About the Book

Book: Embergold

Author: Rachelle Nelson

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release date: March 18, 2025

Fire dreamed of water, but the first sip would be its last.

Gilde has spent her life isolated in the wild marshlands, a place too wet for the dragon to go. She’s safe there, according to her father. So why is he asking her to leave with him now that she has come of age? There is more to Gilde’s family than she knows, and debts need to be paid.

Betrayed and shattered, she wakes in a crumbling mountain castle with the beast of her nightmares. Except this dragon speaks like a man and reads books. His kindness confuses her and opens a forgotten longing in her heart, all while Gilde plans her escape from a mountain full of secrets.

This place can unveil her past and why she was sacrificed to the beast —truths that may put both their lives in danger if they can’t learn to trust each other. But how can Gilde ever trust again? Especially after she discovers what dragons truly are.

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Mindy

About the Author

Rachelle Nelson grew up reading fantasy novels and getting her clothes muddy in the pine forests of Idaho. These days, she still loves hiking through forests and libraries, though she’s a bit less fond of mud. Her debut novel, Sky of Seven Colors, released through Enclave Publishing, and won both the Carol Award and Christy Award. Rachelle doesn’t write true stories, but she does write about truth. When she’s not doing that, she sings in a band with her husband who makes her happier than should be legal. If you like good food and honest conversations, you’re her favorite kind of person.

More from Rachelle

For the past decade or so, I have been a volunteer youth leader for teen groups. Some of my favorite memories have come from that position. Camp pranks, hilarious games involving edible mealworms, scavenger hunts, singing together at the top of our lungs, and speaking life into the lives of young women. When a girl sees herself through the eyes of Jesus, everything changes.

Some of my hardest moments have come from being a youth leader, too. There’s a kind of hurt that happens when we watch someone suffer, and we cannot take the suffering away. I have cried tears with teens who have been wounded by betrayal, carelessness, and abandonment. Those wounds go deeper when they come from a parent.

The truth is, God is the only perfect father, and we’re meant to be parented by Him. Learning to trust Him is a process, even if we had a pretty great (if imperfect) example of an earthly dad. But we live in a fatherless generation, when so many have experienced separation and pain in their family from divorce, or addiction, or generational cycles of pain. I’ve seen what that kind of pain can do to a heart, and how trusting others becomes almost impossible.

Almost.

Embergold is a story about betrayal and abandonment. It’s about two young people who never expected to find kindness in a harsh world. It’s about the healing of hearts.

I wrote it for myself, to remember what is possible. I wrote it for the young people I have loved. And for the parents who are still recovering from their childhoods.

Sin and brokenness happen in community. But, the amazing thing is, God designed the healing to happen in community too, among people. We need each other.

Blog Stops

Fiction Book Lover, April 8 (Author Interview)

CeCe Reads and Sings, April 8

Texas Book-aholic, April 9

MinReads and Reviews, April 9

Wishful Endings, April 10

The Lofty Pages, April 11

Blossoms and Blessings, April 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 13

Blogging With Carol, April 14

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 15

Devoted Steps, April 16

Madi’s Musings, April 17

Labor Not in Vain, April 18

Guild Master, April 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 20

Simple Harvest Reads, April 21 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachelle is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a hardcover copy of the book,and an envelope of fun goodies, including a signed bookplate and a pewter dragon bookmark!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54195

About the Book

Book: Reunion Crossing: The Underground Book Readers (Book Seven)

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction

Release date: January 7, 2025

Leena, Kahn, Casey, and the other Underground Book Readers continue their journey to the free land. They encounter strangers in the forest, discover new mysterious towns, and face new challenges for their safety. Their travels lead them across treacherous landscapes and through enemy territory, where danger hides deep in the forest and valleys. Weathering harsh conditions, encountering unexpected allies, and enduring long, perilous paths, the Underground Book Readers rely on their faith and each other to persevere. Their goal is to reach parts of the United States not under the control of the World Force. They long to find a place to live in peace and see their families. But as they approach the mysterious Reunion Crossing, one question remains: will they finally reach the free land—and what will be waiting for them when they arrive?

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:

About the Author

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology.

Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean.

She has two children, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.

Her previous writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She now seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals.

Over the years, Terry’s books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Christian Indie Award, Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Pencraft Award, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her writing examines real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

Terry’s background in teaching adults and children shine through her stories that often include a character with educational or learning challenges. Her Christmas series, The Oddball Ornaments, features a box of misfit ornaments who first learn the meaning of Christmas and then discover the meaning of forgiveness. In The Underground Book Readers series, one of the main characters is on the autism spectrum yet is one of the leaders of the group of teens. Book one of a new series, The Messiah Brigade, features an awkward middle school nerd who helps his school turn around a bully gang of kids. Adoption and family issues are the focus of her new book, Charlotte McMaster and the Messenger Angel.

More from Terry

This book is book seven of The Underground Book Readers series. The series was inspired by talking with librarians about the concept of book banning and how Christian books are no longer predominantly displayed in school or community libraries. The series is designed to place kids in a different world where many things we take for granted or no longer available: books, schools, churches, freedom, and even parents. The book series stresses Christian family values and weaves Scripture in with the dystopian action-adventure series.

This book is being used in homeschool classrooms and church schools. A learning guide and free worksheets will soon be available to guide parents and teachers through the series.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, April 5

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 6

Artistic Nobody, April 7 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 7

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 9

Texas Book-aholic, April 10

Guild Master, April 11 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 12

Fiction Book Lover, April 13 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 14

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 15 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, April 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 16

Simple Harvest Reads, April 17 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For the Love of Literature, April 18 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terry is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54193

About the Book

Book: Our Trustworthy God: How Much God Loves You, Joyfully Engages with You, and Trusts You

Author: Sarah K. Howley

Genre: Bible Study

Release date: March 28, 2025

Have you ever felt like in life’s most challenging moments, trusting God can be a struggle—even impossible? What if you knew that God not only invites you to trust him but is trustworthy himself and trusts you in return? Our Trustworthy God warmly welcomes you into a deeper understanding of the mutual relationship he longs to have with you, one built on love, trust, and active engagement.

With your guide, Sarah K. Howley—founder of InspiritEncourage, author, and speaker—you will walk through those difficult moments when trust feels scary, discovering how God’s faithfulness shines brightest in your darkest times. Through rich, Scripture-based insights, Sarah unpacks why God is always trustworthy and how his boundless love continually works for your good.

Through this study, you’ll find:

• A deeper awareness of God’s active love and trust in your everyday life
• Confidence in God’s unwavering faithfulness, even when challenges arise
• Practical steps to strengthen your relationship with God, built on mutual trust
• Encouragement to openly confront doubts and questions about your faith
• Guidance on how to live as a trustworthy person, reflecting God’s faithfulness in your life

Our Trustworthy God explores the incredible truth that God trusts you, reminding you that your relationship with him is neither one-sided nor blind but vibrant and deeply mutual. You’ll be invited to reflect on what it truly means to live in faithful connection with your loving God despite the pains of life and evils of the world.

Approachable yet deeply rooted in Scripture, this study is perfect for individuals or groups seeking to strengthen their faith and experience the joy of walking in a two-way relationship with the God who loves and trusts you.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Sarah K. Howley is the founder of InspiritEncourage and author of several Bible studies. She is a certified counselor by the Chiesa Apostolica in Italia and holds a master’s degree in education. Sarah often travels the world, usually with espresso in hand. Follow her at inspiritencourage.com to keep in touch.

More from Sarah

Our Trustworthy God is the result of years of seeking. I knew I was supposed to trust God… but. I struggled with the buts of trusting God. There are too many to name, and they usually start with “why?” Some examples are when good people have bad things happen to them, why? When someone we love has died too soon, when our best friend gets cancer, when a hurricane strikes and whole towns are lost. For me, it was cancer in the family and even starting my own business. I couldn’t really understand, or “feel” that everything was working out for my good. Trusting God wasn’t exactly an on-command reflex when I thought of these things. It was easier to wonder where God was rather than trust that he IS and will always be here.

But I wanted more than to believe he was here, I wanted to know deeply that God was working for my good, even when all I saw was destruction and evil. So, I spent a year dedicated to digging in and seeking to understand what trusting God really means. I wanted to know how trustworthy God is, all the time. I didn’t want that knowledge to remain in my head, but I wanted it in my heart. I wanted it to be the automatic reflex when bad things happen that I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God was in that situation and working for my good.

What I found surprised me. Don’t misunderstand, more than ever before, I know God IS with me in every circumstance and he IS working for my well-being. He loves me deeply. What surprised me was that God trusts me as well and his power is unlike anything I could imagine.

A deep discussion of relationship and trusting God is what came out of that search to understand how I could trust the unseen God in an evil world, and I had to share it. Because I know my God is good and he is trustworthy. He is working for your good. He loves you, joyfully engages with you, and he trusts you.

Interview with the Author

1)Which chapter was the most difficult to write?

The most difficult chapter to write in this book was Power in God’s Kingdom. The chapter addresses how God works in and through us and it is not an easy thing to describe. I reworked the chapter three times in drafts and worked on it again with feedback from my editor. It is also a chapter that challenged my thinking about power and control which made it doubly more difficult to write for others.

2)What inspired this book?

When I got the idea for this book, I was reading about God trusting us. For some reason, I had always focused on trusting God – but never the reciprocal. When I truly understood that God trusts me, it changed the way I viewed challenges and my mission. I knew God trusted me in what I was doing and how I was doing things. That gave me such confidence and drew me closer to Him like never before. I hope readers have the same response to this book!

3)What would you like your readers to get out of this book?

When I wrote this book, I wanted readers to know deeply how much God loves them, wants to interact with them and trusts them to carry out his work; and his work is everything we do, from brushing our teeth or driving the kids to school to volunteering at the food bank. God is interested in all of it and believes in us.

4)What are you reading right now?

I have been slowly reading through Susan May Warren’s Alaska Air Rescue series (I’m on book 4)and enjoy these Christian romance books a lot. She is a great author. I also usually have a Christian nonfiction book open on my kindle too. Right now, it is Fruitful: Cultivating a Spiritual Harvest that Won’t Leave You Empty. I have just started it, so maybe ask me later if it is recommended (or check my blog for a full review).

5)Why write nonfiction?

I started writing a blog when people in my small group Bible study encouraged me to share my ideas and understanding of biblical teachings as I did in our meetings. That blog grew to a topical discussion of biblical ideas and eventually my first books. I was trained as a teacher and still find that writing nonfiction is similar to teaching and laying out ideas and examples of concepts in meaningful ways. In a nerdy way, I really enjoy it! The research is exciting and sharing what I’ve learned is too.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, April 11 (Author Interview)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 11

Texas Book-aholic, April 12

Simple Harvest Reads, April 13 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 14

For the Love of Literature, April 15 (Author Interview)

She Lives To Read, April 16

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 17 (Author Interview)

The Sacred Line, April 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 18

Blossoms and Blessings, April 19 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 20

Artistic Nobody, April 21 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 22

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 23 (Author Interview)

EmpowerMoms, April 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sarah is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54197

About the Book

Book: The Rancher’s Unexpected Bride

Author: Lauralyn Keller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: March 25, 2025

In the rugged Montana Territory, a Boston socialite’s bid for freedom collides with a rancher’s quest for a family.

According to Boston’s elite society, Ella Mountbatten has it all: status, prestige, and a bright future. What they don’t know is that her life as a socialite has become a gilded cage of abuse and oppression under the control of her cruel fiancé and domineering parents. Desperate to escape, Ella flees Boston and seeks refuge in the small town of Harmony Springs, Montana Territory, where her former friend now resides as the sheriff. But with her family determined to drag her back to Boston, Ella’s hard-won freedom—and her very life—hang precariously in the balance.

Rancher, Cody Brooks, is ill-equipped to be the guardian of three orphaned children. But that’s the situation he’s in after the death of his best friend. Now, what he needs is a wife to help provide love and stability to his makeshift family. So when a runaway heiress arrives in need of protection, it seems a marriage of convenience may be the answer to both their prayers.

But with danger closing in from Boston and the challenges of building a new life together, Cody and Ella must confront their deepest fears and desires. Can their marriage of convenience blossom into true love, or will the shadows of Ella’s past tear apart the fragile hope they’ve found in Harmony Springs?

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Melissa

This was my first read by this author and I was completely captivated from the beginning! I loved it so much! Ella is escaping from her abusive family and fiancé. Cody has had 3 children under the age of six thrown into his lap. When he comes across Ella who needs tending he brings her to his sister’s home. His kids need a mother and Ella needs an escape. So yes, we have a marriage of convenience! I love marriage of convenience and this one is really good. I loved how their relationship progressed. They have both been hurt by past relationships so they work together to get through that. But oh I just loved it. I love the kids as well they are a great part of the story. I also loved Cody’s sister and brother-in- law. Of course Ella isn’t safe and her father and ex fiancé come after her which leads to a lot of dangerous situations. There is also great Christian content. I really loved this story and I definitely recommend!

️️️️️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Lauralyn Keller loves to combine history and romance in stories that touch the heart. She lives in beautiful Colorado and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and reading.

More from Lauralyn

Stories have a funny way of percolating in my mind. I’ll be driving or doing dishes or some other mundane activity, and all of a sudden, an idea pops into my head. What my mind does with it then determines the course of a story.

Here’s a peek at my thought process for The Rancher’s Unexpected Bride.

Marriage of convenience stories are fun—maybe I could write one. Oooh, and I love Montana. It should take place there. Historical, of course, since stepping back in time is also fun. Hmmm….who should the characters be? Maybe a socialite….or an heiress….where would someone like that be from? Philly? New York? Ooh, I know—Boston! Yeah, Boston. Let’s see, her name can be Ella, though that doesn’t sound terribly high society. Maybe Ariella, but she prefers being called Ella. And she wants to leave town because she feels that society life is suffocating her. Hmmm, that doesn’t quite seem like a strong enough reason. Oh! She comes from a stuffy family….with harsh parents….and an abusive fiance. That’s why she runs away. I can iron out the details later. Okay, so Ella runs from Boston to Montana. Now, who’s her love interest? A farmer might work, but why would they agree to a marriage of convenience? I suppose Ella could be a mail-order bride….hmmm, no, that might not work. She needs to leave in a hurry (the why to be determined later). Maybe the guy (let’s call him Cody—that’s a good name) is a widower raising young kids and needs a wife to help. Or….no, he took in the kids after their parents died. That’ll create an immediate need for a wife. Perfect! Actually, I think he should be a rancher instead.

And just like that, a story is born. Sometimes it comes to me in moments, other times in weeks. This story developed over a couple of years. I wrote one draft, decided it was too fluffy, and ended up giving it a complete rewrite. I’m very happy with how Ella and Cody’s story turned out. It’s a sweet, love-comes-softly romance, and I hope you enjoy it.

Blog Stops

Maureen’s Musings, April 1

Texas Book-aholic, April 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 4

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 5

Devoted To Hope, April 6

lakesidelivingsite, April 7

Stories By Gina, April 8 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, April 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 10

Simple Harvest Reads, April 11 (Guest Review from Melissa)

For Him and My Family, April 12

Holly’s Book Corner, April 13

A Reader’s Brain, April 14 (Author Interview)

Bizwings Book Blog, April 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lauralyn is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54189

About the Book

Book Title: The Bible Companion Book 1 Genesis-Exodus

Author Name: Karen Westbrook Moderow

Genre: Bible Study

Release Date: April 16, 2024

The Bible Companion series is a simple, flexible, and compelling Bible Study guide. Short daily readings link God’s story to yours, help you through difficult passages, and highlight the treasures in each chapter of the Bible. In Genesis and Exodus, God reveals Himself as a loving Creator who longs to walk through life with you. Book 1 takes you deep into God’s plan to share His life and wisdom with those who love and follow Him. The storytelling approach of the series will keep you reading, even through the parts that are challenging and hard-to-understand. Find hope in the stories of ordinary men and women in the Bible whose encounters with God transformed them and reversed the direction of their lives. Discover that what God has done for them, He can do for you.

Book Excerpt

For most of us, the sin we commit against our brothers and sisters is not murder but indifference. Not caring has great consequences for others and us. Following Cain’s offspring, we see that a family and a community that does not care for one another breeds violence.

Jesus’s priority during His ministry years was to create a band of believers who loved God and each other. In John 13 He says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Love is the sign of God’s presence and the foundation of God’s church and kingdom. If we hate, resent, or ignore others, we are literally aiding the enemy. 1 John 2:9–10 says, “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble.”

COMPANION THOUGHT

Who were you jealous of as a child? Why? Did your parents play favorites? Does God?

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here

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About the Author

Karen Westbrook Moderow is a Bible teacher and author who brings a storyteller’s perspective to Scripture. She graduated magna cum laude from California State University at Long Beach with a BA in English Literature. She also holds an MFA from Chapman University in creative writing and a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Seminary. She has been published by numerous Christian periodicals and authored two previous books.

About the Book

Book: Above the Circle of Earth

Author: E. Stephen Burnett

Genre: Science Fiction

Release date: March 4, 2025

The fight for the space mission begins in his homeworld.

Brock Rivers never wanted to be a repairman on Mars. Years ago, he failed to protect his family, and now he labors across a frontier planet to keep his children alive and escape CAUSE. But the spacefaring humanist regime is taking over Martian colonies, forcing all to join the secular state.

Back in Brock’s homeworld, his people summon him to fulfill old hopes with a new dream. After decades of cultural isolation, they plan to restore missions for the 22nd century, voyaging beyond Earth to share the gospel in space. Brock must find a ship and recruit a team of misfit believers. They expect opposition from the formidable CAUSE, but not from a more deceptive enemy.

One adversary attacks from the shadows to destroy the faithful. Others unify to oppose the project. Brock and his family must fight to resist these enemies of the space mission or else return to exile forever.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

E. Stephen Burnett creates sci-fi novels as well as nonfiction, exploring fantastical stories for God’s glory as publisher of Lorehaven.com and its weekly Fantastical Truth podcast. He is coauthor of The Pop Culture Parent and other resources for fans and families. Stephen and his wife, Lacy, live in the Austin area and serve in their local church.

More from E. Stephen

Today’s earthly life seemed especially rough.

My day job had issues. A family member is facing worse challenges. Home-repair projects are piling up. Oh, plus our two dogs stormed out of the house and, for no discernable reason, attacked the neighbor’s pet (zero injuries reported, so far).

It’s not all bad. As I write, my wife and I aren’t sick. Times of rest are coming soon. We have good work and freedom to worship Jesus. We enjoy shelter and supplies.

Also—we’re not forced into exile on Mars because of secular persecution on Earth.

That last is the scenario of my debut sci-fi novel Above the Circle of Earth. Its creation began with an “original” teenage thought like, “Hey, what if someone made a sci-fi adventure, only with Christian characters?” That grew into a complex futuristic world of fantastic space exploration, but also mixed results for believers in Christ.

ACE isn’t all dystopia. You can still enjoy freedom to practice your faith on Earth. But you need to stay in your religious preserve. If you try to live like a Christian outside that homeworld, the spacefaring humanist regime CAUSE won’t appreciate that.

That’s how Brock and Alicia Rivers ended up fighting to survive on Mars, laboring in the settlements and raising their three children in a dry and weary, waterless land.

Then comes their call to adventure. This is not just a mission, but the Space Mission, the first restored missionary outreach in fifty years. They’ll have to return to Earth and face the death of a loved one, intimidation by the secular CAUSE, and many challenges and greater threats from their own Christian brothers and sisters—all forming a fantastical adventure about how we long to defend our homeworlds.

I started my first version of ACE decades ago. But to tackle big themes like this, I now realize I needed more experience to understand these kinds of struggles. Of course, I’ve never had to diagnose a leaking dome on another planet or resist a technocratic humanist regime. But I have felt the pain of lost job opportunities, grief after the loss of a parent, and the futility of researching odd subjects (from biblical theology to Martian calendars!) that seemed to lead nowhere.

Well, plot twist: All those hard times made this science fiction more realistic. You can’t build spaceships or stories without those struggles. Otherwise the tale ends up bad—inauthentic and corny, with simplistic morals and shallow heroes. Ugh. Few readers want that. And the few who do will barely remember such a book.

Maybe that’s one reason our Author allows the real-world challenges. He’s not just making us holy and more like Jesus Christ. He’s making us to be more human, well-rounded heroes with dimension and realism, for His glory and our good.

Here’s hoping Above the Circle of Earth launches a different kind of Christian-made science fiction, helping us see all hard times in light of our Author’s amazing future.

Godspeed and #GoTherefore!

 Stephen Burnett

Interview with the Author

• What does success as an author look like to you?

Success equals being faithful with the time that is given me, and—despite my flaws and failings—helping Christian fans, including myself, explore fantastical stories for God’s glory. That’s been my goal long before Above the Circle of Earth reached print.

• Which character did you connect to best in this book?

Brock Rivers (under various names) has been around from the time he was actually older than me. Since then, I’ve been surprised how much my journey first reflected his, but then began to reverse-influence his future mission. Meanwhile, Jason Cruz shows a more aggressive yet disciplined response to the wickedness in our world. Together these men reflect the conciliatory/confrontational duality of many faithful Christian people and groups—a paradoxical approach I’ve found I definitely share.

• Which part of the book was the most difficult to write?

That’s a spoiler, that it is. But in short, Brock’s struggle in later chapters captures a brutal reality for many faithful saints. They pursue their God-given vocation, yet find real opposition from our sin-cursed world, and sometimes their own people.

• What inspired this book?

Once upon a time, a tall and very homeschooled teenage lad witnessed a certain 1999 space franchise prequel hero printed on a pizza box. That’s when this teenage homeschooled student came up with a brilliantly original thought:

Say, what if there was an adventure story set in space—but, you know, about Christians?

Plot twist: That teen lad was me all along. And some decades later, I revisited this old idea with a lot more life experience and studies of biblical cultural engagement. This story wasn’t just about “Christians v. atheists, in space”! Above the Circle of Earth (ACE) orbits one heroic family. They are exiled to a frontier planet, then summoned to their homeworld to start a Space Mission in a future that’s hostile to their faith.

• Which author influenced the you most?

The very Christian answer is the Word Himself (John 1). Without His creative work in real worldbuilding, we would have no world, no imagination, no subcreations.

After that, I enjoy so many authors across fiction and nonfiction genres.

• What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

Revelation 21:1–5 hearkens to the glorious after-world that awaits all redeemed saints, after this groaning creation is resurrected into song, and after New Heaven itself has descended to unite with New Earth. This text promises a perfect planet and universe under King Jesus’s reign, where perfected people will worship in real-life fantastical places. To me this is the key Scripture that justifies fantasy and sci-fi.

• What is your vacation spot?

Naturally, ‘twould be above the circle of Earth! I’ve heard it’s a lovely place to visit, although I wouldn’t necessarily relocate to future lunar or Martian settlements.

• What are you reading right now?

(Pulls up my now-revitalized Goodreads list …)

• That Hideous Strength by C. S. Lewis, re-reading aloud with my wife
• The God of Story: Discovering the Narrative of Scripture Through the Language of Storytelling by Daniel Schwabauer (who’s also guested on my podcast)
• A Study of Shattered Spells by my friend Josiah DeGraaf, releasing in summer–fall
• On Magic & Miracles: A Theological Guide to Discerning Fictional Magic, re-reading the final version, by my friend Marian Jacobs, releasing this July
• Ice by the late Shane Johnson, a marketed Christian-made novel with an actual astronaut on the cover, which I found while cleaning out the Lorehaven Library
• Faithful Reason: Natural Law Ethics for God’s Glory and Our Good by Andrew T. Walker
• And all throughout, the Bible

“All of them at once, I suppose.”

• Describe your view as you’re sitting in your writing chair. 

A broad and black desktop is blessedly is only a little cluttered. This supports the two screens I use for the Lorehaven/ACE highbridge. I look up to see large versions of Gandalf the White and Gimli standing guard on the front shelves, adjoined by smaller figures of Legolas and Gandalf the White (again). Behind me, five-and-a-half full floor-to-ceiling bookshelves hold my complete library, interspersed with figures from visual worlds like Star Trek: The Next Generation / Deep Space Nine, Zack Snyder’s Justice League, a few Avengers, One Piece, and certainly more Lord of the Rings.

• If you could have one book or piece of art or music on a deserted island, what would it be and why?

‘Tis a normie opinion now, but I’m so grateful it is—definitely The Lord of the Rings, the books, the films, and the epic Complete Recordings by the great Howard Shore.

A close second would be The Prince of Egypt film, music by Hans Zimmer.

These stories proved formative, helping me ponder anew God’s awesomeness.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 25

Novel Notions, March 25

Guild Master, March 26 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 26 (Spotlight)

A Reader’s Brain, March 27 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, March 28 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, March 29

The Lofty Pages, March 30

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 31 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Corner, April 1

Fiction Book Lover, April 2 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 3

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 4 (Spotlight)

Blogging With Carol, April 5

Simple Harvest Reads, April 6 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 7

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, E. Stephen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a hardcover copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54184

About the Book

Book Title: Mary the Missionary

Author Name: Yvonne M. Morgan

Genre: Children’s Early Reader

Release Date: February 1, 2025

A Kenya Adventure

Are you ready for an adventure in Kenya? After singing “Jesus Loves the Little Children” in Sunday School, Mary has many questions about children in other countries. When her parents learn about a mission trip to Kenya, they decided to experience another culture as a family. Mary encounters many trials on her Kenyan adventure. In the end, she learns that she and her new friends aren’t different, and Jesus loves all children.

Through colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling, “Mary the Missionary” teaches important lessons about acceptance, empathy, and love. As Mary meets children from different cultures and backgrounds, she learns to see the world through their eyes and understand the unique challenges they face. Along the way, she also discovers the unifying power of faith and how it transcends all barriers.

Book Excerpt

• What is the faith message Mary learns from this adventure?

1. • Mary discovered the profound truth of Jesus’ boundless love; He shows no favoritism, treating everyone the same because He created every single person. Mary learns that a life free of clutter doesn’t automatically equal happiness; it’s faith in the Lord that brings genuine joy. Finding comfort in our faith in Jesus brings us lasting peace and fulfillment.

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here

Excerpt One: https://www.devotedtohope.com/epiclaunchmtm
Excerpt Two: https://storiesbygina.com/2025/04/02/mary-the-missionary-epic-book-launch-with-celebrate-lit-publicity/
Excerpt Three: https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/2025/03/20/mary-the-missionary-by-yvonne-m-morgan-epic-book-launch/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJJhpFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdPtAvuZlkDFP5ZkSqJoOTdapQXgEh_k3sVGon9ry5o_micBpZeqMj_MDA_aem_s6bM2b48JJrWBV3bCeyO2Q
Excerpt Four: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/mary-the-missionary-book-excerpt/
Excerpt Five: https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot.com/2025/03/mary-missionary.html
Excerpt Six: https://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com/2025/03/mary-missionary-by-yvonne-m-morgan-epic.html
Excerpt Seven: https://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/mary-the-missionary-book-excerpt/

About the Author

Yvonne M Morgan takes readers of all ages on a journey of faith, hope, and love with encouraging words. Her captivating storytelling will inspire readers to trust in the Lord and give them hope. Yvonne’s insightful reflections will resonate with anyone who wants a deeper relationship with God. Find out more at https://yvonne-morgan.com

About the Book

Book: 63 Hours In Hell

Author: Susan L Davis

Genre: Fantasy/Speculative Fiction

Release date: March 4, 2025

To reach the kingdom of Heaven, they must unlock the gates of Hell.

Discover the Journey. Rediscover Your Faith.

On their journey to Jesus’s crucifixion, Hannah and her brother perish in a tragic accident, plunging into the enigmatic afterlife of Paradise. Jesus sends them, along with the “good thief” Dismas and a mysterious angel, on a perilous quest to retrieve scattered fragments of the key to Hell.

This ragtag team races through the epochs of biblical history, trying to outwit Lucifer’s forces at every turn. Can they restore the key in 63 hours? Or will Lucifer destroy them all

Experience the power of the Christ’s resurrection in a way you never imagined.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Susan L. Davis is an author, speaker, and blogger whose journey from skepticism to faith began unexpectedly at a funeral. Her debut novel, 63 Hours in Hell, explores the three days Jesus spent in Hell, offering a fresh perspective on biblical events. Susan lives in the western suburbs of Chicago with her husband, two children, and their mischievous dog.

More from Susan

Thank you so much for being part of this incredible journey. I am grateful for your support in helping to share my debut book!

I’m thrilled to introduce readers to more than just a novel—this is a journey into God’s love and mercy, reaching even the darkest places. Rooted in scripture, infused with traces of Jewish folklore, and written with the utmost respect for Jesus, 63 Hours in Hell examines themes of faith, forgiveness, redemption, and the healing of broken relationships.

If you’re a fan of The Chosen series, this book will resonate with you. It imagines what happened during Jesus’ three days in the depths of hell. The story follows a jilted bride, her brother, and the good thief on a quest: finding key fragments, freeing hell’s prisoners, fighting the devil, and facing their own inner demons.

A Special Message

Readers have shared how they found a personal message within its pages—something they needed to hear at just the right moment. I pray 63 Hours in Hell offers encouragement to you as well.

An Inspired Journey

As you can see in the photo, my furry companions have been a steady source of joy throughout my writing journey. (Fun fact: my majestic, wolf-like dog even inspired the demon dog in the book!)

An Invitation

I didn’t truly discover Jesus until later in life, which makes me even more in awe of His boundless love, sacrifice, and resurrection—and His patience throughout my personal transformation. This book is more than a story; it’s an invitation to understand why Jesus’ death and resurrection remain pivotal—yesterday, today, and forever.

Thank you for joining me on this journey and for sharing this book with others. Your support means the world to me!

Happy reading,

Susan L. Davis

Interview with the Author

1) Which character did you connect with best in this book?

It’s hard to choose, but I’d say Hannah resonated with me the most. Her story was 13 years in the making and writing her ending scenes was emotional—I even teared up.

 Hannah’s journey begins with feeling stuck and abandoned, which is something so many of us can relate to. But her transformation into a place of healing and wholeness is such a powerful reminder that, even in our darkest seasons, God is always at work behind the scenes. Like Hannah, we’re never alone in our struggles, and that gives me hope.

2) Which part of the book was the most difficult to write?

The chapters from 23 to 37 were by far the hardest. During that time, I lost my editor and friend, Ginger Kolbaba, to COVID. She wasn’t just an editor—she was a mentor, a guide, and such a bright light in my writing journey. Her passing left me devastated, and for a while, I wasn’t sure I could continue with the writing. With the encouragement of others, I kept going. This book became a tribute to her memory and the impact she had on my life.

3) What inspired this book?

When I became a Christian in my 40s, the Bible opened a world of questions and mysteries for me. Stories like the Nephilim, Jesus descending into hell, and Mary not being able to touch Jesus after his resurrection intrigued me and sparked my imagination.

The real turning point, though, was a surreal moment with a flat tire. A broken key caused it—at that time I was thinking of writing a book about mending the key to hell. What are the odds?! Add that to a kind stranger at the tire shop reminding me of God’s love, and it felt like more than just coincidence. It felt like confirmation from God to keep writing. That moment—and this book—marked the beginning of my writing career and stepping out and trusting God.

4) What is your favorite Bible verse?

Psalm 27:13 is the verse I lean on to get me through the tough times:

“Yet I am confident I will see the LORD’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.”

It’s been such a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness in my life. The entire Psalm is so rich of hope—it’s one of the most beautiful, yet often overlooked, passages in the Bible.

5) What are you reading right now?

Right now, I’m reading The Let Them by Mel Robbins for a neighborhood book club. I love being part of a book club—it’s such a great way to connect with people, share thoughts, and dive into meaningful conversations that go beyond the books themselves.

Blog Stops

Guild Master, March 28 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, March 29 (Author Interview)

Inspired by Fiction, March 30

Simple Harvest Reads, March 31 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, April 1 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 1

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 2 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, April 3 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, April 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 5

Artistic Nobody, April 6 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, April 7 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 7

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 8 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 9

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 10 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54188

About the Book

Book: When the Sky Burned (A Day to Remember Book 6)

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical Fiction

Release date: March 1, 2025

A Tornado of Fire and Embezzlement Sweep through a Community  

Enjoy a series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.

Promising painter Mariah Randolph longs to have her canvases displayed in the world’s best museums, and Hollis Stanford, the heir of a railroad tycoon, is her ticket to success. The railroad’s bookkeeper, Jay Franklin, discovers discrepancies and is convinced that Hollis is stealing from the company. But any proof of his dirty dealings go up in smoke when fire utterly destroys the town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin, October 8, 1871.

The fire leaves Mariah blind, but Jay befriends her and even helps her to start painting again. But a trip to Chicago to return Hollis’s daughter to him could put both Mariah and Jay in more danger than even the fire that devastated the town and their lives.

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Marilyn

There are not enough words to describe the overwhelming events of October 8, 1871 in Peshtigo, WI that is found in this book. Liz Tolsma penned another magnificent Christian Historical Romance filled with vivid details, well developed characters, faith, a slow budding romance and suspense.

Mariah loved painting what her eyes beheld in the small lumbering town of Peshtigo. Jay was a quiet bookkeeper and dear friend to Mariah from childhood. Their relationship had challenges due to his boss of the railroad. Mariah is willingly to assist him but the great fire that swept through the town had everyone scrambling for their lives. I felt the emotions and terror members of the community must of felt that day. Mariah loss so much but yet in time she found new faith, a true love and unforgettable artistic acceptance as only God could of designed for her with life’s challenges.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publisher for the book tour. I have shared my own opinion.

About the Author

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.

More from Liz

I stared at my computer screen in front of me. For years, I had been searching for my great-grandmother, Anna. I got no good information. Census records in the US weren’t helpful. Some listed her birthplace as Czechoslovakia, while others had it as Austria. I had heard before that she might have been born in Czechoslovakia before, but never Austria. There were no records that I had come across that listed the city or town where she was born.

Until that one day. While searching for my great-grandmother, I ran across a passport application recorded in Warsaw, Poland, for an Anna with the same last name, though spelled differently. Her birthday was listed as 1903, which matched the birth year I knew for my great-grandmother’s niece. As I read through the application, my heart was pounding. This Anna was born in the United States but went to Dubne, Poland, with her family in 1906. It was now 1923, and she wanted to return to the US, and she would be living with…

I started to cry when I saw who her sponsor was. My great-grandfather. The name and address were correct. There could be no doubt about it. It had taken me years, but I finally made the jump to Europe and discovered that my great-grandmother was not born in Czechoslovakia but in what was then the Austro-Hungarian Empire and is now Poland.

Of course, good little researcher that I am, I had to find out all I could about Dubne, the town they were from. That’s when I first came across the term Lemko. What on earth was that?

Lemkos are a Slavic people that settled in the Carpathian Mountains of Southern Poland, Northern Slovakia, and Western Ukraine. They are also known as Lemko Rusyns, Rusyns (especially those born in Slovakia, like my great-grandfather), and Carptho-Rusyns. The mountains kept the world at bay, and they developed their own language, customs, and form of Christianity. For the most part, they were very poor, many of them eking out a living from the rocky ground.

They lived in “black houses,” called that because the poorest people couldn’t afford to have a chimney built. The smoke from the cooking and heating fires stayed inside the house and covered the walls with black tar. If you look at the cemetery records from Dubne, you would be old if you lived into your fifties. Conditions were brutal.

The most the average Lemko could afford was one sheep or one pig. Since this was their most prized possession, they couldn’t take the chance of a wild animal or a neighbor taking it away, so it lived in the house with them.

With all of them. Up to eleven people would live in a two-room house. When I mentioned that in What I Left for You, my editor questioned if I had made a mistake. No, I didn’t. I have no idea how they fit all those people in there, but they did. As I was tracking one branch of our family tree, I kept coming up with people living in house 43. Over and over and over. They stuffed that house full. Grandparents, parents, and children all lived together. They may not have had much, but that forged the Lemkos into strong and resilient people.

I’m proud to be Lemko-Rusyn, and I’m thrilled to share this story with you. I infused Helena, the historical heroine, with as much of the Lemko spunk and spirit as I could. Last October, my daughter and I had the privilege to travel to Poland and Slovakia and see the Lemko homeland for ourselves. It helped me to write a better, richer story because I now understand where they came from and who they were. Enjoy Helena’s story and her journey during WWII and beyond. I hope you come to understand and appreciate the Lemko people as much as I have.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 27

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 28

Pens Pages & Pulses, March 28

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 29

Simple Harvest Reads, March 30 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Texas Book-aholic, March 30

Betti Mace, March 31

Lily’s Corner, March 31

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 1

Devoted Steps, April 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 3

Blogging with Carol, April 4

Connie’s History Classroom, April 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 5

For Him and My Family, April 5

Stories By Gina, April 6 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 6

Bizwings Book Blog, April 7

Cover Lover Book Review, April 7

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, April 8

Jodie Wolfe, April 8

Holly’s Book Corner, April 9

Pause for Tales, April 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift Card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54187