Three Words and A Kiss Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Three Words and A Kiss (Love that Counts Book Three. It can be read as a standalone.)

Author: Sondra Kraak

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: March 1, 2018

When a big-hearted debutante collides with a small-town blacksmith set in his ways, it can mean only one thing—a war of hearts has come to Pine Creek.

Cameron Wallace thrives as both the blacksmith and the minister in his community of Pine Creek. Out of the fires of a chaotic childhood, he’s forged a peaceful life filled with safe relationships and predictable routines. But when the smithy he’s been renting is sold out from under him, the impulsive woman who buys it stokes the embers of emotions he’d rather keep unlit—and even has the audacity to lend a helping hand to his smithy work.

Samantha Klein has never been afraid to push boundaries when it comes to helping those whom society—and God—have overlooked, be they orphans, immigrants, or injured animals. When her latest attempt to aid a group of Chinese women lands her in a newspaper scandal, her high-society family sends her packing from Seattle. Setting out on her own, she purchases the Pine Creek smithy and hatches another plan for helping her immigrant friends. But only weeks after arriving in Pine Creek, her plan turns to ashes, and she’s overwhelmed by needs she can never hope to meet, including her own need to be seen and cared for. And the one who seems to understand her is the man who won’t let her anywhere near his heart, no matter the attraction that burns between them.

As Cameron struggles to find a new normal, and Samantha yearns for someone to share her burdens, old hurts and dangerous secrets make them both terrified to admit that what they need—and what God has planned for them—just might be each other.

Three Words and a Kiss is the third book in the Love That Counts Historical Christian romance series. You’ll find well-developed characters, witty banter, tender journeys of faith and love, and feel-good happily-ever-afters all set in the beautiful mountains of the Pacific Northwest. Discover Sondra Kraak’s small mountain town of Pine Creek, and fall in love with the characters who make these historical western romances books you won’t soon forget.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Sondra Kraak is a part-time hobby writer, full-time Jesus follower. A native of Washington State, she now lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains where she serves as the Worship Coordinator at her church. Life at home with her Michigan-born husband and two teenagers is full of board games, sports watching (Go Blue!), cooking, cooking, and more cooking, and magically multiplying loads of laundry. Don’t ask her to drink eggnog, but she’ll happily consume most teas and coffee without fluffy flavorings.

The author of eight historical romances, she’s working on something a little different (a romcom series). But don’t worry, whether set in the past or present, her delight is to provide readers with stories that not only entertain but nourish the soul.

More from Sondra

My name is Lark. I’m thirteen, and these are my interviews with Samantha Klein and Cameron Wallace, the heroine and hero of Three Words and a Kiss. I know Samantha and Cameron because . . . well, you’ll have to read their story. For now, you need to know that it was Samantha’s tender heart that saved me and my two sisters. I asked Samantha and Cameron some questions so you can know them better. I’ll try not to interject my opinion too much, but I can’t help it. Samantha says I’m more bullheaded than a bull, but as a city girl, she has zero experience with bulls.

Lark: Samantha, you grew up in Seattle, right?

Samantha: Yes, with a family who values efficiency, good business management, social status, and formality. They provided an education and opportunities for me that not many people receive, and for that I’m grateful, but what I really wanted was to be understood and seen for who I was.

Lark: And who were you?

Samantha: The young woman who snuck into Chinatown to teach English and who befriended a prostitute.

Lark: If you used to sneak around, why do I get in trouble for doing the same?

Samantha: Because I wasn’t sneaking around with a boy.

Lark: Point made. Let’s move on. You bought a blacksmith shop. Spontaneously. Why would a woman want to do that?

Samantha: I’m a Klein, and Klein’s invest. After I embarrassed my family’s name again, I stumbled onto the opportunity to purchase the Pine Creek smithy and I wanted to redeem myself. As with most of my ideas, they come quickly, and they’re all I can think about until I act on them. Second thoughts? Those are distractions! With the profits from the shop, I wanted to help the underprivileged who are ignored by proper society. Who was going to notice and help these people if I don’t?

Lark: What was your first impression of Cameron Wallace, the blacksmith of the shop you purchased in Pine Creek?

Samantha: He’s got deep eyes that study you intensely. I’ve never thought of myself as interesting, so having those eyes on me often was intimidating. But I’m not one to let intimidation hold me back. Not that I’m brave.

Lark: You are brave, even if unintentionally. Tell me three things you love about Cameron. Only three.

Samantha: He possesses an inner strength that draws people, and it comes naturally. He doesn’t even realize how he brings the community together. He possesses an outer strength, too. Have you noticed his forearm muscles?

Lark: No. Gross. But you’re right. He is tall and strong.

Samantha: And those shoulders. It’s not like he’s a giant, though. I don’t feel overpowered by him.

Lark: You don’t seem to feel overpowered by anyone, that’s one of the things I like about you. But back to the question. You can list one more thing you love.

Samantha: He thinks things through before acting, which makes me feel secure. I tend to not think things through.

Lark: I know. I benefited from one of your spontaneous decisions, although I was taking care of my sisters just fine before you came along.

Samantha: (hugs Lark) I’m so glad I found you.

Lark: Let’s not get mushy.

Samantha: I won’t get mushy about you, but I have more to say about Cam.

Lark: (rolls eyes). You already told me three things.

Samantha: Just one more. I’ll be quick, I promise. I adore how he talks in sermons without realizing it.

Lark: Eww. Who wants to hear a sermon?

Samantha: I know, right? But I think it shows how metaphorically and deeply he thinks. He brings up profound things as if he’s talking about the weather or what he ate for breakfast. I mean, who really thinks like that? And then there’s the way he kisses—

Lark: Nope. We’re done. Thank you.

Samantha: You wouldn’t expect a man who values control and sticks to a plan to kiss in such an unencumbered way, but that’s what’s fascinating. It’s like all that submerged emotion must come out somehow.

Lark: Samantha, I really don’t need to know. I’m going to ask Cameron some questions now and hope he answers with more modesty. Cameron, let’s get the basics out of the way. Your mother left when you were ten, your father drank himself to death when you were fourteen, and the town collectively raised you. Is that right?

Cameron: Yes. I love the people of Pine Creek. They took me in when I was my angriest.

Lark: You’ve been at the smithy since you were fourteen. What do you love about the work?

Cameron: It’s creative. It’s physical. It requires precision. It’s not mindless work that anyone can do with brute strength. And yet, at its foundation, it’s simple. Heat. Metal. Force.

Lark: Will you teach me?

Cameron: (shakes head) Listen, smithy work is dangerous. I’m not comfortable with women learning the trade. Samantha tried, and I was nervous the entire time. The responsibility for safety weighs on me too much.

Lark: I understand, having been responsible for my two younger sisters, but still, I think a woman can do anything a man can do.

Cameron: If you’re that woman, I’m inclined to agree. (smiles) Don’t you want to know some fun things about me? My favorite color? My favorite food?

Lark: (frowns) Who cares about favorite colors? That tells me nothing about who you really are. I want to know your biggest failure. You give off this image of perfection.

Cameron: I do? I must admit I thought my life was perfect until Samantha brought her chaos into my smithy. But in the end, I saw my pride and my need to let go of control.

Lark: Is that why you took down that verse from above the smithy door?

Cameron: That verse about living a simple life and working with my hands—that was just an excuse to keep me from wanting too much. It was my permission to keep life contained and safe. Samantha’s big, emotional way of approaching life helped me see that lie.

Lark: She’s good at being emotional. You never told me your biggest failure.

Cameron: Some things are private. But I’ll say this, I lived years up here (points to head) and never let what’s in here (points to heart) matter. It ate me up. No more. I’m letting the thoughts and emotions mingle. You should try it sometime.

Lark: Are you saying I stuff my feelings? (shrugs) I can’t be good at everything.

Cameron: It’s nice to hear you admit that. You’re extremely self-sufficient for thirteen.

Lark: Almost fourteen, and thank you, but let’s not talk about me. Tell me what bothered you most about Samantha when you first met her.

Cameron: Everything. She waltzed into my routine with these crazy ideas. It put me on edge. But what made me the most nervous was her lack of special awareness. She drifted into my space many times a day, which is dangerous in a smithy. In fact, once . . . (rubs a hand over his beard) . . . never mind. I don’t want to give you any ideas.

Lark: Oh, please. Samantha told me she had trouble keeping her hands—and her mouth—to herself. I would never accidentally kiss a person. Last question. Why did you fall in love with her?

Cameron: (smiling) She sees the world differently from me, and it brought me freedom. Her love is extravagant. It knows no boundaries, and I don’t deserve it. And now that we’re married, that issue with her drifting into my space isn’t an issue. What man complains that his wife can’t keep her hands off him?

Lark: Probably no man. And this is a good place to stop asking questions before I get sick.

Cameron: Now who’s blushing?

Lark: I don’t blush. Our time’s up. I think I hear my sisters calling.

Interview with the Author

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

Success for me is writing a satisfying story. If I’m happy with the scope of the romance and the journey of the characters—and I’ve infused the story with banter and romantic tension—then that’s success. I just love stories and telling them. Of course, it helps my family when I make a bit of money, too.

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

I’m probably more like my hero, but I connected with my heroine. I want to be big-hearted like her, someone who can be full-steam ahead and isn’t afraid of what others think. Both Cameron and Samantha live out of deeply rooted principles and ideals, and that definitely connects with me.

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

The kissing scenes. Those are always the hardest for me. They are such intimate moments. I want to honor the intensity of a kiss while respecting my reader’s expectations for a sweet romance.

4)What inspired this book?

My inspiration came from multiple things. For one, my dad is a pastor, and I knew I wanted to write a character with a heart for pastoring people. Another inspiration was my experience growing up around refugee families in Seattle in the 1980s and 90s. I wanted to include the experience of a group of often overlooked people, the Chinese immigrants who worked so hard in our country in the late 1800s. The inspiration for the group of girls who call themselves the petticoat posse came from growing up with a fun group of girlfriends at church and having a playful rivalry with the boys.

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

I’m a big Bible nerd. I love to study scripture. It’s as much a hobby for me as writing stories, which is why I pursued my master’s in biblical studies years ago. There is no way I can choose one favorite, but my usual answer for this type of question is Psalm 119. But I also love Genesis, Isaiah, John, and James.

The verse my parents chose for me when I was born is Colossians 1:9, “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.”

A verse that is currently in season in my life is Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

6)What is your vacation spot?

I grew up in Seattle, Washington, and every other year my family would drive the backroads to Estes Park, Colorado, for a two week family reunion. We’d hike all over Rocky Mountain National Park, play volleyball and lots of card games, shop the touristy places, and enjoy the beauty. Eventually, one of my uncles retired early and bought a property there big enough to house all of us. I’ve spent over a year of my life just at this “vacation spot” and it’s become like a second home to many in my family.

7)What are you reading right now?

I read many books at once. Fiction-wise, I’m reading Nichole Van’s Loving A Lady, and Cindy Steel’s Rebel Summer. In non-fiction, I’m reading Every Woman A Theologian (Phylicia Masonheimer), Loved to Life (Ann Voskamp), Surprised by Hope (N.T. Wright), and The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory (Tim Alberta).

Blog Stops

Stories By Gina, May 2 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 3

Artistic Nobody, May 4 (Author Interview)

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, May 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 5

Simple Harvest Reads, May 6 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 7

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

Books Less Travelled, May 8

Vicky Sluiter, May 9

Guild Master, May 10 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 11

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 12 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, May 13

Fiction Book Lover, May 14 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sondra 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54211

Embers of Truth Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Embers of Truth

Author: Avrie Swan

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: April 15, 2025

A fiery heroine teams up with a gruff detective to catch a thief, but the real danger may be trusting each other.

With her family nearing destitution and her home on the brink of foreclosure, Carina Clarke has little left to lose. Yet in one fateful evening, the 1871 Peshtigo Fire destroys the last of all she holds dear and separates her from her sister and friend. Carina vows to find them—even if it means moving to a different city and taking up work at a textile mill while she searches.

Oliver Ramhurst is determined to make his father proud of his work as a Pinkerton detective. His assignment to capture a thief at a textile mill in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, could be the opportunity he needs—if the feisty Miss Clarke will stay out of his way. When the clever woman offers to help him ferret out the culprit, Oliver reluctantly agrees. But does she want more from him than she’s saying?

As the danger grows and they draw closer to discovering the true identity of the thief, Carina and Oliver realize that nobody is who they seem. Carina must decide who can be trusted and who may be a villain in disguise—for when the hour grows dark, trust may be the only thing that can save her.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Marilyn

The fire in Peshtigo, WI left Carina little choice but to go to Milwaukee in search of her sister Charlotte, that she lost contact with during the devastating fire. Her faith and dedication to the job she secured at the textile mill plus a mother figure landlord lady kept her going through disappointing letters she received about Charlotte. Oliver was assigned to the mill as the agent from Pinkerton Detectives to discover the who was responsible for the stolen wages. The unusual meeting between Carina and Oliver gave way to her joining in with the search secretly, but then threats and unusual occurrences happened. Their persistence, faith and strong character kept them going but will it be enough to keep them safe? The author’s penned a flowing read with roller coaster events, faith, suspense and a budding romance throughout the story. I look forward to the next book in the series.

 

I received an early copy of this book from Wild Heart Books and Celebrate Lit Bloggers tour. I have expressed my own thoughts.

About the Author

Avrie Swan is a Christian author and avid reader with a love for all things historical. Having grown up exploring antique stores and museums, she eventually decided to combine her interest in history with her love for writing and began working on her first full-length novel at the age of fourteen. She especially enjoys writing stories that focus on themes of family, faith, and growth through difficult times.

When Avrie is not writing, she is watching old movies, collecting antique books, and hunting for agates. A native Wisconsinite, she enjoys spending the cold winters indoors with her cat on her lap and a good book in her hand.

 

 

More from Avrie

Hello, folks!

What do you do when you run out of your favorite type of book at the local library? Well, in the case of sixteen-year-old me, you sit down and try to write one yourself. Thus was born the first iteration of Embers of Truth, followed shortly thereafter by the second and third. After countless revisions and many cups of coffee, I finally achieved what I wanted—a book filled with mystery and action, with a main character tenacious enough to weather the storms I tossed her way. Carina’s story was a joy to write, and I know sixteen-year-old me would be happy to read it if she could.

In this first book of The Peshtigo Fire Chronicles, I decided to explore the theme of trust and learning to accept help. Carina has difficulty trusting others, an issue born out of past experiences. However, as she comes to learn, we cannot let bad experiences affect the way we see others. Have you ever unjustly judged someone because of something that happened to you, even if it was unintentional? I have. It’s easy to do!

In addition to exploring themes of trust, Embers of Truth also examines what it means to put our goals before helping others. Oliver is determined to impress his father, and while he takes the mill case to help the workers there, he also secretly hopes it will finally make his father approve of his occupation. Putting our needs above others is a part of human nature, but that doesn’t mean we can’t change. Watching Oliver realize this is one of my favorite parts of the story.

Much like Oliver, I also realized several things while writing Embers of Truth. The first was that I would never handwrite a novel again, a decision my right wrist thanked me for. The second was that God is incredibly, incredibly gracious. The third and final thing I realized was that I would have made a terrible Pinkerton detective. I’m much more suited to sitting bundled up under warm blankets with a book than going undercover to find a criminal!

I encourage you, dear reader, to follow along with Oliver and Carina as they traverse snowy Milwaukee and decide whether you could be a detective. Make sure to curl up with a nice cup of coffee or tea and a blanket as you enjoy this intriguing, romance-filled story. God bless you!

Sincerely,

Avrie Swan

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 1

Holly’s Book Corner, May 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 2

Texas Book-aholic, May 3

Blogging With Carol, May 4

Simple Harvest Reads, May 5 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 6

Blossoms and Blessings, May 6

Book Looks by Lisa, May 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 8

Betti Mace, May 9

Stories By Gina, May 10 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 10

Cover Lover Book Review, May 11

Pause for Tales, May 12

Devoted To Hope, May 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 13

For Him and My Family, May 14

Giveaway

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

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54210

Illuminary Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Illuminary (The Sceptre & the Stylus Book One)

Author: Chawna Schroeder

Genre: YA Fantasy inspired by A Little Princess

Release date: April 8, 2025

Glimpse the past, illuminate the future.

Yosarai Patican dreams of becoming an illuminator in a country that values art above all else. A lofty goal that finally seems within reach when she earns a position at the prestigious Academy of the Seven

Arts. Although Yosarai loathes to leave behind her quiet country life, she travels to the capital, determined to live up to her mother’s fame asone of Indel’s greatest artists.

Prince Xander never planned to become king. Indeed, he never wanted to become king. But when his father dies suddenly, he is thrust into the middle of coronation preparations—and assassination attempts. With everyone around him in increasing danger, Xander decides to hide in neighboring Indel until the time for him to be crowned king arrives.

Posing as an inventor struggling with aesthetics, Xander enlists Yosarai’s aid as part of his cover, but soon he suspects she knows more than she should. But when danger threatens and secrets are exposed, entering a competition reputed as cutthroat may be the only way for them to protect everything they hold dear.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Review from Mindy

“Ask why less and how more.”
This is my first book by Chawna Schroeder and I am completely hooked. The author’s gifted imagination is on full display in this detailed, absolutely delightful fantasy world. I loved learning about Egdonia and Indel and how these two Realms are similar and different. The strong faith thread woven into the storyline was grounding and I really enjoyed watching Xander and Yosi grow in faith and maturity. It was really interesting that an unnamed villain (likely an Egdonian) and Yosi had first person voices while Xander and Yosi’s not-very-likable cousin Lavidah had third person voices. These multiple narrators gave depth and insight into the storyline as a whole.
The Quest that took up the latter half of the book was intricately laid out and quite fascinating. I was on the edge of my seat with each challenge the team faced. But the book has more than just unique characters, suspense, a beautiful setting and a fast-paced and exciting plot; it also addresses racism, social justice, loyalty, honor, and compassion.
This book does end on a cliff hanger. I need the next book soon!
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

Chawna Schroeder loves exploring the wonder of God through the intersection of imagination and faith. When she isn’t reading or writing, she may be found practicing piano, reading biblical Greek or Hebrew, preparing for the Bible study she teaches, or working onone of her handwork projects while enjoying a movie.

More from Chawna

Why I Love “A Little Princess”

Illuminary begins a fantasy trilogy loosely inspired by A Little Princess. This classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a book I’ve read almost annually since I was a preteen, with some years containing two or more readings. It is a story that never fails to enchant me no matter how often I read it, and it carries for me the same magic that Anne of Green Gables has for many other girls.

Yet unlike Anne, who endears herself to almost all who meet her, the young heroine of A Little Princess, Sara Crewe, is known to be a somewhat divisive character—the kind you either adore or hate the moment you meet her, much like the characters within the story itself. So, what draws me back to this young protagonist again and again?

The reasons are many. I love her imagination, her intelligence, her ability for the perfect comeback, her courage in the face of horrifying circumstances, her uniqueness—all characteristics that I’ve tried to endow upon the heroine of Illuminary to some extent.

But I think the thing I hope my heroine in Illuminary emulates most is Sara’s unshakeable character. For Sara is a principled young lady, and no matter what is thrown at her, she holds onto those principles without wavering.

Often in literature, it seems like the good, principled characters, when they are faced with great difficulty, end up struggling with their principles, debating whether they are good or worthwhile. In some stories, those characters even outright reject those principles for a time.

While these are good and needed stories to tell, sometimes they are portrayed as the only accurate arcs for such characters—as if characters holding onto their principles and maintaining their integrity is somehow unrealistic. A charge originating, I suppose, from those too sweet, too perfect characters found in morality tales.

Yet while such characters of integrity and principle might be rare, Scripture shows us that hard times don’t have to shake one’s principles or undermine one’s integrity. Both Joseph in the book of Genesis and Daniel in the book bearing his name exemplify this kind of life. And we see this same principled integrity in Sara Crewe.

It is not that she is some perfectly sweet heroine. Sara has a temper, struggles with some uncharitable thoughts toward others, and even misjudges another character terribly. Nor does she fail to grow. The Sara at the end of the story is definitely a more mature, thoughtful, and understanding girl than the one who began the tale.

But the core essence of her character—her politeness, generosity, and compassion as summarized by her wish to act like a princess—does not change in the story. The core characteristics that make Sara Crewe, Sara Crewe, are unshaken. They may grow and expand with the character, but these essential attributes characterize her throughout the entire story. Even in her darkest moments she holds fast to them.

That is both hopeful and encouraging. For we all will face hard and difficult times. A Little Princess doesn’t deny that reality. Rather, it says that those hard times don’t have to destroy us and that holding onto one’s integrity, one’s faith, is possible.

For me, that is what makes Sara Crewe and A Little Princess truly magical—and what I hope will make Illuminary magical for its readers.

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 29

Artistic Nobody, April 30 (Author Interview)

CeCe Reads and Sings, April 30

The Lofty Pages, May 1

Wishful Endings, May 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 3 (Spotlight)

Simple Harvest Reads, May 3 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 4

Guild Master, May 5 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 7

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 8

Inklings and Notions, May 9

Fiction Book Lover, May 10 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, May 11

Labor Not in Vain, May 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chawna is giving away the grand prize of a 2.5” x 9.5” poster of Psalm 46:5 and 10-11 illuminated by artist and calligrapher Timothy Botts, a signed copy of the book, a $25 Amazon gift card, a glass stylus, and 5 bookish stickers!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54208

Lizzie’s Little Mouse Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Lizzie’s Little Mouse (The Heart of the Amish Series Book Eight)

Author: Anne Blackburne

Genre: Amish/Christian Fiction

Release date: April, 2025

Lizzie Has Dreams That Won’t Be Deterred

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

Ever since attending a wedding in Louisiana, Lizzie Miller has been fascinated by French baked goods. With permission of her parents and bishop, she did a two-year internship in a French bakery in New Orleans. When a local Amish bakery became available, she bought it and opened her own French inspired bakery.

But now someone wants her out of business. During her grand opening, a strange man accosts her, then a brick is tossed through her window wrapped in a note telling her to leave. Someone breaks into her apartment above the bakery, and her cat chases the intruder out.

With the help of her friends, Lizzie will get to the bottom of why someone wishes her to fail. And at the same time, she’ll realize that sometimes dreams can be fulfilled with what—or who—was always close at hand, just waiting to be noticed.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Marilyn

This Amish fiction has a cozy mystery intertwined into Lizzie’s story. Lizzie dream was an unusual one, but she had approval for her bakery shop in her Amish community to include French style baked goods. Opening day brought happiness and uneasiness with treats and damage to her shop. Lizzie’s friends, family and community members were there to assist, but they would not allow Lizzie’s life to be ruined. Who, what, and why to the unexpected ups and downs kept the story flowing with a gentle romance budding from a childhood friend. Blackburne included previous characters in her stories from the Heart of the Amish series that gave readers updates on how these beloved characters lives and their beloved felines were progressing.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Bloggers book tour. 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

I’m so excited that once again, 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, “Lizzie’s Little Mouse”!

Lizzie’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 wonderful story.

If you read either of my previous two books in the series, “Ruth’s Gingersnap Surprise” and “Mary’s Calico Hope”, you’ll remember Elizabeth Miller, their sassy friend with the darling Haflinger pony named Goldie who gave Mary a ride one morning before church services. Elizabeth, or Lizzie, 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.

Lizzie’s cat is a gray kitty she named Petit Souris, which is French for Little Mouse. Why Little Mouse? Because as a tiny kitten, the darling reminded Lizzie of a mouse!

And why the French name? Well, our heroine is not your typical Amish miss. After attending a wedding in New Orleans as a teen and tasting the amazing baked goods for which the city is renowned, Lizzie began dreaming of opening her very own New Orleans style French bakery – in Ohio’s Amish country!

She loves everything to do with New Orleans, and learned to speak their dialect of French while doing an internship in a bakery there when she was 18. Upon returning home she went to work at the local bakery to learn more about the business, and to save up for her dreams.

As the story opens, we find that Lizzie’s dream has come true! It’s opening day of The Plain Beignet, Lizzie’s bakery in Willow Creek, Ohio. Everyone comes out to wish her well, including friends you’ll recognize from my first two books!

But when something unexpected and frightening happens during the grand opening, it becomes apparent that not everyone is as happy as Lizzie and her friends about her success.

Along with some help from her pals, and her best friend Jane’s handsome big brother, John, Lizzie will get to the bottom of the mystery of who wants to put her out of business, and why!

They discover, among other things, that Lizzie’s bakery was the site of a murder a hundred years before! What could this historic crime have to do with Lizzie’s current problems?

As she, John and their friends search for clues, Lizzie will discover that there’s more baking than her latest batch of beignets!

Could it be romance?

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

I’m currently writing my fourth book in the series, which will feature a young woman you’ve met in all my other stories, Jane Bontrager.

Just like her friends, Jane received a kitten from their friend, Lydia; a little brown tabby. Her story, “Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer”, is due out in early winter 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 spring in southeast Ohio. In other words, enjoying the sunshine, but carrying a sweater and an umbrella, just in case!

God bless you and yours!

Joyfully,

Anne Blackburne

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, April 30

lakesidelivingsite, April 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 1

Carla’s Book Crush, May 1

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 2

Vicky Sluiter, May 2

Simple Harvest Reads, May 3 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Texas Book-aholic, May 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 5

Holly’s Book Corner, May 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 6

Stories By Gina, May 7 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 9

For Him and My Family, May 10

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 10

Bizwings Book Blog, May 11

Lily’s Corner, May 12

Little Homeschool on the prairie, May 12

She Lives to Read, May 13

Cover Lover Book Review, May 13

Giveaway

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

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54209

When the Mountains Wept Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: When the Mountains Wept (West Virginia: Born of Rebellion’s Storm Book One)

Author: Kendy Pearson

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: April 5, 2024

War brought them together, but one lie holds the power to separate them forever.

Western Virginia’s Kanawha Valley is a hotbed of rebellion tensions and mixed allegiances.

Amid talk of war, Augusta Dabney tends her younger siblings and dying father. But when hatred sparks tragedy, peace is but a shattered memory. Heartbroken and desperate, Augusta searches for a way to protect all she holds dear.

Defying family and friends, Dr. James Hill declines a prestigious commission in the Confederate Army to join the Union cause as a Regimental Surgeon. When the Dabney farm becomes a crossroads of colliding forces, Major Hill commandeers their barn for a hospital.

He is running from his legacy, seeking penance for his past.

She is desperate to preserve hers, at any cost.

As a wise, former slave nurtures James’s battered faith, cynicism crumbles, and James discovers grace and belonging with Augusta and her family unlike any he’s ever known.

But when James comes face to face with his past, secrets unravel until deception ends in disaster, leaving Augusta with only one option.

And it is unthinkable.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Marilyn

This is one powerful and emotional read from the start to the end. Kendy Pearson captured the realism of all that was involved from the hatred to love, family/friends fighting against one another, and the wealthy inflicting hardship on the less fortunate at the start of the Civil War.

 

The dimensional characters with their views, values, and faith to the picturesque scenes placed me right in the midst of the action. There were plenty of tears, and heartbreak, but then I would have smiles and applaud as Augusta and others showed kindness, God’s love to the injured and assisting those in need. This historical fiction has a gentle slow romance as there were obstacles to overcome, but with God nothing is impossible.

Fans of Christian Historical or Civil War will not want to miss this book. I’ll be abiding my time till book two is released in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit for the book tour. I have expressed my own thoughts.

About the Author

Kendy Pearson is a worship leader, Bluegrass fiddler, and Civil War reenactment enthusiast. As a veteran high school teacher, she loves to discover a pocket of American history missing from the schoolbooks and turn that pocket inside out. Her novels lead fictitious characters through historical events and settings, engaging with period personalities. And she always includes a romantic thread to warm the heart. Every story is a journey through tragedy, secrets, regrets, and God’s undeniable grace.

She is the recipient of multiple lit awards and enjoys public speaking and teaching writing workshops. When away from the computer, she relishes ice cream, snowy days, fireplaces, and maple trees. Kendy is the mother of four grown children and lives with her sweet hubby and two amusing miniature dachshunds.

More from Kendy

I was quite happy expressing my inner farm-girl and thriving at all things musical for decades. Until I found myself teaching high school history and raising three sons. I should have saved up a dollar for every war movie I watched! All the men in my family had a great interest in history. I remember watching the boys in a production of King Henry the Fifth, complete with Old English and death by sword. One year, I taught about the Civil War in three different classes, so that era became a favorite interest of mine. I read every Christian Historical novel I could find about the War of Rebellion.

Boy, did I have fun researching! For three months, I pored over the most incredible true stories of families and events, reading even soldier diaries. I created timelines and wrote note cards. I became the student again!

There is much of myself and my life in When the Mountains Wept. The female main character (Augusta Dabney) is part me and part who I long to be. She’s responsible, tough, brave, smart, farmish, doctorly—and she has red hair, freckles, and an Irish complexion that splotches and sunburns. My daughter influenced the 12-year-old sister in the story (she figured that out on her own). Will (Willamina) is a tomboy who will risk trouble for the sake of adventure. She is strong-willed and often has an attitude. (I’m pretty sure that last part was why my daughter figured it out.)

I enjoy a story that makes me laugh, so having three sons, I am pretty familiar with boyish antics. The 6-year-old brother added humor, and a saucy 12-year-old girl provided plenty of fodder, too. The romance between two very different but strong personalities provided an opportunity for a few laughs as well.

If a book makes me cry, it’s a keeper. My story contains painful truths, each rooted in my research. The characters experience the harsh reality of their circumstances. I cried while writing more than a couple of the scenes. It is just plain hard to wrap my head around living smack dab in the middle of war, where your neighbor is your enemy and your home is no longer your own.

I fell in love with the family I created in When the Mountains Wept, hence, I must not consign them to the past. They will live on in this series as each member of the Dabney family shares their own story of adventure, romance, sacrifice, and faith.

Blessings from the Heart of History, my friends!

Kendy

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 28

Simple Harvest Reads, April 29 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Texas Book-aholic, April 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 1

Stories By Gina, May 2 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 2

Devoted Steps, May 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 4

Betti Mace, May 5

Holly’s Book Corner, May 6

Pause for Tales, May 7

Guild Master, May 8 (Author Interview)

Bizwings Book Blog, May 9

Cover Lover Book Review, May 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kendy is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54206

It’s Fight Night Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: It’s Fight Night: Lessons For Men On Samson’s Fight

Author: Todd Woodfill

Genre: Men’s Bible Study

Release date: October, 2024

It’s Fight Night: Lessons For Men on Samson’s Fight uses the story of Samson to challenge men to examine their lives through the lens of strength and weakness. Designed for personal or group study, this Bible study delves into the complexities of Samson’s journey, asking men to reflect on their God-given strengths and areas of vulnerability. By exploring themes of divine purpose, failure, and redemption, this study invites men to seek guidance from God as they grow in faith and understand their true potential. Become a warrior, step into the ring and discover timeless lessons on strength, weakness, and grace.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

I wanted to like this book. I wanted to be able to recommend it to men and boys because they are under attack in so many ways in our current society. It would be good to be able to have a book that I could recommend to help them.
I wanted to like the book, but I couldn’t…
Before I get into why I couldn’t like the book, I want to tell you a few things the author did well:
The writing was good. I could read and understand it. I could follow along and there were not a lot of lofty words used. I liked how the book was laid out chapter by chapter, almost devotional like. The book puts a Bible reading for the chapter and a key verse which gives the reader something to focus on. There are questions, applications, and practical steps which can be thought provoking.
Here are just some things I didn’t like about the book…But they are huge:
When talking about Samson right at the beginning of the book, the author brings in the fighter Manny Pacquiao. The author states that Samson and Pacquario share strength and weaknesses. Yet, Samson’s strength was a special God-given strength that came with a vow. It was a supernatural strength.
There are issues within each chapter theologically, but I will tackle just the first chapter to keep this review on the shorter side. The book’s first chapter talks a lot of purpose – finding our purpose, finding our “special” purpose, finding our “God-given” purpose. The chapter states you need to find this special purpose to basically enjoy life. The Bible has told us our purpose. The Westminster Catechism question summarizes it well:  “Question 1: What is the Chief End of Man?”, “Answer: To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” That was Samson’s Biblical purpose. That is our Biblical purpose.
Although the chapters start off with the key verse, the verse is no where exposited in most of the chapters. If Samson is mentioned, it’s almost as if he is a side character and not what the main event was about. In fact, the second chapter makes it sound like Samson’s strength was an issue.
The stories. I like that he does include stories of believers which are encouraging to read and see how they are living out their faith. However, there are several stories of unbelievers (ie The Rock) who I would not want our Christian Boys to look up to. This really bothered me. Why would a Bible study use unbelievers who are not in any way following the Lord as examples?
The questions should be more biblically focused. For example, from Chapter 2, the questions, “How do you define true strength in man?” It should be, “How does the Bible define true strength in man?” The other question from the same chapter: “What qualities do you admire in others that go beyond physical appearance?” would be better focused on Christ, “What qualities to you find in Christ that you admire that goes beyond appearance?”
The application & Developing Inner Strength- Should be more biblically focused. There are no verses that people can draw on, there is no leading them back to the Bible but to stories in the chapter.
Bottom line….I wish there was more meat from the Bible in here and more focus on Christ.
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

Todd Woodfill is a modern-day Renaissance man whose life could be inspirational if it didn’t so closely resemble a comedy sketch. Married to his absolutely amazing, beautiful, intelligent, and talented wife Holly for a whirlwind 30 years so far, he couldn’t imagine doing life without her support.  With four incredible children and one extraordinary grandchild, who refer to Todd as Dad, Papa, dork, old timer, and weirdo, Todd has been blessed far more than he deserves.

Passionate about mental health and suicide prevention, men’s ministries, Legos, boxing, and pursuing God, Todd is a man of many talents and clearly a master of none.  But who else can seamlessly switch from being a Jordan sneaker connoisseur to a boxing enthusiast, all while building men’s ministries and helping those with mental health challenges.  Heck, this guy can be found passionately discussing the virtues of mental wellness, only to break into a joyful song from a Disney classic, spreading cheer like a modern-day Mary Poppins with a passion for Christ. His life is a whirlwind of laughter, love, and an unshakable faith, making him the ultimate blend of humor and heart in a world that often takes itself too seriously.

More from Todd

Men, it’s time to step into the ring! Todd Woodfill’s new book, It’s Fight Night: Lessons For Men On Samson’s Fight, is officially here-and it’s not just a book; it’s a challenge to reclaim your strength, confront your weaknesses, and discover the warrior God created you to be.

Using the story of Samson as a backdrop, this study invites you to explore themes of strength, weakness, purpose, and redemption. Whether you’re diving in solo or in a small group with you brothers in Christ, this book is designed to help you reflect deeply on your journey as a man of faith. You’ll be encouraged to embrace your God-given potential, find hope in the face of failure, and live boldly for Christ.

What to Expect:

  • Discover the divine purpose in your strengths AND your struggles.
  • Learn how to fight like Samson-but live with the grace of Christ.
  • Build up your faith and deepen your connection to God alongside other men.

Are You Ready for the Fight?

This more than just a book launch-this is the kickoff to an incredible journey! Todd is hitting the road for the Fight Night Book Tour, bringing these lessons to life through interactive discussions, powerful testimonies, and real talk about what it means to walk boldly as a man of God today.

About the Author:

Todd Woodfill is a man blessed beyond measure and proof that God has a sense of humor. From being a husband to his incredible wife, Holly, for 30+ years, to raising for amazing kids and a grandchild who alternately call him “Papa” and “that old weirdo,” he’s been living a wild, grace-filled adventure.

Todd is passionate about men’s ministries, mental health advocacy, Legos, and boxing-yes, he is a man of layers like Shrek.  You might catch Todd talking about Jordan sneakers one moment, throwing a jab at the heavy bag the next, or surprisingly belting out a Disney tune with unapologetic joy. But his heart is always centered on helping men find God’s purpose in their lives.

Join the Fight!

Follow the tour schedule, grab a copy of the book, and let’s get ready to rumble-with faith as our foundation. God has incredible things in store, and Todd can’t wait to share this journey with you.

Stay tuned for book tour dates near you!

Let’s grow together, brothers. The bell’s ringing-are you ready to step into the ring?

#ItsFightNight #ChristianMen #MensMinistry #BibleStudy #SamsonLessons #WarriorsForHisGlory #StrengthInFaith

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 14

Vicky Sluiter, April 15 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 16

For the Love of Literature, April 17 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, April 18

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 19 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 20

Blossoms and Blessings, April 21 (Author Interview)

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, April 22

Stories By Gina, April 23 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, April 23

Artistic Nobody, April 24

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

Simple Harvest Reads, April 25

Guild Master, April 26

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

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Todd is giving away the grand prize of a $100 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54200

Embergold Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Embergold

Author: Rachelle Nelson

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release date: March 18, 2025

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

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

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

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

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Mindy

“Love couldn’t be demanded or coerced, only given. This was the right kind of sacrifice.”
Rachelle Nelson has outdone herself. In an incredible world of enchantments and dragons, evil wizards and strange tainted magic, betrayals and secrets turn into friendship, loyalty, and freedom. Told strictly from Gilde’s first person voice, the plot was textured, layered, and detailed. Gilde was easy to love and empathize with. Unloved, unappreciated, beaten into submission by those who are supposed to protect her, Gilde was the underdog who fought for her right to live but also desperately needed someone to show her what love is. I fell in love with Wil the moment he entered the story and his goodness, kindness, loyalty, and self-sacrificial devotion were lovely to behold. There were hints of Beauty and the Beast in their interactions, down to the memorable scenes in the library.
Plenty of plot twists made the story fast-paced and intriguing. The biggest plot twist came at the end and truly made my jaw drop. The battle between fire and water was a metaphor I didn’t fully understand until the end and it made me appreciate the entire storyline even more.
I’m wondering if there will be a second book to make this into a series. There were some loose ends that were not tied up at the conclusion of the book (which didn’t detract from the story) and I would love to follow Wil and Gilde into another adventure.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Enclave Escape via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

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

 

 

More from Rachelle

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

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

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

Almost.

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

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

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

Blog Stops

Fiction Book Lover, April 8 (Author Interview)

CeCe Reads and Sings, April 8

Texas Book-aholic, April 9

MinReads and Reviews, April 9

Wishful Endings, April 10

The Lofty Pages, April 11

Blossoms and Blessings, April 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 13

Blogging With Carol, April 14

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 15

Devoted Steps, April 16

Madi’s Musings, April 17

Labor Not in Vain, April 18

Guild Master, April 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 20

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

Giveaway

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

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

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

Reunion Crossing Review and Giveaway

About the Book

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

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction

Release date: January 7, 2025

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

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:

Reunion Crossing is the seventh in The Underground Readers series by Terry Overton. It is Young Adult Christian Dystopian fiction that is appropriate for Middle grades and higher. It is set in a Dystopian version of the United States around 2031. I would not recommend starting the series with this book, to fully understand readers need to read the prior books in series.
What I think about this book as the Mom of a YA Reader:
This would be a very fun book and series to read with your preteen or teen. I really appreciated the author ‘s inclusion of diverse characters. My son’s first comment after reading this book was “ I am so sad this series is over.”
What I think about this book:
I cannot praise this series enough. This was such a beautiful ending for characters that I have grown to love. I found myself holding my breath and cheering for them. Overton has done a brilliant job of creating a dystopian world that will be young adult friendly, while still being intriguing for adults.
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More from Terry

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

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

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, April 5

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 6

Artistic Nobody, April 7 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 7

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 9

Texas Book-aholic, April 10

Guild Master, April 11 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 12

Fiction Book Lover, April 13 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 14

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

For Him and My Family, April 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 16

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

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

Giveaway

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

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

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

Our Trustworthy God Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

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

Author: Sarah K. Howley

Genre: Bible Study

Release date: March 28, 2025

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

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

Through this study, you’ll find:

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

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

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

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

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

 

 

 

 

More from Sarah

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

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

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

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

Interview with the Author

1)Which chapter was the most difficult to write?

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

2)What inspired this book?

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

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

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

4)What are you reading right now?

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

5)Why write nonfiction?

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

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, April 11 (Author Interview)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 11

Texas Book-aholic, April 12

Simple Harvest Reads, April 13 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 14

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

She Lives To Read, April 16

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 17 (Author Interview)

The Sacred Line, April 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 18

Blossoms and Blessings, April 19 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 20

Artistic Nobody, April 21 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 22

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

EmpowerMoms, April 24

Giveaway

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

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

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

The Rancher’s Unexpected Bride Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Rancher’s Unexpected Bride

Author: Lauralyn Keller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: March 25, 2025

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

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

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

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

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Melissa

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

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

About the Author

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

 

 

 

 

 

More from Lauralyn

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

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

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

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

Blog Stops

Maureen’s Musings, April 1

Texas Book-aholic, April 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 4

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 5

Devoted To Hope, April 6

lakesidelivingsite, April 7

Stories By Gina, April 8 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, April 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 10

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

For Him and My Family, April 12

Holly’s Book Corner, April 13

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

Bizwings Book Blog, April 14

Giveaway

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

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

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