping, boating, fishing, and hunting were all part of my childhood. I also struggled as a reluctant reader. That experience shaped the way I write, providing action and visuals that draw readers in while layering faith-based lessons and deeper meaning.
I serve as a game warden, which informs the realism and ethical foundations in the Frogman Puck series. Every mission, artifact recovery, or environmental stewardship story draws from real-world experience, observation, and design inspired by creation.
I am passionate about storytelling that is both exciting and formative, offering epic adventure for readers of all ages while honoring God’s truth.

8. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
Dive in.
These books are designed to be more than entertainment. They are an experience, faith-based, action-packed, cinematic, and layered with Biblical truth. Explore the story, notice the details, reflect on the lessons, and enjoy the adventure.
Both well-read and reluctant readers will find something new with each reading. Like a SCUBA dive or artifact hunt, the more you look beneath the surface, the more treasures you will discover.

More from Joel

When I set out to write Frogman Puck Origins, I wanted to bring something genuinely new to readers, both those who read constantly and those who sometimes struggle to stay engaged. I envisioned an all-new, fully illustrated novel featuring clean, epic superheroes, told in a way that feels fresh, immersive, and meaningful.

Most superhero stories begin with accidents, mistakes, or powers gained by touching a mysterious artifact. In the world of Frogman Puck, the heroes’ origins are different. Their abilities are forged through purpose, hard work, teamwork, faith, and ingenious design. The story begins with the roots of child-like memories and grows into something much larger, showing how character is built long before power is ever used.

At its heart, Frogman Puck Origins is designed to do two things at once. It invites older readers back to the wonder, curiosity, and imagination of their youth, while encouraging younger readers to dream big, work hard, and plant good seeds that will grow into strong character. It is a story about becoming, not just becoming powerful, but becoming grounded, courageous, and faithful.

The series taps into riddles, adventure, super abilities, and deep friendships, all presented in a format unlike anything else currently on the market. Readers can expect wall-crawling, SCUBA diving, flying, underwater tunnels, octopods, secret labs, personally designed base headquarters, and fierce battles between darkness and light. Every element is layered to reward curiosity and keep pages turning.

Frogman Puck Origins is only the beginning. As the series continues, the world expands, the stakes rise, and the heroes are tested in ways that challenge not only their strength but their values and faith. It is a story built to entertain, inspire, and stay with readers long after the final page.

The Frogman Puck Series is a cinematic, faith-based adventure that grows in depth and intensity with each installment. Origins begins as a dream-driven journey into underwater exploration, where curiosity, mentorship, and imagination awaken a young hero’s calling. Resurgent accelerates into a full-scale action narrative, introducing advanced symbiotic technology, global stakes, and a coordinated enemy operating in the shadows. Reckoning brings the story to its most complex and consequential phase, revealing hidden systems beneath the surface of the world itself and challenging the heroes to confront truth, deception, and sacrifice on a global scale. Across all three books, the series blends illustrated storytelling, clean action, and biblical themes to explore stewardship, courage, faith, and what it means to answer a call—one step, one mission, and one choice at a time.

God Bless, Joel Chanaca

Joel Chanaca

Joel Chanaca is a four-time Global Book Awards–winning author whose stories blend adventure, heart, humor, and faith. His work has been recognized across multiple categories, including Humor and Heart, Children’s Books, and Teen & Young Adult Action & Adventure—celebrating storytelling that inspires without compromising imagination or excitement. Alongside his writing career, Joel serves as a game warden with over twenty-six years of experience in wildlife law enforcement and public safety. His lifelong connection to the outdoors—shaped by years of camping, fishing, canoeing, scuba diving, and animal care—deeply informs the authenticity and spirit of his stories.

Joel is the creator of the Frogman Puck illustrated novel series, a cinematic, faith-based adventure world designed to engage
reluctant readers, families, and young adults alike. The series pairs full narrative storytelling with rich illustrations to reawaken
wonder, visual imagination, and purpose-driven heroism. In 2025, Joel also released a newly illustrated edition of Patches the Cat
Is a Thief, bringing fresh life to the award-winning story that first captured readers’ hearts. Whether crafting lighthearted animal tales
or epic underwater adventures, Joel’s work consistently reflects themes of character, stewardship, courage, friendship, and hope.

“The elements of design are all around us. If we pause long enough
to look, we can see how God has made a place for us. Beyond
the wonders of the earth, His plan reaches into eternity.”

Your honest review helps independent, faith-driven stories continue to grow. Thank you for being part of the journey.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate his tour, Joel is giving away the grand prize of
a $50 Amazon gift card and an autographed 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/c1Hae/frogman-puck-origins-the-rising-tides-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 15 (Author Interview)
Books Less Travelled, May 16 (Author Interview)
History, Hope & Happily Ever After, May 17 (Author Interview)
Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, May 18 (Author Interview)
The Lofty Pages, May 19
Simple Harvest Reads, May 20 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, May 21 (Author Interview)
Guild Master, May 22 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, May 22
Fiction Book Lover, May 23 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 24
The Bookish Ledger, May 25 (Author Interview)
Vicky Sluiter, May 26 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, May 27 (Author Interview)
Blogging With Carol, May 27
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 28 (Author Interview)

5 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Stronger Than The Storm by Deena Adams (Give.away)

5/13/2026

10 Comments

A runaway teen. A wife’s devastating secret.
A family’s reckoning.

Since surviving a rocky season in her marriage nineteen years earlier, Beth Holbrook has prayed and worked toward maintaining a solid marital commitment, raising godly children, and leading a thriving parenting ministry. On the cusp of realizing her publication dream and expanding her influence nationwide, her daughter, Leesa, runs away without a word.
Having recently turned eighteen and graduated from high school, Leesa is livid with her parents for not allowing her to attend a beach party, especially when the only guy who has ever shown interest in her will be there. When her best friend suggests they escape their parents’ strict rules and move to Myrtle Beach together, she makes a spontaneous decision to leave town. A mere six weeks later she returns home with shocking news that affects not only her future, but her family’s.
While grappling with a volatile blend of failure and anger, Beth’s identity as a pastor’s wife, mom, and respected parenting coach disintegrates. Amid mounting conflict in her marriage, continued criticism from her mother, and strained relationships with her children, Beth confesses a long-held secret, shattering her already splintered family.

As a hurricane bears down on the Holbrook’s house, the storm raging within the walls threatens to rip apart the fragile stitches holding their family together. When Beth’s solid foundation crumbles, will her family survive intact? Or is her contrition too little, too late?

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction
Release Date: April 28, 2026

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Deena

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
A really hard season twenty years ago when our nineteen-year-old daughter ran off with a word and returned home pregnant. I’m a firm believer that when we’re vulnerable and share our struggles with others, God can bring good from our mess. My desire for Stronger than the Storm is that the story will encourage those going through tough times and will give them hope.

#2. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I’ve always gravitated to family drama movies, television shows, and books, especially those based on or inspired by true stories, so writing those types of novels was an easy decision.
As a pastor’s wife, God has given me countless opportunities over the years to talk with women who struggle with marriage problems, deal with rebellious children, or face other painful circumstances, so writing stories that address those tough topics and offer hope in Christ is my passion.

#3. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
Aside from my three point-of-view characters—Beth, Kevin, and Leesa, one of my favorites is Jackson Donohue. He’s Leesa’s childhood friend, who becomes much more to her later in the book. He’s the kind of guy every woman deserves to have by their side.
I also love Beth’s best friend, Teresa, because she’s loosely based on my best friend, also named Teresa, who stood by me through many challenging times. Everyone needs a Teresa in their life.

#4. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
Oh, there are so many things I want readers to grasp through the really difficult situations every Stronger than the Storm character must overcome. But I guess the main takeaway I hope for readers is that the Holbrook family’s faith journey inspires them to cling to the Lord no matter what they’re facing and to know that transparency and vulnerability are a path to healing.

#5. If you could change one thing in your life, past or present, what would it be?
I would’ve surrendered to Christ’s Lordship much sooner and spent more quality time with my children when they were still at home. I have way too many regrets.

More from Deena

Crafting a novel from authentic life experiences is a challenging task, but it’s one I sensed God’s call to undertake. If the Lord can encourage those facing heartbreaking situations through my struggles as the mother of a prodigal twenty years ago, I’m all in.

Growing up, I tried my hardest to please my parents and teachers, but I always felt I didn’t measure up. As a Type A person, I’m sure that mindset was my doing, not theirs.

Fast forward to my season as a young mom, and my insecurities ramped up even more. When I became a Christian in my late twenties, I already had three small children and longed to be the world’s best mother and do everything right. I saw my kids’ mistakes as an indictment of my parenting abilities, leading me to believe myself a failure and to try harder to succeed.

With that attitude, you can imagine how I reacted when our teenage daughter ran away from home and returned pregnant—especially since my husband is the pastor of our church. Let’s just say it wasn’t pretty.

The emotional upheaval I endured while watching our child make one poor decision after another revealed my many shortcomings. Among the important lessons God taught me was what a shallow person I’d been and how much I wanted others’ respect and for them to find me acceptable—no, exceptional. Sadly, I was at a place in life where other people’s opinions seemed to carry more weight than my children’s feelings, but I was blind to my faults.

As I walked through the deep valley with a prodigal, God, in His great mercy, opened my eyes and showed me the truth about myself.

My journey of healing and restoration with our daughter was the catalyst for my debut novel, Stronger than the Storm. I pray that the challenging themes I address will uplift those going through extreme difficulty and that the embedded truths inspire hope in Jesus.

In my book, the Holbrook’s crisis begins as ours did, with a teen runaway getting pregnant by a guy she barely knew. I incorporated some factual events from our lives and drew many of the characters’ raw emotions from personal history. Although I gave Beth Holbrook, the mother in the story, a few of my personality traits, including the passion to be a supermom and failing miserably, the bulk of this family’s journey is fictional.

My experience as an adult daughter inspired the revelation of a long-kept secret in the latter part of the book. To avoid spoilers, I’ll simply state that nothing prepares anyone for such devastating news.

Yet, amid turmoil and unexpected adversity, God is still on the throne and has a perfect plan for our good and His glory. When we surrender everything to Him, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus through life’s storms, we can gain true peace and cling to the truth that God is stronger than anything we face.

In Stronger than the Storm, the Holbrook family must come to this understanding as well. As you read the book, I trust that this family’s journey, and mine, will provide you with encouragement and hope.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good
of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28 (NLT)

Deena Adams

As a Jesus girl for more than thirty years, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true to life stories.
She is a Certified Mental Health Coach, a multi-award-winning author, an active ACFW member, founder of the Marathon online writers group, and a six-year ACFW Virginia board member.
Deena lives with her husband near the coast in beautiful Virginia. When she’s not writing, reading, or serving in her church, you’ll find her hanging out with family and friends, playing board games, and doting on her seven grandchildren.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Deena is giving away the grand prize of
a $50 Amazon gift card and a paperback 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/dYgBP/stronger-than-the-storm-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, May 7 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, May 8 (Author Interview)
Fruitfully Planted, May 8
Guild Master, May 9 (Author Interview)
Inspired by Fiction, May 10
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 11
Fiction Book Lover, May 12 (Author Interview)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 13 (Author Interview)
Blossoms and Blessings, May 14 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, May 15
Stories By Gina, May 16 (Author Interview)
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 17 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys , May 17
Books, Books, & More Books, May 18 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, May 19
Blogging With Carol, May 20

10 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Best Seller by Christina Rost (Give.away)

5/9/2026

4 Comments

When crime fiction novelist Kelly Landon agrees to write a memoir for an eccentric, elderly gentleman, her quiet life turns upside-down.

Unbeknownst to her, the memoir is peppered with clues leading to a rare collection of stolen jewels from World War II. After the memoir makes the best-seller list, Kelly finds herself in the crosshairs of a decades-old vendetta.

Now, instead of enjoying her rise to literary fame, she’s thrust into the dangerous world of treasure hunting.

While Kelly struggles to win the game of cat-and-mouse, a secret family legacy is unearthed, forcing her to choose between trusting her charming literary agent or her vigilant bodyguard to keep her safe.

As the three of them become entangled in a web of deceit, it’s a race to see who’s the villain, who’s the hero, and who holds all the pieces to solve the mystery of the best seller.

Genre: Romantic Suspense/Mystery
Release Date: August 6, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Christina

#1. I love a good who-dun-it. So, when I set to write about treasure hunting I know I didn’t want it to just be a journey, but a mystery my readers would enjoy unraveling.

#2. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
I hope they take away two things. A sense of hope and belief in redemption and that good does conquer evil. And I wish my readers would take away an interest in history, one of my favorite subjects. I’ve been asked if there was such thing as the children’s books mentioned in Best Seller, and while I did make them up the concept came from real events that happened during WW2 such as the book burning in the German city squares. I hope that any of the books I write spurs the reader to question, research, and expand their learning.

#3. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
This book was the first book I pitched to agents, so that was kind of exciting. However, I was a novice and every time I sat down with an agent I had hard time articulating what the story was actually about—writer nerves. I ended up writing my pitch in my phone notes and reading it from there. Oh, and the pitch was really long, more like a synopsis. Every agent I met with suggested making it shorter. It took several drafts to finally find my elevator pitch. The tagline on the back of the book is the shortest version of that pitch, so every time I read it, it makes me smile remembering those first-time writer jitters!

#4. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
5 things about me:
I married my high school sweetheart, my first kiss and my first true love. My husband has been my never-ending support in all my creative endeavors.
I love watching stories come to life on stage. If I could attend a different play every month, I would. And the smaller the theatre the better.
I could sit in a coffee shop for hours talking with my close friends, and at times I often do. There’s something about a coffee shop atmosphere that just feels cozy and calls you to relax and converse. Seasonal drinks are my favorite to order!
A perfect day out for me would be browsing antiques, finding a deal on an old, tattered book, lunch at a tearoom and of course writing in a coffee shop until dark.
And finally, I use too many emojis when I text. I sometimes forget when I’m sending a “serious or professional” text that maybe I should refrain, and well … what can I do? The emojis have already been sent. 😊

#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
Psalm 121 is one of my go-to passages in times of uncertainty or sorrow. I lived several years in the Pacific Northwest, and the mountain views were amazing. You can’t help but be in awe of them. However, in order to enjoy the view, you need to look up!
This passage starts off with,

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Then finishes the with

The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in …

These words are a reminder to lift my head and seek the Lord in all circumstances, and that He alone has the power to guide me and keep me safe.

More from Christina

There is a certain in-between place where creatives tend to linger — a space where reality meets imagination and stories quietly begin. It’s where we observe the world as it is, then wonder how it might unfold just a little differently. That space is where my writing lives, and it’s where Best Seller was born.

Before novels, though, there was coffee. My very first “real” job as a teen was working as a barista, and I loved it. I wasn’t just making drinks — I was mixing flavors and letting my imagination wander between orders. There’s something comforting about coffee, something that invites reflection and creativity. Looking back, it makes perfect sense that it found its way into my stories.

In Best Seller, my main character Kelly Landon is a crime fiction writer with a carefully guarded heart. She’s shy, introverted, and far more comfortable with quiet moments than crowded rooms. Her love of seasonal coffee blends mirrors her inner world — thoughtful, layered, and hopeful beneath the surface. But Kelly’s heart is fragile, and without being anchored in God’s love and truth, it can be easily swayed by the promise of earthly acceptance.

Enter Declan — her outgoing literary agent with unassuming Irish charm and a way with words. Can you blame Kelly for daydreaming? For wondering if love might be possible after all?

To celebrate Best Seller, I created the Writer Girl Latte, inspired by my barista days and Kelly’s story. Cozy, creative, sweet, and just a little indulgent — because sometimes the best stories begin with a warm cup and a willing heart.

So, pour yourself something warm, settle in, and step into the mystery of Best Seller — it’s only the beginning.

And remember, Love is a Mystery!

-Christina

Christina Rost

Christina Rost is an award-winning author, mother to three amazing children, and is married to her high school sweetheart. While she currently resides in Oklahoma City, she’s lived all over the US, a few years in the UK, and loves to travel. When she isn’t spending time with her family or writing you’ll find her chatting over coffee and perusing antique stores for tattered books.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Christina is giving away the grand prize of
a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed 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/V74x6/best-seller-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 29
Stories By Gina, April 30 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, May 1 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, May 1
Pause for Tales, May 2
Artistic Nobody, May 3 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 4
Guild Master, May 5 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, May 6
Fiction Book Lover, May 7 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, May 8
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 9 (Author Interview)
Lily’s Corner, May 10
Blossoms and Blessings, May 11 (Author Interview)
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 12 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, May 12

4 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Resurrection Rest by Courtney Lyman (Give.away)

5/1/2026

5 Comments

Gerard Truman frantically arrived at Holliday Hotel in need of a place to stay that was near the clinic in Willow Creek. His sister, Stacie, was ill and the prognosis didn’t look good. Carol Holliday immediately welcomed Gerard and placed him in the room she called Resurrection Rest. Dr. Eva Livingston was an intelligent, driven doctor. Direct, serious, and lacking compassion, she was not known for her bedside manner. Seeing no hope for Stacie, she urges Gerard to say his good-byes and remove his sister from life-support. As she battles Gerard, Eva is forced to take a look at herself and reevaluate how she is faring as a doctor. His faith shakes her and even as she is frustrated by his determination, she finds herself drawn to him as well. But it will take a miracle for this arrogant doctor to change.

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance
Release Date: April 18, 2018

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Courtney

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
The Holliday Hotel series is set at a bed-and-breakfast where each room is themed after a different holiday. Resurrection Rest is the third book in the series and is set at Easter. Immediately the thought that came to mind was that the story needed to tell the readers about the hope found in the resurrection of Jesus, but it needed to be in a contemporary setting. Knowing a few people who experienced medical miracles where they, in some ways, went from life to death, helped me to shape the rest of the story.

#2. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I love reading any type of Christian romances, so it was easy to pick that one to write in. The stories that God has given me have all tended to be in the contemporary portion of that genre.

#3. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
I hope that they will take away that our hope is in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and that believing in Him is the way of salvation. Also, I hope that they will see that God still does miracles today.

#4. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
I have been married to my husband, Joel, for 25 years. We have three children together who are heading towards adulthood. Our oldest is finishing her final year of college, our middle just started college, and our youngest started high school this year. We also have two cats – Chase who is our chunky ginger cat, and Selena who is our little, snuggly gray cat. We are blessed to live near both of our parents and my grandparents which has allowed our kids to be surrounded by family.

#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
After teaching for almost a decade, I was led to go back to being a stay-at-home mom, but feel like I am in a season of waiting for what comes next. This has made this verse important to me right now:

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your
heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Psalm 27:14

More from Courtney

Easter is my favorite holiday because it celebrates the hope, restoration, and new life that Christians have in Jesus. It remembers Jesus’s death as the sacrifice that saved us, but also the power of the resurrection which gives us the hope of eternal life with Him. I can’t think of a better message to share with others.

When I began to write the Holliday Hotel series, I wanted to show how God is visible in all of the celebrations that we observe, and Resurrection Rest holds a special place as a celebration of God’s salvation for all people.

In today’s world, it can feel like God doesn’t still work miracles as medical treatments and professionals can get the credit for healing, but I have had the pleasure of witnessing several times where the doctors said one thing, but God intervened. A beloved grandmother figure who was so badly ill with sepsis that the doctors said that the family needed to say their good-byes only to have her not only survive, but thrive. A family friend who was hit by a drunk driver who should not have survived the night, or come out of the coma, or be able to move and speak, but defied the odds. My mother who was in a car accident that broke her neck and should have left her paralyzed, but didn’t. God is still active and working. His power has not diminished!

Resurrection Rest shows that God’s power is still at work in the world today and that His salvation is for everyone. I hope that you enjoy this Easter story of hope and love, and then come back to visit Holliday Hotel to celebrate other holidays through the year!

Courtney Lyman

Courtney Lyman lives in Tucson, Arizona with her husband, their three children, and two cats. She is the author of the KW Consulting series, the Holliday Hotel series, as well as several Christmas novellas. She stays busy with her family’s activities, her ministries at church, and in whatever time is left, knitting, singing, and playing games.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Courtney is giving away the grand prize of
a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a paperback 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/Y6AMa/resurrection-rest-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Stories By Gina, April 24 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, April 25 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, April 26 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 27
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 28
Fiction Book Lover, April 29 (Author Interview)
The Bookish Ledger, April 30 (Author Interview)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 1 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, May 1
Texas Book-aholic, May 2
Blossoms and Blessings, May 3 (Author Interview)
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 4 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, May 4
Books, Books, & More Books, May 5 (Author Interview)
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 6 (Author Interview)
Guild Master, May 7

5 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Hannah's Quest by Jodie Wolfe (Give.away)

4/28/2026

5 Comments

Hannah Moore escapes the overbearing grip of her relatives and forges her own way in Shippensburg, PA, far away from their clutches. Despite Hannah’s sheer determination, she finds life on her own daunting as she loses job after job. Unsure where she fits in, Hannah wonders if she’ll ever be good enough. She feels as if God has forsaken her and questions if she will ever find a place to belong. The last thing she needs is an ignorant shop keeper constantly questioning her abilities and standing in her way. Hannah will take almost any position available so as not to return to the place of her upbringing.
Luke Weiser has one goal in mind—finding a way to save his grandmother and restore her health. Only trouble is, she has other ideas about what is best for her. Gran longs to see Luke’s return to faith in the Lord, but he blames God for his grandmother’s sickness and the tragic events of his childhood. After the death of his mother, followed by his father’s abandonment, Luke refuses to trust his heart to anyone, and certainly not a wife. When Hannah keeps popping up in the hardware shop where he works, Luke is forced to think twice about his convictions.
Can two bruised hearts follow their personal quests and discover healing in the process?

Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: July 13, 2025

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Jodie

1. What was the inspiration for this book?
Hannah’s Quest and the entire series have a common theme of prodigals. I didn’t originally intend for it to be the inspiration, but then God brought about a prodigal child in our own lives three years ago. It’s a path we’re still walking on.

2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
I’m not positive, but I’m pretty sure it was about six months from start to finish.

3. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I came to really enjoy and appreciate the historical genre as a child reading the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I also wanted to include love stories in my writing, since God wrote the best love story of all time.

4. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
My favorite, is probably my hero’s grandmother, Anna Burkholder.

5. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
Where do I begin? My husband and I will be married 39 years come December. Even after all this time, he’s my best friend. Someone I love to spend time with each day. We have two sons in their 30s and seven grandchildren. Unfortunately, we don’t get to see any of them very often. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, walking, and knitting.

One interesting tidbit about me…I didn’t love history in school because I wasn’t good at memorizing dates for a test. But once I started researching stories throughout history, I fell in love with it. Whenever possible, I try to weave some of those throughout my stories. I’m especially enjoying the research for my upcoming book, Sarah’s Search.

More from Jodie

It’s been such a joy to set a series in the town where I graduated from college almost 40 years ago. I’m so thankful my husband suggested it, as it’s been a lot of fun digging into the history of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding area during the 19th century. Before this series, all my other books had settings in the Mid-west—Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas.

When I started writing the first book, Abigail’s Pursuit, quite a number of years ago, I never intended to create a series about prodigals, let alone experience the pain of it in my life… but God knew what the future held. While each of the books in this Time to Come Home Series revolves around the common theme of a prodigal, each of the tales is a stand-alone. My prayer is for those who have children who have wandered away, or perhaps were once prodigals themselves, or even others who enjoy Christian historical romance with strong spiritual themes—that each of these groups find encouragement through reading this series.

Hannah’s Quest was exciting to write as I incorporated information about one of the oldest continually run hardware stores in PA that is still operating to this day, even though it’s changed names various times through the years. I hope you’ll enjoy stepping back in time to a small town in south-central PA where faith and family are celebrated.

Jodie Wolfe

JODIE WOLFE loves writing historical fiction after years as a homeschooling mom. She creates novels where hope and quirky meet. Jodie is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHLCW). She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. Jodie enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, knitting, and walking.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Jodie is giving away the grand prize of a Kindle!!

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

https://gleam.io/NokHu/hannahs-quest-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, April 18
Stories By Gina, April 19 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, April 20 (Author Interview)
Fruitfully Planted, April 20
Artistic Nobody, April 21 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 22
Guild Master, April 23 (Author Interview)
Fiction Book Lover, April 24 (Author Interview)
Vicky Sluiter, April 25 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, April 26
For the Love of Literature, April 27 (Author Interview)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 28 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, April 28
Blossoms and Blessings, April 29 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, April 30
The Bookish Ledger, May 1 (Author Interview)

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Sooner Or Later by Vickie McDonough (Give.away)

4/20/2026

8 Comments

Rebekah’s dreams have become a nightmare.

For years, Rebekah’s mother told her that sooner or later a handsome man would come along and sweep her off her feet. That was before her mother and brother had died and her stepfather arranged for her to marry their repulsive neighbor in exchange liquor and a half-side of beef. She won’t marry the vile older man and flees in the dark of night.
Mason Danfield has no interest in a wife. He’s focused on caring for his motherless niece and nephew. But when Mason finds a young woman stranded on the side of the trail, he can’t leave her behind to possible die on the prairie.
A chance encounter with Jake, the children’s father, ends up with Mason riding in the 1889 Oklahoma land run. He hopes to get land for Jake and the children. Maybe then he can talk Jake into marrying Rebekah, so she can have a home and stay with the children she has come to love. But for some reason, the idea of her and Jale together doesn’t sit well with Mason.

Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: March 31, 2026

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Vickie

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
I live in Oklahoma, and I wanted to write a story that shared some of our unique history. This book’s hero ends up riding in the first Oklahoma land rush. I knew the heroine’s story would be a runaway bride tale. When you read her story, you’ll be cheering for her.

#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
About six months. The book is on the shorter side so it didn’t take too long.

#3. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I grew up watching cowboy shows with my dad and fell in love with horses, cowboys, and the Old West, so when I started writing, it was natural to write about that.

#4. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
I think most people will cheer for the heroine when you read her story. Although the hero has an equally painful background. There are also two cute youngster that will charm you.

#5. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
I want readers to know that we all go through difficult times, but we don’t have to cave-in to our emotions when God it there to help us through.

#6. How did you name your characters?
I usually pick a name I like that I think suits the character. I’ll admit that I have sometimes resorted to searching historical baby name books in search of the perfect name.

#7. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
I was at a writers’ conference when my editor announced that she was buying a three-book series from me, which turned out to be my Oklahoma trilogy. Up to that point, I’d only written novellas, which are about ¼ the length of a novel. Needless to say, I was stunned and thrilled.

#8. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
I was born and raised in Oklahoma. Although I did spend a year in Israel shortly after I was married. We lived and worked on a kibbutz—a communal farm. It was wonderful experience.
My husband, Robert, and I have four grown sons, a daughter-in-law, and a twenty-year-old granddaughter, who is studying forensics in college.

#9. If you could change one thing in your life, past or present, what would it be?
I would have liked to travel more.

#10. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
Writing book reviews at online sights is very helpful for authors. You don’t need to summarize the book, instead, write what you liked most about it.

#11. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
Jeremiah 29:11 is one of my favorite verses.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares
the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to
harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I know that whatever this world throws at me, I will make it through because God is walking with me. The same can be true for you.

Excerpt from the Book

April 2nd, 1889
Indian Territory

Never in her life had Rebekah Bailey done anything so daring, but then she’d never been this desperate before. She peered over her shoulder at the dilapidated house as she tiptoed toward the barn. Good. Still dark.

The full moon illuminated the rickety A-frame shack that had been her home for as long as she could remember. The breath she’d been holding came out on a ragged sigh. At least she’d managed to get out of the house without Curtis hearing her. But she was far from safe.

Her heartbeat resounded in her ears, and she was certain her closest neighbors, who lived miles away, could hear it. Hugging her ma’s ancient carpetbag against her chest, she quickened her pace.

A sharp creak in the direction of the house jerked Rebekah from her reverie. With a quick tug on the reins, she turned Prince west and kicked his sides. West toward the open plains and Indian Territory. Then northwest toward Denver–and freedom. She prayed it was the last place Curtis would think to look for her.

The chanting of tree frogs gave music to her ride, and an owl hooted somewhere in a nearby tree. She used to love the sounds of the night, but now they only reminded her that she was alone. Hoping to ward off the night chill, she tugged her frayed cloak around her. The world seemed normal, asleep, as it should in the middle of the night. But she felt anything except normal. Her world had fallen apart this evening with Curtis’s declaration. Nothing would ever be same for her. She shivered at the memory. “I’ve made a deal with Giles Wilbur,” Curtis had said, grinning with pride. “Swapped you for a half side of beef and some moonshine. In the morning, you’ll be moving in with him and be his woman.” Thoughts of the filthy, drunken sloth of a man more than twice her age made her blood run cold. How could Curtis expect her to live with Mr. Wilbur without the sanctity of marriage? How could he simply swap her like she were livestock—something to be bartered? Bile churned in her stomach and burned a path to her throat. Tears blurred her vision and streamed down her cheeks.

She’d never felt so alone. Completely alone–as though not a single person in the world cared for her. But the gentle touch of the wind to her cheeks reminded her of the One who never failed. Rebekah turned to her heavenly Father as Prince trotted down the dark road. “Protect me, Lord–and show me the way. And Father . . . oh, Father, give me courage for the ride ahead and strengthen Prince’s old bones–”

The faint sound of approaching hoof beats intruded on Rebekah’s prayer.

Oh, no! Curtis!

She was certain her heart would jump clear out of her chest. The reins nearly slipped from her trembling hands. Fear of what was behind her overpowered the fear of what was ahead.

Taking a deep, determined breath, and with a firm grip on the reins, Rebekah dug her heels into Prince’s side.

“He–yah!!!” she cried softly.

Prince vaulted into a gallop and raced down the road.

Vickie McDonough

Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA and Amazon best-selling author of 54 books and novellas. Vickie grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie’s books have won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best, OWFI Best Fiction Novel Award, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, making cards, gardening, and traveling.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Vickie 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/mieGk/sooner-or-later-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 7
Texas Book-aholic, April 8
Artistic Nobody, April 9 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, April 9
For Him and My Family, April 10
Happily Managing a Houehold of Boys, April 11
Guild Master, April 12 (Author Interview)
Books You Can Feel Good About, April 13
lakesidelivingsite, April 14
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 15
Fiction Book Lover, April 16 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, April 17 (Guest Review from Donna)
Cover Lover Book Review, April 18
Holly’s Book Corner, April 19
Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 20 (Author Interview)
Jodie Wolfe, April 20

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Cerulean Rose by Demi Griffin (Give.away)

4/20/2026

5 Comments

Hidden in a tiny cottage away from the ordinary existence of Cerulean’s citizens, Aural lived a simple life with her father in Sabean Woods. When he is struck by a serious illness, that ordinary life suddenly became extraordinary.
In search of a physician, Aural breaks her promise never to leave the woods. When her path crosses with a Mystic, the manipulative Duchess, and the Prince of Cerulean, Aural realizes something beyond her simple quest to help her dying father has mapped out her journey.
An ancient legend about a brotherly rivalry that resulted in tragedy stirs up the Fates guarding Cerulean. If the Cerulean Rose doesn’t bloom again, the kingdom is destined to perish.
A wild path filled with romance, mystery, and intrigue shapes Aural’s heart in ways she could not have imagined as she gets sucked into the legend. Would it be enough to restore the foundation of true love that established the kingdom of Cerulean hundreds of years ago? Could a simple girl satisfy the Fates, capture a prince’s heart, overcome a king’s prejudice, and save Cerulean’s Rose?

Genre: Romantasy/Fairy Tale Retelling
Release Date: January 20, 2026

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with D.M.

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
Cinderella, one of my favorite childhood fairy tales, inspired Cerulean Rose. I always enjoyed that romantic tale, but felt the poor prince was a little flat. His character was so underdeveloped that I wanted to give him another layer. What if he didn’t start out charming? What if he was arrogant and bossy? Could he recognize true love if he saw it in one he deemed below him? With those questions swirling in my mind, The Fates Trilogy was born.

#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
Cerulean Rose took a little over a month to write. I originally envisioned it as a standalone novel, but after weaving in a subtle faith element and reaching an unforeseen conclusion, I realized it was destined to become a trilogy. Part of the fantasy world setting for this novel includes two kingdoms that have a fractured view of God, reducing His divine power into attributes instead of seeing Him as a whole being. I wondered what it would be like if people related to God only through certain traits like love or justice or hope, never connecting them. Then what if God’s messengers went to war because people lost sight of Him as a being and only thought of His attributes as a way of life? Those ideas span the three novels, bringing a conclusion that links the fairy tales and scripture.

#3. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
After delving into a multitude of books in this particular literary style, I couldn't resist feeling a surge of creative energy. Fairy tales have always held a special place in my heart. After spending years writing an epic fantasy series—without a doubt, the most difficult project I've tackled so far—I was looking forward to something less complicated. This trilogy, while different from my epic fantasy, still boasts a wealth of complex plot developments and a creative backstory that completely absorbed me in its narratives. I had a blast writing it.

#4. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
While I don’t like picking favorites… I have to say that Enris, a side-character with a lot of charm, truly stole my heart. He was quite unexpected. So much so that he gets his own story in Scarlet Oak. But, I can’t say too much about him without giving spoilers, so you will just have to trust me that he is complicated and charming. His story arc over the three books was my favorite. Shh—don’t tell the others.

#5. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
One of the things I hope readers will take away when reading this book is the power of true love. A love that is blessed by the divine. The anchor verse for Cerulean Rose comes from Song of Solomon 2:1-3. But the takeaway I hope readers get from immersing themselves in this story comes from 1 Corinthians 13:8-10.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will be done
away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease.
Where there is knowledge, it will be done away with. For we know
in part and we prophesy in part; but when that which is complete
has come, then that which is partial will be done away with.

More from D.M.

The inspiration behind The Fates Trilogy came after I spent a few years crafting an epic fantasy series called The Illumination Chronicles. I wanted to write something light-hearted and less involved. What began as a simple idea for a single story quickly escalated into a trilogy—all because of the final scene in the first book. Though it isn’t a cliffhanger, my author’s mind grabbed onto the possibilities, and the second book invaded my dreams at night. Then the third. The combination of romance and fantasy was too much fun to stop at writing one book.

The royalty element is what I enjoy most about the stories in this series. Exploring the complicated relationships between fathers and sons, and the unspoken bond of brotherhood, added depth to the otherwise light-hearted stories. In this trilogy, the Christian influence is less pronounced than in my other novels, but the overarching themes of unity and sacrifice reach their peak in the final book.

The characters in The Fates Trilogy struggle with issues that echo Christian values. Some of the issues include the sting of prejudice, the challenge of forgiveness, and the ache of feeling forsaken. Each book dives deeper into those ideas until they culminate in the epic climax in the last story.

However, my main goal in the first book was to ensure that the narrative centered on the theme of love. Fairy tales swirled in my mind during my childhood, weaving vibrant worlds in my imagination. Cinderella was one of my favorite fairy tales, so it comes as no surprise that those vibes worked their way into this story. Yet, putting my own spin on it, I added depth, intrigue, and instead of glass slippers… a blue rose.

While the vibes of that classic story have found their way into Cerulean Rose, it pulses with its own heartbeat. The faint imprint of a quest for true love feels familiar … but there is so… much…. more.

Demi Griffin

Demi (also D.M. Griffin) Griffin is the author of several novels and has won multiple literary awards. Her novels in The Encounter Series won various Independent Author awards in the category of Religious Fiction. She writes Christian Fantasy, Biblical, and Historical Fiction. She currently resides in Northern California with her husband of over thirty years. She truly believes that a book that sits on a shelf unread is like a planted seed that never blossoms. Nothing delights her more than sharing a story.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Demi is giving away the grand prize of
a $25 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/s3FDM/cerulean-rose-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Book Looks by Lisa, April 10
Simple Harvest Reads, April 11 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, April 11
Lily’s Corner, April 12
Artistic Nobody, April 13 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 14
Guild Master, April 15 (Author Interview)
The Lofty Pages, April 16
Fiction Book Lover, April 17 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, April 18
For the Love of Literature, April 19 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, April 19
Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 20 (Author Interview)
Leslie’s Library Escape, April 21
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 22
Blossoms and Blessings, April 23 (Author Interview)

5 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - God Storys by Victorya Wright (Give.away)

4/16/2026

7 Comments

Do you have a personal mantra that guides you? Have you ever felt God’s presence so strongly that it seemed as if He was right beside you? Do you seek His wisdom when faced with tough decisions?
For me, my constant prayer is “Not in my own strength, Lord. Not in my own strength. Guide me. Direct me. Help me.” Since childhood I have experienced God’s undeniable presence, leading me in ways both profound and personal. There are moments when I turn, expecting to see someone beside me, only to realize it is His unseen nearness. When uncertainty arises, I seek clarity through prayer and my own version of the ancient Thummim and Urim – trusting Him to reveal the way forward. God Storys is a compilation of 30 true, standalone vignettes that testify to these Divine encounters – extraordinary moments that are not mere coincidences, but God-instances. May these stories inspire you, strengthen your faith, and open your eyes to His presence in your own life.

Genre: Non-Fiction; Inspirational
Release Date: October 14, 2025

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Victorya

#1. What was the inspiration behind this book?
The inspiration behind this book began in my childhood. Even as a young child I had a personal relationship with God. As the events of my life unfolded, I didn't initially attribute them to God but looking back I realize He has had his hand on my life from the very beginning. I began talking about God stories decades ago. I marveled at the different circumstances, situations, and stories that God produced in my life. Not all of them were happy stories but they all had purposeful results or endings. I was keenly aware of the sovereignty of God and His many amazing attributes. The 30 true stories in my/His book are all nonfiction. They range from my birth and resuscitation during a Los Angeles earthquake in 1952 to surprising travels abroad. They are all stories about Him, and I am passionate about proclaiming what He has done. As I told my/His God stories over the years and decades, family and friends encouraged me to write about them. Over those years, my faithful prayer partners prodded me to write this book. It was in, or around, the year 2018 when God Himself, directed me to write them through His familiar God Tap/directive in my life.

#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
I began writing my/His book in the spring of 2019. God directed me to go away for several days to focus and concentrate on my writing. I was able to complete the book in that one chunk of time while I was away in the Sierra Nevada mountains in Twain Harte, California. Writing the book was twofold. It was easy to write because they were familiar stories that were true that I did not have to imaginatively create. But the stories were personal and I found myself resistant to sharing them in public as I am predominantly a very private person and sharing my stories was out of my comfort zone. The process from writing to actual book release was from spring of 2019 until October of 2025 … six years.

#3. What people influenced you the most while writing about this topic?
God influenced me the most while writing His book. As I remembered, wrote, and relayed the many stories, He connected the dots and I saw His purpose in all of them.
Other influencers were my many prayer partners to whom I have dedicated the book. They were very encouraging, supportive, even prodding and my impetus to take action.

#4. How has writing about this particular topic changed your own life?
As I remembered, wrote, and relayed the many stories my own faith in Him, and my personal relationship with Him, grew deeper and stronger. Seeing so many of the things that He accomplished in my life in one place, between the covers of my/His book resulted in my confidence and trust in His love and provision. The roots of my faith are growing even more deeply as I witness and proclaim what He has done, and is doing, through His work.

#5. What do you hope your readers will remember after finishing this book?
It is my goal that the readers of my/His book will recognize and grow deeper in their own personal relationships with God. It is my prayer that people will see God in their own lives in a new, fresh and reliant way. I hope that individuals will perceive their own personal God stories and proclaim them. God Storys is intended for people of all ages and all genders.

#6. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
God gave me the verse Psalm 40:1-3 ESV in 1982 when I was a student at a non-denominational Christian Learning Center for 3 months in Julian, CA called the Julian Center. The Julian Center was patterned after the Schaefer’s L ‘Abri, in Switzerland. While at the Julian Center I was transitioning from my life in the world to my life in Christ. The verses Psalm 40:1-3 reflected my life experiences to date. That verse is my life verse, my favorite verse, it belongs to me. My/His book, God Storys, is a profound manifestation of that verse.

I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet
upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new
song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many
will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.
Psalm 40:1-3 ESV

More from Victorya

I have been asked, “What is the purpose of this book? I believe that the answer to that question lies in the fact that you are holding this book in your hands and reading these God storys. That is not a coincidence; it is another God incidence. I do not believe in coincidence. I believe that our lives and our world are beautifully orchestrated by a very personal, very relational Creator.

This book is not about me; it is not about spiritual one-upmanship. This book is all about Him … about having a relationship with Him. I am an ordinary person; I am an ordinary Christian. I am merely His scribe writing out of obedience. Even the cover and subtitle of this book reflect God storys. I photographed the sunset from my front door before this book was ever written. The song that I refer to “The Truth”, reflects our royal relationship with Him as our King. The lock on the cover is to be unlocked as you explore your own relationship with Him, the God Who breathed life into our nostrils.

Victorya Wright

Born at Queen of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles during one of the city’s largest earthquakes, I took my first breath as the building swayed and the gurney rolled – my parents recount a dramatic beginning marked by both chaos and grace. Life since then has been rich with God’s goodness, meaningful relationships, and profound learning. It has also brought seasons of hardship, loss and shame – yet grace has always abounded. I am the mother of seven children, two of whom are already in heaven. My five God-fearing, compassionate, and well-educated adult children live in five U. S. states. My greatest joy is spending time with them and my 14 adorable grandchildren. I have spent most of my life working in healthcare and continue to serve part time in my orofacial myofunctional therapy private practice in San Diego County and beyond. I am passionate about proclaiming all that God has done.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Victorya is giving away the grand prize of a
$100 VISA gift card, a hardcover signed copy of the book and 2-Gold Antique
Skeleton Keys [for bookmarks, decoration, favors, or handiwork]!!

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

https://gleam.io/C8evw/god-storys-told-by-a-daughter-of-the-most-high-king-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, April 8 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, April 9 (Author Interview)
Guild Master, April 10 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, April 11
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 12
Fiction Book Lover, April 13 (Author Interview)
Vicky Sluiter, April 14 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, April 15 (Author Interview)
Lots of Helpers, April 15
Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 16 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 17
Blossoms and Blessings, April 18 (Author Interview)
Stories By Gina, April 19 (Author Interview)
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 20 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, April 20
Books, Books, & More Books, April 21 (Author Interview)

7 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - How To Make A Miracle by Carol Schlorff (Give.away)

3/30/2026

5 Comments

Three teenagers. One perilous quest.
A miracle worth risking everything for.

Trapped in the Past … A visit to an old palace takes an unexpected turn when Stefan, his sister Julia, and their friend Hugo are mysteriously hurled into the harsh, unpredictable world of the Bible, where they meet Nasiya, a young slave girl caught in a dreadful fate.

Danger and Destiny … In a land where any shadow can hide an enemy, the trio must summon every ounce of faith to survive. For Stefan, however, the battle isn’t only against ruthless warriors—it’s against the anger and guilt holding him captive for too long. As the teens embark on a dangerous journey, Stefan must face the wounds of his past before they shatter his future.

A Race Against the Clock … With time running out and lives hanging in the balance, Stefan must discover that the greatest miracles aren’t about changing the world—they’re about renewing the heart. Fast-paced, richly immersive, and carrying a powerful message of redemption, this middle-grade adventure will grip readers from the first page to the last.

Genre: Middle-grade action and adventure
Release Date: February 17, 2026

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Carol

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
The idea for How to Make a Miracle, and the entire time-travel series set in the Bible, came to me during a church sermon on meditating on God’s Word. My motivation for writing is to show that the Bible is exciting and relevant to our lives, offers answers to the questions we seek about life, and is the truth. I also want to keep readers engaged and entertained, of course. If my books can help readers grow in their faith and trust in God, I will consider them a success.

#2. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I chose to target middle-grade readers because it’s a time in life when many begin questioning the Bible and Christianity, seeking answers about why they should believe. I know this because I experienced it at that age, even though I grew up in a Christian family. I had many questions, and I’m grateful to those who took the time to answer them. My prayer is that my books will help my readers tackle the spiritual questions they’re asking and show them how the Bible still speaks today—with the trustworthiness we can live by.
As to why action and adventure—well, because it’s fun!

#3. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
The topic of How to Make a Miracle is forgiveness. I hope readers will be encouraged to let go of their anger and forgive. I hope they realize that unforgiveness is a prison that only causes pain to themselves and others. Finally, I hope they understand the difference between forgiveness and trust. God wants us to forgive everyone, regardless of whether they are sorry. But that doesn’t mean we need to trust or even like them. Trust is earned only when they repent.

#4. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
I grew up in France, where my parents were missionaries. But at the age of 15, due to a sudden health emergency, we had to move back to the Philadelphia area. As you can imagine, this was a traumatic experience for me, as I found myself in a country I didn’t know or understand. It took me until my university years to finally adjust to being in the US.
I’m single, and I live in Krakow, Poland, where I teach English and work for a mission organization. I have a Polish roommate. We also have a cat, Tabasco. He’s a 16-year-old Maine Coon whose old age has caught up with him, and I’m not sure how long he has left. It’s heartbreaking to see him become a shadow of his former self. But he still has an appetite, enjoys human contact, and even plays sometimes, so I just enjoy each day as it comes.

#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
Caring for my senior cat has made me reflect on the value of life and on how God cares for all his creation, even the old and infirm. For example, the easiest path for me would be to put my cat to sleep, but I would be acting out of selfishness. My motivation wouldn’t be to put him out of his misery (we’re not at that point yet) but to spare myself the time and effort required to care for him. Is that God’s way?

God sees things so differently from how humans do. Humans are motivated by pride and comfort. We divide people into different tiers of worthiness. God, however, sees everyone as so precious that he was willing to die for them. A person’s worth doesn’t change with age or weakness. He loves and values everyone equally and expects us to love, respect, and care for people, no matter their condition, even when it’s inconvenient. How incredible God is! And how precious people are!

And yes, God even expects me to care for my elderly cat.

More from Carol

The idea for a middle-grade novel came to me while I was listening to a series of sermons on meditating on God’s Word. How could I show that the Bible is exciting, far from boring, relevant to our lives, and has the answers we seek about our purpose in life? And do so in a way that is fun and intriguing, keeping the readers on the edge of their seats? Write a time-travel adventure into the Bible, of course! Granted, the premise may not be new, but I aimed to write it in a way that is fresh and stimulating, giving valuable insights into the Bible.

The result of this crazy idea is the How to Be a Hero series, of which How to Make a Miracle is the second installment, although each book can be read as a standalone novel.

I targeted middle-grade readers because it’s an awkward age when young people begin to question what their parents have taught them and seek answers for themselves (speaking from experience, here). If my books can encourage them in their faith, I will consider my writing a success.

I chose the book themes based on issues young people struggle with. How to Make a Miracle addresses the problem of anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness, which I don’t need to tell you are far too prevalent in our society. The solution is forgiveness—and we all need to learn how to forgive each other, regardless of age.

Carol Schlorff

Carol’s passion is to write exciting stories that encourage, inspire, and boost the reader’s faith, possibly because she has always felt like an outsider. She was born in North Africa to American parents and grew up in France. At age 15, her family’s abrupt move to Philadelphia resulted in a rough transition to American life. After graduating from Penn State, Carol joined the Army in search of adventure. She was stationed in exotic—for her—locations like California, Arizona, and Texas. Since then, Carol has lived in Krakow, Poland, where she teaches English and organizes language camps. She also writes a blog on faith-related topics. Carol enjoys watching or reading a good murder mystery and getting nervous while watching NFL games.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Carol 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/OTSG5/how-to-make-a-miracle-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 17
Simple Harvest Reads, March 18 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, March 19
Artistic Nobody, March 20 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, March 21
Guild Master, March 22 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 23
Fiction Book Lover, March 24 (Author Interview)
Books Less Travelled, March 25 (Author Interview)
Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, March 25
Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, March 26 (Author Interview)
Vicky Sluiter, March 27
History, Hope & Happily Ever After, March 28 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, March 29 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, March 29
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 30 (Author Interview)

5 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Half Agony, Half Hope: Dear Lily Edition by Joy Michelle Austin (Give.away)

3/29/2026

4 Comments

Lily
Days before her wedding, Lily Wentworth’s carefully planned future is shaken by an unexpected turn. Unsure how to move forward, she turns to the one person she has always trusted—her father.

Rick
Determined not to let their darkest years define her, Rick Wentworth offers Lily the journals he wrote during the season he fought to keep her safe and survive one day at a time.

As Lily reads, she begins to uncover not only the truth of what they endured, but also the fierce, steady love that carried her through—and the strength she may need now.

Half Agony, Half Hope: The Dear Lily Edition is a clean, closed-door story of resilience, family, and the love that shaped two lives.

Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Release Date: March 17, 2026

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Joy

1. What was the inspiration for this book?
This story grew from a long-held desire to write something emotionally honest yet deeply hopeful — a novel that acknowledges life’s harder places while still pointing readers toward light.
Years ago, I was profoundly moved by Captain Wentworth’s “half agony, half hope” letter in Persuasion. That phrase lingered with me and eventually inspired a poem, which later became the quiet foundation for this story.
Over time, I found myself reflecting on questions of endurance, healing, and what it means to begin again after darkness. From those reflections, Rick and Lily’s journey slowly emerged — a story centered not only on survival, but on restoration.
More than anything, I wanted to create a book readers could enter with confidence: clean, compassionate, and ultimately anchored in hope.

2. What do you hope readers will take away?
My deepest hope is that readers close this book feeling encouraged — reminded that no life is beyond the reach of grace and that even the most fragile beginnings can grow into something strong.
We all encounter seasons that ask more of us than we feel prepared to give. If this story reassures someone that healing is possible, that their story is still unfolding, and that hope is never misplaced, then it has fulfilled its purpose.
Stories have a quiet way of steadying us, and I pray this one does exactly that.

3. Do you have favorite characters?
It is always difficult to choose, but Lily, Rick, Ellie, and Darcy each hold an extra special place in my heart.
Lily represents quiet resilience — the kind of strength that unfolds gently yet endures. Rick embodies steadfast love and the courage it takes to rebuild. Ellie brings warmth and light, while Darcy offers loyalty and the reassuring presence of someone who stands firm when it matters most.

4. Tell us a little about yourself and your family.
I am an adopted Asian American and the eldest daughter in my family, experiences that have shaped both my perspective and my storytelling in meaningful ways. Family has always been a place of deep connection for me, and those themes naturally find their way into my work.
My brother serves as an EMT, a role that requires both courage and compassion — qualities I deeply admire and that quietly influenced elements of my fictional world.
More than anything, I am grateful for the people who have grounded my life with love and steadiness. Their presence continually reminds me of the strength found in belonging.

5. Share with us a thought or Bible verse on your heart.
I often return to Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares
the Lord… “plans to give you hope and a future.”

It is a promise that has steadied me through uncertain seasons, reminding me that God is always at work beyond what we can see.
Lately, I have been especially comforted by the reminder that our lives are not defined by the timelines we once imagined, but by the faithfulness of the One who guides us forward. There is deep peace in trusting that no chapter is wasted — and that hope is never without purpose.

More from Joy

Half Agony, Half Hope was not a story I set out to write lightly.

It was an answer to a call God placed on my heart as a survivor of sexual assault—a call to tell the truth without exploiting it, and to create hope without diminishing the pain. From the beginning, I knew this would be a heavy debut novel. I also knew I wanted it to be clean, faith-centered, and redemptive.

The decision to tell this story through the eyes of a man was intentional. So few novels explore male survivors with compassion and dignity, yet one in six men are sexually assaulted. Their stories are often hidden, misunderstood, or minimized. Rick Wentworth’s journey exists to say plainly: healing is possible, faith is not erased by trauma, and masculinity is not diminished by suffering.

Because of the weight of Rick’s past, much of the abuse in Half Agony, Half Hope is veiled. I wanted readers to feel the truth of what he endured without being retraumatized themselves. Still, after the book released, readers told me they longed for more gentleness—more space to breathe inside the story.

That is how the Dear Lily Edition was born.

Lily was Rick’s hope and grace during the darkest years of his captivity. In the cellar, she was the reminder that love could still exist, that innocence could survive, and that God was not absent—even there. Their bond became the quiet heartbeat of the story: a wounded man learning how to hope again through the steady, healing love of a child.

At its core, Half Agony, Half Hope: Dear Lily Edition is a story of survival and faith—but it is also a story of a father and daughter choosing trust and hope despite hardship, and building a family where brokenness does not get the final word.

Joy Michelle Austin

Joy Michelle Austin is an award-winning novelist writing contemporary fiction. Her debut found an immediate audience among readers drawn to heartfelt stories of healing and second chances, launching the Jane Austen’s Men series. She also wrote The Seaside Sleuths and the Bridal Batter Blunder, a cozy mystery tie-in project for young readers. Joy draws inspiration from real stories of courage, grace, and the quiet heroes found in everyday life, crafting fiction for readers who seek hope, honesty, and heart in contemporary storytelling. She is the recipient of the West Coast Christian Writers Encourager Award and the Walt Disney Legacy Award—an honor given to fewer than 1% of Cast Members worldwide for embodying Disney’s “Dream, Create, Inspire” legacy.

Through her blog, The Joyous Living, she connects with thousands of readers who share her love of culture,
storytelling, and meaningful living. She lives in Southern California with her dog, Captain Hastings.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Joy is giving away the grand prize of
a $20 Amazon Gift Card and a Kindle 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/DEiCR/half-agony-half-hope-dear-lily-edition-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, March 21 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, March 22 (Author Interview)
Guild Master, March 23 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 24
Fiction Book Lover, March 25 (Author Interview)
Vicky Sluiter, March 26 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 26
For the Love of Literature, March 27 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 28
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 29 (Author Interview)
Blossoms and Blessings, March 30 (Author Interview)
Fruitfully Planted, March 30
Stories By Gina, March 31 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, April 1
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 2 (Author Interview)
Books, Books, & More Books, April 3 (Author Interview)

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Interview with Kayla

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

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

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“The elements of design are all around us. If we pause long enough to look, we can see how God has made a place for u​s. Beyond ​the wonders of the earth, His plan reaches into eternity.”

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And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good​of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.Romans 8:28 (NLT)

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I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?​My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.​

The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in … ​

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​Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your​heart take courage; wait for the Lord!Psalm 27:14

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For I know the plans I have for you,” declaresthe Lord, “plans to prosper you and not toharm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ​

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“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).

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

“The elements of design are all around us. If we pause long enough
to look, we can see how God has made a place for us. Beyond
the wonders of the earth, His plan reaches into eternity.”

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good
of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28 (NLT)

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in …

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your
heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Psalm 27:14

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares
the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to
harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares
the Lord… “plans to give you hope and a future.”