About the Book

Book: Gingham Mountain

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: May 26, 2026

From beloved author Mary Connealy comes a heartwarming Western romance about faith, family, and finding love in unexpected places—a touching tale of a devoted bachelor rancher, a determined schoolteacher, and the orphaned children who bring them together. Perfect for fans of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer.

Grant Cooper has dedicated his life to taking in orphaned children others have overlooked, building a loving family on his rugged Texas ranch. When a new schoolteacher arrives in Sour Springs with strong opinions about his unconventional household, he finds himself drawn to her fierce spirit—even as she challenges everything about his carefully ordered world.

Hannah Cartwright’s own painful past as an orphan makes her wary of the bachelor rancher raising children alone. But as she gets to know Grant’s extraordinary family, she discovers there’s more to him than meets the eye. When dangerous enemies threaten both their futures, Hannah and Grant must learn to trust in God’s plan—and each other.

Can a man who’s sworn never to marry risk his heart for love? And can a woman who’s known only betrayal find the faith to build a true home at last? A touching story of healing, hope and the family bonds that transcend blood.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedies with cowboys and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 75 books and novellas. She has over a million and a half books in print.

Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Visit her website or find her at Petticoats & Pistols!

 

More from Mary

Gingham Mountain is the third book in this series. The first books I got published…though there were other things sprinkled in after Petticoat Ranch, the first in the series.

I think of Petticoat Ranch as my husband’s story. A mountain man who’d never been around women, finds himself married to a widow with four daughters.

Then Calico Canyon is my husband’s story growing up. He is one of seven sons. I tried to imagine how that would be.

Now comes Gingham Mountain and that’s my story. I grew up in a tiny farm house with eight brothers and sisters. We had two bedrooms until my sixth sibling was born. And two is a bit of an exaggeration because my folks slept on a couch in the living room that folded out into a bed. And the only ‘real’ bedroom was an upstairs, the kind that has sloped roofs and, well, it was just tiny.

Then my folks bought another tiny home and moved it to our home and stuck it on the end. Now our ‘two’ bedroom house had (drumroll!!!) three bedrooms. Mom and dad retired the living room couch. Huge family, tiny home, the thing was, everyone back then had a huge family. Hey, it was the baby boom, these things happened. No such thing as a kid having their own room. I remember being excited that I had my own DRAWER!

So, Gingham Mountain, all those kids in a house that really only had three bedrooms was completely believable to me. And it was hot inside and no room for nothin’ so we went outside to play all the time. And that’s how Grant’s kids had to function.

Grant with his little house and loneliness and the knowledge of how hard it was to be an orphan.

Hannah with her lioness heart for protecting children. And her utter poverty. Getting the job as school marm when she’d never been to school herself. With zero ‘womanly’ skills. The woman can’t cook or sew or do anything expected of a woman. But, because she had an abusive adoptive father who pressed her and a scad of sisters, into work at a carpet mill, she can thread a weaving look like lightning. Now she’d trying to save children from such a fate.

She and Grant are in perfect accord…if they just had a rational conversation. Instead, Hannah sees a man trying to make off with orphans, just like her abusive father. She sets out to save the children from Grant and chaos ensues.

Then set it in Texas and there’s trouble with oil, still a very underused natural resource and Grant doesn’t know he’s sitting on a gusher of wealth. But there are villains who know what he’s got and they want it.

Gingham Mountain, when I wrote it, was one of my favorite books ever. Helping those two find each other, well, I can’t even tell people about it without smiling. Grant and Hannah’s first kiss is one for the ages and, of course they are both horrified. And then they kiss again. What could be more fun?

Interview with the Author

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

I remember (vividly)when I got my first contract. Among all the screaming and hugging…I was at a writer’s conference when it happened…someone asked me, “What’s next?”

I still remember saying, “I want a career.” I didn’t want ONE book published…and I’d worked so HARD for that one, that I felt like a wild, boastful, reckless fool. Still, that was always my goal. I love to write. It’s the most fun I’ve ever had. And now, that I’ve been published for twenty years and just had my 81^st book release I can sincerely believe I’ve done it. Hallelujah.

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

Gingham Mountain, wow, I just loved these two. Hannah and Grant. It’s hard to pick one but I’m going with Grant. He has the best heart. So much love to share. Such a deep commitment to orphaned children, being one himself. And all those kids in that tiny house…that’s how I grew up. No one had to fix up a bed under the kitchen table but wow were we crowded. And we didn’t even know it. We just went outside to play.

3. What inspired this book?

I think of Gingham Mountain as my own family growing up. I was third of eight children and we grew up in a one bedroom farm house until sibling number six was born. I mean, I sometimes call it a two bedroom farmhouse…but Mom and Dad’s bedroom was a fold-out couch in what was euphemistically called the dining room. The kids all slept in the one bedroom which was a tiny attic, the kind with one room with sloping roofs.

When #6 was born Mom and Dad bought another little farm house and moved it and stuck it on to our current farmhouse and it became a three bedroom house. We abandoned the dining room to allow actual dining. And abandoned the attic for a few years…one brother eventually moved up there in a desperate effort to find privacy. So I KNOW a family can squeeze into a tiny house, and I had fun writing a book claiming that very thing.

4. Which author influenced the you most?

Wow, hmmmm. I’ve got about three I really am aware of and ONE HUNDRED I’m sure I’ve learned from. Walter Farley, who wrote the Black Stallion Books. He’s the first author I ever read that, at the end of the book, I flipped it closed and stared at the authors name. He put me right in the middle of those horse races. I could taste the first kicked up. Here the pounding hooves, fell the jostling of those huge, racing horses. I’ve always tried to make action scenes are intense as his. Mary Higgins Clark. That woman had a gift for just grabbing you for the throat and dragging you through the roller coaster ride of her books. I don’t believe I’ve ever done it as well, but I aspire to it. Clive Cussler. The way he’d start two or three stories, sometimes with no obvious connection, and set all three of them on a collision course. I loved those books. A fourth author, too, I read Francine Rivers Mark of the Lion Trilogy and was just immersed in the ancient Roman world. Those books struck me by how completely the written word could create a world. I love them.

5. What are you reading right now?

I’ve just finished Erica Vesch’s most recent Regency Romance. BUT IT’S NOT OUT YET. I GOT AN ADVANCED COPY! She’s…maybe 8 books into the series. Well, three connected three-book series. This one is called An Accusing at the Old Bailey. Yes it’s Regency Romance but the characters are all SPIES FOR THE CROWN. I love these books.

Blog Stops

She Lives To Read, June 2

Book Looks by Lisa, June 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 4

Texas Book-aholic, June 5

For Him and My Family, June 6

Devoted To Hope, June 7

Holly’s Book Corner, June 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 8

Books You Can Feel Good About, June 9

Vicky Sluiter, June 10

Simple Harvest Reads, June 11 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, June 11

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 12

Cover Lover Book Review, June 13

Sydney Schmied Books, June 14

Labor Not in Vain, June 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

https://gleam.io/cy4lg/gingham-mountain-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Thalia in Exile

Author: Allen Brokken with Thalia Schertzer

Genre: Middlegrade Christian Fantasy

Release Date: June 26, 2026

Thalia never expected to be taken. But the Darkness has plans of its own.

When the dreaded Steele Brothers and their Giant allies raid her home at midnight, Thalia and her friends are forced on a harrowing journey to the mysterious academy at Emohnomed. Like the young men of Judah chosen for the King of Babylon’s service, they are dragged towards a land of shadowed luxury to learn the language and literature of a culture that serves the Darkness.

Thalia finds brief respite aboard a luxurious train. But when Headmistress Imogen adds a “gift from the bishop” to the students’ punch, Thalia’s keen senses catch the putrescent smell of a counterfeit light. Clinging to the Good Book she smuggled into her bag, she refuses the smoke-laced food that turns friends into unthinking foes. In a world of beautiful lies, Thalia must stand firm against false accusations and prove that the only true strength comes from the Light that cannot be tainted.

Because this isn’t just about escaping her captors. It’s about saving the people who no longer know they need to be saved.

Author Q&A 1

• What inspired Thalia in Exile?
  • I wanted to retell the story of Daniel’s exile to Babylon, exploring how to follow one’s conscience and persevere in a world with values that conflict with your own. However I was already writing two other books, running Towers of Light and had a day job in Big tech. So I didn’t think it would ever happen.  Then I received an email from  #1 fan in Canada, Thalia Schertzer, an 11-year-old homeschooler who asked if she could help write a story in the Towers of Light world and I knew the story had to be told in the landscape of the Heathlands.
• When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
  • I learned to read before school by following records with books; by second grade, a story I wrote was published in the newspaper, and seeing my name in print hooked me.
• Who was your biggest inspiration or influence?
  • I’ve always been a big reader, so Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, George Lucas, and L.Ron Hubbard had a huge influence on my fantastical storytelling. Then A.W. Tozer was a huge influence on the need to share my faith through my writing and Wayne Thomas Batson and Morgan Busse really showed me the way how.
• Tell us a little about yourself.
  • For the past 18 years I’ve worked for and around with Big Tech companies traveling for work. I found it hard to connect with my family while on the road and learned that through story we could create a bond that transcended our location. Now that my kids are grown they’ve come to work for and with me in my endeavors to improve biblical literacy by helping families with practical literacy. Tech
• When did you write your first book and how old were you?
  • Variant A: My mom challenged me to enter a writing context when I was 12 years old.  I wrote the page novella  “The Shock Troops Year of Conquest,” which was an epic mash-up of Star Wars, GI Joe, and Transformers that I also illustrated.

Missed a Set of Questions? Go Here:

About the Authors

Allen Brokken is a teacher at heart, a husband and father most of all. He’s a joyful writer by the abundant grace of God. He began writing the Towers of Light series for his own children to help him illustrate the deep truths of the Bible in an engaging and age-appropriate way. He’s dedicated 15 years of his life to volunteer roles in children’s ministry and youth development. Now that his own children are off on their own adventures, he’s telling stories and sharing clean humor on social media.

 

Thalia Shertzerr is a dedicated writer whose Christian faith is the central part of her life and the heart of her storytelling. Outside of writing, she has a strong interest in science and hopes to pursue a future career in clinical medicine. Thalia balances her time between her academic goals, her faith, and her love for reading and capturing moments through the lens of her camera.

About the Book

Book: Someone to Lean On (Faith Endures Book 3)

Author: Carrie Walker

Genre: Romantic Women’s Fiction

Release Date: May 5, 2026

They’re seeking a peace they can’t seem to find. . .

Aged out of the foster care system and struggling to raise her young daughter, Lucia Roberts loses her only source of income. When she’s offered a position caring for a four-year-old foster child, Timothy, it feels like the answer to a prayer-except for one catch. She must work in the home of Jordan Nowak, Timothy’s overly vigilant foster father who scrutinizes her every move.

Jordan has built his life around one promise: protect a foster child until they can find a happily ever after. But while Jordan fights to keep Timmy safe, his own world spirals out of control. The music store he co-owns with his brother is on the brink of bankruptcy after months of mismanagement. Torn between protecting Timmy, saving the store, and guarding his heart, Jordan grasps for any possibility to fix it all.

Mason Hughes is in his final year of medical school, on rotation under a difficult neurologist, and doubting his call to be a doctor. As the walls between Lucia and Jordan soften, Timmy starts displaying puzzling symptoms. Soon Mason must choose whether he trusts his medical instincts enough to fight an ethical battle.

As three adults seek control in their lives, a young child with no guarantees teaches them to trust.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Winner of the 2025 Faith Hope and Love Reader’s Choice Award, Carrie Walker lives in Michigan with her husband and seven children. From her ten years serving as a high school youth minister, adventures around the globe, and raising a family, many stories have been knit within her heart.

As an avid reader she pens what she loves to read, contemporary stories that bring hope to a hurting world. Weaving romance among story lines of characters in struggle, she aims to show God working in all situations. When she’s not playing board games with her husband, shuttling kids in the Walker bus or wishing for snow, Carrie can be found at the keyboard bringing those stories to life.

Carrie’s writing has been recognized in many contests. Her debut novel, Emma’s Hero, won the silver medal in the Selah Awards, won the IAN Book of the Year for Christian Fiction, was a double finalist in the International Book Awards.

More from Carrie

Where did you get the idea for “Someone to Lean On”

I’m asked this for every story, and this one I can definitely say the characters gave me no choice, I had to write it. When I envisioned this series, I always envisioned a three-book series where we would meet a “special” little boy in the first book and follow the lives he touched, and by the end of the series see the far-reaching effects of his life. When I finished writing “Right Before Their Eyes” we left Lucia as a pregnant foster teen. She’d found an amazing foster mom to support her, but what happened to her and her baby? In talking with social workers I learned so many foster teens age out and while there are some programs to help support them, they aren’t easy. So of course, Lucia’s story wasn’t over. And the story, as many of ours are, wasn’t all easy, but it also was filled with blessing. Many of her struggles, she gave to me (yeah… the characters talk to me lol, and many times just take over their stories), I didn’t have to dream them up. I’m sure many of us pray, read Scripture, and want to trust God. But then … life. Sometimes life sure makes those desires difficult to live out. And to watch this young woman grow through tough times, still have a heart, and eventually find the strength to step out in faith . . . I’m so glad she made me write this story 🙂 I pray you enjoy Lucia and Jordan’s story, and also step back and reflect on the far reaching effect of each human life.

Interview with the Author

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

Probably Mason. He’s been with me since the beginning of the series and I’ve watched him grow from an angsty teen into this amazing young man, who still struggles. But his struggles are so relatable. It’s been an amazing journey with him.

2. What inspired this book?

It was a combination of things. Firstly, the underscoring theme in this series is the impact of each human life. So I always envisioned, a story that showed in a small way how the baby from book one of the series, Emma’s Hero, was still touching lives years later. For this story, specifically, I really connected with Lucia as a foster teen in the second book and I see in her what I’ve seen in so many teens and adults. A good person, trying hard to do the right things, but being dealt a rough hand and struggling. So I really wanted to walk in her shoes, and watch her grow and find her happily ever after.

3. Which author influenced the you most?

Karen Kingsbury. I love the way she can tell an impactful story that tugs at your emotions, and weaves in romance in such an effective way.

4. What are you reading right now?

Not what we Pictured, by Becca Kinzer. I love a good rom com. When life is busy, laughing helps, and she’s so, so funny.

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

Today, I see my fireplace as I’m sitting in my corner chair writing on a lap desk. A few weeks ago, the view was the back seat of my car as I was writing and waiting for kids to get out of practice.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, June 6 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, June 7 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 7

Guild Master, June 8 (Author Interview)

Inspired by Fiction, June 9

Fiction Book Lover, June 10 (Author Interview)

The Bookish Ledger, June 11 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 12 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 13

Life on Chickadee Lane, June 14

Blossoms and Blessings, June 15 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, June 16 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 16

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 17 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, June 18

For Him and My Family, June 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carrie is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://gleam.io/pZs43/someone-to-lean-on-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Metamorphosis

Author: Kayla E. Green

Genre: Poetry (religious/inspirational)

Release Date: May, 2020

Are you searching for something more in your life? Metamorphosis is a personal testimony of how God can transform lives. Covering topics of depression, anxiety, and searching for something more, the poetry serves as a vessel for God’s light. The words provide hope for the future and insight on how to be strong through Jesus Christ. Anyone yearning for something more will find renewal in this poetry.

 

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

 

About the Author

Kayla E. Green is an award-winning author and poet who writes to remind others—and herself—that light always prevails over darkness. When she isn’t writing, reading, or spending time with her family, she loves singing loudly and off-key to KLove Radio and pretending she’s a unicorn. Fittingly, her YA debut fantasy novel is titled The Goodness of Unicorns.

 

 

 

 

More from Kayla

Have you ever been in the car and heard just the right song at just the right moment? Or heard just the message you needed at a specific point in your life on Sunday morning like the pastor is speaking directly to you?

Throughout crafting the poems that now make-up the contents of Metamorphosis, I realized that my testimony navigating depression and anxiety is incomplete without my faith. It is the love of God that allows transformation. As such, each poem within the collection is paired with a Bible verse. No matter what we are facing in life, we can find strength in our Lord and through His Word.

Visit this slideshow and see what Bible verse awaits you today. Share how the verse resonates with you and/or suggest a worship song that it reminds you of on social media and be sure to tag me (@author.kayla.e.green on Instagram) so I can reply! https://www.canva.com/design/DAHAUXF0oAI/kU3r4XgiHh-uOUWZUHQrPA/view?utm_content=DAHAUXF0oAI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hb6054e54cf

Interview with the Author

What does success as an author look like to you?

It’s always so rewarding when a reader tells me they enjoyed what I’ve written. And when I hear my book is a new favorite? It fills my heart!

What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

Romans 12:2 is a verse I keep close to my heart. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (NIV).

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

I hope this collection of poetry helps readers grow closer to Jesus. My prayer is that readers are pointed back to the truth of God’s words with the Bible verse pairings with each poem and walk away with a sense of comfort that God’s love is transformative.

What are you reading right now?

I am reading a mix of audiobooks, ebooks, and paperbacks. Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis are two I’m thoroughly enjoying and highly recommend to all adult readers!

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

I love this question so much! 😆I have a lightweight rechargeable vacuum that is used almost daily. But I am also partial to my toaster because…waffles!

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, June 5 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, June 6 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, June 7

Fiction Book Lover, June 8 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, June 8

The Bookish Ledger, June 9 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 10

Vicky Sluiter, June 11 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, June 12 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 13 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, June 14

Blossoms and Blessings, June 15 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, June 16 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, June 16

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 17 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kayla is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://gleam.io/XwQCl/metamorphosis-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Stolen Secrets: A Thriller (Mirror Estate Series Book 7)

Author: S.F. Baumgartner

Genre: Thriller with Christian elements

Release Date: June 2, 2026

An adopted daughter. A vanished teenager. A secret that must stay hidden.

FBI Special Agent Charlie O’Rourke believed adopting Jamie Beth would keep her safe. But when her best friend vanishes during a school band rehearsal, Charlie discovers the threat isn’t random.

As Jamie Beth desperately searches for answers about her best friend’s disappearance, she has no idea she’s next.

To save his daughter, Charlie must choose between protocol and survival.

Perfect for readers who love the layered conspiracies of Daniel Silva, the emotional stakes of NCIS, and the shadow-war tension of The Blacklist.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

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

 

More from S.F.

Stolen Secrets is the seventh book in the Mirror Estate series, and for me it represents something I didn’t fully realize when I started writing it: the beginning of the end of the Ghost arc.

When I began the series, I never mapped out a long, eight-book storyline for the Ghost. In fact, I didn’t even think about how long that arc might last until around Book 6, Shadowed Secret. That’s when it started becoming clear that the threads surrounding the Ghost, Dylan, and the larger conspiracy needed more room to unfold. Book 8 will wrap up the Ghost storyline, though the Mirror Estate series itself is far from over. There are still many stories left to tell.

One of the continuing mysteries involves Dylan and the buried treasures connected to Mirror Estate. Whether that storyline concludes in Book 8 or continues beyond it is something I’m still discovering as the story evolves.

Stolen Secrets also includes a bonus story titled “Shadow Extraction.” Writing that novelette was one of the hardest parts of the project. It features Olivia in the middle of a black-ops mission that unfolds at the end of her honeymoon in Italy. The emotional and operational stakes in that story made it especially challenging to write, but it also became one of my favorite parts of the book.

Another element I enjoyed writing in Stolen Secrets involves Jamie Beth and Owen. Watching those two characters work their way through danger and figure out how to escape was incredibly rewarding as a writer. Those scenes capture something I love about thrillers—the moment when characters must rely on their own courage and quick thinking to survive.

Looking back, Stolen Secrets feels like a turning point for the series. Secrets are beginning to surface, alliances are shifting, and the long game surrounding the Ghost is finally moving toward its conclusion.

But even as that arc approaches its end, the world of Mirror Estate still holds plenty of secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Interview with the Author

1. Which character did you connect to best in this book?
   This is a bit of a trick question for me, because I need to get inside the head of each character when I write from their point of view. In that sense, I connect with all of them in different ways.

2. Which part of the book was the most difficult to write?
   In this particular book, there wasn’t a single scene that stood out as especially difficult. However, in the accompanying novella, I had to kill off a good character, and writing that loss was very hard.

3. Which author influenced you the most?
   I’d say there are a few, but J. K. Rowling is definitely one of them. Her rags-to-riches journey shows that anyone can succeed, and that is incredibly inspiring to me.

4. What is your vacation spot?
   My favorite place to vacation is southern Italy. I especially love Capri and the Amalfi Coast. The scenery and atmosphere there are unforgettable.

5. Describe your view as you’re sitting in your writing chair.
   My desk faces the front window of our house, so I can see outside as I work. I like being able to watch who comes and goes while I’m writing.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 1

The Lofty Pages, June 1

Simple Harvest Reads, June 2 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 3

Artistic Nobody, June 4 (Author Interview)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 6

For Him and My Family, June 7

Guild Master, June 8 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, June 9

Blogging With Carol, June 10

Fiction Book Lover, June 11 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, June 11

Because I said so -adventures in parenting, June 12

The Bookish Ledger, June 13 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, June 14 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

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

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

https://gleam.io/9cIN6/stolen-secrets-a-thriller-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Mesmerize

Author: Darlene Corbett

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: February 18, 2026

Set against the backdrop of Las Vegas, Boston, and Dubai, a dazzling romance comes to life.

Can a storyteller win back the love of her life through tales sprinkled with faith and love.

Boston-based Delphina Tulasi, a therapeutic storyteller, has shunned men.

A year after a major betrayal, she accompanies her mother Lucia, a matchmaker, to Las Vegas to help her run an exclusive speed-dating event.

Alexander O’Hara, a CFO with secrets of his own, accepts Lucia’s invitation to attend. He meets Delphina and becomes mesmerized. They go out on a date in Las Vegas and return to Boston, where their love blossoms.

All goes well until Alex goes on a long business trip to Dubai. A visit from someone in her past confuses Delphina and lures her back to a previous relationship, prompting her to break up with Alex.

After a few dates with her ex, Delphina recognizes the mistake she’s made and becomes determined to win Alex back. She uses her creativity, spins stories based on truth, and sends them in videos across the internet.

Will it work?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Darlene Corbett has been serving others as a licensed psychotherapist for over thirty years.

With her wealth of experience in human behavior, she decided to write down her thoughts to inspire a larger audience. This set the stage for her book, Stop Depriving The World of You, published by Sound Wisdom in 2018.

She continued writing nonfiction until she heard God whisper again. And his call prompted her to take a risk and dip her toes into fiction. Visible, a women’s fiction about second chances, was published by WordCrafts Press in the spring of 2024, and in August, she won the 2024 Storytrade Book Awards for Christian Fiction in the Contemporary category.

And right now?

Her contemporary romance, Mesmerize, will be published in February of 2026 which has themes of a modern-day, Christian Scheherazade story.

Her writing continues with two romantic suspense novels. Enthralled, which takes place in Mykenos, has been completed but needs editing. A Midnight Call, located in a small fictional town in central Massachusetts, has almost reached the finishing line.

When not writing or seeing clients, Darlene immerses herself in a variety of novels and tries to support other authors of faith.

In addition, she loves animals with dogs being number one. Taking care of her beloved Shih Tzu, Stevie, puts a smile on her face.

Being a life-long learner, she’s attempting a second language and remains a nerd at heart. Staying fit, traveling, and connecting with her inner circle also take priority.

Darlene belongs to many organizations, including the ACFW, FHL-CW, and WFWA.

She lives in Central Massachusetts with Stevie, and remains excited about the next chapter of her life.

More from Darlene

For all my life, I’ve been in love with the oral and written word.

And I imagine the same for you.

How many people do not enjoy reading or hearing a good tale?

And doesn’t it make sense?

Each of us has a story, our own book of life. How it unfold lays between God and us.

Although every novel involves a story, I decided to highlight a therapeutic storyteller.

Why therapeutic?

Because I’m a therapist and have listened to stories throughout my life. Also, I remember the story of Scheherazade, and with faith and modernity, I wove it into my novel. The protagonist spins tales to… Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out.

I hope you become mesmerized by Mesmerize.

Interview with the Author

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

Following God’s word and listening to what he commands.

2. What inspired this book?

I’m a licensed psychotherapist, and I hear stories all the time. So, I thought I’d mix therapy and storytelling. In addition, Arabian Nights, Scheherazade got me thinking, so I put a Christian spin on it.

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

There are so many, but at this time, I love John 1:1: In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God.

4. What are you reading right now?

Jessica Patch’s Love Inspired A Cry In The Dark, It is excellent but quite dark,

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

Renoir’s The Dance At Bougival, now held at the MFA in Boston, Massachusetts. I’ve viewed it many times. Why this piece of art? Because I love dancing, and the painting has a romantic and joyful tinge to it. I started a short story based on the painting.

Blog Stops

Cover Lover Book Review, May 30

Simple Harvest Reads, May 31 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, June 1 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 1

Guild Master, June 2 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 3

Fiction Book Lover, June 4 (Author Interview)

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, June 5 (Author Interview)

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, June 6 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, June 7

For the Love of Literature, June 8 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 9 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, June 9

Blossoms and Blessings, June 10 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, June 11

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 12 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Darlene is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://gleam.io/Ap5Fn/mesmerize-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Psalms from the Sea, Volume IV: OPERATIONS

Author: David Reid Brown

Genre: Christian Devotional

Release Date: October, 2025

DID YOU KNOW? YOUR CHRISTIAN WALK HAS A LOT IN COMMON WITH THE LIFE OF A NAVY SAILOR!

Yes! It seems too hard to believe but it is true. Sailors experience hardship, trust, fatigue, worry, disappointment, joy–and so do you! A sailor’s life is filled with the common experiences you have every day of your Christian walk.

OPERATIONS is a compilation of over fifty devotional stories composed by DAVID REID BROWN while he served at sea. These stories present the life of sailors in a way that touches on topics that mirror your daily Christian walk. Each story concludes with a practical application section, relevant scripture, and prayer.

DAVID REID BROWN has first-hand knowledge in understanding the life of a Sailor because he lived it. As former Navy Chaplain, he also understands Biblical truth and how to identify spiritual principles and experiences that Christians and sailors share.

In this book, readers will be:

• Surprised to learn the daily lives of Christians and Sailors are quite similar.
• Inspired by sea stories that connect with Biblical truths.
• Amazed by the selfless sacrifice of Sailors, Marines, and their families.

Still curious? Read this book and find out how God will meet your curiosity with a stronger faith in Him and a deeper admiration for the service of military members and their families.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

David Reid Brown is a retired Navy Chaplain and currently serves as a high school Government, Bible, and Art teacher at Grace Christian School in Mechanicsville, VA. He has authored nine books: Spirit Soundings: A Chaplain’s Journal of Life at Sea (three volumes), Lost Summer, and Psalms from The Sea (four volumes), and a book of poetry, Sophia’s Songs. These inspirational stories were born out of his global seafaring experiences, spanning twenty-one years of peace, war, and three overseas deployments as well as his service as a Christian educator.

 

 

More from David

Did you know? The art on the front cover of my book, OPERATIONS, was designed and created by one of my Ninth Grade Art Students. Yes, it’s true. I recognized that this young artist had the technical skill and artistic flair to create the unique cover art required for this book when he was just in the sixth grade!

FOR OVER TWENTY-ONE YEARS, I have had the distinct privilege of serving thousands of sailors, Marines, and their families across the nation, upon every major ocean, as well as overseas. I am most proud to have shared a common bond of service, sacrifice, and devotion. OPERATIONS is my patriotic tribute to them.

Interview with Author

What inspired this book?

First, thank you for the opportunity to share my insights on your blog.

Operations is the fourth volume of five in the series Psalms From The Sea. During my service as a U.S. Navy Chaplain, I composed over two hundred prayers that became the outline for the book series. Operations was the volume that I dedicated to the sailors and families that I served for over twenty-one years. This book was easy to write because of the strong correlations between the daily challenges that a sailor faces and the daily walk of a follower of Christ.

 

What does success as an author look like to you?

I want to answer this question by sharing my vision statement:

To serve and honor God through composing and publishing inspirational stories that focus on blessing the lives of my readers.

While commercial success is desirable, I aim to make a difference in the reader’s life.

 

What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

I have many favorite Bible verses, but here are two:

Psalm 90: 17 – May the favor of the Lord, our God, rest upon us. To establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 – He makes everything beautiful in its time.

The former verse speaks to my desire for God to bless the work and use the gifts He has given to me. The latter is an admission that God will make everything wrong right one day, whether we live long enough to see it or not.

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

 

What are you reading right now?

I am reading several books right now:

Farm Girl by Cindy Freeman

107 Days by Kamala Harris

The Poet’s Market by Robert Lee Brewer

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, May 29 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, May 30 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, May 31 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 31

Fiction Book Lover, June 1 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, June 2

The Bookish Ledger, June 3 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, June 4 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, June 5 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 6 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 7

Blossoms and Blessings, June 8 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, June 9 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, June 9

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 10 (Author Interview)

Books, Books, & More Books, June 11 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

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

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

https://gleam.io/UBDhA/psalms-from-the-sea-volume-iv-operations-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Chase the Light (National Parks Summers Book 2. It can be read as a stand alone.)

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Contemporary

Release Date: May 5, 2026

When Acadia National Park ranger Scout Johnson discovers a weathered note near a remote lighthouse, she never imagines it will expose a century-old mystery. The cryptic message points to a forgotten shipwreck, a vanished treasure, and a lighthouse keeper’s suspicious death. Seeking answers, Scout enlists Naki Dana, a thoughtful man whose Penobscot heritage provides crucial insights. As they venture deeper into Acadia’s rugged wilderness, their unlikely partnership begins stirring feelings Scout didn’t expect to find. But they aren’t the only ones searching.

Chase Fletcher, a charming local journalist, sees this treasure hunt as his last opportunity to save his failing paper–and finds himself increasingly drawn to the ranger leading the search. With pressure mounting and loyalties tested, Scout must navigate a winding path between history and justice, truth and betrayal . . . and determine who–and what–deserves her trust.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know: Chase the Light, a contemporary Christian Fiction by Suzane Woods Fisher is the second book in the National Parks Summers series. This book is set in Acadia National Park. The book features a wide variety of characters including Park Ranger Scout Johnson. This book can be read as a standalone.

 

What I think about this book:

The author has crafted a wonderful story involving a 170-year-old mystery set in a national park involving a Native American Nation and a lighthouse. This book has the perfect cast of characters: journalists, park rangers, a Native American lawyer and unruly and curious teens. It definitely kept me intrigued. Scout was raised by her mom to be the perfect Southern debutante, but she caught the adventure bug from her father. I loved Scout’s passion for history and the outdoors. When she was tasked with keeping Frankie in check for the summer she was definitely challenged. However it was very interesting to see the growth of characters during the story. While I don’t always enjoy love triangles, this was a great mix. I found myself guessing until the end how things were going to end up.  I look forward to the next book 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

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author, Christy finalist, Carol and Selah winner, and two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, with over forty books to her name. She writes contemporary, historical and Amish novels. Suzanne lives in California with her husband, where life (and friends) inspire her stories.

 

 

More from Suzanne

If a trip to Acadia National Park isn’t already on your bucket list, it should be—and when you go, don’t miss warm popovers on the lawn at the iconic Jordan Pond House.

The Unofficial-but-Close-Enough Jordan Pond Popover Recipe*

Back in 1895, Nellie and Thomas McIntire bought a Maine farmhouse overlooking the clear waters of Jordan Pond. On their wide green lawn, they served tea and towering popovers to well-to-do summer travelers. In 1928, J. D. Rockefeller purchased the land and later donated it to Acadia National Park. The lawn remains. The view remains. And the popovers? Still iconic.

While the original recipe is famously guarded, this version comes deliciously close.

Makes 6–8 large popovers.

What You’ll Need

• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• Pinch of baking soda
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Let’s Make Them

1. Start with a hot oven (and a hot pan).
   Preheat your oven to 425°–450°F. Place your popover pan (or a muffin tin) in the oven while it heats.
2. Whisk the batter.
   Beat the eggs for about 2–3 minutes until slightly frothy. Slowly pour in the milk, then add the flour, salt, and baking soda. Mix just until combined. The batter should be smooth but not overworked.
3. Fill the cups.
   Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and grease it generously with butter or spray. Pour the batter into each cup, filling them about halfway to three-quarters full.
4. Bake.
   Bake at 425°–450°F for 15 minutes. Then, without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake another 15–20 minutes. The high heat creates the lift; the lower heat helps them set inside.
5. Resist the urge to peek.
   Do not open the oven door while they bake. The steam inside is what makes them puff and keeps them tall.

Serve immediately with plenty of butter and strawberry jam.

A Few Tips for Sky-High Popovers

• Room temperature matters. Cold eggs or milk will slow the rise. Let them sit out a bit before mixing.
• Heat is your friend. A properly preheated pan jump-starts the puff.
• No peeking. Steam is everything here. Let the oven do its work.

 

*Recipe adapted from Weston Table.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 16

Lyssa Loves Books, May 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 17

Texas Book-aholic, May 18

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 19

The Avid Reader, May 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 20

Lakesidelivingsite, May 20

For Him and My Family, May 21

Holly’s Book Corner, May 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 22

EmpowerMoms, May 23

Pause for Tales, May 23

Blogging With Carol, May 24

Lily’s Corner, May 25

Devoted To Hope, May 25

She Lives to Read, May 26

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 27

Cover Lover Book Review, May 27

Simple Harvest Reads, May 28 (Guest Review from Donna)

Lights in a Dark World, May 28

Wishful Endings, May 29

Mary Hake, May 29

Giveaway

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

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

https://gleam.io/f01pi/chase-the-light-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: All That Glows

Author: Lauren Smyth

Genre: YA Dystopian Science Fiction

Release Date: May 12, 2026

The apocalypse didn’t take everyone. It just took us.

Ever since the rain turned green, Kyrie’s world has been bathed in glowing dust. She packs it into old mascara tubes and sells it as makeup alongside dried cacti, threadbare blankets, and long-expired canned food. There’s not much else to do when everyone outside Kyrie’s small town in the Mojave Desert died from the plague-bearing rain ten years ago.

Everyone—except the man in the rubber mask.

He’s on the dangerous side of the fence, huffing infected air like it’s nothing, babbling to Kyrie about college and umbrellas and yogurt and everything else that disappeared the day it rained. He doesn’t seem to know that the world ended, and he has no explanation for how he survived the apocalypse. But Kyrie doesn’t believe in ghosts.

She can’t trust him, but he’s right about one thing: Towns without secrets aren’t surrounded by chain-link fences. And chain-link fences won’t keep out the plague forever.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Lauren Smyth is an economics journalist at World News Group. Since signing her first publishing contract at age thirteen, she has written five young adult novels, coded two narrative video games, and started a blog enjoyed by readers and writers around the world. When she’s not in the broadcast studio, you’ll find her crafting episodes of her Grammar Minute writing podcast or training for her next trail run.

More from Lauren

You’d think the apocalypse already happened in Mojave, CA.

Toxic dust could invade your lungs and kill you. Owls burrowed in the ground for lack of trees. Bobcats mated and had their kittens on neighborhood roofs, and every so often, a jet screamed overhead with a thunderclap in its wake.

I arrived in the middle of the night, and when I woke up, I was in a world different from any I had ever known. As a military kid, I had eaten fresh Belgian waffles, stood drenched in Ohio rain, and fallen asleep to Las Vegas lights. But I had never seen a place so unearthly, or so tantalizingly mysterious, as Edwards Air Force Base. I stood at the window and goggled at the scenery for a while. And then I began to make it my own.

One of the first things Edwards AFB taught me was how to write. That was a byproduct of my decision, at a mature eight years old, to become a detective.

My friends and I climbed into a ditch and found a broken arrow, half the feathers ripped away, the point still intact. An assassination attempt, of course. Old golf balls buried in the dirt—secret messages to a dangerous enemy. The allure of jets overhead, of opaque military acronyms, of drab camouflage and deadly temperatures and rumors of drug lords and cowboys and sand sharks wandering the desert, gave wings to our imaginations.

The first story I wrote was a collection of “clues” we’d gathered, an attempt to frame them all into a narrative that explained how the base was going to be attacked and how we—well-prepared with our military IDs and iPods—would save everyone. I started writing in a notebook with a hot pink cover, and a hundred more notebooks kept up the thread. The story wasn’t yet a book. But it was my first attempt at weaving a story greater than anything I had experienced.

Fourteen years have passed. All That Glows is my fifth book. It’s based on everything that came before it—most importantly, on Mojave and Edwards AFB and all the time I spent trying to tease out the desert’s mystery. It captures what I felt when I was there: small, under the broad desert sky and the huge airplanes; large, compared to the tarantulas that scuttled past my boots in the dust; melancholy, when I thought of how far away the rest of the world was; determined and thrilled, as I dove into the adventure I was living and the ones I hadn’t lived yet.

In All That Glows, you’ll poke your finger on cacti needles and get your shoes tangled in grabby creosote. You’ll experience the blazing daytime heat, the tumbleweeds, the bland architecture, and the rest of Edwards AFB’s unusual scenery, all set in fictional towns. You’ll count the desert stars and shiver in the cold twilight wind. You’ll have a mystery of your own to solve, and if you can stick it out to the end, you’ll have befriended a dry-humored, scrappy cast of characters.

Here’s the first line from one of those old notebooks: “When can we go outside, Mom?”

And here’s the first paragraph of All That Glows: “On the night the world ended, raindrops stained our roof tiles green. I was the first to notice when I went outside to dump the dishwater.”

A lot has changed, but the sense of adventure Mojave taught me hasn’t. If anything, since then, the mystery from back then has only heightened. Maybe the golf balls weren’t a secret message, but maybe a new kind of missile was tested while I was there. Maybe the broken arrow was just a kid playing in his backyard, but maybe one of those jets flew faster than sound seven times over.

I won’t ever know. I only have my memories. But I can imagine the battles and the sacrifice and the bravery. And so, if you’ll join me for this expedition, I’ll show you what my mind’s eye saw when I looked out across the desert.

Interview with the Author

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

I knew I’d made it when a reader told me she stayed up all night to read my book. She’d had a difficult week with a death in the family, and she didn’t want to sleep. The fact that she chose my words to calm her mind and, she later told me, to turn her thoughts to God that night, is a tremendous honor.

Being a successful author isn’t about how many people read your books. Of course it’s gratifying to go viral. It’s also nice to make enough money to cover all the coffee you drank while you were writing. And I’m grateful when that happens. But I don’t do this for the money or the fame. If I wanted that, I’d have hired out my economics degree to the dreary world of investment banking.

I do this because I believe there are stories that must be told, discussions that must be sparked, and readers who must be given something wholesome and stirring. When a reader tells me I have excited, disturbed, comforted, worried, or otherwise provoked them to feel something out of the ordinary, I’m satisfied I’ve done my job well.

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

I didn’t know how to end this book. I never do. I don’t know how to end anything, in fact—I’m one of those people who won’t watch the last episode in a TV series because I can’t handle that it’s over.

The original ending for this book was much darker than what you’ll read now. Someday, maybe I’ll release the deleted scene as an extra chapter. But my wonderful editors at Enclave encouraged me to write a happier ending, one that tied together more loose ends, let some characters go, and allowed others to have their redemption. I think it was the right call. My editor said the new twist wasn’t what she expected but she liked it. That was good enough for me!

3)What inspired this book?

Minor spoiler: When someone asks what this book is about, I say it’s about the Chernobyl nuclear accident—if it had happened in California, and if authorities kept it a secret instead of evacuating the town.

Now, back to spoiler-free. One of my favorite places in the world is Daytona Beach, Florida. I moved a lot (and still do), but Daytona has always been the one place I can count on coming back to. So it’s also where my mind is at rest and I find the energy to create.

Sophomore year of college, I think, was when I had the idea for All That Glows. I thought of the title first, which was originally For the Love of U, an obscure play on the chemical symbol for uranium.

I’d picked up a copy of Radium Girls, which tells the story of the young women hired to paint glow-in-the-dark—and deadly—radium on watch dials. It’s a tragic story, and mesmerizing. Around the same time, I was reading books like Metro 2033 and playing post-apocalyptic video games, so the “deadly virus/end of the world” inspiration seemed to be everywhere.

Only one thing: The dystopian genre is hackneyed, so I wanted to do it with a twist. This came to me as I walked for miles along the beach. I hope I manage to surprise you with it.

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

A joking answer: Proverbs 28:1. “The wicked run when no one is pursuing.” I take this to mean that all marathons should have a bear at the back of the pack. I have this verse printed on a shirt, which I like to wear to run club. They don’t seem to find it as funny as I do.

A serious answer: Psalm 8:3–4. “When I look at your heavens … what is man that you are mindful of him?” I find myself closest to God, and most able to hear His voice, when I’m outdoors doing just that—looking at His heavens. And his flowers, all so unnecessarily and extravagantly colored. And his tiny insects, which sit on the back of my hand and sparkle in the sunlight. And all the rest of this radically beautiful garden He has created for us to shape.

Then I’m reminded that I am loved, and because of that, I can run free and strong and wild and filled with overwhelming joy. And I don’t just know it—I feel it, deeply and personally, so that I can’t doubt this is God’s voice.

5)What are you reading right now?

This year, I’m particularly into adventure nonfiction. It started with Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air, which describes the disastrous Everest expedition he joined as a journalist. I’m not a climber, but I am an endurance runner, and attracted to ill-advised journeys like this one. Now I’m reading No Way Down, the biography of an equally disastrous K2 climbing expedition.

These books are great fuel for the kind of fiction I write because they reveal the outermost limits of human moral and physical strength. They are also excellent catalogues of possible character injuries, catastrophes, and cures. And, of course, they’re inspiring—not to climb Everest, which I will never do, but to take on challenges that have a real chance of failure. Such as writing a book.

My day job is to write for WORLD Magazine and its associated publications. So I also read instructional books on how to be a better journalist, which in turn makes me a better fiction storyteller. My current read in that category is The Art and Craft of Feature Writing by William E. Blundell. It can be dense but is invaluable and written by a true master.

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, May 26

Simple Harvest Reads, May 27 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, May 28 (Spotlight)

Stories By Gina, May 29 (Spotlight)

Inspired by fiction, May 29

Artistic Nobody, May 30 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 31 (Spotlight)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 1 (Spotlight)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 1

Guild Master, June 2 (Author Interview)

Books, Books, & More Books, June 3 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, June 4

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 5 (Spotlight)

Books Less Travelled, June 6 (Spotlight)

Fiction Book Lover, June 7 (Author Interview)

The Bookish Ledger, June 8 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

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

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

https://gleam.io/bueoY/all-that-glows-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Chaos Woods, Chronicles of the Ever-Guise, Book I

Author: Scott T. Barnes

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Release Date: November 14, 2025

After a thieves’ auction goes wrong, young barmaid Telyn Brower winds up with a shard from a magical mask.

Only one problem: In this world, humans are forbidden to use magic. In fact, they’re the only sentient beings without any innate magical powers.

That doesn’t stop Telyn and her friends from using the mask to improve life in their isolated mountain town of Harlech.

At first, the changes seem small. Helpful. Necessary.

But good intentions only carry them so far.

Soon, lies begin to surface. Trust erodes. With every spell they cast, the mask tightens its grip. The power is seductive, addictive. The consequences are dangerous.

As the subjugation of humans intensifies and enemies draw near, the only way out seems to lie deep in the Chaos Woods—an ancient forest where magic itself bends and frays.

To survive, the friends must face the cost of their choices and decide whether they can truly trust one another.

Discover the young adult fantasy Chaos Woods, rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by IndieReader, and described as “an ambitious, character-driven fantasy.”

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

An afficionado of small towns, forests, and mountains, you can find Scott T. Barnes writing in coffee shops all over Southern California. Scott won the Writers of the Future Award for his story “Insect Sculptor.” His contemporary fantasy, Memories of Lucinda Eco, set in Baja California, received a coveted “Editor’s Pick” from BookLife, while his epic fantasy Chaos Woods earned 4.8 out of 5 stars from IndieReader. Kirkus Reviews called it, “An absorbing, character-driven YA tale of camaraderie and redemption.”

 

 

More from Scott

One of the things that makes the fantasy genre so powerful, so important even, is that it often deals with existential questions, especially life versus death and good versus evil. Many other genres shy away from such question, or pretend that evil is, in fact, “relative.”

However, sharing the same stakes also means that many fantasy tales may come to resemble one another a little too much.

For Chaos Woods, I wanted to do something a little bit different. Given that the main character winds up with a magical mask, it did not take long to realize that the primary stakes of this story would be truth versus lies. This realization made the writing of the story much easier. Conflict and confrontation came easily through the turning of these two poles. This led IndieReader in a 4.8/5-star review to remark, “Scott T. Barnes delivers a richly imagined, character-driven coming-of-age fantasy that balances cozy adventure with thoughtful themes of morality, addiction, and the consequences of one’s choices.”

In addition to unique stakes, there is a lot of me in this tale. I grew up in a gold-mining town, surrounded by fields and live oak stands, and the mountains, forests, and small-town vibe enrich Telyn’s adventures. I hope the reader finds the Chaos Woods a place they want to visit again and again.

Interview with the Author

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

I have to answer that in two different ways. From a creative standpoint, I need to create. If I am not writing stories, then I feel a certain emptiness inside, sort of like an athlete who does not get a workout in. From that standpoint, as long as I am creating something new, then I am satisfying that need.

That said, it is deeply satisfying when people read my stories. I tell my team that I would like to sell 10,000 copies of every novel. What’s even more satisfying is when people are moved by my stories. For example, I was just selling novels at WonderCon, like a small ComicCon. A young man came up to me in the morning and we talked about Chaos Woods, and I could tell he was interested. But he said, “I’ll come back later.” We said goodbye, and I did not expect to see him again. But at the close of the day, nearly 10 hours later, he returned and told me he wanted to buy the book. It took a while to get the credit card reader to take his card, so I asked him what other cool stuff he bought at the convention. He replied, “Nothing. I only had $20 to spend and your novel was the most interesting thing I saw here.” What a thing to say to an author! I blushed like you wouldn’t believe. That, to me, is success.

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

Tough question. Hosh is a bit of a comic relief character, a bit clumsy and often saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, but he is loyal, stoic, and always tries his best. Not so different from me in real life. Meanwhile, Telyn has the most traits that I’d like to emulate: rebellious, tough, spontaneous, physically capable (and not afraid of heights), almost fearless, and leading with her heart.

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

I have discovered that if a scene is particularly difficult to write, it probably doesn’t belong in the book. My mind resists writing it because it considers it boring.

What can be difficult is writing fast-paced, exciting scenes. The tendency is to rush through them, to make the prose match the action, but something I learned from Stephen King is to slow down the most exciting scenes so that the readers can savor them.

4)What inspired this book?

Probably most of all the setting. I grew up in a small, mountain town surrounded by forests, which is quite a similar setting to Chaos Woods. But I never begin a story unless three or more brainstorm ideas seem to belong to the same story. In this case, the setting, the main character, and the Spring Sale, which probably was inspired by showing sheep in the 4H at the Del Mar Fair, if you can believe that.

5)Which author influenced the you most?

J.R.R. Tolkien, followed by C.S. Lewis.

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

I love Job 38. I used to think I had to understand everything, but this makes it abundantly clear that this is not only unnecessary, it is impossible. I find that a great liberation.

7)What is your vacation spot?

We used to go to Mount Hermon family camp every year. If I had to go to one place year after year, that would be it. But we have made the decision to visit different places. We just returned from Iceland, which was an adventure in itself. Definitely inspirational.

8)What are you reading right now?

I am re-reading the series Memory, Sorrow and Thorn by Tad Williams. The reason is that I remembered it being quite close to Chaos Woods in tone, and my memory is not mistaken. Anyone that likes Memory, Sorrow and Thorn will like the Ever-Guise series.

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

I almost always write in one of half-dozen coffee shops around Orange County, so my view is usually of three or four other people bent over their laptops being productive in their own way. I love the smell of coffee and the combination of solitude and being in a public place.

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

The Bible would definitely be first on the list. Next is Lord of the Rings. I reread it every couple of years and discover something new every time.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, May 27 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, May 28 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, May 29 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 30

Fiction Book Lover, May 31 (Author Interview)

The Bookish Ledger, June 1 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, June 1

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 2 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, June 3

Books, Books, & More Books, June 4 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 5 (Author Interview)

Books Less Travelled, June 6 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, June 7

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, June 8 (Author Interview)

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, June 9 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

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

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

https://gleam.io/E1JY7/chaos-woods-celebration-tour-giveaway