About the Book

Book: The Maiden Without Hands

Author: Michelle Redmon

Genre: Christian Fantasy

Release date: March 12, 2022

A mutilated healer with a tender heart, an anguished king with a missing twin, and a maniacal sorcerer who intends to have his way no matter the cost are inextricably connected in this retelling of a little-known fairy tale called The Maiden Without Hands.

When Elia and her parents take in an injured stranger, they have no idea of the chaos he will shortly bring to their lives. The stranger, a sorcerer named Thorn, becomes enamored of Elia. When he is rebuffed, he commits an unthinkable act, leaving Elia maimed, distraught, and separated from her family.

Adam is the ruler of Haven, a role he always expected to share with his twin sister. When the latter suddenly disappears, he is consumed with his need to find her. Will he ever find peace–even if he doesn’t find his sister? How will the disfigured young woman he finds along the way help him? And what will happen when the sorcerer finds them both?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Michelle Redmon is a self described “Jill-of-all-trades”.  In addition to being an author, she is a visual artist, award winning vocalist, former children’s pastor, worship leader, homeschooling mom and cat lady.  The most important thing that she is, is a follower of Jesus.  Currently, she lives in Overland Park, KS with her husband, two kids, three cats and a dog.

More from Michelle

I have always loved fairy tales. From the time I could read, I loved curling up with a book of fairy tales, immersing myself in imaginary lands where kings and queens ruled, unicorns were real, and everyone (eventually) had their happily ever after. As I grew older, the love for fairy tales turned into a love for fantasy novels. My fascination with words in general turned into a love of writing, so, naturally, I began to write fantasy.

The Maiden Without Hands came to be because I had been wanting to retell a fairy tale in my own way. I didn’t want it to be one with which everyone was familiar, so I began reading through old Brothers Grimm books, focusing on their lesser known stories. When I came across the story of a virtuous young woman tormented by an evil sorcerer, I knew I had found my tale. What appealed to me was the fact that there were already some Christian elements to the story. I took the skeleton of the story and fleshed it out, adding my own elements to create The Maiden Without Hands.

It’s my hope that this tale will transport you to the world of Haven, and that the characters will resonate with you as they cry, laugh, dream, and discover their faith. It is also my hope that you will find something stirring in your own soul as you travel through the pages of this book.

So, are you ready?  Once Upon a Time…

Interview with the Author

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

The ending. It’s always difficult to come up with proper endings—endings that tie up all the loose ends, but not so neatly as to be unbelievable.

2)What inspired this book?

This book was inspired by a little known fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm.

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

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

4)What is your vacation spot?

My favorite vacation spot is Adelaide, South Australia. We have family there, and they live within walking distance of the beach.

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

Well, I can’t live without music, so I guess I’m bringing along anything by Darlene Zschech. The worship music she writes is so close to what my heart wants to say to the Lord.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, December 9 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 9

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 10 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, December 11

Simple Harvest Reads, December 12 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, December 13 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 14 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 15

Blossoms and Blessings, December 16 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 17

Artistic Nobody, December 18 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, December 19 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, December 19

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 20 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 21

Guild Master, December 22 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

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

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54114

About the Book

Book: Falling for a Shy Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 2)

Author: Karen Baney

Genre: Contemporary Christian Cowboy Romance

Release date: December 19, 2023

She’s a single mom with a disabled son. He’s been in love with her since high school. Will this shy cowboy finally win her heart?

Dylan Vargas is too shy for his own good. While he and his best friend Adan work with the horses on his family’s ranch near Wickenburg, Arizona, Adan signs him up for an online dating service. Dylan begrudgingly looks through the profiles. One face stands out above the others—that of his childhood crush. There’s only one impossible problem—she is Adan’s little sister.

Brisa Franco moves home to Wickenburg after a tragic car accident left her four-year-old son disabled. As she starts a new job in her hometown, she never expects to help her brother’s best friend in his quest to overcome a speech impediment.

Will Dylan steal her heart as she helps him learn how to release his anxiety? Will Brisa learn to trust him and let go of her deeply engrained fears from her past relationship?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

This book is a cute, short read. I was able to read it in one sitting and it was fun to spend the afternoon with these characters. I really liked that even though the book is a novella, the characters do have depth. I was encouraged by the challenges the main characters overcame – The author was thoughtful and respectful in how she approached the characters challenges and I loved how she showed some challenges are on the outside, some are known, but some are also on the inside. Brisa’s son, Braden, really made the book for me. I loved her love for him and how, not only Dylan, but others of his family helped him.

There are two things I wish were different about this book. The first is the title. It is more of a search a reader would do on Amazon than a title and it is…cheezy. I picked this up because I wanted to read a book by this author but otherwise, the title would make me scroll past. The second is that the book could have been more fleshed out for a deeper, stronger, and longer story.

Overall, I would recommend checking her books out and giving them a try. 3.5 out of 5 stars.

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

You’ve Got Mail?

As an author, sometimes you write something so identifiable to readers that you (the author) completely miss the obvious. Yeah, I did that in Falling for a Shy Cowboy.

Since Dylan Vargas, our hero, deals with a speech impediment, I thought a great way to help him connect with his one true love would be through a dating app—one where he keeps avoiding meeting in person. His best friend, Adan, signed him up for the dating app with a profile picture that obscures part of his face. When Dylan looked through the app, he finds Adan’s sister Brisa on the app. Imagine his excitement that his long-term crush was available!

So, Dylan responds to Brisa’s profile as Wrangler92. He’s much more comfortable pouring out his heart through messages in the dating app than fighting with his speech impediment in person. She’s keeping a few secrets of her own through their interactions on the app, creating tension.

And viola! The You’ve-Got-Mail “trope” successfully applied.

If only I had realized that’s what I’d done. It wasn’t until one reviewer wrote, “Who doesn’t like a little You’ve Got Mail in a cowboy romance?”

This is where I face-palmed, laughed out loud, and finally realized my shy cowboy and his one true love are clearly written like the old Meg Ryan & Tom Hanks movie You’ve Got Mail.

Anyway, I will be forever grateful to Jerah A. for pointing out the obvious connection. I hope you enjoy my take on a shy cowboy who woos a single mom a la You’ve Got Mail style.

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 25

Stories By Gina, October 26 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 26

Devoted To Hope, October 27

For the Love of Literature, October 28 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 28

She Lives To Read, October 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 30 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 31

Labor Not in Vain, November 1

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

Holly’s Book Corner, November 3

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 4 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 5

Artistic Nobody, November 6 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, November 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon 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/00adcf5477/

About the Book

Book: Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons about Suicidality and Depression from the Psych Ward

Author: Chris Morris

Genre: Christian Living / Mental Health

Release date: June 11, 2024

God cares deeply about you and your mental health. Author and mental health advocate Chris Morris has battled depression and suicidality his entire adult life. Even coming to Christ didn’t change this, which is something many fellow Christians don’t seem to understand. He still had to face the grief of unrelenting illness, the shame of struggling, and the pain of poor guidance.

In this compassionate and engaging book, Chris shares how he overcame these challenges and invites you to do the same–no matter your diagnosis. Weaving biblical truth and personal stories with thoughtful strategies and hard-earned wisdom, he helps you move past fear and shame to combat the specters of depression and suicidality.

God is still there, even in the darkest of places. May this book be a step in the process of healing and help you find hope in your battle.

Includes reflection questions, Scripture meditations, and a bonus video course.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Chris Morris is a certified mental health coach dedicated to promoting understanding of mental health issues within the church. Because of a lifelong struggle with depression and suicidality, Chris became committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging others to seek after holistic health.

As a writer and speaker, Chris has shared his personal story and insights with audiences across the country, inspiring many individuals to take control of their own health, break free from poor theological teaching placed upon them, and seek the support they need. He has published several books on mental health, the most recent being Resilient and Redeemed. His work has been featured in a number of media outlets, including CrossWalk, The Mighty, and Fathom Magazine.

Chris is deeply committed to creating a more compassionate and supportive world and church for individuals living with mental health issues. Through his writing and speaking, he is a powerful voice for change and a beacon of hope for those in need.

More from Chris

Resilient and Redeemed is a book that the Christian community needs. For too long, those with mental health conditions have been forced to be shamed or to hide their struggles. Especially in a post-COVID world, mental health has to come to the forefront of the conversation. This book details in an unapologetic way my struggles with depression and suicidal ideations. The core message of this book is that God doesn’t write people off because of their struggles with their mental health. No, God is with us and for us no matter what.

Resilient and Redeemed is full of hard-won, battle-tested tools that will help people fight the battle for their mental health. There are no easy answers given, because no two mental illnesses present the same. Ensconced in story, this book gives a full toolbox of practices to support better mental health, ranging from how to find a counselor that will work for you to daily rituals that will ground your days and affirm your agency in your life.

I also put together a video series talking about resilience to accompany this book. As a member of the blog tour, you’ll gain access to over 40 minutes of me talking about resilience. We cover things like where does resilience come from, what does resilience have to do with faith, and so much more. I’m especially proud of the work I did for this video series, and I think you’ll find it incredibly valuable.

Author Interview

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

 I have spent a lot of time thinking about what success means for this book specifically, for a lot of reasons. This is the most important book that I have ever published. It’s also the most personal book that I have published. So much of my story is contained in the pages of Resilient and Redeemed, there is a sense in which any negative reactions or rejections of this book might be received by me as a rejection of me.

Because of how closely these things are aligned, I have asked the Lord to help me gauge what success looks like for this book. I felt a strong sense that, for Resilient and Redeemed specifically, success will not be measured necessarily by reaching a certain number of books sold or awards received. Instead, this book will be measured by the lives changed.

I have already heard numerous reports from people, some who I know and others I don’t know, who have been encouraged, challenged, and freed from shame due to this book. So from where I sit, I am already successful with this book. It has accomplished its goal completely, and anything else is just gravy.

• Which chapter was the most difficult to write?

One of the chapters details my suicide attempt. This was intense and challenging to write on many levels. For starters, my suicide attempt is probably the biggest mistake I’ve ever made in my life, so revisiting that was humbling and brought a lot of pain to the surface. Beyond that, I had to rely on my wife’s memories of the suicide attempt, so we had to walk back through the most painful thing we’ve experienced together in our marriage. There were lots of tears shed, and we had to decide together whether it was appropriate to even share pieces of this moment with the whole world.

On a related note, every part of this book was hard to write because I am exposing myself and my struggles to every reader of the book. I worried, and still do worry, about people thinking less of me or dismissing me because of the stories contained in Resilient and Redeemed.

• What inspired this book?

Resilient and Redeemed is sourced in my own life. I have struggled with depression and suicidality my entire adult life, even though I’ve been a Christian this entire time. My journey has had its ups and downs, and frankly, a lot of the downs were based on bad information or coaching that I came across in the church. I heard things like this: “Only immature people struggle with their mental health” and “If you need to take psychotherapeutic medications, it’s because you lack faith.” These mistaken beliefs held me back for years because I wanted to honor the leaders God placed in my life.

I don’t want anyone else to be burdened with the shame and guilt that I carried for literally over a decade because of this poor teaching. I wanted to center this book both in my story and in the truths we find in the Bible as a way to show people that both my story and God support the ideas we’re talking about here.

• What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

My favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:31 – “If God is for us, who can be against us?” This is the most powerful rhetorical question in the history of the world. It declares the awesome truth that the Creator of the universe, the most powerful being there ever was, looks upon us and chooses us. He chooses not only to pay attention to us (which is amazing in its own right), but even more than that, he chooses to be for us.

Nothing ought to shake us as we gather into our spirit and allow it to settle there. Even when darkness and challenges comes, which Jesus promises they will, we can rest assured that God is for and us with us. When the tears fall down our face because it’s just that hard, God is right by our side, perhaps even crying with us.

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

All the individual pieces related to my pour-over coffee. I have a nice cup of coffee to start every morning, and usually another one in the early afternoon to get me through the day. I am a bit of a coffee snob though, so I can’t just have a cup of joe from the Keurig. I need to make sure the coffee is ground at the right fineness, and then the water needs to be at the perfect temperature. Once that happens, I need to coffee grounds to bloom for just the right amount of time before I complete the pour. Like I said, I’m a bit of a snob. We all have our vices right? If coffee is my worst, that’s not so bad.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, July 27 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 27

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, July 28 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, July 29 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, July 30 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, July 31

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 1 (Author Interview)

Through the Fire Blogs, August 2 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 3

Blossoms and Blessings, August 4 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 5

Stories By Gina, August 6 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, August 7 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, August 8 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 9 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, August 9

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Chris is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book, and an Audible copy of Whispers in the Pews: Voices on Mental Illness in the Church!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2dbd9/resilient-and-redeemed-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Leading Ladies: Discover Your God-Grown Strategy for Success

Authors: Amber Weigand-Buckley & Lisa Burris Burns

Genre: Christian Leadership and Religious Leadership

Release Date: May 25, 2023

SISTERS, IT’S TIME TO GET DOWN TO BUSINESS!

Find out how to step up to God’s calling as these daring women redefine what leadership looks like. Authentic and heartfelt stories of world-changing women leaders of every hue, background, and job description, teach us by example how to battle to find our passion, connect with our gifts, and maintain forward-focused momentum in every season of life.

Join authors Amber Weigand-Buckley and Lisa Burris Burns — along with Babbie Mason, Candace Payne, Jacquelyn Marushka, Martha Bolton, Katy Nichole, Kymberlie Joye, and so many more powerhouse women–as they explore leadership purpose, and living a life that counts.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors

Meet Amber

Amber Weigand-Buckley is an author, speaker, multi-award-winning magazine editor, and art director, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (awsa.com) marketing director, Bold Vision Books’ creative director, and owner of #barefacedcreativemedia (barefacedcreativemedia.com). The Springfield, Missouri native navigates bipolar and anxiety disorder while embracing her best life. At its peak, her mental illness almost caused her to take her own life. Amber is a mental health advocate who knows that a diagnosis does not disqualify you from God’s leadership call.Amber, whose vision birthed Leading Ladies: Discover Your God-Grown Strategy for Success, is energized by helping world-changing women of all hues, backgrounds, and walks of life to find their wings, hone their skills, and take their God-call to the next level.

She has two grown daughters, Saffron, Imogen, and one teen Penelope, with Philip, her British hubby of 28 years, two Great Pyrenees pups—Stanley and Stuart, and a zoo of exotic pets.

Meet Lisa

The diagnosis of an autoimmune disorder initially shattered LISA BURRIS BURNS’ ministry dreams as a vocalist and worship leader. Despite this, God opened opportunities for her journey and abilities to expand beyond what she ever anticipated for herself — to acting, stage performance, set design, and writing. As a vocal and performance coach with K.C. Superstar, a Kansas City-based competition likened to “American Idol,” she is passionate about fine-tuning artists’ creative expressions. Lisa thrives on the artistic process, especially everything yarn and crafty.

This avid Kansas City Chiefs fan lives with her husband, Randy, in Blue Springs, Missouri. The Burns have served in marriage and family ministry since 1988. They have six fantastic children, two amazing son-in-loves, and five adorable granddaughters.

More from Amber and Lisa

Are you ready to discover your God-given gifts and move in forward in all that He’s called you to be? Leading Ladies: Discover Your God-Grown Strategy for Success will help you identify your unique leadership abilities.

For a limited time, get the inspirational song “Lead Me On” recorded by Michaelah Weaver for FREE when your register as a Leading Ladies VIP at leadingladies.life.

Let “Lead Me On” be your empowering anthem as you read Leading Ladies and learn to boldly walk in your purpose. Download the song and book excerpt now at leadingladies.life!

Interview with the Authors

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

Lisa: I would have to say that being true to who created me, and how he has equipped me, is to be successful. I don’t have to strive for what others have or are called to do.

Amber: Success, for me, is doing what God has called you to do—whether perceived as success or failure. Obedience, even in lack, invites miracles.

2)Which chapter was the most difficult to write?

Lisa: The last…my own!

3)What inspired this book?

Lisa: My co-author Amber says that it started with a question, “Do you recognize the gifts I’ve placed within you—and how I’ve equipped YOU to lead?”

4)Which author influenced you the most?

Amber: While working on the book, Tracy Glass, the author of Chapter 2, threw a curveball: “Are you afraid to lead boldly because you are afraid to stand out or are you ashamed of your story?” It hit home—I was still grappling with shame. Another contributor, Veronica Clay, opened my eyes to a new understanding of rest.

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

Lisa: Philippians 3:12-14 has been especially important to me as we’ve traveled the past 2 years with the book, and I just keep coming back to it. There were moments that Amber and I both were pressed beyond what we thought we were capable of. While we knew God was present every step, we also felt the stretching of those moments. It was so good  of God to use us! Philippians 3:12-14 has continued to help in spite of my insecurities and inadequacies … Forget the past, look forward,and keep going!

Amber: Romans 4:17-18 aligns with our book’s theme—God calls things into being that weren’t. He turns pain into purpose, brokenness into healing, sorrow into joy. As we walk by faith, like Abraham, God transforms us, writing incredible stories. This verse embodies the hope I share through our book, Leading Ladies, and all I do. In moments of feeling stuck, God revives our dreams and reveals our calling—often unexpectedly.

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

Lisa: That they will be inspired to walk more fully in the knowledge of who they are in Jesus.

7) What is your vacation spot?

Lisa: I’m not sure that I’m a very good vacationer! I do have a really special place owned by dear friends on a lake in southern Missouri that brings me a great deal of peace and the ability to breathe deeply. It’s a place that I can go to re-charge and rest emotionally, mentally and physically.

8)What are you reading right now?

Lisa: I just started the new Jackie Hill Perry devotional Upon Waking, and Ann Voskamp’s Waymaker

Amber: I’m rereading the new issue of Leading Hearts magazine before it goes to print. As the editor and art director, I have to read it at least a dozen times, then I rest my eyes for the rest of the day.

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

Lisa: My Ninja coffee  maker is my best friend!

Amber: My trusty panini press for killer grilled cheese. Also, the gas fire pit for toasting marshmallows and the blackstone griddle for hibachi – not that committed in winter, though.

Blog Stops

Godly Book Reviews, February 16

Artistic Nobody, February 17 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, February 18 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 18

Simple Harvest Reads, February 19 (Author Interview)

She Lives to Read, February 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 21 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 22

Beauty in the Binding, February 23 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 24

For the Love of Literature, February 25 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 26

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 27 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, February 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 28

A Reader’s Brain, February 29 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Amber and Lisa are giving away the grand prize package of a copy of the book and a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2a0cf/leading-ladies-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Water’s Break

Author: Sophia Hansen

Genre: YA sci-fi

Release Date: January 9, 2024

What if fear itself is the deadliest undercurrent of all?

Nica would do anything to avoid the hassles of her sister’s bonding ceremony—the wrap fittings, hairstyles, and braided fire coral—but she never imagined that the waters covering her planet would be broken. As the heavens rained fire and stone, mountains erupted from the sea and dry ground was birthed on the Deep, dividing the water—and the Olomi people—for the first time in their history.

In the wake of her world’s violent re-formation, Nica’s family is shattered. When the rookie Guardian leaves the safety of the Deep to find her sister, she is abducted by strange landwalkers who possess strength and technology beyond her imagination. Nica realizes that the disaster from above was by their design—a calculated plan to terraform the water planet and conquer her people. All Nica wants to do is find her sister and swim home to safety, but with the landwalkers closing in, escape may not be possible. And if Nica can’t save herself, how can she hope to save her sister—or her people?

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Mindy

This debut novel by Sophia Larsen takes us into a deep underwater world where community thrives with love and security. When land dwellers arrive to colonize and save their own dying race, the waters break and the people of the water are broken and enslaved. The underwater world’s culture and language were portrayed in beautiful detail. The chapters flowed well and the book was easy to read. 

About the Author

Sophia L. Hansen, raised in the melded cultures of Korea and America, understands not fitting into society’s boxes. Born on a tiny island in Alaska, then growing up in New York City and Boston, she now resides in the Southeast, writing and editing between fresh(ish) cups of coffee and slices of crisp bacon. She embraces life with her husband, their adulting children, and her new grandson, but her favorites are Jesus, family, coffee, and dark chocolate, mostly in that order.

More from Sophia

Once upon a time, there was a mom.
A mom with many children.
She was a very busy mom.
One day the pastor’s wife asked her to write something for the Christmas program.
“Why would you ask me?” she replied. “I’m just a mom.”
“Because you love words,” was the quiet answer.
When the mom heard this, she realized it was true. And so, she began to write.

The Beginning

~

Stories don’t grow in a vacuum. Neither do they flourish in a pressure cooker. Our ideas are like seeds; full of potential but needing time and space to germinate. My season of writing started after more than a decade of birthing, raising, and educating my children. We had five at the time and I was full up. There was little space in church activities for attached moms whose children didn’t nursery well, and I spent more of my Sunday mornings in the playground rather than the pews. Then, finally, a friend invited me to a study in her home, and all children were welcome.

As my soul feasted on the fellowship, Bible study, and sharing, I felt like a child sitting down to a holiday meal. I’d been so busy taking care of others that I didn’t remember what it was like to have an oxygen mask for myself. It had been far too long since my spiritual self had been nourished. Out of that beautiful season the seeds of my words, long dormant, began to sprout, including my what ifs about what would become the world of Water’s Break.

Water’s Break dives into Nica’s world, a water-covered planet inhabited by amphibian people. When disaster strikes, landmasses rise from the seabed, separating the water and its people for the first time in their history. Nica’s family is devastated: her father is gravely injured, her sister is missing, and her mother, grief-stricken. Nica, a rookie Guardian, is determined to find her sister and bring her home, even if it means she must venture out of the Deep. But no one knows what lies in wait abovewater.

I hope your hearts are encouraged as you join Nica’s fight to survive in a sea of oppression. And when survival is not enough, will she risk everything to choose life?

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, January 30

Exploring the Written Word, January 31

Blogging With Carol, February 1

Artistic Nobody, February 2 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 4

Guild Master, February 5 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, February 5

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 6

Beauty in the Binding, February 7 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 8

Wishful Endings, February 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 10

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 11 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, February 11

Simple Harvest Reads, February 12 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sophia is giving away the grand prize package of a signed hardcover with swag (bookmark, stickers, character cards)!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/29b05/water-s-break-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Bride by Beguilement

Author: Debbie Lynne Costello

Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Release Date: September 25, 2023

Kirsten Macleod is in a bind. Her father’s last will and testament stipulates that she must either marry, lead the plantation into a first year profit, or forfeit it to her uncle. But marriage is proving no easy option. Every suitor seems more enamored with the land than with her. Until her handsome neighbor sweeps into her stable to the rescue… of her beloved horse.

Silas Westbrook’s last year at veterinary school ends abruptly when he is called home to care for his young orphaned sisters. Troubles compound when he finds an insurmountable lien on the only home they’ve ever known, and the unscrupulous banker is calling in the loan. The neighbor’s kind-hearted and beautiful stable girl, Krissy, provides the feminine influence the girls desperately need. If only he had a future to offer her. But to save his sisters from poverty, he should set his sights on Krissy’s wealthy relative Kirsten Macleod, the elusive new heiress. Surely this hard-working and unassuming young lady and the landowner could not be one and the same?

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:

Bride by Beguilement by Debbie Lynne Costello is the second book in the Moonlight and Magnolia series. It is set in Sunset, Texas in 1881.  The book follows Heiress Kristen Macleod and veterinary student Silas Westbrook.

What you might need to know:

 Kristen and Silas both lost their parents prior to the start of this book.

What I think about this book:

When a fortune is at stake mystery lies at every corner and danger abounds. Kristen has been thrust into the role of Heiress and doesn’t know who to trust.  Silas has come home to find his father had to mortgage their farm and he is going to have to have a miracle to save it. When misunderstandings stop their budding relationship, love seems like the least of their worries. I really enjoyed this story. Costello did an amazing job creating characters and a story that kept me engaged from first page to last. I look forward to reading more!

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

About the Author

Debbie Lynne Costello has enjoyed writing stories since she was eight years old. She raised her family and then embarked on her own career of writing the stories that had been begging to be told. She and her husband have four children and live in upstate South Carolina. She has worked in many capacities in her church and is currently the Children’s Director. She loves the Lord and hopes people will be uplifted and inspired by her writing. Debbie Lynne has shown and raised Shetland Sheepdogs for eighteen years and still enjoys litters now and then. In their spare time, she and her husband take pleasure in camping and riding their Arabian and Tennessee Walking horses.

More from Debbie

I’ve always believed that a great book can go unknown without a great cover. What makes me say that? You’ll never know what’s in the book if you don’t read the back cover and you’ll never read the back cover if you don’t pick up the book and you won’t pick up the book unless the cover grabs you. I loved the cover of book one. It was perfect for the story. That left me feeling a bit anxious about the cover for book two. With the hero being a veterinarian who owned a horse farm and a heroine with a sick horse, the cover needed a horse. But let me tell you, there just aren’t that many horse models out there.

Most publishers and book designers don’t allow the author to submit a photo to use. I mean that just isn’t the way it’s done—and understandably so. There is a certain quality that has to be adhered to. Can you imagine what covers would look like if we could use our phones to take our cover picture? Well…I just happen to know a very capable photographer so I took a gamble and asked the cover editor if I could submit a picture of my horse, Trigger for the cover. To my surprise, they asked for copies of the photographer’s work, which I happily supplied. The cover editor was quite impressed and okayed the idea.

So with a photographer, a beautiful young lady, some 19^th century clothes, and my boy Trigger, I was part of the photo shoot, explaining how I envisioned the pose. When the pictures came back I was ecstatic! They were exactly what I was wanting. And better yet, the cover designer liked them as well!

I’m now trying to figure out how I can get Trigger to hold a book so I can take his picture with the cover. If you have any ideas, let me know! If you’d like to see more pictures of Trigger, you can see him on my FB page with my ‘through the ears of a horse’ posts.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, January 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 20

Mary Hake, January 20

She Lives to Read, January 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 22

lakesidelivingsite, January 23

Lighthouse Academy Blog, January 23 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Betti Mace, January 24

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 25

Holly’s Book Corner, January 25

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 26 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 27

Britt Reads Fiction, January 28

Texas Book-aholic, January 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 30

Simple Harvest Reads, January 31 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, February 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Debbie is giving away the grand prize package of an apron kitchen set (as pictured), a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a signed copy of my book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/297cf/bride-by-beguilement-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Quest of Fire: Resurgence of Dawn

Author: Brett Armstrong

Genre: Christian, Epic Fantasy

Release Date: December 19, 2023

Hope returns with the dawn…

Haunted by tragedies and failures, Anargen and Jason each struggle to find their way. Night has fallen in the Lowlands and neither teen has an easy road ahead. In Anargen’s Era, Monarch Ilyron’s powers and influence grow, forcing Anargen and his dwindling list of allies to travel the length of the Lowlands in a desperate attempt to keep the Quest and all they hold dear from falling into ruin.

Jason meanwhile must find Aria and her grandfather to help unite the Knights of Light from across the Lowlands against his brother, Dorian. But agents of darkness and painful vestiges of his past mix with vindictive new enemies to make the hope of seeing the dawn of the longed-for King’s Day ever so faint. If either teen gives in and surrenders, doom will come swiftly on their world.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Brett Armstrong has been exploring other worlds as a writer since age nine. Years later, he still writes, but now invites others along on his excursions. He’s shown readers haunting, deep historical fiction (Destitutio Quod Remissio), scary-real dystopian sci-fi (Day Moon and Veiled Sun), and dark, sweeping epic fantasy (Quest of Fire). Every story is a journey of discovery and an attempt to be a brush in the Master Artist’s hand. Through dark, despair, light, joy, and everything in between, the end is always meant to leave his fellow literary explorers with wonder and hope. Always busy with a new story, he also enjoys drawing, gardening, and spending time with his wife and son.

More from Brett

Resurgence of Dawn takes the main characters, Anargen and Jason, and those they care deepest about through some intense trials. Everything seems to be falling apart around them and each character has a mountain of guilt weighing down on top of them. They know that their mistakes in Shadows at Nightfall enabled the forces of darkness to advance their evil campaign. The lives of others they cared about were lost or endangered and the Quest is overlooking the precipice of failure and ruin. They have repented of their errors and turned back onto the path of light but these consequences still haunt them. And in that haunting lies a continuingly heinous fear that they will falter again. Things are only complicated further when trusted allies abandon and betray them.

Epic fantasy stories are often filled with darkness, but the best of these stories show that the light is never so far away as we imagine. When I write the entries in this series, I’m acutely aware that in our world too it seems as if darkness is winning the war. It’s my sincere hope that as readers encounter the perseverance and surrender to the High King’s will that Anargen, Jason, and so many other characters choose to pursue, they will be encouraged to do the same in our world. I have watched friends fall away from the faith, been buffeted by the storms of life, and been battered by the continual assault on my faith that come from living in our fallen world. I know others have endured the same and often far worse. So, if these stories of Knights and valor and steadfastness as the world crumbles can encourage one person to pursue the Light and hold fast to the Way, the Truth, and the Life; then every hour spent in dreaming and drafting and agonizing over edits is worth it to me. Stories can and should entertain, but they should also inspire and encourage readers to face the real world when the story ends.  All the more, because “the night is far gone; the day is at hand.” *

* Romans 13:12a, ESV

Interview with the Author

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

My writing chair is a pretty mobile thing. Since I work a full-time job and try to keep from impinging on family time, I tend to write when I can, where I can. Lately, that’s been in our living room after my family is asleep. It’s quiet, open, has a nice comfy chair, and so long as I don’t pay attention to our low-level chaos in the room I can usually focus pretty well. In general, I write on my laptop or type on my phone and transfer it later to help keep my notes organized. I also do some sketching, so I have blank paper on hand for that and reference maps to help with keeping things straight geographically in Quest of Fire. I also have a mini encyclopedia I maintain on the series that I reference quite a bit.

What inspired this book?

All of Quest of Fire has been inspired by Scripture referring to the Lord Jesus as the King of Kings. When I first started writing what became Quest of Fire, I realized kind of early on that particularly in America we tend to have a disconnect with what kingship means. At the same time, throughout Scripture God is referred to as a consuming fire and when the Holy Spirit comes down in Acts chapter 2 tongues of fire appeared over those receiving Him. So those are motifs that get repeated throughout the series and are central to it. At the same time, there are repeated points where the main characters are faced with a choice, keep true to their oaths to the High King or turn back. Usually this is when things are at their bleakest and victory seems impossible. All of us face that same choice regularly, but especially in our low points, so I wanted to tell stories that would encourage those reading it to hold fast to their faith even when things are hard. Not to mention, Quest of Fire is two threads of a saga woven into one. Jason’s understanding of things, his response to them is informed by what happens in Anargen’s era and you see that unfolding together, the things that shaped Anargen also shape Jason, because he’s benefitted by the stories of what Anargen endured and overcame. That’s central to all of the Quest of Fire series.

In Resurgence of Dawn, there’s explicitly a theme of survivor’s guilt. Both Jason and Anargen are trying to hold themselves together as they watch the Quest seemingly fall apart around them and they blame themselves for it. For Anargen, he really has to lean on those still with him and Jason in turn leans on the example Anargen left behind for him, which echoes back to the central theme of the series, that much like the stories in Scripture, sometimes what happens in our lives echo beyond ourselves or even our own lifetime to encourage others to stand firm during the hardest moments in life.

Which character did you connect to best in this book?

I relate the best to Anargen, because his background leading into the books is the most similar to mine. I thoroughly enjoy going on adventures with Jason, because he’s a fun character and someone who has been through some of the worst in life and the world, but still is pursuing the Truth. I just feel like when Anargen makes choices, good or bad, I can see myself making the same ones. Which makes things really tricky, because there are points where I want him to not choose something, but the story is leading one direction and I know, without the foresight into what’s ahead I would make some of the same mistakes. At the same time, when he has a victory, I guess I celebrate it a little bit more. Though by this point in the series, I care very deeply about all of the main characters, even some of the villains. If for no other reason on the latter’s behalf then I know their backgrounds too and I really want them to not push deeper into the dark.

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

Near the end, Jason and Aria are desperate to help SPOILER escape SPOILER. While in one location in particular, they face some incredibly evil enemies and uncover secrets from Jason’s past he had forgotten or blocked out from memory. I’m not a huge fan of writing dark things and about the most wicked beings in the Lowlands. It hurts to see the characters I care about in those situations and so I feel like there’s always a risk of making things too light, too easy and it not feeling believable or as compelling as it should be. It makes those scenes more stressful to write and I’m always never about whether I got it right or not.

What does success as an author look like to you?

To build on what we were just talking about, even though I don’t want to diminish the dark the characters must face to ease my own anxieties and concern for them, readers don’t need to see darkness and despair in a story for their own sake. They need to see those things be overcome and done in such a way that they too see the darkness they face in real life as conquerable. Of course, we know Christ has overcome the world and that darkness cannot overcome His light. We also know that “this is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” But sometimes we need extra reminders and often to keep our eyes fixed on the Author and Finisher of our faith. To come alongside each other and help each other through those hard times and I feel like that’s where stories like Resurgence of Dawn come in. Flawed characters in the process of being “built up in the faith” and “taking up their cross daily” even as they face tumultuous circumstances. If even one reader sees that and is encouraged in his or her faith to keep pressing on until the day they go to be with the Lord then that is success.

It would be a lie for me to say I don’t want the other traditional hallmarks of success—I need good sales to be able to keep publishing stories. I want readers to enjoy the books I write. I want them to win awards. But all those things are things that give me comfort and make me think, “Oh, I’m a good writer. I’m doing well.” Really, that’s not where my conviction to continue writing or my sense of these words’ worth should come from. It has to come from the Lord and knowing that so long as I’m following His leading, the outcome is in His hands and will be exactly what it needs to be. That is so hard sometimes to hold onto. In another interview I mentioned one of my favorite stories is when Christ walked on the water and the Apostle Peter went out to meet him. Much like Peter, it’s easy to be distracted by the storms around us. So, the Lord regularly has to grab me, keep me above the waves, and hold my focus on Him instead. That is success as a writer for me. Knowing that wherever I’m at in my writer journey or within a story world, I’m following Him.

What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

For a long time now what the Apostle Paul wrote in his second epistle to Timothy has really resonated with me. Especially the portion of the letter in chapter one verses eight through fourteen, with verse twelve being particularly special to me:

 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

Thank you for letting us get to know you better!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 5

Artistic Nobody, December 6 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 7

Simple Harvest Reads, December 8 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, December 8

Texas Book-aholic, December 9

Through the Fire Blogs, December 10 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 11

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 12

For the Love of Literature, December 13 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, December 14

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 15 (Author Interview)

Splashes of Joy, December 16 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, December 16

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

Guild Master, December 18

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Brett is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, copy of Resurgence of Dawn, and digital extras (exclusive map and music)!!

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/29247/resurgence-of-dawn-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Killer Christmas Evidence

Author: Sami A. Abrams

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 24, 2023

The search for a criminal…becomes a fight for survival.

The moment detective Cassidy Bowman links a chain of suspicious deaths to a serial killer, she becomes the deadly assassin’s number one target. But a blow to the head robs her of her memory and she can’t put the pieces of the case back together alone. Can she convince detective Kyle Howard to help her catch the culprit by proving her theory…before the killer succeeds in taking Cassidy’s life?

Clicke here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:
Killer Christmas Evidence by Sami A. Abrams is a Love Inspired Romantic Suspense. It is the fourth book in the Deputies of Anderson County Series. While it can be a standalone novel it does involve characters from previous books in the series, I highly recommend reading them prior to reading this as they are great books and help you understand the team dynamic.

What you might need to know:
Cassidy and Kyle have both suffered great loss, and dealt with their grief in different ways.

What I think about this book:
This was a fantastic Suspense with deep emotional elements. Cassidy was a very complex character, driven by several factors. I really appreciate how her character developed throughout the story. Kyle was so angry that he cut all ties with Cassidy after his Fiancé’s death. It was interesting to read about how his opinions changed when Cassidy’s life was put in danger. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what happens next in Anderson County.

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

Award-winning, bestselling author Sami Abrams grew up hating to read. It wasn’t until her 30’s that she found authors that captured her attention. Now, most evenings, you can find her engrossed in a Romantic Suspense. In her opinion, a crime and a little romance is the recipe for a great story.

She lives in Northern California, but she will always be a Kansas girl at heart. She has a love of sports, family, and travel. However, a cabin at Lake Tahoe writing her next story is definitely at the top of her list.

More from Sami

While coming up with the idea for Kyle and Cassidy’s story, Killer Christmas Evidence, I loved the idea of a serial killer that no one knew about. Someone who killed in different places and in different ways to avoid detection. Kim Rossmo’s theory on Geographic Profiling was intriguing, and I wanted to implement that concept. But, as I started to write, I realized the idea was too big for a Love Inspired Suspense length book, so I had to adjust the story a bit to fit the situation. The basics are there, just not the details I had hoped for.

However, when I sat down to write and I got to know Kyle and Cassidy a little better, I realized the story wasn’t about the stealth serial killer, but about learning to let go of guilt and learning to forgive. How many times in our lives due to being hurt or the pain of loss do we assume we know the truth? Yet, if we listened—really listened—we discover not everything is what is appears to be. And the truth is not painful, but healing.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 24

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 24

The Avid Reader, October 25

Lighthouse-Academy, October 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 26

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 27

Blogging With Carol, October 27

Britt Reads Fiction, October 28

Simple Harvest Reads, October 28 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 29

Elly Gilbert, October 29

Betti Mace, October 30

Texas Book-aholic, October 30

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 31 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 31

She Lives To Read, November 1

The Sacred Line, November 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 2

For Him and My Family, November 2

Blossoms and Blessings, November 3

EmpowerMoms, November 3

Holly’s Book Corner, November 4

Raining Butterfly Kisses, November 4

Splashes of Joy, November 5

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 5

Pause for Tales, November 6

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 6

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/28970/killer-christmas-evidence-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Light of Eidon

Author: Karen Hancock

Genre: Fantasy (reprint)

Release Date: July 11, 2023

Special Hardcover Edition of a Classic Christian Fantasy

Abramm has dedicated the last eight years of his life to becoming worthy to touch and tend the Sacred Flames of Eidon, and he expects to be blessed for his devotion and sacrifice. But on the eve of taking the vows that will irrevocably separate him from the life he was born to—as Abramm Kalladorne, fifth son of the king of Kiriath—he is betrayed by his spiritual mentor and sold into slavery by his brothers.

Swept along by the winds of a new destiny, Abramm is forced to compete as a gladiator. When the oppressed masses rally around his success, he discovers his suffering has molded him into something greater than he ever thought possible—to serve a purpose he never imagined.

Set in a world of swords and cloaks, of glittering palaces and mystical temples, of galley ships and ancient mist-bound cities, The Light of Eidon is the first volume of an epic series, Legends of the Guardian- King.

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Mindy

I can totally see why this book won the Christy Award in 2004 when it was first published and why Karen Hancock holds the enviable spot in the Christy Award Hall of Fame. Now with an updated and streamlined cover from Enclave Publishing, the book is gorgeous inside and out. It’s a completely engaging allegory-fantasy novel that unfurls an epic adventure full of magic and good triumphing over evil. As characters navigate through pain, loss, and sacrifice, they learn about perseverance, true faith, and sense of purpose and calling. There is plenty of action in the gladiator games that is reminiscent of the movie Thor : Ragnarok.

Told from Abramm and Carissa’s third person point of view, we get to see the twins’ growth and maturation as they leave the country they have become disillusioned with and enter a cruel new culture that only seeks to use them. Their journey to finding each other is fraught with betrayal, heartbreak, and agonizing soul-searching. Abramm becomes a warrior from his priestly scholar beginnings and I expect he’s on his way to becoming a fierce king. I can’t wait to read the next book. My favorite character was Trap Meridon – the faithful, patient, steadfast, loyal protector of Abramm; I hope to see more of him in the series. The book is a little longer than my usual fare but I gobbled it up in no time.

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

About the Author

Karen Hancock has won Christy Awards for each of her first four novels—Arena and the first three books in the Legends of the Guardian-King series, The Light of Eidon, The Shadow Within, and Shadow over Kiriath. She graduated from the University of Arizona with bachelor’s degrees in biology and wildlife biology. Along with writing, she is a semi-professional watercolorist and has exhibited her work in a number of national juried shows. She and her family reside in Arizona.

Excerpt from the Book

“WHY DO WE SERVE THE FLAMES?”

“Toward the realm from Shadow.”

“Why must we guard our purity?”

“To keep the Flames strong and bright.”

They sat cross-legged on the barge cabin’s single, narrow bunk, facing each other—Novice and discipler—their voices alternating in a steady rhythm of question and answer that had gone unbroken for nearly an hour. Since the noon prayer service, they had been reviewing the six codices of the First Guardian Station, codices Eldrin must know tomorrow for the final test of his novitiate. He had long since learned them so well he could answer without hesitation, but he didn’t mind the repetition. Right now it was just the sort of superficial mental occupation he needed to keep his thoughts off . . . other things.

“What is the source of the Shadow?” asked his discipler, one bony, ink-stained finger pressed to the page of the open catechism in his lap.

“The arrogance of Moroq conceived it,” Eldrin replied. “The passions of the flesh sustain it.” “Who is Moroq?”

“The dark son of Eidon and Lord Ruler of the rhu’ema. The Adversary. No man can stand against him, save One.”

“And that One is?”

“Eidon, Lord of Light, Creator of All, Defender of Man. Soon may he come, and swift be his judgment.”

The rhythm ended, and the silence that filled the void after it made Eldrin’s ears ring. He noticed the heat again, the sweat trickling down his chest beneath his wool tunic, the stifling mantle of his long, unbound hair weighing on his back. A fitful breeze danced through the high, open portal in the bulkhead, carrying the river’s dank odor and a disharmonious chorus of voices from the crowds on its bank. Thunder rumbled out of the distance.

Anxiety, held at bay by the long recitation, came oozing back. Soon they would be docking, disembarking, and marching up to the temple to begin the long ritual that would end with his initiation as a Guardian of the Holy Flames. Or not, if things went badly.

His discipler, Brother Belmir, smiled at him over small, round spectacles. “Flawless, as usual. Shall we do another?”

“I defer to your judgment, Brother.” Eldrin uncrossed his legs and recrossed them in opposite order, wincing as feeling tingled back.

“We’ll do a random selection, then.” Belmir leafed through the catechism, yellowed pages just brushing the slender gray braid that dangled over his shoulder. He was a small, birdlike man, all bones and angles, with a deeply lined face and shrewd gray eyes behind the spectacles. He wore the four gold cords of his station at his left wrist and, at his throat, the ruby amulet all Guardians were granted upon acceptance into the Holy Brotherhood of the Mataio.

Tomorrow Eldrin should receive an amulet of his own.

It was a day he had anticipated for eight long years; now the closer it got, the more uneasy he became. What if he walked up to the lip of the great bronze brazier tomorrow and the Flames rejected him?

Blog Stops

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, July 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 23

Texas Book-aholic, July 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 25

Romances of the Cross, July 25

Aryn the Libraryan, July 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 27

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, July 28

The Book Club Network, July 29

Blogging With Carol, July 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 31

Simple Harvest Reads, August 1 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Artistic Nobody, August 2 (Spotlight)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 3

Through the Fire Blogs, August 4 (Spotlight)

Of Blades and Thorns, August 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Barnes & Noble Gift card and a hardcover copy of The Light of Eidon!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/26ba5/the-light-of-eidon-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Amish Wilderness Survival

Author: Mary Alford

Genre: (Amish) Romantic Suspense

Release date: March 28, 2023

To stay alive, she must escape a killer’s clutches. . .

When her brother goes missing, Leora Mast will do anything to find him…even if it means putting her life in danger. Upon arriving in Montana, she finds an ally in Fletcher Shetler, but almost as soon as they meet, they’re running for their lives. With Fletcher’s help, Leora must unravel the truth about her brother’s disappearance…before the man who wants them dead tracks them down.

Book Excerpt

Even when he’d had the flu,

Ethan had checked in daily because not only was he a partner in Fletcher,

Ethan and Mason’s hunting guide business, but he was also a key member of the county’s search and rescue team.

Now, with the cold setting in and hunting season looming, the chance of someone getting lost up in the mountains would increase dangerously with

the influx of hunters roaming the countryside. Ethan would want to be around to respond to calls.

So where was he?

The knot in Fletcher’s stomach wouldn’t let him simply dismiss his concerns and go about his daily chores. If something had happened to his friend and he did nothing, Fletcher wouldn’t be able to forgive himself.

He smacked his palms against the kitchen counter, grabbed his coat and headed out the door, the decision made. He’d ride over to Ethan’s and check

on the dogs; see for himself that everything was okay. Maybe Ethan had

returned exhausted from his trip. That would explain why he wasn’t answering any of Fletcher’s calls. This was the outcome he hoped for, and

yet the little niggling at the back of his mind wouldn’t let him accept it.

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here

About the Author

Mary Alford grew up in a small Texas town famous for, well not much of anything really. Being the baby of the family and quite a bit younger than her two brothers and her sister, Mary had plenty of time to entertain herself. Making up stories seemed to come naturally to her.

As a preteen, Mary discovered Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt and knew instinctively that was what she wanted to do with her over-active imagination.

She wrote her first novel as a teen, (it’s tucked away somewhere never to see the light of day), but never really pursued her writing career seriously until a few years later, when she wrote her first inspirational romantic suspense and was hooked.

Today, Mary lives in Texas with her husband and loves to create characters who face dangerous situations with faith on their side.

Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook, Twitter, or any of the social media platforms listed at maryalford.net.