Category: Interview

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Sarah's Search by Jodie Wolfe (Give.away)

8/30/2026

All her life, Sarah McBride has gone along with whatever her guardian dictates. Now on the verge of graduating from the Shippensburg State Normal School, she questions her ability to teach in a classroom when her heart isn’t in the profession. What she wouldn’t give to pursue her heart’s desire of becoming a writer instead of following what’s expected. But how can Sarah defy her guardian’s plans?

Everything has been a hardship for Ezekiel Stouffer ever since his wife died giving birth to their second child. The last thing he needs is the responsibility of monitoring the new schoolteacher while still maintaining his farm. But when their paths entangle, he can’t help but notice the way his children respond to her tender concern. After his loss, Zeke doubts he’ll ever search for love again, but maybe friendship is an option.

Can two searching hearts find the same path?

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

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Jodie

1. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
This book took about four months, but I had some breaks in between.

2. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I absolutely love the genre that I write. It’s also what I read. The genre allows me to convey what God’s love looks like. Not only does He desire for us to have healthy relationships, but reminds us we’ll one day have a ‘happily ever after’ when He calls us home to heaven.

3. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
It’s a toss-up. I really enjoyed creating my heroine, but I also loved young Elijah too (Zeke’s son). He’s a little heart stealer. Elijah so reminds me of my current prodigal when he was a little boy.

4. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
That God never abandons us, even when we face tremendous difficulties, God has a plan.

5. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
I hadn’t planned on writing a book series revolving around the common theme of prodigals coming home… but then God allowed us to experience that in our own lives. We’re still praying for our prodigal to find his way back home to us, but most importantly to God.

More from Jodie

Almost ten years ago, a big Victorian house was for sale. I had the pleasure of touring it and taking photos of the exterior and interior. I knew I would eventually set a story there. Fast forward to spring of this year, and it was finally time to write about the setting in Shippensburg, PA. The house has changed very little through the years, so it’s easy to imagine life in 1878 along Normal Avenue. The house is located at the bottom of the hill where the Cumberland Valley State Normal School started in 1873*. It soon changed its name to Shippensburg State Normal School and eventually Shippensburg University.

Since I have my heroine living in the old house at the start of Sarah’s Search, she also attends the normal school and graduates before she becomes a teacher in Newburg, PA at the Mount Jackson one-room schoolhouse.

It is no longer in Newburg, but is on the grounds at Shippensburg University and set up as it would have looked when used many years ago.

I love when I can envision history coming to life by visiting places like the house, normal school, one-room schoolhouse, as well as the local churches and towns that were around in the time period that I used in my recent book. I had the distinct pleasure of finding three local historians. Two with expertise in the two different towns I wrote about in Sarah’s Search, along with one who was a former archivist at Shippensburg University. What a treasure they’ve been to me.

As you read Sarah’s Search, I hope you’ll enjoy stepping back in time as much as I did while writing it.

*The cornerstone was laid May 31, 1871.

Jodie Wolfe

JODIE WOLFE loves writing historical fiction after years as a homeschooling mom. She enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, knitting, and walking. Jodie creates novels where hope and quirky meet.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Jodie 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/FXNuc/sarahs-search-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, August 20
Simple Harvest Reads, August 21 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, August 22 (Author Interview)
Guild Master, August 23 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 23
Texas Book-aholic, August 24
Fiction Book Lover, August 25 (Author Interview)
The Bookish Ledger, August 26 (Author Interview)
Vicky Sluiter, August 27 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, August 28 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, August 28
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 29
Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 30 (Author Interview)
Blossoms and Blessings, August 31 (Author Interview)
Stories By Gina, September 1 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, September 2

6 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Painkillers by Reverand Jacky Connell (Give.away)

8/17/2026

4 Comments

Painkillers are a problem, but not all people in pain turn to drugs for the answers. Some people isolate themselves from others, believing they can avoid more pain if they don’t get close to anyone. Others take the opposite approach, surrounding themselves with unhealthy relationships to try and avoid dealing with the pain and emptiness they feel. It’s also common for people to bury themselves in other things—such as sports, shopping, or other “idols”—keeping busy so they don’t have to think about their pain. People even hide behind a mask of “intellect” to shield themselves.

But what if there were a Painkiller Who didn’t merely cover up your pain but took it completely away? What if there were a relationship that didn’t just stand in for those you have lost but filled the void? What if there were a way to heal from the hurt of broken relationships, the terror of PTSD, the guilt of abortion and other sins, and even the confusion of the LBGTQ lifestyle? Painkillers introduces you to Jesus, the ultimate Painkiller, and His pathway that leads to finding total recovery and freedom from past hurts, pains, and failures.

Genre: Non-Fiction, Christian
Release Date: March 6, 2026

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Rev. Jacky

#1. What was the inspiration behind this book?
The inspiration was a sermon series I had preached on the subject of painkillers. When I finished that
series, I immediately knew it could help so many people. I felt it was valuable — that people could sit
down, read the book, and identify their own lives in each chapter. After the sermon series, I thought,
Wow, this really could help a lot of people.

#2. What new or interesting things did you learn while researching for this book?
I learned that there are many relatable examples out there if you open your eyes and look for
them. Learning that they exist — and then developing the discipline to capture them — that was
the new and interesting thing.

#3. What people influenced you the most while writing about this topic?
Our church family. Looking at the diversity there, especially in the ministry of restoration that is
so important to us — recognizing that there are broken people all around us. Because I have a
heart for the broken, those are the people who inspired me.

#4. What do you hope your readers will remember after finishing this book?
They're not alone, they're not hopeless, and there can be healing and restoration in their lives.

#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
I'd want to communicate that just because you've messed up, just because you've made bad
choices, just because you're in a situation where you think there's no hope — there is healing
and restoration for you. I'd pray that readers would recognize the danger of running to the wrong
painkillers the world offers, and instead run to the only One who can truly fix their pain. In Him,
they can find abundance, healing, and forgiveness in Jesus.

More from Rev. Jacky

Where do you run when life hurts?

That question is at the heart of my book, Painkillers.

I wrote this book because pain is universal. Every person carries wounds—some visible, some hidden. And when pain comes, we all look for relief. Sometimes we run to distractions. Sometimes to control. Sometimes to success, comfort, or isolation.

The truth is this: wanting the pain to stop is human. But where we run with that pain matters.

Painkillers was written to help people recognize the unhealthy places they turn for relief and to point them toward the only place where real healing can be found—God.

This book isn’t about pretending pain doesn’t exist. It’s about facing it honestly, understanding it deeply, and finding freedom on the other side of it.

Over this blog tour, I’m excited to share more of the heart behind the book, the stories behind the pages, and the hope found in healing.

If you’ve ever been hurt, disappointed, broken, or just tired of carrying the weight—this journey is for you.

Because the question isn’t if we run when life hurts.

The question is: Where do we run?

#PainkillersBook #HealingStartsHere #WhereDoYouRunWhenLifeHurts

Reverend Jacky Connell

Reverend Jacky Connell has served as the Senior Pastor of Eden Westside Baptist Church for over thirty-six years. Rev. Connell is a pastor, teacher, author, motivational speaker, and conference leader. God has placed the desire to serve people and empower leaders in the heart of Bro. Jacky.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate his tour, Rev. Jacky 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/g2lOJ/painkillers-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Artistic Nobody, August 5 (Author Interview)
Guild Master, August 6 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, August 6
Fiction Book Lover, August 7 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 8
The Bookish Ledger, August 9 (Author Interview)
The Quiet Bookmark, August 10 (Author Interview)
Life on Chickadee Lane, August 11
Vicky Sluiter, August 12 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 13
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 14
Texas Book-aholic, August 15
For the Love of Literature, August 16 (Author Interview)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 17 (Author Interview)
Blossoms and Blessings, August 18 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, August 18

4 Comments

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

8/11/2026

6 Comments

Some deaths are designed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with S.F.

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

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

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

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

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

More from S.F.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

S.F. Baumgartner

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

It's Time For A Giveaway!

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

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

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

Blog Stops

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

6 Comments

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

8/8/2026

4 Comments

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

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

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Allen

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

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

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

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

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

More from Allen

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

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

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

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

Allen Brokken

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

It's Time For A Giveaway!

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

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

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

Blog Stops

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

4 Comments

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

7/20/2026

6 Comments

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

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

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

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

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Brett

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

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

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

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

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

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

More from Brett

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

* Hebrews 12:29
** John 1:5

Brett Armstrong

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

It's Time For A Giveaway!

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

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

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

Blog Stops

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

6 Comments

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

7/5/2026

7 Comments

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

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

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview

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

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

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

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

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

More from Allen

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

Allen Brokken

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

Thalia Shertzerr

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

It's Time For A Giveaway!

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

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

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

Blog Stops

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

7 Comments

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

6/13/2026

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

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

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Kayla

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

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

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

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

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

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

More from Kayla

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

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

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

Kayla E. Green

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

It's Time For A Giveaway!

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

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

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

Blog Stops

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

7 Comments

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

6/9/2026

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

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 18, 2026

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Darlene

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

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

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

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

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

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

More from Darlene

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

And I imagine the same for you.

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

And doesn’t it make sense?

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

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

Why therapeutic?

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

I hope you become mesmerized by Mesmerize.

Darlene Corbett

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

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

It's Time For A Giveaway!

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

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

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

Blog Stops

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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

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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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It's Time For A Giveaway!

It's Time For A Giveaway!

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

It's Time For A Giveaway!

“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).

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

“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 …