About the Book

Book: The Doctor’s Convenient Marriage

Author: Lauralyn Keller

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: January 20, 2026

She wants the freedom to practice medicine, and he needs a wife. But their bold escape from Boston’s high society rests on a marriage vow neither intended to make real.

Victoria Mountbatten has fought hard to earn her medical degree, but her powerful father uses his influence to block any doctor from hiring her. Faced with an ultimatum—marry a society gentleman or face disinheritance, Tori sees only one path to freedom. She makes a bold proposition to Dr. Harrison Blake, a colleague she’s worked alongside for years: a plan that will take them far from Boston’s stifling society.

Harrison Blake has always dreamed of building a hospital in the untamed West where he can truly help people. But his inheritance comes with a catch—he must marry before his thirtieth birthday. So even though Tori’s proposal is shocking, a marriage of convenience may be the perfect solution for both of them.

In the quiet moments of Harmony Springs, feelings grow and lines blur. Can their partnership blossom into true love, or will the walls around their hearts destroy the fragile trust they’ve built?

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Marilyn

Harrison and Victoria enjoyed working together but their lives had a lot of pressure from being in the elite group of society in Boston. Harrison wanted to fulfill his dream but his aunt had stipulations for his inheritance. Victoria father was sneaking and made sure his daughter would not be able to practice medicine even though she went through medical school. She was frustrated with her parents and what they expected of her. Would a marriage of convenience bring their dreams to fulfillment?

This historical fiction is set at a nice pace with unexpected turns and of course vindictive individuals. It was nice to catch up with the residents in Harmony Springs from the earlier books and find a gentle Christian message woven into the tale.

I received an advance copy of this book from Wild Heart Books without any obligation to write a positive review.

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

You might have noticed all three books in the Second Chances in Harmony Springs series feature a marriage of convenience. While that was partly for continuity, it also spoke to my own heart.

I love this trope. There’s something beautiful about the type of romance where two people agree to something practical and unemotional, only to slowly discover all the messy, tender, unexpected feelings they absolutely did not plan for. It’s a popular trope because beneath the external circumstances—inheritance rules, social expectations, survival needs—lies a universal truth: sometimes love grows in the unlikeliest places.

For me, the appeal isn’t just the forced proximity or the slow-burn tension, though I love both. It’s the way a practical arrangement forces two people to reveal their truest selves. A marriage of convenience strips away the excitement of courtship and goes straight to the heart of compatibility. The characters must ask: Can we build a life together? Can we rely on each other? Can we trust each other with our hopes, fears, and futures?

Those are deeply romantic questions, even when the relationship begins with a contract instead of a kiss.

In The Doctor’s Convenient Marriage, Tori and Harrison enter their agreement not out of despair, but from determination. Tori refuses to sacrifice her dream of practicing medicine, even as Boston society tries to conform her to their expectations. Harrison is more heart-driven, longing to build a hospital in the untamed West where he can serve those who need it most. Their marriage isn’t about survival. It’s about carving out the freedom to become who they were meant to be.

That mutual ambition changes the dynamic. Instead of one rescuing the other, they rescue each other, and in doing so, they learn to see beyond professional camaraderie into something far deeper and more vulnerable.

What I love most about their journey is the way real affection steals up on them quietly. They start as friends and coworkers, but then things begin to change. Little glances. Quiet confessions. Moments of care neither expected to give or receive.

A marriage forged for convenience becomes a partnership rooted in respect. And that becomes the foundation for love. That’s the irresistible beauty of this trope: the idea that love can flourish not in spite of practicality, but right alongside it.

I hope you love this story as much as I do. It’s a heartfelt conclusion to a series that’s been in the works for years. I’m deeply grateful to all who’ve come along on this journey, and I look forward to seeing where the road takes us from here.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 3

Texas Book-aholic, February 4

Pause for Tales, February 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 6

Simple Harvest Reads, February 7 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Jodie Wolfe, February 7

Bizwings Blog, February 8

For Him and My Family, February 9

Devoted To Hope, February 10

lakesidelivingsite, February 11

Lyssa Loves Books, February 11

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 12

Devoted Steps, February 13

Cover Lover Book Review, February 14

Vicky Sluiter, February 15

Holly’s Book Corner, February 15

Connie’s History Classroom, February 16

Mary Hake, February 16

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.

https://gleam.io/pX7ww/the-doctors-convenient-marriage-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: A Year in the Room (The Reluctant Pilgrim Book 2)

Author: Steven Rogers

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release Date: October 23, 2024

Reluctant pilgrim Ben Cahill steps off a flight from Israel facing an unrelenting list of challenges—a fractured family, no job, no place to live, and a dubious grip on his newly-found sobriety. He has no plans for the next steps in his life.

Ben starts over, settling into a small, rented room and working three part-time jobs. As his first year of recovery unfolds, Ben fights an unrelenting spiritual war against his personal demons and the consequences of his past actions.

Can a chain-smoking, no-nonsense grandmother, a retired navy cook, a crusty old Scotsman, and an unexpected pilgrimage to the legendary Scottish Island of Iona, clear away the wreckage of Ben’s life and lead him to hope? Join Ben on his journey in this sequel to the award-winning novel Into the Room.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Steven Rogers is a Christian author of the “Reluctant Pilgrim” series. His most recent novel, A Year in the Room, was published in November 2024. The book is a sequel to his debut novel, Into the Room, which was published in 2021. In addition to other awards, both books were finalists for the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Carol Awards.

Steven loves the process of writing, especially exploring characters that are either broken or facing unfamiliar situations. They are usually ordinary people confronting their internal demons and the challenges of day-to-day living. He also enjoys bringing his stories to a happy, or at least hopeful, ending.

Steven serves as the Director of Royalty Management and Acquisitions Editor at Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. In addition to writing, Steven is a speaker and enjoys sharing his journey of faith and exploring how God’s word applies in the modern world.

Steven, a proud father of three adult children and one incredibly lucky son-in-law, is happily married to his wife of thirty-nine years, Kathy. They live in Richmond, Virginia.

More from Steven

When I first began writing, I was trying to become the next Stephen King. I was inventing serial killers, violently murdering people, and using time travel as a plot concept. At the time, I didn’t know there was a robust and far-reaching Christian Fiction market.

Things changed in 2017 while I was on a flight to Israel. Somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, I had the thought, I wonder what would happen if I were an alcoholic who has just been released from rehab, and I HAD to take this trip? I quickly invented my character, Ben Cahill, and took him on the tour with me.

When we got back home, my wife asked what I’d been writing in my journal during our visit to The Holy Land. After I explained, the following exchange took place:

Her: “You may have a book there.”

Me: “That’s not my genre.”

Her (using much gentler language): “You’re not published yet; you don’t have a genre.”

To make a long story short, the result of this conversation was my first novel, Into the Room.

A Year in the Room is Book 2 in my “Reluctant Pilgrim” series. I wrote the book because I was compelled to continue telling Ben Cahill’s story and explore an alcoholic/addict during the first year of recovery.

Many writers fall in love with their characters. I am no different. Writing about Ben has been a blessing for me. His story has significantly impacted my personal spiritual journey, taught me to forgive, and brought me closer to God. I will be forever grateful for his impact on my life.

Interview with the Author

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

Boy, this is a great question. I imagine every author wants to be a New York Times bestseller and have their books read worldwide. A movie adaptation would be terrific, also. However, my realistic answer is to (1) have readers enjoy my stories and (2) know that my writing has positively impacted someone. One reader of A Year in the Room said, “I actually think I’m a better man for having read this story.” His comment was a compliment beyond anything I could dream of receiving. For me, this indicates success as an author and makes the long, solitary journey of writing a novel worth the effort.

I also believe a story is successful if my writing has a positive impact on me personally. For example, writing my first novel, Into the Room, cleaned out my heart and drove away the anger, resentment, guilt, and frustration I held towards the alcoholics/addicts in my life. The book was basically a 70,000-word journal entry, and even if the story had never been published, the writing process would have changed my life. Similarly, A Year in the Room helped me forgive myself for my past actions and emotions. Both books brought me a more complete understanding of the disease of alcoholism and the path to recovery.

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

I relate the most to Ben Cahill, the main character, who is a recovering alcoholic. My connection with him is not because he’s autobiographical— I have no personal issues with consuming alcohol. However, I can relate to Ben’s journey of faith, especially his early skepticism and sarcastic view of believers.

My favorite character in A Year in the Room is Pearl, a seventy-five-year-old, chain-smoking woman of faith who won’t take anything from anybody. She is a master at holding others accountable for their actions and is the heart of Ben Cahill’s support system. I could not wait to write her scenes in the book. Someday, I’d like to publish a novel telling her story.

3)What inspired this book?

To answer this question, I first have to discuss my debut novel, Into the Room. In 2017, I was on a flight to visit Israel when, somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, I had the thought, “I wonder what would happen if I were an alcoholic who had just been released from rehab, and I HAD to take this trip?” I quickly invented my character, Ben Cahill, and took him on the tour with me. To make a long story short, the result was Into the Room.

After finishing Into the Room, I was compelled to continue telling Ben Cahill’s story and explore an alcoholic/addict during the first year of recovery. Discovering God and reestablishing a life are complicated and gut-wrenching processes. A Year in the Room was the result.

4)Which author influenced you the most?

In the secular writing world, John Steinbeck’s characters and understanding of human nature have always fascinated me. In the faith-based writing genre, I find Francine Rivers’ novels relatable, enjoyable, and thought-provoking. My favorite authors all share one common trait—their stories focus on character first and plot second. As I read, I find myself invested in these people I know only through the written page. Once this happens, the author impels me to follow these characters through whatever conflicts or events they have devised.

As a result, I’m a “pantser.” I spend a lot of time getting to know my main characters before I begin writing.  For my stories, I know the beginning and the ending before I start. However, the details in between are determined by my characters and how they react to the events occurring in the story.

5)What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

Psalm 91:11— “For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Almost twenty years ago, I had a profound experience while my daughter was in the hospital. As a result, I use Psalm 91 as a daily prayer and this verse to guide my faith and remind me to surrender to God’s Will.

6)What is your vacation spot?

The answer is “wherever my wife, Kathy, decides we’re going next.” We travel extensively and love to experience new places and cultures. For this reason, my novels have a travel component. As you may have guessed, Kathy is the planner in our relationship.  

Of the places we’ve visited, Israel holds a special place in my heart because our first trip there led to my book Into the Room. The Holy Land is one of the few locations we revisit. We’re scheduled to travel there again in May of 2026.

As for other destinations, the most unique trip we took was to Antarctica. The beauty and landscape there is like nothing I’ve ever experienced.

Blog Stops

Inspired by Fiction, February 6

Simple Harvest Reads, February 7 (Author Interview)

Books Less Travelled, February 8 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 8

Artistic Nobody, February 9 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 10

Guild Master, February 11 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 12

Fiction Book Lover, February 13 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 14 (Author Interview)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 15

A Reader’s Brain, February 16 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 17 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 17

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, February 18 (Author Interview)

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

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Steven 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/AqCbw/a-year-in-the-room-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Fatal Past

Author: Sarah Hamaker

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 14, 2025

Dr. Eve Davenport has forged a life for herself far from the pain of her past. But when she foils the kidnapping attempt of Ethan Smith, she comes face-to-face with the boy’s father, Jefferson Smith—the high school sweetheart who broke her heart and left her with secrets she’s buried for nearly a decade. Jefferson can’t believe the woman who saved Ethan, his late twin brother’s son, is Eve—the girl he once loved and lost. But as the danger mounts, Jefferson and Eve must confront their tangled history and uncover who is behind the attacks targeting Ethan and Eve.

 

Click here to get you copy!

 

 

About the Author

Multi-award-winning and best-selling author of inspirational romantic suspense, Sarah Hamaker loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” She’s an AWSA certified writer and speaker coach, and podcaster of “The Romantic Side of Suspense.” She and her husband are therapeutic foster parents with UMFS. Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four children and two cats.

 

 

 

 

More from Sarah

Life has a funny way of mirroring fiction at times, and that happened to me with Fatal Past—but not when I was writing it! I wanted my hero’s (and heroine’s) son to be school-age but not too old, so I picked second grade, which put him at age 7. This is such a fun age, as they are independent and inquisitive, and you start to really see their personalities develop.

Little did I know when I wrote this last fall that I would be teaching twenty-three second graders as a long-term substitute this current school year! I began in mid-September and will continue through early March while their regular teacher is out on maternity leave. It’s been challenging but rewarding as they expand their knowledge and build on their kindergarten and first-grade foundations.

Your turn—how has something you read resonated with you lately? Has a storyline mirrored something happening in your own life?

Sarah

Interview with the Author

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

Having a reader read my book. Seriously, while I do keep track of books sold and royalties earned, I don’t have that be how I mark success. It’s an email from a reader who tells me how much they enjoyed my book. It’s reading a review that says how much a book touched their heart. It’s remembering I’m writing because God has called me to write these stories with his truth tucked in the pages. That’s success to me.

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

The squishy middle! I’m not a plotter, but a punster, so I don’t outline my books too much before writing them. I generally know how the story starts, who the main characters are, and where the book is going—the central mystery—but I sometimes don’t know how my hero and heroine are going to get to the answers. So sometimes, I get stuck in the middle and have to pause briefly to figure out where to go from there to get to the climax and the happy-ever-after.

• Which author influenced the you most?

Agatha Christie. I fell in love with the Queen of Mystery as a teenager and frequently re-read her novels. They are so well-crafted with their whodunit and intricate plots and insights into human nature. I think that’s why I never reveal who’s behind the shenanigans in my books until the end—I love the big reveal and the mystery as well as the suspense parts.

• What is your vacation spot?

Camping in the mountains and visiting Maine. For camping, I love the simplicity and disconnecting from our hectic lives. I enjoy hiking and reading at the campsite. The fresh air, the stunning views, the exercise and the time to simply think and ponder. It’s what invigorates me. Maine in the summer is gorgeous. We’ve gone many times as a family, and love the geography and the people and the blueberries. If we had the funds, we’d buy a vacation house there.

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

Kinda boring because it’s a wall! My back is to the door, which is behind my left shoulder. My laptop is off to the left as well, and I’m typing this using my split keyboard (I have carpel tunnel syndrome, so the split keyboard helps with that) and second monitor. It works for me and I’m glad my office is in the basement so I don’t have a window for distraction while I’m writing.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 31

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 1

Books Less Travelled, February 2

Stories By Gina, February 3 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 4

Texas Book-aholic, February 5

Simple Harvest Reads, February 6 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, February 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 7

Artistic Nobody, February 8 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 9

Cover Lover Book Review, February 10

Bizwings Blog, February 11

Fiction Book Lover, February 12 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, February 13

For Him and My Family, February 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card, an ebook copy of Fatal Past, a paperback copy of Truth, the limited collection of four short novels that includes Fatal Past, signed by all four authors, and 75Fatal Past-themed socks!!

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

https://gleam.io/k1w6L/fatal-past-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Plague of Lies

Author: Marbeth Skwarczynski

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release Date: January 6, 2026

Plague of Lies

The man who taught him how to live was living a lie.

Scott Andrews was content to be a rule-follower, happily attending church and youth group while planning a future with his beautiful girlfriend, Cindy. He and his friends planned to change the world. But when his mentor is exposed as a fraud, Scott’s life turns upside down. He’s forced to grow up, but unlike the man who betrayed him, Scott is determined to live honestly.

Lauren spent her life believing she was a mistake. Then, on her eighteenth birthday, a letter arrives from the father she’s never met. It seems out of character for a deadbeat dad who wanted nothing to do with her. But with the letter in hand, Lauren’s life suddenly has a purpose. She’ll confront the man and demand to know why he abandoned her so many years before.

It’s time for the truth to come out.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Like many writers, I began as a reader. My favorite authors were those whose styles were realistic and relatable, so when I began creating my first novel in my thirties, I knew that, above all, I wanted my stories to connect with readers.

My first foray into writing was a book about the biblical character Ruth. I spent years rewriting and shelving the book before finally submitting it to Elk Lake Publishing. They loved the book, and helped me prepare it for publication. Now, my work of biblical fiction, Princess of Moab: A Novel of Ruth, is finished and ready to find its readership.

I also have a contemporary Christian fiction series called The Rose Collection. These timely novels spotlight healing after spiritual abuse. I keep my characters grounded in the real world, so while they grow, learn, and seek solutions, they must also confront the detritus of the past. I write what I know, whether firsthand or through close observation, infusing the joy, happiness, and humor that come with spiritual freedom and love. The Rose Collection goes further than the deconstruction of broken spirits to the reconstruction of rescued souls.

My non-fiction book, The Women Who Set the Precedents: An Exploration of the Bible’s Bill of Rights for Women, is a deep dive into the prophecy of Bathsheba. Each chapter explores the life of a biblical woman as she embodies the principles of empowerment, intelligence, and spiritual maturity mentioned in the iconic, but often misapplied, last chapter of Proverbs.

More from Marbeth

I wrote Plague of Lies during school holidays while teaching at my church’s Christian school and raising two teen boys. Some of the conflict in the novel was inspired by the sudden appearance of a youth pastor from another school (my sons played against that school in basketball and football). He joined our church and was immediately placed in leadership positions. Later, it came out that he was fleeing from a bench warrant.

My story follows the fallout after a beloved church leader and mentor is exposed as a fraud and shuffled off to another church. I wanted to explore what happened to one of the students left behind as he attempts to pick up the spiritual pieces of his life.

While the book contains some heavy subject matter, it also offers hope, encouragement, and relatable main characters.

Scott Andrews, a seventeen-year-old who is blindsided by his mentor’s moral failing, has a failing of his own. But, instead of running away, he repents and becomes determined to live his life with complete honesty.

Eighteen years later, the fallout of the lies and betrayal continues as Lauren Andrews-Gianni reconnects with her long-lost father and learns the truth about her birth, why Scott walked away, and how he remembered her during their forced separation.

The rebuilding of Scott and Lauren’s relationship is the crux of the book and serves as a picture of how our Heavenly Father is preparing a home for us

Interview with the Author

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

On a practical (financial) level, I’d love to make enough to pay my monthly rent, publish my books, and support other authors by purchasing theirs.

Beyond financial considerations, I view success as hearts touched. When a reader lets me know that my book has echoed their experiences and allowed them to feel seen, I know I’ve done my job well. For me, that is true success.

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

I am most connected to Lauren and understand the feeling of being a “surprise”/unwanted child. My birth came at an inconvenient time after my parents had taken steps not to have any more children. While they were initially happy after I was born, they would often bring up how they were disappointed to learn they were going to be parents again and share how their immediate reaction was crying, “Oh, no!” or outright anger that their surgical solution had failed. That kind of family “history” can wreak havoc on a person’s psyche.

Lauren has a few years of freedom from the people who are most angry about her birth, but then falls victim to bullies at her school. Her already low self-esteem keeps her stuck in a constant cycle of emotional abuse until her birth-father reaches out to her.

3)What inspired this book?

The premise of the novel is “what happens to youth groups that are left behind after their leaders’ ungodly actions are exposed and they’re shuffled off to another church?” 

Our church was the recipient of such a leader. After he was made choir director, soloist for special music, photographer/video contributor, and leader of the 6th-grade Sunday school class, he didn’t leave his old church due to a family disagreement with his father/pastor. Instead, he’s come to our church while fleeing a bench warrant for molesting a teen in his former church. 

My seventeen-year-old son was the one who made the discovery. The youth leaders at our church immediately took the new member’s side and expressed anger and frustration that my son would “bitterly” speak out against him. My son felt betrayed that those who insisted he live a life “above reproach” would support a man who showed no remorse for his actions and whose very presence put the young people of our church in danger.

In Plague of Lies, the focus is on the youth group left behind. Scott Andrews and his friends patterned their whole lives after the teachings of their leader only to discover that he’d been living a double life all along.

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

My life verse is Micah 6:8

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

It is God’s simplified explanation of what he expects from his people. He’s set the example of good and expects us to follow it in three specific ways: justice, mercy, and humbleness. All of human behavior can be filtered through this verse. If it isn’t just or merciful, it isn’t of God. If the person demanding allegiance promotes self over service, they aren’t of God.

5)What are you reading right now?

I’m currently finishing City of Truth (Provenance Chronicles Book 2) by Katelyn Pfeffer. Her work is a delightful blend of post-apocalyptic fantasy and science fiction.

Yesterday, I received Carolyn Miller’s new book in the mail, so I’ll be reading that next. It’s titled Not Exactly Mr. Darcy, and I can’t wait to start it!

I’ll also begin my yearly re-read of Forgiving St. Nick by Catherine Brusk. It’s one of my favorite holiday stories.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 4

Simple Harvest Reads, February 5 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 6

Artistic Nobody, February 7 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 8

Guild Master, February 9 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 9

Leslie’s Library Escape, February 10

Fiction Book Lover, February 11 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, February 12

A Reader’s Brain, February 13 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 14

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

Books Less Travelled, February 16 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, February 16

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, February 17 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marbeth 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/vm5xP/plague-of-lies-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: How to Make a Miracle (How to Be a Hero Book 2)

Author: Carol Schlorff

Genre: Middle-grade action and adventure

Release Date: February 17, 2026

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

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

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

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

Excerpt from the Book

Chapter One

A Disastrous Journey

Stefan’s sleepy eyes flew open when the train’s unexpected jolt propelled him from his seat. He sailed across the compartment and into the waiting lap of his sister, Julia, who sat across from him. The high-pitched shriek of the brakes hurt his ears as he scrambled to return to his place. “Sorry,” he mumbled.

Julia giggled. “Watch where you’re going,” she said, her eyes dancing with laughter.

The train lurched to a stop.

Hugo, who had been in a deep sleep, slid to the floor. “What happened?” He blinked several times and looked around the compartment, still in a daze, before climbing back into his chair.

“Nothing good,” Stefan growled and glanced out the window. “We’ve stopped in the middle of nowhere.” All he could see were corn and grain fields stretching to the horizon. The European countryside, so quaint and exciting when they left Warsaw, now elicited nothing but boredom.

The train sat motionless while the minutes ticked by so slowly Stefan lost track of time. He slumped in his seat. This is the worst. He ran his fingers through his shaggy, light-brown hair. He hadn’t had a haircut for almost a year, and his unruly mane covered his neck and threatened to reach his shoulders soon.

Missed an Excerpt? Go Here:

Excerpt One: https://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/how-to-make-a-miracle-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Two: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/how-to-make-a-miracle-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Three: https://www.fictionbooklover.com/posts/how-to-make-a-miracle-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Four: https://www.guildmaster97.com/posts/how-to-make-a-miracle-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Five: https://www.becausefiction.com/posts/how-to-make-a-miracle-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Six: https://www.thebookishledger.com/posts/how-to-make-a-miracle-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Seven: https://thequietbookmark.com/posts/how-to-make-a-miracle-book-spotlight/

About the Author

Carol’s passion is to write exciting stories that encourage, inspire, and boost the reader’s faith, possibly because she has always felt like an outsider. She was born in North Africa to American parents and grew up in France. At age 15, her family’s abrupt move to Philadelphia resulted in a rough transition to American life.

After graduating from Penn State, Carol joined the Army in search of adventure. She was stationed in exotic—for her—locations like California, Arizona, and Texas.

Since then, Carol has lived in Krakow, Poland, where she teaches English and organizes language camps. She also writes a blog on faith-related topics.

Carol enjoys watching or reading a good murder mystery and getting nervous while watching NFL games.

About the Book

Book: The Bible Companion Book 7 Proverbs-Song of Songs

Author: Karen Westbrook Moderow

Genre: Bible Study

Release Date: September 6, 2025

Are you disappointed with life?

The Bible Companion Book 7 helps you reconcile the realities of life with the promises of God. A simple one-chapter-a-day format lets you engage with Scriptures without the pressure of schedules, homework, or heavy reading loads. Short daily readings and thought-provoking questions connect your story to God’s Word. For personal, group, or homeschool Bible study.

In the Books of Wisdom, God speaks to us in poetry—the language of the heart. These books reveal a God concerned not only about our minds and bodies, but also our emotions. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs bridge the gap between life as we hoped it would be and life as it is. If you struggle with your life’s circumstances, The Bible Companion Book 7 will help you find guidance, comfort, and strength in the poetry of men and women who searched for God in the dark and found Him.

Excerpt from the Book

THE BOOKS OF JOB, PROVERBS, and Ecclesiastes form a mini wisdom collection within the five books of poetry (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs).

■ Proverbs states the general rule. The fear of God (wisdom) leads to thriving; not fearing God (folly) tends toward trouble and instability. The axioms are rooted in the blessings and curses of the law God gave to Moses (Deut. 28).

■ Ecclesiastes and Job question the rules. The authors of these books recognize exceptions and are bothered by them.

Taken together, the wisdom books tell us life cannot be reduced to formulas. To handle the joys and troubles of life well, we need the wisdom of God.

PROVERBS

PROVERBS ARE SAYINGS, A TYPE of poetry that distills moral instruction and practical advice into short adages. They’re clever, sometimes humorous, with striking word pictures that drive life lessons deep into our hearts. In Scripture this form of poetry perfectly fits the book of Proverbs. Its sayings teach us what wisdom is and how to gain it (Prov. 1:1–4).

Missed an Excerpt? Go Here:

Excerpt One: https://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/the-bible-companion-book-7-proverbs-song-of-songs-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Two: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/the-bible-companion-book-7-proverbs-song-of-songs-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Three: https://www.fictionbooklover.com/posts/the-bible-companion-book-7-proverbs-song-of-songs-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Four: https://www.guildmaster97.com/posts/the-bible-companion-book-7-proverbs-song-of-songs-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Five: https://www.becausefiction.com/posts/the-bible-companion-book-7-proverbs-song-of-songs-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Six: https://thequietbookmark.com.customers.tigertech.net/posts/the-bible-companion-book-7-proverbs-song-of-songs-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Seven: https://www.thebookishledger.com/posts/the-bible-companion-book-7-proverbs-song-of-songs-book-spotlight/

About the Author

KAREN WESTBROOK MODEROW is a Bible teacher and author who brings a storyteller’s perspective to Scripture. She holds master’s degrees in theology and creative writing and loves introducing others to Jesus through the stories told in God’s Word.

About the Book

Book: Fatal Invitation

Author: S.F. Baumgartner

Genre: Crime Thriller

Vanished women. A rising body count. A detective who won’t quit.

Detective Kylie “KC” Cassidy thought Major Crimes would be her big break. Instead, she’s chasing the brutal murders of young women—and the trail keeps circling back to Assistant State Attorney Gavin Watkins and his elusive ally, Kozlov.

Each lead vanishes before her eyes, every step forward dragging her deeper into danger. And when Kozlov’s men come after her, KC must rely on her instincts, and on the few people she can trust, to survive long enough to expose the truth.

But when KC gets too close to the truth, she becomes the target. Will KC survive the trap and bring down the predators or become their next victim?

If you like the relentless pursuit of justice in Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch series, the sharp investigative instincts of Lisa Gardner’s D.D. Warren, then you’ll be captivated by Fatal Invitation, a gripping, fast-paced crime thriller.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

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

 

More from S.F.

A New Adventure Begins: Introducing the Detective Kylie Cassidy Series

I’m thrilled to announce that Fatal Invitation, the first full-length novel in the Detective Kylie Cassidy series, is here!

If you’re new to Detective Kylie “KC” Cassidy, I recommend starting with Christmas Murders to get acquainted with this compelling character. And here’s a treat: there’s a free story called Orlando Prime – Origins available under the Freebie tab on my website at sfbaumgartner.com. This story introduces you to the elite crime-fighting unit and the team members who work alongside KC. Both KC and Orlando Prime take center stage in Fatal Invitation.

Writing this book has been an absolute blast! Unlike my Mirror Estate series, the Detective Kylie Cassidy series features self-contained stories in each book—think of it like your favorite TV crime drama where each episode (or book) solves a complete case. While there may occasionally be an overarching storyline, you can jump in at any point and enjoy the mystery. And as always, my books are clean reads.

Since this is a spin-off of the Mirror Estate series, longtime readers will enjoy spotting familiar faces. A few beloved characters get mentioned, and some may even guest-star in future books!

I truly hope you’ll fall in love with this new series as much as I’ve loved creating it.

Happy Reading!

Interview with the Author

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

I’d say the fight scenes and setting descriptions. When I read, I skip over descriptions. But research and internet help.

• What inspired this book?

Last year, I released a novella, Christmas Murders, around this time. It was a spin-off of my Mirror Estate series. Fatal Invitation is book 1 of this new series, Detective Kylie Cassidy series. I’ve learned that some readers prefer one case per book type instead of having to read the series in order. So, this series is exactly that. One case per book.

• Which author influenced the you most?

Over the years, I believe a lot of authors have made an impact on me. Lately, I believe James Patterson would be the one—I like his short chapters and stories. However, I stick to clean language and Christian theme/characters.

• What is your vacation spot?

I don’t really have one, but I loved the Amalfi Coast when we visited there. And I also enjoyed Montmorency Falls, Quebec City. As long as there’s beautiful scenery, I believe I’ll like it.

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

I can look out the window right in front of me. My desk is facing the front, so I see the street, who comes and who goes. Very cool.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 20

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 20

Bizwings Blog, January 21

Leslie’s Library Escape, January 22

Fiction Book Lover, January 23 (Author Interview)

Books Less Travelled, January 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 24

Texas Book-aholic, January 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 27

For Him and My Family, January 28

Blogging With Carol, January 29

Betti Mace, January 30

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 31

Simple Harvest Reads, February 1 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, February 2 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

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

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

https://gleam.io/EvrUy/fatal-invitation-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer (The Heart of the Amish Book 11)

Author: Anne Blackburne

Genre: Amish/Christian Fiction

Release Date: January, 2026

Secrets Surround Shy Jane Bontrager

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.

Sweet, shy, and devoted Amish woman, Jane Bontrager secretly hates her childhood nickname of Plain Jane. She doesn’t know who started the ugly name back in her school days, but she can never forget how it has long made her feel.

Jane has a huge crush on Amish buggy maker Samuel Mast, but they are both so shy they are more likely to turn old and gray alone than to ever get together—especially since Samuel holds a secret or two of his own.

What can bridge the gap between two young people who both deserve love and happiness?

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Marilyn

This a is wonderful Amish tale involving two individuals that had personal struggles from their childhood. Jane never discovered who nicknamed her in school but it had affected her dating life. Samuel felt guilt for the past and decided to be a secret admirer from afar. Eliza, Ben and the cats along with the older couple Abram and Lydia, that Blackburne has in her books in this series, were a great addition. With all these amazing characters there was plenty of humor, emotions, tears, smiles, a sneaky new resident interwoven into the tale that kept the story moving at a nice pace. Blackburne included faith, hope, peace, new beginnings and love into the story that made it a heartwarming read. It was nice catching up with her earlier characters and their beloved cats that add so much to the stories and covers.

 

I received an early copy of this book from Barbour Publishing without any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own thoughts.

About the Author

Anne Blackburne lives and works in Southeast Ohio as a newspaper editor and writer. She is the mother of five grown children, has one wonderful grandchild, and a spoiled poodle named Millie. For fun, when she isn’t working on Amish romance or sweet mysteries, Anne directs and acts in community theater productions and writes and directs original plays. She also enjoys reading, kayaking, swimming, searching for beach glass, and just sitting with a cup of coffee looking at large bodies of water. Her idea of the perfect vacation is cruising and seeing amazing new places with people she loves.

 

 

More from Anne

The amazing bloggers who work with Celebrate Lit are going to do a blog tour for my brand new book in Barbour’s “Heart of the Amish” series, “Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer”!

Jane’s story is available now to readers in print and online wherever fine books are sold, and I feel so blessed to have the help of the Celebrate Lit folks in launching this next tale from my made-up Amish community of Willow Creek, Ohio.

If you read any of my previous three Heart of the Amish books in the series, “Ruth’s Gingersnap Surprise”, “Mary’s Calico Hope”, and “Lizzie’s Little Mouse”, you’ll remember Jane Bontrager, their good friend who lives and works with Lizzie in her New Orleans Style French/Amish bakery in Willow Creek. Jane was also mentioned in Ruth’s story as one of the lucky recipients of a kitten from their elderly friend, Lydia’s, cat’s final litter.

Jane’s cat is a tabby named Secret, because she can tell her fluffy pal all of the wishes, hopes and dreams closest to her heart.

As the story opens, Jane is waving her brother John and Lizzie off on their wedding trip, promising to take good care of the bakery – and Lizzie’s precious cat, Little Mouse – while they are away.

But then Jane finds a mysterious note from someone claiming to be her secret admirer taped to the back door of the bakery, and her heart flutters, wondering if it could possibly be her long time crush, Samuel Mast, the buggy maker, who put it there, along with a whimsical little gift.

Between a water leak that damages ceilings in the bakery building and the sudden disappearance of both Secret and Little Mouse, Jane has no time to wonder who left the note and gift; she needs help!

And Samuel Mast, who is indeed her secret admirer, is ready to step up to the plate and do whatever it takes to help Jane find the cats, repair the bakery, and maybe even discover love along the way.

But Sam has a secret of his own. He’s the one who accidentally-on-purpose saddled her with the nickname “Plain Jane” when they were kids. He has no idea how to confess his mistake, or his love.

Will Jane and Sam be able to get past Sam’s terrible secret? And will they find the missing cats before Lizzie gets home? Don’t lose hope; with God, everything is possible!

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Jane’s story! This book is my fourth in Barbour Publishing’s series, “The Heart of the Amish”. Look for other great reads in the series from authors Mindy Steele, Kelly Irvin and Lisa Jones Baker.

I’m currently writing my fifth book in the series, which will feature a young woman you’ve met in some of my other stories, Miriam Zook. Miriam is a talented artist who paints stylized folk art paintings depicting scenes from Amish life.

Just like her friends, Miriam received a kitten from Lydia; a black and white fellow named Beauregard, or Beau for short. Her story, “Miriam’s Little Gentleman”, is due out in May, 2026.

I hope you’re having as much fun reading about these remarkable young women – and their kitties! – as I’m having writing about them. Thanks for being part of our journey!

As for me and mine, we are all well and enjoying a crisp winter in southeast Ohio.

God bless you and yours!

Joyfully,

Anne Blackburne

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 29

Texas Book-aholic, January 30

Simple Harvest Reads, January 31 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

lakesidelivingsite, February 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 4

Bizwings Blog, February 5

The Avid Reader, February 5

For Him and My Family, February 6

Jeanette’s Thoughts , February 7

Mary Hake, February 8

Holly’s Book Corner, February 8

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 9

Cover Lover Book Review, February 10

Book Holds and Jello Molds, February 10

Vicky Sluiter, February 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Anne 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/Gzisa/plain-janes-secret-admirer-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife

Author: Dawn Damon

Genre: Non-Fiction

Release Date: November 8, 2023

This time, it’s YOUR time.
Boldly voice a resounding YES to YOU. Embark on a midlife path that leads to a life brimming with BRAVE CONFIDENCE and a BOLD Vision.
In this ultimate guide to living midlife full-out you’ll find the courage to step out of the shadows of self-doubt and insecurity, and seize the unfolding opportunities before you.
So, with determination in your heart, shed your faintheart, and step into the brilliance that awaits. Say YES to your dreams, your growth, and your exceptional potential. Now is your time BraveHeart. The transformational quest to a future filled with fulfillment beyond measure has begun

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

For over 25 years, Dawn Damon has inspired audiences as a speaker, author, podcaster, and teacher. Her greatest joy is equipping others to reach their goals and God-given purpose—whether in their personal lives or the platform of public ministry. With contagious passion and wisdom, Dawn says, “The purpose of my life is to help others fulfill the purpose of their life!”

Dawn is founder / CEO of The BraveHearted Woman, and BraveHearted YOUniveristy, a growth and development coaching enterprise for women, awakening their God-given vision and equipping them to live an extraordinary life.

Dawn is a Conference Speaker, Podcaster, and Author, 6 award-winning books including “When a Woman You Love Was Abused, by Kregel Publications and “The Freedom Challenge: 60 Days to Untie the Cords that Bind You, Redemption Press,” and most recent, Selah Award finalist, and CIPA 1^st Place Award, “The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife.”

 The Podcast and YouTube Channel, called “The BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Mindset Mastery,” echoes Dawn’s calling, offering solo episodes and meaningful interviews, coaching women to live as the vibrant “leading lady” of their life.

More from Dawn

One of my favorite movies as a kid was The Wizard of Oz. It aired on network TV once a year, and watching the movie with my two sisters, popcorn, blankets, (to hide my eyes during the scary flying monkeys scene) and staying up late, was a big deal.

One of my favorite parts is when the cowardly Lion makes his speech about Courage.

“What makes the muskrat guard his musk? Courage. What makes the Sphinx the 7th Wonder? Courage. What makes the dawn come up like thunder? Courage”.

Years later, I found myself in a place where like Cowardly Lion, I needed courage. I had to do some brave things in my life, but I was stuck in fear. I asked myself, “What would I do if the drag of fear wasn’t tethered to my soul; if scary stories and whispers of doom were replaced with curiosity and courage?

I would rise.

What would you do?

If fear was vanquished and lying voices silenced, would you catch the wind and rise to new challenges? Would you be curious enough to explore the new beginnings of an authentic life and brave enough to take important steps, even while afraid?

Sometimes we feel more like the cowardly lion. The dawn doesn’t come up like thunder, but, it does always come up! Can you do something today to move you toward living from your heart and not your fear?    As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.”

If you’re being called to rise, if in areas of your life you need to become brave and step out of the comfort zone to reclaim the life you’re meant to live, I believe my book will help you take those courageous steps! It’s time to Rise.

Interview with the Author

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

Producing a book of excellence and quality and one I can be proud of.

• What inspired this book?

As I entered my 40’s I began to notice how many women, those who were a few years older than me, began to face the second half of life. Many stopped growing, learning, moving their bodies, serving, and I decided I didn’t want to age that way. Then at 46, when I found myself single after 28 years of life as a married person, I had to reinvent myself. This journey also inspired me to write this book. It was several years in the making before I wrote it.

• What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

Psalm 27 – It speaks to me, calms my fears, and reminds me-The LORD is the stronghold of my life!

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

I want them to be totally convinced that life should be lived with vibrancy and passion- full out! Life is not a sentence to be served. It is an adventure to experience.

• What is your vacation spot?

We have 2 places we visit every year. Mexico and Aruba. My favorite is Mexico because it is our planning vacation, taken every December so we can dream, pray and char out our goals for the next year!

• What are you reading right now?

Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, January 28

Simple Harvest Reads, January 29 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, January 30 (Author Interview)

Inspired by Fiction, January 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 1

Guild Master, February 2 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, February 3 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 3

Vicky Sluiter, February 4 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 5

For the Love of Literature, February 6 (Author Interview)

Because I said so – adventures in Parenting , February 7

Cover Lover Book Review, February 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 9 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, February 10 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dawn 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/dSwy8/the-making-of-a-bravehearted-woman-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Of Dawn and Embers (The Fireborn Epic Book Three)

Author: Gillian Bronte Adams

Genre: YA Epic Fantasy

Release Date: January 13, 2026

He rides a dawnling, a steed of light and glory, destined to restore.

Jakim Ha’Nor will save his people, or so says the prophecy that upended his life and drove his brothers to betray him. Now, he has returned as the dawnrider to fulfill his purpose and reconcile with his brothers—only to find himself embroiled in a war.

Captured in the fallout of a deadly attack, Rafi grapples with the ghosts of the past. His brother is alive but no longer himself, and Rafi will stop at nothing to save him. Farther up the coast, Ceridwen strives to reignite the embers of the rebellion to burn the empire down. When Rafi is sentenced to execution before the imperial court, Ceridwen must rally every spear and steed she can for a blistering strike at the heart of the capital.

But the empire’s schemes are already in motion, and Jakim’s two missions collide when an unexpected encounter with one of his brothers reveals the true threat behind the imperial thirst for ancient secrets. Hidden forces intend to unleash a cataclysmic power, spurring Ceridwen, Rafi, and Jakim to challenge the full, crushing might of the empire for the fate of the world.

Stars weep and ash falls as the tides of battle propel the Fireborn queen, the Sea-Demon prince, and the Dawnrider priest toward a meteoric clash in this thunderous series finale.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Gillian Bronte Adams is a sword-wielding, horse-riding, wander-loving fantasy author, rarely found without a coffee in hand and rumored to pack books before clothes when she hits the road. Working in youth ministry left her with a passion for journeying alongside children and teens. (It also enhanced her love of coffee.) Now, she writes novels that follow outcast characters down broken roads, through epic battles, and onward to adventure. And at the end of a long day of typing, she can be found saddling her wild thing and riding off into the sunset, seeking adventures of her own (and more coffee).

 

 

More from Gillian

This is, at its core, a book about hope. I discovered that fact partway through the writing process. Of Dawn and Embers is the cataclysmic finale to an epic fantasy trilogy where warriors bond with elemental warhorses and the action sequences strike with ever-increasing intensity from page one, and I was halfway through drafting it before I realized that beneath the searing visuals, the blistering pace, and the moments that set your heart thundering in your chest, this story sings with hope as a powerful undercurrent.

But you’re the author, you say. How could you not already know that?

Some authors go into each project with a specific theme in mind. They begin fully aware of the deeper meaning of the story they want to tell, and they intentionally structure the sequences of the unfolding plot and character arcs to match. I, on the other hand—while an avid worldbuilder who loves creating layered fantasy stories with multiple characters facing their own paths of growth—often wind up surprised by the overarching themes that also surface through those characters’ individual journeys.

Themes of identity and worth. Of finding the beauty in our broken stories. And, in this case, of hope.

Not the soft and feathery kind, fluttering in your chest. Or the brightly optimistic kind that lends itself to cheerful sayings. But the kind of hope that dares to kneel in the ashes, with blood on its teeth and knuckles, and trust that the sun will rise again. The kind of hope that endures and keeps on enduring. The kind of hope that is as stubborn and resilient as an ember’s deep and fiery glow, waiting to be rekindled with a touch of the morning breeze.

That’s the kind of hope that I find myself clinging to in my own life. Because we live in an age where discouragement can seem rampant, flung in our faces with each news cycle and with every moment spent scrolling on this or that screen.

Even once I uncovered that underlying theme, it wasn’t until I reached the end of the first draft and started working back through that I realized just how deeply it had already been woven into the story. It was there in each breathtaking moment of connection between characters, in the first touch of gold breaking through the cloud-wrack, in the hearty meals shared around a fireside, in the friends who refuse to leave one another to face the darkness alone, and in the loyalty that proves a greater defense than any shield or weapon.

It fairly came singing to me off every page, a reflection on hope at the heart of the book.

On the ache of hope. The seeming foolishness of hope. The defiance of hope. The way hope can feel like fresh air to oxygen-starved lungs, and the way it can cause your chest to ache with the fear of losing it again. The way it holds you up and keeps you standing long after you expected to be on your knees. And the way a lack of hope can leave you grasping for some sense of control, lashing out in desperation to find your own way forward after you put your hope in something that proved incapable of enduring.

In the prologue, one of the main characters, Jakim, compares holding onto hope in the midst of hardship as a candle flame that he has had to grip tightly to shield from the buffeting winds to keep it from going out. And “lately, it had felt like the only way to keep it alive was to grasp it so tightly it singed him.”

If you’ve ever faced the long and aching wait for a hope to be realized, you know what it feels like for hope to sting. Proverbs 13:12 (NIV) talks about how “hope deferred makes the heart sick” but Hebrews 6:19 tells us where we can find that true and lasting hope that exists as “an anchor for our souls”: through the One who stepped into the darkest night in our place and took on our own hopeless state so that He could become our hope.

A hope that endures. That breathes life. That does not falter or fail. That doesn’t slip away. That isn’t in danger of burning out if we grip it too tightly.

A hope that holds onto us.

Later on, Jakim comes to the restorative realization that “Hope was not a candle flame. It was the dawn. Rising again and again after darkest night.”

Rising without any effort of his own. Rising beyond the pain of his circumstances. Rising steadfastly day by day.

And throughout the wild ups and downs of this book, through the aching chill of the dark nights and the resplendent glories of the new dawns, I hope that readers will walk away with that same assurance singing hope into their souls.

Interview with the Author

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

Oh, that’s a tough one right off the bat. Like so many authors, I would love to be able to make a full time living off of my creative work, but the realities of publishing make that very difficult, and so over the years, I’ve had to redefine my vision of success. These days, for me, I think it looks like telling the stories that harmonize with my heart and soul and taking my time to craft them with quality and depth. Those are things that rest in my hands and my control. I think, for me, it also has something to do with legacy. I would love to create something that lingers in readers’ minds, that feels real and immersive to them, and that resonates deeply enough to draw them back for a second read. Something that becomes an inspiration for them to create too. If I can write stories that can impact other readers the way my favorite books have touched and shaped and inspired me, that truly means everything!

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

Of Dawn and Embers is the third and final book in The Fireborn Epic, which is set in a world where warriors bond with magical breeds of horses and features three main point of view characters and their storylines: Ceridwen, Rafi, and Jakim. Each of those characters is so special to me for their own unique reasons, and I could honestly talk about any one of them here! But I especially loved Rafi’s storyline in this book. Rafi is a reluctant rebel with a secret identity (revealed in the first book) and an irrepressible sense of humor. He’s faced a lot of painful challenges, and he always meets them with a wry grin and a joke, but in this book, we see the toll they’ve taken as well. The culmination of his character growth and the way all the threads of his story finally come together are so intensely satisfying to me, and I think he will always be one of my favorites.

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

The climactic sequence at the end of Of Dawn and Embers! It’s the completion of all three books in the series and weaves together multiple storylines, and there were so many elements that had to come together at just the right moments and in just the right ways. It takes up more than 100 pages toward the end of the book, so I had a giant corkboard covered in sticky notes and a massive brainstorming document, and there was about a five month stretch where every spare moment was spent thinking, dreaming, brainstorming, and trying to visualize every step of those epic action sequences and connected emotional beats. It was a hard fought part of the story, but to say I’m thrilled with the outcome would be an understatement.

• What inspired this book?

This series grew out of my love for horses and the years that I’d spent working with them as the equestrian director at a youth camp. Having spent so many hours in the saddle, both riding and training kids to rides, I wanted to capture the beauty of that bond of trust that is possible between a horse and rider … only in a fantasy world and with magically powered horses. (Because who wouldn’t want to ride a horse that could breathe fire or vanish into the shadows?)

Really, this series is the combination of so many things that are near and dear to my heart: incredibly loyal steeds, friendships that are forged through shared adventures, sibling relationships, fierce female and male warriors who fight side by side against overwhelming odds, and truly epic stories that don’t shy away from the pain of brokenness but also don’t shy away from hope or the glory of the light that breaks through. I’m beyond eager for readers to be able to experience this final installment!

• Which author influenced the you most?

I would have to say that J.R.R. Tolkien has had the most enduring and significant impact on my writing and the types of stories that I love to tell. There have certainly been many others as well, but my framework for understanding story began with The Lord of the Rings. My dad started me on Tolkien’s books at a very young age, and there’s a love for nature, an appreciation of the beauty of simple things as well as the great and the grand, and a deep complexity to the characters and their journeys that have all stuck with me throughout the years and inspired my approach to richly developed worlds and layered storytelling.

• What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

My favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV) “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” I love to focus on this reminder that God is capable of turning impossible situations on their heads. He makes a way where there isn’t one, and He brings water into dry lands, and He is forever in the work of redeeming the lost and restoring the broken.

• What is your vacation spot?

The mountains. Somewhere rugged with endless blue skies and places to hike and the occasional alpine meadow to explore. Then a nice cozy fire to retire to after the day is done where I can pull out my laptop or a good book and while away the night hours. I’m basically Bilbo from The Fellowship of the Ring film: “I want to see mountains again. Mountains, Gandalf! And then find somewhere quite where I can finish my book.”

• What are you reading right now?

I’m currently reading The Strength of the Few by James Islington. It’s the second book in the Hierarchy series, and it’s a fast-paced sci-fi/fantasy read with constant twists so you never quite know where things are going next. With a little over 100 pages to go, I’m completely locked in.

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

My desk is a bit of a haphazard mess at the moment, piled high with notebooks and a thousand sticky notes, but it’s all related to the release of Of Dawn and Embers, so I’m giving myself a pass. I have a dark wood desk with a hutch above it, and the shelf immediately above my computer is stocked with candles and handcrafted mugs, while the one above that holds the books I’ve written along with a few favorites I love to keep close. Hanging over the desk is a stunning portrait of my horse that a friend made for me several years ago alongside a wooden print of one of my favorite quotes. It’s from Sam’s speech in The Two Towers film where he’s reminding Frodo about the stories that matter. “But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even the darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines, it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you, that meant something.”

That quote sums up so much of the heart behind my storytelling, and the print was a gift from my parents during a particularly difficult writing season, so I love having it hanging above my desk. And nearby, off to the side, my dog and my cat are both curled up napping. They love to keep me company while I work.

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

I would have to say The Lord of the Rings! I probably talk about it too much, but there’s so much depth and beauty to those books that you can revisit them countless times and always discover something new, which I feel like might help fend off the deserted island boredom.

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, January 27

Simple Harvest Reads, January 28 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, January 29 (Spotlight)

Artistic Nobody, January 30 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, January 31 (Spotlight)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 31

Blossoms and Blessings, February 1 (Spotlight)

Guild Master, February 2 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, February 3 (Spotlight)

Book Holds and Jello Molds, February 3

Fiction Book Lover, February 4 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 5 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, February 6

A Reader’s Brain , February 7 (Spotlight)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 8 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 9 (Spotlight)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Gillian is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Card and 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/yIAxb/of-dawn-and-embers-celebration-tour-giveaway