Mail-Order Baroness Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Mail-Order Baroness

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 10, 2026

Five sons of an English duke, all raised in the Rocky Mountains…

James Balfour, the charming middle son of an English duke, is determined to prove he’s capable of taking leadership of his family’s Montana ranch as the next deadly winter approaches. With the household stretched to its limits, James crafts a clever plan to hire Rose Prescott—his childhood best friend—and to right an old wrong.

Rose’s remarkable singing voice was meant to be her gift, but in Virginia City, it’s become her curse. Forced by her stepfather to perform nightly shows, she dreams of escape and a life free from his control. When a newspaper ad for a housekeeper offers her a way out, she risks everything and flees, hoping her stepfather can’t find her. She never expected to return to the Balfour ranch, nor to see James again, whose charm now reminds her too much of the men who’ve betrayed her before.

James’s desire to protect Rose is shaken when his old friend treats him like an enemy. Winning her trust becomes his greatest challenge yet. As tensions rise on the ranch, old secrets and new dangers threaten everything James and his family have built.

With enemies closing in, Rose must decide whom she can trust—and whether she’s willing to fight for the freedom and love she’s always longed for.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a royal family saga featuring a mail-order bride, a second chance romance, and an aristocratic marriage of convenience…all set in the rugged Montana Territory.

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Marilyn

This was a pleasant Christian historical fiction set in Montana. The Balfour sons loved the life they had established in Montana but sure missed their mother and others who had first arrived in Montana. James never forgot Rose and wanted to bring her back. but how will he accomplished that when she was so young when she left?

The plot, events, characters, and a shady villain kept the story flowing till the end. I enjoyed how their father could be a part with his connections to respectable men in the area, that could assist with the issues that arose with James and Rose. Mrs. Wang is a beautiful soul and sure loved her position on the Balfour ranch, the young men and despondent Rose. As Misty Beller is known for she interweaves God’s unconditional love for all no matter their life choices or what they were forced to do.

I received an early copy of this book from Wild Heart Books and the author as part of the book tour. I have expressed my own thoughts.

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is an ECPA and USA Today bestselling author with over 1 million books sold. She writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

More from Misty

Hello Reader Friends!

I’m so excited to be back with you in the Lords of the Rockies world—where Regency roots and Montana grit collide in the best kind of way.

When I first dreamed up this series, I couldn’t stop thinking about what would happen if five sons of an English duke were raised far from ballrooms and titled expectations…out in the wide-open wilderness instead. No polished drawing rooms. No London Season. Just rugged mountains, hard work, and the kind of faith that’s tested (and strengthened) when survival itself requires perseverance.

And now I’m thrilled to share the newest installment with you…

Welcome to Mail-Order Baroness!

One of my favorite things about writing romance is getting to explore the truth that God is always in the business of redemption—of taking what’s been broken and offering something new. That’s one reason I especially love the second-chance romance trope.

There’s just something so moving about two people who have already been hurt—by life, by circumstances, sometimes even by each other—and yet are given an unexpected opportunity to try again. Not because everything is suddenly easy, but because they’re different now. Wiser. Humbled. More aware of what truly matters.

In Mail-Order Baroness, you’ll find a love story rooted in that kind of hope—the kind that doesn’t ignore the past, but doesn’t let the past have the final word either.

If you enjoy stories with:

old wounds that still ache
hard-earned forgiveness
trust rebuilt one choice at a time
and the gentle reminder that God can restore what feels beyond saving

…then I think this one will tug at your heart.

At its core, this book is about a fresh start that doesn’t come from pretending yesterday didn’t happen—but from bravely stepping forward anyway, learning to hope again, and discovering that the Lord can write something beautiful even after disappointment.

I pray you love Mail-Order Baroness! J

Blessings!

Misty

Blog Stops

Sydney Schmied Books, March 14

Madi’s Musings, March 14

Pause for Tales, March 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 15

Holly’s Book Corner, March 15

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 16

Simple Harvest Reads, March 16 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 17

Texas Book-aholic, March 17

Slyvan Musings, March 18

Devoted To Hope, March 18

Melissa’s Bookshelf, March 18

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 20

She Lives To Read, March 21

For Him and My Family, March 21

Life on Chickadee Lane, March 22

Book Looks by Lisa, March 22

Cover Lover Book Review, March 22

lakesidelivingsite, March 23

Lyssa Loves Books, March 23

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 24

Fruitfully Planted, March 24

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 25

Connie’s History Classroom, March 26

Artistic Nobody, March 26 (Guest Review from Donna)

Blossoms and Blessings, March 27

Mary Hake, March 27

Giveaway

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

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

https://gleam.io/F0qYE/mail-order-baroness-celebration-tour-giveaway

Fear, Faith, & Freedom Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Fear, Faith, & Freedom, Breaking Through Life’s Challenges with God’s Help

Author: Jenn Dafoe-Turner

Genre: Christian Memoir/Devotional

Release Date: November 25, 2025

Fear, Faith, and Freedom: Breaking Through Life’s Battles with God’s Help is a raw, redemptive journey from despair to deliverance. With deep vulnerability and spiritual clarity, author Jenn Dafoe-Turner invites readers into her story of pain, trauma, addiction, and ultimately, transformation through the power of Jesus Christ. Blending compelling personal narrative with creative retellings of Scripture, this book offers readers more than a testimony—it offers a path toward healing and wholeness.

Each chapter explores a different “battle” of life—fear, addiction, shame, identity, self-sabotage, church hurt, and more—and how God’s truth can bring lasting victory. Through heartfelt storytelling, biblical wisdom, and practical reflection, Jenn shows that freedom isn’t found in fixing ourselves but in surrendering completely to the One who sets captives free.

Structured as a spiritual memoir with devotional elements, each chapter concludes with a “gentle challenge,” reflection questions, a Scripture memory verse, and a heartfelt prayer. This format makes the book ideal for personal study, recovery groups, or women’s ministry settings.

Whether you are struggling with your own dark night of the soul or mentoring others through theirs, Fear, Faith, and Freedom will remind you that no battle is too great for God. His love meets us in the most broken places—and leads us, one step at a time, into a life marked by courage, hope, and the certainty of His grace.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jenn Dafoe-Turner is a pastor, author, and spiritual midwife who helps birth purpose and nurture hope in the lives of others. Drawing from her own journey of brokenness, healing, and faith, Jenn walks alongside people in seasons of transition—guiding them to hear God’s voice, embrace their identity, and step boldly into their calling.

With decades of ministry experience, Jenn combines biblical wisdom with practical coaching to create safe spaces for transformation. Through her writing, speaking, and coaching, she equips others to trade fear for faith, move from confusion to clarity, and discover the joy of living out their God-given purpose.

As the Spiritual Midwife, Jenn’s heartbeat is simple: “Where truth is formed, purpose is born.”

More from Jenn

Fear, Faith & Freedom: Why This Book Had to Be Written

There are moments in life when fear speaks louder than faith.

Moments when freedom feels distant.

Moments when we wonder if God is still working—even here.

Fear, Faith & Freedom: Breaking Through Life’s Challenges with God’s Help was written for those moments.

I didn’t write this book because I had life figured out. I wrote it because I didn’t.

Why I Wrote Fear, Faith & Freedom

This book was born out of lived experience—through seasons of uncertainty, surrender, recovery, and deep wrestling with God. I have walked through fear that felt paralyzing, faith that felt fragile, and freedom that came one step at a time.

For years, I carried the quiet question many believers hold close to their hearts: Why, God? Why this path? Why this pain? Why me?

What I discovered is that God often does His deepest work not in the absence of fear, but in the midst of it. Faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about learning to trust the One who does. And freedom isn’t a single moment; it’s a journey of daily choosing truth over lies.

This book is my offering to those who feel stuck between where they are and where they long to be.

What’s Inside the Book

Fear, Faith & Freedom is part devotional, part reflection, and part invitation.

Inside these pages, readers will find:

Honest stories of struggle, surrender, and spiritual growth
Biblical insights that meet real-life challenges head-on
Reflective prompts that invite readers to pause, pray, and engage personally
Encouragement without platitudes—because healing doesn’t happen through clichés
A clear message of hope: God is present, purposeful, and faithful, even in the mess

Rather than offering quick fixes, this book walks alongside readers, reminding them that God’s help is not distant or delayed—He is near, attentive, and deeply compassionate.

What Readers Can Expect

This is not a book that talks at you.

It’s a book that sits with you.

Readers can expect to feel:

Seen in their questions
Understood in their struggles
Gently challenged to release fear
Invited to trust God more deeply
Encouraged to step into lasting freedom

Whether someone is navigating grief, addiction recovery, burnout, faith fatigue, or simply longing for deeper peace, this book offers space to breathe and room for God to work.

Who This Book Is For

Fear, Faith & Freedom is for:

The believer who feels weary but the seeker who wants faith that feels real, not rehearsed
The reader who needs reassurance that God still shows up
Anyone ready to move forward—even if they’re taking small steps

If you’ve ever wondered whether God can bring beauty out of broken places, this book is for you.

Because fear does not get the final word.

Faith is still alive.

And freedom—true, God-given freedom—is possible.

Interview with the Author

1)Which chapter was the most difficult to write?

The biblical narrative. I did not want to take anything away from the text, but there were gaps in the telling of the Holy Week events. So, taking the creative liberty to imagine what it might be like, while remaining true.

2)Which author influenced the you most?

Different authors have influenced different areas of my life, but Beth Moore’s book Get Out of That Pit gave me permission to recognize where I was and that I didn’t have to stay there.

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

Psalm 51:6 ESV Behold, You delight in truth in the inward being, and You teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

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

I would like them to know it’s okay to grapple with the hard questions about who we are, and when we do it on the foundation of Scripture, it transforms us.

5)What is your vacation spot?

Anywhere my family is.

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

Airfyer

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, March 4 (Author Interview)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 5

Artistic Nobody, March 6 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 7

Guild Master, March 8 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, March 9 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 10 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 11

Books Less Travelled, March 12 (Author Interview)

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, March 13 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 13

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, March 14 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 15

Vicky Sluiter, March 16 (Author Interview)

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

Mary Hake, March 17

Giveaway

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

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

https://gleam.io/P9bMt/fear-faith-freedom-breaking-through-lifes-challenges-with-gods-help-celebration-tour-giveaway

Masa Chronicles: The Copper Scroll Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Masa Chronicles: The Copper Scroll

Author: Nicholas Teeguarden

Genre: Christian Fiction Action/Suspense

Release Date: October 7, 2025

When American grad student and Veteran Joshua Bennett lands in Amman, Jordan, he thinks he’s chasing academic glory. What he finds instead is a centuries-old mystery that’s been waiting for someone reckless or desperate enough to uncover it.

At the center of it all is the Copper Scroll, a cryptic Dead Sea artifact rumored to hold clues to an ancient treasure buried deep in the Judean desert. But Joshua soon learns it’s no ordinary scroll.

Hidden symbols, coded phrases, and whispers of a “shepherd’s path” point to something far more significant and far more dangerous.

As the clues mount, so do the warnings. A silent observer in the library. A cryptic priest with a knowing smile. A message slipped into Joshua’s backpack: The shepherd’s path is not for the faint-hearted.

A cryptic priest and a rabbi jump in to help understand uncovered information. As Mossad agents, Templar knights, and ISIS operatives close in, Joshua and his allies race to unravel the truth. But who seeks to unearth it, and who will kill to keep it buried?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Nicholas Teeguarden writes faith-fueled thrillers that explore the intersection of history, belief, and discovery. His debut, The Copper Scroll: Masa Chronicles, follows archaeologist Joshua “Masa” Bennett across the Middle East in a race to uncover one of history’s most enigmatic biblical relics. Praised for its vivid realism and clean storytelling, the novel has been honored with a ChristLit Award, a Readers’ Favorite 5-star review, and recognition at the Paris Book Festival.

A veteran whose global service inspires his storytelling, Teeguarden aims to create cinematic fiction that uplifts while it thrills. He is currently developing the next installment in The Masa Chronicles alongside The Teeguarden Writing Room, a growing creative community where readers and writers explore faith, art, and story together.

More from Nicholas

Whenever I think of telling a story, I have Indiana Jones swapping the bag of sand with the golden idol. The spirits swirling around the Nazis and the uncanny escapes from the clutches of death.

I spent my early adult years stomping through biblical lands with the military, experiencing life that seemed to represent many stages of evolution. Seeing the differences in how people value life, faith, and each other.

I experienced the heart-pounding adrenaline of adventure, the edge of life moments, and the strange stillness that follows them. The sights, sounds, and smells of those places stay with you forever.

When I finally retired, I walked to the altar, a different kind of battlefield, and realized that all those years of chasing survival were really leading me to understand purpose.

That moment changed how I responded to almost everything that came after, and it’s what shaped The Copper Scroll.

Like me, Joshua “Masa” Bennett isn’t just searching for an ancient artifact; he’s looking for proof that faith still matters, that truth can survive the centuries, and that even when everything feels lost, redemption can still be found buried beneath the dust.

Writing this book was my way of reconnecting with those memories, with the lands I once marched through, and with the faith that anchored me through it all.
It’s a story of mystery, courage, and belief. The kind of adventure that begins in the desert but ends in the heart.

Interview with the Author

1) What does success as an author look like to you?
Success has been a moving target. At first, it looked like simply finishing a manuscript and having even a
few readers who genuinely enjoyed the story. As Masa Chronicles: The Copper Scroll began reaching
more readers and landed on Christlit Book of the Year finalist lists, success started to look more like
sustained excellence: crafting stories that both entertain and spiritually challenge readers, while building a
body of work that outlives the initial hype and continues to point people toward hope in Christ.

2) Which character did you connect to best in this book?
The character connected with most deeply is Masa, because his mixture of stubbornness, woundedness,
and longing for something true mirrors a lot of real-world wrestling with faith and purpose. His drive to
chase the secrets of the Copper Scroll—sometimes at great personal cost—reflects how easily calling and
obsession can blur, and how God has to realign both.

3) Which part of the book was the most difficult to write?
The hardest sections to write were the moments where faith meets failure—scenes where characters face
the consequences of their own compromises under pressure. Balancing historical detail, thriller pacing,
and honest spiritual struggle without turning any of them into clichés required a lot of revising and
prayerful reflection.

4) What inspired this book?
The story grew out of a fascination with the real Copper Scroll, one of the Dead Sea Scrolls that actually
reads like a treasure inventory, and the question, “What if someone took it seriously enough to risk
everything?” From there, the First Jewish–Roman War, the tension between empire and faith, and modern
archaeological intrigue all converged into a single narrative about treasure, loyalty, and the cost of belief.

5) Which author influenced you most?
From the time I was a kid, my imagination was shaped by a mix of storytellers: watching George Lucas
films, reading Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer, and then meeting Oklahoma author Bill Wallace, who told the
story Danger on Panther Peak about a boy named Tom facing down a blizzard, an injured grandfather,
and a panther-haunted ride for help through the mountains. Those kinds of adventure stories, where a
young person finds courage and identity through real danger and struggle, have stayed with me and still shape the way I write character, risk, and redemption today.

6) What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?
My favorite passage is in Acts 9, where the Lord calls Ananias to go to the house on Straight Street and
lay hands on Saul so he can regain his sight. Ananias hesitates because of Saul’s violent reputation, but
God not only corrects him, calling Saul a ‘chosen instrument.’ He also gives Ananias the grace and
courage to go anyway, which is a powerful reminder that God’s call often stretches past fear and prejudice
into obedience and unexpected redemption.

7) What is your vacation spot?
Italy is the one place outside the U.S. where it truly feels like I made more than the “vacation”
connection. A decade ago, there was a six‑month stretch living in Rozzano, just outside Milan, where the
locals were understandably a bit standoffish toward “the American” at first, but that slowly changed as
real effort went into learning the language, the customs, and the neighborhood rhythm. Once the nearby
shops—and especially Snoopy’s Pizza on Via Aspromonte, which still serves some of the best pizza you
can find—saw that the goal was to learn from them rather than act like a passing tourist, they opened up
and pulled this outsider into the fold in a way that made Italy feel like family.

8) What are you reading right now?
I just finished Churchill’s Secret Messenger by Alan Hlad, which follows Rose Teasdale, a British typist
turned SOE agent who risks everything alongside the French Resistance. I loved how it wove real
operations like the bombing of Amiens Prison into a personal story of sacrifice and courage, which is
exactly the kind of historically grounded, emotionally intense fiction that fuels my own writing in Masa
Chronicles.

9) Describe your view as you’re sitting in your writing chair.
From the writing chair, I’m basically sitting in my wife’s old school office, surrounded by all of her decor
and personality. The only thing I’ve really added is the worn leather chair behind me, which my dogs
have completely claimed as their spot, so most writing sessions happen with at least one dog snoring over
my shoulder.

10) If you could have one book or piece of art or music on a deserted
island, what would it be and why?
If only one thing could be chosen, it would be Scripture, because it holds not just stories and wisdom but
the living center of hope, identity, and direction. On a deserted island, more than cleverness or
entertainment would be needed; there would be a need for the kind of truth that can sustain the heart when
there is no audience, no platform, and no plan but God’s.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 10

Simple Harvest Reads, February 11 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, February 12 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 12

Guild Master, February 13 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 14

Fiction Book Lover, February 15 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 16

Vicky Sluiter, February 17 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Corner, February 18

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

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 20

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 21 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, February 22 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, February 23 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, February 23

Giveaway

Masa Chronicles: The Copper Scroll Celebration Tour Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Nicholas is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card, a copy of the book, bookmarks, and stickers!!

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

https://gleam.io/XuOgC/masa-chronicles-the-copper-scroll-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Reverend’s Second Chance Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Reverend’s Second Chance

Author: Lauralyn Keller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 15, 2025

A buried secret in Harmony Springs could cost a pastor and a teacher their careers—and their second chance at love.

Lydia Jefferson buried her dreams long before the death of her husband. Now she’s locked her heart to men for good. In Harmony Springs, she’s finally found freedom from the shameful failure and loss of her past—until her childhood sweetheart arrives to be the new pastor.

Samuel Allen never thought he’d love again, not after his fiancée walked out of his life. But when his first church assignment sends him to Harmony Springs, he finds himself face to face with the woman who disappeared from his life seven years before. Could this be a second chance at love? Unfortunately, she wants nothing to do with him.

When an orphaned child brings Lydia and Samuel together again, can they face the pain of their past and learn to trust each other enough to build a home?

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Marilyn

This is a story that brought tears and smiles as the story unfolded in an even flow. The characters lives were not pretty with the variety of flaws known to mankind, but nothing is impossible in God’s timing. Lydia’s and Samuel’s compassion for others gave way to letting go and caring for the less fortunate during some of the most difficult times Harmony Springs experienced. The story is filled with a beautiful message about forgiveness, healing from betrayal, second chances and God’s love shining bright as He is allowed to mend broken lives.

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

About the Author

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

More from Lauralyn

Baking is one of my favorite activities. I find it relaxing, and it’s so fun trying new recipes. You might have noticed that there are generally some kind of dish or treat in my stories that characters really like. For Lydia Jefferson in The Reverend’s Second Chance, that treat is a cookie called cinnamon jumbles. It plays a part in her love story with Samuel Allen, the new pastor for Harmony Springs.

I asked ChatGPT how to make the best cinnamon jumbles. Here’s what it came up with.

Cinnamon jumbles are such a cozy, nostalgic treat! They’re chewy cookies with the perfect balance of cinnamon sugar, and they’re pretty easy to make. Here’s a recipe that will give you soft, chewy cinnamon jumbles with a nice little crunch on the outside.

Best Cinnamon Jumbles Recipe

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for rolling)

Directions:

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined. Don’t overmix—this will keep your cookies tender.
Roll the Dough: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon for rolling. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

Softness: For softer cookies, don’t overbake them. The cookies will continue to cook a little as they cool on the baking sheet.
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They should stay soft for about 3-4 days.

I (Lauralyn) hope you enjoy this cookie recipe. Maybe you can even make them and enjoy a few with a nice cup of coffee or tea while reading The Reverend’s Second Chance. Lydia would approve. 🙂

God bless,

Lauralyn

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 21

lakesidelivingsite, July 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 23

Guild Master, July 24 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 24

Texas Book-aholic, July 25

Simple Harvest Reads, July 26 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , July 27

For Him and My Family, July 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 29

Fiction Book Lover, July 30 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, July 30

Vicky Sluiter, July 31

Cover Lover Book Review, August 1

Holly’s Book Corner, August 2

Pause for Tales, August 3

Giveaway

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

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54254

With Mercy’s Eyes Book Spotlight!

About the Book

Book: With Mercy’s Eyes

Author: D.T. Powell

Genre: Christian Contemporary Fiction

He turned his back on God a long time ago. But God never forgot him.

Six months after struggling actor Lane Harris lost his husband in a tragic accident, he lands a movie role guaranteed to put him on the Hollywood map. But one producer holds the power to shut down his shot at stardom—and she’s a Christian. If she finds out he’s gay, it’s over. Lane is careful not to say too much around her.

When an alcohol-fueled tryst with his co-star ends in humiliation, and his landlord hands him an eviction notice, Lane looks for someone to talk to. He finds a confidant in the Christian producer. After a night of too little sleep and not enough coffee, he lets slip his sexual orientation. Instead of a verbal flogging, the woman recounts recently losing her own husband.

The only Christians Lane knows condemn him upon learning he’s gay. But this one is different. She doesn’t embrace his sexuality, but instead of treating him with disdain, she offers compassion. Christians are supposed to hate people like him. So, why doesn’t she?

– – – – – – –

With Mercy’s Eyes by D. T. Powell is an issue-facing Contemporary novel for adult churched Christians. It addresses homosexuality and same-sex attraction from a Biblical perspective without falling into the trap of the extreme responses we too often see from modern churches. It holds similar views to Jackie Hill Perry, Becket Cook, Rosaria Butterfield, and Christopher Yuan.

Book Excerpt

Fall leaves rained onto the canopy, and two dozen empty folding chairs topped a roll of Woodstock grass. Behind him, the coffin waited to be lowered.

Lane touched the lid. Filigreed roses textured its edge.

No more late-night talks over coffee and gas station pizza. No more running lines while Stephen did horrible voices for his scene partners. No more burning Thanksgiving casseroles or watching Stacey’s cat Huddles together.

“I don’t want to do this without you.” Lane sank to his knees. “You’re what got me out of bed these past six years. You promised you wouldn’t leave me.” He hid his face. “You promised.”

2

Studio 73-C, Hollywood

Thursday, January 31^st

Lane sat in his gray ’17 Versa. Rain spattered his windshield.

Tina said this was a good opportunity. Movies based on bestselling books sometimes promised more press, and press meant opportunities to showcase his talent.

He opened his umbrella and tromped through the wet parking lot to the studio. The guy at the security gate had given him good directions. Inside, he took a seat with over thirty men. Some he recognized, but none of them seemed to notice his arrival.

Signs posted on each wall read, “Please email your resume, headshot, and contact information for yourself and your agent to the address at the top of the provided sides.”

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here

Excerpt One: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/with-mercys-eyes-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Two: https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/2025/07/01/with-mercys-eyes-by-d-t-powell-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Three: https://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews/epic-book-launch-with-mercys-eyes-by-dt-powell
Excerpt Four: https://nannie3.blogspot.com/2025/07/with-mercys-eyes.html
Excerpt Five: https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot.com/2025/06/with-mercys-eyes-launch.html
Excerpt Six: https://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/with-mercys-eyes-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Seven: https://www.guildmaster97.com/posts/with-mercys-eyes-epic-book-launch-excerpt/

About the Author

D. T. Powell has loved stories since before she can remember, and it was one of those stories that God used to change her life and prompt her to start writing. In addition to writing book reviews for a magazine as well as original contemporary and speculative fiction, she has actively contributed to the fanfiction community since 2013. Her original work has been published by
Writers Digest, Clean Fiction Magazine, Twenty Hills Publishing, The Order of the Pen Press, Wolrdsmyths, and Cadence Writing. She enjoys reading, playing pickleball, and playing an
occasional video game. You can find her online as dtill359.

Her favorite verse is Psalm 126:5, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”

Seven Brides for Seven Texans Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Seven Brides for Seven Texans

Authors: Gabrielle Meyer, Erica Vetsch, Amanda Barratt, Lorna Steilstad, Keli Gwyn, and Vickie McDonough

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: April 29, 2025

Seven brothers, seven heiresses, and one meddling grandfather—can mismatched matchmaking pave the way for true love?

Abraham Kennebrae, a powerful Minnesota tycoon, hatches a bold matchmaking scheme to secure his grandsons’ futures by pairing them with the wealthiest heiresses in town. But the brothers have no intention of complying, and their prospective brides harbor plans of their own. Jonathan battles to protect his fortune from slipping through his fingers, while Melissa guards the secret that could shatter her world—and her heart. Noah seeks refuge on Sutton Island, where fate throws him into the path of his destined bride, Anastasia. Meanwhile, Eli resigns himself to an engagement with Clarice Zahn, though his heart stirs at the sight of her younger sister, Josie.

With emotions running high and loyalties tested, Abraham’s carefully crafted plan spirals into chaos. Can love triumph when hearts rebel against expectations, or will the grandfather’s meddling prove too great a challenge for even the most determined romantics?

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:

Seven Brides for Seven Texans : Lonestar Brothers is a collection of novellas about The Hart Brothers. The following authors are part of the collection: Erica Vetsch, Gabrielle Meyer, Amanda Barratt , Lorna Steilstad, Keli Gwyn, Vickie Donough and Susan Page Davis. Set in Texas in 1874 the Hart Brothers find their lives turned upside down when their father George Washington Hart demands they marry by the end of the year or lose their inheritance.

What I think about this book:

First Comes Love by Gabrielle Meyer is story of the youngest of the Hart brothers, John Coffee Hays Hart . Hays has always felt left behind by his brothers and is not going to let it happen now. In his determination to get married he advertises for a wife and gets off on the wrong foot with Emma Longley, the new pastor’s daughter. Emma was determined to dislike everything about Texas. I enjoyed seeing Hays try to open her eyes to the beauty of Texas.

The Heart of Texas by Lorna Seilstad features Texas Ranger Chisholm Hart and the spunky Caro Cardova. When a cattle rustling investigation puts the two at odds, how can they fall in love? Caro is such a fun character, but Chisholm proved he could hold his own. This story held a fun mystery to solve.

The Truest Heart by Amanda Barratt features Doctor Travis Hart and Midwife Annie Lawrence. Travis and Annie were in love, but Annie married another . This was a great story of forgiveness.

A Love Returned by Keli Gwyn features Sam Houston Hart who left home 12 years ago also leaving his sweetheart Coralee. Sam and Coralee both had secrets as to the choices they made 12 years ago. I enjoyed watching them get to know the adult version of each other.

For Love or Money by Susan Page Davis features Crockett Hart and Jane Haymaker. This was such a sweet story. Jane lived in poverty trying to care for her brother . I appreciated Crockett’s tender care of Jane.

Mail Order Mayhem by Vicki McDonough was such a fun mail order bride story. I really enjoyed Austin’s Story

Love at Last by Erica Vetsch is Bowie’s story. Bowie was a POW in a Union prison and still bares the scares physically and mentally . Elise was his ray of light in the middle of Darkness. Bowie returns North and marries Elise, but offers a marriage of convenience only. I appreciate how Elise wasn’t willing to give up on Bowie!

Each of the authors involved in this collection have done a great job of coordinating details for their individual stories. I loved each one and looked forward to meeting the next Brother and the woman who would become his wife. I highly recommend this collection!

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 Authors

Gabrielle Meyer, a Minnesota native, draws inspiration for her historical fiction from the rich stories and landscapes of her home state, where she lives on the banks of the upper Mississippi River with her husband and four children. A former employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, Gabrielle loves weaving real people, places, and events into her captivating tales.

Best-selling, award-winning author Erica Vetsch weaves her love for Jesus, history, romance, and sports into her stories, including The Debutante’s Code, the first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series. When she’s not crafting fiction or planning her next trip to a history museum.

Bestselling author Amanda Barratt brings to life overlooked moments in history through her award-winning novels, including The Warsaw Sisters, Within These Walls of Sorrow, and The White Rose Resists. Based in Michigan, she’s often immersed in research, tackling her ever-growing TBR stack, or savoring a slice of lemon cake.

Carol Award finalist Lorna Seilstad explores life’s complexities with humor in her nine novels, including the Lake Manawa Summers and Gregory Sisters series, as well as several novella collections. When she’s not writing, she teaches women’s Bible classes, runs a toy store, plans weddings, or spends time with her Pyredoodle, Honey Bea.

Keli Gwyn crafts inspirational historical romances that she loves to read. A California native, she now lives in the greater Sacramento area with her husband and their sweet orange tabby, enjoying life close to family.

Vickie McDonough, a CBA, EPCA, and Amazon best-selling author of 54 books and novellas, brings the Old West to life in her award-winning romances featuring ranchers, cowboys, and lawmen. Though married to a computer geek who fears horses, she lives out her ranching dreams through her stories—and when she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, gardening, making cards, and traveling.

More from Erica

Hi, I’m Erica Vetsch, and I loved collaborating on the stories for the 7 Brides for 7 Texans collection. It was fun writing stories that were so intertwined, and working closely with the other authors in the collection to bring the whole concept together.

Initially, I was approached by a publisher, asking if I would be interested in heading up a novella collection loosely based on the idea of 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, the classic musical. The parameters were that the stories must be no longer than 25K words, be historical in setting, and that I could choose the overall concept, as well as my team of authors.

I, of course, jumped at the chance. Before I contacted anyone, I worked up a rough idea of the premise of the stories. A wealthy Texas rancher with seven strapping sons is tired of waiting for them to get married and provide him with grandchildren, so he issues an ultimatum. Get married by the end of the calendar year, or you’re disinherited.

I named all the sons after famous Texans, and gave them a birth order, then I began contacting writing friends to see if they were interested in joining the project. Everyone I asked said yes! 😊

Then the real fun began. We formed a private Facebook group, and as the characters were chosen by the various authors, the order of the stories in the collection formed, and as ideas for storylines poured in, I began creating what we came to call The Master Document.

In the MD we tracked main characters’ names and appearances, secondary characters, a map of the fictional town of Hartsville, TX, and more. It eventually ran to more than 20 pages of information. We named the town newspaper, the general store, and kept track of the layout of the Harts’ massive ranch house. Keeping these details all in one place made it easy for the authors to flesh out their story world in a way that was consistent with everyone else’s stories.

Because the stories are so closely tied and on such a tight timeline, each of the authors’ characters would appear in another author’s novella. We needed to respect each other’s visions for the characters and treat them with respect, while also having the freedom to write our own stories.

Early on, as the project coordinator, it was established that if a dispute arose between two authors on how something should go, it would be myself who would cast the final vote. However, that contingency never came into play, as all the authors worked so well together.

One of the most challenging aspects of the project was, that as the project lead, and the one writing the final story in the collection, I needed to know the most about all the stories. Just before the deadline to turn our stories into the publisher, each author sent their story along to me to read for continuity. I spent a long weekend at author Gabrielle Meyer’s house, and we read every novella aloud, making notes for consistency and continuity throughout. These notes were turned in to the project editor, and she used them in her editing process to make sure seven separate stories felt cohesive.

It truly was a fun—and to me—unique, project, and when the publisher asked if I would like to head up a follow up collection, I was eager to say yes, and thus 7 Brides for 7 Texas Rangers was born.

Both of these intertwined collections went out of print, but they are now being released once more, this time through Wild Heart Books. I’m thrilled that we can tell our stories to new readers and prolong the lives of these characters.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 21

Pens Pages & Pulses, May 21

Texas Book-aholic, May 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 24

Simple Harvest Reads, May 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Devoted To Hope, May 25

For Him and My Family, May 25

Stories By Gina, May 26 (Author Interview)

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 26

She Lives to Read, May 27

lakesidelivingsite, May 27

Labor Not in Vain, May 28

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 28

Cover Lover Book Review, May 29

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 30

Holly’s Book Corner, May 30

Books You Can Feel Good About, May 31

Blossoms and Blessings, June 1

Jodie Wolfe, June 1

Pause for Tales, June 2

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, June 2

Leslie’s Library Escape, June 3

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, the Wild Heart Books Authors are 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/00adcf54225

The Wanderer’s Legacy Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Wanderer’s Legacy (The Wanderer Series Book Three. It can be read as a standalone.)

Author: Natasha Woodcraft

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release date: April 10, 2025

Adah lives trapped between the life she yearned for and the life she chose. Childless and desperate, she’s failed to produce an heir for her once-devoted husband, Lamech. As his love turns to obsession and control, Adah finds herself drawn to whispered legends of a mysterious Wanderer.

When Lamech takes a second wife, Adah’s world shatters – sending her fleeing to her family home. There, a fragile sense of freedom awakens long-buried hopes. But her body hides a secret that will propel her back into the heart of danger.

As survival becomes a daily challenge, can a legend offer her the salvation she craves? Or does someone else hold the power to help her dwell in safety?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Natasha Woodcraft lives in the UK with her family of boys and menagerie of animals. She holds an honours degree in Theology and believes stories have power to communicate deep truth and transform lives. Her novels explore God’s redemptive purposes for ordinary, messy people living in biblical times.

More from Natasha

I wrote The Wanderer’s Legacy because I believe stories have the power to communicate deep truths and transform lives, and Bible stories are no exception! Lamech, the first man to have two wives, features way back in Genesis 4, after Cain & Abel and before Noah. It’s not even a story, really, it’s a little poem stuck at the end of a chapter. What is it doing there, and what can it teach us about God’s goodness during a really dark time in humanity’s history?

That’s what this novel is about. It was an excuse to engage deeply with that story and the result is full of biblical truth that I hope will draw the reader closer to Jesus, understanding how his redemptive purposes are woven through the fabric of the whole Bible, even obscure little poems that almost feel like a sidenote.

Rather than telling you more, I’m just going to share the opening with you, to give you a taster…

“Adah presses her back to the pillar, squeezing into its evening shadow. Her heavy breathing is almost as loud as the heartbeat pummelling in her head. Surely someone will hear?

Her chance to escape diminishes with every moment of delay. She is a desert jerboa – alert, aware of every sight and smell, yet frozen in place as she awaits her predator’s pounce.

Azurak should be occupied. Her son arranged it when she pleaded with him on hands and knees, eyes streaming in desperation. But Adah is sure she hears him. His rasping breath and distinct blood-soaked-campfire smell linger, fusing her feet to the ground.

Unless it’s someone worse than Azurak. Perhaps her husband will find her.”

Interview with the Author

1)What inspired this book?

The Bible story about Lamech in Genesis 4. I’ve written three books based on Genesis 4 and this is the third (but it’s a standalone story, so you don’t have to have read the others.) I really wanted to explore how one man could get to the point of openly admitting to murder. Lamech is a descendant of Cain, the first murderer, but where Cain hid his crime, Lamech admitted it. Why?

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

Despite its subject matter, The Wanderer’ Legacy contains a message of hope, based on Psalm 4:8, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” I hope that my readers, whatever they are going through or have been through, will find safety in the Lord. To me, success isn’t how many books I sell, it is getting a message from someone who has drawn closer to God through what I’ve written.

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

The book deals with some pretty heavy stuff, due to the nature of the story. It was a challenge to present this in a way which is realistic but also wholesome, clean and helpful. People can be pretty nasty, and Lamech is an example of a super-nasty human. But the Bible tells us about these people for a reason, and sadly, what Adah experiences is what so many women experience in this life. It was hard to write about this, but I believe we need to engage honestly with it and ask for God’s help.

4)Which author influenced the you most?

I first started writing Bible-era fiction after reading books by Connilyn Cossette and Tessa Afshar. They are incredible writers who bring the Bible to life, helping us to understand the context of scripture through storytelling. Their works really inspired me, and I feel privileged to be following in their footsteps.

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

My view is out over my garden. I live in a farmhouse in Lincolnshire, UK, so from my window, I can see our orchard of fruit trees, our field and the barn where our goats are. Animal antics feature a lot in my stories, and The Wanderer’s Legacy has some very naughty goats in it!

Blog Stops

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 10 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, April 11 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 11

Simple Harvest Reads, April 12 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 13

Artistic Nobody, April 14 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, April 15

Guild Master, April 16 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, April 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 17

Vicky Sluiter, April 18 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 19

For the Love of Literature, April 20 (Author Interview)

Devoted Steps, April 21

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 22 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, April 23 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Natasha is giving away the grand prize of a $20 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54196

Guarding the Mountain Man’s Secret Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Guarding the Mountain Man’s Secret

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: January 28, 2025

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune.

Miles is the youngest of six brothers, and he’s spent most of his life helping guard the family’s secret: a sapphire mine hidden deep within the Montana mountains. With threats from a past enemy looming, a survey team’s arrival stirs suspicion—until he meets Clara Pendleton, whose presence captivates him.

Clara Pendleton joins her uncle on a survey team tasked with mapping the coming railroad’s path, only to find herself entangled with the enigmatic Coulter family. When her uncle’s accident leads them to find refuge in the Coulter home, Clara is irresistibly drawn to Miles Coulter and his quiet strength. This feels like the haven she craves…until a series of mysterious attacks endanger everyone on the ranch.

As Christmas approaches, a sleigh ride through a snowy wonderland fans the growing spark between Clara and Miles into a flame, but a broken runner leads Clara to discover the family’s secret. Now she’s faced with an impossible choice: betray the man she’s coming to love or risk the lives of his entire family—and her own uncle.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a mountain saga filled with high-stakes adventure, forced proximity, a Christmas surprise, and love that heals wounded hearts.

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Marilyn

Miles is a protector and inventor that gave way to his own unique personality as the youngest Coulter brother. Miles and Clara’s story is brought to life with Beller’s creativity of roller coaster events, threats, disbelief, shady characters but a solid faith filled family watching out for everyone on the Coulter’s ranch.

This is a quick read with all the action and wondering if Clara’s plan was the best after all the Coulter family had done for her injured uncle and herself. There is a mystery theme with never a dull moment. Will Miles and his brothers be forgiving when the truth is discovered? I cannot wait for the final installment in the series to read Sampson’s tale after his actions in the last few books.

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

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author with over 1 million books old. She writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

More from Misty

Surveying the Wild West: How Surveyors Mapped the Frontier in the 1870s

One of the things I love about writing historical romance is the detail I get to research for each book. So much of my research doesn’t make it into the story, but I still love to learn it!

In Guarding the Mountain Man’s Secret, our heroine and her uncle are working with a group of surveyors to map out potential routes for the coming railroad.

Surveying back then was no walk in the park. These brave folks had to trek through some seriously rough terrain, lugging around heavy equipment like compasses, levels, and surveyor’s chains. The chains were a whopping 66 feet long, with 100 links! Surveyors would stretch them out to measure distances, and let me tell you, it was no easy feat.

One of the surveyor’s secret weapons was triangulation. By measuring angles between distant points and doing some fancy math, they could figure out exactly where landmarks were and create a grid of reference points across the land. This technique was a game-changer, allowing for more accurate maps that covered bigger areas.

In my story, the surveying was done for the railroad. But history tells us that later in 1879, the U.S. Geological Survey stepped onto the scene with a larger mission: to create detailed maps of the entire country, including the wild, wild West. Surveyors working for this agency had their work cut out for them. They battled through dense forests, climbed steep mountains, and crossed dangerous rivers, all to gather the data needed for these maps.

So the next time you look at a map of the American West, give a nod to those early surveyors. These hardworking folks played a huge role in shaping the frontier, giving settlers the information they needed to build new lives and communities. Without their dedication and skill, the West might have remained a mystery forever!

I pray you enjoy Miles and Clara’s story in Guarding the Mountain Man’s Secret!

Blessings!

Misty

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 23

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 23

Melissa’s Bookshelf, February 24

Madi’s Musings, February 25

Simple Harvest Reads, February 25 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 26

For Him and My Family, February 26

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 27

Betti Mace, February 27

Texas Book-aholic, February 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 1

Jeanette’s Thoughts , March 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 2

Cover Lover Book Review, March 3

Mary Hake, March 3

Devoted To Hope, March 4

An Author’s Take, March 5

Holly’s Book Corner, March 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 6

Blossoms and Blessings, March 6

lakesidelivingsite, March 7

Pause for Tales, March 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty 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/00adcf54159

Hidden Danger Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Hidden Danger (Discipleship Series Book 1)

Author: Gail Pallotta

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: August 21, 2024

After Emily Hanover’s left standing at the altar in Blue Mountain, North Carolina, she goes to Sky High Campground to put her life back together. Because it’s February and few people come here this time of year, she’s alone on the premises. When noises in the middle of the night frighten her, she gathers her courage and peeks outside. A man carrying a body over his shoulder emerges from the dark shadows onto her front yard. Horrified, she collapses onto the floor.

The next morning, she visits ex-military officer turned security guard, Nick Lancaster. He listens intently to Emily, but dismisses her claim of foul play as a hunter carrying a deer. Finally, after he sees a freshly dug hole in Emily’s yard and finds two more in the woods, he agrees—there’s suspicious activity. Then he and Emily embark on a mission exposing murder and a far-reaching sinister plot, neither suspecting danger can bring romance.

Click here to get your copy

About the Author

Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, Mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. A 2013 Grace Awards finalist, she’s a Reader’s Favorite 2017 Book Award winner, a TopShelf 2020 Book Awards Finalist and a Top Author pick. She’s published seven books, poems, short stories and several hundred articles. Some of her articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums. She enjoys connecting with readers.

More from Gail

The story behind Hidden Danger started with my love of mysteries and suspense, which began many years ago when I discovered Nancy Drew. Then I wanted to become a detective. That didn’t happen, but I turned my heroine, Emily Hanover, and the hero, Nick Lancaster, into amateur sleuths.

The granddaughter of a minister who planted churches in the far reaches of the Western North Carolina Mountains, I grew up at the foothills of them. As I pondered the setting for a good mystery, the area with lots of underbrush and caves offered opportunities for suspenseful scenes.

Emily works as a newspaper reporter, a job similar to one I had in a public relations department under a retired Associated Press guy. My husband was in the military. After all these years of marriage, I’m familiar with that type of personality, so Nick is an ex-military guy turned security guard.

Emily goes to the campground to find peace and comfort after she was left standing at the altar on her wedding day. To say she has a chip on her shoulder over men is an understatement. The only true love Nick ever had died while he was overseas. Guilt because he couldn’t be by her side plagues him. He believes he’ll never love another.

Emily meets Nick because her first night at the campground, she sees a man carrying a dead body. Or, does she? Thus, a mystery in the Western North Carolina Mountains begins.

Interview with the Author

1)What inspired this book?

When a subject keeps popping in my thoughts, I usually end up writing about it. Sometimes I put up a blog or a post. Other times, I start a new book. Before I wrote Hidden Danger I kept thinking the world would be a better place if everyone knew the love of Jesus. I ended up with a novel with a discipleship theme.

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

Actually, a bit more than one. Matthew 22: 37 – 39: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

3)What is your vacation spot?

Destin, Florida. Each time I leave I can’t wait to return to the emerald water and white sand. We like to go in May and September to enjoy the balmy breezes that time of year. A bargain shopper, I enjoy going in the outlet stores there. We also look forward to having lunch or dinner by the sea.

4)What are you reading right now?

I’m enjoying Secrets of Misty Hollow by my publisher, Cynthia Hickey.

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

“How Great Thou Art” sung by Elvis Presley. It reminds me God’s all powerful, all knowing and all present. With Him nothing is impossible, and His love endures forever.

Blog Stops

Leslie’s Library Escape, February 8

Texas Book-aholic, February 9

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 10

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 14

Blogging With Carol, February 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 16

For him and My Family, February 19

Stories By Gina, February 18 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 18

Simple Harvest Reads, February 19 (Author Interview)

Betti Mace, February 20

Book Looks by Lisa, February 20

Lily’s Corner, February 21

Giveaway

To celebrate he tour, Gail is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a print 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/00adcf54150

The Maiden Without Hands Interview and Giveaway

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.