Life on Chickadee Lane

Why Probation Lingers {a devotional}

2026-05-09T03:00:00.013-04:00

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3: 9.

I was shown our danger, as a people, of becoming assimilated to the world rather than to the image of Christ. We are now upon the very borders of the eternal world, but it is the purpose of the adversary of souls to lead us to put far off the close of time. Satan will in every conceivable manner assail those who profess to be the commandment-keeping people of God and to be waiting for the second appearing of our Saviour in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. He will lead as many as possible to put off the evil day and become in spirit like the world, imitating its customs. I felt alarmed as I saw that the spirit of the world was controlling the hearts and minds of many who make a high profession of the truth....

In consideration of the shortness of time we as a people should watch and pray, and in no case allow ourselves to be diverted from the solemn work of preparation for the great event before us. Because the time is apparently extended, many have become careless and indifferent in regard to their words and actions. They do not realize their danger and do not see and understand the mercy of our God in lengthening their probation, that they may have time to form characters for the future, immortal life. Every moment is of the highest value. Time is granted them, not to be employed in studying their own ease and becoming dwellers on the earth, but to be used in the work of overcoming every defect in their own characters and in helping others, by example and personal effort, to see the beauty of holiness. God has a people upon the earth who in faith and holy hope are tracing down the roll of fast-fulfilling prophecy and are seeking to purify their souls by obeying the truth, that they may not be found without the wedding garment when Christ shall appear....

The signs foretold in prophecy are fast fulfilling around us. This should arouse every true follower of Christ to zealous action. ~Maranatha, by Ellen G. White.

The Hometown Cop's Forever Family JustRead Tour {book review and giveaway}

2026-05-06T06:00:00.049-04:00

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Hometown Cop's Forever Family by Tara Randel, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Hometown Cop's Forever Family
Series: A Golden, Georgia Romance #3
Author: Tara Randel
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: April 28, 2026
Genre: Wholesome Contemporary Romance

Solving crimes

And falling in love!

Charming, small-town Golden, Georgia, has everything Briana Connelly needs—her four-year-old daughter, her family, and her job as a police officer. When her former best friend, Jackson Walker, returns suddenly and is made her partner at work, she’s forced to face the events that drove them apart. With a mysterious theft to investigate, spending time with Jax is unavoidable…and easier than she’d like. Especially when his effortless warmth wins over her precious daughter. As a deeper connection grows between them, he starts to feel like a part of Briana’s little family. But if overcoming the past means admitting their true feelings—that might be the biggest risk of all.

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

More in This Series

Excerpt #1

“Right on time,” her boss, Police Chief Brady Davis, said as he exited his office with a file folder in hand. “Follow me to the conference room.”

His request could only mean one thing. The identity of the newest addition to the PD was about to be revealed.

After Briana’s partner had left to work with fire and rescue as a paramedic, it had been a hush-hush process to find a replacement, which was over the top for Brady.

“I still don’t understand why you haven’t told me who it is,” Briana griped.

“I didn’t want to get ahead of myself. It took a lot of back-and-forth negotiations to get him to uproot his life and move here.”

So, it was a guy.

Brady pointed in the direction of the conference room. “Besides, you were off for a few days when I confirmed the hire.”

True. She’d taken a long weekend to spend quality time with her daughter. Most days she juggled a hectic schedule and from time to time took a long weekend to focus on Cami.

Since her daughter was only four, Briana didn’t want to miss any milestones, a worry that came with working long hours and being a single mom. Brady did his best to accommodate her schedule, instilling his philosophy that a happy home life made for more productive officers.

Briana dropped her bag by her desk and hurried to catch up with Brady who was striding across the room. “He’s finally here?”

“Yes,” Brady said over his shoulder. “That’s why I want you to join me.”

More curious than ever, a trait that made her good at her job but often got her into trouble, Briana caught up and followed Brady into the room. She stopped short when a tall, dark-haired man rose from the chair. His piercing blue eyes, so very familiar to Briana, shone with an intensity she’d never admit she missed.

“Briana.”

Her mouth dropped open, but she quickly regrouped to save face.

“Jackson?” she asked, trying to moderate her tone so the higher pitch didn’t reach into the frequency only dogs heard.

“This isn’t going to be awkward, is it?” Brady asked in a serious tone, a tone he rarely used unless he meant business. His gaze moved between the two.

She’d answer if she could find her voice.

Excerpt #2

She asked in a small voice, “Are you saying we can get back to where we were?”

Her face, so dear and precious to him, was not only that of his best friend, but now, a woman he was attracted to. His feelings had morphed into more than just a friendship rekindled. Just when they’d gotten some solid footing concerning the past, would he blow up the future if he admitted how he felt?

Instead of going there, he said, “I think that after the case is solved, we sit down and evaluate what’s going on between us.”

She tilted her head, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. “What is going on?”

He ran a hand through his hair. “You do realize that I almost kissed you last night.”

Her eyes grew wide. “I’m aware.”

“And?”

“I think it’s safe to assume that’s not an aspect of our relationship that either of us had considered before now.” She hesitated for a fraction of a moment. “Is it going to be a problem?”

Jax weighed the word carefully. “Kissing?”

“Is there going to be a kiss?”

His heart hammered in his chest. “How about we test that theory?”

Her lips parted. He leaned close, his eyes locked on hers. When he saw the smallest of nods, he slowly brushed his lips over hers. He stopped after a moment, gauged her reaction, and when he saw her small smile, kissed her again. This time he lingered, so caught up in the sensation he could have continued for hours.

“I’m…um…” Brie sputtered when they parted.

“Yeah. Me, too.”

Brie pulled back and slid from the boulder. “I should probably get back to the station.”

He moved out of the way. “Right. And I need to go over some notes before I head to the resort.”

Both were caught up in their thoughts as they walked through the woods to the main hiking path. The stroll was both too fast and strangely exhilarating. A place Jax had never found himself with a woman.

Kissing Brie had changed everything.

Excerpt #3

“Okay. Let’s scoop the guts out,” Jax said, hands on his hips as he scrutinized the bright orange pumpkin on the kitchen table.

“Guts,” Cami said with a giggle. She was dressed in a sparkly yellow princess dress. When Jax had asked her if it was going to be her Halloween costume, she informed him that her trick-or-treating dress was a secret. The one she had on was for play.

Boy, did he have a lot to learn about little girls.

Brie glowered at him. “I prefer to call it pulp.”

“That’s not what we called it when we were kids,” he reminded her. He’d forgotten how much fun it was to tease her.

“Yeah, well, maybe I’m going in a different direction with my daughter.”

With that declaration she handed him a knife. Cami climbed atop a chair to see better. He sliced into the meaty skin to remove the lid. Then Brie used a large spoon to remove the insides.

Cami placed her palms on the table and leaned in to watch. “I can’t wait to tell Jacob that we took out the guts.”

Brie scowled at Jax. “Thanks.”

After each scoop, Brie dropped the stringy pulp into a large bowl. “Cami, why don’t you pick out the seeds and place them in the empty bowl.”

The little girl wrinkled her nose. “It smells funny.”

My Thoughts

The Hometown Cop's Forever Family is book 3 of the "A Golden, Georgia Romance" series. I enjoyed it as much as I did the first two! It can be read as a stand alone, even though it is part of a series.

Any story about a single parent and their child, and love growing again, is one of my favorite kind of stories. This friends to more and co-workers to more story definitely "hits the spot," as far as I'm concerned!

Briana and Jax were best friends all through elementary school and high school, until they parted ways after high school. Jax has come back to Golden, after his military career. Now he and Briana are partnered in the local law enforcement team.

I enjoyed watching their relationship heal and bloom, and Briana's daughter, Cami, is a delight.

If you enjoy sweet, contemporary romance, with a touch of mystery and a dose of faith, then you will want to add this one to your (ever growing) TBR list!

I received a complimentary copy. These opinions are my own.

About the Author

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets and beautiful weather inspire the creation of heartwarming stories. Tara has received the Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award.

Connect with Tara by visiting tararandel.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a prize bundle which includes a $25 Amazon Gift Card, bookish tote bag, booklover's keychain, bookmark and 2 autographed books by the author!

(1) winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 4, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 11, 2026. Winner 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.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

This post contains affiliate link.

Meet Me in the Yorkshire Dales CelebrateLit Tour {book review and giveaway}

2026-05-03T08:00:00.094-04:00

About the Book

Book: Meet Me in the Yorkshire Dales

Author: Valerie Massey Goree

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: February, 2025

To inherit her grandfather’s estate, Roxanne Clarke has to prove the identity of her birth mother. Considering all the ancestry help online, that shouldn’t be a problem. However, the only clues Roxanne has are an old photograph and hints provided by a member of her grandfather’s household that her mother was born in Yorkshire.

Accompanied by her best friend, Avery, and Avery’s twin brother, Lucas, Roxanne travels to England. Their attempts to identify Roxanne’s mother send them from one village to another. To add to their frustration, a fellow Texan is following them, threatening them, trying to locate the woman first.

Lucas has been in love with Roxanne since high school, but botched their relationship two years ago. While helping her find her mother, can he salvage their once-blossoming romance, build a new beginning, and keep her safe when the Texan’s actions intensify?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award winner Valerie Massey Goree resides in San Antonio, Texas.

She was born in South Africa and grew up in Rhodesia—now Zimbabwe. Valerie met her husband, Glenn, at a Christian university in the USA. After they married, they served as missionaries in Rhodesia. When the family returned to Texas, Valerie began her teaching career. She served 25 years in the public school arena, focusing on children with special needs.

Her writing journey only began when their children were in high school. Attending workshops and ACFW conferences helped propel her toward publication. She has eleven romantic suspense novels published.

Valerie and her family traveled extensively throughout North America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Now retired and widowed, she spends her time writing, reading, traveling, and spoiling her grandchildren.

Valerie loves to hear from her readers.

My Thoughts

Valerie Massey Goree is another new-to-me author. Even though Meet Me in the Yorkshire Dales is the second book of a series, it works well as a standalone. I enjoyed taking a trip to the Yorkshire Dales via this story.

This story is full of mystery, and a quest for Roxanne to find her biological mother. I think it's sweet how Roxanne's friends travel with her to Yorkshire in her search for her mother.

If you enjoy sweet, contemporary faith-based fiction, you might want to add this to your TBR list.

I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

More from Valerie

Meet Me in the Yorkshire Dales is the second book in my series "From England with Love and…Treachery." The three standalone stories feature American characters who are visiting or working in England. When they meet, romance blossoms, but is hindered by misfortune, menacing strangers, betrayal, and dead-end clues. Book One, Meet Me Where the Windrush Flows, is set in the Cotswolds. Book Three, which I’m writing now, takes place in the City of Bath during the Jane Austen Festival.

As an author, my goal is to set stories in places I’ve lived or visited. What a hardship it was for me to travel to England to research the Cotswolds area for Book One, and the next year to visit the Yorkshire Dales and Bath!

During my two-week sojourn in the Yorkshire Dales, I stayed in a cottage in each of the villages featured in the story. When I walked down the ‘Snake Path’ in Grassington, I knew I had to include it in the story.

Roxanne, my heroine, has never been to England and is enthralled by the villages’ narrow roads, cobblestone streets, and the ancient cottages, some built in the seventeenth century.

When I made the reservation for the cottage in Grassington, I didn’t know that the TV show All Creatures Great and Small is filmed there. They usually film in April, but alas, I was there in September. I did recognize many places used in the show, such as the village center, featured in the photo.

Needless to say, I loved visiting these places. Roxanne did, too.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, April 28

Stories By Gina, April 29 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 30

Simple Harvest Reads, May 1 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, May 2 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 3

Guild Master, May 4 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, May 5

Fiction Book Lover, May 6 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, May 7 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 7

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 8 (Author Interview)

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, May 9

Books, Books, & More Books, May 10 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 10

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

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Valerie 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/kqX7Q/meet-me-in-the-yorkshire-dales-celebration-tour-giveaway

Just Another Home CelelbrateLit Tour {book review and giveaway}

2026-05-03T07:00:00.033-04:00

About the Book

Book: Just Another Home

Author: Kimberly Banet

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction, Women’s Christian Fiction

Release Date: May 7, 2024

Sixteen-year-old Sam Keller has lived in foster homes and group homes most of his life and has long ago given up on the dream of a stable, forever family. Adults have always let him down, and so has God, and he has no use for either.

John and Abbie Grayson are a respected, successful couple in their fifties with two grown children. They live in their dream home in Franklin, TN, an idyllic suburb of Nashville, where John is a successful college basketball coach, and Abbie works part-time at their local church. But Abbie feels something is missing from her life and convinces John they should become foster parents.

Their worlds collide when Sam is placed in the Grayson home for a few days. Days turn into months, and Sam thrives with the Graysons and allows himself to dream of a forever family, while John and Abbie realize the teen has found his way into their hearts.

As the Graysons begin to investigate the possibility of adopting Sam, an evil agenda emerges, and a secret past is revealed. Nothing short of a miracle can save Sam from a harrowing ordeal and keep the Grayson family together.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kimberly Banet received her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University. She started writing in 2020. Her debut novel, Just Another Home, was a 2023 ACFW Genesis Finalist.

Kimberly was married to the love of her life, Jeff, from 1988 until his passing in December, 2024. Together they raised two children, Nicole and Brandon.

Kimberly lives in beautiful Starlight, Indiana, with her two fur babies, Daisy and Winnie.

My Thoughts

Kimberly Banet is a new-to-me author, and Just Another Home is a wonderful introduction.

It's a poignant, heart-tugging story, set in lovely Tennessee (a state dear to my heart). I feel for Sam, who has gone from foster home to foster home, with a couple group homes thrown in there.

Fostering is something I have wanted to do for a number of years, but God hasn't worked it out for me, yet. Working with troubled teens, or any teens at all, has always tugged at my heart.

If you enjoy contemporary small town Christian fiction, consider adding Just Another Home to your TBR list.

I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

More from Kimberly

My debut novel, Just Another Home, was released in 2024. It’s about a teen in the foster care system, Sam, who is placed with a couple in their fifties, John and Abbie. Something most people don’t know about Just Another Home is that the setting of the story, Franklin, Tennessee, was not just some random town I chose for the backdrop of Sam’s story. Franklin is a place I’ve visited many times and is near and dear to my heart.

In 2015, our daughter and son-in-law moved to Franklin, a little over three hours from our home in Indiana where my husband and I have lived all our lives. We visited frequently. We loved the small-town, rural feel of Franklin, with its rolling fields and farms and the scenic beauty of the nearby Natchez Trace Parkway. It also satisfied everything we wanted in a small city with its unique shops, boutiques and locally-owned restaurants on Main Street and nearby Cool Springs.

My favorite things about Franklin, though, were the great family weekends we spent there. The memories of one weekend in particular always makes me smile. We attended the Dickens of a Christmas Festival on the square in downtown Franklin. It was just one of the many festivals they have there, but the one I love the most.

It was a blustery, cold day for Middle Tennessee. The high was only 30 degrees and snow flurries were flying. With coffee in hand, we braved the downtown streets and met all our favorite Dickens characters—Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, and Tiny Tim, among others. There were vendor booths, and a giant, beautifully lit Christmas tree in the square. It was a beautiful, Christmas-like day with our whole family together in the same place at the same time. When we got too cold to walk anymore, we ducked into a pizzeria to have lunch and warm up. Then we finished the day at our favorite local bookstore there, Landmark. This mother’s heart was full.

Does all of this sound familiar? If you’ve read Just Another Home, it does, because this exact story is played out as Sam attends the Dickens Festival with his foster family. It’s the first time he is genuinely happy since he can remember. He can enjoy the day with them without having to fight for survival or worry about what tomorrow brings. For once he is free and his heart is not troubled.

Kind of like this momma’s heart, having her whole family in the same place at the same time.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 25

Stories By Gina, April 26 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, April 27 (Author Interview)

Fruitfully Planted, April 27

Artistic Nobody, April 28 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 29

The Bookish Ledger, April 30 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, May 1 (Author Interview)

Books Less Travelled, May 2 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 3

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, May 4 (Author Interview)

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, May 5 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, May 5

Vicky Sluiter, May 6 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 7

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

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kimberly 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/HlylC/just-another-home-celebration-tour-giveaway

Proof Against Every Temptation {a devotional}

2026-05-02T03:00:00.015-04:00

Yield yourselves unto God, ... and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you. Romans 6: 13, 14.

There is but one power that can break the hold of evil from the hearts of men, and that is the power of God in Jesus Christ.... His grace alone can enable us to resist and subdue the tendencies of our fallen nature.

The infinite value of the sacrifice required for our redemption reveals the fact that sin is a tremendous evil. Through sin the whole human organism is deranged, the mind is perverted, the imagination corrupted. Sin has degraded the faculties of the soul. Temptations from without find an answering chord within the heart, and the feet turn imperceptibly toward evil. As the sacrifice in our behalf was complete, so our restoration from the defilement of sin is to be complete. There is no act of wickedness that the law will excuse; there is no unrighteousness that will escape its condemnation. The life of Christ was a perfect fulfillment of every precept of the law. He said; “I have kept my Father’s commandments.” John 15: 10. His life is our standard of obedience and service.

Today Satan presents the same temptations that he presented to Christ, offering us the kingdoms of the world in return for our allegiance. But upon him who looks to Jesus as the author and finisher of his faith, Satan’s temptations have no power. He cannot cause to sin the one who will accept by faith the virtues of Him who was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin.

The expulsion of sin is the act of the soul itself. True, we have no power to free ourselves from Satan’s control; but when we desire to be set free from sin, and in our great need cry out for a power out of and above ourselves, the powers of the soul are imbued with the divine energy of the Holy Spirit, and they obey the dictates of the will in fulfilling the will of God.

God will have a people zealous of good works, standing firm amid the pollutions of this degenerate age. There will be a people who hold so fast to the divine strength that they will be proof against every temptation. ~Maranatha, by Ellen G. White.

Zeller, Penny

2026-04-30T09:30:00.060-04:00

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith-filled happily ever-afters and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. Her books feature tender romance, steady doses of humor, and memorable characters that stay with you long after the last page.

I've reviewed a couple of her books from her "Horizon" series: Dreams on the Horizon and Beyond the Horizon. Her "Wyoming Sunrise" and "Montana Skies" series both look really good, too. Her "Montana Hearts" series, which has yet to hit the market, is already on my TBR list. As you may know, any novel set in Montana is going onto my TBR list, since I lived in Montana for at least two decades.

I have an upcoming review for Love Under Construction, next month, so be sure to come back for that.

Have you read any of Zeller's novels? Which one was your favorite?

Thank you for joining me on this journey through the alphabet. I hope I have introduced you to some new authors, and that you've enjoyed learning about some of my favorites. Please visit my blog frequently, as I continue to share book reviews and recommendations.

This post contains affiliate link.

His Ranch Redemption JustRead Tour {book review and giveaway}

2026-04-30T06:00:00.031-04:00

Welcome to the Blog Tour for His Ranch Redemption by Laurie Winter, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: His Ranch Redemption
Series: Fern Hollow #1
Author: Laurie Winter
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: April 28, 2026
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

He was her first love…
Can he be her forever?

Widowed Sarah Carmella has a wonderful daughter and fulfilling work running her grandparents’ horse rescue. So there’s absolutely no reason for regrets and what-ifs when her ex-husband, Pete O’Keefe, arrives in town for a mutual friend’s wedding. She and Pete eloped young, then went their separate ways when tragedy struck. But memories of their whirlwind romance and Pete’s charm have Sarah fearing for her heart. Because Pete would never settle down in tiny Fern Hollow. Fresh out of the army, he already has another job chasing danger lined up. Yet, could falling for each other all over again become the adventure they both need?

Also Available

Excerpt 1

He cupped his right hand behind her head and pressed his lips to hers in the sweetest kiss. For a second, she flashed back to the teenager she’d been who’d fallen in love with Pete the first time they’d kissed. They’d snuck away on horseback into the orchards for a picnic lunch. Their first kiss had been awkward and shy but Sarah had felt certain her future would be filled with Pete.

As she leaned in closer to him now, her mind moved to the present. Her feet stayed firmly planted in reality. She was with a man changed from the boy she’d known. He was different and yet still the same. His whiskers did prickle her upper lip like she’d expected. If she wasn’t careful, the moment would sweep her away. She pulled back and stared into his eyes. Their kiss didn’t change anything, yet she struggled not to question what came next.

Excerpt 2

Sarah shook her head in an adamant showing that the option was not on the table. “Pete isn’t staying. He has a new job in Phoenix and he’ll never be content living here. And most importantly, I am not opening to a romantic relationship. Especially one long distance with no hope of that ever changing. I was blessed with a good marriage with Mike. I already had my prince charming. Now that he’s gone, I’m content staying single and devoting myself to the ranch and Chloe. I don’t need anything more.” No more heartbreak, that’s for sure. Nothing could have prepared her for Mike’s death. If she offered herself to Pete only for him leave her, she may never recover.

My Thoughts

His Ranch Redemption is the first book of the "Fern Hollow" series, and the first book I have read by Laurie Winter. It is a sweet second-chance romance, set on a horse ranch and apple orchard.

Pete and Sarah eloped when they were teenagers, and shortly after got an annulment, and went their separate ways. The wedding of a mutual friend has brought them back together, years later. Pete is seeking forgiveness for how things ended before. Sarah is just hoping to get through the week until after the wedding and Pete walks out of her life again. Observing him with her daughter, though, tugs at her heart.

If you enjoy sweet Christian romance, you will want to add this to your TBR list.

I received a complimentary copy. These opinions are my own.

About the Author

Multiple award-winning author Laurie Winter creates authentic characters who overcome the odds to find true love. She keeps her life balanced with jogging and binge-watching true-crime shows. Laurie enjoys time with her family and two dogs, all of who inspire her every day.

Connect with Laurie at lauriewinter.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a $20 Amazon gift card and a His Ranch Redemption custom premium candle!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 29, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 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.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

This post contains affiliate link.

Yolan, Jane

2026-04-29T09:30:00.050-04:00

Jane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.

We enjoyed some of her books during our homeschooling years, such as Owl Moon and All Those Secrets of the World. I recently picked up Switching on the Moon for my grandsons, and would like to also pick up Bird Watch.

Have you read any of Yolen's books? If so, please share in the comments below.

Another author I'd like to mention, even though I haven't read her book, is Malala Yousafzai, author of I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban. Have you read it? Should I add it to my TBR list?

This post contains affiliate links.

Authors Whose Last Names Begin With "X"

2026-04-28T09:30:00.060-04:00

To be honest, I am a bit stymied for authors whose last names begin with "X," much less Christian authors. There's a list on Goodreads of books by authors whose last names begin with "X". I haven't read any of the books, so I can't personally recommend any of them.

If you are interested in Ancient history, you might like books by Xenophon, such as The Art of Horsemanship, or The Persian Expedition.

Or there's Xue Xinran, a Chinese author, who writes Biographies & Memoirs, Literature & Fiction, History. Her books, The Good Women of China: Hidden Voices and Message from an Unknown Chinese Mother: Stories of Loss and Love look intriguing.

There's also Meihong Xu, another Chinese author. Daughter of China: The True Story of Forbidden Love in Modern China looks like it might be an interesting read.

Can you recommend any other authors whose last names begin with "X"? Please share in the comments below.

Weimer, Denise

2026-04-27T09:30:00.079-04:00

Denise Weimer holds a journalism degree with a minor in history from Asbury University. She writes historical and contemporary romance and romantic suspense set in her home state of Georgia. She's authored eleven traditionally published novels and a number of novellas. She now writes under the name of Denise Farnsworth. I really enjoy her novels, and her writing style.

My introduction to her works was her "Scouts of the Georgia Frontier" series. I enjoyed these historical novels, all set in Georgia.

Vetsch, Erica

2026-04-26T10:30:00.033-04:00

Erica Vetsch is another of those Christian authors who ranks at the top of my list. I've enjoyed each one of her works that I've read. She is a best-selling, award-winning author who loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. She’s a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota, and she married her total opposite and soul mate! When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.

My introduction to her novels was her "Serendipity and Secrets" series, a regency era trilogy. I also enjoyed the "Kennebrae Brides" series, also known as the "North Star Brides" series, which is set on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Another series I enjoyed was her "Brides of Money Creek" series, also known as "Idaho Brides" trilogy.

The most recent book I've reviewed is Stars in Her Eyes, which is book three of her "Dawn of Colorado" trilogy.

Have you read any of Vetsch's books? Which one sounds most appealing to you? Please share in the comments below.

This post contains affiliate link.

Pieces of April CelebrateLit Tour {book review and giveaway}

2026-04-26T06:30:00.093-04:00

About the Book

Book: Pieces of April: A Sweet, Quirky, Romantic Puzzle

Author: Jennifer Lynn Cary

Genre: Sweet, Clean Romantic Comedy

Release Date: January 20, 2026

She’s trying to move beyond her past…

…He wants to know who he was.

Will combining their pieces risk erasing their future together?

April Mathers wants to move forward. She can’t undo her impulsive high school blunder, so she keeps her head down, works hard, and prays for that long-awaited promotion. She’s cautious—even about the friends she chooses.

Then her next-door neighbor sublets her apartment to the one person capable of blowing up April’s world by repeating words that once shattered her.

Except he doesn’t remember saying them.

In fact, he doesn’t remember her.

Viet Nam vet Paul Romer has returned home hoping a support group can help him make peace with his permanent amnesia. All he has from before are flashes of a girl.

Then he finds her.
She lives next door.
And she definitely knows something—something not good.

Their chemistry is real, the tension tangled, and the secret between them is as stable as six-inch platform shoes. When the truth comes out, will it destroy their fragile beginning, or give them a future worth remembering?

Return to 1974 Kokomo, Indiana, where faith, love, and a legendary cardinal in a sycamore tree might fit the pieces into place.

You’ll swoon for this sweet, quirky, romantic tale of second chances, because sometimes sharing all those pieces of your heart is the only way to put it back together.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Historical Christian Romance author and three-time Selah Award nominee, Jennifer Lynn Cary, likes to say you can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can’t take the Hoosier out of the girl. Now transplanted to the Arizona desert, this direct descendant of Davy Crockett and her husband of forty-plus years enjoy time with family where she shares tales of her small-town heritage and family legacies with their grandchildren. She is the author of The Crockett Chronicles series, The Relentless series, and The Weather Girls trilogy, as well as the stand-alone novel, Cheryl’s Going Home, her novella Tales of the Hob Nob Annex Café, and her split-time novels The Traveling Prayer Shawl and The Forgotten Gratitude Journal. Her current spin-off series, The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue, contains standalones with a common thread.

My Thoughts

Pieces of April is book 9 in "The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue" series, and the third in the series I've reviewed. My main attraction to the series is that it's set in Indiana (my birth state), and set in the 1970s, the era of my childhood. I also love that each novel has a cardinal on the cover. 😁

Poor April seems accident prone, even when the accidents aren't of her own doing. And Paul can't remember anything of his past, because of the amnesia he suffers from a brain injury sustained in Viet Nam.

Whatever happened between April and Paul back shortly after high school graduation, for which Paul said he'd never forgive her and for which she longed for his forgiveness, keeps you reading to find out what that incident was.

While Paul tries to remember his past, he decides to focus on who he is now and build his life from here. April's desire is to do the same, focusing on "now" but always a little afraid he will remember the past incident and how that might affect their current relationship.

If you enjoy Christian romantic fiction, this is a fun addition your TBR list.

I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

More from Jennifer

Ever have one of those songs that you’ve loved for a long time and then you discover someone else covered the song? As a general rule, I tend to like the first version better. It’s familiar and often brings up good memories.

However, (you knew there was a however coming, right?) I discovered a different version of “Pieces of April” solely by accident. And it was done by the guy who wrote the song, Dave Loggins. Three Dog Night’s version is great. Chuck Negron did some of his best work on that track. But Dave Loggins’s version touched me in a new way.

So, I did some investigating. For one thing, I wanted to know what the song was about. Was there really an April? Or was it just a play on words?

Turns out, there was an April. And that Dave Loggins enjoyed interacting with fans online. So he’d written that he and April (the girlfriend) had a relationship for three Aprils (meaning the month) before they broke up. He missed her and wrote the song for her and it was one of his favorites that he’d written.

However, (you should’ve known this one was coming 😉) Dave passed away in 2024 so I didn’t get to ask him any more questions.

As I was putting this series together, I listed all the rock and roll songs I could think of from 1960 to the early 1970s that had girls’ names in the titles. Then I grouped them for similarity in beat and title words. When I came to “Pieces of April”, I immediately knew it would have to be an amnesia story. I started it out as a young married couple who ends up going through this but it wasn’t working. I struggled a lot trying to rework what I’d been musing on for months and the funny thing is, once I got past chapter five, things started happening. I’m not a plotter but I’m not a pure pansters/discovery writer either. But this book was a lot of discovery for me and how the threads all got tied up, that’s a God thing.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 15

Inspired by Fiction, April 16

Leslie’s Library Escape, April 17

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 18 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, April 18

Texas Book-aholic, April 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 20

She Lives To Read, April 21

Books, Books, and More Books, April 22 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, April 23

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

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, April 24

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, April 25

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 26

Books Less Travelled, April 27 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

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

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

https://gleam.io/8J97u/pieces-of-april-celebration-tour-giveaway

Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volumes 1-3 Box Set CelebrateLit Tour {book review and giveaway}

2026-04-26T06:00:00.108-04:00

About the Book

Book: Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volumes 1-3 Box Set

Author: Camille Elliot

Genre: Christian Regency Romantic Suspense

Release Date: April 23, 2024

Pride and Prejudice meets Mission: Impossible in this Christian Regency Suspense with slow-burn romance and a touch of the supernatural.

Recovered from her harrowing marriage, Lady Wynwood’s peace shatters as a nefarious secret society linked to her past emerges. She seeks the aid of Mr. Sol Drydale, an old friend with ties to a shadowy arm of the government.

They gather a circle of trusted individuals with unique skills:

A botanist with deadly aim with a bow and arrows
An unconventionally trained female medic and chemist in a field dominated by men
A cat burglar who also happens to be a viscount’s son
A spy searching for answers to the mysterious death of his brother
An ex-soldier haunted by regret and self-loathing
A human lie detector desperately protecting lies of her own
The most covert phantom agent working for the Crown
All led by a nobleman keeping dangerous secrets (who feels like he’s wrangling cats)

To protect their loved ones, they must race to stop a treasonous brotherhood, whose dark secrets could enable Napoleon to win the war.

Lady Wynwood’s Spies, volume 1: Archer

An ex-spy and a spinster botanist must find a murderer—with ties to both their families—whose uncanny alchemy could turn the tides against the war with Napoleon.

Lady Wynwood’s Spies, volume 2: Berserker

The team searches for their missing comrade before a crazed murderer finds him first.

Lady Wynwood’s Spies, volume 3: Aggressor

When French spies land on British soil to steal the ingredient for a powerful alchemical potion, Lady Wynwood’s team falls under attack from the toxins they unleash.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Camy writes Christian Contemporary Romantic Suspense as USA Today bestselling author Camy Tang and Christian Regency Romantic Suspense as USA Today bestselling author Camille Elliot. She grew up in Hawaii but now lives in California, where she knits antique knitting patterns and is learning Japanese.

My Thoughts

Camy Tang is a new-to-me author, and this three volume collection is quite the introduction! These novels are fun, suspenseful, romantic, with a touch of faith.

I like how they are Jane Austen-ish, with a touch of humor on occasions, and tones of James Bond. The main story line threads its way through the entire series, which makes it important to read each volume in order.

Each character seems to have depth, even if there are numerous characters to keep track of. I think my favorite character is Phoebe. I really felt for her, how her father seemed so domineering. Her aunt, Laura Wynwood, is a kind, encouraging force in Phoebe's life, which gives her strength.

From her website:

PLEASE NOTE: Like the novels published in Jane Austen’s time, this is a story in multiple parts. Each volume has a completed story arc, but the overall story continues in the next book of the series and some volumes end on cliffhangers. The series is projected to be 12 volumes. The books should be read in order, and the series is not yet complete.

(I actually listened to the audio version, and enjoyed the British accent of the virtual narrator)

If you enjoy Regency romance, and Mission: Impossible like adventure, and are prepared for a lengthy series, this would be an excellent addition for your TBR list.

I received a complimentary copy of the ebook through Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

More from Camille

What inspired me to write the Lady Wynwood’s Spies series:

While I love Regency Romances and Jane Austen’s books, I also really love action movies. When plotting the rest of the series, especially in light of Sol’s clandestine job for the Crown, I realized that I really wanted to do a mash-up of Mission: Impossible in the Regency era.

So I created Sol’s team of agents, some who used to work for the Foreign Office as spies and some who are civilians with unusual skill sets. And, of course, there will be lots of romance for each of the team members, as well as lots of action and suspense.

What exactly is an epic-length serial novel?

Originally I had written The Spinster’s Christmas, a Christian Regency Romantic Suspense, as a stand-alone novel, and I had planned more stand-alone novels with Lady Wynwood and Sol as minor characters in each of them. However, as I began planning the series past that first Christmas book, I realized the storyline was becoming longer and more complex.

I fought it for a while because it would have been a really long series—I even tried writing the next book as a stand-alone novel, but I wrote almost 90,000 words and I hadn’t even gotten to the 25% mark in the book!

So I decided to structure the series like a Japanese light novel series, in which each book has a complete story arc, but there is an underlying story arc that runs through each of the volumes and isn’t resolved until the end.

This is similar to the serial novels being published in the U.S., but those tend to be smaller installments of around 20,000 words, while each of the volumes in my series is around 100,000 words.

I have already plotted the entire series and it will be 12 volumes, plus 3 prequel novels (The Spinster’s Christmas, The Gentleman Thief, and Lissa and the Spy). At the moment, I’m writing volume 10.

I hope you enjoy my latest Regency series!

Blog Stops

All-of-a-kind Mom, April 22

Inspired by Fiction, April 23

Books You Can Feel Good About, April 23

Melissa’s Bookshelf, April 24

Lily’s Corner, April 25

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 26

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 28

Texas Book-aholic, April 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 30

Sydney Schmied Books, April 30

For Him and My Family, May 1

Blogging With Carol, May 2

Blossoms and Blessings, May 2

Book looks by Lisa, May 3

Devoted To Hope, May 4

Holly’s Book Corner, May 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Camille is giving away the grand prize of a Special Edition Paperback of Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volume 1: Archer and a Regency-style ribbon bookmark!!

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

https://gleam.io/oUeZj/lady-wynwoods-spies-volumes-1-3-box-set-celebration-tour-giveaway

Be Alert for Satan's Devices {a devotional}

2026-04-25T03:00:00.014-04:00

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith. 1 Peter 5: 8, 9.

Let every soul be on the alert. The adversary is on your track. Be vigilant, watching diligently lest some carefully concealed and masterly snare shall take you unawares. Let the careless and indifferent beware lest the day of the Lord come upon them as a thief in the night. Many will wander from the path of humility, and, casting aside the yoke of Christ, will walk in strange paths. Blinded and bewildered, they will leave the narrow path that leads to the city of God....

He who overcomes must watch; for, with worldly entanglements, error, and superstition, Satan strives to win Christ’s followers from Him. It is not enough that we avoid glaring dangers and perilous, inconsistent moves. We are to keep close to the side of Christ, walking in the path of self-denial and sacrifice. We are in an enemy’s country. He who was cast out of heaven has come down with great power. With every conceivable artifice and device he is seeking to take souls captive. Unless we are constantly on guard we shall fall an easy prey to his unnumbered deceptions.

Everything is now clothed with a solemnity that all who believe the truth for this time should realize. They should act in reference to the day of God. The judgments of God are about to fall upon the world, and we need to be preparing for that great day.

Our time is precious. We have but few, very few days of probation in which to make ready for the future, immortal life. We have no time to spend in haphazard movements. We should fear to skim the surface of the word of God.

If your whole interest is in the truth and the preparatory work for this time you will be sanctified through the truth and receive a fitness for immortality.... The thorough work of preparation must go on with all who profess the truth, until we stand before the throne of God without fault, without a spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. God will cleanse you if you will submit to the purifying process. ~Maranatha, by Ellen G. White.

Ullrey, Erma M.

2026-04-24T09:30:00.058-04:00

And you thought I wouldn't be able to find a Christian author whose last name begins with "U"! (Yeah, me, too! LOL)

Erma M. Ullrey writes clean, heartwarming rom-coms with a dash of faith in the style of “You've Got Mail” and “Hallmark.” When she's not writing about characters finding love in unexpected places, she's enjoying life in Idaho with her husband of 44 years, four children, and yes, a flock of chickens.

My introduction to her work was Journaled With Love: A You've Got Mail-Style Rom-Com About Lost Words and Found Love, which I found to be very reminiscent of "You've Got Mail." I posted my review on Goodreads. It is the first book of her "...With Love" series, and I look forward to reading the other two of the series.

I also reviewed Sadie's Gift: The Christmas Cabin on my blog. It's a fun Christmas time novel.

This post contains affiliate link.

Tolsma, Liz

2026-04-23T09:30:00.060-04:00

Christian author, Liz Tolsma, ranks up there next to Sarah Sundin on my list of most favorite authors. Tolsma's goal has always been to write riveting stories filled with God’s hope even in the midst of the darkest periods in history. She loves to explore what happens when ordinary people not so different from any of us are thrust into situations that test the very limits of their faith.

My introduction to Tolsma was her "Women of Courage" series. I have also read her "Echoes of the Past" series. I've also read A Picture of Hope, which is book 2 in the "Heroines of WWII" series.

The most recent novel I have read was When the Sky Burned: October 8, 1871, which is book 6 in the "A Day to Remember" series.

She is one of those authors whose books automatically end up on my TBR list, no matter what the title is! She's certainly another author I highly recommend, especially if you enjoy Christian historical fiction.

This post contains affiliate link.

Sundin, Sarah

2026-04-22T09:30:00.084-04:00

One of my top most favorite authors is Sarah Sundin. She's a World War II novelist, whose research is impeccable and apparent. She is one of those authors whose books just automatically go on my TBR list, no questions asked, no matter the title. I have read many of her titles, and if I haven't read it yet, I will want to read it as soon as I can!

My introduction to Sundin was her "Waves of Freedom" series, I think. Or it may have been the "Sunrise at Normandy" series. Either way, I have read both series in their entirety.

I believe the most recent book I have read of hers is Until Leaves Fall in Paris, book 2 of the "Friends in Resistance" series. Obviously I need to get the other two in the series read! Her newest series, "Allegiance Under Pressure", is calling me, too.

If you are a WWII buff, like I am, and like Sundin is, you will want to read her daily posts on the Today in WWII History page on her website!

In case it isn't obvious, I do highly recommend Sarah Sundin's works...all of them!

This post contains affiliate links

Rivers, Francine

2026-04-21T09:30:00.033-04:00

New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers had a successful writing career in the general market for several years before becoming a born-again Christian; she then wrote Redeeming Love as her statement of faith. She is a member of Romance Writers of America's coveted Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Rivers and her husband live in Northern California and enjoy time spent with their grown children and grandchildren. She uses her writing to draw closer to the Lord, and she desires that through her work she might worship and praise Jesus for all He has done and is doing in her life.

My introduction to Rivers was her Mark of the Lion series, which is set in first-century Rome. I found them totally captivating.

A young BookTuber, Oceana Reads Co., is hosting a book club this year on her YouTube channel, reading several of Francine Rivers' books. It's fun for me to read or re-read some of Rivers' books.

Have you read any of her books? Which ones? They are so impactful, I think.

Quinn, Kate

2026-04-20T09:30:00.032-04:00

"Kate Quinn is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction. A native of southern California, she attended Boston University where she earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Classical Voice. She has written four novels in the Empress of Rome Saga, and two books in the Italian Renaissance, before turning to the 20th century with “The Alice Network”, “The Huntress,” "The Rose Code," "The Diamond Eye," and "The Briar Club." She is also a co-author in several collaborative novels including "The Phoenix Crown" with Janie Chang and "Ribbons of Scarlet" with Stephanie Dray, Laura Kamoie, Eliza Knight, Sophie Perinot, and Heather Webb. "The Astral Library," releasing in 2026, is her first foray into magical realism. Kate and her husband now live in Maryland with their two rescue dogs." (Goodreads)

Although I don't think Quinn is necessarily considered an author of Christian fiction, I have enjoyed what I have read of her works, and there are others which are on my TBR list, if I can ever squeeze them in. LOL

My introduction to her works was The Diamond Eye, which I listened to in audiobook format a couple years ago. I found it to be captivating and entrancing, very well written. I certainly recommend it for your TBR list.

Fires of Injustice CelebrateLit Tour {book review and giveaway}

2026-04-20T06:00:00.066-04:00

About the Book

Book: Fires Of Injustice

Author: Kendy Pearson

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: April 15, 2026

She is fighting for the innocent.

He is fighting for a second chance.

Yakira Mitchell has spent her life rescuing the forgotten from the clutches of exploitation and dreams of one day opening her own mission home for Chinese girls. But that dream is hard fought when she becomes a lightning rod for trouble as anti-Chinese mobs protest, and towns expel immigrants in “peaceful” purges across the West. Her heart is to build a home for the broken, but as revelations about her past erupt, the truth threatens to crumble her own foundation.

Attorney Grant Campbell, the boy who once held Yakira’s heart, returns to San Francisco after a long absence to make amends and seek forgiveness. He is determined to defend Chinese immigrants and to reconcile with his family and Yakira. But as old feelings flare—so do old wounds.

As flames of injustice consume communities, violence rages, and lives hang in the balance. Yakira must face the truth of who she really is—and who God has called her to be. In the ashes of hatred, Yakira and Grant both discover a love stronger than fear and a purpose forged in fire.

A story of resilience, redemption, and love, Fires of Injustice blazes with the courage of those who dared to stand against the darkness.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kendy Pearson is a musician and veteran high school teacher who loves to discover a pocket of American history missing from the schoolbooks and turn that pocket inside out. Her novels lead fictitious characters through historical events and settings, engaging with period personalities. And she always includes a romantic thread to warm the heart. Every story is a journey through tragedy, secrets, regrets, and God’s undeniable grace.

She is the author of the award-winning series, West Virginia: Born of Rebellion’s Storm. When she finally gets away from her computer, she relishes ice cream, snowy days, fireplaces, and maple trees. Kendy is the mother of four grown children and lives with her sweet hubby and two amusing miniature dachshunds

My Thoughts

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know by now that one of my most favorite topics is history. It was my favorite topic to teach when I was homeschooling my kids, and still is a favorite topic to read. I also like learning about little known historical events.

Fires of Injustice is about one of those little-known historical events. I mean, yes, I knew the Chinese immigrants and Chinese Americans were not treated well back in the late 1800s, just not how badly they were treated.

Pearson has researched well, and has done a fabulous job sharing events of that time and place in history. I'll caution that it isn't light reading, but it is moving, and has a powerful impact. If that is the kind of historical novel you like to read, then you'll want to add this one to your TBR list.

I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

More from Kendy

I just love discovering fascinating new pockets of history. For years I taught high school history, and I realize there is a lot of valuable information that didn’t make it into the curriculum. One of those little history pockets spurred the idea for Fires of Injustice.

I grew up in the Midwest learning about Jesse James, the Plains Indian Wars, frontier violence, the Civil War, the Great Depression, and all things Missouri and Mississippi River. Boy, did I get an education when I moved to the West Coast! The first time someone mentioned “Chinese Underground,” I had to find out more.

Six years ago in Pendleton, Oregon, I first learned about America’s Forgotten War and the expulsions that occurred along the West Coast. I knew thousands of Chinese laborers built the western half of the Transcontinental Railroad. But I didn’t know 300,000 Chinese immigrants came to America between 1852 and 1888. Drawn first by gold, then by opportunities in mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and the service trades.

And the girls came. “Go‑away girls” were daughters of impoverished families in southern China. Families sent or sold these girls into domestic servitude or, tragically, into trafficking networks that reached as far as America.

What began as the exploitation of vulnerable Chinese girls and laborers soon hardened into a wider climate of fear and resentment. That same prejudice—left unchecked—grew into the mob violence and expulsions that later tore entire communities apart.

This was a dark chapter in American history. But there were those who cared about these girls and wanted to protect them at all costs. A story of resilience, redemption, and love, Fires of Injustice blazes with the courage of those who dared to stand against that darkness.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, April 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 16

Sydney Schmied Books, April 17

Stories By Gina, April 18 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 18

For Him and My Family, April 19

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 20

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , April 21

Guild Master, April 22 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, April 22

Betti Mace, April 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 25

Connie’s History Classroom, April 26

Holly’s Book Corner, April 27

Fiction Book Lover, April 28 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kendy is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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.

https://gleam.io/zg8t0/fires-of-injustice-celebration-tour-giveaway

Patterson, Candice Sue

2026-04-19T09:30:00.101-04:00

Candice Sue Patterson studied at The Institute of Children's Literature and is an elementary librarian. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons in a restored farmhouse overtaken by books. When she's not tending to her chickens, snuggling with her Great Pyrenees, or helping children discover books they love, she's working on a new story. Candice writes Modern Vintage Romance--where the past and present collide with faith.

A couple things I like about Patterson: I also studied at The Institute of Children's Literature, via correspondence course. And once upon a time, we had a Great Pyrenees, whom we all loved and adored. (Okay, yes, I admit. I am an aspiring author. I have had one short story published in a church magazine for juniors/teens)

I have read at least 3 of her works, and enjoyed them:

Saving Mrs. Roosevelt, which is the third book in the Heroines of WWII series.
The Farmer Takes a Wife, which is first in the South Dakota Brides series.
When the Waters Came, which is first in the A Day to Remember series.

You can read my review for When the Waters Came here on the blog, as well as The Farmer Takes a Wife. Any of the Heroines of WWII series that I have read have actually been audiobooks, and were not necessarily for review.

There are other authors whose last names begin with "P" that I could mention, but I'll stick to just this Patterson. But I will also mention that on April 20, I am reviewing Fires of Injustice, by Kendy Pearson, so you may want to check that one out.

This post contains affiliate link.

Bible Sanctification Defined {a devotional}

2026-04-18T03:00:00.016-04:00

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. John 17: 17.

Those who are sanctified through the truth are living recommendations of its power, and representatives of their risen Lord. The religion of Christ will refine the taste, sanctify the judgment, elevate, purify, and ennoble the soul, making the Christian more and more fit for the society of the heavenly angels.

“And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” John 17: 19. “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.” 1 Peter 1: 22. “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7: 1....

Here is Bible sanctification. It is not merely a show or outside work. It is sanctification received through the channel of truth. It is truth received in the heart, and practically carried out in the life.

There is no Bible sanctification for those who cast a part of the truth behind them. There is light enough given in the word of God, so that none need err.... Jesus, considered as a man, was perfect, yet He grew in grace. “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2: 52. Even the most perfect Christian may increase continually in the knowledge and love of God....

Sanctification is not the work of a moment, an hour, or a day. It is a continual growth in grace.... Satan lives, and is active, and every day we need to cry earnestly to God for help and strength to resist him. As long as Satan reigns we shall have self to subdue, besetments to overcome, and there is no stopping place, there is no point to which we can come and say we have fully attained....

The Christian life is constantly an onward march. Jesus sits as a refiner and purifier of His people; and when His image is perfectly reflected in them, they are perfect and holy, and prepared for translation. ~Maranatha, by Ellen G. White.

Obenhaus, Mindy

2026-04-17T09:30:00.052-04:00

The letter "O" isn't always easy for which to come up with something. But I actually do have an author I can share with you!

Mindy Obenhaus is a Christian author, who has written several "Love Inspired" novels. It looks like many of her stories are set in Texas, with one series set in the Rockies.

My introduction to her work was about a year ago, when I read and reviewed An Unexpected Companion, an uplifting inspirational romance – a Western Christian fiction story of a K-9 Service Dog and a heartwarming second chance. It is set on a ranch in Texas; who could ask for a better setting?

This post contains affiliate link.

The Last Quiet Autumn CelebrateLit Tour {book review and giveaway}

2026-04-17T06:00:00.077-04:00

About the Book

Book: The Last Quiet Autumn

Author: Loni Kemper Moore

Genre: Christian historical fiction with strong faith themes

Release Date: September, 2025

One letter stitched a family together. Now, with war on the wind, only love—penned note by note—holds the threads in place.

Autumn 1941

Three young women—strangers to one another—each receive an alluring invitation they cannot and dare not refuse—Thanksgiving dinner in Texas with a mysterious ninety-year-old woman.

Virginia Campbell, a poised Boston socialite on the brink of marrying into a powerful political family, is entrusted with a delicate family mission—one that could jeopardize the perfect wedded life she so carefully planned.

Eulalia Bell, a spirited nursing graduate, earned her scholarship in Nebraska thanks to the Orphan Train. But the truth of her past threatens the career she’s fought hard to build.

Francesca Smythe, a resilient wife and mother on an Oklahoma ranch, survived the Dust Bowl and Depression. She longs for the warmth and connection of a true family. When the letter arrives, she wonders if it holds the key to the belonging she’s yearned for all her life.

As secrets unfold and pasts entwine, these three women are drawn to a truth that will reshape their lives—about love powerful enough to face a potential world at war, desires too strong to be silenced, and the courage to claim their place in history.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Loni Kemper Moore is a sports-cheering, Diet-Pepsi-sipping, Rocky Mountain–adventure-seeking storyteller who longs to reflect God’s beautiful love through life’s hardest places, especially for remarkable women around the globe.

A preacher’s kid at heart though her father joined her mother in Heaven, Loni’s wanderlust was sparked early by family and missionary stories. She has visited more than a dozen countries, learning from other cultures while often experiencing life as “the other.” Though she attended multiple schools as a minority and later discovered African heritage through DNA testing, she approaches those experiences with humility rather than assumption.

Loni earned bachelor’s degrees in Education and Biblical Studies from the former Denver Baptist Bible College and completed graduate work in Education at the University of Evansville.

A Jesus-following history enthusiast, Loni was named Leonnie Sue after generations of strong women. Leonnie was her maternal great-grandmother, who died during the Influenza Pandemic, leaving behind her husband and four teenagers. Sue traces through the family tree to Susanna Dean, who stepped off a ship in Korea, Maine, in the 1640s. These inherited collections of more than 500 spoons; stories of faith, endurance, and love deeply shape Loni’s writing.

Her novel The Last Quiet Autumn came to life after cousin reunions on both sides of her family stirred memories of childhood gatherings at her grandparents’ homes—one on a Loudoun County, Virginia farm and the other on a southern Colorado ranch. Reflecting on shared family experiences and her parents’ childhood just before the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Loni began to wonder how different her life might have been without nearly two dozen cousins spread across four time zones. That question sparked a story that grew far beyond her original imagination.

When she isn’t writing, Loni is visiting friends, studying history, and exploring meaningful places—like the Cherwell River near Oxford, UK where J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis once walked. During a trip to Swindon, England, she visited the Eagle and Child pub, where the Inklings met, a moment that proved especially encouraging.

Loni is the proud mom of Adam, a CAD engineer and YouTuber; Becca and Anthony, who made her a delighted grandmother of her “GrandMiracles,” Naomie and Zemira; and a frequent traveler with her beloved “Hugsband,” Robert, an embedded engineer. A granddaughter of ranchers and farmers, Loni holds close the legacy of trusting God through tragedy—faith that carried her grandparents and parents through the World Wars and continues to anchor her stories today.

My Thoughts

The Last Quiet Autumn is the third book in the "Silver Receiver" series, and the first book I've read by Moore. It may be read as a stand alone, perhaps.

I like that it's set in the panhandle of Texas (because I lived briefly in Amarillo once upon a time). I also like that it is set during the dawning of World War II.

This novel is written from three viewpoints, with one of those being in first person and the other two in third person. It made it a little challenging for me to follow sometimes.

If you enjoy historic, faith-based fiction with a touch of romance, you'll want to check this one out.

I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

More from Loni

I can still picture my grandmother standing at her farmhouse stove, cracking open precious eggs she’d just sold back to herself. The surplus eggs were sold to allow her to buy rationed products.

One recipe she made regularly was this ‘Wacky Cake’—a chocolate cake so frugal it needed no eggs, butter, or milk. While historians debate the exact origin of the name, the most likely explanation is that it earned its playful moniker from the unconventional method of mixing everything directly in the baking pan—no bowl required. Homemakers could hardly believe a cake without eggs or butter would actually rise and taste good. But it does!

As a child spoiled by Betty Crocker mixes, I had to admire her ingenuity, even if I couldn’t quite share her enthusiasm for the taste. When my character Chessa bakes in ‘The Last Quiet Autumn,’ I drew directly from recipes like this one. Understanding how women stretched ingredients during wartime rationing helped me write scenes that felt authentic.

Have you tried Depression-era recipes? I’d love to hear about your family’s resourceful traditions from that era.

It reminded me how faith, like that cake, often rises when we least expect it to.

Wacky Chocolate Cake

(a.k.a. Depression Cake or Crazy Cake)

Circa 1940s

Ingredients:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon vinegar (white or apple cider)
⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup cold water

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F
In an ungreased 8×8-inch square baking pan, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
Make three wells in the dry mixture:

o In one well, pour the vanilla.

o In the second, the vinegar.

o In the third, the oil.

Pour the cold water over everything and mix well with a fork or whisk until smooth.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan. Dust with powdered sugar or enjoy plain.

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, April 9

Stories By Gina, April 10 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 11

Simple Harvest Reads, April 12 (Author Interview)

A Simple Texas Girl, April 12

Texas Book-aholic, April 13

Artistic Nobody, April 14 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, April 15

Guild Master, April 16 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 17

Fiction Book Lover, April 18 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 19

Vicky Sluiter, April 20 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, April 20

Lily’s Corner, April 21

For the Love of Literature, April 22 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

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

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

https://gleam.io/3bY3w/the-last-quiet-autumn-celebration-tour-giveaway

NetGalley

2026-04-16T09:30:00.057-04:00

NetGalley is another great resource for free books to review.

"Hundreds of thousands of members use NetGalley to share reviews and champion literacy. If you are a bookseller, book trade professional, educator, librarian, reviewer, journalist or in the media, NetGalley is for you!"

Publishers and authors offer free e-books and audiobooks for review. When you create your account, you are asked to choose your preferred categories, and publishers. You can request books that you want to read, and then you can post your reviews right in your shelf.

There is a NetGalley app that you can get through Google Play or The App Store. You can read or listen to your book right in the app. But you can also download it onto your e-reader, such as Kindle.

Many of the books that I have read for reviews, I have received via NetGalley. You can find my book reviews through the "book review" tag, on my blog.

Have you ever used NetGalley? Share in the comments below.