​She’s trying to save the boy’s life. What if he’s supposed to save hers?

​ For tough-as-nails Chicago social worker Ashley Sorenson, it’s nothing new to risk her life for hurting children. Seeing innocent kids suffer every day may have made her a little cynical, but she’ll stop at nothing to rescue children from miserable circumstances.

But Ashley faces a special challenge when Matthew Borden, a sixteen-year-old with Down syndrome, is orphaned. Finding a suitable foster home for the boy becomes the least of her problems when someone starts threatening her and Matthew.
The sudden appearance of a mysterious FBI agent confirms Ashley’s growing suspicions that Matthew is no ordinary teen. The boy she thought no one wanted is wanted by many…dead or alive.

Dodging danger at every turn, Ashley races to find the secrets that could save Matthew’s life. When the truth unearths her own dark past and threatens more than their lives, the God Matthew trusts may be her only hope for rescue.
​
A gripping and gritty standalone Christian suspense thriller from the bestselling author of the Guardians Unleashed Series.

Publisher: ‎ SDG Words, LLC
Release Date: March 26, 2026
Genre: Christian Suspense Thriller

​Can there be a purpose for good....?

Well, that was definitely not what I expected. I've gotten hooked on Jerusha Agen's romantic suspense with her Guardians Unleashed series, so I always jump at the chance to read one of her books.

Special Target is a standalone novel which was a little different – all of her previous books that I've read have been a part of a series – so, seeing Jerusha Agen's take on a story without a follow-up was quite interesting.

Special Target certainly kept me on the edge of my seat with all of the mystery and suspense that I've come to expect from Jerusha Agen. Danger is everywhere for the characters and they have no clue who they can really trust.

The story, however, had a much different emotional feel to it. It's less of a romantic suspense novel and more the story of a woman who has been hurt by the people closest to her and now has a lot of anger, distrust, and even prejudice borne from the pain of her past. There were times that I positively disliked Ashley and her viewpoint. There were times I wanted to ask her how she could be so hurtful to other characters, and yet, the way she was written was raw and real. She's hurting. She questions how a good God could allow and have a purpose in the suffering of this world. She wants the same answers we all do when we are facing pain and darkness.

This book is grittier, the ending was completely unexpected, but it is also a story that sticks with you and makes you consider your own thoughts, viewpoints, and the way we see others around us. Special Target is a different kind of story from Jerusha Agen, but if you like your Christian fiction to be less fluffy and more thought-provoking, check it out....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Special Target by Jerusha Agen a 4 Bark rating.

​Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 30, 2026 and will last through
11:59 PM EST on April 6, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and
​given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Genre: Middle-grade action and adventure
Release Date: February 17, 2026

​#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
Caring for my senior cat has made me reflect on the value of life and on how God cares for all his creation, even the old and infirm. For example, the easiest path for me would be to put my cat to sleep, but I would be acting out of selfishness. My motivation wouldn’t be to put him out of his misery (we’re not at that point yet) but to spare myself the time and effort required to care for him. Is that God’s way?

God sees things so differently from how humans do. Humans are motivated by pride and comfort. We divide people into different tiers of worthiness. God, however, sees everyone as so precious that he was willing to die for them. A person’s worth doesn’t change with age or weakness. He loves and values everyone equally and expects us to love, respect, and care for people, no matter their condition, even when it’s inconvenient. How incredible God is! And how precious people are!

And yes, God even expects me to care for my elderly cat.

​The idea for a middle-grade novel came to me while I was listening to a series of sermons on meditating on God’s Word. How could I show that the Bible is exciting, far from boring, relevant to our lives, and has the answers we seek about our purpose in life? And do so in a way that is fun and intriguing, keeping the readers on the edge of their seats? Write a time-travel adventure into the Bible, of course! Granted, the premise may not be new, but I aimed to write it in a way that is fresh and stimulating, giving valuable insights into the Bible.

The result of this crazy idea is the How to Be a Hero series, of which How to Make a Miracle is the second installment, although each book can be read as a standalone novel.

I targeted middle-grade readers because it’s an awkward age when young people begin to question what their parents have taught them and seek answers for themselves (speaking from experience, here). If my books can encourage them in their faith, I will consider my writing a success.
​
I chose the book themes based on issues young people struggle with. How to Make a Miracle addresses the problem of anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness, which I don’t need to tell you are far too prevalent in our society. The solution is forgiveness—and we all need to learn how to forgive each other, regardless of age.

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 17
Simple Harvest Reads, March 18 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, March 19
Artistic Nobody, March 20 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, March 21
Guild Master, March 22 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 23
Fiction Book Lover, March 24 (Author Interview)
Books Less Travelled, March 25 (Author Interview)
Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, March 25
Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, March 26 (Author Interview)
Vicky Sluiter, March 27
History, Hope & Happily Ever After, March 28 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, March 29 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, March 29
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 30 (Author Interview)

A heartwarming tale of second chances, faith, and finding love in the untamed West. ​

Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: March 10, 2026

​Sparks and bullets fly when they join forces....

I'm a fan of Mary Connealy from way back and I've enjoyed every one of her series that I've read. Petticoat Ranch is the start of a new series, Petticoats And Cowboys, and I was excited to head back to Texas with her.

Petticoat Ranch had everything that I've come to expect from Mary Connealy including humor and and some good edge-of-your-seat moments. There were also some surprises along the way – particularly the unexpected answers to a woman's prayers – that were interesting and kept me turning those pages.

Sophie and her girls were such a delight to read about, though I must admit that all of their giggling and crying made my imaginative 'ears' almost as tired as they did poor Clay's fictional ones. But, they also had an amusing vicious streak that made me laugh out loud more than once. Clay, however, made me mad. His high-handed ways and bullheadedness drove me crazy. Just as I was hopping mad, about halfway or so through the first Petticoats And Cowboys book, I had a sudden realization. My high emotions over a fictional character was really a testament to just how well Mary Connealy had written him to be. And I was impressed by just how quickly and easily she had gained every bit of my attention.

Petticoat Ranch was a good read. While, I may have been annoyed by a certain character, I still couldn't really put it down since I just HAD to know what would happen next. I do think this was a strong start to the Petticoats And Cowboys series and I am looking forward to reading book two....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy a 4 Bark rating.

​Petticoat Ranch is my husband’s story.

My husband is a cowboy…or rather he’s a Nebraska cattleman. Our ‘horse’ though we used to have horses, is now a pick-up truck and a four-wheeled rig that can crawl all over rugged land.

My Cowboy grew up in a family of seven sons.

His mom was about the coolest, nicest lady ever born…a living embodiment of ‘Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff.’ She could tell stories of chaos and mayhem for HOURS and just laugh. I loved her.

Then I married My Cowboy and we had FOUR DAUGHTERS.

My husband spent his whole life confused.

And example of a usual conversation:

My Cowboy: Why won’t they stop crying!?

Why won’t they stop giggling?

Why won’t they stop TALKING?

Me: Um, cuz they’re girls?

He was constantly befuddled. He loved them (still does) so madly but they did NOT make sense to him.

That’s Petticoat Ranch.

A mountain man comes to find his brother’s wife…his brother died and he’s come to ‘rescue’ them. Except they’re unbelievable tough and competent and, well, maybe they could use a little rescuing, life is tough in Texas for a widow and her four children and, in a weak moment, she agrees to marry this man who looks EXACTLY like her husband. A man she never knew existed.

And there they are. Her and her four tough Texas daughters.

Him who’s pretty much never seen a woman in his life, and certainly not a CHILD.

Now they’re married about twenty-four hours after she found out he existed…and they have to figure out how to get along.

I try really hard to thread that needle where a man is befuddled by a woman…but he’s not stupid. A woman is exasperated by a man…but she’s got a good heart.

I shove them together…and leave them to try and get along. If someone is trying to kill them, or steal their ranch, or whatever horrible outlaw is in the book, that adds to the fun.

I shove them together and then leave them to figure out how to get along.

I love Petticoat Ranch. I’ve done this kind of book many times, the mountain man who’s never been around women. The feisty lady rancher who’s used to being in charge. And never did I find that sweet spot quite as well as I did in Petticoat Ranch.

One of my very favorite books.

Ah, tough, self-sufficient Sophie. She really can use the help and he really does look exactly like her dead husband.

Ah, confused but definitely attracted Clay. He’s trying to take care of her and take charge…and she’s not cooperating.
She was definitely in charge when his brother was alive…he was kinda cranky and inept. Why won’t Clay just let her run things?

All those tough little Texas cowgirl daughters who can’t quite figure out if this is they’re pa, given back to them by God…or if this is some new guy that they are desperate to make love them, when their real pa was so desperate to have sons.

I love that Wild Heart Books is re-releasing Petticoat Ranch.
​
Thank you Wild Heart for giving it another chance at life.

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 24
Texas Book-aholic, March 25
Holly’s Book Corner, March 25
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 26
Jodie Wolfe, March 27
For Him and My Family, March 27
Devoted To Hope, March 28
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 29
Book Holds and Jello Molds, March 29
Jeanette’s Thoughts , March 30
She Lives To Read, March 31
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 31
Books You Can Feel Good About, April 1
Vicky Sluiter, April 2
Sydney Schmied Books, April 2
Cover Lover Book Review, April 3
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 4
Labor Not in Vain , April 5
Stories By Gina, April 6 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, April 6

2. What do you hope readers will take away?
My deepest hope is that readers close this book feeling encouraged — reminded that no life is beyond the reach of grace and that even the most fragile beginnings can grow into something strong.
We all encounter seasons that ask more of us than we feel prepared to give. If this story reassures someone that healing is possible, that their story is still unfolding, and that hope is never misplaced, then it has fulfilled its purpose.
Stories have a quiet way of steadying us, and I pray this one does exactly that.

3. Do you have favorite characters?
It is always difficult to choose, but Lily, Rick, Ellie, and Darcy each hold an extra special place in my heart.
Lily represents quiet resilience — the kind of strength that unfolds gently yet endures. Rick embodies steadfast love and the courage it takes to rebuild. Ellie brings warmth and light, while Darcy offers loyalty and the reassuring presence of someone who stands firm when it matters most.

4. Tell us a little about yourself and your family.
I am an adopted Asian American and the eldest daughter in my family, experiences that have shaped both my perspective and my storytelling in meaningful ways. Family has always been a place of deep connection for me, and those themes naturally find their way into my work.
My brother serves as an EMT, a role that requires both courage and compassion — qualities I deeply admire and that quietly influenced elements of my fictional world.
More than anything, I am grateful for the people who have grounded my life with love and steadiness. Their presence continually reminds me of the strength found in belonging.

5. Share with us a thought or Bible verse on your heart.
I often return to Jeremiah 29:11:

​It is a promise that has steadied me through uncertain seasons, reminding me that God is always at work beyond what we can see.
Lately, I have been especially comforted by the reminder that our lives are not defined by the timelines we once imagined, but by the faithfulness of the One who guides us forward. There is deep peace in trusting that no chapter is wasted — and that hope is never without purpose.

​Half Agony, Half Hope was not a story I set out to write lightly.

It was an answer to a call God placed on my heart as a survivor of sexual assault—a call to tell the truth without exploiting it, and to create hope without diminishing the pain. From the beginning, I knew this would be a heavy debut novel. I also knew I wanted it to be clean, faith-centered, and redemptive.

The decision to tell this story through the eyes of a man was intentional. So few novels explore male survivors with compassion and dignity, yet one in six men are sexually assaulted. Their stories are often hidden, misunderstood, or minimized. Rick Wentworth’s journey exists to say plainly: healing is possible, faith is not erased by trauma, and masculinity is not diminished by suffering.

Because of the weight of Rick’s past, much of the abuse in Half Agony, Half Hope is veiled. I wanted readers to feel the truth of what he endured without being retraumatized themselves. Still, after the book released, readers told me they longed for more gentleness—more space to breathe inside the story.

That is how the Dear Lily Edition was born.

Lily was Rick’s hope and grace during the darkest years of his captivity. In the cellar, she was the reminder that love could still exist, that innocence could survive, and that God was not absent—even there. Their bond became the quiet heartbeat of the story: a wounded man learning how to hope again through the steady, healing love of a child.
​
At its core, Half Agony, Half Hope: Dear Lily Edition is a story of survival and faith—but it is also a story of a father and daughter choosing trust and hope despite hardship, and building a family where brokenness does not get the final word.

​Through her blog, The Joyous Living, she connects with thousands of readers who share her love of culture,
​storytelling, and meaningful living. She lives in Southern California with her dog, Captain Hastings.

Simple Harvest Reads, March 21 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, March 22 (Author Interview)
Guild Master, March 23 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 24
Fiction Book Lover, March 25 (Author Interview)
Vicky Sluiter, March 26 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 26
For the Love of Literature, March 27 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 28
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 29 (Author Interview)
Blossoms and Blessings, March 30 (Author Interview)
Fruitfully Planted, March 30
Stories By Gina, March 31 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, April 1
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 2 (Author Interview)
Books, Books, & More Books, April 3 (Author Interview)

​The problem? Bernie Sawrey, all five-foot-nothing of her, with enough quirk and innocence to charm the grumpiest producer. That’s the problem.
Gabe is falling for her hard, only she thinks he’s his famous brother.
And she just might be falling for him too.
Now he’s caught between protecting his brother’s career and protecting his own heart. Because telling Bernie the truth might send her racing away—but not telling her guarantees he’ll lose her when she finds out.
Return to 1973 Kokomo, Indiana, where the cardinal in the sycamore knows that love—like a good engine—runs best when all the parts are genuine. A sweet, hilarious tale of mistaken identity, small-town charm, and finding love when you’re not even being yourself.
You will enjoy this sweet, quirky tale of secret twists, because sometimes the best love stories start with a little white lie and maybe a bit of motor oil.

Genre: Sweet Romantic Comedy
Release Date: August 4, 2025

#2. How long did it to finish writing this book?
I’m thinking about four months. I met up with my friend Jen Crosswhite who gave me the idea about Gabe on the car roof. Then in March we went back east on a special bucket list trip and I wrote in the evenings there. Finished soon after I got home. So, yeah, about four months.

#3. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I’m a sucker for a good HEA. And well-done romcoms deliver. I also found I missed the Kokomo of my youth. It’s not perfect and anyone doing a deep dive can find things I wish had never happened. But it was a great place to grow up. So I write about it, bring the colors and flavors I remember back to life, and share them with my family.

#4. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
Yes. Okay, I pretty much love them all. But there are two you might not consider.
The first is Debbie LePre. She is named for a sweet friend of mine who passed away after an incredibly valiant fight against cancer a month before I started the book. I thought her name sounded like one that would fit the character, so with her family’s permission, I named Gary’s fiancé after my friend.
The second is Roberta, Bernie’s stepmother. I had a stepmother and wanted to give her a tribute for all the ways she worked to make us all a family. I didn’t put her in the dedication because the last book I have planned for this series is Along Comes Mary and I’ll be dedicating it to her—Mary Elaine Fortner Goodell England. 😊

#5. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
Always an aha moment that points straight to God. Even if they don’t agree with me, at least I want them to think and ask God about it. If it opens eyes to Him, draws someone closer to Him, then I’ve done what He’s called me to do.

#6. How did you name your characters?
Well, the female main character is easy. Her name is in the title of the book—yep, I come up with the title first. I choose a song from the 1960s-early 1970s that has a girl’s name in the title. I ask questions about: What is the song about? What images does it put in my brain? Or even what play on words could I make? (Check out Cracklin’ Rosie for an example of the latter 😉)
Then I need the male main character’s name. So, I remember names from kids I went to school with, look up popular names for babies born the same year as my character, and listen to oldies music (With Shilo, I changed a name after Three Dog Night’s “Eli’s Coming” came on the radio as I was starting that book. So he became Eli and will be in Walk Away, Rene later this year.)

#7. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
I shared about my friend, Debbie. I think she’d get a kick out of a character being named for her. She enjoyed my books and had a great sense of humor.

#8. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
Hmm, let’s see. I’ve been married to the same sweet grumpypants for over forty-five years. We have three daughters who are all married to wonderful husbands that I love enough to adopt, and they’ve produced three amazing grandchildren ranging from a senior in high school to kindergarten. I think the youngest is going to be an author. She was taking her mother’s paper towels and folding them to make “books.” Next, she wrote and illustrated them. Then she took them to school and put them in the class library where her classmates can check them out. My daughter didn’t know about the school part until parent/teacher conferences. Lately she’s gotten very interested in my books so for Christmas I made her a book of blank pages. I included call-out clouds so she could write what her characters say in the illustrations, and a bunch of stickers and things. She got started filling pages on Christmas Day.

#11 Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
My life verse is Isaiah 41:13. It has seen me through so much and only becomes dearer as I get older. I pray daily for Jesus to hold my hand because of that verse. ​

​As I put this series together in my head, certain books were right there, laid out, easy to have a handle on them. But with Bernadette, I knew two things: she was a tiny spitfire, and the first line of the book had to be someone calling out her name. Why? Because that’s the way the Four Tops started the song that was my inspiration. Sort of. Actually, that is the only thing I used from the song.

I also wanted to introduce my readers to other places I remembered in Kokomo during the 1970s. I’d only been to the Kokomo Speedway once, and all I could remember was that it was loud. It was my one and only date with a longtime friend who had been an on-again, off-again boyfriend of my best friend. After we moved to Arizona, I had a chance to go back home for a few weeks before my senior year. Cheryl and Jim were no longer an item, but I’d been friends with both. Jim asked if I wanted to go to the races and I agreed. Can’t remember if we took his motorcycle or not, but I did ride with him once or twice on that trip. The funny thing is, we knew we were better as friends, and especially with the long distance between us, that was all either of us wanted. We remained friends for many years before we lost contact—I got to meet his wife and daughters, and he met my husband.

About the time I was starting this book, as the plot ideas were coming together, one of my sweet sisters from our Bible study group succumbed to cancer. Debbie was a sweet light, and I wanted to honor her. I asked her family if I could use her name in the story and they agreed.

Finally, I think every girl remembers the first boy to ask her to go steady. The thing is, I’m not sure who it was. From kindergarten through fourth grade, I went to school with the Richardson twins. Both were sweet and funny. Mike was the more outgoing, Mark was quieter.

I remember one time going to their house and making Christmas ornaments from straws after we learned how in school.
One day I got a phone call. I’d learned to tell them apart in person, but on the phone, not so much. I got asked to go steady. My dad had already informed me that ten-years-old was too young, so I blamed it on Dad and declined.

A few minutes later, I got a second phone call. Again I was asked to go steady and had to say no. The thing is, I never knew who asked first!

After that year we moved across town though I kept in touch with my friends. It was only about two-three years later that I learned Mike had died from an accident. It wasn’t my first intro to death, but it was concerning someone my own age.
​
It’s been almost sixty years since I last saw Mike Richardson, but I still remember him with fondness. Another reason I had twins in this story. If only I knew which twin had asked me to go steady first.

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 26
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 27 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 28
Texas Book-aholic, March 29
Blossoms and Blessings, March 30 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 30
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 31
Blogging With Carol, April 1
Stories By Gina, April 2 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, April 3 (Guest Review from Donna)
She Lives to Read, April 4
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 5 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, April 5
Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, April 6
Pause for Tales, April 7
Books, Books, & More Books, April 8 (Author Interview)

​Genre: Daily Scriptures, Prayers, and Questions for Pondering

1. Why did you want to start a prayer blog?
There are a number of reasons. I think life became lonely and chaotic during the covid era, and I found myself needing to reach out to God more and more. I assume most everyone else felt that way too and how we needed to cling to our Savior more closely than ever, both then and now!

​Some might wonder why I chose to start a prayer blog entitled, JourneyWomanPrayers. Well, I guess you could say I fell off a cliff. Not literally, but sometimes the tumult of these past few years has felt like a wild freefall—a crazy journey—and the world still feels that way!

As I see ongoing global chaos, violence, fear, and loneliness, my prayer life has become more raw and real than ever before. I no longer come to the foot of the cross with a list; I come with a soul ready to listen. Since sometimes it’s hard to know truth from lies in our world, I’m hungrier than ever for God’s truth. As I watch the culture collapse, social media explode, and our nation divide, the need becomes greater in me for those quiet waters and green pastures—and those daily visits with Jesus. He will lead me to what is tranquil, genuine, and hope-filled—what is redemptive, miraculous, and eternal.

And then I thought, “I wonder if these ongoing prayers would resonate with anyone else?” And so, that it is how JourneyWomanPrayers came to be born. Please join me, and together we will pray, and we will dance this sacred dance with God…
​
Anita Higman

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 18
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 19
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 20 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, March 21
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 22
Blossoms and Blessings, March 23 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, March 24
Artistic Nobody, March 25
Stories By Gina, March 26 (Author Interview)
Guild Master, March 27
Fiction Book Lover, March 28
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 29 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, March 29
The Bookish Ledger, March 30
The Quiet Bookmark, March 31

​The book, Heaven: Experience the Extraordinary, is that story. Join physicist Amanda as she finds herself on the other side, in an astonishing, mind-bending universe where evil has been so completely stamped out that no one remembers it ever existed. In this world built of light, gravity is optional—you can sky-dive without a parachute. Conversations are spirit-to-spirit, with no chance of misunderstanding. You travel at the speed of thought. And heaven’s extra dimensions let Jesus be everywhere at once—so you never have to wait to spend time with him!

For those who’ve experienced loss or grief in this life, it’s a heaven that holds the power to make ALL things well. You’ll weep with Amanda as the devastation of losing both parents as a teen is brought to light; but then rejoice when the Man of Light enters every painful memory, washing her heart clean. You’ll see how prayers and acts of kindness done in secret echo down through generations, joining all of us in a Great Tapestry of connections. Meet the mother of an autistic child, and see how the great sacrifices that circumstance drew from her made them both Great Ones in heaven. Learn how Jesus worked behind the scenes to make the man who betrayed Amanda’s father into one of his dearest friends.

And when Amanda learns that her mom has chosen not to come, discover how heaven makes even THAT well.

And yet this heaven is still, always, more! Join a flash-mob gathered to revel in unrestricted joy. Breathe under water in the River of Life. Garden with an angel, and make a plant grow simply by speaking to it. Travel through time to relive any memory in your life, whenever you want.
​
Heaven is beyond comprehension—but not beyond imagination! And when we give ourselves permission to imagine the unthinkable, the seed of heaven gets lodged deeply in our hearts.

The Lofty Pages, March 11
Simple Harvest Reads, March 12 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, March 13 (Author Interview)
Guild Master, March 14 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 14
Fiction Book Lover, March 15 (Author Interview)
Vicky Sluiter, March 16 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, March 17 (Author Interview)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 18 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, March 19
Blossoms and Blessings, March 20 (Author Interview)
Stories By Gina, March 21 (Author Interview)
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 22 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 22
Books, Books, & More Books, March 23 (Author Interview)
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 24 (Author Interview)

​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.

Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: February 10, 2026

​Their story started with friendship years ago....

I enjoy a good Misty M. Beller story whenever I can get my hands on one and this book was no exception. Mail-Order Baroness is the second book in her new Lords Of The Rockies series and it was both a fun and interesting read.

The blend of historical romance with a touch of suspense kept me engaged and turning those pages. James and Rose are characters that you can't help but like and you quickly become invested in their story. And what a story it is. Threads of the past wind their way through the present and put the future in jeopardy. I found myself completely caught up I whether Rose's stepfather would find her and if James could convince her to stay.

I'm also a fan of the Montana setting with its dramatic landscape and wild weather. That weather plays a big part in several scenes and I must admit that it was a little crazy that, even as I read about winter snow and cold, an early spring snow was falling outside my window.

Anyway, Mail-Order Baroness was a good read and I did enjoy it. Of course, now I have to wait to find out what happens next to the Balfour family and also where Misty M. Beller will take her Lords Of The Rockies as well as her readers....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Mail-Order Baroness by Misty M. Beller a 4 Bark rating.

​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

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

​​A gripping, clean romantic suspense featuring enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance, and high-stakes investigations set in small-town Washington, sweeping readers away on a turbulent wave of thrills and chills. Perfect for fans of forced proximity, wilderness survival, protective heroes, and justice-driven heroines.

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Release Date: March 3, 2026

​Will high water or bullets find them first....

It was a series based on natural disasters that hooked me on Dana Mentink's brand of romantic suspense, and, things have come full circle as I have been reading her latest series called Elements Of Danger. Raging Waters is book 2 in the series and it certainly keeps up with its predecessor, Fire Mountain, in the edge of your seat danger department.

And Raging Waters is certainly edge of your seat. Between the murderous bad guys and killer weather there isn't a moment to spare in this second Elements Of Danger novel. Of the 2 lead characters I was surprised to find that I had a clear favorite. Gideon is capable, loyal, and he is willing to risk his life to save his best friend's sister. Mackenzie is tenacious, reckless, and she will risk more than her own life in order to bring down her brother's killer.

I'll admit that it was kind of weird for me while reading this book because it was only a very few short months ago when we had a big flood event (and wind storms) where I live. The buckets of rain, concern about dam failure, and seeing the raw power of raging streams and high water was very familiar. Thank heavens there was no kingpin trying to kill anyone!

The elements really are the star of this book, and series, and after reading about volcanoes and floods I am more than curious to see where Dana Mentink might go next. At any rate, this was an interesting story with all of the suspense I've come to expect from the author....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Raging Waters by Dana Mentink a 3.5 Bark rating. 

​I’m afraid of deep water. There. I’ve said it. I live in California, famous for beaches sand and surf. If that’s not enough, there are swimming pools aplenty. I should be enjoying the surfing, boating, kayaking, sailing culture, but I’d much rather sit on a deck somewhere and watch others partake. So what’s a gal like me doing writing an adventure that takes place as a dam rupture overwhelms a town? I love to write that type of wilderness story, where stakes are high and the help is scarce. Similar to the previous book, Fire Mountain, the characters will have to dig deep of their strength and faith to survive. And you and I can enjoy it from the safety of our decks! Are you ready? Grab your book and your cuppa and let’s go!

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 3
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 3
The Avid Reader, March 3
The Sacred Line, March 4
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 4
She Lives To Read, March 5
Texas Book-aholic, March 5
Leslie’s Library Escape, March 6
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 6
Lily’s Corner, March 7
Pause for Tales, March 7
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 7
Devoted To Hope, March 8
For Him and My Family, March 8
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 9
Melissa’s Bookshelf, March 9
EmpowerMoms, March 10
Blogging With Carol, March 10
Just Your Average reviews, March 10
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 11
Simple Harvest Reads, March 11 (Guest Review from Donna)
Lyssa Loves Books, March 12
Blossoms and Blessings, March 12
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 12
Cover Lover Book Review, March 13
Labor Not in Vain, March 13
Betti Mace, March 14
Bigreadersite, March 14
Life on Chickadee Lane, March 15
Lights in a Dark World, March 15
Holly’s Book Corner, March 15
Stories By Gina, March 16 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, March 16

​In Buried in Shadows by Dani Pettrey, Cassandra Parker arrives at her best friend's destination wedding, praying her stalker hasn't tracked her to Colorado. Also part of the wedding party is Sheriff Joel Brunswick, the man she stunned by leaving at the altar to hide a dangerous truth. When an avalanche strands their ski group in an abandoned lodge, it becomes chillingly clear that Cassandra's stalker has followed her . . . and he's willing to kill to make her his.

In Snowbound Secrets by Lynette Eason, Dr. Maya Sullivan fully intends to escape her past and finish planning a retreat for military veterans at the ranch she's inherited. Unfortunately, her plans go sideways when an avalanche traps her in a Colorado ski resort. An unexpected reunion with her high school crush forces her to confront past wounds, but she soon realizes someone is targeting her, and their search for a shadowy enemy becomes a matter of life and death.
​
A gripping romantic suspense novella collection from bestselling authors Lynette Eason and Dani Pettrey featuring second-chance romance, trapped together forced proximity, military and law enforcement heroes, a small-town destination wedding, and snowbound survival at a Colorado ski resort.

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: February 3, 2026
Genre: Romantic Suspense Novella Collection

​An avalanche isn't the only danger out there....

Dani Pettrey is one of my all-time favorite Christian romantic suspense authors and I've also enjoyed quite a few of Lynette Eason's as well. Thus, when I found out the two had teamed up with a pair of novellas, the book shot immediately onto my must-read list.

Whiteout was great! Two manageably sized romantic suspense stories, complete and independent of each other, set against the backdrop of an avalanche at a cold Colorado ski resort. Both stories are delightfully chilling, yes, pun fully intended, and will keep you on the edge of your ski lift chair seat. Dani Pettrey & Lynette Eason really keep you guessing with more twists and turns than a good ski course. While I did figure out some parts, others came as a complete surprise, which I enjoyed.

I really appreciated that both Buried In Shadows and Snowbound Secrets are standalone stories. They may or may not have ties to other books written by Dani Pettrey & Lynette Eason, but I didn't feel like I had missed anything, and I was able to fully immerse myself in the cold snow of the stories.

Whether you love romantic suspense in general or these authors in particular, Whiteout from Dani Pettrey & Lynette Eason is a really good book. The novella size of each story makes them individually readable in a sitting or two, and together, the stories that make up Whiteout are quite enjoyable....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Whiteout by Lynette Eason & Dani Pettrey a 4.5 Bark rating.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 3, 2026 and will last through
11:59 PM EST on March 10, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and
​given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

​Racing to solve one mind-bending puzzle after the next, Emlyn uncovers a plan seventeen years in the making. She stands at the center of a fractured universe—and she might be too late to save it.

Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: February 10, 2023

​I haven’t been a Novemite long, and if you want advice from an absolute expert, you’ll have to ask Captain Doyle or maybe Laramie, if you can manage to push your way past the cloud of ego that surrounds him at all times.

But I’ve been diving into upside-down classics, wrangling rogue characters, bridging broken plots, and saving story spheres long enough to give some helpful pointers on how to keep your wits about you when you, too, traverse the fantastical, fictional universes we all know and love.
​
Read on for my hard-won wisdom.

1. Never accept apples from anyone. Ever. Even if they promise it’s organic and locally sourced. Just don’t.
2. If a book starts whispering, close it immediately. This is not the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Cursed tomes are not to be trifled with.
3. Stay away from unattended spinning wheels and mirrors that look a little too shiny. Exercise caution around wardrobe-shaped furniture. Odds are high you’re about to be enchanted, imprisoned, or transported. Stay vigilant.
4. Beware of overly charming men in masks, hoods, and/or capes. It’s 50/50 on whether he’s a tragic hero or a villain with a vendetta. Proceed with caution.
5. Always check the fine print on magical contracts. If the terms include “firstborn child” or an unspecified “favor” to be later named, run.
6. Characters who break into song at random intervals are either harmless or extremely dangerous. If they’re just narrating their morning routine, you’re fine. If the music gets ominous, assume the worst.
7. If you find yourself in the company of a talking animal sidekick, always ask for its backstory. Talking cats may be friend or foe, sometimes both if it starts telling riddles. Grumpy toads are probably cursed nobles. Overdramatic ravens are almost always bad news.
8. When in doubt, follow the protagonist—but not too closely. The main character has plot armor. You do not.

If you’re hoping for a fairy-tale ending, these tips might get you there. Stay safe, friends. And happy sphere-diving!

The Lofty Pages, February 25
Simple Harvest Reads, February 26 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 27 (Spotlight)
Blogging With Carol, February 27
Artistic Nobody, February 28 (Author Interview)
Inspired by Fiction, March 1
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 2 (Spotlight)
Where Faith and Books Meet, March 3
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 4
Guild Master, March 5 (Author Interview)
Blossoms and Blessings, March 6 (Spotlight)
Holly’s Book Corner, March 6
For the Love of Literature, March 7 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, March 8
Stories By Gina, March 9 (Spotlight)
Fiction Book Lover, March 10 (Author Interview)

1. Inspiration for this book?
A mix of fascination with the real Copper Scroll, love for Indiana Jones–style adventure, and a desire to honestly wrestle with the tension between faith and proof in a modern, high-stakes story.

2. How long did it take to write?
From first serious draft to final manuscript was several years, including long stretches of research, rewrites, and letting the story “cool” between ​passes.

​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.

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

​One of my favorite movies as a kid was The Wizard of Oz. It aired on network TV once a year, and watching the movie with my two sisters, popcorn, blankets, (to hide my eyes during the scary flying monkeys scene) and staying up late, was a big deal.

One of my favorite parts is when the cowardly Lion makes his speech about Courage.

“What makes the muskrat guard his musk? Courage. What makes the Sphinx the 7th Wonder? Courage. What makes the dawn come up like thunder? Courage”.

Years later, I found myself in a place where like Cowardly Lion, I needed courage. I had to do some brave things in my life, but I was stuck in fear. I asked myself, “What would I do if the drag of fear wasn’t tethered to my soul; if scary stories and whispers of doom were replaced with curiosity and courage?

I would rise.

What would you do?

If fear was vanquished and lying voices silenced, would you catch the wind and rise to new challenges? Would you be curious enough to explore the new beginnings of an authentic life and brave enough to take important steps, even while afraid?

Sometimes we feel more like the cowardly lion. The dawn doesn’t come up like thunder, but, it does always come up! Can you do something today to move you toward living from your heart and not your fear?    As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.”
​
If you’re being called to rise, if in areas of your life you need to become brave and step out of the comfort zone to reclaim the life you’re meant to live, I believe my book will help you take those courageous steps! It’s time to Rise.

Texas Book-aholic, January 28
Simple Harvest Reads, January 29 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, January 30 (Author Interview)
Inspired by Fiction, January 31
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 1
Guild Master, February 2 (Author Interview)
Fiction Book Lover, February 3 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 3
Vicky Sluiter, February 4 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 5
For the Love of Literature, February 6 (Author Interview)
Because I said so – adventures in Parenting , February 7
Cover Lover Book Review, February 8
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 9 (Author Interview)
Blossoms and Blessings, February 10 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, February 10

Genre: YA Epic Fantasy
Release Date: January 13, 2026

​This is, at its core, a book about hope. I discovered that fact partway through the writing process. Of Dawn and Embers is the cataclysmic finale to an epic fantasy trilogy where warriors bond with elemental warhorses and the action sequences strike with ever-increasing intensity from page one, and I was halfway through drafting it before I realized that beneath the searing visuals, the blistering pace, and the moments that set your heart thundering in your chest, this story sings with hope as a powerful undercurrent.

But you’re the author, you say. How could you not already know that?

Some authors go into each project with a specific theme in mind. They begin fully aware of the deeper meaning of the story they want to tell, and they intentionally structure the sequences of the unfolding plot and character arcs to match. I, on the other hand—while an avid worldbuilder who loves creating layered fantasy stories with multiple characters facing their own paths of growth—often wind up surprised by the overarching themes that also surface through those characters’ individual journeys.

Themes of identity and worth. Of finding the beauty in our broken stories. And, in this case, of hope.

Not the soft and feathery kind, fluttering in your chest. Or the brightly optimistic kind that lends itself to cheerful sayings. But the kind of hope that dares to kneel in the ashes, with blood on its teeth and knuckles, and trust that the sun will rise again. The kind of hope that endures and keeps on enduring. The kind of hope that is as stubborn and resilient as an ember’s deep and fiery glow, waiting to be rekindled with a touch of the morning breeze.

That’s the kind of hope that I find myself clinging to in my own life. Because we live in an age where discouragement can seem rampant, flung in our faces with each news cycle and with every moment spent scrolling on this or that screen.

Even once I uncovered that underlying theme, it wasn’t until I reached the end of the first draft and started working back through that I realized just how deeply it had already been woven into the story. It was there in each breathtaking moment of connection between characters, in the first touch of gold breaking through the cloud-wrack, in the hearty meals shared around a fireside, in the friends who refuse to leave one another to face the darkness alone, and in the loyalty that proves a greater defense than any shield or weapon.

It fairly came singing to me off every page, a reflection on hope at the heart of the book.

On the ache of hope. The seeming foolishness of hope. The defiance of hope. The way hope can feel like fresh air to oxygen-starved lungs, and the way it can cause your chest to ache with the fear of losing it again. The way it holds you up and keeps you standing long after you expected to be on your knees. And the way a lack of hope can leave you grasping for some sense of control, lashing out in desperation to find your own way forward after you put your hope in something that proved incapable of enduring.

In the prologue, one of the main characters, Jakim, compares holding onto hope in the midst of hardship as a candle flame that he has had to grip tightly to shield from the buffeting winds to keep it from going out. And “lately, it had felt like the only way to keep it alive was to grasp it so tightly it singed him.”

If you’ve ever faced the long and aching wait for a hope to be realized, you know what it feels like for hope to sting. Proverbs 13:12 (NIV) talks about how “hope deferred makes the heart sick” but Hebrews 6:19 tells us where we can find that true and lasting hope that exists as “an anchor for our souls”: through the One who stepped into the darkest night in our place and took on our own hopeless state so that He could become our hope.

A hope that endures. That breathes life. That does not falter or fail. That doesn’t slip away. That isn’t in danger of burning out if we grip it too tightly.

A hope that holds onto us.

Later on, Jakim comes to the restorative realization that “Hope was not a candle flame. It was the dawn. Rising again and again after darkest night.”

Rising without any effort of his own. Rising beyond the pain of his circumstances. Rising steadfastly day by day.
​
And throughout the wild ups and downs of this book, through the aching chill of the dark nights and the resplendent glories of the new dawns, I hope that readers will walk away with that same assurance singing hope into their souls.

The Lofty Pages, January 27
Simple Harvest Reads, January 28 (Author Interview)
Vicky Sluiter, January 29 (Spotlight)
Artistic Nobody, January 30 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, January 31 (Spotlight)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 31
Blossoms and Blessings, February 1 (Spotlight)
Guild Master, February 2 (Author Interview)
Stories By Gina, February 3 (Spotlight)
Book Holds and Jello Molds, February 3
Fiction Book Lover, February 4 (Author Interview)
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 5 (Spotlight)
Texas Book-aholic, February 6
A Reader’s Brain , February 7 (Spotlight)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 8 (Author Interview)
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 9 (Spotlight)

​Hope, a teenager from a tight-knit community, finds herself in danger when the person she believes to be a new friend proves unsafe. Taken from all she knows, Hope is forced into sex trafficking and stripped of her identity. After finding freedom from her captors, Hope discovers that survival is only the first step. Inspired by true stories, Hope’s journey is a powerful illustration of the courage it takes to walk the complex path of recovery.

​Still Hope....

So much can be packed into a simple 2-word title. A thousand things can be said. I'll be honest, this was a difficult movie to watch. I knew it would be going into it, but, it still broke my heart. It is a story that needs to be told and a difficult truth that we need to stop turning our eyes away from. It is real and it happens every single day in every single state. It can be as simple as a new friend on the internet or a seemingly friendly person on the street. When the movie says, “inspired by true stories,” that is exactly what they mean. And this is a reality that is hard and it is ugly.

This movie was tough to watch. It will rip the blinders off of your eyes and it will hurt. And, if you know someone who has gone through something even remotely similar, it can strike deep. But, the title says it all. Still Hope. Is there still hope after such horrible experiences? Is the main character still Hope? The answer to both can be 'yes'.

As you might have guessed, or seen, the movie is rated PG-13 for a reason. I will say, though, that it was handled in a way that did not shy away from the facts but it was not graphic. It did not come across as exploitative of the young actress, which was something that I personally appreciated. Can older teens watch this film? My answer would be, yes. Parents will know their kids best and whether they can handle it. As for younger kids, this is a good reminder to their parents to teach them about safety, about stranger danger, and to know who your kids' friends are both online and in real life.

Another thing that I loved about this movie is that it doesn't stop with a rescue. Everything isn't all peaches and cream once the immediate physical danger is past. That is when the journey only begins. And that road is long, it's tough, and there will be many setbacks.

Emotionally moving, powerful, and full of hope, this film was also quite well made. I don't really need to say more, other than that the actress who plays Hope is very very good. Her ability to portray strong emotion with her face and body language is gut-wrenchingly real.

In the end I think this is a movie that people need to watch. It is time to step out of our pretty little comfort zones and see the truth – even when it is ugly. It is time to do as Jesus did and help the hurting. It is time to be the stranger in the most unexpected of places – the stranger who sees and then does something about it....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Still Hope a 5 Bark rating.

Please Note: Full name and email address are required. This information is used to send the winner
​their prize and to ensure that the chosen winner has not already won a giveaway in this blog tour.