About the Book

Book: Flames of Faith

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Release Date: February, 2025

1870 Switzerland. One year. A mountain of ideas. And a menacing railroad forging the barrier between dreams and reality.

Claire Pennington formulates a bold plan to avoid the pressure of yet another London season. Her parents grant her one year in Switzerland, yet afterward she must return to England and find a suitor. Armed with a notebook and gumption, she determines to make the mountain town of Thun a tourist destination for all classes of society. However, she does not count on an equally determined railroad engineer set on leaving Thun in the dust.

The rugged mountain terrain grants Englishman Lucas Stanley the opportunity to launch his engineering career. The railroad is the answer to modern travel—expedient, efficient, and competitive, yet conquering the section of track from Thun to Interlaken is harder than he originally thought, especially with opposition from a fiery female. Claire confronts him at every turn, using her enthusiasm and people skills to flame local zeal for change and progress in another direction.

Opposing proposals collide as Claire, Lucas, and the citizens of the quaint Swiss town face an avalanche of decisions and compromises sparked by flames of faith—and perhaps love.

Discover romance and faith in 1870 Switzerland through this standalone novel from the Elements of Hope series where fire, air, water, and earth meet elements of the heart.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Marguerite Martin Gray is an award-winning author of a dozen novels and novellas. She enjoys the study of history, especially when combined with fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and Spanish online. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and rescue pets. Her two adult children and two grandsons keep her young and up-to-date.

More from Marguerite

I am a tourist at heart and always have been since I was a child growing up in England as a preteen. A castle, a map, a manor house, a museum, a mystery, a myth in any country or state. Flames of Faith was sparked by a recent train ride from Interlaken to Thun, Switzerland where an old turreted castle rose above the lake and village. A perfect setting for a novel. It spurred thoughts of who visited this area as well as how and when since the terrain made it dangerous and tricky to just visit on a whim on a Sunday afternoon.

Have you heard of Thomas Cook (1850s and onward) and his famous travels all over Europe with tourists by horse, carriage, boat, foot, and finally train? He paved the way for the middle-class citizen to see gorgeous venues like Switzerland and the Alps. What an adventure to have been on one of his early tours! A Slow Train to Switzerland by Diccon Bewes cemented what I wanted to express in this novel.

Meet Claire Pennington, my heroine, who encompasses the traits of tourist in all the good senses. She wants everyone to have the opportunity to travel the continent and world as she does. Her bold dream inspires others to possibly regard seeing new sites as a way to refresh and revitalize their own lives.

Hop on board and discover romance and faith in 1870 Switzerland. Be a tourist without leaving your home.

Interview with the Author

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

I can relate to Claire Pennington, the main character, on some levels. She does not have the freedom of choice that I have, so in a way she is braver and bolder in her 1870 world. Claire desires to travel and see other cultures even as a tourist, which is a new concept in this Victorian backdrop. I would follow Claire in her enthusiasm for projects that benefit a whole community. She is able to unwrap history and present it in animated way in her presentation. In real life I wish I had her energy and youth as she explores Switzerland. She does step in my tracks on her journey.

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

Transportation is a major force in the novel as the passenger train is making its way across Europe. It was difficult having a foot in both worlds—horses, carriages aligned with ships and trains. 1870 was a pivotal time with modes of transportation, tourism, and the clash of old versus modern.

• What inspired this book?

I toured this area of Switzerland and fell in love with the quaint town of Thun and the castle. I knew some character would make her way up the tower steps and see the view I did. As I toured the museum, I was drawn to the why someone made the castle into a museum and the when the citizens made the move. Another site of inspiration was the extensive display of coats-of-arms on a castle wall, each representing a family of the past. As I walked back to the train, I promised to write a story of that special place.

• What is your vacation spot?

My go to vacation spot in the States is the Tennessee Smokey Mountains in any season. When time and finances allow, I make my way to Europe—England, France, and Italy are my favorites.

• What are you reading right now?

I read as much as possible and always have multiple books going. Right now, I’m reading Of Silver and Secrets by Michelle Griep, Lady Maybe by Julie Klassen, and No Stone Unturned by Jenelle Hovde. They are all historical fiction, yet I read across the spectrum.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, January 21 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 22

Texas Book-aholic, January 23

Artistic Nobody, January 24 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Corner, January 25

Life on Chickadee Lane, January 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 27

Guild Master, January 28 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, January 28

For Him and My Family, January 29

Devoted Steps, January 30

Fiction Book Lover, January 31 (Author Interview)

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 1

Holly’s Book Corner, February 2

Cover Lover Book Review, February 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marguerite is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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.

https://gleam.io/sMCBM/flames-of-faith-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Increase Your Bloom Ability: Devotions for Unleashing Your Most Flourishing Self

Author: Cheri Strange

Genre: Christian Living / Devotional for Women / Prayer Books

Release Date: May 7, 2025

ARE YOU READY TO BLOOM?

Do you feel stuck in your spiritual growth, unsure if God can truly bring beauty and purpose to your life? You’re not alone. Cheri Strange knows the ache of feeling spiritually barren, but she’s discovered the secret to living a profoundly fruitful life—and she’s ready to share it with you.

In Increase Your Bloom Ability, Cheri blends biblical truth with practical encouragement to help you:

• Embrace God’s call to flourish, even in hard seasons
• Stay rooted in Christ to live abundantly
• Trust God’s plan to cultivate spiritual fruit in you
• Take simple steps to grow your faith and accelerate your bloom

Your life was meant to thrive. Step into the vibrant, fruit life Gd created you for—starting today.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Cheri Strange is an award-winning author, speaker, and digital creator. She is passionate about helping women grow spiritually and flourish in their faith. With a Ph.D. and twenty years of ministry experience, she shares practical wisdom and biblical truth that meets women right where they are. Through her books, resources, YouVersion Bible plans, and digital art, Cheri inspires thousands to desire more of God in everyday life. She and her husband, Chad, live in Houston, Texas, with their eight children, and one bonus son.

More from Cheri

Have you ever wondered why, even as devoted followers of Jesus, your spiritual growth sometimes feels stalled? Why the abundant, fruit-filled life God promises can feel just out of reach? I’ve asked these questions of my own heart—and what I discovered in Scripture inspired me to write Increase Your Bloom Ability.

The Bible makes it clear: spiritual fruitfulness isn’t reserved for the gifted or the theologically trained—it’s for every believer (John 15:8). Yet many of us feel stuck, questioning whether we’re doing enough or if real growth is even possible. I dug into Scripture to uncover truths that can help unlock a life that truly bears fruit.

This devotional is the culmination of years of teaching, study, and personal reflection. I wanted to create something that equips you to experience more of God’s promises for your life. Inspired by Andrew Peterson’s words in Adorning the Dark, where he describes his ministry as “telling the truth as beautifully as he can,” I sought to do the same in this book.

I illustrated Increase Your Bloom Ability myself, filling it with over 200 pages of floral artwork—an offering of beauty alongside truth. My hope is that these pages will speak to your soul and draw you into a more vibrant, fruitful walk with Jesus.

My mission is simple: to help you experience a life of profound spiritual growth, one that blooms and flourishes as God intended. Through Scripture, reflection, and the visual beauty of this devotional, I pray you are encouraged, equipped, and inspired to embrace your calling and take intentional steps toward greater fruitfulness.

Interview with the Author

1. What does success as an author look like to you?

In Christian publishing, God’s definition of success and ours rarely match. Yes, authors want to sell books and know their work is meaningful—but that isn’t a secure anchor for me.

A friend once asked, after hearing the parts of writing and speaking that stretch me, “Then why do you do it?” Her question lingered. Because at this point, success isn’t only about why I began—it’s about why I continue.

When I look back, I see how hesitant I was to step into this calling. Jeremiah felt the same. Yet over time, the Word of God became “a fire shut up in his bones”—something he could not keep in (Jeremiah 20:9). His life became what Eugene Peterson later described as “a long obedience in the same direction.”

That, to me, is success.

2. What inspired this book?

My inspiration came from John 15—especially verse 8: “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples.” I wanted to understand what Jesus meant for ordinary Christians like me. That curiosity drew me deeper into what Jesus was saying about the relationship God intends for every believer and how it connects to His purpose for our lives.

Over time, that study became a YouVersion plan, and then a message women’s groups kept requesting. What ultimately drove me to write the devotional was the steady, expressed need from women across the years to have this message in their hands—to read, to ponder, and to pray through in their own faith journeys.

3. Which author influenced the you most?

Hands down, Charles H. Spurgeon has influenced me the most. Given the option, I prefer reading dead people. Dead people who have finished well. Naturally, these have been vetted. There is no question about the character or behaviors of those who have gone into Glory. No scandals will arise and no funds will turn up missing from their charge. Of course, they are not without missteps and regretful choices, but I’m never going to feel remorse for naming a pet or a person after someone like Charles Hadley Spurgeon.

His writing moves me. The ability he has to reach his audiences inspires me. His grasp of the English language, his knowledge of the world around him, and his passion for meeting the needs set before him impassion me. But the greatest reason for Spurgeon’s influence on my life is because of the times God has used his writings to speak to me in the deep places.

Some people grab the ice cream and Oreos when they are sad or stressed. Others sleep their sorrows away. I reach for dusty old volumes written by a century’s old has-been preacher. It has proven to offer both music and salve to my soul.

4. What are you reading right now?

On my desk are three: 21 Servants of Sovereign Joy, John Piper; C H Spurgeon’s Forgotten Prayer Meeting Addresses, and Hunt for Red October, Tom Clancy (shared with me by my new son-in-law).

5. What is your most well-loved and well-used house appliance?

As a mom of eight young adults, I’ve had my fair share of intimate relationships with household appliances. I’ve cooked more food, cleaned more spills, scrubbed more toilets, and washed more laundry than most women ever hope to. I appreciate a good gas stove, and I could wax eloquent about vacuum options—but my favorite and most-used appliance is, without question, my dishwasher.

You cannot fathom how many pink cups six daughters can cycle through in a single day—or how many dirty dishes appear when feeding a household of ten. And you certainly can’t imagine the strength one dishwasher needs to survive that kind of workload until you’ve replaced yours… repeatedly.

Our current model, a Bosch we picked up at the Dent and Scratch store because it was stainless and on sale, turned out to be a diamond in the rough. It has washed and sanitized thousands of loads—yes, thousands. We had a long stretch where it ran twice a day. It has never needed repairs, and although we have a backup dishwasher in the basement (it came with the house), we’ve rarely needed it.

In a home of this size, reliability is priceless. My Bosch has earned my unwavering loyalty.

Blog Stops

Leslie’s Library Escape, January 15

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, January 16 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 17

Simple Harvest Reads, January 18 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, January 19 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 19

Guild Master, January 20 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 21

Fiction Book Lover, January 22 (Author Interview)

Because I said so – adventures in parenting , January 23

A Reader’s Brain, January 24 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 25 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 25

Books Less Travelled, January 26 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, January 27

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, January 28 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cheri 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.

https://gleam.io/waoaC/increase-your-bloom-ability-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: My Maker And Me

Author: Pat Domangue

Genre: Christian Living/Bible Study

Release Date: July 22, 2025

A six-week guided Bible study based on Isaiah 64:8, My Maker & Me helps Christian women discover God as their potter and understand His continual presence in their lives.

Through the unique perspective of viewing God and themselves through Scripture and the art of pottery, Christian women will learn how God intimately works to shape them into the beautiful vessels He created them to become, much like a potter shapes clay.

Many Christian women struggle with trusting God because they don’t know Him from the intimate perspective of their potter. My Maker & Me helps women grow in understanding God’s love and care for them especially when they face difficult seasons or walk through fiery trials. As their trust grows, they will also find security, purpose, and meaning even in the most difficult seasons of life. If they are struggling with who they are and discovering their purpose, they will gain a greater sense of their true identity and purpose, setting them up to embrace God’s plan for their life. Women committed to completing this six-week study will experience spiritual growth and personal transformation.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

A resident of West Monroe, Louisiana, Pat Domangue has spent the past twenty years in women’s ministry inspiring and igniting a passion for Jesus through writing and teaching Bible studies for women. Pat has an advanced certification in Women’s Ministry, a bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministries through New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and a master’s degree in Biblical Studies from Trinity Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana. She has published four Bible studies for women: Quest for Wholeness: Healing The Broken; Equipped & Empowered: Preparing Women for Spiritual Battle; DIG: Digging Into God’s Word, a how-to guide for studying the Bible; and her latest, My Maker and Me: A Six-Week Bible Study of Becoming God’s Beautiful Vessel. Pat has also produced and hosted a Christian women’s television program and radio shows, and she currently hosts H.E.R. Podcast, bringing healing and encouragement to women in real life.

More from Pat

My Maker and Me: A Six-Week Bible Study of Becoming God’s Beautiful Vessel

Have you ever watched a potter at work? Strong hands caress and move the clay, shaping it as it spins on the wheel. The potter leans close, eyes focused, applying just the right pressure to bring something beautiful to life.

That’s where my writing journey began — watching my first pottery demonstration and hearing the potter share the treasures he had discovered about God at that wheel. God had revealed Himself through the art and process of pottery, opening the potter’s eyes to see His intimate work in his life and the great value God saw in him.

As I listened, something stirred deep inside me. I wanted to know God like that — intimately, personally, as the Potter who shapes and molds my life. Within days, I was sitting in the potter’s class, craving to experience God in that same way. The potter guided us through every stage of creating pottery — from dry clay, to shaping damp clay on the wheel, to firing and glazing.

Each week, I carried what I learned from class into prayer, asking God to reveal Himself and show me how Scripture mirrors the process. Just as the potter shapes the clay, God shapes us into His beautiful vessels — molding us through seasons of pressure, waiting, and refining.

My Maker and Me was born from the revelation of Isaiah 64:8:

“But now, O Lord, You are our Father;
We are the clay, and You our potter;
And all we are the work of Your hand.”

Through this study, women will discover the heart of the Master Potter who is intimately at work in their lives—shaping, refining, and transforming them into the vessels He created them to be.

A Season of Waiting and Shaping

One of my favorite sections of the study is Week 4: The Master’s Design. It explores how God uses waiting seasons not as wasted time, but as sacred shaping time. Even in the waiting, God is still working—molding and strengthening us to become His beautiful vessels.

Much like a potter allows the clay to rest before the next stage of forming, God allows us moments of stillness to prepare us for His next move. In those seasons, even when we can’t see or feel His presence, He is working—always with intention and love.

Writing this study wasn’t easy. God allowed me to live many of the lessons He was teaching me. I had my own moments of testing, trial, and surrender. Yet in every challenge, He revealed His faithfulness and assured me of His nearness.

An Invitation to the Journey

My prayer for My Maker and Me is that women everywhere will experience what I did—a deeper awareness of God’s hand at work in their lives. Whether you’re in a season of stretching, refining, or resting, I believe this study will help you see how the Potter is crafting something beautiful in you.

Come join me on this journey of becoming God’s beautiful vessel.

Interview with the Author

1. What inspired this book?

The inspiration for My Maker and Me is really two-fold.

First, early in my walk with the Lord, I attended a women’s Bible study that completely transformed my life. That study awakened a hunger in me to know Jesus more deeply, and every Bible study I joined after that brought another layer of transformation. Through those experiences, God birthed in me a desire to write studies that would help other women encounter Him in the same life-changing way.

Almost a decade later, that desire was ignited again when I watched a pottery demonstration. The potter shared how God had revealed Himself through the art of pottery—His nearness, His shaping, and even the sense of value the potter discovered in God’s hands. His testimony and the visual picture of him working the clay moved me so deeply that I wanted to understand God as my Potter in the same way.

The very next day, I contacted the potter and asked to attend his class. I learned the entire process of pottery from start to finish. In that studio, I saw the pottery process mirroring what Scripture says about God forming us into His vessels. Once again, God used that experience to bring transformation in my own heart.

I knew God had given me this experience—and this unique revelation of Himself through His Word—to share with other women. My Maker and Me was written out of that desire: to help women see the beauty of God’s intimate, intentional work in their lives.

2. Which author influenced the you most?

Beth Moore – I began my Bible study journey in a  her Bible studies and for several years I went through every new Bible study she released. Her writing and teaching dramatically impacted every area of my life, and still does.

3. What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

This is such a hard question, because I hold so many dear to me for many different reasons. 1 John 3:1 is an overall favorite because of what it says about me, how deeply God loves me, and that I am a part of His family.

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us,

that we should be called children of God!

1 John 3:1

Jeremiah 32:17 is also an overall favorite because of what it says about the God I love and serve.

‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.

Jeremiah 32:17

I have two favorites that relate to my calling in ministry. First, Philippians 3:12 because it is the verse God uses to encourage me to press on.

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

Philippians 3:12

Second, Galatians 6:9, because it is the verse God uses to remind me not to quit when ministry gets hard.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Galatians 6:9

4. What would you like your readers to get out of this book?

I hope that every woman who goes through this Bible study sees how loved, planned, and purposed they are. I want them to walk away from this study knowing that in every aspect of their life God is present with them and working something beautiful even in the brokenness, pain, and trials of our lives.

5. What is your vacation spot?

I am a beach lover. I’ve been to a lot of beaches, but my favorite beach is Miramar Beach, Florida. For thirty years, our family has vacationed there. And it is also, a favorite getaway destination for my husband and I.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, January 16 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 17

Artistic Nobody, January 18 (Author Interview)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 19

Guild Master, January 20 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 21

Fiction Book Lover, January 22 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 23 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, January 23

Blossoms and Blessings, January 24 (Author Interview)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 25

Stories By Gina, January 26 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 27 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 28

A Reader’s Brain , January 29 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pat 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.

https://gleam.io/Ft6nd/my-maker-and-me-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Freedom Rings

Author: Rachel Keith

Genre: Christian Middle-grade Animal Fantasy

Release Date: June 16, 2025

Freedom rings out. Who will hear it?

Tina the wolf and her adopted animal siblings narrowly escaped childhood enslavement and lead a quiet, secluded life together. But when they find out the usurping Authorities ravage their world of Neftar to capture more slaves, Tina feels that she and her squad are being called to free their fellow Neftarians.

As they plunge into their abolition quest, however, untold dangers arise—from betrayals, to life-threatening peril, to the discovery of Tina’s forbidden heritage.

Can Tina and her siblings fight for freedom, or will they be put to death for their rebellion… and for Tina’s outlawed bloodline?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Rachel Keith created and finished the world of The Squad at an early age. Inspired to share her faith and glorify God through her passion of writing, she used her extensive knowledge of animals, artistry, graphic design, and fanaticism for a certain video game hedgehog to bring the world of Neftar to life.

When not writing, praying, or geeking out over her video games, Rachel draws custom betta fish portraits, pampers her unusual pets, jams to Christian radio, and reads. And reads. And READS.

Because there’s no such thing as too much of a great story.

Rachel lives in her native land of Nashville, Tennessee, with her menagerie, Bible, and animal encyclopedia.

More from Rachel

I’m Rachel Keith, an 18-year-old homeschool graduate from Franklin, Tennessee. I understand how difficult it is for homeschool families to find safe, clean, Christ-centered fiction that also resonates with young readers, and that’s why I wrote The Squad: Rising series. The series focuses on Tina, an anthropomorphic wolf in a vibrant world of anthropomorphic animals. She and her squad of adopted siblings see the oppression their world is facing, and together, they fight to free their world and establish peace. Though they face plenty of perils, they trust that The Most High will guide them. Each book includes fun resources, including an animal species guide and discussion questions! Inspired by Sonic the Hedgehog and The Chronicles of Narnia, this series—beginning with book 1, Freedom Rings—is a fun new trailblazing series for middle grade fantasy, especially for Christians and anthro lovers!

Interview with the Author

1. Which character did you connect to best in this book?

Out of the four main characters in Freedom Rings, Tina the wolf—the lead MC—is the one I relate to the most. We have similar personalities, and when I first created her as an insecure twelve-year-old, I made her to be a role model. She simply wants to do what’s right by her kin—her adopted siblings as well as her entire race. And even when things get dreadfully hard, she trusts something good will come out of it.

2. What inspired this book?

For the readers, my inspiration was having “friends” in books who kept me company when I was lonely. I wanted to do the same for other young readers who need those “book friends.” For the subject matter, there was a lot of different inspiration that poured into Freedom Rings, and into different parts of it. The world and story itself was inspired by a blend of The Chronicles of Narnia and Sonic the Hedgehog! A world inhabited by animals, mythical animals, and all sorts of lore, mixed with anthropomorphic animals who have crazy powers and fight for freedom—that was going to make for an awesome story. And it did! Smaller pieces of inspiration include a lot of comics, 1980s cartoons, and, of course, my insatiable love for zoology.

3. What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

One of my favorite Bible verses is 1 Timothy 4:12—“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (NIV) It fits not only the characters of Freedom Rings and the entire The Squad: Rising series, but it fits my own life as well. Starting my ministry as an author at age twelve is not an easy route, but here I am, and I’m not about to stop. I know this is what God wants me to do, and He’s going to use The Squad: Rising for something amazing.

4. What are you reading right now?

I’m currently reading the Lavender Dawn Saga by Ella Quill, which is another anthro fiction series like The Squad: Rising, except a cozy fantasy with chipmunks living in magical trees. It’s very cute!

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

Sitting in my chair, at my way-too-big desk, there’s my 16-year-old laptop is in front of me and ready to keep functioning, which I will take as a sign of God’s grace. I have an iridescent “Hello Sunshine” sticker on the back of the desk, a heat lamp, and a huge terrarium housing a 10-year-old hermit crab named Culver. The Squad: Rising series and pretty much its entire cast as custom-painted Calico Critters are staring at me from a couple shelves, as well as an army of Calico Critter families and a Funko POP figure of Silver the Hedgehog dressed as Green Lantern.

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 13

Simple Harvest Reads, January 14 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, January 15 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 15

Fiction Book Lover, January 16 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 17

Vicky Sluiter, January 18 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 19

For the Love of Literature, January 20 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, January 21

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 22 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, January 23 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, January 24 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, January 24

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 25 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, January 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize of a signed 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.

https://gleam.io/DNsrJ/freedom-rings-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: THE GODCHILD

Author: S.C. Terlecky

Genre: YA Christian Dystopian

Release Date: December 9, 2025

When fifteen-year-old Ellie Wilder discovers a contraband journal hidden in her attic, her decision to read its contents rather than turning it over to TEAMMATE officials will destroy any chance of living a normal life. The good news? Andy Jacobs, the most popular boy in her school, now realizes she exists. The bad news? She might not exist much longer if TEAMMATE has anything to say about it. Now that she’s awakened from the encompassing lie of the world she lives in, how can she possibly warn others who are content to remain in a blissful Neverland? She’ll need to challenge her own beliefs, embrace her destiny, and put everything on the line or else the dying spark she’s uncovered in this hostile future will be extinguished—along with her life, forever.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

S.C. Terlecky lives in Northeast Ohio with his two daughters and herd of cats. He enjoys a multitude of outdoor activities and reading stories each night to his girls. His previous works include American Relic and Canticle of the Spear. He loves strong storytelling, interesting characters, and concepts with lasting impact.

More from S.C.

The truth may set you free, but are you prepared for the cost?

When I set out to write my third novel, THE GODCHILD, I wanted to create something that would remain on the mind of the reader after the final page. There are a number of excellent young adult books that left a lasting impression on me in my younger years, and my desire was to contribute something truly moving for the next generation.

Drawing from some of my favorite classic YA dystopian fiction novels, there is often one theme in common—they focus on fighting an all-powerful, evil group of people with a smaller group of likeable underdogs who want to preserve some important, physically tangible aspect of living. It may be saving a faction of people from oppression by another faction like in Veronica Roth’s Divergent or Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games. The story may highlight a need to break free from a world of total control like in The Giver by Lois Lowry or A Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. They may even primarily focus on saving humanity from extinction like in James Dashner’s The Maze Runner. But how many add the spiritual implications of eternity alongside these important physical themes? This is where THE GODCHILD is meant to have a deeper reach into the reader. And when the tale is completely told, the chilling part of this story is that it’s not unbelievable—especially in today’s world.

Interview with the Author

1. What does success as an author look like to you?

My perspective on success as an author might look different than many other writers. For me, the impact the story has on the individual reader is the most important metric of success. By impact, I mean, did the story intersect with a part of the reader’s life that might have a positive influence on their day? Obviously, every reader is different and will experience the story through a different lens, but if by the end of the story, they’re counting their own blessings, or thinking fondly about someone they love—that’s what a win looks like to me. I believe the human soul needs stories with hope, love, and redemption.

2. Which character did you connect to best in this book?

As a father of two daughters, I connected most with Kirk Wilder, Ellie’s father. The story was originally written through multiple different characters, and he was one of the main other contributors. It was later changed to be solely through Ellie’s eyes, as it really is her story.

3. What inspired this book?

This book was inspired by observing the growing division we all see on a daily basis in the world. I wish I had more of an answer on how to eliminate this growing divide, but there doesn’t seem to be an easy answer. Then I wondered, what if we just removed everything that caused the conflict? How would we do it? Would human nature even allow it? From there the story grew.

4. Which author influenced the you most?

There are quite a few good ones I could name. Probably the one that got me thinking I could really do this writing thing was Richard Paul Evans. I read THE WALK series by him some years ago and saw what he was capable of doing with just a four- or five-page chapter and I was absolutely amazed. The man is talented and I really loved the positivity I felt after reading each one. I write short chapters as well, and I realized that quality over quantity was my path forward. I’m not as verbose as many other ultra-talented writers but I do sincerely believe in the heart of my stories.

5. What are you reading right now?

Right now, I’m finishing up TRUE BELIEVER, by Jack Carr. It’s the sequel to the popular Amazon show, THE TERMINAL LIST which stars Chris Pratt as a Navy SEAL. It was suggested by a good buddy of mine. I read quite a few different genres, mostly by recommendation. I also just finished THE CHRISTMAS STRANGER by Richard Paul Evans.

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, January 12

Simple Harvest Reads, January 13 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 13

Artistic Nobody, January 14 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, January 15 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 16

Fiction Book Lover, January 17 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, January 18

Vicky Sluiter, January 19 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, January 20 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 21 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 22

Blossoms and Blessings, January 23 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, January 24 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 25 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 25

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, S.C. is giving away the grand prize of a $100 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

https://gleam.io/kZzku/the-godchild-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Voice I Couldn’t Ignore

Author: Johanna Frank

Genre: Christian Nonfiction / Memoirs/ Christian Death and Grief

Release Date: October 2, 2025

Through a vision, God told Hanna he was going to take her child. Seven years later, he did.

The Voice I Couldn’t Ignore

Hanna’s relationship with God is undeniably unusual—of that, she is certain.

Kept secret for three generations, a stranger’s prophecy that a window from heaven would open was aimed squarely at her. But instead, deeply wounded scars shut her off from that promised breeze, sealing away any hope for self-worth and true identity. As the years continue and she navigates motherhood, she’s drawn in and shaken by vivid dreams and visions—some illuminating, others quite alarming.

“Did God just tell me he’s going to take my child?”

When the fiercest storm of Hanna’s life strikes—a brutal whirlwind of unseen daggers—it hurls her skyward only to shatter her fragile house of faith, leaving her to wrestle in a deep pit of relentless grief. She can’t imagine trusting a soul on earth to explain why God moved the way he did in her life. And even if she tried, no one would ever believe her.

“Don’t get comfy down here.” For all her inner warnings, she’s bound in anguish and despair with no visible way out.

So she begins to piece together the God-given dreams and visions, aligning her interpretations of his handiwork in the Holy Land with Scripture. From these fragments, she shapes a parable of her own—an illustration of a new house of faith. This one on a solid foundation with gentle reminders of truth, particularly the one that sets her free: it takes the Trinity to lift a soul.

Keep a window open. Catch the breeze that binds.

Based on a true story.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Johanna Frank is a Canadian author based in Southern Ontario, where she lives with her husband, and delights in time with her children and grandchildren.

Her award-winning A Lifeline Fantasy Series includes The Gatekeeper’s Descendants (Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Medalist), Jophiel’s Secret (Winner of the 2023 General Market Suspense Fiction Award and the Christian Speculative Fiction Award), and Here Lyeth (finalist for The Word Guild’s 2025 Christian Speculative Award).

In addition, Johanna has just released a creative memoir, The Voice I Can’t Ignore, a deeply personal work that explores God’s abundant mystery and healing.

More from Johanna

A creative nonfiction based on a true story; how I rebuilt a house of faith following the death of my daughter.

This story leads the reader through an ancestral prophecy, profound visions and dreams, and a mother’s journey through symbolisms in the Holy Land. It shares how she guided her teenage daughter through a devastating diagnosis while wrestling with God, and reveals her spiritual rebuilding of an unshakable house of faith in the aftermath of loss.

Interview with the Author

• Which chapter was the most difficult to write?

The entire book actually! It took me well over a decade to piece together unusual happenings with God’s abundant sense of mystery. But when the right time came, the ink in the pen flowed easily. I was truly thankful.

• What inspired this book?

The story in The Voice I Couldn’t Ignore is based on true events. The prologue reflects knowledge handed down through generations, from mother to child, over a century ago. Everything else—coincidences, dreams, and visions—happened as described. The final chapters capture the spirit and tone of my visit to the Holy Land.

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

My purpose for sharing this personal experience boils down to a simple message. God communicates in many ways. Often, he even catches us off guard. It’s when we crawl into that upper room inside ourselves that we can hear what he wants us to hear, see what he wants us to see. It’s there, with his Son in our hearts, we feel the breeze of his Spirit. We discover the business that he’ll go to great lengths to accomplish. He wants—deeply desires—our agreement to allow him to lift our souls, to join his family.

• What is your vacation spot?

In the winters, we used to travel to Belize a lot, and my husband and I truly enjoy cruising. But I’d have to say our most common vacation spot is simply our park home in the summer time at a local trailer park set within a wooded area. So peaceful 😊.

• What is your most well-loved and well-used house appliance?

Oh, I so love my small appliances, I use them all. Perhaps my air fryer takes first place, following closely is a Ninja slow cooker, then a sandwich grill and finally, a hot air popcorn maker.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 10

Simple Harvest Reads, January 11 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain , January 12 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 12

Artistic Nobody, January 13 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 14

Guild Master, January 15 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 16

Fiction Book Lover, January 17 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, January 18

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 19 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 20

Blossoms and Blessings, January 21 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, January 22 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, January 22

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

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Johanna 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.

https://gleam.io/j2Twg/the-voice-i-couldnt-ignore-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Road Unveiled

Author: Tim Bishop

Genre: FICTION / Christian / Contemporary FICTION / Romance / Action & Adventure

Release Date: November 4, 2025

Two wounded hearts. Long, winding roads. And second chances neither saw coming.

Lauren Baumgartner pedals toward Yellowstone National Park, anticipating a grand celebration when she reaches the Atlantic Ocean. But when her wedding plans collapse, old wounds resurface—and a haunting secret still holds her heart hostage.

Traveling alone with bear spray and a one-woman tent, she shares the highway with motorcyclists bound for a massive rally, including gang members who eye her as theirs for the taking.

Doug Zimmer, another lone cyclist, is grappling with loss and wondering if anyone will be alongside him when he figures out what’s next. He isn’t the only one drawn to Lauren’s vitality and spirit.

But Lauren may already be in too deep. What she faces on the Golden Prairie Indian Reservation tests her courage—and her faith—more than anything she encountered as a missionary in Uganda.

A woman with a secret and a man healing from loss pedal the rugged roads of the American West on a quest for love and purpose that leads to unexpected horizons.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

After a thirty-year career in business, Tim Bishop left his corporate treasurer position, married his dream girl, and embarked with her to parts unknown—on bicycles. Ten thousand miles later, the first-time newlyweds have written four books about their cycling adventures. Their devotional, Wheels of Wisdom, won four first-place book awards. Publishers Weekly dubbed it “a road map for life.”

Tim’s first novel, The Persistent Road, won the Ames Award in General Fiction. The award acknowledges excellent books that encourage living a courageous and obedient Christian life, especially under challenging circumstances. The audiobook edition of The Persistent Road was selected as a Selah Award finalist.

Tim volunteers as a coach for a ministry that reaches people who are dealing with challenging life issues. He has written numerous articles for various Christian content providers.

A graduate of the University of Maine, a CPA, and a three-time Maine chess champion, Tim and his wife, Debbie, live in Middle Tennessee.

More from Tim

What is Christian Fiction?

I categorize my latest novel, The Road Unveiled, as Contemporary Christian Fiction. With the story set in modern times, the contemporary part makes sense.

But just what is Christian Fiction?

Is it a story with characters—and exclusively for readers—who espouse Christian values, believe in God, and exercise faith in Jesus Christ? Is it content fabricated to preach biblical truth? Or is it an entertaining tale so sanitized it won’t offend even the most sensitive of believers, even if it resembles little of what goes on in the world? Maybe it’s all the above. Or a touch of each.

I recently told my wife, Debbie, “I don’t write fantasy.” I wasn’t referring to genre but to placating readers who want only entertainment, escapism, and content that reinforces their beliefs. They’re looking for happily ever after in a world with far too little of it.

I like happy endings too. And I see entertainment as essential in fiction because a novelist must keep readers engaged if he hopes to influence them.

But I want my stories to have redeeming qualities beyond mere entertainment. Rereading my bio recently reminded me of this. It says, “Tim writes to create content that can change people’s lives.” That’s a tall order, but I wouldn’t be publishing books at my stage of life unless I wanted to touch a reader.

In The Road Unveiled, I promise I’ll take you on a journey. And certain parts of it won’t be easy. I want you to feel the pain of my characters’ relational woes so you can rejoice when they grow through them. If I can bring sweat to your brow as we climb steep ascents, you can bask in the magnificent surroundings and feel the rewarding rush when we sail down the other side. And if you feel the chill down your spine when danger looms, you’ll savor the peace at deliverance even more.

I’ll invite you to grapple with challenging cultural issues, too, so you can reconsider them with a fresh perspective. Could the difficulties we navigate with these characters make us all a little more compassionate, more aware of injustices, and more appreciative of everything God created for us? Could the nuance of a Bible passage jump from the pages of this story and smack us in the noggin? Maybe, like my protagonist, we’ll gain a better awareness of the toxic effects of a deep secret.

Strap on your helmets because we’re going for a ride. I don’t guarantee it will be smooth, but I do believe it will be worthwhile. Yes, I hope the story will entertain you. But I also want to leave you with something to think about, something that will stick with you long after you close the book. I sure hope I’ve accomplished that, but you’re the judge!

Interview with the Author

1. What does success as an author look like to you?

Making readers’ lives better. For anyone out there who isn’t aware of the economics of writing and publishing, most books sell few copies compared to those written by famous authors. A substantial portion of obscure authors make little to no money. Many lose money. So, after years with a good-paying job for a successful company, I haven’t pivoted to writing and publishing to make money. I want people to consume content that can help them. They may consider a different interpretation of a biblical principle or uncover it for the first time. They may even think about what it means to be a Christian or become one.

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

Beyond writing from a female perspective as a male author, handling delicate, hot-button social issues presented unique challenges. To avoid spoilers, I won’t share specifics. But suffice it to say that everyone has a unique perspective on these issues, whether they embrace the Christian faith or not, which can make them so difficult to deal with. We’ve suffered in our culture because religious institutions have avoided these issues or compromised what the Bible teaches about them, favoring political correctness over loving rebuke. That’s why I write compassionately about them from a biblical perspective.

3. What inspired this book?

The inspiration behind my writing comes in part from a passion to see people delivered from that which entangles them. I coach people online and hear about issues that hold them back. Many of those issues stem from a lack of awareness of what God offers us: His broken body and shed blood to set us free from the clutch of sin; the modeling and teaching of Jesus Christ, who laid down principles that bring joy and purpose. An engaging story that incorporates these godly principles has power to change lives. That’s what I want to do. The Road Unveiled portrays love, chastity, confession, forgiveness, and sacrifice. The story itself springs from the cycling journeys my wife, Debbie, and I have undertaken.

4. What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

I have many favorite Bible verses, but a few of those passages seem so appropriate for the times we live in. I often share these with people I chat with online who are struggling over issues and wondering where God is in their time of need. They’re not living in a spiritual vacuum, but instead they have an enemy who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. He wants to block them from the spiritual inheritance of an abundant life that is theirs for making Jesus their Lord and Savior. God is allowing them to be tested. And to pass it, they need to put on the full armor of God. In addition to the paraphrased John 10:9-10 above, I give them Ephesians 6:12 and that which follows it. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

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

Branches devoid of their fall regalia weave heavenward, revealing a latticework of branches from larger trees plastered onto a gray background in the distance. Sprouts from a nearby holly bush shake in the breeze, awaiting the guillotine and the dark world beyond. A house across the street lies dormant, its four eaves poking the sky. A hooded, faceless passerby whisks in and out of view, coaxing blood to frozen extremities.

This side of the window, a laptop computer stares back, propped on a dictionary from another era, scattered papers from assorted pads askew around it as if winter’s breeze had broken through the glass. A ribbon-bookmarked journal with a wordless green cover, a Steven James’s writing craft book, a set of headphones, and cellphone stand out amid the chaos. A boom-mounted microphone affixed to a hutch threatens to capture any audible words that avoid the typist’s fingers. Family photos on top compete for space with cards, books, reading devices, and a bag of mixed nuts that fuel any ideas from brain to fingers to computer.

This is where the make-believe world takes shape.

Blog Stops

Stories By Gina, January 9 (Author Interview)

lakesidelivingsite, January 10

Simple Harvest Reads, January 11 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 12

Artistic Nobody, January 13 (Author Interview)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 14

Guild Master, January 15 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, January 16

Fiction Book Lover, January 17 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 18 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 18

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, January 19 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, January 20

Vicky Sluiter, January 21 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, January 22 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 22

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Tim is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon Gift Card and the two books in the Bicycle Adventure Series!!

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

https://gleam.io/nJ2bn/the-road-unveiled-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Masa Chronicles: The Copper Scroll

Author: Nicholas Teeguarden

Genre: Christian Fiction Action/Suspense

Release Date: October 7, 2025

When American grad student and Veteran Joshua Bennett lands in Amman, Jordan, he thinks he’s chasing academic glory. What he finds instead is a centuries-old mystery that’s been waiting for someone reckless or desperate enough to uncover it.

At the center of it all is the Copper Scroll, a cryptic Dead Sea artifact rumored to hold clues to an ancient treasure buried deep in the Judean desert. But Joshua soon learns it’s no ordinary scroll.

Hidden symbols, coded phrases, and whispers of a “shepherd’s path” point to something far more significant and far more dangerous.

As the clues mount, so do the warnings. A silent observer in the library. A cryptic priest with a knowing smile. A message slipped into Joshua’s backpack: The shepherd’s path is not for the faint-hearted.

A cryptic priest and a rabbi jump in to help understand uncovered information. As Mossad agents, Templar knights, and ISIS operatives close in, Joshua and his allies race to unravel the truth. But who seeks to unearth it, and who will kill to keep it buried?

Excerpt from the Book

Joshua “Masa” Bennett hummed the Villines Trio’s familiar refrain, “I’m going all the way, I made up my mind…” as he drove toward the University of Arkansas. The song, a staple from his Lincoln church, bookended his commute, its quiet grace a lifeline since his Army days tromping biblical lands. No atheists in foxholes, they say, and Masa carried that faith into civilian life, fueling his master’s in archaeology. Today felt routine, just another class, but a spark flickered beneath it, a path to mysteries buried for centuries, secrets that could  shake faith’s foundations.

The lecture hall buzzed with late-afternoon chaos. High ceilings arched overhead, intricate moldings catching golden light through tall, narrow windows. Dust motes danced in the beams, stirred by restless students shifting in tiered rows of scarred desks with etched initials, coffee rings, and doodles of bored minds. Chalk dust bit the air, mingling with the musty scent of old books and the hum of flickering fluorescents. At the front, Professor Thaddeus Luke commanded the room, his wiry frame dwarfed by a blackboard scrawled with frantic chalk lines and gray hair flaring like a storm cloud as his voice boomed with passion.

Missed Any Excerpts? Find Them Here:

Excerpt One: https://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/masa-chronicles-the-copper-scroll-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Two: https://www.fictionbooklover.com/posts/masa-chronicles-the-copper-scroll-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Three: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/masa-chronicles-the-copper-scroll-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Four: https://www.guildmaster97.com/posts/masa-chronicles-the-copper-scroll-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Five: https://www.thebookishledger.com/posts/masa-chronicles-the-copper-scroll-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Six: https://thequietbookmark.com.customers.tigertech.net/posts/masa-chronicles-the-copper-scroll-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Seven: https://www.becausefiction.com/posts/masa-chronicles-the-copper-scroll-book-spotlight/

About the Author

Nicholas Teeguarden writes faith-fueled thrillers that explore the intersection of history, belief, and discovery. His debut, The Copper Scroll: Masa Chronicles, follows archaeologist Joshua “Masa” Bennett across the Middle East in a race to uncover one of history’s most enigmatic biblical relics. Praised for its vivid realism and clean storytelling, the novel has been honored with a ChristLit Award, a Readers’ Favorite 5-star review, and recognition at the Paris Book Festival.

A veteran whose global service inspires his storytelling, Teeguarden aims to create cinematic fiction that uplifts while it thrills. He is currently developing the next installment in The Masa Chronicles alongside The Teeguarden Writing Room, a growing creative community where readers and writers explore faith, art, and story together.

About the Book

Book: The Silver Lode

Author: Suzanne J. Bratcher

Genre: Mystery

Release Date: 2020

JEROME, ARIZONA:

Billion-dollar copper camp alive with rags-to-riches tales

Beneath the ghost town that clings to the side of Cleopatra Hill, a maze of abandoned mine tunnels conceals a vein of silver ore mixed with pure gold. Seventy years ago, the discovery of that silver lode caused a murder. Are more coming?

Historian Paul Russell is about to lose his job and the woman he loves. He doesn’t have time to search for the legendary silver lode. But when a student drops a seventy-year-old unsolved cold case on his desk, a murder connected to the silver lode, the mystery offers Paul the perfect opportunity to work with Marty Greenlaw and win her back.

As Paul and Marty search for the silver lode, suspicious deaths begin to happen. When Paul’s son disappears, the stakes become personal.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Suzanne J. Bratcher, Ph.D., delights in writing contemporary mysteries sprinkled with history. Her award-winning novels are set in the very real ghost town of Jerome, Arizona as well as the Four Corners states: New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. Bratcher lives in Phoenix, Arizona. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading with her granddaughter, laughing at her rescue cat, and piecing colorful quilt scraps.

More from Suzanne

Interview with the Author

1. What does success as an author look like to you?

I feel successful as an author when a reader gets something out of a book I didn’t consciously put in. For example, one reader told me that after he and his wife both finished reading “The Copper Box,” they had a good discussion about adoption. Both adopted children, they had never discussed their individual experiences. The struggle Marty experienced in “The Copper Box” led them to have this difficult conversation. When I was writing that story, I never considered adoption as a theme. It was simply the part of the story that drove Marty to make a trip to Jerome. I was thrilled that my book had more in it for readers than I imagined.

2. What inspired this book?

A display in the Douglas mansion inspired “The Silver Lode.” I love touring old houses, so the Douglas mansion in Jerome drew me like a magnet. I was interested in it because of the history of the house, but in present day, the Douglas mansion is the home of the Jerome State Historic Park. Because Jerome started as a copper mining camp, the park headquarters is filled with displays on copper mining. At first, I wasn’t interested. Then I ducked behind a curtain to see a variety of minerals lit by ultraviolet light. They glowed with assorted colors, and I began to see the attraction of mining. I watched a film called “The Ghosts of Jerome,” and some of the people of the mining community started to become real. Later, when I strolled into the last room, a large 3-D representation of the labyrinth of mining tunnels that crisscross the hill beneath Jerome caught my attention. I wondered what it would be like to explore those tunnels. Scott Russell, a young teenager from the first Jerome mystery, seemed to be right beside me. I knew I had the main character. Not long before, I had read an account of the 1893 discovery of a rich vein of silver mixed with pure gold in Silver City, Nevada. I thought, “What about the discovery of a silver lode in one of those tunnels that was kept secret? What if Scott discovered the secret?” With that, the plot began to take shape in my mind.

3. What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

My life verse is Romans 8:38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers… nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord.”

When I was growing up, my Sunday school teachers and my pastor placed the emphasis on death not being able to separate us from God’s love. But as I have lived this verse, I have found that life not being able to separate us from God’s love has been equally important. Living through a divorce, losing a job, not having enough money to know where next week’s food will come from, even losing custody of a child… I have learned that none of these experiences could chase God away. God has been with me, surrounding me with love -whether I won a prestigious book award or declared bankruptcy,. After experiencing that love during life, I don’t find it hard to believe that death won’t separate me from God’s love either.

4. What is your vacation spot?

The Big Island of Hawaii is my favorite vacation spot. When I was in my late fifties, I lived on the island of Guam for four years. During that time, on trips home I was privileged to visit Hawaii four times. Twice I chose the Big Island. I loved it because it has such variety. Not only does it have the beaches Hawaii is famous for, it also has a lot of undeveloped land, including, of course, the famous volcano Kilauea that has been corrupting off and on for the last couple of years. On my first visit, long before the volcano began to erupt, I went to the visitor center by Kilauea and learned about the volcanic origins of Hawaii. I also took a helicopter ride across the interior of the island. We flew over the volcano and were able to see molten lava bubbling in several places. At night the stars were very bright. The big island also hosts Mauna Kea, one of the world’s largest observatories comprising 13 telescopes. If I had enough money, I would gladly live on the Big Island.

5. What are you reading right now?

“A Shilling for Candles” by Josephine Tey. Born in 1897, Tey died in 1951. One of the writers working during the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, she wrote nine mystery novels and seven plays. Alfred Hitchcock adapted “A Shilling for Candles” into a film called “Young and Innocent.” Overshadowed by Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers, Josephine Tey is a relatively unknown mystery writer. Nevertheless, her book “Brat Farrar” is one of my favorite mysteries. While I don’t think “A Shilling for Candles” will be a book I will go back to, it was a fun read. If you love mysteries but don’t know Tey’s stories, I hope you will track her down in your library.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Certificate, a print copy of the book, and a bookmark!!

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

https://gleam.io/n6moC/the-silver-lode-celebration-tour-giveaway