Friday, May 8, 2026

A Love Restored by Kelly J. Goshorn

About the Book

Book: A Love Restored

Author: Kelly J. Goshorn

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: June 18, 2018

Loudoun County, Virginia, 1873

With pert opinions and a less than perfect figure, Ruth Ann Sutton doesn’t measure up to society’s vision of a perfect lady. When she accepts a position teaching in a Freedman’s School, it threatens the only marriage offer Ruth Ann is likely to receive. She’s forced to choose between life as a lonely spinster or reinventing herself to secure a proposal from a man she doesn’t love.

Determined to rise above his meager beginnings, Benjamin Coulter’s reputation as a fast learner and hard worker earn him the opportunity to apprentice with a surveyor for the railroad—a position that will garner the respect he craves. After a chance encounter with Ruth Ann, Benjamin is smitten with her pretty face, quick wit, and feisty personality.

When others ridicule his choice, Benjamin must decide if he will follow his heart or put ambition first.

Click here to get your copy!

"A Love Restored" by Kelly J. Goshorn is another book that I truly enjoyed reading! This is a book that deals with prejudice and someone with a weight problem. I think that the author used her own struggles with weight issues made this story more realistic, I also struggle with weight issues. This book clearly shows that God loves and accepts us as we are. I am always amazed at the way prejudice was and is still a big part of some people's life. Love and trust is always a big part of this story.

I truly recommend this book.

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

About the Author

Kelly Goshorn weaves her affinity for history and her passion for God into inspiring stories of love, faith, and family set in America’s vibrant past. She is the bestselling author of The Undercover Heiress of Brockton and A Love Restored. When she is not writing, Kelly enjoys binge-watching BBC period dramas, exploring historical sites with her husband, board-gaming with family and friends, and spoiling her Welsh corgi, Biscuit.

More from Kelly

Writing my Real-Life Romance

When I first began tinkering with storytelling in 2011, I wrote about an Irish mail order bride. I’m not sure what it is about mail order bride stories that fascinates me, but I will read everyone I can get my hands on. When my husband discovered that I was writing creatively he looked over my chapter and advised that it “wasn’t bad,” then suggested I write our story.

Honestly, God had whispered in my heart a long time ago that I would share our story, but I assumed I’d give my testimony in a ladies Bible study or something. I never imagined I’d share some of the most painful moments of my life with the world in written form. However, the more I thought about it, the more I agreed that our story had all the elements needed for a great romance—interesting characters, a strong spiritual arc, and enough conflict to drive a Mac truck through the hardest of hearts.

Like my full-figured heroine, Ruth Ann, I’ve struggled with weight issues my entire life. I’ve had cruel things said about my appearance. Oftentimes by people who were supposed to love me.

Boys don’t date chubby girls.

You have such a pretty face, you really should do something about your figure.

Men don’t marry overweight women.

But their insensitive words failed in comparison to the ugly way I spoke to myself.

You’re fat.

You’re ugly.

No one likes you.

No man…will ever…love you.

I’d become so defined by the negative comments and opinions of those surrounding me, I no longer saw anything to esteem. I’d allowed my self-worth to be determined by a yardstick that measured my value according to the size of my waist or the flatness of my stomach, always coming up short.

Then one night the unthinkable happened. Mike, the man I’d previously been dating told me the real reason he ended our relationship weeks earlier. “I made a vow that I wouldn’t marry a woman who was overweight.” My mind spiraled out of control recalling every unkind word that others or I had spoken about my appearance. Within an hour I was curled up on my bathroom floor, an entire bottle of ibuprofen emptied in shaky palm.

Thankfully, that is not where the story ended. Weeks earlier, knowing I was sad about the breakup with this man, my pastor’s wife asked if I had been thinking about suicide. Shocked, I told her no. Prompted by the Holy Spirit the two of us prayed against the spirit of suicide and that no harm would come to me by own hand. I firmly believe those prayers saved my life in that dark moment when the voice of the enemy was silenced, and I chose to live.

Although I learned that God loved me in a way no man ever could, he brought a soul mate into my life. A loving husband who, despite my fuller figure, often greets me in the morning with a loving salutation, “Good morning, Beautiful.”

Mike and I will celebrate 36 years of marriage in June.

Yes, the same Mike whose other words had sent me into a life-threatening tailspin.

God had to purge those negative thoughts from the minds of both Mike and me. We had to experience the fullness of God’s love for us before we could give and receive love unconditionally in marriage—to anyone. God could’ve decided to bring us new relationships, start over with a clean slate. Instead, He taught us about forgiveness, trust, and unconditional love.

He had not only chosen to heal, but to restore.

Our journey to unconditional love and acceptance is told through my characters in A Love Restored. At its core, A Love Restored is not only a story of love, romance, heartache and restoration, but also a story about the power of words over our lives. It is a story about the struggle each of us faces to take our thoughts captive to the truth of Scripture so we may experience the fullness of God’s unequivocal love for us. As my husband and I discovered, it is only then that we are truly able to give and receive love, unconditionally.

My prayer for you and your lovely readers is that you will not allow the enemy to steal the joy that is rightfully yours as a child of God. Speak the truth of the gospel over yourself every day and ask God to give you His eyes to see yourself as He does (1 Samuel 16:7b).

Your Turn: Have you ever been plagued by self-doubt? If so, in what area of your life? How did you overcome it?

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 8

Devoted Steps, May 9

Artistic Nobody, May 10 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Familiy, May 11

Simple Harvest Reads, May 12 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Guild Master, May 13 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, May 13

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 14

Fiction Book Lover, May 15 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , May 17

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 18 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, May 18

Books You Can Feel Good About, May 19

Cover Lover Book Review, May 20

Books Less Travelled, May 21 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kelly is giving away the grand prize of a canvas tote bag with XOXO printed on it, a print copy of A Love Restored, a few “novel teas” tea bags, one “I’d Rather Be Reading” notepad, a pen, a pair of booklover socks, and a “I can do all things through Christ” charm bracelet!!

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

https://gleam.io/wYPCS/a-love-restored-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy

About the Book

Book: Calico Canyon (Petticoats and Cowboys Book 2)

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: April 28, 2026

From beloved author Mary Connealy comes a delightful Western adventure brimming with danger, laughter, and unexpected romance—a tale of a runaway teacher, a bewildered widower, and five rambunctious boys who need a mother whether they want one or not. Perfect for fans of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer.

Grace Calhoun never imagined teaching school in Texas would lead to marriage—especially not to the infuriating Daniel Reeves.

When Grace flees her adoptive father’s cruelty by hiding in a stranger’s wagon, the town parson insists on an immediate wedding, leaving Grace trapped in marriage to a stubborn widower with five unruly sons—the very boys who made her teaching job impossible.

Daniel Reeves has no intention of risking his heart—or another wife—to childbirth.

Still grieving the loss of his first wife, Daniel wants nothing to do with the prim schoolmarm forced into his family. He’ll build her a house and provide for her needs, but he’ll keep his distance. His sons need a mother, but he refuses to fall in love again.

Snowed in together for a long Texas winter, walls begin to crumble.

As Grace discovers the courage she thought she’d lost, she transforms from a frightened woman on the run to a fierce protector of her new family. The boys who once tormented her become the children of her heart. And the husband who swore to keep his distance? He’s finding it harder each day to resist his spirited wife.

But when Grace’s dangerous past catches up to her, she must choose between running again or standing firm in the faith that brought her to Calico Canyon—even if it costs her everything.

A tender tale of found family, healing love, and the faithfulness of God in the midst of life’s unexpected turns.

Click here to get your copy!

I really liked "Calico Canyon" by Mary Connealy. It is an inspiring read, but I will warn you some of the scenes aren't very happy. There were funny moments through. This is a story where the main two characters aren't very friendly at first. If a reader likes Historical romance and wants faith as part of the story line, I say look no farther and get your copy of this and enjoy. My heart was cheering at time for most of the characters but there is one character that I wanted to see get judgement and through this book isn't of the Amish genre I wanted him to get thrown into the manure pile ( it could of have happen because they have animals). It sorted happen but with mud. I hope I said enough to encourage to get a copy See how that happened.

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

About the Author

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedies with cowboys and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 75 books and novellas. She has over a million and a half books in print.

Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Visit her website or find her at Petticoats & Pistols!

More from Mary

I think of Calico Canyon as my husband’s life growing up.

He is sixth of seven sons. A family of all boys.

His mom, my mother-in-law, was the coolest lady I’ve ever known. That woman could handle everything and never be other than sweet and generous and so funny. She’s gone now but for all the years she was in my life, I’d say she was my best friend.

All those boys! She was the living embodiment of rolling with the punches and not sweating the small stuff.

Those brothers…they are the inspiration for this book but my mother-in-law read it and said, her boys were so much better behaved than those boys in Calico Canyon, and she’s right about that…no boys could be worse than the Reeves boys.

This book is the embodiment of the forced marriage. Two people caught in a completely innocent compromising situation. Nothing will do but immediate marriage after Grace spends the night with Daniel.

But there were five boys in that cave with us!

Not gonna save you, Grace.

Grace is a school marm and those boys have been a torment to her ever since they’d shown up at school. Now, due to Grace needing to hide from her abusive, adoptive father, who has tracked her down to this tiny town in Texas, she’d ended up under a tarp over Daniel’s wagon. He takes her home and she has no choice but to stay quiet under that tarp until it’s too

late to take her back.

The wedding scene from Calico Canyon was, for many years, what I considered the funniest thing I’d ever written. Very hard work to get that scene right. Grace is confused when she’s found with Daniel by the parson. Oh, good. Someone who will give me a ride back to town.

The parson is saying the vows. Grace is happy to take a ride. The parson’s wife is urging the parson to hurry. Daniel is trying to put a stop to it. The boys are all horrified to see their hated teacher.

Mayhem ensues.

It was a lot of fun to get right. Lots of moving parts in that scene.

And then a blizzard snows the gap that leads into their canyon shut and they have to spend the winter trying not to kill each other. And of course, falling in love.

I hope you enjoy Calico Canyon. The fumbling, clueless cowboy. The innocent, befuddled school marm. The unruly boys who don’t see why she can’t cook and why she won’t go home.

The danger, circling the outside of their canyon, waiting for the gap to open so he can avenge himself on the daughter that send him to prison.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, May 5

For Him and My Family, May 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 7

Simple Harvest Reads, May 8 (Guest Review from Donna)

Jeanette’s Thoughts , May 9

Fruitfully Planted, May 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 10

Books You Can Feel Good About, May 11

Vicky Sluiter, May 12

Sydney Schmied, May 13

Book Looks by Lisa, May 14

Wishful Endings, May 15

Labor Not in Vain , May 16

Mary Hake, May 16

Cover Lover Book Review, May 17

Holly’s Book Corner, May 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary 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/5MQgR/calico-canyon-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Mr. Cutler’s Wonderful Creations: A Children’s Book About Finding Your God-given Identity by Aaron P. Gordon

About the Book

Book: Mr. Cutler’s Wonderful Creations: A Children’s Book About Finding Your God-given Identity.

Author: Aaron P. Gordon

Genre: Christian Children’s Book

Release Date: November, 2025

After being presented as a special birthday present to Alina, Fork, Knife, and Spoon embark on a journey to find purpose. Disappointed with what they thought happiness was, everything changes when they have a conversation with the man who created them.

Click here to get your copy!

I liked this book and the pictures are colorful and beautiful, but the story is about a girl learning to use silverware and the girl in the pictures looks to be old enough to already be using silverware, except maybe the knife. The message is clearly presented that we are created for a special purpose. The book info says the book is for 8-14 years, but I feel the book would be better for younger children, unless they were reading this to help them learn to read. Yes, I still recommend this book and am giving it 4 stars, just for a younger audience. I did like the quotes and the poems at the back of the book but definitely not for children, they are more for adults. I think it would be fun to show the pictures to a younger child and have them tell you a story just from the pictures ( like why the fork is sad when he is watching the spoon being used.

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

About the Author

A native of Washington, D.C., Aaron P. Gordon currently resides in Harrisonburg, Virginia with his wife of 28 years, Valerie. Before entering the corporate world, Aaron served as a Captain in the U.S. Army. Aaron has a diverse and extensive leadership background with experience in the multiple industries. He is also a certified executive coach for John Maxwell and holds a B.S. in Operations Management from the United States Military Academy. With four children and six grandchildren, the passion of his life is to help people maximize their relationship with God through humor, Biblical principles, and everyday examples.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, May 2 (Author Interview)

The Bookish Ledger, May 3 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 3

Guild Master, May 4 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 6

Fiction Book Lover, May 7 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 8 (Author Interview)

Books Less Travelled, May 9 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 10

For Him and My Family, May 11

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, May 12 (Author Interview)

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, May 13 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, May 14

For the Love of Literature, May 15 (Author Interview)

Book Zone Reviews, May 15

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Aaron 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/v8A9r/mr-cutlers-wonderful-creations-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Fairest Inn All (Real Life Fairy Tales Book Two) by Amy R. Anguish

About the Book

Book: Fairest Inn All (Real Life Fairy Tales Book Two)

Author: Amy R. Anguish

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: March 24, 2026

When Kari White’s seven uncles beg her and her brother Jake to come to Georgia and revamp their inn, she isn’t happy about it. She doesn’t remember them nor does she want to leave West Virginia. But family comes first, and the Apple Inn has a lot of potential, despite the deadlines they’re up against … not to mention the land-hungry Queenie Ville, who has her eye on buying their property.

Royal Barrett loves Brunswick, Georgia, and wants to help preserve its heritage. That’s why he convinces the Chamber of Commerce to start a Fairest Inn All contest to encourage inns across the town to refresh without becoming too modern. But when he meets the gorgeous Kari White, he discovers some other aspirations—like winning her over to a happily ever after with him.

Driven together by goals and weather, Kari can’t help the attraction between them. But she’s rejected a happy ending for so long, it’s going to take more than a few walks under Spanish moss-covered oaks to win her heart.

Click here to get your copy!

"Fairest Inn All" (Real Life Fairy Tales Book Two) by Amy R. Anguish is a remake of "Snow White" and I really enjoyed it. Yes, it has seven men and a wicked Queen and a hero that has to waken her from a poison but not from an apple and doesn't wake her with a kiss. I hope I had made you want to pick up a copy and read this book. And while the book can be read as a standalone, I encourage you to read the book "Rendersella" because the characters from that book are mentioned in this book as well. If you want a fun retelling than look no farther.

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

About the Author

Amy R Anguish grew up a preacher’s kid, and in spite of having lived in seven different states that are all south of the Mason Dixon line, she is not a football fan. Currently, she resides in Tennessee with her husband, daughter, and son, and usually a bossy cat or two. Amy has an English degree from Freed-Hardeman University that she intends to use to glorify God, and she wants her stories to show that while Christians face real struggles, it can still work out for good.

More from Amy

Fairest Inn All was never supposed to exist. Honestly, I never expected to write a fairy-tale retelling, even though it’s one of my favorite tropes to read. But then God gave me the idea to write Rendersella a few years ago. I was inspired by a trip to West Virginia and the story would not leave me alone until I got it all typed up. And I had an absolute blast weaving in characters and plot points that reminded the reader enough of the classic fairy tale, but still told a new story.

Thing is, by the end of writing Rendersella, I discovered something. One, Ella’s best friend Kari was supposed to be Snow White. And two, that her stepsister Bellamy needed to have her own story told in Beauty School and the Beast (releasing March 2027). This put a crimp in my plans. After all, I’d barely reconciled myself to telling one fairy-tale retelling, to say nothing of three. But the characters wouldn’t hush.

So, with Kari’s story itching to be told, I had some decisions to make. I knew it was going to be in Brunswick, Georgia with her seven uncles and her ornery brother Jake. But how to weave in all the elements that make a story sing fairy tale without it sounding like every other version?

Well, one of the changes I made was to name the uncles after apples. After all, their last name is Apple, and so is the name of their old inn. That was fun, picking from the thousands of apple names to find ones that matched the personalities of the gentlemen. Then, I brought in an evil character named Queenie to be the nemesis of Kari, aka Snow. Queenie wants the inn and will stoop to all sorts of levels to try and get it. And, of course, I needed a princely character. Enter Royal Barrett, son of a man on the Chamber of Commerce. He is helping organize a contest called the Fairest Inn All, meant to encourage the owners of old inns to revamp and preserve the history of the area. Add in some fun scenes, a hurricane, and a bit of “poison,” and voila!

If you think that sounds too easy, you’re right. I agonized over several of the parts of this book. But it turned out so much fun, in my opinion. And you might even discover a few extra characters along the way.

Retelling stories that are already much-loved, I’ve discovered, is a delicate balance. It’s hard to make sure everything comes out familiar enough while still new. But when it works, it leaves the reader wanting even more. And maybe even the author too. Hence, another fairy-tale retelling from me with another on the way next year.

Do you love fairy-tale retellings? What are some of your favorites? How do you feel about stories you’ve loved forever being rewoven in a different way?

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 1

Stories By Gina, May 2 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, May 2

Inspired by Fiction, May 3

Simple Harvest Reads, May 4 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 5

Holly’s Book Corner, May 6

Artistic Nobody, May 7 (Author Interview)

By the Book, May 8

Texas Book-aholic, May 9

Guild Master, May 10 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , May 11

Fiction Book Lover, May 12 (Author Interview)

Fruitfully Planted, May 13

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 14 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Amy is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of Rendersella and Fairest Inn All!!

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

https://gleam.io/Y7seJ/fairest-inn-all-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, May 4, 2026

Best Seller by Christina Rost

About the Book

Book: Best Seller

Author: Christina Rost

Genre: Romantic Suspense/Mystery

Release Date: August 6, 2024

When crime fiction novelist Kelly Landon agrees to write a memoir for an eccentric, elderly gentleman, her quiet life turns upside-down.

Unbeknownst to her, the memoir is peppered with clues leading to a rare collection of stolen jewels from World War II. After the memoir makes the best-seller list, Kelly finds herself in the crosshairs of a decades-old vendetta.

Now, instead of enjoying her rise to literary fame, she’s thrust into the dangerous world of treasure hunting.

While Kelly struggles to win the game of cat-and-mouse, a secret family legacy is unearthed, forcing her to choose between trusting her charming literary agent or her vigilant bodyguard to keep her safe.

As the three of them become entangled in a web of deceit, it’s a race to see who’s the villain, who’s the hero, and who holds all the pieces to solve the mystery of the best seller.

Click here to get your copy!

"Best Seller" by Christina Rost was a good reader. I wasn't sure it was going to be because it was really slow getting into the plot. I felt like the book was slow most of the book but if you want a clean mystery without a lot of danger and graphic details then look no further and read this book. There is a small element of faith, but I don't feel like it is part of the storyline. I wasn't really surprised at who was the bad guy but was surprised with a few reveals throughout the novel. I am anxiously awaiting to read the next book in this series.

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

About the Author

Christina Rost is an award-winning author, mother to three amazing children, and is married to her high school sweetheart. While she currently resides in Oklahoma City, she’s lived all over the US, a few years in the UK, and loves to travel. When she isn’t spending time with her family or writing you’ll find her chatting over coffee and perusing antique stores for tattered books.

More from Christina

There is a certain in-between place where creatives tend to linger — a space where reality meets imagination and stories quietly begin. It’s where we observe the world as it is, then wonder how it might unfold just a little differently. That space is where my writing lives, and it’s where Best Seller was born.

Before novels, though, there was coffee. My very first “real” job as a teen was working as a barista, and I loved it. I wasn’t just making drinks — I was mixing flavors and letting my imagination wander between orders. There’s something comforting about coffee, something that invites reflection and creativity. Looking back, it makes perfect sense that it found its way into my stories.

In Best Seller, my main character Kelly Landon is a crime fiction writer with a carefully guarded heart. She’s shy, introverted, and far more comfortable with quiet moments than crowded rooms. Her love of seasonal coffee blends mirrors her inner world — thoughtful, layered, and hopeful beneath the surface. But Kelly’s heart is fragile, and without being anchored in God’s love and truth, it can be easily swayed by the promise of earthly acceptance.

Enter Declan — her outgoing literary agent with unassuming Irish charm and a way with words. Can you blame Kelly for daydreaming? For wondering if love might be possible after all?

To celebrate Best Seller, I created the Writer Girl Latte, inspired by my barista days and Kelly’s story. Cozy, creative, sweet, and just a little indulgent — because sometimes the best stories begin with a warm cup and a willing heart.