Thursday, January 22, 2026

Flames of Faith by Marguerite Martin Gray

About the Book

Book: Flames of Faith

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Release Date: February, 2025

1870 Switzerland. One year. A mountain of ideas. And a menacing railroad forging the barrier between dreams and reality.

Claire Pennington formulates a bold plan to avoid the pressure of yet another London season. Her parents grant her one year in Switzerland, yet afterward she must return to England and find a suitor. Armed with a notebook and gumption, she determines to make the mountain town of Thun a tourist destination for all classes of society. However, she does not count on an equally determined railroad engineer set on leaving Thun in the dust.

The rugged mountain terrain grants Englishman Lucas Stanley the opportunity to launch his engineering career. The railroad is the answer to modern travel—expedient, efficient, and competitive, yet conquering the section of track from Thun to Interlaken is harder than he originally thought, especially with opposition from a fiery female. Claire confronts him at every turn, using her enthusiasm and people skills to flame local zeal for change and progress in another direction.

Opposing proposals collide as Claire, Lucas, and the citizens of the quaint Swiss town face an avalanche of decisions and compromises sparked by flames of faith—and perhaps love.

Discover romance and faith in 1870 Switzerland through this standalone novel from the Elements of Hope series where fire, air, water, and earth meet elements of the heart.

Click here to get your copy!

"Flames of Faith" by Marguerite Martin Gray is a delightful read that the reader can almost pretend that that they are watching the scenes unfold as they read it. I think I liked this book so much because it deals with time when railroads were just getting started and since my husband worked on the Railroad for almost 40 years, it is something that I am interested in. If a reader likes history and enemies to lovers and shares Gospel's truth without being preachy than I recommend this book! I have enjoyed every book that I have read that Marguerite Martin Gray has written but I can say this one is my favorite by her!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

About the Author

Marguerite Martin Gray is an award-winning author of a dozen novels and novellas. She enjoys the study of history, especially when combined with fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and Spanish online. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and rescue pets. Her two adult children and two grandsons keep her young and up-to-date.

More from Marguerite

I am a tourist at heart and always have been since I was a child growing up in England as a preteen. A castle, a map, a manor house, a museum, a mystery, a myth in any country or state. Flames of Faith was sparked by a recent train ride from Interlaken to Thun, Switzerland where an old turreted castle rose above the lake and village. A perfect setting for a novel. It spurred thoughts of who visited this area as well as how and when since the terrain made it dangerous and tricky to just visit on a whim on a Sunday afternoon.

Have you heard of Thomas Cook (1850s and onward) and his famous travels all over Europe with tourists by horse, carriage, boat, foot, and finally train? He paved the way for the middle-class citizen to see gorgeous venues like Switzerland and the Alps. What an adventure to have been on one of his early tours! A Slow Train to Switzerland by Diccon Bewes cemented what I wanted to express in this novel.

Meet Claire Pennington, my heroine, who encompasses the traits of tourist in all the good senses. She wants everyone to have the opportunity to travel the continent and world as she does. Her bold dream inspires others to possibly regard seeing new sites as a way to refresh and revitalize their own lives.

Hop on board and discover romance and faith in 1870 Switzerland. Be a tourist without leaving your home.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, January 21 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 22

Texas Book-aholic, January 23

Artistic Nobody, January 24 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Corner, January 25

Life on Chickadee Lane, January 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 27

Guild Master, January 28 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, January 28

For Him and My Family, January 29

Devoted Steps, January 30

Fiction Book Lover, January 31 (Author Interview)

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 1

Holly’s Book Corner, February 2

Cover Lover Book Review, February 3

Giveaway

Flames of Faith Celebration Tour Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marguerite is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/sMCBM/flames-of-faith-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Scars of the Revolution by Megan Soja

About the Book

Book: Scars of the Revolution

Author: Megan Soja

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: January 6, 2026

Some scars are born from duty, others from rebellion—theirs were carved by both.

Libby Caldwell has been in love with Isaac Harrison for years, ever since her late father befriended him. While her head knows there is no hope of sharing her life with a British soldier, her heart is much more difficult to convince, especially now that he is quartering in her home. With Boston under siege and battle looming, each day together forces her to recognize how deep her feelings truly are…and how forbidden.

Bound by duty to both his family and country, Isaac is determined to serve honorably in the King’s army, despite never wishing to be a soldier. But quartering with the widow and daughter of his old friend places another obligation on his shoulders—that of their well-being. The more time he spends with Miss Caldwell, the more that duty begins to feel like something personal, something he cannot allow.

As the siege of Boston tightens, Libby finds herself drawn into a dangerous game of espionage that could save the Patriot cause—and destroy any chance of a future with the man she’s growing to love.

Will betrayal and war keep their two worlds forever apart? Or will they look to the One whose love knows no bounds to bring them healing and a future?

Click here to get your copy!

"Scars of the Revolution" by Megan Soja is the third book of the series. I do recommend that you read the books in order. This novel has Scripture as part of the storyline and is woven into the pages beautifully and is a reminder to readers that God is sovereign and works all things for the good. This novel isn't always a feel-good read as the subject of the novel is war. Of course, this novel is also a love story and the two are on opposites side of the war. I recommend this series to readers who want history and fiction and Biblical truths and romance in their books.

I receive a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

About the Author

Megan Soja is a multi-award-winning author who writes stories with strong faith, rich history, and sweet romance. She lives in western NY with her husband and two daughters and loves having adventures, both big and small, with her family. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, and playing French Horn.

More from Megan

One of the things I love about reading and writing Christian fiction, is being able to see God’s truth woven into the story. Even though the characters and their experiences are fictional, the truth of who God is and how He loves us is very real.

In Scars of the Revolution, my heroine, Libby Caldwell, wrestles with understanding God’s goodness in the face of loss and hardship. Libby is grieving the death of her beloved father, while also facing the siege of her hometown and the worsening fight between the Patriot colonists and the British Army stationed in Boston. Her growing love for one of the British officers further complicates matters, and makes it hard for her to discern what God is doing in her life.

Her questions and struggles reflect much of my own faith journey. When my husband and I lost our first baby just after birth, I spent months trying to reconcile what I thought I knew of God with the tragic loss we had experienced. I wasn’t angry at God, but I was utterly confused as to how to understand His goodness in the midst of something that felt anything but good.

It wasn’t easy, but when I look back now, I see how God led me through my grief into a deeper understand of His character and a stronger reliance upon Him. I can truthfully say, as Libby’s mother does in Scars of the Revolution, that it was “in the hardest times, when God has seemed utterly incomprehensible, that my faith has grown the most.”

If you have ever walked through a painful experience that made you struggle to understand God’s purpose or even doubt His love, I hope that Libby’s journey will inspire your own faith. Or maybe your experience is more like that of my hero, Isaac Harrison, whose life has revolved around duty for so long, that it is hard for him to comprehend a God who freely gives His love and forgiveness, even when we don’t deserve or cannot earn it. I won’t give any spoilers as to how Isaac’s understanding grows and changes, but I hope you’ll be encouraged when you read it.

Libby and Isaac’s story is one of love against all odds, set against the backdrop of the Battle of Bunker Hill and a complex web of espionage. But it is also a story of faith in the God who is able to turn our scars into something beautiful. I pray you will find that truth in the pages of Scars of the Revolution.

Blog Stops

Devoted Steps, January 17

Bizwings Blog, January 17

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 18

Life on Chickadee Lane, January 18

Books Less Travelled, January 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 20

Texas Book-aholic, January 21

Betti Mace, January 22

Holly’s Book Corner, January 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 23

Connie’s History Classroom , January 24

Books You Can Feel Good About, January 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 26

Leslie’s Library Escape, January 27

The Bookish Pilgrim, January 27

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

Cover Lover Book Review, January 29

Pause for Tales, January 30

Blossoms and Blessings, January 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Megan 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/nSWnS/scars-of-the-revolution-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, January 19, 2026

"Increase Your Bloom Ability": Devotions for Unleashing Your Most Flourishing Self by Cheri Strange

About the Book

Book: Increase Your Bloom Ability: Devotions for Unleashing Your Most Flourishing Self

Author: Cheri Strange

Genre: Christian Living / Devotional for Women / Prayer Books

Release Date: May 7, 2025

ARE YOU READY TO BLOOM?

Do you feel stuck in your spiritual growth, unsure if God can truly bring beauty and purpose to your life? You’re not alone. Cheri Strange knows the ache of feeling spiritually barren, but she’s discovered the secret to living a profoundly fruitful life—and she’s ready to share it with you.

In Increase Your Bloom Ability, Cheri blends biblical truth with practical encouragement to help you:

Embrace God’s call to flourish, even in hard seasons
Stay rooted in Christ to live abundantly
Trust God’s plan to cultivate spiritual fruit in you
Take simple steps to grow your faith and accelerate your bloom

Your life was meant to thrive. Step into the vibrant, fruit life Gd created you for—starting today.

Click here to get your copy!

"Increase Your Bloom Ability": Devotions for Unleashing Your Most Flourishing Self " by Cheri Strange is a book of devotions and prayers. The illusions are beautiful. On Amazon it says the reading age is 12-18 years, I think it good for all ages, I am 66 and am enjoying it. E Especially the prayers at the end of each devotion, some of them are actually what I need to be praying! I got a print copy from the author for this review, but I went and brought an eBook version as well because I think it would be good to have these devotions and prayers handy at all times, and right now the eBook is only 2.99. Most of these devotions are only 3 pages. I recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

About the Author

Cheri Strange is an award-winning author, speaker, and digital creator. She is passionate about helping women grow spiritually and flourish in their faith. With a Ph.D. and twenty years of ministry experience, she shares practical wisdom and biblical truth that meets women right where they are. Through her books, resources, YouVersion Bible plans, and digital art, Cheri inspires thousands to desire more of God in everyday life. She and her husband, Chad, live in Houston, Texas, with their eight children, and one bonus son.

More from Cheri

Have you ever wondered why, even as devoted followers of Jesus, your spiritual growth sometimes feels stalled? Why the abundant, fruit-filled life God promises can feel just out of reach? I’ve asked these questions of my own heart—and what I discovered in Scripture inspired me to write Increase Your Bloom Ability.

The Bible makes it clear: spiritual fruitfulness isn’t reserved for the gifted or the theologically trained—it’s for every believer (John 15:8). Yet many of us feel stuck, questioning whether we’re doing enough or if real growth is even possible. I dug into Scripture to uncover truths that can help unlock a life that truly bears fruit.

This devotional is the culmination of years of teaching, study, and personal reflection. I wanted to create something that equips you to experience more of God’s promises for your life. Inspired by Andrew Peterson’s words in Adorning the Dark, where he describes his ministry as “telling the truth as beautifully as he can,” I sought to do the same in this book.

I illustrated Increase Your Bloom Ability myself, filling it with over 200 pages of floral artwork—an offering of beauty alongside truth. My hope is that these pages will speak to your soul and draw you into a more vibrant, fruitful walk with Jesus.

My mission is simple: to help you experience a life of profound spiritual growth, one that blooms and flourishes as God intended. Through Scripture, reflection, and the visual beauty of this devotional, I pray you are encouraged, equipped, and inspired to embrace your calling and take intentional steps toward greater fruitfulness.

Blog Stops

Leslie’s Library Escape, January 15

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, January 16 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 17

Simple Harvest Reads, January 18 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, January 19 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 19

Guild Master, January 20 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 21

Fiction Book Lover, January 22 (Author Interview)

Because I said so – adventures in parenting , January 23

A Reader’s Brain, January 24 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 25 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 25

Books Less Travelled, January 26 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, January 27

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, January 28 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

Increase Your Bloom Ability Celebration Tour Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cheri is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a hardcover 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/waoaC/increase-your-bloom-ability-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, January 18, 2026

The Road Unveiled by Tim Bishop

About the Book

Book: The Road Unveiled

Author: Tim Bishop

Genre: FICTION / Christian / Contemporary FICTION / Romance / Action & Adventure

Release Date: November 4, 2025

Two wounded hearts. Long, winding roads. And second chances neither saw coming.

Lauren Baumgartner pedals toward Yellowstone National Park, anticipating a grand celebration when she reaches the Atlantic Ocean. But when her wedding plans collapse, old wounds resurface—and a haunting secret still holds her heart hostage.

Traveling alone with bear spray and a one-woman tent, she shares the highway with motorcyclists bound for a massive rally, including gang members who eye her as theirs for the taking.

Doug Zimmer, another lone cyclist, is grappling with loss and wondering if anyone will be alongside him when he figures out what’s next. He isn’t the only one drawn to Lauren’s vitality and spirit.

But Lauren may already be in too deep. What she faces on the Golden Prairie Indian Reservation tests her courage—and her faith—more than anything she encountered as a missionary in Uganda.

A woman with a secret and a man healing from loss pedal the rugged roads of the American West on a quest for love and purpose that leads to unexpected horizons.

Click here to get your copy!

" The Road Unveiled "by Tim Bishop is the second book in the series. I suppose a reader could enjoy reading this book without reading the first one but again I say why not read the entire series in order to get the whole story. I am glad that this story shares the Gospel without being preachy, so I think even unbelievers would like this series. This is a story that follows Lauren and Doug as they bicycle the rugged roads of the American West. There is relationship issues and danger and even through this book is about bicycling, it is much more. I really could imagine myself watching the scenes unfold as I was reading them. I truly recommend this book. Ok, I also have to say when Lauren trusted Doug and Lars at first, I was thinking she shouldn't be so trusting because she didn't know these guys. ok, I said Enough on this subject, you just have to read the book.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

About the Author

After a thirty-year career in business, Tim Bishopleft his corporate treasurer position, married his dream girl, and embarked with her to parts unknown—on bicycles. Ten thousand miles later, the first-time newlyweds have written four books about their cycling adventures. Their devotional, Wheels of Wisdom, won four first-place book awards. Publishers Weeklydubbed it “a road map for life.”

Tim’s first novel, The Persistent Road, won the Ames Award in General Fiction. The award acknowledges excellent books that encourage living a courageous and obedient Christian life, especially under challenging circumstances. The audiobook edition of The Persistent Roadwas selected as a Selah Award finalist.

Tim volunteers as a coach for a ministry that reaches people who are dealing with challenging life issues. He has written numerous articles for various Christian content providers.

A graduate of the University of Maine, a CPA, and a three-time Maine chess champion, Tim and his wife, Debbie, live in Middle Tennessee.

More from Tim

What is Christian Fiction?

I categorize my latest novel, The Road Unveiled, as Contemporary Christian Fiction. With the story set in modern times, the contemporary part makes sense.

But just what is Christian Fiction?

Is it a story with characters—and exclusively for readers—who espouse Christian values, believe in God, and exercise faith in Jesus Christ? Is it content fabricated to preach biblical truth? Or is it an entertaining tale so sanitized it won’t offend even the most sensitive of believers, even if it resembles little of what goes on in the world? Maybe it’s all the above. Or a touch of each.

I recently told my wife, Debbie, “I don’t write fantasy.” I wasn’t referring to genre but to placating readers who want only entertainment, escapism, and content that reinforces their beliefs. They’re looking for happily ever after in a world with far too little of it.

I like happy endings too. And I see entertainment as essential in fiction because a novelist must keep readers engaged if he hopes to influence them.

But I want my stories to have redeeming qualities beyond mere entertainment. Rereading my bio recently reminded me of this. It says, “Tim writes to create content that can change people’s lives.” That’s a tall order, but I wouldn’t be publishing books at my stage of life unless I wanted to touch a reader.

In The Road Unveiled, I promise I’ll take you on a journey. And certain parts of it won’t be easy. I want you to feel the pain of my characters’ relational woes so you can rejoice when they grow through them. If I can bring sweat to your brow as we climb steep ascents, you can bask in the magnificent surroundings and feel the rewarding rush when we sail down the other side. And if you feel the chill down your spine when danger looms, you’ll savor the peace at deliverance even more.

I’ll invite you to grapple with challenging cultural issues, too, so you can reconsider them with a fresh perspective. Could the difficulties we navigate with these characters make us all a little more compassionate, more aware of injustices, and more appreciative of everything God created for us? Could the nuance of a Bible passage jump from the pages of this story and smack us in the noggin? Maybe, like my protagonist, we’ll gain a better awareness of the toxic effects of a deep secret.

Strap on your helmets because we’re going for a ride. I don’t guarantee it will be smooth, but I do believe it will be worthwhile. Yes, I hope the story will entertain you. But I also want to leave you with something to think about, something that will stick with you long after you close the book. I sure hope I’ve accomplished that, but you’re the judge!