About the Book

Book: Falling for a Humbug Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 5)

Author: Karen Baney

Genre: Contemporary Christian Cowboy Romance

Release date: November 5, 2024

Book: Falling for a Humbug Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 5)

Author: Karen Baney

Genre: Contemporary Christian Cowboy Romance

Release date: November 5, 2024

She’s the happiest person he’s ever met. His world has turned upside and he’s in no mood for Christmas. Will these coworkers find middle ground as they head into the holidays?

Reeling from a shocking family secret, Drake Vargas heads into the holiday season grumpier than he’s ever been. He can’t seem to get his footing and his new barista is way too much sunshine for him.

Candi Kaine loves Christmas! Nothing can stop her sunny disposition. As she starts a new job at Vargas Ranch, she’s determined to fix the grumpy, hipster cowboy who just happens to be her boss. Nothing will deter her from making sure he experiences a very Merry Christmas.

Will Drake find his joy again or has Candi Kaine finally met her match?

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:

Falling for the Humbug Cowboy is the fifth book in the Vargas Ranch series by Karen Baney. This book features Drake Vargas and introduces Candi Kaine. I really feel like this book would be best read after the previous books in the series as it does contain major spoilers.

What you might need to know:

This book deals with delayed grief and loss.

What I think about this book:

Having read several previous books in the series I was really looking forward to Drake’s story. In the previous book his world and family were turned upside down leaving readers with a very hurt and angry character.  (Although I can’t say I would feel any different given the situation) When Candi come to the Ranch she is a much needed breath of Christmas Spirit for Drake. I really enjoyed getting to know each of the Characters. This was a sweet story about learning to trust and forgiveness. I  can’t wait to find out what happens to the Vargas family and what other crazy secrets they are hiding .

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

Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.

Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.

More from Karen

Inspiring My Christmas Mood by Karen Baney

In Falling for a Humbug Cowboy, I had a lot of fun incorporating classic holiday songs (and the occasional Christmas story) into scenes to add flavor and sometimes intensify the character’s feelings.

It was purely accidental at first. I love classic Christmas songs and during the holiday season my hubby and I listen to a lot of Holiday Traditions on Sirius XM.

So, when I described a scene where Candi helps Drake decorate the dining hall, I just wrote that she switched the overhead music to a Christmas station and belted out Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. The next thing I know, I’m three song mentions in. So, I decided to make deliberate use of songs.

When I was struggling to get in the mood to write a Christmas novel in the dead of summer (108+ in July in Arizona!), I loaded up my phone with several playlists. One of the first songs was Feliz Navidad and I knew I had to find a way to use it. It would be the perfect song to show off Candi’s fun personality and draw Drake out of his humbug mood.

I hope you enjoy this Christmas playlist from the novel with a few sneak peaks of how I used the songs:

• Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer – Candi belts out the tune while working.
• White Christmas by Bing Crosby – Candi “crooned along with Bing Crosby, making a nice duet”.
• The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole – causes Drake to picture holding Candi close, swaying to the music.
• Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives – playing while Drake helps Candi with a rush of customers.
• Feliz Navidad – Candi dances around Drake until she gets him to dance and sing along.
• I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm by Dean Martin – Candi notices the not-so-humbug cowboy walking away, ratcheting up her interest.
• Christmas in Your Eyes by Travis Shaw – playing during a special moment between Drake and Candi.
• It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas by Michael Bublé – Candi’s lunch with a friend.
• Mele Kalikimaka – Driving to Flagstaff together to play in the snow.
• All I want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey – sets the stage for Drake’s proposal on July 25^th (Christmas in July).

What’s your favorite Christmas song? By a specific artist or any artist? Please share in the comments, I’d love to know. 😊

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, December 11

lakesidelivingsite, December 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 13

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

Holly’s Book Corner, December 14

Texas Book-aholic, December 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 16

Back Porch Reads, December 17 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 18

Lighthouse Academy, December 19

Devoted To Hope, December 20

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

For Him and My Family, December 22

Labor Not in Vain, December 23

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 24 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54116

About the Book

Book: The Trail to the Lonely Tree (Book 1 of the Jaguar Oracle Series)

Author: Kurt Mähler

Genre: Christian Magical Realism Fantasy

Release date: September 30, 2024

A richly poetic tale of friendship, courage, and destiny that will awaken the imagination of children and adults alike.

When Oracle, a jaguar from the Yucatán, learns of the dying words of the last jaguar in the Rio Grande Valley, he finds himself on a perilous journey to see a prophecy fulfilled.

To do so he must travel 1,400 miles to Texas and find the Lonely Tree, where his kin spoke an enigma to the heavens as hunters took him down. But the Lonely Tree is in the dangerous realm of Man—and Oracle will need more than his own wisdom and strength to fulfill the task.

Oracle remembers Eden and the naming of the animals; what Adam spoke to the first of each kind. He discovers the animals in the Valley have forgotten their names—as has Man himself.

Can he not only fulfill the prophecy, but help the animals reclaim ancient truths before they are lost forever?

This hope-filled tale explores the quest for courage in a fallen world and how to make the faith journey—and its sacrifices—worthwhile.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kurt Mähler writes in the prophetic and poetic tradition, inspired by the wonder of creation and cultures of the world. He and his wife have served in forty nations as encouragers in the Christian faith, where Kurt discovered the beauty and wisdom of storytelling. His roots include the Gulf Coast, Rio Grande Valley, and Heart of Texas.

More from Kurt

During my eleven years in Afghanistan with my wife Karen and five children, I learned that sometimes we need ‘aha’ moments instead of how-to manuals; a story instead of a sermon; an encounter instead of a lecture.

That’s why my answer to the question, “What if a jaguar appeared in South Texas?” is saturated with parables, prayers, poems, proverbs, and prophetic words set in the voices of creation.

My wife Karen is from where this imaginary tale takes place, so I have visited it often. On one visit, I saw a 1946 black-and-white photo of what was believed to be the last jaguar in the Rio Grande Valley. Hunters gathered around their prize. The question, “What if a jaguar came back here?” struck like a match inside me and became a bonfire of discovery for six books, beginning with The Trail to the Lonely Tree.

C.S. Lewis, George MacDonald, Tolkien, Milton, and Dante are the literary mentors I have looked to for this Christian fantasy, which, in my case, is a form called “magical realism.”

It’s real in that you can visit, for example, the Port Isabel lighthouse or the Rio Grande River; it’s magical in that I have immersed that world into another one—one that isn’t “real” yet completely true. The ranches are fictitious and yet, as symbols, speak the truth to the way things are and the way things could be as wheat and weeds grow together in the realm of Man.

The descriptions of the animals and plants of the Rio Grande Valley are as accurate as I could labor to attain. For the stars, I employed the astronomy app Starry Night Enthusiast 8 to precisely describe the activity of the heavens during the time of the tale, which is from September 2016 through August 2017 in Book 1.

The herblore is a work of research too. Patch the raccoon heals a friend’s injury with aloe vera and the pita plant, while later he and ab aplomado falcon named Sent attempt to heal an ailing, abandoned child with leaves of the anacahuita (Texas wild olive); twigs of the allthorn (amargoso); and tasajillo berries of the Christmas cactus.

A word about the jaguar named Oracle. He isn’t Aslan, but he sure seems to have spent time with him. His faith journey might be like yours, with clues to the future, a heart to serve others—and profound disappointments along the way.

Let’s discover together how to begin again, own our faith, leverage our sorrows, and pick up the trail before us. For the way to our future often begins with a memory. Our destinies are found in the first things our Creator told us long ago in childhood and before. That is where we will most likely find courage for our calling.

I don’t mean ‘calling’ in the sense of clergy alone, but in the sense of living as your original self, the one God thought of when He said, “Let there be…”

I wrote this tale to impart such courage.

Interview with the Author

Which character did you connect to best in this book?

Patch the raccoon. He is the first friend Oracle the jaguar makes when he arrives in South Texas. He is cautious and unpretentious but he is also clever and inspired to acts self-giving love for the band of new friends he and the jaguar become the core of. In the audiobook version, Nashville actor Zach Haufman renders his voice after his favorite actor, Tom Hanks.

I expect that many readers will identify with his longing for close friends and a supreme purpose that pairs with his struggle to be courageous.

What inspired this book?

The idea for The Trail to the Lonely Tree and the Jaguar Oracle series that follows came from a black-and-white photo and a question.

The photo, dated January 1946, is of farmers and ranchers displaying the “last” jaguar in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, which they have hunted down and killed.

The question interrupted me a few hours later during a time of prayer about some troublesome matter I no longer remember. The question dropped into me: “What if a jaguar returned to the Rio Grande Valley?”

Which author has influenced you the most?

Ancient Christianity and the Inklings. I read George MacDonald’s Christian fantasy seeking to experience the same encouragement his writings gave Lewis and Tolkien in their writing of Christian fantasy, and it did indeed inspire me. Books like The Golden Key and At the Back of the North Wind. I also returned to the roots of Christian poetry with an exploration of John Milton’s Paradise Lost and Dante’s Divine Comedy.  I am reading the Philokalia of the Desert Fathers and the Little Philokalia of St. Seraphim.

What are you reading right now? 

The Little Philokalia by St. Seraphim of Sarov (1754-1833), a spiritual father who lived in the woods, to whom many streamed for counsel. The book reads like blog posts on how to practically obey the commands of Christ, love our neighbor, and how to cultivate a pure heart.

It is said that Seraphim was so gentle that a bear befriended him, visiting him regularly. In my story, there is a child the birds name Miracle; he becomes friends with the jaguar, raccoon, and many other animals.

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

I sit at a solid wood desk with no drawers facing southeast. Two Gothic-arch windows are above it, one of which has a perch for birds who feed on seeds just below the sill. Under a brass reading lamp is an icon of the Holy Family, and with this my daytimer, called a Full Focus Planner, which I highly recommend.

A toy raccoon “reminds” me to take courage and write. (The Jaguar Oracle series features a raccoon named Patch.) And there is a desk fan (for it is quite hot where I live in Arabia.) and a plant beside the desk. A map of the tale—which appears in the book—is also before me, along with silhouettes of the four main cats: jaguar, ocelot, bobcat, and jaguarundi.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, December 12

Vicky Sluiter, December 13 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 14

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 15 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 15

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 16

Simple Harvest Reads, December 17 (Author Interview)

Denise L. Barela, December 17

Aryn The Libraryan, December 18

For the Love of Literature, December 19 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 20

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 21 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, December 22

Blossoms and Blessings, December 23 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, December 24

Stories By Gina, December 25 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Kurt is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a detailed digital map of the entire six-book tale, a paperback copy of the book, and an audiobook 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/00adcf54120

About the Book

Book: Memoria (The Nightingale Trilogy Book Three)

Author: J. J. Fischer

Genre: Adult Fantasy

Release date: December 10, 2024

Would you save a life if you knew it would destroy another?

In the deeply divided world of Caldera, nothing is as it seems. Taken captive by a faceless enemy, Sephone Winter fights to reclaim her soul as her gift pirals out of control and the deadly poison coursing through her veins begins to exact its terrible vengeance.

Meanwhile, Dorian and Cass are forced into an uneasy alliance in order to find the woman they both love . . . a woman who has all but vanished from the face of the earth, along with the Reliquary. Finding her becomes impossible as the identity of their greatest adversary continues to elude them.

When Caldera’s past catches up with the trio’s future, Sephone, Dorian, and Cass are forced to make decisions that threaten everything and everyone they care about. Each of them is offered a chance to sacrifice their own happiness for the sake of the other—but will they take it? And what will it cost them in the end?

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Mindy

About the Author

J.J. Fischer’s writing dream began with the anthology of zoo animals shepainstakingly wrote and illustrated at age five. Jasmine began writing her first proper novel at age fourteen, which eventually became her debut fantasy series, The Darcentaria Duology, which was published in 2021. She is a qualified psychologist with undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in clinical psychology. When Jasmine isn’t killing defenseless house plants, she enjoys devouring books, dabbling in floristry, playing the piano, and wishing it rained more often. Jasmine is married to David, and together they make their home a couple of hours north of Sydney, Australia.

More from J.J.

Have you ever felt God’s comfort in the midst of a horrific trial?

In 2021, midway through writing Memoria (Book 3 of The Nightingale Trilogy), my husband Dave and I were blindsided by his discovery of several sizable lumps on his neck. Those lumps turned out to be lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes), requiring immediate treatment.

2021 had already been a shocking year for us (and everyone else!). I’d lost both my remaining grandparents in the space of a few months. We were in the middle of a worldwide pandemic and one of the harshest lockdowns my state of New South Wales (Australia) had yet seen—which would necessitate going into further isolation while Dave underwent chemotherapy. And while I’d just received a diagnosis for my chronic illness, my recurring migraines (sometimes multiple a week) made it difficult for me to reliably drive Dave to and from his chemotherapy sessions.

But in one of the hardest times of our lives thus far, God provided. Dave made it through his chemo and has been in remission for some time now (though we’re still dealing with the consequences of the treatment in regards to fertility). I was able to drive him to all but two of his chemo sessions, and family and friends supported us in incredible ways. I’ve now received treatment for my chronic illness, which has helped me significantly and allowed me to take on more work as a freelance editor.

Eventually, I got back to Memoria, and wrote the second half of the story. And now, in hindsight, I can see the importance of God’s timing. Because Memoria is a story about pain—how we respond to it, what we do with it, and how it can poison our soul, if we let it. And ultimately, this book points to Jesus, the only one who can handle that pain, that poison, without succumbing Himself.

Are you struggling with a well of pain and suffering (and/or sin) in your own life? Perhaps not just things that you’ve done, but things that have been done to you? Are you struggling to keep your head above the raging waters, feeling swamped and pummeled by all God’s waves and breakers (Psalm 42:7)?

For starters, I want you to know that God keeps track of all your sorrows, every tear you cry (Psalm 56:8). You might feel invisible to the world, but you are not invisible to God. He knows everything about you, even the things you’ve never shared with anyone before. Even the pain you might not yourself have acknowledged.

The second piece of encouragement I want to share is that God promises to one day wipe all those tears from your eyes (Revelation 21:4). He won’t let those tears fall endlessly into eternity, ruining the perfect future He has in store for you. He will comfort you. He will bring you into his house, rejoicing over you. He can handle your pain (even the poison) without succumbing. Even your death is not the end of the story, because death was not the end of His.

I wrote The Nightingale Trilogy partly to deal with the pain of things in my own life. But as this series draws to a close, I hope it is a blessing to you in whatever season you’re going through right now (or will go through in future). I hope it reminds you of Eternity, and that you are greatly loved by the God who died to reclaim your soul.

God bless,

J. J. Fischer

Blog Stops

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

Simple Harvest Reads, December 15

The Lofty Pages, December 16

Back Porch Reads, December 17 (Author Interview)

Wishful Endings, December 17

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 18 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, December 19

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 20

Fiction Book Lover, December 21 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, December 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 23

Guild Master, December 24 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, December 25 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 26

Inspired by Fiction, December 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, J.J. is giving away the grand prize of a special edition hardcover copy of the book, a signed bookplate, and character art!!

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/00adcf54118

About the Book

Book: Seeking Simon

Author: Susan Pope Sloan

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 26, 2024

When a mysterious stranger claims to be her fiancé, the fight to save her land turns into a battle for her heart.

Daviana Spalding dreams of leaving Georgia in search of a place where she can prove her worth as more than a claim to land. And when a handsome and kind stranger wanders onto the farm in need of help, she can’t help but see him in those dreams too. Yet those are only daydreams…until the Freedmen’s Bureau shows up threatening to take their land, and her guest steps forward claiming to be her betrothed.

Simon McNeil is a man haunted by his past and his time in a Confederate prison, seeking redemption and a fresh start back in Alabama. But his journey home is delayed when a bout of malaria keeps him bedridden, depending on strangers for help. As Daviana nurses him back to health, Simon is drawn to her strength and beauty, and when her home is threatened, he steps in to help.

When their fake engagement becomes real, Simon and Daviana must confront their feelings for one another as they face escalating threats that could tear them apart. And when a long-lost friend returns, all their plans could come crashing down.

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:

Seeking Simon by Susan Pope Sloan is a historical fiction.  It is the fourth book in the Rescued Hearts of the Civil War Series.  This book is set in the South in 1865. This book features Daviana Spaulding and Simon McNeil.  This book does include characters from previous books in the series, however it can be read as a standalone.

What you might need to know:

This book takes place immediately after the Civil War, it includes a lot of harsh realities that I would not recommend for young or immature readers.

What I think about this book:

This is the first book in this series that I have read,  but found it to be the perfect place for me to jump in.  Simon was sent from home as a young man under a cloud of shame because of his impulsive and inappropriate behavior. The ten years since his departure have not been easy and he said in his on words “Every prodigal ran out of road sooner or later.”   Daviana has spent years helping her father and brother after the death of her mother. Her father has failed in showing her the treasure that she is . It was very interesting to see Simon and Daviana’s interactions.  I really appreciate the way the author gave the reader a very captivating story and sprinkled all kinds of wisdom into the story. I loved “you can’t force men to change their thinking.  Only God can do that.”

I really enjoyed this story and will definitely got and read the previous books in the series as well as any future.

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

Born into a family of storytellers, Susan Pope Sloan published her first articles in high school and continued writing sporadically for decades. Retirement provided the time to focus on writing and indulge her avid interest in history. Her Civil War series begins (and ultimately ends) in her home state of Georgia with references to lesser-known events of that period. She and husband Ricky live near Columbus where she participates in Word Weavers, ACFW, and Toastmasters.

More from Susan

When I started the series, I thought it would stop with the end of the war, but I became intrigued with the McNeil family who lived near the Alabama-Georgia line. (My family also is scattered on both sides of that state line, but farther south.)

Troy McNeil and his brothers had fought on opposing sides, which could lead to some tense moments. Simon became the prodigal son longing to go home after a long separation. This book delves into the relationships within the McNeil family and also with their former slaves. As a Southerner who grew up in the 1960’s, I’m well aware of the cultural distinctions that existed during that time, but I also know that relationships between individuals can emerge despite those distinctions. I believe the same could have happened in the previous century.

Seeking Simon also let me bring back that rascally Rufus Spalding from Loving Lydia. Rufus was a fun character to write, but I hadn’t paid much attention to his daughter, who was destined to become Simon’s love interest. Dottie/Daviana Spalding represents many women of the Civil War, who struggled within the confines of the old socio-economic system and longed for personal significance, symbolized here by the change in her name.

I pray that reading this book will encourage those who feel insignificant and long to matter in their world and also those who are praying for a prodigal to return. My favorite line from the book is “Every prodigal runs out of road sooner or later.”

Thank you for taking a look at Seeking Simon.

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 7

Texas Book-aholic, December 8

Connie’s History Classroom, December 9

Stories By Gina, December 10 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, December 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 12

Cover Lover Book Review, December 13

Simple Harvest Reads, December 14 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Artistic Nobody, December 15 (Author Interview)

Allyson Jamison, December 15

For Him and My Family, December 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 17

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, December 18

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 19 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, December 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan 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/00adcf54112

About the Book

Book: Hunted on the Trail

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Suspense

Release date: December 24, 2024

A killer out for vengeance…

but this bloodhound has his scent.

Ambushed by sudden gunfire, former cop Stephanie Wolfe realizes the tracking competition she entered with her bloodhound is a setup. An escaped fugitive has lured her into the remote wilderness to exact his deadly revenge. And her ex-boyfriend, bounty hunter Vance Silverton, has fallen into the fatal trap, too. Now cut off from civilization with only minimal supplies and their two dogs, the pair must depend on each other to survive. But with a treacherous storm approaching, it’s not only a cold-blooded killer they’ll have to escape.

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:

Hunted on The Trail  by Dana Mentink is the third book in the Security Hounds Investigation Series. It is a contemporary Romantic Suspense set in Northern California.  This book features K-9 Handler Stephanie Wolfe and her bloodhound Chole, along with her ex-boyfriend Vance Silverton. While this book can be read as a standalone I highly recommend the previous books in the series.

What I think about this book:

Dana Mentink always gives readers a unique and exciting adventure. In this book we follow Stephanie as she starts out on a three day tracking competition, however things go terribly wrong from the start.  Vance is one of the last people that Steph would choose to work with, but now they must trust each other. Chloe and Brutus/ Pudge were great additions to the story. My husband got an eye rolling laugh at all of the Marine quotes like ”I’m a Marine, Baby. We know stuff, we do things, and we never get cold.”   I really enjoyed this adventure. Mentink created an stunningly realistic book with characters that keep you hooked from the first page to the last. I can’t wait to see what happens next to the Wolfe family.

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

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA TODAY and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author. She’s written more than forty mystery and suspense novels for Love Inspired Suspense, and Poisoned Pen Press. Her debut novel with Revell releases in the summer of 2025. She is honored to have received two ACFW Carol Awards, a Holt Medallion Award, and a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award.

More from Dana

My life has gone to the dogs! No joke! While readers enjoy the Wolfe family humans, I hear on the regular that their favorite characters are the bloodhounds. In book #1, Wally was just an irrepressible disaster, and he continues his naughty ways throughout the series. In book #2, we met Pinkerton who is a model canine, unless squirrels enter the picture. And now, you’ll get to know Chloe who is fabulous, but I will venture to say she is going to be outshined by her mutt companion Brutus (you’ll have to read the book to discover his real name and identity!) As this book launches, I’m deep into writing the last two and there are a couple more unpredictable hounds you have yet to meet. Such fun! Thanks for galloping along with me on this series!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 3

She Lives to Read, December 3

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 4

Wishful Endings, December 5

An Author’s Take, December 5

Betti Mace, December 6

Life on Chickadee Lane, December 6

Texas Book-aholic, December 7

Devoted To Hope, December 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 8

Stories By Gina, December 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 9

The Avid Reader, December 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 10

Blogging With Carol, December 11

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 11

Simple Harvest Reads, December 12 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Kyliegh Reads, December 12

For Him and My Family, December 13

Leslie’s Library Escape, December 13

Blossoms and Blessings, December 14

Labor Not in Vain, December 14

Holly’s Book Corner, December 15

Pause for Tales, December 15

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 16

Lights in a Dark World, December 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $75 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54108

About the Book

Book: The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle

Author: Daniel Petronelli

Genre: Religion & Spirituality, Holiday Celebration, Children’s Chapter Book, Inspirational, Action & Adventure

Release date: October, 2021

In the small foothill village of Shiloh on a stormy Christmas Eve, a group of children find themselves lost in a powerful storm. When a chance encounter with a kind stranger presents itself, their faith is put to the test as they discover the true meaning of Christmas, learn valuable life lessons, and experience the transformative power of just one tiny seed: The Seed of Faith.

This unforgettable, multi-award winning story will inspire readers of all ages to believe in miracles and the unwavering presence of God in their lives.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Dan Petronelli was born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts. He currently divides his time with his wife between West Bridgewater, Massachusetts and Stuart, Florida.

He is a strong member of his local community and has served as a Christian worship leader where he led a large congregation in praise and worship songs, including two of his original songs: “ Walking in the Light” and “ Providence.”

Dan Petronelli participated in Smith’s Magazine’s Six-Word Memoir contest, and his memoir was selected and later published by HarperCollins.

Dan found a message in a bottle when he was a young boy tinkering on a rocky shoreline. It was a profound spiritual message that he has kept and still treasures today.

This inspired story was written as a cherished Christmas gift for his family, and it is his hope that the SEED OF FAITH will also bring joy and continue to grow in the hearts of readers around the world.

More from Daniel

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Daniel is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Visa gift certificate and 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54109/

About the Book

Book: To Choose the Longshot

Author: Lisa M. Prysock

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 5, 2024

In a world where wealth and status reign, can true love prevail?

Miss Delia Lyndon, a young woman born into the prestigious Spencer-Lyndon family, is initially enamored with Thaddeus, the son of a prominent local stable owner, when he begins vying for her hand in marriage. She is keenly aware of how a union between the two families would seal their status as one of the most beloved couples from Lexington. However, when Jake, a handsome and charming newcomer, arrives on the scene, he catches her attention, casting doubts and fears in Delia’s heart. Torn between two suitors, Delia must navigate societal expectations, family pressure, and her own desires. Will she choose the man who seemingly has it all – wealth, charm, and a shared background in Kentucky’s elite circles – or will she follow her heart to the humble yet captivating Jake?

Jake Williams is determined to prove his worth in the competitive world of horse racing. Despite his humble beginnings as a farmer, he refuses to be intimidated by his rival’s malicious attempts to sabotage his chances, both on the racetrack and in winning Delia’s affections. With his trusted steed, Horizon, by his side, Jake faces each challenge head-on, guided by his unwavering faith.

When mysterious events begin occurring leading up to the annual Phoenix Stakes horse race, Delia must look beyond appearances and uncover the truth that lies beneath.

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:

To Choose the Longshot  by Lisa M Prysock is an Christian Historical Fiction. It is the second book in the Kentucky Debutantes of the Gilded Age Series.  The book is set in 1903 Lexington, Kentucky and features Delany “Delia”  Lyndon, daughter of Racing Royalty.  While this book can be read as a standalone I recommend that you read the first book in the series before starting this as this does give spoilers.

What you might need to know:

Jake is raising his three nieces after they were orphaned .

What I think about this book:

This book starts with Delia fleeing the church before she goes through with her marriage to Lexington Socialite Thaddeus Sullivan.  The story then jumps to the spring of 1903 with Delia once again courting Thaddeus.  While Delia is a fun character I definitely started seeing red flags right away when it came to Thaddeus. It frustrated me that Delia did not see them, but that made the story all the more realistic .   I love the advice Aunt Mae gave Delia. “But what if I can’t hear the Lord’s voice in this matter?…. Well, then sing to Him,child. He inhibits the praises of His people.” I found this to be such a beautiful reminder.  Prysock wrote a wonderfully captivating story, I look forward to what happens next for the Lyndon family.

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

Lisa M. Prysock is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes both Christian Historical Romance and Contemporary Christian Romance books—”Romance with a Dash of Food, Fashion, Faith, & Fun.” She writes both traditionally and indie published novels.

Kentucky inspires her writing and is home. Happily married to her husband of more than 24 years, she homeschooled two of their five children, now grown. When she isn’t writing, she likes to cross stitch, crochet, sew, scrapbook, read, swim, dance, take walks, travel, explore historical homes, garden, cook for her family, learn to play the piano and violin, and read great books.

More from Lisa

Hello Celebrate Lit Friends and Readers! I’m back to share a looksie at Book 2 from Kentucky Debutantes of the Gilded Age. I’ve really enjoyed my deep dive into all things Kentucky Derby and the world of horseracing in To Choose the Longshot.

Most of us have heard of Churchill Downs and Lexington’s Keeneland. But before Keeneland was the Lexington Association Racetrack. The annual spring race generally opened each year on that course with a featured race known as the Phoenix Stakes. It dates as far back in history as 1831! You can take a peek at the fascinating horse names of all the winners from 1831 to 2012, here. Of course, I’ve fictionalized names of winners and many events around the races in my series, but it’s fun to peek at real-life history when crafting our stories.

Leading up to and through the Gilded Age, the time period and setting of this series, the Phoenix race was generally sponsored by the Phoenix Hotel in Lexington. And more than Kentucky horseracing history, in Book 2, readers will get to come along for a glimpse at another course located in Baltimore, Maryland when the story takes our main characters to Pimlico. They referred to this track as the Old Hilltop in the early days of American horseracing history.

And atop Pimlico sits the famed weathervane. Did you know that painting the Preakness Stakes weathervane is a grand Pimlico tradition dating to 1909? The vane style is unique, commissioned by the Maryland Jockey Club, bearing the shape of a thoroughbred and jockey ever since the original arrow-shaped one was struck down by lightning. The new vane was christened by the colors of the silks carried by that year’s winner, Effendi.

I had a great deal of fun writing To Choose the Longshot starting with the very first page. The novel opens with a runaway bride! It’s always a wonder what makes a bride runaway, and my imagination went to work at once creating the situation that causes this bride so much consternation.

Readers get to learn more about Veronica’s sister in Book 2, Miss Delaney Lyndon. Everyone calls the shy and demure middle sister, Delia. And all of Lexington expects one of the Lyndon sisters to marry into the Sullivan family, since these two families are “Kentucky horseracing royalty.” But who will Delia choose to marry? Will she marry her handsome, wealthy, and daring beau, Thaddeus Sullivan, or will a rugged newcomer and underdog in their midst from the Adirondacks, Jake Williams, turn her head?

I cannot fail to mention that the beloved character of Aunt Mae from Book 1 makes an appearance in Book 2. She certainly has her hands full attempting to help Delia reach a decision about who she should marry, knowing it will impact the future of Velvet Brooks Farm for generations to come. But if anyone can help steer Delia to a decision, it’s Aunt Mae. As our heroine grapples with perceptions and tries to balance expectations with what’s in her heart, find out what happens next with a deeper look at the world of horseracing, sure to give horse enthusiasts plenty to cheer about.

Happy reading!

Blessings!

Lisa

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 19

lakesdielivingsite, November 20

Holly’s Book Corner, November 20

For Him and My Family, November 21

Texas Book-aholic, November 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 24

Labor Not in Vain, November 25

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 27

Stories By Gina, November 28 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, November 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 29

Books You Can Feel Good About, November 30

Simple Harvest Reads, December 1 (Guest Review from Donna)

Pause for Tales, December 2

Leslie’s Library Escape, December 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lisa 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/00adcf54102

About the Book

Book: Falling for a Smart Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 4)

Author: Karen Baney

Genre: Contemporary Christian Cowboy Romance

Release date: June 25, 2024

She’s on a mission to bring orphaned children hope. He wants off his family’s ranch for good. Will they survive his shocking family secrets?

Devon Vargas longs to be more than just a cowboy. After finishing his teaching degree, he plans to leave his family’s guest ranch for good. Between his growing affection for the new children’s program director and a huge family secret revealed, he second guesses everything about his life.

Raina Crawford lost her parents at a young age. Through the grace of God, she survived life in the foster system. She desperately wants to bring children the life-changing faith that gave her hope. The job at Vargas Ranch was supposed to be a steppingstone. Except she’s losing her heart to the smart, ambitious cowboy bent on leaving his family’s ranch—and her—behind.

Will Raina finally find the family she’s always wanted? Will family secrets unravel his new dreams? Will those same secrets tear them apart?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

About the Author

Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.

Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.

More from Karen

Big Family Drama

I love writing big family drama in my novels! It provides such great material for the relationship between characters.

Part of this comes from my family’s drama. My mom was the youngest of eight kids, making my extended family huge. I remember going to the Independence Day family reunions as a kid. It was both fun and a little intimidating. Most of my cousins were adults by the time I was a tweener. So, my siblings and I tended to hangout with my “oops!” cousin since we were only a few years apart.

And boy, did we have drama! There was the aunt who seemed to be offended and left early year. Someone always ended up injured, but only once do I remember an ambulance showing up. There were cliques and turf wars and so much more.

As an adult, though I’ve rarely been able to fly clear across the country to see my extended family, the drama of my husband’s big family serves as inspiration too. He is the oldest of five kids. My first introduction to his large family was at his sister’s wedding. I had no idea what I was getting into. We’d only been dating for about six weeks. Everyone kept pushing me to join the family photos, and I kept trying to gracefully get out of the pictures. I didn’t want him to regret having me in the pictures if we broke up. In the end, my hubby and I outlasted that marriage.

In Falling for a Smart Cowboy, I introduce a new character to the series, Raina Crawford. She was orphaned as a young girl and has longed for a forever family, even into adulthood. Devon Vargas, the fourth out of five sons, learns a family secret that makes him want to avoid his large family. I loved writing this juxtaposition between Raina and Devon over family relationships. It helps each of them see a new perspective. It was also fun writing new friendships for Raina—even if all the friendships tied to Devon’s family. My experience with both my family and being a newbie to my husband’s family provided inspiration for both Raina’s and Devon’s characters.

If you like big family drama, the Vargas Ranch Series provides it in spades. Enjoy!

Blog Stops

Stories By Gina, November 20 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 22

Guild Master, November 23 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, November 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 25

Denise L. Barela, November 26 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, November 27

Artistic Nobody, November 28 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Simple Harvest Reads, November 29

For Him and My Family, November 30

Fiction Book Lover, December 1 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 1

Labor Not in Vain, December 2

Back Porch Reads, December 3 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54103

About the Book

Book: Lethal Kings (The Fae Dynasty Book Two)

Author: Victoria McCombs

Genre: YA Fae Fantasy

Release date: November 12, 2024

You’ve been warned many times, you cannot trust the kings . . . The old queen is dead, a new queen is in play, and the realm has descended into darkness. For the first time in history, a queen has rejected the game. Eliza will start her reign with no alliances while Althea must fight to save her tenuous bond with the king who cannot love. Her relationship threatens to break, but Althea’s attention becomes divided after receiving a few harrowing clues connecting her past and the game at hand.

Before she can find answers, a mysterious fae appears promising the power of the seventh king to whoever can solve a series of riddles, leaving the fae realm in shambles as they race to come out on top. Althea has one year left. New alliances are forged. Old stories come to life. She must make her move, or the fate of the queens will consume her.

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Mindy

About the Author

Victoria McCombs is the author of The Storyteller Series, The Royal Rose Chronicles, and The Fae Dynasty duology, with hopefully many more to come. She survives on hazelnut coffee, 20-minute naps, and a healthy fear of her deadlines, all while raising four wildlings with her husband in Omaha, Nebraska.

More from Victoria

This book came differently to me than my other ones.

It was less plot and structure, and more—what kind of book do I want to write?

I wanted riddles for them to solve, which created the Gamemaster character. I wanted a healthy family aspect, which began the process of repairing the relationships I’d burned in book one. And I wanted a character who knew exactly what she wanted and never waivered from that. Other scenes came from these wishes, like the chess game where the players are the chess pieces, and the War of Hearts played in the labyrinth.

Together, I think it blended nicely, and I can’t wait for readers to get ahold of it!

Blog Stops

Inspired by Fiction, November 16

The Lofty Pages, November 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 17

Texas Book-aholic, November 18

Inklingsandnotions , November 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 21

Book Looks by Lisa, November 21

Wishful Endings, November 22

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 23

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, November 24

Blogging With Carol, November 25

Simple Harvest Reads, November 26 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, November 27

Fiction Book Lover, November 28 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, November 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Victoria is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a hardback 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/00adcf5499

About the Book

Book: A Calculated Betrothal

Author: Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 12, 2024

A Patriot scout, a Loyalist widow, and a desperate fight to save what matters most.

The death of her titled husband means that not only is Tabitha Gage no longer a lady—but she’s also abandoned on an isolated Southern Georgia plantation on the eve of revolution. With the fine house and fields sold to a neighbor, she’s left with a log cabin on unsettled timber land. Rather than marry the neighbor’s son, Tabitha determines to make her own way—and never again be shackled to a man she doesn’t love.

Sergeant Edmond Lassiter is one assignment away from promotion when he comes to the aid of a red-haired beauty fending off cattle rustlers. Thrown together during an attack at a nearby fort, the Patriot scout and Loyalist widow are surprised by the values they share—including honesty, loyalty, and equality. When Edmond learns the same man who ruined his family is after what little Tabitha has left, he convinces her they should work together to make her land profitable—all while fighting off the British from East Florida and her greedy neighbor, who sabotages their every effort to succeed. Their work together will be a business arrangement…nothing more. But as a British invasion threatens, the truth soon becomes clear—continuing the connection between them will risk far more than their hearts.

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:

A Calculated Betrothal, a Christian Historical Fiction by Denise Weimer is the fifth book in The Scouts of the Georgia Frontier Series. Set in 1777 this book features Tabitha Scott, twin of Temperance who was featured in the last book. While the other books in the series can be read as a standalone, I would not recommend this book until you have read the previous book in the series,  A Conflicted Betrothal.

What you might need to know:

This book is set in Colonial America at a time that slavery was an accepted practice.

What I think about this book:

In the previous Book Tabitha was the twin who is loved to hate, however at the end of the book she redeemed herself. Life has been hard for Tabitha and she is a completely different  woman than she was. I enjoy getting to know her and Dulcie. I appreciated the strength and determination that she showed.  Edmond was an intriguing character. Seeing the war  and land from his prospective really enhanced the story.  I loved this series and look forward to more of the author’s books. I can’t wait to see what type of adventure she will take us on next time.

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

North Georgia native Denise Weimer has authored around twenty traditionally published novels and novellas–historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. The mother of two wonderful young adult daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

More from Denise

There were only going to be four books in my Scouts of the Georgia Frontier Series. But have you ever had a character take over a story? That’s what happened for books four and five.

Temperance Scott, the shy but principled heroine of A Conflicted Betrothal who started her own Daughter of Liberty group during Savannah’s 1765 Stamp Act Protests, had a feisty twin sister named Tabitha. Tabitha kept marching all over the page in her bright silk gowns, making Temperance feel pale by comparison, jockeying to maintain her position as Daddy’s favorite, and plotting to steal Temperance’s beau. When that failed, she stole the end of the novel instead, saving her sister from authorities tracking down the spy who wrote the Townsman Letters that accused prominent Loyalists of supporting the Stamp Act. Then she wed her father’s choice for her, the much older Henry Gage, Lord Riley, and sailed away on his sloop to avoid punishment. As the book closed, Temperance got to marry her Royal Ranger-turned-Patriot, Ansel Adams, while Tabitha was left to an unknown fate in swampy South Georgia. I kept wondering whatever became of the Savannah belle down there with the snakes and gators.

When I learned that Fort Barrington on the Altamaha River changed hands several times during the American Revolution, becoming Fort Howe while under Patriot control, I had to write book five, A Calculated Betrothal. Fast forward ten years, and Tabitha is newly a widow. The intervening years have not been kind, as her husband marginalized her when it became clear she would not provide him with the heir he desired. Their finances have dwindled as he continually sent money to his wastrel brother-in-law in England. Upon his death, she discovers the fine rice plantation has been sold to their greedy neighbors, Loyalist father and son Hugh and Julian Jackson. Julian has an alternate plan in mind, but Tabitha has no intention of yoking herself to another man she doesn’t love—particularly a cruel slave owner and womanizer. She takes her maid-slash-best-friend Dulcie and flees to the cabin Dulcie’s husband occupies on the south side of the river. This land, at least, is still hers…even though it offers only undeveloped timberland and swampland, free range for the Spanish cattle Dulcie’s husband herds.

But there’s an enemy more dangerous than the snakes and gators, and maybe even than the Jacksons…the British-allied East Florida Rangers that raid into South Georgia—burning, stealing, and rustling cattle. A confrontation with their vengeful colonel puts Tabitha at the top of their list. With enemies all around, how will Tabitha establish her independence? Enter Fort Howe’s Sergeant Edmond Lassiter, a man determined to settle his own score with the Jacksons. He offers the help Tabitha needs, but with their hidden wounds and differing backgrounds, can they learn to trust each other enough to defeat their common enemies?

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 16

Pause for Tales, November 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 17

lakesidelivingsite, November 18

Allyson Jamison, November 18

Books You Can Feel Good About, November 19

Texas Book-aholic, November 20

Connie’s History Classroom, November 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 22

Simple Harvest Reads, November 23 (Guest Review from Donna)

Cover Lover Book Review, November 24

Book Looks by Lisa, November 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 26

For Him and My Family, November 27

Holly’s Book Corner, November 28

Blossoms and Blessings, November 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise 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/00adcf5498