Tropical Target Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Tropical Target

Author: Jennifer Pierce

Genre: Christian Contemporary Suspense

Release Date: September 26, 2023

Being accused of murdering a client isn’t good for business.

Tropical islands are popular for destination weddings. But Le Cadeau Île won’t be a popular destination for long if Detective Noa Tanielu can’t find out who is responsible for a ring of thefts occurring during weddings. When the thefts escalate to the murder of a bridezilla, the most likely suspect is the new wedding photographer.

Wedding photographer Haley Marsh moved to the island to nurse her broken heart and start over after being dumped two days before her wedding. When she’s moved from the suspect list to the target list, a little white lie leads to a fake engagement. With Haley’s connections to the wedding business, it’s clear the key to solving this case lies in keeping up the charade.

Noa and Haley must navigate the investigation and Noa’s mother’s attempts to make the engagement all too real…if they survive that is.

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:

Tropical Target, a Christian Suspense by Jennifer Pierce is the eighth book in the Suamalie Islands series. The series is  Contemporary Christian Fiction set on a fictional set of Islands in the Pacific. The series is written by several authors with stories that have the common connection of the Islands. In this book we go to  Le Cadeau Ile to meet Island resident Noa Tanielu and newcomer Haley Marsh.

 

What you might need to know:

A Murder does take place at the beginning of the book.

 

What I think about this book:

This book is definitely not on Island Time!  From the first scene to the last it was filled with intrigue and suspense.  It was very fun to watch Noa from the moment he found Haley with a body until the end of the story.  Haley has come to the Islands for a new stary, but I don’t think this is what she wanted. I really enjoyed the fast pace of this story, but appreciate how the author allowed the characters to interact and grow a relationship. I look forward to more in the series!

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Jennifer Pierce currently lives in Arkansas with her husband and two children. Her debut novel, Hidden Danger, is a 2019 Selah Award winner, and her second novel, Expecting Danger is a 2019 Selah award finalist. Her third novel, Deadly Connection released on October 20, 2020. Giving Grace, a contemporary romance Christmas novella released on November 13, 2020. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and River Valley Writers.

 

 

 

More from Jennifer

I am so excited to be writing for the Suamalie Island series. Writing books set on tropical islands is so much fun. I knew going into Tropical Target that I wanted Noa to be a detective, but I wasn’t so sure on what type of occupation Haley needed. What was something that she could do for both the tourists and those that made the islands their home?

Then I remembered when my grandmother died, one of my aunts took all her photos and scanned them into the computer and made CDs and gave them to the rest of the family. I thought that would be a fantastic job for Haley. She could be a photographer who shoots destination weddings and special events for tourists and locals, and she could also travel the islands and make keepsakes for the locals. I expanded it even further to allow her to make copies of some of the photographs and sell them to tourists as authentic photographs of the islands. So, that’s how Seas the Moment was created.

The next thing I had to figure out was how to make Noa and Haley’s paths cross. What better way than for him to accuse her of murder? I wanted to pit the two of them against each other but then force them to work together. Kind of an enemies to more fake engagement trope.

Once those things were in place it was just a matter of weaving the story together. There’s suspense, romance, faith, and a few witty comebacks in the mix. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 10

lakesidelivingsite, October 11

She Lives To Read, October 11

An Author’s Take, October 12

Texas Book-aholic, October 13

Splashes of Joy, October 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 14

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 15 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, October 15

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 17

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 17

Aryn the Libraryan, October 18

Mary Hake, October 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 19

Blogging With Carol, October 20

Simple Harvest Reads, October 21 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Karen Baney Reviews, October 21

For Him and My Family, October 22

Holly’s Book Corner, October 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card & a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/285e3/tropical-target-celebration-tour-giveaway

Covert Danger Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Covert Danger

Author: Jerusha Agen

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release Date: September 22, 2022

A K-9 protection team. An assassin. Only one can survive.

An assassin is on the loose in the Twin Cities, aiming to kill FBI witnesses the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency is hired to protect. Rogue CIA agent Amalia Pérez and her protection K-9 must get the edge on this deadly opponent before he kills her childhood best friend—the only man who knows her true identity.

Investigative journalist Michael Barrett can’t believe his eyes when the woman he’s spent years searching for walks back into his life. But he soon fears the woman he loved is lost forever beneath the secrets Amalia wears like armor.

As the assassin closes in, Amalia will risk anything to keep Michael safe—anything except believing in the God he trusts. When the layers of deception become as dangerous as bullets, can Amalia and Michael uncover the truth in time to stop the assassin from completing his lethal mission?

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:

 Covert Danger by Jerusha Agen is a Christian Romantic Suspense.  It is the second book in the Guardians Unleashed Series, however it is really the third due to a prequel.   I would recommend that you read the prior books starting with Rising Danger and it introduces many key members of the series in the Ladies of Phoenix K-9 group. This book focuses on Amalia and her K-9 Raska.

 

What I think about this book:

After reading the prior books I was excited to drop back in on the ladies of Phoenix K-9. This book did not disappoint as I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I read it. It was nonstop action, but also packed some deep stuff. Amalia has been in hiding so long that it seems she has even forgotten her true self, but God has never forgotten her.  I loved the twists and turns in the book.  I especially appreciated the reminder that God is not surprised by anything no matter how hard it is or how much it takes us by surprise. I loved this book and can’t wait for more!

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies. Find more of Jerusha’s thrilling, fear-fighting stories at JerushaAgen.com.

More from Jerusha

Covert Danger was especially fun and challenging to write because it was the first time I’ve written a book with a heroine who is two people. At least, that’s what it seems like when you start to read Covert Danger.

Amalia Pérez is a security specialist at the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. She has two K-9 partners—Raksa, a German shepherd protection and search and rescue K-9, and Gaston, a Newfoundland water rescue dog.

Amalia doesn’t talk much about her past, even to her fellow co-workers at the Phoenix K-9 Agency. But her past comes crashing into her present in Covert Danger.

First, Michael Barrett shows up as a witness Amalia is assigned to protect. Trouble is, Michael is her former childhood best friend. And he knows she used to be someone else.

When an assassin arrives on the scene, gunning for Michael, another piece of Amalia’s secret past threatens to hijack her present. Because he’s an assassin that eluded her once before, on her last mission as a CIA operative.

So what is an author to do with a heroine who has two identities? A heroine who is determined her old self is gone forever?

Well, this author dug into the truth.

Thanks to years of running and years of deception before that, Amalia is buried in lies. As Michael points out to her, she doesn’t even know what the truth is anymore.

Sound familiar? Our culture is flooded with lies right now. Lies that grow more and more sinister as people abandon reason completely.

Rampant relativism—the “it’s true for me” mentality—has morphed into outright rejection of all real truth. Worse, it’s also turned into drastic efforts to pressure everyone to identify right as wrong and wrong as right.

Calling good evil and evil good is where we’ll all end up if we abandon the truth. Which is one reason why Amalia’s story—a search for truth and right amid deception and evil—is so important.

God taught me more about truth and deception as I took on the challenge of writing Amalia’s and Michael’s story. And He used this story to make my foundation in the truth stronger, strong enough to withstand the onslaught from our culture and from within.

Even as Covert Danger takes you on a thrilling ride of action and romance, I hope this story helps you find and hold onto the truth like never before.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 8

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 9 (Author Interview)

Becka Jimenez’s FB, October 9

Texas Book-aholic, October 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 11

Artistic Nobody, October 12 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 13

Blogging With Carol, October 14

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 15 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 16

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

For Him and My Family, October 18

Guild Master, October 19 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jerusha is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Barnes and Noble gift card, a signed paperback of Covert Danger, a Covert Danger tote bag, notebook, and keychain, plus more swag!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/28434/covert-danger-celebration-tour-giveaway

Spoon to be Dead Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Spoon to Be Dead

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Release Date: October 31, 2023

A murder for the holidays is about to shake things up!

Trinidad Jones is starting the festive season with sugary confections and a heaping scoop of worry as her shake shop enters its first Oregon winter. With snow abound and tourists trickling through, she’ll do anything to keep her milkshake dreams afloat, even if it means catering a holiday steamboat party for some new arrivals in town.

But when her good-for-nothing ex crashes through her shop’s door claiming he’s being charged with murder, things go sideways. With clues piling up like whipped cream on a sundae and motives abound, Trinidad and her fellow ex-wives must solve this murder before she’s finally thrown for a scoop.

The third book in the Shake Shop Mysteries following Trinidad Jones who makes sweet confections and solves sticky situations in her small town!

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:
Spoon To Be Dead is a Cozy Mystery by Dana Mentink. It is the third in the Shake Shop Mystery Series. This book starts shortly after the second book in the series, A Sprinkle In Time. While you could read this book as a standalone I Highly recommend that you read the previous books in the series prior to starting this one as they were really fun mysteries and it will give you more of a background about Trinidad and the inhabitants of Sprocket, that you will need to truly enjoy this book.

What I think about this book:
This is a perfect cozy mystery. When I read this book I felt like I was dropping in on friends in Sprocket. Winter’s arrival has brought new challenges to Trinidad and her ice cream shop however that seems small as Sprocket gets another shake up when swindler and ex husband Gabe’s arrival to town coincides with another dead resident. I enjoyed every page of this book ! The colorful cast ( literally this time with the addition of Scooter, the parrot) only added to the charm of the book. I wish we could see more of the residents of Sprocket. I can’t wait to see what Mentink has in store for her readers next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion for excellence in mystery/suspense. She was honored to receive the Author of the Year award from West Coast Christian Writers. A California native, she’s written over fifty titles for the general and Christian markets in the suspense, lighthearted romance, and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com if you’d like to learn more.

 

More from Dana

It seems like just yesterday that I was dreaming up decadent freakshake recipes for book one in the Ice Cream Shop mysteries and here we are in book three! It’s Christmas time in Upper Sprocket and there’s a wedding in the works, but most surprising of all is the appearance of Gabe Bigley, the cheating ex of Trinidad and her two besties. You can imagine there is going to be a hefty helping of murder, mayhem and merriment in this next installment in the series. Hope you love book three as much as I do!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 14

Bigreadersite , October 14

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 15

Lighthouse Academy, October 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 16

Texas Book-aholic, October 17

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

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 18

Mary Hake, October 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 19

For Him and My Family, October 19

Betti Mace, October 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 20

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 21

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 22 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, October 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 23

Blossoms and Blessings, October 23

Labor Not in Vain, October 24

Holly’s Book Corner, October 24

Lily’s Book Reviews, October 25

Splashes of Joy, October 25

Pause for Tales, October 26

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 26

She Lives To Read, October 27

Giveaway

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

(If the winner is outside the U.S., then he or she will receive an eBook.)

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/285e7/spoon-to-be-dead-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Wretch Like Me Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: A Wretch Like Me: A Modern-Day Mary Magdalene Saved by Grace

Author: Nancy Major

Genre: Memoir

Release Date: March 4, 2023

I couldn’t imagine in a million years that I would ever have the courage to face telling the world about this one ugly, vile secret I figured I’d die with. The truth of who and what I had been, how it happened, and the grace that saved me on the day my life imploded.

An anonymous packet was sent to business leaders throughout my community and surrounding thirteen-county area in 2006. As a business owner, I had made it a point to become well-known. When the president of one of the local chambers of commerce called me and I saw the packet for the first time, I literally couldn’t breathe.

I was shell-shocked and utterly shattered. I wanted to die. No words could explain away or erase what had been written. I couldn’t see any possible way to live with the guilt and shame of being “outed” as a prostitute.

If you’ve ever been tormented in a silent prison of shame over something you’ve done, haunted by a secret from your past, thought you were too broken, too bad, or too disgusting to be forgiven – you’re not alone.

You haven’t been forgotten or abandoned. You’re loved more than you could ever imagine, and above all, you’re NEVER too far gone for grace.

How would I know? Because grace saved a wretch like me.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Nancy Major is an award-winning nonprofit and business executive with more than thirty years of professional experience, including navigating the intricacies of complex mergers and acquisitions; rebranding and restructuring organizations and positioning them for growth and expansion; extensive board development and strategic planning; and creating organizational and financial sustainability.

She’s also a highly sought after professional speaker and certified Christian trauma coach. Nancy is passionate about helping people overcome and defeat the lies of the enemy and replacing critical, self-limiting beliefs with confidence about their divine destiny and purpose. She has become known as the #shameslayer.

Nancy is an Amazon bestselling author who recently published her memoir entitled, A Wretch Like Me; A Modern-Day Mary Magdalene, Saved by Grace. It offers a heart-wrenching glimpse into her lived experience as a former prostitute, “outed” publicly by a client bent on revenge. Her courageous story tackles themes of childhood sexual abuse, shame, public humiliation, redemption, and God’s immeasurable gift of grace.

Nancy is a wife of eleven years, a mother, stepmom, mother-in-law, and grandmother to six beloved and cherished cutie pies. She and her husband, Jesse, live in southeastern Wisconsin with their two silly pooches, Lulu Bell and Jilly Bean.

More from Nancy

My story has a lot of elements that read more like a Hollywood screenplay. The depth of darkness in my life seemed almost surreal, like a horrible nightmare that I could not wake up from.

I ran from my shame, trying desperately to hide a devastating secret for years, until one day, to my absolute and utter horror, my secret was exposed publicly.

The guilt and humiliation nearly destroyed me. I believed I could NEVER be forgiven … what I had done was just too shameful. And certainly the circumstances seemed to scream that I was right.

BUT GOD…two profound words that changed EVERYTHING in an instant and I have never been the same.

It is my fervent prayer that my story reignites, reawakens and renews your spirit and brings you that much closer to the heart of the Father.

Interview with Nancy

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

To know that I inspired someone to find hope again, to know that they too, can be set free from bondage through the blood of our Savior, Jesus Christ. When I receive feedback that someone’s faith has been deepened and strengthened after reading my story, that feels like direct confirmation from God that this is exactly why He called me to share my testimony.

  • Which chapter was the most difficult to write?

Chapter Eleven – Closing the Mouths because it was my first real encounter up close and personal with God. He rescued me from the pit and I have been forever changed because of Him.

  • What inspired this book?

I write about this in more detail in the Acknowledgements of my book, but this book was one hundred percent inspired by God. He spoke to me and told me that He wanted my story to help others who were in bondage.

I didn’t have any aspiration to become an author, and certainly not with THIS story!!! I had no idea where to start, how to start, or what would happen if I wrote it. In God’s miraculous nature, He took over once I said a fragile ‘yes, Lord’, and the whole thing was written in ten days.

It all happened SO fast, from the finishing of the book to meeting the publisher to publishing it, I can only shake my head in awe and wonder at the faithfulness of our Lord. If we give Him our shaky, fragile, little mustard seed of faith…won’t He do it?! I promise you, He WILL!!!

  • What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

Matthew 5:14-16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.”

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Thank you for letting us get to know you better!

Blog Stops

Artistic Nobody, October 3 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 4

Splashes of Joy, October 5 (Author Interview)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 6

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 7 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 8

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 9 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 9

Cover Lover Book Review, October 10

Guild Master, October 11 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 12

Simple Harvest Reads, October 13 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 13

Beauty in the Binding, October 14 (Author Interview)

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 15 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Corner, October 16

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2842f/a-wretch-like-me-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Looking-Glass Illusion Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Looking-Glass Illusion

Author: Sara Ella

Genre: YA Retelling (or dystopian fantasy)

Release Date: September 19, 2023

Step through the looking glass. Slay the Jabberwock. Seek the King.

Alice is not prepared to face what awaits beyond the Tulgey Wood. When she and the rest of Team Heart enter the fourth and final Wonderland Trial, it’s up to her to lead them to victory. But this Trial is more than a game. If Alice and the others fail to defeat the Jabberwock and reveal the truth about Wonderland, more than points and fame will be lost.

Chess Shire never believed he’d make it this far. Now he’s stuck navigating a Trial he’s seen but doesn’t remember, all while searching for the brother he left behind. Not everything is as black and white as the game that shares his name. And if Alice discovers his deepest regret? Chess might just lose her too.

Apart, Chess and Alice scour the eight squares of the Heart Trial in search of memories, truth, and an Ivory King who seems more illusion than reality. Will they learn to lead together to face their greatest fears? Or will they remain pawns in a queen’s game, never truly seeing the Wonderland they’ve come to believe in?

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Mindy

“It isn’t until we close our eyes and trust that what we can’t see still remains, that we finally can believe in the impossible.”

 

This sequel in The Curious Realities Duology is more intense, electrifying, complex, and mind-bending than I imagined – and that’s saying a lot since the first book was superb in its intricate plot and deeply layered characters. This story will completely absorb you as Alice and Chess, sometimes together but oftentimes separately, traverse through the Fourth Trial, which turns out to be a whole lot more than just the last trial. I felt like I was right there with them through the crazy wild ride of following clues, unwinding riddles and battling fears. Themes of forgiveness and believing in the impossible were keys to what Team Heart was called to do in the Trials. I loved getting to know the secondary characters better and loved seeing new faces enter the Team’s rank. The backstory between the Hatters and Shires was enlightening and Alice’s own past was brought to light with the clues within the looking glass. Of course, the plot had plenty of action and surprises, as well as betrayals and sacrifices, to make it an exciting adventure.

 

If you love YA fantasy, this book is a must read. Its captivating plot and characters make it unforgettable and you will never look at Alice in Wonderland the same way again. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Enclave Publishing via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Once upon a time, Sara Ella dreamed she would marry a prince and live in a castle. Now she spends her days homeschooling her three Jedi in training, braving the Arizona summers, and reminding her superhero husband that it’s almost Christmas (even if it’s only January). Sara is the author of the Unblemished trilogy and Coral, a reimagining of The Little Mermaid that focuses on mental health. Her latest journey into the world of The Wonderland Trials feels like coming full circle after working for Disney. Sara loves fairy tales and Jesus, and she believes “Happily Ever After is Never Far Away.”

 

More from Sara

“Step through the looking glass. Slay the Jabberwock. Seek the King.”

It’s my tagline for The Looking-Glass Illusion, but in truth, I had no idea what those words truly meant until I wrote the ending (and rewrote it several times).

I didn’t fully understand what the looking glass did or did not do—only that Alice had to step through it.

I didn’t know who or what the Jabberwock really was—only that Team Heart had to overcome it.

And I really couldn’t quite figure out this Ivory King character I had introduced in The Wonderland Trials—only that he was real, and that, somehow, the King would reveal himself in the end.

This is my process and it’s rather frustrating not to know what you’re up against. I wish I could outline and have all the answers ahead of time. I wish I knew every intricate detail about my stories. It would certainly make the writing life a lot easier. But I like to think the not-knowing part is God’s way of keeping me humble in all of this. Because I only discover the story and the true underlying theme of it all when He decides to reveal it to me.

So, in the name of revealing things, here are three truths God showed me through the process of writing The Looking-Glass Illusion.

  1. Faith is not blind.

I think we can all remember the quote from The Santa Clause with Tim Allen that goes, “Seeing isn’t believing, believing is seeing.” It encompasses the idea that we don’t have to see in order to believe. And while I believe this is true, I also think if we say our faith is blind, we’ve missed the mark.

God gives us every tool we need to base our faith on the truth in the Bible. He doesn’t ask us to walk blindly. He’s given us sight in His Word! And while we don’t know or see everything yet, we do have concrete evidence to stand on that what the Bible says is real.

In The Looking-Glass Illusion, Alice steps through the looking glass not knowing what awaits her on the other side. She does know, however, that The Adventurer’s Almanac her sister gave her has never steered her wrong. It’s guided her along the way, and she holds fast to it as she steps into the unknown.

I didn’t know how this book would end. But I do know that time and time again, God has walked with me through every ending to every book I’ve written. When I hold fast to that truth, I can have faith and the courage to move forward rather than let fear get the better of me. And speaking of fear . . .

  1. Fear is a liar.Anyone who’s listened to Christian radio has probably heard the popular song “Fear is a Liar” by Zach Williams. It’s a great song and I think we all need to hear it from time to time. Alice and her team have a multitude of fears to overcome. Chess Shire in particular has to overcome his fear of facing his past. I won’t spoil anything for those who haven’t read it, but the theme of overcoming fear is an overarching one in this duology. Perhaps I could have made it more complex and profound, but it’s really quite simple:Fear is a liar. And the only way to combat lies is to stand on the truth of what we know is real because . . .
  2. The fairy tale is real.I am often asked why I choose to write fairy-tale-inspired stories. I like to turn back to my author tagline. While my logo and website design and even my bio have changed over the years, my tagline has remained the same:“Happily Ever After is Never Far Away”This is something I have held to from the onset of my author journey. While fairy tales may be but stories, our walk as Christians is in the living breathing fairy tale of God’s Word. Remember that quote from “The Princess Bride?”“Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles!”That line always reminds me of the Bible. Everything we love about fairy tales can be found within the pages of His #1 Best-Selling Book. And it all really happened! The fairy tale is real, and no matter what dragons (or Jabberwocks) we face in this life, we are promised happily ever after (dare I say, Wonderland?) in the next.****

    Thank you for taking the time to sit a while with me and for sticking with this series through its conclusion. Cheers, and happy reading, Wonders! The true Wonderland awaits!

Sincerely,

Sara Ella

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 30

Texas Book-aholic, October 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 2

Where Faith and Books Meet, October 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 3

Blogging With Carol, October 4

The Book Club Network, October 5

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 5

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 6

Live. Love. Read., October 7

Holly’s book Corner, October 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 9

Raining Butterfly Kisses, October 9

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 11

Simple Harvest Reads, October 12 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 13

Wishful Endings, October 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sara is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card, a $15 Starbucks gift card, and a hardcover copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/282a8/the-looking-glass-illusion-celebration-tour-giveaway

An Unexpected Gift Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: An Unexpected Gift

Author: Melissa Wardwell

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release Date: August 29, 2023

Something’s up in Suamalie, and it’s looking like love!

When Kiana, Lulu, and Meilani decide it’s time for the islands to have affordable wedding options, Something Suamalie becomes the marriage of skills, friendship, and wedding splendor on the islands.

Cruising around the island on a Moped in a business suit may seem incongruous, but Kiana knows how to blend practicality and professionalism, a strong work ethic and relaxation. With no time for mistakes or changes in plans, she’s also decided to forgo romance (for herself). There just isn’t enough time in the day. That is until the early arrival of one of the groomsmen of Something Suamalie’s first booking throws everything off balance, including her thoughts on long distance dating.

Beau was perfectly content with his job and the growing attraction to a girl back home; however, he hadn’t figured in the sassy and sometimes unprofessional wedding planner. Seeing her world begin to unravel while she and her partners fumble with their first weddings tugs at his heart strings and leaves him second guessing his choices in the romance department.

She’s a study in opposites. He’s attracted. So now what do they do?

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:

An Unexpected Gift by Melissa Wardlaw is the Seventh  book in the Suamalie Islands series. The series is  Contemporary Christian Fiction set on a fictional set of Islands in the Pacific. The series is written by several authors with stories that have the common connection of the Islands. In this book we go to  Le Cadeau Ile to meet Island resident Kiana and visitor Beau.

 

What I think about this book:

This is such a sweet and interesting story. I love the characters and the premise of the story.  Kiana is an island resident who has spent years working for a high price bridal shop that most of the locals can’t afford.  It was very interesting to see the dynamics between her and her business partners. They seem like they would be a fun friend group. Beau was neat, he is used to a hard day’s work and not content to just  sit around.  It was nice to see Beau’s opinions change as he grew to know Kiana. I am a huge fan of Wardlaw, so I don’t  say this lightly,  An Unexpected Gift is my favorite book that I have read from her so far!  I cannot  wait to see what happens next for the characters in this book!

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Melissa Wardwell resides in Owosso, Michigan with her husband and three teen-aged children.

She doesn’t mind alternating between the world of writing and the reality of being a mother, but she would rather sit with a good book or a good friend and a cup of coffee.

When she isn’t penning works of fiction, she is busy reviewing books for her blog, Back Porch Reads.

 

More from Melissa

Weddings—some love them, some hate them, some love them but try to avoid them. Whatever the reasoning, we all have a strong feeling toward this life passage that so many have taken part in. We have our favorite moments, and we have our pet peeves, and like the snow flack that falls in the winter, none of them are ever the same. There might be similarities, but they are still not the same.

 

As for me, I LOVE WEDDINGS. They have been part of my life in a way that some find exciting, which they can be, but not from this angle. My mom was a consultant and seamstress in the bridal industry for most of my childhood until shortly before I graduated high school. In fact, that is how I also met my husband because his mother was a bridal seamstress alongside my mother. Not long after my wedding, I naturally obtained a job at a local bridal salon and worked there for almost ten years.

 

When I left the industry in 2010, it was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. I loved helping couples plan their big day. I have several fond memories of various brides whose stories stay with me to this day. And yes, a bridezilla is a thing, but she is not anyone you want to mess with because all the stereotypes are true. Thankfully, they’ve only been a couple that has ever crossed my path.

 

One of my favorite stories is about a bride who is anxious and overwhelmed with everything that needed to be done to plan the wedding. During one of her fittings, I noticed that she had some pretty severe acne breakout. She knew it was there, and it drove her crazy. “Not only am I stressed, I am now ugly,” she said, near tears. Before I let her leave the dressing room, I just talked to her about what she wanted for her wedding day and how it was different from what she was getting. She told me that she and her groom had initially planned to get married at their cabin in northern Michigan by the lake. Just them in a couple of friends. Instead, she was eyebrow deep in a wedding that was not hers. See, the groom was one of several sons with zero sisters. The mother-in-law had insisted on certain things happening that the wedding had taken on a life of its own, based on the mother of the groom’s vision.

 

I’m not one to stick her nose in a stranger’s business, but I did in this situation. My heart ached for this bride; she felt like she had no way out.

 

Looking at her in the mirror as I zipped up her gown, I said, “You know, all you need is a marriage license and a minister or a justice of the peace, and you can have the wedding you want.”

 

She laughed it off, and I laughed with her. I figured that was the end because it seemed to give her something else to think about as we laughed at the idea. Three weeks later, she came in for her final fitting. Remember, final fittings are done on the week of the wedding. The woman strolls in through the door of the bridal salon in marches back to the dressing rooms, where I am waiting with her go. Her smile lit up her face like a Christmas tree, she’d walked in confidently, and her acne had cleared up completely. Show her to the room, and before I close the door to let her slip into the dress before I come in and zip it up, I comment on how beautiful she looked. The bride put her purse down in the corner of the dressing room and turned to me, “we got married,” she said to me. I told her to get in her gown, and she could tell me the story in a minute.

 

Never in 1 million years would I have thought she would take my suggestion seriously. She informed me that the weekend after her last fitting, she and the groom went north to get away and pick up the marriage license from that county clerk’s office. They then decided to invite the local magistrate to their cabin, where he performed the wedding on their dock as the sunset over the lake. When I asked her about witnesses, she said they were good friends with the cabin next door, and those neighbors had just arrived at the same time as the magistrate. They agreed to sign as witnesses and watch the wedding from their dock. The couple had chosen not to tell anyone else what had happened, and I promised her that my lips were sealed as the rest of her bridal party came in to get their final fitting.

 

We sometimes make a big deal of the wedding day without considering what a couple wants. Sure, some things are almost a must if you’re having a large party. But for the most part, a wedding is about the couple and nobody else. If all the couple wants is to be married and spend their lives together, who can tell them what that should look like? I was proud of my bride for doing precisely what she and her groom wanted for their big day—small and simple. But I’m also glad they didn’t cancel everything to honor their friends and loved ones who planned to participate in their big day.

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 29

She Lives To Read, September 30

Karen Baney Reviews, September 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 1

Texas Book-aholic, October 2

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 3

Aryn the Libraryan, October 4

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 5

The Book Club Network, October 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 8

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 9 (Author Interview)

Sylvan Musings, October 9

Simple Harvest Reads, October 10 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, October 11

Holly’s Book Corner, October 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Melissa is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/282a7/an-unexpected-gift-celebration-tour-giveaway

She’erah’s Legacy Author Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: She’erah’s Legacy

Author: Naomi Craig

Genre: Historical fiction, Biblical fiction

Release Date: August 15, 2023

As tragedy ravages the camp, can She’erah step up and complete the outpost?

She’erahs is a woman trying to leave her mark in a man’s world. Her vision and ability surpasses her father’s, yet she remains second-in-command as they are tasked to build Pharaoh’s outposts in Canaan. She knows she is worthy of the task, but her clan is skeptical

The last place She’erah expects support is from her charioteer, but Lateef is the lone voice of encouragement. His integrity and steadfastness is a plumb-line in She’erah’s life and she can no longer deny her growing feelings for him.

Acts of sabotage threaten the construction and the shaky foundation of She’erah’s pride. It’s up to She’erah to break generations of rivalry, distrust, and jealousy—if she can learn to rely on the strengths and abilities of those around her to help.

Will she learn to trust God and others before her life’s legacy comes crumbling down around her?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Author of Biblical fiction, avid reader, pastor’s wife, Naomi loves reading the Bible and imagining how things were at the time. When she’s not serving in various areas at church,  trying to stay on top of mountains of dishes or convincing her rescue dog, Freeway, to be cute on command for Instagram reels, you’ll most likely find her enjoying a good book and a cup of coffee. Naomi co-hosts #BehindTheStory with Naomi and Lisa, an author interview show on YouTube and your podcast platform of choice.

 

 

 

More from Naomi

 

A woman architect in ancient times?
She’erah’s family is mentioned in five verses in 1 Chronicles 7:20- 24. In this brief detour from the list of genealogy, we learn some interesting facts.
She’erah is the granddaughter of Joseph (yes that Joseph with the coat of many colors, vizier to Pharaoh)
Two of her brothers get themselves killed for cattle rustling.
Her father, Ephraim, goes into deep mourning  for his sons.
There is a late-in-life baby (as a result of dad’s mourning)
and She’erah built Lower and Upper Beth Horon and Uzzen She’erah.
Then we are right back to the begats.
Wait, hold on. That’s all we get? What is the story behind her building these towns (two of which are still standing today)? What was the reaction of those around her?
Something I find helpful to remember is that when you know about someone’s family, you in a way know the person. With her grandfather being Joseph, suddenly we have opened a whole new world of what we know. She’erah and the clan would have had access to all of Egypt’s knowledge and resources. Where she still might have gotten backlash from her more Hebrew clan, Egyptian women had more independence, managing their husband’s estates, or even their own.
We also know the generational legacy that was passed down of the younger sibling being favored above the older. Ephraim over Manasseh, Joseph over his ten elder brothers, Jacob over Esau, Rachel over Leah, Isaac over Ishmael. I’m sure sibling rivalry could have been present.
So now we can see She’erah’s picture a little more clearly. A brilliantly minded woman determined to prove herself and her abilities. Raised in Egyptian courts, yet also Hebrew. A strange mix of cultures and dynamics that shape She’erah and nurture her gifts.
She’erah’s legacy is not only the towns she builds for  generations to come, but also how she starts the work of unearthing the deep-seated rivalry that is entrenched in her family.
I pray you’ll enjoy She’erah’s adventures, as she learns to trust the Lord and those around her.
Best Regards
Naomi

Author Interview from Naomi

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

   She’erah’s character is so far from my own. She has big ideas and the need to be in control. Think of Lou Flemming from Heartland, or Dr. Mike from Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. Whereas their grand plans are truly necessary to their community—the doers wouldn’t get anything done if there was no dreamer casting the vision— they can come across as demanding and abrupt. There is only one way of doing things, and it’s their way. I found it difficult to get out of the way of my helpful, think through all the options, accommodating self to dial into She’erah’s drive. When I got stuck I would watch another episode of Heartland or Dr. Quinn to figure out what drove these powerhouses and what made She’erah get up in the morning.

2)Favorite/ Life Bible Verse

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord and not for man. This is such a powerful reminder that you don’t have to be a pastor, missionary or Christian author to serve the Lord. You can serve the Lord by using your gifts and abilities. Are you stuck in a job you don’t love? You can work for God’s glory. Stay at home parent? Whatever you do… I went on a mission trip to inner-city Los Angeles in college. One of our stops was preparing meals for those who are HIV positive. I was fighting a cold and due to the people we were serving being immunocompromised, I was assigned to folding t-shirts in a cubicle (that probably are still in there to this day.) This wasn’t what I came to do. But the Lord pressed on my heart that verse and I realized serving God doesn’t have to be a grand production. Everything has value.

3)What is your vacation spot?

I love road trips!  This summer we vacationed in the Four Corners area. Our home base was in Cortez, and we took day trips to the surrounding areas. Exploring Durango, swimming in lakes in Utah and Colorado, Seeing the architectural wonders at Mesa Verde, taking a steam train, and enjoying family and the slower pace.

4)Describe your view as you’re sitting in your writing chair

You most definitely will see my rescue doge, Freeway. He hangs out near by and makes sure I’m staying on task. He makes sure he gives me breaks to adore him. He is (by our best guess) part German Shepherd, part Rottweiler,  maybe Shiba-Inu? He’s got short legs and a curly tale.

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

I love when I get word that people are reading and enjoying my books. I read each review on Amazon, and am encouraged when readers reach out to me and let me know that something spoke to them from the journeys my characters went on.

Thank you for letting us get to know you better!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 28

Texas Book-aholic, September 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 30

The Book Club Network, October 1

Connie’s History Classroom, October 2

Artistic Nobody, October 3 (Author Interview)

The Book Nook, October 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 6 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, October 7

Simple Harvest Reads, October 8 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, October 8

By The Book, October 9 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Naomi is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/282a4/she-erah-s-legacy-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Flower Quilter Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Flower Quilter

Author: Mindy Steele

Genre: Amish/Christian Fiction

Release Date: September, 2023

Barbara Breaks from Amish Tradition to Express Her Artistry

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

Barbara Schwartz was born into a family of quilters, but she would rather eat dirt than partake in another quilting frolic or sew on another binding. When her parents send her to Indiana to help her grandmother in her quilting shop, she finds herself amongst a very different community. It’s only one summer and then she will be back in Kentucky where she belongs.

Melvin Bontrager’s world stopped six years ago when his parents died. Now when his only means of providing for his widowed sister and niece is threatened, Melvin finds his landscaping business disappearing too. When spring delivers a newcomer who is immune to his salty moods, Melvin does something he has never done before, accepts help.

What blooms is the last thing Barbara ever expected, and everything Melvin could ever want.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:
The Flower Quilter by Mindy Steele is a contemporary Christian Amish Fiction. It is the first book in The Heart of The Amish series. The book is set mostly in Shipshewana, Indiana, one of the largest Amish communities in the country.

What I think about this book:
This is such a sweet story, Barbara comes from a family of quilters, but has no interest or talent for sewing. When her mother sends her to stay with her grandparents she is overwhelmed by the size of the community and struggles to find a place that brings her joy. Barbara was not confident in herself because she didn’t live up to the expectations of her mother. It was nice to see her grow during the book. Melvin suffered the unexpected loss of both of his parents and feels responsible for the care of his sister and niece after his sister became a widow. After his loss he was determined to keep his heart safe even if it meant missing out on the joys of life.  I really enjoyed watching the interactions between the characters. Both characters were relatable and had valuable insight, I look forward to reading more in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Mindy Steele is the award-winning author and bestselling author of over a dozen novels and novellas in Christian fiction. Raised in Kentucky timber country, Steele has been writing since she could hold a crayon on the wall and lives in northeastern Kentucky—where many of her stories are set.

 

More from Mindy

The Story Behind the Story

I’ve connected with many wonderful readers since my debut in 2021 and while attending my first multi-author and reader event in Shipshewana, Indiana, I was blessed to finally meet many of them in person. I connected with my amazing assistant, my Mississippi fishing buddy, and the golden girls who have been with me from the beginning. God handpicked each of these women and I am so thankful he did.

 

I knew before leaving home I would not be writing about Shipshewana or the touristy areas considering I love our small rural communities, but you know what they say about thinking you know everything. . .

 

I was charmed at a little Bed and Breakfast and further charmed by Bridgett the owner. After touring the Amish Market and a few other memorable sites, my husband and I spent an afternoon with our dear friends Barb and Mel. Barb insisted I see her favorite place, the Krider Fair Gardens. Being a lover of flowers and gardening myself, I was entranced. I walked over every inch and stored its details in my heart. I even called my mother.

 

I quickly learned the quilt gardens were signature in Indiana, sprawling along the Pumkinvine Trail and covering multiple counties. From May to September, thousands come to photograph the designs that change each year. There is even an app for that now.

 

I had learned so much about Amish gardens and greenhouses from my neighbors who had family-owned greenhouses which I wrote about in An Amish Flower Farm.

It was also a no brainer that I would include quilting into the story. I love to quilt, much more than my dear sweet heroine needless to say.

 

I was especially happy to include the quilt shop, just a block down from The Blue Gate and the owner was thrilled her shop was the inspiration to Anna Beechy’s quilt shop.

 

Writing about two different Amish communities was a fun challenge made easy thanks to dear friends from both. Especially Anna Mae, the best garden tea maker north of Ohio who never let my questions bother her.

 

What was most memorable about writing this book over all others?

 

I had no desk!!!

 

I love writing about new things not explored yet, and well…my writer heart was ready to start before we even got home. Often, I let an idea percolate a few days, but this story unfolded like a favorite re-run and I knew all the words. It was time to get writing, but suddenly we had covid and hours turned to days and weeks. It was a scary time as my husband struggled with it terribly, but we got through and then Hurricane Ida struck the south and my husband was called up. I decided to travel with my husband and son to deliver Fema Relief.

 

My family needed me, and I needed to write this book!!! So, in pure Mindy fashion, I packed up my notepads, extra fine tip pens, and did both.

 

The draft of The Flower Quilter was written in the back of an old semi that leaked like a strainer as we delivered trailers and supplies from Kentucky to the hardest hit areas of Mississippi and Louisiana nonstop for nine days.

 

I hope to never try that again, but no matter what we encountered, those gardens of Indiana, keep popping up and adding a little sunshine to the chaos around me. God sure knows how to keep beauty in focus when everything gets turned upside down.  He also knows how to take our worst traits and turn them into something remarkable.

 

I hope you love this story and my take on the gardens as much as I did. Thank you for being part of the tour!!! And may God bless and keep you!

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, September 26

The Avid Reader, September 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 27

Lighthouse Academy Blog, September 28 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Texas Book-aholic, September 28

She Lives To Read, September 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 30

Mary Hake, September 30

Connie’s History Classroom, October 1

Christina’s Corner, October 1

The Book Club Network, October 2

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 4

Books I’ve Read, October 4

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 5

For Him and My Family, October 6

Elly Gilbert, October 6

Cover Lover Book Review, October 7

Simple Harvest Reads, October 8 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 9

Splashes of Joy, October 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mindy is giving away the grand prize package a $25 Amazon gift card and a print copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/282a3/the-flower-quilter-celebration-tour-giveaway

Mojave Rift Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Mojave Rift

Author: J.W. Gilbert

Genre: Christian Fiction – Action/Adventure

Release Date: March, 2021

Mojave Rift follows a young man, Arcon, as he attempts to leave an isolated community called ArcPoint. He seeks an outsider, Elaina, a young woman with the skills to help him cross the treacherous CalNeva Rift. For eight years they’ve violated the law restricting all contact with those known as the Mojave People. Jesus himself made that restriction, after he returned to rule earth from Jerusalem over a hundred years ago. Ranger Dan is the man in charge of upholding that law, and has no idea what he’s getting roped into.

 

Click here to get your copy

About the Author

John Gilbert Wozniak (JW Gilbert) grew up in an Oregon farm town. He retired in 2016 as an international data center cooling expert. Around the turn of the century, he began writing as a hobby. After years of expert guidance and a lot of editing, his ArcPoint trilogy is complete. His intent is to write books that are enjoyed by all ages—biblically accurate—with a touch of adventure, romance, and humor. JW has been married to his best friend Darlene since 1980. They are both retired and enjoy the hobby of creating lapidary jewelry. He is a member of Oregon Christian Writers, Mensa, ALLi, and the Tualatin Valley Gem Club.

More from JW

I became an avid fan of Christian fiction, especially after reading This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti. I was working 12-hour night shifts as a data center technician and had ample time on my hands. At one point I was devouring a book per night but my favorite genre, action/adventure, was almost non-existent in Christian fiction. So, as is the case with many would-be authors, I decided to write the book I wanted to read. The setting? The future when Jesus is ruling the world, as told in Revelation chapter 20. My protagonist? Arcon, an adventurous young man from an isolated tribe of people. The premise? The people of ArcPoint don’t know that the outside world is safe and that Jesus has returned.

My first attempt at writing went well. I wrote my first draft in three weeks, edited it for six months, and landed a hybrid publisher with the final manuscript. The book garnered four- and five-star reviews, so I was pleased. (Not bad for someone who’d flunked English three times.) I was glad the reviews showed that the writing was good, but my readers were missing the message. I pulled it off the market.

For the past few years I’ve been honing my skills as a writer and reworking my ArcPoint story. There have been a few challenges. While researching, I found over a thousand verses in the Bible that sparked ideas for the time period I was writing about. Now the original book has become a trilogy, plus a prequel. However, traditional Christian publishers were not in the market for adventure stories, so I had to learn about self-publishing. And then, like a page right out of my prequel, the unexpected happened—a pandemic. I decided it would be best to put off publicizing until the entire trilogy was available. Now it is.

To see if the first book was ready to be self-published, I sent copies of Mojave Rift to Reader’s Favorite for professional reviews. It got five stars across the board. Then I entered Mojave Rift in their contest and won a silver medal. All the reviewers seemed to appreciate my inclusion of action, romance, and humor in a squeaky clean, fast-paced, futuristic novel.

I hope my ArcPoint series receives high scores from English teachers, but since I still don’t know a passive voice from a hole in the plot, we’ll see. Writing likable characters and adventure stories that run deep and inspire is something I enjoy. I’ve worked hard and it’s a thrill to get high audience scores.

BTW, did I mention the world-building for the isolated tribe in my story is set in America? Now that was a challenge.

Interview with J.W. Gilbert

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

Selling a lot of books, more so than making money. I worked hard to make my books enjoyable to any age or gender, with a message so uplifting it couldn’t be ignored.

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

In Mojave Rift, it was the escape chapters. I did mountains of research and rewrites to make it as believable as possible.

  • What inspired this book?

A little conversation I had with God. I’m a lapidary artist, finding incredible beauty within rocks. At one point I was blessed with literally tons of rocks, some of the best available. God’s provision was inescapable. I asked Him why. He said, “When tribulation times happen, just go hide in your shop and play with your rocks.” That gave me the idea for a group of people who decide to hide from the chaos in the world until Jesus returns. For a twist, they hid so well, they weren’t aware when He did. Over a century later they were still hiding, until one of them decides to investigate the outside world.

  • Which author influenced the you most?

Frank Peretti for the story telling. Taylor Caldwell for doing the research.

  • What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

It’s a little different than most: If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him. 1Cor. 8:2-3 NASB. I was an atheist and thought I knew it all. When I realized God was real, I understood I was wrong about everything. I have since approached life in search of the truth (and a little more humbly).

 Thank you for letting us get to know you better!

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, October 5

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 6 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 6

Simple Harvest Reads, October 7 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 8

For the Love of Literature, October 9 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 10

Splashes of Joy, October 11 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, October 12 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, October 13 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 14

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 15 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, October 16

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

Beauty in the Binding, October 18 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 18

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, JW is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a print copy of Mojave Man!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/28432/mojave-rift-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Eternity Gate Review and Giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: The Eternity Gate

Author: Katherine Briggs

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: September 12, 2023

Destroy the key. Save her people and herself.

The Eternity Gate is found, and kings and monsters battle over its legends of treasure. But rumors whisper that someone stole the gate’s ancient key.

Seyo, handmaiden to the princess, keeps three secrets. First, she’s gifted in fire, not light, and may as well be cursed. Second, she translates a prophecy warning that the gate does not offer treasure but judgment. Third, Jorai, the scorned prince and Seyo’s confidant, entrusts her with the key and disappears.

Surrounded by war, Seyo and her companions embark on a journey to seek help from a faraway empire and find Jorai, unaware of the trap awaiting them. But what should Seyo do with the key? Who can survive judgment, especially someone as flawed as her? Will hiding the key—or destroying it—save her people or ensure their defeat?

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Mindy

What a fantastic debut novel from Katherine Briggs! I loved Seyo’s first person narrative and her curious, clever, and brave soul that lived for all things history. Her priestess’ heart was pure and receptive, which allowed her faith to grow and mature as she sought to find and open the Eternity Gate. Seyo’s journey to save her kingdom had tons of action and battle, betrayals at every corner, and surprises at every stage. The plot was complex and deeply layered; the characters were quite wonderful and moving. My favorite character was Geras, who had a painful past but a heart-stirring redemption story and was the epitome of loyalty and selflessness.

 

It does end on a cliffhanger of sorts and I can’t wait for the second book of this duology. Any fantasy fan would thoroughly enjoy this epic adventure of kingdoms at war and race to find and open the ancient relic prophesied to hold power and judgment.

 

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Enclave Publishing via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Katherine Briggs crafted her first monster story at age three. Since graduating from crayons to laptop, she continues to devour and weave fantasy tales while enjoying oolong or chai tea. Katherine, her coadventurer husband, and rescue dog reside outside Houston, where she classically educates amazing middle school students, teaches ESL to adults, and studies other languages.

 

More from Katherine

Hello friend,

 

Journey. Friendship. Choices. Do these three words resonate with—even haunt—you too?

 

As I mature, I see my life and those of others’ as a journey. Aren’t you glad that, through Jesus, it’s leading somewhere amazing, and that the twists and turns have a purpose?

 

Believing thought leaders look at trends in current culture and diagnose that we’ve forgotten how to be a friend. What ingredients make a strong friendship? A listening ear? Sacrifice? Loyalty? Speaking truth in love? Encouragement? Are you honored to participate in an “unlikely friendship,” meaning someone who is different from you?

 

I’m sure you’ve faced many choices, even those of the impossible variety. Are you facing such a choice right now? Can you remember a past impossible choice and the light, albeit hard to see, that was always shining through?

 

Seyo, the main character in my debut YA fantasy The Eternity Gate, can relate. Even though she hides that she inherited the wrong gifting, her enemy’s gifting, she embarks on a journey across dangerous lands to save her country, despite feeling unworthy. She travels with friends and makes some surprising new ones. Along the way, she’s faced with unfathomable choices that will determine the fate of her home. Choices much too big for her shoulders, but that’s because she, like us, has Someone far more powerful helping her.

 

I encourage you to grab a tasty, warm drink. Since it’s autumn, I suggest The Republic of Tea’s pumpkin spice latte, and you can click here to grab the recipe. Sit back, relax, and remember:

 

  • What part of your journey has made you stronger?
  • Is there a friend you can reach out to with an encouraging word?
  • Small actions change the world. Don’t give up.

 

Sip your cozy drink and please enjoy Seyo’s journey. I hope The Eternity Gate invites you into a grand adventure.

 

Sincerely,

Katherine Briggs

Blog Stops

Bliss, Books & Jewels, September 21 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 21

Texas Book-aholic, September 22

Through the Fire Blogs, September 23 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 24

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 25

Artistic Nobody, September 26 (Author Interview)

Madi’s Musings, September 26

The Book Club Network, September 27

Guild Master, September 28 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 29

Blogging With Carol, September 30

Labor Not in Vain, October 1

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 2 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 3

Simple Harvest Reads, October 4 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Katherine is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Barnes and Noble gift card and one hardcover copy of The Eternity Gate!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/27fb7/the-eternity-gate-celebration-tour-giveaway