Saturday, September 13, 2025

"Mutiny of the Heart by Vickie McDonough

About the Book

Book: Mutiny of the Heart

Author: Vickie McDonough

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: August 19, 2025

A proud Loyalist and a jaded patriot are bound by a child and a shared loss—but as sparks fly, they must decide if love is worth trusting the enemy.

Heather has no reason to like Lucas Reed. He is an American, who’s fight for liberty from England led to Heather’s family’s financial ruin and the death of her father. But her cousin’s dying wish was that Heather take little Jamie to his father in Charleston, and she’s determined to honor that wish, even if it breaks her heart to do so.

Lucas Reed knows the boy at his door cannot possibly be his, but there’s no denying that Jamie has the trademark Reed blue eyes, black hair, and dimples. Still, Lucas is ready to close the door to the boy and his escort until Miss Hawthorne presents him with a letter. He instantly recognizes the writing he thought he’d never see again. The contents of the letter shatter his resolve, forcing him to open his door—and his carefully guarded heart—to the boy and his steadfast guardian.

As Heather and Lucas work together to create a new life for Jamie, can they resist their growing attraction? Or will mutinous hearts finally admit their love when an enemy’s desperate plot threatens their lives?

Click here to get your copy!

"Mutiny of the Heart" by Vickie McDonough was a good read. The book dealt with betrayal and what could and does happen a lot when a father's love is withhold. There is a little bit of violence talked about in the book and a young child is threatened but I still recommend this book. This is a clean romance that starts out with the two main characters being enemies. There are a couple of young children that are found alone and I hope we learn more about them in future books in this series. I am waiting for future books in this series, and I recommend this book. The Gospel is shared without being preachy in this book.

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

About the Author

Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA and Amazon best-selling author of 54 books and novellas. Vickie grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie’s books have won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best, OWFI Best Fiction Novel Award, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, making cards, gardening, and traveling.

More from Vickie

Most of my writing career I’ve been an author of western historical fiction set in the late 1800’s, but a visit to Charleston and Savannah while on vacation, stirred up a desire to write in a different time period. I was born and raised in Oklahoma, a state that is only 117 years old. I was quickly enchanted by Charleston’s rich history and fell in love with the centuries-old homes and cobblestone streets.

I had also recently read a friend’s book series that featured pirates and felt challenged to create a pirate story of my own. After a lot of research and brainstorming with my critique group, Mutiny of the Heart was birthed.

1788, the time period of my story, was a time of turmoil for Charleston. The city was still recovering from the American Revolution. It had been captured by the British in 1780 and held for two and a half years. Finally, the British hevacuated Charleston in December 1782. The decade after the war saw industries beginning to bring the city and its inhabitants back to renewed vitality and population growth. It’s during this busy time that my English-born heroine comes to Charleson.

Heather Hawthorne is tasked with a near impossible job—deliver Jamie, the young boy she has come to love as her own, to the boy’s wealthy father in Charleston. Heather despises America as her English father lost his wealth and life in his fight against the American war for independence. But Deborah, Heather’s ailing cousin, pleaded with her to take Jamie to his wealthy father, Lucas Reed, owner of Reed Shipping. Though her heart is breaking, Heather honors Deborah’s death wish.

Lucas Reed knows the boy at his door cannot possibly be his, but there’s no denying that Jamie has the trademark Reed blue eyes, black hair and dimples. Still, Lucas is ready to close the door to the boy and his escort until Miss Hawthorne presents him with a letter. He instantly recognizes the writing he thought he’d never see again. The contents of said letter will change his life, bring both joy and heartache.

Enjoy the first episode in the Reed family saga, Mutiny of the Heart.

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, September 3

Pens Pages & Pulses, September 4

Fiction Book Lover, September 5 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 6

Texas Book-aholic, September 7

Stories By Gina, September 8 (Author Interview)

Sylvan Musings, September 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 9

Cover Lover Book Review, September 10

For Him and My Family, September 11

Guild Master, September 12 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 13

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 14

Holly’s Book Corner, September 15

Artistic Nobody, September 16 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, September 16 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

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

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54294

Friday, September 12, 2025

Drandar the Dragon Knight by Terrie Hellard-Brown

About the Book

Book: Drandar the Dragon Knight

Author: Terrie Hellard-Brown

Illustrator: Rachelle Brown

Genre: Chapter book for Middle Grade Readers

Release Date: February 12, 2025

Drandar is the dragon that has been prophesied. He will help the king build a strong, safe kingdom as one of his faithful knights. But Drandar doesn’t seem to fit what a knight should be or even what a real dragon should look like. He’s what Seraphina calls a “late bloomer.” Drandar is droopy, discouraged, and doubting. Will he ever become the knight he’s supposed to be?

Click here to get your copy!

"Drandar the Dragon Knight" by Terrie Hellard-Brown is a delightful story about a dragon who learns to be happy with who he was created to be. This book would appeal to children who feels like they are different than others and to all readers who like stories about dragons and knights. It even appealed to me, someone who isn't a fan of dragon stories. This is a story about how we need to be aware of the voices that tells us we are good enough and to beware that evil is out there and tries to trap us in its snare.

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

About the Author

Empowering families to disciple the next generation every day and everywhere is Terrie Hellard-Brown’s mission. Sparking Everyday Discipleship, the podcast hosted by Terrie Hellard-Brown focuses on discipleship in the 21st Century, great books, and sparking important conversations with our children. Terrie is a writer, speaker, missionary, and mom with a BA in sociology and psychology, an MA in education, and is currently working on her DMin.

Her books include:

Up, Down, and All Around: A Handbook for Discipling Our Children Based on Deuteronomy 6
Building Character Through Picture Books: 25 Family Devotions Based on Favorite Picture Books
A World of Pancakes (a picture book on flexibility and culture and including recipes from around the world)
Izzy’s Notebook (a picture book about forgiveness, Harper and Izzy, Best Friends Forever Series: Living the One Anothers)
Drandar the Dragon Knight (chapter book about being who God created us to be).

Terrie creates jewelry, bookmarks, and mini books (décor) with biblical and literature themes.

Her writing has appeared in Starlight Magazine, Upper Room, and Inspire Christian Writers Anthologies and blog.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 12

Simple Harvest Reads, September 13 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 14

For Him and My Family, September 15

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 16

Fiction Book Lover, September 17 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, September 18

Stories By Gina, September 19 (Author Interview)

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

A Reader’s Brain , September 21 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, September 22

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 23 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, September 24 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 24

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

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terrie is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card, signed copy of the book and Bible study that accompanies the book, three stickers, a dragon velvet bookmark, and an armor of God necklace!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54297

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Right Before Their Eyes by Carrie Walker

About the Book

Book: Right Before Their Eyes

Author: Carrie Walker

Genre: Romantic Women’s Fiction

Release Date: February 5, 2025

Sometimes the love you need most looks different than you imagined.

Clare Martin thought nothing of agreeing to live with her dementia-ridden grandmother when her parents left on mission. Balancing that with her job as a social worker and the expectations of her career-driven boyfriend proved doable—until Grandma started a house fire.

Mason Hughes has loved Clare for years, but the time was never right to tell her and now she’s dating someone else, fixing Mason firmly in the friend zone. He’s working to be a pediatric neurologist, a dream inspired by a special boy with a terminal brain condition, and must choose a medical school. Finances are so tight he’s forced to consider a program across the country, a troubling fact he’s kept secret.

Lucia Roberts, a seventeen-year-old on Clare’s caseload, loses her foster home and is placed in an unwelcoming group home. At every turn she’s met with rejection and becomes desperate for any proof she has value—enough to make choices that could affect the rest of her life.

When Grandma Dottie and Lucia’s paths take a dangerous turn, Clare frantically tries to save them. As their lives knit together, will they find the love that’s right before their eyes?

Click here to get your copy!

"Right Before Their Eyes" by Carrie Walker kept me turning the pages. This is a book that is about a secret love that has been hidden for 5 years. in the guise of friendship. This deals with topics such as dementia and foster care, knowing God's will and making sacrifices for others and for one character trying to fit in and illness. I really loved Clarie's devotion and love for her grandmother and how Mason was always there when needed. I think you will enjoy this story without reading "Emma's Hero" but as always, I say read the series in order that they are written. I want to read more about these characters, I don't know if more books are coming but if any comes available you can be sure I will be reading them. I really recommend this book if you like clean romance that shows God's love without a lot of preaching.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

About the Author

Carrie Walker lives in Michigan with her husband and seven children. From her ten years serving as a high school youth minister, adventures around the globe, and raising a family, many stories have been knit within her heart.
As an avid reader she pens what she loves to read, contemporary stories that bring hope to a hurting world. Weaving romance among story lines of characters in struggle, she aims to show God working in all situations. When she’s not playing board games with her husband, shuttling kids in the Walker bus or wishing for snow, Carrie can be found at the keyboard bringing those stories to life.
Carrie’s writing has been recognized in many contests. Her debut novel, Emma’s Hero, won the IAN Book of the Year for Christian Fiction, was a double finalist in the International Book Awards, placed in the ACFW Crown Award, Monroe Walton Center for the Arts Award, and won the 2020 ACFW First Impressions Contest.

When I was writing “Emma’s Hero” I had a few readers that took an early peek at it, before it was completed. More than once, I was informed “This is not the only book, right?” And so, this story was a reality in my mind, before it was even thought of. This book just was. And the characters helped tell the story. Mason grew a lot in Emma’s Hero, but he has a lot more growing to do, especially in the realm of relationships, communication and figuring out how to live this newfound faith. Grandma Dottie is a character inspired by a combination of both my grandmothers, and there is a story she tells to Mason almost halfway through the story that is a true story borrowed from my own grandparents That’s all I’m telling you, you’ll have to find it. But I just love that a part of their love story made it into mine.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 11
Stories By Gina, September 12 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy , September 13
Simple Harvest Reads, September 14 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, September 15 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, September 15
Guild Master, September 16 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, September 17
Fiction Book Lover, September 18 (Author Interview)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 19 (Author Interview)
Blossoms and Blessings, September 20 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 21
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, September 22 (Author Interview)
A Reader’s Brain , September 23 (Author Interview)
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 24 (Author Interview)
The Bookish Pilgrim, September 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carrie is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54296

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

A Busy Mom’s Prayer Journal: 7 Minutes to Connect with Jesus by Christa Joy Spaeth

About the Book

Book: A Busy Mom’s Prayer Journal: 7 Minutes to Connect with Jesus

Author: Christa Joy Spaeth

Genre: Reflective/Devotional/ Guided/Prompt-Based

Release Date: October 29, 2023

As a busy mom you want to grow closer to Jesus, but it’s so hard to make the time. And when you do, it’s hard to know where to start. Let this guided journal help you to set aside seven minutes daily to reflect powerfully on the goodness of Jesus.

With 50 days of prompts designed specifically for moms just like you, this journal will lead you into fellowship with Jesus, our Perfect Parent, helping you to lean on Him to be encouraged and grow in godly wisdom.

A Busy Mom’s Prayer Journal is divided into five sections, each exploring one aspect of moms’ hearts for their children, so you can journal straight through or skip to a section that speaks to your heart’s need that day.

This journal contains:

Daily inspirational verse to meditate and journal on.
Daily prompts to connect these biblical truths to your life as a women and as a mom, many of which include “thought starters” to help get you started journaling.
Space to document your daily “mom win” to provide positivity and help encourage you.
Guided prayers to be used as a starting point for your personal prayer.
Ample space for writing what you are thankful for daily.

A Busy Mom’s Prayer Journal will help you glimpse the awe-inspiring love Jesus has for you, both as a person and specifically as a mom, in only seven minutes a day.

Click here to get your copy!

"A Busy Mom’s Prayer Journal: 7 Minutes to Connect with Jesus by Christa Joy Spaeth" is mostly a journal. It has plenty of space to write answers to the prompts such as this one on day 7 " Describe a time when you found yourself grumbling and complaining a lot. How were you feeling at that time? Did grumbling help you feel better? How did your complaining affect those around you? Reflect on the situation and consider how you might have handled things differently. These prompts are asked after a Scripture verse, in this case the verse is Philippians 2:14-16. The prayer for his devotion is "Dear Jesus help me grumble less in all situations. Help me change my grumbling thoughts into positive thoughts so I can glorify You. When things like_____________ happen, remind me of the joy that is mine through You and teach me to cling to it even when I feel like I'm complaining. Thank you! In Jesus name, Amen."

Most of the prompts are based on things dealing with motherhood but there are some that are subjects that deal with handling things as a CHRISTIAN. Each journal topic has a Scripture passage, a space to write a gratitude list and space to write Mom wins and a space to write down an encouraging song and a prayer to say and a space to write down what Jesus said to you that day.

I think I would have profited greatly if this book had been available when my son and daughter was young.

I haven't really done journaling for a long time, but I might start with this one since it so easy to just follow the prompts and just skip the ones that deal with raising children since my daughter has grown children and my son has children that live with their mom. I haven't read every one of these devotions but the ones I have I could use when my grandchildren are here. If you haven't started journeying and would like to start, I think this one would be a good place to start. I think this would be a great baby shower gift.

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

About the Author

Christa Joy Spaeth is a devoted wife, mother, and passionate follower of Jesus who understands the beautiful chaos of raising a family while trying to stay anchored in faith. With a deep love for prayer and the Word of God, she created this journal to help busy moms connect with the Lord in meaningful, manageable ways—no matter how full the day gets.

Through her podcast Praying Daily and her devotional writing, she encourages women to pursue God’s presence with confidence, joy, and authenticity. Her mission is to help moms cultivate a thriving prayer life, experience daily renewal, and walk in the peace and power of God’s promises.

Christa is greatly enjoying going back to her roots of teaching! As a dietitian and foodie, she loves to share her passion for simple cooking and wholesome living.

More from Christa

I’m a mom of two young men, a registered dietitian with a love for fresh milled bread, and gardening, and someone who believes that food, faith, and family are deeply connected. Most days you’ll find me in the kitchen with flour on my shirt, sharing laughs and recipes with my family. My kitchen is usually a little messy!

As a dietitian, I’m passionate about real food and simple meals that bring people together but as a mom, I know how hard it can be to slow down and spend time with the Lord. That’s why I created A Busy Mom’s Prayer Journal: 7 minutes to Connect with Jesus. It’s not just a devotional; it’s a mom win. It’s your permission to breathe, connect with Jesus in the middle of the sometimes-messy chaos, and remember that your prayers don’t have to be perfect or long.

You’ll find quick prayers for hectic mornings, space to scribble your thoughts while the kids nap (or don’t!), and even a few “praise break” prompts for when the laundry is endless.

If you’ve ever whispered a prayer while reheating dinner or felt like you’re doing a million things but still falling short, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I wrote this book with you in mind. Let’s walk this journey together — one prayer, one meal, one grace-filled moment at a time.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 9

Simple Harvest Reads, September 10 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academ, September 12

Artistic Nobody, September 13 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, September 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 15

Guild Master, September 16 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 16

Lots of Helpers, September 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 18

Fiction Book Lover, September 19 (Author Interview)

BarbHowe.org, September 19

Because I said so – adventures in parenting, September 20

Cover Lover Book Review, September 21

The Sacred Line, September 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christa 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54295

Monday, September 8, 2025

Fire Mountain by Dana Mentink

About the Book

Book: Fire Mountain (Elements of Danger Series)

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release Date: July 1, 2025

In the shadow of a threatening volcano, long-haul trucker Kit Garrido wakes up in her crashed big rig, unable to recall what happened or why she’s suddenly in possession of someone’s baby. Fiercely independent, she has to admit that perhaps this time she could use a little help.

As the threat of eruption grows, former cop Cullen Landry refuses to leave his cabin in the evacuation area, which is why he’s the only one left who can help Kit escape the crumpled cab of her truck. He doesn’t want to get tangled up in the mystery of the beautiful woman with an abandoned infant, but when he sees the bullet hole in the windshield and the bloody handprint on the interior, he realizes that he’s in this thing, like it or not.

When two armed men with ill intent approach, the race is on to stay alive, discover the truth, and find the baby’s missing mother–all while a deadly mountain rains fire from above.

Click here to get your copy!

I am going to start this review by saying I have enjoyed every novel that I have read that was written by Dena Mentink and " Fire Mountain" isn't any different but it sure was intense reading. It certainly kept me turning the pages. It left me wanting more and I can't wait for book 2 in this series. This book clearly showed the faith of Cullen but at the same time showed that he struggled with forgiving himself over a mistake he made in the past. I like that God used someone not practicing a prayer life or living a Christian life to show Cullen that he was wrong about not forgiving himself. The ending was great, though a different ending for Tator Tot.

I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the author of over fifty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell and Poisoned Pen Press.

More from Dana

Hello, dear readers! Are you ready to leap into the world of a woman trapped near an erupting volcano? I know. Dropping that character into circumstances where the very earth under their feet is unreliable, where they are cut off from their technology, their transportation, civilization itself with no way to summon help, feels almost cruel. Imagine you’re in a volcano eruption zone with no way out. Now add in a stranger’s baby, a vulnerable infant, , and you are their only hope to stay alive. Why am I so compelled by those scenarios? Me, the woman who loses her backpack in the airport. I believe it’s because in those difficult, stressful moments when we accept our own helplessness that the grace of God shines brightest. Real people and fictional ones survive. Wells of strength are discovered. Hidden rivers of resilience surface. Big cities, island roads, overpasses, in the shadows of volcanoes… in the darkest moments we realize we’re never truly without His help.